20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 813 Joint Police-Criminal Defense
That evening, Director Chen changed into civilian clothes and went straight to find Jiang Lianheng.

At that time, Jiang Lianheng was working at the headquarters of Zongheng Insurance Company in Xiaoxiguan.

Although the Jiang family's business has not yet resumed, Jiang Lianheng, under Fang Yan's arrangement, has met with the managers of each branch one by one. After several conversations, he has reassured everyone.

Director Chen's real name was Chen Fengzhang. He was a powerful official in the Fengtian Public Office, in charge of police work in all 58 counties of the province.

Having been immersed in the corrupting influence of the Fengtian clique for so long, he was not exactly pure and innocent, but he was still a fairly upright person and did not have much contact with the Jiang family on a daily basis.

This visit seems somewhat abrupt.

Jiang Lianheng was somewhat surprised when he heard the news. He immediately asked Fang Yan to bring tea and water, then closed the door and declined all visitors.

After both parties sat down, Chen Fengzhang, in a businesslike manner, briefly explained Marshal Zhang's instructions in a few words.

Jiang Lianheng had been planning to go on a killing spree and avenge his humiliation. When he heard Director Chen's words, he felt like he had a good opportunity to take advantage of the situation. Just when he was feeling sleepy, someone offered him a pillow. But then his eyes lit up, and he sighed and looked worried. He kept saying how difficult things were for him and that he was unwilling to take on this job easily.

"Oh, Director Chen, I'm so sorry to have troubled you to come all this way, especially with the Marshal's orders. Logically speaking, I really shouldn't refuse you..."

As he lit a cigarette for Director Chen, he humbly complained, "But, to put it bluntly, I'm just a businessman. The Japanese have such great power, and I'm only a small fry. How could I possibly stand up to them head-on? I'm not trying to shirk my responsibility, but I have my own difficulties!"

Chen Fengzhang took a couple of puffs of his cigarette and said with a smile, "Boss Jiang, there's no need to be so modest. Do you think I don't know your importance? If you don't take on this job, who will? I can't exactly go and talk to all those local militias one by one, can I?"

"Director Chen is too busy with official duties, so that's not really realistic."

“That’s right. The government should try to avoid direct conflict with the Japanese as much as possible to prevent giving them a handle to use against us. The Chamber of Commerce and the Parliament are a bunch of spineless cowards, and ordinary citizens are terrified of the Japanese. At this time, if we want to use the power of the people, we have to rely on the secret societies. Since we’re talking about secret societies, Mr. Jiang, being in a position, shouldn’t refuse or be perfunctory.”

"That's, that's..."

Jiang Lianheng knew perfectly well that he couldn't refuse this job no matter what, and only wanted to use the act of "feigning poverty" to negotiate with Director Chen.

"However, Director Chen, you may not know this, but Jiang's wife and family are still in the South China Railway Concession. You want me to go and oppose the Japanese now? This...this..."

"Oh, so Mr. Jiang has this concern?"

"I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed!" Jiang Lianheng said with a low, apologetic smile. "To be honest, my wife and children are currently at the Nantie Hotel. If I can't ensure their safety, I really can't act with complete freedom. Don't you agree?"

Chen Fengzhang nodded.

This is human nature, and we shouldn't be too harsh on it.

If his wife and family fall into the hands of the Japanese, he may have to think carefully about it.

Chen Fengzhang was unaware of the extent of the grudge between the Jiang family and the Japanese. He only felt that if the safety of the Jiang family's wives and relatives could not be guaranteed, it might backfire. If Jiang Lianheng were to be won over by the Japanese, it would be a complete disaster.

Fortunately, Marshal Zhang had made it clear beforehand that all levels of government offices, military police, and gendarmes could pass through easily.

Knowing the situation, Chen Fengzhang said directly, "If that's the case, I can send someone to help Boss Jiang bring his wife and family back to the city, ensuring that everything goes smoothly along the way."

"Thank you for your kindness, Director Chen!" Jiang Lianheng said hurriedly. "However, you probably already know what happened to my family the night before last. The city is in such a mess right now, those traitors might come again. Look at my situation... Sigh, Director Chen, I'm having such a hard time!"

Chen Fengzhang waved his hand and said, "Boss Jiang, don't worry. The commander has already given the order that as long as you can do your best to delay the Japanese infiltration, the government will actively cooperate with whatever you do. Since I said I could help you bring your wife and family back to the city, I can ensure the safety of your mansion."

"Oh dear, that would be too much trouble for Director Chen."

"No trouble at all. I can allocate police resources to form a separate patrol team and plainclothes team to be responsible for the security of the neighborhood around your home. I will personally select the personnel, and they will never neglect their duties. Mr. Jiang can rest assured."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lianheng was overjoyed, but on the surface he pretended to be hesitant and hurriedly declined, saying, "How can this be? This is inappropriate! The officials of the yamen are the officials of the people of Fengtian. What merit do I, Jiang, have to deserve such special treatment?"

Chen Fengzhang suddenly said seriously, "Boss Jiang, we've already come to this point. If you continue to refuse, then I'll have no choice but to return to the Marshal's Mansion to report back."

"No, no, no, Director Chen, you've misunderstood!" Jiang Lianheng quickly said. "I didn't mean to refuse. It's just that officials are all public servants. I'm afraid that your kindness in taking care of me will cause gossip in the city and tarnish your reputation!"

"Oh, that's what you think?"

Chen Fengzhang suddenly stood up and then laughed, "Boss Jiang is overthinking it! The Japanese have wicked intentions. With the country in crisis, what does personal reputation matter?"

Having said that, he strode toward the door.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Lianheng hurriedly got up and followed, feigning reluctance to stay while beckoning Fang Yan over.

Fang Yan was prepared. He immediately took out an envelope from the drawer, which was bulging with a wad of foreign currency, and quickly walked over to his employer.

Jiang Lianheng took the envelope with a smile and said, "Director Chen came in a hurry this time, and I didn't prepare anything. It's almost the New Year, so please accept this small token of my appreciation!"

Chen Fengzhang opened the door, waved his hand, and said, "No need."

"Tsk, this is for the child, take it, don't tear it!"

“Boss Jiang, I’m sending people to pick up your wife and family to help guard your mansion. I’m not after your little bit of profit.”

"I know, I know!" Jiang Lianheng had heard these polite words many times and didn't take them to heart. He stuffed the envelope into the man's pocket. "One thing at a time. You're in the official business, but that doesn't affect our personal relationship. Even the law can tolerate personal feelings, don't you think? The Japanese are so arrogant now, I still need your help!"

Chen Fengzhang pushed Jiang Lianheng's envelope away and said frankly, "Mr. Jiang, normally I would have accepted the money, but it's different now. Take it back!"

"I don't understand what Director Chen is saying. What's the difference? Please take it!"

"No, Mr. Jiang. We are Chinese first and foremost, and then we are other things. I hope you understand what I mean!"

After saying that, he only left behind the words "Stay put" before hurriedly leaving the insurance company building...

…………

After receiving a security guarantee from Police Commissioner Chen Fengzhang, Jiang Lianheng immediately began preparations to lead Hu Xiaoyan and the others away from the Nantie Hotel.

That night, everyone packed their luggage and slept soundly through the night.

The next morning, plainclothes officers from the yamen came to meet them, and Jiang Lianheng and his men were already in the hall, ready to depart.

Wang Zhengnan also picked up his wife Cheng Fang from the small inn, preparing to return to the city with everyone.

This was an order from Hu Xiaoyan. From now on, all members of the Jiang family must remain at the mansion in the north of the city, ready to be deployed at any time.

Everyone hurriedly loaded their luggage into the trunk, and the women and children took their seats as dawn broke. The plainclothes captain who came to meet them was surnamed Chu. He looked to be in his early thirties, with a strong build and efficient manner. He was clearly an experienced veteran handpicked by the government.

Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, he leaned close to Jiang Lianheng and whispered, "Boss Jiang, is everyone here? If so, let's head out! Although the brothers are in plainclothes, they're still quite visible on the streets. If the Japanese recognize them, there will inevitably be another argument, and that will be difficult to handle."

Jiang Lianheng nodded and said, "Captain Chu, don't worry, we'll leave right away."

As he spoke, he turned to look at the Nantie Hotel.

In the blink of an eye, Zhang Zhengdong strode out of the hotel.

Jiang Lianheng hurriedly asked, "What's going on? Why haven't they arrived yet?"

Zhang Zhengdong shook his head and said, "Brother, Manager Xue just answered the phone and said we should go back first, and they'll talk to us later."

"Why does she insist on staying in the concession?" Jiang Lianheng said impatiently, making a move to walk towards the hotel. "I'm going to call her!"

"Brother, why don't we just let it go?" Zhang Zhengdong quickly advised. "I went to see her last night, but Manager Xue won't see anyone. When I called just now, Kang Zheng answered. I guess the old lady's passing has been a big blow to her."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lianheng hesitated, feeling somewhat guilty for failing Xue Yingqing's trust.

Just then, Captain Chu came over and urged, "Boss Jiang, let's go first. If we leave anyone behind, we'll have to have the brothers make another trip tomorrow. This can't go on like this!"

"Yes, that's the only way for now."

Jiang Lianheng turned around, waved to Zhao Guoyan and the others, and said, "Get in the car, we'll talk to Manager Xue later!"

Everyone climbed into the carriage, and the doors slammed shut with a series of clanging sounds.

Wang Zhengnan leaned closer and asked, "Brother, are we just going to leave without a word?"

"What else?" Jiang Lianheng retorted. "How about you set off two strings of firecrackers in front of the carriage for good luck?"

Wang Zhengnan hurriedly waved his hand and said with a forced smile, "No, no, no, what I mean is... You see, Mr. Takeda did help us a lot that night. After all, we benefited from his help. Even if we don't cooperate with him, we should at least let him know before we leave. We should fight without breaking apart, and we should maintain appearances. We should leave some room for maneuver in the future, right?"

Jiang Lianheng frowned, but asked, "What? Do you mean I have to go and ask him for instructions in person?"

"No need for that, but I think we should at least leave a message for the front desk, right?"

"Hey, what's wrong with you, kid...?"

Before he could finish speaking, the car window was suddenly rolled down a crack.

Hu Xiaoyan revealed her expression, glanced at Nanfeng, and said indifferently, "Go ahead, thank him properly, and take care of things while you're at it." She then turned to Jiang Lianheng, "Nanfeng is right. Even if we don't cooperate with Takeda Shin, we can't show our hostility too obviously."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lianheng could only wave his hand.

Wang Zhengnan left a message at the front desk and soon returned with the others to the city.

The journey wasn't long; following Naniwa-dori straight for about half an hour, we arrived smoothly at the Chinese territory.

To be fair, the intervention by the Japanese was a resounding success.

Although the Japanese soldiers ran rampant on the streets, under this high pressure, the provincial capital did indeed quickly restore order.

In fact, this is true throughout the entire country.

Prosperity is predicated on stability. Under foreign rule, the common people were only second-class citizens, but at least they were spared from warlord conflicts. Over time, the area naturally became more prosperous.

Now that the entire city of Fengtian is jointly managed by Chinese and foreigners, the atmosphere of unrest has immediately lessened considerably.

The convoy headed north of Fengtian City, and along the way they even saw a few shops that had reopened for business.

To ensure the safety of their property, the shopkeepers even bribed the Japanese man, Mr. Shiba, on the street and extended a warm invitation to him to come in as guests, in order to avoid being robbed by vagrants.

These are just a few examples.

When everyone returned to the mansion in the north of the city, it was still before noon.

By this time, Li Zhengxi and Hai Xinnian had already led their men to clean the house, dragged away the corpses, wiped away the bloodstains, and repaired the glass windows. However, the house was empty. Many gold and silver wine vessels, porcelain vases, jade carvings, jewelry, and precious stones had been looted. The furniture and chairs were also broken and dilapidated. If you were to enter the house unexpectedly, your voice would faintly echo.

The group first went to the gatehouse to see Xu Ruqing's body.

Despite being mentally prepared, Sister Hua and the others couldn't help but burst into tears after witnessing it firsthand, and even Zhuang Shuning couldn't help but sigh with regret.

Jiang Ya and Jiang Chengye, needless to say, had lived with their great-aunt since they were little. Seeing the old lady lying on the cold earthen bed, their noses tingled and tears welled up uncontrollably, falling to the ground and lingering for a long time.

Moreover, it wasn't just my great-aunt who was saying goodbye forever, but also Uncle Yuan, Aunt Song, Yingzi...

In the eyes of the two children, these old servants who had been with them day and night were already half family. Now that they had died suddenly without a proper farewell, it was hard for them to accept.

At their age, they shouldn't have to go through these things, but since they were born into the Jiang family, they had no choice but to accept it, whether they wanted to or not.

Only after grief can one mature.

Jiang Ya and Jiang Chengye are both a bit clever, but one is flamboyant and the other is reserved. Despite their different expressions, at this moment, they both realized their own situation at almost the same time—the Jiang family's wealth is not permanent, and as the eldest son and daughter of the Jiang family, they will one day have to shoulder the heavy responsibility of maintaining the family business.

Only the young master Jiang Chengzhi was completely bewildered.

Firstly, he was too young and naive to understand the ways of the world; secondly, he grew up in an outer house and was not close to Xu Ruqing and the others, so he had no real connection with them. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he thought the Western-style house was exceptionally beautiful, so he couldn't help but look around and run around everywhere. He would run to the flower bed one moment and to the window the next. He was quite adventurous, but he didn't ask his parents to accompany him. He was happy to be alone.

No one was in the mood to blame a child; they all remained silent, immersed in their grief, except for Jiang and Hu.

Hu Xiaoyan quietly looked at Xu Ruqing's body.

Her eyes were dry, and not a single tear fell. She simply said, "Are you all hungry?"

Everyone was taken aback; it wasn't that they weren't hungry, but rather that they hadn't even considered that possibility.

Hu Xiaoyan continued, "Xiaohua, since Song Ma and the others aren't here, you take Guyu and Chengfang to the kitchen to help out. Everyone eat first, and after we finish eating, you take them upstairs to find some empty rooms. The rest of you can have a meeting in the living room. Starting today, we'll settle accounts with the Jiang family one by one."

(End of this chapter)