As a man of the 21st century, Chen Ke had no love for Beijing Opera or local theater. He had heard Southern *tanci* storytelling occasionally, but he had never studied it. Looking at the young people surrounding Chen Tianhua, he saw them listening with rapt attention, their expressions solemn. Even during Chen Ke’s "political lectures," though they were diligent, they never looked quite so deeply moved. Chen Ke felt that bringing Chen Tianhua here had been a truly wise move, yet he couldn't help but feel a flicker of jealousy. This small surge of emotion made him feel a wave of shame. Feeling jealous of his own comrades was hardly a thought a communist should harbor. Tapping his temple, Chen Ke carried the wine and food to the table and set them down gently.

"Brother Chen is back." Chen Tianhua stopped his performance immediately, and the others helped set the table.

"Mr. Tianhua, please, continue singing," Chen Ke urged.

Chen Tianhua smiled. "The food is ready; I’ll sing more later. I must admit, I am quite famished."

Knowing Chen Tianhua was a man of propriety, the group shared a laugh and began pouring the wine.

"I assume everyone has introduced themselves, but let me say a few more words. This is Mr. Chen Tianhua, a revolutionary comrade invited from Japan by Sister Qiu Jin. Come, let us toast to Mr. Chen." Chen Ke raised his glass.

The others introduced themselves one by one and clinked glasses with Chen Tianhua. Once the first round was finished, Chen Ke refilled the glasses. "Comrades, the reason I invited Mr. Chen Tianhua here is because I want him to join us in our common revolution. So, comrades, we must ensure Mr. Chen stays with us."

The room erupted in laughter. Chen Tianhua hadn't expected Chen Ke to be so direct, but as a seasoned figure himself, he didn't lose his composure. "I appreciate Brother Wenqing’s kind intentions. Allow me to toast everyone in return."

The second glass went down, and a third was poured.

Hua Xiongmao laughed. "Mr. Chen, you can’t just appreciate the intention. I’m not well-read, but even I’ve heard of your great name. Since you’ve come here, you must stay for at least a few years. Come, Mr. Chen, I toast you."

After the group finished the round, Chen Ke set his glass down. "I’m not one for forcing people to drink. These three rounds are for the occasion; after this, drink as you please."

"Mr. Chen," Chen Tianhua began, "I came mainly because Mr. Qiu Jin conveyed your kindness. I haven’t earned such rewards, so I had to visit you regardless. I wonder what you might have to teach me?"

"My surname is Chen, and yours is Chen as well. To bridge the gap, let’s consider ourselves kin. There’s no need for 'Mr. Chen'; call me by my courtesy name, Wenqing. And how should I address you, Mr. Tianhua?"

"My courtesy name is Xingtai."

"Brother Xingtai, we are all young men here; let's skip the empty pleasantries. I didn't invite you here to merely 'discuss grand affairs.' I invited you to join us in revolution."

A look of confusion crossed Chen Tianhua’s face. He looked at Chen Ke with a slight frown. Revolution in this era meant nothing other than overthrowing the Manchu Qing. Hearing Chen Ke say it so casually, and seeing the others acting as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Chen Tianhua couldn't quite figure them out. These men and women were dressed like the wealthy or the nobility—were they truly revolutionaries, or just a band of eccentric scholars?

"I wonder, Brother Wenqing, what kind of revolution do you mean to lead?" Chen Tianhua asked.

"Revolution isn't for the sake of killing; it is for the sake of saving. And since it is about saving, the first priority is ensuring everyone is fed. Xingtai, look." Chen Ke pointed to the others who had already picked up their chopsticks. "To be fed, we must move our chopsticks with everyone else. So, let’s begin." Chen Ke paused, then added in Japanese, "*Itadakimasu.*"

Chen Tianhua was slightly startled that Chen Ke knew Japanese, but he saw that Chen Ke had already started eating. He was indeed hungry, so his chopsticks moved toward the fried tofu nearest to him. Everyone at the table came from a distinguished background, yet no one spoke while eating. Being young, they weren't bound by stiff formalities. They didn't even pass the dishes; they ate like a whirlwind, and within minutes, the plates were empty.

Once the meal was over, they served mung bean soup. Each person drank one or two bowls according to their appetite. Then, they cleared the table together and washed the dishes before sitting back down.

The group was already accustomed to this collective lifestyle, and Chen Tianhua joined in smoothly. They looked at one another and suddenly burst into laughter.

Hua Xiongmao slapped Chen Tianhua on the shoulder. "Brother Xingtai, seeing the way you eat, you’re clearly no ordinary man. It would be a waste if you didn't join the revolution."

Chen Tianhua cupped his hands toward the group. "Gentlemen, we have met by chance. I am honored by your regard, but I have seen many revolutions. To this day, I am still wanted by the Qing government. I appreciate your sentiment, but if you want me to join, you must listen to what I have to say first."

"We are all ears," Qi Huishen said with interest.

Chen Tianhua spoke with conviction: "I have ten principles of revolution. First, one must know that the peril of partition is not just the loss of the nation; it will surely mean the extinction of our race. Second, one must know that even after the powers partition China, they will surely keep the Manchu government to suppress the Han people. Third, one must know that as things stand today, we can no longer talk of 'preparing' to save the nation; only a desperate, bitter struggle can save China. Fourth, one must know that by having more people die now, more can be saved later. Fifth, one must know that the word 'race' must be understood clearly and distinguished sharply. Sixth, one must know that the nation belongs to everyone; one must never ignore it or leave it to its fate. Seventh, one must know that to resist foreigners, one must first learn their strengths. Eighth, one must know that to seek strength, one must first remove one's own weaknesses. Ninth, one must know that we must use 'civilized exclusion' rather than 'barbaric exclusion.' Tenth, one must know that the task of resisting foreign influence has no end."

Hearing these ten principles, Chen Ke thought to himself: *No wonder Chen Tianhua committed suicide in history. With these views, it would be a miracle if he found like-minded people in 1905.*

When Chen Tianhua finished, Chen Ke remained smiling, Zhou Yuanxiao showed no reaction, Qi Huishen nodded slightly, Hua Xiongmao had a mischievous grin, and You Gou was stifling an urge to laugh. Not a single person expressed either support or opposition.

"Brother Xingtai speaks well," Chen Ke praised. But Chen Tianhua could hear that Chen Ke’s tone was merely polite, devoid of excitement or any other emotion. Chen Tianhua felt a chill. Usually, when revolutionaries heard these words, they either agreed or had questions. The fact that these people seemed so accustomed to such rhetoric suggested they truly were a revolutionary party.

"When I speak of revolution, the first thing is action. If it’s just about principles, anyone can talk. Xingtai, you know revolutionary theory well, but I want to ask: regarding your point about 'civilized exclusion' rather than 'barbaric exclusion'—how exactly do you plan to do that?"

Chen Tianhua spoke fervently, "By establishing schools and popularizing education. The education of other nations has been explained before; if China does not widely establish schools now, there is truly no way to save her. By giving speeches to spread thought! Speeches are the primary way to change the social atmosphere—even if there are only three or four people, one must give a speech if one hopes to save the nation. By promoting female education to nurture our foundations. Friends! The fallacy that 'a woman's lack of talent is her virtue' has truly harmed people. Foreign women are as educated as men, which is why they can assist their husbands and teach their children. Chinese women have no knowledge at all; not only can husbands and sons not benefit from them, but they are often hindered by them. Men with great ambitions are often worn down by loving wives and kind mothers. A man spends half his life in the hands of women; if women have no learning, the roots are rotten. How can there be good leaves and branches?"

Chen Ke truly didn't know much about Chen Tianhua, but hearing him speak so eloquently, his expression finally changed. It wasn't just Chen Ke; everyone else’s expression shifted significantly.

Seeing that they were finally taking his thoughts seriously, Chen Tianhua smiled. "To be honest, before I returned this time, Mr. Qiu Jin said that Brother Wenqing is a man of great affairs, with profound knowledge and sharp thinking. In less than two months in Shanghai, he has built a grand enterprise from nothing. Mr. Qiu Jin urged me to assist Brother Wenqing well. Though I am wanted by the Qing, I returned because of his persistent persuasion. As soon as I entered, I saw Miss You lecturing in public, and on chemistry no less. She is truly a role model among women. Moreover, I hear that Brother Wenqing plans to build schools, hold lectures, and start seminars and night classes. I knew then that Brother Wenqing has grand designs. That being the case, why don't you tell me your plans and how you intend for me to serve? I am listening."

Chen Tianhua spoke with great poise, hitting every key point. You Gou couldn't help but smile when she heard him praise her lecturing as a woman. Although Chen Ke was respected by everyone, he rarely moved people in such a way. Facing a revolutionary propagandist like Chen Tianhua, Chen Ke was truly impressed. There are specialties in every field, and in this regard, Chen Tianhua was far superior to him.

"Xingtai has been honest with me, so I must be candid in return. I invited you here to serve as the Propaganda Minister of our party. When I talk about revolution, I know the principles, but I don't quite know how to explain them to the masses. I have absolute faith in your ability in propaganda. I didn't expect you to join us so soon; this must be destiny. I am currently organizing lectures and need a vast amount of written material. I need your full support, Brother Xingtai. Are you willing?"

The others had always held Chen Ke in high regard. This respect came from his vast knowledge and, more importantly, his sheer ruthlessness in getting things done. Chen Ke stood on the front lines, doing the most work and getting the least rest. He could find a solution to any problem and lead his comrades to solve it. This was why they followed him.

Chen Tianhua was a different type. He was quick-witted and highly provocative. He explained revolutionary principles in simple terms, and in just this brief encounter, he had made everyone feel a sense of elation. After hearing the exchange between the two, they realized Chen Ke had long intended to pull Chen Tianhua into their ranks as the head of propaganda. They all felt the idea was a match made in heaven.

Qi Huishen had always felt that Chen Ke’s abilities were far from fully utilized, and now he was even more convinced. Chen Ke usually didn't say much, but his recruitment of Chen Tianhua showed he had a deep understanding of the talents of the age. It was a move of profound foresight. He quickly added, "Brother Xingtai, we are thirsting for talent like yours. Regardless of anything else, please join us in our common revolution."

"Brother Wenqing, I wonder if your revolution involves the armed overthrow of the Qing?" Chen Tianhua asked.

"Of course, it must be an armed overthrow."

"How do you plan to overthrow them?"

"First, build a base area. Then, expand it step by step. We will follow the path of revolutionary regionalism, then expand the liberated zones, and finally unify China."

"Where will this base area begin?"

"Anhui."

"Anhui?" Chen Tianhua frowned. "If you plan to rise in Anhui, why are you developing in Shanghai now?"

"I need to recruit party members and train cadres."

Chen Tianhua still didn't quite grasp Chen Ke’s logic. "Will it work to gather comrades in Shanghai and then take them to Anhui for a revolution? Isn't that a long detour?"

"I don't plan to rely on the gentry or the merchants. You cannot have a revolution by relying on them," Chen Ke replied. "In the world today, why must we have a revolution? To save China. Xingtai, when we save China, whom are we saving?"

Chen Tianhua thought for a moment. "In the struggle for survival, do we still need to distinguish between 'us' and 'them'?"

"Why has China fallen to such a state? In my view, it isn't just that the imperial court is the problem; the system itself is the problem. If a revolution doesn't overthrow this system and replace it with a new revolutionary one, China cannot be saved. And in today's world, who suffers most under the current system?"

"That... the common people suffer most," Chen Tianhua answered.

Hearing this, Chen Ke felt a slight sense of relief. Since Chen Tianhua began explaining his principles, Chen Ke hadn't quite held the upper hand—he had even been on the defensive at times. But the revolution had to be the people's revolution he envisioned; that was his bottom line. If Chen Tianhua couldn't align with this stance, then no matter how brilliant he was, Chen Ke would only use him rather than truly treating him as a comrade.

"Then let us look at the world today. The Manchu Qing only want to maintain their rule; they absolutely do not want revolution. The gentry want power. No matter how much they talk about revolution, where does their interest come from? They still rely on the old system to gain their benefits. It's only because the old system cannot resist foreigners that the gentry want a revolution for their own sake. Their revolution is merely to overthrow the Qing so they can take power themselves. Thus, the gentry's revolution is merely for self-preservation. The merchants' revolution is purely for profit. Look at the compradors—as long as there is profit, they have no problem making money alongside foreigners. But what about the people? As long as the old system remains, no matter who takes power at the top, the people will surely suffer, living in constant peril. If the people rise in revolution, it is to smash this entire old system to pieces. Until a new system is built where no citizen is poor or bullied, and a new world is established where everyone can live and work in peace, the revolutionary people will never stop."

Having said all this in one breath, Chen Ke pointed to the large vats used for dyeing cloth in the courtyard. "The China of today is like those vats—thick and heavy. The people are like the saplings of great trees pinned beneath them, crushed until they cannot breathe. These vats are filled with all sorts of misery: land rents exceeding sixty percent, usury over a hundred percent. Corrupt officials, wicked clerks, sorcerers, foreign religions—every piece of trash is in there. But to survive, the people must drink the water from these vats. Thus, the saplings that should have become towering trees are suppressed and poisoned, either dying young or growing into twisted monsters. But once this vat is smashed, a new era begins. The saplings can grow freely. Sunlight, air, water—everything the people need will be theirs. Then, these saplings will grow into great trees. We couldn't see the trees before because the vats were in the way. Our revolution is to destroy this old system and open a glorious future for the people's revolution."

This was the first time Chen Ke had analyzed the revolutionary situation so deeply, because the partners he was currently working with were all from gentry, landlord, or comprador backgrounds. Among them was even Hua Xiongmao, a military graduate. If he couldn't first make everyone understand the world and its economy, and instead blindly preached the core interests of the revolution, his small group might well fall apart.

Everyone has their class nature. If comrades cannot gain interests through revolution or find a place for themselves through it, and if Chen Ke as the "revolutionary leader" only demanded they sacrifice and give everything, he didn't believe anyone would truly do it. If such a person existed, Chen Ke would unhesitatingly consider them a madman.

So Chen Ke was always very careful in his actions, guiding his comrades slowly. But Chen Tianhua’s arrival forced him to speak these words. Or rather, Chen Tianhua had already piqued the comrades' interest in revolution and laid the groundwork, allowing Chen Ke to follow that thread into the core issues.

Chen Ke’s knowledge of history was not extensive; he didn't know that Chen Tianhua had participated in the Huaxinghui uprising. He thought Chen Tianhua was merely a brilliant propagandist who studied and went abroad. Thus, Chen Ke thought Chen Tianhua might not accept his words. To his surprise, Chen Tianhua didn't object; instead, he nodded solemnly. "What Brother Wenqing says is exactly right. Hearing this... Mr. Qiu Jin’s high praise for you was truly no exaggeration."

The other comrades had heard Chen Ke speak of revolutionary principles before, but the gap in their understanding had always been too large, like looking at flowers through a fog. Hearing Chen Tianhua made them feel emboldened and excited; he made tangible things clear, the actual situations they had to face. And his solutions seemed very feasible. It seemed as though if they just did it, they could change and save China.

In this mood, after hearing Chen Ke’s words, things that were previously difficult to understand suddenly became clear. But everything Chen Ke said had stripped away the surface of the world to show them the truth. The more clearly they saw the world, the more they felt its simplicity and cruelty, the depth and sharpness of its contradictions. The group's mood shifted from excitement to somberness. For a moment, no one spoke.

"Xingtai, are you willing to serve as our party's Propaganda Minister for now? I am in dire need of talent like yours," Chen Ke asked seriously, ignoring the silence of the others.

"Brother Wenqing, I am willing to join," Chen Tianhua answered without a second thought.