People in the Republic of China era began to rise from industry.

A cold wind howled atop the city wall.

With Kimura's words, Ma Yuanqing's face instantly turned frosty.

It wasn't the empire's help, but the empire's army's help.

He understood the difference.

Not to mention, Kimura's arrogant demeanor at this moment also speaks volumes.

Previously, this guy acted like a sheep before a wolf whenever he saw me.

But he was equally aware of what accepting aid from the Japanese army meant.

He didn't care about things like national righteousness.

The problem is that, given the Japanese nature, once they take this step, it won't be as simple as them exploiting us to the bone and extracting profits.

I am very likely to become their puppet... no, I am certain to become their puppet!

I really want to skin him alive!

This piece of shit!

With a few twitches in his facial muscles, Ma Yuanqing suppressed his anger and smiled, "Mr. Kimura, is your country preparing for war with China?"

"As we both know, when you sent troops to occupy the area outside the Great Wall, public opinion throughout China was in an uproar, and the calls for the National Government to send troops to recover the lost territory have not stopped to this day."

"If you continue to plot against the Northwest, and things escalate, Nanjing will likely have no choice but to send troops to fight."

"After all, it concerns the hearts and minds of the people, and even if the National Government is unwilling, it has to consider these things."

"If we really sit idly by and do nothing, under the overwhelming public opinion, someone will have to step down."

"Has your country considered this point?"

Despite his threat, Kimura's smile remained unchanged: "Sir, you've misunderstood."

"The Empire has never intended to occupy the Northwest. As for the Manchuria issue, it was the Northeast Army that provoked first, and the Imperial Army had no choice but to retaliate."

"As for the Manchukuo that was eventually established, it was a democratically elected government and had nothing to do with the Great Japanese Empire."

"What we did was simply accept the invitation from Manchuria, help them train their army, guide their political affairs, and bring them advanced civilized systems."

"Everything was the Manchus' own choice."

Fuck you!

Looking at Kimura's smiling face, Ma Yuanqing cursed inwardly.

It's true that as long as you're shameless, you won't blush when you lie.

You took the mines without paying, and the little emperor did it of his own free will?!

"As for what you are worried about, it is completely unfounded."

Kimura continued speaking, his expression still arrogant.

"The Imperial army came to the Northwest with Your Excellency's permission to protect the Empire's interests in the Northwest."

"As for public opinion and how Nanjing will react, you will need to respond to those yourself."

"The Empire will not interfere."

Having said everything he needed to say, and seeing Ma Yuanqing's unpleasant expression, Kimura chuckled and said, "By the way, Commander-in-Chief."

"The Empire's intelligence department has just received accurate intelligence."

"Just two days ago, the Jinling State Government and Lin Yi signed an arms deal worth tens of millions."

Upon hearing this, Ma Yuanqing's expression changed drastically.

"The Empire only just found out that he actually has his own arsenal, and those rifles that can fire in bursts are produced by his arsenal."

As he said this, a look of regret appeared on Kimura's face.

Previously, this was the best opportunity to get rid of Lin Yi.

Unfortunately, he still managed to escape in the end.

If we had dealt with him back then, this whole series of troubles wouldn't have happened.

Although at this moment, he was full of sophistry in front of Ma Yuanqing.

However, as someone in the intelligence department, he was still aware of some of Japan's basic policies and military common sense.

The prevailing idea among the top leadership was to establish a foothold in Manchuria and gradually encroach upon the territory of China.

Through repeated evolutions, the land of China was gradually transformed piece by piece into a place similar to Manchukuo.

This requires ample time to operate step by step.

As for the idea of ​​completely conquering China through war, that's just a clamored idea among the younger officers of the Army.

War requires material support.

However, the country's current material reserves and existing military strength are insufficient to support a national war.

If the war goes awry, the consequences will be very troublesome.

The deployment of the imperial army to the Northwest is no easy task either.

Although he only received orders to force Ma Yuanqing to take the initiative to accept this matter.

However, Kimura could tell that this decision must have been made under duress after repeated discussions.

Just as Ma Yuanqing said.

Once the imperial army enters the northwest, even if it is under the pretext of protecting the empire's economic interests, it will inevitably trigger a tsunami of public opinion in China.

It's really hard to say whether this will trigger a large-scale war.

The current advantage in the Northwest is imminent. Once the Imperial Army enters the area, if it fails to deter the Sichuan Army from attacking the hinterland of the Northwest, then a substantial battle will inevitably occur.

This then involves the issue of logistical support.

From Manchuria to the Northwest, it's a long distance of over two thousand kilometers.

This is not just a problem of high transportation costs.

Even if the journey only passes through Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, this line is still under the deterrence of the Chinese army.

If they encounter resistance from the Chinese army along the way, the consequences will be unpredictable.

Then we will face the difficult decision of whether the scale of the war should be expanded or even lead to a full-scale war.

In short, it's very troublesome and puts us in a very passive position.

All of this was caused by this arrogant and ignorant fellow who suffered a major defeat in Longnan!

Just as he was filled with worry, Ma Yuanqing finally snapped out of his shock.

His face still wore an expression of disbelief: "Is the news true?"

"Your Excellency, please trust the Empire's intelligence capabilities."

Kimura said curtly, no longer being polite: "Sir, the distance is very far, and it will take the Imperial Army a long time to reach the Northwest."

"So you don't have much time left, please make a decision as soon as possible."

"Farewell."

After that, he turned around and left.

Ma Yuanqing stared at his back until Kimura walked down the city wall, then let out a long sigh and weakly raised his hand to support himself against the wall beside him.

It seems there's no other choice.

If possible, the hatred of killing her son can be put aside, and she can shake hands and make peace with Lin Yi.

Unfortunately, given the current situation, this guy certainly won't give up halfway.

It is likely that the Sichuan army, which has gained the upper hand, will not simply give up.

There is absolutely no possibility of peace talks.

After all, no one will easily give up a piece of fat meat that's already in their mouth.

The Japanese were probably convinced of this as well, which is why Kimura dared to talk to him about this in such an ultimatum-like tone.

Thus, is it a dead end or should one remain a puppet, biding one's time and planning for the future?

It seems like the choice is quite simple now.

Thoughts swirled in his mind, and the distraught Ma Yuanqing's eyes gradually hardened again.

After a long while, he let out a long sigh of relief.

Turning to his adjutant, he said, "Arrest them! Arrest every single one of them who was in contact with Nanjing, and execute them all by firing squad!"

"All family property shall be confiscated and put to the public good, regardless of who they are!"

If you want to open your doors to guests, you need to clean the courtyard.

Only by cleaning things up can we prevent the Japanese from finding an opportunity to completely sideline us.