Major General Hamamo Matasuke’s brow furrowed deeply. He slammed his hand onto the table with such force that the bowls and chopsticks rattled. He turned to the staff officer and roared, "Bastard! *Bakayaro*! How could this have happened? Why was this not reported to me sooner?"

The staff officer lowered his head, speaking with visible trepidation. "Reporting to the General! You were presiding over a series of critical military conferences earlier, so the matter was simply logged for the record."

Hamamo Matasuke’s fury only intensified. "Detestable! These officers are becoming increasingly lawless. I will see them severely punished for this!"

He Rui’s smile vanished, replaced by an expression of grave concern. He rose to his feet and spoke in a persuasive tone. "Your Excellency, General, please allow me a word. I have heard of this Matsuoka-kun. While he may be headstrong and impulsive, he is not a man who would intentionally disregard the greater good. I suspect his actions were driven by a desire to defeat the Central Powers as quickly as possible and fulfill his duty to Japan. Though his methods were reckless, such a fervent devotion to his country is truly admirable."

Nagata Tetsuzan joined in the effort to calm the General. "Your Excellency, Matsuoka-kun has always been a brave soldier who pays little heed to political nuances. I suggest it would be best to question him in person before deciding on a punishment."

At the urging of both He Rui and Nagata, Hamamo Matasuke’s expression softened slightly. He turned to the room full of officers and barked, "Gentlemen, we are in the midst of a Great War, and our enemies are the Central Powers. During such a time, anything that jeopardizes Sino-Japanese goodwill is unacceptable. As soldiers of the Empire, you must understand your true responsibilities. On this occasion, He-kun—acting as a representative of the Chinese government—has personally interceded on Matsuoka’s behalf. Out of respect for our neighbors, I shall refrain from the harshest penalties this once. But let it be known: there will be no second chances. Do I make myself clear?"

"Hai!" the officers responded in unison, bowing deeply.

As the banquet drew to a close, Major General Hamamo bid He Rui a warm farewell. "When do you depart for Siping to take up your post, He-kun?"

"I have already secured a ticket and will be heading there immediately. Once my official start date is set, I shall certainly send Your Excellency a telegram."

Hamamo Matasuke grasped He Rui’s hand, offering a final piece of advice. "The situation in the Northeast is volatile. Should you encounter any difficulties, do not hesitate to contact the Kwantung Command."

He Rui withdrew his hands and snapped into a crisp salute. "Your Excellency, for the sake of our two nations' friendship, I shall not fail your expectations!"

After parting ways with the Japanese, He Rui and his party returned to their hotel. As he directed Xu Chengfeng to pack their bags, he turned to Major Liu with a smile. "Brother Liu, the matter is settled. I won’t be returning to Fengtian with you; I’m heading straight for Siping."

Major Liu looked at He Rui with a respect that bordered on awe. He had expected a bitter, verbal battle at the Kwantung Government-General, perhaps even a confrontation that might spark a diplomatic crisis given He Rui’s staunch nationalist stance.

Instead, the conflict had been resolved over sake and refined conversation. He had watched a Japanese Major General publicly rebuke his own officers and waive their punishment at He Rui’s request.

Even though he had witnessed it all firsthand, Major Liu still felt as though he were in a dream. "Brother He, why such a rush? We should return together and report to General Zhang."

"There is no need," He Rui replied. "My men are north of the pass for the first time, and I worry for them. Please, Brother Liu, inform General Zhang of what transpired. Within two to five days, the Japanese will make their move. If there has been no withdrawal by then, I shall consider my mission a failure and present myself to the General for punishment."

Seeing He Rui’s resolve, Major Liu didn't press the matter further. He checked out of the hotel and accompanied He Rui to the station.

As the train pulled into Fengtian Station, Major Liu grasped He Rui’s hand, his voice thick with sincerity. "Brother He, regardless of the final outcome, I will ensure General Zhang hears the full truth of what happened on this trip. Your talent is truly a rare thing in this world. As you head to Siping, please, for the sake of our country, take care of yourself. If anyone causes you trouble, you come find me in Fengtian!"

After seeing He Rui off, Major Liu went straight to the General Zhen’an’s Office. Zhang Xiluan was surprised by the Major’s quick return and grew visibly annoyed when he realized He Rui wasn't with him. He sighed heavily, assuming the negotiations had stalled yet again.

He had been disappointed so many times that he didn't fly into a rage, but his opinion of He Rui had certainly soured.

However, when Major Liu entered with a beaming face, Zhang Xiluan was taken aback. "Is the matter settled then?"

As Major Liu and Translator Zhao recounted the events of the trip, Zhang Xiluan listened in stunned silence. He found the tale hard to believe, yet he knew these two would never dare to fabricate such a monumental lie.

Still, the old political operative found the resolution almost too miraculous to credit. He spent several moments pacing, unsure of how to proceed. Remembering He Rui’s predicted timeline, he finally ordered, "I have heard your report. You may go."

Major Liu had expected a barrage of questions and was stung by his superior’s cold dismissal. He and the translator stood frozen for a moment until Zhang Xiluan let out a sharp, impatient cough, sending them scurrying from the room.

Left alone, Zhang Xiluan paced the floor, his mind a whirlpool of anxiety. If He Rui’s mission had failed, what were his options? The Japanese presence in Fengtian and along the railway, and their recruitment in Changchun, was an intolerable violation of his authority. Yet he had no leverage against them.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the hall. Major Liu reappeared at the door, a telegram in hand.

Zhang Xiluan’s temper finally broke. He snatched a teacup from the table and hurled it toward the door. "Didn't I tell you to get out? Are you deaf?"

Major Liu flinched but held his ground, his face pale but determined. "Sir! The telegraph office just received a flash report. The Japanese troops in Fengtian and all along the South Manchuria Railway are breaking camp! They’re withdrawing!" He held out the paper. "Please, Marshal, see for yourself!"

Zhang Xiluan froze. He snatched the telegram, his eyes darting across the lines. After a long, stunned silence, a thick Sichuanese exclamation burst from his lips. "*Xianren banban*! Those little devils actually pulled out? For me?!!"

Seeing the change in his superior’s mood, Major Liu offered a quick compliment. "It was the Marshal’s prestige that paved the way, sir, combined with the efforts of the men. It seems this He Rui does have some real ability after all!"

Zhang Xiluan let out a booming laugh, his frustration replaced by pure exhilaration. "By my ancestors' tablets, do I need you to tell me that? The moment I first saw He Rui, I knew he was something special! I wouldn't have sent him if I didn't think he could handle it."

"The Marshal’s eye for talent is unmatched, sir. This subordinate is truly humbled."

Zhang Xiluan scanned the telegram again, his thoughts turning back to the young officer. "Adjutant Liu, where would He Rui be by now?"

Major Liu did a quick mental calculation. "Sir, if the train is on schedule, he should have just arrived at Siping station."

"Good! Take a company of men and go to the armory. Draw two hundred modern rifles, five machine guns, and twenty thousand rounds of ammunition. Get them to Commander He immediately! Siping is the gateway to the Northeast; we cannot afford to be lax with its defense!"

***

[^1]: *Xianren banban* (仙人板板) is a Sichuanese dialect exclamation/curse. In this context, it expresses shock and disbelief.