Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 89 Strategy
"I understand. It's very difficult. I expected that it would be difficult for you to transport goods, but I never imagined how difficult the process would be until I experienced it. It's really not easy to set up a transportation line."

Just by listening, Gu Yansheng knew how many people were transporting goods with their heads on the line. This was only to southern Anhui, and it was still a long way to Yan'an.

The eighty-one difficulties that Monkey King went through in his journey to obtain Buddhist scriptures were probably not as many as the number of times their route to Yan'an changed hands.

"I never imagined we'd be fighting such a rich battle, 1000 bags."

Shen Linshen smiled and said, "We only managed to produce seventeen bales of cotton yarn this year. I own a tailor shop and have the purchasing rights. But I'm sure the organization would be shocked by your figure. I don't think they have a good idea of ​​how to deal with it. We can only discuss it among ourselves."

"Then let's discuss it."

Gu Yansheng thought for a moment and said directly: "We can't do this, we need to change our thinking.

Transporting a thousand bales of cotton yarn in this way is too unstable. It is not easy to build a transportation line. For this trip, you may suffer heavy losses in transportation personnel, which will be very detrimental to future operations. We cannot kill the chicken to get the eggs.

Well, I have a suggestion, and I need you to ask Yan'an for me.

First, if they are nearby troops, such as those around Shanghai, like the Taihu Guerrillas and the New Fourth Army you mentioned, I will try to get land passes, and then figure out how to send them there. They are nearby, so there will definitely be enough time.

Second, those that are far away, such as Yan'an, are tens of thousands of miles away from here. The Japanese defense line and the Chongqing defense line have suffered too much loss along the way. Can we just give them money directly? Is there any place to buy things nearby?
If we can give money, then we might as well give it directly. Cotton yarn should not be a very scarce commodity, nor is it a scarce medicine that is only available in Shanghai and is scarce or even non-existent around Yan'an.

Xi'an, Luoyang, and even Taiyuan occupied by the Japanese are all big cities. I don't believe that there is no one reselling cotton yarn. No matter which city you buy it from, it is definitely much more convenient than shipping it from Shanghai, and it can also arrive earlier.

We use money to solve problems that can be solved with money, and money helps us avoid risks.

This not only greatly increases the overall safety factor, but also saves us a lot of worry. It is nothing more than selling the cotton yarn in Shanghai and buying it back in Yan'an to make up the difference. Isn't that the case?
If the New Fourth Army can buy them nearby, we can give them money to buy them themselves. We simply don't send any, which will save us a lot of trouble."

Shen Linshen was a little stunned after listening to this, and had to organize his words: "This method is definitely feasible, but it also requires a lot of money. The price of cotton yarn in Shanghai is this much, and in Yan'an, the price will probably be doubled, or even more. It's not a matter of a small price difference."

Shen Linshen felt that Gu Yansheng might not quite understand how dark the black market prices were in those cities.

"I'll take care of the money problem. You don't have to worry about it." Gu Yansheng said very happily.

This matter was indeed caused by miscommunication, which resulted in the organization not having enough understanding of his strength.

Otherwise, the most cost-effective solution should be given.

Even if the price doubles, taking into account labor, transportation costs, and losses, it may not be much cheaper than the black market price.

The main reason was that Yan'an was really poor and had not considered that there were still many wars to fight. In the helpless situation, they could only accept the loss of manpower.

But why did Gu Yansheng and Lu Bowen come to Shanghai? To solve this problem.

Now that we have encountered it, we should solve it.

"You have so much money?"

"A little bit, it's definitely enough to make up the difference."

Shen Linshen was shocked by the straightforward and confident tone of his voice. Then he thought of something: "So, the money for these 1000 bales of cotton yarn was your own money, not given by the organization?"

"of course not."

"As expected." Shen Linshen smiled and nodded, otherwise he wouldn't have thought of giving more money. "Impressive, you are indeed the Deputy Director of the Judicial Department who is highly regarded by the Japanese. Your ability is truly extraordinary. I admire you. Are you sure you can afford it?"

"If you can't give it to me, I'll go and rob you. I promise to get enough from the traitors."

Shen Linshen laughed. "This gangster talk is so different from the serious personality described in the newspaper. It must be that the organization had the foresight to introduce us to each other. I'm sure it will save me a lot of effort. Okay, I'll send a message when I get back. I'll notify you as soon as I have any news. We can make an appointment to meet then."

"Okay, how do we contact each other? Do you want to contact me? Or do I want to contact you?"

Shen Linshen looked at the suit on Gu Yansheng and said, "How about this, I'll call your office when I have news and tell you something. Then you can come to my shop to find me. Your suit making skills are actually average, so I can make you two good ones that will be just right."

"Can you also make suits?"

"Of course, Master Chef!"

Gu Yansheng admires him, what a high-end craftsman.

"Okay, then buy two, and make them of the best fabric."

Gu Yansheng was happy that he could explain things clearly.

This route is not only difficult, but also easy to be traced back if something goes wrong, which may lead to him being caught.

The next day at work, Gu Yansheng asked the archives to look for files on people who had been convicted of smuggling, intending to study the problem of smuggling channels in Shanghai.

But before long, the phone rang.

"Hey."

Ling Xianwen's voice came on the phone, "Yansheng, Deputy Mayor Su is calling a meeting. I'm notifying you. It'll be in the conference room in half an hour."

"Okay, I understand, Secretary General. What exactly is it about?"

"Regarding what was said at the banquet that day, wasn't Fu Xiaoan poisoned? Su Xiwen is acting as the agent."

"I see. Okay, I'll be there in a minute. Thank you, Secretary General."

Gu Yansheng hung up the phone.

The explosion happened only two days ago, and Fu Xiaoan was still lying in the hospital. The Japanese were really anxious.

After looking at the documents, Gu Yansheng went to the meeting room.

The few directors who were still able to arrive had all arrived, and they greeted Su Xiwen and waited for him to arrive.

"Today's meeting is mainly to assign several tasks. First, the municipal government will establish an Economic Department. I will serve as director, Secretary-General Ling will serve as deputy director, all bureau directors will serve as committee members, Director Gu will hold multiple positions, and he will serve as the legal advisor to the Economic Department.

The first task of the Economic Department is to complete the exchange of all existing currencies in the city for Japanese military notes. I want to emphasize that this applies to all businesses, regardless of their location. Do you have any questions?"

No one objected, everyone just nodded. Even the directors who did not attend the banquet that day had heard about this matter. Although they learned the news a little late, they were at least one less person to be poisoned, so it was not a loss.

Su Xiwen glanced around and said, "Okay, since everyone has no questions, I'll go into the details.

First, the face value of Japanese military notes.

The denominations included 100 yuan, 50 yuan, 10 yuan, 5 yuan, 1 yuan, 50 cents, and 10 cents. Second, the exchange rate for military notes, according to the recommendation given by the Military Police Command, was one US dollar for a total of twelve dollars in military notes.

One dollar could be exchanged for a military note with a face value of three yuan, and one legal tender could be exchanged for a military note with a face value of one yuan.

As for the remaining gold and silver, detailed documents will be circulated to you later."

Someone couldn't help laughing at this exchange rate, and the director of the Social Affairs Bureau sneered.

"Mayor Su, isn't this price a bit too high?"

I didn't dare to say anything more, but judging from everyone's looks and expressions, they basically meant the same thing.

Exchanging a piece of torn paper for one legal tender is too cruel. The wealth of SH citizens is all in legal tender and ocean currency. It is only 1:1 now. If the exchange rate is adjusted later, won’t the wealth shrink directly?
On the contrary, no decent person would exchange US dollars. Foreign businessmen have legal tender in their hands, so they will definitely not give US dollars before the legal tender is spent.

"Think it's too dark? The headquarters has decided, so you go and tell them?" Su Xiwen shut the director of the Social Affairs Bureau up with just one sentence.

“I have no objection, but I’m worried it will be difficult to implement.”

"No objections would be best, but even if it's difficult to implement, we have to push it through. This is no joke."

Su Xiwen said sternly, "Everyone! The Military Police Headquarters has issued a strict order to the Economic Department. It mandates that within half a month, at least half of the companies in SH City must accept this system, and within a month, all companies in the city must complete the exchange!
Let enterprises lead their employees, employees lead their families, and family members lead their relatives. All enterprises must take the lead.

Enterprises that fail to complete their tasks will be directly dismissed and asked to leave Shanghai!

People can leave, but corporate assets cannot be taken away!
In addition, all committee members must take the lead. Each person has a mandatory quota of three companies per day that must be met. The timeline starts today. If the number of companies is less than 21 after seven days, they will resign.

"Mayor, isn't this a bit too many?" someone shouted immediately.

"Yeah, 21 companies. We've been running around all day, plus trying to persuade them. How can we possibly close deals with three of them in one day?"

"Yes, Mayor, this is impossible."

People in the conference room looked at each other. It was obvious that they were being asked to be the bad guys. Blackmail and threats might not be enough to deal with three companies.

“If you can’t do it, use your own business to fill it!”

Su Xiwen glared at them, knocked on the table and scolded them, "Don't complain to me. I see five cases a day, Deputy Director Ling sees four, and those who are lying in the hospital and can't get up still see three. Do you want to switch?"

"These" people couldn't continue speaking, their faces looked gloomy.

"The second thing is the drug problem in Shanghai. Drug smuggling is rampant. The Military Police Headquarters has instructed us to rectify it. Director Gu, you will take the lead in handling this matter. Is there any problem?" Su Xiwen looked over.

Gu Yansheng didn't expect that this task would fall on him, and it would be a one-on-one fight.

After a pause, he said, "Do I also have the hard targets of the three companies? Then the time may be a bit difficult. Besides, the drug problem is not just a judicial issue, right?"

Others don’t know, but Su Xiwen attended the banquet, so it’s impossible for him not to know about the drug scam. This is a huge pit, and even the Qing Gang will rebel.

"We'll give you one less case every day, no fewer. The drug problem is essentially a social problem. It's reasonable for your judicial department to take the lead in handling it. Director Lu, please cooperate."

Police Chief Lu Ying was named.

"Me? I'm busy too. I can try my best to cooperate, but wouldn't the number of companies be a little less?"

The police station’s cooperation was certain, and Lu Ying didn’t want to refuse at all, but if one company was missing, it would be much better, and rights had to be fought for.

However, Su Xiwen interrupted his sweet dream and said expressionlessly, "You are indispensable."

"Why?" Lu Ying's eyes widened. "Director Gu can do without, but I can't?"

"Is there any need to ask why? How long has Director Gu been in the government? How familiar is he with Shanghai?
"It's reasonable to give him less, but you, Director Lu Yinglu, have been a police officer in Shanghai for so many years, don't you know which companies are easy to talk to? Do you believe that if I tell the Japanese that you want to reduce the number of companies, the Japanese will give you two more? Do you want to take a gamble?"

"What the hell." Lu Ying laughed.

"Who are you scolding?" Su Xiwen glared and shouted.

"It's just a catchphrase, I'm not scolding you." Lu Ying suppressed his anger and begged for mercy.

Su Xiwen then retracted his gaze, glanced around, and said, "Be quick and make achievements. The Japanese will naturally notice. But if you shirk your responsibilities, I have issued a military order. If you fail to complete it, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

"Yes!"

After the meeting ended, Su Xiwen left first, while the others stayed tacitly.

Start the crusade mode.

Target Su Xiwen.

The Japanese's intention was very clear. Knowing that the Japanese had the enterprises in their hands, they let them take the lead in handing them over.

Very cruel.

They suspected that Su Xiwen had suggested this.

This old guy was originally squeezed out by Fu Xiaoan and was only able to serve as a mascot. Who has ever seen a mayor become deputy mayor after being a mayor? How dare he have such a nerve?

But Su Xiwen did it.

And he turned over.

He is now in charge of the Economic Department, which is definitely a position of real power and he holds great authority.

"You're so cruel to your own people. You'll have a hard time in the future."

"Who's your man? Director Su was originally promoted by the Military Police Headquarters. He's not familiar with you."

"That's true."

"Hey, Director Gu, what do you think about the drug issue?" Lu Ying took the initiative to speak.

Gu Yansheng thought about it and simply stood up, "Let's go to my office and talk."

(End of this chapter)