Chapter 49 — The Northern Three Provinces Chamber of Commerce
“The first business,” said Lord Bai Jiu, “is the machines, identical to those used in the Bai family distillery. If there are any problems, they can be returned to me within three years, no deductions taken.”
The moment he finished the first sentence, many people wavered, their gazes glued to the machines.
Lord Bai Jiu paused slightly, then continued: “The second business is an order for one hundred thousand jars of liquor—”
This statement was so shocking that all eyes immediately fell on Lord Bai Jiu. Some gasped in disbelief, while others couldn’t believe what they were hearing. One person even spoke out: “Lord Bai Jiu, do you mean what you just said? Isn’t that the Bai family’s own order? Why suddenly offer such a huge sum?”
Some were skeptical but had no way out. Gritting their teeth, they said, “Master Bai Jiu, just tell us the conditions. Our family elders have spoken: we would rather favor our own people than do business with the Japanese! As long as our distillery can handle it, we are willing to take on this business!”
“We trust the Bai family enterprise. If this helps us through this difficulty, our Qinglin family is willing to contribute thirty percent equity!”
“Our Wang family as well. Please, Master Bai, give us guidance!”
“The Northern provinces are connected by blood. Heihe has been hit by the epidemic. Bai family’s foundation is here, so we should help each other,” said Bai Lord Bai Jiu. At this, the surrounding people quieted down. He scanned the crowd and continued, “I won’t speak of conditions. But I have been entrusted by my elders to convey a few words.”
A young officer standing behind Lord Bai Jiu stepped forward, slightly lifted his cap, and swept his sharp gaze over the crowd. He shouted loudly: “Some things are too crude to be spoken lightly. I, Dong, will convey them clearly! I’ve accompanied General Bai in two pacification campaigns. The old general is upright and incorruptible, but that doesn’t mean he has a soft temper. He asked me to pass along a few words. The first is: ‘Whether Russian or Japanese, none shall make me bow. Any traitors shall be executed.’”
The merchants might have dared to argue in front of the Bai family, but with armed soldiers present, not a single person dared speak. The general’s words were blunt yet reasonable, carrying an anger that silenced the crowd.
“The second is,” the officer continued, “having heard Master Bai’s words, it has been decided to emulate Beiping: the merchants of the Northern provinces will form a self-help Chamber of Commerce.” Dong paced a few steps, his tone softening slightly. “The purpose of the Northern Three Provinces Chamber of Commerce is twofold: first, to support the region and coordinate food and resources; second, to serve as a registered guild. In unstable times, business is hard. Yet in such times, mutual support is more important than ever. Bai family’s action today should serve as an example.”
Bai Mingzhe also came forward to smooth things over, smiling and bowing slightly: “Managers, our Bai family intends to establish this Chamber, but joining is not mandatory for purchasing machines or conducting business. The one hundred thousand jars of liquor order is sincerely offered, hoping to help all present overcome these difficulties. Northern provinces are rich, but everyone faces obstacles. After a few years, things will improve. Now, after the epidemic, there’s much to rebuild. If any manager is interested in the Chamber, you may participate. Thank you!”
The two of them—one playing the stern role, the other conciliatory—worked seamlessly together.
The surrounding merchants considered the proposal carefully. Most found it favorable, and many immediately stepped forward to pledge funding for the Chamber.
“The Bai family elders are upright and trustworthy. The Lin family is in!”
“Our Wang family too. We’ve read for generations, never been traitors. We’re willing to help!”
“I’m just a simple man. Hundreds in my distillery rely on me to speak. Lord Bai Jiu, with your benevolence, we will follow your lead!”
As the merchants voiced their support, the machines remained in the yard, immovable. Bai Mingzhe, after consulting Lord Bai Jiu, led them to the main hall to discuss the details.
The Bai family enterprise, a century-old firm in the North, had a solid reputation; their words were always trustworthy.
The machines Lord Bai Jiu brought were transported like military supplies, tightly guarded along the way with no mishaps. The orders he offered were carefully allocated to merchants according to their financial capability. Genuine goods and fair pricing—he clearly intended to singlehandedly rescue the Northern distilleries.
Some astute observers noted a clue: these machines couldn’t have been produced in a month or two. Seeing the Bai family continuously record sales, they guessed the Bai family had a manufacturing plant in the provincial capital.
Those familiar with Bai Mingzhe inquired quietly, and he nodded: “Indeed. Lord Bai Jiu had this plan from the very beginning.”
The other party was stunned. “From the start? You mean these machines were prepared from the beginning? But isn’t the Bai family in the business of selling liquor?”
“Of course they sell liquor,” Bai Mingzhe smiled, “but Lord Bai Jiu values you more.”
“Why?”
“Because he’s using our Heihe distillery as a test. Honestly, these machines were prepared long ago. Even without this epidemic, Lord Bai Jiu would have released them once everything was ready. He knows exactly how much liquor the Northern provinces can consume—the big market is elsewhere!”
Bai Mingzhe gestured to the line of people registering orders—distillery managers seeking Russian orders. Seeing this, the other party was stunned.
“Lord Bai Jiu never speaks recklessly. If he dares to offer one hundred thousand jars today, he surely has another one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand in subsequent orders,” Bai Mingzhe confidently stated.
The other party swallowed hard, inexplicably feeling warmth in their eyes.
Lord Bai Jiu had never underestimated the Northern distilleries. From the beginning, he intended to sell the machines—not just liquor.
At that moment, everyone realized they were pieces on his board, yet this understanding stirred them with excitement, eager to become part of this power.
—Earn money from the foreigners.
—Yes, earn money from the foreigners!
Several merchants registered one after another. Not everyone could remain in the hall; two or three were stopped by the soldiers. After verifying names, they were escorted outside.
The officer Dong approached, looked at his list, and said: “These two are expelled. They may never set foot in the Chamber again. The other one goes to the police station for investigation.”
The two expelled merchants did not protest, but the third shouted repeatedly, face pale with fear, struggling: “Why are you doing this? I followed all the regulations! Is there no justice?”
The others in line paused, watching silently.
Dong had the two soldiers stop and asked the third merchant in front of everyone: “Are you Qiu Zhiming?”
“Yes.”
“On August 23, your son served as an interpreter for Japanese merchants, knowingly helping to sell broken machines from the ship to other merchants and profiting three thousand silver dollars. Isn’t that correct?”
“I—I didn’t know! That scoundrel has been gone for some time; I haven’t been able to contact him, sir…”
“You didn’t know?” Dong slammed the list against his face, showing no mercy. “Then why do you have money to buy these machines today? A full set costs thirty-six thousand silver. Where did you get it when your distillery couldn’t even manage liquidity?”
The man stammered, unable to answer.
One merchant in line spat at him and cursed: “He clearly has money. Our old manager gave him seventy thousand silver to buy the machines because of their long acquaintance. They said it would be fine, but then broke a worker’s arm. The machines are now useless, stacked in our distillery. Our old manager fell seriously ill, and during the epidemic… he died!”
The captured man stayed silent, head down, and was soon taken away by soldiers.
From that day, the Bai family purchased an adjacent courtyard to establish the Northern Three Provinces Chamber of Commerce.
Officer Dong led soldiers to guard it personally. Anyone previously involved with Japanese merchants was caught and sent to the police for interrogation. Some with connections were released the same day, but soon, new staff took over, ensuring no one treated the matter lightly. Several were imprisoned, some silver recovered, and partial compensation was returned to affected merchants.
By the twelfth lunar month, Lord Bai Jiu had been in the area for a year. With General Bai Xiliang’s help, he finally completed the machine factory.
The Northern Chamber first attracted distillery merchants, setting industry standards and wine grades under the leadership of Bai and Fang families. They coordinated export quantities and clarified prices. Unexpectedly, other businesses like textiles and tea also rose. The once-difficult winter, thanks to the one hundred thousand jar order, was better than ever, allowing Heihe border merchants to thrive.
The Chamber listed Lord Bai Jiu’s name but left Bai Mingzhe to manage operations. The Bai family’s influence in Qinghe grew considerably.
At the end of the year, the Bai family sent five talented youths to Beiping to study foreign languages, funded by public resources. Three were Bai family members, and two others were Du (a hardworking youth) and Wang Jingqiu (top of the class).
Xie Jing gave them the list. Seeing the students’ excitement, he felt happy for them. “Let’s go. Mr. Huang is in the east courtyard’s study; he has something to tell you.”
The students excitedly followed. One Bai child bumped into the doorframe, causing laughter in the classroom. Wang Jingqiu, normally calm, felt nervous, sweat forming in his palms.
In the east courtyard study, Mr. Huang Mingyou, short in stature, paced before the youths. They were all 14–15 years old and fairly tall. Even Wang Jingqiu, thin and weak, had grown over the past year.
Huang Mingyou stopped, nodded, and said: “You’ve done well this year. Scholarship is a lifelong pursuit. Remember your roots, follow your principles, and act without shame.”
The students bowed respectfully.
Huang Mingyou continued: “I studied Chinese and English abroad for a year. Thirty students were chosen to study overseas; I was thirty-first. Though I didn’t go, I heard much from my seniors who returned. They told me what an old gentleman said when sending them off: ‘Going to the West, know well the path to strengthen our nation, seek nothing else. Bearing the future of the country, absorb all foreign knowledge, travel seven thousand miles, leaving parents and homeland, strive without regret.’ You too will follow this path. Regardless of selection, emulate our conduct: self-discipline, follow rites, and do your best.”
He bowed deeply to the five students.
The students returned the bow, holding it long, their voices young but louder than usual: “Student will follow your teaching!”
Xie Jing handed them five envelopes of silver as tuition.
Meanwhile, in the Bai main house, Fang Jiwu came to bid farewell to his cousin Fang Yurou. She sighed, seeing that he had written a letter before the epidemic broke out in Heihe. Fang Ji’an had already died, but Jiwu managed to send this letter despite difficulties, showing his resolve.
She hesitated but said: “Jiwu, you need not do this. Your father’s deeds are not your responsibility.”
Jiwu replied: “Cousin, I’ve already decided. I want to study medicine under Dr. Lin. He wrote back, hoping I serve as his assistant.”
Fang Yurou asked: “Is everything arranged at home?”
Jiwu nodded: “Yes. I thought father would be imprisoned for years, so I prepared. Our house was sold, Dr. Lin advanced me six months’ pay, and I bought a small courtyard on the street. Mother and siblings can share a room; the rest rented. I can now manage on my own. Cousin, don’t worry; I can support the family.”
Fang Yurou sighed and agreed. “Your youngest sister may study at the Bai family school free of charge, like you. Other siblings will follow this precedent.”
Jiwu bowed deeply and thanked her repeatedly.
Outside the courtyard, near the Bai main gate, they met the five students returning from the east courtyard. Jiwu waited, congratulating them. Wang Jingqiu, last in line, stopped before Jiwu, unsure what to say.
The officer Dong’s list was written by Wang Jingqiu’s father. His family had a good reputation, opposed the Japanese, and reported all wrongdoings. His father’s name was on the list with Fang Ji’an. Wang Jingqiu struggled internally.
Jiwu approached, gently patting him: “Study hard in Beiping. I’ll work hard here. Don’t disappoint me.”
“Okay!” Wang Jingqiu hugged him tightly, eyes red. “You… don’t disappoint me either!”
Jiwu smiled and nodded.
Author’s note:
The words Mr. Huang recited came from Liu Buchan, a late-Qing navy general of the Beiyang Fleet.
Next chapter preview: Lord Bai Jiu reveals more of his strategy; we’ll return to follow Little Xie to the provincial capital.
