Chapter Thirty-Three I Got Promoted Again

  Guangxu, although he appreciated Kang Youwei very much and basically agreed to his requests, did not adopt the suggestions made by Kang in his memorials regarding reform. He was determined to carry out drastic political reforms hastily. Kang Youwei was anxious and had no choice but to ask for an audience with Empress Dowager Cixi.

  Kang Youwei understood: Guangxu had no real power and was unable to control the national situation. Liang Qichao, Tan Sitong and other scholars' understanding of Western society was limited to the surface, without grasping its essence. Moreover, their radical reform would severely weaken the inherent power and social status of the entire Manchu ruling group in the Qing government, while the Manchu officials were the main body of the contemporary Chinese bureaucratic class. The few high-ranking government officials who supported the reform, such as Li Hongzhang and Hu Yizheng, were all Han people, with limited power and influence. Especially, abolishing the imperial examination system that had lasted for thousands of years would make the vast number of intellectuals across the country lose their lifelong goal of seeking an official career through education, and also lose the support of the people, including the Han people, and the support of the middle class in society, leading to a strong shock throughout society! It can be imagined that without the universal support of the government, officials, and the people, how could the reform possibly succeed?!

  Cixi knew his intention and, without waiting for Kang Youwei to speak, said: "My reform is an old wish. At the beginning of Tongzhi, I accepted Zeng Guofan's proposal and sent my sons and younger brothers to study abroad, build ships and manufacture weapons in order to become rich and strong. Now that my son is on the throne and personally in charge of government, if there is a way to achieve wealth and strength, he will do it himself, I won't interfere."

  Kang Youwei said: If so, it will inevitably lead to domestic turmoil. At present, the Boxer Movement is surging at home, and conflicts with foreigners are frequent, with contradictions deepening day by day. The powers have long been brewing a plot to divide our country under the name of suppressing the Boxers. If I were to cause more trouble, they would inevitably take advantage of the chaos to make their move, and war will break out.

  Cixi smiled and said: "Governor Kang's words are weighty! Even if the reform fails, I will still control it, and it is not too late."

  Kong Fan said: Since it can be done without chaos, why bother? If a great war breaks out, how can its momentum be controlled at will?

  Cixi was somewhat annoyed and forced a smile: "It is my intention, Governor Kang, do not advise otherwise."

  Kang Fan had no choice but to leave the Empress Dowager's palace in a huff, waiting for Mei Xiang at the relay station while organizing the intelligence personnel to rehearse. After several days, everyone was familiar with the terrain around the Japanese Embassy in London and Kang Fan's plan to rob the money. Mei Xiang already knew that Kang Fan had failed to persuade the Empress Dowager, and when they met, the two of them looked at each other without a word.

  "Let's go," said Constance. "There is nothing more we can do here."

  Mei Xiang knew he was in a bad mood, so she said: Why don't we take this opportunity to go visit Shui Xiu before leaving, how about it?

  "All right." Kong Fan replied in a low voice.

  Just as everyone was about to leave, a palace guard rushed in with an imperial edict from Empress Dowager Cixi: "Tell Governor Kang to be patient and not to act rashly. Once my words are spoken, they cannot be taken back. Although I do not interfere with internal affairs, I have a deep concern for them. If there is internal strife, I will surely take control again."

  Kang Fan looked at it and couldn't help but laugh and cry, and immediately ordered: Empress Dowager, I think that matters concerning the country's fate should not be taken lightly! If so, the world will surely be in chaos. Within two years, foreign powers will take advantage of the chaos to invade our country, and a great war will break out. As a humble official, I do not dare to speak recklessly about protecting the country from harm, but I can still ensure that the three Jin regions are safe in this chaotic world. At that time, Empress Dowager can take the Emperor to Jin to avoid disaster and seek self-preservation.

  The guards withdrew and took their leave. Kang Fan's party then arrived at He Shui Xiufu's mansion.

  He Shuixiu seemed to be living unhappily in her husband's family, but she didn't dare say anything with her mother-in-law present. Kang Fan and Mei Xiang also couldn't stay for long, so they stood up to bid farewell after a short while. He Shuixiu saw them out the door, and her mother-in-law followed closely behind. He Shuixiu's eyes, still bright and clear, gazed at Kang Fan with a hint of resentment, as if she wanted to say something but held back.

  Kang Fan's heart softened, and he said in a gentle voice: Shui Xiu, big brother will come to see you again after a while.

  He Shui Xiu nodded, okay big brother you have to keep your word. You and Mei sister must come visit me again.

  Kang Fan smiled gently and pulled Mei Xiang, they got on the car together and left.

  You clearly know that Shui Xiu has grievances in her heart, why don't you ask? Mei Xiang asked him.

  Kang Fan shook his head, Shui Xiu had already gone, it wasn't convenient for him to ask more questions. Instead, you should ask, you're all women, there's no harm in talking.

  Mei Xiang pouted, didn't you see how vigilant that old lady was? She didn't give us a chance to talk alone at all.

  Kang Fan turned his head to look at that mansion, thinking of He Shui Xiu's eyes, and felt a sense of loss in his heart.

  Out of the capital, there were palace guards who came to convey a message: Lord Kang, please wait at your original location, the Emperor will arrive immediately. After receiving the order, Kang Fan followed the guard towards the direction where Guangxu was coming from. This time, Kang Fan and Mei Xiang saw Liang Qichao, Tan Sitong, Yang Rui, Lin Xu, Liu Guangdi and others for the first time, and both sides had complex emotions when they met face to face.

  Delighted to meet Mr. Kang, it's a great honor. Liang Qichao first greeted him with a bow on horseback.

  Kong Fan dismounted his horse and returned the courtesy, having long heard of Mr. Liang's great reputation, today I have the honor of meeting you, it is also a great honor.

  Liang Qichao said: Mr. Kang's achievement of enriching the land of Shanxi with his own efforts is indeed not something that scholars like us can accomplish. However, Mr. Kang views our reform efforts as impossible to achieve, I dare ask what profound insights he has?

  Kang Fan smiled and said, "Mr. Liang has spoken too much: Firstly, the act of creating wealth in the three Jin regions is a collective effort, how can it be attributed to one person's power? Secondly, I have never mentioned that changing laws is impossible."

  Liang Qichao said: "May I ask Mr. Kang to repeat his views? I will listen with an open mind."

  Kang Fan said: Mr. Liang is a man of great knowledge and insight, I have already understood your intention, why repeat it?

  Mr. Kang Youwei asked for an audience with the Emperor. Liang Qichao insisted on listening in.

  Kang Youwei sighed and said: "A flower can only bloom and bear fruit, but without the soil to nurture it, how can the flower bloom and the fruit ripen? In today's Qing dynasty, those who advocate for reform and strengthening are less than one or two out of ten. How can you convince the majority, sir? The great governance is on the right path, can it be changed and abandoned? Those who plan for the welfare of the people will be supported by the people; those who plan for the prosperity and strength of the country will also be supported by the country. At present, we should prioritize developing industries, improving people's livelihoods, and gathering people's hearts. Now, sir, you only focus on political reform, which will inevitably lead to unrest among the people and instability in the country. In a chaotic world, how can we talk about development? It is indeed like a flower without soil or fruit without flowers!

  Liang Qichao argued: My reform is also for the wealth and power of the country!

  Kang Youwei said: The country is not rich, the people are not strong, what can Mr. change? Can a rich and powerful nation be achieved by mere words? Mr. Wei Yuan advocated "practical affairs should be based on practical results, practical results should be based on practical affairs" decades ago, do you know that, sir?

  Liang Qichao was momentarily speechless, his face showing embarrassment.

  Kong Fan continued: Politics is born of the people, and the people are the foundation of politics. Creating wealth for the people and storing wealth among the people, politics changes with the people and becomes the right path; it cannot be reversed and followed in a contrary way. Think about my Ningwu Prefecture, which is the richest under heaven - has its politics changed? Its military is strong and its horses are sturdy - has its politics changed?

  Liang Qichao seemed to be smiling coldly.

  Kang Fan waved his hand, and the 10 intelligence personnel beside him swiftly drove out in a car, simultaneously drawing their Mauser automatic pistols and firing continuously. One hundred bullets were fired at a poplar tree with a trunk as thick as an arm on the side of the official road. The wheels rolled, the horse hooves flew, the gunfire was deafening, and in the rapid and continuous change of relative displacement, the tree was struck down by the densely packed bullets, falling slowly in the gentle spring breeze. The fierce warhorse returned, still snorting and stamping its four hooves, as the intelligence personnel on the bumpy carriage quickly replaced their magazines and pulled the bolts, their movements swift and extremely skilled!

  Liang Qichao, Tan Sitong and others, as well as the palace guards and imperial army officers surrounding them, were all stunned! The surroundings suddenly fell silent.

  Guangxu got off the carriage and walked forward while clapping his hands. The Jin army's soldiers were indeed strong and powerful, not just boasting!

  Kong Fan hastily bowed and asked: Your Majesty, may your humble servant ask, is it permissible to have an audience?

  Guangxu smiled and said: I am delighted, why is there talk of startling the imperial carriage?

  Kong Fan said: "I was about to return to Jin when I received the imperial edict, and came forward to welcome you. Fortunately, I met Mr. Liang, which led to a dispute. I didn't expect Your Majesty to arrive in person, and there are many things that are not respectful!"

  Guangxu smiled and asked: What was the outcome of your debate with Mr. Liang?

  There was no outcome. Kang Fan replied.

  Guangxu turned his head to look at Liang Qichao and others, asking: What's going on?

  Tan Sitong interjected: "Your Majesty, the method of reform is different now."

  Guangxu nodded and asked Kang Fan again, "Do you still insist on what you said last time?"

  Yes. Convinced by the answer.

  Guangxu said: Since it is so, there is no harm. The methods of reform are different, but the intention to enrich the country and strengthen the people is the same. The wealth and strength of Ningwu Prefecture are renowned throughout the world, and the achievements of Kang Zhifu do not need to be mentioned. This time returning to Jin, I hope to follow in the footsteps of the past, make progress with a sharp mind, first strengthen one side of mine, use it as a starting point to influence others, and after some time, all will become strong.

  Kong Fan said: The Emperor is wise!

  Guangxu said: Hu Pingzhi has been devoted to the great Qing for decades, I sympathize with his old age and frailty, unable to bear heavy responsibilities. Therefore, I ordered you to take the position of Deputy General-in-Chief of the second rank to assist in the military affairs of Shanxi, to share some of Hu Pingzhi's burdens.

  Kang Fan bowed his head in gratitude.

  After Guangxu and his entourage left, Mei Xiang mischievously bowed to Kang Fan with a "wan fu" gesture, smiling: Congratulations, Lord Kang.

  Kang Youwei sighed: "If reform fails, the world will be in chaos! Even if I become a high-ranking official again, what is there to be happy about?"

  You've done your best, Kang Fan. You can't force the Guangxu Emperor and Empress Dowager Cixi to change their minds at gunpoint, can you? Mei Xiang said, pulling on Kang Fan's arm and leaning her head on his shoulder.

  Gazing afar with eyes wide open, standing still for a long time.