CHAPTER 786: CHAPTER 645: PLANE CRASH OR HIDDEN AGENDA, CHAOS IS THE LADDER

"Hi!"

Xiu Xin took the report and began reading it.

According to the Nagoya Air Disaster Investigation Committee, the direct cause of this accident was identified as the co-pilot mistakenly pressing the go-around button. Logically, once the cause is identified, the investigation results can be directly made public.

However, the identities of two Japanese passengers on the plane caught the attention of the air disaster investigation committee: Kojima Ichiro and Asakura Kaifu. Both were members of Aum Shinrikyo, which led the committee to suspect that there might be a man-made element involved in this accident.

No effective testimony was obtained from the seven survivors as their seats were all in the middle towards the back, while Kojima Ichiro and Asakura Kaifu were in first-class seats nearer to the cockpit. Even if they did something, the seven survivors might not know.

Those who knew are already dead in the crash.

"Director, what does this mean?" Xiu Xin finished reading, feeling a bit confused. If it’s just suspicion without evidence, then it’s straightforward to announce it as an accident.

Moreover, even if there is evidence proving the accident was related to Aum Shinrikyo, wouldn’t it be inappropriate to make the truth public? Otherwise, wouldn’t it be shaming our own country?

After all, if it was an accident, then Tai Island Huahang Airlines would bear full responsibility with little connection to Japan. But if it proves to be an act of Aum Shinrikyo, Japan would also suffer certain negative impacts.

Asai Youki naturally knew what Xiu Xin was puzzled about and patiently explained, "The air disaster investigation committee will officially announce it as an accidental incident, but they hope our police can investigate the matter secretly to determine whether Aum Shinrikyo is truly involved. After all, over two hundred people died in one incident, which is horrifying. If it was indeed Aum Shinrikyo, the authorities must spare no effort to eliminate this terrorist organization to prevent future troubles."

Although Aum Shinrikyo is now designated as a cult, a terrorist organization, the Japanese government has never carried out comprehensive eradication against them because they have only been involved in individual murder cases, not in major incidents with widespread impact.

In the original timeline, Aum Shinrikyo only received serious attention and crackdowns after releasing nerve gas in cities twice. Xiu Xin vaguely recalled that the gas attacks seemed to be a recent occurrence within the last couple of years.

"Hi! I understand. Am I to be responsible for this matter?" Xiu Xin nodded and asked.

He maintained a superficial relationship with Aum Shinrikyo’s leader Asahara Shoko because of his deliberate indulgence of their development in Hokkaido, thus obtaining substantial evidence of their crimes.

Just waiting to fatten them up before striking.

The more dirty deeds Aum Shinrikyo did, the greater the public outrage, the less tolerable they were by the country, and the more benefits Xiu Xin would gain when he finally eradicated them.

As for the damage Aum Shinrikyo caused to Japan during this "grooming" period, Mr. Aoyama expressed that it was just growing pains, which would pass eventually. After bearing the burden, he would naturally take action once the case matured.

"Yes." Asai Youki responded and explained the reasoning behind the arrangement, "In the past year, Aum Shinrikyo has been very active in Hokkaido. You’re about to return to Hokkaido to take up the position of the head minister, so you are the most suitable person to handle this. There’s no rush; investigate slowly."

He was completely unaware that Aum Shinrikyo’s growth in Hokkaido was deliberately allowed by his good son-in-law.

"Hi! I understand. I will not let the director down!" Xiu Xin answered with conviction.

Asai Youki stood up, walked around from behind the desk to Xiu Xin, patted him on the shoulder, and spoke earnestly, "Xiu Xin, you and Ayumi are not young anymore. It’s time to have children. Try to conceive before heading to Hokkaido."

"Rest assured, Dad. Ayumi and I will work together on this, ensuring we share a room every night. If you’re worried, you can supervise us; we’ll report by phone every night." Xiu Xin responded solemnly.

Asai Youki’s face twitched momentarily, he took a deep breath to suppress his anger, and said a single word, "Get out."

"Hi!" Xiu Xin bowed and left.

Watching the silhouette of his son-in-law leaving, Asai Youki had a trace of worry in his eyes. Yanchuan Shilang’s emphasis on Xiu Xin was always evident, and he never hesitated in promoting him, allowing him to repeatedly break the norms for advancement.

But this doesn’t mean he truly had Xiu Xin’s best interests at heart. It was purely because the higher and faster Xiu Xin climbed and the more power he controlled, the more things he could do for Yanchuan Shilang, never considering the issue of unstable foundation resulting from rapid advancement, nor the risk of being struck down due to standing out like a tall tree.

Therefore, Asai Youki had always been concerned about what the future held for Xiu Xin, hoping things would turn out well for him in the end.

Otherwise, the Asakai family would inevitably be implicated.

"A godfather is not the same as a biological father after all."

Asai Youki shook his head and murmured to himself.

Look at Yanchuan Xianyou, Aoyama Sosuke was even promoted into the cabinet on the front lines, while after Yanchuan Shilang became Prime Minister, his own grandson, Yanchuan Xianyou, was quietly moved from the central power to grassroots, serving as mayor.

This is genuine care and cultivation, allowing him to move step by step under his own wing.

Instead of pushing him up high without regard.

.........

Xiu Xin was unaware of his father-in-law’s worries.

There’s nothing I can do even if I know, I can’t just say directly: It’s okay, Dad, let’s stage a coup together.

After work, he took Asai Ayumi to Aoyama Sosho’s house for dinner. On the way, Asai Ayumi was a bit worried, "Is it inappropriate for me to go empty-handed since it’s my first time?"

Although she didn’t really like Aoyama Sosho and her husband’s similarly awful male disposition, he was, after all, her husband’s elder brother, and respect had to be given.

"Family shouldn’t have so many concerns. Just by us going, we’re showing face to my brother; what’s the need for gifts?" Aoyama Xiu Xin said indifferently.

When they arrived home, it was Ashida Kazuko who opened the door.

"Sister-in-law," Asai Ayumi bowed slightly in greeting.

Ashida Kazuko returned the bow with a smile of welcome, "Xiu Xin, Ayumi, please come in."

"Xiu Xin and Ayumi are here, please have a seat, the food will be ready soon." It was Aoyama Sosho who was cooking, wearing an apron, holding a spatula and coming out of the kitchen.

"Big brother," Asai Ayumi greeted him. After sitting down, she whispered, "I didn’t expect that you can cook."

"And his cooking is pretty good too, you’ll know soon." Aoyama Xiu Xin replied with a smile.

After the meal, Ashida Kazuko and Asai Ayumi chatted in the living room, while the Aoyama brothers went upstairs to the study for tea.

"Big brother, you’re starting from a high point. In the next few years, you must seize the time while the Yanchuan Family is still in power, and work hard to climb up, expanding your influence within the cabinet." Aoyama Xiu Xin said while putting down his teacup.

Aoyama Sosho poured him another cup and replied, "Don’t worry Xiu Xin, I know all of this is thanks to you. I definitely won’t let your efforts go to waste, and I’ll secure a place in the cabinet."

"Yes, as long as you and I, brothers, join forces and work together, the Aoyama family will surely flourish." Aoyama Xiu Xin nodded firmly, then pondered for a moment before saying slowly, "There’s one more thing—I hope you can use your position in the Ministry of Finance to, over the next few years, use excuses of economic downturns, spending cuts, and unlikely military conflicts to reduce the Land Guard’s military budget."

"Why?" Aoyama Sosho asked, confused and bewildered, "During your wedding, most of the Land Guard’s senior officers showed up. You seemed to have had a good conversation with them, and seemed to have a good relationship, right? Not asking me to help get them more money is one thing, but now you want to reduce their military funds."

"You don’t need to worry about it, big brother, I have my reasons for having to do this." Aoyama Xiu Xin did not explain much, only said, "Just focus your efforts in this direction, but remember it must be done secretly, never let it be revealed that you initiated this, and absolutely do not leave any written evidence."

The Land Guard is already poor. If the cabinet further reduces its military budget, it will not only provoke dissatisfaction with the authorities but also make them more inclined to closely collaborate with Aoyama Xiu Xin in business. This way, when Aoyama Xiu Xin calls for action in the future, they’ll be more willing to rise and follow.

"Okay, I’ll do it. The economy is already in a downturn, and national defense is sufficient with the Air Guard, Sea Guard, and US military. The Land Guard indeed has little potential for military action, so reducing their military budget won’t be difficult." Aoyama Sosho chose to trust his younger brother.

After all, the position he holds today is all thanks to Aoyama Xiu Xin. In the past two years, Aoyama Xiu Xin has never made a mistake, so following his lead wouldn’t be wrong either.

Aoyama Xiu Xin repeatedly reminded him, "Make sure not to leave evidence that proves you as the mastermind."

In the future, he will surely have to represent the military in settling accounts with those who advocated for reducing the Land Guard’s military funding, to take down their leader. If Aoyama Sosho’s involvement in this is exposed, then what is Aoyama Xiu Xin supposed to do?

Execute justice against a family member with tears in his eyes, slay his big brother?

"Got it!" Seeing Aoyama Xiu Xin speak so earnestly, Aoyama Sosho firmly remembered this point.

"This matter doesn’t need to be rushed, take it slow, even if it takes one or two years to be implemented, it’s fine."

"I’ll be heading to Hokkaido next. Since you, in essence, are in charge of the nation’s finances in the Ministry of Finance, remember to give me a heads up about any profitable opportunities. Our nation is very rich, whoever makes money is still making money."

"Don’t consider the country or people’s livelihood, just focus on ourselves. It would be a waste to let all that money in the Ministry of Finance go to those undeserving citizens..."

For the sake of his rebellious grand plan, Aoyama Xiu Xin spared no expense in sabotaging the country from every angle, making sure the economy and public security neither stabilize nor improve.

For someone like him, chaos is a ladder.

If, in the next few years, the economy gradually improves, security is excellent, and the public’s accumulated resentment and hostility dissipate, then the soil for his coup would no longer exist.

Therefore, he must keep the nation in chaos.

Even if it means creating chaos with his own hands.

Aoyama Xiu Xin said a lot, and by the end, Aoyama Sosho fell into silence. He felt that if his brother continued this way, he could only end up in jail sooner or later, as prison seemed to be his only destination.

However, they say ’a father and sons join hands in battle, and brothers hunt tigers together.’

The two had long been intertwined in their fortunes and losses.

He could only brace himself and aid in the wrongdoing.