Chapter 53

  He Ruoming's father was a traditional gentleman, he never wanted to put all his eggs in one basket. Under his arrangement, He Ruoming's two younger brothers were working for the Nanyang Shipping Company and the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau respectively. Although the old man had passed away, He Ruoming still had his sister to consult with. After telling his sister about Chen Ke's situation and today's meeting experience, He Qian asked: "Why didn't you agree to Chen Ke's proposal of the beehive coal at once?"

  "That thing is obviously not easy to do." He Ruoming replied.

  "Does big brother think Chen Ke doesn't know?" He Qian asked.

  "Ah?" He Ruoming really hadn't thought of it that way before.

  "Chen Ke's book has a deep understanding of industrialization, and from what I've seen, he can't be unaware of how difficult this matter is. Big brother wouldn't think that just because he's young, his vision is insufficient, would he?"

  "You mean Chen Ke is trying to cheat me?"

  "Why did he come to cheat on his brother? Is his brother so easy to cheat?"

  After He Qian finished speaking, which seemed contradictory, He Ruming was somewhat perplexed. Fortunately, He Qian didn't have the habit of being mysterious. She explained her views: Chen Ke sincerely hoped to cooperate with someone, and since Yan Fu held He Ruming in high regard and had specially sent him a book, Chen Ke naturally followed up by discussing cooperation with He Ruming.

  "In my opinion, since he already has a plan, now it's just about finding people who are interested in cooperating. Mentioning this to Big Brother today doesn't mean that Chen Ke is ready to hang himself on Big Brother's tree. If Big Brother doesn't contact Chen Ke again about this matter, I think Chen Ke will also never mention it to Big Brother again."

  After listening to his sister's explanation, He Ruming finally squeezed out a sentence, "This Chen Wenqing is indeed very arrogant."

  He Qian knew that her elder brother, although not of high rank, was very particular about the dignity of his office. In fact, she did not intend to provoke a conflict between her brother and Chen Ke. On the contrary, she hoped that her brother could seize any opportunity to rise higher. After the Tianjin Arsenal was destroyed in 1900, the old Beiyang had been declining. He Ruizheng had been idle at home for several years, and it was not easy to climb up the social ladder to take office in Beijing. Now was not the time to "restore official prestige". On the contrary, now was the key period to make a good impression through hard work and build new connections. As for her brother's sensitive nature, He Qian was actually quite dismissive of it. Compared with He Ruizheng, who was already over 40 years old, Chen Ke, who was only 25 years old, seemed more mature.

  "Big brother, you are a member of the Beiyang clique, and so is Yuan Chongting. We were in Tianjin and saw with our own eyes how Yuan Chongting rose to power. Although luck played a part, he reorganized the Beiyang New Army and established the police system. That's not just luck, is it? Chen Ke has been recommended by Yan Fu, so Mr. Yan must have wanted Chen Ke to achieve great things in the capital. According to what you told me, if Chen Ke's plan for the briquette coal were to be introduced directly to Yuan Chongting, do you think he could make it happen?"

  "Just because of him? How could I possibly meet Yuan Weiting." He Ruoming was very disdainful.

  "What if Yan Fu had written a letter to Yuan Chenting? With Mr. Yan's letter in hand, I don't believe Yuan would refuse to see him."

  It was indeed a sentence that awakened the dreamer, and after hearing his sister's inference, He Ruming suddenly felt enlightened. Following this line of thinking, He Ruming suddenly became furious. As a fifth-rank official in the capital, he thought he should give Yan Fu some face, so he personally met with Chen Ke, but unexpectedly, Chen Ke looked respectful on the surface, but actually didn't put him in his eyes at all. According to his sister He Qian's inference, Chen Ke was only showing respect for Yan Fu, and since Yan Fu had sent a letter to He Ruming, he mentioned the beehive coal matter to him. But in Chen Ke's heart, he absolutely didn't take He Ruming seriously. In this scheme, was He Ruming completely irrelevant?

  "Hmph. This guy is really putting on a big show. Does he have to wait for me to beg at his door?" He Yuming said indignantly.

  Although she knew that her brother had such a temper, He Qian couldn't help but sigh inwardly. In He Ruoming's eyes, Chen Ke was arrogant and rude. However, He Qian felt that Chen Ke had already been very considerate of He Ruoming's dignity. Of course, He Qian also thought that Chen Ke was not mature enough. Although Chen Ke meant well, if it were He Qian, she would never have mentioned this matter to He Ruoming. Most of the time, good intentions don't get a good response.

  However, since things have developed to this point, He Qian must push the matter in a direction that is beneficial to He Ru Ming. But He Qian couldn't help but feel a little complaint in her heart, "If I were the older brother, it would be better. Many things would be handled more smoothly."

  Thinking of this, He Qian couldn't help but think of Empress Dowager Cixi in the Beijing Imperial Palace. Influenced by her family, He Qian was also a supporter of the imperial court. He Qian suddenly felt very sympathetic towards the old lady in the deep palace. She probably faced a large group of officials who were similar to her own elder brother, on the one hand suppressing various treacherous characters, and on the other hand trying every means to promote new policies, striving to maintain the Qing dynasty's rule.

  He Qian and her older brother He Ru Ming actually have a good relationship. However, most of the time, He Qian has to be cautious with her words and actions in order to maintain her brother's "dignity". He Qian misses the times when their father was alive, as he would scold He Ru Ming for his behavior. Why is He Ru Ming so fixated on saving face? He Qian remembers that it was He Ru Ming who taught her about the Analects of Confucius, but she believes that he himself has never actually studied it and only recognizes the characters in the book.

  However, no matter how much she complained in her heart, He Qian would not show it. Not only could she not show it, but He Qian also made an effort to follow He Ruming's habits and persuade him that he must cooperate with Chen Ke. Since Chen Ke might be able to promote this honeycomb coal project, He Ruming's participation in the early stage was a necessity.

  Chen Ke was unaware that someone had already been plotting against him, and he was explaining his ideas to Chen Tianhua.

  The biggest advantage of the honeycomb coal project is that it greatly improves the utilization efficiency of fuel. Large-scale use will inevitably comprehensively reduce the living expenses of Beijing residents. In this regard, the market for this project is absolutely broad.

  "The trees around Beijing have been cut down, so with a little wind, the sky is filled with sand and dust. The fuel for the people of Beijing has long been coal. The smokeless coal from Xishan, market demand, all exist. As for the beehive coal equipment, although the Tianjin Manufacturing Bureau is already dilapidated, the remaining things are barely enough to use, if not, it's also possible to buy equipment from the Jiangnan Manufacturing Bureau. Moreover, this can also promote the new-style iron stove. The iron production of Hanyang Iron and Steel Plant is sufficient to manufacture these things." Chen Ke put forward various basic conditions one by one.

  "Isn't everything ready, just waiting for the east wind?" Chen Tianhua asked hesitantly. If it were in the past, after receiving this news, Chen Tianhua would have been overjoyed and thought that any progress in China, no matter how small, was a great thing and could be acted upon immediately. After following Chen Ke for so long, Chen Tianhua's enthusiasm remained, but his perspective on problems had become much more comprehensive. Moreover, Chen Ke was absolutely not someone who would act rashly just because he had an idea; if he proposed these things, there must be a deeper plan behind them. Working for the Qing dynasty for nothing was definitely not Chen Ke's style.

  "The greed of the Manchu officials is like that of wild dogs. Any opportunity to make money, those who handle it will not rest until they have pocketed all the money for themselves. Xing Tai, what is the point of our People's Party taking power after this?"

  "Yes, develop productive forces. Promote national progress." These days, Chen Tianhua has been following Chen Ke, and these words have become a habit. Of course, this is not that Chen Tianhua learned the Party's eight-part essay, but after such a long period of profound study and discussion, he finally gained confidence.

  "So we plan this matter, absolutely cannot be treated with our attitude. Our follow the current Manchu thought to go, otherwise that is not practical."

  "But if this matter is settled, wouldn't it be a free advantage for the Qing government?" Chen Tianhua still didn't believe that Chen Ke really wanted to settle the matter.

  "What we're going to do now is make this thing happen, do you think it's possible? It's doomed to fail."

  "If it's led by hipsters, I think this thing will definitely be done."

  "Why should I make this thing happen? By doing this, I am meant to intensify the conflict. Blocking people's path to wealth is worse than killing their parents. In these times, many people want to make money but can't find a way in. We give them opportunities, we give them hope. Then the corrupt and rotten system will inevitably destroy these opportunities and make those who had hope despair again. Hmm, it should be said that they will be even more desperate. At this time, when we develop party members, having party members follow us to revolutionize is far more effective than empty words of persuasion."

  Chen Tianhua was speechless. He knew Chen Ke wasn't a naive person, but such tactics and plotting didn't seem like something a decent person would do. In Chen Tianhua's impression, Chen Ke was indeed a true gentleman.

  "Xing Tai, the Manchu dynasty will inevitably perish. Now that we're rescuing some people from this sinking ship, are we wrong? Have we lost our conscience?" Chen Ke said to Chen Tianhua.

  Since ancient times, heroes have no good kind! Chen Tianhua suddenly flashed a sentence in his mind. When Huaxinghui and Huang Xing were with Song Jiaoren, Chen Tianhua had not seen any conspiracy tricks. However, those calculations were nothing but small tricks to get away. Either it was a sad story of revenge, awakening the memories of the oppressed people. Or it was an empty promise, loudly proclaiming that after the revolutionary victory, everyone would get what kind of prominent official position and what kind of great power. Taking advantage of the urgent mood of those who tried to make a fortune in the countryside. Or it was a double blow, stirring up sad hatred and promising official positions at the same time. The result was failure after failure.

  Chen Ke's plan this time is completely different from Chen Tianhua's previous plots. The plot of the Hua Xing Society, to put it mildly, is "seeking wealth and honor in danger". As for Chen Ke's plan this time, Chen Tianhua felt that after seeing the final outcome of destruction, anyone who can avoid being completely knocked down by this blow will necessarily follow Chen Ke on the road to revolution.

  This feeling is not a theoretical summary. After being with Chen Ke for so long, Chen Tianhua feels that there is something unspeakable about Chen Ke, as if he can see through the future. No matter what kind of tragic ending, if you believe in Chen Ke's explanation, it's just a small setback. The sky won't fall, and the earth won't sink. As long as you're on the right path, there's an infinite future to look forward to.

  Chen Tianhua admired Chen Ke's arrangement, but he had a discordant feeling in his heart. He looked at Chen Ke carefully, who was drawing some sketches at the moment. Every time when working, Chen Ke had an indescribable focus. It seemed that even if the sky fell and the earth cracked, Chen Ke would not be shaken at all. From seeing Chen Ke to now, Chen Tianhua saw that Chen Ke always did things in this way. Chen Ke never indulged in wild fancies, he was just so calm and determined to do his own thing.

  Looking at Chen Ke's familiar expression, Chen Tianhua felt that Chen Ke was so incomprehensible. This person was passionate and cold, kind and cruel beyond description. Except for a few rare occasions, Chen Ke had never revealed his emotions. Chen Tianhua was also 30 years old this year, 30 and established, and Chen Tianhua had experienced so much. In terms of experience, he could be considered a man of the times. However, Chen Tianhua discovered that he was still very easily influenced by external factors. To put it bluntly, as long as someone's words were reasonable, Chen Tianhua would unconsciously be affected. In comparison, Chen Ke was only 25 years old, but this person was firmly intimidating. Nothing could change Chen Ke's mind, and no one's theory could alter his original intention.

  This isn't to say that Chen Ke has always been correct, there are some things that Chen Tianhua feels Chen Ke hasn't done quite right. But Chen Ke is also gradually changing. If it were when they first met, Chen Ke would never have directly proposed such a "conspiracy". At that time, Chen Ke would have tried even harder to persuade others, rather than waiting for them to be at a dead end and then stretching out his hand only after they had fallen. Chen Ke is changing, like a sword slowly being drawn from its scabbard, the revealed light still soft as water, but the closer you get to this sword, the more you can feel its sharp edge. This is a kind of dangerous pride. Chen Tianhua doesn't want to criticize, this faint feeling, actually has the flavor of really being able to split open this dark sky.

  The painting was done quickly. Chen Ke put down his brush and looked at his watch, "It's time to visit Mr. Gu Hongming. Let's tidy up and set off."

  There were many people on the streets, and Beijing began to imitate Tianjin's establishment of a police system. As a result, not only were there patrolmen on the streets, but also traffic police. The one thing that Chen Ke was unaccustomed to was that the traffic rules had been modeled after Japan, with all vehicles driving on the left side of the road. This went against the right-hand traffic rule of New China. "Once liberation is achieved, I must restore the right-hand traffic rule," Chen Ke thought to himself.

  Along the way, I also saw several disputes between vehicles. At the scene of the dispute, there were traffic police mediating conflicts and maintaining order. At each intersection, there were some posters that Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua stopped to watch, which were nothing but notices introducing various new orders. Starting from 1904, Beijing began to build new streets, and at least from Chen Ke's residence to the Imperial University of Peking, the road surface was paved with gravel. Moreover, throughout the day, people kept sprinkling water on the road surface, so the dust wasn't flying around as much. With someone managing and maintaining order, the city looked quite peaceful. The pedestrians walked quickly, looking like they didn't have any worries about their livelihoods.

  It's no wonder that those Qing fans would claim that the failure of the late Qing New Deal was a tragedy. If one only looks at this road, perhaps it can still provide some "strong evidence" for the Qing fans. Chen Ke thought sarcastically. Chen Tianhua was also observing his surroundings, looking at the road, the police, and the orderly street scene. He misinterpreted the smile on Chen Ke's mouth. "Literary youth, as long as they adopt new policies, China's affairs can also be handled well."

  Chen Ke didn't find it convenient to discuss some sensitive issues on the street. He simply replied in a tone full of sarcasm: "The light is reflected back."

  After hearing this, Chen Tianhua's eyebrows slightly furrowed. Chen Ke's harsh evaluation seemed a bit excessive to Chen Tianhua. Such a scene, if described as a last resort, was too cruel. However, discussing these matters at this time was indeed inappropriate. Chen Tianhua decided to discuss this issue again when it was safe.

  The gatekeeper of the Imperial University was over thirty years old, a tall and thin man. After hearing Chen Ke's request to see Gu Hongming, he looked at the two short-haired young men with a suspicious expression.

  "It was Mr. Yan Fu who sent us from Shanghai."

  Upon hearing this, the gatekeeper immediately changed his expression to one of sudden realization. Chen Ke handed over Yan Fu's letter to the gatekeeper and asked him to deliver it to Mr. Gu Hongming. As the gatekeeper ran quickly towards the school, Chen Ke smiled and said: "Xing Tai, you used to take sides for this school back then."

  Chen Tianhua did not respond, but instead carefully examined the highest institution of learning in China at that time. The Imperial University of Peking was the first national comprehensive university in modern Chinese history, and it was both the highest institution of learning in the country and the highest administrative organ for education, overseeing schools in all provinces. Chen Tianhua's "Meng Huitou", which had spread throughout the divine land, mentioned the Imperial University of Peking: "He didn't even mention that a university in Beijing would cost 300,000 silver coins to build, but the government said it was too expensive and hasn't been built yet. The Empress Dowager spent tens of millions of silver coins to rebuild the Summer Palace, which was feasible. Every year, the imperial mausoleum is repaired with hundreds of thousands of silver coins, which is also feasible. Is it really impossible to find 300,000 silver coins?"

  The school now stands in front of Chen Tianhua, with buildings and trees standing upright, and there are not a few students on the playground. Outside the brick wall of the campus, there are actually many willow trees planted, which really has the kind of book fragrance that only a real university should have. Chen Tianhua's heart is filled with mixed emotions.

  Chen Ke could probably guess Chen Tianhua's feelings, and he didn't want Chen Tianhua's confidence to waver. With a sarcastic tone, Chen Ke said: "The New Policy can't save China. The only effect of the New Policy is that the Manchu will dig their own grave. Of course, if they don't implement the New Policy, the Manchu are doomed to perish, but if they do implement it, the Manchu will definitely die faster."

  After listening to Chen Ke's cold prophecy, Chen Tianhua felt some resistant emotions in his heart. Other provinces in China, whether rural or urban, were gradually declining. Seeing Beijing having a slight improvement, Chen Tianhua wouldn't feel grateful towards the Qing dynasty, but he couldn't help feeling some refreshing sensations. However, Chen Ke's words directly belittled this tiny bit of positive change to nothing. It was inevitable that it had a flavor of spoiling the scenery.

  However, Chen Tianhua did not have any desire to defend the Qing dynasty. The two of them waited for a while, and soon they saw the gatekeeper running quickly towards them, his queue bouncing up and down behind him, showing that he was also eager to hurry over.

  The gatekeeper came up to them and said with great respect: "Gentlemen, Mr. Guo invites you."

  "Then please lead the way," Chen Ke said.

  Behind the gatehouse, Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua walked into the campus of Capital University.

  The 53rd