Chapter 34

Qiu Jin was worried that Chen Ke's straightforward refusal of Mr. Ma Xiangbo's invitation would displease Yan Fu. She appeared relaxed, placing her right arm on the table beside her, but her body sat straight, and a look of anxiety involuntarily appeared on her face. Yu Youren also had a somewhat irritable expression. Mr. Ma Xiangbo had asked him to invite Chen Ke to give a lecture, and even Yan Fu had come forward. What should have been an easy task was clearly and directly refused by Chen Ke. The reason for the refusal was that Chen Ke was too busy with his own affairs and could not give the lecture.

Yu Youren was not entirely unable to accept this reason; what he could not accept was Chen Ke's attitude. Generally, one would politely decline rather than outright refuse.

In comparison, Yan Fu remained calm and composed, and Chen Ke still had that sincere smile on his face. The two looked at each other for a moment before Yan Fu asked, "Wenqing, you really have no time at all?"

"Right now, I really don't. I will be free four months from now."

"Giving a lecture is something Wenqing can do. It would also give Mr. Ma a way to explain to the students."

"Mr. Yan, with your great learning, whatever you say is law and will not exceed the bounds. I am still a student, and my views are just one person's opinion. Zengzi said, 'In planning for others, have I been loyal? In dealing with friends, have I been trustworthy?' Last time, when I gave the lecture myself, if there were any problems, it was due to my own lack of knowledge. Now I have my own plans, and I am already treading carefully. If I were to force myself to give a lecture, it would be disloyal and untrustworthy."

Hearing Chen Ke use a quote from the Analects, Yan Fu smiled slightly. He then heard Chen Ke continue, "I have great respect for Mr. Ma, so I will never be perfunctory about his requests. It is simply beyond my capabilities."

After hearing this, Yan Fu couldn't help but laugh. "Since Wenqing says so, I cannot force you. I will report this to Mr. Ma."

Hearing this, Qiu Jin and Yu Youren, though they felt a bit disappointed, were relieved.

But then Yan Fu asked, "Looking at the equipment on Wenqing's side, I assume the special medicine is produced here?"

"Exactly."

"I have a question, Wenqing. Can you enlighten me?"

"Please, Mr. Yan, speak directly."

"Wenqing has published the molecular formula of the special medicine. In China, perhaps only Wenqing can produce it. But abroad, there could be thousands of producers. Why would Wenqing give such an advantage to foreigners? Does the Qing Dynasty not deserve to produce even one medicine?"

Yan Fu's tone was still gentle, but the content of his words was already very dissatisfied. Chen Ke really didn't expect Yan Fu to be so concerned about this. Qiu Jin and Yu Youren finally understood Yan Fu's purpose for coming here. Yan Fu himself had no particular fondness for foreigners, and Chen Ke's actions had triggered his dissatisfaction.

"Mr. Yan, when I made this medicine, I didn't know you. As a commoner, holding this medicine, I was naturally watched by people both inside and outside China. Just me making money here, there are countless people who want to take my life. I can't handle it. If I had someone of your reputation and high moral character to support me, I wouldn't be afraid. I could even give the medicine to the state and make a little profit. But I don't know people like you, and this medicine, though it can save lives, has a bad reputation. People are jealous of my profit and look down on me. I have to live, too."

Yan Fu stared at Chen Ke, as if trying to see his true thoughts in his straightforward gaze.

"I published the formula, and those with the intention can produce the medicine themselves. And the people buying the medicine feel that I have worked hard, so they won't try to take my life. I have kept my life and made a little profit. I don't think I have any other choice. As for what someone like you, a man of integrity, thinks of me, even if you are dissatisfied, you won't take my life. So I don't worry about it."

These words were endearing, and Qiu Jin couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh softly. Even Yan Fu sighed lightly to suppress his laughter, "Wenqing, you speak so pitifully."

Chen Ke smiled in response, "The sage taught that one should not spare oneself in doing things. When I made this medicine, I didn't sleep for days, and I never took off my clothes except to bathe. These things are easy. But, Mr. Yan, I can't want money and not my life."

Yan Fu had already accepted Chen Ke's explanation, but after hearing Chen Ke's final words, he couldn't help but laugh. Not only Yan Fu, but Qiu Jin and Yu Youren also nodded in agreement.

"Wenqing is well-versed in worldly affairs and answers questions fluently. Where are you from?" Yan Fu asked.

"About this... when I left home, my parents told me not to reveal my family name. I can't answer this question."

"I see, so there is a reason behind it." Yan Fu nodded but did not press further. "Wenqing just flattered me highly. I have a suggestion. Would you like to hear it?"

"Please, Mr. Yan, speak directly."

"I have an old acquaintance, the Shanghai Daotai Yan Shuxun. I can try to persuade him to set up a pharmaceutical factory with both government and civilian participation. Wenqing can boldly produce the medicine, and I don't think anyone will dare to make things difficult for you."

Hearing this, everyone was somewhat surprised. Yan Fu's suggestion clearly indicated his intention to help Chen Ke. Given Yan Fu's status, showing such favor to a stranger was likely to have some deeper meaning.

"Mr. Yan, I have a request."

"Please, speak."

"There is no problem with setting up the factory, but on the civilian side, I must have Mr. Yan take the lead. All the shares will belong to Mr. Yan, and the production of the medicine will be handled by me. If there are dividends, I will take whatever Mr. Yan gives me. If Mr. Yan cannot agree to this, I cannot agree to the joint venture."

Chen Ke's response was again unexpected by Qiu Jin and Yu Youren. Yan Fu, experienced in the political arena, understood Chen Ke's intentions. After a moment's thought, he sighed, "Wenqing is indeed clever."

"I am just trying to protect my life. If it weren't for someone like you, Mr. Yan, I wouldn't dare to get involved in such matters, no matter how many times I was brave enough."

"Then I will inform Wenqing when I have news. I will take my leave today." Yan Fu stood up.

"Please, Mr. Yan, wait a moment." Chen Ke took a book from the drawer and wrote a few words on a piece of paper, "This is your 'On the Origin of Species,' please sign it." Chen Ke handed the book and paper to Yan Fu.

Yan Fu glanced at the book and immediately felt a liking for it. The book had clearly been read many times, with the cover and edges worn black and the corners rounded. But it was very neat, with no wrinkles or damage, showing that the reader cherished it. On the paper, he saw the name "Qi Huishen."

"Who is Qi Huishen?" Yan Fu asked.

"He is my friend who was here earlier. You have met him. He admires you greatly and has read this book many times."

Yan Fu smiled, walked to the table, and picked up the brush Qi Huishen had used, writing "For Mr. Qi Huishen, a gift from Yan Fu" on the flyleaf. He then stood up and left. As he passed through the courtyard, the young people, who had already learned that the famous Yan Fu was there, lined up on both sides, forming a path for him. They greeted Yan Fu, who nodded calmly, a demeanor that Chen Ke could not match.

Chen Ke and Qiu Jin saw the two off to the street corner. Before parting, Yu Youren said, "Xuanqing, I am staying at Fudan Public School. When you have time, please come and visit."

Qiu Jin nodded in agreement, and they parted ways. The students watched Yan Fu's figure disappear around the corner and then saw Chen Ke return, so they ran back to the courtyard.

Back in the room, Qi Huishen was holding the book, gently blowing on the still-drying ink, a look of immense joy on his face. Seeing Chen Ke come in, he carefully put the book down and said repeatedly, "Thank you, thank you!"

Chen Ke laughed, "Get to work!"

Qiu Jin and Chen Ke sat down again, and she asked, "Wenqing, why didn't you agree to Mr. Ma's invitation?"

"Qiu Jie, Tianhua said you know he brought back twenty people."

"Yes."

"Look at the courtyard, there are still dozens of people here. Just giving lectures to these comrades has me busy to death. And our Huangpu Book Society is about to organize a social survey. I have no time to go to Fudan."

"Social survey? What kind of survey?"

"The first social survey is about the population of Shanghai. Where they come from, how they live, and what their plans are."

"Huh?" Qiu Jin was confused.

"Revolution is about knowing why we are revolutionizing. Without knowing the current state of China, how can we know how to revolutionize? We must understand the situation of the people. Oh, let me introduce you, this is Comrade Qi Huishen, the leader of the social survey team."

Qi Huishen and Qiu Jin greeted each other, exchanged a few words, and then continued writing.

Seeing Chen Ke's somewhat tired appearance, Qiu Jin smiled, "Just now, Wenqing and Mr. Yan Fu answered each other fluently and with great spirit. Why are you so listless now?"

"Mr. Yan Fu is not an easy person to talk to. I had to be on my guard the whole time." Chen Ke rubbed his face and sighed. "The sage said: 'A gentleman is easy to serve but hard to please. If you try to please him in the wrong way, he will not be pleased; when he uses people, he uses them according to their abilities.'"

Qiu Jin knew that Chen Ke's knowledge of classical Chinese was not too bad, but hearing such a scholarly quote was a bit unusual. Fortunately, Chen Ke quickly explained.

"Mr. Yan Fu came to test my abilities. Whether I go to give a lecture or the medicine production, these were not the main purposes of his visit. I am not a very formal person. Now I have to match Mr. Yan Fu's pace, which is exhausting."

Hearing this, Qiu Jin just smiled. Qi Huishen glanced at Chen Ke, and Chen Ke grinned back. Qi Huishen then buried his head and continued writing. Although he was somewhat puzzled about why Chen Ke was telling Qiu Jin these confidential matters, he trusted Chen Ke and knew he wouldn't act rashly. Any questions could be raised at the party meeting later, so he wasn't in a hurry.

After Chen Ke analyzed Yan Fu's purpose, Chen Tianhua finished his lecture, and the three were naturally overjoyed to meet again. When they went out to eat, Yan Fu had already arrived at Mr. Ma Xiangbo's house. On the way, Yu Youren tried to talk to Yan Fu about today's events, but Yan Fu gave a few indifferent responses and did not continue. Yu Youren did not dare to say more. They arrived at Mr. Ma's house in silence, and Yu Youren reported the results of his trip and then left tactfully.

"Jidao, what did you think of Chen Ke?"

"He was trying to flatter me." Yan Fu answered casually, with the same demeanor that had made Yu Youren hesitant to speak.

"Oh, you are such a great person, he naturally has to flatter you." Mr. Ma poured tea for both of them.

"When I met this person, I thought of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Cao Cao evaluated Yuan Shao, saying he was willing to do great things but was too cautious, and he would risk his life for small gains. Chen Ke is only twenty-five, but he has the appearance of a hero." After evaluating, Yan Fu detailed today's events to Mr. Ma Xiangbo. Mr. Ma was not particularly interested in such political machinations and did not pay much attention.

After Yan Fu finished, he asked, "Jidao, what do you plan to do with this Chen Wenqing?"

"Mr. Ma, when I met you last time, you said you thought Chen Ke would bring chaos to the world. Why?"

Mr. Ma thought for a moment and said, "In one of his books, he discusses social system changes, directly pointing out the current problems, but he does so subtly, never mentioning the word 'revolution.' But if people believe his book, they will inevitably aim to overthrow the government. I have heard many revolutionaries' ideas, and while they are patriotic, their private interests are always evident. Chen Ke's book, though it is just one person's opinion, is logically sound and has no flaws. Most importantly, it shows no private interests. Not to mention the future, even now, the students are already discussing it heatedly. Many are already discussing how to overthrow the government and what kind of industrial country to build afterward. Sigh..."

Yan Fu nodded, "Chen Ke knows when to advance and retreat, does not seek small gains, and has excellent knowledge and a remarkable demeanor. In peaceful times, even if he wrote this book, he might not have much impact. But the current chaos is already evident. Chen Ke's intentions in writing this book are clear, even his parents dare not let him reveal his family name. Moreover, I see that he has gathered many young people. Once these people learn Chen Ke's ideas, they will not let the government off easily. Hmph, Chen Ke's intentions are clear."

Hearing Yan Fu's harsh tone, Mr. Ma Xiangbo asked with some concern, "Jidao, you don't intend to..."

"The Boxer Rebellion and the execution of the six officials by the government were already acts of tyranny. I will not inform on him. Chen Ke writes and gathers people. If he has land, chaos will immediately ensue. But, Mr. Ma, I have decided to take Chen Ke as my disciple. I am not doing it for myself. First, I want to help him and see what he can achieve. And since Chen Ke now needs my help, he will have to listen to me. Second, if he really becomes influential, there will be critical moments in the future. At that time, I will have to say something. As his teacher, I believe Chen Ke will listen to me."

The idea of taking Chen Ke as a disciple was first proposed by Mr. Ma Xiangbo, but he did not expect Yan Fu to make up his mind so quickly. Mr. Ma was somewhat puzzled. "Taking him as a disciple can be done gradually. Jidao, there's no need to rush."

Yan Fu shook his head slightly, "Chen Ke is like Liu Bei, appearing benevolent and righteous but being a world-class hero who will never submit to others. If it were anyone else, they would come to me if Mr. Ma invited them. But Chen Ke is indifferent to this. His words are polite, but he refuses to use Mr. Ma's reputation. If I were to take it slowly, Chen Ke would never come to me. If I use other methods, Chen Ke is too smart and might not fall into anyone's trap. Moreover, I don't know how to use such tricks. I might as well openly ask him to be my disciple. Since Chen Ke now needs my help, he will not refuse."

Seeing Yan Fu's determination, Mr. Ma knew he had made up his mind and was somewhat worried. He sighed, "This is my fault, involving Jidao."

"Mr. Ma, you are too modest. Based on Chen Ke's words and actions today, he is not yet worthy of being my disciple. In the coming days, I will visit him frequently. If he is truly upright and righteous, observant and considerate, I will take him as my disciple. If he is just a hypocrite, there is no need to consider taking him as a disciple."

Mr. Ma, an expert in classical Chinese, knew that Yan Fu's conditions were the standards for a prominent gentleman set by Confucius. Yan Fu, who had been the head of the Beiyang Naval Academy, was very strict with his students. If he made this decision, he would not be lenient in evaluating Chen Ke. Even Confucius required no less of a prominent gentleman, so Mr. Ma felt that Chen Ke might not pass Yan Fu's evaluation and was somewhat relieved.

They chatted for a while about Fudan Public School, and then Yan Fu got up to leave.

On the way, Yan Fu felt somewhat guilty. He had not said too much to Mr. Ma to avoid worrying him. Yan Fu had started his career in the Nanyang Navy and had endured many hardships in his service to the country, experiencing many failures and heart-wrenching pain.

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