Chapter Thirteen: Securing an Escape Route

"What important matter requires such a large sum of money? Your father certainly doesn't hesitate to spend. I knew your family in Hangzhou makes a living in business, but I never expected such generosity. It seems your father's business in Hangzhou is quite substantial," He Feng remarked, having previously learned a bit about Ning Zhiheng's circumstances. Yet, he hadn't realized how affluent Ning's family was—his understanding of this student was clearly lacking.

"Teacher, you have broad connections. Do you happen to have trustworthy friends in Chongqing?" Ning Zhiheng inquired.

"Chongqing? Let me think," He Feng replied, noticing Ning Zhiheng had sidestepped his question and instead touched on an unrelated topic. After a moment's contemplation, he said, "The commander of the Fifth Regiment, Thirteenth Division stationed in Chongqing, Shen Haocheng, is my long-time confidant. He once saved my life during the Battle of Quhe; he's absolutely reliable. Is your matter related to Chongqing?"

Ning Zhiheng was delighted to hear this. His teacher, He Feng, was from the Baoding military clique and had spent much of his life in battle, forging countless bonds with comrades. Known for his integrity, he was a friend worth trusting and wielded considerable influence in the military.

He Feng was a man who disliked boasting. He remembered those who saved his life throughout his years of warfare, but he had also saved many others, including Shen Haocheng, and never mentioned it.

"That's excellent! Teacher, my father wishes to transfer all our family's businesses and assets to Chongqing, but we're unfamiliar with the situation there. We hoped you could help us find a trustworthy friend in Chongqing to assist," Ning Zhiheng said.

He Feng listened in silence for some time, his hand resting on the armrest, fingers tapping gently.

"Zhiheng, are you here as a stepping stone? It seems your father is not an ordinary businessman. Few merchants nowadays have such a keen sense of the times," He Feng said, his tone meaningful.

"Oh, Teacher, it appears you're of the same mind. Does that mean there are movements among the government elite?" Ning Zhiheng asked in surprise.

He knew clearly that next year, China would plunge into its most arduous and desperate war of resistance against Japan. His hometown, Hangzhou, was the nearest major city to Shanghai, and one of the first to fall to the Japanese army.

After the capital Nanjing was taken, hundreds of thousands of compatriots suffered a massacre of unimaginable cruelty.

He could not stand by while his own family faced the Japanese army's iron heel. Given the Japanese soldiers' madness, any tragedy was possible—especially families with anti-Japanese military backgrounds, who were unlikely to escape.

Thus, his very first plan was to relocate his relatives and even friends to the safe rear areas before the war erupted.

He relied on knowledge from his past life, but he had underestimated the foresight of elite figures in this era.

Since the September 18th Incident in the twentieth year of the Republic, leading to the occupation of Northeast China, and the January 28th Incident in the twenty-first year, with the Japanese army attacking and garrisoning Shanghai, insightful people shared a consensus: a Sino-Japanese war was inevitable, merely a matter of time.

The capital, Nanjing, was too close to Shanghai. Once war erupted and Japan attacked from Shanghai, they could reach Nanjing in no time.

In terms of troop training and military equipment, Japan far surpassed China, reaching a semi-mechanized stage. Not to mention their air and naval forces, which China could not compare with.

Thus, the upper echelons of the Nationalist government had long begun preparations to move the capital. Optimists favored Wuhan, pessimists preferred Changsha, conservatives chose Chongqing, and some even considered Chengdu. In any case, moving upstream along the Yangtze, the farther west, the safer.

He Feng, as a core figure in the Baoding military clique, was particularly sensitive and accurate in judging the situation.

Many well-informed officials had already begun purchasing properties and businesses in Wuhan and Changsha; Chongqing was seeing a discreet rise in land prices.

He Feng himself was indecisive. Nanjing was no longer a place to linger, but after a lifetime of turmoil, he had little savings.

Unlike many high-ranking officials, he could not afford properties in multiple rear cities as a contingency.

"Why not choose Wuhan or Changsha? Both are candidates for the auxiliary capital, prosperous in commerce and convenient in transportation, no less bustling than Nanjing," He Feng said, somewhat troubled. Until the event was upon them, no one could predict the outcome with certainty.

"Teacher, it's precisely because these two cities are prosperous and well-connected that they become fatal weaknesses in wartime. Convenient transport benefits the Japanese, enabling rapid concentration of forces. Their commercial prosperity makes them influential, ideal targets for military and psychological blows to destroy national resistance.

But Chongqing is different. Its unique geography—surrounded by mountains and rivers, with the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers winding around—makes it easy to defend and hard to attack. The Yangtze’s Three Gorges form a natural barrier, neutralizing Japan’s army and navy.

Most importantly, it’s far enough away! Located in the west, Chongqing offers strategic depth, stretching Japanese supply lines to the maximum. I can say with certainty: it’s the most likely candidate for the auxiliary capital," Ning Zhiheng argued confidently.

He Feng could see Ning Zhiheng was deeply assured in his judgment. After a long silence, He Feng sighed, "Zhiheng, you have given me many surprises lately. I never imagined the youth who seemed so immature yesterday could grow up so suddenly.

Honestly, even I cannot be sure how things will unfold if war breaks out.

Just yesterday, someone discussed this with me. In fact, the principal had considered this years ago—using the campaign against the Red Party to intervene in Sichuan, ultimately forcing Liu Xiang to relinquish Chongqing and retreat to Chengdu last year."

"A storm is coming, Teacher. As soldiers, we serve on the battlefield without complaint, but we also have families. It’s time to arrange their future," Ning Zhiheng urged, seeing He Feng was moved.

"You’re quite right. But your father’s decision to abandon years of business in Hangzhou and relocate the family is truly bold," He Feng said, sincerely admiring Ning Zhiheng’s father. He himself might not have made such a decisive choice.

Ning Zhiheng smiled inwardly. From his memory, his father Ning Liangcai had no political foresight whatsoever. He was skilled in business but incapable of predicting shifts in the times.

He was merely using his father’s name to conceal the source of these funds. Since his teacher and father had never met, Ning Liangcai could take the blame for him this once.

"Then, Teacher, please trust me this time. If war comes, no matter how it unfolds, Chongqing is the safest place for family. In this chaotic era, isn’t their safety most important?" Ning Zhiheng, knowing the future, pressed his point.

At the outset, the Japanese army’s advance was relentless. Wuhan was among the first to fall, and not long after, Changsha—originally in the rear—became the frontline of resistance. It endured seven bitter years, countless battles, and heavy casualties among soldiers and civilians, ultimately falling in the war’s final year.

He Feng nodded. Ning Zhiheng’s reasoning was sound; even if the war didn’t reach its worst, Chongqing, as a major western city, was the safest place to settle one’s family.

"Teacher, the sooner, the better. I fear many are already arranging their escape routes. While Chongqing’s land prices are still low, we should quickly buy up land and shops. If the capital does move to Chongqing, profits will be enormous, and at the very least, our families will have nothing to worry about," Ning Zhiheng urged, striking while the iron was hot.

He Feng was a strong man, but when it came to family, his heart softened. The best way to persuade him was through family ties.

"Chongqing’s situation is complex. The central army has only occupied it for a year, and local gang and brotherhood factions are powerful. Law and order are poor. Is this why your family wants a military connection for protection?" He Feng asked.

In these times, nothing could be accomplished without connections or background. Big fish eat small fish, small fish eat shrimp—even beggars on the street banded together. Sichuan had always been a battleground for warlords and underworld factions, and Chongqing was no exception—perhaps even worse.

If the Ning family moved to Chongqing as strangers, they could easily become targets. A merchant has few means to defend himself; one misstep could cost both wealth and life—an all-too-real possibility. Thus, Ning Zhiheng sought a reliable local connection through his teacher to safeguard his family.

"Teacher, you understand perfectly. Chongqing is too unfamiliar to us. This is a huge decision, and my father made it with great resolve. This money is entrusted to you—he said three-tenths of the acquired properties and shops are for you and your friends as thanks. Please, Teacher, help us," Ning Zhiheng continued.

He knew He Feng had many military friends and vast connections, but little savings. This was an excellent chance to bind teacher and student closer.

He had money; He Feng had influence. Together, they could build a substantial business in Chongqing and ensure their families were well settled—a win-win solution.

He Feng was indeed tempted. He was not a rigid man; for family and friends, he would use connections and bend rules, just as he had worked behind the scenes to keep Ning Zhiheng in Nanjing.

He had considered such matters before, but lacked the funds to act. Moreover, this was not difficult for him; Shen Haocheng was a close friend, and entrusting the Ning family’s affairs to him would be no problem at all. Why not do it?