Upon reading the content of the recent work report from Henan, Chen Ke suddenly burst into laughter. In movies about the Shaolin Temple, whether it was the government or local authorities, they would always brutally persecute the monks who stood aloof from worldly affairs, forcing the righteous warrior monks to rise up in resistance. In the recent work report from Henan, Chai Qingguo had forcibly detained the monks of Kaifeng and organized them into a "monk labor brigade," making them work on a section of the railway construction site. Thinking that the People's Party might very likely become the villain in various future film and television works, Chen Ke felt an uncontrollable urge to laugh.

Another piece of news was even more miraculous. Regarding the opening of a nunnery next to the Daxiangguo Temple, the Abbot of Daxiangguo Temple felt that being called a "lecherous monk" was a great injustice. He insisted that he had never laid a hand on the nuns in the nunnery, and the monks of Daxiangguo Temple had never done anything to disgrace the Buddhist order. As for the physiological needs of the senior monks of Daxiangguo Temple, they either had dedicated women outside or dedicated female physiological partners. They absolutely did not extend their black hands into the nunnery.

Chen Ke could completely understand Chai Qingguo's dissatisfaction with this group of monks. It was not uncommon for temples to be local major landlords, but in the face of the land reform movement, this group of monks appeared pardonably wicked.

After laughing enough, Chen Ke began to write instructions: "Comrade Chai Qingguo, regarding the issue of temple property, we must try to downplay the religious factors as much as possible. We are not trying to make trouble for the monks, but to solve the problem of major landlords occupying large amounts of land. Therefore, we must mobilize the masses to oppose exploiters, not mobilize the masses to oppose monks. In addition, I do not object to the formation of monk labor brigades, but you need to put more effort into how to make the broad masses realize that labor is absolutely not a punishment. As for the monks themselves, you can make them admit from their doctrines that they must labor, and that only labor is the correct path of cultivation. You don't need to worry about this point; there are many quotations from the monks' predecessors in this regard, we just need to utilize them."

Putting down his pen, Chen Ke picked up the section on railway construction. The eastern section of the Longhai Railway was progressing very quickly. Looking at the map, it wouldn't be long before a very asymmetrical cross-shaped railway backbone appeared in the entire area north of the Yangtze River. After all, from the junction of Zhengzhou westwards, there was only a section of railway to Luoyang. After reading the map, Chen Ke picked up his pen again and wrote instructions on the railway work report: "Comrade Chai Qingguo, I agree with your suggestion to build the railway first and then the city of Kaifeng. However, the status of Zhengzhou is even more critical. If there is not too much pressure, I suggest your department seize Zhengzhou in the near future. And the work of expanding the base area to the north has been arranged in place. It is expected that through the efforts of 1913, the base area can be completely expanded to the entire Henan province."

After writing this, Chen Ke put down his pen again. The significance represented by controlling the entire Henan was simply too great. Once this goal could be achieved, firstly, the People's Party would be in a comprehensive offensive state against Beiyang. The relationship between Beiyang and the People's Party would only remain one of war. But being able to invest a little more and build a little more on the basis of the current base area would yield ten or even a hundred times the return in a few years. This strong demand for balance made Chen Ke feel somewhat constrained.

While Chen Ke was laughing, the guard and the secretary remained silent throughout. They at most looked at Chen Ke with a surprised look, but dared not utter a sound. But when the secretary stood next to Chen Ke, Chen Ke knew that a problem that must be solved immediately had definitely arisen.

"Chairman Chen, Sir Humphrey from the British side has arrived in Wuhu. His next destination is Wuhan, and he hopes to meet with you," the secretary said.

Sir Humphrey could be considered an old acquaintance of Chen Ke. When Chen Ke opened the Benevolence Medical College in Shanghai in 1905, it was Humphrey who received him. Because of this relationship, Humphrey played a relatively important role in the quota trade agreement and was knighted for the merits of the quota trade agreement. Now he was a counselor in the British Legation in Beijing. Since he wanted to meet with Chen Ke, it presumably wouldn't be a trivial matter.

"Is there any intelligence from the Beiyang side?" Chen Ke asked.

"No new intelligence recently," the secretary replied.

"Tell him I can meet him," Chen Ke replied.

Sir Humphrey came extremely quickly. The People's Party had already opened a regular ferry from Wuhan to Shanghai. Taking the People's Party's passenger liner, Sir Humphrey appeared in front of Chen Ke on the third day after the telegram was sent.

Since he was Chen Ke's old friend, Sir Humphrey fully knew Chen Ke's habits. After glancing at Lu Huitian and Zhang Yu who were accompanying him, and exchanging a few pleasantries, Sir Humphrey said: "Mr. Chen, Yuan Shikai recently wants to reach a loan agreement with us. I wonder if you have heard about it."

Chen Ke really hadn't heard about it, but strategic issues like this always triumph because they are correct. Compared to the diversity of tactical choices, they appear particularly narrow. Yuan Shikai wants to eliminate the People's Party, so arming a military force capable of surpassing the People's Party is an inevitable strategic choice. As for how to arm an army capable of eliminating the People's Party, there is no other way than borrowing money. Chen Ke smiled and said: "I must clarify first, the People's Party cannot provide any guarantee for Beiyang's loans."

"Has Mr. Chen never thought about taking charge of the central government? Or at least forming a coalition government with Beiyang and getting a few cabinet positions?" Humphrey still asked very directly.

"This is not about whether we are willing or not, but whether Yuan Shikai is willing or not. If we just get a few empty official positions, while the entire civil service system is still in Yuan Shikai's hands, or if the people in these positions are simply sent abroad by Yuan Shikai, what is the meaning of getting official positions?" Chen Ke laughed.

Humphrey knew that Chen Ke was referring to the matter of Premier Yan Fu being sent by Yuan Shikai to visit Europe and the United States, which was clearly a form of disguised exile. Since Chen Ke's attitude was so clear, Sir Humphrey felt reassured. "If we can help the People's Party persuade Yuan Shikai to provide a part of real power to the People's Party, I wonder what Mr. Chen would think about this?"

Chen Ke smiled: "It's not about what I think of this, but what does your side want us to do?"

Humphrey took out a document and handed it to Chen Ke. The document was very considerately written in Chinese instead of English. Chen Ke scanned the entire document in a few glances. Handing the document to Lu Huitian beside him, Chen Ke laughed, "If forces from two factions are forcibly placed into the cabinet, it will inevitably lead to fierce conflicts. I think Sir Humphrey should be very clear about this. Britain relies on a stable civil service team to execute government decrees. No matter how much British MPs argue, it cannot affect the actual operation of Britain. But currently, Beiyang dominates the civil service system. In the current situation where a neutral government execution level does not exist, even if our People's Party forms a cabinet independently, as long as the executors are Beiyang people, our government decrees will be of no use at all."

Every time he encountered Chen Ke showing a profound understanding of European politics, Sir Humphrey felt a wave of discomfort. For example, Chen Ke's incisive exposition of the British cabinet and civil service system, and the appropriate analogy between the British polity and the Beiyang polity, gave Sir Humphrey such a feeling. He could fool Chen Ke with the People's Party occupying a considerable part of the cabinet positions, but he dared not fool Chen Ke by saying "the People's Party can master a considerable part of the civil service system," or fool Chen Ke by saying "Yuan Shikai will give up control of the civil service system." Negotiating with such an opponent was simply too uncomfortable.

"Then what are the conditions that Mr. Chen can accept?" Sir Humphrey asked.

Chen Ke answered with sonorous force: "Our People's Party firmly opposes creating a civil war in China for the interests of a political party. We firmly oppose creating a civil war for selfish interests, firmly oppose creating a civil war for the selfishness of one family or one party. This is not only a manifestation of moral decay in politics, but also a manifestation of moral decay in terms of personal morality."

Sir Humphrey absolutely did not think he needed to pay attention to Chen Ke's moral level. The real core of this passage was that Chen Ke opposed launching a civil war at present. More precisely, Chen Ke opposed Yuan Shikai initiating a civil war. As for the issue of gaining status in the Beiyang regime, it seemed to be completely outside Chen Ke's current considerations.

"We can pressure Yuan Shikai to adopt a broader election policy in China." Sir Humphrey felt it was ridiculous even as he said it himself. But this was a step in the order to fool Chen Ke. Even if it had no effect, he had to say it first.

"I hope to see your side's efforts produce good results." Chen Ke remained all smiles.

Sir Humphrey was silent for a while before speaking: "Our side hopes that you can sign this document."

"And then?" Chen Ke asked.

Hearing Humphrey's words, Lu Huitian and Zhang Yu couldn't help but show a burst of anger on their faces. The content of this document was very simple; it demanded that the People's Party recognize all treaties signed by the Manchu Qing and Britain. Both of them knew that they didn't have Chen Ke's magnanimity to be able to talk and laugh with the British representative Humphrey. It was just that under such straightforward threats from the other party, they couldn't even pretend to smile properly. One of the revolutionary goals of the People's Party was to completely recover all of China's sovereignty. Recognizing the treaties signed by the British and the Manchu Qing was equivalent to recognizing the humiliating agreements set by the Manchu Qing. Even Yuan Shikai dared not do this, let alone the People's Party. If the main negotiator of this meeting wasn't Chen Ke, the two would have probably thrown out harsh words long ago.

"As long as your side can sign, it proves your side's determination to be truly friendly with our British Empire. Our British Empire will absolutely not abandon friends," Humphrey persuaded.

"Even if we don't sign this document, our People's Party will persist in the policy of continuing friendly exchanges with Britain. This point does not need this kind of superficial action to prove," Chen Ke assured Humphrey.

After a frank exchange in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, Chen Ke arranged for Sir Humphrey to rest temporarily. Enduring until Humphrey disappeared outside the courtyard, Lu Huitian said angrily: "They are trying to loot a burning house."

Diplomatic negotiations, not a single word is true, yet every word is true. Chen Ke was quite satisfied with Lu Huitian's understanding. "Their strength is greater than ours, isn't it normal to loot a burning house?"

"Chairman Chen, are you really not angry?" Zhang Yu was rather interested in Chen Ke's attitude.

Chen Ke was indeed not angry. He explained to Zhang Yu: "I would have been angry in earlier years, but these years I consider myself a bit more realistic. What is there to be angry about? The British are definitely doing this for their own interests; they have no reason to consider our China. Dealing with foreign devils is actually quite good in this regard. They nakedly consider how much benefit they can get, so you don't have to worry about them having any other thoughts."

Zhang Yu tentatively said: "But the foreign devils want to support Yuan Shikai. Even if we make concessions now, the foreign devils will still support Yuan Shikai."

Chen Ke nodded repeatedly, "That's right. No matter how the foreigners want to buy off our People's Party, we will not sell out China's sovereignty. Conflict and even war will definitely occur around China's sovereignty. So in the current situation where the disparity between us and the foreign devils is so wide, it would be incredible if the foreign devils didn't play double-dealing like this."

Hearing Chen Ke and Zhang Yu talking smoothly, Lu Huitian finally understood. He said: "Chairman Chen means for us to deal with them insincerely? They try to pit us, and we bluff them?"

Seeing that Lu Huitian also got it, Chen Ke continued, "It's roughly like that. But I have to clarify first, no matter what we do, we have to rely on our own strength. Let's not deliberately set any traps. The British and Yuan Shikai are both old foxes; we really can't outplay them in that game. The best way is to make demands that match our current strength, demands that are reasonable and fair. I have always believed that those who get pitted fall into the pit themselves. For us, tell lies as lies, and truth as truth. But in the final analysis, we must rely on ourselves."

"How to tell lies as lies, and truth as truth?" Zhang Yu and Lu Huitian both became interested.

The next day, Sir Humphrey asked to see Chen Ke as usual, but was told that Chen Ke had official duties. The negotiation representatives became Zhang Yu and Lu Huitian. Not talking to a negotiation opponent like Chen Ke, Sir Humphrey felt much more relaxed. He still demanded that the People's Party sign the agreement recognizing British privileges.

"We cannot sign such an agreement," Lu Huitian replied.

"Why?" Sir Humphrey felt there was hope.

"Because such an agreement has no benefit for Britain, and no benefit for us either. First, after signing such an agreement, the British side won't earn much more money. Second, after signing such an agreement, our People's Party won't earn much more money either. Moreover, in the current situation in China, the entire political field opposes unequal treaties. We get no actual benefits, but lose a lot of political interests. We can't do such a losing business," Lu Huitian replied seriously.

Judging from Lu Huitian's angry look yesterday, Sir Humphrey felt that Lu Huitian was a person who was easily agitated. Discussing this matter with such calm interest analysis now really surprised him.

"The existence of these treaties itself is a reason for many people to attack. If we owe it now, Yuan Shikai in Beijing will definitely use the matter of us signing the treaties to make a fuss. In fact, he will also follow suit and sign with Britain, so what can we get?" Zhang Yu immediately beat the side drum.

"We will support your side to form a cabinet," Sir Humphrey felt that these two opposite him might be easy to fool.

"How can we be sure that we will definitely succeed in forming a cabinet?" Lu Huitian asked back.

Even knowing that he was here to fool the People's Party, being questioned about the strength of the British Empire like this made Sir Humphrey feel very unhappy. "Does Your Excellency not believe in my promise?"

Lu Huitian hurriedly waved his hand, "It's not that we don't believe, but that we have no intention of forming a cabinet alone within two or three years, nor do we have the strength to form a cabinet alone. You suddenly propose such a big goal, we are powerless to complete it ourselves. We feel that if we want to achieve this goal, the British side must put in more effort than us. It's like a balance scale; Yuan Shikai's side is too heavy. To make our side sink down, the British side must provide huge support."

Although far from the goal, in Sir Humphrey's eyes, the loosening of the People's Party's attitude could be considered a kind of progress. He patiently persuaded: "As long as the People's Party signs this agreement, all European countries will support the People's Party."

"It's not that we won't sign. Can you guarantee that after we sign, you can make all Chinese political forces shut up? Otherwise, the long-term benefits haven't been obtained yet, and we have to lose a lot of immediate benefits. It's not worth it for us," Zhang Yu added.

"You are determined to oppose recognizing the previous agreements?" Sir Humphrey said threateningly.

"We don't oppose, we just want to know what benefits there are in recognizing them," Lu Huitian replied.

"Then what do you plan to do?" Sir Humphrey lost some patience.

"Let's make a roadmap," Lu Huitian immediately took out a piece of paper and put it on the table.

Although neither Lu Huitian nor Zhang Yu had any intention of fulfilling any promise to the British, the two still discussed the roadmap for signing the agreement with the British guy very seriously. The idea Chen Ke provided yesterday was that since the British wanted to pretend to be the big bad wolf, the People's Party might as well build a roadmap on the basis that the British were the big bad wolf. The British guy wanted the People's Party to pull chestnuts out of the fire for him, so the People's Party would push the British guy to the front line.

Sir Humphrey soon discovered this problem. He asked: "Does your side have no intention of forming a cabinet alone?"

"We really don't," Lu Huitian replied categorically.

Now Sir Humphrey knew that his trip was a complete failure. Since the People's Party clearly stated that they would not form a cabinet alone, many stratagems could not be implemented. As for a joint cabinet, Chen Ke had already denied it yesterday, and Lu Huitian and Zhang Yu didn't mention this line of thought at all, indicating that the two would not privately reach an agreement on a joint cabinet.

Since this was the case, Sir Humphrey had to admit that the main purpose of this trip had failed. The People's Party was united from top to bottom. Unless they received huge benefits, it was impossible for them to sign an agreement recognizing the old treaties.

After sending away the disappointed Sir Humphrey, the People's Party held a Central Committee meeting. Chen Ke first informed the comrades of the content of this negotiation, and then said seriously: "Comrades, the war to liberate the whole country is not far away. Yuan Shikai will definitely defect to the British, and the British will definitely choose Yuan Shikai. After Yuan Shikai arms a huge force, the war will begin."

This assertion was so abrupt that the comrades couldn't accept it for a while. "How long will it take for Yuan Shikai to arm an army?"

"According to the financial situation, he probably needs a year and a half to two years. From purchasing foreign arms and shipping them to China, to conscription and training. In a year and a half, Yuan Shikai can possess 600,000 troops."

The number 600,000 made the comrades breathe a sigh of relief. If it was 600,000 fighting 600,000, the People's Party had absolute confidence in victory from top to bottom. "What should we do now? Why don't we just take action to deal with Yuan Shikai now while his strength is not strong?"

"The British will absolutely not agree, and we are not fully prepared at present. Our steel output is said to be 600,000 tons. There is too much water in this figure; the quality of steel is uneven, and we don't have enough processing capacity yet. Now we can only produce rails and iron farm tools on a large scale. We still can't directly produce steel plates, and the production level of steel bars is also very poor. I went to see it last time; the steel bars pulled out were as brittle as glass. These things need accumulation. Being able to stabilize the current production capacity of 600,000 tons and improve product quality in a year, that is a victory. Being able to initially integrate the current industrial categories within two years, I think that would be not bad," Chen Ke poured a bucket of cold water on the comrades.

Being lectured by Chen Ke like this, You Gou, the Director of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, was a bit unhappy. She asked: "In that case, what does Chairman Chen think is our current key point?"

"The current key point is for all of you to go abroad for a trip and open your eyes properly. Britain, France, Germany, and the United States are the four most advanced industrial countries today. Every two months, we will send a batch of people abroad. I hope our cadres, including middle-level cadres, can all go abroad to take a look. I don't expect everyone to learn something immediately, but to let the comrades see with their own eyes the appearance of these industrial countries and their most basic characteristics. When our industrial capacity develops faster and we build on a larger scale, everyone won't feel that these things are too novel."

The comrades of the Party Central Committee were all stunned. Chen Ke had raised the issue of cadres going abroad for inspection before, but there had been so many internal matters during this period that except for the comrades in foreign trade and economy who could go abroad, other comrades could only satisfy their craving by looking at the photos they brought back. This time, he actually wanted to send cadres to visit on a large scale; the comrades were speechless for a moment.

Chen Ke was also very helpless. If he didn't send comrades abroad to see now, once World War I started, there would be absolutely no need to consider going abroad for inspection. Although there were many dangers at present, traveling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books. The People's Party needed comrades to broaden their horizons. Whether they were willing or not, once World War I began, the People's Party would be irresistibly drawn into the torrent of the entire world. If they hadn't even seen those major countries, how could they have any concept of the struggle between them?

Moreover, the large-scale overseas inspection of the People's Party's current cadres could also make Yuan Shikai feel a certain degree of relaxation, so he would dare to do some things more freely. Even from the perspective of deceiving the enemy, it was necessary to do so.

The comrades of the Party Central Committee looked at each other. They suddenly suspected whether Chen Ke was joking. But soon they understood that Chen Ke meant no joke at all. "Everyone study it. We will send out a maximum of 8 batches of people for inspection. Everyone hurry up and draw up the list. The diplomatic side will immediately contact the above four countries. If it's fast, I hope to send the first batch of comrades before the Spring Festival."

"Then what about the students we have already sent out?" You Gou asked.

"They have their studies, which is different from these comrades on inspection. Handle those students according to the plan," Chen Ke gave a reply.