Reborn Bao Guowei, I really didn’t want to be a great writer!

Chapter 375: Chang Kai-shen? The Turmoil Caused by "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword"!

"The Japanese can be extremely polite, gentle and graceful, or aggressive, fierce and sinister at the same time."

"Their society has a strict and clear hierarchy. Everyone is expected to act within their own hierarchy. Most people want to be recognized by society. Once they lose this social relationship, they will lose hope in life. This is also a manifestation of the Japanese tendency to extremes."

"As an island nation, the Japanese have suffered various disasters since ancient times, such as typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes, etc., which has also shaped their contradictory character."

In the Presidential Palace, Chiang Kai-shek looked at the book in his hand and gradually became fascinated. After several hours, he did not react.

It was not until Chen Xun'en came in from outside and poured him a cup of hot tea that Chiang Kai-shek finally came out of his world of reading.

He couldn't help but said in surprise: "Xun En, when did you come in? I had no idea."

Since the victory in the Central Plains War, Chiang Kai-shek has become more and more radiant, otherwise he would not have had the leisure to read.

Speaking of the Central Plains War, in order to win this war, the government's finances, which were already not very abundant, are now even more stretched.

Even though he was very friendly to Zhang Xueliang on the surface, Chiang Kai-shek would still say "damn it" behind his back and scold Zhang Xueliang for asking for too much.

In order to ease the financial crisis of the National Government, Chiang Kai-shek spoke to Kong Xiangxi.

"Then let the people suffer a little longer. When I unify China, it will be the time for my country to rise."

When it comes to shouting slogans, Chiang Kai-shek is first-rate. On the surface, he speaks for the people, but no one knows what he is thinking in his heart.

Chen Xun'en knew that Chiang Kai-shek was in a very good mood, otherwise he would not have disturbed him at this time. In the past, when the front line was defeated, Chiang Kai-shek was not allowed to enter.

After looking down at the book in Chiang Kai-shek's hand and seeing that it was "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" that he had put there in the morning, Chen Xun'en smiled knowingly and said.

"The commander was so engrossed in reading that he wouldn't notice anything going on around him."

As he said this, he couldn't help but sigh.

"The ancients said that when Wang Xizhi, the calligrapher, was young, he would dip a steamed bun into ink and put it into his mouth in order to read. When I saw the commander's demeanor today, I thought of this story."

Wear it a thousand times, but flattery never wears it.

Chen Xun'en had long understood Chiang Kai-shek's temper, and he knew exactly when to flatter him.

Sure enough, Chiang Kai-shek's face suddenly lit up with joy, but he still had to pretend to be very dissatisfied.

He shook his head repeatedly, pointed at Chen Xun'en and cursed with a smile.

"You, Chen Xun'en, are making fun of me, Chang Kaishen, by comparing me to Wang Xizhi?"

"I dare not, I dare not." Chen Xun'en waved his hands repeatedly, with a look of fear and simplicity on his face.

It was this kind of Chen Xun'en that made Chiang Kai-shek feel more at ease.

His train of thought was interrupted, so Chiang Kai-shek temporarily stopped reading and rubbed his brows to relieve his sore eyelids.

He let out a long breath, closed the book reluctantly, looked at Chen Xunen and said.

"How is it? How is the response to this book "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword"?"

In the past, Chen Xun'en still needed to guess what Chiang Kai-shek meant. Serving the emperor was like serving a tiger. Sometimes he felt like a personal eunuch beside the emperor in ancient times.

But today there are fewer troubles, and Chiang Kai-shek's feelings are written on his face.

So Chen Xun'en combined the news he received today and exaggerated it.

"Thanks to the commander's appreciation and love, Bao Bingwen is now very famous outside. This time, the response to this book is unprecedented."

Chen Xun'en looked up at Chiang Kai-shek's reaction, barely noticeable, and continued after confirming that there was nothing wrong with the other party.

"Especially the teachers and students in Peking, they regarded The Chrysanthemum and the Sword as a sacred book. Countless students and professors read it overnight, and they almost fought over the price to buy a copy of The Chrysanthemum and the Sword.

I heard that the publisher has started printing more copies of this book overnight, and this is in anticipation of Bao Bingwen's work becoming a big seller."

Chen Xun'en was well versed in the art of speaking in front of superiors, and he did not express any emotion in his reports, or in other words, he did not want Chiang Kai-shek to see any emotions hidden in his words.

All words are basically objective descriptions of the situation.

This made Chiang Kai-shek feel very comfortable. He nodded, his iconic bald head washed to a shiny finish, and said with emotion.

"Once this book is published, Bao Bingwen's reputation as a young literary giant will be solidified, right?"

Chiang Kai-shek's words were neither salty nor bland, so Chen Xun'en couldn't figure out what he meant, so he could only smile and compliment him.

"If it weren't for the commander's support and the bright future created by the government, Bao Bingwen would never have achieved this."

Chiang Kai-shek frowned. This sounded a bit dramatic, but he didn't mind. He just waved his hand and said.

"Don't take all the credit on me, but don't forget that I once had Bao Bingwen's book sealed."

"This is Bao Bingwen crossing the line."

Chen Xunen replied somewhat awkwardly.

"I think this book, The Chrysanthemum and the Sword, is very good. In particular, it analyzes and summarizes many characteristics of the Japanese, such as their contradictory personalities, strong sense of hierarchy, their extreme emphasis on reputation, and their deification of the emperor. This will be very helpful for us to deal with the Japanese in the future. I think everyone should read it."

Today, Chiang Kai-shek has become unusually reasonable. He analyzed the merits of "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" and did not hesitate to praise it.

This surprised Chen Xun'en a little. He was well aware of the principle that everything will turn into the opposite when it reaches its extreme, and he also understood that Bao Bingwen had always been under suspicion in Chiang Kai-shek's mind.

Therefore, he said cautiously: "Not entirely. I heard that some people outside said that this book is to incite national sentiment, especially to deal with the Japanese."

"Inciting national sentiment?"

Chiang Kai-shek had not finished reading the book just now and was not aware of the subsequent contents.

I was so engrossed in watching it just now that I didn't think about the point of inciting national sentiment.

Now that Chen Xunen brought it up, he had to think about it carefully.

I originally wanted to ask all government officials to read it, but now I am in hesitation.

Chen Xun'en kept observing Chiang Kai-shek's reaction. He didn't want to trick Bao Guowei, but he knew very well that such an obvious problem in the book "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" could not have been discovered by only him.

Even if he didn't say it, no one knows who would tell Chiang Kai-shek in the future.

Instead of letting others complain, it would be better for Chen Xunen to state the point himself so that if any accidents occur, it will be easier to deal with.

"I didn't think of that." Chiang Kai-shek frowned tightly and glanced at "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" on the table.

To be honest, the content in the beginning of "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" is so academic that one tends to forget the private opinions contained in it.

After Chen Xun'en's reminder, the more Chiang Kai-shek thought about it, the more frightened he became.

Although Chiang Kai-shek spoke very nicely, he actually had his own plans in mind.

Especially after the victory of the Central Plains War, Chiang Kai-shek, who originally wanted to fight a desperate battle, now has become more ambitious.

Japanese?
Chiang Kai-shek claimed that he had no ability to deal with it, but he was still capable of dealing with his own family.

Therefore, he could never accept the war sentiment towards Japan.

It is precisely because of this that Chiang Kai-shek was able to endure even such a humiliating event as the Quancheng Massacre.

In his eyes, personal interests always take precedence over national interests.

But Chang Kai-shen still likes this book "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" very much. Thanks to Bao Guowei's writing style, the reading experience is excellent. At least the first half is good.

But when he thought of the great impact caused by "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword", Chiang Kai-shek felt his scalp tingling.

While he was struggling, he couldn't help but curse.

"Damn it, Bao Bingwen is causing me trouble all the time."

Hearing this, Chen Xunen's facial muscles twitched. He didn't know whether to cry or laugh, so he asked tentatively.

"The commander means..."

Chiang Kai-shek pondered for a while and said, "Let the censorship department take a good look at it and prepare an investigation report. I want to see specifically whether this book, The Chrysanthemum and the Sword, is suspected of inciting emotions. If so, we will demand immediate rectification!"

"Yes!"

Chen Xun'en agreed verbally, but he was still complaining in his heart.

Whatever the review department finds out, it is up to you, Mr. Chang. If you, Chang Kaishen, say there is a problem with it, then there must be a problem with it.

However, according to Chen Xun'en, Chiang Kai-shek's current attitude is still unclear. He probably still likes "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword". The probability of a complete ban should not be high. It is more likely that he will make some rectifications.

Thinking of this, Chen Xunen left the office.

But as soon as I walked out of the office, I heard a sharp female voice coming from inside the building.

"What courage did you have to stop me?"

Frowning, Chen Xun'en looked into the distance and saw several guards surrounding a middle-aged woman in cheongsam, with fear and confusion on their faces.

When I saw that woman, who else could it be? Wasn’t this my eldest sister Song Ailing?
Chen Xunen: Who else can shout and yell in the Presidential Palace? Apart from Chiang Kai-shek, it can only be this "big sister".

Chiang Kai-shek was reading it just now, and he ordered that no one should be received without special reasons, and even if there were any urgent matters, they had to be notified in advance.

Song Ailing rushed over immediately. Could it be something important?

Thinking of this, Chen Xun'en naturally had no reason to avoid it. He came forward, bowed with a smile on his face and said.

"I don't know why Madam Song is so angry? It seems that these guards are blind."

Seeing Chen Xun'en, the guards immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Secretary Chen, you are finally here. The madam insisted on seeing the commander, and we couldn't pass the message first. Here... Look..."

Anyone with a discerning eye knows that although Soong Ailing did not hold any position in the National Government, she manipulated Soong Mei-ling with one hand and remotely controlled Kong Xiangxi with the other. Her invisible power was undoubtedly enormous.

Therefore, even if Song Ailing forced her way in, the guards did not dare to stop her and could only stand by and persuade her earnestly.

"You have nothing to do here." Chen Xunen waved his hand, signaling them to leave.

This is also for their own good. If Song Ailing were to make a fuss about it, these people would be in trouble.

Seeing Chen Xun'en's expression, Song Ailing couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Secretary Chen, you have become more and more powerful recently. Even if I want to see the commander, I have to ask for your opinion."

Chen Xun'en looked calm on the surface, but he was complaining in his heart.

This old woman is unhappy. Why is she taking her anger out on me?
He made a panicked expression and said, "Madam, you are too kind. I am the commander's secretary. I obey the commander's orders in everything. I dare not act without the commander's orders."

"Humph!"

With a cold snort, Song Ailing walked around Chen Xun'en who was bending over, walked towards the office in her high heels without looking back.

Only after the other party entered the office did Chen Xun'en raise his head and look at Song Ailing's disappearing back.

He frowned tightly.

Three years ago, Soong Ailing overcame all odds and facilitated the marriage between Soong May-ling and Chiang Kai-shek.

This decision also made the Song family more prosperous.

Song Ailing was shrewd and capable. As Chiang Kai-shek came to power, she relied on her status as the "big sister" to not only influence the political situation at all times, but also allowed her husband Kong Xiangxi to hold an important position in the National Government.

From then on, the Song family had both good careers and good fortunes.

Why is such a powerful person in such a hurry?

While wondering, Chen Xunen recalled something that happened a few months ago.

As the eldest son of the Kong family, the treasure of Song Ailing and Kong Xiangxi, Master Kong Lingkan was captured and brought back from Shanghai.

The reason turned out to be that he led a group of playboys to openly resist the control policy of the Kuomintang government.

It became a hot topic at home and abroad for a time, causing Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Ailing to lose face.

It is said that the reason why Kong Lingkan underwent such a transformation was closely related to the influence of Bao Guowei.

Could it be.
With Chen Xun'en's keen sense, he instinctively felt that this incident was closely related to the recently popular "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword".

In particular, Chen Xun'en also received some information from other places that Mrs. Song Ailing, like her husband, was extremely good at calculating, especially in making money.

The two seemed to have had vague contact with some Japanese.

The people who deservedly suffered the most from the popularity of "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" are the Japanese.

Not to mention whether public opinion will lead to great hostility towards the Japanese.

There are already rumors circulating in the market that many people will resolutely boycott Japanese goods.

This momentum is much more fierce than the previous boycott of Japanese goods.

During this period, how much will the businessmen who profit from this lose?
Chen Xun'en didn't dare to think too much about the secret.

Someone once commented that the Song family's rise to power was the birth of a powerful comprador dynasty. From Chen Xun'en's perspective, this was naturally clear.

He wanted to find an opportunity to go forward and investigate further, but after thinking about it, he still did not take any action.

As expected, Chen Xunen was summoned by Chiang Kai-shek in the evening.

"Commander, you're looking for me?"

Chen Xun'en pushed open the door of his office and pretended nothing had happened. He seemed to have completely ignored Chiang Kai-shek's gloomy face.

"Ah."

Chiang Kai-shek responded softly, then motioned for Chen Xun'en to sit down in front of him.

He pushed a document over and said.

"I have received some news that the book 'The Chrysanthemum and the Sword' has been judged, and many people have developed bad thoughts because of it. I think it is time to take some measures."

Chiang Kai-shek paused, looked at Chen Xun'en and said.

"I called you here because I want you to give me some advice on how to proceed.

Whether to ban or rectify is a very important question, and it would be best to reduce the impact on academia and the public.”

Looking at the report on the desk, Chen Xunen's eyes froze immediately.

Because it is exactly the same as what Song Ailing brought this morning!
(End of this chapter)