Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister

The prime minister's residence study is vast. Yanchuan Shilang sat in the chair behind the desk that several generations of prime ministers had occupied. Despite his weary expression and thin, aged visage, his aura remained overwhelmingly intimidating.

His eyes were fixed intently on Xiu Xin.

A sense of pressure surged forth.

Under those eyes, Xiu Xin couldn't help but feel nervous. His scalp tingled as he tentatively bent down slightly and softly called out, "Grandfather?"

"Bang!" Yanchuan Shilang grabbed a document from the table and threw it at Xiu Xin, his face grave and angrily reprimanding him, "You are quite bold! Daring to make any kind of money, even colluding with the military for business!"

Boom!

Xiu Xin's mind suddenly exploded.

Is this really the scandal that blew up?

Indeed, there are no walls that don't have ears in this world.

He quickly calmed down and, with a face full of astonishment and grievance, asked, "Grandfather, where did you hear this?"

As a policeman, he deeply understands the principle that a full confession can lead to rigorous imprisonment. As long as there's no evidence thrown in his face, he absolutely won't admit to this matter.

Moreover, Ozawa Hideomi has only been the Defense Minister for a bit over three months. Even if he perceived the dealings of Land Guard's senior officials with him, he wouldn't have much concrete evidence.

"You still want to quibble?" Yanchuan Shilang stood up, face blue with anger, and said coldly, "Do you dare say you have no part in the smuggling activities between Sea Guard and the Maritime Security Bureau? Warships escorting smuggling ships, outrageous! Why don't you just smuggle the warships themselves to sell for money?"

So, it was this matter, then. Xiu Xin finally breathed a sigh of relief, glad he didn't hastily admit it.

Although the smuggling issue is serious, compared with using military funds for investment while colluding with Land Guard, it's relatively minor. And, in fact, the smuggling activities are mainly handled by the Maritime Security Bureau, with few Sea Guard personnel involved. It's primarily Yagyu family members occasionally dispatching warships to facilitate smuggling and taking a portion of the profits.

Nevertheless, Xiu Xin was not about to admit any involvement, because he bet Ozawa Hideomi had no direct evidence proving his participation.

Otherwise, Yanchuan Shilang would not have just this attitude.

"Who spun this tale to you, Grandfather?" Xiu Xin asked, with a look of astonishment, anger, and grievance, breathing heavily, "Don't you know me well? While it's true that I'm lecherous, I am certainly not greedy for money! Who is spouting such nonsense in front of you, and what evidence do they have? Call them over; I want to confront them face to face!"

"You really weren't involved?" Looking at Xiu Xin's display, Yanchuan Shilang hesitated, softening his tone slightly, "Xiu Xin, here we are, just the two of us. Be honest; can't your grandfather help you? If you really were involved, let's withdraw sooner rather than later. This matter is quite severe, and if thoroughly investigated, there will surely be severe consequences! If you lie, and it comes back to you upon investigation, it might be too late for me to help you out."

His words came from sincerity. If Xiu Xin really was involved in smuggling, he certainly wanted to help cover it up to absolve him from it. After all, aside from Xiu Xin's great contributions to the Yanchuan Family, his identity as a godson shouldn't let him be tainted by crime.

"Absolutely not!" Xiu Xin answered firmly, exasperated, "Although I have good relations with some people in the Maritime Security Bureau and Sea Guard, I would not go so far as to smuggle with them! They might lack money, but Grandfather, do you think I am short of money?"

He believed even if he admitted to the matter, Yanchuan Shilang would protect him but would likely be wary of him in the future. If he admitted it, it would mean betraying the Yagyu family and the Maritime Security Bureau.

How could the Yagyu family and the Maritime Security Bureau not hold a grudge against him and wouldn't they bite back, exposing him?

Having painstakingly built these connections, he hopes to utilize this force during future upheavals. How could they be easily damaged? Conversely, if they can endure this hardship together, their relationship can only become stronger.

Yanchuan Shilang was silent in thought. His anger upon just learning about this matter stemmed from disbelief that Xiu Xin would do something like this.

Yes, Xiu Xin doesn't lack money and is rational, knowing what he wants. It's improbable and unnecessary for him to smuggle with the Maritime Security Bureau.

"Grandfather, who's been gossiping in front of you? You need to guard against ulterior motives!" Xiu Xin inverted the suspicion and, frowning, continued, "Also, it's utterly improbable for Sea Guard to use warships as escorts for smuggling vessels run by Maritime Security Bureau! I have close ties with some people in the Maritime Security Bureau and Sea Guard. If smuggling were occurring at all, there's no way I wouldn't have heard even a whisper about it!"

"So, I find the matter dubious. Even if there is such a thing, it probably involves only a few people, and the scale isn't large. Otherwise, it wouldn't have evaded detection until now."

If something is well hidden, there are two possibilities: there are few participants, or there are too many participants. Xiu Xin slyly nudged this matter towards the former scenario.

Yanchuan Shilang furrowed his brows, pondering silently.

"Grandfather, does the person who informed you about this matter have any concrete evidence?" Xiu Xin asked.

Having ruled out Xiu Xin's involvement, Yanchuan Shilang lowered his guard against him and, truthfully nodded, "Ozawa Hideomi considered this a grave matter upon discovery and reported it to me promptly. However, there is no concrete evidence yet. I've instructed him to continue the investigation. He's not the type to speak irresponsibly, so there should be feedback soon."

Indeed, it's Ozawa Hideomi, the bastard. Barely having assumed the role of Defense Minister, he's already stirring up trouble, isn't he?

Furthermore, Xiu Xin believed he must've reported this to Xiao Quanyi first. Yet, knowing he might be implicated, Xiao Quanyi didn't connect with him to give him a heads-up. Instead, he allowed Ozawa Hideomi to report directly to Yanchuan Shilang. What does this imply?

Does he think that securing his place as Yanchuan Shilang's successor is guaranteed and he only needs to curry favor with the old man, not maintaining amiable relations with him, despite being the Yanchuan Family's godson?

No matter what Xiao Quanyi's intention might be, Xiu Xin was already embittered against both him and Ozawa Hideomi.

"No wonder Chief Ozawa gave me that strange look earlier," Xiu Xin chuckled.

Yanchuan Shilang hastily comforted him, "He's just doing his duty, reporting truthfully what he knows to me. You mustn't hold a grudge against the man."

He thought Ozawa Hideomi acted quite correctly.

"Don't worry, Grandfather. Am I someone who can't distinguish between what's important and what's not?" Xiu Xin displayed an innocent smile, empathetically saying, "As your grandson, I'm delighted that Chief Ozawa holds genuine loyalty toward you. Why would I resent him? After all, my actions won't be affected."

"Mm, you have always been sensible." Yanchuan Shilang nodded reassuringly, "Have you had dinner?"

"I have." Xiu Xin responded.

Yanchuan Shilang glanced at his watch, "Then I won't keep you. Otherwise, I'd have someone cook you a bowl of noodles."

"Then, Grandfather, get some rest early. Don't stay up late with your health." Xiu Xin sensibly took his leave.

Yanchuan Shilang smiled and nodded.

After Xiu Xin bowed and left, his expression darkened as soon as he exited. Although the old man seemed convinced that he wasn't involved in the smuggling, he still harbored some suspicion. Otherwise, according to usual practice, he would have asked him to assist Ozawa Hideomi with the investigation.

Yet, he hadn't mentioned it at all just now.

"Leaving already?" Asakawa Xia, sitting on the sofa, watched Xiu Xin descend and got up to talk to him.

"Mm," Xiu Xin absentmindedly replied.

"You have my house key, wait for me." Asakawa Xia sidled up to him, her eyes seductive, touching his face.

Xiu Xin held her hand, speaking softly, "Grandfather wants me to handle some affairs; tonight isn't possible. Tomorrow, I will take good care of sister-in-law and ensure your satisfaction, alright?"

Tonight, he couldn't focus on fooling around.

Perhaps tomorrow, he'll find the time to enjoy her. Asakawa Xia's skills are quite good; she tastes delicious, with plentiful juices.

Hearing this, Asakawa Xia, whose anticipation was running high, withdrew her hand disappointedly, "Okay, go then."

"I knew sister-in-law was always so understanding." Xiu Xin smiled slightly, leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek, and then left.

Upon leaving the prime minister's residence and getting into the car, Xiu Xin's face darkened immediately. Considering the old man's typical style, he would want him to help Ozawa Hideomi investigate this matter.

But just now, he didn't even mention it at all.