Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 85 Military Notes
At night, in Hongkou, at the Overseas Chinese Club, there were military police with long guns guarding the door.

Gu Yansheng got out of the car and handed over the invitation. The Japanese even bowed to him, which showed that they were very sensible.

As you enter the door, you will see a magnificent auditorium with a second floor. The Japanese military flag and the national flag are hung around the balcony.

There were sofas around the room, where some people were sitting and chatting and drinking, while in the middle there were some officers in military uniforms chatting with women in kimonos.

There was some Japanese music playing that I couldn't understand, but the environment was quite harmonious.

At this point, Gu Yansheng really felt like a traitor.

You are not an ordinary traitor and you are not qualified to enter here.

"Hey, Yansheng." Ling Xianwen, who was sitting on the sofa, saw him and greeted him from afar.

"The Secretary General is here too." Gu Yansheng walked out with a smile.

"Of course I have to be here. It's called a banquet, but isn't it about discussing things in Shanghai? Otherwise, why would they invite us here? To watch Japanese singers dance?" Ling Xianwen said with a low laugh.

"As for you, you're really good. You've even been invited in here. It seems that in Mr. Hase's eyes, you're truly one of his own."

Gu Yansheng sneered, "I originally thought so, but when the Secretary General said it was to discuss Shanghai, I felt like I was being drafted in."

"Hahahaha, others want to be this strong man but don't have the chance. Just ask how many people in Shanghai want to enter this door. Can they get in?"

"What are you guys whispering about, as if we don't exist?"

Gu Yansheng turned his head and saw that it was Deputy Mayor Su Xiwen who was speaking. He quickly pleaded for mercy, "Mayor, Deputy Mayor, I'm late."

Ling Xianwen patted Gu Yansheng on the back, then sat down on his own and said with a smile, "No one is waiting for you anyway, just sit down by yourself."

Well, Gu Yansheng has the lowest official position among these people, but he has two directors, one for finance and one for taxation. The other directors are not here. It seems that today's meeting is probably related to the economy.

"Director Gu is doing very well right now. Just one sentence from him today actually boosted the entire stock market. He's like the God of Wealth, hahahaha."

"Did you make any money?"

"It's just a small profit. Didn't I lose money a while ago? It's all for nothing. Director Gu, please let me know before you ask next time so I can prepare to buy more."

The person who spoke was the Director of Finance, so Gu Yansheng just agreed.

He took a moment to look around. The people here were basically divided into clear circles. Japanese officers played with Japanese officers, Japanese businessmen played with Japanese businessmen, and the circle where he was sitting was composed of Shanghai officials. There was another small circle near the door.

Gu Yansheng asked, "Who's that over there?"

Ling Xianwen, with his legs crossed, took a quick look. "Oh, some pro-Japanese businessmen. Did you see that white-haired old man in the jacket? He's Zhang Xiaolin of the Green Gang. You should go meet him. Shanghai is a hive of activity, so if you need help getting something done that's inconvenient for you to do in person, this guy's got a lot of talent."

Gu Yansheng took a look and saw that this was Zhang Xiaolin, one of the three tycoons of the Green Gang. Most of the people who came here wore suits, but Zhang Xiaolin was quite different. He wore a long gown, and he was the only one with completely white hair.

"You look quite old?"

"He must be around 60."

Still alive
As they chatted and recognized each other, the noise in the audience quieted down. Hasegawa Inkawa came over, accompanied by a middle-aged man in Japanese military uniform. Gu Yansheng didn't recognize the man, but he recognized the rank on the collar badge.

Japanese Lieutenant General.

Ling Xianwen coughed and everyone stood up.

"General, Consul Hase."

Hasegawa first introduced these people to the lieutenant general in Japanese, and then said, "This isn't the first time I've met some of you. Commander Iwasa Taro of our Military Police Headquarters."

"Hello, sir."

In response to everyone's greetings, Iwasa Taro simply nodded indifferently, "Please sit down."

He sat down and looked around at everyone, then said, "I am a soldier and I like to speak directly. You are all high-ranking officials of the municipal government. I called you here today because there is something I need your help to solve.

Before that, I would like to commend Director Gu Yansheng. In handling the foreign smuggling incident, he not only completed his task but also demonstrated Japan's integrity. I warn all citizens in Shanghai, even foreign businessmen, to exercise sufficient restraint in our occupied city of Shanghai.

Gu Yansheng stood up and bowed slightly: "Thank you for the compliment, General Iwasa. This is my job, and it's only natural for me to strive for perfection."

"Well said, strive for perfection." Iwasa Taro gestured for Gu Yansheng to sit down with a gesture of his hand: "I am going to talk about this matter next. I also hope that everyone will complete their duties well and strive for perfection. The War Guidance Section issued an order to our Shanghai Military Police Headquarters, requiring us to implement economic replacement in the Shanghai area in order to achieve the goal of cutting off the influence of the Chongqing government.

For this purpose, the General Staff, after discussion, decided to implement the military note system in Shanghai. Within the area under our control, citizens are not allowed to use non-military notes such as dollars or legal tender.

All transactions must be made using military bills, and all salaries and taxes paid by businesses within the jurisdiction must also be settled using military bills.

As for the initial source of military notes, the government will set up a new department, the Economic Department, to meet the exchange needs of citizens across the city. Residents can use their existing legal tender, foreign currency, ocean dollars, gold and silver to exchange for military notes in proportion.

If someone uses the currency privately without redeeming it, once discovered, their money will be confiscated or even imprisoned, depending on the severity of their crime. The specific criminal law can be drafted by Director Gu's Judicial Department."

From the moment the words "military notes must be used" were announced, the atmosphere on the field became eerily quiet.

Although this silence seemed different from the lack of silence just now, Gu Yansheng believed that everyone knew that this matter had become a big deal and everyone was involved.

When it comes to who has power in Shanghai, it’s them. When it comes to who has money in Shanghai, aren’t they still them?
Take Fu Xiaoan for example. He has so many enterprises and so much income in the urban area of ​​SH. If he uses the military note system, won’t he be working for the Japanese for nothing in the future?
What is the essence of money? It is a general equivalent!

Why is the US dollar called the American dollar? Isn’t it because the US dollar can be exchanged for gold?

Military notes, the Japanese can print as many as they want, can they be exchanged for gold?

"Everyone, do you have any questions?" Iwasa Taro glanced around.

There was a long silence. It was difficult to open the mouth with questions and the pressure was very high.

Fu Xiaoan was still confident and frowned, "General, when will the headquarters implement this matter?"

"Of course, the sooner the better. In less than two weeks, it will be fully implemented throughout Shanghai, and then expanded from the center to areas outside Shanghai, such as Jiangsu. At the same time, this plan will also be implemented in other regions simultaneously, and the military ticket circulation system will be implemented in all occupied areas."

"I think, isn't that a bit hasty?"

Fu Xiaoan paused and said, "Your Excellency General, the economy of SH City has only just recovered. Let's not talk about the Chinese first, let's talk about foreign businessmen.

When foreign businessmen come to us to do business, they definitely want to make money so that they can exchange it for US dollars, British pounds or equivalent materials to take back to their countries for use.

But if they earn money from military bills, it will be meaningless for those who do not plan to live in Shanghai for a long time. If they don't do it, will it be a serious blow to Shanghai's economy? Will it cause foreign businessmen to flee one after another, and destroy the good situation that Shanghai has just opened up?
Ladies and gentlemen, I am acting out of duty."

After saying that, Fu Xiaoan looked at everyone, and it was obvious that there was only one thing in his eyes, asking everyone to agree.

They will speak for whoever their butt is facing. They have no reason to be timid and immediately start agreeing and arguing with each other.

Iwasa Taro did not stop them. After everyone had finished speaking, he said, "In response to your concerns, the General Staff has also made corresponding suggestions. All transactions conducted within the SH urban area, whether for domestic or foreign companies, must use the military bill system.

But at the same time, the Economic Department will provide corresponding exchange rates, so foreign companies can exchange their profits without any worries."

Isn't that the same as saying nothing? There's no need to worry. Why not just say we're going to abolish fiat currency and use the US dollar instead?
"Mr. Hase, I think we should reconsider this matter." Ling Xianwen was also a little impatient. Implementing this matter was almost a matter of life and death. "There are many problems involved. I dare say that some foreign investors will definitely withdraw."

"Yes, Mr. Hase, I think this matter..."

No matter whether they were from the consulate or not, they all spoke to Hasegawa. The main reason was that Hasegawa's job was to endure the pressure, so his temper was relatively good.

"That's enough! What a disgrace!" Iwasa Taro suddenly slammed the table and glared at me, "As a city government official, you're still making excuses. This is an order! I'm not discussing this with you!
If anyone feels they can't do it, they can leave now. Anyone want to leave?"

The group of people looked unhappy, most of them frowned, lowered their heads slightly and said nothing.

They finally understood why Taro Iwasa had to make the announcement. It was because they were afraid that Hasegawa would have too good a temper, so they let Taro Iwasa be the bad guy.

"I've given everyone some time. Since you're not planning on leaving, there's no need to discuss this matter any further!" Iwasa Taro said forcefully, "This matter is not without benefits for you all.

You are all aware of the assassination attempt on the city government officials.

Once the military notes system is implemented, these agents lurking in Shanghai will no longer be able to use legal tender or the dollar, and they don't have military notes. Do you think they can still move around in downtown Shanghai? Will they be unable to move without money?

From today on, each of your salaries will be doubled and all will be paid according to the military ticket quota. This is a benefit for your hard work, so please cherish it.

Anyone else have questions?
If not, we move on to the next topic.”

And? Everyone's heart sank.

(End of this chapter)