Republic of China: Ace Pilot

"General Manager, something's happened."

Fang Wen snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the Taishan Airlines staff member who had spoken. "What's wrong?"

"Passengers who bought tickets all requested that they bring more luggage on board," the staff member replied.

That won't do; the Huashan-1 was designed to have a cargo hold load capacity of 960 kilograms.

That is to say, for each trip with 30 passengers, the baggage allowance must not exceed 30 kilograms.

Fang Wen walked towards the ticket counter and explained to the ticket buyers in a friendly manner.

We learned that the total transport capacity was limited, and that having too much would be dangerous, plus everyone's luggage weight was the same.

Ticket buyers no longer complained.

Then, one of the men in a suit stepped forward, took off his hat, and held it in his hand. "Mr. Fang, it's a pleasure to see you again."

He used the hat etiquette of French nobility, which represented respect and greeting in that era. Judging from his skillful and accurate etiquette and speech, he may have had French noble ancestors.

The whispers of the staff beside him confirmed Fang Wen's guess: "It's the Marquis of Armand de Pras. A hereditary marquis during the Bourbon dynasty, the owner of Château de de Pras, a top winery on the Left Bank of Paris, and a former member of the French House of Peers. He is a staunch supporter of the French army, firmly believing that the French army is the strongest in Europe and that the German army could never break through the Maginot Line. He even held a banquet in Paris in May when the German army launched a blitzkrieg against France, declaring to his guests: 'This is just a German bluff.'"

Fang Wen raised his hand to stop the staff member from continuing.

These old French aristocrats derive their wealth from centuries-old wineries, real estate in prime Parisian locations, and family-inherited art collections.

These are all assets that are difficult to liquidate. The fact that they took the initiative to contact me suggests that they have something very important to discuss.

Fang Wen smiled. "Sorry, you said you've seen me before, but I have a very good memory, and I don't think I've run into you in the past two years."

"Seven years ago, you flew from Shanghai to Paris by yourself and hosted a banquet in the name of the consulate. I happened to attend as a guest at the time."

I remember now, it was several years ago. The banquet was held to meet with executives of the Falaman Company, and a group of celebrities from all walks of life were invited through the Chinese Consulate.

Fang Wen's powerful mental strength allowed him to find the image of the other person deep in his memory; they had indeed appeared at the banquet.

Fang Wen continued talking to him.

"I'm afraid I can't handle the luggage issue either, since the plane has limited weight capacity and it's all already allocated."

“I understand. Could you add a cargo flight to help us transport some of our goods? I know it’s not easy, but this isn’t just about me, it’s about many others. If you’re willing, we’re willing to pay a large sum for the airfare.”

Money's coming!

Fang Wenxin was delighted, but calmly replied, "The situation is becoming increasingly tense. Who knows when the Germans might invade Paris? Flying these secret routes carries enormous risks for me. Adding cargo flights would make it very difficult."

He didn't say it was impossible, but rather that it was very difficult to do; this was a way of putting pressure on the other party.

The old nobleman naturally understood: "Mr. Fang, could we talk in a quiet place?"

Fang Wen led him upstairs to the branch manager's office.

The two entered the office, while Gong Xiu stood guard outside the door.

Only then did the old nobleman release the order.

“Mr. Fang, I am speaking on behalf of several families to consult you. If the Germans occupy France, they will likely retaliate against us fiercely, just like we did to them in the last war. Of course, it is also possible that they will be more merciful. But we cannot be sure whether the future will be good or bad, so we can only mitigate the risks.”

Fang Wen's heart skipped a beat.

French people of this era probably viewed Germans in the same way as the old aristocracy.

The enmity between the two countries during World War I was considerable.

The Treaty of Versailles, which Britain and France forced Germany to sign, along with various military and economic repression measures, led to the collapse of the German economy and widespread resentment throughout the country, ultimately resulting in Hitler leading the Nazis to power.

Therefore, the old French aristocracy feared German retaliation, revenge, killing, and looting.

That's only human nature.

Clearing his mind, Fang Wen asked, "What do you want to transport using my plane? Where are you going to transport it?"

The old nobleman, Almundipura, replied, “They are all valuable and easily transportable goods. Some are destined for Africa, some for the United States, or for South Asia and Australia. But we need assurances that Taishan Airlines will not swallow up these treasures.”

His words are key to the success of this collaboration.

If these French families cannot be given a satisfactory answer, they will not be able to transport their enormous family wealth out of the country via Taishan Airlines.

Fang Wen couldn't help but ponder how to respond to this.

Gain their trust and then appropriate a large amount of wealth for yourself?

This is not a good idea.

Given Fang Wen's current net worth and the size of the airline, it's not worth it.

After all, the war will end, and we will face endless accusations and negative propaganda from these families. Should we kill all the people who know the truth?

This evil thought was immediately rejected by Fang Wen.

He considered this as a big deal.

How can I gain the other party's trust, and how should I charge air freight fees?
There was a knock on the office door.

Gong Xiuneng's voice came from outside the door: "Commander, there's a telegram from Yangon."

Fang Wen, who was deep in thought, went to open the door and took the telegram to read.

The telegram stated that the technicians recruited from France and Pierre's family had all been settled.

The 101 pilots have returned by civilian aircraft and have arrived in Delhi. They are expected to arrive in Myanmar tomorrow.

Looking at the contents of the telegram, Fang Wen thought of Fang Shouxin, the Minister of Administration who was in charge of these matters.

Uncle Fang is getting old and still working so hard. Should we find someone to share his workload?

For some reason, an idea suddenly popped into my head.

He drew a connection between Fang Shouxin's early participation in the Boxer Rebellion and the Eight-Nation Alliance.

In those years, the Eight-Nation Alliance that stormed into Beiping (Beijing) looted many of China's cultural treasures.

Could these noble families have kept the items they looted back then?

It is quite possible that ordinary French soldiers and officers would sell the items shortly after bringing them back, and these wealthy noble families would likely be the ones buying them.

With this in mind, Fang Wen had an idea.

He went back, placed the telegram on the table, and looked at the old nobleman.

“I can understand your feelings, just like 40 years ago when you stormed into Beiping and looted the treasures of the former Qing emperors and princes.”

While the metaphor was apt, it was also intentional on Fang Wen's part. To be fair, the Eight-Nation Alliance remains an unhealed wound for the Chinese people. In response, the old nobleman showed a flustered expression and explained, "I'm sorry, that has nothing to do with us. Please forgive the harm done to you and your family 40 years ago."

Fang Wen shook his head: "You've misunderstood. I'm not a member of the Qing Dynasty imperial family. I just want to know if your family's collection includes anything that was brought back to Europe during that catastrophe. If so, I'd like to see it; perhaps it can offset some of the shipping costs."

The old nobleman Almandipura breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Fang Wen's words.

“Several of our families have a habit of appreciating each other’s collections. I remember that each family has some. If we could use them to offset part of the shipping costs, that would be great. I can tell them to bring the items over for you to see right now.”

"Okay, call now."

Fang Wen smiled and pushed the telephone on his desk in front of the old nobleman, feeling overjoyed.

Because of China's weakness at that time, those cultural relics were not of high value. Later, when the country became stronger, these cultural relics were repeatedly brought out and hyped up by the patriotic sentiment of the Chinese people, and were sold at high prices.

If I buy a batch in advance, I can avoid this kind of thing from happening again.

The old nobleman Almundipur called several families, and upon learning of the situation, those families all brought their collections over.

Within an hour, cars began arriving at Taishan Airlines' Paris branch, and passengers were led to Taishan Airlines' business hall after getting out of their vehicles.

These people were all well-dressed, knew each other, and had attendants helping to carry their suitcases and wooden boxes.

Madame Simone de Coster walked at the front, dressed in a sharply tailored Chanel suit, but clutching a brass-trimmed leather trunk tightly in her hand. Upon seeing Armand, she asked directly, "Marquis, is Mr. Fang really willing to pay the shipping costs in kind?"

As soon as she finished speaking, a soft cough came from behind her, and Pierre walked over.

Pierre, an art investor, is now considered one of Fang Wen's men and is also the host of this appraisal event.

"Mrs. Coster, how valuable is what you brought?"

“I can guarantee that everything is the best,” Mrs. Simone replied.

At this moment, Fang Wen walked in from outside.

Pierre quickly went over and introduced the people in the hall to Fang Wen.

Most of them came from aristocratic families, with a few newly rich.

For example, Mrs. Simone de Coster, who just spoke, inherited her husband's textile business and managed it well; she was the wealthiest person present.

Pierre then introduced two specially invited appraisal experts.

René Gru, researcher at the Guimet National Museum of Asian Art.

Georges Morand, researcher at the Louvre Museum.

Both are currently the best experts on Oriental art in Paris.

Given the current situation, Paris can no longer find any Chinese experts on cultural relics, so they have to rely on these two to make the appraisals.

After everyone has been introduced, the appraisal can begin.

Pierre had already had two long tables set up in the center of the hall, covered with tablecloths, and several tall table lamps brought in to supplement the light source.

René Greu and Georges Morand stood side by side at the table. The former was dressed in a dark suit and looked solemn, while the latter carried a leather tool bag containing a magnifying glass, a soft brush, and other identification instruments.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Pierre gestured for silence, "please come forward in order and present your collections one by one. Two experts will appraise and value them on the spot, and Mr. Fang will make the final confirmation on whether the shipping costs can be offset. Remember, only the Chinese artifacts brought back from Beiping in 1900 will be displayed; other collections are not within the scope of this consideration."

As soon as he finished speaking, Armand stepped forward first, followed by his attendant carrying a carved wooden box, and slowly walked to the table.

He opened the wooden box, and on the dark red velvet lay a jade thumb ring, a scroll, and a string of lustrous beads.

George Morand picked up a magnifying glass and brought it close to the jade thumb ring to examine the dragon pattern on it closely: "The scales are finely carved with smooth lines. The jade is top-grade Hetian jade. The inscription 'Made by Imperial Emperor Qianlong' is engraved on the inner wall of the thumb ring. It is a typical Qing Dynasty court craft. Around 1900, many personal items of princes left the Forbidden City, but this is the first time I have seen one of the emperor's level."

He put down the thumb ring and gently brushed the unfolded painting with a soft brush. "The brushstrokes are delicate, the color transitions are natural, and the signature 'Respectfully painted by your subject Lang Shining' is consistent with the works of Lang Shining in the Guimet Museum. It is undoubtedly a genuine work."

René Gru picked up the string of beads, counted the number of beads, and examined the quality of the coral beads: "The pearls are round and smooth, and the coral Buddha head has a uniform color. Although it is missing two beads, it is still of the standard used by the Qing Dynasty imperial family for worshipping Heaven. It should have been obtained by the French army from Prince Gong's Mansion or the Forbidden City."

After a brief, hushed discussion, George spoke up: “All three items are genuine Qing Dynasty court artifacts. The Qianlong jade thumb ring is valued at 1.8 ounces of gold, the Lang Shining’s ‘Pine and Crane’ painting is valued at a slightly higher 2.5 ounces of gold, and the court beads are valued at 0.8 ounces of gold.”

Listening to their quotes, Fang Wen mentally compared prices.

One ounce of gold is worth $35, which is roughly 10000 Swiss francs.

Paris is in chaos now; the value system has collapsed, and gold is the only hard currency.

However, the value of artworks and cultural relics is plummeting.

If all three items are genuine, it's an absolute steal.

He was more interested in what good things would come next.

The second appraiser was Mrs. Simone de Coster.

Simone stepped forward in her high heels and slammed the brass-trimmed leather case onto the table. The moment she opened it, the case was filled with dazzling jewelry and jade artifacts—jade bracelets, ruby ​​pendants, gilded Buddhist shrines, and most eye-catching of all, a colorful vase.

René Gru picked up the vase, his gaze falling on the dented area on its surface. He frowned slightly. "The vase is decorated with a lotus scroll pattern and has a gilded base. It's a product of the Jingdezhen imperial kiln during the Kangxi period, originally intended for the Chuxiu Palace in the Forbidden City. It's a pity there's a dent, which affects its condition." He then picked up the jade bracelet and examined it under the light. "The jade is translucent and free of impurities. It's a Qing Dynasty icy jade. From the craftsmanship to the material, it's impossible for it to have appeared in private hands, but its exact origin cannot be determined."

"What's the valuation?" Simone asked impatiently.

“Although the enamel vase has flaws, it is still a treasure, paired with a jade bracelet and a gilded shrine,” George pushed up his glasses, “and is worth a total of 3 ounces of gold.”

Simone didn't care about the valuation; she was more interested in how Fang Wen came up with the idea. After all, only if Fang Wen accepted the items could he obtain permission to borrow Taishan Airlines' plane to transport his personal wealth.

Others shared her thoughts, but due to their noble status, they did not ask directly.

Simone didn't care about that; she looked at Fang Wen.

"General Manager Fang, are you satisfied with my product?"

Fang Wen nodded: "Okay, I'll take both your and Armand's things. Let's pause the appraisal now and I'll explain the shipping costs."

The room fell silent as the wealthy people watched Fang Wen with concern.

"My freight rate is $30 per kilogram, with a single shipment limit of 1300 kilograms. I can deliver the goods to designated areas, including: French colonies in North Africa, French Vietnam in South Asia, Australia, and the United States. If you provide a specific delivery address, I can also deliver directly to your door if conditions permit."

The price may sound a bit expensive, but Fang Wen has launched a door-to-door delivery service that doesn't exist in this era. With France currently embroiled in war, this kind of precise home delivery service is exactly what is needed to transfer assets.

Those present immediately stopped caring about the shipping cost.

Fang Wen continued, "But there's a condition: we only have one plane for cargo, and the cargo capacity is limited. That's why I called this appraisal meeting. Although the items appraised aren't very valuable, they're very meaningful to me. The better the items you bring, the more cargo capacity I can offer."

He made his intentions clear: to exchange the stolen Chinese cultural relics for the amount of wealth they transferred.

Immediately, someone suggested making a phone call.

Fang Wen agreed. (End of Chapter)