20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 565: The People of the World (Part )
Shanghai World, in a private room of a restaurant.

There were delicacies on the table, and there were also prostitutes at the table, drinking and chatting with each other, it was a rewarding banquet, and it was really lively and lively.

Yan Chaosheng took the lead in hosting a banquet and invited six or seven police officers from the police station. Everyone ate, drank, played, and talked and laughed, and in a trance they forgot about the dangers of the underworld.

Although the mission has not yet been accomplished, rules are rules. Since we have used our connections in the legal world, we have to show some appreciation regardless of whether it succeeds or not.

A few old men changed into casual clothes and drank some food water. Their words and actions became even more unrestrained.

Looking closely at the people coming to the table, they are all familiar faces: Captain Jiao from the Old City, Captain Lian from the Water Police Battalion, Captain Ning from the Anti-smuggling Camp, Captain Lan from the Patrol Office, and three or two plainclothes detectives from the Law Enforcement Office.

Although these people do not hold high positions, they are accustomed to deceiving their superiors and concealing the truth from their subordinates. Compared with those big shots who are well-known and influential, these old men are the ones who really get things done and are indispensable allies of the major gangs.

After three rounds of wine, five flavors of food.

Yan Chaosheng raised his wine glass again and said with a chuckle, "Come on, come on, officers, I would like to thank you all for your support during this period. The Marshal is usually busy and cannot spare the time, so I will host you today. Let's have a drink and everyone must enjoy themselves!"

"Mr. Yan, you're welcome. Come on, come on, cheers!"

After that, everyone raised their heads and drank all the wine.

Since Zhang Xiaolin was unable to show up in person, the old men certainly did not dare to ask for gifts, but instead immediately started to compliment him.

"You are a big businessman, so it is normal for you to be busy. It is good enough that you can think of us in your heart!"

"Yes, yes, yes. Besides, we are all brothers in the Qing Gang. We are all family. There is no need to be so polite."

Everyone flattered him while picking up food and adding wine.

Captain Lian of the Marine Police Battalion burped and said with a smile, "Master Yan, I think the Sixteenth Port has stabilized. Will there be any more trouble in the future?"

"What other trouble can there be?" Captain Jiao of the Old City immediately curled his lips. "The Axe Gang's death squads have almost all been arrested. What else can Wang Laojiu do?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a detective from the police station said, "That can't be said. The most important person to the Axe Gang is still Wang Laojiu. As long as he's alive, the Axe Gang will not disband."

This man is in his forties, not very good-looking, and his face is a little crooked.

He wasn't a heavy drinker or gambler, but he just couldn't resist the temptation of beautiful women. During a meal, while others kept raising their glasses, his hands seemed to be grown on the bodies of the hostesses. He felt like he was being cheated if he didn't touch them for a while.

Yan Chaosheng nodded repeatedly and said, "What Inspector Mei said makes sense. The Axe Gang is different from the Qing and Hong families. They have no generation name and no foundation. They are just a bunch of ruffians. With Wang Laojiu, they are the Axe Gang. Without Wang Laojiu, they are just beggars from northern Anhui."

"Oh, Master Yan, don't worry!"

Captain Lan from the British Concession responded and took over the conversation, saying, "Wang Huaimeng from the Guangdong Gang has returned. His behavior is just right for the Axe Gang."

"If that's the case, we're still going to have to fight in a few days?" the others asked hurriedly.

"Just fight them. Even if the Green Gang and the Yue Gang join forces, can't they defeat the Axe Gang?"

Captain Lan spoke so nonchalantly because he was working in the British Concession.

However, the detectives from the French police station and Captain Jiao from the Old City frowned immediately after hearing this and looked at Yan Chaosheng who was sitting in the main seat.

"Master Yan, don't blame me for being unfair, but there has been too much commotion in Shanghai recently. If things continue like this, I won't be able to report to my superiors!"

"Yeah, Ala has already arrested a lot of Axe Gang members. The cells are tight lately. Don't let anything go wrong."

Yan Chaosheng waved his hand and said with disdain, "Don't worry, everyone. The Marshal is busy working on things recently and won't make things difficult for you. As long as Wang Laojiu is killed, his few rotten fish and shrimps, even if they are released, will not cause any trouble."

"That's best. That's best."

Captain Jiao took a sip of wine and said, "I'm telling you the truth. Last night, the jail in the old city received several threatening letters from the Axe Gang, asking us to release their brothers within three days, otherwise they will massacre the old city county government!"

As soon as these words were spoken, several old people in the Old Town and the French Concession immediately echoed them.

It turned out that the government offices in these two areas had received an ultimatum from the Axe Gang last night.

After talking to each other, they found that the contents of the letters they received were almost the same, all of which required them to release several members of the Axe Gang within three days.

"Mother Ce, I've already told you that Wang Laojiu is a wild man who doesn't know the rules at all!"

Captain Lan spoke righteously, but it could not help but sound sarcastic.

"The Axe Gang is so shameless. We are officials after all. How can we let such a small-time scoundrel threaten us? Just tell him that if he doesn't let us go, he can bring people to attack the county government. He is rebelling against us. Why doesn't he just kill the president?"

This is not pleasant to hear. It turns out that the British Concession Police Station has no members of the Axe Gang detained.

Everyone ignored him and still looked at Yan Chaosheng, waiting for his response.

The old men were not afraid. After all, they were team leaders. Whenever they went out, they were accompanied by brothers equipped with guns. Moreover, they were wearing official uniforms. They each represented the power of the old city county government and the foreign officials. There was no reason for them to be easily intimidated.

Yan Chaosheng was equally dismissive and snorted, "Don't listen to their nonsense. If they dare to go against the government and the foreigners, they will never be able to survive in the foreign lands again. Besides, Lou Jingyuan is also recruiting people now. With the addition of the Yue Gang and the Chao Gang, as long as everyone works together, the Axe Gang will not be able to cope with it."

"Right, right, right. Don't boost others' morale and destroy your own prestige!" Captain Lan laughed. "Three gangs teamed up to fight the Axe Gang, and with the cooperation of Ala, Wang Laojiu doesn't have three heads and six arms, so how can he take care of them? Drink, drink!"

After a moment's thought, everyone calmed down and continued to drink and have fun.

After all, Lao Chai's identity is there, and anyone who dares to attack the officials will be isolated by everyone immediately.

Moreover, Wang Laojiu is now overwhelmed and unable to take care of himself. He can rest assured as long as he keeps a close eye on their core backbones.

If harsh words cannot be put into practice, they will become a joke.

Everyone clinked glasses and before long, they had finished two rounds of drinks.

When people are well fed and clothed, they think about sex. Several old men were drunk. One of them hugged the hostesses and hurried to the dark room, ready to light two bags of tobacco pipes inside, and then have some fun with the girls next to them. Some others felt that the hostesses were not good enough, so they stretched their necks and looked around, anxiously asking what kind of entertainment would be next.

Yan Chaosheng laughed loudly and said, "Captains, since you have brought a few people here, why are you worried about not having fun in the big world? Do you want to play cards or go to the dance hall to have some fun? Just tell me!"

"Why don't we go to the dance hall again?"

The crooked-faced Bao Tan, whose surname was Mei, narrowed his eyes and looked as if his lips were dry and his tongue was parched. He was eager to try and could not wait even a moment.

Yan Chaosheng traveled around the world, doing Zhang Xiaolin's dirty work, so he was naturally familiar with the preferences of the old Chai. He immediately said, "That's fine, let's go to the dance hall and have a few more drinks!"

"Mr. Yan is so generous. Thank you very much."

"Well, Chief Mei, even though the Axe Gang issue has not been resolved, your intelligence was correct. You are worthy of being someone close to the old man. Shall we go now?"

After saying that, Yan Chaosheng stood up first, led the remaining few old men out of the private room, left the restaurant, and slowly came to the corridor on the second floor of the Great World.

Downstairs in the corridor is the open-air theater of the Great World.

At this time, acrobatics involving holding a jar on one's head were being performed on the stage. In addition to the seats in the theater, many tourists were leaning on the edge of the corridor, eating melon seeds and snacks while overlooking the show on the stage.

When Yan Chaosheng and others were passing the corridor, there happened to be a man with disheveled hair standing by the fence, with a half-smoked cigarette between his fingertips. He tilted his head nonchalantly and glanced at a few people quickly. It was the Korean Li Jae-chun.

Li Jae-chun did not immediately walk over to follow, but leaned against the pillar. After seeing Yan Chaosheng and others enter the dance hall, he took a step and followed them slowly.

In the dance hall, the lights were dazzling, waiters were coming and going, and dancers were laughing and playing. A few old men found an empty table, sat down, and immediately stood up and looked around for the dancers they liked.

Yan Chaosheng was a well-known figure in the place, and with just a wave of his hand, the foreman quickly brought in a few young girls.

Inspector Mei looked around anxiously, and suddenly his eyes fixed, like a dot of ink, and he immediately fell in love with a dancer.

Coincidentally, when he looked at the girl, the girl was also looking at him.

Could it be that you are in love with each other?
Inspector Mei slapped his thigh, pointed at the young dancer, and said, "I want her. No one else can snatch her from me!"

The girl was well-trained and came at the call. In the blink of an eye, she landed beside him and hugged Inspector Mei's arm. Yingying smiled and said, "Where are you from, boss? What business do you do? Is this your first time to visit the Great World? My name is Cui Yingying. Don't forget me. If you have time to come again, remember to take good care of me."

It's bound to be the same few clichés, old sayings and vulgar sayings.

All the dancers said the same thing, so it wasn't suspicious.

However, plainclothes detectives are always accustomed to hiding themselves due to their profession, and even when drunk, they can still remain vigilant.

Everyone uses this method, but how much information and truth can be obtained depends on whether the dancer is willing.

Inspector Mei is a notorious bad guy in the police station. He can't walk when he sees a woman and doesn't care about his family at all. His favorite thing to do on weekdays is to lure good women into prostitution and persuade old prostitutes to become good women. He immediately hugged Cui Yingzhen and began to "persuade" her patiently.

The other old men also found beauties and embraced them in their arms, indulging themselves in pleasure, completely unaware that the night had deepened.

It is true that in this land of gentleness, one forgets about the past and future, and has one's name written on the book of life and death.

…………

The moonlight is cold in the old town apartment.

In the corridor on the third floor, Mrs. Mei's card game continued as usual. As soon as she reached the top floor corridor, she could hear the sound of shuffling cards.

The lights were on in the living room. Small and exquisite dominoes were scattered on the square card table. Several wealthy ladies stretched out their hands adorned with gold, pearls, and jade, and stacked the dominoes skillfully.

In the blink of an eye, the chaotic dominoes became orderly, and the only variables were the three or two dice.

Mrs. May rolled the dice, looking somewhat absent-minded.

She lost more than she won tonight, but she couldn't muster up any energy. She seemed to have accepted her fate and no longer dreamed of turning losses into profits.

"Sister Mei, what are you thinking about? Did you quarrel with your brother-in-law again?"

The next player asked a few questions with concern, but his hands were only busy picking up and arranging the cards.

Mrs. Mei came back to her senses, touched her temples with her hands, and said, "No, why would I quarrel with him? There is nothing to quarrel about!"

"Blank board!" The previous player sighed as he gathered his cards. "Yeah, there's no point in arguing. Anyway, I've let it go now. Let him play his own games outside. As long as he puts the money in my hands, I won't bother to pay attention to him."

The other party also echoed: "Who says it's not true? Those people who work as servants never go home all day, so they'd better die outside!"

"Oh, I've already told you that men are unreliable. You sisters have to live together from now on!" The boss slammed the table, "West Wind!"

"Bang! Er Tiao!" The lower house snorted, "You keep saying there's an errand in the police station. Who knows if it's true or not?"

Mrs. Mei's mind was not on the card game at all, so she asked casually, "Why, Mr. Nong has an errand this evening, and the Sixteenth Shop is making trouble again?"

"Then I don't know. He told me that someone was hosting a dinner party, and I was too lazy to ask him more."

As soon as these words were spoken, the other two families nodded immediately.

"It should be true. My husband Jiao told me the same thing. He said Yan Chaosheng was inviting us to dinner and we had to go. Do you know who Yan Chaosheng is?"

"That's Zhang Xiaolin's student, right? I remember my teacher told me that it was 80,000."

"Eat the stamp, it smells so good! Make a fortune! Sister Mei, I guess my brother-in-law is also attending the dinner, right?"

"I don't know either. He never told me." Mrs. Mei's eyes were a little dazed. "They've been very busy lately. Are there going to be any trouble again?"

"Maybe!" The other party said absentmindedly, "Anyway, my husband just told me last night to stay away from Shiliupu and the Anhui Provincial Guild Hall these days and not to join in the fun. Hey, a few of you are the same, so don't blame me for not reminding you."

"When exactly is the trouble likely to happen?" Mrs. Mei asked.

"How would I know? Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after tomorrow. Anyway, whenever my husband goes out to fight, I can tell at a glance. He keeps grumbling, as if they are really getting rid of harm for the people. Isn't that just profiting from both ends? Anyway, when he comes back from fighting, I will ask him for money. If he doesn't give me, I will cry!"

A few jokes made the other two rich ladies giggle.

Only Mrs. Mei seemed absent-minded and listened with a distracted look.

"Hey, Sister Mei, let's play cards, why are you daydreaming?"

"Oh!" Mrs. Mei was stunned for a moment, then casually took a photo of the next chapter, "Then... 30,000!"

"Haha, I agree. I'm just waiting for this chapter to reach 30,000. Thanks, Sister Mei!"

"No, it's okay. You're feeling pretty good tonight!" Mrs. Mei smiled awkwardly.

The other two families were not happy and complained: "Sister Mei, what are you doing? You knew she wanted 10,000 words, but you still called her!"

After counting the bill, fortunately the game was not too big, the two wealthy ladies could not help but say a few words. They decided to just get by and forget about it. They then spread the dominoes again, shuffling, reorganizing, reorganizing, and shuffling, over and over again, as if it would never stop.

Mrs. Mei only felt the noise in her ears. Although she was busy shuffling the cards, her eyes kept glancing at the telephone in the living room...

…………

That night, in the southwest corner of the French Concession, the Jiang family stronghold.

There was an oil lamp on in the room, and the candle flames jumped, stretching the shadows of everyone very long.

Jiang Lianheng called Zhao Guoyan, Li Zhengxi, and a few capable "Xiangzi" of the Jiang family, and sat them around a square table to discuss in low voices.

A map of Shanghai city was spread out on the table. This was the map that Tong Saner from southern Liaoning had given to Zhao Guoyan. It was originally marked with many dots and marks, and now it looked even more crowded. Even the police stations in both the Chinese and foreign worlds, as well as the fastest escape routes from all walks of life, had been circled.

Among them, there are two places that are most conspicuous, one is to the east of the old city, and the other is to the north of the old city. However, they are not the stations of the old Chai in Shanghai, but two places for entertainment.

Like his uncles before him, Jiang Lianheng moved his finger back and forth on the city map, sometimes looking at Zhao Guoyan, sometimes looking at Li Zhengxi.

After hearing this, the two men nodded and prepared themselves for battle.

At the same time, from the next room, bursts of "clicking" sounds came one after another.

That was the sound of loading bullets, checking the chamber, and wiping the trigger.

Now the King of Hell has called, and everyone is ready. Although the Axe Gang has ordered the officials to keep the time within three days, Jiang Lianheng has no intention of being punctual.

After everyone agreed on a plan, the Jiang family took the lead in stirring up chaos.

The "war" in Shanghai has finally begun quietly!
(End of this chapter)