Chapter 76

"How did it come to this?" Chen Tianhua asked anxiously.

"I don't know how it got to this point. Originally, everyone followed Mr. Chen's arrangements and completed the social survey around Shanghai. The results of the social survey were exactly as Mr. Chen said. Many people became probationary party members. Then the Huangpu Book Society began conducting local social surveys in Shanghai. A few days ago, there was a disturbance at the Mixed Court in Shanghai, and many comrades from the Huangpu Book Society went to check the situation. Suddenly, there was a gunfight, and then all of Shanghai fell into chaos. The police started arresting people. Then the government also began to arrest people," Hei Dao, visibly agitated, spoke incoherently.

"On what grounds did they arrest people? Do you know this?" Chen Ke asked.

"The police said the Huangpu Book Society incited the riot and was the mastermind. I don't know what excuse the Shanghai government used," Hei Dao said anxiously.

"What did the comrades of the Huangpu Book Society do? How did it turn into a gunfight?" Chen Tianhua was very concerned.

Hei Dao pursed his lips and thought for a moment before saying, "I'm not sure about this either."

"Who started the shooting?"

"This..." Hei Dao was even more unclear.

Chen Tianhua asked a few more questions, but Hei Dao, who had not participated in the street actions, could not answer any of them. Seeing this, Chen Tianhua clenched his teeth and was at a loss.

"Hei Dao, how long have you been awake?" Chen Ke asked gently.

"Huh? How long have I been awake?" Hei Dao responded, confused. It was clear that he had not rested well due to his anxiety and tension over the past few days.

"Don't worry, once you're in Beijing, nothing else will happen. You can rest assured that the situation in Shanghai won't be that serious," Chen Ke reassured him gently.

"But Mr. Qi has already been arrested," Hei Dao said anxiously.

"Don't worry. Hui Shen is also a trustee of a British school, and his family has deep ties with the British. Nothing will happen to him."

"How can nothing happen? He's already been arrested," Qi Hui Shen was puzzled by Chen Ke's words.

"Before, Hui Shen was also arrested by the police, but he was released. He was arrested for posting revolutionary slogans. This time, he didn't directly participate, and the police are framing him. So there won't be any major issues," Chen Ke said calmly, which had a soothing effect.

Chen Tianhua thought Chen Ke's words made sense but still couldn't help but say, "But our People's Party..."

Chen Tianhua stopped mid-sentence, feeling he couldn't continue.

"Our People's Party is indeed planning a rebellion, that's true. But the British don't know, and the Shanghai government doesn't know. They only know that a riot has occurred in Shanghai and are looking for scapegoats. As long as the party members don't confess, this can be resolved with some money. I've never heard of the Qing Dynasty using prisons to deal with rioters."

"But Zou Rong died in prison."

"Zou Rong turned himself in, and he was in the concession prison. He was only sentenced to two years. There's no comparison," Chen Ke explained. Seeing that Chen Tianhua's mood had slightly stabilized, he continued, "Moreover, Hei Dao was suddenly ordered to come to Beijing and hasn't slept well these past few days. His mind isn't clear. Asking him now won't get you a clear answer. My suggestion is that everyone eat something and go to sleep. We'll start working tomorrow. Today is for preparation."

"At this point, can you still sleep?" Chen Tianhua said angrily.

"Sharpening the axe doesn't delay the chopping of wood. I'm not worried, but I understand your concern. But what good does worrying do? Rest well, and we'll start working tomorrow. Ming Xian, where are the leftovers from today? Prepare some wine and dishes for everyone to eat and go to sleep quickly," Chen Ke said.

"Mr. Chen, I can explain clearly," Hei Dao hurriedly said.

Chen Ke smiled and patted Hei Dao's shoulder, "Let's talk after we eat."

The honeycomb coal was much faster. After removing the fire cap, the food was quickly heated. Chen Ke thought for a moment and returned to the main house, where he saw He Ying still awake, dozing off by the bed.

"He..." Chen Ke almost blurted out "Miss He," but realizing his mistake, he quickly corrected himself, "Madam, would you like to have a late-night snack?"

"Hmm?" When Chen Ke entered the room, He Ying quickly sat up, trying to stay alert. She was surprised by Chen Ke's words and didn't understand at first. When she finally understood, her face showed a look of surprise, "I'll cook."

"I've already cooked. Let's eat together," Chen Ke smiled.

He Ying got up lazily. Her hair, which had been styled in the afternoon and evening, was now a bit messy. Chen Ke simply let He Ying untie her hair and tie it into a ponytail with a red ribbon.

"This messy hair doesn't look good," He Ying said shyly.

"You look beautiful no matter what hairstyle you have. Like a lotus emerging from clear water, naturally beautiful. You look very good," Chen Ke smiled.

Hearing her husband's praise, He Ying couldn't help but smile.

Apart from Chen Ke, the others were meeting He Ying for the first time. He Ying, after removing her veil, was seeing these people for the first time. Seeing so many men, He Ying felt very uncomfortable, but seeing that they were all polite and not staring at her, she felt more at ease. At the dinner table, no one mentioned the People's Party, only congratulating the couple on their new marriage. The late-night snack had a peaceful atmosphere.

As Chen Ke had predicted, Hei Dao, once relaxed, and after a few drinks, soon started nodding off. Chen Ke let Xie Mingxian and Hei Dao sleep in the side room. He then gave Chen Tianhua a meaningful look. Chen Tianhua pulled Wu Xingchen up and said goodbye. Chen Ke saw them off, and when no one was around, he whispered, "From the situation, the police won't chase us from Shanghai to Beijing. Be careful. Your temporary rented house is unknown to anyone, so it's safe. I'll meet everyone at the place we're staying tomorrow morning."

"Qing Wen, do you really think nothing serious will happen?" Chen Tianhua, who had been worried, asked at the dinner table.

"Something has definitely happened, but Xing Tai, don't forget that many members of the Huangpu Book Society are from Fudan University. Mr. Yan Fu is in Shanghai, and he won't ignore this. If Mr. Yan Fu intervenes, it will be much easier to resolve."

"Ah, you're right. But I'm still very worried," Chen Tianhua was still uneasy.

"We can't just go back now. Without preparation, we'd be walking into a trap. But don't worry, Xing Tai. Even if it comes to breaking into the prison, I will definitely save our comrades. Rest well and don't think too much. We have a busy day tomorrow," Chen Ke reassured him.

"Only that can be done," Chen Tianhua said, shaking hands with Chen Ke, and then left with Wu Xingchen.

On their wedding night, Chen Ke had no intention of consummating the marriage. After returning, he let He Ying sleep first and cleaned up the late-night snack table. While cleaning, he thought about what to do. When he finished washing the dishes and wiping the table, he returned to the bedroom to find He Ying already asleep. Looking at his wife's peaceful face, Chen Ke sighed in relief. He blew out the candle and quietly climbed into bed, wrapping himself in a blanket and falling asleep.

In the morning, a strange movement woke Chen Ke up. He saw He Ying huddled under the blanket, her back against his side. Chen Ke suddenly felt a sense of unreality. The last time he felt this way was after his university exams, when he walked out of the exam room into the bright summer sun. At that moment, he had a strange feeling, as did his classmates. After years of hard work, especially in high school, they had gone through hundreds of mock exams for the college entrance exam. When the exams were over, their rational minds could accept it, but their emotions couldn't. A significant phase of their lives had ended.

Looking at the woman wrapped in the blanket in front of him, Chen Ke had truly worked hard to marry her. How many people could have Yuan Shikai arrange their marriage? But Chen Ke had made such an effort, which was both bold and absurd. The result of this effort was the woman in front of him. When he was making the effort, Chen Ke didn't feel anything special, just like any other effort he had made. But facing the result of his effort, Chen Ke felt unfamiliar. His life partner was right in front of him, and he was already "married"?

He Ying, hearing Chen Ke wake up, tightened her blanket. Chen Ke's mind was full of questions. What should he do? Then a thought came to him: he should make breakfast. After breakfast, he would quickly meet Chen Tianhua and the others to ask Hei Dao what exactly happened in Shanghai. With a goal in mind, Chen Ke got up, dressed, and went to start the fire. The courtyard was quiet in the morning. Chen Ke worked alone, and it seemed that Hei Dao and Xie Mingxian were still deeply asleep. If it were Wu Xingchen and the others, they would probably be up by now.

The water in the pot slowly heated up, and steam began to rise. Before moving out, Chen Ke lived in a small house. He lived in a separate courtyard next to his parents and would wake up early every morning. Chen Ke would go out to buy oil sticks, and by the time he returned, his parents would have made noodle soup, fried eggs, and prepared pickles or reheated the leftovers from the night before. Then they would all eat together... Chen Ke suddenly felt something was wrong. Back then, he was a child. Now, he was a "husband." It was their wedding day, and they had slept separately on their wedding night. Was that appropriate? What should he do? Take a hot bath and then...? Probably so.

Thinking this was acceptable, Chen Ke's mind then turned to his revolutionary duties. In the midst of a crisis, thinking about this was too absurd. But his wife was still in the room, and he couldn't just leave her there without a word. Yesterday, she had taken care of him all afternoon, dealing with his vomiting and staying up to wake him. She was his wife, not a personal assistant. Thinking about this, Chen Ke finally understood what he should do. He hurried back to the bedroom.

He Ying was still facing away from him. Chen Ke gently shook her shoulder. "Madam, are you awake?"

"Yes."

"Would you like to go out in the morning?" Chen Ke said.

He Ying paused for a moment before responding, "Sure."

Chen Ke wanted to say more but couldn't. He had never been this nervous, not even in front of Yuan Shikai. After a long pause, Chen Ke, blushing, said, "This... this... this... I really don't have time for the wedding night today. Let's wait until tonight." Saying this, Chen Ke felt a sense of relief.

Clearly, He Ying didn't know how to respond. After a while, she softly said, "Okay."

"Let's get up then," Chen Ke said, "I'll go make breakfast." He then added, "Do you need me to help you get up?"

He Ying laughed, and the girl got out of bed, her face blushing. Chen Ke quickly got her clothes. He Ying changed into her usual clothes, and the couple washed their faces and brushed their teeth. He Ying combed her hair, and they started making breakfast together. Chen Ke, used to living alone, felt guilty towards his wife and worked quickly. He Ying, unfamiliar with the kitchen, watched as Chen Ke skillfully used the honeycomb coal to cook.

"Chen..." He Ying started to speak but stopped.

"Qing Wen, Qing Wen," Chen Ke reminded her.

"Qing Wen, do you often cook?" He Ying asked.

"I've been cooking for over ten years," Chen Ke boasted.

"Qing Wen is twenty-five, right?"

"Yes, twenty-five. I remember you are sixteen, right?"

"Seventeen already."

Chen Ke suddenly felt this conversation was familiar, like chatting with an online friend.

"By the way, Madam, do you have a courtesy name?" Chen Ke should have known this about his wife, but he had forgotten.

"Jun Jie."

"Oh, how do you write it?"

The newlyweds exchanged personal information while cooking.

By eight in the morning, breakfast was ready. Chen Ke went to the side room to wake the two who were still sleeping and invited them to eat.

In the winter morning, there weren't many people around. Chen Ke and his group arrived at Wu Xingchen's place. Hei Dao temporarily borrowed Xie Mingxian's clothes, as his kimono would have been too conspicuous.

Wu Xingchen and Chen Tianhua were already up. Seeing Chen Ke arrive, they looked delighted, but their faces changed when they saw He Ying. Chen Ke ignored this, entered the room, and took out a book from his bag. The book contained many articles that could be read as short stories, much more interesting than the main text.

"Jun Jie, this is my book. You can read it while we talk about some things." Hei Dao nodded, looking stunned.

This was a typical courtyard house. He Ying read in the main room while the party members met in the side room.

"What happened with the riot? Who started it?" This was Chen Ke's main concern.

After a night's rest, Hei Dao was more alert. He knew little but gave a brief account. Wu Xingchen, who had been in Shanghai for a long time and understood the local government, supplemented the information. Chen Ke finally understood the background and the relevant Shanghai government system.

After the concessions were established in Shanghai, foreign powers, based on the unequal treaties granting consular jurisdiction, set up consular courts in the concessions. At the time, Chinese people in the concessions who committed crimes were still tried by the Qing government's Shanghai local officials (the Shanghai County Magistrate and the Suzhou-Songtai Military Commissioner). Foreigners in the concessions who committed crimes were completely immune to Chinese law and were tried by their respective consuls. After the "Taiping Heavenly Kingdom" movement swept through the lower Yangtze region and the Small Knife Society uprising in Shanghai in 1853, a large number of refugees flooded into the concessions, dramatically increasing the population. This changed the previous "separate residence" of Chinese and foreigners, and Chinese soon became the majority in the concessions. Maintaining safety and order in the concessions, especially managing the large number of Chinese residents, became a major challenge. In 1864, the British and American concessions (later known as the International Settlement) established a judicial body, the "Yangjingbang North End Council," where the Suzhou-Songtai Military Commissioner (commonly known as the Shanghai Daotai) appointed officials to work with the British consul to try cases involving Chinese in the concessions. In April 1868, based on the "Yangjingbang Joint Trial Regulations" agreed upon by the Shanghai Daotai and the British and American consuls, the Mixed Court was established in the British and American concessions, also known as the Joint Trial Hall.

The Mixed Court was a special judicial body established in a special period and area in Shanghai's history. It was appointed by the Daotai, with Chinese judges (Yanyuan) and foreign assessors (consuls) jointly trying cases involving Chinese in the concessions. According to the agreement, if the case involved foreigners or Chinese servants employed by foreigners, foreign consuls would participate in the trial or observe. For purely Chinese cases, Chinese Yanyuan would try them independently.

Although nominally a Chinese judicial body, the joint trial itself reflected the foreign powers' infringement on China's judicial sovereignty in the concessions. The independence of Chinese Yanyuan in exercising their powers was already interfered with by foreign consuls, leading to various conflicts. Moreover, foreign consuls, using the Municipal Council (the management body of the concessions established by foreign residents in Shanghai) and the police, arbitrarily expanded the powers of foreign assessors, trying to intervene in all cases, even forcing their way into purely Chinese cases, almost depriving Chinese Yanyuan of the power to sentence criminals. The detention and arrest of criminals in the International Settlement were almost entirely carried out by the Municipal Council's police, who then transferred them to the court for trial. Clearly, the foreign powers' aggressive actions to control all Chinese and foreign residents in the concessions were aimed at placing them under foreign control.

There were many contradictions between Chinese Yanyuan and foreign consuls, as well as between the court and the police. Hei Dao, introduced by Qi Hui Shen, had become a probationary party member and was responsible for summarizing the social survey data before the incident. According to what he knew, on December 15, a conflict arose between the foreigner in charge of the police and the head of the Mixed Court. It seemed they even fought. The police forcibly took away a group of women, and the Guangdong Association organized protests. By December 20, there were strikes and protests in Shanghai.

By this time, the Huangpu Book Society had completed the initial summary of the social survey, and some excited comrades began preparing for the initial phase of the social survey in Shanghai. When this incident occurred, these people returned to the society to gather support. They produced a large number of leaflets and speeches and planned a series of protest marches. They even prepared for a city-wide march on December 23.

The march was divided into three parts. During the march, angry crowds smashed the