Even within the concessions, it was difficult for these military supplies to enter Shanghai because the Japanese had established a customs checkpoint at Wusongkou. All overseas goods entering Shanghai had to be inspected before they could enter the Huangpu River and dock in warehouses in Pudong.
Only smugglers from countries like the UK, US, and France can leverage their influence and diplomatic privileges to acquire some goods from overseas. However, this is far from sufficient to meet the enormous demand in mainland China, which explains why these controlled goods remain expensive and generate extremely high profits.
"Zhiren, are you saying we're going to do smuggling? Importing these controlled goods, isn't that risky?" Ishikawa Takeshi asked hesitantly.
“This isn’t smuggling, it’s doing business! Getting the biggest profit with the lowest cost! Besides, what do you think I have that I’ve made so much wealth in Hong Kong in less than a year?” Ning Zhiheng stepped forward, put his arm around Wu Zhi’s shoulder, and explained in a low voice, “Wu Zhi, listen to me, you just need to figure out how to get our goods through the Wusongkou Customs checkpoint smoothly, and the rest is my business.”
Seeing that Ishikawa Takeshi was still somewhat hesitant, Ning Zhiheng said again, "This matter is not difficult for you. Your Military Police Headquarters has the right to issue certificates exempting goods from inspection. After all, you are the highest department in charge of security work in Shanghai. Customs, police station, and military police are all under your jurisdiction. You only need to stamp a certificate, and our goods can pass through Wusongkou and enter Huangpu River without any hindrance. Then I will transport the goods in at the dock in the concession and enter the Shanghai market. You also said that Shanghai is the most suitable place in China to do business. It is a metropolis with a population of more than three million and a surrounding area of more than twenty million. Our little bit of supplies will not even make a ripple. No one will notice us. Besides, you don't need to worry. We are not dealing in arms. We will never touch that kind of business. Other goods are not troublesome. I am a member of the Fujiwara family and have the support of General Uehara. What problems could there be? Don't you think so?"
Ning Zhiheng was an excellent orator, speaking fluently and eloquently, making the whole matter sound extremely easy and simple, even bringing up Uehara Junpei.
Takeshi Ishikawa carefully considered what Ning Zhiheng had said, and the more he thought about it, the more sense it made. Although he was only a mid-level officer, his position was very crucial.
Ning Zhiheng was right. The Military Police Headquarters was different from the garrison. It was the highest department in charge of all security work in Shanghai and had great power. For example, Ishikawa Takeshi could easily handle Yi Hua'an's identity certificate on his own.
As long as Takeshi Ishikawa obtains an exemption certificate from the military police headquarters, the customs authorities will not obstruct him. This may be very difficult for others, but it is not a problem for Takeshi Ishikawa.
What Ishikawa Takeshi valued more was Ning Zhiheng's last words: this disciple of the Fujiwara family had the Uehara General as his backer, so smuggling a little bit of supplies was really no big deal. Even if something really happened, it would only take a word from the Uehara General to resolve it!
"Think about it, Wu Zhi, if we don't make this money, those British and Americans will make it. Do you think the military really doesn't know they're smuggling? In such a big commercial metropolis, it's absolutely impossible for there to be no smuggling activities!"
They know perfectly well what's going on, and we're just taking advantage of the situation to make a profit—it's no big deal! So, don't hesitate! There's an old Chinese saying, "Fortune favors the bold." How can you expect a rich reward without putting in the effort? Besides, this isn't difficult for either of us!
"Understood! Zhiren, you're right, there's no reward without effort! Then I'll leave everything to you. I'll try to find a way to get the exemption certificate from customs. It might require smoothing things over with some connections, but there shouldn't be any problems!" Ishikawa Takeshi finally made up his mind and nodded in agreement.
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