Early in the morning on February 25, Kim Koo, hearing a knock on the door, opened the door of his residence in Shanghai to see four people standing outside. Two were police officers, one was wearing a Chinese government official's uniform, and the last one was sturdy, standing beside the official. Kim Koo felt this person was likely a bodyguard, so his gaze fell back on the official.

The official didn't speak. The police officers obviously recognized Kim Koo; after looking him up and down for a moment, they walked into the room to check. When the two police officers came out, the official finally spoke, "May we go in and sit?"

Kim Koo had finally waited for a Chinese official to come to find him on their own initiative, so how could he refuse? He hurriedly invited everyone inside. After they were seated, the official introduced himself, "My name is Han Lixia. I have come to ask if Mr. Kim has heard that an uprising has broken out in Korea."

Hearing this question, Kim Koo carefully observed Han Lixia's expression but couldn't see any special emotion. Kim Koo had long been prepared to speak his mind, so he answered, "I only found out two days ago."

After speaking, Kim Koo waited for Han Lixia to speak. However, Han Lixia took out a notebook and started recording, which made Kim Koo feel somewhat anxious. Only after finishing the notes did Han Lixia ask the next question, "May I ask Mr. Kim, are the Korean expatriates who recently left China and returned to Korea organized?"

Kim Koo had a relatively frank personality. Looking at Han Lixia's expressionless face, which seemed like a mask, he couldn't hold back the feeling in his heart and asked directly, "May I ask what exactly Mr. Han wants to know?"

Han Lixia didn't pretend to be deep either; he raised his notebook. "I came under orders, and what I want to ask are the questions in the notebook. I personally have nothing to ask Mr. Kim."

Kim Koo couldn't endure the impulse in his heart and said loudly, "Mr. Han, Korea has been a vassal state of China for thousands of years and only fell into Japanese hands in the last dozen years. Now China has defeated Japan and Britain. None of the Korean people do not look forward to the Superior Country consoling the people and punishing the wicked by defeating Japan. If the Superior Country is willing to send troops, although I, Kim Koo, am of humble status and light words, I can raise provisions and recruit righteous volunteers for the Superior Country within the territory of Korea recovered by the Superior Country. If the Superior Country commands it, I will definitely lead the volunteers to charge forward, dying a hundred times without regret." As he spoke, there were already tears in Kim Koo's eyes.

The local Shanghai police were very familiar with the passion of these Korean exiles, especially after the establishment of the Asian International Tribunal. The exile government formed by Korean exiles went to petition in front of the Asian International Tribunal every day; kneeling for long periods was a common occurrence. Most Shanghai police were locals and were already familiar with the attitude of these Koreans.

China had also just gained complete independence a few years ago, so the Shanghai police could understand the feelings of the Korean exiles very well and had never made things difficult for them. The exile government formed by the Korean exiles also knew how to behave and had never done anything excessive.

However, the staff member beside Han Lixia saw the Korean exiles for the first time and was touched by Kim Koo's heartfelt sincerity, his expression becoming serious.

Of course, Han Lixia was not an official sent just to ask questions, but a cadre of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He could understand Kim Koo's emotions, but sympathy was one thing; the task from above was not to let the Korean exiles stir up trouble urgently, at least not now.

Starting from China's national interests, Korea must obtain independent status. But Korea was also a bargaining chip, and it wasn't yet the stage to discuss Korean independence. So Han Lixia answered calmly, "If so, shouldn't the Korean restorationists be accumulating strength? Running back to Korea to launch an uprising now, do they think the uprising can succeed? Or do they hope to gain China's response after the uprising?"

Kim Koo was both surprised and happy, so he probed, "Is the Superior Country willing to help Korea recover its country?"

"At this stage, China has signed agreements with Britain, France, and other countries to ensure stability in the Western Pacific region. Before obtaining the support of other countries, we cannot forcibly change Japan's territorial scope. Launching an uprising now is just a waste of strength."

Kim Koo had stayed in Shanghai for quite a few years, and the Korean Provisional Government was located in the former French Concession. They had also contacted countries like Britain, France, and the US countless times, so they were not completely ignorant of international political relations. At this moment, knowing he must tell the truth, he explained.

This uprising was not long-planned but forced by helplessness. After Japan's defeat and economic decline, it strengthened its exploitation and plunder of colonial areas like Korea. Especially in terms of raw materials, they increased mining efforts in northern Korean mines.

Japan was originally poor with low wages, and the wages given to Korean laborers could only be lower than Japan's minimum wage. Now that Japan was in an economic crisis and couldn't afford wages even more, they deceived Koreans into mines to work as mine slaves. The locals in Korea quickly discovered something was wrong, and when no one else was deceived, the Japanese mine owners in Korea began to arrest people.

Now the Koreans couldn't stand it anymore. Coupled with taxes being much heavier than before, some mining areas in the north were about to launch an uprising. Those Koreans returning from China didn't go to incite, but returned to command the uprising.

Han Lixia asked a few more questions before getting up to leave. Before leaving, he told Kim Koo to remain calm. Returning to the office, several other staff members also returned. Everyone summarized the information, and the news obtained was about the same. Han Lixia sighed, "The Korean people really suffer."

Other comrades also had the same lament. But Han Lixia continued, "Our job is to investigate this matter clearly and pacify these Koreans, not letting them cause trouble. How long do you think they can hold out?"

Comrades exchanged a few words and felt that two or three months should be about right. However, one comrade asked, "We can control the Koreans in China, but we can't control the Koreans in Korea. Japan's oppression is so intense; I'm afraid this will be an uprising sweeping across the whole of Korea. What should be done then?"

Han Lixia answered immediately, "I think relying only on an uprising, the Korean people cannot overthrow Japan's rule in Korea. Most Chinese people supported the Beiyang Government against Japan, but did the Beiyang Government succeed? If Korea does not have the ability to form a stable rear area like the Northeast Government, nor a unified program and organization, even if Japan is already weak, there is no possibility of victory. Moreover, although the Beiyang Government didn't help us back then, they didn't undermine us from behind either. In Korea, there are a large number of local Koreans who support Japan. And seeing the situation is wrong, the Japanese won't blindly adopt high-pressure policies but will also carry out relaxation in many places. Under divide and conquer, the Korean insurgents won't last long."

Although this was correct, it was too cold, so much so that the atmosphere in the room became depressed. Seeing the comrades' low spirits, Han Lixia could only find some relaxing reasons for everyone. "If Japan splits internally at this time, the situation might change somewhat. Let's just look forward to something happening in Japan."

Although this was an optimistic hypothesis, Han Lixia himself simply wanted to make the comrades feel better, not really believing that something would happen in Japan.

However, in Japan at this time, a slight change indeed occurred because of the Korean matter. Vice Chief of the General Staff Nagata was invited by the current Chief of the General Staff Kanaya Hanzō. Kanaya Hanzō said, "Some things have happened in Korea now. The higher-ups want Ishiwara to serve as the Commander of the Korea Army."

Hearing this, Nagata didn't even think and immediately stated, "Absolutely not!"

Although Kanaya Hanzō was 11 years older than Nagata, he was only promoted to Lieutenant General in 1922, only one year earlier than Nagata. And although Kanaya Hanzō couldn't be said to have accomplished nothing in the Army, he couldn't compare with Nagata's military merits at all. Serving as Chief of the General Staff now was purely based on seniority. So facing Nagata's opposition, Kanaya Hanzō couldn't force Nagata to agree by relying on 'seniority'. He asked, "Why does Nagata-kun oppose it?"

Nagata answered frankly, "Because doing so is inherently wrong. The disturbance in Korea seems to have quite a momentum, but the current Korea Army can solve it very quickly. If they feel Ishiwara-kun endangers the Imperial State, then arrest him and punish him according to the law. Using such self-deceptive means will only trigger changes!"

Kanaya Hanzō was speechless for a moment. The ones extremely dissatisfied with Ishiwara now were a part of the higher-ups; even Kanaya Hanzō didn't have special malice towards Ishiwara. Ishiwara's image and reputation in the Japanese army and among the people were quite good, and he was considered a general loyal to the country. As Nagata said, if they used some petty tricks to deal with Ishiwara now, as soon as the news leaked, it might trigger intense changes.

Those who wanted to deal with Ishiwara had extremely low ratings currently. Ishiwara had never been a submissive little lamb. If he raised his arm and called out at this time, it was really possible that blood would be shed. And Japan's political situation at this time really couldn't withstand such turmoil.

But Kanaya Hanzō had no choice. He was not a general with great prestige and strength like Nagata and Ishiwara; his reputation couldn't even compare to Okamura of the 'Three Crows'. Those powerful elites couldn't deal with Ishiwara, but they could manipulate him, Kanaya Hanzō. Helpless, Kanaya Hanzō had to ask Nagata for help. "Nagata-kun always has hundreds of plans. Do you have any brilliant strategy?"

Nagata answered immediately, "I am willing to go to the Army War College as Principal. Let Ishiwara-kun take over as Vice Chief of the General Staff. In this way, Ishiwara-kun can be at ease, and those who choose Ishiwara-kun can also be at ease."

Kanaya Hanzō was stunned. According to the rules in the Japanese Army, the next Chief of the General Staff had to serve as Vice Chief for a period of time, then go to the Army War College as Principal. After that, he could serve as Chief of the General Staff. Kanaya Hanzō himself followed this process.

But the term always had to be for some time. Nagata had only been Vice Chief of the General Staff for a few months before going to be Principal of the Army War College. This broke the custom. Kanaya Hanzō had to suspect: was Nagata trying to use this opportunity to facilitate his own rapid promotion?

Finally, Kanaya Hanzō could only express to Nagata, "This matter will not proceed for the time being. I will tell the Army Minister about this. I hope Your Excellency can help."

Nagata was extremely dissatisfied with Kanaya Hanzō's indecisiveness in his heart, but Nagata himself was not yet one of the Three Chiefs of the Army. In the Japanese Army, as long as one was not one of the Three Chiefs, one had no supreme decision-making power. Nagata had to suppress his unhappiness and get up to leave.

Walking out of the office, Nagata decided to promote his promotion as soon as possible no matter what. If these guys continued to hold power, Japan would only become more and more dangerous.

However, not long after Nagata returned to his office, the telephone on his desk rang. Nagata didn't want to answer the phone, so he simply didn't answer. The ringing stopped after a while. Nagata continued to concentrate on considering who he should find to maneuver for his position as Principal of the Army War College.

After thinking for just a moment, the phone rang again. Nagata frowned, still not wanting to answer. However, the caller was very persistent; no one answered the second time, and soon the third call came. Nagata finally picked up the phone. Okamura on the other end was unlike his usual calm self. Although his tone wasn't high, his excitement could be heard. "Nagata-kun, news has come just now saying that Ishiwara is to be transferred to the Korea Army!"

Nagata's head buzzed. It really was 'what you fear comes upon you'! What Nagata worried about had happened. But Nagata calmed down quickly. He asked calmly, "Okamura-kun, do you know who spread the news?"

Okamura's voice was somewhat hesitant. "I heard it was spread by people from the Imperial Household Ministry."

Nagata was stunned. It wasn't that there was a problem with this rumor; people who wanted to kick Ishiwara out of Tokyo indeed might promote this matter through the Imperial Household Ministry. But how could those old foxes in the Imperial Household Ministry let people catch their fox tails? In Japan, dying for a crime one didn't commit was the norm. It was abnormal for evildoers to be caught red-handed.

Several names flashed through Nagata's mind: Saionji Kinmochi, current Prime Minister Hamaguchi Osachi; even Tanaka Giichi was a suspect for Nagata. But for a moment, Nagata couldn't figure out why these people would do this. He continued to ask, "Okamura-kun, where did you get this news?"

"Nagata-kun, this is the strangest thing. My adjutant heard the news from some lieutenants. It seems someone is deliberately spreading this news!"

Nagata's head buzzed again, but in a moment he sobered up. Those suspected targets were instantly eliminated, and Ishiwara Kanji's name popped out. Based on Nagata's understanding of Ishiwara, this news must have been spread by Ishiwara. And since Ishiwara could get this news, it meant Ishiwara was already prepared to use this matter as an excuse to act.

"Okamura-kun, come back immediately... No, go to the Army Ministry right now, bring your adjutant. I will go to the Army Ministry with the Chief of the General Staff right now."

Okamura Yasuji was already very uneasy. Hearing that Nagata also felt the danger, he hurriedly responded, "Yes. I'll go immediately."

Putting down the phone, Nagata immediately called his adjutant and asked him to contact Ishiwara. Although he knew there was a high probability he couldn't get in touch, Nagata still held a sliver of illusion, hoping Ishiwara hadn't decided to really fight to the death.

After giving instructions, Nagata went straight to Chief of the General Staff Kanaya Hanzō's office. disregarding what Kanaya Hanzō was doing inside, he pushed the door open and strode in. Kanaya Hanzō was on the phone at this time. Seeing Nagata suddenly come in without warning, he was startled. Although Kanaya Hanzō frowned, he remained respectful to the person on the phone. He spoke a few more very polite sentences to the person on the other end before ending the call.

Frowning, Lieutenant General Kanaya Hanzō asked unhappily, "What urgent matter does Nagata-kun have?"

Nagata told Kanaya Hanzō the news he had learned. He saw Kanaya Hanzō stunned, his brows furrowing even tighter, but without fear. Originally, Nagata despised Kanaya Hanzō quite a bit in his heart, but seeing Kanaya Hanzō react like this, the disdain in his heart actually dissipated.

Originally, Nagata thought Ishiwara wanted to stir up trouble, but the means of stirring up trouble would still be within the scope of traditional Japanese means. That is, applying pressure through a crisis situation, gaining power first, and then using power to implement Ishiwara's policies. Looking at it now, the reason Ishiwara made such a gesture was precisely a kind of misdirection, making people think Ishiwara wanted to adopt such traditional means to seize power.

The reason Nagata understood was that when he explained to Kanaya Hanzō that Ishiwara was going to stir up trouble, he mentioned what Okamura said about 'lower-level officers knowing this first'. Changing the perspective, Nagata completely understood. In the entire Japan, Ishiwara was probably the only Lieutenant General who had met almost all Japanese Army junior and middle-ranking officers. If Ishiwara didn't want to engage in a military coup, why would he incite the lower-level officers first?

Even he himself had been deceived. Nagata felt it was perfectly normal for a mediocrity like Kanaya Hanzō not to figure out Ishiwara's purpose.

Facing Kanaya Hanzō, whose expression had changed a bit as if sensing some danger, Nagata said calmly, "Excellency Kanaya, I have already contacted the Army Minister. Now please follow me to the Army Ministry. We can talk about the specific matters in the car."

Kanaya Hanzō wanted to refuse very much, but looking at Nagata's oppressive gaze, he wanted to refuse several times but still stood up, picked up the military cap on the rack, and said in a feigned fierce tone, "Nagata-kun, please be sure to explain clearly what happened!"