Chapter 42 28-2

Bazzini and Tattaglia were genuinely pleased to hear that Don Corleone had retired.Michael, perhaps later on could prove to be daunting.But for at least ten years, his wrists will never be on par with the old man.The Corleone family is definitely in decline. Needless to say, the Corleone family has suffered a series of misfortunes.Practice has proved that Freddie is nothing more than a plaything in the hands of an innkeeper and a woman. Although it is difficult to describe the characteristics of the so-called plaything in the hands of a woman, it generally means that he is always nestled in his mother's arms and suckling. Greedy baby.In short, unmanly.Also, Sonny's death was a disaster.Sonny's status is terrible and cannot be humiliated.Of course he sent his little brother to shoot the "Turk"

And that officer made a mistake.While such an action was necessary tactically, it was a serious mistake from a long-term strategic point of view.The consequences of that action finally forced the old man to get up from the hospital bed.That action cost Michael the two years of practical exercise under his father's tutelage.Besides, the appointment of an Irishman as a staff officer was the only foolish thing the old man had ever done in his life.For cunning no Irishman can compare with a Sicilian.The views were shared by the major families, and they naturally respected the Bazzini-Tattaglia alliance more than the Corleones.The families' opinion of Michael was that he had more brains but not as much courage as Sonny, and that although he had brains he was not as brave as his father.He was nothing more than a mediocre heir, a character not to be fussed about.

Also, while the Don was generally praised for his truce-making statesmanship, he never took revenge on Sonny to bring down his family's prestige.Such statesmanship is widely seen as a sign of weakness. Everyone in the room knows all these things, and maybe a few people even believe it.Carlo Rizzi liked Michael, but was not as afraid of him as he was of Sonny.Clemenza though because Michael was dealing with that "Turk" Praise him for his brilliant performance on the part of the police officer, but also feel that Michael is too weak to be an old man.Clemenza had long hoped to be allowed to start his own family, break away from the Corleone system, and run his own empire.However, the old man said that this kind of plan is not allowed, and Clemenza also respected the old man and had no intention of disobeying his orders.Should the whole situation become intolerable, that would, of course, be another matter.

Tessio is more fond of Michael.He felt another kind of temperament in this young man: he usually does not show his edge, and hides it very cleverly, for fear of exposing his true strength to the broad daylight; he sticks to the old man's training, that is, let his friends underestimate you Make the enemy overestimate your weaknesses. The trust placed in Michael by the Don himself and Tom Hagen was not an unfounded fantasy.If the old man didn't have absolute confidence in his son's ability to revive his family's prestige, he would never retire.Hagen has been Michael's teacher for nearly two years.He marveled at how quickly Michael had mastered the intricacies of family affairs.Michael really deserved his father's good son.

The generals, Clemenza and Tessio, were annoyed that Michael had weakened their regiment, and had no desire to rebuild Sonny's old regiment.At present, the Corleone family is really only two combat divisions, and the number of members is much smaller than before.Clemenza and Tessio both considered the situation suicide.Especially Bazzini.The Tattaglia Alliance is eyeing their territory and making progress.For the moment, therefore, the two of them hoped that at this unusual meeting called by the Don, these mistakes would be corrected. Michael spoke first, reporting to the crowd his Vegas trip and Mo Green's refusal to buy out his shares.

"However, we're going to make him a proposal he can't live without," Michael said. "As you all know, the Corleone family is going to move the center of their activities west. We're going to build four annexed hotels along the river." Casinos in the city, but this can’t be done right away. We need time to get things ready.” Then he said directly to Clemenza: “Peter, and Tessio, I ask you both to agree. follow me freely and unreservedly for another year; after the full year, both of you can split off from the Corleone family, start your own house, be your own boss, and establish your own family organization. Of course, it goes without saying Yu, we still have to maintain our friendship until then. But for now, I ask you to obey my leadership without any scruples. If you think that some problems need to be convened to solve them, you have to be a little patient."

Tessio spoke. "Since Mo Green wants to talk to your father, why don't you agree? The old man was always good at persuading anyone, and his reasonable eloquence has never been ignored by anyone." The old man answered bluntly, "I'm retired, and if I interfered Michael would lose authority. Besides, I don't want to talk to that guy." Tessio remembered the story he'd heard about Mo Green slapping Fred Corleone in the Vegas hotel one night and sending him spinning.He felt something was wrong.He leaned back in his chair, thinking that Mo Greene was dead.The Corleone Family didn't want to convince him.

Carlo Rizzi spoke. "Is the Corleone family planning to shut down all New York activities? Michael nodded. "We're going to sell the olive oil business, and we'll hand over what's left over to Tessio and Clemenza as much as possible. But, Carlo, I hope you don't worry about your position. You grew up in Nevada; you know what it's like in that state; you know what it's like. I want you to be my right hand man when we move there. Carlo leaned back in his chair, grateful and flushed.His fortune has come, and he is about to enter the center of power. Michael went on to speak: "Tom Hagen will no longer be a consultant from today. He will act as our attorney in Vegas. In about five months, he will move his family there to settle down .From this moment on, from this minute onwards, no one can talk to him about anything else. He is a lawyer, and only a lawyer. It is my own opinion to do so. Besides, if I need someone else's advice , where is there a more competent staff officer than my father?

He made everyone laugh.But a joke is a joke, and they all understood the overtones.Tom Hagen is gone, he no longer holds any real power.They wanted to see Hagen's reaction, but he was expressionless. Clemenza said loudly in his characteristic voice, "A year from now, you're saying, we'll be able to separate, isn't that right?" "Maybe less than a year," Michael said politely. "Of course, you can continue to stay in the Corleone family. It's up to you to choose. However, most of our strength will soon be gone." Move west, and you may organize your forces better then."

Tessio said calmly, "In that case, I think you should allow us to recruit recruits to fill our regiment. The Bazzini family is constantly advancing towards my territory, and my party must teach them a little lesson and let them know a little bit of politeness, maybe it is the best policy. " Michael shook his head. "No, that won't work. Stand still, and all issues must be negotiated. Before we leave, we must settle all issues properly." Tessio wasn't going to stop there.He spoke directly to the old man, obviously at the risk of offending Michael. "Forgive me, Godfather, and forgive me, in light of our friendship for many years. But I think you and your son are all wrong about Nevada. How can you hope to get anything there without the power here to back you up?" success?

These two bases are interrelated.After you leave, the two major forces of Bazini and Tattaglia will rise up, and we can't deal with them.Peter and I are going to suffer, and sooner or later we will be crushed and crushed into submission.As for Zini, I really don't like him.What I'm trying to say is this: the Corleone family must move on the basis of strength, not weakness.We should re-strengthen our regiment, at least take back our lost territory on Capitol Island. " The old man shook his head. "It was my own initiative to make peace, remember, I can't take my word for it. Tessio couldn't help but to speak again: "Since the peace was made, Bazzini has been known to be provocative. Besides, since Michael is the new head of the Corleone family, what else can be done?" Bind his hands and feet, and prevent him from taking any action he thinks fit? Your words cannot firmly bind his hands and feet." Michael interrupted suddenly, and he said in a leader's tone: "some things that are being negotiated can answer your questions and solve your doubts. If you think my words are not valid, then you can ask your old man gone." However, Tessio now felt that he had gone too far.If he dared to ask the old man directly, he would be hostile to Michael.So, he shrugged and said, "Anyway, the purpose of my saying those words is for the benefit of the whole family, not for my personal benefit. I will take care of my personal affairs." Michael smiled at him friendly. "Tessio, I never doubted you. I never doubted you. But please take my word for it.Of course, I'm not as good as you and Peter in these matters, but anyway, I've got my papa to point me out, and I can't do too badly.In the end, we'll all be fine. " The meeting was over, and the big news was that Clemenza and Tessio would be allowed to build their respective family organizations on top of their respective regiments.Tessio controlled the casinos and marinas in Brooklyn; Clemenza controlled the casinos in Manhattan; After the two commanders left, they were not very satisfied, and their hearts were still in turmoil.Carlo Rizzi has been reluctant to leave, hoping that his chance to be considered a full member of the family has finally arrived.But he soon understood that Michael didn't mean that at all, and he left.The old man, Tom Hagen, and Michael were the only ones left in the corner library.Albert Neri escorted Carlo out the gate of the building, and Carlo noticed Neri standing at the door watching him as he walked down the well-lit avenue. In the library, thirty people are relaxed, and only a family can be so relaxed.Michael poured some cinnamon for the old man and Scotch for Tom Hagen.He also poured himself a drink, which was rare for him to drink a strong drink. At this time, Tom Hei was the first to speak: "Michael, why did you tear down my platform? Michael looked surprised. "You're my number one assistant in Vegas. Our office needs to be in compliance with the law, and you know the law. What's more important than that?" Hagen gave a wry smile. "I'm not talking about the question, I'm talking about Rocco Rabon setting up a secret regiment behind my back. I'm saying you're dealing directly with Neri and not through me or the regiment commander. Of course, in case Rabon If you don't know what you're doing, that's another story." Michael said politely, "How did you find out about La Bon's regiment?" Hagen shrugged. "Don't worry, there are no loopholes, no outsiders will know. However, in this position, I can see everything clearly. You let Labon do his own thing; you let Labon have a great freedom. In this way, his little The empire needs help, too. However, every new recruit he recruits is reported to me. I also looked at everyone on his payroll, and in terms of the tasks they undertake, they are a little bit more. By the way, you've got the right guy, Rabon. He's doing great." Michael made a face.If you really notice, you should say that it is not so good.In any case, it was the old man's own choice. " "Well," said Tom, "so take down my desk?" Michael faced him, not evasive at all, and said straight to the point: "Tom, you are not suitable for a wartime staff officer. With this great shift, the situation may become serious and we may be forced to fight.I'd love to take you off the line, too, just in case. " Hagen blushed with shame.If the old man himself said this directly, he would accept it with humiliation.But why did Michael make such a sudden decision? "Well," said Hagen, "I quite agree with Tessio, though. I think you're doing it all wrong. You move from weakness, and you move from strength. That's always been the case." It's bad luck. Barzney's like a wolf, and if he's going to tear your arm off, no other family will go out of their way to help the Corleones." The old man spoke at last: "Tom, it's not just Michael's decision. It's my advice on these matters. Something has to be done, and I personally don't want to take any responsibility. It's my wish. I never thought you were a lousy staff officer, I thought Sandino was a lousy old man. May his soul rest in peace. He had courage, but in my day of misfortune, he proved not the right man to lead the family Selected. Who would have expected that Freddie would degenerate into a lap dog at the feet of women? Don't feel wronged. Michael, like you, has my complete trust. You must be released from responsibility for what happened. By the way, I told Michael that Rabon's secret corps cannot escape your surveillance. This also shows my trust in you. Michael laughed loudly: "To be honest, I didn't expect you to ask this question, Tom." Knowing that Michael had calmed down, Hagen said, "Maybe I might help too." Michael shook his head unequivocally. "It's already decided that you won't come, Tom." Tom drained the wine in his glass.Before leaving, he retorted gently to Michael, "You are almost as capable as your father. However, there is another thing about him that you have to study hard." "Another point, what exactly do you mean?" Michael asked politely. "How to say 'no,'" Hagen replied. Michael nodded solemnly. "You're right," he said, "I'll remember that." After Hagen left, Michael joked to his father, "You've taught me everything else, now you have to teach me how to say 'no' to people." The old man went over and sat behind the big table and said, "You can't say 'no' casually to the one you love, and you can't say it too often, that's the trick. When you say 'no', you have to put ' No sounds as sweet as yes. The other way is you have to try to get them to say no. You have to be patient and take the trouble. But I'm old and you're new Hipster generation, you don't have to listen to my old ways." Michael laughed loudly. "You're right. So, do you really agree to leave Tom out?" The old man nodded, "You can't involve him." Michael said calmly, "I'm a party member. I should tell you that the plan I intend to carry out is not purely to avenge Apollonia and Sonny. Vengeance is also natural. The perception is correct. The old man nodded and said, "Revenge is like a dish that tastes best when it's cold. I didn't want to make that peace agreement, but I know that if you don't make a peace agreement, you will never come back alive. I feel Surprised that Baczini still tried to kill you. Maybe it was a plan arranged before the peace talks, and he didn't have time to undo it. Are you sure you don't want to kill old Tommasino? " Michael said: "Threatening to kill old man Tomasino is just a trick, and this kind of trick is so clever that people can't see the flaws, but I, who was in the scene, survived. I saw it with my own eyes. Saw Fabrizio go out the gate and run away. I can confirm this because I am back." "Did they send me that Fabrizio?" asked the old man. "I found him," Michael said, "I found him a year ago. He opened a little pie bake shop in Buffalo. Changed the name, got a fake passport, a fake ID .The herdsman Fabrizio is doing well." The old man nodded and said, "It seems pointless to wait any longer. When will you start?" Michael said: "I want to wait until after Kay has a baby, in case something goes wrong with the labor. I also want to wait until after Tom moves to Vegas and settles down so that he is not involved. I think, from now on, it will have to wait." a year." "Are you ready for all this?" He didn't look at Michael when he asked this sentence. Michael softly said to him: "You don't share the responsibility, and you are not responsible. I am responsible for everything. Even if you only exercise the veto, I don't agree. If you try to exercise the veto, then I will leave the family and go my own way." The way. Since you are irresponsible, then leave everything alone. " Hearing this, the old man was silent for a long time, then sighed, and said, "Let's do it this way. That's why I'm retiring, and that's why I'm giving everything to you. I've done my part." There are no such ambitions anymore. Some tasks are beyond the reach of the ablest. The present problem is an example of that." During that year, Kay Adams.Corleone had a second child, another boy.The birth of the baby went well without any trouble.When I returned to the boulevard, I received a grand welcome, almost like a princess returning to court.Connie Corleone sent her a set of baby products, silk clothes, quilts, etc., all Italian handmade products, very expensive and very beautiful.She told Kay, "Carlo bought it. After I couldn't find anything I really liked, Caro traveled all over New York just to buy something special." Kay smiled in thanks, and immediately realized that she had to tell Michael this beautiful story. She was adopting the Sicilian style: if you don't say something clearly, everyone will get it. Also, during that year, Nino Valenti died of a cerebral hemorrhage.His death became the front page news of various tabloids with rich pictures and texts.This was because the film in which Johnny Fontane cast him had just opened a few weeks earlier, and it had been such a hit that Nino had become a star in the eyes of a wide audience.The newspaper also mentioned that Johnny Fontane personally took care of all the work of the burial. The burial was carried out without fanfare, and only family members and relatives and friends participated.There was also a sensational report that Johnny Fontane, in an interview with a reporter, openly blamed himself for his friend's death, and that he should have forced him to undergo medical treatment. But journalists report the situation as if it were the self-examination of a sentimental bystander in the face of tragedy. What more could Johnny Fontane ask of a friend who turned his childhood friend Nino Valentine into a movie star? Except for Freddie, no other members of the Corleone family were in California for the funeral.Lucy and Julius were there. The old man was going to go, but he had a heart attack and was bedridden for a month.Although he didn't go, he sent a big wreath.Albert Neri arrived west as the official representative of the Corleone family. The day after Nino's funeral, Mo Green was shot dead in the Hollywood residence of his movie star mistress.It was a month before Albert Neri showed up in New York: he had gone on vacation in the Caribbean and came back completely tanned.Michael Corleone welcomed him in a very simple way: smiled, said a few words of praise, and informed Neri that he would receive an additional "living allowance" in the future, that is, the family gave him money from the account book. He set aside an income, which was exceptionally generous.Neri was satisfied and felt that he was living in a just world.In this just world, whoever completes his task can get the corresponding reward.