Chapter 2, A Cruise Ship Encounter

  "When I was in Germany, I heard of a philosopher named Hegel who had a famous saying, 'Being is reasonable.' I dare to use this sentence to infer that since the uprisings led by Mr. Sun have repeatedly failed, there must be inevitable reasons for it. We also have a famous saying in China, 'A lesson from the past is a teacher for the future.' Since we have repeatedly failed, why not deeply think about the reasons and strive to find other feasible methods?" Wu Shaotong said calmly.

  Young people have a feeling of regret, he thinks Wu Shaozhong's words are very incisive. Why did the uprisings fail repeatedly? Did the revolutionaries really reflect on the reasons for their failure and come up with solutions to solve the problem?

  He secretly sighed and then asked: "So, you think Sun Yat-sen is not qualified to lead the Tongmenghui?"

  Wu Shaotong smiled and said, "Earlier, sir, you asked me why Sun Yat-sen cannot be called a hero. In fact, my answer was just my personal opinion, which is nothing more than the different definitions of heroes in everyone's heart."

  The young man looked somewhat perplexed, even a bit bewildered.

  Wu Shao-t'ang said: "My previous answer, strictly speaking, was aimed at the revolutionary faction represented by Mr. Sun, not at Mr. Sun personally. As for whether the Tongmenghui should be led by Mr. Sun, I am not in a position to say. However, as you have said, revolution is an exploration, and Mr. Sun has the courage and spirit to lead us out of darkness into light, which is worthy of admiration from people all over the world."

  The young man nodded deeply and said with conviction: "That's exactly the reason."

  Wu Shaotong said, "To get back to the point, if Mr. Sun didn't go to hell, who could? Who would dare? That's what makes Mr. Sun so great. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any heroic deeds!"

  The young man nodded again in agreement and also felt a lot more at ease in his heart.

  "Wu Gongzi has such a profound and far-sighted understanding, it's really precious. What does Wu Gongzi think about the current revolutionary situation in our country?" he asked again.

  Wu Shaotong felt a bit strange at this time. He had originally thought that the young man was just an overseas student influenced by revolutionary ideas, but the other party repeatedly discussed revolutionary topics, could it be that he was a member of the Tongmenghui? However, even if he was a member of the Tongmenghui, it would not be unusual. The Tongmenghui had developed to this day and already had many branches and leaves, with countless grassroots members.

  He pondered for a moment, then said: "I don't dare to comment on such profound topics. However, through the information I've gathered in Germany over the years, I think the revolutionary situation has become quite clear. The people are becoming increasingly aware of the incompetence of the Manchu government and the bullying by foreign powers. Now all that's needed is a spark to ignite this prairie fire."

  The young man was stunned, and he muttered Wu Shaotong's words again, saying: "A single spark can start a prairie fire! Good, this metaphor is good!" He sighed and said, "But I don't understand when this spark will appear?"

  Wu Shaozong said: "The uprisings planned by the Alliance over the years were nothing more than attempts to ignite the flames of revolution. Unfortunately, it is clear that their timing, methods and firepower have not been grasped. However, I believe that this exploration will eventually be successful one day, and I hope that the revolutionary party can seriously explore the reasons for each failure and not repeat the same mistakes."

  Just then, the passengers who had dinner in the cabin came up to the deck one after another for some fresh air.

  The atmosphere in the room suddenly became tense, and Wu Shaotong and the young man simultaneously stopped talking about their previous topic.

  However, the young man looked enthusiastic and smiled: "I admire Mr. Wu's previous insight very much. May I ask for Mr. Wu's great name?"

  "Wu Shaotong replied: 'I am Wu Shaotong, courtesy name Zhenzhi. I haven't had the pleasure of making your acquaintance...'"

  The young man bowed and said: "My name is Hu Hanmin, style name Zhantang."

  Wu Shaotang was shocked at the time, Hu Hanmin? A famous revolutionary, one of Sun Yat-sen's main assistants, the first governor of Guangdong after the Xinhai Revolution, and a veteran of the Kuomintang along with Jiang Shi and Liao Zhongkai? He was fortunate that his previous conversation with the other party had been to the point and not caused offense to this future big shot.

  Although Hu Hanmin was not yet so famous at this time in 1908, after all, this is a potential stock, and it's still necessary to make more connections.

  He smiled politely and said: "Nice to meet you. I was just talking with Mr. Hu, isn't he a revolutionary?"

  Hu Hanmin smiled ambiguously and said, "Young Master Wu, you've already said that before. Any hot-blooded man wouldn't just sit back and watch the great China be destroyed by the Tartars. So it can be said that as long as one has a belly full of hot blood, they are all revolutionary heroes. I believe Young Master Wu is also a fine young man with a belly full of hot blood."

  Wu Shaotong felt that Hu Hanmin's words had a hint of implication, as if intentionally trying to win him over to join the revolution.

  He sighed heavily and said: "It's just a pity that the road ahead is uncertain, and I'm just an ignorant citizen of this chaotic country."

  Hu Hanmin said, "This remark is too serious. Earlier when I heard Wu Gongzi's talk, I already knew that Wu Gongzi was not a mediocre person. Today, I'm willing to humble myself and be friends with Wu Gongzi, do you have this honor?"

  Wu Shaotong couldn't help but smile, he was eager to get along with Hu Hanmin. He immediately said: "As the saying goes, at home rely on parents, outside rely on friends, if all within the four seas are brothers, it is also a happy event in life. Why wouldn't I be delighted?"

  Hu Hanmin warmly patted Wu Shaozhong's shoulder and smiled: "These words are very good, very good. I dare to ask Brother Zhen, what plans do you have after completing your studies and returning to the country?"

  Wu Shaotong's expression gradually became heavier, and this question was actually his current knot. He didn't know what to do after getting off the boat either.

  He slowly let out a sigh and said, "When I was young, my mother passed away, and two years ago, I also received the bad news of my father's passing. As an unfilial son, I couldn't even return from Germany to mourn. Now that our family has fallen on hard times, none of our relatives have come to visit us. Before returning to China, the officials at the German Consulate told me that after returning home, I can submit my personal resume to the Guangdong Army Ministry, and they will arrange for my reception and assignment. For now, this is all I can think of, first stabilizing my livelihood is the priority."

  Hu Hanmin nodded thoughtfully, knowing that Wu Shaozong, a military genius who had studied in Germany, would not be unable to find a way out. Moreover, if Wu Shaozong were assigned to serve in the army, he would also be a potential target for revolutionary mobilization.

  He said: "Hu has many friends in the provincial capital, and will also be staying temporarily in the provincial capital for a few months. If there's anything that needs help, Hu will do his best."

  Wu Shaotong couldn't help but feel a little amused, thinking that Hu Hanmin would probably come to him for help in the future. However, he knew it was Hu's kind intention, so he thanked him and said:

  "Zhan Tang brother is too polite. However, since Zhan Tang brother is temporarily staying in the provincial city, if I'm lucky enough to be assigned a job in the provincial city by the government office, I hope to have more opportunities to get close to Zhan Tang brother in the future. After all, I've just returned from Germany and don't have many friends in the country, so it's a coincidence that we met here today."

  "Very good, very good." Hu Hanmin readily agreed.