The Japanese custom of serving individual portions provided He Rui with excellent cover to feign ignorance. He took a bite of the pickles, then looked up and asked Mitsuko, "Mitsuko, this tastes just like what Auntie Morita used to make."

Seeing that He Rui had recognized the taste, Mitsuko answered with a beaming smile, "Nii-chan, these were made by my mother's own hands."

"I am truly grateful to Auntie Morita," He Rui laughed. After sweeping the pickles before him clean, He Rui sighed with nostalgia. "Auntie's pickling method has really improved. Even after traveling all this way for several days, they taste as fresh as if they were just made."

Lieutenant General Kawai Misao chuckled softly. "He-kun, these were transported here by aircraft from Japan, courtesy of the Empire's newly established Army Air Service. I thought I would have to bring them to Shenyang to give to you, but I didn't expect you to come in person. It has certainly preserved the flavor of the pickles."

He Rui bowed his head in acknowledgment. "The Principal's kindness is overwhelming."

After expressing his thanks, He Rui continued, "It is truly impressive that the Japanese Army Air Service has already established a squadron capable of flying directly from Japan to the Kwantung Leased Territory."

Kawai Misao had paid close attention to He Rui during his time at the Academy, and He Rui's actions after graduation were regarded as exemplary within Japanese military circles. Seeing that He Rui had indeed picked up on the implication behind transporting pickles by plane, Kawai asked, "He-kun, you are working hard to build arsenals in the Northeast. Are you perhaps planning to build your own aircraft factory?"

He Rui made no attempt to hide it. "Principal, the Northeast is indeed preparing to build an aircraft factory. Airship and glider units were formed months ago. The Japanese Navy has long been equipped with reconnaissance aircraft. Since the Northeast has no navy, I wonder if the Principal could lend a hand and allow the Northeast's nascent flying corps to engage in exchanges with the Army Air Service."

Kawai Misao had always considered He Rui to be intelligent, even to the point of never telling lies. In any other setting, it would have been inappropriate for He Rui to request an exchange with the Japanese Army Air Service. But in this moment of friendly reunion between teacher and student, He Rui had seized the opportunity, leaving Kawai with no chance to accuse him of impoliteness.

So, Kawai dropped the subject of the air force and asked, "He-kun, I assume you have already established a military academy?"

He Rui nodded. "Principal, I began setting up military study classes as soon as I arrived in the Northeast. Currently, the education level in the army is insufficient. We only have entry-level military schools and an officer academy; a military college has not yet been established. There are only study classes for senior officers."

Mitsuko lowered her head, listening to the two generals discuss military matters. Although she didn't understand the specific implications of their conversation, she knew it didn't matter. She was just an ordinary female university student who had been brought to China by Lieutenant General Kawai. The reason had nothing to do with her personally; it was entirely because the Japanese military—and the higher-ups behind them—wanted to express goodwill towards He Rui.

Mitsuko disliked this immensely. Although she tried her best to embody the expectations Japanese society held for a female university student—displaying elegance and noble grace—she desperately wanted to apologize to He Rui. Not for participating in this "Sino-Japanese Friendly Exchange," but for being used as a tool against him.

At this moment, she heard Lieutenant General Kawai say, "He-kun, you have served in the Imperial Japanese Army, so you are eligible to take the entrance exam for the Army War College. Have you considered a personnel exchange with the Kwantung Army? We could send personnel to each other. I also hope to see Japanese soldiers applying to Northeast military schools in the capacity of Northeast Army soldiers. And I hope to see talents like you, He-kun, appearing at the Army War College."

He Rui exclaimed with delight, "That is a wonderful idea! Principal, you are truly broad-minded."

Kawai nodded slightly, seeming to appreciate He Rui's attitude. However, Kawai did not believe He Rui's sincerity. He Rui didn't lie, but one couldn't trust his truths either. Lieutenant General Kawai did not believe that He Rui's goal in agreeing to personnel exchanges was to promote Sino-Japanese friendship. Even if it were true, the "friendship" in He Rui's eyes was likely vastly different from what the Japanese side expected.

After the meal, Lieutenant General Kawai and He Rui moved to the adjacent tea room. Mitsuko did not follow. Sitting across the tea table, Kawai took a sip of tea and asked, "He-kun, is there any scenery worth seeing in the Northeast?"

He Rui thought for a moment and smiled. "There isn't much natural scenery in the Northeast; perhaps only the snowy forests and plains are truly breathtaking. If we speak of entertainment that Japan lacks, I recommend dog sledding. We introduced a batch of sled dogs from Russia and Canada. It is quite different from horse-drawn sleighs."

Kawai understood that He Rui did not want to discuss politics. If he really went to the Northeast, He Rui would treat him simply as a traveler. However, Lieutenant General Kawai's purpose in meeting He Rui had nothing to do with tourism.

Since He Rui was playing dumb, Kawai, as his former principal, decided to speak plainly. "He-kun, Britain and France have both expressed admiration for your humanitarian rescue efforts. Does He-kun believe that Kolchak can withstand the Soviet bandit offensive after the spring thaw?"

After saying this, Kawai added, "He-kun, you were known for your bold speech at the Academy. Have you changed since graduating?"

He Rui didn't mind the provocation. He believed that his character, formed in the 21st century, hadn't changed; it was just that the atmosphere of the second decade of the 20th century remained conservative. Since Lieutenant General Kawai asked directly, He Rui answered directly. "If Kolchak could withstand the Red Army, he would currently be in Siberia continuing the fight. If even the risk of freezing to death couldn't stop Kolchak from fleeing to Vladivostok with a million people, it is naturally because they couldn't hold off the Red Army even if they died trying."

Kawai nodded with some satisfaction. "He-kun is correct. Relying on Kolchak alone, he is bound to lose to the Red Army. There are rumors in Japan that Britain and France have placed large orders with you, using the arsenals in Manchuria and Mongolia to arm Kolchak. Does He-kun think Britain and France can help Kolchak regroup?"

He Rui smiled. "Principal, the Northeast is not participating in the Russian Civil War. The arms trade is merely a commercial activity."

Kawai felt he should try a bit harder, so he continued to persuade, "He-kun, if the Northeast and the Kwantung Army join forces to help Kolchak, I believe we can hold off the Red Army."

Given the Japanese habit of speaking in riddles ("abdominal art"), Principal Kawai's frankness could almost be called brilliantly transparent. Even He Rui was slightly moved. Bowing slightly, He Rui replied, "Principal, since you are so frank, I am willing to be honest as well. If Britain and France ask for the Northeast Government's attitude, the Northeast Government will clearly state that we wish to safeguard peace and suggest a ceasefire between the Russian Red Army and the White Guards. We are even willing to provide a venue for negotiations."

This was politician-speak, which Lieutenant General Kawai found unfamiliar. But he understood what He Rui meant: he would absolutely not participate in the Russian Civil War. Still, Kawai tried to persuade him further. "Does He-kun not wish to seize this opportunity to abolish the treaties signed between the Qing Empire and Russia?"

He Rui laughed out loud. This was what a mature adult should look like. Lieutenant General Kawai was utilizing nationalist sentiment, unlike guys like Cheng Ruofan who actually believed in it. If Cheng Ruofan were facing Lieutenant General Kawai, he would surely have been agitated by these nationalist appeals.

Of course, if Lieutenant General Kawai were talking to Cheng Ruofan, he might not have used nationalism. Because there was a high probability that Cheng Ruofan would have directly responded with, "Abolish the Treaty of Shimonoseki."

But He Rui didn't care. Facing Kawai's provocation, He Rui spoke the plain truth. "If the Japanese Army wants to fight the Russian Red Army, the Northeast Government is willing to provide all assistance short of dispatching troops. From weapons and ammunition to logistical supplies, from military hospitals to medicine, we will certainly meet the needs of the Imperial Japanese Army."

Hearing this, Lieutenant General Kawai only sighed slightly. He picked up the kettle to refill the teapot, then raised his cup to He Rui. He Rui also raised his cup and drained it in one gulp. Then he changed the subject. "Principal, you mentioned earlier that the Northeast and the Kwantung Army could exchange personnel. I wonder if you have a plan for that?"

In the end, Lieutenant General Kawai did not go to Shenyang. Since the meeting with He Rui had yielded results—even if it was a rejection, at least He Rui had frankly expressed his attitude without concealment—taking the results of this conversation back was an achievement in itself.

Although Lieutenant General Kawai believed He Rui wouldn't lie, it wasn't impossible for He Rui to change his views for greater benefits. Of course, that depended on how high a price Britain and France could pay. At the very least, Japan could not afford the price to buy He Rui.

Before parting, Mitsuko finally had a chance to meet He Rui alone. Seeing no one else in the room, Mitsuko sat before He Rui and bowed her head deeply. "Nii-chan, I am sorry."

He Rui was amused. He reached out to pat her head as he used to, but seeing Mitsuko in her kimono, he felt he shouldn't treat her like a child anymore. So he patted her shoulder instead and comforted her gently, "Mitsuko, I am the one who should say sorry. I know you didn't want to participate in this at all. It was entirely because of me that you were dragged into this. Please, you must forgive me. Rest assured, I will find a way to ask friends for help so that you won't be harassed like this again."

Hearing this, Mitsuko's eyes grew wet. When He Rui was in Tokyo, she could sense that her Brother He had two different faces: one for ordinary people like her, and one for those with status.

Since the meeting with Lieutenant General Kawai began, the person in front of her had been "Excellency He Rui." Now, the Brother He who was considerate of ordinary people, friendly to everyone, and stood up for others in difficulty had finally returned. This made Mitsuko feel both relieved and sad.

Wiping away her tears, Mitsuko took out a letter, placed it on the tatami, and pushed it toward He Rui with both hands. "Nii-chan, this is a letter my mother wrote to you."

He Rui picked up the letter and began to read. In the letter, Auntie Morita greeted him and spoke of domestic matters. She asked about his current situation, specifically whether he was living the life he wanted, whether he had found what he expected in such a life, and if he was happy because of it. Reading this, He Rui felt a stinging in his nose. He put down the letter, exhaled a long breath, and tried to drive away the sourness in his nose and the tears in his eyes.

There were already many people in the world watching He Rui. In their eyes, He Rui represented a symbol. Either a powerful leader, a cunning warlord, or the head of a movement. Few people treated He Rui as a human being with his own joys and sorrows. Even among those who cared about his feelings, the vast majority only wanted to maximize their own benefits or avoid harm.

In a sense, He Rui viewed himself the same way.

Putting away the letter, He Rui sighed. "Sigh... Mitsuko, I thought that as long as I didn't write to you, it would reduce the trouble I caused you. I didn't expect to be wrong. Since it has come to this, tell me how you have been these past few years. Has anything interesting happened?"

Mitsuko smiled, but she immediately realized how much the past few years had changed her. Before, she could laugh genuinely in front of He Rui. Over the years, from girls' high school to life at Tohoku Imperial University, Mitsuko knew clearly how much of her smile was pure emotion and how much was polished social grace.

But since they had reached this point, Mitsuko decided to ask the question she had always been curious about. "Nii-chan, can you tell me how much effort you put in to get me into university? I am truly very grateful."

He Rui also sensed the change in Mitsuko. The ignorant child had grown up. She was no longer willing to be clueless; she wanted to understand who was pushing her life forward. Since that was the case, He Rui smiled. "At first, Professor Taira Toyomori told me he couldn't help much. Later, Mitsui Yasuki of the Mitsui Zaibatsu wanted to help, but the university council at Tohoku Imperial University didn't give much face to Professor Taira, and how could a Mitsui family member who hadn't made donations to the university influence the council? You must know how much pressure there is against admitting female students."

Mitsuko nodded slightly. In Japan, although the Mitsui Zaibatsu was "rich," they were not "noble." Although Mitsuko never asked about the backgrounds of her female classmates at Tohoku Imperial University, she paid attention during their daily silence. Relying on the little she heard, she carefully inquired. Those female university students all had backgrounds in the Japanese peerage (Kazoku), possessing both wealth and nobility.

He Rui continued, "Later, Professor Taira Toyomori asked me to write a letter begging Excellency Takahashi for help. Afterward, the Professor wrote to say that things were moving, and the rest depended on your exam results. Your academic performance has always been good, so I was relieved."

Mitsuko finally understood the sequence of events and untied the knot in her heart. Although the description was simple and He Rui's tone lacked emotion, Mitsuko knew that the power of the high-level elite was just that simple and direct. Doors that were tightly shut to ordinary people would open completely for them. No special effort was needed—a letter, a sentence, was enough.

After a moment of silence, Mitsuko looked up and asked, "Nii-chan, I have read all the books and manuscripts you wrote that I could collect. will Japan continue like this? Will the Kazoku always hold all the power?"

He Rui was somewhat moved. Mitsuko was not the first person to say this to him. The first was Ishiwara Kanji. At that time, Ishiwara and He Rui hadn't known each other long. The two were drunk in a small tavern when Ishiwara, his eyes flashing with a strange light, asked this very question.

At the time, He Rui was amused by the question from the man who, in another timeline, would mastermind the Mukden Incident. He replied, "Ishiwara-kun, if the Japanese people accept such a fate, it will continue. If they do not accept it, they must have the strength to overthrow the current situation, especially to seize the opportunity at the critical moment. Otherwise, even if Japan is completely conquered, such shackles will continue to be placed on the heads of the Japanese people. The son of a Diet member will continue to be a Diet member; the son of a banker will continue to be a banker. Nothing will change."

At that time, He Rui didn't understand Ishiwara Kanji, and since it was drunken talk, he forgot about it after speaking.

Unexpectedly, a few days later, Ishiwara Kanji came to see He Rui again, no longer displaying his previous unruly and defiant demeanor. Ishiwara spoke very sincerely with He Rui, talking through the entire night.

Now, Mitsuko was asking the same question. He Rui hesitated. Should he tell Mitsuko about the possibility of liberating Japan? If he expected Mitsuko to participate in the action to liberate Japan, he knew he should tell her everything. But in He Rui's eyes, Mitsuko was his sister. He only wanted her to live in a liberated Japan, not to struggle on the front lines of liberation.

He Rui quickly realized the difference in how he treated comrades versus loved ones. For loved ones, he only wanted to offer them a beautiful world, not let them endure the suffering of creating it.

Seeing the hesitation on He Rui's face, Mitsuko became even more certain that the He Rui before her was the brother who had always protected and helped her. This, in turn, fueled her determination. "Nii-chan, I can protect myself. What I look forward to now is seeing hope. Please, Nii-chan, point out where the bright path lies."

He Rui sighed softly. "Mitsuko, any human social activity can be viewed as economic activity. Given Japan's current national strength, the Japanese people should certainly be able to live better lives. Japan's economic development itself would not be negatively affected by the improvement of people's lives; it might even become more active due to increased demand. But this hasn't happened. The reason lies in the distribution system determined by Japan's current political system. Whether it is opportunity or distribution, the power to decide is monopolized in the hands of the high-level elite."

Mitsuko listened seriously. Because of her own experiences, she knew all this to be true. She didn't ask questions, just listened intently.

He Rui continued, "If these elites were capitalists like Mitsui Yasuki, it might be slightly better. But Japan's current decision-making power is monopolized by the old aristocracy. Gender equality? They don't accept it. Selection by merit? They don't accept it. What they want to maintain is that this country, Japan, must revolve around them. As those in power, everything in this country is a bargaining chip for their transactions. You have experienced the struggle of class mobility yourself; you should be clear about what it means when state public power is monopolized by a small group. Only if you are already in this circle of power can you get opportunities. If Japan wants to be liberated, the old system must be smashed, and a truly equal new system must be established. If you just tinker and force those in power to make concessions, no matter how much effort you pay, the harvest will be negligible. If those in power give you a little bit, they will first extract thousands of times more benefit from you."

Hearing this, Mitsuko asked in puzzlement, "Nii-chan, what exactly are those people afraid of?"

"They are afraid of losing the power to dominate others. Those people are human too. They are no different from ordinary Japanese people like you; they are not wiser or smarter than ordinary people. If they had to compete fairly with ordinary people like you, they would soon lose all their advantages and be completely replaced by the excellent among the ordinary. If there is anything where they are 'superior' to people like you, it is that they possess power, so they are clearer about the consequences of losing it. That is why they will never allow such a thing to happen."

Mitsuko felt a sudden enlightenment. The driving force behind the actions of those in power was actually fear. She had truly never thought of it that way before. Now she finally understood why those in power were so hostile to any rebellious behavior and struck it down so resolutely. She had originally thought those people acted out of a love for order.

"Thank you, Nii-chan." Mitsuko bowed her head, thanking He Rui with a formal student's bow.