Chapter 10 This is forcing me

Senna, it is indeed that you have been in the foreigner's territory for too long, and have spoken thoughtlessly!

Indeed, although you have traveled in Europe and America for twenty-three years, you have not learned the arrogant demeanor of the Westerners; however, you have certainly gained a good understanding of our cautious and meticulous approach

Alas! How tragic!

Hello, Uncle Liu

When standing upright, Chen Moran did not forget to express his gratitude, for it is said that one should not be remiss in courtesy; those who are courteous will not be blamed, while those who are not will certainly be criticized. This principle holds true both in the past and in the present.

Chen Moran shook his head; he had only just met this person, and he barely knew who he was, let alone that he was his uncle

Thank you, Mr. Nanping!

The words spoken by Liu Sendai nearly caused Chen Moran to break out in a cold sweat. Although he was not very familiar with this time and space, having watched so many television dramas and read numerous novels, it was clear that this person's words were overtly complimentary but might contain hidden meanings that were yet to be discerned

If the high-ranking officials in the court possessed your insight, the affairs of the state would not have fallen to such a state today

Seemingly apologetic, Sun Jingnan then introduced Chen Moran to the friend beside him

Hearing this, Chen Moran couldn't help but smile wryly in his heart. After pondering for a moment, he gritted his teeth and looked up at Sun Jingnan, displaying a hint of a bitter smile.

Chen Moran's display of behavior made Liu Nengxian feel somewhat displeased

At that moment, Sun Jingnan clasped his fists, seemingly performing a gesture of greeting towards the southwest

Having arrived in this time and space for nearly three months, I have not mastered much else, but I have gained a profound understanding of the concept of etiquette. At least during the three weeks since coming to Shanghai, I have been labeled as "the ill-mannered Chen Quezi". The reason is simple: in terms of the etiquette of this time and space, Chen Moruan is fundamentally an outsider.

Mr. Nan Ping, you are forcing me!

After the New Year, Ziyang returned to the country from Japan. When passing through Shanghai, since you are of similar age, you should get to know each other better

Then she gracefully left the study.

"Put away your modesty. I, along with Sendan, have both achieved the same rank in the imperial examination, and I regard him as a close confidant. If Sendan were to blame you, I fear it would be difficult for you to remain here. What Sendan and I appreciate is the genuine innocence that you possess. Little did I expect, in less than a month, you would actually..."

In the eyes of my uncle, if Nuo had been able to accompany Li Hongzhang during the initial negotiations with the eight nations last year, the current situation might not have reached this point. To perceive the conflicting interests of various countries with such clarity is likely a rarity in the entire Qing dynasty. Unfortunately, it is too late now, and the Empress Dowager's intentions could not be clearer.

Look at me

Hehe, then, sit!

Turning his head to look at Sun Jingnan, who had a strange expression, Liu Nengxian took a sip of tea before continuing to speak

Mr. Senda, the words spoken that day were merely the ramblings of a junior, so I hope you will not take offense

Hehe, however, it is overly polite and distant

Hearing the ambiguous meaning in these words, Sun Jingnan quickly stepped in to provide an explanation

Father, Uncle Liu, Mr. Chen, you are busy

Hehe, it has been several years since we last met, and I never expected that you have grown so much now

Thus!

France seeks to expand its influence in Yunnan and Guangxi, while Britain is extremely reluctant to allow France's advance into these regions, leading to potential conflicts with Britain. Japan has occupied Fujian, but the other powers cannot remain passive in the face of Japan's actions. Japan perceives the German possession of Shandong as a significant threat. Germany hopes that other countries will not recognize Britain's privileges in the Yangtze River basin. Although there are barriers between Germany and Russia, their policies towards the Qing Dynasty are fundamentally complementary. However, Germany and Britain frequently clash due to their respective 'world policies,' making them natural enemies, a situation that is likely to persist indefinitely. Britain's greed is intolerable to Germany. Other countries cannot overlook Britain's monopoly over the Yangtze River. As for the United States, it has long decided to oppose any division of territories. The United States, leveraging its strong economic power, continues to adhere to its established policy, advocating for an open-door policy among the great powers. All nations are expected to support the open-door policy proposed by the United States. Consequently, there will inevitably be endless entanglements among the nations regarding the division of China. Therefore, any urgent push for division is indeed a futile endeavor.

Sun Jingnan's tone became stern, seemingly irritated by Chen Moran's "lack of ambition"

Alright, however, your politeness makes me feel uncomfortable. You have traveled in Europe and America since childhood and are not familiar with the national etiquette, so do not burden yourself here

Chen Moran, who had just taken his seat, quickly stood up to pay his respects. The formalities of this time and space exceeded his imagination, yet everyone seemed to care deeply about them

The younger generation does not dare! The younger generation does not dare!

Although he said this, Liu Nengxian still sat steadily in his chair, receiving the courtesy

I have met Mr. Liu

The abundant resources of the Qing Dynasty fostered friendships with allied nations

Sun Jingnan, who was originally somewhat worried, immediately showed a look of surprise upon hearing these words

And in the book, "Ah! Ran, do you know who the uncle mentioned by Senda is?"

As soon as the person spoke, Chen Anran understood why this person's gaze was somewhat ambiguous; it was originally intended to find a daughter-in-law for the younger generation.

Brother Nanping, these words are what I conveyed to my uncle after repeating what Ranzhi had said. My uncle expressed his heartfelt sentiments and added that if there is an opportunity in the future, he would like to invite such insightful young people to his residence for a discussion

Chen Moran looked at the middle-aged man in front of him, whose words and actions exuded an air of official authority, with some confusion

In my heart, I firmly believe this person is an official, and how could I still dare to be so presumptuous in my words? I almost hurriedly stood up to accompany him with courtesy

In a moment of jest, Liu Nengxian repeated the "insights" of Chen Moran as quoted by Sun Jingnan, his face filled with admiration. He clearly remembered the day he handed that letter to his uncle, who, after reading it, displayed a look of astonishment on his face, remaining in a daze for a full quarter of an hour before finally regaining his composure with a long sigh

Although he sat down, Chen Moran appeared somewhat restless. This kind of recognition was not what he needed. He had once thought that a person like him, in the face of the tides of history, was like an ant, easily crushed at any moment. The so-called dynasties and empires he had read about in novels were best avoided as far as possible. With his level of capability, it was uncertain whether he would end up without a burial place one day. He had not figured it out yet, so it was better to steadily print his own money, earn his own living, and live comfortably as a modest landowner. In a few more years, once he had earned enough, he could directly immigrate to America for a more carefree life.

Such a tumultuous change in circumstances left Chen Moran at a loss for how to respond. The favor of the introduction? What could this possibly mean?

Lord Liu and esteemed scholar, it was merely the reckless words of a junior, and any inaccuracies therein should not be held against you, esteemed Lord Liu

Although this is our first meeting, I have long heard of your great reputation

nonsense

Oh!

The Governor-General of the Two Rivers

This is my close friend Liu Nengxian

Upon hearing these words, Sun Xiyun, who was already standing uneasily, could no longer remain in place and bowed to express her gratitude

Seeing the confusion in Chen Moran's eyes, Sun Jingnan, who was seated behind the desk, quickly explained

While the middle-aged man next to Sun Jingnan was speaking, Chen Moran felt that the way this middle-aged man was looking at Miss Sun seemed a bit...

Do not blame me, my lord! Do not blame me, my lord!

Chen Moran, who was restless, almost broke into a sweat on his back as he repeated the content of his conversation with Sun Jingnan from that day. It was as if he were carrying the insights of future generations to admonish the people of the present.

With a hearty laugh, Liu Nengxian looked at the rather nervous young man in front of him

After his daughter left, Sun Jingnan finally noticed Chen Moran, who was still bowing respectfully. He laughed heartily and walked into the study.

Sun Jingnan's explanation sent a shiver down Chen Moran's spine. He truly feared the consequences of such matters. Arriving in this era, the last thing he had expected was to get entangled with these foreign affairs. If he were to get too involved one day, he might really find himself dragged to the marketplace, and that would be a regret too late to remedy. In this time and space, it was still best to quietly amass wealth without drawing attention.

Turning around, Chen Moran immediately bowed and saluted Sun Jingnan, who was outside the study.

When Chen Moran bowed again, not only Liu Nengxian but even Sun Jingnan beside him could not bear to watch. How could it be that in less than a month, this person had changed so drastically, contrasting sharply with the spirited demeanor they had during their last conversation.

Then, do not forget to express your gratitude to Senda for the recommendation

The younger generation has met Mr. Nan Ping

As the three individuals took their seats and the maid served tea, the middle-aged man beside Sun Jingnan observed the "Second Ghost"—a term used to describe a foreigner—who leaned on a cane, dressed in Western attire, and had short hair, with a gaze that conveyed considerable interest.

Ah ... ... this ... ...

Brother Nanping, unless this is the Chen Ran you mentioned earlier!

Regrettably, this person was not utilized by the court before the year ended

Lord Liu, it is indeed Uncle Sendar. To receive such recognition from you, Lord Liu, in recent years, I fear you are the first person to do so

Ah!

Indeed, it is somewhat my fault. Although I have long been away from the officialdom, the state of the nation is increasingly precarious. Although Nan Ping finds herself in the wilderness, she has not dared to forget the concerns of the nation. Some time ago, I mentioned your insights from that day to Sen Daxin.

Dad

This ... ... the younger generation is still unaware!

Standing outside the door, the father's gaze fell upon his daughter, Sun Xiyun, who blushed upon realizing her mistake. Noticing the person beside her father, she quickly bowed and offered her greetings.

At this moment, Chen Moran was indeed startled. The Governor of Liangjiang? Appreciating him? For a time, Chen Moran truly did not know whether this was a stroke of luck or misfortune. In later years, not to mention high-ranking officials like the Governor of Liangjiang, even among ordinary colleagues in past workplaces, there were hardly a few who recognized his worth. Yet now, the renowned historical figure Liu Kunyin from the Xiang Army actually appreciated him!

Looking at the astonished Chen Moran, Liu Nengxian gestured for him to sit down, as he stood there in a daze, unsure of what to do.