Chapter 203: Review
Jisiweier Road, No. 76.
Li Shiqun and Ding Mocun received them solemnly.
Coming here made things much more relaxed.
Compared to the complex situation at the city government, this was just an action department. As long as the position of the chief official remained unchanged, this power would not change.
Moreover, everyone came from the same lineage in the National Government; they were all defectors, which made them feel even closer.
What’s more, Minister Zhou had already done the preliminary work in advance, promising promotions and wishes.
So the entire process was harmonious and joyful, expressing unconditional support for Mr. Wang’s new government.
After chatting a bit and touring around, Li Shiqun enthusiastically introduced the achievements of No. 76 and the current situation in Shanghai to Mr. Wang and Minister Zhou.
“The current situation is indeed severe. The sphere of influence of Agent Headquarters cannot be limited to Shanghai; it must expand to all Japanese occupied areas, even nationwide.”
“We are already preparing to carry out work in this regard.”
“Mm, very good.”
“Director Ding, come here.”
Gu Yansheng took a moment to call Ding Mocun.
“What’s up?” Ding Mocun was listening to his superior’s guidance.
Someone like this vice president was previously someone he wanted to see but couldn’t, so there was naturally a sense of respect.
Gu Yansheng pulled him aside. “Stop worshipping first; there’s serious business.”
“What serious business is more important than this right now?” Ding Mocun glanced at the people ahead and heard Li Shiqun chattering away, stealing all the spotlight.
Gu Yansheng didn’t care about that; he pulled him back to focus. “Minister Zhou’s assignment—do you want to keep listening over there or handle this? If you lose the minister position later, don’t blame me for not reminding you.”
Ding Mocun immediately said seriously, “What’s the matter?”
“In Shanghai these past few days, the Japanese are preparing to establish a bank called Hua Xing Commercial.”
Gu Yansheng explained the matter in detail, including the causes and effects. “This is unusual. You need to help find out what the Japanese really mean, and quickly.”
Ding Mocun frowned. “I haven’t heard about this. Any other leads? With just a few people from the Greater East Asia Ministry, I can’t just kidnap them, right?
I also can’t easily gather information from other Japanese chambers of commerce. Even if I send people to infiltrate as undercover agents, it won’t be that quick to learn the inside story.”
Gu Yansheng tsked. “Since the information has already leaked, it proves someone is handling this. Listen to this name: Huaxing Yuan. Does it sound like money issued by a Japanese bank?
Previously, the Japanese issued military scrip directly, but now they’re clearly getting smarter.”
Ding Mocun had a realization. “You mean the person handling this is Chinese.”
“Definitely.” Gu Yansheng nodded firmly. “And not just the handler—all those who appear should be Chinese. The Japanese want to hide the public’s negative reaction to military scrip.”
“Makes sense.” Ding Mocun nodded, deep in thought. “Then the investigation direction is the higher-ups handling this. Alright, I’ll immediately deploy people to check.”
As long as it didn’t directly confront the Japanese, No. 76 could always find out.
At worst, just kidnap them.
“It’s up to you; it has to be fast.” Gu Yansheng nodded toward the receding crowd. “This isn’t just Minister Zhou’s first assignment. Crucially, if we handle it well and uncover any inside story, when I report it, No. 76—you get the top merit.”
“I’ll arrange it now! Investigate now!” With sufficient motivation, Ding Mocun immediately made arrangements and called over his subordinate right in front of Gu Yansheng to give instructions.
Gu Yansheng had to admonish, “Make sure to conceal your intentions. This involves the Japanese; before things are clear, don’t let them know.”
“Got it.” The subordinate acknowledged and left.
“Who is this person?” Gu Yansheng asked casually.
“My former subordinate from the Central Statistics Bureau, Tang Huimin.”
Ding Mocun patted Gu Yansheng’s arm. “Don’t worry; he’s good at getting things done, and crucially, loyal—definitely not Li Shiqun’s man.”
Gu Yansheng smiled. “It doesn’t matter whose man he is for this; if Li Shiqun finds out, your merit will fly away nine times out of ten.”
In terms of ability in Shanghai, Ding Mocun indeed couldn’t compare to Li Shiqun.
Ding Mocun scoffed. “As long as the money doesn’t fly away. The message from over there: a full ship of good stuff loaded in Wuhan, set sail yesterday.”
“Really?” Gu Yansheng’s eyes lit up. “That’s great. What good stuff?”
“A bit of everything, put together hastily—some of each, whatever they had, as long as it’s valuable.”
“Haha, good. Come on, let’s go hear more about it.”
“Then that’s it for now.”
By the time the two returned, everyone had finished touring. Agent Headquarters wasn’t that big anyway, and the remaining prison wasn’t worth seeing.
Minister Zhou glanced at Gu Yansheng and smiled. “Mr. Wang, next let’s go to China Daily, which Director Gu helped prepare.”
“Good.” Wang Ni looked at Gu Yansheng. “I didn’t expect China Daily was also prepared with Director Gu’s help. Truly hard work.”
“I dare not accept that; it’s what I should do.”
“Then to China Daily.”
China Daily was very close, just a few minutes away.
A three-story small building. There wasn’t much to tour; mainly just chat with the newspaper company’s editors and offer consolation.
It was just a newspaper company; coming here was already showing great importance. If not for the heavy propaganda tasks, China Daily—as the future official mouthpiece—might not even be worth visiting.
After these two sites, the afternoon was gone.
“Any arrangements next?” Wang Ni asked.
Minister Zhou looked at Gu Yansheng with a smile. “The Greater East Asia Ministry is now arranging partitioned governance for the city government areas. West Shanghai is Director Gu’s territory. Aren’t you going to invite us to see your achievements these days? If you can’t show anything, say so early—we’ll go eat.”
Minister Zhou explained the Greater East Asia Ministry’s plan to Wang Ni and praised Gu Yansheng’s achievements highly.
“Really? Director Gu is so capable in developing the economy?”
Preparing China Daily was indeed not difficult, but Gu Yansheng had actually developed the economy—this was something Wang Ni hadn’t expected.
This was a chance to shine, so Gu Yansheng had to seize it.
He said humbly, “I just know some people; friends were willing to help. If Mr. Wang has time, I’ll take you to see.”
“This must be seen. Industry is something the nation needs to vigorously develop; it’s very important.” Wang Ni was serious.
So they went to see.
Gu Yansheng brought his secretary Ma Shiqi along. Ma Shiqi could contact the factories in advance to avoid any mishaps.
The number of factories in West Shanghai now was indeed substantial, and for convenient transportation, they were basically near the Suzhou River.
So along the way, the industrial atmosphere was very strong.
The riverbank was the industrial zone; across was restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and the like.
This didn’t need Gu Yansheng’s management; with business in the industrial zone, these trades naturally had people coming to open shops.
The scene was indeed good.
Paired with brothels, opium dens, casinos—along a stretch of the Suzhou River, the entire commercial atmosphere was thick, teeming with people.
Gu Yansheng took them to see the textile factory, then the flour mill.
“This year’s wheat will soon be harvestable. I’ve already discussed with their factory; when the new grain goes public, it can be prioritized for the new government.” Gu Yansheng reported.
Wang Ni nodded repeatedly. With so many machines running and the wheat aroma from the flour mill, his mood was great.
“We must vigorously develop industry; it’s not just for livelihood but also the nation’s tax source.” Wang Ni said with emotion: “This bustling scene of busy machines is hard to see even in Chongqing.
Why do I advocate peaceful nation building? Only peace can develop industry, giving us the chance to surpass Japan and defeat Japan.”
They ate a meal.
Wang Ni and Minister Zhou returned home.
They went together to Wang Ni’s home.
Next, it was time to discuss Shanghai matters.
