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

the next day.

The Municipal Council, located on Rua do Conselheiro Ferreira do Amaral and not far from Rua do Campo, stands quietly by the roadside.

This is a three-story Western-style building with gray and white earthen walls, arched doors and windows, a horseshoe-shaped staircase, and a large clock on the roof. The overall style is modeled after the Renaissance period.

In front of the building, there is an open space planted with flowers and grass, and several black cars are parked there.

The interior decoration style is typical of colonialism.

The high ceilings, marble floors, and the French coat of arms and portrait of Raymond Poingale on the walls all gave the place a cold and austere feel.

At the end of the second-floor corridor, a bronze plaque reading "Chief Inspector of the Police Force" hangs on the door.

The office door was ajar. The interior was spacious, but the furnishings were relatively simple, exuding a crisp, violent atmosphere.

Against the wall, in front of the bookshelves, stood a large oak desk. The desk was piled high with documents, telegrams, newspapers, and a silver coffee pot.

There was a medium-sized safe under the table, which looked like it required a key and a combination to open.

Acting Inspector General Joviel sat behind the table. He looked to be in his early forties, tall and thin, with blue eyes hidden in their sockets, as if he were always scrutinizing something.

He was wearing a tailor-made suit, the collar buttoned up perfectly, and his hair was slicked back and shiny.

On the table lay the "Strange News" newspaper, registered in the French Concession, sent by the Political Department of the "Big Clock Police Station." It included recent reports, sales figures, and an overall risk assessment.

He had already read the translated manuscripts of those sensational articles twice.

Seeing the glaring "needs to be controlled" on the risk assessment document, he felt there was no problem.

For Yuan Xiangcheng, the articles in this tabloid were quite sharp.

It was so sharp that even he, a French political elite, felt somewhat uncomfortable.

He even suspected that the newspaper might have some Bolshevik tendencies.

Because when he was in China, he had read several articles by the minority faction of the "French Socialist Party," and the content of those articles was surprisingly similar to that in this tabloid.

"Tsk..."

Jovié picked up the coffee pot, poured a cup of coffee, without adding sugar cubes, and the bitter aroma quickly filled the air.

The smell of paper and leather created a unique, bureaucratic odor that he enjoyed.

"Cheers, may the creaking bureaucratic machine continue from generation to generation."

Jóvié raised his coffee cup, paid homage to the national emblem hanging on the opposite wall, then took a small sip and fell into deep thought.

Isn't this exactly the situation France is in right now?

The European war is now raging, with mobile warfare turning into positional warfare, and both sides digging trenches with shovels, resulting in a prolonged standoff within the trenches.

The German army advanced with unstoppable momentum, and the British and French forces suffered repeated defeats.

Every battle was claiming young French lives. Among the French expatriates in the Shanghai-Nanjing French Concession, most of those who were able to fight returned to the front. French officers in the police force were gradually transferred back to the Western Front, leaving the police force severely understaffed.

Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector, Chief Detective... these positions should have been held by different people, but now they all fall on his shoulders.

In other words, he now single-handedly controls the security of the entire French Concession. In terms of violence, no one in the entire French Concession can compare to him.

However, he was short-staffed and short of funds. He reported to the French Consulate General in Shanghai, which was directly under his jurisdiction, that the budget could be approved, but they never cared about his current difficulties.

Bureaucrats are just cogs in a rusty machine...

Therefore, under the premise of "violent dictatorship," the French Concession actually had a huge violent vacuum. If someone was determined to cause trouble, the current police force might not be able to handle it.

Therefore, considering France's situation in World War I, its current policy in the Far East can only be to maintain stability at the lowest possible cost.

Don't cause trouble or create chaos. Just maintain the existing interests and don't let Paris get distracted from dealing with the Shanghai-Nanjing issue.

Therefore, France was cautious about Yuan Shikai's attempt to become emperor.

Japan declared war on Germany and naturally became an ally of France.

The attitude of the Orient basically determined the attitude of France.

Japan held an ambiguous attitude towards Yuan Shikai's attempt to become emperor.

It wasn't for noble reasons like the "Strange News Report," but rather because they didn't want the Xia Kingdom to have a strong central government.

A fragmented Xia Kingdom was in the colonizers' interest; a weak but unified government was also acceptable. Conflicts aside, this was a flexible choice based on self-interest.

No matter how things change in the future, there is only one core demand: there must be no trouble and no threat to our own interests.

Under this premise, the French Concession had a high tolerance for newspapers that opposed Yuan Shikai.

As long as no revolutionary activities are carried out within the French Concession, no attacks are made on the Municipal Council or police stations, no demonstrations or marches are organized, and no threats are made to the normal operation of the French Concession, we can turn a blind eye.

The so-called "freedom of speech" has a place both in mainland France and within the French Concession. This isn't because people genuinely believe in freedom of speech, but because the bureaucracy is utterly incompetent.

Moreover, and more importantly, the French Concession currently lacks press and publication regulations, hence the label of incompetence...

Strictly speaking, not only the French Concession, but also the International Settlement lacked comprehensive regulations on press and publication, and there were no provisions or regulations concerning press and publication in other laws as well.

For example, neither the main text nor the appendices of the Land Regulations and the Public Works Board Regulations contain any articles related to news and publishing.

Without any legal basis, what can be done to regulate it? And even if we could regulate it, to what extent could we regulate it?

The French Concession wasn't Beijing; it should at least have some procedural justice...

Of course, if Yuan Shikai exerts pressure, they can find a reason to shut down the newspaper. Charges such as "endangering public order" and "inciting riots" can be used at any time.

But Yuan Shikai hasn't put any pressure on them yet, so why should he bother? France is a colonizer; it doesn't need to rush to help the rulers of its colonies!

After finishing his coffee, Jovié picked up the translated copy of "Strange News" again and looked at it.

He noticed a detail: the people who wrote these articles never mentioned the words "French Concession" from beginning to end.

At most, they were referred to as "colonizers," "concessions," or "streets," and were quite sensible and well-behaved.

What if he's a beggar from the International Settlement? Then he falls under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Council, and has nothing to do with the French Concession.

What's this called?

First, to succeed in politics, one must learn how to speak tactfully.

Second, don't meddle in things that aren't necessary, and don't get involved in things that aren't your responsibility. Turn negativity into positivity to ensure that everything can continue as usual.

He closed the file, leaned back in his chair, thought for a moment, and then reached out and pressed the bell on the table.

"Knock knock knock—"

The door opened quickly after a knock.

A young Frenchman entered, wearing a police uniform and gold-rimmed glasses, carrying a folder in his hand.

This was a close confidant of Zovie in the political department, named Haji, in his early thirties, quite shrewd and capable, and specifically responsible for collecting and analyzing political intelligence in Shanghai.

The news from the Strange News was delivered to him by him.

"Chief Inspector."

Haji gave a military salute.

Jovian gestured with his chin towards the chair opposite him:

"Sit down and tell me your thoughts."

Haji sat down, took off his police hat, opened the files on the table, pointed to the investigative report, and said:

"This newspaper has been very active recently, with its circulation growing quite rapidly. In terms of content, it mainly focuses on two areas: one is social surveys, depicting the lives of the lower classes; the other is political commentary, opposing the monarchy and Goodnow."

"It was firing hard on both sides, but their political commentary did not directly attack France, nor did it incite anything within the French Concession."

Jové, a smile playing on his lips, tapped the table:

"So what do you want to do?"

"Under current law, we have no reason to shut it down, but I think this newspaper is very dangerous."

"That settles it. If there's no law, then anything is permissible. What right do you have to interfere?"

"But what if the Beiping government puts pressure on us..."

Haji hesitated.

Jovian waved his hand:

"We'll talk about it after we put pressure on them. We don't have the energy to create unnecessary trouble. Suppressing a newspaper would damage the credibility of the French Concession, so it's not a necessary choice."

"Besides, the newspaper didn't name names. Your jumping out to claim responsibility just looks like you're trying to hide something obvious."

Haji nodded, understanding the Inspector General's meaning.

Jovié stood up, walked to the window, and turned his back to Hagi.

Outside the window, on the street leading to the mansion, rickshaws sped by, pedestrians walked, and news vendors hawked their wares. The sunlight was bright, shining on the gray-white stone walls and bathing the entire building in a golden glow, reminding him of his time in France, of its uniquely chaotic and often chaotic street parties…

"We can't completely ignore this; let's go and call Huang Jinrong over."

"Huang Jinrong? That Chinese first-class detective?"

"Yes, let the Chinese handle their own affairs."

"Yes, sir!"

Haji stood up, bowed, and turned to leave.

......

Fifteen minutes later.

Footsteps echoed down the corridor, heavy as an ox's, unlike the light, quick steps of the French.

Soon, the general inspection team knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Jóvié called out softly.

A middle-aged man in his forties from Xiaguo walked in. He was burly, with a square face and a high nose. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt that could be seen anywhere on the street, and his whole demeanor was frivolous. His presence in such a solemn place seemed quite out of place.

First-class detective Huang Jinrong.

In the eighteenth year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign, he joined the French Concession Police Department and rose from a regular police officer to his current position as a first-class detective. His greatest skill is "having connections in both the legitimate and criminal worlds."

He used his position in the police station to make connections with various figures in Shanghai and Songhu, while also using his network of relationships to provide intelligence to the police station.

The salary wasn't high, but his line of work didn't require a salary.

The taxes collected, such as land donations and housing donations, always managed to pass through his hands, and some of them would end up in his pocket.

In addition, he used his position as a first-class detective to settle disputes for others, collect protection money, run casinos, and traffic opium, earning far more illicit income than his salary.

However, Jovié knew all this, but he didn't care.

Because Wong Kam Wing was useful to the police force.

He was able to operate within the Chinese community of the French Concession, handling tasks that the French were reluctant to do themselves, such as bribing informants, mediating disputes, and suppressing gang conflicts. He was an indispensable tentacle for the police force.

"Chief Inspector."

Huang Jinrong stood in front of Jovié's desk, bowing and scraping.

Jové raised his head, glanced at him, and gestured with his chin towards the chair opposite him:

"sit."

Huang Jinrong sat down in a state of trepidation, wringing his hands nervously. He thought he hadn't paid enough tribute and was now being interrogated...

Instead of speaking immediately, Ruo Wei picked up the copy of the "Strange News" newspaper on the table, waved it in front of Huang Jinrong, and then tossed it onto the table in front of him.

"Did you see it?"

Huang Jinrong picked up the newspaper, flipped through it a few times, and said:

"I didn't look closely, but this newspaper has been quite lively lately."

"It's very lively..."

Zovié repeated the word: "It's so lively that even the political science department on my side has noticed."

Huang Jinrong's expression remained unchanged, but his gaze darkened slightly.

"Chief Inspector, what are your orders regarding how to handle this newspaper?"

Jóvié leaned back in his chair, his voice neither too loud nor too soft:

"First, warn the newspaper not to publish articles that damage France's image or interests; second, make all of them register and pay a deposit."

How much is the deposit?

"Don't give them too little, and don't give them too much. Just make them feel the pain. This time, don't even think about taking a cut. They'll really dare to curse us in the newspapers."

"clear!"

Huang Jinrong stood up and saluted.

Jovian waved his hand:

"Also, those two editorials about the dockworkers and the beggars were well-written...at least they showed me a lot of issues that could ignite at any moment. You have to understand, I don't want to see any riots. The French Concession needs stability. Go find someone to handle these matters properly."

Huang Jinrong immediately understood and nodded, saying:

"Understood! We can't let this cause a huge uproar!"

......

An hour later, at the Great Clock Police Station.

Because of its proximity to the Municipal Council and its location in the heart of the French Concession, it was also known as the "Central Police Station".

Huang Jinrong waited in his office for ages, smoking two packs of cigarettes, before Detective Cheng Ziqing finally arrived.

He was in his early thirties, a native of Zhenjiang. He had attended a private school for three years in his childhood, but due to his family's poverty, he worked as an apprentice in a rice shop and later ran an inn. He then worked at the Xinzha police station in the International Settlement, but was dismissed for his naiveté. After that, he asked someone to help him get a job at the Dazimingzhong police station in the French Concession. Having learned from his previous mistakes, he gained the appreciation of Huang Jinrong.

"Brother Huang, I'm sorry I'm late!"

Cheng Ziqing stopped and bowed in front of Huang Jinrong's desk.

Huang Jinrong didn't care and shook his head:

"I know you're investigating a case undercover. If you're not busy, put aside what you're doing and I'll give you a task."

"Please speak!"

"Have you heard of the Strange Newspaper recently? Even if you haven't read it, you've probably heard its promotions."

"I've seen it! This newspaper is really bold. Writing about dockworkers wasn't enough, they're writing about beggars now. They're trying to expose the dark secrets of the concession. The docks' shady dealings, the beggars' gang's rules—nobody knew about them before, but now they've laid it all out!"

Unsure of Huang Jinrong's attitude, Cheng Ziqing looked serious.

It was as if Huang Jinrong could give the order and he would immediately lead his men to shut down the "Strange News" newspaper.

Huang Jinrong leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers lightly twice on the table:

"The higher-ups have taken notice, and the Inspector General has ordered me to warn the newspaper not to publish articles that damage France's image or interests."

"In addition, we need to draw portraits, take photos, and collect fingerprints from everyone at this newspaper, and then make them pay a deposit. You can decide the exact amount yourself, just make them feel the pain."

Cheng Ziqing nodded without interrupting.

Huang Jinrong continued:

"The matter of the docks and the Beggars' Gang has also caught the attention of the higher-ups. Go and warn them not to write anything more. Then go to the docks and tell those people to tone it down and not to oppress their subordinates too much. Also, make sure to inform all the beggar leaders in various places."

"Tell them to be wary of strangers, not to think about revenge, and not to escalate the situation, otherwise it will be difficult to handle."

He paused, his tone sarcastic:

"Cultural people are very delicate! Especially those who can write articles. It's no good to provoke these controversial figures."

Cheng Ziqing stood at attention and saluted:

"Mission accomplished!"

"Go ahead, it's nothing serious. Finish it quickly and come back to rest."

Huang Jinrong leaned back in his chair and waved, pondering where he would go to have some fun after outsourcing the work.

Cheng Ziqing, who had reached the door, suddenly stopped and turned around:

"Brother, this is my first time contacting a newspaper, what should I do if I can't find them?"

Huang Jinrong lit another cigarette:

"Keep searching. If all else fails, go find the Green Gang. There's no one in the French Concession the Green Gang can't find."

Cheng Ziqing nodded:

"What if they don't cooperate?"

Huang Jinrong, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, smiled in a somewhat sinister way.

"Uncooperative? Then invite them to the interrogation room!"