Chapter Fifty-Two: The Most Beautiful Woman in Jiangnan

Hideki Tojo was a man of ruthless cunning and cruelty, willing to employ any means necessary to achieve his aims. Born into a Japanese military family, his father, Hidenori Tojo, was hailed as a founding figure of the Japanese Army. Under his father’s influence, Tojo’s soul was steeped from childhood in the doctrines of militaristic expansion and aggression.

In 1899, at the age of sixteen, Hideki Tojo entered Tokyo Army Cadet School. Three years later, he advanced to the Army Central Cadet School. From an early age, Tojo was determined to pursue a military career. He cared little for academic study, preferring to fight rather than learn. Even when beaten bloody in brawls, he never admitted defeat. At the Army Central Cadet School, his academic performance remained poor, but in fighting he excelled. On one occasion, seven or eight classmates ganged up on him and beat him severely. It is said that from this experience he realized, “No matter how strong you are, you can only face one enemy at a time. To overcome many adversaries, you must rely on learning.” He wiped away his tears and threw himself into his studies with determination.

In 1904, he entered the Army School as a candidate officer. At that time, the Russo-Japanese War had already broken out. After only ten months of study, he graduated early and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Determined to serve as “His Imperial Majesty’s shield,” Hideki Tojo followed his newly formed division to northeast China, arriving on the same battlefield as his father. However, before he saw combat, the war ended, and he returned home in triumph with his unit.

Though Hideki Tojo’s name is eternally cursed, during the Second World War—especially in its final years—he was regarded as a near-divine figure within the Japanese Army. His orders were absolute, not to be questioned nor disobeyed.

Tojo was one of the three infamous fascist leaders of the Second World War, alongside Hitler and Mussolini, and the foremost war criminal responsible for Japanese militarism’s aggression in Asia and the invasion of China. While serving as both Army Minister and Prime Minister, the Japanese military launched frenzied invasions across more than ten Asian countries and regions, leaving tens of millions dead and suffering.

Now, it was August 10, 1914. On this day in history, Japanese warships appeared off the coast of Qingdao, China—on one hand, preparing to join the First World War and declare war on Germany; on the other, laying the groundwork for a full-scale invasion of China.

However, due to the arrival of Xiao Fei, Colonel Yoshihiko Noda and Ichiro Fujiwara were killed under mysterious circumstances, leaving the Japanese with no leverage to apply pressure. Forced by circumstances, they temporarily abandoned their invasion plans.

Again, because of Xiao Fei’s presence, Hideki Tojo, who was not yet active in China at this point in history, now truly appeared—and, moreover, had developed the inhuman sorcery poison known as “Black Widow.”

This toxin was concocted by certain cults within Japan, placed inside the bodies of multi-colored snow spiders harvested from the Himalayas of China and nurtured for a year. The spiders would then be implanted into a living human host, whose fresh blood would serve as nourishment. The blood, once extracted, became a deadly poison. Furthermore, the host had to be someone who willingly pledged their life in absolute loyalty to the Emperor—and Tamaki Seichi was the perfect candidate.

Not only did Tamaki Seichi’s blood become a potent poison, but his internal strength increased tenfold in an instant. He became as invincible as diamond, with overwhelming power and arrogance.

“Kill, kill, kill! I will kill Xiao Fei and Yamamoto Taro!” Tamaki Seichi roared in a frenzy.

Although Yamamoto Taro was his master and had shown him kindness, he had also expelled him from the school, a humiliation no man could bear. But at the root, all of this was brought about by the Chinese youth Xiao Fei—thus, this hatred must be avenged.

“Let’s go, we depart now!” Hideki Tojo commanded.

“Advisor, what should be our first step?” Tamaki Seichi asked.

“Xiao Fei is a man of deep feeling and loyalty, especially devoted to his beloved women. Causing pain to those around him is far more satisfying than hurting him directly. Therefore, our first step will be to strike at Jin Wanyu and the others,” the despicable Tojo replied.

“Hm? I don’t understand—why choose Jin Wanyu?” Tamaki Seichi asked in confusion.

“Idiot! Your job is to follow orders, not to ask questions!” Tojo snapped.

“Yes, sir!”

“But since you’ve asked, I’ll tell you. Jin Wanyu is not only the most talented woman in Jiangnan, but also the cherished daughter of Marshal Jin Shaohua. Jin Shaohua has always opposed our Empire of Japan. Targeting his daughter will serve as a lesson to him. Furthermore, talented women are often matched with heroes—the tale of Jin Wanyu publicly declaring her love for Xiao Fei through poetry has spread throughout Jiangning. Although they haven’t yet crossed that final threshold, I believe Xiao Fei already harbors feelings for her. With Jin Wanyu in our grasp, we can surely bind Xiao Fei’s hands and feet. Ha ha ha!” Tojo laughed wickedly.

“Haha, Advisor, you are indeed brilliant. I will carry out your orders.”

The two plotted further before leaving the mountain cave.

Meanwhile, the scouts sent by Xiao Fei returned to report that there was no trace of Hideki Tojo within Jiangning. Jin Shaohua also provided information: Tamaki Seichi had been rescued by Tojo.

Xiao Fei felt a deep sense of foreboding. These two despicable scoundrels, united, were surely hatching some sinister plot. He increased his guard, assigning more men to protect Li Shishi, Qin Tianxiang, Liu Ruyan, and the others day and night.

Damn it, could that dog Hideki Tojo really have fled? Even if I have to go to Japan myself, I’ll tear him to pieces! Xiao Fei swore fiercely.

Just then, a messenger arrived from the Hongwu Dojo, inviting Xiao Fei to the martial arts hall. Xiao Fei found himself perplexed—what could they possibly want with him now?

“My dear, you mustn’t go. None of those devils are to be trusted. Besides, you’ve already offended them by causing such a scene at Hongwu Dojo days ago. If they’re inviting you now, it must be some kind of trap,” Qin Tianxiang pleaded.

But Xiao Fei insisted on going. Since it was the Japanese who had issued the invitation, refusing would only bring shame to the Chinese.

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. Wait for my return,” Xiao Fei assured the women.

“Xiao Fei, you—please, you must come back,” Liu Ruyan said, embracing him tightly. Having tasted the pain of loss, she could not bear another parting.

“Rest easy, I will keep my promise to you all.”

With that, Xiao Fei set out for the Hongwu Dojo.

As he approached, he saw from afar the disciples lined up in two rows to welcome him. Their senior disciple, Putian Koji, came out personally to receive him.

Putian Koji bowed deeply. “Greetings. Though I do not like you, my master has summoned you and I cannot refuse.”

Xiao Fei was annoyed by the Japanese disciple’s unfriendly words, but seeing they had come out in person, he decided not to take offense—for now. Besides, this round-faced, big-eared Putian Koji was at least honest.

Xiao Fei walked straight into the hall. There, seated in the center, was an elderly man—the master of Hongwu Dojo, Yamamoto Taro. Seeing Xiao Fei arrive, he hurried to his feet. “Young Hero Xiao, you are truly courageous, daring to come here alone.”

“Heh, I doubt you devils would dare play any tricks on me,” Xiao Fei replied disdainfully, seating himself without ceremony.

“You!” Putian Koji was furious.

“Silence! All of you leave—no one enters without my command!” Yamamoto barked.

The disciples had no choice but to withdraw, shutting the doors behind them.

What was this old man up to? Xiao Fei wondered. The Japanese were cunning; he immediately went on guard for any unexpected move.

“Perhaps you misunderstand us Japanese, Young Hero Xiao, but I assure you, all of us here at the dojo are friendly to the Chinese people,” Yamamoto said.

“Friendly? Friendly, my ass! Is it friendly to snatch up innocent girls in broad daylight, to murder civilians? Is that your idea of friendship?” Xiao Fei spat, furious.

“My... my disciples may have erred. Once again, I apologize. Today, I summoned you to ask: Is your family, the Xiao clan, originally from Yutian County in Jiangning?” Yamamoto asked.

Xiao Fei was even more puzzled. “So what if we are? What’s that to you?”

Despite Xiao Fei’s bluntness, Yamamoto remained all smiles, not the least bit offended.

Xiao Fei found himself unable to stay angry at the old man. Casually glancing at him, Xiao Fei thought this Japanese elder was almost endearing. If he learned proper Chinese and dressed in Republican attire, he’d be no different from any elderly Chinese gentleman.

Indeed, war is an eternal topic, and it does neither side any good. It only brings suffering to ordinary people. Yamamoto Taro, who should have been enjoying his twilight years, didn’t deserve the indignities brought by a war between two nations. For a moment, Xiao Fei even felt a pang of guilt for treating the old man so harshly.

When Yamamoto learned that Xiao Fei was truly a descendant of Lord Xiao, he grew excited, circling around Xiao Fei, examining him closely, making Xiao Fei’s hair stand on end.

“Hey, are you alright? Why are you staring at me?” Xiao Fei asked.

“Ha ha ha! Ha ha ha!” Yamamoto did not answer, only laughed with such excitement that tears streamed down his face.

“What’s wrong with you? If you have something to say, say it. If not, I’m leaving!” Xiao Fei said bluntly.

But Yamamoto hesitated, unable to speak the truth.

Xiao Fei had no time for these games and turned to leave.

Watching Xiao Fei’s back, Yamamoto nodded with a smile, murmuring, “The Xiao clan has a successor at last. There is hope for the rejuvenation of China.”

Xiao Fei left the Hongwu Dojo, still puzzled. He could not fathom what game the old man was playing.

Not far from the Spring Guest Inn, as he passed through a narrow alley, Xiao Fei suddenly sensed someone suspicious following him. He spun around and saw a figure, cloaked head to toe in black, slip furtively into the alley.

Xiao Fei, ever alert, gave chase. The figure hurried away in panic.

“Stop! Who are you?” Xiao Fei shouted.

But the person only ran faster.

Yet none could outrun Xiao Fei. In a flash, he caught up and drew his Browning pistol. At the sound of a startled cry, he realized—the figure was a woman.

Cautiously, Xiao Fei pulled away the black cloth shrouding the figure. As he revealed her, he was shocked to see a woman whose face and arms were covered in fish-like scales, a terrifying sight. Looking closer, he recognized her: it was Jin Wanyu, the most renowned and gifted woman in Jiangning!