Chapter 97: 96, Republic Of China Gold Industry, Treasure Hunting Group Returns To Shanghai For Profit Sharing
In the Kuang family mansion, Fang Wen spent the night as a son-in-law.
He had originally planned to return to the airport, but his father-in-law, after drinking, absolutely refused.
He said that it was his daughter’s first visit home, and the son-in-law should not be mistreated.
He would send people to guard the gold on the airplane, and if it was lost, his Kuang family would compensate.
Afterwards, a team of guards accompanied Shao Sishen to the airport, and Fang Wen stayed overnight at the Kuang family residence.
This night, naturally, he could not share a room with Kuang Mingzhu.
To avoid any mishaps during the night, Master Kuang insisted on talking with Fang Wen by candlelight.
They talked about gold.
With his mind on the gold, Fang Wen was able to listen attentively.
From Master Kuang, he gained some understanding of the gold industry in the Republic of China.
During the Republic of China period, there were several forms of procurement and transactions among gold shops.
Some old-established gold shops, with their local connections, would directly purchase gold ingots or gold ore from domestic mines for refining and processing.
Because of the open trade, both domestic and foreign, gold shops also imported gold from abroad as raw materials or reserves.
In addition to direct transactions between various gold firms, there were also gold exchanges.
To the north was the Shanghai Gold Exchange, and to the south was the Guangzhou Silver Exchange Market.
The Shanghai Gold Exchange was the largest gold trading venue in the country.
Gold shops could buy and sell gold products such as standard gold bars through the exchange.
Standard gold bars were the standard-specification gold bars from the Central Mint, like the ones Fang Wen held.
Taking 1926 as an example, the total number of standard gold bars traded on the Gold Exchange reached 62,323,048 bars. Calculated by halving the number of trading parties, the actual transaction number was as high as 31.16 million bars, which showed the immense volume of gold trading in the country.
However, the Shanghai Gold Exchange was controlled by the Jiangsu-Zhejiang business faction and foreign banking industry, while the Fujian-Guangdong business faction primarily traded gold at the Guangzhou Silver Exchange Market.
The Guangzhou Silver Exchange Market was Guangzhou’s sole market for trading gold and silver. The exchange was located within the Guangzhou Silver Guild Hall. This market not only traded gold and silver but also dealt with currency exchange rates, making it one of the important spot financial markets in the south at the time.
Master Kuang promised that the gold would be ready tomorrow, but it would require some procedures at the Silver Exchange Market to conceal the origin of this gold before it could enter circulation, after which they wouldn’t have to fear the Japanese.
His father-in-law was so considerate that Fang Wen was quite moved and had two more rounds of drinks with him.
The next day, early in the morning, Fang Wen was awakened.
Kuang Mingzhu came to wake him and thoughtfully brought him toiletries.
Master Kuang said sourly from the side, “In my life, my daughter has never served me water for washing my face, but for you, she doesn’t even need the servants to do it, personally attending to you. Where does that leave my face?”
Fang Wen chuckled inwardly and said after washing his face and changing clothes, “Father-in-law, let’s go.”
“Yes, this matter cannot be delayed; the sooner it’s finished, the better,” Master Kuang no longer dwelled on his daughter’s affairs.
The group departed by car and arrived at the Silver Exchange Market.
It wasn’t large, with small cubicle shops, but it was very lively.
The narrow and cramped alleyways were packed with speculators and traders, with quotation calls rising one after another, fully reflecting the market’s busyness and intensity.
Fang Wen looked at the bustling scene and couldn’t help but ask, “Here?”
Kuang Mingzhu explained, “Besides private negotiations, the Silver Exchange Market also has a complete trading zone. There’s a zone for trading Hong Kong exchange orders, a zone for negotiating Western paper stocks and bonds, Hong Kong orders, and public trading, a zone for spot trading of Western paper stocks and bonds, a zone for Western paper futures trading, a zone for public consultation on Western paper bond interest, and a zone for silver guild members to find prices and settle accounts.”
While the explanation was detailed, it was quite complex for an outsider.
Fang Wen asked, “Where are we going?”
“The place we’re going is where the big bosses of the gold firms have their tea. My father will handle it, and we’ll wait outside,” Kuang Mingzhu said mysteriously.
They then walked in and stopped outside a small building. Father-in-law Kuang went upstairs, while Fang Wen and Kuang Mingzhu waited downstairs.
After a while, Master Kuang emerged with a beaming face.
“It’s done. The group of gold bars has been agreed upon by everyone to be taken collectively. We will pay you with gold notes, and you can withdraw with gold notes in the future. This is considered support from our fellow gold firms for your anti-Japanese activities.”
Fang Wen was overjoyed. It was finally done. The gold would re-enter circulation, and he no longer had to worry about cashing out, and this would also prevent the Japanese from tracing it.
Subsequently, several gold firms simultaneously sent people to the airport, where they completed the acceptance of 64,000 gold bars in a hangar and issued corresponding gold notes.
Of course, it wasn’t all of it. Fang Wen took a small portion of these gold bars to bring back as the first installment of payment to the Treasure Hunting Group.
Afterwards, he piloted the airplane with Fang Shouxin, Shunzi, Shao Sishen, and his newlywed wife, Kuang Mingzhu, back to Shanghai.
After refueling and maintenance in Shanghai, they immediately departed for Jinan to prepare for a night flight to the Northeast.
It was late at night.
However, the logging camp in the Southeast Forest Area of Shenyang was quiet.
Everyone was there, but no one dared to make a sound.
This continued until Sun Debiao returned from his reconnaissance.
“It’s just roe deer, a herd of them. If we weren’t leaving tonight, I would have gotten some meat.”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. These past few days, the net had been tightening, and Japanese soldiers had begun searching outside the city. They also felt immense pressure.
Every so often, someone would take out their pocket watch, eagerly anticipating the arrival of midnight.
Finally, the time arrived, and they impatiently lit torches along the runway.
The expected roaring sound appeared, a dark silhouette descended from the sky, and landed on the makeshift runway.
Everyone eagerly carried their luggage to the airplane.
“Don’t panic, there’s some order.”
Gang Leader Wang’s words caused the seven members of the Action Team to step aside voluntarily, and the others didn’t dare to cause further chaos.
As the hatch opened, Fang Wen immediately said, “I apologize to everyone. The marriage was somewhat unexpected, but it’s also related to the gold. I’ll explain when we get back.”
Hearing Fang Wen’s explanation, the resentment in everyone’s hearts immediately dissipated, and they queued up to board.
Once everyone was on board, Fang Wen piloted the plane for takeoff.
As the airplane flew high into the sky, everyone suddenly felt a sense of safety.
With their bodies and minds relaxed, many fell sound asleep.
They had experienced two months of tense living, and it was finally over.
After more than two hours, the airplane landed in Jinan, but only for refueling, and then took off again, returning to Shanghai Airport.
When the airplane landed at Shanghai Airport, Fang Wen announced.
“We’re home. Let’s have a meeting and discuss how to split the money?”
Instantly, everyone became alert.
Nineteen Treasure Hunting Group members gathered at the airport canteen.
The chef at the Taishan Airlines canteen prepared a sumptuous late-night meal for them.
They ate the food heartily; it was the best thing they had eaten in two months.
After they had all finished eating.
Fang Wen finally spoke to summarize.
“This operation has concluded successfully. Nineteen members of the Treasure Hunting Group, all present and accounted for, have returned. The 64,000 gold bars have been processed. Now, I will announce how the profit sharing for this treasure hunting operation will be distributed.”
Everyone took a deep breath and looked at Fang Wen.
Fang Wen produced a piece of paper.
“According to the plan, half of the 64,000 gold bars will be distributed as profit sharing to those who participated in the operation, and the other half will be used to deal with the Japanese and drive out the foreign invaders. Does anyone have any objections?”
Everyone shook their heads: “No.”
“Good. According to this profit-sharing method, Taishan Airlines will receive 12,800 gold bars, Gang Leader Wang’s side will receive 9,600 gold bars, the Liu Family Three Brothers will receive 3,200, and Tou Men will receive 6,400. Is that correct?”
They didn’t know how many times they had calculated this number, but hearing Fang Wen state it still made their hearts surge with emotion.
“Correct.” “That’s right.”
Fang Wen put down the paper and scanned all the Treasure Hunting Group members.
“You all come from different places and are all brave heroes of the Jianghu who live by their wits. Have you ever thought about how long you will live after receiving this money?”
These words caused everyone’s expression to change.
Even Gang Leader Wang showed displeasure.
Sun Debiao and Shopkeeper Liu quickly stood up and defended their patriarch, “Our General Manager doesn’t mean what you think he means.”
Gang Leader Wang nodded, “General Manager Fang, we are all people of the Jianghu, mere martial artists. Speak plainly.”
“What I mean is, if all the gold is distributed to you, can you keep it safe? Many heroes, after making a fortune, squander it all and have nothing left when they get old.”
His words resonated with the five members of Tou Men.
“Our master is just like that. He acquired countless wealth in his youth, but squandered it all. In his old age, if it weren’t for us, he…”
“Stop talking.”
“What’s there to not say? I’ve thought about it this time. I’ll hide all the money I receive. When I need it, I’ll take out a little.”
“I think the same way, but hiding money is tricky; we need to plan carefully.”
These remarks provided a divine assist for Fang Wen’s next words.
Fang Wen quickly said, “If you spend the money all at once, who among you can hold onto the immense wealth of thousands of gold bars? Hiding it risks losing it, carrying it with you is inconvenient, and being targeted by fellow Jianghu members for leaking your wealth is even more troublesome. Am I right?”
These words were true; in a war-torn era, gold could save lives or end them.
This situation applied to a few small gold bars, let alone hundreds or thousands.
Everyone couldn’t help but nod.
Fang Wen continued, “If your hands are too generous and you like to gamble, it’s not impossible to squander it all in two or three years. It’s also possible to have it stolen by thieves, to have your secrets leaked to mistresses or acquaintances, and be deceived. In your old age, if your gold is gone, how will you live? My idea is to pay in installments. Each year, I will give you an amount sufficient to live a comfortable life, and this will continue until you are old and the entire sum is paid out. I call this method a pension system.”
The five members of Tou Men were greatly moved. Their master served as a negative example, so they were more inclined towards a steady, long-term approach.
Gang Leader Wang thought for a moment and asked, “Specifically, how much will each person receive annually?”
This time, it was Fang Shouxin who answered.
“We have already prepared a distribution plan. We will now share it with you.”
“Gang Leader Wang and the Action Team members will each receive an average of 1,200 gold bars, deposited with Taishan Airlines, to be distributed over 30 years. Each person will receive 40 bars annually.”
“The Liu Family Three Brothers will receive 3,200 bars, deposited with Taishan Airlines, to be distributed over 30 years. Each person will receive approximately 35 bars annually.”
“Tou Men will receive 6,400 bars, to be divided equally among the five members and your master, distributed over 30 years. Each person will receive approximately 35 bars annually.”
After Fang Shouxin finished speaking, Fang Wen asked:
“These gold bars are enough for your annual expenses, and you won’t have to worry about safeguarding the remaining gold. You can live comfortably for 30 years. What do you all think?”
Everyone readily agreed. Even if it was distributed over thirty years, the amount received annually was sufficient. This way, perhaps they could retire from their dangerous professions and enjoy the rest of their lives.
After everyone agreed.
Fang Wen stated his final requirement: “This distribution signifies that you will maintain a 30-year cooperative relationship with Taishan Airlines. During these 30 years, you are not to divulge any information about this gold operation. If Taishan Airlines encounters any danger, you are also expected to provide assistance.”
Everyone readily agreed.
Immediately, Fang Wen clapped his hands.
Shunzi and Pan Jiafeng entered carrying plates filled with gold, and the first year’s profit sharing of gold was completed on the spot.
With the gold in hand, these individuals were immediately overjoyed and eager to return to Shanghai to enjoy themselves.
Fang Wen saw them off. As the five members of Tou Men departed, he specifically gave them their master’s share to take back.
The profit sharing for external members concluded, but Fang Wen did not end the meeting.
He still had his own small team. He brought out two chests of gold bars, broke the seals, and scattered them on the table.
“It’s our turn. Shopkeeper Liu and Sun Debiao participated in the operation and will receive the larger share, 1,200 bars each. The others will receive 300 bars each. Any objections?”
“I cannot accept this. I did not participate in the entire operation,” Pan Jiafeng shook his head and refused.
“You regularly train flight apprentices for me and pilot flights in my stead, which is considered participation in the operation. Please take it.” Under Fang Wen’s insistence, Pan Jiafeng agreed.
The others were overjoyed and, following the same 30-year distribution method, took their first year’s gold bars.
The gold was distributed. The operation was officially concluded.
As for how the money would be spent in the future, Fang Wen temporarily didn’t want to consider it.
He felt very tired and wanted to rest well.
He then left the airport directly and returned home.
Someone was waiting for him at home.
Kuang Mingzhu, now his wife, opened the door for him, helped him undress, and was exceedingly gentle.
They embraced and slept, with Kuang Mingzhu curled up in his strong embrace.
“Mister, I heard from Shunzi that you have another confidante in Nanjing, is that correct?”
Fang Wen’s arm became stiff. That Shunzi, why bring up such a sensitive topic? Was that something to be discussed?
His sleepiness vanished.
“Ahem, yes, there is such a person, but…”
“Mister, don’t rush. I don’t mind. After all, I came second, and she was first. In the future, when you go to see her, please let me know. I’d like to meet this confidante and become friends.”
Fang Wen remained silent. He couldn’t tell whether her underlying meaning was good or bad.
He decided not to answer.
The treasure hunting operation ended.
Apart from the secret investigations in the Northeast, virtually no one knew about this matter.
Such a huge scandal, the Japanese were too embarrassed to even mention it.
64,000 gold bars! Two tons in weight.
They had been turned into fakes right under their noses, and not a single clue was found.
If the treasure hadn’t been moved to a new hiding place and recounted by someone, this matter would not have been exposed.
The high command of the Kwantung Army demanded that someone take responsibility, and several senior military officers were dismissed.
However, the investigation into this matter was ultimately halted.
They would rather abandon that sum of gold than publicize this incident.
Therefore, all the potential loopholes that might have emerged from this entire affair were buried in the dust of history.
And in the south, Taishan Airlines welcomed a new management team, the General Manager’s wife, a very capable and virtuous assistant in business.
She became the Deputy General Manager of Taishan Airlines, handling various company matters on his behalf.
With the help of this virtuous assistant, Fang Wen was finally able to extricate himself from the company’s busy affairs.
It was now November 1932.
In Europe, the Weimar Republic held a parliamentary general election, and the Nazi Party secured nearly thirty percent of the votes.
Although they only garnered thirty percent of the vote, they still secured the most seats.
President Fang, General Manager Fang, Deputy General Manager, and Executives are all members of the company.
The new Prime Minister, Von Papen, stepped down, and with him, a short, Little Mustache became the most dazzling figure in Congress.
Fang Wen in the East was also considering how to use that huge gold reserve. Should he go to Europe or the United States for large procurements?
