Chapter Forty-Four: Apologize to the Chinese People

Xiao Fei cursed inwardly—this was bad. He blamed his own carelessness for trusting these petty devils too easily. Instantly, he gathered Liu Ruyan into his arms and ordered Xiao Ling to draw the Browning pistol. With the direction of the incoming bullet pinpointed, he squeezed the trigger; with a sharp whistle, the bullet shot through the air.

Yet the cunning enemy dodged in time, and the bullet struck the wall shielding him.

In that fleeting glimpse, Xiao Fei caught sight of a panicked figure darting by. On closer thought, he recognized the youth in R country’s military uniform—the very one he had seen at Yamamoto Taro’s place.

Damn it! They actually dared to ambush me! Xiao Fei was furious. He fired several more shots at random, but even after emptying the chamber, he failed to eliminate his target.

Indeed, that man was Tojo Hideki. This despicable fellow had, after Senda Mokichi had caught up with Xiao Fei, attacked from behind. If he killed Xiao Fei, so be it; but even if he missed, once Senda Mokichi arrived with reinforcements, Xiao Fei’s fiery temper would surely blame him, sparking a deadly conflict between the two factions. Bloodshed would be inevitable, and thus Tojo Hideki would successfully sow discord between Xiao Fei and the Hongwu Dojo. With such chaos, Yamamoto Taro would have no choice but to serve the Imperial military.

Tojo Hideki’s scheme was indeed clever. Just then, Senda Mokichi arrived with a group of fifteen or sixteen men.

“Xiao Fei, don’t think you’ll escape today!” Senda Mokichi shouted.

“Damn it, so it really is you! You’re courting death!” Xiao Fei raged. He was out of bullets now—if only he had more, he would have blown that pig’s head to pieces first.

Xiao Fei carefully placed Liu Ruyan atop a counter by the roadside to guard her from further gunfire, then leapt out, engaging the dozen R country warriors.

The surrounding crowd watched the violent, bloody scene unfold, screaming and fleeing in terror, helplessly witnessing their compatriot being surrounded and beaten by the R country men—none dared step forward to help.

But Xiao Fei hadn’t expected help; these were unarmed civilians, powerless against men wielding bayonets.

Even a hero struggles against a pack of wolves. No matter how valiant Xiao Fei was, facing so many attackers, he found himself struggling.

Yet, even so, Xiao Fei did not retreat. He targeted Senda Mokichi, broke through layers of resistance, and delivered a fierce kick to his chest. A crack resounded—the man would surely be crippled.

At that moment, whistles rang out, and Xiao Fei along with the R country men were surrounded.

Hu Baiwan had arrived in person with his troops—this too was a result of Tojo Hideki’s secret notification.

“Xiao Fei! You again! You’re truly bold, injuring R country friends in broad daylight—outrageous! If I don’t bring you to justice, I’d betray the people of Jiangning!” Hu Baiwan bellowed, “Seize him!”

“Stop!”

Simultaneously, another faction stormed in, enclosing Hu Baiwan’s forces. The crowd looked closely—it was Commander Jin Shaohua.

“Commander Jin, you again? I received reports from citizens about a gang attack in the street, with R country friends wounded. That’s why I led my men to investigate. What, you intend to disrupt my law enforcement?” Hu Baiwan asserted preemptively.

“Haha, I wouldn’t dare. I, too, received reports that men from the R country dojo robbed an innocent girl first and then gathered to assault others. That’s why I mobilized troops. Since it’s like this, let’s take everyone away. Men, move!” Jin Shaohua commanded.

“You! Jin Shaohua! You dare openly oppose me?” Hu Baiwan was beside himself.

“Who’s right and who’s wrong? The local people can testify. Folks, am I correct?” Jin Shaohua asked the onlookers.

“Yes, drive out the devils!”

“The devils are shameless!”

The crowd shouted loudly.

Faced with the people’s powerful voices, Hu Baiwan was helpless, and the R country dojo warriors grew even more fearful—the thing they dreaded most was the unity of the Chinese people. Once united, they knew they stood no chance.

Hidden in the shadows, Tojo Hideki pounded the wall in frustration; his carefully orchestrated drama was about to collapse.

As the standoff dragged on, another group from Hongwu Dojo arrived, led by Yamamoto Taro himself.

Yamamoto Taro’s arrival restored Hu Baiwan’s confidence. He hastened over, bowing deeply. “Mr. Yamamoto, I didn’t expect this matter to trouble you. Rest assured, I will see justice done for you.”

Hu Baiwan shot a provocative glance at Jin Shaohua, thinking: With such influential backing, surely you won’t dare challenge me now!

But Yamamoto Taro’s next words left Hu Baiwan dumbfounded. Yamamoto said, “Commander Hu, you misunderstand. I am here to see justice done for this Chinese youth. It is my fault for poor discipline, allowing a bad disciple like Senda Mokichi to cause trouble. I owe this young man an apology.”

“Ah, Mr. Yamamoto, did I hear you correctly?” Hu Baiwan was astonished.

Senda Mokichi was equally shocked. He realized that Tojo Hideki’s instigation had led him into even greater trouble. He rushed to his master, knelt, and said, “Master, it was my fault. I admit my mistake.”

“Hmph! Worthless creature, you refuse to repent, erring again and again. I have no such disciple as you. From this day forth, you are expelled from my tutelage, and the Hongwu Dojo will no longer shelter you!” Yamamoto Taro declared sternly.

“Master, please, don’t!” Senda Mokichi pleaded.

But Yamamoto Taro ignored him, walking straight over to Xiao Fei, bowing slightly, and said, “Young Master Xiao, I solemnly apologize to you.”

Xiao Fei would never again trust the R country men. He replied angrily, “What use is an apology? Can your apology bring that coachman back to life? If you are truly sincere, apologize to all Chinese people!”

Yamamoto Taro bowed again, “Very well, I apologize to all Chinese people. As for the fallen coachman, I express deep regret. To make amends, Senda Mokichi will be handed over to the Chinese authorities, and Hongwu Dojo will take responsibility for the coachman’s funeral arrangements.”

With that, Yamamoto Taro bowed deeply to everyone present.

Such an outcome left Xiao Fei incredulous—he never expected that among the R country men, there could be someone so reasonable.

Enough, saving lives comes first. The most urgent matter now was to rescue Liu Ruyan.

Xiao Fei picked up Liu Ruyan, thanked Jin Shaohua, and left. Hu Baiwan and his men departed in turn, while Jin Shaohua handled the aftermath, arresting Senda Mokichi and giving the innocent coachman a proper burial.

As Xiao Fei turned to leave, he again spotted that shadow lurking in the crowd. He knew that man was perhaps the one most deserving of punishment!

At that moment, Qin Tianxiang and Li Shishi hurried over. They had been concerned for Xiao Fei, had notified Jin Zhengri and asked his father for help, and now came in person. Seeing Xiao Fei safe and sound, they were reassured.

“Husband, how is Miss Ruyan?” Qin Tianxiang asked.

“Let’s not talk now. Find a medical clinic first,” Xiao Fei replied.

Upon reaching the clinic, Xiao Fei quickly summoned the physician to treat Liu Ruyan.

The doctor first bowed deeply to Xiao Fei, praising him for bringing honor to the Chinese people, which moved Xiao Fei greatly. It was clear the nation needed heroes like him.

As the blood was wiped from Liu Ruyan’s face, Xiao Fei finally saw her true features and was stunned.

“Ah… It’s you!”

Seeing Liu Ruyan’s face, Xiao Fei collapsed onto a chair, speechless.

What on earth was going on! Xiao Fei never imagined he would meet her under such circumstances.

[PS: Brothers, take a bold guess—who is this Miss Liu Ruyan really? If you guess correctly, boys get a chrysanthemum, girls get a mooncake. Wahaha.]