Spy Wars: I am the Captain of the Military Police

Chapter 1046 "Your Highness, Uncle"

“Speaking of which, my ‘distant uncle’ Prince Jiuyan came to Tianjin in a hurry without even saying hello. I said, Tuoren, you should have better information than me, your ‘son-in-law of the Emperor’.” He paused deliberately and looked at Zhou Zhengqing with an almost mischievous look: “As the ‘son-in-law of the Emperor’, you should have better information than me, your younger brother, right?”

What's King Kyūhiko up to? He couldn't have come all this way just to visit you... um, the Empire's most troublesome young talent?

Zhou Zhengqing took a sip of wine, letting the burning sensation subside, before slowly speaking, his voice slightly hoarse: "Your Highness is joking."

With my limited knowledge, how could I dare claim to be so insightful in front of Your Majesty's most " astute" younger brother?

The Central China Expeditionary Army had lost face in Shanghai, but had completely lost it in Nanjing. The old men at the military headquarters couldn't sit still and wanted to find someone with enough influence and the ability to take the blame to clean up the mess.

Prince Kyohiko got into trouble during the February 26 Incident and was "protectively" removed from the roster. Isn't this a perfect opportunity for him to "redeem himself" and restore his family's reputation?

He raised his eyes and looked at Jingren: "As for taking the opportunity to see just how troublesome this unconventional kid with the surname Takasaki is, and whether we can smooth things over or... untangle him, that's probably an option on the itinerary, right?"

"Hahahaha!" Jing Ren suddenly burst out laughing, not the low, soft laugh he had before, but a brighter laugh that seemed to indicate he had "found some fun." He even pointed at Zhou Zhengqing with his finger: "Look, your ability to be sarcastic and sarcastic has improved!"

"Protective exclusion list." Tsk tsk, such sophisticated wording, just as ruthless as your battle plan. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his handsome face beaming with the excitement of "Come and hear the gossip," completely devoid of any princely composure.

"Well, since we're on the topic, considering you're my 'nephew-in-law,' although every time I think about this generational difference, I feel that the Emperor was truly insightful in granting this marriage, finding me such a troublesome junior like you..."

"I'll give you a sneak peek at what happened back then." He lowered his voice, but couldn't hide the mockery in his words: "Back then, when the mess of the 'February 26 Incident' first surfaced, the Emperor was so angry that he almost smashed his desk."

Your father, Takasaki Motonori, such a shrewd man, was immediately "invited" to "rest and recuperate," but what about Prince Asaka Yasuhiko?

Prince Jingren raised his eyebrows high and exclaimed dramatically, "Hey! He's quite something! He's truly a man who cares deeply for the country and its people, and loves his soldiers like his own children!"

Completely disregarding his own status and the Emperor's dark expression, he rolled up his sleeves and began lobbying for the young, rioting officers, pleading their case everywhere, saying things like, "Young people are passionate, their intentions are good," and "The punishment shouldn't be too harsh, lest it discourage loyal and brave men." My God!

Jingren exaggeratedly patted his forehead as he spoke: "That was an armed rebellion! He, a royal prince, was jumping around higher than the people involved. Wasn't that putting the Emperor on the spot? It was practically shouting to the whole world: 'Look! Even the royal family has people who sympathize with them!' The Emperor was so angry that he scolded him in the palace for being 'stupid and short-sighted,' and it is said that he even smashed several teacups."

Jingren took a sip of wine to moisten his throat and continued in that storytelling tone: "Later, when things calmed down, in order to give an explanation to all parties and to make him completely quiet, the Emperor had no choice but to issue an edict, using the big label of 'misconduct that damages the dignity of the Imperial Family,' to remove him from the Imperial Family register."

Jingren swirled his wine glass, the amber liquid forming a beautiful arc on the glass, and his tone regained a hint of playfulness: "So, Tuoren, you see, my Uncle Wang is a man who values ​​'feelings' and 'loyalty'."

You probably still remember the "friendship" your father showed you back then.

This time, his reminiscing about the past was probably much more sincere than his questioning.

Whether your "nail" is driven deep or shallow, he might not be willing to pull it out forcefully. Perhaps... he'd like to water you a bit, to see if you can grow stronger and help shield him from other winds?

Zhou Zhengqing listened quietly, his face remaining expressionless, except for a slight glimmer in his eyes when he heard the crucial parts.

Slowly drink the remaining wine in the glass, feeling the complex warmth.

Jingren's words, seemingly joking and teasing, even making fun of his own identity as a "nephew-in-law," vividly and even somewhat harshly portrayed Prince Jiuyan's character, situation, relationship with his father, and possible true intentions.

This kind of "frenemies" style of information transmission is more memorable than a serious report, and... puts the listener's judgment to the test even more.

"Your Highness's words," Zhou Zhengqing put down his wine cup, his voice steady, "have given me a clearer view of this murky water."

It seems that with Prince Asaka Yasuhiko's arrival, I, as a junior, must be even more "attentive" in my reception, both professionally and personally.

"Ah, that's right!" Prince Jingren clapped his hands and laughed, leaning back on the sofa and regaining his elegant and relaxed demeanor, though the sharp glint in his eyes remained: "We're family, why be so serious when we're talking behind closed doors?"

He'd given the reminders he needed to, shared the jokes he needed to hear, and even shared the old news he needed to share. He picked up the bottle, poured himself and Zhou Zhengqing a little more, and raised his glass in a gesture of respect.

Zhou Zhengqing picked up the newly poured wine, a faint smile finally appearing on his lips, and gently touched his glass to Jingren's.

"Thank you for your kind words, my... 'Uncle Your Highness'."

Prince Jingren leaned slightly forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his fingers elegantly interlacing, and a mixture of gossip and amusement on his face.

“Speaking of this Prince Yasuhiko,” he drawled, as if savoring a complex candy, “his desire to ‘atone for his crimes’ is probably even understood by the Akita dog he keeps at his villa in Kyoto.”

But Tuoren-kun, guess what he's most worried about this time, besides wanting to show off his seniority in front of you, this newly rising "Chinese elite," and see if he can get any benefits out of you?

Zhou Zhengqing swirled the remaining amber liquid in his glass, not even lifting his eyelids, and said indifferently, "He's just afraid that I'm too young and hot-blooded to give in to this washed-up prince, or... worse, he'll stir up all those murky messes he left behind in the military, along with the murky waters of Central China."

"Brilliant!" Prince Jingren clapped his hands in praise, then lowered his voice mysteriously, even though there was no sixth ear in the study: "But you still underestimate our uncle's adorable vanity and... well, his tenacious pride."

Did you know that before he set off, he specially sent someone to the old shop to order a new kimono and even got his hair permed again?

As he spoke, Jingren couldn't help but chuckle, his shoulders shrug slightly: "Just think about it, a prince who has been stripped of his title and should be 'deeply reflecting' is so concerned about his appearance when meeting with younger generations. Isn't that a wonderful satire in itself?"