Yuan Shikai respected literati relatively more. Since Feng Xu was a Jiangnan talent, he naturally looked at him with high regard. This meeting between the two sides was extremely open and honest. When all problems concentrated on a contradictory focus, any deception was meaningless. Yuan Shikai believed that no matter what result Feng Xu spoke of in this meeting, he could accept it.

Facing Yuan Shikai's question, "If Beiyang cooperates with the People's Party, in which direction will things develop after the Die-hard Faction is eliminated?" Feng Xu stated that based on the fact that both Beiyang and the People's Party would seek dominance over China's political power, the contradiction between the two sides would always exist.

Wang Shizhen didn't hope for an agreement between the People's Party and Beiyang at all. Even knowing clearly that the contradiction between the "Manchu Qing Die-hard Faction" and Yuan Shikai was unavoidable, Wang Shizhen still didn't hope Yuan Shikai would be reduced to a "rebel". In any case, betraying the old master wasn't a glorious thing. Feng Xu explained the contradiction between Beiyang and the People's Party so clearly that Wang Shizhen felt a hope rising in his heart; he hoped Yuan Shikai wouldn't stand together with the great enemy, the People's Party.

While holding hope, Wang Shizhen looked at Yuan Shikai who heard these words. A smile appeared on Yuan Shikai's face, completely understanding Feng Xu's statement. Not only smiling, Yuan Shikai was also nodding slightly in praise. This praise was naturally directed at Feng Xu's frankness and correct judgment of the future situation.

Seeing this, Wang Shizhen suddenly inserted a sentence, "Mr. Feng, when the Empress Dowager passed away, did the People's Party celebrate?"

Feng Xu laughed upon hearing this, "When the Empress Dowager passed away, the People's Party was stepping up military training. Everyone is a person who does things; where is the leisure to care about these? Instead, it was I and Brother Shen Zengzhi who set up an incense table to offer sacrifices to the Emperor and the Empress Dowager."

"Oh?" Wang Shizhen responded half-surprised, half-sarcastically.

Since it was rare for Wang Shizhen to give such an opportunity, Feng Xu narrated the quarrel between Shen Zengzhi and Chen Ke afterwards, including Yang Baogui's angry rebuke of Shen Zengzhi at the end; Feng Xu spoke clearly.

Yuan Shikai listened seriously. He knew Feng Xu was persuading him very cleverly. In this world, there were people loyal to Cixi, for example, him, Yuan Shikai. There were also people loyal to Guangxu, for example, Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao. But under this heaven, it could be said there wasn't a single person loyal to Xuantong and Regent Zaifeng from the bottom of their hearts. Some of Shen Zengzhi's words were correct; after losing morality and justice, the current Manchu Qing Die-hard Faction only possessed the Manchu Qing's set of "Legitimacy" (Fa Tong). And this thing "Legitimacy" was only useful after being recognized by others. The People's Party never recognized the Manchu Qing's legitimacy, so the People's Party absolutely wouldn't think opposing the Qing was betrayal; they felt opposing the Qing was their supreme glory instead.

Since he had this opportunity, Feng Xu continued to persuade. The People's Party not only distributed "This Life of Cixi" in Beijing but also distributed this manuscript in many surrounding provinces. It could be said that after Cixi's decision before death, the Manchu Qing's legitimacy encountered a major crisis. Now the Manchu Qing Die-hard Faction hoped very much to get public support from the powerful viceroys and governors to maintain their tottering legitimacy and status. So the People's Party sent troops to attack Zhili fiercely, exposing the Manchu Qing's weakness thoroughly in front of all viceroys and governors.

"Lord Yuan, you must be very clear that the vast majority of viceroys and governors in the world support reform (Weixin). No matter who works in the local areas, opening new-style schools, setting up telegraphs, running manufacturing bureaus—this is already the trend. No need to speak of too long ago; thirty years ago, when Lord Li Hongzhang was around, whoever did this would be the Westernization Faction (Yangwu Pai) suppressed by others. Now? Those who opposed the Westernization Faction before, I'm afraid they do things even more Westernization-style than the Westernization Faction back then. Promoting China's industrial construction, Lord Yuan, you have contributed greatly." Feng Xu talked about history.

Hearing this, Yuan Shikai couldn't help smiling.

"The Empress Dowager who was in power at that time, no matter how she commented on the Westernization Faction, no matter how she suppressed those who wanted to seize power through the Westernization Movement, the Empress Dowager didn't suppress the Westernization Movement itself." Feng Xu cleverly turned the topic to the real key point. Actually, this was also the content expounded in "This Life of Cixi". Feng Xu, who participated in editing this book, was extremely familiar with these contents and fully agreed with Chen Ke's view.

Seeing Yuan Shikai nod slightly, Feng Xu continued: "Lord Yuan, now the Constitutional Movement has become the new Westernization Movement and has received support from many provinces. On this matter, the Empress Dowager still didn't suppress the Constitutional Movement. She only suppressed people attempting to obtain power using the Constitutional Movement. The Empress Dowager promulgated the 'Imperially Chartered Constitution Outline' a few months ago, and even allowed Jiangsu to organize a trial parliament according to this Imperially Chartered Constitution Outline first."

Yuan Shikai was the "person attempting to obtain power through the constitution" who had been struck by Cixi; it was impossible for him not to be clear about these things. Yuan Shikai originally thought his little thought of borrowing the Constitutional Movement could deceive Cixi. When he saw the relevant content in "This Life of Cixi" not long ago, Yuan Shikai really had a feeling of suddenly seeing the light. Cixi grasped the dynamics of all parties clearly.

"Lord Yuan, you engage in constitution, so naturally you are very clear. Constitution means the constitution is supreme; all power comes from the constitution. And parliament is to let more people participate in politics. Constitution and parliament are originally two different things unrelated to each other, but now the world mistakenly thinks they are the same thing. The Qingliu (High-minded critics) may not support the constitution, but they absolutely support establishing a parliament. This is also the reason why Chairman Chen suggests Lord Yuan adopt the Federation of Autonomous Provinces..."

Feng Xu was preparing to explain the characteristics of the Federation of Autonomous Provinces to Yuan Shikai in detail, but was interrupted by Yuan Shikai, "Then why didn't Chen Wenqing contact the Qingliu but came to me instead? As the saying goes, one who is unaccountably solicitous is hiding evil intentions. Chen Wenqing is a man of extreme depth; he ran to Beijing to pit me once, cheated a wife out of it, and as a result, he patted his butt and left. How do I know he isn't playing the same old trick this time?"

"Because even if the People's Party defeats the three Beiyang divisions Lord Yuan has gathered in Henan now, this world will just fall into a situation of warlord scuffle. As a revolutionary party, the People's Party is originally for overturning the table. Even if the table is overturned, it is impossible for the People's Party to unify China immediately. But our China has suffered for too long. The Sino-Japanese War, the Hundred Days' Reform, the Boxers, the Boxer Protocol. Natural and man-made disasters have been constant these years. Lord Yuan, if warlords fight each other again, how much suffering will the common people of this world have to endure?"

"Hehe." Yuan Shikai sneered. Wasn't the People's Party one of the chief culprits inciting the world?! But seeing Feng Xu speak with sincerity, it really seemed like that. The People's Party actually feared warlord scuffles? The People's Party, this group of fearless rebels, also had things they were afraid of? An uncontrollable sense of absurdity surged in Yuan Shikai's chest like a tide. "Hehe, heihei, haha." Yuan Shikai couldn't help laughing loudly.

Since the People's Party was determined to rebel, a person like Yuan Shikai naturally wouldn't be so boring as to attack the People's Party to their face with "bringing disaster to the world". The People's Party was meant to bring disaster to the world; saying this again was meaningless. Seeing the People's Party finally feared warlord scuffles, Yuan Shikai suddenly felt his chest filled with a sense of justice. These bastard kids finally knew the world wasn't what they imagined.

Feng Xu understood Yuan Shikai's thoughts. He waited for Yuan Shikai's laughter to subside before continuing: "Now Japan is desperately engaging in industry; they are eyeing China covetously. Foreign devils are waiting for China to fall into chaos, then carve up China. But do the Manchu Qing Die-hard Faction have the ability to defend China's interests? They don't. Even if our two families perish together, and the Manchu Qing Die-hard Faction has no enemies, they still can't defend China. The reason why our People's Party insists on overthrowing the Manchu Qing Die-hard Faction is that we see the face of this group of people clearly. As long as they are on stage for one day, China has no hope for one day. As long as the Die-hard Faction is on stage for one day, we will not hesitate even if it triggers warlord scuffles."

This statement had to be made clear. Feng Xu knew he wasn't here to surrender to Beiyang on his knees. Because the People's Party didn't lack the ability to destroy Beiyang's three divisions in Henan. This was also why, with Chen Ke's almost absolute power in the People's Party, he still spent so much effort to barely make the young comrades accept the decision to try negotiating with Yuan Shikai.

But this foundation was so fragile. The People's Party never handed the initiative to others. Even Chen Ke, who proposed the negotiation, was still preparing for total war intensely. Once Yuan Shikai didn't choose cooperation in the short term, the People's Party would mobilize troops to annihilate Yuan Shikai's units in Henan.

Feng Xu really didn't want a total civil war; at least he firmly agreed with Chen Ke's view. Now wasn't the best time for a total civil war.

"Lord Yuan, we want to ask you to preside over the situation of this world. You are a hero known to all; the people of the world have great expectations of you. At this time, as a hero of the world, you have the obligation to stand out; you must stand out. The People's Party is confident in winning the comprehensive victory of the Chinese revolution in the long run. But at this critical time point, Lord Yuan, you have the ability to become the person dominating China's situation. What benefit do warlord scuffles have for China? Once the People's Party and Beiyang reach a consensus now and build a new China, everyone will definitely develop production, engage in economy, industry, and agriculture. When the world is at peace, the people's livelihood will always get better. The many machines and equipment we bought, these family possessions accumulated by the Westernization Faction for decades, can always be operated well. Even if it comes to the time when both sides meet with weapons, and Beiyang wins, you can still easily unify China. Fighting wars, China will also suffer much less loss and pain. Moreover, problems may not necessarily be solved by fighting in the future."

Being placed with such high hopes, Yuan Shikai was naturally very happy. But he also faced a huge problem. Waving his hand to interrupt Feng Xu, Yuan Shikai asked: "Mr. Feng, you mean you insist on me betraying the Manchu Qing!"

Feng Xu shook his head heavily, "Lord Yuan, the Manchu Qing's fate is exhausted. On this point, Lord Yuan, you don't need to whitewash for the Manchu Qing. With the breadth of enmity the Manchu Qing has contracted and the depth of offending the people of the world, once the parliament opens, the parliament will definitely request to Lord Yuan, demanding the Manchu Qing abdicate. It's not Lord Yuan betraying the Manchu Qing, but Lord Yuan bearing the heavy hope of the world, realizing the call of the millions of people in the world. Yao, Shun, and Yu (ancient sage kings) were nothing more than this."

Wang Shizhen felt a bone-chilling cold transmission up his spine; he shuddered greatly. Turning to look at Yuan Shikai, he saw Yuan Shikai's skin exposed outside his clothes densely covered with goosebumps. Although his expression remained stable, the excitement and shock in Yuan Shikai's heart could no longer be hidden.

After a long pause, Yuan Shikai asked: "Then can the parliament abolish the Qing Emperor..."

"Lord Yuan, that is why our People's Party wants to promote the Federation of Autonomous Provinces. This is planning for ourselves, and also planning for Lord Yuan."

Feng Xu no longer concealed anything; he explained the characteristics of the Federation of Autonomous Provinces and the operating mode contained therein to Yuan Shikai thoroughly. Since the center had no right to appoint or remove provincial commanders, the provincial commanders were produced by the provinces themselves according to their own provincial political models. To put it bluntly, whoever became the President was whoever occupied more territory. Beiyang generally believed that quantitative accumulation was the best way to accumulate strength. While the People's Party believed that tapping internal potential was the source of strength. The People's Party would be satisfied with a certain territory; for Beiyang Army's military and political actions to seize other provinces, the People's Party would absolutely not interfere. In return, Beiyang couldn't interfere when the People's Party seized the predetermined territory.

"Then how much territory does Chen Wenqing want exactly?" Yuan Shikai asked with a slightly sarcastic tone. The People's Party captured cities and seized land, now already intervening in Hubei; there was no sign of satisfaction no matter how one looked.

Feng Xu took out a map. After unfolding it, Yuan Shikai frowned. This was a map of China. Anhui, Hubei, Jiangxi, and a peculiar "Huaihai Province" were all colored red. And Lianyungang in Jiangsu near the sea was highlighted. The People's Party not only wanted to occupy the Yangtze River basin but also wanted to obtain a seaport.

"This is the territory we want; other areas, Lord Yuan can take at will." Feng Xu gave the answer. After speaking, Feng Xu looked at Yuan Shikai quietly.

Even seeing Chen Ke carve away a large piece of Zhili and Shandong, Yuan Shikai still didn't get angry, nor did he have the sarcasm of "Chen Ke has a big appetite". Yuan Shikai and Wang Shizhen looked at the map for a while, then ordered someone to send Feng Xu back to his residence.

If there was bargaining, it would show Yuan Shikai took Chen Ke's proposal to heart. Now with this situation of not even discussing, Feng Xu thought with extreme disappointment that this negotiation had absolutely no effect.

After sending Feng Xu away, Wang Shizhen looked at the map again. The red area occupied the heartland of China, especially "Huaihai Province", which cut off the southern part of Shandong. No wonder Chen Ke was willing to cooperate with Beiyang; he had obtained results on the negotiation table that were far from obtained on the battlefield. Just then, Wang Shizhen suddenly heard Yuan Shikai ask: "Pinqing, tell the truth, can my thirty thousand Beiyang troops defeat Chen Ke's fifty thousand troops?"

Wang Shizhen shivered; he really wanted to say they could win. But these words couldn't come out of his mouth no matter what. Just based on the power the People's Party showed last time, thirty thousand Beiyang troops absolutely couldn't defeat fifty thousand People's Party troops.

"Lord Yuan, did you believe the People's Party's words?" Wang Shizhen asked anxiously.

"Pinqing, if warlords really scuffle, are you afraid?" Yuan Shikai's answer made Wang Shizhen feel like falling into an ice cave. This wasn't just because Yuan Shikai's attitude had undergone a great change. Wang Shizhen knew that the intelligence conveyed by Feng Xu was definitely not the People's Party alarmist talk.

"Even if warlords scuffle, the People's Party as the chief culprit cannot escape the blame." Wang Shizhen resisted weakly.

"Chen Ke certainly cannot escape the blame, but even he knows to fear warlord scuffles. Are we inferior to those little bastards of Chen Ke?" Yuan Shikai's tone was very heavy.

Wang Shizhen felt his chest filled with ice blocks; his breathing almost stopped. Although Yuan Shikai rarely cursed Chen Ke, the meaning behind it couldn't be clearer. Yuan Shikai was moved by Feng Xu.

"Lord Yuan, no matter how the court acts against the tide, it is still the court." Wang Shizhen's voice trembled. This was extremely rare.

"Even you, Pinqing, can say the court acts against the tide; then what use is it for our Beiyang to sacrifice ourselves in vain?" There was true grief in Yuan Shikai's voice, "Chen Ke is a man of action like our Beiyang. If we don't make a decision, I dare say that before long, he will transfer troops from Hubei. Now Zhili is in chaos; the Beijing-Hankou Railway is absolutely unsafe. When Chen Ke gathers fifty thousand troops here, what good plan do you have, Pinqing? Do we fight Chen Ke to the death in Henan?"

Wang Shizhen fell silent. He couldn't say to Yuan Shikai, "Let's be loyal to the Great Qing." Wang Shizhen's sense of shame prevented him from betraying the Great Qing, but this sense of shame also prevented Wang Shizhen from saying against his conscience that today's Great Qing was worth dying for.

As if to prove what kind of stuff the Great Qing Die-hard Faction in Beijing was, a personal soldier suddenly came in to report outside the door. After Yuan Shikai looked at the delivered item, his face turned ashen. He handed the letter to Wang Shizhen. Wang Shizhen took it and saw it was Duan Qirui's letter. The court ordered Duan Qirui to take the New Army Third Division back to Beijing to accept commendation. And Zhejiang would be handed over to Zhejiang Governor Zhang Xun.

This herd of pigs! Wang Shizhen cursed secretly in his heart. After Cixi was gone, the level of the Manchu Qing Die-hard Faction had dropped to this extent. Playing tricks so childishly and laughably. If it were Cixi, she would probably immediately use the method of mixing sand, letting Zhang Xun, the nominal Zhejiang Governor, take office, and then arrange an official position below Zhang Xun for Duan Qirui. Let Zhang Xun fight Duan Qirui fiercely. How could she directly let Duan Qirui piss off? Where was the appearance of a ruler in this?

"Lord Yuan, this person Chen Ke will absolutely not sincerely support you as Feng Xu said." Wang Shizhen had no better rhetoric.

"Since we are all people who do things, who can deceive whom. Chen Ke thinks the People's Party can win in the end; I feel our Beiyang can unify the world. Let's wait and see." Yuan Shikai finally made up his mind.

The progress of things was exactly as Yuan Shikai expected. It wasn't that after Beiyang and the People's Party reached an agreement, the world belonged to the two families. To change the situation effectively, there was still countless work to be done.

The first thing was that the two families established a communication organization. The People's Party had long planned to establish a Base Area telegraph system. But the Base Area couldn't make telegraph wires. Or rather, the Base Area's high-quality electrolytic copper was insufficient for making generators and motors, and the copper of insufficient quality had to be used for bullet casing manufacturing. The Base Area's simple wired telegraph network used iron wires that could just be produced in small batches. Yuan Shikai immediately provided a batch of telegraph wires to the Base Area. In return, the Base Area released more than two hundred captured Beiyang spies.

The news brought back by this group of captured personnel surprised the Beiyang Army greatly. The People's Party controlled extremely strictly. In the past, checkpoints were set up to check passing people. But the Base Area simply didn't allow people from various villages to travel at will. Without a pass, detain first. So the Beiyang spies were like moths flying into the fire, walking into the trap one by one.

The People's Party's management of the Base Area reached such a level; Yuan Shikai rejoiced that he didn't put all his eggs in one basket to attack the Base Area. Wang Shizhen and Duan Qirui had suffered from the People's Party's strengthened walls and cleared fields; once they entered Huaiyuan County, they immediately went blind. If Beiyang's thirty thousand troops fought into the Base Area, the difficulties encountered would only be greater than Wang Shizhen and the others.

"Tell Chen Ke, I want to meet him." Yuan Shikai ordered.