Chapter 278: Taking Initiative
“You’re here early, there’s still time, want to go listen to some opera together?”
During the journey, Minister Zhou enthusiastically proposed.
You’re not listening to opera, you’re craving women’s bodies, Gu Yansheng didn’t hesitate to expose him.
Nanjing has many matters, Minister Zhou’s wife followed along, Minister Zhou had no place to get some meat, now that he’s out, he’s simply overjoyed.
Ding Mocun, who came along together, chimed in first, “Good, good, haven’t relaxed for a while, this period has kept me so busy.”
He started talking about the matters of forming the Social Affairs Department.
The Social Affairs Department was also reorganized from a previous department, Ding Mocun took over and straightened it out, which was a pile of work.
But he occupies 76, his methods are even simpler and more brutal.
He also wants to install his own people, so Liang Hongzhi’s former subordinates really drew the short end.
Those who opposed, he investigates them thoroughly and throws them into prison.
Those who didn’t oppose, but look like they might oppose, grab them first and interrogate, anyway if really investigated, none of those officials’ asses are clean.
Liang Hongzhi of course couldn’t stand by and watch Ding Mocun doing this, arresting without evidence, simply lawless!
But he couldn’t stop his own subordinates from spilling quickly.
The person goes in, not even two hours, Liang Hongzhi receives the news and just starts sending people to demand accountability, that subordinate in prison voluntarily spills everything clean, with an extremely good attitude of admitting guilt.
What can you, Liang Hongzhi, do about it?
Even if you complain to the Japanese, the Japanese won’t possibly help him save these people.
“Yansheng, are you going?” Minister Zhou asked.
“Going, balance work and rest.” Gu Yansheng didn’t want to dampen the mood, “I also want to go outside the city and fire a few shots, hunt some game.”
“You like firing cannons too?” Minister Zhou was surprised, such a unique hobby.
Chatted a bit, arrived in Shanghai, then let Shen Shuyun go back first, they eat a meal, watch opera, drink tea.
By the time evening ends, Shen Shuyun’s side would have sent the report.
Gu Yansheng can have some fun, but Secretary Ma Shiqi can’t.
Ma Shiqi found people to quickly understand what happened in Shanghai during this time, and came specifically in the evening to report to Gu Yansheng.
“The Japanese grain requisition matter, now the effects are showing, at the start of grain requisition it was autumn harvest season, so grain was relatively plentiful, normal people could still eat rice.
But these past months, last year’s rice is almost eaten up, now it’s April, this year’s rice is still far off, rice price has risen sharply, now it’s already tripled compared to last October.
At this rate, before this year’s rice harvest, rice price will probably double every month.”
These are all predictable matters, Gu Yansheng wasn’t surprised.
“What reactions from the Japanese and city government side?”
Ma Shiqi thought and said: “No news of any measures from the Japanese side, but there were protests against grain requisition making trouble in Hongkou, then beaten out by the Japanese.
City government side has some reaction, regarding the problem of excessively high grain prices and rice shortage, Fu Xiao’an answered reporters’ questions, saying they will transfer grain from outside to alleviate.”
Gu Yansheng thought, noncommittal, “Anything else?”
“There’s also something recently spreading quite a bit.” Ma Shiqi mysteriously said: “I heard from subordinates, recently every now and then merchants are kidnapped, from Chinese Territory to concessions, British and Americans too, for this, British and Americans strengthened concession defenses, and protested to city government.”
“Who did it?”
“Wu Sibao did it.”
Gu Yansheng was stunned for a second, but thinking about it, this is indeed something Wu Sibao could do.
This scoundrel must be crazy poor?
Ma Shiqi laughed: “Anyway Wu Sibao definitely won’t admit, British and Americans think all Chinese look the same, Wu Sibao won’t kidnap personally, all done by subordinates, those foreigners can’t tell them apart, no evidence.
But I heard from subordinates, it’s Wu Sibao’s subordinates who did it.”
Gu Yansheng sneered upon hearing, shook his head, speechless.
Ma Shiqi continued: “There’s also one more thing, quinine has arrived in Shanghai.”
Gu Yansheng’s smile faded, this matter really concerns him.
“How much quantity?”
“One ton.”
“How’s the quality?”
“I asked the delivery people, they haven’t tested it there, because this thing needs malaria patients to test effect, testing in Yunnan side fears news leak, need me to find people to test?”
“Test it, you find a few patients, I’ll bring Japanese over to inspect the goods.”
Japanese are waiting for this batch of quinine to go to Nanyang, Gu Yansheng delayed this long, it’s time to deliver some goods, otherwise can’t explain.
The next day, Gu Yansheng went to Mitsui Company to find Onodera Toru.
“President Onodera, my subordinates told me, quinine has arrived in Shanghai.”
“Really?” Onodera Toru’s delight showed on his face, “How much quantity?”
“One ton.”
Not little, Onodera Toru nodded satisfied, now quinine is in short supply for the army, supplying to the army, this revenue is very considerable.
Otherwise, his predecessor wouldn’t have a chance at survival because of this business.
“Mr. Gu, convenient to go take a look?” Onodera Toru couldn’t wait.
“Of course, I’ve already had subordinates prepare, please.”
Gu Yansheng took Onodera Toru to the warehouse in West Shanghai.
This batch of quinine whose quality is unknown, Gu Yansheng doesn’t plan to tamper, he has plenty better in hand.
Entering the warehouse, boxes of quinine stacked in wooden crates, open one casually to check, actually can’t tell anything, not even proper packaging.
“Is the medicinal effect reliable?” Onodera Toru cared most about this.
“Haven’t tested, no conditions in Yunnan, I’ve already arranged people, Shiqi.”
Gu Yansheng called, Ma Shiqi quickly walked over, bowed and said: “Mr. Gu, President Onodera, patients are already arranged at Infectious Disease Hospital, can test anytime.”
Normal quinine treatment course needs fourteen days, if the medicine here has normal effect, theoretically enough for ten thousand malaria patients.
“Then just start directly, why not start?” Onodera Toru looked at Gu Yansheng uncomprehendingly.
Gu Yansheng smiled, “I don’t understand medicine, this medicine is for Imperial Japanese Army, seeing is believing, testing must be controlled by you throughout, then easier to explain to superiors.”
“Mr. Gu considers thoughtfully.” Onodera Toru nodded, “Then shall we go to the hospital now? I’ll arrange the doctor.”
“Fine.”
Gu Yansheng accompanied to the hospital, let Onodera Toru start the experiment.
As long as the Japanese’s this batch of quinine works, the quinine in his hand can circulate in large quantities.
If asked, it’s those people in Yunnan who did it, Yunnan officials got greedy, robbed a batch of medicine and resold it themselves, really too shameless.
Experiment at least fourteen days, if multiple groups even longer, watched the operation a bit, everyone left the hospital.
Gu Yansheng is a money-grubbing person, after leaving hospital didn’t forget to ask, “President Onodera, at that time Mr. Sato and I had an agreement, I handle this matter with some reward, not sure if it still counts?”
“Of course it counts!” Onodera Toru didn’t hesitate at all, “Money matters Mr. Gu doesn’t need to worry, we Mitsui keep promises to friends like Mr. Gu.
At that time Sato gave you four hundred thousand US dollars, requiring two tons of quinine, right?”
“Right.”
“As long as this batch quinine’s effect equals normal quinine, agreement proceeds, even if effect doesn’t match normal quinine, Mr. Gu, I’ll still pay the money, but factory improving technology needs your cooperation, additionally selling to Military Department, SH city government side, also needs your cooperation.”
“Of course.”
Gu Yansheng extended his hand, smiling handshake, “President Onodera keeps promises, I feel deeply honored to help Imperial Japanese Army, we will surely cooperate happily, also hope President Onodera speaks well of me in front of Military Department.”
“Hahahaha.” Onodera Toru laughed with shining eyes, just likes capable Chinese who get things done.
“Mr. Gu, at Military Department, I will definitely speak well of you.”
After seeing off Onodera Toru, Gu Yansheng said to Ma Shiqi, “Our quinine can batch transport goods, Nationalist controlled area first, then Shanghai randomly send to replenish.”
“Good.”
After handling medicine matters, Gu Yansheng has to find Minister Zhou, Seven Star Ladybug should be up, Reserve Bank matters still need handling.
Actually Reserve Bank matters not urgent, urgent useless.
Britain and America recognize Chongqing won’t recognize Wang Ni, Wang Puppet Regime is Wang Puppet Regime, government doesn’t recognize, how would they recognize money he issues.
To make this happen only two paths.
One is beat Britain and America into submission, like 76 invading concession, forcing Britain and America either recognize or kill all bank people, choose one, force them in.
Two is rely on citizens spending money to push, when market is full of reserve notes, in fact free circulation achieved, Britain and America recognize or not doesn’t matter, citizens only have this money, merchants banks take it or not, not take then no business.
Reason Minister Zhou impossible not understand, so Gu Yansheng judges his coming to Shanghai, hope of negotiating down with concession is slim, belongs to fluke if somehow succeeds?
Backup is rely on 76 and military police to forcibly push.
First courtesy then force method.
On way to Zhou Mansion, properly first circle around tailor shop entrance, Shen Ji Garment Factory shop entrance, hung a blackboard with contact code.
No phone means not urgent.
“Boss Shen.”
“Mr. Gu.”
“Make two summer outfits.”
“Alright, take measurements.”
Shen Linshen picked up tools to fiddle, “You mentioned before wanting an intermediary for contact, this person now available.”
Shen Linshen actually always looking, but his subordinates appearing by Gu Yansheng side, always felt background not suitable.
People appearing by Gu Yansheng side, Japanese likely background investigation, unclear very troublesome.
Better short than excessive, that’s the bottom line.
“What person, does what?” Gu Yansheng really curious what communicator Shen Linshen found him.
“This person you don’t know, but has some connection to you, Gu Zhuxuan’s nephew, Gu Shuping.”
“Gu Zhuxuan’s nephew is Underground Party?” Gu Yansheng startled.
Shen Linshen nodded, “Correct, one of ours.”
“Heh.” Gu Yansheng couldn’t help laughing, indeed a bit surprised, sneered, “Gu Zhuxuan himself is gang people, he has relationship with Gu Zhusong, now nephew still Underground Party?
Reliable?”
“Person provided by Mr. Wu.”
Gu Yansheng nodded, since Mr. Wu provided, what he should consider definitely considered.
“Where is he? Know about me?”
“Doesn’t know yet, he’s active in Suzhou, Mr. Wu’s meaning is you decide yourself, if you want, Mr. Wu tells him then, him coming Shanghai to find Gu Zhuxuan perfectly reasonable.
You and Gu Zhuxuan’s relationship here, find chance to meet, let him propose to work as your assistant, matter settled, Gu Zhuxuan doesn’t need to know.”
Arrangement no problem, Gu Yansheng doesn’t need this path anyway, Suzhou he definitely cleans up, Jiangbei Gang people naturally can involve.
Gu Zhuxuan’s nephew, Gu Shuping
This identity really works, for doing things more convenient than Ma Shiqi.
Whether contacting Shen Linshen or gang matters, can do without attracting notice.
“Him then, have him return to Shanghai arrange meeting.”
“Good, I’ll handle immediately.”
“No other matters?”
“No other matters.”
This is good news.
Originally still to send quinine, now wait Gu Shuping in place, let him arrange himself, saves trouble.
Gu Yansheng paid and left.
Arrived at Zhou Mansion, discussed next actions with Minister Zhou.
Minister Zhou goes to Hongkou, find Japanese bank to talk printing banknote templates, Gu Yansheng goes to Britain America France consulates, talk banknote exchange.
First go French Concession.
French Consulate, Gu Yansheng had gate guard report.
“Mr. Gu, long time no see.” French Consul General Pierre Richard personally came to door to welcome.
As his benefactor, Richard holds goodwill.
“Mr. Richard, how have you been lately?” Gu Yansheng smiled greeting.
“Haha, Europe’s war so serious, if I say very well, a bit hypocritical, please inside.”
“Please.”
Gu Yansheng followed Richard inside, poured rare red wine, two discussed Europe’s war situation.
Gu Yansheng doesn’t mind helping him curse Germany this Nazi fascist.
Richard doesn’t mind lamenting legal profession lost Gu Yansheng this lawyer elite.
“Mr. Gu this time, to see me, or something needing my assistance?”
“Indeed something.” Gu Yansheng explained banknote exchange matter.
Richard smile faded, frowned: “Gu, I appreciate your help to me, if my duty, of course willing to help, but you know this kind of matter decision-making power in domestic.
France recognizes Chongqing Government, impossible exchange currency with Wang regime, very sorry, powerless, even if I submit up, French government impossible agree.”
Gu Yansheng smilingly swirled wine glass, “This point I of course know, disagree then disagree, no problem at all.”
Richard now a bit curious, “You can’t complete this task, doesn’t matter?”
“Hahahaha, decision-making power not with me, French government disagrees, what can I do?” Gu Yansheng laughed loudly: “Now can answer your earlier question, I really came to see you, come here beg wine to drink.”
“Hahahaha.” Richard also understood, “You’re here to kill time.”
“Correct, someone unwilling to give up, wants to try luck, then I try for him.” Gu Yansheng raised wine glass, double meaning, “Cheers.”
“Cheers.” Since no real request, Richard relaxed, “Don’t leave later, you rarely come, I’ll have kitchen prepare big meal, we enjoy.”
“This I won’t refuse, on surface you have to help me bit, don’t refuse so fast.”
Richard laughed, “Understand, actually I originally have no power to agree or refuse, for friendship with Mr. Gu willing to submit for government review, round trip, ten days half month definite, want longer, one two months all possible, just see how long you need.”
“Could not be more perfect.”
Gu Yansheng satisfied raised glass.
European battlefield Hitler madly attacking, though exact time France defeated he can’t recall, but can affirm definitely this year.
Richard wants to drag two months, whether has ability, actually not certain.
Two months later, whether their this French government still exists uncertain.
Reserve Bank to succeed, actually not seeing how well Wang Faction negotiates in Shanghai, but when Britain and France defeated in Europe.
Moment Hitler defeats Britain and France, Reserve Bank establishment opportunity arrives.
Gu Yansheng and Richard had dinner, after dinner evening go watch French women dance.
Next day continue watch, third day continue watch.
Otherwise how show Gu Yansheng’s persistence, spirit of convincing French consul to help pass message to French government.
Evening, home.
Ding ling ling, ding ling ling.
“Hello.” Gu Yansheng picked up the phone.
“Mr. Gu, I am Imai Takeo, Hong Kong has news, tomorrow we need fly Hong Kong, tomorrow I’m at airport waiting you.”
“Good, I’ll be there.”
Boss Dai’s action force fast ah.
Gu Yansheng picked up phone called Minister Zhou, said this matter.
“Talk again? Chongqing really persistent ghost.”
Minister Zhou upon hearing unhappy, new government established, thought this matter over, Chongqing themselves didn’t want talk, result now surprisingly want talk again.
“From actively not talk, to actively want talk, you think Chongqing because what? They turned? Old Jiang really reason to step back?”
“Possible.” Gu Yansheng also frowned.
Minister Zhou thought also couldn’t figure, sighed deeply: “Inevitable matter, actually Japanese never gave up peace talks, I went Gendarmerie Headquarters find their commander talk matters, heard several staff officers discussing, saying if Chongqing no more movement, Japanese prepare with attack promote talks, attack Fifth War Zone, force Old Jiang peace talks.
Now instead let Old Jiang pick cheap, timing perfect.
You say this Gendarmerie Headquarters isn’t have Old Jiang’s spy, Japanese about to attack, he wants to talk.
Completely dragging time.”
“No way?” Gu Yansheng shocked, “Gendarmerie Headquarters has Chongqing’s spy?”
“Fuck whoever.” Minister Zhou didn’t want to think this, burst rough word seriously said, “Still need you watch closely, Old Jiang so proactive, not good sign.”
“I understand.” Gu Yansheng nodded.
“Good, hard work you run trip, wait your news.”
