Just as Chu Fan had predicted, that night, the Japanese vagrants quietly arrived at the residences of Wen Zhengqing and Liu Wenshan. They chose these two individuals for bribery because they knew Wen Zhengqing held the important position of Imperial Censor within the Imperial Censorate. Therefore, as long as Wen Zhengqing approved the sale of grain and weapons to Wei, even if the other Imperial Censors had objections, they would be unable to mount an effective opposition.
As for Liu Wenshan, he was known for his integrity and unyielding character. Legend had it that he would always argue uncompromisingly with his opponents in court when he disagreed, never giving in easily. The Japanese were convinced that if they could convince Wen Zhengqing and Liu Wenshan, the opposition from the other censors in the Censorate would no longer pose a significant obstacle.
Furthermore, these Japanese were constantly courting Chu Anping, eager for him to speak up for them at court the next day and support Wei's sale of grain and weapons. They believed that if they could gain Chu Anping's support, their goal would be more likely to be achieved, as Chu Anping's influence in the court was not to be underestimated.
Initially, they hoped Wei would send troops to defend against threats from other nations on Shengwu Continent. However, when they learned that Wei was willing to sell them grain and weapons, their demands shifted to these supplies. After all, even if Wei's army helped Wa resist the invasion, if the Wei army did not withdraw, Wa would not actually gain freedom, but only a change of rulers.
Even if Wei didn't occupy the land, the ruling power would never fall into their hands. After all, their family was not the most prominent in Wa.
If Wei could sell them food and weapons, they would be able to return to Wa to recruit more soldiers. After expelling the forces of other countries from Wa in the future, they could become the new rulers of Wa.
As night fell, Chu Anping once again received the Japanese envoy in his own residence. Because he had received a warning from the people sent by Chu Fan in advance, Chu Anping knew how he should respond.
Chu Anping faced Yamaguchi Taro, the Japanese envoy, and said, "As you can see, your majesty and I both want to help you. However, today in the court, many ministers opposed Wei sending troops to aid you. After all, if we, Wei, really did so, we would be unable to cope with any unexpected situation."
Yamaguchi Taro, the Japanese envoy, nodded in understanding. At the morning court session, they had sensed the support of the Wei Emperor and Chu Anping. However, many ministers in the Wei court, concerned about Wei's economic situation and border security, strongly opposed the sale of food and weapons to Japan.
Yamaguchi Taro continued, "Your Highness, we have all seen your performance in the court. This is not your responsibility. You have done enough for our country of Japan. This is a small token of our appreciation. I hope Your Highness will accept it."
After Yamaguchi Taro finished speaking, he signaled his men to bring a box of silver and placed it in front of Chu Anping. Chu Anping was a little surprised when he saw the silver in front of him. He didn't expect that these people who had escaped from Japan actually had so much wealth.
This made him think that if even the fugitives were so rich, then the wealth of Japan must be even more astonishing. As His Majesty said, Japan might really have gold mines and silver mountains.
Chu Anping said superficially, "Our two countries are friendly neighbors. It is only natural for me to speak up for you in the court when Japan is in trouble. How can you be so frivolous?"
Yamaguchi Taro smiled and replied, "Prince Chu, please accept this small gift. We all know that Wei suffered many unfortunate events last year, and we also understand that Wei is in great need of food and weapons."
"But, Prince Chu, you also understand the situation in our country of Wa. Wa is currently being invaded by other nations, and the people are suffering. Please, for the sake of the millions of suffering people in Wa, lend a helping hand and ask Wei to sell us some food and weapons."
Taro Yamaguchi did not directly say that he gave the silver in order to let Chu Anping speak for Japan in the court. Instead, he emphasized the sufferings suffered by the Japanese people and stated that he gave the silver only out of gratitude for Chu Anping's help, and not as an exchange condition for Chu Anping to speak for Japan in the court.
Although everyone knew that the silver from Japan was actually for Chu Anping to gain more benefits for them in the court, this tacit understanding could not be made public. If someone, like Yamaguchi Taro, openly pointed out the true purpose of the silver, then the nature of the whole matter would completely change, no longer a simple gift exchange but a naked exchange of interests.
If Yamaguchi Taro had really expressed the true intention of the silver so bluntly, Chu Anping would never accept it, even with His Majesty's permission. Because once this matter was made public, it would be tantamount to saying that Chu Anping was a greedy person, and as a member of the Royal Government Affairs Office, he would never tolerate such a stigma being imposed on himself.
In addition, if you keep emphasizing the gift you are giving and the goals they need to achieve for you when bribing them, this will make them feel very uncomfortable and they may even think that you are blackmailing them with money.
Chu Anping nodded slightly and glanced at the silver in the box. He roughly estimated that there were at least five thousand taels of silver. He secretly sighed in his heart that although the territory of Japan was not large, its financial resources were quite strong.
No wonder after His Majesty asked Empress Canglan to spread the news that Japan had gold mines and silver mountains, many countries' forces chose to stay in Japan, even if it meant bearing the stigma of invaders.
Obviously, the reason why these countries are so obsessed with Japan must be because they have found huge benefits in Japan. Otherwise, why would they be willing to stay in Japan at all costs, even at the cost of bearing such a bad reputation?
Chu Anping sighed and said, "Everyone, you all know that I have always hoped that Wei could help you, but if there is no way to convince the ministers in the Wei court, then I can only be powerless."
Yamaguchi Taro heard Chu Anping's words and understood that since Chu Anping said so, there must be room for maneuver. He bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, please guide us. To save the people of Japan from their suffering, we are willing to do everything we can to cooperate with the State of Wei. I only ask that Your Majesty mediate among the ministers and facilitate the assistance."
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