The Republic of China: I, Xiangzi, a Hero in a Chaotic Era

They lowered their heads, not daring to look at Liu Jiaxiang anymore, their bodies trembling slightly uncontrollably.

Fear, a fear that runs deep in my bones.

But amidst this fear, not a single person felt any sympathy for Zhao Debiao.

Being a patrol officer is all about exploiting people and oppressing the good; their conscience has long been fed to the dogs.

At this moment, even the burly and tall, thin policemen, after their initial fear subsided, began to have glint in their eyes as they carried Zhao Debiao's heavy body toward his home, already plotting how to take advantage of the chaos.

With Zhao Debiao gone, his family's meager savings and his decent daughter... without the protection of his former associates, how much better off could they be than beggars on the street when faced with extortion and blackmail?

This is practically free prey delivered right to your mouth.

The burly patrolman and the tall, thin patrolman exchanged a knowing glance, then carried the unconscious Zhao Debiao and hurriedly disappeared into the shadows of Xisi North Street.

Inside the police station, the remaining patrol officers stood at attention with their hands at their sides, not daring to utter a sound.

Liu Jiaxiang walked behind the old, worn-out desk of the director, pulled out a chair, and sat down steadily.

His gaze swept once more over the group of his men, who were silent and each had their own thoughts.

"Now,"

"Bring me all the rosters, files, and accounts from the institute."

A moment later, several booklets of varying thicknesses and worn edges, along with a stack of scattered papers, were carefully placed on Liu Jiaxiang's desk.

He picked up the top register without expression and opened it.

The paper is yellowed, and the ink stains are of varying shades.

Liu Jiaxiang's fingers slowly traced the names one by one, his gaze calm.

Next came the accounts.

The records in the ledger were messy and disorganized, with very few entries, mostly vague "fees" and "fines".

The expenditures were even simpler and more straightforward, consisting only of a meager monthly salary payment.

He carefully examined the overdue months, his fingertips lingering on the cold numbers.

Finally, he glanced through the backlog of files, which mostly contained trivial neighborhood disputes and petty thefts, and the results were mostly vague and perfunctory.

Liu Jiaxiang put down the case file and leaned back in his chair.

The situation was clear: there were thirteen people at the Xisi North Police Station, including him.

The twelve patrol officers were paid a monthly salary of ten yuan, but this was often delayed.

Their weapons were limited to batons hanging from their waists.

As for more intimidating equipment such as pistols and military knives, the patrol officers are required to purchase them themselves according to regulations.

With their meager and insecure salaries, patrol officers struggle to support their families, let alone afford to purchase weapons out of their own pockets.

In such a predicament, extorting money from ordinary people became almost the only option for patrol officers to make a living and even have a little extra money.

After understanding the situation at the Xisi North Police Station, Liu Jiaxiang made a decision.

The way to govern subordinates is nothing more than using both kindness and severity.

Wei, having just kicked Zhao Debiao away, had already established enough power.

Now, all that's left is to bestow favors.

However, Liu Jiaxiang bought his official position for personal gain, not for charity, so there was no reason for him to pay out of his own pocket.

In the blink of an eye, his goal became clear—he could only make things difficult for Liu Siye of the Renhe Automobile Factory.

Who knew that on his very first day in the city, he was ripped off by Liu Siye's coachman for a whole silver dollar.

This blood should rightfully be shed by Master Liu.

As for Liu Siye's so-called background, Liu Jiaxiang didn't care.

Firstly, both the people involved and the car manufacturer were in the wrong.

Secondly, unlike the powerful and influential Xicheng Sanyou Joint Transportation Association, Master Liu was just a veteran local ruffian with little real power.

As long as you apply the right amount of pressure, this seasoned veteran, seeking peace and stability, will inevitably choose to pay to avoid trouble and will never rashly overturn the table; this is his way of survival.

At the same time, this matter can also serve as a test to see who is really behind Master Liu.

If it's just a paper tiger, then the people and the car factory could simply be given a new owner.

Liu Jiaxiang was almost certain that Master Liu had no powerful background.

Because people with truly powerful backgrounds would never make a living by running a business or a car factory.

Having made up his mind, Liu Jiaxiang raised his eyes and glanced at the patrol officers standing with their heads bowed in front of him.

"Listen up, everyone!"

His voice was steady, revealing no emotion.

"I have a question for you. How much would it cost to take a rickshaw from the Neiyou Second Police Station to our Xisi North Police Station?"

The patrol officers looked at each other, wondering what the new station chief meant by asking this question.

After a brief silence, a bold patrolman cautiously spoke:

"To the director, this road isn't far. Normally, it would only cost... about twenty or thirty copper coins by car."

He swallowed hard and added.

"At most, it's a mere ten cents at most."

Liu Jiaxiang nodded slightly, a subtle, enigmatic expression on his face:

"Twenty or thirty copper coins... a dime... good, very good."

He paused, his gaze sharpening.

"Then tell me, how did I, the station chief, get charged a silver dollar for riding in a rickshaw today? Hmm?"

The patrol officers felt a chill run down their spines, lowered their heads even further, and none dared to speak. The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"This is blatant ripping off of tourists."

Liu Jiaxiang's voice turned colder, and he tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"If I dare to blatantly rip off even the director, what about ordinary people who ride in their cars? They'll be completely at the mercy of these drivers, who will extort them at will."

He leaned slightly forward, his gaze sweeping over the crowd like a hawk's:

"I remember it very clearly, that driver was from Renhe Cart Factory."

"The car is painted with 'Renhe Car Factory' in white paint, there's no mistake."

"This shows that this person and the car factory are not honest business owners."

"Chief, I'm newly appointed."

Liu Jiaxiang sat up straight, his tone conveying an unquestionable determination.

"Naturally, we must protect the peace of the area. Cracking down on these unscrupulous car factories that bully and extort money is the first task of the Xisi North Police Station after I took office."

He raised his hand and pointed at the group of silent, trembling subordinates in front of him:

"Listen up, you lot. Today..."

"Before the sun sets, one person must bring back one rickshaw from the rickshaw depot. Remember, one rickshaw per person, eleven rickshaws in total, no more, no less."

Upon hearing this, the patrol officers turned deathly pale, their faces turning ashen, their eyes filled with terror.

Master Liu was a powerful figure in the Xi'anmen Street area, a well-known old hand and ruthless character.

The new director's first act was to target Renhe and the car factory!

Caught in the middle, they felt their legs go weak and their future seemed bleak.

One of the braver patrolmen, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, his lips trembling, finally mustered his courage and spoke in a trembling voice:

"Director... this person and the owner of the car factory, is... is Master Liu."

"That's a seasoned veteran who's been on the streets since the Qing Dynasty... Shouldn't we... think this through a bit more carefully?"