Since the conversation started with "criticizing France," He Rui's tone was quite relaxed. "Mr. Jordan, the German Weimar government has already laid down and defaulted, creating a shocking hyperinflation. However, I cannot believe that all the responsibility lies with Germany. At least regarding the impact of the German default on the world, I believe France bears responsibility, perhaps even a great deal of responsibility."

As he spoke, He Rui offered Jordan a cigar.

Mentioning France's role in this event, Jordan nodded in agreement, but put down the cigar and asked He Rui for a cigarette instead. Cigarettes were far less smooth and intoxicating than cigars. However, when discussing troublesome matters, even a veteran diplomat like Jordan could not avoid a headache. Smoking a cigarette with a more uncomfortable taste actually helped him discuss the matter with relative composure.

He Rui opened the cigarette case. Jordan took out a brand-new cigarette holder, inserted the cigarette, and continued, "France, for the sake of a few hundred thousand telegraph poles, sent troops to the Rhineland industrial area together with Belgium. I can no longer figure out if France has lost its rationality due to greed, or if they deliberately want to destroy the European economy."

"Are you saying you can't figure out if France is stupid or evil?" He Rui added his own perspective.

Jordan felt this phrasing was truly powerful, pointing out exactly the confusion and unhappiness in his heart, so he nodded. "Yes, stupid or evil. Of course, it's also possible they are both stupid and evil."

He Rui shook his head. "In a sense, I can understand the French government. After all, at present, France has obtained an opportunity to return to the era of Richelieu. Three hundred years ago, it was precisely the Richelieu era (1624-1642) that made France the sole hegemon of the European continent at the time. The cost was that the German region completely turned into a collection of small city-states. From the perspective of geopolitics, this is one of the important conditions for maintaining France's hegemony in Europe. Of course, France doing this now, to use a Chinese idiom, is 'stubbornly conservative and carving a mark on the boat to find the sword' (ignoring changing circumstances)."

"Correct," Jordan agreed. "France seems to think that by allying with Poland, they can simultaneously control Russia and Germany."

"Check Germany and suppress Russia," He Rui laughed.

Accompanying Jordan was Bernard, a Third Secretary of the British Foreign Office. Watching He Rui and Jordan puffing away while happily badmouthing France, he felt a bit dazed for a moment.

In this private meeting, Jordan spoke Chinese, while He Rui spoke English. One could tell immediately that He Rui's English was of the standard type—learned and used, but merely learned and used.

Before coming to China, the British Foreign Office had files on He Rui. However, He Rui's image was considered a mixture of intelligence, barbarism, and power. Third Secretary Bernard thought he would see an Oriental monarch who had received a Western education. But he didn't expect that the man in front of him, speaking instrumental English with stiff but accurate wording, and who had also studied European history extensively, would resemble a European statesman.

Jordan expressed cautious humor regarding He Rui's phrase "Check Germany and suppress Russia." After all, Asians were more suitable for making jokes about such things. In Europe, this involved important history regarding claims of legitimacy.

***

He Rui continued, "Although I do not sympathize with the French government, I sympathize with the French people, just as I sympathize with the German people. The Weimar government's hyperinflation this time may not necessarily succeed in defaulting on the victor's debts. At most, it will force Britain to cooperate with the United States to provide the Weimar government with a way to resolve the debt..."

"Oh? Have you heard some news, Your Excellency?" Jordan hurriedly asked. Since Jordan had participated in the Washington Naval Treaty conference, the British Foreign Office had indeed consulted him on some matters before he came to China.

He Rui explained, "One doesn't need to hear anything. Your Excellency should be very clear about this. The biggest creditor nation now is the United States. Although Japan is also a creditor nation, Japan's current war is already consuming a large amount of the creditor rights in its hands. Perhaps Japan has already started issuing bonds now. truly pitiful..."

Jordan wanted to use He Rui's topic to switch to Japan, but after thinking about it, he decided to continue listening. After all, He Rui did not refuse to chat and actively mentioned Japan, so there would be opportunities to discuss it later. Jordan was genuinely interested in He Rui's views on the German hyperinflation.

Seeing Jordan not taking the bait, He Rui continued, "Britain and France not only have to collect war reparations from Germany but also pay war debts to the United States. Germany has already 'laid down' to default. Naturally, the only one who can effectively solve the problem remains the United States. If the United States invests in Germany to solve Germany's current problems, Germany will have money to continue repaying debts, and Britain and France will also have money to repay war bonds. This is a cycle that benefits everyone. The United States has always looked forward to having its own status and influence in Europe. Next, it depends on whether Britain, France, the US, and Germany can reach a new agreement on this issue."

Jordan nodded slightly. The cigarette had burned to the end. The old man pulled out the butt, attached another one to the holder, and continued to think while smoking.

Third Secretary Bernard, who was accompanying Jordan, completely hadn't expected to hear a plan that was reasonable, highly operable, and took into account the four major countries of the world, thousands of miles away from Western Europe in the East.

In the Foreign Office in London, He Rui's image was that of an Oriental Potentate, and some civil servants even called He Rui "China's Elector." Looking at He Rui through the cigarette smoke, Bernard felt he was seeing a top European power holder. He Rui's conversation was no different from theirs—bright, calm, and explaining profound things in simple terms. This was no Oriental Potentate; this was an Imperial Chancellor, a figure similar to Bismarck.

He Rui did not keep the topic on nations. He sighed, "But while these government matters seem important to me, they are not of much value. I sympathize with the people of Germany and France. The German Weimar government probably cannot default on its external debts through this hyperinflation, but the Weimar government can use this hyperinflation to default on the huge debts the German government owes to the German people. Those German people who bought German war bonds, those tax-paying German people, their life savings will be looted clean in this hyperinflation. It is truly a tragedy."

Jordan did not care about the lives of the German people at all, so he asked, "Your Excellency, where do you think the pitiable nature of the French people lies?"

"After the Great War, the French northeast industrial zone was reduced to ruins, suffering huge losses. At this time, they should have focused fully on people's livelihood. However, the French government used nationalism as an excuse, intending to realize its geopolitical goals. But they didn't expect to fail. Trade between France and Germany has always been close. Does the suspension of German industry only affect Germany itself? I see that French domestic enterprises have also been greatly impacted. The French people suffered over 5 million casualties in the Great War and should have been resting and recuperating to restore production. Yet they have suffered such an undeserved disaster. The French people are pitiful. War causes tragedy, but failing to walk out of the war will allow the tragedy to continue."

Speaking of this, He Rui sighed with compassion for the fate of mankind.

Jordan felt he had to respond, so he asked, "Your Excellency, the Northeast Government is currently at war with Japan. How do you think the tragedy caused by this war can be reduced?"

Seeing that Jordan had finally honestly followed up, He Rui replied with a serious expression, "Mr. Jordan, China is a peace-loving country. The Northeast Government has no intention of invading Japan. The war has reached this point, and Japan has no other possibility of winning. Of course, Mr. Jordan understands the country of Japan; they cannot possibly actively admit the status quo. I have no way either. If other peace-loving countries in the world can make the Japanese government see the facts clearly, admit the status quo, and end the war one day earlier, the Japanese people will suffer one day less. What do you think?"

Jordan only sighed but made no response. Third Secretary Bernard beside him also sighed inwardly. The latest European changes He Rui discussed were indeed European changes—his insight was profound, his understanding thorough, and he could even offer solutions that were both executable and effective.

At the same time, everything He Rui said about Europe had a strong contrast with the current war in Asia. The German government were bastards, the French government were bastards; the German people were pitiful, the French people were pitiful. Similarly, the Japanese government were bastards, the Japanese people were pitiful.

According to He Rui, Japan actively stopping the war would be a good thing for maintaining peace. There was nothing wrong with this statement. However, He Rui had already taken all the advantages on the gambling table of war. Now he wanted to secure his profits and cash out; how could Japan possibly accept that?

But He Rui's words did not make Third Secretary Bernard feel unhappy. From the intelligence Britain currently possessed, He Rui's suggestion was quite valuable. Peace as soon as possible was a relatively wise choice for Japan.

Jordan felt He Rui wanted to use him to pass a message to Japan, which exceeded the purpose of Jordan's trip. So Jordan smiled and said, "Your Excellency, when I arrived in Beijing this time, I met many of our old friends. Old friends say that Your Excellency will be China's leader in the future. I would very much like to hear what Your Excellency's vision for the future China is."

He Rui also smiled broadly. "The future China will inevitably be a peaceful country where the government and people develop the economy together to increase income. Moreover, China will integrate into the world trade system, satisfying its own needs through trade and also contributing to the world's prosperity through trade."

Jordan praised, "That is truly an admirable vision. So how does Your Excellency plan to realize it?"

He Rui switched to another cigarette before saying, "Our Civilization Party already has a platform for this. China's progressive development first needs an independent military force capable of guaranteeing national security, followed by an independent government that exists for development. Those nations that have completed industrialization are all like this, possessing independent national defense, administration, diplomacy..."

The private meeting was very friendly and frank. Afterward, Morrison and the Director of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs hosted Jordan's party, and He Rui went back to his own work due to official duties.

Secretary Bernard felt there was nothing more to say. He Rui had clearly expressed his attitude. Although this attitude would not lead to a war with Britain, it was quite opposed to the best scenario Britain hoped for. However, He Rui's view on joining the world trade system was rational, and Secretary Bernard felt this matter was a bargaining chip for future negotiations with He Rui.

Of course, another thing that concerned Bernard was He Rui's disregard for Japan's fundraising ability. The situation was now very clear; He Rui knew Japan was raising funds in Britain, yet he didn't even mention it. Not only He Rui, but the Northeast Government officials hosting the British representatives also didn't mention it.

Before Bernard set off for China, these matters were considered by the British Foreign Office as one of the many bargaining chips for negotiations with He Rui. Yet, apart from expressing that trade relations were a matter that must be discussed, He Rui completely avoided touching the chips prepared by the British side. This led Bernard to form an unreasonable illusion: had He Rui already received some news from the British Foreign Office?

Third Secretary Bernard of the British Foreign Office guessed right and wrong. He Rui indeed hadn't received any news from the British Foreign Office, but he had other ways of obtaining information. After seeing through the essence of the Weimar government, He Rui wouldn't find the subsequent hyperinflation strange. If hyperinflation didn't occur when the prerequisites were met, He Rui would have found *that* strange.

If the Weimar government didn't default on domestic debts through hyperinflation, its economy would collapse. This kind of collapse would lead to the bankruptcy of both German Junker landlords and capitalists. Then the German workers would overthrow the Weimar government and establish a German Soviet government. At that time, the old German upper class would likely be hung from telegraph poles, fluttering in the wind together with the Soviet government's red flag.

***

After concluding the private meeting with Jordan, He Rui listened to the report regarding Busan Port. The comrade from the External Intelligence Department introduced the recent progress with a regretful tone. "Chairman, the Korean defectors are very dissatisfied with our army's withdrawal from Korea. They are very suspicious of us now, thinking that our prediction of solving the Korean issue in ten years is a kind of deception. They requested to send someone to personally meet Chairman."

"I cannot meet them. Let Comrade Wang Bin meet them," He Rui answered crisply. Seeing the troubled look on the External Intelligence Bureau comrade's face, He Rui explained, "Japan cannot win. Once Japan fails, its domestic economy will enter a stage of severe economic crisis. Since Japan cannot solve the economic crisis, there are only three choices. One choice is to admit that the current Continental Policy has failed and change the Continental Policy, thereby cooperating with China. Then, as cooperation deepens, the issue of Korean independence can be resolved. Another choice is to form an anti-China alliance with foreign countries, then there will definitely be a decisive war within ten years. The defeated side will inevitably be Japan. At that time, the Korean issue will naturally be resolved. The third choice is for Japan to tough it out until its domestic economy completely collapses. At that stage, we in the Northeast only need to provide weapons and military training to the Korean patriots to defeat Japan's colonial army in Korea. At that time, Korea can cooperate fully with China economically, and Korea's strength will soon be improved, no longer threatened by Japan."

Although the comrade from the External Intelligence Bureau was encouraged, he still had a troubled look. He Rui smiled and asked, "Do you think those Korean patriots have too small a vision to understand such a political philosophy?"

"...Yes."

He Rui knew that external intelligence work was not easy to do, and he didn't want his comrades to do things for quick success. "In that case, find Korean patriots who *can* understand this philosophy and cooperate with them. We must never consider controlling Korea as a suzerain state in the future; that is meaningless. In the industrial age, traditional political control or influence control is useless. Japan has controlled Korea for about 30 years; was it of much use? Didn't they still lose the war! There are plenty of people in Korea who want to restore their country. I now propose three requirements. Do not let the Korean patriots have any suspicion that we intend to annex Korea, and we don't have such intentions anyway. Do not let Korean patriots do dangerous work; all we want is the material transport data of Busan Port, not any classified intelligence. We provide funds, but the other party must be people who can understand our requirements. If they cannot understand, they will act recklessly on their own."

After speaking, He Rui added a sentence, "For this operation, safety is the priority. Absolutely do not cause personnel losses."

Under such clear requirements, the confidence of the External Intelligence Bureau comrade recovered a lot. His slightly furrowed brows smoothed out, and the troubled look on his face disappeared. But the intelligence bureau comrade still asked, "Chairman, our explanation for this operation can never satisfy the Korean patriots."

"Then be sure to explain clearly to those people that we have no intention of attacking munitions and supplies in Korea. The reason we want to master the data is to determine the quantity of the Japanese army's logistical supplies. So that when our army counterattacks, we can determine the intensity of the Japanese army's counterattack. This matter concerns the lives and safety of our officers and soldiers; it is very valuable intelligence."

"...Chairman, are these conditions too lenient?" The External Intelligence Bureau felt it didn't seem quite appropriate.

He Rui shook his head. "We didn't have unreasonable demands to begin with, nor did we mean to manipulate them. There's no need to care about those people's thoughts now. When the Japanese army is at a comprehensive disadvantage, those people will naturally see it. At that time, they will truly be willing to cooperate with us. We do not rely on them to defeat the Japanese army, but on ourselves."

With words reaching this point, the comrades realized there was really nothing they couldn't do, so they stood up, saluted, and took their leave.

Just as this wave of work was arranged, news regarding the Beiyang side arrived. Lu Zhengxiang, who stayed in Shenyang for liaison, brought news from the Beiyang Foreign Ministry. "Chairman He, the Foreign Ministry has officially spoken with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, proposing to return a batch of injured Japanese prisoners of war now. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs was vague; in reality, they don't want to accept injured prisoners."

He Rui looked at Lu Zhengxiang's somewhat troubled expression, asked him to sit down first, and then said, "In that case, we will mobilize public opinion and talk about this in the newspapers. We will not only talk about it in domestic newspapers but also in European and American newspapers. We will also drop leaflets on the Japanese positions to let the Japanese army know about this."

Seeing He Rui being so straightforward, Lu Zhengxiang couldn't help but sigh slightly. He knew doing this would be greatly beneficial to the Northeast Government. Those Japanese wounded soldiers had disabling injuries, and the vast majority had their production capacity affected. Sending them back would be a burden on Japan.

From a humanitarian perspective, the Northeast Government stood on the moral high ground. If Japan accepted, they lost the substance; if they didn't accept, they lost face. This was the advantage of the victor; the greater the victory, the greater the advantage. Lu Zhengxiang had never experienced this in his past decades of life.

***

Inside the Japanese Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army Headquarters, Ishiwara Kanji remained silent, and Nagata Tetsuzan, temporarily acting as the Commander of the Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army, also remained silent. This silence represented that both men understood He Rui's intentions, so neither was willing to bear the responsibility meaninglessly.

Attending the meeting were not only Nagata, Ishiwara, and others, but the Division Commanders were also present, including some field-grade officers. The generals were silent, as if they hadn't heard anything. Finally, Okamura Yasuji, responsible for reading the agenda, could only continue, "Apart from the prisoner exchange matter, the Imperial General Headquarters asks the Expeditionary Army Headquarters if there are any suggestions on operations. Gentlemen, please speak freely and do not have any concerns."

Ishiwara Kanji wanted to sneer again but kept a cold expression, revealing no reaction to outsiders. At this moment, Ishiwara even felt a trace of contempt for that bunch at the Imperial General Headquarters. They couldn't find a way to break the deadlock themselves, so they started pulling things east and west, even asking the Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army Headquarters. If the Expeditionary Army Headquarters had its own solution, they would have done it long ago; why would they need the Imperial General Headquarters to ask pretentiously?

Just then, a Lieutenant Colonel stood up impassionedly. "Report, subordinate is Lieutenant Colonel Kurizono of the 12th Division. I have a suggestion to propose."

Okamura Yasuji breathed a slight sigh of relief. It wouldn't be good if no one stood up to speak at all, so he asked, "What is Lieutenant Colonel Kurizono's view?"

Lieutenant Colonel Kurizono puffed out his chest and said with a resolute tone, "The Empire can send troops to occupy Shandong, use Shandong as a base to attack Manchuria and Mongolia. We can even coordinate with the Navy to establish the Bohai transport line and march into Shanhaiguan. Pincer attack Manchuria and Mongolia from two paths!"

Ishiwara Kanji only felt a bit of sadness. The war situation had forced the Japanese army into a situation where a fool like Lieutenant Colonel Kurizono could express foolish opinions, yet the Imperial General Headquarters and the generals still pretended the war could continue. How muddled, how shameless this was.

***

Regarding the act of seppuku, Ishiwara looked down on it. But at this moment, he genuinely hoped this group of generals could bravely commit seppuku as they claimed. Only if these guys all committed seppuku could Japan be liberated from such a dead end.

The Northeast Army guarded the Yalu River defense line, with a stable rear for logistical supply and medical support. Ishiwara felt the Northeast Army could even fully guarantee leave. The Japanese army, however, had to maintain a long front line. The million-strong army ate through resources every day, and the shelling to account to the superiors had to be maintained. Every shell was burning Japanese Yen.

...No, the manufacturing, transportation, and stockpiling of shells had already burned the Japanese Yen. As long as the war continued for one day, the wealth of the Japanese people flowed away in vain for one day, flowing away meaninglessly.

Just then, several other field-grade officers who didn't look smart enough also stood up to speak, saying similar foolish things.

Okamura Yasuji calmly accepted these people's opinions and announced that every division should inquire about views among field and company-grade officers. Officers supporting the opening of a second front must submit a list to the headquarters.

Ishiwara wasn't in the mood to care about these fools, only considering how long the Japanese economy could last.

Being a Lieutenant General had many benefits, such as having a say in battlefield personnel appointments. So, a portion of Future Society members received promotions and could also obtain some data. Based on the data Ishiwara could access, combined with data from the grassroots, Ishiwara felt the Japanese economy couldn't last until June of next year.

By June next year, Japan would exhaust its foreign exchange. Moreover, due to the freezing caused by general mobilization and the grain requisition orders, the domestic economy would suffer. Farmers and workers would fall into a situation where they only had a mouthful of rice to keep from starving due to sharp income reductions. A portion of the displaced people would either starve to death or join the army, sent to the front line to receive a military pay of 3 Yen a month.

The military conference ended in such a depressing atmosphere. The next day, fluttering leaflets landed on the Japanese positions. The Division Commanders, upon learning this, immediately ordered that private collection was absolutely forbidden; leaflets found must be handed over. But the news that the Northeast Army wanted to release a portion of severely wounded Japanese prisoners spread quickly.

In the evening, Lieutenant Colonel Aizawa Saburo of the Future Society found Ishiwara when he came to the headquarters. "Your Excellency, we made inquiries in the army. Soldiers mostly feel we shouldn't accept the wounded. Leaving the wounded in Manchuria and Mongolia to eat can also increase the consumption of Manchuria and Mongolia."

"Oh? Aren't the soldiers worried that our soldiers will be abused over there and not given food?" Ishiwara asked.

Aizawa Saburo hadn't expected such a possibility. He opened his eyes wide, and anger appeared on his face. Ishiwara, afraid Aizawa Saburo would let his imagination run wild, hurriedly said, "Rest assured, Teacher is absolutely not that kind of person. If he really did that, those severely wounded soldiers wouldn't have lived until now."

Hearing this, Aizawa Saburo's expression softened. He told Ishiwara another piece of news. "The headquarters really held meetings in the army, asking those field and company-grade officers who advocate opening a second front. Also, our comrades discussed the current situation with field and company-grade officers. Most field and company-grade officers are very clear that the current Continental Policy has failed."

Ishiwara Kanji wasn't worried that field and company-grade officers didn't even know this. The reason for the investigation was to see if these guys were willing to admit it privately. Admitting the Continental Policy failed didn't equal accepting defeat, but not even admitting it meant someone would still cause trouble.

For the next few days, the Japanese army continued the norm of artillery duels every day while the infantry sat around foolishly. Soon, the Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army Headquarters sent a batch of field and company-grade officers back to Japan. With a little inquiry, Ishiwara understood. Okamura Yasuji, in order not to cause trouble for the headquarters, sent that group of officers advocating for opening a second front back to Japan.

Ishiwara quite understood this matter and even felt Okamura did a good job. Since these people wanted to shout about opening a second front, let them go back to Japan to shout. If the Imperial General Headquarters was influenced by these people and really ordered the Expeditionary Army to start a war, the Expeditionary Army would just execute it. In the current stage where everyone from top to bottom had no strategy, whoever stirred up trouble had to take responsibility.

Ever since General Terauchi Hisaichi stepped down from the position of Commander of the Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army, no one had volunteered to take the post. Everyone wasn't stupid; whoever became the Commander had to take responsibility. It was better to let Lieutenant General Nagata Tetsuzan, the "Wall of the Empire," direct the headquarters' operations as Chief of Staff.

Days passed one by one, and soon it was September 1, 1923. At 11:58 AM, it was almost lunchtime. Some soldiers who were physically sensitive on ordinary days felt unwell, with some nausea and slight headaches. Some people felt a sensation like an earthquake, but it wasn't obvious.

At this time, the needle of the seismograph at the Seismological Institute of the Northeast Geological Bureau was swinging wildly. The measuring personnel on duty hurriedly pressed the record button. The paper roll began to turn slowly. On the moving paper, wave strips were drawn. The height of the wave peaks and the sharpness of the fluctuations left the researchers of the Seismological Institute dumbfounded.

According to the swing of the seismograph, a massive earthquake must have occurred somewhere on Earth. The scale of this earthquake was unimaginable. Only after other data arrived could a judgment be made.

***

At 1:10 PM on September 1, the Northeast Government and the *Northeast Daily* released urgent news. The Seismological Institute of the Northeast Government Geological Bureau detected a major earthquake in the Japan region with extreme intensity. According to the earthquake standards established by the Northeast Seismological Institute, the magnitude of this Japanese earthquake might have reached 8.1. (The Richter magnitude scale was created by Charles F. Richter of the California Institute of Technology in 1935).

At 5:00 PM, the Japanese Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army Headquarters held an intensive meeting. Nagata, Ishiwara, and Okamura gathered together. Although Nagata already had a great estrangement from Ishiwara, he still had to let Ishiwara know the news immediately. He said with a gloomy face, "A major earthquake occurred in Tokyo."

Japan was prone to earthquakes. This news didn't make Ishiwara or even Okamura feel anything strange. Nagata continued, "Tokyo Tower broke into two sections."

The Tokyo Tower of 1923 was a landmark building in Tokyo, Japan, but it was not the one from after WWII in 1957. The main body of the current Tokyo Tower was a white cylinder, 106.2 meters high. However, from the appearance, it didn't look like a tower but a cone. Its base was a spherical outer ring, and inside the tower was a circular dome. It looked like a lighthouse, and the Tokyo Broadcasting Station's transmitters were inside it.

This tower was designed to be very sturdy when built. Nagata, Ishiwara, and Okamura had visited it more than once. Hearing that even Tokyo Tower had snapped due to the great earthquake, Ishiwara's face looked as ugly as it could be.

Okamura's face was equally gloomy, but he immediately said, "I will go order the blockade of news immediately!"

Nagata nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Okamura-kun."

After speaking, Nagata looked at Ishiwara without saying a word. Ishiwara Kanji, usually full of stratagems, didn't know what to say at this moment. Nagata Tetsuzan said with a solemn expression, "Ishiwara-kun, based on the known situation, a large number of buildings in the Tokyo area have been destroyed by the earthquake. Great fires have started all over Tokyo. Countless factories have been destroyed. It won't be long before the Imperial General Headquarters orders us to launch an attack immediately. I will try one more time, but what I worry about most is that He-kun will definitely not let go of this opportunity. We can no longer retreat. Ishiwara-kun, facing the ensuing bloody battle, please assist me by all means."

Ishiwara Kanji was just about to say something when a communications officer ran in from outside. His voice was agitated and terrified as he shouted loudly, "Report, Chief of Staff! The enemy forces across from us have sent a telegram in the name of the Northeast Army Commander-in-Chief, General He Rui."

Ishiwara Kanji's heart tightened, but he inexplicably gave birth to some expectations. Nagata Tetsuzan ordered loudly, "Read it!"

***

"The Northeast Government informs the Japanese Government. Today, through monitoring by the Northeast Seismological Institute, we learned that Japan was struck by a strong earthquake. The Japanese people are plunged into misery and suffering amidst the natural disaster. Therefore, it is suggested that the Northeast Government and the Japanese Government cease all military actions starting from September 1, 1923, to avoid greater tragedy. At the same time, proceed with the discussion of an armistice agreement. Natural disasters may be hard to avoid, but human calamities can be terminated by goodwill. China has always been a land of propriety and righteousness. It is also hoped that the Japanese Government, which considers itself a civilized nation, will prioritize the lives of the Japanese people, cease fire and make peace, allowing the million-strong army to return home for disaster relief and save the disaster-stricken Japanese people from deep water and scorching fire.

Chairman of the Northeast Government of the Republic of China: He Rui. September 1, 1923, 17:00 sharp."

Ishiwara Kanji couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief. This was the He Rui he knew. Shrewd and cunning, but also possessing the humanity that a human should have.

After listening to the telegram, Nagata Tetsuzan immediately shouted, "Order all radio departments of the entire army: it is forbidden to disseminate this news!"