20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 756 Don’t be confused about important matters

"If Boss Jiang is willing to help, we are willing to give him 3,000 yuan in cash as a token of our gratitude."

The middle-aged man sitting opposite Jiang Lianheng, known as Mr. Huo Si, is the Chinese secretary of Holber, the general manager of the Fengtian British American Tobacco Company.

Four days have passed since martial law was declared in the provincial capital.

Looking out of the office window, you can often see military and police patrolling the streets.

If you look carefully, you will find that newspapers in Fengtian have stopped reporting the latest developments in the Shanghai case.

Or maybe it is the style of the Spring and Autumn Period, which whitewashes the mistakes.

Newspapers and periodicals funded by foreign countries, such as the Shengjing Times, openly characterized the protests in Shanghai as "riots."

The provincial capital blocked public opinion, so the truth about the case had to spread slowly among the people through word of mouth.

Three thousand dollars in cash is indeed not a small amount. Fengpiao is still depreciating, and the market price of exchanging it for cash has dropped to four and a half dollars, but there is still no demand for it.

Fengtian's finance is on the verge of collapse, and the importance of real gold and silver can no longer be measured by exchange rate.

Jiang Lianheng sat on a chair, stuffing tobacco leaves into his pipe, and said slowly: "Hasn't the cigarette factory resumed work? The officials have also entered the factory in advance. I really don't understand why the Fourth Master came to ask for help at this time."

"Although the workers have returned to the factory, they are not working properly!" Fourth Master Huo took out a box of Hardman. "Look, this tobacco is loosely rolled. Two batches of goods in a row are all defective. It is obvious that they are secretly working against the foreigners. If they continue to waste materials like this, it would be better not to resume work!"

"Master Si, I can't control this. I can't accompany you in the factory and watch them work all day, right?"

"Boss Jiang, don't be ridiculous. The foremen and team leaders in our cigarette factory are all your disciples. Your words are more effective than those of the government officials. Why do we need you to supervise them?"

Fourth Master Huo knew very well that just 3,000 silver dollars in cash would not be enough to impress Jiang Lianheng, so he hurriedly raised the stakes.

"Mr. Holber has already made it clear that as long as Mr. Jiang is willing to help, he will give you a job as a "tobacco assistant."

Jiang Lianheng and Fang Yan looked at each other, smiled and asked, "What kind of job is that?"

"It doesn't matter what job you do, it's just a nominal job. You don't have to do anything every year. Just sit back and wait for dividends." Mr. Huo said, "Three percent of the cigarette factory's profits in the three northeastern provinces every year will be yours. How about that?"

“That’s really worth a lot of money!”

"Money is just a side benefit. What really matters is the job!"

Fourth Master Huo explained, "Think about it, if you are the assistant director of the British-American Tobacco Company in Fengtian, you will be a friend of the British Empire in the future! Your wealth and social status are all protected by the British Empire. How powerful is this?"

"Why do you always say the same thing?" Jiang Lianheng smiled and lit his pipe. "Two clerks from the South Railway's affiliated factory just came and offered the same conditions as you. Can't you do something new?"

"Oh, Boss Jiang, that little Japan is nothing! How can a tiny country be compared with the British Empire? Isn't it because they have the support of the British Empire that the little Japan has been able to survive from the Sino-Japanese War of 1894 to today? When they see the British, it's not too much to call them grandpa!"

"I don't care who's whose grandfather is, I don't want to be a grandson anyway."

"Well, we are only talking about cooperation, regardless of seniority."

"There's no point in talking about cooperation. I still have some dignity to lose!"

"Don't worry!" Fourth Master Huo said hurriedly, "Boss Jiang, Chinese people don't cheat Chinese people. This job as a tobacco assistant is really a good job. It's a hundred benefits and no harm. Please think about it again!"

"Forget it!" Jiang Lianheng was unmoved. "Fourth Master, we are old friends. Don't bother to talk to me. I won't say anything to you. Just be well and I won't see you off."

"Boss Jiang, are you really not considering it anymore?"

"Tsk, I advise you to consider it!"

"What am I considering?" Mr. Huo was puzzled.

Jiang Lianheng pointed out the window with his thumb and said, "Don't you see what the situation is like in the provincial capital now? Every household is boycotting foreign goods. You should stay out of here. You might run into a fool somewhere and get beaten up by you two. It's another matter whether it hurts or not, but it's so embarrassing!"

"Tsk, what do they know!" Fourth Master Huo snorted coldly, "Xenophobia, xenophobia, how can they get away with it? Look at the lights and telephones, the steel bars and cement, the guns and ammunition, which one is not foreign stuff? A bunch of young people and rough guys, they don't know anything, they just know how to mess around!"

"So many people have died in Shanghai, there has to be a storm, otherwise how can we swallow this?"

"It's just a passing trend. Foreign goods are economical and affordable, and foreign guns and cannons can fire accurately and far. If anyone doesn't believe it, just take it out for a walk and you'll know. If you don't believe it, just wait and see. Those people who are causing trouble now will have to buy foreign goods in the future!"

"I believe that."

"Since you believe in it, why don't you help me?" Fourth Master Huo emphasized again, "Boss Jiang, don't say I didn't remind you that the job of the tobacco assistant is a once in a lifetime job!"

"Don't provoke me with words," Jiang Lianheng said, "I know better than you what the tone of those young fools is. We can talk about overthrowing British and Japanese imperialism as long as we have a mouth under our noses, but foreigners cannot be killed by scolding them. In the end, we will probably have to compromise with the foreigners."

"Then why don't you take this opportunity to get some benefits from the foreigners? You can settle the matter with just a word, why do you have to indulge them to go against the foreigners?"

"Want to hear the truth?"

Fourth Master Huo leaned forward, nodded and said, "I'd like to hear more about it."

Jiang Lianheng also replied in a low voice, "I am happy to do so."

Mr. Huo was stunned for a moment, and finally realized that it was futile to say anything more.

Jiang Lianheng had ten thousand reasons to convince himself to help the foreigners quell the rebellion, but he only needed one reason to stop - money cannot buy my willingness!

Over the years since he opened his shop, he has dealt with foreigners many times and has used the trick of killing someone with a borrowed knife. However, he knows the difference between using foreigners and being used by foreigners and has never confused them.

I have seen many foreigners running rampant on the streets since I was a child. Now that I have some power, how can I be willing to be ordered around by foreigners?

"I understand!" Fourth Master Huo sighed, "Boss Jiang has his own wishes, so I won't bother you any more!"

Jiang Lianheng nodded, raised his hand and said, "Fangyan, show the guest out!"

Fourth Master Huo walked to the door, suddenly stopped, turned around and said, "Boss Jiang, don't think I'm doing anything wrong. Everyone is angry about the tragedy in Shanghai, but life has to go on. If British American Tobacco goes bankrupt, what will happen to the livelihoods of thousands of people?"

"The cigarette factory doesn't have any technology. They don't want to do this business, which is very profitable. There are plenty of people who can do it. Why don't I do it?"

"Haha, then you must remember to treat us Chinese workers well!"

Fourth Master Huo clasped his hands and said, "Goodbye!"

After saying that, he pushed the door open and bumped into Nanfeng face to face.

"Hey, Fourth Master, when did you come?" Wang Zhengnan greeted him hurriedly.

The deal was not concluded, and Fourth Master Huo could not smile. He just waved his hand and said, "I just got here not long ago. You guys are busy. I'll leave first."

"Okay, okay, see you later. I'll treat you to a meal some other day. You'd better come and show your support!"

Wang Zhengnan kept bidding him farewell, and Li Zhengxi behind him pushed him impatiently, urging him, "Everyone has left, are you still going in?"

The two brothers walked into the office while arguing and sat down on the sofa near the window. Jiang Lianheng motioned Fangyan to close the door, then turned around and asked, "How is it, have you found out?"

Wang Zhengnan nodded and said, "Brother, Wen Tingge's news is correct. The whole country is calling for a rest this time. There really is someone behind the scenes organizing and instigating this."

"It's so weird and has lasted for such a long time. It's strange that no one has stopped it." Jiang Lianheng put out his pipe. "What's the situation in the city?"

Li Zhengxi said: "It is almost certain now that the source of these protests in Fengtian came from the YMCA."

"Youth Club?" Jiang Lianheng was a little surprised. "Wouldn't that lead to the investigation of the young marshal? He is the honorary president of the club!"

"Yes, I was also quite surprised, but the current situation is that the Youth League is the most vocal, not only handing out leaflets everywhere, but also asking the Commissioner's Office to send a telegram of condolences and support Shanghai!"

"Brother, do you remember that a few years ago, a man named Gu Lemin came to see you?" Wang Zhengnan asked.

"Gu Lemin?" Jiang Lianheng frowned and thought, "I don't have much impression."

"Oh, it's the elementary school teacher who asked you to sponsor the YMCA to build a tennis court!"

"Oh, now that you mentioned it, I remembered it."

"He is one of the leaders." Wang Zhengnan wiped his sweat and panted. "This guy often gave speeches at the Youth Association, gave a lot of advice, and instigated protests everywhere."

"Don't the spies in the city know?" Jiang Lianheng asked.

"I know, but because of the young marshal's face, they are a little timid and dare not conduct a thorough investigation. Besides, the Youth Association already has many powerful people. The young marshal is the honorary president, Guo Guizi is an honorary member, and Yan Yuheng is the general secretary. Who would dare to offend them easily?"

As the old emperor grew weaker and weaker, naturally no one dared to mess with the prince's gang.

If the Fengtian Office cannot work together, how can the Shanghai case be easily resolved?
"Then stop investigating!" Jiang Lianheng stopped them immediately. "They are not on the same page, how can the people below do anything? A new emperor appoints new ministers. Don't get yourself involved. Just do whatever you want!"

"I think so too," Li Zhengxi said, "and now the whole city is under martial law. In broad daylight, there are few people in the restaurants. The streets are full of old Chai patrolling. It has been several days since the Shanghai case, and nothing serious has happened. I think they are working in vain."

"boom--"

As soon as he finished speaking, a gunshot was heard outside the window, followed by the shouting of the crowd and the shrill sound of police whistles.

Wang Zhengnan and Li Zhengxi quickly stood up and went to the window to look out. Only Jiang Lianheng was leaning against the wall on the right side of the window frame. He shook the scarlet curtains and when he saw that there was no second gunshot, he leaned out half of his body and glanced sideways at the downstairs.

But I saw a young man downstairs holding a stack of leaflets in his arms. He was running wildly on the street, throwing leaflets into the air and shouting: "Publish the truth about the Shanghai case, overthrow British and Japanese imperialism, support our compatriots, redeem our national humiliation, take back the concessions, and save the nation!"

"Stop, don't run!"

The two old men were chasing closely behind, firing warning shots and blowing whistles for reinforcement.

However, within a short while, the streets were covered with white leaflets, like a blizzard.

A teenager picked up a flyer on the ground and just glanced at it for a few seconds before the adult next to him snatched it away, tore it into pieces and cursed: "Oh, my living ancestor, why are you picking up something that brings disaster? Go away, go home!"

Several shops along both sides of the road hurriedly closed their doors and put up signs to announce they were out of business, as if they were avoiding the plague.

Soon, a scream was heard not far away.

It turned out that the young man who was distributing leaflets just now was intercepted by another team of old men at the intersection. Everyone immediately swarmed over and handcuffed him.

But the sound of police whistles did not stop. Listening carefully, it seemed that riots were happening in all directions.

Jiang Lianheng ordered quickly: "Fang Yan, go downstairs and ask Lao Chai about the situation!"

When I looked back, there seemed to be suddenly a lot more young people on the street, running along Xiaoxigang Street towards the inner city.

Upon closer inspection, they were all dressed as students.

Fangyan left quickly and came back even faster. He pushed open the door and before he could catch his breath, he hurriedly replied, "Boss... I found out, it's the students... The students went out on the street!"

"How is that possible?" Wang Zhengnan's eyes widened. "Don't every school in the city have Lao Chai guarding the gate?"

Fangyan waved his hands and said, "They rushed out. Universities and middle schools all responded. There were at least two or three thousand people. The police couldn't stop them at all!"

"It's broken, Jiang Ya!"

Jiang Lianheng's heart tightened, and he immediately panicked. He turned around and was about to run out: "I have to go get that girl back!"

Wang Zhengnan hurried forward and said, "Brother, Jiang Ya's school is in the east of the city. There is only one horse-drawn carriage downstairs, and the streets are so chaotic. How can you make it in time by waiting for you to rush over? I think you should call home first and ask Brother Dong to drive over there as well."

"Then go ahead and fight me!"

Jiang Lianheng swung his arm, pushed Nanfeng away, and ran straight downstairs.

Wang Zhengnan staggered and hurriedly picked up the phone on the table. While asking for a number, he said to Xifeng, "Go and follow him quickly. It's so chaotic outside. Don't let Big Brother be left alone!"

Li Zhengxi rushed to the door and turned back: "Don't forget to call Lao Zhao, call all the counters!"

"I know, I know, go away now!"

Li Zhengxi and Fang Yan were in a hurry, almost sliding down the stairs. They hurried to the gate and saw that they had already arrived next to the carriage.

At this time, crowds of people had already gathered in Xiaoxiguan. Although the number was not large, the street was gradually showing signs of congestion.

"Reveal the truth about the Shanghai case!"

"Down with Anglo-Japanese imperialism!"

"Take back our sovereignty and redeem our country's shame!"

The leader distributed leaflets and led the cheering, the noise became increasingly deafening, attracting many spectators to follow.

"Brother, get in the car!" Li Zhengxi hurried over and lifted the curtain of the carriage.

"Get in the fucking car!"

Jiang Lianheng pushed away the west wind, and in a few seconds he had harnessed the carriage. Then he jumped on the horse and galloped away.

"elder brother!"

Li Zhengxi was far behind and looked around, but couldn't even find a bicycle. He had to chase after him on foot with Fangyan in his voice.

However, they had not run far when they were blocked by a crowd coming from the side. In a panic, the two men pushed and shoved each other left and right, shouting slogans in unison while moving sideways.

After finally squeezing out of the crowd, he looked up and saw that Jiang Lianheng had already reached the city gate, as tiny as a drop of ink on paper...

(End of this chapter)