Chapter 9

Cai Yuanpei was a scholar, not an economist. The others in the room, such as Tao Chengzhang, Xu Xilin, and Qiu Jin, could hardly even be called scholars. When Chen Ke talked about the cruelty of the capitalist accumulation period, these people initially had no reaction. But once they understood, their expressions all showed surprise.

"Britain began plundering the world 300 years ago and finally turned to China in 1840. At that time, Britain had only two or three million people. China now has four hundred million people. Simply following Britain's example won't work. The world is only so big. If China were to follow Britain's path, would it have to kill all the people in the rest of the world? China must have a completely new political system. Overthrowing the Manchu Qing is not enough to call it a successful revolution. Overthrowing the Manchu Qing is not the problem; it only marks the beginning of a more arduous era."

Chen Ke spoke confidently, showing no concern that he was just a young man who had just met everyone. Chen Ke had already made up his mind. Since Xu Xilin had recommended him to Cai Yuanpei and the high-ranking officials of the Restoration Society as a revolutionary, he might as well explain his revolutionary ideas to them. What was the point of overthinking it? Chen Ke already had his initial social connections: Hua Xiongmao, You Gou, Zhou Yuanxiao, and even Qi Huishen, whom he had just met. These were the true companions with whom Chen Ke would collaborate. They were the social relationships he would rely on in the future.

History had already shown that the revolutionary parties of this era had not achieved much. After the Xinhai Revolution, the Restoration Society quickly faded away. The Tongmenghui, after restructuring, was also completely different. What was the point of going to great lengths to cater to these parties with no future?

Chen Ke knew he was not a genius and could not convince people he had just met with just words. So, "follow the will of heaven and do one's best" was enough.

After briefly outlining the rise of European and American countries, Chen Ke pointed out very seriously that their strength lay in their industrialization. As an agricultural country, China must industrialize. Industrialization would be a comprehensive "revolution" of the existing Chinese agricultural system. Any system unsuitable for an industrial country must be overthrown. Therefore, the Manchu Qing must be overthrown.

Seeing Chen Ke speak confidently in front of the well-known officials of the Restoration Society, Xu Xilin saw the Chen Ke who had once talked about revolution with him. Xu Xilin had once thought Chen Ke was not a revolutionary but a speculator, someone who just wanted to connect with him and then find opportunities in Shanghai. Now, seeing Chen Ke's performance again, Xu Xilin suddenly felt that Chen Ke was an incredible person. Chen Ke never talked about how to overthrow the Manchu Qing, only about what kind of China should be established afterward. His words made sense, but they did not solve the current main issues. Just as Xu Xilin was about to ask a question, Tao Chengzhang asked first, "Mr. Wenqing, how do you plan to overthrow the Manchu Qing?"

Everyone in the room perked up at this question. It was what they were most concerned about. Chen Ke paused, having already thought about how to respond to this question. Or rather, whether to tell the truth to the revolutionary predecessors of the Restoration Society. Chen Ke was indecisive, and with everyone staring at him, he felt a bit nervous. For some reason, he suddenly remembered a phrase his mother had once told him, "Dying first is easy, dying later is hard."

At that time, Chen Ke was young, lacked confidence, and wanted to do everything well. The result was always a mess. Chen Ke could not forget the look of care and anger on his mother's face when she said this phrase to him, word by word.

"Dying first is easy, dying later is hard. Do you think the traitors have an easy life after they betray? They live in constant fear. When the Communists take power, will they spare them? In normal times, be more flexible, don't promise or agree to things you can't handle. But once you choose something, stick to it, don't think about anything else, and work towards success. First, establish your own base, something you can control and manage. This is your foundation. If, in the end, heaven wills you to die, then die with peace. Be upright first, don't resort to underhanded methods. Be smart, don't seek your own destruction. Have integrity, and face the consequences. Once you choose something, never be a deserter or a traitor."

At that time, Chen Ke always felt he chose the wrong projects. Later, he painfully realized that he was always impatient, choosing high-risk paths that he could not control. Projects that seemed to promise great returns also carried a terrifying risk of failure.

Thinking about this, Chen Ke had to admit that closely collaborating with the Restoration Society was a high-risk project. If he wanted to join the Restoration Society, he would inevitably face many "tests." The society's radical platform, uprisings, and assassinations were happening all over the country. Xu Xilin had assassinated the Anhui governor, En Ming. Since Chen Ke did not agree with this revolutionary model, he might as well be straightforward with the Restoration Society about his revolutionary ideas. This would be good for him and for the Restoration Society.

Having made up his mind, Chen Ke looked at Tao Chengzhang and said very seriously, "My revolution is to lead the poor and destitute to overthrow the local government and establish the new system I propose. We will take one place at a time until we liberate all of China."

Everyone was surprised by Chen Ke's words after he had been silent for a moment. They had thought he was a reformist when he talked about industrializing China. They did not expect him to be not only a proponent of violent revolution but also to speak of it as "extremely violent."

"Mr. Wenqing, why do you want to lead the poor? Do they understand revolution?" a middle-aged man Chen Ke did not recognize asked.

"I think they are the true revolutionaries. The current gentry mostly support constitutionalism, believing that by sharing power with the Manchu Qing, they can govern the country better. At least their lives will be much better. If the Manchu Qing really establishes a constitution and satisfies these people, they won't want a revolution. Even the radical revolutionaries, once the constitution is established and their queues are cut, many of them will accept it. The common people, who do not even know how to write the word 'revolution' and are mostly illiterate, will have a hard life under the current system. When they rise up, they will surely overthrow the entire system. With four hundred million people, and only five million in power, can these five million stop the tide when four hundred million stand up for revolution?"

Chen Ke spoke slowly, and his words made everyone in the room look serious. Chen Ke's gaze swept over the crowd, and except for Hua Xiongmao, who could not hide his pleasure, the others did not seem very happy.

The room fell silent, and Cai Yuanpei, seeing the cold atmosphere, smiled kindly, "Does Wenqing think he knows how to establish the new system you propose?"

"Many details are lacking, but I understand the basic principles," Chen Ke said without hesitation.

"What are Wenqing's plans for the near future?"

"I plan to start a cultural tutoring class."

"Oh, do you have a school building and teachers?"

"I have the teachers, but not the school building."

Cai Yuanpei looked at everyone, "Wenqing, I have an opportunity here. There is a school to be established in Shanghai. They originally wanted me to take charge, but they say the school building is already secured. Since Wenqing says he can handle it, would you be willing to take it on?"

"Mr. Cai, with so many capable people, why should I take charge? You are flattering me."

"This school is not a Restoration Society school. And according to Bosen, Wenqing wants to join the Restoration Society. Do this first, and consider it a favor to me," Cai Yuanpei said. Chen Ke looked around, and everyone seemed calm, showing no signs of any ulterior motives. He decided to see what was really going on. "I will write a charter for Mr. Cai to review. If Mr. Cai gives me this opportunity, I will definitely do my best," Chen Ke said seriously.

"That's good," Cai Yuanpei smiled, "I think Wenqing can do it."

They talked a bit more, and Qiu Jin gave Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao a look. The two quickly got up to leave, and Cai Yuanpei nodded in agreement.

Outside, Chen Ke took a deep breath, as if to expel all the pent-up frustration in his chest.

"Wenqing, are you really going to start a school?" Hua Xiongmao asked.

"Why not?" Chen Ke countered.

"Have you ever run a school?" Hua Xiongmao, an interesting person, always got to the point.

Being with a practical person like Hua Xiongmao made Chen Ke feel quite relaxed. He smiled and said, "Mr. Hua, I have actually run a school before." This was not a joke; Chen Ke had run a tutoring class in the 21st century and was not unfamiliar with such things. "I'm worried about not having a school building. As for running a school, it's not a big deal."

Hua Xiongmao had some confidence in what Chen Ke said. He thought for a moment and then laughed, "If Wenqing starts a school, I will be a student. Listening to Wenqing's lectures should be a pleasure."

"Pleasure?" Chen Ke laughed, "Zhenglan, how many students do you know who love school? They are all driven to despair by their homework."

Hearing this, Hua Xiongmao also laughed, "I took the military examination, but I also went to a private school. I was beaten by the teacher every day. If my parents found out I was beaten, I would be beaten again at home. It was truly a living hell."

"If Mr. Cai lets me start the school, I will do it. Take one step at a time; there's no point in overthinking it. But we must not abandon our dyeing business," Chen Ke said, more to himself.

The two returned to the workshop, and it was almost noon. As soon as they entered, they saw three people working in the yard. Upon closer inspection, it was Qi Huishen, whom Chen Ke had just met the day before, helping You Gou hang the cloth. Qi Huishen was wearing a dark blue work uniform, looking up and pulling the rope. "Doesn't it hurt your neck to look up like that?" You Gou ordered, "First, pull the rope down. There's a loop at the end. Hook it onto the corresponding hook, then adjust the position."

On the ground were ten square wooden beams corresponding to the ones above, with iron hooks nailed into them. To prevent injury, the iron hooks were almost like iron rings with a small cut. This was Hua Xiongmao's suggestion.

Qi Huishen did as You Gou said, looked up at the cloth, and saw it was not hung neatly. You Gou pulled a rope on one side of the wall, and the bamboo poles, which were adjusted by this rope, became evenly spaced. Qi Huishen found this design quite amazing. As he looked up carefully, he heard You Gou shout, "Finish the work first, then look. Now, continue hanging the cloth." With this, Qi Huishen immediately lowered his head to hang the cloth on the bamboo pole, and then he saw Chen Ke and Hua Xiongmao standing at the door, looking at him in surprise.

"Wenqing, Mr. Qi came to ask you questions. I thought you wouldn't charge him, so I let him work in exchange for tuition," You Gou shouted, quickly hanging the cloth on the bamboo pole.

"Mr. Qi, is that true?" Chen Ke asked with a smile.

"It's not that Miss You forced me to work. I asked to help. I wanted to see how hard the work is that Mr. Wenqing and the others do."

"Then keep going, I'll come and help soon."

The number of people working in the yard increased from four to five. Everyone let Qi Huishen do the easiest tasks, and with just one more person, the efficiency greatly improved.

By evening, when fifty bolts of cloth were hung in the yard, the five of them gathered at the table, rubbing their sore necks and shoulders. Qi Huishen looked back at the densely hung cloth and could hardly believe he had done so much work.

"Mr. Wenqing..."

"Just call me Wenqing."

"Wenqing, you talked about revolution yesterday, especially about making the people revolutionary. Can you explain that in more detail today?"

"Huishen, with your work efficiency, I think I can pay you 15 coins per bolt of cloth, plus free lectures. How about that?" Chen Ke proposed.

"..." Qi Huishen was surprised by this unexpected offer. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I have a friend. Can he come to work and attend the lectures with me?"

"Sure, today you worked for free. Starting tomorrow, you and your friend can come to work. And I have some business today, so I can't give the lecture. If there's nothing else, I'll leave now." As he spoke, Chen Ke stood up.

Qi Huishen did not seem upset. He also stood up, "Then I'll take my leave." After Qi Huishen left the yard, Hua Xiongmao asked curiously, "Wenqing, why are you treating this guy like this?"

"Revolution is about action. Those who are unwilling to do a bit of work don't have the right to participate in my revolution," Chen Ke said with a smile. After meeting Cai Yuanpei and others, Chen Ke no longer wanted to be hesitant about revolution. The early Communists, starting with just a few people, liberated China in just 28 years. If he was willing to revolutionize, he should gather like-minded people who were willing to work hard. "Dying first is easy, dying later is hard." If the day came to sacrifice for the revolution, he would do so without regret. Why overthink it?

When he returned to his residence, it was already dark. The door was opened by Qiu Jin's maid, Lin Jian. In the yard, the lights were on in Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin's rooms, and the sound of an argument came from Xu Xilin's room. Someone inside heard the door and a moment later, Xu Xilin came out of his room, "You two come in."

As soon as they entered, Xu Xilin asked Chen Ke, "Wenqing, what did you say to Mr. Cai today?"

"I was straightforward about revolution."

"I'm not talking about what you said earlier. Mr. Cai said you would build a school, and you dared to take it on?" Xu Xilin's voice was stern, but Chen Ke did not feel any malice.

"Mr. Cai asked, and I think I can do it. I will give Mr. Cai a charter in five days. If he approves, I will do it; if not, I will follow his instructions. Did I offend someone in the Restoration Society?"

Hearing this, Xu Xilin hesitated. The person he had offended was himself. Xu Xilin had already discussed with Tao Chengzhang about starting a school in Shaoxing. If Chen Ke started a school in Shanghai, he would not be able to help Xu Xilin. Xu Xilin was somewhat dissatisfied with this.

Qiu Jin knew Xu Xilin's thoughts but did not want to say anything directly. She decided to smooth things over. "Wenqing, Mr. Cai thinks highly of you. He says you are a practical person, which is rare. He also thinks you have sharpness and responsibility. I have high hopes for you in building the school."

Chen Ke did not know the intricacies of the situation. For him, it was enough to focus on the current task. "I will have a charter ready in seven days," Chen Ke said.

Hearing this, Xu Xilin could not say anything more. He continued, "Xuanqing and I will be away for a while. I wonder if Wenqing can stay in Shanghai and get used to it?"

Chen Ke asked curiously, "Where are you going?"

"Xuanqing will go to Japan. I will return to Shaoxing."

It turned out that Cai Yuanpei had been discussing with Xu Xilin about Sun Yat-sen's invitation for revolutionary parties from various regions to gather in Japan to discuss cooperation. Several key officials of the Restoration Society would attend, including Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin. Xu Xilin was not very satisfied with Japan and was even more wary of the "overseas revolutionaries" hiding there. He decided to decline the invitation.

"Can Brother Bosen wait a few days?"

"What for?"

"In a few days, I will finish dyeing and selling the cloth. I will make a little money. Since Brother Bosen has been so kind to me, I would like to give you a small gift."

Xu Xilin remembered his conversation with Qiu Jin the day before. Qiu Jin believed Chen Ke was not a cold-hearted person. Hearing Chen Ke's words today, Xu Xilin's dissatisfaction with him diminished. He politely declined but did not refuse.

What Chen Ke did not know was that Xu Xilin was in dire need of money. Historically, the Restoration Society was planning to start a school to train the backbone members of the secret societies in Zhejiang for an armed uprising to overthrow the feudal autocratic rule. Tao Chengzhang and Xu Xilin were working on establishing the Datong School. The first challenge was securing the funding for the school. Cai Yuanpei's brother, Cai Yuan Kang, suggested robbing a money shop to raise funds. Xu Xilin agreed and immediately took action, borrowing 5000 silver dollars from Xu Zhongqing, a wealthy businessman and member of the Restoration Society in Shaoxing. He used the pretext of a physical exercise drill for the students of the Shaoxing Prefecture School to obtain 50 rifles and 20,000 bullets from Shanghai, with the approval of the Shaoxing governor, Xiong Qipan. Xu Xilin then instructed Zhu Shaokang to return to Shengxian and select 20 strong young members of the secret society, giving each 20 dollars for expenses. Xu Xilin personally supervised their training at Donghu, preparing to rob the money shop once the opportunity arose. Tao Chengzhang strongly opposed this, believing it would harm the overall cause. If the plan were implemented, it would cause a huge social impact, exposing them and tarnishing the Restoration Society, ultimately being counterproductive.

This was why Xu Xilin was surprised that Chen Ke had taken on the task of starting a school in Shanghai. But when Chen Ke offered to provide him with money, Xu Xilin naturally did not refuse.

Qiu Jin then encouraged Chen Ke a bit, and the meeting