A Japanese representative mumbled something in his native tongue. The translator stepped forward and spoke: "Little girl, we are representatives attending the International Medical Exchange Conference. This Rou Zhi (meat fungus) is a medicinal herb to us. We hope to purchase it."
"I am sorry to tell you," Zhu Yanyi said. She smiled, but her eyes were cold. "We are also Chinese representatives at this conference. This Rou Zhi is one of our exchange materials. We might not need it, but we keep it just in case. So, we cannot sell it."
The Japanese representatives were stunned. They had not expected these people to be the Chinese delegation.
"I can offer a high price," the first Japanese representative insisted.
"Everything has a price, except human life," Zhu Yanyi said firmly. "I will not sell medicine that can save countless priceless lives for something with a price. Sorry, I still say no." She turned to Gu Jingtian and the others. "Senior brothers, let’s go. Let’s look around elsewhere."
"Okay," Gu Jingtian and the others nodded in agreement. Staying here was pointless. They already disliked the Japanese men, so they supported Zhu Yanyi’s actions.
"Baka! You are so rude!" the third Japanese representative shouted angrily.
Zhu Yanyi tilted her head and looked at her. She shook her head and said directly, "You know about manners? Then why didn’t you come to apologize when you killed over three hundred thousand people in Jinling? Where was your manners then? My manners are not for dogs. Actually, dogs are better than you. At least dogs are loyal to their masters. You Japanese are just traitors."
Seeing their不服 (unconvinced) expressions, Zhu Yanyi continued, "Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, you existed as a vassal state to China. You mistook our hospitality for your own luck. You not only betrayed your master but also killed her. And you talk to me about manners? You should look in a mirror first." Then she turned and walked away.
Deng Qing, standing nearby, touched his neck. He realized that being scolded yesterday had been mild compared to this.
Because of the Japanese men, many onlookers had gathered. Hearing Zhu Yanyi’s words, the Chinese crowd felt a deep resonance. The massacre in Jinling was a true pain in their hearts. They hated the Japanese deeply. Even though diplomatic relations had improved and leaders exchanged visits, the hatred in their blood remained. They ignored the Japanese men now. Would they welcome them? No.
As Zhu Yanyi walked away, the Chinese onlookers felt a shared sorrow. They ignored the Japanese men completely. Even the shopkeepers nearby just shook their heads and went back into their stores.
"Senior Brother," Zhu Yanyi asked Gu Jingtian as they left the herbal market, "Will my words today cause trouble?" She had already spoken, and there was no taking it back. But she wanted to ensure she didn’t appear reckless or thoughtless to others.