Chapter 63

  When Pang Zhiming clearly stated, "I won't follow Chen Ke as the leader," Wu Xingchen was not surprised. Chen Ke also accepted this without any objection and even expressed his agreement. Wu Xingchen wasn't surprised either. However, seeing the relief on the faces of the other Shandong brothers, Wu Xingchen felt a deep disappointment. But he couldn't say anything anymore. If he were to persuade Pang Zhiming to listen to Chen Ke's words like before, Pang would probably look at him with suspicion and ask: "Wu Ge, which side are you really on?"

  Wu Xingchen really wanted to say to Pang Di, "Brother, I'm on your side." But Wu Xingchen couldn't bring himself to say it, because he was also doubting now, which side he was actually on.

  To be exact, Wu Xingchen didn't have a good impression of Chen Ke, and he knew it. He also knew that Chen Ke was aware of this, so Wu Xingchen never tried to hide it. Wu Xingchen was very clear about his own interests in the People's Party theory, which is why he joined the party in the first place. He was also well aware that Chen Ke understood these things too. This created a huge dilemma for Wu Xingchen. If this were to happen in any of the organizations he had been part of before, it would be a big deal. A subordinate having no good feelings towards their superior, simply gathering together based on shared goals, was already a serious offense. Subordinates had to go to great lengths to conceal such attitudes in order to survive within the organization.

  However, the People's Party was different. After staying in this small party for so long, Wu Xingchen gradually developed a strange feeling: "Is the People's Party really going to rebel?" Chen Ke's political platform and various ideas were indeed aimed at rebellion. To avoid all sorts of possible failures, Chen Ke's measures were very cautious. Wu Xingchen understood these things well and was very supportive. He himself felt that he completely understood what Chen Ke meant by "People's Revolution". If the revolution succeeded, the People's Party would lead the people to ultimate liberation.

  Based on the above understanding, Wu Xingchen has a clearer idea of what his duty is as a member of the People's Party. And these recognitions are where Wu Xingchen feels it is difficult for him to do. Yes, if the revolution succeeds, he will become a founding father and an extraordinary person. However, compared with what he will pay out, there is nothing extraordinary about this.

  When you realize that everything you do is for the people, not for your own fame and fortune, when you realize that all the hardships you go through are for others to sacrifice. Then normal people will feel a sense of disconnection. This is also where Wu Xingchen is most confused, this idea makes Wu Xingchen unable to refuse, but Wu Xingchen feels that his own sacrifices cannot benefit the brothers he cares about. If Chen Ke could point out specific steps for revolution, as long as he can convince Wu Xingchen that these are correct, then Wu Xingchen will execute them without hesitation. But Chen Ke didn't, he just told everyone that this world needs a revolution, and a brand new system must be established. Then it's the interpretation of these things. Those who have read books are very interested in this, but Wu Xingchen is not very interested in these things. What he needs is not theory, but practical methods.

  As he thought of this, Wu Xingchen looked at Chen Ke, and saw no hint of regret on the young man's face. This person, even if angry, would cover his emotions with a smile. Wu Xingchen had been able to determine these things through several months of observation. However, as a member of the People's Party, Wu Xingchen himself knew that he basically had no loyalty to the party. He had also never made any statements from the perspective of the party's interests. So Wu Xingchen knew that even if Chen Ke had sufficient methods, he would not eagerly tell Wu Xingchen. It was not because Chen Ke had any opinions about Wu Xingchen, but rather because Chen Ke himself did not believe that Wu Xingchen would truly accept.

  Take another look at Pang Zi and several other brothers, except for Chai Qingguo, who still has some nervous expression, the others seem to have finally put down their heavy burdens. Wu Xingchen's eyebrows furrowed, if these people really wanted to rebel, among the people Wu Xingchen knew, only Chen Ke could give these brothers guidance. If Chen Ke abandoned them, then the rebellion of these brothers would inevitably end in failure. Didn't these people know?

  At this moment, the sound of a military band playing came from afar, it was "The Northern New Army Advances" composed by Chen Ke Xin. This music written by an American in the style of Soviet music is actually different from Soviet military music if you listen carefully. Soviet military music follows the Orthodox "saint" style. This music inside Red Alert 3 is only completely different from traditional Soviet military music in terms of arrangement. It's fierce but lacks elegance. However, to Chinese people nowadays, it does fit the atmosphere of a tiger wolf army. The others in the tent heard this song for the first time and after listening to the first round, Pang Zi laughed: "Do you need to blow horns when fighting?" Several people burst out laughing at this witty remark. Chen Ke also chuckled a few times. Wu Xingchen, Chen Tianhua, and Chai Qingguo didn't laugh.

  It seems that the military music has been recognized by the commander of the Beiyang Army. After playing twice, the military music stopped, and soon there was a sound of people shouting and horses neighing. When this piece ended, "The New North Army Advances" sounded again, and it seemed to be accompanied by applause-like footsteps. Chen Ke listened carefully, and that was the sound of infantry phalanx advancing.

  Pang Zi also heard this strange movement and curiously asked: "What's going on? Why don't we go out for a smoke?"

  "Don't go out. This is a military camp, running around will cause trouble." Wu Xingchen stopped Pang Zi.

  Looking at Wu Xingchen's serious expression, Pang Zi replied with a bad tone: "I know." But Pang Zi didn't take it too seriously. He knew that Chen Ke brought them here to kill their momentum. It was just a show of force. Pang Zi had heard stories in Cangzhou about how Lin Chong was beaten up when he entered prison. This kind of thing couldn't fool him. Moreover, Pang Zi didn't really blame Chen Ke for this. After seeing the military parade of the Northern Army with his own eyes, Pang Zi truly felt a shock. On this point, he acknowledged what Chen Ke had said in class a few days ago - if they fought head-on, the insurgent army would absolutely not be a match for the Northern Army.

  In Pang Ze's view, Chen Ke just wants to recover his brothers and then give them orders. Wu Xingchen seems to have followed Chen Ke and speaks well of him everywhere. In those years when they were cheated by the scholars sent by the Qing royal family, didn't Wu Xingchen learn a lesson? At that time, Wu Xingchen was the first to see that the Qing dynasty was unreliable, and everyone thought it was best to leave. This is how they escaped with their lives. How could Wu Xingchen be worse than before and be deceived by Chen Ke, a scholar? Pang Ze plans to take some time to have a good talk with his "Wu brother" and let him understand that he can only rely on his own brothers, not outsiders. Only one's own brothers will treat them sincerely and not let them suffer losses. Only by grasping the weaknesses of these people can they be given good things. Isn't this how to deal with Chen Ke? He invited everyone to dinner, helped pay for the meal, and took everyone to see the strengths and weaknesses of the Beiyang Army. Isn't he just looking at everyone's reputation in Jianghu?

  Pang Ze looked at Chen Ke with a triumphant gaze. He had just made it clear that he wouldn't let Chen Ke take charge, and Chen Ke would have to listen. When dealing with these bookworms, you couldn't give them an inch. Suddenly, Pang Ze thought that Chen Ke didn't seem poor either. Just now, he had embarrassed him in front of everyone, and people like Chen Ke were known to hold grudges. For the next two days, he should give Chen Ke some face, and then when Chen Ke was feeling pleased with himself, he would squeeze him for money. It would be great if he could swindle some cash out of Chen Ke. Besides, Chen Ke had said that he wanted to gather a group of brothers, but without money or food, it was impossible. Did Chen Ke really need to say something so obvious? But this was also a good excuse - since Chen Ke supported his rebellion, then he should provide the funds and supplies. Thinking of this, Pang Ze glanced at the other brothers again. This matter needed to be carefully discussed with them. He couldn't do it alone.

  Thinking that he had successfully suppressed Chen Ke, although Pang Zi tried to suppress his emotions, but in Chen Tianhua's eyes, the joy on Pang Zi's face was not hidden at all. Chen Tianhua is exactly 30 years old today, and compared to Pang Zi, he has seen more of the world. This little trick can't deceive him. What makes Chen Tianhua feel puzzled is Chen Ke's expression.

  Since getting to know Chen Ke, Chen Tianhua has been unable to grasp his emotions. If it were someone else, when discussing principles, they would often be emotionally excited and enthusiastic. But when doing specific things, they wouldn't be so spirited. Chen Ke is different from others, when he does things, his serious attitude can really be said to be fully focused. Working with Chen Ke has always been very relaxing. On the other hand, when discussing principles, Chen Ke's attitude is always solemn and thoughtful.

  Chen Ke's attitude towards Pang Zei's actions should be clear. From Wu Xingchen's expression, it can be seen that Wu Xingchen understands, and Chen Tianhua also understands. Logically speaking, Chen Ke should also understand. But for some reason, Chen Tianhua feels that Chen Ke seems to have no idea what Pang Zei's actions mean. This unpredictable attitude is really puzzling to Chen Tianhua. At this time, if they let Pang Zei continue like this, it would mean giving up the opportunity to expand the revolutionary situation in the north. If Huang Xing and Song Jiaoren were consistent with their usual attitude, they would not give up such a good opportunity. But Chen Ke's current actions clearly indicate that he wants to give up. Chen Tianhua really wants to remind Chen Ke that this is not appropriate.

  However, Chen Tianhua still had some basic judgment. In the Beiyang Army's military camp, he couldn't speak recklessly. If someone overheard something, it would only bring danger. He could only wait until he returned to Beijing and discussed this matter with Chen Ke again. Thinking of this, Chen Tianhua really couldn't help but want to convene a party meeting now. The People's Party meetings were indeed numerous, with daily routine meetings making everyone feel a bit tired. But after Pang Zi and others arrived, the three members of the People's Party in Beijing had not held a single real party meeting, and many things were only being implemented without any communication, which made Chen Tianhua really feel unbearable. Suppressing his emotions, Chen Tianhua sat there silently.

  After a while, the military music finally stopped. After waiting for a while, it should be the Beiyang Army starting to return to camp and rest. The camp began to become lively from far to near. The sounds of movement, shouting, and entering and exiting tents became more and more frequent. Suddenly, the tent door opened, and Bu Guanshui walked in with big strides. As soon as he entered, he smiled and said: "Wen Qing brother, thank you. This time's military music was highly praised. Even Governor Yuan was startled. He sent someone to say that tomorrow there will be a grand review of the troops."

  "What did Director Yuan say?"

  "He said the tune was majestic and powerful, worthy of the Beiyang New Army. The day after tomorrow is the inspection, he specially let tomorrow afternoon take out a while, first let the Beiyang army temporarily review the troops, familiarize themselves with the military music."

  "Oh? It seems Brother Bo is going to become famous." Chen Ke said with a smile.

  Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Bo Guan Shui just sighed and said, "Tomorrow morning we will return."

  Looking at Bo Guanshui like this, plus this remark, Chen Ke can probably guess that the superior of Bo Guanshui wants to monopolize the credit. If he keeps Bo Guanshui here, in case Yuan Shikai investigates thoroughly, he will definitely be called to the front to receive personal praise. By sending Bo Guanshui away early, the credit will definitely be monopolized.

  "Brother Bo, it's not easy for you to come all the way here. Can't we just sneak a peek?" Chen Ke said with a smile.

  "I'll take care of this." Bo Guanshui looked like he wasn't too willing to let his efforts go to waste, so he agreed to it in one breath. He went out again and had some straw and military blankets brought over. "It's a bit simple, but we're on the road, please make do. When we get back to Beijing, I'll treat everyone to dinner." In the end, Bo Guanshui seemed unwilling to lose his own status either.

  One night without incident, the next day, Bo Guan Shui arranged everyone to a small high ground early. Although it was some distance away, the Northern Army's military parade could still be seen clearly. Moreover, there were also sentries at the forefront, and with them present, many troubles could be avoided. A participant personally came to arrange and explain to the Northern Army's sentry, who naturally responded with agreement. After checking that Chen Ke and others did not bring any weapons, the sentry was unwilling to make a fuss.

  It wasn't long before troops began to gather on a vacant lot in the distance. The rumbling sound of footsteps grew louder and closer, leaving Pang Zhi and others speechless. As the saying goes, "an army of 10,000, with no edges or borders", from their vantage point, they saw tens of thousands of people forming dense rows, stretching over a mile long. The Beiyang Army was after all considered one of China's best-trained armies at the time, yet tens of thousands of soldiers stood there without making a sound, the entire army formation eerily silent.

  The military band was in the center of the troops, and opposite them was a mound of earth that also seemed to have been hastily piled up with new soil, its color being quite different from elsewhere. After a while, several officers on white horses galloped past the front of the formation. Next, several horses galloped back and stopped at the mound, whereupon the military band began playing "The New Northern Army Advances". The troops of the New Northern Army then marched past the mound in formation.

  Yesterday evening, Pang Zi was still ridiculing the Beiyang Army's "blowing auspicious instruments". Now, watching a team of soldiers marching in unison, Pang Zi completely changed his expression. Tens of thousands of soldiers marched in unison, that kind of momentum, combined with this majestic and murderous military music, is truly awe-inspiring.

  The crowd watching did not dare to stop and watch like last time, they all lay on the hillside, only exposing one head. The vibration of the marching troops came from the ground, and everyone's tactile nerve could feel it. Pang Ze felt that there was really a bit of an earthquake-like flavor. The idea of competing with the Beiyang Army in his heart was completely abandoned. He knew that even if it were just over 10,000 people coming at them like this, without saying anything else, even if it were the tens of thousands of people led by Jing Tingbin back then, seeing such a scene would likely scare off many people. The longer he looked, the more Pang Ze felt a lingering fear, and the memories of fighting against the Beiyang Army a few years ago also came flooding back. Fortunately, the Beiyang Army did not have so many people back then, if they had such a strong force at that time, Pang Ze would definitely not have been able to escape.

  Chen Ke wasn't afraid at all, having witnessed several shocking and spectacular National Day military parades. Compared to the Northern Ocean Army's commotion, Chen Ke felt it was just on the level of a university's military training formation. Back in his university days before expansion, there were only over 2,000 students in each grade, but compared to the Northern Ocean Army, they were by no means inferior.

  The only thing that made Chen Ke feel a bit impressed was the cloak on those officers riding white horses, which fluttered in the wind when the horses ran, giving off a pretty good aesthetic. Would it be possible to dress the Red Army officers like this after they were established? However, Chen Ke quickly negated his own idea. The characteristic of the Red Army is one word - "rustic". This was certainly related to the lack of financial resources at the time to produce better equipment, but this "rustic" characteristic made it easier for the people to accept this army. Think about it, if the Red Army were all dressed in woolen coats, woolen horse pants and long riding boots, could the common people consider such an army as their own?

  This is a temporary review, the troops went straight to the exercise ground, and tens of thousands of people quickly left cleanly. The sentries also withdrew. I don't know if it's because they've been lying down for too long or scared, Chen Ke saw Pang Di and several others get up, their legs were a bit weak.

  Having finished what they had come to see, the group returned to their camp, hitched up their horses and set off on the journey home.

  All the way, Pang and his party deliberately kept a distance from Chen Ke. Chen Ke also wanted to recruit Bu Guanshui. Without Pang's interference, it was more convenient. Although Bu Guanshui had been deprived of his credit, this was also normal in the Beiyang New Army. Moreover, according to official documents, he was now the deputy commander-in-chief of the Anhui New Army. The title of commander-in-chief may not be anything in the Beiyang New Army, but it is after all Beijing. In Anhui, this title of commander-in-chief is absolutely a high-ranking military officer.

  "Wen Qing, now that I'm leaving Beijing, we won't have many chances to meet again. It's not easy to meet someone like Wen Qing, and I don't want to leave like this."

  "I didn't want to part with Guan Shui so early either. But if you say it's hard to meet, that may not be necessarily true."

  "What's going on?" Bo Guan Shui came with interest.

  "I plan to go to Anhui next year. Since Guan Shui is also in Anhui, we brothers can meet each other more often."

  "Really? Brother Wenqing is going to Anhui, he must come find me."

  "If I'm looking for you, it's definitely because I need something from you. And I'll definitely ask you for it, so don't think I'm bothering you unnecessarily."

  "I'd be more than happy to help out a fellow youth. If you have something going on and don't come find me, that's just not right."

  After chatting for a while, everyone started discussing the military again. Bo Guanshui was also from a regular military academy, and Chen Ke's level was just that he had read "The Art of War" and hadn't even finished reading "On War". His military knowledge was all about the Red Army and the Liberation Army, which were completely unsuitable for this era. When it came to the discipline of the Red Army, Bo Guanshui laughed and said: "Wen Qing, you're just talking on paper, a scholar's view. Who doesn't know the importance of military discipline? But who can really achieve the discipline of the Yue Family Army, where they would rather freeze to death than dismantle a house, or starve to death than rob? The Beiyang Army had good discipline, but don't forget that it was fed with large amounts of gold and silver. Without the imperial court's military pay, heh heh."

  Chen Ke knew that this was true. Even the Red Army and the Eighth Route Army had military pay. Moreover, because there were no empty salaries, the military pay of the Red Army and the Eighth Route Army was even higher than the actual income of the Nationalist army. Moreover, after arriving in Shaanxi, the backbone of the Eighth Route Army were all tempered through the Long March, and it can be said that they were the most elite troops in Chinese history, or even human history. In such a difficult environment, an army like this was unprecedented. It was unrealistic to want to build such an army in this era.

  Chen Ke didn't say a word, and Bo Guan looked at the water, thinking that his words were a bit too heavy. He comforted himself by saying: "Wen Qing's views are not unreasonable either. However, China's current problem is that its industry is backward, and it cannot produce military equipment on its own. If there is a war with foreign countries in the future, and they cut off our military supplies, this would be a big deal. But domestic military enterprises have limited production capacity, which has always been a headache for me."

  Bo Guan Shui said so, Chen Ke immediately brought up the topic of foreign industrial construction with Bo Guan Shui. This was right up Bo Guan Shui's alley. As an outsider in this area, Bo Guan Shui was quickly captivated by Chen Ke's clear and concise explanation. Chen Ke had been lecturing for a long time, but when it came to these familiar topics, he didn't have much to say. On the other hand, Bo Guan Shui had always had a very good impression of Chen Ke, and now after listening to his explanation, he felt that the problems that had been troubling him for a long time were finally clarified one by one. His favorable impression of Chen Ke increased rapidly.

  Chen Ke stopped with a dry mouth and tongue, picked up the water bottle and took a big gulp. Bu Guanzhong suddenly asked seriously: "Wen Qing, what are you going to do in Anhui?"

  "Do some business."

  "What can I help you with?"

  "I'm preparing to set up some factories and form a business team. Without the help of Guan Shui, it's definitely not going to work."

  "Alright, since you're so familiar with industry. Once you arrive in Anhui, why don't you gather a group of people to manufacture arms? After I join the new army in Anhui, I'll have some status at least. As long as your stuff is good, I'll definitely buy it from you and make sure you earn money. As for forming a merchant team, what's needed is actually military backbone. When the time comes, you find the people, and I'll help train them. I won't let Wen Qing down. I won't take a single cent of your training expenses."

  Chen Ke was really delighted to hear this. From their interactions over the past few days, Chen Ke could sense that Bu Guan Shui had not yet reached the age of corruption, and his true nature still hoped to achieve something in life. Since he said so, he should also act accordingly. Chen Ke hastily replied: "Great kindness doesn't need to be thanked. Guan Shui has such a beautiful intention, I can only say that I absolutely won't let you down."

  "My own brother, we're on the same wavelength, no need to say more. But I didn't quite understand what you meant by 'linked production' just now, can you explain it in detail?"

  All the way, Bo asked countless questions and insisted on staying with Chen Ke when checking into a hotel. As soon as they returned to Beijing, he immediately wanted to invite Chen Ke for a drink. Chen Ke politely declined. They agreed to meet again in two days' time at noon before parting ways.

  Back at their residence, Pang and the others were also tired from the journey and went to sleep directly. Chen Ke did not go to sleep with Wu Xingchen and Chen Tianhua, they carefully closed the door, checked that no one would come to disturb them, and formally convened the first meeting of the Beijing Party Small Group.

  Article 63