Chapter 327 Transaction (First Update)
"Give me back my country!""Don't be a slave to the country's subjugation!"
"Down with the traitors and traitors!"
"Down with Japanese imperialism!"
On the streets of Beijing, students from more than a dozen universities in the capital spontaneously formed a parade of more than a thousand people and took to the streets, holding flags, holding slogans, shouting slogans to resist Japan and save the country, and occasionally singing "March of the Volunteers" to boost their own prestige.
Yes, in May of the 24th year of the Republic of China, the anti-Japanese war movie "Children of Storms" was released. The theme song "March of the Volunteers", which later became the national anthem, spread across the country immediately after its release. Wang Yi, who was in charge of the East China Branch in the Shanghai Concession at the time, also took the time to watch this movie.
Living in this turbulent era, sitting in the cinema watching old black-and-white movies playing in front of me, listening to the first version of the national anthem, I always feel that I am witnessing every stage of the history of the birth of New China.
Back to the present, Wang Yi stood aside, watching the protesting students passing by him. The passing students also stuffed printed leaflets into his hands, and then continued to move forward towards the Xinhua Gate.
The military police and civilians who came to maintain order were also the targets of these students' propaganda, telling them about the current national situation and the Kuomintang's treasonous acts.
It's okay for the common people, they just want to watch the fun and get a general idea, but the military and police have death orders from their superiors. They are here to suppress the situation with armed force, but looking at the excited students in front of them, they don't know whether to join or not. They will be caught in the middle no matter what they do, and they have to take the blame. They only get a small salary a month, so why should they be so dedicated?
I could only follow these students and watch them walk towards Xinhua Gate.
Looking at the student team that mobilized the onlookers and continued to move forward, footsteps were heard behind Wang Yi.
"People don't fear death, but they are frightened by it. Long time no see, Young Master Wang. No, I have to call you Boss Wang now."
"It's been a long time since we last met, Mr. Lan. Where have you been making your fortune recently? Oh, and why haven't I seen Mr. Yu?"
Wang Yi was a little surprised when he turned around and saw Lan Qingfeng, or Mr. Lan, who appeared behind him, because there was no news about him after he helped Li Tianran eliminate his two enemies, Zhu Qianlong and Nemoto Ichiro. When he returned to Beijing from the United States, he could not find out any news about this person. If there were not someone cleaning his mansion in Beijing from time to time, Wang Yi would have suspected that this gentleman had disappeared from the face of the earth.
Why does this critical node appear again at this moment?
"The old man passed away two years ago. Don't worry, he didn't suffer any great misfortune. It was a happy funeral. In this day and age, it's good for him to pass away now."
Mr. Lan's words also made Wang Yi stunned. The old man Yu they were talking about was the former Beijing master. He was known as one of the Four Masters of Beijing together with Li Shuwen, the guest manager of Yanwu Hall. He was also active in the Reform Movement of 1898 in the Qing Dynasty in his early years and had an intersection with Wang Wu, the Big Knife.
When Wang Yi first arrived in the capital, he was one of the few masters who could pose a threat to him, but he did not expect that he would be defeated by time in the end.
"Yes, it is indeed a blessing for the old man to leave now. If it is too late, he will have to witness the tragic situation of the country being torn apart and the country falling. But Mr. Lan, you haven't answered my question yet."
"After you took my tenant and his adopted son to America, I went to Europe to see the world."
"With your experience, Mr. Lan, do you really need to make a special trip to Europe?"
Walking closer to Wang Yi, Mr. Lan, dressed in white, looked at the group of students walking away in front of him, and a look of nostalgia appeared on his face.
"I promised someone a few years ago that I would let him study in the East for three years, in the South for three years, and in the West for three years. I broke my promise and he died, so I have to go and take his place."
"So, in the past few years, Mr. Lan, what do you think of the West?"
"No matter how good Western things are, we were born in the Northern Ocean. If we learn everything from them, we will not be able to adapt to the local environment. Boss Wang, we haven't seen each other for such a long time. Why don't we find a place to sit down and have a good chat?"
Wang Yi did not answer, but just looked at the student parade in front of him, and Mr. Lan also understood Wang Yi's concerns at this time.
"Let's go, Boss Wang. I promise you that some students will be detained today, but no student will die."
As he spoke, Mr. Lan waved his hand, and three three-wheeled bicycles stopped in front of Wang Yi and Mr. Lan. Mr. Lan gave an order to the driver in front of him, who nodded in agreement and rode away on his three-wheeled bicycle in the direction of the student parade.
Seeing Mr. Lan's invitation, Wang Yi got into the car. The two of them slowly followed the student team. By almost noon, the parade had expanded to four or five thousand people. In front of the parade, there were already military and police waiting there, holding sticks and whips, blocking the way of the student parade.
In the restaurant, Wang Yi and Mr. Lan prepared wine and food. Looking at the two sides confronting each other below, Wang Yi had a deeper understanding of Mr. Lan's abilities.
It was just a warning. None of the military and police officers who were supposed to suppress the situation violently at the first moment dared to act rashly, for fear of angering the powerful people above them.
"I just came back at the beginning of this year. When I came back and asked around, I found out that Boss Wang is no longer the same as he was before. The Sitong Company he founded has monopolized the cargo transportation in most of the Republic of China. Any business that wants to transport goods will get different prices if they use the Sitong Company's logo or not. I regret it a little. I should have bought shares earlier. Now I wouldn't have to return to the capital and only have a foot trade to do."
"That's also for everyone to take care of. Everyone has their own land and tax, and they can't figure out how to divide it up, and there's unhappiness. It just so happens that I met some good friends in the United States. They will come forward, and I will be the agent. The money will be collected and divided uniformly. The superiors will be satisfied, and the subordinates will have no objections. It's a happy thing for everyone, so why not do it?"
"Boss Wang, that's easy to say. It's been 23 years since the founding of the Republic of China. Has no one thought of this method in all these years? Unfortunately, those who think of this method often don't have the ability to convince everyone, so it can only be shelved. Only you, Wang Yi, have done it. These days, without this, it's hard to earn this peacefully."
Mr. Lan compared his fist and pointed to the dollars on the table, his meaning was self-evident.
Wang Yi just smiled and said nothing, and asked back.
"That's just the times that make heroes. But what about you, Mr. Lan? Where have you mainly been to the West in recent years?"
"Germany."
Hearing this, Wang Yi raised his eyebrows. At this time, the guy with a mustache has been in power in Germany for two years. He has probably been carrying out various Jewish cleansing packages in the past two years. As a person from later generations, after hearing and seeing many Jews doing the same beastly things as the Japs in the Middle East, Wang Yi has also learned to look at these things done by the guy with a mustache dialectically.
It was definitely not something a human would do, it is a matter of principle, but the problem is that the blame cannot be entirely put on the mustache guy. The persecuted Jews are indeed pitiful and deserve sympathy, but it is not just the Jewish people who are being persecuted. In other words, how many of those who were persecuted are real Jews, and who is behind the mustache guy to support him in taking power and cooperate with him to do these things?
With this question in mind, when Wang Yi, a later generation, looked at what the Jews did in the Middle East and checked the information, he found out that it turned out that this was not the first or second time that the Jews had done these inhumane things in the Middle East.
It turns out that it was you, the Jewish capitalists, who were the ones who planned and persecuted your compatriots. You, the little mustache, were just a tool responsible for execution. As for the Jews, who are they from the same race as you, the Jews whose property we have plundered? We, the masters, are honorary Aryans, don’t you know?
What? You want proof? Someone, write them one on the spot!
In a word, whether you are close or not is determined by class.
All the causes and consequences were circling in Wang Yi's mind. He couldn't reach that far and couldn't possibly care about the dire situation of the people in Europe.
But he also knew that the end of World War II was just the beginning. Big Brother, the West, and other problems were placed before him one after another. If he did not prepare early, he would find it difficult to deal with many things.
As the saying goes, those who do not plan for eternity are not qualified to plan for the moment. Now that we have such an opportunity, let's just make a small move. Maybe it will be useful.
These thoughts flashed through Wang Yi's mind, and then he took over Mr. Lan's words.
"Germany? I heard that the source of the Communist Party's ideology is the work of two German thinkers who combined the social operation mechanism of the West. Even the Russians in the north are the same. So, Mr. Lan went to Germany to learn from them? See if there is anything that can be brought to the National Government for improvement?"
"Hahaha, Boss Wang, stop flattering me. I'm a useless person. I don't have the ability to change the government. I'm just like you. I was pushed to the front to help the people behind the scenes. Isn't Boss Wang curious about what I'm going to do?"
"Appreciate further details."
"I went there to investigate so that the government could strengthen its army and reform the army. The army would receive German training and be equipped with German equipment. The plan was to complete the government's plan to strengthen its army with 60 divisions within six years."
Mr. Lan's words also made Wang Yi look up to the person in front of him.
This ability is extraordinary. I didn't expect that there would be someone like you in the so-called "German-equipped division" of the Kuomintang.
The title of the German-equipped division was actually given by later generations to the central army that belonged to the bald direct line of the Kuomintang. Some idiots who like to whitewash the Kuomintang's actions always say that if the direct line of the Kuomintang army had not been wiped out or most of it had not been disabled on the front battlefield, it would have been impossible for the troops led by you to reap the spoils.
Most of the troops that they claimed to have been wiped out or maimed were "German-equipped divisions" led by officers who had received German training and were equipped with some German equipment.
As for why they were only equipped with some German equipment, that was the characteristic of the Kuomintang. They used both hands and tricks. It was better to rent than to buy, it was better to build than to rent, and it was better to repair it casually than to build. As for the gun, as long as it could make a sound and shoot, it was fine.
Therefore, it would be more appropriate to call these so-called "German-equipped divisions" adjustment divisions.
As to why these regular troops, which were considered first-rate in the Republic of China and good even in Japan, were wiped out and crippled on the front battlefield, we have to ask the high-ranking officials of the National Government.
Wang Yi could also tell from Mr. Lan's expression how disappointed Mr. Lan was with the National Government. No wonder he had a secret meeting with Ichiro Nemoto on the city wall on the eve of the July 7 Incident. Even though Ichiro Nemoto said that he would tell Mr. Lan about Japan's strategic intentions and which city to attack first, Mr. Lan was disdainful after hearing it and said it was useless and that the bald guy couldn't beat them.
Anyone who sees that they worked hard and put a lot of effort into the military strengthening plan, only to see the funds pass through several hands before being allocated to the military, will be disappointed with the authorities.
In the end, he still held on to a bit of unrealistic fantasy, wondering if he could cooperate with Japan to stir up trouble from within and reform the national government.
"Haha, Mr. Lan has devoted all his energy to the country and the nation. Unlike me, I only do small things and end up accomplishing nothing."
"Boss Wang, you are being too modest. As far as I know, Boss Wang has always been at the top of the list of bounties offered by the Japanese high-level officials. And the capital is still so peaceful now. Isn't it also thanks to you, Boss Wang? Without you hanging a sword over my head, how many people in the capital would not be able to survive? I dare not imagine. But Boss Wang, you went to the United States that year and disrupted my plan. I handed Li Tianran over to you because I wanted you to take care of him for me.
You are so good, you just killed Nemoto Ichiro and Zhu Qianlong. I still have use for these two people. If you kill them like this, you have to give me an explanation, right?"
"Mr. Lan, you don't really expect the Japanese to help you, do you?"
"I don't dare to think about it, but right now I am completely in the dark about the situation in Japan. I used to have Ichiro Nemoto to keep me informed, but now there is no one left."
"The situation? Isn't the situation obvious?"
Wang Yi pointed to the banners held high by the student protesters below the restaurant and continued, "In two years at the least, three years at the most, Japan will definitely go to war with us. They have already taken over the Northeast, and now they are eyeing North China, East China, and South China. How can these places be spared?
Mr. Lan, instead of thinking about how to understand the situation in Japan, you might as well think about how to implement the strengthening of the army. There are so many garrison troops in North China. If there is one that can implement the National Government's strengthening army plan, I think when the Japanese want to take over North China, it will be like the time when they took over the Northeast and were resisted by the young marshal. It won't be so easy, right?"
"Boss Wang, you see it clearly. I will do my best to see if a useless person like me can do something useful. But Boss Wang, you have to remember that you owe me a favor."
"I've got it. If necessary, I will return the favor. But Mr. Lan, don't hide your good stuff. I'm also interested in the business in Germany, Europe. If you have the chance, take me with you to make a fortune."
"That depends on whether Boss Wang has the leverage to make the other side interested. Okay, Boss Wang, we've had our fill of wine and food, it's time to go back. As for what happens next, neither you nor I can make the decision. This matter will definitely cause a commotion, so don't do anything meaningless here."
"Of course I know, but Mr. Lan, you need to know why I followed you."
"clear."
Mr. Lan waved his hand and called the waiter over. He handed the hat he was wearing to the waiter, gave him a tip, pointed to the head of the military and police who were blocking the front of the student demonstration team, and asked him to pass on a message.
'It's almost time. Drive them away, arrest them, but don't hit them.'
The waiter clenched the big dollar in his hand, nodded and bowed to Mr. Lan, then trotted along holding Mr. Lan's hat, and soon arrived near the person in charge of the military and police.
Looking at the hat handed to him by the waiter, he raised his head and saw the distinguished person who was enjoying the scenery in the restaurant waving to him.
The military and police chief nodded respectfully like the waiter, turned around, had the waiter driven away, and then looked at the demonstrators in front of him with a ferocious look on his face.
"Damn it, brothers, get to work! Arrest people! Arrest them, don't beat them! Remember this!"
With the departure of Wang Yi and Mr. Lan from the restaurant, the anti-Japanese and national salvation movement led by students on December 9, 1935 also kicked off with the conflict between the military and police arresting and driving people away.
(End of this chapter)
"Give me back my country!""Don't be a slave to the country's subjugation!"
"Down with the traitors and traitors!"
"Down with Japanese imperialism!"
On the streets of Beijing, students from more than a dozen universities in the capital spontaneously formed a parade of more than a thousand people and took to the streets, holding flags, holding slogans, shouting slogans to resist Japan and save the country, and occasionally singing "March of the Volunteers" to boost their own prestige.
Yes, in May of the 24th year of the Republic of China, the anti-Japanese war movie "Children of Storms" was released. The theme song "March of the Volunteers", which later became the national anthem, spread across the country immediately after its release. Wang Yi, who was in charge of the East China Branch in the Shanghai Concession at the time, also took the time to watch this movie.
Living in this turbulent era, sitting in the cinema watching old black-and-white movies playing in front of me, listening to the first version of the national anthem, I always feel that I am witnessing every stage of the history of the birth of New China.
Back to the present, Wang Yi stood aside, watching the protesting students passing by him. The passing students also stuffed printed leaflets into his hands, and then continued to move forward towards the Xinhua Gate.
The military police and civilians who came to maintain order were also the targets of these students' propaganda, telling them about the current national situation and the Kuomintang's treasonous acts.
It's okay for the common people, they just want to watch the fun and get a general idea, but the military and police have death orders from their superiors. They are here to suppress the situation with armed force, but looking at the excited students in front of them, they don't know whether to join or not. They will be caught in the middle no matter what they do, and they have to take the blame. They only get a small salary a month, so why should they be so dedicated?
I could only follow these students and watch them walk towards Xinhua Gate.
Looking at the student team that mobilized the onlookers and continued to move forward, footsteps were heard behind Wang Yi.
"People don't fear death, but they are frightened by it. Long time no see, Young Master Wang. No, I have to call you Boss Wang now."
"It's been a long time since we last met, Mr. Lan. Where have you been making your fortune recently? Oh, and why haven't I seen Mr. Yu?"
Wang Yi was a little surprised when he turned around and saw Lan Qingfeng, or Mr. Lan, who appeared behind him, because there was no news about him after he helped Li Tianran eliminate his two enemies, Zhu Qianlong and Nemoto Ichiro. When he returned to Beijing from the United States, he could not find out any news about this person. If there were not someone cleaning his mansion in Beijing from time to time, Wang Yi would have suspected that this gentleman had disappeared from the face of the earth.
Why does this critical node appear again at this moment?
"The old man passed away two years ago. Don't worry, he didn't suffer any great misfortune. It was a happy funeral. In this day and age, it's good for him to pass away now."
Mr. Lan's words also made Wang Yi stunned. The old man Yu they were talking about was the former Beijing master. He was known as one of the Four Masters of Beijing together with Li Shuwen, the guest manager of Yanwu Hall. He was also active in the Reform Movement of 1898 in the Qing Dynasty in his early years and had an intersection with Wang Wu, the Big Knife.
When Wang Yi first arrived in the capital, he was one of the few masters who could pose a threat to him, but he did not expect that he would be defeated by time in the end.
"Yes, it is indeed a blessing for the old man to leave now. If it is too late, he will have to witness the tragic situation of the country being torn apart and the country falling. But Mr. Lan, you haven't answered my question yet."
"After you took my tenant and his adopted son to America, I went to Europe to see the world."
"With your experience, Mr. Lan, do you really need to make a special trip to Europe?"
Walking closer to Wang Yi, Mr. Lan, dressed in white, looked at the group of students walking away in front of him, and a look of nostalgia appeared on his face.
"I promised someone a few years ago that I would let him study in the East for three years, in the South for three years, and in the West for three years. I broke my promise and he died, so I have to go and take his place."
"So, in the past few years, Mr. Lan, what do you think of the West?"
"No matter how good Western things are, we were born in the Northern Ocean. If we learn everything from them, we will not be able to adapt to the local environment. Boss Wang, we haven't seen each other for such a long time. Why don't we find a place to sit down and have a good chat?"
Wang Yi did not answer, but just looked at the student parade in front of him, and Mr. Lan also understood Wang Yi's concerns at this time.
"Let's go, Boss Wang. I promise you that some students will be detained today, but no student will die."
As he spoke, Mr. Lan waved his hand, and three three-wheeled bicycles stopped in front of Wang Yi and Mr. Lan. Mr. Lan gave an order to the driver in front of him, who nodded in agreement and rode away on his three-wheeled bicycle in the direction of the student parade.
Seeing Mr. Lan's invitation, Wang Yi got into the car. The two of them slowly followed the student team. By almost noon, the parade had expanded to four or five thousand people. In front of the parade, there were already military and police waiting there, holding sticks and whips, blocking the way of the student parade.
In the restaurant, Wang Yi and Mr. Lan prepared wine and food. Looking at the two sides confronting each other below, Wang Yi had a deeper understanding of Mr. Lan's abilities.
It was just a warning. None of the military and police officers who were supposed to suppress the situation violently at the first moment dared to act rashly, for fear of angering the powerful people above them.
"I just came back at the beginning of this year. When I came back and asked around, I found out that Boss Wang is no longer the same as he was before. The Sitong Company he founded has monopolized the cargo transportation in most of the Republic of China. Any business that wants to transport goods will get different prices if they use the Sitong Company's logo or not. I regret it a little. I should have bought shares earlier. Now I wouldn't have to return to the capital and only have a foot trade to do."
"That's also for everyone to take care of. Everyone has their own land and tax, and they can't figure out how to divide it up, and there's unhappiness. It just so happens that I met some good friends in the United States. They will come forward, and I will be the agent. The money will be collected and divided uniformly. The superiors will be satisfied, and the subordinates will have no objections. It's a happy thing for everyone, so why not do it?"
"Boss Wang, that's easy to say. It's been 23 years since the founding of the Republic of China. Has no one thought of this method in all these years? Unfortunately, those who think of this method often don't have the ability to convince everyone, so it can only be shelved. Only you, Wang Yi, have done it. These days, without this, it's hard to earn this peacefully."
Mr. Lan compared his fist and pointed to the dollars on the table, his meaning was self-evident.
Wang Yi just smiled and said nothing, and asked back.
"That's just the times that make heroes. But what about you, Mr. Lan? Where have you mainly been to the West in recent years?"
"Germany."
Hearing this, Wang Yi raised his eyebrows. At this time, the guy with a mustache has been in power in Germany for two years. He has probably been carrying out various Jewish cleansing packages in the past two years. As a person from later generations, after hearing and seeing many Jews doing the same beastly things as the Japs in the Middle East, Wang Yi has also learned to look at these things done by the guy with a mustache dialectically.
It was definitely not something a human would do, it is a matter of principle, but the problem is that the blame cannot be entirely put on the mustache guy. The persecuted Jews are indeed pitiful and deserve sympathy, but it is not just the Jewish people who are being persecuted. In other words, how many of those who were persecuted are real Jews, and who is behind the mustache guy to support him in taking power and cooperate with him to do these things?
With this question in mind, when Wang Yi, a later generation, looked at what the Jews did in the Middle East and checked the information, he found out that it turned out that this was not the first or second time that the Jews had done these inhumane things in the Middle East.
It turns out that it was you, the Jewish capitalists, who were the ones who planned and persecuted your compatriots. You, the little mustache, were just a tool responsible for execution. As for the Jews, who are they from the same race as you, the Jews whose property we have plundered? We, the masters, are honorary Aryans, don’t you know?
What? You want proof? Someone, write them one on the spot!
In a word, whether you are close or not is determined by class.
All the causes and consequences were circling in Wang Yi's mind. He couldn't reach that far and couldn't possibly care about the dire situation of the people in Europe.
But he also knew that the end of World War II was just the beginning. Big Brother, the West, and other problems were placed before him one after another. If he did not prepare early, he would find it difficult to deal with many things.
As the saying goes, those who do not plan for eternity are not qualified to plan for the moment. Now that we have such an opportunity, let's just make a small move. Maybe it will be useful.
These thoughts flashed through Wang Yi's mind, and then he took over Mr. Lan's words.
"Germany? I heard that the source of the Communist Party's ideology is the work of two German thinkers who combined the social operation mechanism of the West. Even the Russians in the north are the same. So, Mr. Lan went to Germany to learn from them? See if there is anything that can be brought to the National Government for improvement?"
"Hahaha, Boss Wang, stop flattering me. I'm a useless person. I don't have the ability to change the government. I'm just like you. I was pushed to the front to help the people behind the scenes. Isn't Boss Wang curious about what I'm going to do?"
"Appreciate further details."
"I went there to investigate so that the government could strengthen its army and reform the army. The army would receive German training and be equipped with German equipment. The plan was to complete the government's plan to strengthen its army with 60 divisions within six years."
Mr. Lan's words also made Wang Yi look up to the person in front of him.
This ability is extraordinary. I didn't expect that there would be someone like you in the so-called "German-equipped division" of the Kuomintang.
The title of the German-equipped division was actually given by later generations to the central army that belonged to the bald direct line of the Kuomintang. Some idiots who like to whitewash the Kuomintang's actions always say that if the direct line of the Kuomintang army had not been wiped out or most of it had not been disabled on the front battlefield, it would have been impossible for the troops led by you to reap the spoils.
Most of the troops that they claimed to have been wiped out or maimed were "German-equipped divisions" led by officers who had received German training and were equipped with some German equipment.
As for why they were only equipped with some German equipment, that was the characteristic of the Kuomintang. They used both hands and tricks. It was better to rent than to buy, it was better to build than to rent, and it was better to repair it casually than to build. As for the gun, as long as it could make a sound and shoot, it was fine.
Therefore, it would be more appropriate to call these so-called "German-equipped divisions" adjustment divisions.
As to why these regular troops, which were considered first-rate in the Republic of China and good even in Japan, were wiped out and crippled on the front battlefield, we have to ask the high-ranking officials of the National Government.
Wang Yi could also tell from Mr. Lan's expression how disappointed Mr. Lan was with the National Government. No wonder he had a secret meeting with Ichiro Nemoto on the city wall on the eve of the July 7 Incident. Even though Ichiro Nemoto said that he would tell Mr. Lan about Japan's strategic intentions and which city to attack first, Mr. Lan was disdainful after hearing it and said it was useless and that the bald guy couldn't beat them.
Anyone who sees that they worked hard and put a lot of effort into the military strengthening plan, only to see the funds pass through several hands before being allocated to the military, will be disappointed with the authorities.
In the end, he still held on to a bit of unrealistic fantasy, wondering if he could cooperate with Japan to stir up trouble from within and reform the national government.
"Haha, Mr. Lan has devoted all his energy to the country and the nation. Unlike me, I only do small things and end up accomplishing nothing."
"Boss Wang, you are being too modest. As far as I know, Boss Wang has always been at the top of the list of bounties offered by the Japanese high-level officials. And the capital is still so peaceful now. Isn't it also thanks to you, Boss Wang? Without you hanging a sword over my head, how many people in the capital would not be able to survive? I dare not imagine. But Boss Wang, you went to the United States that year and disrupted my plan. I handed Li Tianran over to you because I wanted you to take care of him for me.
You are so good, you just killed Nemoto Ichiro and Zhu Qianlong. I still have use for these two people. If you kill them like this, you have to give me an explanation, right?"
"Mr. Lan, you don't really expect the Japanese to help you, do you?"
"I don't dare to think about it, but right now I am completely in the dark about the situation in Japan. I used to have Ichiro Nemoto to keep me informed, but now there is no one left."
"The situation? Isn't the situation obvious?"
Wang Yi pointed to the banners held high by the student protesters below the restaurant and continued, "In two years at the least, three years at the most, Japan will definitely go to war with us. They have already taken over the Northeast, and now they are eyeing North China, East China, and South China. How can these places be spared?
Mr. Lan, instead of thinking about how to understand the situation in Japan, you might as well think about how to implement the strengthening of the army. There are so many garrison troops in North China. If there is one that can implement the National Government's strengthening army plan, I think when the Japanese want to take over North China, it will be like the time when they took over the Northeast and were resisted by the young marshal. It won't be so easy, right?"
"Boss Wang, you see it clearly. I will do my best to see if a useless person like me can do something useful. But Boss Wang, you have to remember that you owe me a favor."
"I've got it. If necessary, I will return the favor. But Mr. Lan, don't hide your good stuff. I'm also interested in the business in Germany, Europe. If you have the chance, take me with you to make a fortune."
"That depends on whether Boss Wang has the leverage to make the other side interested. Okay, Boss Wang, we've had our fill of wine and food, it's time to go back. As for what happens next, neither you nor I can make the decision. This matter will definitely cause a commotion, so don't do anything meaningless here."
"Of course I know, but Mr. Lan, you need to know why I followed you."
"clear."
Mr. Lan waved his hand and called the waiter over. He handed the hat he was wearing to the waiter, gave him a tip, pointed to the head of the military and police who were blocking the front of the student demonstration team, and asked him to pass on a message.
'It's almost time. Drive them away, arrest them, but don't hit them.'
The waiter clenched the big dollar in his hand, nodded and bowed to Mr. Lan, then trotted along holding Mr. Lan's hat, and soon arrived near the person in charge of the military and police.
Looking at the hat handed to him by the waiter, he raised his head and saw the distinguished person who was enjoying the scenery in the restaurant waving to him.
The military and police chief nodded respectfully like the waiter, turned around, had the waiter driven away, and then looked at the demonstrators in front of him with a ferocious look on his face.
"Damn it, brothers, get to work! Arrest people! Arrest them, don't beat them! Remember this!"
With the departure of Wang Yi and Mr. Lan from the restaurant, the anti-Japanese and national salvation movement led by students on December 9, 1935 also kicked off with the conflict between the military and police arresting and driving people away.
(End of this chapter)
