Tokyo Trial

Author: Gao Qunshu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: This is a place that is both like a bar and a banquet hall, with a touch of exotic charm. The sounds of music and laughter blend together, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. A Filipino band is playing. Faces of different races flicker and intermingle. Chinese judge Mei Rujie raises a glass of red wine and walks towards the foreign judges scattered throughout the banquet hall, toasting them one by one. The foreign judges exchange polite greetings. Then, Mei Rujie comes before the President of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, Judge Webb of Australia. At this moment, the banquet hall doors open again, and Xiao Nan, a reporter from the Dagong Bao, enters. He picks up a glass of whiskey and looks around, noticing Mei Rujie talking with Webb. He then walks alone to a corner, seemingly quickly immersing himself in the hustle and bustle.
At this point, Xiang Zhijun enters. As soon as he steps in, he glances around cautiously. When he sees Mei Rujie, he picks up a glass of wine served by a waiter and takes a sip, waiting. After Mei Rujie finishes talking with Webb, he turns around and sees Xiang Zhijun watching him from a distance. He calls out, "Mingsi." Xiang Zhijun smiles and walks over. After a hug, the two walk inside, talking as they go.
"How come you're only here now?" Mei Rujie asks.
"We had a fight!"
"Why?"
"The Soviet Union proposed including Emperor Hirohito in the war crimes prosecution, but the Americans disagree. The Americans cite the Potsdam Declaration, saying they promised to preserve the imperial system."
"This is sophistry. How does preserving the imperial system relate to prosecuting Hirohito? Hirohito committed crimes and deserves punishment. Why not just choose a new successor? If we don't put the emperor on trial, what's the point of a trial?"
"I also insist on prosecution. The opinions of the different parties are completely chaotic."
"What happened in the end?"
"Voted down, temporarily shelved. I worry it will be shelved forever."
"The newspapers are saying the emperor has secretly met with General MacArthur and the two talked for over an hour. No one knows what they discussed. How can justice be served like this?"
"This is about interests. The allies are in charge here. Sigh, have you been comfortable here these past few days?"
"The foreign judges haven't been able to gather. President Webb just arrived today. These days, I've just been reading the newspapers and preparing."
"I envy you so much. I'm completely overwhelmed. We received notice from the central government too late, and MacArthur kept urging us to come quickly. We rushed here, but we don't have enough manpower or much evidence. We're in a very passive position. I've already submitted a report requesting more personnel from the country."
Unconsciously, the two had walked to a large table full of Chinese people. Gu Yuxiu, Vice Minister of Education of the Nationalist Government and President of Central University, stood up, raised his glass, and greeted them. The others also stood up to chat.
After sitting down, Gu Yuxiu said with a sense of emotion, "The eight years of the War of Resistance Against Japan were like a nightmare. The past two days, I've been in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and seen so many deaths, but when I close my eyes, all I see are the tragic scenes of Chinese people killed by the Japanese. Two atomic bombs, and the casualties reached hundreds of thousands—terrible. Technology used for the economy can make a country prosperous, but used in war, it can crush everything."
"I hope Dr. Gu will go back and advise President Jiang to stop the civil war and focus more on developing science and technology. Otherwise, we'll end up being bullied by Japan again in the future." Xiang Zhijun felt deeply.
Mei Rujie said, "It really feels like a dream. Last year today, Japanese troops were still killing people in China, but today, we're drinking and singing in the enemy's stronghold, preparing to hold a trial."
"We may have won, and Japan may have lost, but if given time, Japan will surely rise again." Gu Yuxiu clearly expressed his concern.
Mei Rujie added, "I feel the same way. Yesterday, the allies held a large military parade, and I noticed the Japanese people's expressions—they seemed completely unfazed. Not exactly friendly or benevolent, but definitely not angry. Either they're too busy grieving for themselves or plotting in silence."
"Dr. Gu should organize some people to study the Yamato people. During the war, with one order from the emperor, ordinary, gentle people on the battlefield became irrational killing machines. But once the emperor declared surrender, they all became indifferent subjects." Xiang Zhijun also felt deeply.
"This morning, I just read an article by a famous American political commentator and expert on East Asian affairs, Lattimer, reprinted in the Times. He warned the Americans that if the control over Japan isn't properly managed, Japan could dominate and manipulate East Asia in a few years, while countries like China, Korea, and the Philippines, which are still relatively underdeveloped industrially, won't have a chance to compete. He believes Japan is pretending to be poor and suffering, but in reality, its people are much healthier than those in Shanghai, Beijing, or Korea. He the allies should ban the export of raw materials to Japan, otherwise, with Japan's deep industrial foundation, it will quickly rise again and put China in a disadvantageous position. I think we should also raise our voices to prevent the allies' control policies from aiding and abetting the enemy, leading to future trouble." Mei Rujie's voice grew louder.
Xiao Nan's attention was also drawn. He turned to look this way and saw Mei Rujie surrounded by people silently nodding. At this moment, the secretary walked over and handed a beautifully wrapped wooden box to Gu Yuxiu.
Gu Yuxiu stood up and took it, holding it in both hands with great solemnity: "Yaxuan, this is the gift I give you."
Mei Rujie quickly stood up and carefully took it. The others also stood up.
Gu Yuxiu said, "Please open it."
Mei Rujie opened it and took out a sword.
"I hope Yaxuan can wield this sword and live up to everyone's expectations, fulfilling your mission. To avenge and avenge our Chinese people!" Gu Yuxiu looked at Mei Rujie with hopeful eyes.
"Honestly, Dr. Gu's gift today makes me feel very ashamed. There's an old saying in China, 'Red powder is given to beauties, and swords are given to heroes.' Unfortunately, I, Mei Rujie, am neither a beauty nor a hero—I'm just an ordinary scholar. I don't deserve it!"
"You're wrong, Yaxuan!" Gu Yuxiu stepped closer, staring at Mei Rujie. "Four hundred and fifty million of our people and the millions of martyred Chinese are watching you! They all place their hopes on you! They all expect you to come here to punish the invaders, the criminals! Is there a heavier burden in the world than this? Ah? If you're not a hero, who would dare to call themselves a hero?"
Mei Rujie took a deep breath and suddenly drew the sword. A flash of cold light appeared. He looked at the blade and shook his head. "I'm not a hero. If I were a hero, I would take this sword and kill those war criminals first! Unfortunately, this is a society governed by law. I represent the law, I'm a judge! But I also know that Dr. Gu's gift of this sword has another meaning."
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