Chapter 546: Chapter 361: Standpoint

Inside the business vehicle, Qi Yun raised his wristwatch to check the time, took out his phone, edited a text message, and sent it out. The message simply read, “I’ve arrived.”

Not long after, the phone vibrated, displaying a reply on the screen from a hotel located in Tokyo.

Qi Yun glanced at it briefly, then put the phone away.

The two business vehicles sped down the expressway, entering the Tokyo city area after more than forty minutes and finally stopping on a street near Asakusa Temple.

Opposite the street was a courtyard that occupied several acres, surrounded by white walls. Inside the walls were several buildings, all featuring a strong Edo-period architectural style.

The main gate of the courtyard comprised two heavy black ebony doors, with a wooden plaque next to it displaying the word “Hatoyama.”

On each side of the gate stood a half-human-height stone statue, with weathered cracks adding to the aura of the place.

This is the longtime residence of the Hatoyama Clan, a political family with a hundred-year legacy.

Qi Yun led Da Pao and Brother Quan out of the car, and the three crossed the street to the gate.

Da Pao took two steps forward and knocked on the door, soon hearing the soft sound of footsteps approaching from inside. The ebony door opened slightly, revealing the head of an old butler in a blue kimono, his figure thin and lean.

“Hello, I’m Qi Yun, and I’ve come to meet Mr. Hatoyama Norio.”

Qi Yun spoke in Mandarin, but the old butler clearly understood and silently opened the two doors, gesturing for them to enter.

Qi Yun nodded slightly to the butler and stepped over the threshold.

Upon entering, the smell of sandalwood swept over him, standing in stark contrast to the bustling street outside. Inside, the courtyard was laid with smooth bluestone paths, flanked by tall cherry trees, which lent a peaceful feeling just by looking at them.

“This is truly a place for cultivating oneself in tranquility.”

Qi Yun mused inwardly, following the butler across the bluestone and stopping in front of a wooden house.

The butler opened the door again, gesturing for him to enter.

Qi Yun glanced at Da Pao and Brother Quan, instructing, “Wait for me outside.” With that, he stepped inside.

Inside the room, an elderly man with graying hair was reading, with numerous Buddhist scriptures on the table before him.

Hearing the disturbance, he raised his head to assess Qi Yun as he entered.

Prior to arriving, Qi Yun had already seen photos of Hatoyama Norio and thus recognized the elderly man as the former Prime Minister of Japan.

“Mr. Hatoyama, hello.”

Hatoyama Norio closed the book, gesturing to a cushion on the opposite side of the table, “Please sit.”

His spoken Mandarin was clear and very standard.

Qi Yun nodded and sat down on the cushion.

“Mr. Hatoyama, I apologize for the unexpected visit and hope you aren’t offended.”

Hatoyama Norio waved his hand, speaking peacefully, “No problem, just tell me directly why you’re here.”

Seeing his straightforwardness, Qi Yun refrained from pleasantries, “Alright, I’ll be direct.”

“I have had two treasures stolen from me…” Qi Yun began by briefly explaining the situation, then continued, “The Nine Dragon Treasure Sword and Tai’e Sword are among Huaxia’s most precious artifacts, and I’m sure Mr. Hatoyama is aware of their cultural significance to our nation.”

“I was planning to donate them to a museum soon, but the theft occurred unexpectedly.”

“Therefore, my intention in coming to Japan is to request Hatoyama Yuchi to return these two treasures.”

Qi Yun did not choose to hide anything from the elderly man, as failing to explain the seriousness might result in the matter not being addressed.

“I know you are a senior figure in the Hatoyama Clan and have always valued cultural exchanges between the two countries, so I hope to gain your assistance.”

“Tai’e Sword…” Hatoyama Norio softly repeated these three words, lifting his head after a while to speak to Qi Yun, “This matter is indeed Hatoyama Yuchi’s wrongdoing, but I am now merely a retired old man. Even if I asked him to return the swords, he wouldn’t listen.”

“So, I’m sorry, I can’t help you.”

“Mr. Hatoyama misunderstands.” Qi Yun shook his head with a sincere smile, “I seek your presence not to have Hatoyama Yuchi return the items via you.”

“But to inform you that these two treasures are very important to Huaxia, being part of our culture.”

“We are steadfast in bringing them back to our country, which may very likely lead to a conflict with Hatoyama Yuchi.”

“Before that happens, I hope Mr. Hatoyama can alert your family’s political connections not to intervene in this conflict, or else… it could escalate to national confrontations.”

“I believe this is something you’d prefer not to see…”

Qi Yun’s words were concise and clear, and he positioned his stance as representative of Huaxia’s stance.

Hatoyama Norio has always been positioned to minimize conflicts and promote friendly relations between the two countries, so Qi Yun’s words had to be considered seriously.

After half a minute of silence, he slowly spoke, “I understand your meaning, I will do what I can to restrain the Hatoyama Clan’s influence in the political arena, preventing participation in your conflict with him.”

Qi Yun felt inwardly relieved, initially expecting more effort to persuade, but didn’t anticipate such understanding from the elderly man, not choosing favoritism due to Hatoyama Yuchi being part of the Hatoyama family.

With such vision, it’s no wonder he became prime minister.

“Thank you, Mr. Hatoyama.” Qi Yun expressed sincere gratitude.

Hatoyama Norio nodded lightly, “You don’t need to thank me; I’m merely making the choice that should be made.”

“But I can only do my best; as for the result, I can’t promise you.”

Qi Yun chuckled, “Having achieved this, old sir, we are already exceedingly grateful.”

The Hatoyama Clan has stood strong in Japan for a century, with each generation’s head having vast networks of students and followers. Although Hatoyama Norio left office long ago, his political influence wouldn’t be less than his son Hatoyama Kiichi’s.

Therefore, any aid from him would surely alleviate Qi Yun’s burdens significantly.

After leaving the Hatoyama family’s old residence, Qi Yun proceeded to the intelligence base Guo An has in Tokyo.

The person in charge was a middle-aged man with glasses, who saluted Qi Yun and then led him alone to an office.

“Advisor Qi, here is detailed information we’ve gathered on Hatoyama Yuchi, including some of his illegal businesses.” The person in charge handed over a report.

Qi Yun took it and began analyzing it thoroughly.

This Hatoyama Yuchi truly seemed different, his way of doing things utterly contrary to the Hatoyama Clan.

This fellow not only engaged in illegal high-interest loans and flour sales but even involves himself in human trafficking business, essentially committing all kinds of crimes.

And most of his earnings end up in his dear brother Hatoyama Kiichi’s pocket, serving as capital for gaining favor.

All this is to prepare for his future pursuit of higher positions.

Having reviewed all the material, a plan gradually formed in Qi Yun’s mind. Leaving Guo An behind, he immediately sought Brother Quan and the others to begin arranging his strategy.

“Here’s what you’ll do…”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep