The reaction of the Tenmangu Shrine did not exceed anyone's expectations.
After receiving Akagi's demand for the complete demolition of Dingyuan Pavilion and the return of all historical artifacts of The Dingyuan to China, Tenmangu Shrine responded that they truly lacked the ability to comply. Instead, they invited Akagi to visit Tenmangu Shrine in person so they could explain themselves and offer an apology.
Faced with this invitation, Akagi naturally understood that this was nothing but a classic "Hongmen Banquet."
Although Japan did not have this idiomatic reference, prior to the Meiji Restoration, Japanese scholars prided themselves on their knowledge of Chinese literature and considered familiarity with its stories a mark of cultural sophistication. Thus, Akagi was well-aware of the tale of the Hongmen Banquet.
But for Akagi, this was precisely what she had wanted.
