Although Ning Zhiheng has collected a large number of antiques and paintings over the years, including countless masterpieces, such a precious ancient painting is rare and can definitely be considered a national treasure. He was so engrossed in it that he couldn't put it down.
Zhou Fushan saw Ning Zhiheng's fondness for the ancient painting and was secretly pleased. The rumors were true; Fujiwara Tomohito was indeed a connoisseur. His efforts had not been in vain.
It took Ning Zhiheng quite a while to raise his head. He gently rolled up the painting and put it away, his face full of joy. He smiled at Zhou Fushan and said, "Thank you very much, Mr. Zhou. This painting is very rare. I appreciate your help!"
“I’m glad you like it, sir. I have some other nice things here, I’ll bring them over for you to see when I get back!” Zhou Fushan said.
Ning Zhiheng smiled faintly. Zhou Fushan was giving gifts because he wanted something in return. Although he liked these antiques and paintings, it would never affect his principles.
“Mr. Zhou, you’re too kind. Let’s get down to business. I’m sure you’ve come here for something important, so please just say it.”
Upon hearing this, Zhou Fushan immediately stopped beating around the bush and explained his current situation to Ning Zhiheng in detail. He concluded by saying, "Mr. Fujiwara, the new government is in dire need of funds for many things. The establishment of the Central Reserve Bank is imminent, and the implementation of the Central Reserve Coin is crucial to the nation's future. However, the financial community in Shanghai is so resistant to the Central Reserve Coin, which puts me, the bank's president, in a very difficult position. My interactions with various parties have been unsuccessful recently. Therefore, I would like to ask Mr. Fujiwara for your help in speaking up in the business community to get the Central Reserve Coin accepted first and put into circulation in the market."
Upon hearing this, Ning Zhiheng realized that it was exactly as he had guessed. Zhou Fushan actually intended for him to endorse him. This was a thankless task, so how could he easily get involved?
He frowned and said, "Mr. Zhou, the issuance of China Reserve Coin is a government action. You can just issue the order to implement it. Do you think those merchants would dare to refuse to accept China Reserve Coin? It's not appropriate for me to handle this!"
Ning Zhiheng's words clearly implied an attempt to evade responsibility, causing Zhou Fushan to hesitate. The most developed financial and commercial sectors in Shanghai were, of course, the concessions, but even the Japanese couldn't interfere in matters within the concessions, let alone the Nanjing government.
Most of the powerful businesses in Shanghai's urban area are associated with Fujiwara Corporation. Given Fujiwara Corporation's background, I don't dare to use force. Do you really want me to hold a gun to their heads and force them to exchange and use China Reserve Bank currency?
Even if they were allowed to exchange their currency for Central Reserve Bank currency, the issuance of a currency is primarily for circulation, which is a long-term endeavor. If it were simply to plunder the assets of a few merchants, it would be more efficient to raid their homes directly. However, doing so would be too disgraceful, as the Nanjing government was newly established and still needed to maintain some semblance of dignity.
He looked troubled and pleaded again, "Sir, the Fujiwara Company's position in the Shanghai business community is self-evident. Without your consent, we can't really resort to coercive measures. Besides, the establishment of the Reserve Bank is also approved by the Imperial Government, which is in the interest of the Empire. Please grant my request."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Zhiheng's face darkened, and he said indifferently, "I have never been involved in politics, and the Fujiwara Company will not take responsibility for the Imperial Government. In the end, without the recognition of the financial sector, it is difficult to guarantee the credibility of the Central Reserve Coin. Why should I take the lead?"
Ning Zhiheng rejected Zhou Fushan's suggestion without hesitation. After all, their statuses were vastly different, and he didn't need to worry about the other party's feelings.
Zhou Fushan was speechless for a moment, his face slightly flushed. He knew he lacked the leverage to persuade the other party, so he quickly gave Su Yue a wink.
Seeing Ning Zhiheng's resolute attitude, Su Yue couldn't help but feel a little bitter. He was afraid he had taken on a tough job, but since he had already received the benefits, he couldn't remain silent. So he braced himself and said, "Fujiwara-kun, you misunderstand. Minister Zhou's idea is to first go through the business sector and then proceed with banking work after the products have circulated in the market."
However, the problem now is that many powerful businesses, relying on their relationship with Fujiwara Corporation, are using your name to threaten to resolutely oppose the issuance of the Central Reserve Bank of China's currency unless you speak out. This puts Minister Zhou in a very difficult position, which is why he has come to you to ask for your approval.
"My banner?" Ning Zhiheng frowned immediately, this was unexpected.
This is a case of the big tree attracting the wind! Although these merchants are his downstream customers, it's just a business transaction where everyone gets what they need. In these chaotic times, it's only right that he provides them with some protection when necessary.
However, we cannot allow them to use their own banner to resist the Nanjing government's currency issuance. After all, Shanghai was under the rule of the Japanese and the Nanjing government. It seems that these people have become somewhat arrogant by taking advantage of their power.
The reason why the Shanghai business community is unwilling to accept the China Reserve Coin is because they have no confidence in it and are therefore taking a wait-and-see attitude. However, Ning Zhiheng is very clear that although the issuance of the China Reserve Coin was difficult at the beginning and the process was tortuous and even bloody, it was ultimately successful.
In just two months, the Nanjing government used harsh and bloody methods to forcibly promote the issuance of the Central Reserve Bank currency, which began to circulate in Shanghai and even in the occupied areas of the country.
This currency reform by the Nanjing government was a major trend and a large-scale economic plunder carried out jointly by the Japanese and Nanjing governments.
Ning Zhiheng was well aware that his influence was limited to the Shanghai area and was far from sufficient in the face of the powerful Japanese military and government. He was not so arrogant as to think that he could stop their momentum on his own.
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