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墨書 Inktalez
At the edge of the station, two graceful figures stood facing each other.
"Mo Su, be careful on the road," Shangguan Yiting said, squeezing her hand. There was a hint of reluctance in her brow, but more so a sense of relief.
Cheng Mo forced a smile, not responding, and boarded the train without looking back. The glass was clear and bright; she stared blankly at the sky, unable to remember how many times she had taken the train back and forth between Feng Province and Shanghai. But this was the only time she was traveling without him by her side. There would be no more after this.
What was coldness, what was despair? At this moment, she understood it all.
The train slowly started moving forward. She bit her lip to hold back the tears that were about to surge. The scenery around her gradually blurred as it receded behind her. Heavenly Sovereign seemed to understand her thoughts, as tiny raindrops began to fall, not knowing whether they were lamenting her departure or celebrating his new beginning.
Turning her gaze away, the figure from deep within her memories was still clearly etched in her mind. Her heart ached uncontrollably.
That person wore military attire, with dark eyes and black hair. He rarely smiled, but when he did, it was with a tenderness reserved just for her.
She had always thought that as long as they loved each other deeply enough, they could overcome any difficulties together. She never imagined that this world did not belong solely to the two of them. If the country fell apart, how could there be a home? How could he possibly fulfill his duties to the world while also being true to her?
She left the place that belonged to him, yet he remained unaware.
Shen Mingliang opened the conference room door and stood respectfully. Shangguan Shaoyi entered steadily; several Japanese seated in the room stood up and bowed as both sides met. Shen Mingliang's voice was loud as he introduced Shangguan Shaoyi one by one, "This is Mr. Inoue."
"Hello, Young Master Shangguan," Inoue said, his mouth turned downwards. Although he spoke polite greetings upon meeting, there was still an uncomfortable air about him.
Shangguan Shaoyi's gaze was cold; he did not shake hands or greet him but sat down directly, staring intently at him. "Mr. Inoue, what brings you here?"
"It's simple. Not long ago, Young Master shot my adopted daughter. She is Japanese; I still don't understand what crime he committed to kill her without trial—does this even have any sense of justice?"
Shangguan Shaoyi scoffed dismissively and coldly replied, "My father died at her hands; I am merely avenging him. Is that not justice?"
"Young Marshal, everything must be supported by evidence. Do you have any evidence to prove that he is related to the murder of General Shangguan?"
"Yes." Shangguan Shaoyi leaned back in his chair, a cold smile on his lips. "Then, Mr. Inoue, do you have any evidence to prove that I am related to the murder of Yun Yun?"
"You!" Mr. Inoue glared angrily. "You just admitted it yourself; do you want to deny it now?"
"When did I ever admit that?" He raised an eyebrow, his gaze growing colder.
"Hmph, I didn't expect the Young Marshal Shangguan to be such a petty person, daring to act but not to acknowledge it."
"To treat a gentleman with the courtesy due to a gentleman is the mark of a wise person. To treat a petty person with the courtesy due to a gentleman is the mark of a fool." He remained calm, tapping his fingers on the table, his demeanor assertive. "Mr. Inoue is not a gentleman; treating you as a petty person means you won't suffer any loss. You didn't come here just to discuss Yun Yun's death, did you? If you have something to say, just say it."
Inoue glared, suppressing his anger. He had intended to intimidate Shangguan Shaoyi but had failed; thus, he had no choice but to get down to business. He steadied his emotions and said, "I heard that the Young Marshal has recently encountered quite a bit of trouble. The Southern Government's Jiang Shaohao hired newspapers to publish a satirical poem directly targeting you, accusing you of neglecting the nation and only loving beautiful women, causing public outcry. Is this true?"
Shangguan Shaoyi remained expressionless and noncommittal.
"Even if you don't say anything, I know Jiang Shaohao must be forcing you to compromise with the Southern Government in order to control you." Inoue cleared his throat, his gaze murky. "I see that the Young Marshal is not someone who willingly submits; why not take this opportunity to declare independence directly?"
Shen Mingliang was taken aback; he hadn't expected this Japanese man to propose such a bold suggestion. He glanced at Shangguan Shaoyi, whose black eyes were bright and expression clear, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
Inoue paused before continuing, "First, the Southern Government is not yet stable; there’s no need for Northeast China to establish any ties with them at this time. Second, Jiang Shaohao is pressing hard and even trying to tarnish your reputation; there's no need for you to be polite with him. Third, if you're worried about an armed attack from the south on Northeast China, we can send troops for assistance. Lastly, if you have any financial difficulties, the Bank of Japan is willing to provide ample support. What do you think?"
Shangguan Shaoyi's pitch-black eyes showed no trace of amusement as he slightly leaned forward, calm and composed. "I understand Mr. Inoue's meaning; you do not wish for our country to unify. If I were to inform the Southern Government about this, how would the international community evaluate your Japan? I would like to see that."
"You!" Inoue slammed his palm on the table and stood up angrily. "Shangguan Lin! Don't think you can refuse my offer!"
Shangguan Shaoyi's eyes fixed on him, and he kicked the table aside, causing the air to vibrate slightly. "Our affairs in the Northeast are not for you to meddle in!"
Inoue raised his eyebrows slightly, the twitching of his facial muscles transitioning from rapid to slow. He smirked and said, "Why must the Young Marshal make such a fuss? We cannot bear to see you being used by that old fox Jiang Shaohao. If the Young Marshal disagrees with our suggestions, we may have to take some special actions to protect our national interests."
"Thank you for your advice, Mr. Inoue." Although Shangguan Shaoyi's tone softened, his sharpness remained unchanged. "Whether or not to compromise with the Southern Government is not for me to decide. I will only follow public opinion; if public opinion requires me to change my stance, I will not go against it."
Inoue's eyes widened in disbelief as he struggled to suppress his anger. "I still hope the Young Marshal will take some time to consider these matters and not dismiss them so quickly. If you submit to the Southern Government, you will only be controlled by Jiang Shaohao."
"Mr. Inoue's concern for me is truly touching, but whether I am controlled by him or not is my own business and has nothing to do with you. However, I advise Mr. Inoue to focus on your own country's affairs, just as I have no interest in your domestic politics; how could Mr. Inoue be interested in my country's internal matters?" Shangguan Shaoyi raised his hand. "Shen Deputy Officer, see our guest out!"
Seeing Shangguan Shaoyi's firm attitude, Ueda could no longer continue the negotiation and had no choice but to leave for now.
After escorting Ueda to the door, Shen Mingli hurried back and reported, "Young Marshal, there is one more thing that needs to be mentioned. Our people say that Jiang Shaohao issued a marriage decree this morning, marrying his daughter Jiang Yating to Ruan Yu from the Northwest."
Shangguan Shaoyi's pupils tightened slightly, and his tightly pressed lips curled up slightly. "That old fox Jiang Shaohao knows how to adapt to changing winds. The current situation is unfavorable for me; internally I will be attacked by him, and externally I face threats from Japan. I can only choose a side; he knows well that I harbor deep grievances against Japan and will choose to align with him. His original plan of marrying off his daughter to control me has become unnecessary; instead, he uses this marriage to control Ruan Yu."
"Younger Marshal, what should we do?"
He gazed steadily at the darkening sky outside and said, "Though I am unwilling to be subordinate to others, there can be no ambiguity when it comes to national righteousness. Help me contact Jiang Shaohao now."
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