This era is an era full of conspiracy, speculation and adventure, and the envoys stationed abroad are all old and cunning people, obedient and obedient.

Sure enough, Liu Yimin saw that everyone was listening attentively, and secretly said in his heart, "Let you slip like a ghost, you have to drink the old lady's footwashing water", and as soon as the conversation changed, he asked Suo Kebin directly: "Mr. Suo Kebin, Qingdao is a beautiful city, and when the war is over, it will inevitably become a tourist resort that everyone in the world yearns for." People from all walks of life in Qingdao have agreed to become a sister city with New York City in your country and confer the title of Honorary Citizen of Qingdao on President Roosevelt. ”

Suo Kebin has been in China for more than 20 years, and he has long been a Chinese expert, and he knows a little about the strategies of the Chinese, plus he is backed by the United States, and he is full of confidence in his heart, and he does not even buy his own account in Qingdao.

Hearing Liu Yimin say this, Suo Kebin knew in his heart that all the honorary citizens and sister cities that the Eighth Route Army had engaged in were to draw the United States into confrontation with Yuben, but the United States had no intention of making enemies with Yuben now, and the matter was too big for him to say at will without explicit authorization from China. Therefore, Suo Kebin said directly: "Dear Liu, after I learned that President Roosevelt was honored to be awarded the honorary title of Qingdao citizen and that the people of Qingdao were willing to become sister cities with New York City, I was very happy and immediately reported to Mr. Jensen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of China, but for some unknown reason, Mr. Jensen has not given me clear instructions, so I have nothing to comment on your question. ”

When Liu Yimin heard the diplomatic rhetoric of Suo Kebin, he felt sorry in his heart, and it was really the same as what Ni Hua said, the United States at this time had not yet turned away from isolationism and neutrality, so naturally it was not about itself. However, this Sokebin didn't tell the truth, others didn't say it, with the surname and style of New York City Mayor LaGuardia, he would definitely welcome it. Even Roosevelt himself is likely to be very happy to be awarded the honorary title of Qingdao citizen, but these things are too sensitive, and the American political axe is unwilling to make a public statement.

Liu Yimin smiled slightly: "Mr. Sokebin, although I regret it, I understand your country's attitude, after all, Xiao Yuben is too powerful, and the United States of America has to turn a blind eye to Xiao Yuben's crimes in order to earn a little money with the blood of the Chinese people from Yu himself." ”

After speaking, Liu Yimin ignored Suo Kebin's stunned eyes, and walked directly to the British consul Ekford: "Mr. Ekford, it's a pleasure to meet you." I heard that when King George VI ascended the throne last year, he issued a set of stamps with portraits of the king and queen, which was very beautiful. If it's convenient, please buy a few sets for me, my wife loves stamps. ”

It stands to reason that Liu Yimin is just a division commander of the Eighth Route Army, not an important person in the political axe of the Republic of China, and these consuls are meeting him for the first time, so they can ignore him. The problem is the shadow of the famous tree, Liu Yimin himself may or may not know, Lian Zhan's record has shrouded him with a dazzling halo of famous generals, not to mention that now Qingdao has been captured by the Eighth Route Army? Therefore, Consul Ekford immediately said: "Dear Liu, what a coincidence, I happen to have a few more in hand, I will have someone to get them immediately, please wait a while." ”

After saying that, Ekford called his secretary and told him to go back to the consulate immediately to get the king's enthronement stamps.

Ekford is only the British consul in Qingdao, and the consul general is Han Leide, but Ekford has been the consul for a long time, so Liu Yimin is deeply impressed by him, knowing that he is mainly engaged in oil trading of Asia Petroleum Company, and he has to do business with him!

The people of Akford are old and refined, and they immediately introduced Liu Yimin to Consul General Han Leide. At this time, Liu Yimin was more enthusiastic, hugged Han Leide tightly, and then talked about the scenery of the British Isles, and talked about the love life of King George VI and Queen and the beautiful little Princess Elizabeth. Of course, this is a diplomatic occasion, although Liu Yimin knows in his heart that Queen Elizabeth has a deep affection for Edward VIII, who wants beauty and not country, it cannot be said at this time that it is a matter of face for the British.

The laughter was followed by a real deal, and the two sides soon reached an agreement, and the Eighth Route Army bought out the gasoline, kerosene, and diesel of the Asia Petroleum Company in one fell swoop, all in cash, and the currency used to trade was yuan.

In the war years, it was difficult to do business, and maybe one day these stockpiles of gasoline would be robbed by the devils. Therefore, Han Delei and Ekford were full of brilliance, and the two of them laughed the most in the banquet hall.

Seeing that Liu Yimin and the British consul general and consul had a good conversation, and made such a big deal, the other consuls couldn't sit still.

The French chargé d'affaires Tadaringfu was a White Russian who fled to the northeast after the October Revolution and came to Qingdao to meet the British consul Ekford. After a long time, Ekford felt that this person could, so he recommended to the French political axe, and let him serve as the chargé d'affaires of the French political axe in Qingdao, and later became the French consul in Qingdao.

Tada Lingfu walked up to Liu Yimin: "Dear General Liu, please allow me to express my gratitude to you on behalf of the Consulate of the French Republic in Shandong. After your army was stationed in Qingdao, it protected the representative office of the French Republic in Qingdao, and I was very moved. After speaking, he hugged Liu Yimin.

As for Tada Lingfu, Liu Yimin did not read his information in later generations, and Chen Dayong said that he was a White Russian and went to Qingdao to become the French Chargé d'Affaires in Qingdao. Liu Yimin made an appointment to meet these consuls today, and the lowest-ranking Tada Lingfu is one of the key targets, this person has a complicated background, who can tell who he is?

However, there were few French enterprises in Qingdao, and Tada Lingfu was mainly engaged in buying and selling, and seeing that the British had already done such a big business, Tada Lingfu was itching, and without waiting for Liu Yimin to speak, he took the opportunity of hugging and whispered that he had a batch of Forbes 75 mountain guns and 75 mortar shells, as well as 12 anti-aircraft guns, 24 anti-aircraft guns, and 200 Mauser K98 rifles with sixfold scopes, each with 1,000 rounds. It turned out that they wanted to sell it to Shen Honglie or Han Fuqu, but they all ran away when the goods arrived. Tada Lingfu hopefully asked General Liu if he was interested.

Unexpectedly, Liu Yimin's head shook like a rattle, and he didn't even say that he was interested, because the Eighth Route Army didn't need to buy weapons, and the devils had everything, this time the Luzhong Campaign eliminated the Eighth Division and the Reading Power Mixed into the Third Brigade, the Reading Power Mixed into the Tenth Brigade and the Qingdao Garrison, and the puppet Shandong Autonomous Coalition Army, and captured a large number of weapons in Qingdao.

As soon as he heard Liu Yimin say no, Tada Lingfu's anxious face was sweating. These things are his life's savings, and he originally wanted to take advantage of the war to make a windfall, but he didn't expect to be so unlucky, and the original imaginary owner retreated without resistance. After he occupied Qingdao, in addition to the garrison, there were also military police, spies, and the armed forces of overseas Chinese, and the goods could not leave Qingdao at all. Originally, I wanted to see if I could transport it to the south, but the sea was full of warships, and the risk was too great. finally waited for the Eighth Route Army to come, but the other party still didn't want it.

Tada Lingfu glanced at Ekford, and the two of them entangled Liu Yimin. Tada Lingfu said pitifully, if dear Liu didn't want his goods, his beautiful daughter Natasha would have to go and get soles for the shoe shop.

Liu Yimin really had no choice but to tell them in a low voice, not that he didn't want it, because there would soon be no major war in Shandong, and after repelling the devil's attack this time, the devil was likely to fight Wuhan, it is said that the Kwantung Army might still fight the Soviet Union, the Soviet Red Army was so strong, it would definitely beat the little devils all over the ground looking for teeth, maybe the Kwantung Army would be wiped out at once, and the War of Resistance might end within the year.

Listening to Akford and Tada Lingfu will be skeptical, the last two people still implore dear Liu to be gracious and accept this batch of goods, Tada Lingfu is willing to discount, as long as the capital can be recovered.

Dear Liu was finally gracious, the three of them whispered and made comparisons on the side, and finally dear Liu finally bought Tada Lingfu's smuggled weapons and ammunition, and asked Tada Lingfu to deliver them now, and the Eighth Route Army would transport them away tonight.

Although Tada Lingfu only recovered 70% of the cost, he was already satisfied, which was better than being confiscated after being discovered by the army, and the Eighth Route Army was trustworthy and directly gave him gold bars.

The German consul in Qingdao was represented by the consul in Jinan, Xi Guxian, and at this time Feng had already arrived in Qingdao to perform consular duties, waiting to accept the formal appointment.

Seeing that Liu Yimin came up and gave the American consul Sokebin a cold face, and then he had a hot fight with the British consul and made a huge business, and saw that the French chargé d'affaires Tada Lingfu also came up, pulled Liu Yimin to mutter, and left quickly, needless to say that he got benefits. Feng Sao couldn't sit still and walked over.

At this time, Germany had successfully annexed Austria, and Hitler's confidence was gradually stimulated by the appeasement policies of Britain and France, and even Germany's foreign policy was greatly adjusted. It was in this environment that Feng came to Qingdao to take up his job. Unexpectedly, as soon as they arrived in Qingdao, the Eighth Route Army captured Qingdao.

Feng Saoken was wearing a pair of glasses, and a pair of gloomy eyes looked straight at Liu Yimin through the lenses: "General Liu, I am Feng Sauken, the chargé d'affaires of Germany in Qingdao, can I talk about it alone?" ”

Liu Yimin had just sent away Tada Lingfu, and he was secretly proud in his heart, and when he heard Feng Sao's German, he knew that he was German. However, he is a human being, not a god, and he doesn't understand German, so he can't understand what Feng Saeng said, so he has to wait for a translator to translate.

After the translation was finished, Liu Yimin was stunned for a moment, because at this time, Germany and Italy had already signed a joint agreement last year, and in February this year, the Germans announced their recognition of Manchukuo, and the German advisers were about to be completely evacuated at the end of June.

After thinking for a while, Liu Yimin said: "Mr. Feng Saoken, we don't understand the language and can't talk alone. I would like to remind you that there will be fierce fighting in Qingdao in the near future, so please do not go out casually if you have nothing to do, and please also tell the German companies and staff in Qingdao to pay attention to air defense, so as not to be injured by the bombing of the Japanese military planes. ”

Feng Sao looked at Liu Yimin with a little disbelief: "General Liu, this Qingdao is a harbor city, and it can't withstand the bombardment of naval planes and naval artillery, do you want to fight the Yue army here?" ”

Liu Yimin was not afraid of others hearing it, and said loudly: "I am a soldier, and it is my duty to defend the territory, and if Chairman Jiang does not order a retreat, I must hold my position." Don't worry, although there are planes and warships, I teach tens of thousands of elites, as long as the army lands, Qingdao will be their grave. As you know, Qingdao has been occupied by Germany and Yueben for a long time, and after the national government took back its sovereignty, it has just developed for a period of time, and Xiao Yueben has already captured Qingdao. This time our army has taken back Qingdao, which is a great opportunity to publicize the prestige of the country, how can I let Qingdao be lost from my hands? Even if I die, I will also die on the coastal defense position in Qingdao! ”

What Liu Yimin said is categorical, and no one can believe it, not to mention that there is no reason to give up Qingdao without a fight. Feng Sao Ken put his glasses up, and then said slowly: "General Liu, I heard that your army has captured more than 20,000 overseas Chinese, and I also heard that you said at the press conference in the morning that you would examine these overseas Chinese, and those who were doing business would be released immediately. I don't know when it will be released? ”

Liu Yimin looked at Feng Sweep with a little confusion and said, "Mr. Chargé d'Affaires, I heard you right, right?" You are the chargé d'affaires living in Qingdao in Germany, not my temporary chargé d'affaires, how can you care about my life and death? ”

Feng Sao Ken was still slow and reasonable: "General Liu, I am looking at this matter from a fair standpoint, it is inevitable that the two sides will fight and hurt civilians. However, these people said that they were all overseas Chinese who were doing business, and if they were detained for a long time, it would damage the image of the Eighth Route Army. Let me suggest that you consider it: If the Japanese army does not bomb Qingdao on a large scale, can you unconditionally release the captured expatriates from Qingdao? ”

Liu Yimin immediately shook his head: "Mr. Feng Saoken, you have been in China for a short time, you don't know yourself, they have killed a lot of people in China, I finally caught them, how can I say that I will let them go?" As I said, those who commit serious crimes will be shot immediately, and legitimate businessmen who have not committed crimes can be released, but the army must pay a security deposit, at least $200 per person, and the money will be released. As for those guilty but not dead, I want to drive them to the position, as long as they dare to throw bombs or open fire, they will be the first to blow up. The method you said is too old-fashioned, and this is what you said to Qingdao Mayor Shen Honglie when the army captured Qingdao last time. As a result, as soon as the Qiao Qiao had withdrawn, they began to attack. You say, can I believe the nonsense of the army? They're the most despicable people in the world. ”

Feng Sao also shook his head randomly: "General Liu, you are a world-famous general, how can you exchange money for overseas Chinese like a businessman?" Your asking price is too high, and I won't agree to it. ”

Liu Yimin said with a smile: "It's better if I don't agree, I just have an idea, that is, to establish a column composed of myself, and use myself to fight myself." All able-bodied men who are willing to participate in the resistance are to enlist in the army, and those who are unwilling to participate in the resistance are all engaged in production and labor, digging coal and farming. ”

When the U.S. consul Suo Kebin first came up, he wanted to put on a show in front of Liu Yimin, and said some diplomatic rhetoric that he thought he would not reveal, but Liu Yimin gave him a cold face and ignored him again. Seeing that the British had sold out all the oil in the Asia Company's stockpile, Liu Yimin had no intention of having an in-depth conversation with him, and he was also a little anxious, because Qingdao Mobil Oil Company also had oil in stock, and if he didn't take the opportunity to turn it into money, he would have to obey his own management when he called again, and it was difficult to say whether he would be requisitioned by the army in vain. Therefore, he has been waiting for an opportunity to sit down with Liu Yimin again and have a serious talk, after all, Liu Yimin's wife is a medical doctor in the United States, and she has met President Roosevelt, and he himself seems to have a good impression of the United States of America.

As soon as he heard Liu Yimin say this, Suo Kebin walked over, patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder and said: "Dear Liu, your idea is so wonderful, if it can be realized, there will be a puppet army to fight with the [***] team, and if you put on the military uniform, you will not be able to tell the difference, then it will be lively." ”

Liu Yimin felt that Suo Kebin was smart, and the dissatisfaction with him just now disappeared, and immediately said: "Mr. Suo Kebin, you guessed right, that's what I imagined." Heroes see the same thing! ”

Feng Sweep frowned when he heard this, and interrupted the singing and harmony of the two people: "General Liu, those people are civilians after all, I don't think you will do that." You see if this will work, you can lower the price, raise a reasonable price, and release Mr. Otaka Shojiro, the consul general in Qingdao, and let him report to the country, and the two of you can have a good talk. I'm sure it will be done. ”

Liu Yimin's tone changed, and he said coldly: "Mr. Feng Saoken, it's too late for you to say, Otaka Shojiro is a veteran spy who has done many bad things that have harmed China, and he has been shot." Not only him, but all the personnel of the Consulate General, the gendarmerie, and the Xuanfu squad were killed by our army for trying to resist, and their heads were already beaten to a mess, can you bring him to negotiate? Besides, he said that he was an aggressor, and I was a soldier of resistance against Yue, so it was impossible for him to negotiate with him. Anyway, I'm not in a hurry, with these people in hand, when Xiao Yueben started to attack, I will use these people to open the knife. When the army fires a cannonball, I will kill a man, and I will cut off their heads with a big knife. I can't let them go, so that I don't have any scruples and up with a bomb! Don't say that again! ”

Feng Sao didn't have anything to say at this time, so he had to show his hole cards: "General Liu, if I am willing to mediate this matter between you and you from the middle, do you think it is appropriate?" ”

Liu Yimin glanced at Feng Saoken and said: "Mr. Feng Sauken, it's not that I refute your face, I'm a soldier, and without the explicit authorization of the political axe of the Republic of China, I won't have any form of negotiation with myself." You can help you send the money yourself, and you can discuss the amount of money for each person with our other comrades, but not negotiating. Please understand what I mean. ”

After speaking, Liu Yimin called Shi Ran and told him that Mr. Feng Sao Ken was willing to help us collect the deposit from Mr. Feng Sauken, and he was responsible for discussing the specific amount with Mr. Feng Saway.

Suo Kebin opened his eyes tonight, and he couldn't understand what kind of person Liu Yimin was, obviously a general with great military achievements, how to do business one by one, even the captured Yue army could be sold as commodities, and he also brought Feng Sauken, the German chargé d'affaires in Qingdao, to be his gunman, this person is too powerful.

Shi Ran and Feng Sweep went to mutter, Suo Kebin was unwilling to give up the opportunity, pulled Liu Yimin to the sofa and sat down, and said apologetically: "Dear Liu, I have seen your wife, she is so beautiful, she is simply an angel." Let's talk! ”

Liu Yimin smiled: "It doesn't matter, Americans are afraid of Xiaoyueben, and some people are not afraid." I have already thought about it, and when I look back, I will declare Qingdao and Leningrad sister cities, Comrade Stalin will gladly accept the title of honorary citizen of Qingdao, and the mighty Soviet Red Navy will gladly send a fleet to visit Qingdao, and they will support my proposal to make Qingdao an international free trade port. ”

Suo Kebin immediately said: "Dear Liu, maybe because I am not good at expressing it, you have caused a misunderstanding. President Roosevelt was very pleased to be awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Qingdao, and the Mayor of New York, Mr. LaGuardia, also gave an interview to reporters and expressed his willingness to become a sister city with Qingdao. However, as you know, our country is still pursuing a neutral position, and it is inconvenient for President Roosevelt to make a formal statement on this matter, and the Pacific Fleet itself is also very interested in visiting Qingdao, but this can only be approved by Congress. Although you have been disappointed for the time being, you have also seen what your wife brought back, which is enough to prove the sympathy of our people for the Chinese people. ”

Liu Yimin saw that Suo Kebin was telling the truth, so he stopped turning around and asked him if there was anything specific.

Seeing that his rhetoric was effective, Suo Kebin raised the issue of oil storage of Qingdao Mobil Oil Company, and Liu Yimin agreed, and the happy Suo Kebin was full of smiles.

Seeing that Suo Kebin was so happy, Liu Yimin said: "However, you have to promise me one condition, that is, you have to acquiesce that the United States is studying the issue of whether to send the Pacific Fleet to visit Qingdao, and at least you have to pretend to be confused on this issue for ten days." ”

Suo Kebin thought about it, China was indeed studying several of Liu Yimin's proposals, and Liu Yimin's request was acquiescence and confusion, so he didn't say anything.

Ekford's secretary took the emperor's enthronement stamps, a total of five sets, Liu Yimin looked at it, took out a dollar from his pocket, handed it to Ekford, and said that it was the stamp money paid.

Ekford was about to excuse himself, but Liu Yimin told him that the Eighth Route Army bought and sold fairly, and although there was not much money, the newly issued renminbi had collectible value, and basically no one would suffer a loss. Ekford had no choice but to accept the money.

Liu Yimin said in his heart that everything that should be done was done, so he invited the consuls to sit at the table, picked up his beer glass and said: "It is a great honor to be able to gather with you at this time of war." Please raise a glass and toast to the beautiful Qingdao! ”

After speaking, he raised his head and drank it all. After drinking, he looked at the consuls to see if they had finished drinking, and then went to the wine and said: "Good news for everyone, just now Mr. Sokebin, the consul of the United States of America in Qingdao, told me that the US Congress is studying the issue of when to send the Pacific Fleet to visit Qingdao, and the Pacific Fleet may send advance ships to Qingdao in advance. Ladies and gentlemen, with the support of the Pacific Fleet, Qingdao is as stable as Mount Tai. I propose, a toast to President Roosevelt's health! ”

(To be continued)