Chapter 50

  After finishing the discussion about their attitude towards Pang Yue, Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua returned. The gate was still closed, and after knocking on the door, it was opened by two people that Chen Ke had never seen before. Under the cover of night, he couldn't see their faces clearly, but only heard them ask in a harsh tone using the Shandong dialect: "Who are you looking for?"

  Chen Keyi was stunned for a moment, but soon thought that these two were probably the ones Wu Xingchen said were preparing to rebel. Since they had come, Wu Xingchen should have also followed.

  "We'll just live here." Chen Ke replied.

  As they spoke, two more people came over. Looking at the tall and dark figure among them, it was none other than Wu Xingchen again. As they drew closer, it turned out to be Wu Xingchen and Pang Zi.

  "Wu brother..." Before Chen Ke could finish, Wu Xingchen didn't let the two enter the house, but instead pulled Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua to a distant place. Chen Ke saw that things were like this and didn't make another sound. Until they reached a secluded area outside the village, Wu Xingchen asked anxiously, "Wenqing, what did you and Pang brothers say?"

  Chen Ke didn't like Wu Xingchen's tone, but he also didn't want to argue with him, so he simply spoke directly and said "said some things he didn't want to hear."

  After listening to Chen Ke, Wu Xingchen was silent for a long time. When he spoke again, his tone was unusually gentle, but there was an irrepressible sense of helplessness in his voice. "Wen Qing, Brother Pang just said that no matter what, he doesn't want Wen Qing and Xing Tai to attend this meeting."

  "Is your horse one you brought yourself or a rented one?" Chen Ke asked directly.

  "Huh?" Wu Xingchen was somewhat perplexed, and it wasn't until a moment later that he understood, "Is Wen Qing preparing to leave?"

  "Big Brother Pang felt uncomfortable, I can understand that. In that case, staying here doesn't make much sense either. If all else fails, I can take a night train back to Xingtai tonight."

  "Needless to say, right?" Wu Xingchen felt that Chen Ke was also overreacting.

  "This time several friends came, all of whom were going to do great things, and others may not be willing to let me meet them. Since Brother Pang has said so, why should I seek discomfort for myself?"

  Wu Xingchen knew that Chen Ke was right, but he had originally wanted Chen Ke to have a good talk with these people about the revolution. He hadn't expected things to turn out like this. However, he and Pang Zifang had already talked for a while, and no matter what, Pang Zifang refused to agree to let Chen Ke continue staying here.

  "It can't be helped." Wu Xingchen sighed and had no choice but to agree to let Chen Ke leave.

  Beijing in 1905 and Beijing in the 21st century are worlds apart, but if he had to choose, Chen Ke would have preferred the Beijing of 1905. In his eyes, the Beijing of 1905 was more like a toy than the center of Qing power. The ancient buildings that could be seen everywhere were actually quite tasteful. Modern architecture made extensive use of reinforced concrete structures, but these old buildings did not have this problem. As a result, compared to modern buildings filled with geometric styles, those city gates and walls were full of a unique flavor from an older era.

  But this is just a feeling, the scars of the Eight-Power Allied Forces' invasion of Beijing have not been erased, and the ruined city walls and blackened walls are still silently telling the tragic experience. The ancient imperial capital has not recovered, outside the city gate, on the main road, you can see shabbily dressed adults selling emaciated children, but no one asks about it. Most pedestrians wear tattered clothes, and even in Beijing, those wearing cheongsam and magua are not bright either. The unspeakable decadence and decline, like a corrupt air, envelops the city of Beijing, unable to disperse. Chen Ke has no good feelings towards the humans filling this city. People with queues on their heads, wearing long gowns or short clothes, smooth Beijing accents and various dialects from other places fill the streets. Among the cities Chen Ke had seen in 1905, only Shanghai could be compared to Beijing, yet it was completely different from Shanghai. Beijing is China's political center, while Shanghai is an important area for foreign powers to infiltrate China strongly, their styles are completely different.

  Even so, Beijing, a city that still has some flavor, is just a third-rate provincial capital in Chen Ke's eyes after experiencing the 21st century. It doesn't evoke any good feelings from Chen Ke at all.

  After leaving Pang Ze's place, Chen Tianhua didn't discuss Pang Ze much. On the way to Beijing, Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua were discussing how to gather like-minded people in Beijing. Compared to Pang Ze's kind of local hero, Chen Tianhua felt that scholars were more to his taste. When they arrived in Beijing, according to the address given by Wu Xingchen, the two found a new place to stay. Chen Ke had always thought that Wu Xingchen was a capable guy. Before heading north, Wu Xingchen rented a house for everyone in Beijing, which was said to be the former residence of an official. Chen Ke suspected that this official's family might have suffered some misfortune in the year of Gengzi, but it wasn't easy to verify this.

  Chen Ke unlocked the door and was very satisfied. It was a very ordinary quadrangle courtyard, with no furniture at all. The house must have been uninhabited for at least half a year. Chen Ke pulled Chen Tianhua to start cleaning, Chen Tianhua was also a cleanliness enthusiast, the two of them cleaned thoroughly, even sweeping the beams clean. Surprisingly, there was a well in the yard, but the water drawn from it had a slightly bitter taste, not pleasant to drink, but okay for washing. After the two splashed water in the yard and took a bath, it was already afternoon. Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua moved the armchair from the main room outside into the yard, just as they sat down, Chen Ke suddenly remembered something - there were no bedding in the house. Neither of them knew where to buy such things. So, before their butts had even warmed up, the two hastily got up to go shopping.

  The rickshaw driver who was stopped outside the door heard the two men's request and hesitated for a moment. "Gentlemen, I know that place is quite expensive." It seems the driver is also a straightforward person.

  "It's expensive, just take us there."

  Since Chen Ke said so, the carman didn't say anything else and started moving with the two of them. Chen Tianhua sat inside the carriage looking around, while Chen Ke leaned against the seat with his eyes closed. Along the way, they only heard the surroundings getting more and more lively. Chen Ke was also tired these past few days, plus he had swept for a while, so at this moment he actually felt a bit sleepy. When Chen Tianhua woke him up, Chen Ke had actually slept for a while. Opening his eyes, Chen Ke finally knew why the carman said "expensive". Who knows what the carman was thinking, but the carriage stopped in front of a silk fabric store.

  He looked around and found that this was a bustling downtown area. The silk store he was in was also crowded with people coming and going. Chen Tianhua's face had already turned somewhat unpleasant, apparently feeling cheated by the carriage driver. Chen Ke didn't say much either, got off the carriage, paid the fare, and strode into the silk store.

  "Please sit down, gentlemen." The shop assistant came forward to greet them.

  People who came to the silk satin store were all wearing long gowns and horse jackets, with silk clothes on their bodies. Only a few women wore gold and silver jewelry. Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua's short hair and short clothes were very eye-catching. Chen Ke waved his hand, "No need to sit down, buddy, do you sell bedding here?"

  "What?" The fellow looked slightly surprised at this remark.

  "We want two sets of bedding, no, three sets of bedding." Chen Ke continued. As the center of attention, after hearing his words, there were already low chuckles spreading over.

  "This old man, we only sell bedding faces here, not quilts." The shop assistant hastily replied.

  "Is there anywhere nearby that sells bed sheets?" Chen Ke continued to ask.

  "It seems there isn't one on this street," his companion replied.

  "Do you have silk quilt covers here?" Chen Ke asked again.

  After hearing this, the fellow was almost a little solemn, "Sir, we don't have silk quilts here either."

  Chen Ke nodded, "Then get me two, no, three pieces of satin fabric."

  "Please come this way."

  Chen Ke stood up, just about to follow his companions to choose silk fabrics, when he saw a few small houses inside the silk fabric store. A middle-aged man was staring at him with an unusual gaze. Upon closer inspection, Chen Ke felt that the man's face looked familiar, but he couldn't quite recall where they had met before. Chen Tianhua also stood up, and Chen Ke asked in a low voice, "Haven't we seen that person opposite us before?"

  "I've met him before, it was on that day in Tianjin," Chen Tianhua replied.

  "Oh," Chen Ke also remembered, "Is it that Yang housekeeper?" He said in a low voice.

  "The surname Yang is the boss of the car company, and the surname He is in charge of the household." Chen Tianhua corrected.

  He Guan saw Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua, two short-haired men staring at him whispering to each other. He was certain that these two were the same guys he met last time. The previous encounter was brief, and he couldn't recall their faces clearly. However, with such rare hairstyles and clothes, plus the fact that they noticed him, He Guan believed he absolutely didn't mistake them for someone else.

  The last time Chen Ke walked away with a smile, his laughter could still be heard from afar. The steward saw a mocking look in the eyes of the carriage shop owner. For He Guan Jia, face was more important than anything else. He was actually laughed at by two young whippersnappers, and if he hadn't been holding onto the carriage shop owner to discuss something, he would have grabbed those two guys with unknown backgrounds to get things straight. That day, he still couldn't get a discount from the carriage shop owner, so He Guan Jia was furious, not expecting to run into those two again here. These days, people either had queues or were scholars or soldiers. But most people had long hair like foreigners, and in He Guan Jia's eyes, Chen Tian Hua must have been an overseas student. And Chen Ke's short hair looked like that of a monk who had just returned to secular life.

  At this time, the fellow was already standing in front of the counter next to He Guan's house, "These two gentlemen, please come here and take a look."

  Chen Ke looked at He Guan's dark expression, but he didn't think there was any real conflict between them. Chen Ke smiled at He Guan, and saw that his round face twitched as if he had been hit. Chen Ke didn't care too much, and walked straightforwardly to the counter, where the shop assistant took out a piece of satin. Chen Ke ran his hand over the back of the fabric, and the texture was quite good.

  The price was settled, and the shop assistant brought out a piece of satin. Chen Ke glanced at Butler He, who had been standing not far away with a look that seemed to be ready to pounce on someone. From earlier, he saw the shop assistant bring in many silk samples into the small room, presumably for the exclusive use of noblewomen. It seemed that Butler He was indeed waiting at the door and did not dare to leave his post. When Butler He saw Chen Ke's gloomy and cold expression turn towards him again, his already unhappy face became even more sullen. At this moment, the curtain was lifted, and three women walked out from inside. In the middle was a middle-aged woman, followed by two young girls. At this time, Butler He was facing the three women with an attentive and servile expression.

  So that's how it is, Chen Ke thought.

  Among the three women, the middle-aged woman was quite ordinary in appearance, with a pointed face and a thin figure. Her skin was dull, but her eyes were very bright. The two young girls stood behind the middle-aged woman, not daring to glance around, showing good manners. The older-looking woman leaned closer to Chen Ke, who gazed seriously at the slightly older young woman he had just seen. She was a pretty girl with fair skin, an oval face, thin eyebrows, and bright almond-shaped eyes. Her nose was slightly upturned, and her lips were full. Her expression was very calm. The corner of her eye seemed to notice Chen Ke looking over, and the girl's long eyelashes fluttered slightly, but her gaze did not turn around.

  The butler saw this small movement, he turned around, his murderous gaze staring straight at Chen Ke. Chen Ke didn't show any weakness and stared back at the butler for a while before turning around. Just then, the person standing by the counter had already tied up the package with twine. Chen Ke paid the bill and asked: "Is there anywhere here that sells needles and thread?"

  "The needle and thread are available." The shopkeeper replied.

  "Give me a few big needles for sewing quilts."

  Chen Ke finished choosing his needles, and the group of people had already walked so far that their figures could no longer be seen.

  The driver who brought them had disappeared, Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua first went to a nearby fabric store to buy bedding, then hired another car and asked the driver to take them to a place that sold bed sheets. After arriving at the destination, Chen Ke was almost out of breath, it turned out that this bed sheet store was less than two streets away from his residence, it seemed that he had been fooled by the driver who looked honest at first.

  Bought a sheet, went back to sew the quilt and mattress. The sky had already darkened, Chen Ke and others ate dinner together outside. After returning home, they talked about revolution for a while, and everyone fell asleep.

  Most of the residents on this street were officials' residences, and there were not a few voices outside early in the morning. Chen Ke looked up and saw that it was still dark. He didn't know what those people outside were making a fuss about either. He put on his clothes and opened the door crack, only to see bright firelight outside, with several small sedan chairs passing by the entrance, apparently officials on their way to court. He closed the door and Chen Ke went back to continue sleeping.

  After waking up again, Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua had breakfast outside. They started strolling around Beijing.

  It's indeed true that enemies are bound to meet, and the two had just arrived at the gate of Fahua Temple when they saw the four people from yesterday coming out. The housekeeper was walking in front, and as soon as he saw Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua at the gate, all three were taken aback. The housekeeper furrowed his brow but didn't say a word. Immediately after, the three women behind him also saw Chen Ke, and the middle-aged woman who was leading them saw Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua at the gate, slightly startled but not speaking up. The older woman glanced at Chen Ke and then followed the middle-aged woman down the steps, while the younger one carefully looked at Chen Ke's head. She was probably fifteen or sixteen years old, or maybe even younger. Her appearance gave Chen Ke the feeling of a young girl who hadn't fully grown up yet - her forehead and nose bridge were high, her eyes were big, she had bangs in front, and her long hair was braided into a braid that hung down her back. Seeing Chen Ke staring at her so boldly, the girl's face turned red as she quickly turned her head and followed the two older women ahead of her. The housekeeper also turned his head and glared fiercely at Chen Ke and Chen Tian. A Western-style carriage was parked at the gate, and the three women got in. The housekeeper followed them into the carriage, and the two household servants and a coachman sat down in front. The carriage started moving smoothly.

  As the sun began to set, Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua were walking back to their residence with a pig's head meat and several baked buns when a horse carriage came rushing from behind. The coachman suddenly whipped the horse, but the whip didn't hit the horse, instead it swept towards Chen Ke. Chen Ke was walking on the left side of Chen Tianhua, if he wanted to avoid it, he would definitely collide with Chen Tianhua. Hearing the sound of the wind, Chen Ke raised his hand and grabbed the whip tip just in time. The coachman's move was quite ruthless, the whip lash struck Chen Ke's palm, causing a sharp pain. Chen Ke turned around furiously. It turned out that this horse carriage was the same one from this morning, the steward was sitting on the left front side, glaring at Chen Ke with anger. The horse carriage wasn't moving too fast. Chen Ke tightly grasped the whip tip, while the tail of the whip remained in the coachman's hand. As the carriage continued to move forward, the middle part of the whip had already wrapped around the steward's chest.

  Chen Ke didn't let go, and the carter didn't dare to let go either. The whip slid up along the manager's chest and got stuck on his neck. Chen Ke still didn't let go, and the tail of the whip was a rope loop that had slipped onto the carter's wrist. In the urgency, the carter couldn't untie the loop, but fortunately, he was quick-witted and immediately stopped the horse carriage, thus avoiding a big embarrassment. Chen Ke used force to fling out the tip of the whip, which hit the roof of the carriage with a loud crack. The manager had been angry at Chen Ke for some time, and seeing him several times that day only made his anger greater. After this commotion, the manager could no longer hold back his temper. He pushed away the carter and jumped down from the carriage.

  Chen Tianhua saw Guan Jia jump out, and his dark face was slightly tense. In this era, offending the government would not make life easy. He looked at Chen Ke, only to see that Chen Ke's face was gloomy, with icy cold eyes. Seeing Guan Jia jump down, before Guan Jia could speak, Chen Ke spoke first, "What's your name? Whose family are you from? Is this how your master taught you to do things?"

  "Which family's whelp are you?" The steward had never been ridiculed by someone so young before. Upon hearing Chen Ke's words, his face turned bright red.

  Chen Ke burst out laughing and said, "You old fellow are also worthy of asking me?"

  The sharp words of the butler towards Ma Meng immediately escalated the situation, and the face of the housekeeper behind him changed greatly. He rolled up his sleeves and stepped forward, staring at Chen Ke with a provocative expression.

  Chen Ke pulled out a name card from his pocket, put on a fierce expression, and handed it to the butler with a smile. "If you want to find someone to report to the authorities, take this name card. It's also good for you to know who I am. Butler He, your family is still in the carriage, do you think we should fight like this and disturb them? How will you explain it to your master when you return?"

  After hearing this, the butler's face changed slightly. If he really disturbed the family in the car, he couldn't bear it. Moreover, Chen Ke had a rough appearance and didn't seem easy to deal with. He glanced at Chen Ke's business card and saw that there was a string of foreign words on it. Adding to this were Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua's attire, hairstyle, and demeanor, which suggested they were compradors from somewhere.

  The steward hesitated for a moment, and the cart driver ran into the house opposite Chen Ke's, shouting something inside. Two family guards rushed out soon after.

  Chen Tianhua's eyes narrowed as he sensed something was off, and his whole body went on high alert. Chen Ke, however, burst out laughing, "So we're still neighbors after all." He pointed to his residence, "We live right here now. As the saying goes, 'distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors.' If you're not satisfied with the butler, then tomorrow afternoon... hmm..." Chen Ke raised his wrist and deliberately glanced at his watch, "Tomorrow afternoon at 9 o'clock, come to my place and I'll treat you to a cup of tea." After finishing speaking, Chen Ke handed over his business card again, "You take it first."

  The butler was quite embarrassed, neither accepting nor refusing. At this moment, Chen Ke saw that the curtain of the car window was slightly opened, he withdrew his name, nodded slightly towards the car window. Without caring about what the butler would do next, he went to the residence with Chen Tianhua in a swaggering manner.

  A middle-aged woman was heard whispering something behind, and the steward immediately called out to Chen Ke from behind. Turning back, he saw that the steward's face was as usual, "What is your surname, young brother?"

  "My surname is Chen." Chen Ke said, while handing over his business card again. "This is my card." After the butler took it, Chen Ke continued: "I won't disturb you today, Butler He. Tomorrow at 9 am, I'll be waiting for you at home."

  The housekeeper thought for a moment and nodded. "I'll definitely go visit tomorrow."

  The 50th