Chapter Twenty I Met the Guangxu Emperor

  He Shui-xiu's father-in-law and other members of the He family were also officials in the imperial court, with whom he had close private relations. From a broad perspective, they all belonged to the conservative faction, which was part of the same political group as Ronglu. Their common political opponents in the court were the Western Affairs Party. In this marriage dispute, although Kang Fan's behavior was violent, he later voluntarily surrendered and explained himself, showing sincerity. After mediation by others, Ronglu could not blame him further. Moreover, it was Ronglu's subordinate who had erred first and bore the notorious reputation of coercing a civilian woman. Most importantly, Kang Fan was a military officer of the current dynasty and was introduced by Hart, so his status was not ordinary. Ronglu could only turn a blind eye to the matter. As a result, the military officer and the civil official were ordered to leave Beijing to recover from their injuries, after which they disappeared without a trace.

  Although Kang Fan and Mei Xiang did not experience real imprisonment while waiting for the marriage dispute to be resolved, their freedom was still restricted. Over a hundred cavalry officers and soldiers were confined with them in a military camp, where they could move around freely but were not allowed to leave the camp. Kang Fan took this opportunity as a military training exercise: since the officers' weapons and horses were temporarily confiscated, Kang Fan led them in physical training and combat drills every day to maintain their physical strength and be ready for any situation at all times. However, the marriage event had already caused a sensation in the capital city, and Kang Fan and Mei Xiang had become the target of public criticism, with their names spreading throughout the city. As expected, amidst the commotion, an imperial edict was issued: Kang Fan and Mei Xiang were summoned to the palace for an audience.

  Kang Fan, what should we do? Mei Xiang Zhang asked Kang Fan in a flustered manner.

  Kang Fan couldn't help but laugh bitterly, things have gotten bigger and bigger, starting from the Rong Mansion to now the Imperial Court, it's truly a mess.

  Mei Xiang hugged Kang Fan tightly and leaned against his chest, looking up at him and saying: "Shall we run away? Run far, far away."

  Kang Fan pointed outside the door, so many government soldiers, where can we escape?

  You have a way out, nothing can stump you. Stop pretending! Mei Xiang was really anxious.

  Kang Fan combed Mei Xiang's bangs with his hand, and said: "Let's see the situation, and we'll take action when the time comes. With me here, what are you afraid of? At worst, we'll die together."

  Mei Xiang still looked up at him, tears silently streaming down her face. "Kang Fan, I want to go home. Once I'm home, I'll tell mom that I want to marry a Liberation Army soldier named Kang Fan, have children with him and spend the rest of my life with him... no more running around..."

  Kang Fan's heart tightened, he held Mei Xiang tightly in his arms, pressing down on the area of his heart. He was afraid that his heart would ache again, a pain that was unbearable.

  Does your heart hurt again? Mei Xiang asked him with concern.

  Kang Fan shook his head and remained silent.

  The sedan chair was brought over quickly. Mei Xiang got into the sedan, Kang Fan rode on Chi Tu, and under the escort of a group of officials and soldiers, they entered the palace to pay their respects. Mei Xiang occasionally stuck her head out of the sedan to take a look at Kang Fan, who tried to stay close to the sedan, walking in small steps.

  Outside the palace gate, Meixiang's handbag and Kangfan's 92 pistol and 95 military knife were all taken away by the guards. Kangfan felt a sudden emptiness in his heart, took Meixiang's hand, and walked towards the depths of the Forbidden City. Kangfan and Meixiang had both visited the Forbidden City, now renamed the Palace Museum, but at that time their mood was happy, and they were deeply shocked by the grandeur of the Forbidden City. But now, entering the real Forbidden City, the two people's mood was exceptionally heavy. The palace in front of them looked majestic and solemn, the wide and long stone steps seemed endless, the guards standing on both sides were expressionless, like statues. The surrounding buildings were densely packed, with red walls and yellow tiles, carved beams and painted rafters, shining brightly, but felt empty and gloomy, only hearing the sound of wind in their ears, not a single human voice could be heard.

  Kang Fan, if I must die, let me die in your arms. Mei Xiang said sorrowfully, with tears welling up in her eyes.

  Kang Fan felt a pang in his heart and tightened his grip on Mei Xiang's hand.

  Mei Xiang, let them see what we're made of! Kang Fan said as he puffed out his chest.

  Plum fragrance is smiling, learning from Kang Fan's appearance, she also puffed out her own originally high and protruding chest.

  Under the leadership of a guard, the two entered the grand hall, not looking around, hand in hand, and walked proudly past the civil and military officials. The originally calm atmosphere in the grand hall immediately became restless.

  I wonder if any of He's relatives who are officials are among these people? Kang Fan thought to himself, turning his head to look at Mei Xiang, seeing that she was also smiling at him. To make her feel more at ease, Kang Fan playfully curled up the corner of his mouth.

  The guard reported and then retreated, passing by Kang Fan's side, seeing Kang Fan and Mei Xiang standing upright, he pulled Kang Fan's sleeve and whispered: Lord Kang please make a kneeling courtesy.

  Kang Fan nodded in understanding, pulling Mei Xiang a few steps forward. He saw that on the high throne sat a person wearing a yellow dragon robe. The light in the great hall was dim, and he couldn't see their features clearly, but it must be the Guangxu Emperor without a doubt. He pulled Mei Xiang down to kneel together.

  Xia Guan Kang Fan accompanied his younger sister Mei Xiang to pay respects to the Emperor. Kang Fan said loudly.

  Guangxu said something, but neither of them heard it clearly.

  Hurry up! Someone next to you is reminding you.

  The two of them stood up. Mei Xiang subconsciously patted her cotton-padded jacket.

  Don't be reckless, stand carefully! Someone else is scolding beside you.

  Guangxu raised his voice and asked: Are the Ningwu County town and Yunzhong Mountain bandit suppression affairs all your doing?

  Exactly. Kang Fan bowed in response.

  Guangxu asked again: Was it also your doing that recently there was a wedding in the capital?

  That's right. Kang Fan replied.

  Guangxu asked: I heard that the ministers in the court said that you have spent all your family's wealth to support local construction, is this true?

  Kang Fan smiled, as a local official, it was his duty to work for the place.

  Guangxu continued: "It is said that you are well-versed in ancient and modern affairs, both literary and martial arts are excellent, and you are also proficient in foreign languages. Is it true?"

  "I just know a little bit about it," said Kang Fan.

  Guangxu thought for a moment and asked: "The repeated attacks on the Japanese pirates in Weihai are also your doing, aren't they? Tell me the truth."

  Kang Fan was stunned, and he couldn't help but mutter to himself: It must have been He Shui Kuan who leaked it to his relatives in the imperial court. But thinking again, there were over a hundred people involved in that operation, and after the excitement had passed, it was inevitable that someone would let slip a word, and long-term secrecy was impossible, so he couldn't blame He Shui Kuan entirely. Fortunately, this matter had already passed for almost a year, and it didn't matter anymore.

  Guangxu urged: I am waiting for your reply.

  Kong Fan didn't think much and replied: That's exactly what I did.

  As soon as this was said, the entire hall erupted in a commotion.

  Guangxu fell silent, stroking his forehead for a long time before asking: "I've heard that the Japanese pirates are exceptionally ferocious. Aren't you afraid?"

  Kang Fan laughed and said, "What's there to be afraid of? It's just a bunch of nonsense!"

  Mei Xiang pulled Kang Fan aside and whispered: You've said too much.

  Guangxu smiled, then according to your view, why did I lose in the war of Jiawu?

  Kang Fan thought for a moment and said: After the Meiji Restoration, Japan learned from the strengths of Westerners, its national power gradually strengthened, and it has long had the intention to invade China. It is well-prepared for war. However, our Qing people have always been kind-hearted since ancient times, and we do not intend to fight against the enemy. Once a big battle starts, we will be at a disadvantage. This is one reason.

  Lecture. Guangxu urged.

  Kong Fan continued: Second, the Sino-Japanese War of 1894, at the beginning of the war, our navy was defeated and lost control of the sea, which is the main reason for the defeat. If we had control of the sea, even if the Japanese pirates had an army of one million, they would not have been able to cross the sea and land in Korea, what could they do to us?

  Guangxu nodded slightly, as if in agreement.

  Kang Youwei said: Thirdly, our infantry has lost the initiative and is being beaten passively, with a single defeat leading to a rout of a thousand miles, and our huge advantage has vanished. The lower official thinks that in matters of war, one should be prepared for danger in times of peace, always be vigilant and never slacken; if not fighting, then already, but once fighting, it must be decisive. Attacking is the best defense, just like water dripping through stone: soft and gentle water, hard and strong stone, yet the water constantly strikes the stone and the stone does not move, how can the stone not be penetrated? The defeat of the Jiawu War was superficially due to our military strength being inadequate, but in reality it was because our dynasty compromised and retreated, lacked a strong will to fight, and sought peace by avoiding battle.

  Guangxu bowed his head and coughed lightly twice, as if to ease the tension, then raised his head and said: "Do you have a good strategy for winning? Speak freely, I am here."

  Kang Youwei said: Since the war of Jiawu, when the Japanese pirates annexed Ryukyu, plotted against Taiwan, and interfered with Korea's internal affairs, their intention to invade us has been revealed without a doubt. However, our great Qing dynasty has retreated everywhere, allowing them to act recklessly, ignoring the crucially important Korean Peninsula, which is indeed a big mistake! The Japanese pirates are beasts who have a nature of bloodthirstiness and regard profit as their life, how can you reason with them about etiquette and law?!

  For nine years from the end of the Sino-French War to the outbreak of the First Sino-Japanese War, the Qing dynasty was stable and at peace with Western powers, and the international environment was relaxed. The Self-Strengthening Movement, which aimed at "enriching the country and strengthening the army", had achieved remarkable results in thirty years. The domestic and international situation was very favorable for our great Qing to become stronger.

  However, since the Japanese invasion of Ryukyu to the outbreak of the First Sino-Japanese War, in 15 years, Japan from top to bottom, conspired to develop military power, vowing to "bet on national luck" with our great Qing dynasty, and wholeheartedly preparing for war. But we did not rest on our laurels and think about danger, nor did we upgrade our military strength to resist.

  Taking the Beiyang Fleet as an example: in 1890, there were 7 main battleships with a displacement of over 2,000 tons, totaling 27,000 tons. In contrast, the Japanese Navy had only 5 main battleships with a displacement of over 2,000 tons, totaling 17,000 tons. However, by the eve of the First Sino-Japanese War, Japan had established a navy with a displacement of 72,000 tons, while the Beiyang Fleet, since its establishment in 1888, considered itself "sufficiently defensive" and not only failed to develop but even regressed! As a result, the Japanese Navy's main force strength surpassed that of the Beiyang Fleet, losing the crucial maritime rights, which was reasonable.

  Although, as I devote the country's strength, with a united heart and mind, and with the determination to 'gamble on the fate of the nation', I will surely emerge victorious. The Qing Empire is vast in territory, rich in resources, and populous, while Japan is small and weak, lacking in follow-up strength, and will be worn down if it does not win quickly. My country is like a river flowing endlessly, while Japan is like a broken pot of water, with no chance of continuation, merely flaunting the bravery of a temporary hero, how can it not fail? Even if there are many cowardly generals such as Ye Zhichao, Gong Zhaoyue, Huang Shilin, Zhao Huaiye, and Wei Rucheng, my Qing Empire's infantry will gather in large numbers, with at least 40 million troops. If even one or two percent of them are brave warriors who fight to the death against the Japanese bandits, that would be a force of one million! Japan can only deploy tens of thousands of soldiers at most. Song Qing, Nie Shicheng, Ma Yukun, Zuo Baogui, and others such as Ma Jinsu and Zhou Jiaen are all brave and resourceful generals who will fight to the death, how can the Japanese bandits possibly win?

  Kang Fan Yue's words became more and more indignant, his voice growing louder, with an air of heroism that was intimidating. Mei Xiang looked around nervously, truly worried for him: This is the imperial court's Golden Hall, not the Fen River military camp!

  Kang Fan continued: "I once met a commoner in Weihai who set up a bird gun at his own door, calmly facing hundreds of Japanese bandits passing by the door. When asked why, he said: 'This is my home, why should I run away? If the Japanese bandits dare to offend, I will definitely kill them!' I was deeply moved! If our country's military and civilians have a firm determination to fight, all will respond with one call, how can we be afraid of no one defending our homes and country? Among the 40 million people in our country, there are tens of millions of brave ones, if they rise up together to resist, what kind of great strength would that be? How could the Japanese bandits enter our country's gate?"

  Guangxu pondered for a long time and said: Follow me out of the palace to hunt, guarding my left and right. After finishing speaking, he stood up and left with a flick of his sleeve.

  Mei Xiang was overjoyed, jumped up and hugged Kang Fan's neck, laughing and saying: "Kang Fan, we won't die now, will we?"

  Kang Fan also let out a sigh of relief and smiled: I suppose so.

  The guardian is at fault! On the Golden Throne, there has been a loss of dignity! Someone nearby is dissatisfied.

  Kang Fan was in a fit of rage, his anger rising to the surface, just as he was about to explode, when the servant who had led the way earlier came over and restrained him.

  Mr. Kang, may I have a word with you? The guard said, winking at him.

  Kang Fan was still fuming, and he dragged Mei Xiang out with the guards. Outside the palace gate, the guard returned Kang Fan's horse, pistol, and military knife, and handed him an 8mm caliber Mannlicher carbine and a bullet belt.

  Kang Fan was still seething with anger and said hatefully: I really want to take up a gun and shoot my way in to vent the anger in my heart!

  The guard advised: Lord Kang, don't be impulsive and cause trouble. You've already escaped with your life just now, why stir up more trouble? Your younger sister is still here, how can you prioritize a momentary pleasure?

  Kong Fan shouted: How come you guys don't have such mighty power when fighting against the Japanese pirates?!

  The guard smiled and said, "When we go hunting, I'll ask Lord Kang to protect His Majesty on both sides. We must do our best."

  This man was dignified and upright, with a strong sense of justice. He left a very good impression on Kang Fan, who then asked: "How should I address you?"

  The eunuch Hui Feng in the palace. The guard made a bow and replied.

  Kang Fan returned the courtesy and said: "How about that little sister? This girl has been afraid of horses since she was a child, it's really a headache!"

  Mei Xiang looked at Kang Fan with a dissatisfied expression.

  Huifeng smiled and said: You can go with the palace ladies in a carriage together.

  Plum blossoms are fragrant.