Tang Dao rested in the hotel for one night and was not in a hurry to go to the Jin Provincial Bank to exchange silver.
Instead, he first visited the 22nd Army's office in Linfen City in the early morning of the next day. After all, his current establishment was under the jurisdiction of the 22nd Army.
The director of the office is a colonel, who is of the same rank as Tang Dao. After hearing that Xia Dayu, who came to report, said that a member of the Four Elements Regiment was coming to visit, he actually brought his deputy with him and waited at the gate of the office, waiting for Tang Dao to arrive, giving him enough
Gained Tang Dao’s face.
Tang Dao is not stingy either. The Si Xing Regiment has come to the east of Shanxi. They are either fighting or on the way to fight. They have not yet met the top officer of the 22nd Army here. Although the office level is not high, it still represents the 22nd Army.
Group Army.
Tang Dao's gift was also ten large yellow croakers. One hundred taels of gold was only an acceptable gift for the old Shanxi man, but for the Jinchuan army who was short of food and clothing, it was a timely help, which could be exchanged for twenty
Thousands of kilograms of precious silver for military rations.
"Commander Tang, the 22nd Army is proud to have a name like you!" The colonel adjutant next to Li Jiayu, who was originally the lieutenant general commander of the 22nd Army, held the gift of Tang Dao with tears in his eyes.
It's not just money that can move you.
When Tang Dao first arrived in Linfen yesterday, he had a big fight with the Jinsui Army at the city gate. The city was already on high alert, so the news didn't reach this person's ears right away?
If it was just a riot and the riot was won, then at most it can only be said that Tang Dao has a profound background, and even the Jinsui Army dare not ignore it, but I heard from the grapevine that the reason for Tang Dao's riot was all because of one person.
A lieutenant of the Jinsui Army spoke rudely to the Sichuan Army in person. Tang Dao was furious on the spot. He fired a signal flare and ordered the cavalry waiting outside the city to enter the city in full force. He did not give the brigade commander any face and slapped him in front of him.
He gave the lieutenant 40 horsewhips and beat him half to death before he stopped.
This man's words were known to be exaggerated, and when they reached the ears of the Sichuan Army in the city, they were processed several times. Originally, the cavalrymen of the Four Lines Regiment were just waiting 300 meters outside the city gate, but in the end, they became the Sichuan Army, and the Four Lines Regiment
The regimental cavalrymen just loaded their submachine guns with safe bullets and prepared to enter the city armed.
For the honor of the Sichuan Army, Tang Tuanzuo's heroic image of sacrificing his life had moved the Sichuan Army in the city. Otherwise, the confidant of the commander of the group army would not have waited at the gate just because of Tang Dao's reputation.
Part of the reason was caused by Tang Dao's angry beating of the Jin-Sui Army lieutenant yesterday.
But the colonel never expected that Tang Tuanzuo would be so generous with his offer, giving him a hundred taels of gold.
Of course he knew that this was not for him personally, but for the 22nd Army, but it was also a great achievement. If the commander who was fighting in Xuzhou knew about it, in addition to thanking Tang Dao, the credit would be properly recorded in his office director.
On the body.
Of course, Tang Dao's trip was not in vain. The praise of the famous general was just in vain, but the director of the 22nd Army Office really gave him a lot of help.
Tang Dao originally just thought that this person had stayed in Yuancheng and Linfen for a long time and was more or less familiar with the current situation of various administrative agencies in Jin Province than he was.
Last night, the old man from Shanxi had specially delivered the three letters of appointment as county magistrate and the approval slip for purchasing ordnance from the Ordnance Department. The bank must have called him and told him that he only needed to bring the gold bars to exchange them.
However, after learning from the old man from Shanxi who had no bottom line, Tang Dao was cautious and thought of taking advantage of the visit to learn more about the Ordnance Department and other institutions, so as not to encounter shameless people again.
You should know that the approval note from the Shanxi old man only agreed to the transaction between the Ordnance Department and Tang Dao. As for the price and how to trade, Tang Dao had to negotiate it himself.
Because that's business, not military supplies.
In fact, even for military supplies, the list and what is actually available in the end will usually be discounted.
As an eyewitness, Tang Dao had personal experience with the corruption phenomenon during this period. Let’s not talk about the distant past, let’s just talk about the Battle of Songjiang. The 67th Army was ordered to defend Songjiang. At that time, the theater headquarters allocated five days of military rations.
Most of the military rations are potatoes, but there is also a small amount of fine grains, including rice and white flour packed in sacks.
As a result, when we arrived in Songjiang, the Logistics Department of the 67th Army unpacked the fine grains and almost lost their temper to death. The rice was old rice, not to mention it, as long as it could fill the stomach, but the rice contained at least one-third of the sand.
stone.
Businessmen are unscrupulous businessmen, but if there is no instruction from the chief of the theater logistics department or even a higher official, those unscrupulous businessmen would not dare to mix in so much sand even if they have the courage!
There was no Internet in that era, and there was no way to conduct live evidence collection and live broadcasts. Even if you sued, there would be no evidence. Besides, people were sure that no matter how bad the quality of the military rations was, you had to eat it! Especially when the war was urgent, even if Commander Wu had such a hot temper,
I can only swallow my anger for the time being.
Therefore, Tang Dao has always been very vigilant about the food, ordnance, ammunition and other materials allocated from his superiors. Many of them have to be checked on the spot, but it is basically of no use. He is already laughing if he only has two-thirds of the items on the list.
There is no way to prevent the people above, so the Four Corps can only be strict on their own, and there is almost zero tolerance for corruption internally. If a corruption incident occurs during non-wartime, and it is not very serious, they will basically take off their military uniforms and rush home, but if
In wartime, I'm sorry, no matter how outstanding your previous military exploits were, there is only one way to make a decision.
Fortunately, the Si Xing Regiment has been on the battlefield since it became an independent battalion, with almost no free days. Most of the battalion, company, and platoon leaders are promoted from lower-level soldiers, and they have not had the opportunity to degenerate.
The military law of beheading and decisiveness formulated by Tang Dao is still blank.
Tang Dao hopes that this military method will never be used, but from a human point of view, this is basically impossible. The only thing he can do is to give it to Leng Feng, Li Jiujin and other close generals when they have time, and use it on the battlefield.
If you were to kill some Japanese people who were secretly hiding some good stuff and be reported, the most you could get would be a whipping, but if you extend your hand to the regiment and take advantage of thousands of brothers, you would lose your head.
If the water is extremely clear, there will be no fish, but if the water is muddy, the fish will have difficulty breathing.
Tang Dao did not expect that as soon as he asked this question, Fan Shaoping, the colonel of the Sichuan Army sitting opposite him, burst out laughing and clapped his hands in joy: "Commander Tang, if you come to me, you have found the right person."
After hearing this explanation again, Tang Dao couldn't help but smile. The hundred taels of gold he got as a gift was really worth it.
It turns out that the offices of each group army stationed in Linfen are not just showy, but they are responsible for the important functions of coordinating relations between all parties and providing military supplies to the headquarters.
Logically speaking, the director of the office should be a major general, just like the 67th Army's office in Xuzhou, which has a division chief of staff. The director of the 80th Army's Linfen office is even more famous.
The famous general from all over the world, the famous saber "Snow Wind Sword" was designed by him.
Of course, Fan Shaoping, a mere colonel, is not qualified, even if he is someone close to the commander, but the senior officials of the 22nd Army are not stupid, so they certainly have their reasons for sending Fan Shaoping.
Fan Shaoping was in the Sichuan Army, but he was not from Sichuan, but from Jin Province, and one of his close relatives-in-law happened to hold a more important position in Jin Province.
The Director of the Ordnance Department is in charge of the largest arsenal and ordnance storage warehouse in Shanxi Province. Is this position important? It simply shouldn’t be too important!
It was in Yuancheng that Fan Shaoping hugged this man's lap, and he was able to get along well among the various ministries in Jin Province. Although he was not like a fish in water, as long as it was not too urgent supplies, how could he get some for the 22nd Army?
Otherwise, with the financial resources of the 22nd Army, it is estimated that they will have to confiscate food from those wealthy businessmen and carry out the name of the "Beggars Army" to the end.
"Commander Tang, if you want to go to Director Zhao to negotiate the purchase of ordnance and equipment, Fan can be your introducer and ask him to give you the best price within the adjustable price range," said the Sichuan Army colonel confidently.
said.
"Then I'll bother you, Director Fan!" Tang Dao naturally would not refuse the kindness from his colleagues.
In the afternoon, Tang Dao saw the director with the rank of major general in the Ordnance Department office.
"Sit down!" Although an acquaintance had already introduced him, Director Zhao did not show too much enthusiasm. He asked Tang Dao to sit down in a very business-like manner, and turned to his orderly: "Tea!"
"Director Zhao, this is a specialty from my hometown that Director Fan asked me to bring you. He said that the township party members are looking forward to my return home." Tang Dao did not sit down in a hurry. He first took out a small cloth bag from his body and handed it to him with both hands.
passed.
"The township party is looking forward to my return home." Director Zhao is also a home-loving person. Hearing what Tang Dao said, his face was a bit sad, but he did not dislike the simple small bag that Tang Dao handed over.
.
As soon as he opened it, the yellow-orange light made him silent for at least two seconds. When he raised his head again, the expression on his face softened. He stuffed the small bag into the desk drawer without leaving any trace, turned around and rushed.
Someone shouted outside the door: "Bring on the fragrant tea!"
"Brother Tang, you have the approval slip from the commander. As long as we have inventory in the warehouse of the Ordnance Department, we will not sell it. Why spend so much money? In terms of price, the department has price tags for all kinds of ordnance. Unless it is approved by the commander, otherwise
There is nothing I can do!" Director Zhao sat back in his chair and explained to Tang Dao helplessly.
Based on his life experience, Tang Dao was both recommended by an acquaintance and given a heavy gift. The so-called hometown specialty just now was a few small yellow croakers, weighing at least seven or eight taels. He must have wanted to lower the price.
Although he has certain authority, it is also limited. What he can do without any effort is to meet Tang Dao's needs as much as possible. As long as there is some in the warehouse and Tang Dao can afford it, he will sell it!
For the sake of acquaintance and money, this person's words were quite candid.
"There are military rules in the army. Since the price has been set, how can Tang Dao force it? Our 22nd Army only hopes that Director Zhao can look at the friendly forces and give it to us at a preferential price within the scope of authority.
." Tang Dao replied.
"This, there is no problem. For purchases exceeding a certain amount, our department will also have a certain amount of reduction!" Hearing Tang Dao say this, the smile on Director Zhao's face became a little wider.
It's easy to earn money and give out favors. I'm afraid everyone would be happy.
"In addition, I would like to change the payment method, and I would like Director Zhao to agree to it!" Tang Dao continued.
"Oh? Let me tell you, but according to the commander's order, our Ordnance Department does not accept any credit and will only pay in cash!" Director Zhao frowned.
In his opinion, Tang Dao was just trying to get something wrong. If he wanted to owe money, he would take away the weapons. Not to mention giving away a few taels of gold, even if he multiplied it by a hundred, he didn't have the guts! This was all a want.
his head.
He has been following that master for 20 years since he was a guard platoon leader next to him. He knows his temper very well. He is not afraid of you being greedy. It is your child's ability to get money from others.
, but if you want to touch his cake, it’s the rhythm of chopping off your hands and chopping off your head.
The Ordnance Department is nominally owned by the province, but from top to bottom, there is someone who is not that person. Most of the profits earned are put into that person's personal pocket. If he dares to pay on credit, he can't just take advantage of that person.
Selling favors for money?
If he dared to do this, he probably wouldn't have to wait for the Japanese to come over. The grass on his grave would be half as tall as a man, in the warm spring breeze.
"Director Zhao, please don't get me wrong. It's not credit. Cash is still cash, but it's not cash or legal currency, but gold. Director Zhao, you can convert it according to the market price, but please do it for the sake of the township party, Director Zhao."
, no handling fee is charged, you also know that our 22nd Army is very tight in military supplies right now." Tang Dao said quickly.
"That's it! If there's no problem with the quality of the gold, that's fine." Director Zhao felt much more at ease.
Although gold is not a currency in circulation, it is hard currency, which is much better than the depreciating legal currency. The handling fees are not important. Anyway, the wartime financial tax is only for other people. The Ordnance Department and banks are all old men's industries. Banks are still
Can I ask my family to collect financial taxes?
However, Director Zhao is still a smart man, and he has always believed that seeing is believing, and will never let Tang Dao fool you, which is commonly known as the saying goes, "If you don't see the rabbit, don't let the eagle fly."
When Tang Dao ordered the cavalry waiting outside the Ordnance Department to bring in the large boxes containing gold, Director Zhao randomly selected a few boxes to test the quality of the gold, and his attitude toward Tang Dao became much better again.
That was Teacher Xiao He and a group of people who spent two days smelting all the seized gold, including gold jewelry, and then making the gold bars using standard molds. The weight error was accurate to 0.0001 grams, and many impurities were also removed.
The overall weight was a full 100 taels less than when it was seized and counted.
Tang Dao brought nearly ten thousand taels of such high-quality gold to his father, the gold owner!
The sponsor's father naturally responded to his requests in person. Everything on the list was available. The Ordnance Department warehouse always kept the output of two arsenals for a month. Anything not on the list could be bought as long as it was available in the Ordnance Department warehouse. The old man liked it.
It's white flowers and golden flowers, not dusty steel.
Because of the large number, it took an entire afternoon just to check the prices of the items, but these were handled by the officers of the Military Supplies Department of the Fourth Army Regiment, while Tang Dao was responsible for sitting in the office and drinking tea.
However, the treatment at this time has changed to "Brother Tang, please take a seat" and "Come on, please have a nice fragrant tea".
It was busy until the evening. In addition to loading all the ordnance and ammunition into the trucks, many bulky equipment, steel raw materials and other materials had to wait for the arrival of all the four-pronged regiment's supply camp before they could be loaded and transported, which would take at least three days.
However, all payments have been made, all in gold, and not a cent has been spent.
Tang Dao is not afraid of the Shanxi old man defaulting on his debt. If he dares to default on his debt, he will lead the cavalry battalion to destroy the Ordnance Department. In the end, it will only be the Shanxi old man who is embarrassed.
This is Tang Dao's answer to the Shanxi old man who has no bottom line. If you dare to take advantage of me, then I will make you lose a hundred times.
Originally Tang Dao was going to the Jin Provincial Bank to exchange for 20,000 taels of gold. According to the current market price, one ounce of gold is worth 32 U.S. dollars. One U.S. dollar can be exchanged for about 4 oceans. One tael of gold is 50 grams, which is equivalent to 1.763 ounces. If
Twenty thousand taels of gold can be exchanged for more than 4.4 million in cash.
According to the wartime financial tax paid by the Shanxi old man after his "fracture", this is also a tax of 22,000. If it is less than 10,000 taels, that is a loss of 11,000 oceans.
This wave of tricks by Tang Dao was no less harmful than the two of Little Baldy and Peng Chong who had eaten ten pieces of foreign snacks.
It is said that the old Shanxi man who learned about this incident almost died of anger. The unlucky director who was made to stand outside the small courtyard and thought about it couldn't figure out what he had done wrong.
The money, Tang Tuanzuo paid in high-quality gold, was all deposited in the Jin Provincial Bank. This arms transaction also earned an old man at least more than 200,000 yuan.
To say it was a bit selfish, it must be said that Tang Dao also bought some things that were not on the list, such as some old machine tools snatched from Yuancheng, generators and some steel raw materials stored in the warehouse.
But those gadgets now do not have enough transportation capacity to be transported to the arsenal branches in Shaanxi and Sichuan provinces. If left there, they will only collect dust, mold and rot, and may even become trophies of the Japanese army when the Japanese army comes again.
The old man himself said that if someone buys it, it is not impossible to dispose of it cheaper.
He sold them a little cheaper. Regardless of their functions, the old machine tools, motors and other equipment were packaged and sold for a total of 100,000 yuan. The steel materials were basically packaged and sold at half the original purchase price, and the sales were enough.
200 tons, but when I applied for it, the old man smiled and praised him for his business skills!
Why did he immediately turn his back on me after less than ten minutes? What a dog-like face!
Besides, in addition to making money and selling old equipment and raw materials that are currently unusable, he also created extra profits by turning waste into treasure!
A middle-aged man who originally stayed in prison and deserved to die of old age and consume food, was sold alive for a high price of tens of thousands of yuan, and he was still able to continue to create profits for the Shanxi Provincial Ordnance Department.
Tang Dao has signed a contract, guaranteeing that for every ton of explosives produced, it will pay the Ordnance Department a royalty of 300 oceans.
Isn't this a cornucopia for the old man, so that money will continue to flow into his account in the future?
Everything was done so perfectly, but in the end, I was forced to stand and think for 12 hours. My thighs and calves were almost swollen from standing. It’s strange that Director Zhao didn’t feel aggrieved.
He didn't know, but fortunately he did things well and took the gift from Tang Dao without putting his hand into the old man's purse. Otherwise, his leg might not be swollen but dead.
And he helped the Shanxi old man get that cornucopia, and the man who will continue to make profits from the Four Elements Group in the future is actually one of the biggest goals of Tang Dao coming to Fen.
It's just that Tang Dao needs to be exchanged for gold, and ordnance needs to be purchased, and it is very worrying to discuss the strategies and tactics of southeastern Shanxi. Everything is very important, and even a century-old fox like the old man from Shanxi has been deceived, let alone
Talk about the Director of Ordnance.
That man is definitely a magical man. It is no exaggeration to say that he is the father of explosives in the arsenal in Jin Province that ranks among the top in Asia.
