Xiang Xiaoqiang looked at the report about the white Rolls-Royce.
The first one was handed over by Dongchang. According to them, the alleys near Scissor Lane were as complicated as spider webs and it was foggy, so the white Rolls-Royce quickly disappeared from sight.
When we were following, Dongchang's car was a sedan, and it drove first, so it followed the front. The People's Guard's car was a truck, and it followed behind. It turned a corner and was thrown away, so the People's Guard's side was even more
Saw nothing.
The second piece of paper is the People's Guard Security Team's investigation of all white Rolls-Royces in Nanjing.
In fact, there are quite a few Rolls-Royce cars in Nanjing, but there are only 18 of these pure white ones, and they are basically used by women. After investigation, eight of them are large three-row cars, which belong to Her Majesty the Queen.
Which one? The remaining ten cars were the two-row ones they saw.
Among these ten cars, two belong to the Yanping Prince's Palace, one belongs to the Changping Marquis' Palace, one belongs to His Majesty's wet nurse, Mrs. Guangde, one belongs to the Princess Anqing's Palace, one belongs to the official residence of the Chief Minister, and one belongs to Liangyou Department Store
The chairman's mansion, one belongs to the chairman of Ning's Mining Company, one belongs to Mrs. Hannah Rothschild, and one belongs to the manager of Nanjing Morgan Bank.
Xiang Xiaoqiang looked at them one by one. When he saw them for the second time, his eyes fell on the "Residence of the Chairman of Ning's Mining Company".
Ning's Mining Company? It's a mining company... Could it be that they learned about the "mineral exploration" plan they signed with the royal family, so they are interested in them?
The mining plan I proposed at the time was clearly ridiculous in the eyes of others. If the royal family had not been anxious to lead a team to rescue people, there would have been no way they would have agreed to something that was almost child's play. What's more, these business tycoons were even more so.
Would a smart, practical person believe this kind of thing? Besides, even if they were really interested, the best way would be to send someone to ask for a meeting and talk directly! Such sneaky and clumsy snooping really doesn't look like their method.
.
"It's just these ten cars, and none of them have been checked for leaks?"
Xiang Xiaoqiang asked after complaining about his stomachache.
With a stomach ache, I read the information with sincerity and made several phone calls to inquire with my subordinates before confidently guaranteeing that there were only ten of this type of car in Nanjing and no one was missing.
"Very good," Xiang Xiaoqiang pointed to the Ning's Mining Company above and ordered, "Let me check this company secretly. I suspect that the car belongs to them."
Feeling a stomachache, he was a little surprised and asked hesitantly:
"Sir, can you tell me why you are suspicious? It's easy for my subordinates to find out."
Xiang Xiaoqiang was about to say, "You don't have to ask," but then he thought about it. He was right. He didn't reveal anything, and it was really difficult for them to start. The mineral plan will be started sooner or later, and everyone will know it if they are willing to take action.
.Now don’t hide it from your right-hand man.
He pondered for a moment and then told him about the "mineral agreement" he had negotiated with Zheng Gongyin and Jiang Meilu.
My stomach ache is indeed a stomach ache. Although I looked inexplicably surprised, I didn’t ask a single word, and I didn’t look at my boss like he was an alien. He just suddenly realized:
"My lord, if you say this, your subordinates will know."
…
"stand at attention--"
In the courtyard of the People's Guard barracks, Xiaoqiang gave a command, and several male and female officers in front of him stood at attention, heads raised, chests raised, eyes not squinting, and motionless.
Xiang Xiaoqiang looked with satisfaction at the few people in front of him who were about to participate in the medal ceremony with him.
Lieutenant Colonel Li Gensheng, commander of the mobile force, Lieutenant Colonel Rommel, staff officer of the mobile force, Major Gao Dayi, commander of the 1st Motorized Rifle Regiment, Major Zhang Ruhai, commander of the 1st Motorized Rifle Regiment, Major Sun Baoguo, commander of the 2nd Motorized Rifle Regiment, and Major Sun Baoguo, commander of the 3rd Motorized Rifle Regiment.
Major Fan Boping, the regiment commander, Captain Shi Shengli, the commander of the 1st Tank Battalion, and of course, their own treasures: Lieutenant Qiu Qiu and Second Lieutenant Shang Xiu, the adjutants of the People's Guard Commander.
It has to be said that the military ranks of the officers of the People's Guard are generally low. Starting from myself, there is no position where the position is commander and the military rank is only colonel. Even judging from the number of people under his command, it is enough to be a division commander. Division commanders are generally still
As for the major general. Xiang Xiaoqiang knew that this was because of his age. A general in his twenties was too incredible after all. But in this way, the People's Guards involved were all a bunch of "high-ranking officials" with low military ranks. Fortunately
Rommel from outside was only a lieutenant colonel. If he had been a colonel, it would be difficult for me to command him.
Everyone wore straight military uniforms, and those with medals wore big-brimmed hats with hooded flowers, white gloves, high military boots, and several school-level officers also hung up their swords. This is the Ming army and
The standard sword worn with military uniforms is a Western-style lightweight thing.
Qiu Qiu and Xiu Xiu, who were at the end of the team, wore blue and black navy uniforms and wore their first- and second-class plum blossom medals respectively.
Xiang Xiaoqiang always feels that the navy uniforms of the Ming army are better-looking than the army uniforms. The deep blue-black color always makes the fabric appear to be of high quality, giving it a very restrained and spotless feeling... Of course, wearing it on my beloved two
Xiao Nizi is even more pleasing to the eye.
"Everyone, everyone will see His Majesty tonight, and many big figures in the empire. His Majesty will also personally award medals to you!...Many of you have never met His Majesty. Your Majesty is very approachable, so don't be nervous. Medal award.
After the banquet is the banquet, and after the banquet is the dance. The great victory in the southern suburbs was due to everyone's bravery and hard work, so everyone deserves everything tonight!... Well, those female officers in the headquarters are very good.
Beautiful ones, please relax a little and ask them to dance, don’t lose the face of our People’s Guards!”
The officers under his command all laughed.
"Okay," Xiang Xiaoqiang smiled slightly and ordered, "Everyone - get in the car!"
Several large black cars slowly drove out of the People's Guard barracks and headed towards the winding mountain road in Zijin Mountain.
…
On the parking lot at the entrance to the fortress halfway up the mountain, Xiang Xiaoqiang paid special attention to the cars parked here. They were all black cars and military vehicles, not the white Rolls-Royce.
The report says that Mrs. Li and the Marquis of Changping each have one. They also live in the fortress. But even here, their cars cannot be parked on this temporary parking lot. They must have special garages.
Except for Xiang Xiaoqiang himself, no one who came with him had ever entered the Purple Mountain Fortress. When they handed over their guns and lined up to enter the thick concrete entrance of the fortress, every time they passed a turn guarded by machine gun holes, they met a group of people wearing armbands.
When the guards inspected him, they were even more awe-struck.
Xiang Xiaoqiang held his sword and strode into the deep mountain tunnel, his footsteps echoing in the distance. Every few meters on both sides, there was a guard wearing armbands and helmets. When he saw Xiang Xiaoqiang passing by,
, then he stood at attention with a snap and raised his gun in salute.
Qiu Qiu Xiuxiu, Li Gensheng and other officers followed Xiang Xiaoqiang nervously and excitedly, trying hard to maintain the dignity of an officer and looking straight ahead, but they couldn't help but look around with their peripheral vision.
Rommel is the one who has seen more of the world among these people and is also the oldest. But at this moment, his face is flushed the reddest, his head held high, his chest high, and his strides, showing off the style of a Great German officer. He is a man who values his sense of honor.
Heavier than anything else, although he is already in his forties and no longer young, his blood is already boiling at this moment.
When they followed the leading officer through the central command hall, they were all shocked. It was tall, broad, and resplendent, with busy officers, huge maps, telephone rings one after another, and the melodious central announcement, like a giant ant nest.
Like the center, the empire's highest command center conquered them all.
Qiu Qiu and Xiu Xiu, the two little girls, naturally opened their mouths and were speechless. Even Li Gensheng and the school-level officers were looking around, unable to use their eyes well.
Rommel's face turned red, he took off his hat, took out his handkerchief and wiped his nose, and said excitedly:
"I have to say, this great country is unconquerable. It's an honor to serve in such a great empire."
The officer who led the way was very experienced. He had led many people who entered the fortress for the first time. He let them look at it for a while, and then politely reminded them to follow him.
Passing through the central command hall, turning a few turns, going up several flights of stairs, and entering a passage. At the end of the passage, two doors are opened, and in front of you is the officers' mess.
The junior officer who acted as a waiter at the door took the invitation and said:
"Commander Xiang Xiaoqiang, Commander of the People's Guard, has arrived——! Mr. Li Gensheng, Commander of the Mobile Force of the People's Guard has arrived——! Mr. Rommel, Chief of Staff of the Mobile Force of the People's Guard has arrived——!..."
Xiang Xiaoqiang has never been to the officers' dining room, but it can be seen that it has been specially decorated today. The large dining room of more than 100 square meters is decorated with splendor and splendor. The cement floor is covered with carpets, and the walls are equipped with spotlights, beams of bright light.
It shines upward and shines on the thick cement wall, creating a special effect. There are some small doors around the large restaurant, which may be embedded with small restaurants, lounges, smoking rooms, bathrooms, etc.
Xiang Xiaoqiang knew at a glance that today was a Western-style buffet. There were several three-tier dining tables in the hall, with a variety of Chinese and Western dishes, desserts, fruits, shiny silver tableware and crystal cups.
It was dazzling under the light of the candlesticks. Parked next to each dining table was a small cart filled with wine. On top was a large brass ice bucket, and a large bottle of golden champagne was buried in the ice.
There are sofas scattered around, and some guests are already chatting. Because the space is small, there is no live orchestra playing, but there is a record player in the corner of the restaurant, with vinyl records spinning, and Bach's soft concerto playing from the golden trumpet.
spread out.
In fact, all this was Zhu Yourong's idea. The veteran generals in the headquarters did not approve of such singing and dancing when the troops were approaching the city. But Zhu Yourong liked doing these things very much. As soon as he moved into the fortress, he couldn't wait to have a party.
.But as the old men said, this kind of time is really not suitable for such fun. Xiang Xiaoqiang just happened to win a great victory in the southern suburbs for her, and the battle situation on the riverside was also improving. She came up with an idea to hold a medal awarding ceremony and banquet.
The ceremony and the dance are just incidental to the awarding of medals. With the issuance of medals as the "main course", no one can say anything about it.
There were less than ten guests at the scene. Xiang Xiaoqiang only saw two people he knew, Zheng Gongyin and the garrison commander Wang Hantang, so he said hello, walked over with the people around him, and introduced him with a smile. Rommel was a foreigner.
Naturally, it attracted the attention of the surrounding eyes. Foreigners were rarely seen in the fortress, and even if they were, they were British officers. This time, everyone saw that the foreigner had a different uniform and was wearing an Iron Cross. They heard that Xiang Xiaoqiang introduced him as a German officer.
, they all started whispering after nodding and smiling.
There are some foreign advisers and observers in the Ming Dynasty's army, usually British, with a small number of French and Americans, and some White Russians. But the Germans have never appeared. I heard that this German officer was still named.
Those who received medals and a few quick-thinking people seemed to smell a smell, a new smell from Germany.
"Viscount Zheng Yutang has arrived——! Miss Marquis Zheng Yutang has arrived——!"
Xiang Xiaoqiang looked back and saw that Zheng Gongyin's only son and eldest daughter had arrived.
Zheng Yuqing was naturally an old acquaintance of Xiang Xiaoqiang. She was wearing the latest Chanel fashion tonight, with diamonds sparkling around her neck. She handed the fox shawl and ostrich skin handbag to the waiter casually, and first put her arms around her father's neck and yelled coquettishly,
After being scolded by Zheng Gongyin with a smile, he looked at Xiang Xiaoqiang, who was wearing a military uniform and a sword, with a smile, nodded approvingly, and said with a smile:
"Master Xiang is the protagonist tonight!"
Xiang Xiaoqiang smiled modestly and said:
"Ms. Zheng, please don't make fun of me. It's not Xiang's turn as the protagonist tonight! It's just a fluke that Xiang is here tonight."
Zheng Yuqing said with a smile:
"Oh, Mr. Xiang is doing a great job. Well, he can speak official dialect. Xiang Xianxiang... No, I have to drink a little. I'm so thirsty..."
As he spoke, he picked up a glass of champagne and took a big sip. He choked and coughed. Zheng Gongyin laughed and cursed:
"This girl doesn't drink water at home. She comes here like a cow drinking water. She deliberately embarrasses me..."
Zheng Yuqing put down the cup, took the hot towel and wiped her mouth. She glanced at Qiuqiu and Xiuxiu behind Xiaoqiang. The two shabby girls didn't want to be embarrassed in front of Miss Marquis. At this moment, they both raised their heads and proudly showed off their beautiful clothes.
Uniform and medals on chest.
Just as Xiang Xiaoqiang was thinking about how to introduce her, Zheng Yucong smiled slightly and turned aside to say hello to the others.
Zheng Yutang has never seen Xiang Xiaoqiang, and has heard of some of his "misdeeds", but when I saw him tonight, I felt that he was not the image of a greasy-headed, powder-faced young man in my impression, but that he was very handsome, twenty-seven or eight years old, wearing an elegant banquet suit.
He looked at Xiang Xiaoqiang, patted his arms and shook hands in a familiar manner, and started chatting with him.
Another song sang at the door:
"Subordinate to the Ming Empire, His Royal Highness Shangrong, the crown prince of the Kingdom of Ryukyu, has arrived—! Concubine Chen, the princess of the King of Ryukyu, has arrived—!"
Before the singing ended, everyone in the court looked towards the door. Most people didn't know that the Crown Prince of Ryukyu and his mother, Concubine Chen, were also invited tonight. These are heavyweight guests. Although they are not as good as the others present.
The center is so close, but in terms of status, apart from His Majesty, they are the only ones tonight.
A young man in a black dress walked in with a middle-aged woman in a gorgeous dress on his arm. This was the future King of Ryukyu, Shoei, and his mother, Concubine Chen.
Shang Rong was in his twenties, dark and thin, and his body was hidden in a black dress, making him look even smaller. His eyes were very alert, looking around for something. Concubine Chen held her son in her arm, looking graceful and generous.
Nod in greeting.
The Ryukyu royal family had been in exile in the Ming Dynasty for many years, and all the concubines of the Ryukyu kings were Chinese. This family had long been integrated into the upper class society of the Ming Dynasty. Most of the distinguished guests present knew them, and they all came forward to greet and salute. Because it was a Western-style occasion, the men greeted Concubine Chen.
The empress kisses the hand and the lady curtsies.
Zheng Yucong was obviously very familiar with Empress Chen Fei, so she ran over and curtsied playfully, then took her arm and started chatting in a semi-coquettish manner.
Zheng Gongyin chuckled and stood up to go over to say hello, but Zheng Yutang stared at Ryukyu Crown Prince Shang Rong with a rather unkind expression. He was teased several times by his father before he reluctantly went over to say hello.
Xiang Xiaoqiang and the others have a lower status than the Zheng family and his daughter. They have to wait for them to say hello before they can go forward and wait to be introduced to the Shang family.
At this moment, Xiang Xiaoqiang touched his hair, adjusted his uniform and sword, glanced at his subordinates, and prepared to go over to meet the distinguished guest.
Qiu Qiu suddenly grabbed Xiu Xiu and asked:
"Hey, Xiuxiu, what do you want to do?"
"I...go to the bathroom..." Xiu Xiu hesitated cowardly, tilting her head and struggling slightly, "Where is the bathroom?"
Xiang Xiaoqiang smiled and said:
"Go back later. We are going to be introduced soon. That is the Princess of Ryukyu and the future king. I have to..."
He lowered his voice and laughed:
"I have to introduce you as my fiancée."
Xiuxiu's face did not appear happy and shy, but instead turned pale, and she said softly:
"I...I won't introduce you anymore. I'm going to the bathroom. I'm in a hurry..."
Qiu Qiu said angrily:
"Okay, how anxious can you be? It only takes a few seconds..."
At this time, Zheng Gongyin smiled from behind and said:
"Empress, Crown Prince, let me introduce to you a new star of our Ming Dynasty. He is a great hero in this battle to defend Nanjing! ... Hey, where is Xiao Xiang, Xiao Xiang, hehehe, come here quickly! Oh yes
Come on, bring your confidante here, hahaha!"
Xiang Xiaoqiang smiled and agreed, and together with Qiu Qiu, he dragged Xiu Xiu to the front of Concubine Chen and Shang Rong.