Ning Zhiheng had planned for this long ago. He absolutely could not allow Li Zhiqun to become too powerful, which is why he had previously supported Wen Hao to create internal strife with Li Zhiqun, and he was still following the same strategy now.
Thinking of this, he frowned and said with some regret, "You're right. Last time I originally planned to teach Li Zhiqun a lesson, but General Yingzuo spoke up for him, so I had to give him face. However, I will talk to General Yingzuo and ask Li Zhiqun to restrain himself. It's just that his expansion in the name of the Ministry of Police is indeed a troublesome matter."
Yuji Imai had negotiated with Masayoshi Haruka before, and they had reached an agreement that the Seventy-Sixth Division's forces would not enter Nanjing. However, Li Zhiqun developed his forces under the name of the Ministry of Police, which was just a change in name but not in substance, and it was indeed a tricky situation.
Ning Zhiheng continued, "However, don't be in a hurry. I will keep this in mind and take things one step at a time. I have my own way."
Ning Zhiheng knew that as long as he had Yingzuo Yushu's support, he couldn't really take action against Li Zhiqun. Moreover, Li Zhiqun was quite obedient to him now and posed little threat. There was no need for him to risk breaking ties with Yingzuo Yushu by taking action against Li Zhiqun. He could only secretly support Wen Hao and Zhou Fushan to play a restraining role. So he would deal with it for the time being and decide what to do later.
Hearing Ning Zhiheng's words, the two felt somewhat relieved. They lingered for a while longer before getting up to say goodbye and leave.
Around 6 p.m., Ning Zhiheng arrived at Uehara Junpei's residence. After the uncle and nephew met, they headed to the consulate general together.
When they arrived at the consulate, it was already heavily guarded. Given the high level of the event, the Japanese high command naturally dared not be careless. All security forces were from the Japanese military. Even Wen Hao's No. 21 was not qualified to participate.
After the convoy passed through the checkpoint, it entered the consulate general. At this time, the consulate gates were wide open, and Japanese and Nanjing government military and political officials kept arriving, entering the consulate in twos and threes, creating a lively scene.
Consul General Hori Kazuyuki, accompanied by several officials, stood guard at the entrance to personally greet the distinguished guests. Whenever a guest arrived, he would greet them warmly, and then his staff would lead them to the banquet hall.
Upon seeing Uehara Junpei and Ning Zhiheng appear, Hori Koichi didn't dare to be negligent. He quickly shook off the crowd, ran a few steps to greet them, and bowed deeply before Uehara Junpei, saying, "General Uehara, Chairman Fujiwara, it is an honor to have you here. Please follow me!"
After saying that, he turned around and gestured for them to enter, personally leading the two people to the banquet hall that had been prepared.
The banquet hall was very large, decorated with flowers and furnishings in a luxurious and grand manner. A large platform was set up on the north side for speeches and performances. The entire hall was divided into several smaller areas to accommodate the Japanese and puppet regime personnel. The seats near the platform were naturally reserved for the highest-ranking VIPs, while the other areas were arranged according to their status and identity.
Each area is separated by a long table laden with fresh fruit, fine wine, and delicious food. Japanese waiters in uniform stand by, and everything is arranged in an orderly and clear manner.
By this time, many guests had arrived in the banquet hall. They were all high-ranking officials of the Japanese puppet government, celebrities from the political and business circles and their families. Men and women were all dressed in their finest attire, and the scene was very lively.
As soon as the group entered the hall, people saw them. Some of the more important people greeted them, while those of lower status obediently stepped aside. The uncle and nephew socialized with the guests and soon arrived at the VIP seats under the guidance of Jue Gong Yichun.
At this moment, Hidetoshi Shimizu and the other two councilors were already seated in the main seats. When they saw the two people arrive, they all stood up to greet them. Junpei Uehara and Shigeaki Ning quickly nodded in return.
Hidetoshi Shimizu laughed heartily and said, "Uehara-kun, you and your uncle are late, but we've been waiting for you for a long time. We'll have to have a few more drinks later!"
"Vice Minister Lao, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I am willing to accept the punishment, haha!" Uehara Junpei said with a smile, stepped forward to greet him, and everyone exchanged pleasantries before taking their seats.
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