Chapter 4: Money Can Open All Doors

The reality is that although there have been warlords vying for power in recent years, Yangjiang County has remained relatively stable.

Responding to a remark, Zhang Heng turned his gaze towards the robust young man

Zhang Zhentian remained silent for a moment before responding: "That would require spending money. Our Yangjiang County is relatively peaceful; it's just the kings on Baoping Mountain who collect some tributes from time to time, and that suffices. Naturally, no one would engage in such a thankless task."

I see!

This money will definitely not come from here; it can only be provided by the merchants and wealthy individuals in the town

Let's go out for a stroll and find a place to eat something

After a few days, Zhang Heng and Zhang Zhentian have become quite familiar with each other

Zhang Heng's gaze narrowed slightly

Coincidentally, Zhang Heng also knows a person named Zhang Zhenhu.

From this perspective, Zhang Zhenhu is considered a talent, managing over a thousand people without any issues

Cousin, you haven't had breakfast yet, there is a tea house ahead, let's go sit for a while

According to historical trajectory

Zhang Zhenhu

Zhang Heng is well aware of the principle that a thousand pieces of gold are easy to obtain, but a general is hard to find

Smoke signals rose from various places, with hills and mountains standing tall. Many bandits opened fire upon seeing villages, which in turn led to the trend of establishing local militias throughout Jiangnan.

This person was a bandit who came from Dagou Town, later became a puppet army commander, and was executed after the liberation

Zhang Zhenhu sighed

Five dollars a month, which is almost comparable to the salary of a pharmacy owner. If one can earn money on the ground, who would want to go up the mountain to become a bandit

Although they may not compare to the renowned heroes and figures in history, in Yangjiang City and in Daguo Town, Zhang's family, they can still be considered among the most outstanding individuals

While walking on the street, I encountered Zhang Zhentian coming towards me

Zhang Heng did not respond directly, and then asked, "Are you interested in staying with me?"

Even if the expenses of the civil organization are a bit lower, they should at least cover two meals. By the end of the month, if there are not two dollars, one dollar may not be given, but at least half a dollar should be provided.

After Zhang Zhenhu agreed, Zhang Heng shifted the conversation to the militia.

Cousin, I noticed that there seems to be no patrol team of our own in our town

Did you see that? That is Zhang Heng, the son of Uncle Daxian. It is said that he has just returned from Nanyang and has plenty of money

Beside Zhang Zhentian, there was also a robust young man. A glance downward revealed that this individual had a box gun tucked at his waist, the origins of which were unknown

"Fine, I will do it with you"

Is it true or not

Unruly and defiant, resistant to discipline

However, this matter is not urgent and can be addressed gradually

If one is diligent in their work and finds it to be smooth and efficient, there is naturally no need for further discussion

Master Tan, bah, what is he worth, just a rural petty landlord, how can he compare with the wealthy merchants from the South Seas

If we switch to a self-defense militia for the people, how much would that cost? Everyone has their own calculations in mind

This is Zhang Zhenhu.

It is comparable to the situation in the 1970s and 1980s, akin to having a relative who is a Hong Kong businessman

Baoping Mountain is a den of bandits, what is there to see? One might as well go up the mountain to become a bandit

Zhang Heng smiled and said: "Whatever you do, don't worry about it; just tell me how much a month is for being a bodyguard at the pharmacy."

However, Zhang Zhenhu has a good reputation. Whether as a bandit or as a puppet soldier, he has generally treated the common people with courtesy, robbing only wealthy merchants and prominent families

Zhang Zhenhu, the head of Baoping Mountain

Zhang Heng's original intention in coming to the Republic of China was to seek wealth

Of course it is true, a few days ago someone dined at the tavern and consumed fifteen pounds of beef alone, spending three dollars on a single meal, which is enough to buy several hundred pounds of millet

The militia of Daguo Town, one could say, is a matter of ten years later

The mountain kings on Baoping Mountain generally do not consume the resources in their own territory. During festivals and holidays, they merely collect some protection fees, and rarely cause harm to the local community

In his words, he also hinted to Zhang Zhentian that he plans to develop in his hometown in the future and establish some enterprises

As Zhang Heng sat in the carriage, flaunting his presence alongside Zhang Dadan, the passersby on both sides of the street engaged in lively discussions.

Zhang Zhenhu did not think too much about it

The implications of the conversation boil down to two matters: one is that Zhang Heng is wealthy, and the other is the presence of a rich businessman from Nanyang

Zhang Heng divided the chopsticks but did not touch the wonton noodles. Instead, he proactively asked, "Zhenhu, how is the work of a bodyguard? Is it easy to do?"

Is there really that much money? Is there more money than Lord Tan?

Those are nothing; in this day and age, having money means having brothers. What is it all for? Isn't it just for two taels of gold

Zhang Heng took the initiative to extend an invitation

Zhang Zhentian glanced at Zhang Zhenhu, did not refuse, and followed Zhang Heng with a cheerful smile

Establishing a civil organization is not something that can be done simply by saying so

Don't mention it, the person in charge doesn't like me, and it's incredibly frustrating to work like this

Cousin, are you going out

The militia was not established for the purpose of suppressing bandits, but rather for self-defense, to deter bandits from attacking villages and towns at will, and to allow for negotiations where possible

Zhang Zhenhu appears to be around 25 or 26 years old, perhaps 26 or 27, not very tall, but quite sturdy

Zhang Zhenhu is a talented individual. Currently, the world is in turmoil, and Zhang Heng has some plans ready for implementation, which cannot be executed without the assurance of military force

If you ask me, just stay and work with me, I will not treat you poorly

Whether as a bodyguard or as a bandit, it is merely a means to earn a living.

On my end, there is a matter that requires some manpower. Cousin, could you please ask around when you return? I need to select about thirty trustworthy and reliable individuals to accompany me to the county town this afternoon to handle some affairs

"Becoming a bandit in the mountains is ultimately not a sustainable plan"

As for Zhang Zhenhu's future identity as the head of Baoping Mountain

It was the year 1930, during the Central Plains War, when defeated soldiers fled in all directions, and many people fell into the ranks of bandits

Zhang Zhenhu said a number

Having been here for a few days now, I have familiarized myself with the surroundings, and it is time to prioritize the matter of making money

Purchasing firearms requires expenditure, hiring personnel necessitates spending, and sustaining individuals and horses also incurs costs

At its peak, there were only over 300 people, with dozens of crude guns and shotguns, while the rest were large sabers and long spears

Three dollars

After Zhang Zhenhu ascends the mountain this time, it will not be long before he stands out and becomes the leader of Baoping Mountain

Zhang Zhentian explained: "Zhenhu is a bodyguard at the pharmacy in the county, and he just returned last night"

Zhang Heng asked himself if there was a way to deal with him

After all, in this day and age, nothing can be done without money; two taels of gold can alleviate countless worries

"Stay here with you?" Zhang Zhenhu was taken aback and asked, "What for?"

Cousin, who is this?

Zhang Heng candidly stated: "I will give you five yuan a month, how about that?"

Huzi, I see you are not young anymore, you should still be unmarried. Once you go up the mountain, which good family's daughter would be willing to marry you

Zhang Zhenhu remained silent for a while, then suddenly smiled and said: "Heng Ge, to be honest with you, I haven't been very satisfied with my work at the pharmacy. I originally planned to stay for a few days after returning this time, and then go to Baoping Mountain to have a look."

After all, in this day and age, those who can establish connections with overseas entities are all exceedingly wealthy

Zhang Hengxin understood clearly, and this matched perfectly.

However, the local militia in Daguo Town has always been relatively small in scale

It is essential to have a militia, as there are conflicts everywhere at present, and the number of bandits and bullies is increasing. One must always prepare for the worst-case scenario

Four people are seated, ordering four bowls of wonton noodles and three side dishes