Nagumo was very sensitive to theoretical issues. Hearing that He Rui had actually changed the classic statement of the famous Clausewitz in *On War*, he quickly asked, "Why policy instead of politics?"

"The country Clausewitz discussed was an industrialized country. For a country to promote industrialization, it must already possess strong state and social organizational capabilities. Such a country does not rely on acting on impulse or playing smart for internal governance. Instead, it relies on proposing policies, executing policies, discovering problems during execution, and modifying and perfecting them. Both of you must know that there are many people participating in politics, but very few people deciding policies."

Hearing this explanation, both Nagumo Chūichi and Yamaguchi Tamon felt their thoughts clear up. The two bowed together. "He-kun's talent and wisdom are as deep as the sea. Your words today have solved the puzzle that has baffled the gentlemen of the Navy and me for many years. Unexpectedly, the dispute between the Army and Navy has nothing to do with the General Staff Headquarters or the Naval General Staff. It is laughable that we were always guessing based on our own military perspectives and haggling over some grievances and resentments. Now it seems it is not worth a laugh."

He Rui had to bow slightly in return again.

Yamaguchi Tamon and Nagumo Chūichi looked at each other and said, "It is getting late today, so it is inconvenient to continue bothering you. When will He-kun leave for your country? We can see you off."

He Rui replied, "At the request of Professor Taira Toyomori, I have another class at Tokyo University tomorrow morning to wrap up a course. I will answer some student questions by the way, and board the ship to return to my country at noon."

Nagumo Chūichi said, "So that's how it is. We are truly ashamed to disturb you at this time. We will come to see you off tomorrow afternoon. Please rest, He-kun."

After seeing the two off, He Rui invited the landlady, Mrs. Morita, and her daughter to his room. Seeing that the dishes on the table hadn't been touched, Mrs. Morita persuaded, "He-kun, so many people come to see you, and every time you talk about things, you drink. Please eat well in the future, He-kun."

He Rui knew that Mrs. Morita was good to him. Just as he wanted to answer, Mrs. Morita asked Mitsuko to heat up the rice and miso soup again. He Rui said, "Mitsuko, go in a while. You come and sit down too."

Sitting properly facing the mother and daughter, He Rui bowed. "Aunt Morita, I am returning to my country tomorrow. Thank you for taking care of me for so long."

After Mrs. Morita finished returning the bow, He Rui took out an envelope and pushed it in front of Mrs. Morita. "This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."

Mrs. Morita pushed the envelope back in front of He Rui. "The rent He-kun gave is already enough. When Mitsuko graduated from middle school, it was He-kun who helped find someone to recommend her to a girls' high school. Among the girls on the whole street, only Mitsuko went to a girls' high school. Such kindness has already made us endlessly grateful."

He Rui picked up the envelope and placed it in front of Mitsuko. "Then I will speak frankly. The money here is for Mitsuko's school fees for the next two years. For several years, thanks to Aunt Morita's care, I see Mitsuko as no different from a younger sister. Since it was Professor Taira Toyomori of Tokyo University who helped recommend her, please ask Mitsuko to study hard and complete her studies."

Mitsuko rushed forward and hugged He Rui. "Thank you, Big Brother." She wanted to say something more, but she was already choking with sobs.

He Rui patted her on the back. After making a name for himself in Japan, all kinds of figures in Japan came to associate with him. Before that, no one cared. Only the landlady's family took care of him carefully. At the moment of parting, his eyes were actually a little moist.

Looking at Mrs. Morita, who had always taken care of him carefully, Mrs. Morita lifted the back of her hand to wipe the tears from the corners of her eyes and bowed deeply, her forehead almost touching the floor. "He-kun's kindness is difficult to repay. I will definitely engrave it in my heart and never forget it."

After thanking him, Mrs. Morita ordered Mitsuko, "Mitsuko, He-kun drank a lot of wine on an empty stomach. Hurry up and heat the meal for him."

Only then did Mitsuko let go of He Rui and carry the food down. Mrs. Morita asked, "What will He-kun do after returning to China?"

Being asked about his future, He Rui answered gently, "I will work hard and live well."

Mrs. Morita sighed, "Alas. The people He-kun associates with on weekdays are all people of status. How can you be idle after returning to your country? I can only wish He-kun good health and a bright future."

Early the next morning, Lü Feng, Counselor of the Embassy of the Republic of China in Japan, arrived at He Rui's residence. First, he congratulated He Rui on his graduation, and then placed a set of Beiyang Army uniform in front of He Rui.

He Rui was a government-sponsored student and went to the Consulate of the Republic of China in Japan every month to receive an allowance. He could also receive a new military uniform every year.

Counselor Lü Feng was relieved to see He Rui cheerfully take the initiative to pick up the uniform and put it on. After He Rui put on the new Major rank insignia, Lü Feng stated the purpose of his trip. "Brother He, Director-General Duan has sent another telegram asking when you will return to the country."

"Is there something that stumps Chief Duan?" He Rui asked.

Lü Feng shook his head. "The telegram didn't make it clear either, only saying that something seems to have happened Outside the Pass, and it should be related to the Japanese."

Seeing that Lü Feng cared very much, He Rui asked, "Is Brother Lü very uneasy?"

Lü Feng sighed, "Japan has troops stationed in the Northeast. If they cause trouble, we will have to spend a lot of effort."

"There won't be any major events," He Rui replied.

Lü Feng was shocked and quickly asked, "Really?"

"If it were a major event, even if it wasn't reported domestically, the newspapers here in Japan would definitely report it. There is currently no news in Japan, and Director-General Duan was vague, so it should be some small trouble."

After listening to He Rui's analysis, Lü Feng sighed, "It would be great if that were really the case."

These words were a bit like being confused by concern. He Rui comforted Lü Feng, "Brother Lü, don't worry. I am returning to the country today. After I return, I definitely won't let Japan run wild in the Northeast."

Lü Feng didn't pick up the conversation, but just urged, "I came precisely to help Brother He move luggage. The men are outside; let's get moving."

He Rui's luggage for returning to the country was not small. Two thick large wooden boxes were dead heavy. For reinforcement, they were also bound with strong hemp ropes on the outside.

Coming from a scholarly family, Lü Feng could guess without opening the boxes that they must be stuffed with books and papers.

With people responsible for escorting the luggage, He Rui and Lü Feng went side by side towards Tokyo University.

He Rui asked, "What does Brother Lü think happened Outside the Pass?"

Lü Feng shook his head and sighed. "Last year, in the name of the Allied Powers attacking the Central Powers, Japan conquered the German fortress in Qingdao. Afterward, they listed Shandong as a war zone and have never wanted to leave. I feel they won't stop there. I'm afraid they will cause more trouble in the future."

"Oh?" He Rui felt that Counselor Lü Feng really cared about national affairs. To be able to be diligent to this extent, he was much better than the various warlords. So he asked, "I wonder when the government will decide to join the Allied Powers? This matter should be done as soon as possible."

Lü Feng shook his head, his face full of helplessness.

The two chatted while walking, and soon arrived outside Tokyo University. He Rui and Lü Feng agreed to meet at the pier and walked straight to the gate of Tokyo University.

The guard at Tokyo University didn't recognize He Rui at first. It wasn't until he recognized that the person under this strange military uniform was He Rui that he bowed. "Mr. He is here, please go in quickly. Professor Taira Toyomori has already arrived."