Insufficient balance

  As a 21st-century person, Chen Ke didn't like Peking Opera or local operas. He had occasionally heard of the southern clapper talk, but hadn't studied it at all. Looking around at the young people surrounding Chen Tianhua, each and every one was listening with rapt attention, their faces solemn. Even when listening to Chen Ke's "political lectures", everyone was serious, but didn't have such a look of being deeply moved. Chen Ke felt that inviting Chen Tianhua had been an extremely wise decision. But he couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy in his heart. This small emotional fluctuation made Chen Ke feel a wave of shame. Feeling jealous towards comrades really wasn't a thought that a communist should have. He tapped his head with his hand, and Chen Ke carried the dishes and wine to the table, putting them down gently.

  "Brother Chen is back." Chen Tianhua hurriedly stopped playing the zither, and everyone helped arrange the wine and dishes.

  "Mr. Tianhua, continue singing," said Chen Ke.

  Chen Tianhua smiled and said, "The wine and dishes are all set, let's sing later. I'm really hungry now."

  Everyone knew Chen Tianhua was a stickler for etiquette, and after a burst of laughter, they all poured wine into their cups.

  "I think everyone has introduced themselves, so I'll say a bit more. This is Mr. Chen Tianhua, a revolutionary comrade invited by Sister Qiu Jin from Japan. Let's raise our glasses to toast Mr. Chen!" Chen Ke said, raising his cup.

  Everyone introduced themselves one by one, then clinked glasses with Chen Tianhua. After everyone finished the drink, Chen Ke refilled their cups again. "Comrades, I invited Mr. Chen Tianhua here this time to let him join us in our common revolution. So, comrades, we must keep Mr. Chen from leaving."

  Everyone burst out laughing, Chen Tianhua didn't expect Chen Ke to speak so directly, but he was also a figure, not timid. "I appreciate the gentleman's kindness. Let me toast everyone a glass."

  The second cup was drunk and the third cup was poured.

  Hua Xiongmao laughed and said, "Mr. Chen, this can't be just a courtesy visit. I haven't read any books, but I've also heard of Mr. Chen's great reputation. Since Mr. Chen has come here, no matter what, you must stay for a few more years before leaving. Come on, Mr. Chen, let me toast you with this cup of wine."

  Everyone drank this cup of wine together. Chen Ke put down his wine glass and said, "I've never liked forcing people to drink. I've had these three cups, and from now on, everyone can do as they please."

  "Mr. Chen, I came this time mainly because Mr. Qiu Jin conveyed your kind intentions to me. I don't accept rewards without doing anything, so no matter what, I must come visit you. Is there something you can teach me?"

  "My surname is Chen, and you're also surnamed Chen. Let's take advantage of the coincidence and consider ourselves as one family. So let's not mention Mr. Chen anymore. You can just call me Wenqing. What should I call Mr. Tianhua?"

  "Xīng tái."

  "Brother Xing Tai, we are all young people, so I won't make any unnecessary formalities. I invited you here not to discuss any grand business, but just to ask you to join us in our revolution together."

  Chen Tianhua's face showed a hint of confusion after hearing Chen Ke's words. He furrowed his brow and looked at Chen Ke, thinking that this revolution was all about overthrowing the Qing dynasty. Chen Ke spoke so casually, and when he glanced around at the other people who seemed to take it for granted, Chen Tianhua couldn't help but wonder what was going on. This group of men and women were dressed in a way that made them look either wealthy or noble, but were they really revolutionaries or just a bunch of crazy people?

  "What kind of revolutionary method is this revolution of yours, Brother Wen Qing?" Chen Tianhua asked.

  "Revolution is not for killing, revolution is for saving. Since it's for saving, the first thing to do is to let everyone eat their fill. Xing Tai, look." Chen Ke said while pointing at a few others who had already started eating, "We need to eat our fill together with everyone. So, let's start." He paused for a moment and then said in Japanese: "Itadakimasu."

  Chen Tianhua didn't know Chen Ke still understood Japanese, and was slightly startled. After Chen Ke finished speaking, he had already picked up his chopsticks. He was really hungry now, and his chopsticks immediately reached for the nearest dish of fried tofu. Everyone at the table came from unusual backgrounds, and no one made a sound while eating. Since they were all young people, there wasn't much restraint. The crowd didn't let the dishes go to waste either, devouring them in a whirlwind-like frenzy, emptying their plates in just a few minutes.

  After finishing the meal, they poured green bean soup into bowls, each person drinking an amount ranging from one to two bowls. Then, together they cleaned up the table and washed the dishes before sitting back down at the table.

  Everyone who works together has already gotten used to this collective way of life, and Chen Tianhua also joined in very smoothly. Everyone looks at each other, and suddenly they all burst out laughing together.

  Hua Xiongmao patted Chen Tianhua's shoulder and said, "Xing Tai brother, just by looking at the way you eat, I can tell you're no ordinary person. It would be a waste if you didn't join the revolution."

  Chen Tianhua bowed to everyone, "Ladies and gentlemen, we are strangers who have met by chance. I'm grateful that you all think highly of me, but I've seen many revolutions in my time. Even now, I'm still wanted by the Qing government. I appreciate your kind intentions, but if you want me to join, listen to what I have to say first."

  "Listen carefully." Qi Hui said with great interest.

  Chen Tianhua said with a sigh: "I have ten revolutionary principles. First, we must know that the calamity of partition is not only the destruction of our country, but also the ignition of fire. Second, we must know that even if China is partitioned by various countries, they will still maintain the Manchu government to oppress the Han people. Third, we must know that at this point in time, it is impossible to talk about preparing to save the country; only through bitter struggle can China be saved. Fourth, we must know that the more people who die now, the more people will be saved later. Fifth, we must know that the two words 'ethnicity' must be clearly understood and distinguished. Sixth, we must know that the country belongs to everyone, and it is absolutely impermissible to ignore it or let things take their own course. Seventh, we must know that in order to resist foreign aggression, we must first learn from the strengths of foreigners. Eighth, we must know that in order to strengthen ourselves, we must first eliminate our own weaknesses. Ninth, we must know that we must use civilization to exclude foreigners, and not barbarism. Tenth, we must know that this anti-foreign movement will never end."

  Chen Ke listened to Chen Tianhua's ten principles and thought to himself, no wonder Chen Tianhua had to commit suicide in history. With his views, it would be strange if he could find like-minded people in 1905.

  Chen Tianhua finished speaking the ten points, and saw Chen Ke's face with a smile, Zhou Yuanxiao had no reaction at all, Qi Hui nodded slightly, Hua Xiongmao had a flattering smile on his face, and You Yun was holding back the urge to burst out laughing. Yet, surprisingly, nobody expressed approval or disapproval.

  "Xing Tai brother said it well." Chen Kezhan said. However, Chen Tianhua heard only politeness in Chen Ke's tone, without any excitement or other emotions. Chen Tianhua's heart skipped a beat. Ordinary revolutionaries would either agree or have doubts upon hearing this speech. Unexpectedly, these people took it for granted, it seems they are indeed a revolutionary party.

  "When I speak of revolution, it is first and foremost about taking action. If we only talk about principles, anyone can do that. Xing Tai thoroughly understands the principles of revolution, but I want to ask, what does Xing Tai plan to do with this? Must he use civilized means to exclude others, rather than resorting to barbaric methods?"

  "Establishing schools and promoting universal education. I have already explained the educational systems of various countries, but China has not yet widely established schools, which is truly a hopeless situation. Establishing public speaking platforms to spread ideas far and wide! Public speaking is the most important way to open up the atmosphere. Even three or four people can give speeches, and if you want to save the country, it's essential to establish this. Promoting women's education to cultivate the roots. Gentlemen, the saying that 'a woman without talent is virtuous' is a harmful misconception. In foreign countries, women's knowledge is on par with men's, so they can assist their husbands and teach their children. Chinese women have no knowledge whatsoever, and not only do their husbands and sons fail to benefit from them, but they are also hindered by them. Often, people with great ambitions are worn down by loving wives and caring mothers. Men spend half their lives in the hands of women; if women are uneducated, the roots are rotten, so how can there be good branches and leaves?"

  Chen Ke didn't know much about Chen Tianhua, and when he heard him talking so eloquently, his face really changed color. It wasn't just Chen Ke, everyone else's face also changed greatly.

  Chen Tianhua smiled as he saw that everyone was now taking his ideas seriously. "To be honest with you all, before I returned this time, Mr. Qiu Jin said that Brother Wenqing is a man who can accomplish great things, with profound knowledge and sharp thinking. He has been in Shanghai for less than two months and has already created a huge business from scratch. Mr. Qiu Jin asked me to assist Brother Wenqing well. Although I was wanted by the Qing government, Mr. Qiu Jin persuaded me to return. As soon as I entered the door, I saw Miss You giving a public lecture on chemistry. She is truly a model for women. Moreover, I heard that Mr. Wenqing plans to establish a school, give lectures, set up discussion classes, and open a tutorial institute. I knew that Mr. Wenqing's ambitions are great. Since this is the case, Brother Wenqing might as well tell me what his plans are and how he wants me to contribute. I am all ears."

  Chen Tianhua spoke eloquently, hitting all the key points. Yu Yun heard Chen Tianhua's high praise of herself as a woman who could lecture on great causes and couldn't help but smile. Although Chen Ke was usually respected by everyone, he rarely moved others like this. Faced with Chen Tianhua, a revolutionary propagandist, Chen Ke truly admired him. Each profession has its own expertise, and in this regard, Chen Tianhua was far more skilled than himself.

  "Xing Tai, I must be honest with you. I invited Xing Tai here to ask him to take on the role of Minister of Propaganda for our party. As a revolutionary, I know all about principles, but I'm not very good at communicating them to everyone. I have absolute faith in Xing Tai's abilities in propaganda. And I didn't expect Xing Tai to arrive so quickly - it must be fate. Now that I'm giving lectures, I need a large number of manuscripts, and I need Xing Tai's help. Will you be willing to assist me, Brother Xing Tai?"

  Everyone has always been very respectful of Chen Ke. This respect comes from Chen Ke's profound knowledge, especially the way he gets things done with great determination. Chen Ke is able to take the lead in his work, doing the most and resting the least. Whenever something happens, he can come up with a solution and lead his comrades to solve the problem. That's why everyone is willing to follow him.

  Chen Tianhua, on the other hand, was a different type, with sharp words and great incitement. He spoke of revolutionary principles in a way that was both profound and accessible, and even in such a short period of time, people could feel a sense of uplift. After hearing Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua's conversation, everyone finally understood that Chen Ke had long wanted to recruit Chen Tianhua into the team as Minister of Propaganda. Everyone thought this idea was simply a match made in heaven.

  Zi Hui had always believed that Chen Ke's abilities were far from being fully utilized, and now he was even more convinced of this. Chen Ke usually didn't say much, but just by the way he recruited Chen Tianhua, it could be seen that Chen Ke had a very deep understanding of current talents. It could even be said that he was farsighted. He hastily said: "Xing Tai brother, we are now eager for your talent like a thirsty man for water. No matter what, we must invite Xing Tai brother to join us in our common revolution."

  "Brother Wenqing, I don't know if this revolution of yours requires the use of armed force to overthrow the Qing dynasty," Chen Tianhua asked.

  "Of course we must overthrow by force."

  "How to prepare for the overthrow?"

  "First build a base area. Then gradually expand. The path is to first make revolutionary seizures, then expand the liberated areas, and finally unify China."

  "Where will this revolutionary base start from?"

  Anhui.

  "Anhui?" Chen Tianhua furrowed his brow after hearing this. "If you want to make a move in Anhui, why are you developing in Shanghai now?"

  "I need to gather party members and cultivate cadres."

  Chen Tianhua still didn't quite understand Chen Ke's line of thinking, "The comrades gathered in Shanghai went to Anhui for the revolution, circling around like this, will it work?"

  "I am not going to rely on the gentry and merchants. It is impossible to have a revolution relying on them." Chen Ke replied, "Why do we need a revolution today? To save China. Who should we save China for?"

  Chen Tianhua pondered for a moment, "To save the nation from subjugation and ensure its survival, must we still distinguish between ourselves?"

  "Why has China fallen to this point? In my view, it's not that the imperial court is the problem, but rather that the system itself is the problem. If a revolution doesn't overthrow this system and replace it with a new revolutionary one, China will be beyond salvation. And under today's system, who suffers the most?"

  "It... is still the common people who suffer the most." Chen Tianhua replied.

  After hearing this, Chen Ke's heart slightly relaxed. Since Chen Tianhua began to expound on the revolutionary principles, Chen Ke had never been able to gain the upper hand and was even at a disadvantage many times. However, the revolution must be a people's revolution that Chen Ke hoped for, which is his bottom line. If Chen Tianhua's faction can take this stance correctly, even if Chen Tianhua is incredibly talented, Chen Ke can only use him but will not truly consider him as his comrade.

  "So let's take a look at the situation today. The Qing government only wants to maintain its rule, and they absolutely do not want revolution. What the gentry want is power, no matter what they say about wanting revolution, but where do their interests come from? They still rely on the old system to gain benefits. It's just that this old system cannot resist foreign powers, so the gentry want revolution for their own benefit. This revolution is nothing more than overthrowing the Qing and putting themselves in power. So the gentry's revolution is only for self-preservation. The merchants' revolution is purely for profit. Look at the compradors, as long as there is money to be made, they have no problem making money with foreigners. What about the people? As long as this old system is maintained, no matter who is in power, the people will definitely suffer and struggle to survive from day to day. If the people rise up in revolution, it is to smash this entire old system to pieces, not to establish a new system that allows all citizens to avoid poverty and bullying, not to establish a new world where all citizens can live and work in peace, the revolutionary people will absolutely not give up."

  "Now, China is like this big vat, thick and heavy. The people are like the young shoots of trees that are being pressed down by it, unable to breathe. This vat is filled with all sorts of hardships. Every year, more than 60% of the land rent, over 100% usury. Corrupt officials, wicked scholars, sorcerers, and foreign religions - this vat contains all sorts of rubbish. But in order to survive, people cannot help but drink from this vat. Therefore, these young shoots that should grow into towering trees are being suppressed, poisoned, withering away or growing into grotesque shapes. However, once this vat is smashed, a new era will be opened up, and the young shoots of the tree can grow freely. Sunshine, air, water - everything the people need can be obtained. Then these young shoots will grow into towering trees. The reason we couldn't see the big trees before was because this vat was exerting its evil influence. Our revolution is to destroy this old system and open up a bright future for the people's revolution."

  This was the first time Chen Ke analyzed the revolutionary situation, because his current collaborators were all from a background of scholars, landlords and compradors. There was even Hua Xiongmao, a martial arts champion among them. If he couldn't make everyone understand the world and economy first, but instead only propagandized the core interests of the revolution, it would not be possible to prevent his own small group from splitting apart.

  Everyone has his own class nature. If comrades cannot gain benefits from the revolution, and cannot establish themselves through the revolution, then Chen Ke, as a "revolutionary leader", only asks comrades to dedicate everything and sacrifice everything. Chen Ke does not believe that anyone would really do such a thing. If there were indeed such people, Chen Ke would also unhesitatingly consider them madmen.

  So Chen Ke was very careful in doing things and guiding his comrades. However, the arrival of Chen Tianhua made Chen Ke have to say such words. Or it can be said that Chen Tianhua had already sparked the revolutionary interest of the comrades, laid the groundwork, and allowed Chen Ke to follow this vein to discuss some core issues of revolution.

  Chen Ke's historical knowledge was not rich, and he did not know that Chen Tianhua had participated in the Huaxinghui Uprising. Chen Ke thought that Chen Tianhua was just an excellent propagandist who read books and studied abroad. So Chen Ke thought that his words would not be accepted by Chen Tianhua. Unexpectedly, Chen Tianhua not only did not oppose, but also nodded solemnly. "What Brother Wenqing said is absolutely right. After hearing what Brother Wenqing said..., Mr. Qiu Jin praised Brother Wenqing so much, it's really not an exaggeration."

  Other comrades had heard Chen Ke lecture on some revolutionary principles before, but the span in between was too large, and it always felt like looking at flowers in the fog. Listening to Chen Tianhua's words, everyone felt uplifted and excited, as he clearly explained some tangible things that they were facing in reality. Moreover, the solutions proposed by Chen Tianhua were also very feasible. It seemed that as long as they did it, they would be able to change China and save China.

  Under this emotional state, everyone listened to Chen Ke's words again, and the things that were not easy to understand before suddenly became clear. However, everything Chen Ke said was tearing off the surface of the world, pointing out the true nature of this world for everyone to see clearly. The clearer people saw the world, the more they felt its simplicity and cruelty, the depth and sharpness of its contradictions. Everyone's mood changed from excitement to heaviness. For a moment, no one spoke.

  "Xing Tai, would you be willing to temporarily take on the role of our party's propaganda minister? I am in dire need of someone with your talents joining us right now." Chen Ke asked seriously, ignoring the silence of his comrades.

  "Lit brother, I'm willing to join." Chen Tianhua replied without hesitation.