Xu Xilin’s home was expansive. His residence was located in Sunjialou, Dongpu Town, Shaoxing—a classic Qing Dynasty structure. It had been purchased from a family named Zhu by his grandfather, Lord Tongxuan, and subsequently renovated and expanded. Facing south, the compound spanned 1,100 square meters with a building area of 575 square meters. The layout followed the typical three-bay, three-courtyard style of Jiangsu-Zhejiang dwellings, consisting of an entrance house, a main hall, residential quarters, a library, and the Tongying Study. With its brick-and-wood structure, white-plastered walls, and black-tiled roofs, its enclosed exterior epitomized the traditional residential architecture of the region.

In the rear hall, a banquet featuring authentic Jiangsu and Zhejiang flavors had been laid out. The dishes were simple: ham, West Lake vinegar fish, bean curd skin, sweet osmanthus taro, and a few green vegetables. Xu Xilin enthusiastically served Chen Ke, filling his cup with wine. The Shaoxing yellow wine, kept warm in a heated decanter, had a potent kick; after only two cups, Chen Ke felt the alcohol beginning to take effect.

Among the three, two were illustrious figures of the revolution. Chen Ke dared not underestimate them. He remained as respectful as possible in his speech, answering their questions in detail. Chen Ke’s square face gave him an air of honest sincerity, which, combined with his polite demeanor, made Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin feel increasingly close to him. Before long, Chen Ke had unconsciously shifted from addressing his host as "Mr. Xu" to "Brother Xu."

Having read Chen Ke’s "great work," the two revolutionary elders focused their conversation on how to build a powerful army. As Chen Ke responded, he felt a flicker of strangeness. If China built a powerful army now, it would undoubtedly be controlled by the Qing. Faced with such a formidable force, revolutionaries would only be slaughtered. What would be the point of the revolution then?

On second thought, while Chen Ke was familiar with Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin, they knew nothing of him. To them, he was merely a "student returned from overseas." Their understanding of the European powers likely didn't go much deeper than the concept of "strong ships and sharp cannons." It was only natural that the conversation revolved around the military.

Unwilling to let the talk remain superficial, Chen Ke shifted the topic. "Brother Xu, regarding the armies you ask about—Europe does not just have armies; more importantly, it has the capitalist system. The operation of this system is vastly different from China today. The current Qing system exists for the interests of the Manchu elite and the survival of the regime itself. During the Hundred Days' Reform, the Manchus said that reform was to save China, not the Great Qing. Since that is their stance, if I wish to save China, I must destroy the Qing. That is why I left home and joined the revolution." At this point, Chen Ke smiled with a touch of bashfulness. "Perhaps my words are a bit arrogant. I hope you can forgive me, Brother Xu."

"Mr. Chen Ke, with such aspirations, how can you be called arrogant?" Qiu Jin said with a smile. She lightly tapped the table and recited with fervor: "I will sacrifice a hundred thousand heads to turn back the heavens and the earth! If there were no men of insight like Mr. Chen Ke willing to sacrifice themselves for the country, China's future would remain as dark as it is now."

"Sister Qiu, I heard you once stayed in the capital, but you were forced to leave when the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded. Such matters..." Chen Ke sighed.

At his words, Qiu Jin’s expression darkened. She said nothing, only raised her cup and drained it in one gulp. As they talked, Chen Ke felt himself growing more familiar with them—not just because of the wine, but because their thoughts and speech were remarkably similar to the "patriotic hotheads" of his original era. History’s humiliations had left them with a deep-seated hatred for the Qing court and foreign powers.

Chen Ke came from the twenty-first century, an era of China’s rejuvenation and its return to global power. Setbacks then were far from the national humiliations of the past, yet the youth were still filled with dissatisfaction and anger. In 1905, the anger of patriotic hotheads was fueled by the literal invasion, plunder, and insult of the "Great Middle Kingdom." Such fury was purer and more unbearable. Chen Ke could somewhat empathize with this humiliation; whenever he read modern Chinese history, he felt a reluctance to even open the books. That pain affected even a young man from a century later; for those living through it, the agony must have been a hundred times worse.

Thinking of this, Chen Ke lowered his gaze. Silence hung over the table for a moment before Qiu Jin suddenly asked, "Does Mr. Chen have a courtesy name? Addressing each other as 'Mister' feels too formal."

"I grew up overseas and only have a given name, no courtesy name. This..." Chen Ke said awkwardly. "Well, if you don't mind, perhaps you two could think of one for me?"

"Oh, Mr. Chen is too modest," Xu Xilin laughed.

Qiu Jin did not decline. "That sounds fine. Is there a phrase or verse you particularly like?"

Chen Ke thought for a moment and replied, "How elegant and refined is their culture! I follow the Zhou."

"Words from the *Analects*. Hmm..." Qiu Jin pondered. "How about 'Wenqing'?"

Hearing the word, Chen Ke almost burst out laughing. He suppressed the urge and nodded. "I think that works."

"If you don't like it later, you can always change it," Qiu Jin added.

"I think it’s very good. Thank you," Chen Ke said quickly.

He thought the conversation would move toward lighter topics, but Qiu Jin’s next words took him by surprise.

"Wenqing, after reading your article and talking with you here, I get the feeling you’re being a bit vague. You came to visit Boxun personally, and you seem to have heard of me. I don’t believe that what you know and have learned came solely from school." Qiu Jin smiled, but there was something else beneath the smile. "I believe now that you aren't a man of the Qing. If you were, this article alone would be enough to earn you a high position. However, you don't look like a revolutionary, either."

At her words, Xu Xilin’s eyes brightened, and he nodded slightly. It seemed he felt the same way but hadn't been able to articulate it as clearly as Qiu Jin.

Since they had been so blunt about their suspicion, Chen Ke felt a sense of relief. If the conversation had remained purely pleasant, he would have felt he’d gained little. Pleasantries were often just a surface for long-term acquaintance. Chen Ke didn't have the time for a gradual approach. This tense, confrontational situation would lead to one of two outcomes: cooperation or a falling out. Either way, a result would come quickly.

Chen Ke picked up his cup and drained it. Setting it down, he said, "In my view, the goal of today’s revolutionaries is nothing more than overthrowing the Qing. The better ones have some vague plan, speaking broadly about what kind of country they want to build. From the books I’ve read and the little I know, their plans for a 'new nation' are a pile of dog shit. What is a revolution? It is changing the Mandate of Heaven. No matter how much you say the Manchus stole China, or that they are beasts in human skin, the Qing has lasted 260 years—and not just by 'leading beasts to devour men.' There is a whole system supporting its existence. My revolution is to revolt against that system itself. If you topple the Qing but China remains under the same system, do you think you can defeat the Great Powers?"

Since meeting Xu Xilin, Chen Ke had tried to appear refined and gentle. Now, without a mirror, he couldn't see his own expression. But Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin saw it clearly: Chen Ke’s eyes were wide, and his face carried a murderous intent. As his emotions flared, a sharp, piercing aura seemed to pour out of him. The kind, smiling youth from before was nowhere to be seen.

"I think you two want nothing more than to eat Cixi's flesh and sleep on her skin. To me, that only shows you still have hope for her. If the Eight-Nation Alliance hadn't marched into Beijing to burn and pillage, but had instead been wiped out by the Qing army—if those foreign devils had been paraded through the streets and forced to pay reparations—you two would probably be shouting 'Long live the Old Buddha,' wouldn't you?" Chen Ke’s words were biting. Xu Xilin’s face immediately turned sour.

"But for me, it’s completely different. Since the Qing system is absolutely no match for the European nations, it doesn't matter who is in power—China cannot win. You reap what you sow. If you plant beans but expect to harvest watermelons, is that possible? Seeing Europe harvest watermelons and then blaming the bean-planting Qing for not producing them—isn't that ridiculous?" Chen Ke couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

"I don't hate the Qing at all—at least, I don't hate them anymore. The Qing and the system it represents are already hopeless. In today’s world, it’s impossible for China to keep its doors closed. We must look at the world and at China from a global perspective. Why is China being beaten down by those tiny European countries? Because China is not strong. Why is China looked down upon by the people of those nations? Because China contributes nothing to the world. China has failed to lead the global trend forward. My revolution is to abolish China’s old system, make China strong, and lead the whole world toward a better future." Chen Ke’s voice grew sharp, bordering on a roar.

Perhaps realizing he was losing his composure, Chen Ke took a long breath to steady himself, lowering his voice. "Every man is responsible for the rise and fall of the nation. But there is a saying abroad: 'When a country is in such a state of ruin, we are all base and inferior people.' China sat at the head of the world for over two thousand years. Today we complain and blame the Qing. Before we were born, whether China was strong or weak had nothing to do with us. But today, while we are in this world, if we do not strive for progress and only hate our predecessors for failing China, then we are truly insulting the word 'revolution.' Since we claim to be revolutionaries, we must search high and low and exhaust our hearts and minds. And if we are to search, we must first cast aside our prejudices. How exactly did China become so weak? Where did it go wrong? Is it a problem with the Qing? Or is it a problem with China’s system?"

He picked up the decanter and poured himself a cup. "We are here today, enjoying wine and conversation. Outside this room, China has not yet reached the point where the land is filled with the cries of the hungry. We must admit that. But in my eyes, it won't be long before this old system can no longer sustain itself. An era of widespread misery is about to descend. I ask you two: who is our true enemy?" Chen Ke stared intently at Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin.

The two were speechless. Their impression of Chen Ke had undergone a total transformation. Qiu Jin looked at Chen Ke, then at Xu Xilin, and suddenly slammed the table and began to laugh. At first, it was a cold chuckle, but it turned into a fit of laughter she couldn't stop. After a long while, she finally managed to catch her breath. Wiping the tears from her eyes with a handkerchief, she said in the short-winded voice following such laughter, "Mr. Chen... no, Wenqing, Wenqing. I truly didn't understand before. You clearly come from a noble family, yet you came to this Shaoxing countryside to seek out a minor local squire like Boxun. I thought there must be some great hidden motive. After hearing this, I finally understand. You are indeed a revolutionary. And a revolutionary like you probably wouldn't last a day in the capital. I suspected you were a fraud before; I apologize."

Xu Xilin also nodded. "After reading Wenqing's work, I still felt a bit unclear. Now I know the mindset Wenqing had when writing it. My understanding is far inferior to yours." He sighed deeply. "The revolutionary youth of today are truly a talented generation. I was amazed by the works of Chen Tianhua and Zou Rong, seeing what young men in their twenties could achieve. What a pity that Zou Rong passed away in a Shanghai prison a month ago. If I could have heard Wenqing and Zou Rong discuss the revolution together, I would truly die without regrets."

He straightened his posture. "Wenqing, when you visited earlier, you said you had a request. My talent and virtue are shallow, and I have no right to command you. I only wish to ask: how would you have me serve you?"

"Brother Boxun, you overstate things," Chen Ke replied quickly. "I know you have some connections in Shanghai. A revolution cannot succeed without funds. I want to do something in Shanghai, so I have an impertinent request: I would like you to take me there. As an outsider, if I rush into Shanghai, I’ll surely be lost. Without the guidance of a comrade like you, everything I’ve said and thought is just a pipe dream."

"I see," Xu Xilin said. "And what do you plan to do in Shanghai?"

"Dye cloth," Chen Ke replied.

"Dye cloth?" Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin looked at each other in surprise. "Can you make a fortune dyeing cloth?"

"Not a fortune, but enough for a start. I won't hide it from you—when I left home, I only took a few personal belongings. I don't have a single cent. Haha, actually, I was kicked out." Chen Ke chuckled. "So if I want to start a revolution, I have to start from scratch. That's why I came to Shaoxing to ask for your help. Every word I said just now came from the bottom of my heart. But my outburst in your home was quite rude. I hope you can forgive me." He stood up and gave them a deep bow.

"There's no need for that, Wenqing. If I can help a man like you, who is dedicated to the revolution, it is my greatest pleasure." Xu Xilin stood up and walked over to pull Chen Ke back up.

Chen Ke straightened and continued, "I'm penniless right now. If I can't get your help within a few days, I'll have to try other, more desperate methods. So please, tell me your honest decision so I can plan my next move."

Xu Xilin was taken aback; Chen Ke was demanding a stance. Although he admired Chen Ke, they had met less than half a day ago, and he found it difficult to give an immediate 'yes.'

At this, Qiu Jin spoke up. "Wenqing, tell me what kind of help you need and what your plan is. See if your sister can be of assistance."

Having come from the twenty-first century and grown up under the red flag, Chen Ke would never treat Mao the Great Ancestor's dictum of "seeking truth from facts" as mere idle talk. In 1905, revolution was a game for the wealthy. Rich revolutionaries sought to make connections with heroes and outlaws from all over, and even those outlaws weren't the destitute poor. To be accepted by these people, Chen Ke had aimed for a "look of prestige" in his attire. He might have no money, but his clothes served as proof of his status, and he had something he could sell.

He took off a wristwatch from his wrist and handed it to Qiu Jin. "Sister Qiu, I ask you to help me pawn this watch."

Xu Xilin and Qiu Jin had noticed the watch earlier, but since they weren't close, they hadn't mentioned it. When Chen Ke took it off, they were both startled. In this era, those who wore wristwatches were either very wealthy or held high status. Most people carried pocket watches. Qiu Jin, having traveled widely, had seen them before, but this was Xu Xilin’s first time.

Chen Ke couldn't help but feel lucky. His time travel had happened right after a shopping spree at a small commodities market. He found it especially strange that he’d decided to buy watches on a whim. To put it simply, he’d won a few thousand yuan in the lottery and, with a "easy come, easy go" attitude, he’d bought some clothes, office supplies, and had a bit of money left.

He had recently debated with a friend whether it was better to check the time on a watch or a phone. Chen Ke had been convinced that on formal occasions, a watch represented a formal attitude and politeness.

The watches from the flea market were decent. Besides buying one for himself, he’d bought a few others to give to friends as unique gifts. While gifting a watch in this era was somewhat absurd, it was certainly an original gesture. After some bargaining, he’d bought four. He hadn't expected them to be so useful for raising money in 1905.

The watch was a mechanical knock-off, bought for 230 yuan. It had all the characteristics of a knock-off: shiny, with complex decorations. To Chen Ke, it looked vulgarly ornate. But to Qiu Jin and Xu Xilin in 1905, it looked like a piece of immense wealth.

After examining it for a while, Qiu Jin asked, "How much do you expect for this?"

"Thirty or fifty taels should be enough," Chen Ke said casually.

"Haha, ha!" Qiu Jin burst into laughter again. "Wenqing, do you know my family owns pawnshops?"

"Oh?" Chen Ke truly hadn't known. "Sister Qiu, did I find the right person then?"

"At that price, you're clearly doing me a favor," Qiu Jin laughed. "This watch is brand new, not a single scratch on it. And with these rhinestones on the dial... thirty or fifty taels? Ha. Three or five hundred taels would be easy."

"Sister Qiu, that’s because you are generous. If I hadn't met you, do you think an outsider like me could walk in with a watch and ask for five hundred taels?" Chen Ke spoke the truth.

Qiu Jin nodded, played with the watch for a bit, then strapped it onto her own wrist. "I’ll take this job. I'll give you the money tomorrow, how about that?"

"No problem," Chen Ke said brightly. Normally, Qiu Jin’s request would be seen as overstepping. But Chen Ke trusted her, and he didn't really care about the watch. Being able to show his generosity and trust in others was worth more than a single watch.

"Sit, let’s keep drinking," Qiu Jin replied with a smile.

Having reached this point, deep conversation was no longer possible. They finished a few more cups before the table was cleared. They talked a while longer in the living room and agreed to meet at Xu Xilin’s the next morning. Knowing Xu and Qiu would have things to discuss in private, Chen Ke took his leave. They didn't try to keep him, but as they saw him to the door, Qiu Jin repeatedly urged him to bring as many of his writings as possible when he returned.

Chen Ke smiled. "Of course."

The three walked out the main gate. As they were saying their goodbyes, Xu Xilin glanced into the distance, and his face immediately darkened. Curious, Chen Ke turned and saw several people walking from the end of the street. The leader was a robust, powerful-looking man, though his features were quite delicate. The men behind him looked familiar. After a moment, Chen Ke recognized them—they were the thugs he had encountered the day before.