The waiter emerged from the room where the Japanese officers were staying and immediately went to the intelligence post set up next door to report. Recalling what he had seen, the waiter said, "The junior Japanese officers are polishing the senior officers' boots, using the shoe polish distributed to them..."

The intelligence officer finished recording the waiter's verbal account and said politely, "Thank you for your hard work."

The waiter didn't stand on ceremony; seeing his job was done, he got up and took his leave. Back at the hotel, he saw the Japanese officers had already finished tidying their clothes and had lined up wearing shiny leather shoes. Colonel Sato, the highest-ranking officer, walked at the front. Following their ranks, the Japanese officers formed several small squads and filed into the banquet hall reserved for their reception.

Watching the backs of the Japanese officers, the waiter just wished this whole thing would end quickly. These Japanese officers were indeed disciplined, but the nitpicking attitude they displayed toward ordinary staff was truly repulsive. Compared to putting on airs, a big leader like He Rui was far superior.

The Japanese officers hadn't considered the ordinary staff's perception of them at all. Facing the pressure from He Rui had already made many officers' hearts race. After all, guys like Ishiwara Kanji were outliers in the Japanese military; most officers didn't dare let their own relaxation lead to a reprimand from their superiors.

Arriving outside the banquet hall, they saw the layout inside was entirely in the style of a Japanese banquet, with rows of small Japanese tables arranged neatly. Everyone hurriedly took off their shoes but dared not enter.

Then came the sound of footsteps, and He Rui's voice rang out, "Gentlemen, please be seated."

The officers hurriedly turned and made way. He Rui passed through the crowd and entered the banquet hall first. After everyone was seated, waitresses wearing kimonos brought in wine and dishes. Ishiwara Kanji laughed, "Senior, are these Chinese?"

No one expected Ishiwara Kanji to dare ask such a question, and the expressions of many Japanese officers changed. He Rui didn't mind at all and smiled, "These are all Japanese. Some were invited from the Kwantung Leased Territory, and a few were invited from Yoshiwara."

Ishiwara Kanji looked left and right, showing no sign of lechery, and answered straightforwardly, "Then we are in for a treat for the ears."

Amidst the surprised, curious, and wary gazes of the crowd, He Rui saw that the dishes were served. He asked these Japanese women to pour wine for everyone, poured a cup for himself, then stood up holding the wine cup and said, "This is a time for a joyous banquet. Let us laugh to our hearts' content. Today, we seek only to get drunk and cease."

Colonel Sato didn't want to hear Ishiwara Kanji say anything off-key, so he stood up first and said, "Thank you, He-kun, for the banquet!"

"Welcome, everyone, to the banquet." After He Rui finished speaking, he raised his cup and drained it in one gulp. Ishiwara raised his cup and drank it down; it was indeed high-quality Japanese sake.

Everyone took their seats. He Rui clapped his hands, and two waitresses kneeling by the side door straightened up and slid open the paper doors. A fragrance drifted into the hall as two beautiful geishas holding *shamisen* walked out with graceful, mincing Japanese steps. After bowing to the crowd, they sat down at He Rui's lower hand.

Japan had a strict hierarchy, and geishas' attire had its own specifications. The Japanese officers who had been to Yoshiwara knew these two were definitely *Oiran* (top-ranking courtesans), who were normally never allowed to leave Yoshiwara. For He Rui to be able to invite them out, this network... was not something an ordinary member of the upper class in Japan could achieve.

After three cups of wine, He Rui clapped his hands again. The geishas were well-versed in all rules; without further signaling, they picked up their *shamisen* and began to play. At this level, their skill was extraordinary. Once the piece ended, the whole hall cheered.

The Japanese officers had long forgotten they were in Fengtian (Mukden), repeatedly asking the geishas to play a few more tunes. The two *Oiran* bowed slightly, and one of them continued to play her famous piece on the *shamisen*. Listening to the beautiful music, with waitresses pouring wine and serving food beside them, the officers felt delighted. Some had already unbuttoned their collars, comfortably enjoying the banquet.

Colonel Sato tried hard to maintain sufficient vigilance. Even though he felt excellent, he sat bolt upright. However, Ishiwara Kanji next to him had already stood up, walked over to sit beside He Rui, and even invited Colonel Sato to sit down. Colonel Sato had no choice but to go over.

Ishiwara Kanji raised his wine cup, "He-kun, Senior Sato and I both want to know He-kun's judgment on Japan's future situation. At this moment, I imagine the gathering of the Restoration activists in Kyoto back then was just like this. He-kun didn't say a word about politics in the past few days; you should say something now, right?"

"Do you really want to hear it? It may not necessarily be a rosy prediction; I fear it might dampen everyone's spirits," He Rui replied indifferently.

Ishiwara Kanji showed no reaction to the wine and women around him, stating firmly, "In this situation and scene, even a bad future, I'm afraid, can be accepted."

Some Japanese officers were completely immersed in enjoyment, but some noticed the three gathering together and stood up to lean in. He Rui let them sit down before saying, "When I left Japan three years ago, I gave a final lecture at Tokyo Imperial University. Reporters were present, and they recorded my exposition on Japan's future. I wonder if you have seen that news, or if you have any impression of it?"

Colonel Sato had no memory of this matter and was about to ask when he heard Ishiwara Kanji say, "Is it the argument about adjusting export policy starting in 1918 and beginning infrastructure construction?"

Colonel Sato knew He Rui had a great influence on Ishiwara Kanji, so he could only say, "Please, He-kun, explain it again."

He Rui then explained the policy of 'counter-cyclical investment' to these Japanese officers beside him. Many of the officers didn't quite understand, and only a few listened with delight. Lieutenant Yamagami Tomoya praised loudly, "This is indeed a good policy! If this is done, the profits earned by the nation in the European war can be used for the nation."

Hearing Yamagami Tomoya say this, more Japanese officers understood, and their expressions turned to anticipation.

Colonel Sato understood part of it. He only felt He Rui's ideas were truly whimsical, but he couldn't say this out loud. During this visit of the Japanese officers to Fengtian, He Rui had led them to visit the rural areas outside Fengtian. If those villages weren't completely staged by He Rui, then He Rui's policies were exactly the same as the suggestions he had given to the Japanese government.

Just as Colonel Sato was considering how to ask, he heard Ishiwara Kanji ask, "Does He-kun think the high-level officials in Japan can understand what He-kun is saying?"

He Rui laughed, "The Japanese high command are also elites; how could they not understand even this? Not only can they understand, but they can also understand it very thoroughly. Just like me in the Northeast: first is to guarantee employment, second is to increase people's income, especially the income of the bottom-tier people."

Speaking of this, He Rui asked the officers around him, "Gentlemen, you are soldiers, not politicians. Can everyone understand these two points of mine?"

Colonel Sato looked at the surrounding officers. Just seeing their expressions, he knew these people completely understood these two points. Even without being well-educated officers, even if a random ordinary Japanese soldier were pulled over, they would understand the concepts of guaranteeing employment and increasing the income of the bottom-tier people. Not only would they understand, but they would also support it.

Thinking of this, Colonel Sato became alert. By speaking like this, He Rui was clearly provoking the relationship between the Japanese military and the government!

Just as he had this alert thought, he saw an officer ask hesitantly, "He-kun, since Japanese politicians can understand this, why don't they do it?"

He Rui's tone was calm, "Everyone has their own interests, and the choices everyone makes are to maximize their own interests. For example, I am implementing a new political system in the Northeast for my own interests. My life's goal is to turn China into a powerful and wealthy country. As for the choices of Japanese politicians, they should also be for their interests. As for where their interests lie, that varies from person to person and is not something I can know."

Seeing the thoughtful or starting-to-be-indignant expressions of the Japanese officers, Colonel Sato prepared to interrupt this conversation. Even if doing so was extremely impolite, he was ready to do it.

But then he saw He Rui stand up and smile, "Gentlemen, I said earlier, today is a joyous banquet; we seek only to laugh to our hearts' content. Come, let us dance!"

After speaking, He Rui ignored the officers surrounding him and strode to the open space in the center of the venue, ordering the waitress nearby, "Bring a fan!"

The waitress hurriedly took out the fan tucked in her waist and presented it with both hands. The two *Oiran* also stopped the tune in their hands; one of them picked up a hand drum. With a slight adjustment, the two *Oiran* began to play *Gagaku* (Court Music).

He Rui held the fan, slowly raised his arm, pointed forward, and his body swayed back and forth slowly and rhythmically. Although he was wearing a military uniform instead of a kimono, he was still elegant and composed enough. Seeing He Rui's dancing posture, the two *Oiran*, with their thickly powdered cheeks, remained calm, but their eyes were full of surprise.

*Gagaku*, also known as dance music, is music and dance used in Japanese court sacrifices and banquets. Its meaning is not entirely the same as the *Yayue* in ancient Chinese dance. Emperor Monmu of Japan established the *Gagaku-ryō* (Bureau of Music). Later, *Gagaku* was divided into Left and Right sections. The Left was Tang music, and the Right was managed by the O clan (courtiers), implementing a hereditary system.

Because *Gagaku* dance is passed down to only one son, it is called a secret transmission. Its dance rhythm is slow, and its movements are different from general Japanese dance. It retains postures like "Sword Finger" and "Horse Stance," and its footwork is unique.

The most famous *Gagaku* dance closest to the present time was about 60 years ago, before the Meiji Restoration during the Bakumatsu period. Matsudaira Katamori, the ninth *daimyō* of the Aizu Domain, danced *Gagaku* in the main castle of the Aizu Domain before deciding to accept the command to go to Kyoto. That tragic yet unwavering determination began to receive higher evaluation within Japan after the reputation of the Japanese upper class plummeted following the Meiji Restoration.

The *Oiran* had the opportunity to see these secretly transmitted dances. Seeing He Rui's composed dancing posture, although some parts were specious compared to what the *Oiran* knew, they also knew that what they knew might not be the original dance. Seeing that He Rui's dance was largely correct, they dared not be picky.

As for the Japanese officers, they understood these contents exclusive to the upper class even less; they had merely seen some Kabuki dance postures. Seeing that He Rui's dance posture was different from Kabuki, and the dance matched the elegant and special tune played by the geishas extremely well, embodying the characteristics of the upper class in Japanese culture, they all knew this was definitely extraordinary. The gazes they cast over were full of admiration.

Once the dance ended, everyone praised it. He Rui put away the fan and laughed, "Continue playing music, continue dancing. Everyone, join in!"

The officers stood up one after another to join. The atmosphere in the venue continued to climb, and before long, it entered a state of true joy.

At this moment, an officer stepped forward and said to He Rui, "Senior, after this parting, I don't know when we can meet again. I ask Senior to bestow a piece of calligraphy."

He Rui had also drunk quite a bit; his face was a little red. With the alcohol kicking in, he shouted to the waitresses, "Bring brush and ink!"

An *Oiran* stood up, walked to the door with small steps, brought brush and ink, and personally spread the paper for He Rui. He Rui didn't think twice; lifting the brush, he wrote a large character: '**侍**' (Shi/Serve/Samurai).

Seeing He Rui move the brush like the wind, the surrounding crowd all cheered. The officer who requested the calligraphy was dizzy and a bit confused, "Senior, what does this character mean?"

He Rui threw down the brush and straightened his chest, "We soldiers naturally must serve the country. To serve effectively, one must wait upon and serve (*shìfèng*). As far as I am concerned, what soldiers should serve is the people. In Chinese, it is 'Serve the People' (为人民服务). However, in Japan, the majority believe that what should be served is the State, and I don't think that's wrong either."

A group of Japanese officers nodded one after another, feeling this statement made sense. He Rui continued, "The country is in difficulty, and many Japanese soldiers believe that exporting internal conflicts outward is the only way to solve the problem. There are quite a few such people. In my view, there will definitely be a great war between China and Japan in the future. Later, when we are on the battlefield, gentlemen, please do not show mercy. Please fight hard for the Great Japanese Empire."

If these words were spoken at normal times, I'm afraid swords would be drawn and bows bent, or at the very least, eyebrows raised in anger. However, amidst the heat of wine and ears warming, when the Japanese officers heard these words, they felt their emotions stirred. The Japanese officer who requested the calligraphy bowed deeply to He Rui, then stood bolt upright, "Senior is so heroic. If we meet again on the battlefield, this subordinate wishes Senior long-lasting military fortunes (*Buun chōkyū*)!"

Other officers also followed with agitated emotions, saying, "Wish Senior long-lasting military fortunes!"

He Rui laughed heartily and ordered, "Pour wine!"

The waitresses weren't drunk. Seeing Chinese and Japanese soldiers wishing each other outstanding performance on the future battlefield of a great war between China and Japan, their expressions were quite strange. But they still hurriedly obeyed, brought wine cups to everyone, and filled them all.

The two *Oiran* walked to He Rui, one on the left and one on the right; one presented the cup, and one poured the wine. Seeing the wine was full, He Rui raised the cup high, "War is the continuation of national policy; it's just a difference in stance, there really is no consistent standard of judgment. However, there is one thing that is not so, and that is how one conducts oneself. I seek only one thing in conducting myself: when my allotted lifespan comes to an end, I can ask myself if I have a clear conscience. If I have a clear conscience before dying, what is there to fear in death! At this moment, I wish you all a life with a clear conscience."

Hearing this, the Japanese soldiers felt their moods resonated with He Rui, and they raised their wine cups one after another, "Wish for a life with a clear conscience!"

Everyone drained their wine in one gulp. He Rui threw down the wine cup and said loudly, "This time you gentlemen came, the systems you visited, as well as the words just now, are all my true feelings. I ask you all to experience them carefully. I bid you farewell now. When you gentlemen return, I will not see you off. Farewell."

After speaking, He Rui picked up his military cap and put it on, adjusted it, and strode out. The two *Oiran* followed He Rui with their eyes, seeing the Japanese officers all standing up to see him off. Either shaking hands with He Rui or saluting him. He Rui also shook hands and saluted, bidding farewell one by one. Seeing those he was closer to, he offered a few words of encouragement or spoke some intimate words.

When he reached the porch, He Rui didn't turn back; he put on his shoes and left leisurely. The two *Oiran* felt both relieved and slightly disappointed. They were invited this time with generous remuneration, and it was stated that they would absolutely not be providing sexual services.

He Rui left just like that, indeed as agreed. But He Rui leaving like that made the two feel that perhaps it would have been very interesting to have a bit more interaction with this big figure from China.

The two looked at each other, prepared to pack up their instruments and withdraw. But they heard Ishiwara Kanji shout loudly, "Gentlemen, He-kun is busy with official duties and cannot drink much. We haven't enjoyed ourselves to the fullest yet. Come, let's continue drinking, no going home until we're drunk!"