Chapter 2: The Adventure on the Cruise Ship
Hu Hanmin warmly patted Wu Shaoting on the shoulder and said, "This is very good, very good indeed. May I ask, Brother Zhenzhi, what plans do you have upon returning home after completing your studies?"
He let out a slow sigh and said, "When I was young, my mother passed away. Two years ago, I received the unfortunate news of my family's decline. As an unfilial son, I was unable to return from Germany to observe the mourning rites. Now, with the family in decline and no friends or relatives reaching out, I have no choice but to plan accordingly. Before returning to the country, an official from the consulate in Germany informed me that upon my return, I could submit my personal resume to the officer's office of the Guangdong Army Bureau, which would arrange for my acceptance and assignment. For now, I can only make such plans; stabilizing my livelihood is the priority."
At that moment, the passengers who had finished dinner in the cabin gradually came out onto the deck to get some fresh air
The young man appeared somewhat surprised, even somewhat bewildered.
Although Hu Hanmin was not yet well-known at this time in 1908, he was undoubtedly a potential asset, and it was still important to cultivate relationships.
The young man nodded deeply and said with conviction, "This is precisely the reason."
He sighed solemnly and said, "It is a pity that the road ahead is uncertain; I am merely a foolish commoner in this chaotic realm."
He let out a quiet sigh and then asked the book, "So, do you think Sun Yat-sen is unworthy of leading the Tongmenghui?"
The young man cupped his hands and said: "I am Hu Hanmin, courtesy name Zhantang"
Wu Shaoting felt that Hu Hanmin's words carried a hint of suggestion, as if there was an intention to draw him into the revolution.
The young man nodded in agreement once again, feeling a sense of relief in his heart.
Wu Shaoting further stated: "My previous response, strictly speaking, pertains to the revolutionary faction represented by Mr. Sun, rather than Mr. Sun himself. As for whether the Tongmenghui should be led by Mr. Sun, I cannot provide an answer. However, as you mentioned, revolution is a process of exploration. Mr. Sun possesses the courage and spirit to lead us in search of light amidst darkness, and this quality is worthy of admiration from all people."
The young man was momentarily taken aback, murmuring Wu Shaoting's words to himself, saying: "A single spark can start a prairie fire! Good, that metaphor is excellent!" He sighed and continued, "However, I do not understand, when exactly will this spark appear?"
He pondered for a moment and said, "I dare not presume to discuss such profound topics. However, based on the information I have gathered in Germany over the years, I feel that the revolutionary situation has become very clear. The Chinese people are increasingly aware of the Qing government's obsolescence and the humiliation imposed by foreign powers. Now, it only requires a spark to ignite this overwhelming momentum."
Wu Shaoting smiled and said, "Earlier, you asked me why Sun Yat-sen cannot be called a hero. In fact, my answer is merely a personal opinion; it is simply a matter of differing definitions of a hero in each person's heart."
Wu Shaoting replied: "I am Wu Shaoting, courtesy name Zhenzhi. I have not yet had the pleasure of inquiring..."
"Very good, very good." Hu Hanmin readily agreed.
Hu Hanmin said: "This statement is rather heavy. Earlier, after listening to Young Master Wu's eloquent discourse, I already understood that Young Master Wu is not an ordinary person. Today, I am putting on a show of humility and am willing to shamelessly befriend Young Master Wu. May I have the honor of doing so?"
Wu Shaoting found it somewhat amusing; he believed that Hu Hanmin would likely seek his assistance in the future. However, he understood that this was a kind gesture from Hu Hanmin, so he expressed his gratitude and said
He said: "Mr. Hu has many friends in the provincial capital and will be temporarily residing there for the next few months. If Zhen has any needs for assistance, Mr. Hu will certainly do his utmost to help."
Wu Shaoting said: "Speaking of which, if Sun Xian and the scholar do not enter hell, who else can enter hell? Who would dare to enter hell? Therefore, this is the greatness of Mr. Sun. It is a pity that I have not witnessed any heroic deeds!"
At this moment, Wu Shaoting felt somewhat puzzled. He had originally thought that this young man was merely a student influenced by revolutionary ideas. However, the other party repeatedly discussed revolutionary topics. Could it be that he is a member of the Tongmenghui? Nevertheless, even if he were a member of the Tongmenghui, it would be quite normal, as the organization has grown extensively and has countless grassroots members.
Wu Shaoting smiled, as he was eager to befriend Hu Hanmin. He immediately said, "As the saying goes, at home one relies on parents, and outside one relies on friends. If all under heaven are brothers, it is indeed a joyful thing in life. Why should I not be willing to do so?"
The young man felt a deep sense of reflection; he believed that Wu Shaoting's words struck at the heart of the matter. Why do uprisings occur repeatedly yet fail time and again? Have the revolutionaries truly examined the reasons for their failures, or have they at least identified solutions to the problems?
He smiled politely and said, "It is a pleasure to meet you. I was just having a conversation with Mr. Hu; could it be that Mr. Hu is a revolutionary志士?"
Mr. Wu possesses such profound insights, which are indeed rare. What are Mr. Wu's views on the current revolutionary situation in our country m.hetushu.com?
Cousin Zhan is too polite. However, since Cousin Zhan is temporarily residing in the provincial capital, if I am fortunate enough to be assigned a position here by the government, I hope to become closer to Cousin Zhan in the future. After all, I have just returned from Germany and do not have many friends in the country. Meeting Cousin Zhan here today can be considered a fortuitous encounter.
Hu Hanmin nodded thoughtfully, knowing that Wu Shaoting, a top military student who had studied in Germany, would certainly find a way forward. Moreover, if Wu Shaoting were assigned to a position in the military, he would also be a potential target for revolutionary mobilization
Wu Shaoting stated: "All the uprisings planned by the Tongmenghui over the years are merely to ignite the flames of revolution. Unfortunately, it is evident that they have not grasped the timing, methods, and firepower adequately. However, I believe that this exploration will eventually lead to success one day. I only hope that the revolutionaries can seriously investigate the reasons for each failure and avoid repeating the same mistakes."
However, the young man appeared very enthusiastic and smiled, saying: "I greatly admire Young Master Wu's previous insights. May I ask for your esteemed name, Young Master Wu?"
The ears and eyes around them have increased significantly, and both Wu Shaoting and the young man coincidentally ceased their previous discussion
When I was in Germany, I heard of a philosopher named Hegel, who had a famous saying: "Existence has its reasons." I dare to use this statement to infer that the repeated failures of the uprising led by Mr. Sun's Tongmenghui must have their inevitable causes. In our Chinese culture, we also have a saying: "The lessons of the past serve as a guide for the future." Since there have been repeated failures, why not reflect deeply on the reasons and strive to find other feasible methods
Wu Shaoting was taken aback at that moment. Hu Hanmin? A renowned revolutionary, one of Sun Yat-sen's main assistants, the first governor of Guangdong after the Xinhai Revolution, and a prominent figure in the Kuomintang alongside Chiang Kai-shek and Liao Zhongkai? He felt fortunate that during their previous conversation, his remarks had been quite appropriate, preventing him from inadvertently offending this future significant figure
Wu Shaoting's expression gradually became somewhat heavy; in fact, this issue was precisely the knot in his heart at present. He also did not know what to do after disembarking.
Hu Hanmin smiled noncommittally and said, "Young Master Wu, you have already mentioned that any hot-blooded man would not sit idly by while the great land of China is destroyed by the Tartars. Therefore, it can be said that as long as one has a passionate heart, they are all revolutionaries. I believe that Young Master Wu also harbors the fervor of a great man."