On the morning of February 13th, the president of the Patriotic Youth Association, Xiu Xin, had a deep discussion with the vice president Ogimura Yoko about the organization's development. While providing her in-depth guidance, he also shared a wealth of experiences.

Ogimura Yoko eagerly absorbed various knowledge from Xiu Xin, enjoying the thrill and satisfaction of having her soul deeply impacted by knowledge. She was so delighted that she gracefully thanked him, ultimately benefiting greatly and returning home fulfilled.

Xiu Xin, who was fond of teaching and mentoring like a father, thoroughly enjoyed his role as both a teacher and father. In the evening, he traveled by car to visit Governor Hidekatsu Miyashita's house in Hokkaido.

Miyashita Hidekatsu personally opened the door for him, and his first words were, "Come to take my position, have you?"

"Senior Miyashita, you're mistaken. I'm here to take over the heavy responsibilities from you and to continue serving the citizens with your ideals," Xiu Xin said, with a faint smile on his lips, speaking earnestly.

"Yoshi, Mr. Aoyama is already in the political mode," Miyashita Hidekatsu laughed heartily, pointed at him, and stepped aside to make way: "Come on in."

After changing his shoes, Xiu Xin entered and glanced around the living room, "Just you? Where's Liangzi?"

The person he knew best in the Miyashita family was undoubtedly Miyashita Ryouko, even having researched her internal structure thoroughly.

Because he liked to meddle from within.

"She didn't want to accept the arranged marriage, so she went traveling abroad," Miyashita Hidekatsu casually replied, signaling Xiu Xin to sit down, and poured him a cup of tea, sighing as he said, "Daughters grow up, and are beyond a father's control."

"Liangzi is still fine, there's no need to rush into marriage. After a few years of fun, you won't need to urge her; she'll be anxious herself," Xiu Xin said with a smile.

Although he shared a deep bond with Miyashita Ryouko, he held no resistance or jealousy about her marrying someone else. It was just for novelty, not for a long-term commitment. Besides, after she marries, occasionally inviting her out to relive old times would be even more thrilling.

He was straightforward; he liked married women.

"Fun enough? No worries about food and drink, she fears she'll never have enough fun in this life," Miyashita Hidekatsu shook his head, sat beside Xiu Xin, and started discussing serious matters, "When are you planning to take office? I'll resign a few days in advance."

Local officials in Japan are elected by the people.

When the main officeholder cannot handle work, the deputy will temporarily assume the responsibilities, but the deputy won't be directly promoted; a re-election will occur, and of course, the deputy is eligible to run.

So after Miyashita Hidekatsu resigns, Hokkaido must hold a by-election for governor. Xiu Xin could announce his candidacy and assume his position naturally upon winning.

Furthermore, plans were made by Yanchuan Shilang for Miyashita Hidekatsu to prepare for next year's Senate election post-resignation and to run for Senate next year.

Although a parliament member's power is not comparable to that of a governor of Hokkaido, seeking greater achievement requires going through Congress first, which isn't too bad for him.

"By the end of the month." Xiu Xin provided a timeline and further supplemented, "It's just right for me to take a vacation, and you can arrange some people and matters."

"Alright." Miyashita Hidekatsu nodded, smiling, and said, "I'll definitely not leave you with any headaches."

During his remaining time in office, he not only needed to take care of his followers but also remove potential troublemakers that might interfere with Xiu Xin's work.

This way, when Xiu Xin assumes the position, he can swiftly take control without expending energy to establish himself.

In the political arena, having someone to pave the way is truly gratifying.

"Then, thank you, Senior Miyashita, I will toast you with tea instead of wine," Xiu Xin said, raising his teacup.

Miyashita Hidekatsu also raised his teacup: "May the friendship between the Aoyama family and our Miyashita family last forever."

Currently, the Aoyama family is quite a force in Japan's political arena. Aoyama Sosuke was promoted to Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Finance in January, moving from the fourth-ranking position to third. The group of parliament members surrounding him is not to be underestimated.

Once Xiu Xin assumes the role of Governor of Hokkaido, the brothers will hold high-ranking positions both centrally and locally, further elevating the family's power.

Even without Yanchuan Shilang as his adoptive grandfather.

Xiu Xin himself is a towering presence.

The Aoyama family unknowingly has already experienced a resurgence.

"Certainly," Xiu Xin replied firmly.

Dinner was held at the Miyashita house, but after bidding farewell to Miyashita Hidekatsu, he hurried to the next drinking session.

Since he arrived in Hokkaido, he had to gather with the high-ranking members of the Northern Area's Staff Director to foster connections.

When he arrived at the designated private room, the director of the Northern Area's Staff Director Ueda Hikoshu, his old lover Ueda Hanon, the commander of the Sapporo garrison Fushan Yingzhao, and the leader of the Second Special Corps Kudaka Tarou were all present, leaving only him still to arrive.

"Sorry everyone, there was a traffic jam on the way, and I'm a bit late. Please forgive me," Xiu Xin apologized.

"Mr. Aoyama, you're late!"

"Penalty drink, penalty drink, a must for a penalty drink!"

Everyone laughed and joked.

"Alright, alright, I'll penalize myself with three glasses." Xiu Xin raised his hands in surrender, walked over to Ueda Hanon, picked up her glass, and drank it down, "Fill it up again."

Everyone was already aware of his affair with Ueda Hanon and didn't mind, continuing to joke.

Ueda Hanon obediently poured him another drink.

Xiu Xin downed three glasses in succession, turned the cup upside down, "Now, gentlemen, are you satisfied?"

"Good! Mr. Aoyama is quite the drinker!"

"Quick, please have a seat."

Xiu Xin sat down beside Ueda Hanon.

They were all familiar with each other, so there were no formalities. As the alcohol got into their systems, everyone discussed everything. Someone began to complain about the military budget for the Land Guard being reduced again this year and wondered how much the Northeastern Area would receive, which resonated with everyone.

"Baka! Those parasites are probably using our military budget to live it up!"

"Why keep cutting only the Land Guard's budget? All are national troops; we seem like the disfavored sons."

Everyone vented with one word after another.

Xiu Xin captured everyone's reactions, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth; this was precisely what he had his brother secretly promote, which had already begun to show results.

This year was just a test; if the Land Guard didn't react excessively, the cuts would continue in future years.

After all, the finances are tight, and there's no risk of war. Cutting the military budget and investing elsewhere could significantly alleviate the government's financial pressure.

Both the Sea Guard and Air Guard are crucial, so only the seemingly useless Land Guard budget could be cut.

Would the Land Guard's leadership go and cause a scene at the central government?

They would, but certainly not make a big fuss.

Because Xiu Xin would persuade them not to make a fuss.

Simultaneously, he would open new financial paths for them, so long as the officers received money in their pockets, the soldiers' grievances were unimportant, as they were directed at the government anyway.

Xiu Xin desired this exact outcome.

Once the timing was right, these grievances would break the shackles and sweep across the nation, trampling on all the elites.

"Alright, alright, gentlemen, it's rare to meet, don't talk about these depressing matters. The Northern Area can't be too badly affected since you still have me," Xiu Xin clapped his hands, interrupting everyone's venting.

"True, luckily we have Mr. Aoyama."

"Baka! Those fellows in Congress really should thank Mr. Aoyama, or else if the budget keeps being cut, the soldiers might be pushed to mutiny sooner or later. In this way, Aoyama-san is indeed the greatest contributor to maintaining national stability!"

"Come, let's all toast to Mr. Aoyama."

Heeding Xiu Xin's call, the group skipped the previous topic and discussed happier topics instead.

After feasting, Xiu Xin hugged Ueda Hikoshu's daughter in his presence and left together for the night.

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