The journey starts from the Titanic

Under the joint squeeze of the British and American consortium, the Japanese returned in anguish again. Even if the Japanese adviser and Japanese ambassador went to Beijing to intimidate and show up, it would be useless.

As for the French, he felt a little tasteful, and after knowing that there was nothing wrong with him, he set his sights on the Southwest Railway.Unfortunately, the Annan section of the railway was repaired, but due to the terrain of the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan area, the Southwest Railway progressed slowly....

Tokyo Bay, Japan.

The wind and waves are calm, and there are countless ships moored in the harbor, many of which are huge ships above 10,000 tons.Boats are coming in and going out, and it is very lively.

There are many such good ports in Japan, especially along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea.Heaven seems to be a bit fair. Although it did not give this island country rich natural resources, it has been found all over the world. Few countries have so many excellent seaports. This is self-evident for foreign trade and economic development.

The Tokyo area is the heart of Japan, where the essence of this island country is concentrated. The industrial, cultural, economic, and political centers are all here.In particular, the (Tokyo (Yoko)hama Industrial Zone) occupies one third of Japan's industry.

Situ Nan looked at the city with complicated eyes.Decades ago, the American Peyton Fleet knocked on the door here, but this island nation was awakened and resented.

A few decades later, the Americans came here again and blew it into ruins, but ten years later, it stood up even more tenaciously.

History always has a similar side. It seems that the people of this island country are really as tenacious as a cockroach, unless you pinch a lice, squeeze its belly, and rub your hand severely...

"Yongyuan, what's the market in Tokyo?" Situ Nan asked the secretary He Yongyuan.

"Much better." He Yongyuan said.

"Much better?" Situ Nan was a little dissatisfied.

"Uh," He Yongyuan immediately realized that he had made a mistake and explained, "This spring, Japan broke out in the postwar economic crisis, a large number of companies closed down, banks were run on, the stock market fell again and again, and the government raised financial loans. This eased. It’s impossible to prosper like the previous two years."

"It's not too bad." Situ Nan nodded. The postwar economic crisis not only in Japan but also in the United States has become more and more serious. Farmers in the Midwest have gone bankrupt, and their land and livestock have also fallen into the hands of bankers.

The agricultural depression is good for large consortia like Wells Fargo. They can easily buy small and medium-sized western banks that are usually coveted and turn them into their own branches. At the same time, they can get a lot of land and livestock from bankrupt farmers. .Fortunately, those farmers made a lot of money during the First World War. Now that there is no demand for a large number of war orders, it is normal to spit out the money they earned.

This is the same for both the American consortium and the Japanese consortium. Although Japan’s economy is sluggish, it is small and medium-sized enterprises or farmers who go bankrupt. Consortiums such as Mitsui and Mitsubishi can still make big profits and can merge at a relatively small price. Some good companies.

Situ Nan has seen Tokyo's industrial areas and shocked him with shipbuilding and iron making.After the First World War, Japan’s shipbuilding and iron industry developed by leaps and bounds. The country’s madness in iron and shipbuilding is not something the Chinese people who are currently in trouble can understand.

"Using all the financial resources of a country to invest in heavy industry, perhaps only the tyrant of Stalin can compare with Japan in this regard." Situ Nan thought.

“Japan is a country with amazing potential. Consortiums such as Mitsui and Mitsubishi are our competitors. Although Japan’s economy is currently in recession, the profits they have made before are enough to allow Japan’s industrialization and urbanization to advance rapidly. If there is a chance, we must stop it. Look at them, you can't let them develop too easily."

Situ Nan warned.According to the information collected by Meihua in Japan, the output of Yawata Steel, Japan's largest ironworks, has reached 300,000 tons.

In contrast, the current output of tens of thousands of tons of steel in Hanyang Iron Works is really guilty.What makes people angry is that most of the original Yawata Iron Works comes from Daye, China. The iron ore and smelted pig iron from Daye Iron Mine are transported to Japan to be smelted into steel and then produced into various machine products.

In addition to Yawata Steel, a number of iron and steel companies, such as Lunsai Steel, Kamaishi Mine, Fuji Steel, Toyo Steel, Mitsubishi Steel, Kyushu Steel, etc. have also emerged. The coal and iron raw materials required are also from China and North Korea, so Japan The desire for resources is the most urgent.

In all fairness, for an island country with almost no coal and iron resources, it is dazzling where a group of companies like Yawata Steel can rise.

"Oh, now Little Japan is arrogant, and even naval guns can be made domestically." He Yongyuan sighed.He just saw the investigation report on Mitsubishi Shipyard, and he felt a little emotional.

"Who said no? He was originally supported by Britain. After defeating Russia and taking over Germany's interests in the Far East, he has become a behemoth threatening Britain's position in the Far East, so now the Japan-Britain alliance can no longer play."

Situ Nan smiled slightly and saw that He Yongyuan looked a little discouraged, and said: "When you arrive in the United States, let you see what a real steel giant is. If you go to Bethlehem and see it, you will feel that Mitsubishi is nothing. Don't be discouraged, Japan has some, I There are already, and they are bigger, better and stronger than them. In the future, we will transfer part of our power to Asia, and we will definitely call Japan a good-looking."

"I can't wait to hear what you say. Boss, you have done a great job in the United States. Steel, oil, shipbuilding and other companies are very large, and they are all among the best. I am really lucky to go to the United States with you. "

He Yongyuan thought that he was about to enter Situ Nan's business empire, and he might be an important member. He was excited but also pressured.So I have been desperately familiar with the situation of the William Consortium.

"Haha." Situ Nan smiled, and he was still a little afraid of the Japanese. According to business intelligence, during the First World War, Japan’s trade and exports surged and shipping was extremely prosperous. This gave the export industry, the shipbuilding industry, and the foundation of the mining industry. Industry and related industries have created opportunities for development and prosperity, which have led to rapid expansion of various industrial sectors.

The overall manufacturing industry increased by more than 30 times, and the chemical industry increased by more than 96 times. In the second half of 1918, the profit rate of the main industries reached 55.2%, of which it was as high as 191.6% in some periods, and the shipbuilding industry also reached 166.6%.

From an efficiency point of view, the speed of the rise of Japanese industry is amazing.Through the World War, Japan has become a superpower from a long-term superpower since the Meiji era, and its industrial structure has also changed from a pre-war agricultural country to an industrial country.In 1914, the agricultural output value accounted for 45.1% of the gross national product, and the industrial share was 44.5%. At the end of the war, the share of agricultural output fell to 35.1%, and the share of industrial output rose to 56.8%).

Japan's reforms are top-down. Consortiums such as Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Sumitomo, and Fuji have a high degree of monopoly on Japan's industry and commerce, and are closely linked to the interests of the country.When these consortia invest heavily in China, they are naturally backed by the state, and local Chinese companies often cannot compete with Japanese companies.

In 1915, the Okuma cabinet proposed 21 Articles to China, demanding the expansion of Japan’s military, political, and economic rights and interests from the "Manchurian Mongolia" to northern, central and southern China. Through various means, it drastically expanded the volume of trade and investment with China. These are all driven by consortia such as Mitsubishi and Mitsui, because the small domestic market can no longer satisfy their desires.

"It’s a month before the water’s terraces. The Japanese invaded China’s interests still have an advantage over Western countries. However, several consortiums such as Mitsui, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Fuji, etc. have made so much money, and they have the opportunity to cut their wool. They know that money is not so easy to make!"

Situ Nan tapped his fingers on the table lightly and said to himself.He thought about the Tokyo earthquake three years later, almost paralyzing Japan.Earthquakes, fires, tsunamis, the retribution came so violently!

Ports such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Yokosuka were destroyed, tens of thousands of ships were damaged, various industrial areas were destroyed, more than 80 to 90% of houses collapsed, and millions of people were left homeless.

Economically, short the Tokyo stock market, suppress the yen exchange rate, and arbitrage Japanese gold... Well, it should be enough for them to drink a pot!Just in this way, will they be madly retaliated against?Well, it must be more secretive.

Thinking of ambushing the Japanese economy and making them worse, Situ Nan was extremely excited.This reminded him of the crazy short stock market in New York.

He whispered to He Yongyuan: "You find someone to register a financial company in Tokyo. You don’t need the name of Meihua, whatever the name is, it doesn’t need to be too big, it’s a leather bag company. Then hire some local people and let them come forward and engage in it. Tokyo's securities finance industry.

In the past two years, let them practice their hands first, get familiar with some business, and also inspect them.After they are proficient, I can register a few more similar companies, I have great use!At the same time, pay close attention to the movements of the two consortiums of Mitsubishi and Mitsui, and remember to keep them confidential."

"Okay." He Yongyuan took out his notebook and recorded Situ Nan's instructions.He had some doubts in his mind. Meihua Company obviously has a branch in Tokyo, but it can actually play its own brand.

The boss must be playing a conspiracy.He Yongyuan thought.Seeing that Situ Nan didn't mean to explain, he didn't ask, nodded and went out.What he had to do was to pass on Situ Nan's order, and naturally someone involved would handle it.

Thinking that in a few years, he could step on and kick the wounds of Japanese people, Situ Nan was in a good mood.Stepping out of the deck, looking at the peaceful Tokyo Bay, the chimneys rise along the shore, which is really beautiful.

But, how do they look like a "tiger's mouth"?Great place!

On the bow deck, there was a beautiful figure sitting under a parasol, facing the sea, looking very relaxed.This is the third day that the William arrived in Japan.On the return journey, there was an extra guest on the boat. She was the talented woman Lu Bihua. This woman wanted to travel around the country, so she got on this sailing boat.

Situ Nan and Lu Bihua are not very familiar, they are normal friends.When he walked ashore, he also handed it over to Lu Bihua.Not long ago, they returned to the ship from Ginza.

"Ms. Lu's impression of Tokyo?" Situ Nan asked.He wanted to know how "indigenous people" like Lu Bihua view Japan.

"Very open and stubborn. They are willing to accept what is good for them, and study hard and meticulously. Think that Ginza is a completely westernized new city, transportation, electrical, architecture, clothing and even language, all learning from Europe, at least domestic There is no such place in the concession."

Lu Bihua said."At the same time, the Japanese stubbornly adhere to their own traditions. The Chiyoda area not far from Ginza retains traditional Japanese palaces, neighborhoods, and traditional buildings. It contrasts sharply with the westernized Ginza. It seems a little out of place, but Japan People accept this kind of existence frankly. Such a nation is respectable and terrifying!"

Lu Bihua said.

Situ Nan nodded.

Lu Bihua's attitude also represents the views of most Chinese intellectuals or the upper class towards Japan.The advanced figures of this era, especially in the military and political circles, have too many people with a background of studying in Japan. They have a good impression of Japan's enlightened and advanced, and they have maintained close contact with the Japanese after returning to China.

If it weren't for the life-and-death battle ten years later, China and Japan would not become mortal enemies, at least they would not allow the Chinese in a hundred years to mention Japan as if they were in their throats.

Seeing Situ Nan's slightly frowned brows, Lu Bihua suddenly remembered that Situ Nan seemed a little worried about safety and worried that the Japanese would be hostile to him and his party, so he was cautious and brought bodyguards along the way.

She felt funny in her heart."Mr. Situ, don't you think it is safe here?" she asked.

"A little bit. You know, there are a lot of crazy people in this country, who knows what crazy actions will be done to strangers like us." Situ Nan smiled and replied.

When the Prince of Tsarist Russia was visiting Japan, he was stabbed by a policeman who rushed out. Although he was not dead, he had scars on his head and had sequelae.Also receiving this treatment was Li Hongzhang, this old man ran all the way to sign the "Shiguan Treaty", but was also hit, but he did not die.

"Fortunately! After walking around, I finally didn't meet the legendary ninja warrior." Situ Nan smiled.The Japanese are notoriously unfriendly to foreigners and often act crazy, so they are sometimes called "beasts in the cloak of civilization."

"So Mr. Situ compares himself to the Tsar and Li Hongzhang?" Lu Bihua laughed.She has also heard of the examples cited by Situ Nan.

"Don't say that. How can I get to the point where they are? It's nothing more than preparedness." Situ Nan smiled, "But if I want to choose, I think the czar is more spineless than Li Hongzhang."