It's hard to know what people are thinking

  Gu Weijun stepped forward quickly and came to the side of the plane, gazing at the plane in front of him with extremely eager eyes.

  "Is this an airplane made in our China?" Gu Weijun stretched out his hand and stroked the wing, asking.

  "Nonsense!" The pilot looked at him with disdain and proudly pointed to the words on the plane's body.

  At this time, the people around gathered over, and the American Envoy Rheinisch also came out from the restaurant to the street. His eyes fell on the dragon head painted on the plane's nose, and he was stunned for a moment.

  There seem to be two machine guns installed there.

  At this time, Gu Weijun also noticed the machine gun at the front of the plane, and his expression became firmer.

  May 10, 1915, Japan, Tokyo.

  "...Yesterday evening at 6 o'clock, the Chinese government brutally rejected the Imperial Government's final ultimatum. The Imperial Government regrets to announce that the negotiations between our country and the Chinese government over the past few months have completely failed...The Chinese government's rejection of Japan's final ultimatum means that from now on, Japan and China are in a state of war..."

  In a traditional Japanese-style room, a middle-aged man with two wisps of whiskers, looking dignified but slightly worn out, quietly closed the newspaper in his hand. All eyes around him were focused on him.

  "Japan is going to wage war on our country, what does sir think?" someone asked.

  The middle-aged man let out a sigh and didn't say anything.

  "The Master once said, 'Our party's position is purely that of a secret organization, and as for international relations, it is not yet possible to speak of them.' But now that negotiations have broken down and Japan wants to use military force to conquer our country, how should we revolutionary comrades respond? As the Master is the leader of our party, please instruct us." Someone continued.

  "Driving out Yuan Shikai is the most important thing to do at present," the middle-aged man replied vaguely, "This is a rare opportunity for our party, and we should make good use of it to fulfill our long-cherished wish."

  "Does the gentleman mean to say that we should rely on Japan's power to drive out Yuan Shikai?" someone else asked.

  "According to a Japanese saying, even the most foolish person should know that Japan is not reliable at all. Those with some knowledge should also recognize the absurdity of this saying." The middle-aged man replied somewhat reluctantly.

  Many people seemed to breathe a sigh of relief when they heard him say that.

  After everyone left one after another, the middle-aged man was the only one left in the house.

  The middle-aged man picked up the letter on the table and glanced at it, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes.

  "...to rely on external forces is especially absurd... matters within a clan, no matter how evil, are to be managed by the clan itself. To rely on another clan, the country will surely not be secure..."

  "...our countrymen have been warned by the lessons of the past, and since then there has not been any genuine demand from society. From now on, I will not lightly speak about state affairs. Although I cannot make any promises to people at this moment, whether or not the national government must be renewed through revolution is something that I am willing to wait and see along with our countrymen. As for war being a calamity and revolution being a danger, there are clear teachings from ancient times. If it can be avoided, then it should be... Therefore, your fear of avoiding revolution is something that people commonly understand..."

  "...The existence or non-existence of a revolution cannot be sought in the revolution itself, but should be divined from the good or evil of its political image... Until now, we have only an empty shell of republicanism, with the reality of feudalism still existing. Not only has this led to extreme internal politics, it is also the main reason for foreign humiliation... In my humble opinion, although external pressure may sometimes be due to circumstances, a poorly organized political system is the easiest way to invite humiliation. For one-man rule, which has already disappeared in modern times, is not impossible, but rather unfeasible... Now our country does not see the state or its citizens, only one person. Alas, this is also true within our own party..."

  "...At this critical juncture when the fate of our nation hangs in the balance, we should cease revolution and unite against foreign aggression...However, to use the enemy's force to attack one another is a move that Heaven will not tolerate and wisdom will not permit..."

  The middle-aged man slammed the letters heavily on the table, startling the people in the next room. A bright and beautiful young girl in a kimono poked her head out of the room, looking around nervously at the middle-aged man's house.

  The middle-aged man looked at the newspaper again, which reported Japan's declaration of war on China. A hint of indescribable joy flashed in his eyes, a stark contrast to the worry and concern he had shown just moments before in front of everyone.

  At this time, he thought for a while and then took up his pen and paper and began writing rapidly.

  "...I, the unworthy one, have always been convinced that the safety and welfare of East Asia depend on Japan's leadership. Therefore, Japan and China should have a solid alliance. In the past, your government has proposed to my government matters related to Sino-Japanese negotiations. Although I am not aware of the detailed content, its main content must be aimed at Sino-Japanese friendship and peace in East Asia. It is consistent with the principles that I have always advocated, and I am overjoyed to hear it..."

  "The so-called Sino-Japanese negotiations proposed by your government to our government are aimed at discussing the purpose of Sino-Japanese friendship and East Asian peace. Although I was delighted to hear this, the methods and means of achieving this goal cannot help but disappoint and dishearten people, which is truly worrying. Moreover, if we want to seek peace in East Asia, there is no other way but for Japan and China to genuinely cooperate with each other."

  "...However, regarding the negotiation event, for the government authorities of a certain country that put aside the real issue and lack sincerity, taking a consistently tough negotiating stance will lead to a tragic reality, which is obvious. This approach deviates from our ultimate goal of promoting Sino-Japanese relations, and I am deeply regretful..."

  "To obtain a solid alliance, I have drafted the following treaty draft and secretly consulted with your country's authorities. In today's situation, it is not easy to realize such an ideal, but in this autumn of great turmoil in the world and drastic changes in the European war situation, it is even more necessary for Japan and China to work together and cannot be delayed for a single day. Therefore, we should use every possible method to turn the tide, and I hereby pour out my sincere intentions to ask for your instruction..."

  "...while consistently carrying out tough negotiations with the dishonest government of China...it has been a long time, and even today, it cannot be decided, which is truly regrettable...the final goal of Japan-China cooperation is gradually moving away, and we are extremely disappointed."

  The kimono-clad girl didn't go to see what the middle-aged man was writing, at this moment, she looked at his back, and her eyes were shining with admiration and adoration.

  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government Office.

  "It's a pity he isn't Yuan Shikai; otherwise we wouldn't have had so much trouble."

  Katō Takayoshi looked at the letter from Zhang Zuoxiang, leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party in exile in Japan, sent by Koike Chōsuke, Director of Political Affairs, with a scornful smile.

  "But from this perspective, it's unlikely that he was the one who leaked the information." said Koike Takashi.

  Koike Chozo said this, not without basis, because the draft "Sino-Japanese Alliance" proposed in this letter is surprisingly similar to the "Twenty-One Demands", and even goes further.

  "Japan and China, in order to maintain the perpetual welfare of East Asia, mutually recognize the necessity of cooperation between the two countries, and have agreed as follows:"

  "Article 1: Japan and China shall cooperate with each other in regard to matters concerning the foreign affairs of East Asia, and shall first mutually notify and consult each other."

  "Article 2: In order to facilitate joint operations between Japan and China, the weapons, ammunition, equipment, etc. used by the Chinese Army and Navy shall be of the same type as those used by Japan."

  "Article 3: For the same purpose as in the preceding article, the Chinese Army and Navy shall mainly employ Japanese military personnel when hiring foreigners."

  Article 4: In order to promote sincere political cooperation during the period of the agreement, the Central Government and local authorities of China shall give preference to employing Japanese subjects when hiring foreigners.

  Article 5: In order to promote economic cooperation and development between China and Japan during the period of the agreement, a "Sino-Japanese Bank" and its branches shall be established in major cities in China.

  "Article 6. With the same purpose as in the preceding article, when China needs foreign capital or cooperation for operating mines, railways and coastal shipping lines, it shall first consult with Japan; if Japan is unable to undertake it, then China may consult with other countries."

  "Article 7: Japan shall give necessary assistance to China for the improvement of her currency system and the adjustment of her finance, so that she may be able to complete it as soon as possible."

  "Article 8: Japan assists China in improving its internal administration and reorganizing its military, so as to build it into a strong country."

  "Article 9: Japan supports China in revising treaties, autonomous tariffs and abolishing consular jurisdiction."

  "Article X. No agreement which may be concluded within the scope of the foregoing articles shall be binding upon either of the two Governments unless it is approved by the Foreign Offices of both, or in case of treaties, unless signed by representatives of both Governments."

  "Article 11: This treaty shall come into effect on the day of its signature and shall remain in force for a period of ten years, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement between the two countries."

  Kato Takamasa carelessly threw the letter on the desk after reading it, showing that he was not interested in the suggestion at all.

  "Did you think that after overthrowing the Yuan Shikai government, we should support him in establishing a new Chinese government?" Katō Takaaki asked.

  "I think the government should consider it," said Koike Takao.

  "I would rather look for an agent within the current Chinese government than consider him." Katō's voice was cold and mocking. "As far as I know, the Imperial Government and civilian organizations have provided them with a large amount of money, but so far, all they've achieved is failure after failure. Such a ragtag group, it's okay to use them occasionally, but expecting them to accomplish something big is simply impossible."

  Koike Zhangzu was speechless after hearing his superior's words.

  "But since he's willing to agree to sign such an alliance treaty, it may have some use for us in the future." Katō Kōmei looked at the letter on the table, "You take care of this matter, I need a formal written document with his signature and seal."

  "Alright, I'll go and take care of it right away." Little Piao Zhang Zu nodded in response.

  "The military guys didn't even come up with any military action plans against China! It's ridiculous!" Katō Takashi said, somewhat irritated. "They naively think that by sending a few thousand people and several warships to China, the Chinese will surrender! I simply can't believe it."

  "The Chinese army itself is a big joke," said Koizumi Takashi. "The military's contempt for the Chinese people is not without reason."