Chapter 70

In one of Mr. Lu Xun's works, there is a story about a family that had a child. When the child was a month old, they held a grand banquet. Friends gave the child all sorts of blessings, but one person said the truth, "This child will die." This statement could be considered a truth, a definite and inevitable "absolute prophecy." It was also utterly disheartening.

Chen Ke had always known that something was bound to go wrong. He was just trying to benefit from the failure. Hearing Shang Yuan's words, Chen Ke became alert, unlike Qin Tongren's subtle dejection. At this moment, Shang Yuan's sharp gaze swept over Chen Ke's face, and Chen Ke felt that something was amiss. From Shang Yuan's expression, it was clear that he had figured out a lot.

Shang Yuan then began to explain why it wouldn't work. At this point, he was entirely trying to persuade Qin Tongren and completely ignored Chen Ke.

The focus of Shang Yuan's explanation was the "baoxiao" system. The "baoxiao" system mainly referred to the requirement for enterprises to provide money to the Qing government unconditionally. Industries that had to provide "baoxiao" included transportation, mining, telegraph, textiles, banking, steel, and so on. In fact, any industry that was somewhat profitable or deemed profitable by the Qing government had to provide "baoxiao," and the required amount was quite substantial.

Since the Self-Strengthening Movement, the Qing government had indeed established many modern enterprises. Due to the lack of a modern commercial system, the initial enterprises were state-owned rather than privately owned. Before 1895, the Qing government's fiscal revenue and expenditure were still balanced. However, after 1895, due to the heavy burden of war reparations and the increasingly difficult financial situation, along with the emergence of many new enterprises, private enterprises began to rise. The practice of demanding "baoxiao" from enterprises and institutionalizing it became one of the ways for the Qing government to reduce its financial burden.

"Do you know how much the 'baoxiao' is? In 1889, when the Mohe Gold Mine was established, the government provided 200,000 taels of capital. In just six years, the Mohe Gold Mine has provided 600,000 taels of 'baoxiao.' The last time you and I talked about this beehive coal factory, I thought it would definitely make a lot of money, but this is in the capital city, and the 'baoxiao' you have to pay is definitely beyond your means."

Shang Yuan explained clearly, and Chen Ke nodded slightly. Given his insight, Shang Yuan was probably not just an ordinary scholar.

Qin Tongren didn't seem to care much, "It's just a way to get something for nothing. I don't really care about money."

"Scholarly idealism!" Shang Yuan said angrily, "Even if you don't care about money, you think it's a way to get something for nothing, but once this project starts, you should be able to imagine how many people will want to eat your flesh. They will definitely try to ruin your factory. Do you think they will just ruin your factory and be done with it? They will also try to smear you, making it impossible for you to recover."

"Wang Shan, aren't you exaggerating?" Qin Tongren was somewhat puzzled.

"Exaggerating? I know a little about Mr. Chen's situation. He developed a new medicine for syphilis in Shanghai, which was incredibly effective, curing the disease instantly. Then he immediately made the formula public. Do you think Mr. Chen did this out of compassion?"

"Is that true, Wen Qing?" Qin Tongren was quite surprised.

Chen Ke admitted frankly, "What Shang said is correct. I did make the formula public, but only to protect myself. If I had kept the formula to myself, there would be countless people who would want me dead. I dare not offend those people."

Seeing Chen Ke's frank admission, Qin Tongren felt that something was off, but he couldn't see how the current project was so exaggerated. He asked in confusion, "Beehive coal isn't some technical secret, after all."

"Not a secret? Because it doesn't look like a secret, you can make the most money from it. Those people will never let you off." Shang Yuan was even more angry, seeing that Qin Tongren still didn't understand. "Mr. Chen is not an ordinary person. I know you, Tongren, are very dedicated to your work, but you haven't read Mr. Chen's book, have you?"

"Yes, that's true," Qin Tongren nodded.

"Mr. Chen is highly knowledgeable and has a broad vision. If you, a bookworm, can't understand it, that's fine, but I absolutely don't believe that Mr. Chen can't see it. I don't know what he's up to in the capital, but you shouldn't follow him blindly."

These words were quite heavy, and Qin Tongren couldn't understand. "What exactly did Wen Qing do? What's written in that book? I don't understand what you're saying, Shang."

Hearing this, a complex expression appeared on Shang Yuan's face. He knew Qin Tongren hadn't had time to read the book, as it was currently at his house. If Qin Tongren had read the book, with its profound insights into industrialization, he would likely have joined Chen Ke. However, given Qin Tongren's personality, once he knew the book was special, he would definitely read it carefully. Shang Yuan had spoken out of anger and now regretted his words. He glared at Chen Ke and thought about how to explain.

Seeing Shang Yuan's reaction, Qin Tongren was even more confused. "Wang Shan, Wen Qing, what's really going on?"

Chen Ke felt he needed to explain. "I wrote a book that details the development of industrialization. It seems that Shang doesn't quite agree with it."

"Not quite agree? Ha ha." Shang Yuan laughed coldly, "Mr. Chen is too polite. I don't just disagree; I am quite in agreement. After reading the book, I have a great admiration for Mr. Chen. However, I find it strange that someone with such great talent would be involved in this factory. I suspect Mr. Chen has ulterior motives."

Qin Tongren had already sensed something, realizing that Shang Yuan wasn't just trying to dissuade him from the factory but was actually trying to make him break ties with Chen Ke. It seemed that Chen Ke must have some extraordinary qualities, which made Shang Yuan dare not privately advise him. Thinking this, Qin Tongren asked seriously, "Wang Shan, what's really going on?"

Seeing the situation, Shang Yuan decided to be straightforward. "Mr. Chen is a revolutionary." He added, to emphasize the severity, "He's not just a revolutionary who advocates for constitutionalism but a genuine revolutionary."

"Uh! Wen Qing is a revolutionary? Ha, ha." Qin Tongren actually laughed, "If Wen Qing is a revolutionary, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing."

After Shang Yuan revealed his true identity, Chen Ke wasn't particularly moved. Being a revolutionary was fashionable in those days. As the Qing government's control weakened, as long as you didn't openly rebel or publish overly radical statements to overthrow the government, you could call yourself a revolutionary without fear of arrest. The Qing government had lost to Japan in the First Sino-Japanese War and then experienced the Boxer Rebellion, committing many unforgivable mistakes. The government was well aware of its poor reputation and the widespread questioning of its legitimacy. In such a situation, the Qing government dared not use harsh measures against intellectuals.

As for Chen Ke's book, it was tens of thousands of words long and didn't mention revolution at all. Even if it were used as evidence, it wouldn't be effective. Articles much more radical than Chen Ke's were still widely circulated.

What interested Chen Ke was Shang Yuan's attitude. His intense reaction seemed out of place. Since Shang Yuan had challenged him, Chen Ke decided to respond.

"Shang, I've heard about Qin's deeds, defending the Tianjin Arsenal against the foreigners. I have great respect for Qin's character. If I were to harm Qin, it would be impossible. In fact, a few days ago, I mentioned to Qin that this business is difficult. If you don't believe me, you can ask Qin."

Qin Tongren remembered Chen Ke's words, but after hearing Shang Yuan's arguments, he was unsure about Chen Ke. Shang Yuan and Qin Tongren were good friends, and Shang Yuan was not one to exaggerate. Given his assessment of Chen Ke, Chen Ke must have some extraordinary qualities. At this point, Qin Tongren was quite puzzled.

"If you try to deceive a gentleman like Tongren, I will not forgive you," Shang Yuan said coldly, "Since Mr. Chen has his own plans, I would like to ask why you want to set up this factory in the capital."

"I want to gather some talented people in the capital. Next year, I plan to do some things in Anhui. Without this factory, how would I know the level of the people I gather?"

"Anhui?" Shang Yuan and Qin Tongren asked almost simultaneously.

"Where in Anhui?" Shang Yuan pressed.

"Probably around Huainan. It's not yet determined." Chen Ke found their reactions strange.

"Hmph! This is interesting," Shang Yuan said coldly.

Chen Ke looked at Shang Yuan, who refused to explain, and then at Qin Tongren. "Wang Shan is about to take up a position in Huainan. He actually approached me, wanting me to join him in Huainan to do some things."

What a coincidence! Chen Ke wondered if they were setting him up, but it didn't seem like it. He laughed, "What a coincidence. Fate, indeed."

"Mr. Chen, you don't need to say that. I ask you, since you plan to leave next year, why are you doing this beehive coal business this year? If you succeed, will you just leave such a large business in Beijing?"

"I will withdraw whether it succeeds or not." Since the other party was a wise person, Chen Ke decided to be honest, "My original plan was to find some capable and cooperative brothers. I didn't expect to meet someone like Qin. Since Shang is worried about me harming Qin, I'll be straightforward. Qin, I am a revolutionary."

Hearing Chen Ke's words and seeing that he was not lying, Qin Tongren believed him. However, Chen Ke's next words shocked him even more.

"Shang, I can see that you are also a revolutionary."

Qin Tongren stared at Chen Ke in disbelief and then at Shang Yuan. Shang Yuan's face was dark, but he did not deny Chen Ke's words.

"Let's not beat around the bush. Those who can see the revolution in my book are revolutionaries," Chen Ke said confidently.

For the people of Beijing, the days after winter set in were quite boring. However, in the early winter of 1905, a new type of coal ball called beehive coal suddenly appeared on the market. The initial promoters of beehive coal were some Manchu people. According to the rules of the Imperial Clan Court, Manchus were not allowed to engage in business. However, with their limited "iron rice bowl" income, they didn't live well. Manchus loved to put on a show, even if they were poor. Since the Eight Banners had not fought in wars for hundreds of years, neither the government nor other armies had any expectations of the Banner people, so serving in the military was rare. Most Beijing Manchus, especially the lazy ones, spent their days in teahouses, fostering a culture of idleness.

However, for the more diligent Manchus, there were always ways around the rules. Although Manchus couldn't do business, driving carts was neither a business nor a long-term job, making it convenient to hire Manchus. They were familiar with Beijing, knowing every nook and cranny. They were well-suited for driving carts and knew the consumption capabilities of different areas.

Someone hired them to promote beehive coal, and these diligent Manchus quickly made money.

As Chen Ke had expected, the first buyers of beehive coal were Manchus. They had a fixed income but many expenses. Even for something as small as burning coal, they calculated carefully. Beehive coal was cheaper and burned more efficiently. Compared to regular coal balls, beehive coal showed its advantages immediately. It quickly spread among the lower-ranking Manchus.

There was a story from the Tang Dynasty about Bai Juyi's arrival in Chang'an, where someone said, "The capital is expensive, and it's hard for Bai Juyi to live here." This was not just true in the Tang Dynasty; officials in the capital of any dynasty had a hard time. They had low incomes and few opportunities to make money in the capital. However, they had to maintain their dignity and were very careful with their daily expenses. If not, Chen Ke wouldn't have been able to rent a house in the officials' district of the capital.

Since Manchus were responsible for promoting beehive coal, lower-ranking officials became their primary targets, and the promotion was quite successful. This was evident from the busy schedule of the people responsible for setting up stoves at the beehive coal factory.

Chen Ke and Qin Tongren led the effort, dividing the team into four groups, with one group working each day. After a week, one group stayed at the factory to produce, while three groups went out to set up stoves. This was even with Qin Tongren mobilizing his own resources, bringing in over thirty old colleagues from the Tianjin Arsenal.

At a meeting of the Beijing party cell, Qin Tongren found the situation quite unbelievable.

That day, Shang Yuan came to Chen Ke, and Chen Ke, seeing that the matter was out in the open, explained his "revolutionary path." A centralized government that could effectively manage to the village level, a layered education system, a unified civil service selection system, and a state-led economic system. Chen Ke's vision of the future China left Shang Yuan and Qin Tongren speechless.

Before leaving, Shang Yuan said, "I will come tomorrow to see what kind of revolutionary Mr. Chen is." He did come the next day, bringing the book Qin Tongren had asked him to bring. Chen Ke was open and began to form a new Beijing party cell, working and teaching at the same time.

Qin Tongren had heard about the republican system advocated by revolutionaries like Sun Yat-sen. His evaluation of this system was that it was "grandiose rhetoric." His opposition to the "republican system" was not due to loyalty to the Qing but because he believed that rebellion would lead to China's complete fragmentation. In the face of foreign threats, internal conflict would give foreigners ample opportunity to interfere in China's affairs. Qin Tongren believed that industrialization was the only path to national strength. The republican system would only empower local gentry. Qin Tongren's sensitivity and correctness in his views on revolutionaries like Sun Yat-sen were extraordinary. He firmly believed that following Sun Yat-sen's "democratic republic" would lead to warlordism and the disintegration of China.

Shang Yuan's political views were even more interesting. He came from a large landlord family in Shangqiu and had a profound understanding of the gentry. He pointed out that the current gentry had no enthusiasm for industrialization. Their goal in advocating for constitutionalism was to seize power from the government and dominate their regions. Anti-foreign religion and anti-foreign goods were instinctive reactions to the impact of industrialization on traditional handicrafts. Even if constitutionalism were implemented, it would not resolve the deep contradictions between industrialization and traditional handicrafts.

Given this, Shang Yuan and Qin Tongren agreed that a strong central government was necessary to promote industrialization. The Qing, at least, still appeared to be the strongest. This was why they had little interest in "democratic revolution."

Their political views represented those of many enlightened people of the time. They opposed the republic not out of hatred for the system but because they believed that the republic advocated by Sun Yat-sen and his followers could not achieve the goal of saving the country and its people.

Shang Yuan was a political "centralist," and Qin Tongren, from the perspective of "large-scale industry" and a "complete industrial structure," was a strong advocate for "state-led" development. Chen Ke's book provided a feasible path for people like Shang Yuan and Qin Tongren, who were historically labeled as "stubborn reactionaries."

The party cell grew rapidly, with Shang Yuan and Qin Tongren introducing more people. At this meeting, there were thirteen participants, and the topic was the development of beehive coal and its impact on the living standards of Beijing residents.

However, the topic was more theoretical. Qin Tongren, who had always worked in military industries, had no experience in civilian matters. Looking at the data on the reports, he found it hard to believe. The power of industrialization was evident, and handicrafts had no chance of competing. Since beehive coal went on sale, many tried to replicate it. However, making holes in beehive coal was a highly technical task. The factory used machines, which were far more efficient than individuals. The imitators, despite their efforts, could hardly produce a few usable coal blocks a day. Even if they did, the labor cost was not recoverable. As a result, no significant competition from handicrafts emerged, and the sales of beehive coal continued to rise.

"Wen Qing, when do you think the peak will occur?" Qin Tongren couldn't help but ask. He hoped the curve would continue to rise indefinitely.

This time, the secretary of the meeting was Su Wuming, whom Chen Ke had brought in. He looked at the reports on the blackboard and asked, "Should this be included?"

Along with Su Wuming, a few students from the Imperial University of Peking also attended. It was said that when Puyi ascended the throne, an old folk song in Xi'an went, "No need to calculate, the Xuantong era will not last more than two and a half years." Two and a half years later, the Qing Dynasty indeed collapsed. The social elites of the time, even those who supported the Qing, did so for their own interests, not out of loyalty. Even students from the Imperial University of Peking began to support the revolution, and the collapse of the Qing started in people's minds. It was now irreversible.

"Wuming, I've made several copies. Just put them in the file," Chen Ke replied.

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End of Chapter 70