Chapter 4

"So, the civil administration is what the intellectuals refer to as managing agriculture, managing cotton cultivation, managing factories, and so on?" Hua Xiongmao said this with a face full of joy

According to Tao Chengzhang, this Mr. Yougou has recently been spending his days drinking heavily at the Guangyuan Hotel. When speaking of this person, Tao Chengzhang's expression conveyed an indescribable sentiment, half sympathy and half disdain. Chen Ke carefully observed several individuals inside the hotel and couldn't help but blink, taking a closer look. The Chinese person with the foreigners turned out to be a woman in a satin long dress with a long braid. The three were conversing in English, and the woman appeared to have had quite a bit to drink; her left arm rested on the table, her small fist propping up her cheek, and her tone had noticeably changed. The three spoke slowly, and Chen Ke listened in, gathering that the foreigners were inviting the Chinese lady to some place for entertainment, to which she seemed to decline.

I am not a revolutionary. I am simply thoroughly disappointed with the government. Although I have passed the military examination, there is completely no place for me to serve the country. Hua Xiongmao said with a smile, "As for why I dislike the fake foreign devils, it is because whenever I encounter them, they always talk about how backward China is and how powerful foreign countries are. Those who believe in foreign religions take advantage of the foreign devils' power to commit crimes. The people in the court have established civil and military examinations, but it is entirely not what it seems. Even if you have passed the examination, you still cannot serve the country. The military examination has been in decline for so many years, I won't even mention it. As for the civil examination, at least in the past, the eight-legged essay required reading articles, but now the eight-legged essay only focuses on how well you write. The content of the articles is no longer the focus. After listening to the scholar, I feel that this is the true path for the nation.

"Who are you?" the foreign devil asked angrily

"What does this have to do with the revolution?" Xu Xilin listened, utterly confused

The team from Shaoxing to Shanghai was quickly formed, with Xu Xilin as the captain. The three official members were Qiu Jin, Chen Ke, and Hua Xiongmao. A temporary member was Qiu Jin's maid, named Lin Jian. There were no trains from Shaoxing to Shanghai, nor were there long-distance buses. On the way to the dock, Xu Xilin informed everyone that he had hired a large ship yesterday, and it was expected to arrive in Shanghai in three to four days. Upon hearing this timeframe, Chen Ke merely nodded. Taking a train from Shaoxing to Shanghai only takes a few hours. The disparity in efficiency of action was somewhat absurd.

The dock was bustling with people, and various local accents calling out to attract customers echoed continuously. Hotel staff, cargo handlers, and laborers in short clothing were all striving to secure business for their daily sustenance. Aside from the different modes of transportation, it was not fundamentally different from a modern station. After disembarking, Chen Ke felt his legs weaken, as if the entire ground was swaying. Hua Xiongmao smiled and took over Chen Ke's large travel bag, saying, "It seems that literary youths don't often travel by boat." After disembarking, Chen Ke felt his legs weaken, as if the entire ground was swaying. Hua Xiongmao smiled and took over Chen Ke's large travel bag, saying, "It seems that literary youths don't often travel by boat."

"So can you understand what I am saying?" Chen Ke was even more puzzled

After a brief conversation between the two, Xu Xilin introduced both parties. This Mr. Tao is named Tao Chengzhang. Chen Ke had some impression of this name, but could not recall much in detail; he should be a notable figure in the Restoration Society. When it came to Xu Xilin's introduction of himself, it was somewhat vague, merely stating that Chen Ke had returned from studying in the United States. Tao Chengzhang greeted everyone with a respectful bow, displaying a very sincere attitude. It was evident that he was someone who frequently mingled and made connections outside. When it came to Xu Xilin's introduction of himself, it was somewhat vague, merely stating that Chen Ke had returned from studying in the United States. Tao Chengzhang greeted everyone with a respectful bow, displaying a very sincere attitude. It was evident that he was someone who frequently mingled and made connections outside

Chen Ke stared at them and said word by word

Reflecting on these matters, Chen Ke replied: "Brother Bosun, I have also stated that my ideal revolution is not merely about overthrowing the Qing Dynasty. Rather, it is about abolishing the old system of China. Until this point is achieved, the revolution cannot be considered successful. In my view, it is essential for the state to manage these affairs properly. The notion that imperial authority does not extend to the counties is completely inappropriate in this era."

Qiu Jin was quite pleased, "Literary youth, this means we have time to converse."

"Even if I graduate from the new school at https://m.hetushucom.com, I would merely become a private disciple of those who run the school. I am not cut out for that. My family does not lack for money, and I can still make a living by doing business with my friends. I truly cannot bring myself to be someone else's servant" replied Hua Xiongmao

"This, this... literary youth, your revolution..." The words spoken by Chen Ke were difficult for Xu Xilin to accept. "We are fighting for China; after the revolution, when we achieve success, we should step back and let the people take charge. Literary youth, your revolution is not about stepping back after achieving success, but rather about climbing to a higher level"

These two titles made Chen Ke feel quite uncomfortable. After pondering for a moment, he realized that he had actually been taken advantage of by Qiu Jin. Chen Ke stood up and said, "Scholar Hua, indeed we had quite a drink yesterday." Then he turned his head and said, "Sister Qiu, it turns out that this Scholar Hua is also your relative"

I have never seen such beautiful scenery before. I haven't been on a boat much," Chen Ke casually replied

"How are officials selected? Is it really from among the clerks?" Hua Xiong became even more interested

I believe that the government to be established by the revolution is one that can manage these matters effectively. For instance, if a cotton spinning factory is to be opened, the workers need to be fed; you must provide food. To open a cotton spinning factory, you need cotton, and if the price of cotton is high, the cost of the fabric will naturally be high. Foreign fabric is cheaper than Chinese fabric, so in the market, you cannot compete with foreign products. If these issues cannot be resolved, then investing a large sum of money in a textile factory is futile. Since the price of foreign fabric is lower than that of Chinese fabric, you will naturally be unable to compete in the market. If these problems remain unsolved, investing heavily in a textile factory will lead to a situation where the fabric produced cannot be sold, resulting in losses rather than profits. There is no need to engage in a losing business. Chen Ke felt that his explanation was sufficient at this point.

Hua Xiongmao felt that the atmosphere was somewhat off, so he asked, "Uncle, do you and Brother Chen still have matters to discuss? If so, I will come to visit another day"

As everyone took their seats again, Xu Xilin said: "Xiong Mao, you and Wen Qing seem to have some misunderstandings. I originally called you here to mediate. However, from what you said, it seems you encountered each other again yesterday. It appears that the previous grievances have been resolved. That's good."

"I heard you know the foreigners from the trading company; it wouldn't be these two people, would it?" Chen Ke smiled as he asked

... ...

The Guangyuan Tavern is located on Baochang Road, which is the middle section of Xafei Road. The sign on the door is neither new nor old, and it appears that it hasn't been cleaned in a long time. The facade is not large, and at this time in the afternoon, there are few customers inside. When Chen Ke, Xu Xilin, and Hua Xiongmao entered the tavern, there were only three or four people inside. To be more specific, a Chinese person and two foreigners were seated at one table, and the owner was standing behind the counter, making it just a few people in total.

I can understand your accent

Then we can wait a bit. Xu Xilin replied, "Mr. Tao, do you have any friends among the foreigners in the concession in Shanghai?"

Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin exchanged glances upon hearing this; Chen Ke's words were quite reasonable, yet neither of them had investigated the price of cotton

The examination content is not the Four Books and Five Classics, but rather subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and natural sciences. Most importantly, the state establishes schools, and all children must receive an education. Everyone has the opportunity to participate in the imperial examination

Tao Chengzhang was taken aback. It was well known that Xu Xilin did not like foreigners, and very few members of the Restoration Society enjoyed dealing with them. It was unexpected for Xu Xilin to actually want to have some dealings with the foreign firms in the concession. After some thought, Tao Chengzhang said: "I know someone named You Gao; you might consider reaching out to him."

Xu Xilin did not want to waste money, so he ultimately hired a large vehicle to take everyone into the city

Moments later, Hua Xiongmao suddenly asked, "Is Wenqing planning to establish a textile factory for the country"

I

The Chinese lady, having just paused her laughter while looking at the demeanor of Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao, could not help but burst into laughter again, nodding her head as she laughed.

"Xiong Mao, how do you know the price of cotton?" Qiu Jin asked

Thank you very much for your guidance, Sister Qiu" Chen Ke quickly expressed his gratitude

your

"Why use English?" Chen Ke asked curiously

Indeed, that is the case," Hua Xiongmao interjected.

"Because I speak the dialect of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, I am afraid you may not understand." Ms. You Gao replied in a slightly tipsy tone, still using English.

"Are you Mr. You Gao?" Chen Ke wanted to confirm. Before the lady could respond, the foreigner had already grown impatient. Of course, perhaps they had been impatient for a while. Now, finding an excuse, they began to intimidate Chen Ke.

In recent years, the number of textile factories has been increasing, and the number of foreign merchants in China's trading ports is also on the rise. Domestic cotton is either exported or used locally. The demand for cotton is growing, yet the total production of cotton has not increased. Therefore, the price of cotton is rising.

After listening to Hua Xiongmao's words, Chen Ke felt somewhat puzzled. Hua Xiongmao was, after all, a martial scholar, yet he was participating in the cotton transportation activities. However, upon reflection, given the strong commercial atmosphere in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it was not surprising that Hua Xiongmao was engaging in some business. At this moment, Xu Xilin asked, "What does that literary youth want to say?"

Chen Ke was not very good at remembering the way, wandering through the streets and alleys, when Xu Xilin led everyone to the Shanghai Restoration Society's base. Upon entering, they heard someone shout, "Bosun, when did you come to Shanghai?" Xu Xilin quickly went over to talk to that person. In the past few days, aside from giving lectures, Chen Ke had also been learning some Southern dialects and vaguely understood that Xu Xilin referred to that person as Mr. Tao. Upon closer inspection, this Mr. Tao, dressed in a long gown, gave him the impression of being "round." He had a plump figure and a round face, yet his features were deep-set, exuding a spirited air.

Chen Ke still wore the same attire from Shaoxing, yet here, no one paid him any attention. In Shanghai, being dressed in a suit and leather shoes is not a rare sight. The shops lined up on both sides of the street, with many pedestrians, and beggars could be seen everywhere on the streets. This bustling and lively Chinese metropolis is exactly as recorded in history.

"Is Brother Huashe perhaps a revolutionary?" Chen Ke was already at a loss for words

As Chen Ke gazed intently out the window, Qiu Jin asked, "Literary youth, how is the scenery?"

Ah? Then how will the exam be conducted? Hua Xiongmao always manages to get to the point with his questions

"Mr. Tao, we would like to meet Mr. Cai. I wonder if Mr. Cai is available at the moment," Xu Xilin inquired

However, Xu Xilin at least did not discern the implication in Chen Ke's words that the state intended to deprive landlords of their land ownership, Chen Ke thought to himself. If Xu Xilin had understood this layer of meaning, it is uncertain what his thoughts would have been. To put it bluntly, Chen Ke needed to rely on Xu Xilin; if a conflict arose over revolutionary theory and angered Xu Xilin, the subsequent matters would be difficult to predict. At present, Chen Ke had to ensure that Xu Xilin believed he was a true revolutionary while also fostering Xu Xilin's expectations of him without provoking a comprehensive conflict. Only in this way could the cooperation be assured.

Chen Ke did not want to delay matters any further, so he quickly walked up to the shopkeeper and asked, "Shopkeeper, may I ask if a Mr. You Gao often comes here to drink?" Chen Ke's newly learned Jiangsu-Zhejiang dialect was not very good, and the shopkeeper was taken aback, not waiting for him to say anything. Chen Ke heard a lady behind him say in English, "What?"

After hearing this, Tao Chengzhang's face showed a slight expression of difficulty. "Mr. Cai has been in contact with those from the Tongmenghui recently, so it is unlikely to be possible in the next few days."

Upon hearing Xu Xilin's words, Chen Ke felt a surge of joy in his heart. Hua Xiongmao, on the other hand, wore a delighted expression on his face, "How about I go to Shanghai with everyone?"

The early summer of 1905 was far from as hot as the summer of the 21st century, and the cabin was quite cool. Looking out the window, both banks of the river were lined with crops, and occasionally one could see waterwheels slowly turning, with farmers diligently working in the fields, creating a picturesque scene. The river was not wide, and there were many boats on the water, most of which were small. Chen Ke had seen many such scenes in television and movies, but having grown up by the Yellow River, experiencing a boat ride in the water-rich Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces was truly a novel experience for him.

The closer one gets to Shanghai, the livelier the water surface becomes. By the morning of the third day, I unexpectedly saw a familiar yet strange building, a towering chimney belching thick smoke. Chen Ke had seen many chimneys and often climbed these tall structures in his childhood, but he had not encountered them in the city for many years. As one of the few industrial centers in China, Shanghai concentrates a significant proportion of industrial enterprises. The closer one gets to Shanghai, the more factory chimneys there are. As one of the few industrial centers in China, Shanghai concentrates a significant proportion of industrial enterprises. The closer one gets to Shanghai, the more factory chimneys there are.

There is no need to postpone it; in the next couple of days, I, your Aunt Qiu, and Wenqing will be going to Shanghai. If you have other matters to attend to, please speak up now.

The cotton production has not increased, while the consumption of cotton has risen, thus the price of cotton has increased

I am

Upon hearing Xu Xilin's words "The people should be their own masters," Chen Ke could not help but sigh inwardly. Throughout Chinese history, many individuals have expressed similar sentiments, such as "serving the people" and opposing "competing with the people for benefits." Yet, which of these individuals did not represent the interests of the property owners? When has this "people" not referred to the landowners and merchants of the property-owning class?

Moreover, the number of ships is also increasing. The bustling city of Shanghai not only concentrates factories but also a large number of workers. As an important foreign trade city in China, its commerce is equally thriving. Of course, there are negative effects as well; the closer one gets to Shanghai, the worse the water quality becomes. A foul odor drifts across the river's surface, forcing Chen Ke, who initially intended to enjoy the scenery, back into the cabin.

Upon hearing this, Chen Kecai finally understood why Xu Xilin had delayed at the door for so long. It turned out that he was helping to mediate on his behalf at the entrance. Although Chen Ke was not afraid of Hua Xiongmao, provoking a martial scholar for no reason was certainly not a good thing.

These words have exceeded Xu Xilin's imagination. As a patriotic and passionate youth, Xu Xilin felt that if the current Qing government, which brings disaster to the country and its people, were completely eradicated, China could enter a beautiful new era. The issue of institutional construction in the new era proposed by Chen Ke was something Xu Xilin had never even considered. After hearing Chen Ke's words, Xu Xilin found them reasonable, yet he could not articulate exactly what was going on, and he felt an inexplicable sense of resistance to what Chen Ke had said.

Sister Qiu, I grew up overseas and am basically unaware of the customs in the country. I wonder how people address each other in such matters domestically?" Chen Ke quickly replied

Let's change the place where we talk, shall we? Chen Ke said with a smile.

You may refer to him as Brother Hua Shi. Do not call him Brother Hua directly. Alternatively, you may address each other by your courtesy names. Xiong Mao, Chen Ke is known as Wen Qing, and Wen Qing is known as Xiong Mao by his courtesy name Zheng Lan

Guangyuan Tavern

Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin felt a sudden realization upon hearing this. They had been so confused by Chen Ke's discourse on cost accounting that they had failed to notice the premise put forth by Chen Ke. It turned out that Chen Ke was actually asking the state to take on the responsibilities of grain cultivation, cotton planting, establishing textile factories, and organizing workers all at once

The shop suddenly fell silent, regardless of whether one understood or not. A few people exchanged glances, and then a lady suddenly burst into laughter, exclaiming, "Ah ha ha ha!" After laughing a few times, feeling unsatisfied, she simply began to pound the table with her small fists. At that moment, the anger of the two foreign men erupted completely; one of them shouted some curse and then lunged forward. Chen Ke had long been prepared; seeing the foreign man make a move, he swung his fist forcefully towards the foreign man's nose. At that moment, the anger of the two foreign men erupted completely; one of them shouted some curse and then lunged forward. Chen Ke had long been prepared; seeing the foreign man make a move, he swung his fist forcefully towards the foreign man's nose.

"Mr. You Gao, there is no such person. Miss You Gao, however, there is indeed one," the lady said in English

Upon hearing this, Hua Xiong only chuckled. "Brother Chen, is your courtesy name Wenqing?" Chen Ke nodded, "Brother Hua, my surname is Chen, my given name is Ke, and my courtesy name is Wenqing."

"That's good, that's good," Xu Xilin said with a forced cheerful tone

Chen Ke lifted his left foot from the chest of another foreigner, thought for a moment, and then stepped back down. "Excuse me, is that Ms. You Gao over there?"

Xu Xilin stood in astonishment for a moment, while Hua Xiong let out a hearty laugh, shouted loudly, and then charged forward.

"Shut up!" the lady shouted, simultaneously pulling a cylindrical object from her pocket and slamming it on the table. Chen Ke glanced over; it appeared to be a paper tube. Could it be a detonator? Chen Ke wondered

"Unfortunately, it is not these two people," Ms. You Gao replied in English

Xu Xilin took a while to enter after seeing Ying Huaxiong. Chen Ke felt a bit puzzled; although the Xu family residence was large, even a normal turtle would have made its way through the entrance by now. Just as he was contemplating, he saw Xu Xilin leading Hua Xiongmao into the living room. Although Xu Xilin still appeared somewhat melancholic, he had at least regained his usual demeanor. Upon seeing Qiu Jin in the room, Hua Xiongmao respectfully greeted, "Aunt Qiu, hello." He then turned to Chen Ke and said, "Brother Chen, hello. I felt quite exhilarated drinking yesterday, and today is just right for us to continue drinking together."

"Cut it out. No need for such formalities," said Hua Xiongmao. He then turned his head and shouted loudly, "Bring over a few rickshaws." Originally, there were already rickshaw pullers bringing empty rickshaws this way. Upon hearing Hua Xiongmao's robust call, more rickshaw pullers rushed over eagerly.

At this moment, Chen Ke no longer admired Hua Xiong Mao, but had become somewhat wary. However, encountering such an insightful person was indeed surprising. Chen Ke replied, "What Brother Hua has said is correct. In the future, these officials will rise gradually as long as they perform well in their duties."

In the previous segment, I transported a load of cotton with a few friends, and along the way, one friend kept complaining about the significant rise in cotton prices. That is how I came to know about it," replied Hua Xiongmao with a calm expression.

Oh. "Chen Ke blinked again, "Are you Ms. You Gao?"

Hua Xiongmao's words left Chen Ke quite astonished; he couldn't help but stare at Hua Xiongmao for a moment. Perhaps because Hua Xiongmao was indeed a martial scholar and, in a sense, a member of the system, his sensitivity to the system surpassed that of Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin. Chen Ke replied: "Ultimately, we still have to follow the path of the imperial examination, but the new selection is not for officials, but for clerks"

Uh? For Chen Ke's nonsensical response, Xu Xilin was momentarily at a loss to understand what was going on

We are looking for a gentleman named You Gao" Xu Xilin interjected.

Qiu Jin is much more experienced in society than Chen Ke. Upon hearing this, it is clear that Chen Ke is unwilling to concede in terms of seniority. Qiu Jin cannot help but laugh at this childish display. "Wen Qing, you need not be so formal. Xiong Mao is the son of my cousin. You may call him Brother Hua and me Sister Qiu, whichever you prefer. I will not take advantage of you, nor will I allow you to take advantage of Xiong Mao. Let us all be at ease."

Where can I find Mr. You?

The scenery is so beautiful, yet the country is in such ruin. The intellectuals have no thoughts on this matter. Xu Xilin continued the conversation. From his tone, it seems he is still intent on extracting the revolutionary plans from Chen Ke.

Indeed, this day is filled with all kinds of characters, Chen Ke sighed inwardly. He had thought that revolutionaries Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin would understand his revolutionary ideas, but to his surprise, the martial scholar Hua Xiongmao was even more receptive to the bureaucratic system that Chen Ke had constructed. If he could bring someone like Hua Xiongmao under his banner, the revolutionary cause could truly be advanced.

Hua Xiongmao's words were so clear and straightforward that Chen Ke found it strange. "Why doesn't Brother Hua go to take the entrance exam for the new-style school?" he asked

The conversation between the two foreigners was clearly interrupted, and they were visibly displeased. One of them stood up and said in English, "We are talking, you should leave." At least Chen Ke understood "get out" as a rather unfriendly remark. As he was contemplating how to respond, he saw the lady turn around. Chen Ke had expected to see a drunken face, but what met his eyes was a pair of clear and calm Danfeng eyes. However, this was only a fleeting impression; the gaze in those Danfeng eyes was sharp and persistent, a look that should not normally be present.

Father

The foreigner reached out to grab the paper tube, and the lady picked up a chopstick, stabbing it fiercely at the back of the foreigner's hand. The foreigner quickly withdrew his hand, and the bamboo chopstick struck the table with a crisp sound before breaking. The already tense atmosphere was completely ignited at this moment, as both foreigners stood up simultaneously. The one closer to the Chinese lady reached out to push her. Chen Ke stepped forward, swiftly slapping the foreigner's hand away. The already tense atmosphere was completely ignited at this moment, as both foreigners stood up simultaneously. The one closer to the Chinese lady reached out to push her. Chen Ke stepped forward, swiftly slapping the foreigner's hand away.

Chen Ke turned around. Since he had decided to collaborate with Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin, he felt that at the very least, there should be a certain foundation for cooperation. Yesterday, he pondered for a long time and roughly established a bottom line of what could and could not be said. "Brother Bosun, the price of cotton has risen quite a bit in the past two years, hasn't it"

When the conversation reached this point, Chen Ke felt there was no need to discuss any further about the revolution, so he shifted the topic to modern scientific knowledge. Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin were both interested in the assassination of high-ranking Qing officials. Chen Ke explained the chemical principles of bombs, their production methods, and various precautions for storage, transportation, and usage. To ensure that the two revolutionaries would not be sent to the heavens by their own bombs, Chen Ke provided them with preliminary training in chemistry. Chen Ke fluently wrote various equations, which appeared to Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin as incomprehensible symbols. Facing the two who were filled with frustration, Chen Ke said: "Once we earn some money, we will establish a school. At that time, both of you can learn these things in full at the school"

Three minutes later, Hua Xiongmao lifted his right leg and kicked the fallen foreign devil on the ground, asking, "What should we do next?"

These producers have always prioritized their own economic interests. Recently, Chen Ke has been reflecting on the political knowledge he has learned, and he finds a particular saying quite insightful: "The petty bourgeoisie is the most reactionary." The big bourgeoisie, having infiltrated various aspects of society, tends to have a broader perspective when considering issues. In contrast, the interests of the petty bourgeoisie are confined to their own small plots of land, leading to considerations that are both narrow-minded and obstinate. If the mainstream of the country were to consist of the petty bourgeoisie, it would indeed be a disaster

Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin both began to contemplate the content of Chen Ke's explanation after hearing his words

Hua Xiongmao said with a smile, "Uncle, you know that what I dislike the most are the fake foreigners and those who believe in foreign religions. Yesterday, when we were drinking and chatting, Brother Chen is neither a fake foreigner nor a believer in foreign religions, so what misunderstanding could there possibly be

"OK!" After the lady finished speaking, she stood up gracefully and said, "Where to?" Still in English

"I have embarrassed everyone." Chen Ke said as he reached for his own bag

Qiu Jin listened to the conversation between the two, remaining silent. In terms of feelings, Qiu Jin naturally leaned more towards Xu Xilin, but Chen Ke's words made more sense to her. Hua Xiongmao, however, was quite interested in this and interjected, asking: "What does the literary youth mean by the new system? How will the official system be structured? Is it still the imperial examination?"