Nanyang 1931: From piglets to giants

Chapter 285 Mr. Tan Kah Kee paid tribute
Li Jiazhi is nearly 40 years old this year. Before getting off the plane, Li Jiazhi looked at the layers of white clouds outside the window that looked like cotton balls and was a little absent-minded. Suddenly, she took out a mirror from her handbag and looked at herself, but she couldn't help but sighed.

Seeing this, Xiao Huan laughed and said, "My lady, please stop looking in the mirror. It makes us feel embarrassed. Although you are no longer as stunning as you were in your youth, you are still a great beauty. If you keep lamenting those two streaks of white hair on your temples, we will all be dead."

In those days, women's beauty care was far from comparable to that of later generations. In other words, some women in Europe would directly apply radioactive elements on their faces. Zheng Yi, who was a scientist, naturally forbade his women to follow suit.

Therefore, even though she was the eldest lady of the Southern Alliance, Li Jiazhi's means of maintaining herself were just so-so. After she turned forty, she naturally showed signs of aging. Even though she was much better off than other ordinary people, she was indeed far inferior to those beauties in their twenties and thirties who were in their prime.

"Ah~, you girl, you only know how to make me happy. I'm just complaining. The best years of a woman's life are at most those twenty or so years. When he and I were married, everyone in Nanyang praised us as a perfect match. In terms of appearance and temperament, I think I'm not inferior to others."

"But now, I have known him for sixteen years. Women grow older and uglier. Even my temper, as I know, is no longer as sensible, gentle, and virtuous as it was in the past. I am no longer as lovable."

"On the contrary, he has improved over the years, even just from his appearance and temperament. He seems to be no worse than he was 16 years ago. When we got married, he still relied heavily on the Li family. Our marriage was somewhat of a political alliance. But now? He is really taking care of our Li family for my sake."

"From Southeast Asia to the Middle East, and from the Middle East to the United States, ever since the Second World War, that guy's heart has become increasingly wild and arrogant. I wonder how big a mess he's made in the United States these days? I wonder how long it will take before he's willing to return to Penang."

"Hey~"

Li Jiazhi wasn't really complaining about anything, but unconsciously, she thought of a poem:

"A young woman in the boudoir knows no sorrow, putting on her makeup on a spring day as she goes up to the emerald tower. Suddenly, she sees the willows swaying on the street, and regrets having asked her husband to seek a title."

Slowly, the plane landed at the airport in New York. It was already evening, and the airport itself was brightly lit, but there was not much civil aviation. In fact, even in the United States at this time and space, there was not much civil aviation, which was no different from a chartered airport.

When Li Jiazhi walked down the ladder, she saw Zheng Yi waiting for her with a flattering look on his face. He took the initiative to step forward and offer his hand to help her, looking like he was very affectionate with his wife.

They were an old married couple, and Li Jiazhi noticed it at a glance. There was a hint of guilt in Zheng Yi's eyes when he looked at her.

He definitely couldn't control himself again and took in other women.

snort!
Man.

Although I had been mentally prepared for this, I couldn't help but feel a little unhappy. I didn't bother to pay attention to him and obediently helped him down. But I couldn't help but complain, "Do you know how busy Penang has been since you were gone for so long? As the chairman, not only do you not take care of things yourself, but you also have to call me over. Why? I'm very busy too."

Zheng Yi explained, "I just missed you. Besides, I have to go to Washington for a few days. President Du is hosting a banquet and specifically asked for me. Coach Mai and I also have something to discuss. You know, for events like this, you usually bring your wife."

"Do you have anything else to tell Coach Mac? Is there anything you need to tell Coach Mac in the US? You haven't been in touch with Coach Mac since he returned to the US?"

"No, General MacArthur's identity is too sensitive. He should be the only one in the history of the United States, an opposition party with military power.
Honestly, I can't say what kind of banquet President Du is hosting. It's unlikely to be a Hongmen Banquet, but it's certain that no banquet will end well. The Democratic Party has already taken action against me, and it's even possible that CIA agents have infiltrated Penang. When I return, I still have to tell them to be careful."

Li Jiazhi smiled bitterly and said, "Sneak in? I'm afraid there's no need to sneak in anymore. Why, didn't Qian Qiwen tell you?"

Zheng Yi: "Tell me what?"

"Mr. Tan Kah Kee, it's clear that you're going to pay tribute."

"Huh? What's going on? What happened?"

"Before, didn't you buy some assets from the Hongmen, especially the On Liang Tang? You asked them to go to Penang to settle the bill. They don't want cash, just some weapons and military supplies. They hope we can help transport them to Hong Kong Island. They have their own ways to ship them from Hong Kong Island to the Northeast by sea."

Zheng Yi nodded and said, "This is all within my expectations. It's Nanjing that has done things too ruthlessly. The bald man is called the party leader, but in fact he is the head of the military government.
The Hongmen brothers in the United States were all veterans of the Xinhai Revolution. If he hadn't been so intolerant, how could they have gone to pay tribute? But what does this have to do with us?

Li Jiazhi: "Ah~, the Hongmen people hope to purchase military supplies and materials from Penang, and the National Government will naturally try to stop them. You know, the National Government has a certain influence on the major chambers of commerce in Southeast Asia, and it's not insignificant."

Zheng Yi nodded.

After all, the Chinese in Southeast Asia have dual citizenship, and not all of them have brought their families here. Moreover, Guangdong and Fujian provinces have always attached the most importance to clans. It is already the limit for everyone to bring their wives, children, parents and brothers to live in Southeast Asia. It is impossible to abandon the clan.

Moreover, as far as he knew, most people who made it big in Southeast Asia would buy a certain amount of property in their hometown, especially land, as a backup plan. This was the Chinese way of doing things. No matter what era, as long as they had money, they would definitely find ways to hoard land and property like rats hoarding rice, and leave their family members to manage these lands and properties.

To a certain extent, it is precisely because the Chinese in Southeast Asia developed so well under his leadership that the land prices in Fujian and Guangdong provinces in China are now unreasonably high, and the price of fertile land is at least twenty times more expensive than in other regions.

To put it bluntly, this is no longer use value, but complete financialization.

In the entire Fujian and Guangdong provinces, there are almost no so-called ordinary landlords now. They are all big landlords, and almost every big landlord has some connection with Nanyang.

It is obvious where these people's hearts are. In fact, they have done a lot of work for the national government. For example, Xu Shengli, one of the founders of the Southern Alliance, ran back to Shanghai with all the money he withdrew from his shares in Penang Petrochemical.

Therefore, the national government naturally has influence in Southeast Asia.

Li Jiazhi then said, "After the incident, the Nationalist government naturally sent people to try every possible means to stop it, even going so far as to incite strikes and demonstrations at the military factories, claiming that selling weapons to Mr. Situ was aiding the nation's civil war and destroying the hard-earned peace. You know, many people in Penang are very receptive to this."

"Yeah." Zheng Yi nodded, and at the same time he roughly understood how tricky this matter was. After all, the biggest advantage and also the biggest disadvantage of the Southern Alliance was that almost everyone in Penang was armed, and had undergone formal military training, and most of them had actually been on the battlefield.

To put it bluntly, the government's ability to control the people is really low. If they encounter something like a collective march, there is no option of suppression at all.

Who doesn’t have a gun or even a rocket launcher at home?

"Then what?" Zheng Yi asked.

"Then? Then Tan Kah Kee ordered Xiao Wu to arrest all the people sent by the government in Penang, even those who came to plead for mercy.
Not only did he ignore the protests, he stubbornly prepared arms for the Hongmen brothers and even donated 100 million US dollars in his personal name to send them along.

Zheng Yi: "Where did Tan Kah Kee get one hundred million US dollars? Could he be..."

"Yes, Mr. Chen, he is also selling shares, just like Mr. Xu. But you know, the Chen family is much bigger and richer than the Xu family.

We can't just dump the stocks, we can only sell them bit by bit. This 100 million US dollars is only temporary. The money from the subsequent sales will still be used to buy arms and donate them to Yan'an."

"Not only that, but Mr. Chen also promised that when the world is finally settled, that would be the day he would resign as mayor of Penang and return to serve his country. He made it sound as if the Yan'an side had a sure win. Really? They were the ones who were being beaten and fleeing in panic."

Of course, in fact, Mr. Chen has expressed his attitude to this extent, and his fate is actually linked to the country. If Yan'an wins the civil war, he will give up Penang and return to the country. If he fails to win, he will probably not be able to hold on to his position as mayor.

In this gamble, Mr. Chen has staked not only his own fortune of hundreds of millions of dollars, but also all the reputation he has accumulated through more than forty years of virtue in Nanyang!
Zheng Yi was silent for a moment after hearing this. After a long while, he slowly said, "It seems that between the Southern Alliance and China, Mr. Chen has chosen China. I am sorry for him."

Mr. Chen has been communicating with Yan'an since the end of World War II. Strictly speaking, his interactions with Yan'an began as early as 41. Especially in recent times, after the establishment of the Security Bureau, Mr. Chen has been monitored 24 hours a day.

This guy has some connection with Yan'an, and he has never avoided the Security Bureau. He has been monitored clearly by them every time. It was Zheng Yi who asked Li Xiaowu not to take care of it and deliberately let it go.
Honestly speaking, it was hard for an ordinary person like him to imagine what made Mr. Chen, a wealthy man who was as rich as a country, so determined to support the proletarian workers and peasants.

Are you really so unattached to such a huge fortune?

But what is equally certain is that this is probably related to him.

If he had not established a secretariat and an advisory group, had not centralized power, and even had not monitored Mr. Chen, and had intended to use the advisory group and industry associations to replace the secret societies and village associations of the Southern Asia Alliance, he probably would not have been so willing to give up everything in Nanyang.

Li Jiazhi asked with amusement: "Why, didn't that slutty woman Qian Qiwen tell you about such a big thing? Haha, it seems that this woman is really ambitious."

Zheng Yi looked at her speechlessly and said, "Didn't you tell me that?"

"I'm telling you right now. Besides, I'm not your secretary general."

"Didn't Cambridge tell me? I've been in the US these past few days, without a single trustworthy servant. Don't tell me if I'm busy or not. I know I'm busy, but no matter how busy I am, with Sister Wen's personality, she wouldn't deliberately hold Cambridge hostage. She should be hoping Cambridge can come to the US quickly and not get in her way, right, Cambridge?"

Zheng Yi turned around and asked Li Jianqiao behind him, "I've told you several times that I want you to come to the United States to help me. Is it your father or your aunt who won't let you come?" Li Jianqiao: "Huh?"

Li Jiazhi: "Don't embarrass the child, this is what my father wants."

"Oh~, Grandpa."

Zheng Yi did not comment, nor did he say whether he believed it or not.

After all, the person who was happiest and most supportive of Mr. Tan Kah Kee's tribute must be Qian Qiwen.

In the final analysis, it is difficult to say who is more senior between her as the secretary-general and Tan Kah Kee, the mayor of Binh Duong. Although Zheng Yi had begun to reform the SAARC after the war, it was impossible for them, the first generation of entrepreneurs, to clearly define rights and responsibilities.

Not to mention, Tan Kah Kee was also the president of the Fujian Chamber of Commerce. Although Tan Kah Kee had clearly stated that he would dissolve the Fujian Chamber of Commerce and only retain the position of president of the Xiamen Chamber of Commerce, as long as Tan Kah Kee himself did not die or leave, the Fujian people below would still regard him as the old president in their hearts. What could anyone do?

The essence of power, after all, is the recognition by the lower levels of the orders from the upper levels.

Tan Kah Kee, this man's reputation is there, Zheng Yi doesn't dare to boss him around. As long as he is in SAARC, he is the second in command of SAARC and the head of all civil servants. Not to mention, Penang is still the core of the core of the entire SAARC.

Even if we take a step back, as the president of the Fujian Chamber of Commerce and the Xiamen Chamber of Commerce, Tan Kah Kee could indeed be called a "remnant of the old forces" to some extent. In terms of the new policy of the Southern Alliance, which was to replace the local party with the association, he was actually a counter-force.

Therefore, Qian Qiwen must have been eager for Mr. Chen to leave. She didn't report the matter to Zheng Yi in time, probably because she was afraid that Zheng Yi would intervene and cause further complications, or she might just keep Mr. Chen.

But the problem is that the Li family didn't tell him about this. Didn't they only tell him about it after they met? In the work of the secretariat, Li Jianqiao is the embodiment of Zheng Yi in the government and the person who should represent Zheng Yi the most.

In fact, it was not until this time that Zheng Yi figured out why his secretary Li Jianqiao refused to come to the United States to help him no matter what. Wasn't it because the Li family wanted to use Li Jianqiao to share Qian Qiwen's power?

It is hoped that Li Jianqiao can actually play the role of a deputy secretary.

If Tan Kah Kee left, Qian Qiwen would have no checks and balances in Penang, and Zheng Yi would be able to almost do whatever he wanted without taking care of general affairs. After all, it is a peacetime now, and Qian Qiwen would have considerable power in the secretariat.

As for what he said, the old man ordered his grandson not to come to help? Anyway, Zheng Yi just thought that this was a way to shut him up.

Qian Qiwen didn't tell him about something right away, which did make him a little angry, but how could the Li family be any better? He was also dissatisfied with the old man being used to shut him up.

Being in a bad mood, he was naturally a little dissatisfied. He was dissatisfied with Qian Qiwen, but Qian Qiwen was not here after all. Even if he wanted to scold Qian Qiwen, he could only send a telegram at most, and he didn't know how many times it would pass through his hands.

Just at this moment, Zheng Yi had already led people to the car door, opened the door on his own initiative, let Li Jiazhi get in first, and then he got in and sat aside.

I wanted to say something, but swallowed it back.

The car started, and Zheng Yi took out a cigarette and lit it for himself. He took two puffs and paused for a moment before saying, "We are husband and wife, and should be the closest people. Why... are there more and more calculations? Aren't we in love?"

As he spoke, Zheng Yi took Li Jiazhi's hand and unconsciously let out a long sigh.

Li Jiazhi didn't say anything when she heard this, but just turned her head and looked at the red and green, flickering lights and shadows of the American night scene outside the window.

Zheng Yi: "What happened next? What happened after Mr. Chen stated his position?"

Li Jiazhi: "What else could happen? Mr. Chen has already shown such an attitude. He has put his prestige on the line for decades. The Kuomintang's spies and liaisons have all been arrested. It's clear that he's going to fall out. And without you, who would dare to continue to cause trouble with Mr. Chen? This matter will naturally be suppressed."

"I heard that even the land in Guangdong and Fujian provinces was sold off because of this, and the price dropped a lot. But you should also know that this kind of thing can be suppressed openly, but it may not be suppressed in secret.
Although Mr. Chen has great prestige, he is only the president of the Fujian Chamber of Commerce. However, we Chinese in Southeast Asia have not only Fujian but also Guangdong, and now we have Yunnan and Guangxi provinces, and we have also established chambers of commerce.

"So-called reputation is just accumulating prestige, using it to win people over. It's hard to say whether some people will harbor resentment. You also said that the Democratic Party has already taken action against you and the Southern Association for Regional Cooperation. Those CIA people are the most adept at stirring up trouble. It's hard not to sow discord."

Zheng Yi sighed and said, "It's not entirely unexpected. If Mr. Chen wants to pay tribute, then so be it. We're all working together. I wish him safe travels. If I'm not mistaken, the remaining assets and influence of the Chen family will definitely be handed over to his son-in-law, Li Guangqian, and his nephew, Chen Liushi."

"The Li family is wealthy and powerful. Now that they are selling off their assets and returning to China, it will be difficult for both families to come up with much money. In all likelihood, they will still have to sell at a low price. Let's take out some money and lend it to them to take over Mr. Chen's property."

Li Jiazhi asked in surprise, "Borrow it at the original price? This money is going to be sent from Hong Kong Island to the Northeast."

Zheng Yi thought for a moment and said, "Let's increase it by 20%. It's a small token of my appreciation. For the sake of our friendship and respect, I won't charge them interest."

"Floating up?"

Li Jiazhi was slightly stunned, then sighed: "So that's how it is, you are also on their side. To be honest, I have the same feeling, but you are of such high status, and you are doing it so obviously. Aren't you afraid that they will lose..."

Zheng Yi: "Don't be afraid. He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. I am now increasingly appreciating the Islamic meaning of this."

Li Jiazhi: "Aren't you afraid that the Democrats will use this to stir up trouble?"

Zheng Yi: "There's no point in being afraid. Besides, I've already made up my mind. Let the Democrats use whatever means they want."

After saying that, Zheng Yi stepped forward and embraced Li Jiazhi, saying, "As long as you are here and my family supports me, these enemies outside, no matter the ups and downs, whether they are overt or covert, can hurt me."

After a while, Zheng Yi said, "Honestly, Cambridge, you really need my help. I know there's a lot going on in SAARC right now, and I'm also getting more and more things done in the US. I can't be without capable people around me."

After thinking for a moment, he added, "Now, even Yamamoto Fujiko is helping me with many things. Don't you think this is inappropriate? Besides, her ability is not good enough."

Li Jiazhi thought for a moment and said, "I think we should put the Cambridge matter aside for now. You said you don't have anyone in the United States who satisfies your needs. I can recommend someone to you."

"Who?"

"What do you think of Xiaohuan? I think that if you really need a personal secretary, Xiaohuan is the most suitable one."

"Ah? You... stop making trouble. Xiaohuan is not your maidservant."

I thought to myself, we have been married for more than ten years. Even if it is a dowry, it is not the right time to give it.

Li Jiazhi: "You're overthinking it. I really think Xiaohuan is the right person to stay by your side and help you. I know her well and trust her. Not to mention that she's been with us for so many years, she's made some progress. She even has basic skills like English and telegraph. When I was in school, she accompanied me and she already has a college degree."

"Be it a personal secretary, any other kind of secretary, or even any other position, as long as she can get some work done, it's all fine."

Zheng Yi: "What's wrong? Did Sister Xiaohuan offend you in some way? I feel like you want to kick her out."

Unexpectedly, Li Jiazhi nodded and said, "That's exactly what I meant. After all, Xiaohuan... is already thirty-six years old. We can't keep delaying her. It's time for her to find someone else."

Zheng Yi: "Is that so..."

Zheng Yi thought about it and felt that it was true. She was a maid, and since she was not a dowry maid, it seemed that it did delay her from finding a partner.

It will be too late if you don’t find it now.

After all, Xiaohuan has a special relationship with Li Jiazhi, and even with Zheng Yi. Zheng Yi sometimes calls her Sister Xiaohuan. No matter what the reason was, it was indeed Xiaohuan who took care of him and saved his life.

He also hopes that she can find a good home.

"Stay in the US... Indeed, she is indeed suitable. There are many capable people in the US, whether Chinese or white, but there are really few I can trust."

(End of this chapter)