Chapter 254: Heading North
Eat, eat, eat, all you know is eat.
“Alright, then I’ll make the arrangement.” Gu Yansheng went along smoothly.
Minister Zhou said, “Mr. Wang, how about we two go to North China together? My face isn’t as big as yours. If Wang Kemin puts on airs as the head, and only I go to talk, he might feel that you look down on him, treating him as minister level, which would backfire.”
Wang Ni paused in his actions; this matter was indeed this reason. “Alright, then we’ll go together.”
“Yansheng, will you accompany us on this trip?” Minister Zhou said casually, then laughed after speaking. “Forget it, otherwise Mr. Wang would say I’m using you as a secretary again.”
Wang Ni became pragmatic again at this point. “Fohai, what you said isn’t right. Negotiating with Wang Kemin is a big deal. If he can help, we naturally have to bring him. At this time, we can only trouble Yansheng a bit more. Once things are busy and done, we still need to let him rest more. Yansheng, hard work.”
Gu Yansheng smiled and said, “If needed, I’ll go. What does it matter what role I’m used in?”
Minister Zhou laughed. “Good, good, good. Listen to Mr. Wang’s instructions. Yansheng, tell Ding Mocun, arrange some people to go with us. Security work must be done well.”
“Alright, I’ll make the arrangement.”
If this new government isn’t established soon, Gu Yansheng is almost acting as temporary secretary-general.
During the meal, with the passion of advancing the new government added, the meal was naturally eaten with great enthusiasm, and host and guests enjoyed themselves fully.
After the meal, Gu Yansheng had to go find Mr. Hase.
Drove to the consulate.
Gu Yansheng first reported on the Hong Kong negotiations, then on the recent mindset of Wang Faction personnel and Itagaki’s opinion after going to Nanjing.
Everything in detail, emphasizing absolute loyalty to the consulate.
“Mr. Hase, now Mr. Wang wants to go find Wang Kemin. I’m not familiar with Beiping. Could I trouble you to contact the consulate there and arrange accommodation?”
Such a small matter, and with Mr. Hase valuing Gu Yansheng so much, how could he not agree? Besides, promoting the establishment of the Wang Government also related to his own promotion, a big deal.
“No problem, I’ll contact Beiping and arrange everything for you.”
“Then I’ll trouble you. There’s one more thing I want to ask. I heard that Wang Kemin has the support of the North China Army behind him. What exactly is their attitude toward establishing the new government now? Do you know?”
Mr. Hase quickly grasped the key point. “Are you worried that the North China Army won’t support the merger?”
“Yes.”
Mr. Hase thought for a moment and said, “I’m not that clear on North China matters either. Like this: I’ll mention it in the telegram for you. After you arrive in Beiping, have a good chat with the local consul. He definitely knows more and clearer.”
“Then thank you very much, Mr. Hase.” Gu Yansheng offered a smile.
This consulate general wasn’t served in vain; he already had resources in Beiping.
Gu Yansheng went to No. 76 to find Ding Mocun.
As soon as he entered, he plopped down on the sofa.
“Director Ding, for this good thing, I thought of you. Going on a business trip to Beiping with Mr. Wang, you’ll be in charge of security work. No problem, right?”
“Of course no problem.” Ding Mocun, upon hearing it’s a business trip with Mr. Wang, smiled so brightly his face creased. He walked over, sat down, and said, “When do we leave?”
“Does Beiping have your No. 76 people?”
“We have people. Last time Wang Tianmu supplied Tianjin Station, Beiping also caught some people. No. 76 sent people there to handle the aftermath, and a station has already been opened there.”
Gu Yansheng nodded upon hearing this. “Let’s tentatively set departure two days from now. Send a telegram to have their people contact Wang Kemin, say we’re coming, give advance notice. Leaving two days for them to prepare should be enough.”
“Alright, I’ll make the arrangement.”
Two days later, preparations were complete, and the group flew to Beiping.
The plane landed, they walked out of the cabin. Used to Shanghai’s temperature, Beiping’s temperature at this season actually felt more comfortable, with clear autumn skies and crisp air.
Borrowing Wang Ni’s light, they took a Japanese exclusive plane for the trip, so as soon as they got off the plane, the consulate’s motorcade was already waiting.
“May I ask which one is Mr. Gu?” A Japanese came forward.
“I am.” Gu Yansheng extended his hand for a shake. “Hello, Gu Yansheng. This is Mr. Wang. This is Minister Zhou.”
Saburo Kudo politely bowed his head and greeted in words, “Welcome everyone to Beiping. I am the consul stationed in Beiping, Saburo Kudo. Please.”
Saburo Kudo stepped aside and gestured for Wang Ni and the group to get in the car.
Minister Zhou inquired, “Mr. Kudo, Mr. Wang Kemin didn’t come?”
Saburo Kudo smiled meaningfully. “Before departure, I sent someone to call Mr. Wang and ask if he wanted to come pick up at the airport, but Mr. Wang said he was busy with official duties. The North China Army requires him to cooperate in cracking down on the Communist Party, it happened suddenly, there’s a temporary important meeting, he really couldn’t get away.”
No fools present; the meaning was too clear.
Just that although there were guesses before departure that Wang Kemin might throw a tantrum, they didn’t expect the tantrum to be not even coming to pick up at the airport.
And not even sending a government official.
A blatant slap in the face!
Wang Ni’s face darkened instantly.
He got in the car with a taut face, silent.
Gu Yansheng spoke with Minister Zhou, then got in Saburo Kudo’s car.
“Consul Kudo, thanks for the trouble this time.”
“A small matter.” Saburo Kudo smiled. “Mr. Hase had many praises for Mr. Gu in the telegram. I know he’s not one to praise people easily, so getting to know Mr. Gu is also my honor.”
Really good at talking, such a sweet mouth. Gu Yansheng slightly bowed his head. “You’re too polite. This trip will trouble you a lot. You saw the situation just now. Japan is promoting the policy of using Chinese to control Chinese, and has decided to establish the only new government with Mr. Wang at the helm, but people like Wang Kemin are paying lip service while acting against it.
I actually don’t quite understand, what exactly is his reliance? How does the military department view such people?”
Saburo Kudo chuckled lightly. “Actually, to trace back this issue, the time goes back to the July 7 Incident. After we took North China, to maintain local order and implement the strategy of using Chinese to control Chinese, upon recommendation of General Kenji Doihara, the selected chairman was Wu Peifu, leader of the Zhili warlord clique, who had great prestige.
But Wu Peifu refused.
Later, the North China Army found this finance minister from the Duan Qirui period, Wang Kemin, to be chairman.
In terms of prestige, Wang Kemin can be said to have none, and the North China Army doesn’t see him as a qualified chairman candidate either.
However, because of his experience as finance minister, he does suit some high-level military tastes in raising supplies, so gradually, he secured this position.
I think I’ve answered Mr. Gu’s question clearly.”
Gu Yansheng nodded. “Indeed very clear.”
In other words, what the North China Army values is Wang Kemin’s ability to gather wealth. This Wang Kemin is absolutely skilled at scraping the fat from the people.
“Thank you, Consul Kudo.”
“No need to be so polite. Here’s another piece of information for you.”
“Please speak.”
“Due to personnel changes domestically, there have been some replacements in military high-level. Two days ago, the new commander of the North China Army, Lieutenant General Tadashige Kataoka, took office.”
Tadashige Kataoka. Gu Yansheng thought and somewhat understood what Saburo Kudo was reminding him of. New person taking office would definitely bring a power shuffle.
Chen Biqun really guessed right; Japanese army high-level would undergo replacements, but utilizing this wouldn’t be easy.
Arrived at the hotel, Dongjiaomin Lane.
“This used to be the embassy district, but after the war, embassies from various countries withdrew. It was turned into a hotel. Nearby, our gendarmes patrol 24 hours. If you need anything, you can call the hotel attendants anytime to handle it for you. I’ve already informed them, so everyone can rest assured to check in.”
The consulate arranged so thoughtfully; this might be the only thing Wang Ni found good about this trip.
After thanking, the group went upstairs.
Once upstairs, Wang Ni’s temper wasn’t good anymore. As soon as he entered the room, he raged, “What the hell is this Wang Kemin doing! I came personally to see him, and he doesn’t even show up. Did I really give him face or what?”
“He’s too brazen. Even without superior-subordinate relations, he should at least maintain some official courtesy. He really doesn’t know manners at all.” After Minister Zhou spoke, he asked Gu Yansheng, “Didn’t you say you contacted him? What does he mean?”
Gu Yansheng was puzzled too and looked at Ding Mocun. “Director Ding, didn’t you say he replied he’d come pick us up?”
Ding Mocun felt wronged, looking feeling wronged. “Beiping Station replied that to me. He definitely agreed to come.”
“Do I need to say it? We got stood up. If not for the Japanese picking us up, we’d have no car at the airport now, standing there getting blown silly by the wind. Who knows where there might be a camera capturing our embarrassment.” Wang Ni was furious; how many years had it been since he was stood up like this.
Even the Japanese were always respectfully polite to him on the surface at least.
“His temper is even bigger than the Japanese Emperor! Fohai, I think we don’t need to stay. Staying longer would just make us a joke!”
Minister Zhou frowned; the situation now was indeed tricky. “I did anticipate Wang Kemin wouldn’t yield easily. I asked you to come along to offer a higher price, so there’s something to negotiate. I really didn’t expect him to pull this stunt.
Like this, Yansheng, borrow the consulate’s radio, send a telegram to Itagaki, tell him the situation here. Say we tried, but someone is firmly unwilling to cooperate, doesn’t even show up. How can we negotiate?
I don’t believe Itagaki can sit still either!”
Gu Yansheng thought for a moment and said, “Directly going to the Japanese like this, isn’t it too embarrassing?
I think no need to be so polite. Isn’t Director Ding here?
Director Ding, I inquired that Wang Kemin started as finance minister, should have quite a few industries here in Beiping. Military Statistics Bureau has been wiped out by you, No. 76 Beiping Station personnel should have some free time. How about going to Mr. Wang’s shops for a stroll, burn a few shops and see if he gets anxious.
Consul Kudo just said he’s arranging to confiscate Communist Party assets; it should be the Communist Party who did it.”
Wang Ni’s eyes lit up instantly; this could vent anger. Pointing at Gu Yansheng, he said to Ding Mocun, “Hey, Minister Gu’s idea is good. No need to be polite with such a person!”
This was Ding Mocun’s specialty. He smiled humbly. “How about I kidnap his family? Make him really anxious?”
“That would be excessive.” Minister Zhou interjected. “The Communist Party doesn’t kidnap people’s families either. If you kidnap family, how do you return them later? Can’t kill them, right? That would leave no room for maneuver. Just bag them and beat them up.”
“Alright, then I’ll go handle it.”
Ding Mocun took his leave, and the three exchanged glances, then burst out laughing.
Although not struck yet, just thinking about this matter felt venting, very amusing.
“Come on, let’s go out to eat and stroll. Since we’re in Beiping, let’s also take a look at today’s Beiping. I’ll be your guide.”
Wang Ni was very interested; he was very familiar with Beiping, his famous place.
“Mr. Wang’s heroic feat of assassination here is known worldwide, but I only heard the rough story. If Mr. Wang is willing, can you tell me the details of assassinating the regent?” Gu Yansheng’s flattery skills were also top-notch.
“A hero doesn’t mention past bravery. Then I’ll briefly tell you. At that time…”
While they were talking here, Ding Mocun had already deployed No. 76 action team members there.
Wang Kemin’s industries in Beiping were as eye-catching as Fu Xiao’an’s in Shanghai; just ask any local thugs.
In the evening, on a moonless windy night, several shops in the city burst into raging big fires!
Amid the soaring flames, even fire trucks couldn’t keep up, the night torn bright red and flickering.
The damaged ones were all Wang Kemin’s industries; the next day, anyone could see it was a targeted action.
But Wang Kemin obviously didn’t expect such lowly means to be from Wang Faction personnel. All afternoon, police were investigating everywhere.
Old age, slow reaction, then keep smashing!
That afternoon, No. 76 team members not only bashed Wang Kemin’s relatives with sap sticks but also smashed two restaurants under Wang Kemin’s name to smithereens.
Afraid Wang Kemin still wouldn’t react, after smashing, No. 76 team members waited for police to arrive, let police chase them all the way near the embassy district, then leisurely left, darting into alleys and disappearing.
Now even fools knew!
An hour later, outside the embassy district, at least two hundred police troops rushed in, holding sticks and guns, surrounding the hotel.
Wang Kemin brought at least twenty subordinates rushing upstairs.
“Open the door!”
Bang bang bang bang, the doors of several people’s residences were pounded thunderously.
“Kick it open for me!” Wang Kemin, face black, ordered loudly.
Bang bang, subordinate police immediately lifted feet to kick the door.
In a few kicks, the door was kicked open, but after inspection, there was no one in the rooms at all, not a soul in any room.
At this moment, Gu Yansheng and the Wang Faction group, with a bunch of No. 76 team members beside them, walked out from the stairwell.
With calm smiles, no trace of anger at the doors being kicked.
“Mr. Wang, out of money? Coming to the hotel for violent theft?” Minister Zhou opened with classic sarcasm. “The consulate arranged our rooms, and you dare smash them. Looks like you really have no Japanese in your eyes, at least no Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
Wang Kemin wasn’t young, 64 this year, hair nearly all white, thin face, wearing glasses.
When he saw them, his eyes reddened. Shops smashed and burned was one thing, but butler beaten, son beaten—he really didn’t expect Wang Faction people to use such tactics.
Striding forward, gritting teeth: “You people are really shameless. Still ministers and chairmen, doing such things, not ashamed?”
“What did we do?” Minister Zhou smiled in feigned ignorance. “Heard Mr. Wang is cracking down on Communist Party. Did you fight with Communist Party?”
Smashed is smashed, but no evidence can be left. The saboteurs disappeared near embassy district; that doesn’t prove anything.
Wang Kemin stared coldly. “Dare to do but not admit? Think this is Shanghai or your Chongqing? Here, I am heaven! Aren’t you afraid you can’t leave Beiping?”
Minister Zhou looked at Ding Mocun on the side. “Director Ding, can we not leave?”
“Hahahaha.” Ding Mocun laughed. “Really funny. A bunch of black skins, want to compare marksmanship? Come on!”
Ding Mocun’s smile vanished, and the group of No. 76 team members behind him taut-faced raised their guns!
On battlefield, agents might not excel, but in such standoffs, agents fear no one.
Wang Kemin just one sentence to his people: “Call people.”
His people nodded, went into the room to the window, and fired a gunshot outside.
Soon, two military trucks drove into the embassy district. Soldiers with rifles jumped off the trucks, rushed into the hotel, and soon appeared in the hallway before Gu Yansheng and others.
All rifles, all aimed at them.
“In Beiping, compare numbers with me?” Wang Kemin wasn’t afraid of trouble either, advancing right against No. 76 guns.
Walking to Wang Ni, staring at him: “Mr. Wang, not staying good in your Chongqing as vice president, but come to occupied area to meddle in new government? Do you understand being a traitor?
How so stupid, insisting on delivering heads to me.
Believe it or not, I shoot you all dead now, all matters settled.
Japanese won’t punish me, because they still need to use me, and can only use me.
The remaining matters become simple instead.
