Chapter 147: 146, Indochina Peninsula Port Airport Selection, The Long-delayed Wedding
The Taishan Volunteer Army post-bombing summary meeting ended.
The main points were to inform the members about the impact of the bombing and remind the Volunteer Army organization members to keep it secret.
Regarding the procurement of raw materials for the bomb factory, Fang Wen ultimately decided to abandon centralized purchases from Shanghai.
Although supplies were plentiful here, intelligence personnel from various countries gathered, and gangs were everywhere, making it easy to arouse suspicion due to large-scale procurement of supplies.
For this reason, Fang Wen had already decided in his heart to open new supply channels in South Asia.
At night, as husband and wife lay together in bed, Fang Wen said in a low voice: “Mingzhu, tomorrow I’ll go back to your maiden home with you. We’ll discuss it with your dad and make up for the etiquette. So outsiders won’t gossip behind our backs.”
Kuang Mingzhu showed no reaction on the surface, but she was overjoyed inside.
“Great. Can we leave at noon tomorrow? I need to prepare.”
“Sure, I’ll prepare with you.”
Fang Wen and Kuang Mingzhu had been married for over half a year.
After coming from Guangzhou to Shanghai, they had never gone back.
During that time, because Fang Wen went to Europe, she had to preside over the company’s operations.
Later, when Fang Wen returned, he was busy with Xiangxi Airport, the bomb factory, various procurements, training, secret bombing preparations, and so on.
There was even less time.
Now they finally had some free time, and even if it was just one or two days, Kuang Mingzhu was very happy.
Don’t think she hadn’t bought anything during this time; she had already selected the gifts to bring back to her maiden home.
In one morning, she and Chun Cao and Qiu Ju went to the department store and specialty shops in the city.
The three women couldn’t carry so many things. Fang Wen himself couldn’t conveniently enter the city, so he called Shunzi and Pan Jiafeng, who hadn’t gone back yet, to help.
After busying around for a morning, they finally returned.
That temporarily borrowed company shuttle bus was loaded full of things.
Pan Jiafeng and Shunzi worked hard carrying the things into the airport and loaded them onto a Boeing 247 that was under maintenance.
Fang Wen also went over to carry things.
There were a lot of things; it took several trips to move them all.
Afterward, Fang Wen and Kuang Mingzhu, Chun Cao, and Qiu Ju boarded the airplane and began the journey back to her maiden home in Guangzhou.
The airplane took off, and Kuang Mingzhu walked to the cockpit, asking a bit shyly: “You won’t think I’m spending money recklessly, will you?”
“How could I? Of course you need to be proper when going back to your maiden home; you’re overthinking it.” Fang Wen replied. Even in the future, a wife going back to her maiden home would be the same; it was tradition.
However, he wasn’t very familiar with Guangzhou customs, so to avoid making a fool of himself later, he asked.
“After we arrive in Guangzhou, what should we do? We can’t skimp on the etiquette.”
Kuang Mingzhu said blankly: “When we got married, we didn’t do any of that, and Father didn’t mention those customs.”
“Alright then, when we get to Guangzhou, I’ll talk to my father-in-law and make up the wedding.”
Fang Wen’s words left Kuang Mingzhu unsure how to respond.
She was already Fang Wen’s wife; holding another wedding seemed inappropriate, but she looked forward to it in her heart. After all, a woman only gets one chance at such glory in her lifetime; who could bear to give it up?
Shanghai to Guangzhou was 1200 kilometers, exactly the maximum range of the Boeing 247.
With Fang Wen’s piloting skills, the airplane didn’t stop in Nanchang for refueling and went straight to Dashatou Airport in the center of Guangzhou City.
After the airplane landed, Chun Cao left the airport ahead of time to notify the Kuang family.
Not long after.
A large group of people from the Kuang family arrived.
There was Father Kuang, Kuang Mingzhu’s eldest brother, her mother, and the family’s servants and manager.
Father Kuang was full of smiles: “Mingzhu finally came back to see us. You’ve been gone for over half a year; I thought you’d forgotten us.”
“Dad, what are you saying? Haven’t we been sending telegrams frequently?” Among close family, Kuang Mingzhu didn’t speak as formally as she did outside.
“That’s true. At home you’re sharp-tongued, but at your husband’s home you’re a virtuous wife.”
Eldest brother Mr. Kuang teased. His surname was Kuang, and his given name was Mr.; Fang Wen had always thought it was a title, but it turned out that was just his name.
After teasing his sister, Mr. Kuang turned to greet Fang Wen. After all, at the maiden home, he was the eldest brother, so hosting his brother-in-law was a must.
“Fang Wen, how long are you staying this time?”
“Not sure; it depends on the situation up north.” Fang Wen’s words had double meaning. This “north” could refer to Shanghai or beyond the Great Wall. If there was a situation beyond the Great Wall, he would return immediately.
“The longer you can stay, the better. Mom and Dad miss Mingzhu a lot. Let’s go home and talk.” Mr. Kuang took the lead, picked up a piece of luggage, and then the Kuang family members all carried the things Kuang Mingzhu had brought on the airplane out of the airport, loaded them onto a truck, and transported them away.
After a bout of busyness, the things were transported away. Fang Wen explained things to the airport managerial personnel, parked the Boeing 247 in the hangar, and followed the Kuang family to leave.
Arriving at the Kuang family home, Kuang Mingzhu became even more lively, chatting with relatives and friends about various interesting things from life in Shanghai.
Fang Wen, on the other hand, chatted idly with Mr. Kuang in Master Kuang’s study room.
One cup of tea and one dish of pastry per person.
“In just over 2 years, Taishan Airlines has managed to cover southeast, northwest, and all of China; that’s truly impressive. Fang Wen, what are your next plans?” Father Kuang asked.
“Develop international flight paths, preparing to open flights from South Asia to the Mediterranean Sea and then to Europe.” Fang Wen replied.
“That’s several thousand kilometers; you have quite the appetite.” Father Kuang said in surprise.
“Step by step. By the way, father-in-law, how’s the cinchona bark situation?”
“Things are a bit chaotic there right now; we’ve bought the goods but can’t transport them back for the time being.” Father Kuang replied.
“Indonesia in chaos? Because of the Japanese?” Fang Wen asked in surprise.
Mr. Shao explained: “Not the Japanese; Indonesia is currently undergoing revolution, and the Dutch colonial government is arresting Indonesian Communist Party members everywhere. Recently, the warship ‘Seven Provinces’ mutinied but was suppressed.”
Father Kuang glared at his son: “I told you not to get involved in these matters, but you won’t listen. We’re businessmen.”
Mr. Kuang didn’t take it to heart: “Revolutionary flames are burning all over the world right now. I’m not a revolutionary, but I agree with their views.”
Fang Wen was surprised that his brother-in-law had such awareness.
But this was also a true reflection of the era; many young people with international vision were friendly toward the Communist International, and some even joined it.
Fang Wen couldn’t help but think of the Spanish Civil War that would erupt in 2 years, and the two most famous events of that war.
One was the Internationale, sung and passed down for nearly a century.
The other was the International Brigades, participated in by progressive youth from around the world.
This era truly had so many passion-stirring events about to happen.
Fang Wen shook off his thoughts and continued the conversation.
“Once the situation calms down, procure more cinchona bark; don’t worry about sales—I can guarantee the bottom line.”
Father Kuang shook his head: “No need for you to guarantee it. I can see the Japanese want to occupy the Central Plains. China won’t let the barbarians from the Eastern Seas swallow us up. I’ll donate these medicines to where they’re needed; it’s my small contribution as a mere businessman serving the country.”
Fang Wen was moved by his father-in-law’s actions. He stood up and bowed solemnly: “On behalf of those in the war who need cinchona bark to treat malaria, I salute you. Your good deeds will save many lives. In the name of Taishan Airlines, I donate 50,000 silver dollars for purchasing cinchona bark for charity. I have another suggestion: this medicine should go to those who need it. Father-in-law, could you establish a charitable foundation specifically to manage the donation of medicines?”
“What’s a charitable foundation?” Father Kuang asked.
“It’s like a charity hall, but different; it needs dedicated management, with open allocation of donated supplies and open finances for public supervision.” Fang Wen explained.
Brother-in-law Mr. Kuang nodded repeatedly in agreement: “Yes, yes; I approve. Open and fair, no faking it, and the medicine can truly be used for treatment, not profit.”
Fang Wen added: “Father-in-law, if you do this, you’ll be a living Buddha to thousands of families, leaving a good reputation passed down through history.”
His words made Father Kuang feel proud. In life, besides interests, one should do some meaningful things.
This son-in-law was really great; Kuang Mingzhu had found a good husband.
The matter of the cinchona bark was thus settled. The Kuang family decided to find friendly businessmen willing to do this and jointly establish a charitable foundation to create good deeds together.
And Fang Wen raised the purpose of his visit.
“Father-in-law, I’m looking for a deep-water port on the Indochina Peninsula. Do you have any good suggestions?”
“What do you want a deep-water port for?”
“To build an aviation transfer airport, to facilitate air transport of scarce strategic supplies to domestic areas, bypassing the Japanese Navy’s blockade.” Fang Wen replied.
Father Kuang nodded. “Son, bring the map.”
Mr. Kuang took down a large roll of old maps from the bookshelf.
After unfolding it, Father Kuang introduced: “Our Kuang family has always wanted to establish a foothold in Siam and operate a port; that was something our family always wanted to do. Later, Siam became the Kingdom of Thailand, and the plan was shelved. Now I can tell you about it.”
He pointed to the map and explained.
“This is the Indochina Peninsula, extending out and dividing the sea routes from the Southeast Asian islands. To obtain industrial supplies from Europe and gasoline from the Middle East, you have to pass through this narrow waterway—the Strait of Malacca. In the future, if the Japanese want to dominate Asia, they’ll definitely control this area. Therefore, you can only look for ports on the west side of the Indochina Peninsula. But there are only three suitable ports there: Port of Yangon, Moulmein Port, and Tan Lao Port.”
Looking at the three ports marked by Father Kuang, Fang Wen couldn’t help asking: “Which one is better?”
Father Kuang analyzed: “There are many overseas Chinese in Yangon who can help. When you build the airport for round trips to domestic areas, you’ll have more passengers. Although Moulmein and Tan Lao have good port conditions, there are far fewer overseas Chinese. I suggest you build the airport in Yangon.”
Fang Wen wasn’t familiar with the situation there and chatted more with his father-in-law.
Yangon was the capital of Myanmar, but it was still under British control.
In this era, many places in South Asia and Southeast Asia were still colonies.
To develop there, he would need to negotiate with the British government.
Strictly speaking, with the British colonial institution in Kolkata.
Fang Wen didn’t make a decision right away.
He took out a pen and ruler to calculate.
The result surprised him: the straight-line distance from Xiangxi Airport to Yangon was about 1900 kilometers, meaning that once the French D.332 passenger aircraft came online, it could go straight to Yangon.
He mapped out the flight path in his mind.
Xiangxi Airport—Yagon, receiving gasoline and chemicals from sea trade, and transporting them directly back to Xiangxi.
This would be done secretly.
On the surface, establish Yangon—Kolkata—Delhi（ or direct to Karachi）—Tehran—Istanbul to form Asia-Europe international flights.
Moreover, as his father-in-law said, there were many overseas Chinese there, making things easier than in Kolkata.
Thus, Fang Wen made his decision.
“Father-in-law, I’m preparing to send someone to Yangon to negotiate airport construction and flight path matters. Can you arrange for someone to help contact the local overseas Chinese?”
“No problem. We already have a gold shop from our Kuang family there. You send someone over, and I’ll have the manager in Yangon cooperate.” Father Kuang readily agreed.
The Indochina Peninsula airport matter was resolved so easily. Having a father-in-law with local connections and resources was truly convenient.
At this time, Kuang Mingzhu knocked on the door from outside: “Dad, brother, husband, time to eat.”
This was the first time Kuang Mingzhu used “husband,” and Fang Wen was surprised.
But it made Father Kuang and his brother-in-law beam with joy.
It seemed that using more intimate terms made the maiden family happier, showing that the couple had a good relationship after marriage.
Fang Wen hesitated, wondering if he should reply with “wife.”
But on the Kuang family turf, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.
No one paid attention to it; they all left the study room together to eat.
The Kuang family family banquet was set in the main hall. Perhaps because they often did business overseas, they weren’t so strict about traditions; the whole family sat at one large table to eat.
Father Kuang and Mother Kuang at the head seats.
On Father’s side: Mr. Kuang, Fang Wen; on Mother’s side: Kuang Mingzhu.
This arrangement was convenient for toasting.
After the servants poured the wine, Fang Wen proactively toasted.
“Father-in-law, mother-in-law, when I married Mingzhu, the etiquette was lacking, and I’ve felt guilty about it. This time, I want to make up all the etiquette and marry her in properly with full honors. What do you think?”
Mother Kuang was immediately delighted, unsure what to say, then looked at her dazed husband and tugged his sleeve.
The awakened Father Kuang nodded in satisfaction: “This should be done. For you to think of it shows it’s not in vain that our Mingzhu is so devoted to you. Like this: I’ll arrange it. As for your family side, I think you should contact them similarly; it’s best for the elders from both sides to discuss.”
Fang Wen drank the wine in his cup and asked: “Father-in-law is right. I’ve already notified them; now that both sides agree to proceed, according to the rules, what should we do?”
“You don’t need to worry about this; call your father over, and we’ll elders from both families talk.”
“Alright, I’ll fly back this afternoon and bring them over.”
Fang Wen only drank one cup of wine. After eating, he rested briefly, then piloted the airplane back to Shanghai.
On the Shanghai side, the Fang family had already arrived early, waiting for news.
As soon as they saw Fang Wen get off the airplane, they asked about things there.
“We’ll talk on the airplane. I need to fly back to Guangzhou before dark; everyone board the airplane.”
Fang Wen ushered the family onto the plane, waited for the fuel to be topped up, confirmed the piston engine wasn’t overheating, and took off again.
The airplane returned to Guangzhou, and finally the two families’ parents met.
After Father Kuang and Father Fang exchanged pleasantries, they discussed the etiquette.
Although already married, all the previously missing etiquette had to be made up.
The six rites—proposing marriage, asking for the name, fortune-telling, betrothal gifts, requesting the date, and fetching the bride—had to be done fully.
Thus, Fang Wen and the Fang family couldn’t stay at the Kuang home but moved out to find another place to stay.
Then the matchmaker invited by the Fang family went to the woman’s home to propose; after the woman’s family agreed to discuss the marriage, the man’s family prepared gifts and went to formally propose.
The Kuang family accepted the gifts, indicating agreement to this marriage.
This was called proposing marriage.
Then came asking for the name and fortune-telling.
The matchmaker took the man and woman’s names and birth dates to a fortune-teller; a good omen meant heaven blessed this union.
At first, both sides worried there might be issues with this step.
But the invited Daoist priest calculated it as the best possible match.
Only Fang Wen and his brother-in-law knew that to make it work, they had stuffed the Daoist priest full of red envelopes beforehand.
Next was betrothal gifts.
Also called bride price, the man’s family sent betrothal gifts to the woman’s family, marking the formal establishment of the engagement.
Accepting the betrothal gifts meant the marriage was confirmed.
Then came requesting the date.
The man’s family selected the wedding date, prepared gifts to inform the woman’s family, and sought their agreement.
Finally, fetching the bride.
One or two days before the wedding, the woman’s family sent the dowry and prepared the bed; the next day, the groom personally went to the woman’s home to fetch her.
These six rites were done fully and completely.
The whole Guangzhou City knew the Kuang family was marrying off their daughter.
Kuang Mingzhu, wearing a red wedding dress and red veil, sat in the wedding sedan chair, passing through streets and alleys to the airport, and flew back to Shanghai on a special wedding airplane.
Afterward, they held a grand wedding banquet in Jiaxing, fulfilling both families’ parents’ regrets.
This busyness took three days.
Sun Debiao up north also had new progress.
