Resistance against Japan: Starting with the local militia

Chapter 9 Arms Trading

Early the next morning, Tang Weiguo took Tang Xiaohu in a rickshaw to their destination – the 30th Army's garrison.

The rickshaw took Tang Weiguo and his party through many twists and turns before stopping in front of a military base.

"Sir, we've arrived. The 30th Army's garrison is just ahead." The driver carefully brought the rickshaw to a stop.

"Okay, wait here for me for a moment, I'll be back later." Tang Weiguo told the pulling driver to stop and wait there.

Tang Weiguo then walked towards the entrance of the military compound, with Tang Xiaohu following behind.

"Who goes there? This is a military area. Entry is strictly prohibited. If you know what's good for you, leave now!" The sentry standing guard at the entrance of the military compound shouted at Tang Weiguo and his companion as they approached.

"Sirs, excuse me. I'm looking for Director Tang Ming of the Quartermaster Department. I'm a distant relative of his, named Tang Weiguo. Could you please inform him?" Tang Weiguo said as he approached the sentry and secretly slipped two silver dollars into his hand.

The sentry who had spoken took the money and discreetly slipped it into his pocket. Tang Weiguo, observing the sentry's practiced movements, thought to himself that this guard must have received many bribes regularly.

The sentry who received the silver dollar looked at Tang Weiguo with great satisfaction, his eyes repeatedly revealing: "This guy is good. I didn't even have to say anything. He's too shrewd."

"Since you're Director Tang's relatives, you two wait at the gate now, I'll call them for you." The sentry walked towards the guardhouse, put down the phone, and dialed a number.

"Hello, transfer to Director Tang of the Quartermaster Department."

Director Tang was lying in his office chair, smoking a cigarette. He looked very relaxed, with his legs on the desk and a newspaper in his hand. He seemed quite content.

Suddenly, the phone rang, and Tang Ming picked it up with some displeasure.

"Hello, who is it?" Tang Ming asked without much curiosity.

"Hello, is this Director Tang? I'm the sentry on duty at the gate. A young man came to the gate of the military compound and said he's a distant relative of yours."

"Where would I get so many relatives? Tell him to get lost. Whatever kind of Tom, Dick, or Harry comes looking for me, I, Director Tang, am not that idle," Tang Ming said, somewhat displeased.

"Received, Director Tang, I'll make them get lost," the sentry at the door replied.

Just as Tang Ming was about to hang up the phone, he suddenly remembered that a distant cousin of his had come to buy weapons last time, and he had made a small profit. He had even said that he was buying them for his young boss.

Thinking of this, Tang Ming asked, "Wait, what's that person's name?"

"Director Tang, he said his surname is Tang and his name is Tang Weiguo," the sentry in the gatehouse replied.

"Tang Weiguo, that sounds familiar. Isn't that the young master my distant cousin mentioned? Looks like business is coming my way again." Tang Ming perked up and said into the phone.

"Hmm, I remember now. I have a relative named Tang Weiguo. Have him wait at the door for a moment, I'll be right out," Tang Ming instructed.

"Received, Director Tang."

After Director Tang hung up the phone, the sentry put down the phone and came to Tang Weiguo, saying, "Wait a moment, Director Tang will be here shortly."

"Thank you, sir." Tang Weiguo bowed to the sentry who had spoken, then stood aside at the door to wait.

Before long, Tang Weiguo saw a portly officer emerge from the military compound, whisper a few words to the sentry at the gate, and then walk toward Tang Weiguo.

Upon seeing this, Tang Weiguo stepped forward and greeted him warmly.

"Director Tang, it's an honor to meet you for the first time."

Upon hearing Tang Weiguo's response, Tang Ming warmly said, "Nephew Tang, I miss you dearly. You don't need to call me Director Tang; calling me Uncle Tang is much more intimate."

"Then I'll take the liberty of calling you Uncle Tang," Tang Weiguo said with a smile.

"We're all on the same side, there's no need for formalities," Tang Ming said nonchalantly.

"Uncle Tang, this is Tang Xiaohu next to me, Tang Yun's son," Tang Weiguo introduced to Tang Ming.

"Hello Uncle Tang, my father asked me to give you his regards," Tang Xiaohu said politely.

“I haven’t seen your father in a long time. The last time I saw him was through a letter from him. When you go back this time, tell your father to come to the provincial capital so I can give him a proper welcome,” Tang Ming said to his nephew.

"I thank Uncle Tang on behalf of my father. I will definitely tell my father when I get back," Tang Xiaohu said.

"Nephew, what brings you to the provincial capital to see Uncle Tang?" Tang Ming asked deliberately.

"Uncle Tang guessed correctly. The main reason I came to the provincial capital this time was to bring some local specialties from my hometown for you to try. Also, I have a small favor to ask you to do." Tang Weiguo emphasized the words "local specialties".

"They're all my nephews, no need to be so polite. Just tell Uncle Tang, and he'll definitely help if he can," Tang Ming said confidently.

"Uncle Tang, I wonder if you're free at noon? I'd like to invite you to a meal," Tang Weiguo said.

"I had things to do today, but for my nephew's sake, I've canceled them all. I'll spend today with you." Tang Ming, a veteran official, still had a knack for platitudes.

"I'm flattered, Uncle Tang. I've reserved a private room at Tianxiang Pavilion for lunch today. How about we eat and chat?" Tang Weiguo said.

"You're so kind, nephew. I'll definitely be there for the banquet on time today," Tang Ming replied.

"Alright, Uncle Tang, see you at noon." After saying goodbye to Tang Ming several times, Tang Weiguo had the rickshaw that was waiting there return to the inn.

Afterwards, Tang Weiguo, carrying a small box, went to Tianxiang Tower with Tang Xiaohu.

Around noon, Tang Ming, dressed casually, arrived at the banquet on time. After a few rounds of drinks, Tang Weiguo explained his purpose. "Uncle Tang, I have a small favor to ask of you."

"What is it?" Tang Ming pretended not to know, but he already knew what Tang Weiguo wanted to do with him.

"Nephew, I'd like to buy another batch of weapons. Things aren't peaceful back home right now; there are bandits everywhere. I want to expand the local militia," Tang Weiguo said directly.

"Wow, nephew, this is no small favor." Tang Ming pretended to be very surprised.

“This year is different from last year. The situation is tense now, and the arms trade is becoming increasingly restricted. Selling arms is not easy now, nephew. Uncle Tang can't help with this right now either,” Tang Ming continued.

"Besides, even if Uncle Tang can get weapons, they're a bit expensive. These days, everyone from the division commander down to the company commander has to be bribed. Their appetites are getting bigger and bigger, so it's not easy to deal with them." Tang Ming revealed a helpless expression.

"We're all seasoned foxes, what kind of ghost story are you trying to pull with me? You won't act until you see the rabbit." Tang Weiguo thought to himself after so many years in the workplace of later generations.

Seeing Tang Ming say this, Tang Weiguo said, "Uncle Tang, it's precisely because it's difficult to buy weapons that I've come to trouble you."

"Xiao Hu, bring up some local specialties from your hometown for Uncle Tang." Upon hearing Tang Weiguo's words, Tang Xiao Hu took out a small box from his package and placed it in front of Tang Ming.

"Uncle Tang, take a look at these local specialties from my hometown. They're just a small gift, nothing special," Tang Weiguo said, feigning ingratiation.

Tang Ming opened the box and saw ten gold bars lying inside, gleaming brightly.

“Nephew, you’re so kind. I really like this local specialty. Since you’re so sincere, I can’t refuse to help you out.”

Looking at Tang Weiguo in front of him, Tang Ming couldn't help but admire how good this young man was at handling things.

He coughed lightly: "So, how much do you want this time?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Weiguo revealed a sly smile: "Since Uncle Tang has said so, then I won't stand on ceremony! I'll take as many as you want!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Ming nearly choked on his drink, spitting it all out. Seeing this, Tang Weiguo quickly got up to pat Tang Ming's back and asked with concern, "Uncle Tang, are you alright?"

Tang Ming, regaining his composure, stared wide-eyed at Tang Weiguo: "Nephew, have you struck it rich lately? Why are you talking so arrogantly?"

Tang Weiguo scratched his head and smiled sheepishly: "Uncle Tang, I was recently bullied by bandits and learned a lesson. Bandits hoard guns, I hoard grain, I am the bandits' granary. If my money is going to be stolen by bandits, I might as well buy a gun in advance and fight them."

"Hahaha, nephew, that's a really brilliant idea."

Tang Ming pondered for a moment, then slammed his hand on the table with a hearty laugh: "Alright! Tomorrow you'll come with me to the armory, and you can pick whatever you want!"

Upon hearing this, Tang Weiguo was overjoyed: "Really? Thank you, Uncle Tang!"

Tang Ming waved his hand with a smile: "Why are we being so polite, uncle and aunt? Come on, let's keep drinking!" After saying that, he raised his glass to Tang Weiguo.

"Uncle Tang, bottoms up!" Tang Weiguo downed a glass of wine.