Chapter 1

I have decided to devote myself to the revolution, and from now on, I have completely severed ties with my family. Therefore, I cannot disclose these matters.

Xu Xilin, with his braid and dressed in a long gown, sat in the host's position alongside a short-haired man in a suit and leather shoes. Xu Xilin is 32 years old, slender in build, with a less pronounced facial contour, and his two thick, jet-black eyebrows are particularly striking. The guest's specific age is hard to discern; he has a distinctly angular northern face, a high forehead, prominent cheekbones, a tall nose, and bright, beautiful large eyes that shine in his deep-set eye sockets

When Chen Ke saw Xu Xilin stand up, he quickly rose to his feet as well. Noticing Xu Xilin bowing, Chen Ke hurriedly returned the gesture. "Mr. Xu, your praise is undeserved. If it were not for exceptional individuals like yourself, how could one comprehend my work? I wrote this piece with considerable carelessness, and I hope that Mr. Xu can offer guidance on the shortcomings within it"

However, Chen Ke is after all an outsider, and he openly stated his relationship with Cai Yuanpei. At this time, the Qing Dynasty was both appeasing the gentry and sending spies everywhere to hunt down revolutionaries. The Restoration Society had just been established, and the local area of Henan should not have known about it, yet this Henan native, Chen Ke, surprisingly knew about it, which left Xu Xilin feeling incredulous

"I am not here to cause trouble; I came today specifically to ask Mr. Xu to take a look at my items. If Mr. Xu finds them unworthy, wouldn't that mean my visit was in vain?" Chen Ke said with a smile

Xu Xilin was greatly shocked by this part of the content. He usually commented on national affairs, and like attracts like, as were his friends around him. However, when everyone talked about revolution, it was invariably about overthrowing the Qing Dynasty. As for how to overthrow it, most people advocated for violent revolution, whether through assassination or uprisings. When discussing it, everyone was filled with passion and vigor. Yet when it came to taking action, it felt overwhelmingly difficult, as no one could view national affairs from a national perspective. Whether through assassination or uprisings, when discussing it, everyone was filled with passion and vigor. Yet when it came to taking action, it felt overwhelmingly difficult, as no one could view national affairs from a national perspective.

A gentle breeze carried the fragrance of flowers from the courtyard into the small living room. This is a typical living room in Shaoxing, featuring a table flanked by a carved armchair on each side against the north wall, with four chairs arranged in two rows in the center. The walls are adorned with landscape paintings and calligraphy. The environment is quiet and comfortable, making it ideal for conversation. The carved window frames are fitted with gauze, and sunlight filters through the screens, casting beautiful shadows within the room. It truly exudes a classical charm. The carved window frames are fitted with gauze, and sunlight filters through the screens, casting beautiful shadows within the room. It truly exudes a classical charm

Both individuals raised their teacups and took a sip, after which Xu Xilin inquired, "Where is Mr. Chen from?"

Although he was not very certain, Chen Ke speculated that the person who had arrived was indeed Qiu Jin. The three stood in the hall, and before Xu Xilin could introduce anyone, Chen Ke could no longer contain his curiosity and asked, "Is this esteemed guest perhaps Mr. Qiu Jin?"

Xu Xilin smiled and said: "I have already prepared some light wine. If Xuanqing is willing to drink, I will disturb you next time together with Mr. Chen Ke"

Unbeknownst to him, the manuscript had already turned to the last page. Xu Xilin discovered that the last word was merely a part of a sentence in the middle of the manuscript, and the entire article ended abruptly without any conclusion

Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin were both taken aback. Qiu Jin scrutinized Chen Ke from head to toe and asked, "May I ask how this gentleman is addressed?" Qiu Jin spoke in a rather unrefined Henan dialect, though her voice carried more of a southern accent, resembling Hakka speech. The hint of Henan flavor in her words suddenly evoked a sense of hometown familiarity in Chen Ke

"A person from Zhengzhou, Henan." Chen Ke replied.

Qiu Jin looked Chen Ke up and down a few times, but said to Xu Xilin: "To hear the Way in the morning is enough to die in the evening. Bosun, today I invite everyone to drink."

"If you are hungry, go have a drink first. I need to finish reading this manuscript before I can speak further." After saying this, Qiu Jin sat back down and continued reading the previous content.

Having just finished this section, Xu Xilin was greatly moved. From the Opium War to the Eight-Nation Alliance, China had repeatedly suffered defeats in its conflicts with foreign powers, which Xu Xilin regarded as a profound humiliation. Chen Ke's article clearly analyzes these wars, explaining the reasons for the conflicts, the organization of both armies, and their methods of warfare. It details the organizational models of the armies, the modes of warfare, the processes of battle, the outcomes of the battles, and the results of the wars, utilizing tables in many places to compare and present specific data from both sides. The introduction and summary are well-structured and coherent.

"Exactly so," Xu Xilin replied

Chen Ke looked outside the door and saw a woman in her thirties striding into the living room. She had an oval face, delicate features, and an air of vigor. Xu Xilin stood up and spoke a few words in Shaoxing dialect. Although Chen Ke was not completely fluent in Shaoxing dialect, he could at least understand Shaoxing Mandarin to a considerable extent. Xu Xilin's words likely conveyed, "Xuanqing, I just sent someone to find you, but I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly"

In response to this question, Chen Ke did not rush to answer. After returning to this era, Chen Ke pondered over his future repeatedly. He had no intention of accompanying the Qing Dynasty to its grave; as a modern individual, revolution was indeed the only path available to him. However, Chen Ke did not favor the Tongmenghui, and after much consideration, the only organization he could join was the Guangfuhui. The leaders of the Guangfuhui that Chen Ke could recall were Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin. Thus, he traveled a long distance to Shaoxing to "seek an organization." However, the Guangfuhui was a local revolutionary party in Zhejiang, and as an outsider, it would be exceedingly difficult for him to join this organization smoothly. How to gain Xu Xilin's trust was the main issue Chen Ke contemplated throughout his journey.

This manuscript is incomplete. Next time, Xuanqing should treat us to drinks, and we must ensure that Mr. Chen Ke brings the complete manuscript.

Born in the year 1880, he is 25 years old this year. Chen Ke has advanced his birth year by a hundred years. "May I ask your age, Mr. Xu?"

I am 32 years old this year, having been in this world for several years. Mr. Chen is quite young. However, in today's world, many young people are emerging, such as Chen Tianhua and Zou Rong, who became famous in their twenties. Xu Xilin praised, "Where did Mr. Chen study abroad?"

"If I were a Manchu, I would deserve to be punished by heaven and earth," Chen Keye said with a serious expression. "I am a descendant of Yan and Huang; the Manchus are merely barbarians who have usurped China. I will not willingly become a barbarian. I still possess this sense of shame."

"Why?" Xu Xilin asked in surprise

I am Chen Ke. It is an immense honor to meet Mr. Qiu. Chen Ke promptly replied in the Henan dialect

In the midst of haste, the article was still unfinished. Xu Xilin's enthusiastic gaze made Chen Ke quite uncomfortable. He picked up his teacup, hoping to ease the atmosphere by drinking tea, only to realize that the tea had already been consumed. Xu Xilin immediately saw through Chen Ke's somewhat unnatural actions. He stood up and went outside to call the servant over, whispering a few instructions. The servant looked up at Xu Xilin in surprise, and after Xu Xilin gave a few more instructions, the servant turned and left.

"Serve tea and snacks," Xu Xilin shouted towards the outside. After hearing the servant's response, Xu Xilin hurriedly picked up the manuscript and continued reading. This manuscript analyzed the disparities between China and Europe, followed by predictions for the future development of the Qing Dynasty. In this section, Chen Keze directly summarized historical texts, covering topics from the preparation for constitutionalism, the establishment of advisory councils in various regions, to improvements in certain new policies, and finally the Qing Dynasty's introduction of the "Royal Cabinet," the disappointment of the advisory councils across the regions, leading to their passive observation of the Qing's demise. In this section, Chen Keze directly summarized historical texts, covering topics from the preparation for constitutionalism, the establishment of advisory councils in various regions, to improvements in certain new policies, and finally the Qing Dynasty's introduction of the "Royal Cabinet," the disappointment of the advisory councils across the regions, leading to their passive observation of the Qing's demise.

"It is my honor that Mr. Xu is willing to offer guidance. Please take your time to read, Mr. Xu," Chen Ke replied hastily.

It seems that Mr. Chen has put considerable effort into writing these materials. I will take my time to review them. Please wait a moment, Mr. Chen," Xu Xilin said.

Chen Ke nodded in acknowledgment. Among the two cups of tea, one contained plain water while the other held clear tea. Chen Ke had rushed over early in the morning and had not yet had any water. Upon seeing the plain water, he felt genuinely thirsty and lifted the cup, drinking it all in one go. The servant standing behind Chen Ke immediately displayed a mocking expression. Xu Xilin shot a glare at the servant, then lifted the cup of plain water and drank it all as well, before waving his hand. The servant then removed the cup used for rinsing, and only then did Xu Xilin pick up the tea cup, saying, "Mr. Chen, please have some tea." Xu Xilin glared at the servant again, then lifted the cup of plain water and drank it all in one go, before waving his hand. The servant removed the cup used for rinsing, and only then did Xu Xilin pick up the tea cup, saying, "Mr. Chen, please have some tea."

Xu Xilin listened attentively while observing Chen Ke. Chen Ke's attire and appearance undoubtedly indicated that he had returned from overseas. Perhaps Tao Chengzhang was similarly mingling with heroes from various regions, Xu Xilin thought to himself, surprised that even revolutionary comrades far away in Henan had heard of his name. At this thought, Xu Xilin couldn't help but smile.

Mr. Chen, this manuscript seems to be unfinished Xu Xilin fixed his piercing gaze on Chen Ke as if he intended to extract the remaining content of the manuscript from Chen Ke's face

Xu Xilin nudged his astonished family and asked them to give Chen Ke a business card, arranging to visit him the next day. From a distance, Xu Xilin saw Chen Ke struggling to communicate with his family for a while, and then his family hurried back. Chen Ke glanced over at Xu Xilin and smiled.

This article begins with an outline and is divided into five sections. The first section discusses the differences between China and Europe in terms of industrialization, which explains the significant disparity in national strength between the two sides. The second section presents predictions for the future development of the Qing Dynasty. The third section examines the nature of capitalism in Europe and America. The fourth section addresses China's national strength. The fifth section focuses on how to establish a new China.

Xu Xilin waved his hand to the servant, who discreetly withdrew. The two men in the living room sat back in their chairs, and in the quiet room, the only sound was the occasional rustling of paper.

Before Xu Xilin could speak, he heard a cheerful female voice from outside the living room, "This sentiment is indeed similar to Chen Tianhua's 'Revolutionary Army.' If one truly dedicates oneself to the revolution, then one will no longer have any ties to home. Everyone has their own aspirations. There is no need for Bosun to insist." Bosun is Xu Xilin's courtesy name, and he recognized this voice well. Just a moment ago, he had sent a servant to invite Qiu Jin, and he did not expect her to arrive so quickly.

At this moment, a servant from the Xu family came in to announce that the banquet was ready

"Mr. Xu, I apologize for my presumptuous visit, which is quite impolite. I am immensely grateful that you could take the time out of your busy schedule to receive me," Chen Keyong said in standard 21st-century Mandarin.

From a distance at the street corner, one can see Chen Ke. Generally, people from the south are not very tall, but in this era of malnutrition, Chen Ke's height of 1.82 meters stands out significantly among ordinary citizens, making him appear like a crane among chickens. At this moment, several ruffians from Shaoxing are surrounding Chen Ke, provoking him in the local dialect. Chen Ke seems to be listening attentively, a hint of confusion appearing on his distinctly northern face. His demeanor clearly indicates that he is an educated person. Chen Ke seems to be listening attentively, a hint of confusion appearing on his distinctly northern face. His demeanor clearly indicates that he is an educated person

"Mr. Chen, have some tea." Xu Xilin also spoke in Mandarin, his accent heavily infused with a strong Shaoxing dialect

After the three took their seats, Xu Xilin handed Chen Ke's manuscript to Qiu Jin. Qiu Jin glanced through it rapidly, and after only a few pages, she stood up in excitement. "Even if today I only get to see this great work, it has been worth the trip. Who wrote this?" As soon as she finished speaking, Qiu Jin continued, "It seems to have been written by Mr. Chen Ke."

At this moment, Xu Xilin had just joined the Revival Society, and this historically renowned revolutionary was observing his guest, Chen Ke, with a smile. Xu Xilin had seen suits before, but Chen Ke's suit appeared to be excessively unconventional. Chen Ke did not take offense at Xu Xilin's curiosity. He wore a deep yellow blended casual suit, which featured leather elbow patches. Underneath, he had on a dark green patterned vertical striped shirt, complemented by a deep blue tie, a gold tie clip, and a pair of crystal cufflinks on his shirt cuffs. The casual suits of the 21st century, in this era, were certainly not in vogue, nor could they even be considered niche. Xu Xilin's gaze held only a hint of curiosity, devoid of surprise. This alone was sufficient to demonstrate the personal cultivation of this renowned revolutionary.

Xu Xilin held a considerable admiration for Chen Ke's performance. In an era where scholars generally suffer from physical frailty, such skills are exceedingly rare. When Chen Ke took action to discipline the ruffians, he did not exhibit the typical surly expression often seen in those who are overly aggressive. Moreover, Chen Ke's attire was distinctly different from that of the overseas students; the fabric of his clothing was quite refined, not the bright sheen of satin, but rather it had a somewhat worn appearance while still being clean and tidy, making it pleasing to the eye.

Upon hearing these words, Chen Ke stood up and said loudly: "Since I devoted myself to the revolution, I have had nothing to do with my family. I grew up overseas from a young age and will never be loyal to the Qing dynasty. Although I have never worn a queue, I do have ancestors, and I cannot say that my ancestors never wore one. Therefore, I am who I am, and my family is my family. Once I stepped out of my home, we became unrelated. Regarding my origins, I refuse to fabricate lies to deceive Brother Xu, but I also cannot disclose them to him. Thus, I am who I am, and my family is my family. Once I stepped out of my home, we became unrelated. Regarding my origins, I refuse to fabricate lies to deceive Brother Xu, but I also cannot disclose them to him. I hope Brother Xu can understand." After saying this, Chen Ke bowed deeply.

In 1905, revolutionaries across China were connecting with one another. At this time, Xu Xilin had already joined the Restoration Society and met Tao Chengzhang. Tao Chengzhang was ambitious and took it upon himself to oppose the Manchu rule and the Qing dynasty. He had attempted to assassinate Empress Dowager Cixi twice in Beijing without success, and later traveled alone to Japan to study the army. The following year, upon returning to China, he actively participated in revolutionary activities, running around in tattered clothes for the cause, and connecting with revolutionaries in Zhejiang, Fujian, and Anhui. He often bound his waist with hemp rope and wore straw sandals, traveling throughout Zhejiang, "walking one hundred and ten li every day, without complaint." The following year, upon returning to China, he actively participated in revolutionary activities, running around in tattered clothes for the cause, and connecting with revolutionaries in Zhejiang, Fujian, and Anhui. He often bound his waist with hemp rope and wore straw sandals, traveling throughout Zhejiang, "walking one hundred and ten li every day, without complaint." Hangzhou was just a river away from his home, yet he "went to Hangzhou but did not return."

The content articulated in the article merely reflects a very common viewpoint of the 21st century, suggesting that the industrialized West is not significantly wealthier than China, but rather that the quantity of resources a nation can allocate to war is immense. The Qing dynasty's system and the current state of China's agrarian society render the resources China can commit to warfare disproportionately low. From the perspective of 21st-century online literature, the data appears insufficiently detailed, lacking substantial 'hard facts.' However, for Xu Xilin in 1905, this was already unprecedented information. To be fair, even the Qing government could not provide such detailed data as a basis for national policy. Let alone Xu Xilin, a mere local gentry from Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Chen Ke had a clean-shaven face and short hair, which seemed intentionally cut unevenly. He appeared very spirited. Xu Xilin had long been speculating about Chen Ke's age, arriving at a conclusion somewhere between 20 and 35 years. In terms of appearance, Chen Ke looked at most 20 years old, and his occasional smiles made him appear very youthful. However, when Chen Ke ceased to smile, his serious demeanor, especially his calm and unperturbed gaze, made him seem far more mature than his looks suggested. In terms of appearance, Chen Ke looked at most 20 years old, and his occasional smiles made him appear very youthful. However, when Chen Ke ceased to smile, his serious demeanor, especially his calm and unperturbed gaze, made him seem far more mature than his looks suggested

I originally took the liberty to visit, simply to seek friendship with Mr. Xu. My writing is rough and inadequate, and some of it is merely my own random conjectures; there are many aspects where I would like to ask Mr. Xu for guidance. I apologize for intruding on this meal. Chen Ke, while being polite, let out a sigh of relief in his heart. It seems that this first step has finally been taken correctly

Xu Xilin pondered for a moment and suddenly asked, "Could it be that Mr. Chen is a Manchu?"

The title on the right side of the first page is "Who is China's Enemy?" Xu Xilin felt that it was still within his tolerance. Just by looking at the text, Xu Xilin already harbored a sense of disdain for Chen Ke. However, upon further reflection, he realized that Chen Ke was literate, and his background was certainly not that of an ordinary family. He glanced at the manuscript, which also spanned over thirty pages, densely packed with characters; it must contain at least ten thousand words. In this day and age, being able to write so fluently and produce such a large volume of text is no easy feat. He looked at the manuscript again, which also had over thirty pages, densely filled with characters; it must contain at least ten thousand words. In this day and age, being able to write so fluently and produce such a large volume of text is no easy feat. One ought to be somewhat accommodating.

Hearing this, everyone burst into laughter. Qiu Jin insisted, "Bosun, I must take this manuscript with me. I will return it to you next time when I treat you to drinks and books."

Chen Ke's manuscript presents a clear and vivid description of the Qing Dynasty, characterized by a tone of detachment in his choice of words and sentence structure. For Xu Xilin, the Qing Dynasty is a powerful, living entity with flesh and blood. In contrast, Chen Ke's portrayal depicts the Qing as mere skeletal remains, akin to walking corpses. After reading these words, Xu Xilin feels a sense of ease, as if overthrowing the Qing Dynasty is an effortlessly achievable task

May 6, 1905, early summer. It was about a month away from the plum rain season, and the city of Shaoxing was under a clear sky with pleasant temperatures. On such a morning, Xu Xilin was hosting guests at home

Suddenly hearing these words, Chen Ke was astonished and widened his eyes, "How did I become a Manchu? My family has been Northern Han for generations. Perhaps my ancestors were descendants of the Xiongnu who were integrated into the Han, but they were definitely not Manchu. Moreover, Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian" states that the Xiongnu are also descendants of Yan and Huang. I am a genuine descendant of Yan and Huang. How did I become a Manchu?"

The text was a mix of classical and vernacular Chinese, making it quite uncomfortable to read. It was then that Xu Xilin understood why the manuscript was so lengthy. Some simple narratives could still be expressed in classical language, but when it came to explaining new concepts, there was no classical expression available, so the author resorted directly to vernacular. Although it was rather uncomfortable to read, Xu Xilin was quickly captivated by the content of the article

Mr. Chen, what are your thoughts on this matter? Xu Xilin inquired

Yesterday at noon, Qiu Jin suddenly sent someone to notify Xu Xilin. A short-haired man in a suit came holding a piece of paper with Xu Xilin's name on it. He spoke in a strange official dialect and, upon seeing someone who appeared to be educated, inquired how to find Xu Xilin. Qiu Jin wanted to know the relationship between Xu Xilin and this peculiar individual. After hearing the report from Qiu Jin's servant, Xu Xilin was quite surprised. He had a wide circle of acquaintances and even had students in Shaoxing who had cut their queues. However, Qiu Jin's letter stated that she had never seen this person. Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin were cousins and revolutionary comrades; if the well-connected Qiu Jin had never met this person, then Xu Xilin should not know him either

Mr. Chen, how old are you

Suppressing his excitement, Xu Xilin invited Chen Kelu to take a seat, "Mr. Chen, I must finish reading your manuscript now, please wait a moment."

Chen Ke said calmly: "Mr. Xu, I have written something, please take a look." After saying this, he took out a stack of manuscripts from the bag he was carrying.

In the late Qing Dynasty, most officials spoke in the Henan dialect rather than the effeminate Beijing accent. In the early years of the Republic, had it not been for the downfall of Yuan Shikai, who was from Henan, and the fact that there were too few people from Henan in positions of power, the Henan dialect might have been chosen as the official language of the Republic.

I studied abroad for several years, but I am truly unable to disclose where I studied. I sincerely hope Mr. Xu will understand

"After writing so much, is it still not complete?" Qiu Jin was indeed surprised

"Looking at Mr. Chen's article, he is quite knowledgeable about political affairs. I have some concerns that Mr. Chen is a Manchu; as for the Manchus, I absolutely will not associate with them," Xu Xilin replied solemnly.

Chen Ke spoke up, though he had deliberated over his words multiple times, he still felt somewhat uncertain. Apart from knowing a part of Xu Xilin's "glorious deeds" recorded in textbooks, Chen Ke was otherwise completely uninformed. Since one dared to rebel and could become an important figure in the Anhui officialdom, it was naturally impossible for them to be a fool. Therefore, Chen Ke's speech was not fast, and it sounded somewhat hesitant. "Mr. Xu, I have come from afar, and naturally, I have a request of you. The current state of the world has decayed to such an extent that revolution is inevitable. It has been five or six years since the Boxer Incident, and while the Qing Dynasty seems to be experiencing a brief resurgence, in reality, it is fundamentally beyond salvation. However, the constitutionalists are making a great noise, and I have little respect for them. The so-called new policies of the Qing Dynasty are merely to placate the world and deceive the scholars. At their core, they are only for the benefit of the Manchus. Not to mention that everything the Qing Dynasty has done completely misses the point. To be frank with you, Mr. Xu, I have been studying abroad and only returned to my homeland this year. While overseas, foreigners look down on the Chinese. Upon returning home, I see that the entire country is muddled and completely unaware of the direction China should take, which is truly heartbreaking. There are not many revolutionaries in Henan, and I have heard that you and Mr. Cai Yuanpei are the leaders of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Therefore, I wish to share my heartfelt words with you. I hope you will listen."

Xu Xilin took the manuscript, the cover was made of plain white paper. Upon lifting it, he found that the very fine paper had neatly arranged vertical indentations pressed into it, indicating its exceptional quality. After glancing at it a few times, a look of surprise appeared on Xu Xilin's face, but he quickly suppressed a mocking expression and continued reading. This was not a piece written with a brush; the characters were delicate, resembling those written with a fountain pen, yet even finer than that. Moreover, the handwriting was truly ugly; in Xu Xilin's view, Chen Ke's writing was worse than that of a child practicing their strokes. Not only that, the entire manuscript was written in simplified characters, with some characters simplified to the point of being unrecognizable.

Xu Xilin smiled and was about to speak when the servant entered with tea, placing two tea bowls in front of each person. The servant then stood at the side.

The news brought back by his family greatly pleased Xu Xilin. Chen Ke mentioned that the inn he was staying at was quite simple and inquired whether he could personally visit the Xu residence the next day. Xu Xilin, who naturally enjoyed making friends, immediately had his family convey the message that he would be waiting at home to receive Chen Ke the following day

Xu Xilin inquired about the whereabouts of this person. Qiu Jin's family replied that the person was not far from there. Xu Xilin then asked what this person looked like, and after a moment of thought, Qiu Jin's family answered—either wealthy or noble. Filled with curiosity, Xu Xilin decided to go see for himself

At that moment, the few ruffians also realized that the other party did not understand Shaoxing dialect, so they approached, preparing to push and shove. Chen Ke immediately understood the clear implication of this action. He raised his left hand, moving slowly yet precisely. His smooth, slender fingers clamped around the neck of the leading ruffian like a steel vice. With a slight exertion, the ruffian's face instantly turned the color of liver. The ruffian instinctively grabbed the wrist that was choking him, trying to pry it open. With a slight exertion, the ruffian's face instantly turned the color of liver. The ruffian instinctively grabbed the wrist that was choking him, trying to pry it open. Chen Ke took a step forward, forcefully and gently swinging his left hand, causing the ruffian, who was already starting to roll his eyes, to crash into his accomplices. Like a toppled gourd rack, several of them fell to the ground together. The crowd of onlookers erupted in a burst of cheerful laughter

"Xuanqing will know after reading it," Xu Xilin said

After Xu Xilin returned to the living room, he personally poured tea for Chen Ke. Once they were seated again, Xu Xilin, brimming with energy, said: "I have prepared a modest meal with some light wine for lunch and would like to share a few drinks with Mr. Chen." As Xu Xilin spoke, he glanced at the manuscript on the tea table and continued, "I have just read Mr. Chen's great work. My knowledge is limited, and there are some aspects I cannot fully comprehend. I hope Mr. Chen will generously offer his guidance."

Xu Xilin looked at Chen Ke's serious expression and heard the oath of "heavenly punishment and earthly destruction," and he believed it in his heart. "Looking at Mr. Chen's attire and his insights, could it be that Mr. Chen's family holds a high official position in the court"

Having finished reading, Xu Xilin put down the manuscript and stood up, saying, "Mr. Chen, you are a person of great talent. I, Xu, have failed to recognize your stature and have been disrespectful." After speaking, Xu Xilin cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

Upon seeing Chen Ke's short hair, Xu Xilin had already decided to meet him. In the late Qing Dynasty, that short hair signified many things; it would indeed be a great joke for Xu Xilin, as a revolutionary, to turn away a short-haired young man who came to visit.

"From Henan to here, it is a long journey of a thousand miles. I wonder what Mr. Chen has to say?" Xu Xilin continued to ask.

The meeting between Xu Xilin and Chen Ke was indeed rather abrupt. Even Xu Xilin, who enjoyed making friends, found it amusing when he reflected on it at that moment

Qiu Jin was taken aback for a moment upon hearing Chen Ke's Henan dialect, and then burst into laughter. "So it turns out Mr. Chen Ke is from Henan. In this capital city, the Henan dialect can also be considered an official language. No wonder Mr. Chen is reluctant to mention his origins."