20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 342: Divorce plan

On May 9, the president accepted Toyo's ultimatum.

The British and American powers paid lip service but did not deliver. They deleted, deleted, and revised the Twenty-One Articles. After several negotiations and repeated delays, they still had to sign it.

The President personally designated the "National Humiliation Day" and secretly ordered the civil and military officials of all provinces to keep the four words "subjugation of the country and annihilation of the species" in their minds on that day, and endured the humiliation in order to bury their heads for ten years and meet with the East.

People didn't buy it.

A gentleman's revenge, ten years is too late, blood debt must be paid with blood, seize the day.

However, no matter how fierce the wave of protests was, they still could not prevent the signing of the Four Civil Treaties.

Public opinion was violated, and the public's anger quickly turned against the authorities in the capital.

The 21-1 negotiations seem to have become a lose-lose "farce".

The President signed the treaty, but because he rejected Article 5, he did not receive support from the East. On the contrary, intelligence shows that behind the wave of "defeats" in various places, there are secret support from Eastern forces.

The crowd was speechless.

The successive victories not only made them feel proud, but also gave them a sense of mission - the ancient continent was in decline, and only Asia under the leadership of the empire could allow the yellow race to break the power of the white race.

The man in the suit continued: "A few days ago, after the protests ended, most workers did not return to work, and even recruiting workers became difficult. Miyata-kun, I heard rumors that this is all because you offended Fengtian's biggest boss. Son."

……

The congregation cast disdainful glances at him.

Across the table, the middle-aged ronin in kimono retorted: "Direct use of force will only make the situation more complicated and uncontrollable, and will also make them unite. Fang Datou is not easy to deal with. We should create chaos and proceed step by step."

"Asshole! What did you say?"

"The current situation is very clear. Fang Datou has played a trick on us." An old consultant with gray hair said, "Obviously, Okuma-kun doesn't know who he is dealing with. Fang Datou wants to be an emperor, not a puppet."

Among the celebrating crowd, in addition to fanatical militants, there were also Co-prosperity factions such as Ichiro Nakamura.

They have no interest in the so-called system and only want to plunge the mainland into chaos.

The young officer showed disdain and said contemptuously: "Coward!"

The old adviser continued: "The top priority now is to do everything possible to create chaos and oust President Fang. This man is cunning and cunning, and difficult to control. Thirty years ago, he delayed the empire's plan to annex Goryeo. Therefore, , no matter what, he cannot be allowed to become emperor."

"Stop wearing this!" the man in the suit yelled angrily, "In terms of contribution to the empire, our major financial groups are far more important than you. Without our management and funding, you guys can only sit here and talk!"

Different identities bring different expectations and interests.

However, compared with the liveliness of the overseas Chinese in the affiliated areas, the atmosphere in the conference room of Nantie Fengtian Office seemed extremely solemn.

"Yakura-kun, we can't let a Shina lead our way!"

But on one point, everyone has reached a consensus - the other way around!

In their eyes, barbaric aggression has become a means of salvation, just like the pain when removing a stubborn disease, it is unavoidable.

From the Sino-Japanese War of Sino-Japanese War, to the Russo-Japanese War, and now to the extension of the lease period of the Southern Railway Annex, they always seem to be able to get everything they want, and finally show themselves as victors.

"What nonsense are you talking about? I have already sent someone to find out. That Jiang Lianheng has never been against the empire. It is you who have been harassing his business because of personal grudges! If our factory wants to establish a foothold here, it is impossible Leave Huagong!"

However, this did not affect the folk carnival...

Hearing this, the middle-aged ronin had a gloomy face and leaned forward, with a threatening tone in his tone.

However, Miyata Ryuji said: "I have sufficient information to show that Jiang Lianheng is not an ordinary business gentry, but Zhang Yuting's eyes, ears and gloves in the provincial capital."

Sitting on the conference table were a dozen Japanese devils of all kinds.

Some are wearing kimonos, some are wearing military uniforms, and some are in suits and ties. Among them, there are senior ministers who have left the country and are serving as advisors on the Southern Railway, there are chaebol representatives who are shareholders, there are very powerful mainland ronin, and there are also people from the railway garrison. soldier.

Miyata Ryuji said: "Yakura-kun, are the interests of your factory more important than the empire's cause?"

At this time, a shareholder in a suit stood up and said: "In the past few months, we have been lining up to protest. Our factory in Feng Province has been forced to stop work at every turn, and we have been suffering losses. I am not opposed to creating chaos, but Don’t harm the interests of the factory!”

Out of respect for the seniors, everyone in the meeting nodded silently, whether they wanted to or not.

Before he finished speaking, the man in a suit interrupted forcefully: "I don't care whether he cooperates with the investigation department's actions or not. I just want to resume work now! Especially the Fengtian Power Station, which provides industrial electricity and must resume work immediately. !”

Miyata Ryuuji said solemnly: "Jiang Lianheng is unwilling to cooperate with the investigation department's actions——"

……

Now, rumors have spread from the East that the cabinet is about to acquiesce to "civilians" supporting the opposition struggle.

The corners of the young officer's mouth twitched. Although he was a little depressed, he still looked away.

"You rogues will only delay the empire's cause. No matter how many conspiracies you engage in, we will still have to take action in the end!"

The young officer snorted coldly: "China's negotiations are a trap. We should directly use force to conquer!"

"Hirota-kun, please note that I am speaking to you on behalf of the Black Dragon Society."

Although Dongyang extended the lease terms of Southern Railway and Luda and stationed in Jiaozhou Bay as it wished, it also suffered a heavy diplomatic crisis.

The old advisor spoke to smooth things over: "Okay, okay, everyone is doing this for the benefit of the empire. There is no need to doubt each other's will and determination."

In the area affiliated with Fengtian South Railway, Japanese overseas Chinese decorated the area with lanterns and streamers and held warm celebrations one after another.

The power of the consortium is too huge. They are the invisible black hands of the empire. They can even remove Miyata Ryuji from his position at any time if they want.

"So what?" the man in the suit asked, "I only ask for one thing now, get back to work immediately!"

The middle-aged ronin suddenly said: "Zhang Yuting supports President Fang. These two people are obstacles for the empire to enter Manchuria!"

"I don't think so." The old consultant waved his hand, "I have dealt with Zhang Yuting. He is only interested in profit and is a target that can be won over."

The young officer said: "But he is now on Fang Datou's side. Not long ago he even clamored to start a war with us."

The old consultant smiled calmly: "The fox pretends to be the tiger's, he doesn't have the guts."

The middle-aged ronin shook his head and said, "This man is very cunning and fickle. Seniors, please do not be fooled by him."

Miyata Ryuuji responded: "Zhang Yuting is a bandit and robber, and his behavior cannot be inferred based on conventional rules. Besides, cooperating with bandits is really against the dignity of the imperial army. In my opinion, former Qing nobles are the most worthy of winning over. Objects, they have nothing now and can only rely on us.”

But the representative of the chaebol said: "Miyata-kun, do you really think those down-and-out nobles can succeed? Or do you just want to get some benefits from them? Zhang Yuting is a recognized powerful figure in Fengtian. He should win over as much as possible instead of threatening him."

The crowd was noisy.

In the end, everyone gave in to each other and reached a decision that everyone could reluctantly accept - all walks of life began to secretly support the "reverse" movement among the people, wooing Zhang Laoge while maintaining contact with the former Qing aristocrats, and Fengtian Provincial Capital. The factory wanted to resume work as soon as possible, and Miyata Ryuji was forced to go to Boss Jiang personally to mediate.

……

……

Xiaoxiguan Street, Zongheng Freight Insurance Company.

Jiang Lianheng was sitting in the office for a rare occasion. The window on the left was closed tightly, leaving only a ray of light, and the gentle rising cigar smoke shuttled through it.

The direction of his efforts is not wrong.

At this moment, Miyata Ryuji was in his office, sitting on a chair across a desk with a face full of reluctance.

The conversation between the two had lasted for more than ten minutes, and everything was developing in the direction Jiang Lianheng expected.

"Mr. Jiang, there is an old saying in your country——"

I don’t know why, but many Japanese who are proficient in Sinology like to start with this sentence pattern, as if they hope to quickly draw closer to each other by showing their understanding of Chinese culture.

"——It is better to dissolve enemies than to make enemies." Miyata Ryuji said, "There may have been some unpleasantness between us before, but Mr. Jiang is a person who can achieve great things. I hope we can move forward together."

Jiang Lianheng listened quietly without interrupting.

Miyata Ryuji continued: "From now on, I will ask the Ministry of Affairs to take care of your business. I hope you can put aside the past grudges and let the workers resume work as soon as possible."

Jiang Lianheng waved his hand and said, "I don't need any special care from you, as long as you stop 'taking special care' of me."

"...If Mr. Jiang insists, of course there will be no problem."

"Besides, the matter about those students..."

Miyata Ryuuji said solemnly: "We can accept Mr. Jiang's arrangement."

"Aren't you going to kill him?" Jiang Lianheng asked.

Miyata Ryuuji smiled: "The reason why we wanted to get rid of them before was just because we were worried about their frequent protests. Now that the treaty has been signed, with the president's handwriting, the treaty has legal effect. No matter how much those students protest, it will be It doesn’t matter anymore.”

"you sure?"

"a man of his words."

Jiang Lianheng couldn't help laughing and said, "Are you a gentleman?"

Miyata Ryuji shook his head and said: "Mr. Jiang, whether you believe it or not, we are actually helping your country. It's just that some people don't understand it. Many of us really hope that your country can fight with us. White people.”

"Okay, okay." Jiang Lianheng said with some boredom, "Don't care whether I believe it or not. As long as you can promise to stay away from me in the future, the workers can resume work tomorrow."

He said this with confidence.

Because workers' wages often have to be paid in the hands of the boss for a month or two.

Miyata Ryuji immediately agreed, but had no intention of leaving.

"Is there anything else?" Jiang Lianheng asked.

"Actually, it's nothing. There's just one thing. I'm curious about Mr. Jiang's opinion." Ryuji Miyata smiled, "Nowadays, your country is in turmoil. Zhang Yuting strongly supports Fang Datou to restore the monarchy. What do you think about this matter? ?”

"I don't have any opinion."

Jiang Lianheng's answer was decisive, but it was not out of coping, but because he really had no interest in this matter.

Whether it was an imperial system or a republic, he actually didn't feel any difference.

This is not something he can control.

Moreover, as long as Zhang Laoge is still in Fengtian, the Jiang family's power will not be affected.

Unexpectedly, Miyata Ryuji suddenly put on a persuasive posture: "Mr. Jiang, this matter has a lot to do with you. Your country has finally overthrown the monarchy, and now it is about to be restored. It is really unbelievable. But, Fang Datou will definitely not have a good outcome. If he doesn't have a good outcome, think about it, will that old pimple have a good outcome?"

Jiang Lianheng sneered and said: "Miyata, do you want to tell me that Zhang Laogao's position is unstable, and you are the only one who is the solid camp?"

"No, no, no, I'm just reminding you that Fang Datou has always been suspicious. Don't look at Zhang Laoge doing his best to please him, but in Beiyang's eyes, he is just a sideline. Once Fang Datou secures his position as emperor, The first thing I will do is to find a way to transfer Zhang Laogao and replace him with his own confidant in Fengtian. By then, your backer may not be reliable."

Jiang Lianheng thought for a moment, then took out a cigar from the drawer and handed it to Miyata Ryuuji.

"Mr. Miyata, if you have anything to say, just say it!"

Miyata Ryuji smelled the cigar and said: "Actually, there is nothing to say, just a reminder from a friend. Mr. Jiang must not put all his wealth on one person!"

He didn't make his words clear, as that would only appear to be too deliberate.

While he was talking, there was a sudden knock on the door.

Liu Yansheng stuck his head out and saw that there was a Japanese soldier in the room, so he quickly said, "I'll come in later."

"No need!" Miyata Ryuuji stood up, "Mr. Jiang and I have finished talking. There is still something else to do at the office, so I won't interrupt you further and take my leave."

He deliberately left a topic unanswered, got up and left.

Liu Yansheng stepped aside and gave way. After seeing Miyata Ryuji coming downstairs, he turned his head and said softly: "Brother Dao, Wen Tingge is here."

Jiang Lian leaned back on the chair, sighed, waved his hand and said, "Let him in."

Shaoqing, Wen Tingge walked into the office, bowed to him with fists, and called "Brother Dao".

"Sit!" Jiang Lianheng nodded and said, "Yansheng said you did a good job in Liaoyang and has been recommending you to Fengtian."

We haven't seen each other for nearly two years. Wen Tingge's appearance has not changed much, he still looks like an actor.

"Thank you for your support, Brother Dao. When I said I wanted to start from scratch, I mean I have to start from scratch."

Jiang Lianheng thought for a moment.

Two years is not a short time. Wen Tingge has always been conscientious and has never made any mistakes. If he does not promote him again, even Jiang Lianheng himself will feel a little unjustified.

"You stay in Fengtian from today on. You don't have to do anything else. You just help me keep an eye on one person."

"No problem!" Wen Tingge agreed immediately, "Brother Dao, please give me a name."

"Miyata Ryuji."

(End of this chapter)