Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 120 Arrival
The next day, Gu Yansheng was busy dealing with matters at the Judicial Office.

Ling Xianwen came to visit.

"Busy now?"

"Busy, so busy. The chaos in SH city has passed its peak and calmed down a bit, but overall it's only slightly better than the peak. There are still a lot of disputes."

Small cases don't reach my hands, but when it comes to big cases involving foreign businesses or requiring government funding, my subordinates simply don't dare to make decisions, nor can they. Ultimately, well…

Gu Yansheng slapped the dossier and walked out: "They've all come into my hands, piled up like a mountain."

"If you don't have rice in your hand, you can't even crow a chicken." Ling Xianwen smiled helplessly. "It's pretty much the same for me. Every day, a bunch of foreign businessmen come and block the door. No money can bring down even a hero."

"Sit down, what would you like to drink?"

"I'm not drinking anymore, you should stop too. The new commander's plane will arrive at noon. Mr. Hasegawa said that the city government should send someone to pick him up, and there might be some arrangements."

"You're here?"

They really know how to pick their timing. Gu Yansheng pondered the impact of this matter on the Military Intelligence Bureau's next actions.

The good news is that a lot of Japanese people will be drawn to this event, and their attention will be diverted to other things. For example, a lot of military police will definitely be deployed to pick up and protect people at the airport, and there may be a banquet in the evening. With strong security at the banquet, other places will be less secure, making it easier for the Military Intelligence Bureau to carry out its operations.

There's bad news too. With a new boss in charge, everyone else will likely be more diligent in their work, and the Japanese military's checks on each unit will definitely be stricter today.

"Shall we leave now?"

"Leave now."

“Okay.” Gu Yansheng took his coat off the rack, and the two went out. As they walked, he asked, “Coming at this time, does that mean the negotiations over there are almost over? You should have brought the latest instructions from the Japanese high command, right?”

Ling Xianwen nodded: "Actually, the negotiations have been going on for more than a day or two. It's just a matter of discussing specific details. If Vice Chairman Wang hadn't gotten any conditions, he wouldn't have publicly declared his support for the Japanese. We've already had several rounds of talks, and the Japanese side should have shown their attitude by now."

Gu Yansheng moved closer and asked, "Secretary-General, do you think it would be a good thing or a bad thing for us if these people came?"

Ling Xianwen paused for a moment and then said, "I feel a little more inclined."

The Japanese sought him out simply because they hoped to establish a new government to counter the Chongqing government.

When the Japanese attacked China, that was called aggression and colonization. But when a new government attacks an old government, what is that called? It's called revolution and internal strife.

Since Wang agreed to do this, he must have received conditions, and the Japanese would definitely relinquish power.

Wang has a group of loyal confidants. If a new large government is established, the key positions will definitely be filled by his own people. Shanghai will be included by the new government, and he will definitely want those positions, but he can't take away the positions of people like us.

Someone like Fu Xiao'an, a member of the Nanjing Command Headquarters, could he possibly make a move? Impossible.

But if you're talking about money and power, I reckon he'll definitely get a share.

Look, we're broke right now, so we have to ask the military police headquarters for money. If they come, we'll ask them for it when we're broke.

Communicating with him instead of the Japanese would definitely be easier. At least something like the last meeting where someone pointed a gun at you and gave you advice would never happen. If it did happen, it would be his people being pointed at by the Japanese. Does that make sense?

It's convenient for us.

Gu Yansheng chuckled, "That makes sense. If that's the case, I'm looking forward to his arrival so we can finish this quickly. We're both broke."

The group of cars drove to the airport, where they met up and saw Fu Xiao'an, who had been ill for a long time. People from the military police headquarters and the consulate arrived one after the other, as did other officials from the municipal government.

"Mayor Fu, you're here too. Are you feeling better?" Gu Yansheng greeted him with a smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Director Gu. I'm much better now." Fu Xiao'an coughed twice, clearly still quite upset from being ambushed by Sassoon last time, which was why he hadn't fully recovered.

After exchanging a few casual words, Gu Yansheng, Ling Xianwen, and Hasegawa whispered among themselves, mainly discussing recent events in Shanghai.

An hour later, the plane arrived.

The so-called welcoming was just being a supporting character, an onlooker clapping and cheering. It was impossible to even say a few words. After everyone met, the group had to get on the car and go to the military police headquarters.

The newly appointed military police commander is named Jiro Miura, with the rank of major general.

"Shanghai's economic development is truly disappointing to the headquarters. As one of the most important ports in the Far East, Shanghai should have been providing military funding for the Empire, but now, the military is even subsidizing Shanghai's construction, which is unbelievable."

I know this is not necessarily the fault of everyone here, and the military has also punished Iwasa Taro for his foolishness. But as heads of important departments in Shanghai, are you all without fault? You are equally to blame.

Don't worry, everyone. I'm not here to hold anyone accountable, because holding someone accountable is meaningless to the situation in Shanghai.

The military's requirement for me is to stabilize and develop Shanghai's economy. So I'm telling you all here, the military's requirement is my requirement. Whoever can achieve it will be a hero.

I particularly like an old Chinese saying: "A generous reward will surely bring forth brave men."

Whoever can boost Shanghai's economy will have supreme power in Shanghai and even throughout China!

Money if you want money, women if you want women. As long as it's within my power, I can give you anything you want, even the Emperor's medal!

As you should know, we are in contact with Vice Chairman Wang in Chongqing to form a new government. At that time, this vast land of China will be under the rule of this new government. Power is a man's romance and also his ultimate pursuit!
"I can give you anything you need to boost Shanghai's economy."

These words were mainly addressed to municipal government officials, and some of them were moved by them.

Although I don't know much about Jiro Miura, judging from his behavior, he is at least completely different from Iwasa in personality.

Jiro Miura continued, "The military has also summarized the problems that have occurred in Shanghai during this period. They also know that many of you are not professional economic experts, so they specially assigned Lieutenant Colonel Nobuo Kobayashi of the Economic Guidance Section to be in charge of Shanghai's economic recovery."

Nobuo Kobayashi stood up and bowed slightly to the crowd.

He was twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, very young, wore glasses, and was quite refined.

Jiro Miura continued, "Mr. Kobayashi is a PhD in economics from Tokyo Imperial University and studied in Germany. He is an invaluable talent in economics, but when it comes to Shanghai, he is certainly not as familiar with Shanghai as you Chinese people are."

So, if you have any suggestions, please feel free to bring them up. As long as it's a good idea and Mr. Kobayashi thinks it's feasible, even if you weren't involved, the credit for its implementation will still go to you. Suggestions are fine; you can contact him anytime. Next, Mr. Kobayashi, please share your views on Shanghai's current economy.”

Nobuo Kobayashi bowed slightly: "I have a preliminary understanding of Shanghai's economic development these days. I think Lieutenant General Iwasa's strategy is fine, but the implementation method is indeed very unprofessional."

The drug program and the military currency program should not have been implemented at the same time. If the military currency program had been implemented first, things would not be as bad as they are now.

The problem with the implementation of the military currency plan was that it was too hasty. As a currency that has been in existence for a long time, I believe that not only Chongqing, but also countries around the world should have research on how to manufacture counterfeit currency. Modifying the military currency based on the yen is the biggest problem encountered in this incident.

Therefore, the military scrip in Shanghai must continue to be issued, but the design must be changed. I have already contacted relevant agencies to produce a new draft of the scrip, which is being rushed into production. The first batch should arrive in port within five days. We will need your help in its distribution then.

"What about the original military scrip?" Ling Xianwen asked.

Nobuo Kobayashi looked over and smiled, "All will be exchanged within the time limit, and all exchanged items will be void."

"Isn't that the same as before?" Ling Xianwen didn't understand.

The other bureau chiefs also felt they didn't understand.

Nobuo Kobayashi smiled faintly: "I know this method was used by Chongqing elements before, but it doesn't matter. This time, we will exchange slowly. We only accept genuine military notes. As long as they are genuine military notes, we will exchange them one to one. Foreign companies that want to exchange them for foreign currency can do so. We will open unlimited exchanges within seven days according to the original ratio. As long as you want to exchange, you can exchange them at any time."

And seven days later, don't worry, the exchange will still be given, but I will set up a special exchange rate exchange, which means that the exchange rate of military notes in Shanghai will be floating.

This should be easy for everyone to understand. Originally, our current exchange rate was fixed, but fiat currency is not issued by us and has no intrinsic value. Therefore, in order to cope with the impact of fiat currency, I changed to a floating exchange rate.

To put it more profoundly, the international situation is constantly changing, and the proportions of various countries are also changing, so the change from fixed to floating is nothing more than that.

However, I must clarify one thing beforehand: the money I brought back from headquarters this time is absolutely enough to help everyone weather this exchange crisis. Once the credibility of military scrip is established, I will take this money back, essentially as a loan to the municipal government.

Since the Japanese are willing to pay, then everyone is fine.

As for whether or not to lend it, I don't care.

"Then I'll continue."

Nobuo Kobayashi bowed and smiled: "The problem with the military notes was that we weren't resolute enough. Even if there were counterfeit notes, as long as we exchanged them slowly, kept our promises, and took responsibility for the exchange, there wouldn't be any problems."

Actually, that day, I gritted my teeth and asked a Japanese bank for a loan to pay off all the counterfeit money. After that, I withdrew this batch of military notes. Wouldn't that have restored my credibility?

If we want to develop the economy in Shanghai, damaging our reputation is a foolish thing to do. It's like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. So you can rest assured that military scrip can be exchanged for any currency at any time.

After talking about military bonds, let's talk about drugs.

I never expected that Lieutenant General Iwasa would turn a highly profitable business into a small one.

Of course, it might not be Lieutenant General Iwasa's problem. Sheng Wenyi, is that his name?

So stupid.

Next, the drug business will continue according to the agreement drafted by Director Gu and the major businessmen. However, Director Gu, you need to communicate with the major businessmen and ask them to hand over an additional portion of their profits, which will not be forcibly collected by us.

Instead, we will help them expand into the national market. As long as they are willing to go out, Shanghai's drugs can be sold all over China and even the world. Shanghai is the largest drug distribution center in the Far East.

This is a win-win situation, Director Gu, please.

Gu Yansheng nodded: "It sounds like they can make money too. I'll do my best."

"Very good. Next, tell me about the problems your municipal government is currently facing, and I'll see if I can offer some suggestions."

Ling Xianwen said, "Mayor Fu has been recuperating these days, so let me speak. The biggest problem facing the municipal government right now is that it doesn't have any money."

Lieutenant Colonel Kobayashi helped resolve most of the military scrip issues, but there were still some companies with counterfeit military scrip, possibly in considerable quantities. These were originally exchanged by the Economic Department. How should this be addressed?

In addition, due to the riots in Shanghai, there were many incidents of vandalism. Many companies, including foreign companies, are demanding that the municipal government address their losses. How should this be resolved?

Finally, there's the issue of foreign companies leaving. Due to the recent conflict between the military police headquarters and the concession, the second son of Mr. Sassoon, the chairman of the British Sassoon & Co., fell to his death.

Sassoon wielded considerable influence in Shanghai. His departure took many industries with him from the city center, and his influence also led many foreign companies to leave. If we want to develop the economy, we must bring these foreign companies back. How do we solve this problem?

Nobuo Kobayashi nodded: "I will provide solutions to the three problems. First, the customs revenue will go to the municipal government as operating funds. Whether it's compensation or counterfeit military notes, you can find a way to solve these problems, whether by persuasion or by providing funds."

The Military Police Headquarters grants you the authority to make decisions, but similarly, apart from customs revenue, the Military Police Headquarters will no longer provide you with funds; you are expected to be self-sufficient.

Secondly, the cash flow from drug profits is deposited into banks as loan reconstruction funds, which are then loaned to various enterprises. The municipal government covers the losses to their properties, but compensation is not being paid now. It's not that they don't want to pay, but they are temporarily unable to pay. They will pay when the economy improves.

They have a need for production, so the profits from drug trafficking are the start-up loans issued to them.

If you don't have enough funds initially, I can arrange for a loan from a Japanese bank to the municipal government to help you through this difficult time.

In this way, they can continue to operate, and because it is a loan, they will not have to stop operating. The loan applicants will have their qualifications reviewed and the shops will be used as collateral.

This bank will also be brought under the jurisdiction of the municipal government. I can tell you clearly that we are in negotiations with Vice Chairman Wang of Chongqing, and most of the negotiations have already taken place.

If all goes well, a new unified government will be established, and this bank will be piloted by us first, and will later become the central bank of the new government, so its credibility is very important.

Third, the departure of foreign companies is largely due to changes in Shanghai's economic environment, which has created uncertainty for them. I believe they will definitely return once Shanghai's economy stabilizes.

As for Sassoon, the hatred for killing his son is indeed quite serious. We can talk to him first, but we will not admit it or make concessions.

If others come back but he doesn't want to, then we don't need him anymore. We can use legitimate means to cripple all his businesses, and someone else will naturally step in to take over his market share.

Shanghai doesn't absolutely need him.

Nobuo Kobayashi adjusted his glasses and smiled: "Do you think I'm right?"

(End of this chapter)