Chapter 273: Grand Opening
A few days before the New Government was established, news of peace talks came, which excited the Japanese.
Imai Takeo learned of this news and called Gu Yansheng overnight.
“Mr. Gu, Chongqing is likely stimulated by the urgency of the New Government’s imminent establishment. I’ve arranged the flight. Tomorrow morning, we’ll fly to Hong Kong.”
“Okay.”
The next day, on the airplane.
Imai Takeo kept excitedly chatting with Gu Yansheng because this was a timing node. The Wang Puppet Regime’s establishment was something Chongqing did not want to see. Choosing this timing was very meaningful.
Gu Yansheng took the opportunity to ask, “How is the North China joint anti-Communist operation that Chongqing proposed last time going?”
He had been paying attention to North China news recently.
It was true that Chongqing attacked the Eighth Route Army headquarters. The leader was General Shi Yousan’s troops from the Northwest Army.
Old Jiang was extremely cunning. He quietly let Shi Yousan fight the Eighth Route Army without any public telegram orders, because in the newspapers and broadcasts Gu Yansheng saw, all the patriotic anti-Japanese figures were cursing Shi Yousan, none cursing Old Jiang.
Old Jiang chose Shi Yousan, this traitor, and this move was quite brilliant.
Shi Yousan was notorious for loving to be a traitor. Just under Northwest Army commander Feng Yuxiang, he rebelled three times. After rebelling against Feng Yuxiang, he joined Old Jiang; after joining Old Jiang, he rebelled against Old Jiang; after rebelling against Old Jiang, he joined Little Zhang; after joining Little Zhang, he rebelled against Zhang again.
Calling him a three-surnames slave was underestimating his record.
Such a general with a notoriously bad reputation attacking the Eighth Route Army, and no one really thought it was Old Jiang’s order.
And even more brilliantly, as soon as the Eighth Route Army counterattacked, Shi Yousan turned and surrendered to the Japanese. This way, he could rightfully join the Japanese Army and Puppet Army to attack the Eighth Route Army together, coordinating operations to increase combat power, without bearing the huge scandal of National Army and Japanese Army jointly anti-Communist.
At this point, the Kuomintang-Communist friction incident had nothing to do with Old Jiang at all; it was completely the evil done by traitor Shi Yousan himself after surrendering to the Japanese.
Quite a brilliant trader technique.
Of course, the result was definitely Shi Yousan getting beaten and crying for his parents.
The 129th Division’s combat power was no joke. Although Japanese Occupied Area newspapers did not publicize how heroic the Communist Army was, Gu Yansheng did not know the specific battle results.
But not publicizing how heroic the Japanese Army and Puppet Army were was an answer in itself.
Upon hearing this, Imai Takeo’s face immediately darkened. “The battle results can only be said to be average. Chongqing sent Shi Yousan’s army. This person’s military strategy was too poor, causing heavy losses to North China armies, with casualties around 10,000.”
The cooperation they had worked so hard to negotiate was ruined by a few good-for-nothings. Imai Takeo felt bad thinking about it—a great anti-Communist opportunity.
“How could this happen?” Gu Yansheng could only secretly rejoice inside, feign regret on his face, and attack with words, poking Imai’s sore spot a couple more times.
Upon arriving in Hong Kong, they waited one day before Mr. Song’s car finally arrived.
Seeing only Song Ziliang get out of the car alone, Imai Takeo was somewhat surprised.
“Mr. Song, are you the only one coming today?” The main negotiator seemed not to have come.
“Just me. What’s wrong, can’t I negotiate?” Song Ziliang still had the air of a spoiled young master.
“That’s not it, just…” Imai Takeo forced a smile, “Where are the few people from last negotiation? They seemed to know more about internal party matters.”
“Maybe they lost the battle and were too embarrassed to come? Haha, joking. No need for them today. I’m here to pass a message. I heard you’re all going to support the Wang Puppet Government opening?”
“According to our agreement with the Wang Faction, indeed.”
Song Ziliang smiled faintly, “So I urgently found you to explain the situation. Chongqing sent me a telegram to remind you they’re holding a meeting to study the terms.
Additionally, President Jiang himself has a very strong desire for peace and has been working hard to mediate among various factions. Some plans are already in place; it’s just that some people haven’t agreed yet. Given time, these problems can all be solved.
But all this is premised on no Wang Faction government.
Once you establish the Wang Faction government, there’s no more talk between you and me.
Mr. Imai, think twice.”
“You called me here just to tell me this?” Imai Takeo was utterly disappointed. “I rushed from Nanjing not to hear Mr. Song tell me how hard you’re working. Either give conditions or a solution. Delay solves nothing.
Is there any other good news?”
Song Ziliang smiled faintly, “Me coming to find you—isn’t that good news?”
Imai Takeo wanted to curse. Suppressing his anger, he said, “Seven days left. The New Government will definitely establish by month’s end. If you have intent, give me the plan before then.”
“Time isn’t something I can solve.”
“But this is determined by Chongqing’s sincerity. Some things, if your President Jiang wants to do them, are impossible not to achieve!”
“I told you, the President is working on it. It needs time.”
“Seven days, only seven days.”
“Then you will definitely regret it.”
The negotiation ended unpleasantly; it was purely a waste of time.
Imai Takeo was as depressed returning as he was happy coming.
“Total waste of time! Chongqing’s bureaucrats are hopelessly stupid! This President Jiang is too cautious, completely lacking a leader’s resolve.
We’re giving Chongqing a chance for peace, but if not for… Chongqing doesn’t know how to cherish it.
Stupid! Good-for-nothings!”
If not for needing to go south for combat and withdraw soldiers from the China battlefield, the Military Department would never give a chance for peace talks.
“I think this is good for us.” Gu Yansheng offered slight comfort.
“Chongqing’s combat power is weak, that’s why they’re eager to negotiate. On the terms about Japanese Army stationed in North China, their previous stance was they had the ability to anti-Communist, but facts prove they can’t, lacking the ability to deal with the Communist Party.
This gives Japan negotiation space. They have no reason to insist on Japanese Army in North China withdrawing within so many months.
Them rushing to talk before the New Government establishes is also a signal.
So I think what he said is likely true. That President Jiang is probably figuring out a way, just hesitating and overthinking.
Sometimes letting him stew makes him the anxious one.”
“You have a point.”
From another angle, it could indeed be seen that way. Imai Takeo let out a deep breath. He actually understood this reasoning, but Itagaki was urging urgently.
And success or failure of peace talks also related to their entire strategic arrangement for going south.
Had to be anxious.
Anxious for nothing.
Gu Yansheng was not anxious.
Back in Nanjing, Gu Yansheng told Minister Zhou about the Hong Kong matter.
Minister Zhou even laughed, “So Old Jiang specially sent someone to call Imai Takeo over just to threaten a bit, not willing to concede any conditions?”
Gu Yansheng smiled helplessly, “I got played around, wasting my two days.”
“Haha.” Minister Zhou patted Gu Yansheng’s shoulder, “You’ve worked hard. This news is better for us than any other.”
No progress now was the best news for the Wang Faction.
Only a few days left until the agreed New Government opening. As long as no mishaps, the New Government was set to open.
Once the New Government opened, various powers could start operating.
Be patient a few more days; anyway, a pile of things to handle.
Days passed, no word from Hong Kong. Imai Takeo’s waiting heart finally died.
Consulted a fortune teller; auspicious time arrived. New Government opens.
Early morning, Gu Yansheng put on the brand-new uniform delivered. Today he was to attend Wang Ni’s inauguration speech.
Since Nanjing had been through war, many buildings were not yet repaired, so the large venue needed for the inauguration speech could only be in the Examination Yuan’s auditorium.
It seemed hasty, but no other way.
The auditorium was packed, atmosphere rather calm and solemn.
Notified in advance, because it was under the banner of Peaceful Nation Building and capital return to Nanjing, not establishing a new national regime.
So considering compatriots who died in this war, Nanjing’s loss and recovery, this inauguration speech needed to be dignified and serious. Reporters were present; everything had to appear for country and people.
Wang Ni, in formal attire, went on stage to speak. Though old, his spirit was good. Joyful occasion invigorates; he could talk eloquently for hours.
Among the audience below were officials, reporters, and former Prime Minister Abe Nobuyuki who came specially from Mainland Japan.
Came specially to Nanjing to handle signing of diplomatic relations between Japan and Wang Faction National Government.
Heard Abe Nobuyuki would also act as ambassador, directly snatching the position Hase Jinagawa had long hoped for.
But this was their internal matter; Gu Yansheng could only express regret to Hase Jinagawa.
Hase Jinagawa staying as Consul in Shanghai was better for Gu Yansheng than letting intelligence head Iwai take the permanent post.
A few hours of speech on Peaceful Nation Building brought the meeting to a perfect close. New Government formally established; all officials’ positions effective.
Victory banquet begins!
Planned so long, negotiated so long, gone through so much, finally got the New Government open. A bunch of Wang Faction people were full of emotion. Minister Zhou specially came to drink a glass with Gu Yansheng.
Just one glass. Over 100 main officials from various places attending today; Minister Zhou had to go talk and get to know them.
Singing and dancing all night.
Then the next day, over 100 main officials all wanted by Chongqing.
Gu Yansheng could not escape either.
In the office building, Minister Zhou’s Finance Ministry.
Gu Yansheng came specially to listen to the radio.
Also listening together were Li Shiqun and Ding Mocun.
The radio broadcast a female voice reading the wanted order.
“Wang Ni Zhaoming surrendered to Japanese invaders, openly betrayed the country! Chen Gongbo, Liang Hongzhi and others followed the traitor, willingly acting as traitor dogs!”
After the female voice wanted order, there were public denunciations from some of our party comrades on this matter, like Gu Yansheng’s certain superior.
“Cut off from the nation, cut off from the Chinese nation.”
“Chongqing knows the officials’ names more detailed than I do.” Minister Zhou pointed at the radio and cursed, “Yesterday’s banquet attendees, and today Chongqing already issued the list. You’ve been in Nanjing at No. 76 for a while; this matter needs an explanation.”
“Yes, we’ll investigate as soon as possible.” Li Shiqun responded, “This matter isn’t too secret; many people know. Needs some time.”
Over 100 people attended; indeed many insiders, including their entourages would know. But knowing the list so completely, and letting Chongqing thousands of miles away know so fast, that’s problematic.
An inevitable step: someone definitely sent the list to Chongqing, leading to this broadcast deterrence.
But Minister Zhou calling Li Shiqun was secondary for checking list leak. “Chongqing’s broadcast is clear: they want to implement sanctions. New Government just opened, foundation unstable, exactly when confidence is needed.
For New Government officials, especially those on the list, you must provide extra protection.
Director Li, you lead Agent Headquarters and also serve as Deputy Minister of Police Administration. You can use Police Station people too. Shanghai side’s various government safety, pay utmost attention, lest after news spreads, people panic.”
“I will.”
“Good, then you go back first. Be careful on the road.”
These people came to Nanjing for the conference; after conference, those returning to Shanghai still had to.
“Mocun, for Nanjing side, when handling Social Affairs Department matters, conveniently help arrange, mainly safety for us few ministers. After handling, then return to Shanghai.”
“Okay, then I’ll go arrange.”
“Mm.”
After seeing off these two, Minister Zhou let out a deep breath and beckoned Gu Yansheng to sit on the sofa.
Legs crossed, he smiled, “Finally turning a new page, no need to headache over preparations. How’s the Ministry of Justice? Checked it?”
“Checked. On surface, all polite.” Gu Yansheng smiled, “For personnel, I brought few of my own, don’t want to touch personnel, no conflict with Liang Hongzhi’s people.”
Gu Yansheng’s superior was Judicial Yuan’s Wen Zongyao.
The Nanjing Reform Government originally had Ministry of Justice, minister was Wen Zongyao.
Evidently, now Ministry of Justice people were basically Wen Zongyao’s.
Someone Liang Hongzhi picked from so many subordinates for the precious Dean position must be his die-hard.
So Ministry of Justice was virtually Liang Hongzhi’s turf.
Gu Yansheng parachuted in; to fully dismantle Liang Hongzhi’s forces would take effort.
But Gu Yansheng was not anxious. Banners on city walls change kings; Liang Hongzhi couldn’t jump around much longer.
Minister Zhou kept Gu Yansheng to talk, “Here’s what I think: New Government established, but various places and departments still need us to integrate ourselves to truly reclaim command to Nanjing.
Easiest methods are three paths. One is No. 76, investigate various places, monitor local officials and social elites, clarify interest chains inside.
One is Police Station; they are main public order figures. Control them, and we learn much information.
The other is your trial authority. Guilty or not, arrest or release, is the judiciary chief official’s thought.
No. 76 now busy hunting Military Statistics Bureau; Police Station I temporarily have no trusted people. This still needs you to think of a way and contribute effort.
Quickly grasp judicial power in main Central China cities like Nanjing, Suzhou, Anhui, best to spread to North China’s Wang Kemin.
Once controlled, with arrest and trial, we can grasp these cities back into our own hands.”
Gu Yansheng understood and nodded, “Good, then I’ll handle ministry matters ASAP, then expand outward from Nanjing.”
While talking, Gu Yansheng suddenly thought of someone, one who offered him tribute wanting a Police Station position.
“Minister, to make it convenient for my work, let me arrange one or two into Police Station then, quickly build a usable troop.”
“Handle that yourself.”
Gu Yansheng wanting to plant people, and minor figures in such places, Minister Zhou couldn’t be bothered.
