From street tabloids to the first newspaper of the Republic of China

Meanwhile, not far from the Shenbao newspaper office.

This is a building that combines Chinese and Western architectural styles, standing at the corner of Fuzhou Road and Wangping Street.

The architecture is so distinctive that it makes passing travelers look up in awe.

Because this building resembles a Chinese pagoda that has grown out of a Western painting. The first three floors are in a Western style, with European-style arched doors and Ionic columns on the ground floor. The east and south facades are also in a Western style, and the upper part has a Baroque pediment decoration.

On the rooftop of the third floor, an octagonal tower rises abruptly, with upturned eaves and a gourd-shaped top. Balconies extend around the tower, allowing people to climb up and enjoy the view.

Sunlight streamed down from the sky, casting the tower's shadow diagonally across the street like a giant umbrella, obscuring half the street.

People who live nearby or work in the area call this building "Little White Building" because the pagoda is painted with a layer of white lime. From a distance, it looks like a white jade pillar.

Sources say the idea came from Di Pingzi, the general manager of The Times, because he is a Buddhist and the tower resembles a sutra pillar in a temple. He believes that publishing the newspaper at the foot of the tower every day is like receiving the protection of Buddha.

In the general manager's office on the third floor, Di Pingzi stood by the window, with a panoramic view of the entire street.

He was forty-two years old this year, with a round face, a mustache, and wore a gray long gown with a black mandarin jacket over it. His hair was neatly combed.

The table behind him was piled high with antiques and calligraphy, which was his hobby.

His eyes occasionally swept over the Shenbao newspaper office, and he immediately became indignant.

Shameless little devil!

As Kang Youwei's only disciple from Jiangnan, he advocated reform during the Hundred Days' Reform, but went into exile in Japan after its failure. He finally returned to China in 1904 and, with the support of the reformists, founded the *Shibao* (Times), becoming the mouthpiece of the royalists in China. He boldly declared, "I founded this newspaper not to reform public opinion, but to reform the press that represents public opinion." However, due to its distinct political nature, the *Shibao* also suffered much criticism.

However, the Times did cultivate many talents for the newspaper industry in Xia Kingdom, as well as... its ultimate mortal enemy!

Before Shi Jiaxiu took over the Shenbao newspaper, he was the chief editor of the Shibao newspaper. Then one day he suddenly ran away and took Di Pingzi's favorite general with him.

If it weren't for the consideration of not being a gentleman, he would have really gone to fight Shi Jiaxiu.

Shi Jiaxiu not only poached Chen Jinghan, but also spent a lot of money to poach his "Yuanyong Communications" in Beiping. He even copied the newspaper's model. The Times started with "current affairs commentary, supplements, serialized classics, and the establishment of a communications network." The Shen Bao followed suit and became even more popular than the Times.

It can be said that after Shi Jiaxiu became the boss, he didn't even bother to figure things out as he went along; he practically ripped Di Pingzi off.

It's no wonder he was so furious; anyone who encountered such a damn business war would hold a grudge for life.

Not to mention, Shi Jiaxiu's Shenbao newspaper office was right next to him, it was like being NTR'd right in front of him...

"Xiao Gao! Come in here for a moment!"

Di Pingzi turned around, sat down, and shouted towards the door.

The door was quickly pushed open.

The middle-aged man who entered wore round-framed glasses and carried a stack of manuscript papers.

"What's wrong?"

Luo Xiaogao was also a disciple of Kang Youwei, and even a direct disciple of Kang Youwei. He studied in Japan in his early years and was erudite and had a mature writing style. He was highly respected in the press.

He was naturally not too reserved when facing Di Pingzi.

Di Pingzi beckoned him to come and sit down, and held up a newspaper, asking:

"Have you read today's 'Strange News'?"

Luo Xiaogao sat in the chair and nodded:

"I read it, especially the one about visiting beggars. Although the topic was a bit lowbrow, it was really well written."

Tell me about it.

"That article can be seen not only as an investigative report, but also as an indictment. Most importantly, it wasn't written sitting in a newspaper office; without going deep into the beggar gang, it would have been impossible to write such a piece."

"Yes, I haven't seen many journalists or reporters these days who can do that."

Di Pingzi sighed.

For some reason, the office suddenly fell silent.

The incense burner on the table emitted wisps of smoke, which were quickly dispersed by the hot air.

"Xiao Gao, do you know what the 'Strange Newspaper' used to do?"

Di Pingzi suddenly asked.

Luo Xiaogao didn't think much before laughing:

"I know that the newspaper run by that bastard Shen Zishi was initially quite respectable, but after the Republic of China was established, it became a tabloid. He's not ashamed at all."

"So what do you think is behind this sudden transformation of a tabloid into what it is now?"

"...Is there a powerful figure behind this?"

Luo Xiaogao gave this kind of answer that, once given, would not be wrong.

Di Pingzi couldn't figure it out either, so he leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling:

"That's probably the case, otherwise how could they have made these changes... I specifically studied the changes in the 'Strange News' newspaper, from focusing on the lives of ordinary people to using vernacular Chinese, a horizontal layout, and political commentary. This is not a decision that an ordinary person could make, nor is it something that a tabloid could achieve. I don't believe that no one helped him..."

"The person who helped him is a real talent!"

He sat up, took a swig of tea, and said through gritted teeth:

"That little bastard Shi Jiaxiu is definitely up to no good!"

Luo Xiaogao smiled speechlessly:

"You still remember that incident?"

"How could I not remember!"

Di Pingzi's voice suddenly rose, pointing in the direction of the Shenbao office: "That bastard poached my people, poached my columns, even stripped me bare, and took them all over there! He didn't even give me a heads-up beforehand, keeping me completely in the dark. By the time I realized what was happening, it was already done! I want to fight him to the death!"

After saying that, he was panting heavily. He picked up his teacup and took another sip before he could barely suppress his anger.

"Others are feeling their way across the river, but he's carrying a whole bridge! How can I not be angry about what this despicable person has done?"

"It's been three years, is it really that serious?!"

"Three years? I remember thirty years too! That little bastard, relying on his familiarity with Shen Zishi, reprints every article published in the 'Strange News Daily,' and tries to put on a show of virtuous conduct. I bet this 'Beggar's Cave Chronicle' is the same!"

Di Pingzi grew angrier and angrier as he spoke, wishing he could open the window wide and give Shi Jiaxiu a good scolding, so that the whole world would know how despicable this guy was.

Luo Xiaogao smiled and shook his head:

"So what do you plan to do?"

Di Pingzi slammed his hand on the table:

"If he reprints it, I'll reprint it too!"

Luo Xiaogao nodded:

"Alright, alright, whatever you say. Reprint it if you want. Anyway, Shen Bao isn't the only newspaper reprinting 'Strange News' lately. Let's put it on the second page, add an editor's note, and have it compete with Shen Bao. What do you think?"

Di Pingzi's expression suddenly turned serious:

"No, it's not just about fighting in the ring."

"What else?"

"Choose sides! Judging from the current situation, it probably won't be long before Yuan Xiangcheng takes that position. Yang Chengzan and his six associates are stirring up trouble in Beiping. Liang Yinbing has published an article that has already made his stance clear. It's true that we've separated from Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao, but we can't be confused on such matters of principle."

"I understand. Because this 'Strange News' newspaper is leading the criticism, publishing their article is more explicit than publishing 'How Strange Is the So-Called Question of the Form of Government'."

Luo Xiaogao suddenly realized.

Di Pingzi pointed at him, a smirk playing on his lips:

"Therefore! I can't help but reprint this, and I'm also going to poach all the reporters and commentators from the 'Strange News' to my 'Times'!"

"Are you trying to poach people too?"

"What's wrong? That little punk next door can do it, but I can't?"

"How are you going to dig?"

Luo Xiaogao asked the key question.

Di Pingzi pondered for a moment, then held up two fingers:

"First, simply poach people, as many as possible; second, poach both people and newspapers, and then acquire the newspaper office."

Luo Xiaogao's lips twitched:

"Shen Zishi is acquainted with Shi Jiaxiu. What if Shi Jiaxiu makes the first move?"

The office was quiet for a few more seconds.

Di Pingzi realized the seriousness of the situation and got up, pacing back and forth.

"No, no... You're right, I have to hurry..."

Luo Xiaogao then asked:

"Before you make your move, where did you find the office of the *Strange News* newspaper? They published a 'Letters from the Readers' section, but I've never seen it there. Shen Zishi left the newspaper's address..."

Di Pingzi opened his mouth but didn't speak, his face gradually turning red.

After a while, he plopped back into his chair and said in a domineering CEO-like manner:

"I don't care, this job is yours. I need the exact address of the 'Strange News' within three days."

Luo Xiaogao's smile faded, and he said seriously:

"Okay, it's not hard to find out, but there's one thing I need to remind you of."

"explain."

"The current style of the *Strange News* is too radical. News topics like dockworkers and beggars are bound to offend powerful people. If you poach their staff or buy the newspaper, how will you explain these articles to the Public Works Department if they're published in our *Times*?"

"...I'll figure it out myself. I must have this person..."

Di Pingzi's voice became much softer.

In recent years, the reputation of the Times has not been very good, especially in the case of Song Jiaoren, where it strongly defended Yuan Xiangcheng. It was only when Yuan Xiangcheng went too far that it began to change its attitude, and its political stance has been wavering.

If Yuan Xiangcheng weren't so inactive now, he would probably still say some ambiguous things. This is the duality of the national bourgeoisie, but they always have to choose sides.

Once the emperor returns, they still want to develop capitalist newspapers? What are they thinking...?

"Journalists are the voice of the people... If the voice of the people is lost, the people will be silenced."

"Go and find out the address; I'll figure out the rest."

Di Pingzi finally made up his mind.

Luo Xiaogao was certain he was serious, so he packed up the manuscript and left, but suddenly turned back with a smile at the door:

"Well, I think it's best to find someone to ask about this; it'll be faster..."

"Who?"

"History compiled by Shi Jiaxiu".

"Get out! Get out!"

......

The same street, the office of the Newspaper.

This building isn't as grand as the Times, but it's not as shabby as the Shen Bao either.

The Newspaper was founded in the nineteenth year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign and was one of the earliest newspapers in Shanghai. Initially, it was a Sino-foreign joint venture, but in the twenty-fifth year of Guangxu's reign, it was acquired by the American missionary Ferguson, who hired Wang Hanxi as general manager.

To this day, it remains controlled by Ferguson.

Although it claims to be "non-partisan, impartial, and economically independent," those familiar with the press know that this newspaper is not politically independent.

It opposed the Boxer Rebellion and the bourgeois democratic revolution, representing a typical conservative stance.

Despite its conservative nature, the newspaper has a lot of experience in business.

It was very clear about its position, targeting the bourgeoisie and petty bourgeoisie. It featured a special economic news column, publishing daily market information and exchange rates for securities, yarn, grain, and other commodities. Its business intelligence was extremely advanced; anyone wanting to expand their business needed to subscribe, and it consistently ranked first in sales nationwide.

In addition, it also publishes a supplement, initially called "Zhuangxie Conglu" (Collection of Folk Remarks), which was renamed "Kuaihuolin" (Happy Forest) last August. It focuses on entertainment and leisure, and secondly on social commentary, and has a wide audience among ordinary citizens.

It can be said that half of the sales of the Newspaper were due to its association with industry and commerce, and the other half was due to the supplements.

At this moment, General Manager Wang Hanxi was sitting in his office, fiddling with a pair of wooden walnuts, and repeatedly reading the "Strange News Report".

Opposite him was Yan Duhe, a man in his thirties wearing gold-rimmed glasses, who was the editor-in-chief of "Kuaihuolin" and had made great contributions to "Xinwenbao".

His daily column "Talks," which served as the headline of the supplement, was concise and to the point, covering a wide range of topics, from current political events to the dark side of society. It was very popular with readers and enjoyed great popularity in the Shanghai newspaper industry.

"How is it?" Yan Duhe asked.

Wang Hanxi put down the newspaper:

"The on-site visit revealed authentic details, conveying both warmth and impact."

"That's all?"

"His writing style isn't fancy, but it's powerful enough; his thinking is clear, and he knows what to write; his courage... he can spend seven days among beggars and dare to question the concessions and the world, which is beyond doubt."

"That's exactly what I thought!"

Yan Duhe sighed.

Wang Hanxi was silent for a moment, then spun the walnut in his palm:

"Duhe, should we also repost this article?"

Yan Duhe raised his head and looked at him:

"Mr. Wang, are you asking about reprinting, or something else?"

Wang Hanxi pointed at him and smiled:

"You're too smart."

He stood up, walked to the window, glanced at the newspaper office he was working with, and said:

"Other newspapers are reprinting it. If Shen Bao reprints it, Shi Bao will definitely follow suit. If our Xinwen Bao doesn't reprint it, it will seem too conservative. But if we do reprint it, the Chinese-controlled areas and the foreign concessions will have something to say."

Yan Duhe remained silent, lost in thought.

"There's one more thing..."

Wang Hanxi turned around: "Have you ever thought about poaching people from the 'Strange News' newspaper?"

Yan Duhe was stunned for a moment:

"Dig it up? Put it in 'Happy Forest'? That's a waste of its talent!"

"They could also be placed in the news department. These people can write political commentary as well as social surveys. Such writers are rare."

"Mr. Wang, but to me, it looks like it was written by the same person!"

"That's what I think too, but I'm not sure. This assumption is really shocking. If one person can do so many things, we might as well find a rope and hang ourselves all on Wangping Street."

Wang Hanxi smiled and shook his head.

Yan Duhe hesitated for a moment, then said:

"Regardless of how many people are involved, it's true that the *Strange News* has a radical writing style. Its topics either criticize politics or expose societal wounds. Our self-proclaimed values ​​are one thing, but our audience dictates that we can't be too politically radical, otherwise we might lose our economic standing... Would Mr. Ferguson agree to this?"

"Furthermore, Yuan Shikai wants to declare himself emperor, and the Preparatory Committee for the Establishment of the State has already been established. The situation is becoming increasingly tense. Writing these things now is too risky. The Newspaper is a large and established organization and cannot afford to be thrown into turmoil."

Wang Hanxi stroked his beard and asked:

"So you mean, you won't share it?"

Yan Duhe shook his head:

"No, let's wait and see."

"What are you waiting for?"

"Waiting for someone."

Yan Duhe explained:

"Let's see if the concession authorities react after the Shen Bao and Shi Bao reprint this. If they don't react, then we can follow suit."

Wang Hanxi nodded, placed the walnuts on the table, and looked somewhat doubtful:

"But isn't it a bit too late? What if that bastard Shi Jiaxiu or that scoundrel Di Pingzi beats us to it? We'll be at a huge loss!"

They're still thinking about poaching people.

Yan Duhe smiled and comforted him:

"The world changes so fast. An emperor can be overthrown in just a few years, and now someone else is about to become emperor. Who can predict the future?"