Chapter Sixteen: Times of Crisis Reveal True Character

  As the revolutionary army's eastern expedition achieved victory after victory, Guangzhou City, which had been in a state of unrest, gradually regained its vitality. The streets and alleys slowly became bustling again, and about half of the major shops reopened for business. An Yi's life returned to its busy and fulfilling state before the revolutionary army's eastern expedition.

  The Lychee Garden at No. 2 Pujizhai, Renji Road, is named after a magnificent pomegranate tree in the courtyard. This exquisite courtyard, covering an area of only one mu, is a typical representative of Lingnan architecture. The two-story high blue-brick and gray-tiled building has carved beams and painted rafters, with fine wood carvings on the windows and doors, and even the granite stone base at the entrance is intricately carved with patterns. The walls on both sides are filled with roses and jasmine that bloom in all seasons. On the west side, there is a one-meter-high circular well mouth made of a single piece of stone, and above it stands an elegant six-sided pavilion. The entire courtyard complements the main building, creating a beautiful and magnificent scene.

  In the elegant and simple front hall, Lao Dao slept on a wooden rocking chair left by the original owner, extremely leisurely. Next to the rocking chair was a low table with a cup of fragrant wulong tea, making him look relaxed and natural, thoroughly enjoying himself.

  "Halt! You read that the main force of the Eastern Expedition is in the Swatow area, waiting for dawn to launch a final general attack. But I feel like there's more to it than meets the eye. Half a month ago, this Central Daily also said so, with phrases like 'victory is within reach' and 'the enemy will be defeated without a fight'. So why hasn't the Eastern Expedition ended yet? How many people have been misled by these overly optimistic reports... If my guess is correct, the Revolutionary Army must have encountered some problem. Otherwise, why did they change their original momentum and not pursue their victory, giving Chen Jiongming's remnants a chance to catch their breath? There's something fishy going on! Xiao Yi, what do you think?" Old Dao slowly sat up, opened his eyes, picked up his tea cup, took a sip, and waited for An Yi's opinion.

  Since moving into this new house, Lao Dao's body has become much stronger. He thinks it is due to the Feng Shui and the subtle rhyme of the four pillars and five elements of his birth chart and the flow of the year's fortune. An Yi insists that it is the result of the fresh air and a comfortable mood.

  An Yi still liked to drink plain water, and put down his cup uncertainly: "Since the news of Mr. Sun's death came in mid-last month, after the Eastern Expeditionary Army defeated the main force of the rebel army Lin Hu's division occupied Wuhua, there have been no greater achievements. During this time, I have also been thinking about this problem repeatedly, and I always feel that Yang Ximin's Yunnan Army and Liu Zhenhuan's Guangxi Army are slow to advance, which is very problematic. What kind of army only marches five kilometers a day? A three-year-old child can crawl through this distance in a day, so I suspect that the Yunnan and Guangxi armies are indeed disheartened and disunited as you said, and I am even more worried that they will secretly collude with Chen Jiongming and the warlords of Guangdong's northern and western regions, or even Guangxi and Yunnan, to overthrow the National Government in Guangzhou, cut off the revolutionary army's retreat route, drive the revolutionary army to Fujian, and then sandwich it between the Zhili clique and the southern warlords to thoroughly defeat the revolutionary army. This is not impossible, as the current Republic of China is more chaotic than the Three Kingdoms period at the end of the Han Dynasty, and nothing that happens is surprising."

  The old man was taken aback, sitting up straight and silently gazing at An Yi: "Little Yi, you've grown up, your mind is becoming more mature, I'm delighted! Your words just now were beyond my expectations, but also within my expectations. Most of your views coincide with mine. As for obtaining information, it's much easier for me than for you. Every day, people come to my stall to have their fortunes told, and I casually chat with them, whether they're wealthy merchants or military officers, they'll tell me certain things. But you're different, the news you get is either from newspapers or from me. That's why your words just now surprised me so much. It seems that these few months of reading books, practicing calligraphy, and quiet contemplation have been very helpful to you. Your thin gold body brush script is gradually becoming more angular and worth looking at. Your habit of organizing news before bed every day has also benefited you greatly."

  "Haha, it's rare for you to praise me twice! Haha! Never mind that. When Dongzi comes back, ask him what's being discussed within the government. These past few days, Dongzi has been evasive and unwilling to explain the reason for his overtime. I reckon it's their confidentiality system that's stopping him from telling me. You can ask him, he'll feel more at ease with you. As for me, starting tomorrow, I'll be busy. Mr. Ou sent a telegram from Britain, saying that the large batch of machinery and parts we ordered will arrive in Guangzhou within four months. The telegram specifically instructed me to assist Chen Zhanggui in clearing out stock and accumulating funds as soon as possible. So, starting tomorrow, I'll have to follow Chen Zhanggui around to the eight major business firms, carefully taking stock of our assets. As for you, if you have time, cook your own meals; if not, just grab something to eat at the street stalls or restaurants nearby. If you're in the mood, go ahead and drink a couple of cups – it's all up to you. After all, this place is close to the bustling city center, so even if you want to visit a brothel to let off some steam, I'll support you, haha!"

  "Nonsense!"

  The old man glared at An Yi with dissatisfaction: "I'm telling you, I've been feeling that something is going to happen these past few days. Based on your flow year fortune calculation, recently there's a calamity number lasting for two weeks. Although the hexagram shows surprise but no danger, secretly presenting a situation of benefiting from disaster, it's absolutely not possible to be careless and test one's luck... Hey! Can you hear me? Where are you going?"

  "Someone is knocking on the door, it sounds like Ah Piao, I'll go take a look."

  An Yi quickly walked through the front yard and opened the gate. Ah Biao was covered in sweat, his face pale: "It's not good. The merchant house has been surrounded by Yunnan troops. They must be requisitioning our car. Mr. Chen refused to hand it over immediately and was beaten up. His glasses were smashed and his face was covered in blood. Ninth Uncle rushed over but before he could say a word, he was also beaten. Those Yunnan troops are demanding we provide the car and driver. They're threatening that if no one shows up within ten minutes, they'll set fire to the house."

  "You go back immediately and tell everyone not to provoke them. Tell Manager Chen to agree to their demands. Otherwise, if they really set fire, our losses will be huge. Tens of millions of yuan in inventory! How can I explain this to Mr. Ou? You hurry up, I'll change my shoes and arrive right away."

  An Yi finished speaking and turned to run back into the house. A few steps up the stairs, he changed into a pair of sturdy rubber-soled canvas shoes with straps. Running down the stairs, he loudly told the anxious old Dao: "There's an urgent matter in the store. I'll go take a look first. Don't worry. It's just that the army is requisitioning our car. You go to bed early. If I don't have time to come back tomorrow, you might as well bring over Erniang and her child to stay with us. Let Erniang help us keep an eye on the house, buy groceries, and cook meals too. It'll save us from going hungry sometimes. See you later!"

  The old man chased out of the gate: "Be careful, kid! Don't be reckless and show off. Remember what I told you. It's better to yield than die..."

  An Yi was blown to the outside of the business hall by a gust of wind. As soon as he lifted his leg to step onto the steps, he was kicked to the ground and rolled twice. Two Hanyang-made gun muzzles were immediately pressed against his chest.

  "Don't shoot! I'm the store's owner. I'm the driver!"

  The two guns were withdrawn, and a squad leader-like person shouted loudly in Yunnan dialect: "Then why didn't you say so earlier? You've annoyed Master, one shot will kill you!"

  "Brother Guo, I'm an employee of the store, driving... it hurts so much..."

  When Pai heard An Yi's Sichuan dialect, his face improved a lot, and he even stretched out his hand to pull An Yi: "Are you from Sichuan? Why didn't you say so earlier? You suffered a kick from Zhao Lao Er for nothing, get up... I'll take you to the backyard to see our battalion commander. If you were one step late, we would have really burned down this bird's nest."

  An Yi thought to himself, "Does he think I'd give him the chance to talk? Although he hated it, he had to follow them into the store. Looking at the burning torches inside and outside the store, An Yi knew that these Yunnan soldiers were not bluffing. If they really couldn't satisfy them, they would dare to set fire to the store, achieving a deterrent effect of killing one to warn a hundred.

  "Company Commander, the driver is here!" The platoon leader reported loudly.

  The short and stout camp commander with a square face and thick eyebrows glared at An Yi, then turned to the trembling Chen Zhanggui and shouted loudly: "Damn you! You don't drink the toast but instead drink the penalty wine. I'm fed up, I'll kill this treacherous merchant first! What are you waiting for? Open the warehouse!"

  Under the coercion of dozens of Yunnan army officers and men holding torches, An Yi walked to the front of the camp commander in surprise, and begged in a low voice in Sichuan dialect: "Commander, inside are some damaged processing machines that need repair, and others are some heavy cutting machines, rolling machines and so on. Commander, it's useless for you to go there, why not take the car away? Tell me the address of your big camp, tomorrow morning I'll send a few pigs to Commander as a sacrifice."

  The squad leader's mood improved a lot after hearing An Yi's words, but his face was still ferocious: "Nonsense! I told you to open it, just open it. If you hesitate any longer, I'll order the demolition!"

  "Alright! Sir, don't be angry, I'll open it right away."

  An Yi quickly walked up to Chen Zhuang's front, took the warehouse key from his waist which was shaking uncontrollably, nodded to the terrified fellow workers on the side, indicating for them to move aside. He then walked over to Jiu Shu and said in a low voice: "Uncle Jiu, you shouldn't have come! At your age, if something were to happen, how would I explain it to Mr Ou... Ah Piao, help Uncle Jiu back home!"

  "But... will they let us go?" Abao dared not take liberties.

  Under An Yi's pleading gaze, the squad leader hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly. He knew that none of his men could drive, and they would still need the help of this Sichuan kid later on. Today was mainly about the truck, and seeing what valuable things were in the warehouse was secondary. As for letting an old man go, it didn't matter much either way.

  An Yi bowed to the camp commander and thanked him, letting Ah Biao support Jiu Shu to hurry back. Jiu Shu was so moved that he burst into tears, shouting loudly: "Xiao Yi, you must take care of yourself! From now on, you'll have to help them transport goods and fight..."

  "It's all right, Ninth Uncle, don't worry."

  An Yi was deeply afraid that the camp commander would lose his patience, and didn't even have time to take a glance at Ninth Uncle before hastily walking towards Warehouse No. 2. The camp commander saw that this young man was filial and honest, and secretly praised him, following behind An Yi with several people as he opened the warehouse door.

  "Bring torches in and have a look!" The camp commander ordered loudly.

  Two minutes later, four little soldiers came back to report: "They are all cumbersome machines, can't even push them, no oil or water."

  An Yi respectfully said: "Sir, please follow me to Warehouse No. 1."

  The squad leader and several soldiers carrying torches walked into warehouse No. 1, only to see some grinding machines and cast iron bases. Several large wooden crates were left unopened due to lack of tools, and in disappointment, they turned around and left without a word.

  An Yi quickly followed up: "Officer, follow me to warehouse No. 3 ahead, I'll open it right away."

  "Alright! What a bunch of useless trash are you all? You little brat, start the car right now, I need to go back and report!"

  "Alright! The car key is with our boss, I'll go get it right away. Please wait for a moment, officer, I'll be back immediately."

  An Yi rushed towards Chen Zhanggui, who was stunned and covered in blood. In his heart, he secretly called himself lucky. If the third warehouse had really been opened, the more than 300 new sewing machines inside would not have been preserved. Fortunately, he had reacted quickly, otherwise the consequences would be unthinkable!

  An Yi handed the key to Chen Zhuanggui, lowering his voice and speaking quickly in Cantonese: "It's all right, I've fooled them. Fortunately, they didn't hurt you. After I leave, you immediately go find Hans at 'Lu Lin' Commercial Firm and ask him to help us move all the imported goods from the four firms worth hundreds of thousands to the warehouse on Sha Mian Island. The rent is a bit expensive, but it's okay as long as it's fast! I think Guangzhou City is going to change. Otherwise, these so-called revolutionary troops wouldn't dare be so reckless under the nose of the National Government. Only the warehouses rented by foreigners on Sha Mian Island are safe. If Hans doesn't agree, you tell him it was me who asked him. After I've dealt with this trouble, I still have important matters to discuss with him. Got it?"

  "Oh... I remember! Here, the key..."

  Chen Zhanggui tremblingly took out the car key, but unexpectedly was too afraid and his fingers didn't listen to commands, the key fell to the ground.

  An Yi picked up the key, let out a sigh to Chen Zhuanggui, and ran to the side of the truck under the tree, opened the door, and found that dozens of Yunnan military officers had already climbed onto the carriage waiting. An Yi cursed in his heart, but smiled sycophantically at the regimental commander: "Commander, please sit in the driver's cab, it's not so bumpy inside, and you won't get wet from the fog. I can also listen to your teachings, it's been a long time since I heard our Sichuan-Yunnan dialect, it sounds familiar!"

  The squad leader was taken aback, then burst out laughing: "Damn it, you little brat are quite clever, haha... Alright! Today I'll have a good chat with you, open the door!"

  "Yes!"

  The soldier carefully opened the right car door and waited for the battalion commander to get in and sit down before closing it gently. An Wei quickly started the car and drove out of the courtyard smoothly, with dozens of soldiers who failed to catch a ride grumbling and running after the car, soon leaving the commercial building inside and out.

  The car turned out of the road and headed west to Guanzhong, the short captain saw that An Yi's driving skills were so good and his mouth was so sweet, he laughed loudly with joy: "This kid is talented, he's a genius! When we get back to the big camp, I'll paint the number on the car door and front and rear, and give you a set of military uniforms. From now on, you little guy will be my personal driver! Haha!"

  An Yi was shocked and frightened, his hands and feet were numb, and he couldn't even hold the steering wheel steady.

  In the Tai Chang store, Old Ninth, who had been hiding outside, turned back and asked about the withdrawal of the Yunnan army. After understanding what happened, he said sorrowfully in front of a dozen or so apprentices: "Boss, look at this! Xiao Yi forced himself to smile and take risks with the Yunnan army for our sake, for the sake of these tens of thousands of dollars worth of goods. This trip is more ominous than auspicious! But how do you usually treat him? You scold him, bully him, make things difficult for him... when has he ever said a word against you? When has he not listened to your orders? The master from the Western world sent a telegram asking you to take stock of the goods with him, but you resent him... Look at today! If it weren't for Xiao Yi, we wouldn't have lost tens of thousands of dollars worth of goods, and who among us would dare say they could return safely? I'm old and can no longer work, but before I leave, I want to advise you: as a person, you must have a conscience...

  PS: Unexpectedly, just one week after the book was released, it has risen to third place in new books, and there are also 7,600 collections now. Thank you very much for everyone's support! Continue to ask for recommendation votes and collection, thank you!