Chapter 43

Among the 127 members of the Huangpu Book Society, 58 were students of Fudan Public School. After Fudan Public School officially started classes, the workshop that served as the current headquarters of the Huangpu Book Society became much quieter during the day. Early in the morning, everyone rushed over, and Chen Ke immediately convened a party meeting.

Due to the start of classes at Fudan Public School, the number of people available to work at the construction site immediately decreased. Classes were rescheduled to the evening, which greatly affected the party meetings. Therefore, everyone agreed to hold the party meetings in the morning and discuss specific content in the evening.

Wang Qian's request was not particularly special. Selling to Chinese people or foreigners was still selling. Since the molecular formula was already public, no one had much interest. Regarding Yan Fu's matter, no one made any response. Chen Ke looked at the comrades in surprise, and the comrades also looked at Chen Ke.

"Do you have any suggestions?" Chen Ke asked.

"You've already refused it, what else can we say?" Hua Xiongmao countered. Everyone seemed unwilling to discuss the issue further.

"I think Wenqing did the right thing," Qi Huishen finally commented.

"I didn't say he was wrong. This is Wenqing's personal matter. Discussing it here might not be appropriate," Hua Xiongmao said.

"Personal matter?" Chen Ke's eyes widened at this evaluation. "The united front is one thing, but political stance is another. The reason I did this today is to tell everyone that, in front of the party, there are no such things as personal matters."

Seeing Hua Xiongmao's surprised expression, Chen Ke waved his hand. "We'll discuss this matter in the evening. Does anyone have anything else? My speech is over."

"If possible, we need more people at the construction site. The workload has increased compared to the original plan," Hua Xiongmao said, suppressing the urge to argue.

"Isn't it ahead of schedule?"

"The dormitory building is almost finished. Since we're already ahead of schedule, we might as well push hard and finish the work all at once. It's not appropriate to occupy Zhou's workshop for too long," Hua Xiongmao suggested.

"Make a plan. See how many people are needed. Report in the evening."

Everyone reported on their tasks, and since there were no particularly urgent matters, the morning meeting ended. The school and hospital were in the same direction. Hua Xiongmao and Chen Ke were followed by a group of students, and they walked noisily toward the school.

"According to Wenqing, even finding a teacher needs to be reported?" Hua Xiongmao's voice carried a hint of confusion. Chen Ke not only refused to agree to the apprenticeship but also seemed to think that agreeing would mean the teacher had betrayed the revolution. Moreover, it was the famous Yan Fu who first proposed taking Chen Ke as a disciple. This would be an honor, something to boast about. Frankly, Hua Xiongmao thought Chen Ke was indirectly boasting. But he didn't expect Chen Ke to take it so seriously, treating it as a major issue, as if not reporting it would be a grave mistake.

"It's not just reporting; it must be approved by the party committee. Once you join the party, no party member can privately find a teacher or join other political groups without the approval of the party organization," Chen Ke said, his voice slightly stern.

"Why?"

"The party rules specify this. You can read them yourself."

"I understand not joining other political groups, but the apprenticeship seems a bit inhumane," Hua Xiongmao frowned.

Chen Ke also frowned, his tone filled with earnest advice, "It may seem inhumane, but that's the party organization. Apprenticeship itself carries a form of ideological and political recognition, not to mention personal connections. All party members' thoughts and politics must align with the party. Otherwise, what's the point of the party? The party is not a group of people huddling for warmth in winter; it's a political organization fighting for a common goal."

Hua Xiongmao walked for a while with his head down before responding, "Wenqing has a point."

Seeing Hua Xiongmao's dejected look, Chen Ke punched him on the shoulder, "It's just an inappropriate action, no need to be so down. The reason for the party meeting is to discuss events as they happen. We have rules now, but we lack regulations. There are no precedents, so many party members do things, and then everyone discusses them. It's not just me making decisions."

Hua Xiongmao just nodded without a word. Chen Ke felt that continuing would be like holding a grudge. He changed the topic, "Among the students behind us, are there any you think we should recommend?"

Perhaps still affected by the earlier discussion, Hua Xiongmao was not very enthusiastic, his voice low, "They're just average. Compared to you, Wenqing, they fall short. If I must say, the most diligent and obedient are the Japanese students. The most clever are the Chinese students. But it's only been less than ten days, so we need to wait and see."

"Zhenglan, let me give you a heads-up. Mr. Yan Fu wants to introduce me to Beijing. I really want to go, but before I leave, I hope to teach everyone everything I've learned so that you can handle any issues. I believe you can do your part," Chen Ke said.

This was a heartfelt statement. Hua Xiongmao immediately perked up, answering enthusiastically, "I'll read the party constitution carefully."

Chen Ke was not entirely satisfied with this answer, but it wasn't the time to nitpick. They arrived at the hospital, and Chen Ke greeted everyone before entering with Mao Ping.

Wang Qian had a high opinion of Mao Ping, and he confirmed this in person. Chen Ke opened the package, which contained enough medicine to treat 30 people. Everyone checked the medicine powder, and it had not deteriorated. Wang Qian prepared five sets of syringes, cotton, and alcohol, storing them in his medical kit. After Mao Ping finished checking, he signed a loan note.

Chen Ke also handed Mao Ping twenty taels of silver. Mao Ping, being experienced, carefully checked and signed the receipt.

"The work in Wuhan is up to you. Do you remember my requirements?"

"First, return after treating the patients. Second, I'm there to treat, not to sell medicine," Mao Ping answered.

"Very good. I know you're enthusiastic, but don't let your enthusiasm lead to mistakes. This medicine can be lethal, and we absolutely cannot do foolish or wrong things. Your safety comes first. If something happens, they'll catch you first," Chen Ke said earnestly.

"Mr. Wenqing, rest assured. I haven't finished listening to you, so I won't be caught in Hankou for nothing. Do you have any other instructions?"

"I've said everything I need to. Go, and may you have a smooth journey."

Mao Ping took his leave and set off on his long journey for the revolution.

Chen Ke then discussed business with Wang Qian. The core issue was the price Wang Qian could get.

Wang Qian hoped to get the goods at a 30% discount, but Chen Ke told him the lowest he could offer was a 5% discount. "Doctor Wang, selling to Nanyang is already a highly profitable business. I can't supervise sales to Nanyang, and I don't want to. So, a 30% discount is out of the question. I can't explain it to others."

Wang Qian, hearing this, knew he couldn't persuade Chen Ke and had to agree.

"Mr. Chen, since that's the case, let's discuss the quantity for this month. I'll need 600 doses of medicine."

"The medicine has a short shelf life, Doctor Wang, so you need to be careful," Chen Ke said firmly.

"Of course, I'll restock from Mr. Wenqing twice a month."

"Doctor Wang, does that mean you'll be leaving our hospital?"

"No, I like this hospital and enjoy working here. As long as Mr. Wenqing doesn't ask me to leave, I have no intention of going."

Chen Ke had no intention of asking Wang Qian to leave. With everything expanding, having Wang Qian here to manage things had been trouble-free. Chen Ke now hoped to maintain the status quo.

In the following days, various small issues arose. Hiring people, rushing the construction, distributing medicine—everything was incredibly busy. Chen Ke gradually reallocated tasks more reasonably and prepared for social investigations.

Strangely, after the Mid-Autumn Festival, fewer and fewer students from Fudan Public School came. Chen Ke thought they were busy with school, and their absence was not a bad thing, allowing him to focus on his tasks. Unexpectedly, a few days later, a Fudan Public School student who had joined the Huangpu Book Society rushed over. This student, named Murong Wu, anxiously called out to Chen Ke, "Mr. Chen, Xiong Mingyang has been spreading in Fudan Public School that you're not a revolutionary but a royalist. He's also preventing other students from coming to the book society. This afternoon, he got into a fight with a few people. Mr. Chen, you need to go and mediate."

Hearing this, Chen Ke couldn't help but laugh bitterly, thinking to himself: Kid, if Xiong Mingyang says I'm not a revolutionary, I think it's a form of protection. You guys defending me so forcefully... are you trying to get me killed?

This student, Xiong Mingyang, was the one who, during the Mid-Autumn Festival dinner, emotionally asked Chen Ke to start a revolution. Chen Ke had a deep impression of him. Xiong Mingyang was from Sichuan and had initially studied at Nanyang Public School in Xi'an.

Nanyang Public School was a well-known new-style school at the time, but it had not completely shed the old feudal educational traditions. The transition from private schools to new-style schools brought significant changes in management, but the old autocratic and strict Confucian education still prevailed. Teachers often misunderstood the new ideas emerging among students, leading to conflicts.

On November 5, 1902, during a class in the fifth grade, the literature teacher, Guo Zhenying, found a clean ink bottle on the teacher's desk and believed it was a prank by the students. He sternly demanded to know who did it. The students all said, "We don't know." Guo threatened the students in the front row, Beifeng Bo and Wu Shiqing, giving them three days to reveal the culprit or face punishment. Under threat, one student falsely accused Wu Zhengjun. On the 13th, the school, at Guo's request, announced the expulsion of the innocent student Wu Zhengjun, which sparked opposition from the fifth-grade students. After arguing with the principal, the students decided to collectively withdraw in protest. Before leaving, they went to other classes to explain their reasons and express their opposition to the autocratic oppression, gaining sympathy from the entire school. The principal, Wang Fengzao, announced the expulsion of all fifth-grade students without further inquiry, causing a major uproar. The students immediately elected representatives to request the school to rescind the decision. The principal refused and became angry, deciding to "set an example." This further incited the students' resistance. After discussion, the entire school decided to withdraw collectively to protest, explicitly opposing the autocratic and arbitrary treatment of students.

The school administration, feeling very difficult, invited the respected special class teacher, Cai Yuanpei, to mediate. After Cai's patient persuasion, the students agreed to postpone their action. Cai visited the school supervisor, Sheng Xuanhuai, that night, but Sheng refused to meet him, citing "important matters." After several negotiations, by the morning of the 16th, there was still no resolution. The students decided to pack their belongings and gather on the main playground, waiting for a final response. By around 10:00 AM, with no reply, the students, in orderly formation, shouted "Long live the motherland" and left Nanyang Public School. Cai Yuanpei, known for his democratic ideas, also resigned in anger and left the school with the students. Cai took the students to the "Chinese Education Association" and requested help. With the support of the association's leaders, such as Zhang Binglin, the "Patriotic School" was immediately established, allowing the withdrawn students to continue their education.

Xiong Mingyang naturally participated in the withdrawal. He then returned to Shanghai with Cai Yuanpei and many other students, joining the Aurora University.

"Mr. Ma, oh, what did the school say?" Chen Ke asked with concern.

"The school just separated everyone and took those who fought to the office. There's no other news yet. I came to inform Mr. Chen as quickly as possible," Murong Wu said anxiously.

"Thank you. Since it's come to this, I can't pretend I don't know. I'll go to the school with you now," Chen Ke said helplessly.

"That's best," Murong Wu said happily. "Mr. Chen, why don't you give a public speech? Many students in the school care about you. If you give a public speech, you can win back many students."

Are you asking me to incite a rebellion in public? Chen Ke thought. But in this era, inciting rebellion in public wasn't unusual, especially at Ma Xiangbo's school.

After tidying up, Chen Ke took Murong Wu and Xie Mingxian to the school.

Entering the office, no one was there. Murong Wu quickly went to find the office director, while Chen Ke took out his notebook and started drafting. After writing part of it, Chen Ke handed the first page to Xie Mingxian.

Xie Mingxian read it: "Today, we stand here! On Chinese soil! In Shanghai, the land watered by the blood and dignity of our ancestors! In the campus of a new Chinese university. Before me are the students of the campus. Outside the campus walls stands a nation, a nation groaning under humiliation!" "After that war, our nation's pride was lost! The victors rode on our necks, trampling our dignity, the dignity of the noblest nation in the world! Tell me, are you willing to rise up like the ancient righteous heroes, or be a slave?!" "You might say: Mr. Chen, I need a bowl of rice, I need to survive. Yes, life is indeed important. But I want to tell you, there is something more important than life, and that is freedom! That is dignity!" "As long as the French flag flies over Shanghai, our dignity does not exist! As long as the French and British strut on our land, our dignity does not exist! As long as the country called China is fragmented and weak, our dignity does not exist! As long as people from other countries laugh at the mention of China, our dignity does not exist!" "What we need is not a bowl of rice, but a living space! A living space for a nation! This living space is not achieved through begging and protests, but through iron and blood!" "When others bully us, even the weakest nation tramples us, and we only cry: We strongly protest and condemn, such people have no backbone! Such people are lowly! We should make the enemy tremble with the thunderous sound of our cannons! We should crush their dignity and lives, making them know we are not a bunch of cowards who only protest!" "Remember, a nation that only knows how to protest is a nation without a backbone! A government that only knows how to protest is a government without a backbone! When our dignity, territory, and living space are trampled, a government that still protests shamelessly is one we do not need! You will eventually abandon it!" "I am proud that among you, such people without a backbone are few! Before me is an army with the noble and indomitable blood of five thousand years! This blood once flowed in the veins of our ancestors, who never surrendered! Now, it surges in our bodies. Tell me, are you willing to let it cool?!"

"Two things can unite people: a common ideal and shared blood and tears. We have a great ideal immersed in Chinese history, and we will shed our last drop of blood for this ideal! In today's Shanghai, nothing can save our country except this ideal! The Treaty of Nanjing is a great humiliation! We have the determination and reason to refuse to enforce it! Do what you want to do! Just as he led his compatriots to raise the banner of freedom and fight bravely! If you expect to fight, then fight! Then I will see whether you are slaves or resolute Chinese!"

Chen Ke thought Xie Mingxian would say the speech was too emotional, but Xie Mingxian only commented, "Mr. Chen, compared to your usual lectures, this speech is hollow."