20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 869 Ceasefire
A big meeting is held for small matters, and a small meeting is held for big matters.

Officials and thugs should be natural enemies, looking down on each other, but in reality, things are often quite different.

Meanwhile, Jiang Lianheng was invited to the Fengtian Police Department to discuss the security work in the provincial capital with Director Chen. The journey was smooth and he was in a good mood because he thought of Qin Huaimeng's death. However, when he arrived at the destination, his face immediately darkened.

In the small meeting room, besides Master Jiang and Captains Hua and Xia, there were also three Japanese police officers.

These three Japanese soldiers were none other than Chief Ishihara of the Oriental Police Department, as well as Saito Rokuro and Yamazaki Yuta.

The three sat on the same side, with a translator at the end who looked quite familiar. It turned out to be Hou Chuanyan, who had been seconded from the South Railway Local Office.

Upon seeing this, Jiang Lianheng immediately stopped at the doorway and turned to ask, "Director Chen, what is this...?"

"Heh, Chief Ishihara is here so early?" Director Chen glanced into the room, then said with a smile, "Come, come, Mr. Jiang, please come in. Let me introduce you. This is Chief Ishihara of the Oriental Police Department, this is Detective Captain Saito Rokuro, and this is... oh, right, right, Yamazaki Yuta."

The three Japanese soldiers had heavy backsides. Upon hearing the introduction, they made no attempt to stand up and shake hands, but simply nodded with cold, hard expressions while still seated in their chairs.

Although Jiang Lianheng was unhappy, he couldn't afford to lose his temper in this situation, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go inside.

After all, we are all respectable people. If you constantly show your displeasure, you will not only fail to appear strong, but you will also be ridiculed behind your back, and in the end, you will be the one who loses face.

Jiang Lianheng didn't want to see the Japanese, but they probably didn't want to see him either.

Even if others didn't say it, Saito Rokuro felt extremely unwilling.

The two had already formed a grudge since the "West Tower arson case" last year. Old grudges had not been resolved, and new grievances had been added. Now that the enemies had met, they were naturally extremely hostile.

Saito Rokuro now hates Jiang Lianheng to the core.

Last night, Qin Huaimeng asked him for help and promised to reward him handsomely.

Saito Rokuro happily agreed and hurriedly dispatched police forces to the rescue. However, before the money arrived in his account, Qin Huaimeng was killed by the Jiang family.

Meanwhile, a vicious explosion occurred at Ping'an Tong. With two things at the same time, it was difficult to manage both. The old man worked all night but not only did he not gain any benefit, he was also held accountable and punished by his superiors—in his opinion, this debt should be attributed to Jiang Lianheng.

In contrast, Director Ishihara was more concerned about the overall situation and came here to have a face-to-face talk with Jiang Lianheng.

The three factions took their seats in turn.

As the host, Director Chen naturally had to say a few opening remarks.

He sat at the head of the table, pondered for a moment, and finally spoke with a smile: "Hehe, everyone is here today. Director Ishihara is available, and Boss Jiang is free. It's rare for the three of us to sit down together to discuss things. There are no outsiders here, so I won't bother with any formalities. Let's get straight to the point—the farce in Fengtian these past few days should be coming to an end."

Director Ishihara nodded slightly.

Jiang Lianheng did not express his opinion, but he could clearly feel Saito Rokuro casting a sharp gaze at him.

Director Chen continued, “Look, ever since Guo the devil raised his army in rebellion, there hasn’t been a moment of peace in the city for the past month. First, there was chaos in the outskirts, with open looting everywhere. Then there was the conflict between the maintenance committee and the local merchants and residents. Last night, two more serious cases occurred in succession. These are not minor incidents. The bombing has already alarmed the higher-ups on both sides. The unresolved cases in the yamen are piling up like mountains. It’s really tough on us officers!”

After saying that, he suddenly glanced at Jiang Lianheng as if nothing had happened.

Director Ishihara picked up the conversation, and after Hou Chuanyan translated, he immediately stated his position.

"Our stance is very clear: regardless of the reason, Fengtian Province must be restored to stability immediately, and we will not allow those gang fights to spread to the jurisdiction of the Southern Railway Affiliated Area. Otherwise, none of us will be in a good position."

“Yes, yes, yes, things have gone too far, and it’s not good for any of us.” Director Chen nodded in agreement. “In the final analysis, the security of the provincial capital depends on the joint efforts of the three of us. Director Shi Yuan and I are self-evident, and Boss Jiang is the leader of the militia and the local security system. Only when the three of us reach an agreement can the provincial capital be at peace.”

Jiang Lianheng thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "Director Chen is overestimating me. I'm just a businessman, and I really can't shoulder such a heavy responsibility!"

“Hey, Mr. Jiang, look at you…” Director Chen patted Jiang Lianheng’s arm and said earnestly, “Mr. Jiang, don’t be so modest.”

Chief Ishihara couldn't help but sneer, resting his elbows on the table, raising his chin, and asking, "Mr. Jiang, have you heard about the bombing at Ping An Tong last night?"

Jiang Lianheng nodded and said, "I've heard a little about it."

"So, is there anything you'd like to say?"

"I deeply regret this."

"Did you know that around the same time last night, there was also a shooting in Naniwa-dori?"

"I have never heard of this before."

Director Ishihara chuckled, then leaned back in his chair and winked at Saito Rokuro.

Saito Rokuro understood, immediately slammed his hand on the table, and shouted sternly, "Jiang Lianheng, stop pretending to be stupid. We've already checked. Did your car go to Sunrise Square last night?"

"I'm not quite sure," Jiang Lianheng neither admitted nor denied. "Even if my car went to Sunrise Square, so what? Does that prove I did the shooting? You fired the gun first, then drew the target. Your investigation is too casual."

"Fine, even if the Naniwa-dori shooting has nothing to do with you, how do you explain the Heian-dori bombing?"

"What do I explain?"

Saito Rokuro sneered, "We sent people to the scene for rescue last night. Survivors unanimously agree that you sent them to Ping'an Tong 207. Do you dare to deny it?"

“I don’t deny it,” Jiang Lianheng said, “but the bombing has nothing to do with me. If you don’t believe me, go ask them. Did I give them any explosives?”

Saito Rokuro was momentarily taken aback.

After all, although the two major cases last night were caused by Jiang Lianheng, if we were to be precise, they were not at his behest.

The explosives in Ping An Tong were planted by Qin Huaimeng; the shooting in Lang Su Tong was orchestrated by Gong Baonan; no matter what, Jiang Lianheng couldn't be found.

Seeing that he couldn't win an argument, Saito Rokuro resorted to threats: "Jiang Lianheng, don't try any tricks. If we really wanted to arrest you, we only needed to suspect you. You may be in Chinese territory now, but can you guarantee you'll never go to the foreign concessions again?"

Jiang Lianheng did not argue, but turned to look at Director Chen and said, "Director Chen, I thought we were here to discuss business. If you want to pin these two charges on me, why did we even come here? Wouldn't it be more convenient to go directly to court?"

"No, no!" Director Chen said with a forced smile.

Jiang Lianheng then changed the subject, pointing the finger directly at Saito Rokuro, and questioned, "Speaking of the Ping'an Tunnel bombing case, I seem to remember that the Western-style house at No. 207 was registered under Officer Saito's name?"

Saito Rokuro's face stiffened, and he shouted sharply, "Don't change the subject." "How is this changing the subject?" Jiang Lianheng retorted, "Officer Saito, that's your house. It's been bombed like that. Aren't you heartbroken?"

As she spoke, she suddenly turned to look at Master Jiang, pursed her lips, and then laughed, "Master Jiang, look, the treatment of those who work in Japan is really good. I wonder how much they get paid each month. It's a beautiful little villa, and it's in a good location in Ping An Tong. They just bought it without hesitation."

Master Jiang looked slightly embarrassed, and besides forcing a smile, he didn't know what to say.

Saito Rokuro was furious and immediately denied it, saying, "Who told you that was my house..." As he spoke, he glanced furtively at Chief Ishihara, "That was the house of the deceased Mr. Qin. He only put my surname on it because he was worried about being attacked by troublemakers."

"So it seems... even your famous name isn't enough!"

"idiot!"

Saito Rokuro slammed his fist on the table and stood up, pointing at Jiang Lianheng's nose and cursing, "You Chinese pig, don't think I won't arrest you!"

Hou Chuanyan only translated the second half of the sentence.

Jiang Lianheng had lived in Fengtian for a long time and had a lot of contact with the Japanese. He couldn't understand other languages, but his cursing was even more authentic than that of the Japanese. So he didn't make a scene. He just slowly looked at Director Chen and asked, "Director Chen, can Japanese officials still arrest people in the city now?"

Director Chen was caught in a dilemma. He quickly bowed to the Japanese side and said, "Gentlemen, I know Mr. Jiang's character better than anyone. He is reasonable, knows his limits, and understands the big picture. I can guarantee with my integrity that the two cases last night have nothing to do with the Jiang family."

After thinking for a moment, Director Ishihara nodded and said, "Alright, I am willing to believe in Mr. Jiang's innocence."

"Director—"

Saito Rokuro wanted to say something more, but his superior raised his hand to interrupt him.

Director Ishihara clearly had many more factors to consider. After a moment of contemplation, he said in a low voice, "But I have one condition."

"What's the premise?" Director Chen asked hurriedly.

Director Ishihara explained, "I need Mr. Jiang's commitment."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lianheng remained unmoved, simply sitting there quietly awaiting what would follow.

But then Chief Ishihara slowly raised three fingers and said, "For at least the next three months, I don't want to see any more serious incidents in the South Railway Zone, including shootings, poisonings, kidnappings, bombings, prisoner suicides, and so on... These kinds of incidents must be completely eliminated."

It's clear that Ishihara came with sincerity.

A three-month period is by no means long, and if it were to be extended further, Jiang Lianheng would naturally be unable to vouch for him.

After all, Fengtian wasn't just home to the Jiang family's gang; other smaller factions often fought amongst themselves for profit, resulting in deaths.

However, as the head of the gang, Jiang Lianheng still had the authority to order the various families in the provincial capital to cease their disputes within three months.

Chief Ishihara had obviously done his research and knew that after Jiang Lianheng eliminated Qin Huaimeng, he would definitely wipe out the remnants of Qin's faction, including Lao Dou and Zuan Tianying. However, the reason he made this request was not to protect the remnants of the Qin family, but because if things continued like this, his job as police chief would probably be coming to an end soon.

Upon hearing this, Director Chen hurriedly nodded in agreement, then chuckled at Jiang Lianheng and said, "Boss Jiang, what Director Ishihara said is the truth. The New Year is almost here, so you have to be understanding and let everyone have a peaceful holiday!"

Master Jiang and the others immediately chimed in, "That's right, that's right, the brothers have been kept very busy lately."

Director Chen then emphasized, "Oh, right, this is also General Zhang's idea."

"Is it?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lianheng had no choice but to take it seriously.

"Of course!" Director Chen hurriedly said, "According to the Marshal, if Fengtian wants to achieve long-term stability, it ultimately cannot do without the strong support of our friendly nations in Japan. It's normal for there to be some minor conflicts between the two sides; we can just let it go!"

Jiang Lianheng pondered that if he rejected the proposal now, it would be equivalent to offending both Chinese and foreign officials at the same time, and he might even be held accountable by Lao Zhang. Considering that the provincial capital had just been established and a smooth transition was needed, he finally nodded.

"I can agree, but I have two conditions."

"Mr. Jiang, please go ahead."

Although Director Ishihara was reluctant, he was willing to try his best to negotiate and make peace in order to keep his position.

Actually, Jiang Lianheng didn't have any special requests, but he felt that agreeing to it would be a loss for him. So after pondering for a while, he suggested, "The young master of Shao's Hardware and Foreign Goods Store on Bagua Street in the South Market was arrested by the maintenance committee a few days ago on trumped-up charges. You should release him."

Everyone was taken aback: "What, is that person very important to you?"

"Who cares if he's important or not?" Jiang Lianheng said. "I just want you to release him!"

After a moment's thought, Chief Inspector Ishihara nodded and said, "That person is useless, he can be released. What is Mr. Jiang's second condition?"

"I'm not talking about conditions, I just want to know what you plan to do about those two cases from last night?"

"It's very simple. As long as Mr. Jiang can keep his promise and ensure that no more serious incidents occur in the concession, I can help cover up the two cases last night. It's just a matter of finding a few scapegoats. I think Director Chen shouldn't have any problems with that, right?"

"No problem!" Director Chen immediately instructed, "Jiang Er, you two are in charge of this!"

Master Jiang quickly replied, "Don't worry, this kind of thing is something we old brothers are best at!"

"Good, good, good!" Director Chen clapped his hands. "The three parties have reached an agreement, so today's work wasn't in vain. I'll treat everyone to a meal at Deyilou Restaurant in Daxiguan later. What do you all think?"

"No, no, no, I'm honored that Director Chen thinks so highly of me and invited me to this discussion. I absolutely have to treat you to this meal!"

Jiang Lianheng naturally took on the task of hosting the dinner.

Unexpectedly, as they were talking, Director Ishihara suddenly stood up and emphasized again, "Let's skip the meal! Mr. Jiang, I want to remind you to remember your promise today! If there are any more murders in the concession within the next three months, whether they are our overseas Chinese or our Chinese employees, as long as someone is assassinated, even if they are an unrelated Chinese, I will blame you regardless of whether you are involved in the case."

"Are you threatening me?" Jiang Lianheng asked.

“Take it your way,” Director Ishihara said. “I just want to tell you that when that time comes, I won’t be polite to you anymore. I mean what I say.”

Jiang Lianheng smiled faintly, then suddenly leaned back in his chair, swaying back and forth a couple of times before asking a startling question: "What if you were killed?"

(End of this chapter)