It was late in the day. In her bedroom, Ji Ye took out her revolver from its holster as usual. This was a gift uniformly received by the comrades of the Western Zhejiang Branch of the Restoration Society during their training with the People's Party. Taking out the maintenance tools from the drawer, Ji Ye first wiped the exterior of the gun, then disassembled it to wipe and oil the parts. As a soldier who had once braved death, this was very calming work. Having wiped it many times, Ji Ye's hands dexterously and quickly disassembled the gun without even needing much thought. But her mind was considering things completely unrelated to the gun.

The General Headquarters of the Restoration Society demanded that the Western Zhejiang Branch hand over the "suspect" Chen Boping. This demand triggered fierce opposition among the middle-level members. Over sixty percent of the members demanded that Xu Xilin refuse this unreasonable request.

"They say Boping is a suspect, so he's a suspect? On what grounds? Today they can say Boping is a suspect, tomorrow they can say I'm a suspect," Li Yudong shouted loudly. "Then if we say there are suspects in the General Headquarters, will the General Headquarters admit it?"

This attitude was very much supported by the young cadres, but some "prudent and steady" cadres had other views. "The General Headquarters is the General Headquarters after all. Presumably, they were also panicked after Mr. Tao was murdered, so they deliberately trouble us. If we resist so stiffly, there will be absolutely no room for reconciliation. It would be better to say Boping is not here with us and let him lie low for a while."

Even the young and aggressive cadres were not prepared to completely fall out with the General Headquarters. It was fine to make noise verbally, but in reality, everyone hoped this matter could be smoothed over. After all, at this critical juncture of Tao Chengzhang's murder, if they fell out with the General Headquarters, under the clamor of public opinion, the Western Zhejiang Branch would not be able to wash itself clean even if it jumped into the Yellow River. Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin finally agreed to this opinion.

Ji Ye had consistently opposed any compromise. She believed that any compromise meant admitting that Chen Boping had the suspicion of instructing that so-called Chang Kaishen to murder Tao Chengzhang. And Ji Ye firmly believed that Chen Boping simply didn't do this thing. Since he didn't do it, why should the Western Zhejiang Branch be wronged? Why should Chen Boping be wronged? However, since Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin had already decided, and Chen Boping also agreed, this matter was temporarily operated in this way.

The parts of the revolver had been wiped clean. Ji Ye quickly reassembled the pistol parts, then dry-fired the trigger a few times. The gun operated very well, and the feel was also very smooth. Holding the weapon in her hand, Ji Ye felt she had more courage. Even within the Western Zhejiang Branch which leaned towards the People's Party, Ji Ye was quite a radical one. One of the greatest characteristics of the People's Party was daring to struggle. "Seek peace through struggle, and peace will survive; seek peace through compromise, and peace will perish!" Chen Ke's words left an extremely deep impression on Ji Ye. When the Western Zhejiang Branch first started, it struggled to move a single step because it didn't dare to struggle against the local gentry and didn't dare to mobilize the masses. As their struggle experience enriched, and as they became more and more skilled at mobilizing and relying on the masses, the strength of the Western Zhejiang Branch also grew.

No matter how one looked at it, the Western Zhejiang Branch was "seeking peace through compromise" in the matter of Tao Chengzhang's assassination. Although it wasn't clear what exactly happened in the assassination incident, Ji Ye believed that this unequal peace was destined not to bring any good results. If there were no weapons in hand, heaven knows what would happen.

Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin also didn't intend to swallow the insult silently. The Western Zhejiang Branch, while making excuses that Chen Boping was not in Western Zhejiang, questioned the General Headquarters with a tough tone about how the case of Tao Chengzhang being assassinated could possibly happen—had Hangzhou become completely unable to manage itself? This tough attitude seemed to have some effect. The development of the matter was temporarily not as bad as imagined. The General Headquarters of the Restoration Society sent Tao Chengzhang's close friend Zhao Hanqing to the Western Zhejiang Branch on February 22 to explain the course of events. At least it eased the tense atmosphere between the two sides somewhat.

Zhao Hanqing had been Tao Chengzhang's confidential secretary. Mentioning the matter of Tao Chengzhang's assassination, he was already sobbing as he spoke. Regarding the matters in Hangzhou, Zhao Hanqing strongly advised: "Jianhu, Bosun, you two are both veterans of the Restoration Society. Now that Elder Tao is gone, you must do your best to shoulder the responsibility and maintain the unity of the Restoration Society. When Elder Tao was around, he spoke so many words for Western Zhejiang; you cannot let down Elder Tao's efforts."

These words were spoken with sincerity. Not only were Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin thoroughly moved by thinking of Tao Chengzhang's efforts, even Ji Ye, who held a tough attitude, couldn't help but feel some regret.

"Brother Zhao, from your current perspective, how should this matter be handled?" Xu Xilin asked.

"The best way right now is nothing better than reducing opposition and avoiding misunderstandings," Zhao Hanqing advised. "Elder Tao's bones are not yet cold, the murderer is at large, clouds of war are gathering, and danger lurks on every side. If the Restoration Society splits and resorts to arms at this point, how can we explain it to Elder Tao in the underworld? Now there are people in the General Headquarters fishing in troubled waters, wanting to use this incident to create difficulties. Comrades of Western Zhejiang must not destroy the situation and give them an excuse to succeed. This time Mr. Cai is extremely grief-stricken because of Elder Tao's death and swore to find the murderer. Those real culprits won't be smug for long."

Xu Xilin nodded repeatedly. "We also don't want the Restoration Society to split, but some people just won't let us off and want to pour dirty water on our heads. I still ask Brother Zhao to explain to Mr. Cai when you see him that these things were absolutely not done by us. If Mr. Cai is willing to hold a meeting, Jianhu and I are willing to go to the General Headquarters to confront those people."

Qiu Jin also said, "Mr. Zhao, since you have already stated frankly that there are people in the General Headquarters who are likely involved in this matter, our Western Zhejiang Branch will also work hard to investigate on our own, trying our best to catch the murderer to comfort Elder Tao's spirit in heaven."

"That is excellent! That is excellent!" Zhao Hanqing showed a happy look. "Bosun, be careful in everything. Since someone dared to assassinate Mr. Tao, you in Western Zhejiang must also pay attention to your own safety. However, to avoid giving people a pretext, keep tight internally but loose externally; don't move troops at will. As long as Western Zhejiang doesn't give people a pretext, plus our hard lobbying at the General Headquarters, presumably the matter will be resolved before long. As for the investigation, I think there's no need to be too anxious. It's not that everyone shouldn't do it, but right now it's best not to give people a pretext."

After Zhao Hanqing left, although the comrades in Western Zhejiang still felt that the General Headquarters had heavy hostility, having someone to mediate in the General Headquarters meant there was at least a place to reason, and the once extremely tense atmosphere began to relax. Moreover, recently it was spring plowing, and specific local affairs piled up like mountains. Cadres of the Western Zhejiang Branch had to go to the countryside to solve problems, so naturally, they couldn't gather in Changxing for a long time. As the Political Commissar of the Anji Military Sub-district and a member of the Standing Committee of the Anji County Party Committee, Ji Ye also returned to Anji County to work.

Anji had many mountains and little land; it had never been a wealthy area. To be more precise, the entire Western Zhejiang was like this. Living off the mountain, although there were many mountain products, they had to be sold. Moreover, certain valuable mountain products couldn't possibly allow all the Anji commoners to escape poverty. It wasn't until the People's Party purchased bamboo, chestnuts, walnuts, and tea in large quantities that Anji's economy improved. This was also the fundamental reason why the Western Zhejiang Branch was so close to the People's Party. Only by relying on the People's Party could economic problems be solved. The General Headquarters of the Restoration Society couldn't possibly provide any employment opportunities to Western Zhejiang. Even for Anji's relatively famous bamboo, the purchase price by Hangzhou merchants was very low, and the purchase volume was even lower.

In order to improve bamboo transport capacity, Ji Ye had been inspecting the rivers in Anji, hoping to find a most suitable water transport route. It was true that the People's Party purchased in large quantities, but Anji's transport capacity had already reached its peak. If the transport capacity couldn't be improved, Anji's bamboo trade could only stop at the current level. So on February 25, the People's Party's liaison officer found Ji Ye in the mountains, who was directing the masses to dig bamboo shoots and discussing this matter with them.

The intelligence officer brought a letter from Li Shouxian, Secretary of the Southern Anhui Prefectural Committee. Li Shouxian warned Ji Ye of the possibility that a full-scale military conflict might occur recently. Because of Tao Chengzhang's assassination, the development of the situation had begun to exceed the scope of the People's Party's indirect control. In such an emergency situation, Li Shouxian suggested that Ji Ye make comprehensive preparations, including military struggle.

Such a letter that only stated the facts but didn't give a detailed explanation made Ji Ye a bit confused. She asked the messenger, "Has something happened on Secretary Li's side?"

The messenger saw that no one was around, so he whispered, "The day before yesterday, that is, February 22, a British fleet began cruising on the river surface from Nanjing to Wuhu. Including the Wuhu Sub-district, the entire Anhui has entered level one alert. There are also unusual movements on the Jiangsu side. If the Western Zhejiang Branch encounters any trouble now, I'm afraid it won't be possible to receive actual support from our side for the time being. That's why Secretary Li wrote this letter specifically to notify Mr. Ji Ye."

"Ha!" Ji Ye laughed. "Secretary Li hopes our Western Zhejiang Branch can look after itself, right?"

Having known Li Shouxian for so long and having many dealings in official business, and since both had received training from the People's Party at the same time, Ji Ye had a deep understanding of Li Shouxian's style. He would never mention things that couldn't be done, and sometimes Li Shouxian spoke particularly "politely." If others didn't understand, Li Shouxian wouldn't make any excessive requests either. Of course, at this time, there was no need to expect any aid from Li Shouxian.

Sure enough, the messenger smiled after hearing this. "Secretary Li naturally hopes that the Western Zhejiang Branch can look after itself, so that we don't have to worry about any problems on the flank of Southern Anhui."

Western Zhejiang played an extremely obvious role in shielding the People's Party. Also, because of the special status of the Western Zhejiang Branch, the People's Party certainly didn't want Western Zhejiang to encounter any problems. When passing a message, more things could be discussed. Messengers were all shrewd people, and they could pass messages in an orderly manner. When he discussed the current situation with Ji Ye, everyone believed that war would break out between the People's Party and the Beiyang Army before this winter no matter what. Therefore, the People's Party could only wait in full battle array for the British people's action full of the smell of gunpowder. The Restoration Society was in a mess at this time, so he hoped the Western Zhejiang Branch could look after itself.

Seeing that they had talked enough, the messenger said, "Actually, Secretary Li believes that the best way for the Restoration Society to protect itself is not to participate in the war, but right now the Restoration Society clearly has no such intention. We don't want to sow discord, but considering from a purely political angle, if our People's Party were the Restoration Society Headquarters, we would have already made a move on the Western Zhejiang Branch. With a great enemy before us, who is a friend and who is an enemy must be thoroughly clarified. If it's an enemy, strike; if it's a friend, unite. We consider the Western Zhejiang Branch our friend, so with a great enemy before us and when we have no ability to aid, we can only notify Mr. Ji Ye first. Of course, if the Western Zhejiang Branch asks us for help, we won't sit by and watch either."

"Then why didn't Secretary Li say these words directly to the Western Zhejiang Branch?" Ji Ye asked.

The messenger replied regretfully, "Secretary Li is only the Secretary of Southern Anhui. To formally reach a military alliance with the Western Zhejiang Branch, Secretary Li cannot make this decision. Moreover, Chairman Chen has already asked someone to write a letter to Mr. Qiu and the others, but there has been no response until now. This makes it very difficult to handle. Mr. Ji Ye also knows organizational discipline."

It was indeed very difficult to handle in this kind of matter. Just as Ji Ye couldn't forcibly change the Western Zhejiang Branch's thoughts, Li Shouxian also couldn't ignore the organization's decision to formally reach an offensive and defensive alliance with other political parties. The two looked at each other speechlessly and could only shake their heads and sigh.

Finally, the messenger gave Ji Ye Li Shouxian's gift and suggested that Ji Ye taste it right now. It was a food named Yang Geng, carefully wrapped in oil paper. The surface was smooth and fine, looking like meat jelly. The taste was sweet and delicious, full of the unique flavor of red bean paste and chestnuts. Ji Ye liked this thing after just one bite. The Western Zhejiang Branch, like the People's Party, implemented a policy of equality for all. The basic wages of laborers were all the same, while allowances were linked to position and skills. Plus, without the financial and material resources of the People's Party, Ji Ye could only eat her fill on ordinary days. Encountering such a sweet snack, she almost ate two of the six pieces of Yang Geng in one go, only then remembering to offer one to the messenger.

"Mr. Ji Ye, there's no need for this. We now have this in the winter food allowance in the army," the messenger smiled. "Secretary Li received Mr. Ji Ye's letter last time mentioning wanting to develop industries suitable for Anji. Our People's Party happens to be making this snack, so Secretary Li asked me to bring some over. To see Mr. Ji Ye's opinion. If Mr. Ji Ye thinks it's not bad, we can discuss the production issue of this product after the war."

"Can snacks make big money?" Ji Ye laughed.

"Right now the supply of white sugar is insufficient, so we can't say anything else. But after liberating Guangxi and Guangdong, we can attach importance to sugarcane on a large scale. At that time, we can talk about this money-making issue," the guard smiled.

Sending off the messenger, Ji Ye looked at the Yang Geng in her hand, wanting to continue eating but being a bit reluctant. She felt the People's Party's style was too hard to understand; they could make anything weird. The snack was very good, but thinking of making big money relying on snacks was simply impossible. But she didn't quite dare not to believe it; the People's Party definitely had ways to make big money different from other old methods. Putting away the Yang Geng, Ji Ye didn't waste her mind thinking more about it; she returned to the scene to continue working.

On February 28, 1915, when the British representative formally requested to see Wang Youhong, the Military Governor of Jiangsu, Wang Youhong immediately met with the British representative. In the past few days, although the British warships didn't make any substantial moves, seven or eight large warships cruising back and forth from Shanghai to Wuhu and anchoring outside several important cities in Jiangsu like Nanjing and Zhenjiang greatly affected shipping.

Wang Youhong had known this news for a long time, but Jiangsu itself didn't even have a few civilian steamships and was completely powerless to confront the British fleet. The Jiangsu Military Governor's Office studied countermeasures for several days in a row but couldn't find a way. Wang Youhong, on the other hand, completely took it lightly. "What should come will definitely come; let's wait for the British to talk to us."

Yu Chen was already the Director of the Political Department of the Jiangsu National Defense Army. Other officers were worried, but Yu Chen clearly supported Wang Youhong. He contacted troops everywhere to stabilize the morale of the army. With Yu Chen's efforts, at least all places received the news and didn't panic because of the sudden problem. So when meeting the British representative, Wang Youhong brought Yu Chen along.

The British requirements were no different from Cai Yuanpei's requirements. They hoped Wang Youhong would join the anti-People's Party alliance. With Jiangsu's 100,000 troops, it could certainly become an important force. As a famous "sh*t stirrer," the British guy offered Wang Youhong a pile of generous treatments, such as conditions like supporting Wang Youhong to monopolize Shanghai.

Yu Chen's expression changed quite a bit. In comparison, Wang Youhong's expression remained calm and composed throughout. After the British finished speaking, Wang Youhong replied, "We in Jiangsu have a parliament. I need to vote on these matters in the parliament to make a decision."

The British representative didn't say too much. Among the various forces in China, the British were most familiar with Jiangsu's political system. Adult males with certain property and a certain tax amount had citizenship, and citizens had the right to vote and to be elected. The political leader under this system did not possess dictatorial power in the complete sense. The representative asked, "Then, Governor Wang, how long until you can give me a reply?"

Wang Youhong replied coldly, "Parliament meetings aren't that fast. According to the request proposed by the British side, I think it will be the end of March no matter what."

"Why does it take so long?" The British representative was a bit surprised at this time.

Wang Youhong laughed, "Hehe. This isn't declaring war. If it were declaring war, it would be simple; everyone decides whether to fight or not. What you proposed is a series of issues. For example, the Shanghai issue. You said Shanghai could be handed over to us to manage. But can we in Jiangsu take over Shanghai? What kind of management should be implemented after taking over? What kind of laws need to be enacted? What exactly is the authority of this takeover? Talking about these things is very troublesome."

After hearing these words, the British representative cursed Wang Youhong in his heart for being an old fox. But Britain indeed needed Wang Youhong's cooperation right now. Even with the fleet cruising in the Yangtze River, the British didn't want to and couldn't use force to coerce Wang Youhong. What if Wang Youhong felt things were wrong and defected to the People's Party? So while cursing in his heart, the representative still politely expressed waiting for the result.

After sending the British representative out, Yu Chen couldn't help but ask, "Governor Wang, have the British really considered handing Shanghai over to us?"

Wang Youhong was obviously dissatisfied with Yu Chen's political judgment. "Hehe! Director Yu, who spits out what they've eaten? If it comes to a point where they have to spit it out, they have to spit it out whether we agree or not."

"Then do you plan to convene the parliament, Governor Wang?" Although criticized, Yu Chen obviously still had lucky thoughts in his heart.

"The parliament definitely must be convened. Zhejiang and the British have both stated their positions like this; it won't do not to convene the parliament. But I will first tell the People's Party about the latest happenings."

"Why?" Yu Chen was quite surprised.

"There's no loss to us in telling the People's Party. I, Wang Youhong, have no need to be a dog for the British. People will die eventually. Even if one dies miserably, it's better than being branded with eternal infamy after death and never being able to turn over." Wang Youhong replied coldly.

Yu Chen didn't immediately understand these words, but Wang Youhong didn't explain anymore. "Director Yu, I'll send you to contact the People's Party about this matter."

On March 3, 1915, Ji Ye was busy on the front line until the sun set in the west as usual, only to see the messenger of the Western Zhejiang Branch running towards the construction site panting. He didn't know how many times he had fallen on the mountain road; there were many tears in his clothes, mud on his legs, and even cuts on his face. As soon as the messenger saw Ji Ye, ignoring that there were others around, he couldn't help shouting, "Commissar Ji, the Beiyang Army suddenly rushed into Huzhou. And a Beiyang Army force has already begun to surround our Anji County seat."

During this period of time, the relationship between the Western Zhejiang Branch and the General Headquarters had finally eased a lot. Although the Beiyang Army blocking the road was still there, after sending personnel back and forth, the matter didn't continue to deteriorate. Ji Ye originally thought the General Headquarters had done something ridiculous again or sent a new representative, but she never expected that the Beiyang Army had actually marched into the Western Zhejiang base area. She quickly asked, "How is the Anji County seat now?"

The messenger quickly replied, "The troops firmly did not allow the Beiyang Army to enter the county seat, so the Beiyang Army began to besiege the city. I was ordered by the County Committee to report this matter to Commissar Ji. Most of our comrades are not in the county seat. There are at most seven or eight hundred people in the county seat including troops at all levels. Before I left, I secretly looked at the Beiyang Army's lineup; there must be at least two or three thousand people."

As they were speaking, the sound like thunder suddenly came faintly from the defense line of the county seat in the distance. Ji Ye's face immediately became extremely ugly. That wasn't thunder; that was the sound of shelling. Turning around, Ji Ye ordered the comrades who had already gathered around her, "Groups of two. One group immediately report the situation to the branch in Changxing. Other groups go to other places to send messages to comrades. Gather at the Linjiapu military camp."

"Then what about the county seat?" the messenger asked anxiously.

"It's too late. We can only give up the county seat." Ji Ye clenched her teeth tightly and squeezed this sentence out through the gaps between her teeth.