Chapter 217: Lecture
Sha Shun burst into laughter, raised his glass for a clink, with a crisp sound: “Alright, of course. Happy to serve the Minister.”
Being the Minister changes the situation entirely.
Originally, Sha Shun was prepared to take some immediate advantage, to grab some benefits, but now, no rush, not at all, there’s plenty of time ahead.
One must have patience in life.
Gu Yansheng sneered at his pretentious odd tone.
“Nothing’s set in stone yet. Don’t let this out—it’s absolutely confidential right now.”
“When have I ever run my mouth.” Sha Shun put on an earnest, honest man’s demeanor.
Telling the United Kingdom government was no big deal to Gu Yansheng. He chatted a few more words with Sha Shun, set a time and security, and went downstairs amid Sha Shun’s cheerful send-off.
The Guard opened the private room door. Gu Yansheng walked in, and the room instantly fell silent as everyone turned to look at him.
Gu Yansheng was straightforward and smiled faintly: “Mission accomplished.”
“Oh~”
The atmosphere immediately became lively.
Everyone present now had firsthand experience of Gu Yansheng’s capabilities in Shanghai.
“Come on, a toast to our lucky charm.” Minister Zhou raised his glass and egged them on.
“Hahahaha.”
After downing a glass of liquor, Gu Yansheng said: “Sha Shun said not only will he provide us the banquet hall, he’ll also assist with our security.”
“Great.”
“Just one condition: No. 76 people can’t come in, or it’d be slapping his face. I’ve done my best.”
“That’s no big deal. Just don’t say you’re from No. 76. Say you’re police officers, ordinary guards, right?” Minister Zhou looked at Ding Mocun.
Ding Mocun nodded. “No problem. I’ll give the orders.”
“Good, drink up.”
With the venue secured, it was time to send out invitations for people to attend.
Invitations went out the next day, and the presentation in the concession was held directly on the third day.
Hua Mao Hotel’s grand conference hall was packed.
Basically all the big and small traitors in Shanghai were there, plus some Japanese, politicians and businessmen from various countries, and reporters from major newspaper companies. The venue was crowded and very lively.
Gu Yansheng attended the meeting. Today was Wang Ni’s individual speech.
Wang Ni lived up to his past as Vice President, with excellent eloquence. He started from President Sun’s Greater Asianism and led into the current situation.
He spoke from the Northern Expedition to the current war.
He spoke from the National Government’s corruption to the army’s power struggles.
He concluded with an outlook on the new government, inviting talents from around the world to join the new government’s family and compose a beautiful future together.
He controlled the speech’s rhythm throughout, with climaxes one after another. The three-hour speech drew constant applause from the audience.
At the end, Wang Ni spoke excitedly about Peaceful Nation Building and Asian Co-Prosperity, raising his arm high and shouting slogans with fists pumping.
“Save the Nation Through Detours!”
“Peaceful Nation Building!”
“Asian Co-Prosperity!”
All the big and small traitors shouted along. The atmosphere couldn’t be more fervent.
The shouting from the audience was so intense that even Wang Ni was a bit reluctant to leave the stage.
He was still full of energy when stepping down.
Just right for accepting interviews from reporters.
After answering a few questions, another hour passed before it ended.
“How did you like today’s speech?” Wang Ni came over smiling to ask Minister Zhou and the group waiting.
Minister Zhou praised: “Unparalleled, passionate and surging. I believe with tomorrow’s newspapers, the whole world will come for Peaceful Nation Building.”
Wang Ni was delighted to hear it. “Good, and thanks for your hard work. There’s another one tomorrow. We’ll continue.”
Early the next morning, the second speech began.
This one was at the Sino-French Technical School in the French Concession, thanks to Wang Ni’s brother-in-law Chu Minyi’s connections. After all, Chu Minyi was the dean of the medical school and had some connections.
Meanwhile, as the speech began, Wang Ni’s words from yesterday’s speech spread widely through newspaper sales.
Newsboys on the concession streets waved newspapers and shouted.
“Extra! Extra! Mr. Wang personally denounces the Chongqing Government’s corruption and holding positions without doing work!”
“Shanghai exclusive! Mr. Wang calls for Save the Nation Through Detours!”
“Concession headline! New Government announces Peaceful Nation Building plan today!”
“On-site report: Mr. Wang’s Asian Co-Prosperity declaration shocks the concession!”
“Give me a copy.”
“Two mao, thank you.”
Citizens buying newspapers read them while walking, heads down. Soon, discussions arose in major tea houses, companies, and trading firms.
At the speech venue, Wang Ni was still building the mood, not yet at the climax, when the external climax arrived first.
Bang bang bang bang, pop pop pop pop. It started with a few scattered gunshots from outside the campus, then the gunfire grew intense.
The students below whispered to each other. Some had already stood up, gazing toward the school gate.
Ding Mocun, guarding the venue, immediately arranged for tighter protection of Wang Ni and sent personnel to provide support, while he himself went on stage to explain to Wang Ni, who was still speaking and unaware of what was happening.
Wang Ni waited a bit. Seeing the gunfire continuing sporadically and the students’ attention drawn away, he felt that if this went on, today’s presentation effect would be cut in half. He couldn’t wait any longer.
So he tapped the microphone.
“Students, stay calm! Please don’t panic. Everyone sit down, sit down!”
Wang Ni kept his tone as mild as possible, smiling: “The noises outside just now were just a few jumping clowns bringing destruction on themselves. Rest assured, it’s very safe here. Our Guard Team has the situation under control.
Remember, we’re gathered here today for a greater cause: to save the nation through peaceful means!
If we let this minor disturbance interrupt us and scare us off, wouldn’t that play right into the saboteurs’ hands?”
Wang Ni paused. His calm words really drew back some students’ attention.
Some even offered looks of admiration. The man on stage was so composed.
It had to be said that though Wang Ni was older, thanks to his looks and attire, he still presented well.
Just then, a hat-wearing student-like person in the audience suddenly stood up, yanked off his hat, pulled out a gun, and shouted loudly: “Eliminate traitors for the country, kill the Wang Dog! Dog thief! Give your life!”
With that, he raised the gun and fired.
Pop pop pop pop. No. 76 personnel hidden in the crowd stood up. Several shots rang out in succession, bullets hitting him. The student hadn’t fired a single shot before blood splattered the scene.
The No. 76 people didn’t relax with this assassin’s death. They continued searching the crowd nearby. Soon, one with a butt lifting then sitting back down, and another student wide-eyed in panic, not knowing what to do—two were singled out.
No. 76 men rushed forward to arrest them, directly searching guns from their bodies.
“Take them away!”
“I didn’t fire! I didn’t fire!”
The panicked student shouted there, but was ruthlessly dragged away in the end, awaiting No. 76’s interrogation room.
The venue was in chaos for a moment.
Seeing people who looked like their usual classmates being taken away made them feel uneasy.
Wang Ni on stage panicked for a moment too, but quickly composed himself and continued to control the scene.
He tapped the microphone and raised his voice:
“Students! Compatriots! Listen, doesn’t that gunfire expose the Chongqing Government’s bluster hiding weakness?
They lurk in the shadows firing cold shots because they’re afraid of our voice!
The Chongqing Government claims to resist the war but only dares use such despicable assassination tactics, not facing the people openly. Why?
Because they’re guilty!
Their rule is corrupt and incompetent, the army fights for power, so they can only cover up failures with agents’ assassinations, to put in the newspapers that they killed so-and-so today.
But go see for yourselves!
Look at past newspapers, past news!
You’ll discover.
Facing Japanese soldiers, they cower!
Facing Chinese, they strike bravely!
They call it resisting Japan—what kind of Japan are they resisting?
I only see four words: Chiang family gets rich!
I only see four words: National Ruin and Extinction!
And us? We’re taking the bright path of Save the Nation Through Detours, achieving Peaceful Nation Building through enduring humiliation and bearing heavy responsibilities in negotiations!
Exchanging necessary sacrifices for peace!
Today’s attack is proof of their fear—of us awakening students, winning the people’s hearts!
Such acts only make us more resolute!
The louder the Military Statistics Bureau’s gunfire, the more it shows the Chongqing Government is a paper tiger, tough on the outside but rotten inside.
We won’t be intimidated!
We’ll keep shouting: Save the Nation Through Detours! Peaceful Nation Building! Asian Co-Prosperity! Let the world see who is China’s future!”
About enough, about enough. Ding Mocun was anxious nearby. They were fighting, yet he didn’t say less: “Mr. Wang, withdraw first. Safety first.”
Wang Ni also felt it was about enough, after all the situation was unclear.
“Students, remember, the new government needs you hot-blooded youths, not those cowards who only know violence!
The new government awaits your joining.”
He waved farewell.
Run fast
The day after the presentation ended.
Chen Mo came to find Gu Yansheng.
“Chongqing already knows Wang Ni’s presentation content. Boss Dai instructs: Wang Ni is a major traitor selling out the country. Even if we can’t eliminate him, we can’t let him keep preaching to mislead the people.”
Gu Yansheng nodded as he listened.
The two days of continuous presentations had indeed caused some impact.
First, the Chongqing Government’s war efforts were retreating steadily, which was disappointing. Second, Wang’s path of saving the nation through peace, under the banner of letting the people live on, had gained some followers who felt Wang was right.
It was only natural for Chongqing to act to avoid weakening their influence in Shanghai.
However, this matter really didn’t need to be done.
“As far as I know, Wang Ni won’t have speeches recently. They’ve switched to others. If you want to attack, target others. As for the schedule, I don’t care about or know the others well. They should be arranging with No. 76 people.”
Chen Mo thought it over and nodded. “Alright, then I’ll ask Liu San first.”
For No. 76 internal matters, asking Liu San was obviously more convenient.
After parting with Chen Mo, Gu Yansheng still had to visit Shen Linshen. Passing by, he saw the new fabric arrival blackboard hung at Shen Linshen’s door.
Might as well get a suit made.
“What’s up?”
Shen Linshen said, “Wang Ni has betrayed the enemy. The Organization asked me to ask you if you can get the latest negotiation content between Wang Ni and the Japanese. The Organization should have an action plan.”
