Qiu Jin was worried that Chen Ke's blunt rejection of Mr. Ma Xiangbo's invitation would trigger Yan Fu's displeasure. She placed her right arm on the table beside her, seemingly relaxed, but her body sat perfectly straight, and a hint of anxiety involuntarily surfaced on her face. Yu Youren also looked somewhat irritable. Mr. Ma Xiangbo had asked him to invite Chen Ke to lecture, and even Yan Fu had come forward. He had thought it should be a very easy matter, but it was rejected clearly and plainly by Chen Ke. The reason for refusal was actually that Chen Ke couldn't get away because of his own affairs. So he couldn't go to lecture.

It wasn't that Yu Youren couldn't accept this reason; what he couldn't accept was Chen Ke's attitude. Generally speaking, one should always decline tactfully, not reject bluntly.

In comparison, Yan Fu remained calm and composed, and Chen Ke still wore that sincere smile on his face. The two looked at each other for a moment. Only then did Yan Fu ask, "Wenqing, do you really not have any time at all?"

"Indeed, I don't right now. I won't be free until four months later."

"For something like lecturing, it would be fine if Wenqing just went and spoke. It would also let Mr. Ma have an explanation for the students."

"Mr. Yan, for someone of your great learning, as long as you speak, your words become the law, and you won't overstep the rules. I haven't finished my studies yet; it's merely the opinion of one school. Zengzi said, 'In planning for others, have I been unfaithful? In intercourse with friends, have I been untrustworthy?' Last time it was me lecturing myself; even if there were problems, it was my own lack of scholarship. Now I have my own plan; doing my best is already walking on thin ice. If I force myself to go lecture again, it would be nothing but unfaithful and untrustworthy."

Hearing Chen Ke actually use words from the *Analects*, Yan Fu smiled slightly. But he heard Chen Ke continue, "I respect Mr. Ma very much, so I will absolutely not be perfunctory about matters Mr. Ma instructs. It is truly beyond my ability."

Hearing this, Yan Fu couldn't help but laugh. "Since Wenqing says so, I cannot force someone to do what is difficult for them. I will reply to Mr. Ma about this matter."

Since Yan Fu said this, although Qiu Jin and Yu Youren felt it was a pity, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But they heard Yan Fu ask, "Looking at the equipment on Wenqing's side, presumably that specific medicine is produced here?"

"Exactly."

"There is one thing I don't understand; could Wenqing enlighten me?"

"Please speak frankly, Mr. Yan."

"Wenqing published the molecular formula of the specific medicine. As far as the domestic situation is concerned, I'm afraid only Wenqing's family can produce it. But abroad, there are probably thousands or tens of thousands who can produce it. Why did Wenqing let the foreigners gain an advantage for nothing? Could it be that the Great Qing shouldn't even produce a single medicine itself?"

Yan Fu's tone was still amiable, but the content of his words was already very dissatisfied. Chen Ke truly didn't expect Yan Fu to care so much about this matter. Qiu Jin and Yu Youren finally somewhat understood Yan Fu's purpose in coming here. Yan Fu himself naturally had no good feelings toward foreigners, and Chen Ke's actions had triggered Yan Fu's dissatisfaction.

"Mr. Yan, when I made this medicine, I didn't know you yet. As a commoner holding this medicine, I would naturally be spied on by those with intentions both inside and outside China. With just me earning money here, I don't know how many people would want my life. I couldn't handle it. If I had had someone with your distinguished reputation and noble character to back me up at that time, I naturally wouldn't have been afraid. Even if I gave this medicine to the country, it would be fine if I just had a little income. But I didn't know people of your kind, and although this medicine can save lives, its reputation is very bad. Ordinary people are jealous of my profit on one hand, and disdainful of me on the other. As everyone inclines, I also have to survive."

Yan Fu stared at Chen Ke, as if wanting to see Chen Ke's true thoughts from his straightforward gaze.

"I published this prescription, so those with intentions can naturally go make the medicine themselves. Moreover, those buying the medicine feel that I at least have the hardship of practicing medicine, so they won't go so far as to take my life. I saved my little life and have a slight income. I don't feel I had any other choice. As for the opinion of an upright gentleman like you about me, even if dissatisfied, you wouldn't go so far as to take my life. So I couldn't care about so much."

This was said cutely; Qiu Jin couldn't help covering her mouth and chuckling softly. Even Yan Fu sighed gently in resignation to suppress his smile. "Wenqing makes it sound pitiful."

Chen Ke replied with a smile, "The Sage teaches that one cannot cherish one's body when doing things. When I made this medicine, I didn't sleep for days and never took off my clothes except for bathing; these were all easy. But Mr. Yan, I can't want money over my life."

Yan Fu had already accepted Chen Ke's explanation. After hearing Chen Ke's last words, he couldn't help laughing out loud. Not only Yan Fu, but Qiu Jin and Yu Youren also nodded in agreement.

"Wenqing is well-versed in the ways of the world and answers fluently. I wonder which family you come from?" Yan Fu asked.

"This... when I left home, my parents said I was not allowed to report my family background. I cannot answer this matter."

"So that's how it is; there are difficulties." Hearing this, Yan Fu just nodded and didn't continue to ask about this matter. "Wenqing flattered me quite highly just now. I actually have a suggestion; would Wenqing care to listen?"

"Please speak frankly, Mr. Yan."

"I have old ties with the Shanghai Daotai Yan Shuxun. I could actually go lobby him to open a joint government-merchant pharmaceutical factory. Wenqing can make medicine boldly; presumably, no one will dare to make things difficult for Wenqing again."

Hearing this, everyone was quite surprised. Yan Fu's suggestion made it clear he wanted to help Chen Ke. Given Yan Fu's status, showing such care for a stranger probably implied some hidden meaning.

"Mr. Yan, I actually have a request."

"Please speak."

"There is no problem with opening a pharmaceutical factory, but for the civil side, Mr. Yan must be asked to come forward. All shares belong to Mr. Yan, and the matter of making medicine will be done by me. If dividends are distributed, I will take however much Mr. Yan gives me. If Mr. Yan cannot agree to do it this way, I cannot agree to the matter of jointly running a pharmaceutical factory."

Chen Ke's answer greatly exceeded Qiu Jin and Yu Youren's expectations again. Yan Fu, however, had long experience in officialdom and knew Chen Ke's meaning. He pondered for a moment before sighing, "Wenqing is truly clever."

"I'm just trying to save my little life. If not for the presence of someone like you, Mr. Yan, even if you gave me several guts, I wouldn't dare to participate in such a thing."

"Then I will notify Wenqing when I have news. I'll take my leave for today." After Yan Fu finished speaking, he stood up.

"Please wait a moment, Mr. Yan." Chen Ke took a book out of the drawer and wrote a few words on a piece of paper. "This is *Tianyanlun* written by you. Please sign your great name on it." After speaking, Chen Ke handed both the book and the paper to Yan Fu.

Yan Fu glanced at the book and immediately felt good will. This book had obviously been flipped through many times; the cover and the edges of the pages were a bit blackened from touching. The corners of the book were also somewhat worn round. But it happened to be very neat, without any creases or damage, showing that the reader cherished it extremely. He saw three characters written on the paper: "Qi Huishen."

"Who is Qi Huishen?" Yan Fu asked.

"It's that friend of mine just now. You also saw him; he admires you very much. He has read this book countless times."

Yan Fu smiled, walked to the table, picked up the writing brush Qi Huishen had just used, and waved the brush to write "Kept by Mr. Qi Huishen, presented by Yan Fu" on the title page. Then he got up and left. When passing through the courtyard, the young people already knew the famous Yan Fu had come. Seeing him come out, everyone lined up left and right, sandwiching the group in the middle, and greeted Yan Fu one after another. Yan Fu nodded to everyone with a composed expression; this demeanor was indeed not something Chen Ke could compare with.

Chen Ke and Qiu Jin saw the two to the street corner. Before parting, Yu Youren said, "Xuanqing, I'm currently living at Fudan Public School. Please come for a chat when you have time, Xuanqing."

Qiu Jin nodded in agreement, and the two sides parted. The students watched Yan Fu's figure disappear around the street corner, and seeing Chen Ke walk back, they ran back into the courtyard one after another.

Returning to the room, they saw Qi Huishen holding the book and blowing gently on the undried ink. He looked overjoyed. Seeing Chen Ke come in, he carefully put the book down and said repeatedly, "Many thanks, many thanks!"

Chen Ke laughed, "Get to work!"

Qiu Jin and Chen Ke sat down again. Only then did she ask, "Wenqing, why didn't you agree to Mr. Ma's invitation?"

"Sister Qiu, Tianhua said you knew he brought twenty-some people back."

"Mm."

"Look, there are dozens more people in the courtyard. Just lecturing these comrades, I'm already busy to death. Moreover, our Huangpu Book Society is about to organize a social investigation. I simply don't have time to go to Fudan's side."

"Social investigation? Investigating what?"

"The first social investigation is about the population situation in Shanghai. Where do they all come from, what do they rely on to live, and what plans do they have?"

"Uh?" Qiu Jin didn't understand this very well.

"Revolution requires knowing why we revolt. Without knowing what China really looks like now, how can we know how to revolt? We must understand the situation of the people. Oh, let me introduce you; this Comrade Qi Huishen is the leader of the research group for this social investigation."

Qi Huishen and Qiu Jin exchanged greetings. After a few casual polite remarks, he continued writing things.

Seeing Chen Ke looking slightly tired, Qiu Jin laughed, "Just now Wenqing answered Mr. Yan Fu fluently and was in high spirits. Why are you wilted now?"

"People like Mr. Yan Fu aren't easy to talk to. Talking to him, you have to gather your spirits." Chen Ke wiped his face and sighed. "The Master said: 'The superior man is easy to serve and difficult to please. If you try to please him in any way which is not accordant with right, he will not be pleased. But in his employment of men, he uses them according to their capacity.'"

Qiu Jin knew Chen Ke's national studies weren't too rotten, but hearing such bookishness dropped, she was rather unaccustomed to it. Fortunately, Chen Ke provided an explanation immediately.

"Mr. Yan came this time to see my capability. Whether to go lecture or not, and that matter of making medicine, were not the main purpose of his trip at all. I'm actually not a person who pays much attention to etiquette. having to cooperate with Mr. Yan's pace just now tired me to death."

Hearing this, Qiu Jin just smiled. Qi Huishen looked up slightly and glanced at Chen Ke. Chen Ke grinned at Qi Huishen. Qi Huishen buried his head and continued writing the draft. Although he suspected why Chen Ke wanted to say these relatively confidential words to Qiu Jin, Qi Huishen believed in Chen Ke. He knew Chen Ke wouldn't do things recklessly. Whatever doubts he had could be raised at today's Party meeting. He wasn't in a hurry for the moment.

After Chen Ke finished analyzing Yan Fu's purpose, Chen Tianhua happened to finish lecturing. The reunion of the three was naturally a joyous occasion. While everyone went out to eat together, Yan Fu had already arrived at Ma Xiangbo's home. On the way, Yu Youren had tried to talk to Yan Fu about today's matters, but Yan Fu replied with a few faint sentences and didn't have the attitude to continue talking. Yu Youren didn't dare to say much either. The two arrived at Mr. Ma's place in silence. After reporting the result of this trip, Yu Youren left tactfully.

"Jidao, having seen Chen Ke, how do you feel?"

"He was currying favor with me." Yan Fu put aside the demeanor that made Yu Youren dare not speak just now and replied relaxedly.

"Oh, for a big shot like you, he naturally has to curry favor." Mr. Ma made tea himself and poured it for both of them.

"When I saw this person, I remembered *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* on the way. Cao Cao evaluated Yuan Shao: 'He cherishes his life while doing great things, and forgets his life when seeing small profits.' This Chen Ke is only twenty-five, but he has the look of a hero." After the evaluation, Yan Fu told Mr. Ma Xiangbo about today's events in detail. Mr. Ma had never had any interest in such intriguing matters, so he didn't care much listening to it.

When Yan Fu finished speaking, he asked faintly, "Then how does Jidao plan to treat this Chen Wenqing?"

"Mr. Xiangbo, when you saw me last time, you said you felt this Chen Ke would inevitably bring chaos to the world. Why is this?"

Mr. Ma Xiangbo thought for a moment before saying, "There is a volume in his book that talks about the change of social systems, pointing directly to current malpractices, and speaking obscurely, absolutely never mentioning the word 'revolution.' But as long as one believes his book, one is bound to want to overthrow the imperial court. I have heard the arguments of many revolutionaries; although they are also patriotic, if you think further according to what they say, you can always see their extreme selfishness. Although Chen Ke's book is the opinion of one school, when used to interpret ancient and modern Chinese affairs, it holds water and has no flaws. Most importantly, it is unexpectedly without selfishness. Let alone the future, just now, the students are already discussing it heatedly. Many people have already begun to discuss how to overthrow the court. What kind of industrial country should be built after overthrowing the court? Sigh..."

Yan Fu nodded. "That Chen Ke knows when to advance and retreat, doesn't covet small profits, has excellent scholarship, and his bearing is also quite unusual. However, if it were a peaceful era, even if he wrote this book, he might not be able to do much. But now that the chaos of the world is already established, Chen Ke's heart in writing this book is clear for all to see; even his parents didn't dare to let Chen Ke report his family background. Moreover, I see that quite a few young people have gathered at his place now. Once these people learn Chen Ke's book, they will absolutely not let the matter rest with the court. Heh heh, there's no need to say more about what that Chen Ke wants to do."

Hearing Yan Fu's unkind tone, Mr. Ma Xiangbo asked somewhat worriedly, "Jidao, you wouldn't be thinking of going to..."

"The Boxer Calamity, and the court executing those six people, was already acting against the tide. I will absolutely not go to inform on him. This person Chen Ke writes books and establishes theories, gathering a crowd; as long as he is allowed to occupy land, it will be great chaos immediately. However, Mr. Xiangbo, I have already decided to take Chen Ke as a disciple. I take him as a disciple not for myself. First, I actually want to lend him a hand and see what exactly he can achieve. Moreover, Chen Ke needs something from me now, so he has to listen to some of my restraint. Second, if he really becomes a force, there will bound to be some critical moments in the world in the future. When that time comes, I will have to say something no matter what. With the status of his teacher, presumably, Chen Ke will listen to a thing or two."

The idea of taking Chen Ke as a disciple was first proposed by Mr. Ma Xiangbo. But he didn't expect Yan Fu to make up his mind so quickly. Mr. Ma Xiangbo was somewhat puzzled. "The matter of taking him as a disciple can be planned slowly; Jidao doesn't need to be anxious."

Yan Fu shook his head slightly. "This person Chen Ke is rather like Liu Bei; looking benevolent and righteous, he is actually a formidable ambitionist of the world and will absolutely not be willing to stay under others. If it were someone else, with Mr. Xiangbo's invitation, they would come up themselves no matter what. But that Chen Ke disdains this. Although his words were polite, he refused to borrow Mr. Xiangbo's name in the slightest. If I plan slowly, Chen Ke will definitely not be willing to cast himself under my gate. If I use other methods, that Chen Ke is very shrewd and may not fall into someone else's trap. Moreover, I actually don't know how to play these little tricks either. I might as well ask him to be a disciple openly and aboveboard. Chen Ke needs something from me now and will certainly not refuse."

Seeing Yan Fu speak decisively, Mr. Ma knew he had already made up his mind and began to worry about Yan Fu instead. He sighed deeply, "This is me implicating Jidao."

"Mr. Xiangbo speaks too heavily. Based on Chen Ke's words and deeds today, he is not yet enough to be my disciple. In the days to come, I will go to his place often to have a look. Only if he is truly 'straightforward and loves righteousness, examines people's words and observes their countenances, and is humble to others' will I take him as a disciple. If he is merely a person who 'assumes the appearance of virtue but acts in opposition to it,' then the matter of taking him as a disciple need not be mentioned again."

Mr. Ma Xiangbo was well-versed in national studies. He knew that the conditions Yan Fu put forward were actually Confucius's standards for a distinguished gentleman. Yan Fu started as the chief instructor, or dean, at the Beiyang Naval Academy and worked his way up to the principal of the Beiyang Naval Academy. He was very strict with students. Since he decided this today, he would absolutely not be lax in examining Chen Ke. The Sage's requirements for a distinguished gentleman were no more than this. Ma Xiangbo actually felt that Chen Ke might not be able to pass Yan Fu's inspection, and he felt somewhat relieved.

The two chatted about Fudan Public School for a while longer before Yan Fu rose to take his leave.

Walking on the road, Yan Fu felt somewhat guilty. There were some words he didn't dare say too much for fear of worrying Mr. Ma Xiangbo. Starting from the Nanyang Navy, Yan Fu had experienced hardships on the road of serving the country and had many failures and painfully etched memories.

Especially with the destruction of the Beiyang Navy in the First Sino-Japanese War, Yan Fu almost had thoughts of suicide. Only later did he write the book *Tianyanlun*. In the Gengzi year (1900), the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded Tianjin. In the early morning of June 17, the invading army captured the Dagu Forts, and then large numbers of troops marched into Tianjin. On the morning of the 27th, a force mainly composed of Russian troops poured countless shells. The Tianjin Machinery Bureau, founded in 1868, subsequently became a battlefield. The Naval Academy within the walls of the Machinery Bureau, along with the Machinery Bureau it was located in, was destroyed by the flames of war. Thus, a Machinery Bureau with huge investment and painstaking management for over 30 years and a Naval Academy managed for 20 years were all destroyed by the hands of foreign powers.

When the Beiyang Naval Academy was destroyed, Yan Fu was the principal. When forced to leave the school amidst the rumble of cannon fire, Yan Fu's face was covered in tears. At this time, the Old Buddha (Empress Dowager Cixi) had already taken the Guangxu Emperor and court ministers on a "Westward Hunt" (flight). Yan Fu had to flee to Shanghai and live in Changkangli, Zhabei. From then on, he began a life of running north and south, eating wherever he could.

However, Yan Fu later heard that the expectant Chiliarch Zong Yongde "knew he could not defend it, and fearing the gunpowder would aid the enemy, he dismissed the guards, ignited the gunpowder himself to burn the storehouse, and died with the enemy." He still had some vague impression of that officer; it seemed he had a big beard and a burly figure. He was introduced once by someone unknown at some time but hadn't spoken. This low-ranking officer could sacrifice his life for righteousness, yet he himself and the "Empress Dowager" and "Emperor" residing at the top of the Qing dynasty ran fast, escaping with their lives.

Afterward, Yan Fu's official career never recovered. Not only did the Westernization faction lose power, but he himself also had some intention of self-exile. In these few years, Yan Fu repeatedly pondered the path to save the country but always felt he couldn't grasp the main point. Even if schools were run, so what? Even if the Self-Strengthening Movement was launched, so what? The court was defeated again and again. China could never find the road to the future.

But reading Chen Ke's *The Inheritance of Chinese Culture and the Rise of Materialism*, Yan Fu finally saw a clear road being pointed out. Yan Fu was a master of national studies; he saw very clearly that there was much sophistry in Chen Ke's book, and even places where he clearly knew it was wrong but glossed over it. Regarding these places, he actually felt that for a twenty-five-year-old youth like Chen Ke, having such attainments was already very extraordinary. Lack of scholarship would inevitably lead to sophistry. But after listening to Chen Ke's lectures a few times, he thoroughly understood that Chen Ke's discussion of China was merely raising a banner for his own theory; Chen Ke focused on the future, not the past. In Chen Ke's class, this young man depicted the blueprint of a future industrial China clearly.

Mr. Ma Xiangbo hadn't gone to listen to Chen Ke's lectures, so he didn't know. Moreover, Mr. Ma Xiangbo had never been an official after all; he was merely a scholar running schools. Presumably, he wouldn't understand even if he listened. The students below the stage were the same.

Yan Fu had been an official all the way, from south to north, from factories to schools, and had also stayed in the court. He understood. Chen Ke had spoken so clearly and plainly about the blueprint of a new country, a new government, and even many specific operations. Among the people in the full house, Yan Fu believed that probably only he could truly understand.

That Chen Ke must be a descendant of some high official or noble family in the court. Yan Fu understood very well why Chen Ke mentioned today that "parents didn't allow me to report my family background." When Chen Ke rebelled, it would definitely not be a small skirmish. It would definitely shock the world. If his background were known, his family would inevitably face execution of the entire clan.

But Yan Fu didn't care about these anymore. In his youth, he went to the Royal Naval College in the UK with Liu Buchan, Lin Taizeng, Jiang Chaoying, Fang Boqian, He Xinchuan, Ye Zujue, Sa Zhenbing, Huang Jianxun, Jiang Yezhi, Lin Yingqi, and others. His classmates had already died in battle in the Yellow Sea. As the principal of the Beiyang Naval Academy, how many of his students had died for the country? He didn't even know the names of these people or where they died in battle. "Jiawu (1894)! Gengzi (1900)!" He, Yan Fu, perhaps should have died long ago; the reason he dragged out his ignoble existence until now was only because Yan Fu still hoped to see China's revival.

Whether Chen Ke rebelled wasn't important to Yan Fu. What Yan Fu worried about was whether this young man Chen Ke could build a new industrial China as he said. As long as this goal could be achieved, Yan Fu felt he would die without regrets.

Recalling today's meeting, Yan Fu saw very clearly that facing Mr. Ma Xiangbo's invitation, Chen Ke wavered for just an instant. Although it was only an instant, Chen Ke recovered himself and withstood the temptation.

"Chen Wenqing, can you really persist on that road you wrote yourself? Can you turn what you wrote into reality? I'd like to see if you are worthy of being my disciple," Yan Fu thought to himself. But he knew that the sentence he really wanted to say to himself was another simple one: "Don't let me be disappointed again."