radicalducati Chapter 197 The Last Moments of the French Concession
Chapter 197 The Last Moments of the French Concession
Three days later, the handover ceremony of the French Concession took place.
A banner announcing the "Handover Ceremony of the French Concession" had already been hung in front of the former French consulate.
The banner fluttered in the breeze, making it particularly eye-catching.
Chinese and foreign journalists gathered, and camera flashes went off one after another.
The Chinese journalists wore expressions of excitement, while the foreign journalists exchanged bewildered glances.
More and more Chinese people gathered to watch, some even waving small flags.
Chen Zijun, dressed in military uniform and wearing medals on his chest, stood at the entrance of the consulate.
His military uniform was impeccably tailored, and his medals gleamed in the sunlight.
Behind him were Shen Li and a squad of German-equipped soldiers.
The German-equipped soldiers, dressed in neat uniforms, held rifles and looked solemn.
British and American consuls Barton and Cunningham also arrived and stood aside.
Bardon was wearing a suit and had a forced smile on his face.
Cunningham, on the other hand, looked serious, as if he was thinking about something.
On the French side, the handover documents were signed by Consul General in Shanghai, Mr. Weil.
Wei Lide looked grim, clearly feeling humiliated by the ceremony.
His tie was poorly tied, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, making him frequently loosen it, which made him seem somewhat uneasy.
Actually, what he was worried about was never that the French Concession would be returned to Chen Zijun; what he was worried about was that he wouldn't be able to do business with Chen Zijun.
The reparations from Germany were enormous. They were so poor that they could barely afford a loaf of bread, let alone pay them back. They had to use those things to raise the money. These so-called "scrap steel" equipment allowed him to make a lot of money from Chen Zijun.
The French Concession is gone, it doesn't matter, but losing this business would be a real shame.
"Mr. Chen, we are ready," Wei Lide said in a slightly ingratiating voice, without a trace of resentment.
Chen Zijun smiled faintly: "Then let's begin."
Wei Lide gritted his teeth, took out the handover documents, and signed his name.
After signing, Wei Lide handed the document to Chen Zijun.
"Mr. Chen, the French Concession is officially returned to China starting today," said Wei Lide, his voice filled with resentment.
Chen Zijun took the document, glanced at it, and then put it away.
"Very good," Chen Zijun said.
He turned to face the reporters, and the flashbulbs went off like crazy.
Reporters raised their cameras, and the sound of shutters clicking filled the air.
"Fellow journalists, fellow countrymen," Chen Zijun's voice boomed, "Today is a day to remember. The French Concession in Shanghai, this malignant tumor of foreign colonialism against China, has finally been uprooted."
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
The Chinese journalists applauded excitedly, while the foreign journalists looked at each other in bewilderment.
"From today onwards, the name 'French Concession' will become history," Chen Zijun continued. "This is China's Fuxing District! An inseparable part of Chinese sovereignty!"
There was thunderous applause.
Chinese onlookers waved small flags and shouted "Long live China!"
"I want to thank the British and American consuls for their support." Chen Zijun looked at Barton and Cunningham. "It was because of their mediation that we were able to peacefully reclaim the French Concession."
Bardon and Cunningham forced a smile and nodded.
"Of course, I also want to thank Mr. French Consul, Mr. Weilde." Chen Zijun looked at Mr. Weilde. "Although the process was somewhat complicated, France ultimately made the right choice."
Wei Lide's face stiffened, and he remained silent.
His hands were trembling, clearly angered by Chen Zijun's words.
"The recovery of the French Concession was a diplomatic victory for China," Chen Zijun said. "But this is just the beginning. In the future, we will recover more concessions to fully restore China's sovereignty."
The applause grew even louder.
Chinese journalists took photos frantically, their flashbulbs going off.
The foreign journalists looked at each other, unsure of what to say.
Chen Zijun waved his hand, and the crowd quieted down.
"I know some people will ask what we will do after the French Concession is taken back," Chen Zijun said. "I can tell you that we will transform Fuxing District into a modern new district of Shanghai, making it a source of pride for China."
A cheer erupted from the crowd.
"We will build schools, hospitals, and factories here," Chen Zijun continued, "making Fuxing District the most prosperous area in Shanghai."
The applause grew even louder.
"The ceremony is now concluded," Chen Zijun said. "Thank you everyone."
Chen Zijun turned and left, followed closely by Shen Li and the German-equipped soldiers.
Reporters snapped photos frantically, their flashbulbs going off.
As Wei Lide watched Chen Zijun's retreating figure, a strange glint flashed in his eyes.
Bardon walked over to Wilhelm and patted him on the shoulder.
"Williams, forget it," Barton said. "Chen Zijun's so-called scrap steel business isn't something you can handle alone. The French government is weak right now; how can you possibly keep monopolizing this lucrative business?"
Wei Lide gritted his teeth: "Barton, you British and Americans are so weak. If it weren't for you, would our French Concession have come to this? Did you think your International Settlement could have escaped this situation?"
"Weak?" Cunningham sneered. "We just don't want to fall out with Chen Zijun. Look at his German-equipped divisions, look at his 150mm heavy artillery. If we fall out, he can take back our concessions too."
Wei Lide fell silent.
He knew Cunningham was right.
Chen Zijun's strength has exceeded their expectations.
"Moreover," Barton said, "Chen Zijun is using the pretext of a diplomatic victory to reclaim the French Concession. If we turn against him, we will lose moral standing internationally."
Wei Lide sighed: "I know. But without the French Concession, what will happen to me..."
"There's no use being unwilling to accept it," Cunningham said. "That's just how it is. We can only accept it."
Wei Lide nodded, a bitter smile on his face.
Chen Mansion, Study.
Chen Zijun sat in the chair, looking at the handover documents in his hand.
Mo Huixin walked in, holding an account book in her hand.
"Young Marshal, the asset inventory work following the handover of the French Concession has begun," Mo Huixin said. "It is expected that a large amount of wealth will be obtained."
A hint of surprise flashed in Chen Zijun's eyes: "How much?"
"It's still uncertain," Mo Huixin said, "but according to preliminary inventory, a large amount of gold, jewelry, and antiques are hidden within the French Concession. The total value may exceed ten million pounds."
Chen Zijun was startled.
Ten million pounds?
This is a huge sum of money.
"Very good," Chen Zijun said. "Let's use this wealth wisely. Expand the army and improve people's livelihoods."
"Understood," Mo Huixin said.
Chen Zijun put down the documents in his hand and stood up.
"The problem with the French Concession is resolved," Chen Zijun said. "Now, it's time to deal with other matters."
"Who is the young marshal?" Mo Huixin asked.
"Japan." Chen Zijun sneered, "Although Marcel has left, his collusion with Japan has not ended. Moreover, although Japan's intelligence network in Shanghai has been cleaned up many times, it seems to still exist, and it seems to be well organized."
Mo Huixin nodded: "Young Marshal, we discovered some strange things while inventorying the assets in the French Concession."
"Something strange?" Chen Zijun asked.
"The French seem to have destroyed some important documents before they left," Mo Huixin said. "Furthermore, we found a secret room in the basement of the consulate with some strange equipment inside."
A cold glint flashed in Chen Zijun's eyes.
"Something strange?" Chen Zijun said. "It seems Marcel didn't take everything. Let's go take a look."
Mo Huixin nodded.
"I'll arrange it right away."