Chapter 64

  The 1905 Beijing Party Small Group Meeting was immediately tense. Although the volume was suppressed, Wu Xingchen's speech was full of gunpowder flavor. He directly questioned what Chen Ke was going to do with Pang Qi. Chen Tianhua also attached great importance to this matter and stared at Chen Ke. Only to hear Chen Ke say in his usual calm tone: "I cannot push for a doomed uprising. That would be irresponsible to everyone, that would be harming people."

  Although the tone was calm, the words were sharply opposed. This was in stark contrast to his usual gentle attitude towards Chen Keping.

  "Are you saying that Pang and the others are looking for death?" Wu Xingchen also found Chen Ke's attitude extremely unaccustomed to, he asked back in surprise.

  "That's right. That's what I meant." Chen Ke's gaze was bright and sharp, falling on Wu Xingchen's face. Wu Xingchen seemed to be unable to bear Chen Ke's attitude, slightly lowering his head with a hint of guilt. However, Chen Ke did not let go of Wu Xingchen's meaning, asking: "Brother Wu, what do you think the Pang brothers are trying to do? What is their purpose in rebelling?"

  Wu Xingchen didn't respond. Chen Ke also didn't intend to press for an answer, he continued on his own, "Nothing more than revenge and whatnot. Even if it sounds unpleasant, when Uncle Jing was alive, the Pang brothers' social status was much higher than it is now. Now maybe the Pang brothers want to relive those happy days of the past."

  When they heard this, Wu Xingchen and Chen Tianhua's faces changed at the same time. This was a ruthless remark, if it were said like that, it would mean that Chen Ke wouldn't show any courtesy. A sense of horror emerged from Wu Xingchen's heart. That's right, this was the Chen Ke he had always been afraid of. From the first day he met Chen Ke, no matter how sincere or gentle Chen Ke's attitude was, Wu Xingchen always felt that beneath these appearances, there was a ruthless and unfeeling Chen Ke.

  This is not because Chen Ke is hypocritical, but precisely because Chen Ke is not hypocritical. In the party class, Chen Ke very rationally told everyone about the truth of the world. If it were just a gentle person, there would be no such understanding. When a rational person says something that is completely based on theoretical calculations, it must be Chen Ke's current appearance. Wu Xingchen does not think Chen Ke is wrong.

  Before coming to Hebei, Wu Xingchen's idea was to get in touch with these old brothers who had not seen each other for a long time and then make a big plan together. As a result, as soon as he came into contact with his brothers, Wu Xingchen immediately felt disappointed. His first feeling was that these brothers were not as good as they used to be. In the past, at least the brothers had passion and that kind of innocent and direct friendship. After experiencing failure, although the brothers had not been completely defeated, they had all become much more profound. To put it bluntly, they had become much more gloomy.

  Wu Xingchen could understand all this, only because he himself had gone through such days. If he hadn't met Chen Ke, if he hadn't listened to the People's Party's lectures, Wu Xingchen was afraid that he would not have been able to free himself from such a resentful mood either. Pang Zi's small abacus Wu Xingchen was very clear about, Chen Ke's response, Wu Xingchen could probably guess it too, but it was just a perfunctory gesture, and then everyone went their separate ways on the Yangguan Road and the solitary wooden bridge. Wu Xingchen absolutely did not want Pang Zi to lose this opportunity and walk down a path destined for failure.

  "Wen Qing, Pang Zi doesn't understand things. He doesn't know about revolution, but I do. Can you tell me what to do? I'll go and make the revolution." Wu Xingchen made a last-ditch effort. Chen Ke never spoke of specific methods, Wu Xingchen was actually somewhat suspicious, Chen Ke himself didn't know how to push forward the revolution.

  After hearing Wu Xingchen's words, Chen Ke's expression suddenly softened, and a joyful smile from the bottom of his heart floated on his face. This made both Wu Xingchen and Chen Tianhua feel very surprised.

  "Alright. Let's discuss how to deal with this issue right now." Chen Ke smiled and replied.

  "Great!" Chen Tianhua said with shining eyes, he was eager to know exactly what to do about this issue.

  "Our revolutionary party is weak and isolated, if we stand up and directly confront the Qing dynasty, we will definitely fail. But compared to the people, the power of the Qing dynasty is nothing. Therefore, we must promote the people's revolution."

  This was still the nonsense that had been said many times before. Wu Xingchen and Chen Tianhua didn't mind. They stared at Chen Ke, waiting for the next crucial part.

  "Revolutions involve fighting, and fighting involves death. I'd like to ask a question: what right do you have to lead everyone to their deaths? Brother Wu, please speak first."

  Wu Xingchen did not expect Chen Ke to start asking questions so soon. In fact, he had never figured out this problem himself. The Boxers back then either used the banner of the Beijing Wangye or performed some tricks that made them seem invincible, or they played with supernatural things, or burned incense and worshipped their flags. To sum it up, they relied on emotions, temptation, and other miscellaneous things like brotherhood. Basically, they forced people to die. Wu Xingchen had personally experienced the consequences of this approach. It might have been effective in the early stages, but when these mobs faced a powerful enemy, they immediately collapsed. Once the local leaders with influence died, these organizations became fleeting clouds that could never be reorganized again.

  Wu Xingchen didn't bother thinking about it anymore. "Wen Qing, you tell me what's going on."

  "Let me give an example of Uncle Jing. Uncle Jing was a martial arts champion, which means he had status and influence in the countryside. Uncle Jing has always been fair and helped people distinguish right from wrong. Many things in the countryside, when Uncle Jing said something, it was considered settled, so what does this mean?"

  Wu Xingchen and Chen Tianhua knew that their words were definitely not what Chen Ke meant, so they simply didn't bother to waste their breath. They shook their heads together.

  "This shows that Uncle Jing has acquired law enforcement capabilities in the countryside, which is administrative power."

  Chen Ke saw that the two comrades still didn't understand, so he explained again: "That is to say, Uncle Jing has power in this place and can make rules and maintain them. No matter whether it's the imperial court's rules or someone else's rules, if Uncle Jing says they don't count, then these rules don't count. If Uncle Jing says what rules count, then only those rules count."

  "Ah! As expected." Wu Xingchen nodded in agreement. Originally, in Wu Xingchen's view, this was just Uncle Jing having charisma, but after hearing Chen Ke say so, Uncle Jing's power seemed to have a deeper meaning.

  "This is the local tyrant." Chen Tianhua also nodded in agreement.

  "So, Uncle Jing led the way to the church, and everyone followed. Firstly, it's true that the scoundrels in the church were up to no good. Everyone hated them to the bone. Secondly, since Uncle Jing was the local authority, he told everyone what to do, so they had to follow him to the church."

  Wu Xingchen no longer had his previous resentment, and listened while nodding.

  "Well, let me tell you what a revolution is all about," Chen Ke smiled and said. "The basic model of a revolution is the same as that of Jing Sheng's, in the revolutionary zone, in the base area, there are only rules set by the revolutionary government, no one else sets rules. That's what a revolution is."

  "What should we do then?" Wu Xingchen asked.

  "What is the program of the People's Party? What kind of state does it want to establish? Once you understand these, you will know what shape the revolution should take."

  When Chen Ke said that, Wu Xingchen was anxious at the time. "Wen Qing, how do I know what you want to do? You talk about the future and it's endless. There are dozens of departments, each with different functions. Who can remember them all? I just want to make a revolution in one county, a few villages. Don't tell me about heaven and earth, I'm not capable."

  Wu Xingchen's complaint reminded Chen Ke of a previous party meeting, where everyone insisted that he talk about what China should be like after the revolution succeeded. With no other choice, Chen Ke had to recount the national organizational structure of 21st-century China. This lengthy narrative almost made everyone feel nauseous. Thinking of this, he chuckled and said, "Brother Wu, why do I want to take you all to watch the Northern Army's drill? One county, several villages, tens of thousands of Northern Army soldiers arrive, even if you build these places like iron tubes, it won't work. Revolution must be a revolution of the entire world; what can a tiny piece of land do?"

  "I know that a small base area is not feasible. But I am known by everyone in this village, and if I go to another village, no one will recognize me. How can I go somewhere else to make revolution?"

  "No, no, this idea is completely wrong." Chen Ke shook his head lightly. "Wu brother, you mentioned that different villages have different situations. Then I'll ask you, in this world, every village has some things that are exactly the same. What are these identical things?"

  Wu Xingchen bowed his head in contemplation, wondering what was the same after all. Just as he was thinking, Chen Tianhua suddenly said: "In this world, there are people who bully others in every village, and they are always the same group of people. Corrupt officials, local tyrants and evil gentry. The ones being bullied are also the same, ordinary common people who work hard to cultivate the land. Isn't that right, Wen Qing?"

  When Chen Ke heard this, he felt extremely relieved. However, two months ago, Chen Tianhua had seriously asked if the people's revolution advocated by Chen Ke was going to kill all the landlords. He was quite concerned about the safety of the landlords in the revolution. Now, Chen Tianhua has come to realize that both the government and the landlords are classes that oppress the common people. This change cannot help but excite Chen Ke.

  Chen Ke had never dared to adopt a brainwashing educational model to instill the concept of "class struggle" in Chen Tianhua and others. After all, the comrades of the People's Party were all from the old class, and if they could not spontaneously recognize these things, even if Chen Ke was eloquent, it would be difficult for them to understand theoretically. However, it is uncertain whether these comrades really had a strong sense of resistance against the landlord class in their hearts. But today, Chen Tianhua's words have proven that he has already developed a spontaneous consciousness of resisting the landlords.

  "Xing Tai said nothing wrong. Wu brother, what do you think?" Chen Ke asked Wu Xingchen.

  Contrary to Chen Ke's expectations, Wu Xingchen did not respond directly. His eyebrows furrowed slightly as he pondered something. Seeing this, Chen Ke was also in no hurry. Having just said so much, Chen Ke was thinking about the specific steps of the revolution and how to proceed. "No investigation, no right to speak," Chen Ke had read records about rural areas in history books, and he actually wanted to go investigate as well. But now it really wasn't possible to find the time. If Wu Xingchen was willing to start a revolution in the northern countryside, Chen Ke would actually be quite supportive. Moreover, he thought that letting Chen Tianhua follow Wu Xingchen to conduct social investigations in rural areas should be no problem. Since Chen Tianhua could recognize that landlords were the oppressive class in rural areas, it could be said that this was a huge leap forward. He could truly entrust Chen Tianhua with important tasks now.

  Just as he was thinking about it, Wu Xingchen hesitated and said: "These are all fellow villagers, talking about revolution, these are all relatives."

  This statement left Chen Ke speechless. How could Wu Xingchen have such an idea? As for the rural clans, Chen Ke knew a thing or two about them, and his biggest impression was that clan power must be thoroughly crushed. This is because the rural clans held too much power in their hands. A meeting called by the clan elder could decide the life and death of clan members. This is unacceptable in modern industrial countries. In modern industrial nations, national institutions hold all administrative and judicial powers. Clans do not have the right to kill or control, nor can they take coercive measures against members even if two brothers are fighting. However, Chen Ke could understand Wu Xingchen's concerns. In 1905, the state had no obligation to its citizens. The social security system was only established after the founding of New China. Under the rule of the old government, there were even cases where taxes for decades later were collected in advance during the war years. Therefore, clans must band together to resist the government's extortion and oppression. However, such cases are rare in clans. Chen Ke felt that he had to persuade Wu Xingchen. But this problem was the most difficult to deal with, so he prepared to approach it from a different angle.

  "Brother Wu, there's a saying that goes 'when things are not fair, one must speak out'. I'd like to use another phrase: where there is oppression, there will be resistance. In this cycle of oppression and resistance, which side do you plan on standing on?"

  "I naturally stand on the side of resistance." Wu Xingchen said without hesitation.

  "So now there are so many people rebelling, some landlords rebelling against taxation, some tenant farmers rebelling against the landlord's exploitation. Some people are rebelling against usury that is forcing them to their deaths. Some people are both oppressors and rebels. Which side do you plan to stand on?" Chen Ke asked.

  Wu Xingchen was speechless. In fact, he only wanted to rebel against the Manchu imperial family. As for the landlords, on the one hand, he sympathized with their suffering under the oppression of the Manchu, and on the other hand, he was dissatisfied with their cruelty towards the poor people. Chen Ke's words led Wu Xingchen into a confusion that he had never thought about before.

  Wu Xingchen fell silent, and Chen Ke said: "Alright, let's change the subject. Since Brother Wu wants a revolution, we'll make it simpler to talk about the specific implementation methods. Let's not discuss how to get everyone to follow you to the death just yet; first, let's talk about how to get the common people to support you."

  Wu Xingchen became slightly more interested after hearing this.

  "First, you need to let the common people know that someone wants to take charge for them. And, in what aspects can they take charge for them. Actually, Uncle Jing had achieved these back then. If Brother Wu is going down to the countryside, he must determine what exactly he wants to do."

  After hearing this, Wu Xingchen felt quite perplexed. To what extent should he go? According to his initial idea, it was just to punish the evil and bring peace to the good. But after a deep conversation with Chen Ke today, who is "evil" and who is "good", he is now somewhat confused.

  "Second, you must have a team to complete this task. Anyone who offends your rules must be able to knock them down. For example, you spread your ears and eyes, know who is being bullied at home. You then knock on the door in the middle of the night, ask who they are being bullied by, and how they are being bullied. Then you bring your team to help them solve the problem. After doing this for a long time, your reputation will naturally be established. The people will also believe in you and inform you of news. Some people may even join your team."

  Wu Xingchen didn't say a word, Chen Ke continued: "Third..."

  "Wait a minute." Wu Xingchen interrupted Chen Ke's words, "Wen Qing, is this your revolution?"

  "Yes, help the masses, mobilize the masses, unite the masses. This is my revolutionary method."

  "This is no small matter, being a cultural revolutionary. Let's not mention anything else, but if you start doing this, how many people will you offend? As the saying goes, 'when the wall falls, everyone gives it a push.' When the time comes and those people join forces to counterattack the revolution, that will be a big deal."

  Chen Ke replied frankly: "I know. Last time I told Brother Pang that he can do whatever he wants, as long as it's not to launch a people's revolution. His fate is doomed to be defeated and he will lose his life in vain."

  Wu Xingchen fell silent, originally he was worried that Chen Ke would give up on Pang Zi. If Pang Zi didn't get Chen Ke's guidance, recklessly starting a rebellion would definitely end in failure. So Wu Xingchen wanted Chen Ke to speak out specific revolutionary steps, in his imagination, as long as he could get these specific methods and strategies, even if Chen Ke didn't care about Pang Zi, Wu Xingchen himself could help out. But unexpectedly, Chen Ke actually proposed a real people's revolution. After listening to this simple lecture, Wu Xingchen could imagine what kind of intense confrontation such a revolution would cause. This was no longer a revolution, but a matter of life and death.

  "Is there no other way? Wen Qing."

  "What does Brother Nang want Brother Pang to get?" Chen Ke smiled and asked back.

  Yes, what does he want to get for Fatso? Wu Xingchen suddenly remembered Chen Ke's words earlier, "What do the Pang brothers want to do? What is their purpose in rebelling? It's nothing more than revenge and things like that. Even if you say something unpleasant, when Uncle Jing was alive, the social status of the Pang brothers was much higher than it is now. Now, perhaps the Pang brothers are thinking of chasing back those happy days."

  Not long ago, Wu Xingchen thought it was just Chen Ke's ruthless theory. But now, looking at Chen Ke, he still sees the familiar expression. Every time Chen Ke finishes such an analysis, there is no self-satisfaction or pity on his face. Facing his speechless comrades, Chen Ke has a poker face, with a hint of desolation. Looking at Chen Tianhua beside him, Wu Xingchen sees that Chen Tianhua's eyebrows are slightly furrowed, probably thinking deeply about Chen Ke's words. As for himself, he thinks his expression should be one of helplessness and anxiety.

  Wu Xingchen only truly came into contact with the revolution after joining the People's Party. In these few months, Wu Xingchen thought he had learned a lot. But today, after this lecture and actual operation, Wu Xingchen realized that compared to Chen Ke, his understanding of the revolution was only superficial. This sense of frustration, loss, and deep thinking about the revolution made him realize the enormity of the opposing forces he would face. These heavy emotions mixed together suddenly made Wu Xingchen think of a question: what kind of person is Chen Ke?

  Just then, Chen Ke smiled and said: "Wu brother, these enemies are nothing to be afraid of. Believe me, if it's a real people's revolution, we can definitely crush these enemies. We can definitely create a powerful new China."

  These words did not boost Wu Xingchen's courage. Thinking back to the impression Chen Ke had left on him before, Wu Xingchen suddenly felt a superstitious fear. Chen Ke seemed to be the revolutionary star that had descended upon this world. If it wasn't for this reason, how could one person understand revolution so deeply? How could one person be strong enough to face such a powerful enemy without any fear at all?

  The 64th