Newborn 1927

The next morning, Yang Jiefang and his group left Jixian Village for Yantai. Jiang Qingfu had finished his vacation and was returning to Yantai to resume his duties; Jiang Tingxuan and Yang Jiefang were going to Yantai to discuss cooperation matters; so everyone went together. Jiang Xiaojun and Yang Jiefang were engaged, and although she said she didn't want to, her face showed a mixture of shyness and joy when they met again. Although Chu Gu was with them, she deliberately avoided Yang Jiefang's gaze. Hou Fei was left at the Jiang family's house for two reasons: first, to assist Jiang Tingqi in obtaining the position of mayor of Shuangshui Town and to find out the personnel composition of the Fushan County Administrative Office; second, to begin establishing the Shuangshui Town Security Corps to provide intelligence support and cover for Hou Fei's actions.

From Jixian Village to Yantai, it's only a distance of forty or fifty li, which can be reached in two hours by horseback. They set off in the morning and entered the city before noon, arriving at the courtyard where the Jiang family lived. Jiang Qingfu said, "I'm tired, I need to rest," and went inside. Jiang Tingxuan's wife, dressed in a kimono, came out to greet them, followed by two Japanese men. One of the Japanese men stepped forward and approached Jiang Xiaojun, excitedly saying, "Miss Xiaojun, it's so good you're alright!" Jiang Xiaojun quickly moved to Yang Jiefang's side and said, "Mr. Ogasawara, hello. Let me introduce you: this is my fiancé, Yang Jiefang. Please take good care of him!" Ogasawara's smile immediately froze, staring intently at Yang Jiefang and Jiang Xiaojun. Yang Jiefang, with his left arm around Jiang Xiaojun and his right hand extended, smiled and said, "Mr. Ogasawara, hello!" Ogasawara forced himself to remain calm, mechanically shaking hands with Yang Jiefang, a clear sense of defeat emanating from him.

Jiang Tingxuan interjected, saying, "Xiao Yang, these two are my good friends from when I was studying in Japan. This is Nakamura Yoshio, my wife's brother. Mr. Ogasawara, I'm truly sorry! This is my sister's own choice, and we shouldn't force her." Ogasawara forced himself to remain calm and said, "Her own wishes should be respected. I can only say that Miss Jiang and I are not meant to be. Mr. Yang, congratulations on winning Miss Jiang's favor! At the same time, I hope you can take good care of her! Don't let her get hurt! Please!" It was unclear whether he was just being polite or putting on a good show; it made it seem as if he had willingly given Jiang Xiaojun to Yang Jiefang. Although his brother and sister-in-law had tried their best to match them up, Jiang Xiaojun had never liked Ogasawara at all.

Jiang Tingxuan invited the three to his study and said, “Young Yang, my brother-in-law is a business manager at the Osaka 21st Bank. He came to Yantai this time to seek financial investment. I think your financial plan could be done in cooperation with Brother Nakamura.” Nakamura Yoshio immediately became interested and asked, “What financial plan? Tell me quickly!” Yang Jiefang did not rush to reveal his plan, but instead asked, “I wonder what this Mr. Ogasawara does for a living? Is he also in finance?” Jiang Tingxuan quickly introduced, “Mr. Ogasawara is a political journalist who has been stationed in China for a long time. He just came from Shanghai a few days ago.” Yang Jiefang looked at Ogasawara and said, “I’ve heard that journalists are the most well-informed. Has Mr. Ogasawara brought any new information?” Ogasawara shook his head and said, “Perhaps Mr. Yang has some misunderstanding about us journalists. Actually, I don’t have more information than what’s reported in the newspapers. If Mr. Yang wants to know about news from the South, just remember to read the relevant newspapers.” Yang Jiefang said, “I’ve heard that the authorities are quite strict with newspapers, and many stories are not allowed to be reported. Mr. Ogasawara, could you tell me about those stories that are not allowed to be reported!”

Looking into Yang Jiefang's eyes, Ogasawara asked calmly, "Alright, Mr. Yang, what information do you want to know? If I know, I will definitely tell you." Yang Jiefang pondered for a moment and said, "Recently, there has been quite a bit of news in the newspapers about the March 24th Nanjing Incident. Mr. Ogasawara, could you please share your views from a journalist's perspective?" Ogasawara thought for a moment and said, "Alright! I've seen the Northern Expeditionary Army in the south. They have strict military discipline and wouldn't arbitrarily plunder or kill foreign residents. The Nanjing Massacre was likely committed by the defeated soldiers under Chu Yuping. The British and Americans are using this opportunity to create trouble, simply to put pressure on the Wuhan Nationalist Government in the south and to gain more benefits in the future. Under this background, the Wuhan Nationalist Government wants to replace the current..." The Beijing government, in terms of diplomacy, would inevitably have to make concessions and compromises to countries like Britain and the United States. Yang Jiefang, upon hearing this, was greatly impressed and said, "Indeed, truth lies only within the range of cannons, and dignity resides on the edge of a sword. Mr. Ogasawara, could you predict what kind of concessions and compromises the Nationalist government will make?" Ogasawara shook his head and said, "I cannot predict that. However, what you just said is very true! The overall military strength of the Northern Expeditionary Army is far inferior to that of Britain and the United States, which means it is destined that it will not be able to obtain the right to equal diplomacy. Alas… at this time, if only Japan could help China. It's a pity that those short-sighted fellows actually turned around and took advantage of the situation; it's truly despicable!" This last sentence greatly surprised Yang Jiefang.

Jiang Tingxuan explained from the side, "Mr. Ogasawara loves Chinese culture and advocates for Sino-Japanese friendship. He believes that China and Japan should become allies to jointly resist the colonial expansion of Britain and the United States in Asia." Ogasawara agreed, "Yes, this is my political stance, and I will strive towards it!" Seeing his sincerity, Yang Jiefang felt closer to him. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he said, "I heard some unconfirmed news: Commander-in-Chief Chiang Kai-shek in the south and Mr. Wang Jingwei in Wuhan are about to part ways due to a power struggle and start their own factions. I heard that Commander-in-Chief Chiang is already in secret contact with Britain and the United States, intending to..." "The Ning case was framed by the Communists to purge the party again, in order to gain the support of Britain and the United States." Ogasawara was taken aback, then suddenly stood up and said, "This kind of thing could really happen! The Communists successfully organized an armed uprising of Shanghai workers and took control of Shanghai, which has made many people uneasy. Mr. Yang, where did you get your information?" Yang Jiefang replied, "A friend who does business in Shanghai told me this in casual conversation. I don't know his source." Ogasawara took two steps back and said, "No, I have to go back to Shanghai immediately to follow up on this matter. Gentlemen, I'll take my leave now!"

Jiang Tingxuan knew she couldn't keep him, so she quickly got up to see him off. Yang Jiefang and Nakamura Yoshio also got up to see Ogasawara off at the door.

The three returned to the study, and Yang Jiefang asked, "Brother Nakamura, may I ask about the financial strength of your Osaka 21st Bank? How much capital can you invest in Yantai?" Nakamura Yoshio replied, "Mr. Yang, the 21st Bank has the support of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce. As long as there are good investment projects, there's no need to worry about funding!" Yang Jiefang smiled slightly and explained his plan.

Yoshio Nakamura immediately stood up excitedly and said, "Brother-in-law, your consideration is correct. Signing a large futures agreement with HSBC isn't feasible for you personally; you don't carry enough weight. I have to represent the 21st Bank. Mr. Yang, you said you have a thousand-strong armed force. Is this force reliable?" Yang Jiefang confidently replied, "Don't worry! I have absolute command over this force." Yoshio Nakamura pressed further, "I mean, what about the weaponry and equipment of this force? What about its combat effectiveness and mobility? Can it effectively control the flow of goods in the Jiaodong region?" Yang Jiefang was secretly alarmed; this guy was no ordinary man! He then said, "To be honest, it's still a bit lacking in experience, but I guarantee there will be significant improvements in three months. If we can get external support in terms of weaponry and mobility, that would be even better!"

Nakamura Yoshio turned back and asked, "Brother-in-law, were the three hundred horses you bought last time for Yang Sang?" Jiang Tingxuan nodded, "Yes." Nakamura Yoshio shook his head, "Not enough, far from enough. Yang Sang, I think you should buy more horses. We can also provide weapons and equipment. If you lack funds, I can provide a certain amount of interest-free loans." Yang Jiefang was quite surprised and said, "Of course I want more horses and weapons, but the key is that they are not easy to buy." Nakamura Yoshio said, "Don't worry about that. Some members of our Osaka Chamber of Commerce hold shares in the Osaka Armory, so weapons are easy for us." "No problem. Mr. Yang, please forgive my intrusion, but may I come and see your armed force?" Yang Jiefang readily agreed, "Of course. When would you like to go?" Nakamura Yoshio said, "The sooner the better, of course. Ms. Jiang, would you come with me?" Jiang Tingxuan replied somewhat helplessly, "Of course, I'd also like to see Xiao Yang's armed force." Yang Jiefang naturally wouldn't refuse, saying, "I have some things to take care of in Yantai, please give me an afternoon! We'll set off early tomorrow morning, and if there are no delays on the road, we can get there in one day." Jiang Tingxuan and Nakamura Yoshio naturally agreed, and the matter was settled.

Jiang Xiaojun and her sister-in-law prepared a sumptuous lunch. Yang Jiefang hurriedly ate two bowls of rice and then left with Wang Dali and Chen Ergou. Not long after, Yang Jiefang found Chu Yi and asked, "Do you know if Bao Ziqiang and the others are going to Shanghai?" Chu Yi replied, "They just had lunch here and have already gone to the dock." Yang Jiefang asked, "Is it possible to catch them?" Chu Yi nodded and said, "Yes, it's still early before they leave the ship. I'll arrange it right away." Without asking any further questions, he immediately arranged for people to chase after Bao Ziqiang and the others.

Yang Jiefang sat down and took out paper and pen. He tried hard to recall what he knew about the April 12th Counter-Revolutionary Coup, and then wrote it down under the guise of a Japanese journalist's prediction of the situation. He wanted to publish this information in the newspaper as a way of reminding the Party. As for how effective it would be, he had no idea.

Before he could finish writing, Bao Ziqiang and his six companions were brought back. After Yang Jiefang finished writing the report, he gave them further instructions, emphasizing that they should try to protect as many Party members as possible so they could survive. Time was of the essence, so Yang Jiefang quickly gave them his instructions and sent them off.

Then, Chu Yi reported the newly acquired intelligence to Yang Jiefang. When he finally reported the information about Hei Xiazi, Yang Jiefang was immediately shocked: Li the carpenter, the former manager of Qinglong Village, had actually defected to Hei Xiazi's side in Rushan Village after he left Qinglong Village. Yang Jiefang immediately instructed, "Brother Yi, you should know this Li the carpenter. He doesn't have any great ambitions, he just wants a peaceful life. You must find out what happened to him after he left Qinglong Village? Why did he defect to Hei Xiazi? Most importantly, did he leak any secrets of Qinglong Village? Also, while you're at it, find out where the others who left Qinglong Village went?" Chu Yi nodded in agreement, then asked, "Young Master, what should we do if these people betray the village?" Yang Jiefang coldly replied, "The head of the incense-pulling gang has his own rules. Anyone who breaks the rules will be dealt with according to the rules! I will report to the head of the gang. Just go ahead and do it." Chu Yi nodded in agreement.

Yang Jiefang then asked, "Brother Yi, there's something you need to inquire about. Are there any good surgeons in Yantai?" Chu Yi exclaimed in surprise, "What's wrong? Who's injured?" Yang Jiefang explained, "You know Aunt Chu, she suffered a misfortune when she was young, and her face is disfigured. I'd like to find a good surgeon to do plastic surgery for her." Chu Yi was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Plastic surgery? Okay! I'll inquire about it later. Speaking of which, Aunt Chu is quite pitiful." Yang Jiefang continued, "She and Jiang Xiaojun are in Yantai now, and they're preparing to recruit some talent for our stronghold. If they encounter any trouble, try to help them out." Chu Yi replied, "Okay! I'll have my men keep an eye out and protect them." "Them. But... Little Boss, although there are some things I shouldn't say, I still have to remind you: that Miss Jiang is, after all, the daughter of an official. Isn't it inappropriate for her to be involved too much in our mountain stronghold's affairs?" Yang Jiefang laughed, "Don't worry, she's not an outsider; she's practically a member of the Green Dragon Stronghold now." Chu Yi exclaimed in surprise, "She's joined our Green Dragon Stronghold? How is that possible!" Yang Jiefang said, "She's engaged to me; she's my fiancée now." Chu Yi was even more surprised, saying, "She's your fiancée now, so what about the eldest young lady? Little Boss, what do you take the eldest young lady for?" Yang Jiefang laughed, "She's naturally my wife." Chu Yi was dumbfounded.

The next morning, Yang Jiefang arrived at the Jiang family home. Jiang Tingxuan and Nakamura Yoshio were already packed, and the group of five set off immediately. They didn't linger on the road, rushing all the way, and arrived at Qinglong Village before sunset. Yang Jiefang immediately ordered the horn to sound for an emergency assembly. Instantly, the heroes rushed to the training ground from all sides, each dressed in camouflage and carrying a gun, quickly forming ranks under the command of their respective captains. Black Widow, Master Kong, Niu Sanbian, and other veteran managers also hurried along, each carrying a Mauser pistol. They approached Yang Jiefang and asked, "Young Master, what's going on?" Yang Jiefang replied, "Let me introduce you all. These two beside me are our partners. This is Jiang Tingxuan; everyone has heard of him, and now you've finally met him in person. This is a Japanese man named Nakamura Yoshio. He's come to the village to inspect our team and prepare for our upcoming cooperation." Nakamura Yoshio bowed deeply and said, "Please take good care of me!"

The elders of Qinglong Village harbored deep resentment towards foreigners, and their brows furrowed. Yang Jiefang, however, ignored them and introduced the elders of Qinglong Village again. Just as he finished, the group had assembled at the training ground, each holding their breath and gazing intently upwards. The previous scene of boisterous laughter and chatter was a far cry from the earlier training. Nakamura Yoshio praised, "Yang-san, your team is excellent! It's clear they've undergone rigorous training. Can I go down and take a closer look?" Yang Jiefang replied, "Of course, let's go down together." He then led Nakamura Yoshio and Jiang Tingxuan down to the training ground. Black Widow and the others remained where they were, whispering amongst themselves.