CHAPTER 773: CHAPTER 632: TRIUMPH IS REVOLUTION, FAILURE IS REBELLION

"Baka yarou! Damn little bastard!"

After hanging up the phone, Hatanaka Zizi furiously rampaged through the office, smashing everything on the desk.

He never imagined that a minor character like Xiu Xin would dare to mock him over the phone. What was even more unacceptable was that Xiu Xin had long known about Takashita Kanji being his mole, and had repeatedly used him to facilitate his objectives.

Losing to Yanchuan Shilang was tolerable, but being toyed with and ridiculed by a junior like Xiu Xin severely wounded his pride, leaving him enraged and humiliated.

Yet no matter how infuriated he was, it couldn’t change the inevitable outcome. Time swiftly progressed, and on April 28th, less than a year after its formation, the Xichuan Cabinet collapsed; Yanchuan Shilang formally assumed the role of Prime Minister and formed a cabinet, with the Liberal Democratic Party once again in power.

During his inaugural speech, Yanchuan Shilang stated that the Liberal Democratic Party had led Japan through decades of rapid economic growth and would lead Japan out of the doldrums again to achieve new splendor, with a focus on economic development and public safety.

The citizens were jubilant and full of expectations.

Last year, when the Liberal Democratic Party stepped down and the Xichuan Cabinet was formed, they celebrated and anticipated similarly.

It seems they always believe that a change in Prime Minister and cabinet will resolve their difficulties.

Yanchuan Shilang rewarded his champions, with Aoyama Sosuke benefitting from the influence of Xiu Xin, joining the cabinet as Minister of the Ministry of Finance, equivalent to the fourth in command, responsible for safeguarding the Minister of Finance’s seal, managing documents, and overseeing financial and accounting affairs of the ministry and supervising local financial bureaus.

Assuming such a significant position at just over thirty was a significant promotion.

However, it wasn’t too outrageous, given that Aoyama Sosuke was already a member of parliament, with the requisite qualifications.

Moreover, Japan’s cabinet carries the notion of "new emperor, new ministers", allowing the current Prime Minister to appoint suitable individuals to cabinet positions. So while Aoyama Sosuke was heavily favored in the Yanchuan Cabinet, he might be sidelined in the next cabinet, which is certainly possible.

Nonetheless, Aoyama Sosuke could be considered to have soared to success, fully aware that his treatment was owed entirely to Xiu Xin’s merits, for which he was only grateful, proving his decision to cling to his brother despite sacrificing his wife was not in vain.

Yanchuan Shilang appointed several of his own confidants within the cabinet, but political heavyweights like Hatanaka Zizi and Ozawa Ichiro, significant figures with inherent support, also occupied positions.

On the evening of April 28th, Yanchuan Shilang hosted a grand banquet at the Prime Minister’s residence next to the official residence, primarily attended by members of the Liberal Democratic Party, celebrating the party’s resurgence.

Despite his old age, Yanchuan Shilang moved spiritedly through the crowd, accepting congratulations, and intentionally kept Xianyou and Xiu Xin by his side.

"Xiu Xin, come inside and sit with me,"

After making the rounds, Yanchuan Shilang, somewhat drunk, said with a flushed face.

"Certainly, Grandpa, I’ll support you," Xiu Xin quickly put down his drink and helped Yanchuan Shilang inside.

Since Yanchuan Shilang became Prime Minister, he was no longer seen as just a honorary grandfather but as a real grandfather in Xiu Xin’s eyes; how long he remained a true grandfather depended on the duration of his premiership.

The Prime Minister’s official residence is the working site, whereas the residential residence is where the Prime Minister lives, also housing several dedicated reception rooms; the two sat in a small reception room.

"After you finish your marriage, return to Hokkaido as Head of Division," Yanchuan Shilang spoke amiably.

Being Prime Minister now allowed him to promote Xiu Xin as he pleased, and Xiu Xin’s abilities were evident, with ingrained public support, rendering the fear of nepotism unwarranted.

"Certainly!" Xiu Xin happily welcomed the promotion, "I am at Grandpa’s disposal for arrangements."

"I am well aware of the immense service you have rendered to the Yanchuan family, and I have planned your future. Serve as Head of Division in Hokkaido for a year, then return to Police Headquarters as Director, after two years, become Police Department Director. Serve for a year, retire at thirty-one, run for senator, then start from municipal leader in grassroots and accumulate experience, build credentials..." Yanchuan Shilang babbled on about Xiu Xin’s phase-by-phase arrangements, both piecing together promises and signifying his attention.

Xiu Xin was deeply moved, yet internally unfazed. He already had his own plans, climbing step-by-step in the Police Department but, post-transition to politics, aiming to contest Prime Minister directly after a single term as senator.

Success meant revolutionary triumph and exclusive control.

Failure meant invoking rebellion and facing judgment.

By then, he’d be in his thirties; if not toppled or assassinated, he could govern this nation comfortably for forty years.

Some things feel different if obtained late in life compared to obtaining them young.

Therefore, he wouldn’t waste time, understanding that mere patience couldn’t achieve the premiership anyway, so he might as well overturn the table.

"Certainly, it is burdensome for Grandpa,"

Outwardly expressing immense gratitude and respect.

Yanchuan Shilang smiled gently, tenderly patting his shoulder, "You, though not of the Yanchuan family, have long been regarded as a true grandson by me. Grandpa’s worry for his grandchild is only natural."

"My Grandfather died early, never having felt the care of a grandfather; I have long treated you as a true grandfather, willing to assist you in your elder years and send you off alongside Brother Xianyou," Xiu Xin choked out tearfully, holding Yanchuan Shilang’s hand tightly.

He’s almost disgusted with himself.

But now he’s willing to acknowledge someone as his grandpa so that in the future all Japanese will become his grandsons. Worth it!

The banquet continued until the early morning before Aoyama Xiu Xin, accompanied by the elegantly dressed Asai Ayumi, bid farewell and left.

"Please convey to Uncle Asakai that we should start preparing for our wedding. My eldest brother will take care of things on my side, and I’ll have him visit Uncle."

In the car, Aoyama Xiu Xin told Asai Ayumi.

"Okay." Asai Ayumi smiled and snuggled up to him, "Grandpa Yanchuan just spoke with you for so long privately. What did he say?"

"Nothing much, just painted a picture of a beautiful future for me." Aoyama Xiu Xin replied with a smile.

Asai Ayumi jokingly said, "Mr. Aoyama has a bright future. Take care of a girl like me, won’t you?"

"That depends on your performance. Otherwise, there are a lot of women who want my care." Aoyama Xiu Xin hooked her smooth chin with his finger, looking arrogant.

Asai Ayumi bit her red lips, suddenly appearing pitiful, with emotions like hesitation and struggle in her eyes, "How should I perform then?"

Tonight, she was wearing a champagne-colored strapless gown, exuding nobility and elegance, creating a stark contrast with her delicate demeanor that could easily stir a man’s desire to ravage her.

"In politics, having a sharp tongue is most important." Aoyama Xiu Xin pointed at her cherry lips.

"Yes!" Asai Ayumi immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Please inspect me, Minister Aoyama!"

Jin Yucheng, who was driving, rolled his eyes. They were playing out a scene again; truly a match made in heaven.

After the thorough examination by Aoyama Xiu Xin, Asai Ayumi proved to be articulate and persuasive, suitable for politics.

..................

May 1st, Labor Day.

It’s Sunday, no work today.

In the morning, while Aoyama Xiu Xin was having breakfast, the doorbell suddenly rang, and Aoyama Haruko went to open the door. It was Nakamura Shinichi, "Good morning Madam, I’m looking for the Minister."

"Come in, he’s having breakfast." Aoyama Haruko smiled slightly, stepped aside to make way, and called out to Aoyama Xiu Xin, "Xiu Xin, Shinichi is here."

"Let him sit in the living room for a while." Aoyama Xiu Xin responded while enjoying his meal.

About 10 minutes later, having finished his breakfast, he walked into the living room, and with a glance, stopped Nakamura Shinichi from standing and bowing, then picked up Aoyama Tianze from the crib to tease him. Casually, he asked, "What’s up?"

"Minister, I found what you asked for a couple of days ago, a painting by Xu Wei from the Ming Dynasty, purchased from a Chinese person." Nakamura Shinichi added hesitantly, "However, the seller said multiple experts have assessed it and none could definitively say if it’s genuine, so there’s doubt."

"That’s fine. If so many people can’t tell, it’s probably real. Even if it’s fake, it’s a convincing forgery." Aoyama Xiu Xin chuckled indifferently, "Besides, an American isn’t specifically knowledgeable in this field, just a collector. How can they tell if a Chinese painting is authentic or not?"

The painting was intended as a gift for the current head of the CIA Japan unit, Annie. Richard had long since been promoted back to the United States, and Annie had yet to contact him proactively. Now that the prime ministerial contest was settled, Aoyama Xiu Xin planned to win her favor.

After all, the CIA was his only bridge for communication with the Americans now, and Richard had hinted that Annie had influential connections, making it even more important to please her.

Annie liked Chinese antiquities, so Aoyama Xiu Xin sought to cater to her preferences by finding and purchasing them at a high price.

"Yes!" Nakamura Shinichi acknowledged.

Aoyama Xiu Xin asked, "Did you bring the painting?"

"Yes, it’s in the car. Shall I bring it in for you to look at?" Nakamura Shinichi spoke as he was about to get up.

"No need. I don’t understand it, so it makes no difference whether I see it or not." Aoyama Xiu Xin shook his head. To him, such artworks were merely tools for currying favor, "Just give the painting to Yu Cheng."

"Yes!" Nakamura Shinichi responded, and after seeing Aoyama Xiu Xin’s wave, he got up, bowed, and left.

Aoyama Xiu Xin dialed Annie’s number, "Hey Miss Annie, this is Aoyama Xiu Xin. Do you have time to meet? Well, can’t I see you without a reason... Okay, yes, yes, it’s very important, see you later."

"Baka! Acting like a fool," Aoyama Xiu Xin cursed after hanging up, in a mix of Chinese and Japanese swearing.