msmithbooks Chapter 147 The Big Wedding
Chapter 147 The Big Wedding
December 27, 1925, morning.
Shanghai, Chen Mansion.
With Mo Huixin's help, Chen Zijun put on his military uniform and wore the collar insignia that Cao Qingdi had sewn by hand.
The collar insignia shimmered in the sunlight, as if telling the story of Cao Qingdi's love.
"Young Master," Mo Lanzhi said as she entered the study, "everything is ready."
Chen Zijun nodded: "Okay."
"Furthermore," Moranzhi said, "the Military Intelligence Bureau has laid a tight net. We will immediately arrest any agents who make any unusual moves."
"Okay," Chen Zijun said. "Tell Shen Li that no matter where they're hiding, he has to find them for me."
"Understood," Moranzhi said. "Young Master, are you ready?"
Chen Zijun smiled and said, "What kind of situation haven't I, Chen Zijun, seen? Nervous?"
As Mo Huixin straightened Chen Zijun's clothes, she smiled and said softly, "Young Master, Lanzhi didn't ask you if you were nervous..."
……
On the streets of Shanghai, citizens gathered early on both sides of the street.
Today is Chen Zijun's wedding day.
The whole of Shanghai was in an uproar.
"Look! The armored vehicles are here!"
"It really is armored vehicles leading the way!"
"Young Marshal Chen's entourage is truly grand!"
The citizens discussed it, their faces showing excitement.
Chen Zijun's wedding car convoy drove through the streets of Shanghai in a grand procession.
At the front were more than a dozen armored vehicles, with the insignia of Chen Jiajun painted on their bodies.
Behind the armored vehicles were dozens of Mercedes military trucks, the convoy laden with flowers and red ribbons.
Chen Zijun sat in the lead armored vehicle, looking at the citizens on both sides of the street through the window.
Some of the citizens cheered, some clapped, and some waved.
"Young Marshal!"
"Young Marshal Chen!"
The citizens chanted Chen Zijun's name.
Chen Zijun waved to them.
……
Consuls and media reporters from various countries have already arrived at the wedding ceremony.
The British, American, French, and Japanese consuls were all seated in the VIP section.
Media reporters set up their cameras, ready to record this historic moment.
"Consuls," Chen Zijun said as he stepped off the armored vehicle, "thank you all for coming to my wedding."
The British consul said with a smile, "Of course we have come to congratulate Marshal Chen on his wedding."
The American consul also said, "Young Marshal Chen and Miss Cao are truly a match made in heaven."
Chen Zijun smiled and expressed his gratitude.
at the same time--
Near the wedding venue, several men in plainclothes loitered at a high vantage point.
They were regular secret agents, ordered to launch an attack on the wedding day.
"Big Brother," one of them said, "Chen Zijun has arrived. Shall we make our move?"
"Wait a little longer," the leader of the men said. "We'll make our move once Chen Zijun and Cao Qingdi have reached the center of the wedding venue."
"Good," another said. "As long as we kill Chen Zijun, Commander-in-Chief Chang will reward us handsomely."
"That's right," the leader said. "This operation can only succeed; failure is not an option."
The agents exchanged a knowing smile, a hint of coldness flashing in their eyes.
……
At the wedding, Chen Zijun and Cao Qingdi walked hand in hand to the center of the wedding venue.
Cao Qingdi wore a pure white wedding dress, with a happy smile on her face.
Chen Zijun looked at her, his eyes filled with love.
"Distinguished guests," Chen Zijun announced loudly, "Today is the wedding day of Cao Qingdi and me. Thank you all for coming to our wedding."
The guests applauded in congratulations.
Just then, Moranzhi gave the order: "Move!"
Dozens of MI6 agents suddenly rushed out from all directions and surrounded the high ground near the wedding venue.
"Don't move!" the agents shouted. "Hands up!"
The secret agents were caught off guard and were captured one after another.
"What's going on?" the guests exclaimed.
Chen Zijun looked at the agents being escorted to the scene and sneered, "Gentlemen, let me introduce you. These people are agents sent by Chiang Kai-shek, the Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Expedition of the Southern National Revolutionary Government. They are attempting to launch an attack on my wedding today."
The guests were in an uproar.
"What?"
"Did Chiang Kai-shek send agents to attack Marshal Chen's wedding?"
"That's outrageous!"
Consuls from various countries also looked shocked.
The British consul frowned: "This is outrageous."
The American consul also said, "Such despicable tactics are contemptible."
Chen Zijun looked at the escorting agents and said loudly, "Gentlemen, Chiang Kai-shek, in order to seize my five southeastern provinces, actually went so far as to launch an attack on my wedding. You have all witnessed this despicable tactic."
The guests unanimously condemned Chiang Kai-shek.
Chiang Kai-shek was utterly shameless!
"Young Marshal Chen, we support you!"
Chen Zijun looked at the guests and sneered inwardly.
Chiang Kai-shek, are you trying to ruin my wedding?
Then I'll ruin your reputation.
……
The wedding continued.
In the presence of the guests, Chen Zijun and Cao Qingdi officially became husband and wife.
"I do," Cao Qingdi said, her eyes filled with happiness.
"I'm willing too," Chen Zijun said, taking her hand.
The guests applauded in congratulations.
……
After the wedding, Chen Zijun stood on the stage and addressed the consuls and media from various countries.
"Consuls," Chen Zijun said, "today, I have something to announce."
The guests quieted down.
"The French Concession, and the International Settlement..."
Chen Zijun said, "These are all Chinese territory. They have been illegally occupied by the French, British, and other powers for many years. I, Chen Zijun, hereby suggest that the consuls of all countries seriously discuss whether, under a fair and reasonable commercial environment, we could consider allowing me, Chen Zijun, to reclaim sovereignty over these concessions?"
What does "considering the circumstances" mean?
By saying this under these circumstances, isn't it a case of acting first and asking questions later, a forceful statement?
We did say before that we could talk, but we had conditions!
You've just made empty promises, and now we're left with nothing and slinking away?
You, Chen Zijun, are so inconsiderate!
The French consul's expression changed: "Young Marshal Chen, what do you mean by this?"
"My point is very simple," Chen Zijun said. "The concessions must be returned to China. If you French refuse, we will take action."
The French consul's face darkened: "Young Marshal Chen, are you threatening us?"
"It's not a threat," Chen Zijun said. "It's a notification. The concessions must be returned to China. This is China's sovereignty, and there is no room for negotiation."
The consuls from various countries looked at each other in bewilderment.
The British consul whispered, "Young Marshal Chen is getting serious."
The American consul also said, "The issue of the concessions is likely to escalate."
Chen Zijun looked at the French consul and sneered, "Consul, you can go back and tell your government that the concession must be returned to China, or you will bear the consequences."
The French consul, his face ashen, stood up and left the wedding venue.
……
After the wedding, Chen Zijun and Cao Qingdi returned to the Chen Mansion.
"Zijun," Cao Qingdi said, "you announced at the wedding today that you would take back the concession. Although the British and Americans didn't say anything, they will definitely incite the French to retaliate."
"Let them retaliate," Chen Zijun said. "The concessions must be returned to China; it's Chinese sovereignty. Besides, which of them can spare military strength to come to China now? Even if they could, I could fight until I have nothing left. As long as my father is safe in Zhejiang, I can make a comeback. But what about these foreign powers? If they lose their strength, the other powers will take advantage of their misfortune!"
Cao Qingdi grasped his hand: "Zijun, I believe in you."