Chapter 244: Business Trip
Shen Ji Garment Factory.
“The matter came up suddenly. In the next couple of days, I have to go to Hong Kong. You can ask the organization if they want to arrange a meeting.”
“It’s a bit rushed. If we notify now, we don’t know if Mr. Wu can make time. Can you stay a few days?”
“First find someone, then negotiate. It definitely won’t be that fast time-wise. Probably need to stay ten days or half a month in Hong Kong.”
“Alright, then I’ll ask the organization. If the organization has time, how to contact then?”
“Then you can place a missing person notice in the Hong Kong Ta Kung Pao: Wang Haifeng looking for sister Wang Ruyan. The other side sets the time and place.”
“Okay, got it.”
Leaving the Shen Ji Clothing Store, Gu Yansheng went to Hongkou to find Mr. Hase.
Consulate.
“Mr. Hase.” Gu Yansheng mentioned Minister Zhou’s request to protest.
“Something like that happened?” Mr. Hase apparently wasn’t yet aware of the military department’s new scheme, frowning in surprise.
Gu Yansheng nodded. “They don’t know if it’s Chief of Staff Itagaki’s own idea or the cabinet’s. They hope to convey this matter to the cabinet through the consulate’s channels to clarify if the cabinet wants to violate the agreement with them.”
“Always coming up with unexpected things.” Mr. Hase’s tone was unkind as he said this. After a brief think, he continued: “Some in the army wanting to persuade President Jiang in Chongqing to surrender isn’t exactly a sudden whim, but from before the war to now several years, the result is obvious.
The cabinet won’t possibly choose a nebulous outcome to abandon established matters.
This should be the self-righteousness of certain people in the military department.
How’s the mood of the Wang Faction people?
“I heard Minister Zhou say Mr. Wang’s mood isn’t great.” Gu Yansheng bore in mind that he was part of the consulate, speaking frankly and sincerely. “From his standpoint, negotiations were almost done, the conference had been held, just waiting to finish the merger work for the new government to open. But now it’s indefinitely delayed, like a spare tire, dispensable.
Minister Zhou’s mood seems okay, somewhat dissatisfied but stopping there. He knows I have consulate connections, probably doesn’t want to reveal too much.”
Mr. Hase could understand, frowning and letting out a long breath. “I’ll report this matter as soon as possible. You soothe their moods more. There won’t be any major changes.”
“I understand.” Gu Yansheng nodded. “Also, Chief of Staff Itagaki requested they provide a list of Chongqing contact personnel. Minister Zhou sent Mei Siping, who previously worked in Hong Kong, and has me, Mei Siping, and that Gao Zhongwu accompany Chief of Staff Itagaki’s people to Hong Kong together to handle this.”
“Sending you?” Mr. Hase pondered Minister Zhou’s intentions and somewhat understood. “He wants to involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in this through your mouth, to supervise the military department?”
Mr. Hase muttered to himself and nodded slightly. “This Minister Zhou is indeed very shrewd in handling affairs.”
This is indeed overthinking it. Gu Yansheng nodded. “I guess so too.”
Hearing this, Mr. Hase said: “Then cooperate with their work and maintain a good relationship with Minister Zhou. That’s quite important for your future work.”
“I understand. What if their negotiations make progress?”
Mr. Hase sneered. “No need to worry about that. I don’t think these negotiations will make any progress.
Based on my many years in China observing President Jiang, his biggest difference from Mr. Wang is that he likes malicious compromises.
He has always seen the Communist Party as his biggest threat. At the start of the war between Japan and China, to rally people, he could cooperate with the Communist Party. That’s a compromise.
So logically, with the war not over, as a leader, he shouldn’t turn the blade inward and weaken his own fighting strength.
But in fact, even amid successive defeats, at the Nationalist Party’s Fifth Congress this year, he proposed a plan to restrict other parties’ activities. Though not naming the Communist Party, everyone knows who it’s targeting.
The plan later issued by Chongqing High Command was just eight words: ‘dissolve communists, anti-communism, limit communists, oppose communists’.
The war is going so poorly, yet he’s thinking of restricting the Communist Party’s development. What do you think that’s for?
To ensure his position remains completely unshaken.
Completely unrelated to us.
Unrelated to the war.
It’s not waiting for the war to end to deal with other domestic forces, but during the war, not caring about internal strength consumption, targeting the already few fighting forces.
That’s malice. The compromise back then contained today’s malice.
The situation was critical then, so he could compromise and unite. Now the situation is slightly calmer, and he picks up the old goal.
This shows that the situation’s good or bad doesn’t weigh too heavily in his considerations, but as president, personal goals are very important to him.
So I’ve never thought the military department’s surrender plan would make progress. He still has leeway now to deal with the Communist Party, far from desperation. He didn’t negotiate during the Shanghai Incident before, so why would he choose peace talks now?
Stepping back, even if he negotiates, it’ll be with malice.
This person will definitely be an ungrateful wolf. At desperation, if he really chooses peace talks, outwardly thinking temporary compromise, inwardly planning to strike when the chance comes.
There’s a line in Dream of the Red Chamber: ‘A cub of the Zhongshan wolf, once successful, grows rampant.’ That’s describing his kind.”
Gu Yansheng offered admiring eyes and flattered. “Mr. Hase’s words have enlightened me. I previously heard from 76 Number people that Chongqing ordered Third War Zone’s Gu Zhutong to restrict weapons and ammo supplies to the New Fourth Army in northern Anhui.
I really didn’t understand at the time what Chongqing Government’s intent was. It brought them no benefit. Now hearing Mr. Hase, I truly get it. It’s just this President Jiang of Chongqing’s personal scheme.”
Mr. Hase chuckled lightly. “This President Jiang just wants to borrow our hands to wipe out this New Fourth Army bunch.
Anti-communism is the voice of mainstream countries worldwide. We oppose communists, the Wang Government must oppose communists, but only Chongqing Government can’t oppose communists. That’s already their biggest support for the War of Resistance, standing on the same frontline as them.
So what’s the purpose of anti-communism? Isn’t it obvious?
It can only be personal demands.
Would you care about a small bandit gang? Would you take something you don’t care about to the Nationalist Party Fifth Supreme Council for discussion?
He cares, cares too much, cares to the point of sleeplessness. That’s why he’s urgently pushing this now, making everyone do it. The root cause is full of malice.
If everyone does it, they’re all in the same boat. From then on, all must strike the Communist Party to prevent retaliation from growing strong.”
This Ministry of Foreign Affairs China expert’s understanding of Chongqing is indeed thorough, much clearer than those military department office-sitters pushing militarism.
“I’ve learned from this. Then I’ll cooperate with Minister Zhou.”
“Watch your Hong Kong trip and see if it verifies my thoughts.” Mr. Hase was quite confident.
“I’ll wait and see.” Gu Yansheng smiled and took his leave.
Leaving the consulate, Gu Yansheng drove to the city government.
Next was to confirm the subordinate list for the Hong Kong trip.
Traveling far to Hong Kong, definitely need enough bodyguards and personnel.
Bodyguards are simple; just bring his household’s.
Ding Mocun’s people can be used, but they’re not his own after all, inconvenient for travel.
Can use them for action, but not as guards.
For personnel, Gu Yansheng originally wanted to bring Ma Shiqi, but the West Shanghai smuggling matter still needs him temporarily. With him there, any unexpected events can be handled urgently.
The remaining choice was just Wen Yan, but Wen Yan is handling customs Inspection Department duties. Long absence wouldn’t be good for him.
Can’t bring Wen Yan either.
Wanting manpower is a bit tricky; both capable generals for dirty work are tied up.
Gu Yansheng needed to find a newcomer. Thinking of those around him, he thought of one: that particularly diligent Central Statistics Bureau convert, Action Captain Yan Dongqing.
Though he suspected Yan Dongqing’s identity, whether Central Statistics Bureau sent him didn’t matter to him.
Being Central Statistics Bureau was sometimes better.
Arriving at city government, Gu Yansheng went upstairs to the Judicial Department.
“Xiao Lou.”
“Division Chief, you’re here.” Liu Xiaolou stood up happily.
“Didn’t I give you the Secretary Section office? No need to always stay at my door. There’s not even anyone to chat with here.”
Gu Yansheng’s division chief office door was very quiet.
Entering the office and sitting at the position, Liu Xiaolou dutifully brewed coffee.
“If you come and can’t find me, you’d have to go to the office to find me, so troublesome. I’m used to staying here, won’t feel bored. And department reform hasn’t happened yet. Can’t leave the old section chief without a position. Sharing an office would be more awkward.”
“Japanese change ideas every day. Department reform has to wait more.” Gu Yansheng tsked.
“Mayor Fu has no objections, but Wang Government isn’t established. Per past process, personnel changes need Japanese review, too troublesome. Your positions have to wait until Wang Government is established to move. Make do, endure two more days of hardship, sit on the cold bench a bit longer.”
Gu Yansheng was now minister plus division chief, not even concurrent in the same system. He was Kuomintang minister plus Shanghai Special City Government division chief.
Salary only one portion, a bit of a loss.
Liu Xiaolou chuckled. “Anyway, I don’t plan to move to that office. When you confirm going to Nanjing, I’ll get another bench at your office door.”
“Okay, save it for you.” Seeing Liu Xiaolou put Gu Yansheng in a great mood. “How’s the Secretary Section matter you handled?”
“I’ll report.” Liu Xiaolou held the coffee cup and handed it over, then reported on screening and placing his own people in the Secretary Section.
Positions not yet submitted to Japanese for review, but Gu Yansheng clearly instructed the Personnel Section chief. No one in Judicial Department dared defy Gu Yansheng, so Liu Xiaolou’s work went smoothly.
Except the old Secretary Section chief a bit uneasy and awkward, nothing else.
“How’s Yan Dongqing lately?” Gu Yansheng sipped coffee and asked.
Liu Xiaolou noticed this was the division chief asking about Yan Dongqing specifically for the second time.
“After you asked last time, I paid more attention to him. Deputy Section Chief Yan is low-key, amiable, gets along well with Economic Department colleagues. They all like him. Just low presence in the department, doesn’t come often.”
“Any women around?”
Liu Xiaolou thought and hesitated, shaking his head. “Probably not. I heard the women gossiping; Deputy Section Chief Yan is single.”
Doesn’t love money, loves work, amiable and chatty, no woman—this sounds just like something an agent would do.
“Call him on the phone. I have business with him.”
“Yes.”
Liu Xiaolou picked up the phone and called the Economic Department. Soon after, he said the person was coming.
Waited a bit.
Yan Dongqing arrived.
“Division Chief.”
“When I sent you to Economic Department, I didn’t expect the situation to change so fast. Economic Department fell idle, wasting you. I haven’t figured out where to arrange you. Legal Section would be overkill.”
Gu Yansheng came out, leaned against the table looking at him. “You must have heard about the government reform. Any demands for your future position?”
Yan Dongqing smiled faintly. “No demands. Economic Department seems insignificant now, but I think after Mr. Wang’s new government is established, this department might have a second spring.”
Gu Yansheng raised a brow. “Why say that?”
“Economic Department was established to issue military scrip. Later it turned to preparing the municipal bank. Now with new government not established, work seems idle.
But I think, once new government is established, the new government’s Central Bank will also issue its own banknotes, needing lots of staff. These Economic Department staff have military scrip issuance experience and know Shanghai affairs, so likely to merge into the new Central Bank.
As the new government’s money bag, the Central Bank’s role isn’t small, right? Just my personal shallow views.”
“Makes a lot of sense.” Gu Yansheng nodded. “Central Statistics Bureau’s action captain actually understands economics so well. Looks like your time in Economic Department wasn’t wasted.”
Yan Dongqing smiled. “Indeed lots of idle time, so I learned a bit from some Economic Department staff. They include officials and university economics professors. That’s their view; I just know a little, mostly parroting.”
“Since idle, accompany me on a business trip to Hong Kong, do your old job: tail people. Willing?”
“Willing.” Yan Dongqing nodded decisively.
“Skills not rusty?”
“No, rest assured.”
“Good, depart in these two days.”
Gu Yansheng picked up the phone and called Ding Mocun, mentioned the matter and hung up. To Yan Dongqing he continued: “I’ve told Director Ding. Go pick your own people. Hong Kong isn’t our turf; can’t bring too many or target too big. Six to eight. You were in 76 Number’s Inspection Department before, familiar with personnel. Pick a few capable ones.”
“Yes. Then I’ll go now?”
“Mm, go.”
Finishing coffee, Gu Yansheng returned to West Shanghai Tea House and called Lu Bowen over.
Mentioned the Hong Kong trip.
“Don’t know how long time-wise yet. While I’m away, no need to wait for me to start cotton yarn matter. When futures chips in hand are almost enough, tell Ma Shiqi to contact Fu Xiao’an and launch the market trend.”
He Yun controlled the national treasury in hand; no worry about insufficient funds. When Gu Yansheng returned, just settle accounts.
“If any man-made accidents occur, have him contact Wu Sibao to handle.”
“Okay, I’ll operate. Remember to bring back some gifts for us.”
“Now you’re opening your mouth.” Gu Yansheng sneered. “I’ll see then. You can forget it; no chance. Buying for women I can find an excuse.”
“Tragic.” Lu Bowen pursed his lips. It was just a joke; forgotten after saying. “One serious matter. I think you can bring some money to Hong Kong, deposit in a Hong Kong bank. Shanghai has limits on large transfers to Hong Kong, and leaves traces. In case the organization needs… right?”
“Good reminder.” Gu Yansheng nodded. Human smuggling, don’t waste opportunity. “Should deposit some. I’ll handle.”
“Nothing else. Then I’ll go.”
“Okay.”
Once Lu Bowen left, Gu Yansheng separately told Fu Xiao’an, Ma Shiqi and others about the cotton yarn matter, arranged properly.
Second evening received Minister Zhou’s phone call.
Third day the main group assembled and flew to Hong Kong.
