Chapter 34

  Qiu Jin was worried that Chen Ke's blunt refusal of Mr. Ma Xiangbo's invitation would cause Yan Fu to be displeased. She seemed relaxed, placing her right arm on the table beside her, but her body sat up straight, and a hint of anxiety involuntarily appeared on her face. Yu Youren also had a somewhat annoyed expression. Mr. Ma Xiangbo had asked him to invite Chen Ke to give a lecture, and even Yan Fu had made an appearance. It was thought that this would be an easy matter, but it was clearly and unequivocally rejected by Chen Ke. The reason for the rejection was that Chen Ke was busy with his own affairs and couldn't extricate himself, so he couldn't go to give the lecture.

  Yu Weiren could accept this reason, what he couldn't accept was Chen Ke's attitude. Generally speaking, one should decline politely rather than refuse directly.

  Compared to him, Yan Fu was still calm and composed, while Chen Ke's face still had that sincere smile. The two looked at each other for a moment before Yan Fu asked, "Wen Qing, is there really no room for maneuver?"

  "There isn't one now. There will be a vacancy in four months."

  "It's fine for a cultural enthusiast like him to give lectures, but Mr. Ma also has some responsibility towards the students."

  "Mr. Yan, you are a man of great learning and virtue, whatever you say is bound to be reasonable and proper. I am still in the process of learning and my views are not yet mature. As Zengzi said, 'Is it right to plan for others without being loyal? Is it right to make friends without being trustworthy?' Last time, I was the one who gave the lecture, if there were any problems, it was due to my own lack of knowledge. Now I have my own plans and I am doing my best with trepidation. If I were to force myself to give lectures again, it would be disloyal and untrustworthy."

  Chen Ke unexpectedly used a phrase from the Analects of Confucius, and Yan Fu smiled slightly. Then Chen Ke continued to say: "I have great respect for Mr. Ma, so I absolutely will not perfunctorily carry out the tasks that Mr. Ma instructs me to do. It's just that it is beyond my ability."

  After hearing this, Yan Fu couldn't help but laugh. "Since the literary youth has said so, I cannot force others to do what they don't want to do. I will reply to Mr. Ma about this matter."

  Yan Fu said so, Qiu Jin and Yu Youren felt a pity but finally breathed a sigh of relief.

  But then Yan Fu asked, "Looking at the equipment on Wen Qing's side, I think that special medicine is produced here?"

  "That's right."

  "I have something unclear, can you intellectuals enlighten me?"

  "Please speak directly, Mr. Yan."

  "Wen Qing announced the molecular formula of the special medicine, domestically speaking, probably only Wen Qing's family can produce it. However, abroad, there are tens of thousands that can be produced. Why did Wen Qing make it cheap for foreigners? Doesn't even the Great Qing deserve to produce its own medicine?"

  Yan Fu's tone was still quite mild, but the content of his words was already extremely dissatisfied. Chen Kezhen did not expect Yan Fu to be so particular about this matter. Qiu Jin and Yu Youren finally understood a bit about Yan Fu's purpose in coming here. Yan Fu himself naturally had no good feelings towards foreigners, and Chen Ke's actions triggered Yan Fu's dissatisfaction.

  "Mr. Yan, when I was making this medicine, I didn't know you yet. As a humble commoner, holding onto this medicine, I naturally became the target of scrutiny by those with ulterior motives at home and abroad. With only myself here trying to make a living, there are countless people who want my life. I couldn't handle it on my own. If at that time there was someone like you with a renowned reputation and noble character to back me up, I wouldn't be afraid. Even if I gave this medicine to the country, as long as I had some gains, I would be fine. But I didn't know people like you, and although this medicine can save lives, its reputation is not good. Ordinary people are both envious of my profits and disdainful of me. I have to live too, after all."

  Yan Fu stared at Chen Ke, as if trying to discern Chen Ke's true thoughts from his straightforward gaze.

  "I've made the prescription public, and those who are interested can make the medicine themselves. Moreover, people who buy the medicine think that I'm at least putting in some effort as a doctor, so they won't take my life. I've saved my own skin and even gained a bit of profit. I don't feel like I have any other choice. As for how you, a gentleman of integrity, view me, even if you're dissatisfied, it's not worth taking my life. So I'm not going to worry about that anymore."

  This remark was so lovely that Qiu Jin couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle. Even Yan Fu couldn't help but let out a soft sigh to suppress his laughter, "Wen Qing, this remark of yours is quite pitiful."

  Chen Ke smiled and replied, "The teachings of the saints are that one cannot be stingy with their body when doing things. When I was making this medicine, I didn't sleep for several days, and except for bathing, I never took off my clothes. These are all easy to do. However, Mr. Yan, I couldn't just take money without risking my life."

  Yan Fu had already accepted Chen Ke's explanation, and after hearing Chen Ke's last words, he couldn't help but burst out laughing. Not only Yan Fu, but also Qiu Jin and Yu Youren nodded in agreement.

  "The young man is well-versed in worldly affairs and answers fluently. I wonder which family he comes from?" Yan Fu asked.

  "This... when I left home, my parents told me not to reveal my family background. This matter cannot be answered."

  "It turns out that there is a bitter story behind it." Yan Fu listened to this and only nodded, without continuing to ask about the matter. "Wen Qing has just praised me so highly, I have a suggestion, can Wen Qing listen?"

  "Please speak directly, Mr. Yan."

  "I have an old relationship with Shanghai Daotai Yan Shuxun, I can go to persuade him, and the government and the people can jointly set up a pharmaceutical factory. Wen Qing can boldly produce medicine, and it's unlikely that anyone will dare to make things difficult for Wen Qing again."

  Everyone was somewhat surprised by these words. Yan Fu made such a suggestion, it is clear that he wanted to help Chen Ke. With Yan Fu's identity, being so fond of a stranger, there must be some ulterior motive.

  "Mr. Yan, I actually have a request."

  "Please go on."

  "There's no problem with running a pharmacy, but on the civil side of things, we must have Mr. Yan be present. All shares will belong to Mr. Yan, and I'll take care of the pharmaceutical business. If profits are divided, whatever percentage Mr. Yan gives me is what I'll accept. If Mr. Yan can't agree to this arrangement, then I won't agree to jointly run a pharmacy."

  Chen Ke's answer was again beyond the expectations of Qiu Jin and You Yuren. It was Yan Fu, who had been through official circles for a long time, who understood Chen Ke's meaning. After thinking for a moment, he sighed: "Wen Qing is indeed clever."

  "I'm just trying to save my own skin. If it weren't for someone like you, Mr. Yan, I wouldn't have had the guts to get involved in something like this."

  "I'll let Wen Qing know as soon as I have any news," Yan Fu said before standing up and taking his leave.

  "Please wait a moment, Mr. Yan." Chen Ke took out a book from the drawer and wrote a few words on a piece of paper, "This is your 'Tianyan Lun', please sign your name on it." After finishing, Chen Ke handed both the book and the paper to Yan Fu.

  Yan Fu glanced at the book and immediately felt a good impression. This book had obviously been flipped through many times, the cover and page edges were all slightly blackened from being handled. The corners were also somewhat worn round. However, it was extremely neat, with no creases or damage to be seen anywhere, showing that the person who read it took great care of it. On the paper was written "Qi Hui Shen" in three characters.

  "Who is Ziqi Shensheng?" Yan Fu asked.

  "That was just now a friend of mine. You've also met him, he has great admiration for you. He's read this book countless times."

  Yan Fu smiled, walked to the table and picked up the brush that Qi Hui Shen had just used. He wrote on the title page: "Mr. Qi Hui Shen, with best regards, Yan Fu". Then he stood up and left. As he passed through the courtyard, the young people already knew that the famous Yan Fu had arrived. Seeing him come out, everyone lined up in two rows, sandwiching Yan Fu in the middle, and asked him how he was doing one after another. Yan Fu nodded calmly to the crowd, this demeanor was indeed not something Chen Ke could match.

  Chen Ke and Qiu Jin saw the two off to the street corner. Before parting, Yu Youren said: "Xuan Qing, I am now living at Fudan Public School, Xuan Qing, please come visit me when you have time."

  Qiu Jin nodded in agreement, and the two sides dispersed. The students watched as Yan Fu's figure disappeared around the corner, and then saw Chen Ke walking back, before they rushed back into the courtyard.

  He returned to the house, but saw Qi Hui Shen holding a book and gently blowing on the wet ink. A look of uncontrollable joy. When he saw Chen Ke enter, he carefully put down the book and repeatedly said: "Thank you, thank you!"

  "Get to work!"

  Qiu Jin and Chen Ke sat down again, only then did she ask: "Wen Qing, why didn't you respond to Mr. Ma's invitation?"

  "Auntie Qiu, Tian Hua said you knew he brought back twenty or so people."

  "Uh-huh."

  "Look, there are still dozens of people in the courtyard, and just teaching these comrades is enough to kill me. Moreover, our Huangpu Book Society is about to organize a social survey. I simply don't have time to go to Fudan."

  "What's being investigated? Investigate what?"

  "The first social survey was about Shanghai's population situation. Where did they come from, how did they make a living, and what were their plans."

  "Huh?" Qiu Jin was very puzzled by this.

  "A revolution requires knowing why one is rebelling. Without understanding the current state of China, how can we know how to rebel? One must understand the situation among the people. Ah, let me introduce you: this comrade Qi Huiwen is the leader of the research team for this social investigation."

  Zi Hui deep and Qiu Jin exchanged greetings, chatted casually for a few sentences, then continued writing.

  Looking at Chen Ke's tired appearance, Qiu Jin smiled and said: "Just now, Wen Qing and Mr. Yan Fu were answering each other smoothly, with great momentum. How come you're so down now?"

  "Mr. Yan Fu is not an easy person to talk to. When speaking with him, one must be spirited. Confucius said: 'A gentleman is easy to serve but difficult to please.' If what he says does not accord with the Way, do not listen; and when he sends someone on a mission, consider his abilities."

  Qiu Jin knew that Chen Ke's studies were not too bad, but hearing such a careless remark about dropping his schoolbag made her somewhat uncomfortable. Fortunately, Chen Ke immediately provided an explanation.

  "Mr. Yan has come this time to see my ability. Whether or not to give lectures, and the matter of making medicine, are not the main purpose of his trip. I'm actually not a very polite person. Now I have to keep pace with Mr. Yan, it's exhausting me."

  After hearing this, Qiu Jin just smiled. Qi Hui Shen then slightly raised his head and glanced at Chen Ke. Chen Ke grinned at Qi Hui Shen. Qi Hui Shen lowered his head and continued writing the draft. Although he was very suspicious as to why Chen Ke had told Qiu Jin these relatively confidential matters, Qi Hui Shen trusted Chen Ke. He knew that Chen Ke wouldn't do things rashly. Whatever questions there were, they could all be brought up at today's party meeting. He wasn't in a hurry for the time being.

  When Chen Ke finished analyzing Yan Fu's intentions, Chen Tianhua had just finished his class. The three of them met again and were overjoyed. When they went out to eat together, Yan Fu had already arrived at Ma Xiangbo's house. On the way, Yu Youren tried to bring up today's events with Yan Fu, but Yan Fu responded vaguely with a few words and didn't show any intention of continuing the conversation. Yu Youren also didn't dare say more. The two of them arrived at Mr. Ma's place in silence, Yu Youren reported on the results of their trip, and then tactfully left.

  "A few words, having seen Chen Ke, how did you feel."

  "He's trying to curry favor with me." Yan Fu said with a wave of his hand, adopting the kind of demeanor that made Yu Youren dare not speak.

  "Oh, you're such a big shot, he naturally wants to curry favor with you." Mr. Ma poured himself a cup of tea and served the two separately.

  I met this person, and on the way back I thought of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Cao Cao's evaluation of Yuan Shao was that he was capable of great things but unfortunately valued his life too much, and for small gains would forget his own life. This Chen Ke is only about 25 years old, but has a somewhat heroic air about him. After finishing his evaluation, Yan Fu gave Mr. Ma a detailed account of today's events. Mr. Ma had never been very interested in such intrigue and plotting, and listened with little concern.

  After Yan Fu finished speaking, he calmly asked: "What are you planning to do with Chen Wenqing?"

  "Mr. Xiang Bo, last time you saw me, you said that Chen Ke would inevitably bring disaster to the world. Why is that?"

  Mr. Ma Xiangbo thought for a moment before saying, "In one of his books, he talks about the change in social systems, directly pointing out the current ills and speaking in a veiled manner, without ever mentioning the word 'revolution'. However, if you believe in his book, it would inevitably lead to the overthrow of the imperial court. I've heard many revolutionaries' views, although they are also patriotic, but following their logic, one can always see that they have ulterior motives. Chen Ke's book may be just one person's opinion, but when used to interpret ancient and modern Chinese affairs, it is reasonable and flawless. Most importantly, there is no private interest involved. Not to mention the future, even now, students are already discussing it fervently. Many people have begun to discuss how to overthrow the imperial court and what kind of industrial nation should be established afterwards. Alas..."

  He nodded, "Chen Ke knows when to advance and retreat, isn't greedy for small gains, has considerable knowledge, and his demeanor is quite extraordinary. However, if it were a peaceful time, even if he wrote this book, he might not have achieved anything. But now that the world is in chaos, Chen Ke's intentions behind writing this book are clear as day. Even his parents don't dare let him report back to his family. Moreover, I see that many young people have gathered around him. Once they learn from Chen Ke's book, they will absolutely not reconcile with the imperial court. Hmph, it's clear what Chen Ke wants to do, no need to say more."

  Listening to Yan Fu's tone was not good, Mr. Ma Xiangbo asked with some concern: "Ji Dao, you won't be thinking of going..."

  "In the Gengzi coup, the imperial court had already killed six people, which was a case of misrule. I will not go and inform on him. Chen Ke is a man who writes books and gathers followers; if he were to occupy land, it would immediately lead to great chaos. However, Master Xiang, I have decided to take Chen Ke as my disciple. I am taking him as my disciple not for my own sake. Firstly, I want to lend him a helping hand and see what he can do. Moreover, since Chen Ke is now seeking me out, he will naturally listen to some of my guidance. Secondly, if he really becomes someone important, in the future there will inevitably be some critical moments when I will have to say something. As his teacher, Chen Ke will surely listen to one or two things."

  The statement that Chen Kuang accepted him as a disciple was first proposed by Mr. Ma Xiangbo. However, he did not expect Yan Fu to make up his mind so quickly, and Mr. Ma Xiangbo was somewhat puzzled. "The matter of accepting him as a disciple can be done gradually, there is no need to rush."

  Yan Fu slightly shook his head, "Chen Ke is indeed like Liu Bei, appearing to be kind and righteous, but in reality he's a hero of the world who refuses to submit to others. If it were someone else, they would have taken the initiative to approach Master Xiang, no matter what. But Chen Ke doesn't even bother with that. Although his words are polite, he won't borrow Master Xiang's reputation in the slightest. If I were to try to win him over gradually, Chen Ke definitely wouldn't be willing to become my disciple. And if I used other methods, Chen Ke is a clever person and might not fall into someone else's trap. Besides, I don't actually understand how to play these petty tricks. Might as well be straightforward and ask him to be my disciple. Since Chen Ke has something to ask of me now, he definitely won't refuse."

  Mr. Ma saw that Yan Fu had made up his mind, and he was somewhat worried about Yan Fu. He sighed, "This is indeed my fault."

  "Mr. Xiang Bo, you are being too serious. Based on Chen Ke's words and actions today, he is not even qualified to be my disciple. In the coming days, I will often go to his place to observe him. If he is indeed a straightforward and righteous person who examines his words and observes his appearance, considers the interests of others, then I will accept him as my disciple. But if he is just a hypocrite who takes advantage of kindness but acts against it, then there's no need to mention accepting him as my disciple again."

  Mr. Ma Xiangbo was well-versed in classical studies and knew that Yan Fu's conditions were actually the standards for a prominent gentleman as proposed by Confucius. Yan Fu started as the chief instructor, or dean of studies, at the Beiyang Naval Academy and eventually became its president. He was very strict with his students. Since he had made up his mind today, he would not go easy on Chen Kesong's examination. The sage's requirements for a prominent gentleman were no more than this, and Mr. Ma Xiangbo thought that Chen Ke might not be able to pass Yan Fu's test after all, which somewhat put his mind at ease.

  The two of them chatted for a while longer about Fudan Public School before Yan Fu stood up and bid farewell.

  As he walked on the road, Yan Fu felt a little guilty and was afraid that Mr. Ma would worry about some things, so he didn't dare to say too much. Yan Fu started from the Nanyang Navy and had been through many hardships and failures on the road of serving the country, with many painful memories etched in his mind.

  The particularly devastating defeat of the Beiyang Fleet in the First Sino-Japanese War had almost driven Yan Fu to suicidal thoughts. It was only later that he wrote his book "Tianyan Lun". In 1900, the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded Tianjin. On June 17th, the invading army captured the Dagu Fort and then poured into Tianjin. On the morning of the 27th, a Russian-led force unleashed countless artillery shells, turning the Tianjin Machinery Bureau, established in 1868, into a battlefield. The Naval Academy within the bureau was destroyed along with the bureau itself. Thus, the machinery bureau, which had been heavily invested in and painstakingly managed for over 30 years, and the naval academy, which had been operated for 20 years, were both destroyed at the hands of foreign powers.

  When the Beiyang Naval Academy was destroyed, Yan Fu was the principal. When he was forced to leave school in the midst of the rumbling cannon fire, Yan Fu's face was covered with tears. At this time, Empress Dowager Cixi had already taken Guangxu and the court officials on a "Western Expedition". Yan Fu could only flee to Shanghai and live in Changkangli, Zhabei. From then on, he began living a life of running back and forth between north and south, eating wherever he went.

  However, Yan Fu later heard that the deputy commander-in-chief Zong Yongde "knew he couldn't hold on, feared that the gunpowder would be used by the enemy, so he dispersed his troops and set fire to the arsenal, dying with the enemy". He had a vague impression of the officer, seemingly having a big beard and being quite tall. They were introduced once by someone unknown. But they never spoke. This low-ranking officer still sacrificed himself for righteousness, while those at the top of the Qing dynasty, the "Empress Dowager" and the "Emperor", fled quickly to save their lives.

  Afterwards, Yan Fu's career was stagnant, not only because the Westernization Group had fallen out of favor, but also because he himself had some intention of self-exile. In these years, Yan Fu repeatedly thought about the way to save the country, but always felt that he couldn't grasp the key point. Even if he ran a school or started a Westernization movement, what would be the use? The imperial court was defeated again and again, and China could not find its future path.

  However, after reading Chen Ke's "The Inheritance of Chinese Culture and the Rise of Materialism", Yan Fu finally saw a clear road being pointed out. Yan Fu was a master of national studies, he could see very clearly that there were many strong words and fallacious arguments in Chen Ke's book, even places where he knew it was wrong but deliberately glossed over. For these places, he thought that Chen Ke, a 25-year-old young man, had already made great achievements. Lack of knowledge would inevitably lead to strong words and fallacious arguments. But after listening to Chen Ke's lectures several times, he finally understood that Chen Ke's discussion about China was just a facade for his own theory, Chen Ke was looking at the future rather than the past. In Chen Ke's class, this young man drew a clear blueprint of a future industrialized China.

  Mr. Ma Xiangbo has never attended Mr. Chen Ke's lectures, so he doesn't know. Moreover, Mr. Ma Xiangbo has never been an official, but just a scholar who runs a school. He might not understand even if he listened. The students in the audience are also the same.

  Yan Fu has been an official all his life, from south to north, from factories to schools, and even in the imperial court. He is a knowledgeable person. Chen Ke clearly and explicitly outlined the blueprint for a new country and a new government, and even talked about many specific operations. Among the crowd of people, Yan Fu believed that perhaps only he could truly understand.

  That Chen Ke must be the son of a high-ranking official or noble family in the imperial court. Chen Ke said today that "his parents did not allow him to reveal his family background", Yan Fu understood very well. When Chen Ke rebels, it will definitely cause trouble and shock the world. If someone finds out about his true identity, his entire family will be executed.

  But Yan Fu no longer cared about these things. In his youth, he went to the British Royal Naval Academy with Liu Bocang, Lin Taizhen, Jiang Chaoying, Fang Boqian, He Xinchuan, Ye Zujie, Sa Zhenbing, Huang Jianxun, Jiang Yiqi and Lin Yingqi. His classmates had already died in battle at sea. As the principal of Beiyang Naval Academy, how many of his students had sacrificed their lives for the country? He didn't even know the names of these people or where they had died. "1894! 1900!" Yan Fu should have died long ago, but he managed to survive until now only because he still hoped to see China's revival.

  Whether Chen Ke rebelled against Yan Fu is not important, what Yan Fu worried about was whether this young man could establish a new industrial China as he said. As long as this goal can be achieved, Yan Fu felt that he would die without regret.

  Looking back on today's encounter, Yan Fu saw it very clearly. In the face of Mr. Ma Xiangbo's invitation, Chen Ke still had a moment of hesitation. Although it was only for a moment, Chen Ke regained his composure and resisted the temptation.

  "Chen Wenqing, can you really stick to the path you've written for yourself? Can you turn what you've written into reality? I'd like to see if you're worthy of being my disciple." Yan Fu thought to himself. But he knew that what he truly wanted to say to himself was another simple sentence: "Don't disappoint me again."

  Article 34