Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 1006 A generous move

In Hong Yuzhang's spacious office, Fujita Shou, Sanyang Zhong and Ono Jianchuan sat around a long table, the atmosphere was solemn and subtle. Fujita Shou was the first to break the silence, his voice was full of unquestionable determination: "Master Hong Yuzhang, regarding the illegal printed materials found in the warehouse this time, our Fujita family firmly denies any connection with this. Our Fujita family is openly running the largest printing industry in Fuso, this is an indisputable fact, but we also know that as the leader of the industry, we should abide by the bottom line of law and morality. In such a sensitive period, especially in the heart of Kyoto, how could we be so stupid as to print things that disrupt social order and mislead people? It is obvious that someone is deliberately framing the Fujita family."

Ono Kenkawa, a high-ranking lieutenant general in the military, also joined the ranks of support. His voice was low and powerful: "Lord Nijiya Akira, as a member of the military, I am well aware of the loyalty and contribution of the Fujita family to the country. During the war, the Fujita family not only fully supported the government, but also generously donated supplies to the frontline soldiers many times, with the cumulative amount not less than 10 billion yen. How could such a family be involved in those acts that disturbed the people and undermined the stability of the country? I implore you to be fair and cautious in handling this matter, and not to be deceived by false words."

Sanyang Zhong, a cabinet minister, also had a deep friendship with the Fujita family. He also spoke up at this moment: "Lord Hong Yuzhang, I have known the Fujita family for decades and have a deep understanding of their character and family style. The Fujita family has always taken honesty and integrity as the cornerstone of the family. They will never do anything that goes against the interests of the country and the righteousness of the nation. This misunderstanding is obviously caused by someone with ulterior motives, trying to achieve some ulterior purpose by framing the Fujita family. I urge you to not only find out the truth when dealing with this matter, but also protect those loyal people who have made contributions to the country."

Facing the three heavyweights' speeches, Hong Yuzhang's expression remained calm. He spoke slowly, with a tone of official courtesy and caution: "Patriarch Fujita, Minister Sanyang, and Lieutenant General Ono, I have listened to all your words, and I deeply feel that the loyalty and contribution of the Fujita family are beyond doubt. However, this investigation is a direct order from the Prime Minister. As an executor, I must act in accordance with the law and cannot slack off. Of course, I am well aware of the reputation and status of the Fujita family, and I have no intention of making enemies with such a noble family. In the subsequent investigation, I will fully consider your opinions to ensure the fairness and transparency of the entire process. At the same time, I also hope that the Fujita family can actively cooperate and provide necessary evidence to help us find out the truth as soon as possible and clear the Fujita family's name."

Although Hong Yuzhang's words were polite, they also revealed an unquestionable official position, which made Fujita frown unconsciously. He felt the distance and official tone in Hong Yuzhang's words, and couldn't help but feel a little dissatisfied and helpless.

In Hong Yuzhang's office, the atmosphere changed again due to a subtle move by Fujita Shou. He winked at the assistant behind him, who immediately understood and took out an exquisite brocade box from his briefcase and carefully placed it on the table. Fujita Shou's eyes stayed on the brocade box for a moment, then slowly turned to Hong Yuzhang, with a barely perceptible softness in his voice: "Master Hong Yuzhang, this is a little gift from our Fujita family, I hope you can accept it."

Sanyangzhong and Ono Jianchuan were sitting aside, and seemed to have been accustomed to this scene. Their eyes were calm, as if the brocade box in front of them was just an ordinary object. They did not express any opinions, but just watched Hong Yuzhang's reaction silently.

The moment Hong Yuzhang's eyes met the brocade box, he could not help but shudder slightly, but he quickly regained his composure, with a look of rejection on his face: "Chief Fujita, I appreciate your kindness, but Pu Yu has always had its rules, and will never accept any benefit from anyone in any form. This is a principle and a bottom line."

Fujita Shou heard this and smiled faintly, as if he was not surprised by Hong Yuzhang's refusal: "Lord Hong Yuzhang, we see your loyalty to the empire and respect you in our hearts. But now the Fusang Empire is in turmoil, and the world is unpredictable. You must always leave a way out for yourself."

At this point, Fujita glanced at the brocade box on the table intentionally or unintentionally, and said with a hint of temptation: "I believe the gift inside will not disappoint you. It represents the Fujita family's respect for you, and also the hope that we can stand together through thick and thin in the future."

Hong Yuzhang hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn't resist his curiosity and slowly opened the box. When his eyes fell on the box, he couldn't help but be amazed - inside was a deed to a luxurious house in Ginza, Tokyo, and a huge check of 200 million yen. These two gifts all showed the strong financial resources and profound heritage of the Fujita family.

Seeing this, Fujita Shou's eyes flashed with a barely perceptible smugness. He coughed lightly and continued, "Lord Hong Yuzhang, my Fujita family has always acted uprightly and will never let you make mistakes on principle. I just hope that when you interrogate my son Fujita Ying, you can show mercy and never torture him. Fujita Ying has been weak since he was a child. If anything happens to him, it will be an unbearable pain for the Fujita family."

Upon hearing this, Hong Yuzhang couldn't help but frown slightly, and there was a bit more complexity in his eyes when he looked at Fujita Shou.

"Chief Fujita, I understand your concerns and respect your request." Hong Yuzhang finally spoke after a moment's silence, "But please rest assured that Pu Yu's investigations are always based on facts and the law. If Fujita Ying is indeed innocent, I will naturally give him justice. But if he is guilty, I must act in accordance with the law. This is my responsibility as a law enforcer."

Fujita Shou heard this and showed a look of relief on his face. He knew that Hong Yuzhang had said so much and it would be useless to force him. So he nodded gently, with a little gratitude in his tone: "Master Hong Yuzhang, your fairness and responsibility will be remembered by our Fujita family. No matter what the result is, we will respect your decision."

As Hong Yuzhang slowly put the brocade box containing the land deed and the huge check into the drawer and gently locked it, Fujita Shou's tense expression finally relaxed.

He took a deep breath, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders. He then stood up and bowed deeply to Hong Yuzhang. This action was not only a sign of respect for Hong Yuzhang, but also a sign of gratitude for his acceptance of this "kindness".

"Master Hong Yuzhang, no matter what the outcome of today's incident is, the Fujita family will always remember your fairness and tolerance." Fujita Shou's voice was filled with sincerity and emotion. "In this turbulent era, it is an honor for the Fujita family to have a friend like you. Please rest assured, no matter how bumpy the road ahead is, the Fujita family will always be your staunch supporter and your most reliable friend."

Seeing this, Hong Yuzhang also slowly stood up. He stretched out his hand, gently patted Fujita Shou on the shoulder, and said in a solemn yet cordial tone: "Chief Fujita, I have received your sincerity. Please believe that I will handle Fujita Ying's matter according to the law and will never let anyone be treated unfairly."