Chapter 285: Industry And Commerce
Britain and France’s attitude already shows signs of softening, which is an obvious signal.
Once they soften, kneeling won’t be far behind.
Gu Yansheng called Gu Shuping, this matter needs to be notified to the organization.
He told him the content.
“Go to the tailor shop and send this information to the organization: Britain, America, and France are selling out China’s interests in exchange for the Japanese not moving against them; it’s a done deal.”
“Yes.”
Gu Shuping came quickly and left quickly too; having such a person to help pass messages meant Gu Yansheng had much less preparation to do for contacts.
This matter still needs to be reported to Boss Dai; although Boss Dai would probably know in the next couple of days, knowing a day earlier could still show his wholehearted loyalty to the party.
He picked up Shen Shuyun for dinner, and during the meal, he mentioned the situation; the content sent to Boss Dai had one more item: the plan was already being pushed forward.
The newspapers here in Shanghai would eventually reach the desks of relevant figures in Chongqing; once Boss Dai saw the newspaper and knew that the Fu Xiao’an matter was his doing, he would also know how he did it, and it could be recorded as a merit on the merit ledger.
After dinner, Gu Yansheng went to Minister Zhou to talk about this matter.
Who would have thought that pressuring Britain and France to close the channel could also pressure out the result of Britain and France helping with peace talks.
If Britain and France pressure Chongqing, it introduces variables into the peace talks.
“The British mean this, and America probably means the same; if they pressure together, Old Jiang might really agree.”
Minister Zhou paced back and forth in thought; this time he was a bit anxious—peace talks succeeding would not be a good thing.
But he still had to sneer on the surface, “Look at this Old Jiang, acting so tough; last time you brought back this result from peace talks, I really thought he had that much backbone and planned to live or die with the country, but believe it or not, once Britain and America get involved, his toughness won’t last three days.”
“I believe that.” Gu Yansheng smiled: “Resisting Britain and America means no aid; what does he have to fight Japan with?”
“Are your people still in Hong Kong?”
“Yes, always stationed in Hong Kong.”
Minister Zhou looked at Gu Yansheng and raised an eyebrow, “Our initial plan may need to be implemented; if peace talks start later, assess the situation and decide whether to act—peace talks absolutely cannot succeed.
Old Jiang is very insidious; if it really comes to a Jiang-Wang merger situation, no matter how nice the rhetoric, it’s only temporary.
Afterward, once he frees up his hands, he will definitely move against people like us; there cannot be two masters under heaven—that’s been the reason since ancient times.
The Japanese hope that after the merger, they can support Mr. Wang to seize Old Jiang’s power, but what kind of person is Old Jiang? Power is his lifeblood.
The April 12 Incident: seeing the Communist Party had grown too big, he decided to purge them with a flip of his hand, killing until blood flowed like rivers.
The Communist Party still had popular support; what do we have? Now we still carry the label of traitors!”
Gu Yansheng nodded firmly, “Rest assured, I know what to do; I absolutely will not let this happen.”
“Good.” Minister Zhou was very satisfied; he was also afraid that Gu Yansheng, with little experience, might be brainwashed by some peaceful rhetoric and really think that merging governments would bring peace and prosperity.
“There’s one thing I still need to remind you of: as long as you kill a few negotiation representatives, the two sides will immediately tear each other’s faces off, but you have to be ruthless—the people who act must not be allowed to come back alive; afterward, you can issue more compensation and take good care of their families.”
Ruthless is still you ruthless. “I understand.”
Gu Yansheng returned home; next was just waiting to see if there would be peace talk news.
As expected, a few days after Britain, America, and France got involved, news came from Hong Kong: Chongqing wanted to restart peace talks.
The negotiation team flew to Hong Kong.
As per Minister Zhou’s instructions, this time they brought people from Ding Mocun.
If necessary, Gu Yansheng’s subordinates would kill Chongqing’s negotiation team, while Ding Mocun’s people would handle the cleanup and silencing afterward under the pretext of investigation.
Two days later, negotiations began.
At the venue, Imai Takeo immediately sought revenge with one shot, sneering at Song Ziliang: “Mr. Song, why so hasty? For negotiation matters, you could have delayed if you wanted.”
Song Ziliang lost face and sneered disdainfully: “I don’t know who it was that, desperate like a cornered dog, insisted on talking; if you have the ability, don’t use intermediaries—directly attack into Chongqing and negotiate with President Jiang right in Chongqing city; do you have that ability?”
Imai Takeo’s smile slightly faded.
“Alright, say less, everyone; since we’re all here today, let’s negotiate seriously.” Conference secretary director Zhang Yousan remained calm and came out to smooth things over in a flat tone, “Mr. Imai, since we’re negotiating, we should do so in a peaceful posture; I demand that the war in the Fifth War Zone be stopped first.”
When in an advantageous position, how could Imai Takeo agree to such a demand?
“Last time we already ceased fire to give you a chance, but you didn’t cherish it; now Nanjing Headquarters will not accept such suggestions; if Mr. Zhang wants a ceasefire, why not think about how to quickly conclude the negotiations—then the war will naturally stop.”
Zhang Yousan felt there was little hope and stopped dwelling on it, saying straightforwardly: “We come to negotiate with sincerity; before coming to Hong Kong, the President held a meeting to discuss ceasefire and peace talks, statistically gathering generals’ opinions—almost all generals have no objections to peace talks.
But they have major objections to your conditions.
As generals, every inch of land must be fought for; since ancient times, military generals on this land have regarded losing territory as a great shame and humiliation, even if they didn’t lose it themselves.
So the withdrawal from North China must happen; you must give a specific timeline.
As for Manchuria, we’ll go with what we agreed; we agree in principle to your occupation of Manchuria, but the approach must be tacit—there will be no agreements; after peace talks, it will be pursued separately.
Regarding Jiang-Wang merger, still the same: impossible; you must send Wang Ni away—not kill him, to preserve your reputation; this is already us conceding a step.”
Imai Takeo grew angry listening, “With these conditions, I see no sincerity from you at all; didn’t Britain, America, and France tell you how to negotiate?”
“No choice, these are the conditions; you need peace, we need peace; we haven’t asked you to give up anything—now it’s you refusing to yield, not us.”
“You can’t win on the battlefield, even Britain, America, and France have to give us way; insisting on these trivial things shows short-sightedness and will only get more of your soldiers killed!” Imai Takeo threatened.
“No choice, think about it.”
Zhang Yousan switched to stonewalling mode.
Imai Takeo spoke again!
Zhang Yousan continued stonewalling, “No choice, this is the bottom line.”
Imai Takeo, skilled in martial arts and eloquence, felt frustrated punching cotton.
Smack!
Imai Takeo slapped the table, “This is your negotiation attitude? If that’s your attitude, then no talks— you’ll regret it, and then the conditions won’t be this good!”
Negotiations lasted two hours with no progress, ending unpleasantly.
Imai Takeo felt played again and went back to the venue to make a phone call and tattle.
Gu Yansheng returned to the hotel to stay, leisurely drinking his afternoon tea.
He was just a witness sent by the Wang Faction and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; now the Wang Faction couldn’t yet sit at the table, just a dish on it, so he had nothing to do.
Mei Siping strolled over for afternoon tea; Gao Zhongwu had run off, leaving Mei Siping as the only remaining core old minister of the Wang Faction involved in the negotiations.
Mei Siping was now Minister of Commerce and Industry; in the context of Gao Zhongwu and Tao Xisheng fleeing, Mei Siping not running proved his unwavering loyalty and made him suitable for great use.
So he was given this position with real power.
This was a position dripping with wealth.
“Sigh, Yansheng, what do you think Chongqing is up to? With Britain and America pressuring, Old Jiang still has this attitude?”
Gu Yansheng chuckled, “I’m not a worm in his belly; you’ve even met Old Jiang, I haven’t—how would I know what he’s thinking?”
Actually, today’s negotiations were quite interesting; although Zhang Yousan stonewalled, making the whole thing seem boring.
But in reality, Gu Yansheng could tell that the real operator behind this negotiation was Old Jiang himself.
The Japanese would definitely complain about today’s venue and peace talk situation.
Who was the show for? Self-evident.
Old Jiang was dissatisfied with Britain and America.
Either asking for benefits or big benefits.
Either Britain and America bleed and continue negotiations, or Britain and America force Japan to retreat and withdraw from China.
Remotely controlling Zhang Yousan to put on a sour face—master of micro-management.
Seeing Gu Yansheng not engaging, Mei Siping changed topics, “Yansheng, give me some advice on something.”
“Go ahead.”
“You know our territory’s livelihood is in ruins, economy is bad; Mr. Wang and Minister Zhou have high expectations for me to fix the economy, but I’m like a clever woman without rice—my Ministry of Commerce and Industry really doesn’t know how to boost the economy short-term.
The country is in dire need of money right now, and I’m anxious too; Minister Zhou said you have many ideas—help me think of a way.”
Gu Yansheng said oddly, “You’re asking me to think of a way for this?
You said it yourself: livelihood in ruins, wartime turmoil, Japanese still forcing requisitions on our turf—common people can’t even guarantee basic warmth and food; how can business improve?”
“I know it’s hard, that’s why it’s tricky; I’m worried sick.” Mei Siping looked crestfallen, “But it has to be done; help me think—Minister Zhou told me to find you, so you have to come up with something.”
“Thanks for thinking so highly of me.” Gu Yansheng thought about it, eyes lighting up, “You know, there really is a way to boost the economy short-term.”
Mei Siping immediately perked up, “What way?”
Gu Yansheng said: “Look, before the Songhu War, Shanghai’s economy was actually pretty good, thriving; why not now? War, Japanese plundering without restraint.
We can’t change the war, but there’s a way to handle the Japanese plundering.
Before the new government was established, a large number of factories and trading companies were forcibly taken by the Japanese.
Some were ownerless and confiscated; owners might have fled or died.
Some had owners; now the Japanese occupy most shares or requisition part of the harvest.
But now the new government is established—shouldn’t these things be returned?”
“You mean, have me take back from the Japanese those shares they forcibly occupied?” Mei Siping’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Huh? Me go?
Gu Yansheng nodded to give him confidence, “Exactly, they must be taken back.”
“Heh, heh, you think too highly of me.” Mei Siping rolled his eyes and laughed speechlessly.
Gu Yansheng said seriously: “I’m telling you seriously.”
Mei Siping tsked and smacked his lips, “Minister Gu, even if I take it seriously to death, will the Japanese listen to me?”
“How do you know without trying? If you can’t, have Mr. Wang demand it.” Gu Yansheng tapped the table with a look of disappointment in him.
“These things should have been handed over to us anyway; once you take them back, the commercial revenue taxes all go to us—not only increasing taxes several times over.
Crucially, supplies become abundant; even if Japanese want to buy things, they have to spend money.
Once done, next is propaganda: stable environment, no more Japanese forced demands; we manage for them, our Ministry of Justice grabs a few typical cases.
Won’t the business atmosphere thicken right up?
Isn’t this much more substantial than you struggling to set up a few factories?
Crucially, if you get them back, in government history, you’ll leave your name in the annals—a great merit.”
Mei Siping was originally indifferent, but hearing “history” and “leave your name in the annals” made him seriously consider it.
He asked suspiciously, “You think this has a chance of success?”
“Absolutely.” Gu Yansheng said confidently: “Politeness first, then force; you can first try to demand them; they definitely won’t give if you ask, so make it embarrassing for them on the surface, then have Mr. Wang step in to negotiate with the Japanese to get them back.
At that point, if the Japanese still don’t give, we can throw some tough words.
For example, on their grain requisitions, we don’t cooperate—not openly, but with too-low taxes, plus rapid social deterioration from forced grain levies, intense common people resistance, etc.
The Japanese will weigh pros and cons too.
This isn’t impossible at all.”
Mei Siping frowned in thought for a bit, then nodded in approval—it should indeed be possible.
Gu Yansheng struck while the iron was hot, “Back then, the opium tax went to Shanghai Gendarmerie Headquarters, unrelated to Nanjing Headquarters or even the city government.
Why did the tax later return?
Japanese forced requisitions, issuing military scrip; scrip collapsed, economy worsened, social order broke down, resistance too intense—Green Gang led the unrest.
Because of that, the then-gendarmerie commander was summoned back to Japan with one order—not jailed or committing seppuku.
In the end, the Japanese spat out the meat in their mouths.
As long as you dare to think and use the right methods, this can be done—you’ll be the new government’s first meritorious official in finance!”
“Alright!” Mei Siping didn’t hesitate anymore; with examples, this was his duty—he had to do it.
“You drink; I’ll send a telegram to have people first check the current situation of these Japanese-occupied fields and operations, hurry up.”
“Good, thanks for the hard work.”
Gu Yansheng raised his coffee cup in a distant toast, smiling as he saw him off.
Make more friends, fewer enemies; make more trouble for the Japanese, more trouble for the Wang Faction.
Idling anyway, drink coffee.
He drank for two days; both sides’ expectations for this negotiation seemed very high.
Normally, with Chongqing’s attitude, Imai Takeo would have come long ago to tell him to go home.
But now, Imai Takeo hadn’t left.
And Chongqing’s negotiation team hadn’t left either.
In the evening, Chongqing’s negotiation team arrived.
On the conditions, Zhang Yousan still said the same: “I can only offer these conditions; if unsatisfied, how about this—no need to keep calling Britain and France endlessly.
Also spares them passing messages back and forth—Hong Kong, Britain, Chongqing.
I propose: just let them talk directly; we do a three-party meeting.
President Jiang, Wang Ni. Mr. Wang, and your Japan equivalent level—three people pick a place, sit down and settle it once and for all, how about it?”
This approach was somewhat novel; Imai Takeo thought if they could settle it themselves, it would save him running back and forth.
Just one issue.
“Where to hold it? Hong Kong?”
“Impossible, definitely in Nationalist controlled area—President Jiang won’t leave that range.”
“Heh, you mean have our Itagaki Seishiro Chief of Staff and Mr. Wang go to your Nationalist controlled area? You’re not thinking of catching us all in one net, are you?”
Trust is very fragile.
Zhang Yousan sneered, “We won’t do something so low-class, but if you won’t come, drop it; but don’t mention negotiations again.
We make demands, you disagree; we want leaders to negotiate, you don’t join—no sincerity is on you, not us.”
Imai Takeo thought it over; no need to refute this—let Itagaki Seishiro decide himself.
As for Mr. Wang.
Imai Takeo looked at Gu Yansheng, “Mr. Gu, on Mr. Wang’s side, ask his opinion—see if he’s willing to participate.”
“You ask Chief of Staff Itagaki’s opinion first, then I’ll ask?”
“That works; wait for my message.
