Chapter 1679
Investigate the news
Chapter 1679 Investigate the news
Although Qin Huacheng declared that he did not want the money that Ding Pingsheng took the initiative to give away, when he led the team away, Ding Pingsheng still had someone quietly send a small bag of silver coins.Qin Huacheng weighed his weight and didn't pretend to refuse any more. He nodded to Ding Pingsheng and expressed his appreciation for his knowledge and interest.With Qin Huacheng's current authority, he naturally wouldn't take this little money too seriously, but Ding Pingsheng's attitude gave him more confidence in the future cooperation.
Although Qin Huacheng is only a small detachment leader in charge of dozens of security police outside the city, and has no deep official background, the Qin family is a local family that has lived in Manila for several generations. As the saying goes, there are shrimps and crabs. With Xie Dao, of course Qin Huacheng also has his own news channel.Although the Ding family has some money, they may not be able to compare with him when they want to inquire about the Haihan people.Most of the local security police recruited by Haihan people are mainly Han Chinese, and most of them are from civilian backgrounds. Many of them are Qin Huacheng's playmates since childhood. If they want to find out some inside information, they are actually calling friends after get off work. Go eat a meal of wine and meat.
It just so happened that Ding Pingsheng sent a sum of money to him, and even advanced the expenses of the event. Qin Huacheng planned to use this money to inquire about news, and it should be enough to invite those cronies to eat and drink in restaurants.As for whether the Ding family will make up their minds and come to him for help again, Qin Huacheng feels that there is nothing to worry about. From Ding Pingsheng's attitude, it can be seen that he has already been moved, but he still can't make up his mind. He needs to go back and ask the old man of the Ding family to make a decision. That's all.It is estimated that within half a day, the Ding family will come to find him.
Ding Pingsheng sent Qin Huacheng away, explained a few words to his deputy, and hurried home with Ding Pinger.During this period of time, the sea ban has not been lifted, and the shipping company actually has nothing to do, so Ding Ping does not have to guard the shop all the time.What Qin Huacheng said just now involved a lot, and it wasn't just about money. Ding Pingsheng had some things he couldn't tell Qin Huacheng too clearly, and he didn't dare to make rash decisions, so he went back to ask his father Ding Feng for instructions.
On the way home, he encountered the conscription station set up by the Haihan Army outside the west gate. Looking at the long queue of people, Ding Pingsheng couldn't help feeling a little bit moved by Haihan's tricks.After the Haihan army captured Manila, they immediately began recruiting local soldiers to join the army, and stipulated that as long as one person joined the army, his family could obtain [-] acres of land on the north bank of the Pasig River for farming.If you have served the Spanish armed forces before, you can also use this to offset the crime.In the future, if you want to apply for Haihan nationality, enlisting in the army is also an extremely important reference condition.
As soon as this regulation came out, many civilians were encouraged to flock to the registration point of the Haihan Army in recent days.The strength of the Haihan army is the best proof of the battle that just ended not long ago. The Spaniards, who were once invincible in Luzon Island, have hardly any front that can resist the Haihan army for three days. They retreated steadily all the way, and the battle situation did not even repeat itself. In just a few days, the entire Manila Bay was directly lost, which was completely different from what the Spanish authorities declared before the war, "Let the blood of the Haihan people cover Manila Bay".
The difference in strength between the Spanish armed forces and the Haihan army is so great that anyone who is not blind can naturally see who is the real thigh worth hugging.What's more, the recruitment conditions of the Haihan army are extremely generous. In the past, if ordinary civilians wanted to buy [-] acres of land from the Spanish authorities, it would take at least seven or eight years for the whole family to save enough money. If you join the army, you will be able to share the land. During the period of serving in the army, you will also get a generous military salary. This land is almost like giving away for nothing. Who would want to miss such a good opportunity?
In just a few days, Haihan recruited hundreds of qualified soldiers from the local area.And after the news spread, more young adults of the right age flocked from towns near Manila, hoping to exchange a piece of arable land for their families and earn a future for themselves in this way.There are quite a few young people in Ding's shipyard, they felt that this way out was better than working in the shipyard, so they quit their jobs to find Haihan people to join the army.
Ding Pingsheng can understand such a choice. The sailors who work in the shipping company only earn about ten silver coins a month. Buying fifty acres of land in your hands is basically wishful thinking.However, Han people have an innate desire for land. If they choose a way of life between owning land and wandering in the sea, most Han people will choose the former without hesitation.Few people could hold on to the conditions Hai Han offered.
As for the impact of enlisting in the army on Haihan's naturalization in the future, the local people have not really realized the importance of Haihan's nationality for the time being.Regardless of land distribution, future living arrangements, and personal future, the treatment gap between Haihan and non-Han nationality will be huge. If they know how strict the naturalization control is on Hainan Island, they may re-examine the Haihan army The conditions offered, because being allowed to become a Haihan nationality is the most important condition.
Ding Pingsheng returned home to see his father, and repeated what Qin Huacheng said today when he came to the door. Ding Pinger was a bystander in this matter, and with her additions, there was basically nothing missing.
After listening to it, Ding Feng commented: "Yesterday your second brother went to the Qin family and had an unpleasant quarrel with the old man Qin. It is estimated that the second son of the Qin family also knows about it. The second son of the Qin family used to work for the Spaniards, and now he is working for the old man. Haihan people are on duty, so they are naturally high-spirited. How can you bear the anger of your second brother? Going to the boat shop today should be because you want to take care of our Ding family. But you can deal with him calmly, which is very good , as the helm of the Ding family, he should have such a city."
Ding Pingsheng said: "Father, what do you think of what Qin Huacheng said?"
Ding Feng pondered and said: "Since Qin Huacheng refuses to accept the cash you sent, but insists on using the future ship hire price as a transaction condition, what he is looking for is not a short-term profit, and he should be able to find out with some certainty. Such a condition will be issued only after hearing the news."
"In your opinion, can this matter be handed over to Qin Huacheng?" Ding Pingsheng asked.
Ding Feng said: "You let him inquire about the news first, don't say too much, if you don't guarantee it, he will regret it if he knows too much, then whether it is to reject us or ask for a price, it will not be appropriate."
"Then if he asks if we should try to rescue my brother-in-law?"
"Say what you should say, and don't mention what you shouldn't. This old man needs to teach you?" Seeing Ding Pingsheng's cautious appearance, Ding Feng was suddenly a little angry. Although his elder son is far more stable than his second son, he is worthy of being the head of the family. The seat of the Lord, but sometimes he is too cautious, and this also makes him miss many opportunities.Hand over the Ding family to him, and it will probably be more than enough in the future, but it will be insufficient to start.
Seeing that his father was angry, Ding Pingsheng quickly responded. He was not ignorant of the stakes, but he always felt that it would be safer for his father to make a decision.As the head of the family, Ding Pingsheng always lacked a little courage.In terms of daring to act, it was his brother Ding Ping, who was not very good-tempered, who was more open-minded.
As for the Spanish man who made Ding's father and son so afraid, the reason is not surprising at all. His name is Francis Jr., and he is the son of Francis, the former city defense commander of Manila City.In other words, the in-laws of the Ding family's marriage is the commander of the city defense, Francis.
And it was because of this protective umbrella that the Ding family hardly received any direct involvement in the Manila battle, and even the cargo ship of the Ding family's shipping company docked at the Manila port was intact.When the Manila Fleet was severely damaged by the Haihan Navy, Juan Luis still insisted on not moving the Ding's ship. The reason was that Francis had given an order to give the Ding's ship special care.
Of course, before the Battle of Manila, the Ding family benefited even more from this marriage, especially in shipping.If the Haihan army hadn't come in, in time, the Ding family would have become the leading Han family in Manila.However, the Ding family has gained a lot of benefits, but it has not swollen too much because of it. In addition to making a lot of money in the business field, it has a good reputation in the local Han circle. Look down on them.
But the situation changed after the war. The Ding family's foreign son-in-law, Francis Jr., was captured by the Haihan people and taken into the city. He didn't know his life or death for several days.It's not that the Ding family didn't think of a way out, but almost all the people looking for were the same as Qin Shengyao, avoiding the Ding family for fear of being implicated by it.If Qin Huacheng hadn't taken the initiative to come forward, the Ding family would probably have to continue to worry about this matter.
For the Ding family, there is actually another consideration that should not be disclosed. Even the third daughter, Ding Pinger, is kept secret. That is whether the foreign son-in-law will be rescued or not. The Ding family and his son have not yet made a definite decision.
Rescuing little Francis, if the person is not rescued, it will drag the Ding family who had managed to stay out of the matter with great difficulty, and the Haihan authorities will include the Ding family in the list of "pro-Spanish".And the consequences it will lead to may cause disaster to the Ding family who are engaged in the shipping business.The Haihan authorities don't even need to confiscate the Ding family's property. As long as the official gives a little hint, no businessman will dare to maintain trade relations with the Ding family in the future.
Of course, as a husband and wife, Ding Pinger naturally wanted to save her husband from the prison. Today, when she went to the boat shop, she also wanted to ask her elder brother Ding Pingsheng to see what else she could do.For her, there is no such thing as taking the overall situation into account and dragging down the family. A husband is a husband, and if she loses her, she will be a widow from now on.Who should dare to accept the widow who was married once by the Spaniards in the future?
But Ding Ping'er's thoughts, her father and brother will definitely not care too much, how can the fate of a woman and the family be compared with the prospects of the whole family.According to the thinking of the Ding family and his son, it is necessary to inquire about the current situation of little Francis and the true attitude of the Haihan authorities towards this matter before making further plans.In any case, keeping the Ding family as the top priority. As for the price to be paid and the means to achieve this goal, it has to be done.
Just as Qin Huacheng thought, the Ding family came to the door before noon.Ding Pingsheng himself did not show up, but sent a message to Qin Huacheng from one of his subordinates, asking him to have a light meal at a restaurant near the port at noon.
Qin Hua was already reassured that he wanted to accept the deal from the Ding family, so naturally he would not refuse, so he went to the appointment alone at noon.The restaurant that Ding Pingsheng invited guests to was actually owned by the Ding family, so he had reserved a private room here early on. As soon as Qin Huacheng arrived, he ordered his servants to start serving the dishes.
"What Brother Qin said today, I will discuss it with my father after I go back next time, and I feel that Brother Qin should be troubled about this matter." Ding Pingsheng poured wine for Qin Huacheng, and said politely: "I hope Brother Qin will help you out of righteousness. .”
Qin Huacheng smiled and said: "I don't dare to be righteous, and I am not that noble. If I discuss the conditions in the morning, shopkeeper Ding thinks it is appropriate, then I will go to the city in the afternoon to inquire about the news. If it is fast, I will get back to you within a day or two. If you don't think so That's right, let's forget about it after we finish this meal, I just pretend I haven't heard about it."
Ding Pingsheng said: "Since Brother Qin is so forthright, then I will not go around in circles. If there is any definite news about my brother-in-law, from now on, according to Brother Qin's wishes, as long as the Qin family comes to hire a boat, the Ding's boat company will provide it as promised. Make a special arrangement. But the details of the transaction between you and me, I hope Brother Qin will keep it secret from the outside, so as not to disturb the market price."
Qin Huacheng nodded and said, "Of course I can save this. Shopkeeper Ding doesn't need to worry. But you said the exact news, how exactly do you want it, and what requirements do you have?"
Ding Pingsheng said: "I need to know whether he is alive or dead. If he is dead, I will take his body into the coffin and take care of the funeral affairs. If he is still alive, then I need to know how the government plans to deal with him and whether there is any turning point. "
Qin Huacheng took a sip of his wine and did not speak for a long time.When Ding Pingsheng was uneasy, worried whether the other party thought his request was too troublesome, Qin Huacheng finally spoke, and Ding Pingsheng's heart skipped a beat with just one sentence.
"Then your Ding family... do you want him to live, or do you want him to die?"
Even though Ding Pingsheng had a calm personality, when he heard Qin Huacheng directly ask such a sentence, his expression was inevitably a little stiff: "Brother Qin was joking, how could it be... want him to die?"
Qin Huacheng shook his head and said, "It's nothing unusual. Once the battle was over, everyone was busy severing ties with the Spaniards. Didn't your Ding family ever think of drawing a line with this son-in-law and that in-law? "
(End of this chapter)
Although Qin Huacheng declared that he did not want the money that Ding Pingsheng took the initiative to give away, when he led the team away, Ding Pingsheng still had someone quietly send a small bag of silver coins.Qin Huacheng weighed his weight and didn't pretend to refuse any more. He nodded to Ding Pingsheng and expressed his appreciation for his knowledge and interest.With Qin Huacheng's current authority, he naturally wouldn't take this little money too seriously, but Ding Pingsheng's attitude gave him more confidence in the future cooperation.
Although Qin Huacheng is only a small detachment leader in charge of dozens of security police outside the city, and has no deep official background, the Qin family is a local family that has lived in Manila for several generations. As the saying goes, there are shrimps and crabs. With Xie Dao, of course Qin Huacheng also has his own news channel.Although the Ding family has some money, they may not be able to compare with him when they want to inquire about the Haihan people.Most of the local security police recruited by Haihan people are mainly Han Chinese, and most of them are from civilian backgrounds. Many of them are Qin Huacheng's playmates since childhood. If they want to find out some inside information, they are actually calling friends after get off work. Go eat a meal of wine and meat.
It just so happened that Ding Pingsheng sent a sum of money to him, and even advanced the expenses of the event. Qin Huacheng planned to use this money to inquire about news, and it should be enough to invite those cronies to eat and drink in restaurants.As for whether the Ding family will make up their minds and come to him for help again, Qin Huacheng feels that there is nothing to worry about. From Ding Pingsheng's attitude, it can be seen that he has already been moved, but he still can't make up his mind. He needs to go back and ask the old man of the Ding family to make a decision. That's all.It is estimated that within half a day, the Ding family will come to find him.
Ding Pingsheng sent Qin Huacheng away, explained a few words to his deputy, and hurried home with Ding Pinger.During this period of time, the sea ban has not been lifted, and the shipping company actually has nothing to do, so Ding Ping does not have to guard the shop all the time.What Qin Huacheng said just now involved a lot, and it wasn't just about money. Ding Pingsheng had some things he couldn't tell Qin Huacheng too clearly, and he didn't dare to make rash decisions, so he went back to ask his father Ding Feng for instructions.
On the way home, he encountered the conscription station set up by the Haihan Army outside the west gate. Looking at the long queue of people, Ding Pingsheng couldn't help feeling a little bit moved by Haihan's tricks.After the Haihan army captured Manila, they immediately began recruiting local soldiers to join the army, and stipulated that as long as one person joined the army, his family could obtain [-] acres of land on the north bank of the Pasig River for farming.If you have served the Spanish armed forces before, you can also use this to offset the crime.In the future, if you want to apply for Haihan nationality, enlisting in the army is also an extremely important reference condition.
As soon as this regulation came out, many civilians were encouraged to flock to the registration point of the Haihan Army in recent days.The strength of the Haihan army is the best proof of the battle that just ended not long ago. The Spaniards, who were once invincible in Luzon Island, have hardly any front that can resist the Haihan army for three days. They retreated steadily all the way, and the battle situation did not even repeat itself. In just a few days, the entire Manila Bay was directly lost, which was completely different from what the Spanish authorities declared before the war, "Let the blood of the Haihan people cover Manila Bay".
The difference in strength between the Spanish armed forces and the Haihan army is so great that anyone who is not blind can naturally see who is the real thigh worth hugging.What's more, the recruitment conditions of the Haihan army are extremely generous. In the past, if ordinary civilians wanted to buy [-] acres of land from the Spanish authorities, it would take at least seven or eight years for the whole family to save enough money. If you join the army, you will be able to share the land. During the period of serving in the army, you will also get a generous military salary. This land is almost like giving away for nothing. Who would want to miss such a good opportunity?
In just a few days, Haihan recruited hundreds of qualified soldiers from the local area.And after the news spread, more young adults of the right age flocked from towns near Manila, hoping to exchange a piece of arable land for their families and earn a future for themselves in this way.There are quite a few young people in Ding's shipyard, they felt that this way out was better than working in the shipyard, so they quit their jobs to find Haihan people to join the army.
Ding Pingsheng can understand such a choice. The sailors who work in the shipping company only earn about ten silver coins a month. Buying fifty acres of land in your hands is basically wishful thinking.However, Han people have an innate desire for land. If they choose a way of life between owning land and wandering in the sea, most Han people will choose the former without hesitation.Few people could hold on to the conditions Hai Han offered.
As for the impact of enlisting in the army on Haihan's naturalization in the future, the local people have not really realized the importance of Haihan's nationality for the time being.Regardless of land distribution, future living arrangements, and personal future, the treatment gap between Haihan and non-Han nationality will be huge. If they know how strict the naturalization control is on Hainan Island, they may re-examine the Haihan army The conditions offered, because being allowed to become a Haihan nationality is the most important condition.
Ding Pingsheng returned home to see his father, and repeated what Qin Huacheng said today when he came to the door. Ding Pinger was a bystander in this matter, and with her additions, there was basically nothing missing.
After listening to it, Ding Feng commented: "Yesterday your second brother went to the Qin family and had an unpleasant quarrel with the old man Qin. It is estimated that the second son of the Qin family also knows about it. The second son of the Qin family used to work for the Spaniards, and now he is working for the old man. Haihan people are on duty, so they are naturally high-spirited. How can you bear the anger of your second brother? Going to the boat shop today should be because you want to take care of our Ding family. But you can deal with him calmly, which is very good , as the helm of the Ding family, he should have such a city."
Ding Pingsheng said: "Father, what do you think of what Qin Huacheng said?"
Ding Feng pondered and said: "Since Qin Huacheng refuses to accept the cash you sent, but insists on using the future ship hire price as a transaction condition, what he is looking for is not a short-term profit, and he should be able to find out with some certainty. Such a condition will be issued only after hearing the news."
"In your opinion, can this matter be handed over to Qin Huacheng?" Ding Pingsheng asked.
Ding Feng said: "You let him inquire about the news first, don't say too much, if you don't guarantee it, he will regret it if he knows too much, then whether it is to reject us or ask for a price, it will not be appropriate."
"Then if he asks if we should try to rescue my brother-in-law?"
"Say what you should say, and don't mention what you shouldn't. This old man needs to teach you?" Seeing Ding Pingsheng's cautious appearance, Ding Feng was suddenly a little angry. Although his elder son is far more stable than his second son, he is worthy of being the head of the family. The seat of the Lord, but sometimes he is too cautious, and this also makes him miss many opportunities.Hand over the Ding family to him, and it will probably be more than enough in the future, but it will be insufficient to start.
Seeing that his father was angry, Ding Pingsheng quickly responded. He was not ignorant of the stakes, but he always felt that it would be safer for his father to make a decision.As the head of the family, Ding Pingsheng always lacked a little courage.In terms of daring to act, it was his brother Ding Ping, who was not very good-tempered, who was more open-minded.
As for the Spanish man who made Ding's father and son so afraid, the reason is not surprising at all. His name is Francis Jr., and he is the son of Francis, the former city defense commander of Manila City.In other words, the in-laws of the Ding family's marriage is the commander of the city defense, Francis.
And it was because of this protective umbrella that the Ding family hardly received any direct involvement in the Manila battle, and even the cargo ship of the Ding family's shipping company docked at the Manila port was intact.When the Manila Fleet was severely damaged by the Haihan Navy, Juan Luis still insisted on not moving the Ding's ship. The reason was that Francis had given an order to give the Ding's ship special care.
Of course, before the Battle of Manila, the Ding family benefited even more from this marriage, especially in shipping.If the Haihan army hadn't come in, in time, the Ding family would have become the leading Han family in Manila.However, the Ding family has gained a lot of benefits, but it has not swollen too much because of it. In addition to making a lot of money in the business field, it has a good reputation in the local Han circle. Look down on them.
But the situation changed after the war. The Ding family's foreign son-in-law, Francis Jr., was captured by the Haihan people and taken into the city. He didn't know his life or death for several days.It's not that the Ding family didn't think of a way out, but almost all the people looking for were the same as Qin Shengyao, avoiding the Ding family for fear of being implicated by it.If Qin Huacheng hadn't taken the initiative to come forward, the Ding family would probably have to continue to worry about this matter.
For the Ding family, there is actually another consideration that should not be disclosed. Even the third daughter, Ding Pinger, is kept secret. That is whether the foreign son-in-law will be rescued or not. The Ding family and his son have not yet made a definite decision.
Rescuing little Francis, if the person is not rescued, it will drag the Ding family who had managed to stay out of the matter with great difficulty, and the Haihan authorities will include the Ding family in the list of "pro-Spanish".And the consequences it will lead to may cause disaster to the Ding family who are engaged in the shipping business.The Haihan authorities don't even need to confiscate the Ding family's property. As long as the official gives a little hint, no businessman will dare to maintain trade relations with the Ding family in the future.
Of course, as a husband and wife, Ding Pinger naturally wanted to save her husband from the prison. Today, when she went to the boat shop, she also wanted to ask her elder brother Ding Pingsheng to see what else she could do.For her, there is no such thing as taking the overall situation into account and dragging down the family. A husband is a husband, and if she loses her, she will be a widow from now on.Who should dare to accept the widow who was married once by the Spaniards in the future?
But Ding Ping'er's thoughts, her father and brother will definitely not care too much, how can the fate of a woman and the family be compared with the prospects of the whole family.According to the thinking of the Ding family and his son, it is necessary to inquire about the current situation of little Francis and the true attitude of the Haihan authorities towards this matter before making further plans.In any case, keeping the Ding family as the top priority. As for the price to be paid and the means to achieve this goal, it has to be done.
Just as Qin Huacheng thought, the Ding family came to the door before noon.Ding Pingsheng himself did not show up, but sent a message to Qin Huacheng from one of his subordinates, asking him to have a light meal at a restaurant near the port at noon.
Qin Hua was already reassured that he wanted to accept the deal from the Ding family, so naturally he would not refuse, so he went to the appointment alone at noon.The restaurant that Ding Pingsheng invited guests to was actually owned by the Ding family, so he had reserved a private room here early on. As soon as Qin Huacheng arrived, he ordered his servants to start serving the dishes.
"What Brother Qin said today, I will discuss it with my father after I go back next time, and I feel that Brother Qin should be troubled about this matter." Ding Pingsheng poured wine for Qin Huacheng, and said politely: "I hope Brother Qin will help you out of righteousness. .”
Qin Huacheng smiled and said: "I don't dare to be righteous, and I am not that noble. If I discuss the conditions in the morning, shopkeeper Ding thinks it is appropriate, then I will go to the city in the afternoon to inquire about the news. If it is fast, I will get back to you within a day or two. If you don't think so That's right, let's forget about it after we finish this meal, I just pretend I haven't heard about it."
Ding Pingsheng said: "Since Brother Qin is so forthright, then I will not go around in circles. If there is any definite news about my brother-in-law, from now on, according to Brother Qin's wishes, as long as the Qin family comes to hire a boat, the Ding's boat company will provide it as promised. Make a special arrangement. But the details of the transaction between you and me, I hope Brother Qin will keep it secret from the outside, so as not to disturb the market price."
Qin Huacheng nodded and said, "Of course I can save this. Shopkeeper Ding doesn't need to worry. But you said the exact news, how exactly do you want it, and what requirements do you have?"
Ding Pingsheng said: "I need to know whether he is alive or dead. If he is dead, I will take his body into the coffin and take care of the funeral affairs. If he is still alive, then I need to know how the government plans to deal with him and whether there is any turning point. "
Qin Huacheng took a sip of his wine and did not speak for a long time.When Ding Pingsheng was uneasy, worried whether the other party thought his request was too troublesome, Qin Huacheng finally spoke, and Ding Pingsheng's heart skipped a beat with just one sentence.
"Then your Ding family... do you want him to live, or do you want him to die?"
Even though Ding Pingsheng had a calm personality, when he heard Qin Huacheng directly ask such a sentence, his expression was inevitably a little stiff: "Brother Qin was joking, how could it be... want him to die?"
Qin Huacheng shook his head and said, "It's nothing unusual. Once the battle was over, everyone was busy severing ties with the Spaniards. Didn't your Ding family ever think of drawing a line with this son-in-law and that in-law? "
(End of this chapter)