20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 812 Leaderless
When Chuang Hu returned to the Nantong Railway Hotel, the banquet had already ended, and everyone was having a meeting in their guest rooms.

Jiang Lianheng and Hu Xiaoyan sat in the main seats, Zhang Zhengdong and Wang Zhengnan were naturally present, Zhao Guoyan had already returned from the yamen, and Li Zhengxi and Hai Xinnian stayed in the mansion in the north of the city to appease Zeng Shouyi and clean up the mess. Xue Yingqing was the only one not seen in the room.

The group seemed to have some disagreements.

As soon as Chuanghu arrived at the door, he heard a commotion inside.

Only after he went inside and truthfully recounted the information he had gathered in Warehouse No. 7 did everyone quiet down slightly.

Jiang Lianheng fiddled with the cigarette between his fingers and asked, "So, what happened last night was all orchestrated by Qin Huaimeng?"

Chuang Hu nodded and said, "That's definitely right, they're waiting for Qin Huaimeng right there!"

"Did he show up?"

"No, a translator and two Japanese soldiers came. We gave them armbands and asked them to help gather intelligence. That's all."

Jiang Lianheng frowned, clicked his tongue, and said, "That's interesting. They also want to investigate the weapons and equipment of the police and civilian groups."

Zhao Guoyan also found it strange, muttering to himself, "Now that Guo Jun has rebelled against Fengtian, such a big thing, why are they investigating the local militia instead of the movements of government troops?"

“Hey, what’s so strange about that?” Wang Zhengnan said. “The Fengtian Army has been infiltrated by the Japanese to the point of being riddled with holes. They know the names of all the officers at every level. What else is there to investigate? The only place to investigate is these civilian armed groups!”

Hu Xiaoyan sat in an armchair, propping her head up with one hand, and said calmly, "Takeda Shin wants to investigate the police and civilian groups, and Saito Rokuro also wants to investigate the police and civilian groups. One is the Nantetsu Corporation, and the other is the Toyo Police Department... In my opinion, they probably also have the desire to compete for credit."

Wang Zhengnan nodded quickly and said, "Sister-in-law, this is what I was just talking about. The weapons and equipment of the police and militia are not top secret. As long as the Japanese are willing to spend the time, they will find out sooner or later. Even if we don't say anything, others will. Besides, many militia members have already sided with the Japanese. Why should we take this so seriously?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Lianheng's face fell.

"Didn't you hear what I just said? There's no room for negotiation on this matter. Let whoever wants to say it, say it. I'm not saying anything!"

"Brother, you're the boss, you have to consider the big picture! Sister-in-law, tell me, am I right or not—"

Wang Zhengnan had hoped to seek support from his sister-in-law, but Hu Xiaoyan's words were even colder and harsher than Jiang Lianheng's.

"Don't cooperate with the Japanese, don't defect to Japan—these were the old lady's dying words." Hu Xiaoyan glanced at the door and said coldly, "The old lady's body is still warm. If you're still dwelling on this, you can leave now."

Wang Zhengnan's heart sank. Seeing his sister-in-law's displeased expression, he was so frightened that his spine trembled. He hurriedly explained, "Sister-in-law, I'm only thinking of everyone. After all, we're staying at the Nantie Hotel. When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. If we were like Old Chen, being kicked out in public, that would be so embarrassing!"

As they were talking, a large hand suddenly landed on their shoulder.

Turning around, he saw Zhang Zhengdong forcefully pressing him down, holding a teacup in his hand, and saying in a muffled voice, "Have some water!"

Wang Zhengnan took the teacup, glanced at Hu Xiaoyan, and quickly got up to approach her, saying in a low, apologetic voice, "Sister-in-law, I was wrong. Please have some water to calm down."

Hu Xiaoyan didn't take it, so Wang Zhengnan put the teacup on the table, then respectfully returned it, lowered his head, and said nothing more.

Seeing this, Zhao Guoyan thought for a moment and said, "Boss, Nanfeng is right. We have just suffered a heavy blow, and there are already some rumors in the city. If we are kicked out like Old Chen, it will really be a loss of face. If we want to avoid this situation, we can only leave first. Only by leaving the Nantie Hotel can we act freely."

Jiang Lianheng was in a bit of a dilemma.

Although Takeda Shin did not threaten to drive the Ei family out, the situation of being dependent on others and unable to do as he pleased still made him feel constrained.

But then again, it is wartime. Although Old Zhang has decided to stay in Fengtian and the city is gradually returning to order, the Japanese concession is still the best option to avoid the war. The Zhang family's private property is still stored in the South Railway Warehouse, and all kinds of gentry are busy settling down there. If they just leave like this, how can the safety of their families be guaranteed?
Jiang Lianheng personally experienced three wars—the First Sino-Japanese War, the Boxer Rebellion, and the Russo-Japanese War—and also witnessed the internal turmoil during the period of the fall of the Qing Dynasty.

He knew very well that war was not child's play.

In the midst of chaos, anything can happen; a single shell could wipe out an entire family.

His concerns are only natural.

Thinking of this, the image of Wang Guihe gradually appeared in my mind, and then I thought of Li Zheng, who might have lived a different way.

Hu Xiaoyan saw Jiang Lianheng's concerns and comforted him in a low voice: "You don't need to worry about me or them. With wealth comes risk. I've experienced times more chaotic than this before. I'm not that precious, and the children shouldn't be either. There are only blessings that people can't enjoy, not sufferings they can't endure."

Then he turned to Zhao Guoyan and asked, "What's the situation in the city now?"

Zhao Guoyan said, "Most businesses are still closed, but Lao Chai has started regular patrols. When I came back from the yamen, I stopped by Xiaoxiguan and happened to run into a few of the 'Zaibang' brothers. They all asked me how my boss was doing, and they even spoke in dialect. He had also gone back to the insurance company's headquarters and asked me what my boss's plans were next."

"You didn't fall out with them, did you?" Hu Xiaoyan asked hurriedly.

"No, I just asked them what they did last night. The vast majority of people didn't receive any notice, but some did receive notice but didn't come, or even deserted at the last minute. I made a note of these people, but didn't say anything."

"Very good. Now is not the time to kill those who surrender, nor is it the time to use harsh punishments. The most important thing is to stabilize people's hearts."

Hu Xiaoyan said calmly, "Moreover, last night, things happened so suddenly, no one expected it to turn out like that. Right now, we shouldn't be too harsh on them, we should focus on comforting them."

Forgiveness is not out of kindness, but out of consideration for one's own interests.

Hu Xiaoyan looked at Jiang Lianheng and continued, "Now the brothers have no backbone. They all know that the Jiang family has suffered a loss, but they don't know what to do next. You have to show up and get everyone busy. Otherwise, if this goes on for too long, everyone's hearts will be scattered. Once their hearts are scattered, it will be difficult to win the brothers back together."

Zhao Guoyan echoed, "Master, that's what I mean too. There are all sorts of rumors circulating in the city right now. If you don't show up soon, they'll really think the Jiang family has lost. If Qin Huaimeng takes advantage of the situation, things will only get worse."

Jiang Lianheng stubbed out his cigarette, turned to look at Hu Xiaoyan, and said in a low voice, "I'll go back first thing tomorrow morning. You take Jiang Ya and the others and wait here for my news. Takeda Shin might not kick you out, so just stay here for now. Guoyan, bring over those 'street thugs' from home; Dongfeng, take good care of your sister-in-law and the others."

Before Dongfeng could reply, Hu Xiaoyan said, "No, I'm going back too."

"Don't argue with me. I can only feel at ease if you all stay here."

“I’m not arguing with you. Only when you bring your wife and children back will the brothers feel at ease, and only then will outsiders be certain that the Jiang family is still the same Jiang family, and that they haven’t backed down!”

"Bullshit! I'm not going to move my wife and kids out just to put on a show for outsiders!"

"I've already risked everything, what are you afraid of?"

"Snapped!"

Jiang Lianheng slammed his fist on the table in anger. He knew Hu Xiaoyan was right, but he still shouted angrily, "Shut the fuck up! I'm the boss in this house. Who are you to tell me what to do? What are you trying to do? This family is Jiang, not Hu!"

Hu Xiaoyan was so angry that she was panting. Her health was not good to begin with, and now even her hands were trembling.

The crowd remained silent, having long been accustomed to such arguments.

Actually, both of them were thinking of the other, but they just couldn't express it in a straightforward way.

The Jiang family has only one sister-in-law. Zhao Guoyan and the others are completely convinced by Hu Xiaoyan and never dare to disobey her. However, they also fully understand Jiang Lianheng's feelings, so they feel it is somewhat inappropriate to speak for anyone.

If Xu Ruqing were still alive, she could have stopped the argument between the two immediately, but unfortunately the old lady has already passed away.

Seeing the two clash, everyone was at a loss.

Finally, Chuang Hu decided to get involved himself.

“Um…” he slowly raised his hand, stammering, “the correct way to say it is probably ‘a hen crowing at dawn’…”

"You fucking know everything!"

Jiang Lianheng cursed loudly, which frightened Chuang Hu so much that he quickly covered his mouth.

In this way, the tense atmosphere that had just been at odds was eased. However, Jiang Lianheng was determined not to back down and reiterated, "Dongfeng, before we are sure the mansion is safe, you stay here with your sister-in-law and the others. If the hotel causes trouble, we'll find another place."

Zhang Zhengdong glanced at Jiang Lianheng, then at Hu Xiaoyan, nodded, and said, "Understood."

"Oh, by the way, let me tell Manager Xue to get ready too, so they won't be alone anymore. If everyone is together, they can help each other out if anything happens."

"Uh... Brother, Manager Xue isn't seeing anyone right now!"

Jiang Lianheng paused for a moment, then sighed and asked, "Is it because of the old lady's matter that you haven't recovered yet?"

Zhang Zhengdong said, "It should be her. I took Jiang Ya and Cheng Ye to see her today, but she wouldn't even see the two children."

"We have to get the message out, even if we don't see it," Jiang Lianheng lit another cigarette. "Also, does Jiang Ya know about the old lady's situation?"

Zhang Zhengdong shook his head and said, "I don't know yet."

"Say it, you'll have to say it sooner or later. The facts are what they are, and she has to learn to accept them."

"Okay, I'll tell her tomorrow."

"Alright, if there's nothing else, everyone can go home!" Jiang Lianheng waved his hand, then suddenly called out to Zhao Guoyan, "Last night, those few bastards who deserted their posts, give me their names later. They don't count now, we'll count later."

Zhao Guoyan nodded in response, and then followed the others out of the guest room.

Almost everyone had left, except for Chuanghu, who was still standing at the door, pacing back and forth, seemingly wanting to say something but unable to.

Jiang Lianheng frowned and asked, "What other nonsense do you have to say?"

Chuang Hu scratched his head, glanced at Hu Xiaoyan, then beckoned to Jiang Lianheng and said mysteriously, "Boss, come here, come here for a moment."

Jiang Lianheng, not understanding his meaning, walked over impatiently and reminded him in a deep voice, "Tiger, you'd better say something useful."

"It's useful, it's useful!" Chuang Hu stood on tiptoe, covered his mouth with both hands, and whispered in Jiang Lianheng's ear, "Master, how many concubines do you have?"

"What's wrong with you?"

"No, no, no, this is very important. Tell me the truth: besides those three concubines, you haven't kept any other women outside, have you? Has your sister-in-law found out?"

Jiang Lianheng completely lost his patience and asked directly, "What exactly do you want to say?"

Chuang Hu led him into the corridor, lowered his voice, and asked, "I heard it from Whistle Li's men. Why is there a woman locked up in the basement of your mansion?"

…………

The following morning, before dawn, the Nanchang Railway Independent Garrison had officially entered Fengtian and taken over the defense of the provincial capital.

Following this, the Fengtian Special Service Agency and the Oriental Police Department were also established to assist the Chinese in maintaining local security.

Xiao Dongyang took his meticulousness to the extreme, and the various forces each performed their duties perfectly.

The independent garrison patrolled the defenses of Fengtian City, assessing weaknesses to predict the direction of Guo Jun's attack. Their inspections were extremely thorough, demanding not only information on the city's grain reserves and mobilization capabilities, but also meticulously recording even the exact number of bricks in the old city wall.

The Fengtian Special Service set up intelligence outposts in the city to intercept citizens at any time and demand to see their identification. If they encountered refugees from western Liaoning, they would interrogate them in every way to prevent Guo's spies from entering the city and reporting information. They would also ask them about the situation of Guo's army on their journey, including food, clothing, discipline, and even morale, for fear of missing any useful information.

The Dongyang Police Department recruited a group of Koreans and Chinese henchmen, armed with guns, to patrol the streets. Under the pretext of protecting the safety of Japanese residents, they ordered an investigation into the weapons and equipment of the Fengtian Police and Civilian Corps.

In an instant, order was quickly restored in Fengtian, but the people in the city were all on edge. When they saw the Japanese in the distance, they would immediately turn around and avoid them, for fear of accidentally getting into trouble.

How can a city accommodate two sets of government offices?
The Japanese have usurped the throne, truly treating themselves as outsiders, acting arrogantly and domineeringly, almost like a guest usurping the host's place.

Within half a day, the officials from both sides had clashed repeatedly.

The Chinese-American police officer stated: Your department is only responsible for assisting the provincial government in maintaining public order. You should not interfere too much, let alone overstep your authority to enforce the law.

The Japanese officer, however, was too lazy to waste words and retorted on the spot: "The defense of Fengtian has now been completely entrusted to our side. If you have any problems, go talk to your superiors. If you dare to obstruct our official duties, you will be punished as traitors!"
After saying that, he continued his patrol with an air of nonchalance.

The Chinese officials dared not speak out, fearing that rash action would cause an international incident, so they could only report to their superiors and wait for instructions.

Faced with the repeated clashes between Chinese and foreigners, Chief Chen of the Fengtian Police Department dared not issue any orders rashly. He immediately ran to the Marshal's Mansion to report the current situation truthfully.

By this time, Commander Zhang had regained his composure. Although he no longer complained about his fate, he was less imposing and far less triumphant than he had been years before.

After listening to Director Chen's report, Old Zhang's shoulders slumped. He muttered a few curses at the Japanese, but then waved his hand and said weakly, "He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding. Now is the time to use the Japanese... Let them have their way for now. Once we get through this period, I'll find a way to kick them out."

"General, I'm afraid it will be too late by then!"

Director Chen stood before Old Zhang and pleaded in a low voice, "The Japanese are currently investigating the weapons and equipment of the police and militia. At this time, they are intensifying their investigation of grassroots armed forces. I think they have ulterior motives. They may be secretly colluding with local militias to prepare for the subversion of our side!"

"Damn it, they've ruined me. Who are they going to ask for money from now?"

Old Zhang cursed a couple of times, but he was also a little unsure of himself.

After all, he is now completely under the control of the Japanese, and it is not entirely impossible for the Japanese to take the opportunity to replace him with a proxy.

"Pass on my orders: all county government offices must strengthen the guard on armories and strictly prevent the leakage of equipment details, but in case of any incident, exercise restraint and avoid direct confrontation with the Japanese police."

"understand!"

Director Chen nodded, but his worried expression did not disappear. He continued, "However... General, although the county governments can immediately relay orders, the organization of the militia and local militias is too loose. I'm afraid the orders may not be relayed in time. Even if they are, if they secretly cooperate with the Japanese investigation, it will be difficult for us to control them. Do you think we should... intervene directly and demand that the Japanese only operate in specific areas?"

"What's the use of making demands? When have they ever listened to me?" Old Zhang cursed. "I just wasted my breath. The most important thing now is to exercise restraint and do everything we can to avoid a direct confrontation with the Japanese. We must keep an eye on the equipment of the government offices. As for the militia, let them do their best!"

"But……"

"There are no 'buts' about it. I've dealt with the Japanese for so many years, do you know their character better than I do?"

Old Zhang slammed his hand on the table and said, "You guys are going head-to-head with the Japanese now. They'll come looking for me tonight, and then they'll keep escalating the situation. Who knows how many agreements they'll make me sign? Even if I'm shameless, I can't afford to lose face like that!"

Director Chen lowered his head and said with a sense of helplessness, "Understood, I will go and convey the order now."

"Wait!"

Old Zhang suddenly called out to him, as if he had remembered something, and muttered in a low voice, "The government should avoid conflict, but the common people can come out and stir up trouble!"

"General, what did you say?" Director Chen didn't hear clearly.

"Oh, it's nothing!" Old Zhang smiled and asked, "By the way, where has Xiao Jiang been these past few days?"

"Xiao Jiang? You mean Mr. Jiang from Zongheng Insurance Company?"

"Yes, secret societies. This kind of thing is best left to him. If he succeeds, great; if he fails, there's no loss. If things really escalate, it's a civilian matter and has nothing to do with the municipal government."

Director Chen understood immediately and hurriedly asked, "Then... shall I go find him to see you now?"

Old Zhang waved his hand and said, "There's so much military work piling up, I don't have time to see him. Just convey my message to him. And you have to go see him in person to make sure it gets through. The government can't interfere when the Japanese enter the city, so let him take the lead and cause some trouble. Tell him to do his job well, and that even if he makes a huge mess during this time, I'll clean up his mess. All levels of government, military police, and gendarmes can pass through him without any problems."

(End of this chapter)