On February 25, 1933, Hengshe was officially established, and this important event set off huge waves in Shanghai. And the founder of Hengshe, young Du Yuesheng, started from an apprentice in a fruit industry, experienced decades of underworld career, and finally rose to prominence and became the leader of the unrivaled youth gang in Shanghai. However, he was not satisfied with the gangster life, so after entering the 30s, Du Yuesheng began a remarkable change.
On November 19, 1932, at the meeting of the Baxian Bridge Youth Association, the members of the board of directors of the Hengshe Society were elected. The list of members includes Lu Jingshi, alternate member of the Shanghai Municipal Party Department of the Kuomintang, Xu Maotang, manager of the British Bank, Hong Yanbin, chief of the shipping section of the Steamship China Merchants Bureau, and Du Yuesheng as honorary chairman. Hengshe's headquarters were located in Aidoya Road in the French Concession, and later moved to 39 Malang Road. On February 25, 1933, the establishment of the Hengsheng Society was solemnly announced, and all this seemed to be a perfect role change, and Du Yuesheng successfully changed himself from an underworld leader to the founder of a legal society.
However, although on the surface it seems that Du Yuesheng has completed the transformation of roles, Hengshe is still essentially a gang organization controlled by him, but dressed as a civil society. Lu Jingshi, executive director of Hengshe, made it clear in a speech that all affairs of Hengsheng are subject to Du Yuesheng's wishes, and the members are willing to serve him.
Hengshe's internal organization gradually grew, expanding from the initial three departments and twelve groups to the later eighteen groups, including various fields, such as general affairs, secretarial, accounting, general affairs, design, entertainment, Peking Opera, banquet, economy, travel, communication, education, law, sports, health, photography, publishing, employment introduction, etc. Although the board of directors is ostensibly elected by the general meeting, in fact, most major decisions are made by Du Yuesheng and others who appoint candidates in advance and then pass them at the general meeting.
The name Hengshe was given by Chen Qun, which means the firmness of "Heng like the moon". The large bell and the slanting moon on the emblem convey a firm and timeless image. The first Hengshe directors included Lu Jingshi, Zhu Xuefan, Tang Shichang, Xu Maotang, Hong Yanbin and others, forming a huge community network.
Hengsha attracts members from different fields, including politics, academia, journalism, police, theater, film, lawyers and doctors. The members are distributed in all fields of Shanghai society, creating a huge network for Du Yuesheng and making him highly respected in the society.
Over time, the membership of the company gradually increased, reaching 520 in 1937 and expanding to 950 by the end of the period, including some secret but undisclosed members. This large membership network makes Hengshe a force to be reckoned with on the beach.
However, in November 1937, Shanghai fell, the concession became an "island", and Du Yuesheng and some other members had to secretly leave Shanghai for Hong Kong. Du Yuesheng set up a branch in Hong Kong, absorbing a group of new members, and also established a branch in Chongqing. Despite the great changes in the social environment, the activities of Hengshe continued, but Du Yuesheng gradually felt overwhelmed.
In March 1949, the Hengsha held a symposium to resume the activities of the head office. However, Du Yuesheng's health deteriorated, and he began to feel overwhelmed. Coupled with the fact that some people who originally supported him began to openly oppose it, Hengshe's activities gradually declined.
Du Yuesheng had planned to build a huge Hengshe building, but in the end it could not start. In 1949, he left Shanghai for Hong Kong, where the Hengshe gradually disintegrated. Du Yuesheng's legendary career continues in Hong Kong, but the glory era of Hengshe has become history.
Hengshe, from its establishment in 1933 to 1949, lasted for a total of 17 years. The number of members grew from 130 at the beginning to 950 at the end of the period. This history has witnessed Du Yuesheng's unique transformation from a gang leader to a community founder, and also reflects the social changes during the turbulent period in Shanghai. Du Yuesheng used his ingenuity and social skills to create a huge network of relationships, which became indispensable in that era
Characters that are ignored. His social skills, ability to make celebrities, and extensive contacts from all walks of life have made him a wide mark on all sectors of Shanghai society.
Du Yuesheng is not only an underworld leader, he also shows excellent business acumen. He invested in education, founded a Zhengshi Middle School, and built the "Pudong Dushi Library Building" in Pudong, Shanghai, with a school attached to it. These initiatives not only helped to improve the local educational environment, but also strengthened his reputation in the education community.
He has also been actively involved in various philanthropic causes, serving in organizations such as Renji Shantang and the Red Cross Society of China, and promoting philanthropy with other business people. This made him known as a "great benevolent" in Shanghai society, further enhancing his prestige.
However, one of Du Yuesheng's greatest achievements is his interpersonal relationships in his social circle. He attracted many journalists and editors from the press to join the Hengshe, and these people became his protégés. Among his apprentices in journalism, there are outstanding talents such as editor Tang Shichang.
Du Yuesheng also invested in the field of art and culture, and recruited some Peking Opera actors to join the Hengshe. These actors not only enhance the cultural heritage of Hengshe, but also provide opportunities for entertainment and cultural exchanges for all walks of life.
However, in 1949, Du Yuesheng left Shanghai for Hong Kong, and the Hengshe was gradually dissolved. Du Yuesheng's influence continued in Hong Kong, but the glory days of Hengshe are history. Du Yuesheng's legendary life is a remarkable chapter in the history of Shanghai, he is not only a gang leader, but also a versatile social celebrity, his achievements and influence will always be remembered in the history of Shanghai.