Anti-Japanese War Espionage: I Have an Omniscient Perspective

Huang Dazhu listened carefully to every word; he was a man of loyalty and affection.

Chen Shan continued writing:

"Underneath the name card, you must clearly write your place of origin, background, parents' and family members' names, ages, and addresses. The Green Gang is extremely strict in its investigations; those with unclear backgrounds or unknown origins are absolutely not allowed to join the gang."

Huang Dazhu quickly reported his hometown, age, and parents' names, telling the truth word by word.

His parents died early, and his hometown was destroyed in the war, so he joined the army. In the end, his entire unit was wiped out, and he could only drift to Shanghai.

When he got to the sad parts, even this tough guy couldn't help but get a little teary-eyed.

After listening silently, Chen Shan's suspicions about Huang Dazhu disappeared. He then wrote down all the information on the name card without stopping.

Before long, a complete and standard-formatted formal apprenticeship letter from the Green Gang was finished.

Once the ink had dried, Chen Shan handed the name card to Huang Dazhu.

"Chief Huang, take this. This calling card must be presented to your master, Master Wan Heilin, with both hands when you hold the incense ceremony tomorrow. It must not be folded, soiled, or lost."

Huang Dazhu accepted the apprenticeship certificate with both hands, held it carefully, and took out five Buddhist coins from his pocket.

"Mr. Chen, this is the fee for your calligraphy service."

Chen Shan was about to refuse, but Lin Rui took the money and placed it in his hand: "You have to take this money, otherwise Chief Huang will be too ashamed to accept the name card you wrote."

"That's true." Chen Shan chuckled as he put away the money, then gave him some more instructions.

"Chief Huang, let me add one more thing. After the incense hall ceremony for the apprenticeship, there will be an apprenticeship banquet, and you will have to pay for it yourself. The location will be decided by Boss Wan, and the rules and pomp must be followed. The elders and fellow members of the Green Gang will all be present. No matter how much it costs, you have to pay for it. You can't make a fool of yourself and lose face for Boss Wan, or for yourself."

Huang Dazhu nodded: "Mr. Chen Shan, rest assured, I understand. I have already prepared the money."

Lin Rui spoke up: "It's getting late, Chief Huang, you should go back first."

Immediately, Huang Dazhu took the name card and went downstairs.

Watching his departing figure, Chen Shan said, "Huang Dazhu is a man of great loyalty and courage. Wan Heilin made the right choice in taking him in."

After Huang Dazhu left, Chen Shan changed the subject: "Zhang Xiaolin has sided with the Japanese and is running rampant in the French Concession. Boss Wan has long disliked him, but there hasn't been a suitable person to take action. Huang Dazhu and the Loyalty Gang are both from the battlefield, they are brave and daring, and they are not afraid of the Japanese. Boss Wan is going to use them as weapons to deal with Zhang Xiaolin."

Lin Rui nodded slightly: "No matter what, it's always a good thing that someone is standing up to deal with traitors."

.......

The next morning, Huang Dazhu got up early, changed into a brand new blue short jacket, combed his hair neatly, and looked solemn.

He carefully placed the large red apprenticeship certificate close to his body, checked his belongings again, and then, surrounded by his brothers, walked toward Wan Heilin's private residence.

Today's Wanjiazhai is completely different from what it used to be.

The gates were tightly shut, and outsiders were not allowed to enter. The courtyard was quiet, with only the core disciples of the Du Clan and senior members of the Green Gang present. Everyone had a solemn expression and there was no joking around.

In the center of the courtyard, an incense hall had already been set up.

A long offering table is placed directly above, with incense smoke curling from the incense burner on it, and fruits, snacks, and wine offered as offerings.

In the very center of the offering table are three memorial tablets—the three ancestors of the Green Gang: Weng, Qian, and Pan.

Next to it is another memorial tablet, which reads "Master Chen Si", a respected elder in the Green Gang.

On both sides of the incense hall stood the elders of the Du family, the introducer, and the preacher, all with solemn expressions, creating a dignified and respectful atmosphere.

Huang Dazhu walked into the courtyard, where his men were waiting outside. Immediately, someone stepped forward to lead him to the outside of the incense hall.

He dared not look around, and stood respectfully with his hands at his sides, following the rules he had been instructed to follow.

When the auspicious hour arrived, the preacher spoke in a deep voice:

"Disciple Huang Dazhu enters the hall to pay his respects!"

Huang Dazhu took a deep breath and stepped forward.

First, pay respects to the three ancestors, Weng, Qian, and Pan, kneeling and kowtowing three times and nine times, without any hesitation.

I bow again to Master Chen Si.

Then, turning to face Wan Heilin, he knelt on both knees, raised the large red apprenticeship certificate high with both hands, and said loudly:

"Disciple Huang Dazhu sincerely wishes to join the sect and become a disciple of Master Wan Heilin. This is my own will, and I will remain steadfast in my commitment. I humbly request that Master accept me as a disciple!"

Wan Heilin sat upright in the center, dressed in a brocade robe, with a dignified expression. He accepted the apprenticeship certificate, glanced at it, and nodded slightly.

The introducer and the preacher stepped forward in turn to greet the new disciple.

After the ceremony, the preacher stepped forward and loudly read out the rules of the Green Gang.

The voice was steady, each word like a hammer blow, striking Huang Dazhu's heart:

First, one must not betray one's teacher or ancestors;

Second, do not disrupt the gang rules;

Third, one must not despise one's predecessors;

IV. Confidential information must not be disclosed.

Fifth, adultery, theft, and illicit sexual activity are forbidden;

VI. It is forbidden to remove ashes and put them in the cage;

7. No water supply lines are permitted;

8. Bullying the weak and vulnerable is strictly prohibited…

After the preacher finished reading the ten rules, his gaze fell on Huang Dazhu:

"Huang Dazhu, are you willing to swear a solemn oath to abide by the sect rules for life, strictly guard secrets, and never betray the sect? If you violate this oath, may you be struck by lightning and die a horrible death!"

Huang Dazhu knelt on the ground, his back straight, his voice strong and clear, making the whole courtyard tremble slightly:

"Disciple Huang Dazhu hereby solemnly swears: I will abide by the sect rules for life, strictly guard secrets, and never betray my sect or my fellow disciples! If I violate this oath, may Heaven and Earth not forgive me, and I will gladly face death ten thousand times over!"

"good!"

The preacher nodded, took a thin booklet from his pocket, and handed it to Huang Dazhu with both hands.

"This booklet is titled 'Invaluable Gold,' and it contains the Green Gang's hierarchy, code words, hand gestures, contact codes, and esoteric practices. It is the foundation of our gang, more precious than gold. Keep it safe, study it day and night, without error, and never divulge it to outsiders!"

Huang Dazhu solemnly accepted the book "Invaluable" and put it in his pocket.

The ceremony is now complete.

Wan Heilin stood up, walked to Huang Dazhu, and personally helped him up.

Get up.

Huang Dazhu stood up and bowed respectfully: "Master!"

Wan Heilin looked at him, his eyes full of approval, and said in a deep voice:

"We belong to the 'Xue' generation, and you, having joined my sect, belong to the 'Jue' generation. From this day forward, you are a formal disciple of the Du Clan, and the Zhongyi Gang will be directly under the jurisdiction of the Du Clan. From now on, the Zhongyi Gang will be responsible for the management and oversight of this area on Rue de Beile in the French Concession!"

These words struck Huang Dazhu like a thunderbolt.

Baylor Street!

That was one of the busiest areas in the French Concession, lined with shops, teeming with people, and lucrative—a territory that Zhang Xiaolin's men had always coveted!

Wan Heilin actually handed over the management of Beile Street directly to the Zhongyi Gang. What great importance and trust this shows!

Huang Dazhu bowed deeply: "Thank you, Master." Wan Heilin helped him up.