Chapter 7, Trouble has arisen

Several Qing army patrol officers were also taken aback; they did not expect Wang Tianjie to suddenly appear here, attempting to ambush Yang Qiu with a rifle. Although they wished for Yang Qiu's death, this individual had killed a prominent member of the Tongmenghui in broad daylight, thus achieving a significant merit. The news would surely reach the governor's office and might even alarm the court

Wang Tianjie was even more unable to close his eyes in death; he never expected that after secretly bringing a gun out upon receiving the news, intending to take the opportunity to kill this Qing court lackey and establish his authority in Sichuan, he would end up being shot himself. He also did not anticipate that this fellow could react so astonishingly well even while being pursued by so many brothers in robes.

As the loud shout rang out, the three vendors on the left acted first. One of them pulled out a gleaming Xiuchun knife from the bottom of a basket and swung it down towards Yang Qiu's chest. Anticipating the attack, Yang Qiu dodged but had not yet had the chance to assess the situation when a nearby shoulder pole swept across his chest.

In the early morning at the North Camp of the Sichuan Army, Yang Qiulian, carefree and lively, sneezed while Qin Dazhang was speaking. He couldn't help but wonder in his heart if his old friends from a past life were thinking of him

Watching as Wang Tianjie almost shattered at the chest, slowly collapsing against the wall like soft rubber, Yang Qiu knew that this time she was truly finished

Brother Wang, I will go and have the elder brothers come to pick up the goods now

Having acquired wealth, he could be considered a minor tycoon, which enlivened his thoughts considerably. Furthermore, after consciously adopting a guise, there was no longer a need to rush along the path. The feelings of being a newcomer also began to rise within him, thus he slowed his pace significantly.

However, he had no intention of running a textile factory. Even if he did, without a super-large scale of several million spindles, he would be squeezed out by Japan and the great powers. Moreover, now he had no people and no territory, so it would be better to find a way to convert this money into hard currencies like US dollars and keep it.

Taking advantage of a moment of chaos, Yang Qiu glanced at the blood and mud on the wall, gritted his teeth, and suddenly plunged deeper into the alley.

Oh no

Heshengyuan! You wait and see!

This time, he was so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body. Without any time to think, he suddenly grabbed the barrel of the gun with his left hand and lifted it up, while his right hand aimed the M1911 at the intruder's chest and fired a shot.

There is nothing to discuss. Wang Tianjie did not speak to Tu Shurong's subordinates at all, pointing at the gun and saying: "Let our brothers take the goods and bring them all back to Rong County. I tell you, the gun is the foundation of our survival and the means to overthrow the Manchu Qing dynasty."

After discerning Yang Qiu's thoughts, the old shopkeeper squinted and said: "Sir, I believe you are likely preparing for a long journey. In my opinion, you might as well make a trip to the foreign concession in Hankou, where you can exchange currency, although the rates may not be in your favor. If you don't mind the trouble, it would be best to go to Shanghai, where the prices are more reasonable"

... ...

Seeing Wang Tianjie glaring at him fiercely, his subordinates dared not speak any further, yet they felt somewhat dissatisfied with the situation. After all, the Ge Lao Association was the main force this time, and everyone was in the same boat. If the failure was ultimately due to the lack of these guns, wouldn't everyone end up suffering the consequences together

What! Wang Tianjie suddenly jumped up, his eyes first flashing with a murderous intent, and then he became excited. It was as if he could see himself killing Yang Qiu and being appointed as the Governor of Sichuan after the revolution succeeded due to this great achievement. Without a second thought, he stuffed the list back into his bosom, gritted his teeth, and fiercely grabbed a rifle. After loading dozens of rounds, he said: "I will be back soon, you all proceed with the transport first." With that, he ran out without looking back, leaving his subordinates staring at each other, unsure of what to do.

This is truly a matter of life and death

The tumultuous railway protection movement seems to have also impacted this city, as large posters advocating for railway protection can be seen everywhere on the streets. After casually purchasing a well-known local newspaper, the "Shu News," Yang Qiu discovered that it largely promoted the importance of the Hanchuan Railway and the ideology of protecting the railway for the country.

Yang Qiu was unaware that the ticket number could not be exchanged for US dollars; he still believed that they all belonged to the banking system

The old shopkeeper was quite enthusiastic, not only explaining to Yang Qiu how to exchange but also giving a rough overview of the exchange rate. According to the official rate in Shanghai, 10 dollars can be exchanged for 1 pound, and 1 pound is approximately equal to 5 dollars

However, no one noticed that a constable who had rushed in from behind quietly found a note from Wang Tianjie's embrace while checking if he was still breathing, and then, overjoyed, he gritted his teeth and disappeared down a side path.

Yang Qiu scratched his head, realizing he had wronged the old shopkeeper. However, he still did not like silver notes, as the historical events of the Xinhai Revolution were fresh in his mind. In times of war, no one could predict whether they would depreciate. Yet, carrying 5,000 dollars in cash was also inconvenient. After pondering for a moment, he asked, "Old shopkeeper, can it be exchanged for US dollars?"

Although he did not exchange it for hard currency, the old shopkeeper's words gave him a general understanding of the value of silver dollars, making him realize that the five thousand taels he held was indeed a considerable fortune, as starting a moderately sized spinning mill at that time would only cost around ten thousand taels

Yang Qiu thanked the old shopkeeper, casually took out two silver dollars to exchange for some copper coins, and then put the banknotes back into his pocket. However, he was completely unaware that the pistol under his clothing had already slipped out. The young assistant standing beside him was momentarily taken aback upon seeing the gun, and after a moment of contemplation, his eyes suddenly revealed a look of ecstatic joy.

The violent impact and pain nearly caused him to lose his breath; he staggered back several steps before regaining his balance. At that moment, two more men in robes had already rushed in front of him. After Yang Qiu dodged the first man's broadsword, before he could catch his breath, the second blade was already upon him

It seems that the rewards given by Lord Chuan to his troops were too lavish yesterday, as the vast North Parade Ground was surprisingly devoid of any soldiers. Fortunately, he was not in the mood to chat with anyone and instead began to run laps around the parade ground for his own exercise.

Yang Qiu initially did not understand, but after seeing the old shopkeeper constantly glancing at his empty hands, he suddenly realized

Exchange money

Walking on the street, Yang Qiu's mood improved significantly

Wang Tianjie! This name caused Yang Qiu's forehead to explode with shock! He remembered that this guy was an active participant in the Sichuan Railway Protection Movement and also one of the leaders of the Tongmenghui in Sichuan

However ... ...

This is a habit he developed during his previous life of service, which he has maintained even after retirement. The daily morning jog of ten thousand meters not only helps to keep the body fit but also ensures that the muscles remain in peak condition throughout the day. Especially now, in a chaotic world where friend and foe are indistinguishable, it is even more necessary to be cautious in dealing with situations

Upon seeing Yang Qiu's gaze drift, the leading porter realized that trouble was brewing. Without a moment's hesitation, he drew a large knife from behind and shouted loudly: "Capture him! He is Yang Qiu, the Qing court dog who killed my brother!"

After Zhao Erfeng's so-called "propaganda" yesterday, it cannot be said that there are calls for violence, but at the very least, he has become the most unpopular person in Sichuan. Therefore, one must be cautious when going out. Originally, Xiao Anguo had repeatedly advised that one must take them along when going out, but Yang Qiu thought it over and still felt that this matter had to be handled alone.

Just as he was watching with great interest, a small squad of Qing soldiers appeared ahead. Upon seeing them, the common people hurriedly made way. One of the Qing soldiers, after removing a large poster, suddenly brightened his eyes and walked towards Yang Qiu.

After seeing the terrifying pistol described by Du Lao Liu in the prison last night, this fellow was so frightened that he quickly dodged. Yang Qiu himself did not wish to create a deep enmity, so when the other party avoided him, he hurriedly dashed into the small alley on the left. However, before he could even reach the entrance of the alley, a Mauser rifle suddenly protruded from within.

The subordinate was momentarily taken aback, still trying to comprehend why Wang Tianjie would keep such an important item by his side, when suddenly a companion who had been on lookout rushed in, shouting anxiously: "Brother Wang, someone has spotted Yang Qiu on the street!"

Wang Tianjie, it is the esteemed Wang Tianjie of the Tongmenghui! Hurry, Yang Qiu the scoundrel has killed the leader of the Comrades' Association!

Kill him

Yang Qiu still believed that Heshengyuan had betrayed him, so he vented all his anger on the ticket office. Just as he was about to turn and run, he discovered that the several Qing soldiers he had seen earlier were actually coming over as well. Not only did they have no intention of protecting the 'number one hero of the Manchu Qing,' but they were also sneering at him continuously.

During the late Qing Dynasty, many impoverished regions would sell their children for just a few dollars. Therefore, even ordinary wealthy households would not keep large amounts of cash at home, as this currency is quite heavy; each silver dollar weighs half a tael. After Xiao Anguo and the others left last night, he did not touch the three hundred dollars, so he was completely unaware of the weight. Now that he thinks about it, five thousand dollars would weigh over one hundred jin, which even someone of his stature as a 'burly man' could not carry away. After Xiao Anguo and the others left last night, he did not touch the three hundred dollars, so he was completely unaware of the weight. Now that he thinks about it, five thousand dollars would weigh over one hundred jin, which even someone of his stature as a 'burly man' could not carry away.

What is the matter

Amidst the nearly simultaneous gunfire, a bullet grazed past Yang Qiu's scalp, while a young man dressed in a Japanese school uniform was also sent flying, his body crashing violently against the wall. His eyes were wide open, still unblinking, as if he could not believe that he had been shot

Seeing this fellow staring at the newspaper in his hand, a hint of gloating appeared on his face. Yang Qiu thought it was not a good sign and recalled that the founder of the Shu News was a revolutionary named Deng Xiaoke, who was also one of the initiators of this railway protection movement. These guys wouldn't be trying to use this as an issue, would they

After inspecting the purse snatched from Du Laoliu, Yang Qiu discovered that it contained as much as 5,000 dollars. Originally, this could have been exchanged back in Wuhan, but since he was in Chengdu, he thought he should take the opportunity to explore the city. Moreover, he had forgotten when the railway protection movement had evolved into an armed revolution. As a precaution, he decided to first exchange it for cash.

Clap, clap

U.S. dollar

"Stop it." Wang Tianjie blocked his subordinate and scolded, "You idiot, he Qin Zaigen is nothing but a gangster and a thug. It's fine to use him, but if we give him a few more guns, who will listen to us in the future!"

If this fellow were killed by someone, it would be one thing, but now that he has entered the alley, his methods are so "malicious" that they cannot be stopped. Thus, he hurriedly changed his tactics and blew the whistle to feign capturing the revolutionary party members, and in an instant, the city was filled with the sharp sounds of arrest signals.

"Sir, are you planning to exchange all of this?" The shopkeeper, holding a banknote and wearing reading glasses, scrutinized Yang Qiu from head to toe, which made him quite displeased. He put on a bully's demeanor and shouted in a northeastern accent he had learned in his past life, "What's wrong? Are you refusing to exchange it?"

Yang Qiu turned to leave, but as soon as he turned around, he noticed a large group of porters approaching from a distance. Among them was a young man he had seen before at Heshengyuan, who was whispering to the leading porter while pointing in this direction.

On the right side is a row of houses; rushing in without knowing whether there is a back door would only lead to a dead end. On the left, there is a narrow alley, but the three vegetable vendors at the entrance of the alley seem rather strange.

No, no. The old shopkeeper, with his keen insight, could tell at a glance that Yang Qiu might not understand how much five thousand taels of silver actually is. He smiled and said, "Sir, whether five thousand taels is in Shengyuan or exchanged, the question is where you plan to put it"

Achoo, Achoo

After Yang Qiu left, the young man also fabricated a story to request leave from the old shopkeeper, and then quickly ran towards the dock

Heshengyuan Bank, a renowned Jin merchant bank during the late Qing Dynasty, not only had branches spread across the vast expanse of the country but also extended its operations to Japan and the South Seas. Therefore, after considering several options, Yang Qiu ultimately decided to choose this bank

Seeing this, Yang Qiu quickly stepped back half a pace, pivoted on his left leg, and delivered a fierce whip kick that sent the assailant flying. He then grabbed a nearby basket and threw it backward. The basket blocked several attackers rushing in, finally granting him a moment of respite. He drew his handgun with his right hand and aimed it at the vegetable vendor who had initiated the attack.

Move aside, move aside...

Inside the warehouse next to Su Pier, a man in a black shirt picked up a German-made Mauser rifle and threw it to Wang Tianjie behind him. The latter skillfully handled it a few times and nodded in satisfaction. Although two hundred rifles may not be a large number, they can still play a significant role if used effectively

Due to the lack of training equipment, after finishing his run, Yang Qiu stretched his body and changed into a different outfit. He also applied the fake mustache that Bingwen had found for him the previous night, and finally put on a hat. After checking his handgun once more, he quietly slipped out of the military camp when he saw that no one was paying attention.

After speaking, Wang Tianjie took out a list from his pocket and handed it to his subordinate: "This is the list of our comrades in the Sichuan Revolution. You will take it back later, keep it for any eventualities in the future..."

This scene made his heart sink suddenly, realizing that he was targeted by someone! He unconsciously glanced to the sides.

Brother Wang, it is all of the finest German manufacture

The old shopkeeper was momentarily taken aback. Although he was a seasoned individual with exceptional insight, it was still the first time he had seen someone come into a bank to exchange foreign currency. He pushed up his reading glasses and smiled, saying: "Sir, this is a bank. If you wish to exchange foreign currency, you first need to convert your silver into cash and then go to a foreign bank to make the exchange. Don't think of me as being overly talkative; if you truly want to exchange foreign currency, it would be wise to be more cautious, as the intricacies involved are quite profound."

... ...