Chapter 2, in Shanghai
Second brother, I am sorry
Two people found a spot by the street and had just ordered their dishes when they heard someone nearby engaging in a lively discussion
Come in quickly, it's cold outside! Sir, Madam, the young master has brought a friend with him.
Gu Changqing still speaks with the tone of a passionate youth
Let's find a car, I am a bit hungry, I am tired of Western cuisine, let's find a Huaiyang restaurant to satisfy my cravings, and then we can visit your uncle.
In a city like Shanghai, where the atmosphere is heavily influenced by the Nationalist Party, it is easy to imagine that such discussions would be a significant provocation for Gu Changqing. He nearly stood up to argue with them, but Dai Jiliang reached out to stop him
Do not knock yet, please let me in; are you still unsatisfied with what you just ate, do you wish to feast on the northwestern wind!
Second brother, everyone has their own aspirations, do not force the third brother. The value of our brotherhood lies in mutual understanding, and we should not insist that the other becomes our comrade, that is where you are mistaken
Since you are the elder brother of Changqing, you are one of us, so there is no need for formalities. Haven't you eaten yet? Aunt Wu will go to Lao Zhengxing to buy some ingredients to entertain our guest.
Dai Jiliang's words were quite appropriate; he understood that these compradors were nothing but fake foreign devils. They probably speak foreign languages at home, and if they do not conform to local customs, they might be looked down upon. Therefore, the remarks he made earlier were all in English
Do not mind her; she neglects her studies and instead goes out to participate in the propaganda of some revolutionary party, a crazy girl
Gu Changqing sat down awkwardly, hurriedly ate a few bites, and said angrily, "I am full, I won't eat anymore. My elder brother has left, this place is filled with smoke and filth, I don't want to stay here for a moment longer"
Moreover, establishing a factory should not be limited to light industries such as cotton spinning. Currently, with the European war on the verge of breaking out, engaging in shipbuilding, metal processing, or seizing the opportunity to acquire certain materials could actually take advantage of this favorable wind.
Nevertheless, as they walked along the road, the patrolling officer kept scrutinizing the two individuals. Had it not been for their extraordinary demeanor, he would have rushed over to question them as potential thieves.
The Qing Dynasty's ignorance and incompetence led to the nation's weakness. After the First Sino-Japanese War in 1895, the great powers regarded China as mere fish on the chopping block. This is why Mr. Sun Yat-sen repeatedly raised the banner of righteousness. Now that the provisional government has been established, it is indeed the time for us to serve the country.
sworn brotherhood
As the host and guests took their seats, a few people began to chat. Dai Jiliang did not say much, while Gu Changqing chattered incessantly, not only clearly recounting his experiences studying abroad for several years but also extolling Dai Jiliang's impressive feats of winning over the French during their time on the ship
"Second brother, does your uncle live in the Chinese district or the concession?"
Gu Changqing's words reminded Dai Jiliang of many things, the alleys and western-style houses, where he spent his childhood in his previous life.
Seeing that the two individuals were about to argue again, Dai Jiliang hurriedly stepped forward to intervene
However, out of consideration for Gu Changqing's reputation, he still answered patiently
Dai Jiliang is looking after it
Do not act impulsively, take a good look, this is a concession, and if there is any disturbance, the police will arrive immediately.
Stepping off the ship and bidding farewell to Zeng Zhisheng, Dai Jiliang gazed at the coal slag-paved Bund before him, letting out a sigh. The myriad events of his past life played out in his mind like a film, leaving him with a profound sense of melancholy. In an effort to dispel his pent-up feelings, he casually inquired.
A middle-aged woman's voice sounded, evidently belonging to a servant
This is my newly recognized elder brother, Dai Jiliang
Look, this fellow has neither money nor people, and is in a state of disarray below. How can he assist Yuan Gongbao in taking the pulse
Dai Jiliang looked at his impulsive second younger brother and shook his head
Hearing Dai Jiliang's moment of embarrassment, he thought to himself that it was fortunate this young man was unaware of his romantic escapades; otherwise, it would have been a scandal that collapsed from abroad to domestically.
As for when the factory can be opened, in my humble opinion, it would be better to wait until the situation stabilizes before making a decision
Gu Changqing's words were filled with resentment, which indeed sets him apart from those in the Tongmenghui who took Japan as their teacher and conspired with the tiger.
The old fox became interested; clearly, compared to the impulsive nephew, Dai Jiliang was a much more agreeable subject for discussion. Thus, he resolved to take the opportunity during the few days that Dai Jiliang was staying, to thoroughly gauge the situation, and perhaps even make a worthwhile investment.
With each sound of the striking, footsteps could also be heard in the courtyard
Near Hongkou Park, there are groups of Easterners, especially those arrogant ronin who are particularly detestable
Greetings, Mr. Xie and Mrs. Xie
This is the tragedy of the Chinese bourgeoisie; they repeatedly proclaim the need for a prosperous and powerful nation, yet when faced with great powers, they always seek to avoid harm and pursue their own interests
I am the nineteenth day of the fourth month in the twelfth year of the Guangxu era
Hiss
After speaking, I wanted to return to the cabin to organize my belongings and prepare to disembark
Good, good, good
By the way, Aunt, what about my cousin?
What happened outside
In the 1910s of the twentieth century, Shanghai's Bund had not yet seen the towering skyscrapers that would later line its shores. Wooden walkways extended from the river embankment to the center of the Huangpu River. Apart from the myriad of colorful foreign flags, there were also foreign warships that flaunted their might, brandishing their cannons in a show of power over the Chinese people.
The door was quickly opened, and a plump middle-aged maid appeared before Dai Jiliang and Gu Changqing, while a voice of surprise also echoed into the room
Dai Jiliang smiled, these two boys are indeed natural brothers, always bickering and arguing when together, yet missing each other when apart, such a bond is truly rare
This is my uncle Xie Zhigeng, and this is my aunt.
Dai Jiliang raised his head in confusion, only to hear Zeng Zhisheng continue speaking
A revolutionary and a conservative, yet they insist on involving themselves in a neutral party to create some sort of brotherhood akin to the Peach Garden Oath
Elder brother, third brother, after disembarking, let's stay at my uncle's house for a couple of days
That is fine, I remember there is a Yangzhou restaurant not far from my uncle's house
Gu Changqing responded in the Shanghai dialect
It is indeed a stroke of fate to have met Changqing on this voyage back home. I feel quite embarrassed to have been invited by Changqing and to intrude upon you.
Come, come, come, sit down and talk
However, North Sichuan Road is relatively safe, as the British concession does not allow them to act recklessly
Forget it, let's not talk about it
The French steward on the ship knocked on the doors of each cabin one by one, reminding everyone that they had arrived at their destination
Since the third one is not going, I will trouble you a bit
The historical Japanese concession should be located at that position
I am the third day of the ninth month in the twelfth year of the Guangxu era
My birthday is on the 28th of June in the 11th year of the Guangxu era, how about both of you?
Nephew, your insights are commendable. Let us go! First, let us have something to eat, and then we can discuss matters at our leisure.
Indeed, indeed, one must not overlook the fact that the revolutionary party has encountered setbacks, clashing head-on, causing tensions in the market. The foreigners have not expressed their support, and Huang Xing, this red fellow, has suffered defeat in Wuchang. The Beiyang Army's momentum is on the rise, and it seems the revolutionary party still cannot gain traction. Although the Qing Dynasty will certainly not last much longer, resolving China's issues still requires Yuan Shikai to take on the role of president for effective governance
Zeng Zhisheng awkwardly declined
Now it is probably all Japanese people there
Dai Jiliang felt goosebumps from the ambiguous words of a certain person named Zeng, but upon hearing this, he couldn't help but laugh.
However, in this world, having one more friend means one more path, and Dai Jiliang saw no need to oppose this.
North Sichuan Road was originally known as Huajie, but due to the construction of roads by the Municipal Council beyond its boundaries, it is now considered part of the public concession
What a pity?
Dai Jiliang teased in a perfectly enunciated Shanghai dialect, which left Gu Changqing wide-eyed in surprise
Elder brother
Gu Changqing greeted warmly, knowing that once they disembarked, they might go their separate ways, so he hoped to gather together for a while longer
Gu Changqing waved his hand
"Old Third, the Nanjing government's Ministry of Transport also needs talent. Why must you go all the way to the north to be a servant?"
What do you think, Lao San?
However, Dai Jiliang, with the experience of two lifetimes, returned a jujube after being struck
After a discussion about the annual gathering, Dai Jiliang has truly become the leader among the three, with Gu Changqing in the second position, while Zeng Zhisheng is the youngest among them
As the time of parting approaches, may both of you take good care of yourselves
Rickshaw
Two individuals are dragging their luggage across the street. Fortunately, the heaviest books and other items have already been checked in, and a few pieces of clothing packed in the suitcase do not seem too heavy.
The department has already arranged the tickets for the northbound ship today, and I will be transferring to another ship shortly, so I truly do not have the time to go.
That is the building
Currently, the domestic situation is unstable, making it not an opportune time for investing in real enterprises
Dai Jiliang stood on the high upper deck, introducing the two individuals beside him, Zeng and Gu, in a melancholic tone
Elder brother, let's go! It's time to eat.
It is hard to imagine that Xie Zhigeng, who looks like an old man, is not yet fifty years old; this is evidently the result of day and night of scheming and hard work. In contrast, Mrs. Xie, who has just turned forty, still retains a certain charm, resembling a woman in her late thirties.
Come! After this drink, we shall be brothers.
I have always called Brother Dai as 'Brother' along the way with Changqing. Now that we are about to part, it is truly hard to bear. I kindly ask Brother to agree to become sworn brothers with us.
Due to the ongoing war between the North and the South, the Jinpu Road has been severed, making it extremely difficult to obtain tickets for northbound ships. Zeng Zhisheng also did not wish to put the department's staff in a difficult position a second time
Since it is difficult to obtain a ticket back home for the time being, staying at Gu Changqing's place is not out of the question
However, when Xie Xiangli heard someone advising Gu Changqing not to act recklessly, a glint of brilliance flashed in his eyes
Gu Changqing's uncle's house is located behind the Fire Brigade on North Sichuan Road, with a small river running through the front. In a patchy shantytown, a few exposed lane houses stand out prominently.
Do not be misled by the fact that the Nanjing government has been established; this situation in China cannot be resolved by Sun Yat-sen alone
Indeed, upon hearing the authentic London accent, Mr. Xie's attitude was exceedingly favorable
Returning to Dai Jiliang's cabin, they opened the wine bottle, each holding a cup, the crisp clink resonating as they drank it all in one go, thus completing the ritual
Dai Jiliang waved his hand and let out a sigh, feeling somewhat dispirited
Zeng Zhisheng then pulled him back and said, "I have a humble request, and I wonder if you would be willing to help me, dear brother, as you have taken care of me on the road"
The uncle-in-law works as an assistant manager at an American trading company, with a monthly salary of 2,000 dollars, plus commissions. This house is spacious enough to accommodate Zhisheng as well, but what a pity.
Dai Jiliang shook his head
Arrived
This will lead to the account being closed.
Although there is little difference in age, Dai Jiliang, who has lived two lives, has always been very composed in handling affairs. Furthermore, after enduring the trials of two militaristic regimes, he has already appeared to stand out remarkably among his peers.
Gu Changqing also stood up
The old fox, Dai Jiliang cursed inwardly, is this a test
Since the brotherhood is originally supposed to be conducted with solemnity according to the rituals, but now we are on a French ship, and it is impossible to prepare the incense and offerings in full at this moment, we can only make do with what we have
Dai Jiliang considers this suggestion to be optional; having lived in Shanghai in a previous life, he naturally does not possess the common interest that others have in this city, which is still evolving.
However, despite glaring, Gu Xiaozu still followed Dai Jiliang's intention and called out to the door
By the way, let's exchange our addresses so that we can correspond with each other in the future
Gu Changqing was introducing to Dai Jiliang
Soon, two individuals appeared in the room. Although there was no heating from a fireplace in the house, the interior was still much warmer than outside
Xie smiled slightly; he merely asked casually and did not expect that this foreign student studying martial arts would have any surprising judgment. However, he was mistaken, as the other party unexpectedly provided an answer that made him look at him in a new light
Then, we shall meet again in the future
Wu Ma, I am Changqing, how are Uncle and Aunt doing?
Sir, you may prepare to disembark
"Young Master Biao! Sir, Madam, Young Master Biao has returned from studying abroad!"
This is the Japanese battleship Hizen, over there is the American cruiser Princeton, to the east are the British gunboats Duck and Resolute, and further away should be the old armored ships of France, Italy, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire
"Dai Xianzhi, you advise Changqing not to open a factory now, so when do you think would be a good time to open a factory?"
The fragmented words brought a smile to Dai Jiliang's face, making it seem like a warm family.
It is fortunate that he had self-studied English, French, and Russian while studying in Japan and Germany; otherwise, he would have had to greet in Chinese honestly.