Upper three rivers are finished, please help friends vote for Sanjiang Pavilion, I'm deeply grateful.

  In the previous conversation with Tsukamoto, Muyang had used all his might, constantly calculating in his mind how he should answer and how to avoid some unclear content, while also making suitable expressions and movements to express his emotions.

  Muyang thinks his acting skills have probably reached an actor's level already.

  When chatting with Tsukamoto, Mo Yang initially answered a few questions and then occasionally asked some small questions that were not confidential but close to the topic. He wasn't trying to find out anything, just creating conversation topics.

  From the beginning, Muyang actively communicated with Tsukamoto Ken and eventually had an equal conversation. These were all the effects of Muyang's efforts. If he remained in a position where he was being asked questions, Tsukamoto Ken would inevitably ask some questions that Muyang didn't know, and at that time, it was likely to reveal some flaws. But Muyang took advantage of the opportunity to exchange ideas, gradually guiding the conversation in the direction he wanted to go, controlling the topic, and putting himself in a position where he could have an equal exchange with his opponent, making it difficult for the other party to ask tough questions, thereby diverting danger.

  Finally, Muyang specially invited Tsukamoto Ken because Tsukamoto Ken was also a person with real power in the General Staff Office. Being friends with him would only bring benefits and no harm. Moreover, Muyang hoped to understand some situations within the General Staff Office through Tsukamoto Ken. In fact, even if Tsukamoto Ken ultimately did not accept Muyang's invitation, it didn't matter. Muyang had expressed his friendly intentions, and as long as one was not a person with a strange personality, they would develop a bit of goodwill towards Muyang, laying a good foundation for future actions.

  It is worth noting that the chief of staff, in fact, holds a not-so-small official position. The General Staff Office and the Army Ministry are on an equal footing. According to Miao Yang's understanding, the chief of staff should be equivalent to the deputy minister level under the minister. After the Marco Polo Bridge Incident was launched, it was Tanaka Shinichi, the military chief of the Army Department, and Tetsuzo Muto, the chief of the Operations Division of the General Staff Office, who decided to dispatch three divisions for reinforcement. The next day, Minister of War Sugiyama Gen approved the reinforcement plan. At that time, Hidemi Tōjō also served as the chief of the Operations Division of the General Staff Office.

  So, in fact, the head of the department is a position that can do things and has real power. According to the convention of the General Staff Headquarters, the head of the department is usually held by a major general or lieutenant general. Under the head of the department is the head of the class, who is usually held by a lieutenant general or major. Muyang guessed that this time, not himself, but Jiang Tingyu was called back and should be appointed as the head of a certain class in the General Staff Headquarters.

  In the late afternoon, Muyang invited Tsurumoto Kenichi and his party to the best wine house in the nearby area, Longyin Restaurant.

  "Director Tsukamoto, I don't know what kind of dish you like?" asked Mu Yang.

  "Mr. Kōtō is from Kyoto and I am from Osaka," said Tsukamoto Ken with a smile.

  Muyang's expression changed to one of sudden realization, and he said: "So Director Tsukamoto is from Osaka. In that case, we must arrange for some Kansai dishes today. What do you think, Director Tsukamoto?"

  Japanese cuisine has many classifications, such as Honzen-ryori, Kaiseki-ryori and Shoin-ryori. However, if classified by region, it would be divided into Kanto cuisine and Kansai cuisine. Kyoto and Osaka are representative areas of Kansai cuisine, which is why there is this saying.

  Tsukamoto nodded and said, "I haven't been back to my hometown for a long time, I really miss the taste of my hometown, I hope he can make authentic Kansai cuisine here."

  "I heard that the chefs here are all renowned chefs from various places, and they cook with respect for local flavors. I guess they can bring out the authentic taste of Osaka."

  "I hope so. Ah, yes, Kōtō-san, let me introduce you to these people." Tsukamoto then introduced the several people he had brought along to Muyou.

  Muyang only then, through Tsukamoto's introduction, learned that the four people brought by Tsukamoto were the class leaders of the General Affairs Department, Telegraphy Department, Accounting Officer and Military Medical Officer. Muyang greeted them one by one with courtesy.

  The hierarchical concept in Japan is so strict that if Tsukamoto didn't introduce them, it would be impolite for Muyang to ask directly.

  Tsukamoto is the guest, and Mio is the host. As they chatted casually, several department heads didn't interrupt, but quietly listened in. Whenever Tsukamoto said something exciting, everyone would burst out laughing together, and when he said something impressive, they would nod in agreement and utter a few words of surprise. Fortunately, Mio was the host, or else this meal might have been quite gloomy.

  Tatami mats, long wine tables, and a sumptuous feast - Muyang spared no expense in this regard. The sliding doors opened once more, and a line of girls dressed in kimonos walked in, five men with one girl assigned to each, responsible for pouring wine, serving dishes, and attending to the guests' needs. Of course, their main job was still to please these men.

  A geisha with a white-painted face, red lips and heavy eyeliner walked in carrying a shamisen, bowed and began to perform for the guests.

  As they clinked cups and changed plates, the atmosphere gradually became more intense. After a few cups of clear wine, Tsukamoto's impression of Muyang improved by several points.

  "Tsukamoto-san is very busy, I'm honored that he could make time to accept my invitation. Here's a toast to you, Tsukamoto-san!" Muyang said, holding up his cup.

  Tsukamoto smiled and said: "Mr. Kōtō is being polite, and Mr. Kōtō has made excellent arrangements today, it's us who should be thanking him, let's all raise our glasses together."

  Everyone cheered in agreement and downed their cups of wine.

  Muyang leaned his body towards Tsukamoto Ken and said in a low voice, "Director Tsukamoto, I wonder how he will handle my situation."

  Tsukamoto looked at Muyang with a profound gaze and said, "If we follow military regulations, you failed to complete your mission and should be punished. However, this mission was somewhat special. Originally, you were called back by the General Staff Office for reassignment, but because it was on the way, you accepted the task of escorting Chinese antiques back to Tokyo. This mission was issued by the Ministry of Army, which is not quite in line with regulations."

  "Besides, the chief escort officer for this transport mission is Yamada Takeo, you're just a supporting role, it's indeed a bit unjust."

  "This matter has been cleared up, it was the Americans who did it. The Imperial Navy is now powerless to fight again, and the naval headquarters is also helpless against them. How can they shift the responsibility of the failed mission to you? Don't worry, wait a few more days, I estimate there will be news."

  Moyang cooperated very well and showed a few points of joy, saying: "I still have to ask Takamoto-san to speak beautifully for me."

  Tsukamoto smiled wryly, "I will naturally react with a sense of reality. After all, we staff headquarters people can't be punished because of the army department's tasks, right? Where would our staff headquarters' face go?"

  The contradictions between the Ministry of the Army and the General Staff have been going on for a long time. To put it bluntly, it is a struggle for power. Originally, the General Staff was a subordinate unit under the Ministry of the Army, but later it was separated and eventually surpassed the Ministry of the Army in influence, making the Ministry of the Army become a mere housekeeper of the General Staff, only doing odd jobs.

  In the Japanese army, there was a very special phenomenon. If someone was sent by the General Staff Office to inspect, no matter if he was just a colonel, even lieutenant generals or full generals in combat units would welcome him with a smile, fearing that they would be punished by the General Staff Office after returning.

  It seems that the Jiang-Tong Island incident will likely end in nothing due to the contradictions between the two sides.