Chapter 53 The Head You Want Has Arrived

  On the fifteenth day of the first month, Zhang Haishan's mansion on Huaihai Road in Shanghai was bustling with people. The heads of various gangs and representatives of different factions all gathered at Zhang's mansion. This is also a long-standing tradition of Shanghai's underworld. In previous years, people from all walks of life would gather at Huang Jinrong's mansion to discuss business and resolve misunderstandings. At that time, the proposal for this New Year's gathering was still put forward by Du Yuesheng.

  In just these two years, Huang Jinrong had long since closed his doors to guests, Du Yuesheng had fled to Hong Kong, and the various figures of Shanghai's underworld, no matter what thoughts they harbored, were all subject to the same circumstances: Zhang Haishan had already solidified his position as the number one figure in Shanghai's underworld, and now everyone came to pay their respects at his mansion.

  The servants in the Zhang Mansion were busy with joy, while the master of the mansion, Zhang Xiaolin, was still staying in his study discussing matters with his relatives Yu Ye and several trusted advisors. Outside, many people had arrived at the Zhang Mansion early in the morning to request an audience, but they were told that Zhang Xiaolin was busy handling official business and would not be able to meet with them until lunchtime. It was well-known that Zhang Xiaolin enjoyed grandeur and festivities, and last year at this time, he had led a large group of followers to welcome guests outside the mansion early in the morning. This year's situation was unexpected, so it was inevitable that various guests would have strange thoughts.

  At this time, Zhang Aoling was unable to express his grievances. The matter originated from him and Yu Ye Feng establishing an organization called the "New Asia Peace Promotion Association". After the Japanese army occupied Shanghai, they successively captured Nanjing and Hubei, although their military prowess was sharp, but the battle line had grown several times compared to before the war began, and the national strength of a small country was obviously insufficient to support the current state of war. The Shanghai garrison found Zhang Aoling in order to solve the problem of shortage of military supplies.

  Then Zhang Aoling and Yu Ye Feng jointly organized this "New Asia Peace Promotion Association", which specialized in collecting grain, cotton, coal and other military supplies for the Japanese, helping the Japanese to solve their urgent needs. Of course, Zhang Aoling also made a fortune from the national calamity.

  But just a week ago, in order to clear the sea area, Zhang Xiaolin instructed his own Shanghai Customs Enforcement Team leader Zhang to cooperate with himself and Bai San, who had been bought over, to eliminate Long Wang's forces in the outer sea and clear the hidden dangers for his own trade route. Unexpectedly, after receiving intelligence, Zhang led his men out to sea but never returned. At that time, Zhang Xiaolin had a premonition that something was amiss. To be able to get rid of Long Wang, Zhang Xiaolin had not put in less effort, instigating the Japanese to go out to sea and capture him, but Long Wang was elusive and they ended up with nothing. Then he bought over one of Long Wang's brothers and this time he got accurate intelligence that Long Wang only brought more than 20 people out to sea, thinking it would be an easy task, but unexpectedly it turned out to be this result.

  Sure, here is the translation:

  "Sure enough, next, Zhang Xiaolin's cargo ships were subjected to a crazy attack by pirates. In just one week, Zhang Xiaolin lost eight cargo ships, with losses of up to 10 million francs, and not only did the pirates plunder his cargo ships, but any of Zhang Xiaolin's ships that went out to sea would always encounter unexpected events, the accuracy of the intelligence was unbelievable."

  The house leaks and encounters continuous rain, in less than two days, Zhang Xiaolin's confidant, the executive director of "Xin Ya Peace Promotion Association" Feng Jinzhong was shot dead at Hui Zhong Restaurant. All the accounts he kept were gone, along with a batch of gold bars that he and Zhang Xiaolin had secretly intercepted from Yu Ye and the Japanese, which were also gone. This time it would cost Zhang Xiaolin his life. To know that those gold bars were worth millions of US dollars, most importantly, those account books, once they fell into the hands of the Japanese, Zhang Xiaolin would be finished. So as soon as he received the news, Zhang Xiaolin spat out a mouthful of blood.

  However, the bad news came one after another. Zhang Xiao Lin's right-hand man, Chang Shan Wu, was found with his throat cut in the bathhouse. Two of his subordinates who were with him also had their throats cut and were silenced. The killer vanished into thin air, leaving no clues to investigate.

  His warehouse in Lujiazui was also burned down at the same time, turning into a white land. The subordinates who received the warehouse were almost wiped out. What's even more astonishing is that the concession police station, which usually ran the fastest, didn't respond this time. Zhang Xiaolin made some discreet inquiries and found out that it was the intention of the concession consulate.

  However, this is not the worst news. The big-nosed foreigners in the International Settlement and French Concession do not know what medicine they have taken, and they actually start "banning smoking" with a straight face, completely forgetting how these people made their fortunes. For a whole week, all the police stations were mobilized, Zhang Yaolin's smoke houses were ordered to be closed, and nearly 100 of his subordinates were arrested.

  Looking at the helpless expressions of his subordinates, a chill ran down Zhang Xiao Lin's spine. A figure suddenly appeared in his mind - could it be him? In all of Shanghai, only he was capable of such precision! But, it didn't seem like him either. Zhang Xiao Lin knew his sworn brother well; this was someone who loved to save face and wouldn't do something so extreme! Then, who else could it be?

  Zhang Xiaolin stroked his own white short hair, falling into deep thought, his eyebrows twisted into a big "Chuan" character. Everyone looked at each other, holding their breath and concentrating, not even daring to make a sound.

  The butler came to report that it was time to start the banquet. Also, Wan Mulin had returned from Wuxi to attend the banquet, and Chang Yao had also arrived.

  Zhang Xiao Lin was taken aback, "Chang Yao?"

  Many of his subordinates, including Yu Ye Feng, were also discussing this. Zhang Shuo Lin was also a member of the Qing Bang, born into an official family in the imperial court of the Qing Dynasty. In his early years, he had been friends with Ji Yun Qing and Fan Jin Xiang, the master of Zhang Xiao Ling. He was a respected figure in the Jianghu world, but many years ago, he had already retired and was said to be living a life of luxury as a guest of a wealthy family. Many years ago, the two men had met before, and at that time, Fan Jin Xiang had asked Zhang Xiao Lin to treat Chang Yao with brotherly respect, proving that this man was also a member of the "Tong Zi Generation". But he had been in seclusion for many years, so why would he suddenly visit now?

  Lin Xiaotang and Ma Qixiang, Shen Pangzi sat at the same table as Wan Mulin, next to which was Zhang Xiaolin's main table. There was also an old man with the surname Chang who came with them, with a head full of silver hair, a shiny chin without any beard, and he kept sizing up Lin Xiaotang since they entered together, making Lin Xiaotang very surprised, but there was no hostility in the old man's eyes, only appreciation and encouragement.

  A commotion arose from behind the screen, accompanied by footsteps. Zhang Xiaolin led a group of disciples out in big strides, although he was nearly sixty years old, but Zhang Xiaolin took good care of himself, except for some gray hair, his whole person looked like he was just over fifty, wearing a bright red long shirt, looking very festive.

  After entering, Zhang Xiaolin first greeted the elderly with the surname Chang, "Brother, I'm sorry, it should be me who goes to pay my respects to you for the new year, how dare I trouble you to come all the way here!"

  Chang Yao smiled slightly, "Junior brother is being polite, it's been many years since I've gone out and about, my body has become lazy and slack. Taking advantage of the New Year's opportunity to go for a stroll, pay respects to old friends, and incidentally help a nephew with some small matters, but instead I'm causing you trouble!"

  Zhang Xiao Lin was taken aback, "Nephew? What did Shifu say...?"

  Chang Yao patted his hand, "First attend to our guest, we can talk about it later, it's just a small matter."

  Zhang Xiaolin didn't take it to heart and arranged for Chang Yao to sit at the main table, only then did he invite other guests to take their seats. The grand hall of Zhang's mansion could accommodate nearly forty tables of banquets, and all the guests who came were powerful figures from various Shanghai factions. After they took their seats, Zhang Xiaolin specially had Wan Mulin move to his own table, after all, he was Du Yuesheng's representative in Shanghai. Although he and Du Yuesheng were openly at odds, they still had to maintain a good appearance on the surface.

  After three rounds of wine, the guests at the dozens of tables were all old acquaintances and let loose to drink freely. Zhang Xiaolin made a round of toasts as a courtesy, followed by the guests' return toasts.

  Watching Zhang Xiao Lin's enthusiasm was quite high, his face was also slightly flushed, Wan Mo Lin gave a wink to Lin Xiao Tong and others, Lin Xiao Tong then came over with Ma Qi Xiang and Shen Pang Zi to toast.

  Zhang Xiaolin turned around and looked at him, his face suddenly sinking. "Mulin, what do you mean by this? It's the New Year, and you're still letting these young people come and bother me?"

  Wan Mo Lin smiled, "The previous matters were all my fault, Uncle, please don't take it to heart. Today, let the younger generation offer you a cup of wine and we'll consider this matter settled. After all, we're all working under the same name."

  Zhang Xiaolin snorted, pointing at Shen Pangzi and Ma Qixiang, "These two are your disciples. I can give you this face, but as for Lin Xiaotang, I want to see his head within a month. How about it?"

  Wan Mo Lin's face was calm and he didn't respond.

  Lin Xiaotang took a step forward, "Old Zhang, if you want to see Lin Xiaotang's head, it's simple, just right here!"

  Zhang Xiao Lin was taken aback, then his hair stood on end as he sprang to his feet, "Is it you?"

  Zhang Xiaolin's words caused a stir, and the whole venue suddenly fell silent, but soon everyone began to discuss it in an uproar.

  "Zhang Xiao Lin pointed at Wan Mo Lin, 'Wan Mo Lin, what do you mean by bringing this kid to my mansion? What are you thinking, could it be that you want to kill me?'"

  Wan Mo Lin slowly stood up, "Young master, your words are wrong. I brought him here as you asked, whether to kill or not is for you to decide!"

  Zhang Xiaolin's face turned red with rage, "Fine, you think I don't have the guts, is that right? Today, even if Old Man Du himself came, I'd still have to take down this little brat! Come on!"

  As soon as Zhang Xiao Lin gave the order, more than 30 black-clad men suddenly rushed out of the side hall, causing a great commotion in the venue. The guests retreated to one side, and the men surrounded Lin Xiaotang in the middle, their gun muzzles uniformly aimed at him.

  Wan Mulin sat down with a calm and leisurely air, coldly watching everything in the scene. Shen Pangzi and Ma Qixiang were simply pushed to one side, and the two of them drank wine on their own. Chang Yao, however, curiously looked at Lin Xiaotang, seemingly very interested in seeing how he would respond.

  Lin Xiaotang put down his wine glass and revealed a small black box in his hand, with wires hanging from it on his body. He chuckled, "Hehe, I've never tried having dozens of guns pointed at my head before, not bad, feels pretty good!"

  The Han people looked at each other, for a moment they didn't know what to do.

  Zhang Xiaolin was furious, "What are you all staring at? Didn't I tell you to take him down?"

  The big men made a move to grab someone, Lin Xiaotang waved his hand, "Hold on!" He quickly unbuttoned his coat, and his body was suddenly covered with packs of explosives.

  Note 1: Qi Yunqing. A Shanghai gang leader in the 1920s and 1930s, who was close to Huang Jinrong, Du Yuesheng, and Zhang Xiaolin. Li Shiqun, No. 76, was his apprentice. After the Battle of Songhu, Qi Yunqing surrendered to the Japanese through Li Shiqun and became a traitor. In 1939, he was assassinated by a Military Intelligence Bureau agent.