Chapter 22

As a man of the 21st century, Chen Ke did not love Peking Opera or local operas. He had occasionally heard the southern storytelling, but had no research on it. Looking at the young people around Chen Tianhua, each of them was listening intently, their faces solemn. Even when listening to Chen Ke's "political lectures," everyone was serious, but not to this extent. Chen Ke felt that inviting Chen Tianhua here was a very wise decision. However, a bit of jealousy couldn't help but arise in his heart. This small emotional fluctuation made Chen Ke feel a wave of shame. Feeling jealous of comrades was not a thought a communist should have. He knocked on his head with his hand, then quietly walked to the table with the wine and dishes, placing them down.

"Brother Chen is back." Chen Tianhua quickly stopped the storytelling, and everyone helped set the table.

"Mr. Tianhua, please continue singing," Chen Ke said.

Chen Tianhua smiled, "The wine and dishes are all set. Let's sing later. I'm really hungry."

Everyone knew Chen Tianhua was polite, so after a burst of laughter, they all poured wine into their cups.

"I think everyone has been introduced, but let me say a bit more. This is Mr. Chen Tianhua, a revolutionary comrade invited by Sister Qiu Jin from Japan. Come, let's toast to Mr. Chen." Chen Ke raised his wine glass after speaking.

Everyone introduced themselves and clinked glasses with Chen Tianhua. After everyone drank the first cup, Chen Ke refilled their glasses, "Comrades, I invited Mr. Chen Tianhua here to work together in the revolution. So, comrades, we must keep Mr. Chen here."

Everyone burst into laughter. Chen Tianhua didn't expect Chen Ke to be so direct, but he was a person of some standing and didn't back down, "I appreciate Mr. Wenqing's kindness. Let me toast to everyone."

After the second cup, the third was poured.

Hua Xiongmeng laughed, "Mr. Chen, you can't just appreciate it in your heart. I haven't read much, but I've heard of Mr. Chen's name. Since Mr. Chen is here, you should stay for a few years. Come, Mr. Chen, I toast to you."

Everyone drank this cup together, and Chen Ke put down his glass, "I never like to force people to drink. After these three cups, everyone can drink as they please."

"Mr. Chen, I came this time mainly because Mr. Qiu Jin conveyed your kindness. I can't accept favors without doing anything in return, so I must visit Mr. Chen. I wonder if Mr. Chen has any advice for me."

"I share the same surname as you, so let's consider ourselves relatives. So, don't call me Mr. Chen. Call me by my courtesy name, Wenqing. How should I address you, Mr. Tianhua?"

"My courtesy name is XingTai."

"Brother XingTai, we are all young people, so I won't be overly formal. I invited Brother XingTai here not to discuss major affairs, but to invite you to join us in the revolution."

Chen Tianhua's face showed some confusion after hearing Chen Ke's words. He frowned slightly as he looked at Chen Ke. In this era, the revolution was about overthrowing the Qing Dynasty. Chen Ke spoke these words so casually, and the others around him seemed used to it, which made Chen Tianhua unsure. These men and women looked wealthy and noble, but were they revolutionaries or just radicals?

"Brother Wenqing, how exactly do you plan to revolutionize?" Chen Tianhua asked.

"The revolution is not about killing, but about saving people. To save people, the first thing is to make sure everyone has enough to eat. Brother XingTai, look." Chen Ke pointed to the others who had already started eating, "We must eat with everyone. So, let's start." He paused, then said in Japanese, "I will start eating!"

Chen Tianhua was slightly surprised to find out Chen Ke knew Japanese. After Chen Ke started eating, he was really hungry and also reached for the nearest fried tofu. Everyone at the table came from distinguished backgrounds, and they ate quietly. Being young, they weren't too formal. No one passed dishes, and they ate like a storm, emptying the plates in a few minutes.

After the meal, they served mung bean soup, and each person poured themselves one or two bowls according to their appetite. They then cleaned the table and washed the dishes before sitting back down.

The group was already used to this collective lifestyle, and Chen Tianhua smoothly joined in. Everyone looked at each other and suddenly burst into laughter.

Hua Xiongmeng patted Chen Tianhua's shoulder, "Brother XingTai, your eating style is not that of an ordinary person. It would be a waste if you didn't join the revolution."

Chen Tianhua bowed to everyone, "Everyone, we are strangers. I appreciate your respect, but I have seen many revolutions. I am still wanted by the Qing Dynasty. I appreciate your intentions, but if you want me to join, you must listen to me first."

"We are all ears," Qi Huishen said with interest.

Chen Tianhua spoke with passion, "I have ten principles of revolution. First, we must understand that the partition of China is not just about losing the country, but also about sowing the seeds of destruction. Second, we must understand that even if the countries partition China, they will still keep the Qing government to suppress the Han people. Third, we must understand that it is too late to talk about preparing to save the country; only through bitter struggle can we save China. Fourth, we must understand that the more people who die now, the more people we can save in the future. Fifth, we must understand the importance of recognizing and distinguishing between races. Sixth, we must understand that the country belongs to everyone, and no one can ignore it. Seventh, we must understand that to resist foreigners, we must learn their strengths. Eighth, we must understand that to become strong, we must first remove our weaknesses. Ninth, we must understand that we must use civilization to resist foreigners, not barbarism. Tenth, we must understand that the resistance to foreigners will never end."

Chen Ke listened to Chen Tianhua's ten principles and thought to himself, no wonder Chen Tianhua committed suicide in history. With such views, it's no wonder he found like-minded people in 1905.

After Chen Tianhua finished, Chen Ke smiled, Zhou Yuanxiao showed no reaction, Qi Huishen nodded slightly, Hua Xiongmeng had a mischievous smile, and You Gou was trying hard not to laugh. No one agreed or disagreed.

"Brother XingTai, you spoke well," Chen Ke praised. But Chen Tianhua could tell from Chen Ke's tone that it was just polite, without any excitement or other emotions. Chen Tianhua felt a chill. Most revolutionaries would either agree or have questions when they heard such words. These people seemed to take it for granted, indicating they were indeed revolutionaries.

"I talk about revolution, but the first step is action. Anyone can talk about principles. Brother XingTai understands the principles of revolution, but I want to ask, you said we must use civilization to resist foreigners, not barbarism. How do you plan to do this?"

Chen Tianhua spoke with passion, "Establish schools and spread education. The education systems of other countries have been explained before, but China has not widely established schools, which is truly a problem. Give speeches to spread ideas! Speeches are the first step to opening minds. A few people should give speeches to inspire others to save the country. Promote women's education to build a strong foundation. Gentlemen, the idea that women without talent are virtuous is truly harmful. Foreign women have the same education as men, so they can support their husbands and educate their children. Chinese women have no knowledge, and their husbands and children not only gain nothing from them but are often hindered. Men spend half their lives with women, and if women are uneducated, the foundation is bad, and there can be no good branches."

Chen Ke knew little about Chen Tianhua, but hearing him speak so eloquently, he was truly impressed. Not just Chen Ke, but everyone else was also taken aback.

Chen Tianhua smiled, "To be honest, before I came back, Mr. Qiu Jin said that Brother Wenqing is a man of great deeds, with extensive knowledge and sharp thinking. In less than two months in Shanghai, you have built a significant cause from scratch. Mr. Qiu Jin asked me to support Brother Wenqing. Although I am wanted by the Qing Dynasty, Mr. Qiu Jin's persuasion brought me back. When I entered, I saw Miss You giving a public lecture on chemistry, truly a role model for women. And I heard that Brother Wenqing plans to establish schools, lectures, and study groups. I knew Brother Wenqing had great ambitions. Since that's the case, Brother Wenqing, why don't you tell me your plans and how you want me to help. I am all ears."

Chen Tianhua spoke eloquently, hitting all the key points. You Gou, hearing Chen Tianhua praise her as a woman who could teach, couldn't help but smile. Chen Ke, though respected by everyone, rarely moved people so deeply. Facing such a revolutionary propagandist, Chen Ke was truly impressed. Each person has their expertise, and in this area, Chen Tianhua was far superior to him.

"Brother XingTai, I will be honest. I invited you here to serve as the party's propaganda minister. I know the principles of revolution, but I don't know how to communicate them to everyone. I have absolute faith in your propaganda skills. I didn't expect you to come here so soon, which I consider a stroke of luck. I need a lot of articles for my lectures, and I need your help. Are you willing to join us?"

Everyone respected Chen Ke greatly. This respect came from his extensive knowledge and his determination. Chen Ke led by example, working the hardest and resting the least. He could always find solutions to problems and lead the comrades to solve them. This is why everyone followed him.

Chen Tianhua was a different type. He was quick-witted and highly persuasive. His explanations of revolutionary principles were clear and concise. In this short time, everyone could feel a sense of enthusiasm. After hearing Chen Ke and Chen Tianhua's conversation, everyone understood that Chen Ke had long planned to bring Chen Tianhua into the team as the propaganda minister. Everyone thought it was a perfect match.

Qi Huishen always believed that Chen Ke's abilities were far from fully utilized, and this only strengthened his belief. Chen Ke usually didn't say much, but his recruitment of Chen Tianhua showed his deep understanding of the current talent and his long-term planning. He quickly said, "Brother XingTai, we are eager for your talents. Please join us in the revolution."

"Brother Wenqing, will your revolution involve the use of force to overthrow the Qing Dynasty?" Chen Tianhua asked.

"Of course, it will involve force."

"How do you plan to overthrow it?"

"First, we will establish a base. Then we will gradually expand. We will follow the path of revolutionary division, expanding the liberated areas, and ultimately unifying China."

"Where will this revolutionary base start?"

"Anhui."

"Anhui?" Chen Tianhua frowned, "If the uprising is to start in Anhui, why are you developing in Shanghai now?"

"I need to gather party members and train cadres."

Chen Tianhua still didn't understand Chen Ke's strategy, "The comrades gathered in Shanghai, going to Anhui for the revolution, is this feasible?"

"I don't plan to rely on gentry and merchants. They can't lead the revolution." Chen Ke answered, "Why do we need a revolution today? To save China. Brother XingTai, who do we save in China?"

Chen Tianhua thought for a moment, "To save the country and ensure its survival, should we distinguish between people?"

"Why has China fallen to such a state? In my view, it's not the court that's the problem, but the system. If the revolution doesn't change this system and establish a new revolutionary system, China cannot be saved. Who suffers the most under the current system?"

"Still, the common people suffer the most," Chen Tianhua answered.

Hearing this, Chen Ke felt a bit relieved. Since Chen Tianhua began explaining the principles of revolution, Chen Ke had not been able to gain the upper hand, and often fell behind. But the revolution must be a people's revolution, which is Chen Ke's bottom line. If Chen Tianhua couldn't align with this stance, even with his remarkable talents, Chen Ke would only use him, not consider him a true comrade.

"Let's look at the current situation. The Qing Dynasty only wants to maintain its rule; they absolutely don't want a revolution. The gentry want power. No matter how much they talk about revolution, where do their interests come from? From the old system. But the old system can't resist foreigners, so the gentry want a revolution to protect their interests. This revolution is just to overthrow the Qing Dynasty and put the gentry in power. So, the gentry's revolution is only for self-preservation. The merchants' revolution is purely for profit. Look at the compradors; as long as there's profit, they can work with foreigners without any problem. As for the people, as long as the old system remains, no matter who is in power, the people will suffer. If the people rise in revolution, they will smash this old system to pieces. They won't stop until a new system is established where all people can live without poverty or oppression, where all people can live in peace and prosperity. The people's revolution will not stop until this is achieved."

After saying this, Chen Ke pointed to the large dyeing vats in the courtyard. "China today is like this large vat, thick and heavy. The people are like the young saplings under the vat, suffocated and unable to breathe. The vat is filled with all kinds of suffering. Over 60% of the land rent, over 100% interest rates, corrupt officials, dirty officials, shamans, and foreign religions. The vat is full of all kinds of filth. But to survive, the people have no choice but to drink the water in the vat. So, the saplings that should grow into towering trees are suppressed and poisoned, either dying young or growing into monstrous shapes. But once the vat is broken, a new era begins, and the saplings can grow freely. They will get sunlight, air, and water, everything they need. Then the saplings will grow into towering trees. The reason we couldn't see the trees before is because of the vat. Our revolution is to destroy the old system and usher in a bright future for the people's revolution."

This was the first time Chen Ke analyzed the revolutionary situation. His current comrades were all from the gentry, landlords, and compradors, including the martial arts champion Hua Xiongmeng. Without first helping everyone understand the world and the economy, simply promoting the core interests of the revolution could cause the small group to fall apart.

Everyone has their class background. If the comrades can't benefit from the revolution or find a place in it, as a "revolutionary leader," Chen Ke can't just demand that they sacrifice everything. Chen Ke doesn't believe anyone would really do that. If there were such people, Chen Ke would consider them mad.

So, Chen Ke always worked carefully, guiding the comrades. But Chen Tianhua's arrival forced him to speak these words. Or rather, Chen Tianhua had already sparked the comrades' revolutionary interest, laying the groundwork for Chen Ke to delve deeper into the core issues of the revolution.

Chen Ke's historical knowledge was not extensive, and he didn't know that Chen Tianhua had participated in the Huaxing Society uprising. Chen Ke thought Chen Tianhua was just an excellent propagandist, a reader, and a student. So, he thought his words might not be accepted by Chen Tianhua. Unexpectedly, Chen Tianhua not only didn't oppose but nodded seriously, "Brother Wenqing, what you said is very true. Hearing what you said... Mr. Qiu Jin's praise of Brother Wenqing is not exaggerated."

The other comrades had heard Chen Ke talk about revolutionary principles before, but the gap was too large, and it was like seeing through a fog. Hearing Chen Tianhua, they felt inspired and excited. Chen Tianhua clarified some tangible issues they faced, and his proposed solutions were very feasible. It seemed that as long as they acted, they could change China and save it.

In this emotional state, when they heard Chen Ke's words again, what was previously hard to understand became clear. But what Chen Ke said revealed the true nature of the world, showing everyone the simplicity and cruelty of the world, the deep and sharp contradictions. The mood of the group shifted from excitement to heaviness, and for a moment, no one spoke.

"Brother XingTai, are you willing to temporarily serve as the party's propaganda minister? I urgently need someone like you to join us," Chen Ke asked seriously, regardless of the comrades' silence.

"Brother Wenqing, I am willing to join," Chen Tianhua answered without hesitation.

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End of Chapter 22