boyutpedia Chapter 82 Decisive Measures and the Governor's Wrath
Chapter 82 Decisive Measures and the Governor's Wrath
In late August 1958, Hong Kong was in the height of summer. The scorching sun beat down on both sides of Victoria Harbour, and daytime temperatures often hovered around 31 or 32 degrees Celsius. The humid and muggy air seemed to solidify.
The study in the Deep Water Bay villa was cool and pleasant. Lin Yan sat upright behind the mahogany desk, having just finished over sixty years of cultivation in the space, his temperament becoming increasingly profound and reserved. Lin Yi stood respectfully in front of the desk, reporting on the business situation over the past three months.
"Young Master, over the past three months, all business segments of the group have operated well." Lin Yi handed over a report. "Thanks to the superior quality of our products, although our pricing is slightly higher than the market average, demand is strong, and profits are quite considerable."
He reported in detail: "The grain and oil sector is performing steadily, with an average monthly turnover of about HK$1.2 million. Our rice, flour, and oil are of top quality, with a stable supply, and are priced about 30% higher than ordinary market goods. After deducting expenses such as salaries, warehousing, transportation, and taxes of about HK$150,000, the average monthly net profit is about HK$1.05 million. This part of the business has almost no costs."
"The meat segment is growing rapidly, with an average monthly turnover of approximately HK$900,000. The meat from space-farmed livestock is of far superior quality, fetching prices 40-50% higher than the market average. After deducting approximately HK$120,000 in salaries, cold chain maintenance, and taxes, the average monthly net profit is approximately HK$780,000. It's also a business with virtually no initial investment."
"The Chinese medicine segment is the most profitable, with an average monthly turnover of HK$2 million. Our medicinal herbs, especially the premium varieties, are highly effective and trusted. After deducting approximately HK$180,000 in senior pharmacist salaries, store operations, and taxes, the average monthly net profit reaches HK$1.82 million."
"The tea segment is positioned as a high-end business, with an average monthly turnover of approximately HK$1.5 million. The teas offered at Space Tea have a unique taste and flavor, giving them a very strong premium. After deducting approximately HK$100,000 in salaries, exquisite packaging, and taxes, the average monthly net profit is approximately HK$1.4 million."
"The newly developed brewing division has also begun operations. The first batch of medicinal wines is in limited supply and is considered a precious health product, with demand exceeding supply. The average monthly turnover is approximately HK$800,000. After deducting approximately HK$80,000 for salaries, cellar management, and taxes, the average monthly net profit is approximately HK$720,000."
Lin Yi summarized: "Overall, the group's average monthly turnover is approximately HK$6.4 million, with average monthly total expenses of approximately HK$630,000, mainly used to pay employee salaries across various sectors, as well as necessary expenses such as warehousing, transportation, store operations, and taxes. Ultimately, the average monthly net profit reaches approximately HK$5.77 million. Almost all products are virtually risk-free and highly profitable due to their spatial origin."
Hearing about such impressive results, Lin Yan showed no joy on his face, only nodding slightly.
Lin Yi's tone immediately turned serious: "However, young master, the backlash from the account book and tape incident is beginning to show. Governor Perry, with London's support, is attempting to implement anti-corruption legislation, which has threatened the enormous interests of certain groups, leading to discontent and a strike among some police officers. Now, the police force is depleted, gang activities are rampant, and extortion and harassment of businesses and ordinary citizens have intensified."
He gave a detailed report on the vandalism of the pharmacy and the security clashes, concluding, "Lin Er has determined that it was done by people from 'He Sheng He.' They're jealous of our business and want to collect 'protection money.' The reason we haven't taken action yet is twofold: firstly, because you, young master, are in seclusion; and secondly, because we're concerned that if we were to intervene, our methods might be too brutal, resulting in deaths and causing you trouble. Therefore, I've come to ask for your instructions on how to handle this matter."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yan's eyes suddenly turned cold, and the temperature in the study seemed to drop several degrees. He lightly tapped the table and sneered, "From now on, there's no need to consult me on every matter like this. I've said it before: anyone who dares to lay a finger on the Lin family should be prepared to be chopped off. Now that you've found out who's causing trouble, do as you see fit."
He paused, his tone chilling: "Remember two things: First, do it cleanly and efficiently. As long as others can't find any concrete evidence, they can't do anything even if they have suspicions. Second, control the scale. The primary goal is to deter them, to make them pay a heavy price, and to completely sever their ambitions. If there are any necessary 'sacrifices,' then they brought it on themselves. If this evil trend gets any bigger, it might actually become a powerful remedy, making more people see the harm caused by gangs and helping to promote Bai Liji's anti-corruption reforms. Revolutions never happen without bloodshed."
"Yes, young master! I understand!" A sharp glint flashed in Lin's eyes as he immediately accepted the order.
After leaving the study, Lin Yi immediately found Lin Er and conveyed Lin Yan's message. A cold glint flashed in Lin Er's eyes, and a chilling smile curved his lips: "After waiting so long, we can finally stretch our muscles. Pass the word down to the 'Night Owl' team to prepare; we'll deliver a 'big gift' to 'He Sheng He' tonight."
That night, the moon was dark and the wind was high.
At around 10 p.m., on Lockhart Road in Wan Chai, the largest underground casino, "Wo Shing Hop".
The place was bustling with noise and filled with smoke. The gang leader, "Mad Dog Xiong," was sitting with his legs crossed, counting his day's commission. Suddenly, a muffled thud came from the direction of the kitchen, followed by a slight hissing sound.
"What's that sound?" Mad Dog Xiong looked up alertly.
A henchman ran in: "Brother Xiong, it looks like a gas cylinder..."
Before the words were finished, a deafening roar erupted! A violent explosion spread from the kitchen, precisely severing the gas pipes, and flames instantly engulfed the back of the casino. Gamblers screamed and scattered in all directions, banknotes and chips strewn across the floor. Fortunately, the explosion was controlled with extreme precision, destroying only the core area of the casino and the accounting room, without affecting the gamblers who escaped from the front hall. But "He Sheng He," the most profitable establishment, was reduced to ashes overnight, with a huge amount of cash and ledgers completely destroyed.
At the same time, on Tobacco Factory Street in Mong Kok, there were two underground tobacco dens operated by "Wo Shing Ho".
Similar "accidents" occurred simultaneously. One fire was caused by a "short circuit due to aging wiring," while the other was caused by the "accidental ignition of stored alcohol fuel." The fires started suddenly and fiercely, but strangely, they were contained within the business area, and the adjacent residences were completely unaffected. By the time the fire department arrived, the opium stored inside had already been completely burned (it had been replaced, as opium cannot be burned), and several thugs who tried to salvage the "goods" were overcome by the thick smoke and seriously injured.
Midnight (11 p.m.), near the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter.
"Sang Biao," the top henchman of "He Sheng He," had just finished collecting his monthly protection money and was drunkenly walking home along the seawall. He was in high spirits, having had a good night's work, and was humming a vulgar tune. In the darkness, an almost invisible thin line silently appeared beneath the seawall railing. Sang Biao, completely unaware, tripped over it, cried out in alarm, and his massive body tumbled over the railing, crashing heavily down the three-meter-high embankment. His right leg struck the rocks, making a sickening cracking sound. The tide was rising, quickly submerging his thighs. He cried for help in agony, but the beach was deserted in the dead of night. It wasn't until an hour later that he was found by patrolling police and taken to the hospital. He survived, but his right leg was shattered; even if he recovered, he would be a cripple.
Almost simultaneously, in a dark alley outside Kowloon Walled City.
Scarface Ming, a debt collector, had just finished teaching a lesson to a stall vendor who refused to pay his debts and was counting the money he'd just earned. An old, black sedan with its headlights off silently glided past the alleyway like a ghost. It wasn't going fast, but the moment it passed him, the door swung open, striking him squarely and throwing him into the air, breaking three of his ribs instantly. The car didn't stop, accelerating and disappearing into the darkness, its model and license plate completely obscured.
At 1 a.m. (the hour of Chou), in a secluded warehouse in the New Territories.
This was a key cargo transit point for the "Wo Shing Ho" gang. Tonight, a shipment of valuable smuggled watches and Western medicine arrived. A dozen or so gang members were counting the goods, preparing to distribute them before dawn. Suddenly, two gang members guarding the warehouse door felt a sharp pain in the back of their necks, then collapsed unconscious. Several dark figures slipped into the warehouse like ghosts, their movements swift and professional. They first used a special drug to put the people inside into a deep sleep, then removed all the goods, leaving not even a scrap of paper. Finally, they placed a small timer in a corner of the warehouse.
At 3:00 AM, the equipment started on time, triggering a small fire, but large enough to ignite the remaining packaging materials. By the time nearby villagers discovered the fire and called the fire department, only ashes remained in the warehouse, along with a few bewildered members who had been awakened by the smoke. They had no idea how the goods had disappeared or how the fire had started.
That night, "Wo Shing Ho" suffered an unprecedented blow, incurring heavy losses, yet they could not find any clear enemy. All traces at the scene pointed to an accident or their own negligence: the casino and opium den were fire safety hazards, Sang Biao was drunk and fell, Scarface Ming was accidentally injured in a car accident, and the cause of the warehouse fire was "unknown."
News travels fast in the underworld. By noon the next day, whispers were filling the teahouses.
"Have you heard? 'Wo Shing Ho' had a really bad night!"
"Serves them right! Let them be arrogant, they must have bitten off more than they can chew!"
"I wonder which deity intervened; they were ruthless enough to leave no trace..."
"I suspect they messed with someone they shouldn't have. I think it was one of those big merchant groups that tried to collect protection money from a while back."
"Now that's settled, let's see who dares to cause trouble..."
Other gangs that had been eager to make a quick buck suddenly fell silent, ordering their men to keep a low profile. The pressure on the police also increased dramatically.
At 10:9 AM on September 1, 1958, the dome of Government House in Hong Kong gleamed coldly in the pouring rain. Perry, dressed in a silver-grey suit, stood in the center of the press conference hall, the Union Jack behind him gleaming under the spotlight. On the long table before him were twenty-three neatly stacked leather file folders, the top one prominently displaying the title "Investigation Report on the Truth of the 1956 Kowloon Riots."
"Over the past three years, 217 businesses across Hong Kong have gone bankrupt due to extortion by triads. The Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market alone was extorted for over HK$15 in 'protection money' every month," said Pak-kei, his voice sharp as a blade, his fingers pounding on the file folder. "Even more appalling is that in the opium smuggling case busted last week, some police officers were directly involved in sharing the spoils." He held up a photograph showing three officers counting banknotes with triad members at the Sai Wan pier. "These officers' bank accounts suddenly saw hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars added in the past six months, while their monthly salary is a mere HK$800."
Addressing the deep-seated problems within the police system, the Governor specifically pointed out: "The current internal investigation mechanism is practically non-existent. Of the 342 complaints received last year, only 19 entered into formal proceedings." He presented an internal audit report revealing a systemic "monthly bonus" system in a certain police district, involving a staggering HK$280 million. "Just yesterday, three revolvers went missing from the Wan Chai Police Station's armory." His gaze swept over the gasping reporters in the audience. "These weapons have likely already entered the underground arms market in the Walled City."
Amid the crackling of camera flashes, Berrick announced three core measures:
1. Independent oversight system
A Commission on Integrity, headed by Chief Justice Henry Chan of the Supreme Court, was established to report directly to the Governor's Office. This body will take over the anti-corruption functions previously held by the police, with the authority to access any police files, and will establish Hong Kong's first 24-hour hotline for reporting corruption (number: 5-12345). "From today onwards, any citizen can report directly to me through this number," said Mr. Perry, holding up a bronze plaque with the number. "The first person to provide a crucial lead will receive a HK$5 reward." The Commission has three departments: the Operations Department, responsible for investigating cases and preventing the Corruption Bureau from reviewing procedural loopholes in government departments; and the Community Relations Department, responsible for public education.
2. The sword of law is drawn.
The Prevention of Bribery Ordinance has been amended, extending the maximum penalty for law enforcement officers accepting bribes from five to ten years and introducing the offense of "unexplained wealth," requiring all police officers to report changes in their assets quarterly. In response to the problem of triads, a new offense, "infiltration of public office by unlawful organizations," has been added, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. "I want every police officer to understand that the cost of corruption is not just losing their job, but potentially losing their freedom."
3. System Restructuring Plan
Implementing a "Police Rectification Campaign":
Starting today, background checks will be conducted on all police officers, with a focus on those with complaint records within the past five years.
Establish a "cross-departmental training academy" and introduce anti-corruption courses from Scotland Yard, UK;
An independent disciplinary court was established at police headquarters to conduct disciplinary trials within three days.
Berwick announced three immediate measures on the spot:
1. Personnel earthquake
Forty-seven police officers from the Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters have been suspended from duty pending a special investigation by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). "The first investigation team will be stationed at Central Police Station in half an hour," he stated firmly. "This is just the beginning."
2. Financial Blockade
The governor demanded that all banks in Hong Kong cooperate with the investigation and implement "abnormal transaction alerts" on all police officers' accounts. "Any single expenditure exceeding HK$5000 must have its source explained," the governor stated, holding up a bank letter. "From today onward, every penny of the police system will flow in the sunlight."
3. Public oversight network
A "Citizens' Oversight Group" composed of business leaders, teachers, and community representatives has been established to publicly review the performance of law enforcement agencies monthly. Simultaneously, an "Anti-Corruption Vanguard Scheme" has been launched, offering rewards of up to HK$50 for providing key leads. "I hope that within three months, there will be a pair of vigilant eyes on every street corner."
IV. Key Pieces in Breaking the Stalemate
During the Q&A session, Governor Perry suddenly changed the subject: "We will take special action against the Kowloon Walled City, this 'lawless zone'." He displayed a 3D map of the Walled City's interior. "Starting tomorrow, the Department of Health will enter the Walled City under the guise of epidemic prevention, while the police will set up mobile checkpoints in the surrounding area." The Governor's finger traced "Kwong Ming Street" on the map, the heart of the triad drug trafficking area. "The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) will simultaneously investigate the network of collusion between the Walled City and public officials."
To ensure the reforms are implemented, Berwick revealed that he has applied for an emergency grant of £300 million from London and deployed 50 instructors from the Royal Military Police to assist with training. "Within three months, I want every building in the walled city to have legal lights on," he said, holding up a child's drawing. "Last week, a primary school student wrote in a letter: 'I hope my father won't come home with injuries anymore.' That's the meaning of our fight."
The 90-minute press conference concluded with the Governor's vow: "Today is a turning point for Hong Kong. In three months, I will ensure that every citizen dares to walk freely on the streets at midnight; within a year, I will ensure that the flag of the Independent Commission Against Corruption flies on the roof of every police station. This is the bottom line of civilized society, and it is also the promise of the British Empire."
The Governor's Office took the opportunity to reiterate the necessity and urgency of building a clean government, pointing out the inaction of the police and the rampant harm caused by triads, emphasizing that reform is imperative.
The storm had subsided temporarily, but Lin Yan knew this might only be the beginning. He stood on the villa's terrace, gazing at the distant lights of Hong Kong, his eyes deep and thoughtful. After a period of rest, it would be time to prepare for Foundation Establishment.