Chapter 0003: The Turbulence (Part One)

Mu Sanshou almost monopolized the influential newspapers in the Huangpu area, promoting every day on the front page. Under such an intensive propaganda campaign, Ye Qinghong's name quickly became widely known, and her rise to fame could be described as comet-like. Her extraordinary beauty attracted many admirers, but it also drew the attention of ambitious individuals who wished to possess her or even claim her as their own. However, most of them merely harbored such thoughts; no one dared to act on them unless they were willing to forfeit their standing in the French Concession or had grown weary of life.

This plump middle-aged man was once a eunuch in the imperial palace. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, a portion of the eunuchs remained in the palace, while most were dismissed and forced to fend for themselves. Liu Decheng was one of them. With a bitter expression, Liu Decheng said: "No matter when, in front of Third Master, I am always a servant."

Mu Sanshou's expression suddenly darkened again, and he coldly said: "The Qing Dynasty has fallen, where are the servants to be found? Liu Decheng, do you still consider yourself a eunuch?"

Although it is night, the blind man still wears sunglasses, not for show, but because at night, his vision becomes exceptionally sharp, allowing him to see clearly the objects in the darkness. However, there is also a drawback; he is afraid of the stimulation from bright lights. When God opens a door for you, He inevitably closes a window. There has never been anything in this world that is perfect.

Mu Sanshou waved his hand in annoyance and said, "Speak quickly if you have something to say, and let it out if you have something to release, I have matters to attend to"

As Luo Lie skillfully lit his cigarette, the blind man took out a copper coin to pay for the fare. Upon seeing one of the drivers receive the coin yet still extend his hand towards him, the blind man angrily exclaimed, "What do you want? Is it not enough?"

In the drizzling night rain, the once bustling French Concession appears somewhat desolate due to this unexpected autumn rain. However, there is one place that remains vibrant and lively, the Moulin Bleu, established by the French businessman Belmont. Although this cabaret has only been open for six months, it has successfully attracted the attention of various dignitaries in the French Concession, with high-ranking officials and nobles visiting almost daily for leisure and entertainment. Half a month ago, the singer Ye Qinghong, who had returned from studying in France, took up residence here. Her enchanting voice and captivating dance moves quickly drew the attention of numerous high society figures in the French Concession. Logically speaking, it would be impossible for a new cabaret star to gain fame in Huangpu in just half a month, but she has a powerful backing supporting her.

The blind man reacted immediately, walking over with a beaming smile, extending his hand to help the young officer brush off the ash from his body: "Sir, I apologize, I apologize..." Just as his hand made contact with the young officer's body, it was forcefully pushed away against his chest, extremely roughly. If it weren't for Luo Lie supporting his back in time, he would have likely fallen heavily to the ground.

The young officer cast a cold glance at Luo Lie, said nothing, and strode through the entrance of the Blue Mill.

It was not until he smelled the acrid stench of burning that Mu Sanshou finally extinguished the smoking pipe, heavily knocked on the table with his hand, stood up, and extended his two fingers, yellowed from the smoke, saying: "Two things: first, never mention her identity; second, get out of Huangpu, go as far as you can, and do not let me see you again!"

The young officer was dressed in a yellow-green military uniform, with a matching woolen overcoat draped over him. His black high-waisted leather boots were polished to a shine, and he wore black lambskin gloves. His tall and imposing figure was wrapped tightly, and even his pale and stern face was shrouded in the shadow of a hard-brimmed hat. He paused for a moment, his footsteps halting as he looked down at the area on his chest that had been soiled by ash, wrinkling his brow in distaste.

Luo Lie reminded him, "It is best not to provoke the military personnel."

Entering the Blue Mill, I found a relatively secluded corner to sit down. After ordering drinks, the blind man leaned forward and whispered, "That kid is carrying two pistols." A "pistol" is what they refer to as a firearm, and they have become accustomed to communicating in this manner.

Because it was not a matter of great importance, I, as a servant, momentarily neglected to remember it. I just learned that the princess has returned from France, which is why I hurried to meet her. Unexpectedly, I encountered a swindler at the City God Temple along the way, and I was caught in a scheme due to my momentary inattention

In the center of the crowd, two individuals walked in side by side. On the right was Master Mu San, and the other person, dressed in military uniform, was short and stout, perpetually holding a cigar in his mouth; he was Ren Zhongchang, the military governor of northern Jiangxi. As they entered, Ye Qinghong was just stepping onto the stage, and the attention of everyone present was focused on the stage, inadvertently overlooking these two significant figures. Although Ren Zhongchang held considerable power in northern Jiangxi, he was not well-known to the public in Huangpu. His visit to Huangpu was to seek military funding and to request a meeting with the French consul. Despite being a local warlord in northern Jiangxi, he had no foundation in Huangpu. Without an introduction, the French consul would have no interest in meeting a local warlord like him. Therefore, he thought of Mu San, with whom he had business dealings. It was well-known that Mu San had extensive connections in the French concession and had recently been elected as the only Chinese director of the Public Board. Naturally, he became the first choice for connecting with the upper echelons of Huangpu, and Mu San did not disappoint him. Within a week of his arrival in Huangpu, Mu San had already arranged for him to meet with three directors of the Public Board, and a meeting with the French consul was scheduled for two days later.

The scene was filled with thunderous applause, and even the blind man could not help but take off his sunglasses, focusing intently on the stage, eagerly anticipating the appearance of Ye Qinghong

"Sir, you are worth two of others..."

"Third Master, I was robbed at the City God Temple."

At half past nine in the evening, two rickshaws stopped in front of the Blue Mill. The first to alight from the vehicle was Luo Lie, dressed in a black suit, wearing a bowler hat, and draped in a black overcoat. He had a tall and elegant stature. Following him was the blind man An Zhai, clad in a camel-colored suit, which, however, did not fit well; the buttons on the front could not be fastened, leaving it wide open and revealing a protruding belly, making it particularly conspicuous

The blind man smiled and said: "Lu Weilin, a minor major of the Feng faction."

The money is of secondary importance; what is more concerning is that I have lost the token that the prince entrusted me to deliver to the princess during his lifetime

The blind man was clearly provoked, looking up with his face raised and pointing at the young officer: "What do you mean?"

The blind man remained indignant: "I detest these dogs who look at people with greedy eyes the most." This phrase is his own modification and improvement.

Only after his figure disappeared did the blind man indignantly say: "What’s so impressive? Damn! A mere major dares to act so arrogantly?"

Luo Lie pulled down his arm while apologetically smiling at the young officer, saying, "I apologize, my brother has had too much to drink"

The blind man shook his head: "The military? A mere insignificant official. This is Huangpu; not only him, but even if their warlords came here, they would still have to bow their heads and walk under the eaves of the French Concession, always having to consider the foreigners' opinions. " At this point, he couldn't help but become a bit agitated: "When did it become the case that these foreigners are in charge of our China?"

Luo Lie raised his wine glass, swirled the red wine within, and said softly: "You do not understand the affairs of the state, nor is it your place to worry about them"

"Do you believe I will hit you!" The blind man raised his fist and glared with his small eyes wide open. Money is secondary; mocking someone with one's own weight is something that cannot be tolerated.

Luo Lie furrowed his brows, feeling somewhat helpless about the blind man's old habit of plucking feathers.

The corner of Luo Lie's eye caught sight of the young officer's position, seated in the northwest corner, having chosen a place that was not easily noticeable, just like them. He sat there alone, having removed his overcoat and taken off his military cap. The dim light illuminated a face that was cold and indifferent, with sharp features and a serious demeanor. His gloves were neatly placed together on the left side of the small round table, and in front of him, a crystal glass contained half a glass of red wine, which had not been touched so far.

Why didn't you mention it in the past

Luo Lie handed a few copper coins to the coachman and casually pulled the blind man towards the main gate

Mu Sanshou slowly turned his head, his gaze piercing like two sharp swords, causing Liu Decheng to feel a chill in his heart, and he timidly lowered his head

Luo Lie took half a cigarette and stuffed it into his mouth. The blind man took a puff and immediately remembered something, then spat it out with a "puh!" The cigarette butt gracefully traced an arc in the night sky before accurately landing on a young officer's body.

The blind man scoffed disdainfully, taking out his recent spoils from his pocket: an officer's identification card, which bore the unit number and rank. He had just swiped it from a young officer. Although the blind man was stout and bulky, he possessed a pair of remarkably nimble chubby hands

Luo Lie couldn't help but slap the top of his head. The blind man, fearing that his hairstyle would be messed up, quickly ran his hand through his hair and then, with great pride, winked at Luo Lie. Luo Lie had already guessed what he had done and lowered his voice, saying: "Don't forget our main purpose for coming here"

Although Luo Lie is a year younger than the blind man, he is meticulous in his work, possesses an outstanding overall perspective, and is vigilant, maintaining a clear mind in any environment. These qualities are precisely why he is able to impress the blind man. While everyone on site is focused on the stage, eagerly anticipating the appearance of Ye Qinghong, Luo Lie notices a group of people entering from outside.

Mu Sanshou pointed to Liu Decheng's right hand, indicating for him to raise his hand

As soon as Liu Decheng raised his hand, Mu Sanshou pressed the scorching white copper smoking pot onto his palm, causing Liu Decheng's plump face to contort in pain, with cold sweat the size of mung beans dripping down his forehead. However, intimidated by Mu Sanshou's authority, he dared not utter a single sound, and despite the cramping pain in his palm, he did not dare to pull away.

At this moment, a French man dressed in a black tailcoat appeared on stage. He first spoke in a rapid stream of French, then loudly proclaimed in an exaggerated and peculiar tone: "Now, let us welcome our beautiful Sophie, the radiant flower from Europa, the most dazzling star of the evening—Ye Qinghong!"

Help! The efficiency of the patrol officers in the French Concession is still acceptable

The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every individual