20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 787: Wang Caishen Spying on the Rumor

The Fengtian City was in chaos all night, with so many things going on that it was difficult to make any progress.

Let’s not talk about Jiang Lianheng lurking in the foreign shops in the commercial port; let’s not talk about Hai Xinnian returning on a snowy night with a package of human heads; Li Zhengxi led the troops to cover the rear, Yuan Xinfa guarded Jiang’s house, and Zhuang Shuning stayed in the South City, which are all beyond mention.

However, after the Jiang family convoy entered the South Railway Concession, they were out of danger and finally got a moment of respite.

Takeda Nobuyuki did not break his promise.

He did invite a team of military police to escort the Jiang family's convoy to ensure unimpeded passage, and he himself rode in a black car, walking in front, leading the way for Hu Xiaoyan and others.

Of course, this kind of treatment is not unique to the Jiang family.

In fact, all the nobles and gentry in Fengtian could be properly settled in the concession as long as they were willing to accept the invitation of the Japanese.

Xiao Dongyang is very thoughtful.

Lending a helping hand in times of crisis is not out of kindness, but to win people's hearts.

Takeda Nobuyuki did not expect that this move would make all the powerful people grateful to the Japanese, or even make them follow his lead.

He was pragmatic, cautious, and gradually corrupted. As long as the powerful and famous did not reject or hate the Japanese, that was enough.

The convoy drove into the South Railway Concession and finally ushered in the long-lost order.

Most of the shops along the way were open for business as usual, with neon lights flashing and the flirting voices of Japanese geishas coming from the pubs from time to time.

It is very sad to say that over the past decade or so of the Republic of China, whenever there was a war among warlords, for the common people, the foreigners' territory was often the safest place.

Whether it was Marshal Zhang, Marshal Wu, or Marshal Sun, a piece of foreign treaty could make them obedient, honest, and dare not overstep their authority.

Although they were only a few streets apart, the difference between inside and outside the concession was like two different worlds.

The convoy moved slowly, and the voices of people around had changed from wailing to laughter.

However, just as they reached Naniwa-dori, before turning into the main road, the convoy suddenly stopped.

There seems to be something strange ahead.

Zhang Zhengdong leaned sideways and looked up, only to see a fat man approaching the convoy quickly, which aroused the vigilance of the Japanese military police.

"Sister-in-law, the south wind is coming!"

Zhang Zhengdong turned around and reported, then quickly opened the car door and prepared to get out to explain the situation.

At the same time, Takeda Nobuya got out of the car in front and walked over to ask the reason.

Wang Zhengnan was wearing a silk cotton jacket and was standing on the street arguing with the Japanese military police. He raised his hands and explained, "Ladies and gentlemen, don't get me wrong! I know everyone in that car. They are all my family members!"

He could speak a few words of Japanese, but his level was limited and all he could do was repeat empty phrases like "hello" and "thank you".

Zhang Zhengdong walked over and was about to help explain, but someone else got there first.

Takeda Nobuo smiled and stretched out his hand, saying, "This should be Mr. Wang, right?"

"Hey, you know me?"

Wang Zhengnan was a little surprised and quickly stepped forward to shake hands and apologize.

Takeda Nobu nodded and said, "I've often heard people mention that Mr. Wang is well-known in the business world and can be called the God of Wealth of the Jiang family!"

"Shame on you, shame on you!" Wang Zhengnan felt a little embarrassed, "I haven't asked you yet, who are you?"

"My surname is Takeda, Nobu Takeda."

"Oh, you are Mr. Takeda. Nice to meet you!"

The two men shook hands and the atmosphere eased. Seeing this, the surrounding Japanese military police also relaxed their vigilance.

Wang Zhengnan exchanged a few polite words with Takeda Nobuyuki, then turned to look at Dongfeng and asked, "Brother Dong...what's going on?"

Zhang Zhengdong sighed and briefly summarized what had just happened in a few words.

After hearing this, Wang Zhengnan thanked Takeda Nobuyuki profusely and sighed, "Alas, I didn't expect the city to be in such a mess. Fortunately, Mr. Takeda helped me. Thank you so much for your care. Where are you going now?"

Takeda Nobuyuki said, "Go to the Nantetsu Hotel. I promised Mr. Jiang that I would properly settle his family."

Wang Zhengnan thanked him again, then said, "But, I just came from the Nantie Hotel, and the rooms there are full!"

Takeda Nobu smiled and assured: "Don't worry, I can arrange it. Mr. Wang, do you want to go with us? There is an empty seat in my car. I can give you a ride."

Having said that, he turned around, opened the back door of the car, and invited Nanfeng to get in.

Although Takeda Nobuyuki wanted to win over the Jiang family, no one was born a coward. Along the way, both Jiang Lianheng and Zhang Zhengdong ignored him. Only when he saw a smiling face in front of Nanfeng did he naturally feel a little close to him.

However, Wang Zhengnan thought for a moment, then shook his head and said to Takeda Nobuyuki and Zhang Zhengdong, "How about this, you go first, I'll be there soon. I was afraid that everyone would get separated and miss each other. Shopkeeper Xue is still waiting at the intersection over there. I'll go find her and we'll meet at the Nantie Hotel."

The three of them made their plan and there was no disagreement.

So Wang Zhengnan said goodbye to the convoy and hurried to the intersection across the street to find Xue Yingqing to meet up with everyone.

Zhang Zhengdong and Takeda Nobuya returned to their cars and headed to their hotel first.

Go straight along Naniwa Street until you reach the vicinity of Fengtian Railway Station, and you will arrive at the Nantie Hotel.

What Wang Zhengnan said was right, the Nantie Hotel was indeed "full", but that was for the Chinese. The most high-end and luxurious rooms in the hotel were always reserved for the Japanese.

Takeda Nobuyuki was an employee of the Southern Railway and an important member of the Investigation Department, so he naturally enjoyed many privileges.

He asked the Jiang family's motorcade to wait outside the door first, walked into the hotel alone, declared his identity at the front desk and showed his ID, and the lobby manager immediately began to make preparations.

It was during this period of negotiation that Wang Zhengnan and Xue Yingqing also rushed over to join them.

Xue Yingqing's cheeks were red from the cold, and his steps were hurried, with none of his usual elegant demeanor. As soon as he arrived at the hotel entrance, he hurried to the Jiang family's motorcade, pulled open the car door, and looked inside. When he saw two empty seats on the passenger seat and the back seat, he became anxious.

"Where is my senior sister?"

Everyone was speechless, not knowing how to explain what had just happened.

Jiang Ya, on the other hand, lowered her head unconsciously and muttered to herself, "Godmother, it's all my fault."

"What happened?" Xue Yingqing asked anxiously.

Hu Xiaoyan sighed and had to briefly recount the incident of Xu Ruqing abandoning his car and escaping.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Xue Yingqing immediately started cursing: "This old woman, why is she always causing trouble at a time like this!"

No matter how much you curse, your eyes won’t lie.

Xue Yingqing immediately exited the carriage, could not help but stand on tiptoe to look towards the east, then turned around in circles like a millstone, and began to curse viciously again.

"Old thing, you never get sick earlier or later, but you go crazy at this time... Alas, the telephone in this city is down, where can I find anyone... Damn old lady, you can't do anything all day long, you just know how to cause trouble for others!" As he said that, he suddenly opened the car door and looked inside.

"Xiao Yan, tell me, that old woman, besides causing trouble for others, what else can she do?"

Hu Xiaoyan was silent for a moment, and whispered to comfort her: "Aunt, don't worry too much."

"I'm worried?" Xue Yingqing couldn't help but sneer, his voice suddenly trembling, "I'm afraid she'll cause trouble everywhere. An old lady is useless, so she should just listen to the arrangements of the younger generation. When she comes back, you two are too embarrassed to open your mouth, I'll go and scold her! Jiang Lianheng went after her, right?"

"We're going." Hu Xiaoyan waved her hand and said, "Aunt, please get in the car first. It's cold outside."

"I'm not cold, so I should be able to catch up, right?"

"Yes, don't worry."

Xue Yingqing still didn't get in the car, still mumbling: "When I was a kid, she would beat me whenever I made a mistake, hitting me on my arms, thighs, and face. She didn't feel sorry at all. Now she made a mistake, wait and see how I'm going to deal with her! How long have we been chasing her, half an hour? Shouldn't we be heading back now?"

Seeing this, Hu Xiaoyan had nothing to say and could only nod to comfort Xue Yingqing.

On this side, Wang Zhengnan was not idle either. After understanding the situation with Zhao Guoyan, he turned around and walked straight into the Nantie Hotel.

Takeda Nobuyuki was waiting for news at the front desk. When he saw Nanfeng coming in, he went over to greet him.

"How is it?" Wang Zhengnan asked, "Are there any vacant guest rooms?"

Takeda Nobu nodded and said, "Don't worry, there are enough guest rooms. I just want to try to make your rooms next to each other. And these rooms are usually not provided to Chinese people, so it still requires some procedures, which will be done soon."

When Wang Zhengnan heard this, he was deeply moved and bowed quickly to express his gratitude.

"Hey, we often say here: 'A sister-in-law is like a mother, and a brother-in-law is like a son'! Thanks to Mr. Takeda's help tonight, it can be regarded as saving my loved one. I really don't know how to thank you!"

"You are too polite! Although there are often some frictions between our two countries, it does not hinder our private friendship. Mr. Jiang and I have known each other for a long time. If I had not seen this situation, it would have been fine. Since I have seen it, it is a small favor and I should not refuse it. Mr. Wang, am I right?"

"Yes, yes, but nothing in this world is supposed to be done. Thank you very much, Mr. Takeda!"

"Well, since you insist, I won't refuse anymore."

Takeda Nobu accepted Nanfeng's thanks, then fumbled in his pocket for a moment and said, "This is my business card. If you need any help, please feel free to ask."

Wang Zhengnan took the name card and subconsciously reached into his arms. He suddenly looked a little embarrassed: "This is because of something. The city was too chaotic just now. I left in a hurry and forgot to bring the name card."

"It's okay, I work in the building across the street." Takeda Nobu said with a smile, "Besides, I can find you if necessary."

Wang Zhengnan quickly apologized with a smile, then turned around and looked outside the hotel door, and couldn't help but sigh: "Oh, I never thought that Fengtian City would be in such a mess."

"Yeah, but this situation won't last long, I guess..."

Takeda Nobu looked down at his watch and muttered to himself, "Twenty-four hours. Within twenty-four hours, the outcome of the victory or defeat of the Guo and Feng armies will become clear."

Wang Zhengnan was moved when he heard this, and asked hurriedly: "Why, does Mr. Takeda have any inside information?"

Takeda Nobuyuki led Nanfeng to a corner and whispered, "Mr. Wang, I treat you as a friend. This matter is not a secret, so it's okay to tell you. In fact, our country has already sent representatives to discuss the situation in Fengtian with Marshal Zhang."

"Are you also ready to join the battle?"

"I can't be sure about this. It depends on the outcome of the negotiations."

Takeda Nobuyuki put it very tactfully.

In fact, the so-called negotiation result is how much of Guandong’s interests Lao Zhang can give up.

In other words, it is selling out the country!

Wang Zhengnan was stunned, thought for a moment, and then asked, "So what is your current inclination...which side do you stand on?"

Takeda Nobuyuki shook his head and said, "It's hard to say. At present, our side is roughly divided into two factions: the local side advocates neutrality and wait-and-see; the Kanto Bureau side is more inclined to Marshal Zhang."

One group was neutral, while the other group tended to support Feng Zhang.

In this way, Marshal Zhang is obviously more confident than Guo Guizi.

Wang Zhengnan was very sharp-minded. After pondering for a moment, he could not help but mutter, "It seems that General Guo is not planning to please your country?"

Unexpectedly, Takeda Nobu sneered and said, "No, he is not qualified not to consider the attitude of the Great East Ocean Empire."

After asking carefully, I found out:
It turns out that the so-called "neutrals" on the Japanese side were not truly neutral, but were waiting for a good price. Whether to aid Guo or Feng depended entirely on how much of the Kanto interests both sides could give up.

It's not that Guo Guizi doesn't know how to adapt.

In fact, as early as the beginning of the military campaign, he took the initiative to contact the Japanese embassy, ​​guaranteed that the personal and property safety of Japanese expatriates would not be violated, and promised to continue to abide by the various treaties and interests signed by the Japanese in the Far East. Except for the fact that Zhang did not recognize the treaty signed between him and Japan during the military campaign, everything else remained the same.

Wang Zhengnan couldn't help but be stunned - if that was the case, what basis did Guo Guizi have to accuse Marshal Zhang of being a traitor?

If he succeeded, he would just change Fengtian's name, and the Japanese would still be rampant outside the Great Wall?
But on second thought, all warlords have been doing this since the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. No one dared to break the agreement. Anyone who dared to break the agreement would be pushing the foreigners into the enemy camp.

"Now it depends on the sincerity of both parties," Takeda Nobu said with a smile, "Whether it's Marshal Zhang or General Guo, whoever is more sincere will be our friend."

"The result will be known within 24 hours?"

"Yes, it is very likely that we will know the latest progress tomorrow morning."

"That means the Guo devils haven't reached Fengtian yet?"

"No." A trace of contempt suddenly flashed in Takeda Nobu's eyes. "The current chaos is just the panic of those lower-class people! Forgive me for being disrespectful, but most of the people in your country are very ignorant."

"Yes, yes, Mr. Takeda is right!"

Wang Zhengnan agreed, but then asked, "But then again, who has told the people the truth?"

It was not that the people were blind and stupid, but that their knowledge was limited, so they were bound to make wild guesses and speculate secretly, which led to panic and disorder, causing chaos in Fengtian.

If you think about it carefully, the provincial government issued a notice several days after Guo's telegram, and then there was a false report of the defeat of Guo's army. The number of refugees in the city increased day by day, and Marshal Zhang suddenly moved his property to the South Railway Concession...

For all these things, from beginning to end, did the Municipal Government give any explanation? Did anyone announce the true situation of the war?
No, Fengtian would be in chaos.

Even wealthy families like the Jiang family only have a vague understanding of the battle situation on the front line, let alone ordinary people?
Wang Zhengnan did not refute Takeda Nobuyuki in person, but lowered his posture and said with a smile: "After all, not everyone is as lucky as me to be able to talk to a wise man like Mr. Takeda. I don't ask for anything else, I just hope that after the results of the negotiation between your country and Marshal Zhang come out, Mr. Takeda can take care of me and give me some advice. I will be grateful then, so that the little supplies I have stockpiled will not be wasted in the end."

Takeda Nobuyuki was very generous, nodded and said, "Okay, let's just think of it as making friends."

As they were talking, news suddenly came from the front desk.

The hotel manager walked over quickly and said respectfully in Japanese: "Mr. Takeda, the three rooms you requested are ready."

"Thank you!" Takeda Nobuyuki nodded slightly, then turned to look at Nanfeng, "Mr. Wang, shall we invite Mr. Jiang's family to come in and rest first?"

Wang Zhengnan responded with a smile, followed Takeda Nobu out of the hotel, and was about to ask everyone to move the luggage, but suddenly he remembered the situation of his sister-in-law, so he plucked up his courage and shouted loudly:
"Come on, come on, everyone, get ready and move the luggage! You, stop looking at me, it's you, go and carry the disabled person off the car first, and the rest of you, help my sister-in-law get off the car!"

(End of this chapter)