funbook-pk Chapter 1168 Interlude
Chapter 1168 Interlude
The glow of the gilded chandelier spilled onto the smooth marble floor, the clinking of glasses mingled with the gentle waltz of the band, and the welcoming banquet for Zhou Zhengqing was in full swing.
However, just as the waiters were bustling about and the laughter was growing louder, a sudden commotion shattered the harmony of the banquet hall, and an unexpected little incident unfolded without warning.
The man who was about to become the Finance Minister of the puppet regime had his cheeks flushed red, clearly drunk, and even his eyes were somewhat unfocused.
He had been itching to approach Zhou Zhengqing and offer him a toast, but was stopped calmly by Zhou Zhengqing's adjutant, Shan Guzhengshu.
At this moment, the alcohol had completely clouded his judgment. He suddenly grabbed the whiskey glass on the table, staggered to his feet, and, slurring his words, called out in a high-pitched, hoarse voice towards the person in the head of the table, "Commander Takasaki... Commander Takasaki! I... I'd like to propose a toast to you!"
His back was hunched, and he tried to steady his swaying body as he shouted, spittle flying as he spoke: "I... our Ministry of Finance will definitely cooperate fully with the Empire's various tasks!"
"Keep a firm grip on the financial power of North China, and collect more taxes for the empire... Not a single penny will be lost!"
Before he could finish speaking, he tripped over a fold in the carpet, lost his balance, and staggered forward two steps.
"Clap."
A crisp, piercing cracking sound rang out suddenly as the crystal glass in his hand fell straight to the ground, shattering into pieces. Amber-colored whiskey mixed with ice shards splashed all over the floor, with even a few drops landing on the trouser leg of a Japanese officer not far away.
The noisy banquet hall seemed to have been paused, instantly falling into a deathly silence.
The swaying figures froze, the band's performance stopped abruptly, and all eyes, like spotlights, focused on the distraught Finance Minister.
Some people's eyes were filled with fear, afraid that this sudden change would affect them.
Some couldn't hide the schadenfreude in their eyes, secretly pleased to see the usually sycophantic chief make a fool of himself.
The air was thick with the smell of alcohol and awkwardness, mixed with a barely perceptible tension. Everyone knew that such a loss of composure at a banquet hosted by high-ranking Japanese military officers was no small matter.
The cold silence, like ice water, jolted the Finance Minister from his drunken stupor.
The flush on his face vanished instantly, leaving him deathly pale. His lips trembled, and his legs gave way, causing him to collapse heavily to his knees with a thud. His knees struck the hard marble with a dull thud.
Ignoring the excruciating pain in his knees, he repeatedly banged his head against the ground like a pestle, his forehead quickly turning bright red. His voice trembled uncontrollably: "I...I'm sorry! Commander! I deserve to die! I didn't mean to!"
"I was drunk and lost my composure. Please forgive me this time!"
His fear was almost overwhelming; cold sweat streamed down his forehead and soaked the silk vest on his chest.
He knew all too well the brutality of the Japanese army, especially the military police commander Takasaki in front of him, who was rumored to be ruthless and merciless. He had no doubt that if the other party so much as frowned, he could lose his life on the spot today.
Before anyone around could react to the sudden turn of events, Kita Seiichi had already taken a step forward, his leather shoes making a dull thud as they hit the ground.
His eyes were icy cold as he stared intently at the Minister of Finance kneeling on the ground, and he shouted sternly, "Baka! How dare you be so insolent at His Excellency the Commander's banquet! Are you tired of living?!"
The rebuke was firm and resounding, carrying a chilling killing intent.
After reprimanding them, Kita Seiichi immediately turned to look at Terauchi Hisaichi and Zhou Zhengqing in the main seats, his eyes filled with requests for instructions and determination.
But anyone with eyes could see that Kita Seijin was looking at Zhou Zhengqing. It was as if if Zhou Zhengqing just nodded slightly or gave him a look, Kita Seijin would immediately drag this audacious guy out and execute him on the spot as a warning to others.
The atmosphere in the banquet hall grew increasingly tense. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on Zhou Zhengqing's face, awaiting his verdict.
Zhou Zhengqing merely glanced at Kita Seiichi with a hint of strangeness in his eyes, as if surprised by his eagerness to perform.
Then his gaze fell on the Minister of Finance, who was kneeling on the ground and still kowtowing. His face was expressionless, showing neither anger nor impatience. His tone was as calm as if he were talking about a trivial matter: "Let him get up."
The Finance Minister, who was kneeling on the ground, suddenly stopped, his kowtowing abruptly halting. He raised his head blankly, his eyes filled with disbelief, as if he doubted that he had heard correctly.
A few seconds later, he finally came to his senses. Overjoyed and relieved to have survived the ordeal, he was instantly overwhelmed, and his eyes even reddened slightly.
"It was just an accidental breach of etiquette after drinking, no need to panic." Zhou Zhengqing picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip, and said in a calm tone, "Be more careful next time and don't lose your composure like that again."
"Yes! Yes! Thank you, Commander! Thank you, Commander!" The Minister of Finance felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly kowtowed three more times, his voice filled with gratitude and tears.
He struggled to get up, but his legs were weak. He tried twice before he could barely stand. He then staggered back to his seat and hurriedly took out a handkerchief to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead. His chest heaved violently, and his face was still deathly pale. He had clearly not fully recovered from the fear he had just experienced.
Seeing that Zhou Zhengqing not only did not punish the Minister of Finance, but did not even say a harsh word, the tense nerves of everyone present suddenly relaxed, and many people quietly let out a sigh of relief.
But at the same time, their gazes toward Zhou Zhengqing held a newfound depth of awe.
They all thought that, given the young commander's status, he would be furious about the lapse in discipline and might even resort to torture, but they never expected him to be so "lenient".
Some people secretly rejoiced, thinking that the new commander might be an easy person to get along with, and that there might be fewer obstacles in getting things done in the future.
But many more thoughtful people became increasingly wary. Zhou Zhengqing's ability to remain calm and composed in the face of such offense only demonstrated his deep and unfathomable nature. Such a person was far more difficult to understand and deal with than someone who was capricious.
The banquet resumed, and the band played again, but much softer than before, as if afraid that even a slightly louder volume would disturb Zhou Zhengqing, who was seated at the head of the table.
But the atmosphere inside the hall was far more oppressive and somber than before.
Everyone restrained their previous indulgence, speaking in hushed tones and being extra careful when offering toasts, deliberating over every action and every word, afraid of being even slightly impolite.
Zhou Zhengqing seemed oblivious to the changes around him. He picked up the hot tea on the table, and the warm tea slowly slid down his throat, dispelling the lingering effects of the alcohol and making his thoughts clearer.
His gaze swept across the entire room again without making a sound, taking in everything from the subtle expressions of the Japanese officers from different factions to the obsequiousness and wariness of the puppet regime officials, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.