Spy Wars: I am the Captain of the Military Police

Chapter 1064 Youthful Impetuosity and Lack of Thorough Consideration

Terauchi Hisaichi raised his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through the walls, looking at the invisible yet tight web of power hanging over Kyoto and even the whole of Japan.

"In this world, sometimes it's not about who's right, but about who lives the longest, who has the deepest roots, who wields more power, and who knows better when to advance, when to retreat, when to bare their fangs, and when to wag their tails in good faith."

Matsui Iwane... Doihara Kenji... Katsuki Kiyoshi... Hmph, these are people who have lived most of their lives, reached the rank of lieutenant general and general, and are all considered important figures, yet they just can't understand the reasons behind this.

They thought that as long as they performed meritorious service, they could do whatever they wanted. And what was the result?

He didn't continue, but simply shook his head, the meaning of which was self-evident.

“You are different,” Terauchi Hisaichi’s gaze sharpened again, focusing on Zhou Zhengqing: “You have the backing of the Takasaki family and the protection of a marriage contract with the royal family. Your starting point is much higher than Matsui’s and even mine.”

This is your armor, and also your weakness.

The gun is easy to hide, and the dark arrow is hard to prevent.

How many people are watching you, hoping to see this suddenly rising star fall, hoping to see the Takasaki family stumble, and even... hoping to see some "accident" happen to the Imperial Family?

Every step you take affects countless nerves.

The incident in Nanjing serves as both a warning and a lesson; we must be much more careful in the future.

These words progressed step by step, from initial teasing and praise to a cautionary tale drawing on classical texts, and finally to a heartfelt admonition. They were spoken frankly and directly to Prince Asaka Yasuhiko and Prince Kagehito, both members of the Imperial Family.

Zhou Zhengqing could tell that at least 70% of what he said was true.

It wasn't just because Terauchi Hisaichi belonged to the same "noble" camp as himself, although the Terauchi family's "nobility" was different from that of the Takasaki family, which had been noble families for generations.

Furthermore, beneath the current fervor of imperial expansion lies an increasingly sharp and complex contradiction within the army, between the navy and the army, between the Imperial Way faction and the Control faction, and between young officers and veterans.

A capable young talent from the same social class who understands the "rules of the game" is a "scarce resource" worth investing in and protecting, especially now that the frontline battles are intense and factional infighting is intensifying in the rear.

As for his mentions of Doihara, Kiyoshi Kazuki, and Iwane Matsui, Zhou Zhengqing instantly grasped the multiple meanings behind them.

That wasn't just using a loser as an example; it was also a subtle way of indicating something.

He knew some inside information about these three army generals, or at least had some guesses about it. Not only him, but many people had guessed the inside story.

But they chose not to expose it or pursue the matter.

This is a tacit understanding, and also an exchange.

They tacitly approved of Zhou Zhengqing's "radical" methods and the "favorable results" they brought.

Hisaichi Terauchi was reminding everyone to know when to stop.

Losers are not worthy of sympathy. The interests of the empire and its internal "dignity" are more important than personal gains and losses. However, things cannot be taken to extremes, and an uncontrollable backlash cannot be triggered, so as not to embarrass the entire military or even the royal family.

This is the style of a veteran warlord, a pragmatic leader who values ​​results but also balance. He can accept extraordinary measures, but he must know when to stop, when to compromise, and when to exchange benefits.

The fire crackled and popped, sending up a string of sparks.

Zhou Zhengqing lowered his head slightly. The movement was small, yet extremely natural, causing a few neatly combed strands of black hair on his forehead to cast a small shadow under the light emitted by the exquisite bronze chandelier hanging in the center of the restaurant.

The shadow perfectly concealed the fleeting, rapidly racing thoughts in his eyes.

When Zhou Zhengqing raised his head again, the shadow dissipated, and his gaze returned to its clear and calm state, like a deep pool on a windless autumn afternoon, its surface undisturbed, reflecting the warm firelight and the concerned face of his elders, but deep within, an unfathomable undercurrent lurked.

The gaze held the sincerity and humility that a junior should show when receiving instruction from an elder, yet it did not lose the composure and dignity that came with his own status, maintaining a perfect balance between "being taught" and "not being humble."

"The General's teachings are indeed correct," Zhou Zhengqing said, his voice clear and steady, carrying the unique quality of a young man, yet without the slightest hint of frivolity.

"Tuo Ren is young and impetuous, lacks foresight, acts rashly, and only seeks momentary pleasure, which almost led to a serious mistake. He has failed his family's expectations and betrayed His Majesty's trust."

I am deeply saddened by this lesson and will certainly be more cautious in my words and actions in the future, proceeding with utmost care and thinking thrice before acting.

He spoke slowly and respectfully, perfectly embodying the image of a young nobleman who "made a mistake and then had his senses awakened after being enlightened by his elders."

He paused deliberately at this point.

The pause is very short, almost imperceptible in normal conversation, perhaps no more than two seconds.

But in this hall filled with the warmth of the fireplace and silent power struggles, beside these two low tables laden with exquisite dishes, under the watchful eyes of Terauchi Hisaichi and Prince Asaka Yasuhiko, who had been silently sipping wine with profound gazes, these two seconds were invisibly stretched out.

They are old enough to make a quick and decisive weighing of the pros and cons, a reassessment of the current delicate situation, a renewed test of the other party's bottom line and expectations, and even a vague deduction about the distant future.

Then, he raised his eyes, looking at Terauchi Hisaichi with clear and honest eyes, before turning to the man beside him, Prince Kyohiko, who had been sitting quietly like a mountain, only occasionally taking a sip of wine, but whose gaze had never truly left the conversation.

"In fact, after this incident in Nanjing, Tuo Ren also deeply felt that the great cause of the empire is like crossing a great river, with countless complexities."

Many major events are interconnected and complex, and cannot be easily decided by the wisdom and courage of one person at one time.

Especially when it comes to matters of national importance, factional balance, and international perception, one must proceed with extreme caution and plan carefully before acting.

In the past, people focused too much on local gains and losses and were concerned about temporary victories and defeats, which was indeed inappropriate.

Going forward, I will restrain my temper and learn more from the generals, His Highness the Prince, and other senior figures on strategic matters. As for specific affairs... unless it is within my duty and military orders are clear, I will certainly adhere to my responsibilities and refrain from overstepping my bounds or interfering.

Can't you refuse to admit your mistake?

I've most likely been outmaneuvered by these cunning old foxes! They've completely outplayed me!

I'm truly inferior...

His words were extremely well-said.

He fully accepted Terauchi Hisaichi's "admonition," expressing "repentance" and "restraint," which met the other party's expectation of "reprimanding" him.

He cleverly defined his previous actions as "youthful impetuosity" and "lack of foresight," rather than "deliberate sabotage" or "malicious intent," leaving room for maneuver.

More importantly, he clearly defined the scope of "no longer easily overstepping his bounds and interfering," referring to matters "not within his duties and subject to clear military orders." This seemingly concession actually subtly protected his core interests and freedom of action.

At the same time, Terauchi Hisaichi and Yasuhiko were elevated to the level of "seeking advice and learning," which was a great honor.

Zhou Zhengqing has been in this era for a long time, and he's not just wasting his time. Anyone can act!

What we need is sincerity, and what we're acting out is genuine emotion!