Kagesa Hiroki laughed and gestured for them to enter. The three of them chatted as they walked into the mansion.

Kagesa Hiroki said with a smile, "I am only serving as General Tsuchihara's deputy, temporarily in charge of the work of forming a new government. I am new here, and I invited everyone here today just to say hello and ask for your support."

Kagesa Hiroki spoke politely, but his tone was full of confidence, clearly indicating that he had come prepared this time.

As everyone entered the hall, many familiar faces came up to greet them, including Consul General Kenichi Iwai, Major General Masakazu Yoshioka, Military Police Commander Takashi Katsuta, and Special Higher Police Section Chief Taro Sagawa, among others.

At this moment, an elderly man of about fifty years old also came up. Kageyama Yuki introduced him to everyone: "This is an important official of the new government, Fu Shengan, the newly appointed mayor of Shanghai. He is also Mr. Wang's trusted advisor and loyal follower. I'm introducing him to you today so that we can look after each other in the future."

Seeing that the hall was full of Japanese dignitaries, Fu Shengan quickly bowed and greeted them.

Ning Zhiheng simply nodded politely in acknowledgment, and then everyone chatted with each other according to the closeness of their relationship.

As Kagesa Yuuki greeted the guests, he secretly observed that the group surrounding Fujiwara Tomohito, the chairman of the Fujiwara Association, had the most people and the highest status.

Not only were several military generals surrounding him, but the commander of the military police and the head of the Special Higher Police were also involved. He couldn't help but nod to himself, realizing that his purpose in coming to Shanghai to take over the work of the Tsuchihara Agency was, of course, to reclaim the Tsuchihara Agency's power to form a new national government and to squeeze Tsuchihara Keiji out of this power feast.

Therefore, in addition to gaining support from his headquarters, he also needed the support of local powerful figures in Shanghai. This would make his work easier. It seems that this direct descendant of the Fujiwara family has great influence among the powerful figures in Shanghai. He must be on good terms with him and strive to gain his support so that the work of other powerful figures can proceed more smoothly.

Then it was time for the banquet, and everyone took their seats and raised their glasses to celebrate the arrival of Kagesa Hiroki.

Kagesa Hiroki was all smiles, frequently raising his glass. The atmosphere at the banquet was wonderful, with everyone exchanging pleasantries and building rapport. Such exchanges are essential in high society; many difficult problems can be easily resolved in such a harmonious atmosphere.

At this moment, Consul General Kenji Iwai, who was sitting diagonally opposite Ning Zhiheng, raised his glass to Ning Zhiheng and said with a smile, "Fujiwara-kun, I failed to take good care of you last time, which caused you to encounter danger at the consulate. I have felt very guilty about this and have wanted to visit you to apologize many times, but I have never had the opportunity. I am only able to meet you today. Please forgive me!"

Iwai Kenji had always wanted to communicate more with Ning Zhiheng and get closer to him, and today was the perfect opportunity.

Ning Zhiheng quickly raised his glass in acknowledgment and said with a smile, "Mr. Iwai, you're too kind. Actually, I've always wanted to visit you, but I've been too busy with worldly affairs. If you have time in the future, Mr. Iwai, why don't you come to the Mulan Academy for a gathering? There are many talented friends there, and we can exchange ideas together."

"Definitely! Definitely!"

The two raised their glasses and drank together. After putting down their glasses, Ning Zhiheng asked, "Last time at the consulate, I had a very pleasant conversation with Mr. Matsudaira. I invited him to visit the Mulan Academy when he had time, but I haven't been able to see him yet. Please ask Mr. Iwai to pass on the message that it would be a pleasant thing for us to learn from each other."

Upon hearing this, Iwai Kenichi was taken aback. He immediately went through his list of consulate staff in his mind and quickly thought of his subordinate, Matsudaira Hidemi. He hurriedly asked, "Is it the translator, Matsudaira Hidemi?"

“Yes, Mr. Matsudaira is quite accomplished in literature, especially in Chinese poetry. He is a rare literary friend, and we had a very congenial conversation!” Ning Zhiheng nodded and said.

He said this out of good intentions. He had a good conversation with Matsudaira Hidemi last time and knew that he was a good person. So he simply took this opportunity to say a few good words for Matsudaira Hidemi, which could be regarded as a way of promoting him.

Iwai Kenji couldn't help but feel secretly pleased. He hadn't expected that his subordinate Matsudaira Hidemi would have some connection with Fujiwara Tomohito. How come he hadn't heard a word about it before?

This is a rare opportunity that must be given special attention. If Matsudaira Hidemi can win Fujiwara Tomohito's favor, the relationship between the Iwai Mansion and the Fujiwara Company will be greatly strengthened.

Everyone knows that in Shanghai, the Fujiwara Company is one of the most profitable companies; as long as you get involved with him, you'll reap countless benefits.

"That's wonderful! Matsudaira-kun is also my most capable assistant. I will have him consult with Fujiwara-kun more often, and we can exchange ideas more frequently!"