Quick Wear: Cousin, Come to the Bowl Quickly

Now they are not satisfied with dumping in secret, but have begun to openly demand privileges. Once this so-called "special port" is built, Japanese goods will be able to enter the Chinese market without any obstacles.

This is just the consequence that can be seen on the surface. If you think about it more deeply, it is a port completely controlled by the Japanese, with countless goods moving in and out every day, the docks are guarded by their people, and even customs inspections have to depend on their mood.

Who could guarantee that those sealed containers wouldn't contain anything other than goods? Who knew that one night, what arrived wasn't cotton yarn or foreign cloth, but boxes of guns and ammunition?

Thinking of this, Shen Jingyuan's eyes flashed with coldness. He slowly pushed the telegram back in front of Commander Lin and said with a gloomy expression.

"Have the Japanese already extended their hands and feet there?"

"Ha!" Commander Lin took a long sip from his teacup, as if trying to suppress his anger. "The Party is full of spineless people these days. They only care about whether there are mountains of gold and silver in their own homes. They don't understand the truth that 'when the nest is overturned, how can the eggs remain intact?'"

He snorted coldly, his eyes revealing undisguised contempt. "That old bastard Jin Shiliang has been clinging to the committee members' connections for years, making a living from his wealth. He'd even pluck three feathers from a flying sparrow. His appetite has long been pampered."

"Now that the Japanese have given him such a huge gift, the money they paid for the initial settlement alone is probably enough for him to spend for three lifetimes. How can he refuse it?"

Commander Lin fell silent for a moment when he said this. The orderly footsteps of patrolling soldiers coming from outside the window made the room even more silent.

A trace of deep worry flashed across his brow, and he sighed deeply, "I see that the current situation is becoming more and more similar to the fall of the former court."

"The central government only cares about maintaining its own security and turning a blind eye to local affairs. The people below are each acting on their own, each only concerned with their own affairs. If the Nine Kingdoms Rebellion were to happen again..." He paused, a hint of desolation lingering in his voice, "I'm afraid these good-for-nothings would kneel even faster and more neatly than the fake emperor did back then."

Following Commander Lin's words, Shen Jingyuan seemed to think of the scenes of Westerners burning, killing, looting and showing off their military power on Chinese territory over the years. He couldn't help but look at the words "Serve the country with loyalty" on the wall.

It is said that this calligraphy was written by Commander Lin’s superior when he took office, but the vigorous brushstrokes seem like a great irony now.

Perhaps sensing the somewhat heavy and oppressive atmosphere, Commander Lin cleared his throat and lightened the mood. "Let's not say such depressing words. We are all soldiers. If that day ever comes, dying before the people will be enough to justify wearing this uniform."

Shen Jingyuan did not respond, but just nodded slightly and responded softly. Commander Lin saw that his expression was serious and almost rigid, and he couldn't help but smile. Without saying much, he picked up the file bag that had just been put aside, opened it, glanced at it quickly, and handed it to Shen Jingyuan.

"Look at this."

Shen Jingyuan took it and just after reading the first two lines of words, he frowned and looked at Commander Lin with some doubt, "Ordnance procurement has always been the responsibility of the Ordnance Department. This..."

"Young man, don't be impetuous. Take a closer look." Commander Lin glanced at him indifferently, motioning him to finish reading before speaking.

Seeing this, Shen Jingyuan had to suppress his doubts and patiently read the thick document quickly. When he saw the last line of small words "Secret purchase, not registered", a trace of surprise suddenly flashed in his eyes.

The procurement of military equipment is of great importance and has always required approval from the Ordnance Department at various levels and allocation by the central government.

Although Shen Jingyuan no longer has to go to the training ground to train soldiers every day, he is not one of those good-for-nothings who sits in the office and only talks about military affairs on paper, so he knows it very clearly.

The garrison troops in Shanghai looked impressive and powerful, but in reality, their weapons and equipment were already outdated. Most of the soldiers were still using Hanyang-made guns with smooth rifling, and the bullet ration was even more stretched.

But now the party-state's finances are tight, and it is difficult for each military region to apply for military funds. He has personally written countless application telegrams, but all of them have fallen into the sea.

But the list in front of us detailed the procurement plan for everything from German-made Mauser pistols to American-made light mortars. The sheer quantity and new models were staggering.

What is even more bizarre is that such a large-scale arms procurement had to be carried out secretly, bypassing normal procedures.

This was something so contrary to common sense and even a serious violation of military discipline. After Shen Jingyuan's initial shock, all kinds of complicated thoughts suddenly flooded his mind.

Where did this massive military expenditure come from? How was the transportation and transfer concealed? And why did Commander Lin go to such great lengths?

Shen Jingyuan stroked the paper in his hand and suddenly remembered the recent rumors in the army, saying that Nanjing was suspicious of the military governors in various places and seemed to be planning to take action.

Shanghai is located in a strategic location, and Commander Lin has a large number of troops under his command. If he continues to secretly stockpile arms... Thinking of this, Shen Jingyuan felt his heart tighten, and his hand holding the document tightened unconsciously.

"Commander." He pondered for a long time, and finally raised his head and met Commander Lin's gaze. His voice was lower than usual, "Where did this batch of weapons come from..."