Chapter 8 I'll get some money for everyone

  The Treaty of Shimonoseki signed on March 23, 1895 marked the end of the First Sino-Japanese War and also marked China's defeat in the war. Before the war, the Far East was basically a contest between Russia and Britain for dominance, with China and Japan being constrained by unequal treaties imposed by Western powers, both of which were considered to be in a state of national weakness. After Japan's victory in the war, it became a major power in Asia, completely shedding its semi-colonial status. China, on the other hand, was defeated by the Japanese, whom they had previously looked down upon, and was forced to cede territory and pay indemnities, leading to a complete loss of confidence among officials and civilians alike, with China's international standing plummeting as a result. The failure of the war sent shockwaves through Chinese society, unprecedented in scale. The Qing government's independent finances were also bankrupted as a result, forcing it to borrow from Western powers to survive.

  Kang Fan understood that although he was powerless to change the outcome, there were still things he could do. The bold plan he had been brewing was aimed at the huge war reparations, and if he could get his hands on a part of it, the development funds for the camp would no longer be a worry. According to the treaty, the Qing government had to pay 230 million taels of silver in reparations, almost equal to all the opium sold by Britain to China since the Opium Wars! The first installment of 50 million taels was due within six months after the exchange of ratifications, which was now, in the fourth month of Guangxu's twenty-first year. As recorded in history, this payment was made in four installments in London, converted into pounds by the Chinese embassy and handed over to the Japanese embassy. Since the handover location was not within the country, Kang Fan could not carry out his robbery plan for now. However, the Japanese army had also plundered a huge amount of money and goods from China's occupied territories, and it would be exhilarating to snatch some of it back. The most suitable location should be in Shandong Province's Weihai area, where the Japanese army was still active, and there would always be opportunities for Kang Fan to seize.

  To build and develop a good camp, financial support is needed. It's not possible to do much with just the money from selling those goods. It's time to implement this robbery plan. Kang Fan was afraid that Zhong Hanqiang would disagree with his plan, so he just said he had something to take care of outside. Zhong Hanqiang saw his resolute attitude and didn't ask any more questions, agreeing to it.

  Kang Fan unloaded the supplies and weapons from Xiao Gong's SX2300 and put them away. Then he drove the car to a spacious area by the river, where he and Zhong Hanqiang inspected it together. They drained the fuel tanks of the other two cars and filled up the SX2300 with diesel as a reserve. This trip to Shandong was over 2,000 kilometers round-trip; if they ran out of fuel, the consequences would be unthinkable.

  Don't worry, this oil is enough for you to drive to the moon, said Zhong Hanqiang.

  After preparing the materials and equipment for the road, Kang Fan set off. He didn't know how to explain this trip to the students, as the construction work at the camp was in full swing and it was a time when he was needed, but he had to leave at this moment, which was really untimely, so he simply didn't say anything. Just after setting off not far away, he saw Mei Xiang and Adolf catching up from the rearview mirror, and he hastily stepped on the brakes.

  Also didn't know to say a word before leaving. Mei Xiang complained about him.

  Kang Fan smiled and said nothing, as it wasn't the right time to speak.

  Mei Xiang furrowed her brow, "How many days will you be back?"

  Kang Fan shook his head and didn't speak. He squatted down beside Adolf's ear and said: "Adolf, after I leave, you must take good care of Mei Xiang, understand?" As he spoke, he pulled over Mei Xiang's hand and placed it on the back of Adolf's neck.

  Adolf let out a low humming noise, as if in response.

  I'm leaving, Mei Xiang. Kang Fan said as he stood up.

  Mei Xiang stared blankly at him, her eyes shining with tears. Brother Zhong said you're definitely going to do something dangerous this time, but he knew he couldn't stop you so he asked me to ask you. Tell me the truth, Kang Fan.

  Kang Fan was in a difficult situation, but he absolutely couldn't tell the truth. Such a dangerous thing, no one would agree to it. His mind was made up and wouldn't be shaken. He lovingly used his fingers to caress Mei Xiang's delicate lips, and after a long time, with a serious expression, said: Wait for me to come back.

  Mei Xiang grasped his hand tightly, refusing to let go. Kang Fan firmly pulled out his hand, his expression turning cold. Mei Xiang understood that she couldn't stop Kang Fan anymore and tears streamed down her face. Without hesitation, Kang Fan got into the car and stepped on the accelerator. The powerful 450-horsepower diesel engine of the SX2300 emitted a muffled roar, driving the eight wheels to crush over the bumpy ground, and in an instant, it rushed out of the valley.

  He Shuikuo, He Shui Chang's younger paternal uncle, was a successful businessman. With the financial backing of his clansmen and support from officialdom, coupled with his own exceptional courage, his business grew bigger and bigger, with operations spanning the entire country. The goods Kang Fan had sent over the past few days had truly shocked this worldly merchant, who asked him repeatedly about their origin, but Kang Fan refused to say.

  It's just a small thing, not worth mentioning. Kang Fan brushed it off.

  He Shuikuo was even more surprised, and with a bow, he said: At present, the war has just ended, the political situation is turbulent, the people's hearts are boiling, making it extremely difficult to do business. The goods provided by Brother Kang are all purchased by high-ranking officials or foreigners in China, although the price is relatively high, but the sales channel is excellent. If we can get Brother Kang's stable and sufficient supply, it will be a great help to our He family, truly a fortunate event for the He family!

  Kang Fan also returned the courtesy, and Shui Kuo's words were heavy. These goods are just a drop in the bucket. However, if Shui Kuo has any intention, the supply of goods will be timely and sufficient. This move by my brother is also for the livelihood of our clansmen, and I take this opportunity to thank them on behalf of our clansmen.

  He Shui hastily supported both hands, then handed a box of silver to Kang Fan, which was the proceeds from selling goods. Please let Brother Kang use it first, and the remaining part will be delivered in a few days.

  Kang Fan hastily declined, saying: "It's all thanks to the Ge family brothers' generosity that we've been able to settle down in this land for so long. We haven't even had a chance to express our gratitude yet, how can you ask for money?! Take it back, take it back!"

  He brothers strongly refused. Kang Fan had no choice but to take a part of it, for the expenses on the road, and left the majority of it, saying that he would not accept anything else.

  Kang Fan said: This time I came to visit, it was not for asking for money, but for another matter.

  He brothers chorused: Brother, speak quickly.

  Kang Fan asked: I've heard that Shui Kuo's business is vast and extensive, don't know if there are any plans in the seaport or river port?

  He Shuikuan replied: Tianjin has its own docks, shops and workers. Brother Kang, just give the order if there's anything you need.

  Kang Fan said: After a while, brother has a large shipment of goods to be transported back from Shandong, taking the water route is the best. I'd like to trouble Water Broad brother for help.

  He Shui thought for a moment, then wrote a note and handed it to Kang Fan. He told him that when he went to Shandong, he could contact the person written on the note, and everything would be taken care of.

  Kang Fanxi couldn't help but put away the note and said: Brother, I'm afraid it will take some time for me to go this time. I still hope that the He family brothers can help take care of those clansmen under me. Thank you, thank you!

  He Shuichang happily agreed and said: "Brother Kang, please go ahead. I will take care of things here and won't leave any leftovers." After finishing speaking, he ordered the kitchen to prepare some smoked meat, pickled vegetables, and flatbread for Kang Fan to eat on the road as dry rations.

  Kang Fan got in, bid farewell and left. In the woods by the river, he started up his hidden sx2300 and headed east. To avoid unnecessary trouble, he only drove through uninhabited wilderness or at night, eating and sleeping in the car. Five days later, he saw the vast blue sea through binoculars.

  It is currently unclear what the outcome of this operation will be, and Kang Fan plans to limit it to two months. Regardless of the result, he must return to the camp. If the gain is small, there is no need to contact He Shui Kuo's people in Shandong. If the gain is large, it's not too late to contact them later. After that, Kang Fan wandered around Weihai by car or on foot. In more than half a month, he only encountered two Japanese military messengers, who were penniless. Kang Fan killed them with an 88-style sniper rifle from a distance and only got two war horses, two horse knives, and two village rifles, which was really frustrating! So he decided to continue waiting.

  It's been so many days, the food he brought with him had long been eaten up. After running out of rations, Kang Fan relied on hunting and picking wild fruits and vegetables to fill his stomach every day, but in the end, he couldn't bear to kill those two tall and handsome war horses to fill his stomach, he liked them too much. On the 28th day, Kang Fan finally decided to treat himself and found a village to buy cooked beef and buns, wolfing them down while walking back and forth. Suddenly, he heard a shrill cry from among the pedestrians: The Japanese pirates are coming! The Japanese pirates are coming! After the shouting stopped, the whole village immediately fell into chaos. People rushed to flee, trampling each other, and the situation became chaotic! The owner of the restaurant where Kang Fan had just bought beef and buns was unmoved at this time, standing at the door of his shop, twirling his mustache, calmly watching the chaotic streets, as if he didn't belong here.

  Why didn't Uncle run away? Kang Fan asked curiously.

  The boss replied: This is my home, where should I escape?

  Kang Fan was stunned, not knowing what to do next. He patted the pistol under his armpit and continued to devour the familiar beef and buns. The boss poured him a cup of hot tea from the store and secretly placed an old bird gun behind the door. The two chatted intermittently, exchanging glances with passing Japanese soldiers on the desolate street.

  This was a massive convoy escorted by Japanese cavalry. The carts were all four-wheeled vehicles pulled by six horses, with large carriages covered in coarse cloth of different colors, tightly sealed, apparently carrying important goods. There were about three to four hundred Japanese soldiers escorting the convoy, all gripping their guns and vigilantly scanning the surroundings, ignoring the presence of Kang Fan and his group.

  Kang Fan bid farewell to the restaurant owner with a strong personality and drove away, following the Japanese military convoy from a distance.

  At night, after the convoy camped beside a village, Kang Fan sneaked in to take a look. He crept up to a horse-drawn carriage, lifted the canvas cover, and saw that it was loaded with red-painted wooden chests. Using his 95-style military knife, he cut open one corner of a chest, reached inside, and pulled out a silver ingot. His heart immediately began racing: Finally, I've been waiting for this big catch! He quickly put the ingot in his pocket, rearranged the chest and canvas to their original state, and quietly slipped away.

  Kang Fan's top priority now is to get in touch with He Shuikuan's people in Shandong, and it would be best if they could wait near the coast of Weihai for convenience. On the way, he spotted a passerby with a suitable build, knocked him out with one punch, dragged him into a thicket, stripped off his outer garment and straw hat to put on himself, and before leaving, stuffed some silver coins into the man's chest as a thank you note. Following the address on the note, Kang Fan inquired along the way and found He Shuikuan's eldest brother, He Shui Kuan.

  He Shui Kuan has been doing business in Tianjin for many years, and due to his advanced age and poor health, he usually lets He Shui Kuang handle external work. This time, it was because He Shui Kuang was visiting He Shui Chang who was not by his side, and there was an urgent matter to attend to in Shandong, so he came personally. He had already heard about Kang Fan's situation from his brother, so although the two were meeting for the first time, they were not strangers. After some small talk, Kang Fan directly got down to business.

  Shui Kuan brother needs to send a trusted person to assist his brother in handling goods, and at that time, several carts and workers will be needed. It's best if the goods can be loaded onto ships near Weihai and then transported directly to Tianjin by water. Kang Fan said.

  He Shuikuan said: Yantai has its own business, and there is a foreman to guard it. For brother, just send a letter to him, and after Kangdi leaves, everything can be instructed directly. Brother will now take the boat to Yantai Wharf to wait for Kangdi's party.

  Kang Fan bid farewell and left with the 110 workers dispatched by He Shui Kuan. After getting on the official road, Kang Fan made an appointment with them to meet in Yantai before parting ways. Kang Fan drove alone and found the worker who was guarding at the Yantai dock. The worker had already received a letter from He Shui Kuan, and after meeting, he handed Kang Fang a bamboo cage containing two carrier pigeons, explaining how to use them.

  We are waiting in Yantai, and after receiving Mr. Kang's flying letter, we will come over immediately to gather. These pigeons have been with us for many years and are absolutely reliable, said the foreman.

  Everything was ready, just waiting for the right opportunity to arise. On the night of the day when they re-tracked the Japanese army convoy, the Japanese army camped in a mountain valley. The valley was not large, located on one side of the official road, surrounded by low hills on three sides, with only one side facing the official road open. The wind was small, the bright moon hung high, and the geographical and climatic conditions were just right for taking action. Kang Fan suppressed his excited heartbeat and tried to do things calmly.

  Took down the few hand-thrown poison gas bombs brought from the car, wore them on his body, put on a gas mask, and approached stealthily to the throwing distance. The white poisonous fog that emerged from the poison gas bomb quietly and quickly spread out, covering the entire valley in no time. At this moment, the moonlight was very bright, illuminating the valley clearly.

  Despite this, Kang Fan still opened the night vision scope on his gun and closely monitored the Japanese army's movements. Fortunately, there was only a gentle breeze, and the toxic fog floated in the valley, slowly drifting southward.

  Kang Fan hid in the upwind direction, wrote down the location on a piece of paper, inserted it into the message tube on the pigeon's leg, and released it. The Japanese troops in the mountain valley did not discover Kang Fan's existence, and after searching everywhere without finding anything, they still maintained their combat formation, guarding the original position, tightening their forces, and waiting vigilantly. However, what they were doing was the most fatal; they remained motionless for a long time, exposed to the toxic fog, and symptoms of poisoning gradually began to appear.

  About three hours later, the foreman and workers divided into five teams, each team with ten mule carts arrived at the scene. I really admire the strength of He's family, in such a short time to gather so many vehicles, horses and personnel!

  The poisoned Japanese soldiers and horses all fell to the ground, losing their cognitive abilities and perception of the external environment, rendering them powerless against Kang Fan's next actions. Kang Fan put on his gas mask again, went down to explore the road, and only then did he realize that there were three horse-drawn carriages carrying those red-lacquered wooden boxes, two of which were loaded with silver ingots, while the other was loaded with golden ingots! The rest of the vehicles were mostly loaded with guns, ammunition, supplies, and equipment, all of which were extremely valuable. After waiting for the poisonous fog to disperse, Kang Fan ordered the workers to cover their faces with their coats and enter the valley one by one. First, they had them move all the red-lacquered wooden boxes onto the SX2300, then use the sturdy horses brought along to harness the Japanese army's carts and take them away. They also looted all the useful things from the Japanese soldiers' personal equipment and weapons. More than 200 warhorses that were scattered on the windward side eating grass fortunately escaped this attack and were taken away as well. Under the cover of night, the team set off towards Yantai in a grand procession.

  Hand these things over to He Shuikuan for disposal, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. After Kang Fan finished speaking, he stuffed all the remaining silver on his body into the hands of the worker and asked his brothers to drink a toast, it's hard work!

  The boss bowed and thanked him, then led the crowd away.

  Kang Fan drove the SX2300 to escort them for a while, then returned to the original place and waited until dawn. After confirming that there was nothing unusual around, he prepared to leave. Originally, he had thought of killing all the Japanese soldiers who were unconscious, but after trying hard for a long time, he couldn't bear to do it. In the end, he gave up. A strong sense of joy after success stimulated every nerve in his body, and he trembled like wild grass in the spring breeze...