Whenever he thought of Chen Ke, Yuan Shikai always felt a sigh that fate makes sport of people. Logically speaking, as an elder who helped Chen Ke with matchmaking, Chen Ke should have taken the initiative to strive to come under Yuan Shikai's wing according to traditional rules back then. Chen Ke didn't do so; instead, he ran off to Anhui to realize his long-premeditated rebellion career. Not only did he deal a heavy blow to the matchmaker Yuan Shikai, but even Wang Shizhen, who acted as Chen Ke's elder at the wedding, was captured by Chen Ke. However, this "ungrateful" behavior didn't make Yuan Shikai harbor any resentment towards Chen Ke. On the contrary, Yuan Shikai even felt he could understand Chen Ke somewhat.

When a person can obtain more by their own ability, what can stop such a choice? In 1884, Kim Ok-gyun and others of the "Enlightenment Party" launched the Gapsin Coup, attempting to overthrow the regime controlled by the "Sadae Party." The Japanese troops stationed in Korea also took the opportunity to act, wanting to hold the royal family under duress. King Gojong sent people to the Qing camp for help. Yuan Shikai commanded the Qing troops to repel the Japanese troops, maintaining the Qing court's suzerainty and other privileges in Korea. Yuan Shikai's suppression of the Gapsin Coup in Korea was of great significance; it beat back Japan's infiltration forces, smashed Japan's attempt to seek Korea during the Sino-French War, and delayed the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War. Yuan Shikai was also valued by Li Hongzhang and others because of this event. At the age of only 26, he was appointed as the "Imperial Resident of Seoul," with a rank equivalent to a third-rank Daotai, controlling the Korean political situation, acting just like the Overlord of Korea.

As a "rebel," Chen Ke was precisely 26 years old when he started his uprising, the same age as when Yuan Shikai became famous in one stroke. This couldn't help but make Yuan Shikai feel a sense of marvelous destiny. In addition, Yuan Shikai believed in "fate" quite a bit. He had never told his subordinates one reason why he viewed Chen Ke in a different light. The Yuan family's generational naming ranks were "Bao, Shi, Ke, Jia; Qi, Wen, Shao, Wu." Yuan Shikai was of the "Shi" generation. Although Chen Ke had a single-character name which was quite strange in the Manchu Qing era, it happened to be "Ke," which meant Chen Ke was of the "Ke" generation. This was the same rank as Yuan Shikai's sons and nephews. This was the important reason why Yuan Shikai was willing to be a matchmaker for Chen Ke.

However, Yuan Shikai didn't realize his deeper consciousness: if Chen Ke hadn't succeeded greatly in his rebellion career and put tremendous pressure on the Qing court, Yuan Shikai wouldn't possibly have the high evaluation of Chen Ke he had now. Of course, these were just Yuan Shikai's private feelings. He was, after all, the leader of the Beiyang clique. Before considering private feelings, Yuan Shikai had to make the overall interests of the Beiyang clique his primary goal to maintain. He definitely had to rescue the captured Beiyang officers from the hands of the People's Party.

Sitting in front of Yuan Shikai was Chen Ke's messenger, Lu Huitian. Taking on the dangerous job of a messenger with the position of Fuyang Regional Secretary, Lu Huitian didn't have the slightest fear. Achievements are accomplished by oneself. In the People's Party Committee, Lu Huitian's ability was sufficient to complete this task, and Lu Huitian seemed to be the most suitable candidate as well. Of course, Lu Huitian didn't reveal his position; right now, he was just a messenger.

In Yuan Shikai's view, the cadres of the People's Party were all very young, and their shrewdness and capability were even greater than the youth of the Beiyang clique. When ordinary people sat in front of Grand Councilor Yuan Shikai, they only dared to sit on half a buttock cheek, ready to stand up at any time. The People's Party's young messenger Lu Huitian sat firmly on the chair, yet he didn't make people feel any affectation at all. His attitude was calm and focused, his attention highly concentrated. The People's Party's great victory over Beiyang didn't make this youth have the slightest reserve or arrogance. Talking about the war, the youth seemed to be talking about a matter as common as can be. This narrative language really didn't fit Yuan Shikai's usual conversations.

After first introducing the current situation of the captured Beiyang officers and informing him that they received the best treatment and most officers were in good health, Lu Huitian saw Yuan Shikai's expression relax before continuing, "Mr. Yuan, if we calculate the ransom based on the income of the captured Beiyang officers for two years, do you think this calculation method is appropriate?"

"Income?" Yuan Shikai keenly judged the keyword within. Military pay and income were two completely different calculation methods. Calculating solely based on military pay, the income of over eight hundred captured officers a year would be just over two hundred thousand ocean dollars. But calculating based on "income," that would have to at least double. Moreover, the income of the Admiral of Jiangbei and Duan Qirui would have to be multiplied even higher.

Lu Huitian nodded. "Correct, calculated based on income. For two years, these people must have at least an income of 1.2 million silver dollars. This isn't a small amount. Even if Mr. Yuan sits on the Bank of Communications, we think paying it off in one go is also not an easy matter."

"Oh?" Even if he agreed with Chen Ke's view in his heart, Yuan Shikai just gave an unfathomable smile.

Lu Huitian didn't react to this smile at all. He continued, "Our Chairman Chen means, if this 1.2 million silver dollars is not paid directly but serves as capital for shares in the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works, does Mr. Yuan think it would be much better for everyone's economic situation?"

This proposal was truly beyond Yuan Shikai's expectations. Chen Ke had no intention of going north, yet he wanted to interfere in the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works. The deeper hidden meaning was to interfere in the Hanyang Arsenal. This deal was absolutely profitable with no loss. The People's Party was already very powerful now; if they could get enough weapons, the quality of Hanyang-made weapons was famous domestically.

"It's hard on Chen Wenqing to think so much for me." Yuan Shikai still maintained his unfathomable appearance.

"To persuade Governor of Huguang Zhao Erxun, relying solely on military force won't work. Our side believes a two-pronged approach of politics and military is needed. So we hope Mr. Yuan can provide political help. If we are needed to intimidate Zhao Erxun with force, we will naturally dispatch troops. At that time, if Mr. Sheng Xuanhuai is also in Hubei, this kind of thing will be easy to handle. But no matter what means are used, what we want is the production capacity of the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works. What's the point of smashing the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works? That would just be destroying our China's important industrial enterprise for nothing. Zhao Erxun might not feel the heartache, but we of the People's Party would feel the heartache."

Even if Yuan Shikai was serious again, he couldn't help but chuckle after hearing this. If Beiyang and the People's Party played a double act, Yuan Shikai had confidence in making Zhao Erxun submit obediently. But this meant Beiyang had to reach a political offensive and defensive agreement with the People's Party. The two sides were still fighting a bloody battle a few months ago, and merging like this a few months later—perhaps this was the biggest joke.

"Could it be that Wen Qing still wants to muddle along for an official position in the court?" Yuan Shikai exercised his humor cells.

"The Manchu Qing will fall in a few years; who wants to be buried with it?" Lu Huitian spoke even more bluntly.

This plan wasn't entirely undesirable. Asking Yuan Shikai to take out 1.2 million silver dollars at once was also an amount he absolutely couldn't easily bear. By comparison, if it could be done covertly, the control rights of the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works were actually a completely acceptable bargaining chip. Even if the People's Party got the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works, so what? The Hanyang Iron and Steel Works was so big; the People's Party absolutely couldn't move the steel plant to Anhui. Driving away the People's Party might not be easy, but destroying the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works would be very easy. No need to destroy the factory area directly; just cutting off the transportation of iron ore and coke would make the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works stop work immediately. Not to mention that the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works actually already had the intervention and control of Beiyang's Sheng Xuanhuai. The probability of success for this deal was actually quite high.

The only thing that worried Yuan Shikai was the risk of this private transaction. The biggest risk was that the People's Party actually didn't want to cooperate at all, but wanted to trap Yuan Shikai. When the transaction was completed and the evidence was conclusive, the People's Party would expose this transaction completely. At that time, Yuan Shikai would simply be unable to extricate himself.

While contemplating, Yuan Shikai heard Lu Huitian say, "Mr. Yuan, I know where your worry lies. It's just fear that we will burn the bridge after crossing and sell you out. Then let me put it this way: if we wanted to harm you, we wouldn't need to spend so much effort. It's rumored in the Manchu Qing court that during the Hundred Days' Reform, Guangxu gave you a secret edict asking you to enter the capital to save the Emperor. As a result, you gave the edict to Cixi and struck back, causing Guangxu to be imprisoned. The Emperor's Party hates you to the bone. Cixi is over seventy years old this year; how many days does she have left to live? Once Cixi dies, if the Emperor's Party rises to power, how do you think they will treat you?"

This matter was one of Yuan Shikai's biggest sore points recently. Being punctured in one stroke by the young Lu Huitian, Yuan Shikai was greatly alarmed in his heart. However, he could still suppress it on his face.

He heard Lu Huitian continue, "If we wanted to use any conspiratorial means, we wouldn't need to do anything with the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works matter at all. We could spread rumors in the capital right now, saying you are worried that Guangxu will regain power after Cixi dies, so you are preparing to poison Guangxu. Let him die before Cixi. Think about it, Cixi is such a smart person; doesn't she know Guangxu hates her to the bone? We can add a little piece of news: heard that Cixi is sick now, and after Guangxu learned of this, he sighed, saying, 'Good that she's sick.' Then wouldn't Cixi put Guangxu to death before she dies? And at that time, with Guangxu and Cixi dying one after another, whether the Emperor's Party comes to power or the Empress's Party comes to power, how do you think they will treat you?"

This was already a naked threat. When had Yuan Shikai suffered such malice in all these years? His face instantly became gloomy, and his fists couldn't help but clench.

Lu Huitian acted as if he didn't see it. He continued with a frank look, "Mr. Yuan, we will absolutely not adopt this method. Please rest assured on this point; our People's Party rose up in revolution to save the country. Since we want to save the country, naturally we must adopt the method most beneficial to China. Among those in the world who can be called outstanding heroes, you, Mr. Yuan, are one of the few. Zhang Zhidong is pedantic and old and muddled, hanging himself on this crooked neck tree of the Manchu Qing. The so-called Pure Stream led by Cen Chunxuan are all hypocrites fishing for fame. As for that bunch of imperial clansmen of the Manchu Qing, they are shortsighted and have a morbid desire for power. After the Manchu Qing falls, Zhili and the North will inevitably be in chaos. You are not unclear about the unbearable appearance of these people; besides selling China's interests to foreigners, what else can they do? Foreigners are eyeing us covetously and have long been peeping at China. Now with insiders, China is destined to reach a point of eternal damnation. Our People's Party believes that once the Manchu Qing falls, it is the best choice for the Beiyang led by you to take over the Manchu Qing's political legacy. At that time, whether Beiyang and our People's Party are at war or at peace, there is much room for discussion. Even if in the end our political views don't agree and we meet on the battlefield. For you, Mr. Yuan, to unify China, that is also a not bad choice. If we used these dirty methods of the Manchu Qing officialdom to bring you down, leaving China with one less pillar—you say, if we did this, would we be doing right by China? Would we be doing right by the common people of the world?"

Yuan Shikai had received positive evaluations from many people since childhood, but the evaluation received from this enemy, the People's Party, could be undisputedly called the highest praise. Other positive evaluations all came from the interests of the family, the clique, or the court. This was the first time someone closely linked Yuan Shikai with the interests of the common people of the world. And gave an evaluation concerning the future of the common people of the world.

Constantly emphasizing in his heart that "the People's Party messenger Lu Huitian who can say such words is very dangerous," Yuan Shikai found that deep in his heart he still liked these words very much, and even had an impulse to want to believe them. But he was, after all, a politician with real power. Since everyone had said what should be said. From the perspective of political negotiation or political blackmail, what Lu Huitian said was even a bit too much. Although it couldn't be said to have reached the point of painting legs on a snake, there was also some suspicion of talking to himself.

Yuan Shikai wasn't in a hurry to give Lu Huitian an answer. "I already know Mr. Lu's meaning. This kind of thing cannot have a result in the short term. Let's talk up to here for now."

Lu Huitian nodded. "Mr. Yuan, I have delivered all the words Chairman Chen entrusted me to bring to Mr. Yuan on this trip. Since Mr. Yuan already knows, I will set off back to Anhui now. When Mr. Yuan has a decision, just send someone to inform us."

"Eh? Mr. Lu is leaving now?" Regarding Lu Huitian's choice, Yuan Shikai absolutely hadn't thought of it beforehand.

Lu Huitian laughed, "That's all I have to say. Even if I say it back and forth a hundred times, it's still this much. Mr. Yuan is busy with official duties; that you could take time out of your busy schedule to see me, I already feel deeply the great kindness. Staying in Beijing to continue disturbing you is extremely inappropriate. Mr. Yuan, when the time comes, just send someone to tell us the result, and we will fulfill our promise. Before this, the Beiyang Army brothers, we will definitely take good care of them according to our base area's prisoner regulations and absolutely won't let them be wronged. Mr. Yuan, I bid you farewell."

Letting Lu Huitian leave quietly, Yuan Shikai sat back on the chair in the reception room. If before Yuan Shikai couldn't understand or even believe that the calculating Wang Shizhen and the brave and battle-wise Duan Qirui would actually suffer such a huge defeat at the hands of this young man Chen Ke, now he could understand somewhat. Lu Huitian, a nameless junior, talked about politics and the political situation with him, and they could actually talk completely on the same page. Although too many words were too blunt, and the method of threat was also a bit too immature. Of course, this immaturity was only relative; Lu Huitian made clear what should be said. Moreover, behind Lu Huitian was the powerful People's Party. The power of the People's Party was enough to make this immaturity harmless, and even look a bit sincere.

As an excellent politician with real power, Yuan Shikai knew very clearly that the People's Party, which could see the complicated political situation so profoundly and accurately select a partner, was truly a terrifying adversary. Among Yuan Shikai's subordinates, those comparable to Lu Huitian were at least twenty years older than Lu Huitian. And Chen Ke, whom Lu Huitian followed, was so young that Yuan Shikai was somewhat jealous. The Beiyang clique was already considered the young guard in the Manchu Qing court, but compared to the gathering of even younger talents like Chen Ke and Lu Huitian, Beiyang appeared old and decaying. Not to mention how many years it would take for the Manchu Qing to collapse. Even if the Manchu Qing collapsed in seven or eight years, if the Beiyang clique and the People's Party really went to war, they wouldn't even need to wait for a winner on the battlefield. If the People's Party dragged it out for another three to five years, many leaders of this generation of Beiyang would wither away themselves. This panic based on extremely realistic reasons made Yuan Shikai feel a chill.

The People's Party, with such fine talents and abilities, must absolutely not be underestimated. When Lu Huitian was leaving, Yuan Shikai hadn't thought about killing Lu Huitian, or at least imprisoning him. But Lu Huitian spoke of the Beiyang captives with a sincere and gentle attitude. Being able to release a threat Yuan Shikai couldn't refuse so affectionately, he was by no means a simple messenger.

Forcibly suppressing the thought of sending someone to arrest Lu Huitian, Yuan Shikai considered his own plans. It had to be said that the comprehensive cooperation proposal put forward by Lu Huitian was very attractive. Yuan Shikai knew his own affairs best; he seemed to have high position and heavy power, but what he lacked was precisely true collaborators. The Beiyang force was huge, but Beiyang was a fruit borne on the tree of the Manchu Qing. Yuan Shikai's outstanding status was because he could provide opportunities to others within the largest scope inside the Manchu Qing system. If someone else could offer a higher price than Yuan Shikai, then the people of Beiyang would also abandon Yuan Shikai without hesitation and defect to other forces. If the People's Party and Beiyang truly cooperated, any of Yuan Shikai's political enemies would be unable to cope at all.

Beiyang was in the court, the People's Party was in the wild. Beiyang was the soldiers, the People's Party was the bandits. Yuan Shikai's enemies in the court wouldn't even know how they died. Whether Yuan Shikai was in power in the court or leading troops outside to avoid disaster, he would be very free. Of course, if the People's Party obtained the cooperation of Yuan Shikai's Beiyang clique, with the strength they had already displayed, they would naturally be able to sweep through invincible. And even a very simple cooperation between the two was already destined to mean the demise of the Manchu Qing.

Yuan Shikai knew that as long as he cooperated with the People's Party, he would immediately change from one of the most powerful people in the Manchu Qing to the biggest traitor of the Manchu Qing. Absolutely no one could compete with Yuan Shikai for this "distinction." Watching the Manchu Qing collapse by pushing the boat with the current, Yuan Shikai could do it, but letting Yuan Shikai personally act in the role of a traitor was not something Yuan Shikai could accept.

Thinking of Lu Huitian's immaturity, Yuan Shikai suddenly gave birth to a burst of anger. He was the Minister of Beiyang, a Grand Councilor. Such a wet-behind-the-ears kid actually wanted to play him in the palm of his hand? Let them dream their pipe dreams. Even if the Ministry of Army decided now to first exterminate the chaos parties around Anhui and then encircle Anhui. If Yuan Shikai made up his mind to promote the extermination of Anhui now, he prided himself on being able to change the strategic plan. If he integrated the remaining Beiyang garrisons and personally led troops to attack Anhui, Yuan Shikai didn't believe Chen Ke was truly invincible. Just when he was preparing to stand up and find Zhang Zhidong to talk about this matter, Yuan Shikai inexplicably lost heart.

Lu Huitian was right; now Yuan Shikai was really surrounded by enemies on all sides. Back then he sought refuge with Cixi and got promoted. This was his biggest fatal wound now. The Emperor's Party naturally hated him to the bone; even if Yuan Shikai wanted to switch sides now, the Emperor's Party would absolutely not accept him. Not to mention the Empress's Party would absolutely not let Yuan Shikai off either. Even if it was the Empress's Party, so what? There were plenty of princes and officials in the Empress's Party who regarded Yuan Shikai as a "living Cao Cao."

Even if Yuan Shikai mobilized the remaining Beiyang Army now and completely wiped out Chen Ke, what then? The ancients said, "If the matter succeeds, you are a duke; if it fails, you are boiled." But Yuan Shikai knew very clearly that if he fought a decisive battle with the People's Party, he faced the situation of "boiled if fails, boiled even more if succeeds." The Manchu Qing court tabooed subjects with merit overshadowing the master the most, not to mention heaven knew how long Cixi could still live now. If Yuan Shikai led troops to establish great merit at this time, that would absolutely be a place without burial ground.

Thinking of this, Yuan Shikai suddenly felt disheartened. Having served the court for so many years, was this just the result? Even a group of rebellious young people could see these things clearly.

Thinking of this, Yuan Shikai called in his close attendant. "Go find that Mr. Lu from just now. Within two months, we will give the money according to the number they said. No need to talk about other matters."

When the attendant went out, Yuan Shikai sneered. Did Chen Ke and the others think they could do whatever they wanted just because they won a few battles? Leaving aside whether anyone who wanted to deal with him could succeed, he at least had the path of being buried with the Manchu Qing. As long as he made this determination, Yuan Shikai had plenty of ways to make these young chaos party members like Chen Ke suffer; at most, the fish would die and the net would break together. Moreover, did these brats like Chen Ke really think Yuan Shikai couldn't take out 1.2 million silver dollars?

"Want to bully onto my head! You're still too tender!" Yuan Shikai finally cursed aloud.

Lu Huitian was confused by Yuan Shikai's determination. Before he set off this time, everyone specifically conducted "combat drills." Regarding what to say and what kind of performance Yuan Shikai would probably have, the young comrades gave full consideration. Personally negotiating with Yuan Shikai, the situation wasn't anything inappropriate. Lu Huitian never expected that Yuan Shikai could make up his mind so quickly.

Naturally, going back to find Yuan Shikai now wouldn't work. Lu Huitian rushed back to Anhui as soon as possible according to the plan. Along the way, Lu Huitian repeatedly pondered his performance and hadn't made any mistakes. What should be said was said, threats that should be made were made, and flattery that should be given wasn't missing at all. According to the comrades' expectations, the possibility of success was already very high. Why did it fall short of success at the last stage?

Lu Huitian didn't get off at Wuhan but got off at the station nearest to Fuyang. Comrades were already waiting there long ago. Rushing back to Fengtai County at the fastest speed, Lu Huitian reported the situation to the Party Committee.

Although the comrades also had contingency plans for this, everyone originally thought the possibility of success was high. Getting the news of the negotiation failure, the comrades all looked at Chen Ke. Chen Ke also felt very surprised. Could it be that Yuan Shikai really made up his mind to be buried with the Manchu Qing? This was impossible. If it was said that historically Yuan Shikai was mentally unprepared and almost got killed as a result. But after that, Yuan Shikai's performance fully embodied the characteristics of a formidable hero. Lu Huitian's words were collectively discussed by the Party Committee. With Yuan Shikai's intelligence, it was impossible for him not to have thoughts. Then where did the problem lie?

Zhang Yu had already returned to the center to participate in the discussion of the Hubei plan at this time. After listening to Lu Huitian's report, Zhang Yu suddenly asked, "Yuan Shikai said he agreed to use 1.2 million ocean dollars to redeem people?"

"Yes," Lu Huitian replied.

Hearing Lu Huitian answer crisply, Zhang Yu said, "Then Yuan Shikai definitely doesn't want to be buried with the Manchu Qing. It must be that there are some things we haven't made Yuan Shikai feel assured about."

"Then how on earth does this old thing Yuan Shikai want to be assured?" Hua Xiongmao had no fear or respect for Yuan Shikai at all. "Send a few of Wang Shizhen and Duan Qirui's fingers to Yuan Shikai, tell this old thing his beloved generals are still alive?"

"Commander Hua, we aren't kidnapping for ransom; doing this isn't appropriate. Moreover, Yuan Shikai expressed agreement to give money; we can't lay hands on the 'meat tickets' either." Zhang Yu said the People's Party weren't bandits, yet he used bandit jargon. Chen Ke felt it was both funny and annoying listening to it.

"How about this, let's invite Yan Fu over to talk," Chen Ke said.

"Mr. Yan Fu also listened when formulating the plan. He thought it was okay. Is it appropriate to find him again after something went wrong?" Lu Huitian asked.

"Among us, only he is familiar with Yuan Shikai; it won't do not to find him," Chen Ke said helplessly.

Yan Fu arrived at the headquarters. After listening to Lu Huitian state the content, he also had no way to determine why Yuan Shikai refused. But Yan Fu was Yan Fu after all. He pondered for a moment and suddenly said, "There is one person who definitely can know what's going on. Finding him won't be wrong."

"Who knows?" Lu Huitian instantly became spirited.

"Wang Shizhen," Yan Fu replied.

When Wang Shizhen was led out of prison, he wasn't quite clear on what had happened. These days, the People's Party hadn't mistreated him and Duan Qirui. Except for sometimes when people came to ask the two about the situation of the Manchu Qing and Beiyang, nothing special happened. And these people were all cursed away by Duan Qirui. However, the People's Party was quite magnanimous; although cursed at, they didn't make life difficult for the two.

Being led out alone this time, Wang Shizhen thought the People's Party wanted to question them separately. He had already decided to learn from Xu Shu: no matter what the People's Party asked, he wouldn't say a word. However, Wang Shizhen found he was actually taken out of the prison. Suddenly returning to the marketplace and seeing the bustling stream of people, Wang Shizhen suddenly felt the long-lost freedom was really nostalgic. The group arrived at a residence. After entering the door, Wang Shizhen saw two people; one of them was actually Yan Fu.

"Brother Wang, it looks like your complexion is good," Yan Fu greeted with a smile. Wang Shizhen hadn't seen the person next to him, and Yan Fu quickly introduced, "This is Mr. Shen Zengzhi."

Wang Shizhen had heard of Shen Zengzhi. This Anhui Provincial Administration Commissioner was captured in the Anqing battle launched by the People's Party. Looking at him now, although he still had a queue, he was wearing a military greatcoat; presumably, he had already defected to the People's Party. However, this wasn't the time to curse Shen Zengzhi roundly. Wang Shizhen nodded slightly to Shen Zengzhi but didn't speak.

The few people entered the main hall. Waiting inside was Chen Ke. Wang Shizhen hadn't seen the person next to him, but it looked like he was also a base area cadre. Chen Ke introduced Lu Huitian to Wang Shizhen, and only then did the few people take their seats.

Chen Ke said straightforwardly, "The thing is this: we negotiated with Mr. Yuan regarding the matter of redeeming the Beiyang Army brothers. The one who went was this Comrade Lu Huitian, but the result was very unsatisfactory. We want Mr. Wang to take a look at what exactly happened."

Wang Shizhen stared at Chen Ke, wanting very much to know what exactly was in Chen Ke's brain. He would actually come to ask Wang Shizhen for advice on this kind of matter. Could it be that Chen Ke wanted to use a stratagem of sowing discord to provoke the relationship between Wang Shizhen and Yuan Shikai?

Lu Huitian didn't wait for Chen Ke to say more; he explained the detailed dialogue and Yuan Shikai's performance carefully. Wang Shizhen listened quietly. After listening, everyone looked at Wang Shizhen, waiting for him to speak. Wang Shizhen initially looked up at Lu Huitian, but when hearing more than half, Wang Shizhen closed his eyes and lowered his head. After Lu Huitian finished explaining the process completely, Wang Shizhen didn't speak for a good while. Just when everyone didn't know if Wang Shizhen would speak, Wang Shizhen suddenly opened his eyes and stood up abruptly. He pointed at Chen Ke and asked, "Chen Ke, who do you think you are?"

Chen Ke was stunned. "Mr. Wang, can you speak clearly?"

This sincere expression not only didn't make Wang Shizhen's anger subside, but on the contrary, Wang Shizhen's anger was fanned doubly. "It was my incompetence to be defeated in your hands. But Chen Ke, on what basis do you use the matter of my capture to insult Lord Yuan?"

"Brother Wang, Wen Qing and the others are still children and consider problems incompletely. You calm down." Yan Fu quickly stood up to persuade.

Wang Shizhen showed absolutely no sign of calming down. He turned to Yan Fu and said sternly, "Yan Jidao, a scholar can be killed but cannot be humiliated. I was defeated in Chen Ke's hands; that was my lack of ability. You are at least one of our Beiyang people; how can you let these juniors go mock our Beiyang people like this?"

Lu Huitian saw this old captive Wang Shizhen was so arrogant, and he got angry right then. He was just preparing to get up when Chen Ke, with quick hands and sharp eyes, grabbed Lu Huitian's arm. He managed not to let Lu Huitian stand up.

"Brother Wang, it is beyond reproach for Wen Qing and the others to consider for the People's Party. But they also meant well. The Empress Dowager is advanced in years, and Yuan Xiangcheng is indeed on the cusp of the storm. There are plenty of people in the court who want to be disadvantageous to him." The one speaking was Shen Zengzhi.

This made sense, and Wang Shizhen knew it too. But Lu Huitian looked even younger than Chen Ke; Yuan Shikai's son was even older than Lu Huitian. Yuan Shikai was a hero with a forthright character, quite warm-hearted in the old way, and very tolerant of people. But having such a little baby run to Beijing to threaten Yuan Shikai at his door, Yuan Shikai had to endure it in the end.

During the Boxer Rebellion in the past, Princes Duan and Zhuang sent a Boxer Eldest Brother to find Yuan Shikai with the Qing government's arrow of command, saying Prince Duan ordered Yuan Shikai to appease the Boxers and allow them to set up altars to continue drilling. Wang Shizhen beheaded this person without a second word. Speaking of which, this person was a lackey of the court. Now Lu Huitian was a genuine rebel. For the sake of the captured Beiyang brothers, Yuan Shikai didn't dare say a harsh word after being humiliated, nor dare touch a hair on Lu Huitian. And this Lu Huitian, because he didn't achieve his goal, actually ran shamelessly to ask Wang Shizhen the reason. Thinking of this, Wang Shizhen really felt like a knife was twisting in his heart. Unknowingly, Wang Shizhen was already streaming with tears. Suddenly, Wang Shizhen wanted to commit suicide immediately.

Just then, Chen Ke said loudly, "Mr. Wang, you feel Mr. Yuan was humiliated because of you. If you commit suicide or self-mutilate at this time, wouldn't Mr. Yuan have suffered humiliation for you in vain? Mr. Wang, even if for Mr. Yuan's sake, please take care of yourself. Mr. Yuan definitely hopes to see you again."

Hearing Chen Ke's words, Wang Shizhen woke up immediately. He was originally a person with a steady character; he only lost composure because of the great stimulation. Quickly suppressing the emotions in his heart, Wang Shizhen slowly sat back on the stool. Seeing Chen Ke's words had an effect, everyone also relaxed. The people standing in the room all sat back into their chairs.

"I must declare first, we indeed had the intention to threaten, but we didn't have the intention to insult Mr. Yuan. Public business is public business; what meaning is there in us insulting Mr. Yuan? Our purpose is to want to cooperate with Mr. Yuan. If possible, we hope to cooperate until the Manchu Qing perishes. Moreover, Mr. Yuan..."

"Chen Wenqing, you keep saying Mr. Yuan this and Mr. Yuan that; would it kill you to call him Senior Yuan?" Wang Shizhen couldn't help but shout, interrupting him.

Chen Ke understood one of his mistakes right then. The Party Committee believed the People's Party and the Manchu Qing were equal, so they used equal forms of address. After Wang Shizhen shouted like this, Chen Ke also felt the idea of insisting on being on the same level as Yuan Shikai was a bit excessive. After all, the comrades of the People's Party were much younger than Yuan Shikai in age.

"Senior Yuan is now attacked from front and rear in the Manchu Qing court. If such a hero is harmed by villains, it would be China's misfortune..."

"Chen Wenqing, do you talk to your parents and elders like this too?" Wang Shizhen couldn't endure it even more. A group of juniors actually lectured an elder with a condescending attitude; Wang Shizhen had really never seen such rude people.

As a child, Chen Ke was always spoiled when with elders. And when elders discussed things with him, it was mainly discussion and reasoning, not caring about any strict distinction between senior and junior. They just told Chen Ke to be polite, to talk from the perspective of solving the problem, to learn to listen to others, and to be neither humble nor arrogant in his speech. After arriving in this era, Chen Ke had always been leading everyone to do things, and simply no one dared to raise anything like "distinction between senior and junior" to Chen Ke. He naturally didn't understand.

Glancing at Lu Huitian, he saw Lu Huitian's face full of unconvinced defiance. However, this defiance was very much like the defiance of a child who feels they are reasonable and have the upper hand towards an older person. Chen Ke suddenly suspected that because the Party Committee was full of young people, when discussing the wording, Chen Ke wasn't clear how juniors spoke to elders in these years, while everyone felt there was no need to care about Beiyang at all, so they deliberately used some words that were "insubordinate" in this era, right?

At this time, Chen Ke remembered Hua Xiongmao referring to Yuan Shikai directly as "old thing," while the surrounding young comrades were completely indifferent to this form of address. Chen Ke felt his guess was extremely likely to be correct.

Seeing this scene, Shen Zengzhi wanted to laugh but couldn't. Judging from Chen Ke's expression, Chen Ke probably really hadn't received education on the distinction between seniors and juniors. And Lu Huitian looked like he was desperately holding back his dissatisfaction to avoid jumping up and cursing Wang Shizhen. Shen Zengzhi was self-aware of his captive status; since he was a captive, there was simply no such thing as dignity. However, according to Shen Zengzhi's observation, these young revolutionaries of the People's Party didn't apply the logic of senior and junior selectively; they practiced their own set of equal etiquette and completely abandoned the traditional set. And Wang Shizhen obviously didn't realize this; regarding the various "rudeness" of Chen Ke and others, Wang Shizhen thought Chen Ke did it on purpose.

Thinking of this, Shen Zengzhi looked at Yan Fu. Yan Fu happened to look over too. In Yan Fu's eyes, Shen Zengzhi saw a kind of helplessness. Presumably, Yan Fu had also completely understood what was going on. Shen Zengzhi knew Yan Fu had always hated the officialdom set, plus Yan Fu was a master of Western learning and didn't support many traditions either. Shen Zengzhi sighed secretly; it would be a strange thing if the "diplomatic language" discussed by such a group of old and young people could be accepted by Wang Shizhen.

Everyone was waiting for Chen Ke to speak, and Chen Ke spoke up, living up to expectations. "Senior Wang, speaking from our hearts, we respect Senior Yuan very much. We believe Senior Yuan is a true politician and a hero who can support the world. regarding politics, we talk about interests. Now what we want to talk about is the political interests of the Beiyang clique and our People's Party. We believe that at this current stage, cooperation between the Beiyang clique and our People's Party can allow both sides to obtain the greatest benefits. We don't believe Senior Yuan refused our request for cooperation because we juniors lacked etiquette. Senior Yuan is absolutely not such a boring person. I want to ask you now, in your heart, are you loyal to the Manchu Qing first and then to Senior Yuan? Or are you loyal to Senior Yuan first and then talk about loyalty to the Manchu Qing? Can you give an answer?"

Hearing Chen Ke ask this, Wang Shizhen didn't make a sound. Wang Shizhen was loyal to both Yuan Shikai and the Manchu Qing. Although he was more loyal to Yuan Shikai in his heart, Wang Shizhen didn't think it was necessary to let a group of rebels know this.

Seeing Wang Shizhen refuse to answer the question, Chen Ke continued, "Senior Wang, you might feel we are chanting high-sounding tunes. But we truly believe that after the Manchu Qing perishes, it is beneficial to China for the Beiyang clique to inherit the Manchu Qing's political legacy. We will support and approve of things beneficial to China. But if Senior Yuan insists on standing with the Manchu Qing, then we will utilize the Manchu Qing's own contradictions and use the dirty means customary in the Manchu Qing court to put Senior Yuan, the most powerful lackey of the Manchu Qing, to death. Losing Senior Yuan, the Beiyang clique as the Manchu Qing's lackey will be a sheet of loose sand and won't constitute a threat to our People's Party."

Seeing Chen Ke finally tough up, Lu Huitian's originally dissatisfied expression finally calmed down. Yan Fu and Shen Zengzhi's expressions were also very calm. Since talking about interests nakedly, there was no need to bring personal feelings into public business.

"Senior Wang, I feel now that Senior Yuan doesn't trust us very much. To increase Senior Yuan's confidence in us, do you think it's better for you to return to Beijing first, or let Senior Duan return to Beijing first? Can you give a suggestion?"

Wang Shizhen never expected Chen Ke to actually ask such a question at the end. He truly felt surprised.