Chapter 281: Contact
Nanjing, Expeditionary Force Headquarters.
Gu Yansheng was brought in by Imai Takeo as a witness whose attitude toward Chongqing was extremely poor.
Imai Takeo was spitting as he spoke, furiously recounting the entire negotiation process in Hong Kong to the highest levels in headquarters.
They weren’t even going to negotiate anymore, but suddenly he was called back to continue, went there happily, and came back full of anger.
Chongqing’s tricks of toying with people were intolerable to Imai Takeo!
“How could Chongqing’s attitude change so quickly?”
The Japanese Army high command wasn’t there on site after all, didn’t face Song Ziliang’s arrogance directly, so they weren’t too upset, but hearing Imai Takeo’s words, they also felt very displeased.
But they just couldn’t understand how things had turned out this way.
“Could the establishment of the Wang regime government really be a result that Chongqing cannot accept?” The Japanese started speculating too.
“Was their attitude really that bad? Could there have been some language that wasn’t understood properly?” Itagaki Seishiro couldn’t accept this outcome and looked toward Gu Yansheng. “Mr. Gu, what do you think Chongqing’s attitude is due to?”
Because I have to meet, otherwise there wouldn’t even be this negotiation. Gu Yansheng frowned in deep thought and said, “For a political figure, no matter how uncomfortable the establishment of a Wang Government is, would it really lead to completely refusing to negotiate? I think such a statement is too one-sided.
I think it’s more likely that this is just an excuse, a means of bargaining.
Of course they hope to borrow the Japanese Army’s hand to kill Mr. Wang, but if the Japanese Army doesn’t kill him, and they have the sincerity to negotiate, they will definitely still talk.
So I believe, unless Chongqing really doesn’t want to talk.
Otherwise, they feel that the Japanese Army has always wanted to talk, very proactively, with room to bargain, so that’s why they are acting tough.
I think on the military action front, it’s necessary to put pressure on Chongqing, perhaps with talk of jointly wiping out the Communist Party, making Chongqing feel that the Japanese Army’s primary target is the Communist Party.
It’s necessary to make them realize that the initiative is in the Japanese Army’s hands.”
The Japanese exchanged glances, already starting to suspect whether intelligence about the military department preparing to head south had been obtained, so Chongqing was fearless.
“Convene a military meeting, proceed with the original plan!”
The Japanese are holding a military meeting, Gu Yansheng definitely can’t attend, so he bids farewell directly.
War between the Japanese and Chongqing is inevitable, so taking the opportunity to express views on wiping out Chongqing, while superficially aligning with Nanjing, that’s enough.
No more staying in Nanjing, make a quick round at the Ministry, the two special envoys for Central China and North China are already on the road, as long as they start working, he and Minister Zhou will have their explanation.
As for the results, Gu Yansheng doesn’t care, in these Japanese Occupied Area places, hoping for political clarity is impossible anyway, whoever goes it’s the same.
Brief rest, return to Shanghai.
Upon arrival, Gu Yansheng first went to report the negotiation progress to Minister Zhou.
Upon hearing the negotiations had broken down, Minister Zhou was delighted.
“Let’s have a big drink!”
Minister Zhou laughed with an excited expression, “The Japanese want to head south, what a great peace talks opportunity, actually if they just give a little, the chances of successful peace talks would be very high.
No matter if the Japanese renege later or not, at least Chongqing gets a chance to breathe, big cities like Guangdong and Shanghai return to their hands, just this taxation alone, how much money per month?
Drag a month earn a month, drag a year earn a year.
If the Japanese really head south, let them, facing off against Britain and America who knows what trouble might arise, if the Japanese Army really clashes with the Anglo-American allied forces, won’t a lot more people die?
This diminishes them and grows us, over a few years, the direction of this war might be different.
No need for all that, Old Jiang is really muddleheaded.”
At times like this when he’s happy, Gu Yansheng just needs to play along.
“Exactly, I also find it strange, I thought about it, could it be that as long as they keep fighting the Japanese, Old Jiang can get aid, is it related to this?”
Minister Zhou raised an eyebrow and nodded, “What you said is very possible, Old Jiang is because he too believed in America’s so-called mediation, that’s why he suffered such a big loss on the Songhu Battlefield, doesn’t learn his lesson at all.
Never mind it, come on, at a time like this when we’re so happy, let’s go listen to some opera.”
?
The addiction is really bad!
After returning from the opera, Gu Yansheng went to the tea house in West Shanghai to drink tea.
Busy in Nanjing for so long, meetings every day, sat until his butt was nearly rotten.
Now back in Shanghai, no more meetings to attend, the Reserve Bank matter can also be dragged out, now there’s leisure time, Gu Yansheng brewed a cup of coffee and pondered Boss Dai’s assignment.
The difficulty of dealing with Fu Xiao’an, actually Li Shiqun had already set an example long ago, Li Shiqun several times wanted to move against Fu Xiao’an, and up to now there’s no movement at all.
With Fu Xiao’an holding power over No. 76, in so much time hasn’t found an opportunity, one can imagine how difficult it is.
Close-range assassination, the biggest difficulty lies in Fu Xiao’an’s guards, those are Japanese Gendarmes sent from Nanjing.
If Gu Yansheng is to provide Boss Dai with an assassination method, he must ensure one strike kills, and the Military Statistics Bureau suffers no major losses.
If losses are too big it’s an ability issue, not worth the cost.
Gu Yansheng thought about it, first take the hardship fee, can’t work for nothing.
Pick up the phone and call Fu Xiao’an.
“Mayor Fu, it’s me.”
“Brother Gu, heard you returned to Shanghai?”
“Haha, is there anything in Shanghai you don’t know about? I just arrived and you already know?”
“A few days ago you came over, then you ran to the Concession again, I’m not deaf, say, what instructions from the Minister?”
“Haha, how dare I instruct you, it’s asking for your help, want to borrow some money from you, about ten million silver dollars.”
“That much? Don’t you have money on hand? What’s up?” Fu Xiao’an was puzzled, Gu Yansheng had made a fortune in stocks, impossible he has no money.
“I want to do some business in Jiangsu, just say will you lend or not?”
“Lend of course I will definitely lend to you, you ask and I’ll definitely give face, just this money I need to calculate, you know my operations are big, low cash is inconvenient, what business of yours?”
Hearing Gu Yansheng mention business, Fu Xiao’an wanted to inquire, Gu Yansheng this person aside from other things, when doing business with others, the one who loses out is never him Gu Yansheng.
Gu Yansheng smiled, “Not convenient to say on the phone, if you have money I’ll come find you later.”
“Have, give me some time to gather it.” Fu Xiao’an hesitated a second, it was disrespect to the money Gu Yansheng had earned from him before.
As long as the business is good, partnering with Gu Yansheng is the most reassuring.
“Good, I’ll come by when I have time.”
A deal that comes begging isn’t a deal, Gu Yansheng isn’t in a hurry, let him stew for two days.
This time, time to make this old fox bleed a bit.
Thud thud thud thud, footsteps came from the stairs.
“Minister.” Secretary Ma Shiqi came up and handed over documents, “These are matters from the Ministry passed by Secretary Liu, I’ve marked the parts that need your approval.
Mitsui’s people are still experimenting with quinine at the Infectious Disease Hospital, I went to check, the effects are pretty good, patients already showing signs of improvement, I asked professional doctors, not Japanese, based on disease progression estimates, our pill’s effect can reach about seventy to eighty percent of the original drug.
People from the Yunnan factory are asking if we need a second shipment.”
“No rush.”
“Yes.
The quinine we placed in advance in the Nationalist controlled area warehouse just went on sale, sold out immediately, this drug is in very high demand, all the previously cooperating druggists took it all.
The medicines stored here in Shanghai in the Concession, I’ve already had the subordinate posing as a businessman contact the Central Statistics Bureau’s person in charge there Wu Kaixian, price is now settled, first batch payment I’ve deposited into the account you gave, currently loading goods, expected to ship out by evening.”
“What is Wu Kaixian doing now?”
The Central Statistics Bureau really has no presence, Gu Yansheng almost forgot this Central Statistics Bureau party affairs person in charge in the southeast region.
Have to say, this is also a kind of success.
“These days he seems to have been trying to integrate into high society, his cover identity is businessman, so he contacts people in business circles more, also he has literary hobbies, occasionally attends literary gatherings, like those organized by schools.”
Why does this sound so familiar, unite all forces that can be united, develop businessmen, mobilize student groups, just missing workers.
“Where does he live?”
“French Concession.”
Gu Yansheng just asked casually, Ding Mocun will definitely take good care of things at Wu Kaixian’s end, as long as Wu Kaixian doesn’t get into trouble, doesn’t get targeted by Li Shiqun, whatever else he does Gu Yansheng doesn’t care.
Just help the CC clique spend money.
Ma Shiqi continued reporting, “Additionally, the Jiangbei Gang has already launched actions in Nantong and Suzhou, first step is developing members, because the original forces scattered once, territory already snatched away, so needs some time.
There’s one more thing, Brother Gu wants to invite you to have dinner together.”
Evening, Fuyuan Restaurant.
“Minister Gu, this is my family’s nephew, called Gu Shuping, he’s also in Suzhou helping me with some things.
This time Ma Shiqi told me Minister Gu you plan to clean up Jiangsu’s officialdom, so I called him, told him to cooperate.
He said to me, since there’s this request, better to communicate in person, in case something isn’t done properly, ruins Mr. Gu’s matters, that wouldn’t be good.
I thought yes that makes sense, so called him to come, also report to you Minister Gu on Suzhou matters.”
“So that’s how it is.” Gu Yansheng sized up Gu Shuping, he looked to be around forty.
Since they knew each other, the following topics were simple.
Gu Shuping described the resident environment and ecology in Suzhou and nearby cities, underworld and officialdom, Japanese, British People, Americans, Koreans, etc., of course, not forgetting the guerrilla teams around Taihu Lake.
Gu Yansheng listened more and asked occasionally, mostly eating dishes, drinking with Gu Zhuxuan.
After one round of drinks, everyone was familiar.
With the opportunity, contact matters proceeded naturally.
The next day, Gu Shuping came to the tea house to find Gu Yansheng, nominally of course to continue talking about Suzhou matters.
“Comrade Shuping, very glad you could come to me.” Gu Yansheng smiled and shook his hand.
“Comrade Yansheng, I’m also very glad to come to you, especially glad that you’re one of our party.” Gu Shuping gripped Gu Yansheng’s hand tightly, “Actually I should call you chief, superiors clearly instructed, I report to your leadership, unconditional obedience.”
“Don’t call me that.” Just that form of address nearly scared Gu Yansheng to death, he quickly gripped Gu Shuping’s hand tightly, “This is Shanghai, I still want to live a few more years.”
Gu Shuping beamed with smiles, “Not quite appropriate, how about this, I call you Mr. Gu or Minister Gu, you call me Old Seven, Little Seven is fine too.”
“You rank seventh?”
“Jianghu nickname, Gu the Seventh Master.”
“Good Seventh Master.” Gu Yansheng smiled, raised his hand and said, “Sit down and talk, coffee okay?”
“Good.”
Gu Yansheng brewed him a cup of coffee, from the conversation this person has a lively personality.
“What did you do in Suzhou before?”
“I was responsible for the organization’s transport work in the Suzhou area, you know my identity, with Northern Jiangsu Gang’s convenience, so transporting supplies and personnel is relatively easy.
Main service targets are JS Provincial Committee and New Fourth Army troops near Suzhou, like the guerrilla teams at Taihu Lake.”
Gu Yansheng nodded, “Then how do you communicate with superiors, via radio? Have your own operator?”
“Have radio, I can operate it myself.”
Still a professional.
“Why join our party, with your Gu family connections, seems easier to find Gu Zhutong than our party.”
Gu Shuping shook his head, sneered with contempt at the corner of his mouth, “Stay in Shanghai long enough and you’ll know what the Kuomintang is made of, want to be an official, of course finding Gu Zhutong is simple, with such a theater commander covering, mixing to colonel is easy, even no need to go to battlefield, just eat logistics.
But that can’t save China.
Only our party can save China.”
This is someone truly willing to give up glory and wealth, devote himself to revolution for China’s rise!
Gu Yansheng nodded solemnly in admiration and agreement, “Anything you want to ask me?”
Gu Shuping shook his head, “No need, organizational discipline, what I should know I know, what I shouldn’t, you don’t say I can’t ask, whatever you need me to do, just tell me directly, I’ll handle it.”
“What did superiors tell you now?”
“Obey your command, do the liaison work you need, my own radio from today non-essential not to use.”
“Good, then I’ll be direct.”
Gu Yansheng pointed downstairs, “Ma Shiqi is not one of us, your main job is handling liaison, because my identity makes travel inconvenient, so you handle these matters.”
“Understood.”
“All my guards are temporarily pieced together, in daily life you need to keep an eye on them, note if there are Japanese spies or other situations.”
“Understood, need me to pick some people to act as guards? I have my own group of helpers, not our party people, just gang confidants.”
“That’s not impossible.” Gu Yansheng paused and said, “But needs a process, you just arrived, no reason for me to immediately trust you and replace all guards with your people, after all the original ones are your uncle’s people or Green Gang Zhang Xiaolin’s people.
First bring a few of your own helpers to use, convenient for business, no problem there, then over time, gradually replace.”
Gu Shuping nodded, “Understood, I’ll arrange it.”
Gu Yansheng ummed, “Now there’s something for you to handle, I have a batch of quinine, the part shipped to Nationalist controlled area Ma Shiqi already helped with, but to ship to our own troops’ areas, I can’t go through his hands, do you have a safe way to transport it.”
“Quinine?” Gu Shuping’s eyes widened, “Good stuff, weather’s heating up, entire Jiangsu’s malaria incidence is very high, this medicine is urgently needed!”
“Can you transport it?”
“Can! Give me the stuff, I guarantee delivery to New Fourth Army’s hands.”
“Good.” Gu Yansheng aligned words with him, next let him participate more in the medicine matters, then Ma Shiqi won’t find it strange.
Ma Shiqi is actually very busy too, plenty of official duties.
“Having your Jiangbei Gang expand in Suzhou area, any trouble?”
“There is some, mainly Green Gang people, previously locals were native gangs, but Green Gang’s reach is particularly long, territory not small to begin with.
Later to sell opium, beat local gangs half to death, even joined Japanese Army to clear them out, now native gang forces greatly reduced, some angry ones joined Nationalists, some joined guerrilla teams, just wanting revenge against them.
Now we expand, facing off against Green Gang Zhang Xiaolin’s people, only good point is if we don’t sell opium, then it’s okay, their main target is opium.”
Isn’t this just perfect, this matter is related to Gu Yansheng too.
No need to mention this matter.
“Zhang Xiaolin you all first expand yours, avoid Zhang Xiaolin a bit, anyway you don’t touch opium, other areas I’ll have Jiangbei Gang people make more money.”
“Good, I understand.”
Beep beep, suddenly a horn sounded outside.
Soon, a subordinate came running up thud thud thud to report.
“Minister, Mayor Fu visiting.”
“Really impatient.” Gu Yansheng sneered, said to Gu Shuping, “You go first then, call me if something.”
“Good.”
Gu Yansheng went down to welcome, Gu Shuping and Fu Xiao’an passed each other.
“Mayor Fu, how come personally?”
“If I don’t come I can’t sleep, you talk halfway, doing it on purpose?” Fu Xiao’an glanced at Gu Shuping, “New face, who?”
Anyone who can come to Gu Yansheng’s side, Fu Xiao’an really wants to know.
