Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Conspiracy

The next day, Cetaro went to Nasu Keigo in Jinyu Alley to report on his visit to Wen Baotai, and expounded his views.After hearing this, Nasu happily joked with Cetaro; "Aren't you very talented as a detective? If it goes well this time, why don't you stop being an antique dealer and become a detective instead?" What Nasu said was a joke, but it was indeed a high evaluation of Ketaro's observation ability. Why does Keigo Nasu admire Cetaro so much? Based on his own observations, Cetaro believed that the Yoyo Pavilion was not only Wen Baotai's workplace, but also a place where Wen Baotai had secret talks with others.

Why do you say that, because except for Fang Lan, no one else is allowed to enter.From this point of view, doesn't it just imply that Yoyo Pavilion is a place full of mystery?Besides, the male servant who was walking with him and Wen Baotai at that time stopped when he reached the door, and never took a step into the Yoyo Pavilion. Only Fanglan was allowed to come in and out of Wen Baotai's workplace, and Fanglan was recommended by Natong.Judging from these signs, maybe she was sent to be a liaison officer. The second reason is, since the Yoyo Pavilion is only a workplace, why are the tables and chairs used by the guests so particular?

According to Wen Baotai, people often came to ask him to pick up rubbings, and he felt that it was too much trouble, so he had to decide that anyone who came to pick up rubbings had to go through the antique shop opened in Liulichang - "Xiu Gu Tang".Wen Baotai believes that he is not an ordinary businessman, but a literati, and he just provides his technology to others in good faith.As for rewards?Generally, it is up to the entrusting party to decide on their own. As long as it does not reach the level of impoliteness, they can negotiate with the "Xiu Gu Tang". In this way, there is no need for those who entrust Wen Baotai to make rubbings to come to Yoyokan.Only coolies can transport the stele into the Yoyo Pavilion and leave immediately.As for when the delivery will be made, the orderer will be contacted through "Xiu Gu Tang".

Therefore, the chairs in the Yoyo Pavilion are at most only for the owner of the "Xiugu Hall" to sit on when negotiating with Wen Baotai.Besides, the calligraphy and painting dealer in Liulichang, no matter how old he was, was just a businessman.In any case, it would be too wasteful and disproportionate to set up such exquisite tables and chairs in the Yoyo Pavilion, right? Taking a step back, even if Wen Baotai sometimes needs to lie down and rest when he is tired from work, he would not choose a rosewood chair, right? "The Yoyo Pavilion must be prepared for visits by important people."

That's what Cetaro guessed. From this point of view, the Yoyo Pavilion is built at the back door of the house, which is not only convenient for transporting stone tablets, but also convenient for secret visitors in the middle of the night, isn't it? Ce Taro also mentioned that when the maid Fang Lan left the house that day, Wen Baotai's action of knocking on the door bolt made people feel that this phenomenon was not normal. At that time, Cetaro was just paying a courtesy visit, and there was nothing important. Wasn't Wen Baotai's action of knocking the door bolt too much?The owner of this house must buckle the door bolt every time a guest enters the door, and it has probably become a habit.

Thinking about it this way, I feel more and more likely to have secret talks in the Yoyo Pavilion. "In short, you must keep in close contact with Wen Baotai. Simply put, you must flatter and win over Wen Baotai. Once you have something to do, immediately use the Yoyo Pavilion as an important contact point. This is your task, you Do it well." Nasu Keigo said. "Of course. I'll do my job. But when will I be able to use this point of contact?" It is only natural for Cetaro to want to know about this matter. Everyone wants to know the significance of Bai's work and the position it occupies in the overall situation.

"We'll find out soon." Nasu responded politely to Sakutarou with a cold attitude. "If you know in advance, wouldn't it be better to be prepared?" "That's not necessarily the case. Sometimes it's better not to know. Don't be so anxious. Now we should first establish a good relationship with Wen Baotai. In order to do this work well, of course there will be activity funds. Where will the funds come from? I think There will always be something. However, it is difficult for me to say now. You should accept the money first." After Nasu finished speaking, he took out a paper bag, stuffed it into Cetaro's hand, and then proudly attached his mustache.

"what is this?" Cetaro asked while carrying the paper bag in his hand. "Didn't I just say it? It's the activity fund!" "Is it money?" "Do you even need to ask? Of course it's money! Open it and have a look and count it." After Nasu said, Sakutaro opened the paper bag. "what……" Tsutaro blurted out. Inside were two bundles of blue dollar bills neatly wrapped.On the surface, it seems that they are all ten yuan a piece. "For your convenience, they are all exchanged into ten-dollar bills. Each bundle of one hundred bills is two thousand dollars in total. Don't you count them?"

Nasu said. "No, please a little..." Strataro wiped the sweat off his expedition with his hand. "Since it belongs to the public, I don't think there is any need to count it." Nasu twirled the tip of his beard again and said. Cetaro was surprised, not without reason.Two thousand dollars was a considerable sum at the time.Take his salary from working in the Luyuan Chamber of Commerce. Converted to US dollars, it is less than 40 yuan a month, and he is a person with special skills, and his salary is far higher than that of ordinary people.The two bundles of dollar bills in front of him are fully equivalent to the sum of his four or five years' salary.

"What is the money for?" "Didn't I just say that you have to deal with Wen Baotai at any time. This money is the activity fund. Do you understand?...For example, in the middle of the night, if you need to do something, you have to jump out of bed Get up, do it right away, and go to find out the news. Don’t these all cost money?” "How do you spend so much money?" "That's up to you to use your brain. You can't let others hold your hand and teach you bit by bit like a primary school student? Your head seems to be blocked by something? Actually, I don't need it." Explain in detail, and you can adapt it yourself. The money is no more than two thousand dollars at most, so don't be afraid!"

"Up to two thousand dollars?" Said Taro dumbfounded. "If it's not enough, we'll bring it up later! This is a matter of national importance. When necessary, we should use whatever money is needed." "yes!" Cetaro had to accept it. Although Nasu asked himself to do it boldly, but with such a large sum of money with him, for some reason, he always felt a little worried.He thought about the time he had transported a statue of Buddha, considered a national treasure of Japan, from Nara to Tokyo last year.At that time, his eyes were always looking around and looking around, as if he was afraid that something would happen, and he couldn't calm down.The mood now is the same as it was then. In short, Cetaro must think carefully about how to use this huge sum of money. The next day, Ce Taro went to visit Wen Baotai again.When Wen Baotai asked him to take him into the Yoyo Pavilion, he asked coldly: "I really want to ask my husband to get the rubbings for me. Do I have to go through the ancient hall as well?" "What about you? What kind of rubbings?" Wen Baotai asked back. "It's a statue of Buddha. A Japanese client wanted to make rubbings of it and mount it as a hanging scroll. But my skills are far behind. I think..." Only yesterday, Cetaro bought a small Buddha statue from the home of a diplomat who will go to Japan for his post, which looks like a cultural relic from the Song Dynasty.He is an employee of the Luyuan Chamber of Commerce, and it is completely legitimate to do this kind of business.He wanted to use this to deal with Wen Baotai. "Ho-ho. It's a customer in your shop. A regular customer, isn't it?" "Well! Yes. A marvelous man." "How much?" "Five hundred dollars." "Are Buddha statues worth money?" "It looks like a cultural relic from the Song Dynasty... hey! It looks pretty good." "How big is it?" "About fifteen centimeters high. Small in size." "Then, will it cost five hundred dollars to use it to get rubbings?" "Yes, it is." "That customer is a fool! I'm being rude when I say that about that regular customer of your shop." "Um... oh. That..." Taro was taken aback. At this time, he felt a little embarrassed.Is the asking price too high?It is not appropriate to ask too high a price.It took him some brains to come up with five hundred dollars.However, after Wen Baotai heard this, he seemed to show a contemptuous expression. If it was just contempt, it would be nothing. If the other party suspected that he had some intentions, it would be difficult to do things in the future. With great difficulty, Cetaro calmed down, swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and added: "Of course, this also includes the money for the hanging scroll. Use high-quality materials. That...that hanging scroll should be inlaid with emeralds..." "Are you asking me to do it?" "If possible, I would like to ask for your help." "Four hundred dollars, then." "Oh, what?..." "So you could make a hundred dollars out of it!" "No, there's no need. That customer is our regular customer. For such a person, it doesn't matter if our store doesn't make any money. It can be regarded as showing some kindness to the regular customers. Besides, the boss in Tokyo has always advocated compensation if necessary. Some money is not spared. Well, let's just say, making money is not enough." "You mean to say that it doesn't matter if a businessman makes money or not? Doesn't that sound a little strange?" "Maybe. But for us, it's also because of various factors. . . If you can help us, we might as well put up five hundred dollars." "What a wonderful thing!" "Let's settle down like this!" While talking, Ce Dalang wiped the sweat from his forehead with his index finger and flicked it to the ground. "Fine. If so, I'll accept five hundred dollars." "Thank you very much!" Cetaro was still uneasy. This is a very clever means of buying. "According to your actual situation, the rubbing fee is 300 US dollars, and the rest will be used as a paper painting fee." Tatsutaro added another sentence. To be honest, even with the highest grade fan paper, or traditional high-quality paper, and the highest grade Qianlong imperial ink, the cost of rubbings will not exceed fifty dollars.In short, if Wen Baotai is not allowed to make more money, the purpose of buying cannot be achieved. "Understood. You can bring that statue any time." At this time, Wen Baotai has already expressed the emotion that he no longer needs to entangle in the issue of money.So, the topic stopped here.He sat down on the rosewood chair again. "So, Mr. Doi, let's talk a little bit about cotton balls for rubbing, shall we? Seriously, I've thought of some tricks." At this time, Cetaro felt a little bored. It's just a few words of entertainment, without any other purpose, he can still chat patiently, but he feels a little embarrassed to ask him to do the work of buying people.This kind of thing is not in his nature, and it is really difficult for him to do it. Taro made a tentative bribe to Wen Baotai as if doing an experiment, and then left Yoyokan and went straight to Nasu Keigo's residence in Jinyu Alley. "How is it? Did you gain something? Why are you listless?" Nasu asked. "Of course I have gained something. That master has conducted interesting research on the cotton balls used for rubbings, and taught me these techniques." Takutaro gave a brief introduction to Nasu: When taking the rubbings, soak the paper with water, let the paper dry, and then dip the ink on the paper that is about to dry.This kind of tool for dipping ink on paper is called "puzi" or "tuobao"; in Japan it is called "cotton ball".Just put something soft in the cloth and wrap it into a ball. Usually, when people practice spear skills, in order to avoid stabbing each other, they always tie something like cotton on the tip of the gun, and then blast it with cloth. This is called a cotton ball gun. The term "cotton ball" probably originated from this. The cotton balls used in rubbings are different from brushes and cannot be bought in stores, so you have to make them yourself. It is best to use cotton cloth for the outer layer of the cotton ball, and the part of the cloth that is stained with ink should have a fine mesh, so as to make the rubbings beautiful.Generally, a layer of red silk is wrapped around the part stained with ink.Inside the cotton ball is a crumpled wig. Most of the wigs are wrapped with cotton cloth, and then the mouth of the cloth is tied tightly.At the same time, part of the hair is tied into a handle shape, and some cotton balls are fitted with wooden handles. According to the shape and size of the rubbing text, various cotton balls should be prepared in advance.The small ones are about two centimeters in diameter, and the big ones are more than ten centimeters in diameter. When taking rubbings, use a cotton ball to pat lightly on the paper, and never rub it on the paper.This kind of action of gently patting the expanded body is a very hard and patient labor for the elderly. Wen Baotai, who is nearly fifty years old, does not feel so tired when he picks up rubbings.Based on years of accumulated experience, this celebrity engaged in rubbing work has explored a new method, that is, to install wigs and springs in cotton balls.When the general cotton ball is patted on the paper, it is necessary to use a certain force to lift the cotton ball.After putting in the spring, the cotton ball can be bounced back naturally by the force of the spring.In this way, the force used back and forth is cut in half. Cetaro once borrowed this kind of cotton ball with a spring device from Wen Baotai to experiment, but the force of the spring rebound was too strong, and it was tiring to use it by hand.When he asked Wen Baotai for advice, Wen Baotai explained, "That's because you still have the habit of throwing. After you get used to it, you will naturally be proficient in your work." Later, Cetaro conducted another experiment, and sure enough, as Wen Baotai said, the rhythm was coordinated and the speed was much faster.The reason is that when operating, the spring bounces back quickly, and the operator must cooperate with this rhythm and speed. Wen Baotai also said that if the text on the rubbed body is too small, it is not suitable to use this kind of cotton ball with a spring device, and it must be gently patted with an ordinary cotton ball. After Tsutsutaro introduced the above situation, Nasu frowned and said: "Hey, hey! What about cotton balls, let's not talk about this and that. What's the progress in getting Wen Baotai?" Staring at Nasu, Sautaro said solemnly: "No! I can't do this kind of work of buying people, so please remove me from my position!" "That can't be done!" Nasu stared at Zetaro with wide eyes and said, "This is for our country!" "How many times have I heard this, and it can even be said that I am tired of hearing it... In order to be loyal to the country, can't I do my best according to my own strengths? I don't know, and I am not suitable for the work of buying people. Why do I have to do it?" How to do it? I really don't understand. There is no energy to do it." "I really can't do anything about you." Nasu crossed his arms and thought for a while before saying. "In short, you are saying that there is no value in engaging in such activities, are you? . . . Well, yes. If you can understand how much what you are doing will contribute to the motherland, will you be willing to do it?" "Yes... Well, judging from the current situation, it seems like shooting in the dark. Even though I kept shooting blindly, there was no effect at all. I feel very embarrassed about it." "Really? Alright. Let me just say something briefly... what we are most concerned about right now is what's going on in Russia." "I know that very well." "It can now be said that our country has made up its mind to fight Russia and is actively preparing for it. At present, what we are most worried about is the time of war. The later the war starts, the better it is for Russia. Anyway, the Siberian Railway is monorail, In terms of material supply, it takes time, and the supply line is long... In another year, Russia will have more than enough soldiers, weapons and ammunition, and even food, and they will be continuously shipped to Manchuria. By then, Lushun, Fengtian and other places It will be as solid as a golden city. Once it is done, the Japanese army will be hard to resist. At present, Russia is still not prepared enough, so Japan, a weak country, can only take advantage of its unpreparedness and attack... We must devote all our efforts to try to rule out the possibility of an early war All obstacles. The work I ask you to do is also related to this!" Nasu said seriously.Immediately afterwards, he continued to analyze the current situation: Taking advantage of the Boxer Incident, Russia seized the long-coveted ice-free port - Luda in one fell swoop, attempting to further extend its sharp claws from Manchuria into North Korea. In this way, Japan, which regards the above-mentioned areas as its sphere of influence, will of course have friction with Russia. At that time, the domestic situation in Russia was very complicated.Chancellor of the Exchequer Witte, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramsdorf and others opposed fighting against Japan.The Minister of War, Kurobatykin, did not object, but he was also reluctant to engage in a premature confrontation.He is said to have thought that by waiting another three years, Japan would retreat without a fight. However, the tough main fighters such as the Minister of the Interior Pleasant, the attendant Besolasov, and Abaza known as the monster are secretly operating in the court.At their urging, the Russian leader set up a governor's office in the Far East without consulting the moderate Paiwitter and others, and appointed the hardliner Alexeyev as governor. In September, Abaza, a hardliner of the extreme right, became the leader of the Far East Committee, and his power far surpassed that of the foreign minister.At this time, the moderate Werther had been forced to withdraw from the political arena.The hardliners in Russia are becoming more and more arrogant, and they first resorted to intimidation against Japan in an attempt to make it succumb. Russia thought that Japan would be intimidated by the toughness of this sword and sword, and thus withdrew from Manchuria.That's what they were looking forward to. However, Japan expressed strong resistance to Russia's tough attitude. During the Sino-Japanese War, Russia intervened in Japan, which aroused Japan's dissatisfaction.Russia has become the enemy in the eyes of the Japanese, and the anti-Russian atmosphere is quite strong.At that time, the Japanese had put forward the slogan of "restraining one's wages and tasting one's courage", preparing to take revenge on Russia.Together with the Japan-British alliance concluded last year, it has brought great support to Japan.Therefore, they dared to take a tough attitude towards Russia. At that time, Japan's fundamental policy can be said to be "preferring to start war against Russia as soon as possible."They fought back vigorously against Russian intimidation. Russia continued to strengthen the military power of Manchuria through the Siberian Railway.But it is not yet fully prepared for war. If Japan does not defeat Russia with lightning speed before it is fully prepared, it will not be able to gain an advantage. Initially, hardliners in Russia believed that Japan's resistance was nothing more than pretending to be a hero.They hoped with optimism that Japan would soon capitulate.However, according to the successive information, they gradually realized that Japan seems to have made up its mind to prepare for war. The problem is that: If the rulers of Russia realize that Japan wants to fight early, they will consider countermeasures as soon as possible and even take advantage of the unpreparedness to attack. In the mid-autumn of 1904, Japan quickly prepared for war.In terms of diplomacy, Japan should strive for the initiative so that it can be famous for fighting against Russia. The reason for the war was to urge Russia to withdraw its troops from Manchuria.Other than that, there is no other excuse. The Russian hardliners who hold real power will certainly not withdraw their troops.However, strategically, the Russian side will take a large number of actions such as issuing a declaration of troop withdrawal.During this period, if the Japanese army fails to quickly gain the initiative to start a war, Russia will definitely continue to strengthen its military power in Manchuria, and will continue to spy on the opportunity to create excuses to cancel the declaration of troop withdrawal in order to further expand its sphere of influence.This is a trick that the imperial Russian government has always used. It is very obvious that even though Russia has repeatedly clamored to withdraw its troops on the surface, it will actually not take action.Because Russia has absolutely no intention of withdrawing its troops.Otherwise, the young shoots that Russia has carefully cultivated in the Far East will surely wither and wither.But on the Japanese side, it would not help if they just shouted that the Russians should withdraw their troops and so on.Because this will not make people think that Japan's war against Russia in the future is a just move.Therefore, no matter what, let people think that Japan is not going to launch a war against Russia.Only in this case will it give legal authority to the Japanese declaration calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops. Moreover, Manchuria, the destination of the Russian advance, was originally the territory of the Qing Dynasty. At this time, the ambiguous Sino-Russian agreement on the withdrawal of Russian troops from Manchuria was also brewing again.If the Qing government approved the new Sino-Russian agreement, it would be beyond reproach in law.Moreover, in accordance with the spirit of the new agreement, the two sides can jointly draw up a troop withdrawal plan.In this way, Japan has no reason to declare war on Russia, at least it has to be postponed. Furthermore, Japan has reason to declare war on Russia only if Russia fails to fulfill the second Sino-Russian agreement.However, it was too late.Because by that time, Russia has already made various preparations militarily.Therefore, for Japan, the sooner the war starts, the more beneficial it is, and there is no room for hesitation.What's more, Russia is strengthening the transportation capacity of the Siberian Railway all the time. After Nasu elaborated on the current comparison of the military power of Japan and Russia, he added another sentence: "The embarrassing thing now is that the Qing government does not want Japan and Russia to go to war." "That's a natural thing. No one wants to let other countries start a war on their own territory. No matter who wins, it will not benefit the Qing government." "Yuan Shikai, governor of Zhili, strongly advocated avoiding war between Japan and Russia, and the Shangzhao court tried its best to prevent the outbreak of war." "That's understandable. Besides, Yuan Shikai is also a well-known figure." "However, judging from the gains and losses of our Japan, if we don't declare war now, we will lose the opportunity. Of course, I don't necessarily mean within this year. I think we should attack Russia quickly by next year at the latest, otherwise Japan Manchuria will never be gained." "What about the future?" "Russian envoy Lesa in Beijing is an old and cunning fellow. We must be more vigilant. Because he has met many pro-Russian dignitaries in the Qing government, and these people are running for him." "Since Li Hongzhang, haven't the pro-Russian faction been active all the time, and have regarded the pro-Russian policy as their tradition?" Judging from what Cetaro said, he also has certain insights and knowledge. Li Hongzhang once participated in the coronation ceremony of Nicholas II, and it is said that Li was bought by Russia with three million rubles.Regardless of whether this legend is true or not, he did clearly implement a pro-Russian policy line in his later years. The longest border with China is Russia.Of course, there are also North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, India and other countries that are adjacent to China.But the borders of these countries cannot be compared with Russia.The Qing Dynasty was bound to form a friendly and good-neighborly relationship with Russia. The Chinese, represented by Li Hongzhang, generally held this view. Although Li Hongzhang, the political tycoon, has passed away, the politicians influenced by him, such as Yuan Shikai and many others, all hold important political positions. "Prince Qing is an important official of the Qing Dynasty who is in charge of diplomacy. He is in danger of being wooed by the Russian Minister Lesala. Prince Qing's right-hand man is that slick, bearded Natong... Do you understand? He is the closest to Natong The closest one is Wen Baotai. In fact, Wen Baotai is an important channel for us to communicate with Natong.” Nasu said sternly. After Nasu mentioned it, Cetaro suddenly realized the importance of the task he took on.