Uehara Junpei brought Ning Zhiheng to a villa in downtown Wuhan, where everyone got out of the car at the villa's entrance.
Ning Zhiheng looked around. Through the imposing gate, he could see a wide and tidy lawn in front of the courtyard.
The three-story Western-style building has light red brick walls on the outside. The entire building has a dignified and rigorous design, and it is clear that this is an extremely high-end residence.
Fully armed guards were stationed at the main entrance. Inside the villa, servants were cleaning the house. They bowed and withdrew when they saw Uehara Junpei and the others enter.
Upon entering the hall, Uehara Junpei smiled and said, "This is one of the best villas in Wuhan, and it's the residence I specially arranged for you. It's very close to my residence, and an extra team of guards has been assigned to protect you, so there are absolutely no security issues."
"Thank you for your arrangements, Uncle!" Ning Zhiheng looked around, nodded in satisfaction, and told his attendants to make their own arrangements. He and Uehara Junpei sat down on the sofa in the hall.
Ning Zhiheng waved his hand, and Kimura Maki carried the two boxes to the table. Ning Zhiheng stepped forward and opened them himself, revealing the thick books inside.
Ning Zhiheng took out a book and handed it to Uehara Junpei with both hands, saying with a smile, "I came to Wuhan this time specifically to bring your book to my uncle. Actually, it was printed a long time ago. I also asked Mr. Kuroki and other scholars to appreciate it. They were all very satisfied with the book. I gave each of them a copy. Please take a look. If there are any changes, I will make them!"
Uehara Junpei quickly took the book. He noticed that the cover was exquisite and the paper felt warm to the touch, clearly made of the finest materials.
"That's great, Zhiren!"
Uehara Junpei continued to flip through the contents. The font was full and clear, and the page layout was elegant. The more Uehara Junpei looked at it, the more he liked it.
This is his biggest concern; to put his words on paper and publish them as a book is his greatest wish.
"Is Uncle satisfied?"
"Satisfied, very satisfied!" Uehara Junpei didn't even look up; his gaze never left his book as he repeatedly said, "Good."
Seeing how happy he was, Ning Zhiheng thought to himself that his efforts had not been in vain, and continued, "This is the best hardcover edition. I brought a hundred copies, which you can give to your friends and colleagues in the military. In addition, I have already sent people to sell the printed books in major bookstores in Shanghai, and then they will be shipped back to China for sale. I will send the proceeds back to your family in China. Is this arrangement acceptable to you?"
"Great, haha, I never thought I'd actually make money selling books! Actually, my biggest dream when I was young was to become a writer, but unfortunately I ended up in the military. Thinking about it now, life is truly unpredictable!" Uehara Junpei said with a sigh.
He put down the book in his hand, but immediately picked up another one and began to look through it carefully, his face full of smiles, making no attempt to hide his joy.
After a long while, Uehara Junpei calmed down and looked at Ning Zhiheng, saying, "Zhiren, thank you for your hard work. This is the best gift for me. Thank you for fulfilling my wish."
Ning Zhiheng smiled and said, "Uncle, why are we, uncle and nephew, talking about thanks? This is all I should do."
Uehara Junpei nodded with satisfaction, then chatted with Ning Zhiheng for a few more minutes, inquiring about the specific situation in Shanghai and what had happened since they last met.
He continued, "Zhi Ren, originally I should have held a grand banquet to welcome you to Wuhan, but now that a major battle is imminent and several high-ranking officers are on the front lines, I have arranged a small welcome banquet for you tonight, attended by my close friends and subordinates. You must be tired from your journey, so please rest first. I will send Araki to pick you up tonight!"
Uehara Junpei's attendant was Major Araki Tetsu, who was also acquainted with Ning Zhiheng when they were in Shanghai.
Uehara Junpei's original plan was to hold a grand banquet for Ning Zhiheng so that everyone would know that he had a nephew who was a direct descendant of the Fujiwara family, thus showing that his relationship with the Fujiwara family was not shallow. In the military system, this was a very strong background. With this background, others would have to think twice before acting, making them more cautious and protecting him from many unnecessary troubles.
However, Ning Zhiheng's timing is indeed not good. The military commanders are all engaged in pre-war preparations. Wuhan is currently the rear base of the Japanese Central China Expeditionary Army. It is only because Uehara Junpei is not in charge of specific military operations that he has time to stay in Wuhan to oversee intelligence work.
Ning Zhiheng nodded and agreed, "Uncle, thank you for your trouble. I will follow your instructions!"
So Uehara Junpei got up and left with the books, leaving Ning Zhiheng to rest in the villa.
In the evening, Major Araki Tetsu arrived at the villa and requested to see Ning Zhiheng. Ning Zhiheng then accompanied Araki Tetsu to Uehara Junpei's official residence for a banquet.
Uehara Junpei's official residence was a high-end villa nearby. When Ning Zhiheng arrived, Uehara Junpei and several officers came out to greet him.
Uehara Junpei introduced Ning Zhiheng to the officers around him. This dinner was a small gathering with few attendees, all of whom were close to Uehara Junpei. Among them were one or two lieutenant generals of similar rank to him, and the others were colonels or lieutenant colonels. Ning Zhiheng carefully memorized their appearances and names.
Everyone knew that Uehara Junpei had a foster nephew who was a direct descendant of the Fujiwara clan. Upon seeing him in person today, they were quite friendly and all stepped forward to befriend him and chat.
The banquet was very enjoyable. Uehara Junpei not only arranged a sumptuous dinner, but also invited geisha performances and other entertainment to add to the festivities.
When the wine was flowing freely, Uehara Junpei ordered his men to bring out his books and gave a copy to each of his friends and subordinates.
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