Republic of China: Ace Pilot

Chapter 286, Chapter 285: Stabilizing the Pawns, Yoshida's Operating Funds, the Fang Family Property Farce, and the Mass Relocation
Utilizing Yoshida as a pawn yielded the first useful piece of military intelligence, which was a good start.

Knowing that a full-scale war would break out this year, Fang Wen understood the importance of this pawn who had infiltrated the Japanese army.

To ensure Yoshida would continue to provide useful information, they needed to use both coercion and enticement.

It's time to pay him the next round of activity funds, so he can have more money to socialize and build a good network of connections.

Therefore, we need to find a way to increase his income without arousing suspicion.

Subsequently, through secret telegram communication with Yoshida, Fang Wen came up with a good idea.

This method was inspired by Yoshida's hometown, Kochi Prefecture.

Kochi Prefecture is located on Shikoku Island in southwestern Japan. It was called Tosa in ancient times and was a poor and backward place.

The area produces fish, pomelos, and timber, but these are all primary agricultural products and therefore not very valuable.

The Yoshida family were local landowners, owning a large area of ​​farmland and mountains, but they could not be considered wealthy.

But it's a large area of ​​land after all. If someone goes there to buy land at this time, it's not a big deal if the price is higher.

He then put this plan into action.

At the headquarters of Wuhan Taishan Airlines, Fang Wen met with Wu Yingzong, who had been specially summoned back.

"I called you here today because you're the best at Japanese. I want you to disguise yourself and go to Japan to carry out a mission. To ensure secrecy, you'll have to go alone. Are you willing?"

“I’m willing. General Manager, what is it that I need to do?” Wu Yingzong’s hatred for the Japanese stemmed from the deaths of his relatives in the Bohai Sea. He was happy to do anything that targeted the Japanese.

Fang Wen nodded and explained the situation.

"Remember Yoshida? He was a pawn I placed in the Japanese military, but just having him do things without giving him some benefits won't last long. I need you to go there and give him some operating funds. Of course, not secretly. Having a large sum of money for no reason will arouse suspicion. You have to use economic means to give it to him in other ways. His family owns a lot of land in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island. What you need to do is go there disguised as an investor and buy the land at a high price."

After hearing Fang Wen's words, Wu Yingzong was a little embarrassed: "I'm afraid I can't do this by myself."

“It’s alright, I’ve brought all five of your masters here. They have connections and experience.”

Fang Wen smiled, got up, opened the door, and brought in the five brothers who had been stealing the door.

“Your five masters have all agreed; they will help you with this.”

The five apprentices were already tied to Fang Wen, and they also relied on the treasure-stealing fund set up by Fang Wen for their retirement every year. In addition, they had been too leisurely in recent years and were about to get sick. As soon as Fang Wen called them this time, they immediately took a plane over.

Now that the master and apprentice are together, they are starting to plan how to do this well.

"General Manager, you can rest assured about this matter. We have already figured out how to do it."

“There are many Japanese trading companies in Shanghai, some large and some small. The large ones have deep ties in Japan, while many of the smaller ones come here to speculate and try their luck.”

“We usually travel around Shanghai every day and have learned some things. It’s not difficult to set up a Japanese trading company here. Then, we can go to Japan in the name of this trading company and the identity problem will be solved.”

"As for if anyone investigates later, they will only find that the owner of that trading company drowned in the Huangpu River by accident."

"In this way, Wu Yingzong can operate under the name of this trading company without worrying about being exposed from beginning to end."

"The only problem is his Japanese. If he doesn't give himself away there, there won't be any issues."

These individuals used the lowest of the low, a "replace the bird in the cage" tactic, seizing a home and changing its master, making it impossible for the authorities to investigate.

But this time, it was applied to a Japanese trading company, which was already an enemy, so there's not much to say about it.

Wu Yingzong was overjoyed: "Five masters, I have been studying Japanese for the past two years so that I can deal with the Japanese devils in the future. You don't need to worry about communication."

That settled things, and Fang Wen gave him the first sum of money for the activity, ten thousand US dollars, along with the expenses for Wu Yingzong's trip to Japan.

Under the guidance of his masters, Wu Yingzong transformed himself into the manager of Fujimoto Trading Company.

He impersonated Fujimoto, disguised himself, and boarded a ship from Shanghai to Osaka.

He then took a ship to Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island, where he was warmly received by the Yoshida family.

Wu Yingzong, who was welcomed to the family residence, discussed matters with Yoshida's father under the name of Fujimoto.

"I am very interested in your land."

“I heard Yoshida mention that you wanted to buy land to plant pomelo trees. That’s a long-term investment, taking 3-5 years to bear fruit. I’m afraid it’s not a worthwhile investment,” Yoshida’s father replied with concern.

Yoshida's father was focused on his political career and completely neglected the family business. He didn't even know how to conduct business, which explains why his family business was getting worse and worse.

He actually took the initiative to advise Wu Yingzong because he was a friend introduced by his son.

Wu Yingzong was surprised; it seemed this deal would be a bit difficult.

"I've done my research on the investment, and even a five-year timeframe is fine. More importantly, this investment can be considered a form of business support for you and your son. After all, although you've entered the House of Nobles and it's a sinecure, there might be opportunities in the future. And your son has a bright future in the military."

Having said all that, Yoshida's father finally understood that he never imagined he would one day receive political donations.

He really needs the money; the cost of living in Tokyo is very high.

As for his son being in the navy, he must need a lot of money for socializing.

Therefore, Yoshida's father finally cooperated and started discussing the land sale with Fujimoto.

Ultimately, Fujimoto bought a large tract of land for $10,000 and entrusted the Yoshida family with the responsibility of planting pomelo trees thereafter.

This sum of $10,000 is far more valuable than the land itself, but because it involves subsequent planting and management, no one can find fault with it.

Thus, Yoshida received his first espionage payment.

With the matter settled in Yoshida's area, Wu Yingzong, disguised as Fujimoto, boarded a ship and returned to Shanghai.

Meanwhile, a private jet landed at Shanghai Airport.

Fang Shouxin, who was temporarily in charge of the matter, got off the plane and met with the Axe Gang members who were waiting outside the airport.

Afterwards, this group will be flown to Yangon.

Because there were more than 30 people who wanted to go to Yangon, one trip wasn't enough, so the chartered plane made three round trips to complete the trip.

After finishing this task, Fang Shouxin left Shanghai for Jiaxing.

He returned to Jiaxing, where he had lived and worked for 20 years. After a few years away, Jiaxing had not changed much, but his life had changed drastically, which made him feel emotional.

If I hadn't gone out with the young master, I might have spent my whole life in the rice shop, becoming a shop assistant in the struggle between the two brothers.

My son, Fang Shun, probably won't be able to get married now, let alone make a name for himself.

With a unique sentiment, Fang Shouxin walked the streets of Jiaxing.

He arrived at the street by the canal, where the rice shops were bustling with activity.

It is now the season for spring rice planting. Those who grow rice have already started sowing. Poor farmers who are struggling to make ends meet and have no rice left to grow will come to familiar rice shops to borrow some money and grain to prepare for spring planting.

This kind of grain lending is what rice merchants like best, as it means they can get more grain at a lower price during the harvest season.

Therefore, the shop assistants and managers of each rice shop warmly welcomed the farmers.

Fang Shouxin saw this clearly. Now that his status and position had changed drastically, he no longer had the same mindset as before.

Instead, I felt sorry for the farmers who borrowed grain. Year after year they borrowed and returned it, their lives getting worse and worse, and they eventually ended up living a miserable life just trying to make ends meet.

If the young master were to take over the rice business, he would probably overthrow the entire rice industry in Jiaxing, and perhaps farmers would no longer have to live such a hard life.

Thinking of this, Fang Shouxin couldn't help but smile. The young master was a man of great ambition, and he did great things. How could he be limited to such a small place as Jiaxing?

He stopped in front of Fangjia Rice Shop.

The shop assistants in the rice shop saw someone outside and immediately came out to greet them.

"Are you here to buy rice, sir? Our rice is all from last autumn, the best quality."

“I’m not buying rice, I’ll find someone,” Fang Shouxin replied.

Upon hearing that somewhat familiar voice, the waiter froze, staring at Fang Shouxin in disbelief. His current attire—a long robe and refined appearance—was completely different from the one he remembered, though his features were vaguely recognizable.

"Manager Fang, is that you?" he couldn't help but ask.

“It’s me, you sycophant. Go tell everyone that Fang Shouxin has come back to see them.”

Upon hearing his nickname, the guy immediately understood.

He turned around and shouted, "Old Fang is back! Everyone come out quickly!"

A large group of employees from Fang's Rice Shop rushed out and surrounded Fang Shouxin, each saying their own thing.

Although everyone had heard about Fang Shouxin's experiences outside, seeing him in person was a completely different story.

Fang Shouxin answered their questions one by one, as if he had returned to the time when he worked with them in the rice shop a few years ago.

As he spoke, his experiences outside became clearer.

Not only did he become the manager of a major national company, but his son also became successful.

The men gradually fell silent, and a chasm began to appear between them and Fang Shouxin.

Until the new manager of the rice shop came out.

"Old Fang, what brings you back this time?"

"Young Master sent me back; there's something I need to discuss. Is Master home?"

"They should be back by now. Come on, I'll take you there."

Fang Shouxin talked with the new manager, and then they went to the Fang residence together.

He entered the Fang residence, greeted the old acquaintances one by one, and then met Master Fang in the main hall.

Despite not having seen each other for several years, Mr. Fang and Fang Shouxin still had a tacit understanding.

"Did Fang Wen send you?"

"Yes, he asked me to persuade you."

"Go to the study."

Master Fang got up and went into the study with Fang Shouxin.

In the study, Mr. Fang abandoned his usual dignified demeanor at home and revealed a smile.

“Shouxin, I’m happy that you’re doing well out there. You know, when I relinquished power, I had no say in the family, and my two sons fought tooth and nail over the inheritance. It was really tough on you. Luckily, Fang Wen took you out, so I feel at ease.”

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity, sir. Shunzi and I will remember it." Fang Shouxin responded politely.

"After all, you've seen the world, and you're trustworthy. Now you're behaving just like those compradors in Shanghai," Mr. Fang remarked.

"The main reason is that the young master has a large business, so there is a lot to learn from him."

After exchanging pleasantries, Mr. Fang got down to business.

“Fang Wen wrote me a letter. He was worried that the Japanese would attack Shanghai again and wanted my whole family to move. I kept thinking about it. If we left, what would be the point without my close friends? Besides, Fang Wen was just guessing. Several years have passed, and I don’t think the Japanese will start another war.”

Mr. Fang's words represent the views of many people in China today.

Everyone thought that Japan, a small island nation, had already committed a huge act of swallowing an elephant by occupying the three northeastern provinces, so how could it possibly continue to wage war?

This is something that Master Fang would only say to Fang Shouxin, as the two are of the same generation and have a 20-year friendship.

If Fang Wen were here, Master Fang wouldn't have said a word.

Fang Shouxin, who came with a mission, recalled what Fang Wen had said to him, and then expressed his meaning in his own words to persuade Master Fang.

“Master, it is said that history is used to illustrate the present. The rise and fall of China over thousands of years is all traceable. It is inevitable that there will be a period of decline, followed by chaos, and then foreign invasion. This is all a process. In the eyes of outsiders, China is a big piece of fat meat. How can we give up after taking a bite of the scraps?”

Fang Shouxin's words startled Master Fang awake.

"You mean, the Japanese also want to take over the Central Plains?"

"That's right. The Great Wall has fallen, and the Japanese can come and go in Beijing, Tianjin, and the whole of North China at any time. Apart from the Yellow River, what natural defenses do we have left to defend?"

"If that's the case, then it doesn't matter where you go, right?"

"It's different. Shanghai is strategically important, and the Japanese will definitely take it. Jiaxing is close by and will certainly be affected by the war. If you want to go abroad, I have a base in South Asia to guarantee your safety. If you don't want to go abroad, go to Wuhan first. It's in the heartland and the headquarters of Taishan Airlines. If the situation continues to deteriorate, you can take a plane to a safer place at any time."

The same words, spoken by Fang Shouxin, were more convincing than those spoken by Fang Wen.

After some hesitation, Mr. Fang agreed.

After all, he no longer cares about family matters, so it's not bad for him to go and enjoy a comfortable life with his fifth brother.

But the two sons are a bit of a problem.

Therefore, he called his two sons over to discuss the matter.

The two have been fighting over the family fortune for so many years, but this move has finally brought them to a conclusion.

The eldest son shouted, "I'm not leaving. This rice shop needs me to manage it. You all go ahead."

The second young master glared angrily and said, "Father didn't say he was handing the rice shop over to you, he just asked you to manage it temporarily. I also have a share in this rice shop. Why don't you go to Wuhan with Father and I will manage the rice shop?"

The two started arguing about it again.

Master Fang slammed his hand on the table. “You good-for-nothings! Compared to Fifth Brother, you are far inferior. Fighting over this little bit of inheritance, look at your younger brother, he didn’t take a single penny and built his own career outside.”

The two brothers were really putting their cards on the table this time, disregarding their father's authority and retorting.

The eldest son said, "It is said that there is an order of seniority. In ancient times, emperors passed the throne to their eldest sons, not their youngest. This rice shop should have been mine, and no one can take it away."

Second Young Master: "The eldest brother and I don't have the fifth brother's abilities. We're just after this rice business. If we don't compete for it, do you expect us to squander money outside?"

Standing to the side, Fang Shouxin realized the gravity of the matter; the root of the problem lay in the division of the family fortune.

Master Fang was undecided. The eldest son wanted the lion's share, but the second son's side was assertive, which encouraged the second son to step forward and fight for it.

This is all about interests.

He recalled Fang Wen's words: different perspectives lead to different views of the sky.

He has already provided a solution to this situation.

He then took out a cash check signed by Fang Wen from the bag he had brought.

"This is a check that the Third Young Master asked me to bring. It can be cashed at the Shanghai Commercial Savings Bank. He said he bought the rice shop. You can fill in the amount yourself."

The two brothers immediately stopped arguing.

They asked what the piece of paper was for, and when they learned that they could fill in the numbers on it and withdraw the corresponding cash from the Shanghai Commercial Savings Bank, the two men looked at the check, which could be filled with any amount, with greedy eyes.

Mr. Fang sighed and took the check.

“I’ll make the decision. I’ll sell it to the fifth brother. The eldest and second eldest brothers will split the money in half. If anyone tries to cause trouble, I won’t give them a single penny.”

Seeing that Master Fang had taken a firm stance, the two brothers immediately stopped arguing and instead fawned over their father, trying to persuade him.

"Dad, write more. Fifth Brother isn't short of money. You should at least give us some financial security."

"That's right. If we leave home and have no money, how will we survive?"

Under the relentless bombardment from his two sons, Mr. Fang finally filled in what he considered a very high price.

Fang Shouxin glanced at it and thought, "This is it? It's far from what the young master expected."

Immediately afterwards, Fang Family Rice Shop was sold to Fang Wen at a high price, and the whole family began a joyful collective move.

(End of this chapter)