Chapter 202: Accepting One
The next day, the Japanese notified that the guards were in place and they could set off, so Gu Yansheng went to pick up Minister Zhou.
Upon meeting, they exchanged pleasantries, “Minister, did you sleep well last night?”
“Haha, of course.” Minister Zhou laughed and got into the car.
Last night they argued for half an hour. At first, he used the excuse that the Japanese liked to entertain guests at the Geisha Hall and since the consulate invited him, he had no choice but to go, to brush it off. He repeatedly assured her with words that he absolutely did not fool around with any woman, he was just talking business.
But Yang Shuhui was extremely shrewd; her temporary belief was just a disguise. As soon as she went upstairs to sleep, she demanded he hand over the grain pay.
That was it, really not a single drop left.
He could only say he was tired after a whole day and had no energy.
Yang Shuhui was over thirty, at the age like a wolf or tiger, and upon hearing this, her expression gradually changed and she directly threw a tantrum.
Minister Zhou could only muster his spirits, put on a stern face and say what nonsense she was thinking, so busy every day, where would there be time to find women, using momentum to intimidate.
Then he went to the study room to work.
The whole night pretending to doze in the study room, it was hard to endure.
Minister Zhou asked, “Has the city government side prepared the reception?”
Gu Yansheng nodded, “After I returned yesterday, I called Fu Xiao’an. He had already received the Japanese’s notification, and I just confirmed it again. The city government Secretary-General has already made the arrangements.”
Minister Zhou was very satisfied. Some things had not been mentioned, but Gu Yansheng had already verified them; that was being attentive.
“Good, then see you later.”
Everyone got into their cars respectively, drove forward to rendezvous with Wang Ni’s motorcade, and the group headed to the city government.
At the entrance of the city government, a welcome banner was hung.
Fu Xiao’an and Ling Xianwen led a group of officials to welcome them.
“Welcome Mr. Wang, welcome Mr. Zhou.”
Everyone exchanged a few pleasantries outside, the Propaganda Department took a few photographs, they toured the government interior, talking about the Peaceful Nation Building while also talking about Shanghai’s economy.
Fu Xiao’an praised Wang Ni’s Peaceful Nation Building as a good idea, Wang Ni praised Shanghai for being managed very well under Fu Xiao’an’s leadership, and everyone happily negotiated for a bit.
Wang Ni directly asked, “Regarding the new government’s preparations, does Mayor Fu have any opinions to raise?”
Fu Xiao’an was also direct, “I support Mr. Wang’s Peaceful Nation-Building Plan. Regarding Shanghai being included under the new government, I can make the decision on behalf of the city government; no objections.
It’s just that on the issue of rights and responsibilities, I do need to ask clearly.
First, personnel appointment and dismissal power. For the appointment of Shanghai officials, such as department heads’ personnel appointments and dismissals, does the city government still have the power?
Second, taxation power. Since half a year ago, Shanghai has been operating on a self-revenue self-expenditure model for finance and taxation. Will the new government make changes to this aspect?
Third, Shanghai is an international metropolis, with exchanges and friction with concession countries happening every day. Does the city government still have autonomous coordination power to communicate with various countries and make decisions?
Fourth, after the new government is established, will the army be stationed in Shanghai?
I hope Mr. Wang can give me answers to these four questions.”
Wang Ni did not plan to give Fu Xiao’an answers right now, because the answers would definitely not be good, and moreover, with his status, it was not suitable for him to be the negotiator, otherwise there would be no room for maneuver in the matter.
So he smiled and said, “From these questions, it can be seen that Mayor Fu is extremely attentive to work. However, I am not asking you this question regarding the city government, but asking you personally, do you have any demands regarding positions.”
Fu Xiao’an did not need to think, lightly smiled and said, “Thank you Mr. Wang for your care. I am also at this age; being able to serve a few years as Shanghai Mayor and contribute to Shanghai’s economy would leave me with no regrets in this life.”
Wang Ni faintly smiled, “I understand Mayor Fu’s feelings. From Shanghai’s current situation, under your leadership Mayor Fu, it is thriving. I think you are very suitable to be this Shanghai Mayor.”
Wang Ni had essentially given a verbal guarantee. Fu Xiao’an smiled slightly, “Just minor merits, thank you Mr. Wang for the praise.”
Leader identity, the downside is that one cannot negotiate with others; once negotiation happens, the identity level changes flavor, can only act with a tone of instructing. So after touring once, asking the person’s basic stance tendency, it was time to go back.
Have lunch, take a nap to rest.
Let the real negotiators take the stage.
Small matters call big meetings, big matters call small meetings; truly important matters are not put to meetings at all, decided privately.
Minister Zhou, Gu Yansheng, Ling Xianwen, and Fu Xiao’an directly went to the office to talk.
Minister Zhou spoke first, “Shanghai City will exist as a direct-controlled municipality of the new government, with a very high positioning for it by the new government, so the main personnel power of various bureaus and departments will be under Nanjing city government’s advisory power. Nanjing will seriously consider the city government’s suggestions; as for lower-level personnel power, the city government and bureaus can decide themselves.”
These people had come and were definitely going to take some personnel power. Fu Xiao’an was prepared for this answer in his heart and said thoughtfully, “I have no objection to the general direction, just two points I hope Mr. Zhou and Mr. Wang consider.
First, Agent Headquarters’ power must be curtailed. Apart from investigating spies and bandits, they cannot interfere in other crimes. Shanghai City needs to develop the economy and cannot withstand their meddling. Whether a person has issues, the decision-making power lies with the city government.”
“Possible.” Although Agent Headquarters had already agreed to come under him, logically letting the city government be supervised by Agent Headquarters was not a bad thing, but matters require balance; he also did not hope Agent Headquarters’ power was too great, after all Agent Headquarters still had a Japanese father.
Minister Zhou nodded in agreement to this point; anyway, there was still Gu Yansheng’s Judicial Department, which could supervise the city government.
“Second?”
“Second, the appointment power of the Police Chief is with me. Agent Headquarters no longer reports to me. Shanghai’s situation is complex; I cannot be without some military force to respond to emergencies. A Police Station that listens to calls but not proclamations means Shanghai’s military force is entirely not in my hands. If something happens, no one resolves it; what prestige does this mayor have left?”
Minister Zhou frowned slightly at this. The Police Station should belong to the future Police Administration Department; if the chief did not report to them, it would mean Shanghai Police Station was Fu Xiao’an’s independent kingdom.
After thinking, Minister Zhou said, “The Police Station is also Shanghai City’s Police Station; how could the chief deliberately not obey your orders Mayor Fu? Are you worrying too much?”
Fu Xiao’an was tough when he needed to be, “Mr. Zhou, I have to consider extreme situations. Only if the Police Station is in my hands can I safely control Shanghai’s situation. My request is not excessive.”
This matter was hard to answer. Minister Zhou thought and said, “Then let’s set this matter aside for now, talk about others. Fiscal expenditure can be formulated by the city government, the plan submitted to Nanjing for review; taxation power returns to Nanjing, disbursed as needed.”
Fu Xiao’an shook his head, “At least fifty percent freely allocated by the city government, fifty percent turned over to Nanjing. If the city government lacks, apply to Nanjing again.”
“Why do you want to keep so much tax?”
“Shanghai City must have its own fiscal independence. Asking Nanjing for everything, how to handle future matters?”
Minister Zhou thought and said, “At most thirty percent; taxation completed by personnel dispatched from Nanjing.”
Fu Xiao’an shook his head, “Shanghai completes it; Nanjing can dispatch people for supervision.”
Minister Zhou considered and said, “Possible. Next item: the city government can contact concessions and handle affairs, but matters involving major issues need to be reported to Nanjing for decision.”
Fu Xiao’an had no objection to this, “Feasible.”
Minister Zhou nodded, “Fourth item, the army will definitely be stationed. Our negotiation with the Japanese is to take back regional jurisdiction from the Japanese hands; afterward, it will be Chinese governing Chinese situation.”
Fu Xiao’an said, “Then can I manage it? Do I have calling power?”
Minister Zhou paused and said, “They are responsible for military affairs, protecting Shanghai and surrounding safety. In wartime, Nanjing will naturally give them orders. In peacetime, Shanghai’s Agent Headquarters and Police Station should suffice to maintain Shanghai’s public order.
If needed, you can apply to Nanjing to call them.”
Then Fu Xiao’an was not polite, “The army can be stationed but cannot disturb the people. Civil and criminal cases handed to the Judicial Department for jurisdiction. Police Station has arrest power, and the army’s all expenditures go through Shanghai City Government’s accounts, deducted first from taxation.”
Minister Zhou sneered, “If the money all goes through you, doesn’t that mean this army is controlled by the city government?”
“I can’t even mobilize one police or army, isn’t that inappropriate?” Fu Xiao’an smiled and asked.
Minister Zhou also laughed, “What do you mean can’t mobilize? You can call whenever you want, Police Station can be called anytime, Agent Headquarters can use if they want, it’s just a matter of name. Even the army, it’s just one telephone call. Mayor Fu, aren’t you exaggerating?”
“Police Station or army, I must master one. I just want calling power. Mr. Zhou, my request isn’t excessive, right? Shanghai City still has Gendarmerie Headquarters and Japanese barracks. You don’t need to worry about me rebelling. I just want to use it smoothly. Isn’t that the reason?”
He really was a businessman, not eating any loss. Minister Zhou thought and smiled, “Mayor Fu, these issues you raised and your demands, I will report to Mr. Wang and give you an answer.”
Fu Xiao’an smiled knowingly; that meant agreeing to give the Police Station, just needing to go through Mr. Wang procedurally for face.
“Good, I await you and Mr. Wang’s reply.”
Minister Zhou nodded, “There is one matter needing Mayor Fu’s help.”
“You say.”
“Starting today, across Shanghai City’s entire territory, post Peaceful Nation Building banners or slogans, propagate Peaceful Nation-Building Ideology, raise the public’s awareness. As for newspapers within the territory, leave them to me for jurisdiction.”
It sounded not difficult at first, but upon careful thought, there was still difficulty.
Fu Xiao’an frowned and said, “Mr. Zhou said entire territory, including concessions? This request is not difficult for the urban area, but for concessions, wanting to post these slogans probably won’t go so smoothly.”
Minister Zhou just smiled, “I believe it won’t stump you Mayor Fu; you are Shanghai’s pillar.”
Police Station was given, if this small matter couldn’t be done, on what basis to take the Police Station.
Fu Xiao’an nodded, “Good, I’ll figure out a way for this matter. For Mr. Wang’s great cause of peace, this old bone of mine will stake an old face.”
Minister Zhou laughed heartily, “Hard work Mayor Fu, then I look forward to your good news.”
“Mm, I’ll roll it out as soon as possible.”
“Good, then I’ll go discuss with Mr. Wang and give you a reply soon.”
“Then I’ll see you off.”
They left the city government.
Minister Zhou asked, “What do you think of Fu Xiao’an’s demands?”
Gu Yansheng raised an eyebrow and said, “Looking at the several issues together, the core is just wanting a Police Station; not excessive, right?
Fu Xiao’an said one thing quite right: for other places, wanting a Police Station might be for military force, possibly plotting something disloyal, risk of creating a state within a state. But for Shanghai, this issue does not exist.
I believe he wants the Police Station purely to have convenience when handling Shanghai affairs and complex situations arise.
Gu Yansheng had to speak good words, help Fu Xiao’an preserve some means. Localities need force to contend with Nanjing; everyone contending makes the situation interesting.
Minister Zhou nodded slightly, thought and said, “Mr. Wang should have rested enough. Make a telephone call; we’ll go to Agent Headquarters.”
“Okay.”
Gu Yansheng made a telephone call, then after rendezvousing, the group set off again toward Agent Headquarters.
