20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 818 The Japanese Invade the City
"Brother Su, it doesn't feel like much time has passed, how come you look so old?"

"Sigh, he's already over forty, how can he not look old?"

Inside the mourning hall, after offering incense to Xu Ruqing, Su Wenqi sat down next to Jiang Lianheng and exchanged pleasantries.

The two had not seen each other for many years, but unexpectedly met again at a funeral.

Jiang Lianheng sighed, glancing sideways at the boy behind Su Wenqi, and then asked, "Is this your son?"

"Yes, he's studying at the provincial high school now!" Su Wenqi pushed his eldest son in front of him and whispered, "Su Run, go and see your Uncle Jiang!"

"Uncle Jiang, life and death are unpredictable. I hope you can accept this with compassion."

Su Run walked up to Jiang Lianheng and bowed respectfully, just like his father, his words and actions exuding a strong scholarly air.

Jiang Lianheng nodded, said "good" several times, looked the boy up and down, and couldn't help but sigh, "This is incredible, the child is already so big!"

Su Wenqi suddenly remembered something and then smiled and said, "Speaking of which, my son has even met your young lady!"

"Really? How come I didn't know about that?"

"I only heard about it later, so I suppose your young lady doesn't know him either."

Then, Su Wenqi briefly recounted how her two children had been arrested by officials this summer for participating in a strike.

As they talked, he couldn't help but ask, "Brother Lian Heng, have you ever been to prison?"

"No," Jiang Lianheng replied without hesitation. "In the first few years after I came to Fengtian, I did get into quite a bit of trouble. I almost got arrested twice, but my grandfather was still alive then and helped me settle things." After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but ask, "What about you? Have you ever been to jail?"

Su Wenqi waved his hand and said, "I have even less to say. When I was young, I studied abroad. When I returned to China, I was caught up with the new policies in the three northeastern provinces. I never caused any trouble."

"Your involvement in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty, isn't that causing trouble?"

"Oh, I'm so ashamed, let's not talk about it anymore."

Jiang Lianheng couldn't help but joke, "Look, I've never been to jail, but these two kids have already been there at such a young age. Isn't that the student surpassing the teacher?"

As she spoke, she suddenly got up and called Dongfeng over, asking, "Jiang Ya and Chengye are still awake, aren't they?"

Zhang Zhengdong shook his head and said, "No, I was just having a late-night snack at the restaurant!"

“That’s perfect. You can bring Young Master Su inside and let the younger generation meet and get to know each other.”

"Alright, please, Young Master Su!"

Su Run stood still, looking at his father as if waiting for some kind of permission.

"Go ahead, I'll say a few words to your Uncle Jiang here."

Su Wenqi agreed, and only then did Su Run follow Dongfeng into the mansion. Before leaving, he didn't forget to inform Jiang Lianheng, saying, "Thank you, Uncle Jiang, for the trouble."

"No trouble at all, go ahead! My daughter has a really stubborn temper, so if she gets on your nerves, just be lenient with her!"

Jiang Lianheng smiled and watched Su Run follow Dongfeng into the mansion, feeling a sense of relief in his heart.

The Yangtze River's waves push the previous waves forward, and a new generation replaces the old.

Looking again at the black lacquered and gold-painted coffin in front of the hall, anyone would not help but sigh at the ferocity of time, the endless cycle of generations.

The two families in Jiangsu were originally family friends.

Back then, Su Yuansheng respected Jiang Chenghai greatly and repeatedly invited him to work for the Su family. Even when he failed, he never spoke ill of him or turned against him.

When it came to Jiang Lianheng's generation, Su Wenqi saved Jiang Chenghai's life at a critical moment, and Jiang Lianheng also helped the Su family escape from trouble in time when Lao Zhang was purging the Qing secret society.

This friendship can no longer be measured by self-interest.

Although Jiang Lianheng and Su Wenqi later had some disagreements and even disagreements, their relationship gradually became distant and they eventually stopped contacting each other, there was never any deep hatred between them. Looking back on those verbal disputes, they now seem childish and laughable.

However, that's how human relationships are; the less you interact, the less you have to say to each other.

Even though we all live in Fengtian, it's not uncommon for people to go years without seeing each other if we don't make an effort to connect.

A smile can dispel old grudges, and a laugh can erase all enmity.

Clearly, both of them wanted to continue this friendship.

"Your son is good; he's straightforward in both his words and actions!" Jiang Lianheng sighed as he sat down. "Unlike my two sons. The girl is a real troublemaker, but the boy is obedient and lives a quiet life; he's never really said a word!"

Su Wenqi quickly said, "You don't know that. Don't be fooled by how sensible this kid seems. He's actually a rebellious person."

"Isn't this following one's roots?"

"Sigh, kids are so hard to manage!"

Jiang Lianheng smiled, took out a cigarette case from his pocket, and seeing that Su Wenqi didn't smoke, lit one for himself and asked, "It's been so many years, how is everything at your home?"

Su Wenqi nodded and said, "All is well, all is well. How is your wife?"

"Still the same, just too weak. He drinks more medicine than he eats every day."

“Brother Lian Heng, I think you’re used to spending money extravagantly. Managing such a large business is not something an ordinary person can handle.”

Jiang Lianheng did not deny it.

He really didn't like managing accounts, which was both a matter of ability and personality, so he waved his hand and quickly changed the subject, saying, "Don't talk about me, you have quite a lot of wealth now!"

Su Wenqi replied, "There's no comparison. I only need to worry about business matters, while you have a lot more to consider."

"Only concerned with business?" Jiang Lianheng asked with a smile. "Don't you talk about national and political affairs every now and then?"

Su Wenqi suddenly felt a little ashamed and hurriedly said, "Let's not talk about it anymore. Talking about it is useless. It will only mislead others and ourselves. The so-called national salvation and survival is mostly empty talk. In this day and age, being able to protect one's family, not do anything immoral, and do one's duty is to save the country."

"That doesn't sound like you at all."

"What else can we do? When I was young, I took the world as my responsibility and thought that only science could save the country. Later, I thought that constitutionalism was the right way. Then I believed that if the Qing Dynasty did not fall, the country would inevitably decline. Now the Qing Dynasty is gone, but what has happened? The Beiyang government officials were full of democracy but incompetent in dictatorship. They are still a mess."

As they were talking, a hushed conversation suddenly came from inside the mansion.

It seems that the younger generation has gotten to know each other.

The two fathers turned around and looked at each other, their eyes filled with immense satisfaction.

Jiang Lianheng steered the conversation back to the topic, asking, "Let's not talk about that anymore. What brings you here tonight?"

Su Wenqi glanced at the memorial tablet in front of the hall and said in a low voice, "Actually, I've been wanting to come over these past two days, but I see you're too busy. I thought I'd have a chat with you, but I doubt you'd have the time. Besides... you know, the Su family has already stepped down. If I come over in a high-profile manner now, who knows how much gossip I'll attract!"

“I understand. Let him leave!” Jiang Lianheng sighed softly. “Back then, my seventh uncle wanted to leave the group. I couldn’t understand why he wanted to leave when things were going so well. Now I understand. If he hadn’t left back then, he probably wouldn’t have been able to leave now. Let him leave. I don’t blame him!”

"really……"

Su Wenqi thought for a moment, then said, "However, the Su family was able to step down back then because you helped me. Otherwise, the Su family probably wouldn't have been able to clear its name so easily."

"Hey, let's not talk about the past anymore!"

Jiang Lianheng waved his hand, ending the conversation about reminiscing.

Although Su Wenqi was right, Jiang Lianheng couldn't keep repeating the same thing—bringing up old favors would only turn into enmity.

The funeral hall was filled with smoke and flickering candles, but it was not eerie or frightening; instead, it brought a moment of peace.

Su Wenqi looked at the coffin and suddenly asked tentatively, "I've heard some rumors lately... Was it Old Dou, the basket weaver, and Whistle Li who did it?"

Jiang Lianheng snorted coldly, but said, "They're just two lackeys. Qin Huaimeng is behind it all."

"Is it the one who runs the rickshaw dealership?"

"Yes, it's him. You've heard of him too?"

Su Wenqi nodded and said, "I've not only heard of him, but I've also done business with him. It was probably a couple of years ago. For a while, he often sent people to my counter to exchange foreign currency. It seemed like he was investing in real estate. Anyway, he was very close to the Japanese. If you want to find out more about him, I can help you investigate."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lianheng was pleased, but couldn't help asking, "Didn't you just say you didn't want to cause any more trouble?"

Su Wenqi said, "If you want me to send people to help you smash the kiln and fight a group of people, then I really can't accompany you. But if you want me to help you come up with an idea and investigate their background, I will not refuse no matter what, for the sake of our family friendship."

Jiang Lianheng repeatedly reminded him, "You'd better think it through. Once you get involved, I can't guarantee how things will develop." "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. The Su family started out with money shops and banks, so investigating their background isn't difficult for me."

"If you can really find out, then you'll have done me a huge favor!"

"Don't say that. Although I'm not involved in the underworld, I don't want to see a traitor become the head of Fengtian. It wouldn't be good for anyone."

In fact, Su Wenqi may not have been without his own selfish motives.

As he himself said, if Qin Huaimeng were to become the head of the gang, the underground order of the entire Fengtian City would probably be rewritten.

The reason why the Su family was able to rise from the ashes over the years was partly due to Su Wenqi's personal abilities, but more importantly, it was because no gangs from the underworld came to harass them during this period, which allowed the Su family to catch their breath and then rise again.

You have to understand, these days you can't just avoid trouble by being law-abiding.

If Jiang Lianheng falls from power and Qin Huaimeng takes over, it's questionable whether the Su family will still have the peaceful life they have now.

That's why Su Wenqi said firmly, "Brother Lian Heng, if Fengtian must have a leader, I would prefer that person to be you, not him."

Jiang Lianheng stubbed out his cigarette, nodded, and said, "In that case, I shall respectfully comply."

As they were talking, the candles on the offering table had burned down to the very end.

Su Run suddenly walked out of the mansion, approached his father, and whispered, "Dad, I think it's getting late, Young Master Jiang and the others should be asleep by now. Shall we go home?"

Jiang Lianheng hurriedly said, "What's the rush? Since you're already here, stay a few more days. I have plenty of room. Your little brother is usually too quiet, so you can show him around and have some fun."

Su Wenqi said, "No, Brother Lianheng. You are in mourning now, so don't let him come here and cause trouble. We can talk about it another time." Then, he looked at Su Run and whispered, "Go out and get in the car. Have the driver take you back first and tell him to come pick me up tomorrow morning."

Then, turning to Jiang Lianheng, he said with some difficulty, "Brother Lianheng, I'll stay with you to keep vigil for the old lady for one night, but on the day of the funeral... I won't come."

"That's fine, but aren't you busy at home?"

"What are you so busy with? We haven't had any business for the past two weeks. I feel a little bad about it, please bear with us!"

Jiang Lianheng, of course, had no objection. He immediately ordered Dongfeng to escort the eldest young master of the Su family out of the courtyard, and then couldn't help but ask curiously, "Brother Su, what are your plans for your child?"

"Me arrange it?" Su Wenqi couldn't help but smile wryly. "He has to listen to me, though! But he should still study more. I plan to send him abroad to study in two years. Whether he wants to go or not is up to him!"

This is not surprising.

Nowadays, it's fashionable for any wealthy merchant or landlord to send their children abroad to study; otherwise, there wouldn't be so many officers in the Fengtian Army.

Jiang Lianheng nodded and said, "This is following your old path. Didn't you also study abroad back then? Did you go to the West or the East?"

"I've been to both, but if I had to say now, I'd say the Western countries are better."

Where were you then?

"New York, USA."

"Oh...that place must be much better than our Fengtian, right?"

Su Wenqi was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "Those are completely two different worlds. To be honest, when I first went there, I was almost scared out of my wits."

"Is it really that scary?" Jiang Lianheng was skeptical. "I've seen those magazines too. It's just a few taller buildings and more cars. Is it really worth being scared out of your wits?"

"A pictorial is just a pictorial after all. Only those who have seen it with their own eyes truly know how big the gap is between the two countries."

"That's it..."

Jiang Lianheng stopped arguing. After all, Su Wenqi had indeed studied abroad, and he himself only had a superficial understanding of it, so he didn't want to argue recklessly.

Su Wenqi asked, "What, Brother Lian Heng, do you also have such plans?"

Jiang Lianheng shook his head and said, "No... It's not impossible for my son to broaden his horizons, but as for the girl... I can't bear to part with her."

Su Wenqi smiled and said, "I understand, I have a daughter too."

Seeing that the candle flames on the offering table were flickering, Jiang Lianheng got up to replace the candles and also burned a few stacks of paper money for his aunt.

The long night passed, and I remained sleepless.

The two sat side by side and talked a lot. They had been worried that after so many years apart, there might be occasional awkward silences, but it seemed that they had endless things to say.

Jiang Lianheng gradually realized that there were some things he could only say to Su Wenqi, and only Su Wenqi could understand them.

Su Wenqi was neither his subordinate nor an official of the municipal government. When Jiang Lianheng faced him, he did not need to be arrogant or servile.

This is a conversation between two men, two fathers, two husbands, and two pillars of their respective families. Although their livelihoods are different, they also share many unspoken hardships and helplessness. As they talk, dawn gradually breaks in the distance.

Not long after, the Su family's car arrived to pick them up.

Su Wenqi stood up, stretched his limbs, and then said goodbye, "Brother Lianheng, it's getting late, I'll head back first... Also, although I'm not very familiar with the old lady, we still have a friendship, so please say hello to her for me on the day of the funeral!"

Jiang Lianheng wiped his face, shaking off his weariness, and stood up, saying, "Okay, thank you for your concern. I'll see you off."

Just then, a loud roar suddenly came from afar.

At this time, dawn was breaking and the city was still quiet, so the roaring sound seemed particularly jarring, as if the windows of the entire mansion were trembling slightly.

The two were stunned. Upon closer listening, they realized that the sound seemed to be coming from a truck, coming from the southeast, not heading north of the city, but rather passing through a nearby neighborhood.

Soon, the piercing noise woke up the provincial capital.

Zhang Zhengdong and the others rushed out of the mansion, all looking wary, fearing that the Jiang family would be attacked again.

"Brother, what's that noise?" Li Zhengxi quickly drew his sidearm and headed towards the gate.

"Put the guns away!" Jiang Lianheng shouted sternly, then ordered, "Dongfeng, Nanfeng, Xinnian, the three of you go stay inside the house. Xifeng, come with me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Guoyan pushed open the courtyard gate from the outside and turned around to say, "Master, they're not coming for us. It seems like a convoy is passing by."

"Go out and see what's going on!" Jiang Lianheng took off his mourning clothes, hurriedly called a few bodyguards, and was about to rush out to check when he suddenly turned back and said, "Brother Su, you should take the back path and go back first!"

Su Wenqi showed no intention of leaving, and hurriedly said, "It's alright. Judging from the sound, it doesn't seem like the kind of noise that secret societies would make. I'll go out with you and take a look."

The group walked out of the courtyard one after another, followed the alley straight to the end, turned two more corners, and finally arrived at the main east-west road.

By this time, a number of onlookers had gathered nearby.

After all, we are currently at war, and everyone is on edge. The slightest disturbance could trigger a large-scale riot.

Jiang Lianheng did not intend to join the front, so he ordered his bodyguards to put away their sidearms and stand at the back of the crowd, observing the situation on the main road from a distance.

It would have been better if they hadn't looked, because once they did, they found that there were suddenly a thousand or eight hundred Japanese soldiers in the city!

These soldiers, arranged in several square formations, carrying Type 38 rifles on their shoulders, marched in perfect unison, followed by more than a dozen military trucks loaded with supplies, roaring and billowing thick smoke, as they passed through the provincial capital in a grand manner, slowly advancing from east to west.

In the middle of the group was a Japanese officer, riding a tall horse, with a samurai sword at his waist, holding the reins, looking around with self-satisfaction, clearly the posture of a victor.

On either side of the procession, there were several police teams, leading dozens of traitors wearing armbands, maintaining order along the way and dispersing onlookers.

This is a unit under the 10th Division that should have been stationed in the Liaoyang area—it has now officially moved into Fengtian provincial capital to take over the city's defense.

The people were terrified.

The last time they saw a large-scale Japanese army stationed in Fengtian was twenty years ago during the Russo-Japanese War, when many of these young people had not yet been born.

Bewilderment, fear, helplessness...

A flood of emotions welled up inside him, but his face remained numb and blank.

The traitors on both sides of the army, however, had a smug look on their faces, cursing and shouting: "Damn it, what are you looking at? Get the hell out of my way!"

Li Zhengxi, with his sharp eyes, immediately spotted his target among the traitors and whispered urgently, "Brother, look over there, it's Old Dou the basket weaver!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S. I'll have something early today, but nothing tonight.

(End of this chapter)