Chapter 97

No matter how arrogant the Japanese were, they could not change the fact that this was the Ryukyu Kingdom. In the eyes of international law, Ryukyu was first a country, and second, a vassal state of the Great Qing. The relationship between Japan and Ryukyu over the past two hundred years had not been recognized by any country.

In this delicate relationship, the Japanese could intimidate the Ryukyu people with force, but if the Ryukyu people took it seriously, these arrogant Japanese would have to think twice. Especially now, if a conflict really broke out with Cai Mao just because of the banquet, it would not be beneficial for the Shimazu family.

"Mr. Yamamoto, that's enough... We are guests and should respect the host's wishes. You are being too rude..." The elder of the Kashiwagi family finally spoke. Yamamoto Sei glared at Cai Mao as if he were looking at a dead man.

"Damn, you're dead..." Yamamoto Sei muttered as he released his grip and walked to the back of Kashiwagi Rikigen.

Cai Mao knew these Japanese were not joking. If this incident failed, none of the exposed pro-Chinese factions would survive. But Cai Mao had his own pride. The humiliation of the past two hundred years needed to be erased, and the dream of integrating with the mainland for two hundred years needed to be realized. Now might be the only chance.

Cai Mao, with his hands behind his back, faced the elder of the Kashiwagi family and nodded rudely. Then he turned to the attendant and said, "Go and inform His Majesty that Japanese guests have arrived..."

Kashiwagi Rikigen was filled with humiliation. He watched the attendant slowly walk into Shuri Castle, his eyes almost spitting fire. For two hundred and fifty years, the Shimazu family had controlled Ryukyu. When had they ever suffered such humiliation? Entering a small Shuri Castle actually required an announcement. These damned pro-Chinese factions should all die.

Kashiwagi Rikigen cursed in his heart, and so did Yamamoto Sei, but his criticism was broader. In his eyes, the Qing slaves were the root of the problem, and the Chinese merchants in Naha were all making money by relying on their connections with the mainland. They complained even when he collected protection fees. A Qing scholar had driven the entire Chinese community in the city into a frenzy. This Xiao Letian truly deserved to die.

In contrast, Takei Inoue remained calm. He stood at the back of the group, carefully analyzing the situation. He felt powerless; his influence was too small. If the leader of the reformists were here, they could certainly come up with a perfect plan.

Time ticked by, but the attendant who had disappeared never reappeared. The patience of the Japanese present was almost exhausted. After half an hour, Yamamoto Sei jumped up first. "Damn! Does it take so long to announce? You bunch of pigs..." He then tried to rush in.

Just as the situation became extremely tense, a voice that the Japanese detested came from below the mountain path. "Is this really Japanese land? You want to barge into Shuri Castle? Why don't you just send a message to all the countries that the Ryukyu Kingdom is under your Shimazu family's control, and save yourselves the trouble of waiting for an announcement..."

It was Xiao Letian. In Naha, only Xiao Letian dared to mock the Japanese. When he appeared, the atmosphere immediately became tense. The Japanese soldiers, seeing the Spencer repeating rifles on the shoulders of Luo Huo's men, were terrified and instinctively formed a defensive line with their bamboo spears.

Now, the legend of the Spencer rifle was spreading throughout Naha. This American gun had taken on a mythological quality. Its unique operation and distinctive appearance made it a nightmare for all the Japanese.

Kashiwagi Rikigen's face turned slightly red. He was ashamed of his soldiers' cowardice, but he still maintained the necessary politeness. He bowed slightly to Xiao Letian. "We meet again. I wonder what important business Mr. Xiao has in Shuri Castle?"

"I'm here for the banquet! I have longed to attend the banquet of the Ryukyu royal family. I wonder which attendant can announce my arrival? Say that a Qing Chinese, Xiao Letian, is here to present a gift..."

From the moment Xiao Letian appeared, Kashiwagi Rikigen knew all their plans were ruined. Xiao Letian's bold appearance indicated that he had already made contact with the Ryukyu royal family, and at least their positions were aligned. This made their presence meaningless.

"This Qing person is truly cunning and domineering, not giving us a single chance..." As Kashiwagi's elder frowned in thought, Xiao Letian suddenly spoke.

"Is this General Cai Mao? According to Ryukyu law, what is the punishment for breaking into a private residence and spying on others?" Cai Mao, taken aback, quickly replied, "Breaking into a private residence and spying on others is punished as theft. The maximum punishment for theft in the Ryukyu Kingdom is forty lashes..."

"Very well, today I will see General Cai enforce the law... Bring them up!" As he spoke, two Japanese men, bound and gagged, were pushed forward. Yamamoto Sei recognized them as the ninjas under Kiri Kage.

"Damn! These are our Japanese, you have no right to humiliate us..."

"Oh, how funny. The Ryukyu Kingdom's punishment of criminals has nothing to do with their nationality. Even if they are citizens of the Great Qing, they will still be punished for breaking the law..." Xiao Letian rolled his eyes at Yamamoto Sei and turned to Cai Mao. "These are the confessions of the two troublemakers, already signed. I have already interrogated them for you. Just carry out the punishment..."

At that moment, a ninja, beaten and bloody, suddenly shouted in Japanese, "Shameless Qing slaves, your confessions are fake... You forced my hand to sign, you have insulted the dignity of our Japanese nation..." With that, the ninja bit his tongue and spat out half of it with blood.

"Suicide by biting the tongue! Look, this guy committed suicide out of fear of punishment..." Xiao Letian pointed at the blood-spewing ninja and shouted.

The situation was getting out of control. Even the usually calm Kashiwagi elder was losing his composure, his eyes filled with hostility towards Xiao Letian.

Xiao Letian knew that today's enmity was sealed, but he had his reasons. First, these ninjas were too troublesome. If not eliminated, he would have no secrets left. Second, this was also revenge for Xiang Shaolong. Using underhanded tactics to harm Long Ye, they should not blame Xiao Letian for his harsh response.

Third, it was to cover for King Shang Tai's return to the banquet. Time was running out. The atmosphere at the banquet was already strange, and King Shang Tai had not returned from the restroom for a long time. The pro-Japanese faction was already making noise, and the Minister of Revenue, Lin Yuanmiao, and his subordinates were struggling to maintain control.

With the Japanese attempting to barge into Shuri Castle, Cai Mao was also struggling to handle the situation. If Xiao Letian did not create some chaos to divert attention, today's secret meeting would definitely be exposed.

Xiao Letian's arrogance had exhausted the Japanese's last bit of patience. Even Kashiwagi's elder was now angry. At his signal, dozens of ashigaru rushed forward to grab the prisoners.

"Our Japanese, even if they commit crimes, should be punished by us. We will administer the lashes ourselves..."

"You're talking nonsense. This is Ryukyu territory. Who do you think you are..."

Luo Huo and his musketeers moved forward, forming a line and pushing with their bodies. Some of the more aggressive ones started swinging their fists.

Cai Mao, now sweating profusely, led the royal guards to push between the two groups. He took many punches but did not dare to retaliate.

Xiao Letian stared coldly at Kashiwagi Rikigen, who also glared back. After a long moment, Kashiwagi Rikigen spoke. "Mr. Xiao, are you determined to be our enemy? Such rude behavior makes it difficult for me to attend tomorrow's banquet!"

Xiao Letian sneered. "Can you represent Japan? Besides the Shimazu family, who else can you represent? Don't try to play word games with me. Save it..."

Yamamoto Sei was almost driven mad. His right hand, gripping the hilt of his katana, was sweating. He really wanted to draw his sword and cut this annoying Qing person in half, but the murderous gaze of Xiang Shaolong behind him held him back.

Xiang Shaolong held three bone-piercing darts in his hand and a revolver given by Lincoln in his pocket. If anyone dared to harm Xiao Letian, he would kill on the spot.

Just as the situation was at its most chaotic, a group of people walked out from the main gate of Shuri Castle. At the front was King Shang Tai, who had finally arrived via a small path after using the restroom.

"Gentlemen, you are all esteemed guests of the Ryukyu royal family. Why are you arguing? This is very unseemly. The banquet was meant to be a time of relaxation, but now it has turned into a market brawl, truly ruining the atmosphere... Gentlemen, please return. When you are calmer, I will naturally invite you again..." With that, King Shang Tai turned and walked away, ignoring both sides.

"Look, look, you've upset His Majesty. You've wasted a beautiful autumn day, truly disappointing..." Xiao Letian, seeing the show was over, turned and walked away, ignoring Kashiwagi Rikigen and his group.

Kashiwagi's elder looked at the dead and injured ninjas on the ground and the disappearing backs of the Qing people, his teeth grinding in anger.

Xiao Letian and his group quickly returned to the Sakura Inn. As soon as they entered the room, a secret meeting was held under heavy protection. Shi Dakai excitedly said, "We have what we wanted. We will return to China tomorrow. With the Ryukyu royal family's imperial edict, we can do business with the United States smoothly. The strategist's plan is unstoppable..."

Xiao He Xin and Sima Yun, sitting below, looked at the imperial edict spread out on the tatami, with its dark red blood characters and the Ryukyu royal family's seal, and smiled widely. "We never thought that with one move, you became a chancellor. If we operate for a few years, Ryukyu will be as solid as a rock. In ancient times, there was Cao Cao, and now there is Chancellor Xiao, wielding immense power..."

Xiao Letian chuckled. "Nonsense, comparing me to Cao Cao. Are you flattering me or the Ryukyu Kingdom? Stop talking nonsense. You two, quickly disperse the Green Forest brothers into the city and closely monitor the Japanese movements over the next two days..."

"Huh? The next two days? What do you mean? Aren't we leaving? Are we still waiting for the Japanese?"

Xiao Letian frowned and spoke softly. "I have a bad feeling. These crazy Japanese seem to be planning something. Although we have the title of chancellor, can we really protect it?"

At that moment, an urgent female voice came from outside the sliding door. "Sir, I am Chiyaha. I have important news to report. My brother has rescued Oheimata-sama..."