"I need to organize the interview notes now, so I can't drink with everyone. Apologies." After Mo Yang finished speaking, he went to a nearby table and began writing furiously.

Zhao Tianlin had a good relationship with Reporter Mo Yang and didn't mind. Seeing that He Rui, Garrison Commander Xu Chengfeng, and Assistant Mayor Wu Youping—who was currently acting as Mayor—didn't care either, he remarked, "Brother He's understanding of international politics and international law is sufficient to obtain a bachelor's degree in law. This is definitely not a standard that Professor Taira Toyomori of Tokyo University could teach in such a short time."

"Hehe." He Rui chuckled. "The core of international law is to serve the existing international order. Its essence is the principle of 'might makes right'. As long as you know the history of the nations that formulated international law over the past few hundred years, you can clearly understand the meaning behind each article. In my opinion, it's just a blend of history and rhetoric; it's actually not hard to learn."

Hearing this, Zhao Tianlin couldn't help but sigh softly.

He Rui continued, "On the contrary, the water conservancy profession—even calculating from the Dujiangyan, a damless diversion facility that is still in operation today—has a history of over two thousand years. At that time, there was no such thing as international law. As long as humanity continues to exist, the current international law may turn into scrap paper, but water conservancy technology will only endure and become increasingly perfect, making great contributions to human civilization."

After speaking, He Rui picked up his wine glass, walked over to Lu Daoming, and extended his hand.

Although somewhat surprised, Lu Daoming stood up to shake hands with He Rui. He Rui said sincerely, "Welcome, Brother Lu, to Siping. Siping's water shortage is becoming increasingly serious; let alone developing industry and agriculture, even drinking water for the urban area will soon be insufficient. It is a blessing for the people of Siping that Brother Lu could come here. Come, I'll drink this first as a toast."

With that, He Rui drained his glass in one gulp. He then ordered, "Youping, come and toast Mr. Lu."

Wu Youping truly wanted to persuade the water conservancy expert Lu Daoming to stay. He hurriedly approached Lu Daoming and said earnestly, "Mr. Lu, I am a native of Siping. Since Governor He arrived, the people here can finally live a stable life. With you here, Mr. Lu, I feel the people of Siping finally have hope for prosperity. I wonder if you would be willing to stay and help Siping. Whatever you need, we will assist with all our strength."

Lu Daoming didn't answer but looked at Zhao Tianlin. Then they heard Zhao Tianlin ask, "Why only ask Brother Lu and not me?"

Wu Youping felt Zhao Tianlin didn't seem like an unreasonable person. He was pleading with all his might for Lu Daoming to stay; surely it wasn't Zhao Tianlin's place to decide. He couldn't help but freeze.

He Rui, however, asked seriously, "Brother Zhao is not someone who plays mysterious games. But I truly dare not believe I could be so fortunate!"

Zhao Tianlin sighed softly. "Brother He, the authorities of the French Concession in Tianjin planned to seize the Laoxikai area. A group of gentry and merchants in Tianjin initiated the establishment of the 'Tianjin Maintenance of National Rights and Territory Association' and asked me to serve as Vice President. The French were unreasonable, and the government feared them, suppressing its own people instead. I was thoroughly disappointed with the government. Seeing Brother He's letter, I resigned as President and came to join you."

Hearing that a figure like Zhao Tianlin had also come to join because of his faith in He Rui, Wu Youping felt doubly honored.

He Rui asked seriously, "I wonder what Brother Zhao wishes to do in Siping?"

"I only want to teach and educate people. If there is an opportunity, I also want to build a university with academic freedom, free from political interference."

He Rui was overjoyed and answered immediately, "Siping can definitely satisfy Brother Zhao's expectations. Being able to work with you in the future is truly a joy beyond measure."

Lu Daoming then said, "I have never been outside the Pass. Although I have the heart to do things, I don't know to what extent I can achieve them. I want to hear what requirements Governor He has."

Wu Youping was also overjoyed and hurriedly expressed his welcome. He Rui then said, "Welcome, Brother Lu. I wonder if you have visited the Great Lakes region in the United States?"

"I have gone to inspect it several times."

"I have already ordered Assistant Wu Youping to collect data on Siping's precipitation. The area outside the Pass is similar to the US Great Lakes region; water sources mostly come from snowmelt and precipitation. I'm not clear on the details, but I will send local water conservancy personnel and surveyors to conduct field surveys with you, Brother Lu."

Wu Youping hadn't expected that although He Rui hadn't mentioned the water shortage in Siping, he had actually been worrying about it all along. In his heart, he made a decision to handle this matter well for the folks of his hometown.

***

A few days later, Reporter Mo Yang's article was published in the Tianjin *Ta Kung Pao*. It not only covered He Rui's negotiation at the Kwantung Governor-General's Office but also narrated how He Rui had begun to establish education and build water conservancy projects in Siping. It mentioned that even overseas returnees like Zhao Tianlin and Lu Daoming had gone to assist.

After finishing the *Ta Kung Pao* report, Duan Qirui read the paragraph about the struggle between domestic unification and separatist forces twice more, sighing slightly.

An aide stepped forward and asked, "Chief, since the newspapers have published it, should we act according to the rules?"

Duan Qirui nodded. "Order someone to release news to the papers. The government commends Siping's administration and allocates ten thousand silver dollars."

Two days later, Zhang Xiluan casually put down the newspaper he had finished reading and laughed. "Indeed a hero. Adjutant Liu, send a message to *Ta Kung Pao*. The Fengtian General Zhen'an's Office supports people's livelihood and allocates ten thousand silver dollars to Siping."

After *Ta Kung Pao* published the news of the allocations from the National Government and the Provincial Government, the two sums of money were delivered to He Rui.

On the day he received the funds, He Rui ordered the promulgation of two new notices in succession: *'Notice Regarding the Implementation of New Education Policy in Siping'* and *'Notice on the Promotion of Hospital Shelter System by the Siping Government'*.

No sooner had the notices been sent out than someone came to report, "A representative of Japan's Mitsui Corporation requests to see the Governor."

"Invite him in." He Rui stood up, ready to meet the guest.

The visitor was a man named Nobi Nobita [^1], about thirty years old, looking very spirited.

After the two took their seats, Nobi Nobita presented a letter. "Please look over this, Governor."

He Rui finished reading Mitsui Yasuki's handwritten letter and asked, "Since Mr. Mitsui wants to start cooperation as soon as possible, presumably Nobi-kun already has a list."

"May I ask what the daily grain transaction volume is in Siping under the Governor's rule? Where do the goods come from? What is the output of the other parties? What products are available?"

"Going item by item, it's all just numbers. It's not intuitive. Why doesn't Nobi-kun walk around Siping with me? Many things will be clearer. I can also answer Nobi-kun's questions on the way."

"That would be excellent, Governor He," Nobi Nobita replied with a face full of joy.

Just as they were speaking, the Intelligence Room sent in a telegram. After reading it, He Rui handed it directly to Nobi Nobita.

Japanese curriculum included special Chinese language courses. Nobi Nobita was from Kyoto, where most shop signs and cultural classics were in Chinese, so he understood the content of the telegram at a glance. It turned out Mitsui Yasuki was actually coming to Siping personally to meet with He Rui.

Nobi Nobita knew Mitsui Yasuki valued He Rui highly, but he didn't expect him to value him *this* highly. Putting down the telegram, Nobi Nobita said respectfully, "Please allow me to take my leave. I will visit again when Mr. Mitsui arrives in Siping."

***

[^1]: Nobi Nobita (野比大雄) - This shares the name with the protagonist of the manga/anime *Doraemon* (Nobita Nobi). It is likely a playful name choice by the author.