Hearing Pang Zi explicitly state, "I will not serve Chen Ke as master," Wu Xingchen wasn't surprised. And Chen Ke accepted this without objection and even expressed agreement. Wu Xingchen wasn't surprised either. But seeing the relief shown by Pang Zi and the other Shandong brothers, Wu Xingchen felt a genuine disappointment. However, he couldn't say anything more. If he persuaded Pang Zi to obey Chen Ke as he had in the past few days, Pang Zi would only look at Wu Xingchen with suspicious eyes and ask, "Brother Wu, whose side are you on?"

Wu Xingchen wanted to say to Pang Zi, "Brother, I'm on your side." But Wu Xingchen couldn't say it because he himself was now doubting whose side he was on.

Specifically, Wu Xingchen didn't have much affection for Chen Ke. He knew this, and he knew Chen Ke knew it too, so Wu Xingchen never hid it. Wu Xingchen knew very well that he only joined the People's Party because he was interested in its theories. He also knew very well that Chen Ke knew this. Therefore, this constituted Wu Xingchen's great confusion. If it were in any other organization Wu Xingchen had been in, this would be a big deal. Subordinates having no affection for their superiors and only gathering together based on a common goal was itself a great sin. Subordinates had to try every means to cover up this attitude to survive in the organization.

But the People's Party was different. After staying in this small political party for so long, Wu Xingchen gradually developed a strange feeling: *Does the "People's Party" really want to rebel?* All the political programs and various ideas proposed by Chen Ke were indeed for rebellion. To avoid various possibilities of failure, Chen Ke's measures were very cautious. Wu Xingchen understood and supported this very well. Wu Xingchen felt he completely understood what the "People's Revolution" Chen Ke hoped for was all about. If the revolution could succeed, the People's Party would lead the people to final liberation.

Based on the above understanding, Wu Xingchen was even clearer about the obligations of a People's Party member. And these realizations were where Wu Xingchen felt it was difficult for him to achieve. Yes, if the revolution succeeded, he would become a founding father, a remarkable figure. But compared to what he would have to pay, these were actually nothing remarkable.

When you realize that everything you do is for the people, not for your own fame and fortune; when you realize that all the hardships you have to go through are dedicated to others, then normal people would feel a sense of non-identification. And this was also where Wu Xingchen was most confused. This concept made it impossible for Wu Xingchen to refuse, but Wu Xingchen felt that his dedication happened not to benefit these brothers he cared about. If Chen Ke could point out the specific steps for carrying out the revolution, as long as he could convince Wu Xingchen that these were correct, Wu Xingchen would execute them without hesitation. But Chen Ke didn't. He just told everyone that the world was going to have a revolution and a brand new system must be established. Then came the explanation of these things. Those who had read books were very interested in this, but Wu Xingchen had little interest in these things. What he needed was not these theories; he needed practical methods.

Thinking of this, Wu Xingchen looked at Chen Ke. He couldn't see the slightest regret on this young man's face. Even if this person was angry, he would cover his emotions under a smile. Wu Xingchen had been able to confirm this during his observations over the past few months. But after becoming a People's Party member, Wu Xingchen knew he had basically no loyalty to this party. He had never made any speeches from the perspective of this party's interests. So Wu Xingchen knew that even if Chen Ke had enough methods, he wouldn't eagerly tell Wu Xingchen. Not because Chen Ke had any opinion about Wu Xingchen, but because Chen Ke himself didn't believe Wu Xingchen would really accept them.

Looking again at Pang Zi and the other brothers, except for Chai Qingguo who still looked somewhat uneasy, the others seemed to have finally put down the heavy burden in their hearts. Wu Xingchen frowned. If these people really wanted to rebel, among the people Wu Xingchen knew, only Chen Ke could give these brothers guidance. If Chen Ke gave up on them, then the uprising of these brothers would inevitably end in failure. *Don't these people know?*

At this moment, the sound of a military band playing came from afar. It was precisely "The Beiyang New Army is Advancing" newly arranged by Chen Ke. This music, written by Americans in the style of Soviet music, was actually different from Soviet military music if one distinguished carefully. Soviet military music followed the Orthodox "saint" style. This music in *Red Alert 3* was completely different from traditional Soviet military music only in musical arrangement. It was more ferocious but less melodious. But to the ears of current Chinese people, it fit the momentum of a tiger and wolf army. The others in the tent heard this tune for the first time. After listening to the first time, Pang Zi laughed, "They even blow musical instruments (funeral instruments) for fighting." Hearing this witty remark, several people laughed heartily. Chen Ke also laughed a few times. Wu Xingchen, Chen Tianhua, and Chai Qingguo didn't laugh.

It seemed the military music had been approved by the Beiyang Army commander. After playing twice, the military music stopped, and soon there was a sound of people shouting and horses neighing. When this commotion ended, "The Beiyang New Army is Advancing" played again. Not only that, there seemed to be an accompaniment beat like clapping hands. Chen Ke listened carefully; that was the sound of infantry squares marching.

Pang Zi also heard this unusual movement. He asked curiously, "What's going on? How about we go out and take a look?"

"Not allowed to go out. This is a military camp; running around will cause trouble." Wu Xingchen shouted at Pang Zi to stop.

Looking at Wu Xingchen's serious demeanor, Pang Zi replied grumpily, "Understood." But Pang Zi didn't care too much about this. He knew Chen Ke brought them here to dampen their spirit. That is, to beat them with the "killing prestige stick" (a warning/intimidation tactic). Pang Zi had heard storytelling in Cangzhou; when Lin Chong entered prison, he had to take a beating with the killing prestige stick first. This kind of thing couldn't fool him. Moreover, Pang Zi didn't really blame Chen Ke for this. After seeing the military appearance of the Beiyang Army with his own eyes, Pang Zi really felt a shock. On this point, he admitted what Chen Ke said during the lecture a few days ago: if fighting head-on, the rebel army was definitely not the opponent of the Beiyang Army.

In Pang Zi's view, what Chen Ke wanted was to subdue these brothers of his, and then Chen Ke would issue orders to them. Wu Xingchen seemed to have already followed Chen Ke, speaking good words for Chen Ke everywhere. *Back then, we were pitted so miserably by those scholars sent by the Manchu princes; hasn't Wu Xingchen learned his lesson? At that time, it was Wu Xingchen who first saw that the Manchu Qing was unreliable and that running away was the best of the Thirty-Six Stratagems. Only then did we escape with our lives. How come Wu Xingchen is worse than before now, actually being deceived by Chen Ke, this scholar?* Pang Zi planned to find time to have a good chat with his "Big Brother Wu" to make him understand. The ones who were reliable were still his own brothers, not those outsiders. Only one's own brothers would treat each other sincerely and not let their own people suffer losses. Only by hooking the appetites of these people would they give you good things. *Isn't it like this with Chen Ke? This Chen Ke treats us to meals, helps pay back meal money, and takes everyone to see the actual situation of the Beiyang Army. Isn't it just because of everyone's Jianghu reputation?*

Pang Zi glanced at Chen Ke proudly. *I just made it clear that I won't serve Chen Ke as master, but doesn't Chen Ke still have to listen? Dealing with these scholars, you just can't give them any benefits.* Pang Zi suddenly thought, *This Chen Ke doesn't look poor. I just rejected his face; such scholars love to hold grudges. I should give Chen Ke some face these two days, and then when Chen Ke is triumphant, squeeze him a bit. It's also good to extort more money from Chen Ke. Besides, Chen Ke also said that if you want to pull a group of brothers, it's definitely not okay without money and grain. Does Chen Ke need to say such nonsense? But this is also a very good excuse. Since Chen Ke supports my rebellion, then please give money and grain.* Thinking of this, Pang Zi glanced at the other brothers again. *This matter must be discussed properly with the brothers. I can't do it alone.*

Thinking he had successfully suppressed Chen Ke, although Pang Zi tried hard to suppress his mood, in Chen Tianhua's view, the joy on Pang Zi's face couldn't be hidden at all. Chen Tianhua was exactly 30 years old today. In terms of worldly wisdom, he had seen more than Pang Zi, not less. This little trick couldn't fool him at all. What made Chen Tianhua feel elusive was Chen Ke's expression.

Since knowing Chen Ke, Chen Tianhua couldn't grasp Chen Ke's emotions at all. If it were someone else, they would often be excited and beaming when reasoning. When doing specific things, they wouldn't be so high-spirited. But Chen Ke was different from others. When he did things, that serious attitude could really be said to be full of concentration. Working with Chen Ke had always been very relaxing. But when reasoning, Chen Ke always had a solemn attitude, simply deliberate.

Chen Ke should be well aware of these practices of Pang Zi. It could be seen from Wu Xingchen's expression that Wu Xingchen understood, and Chen Tianhua understood too. Logically speaking, Chen Ke should also understand. But for some reason, Chen Tianhua felt that Chen Ke didn't seem to understand what Pang Zi's practice meant at all. Such an unfathomable attitude really puzzled Chen Tianhua. If Pang Zi was indulged in doing this at this time, it meant giving up the revolutionary situation that might be expanded in the north. If following the consistent attitude of Huang Xing and Song Jiaoren, they couldn't give up such a good opportunity. But Chen Ke's current actions clearly showed he wanted to give up. Chen Tianhua wanted to remind Chen Ke that doing so was inappropriate.

But at any rate, Chen Tianhua had basic judgment. One couldn't talk nonsense in the Beiyang Army's barracks. If someone heard something, it would only bring danger. He could only wait until returning to Beijing to discuss this matter with Chen Ke. Thinking of this, Chen Tianhua really couldn't help wanting to hold a Party meeting now. The People's Party had so many meetings; the daily regular meetings made everyone feel a bit bored. But after Pang Zi and the others came, the three People's Party members in Beijing hadn't held a real Party meeting yet. Many things were just being implemented without communication, which made Chen Tianhua feel really unbearable. Forcing down his mood, Chen Tianhua sat there without saying a word.

After another good while, the military music finally stopped. Waiting a bit longer, the Beiyang Army should start returning to camp to rest. The camp began to lively up from far to near. Sounds of walking, shouting, and entering and exiting tents became more and more frequent. Suddenly the tent flap opened, and Pu Guanshui strode in. As soon as he entered, he laughed, "Brother Wenqing, many thanks. The military music this time was well received. Finally, even Lord Yuan was alarmed. He sent someone to say that there will be a marching parade tomorrow."

"What did Lord Yuan say?"

"He said this tune is mighty and majestic, worthy of the Beiyang New Army. The day after tomorrow is the parade. He specially asked to make some time tomorrow morning to let one town of the Beiyang Army have a temporary parade first to get familiar with the military music."

"Oh? Then Brother Pu is going to be famous." Chen Ke joked with a smile.

Unexpectedly, hearing this, Pu Guanshui just sighed. "We go back tomorrow morning."

Seeing Pu Guanshui like this, plus these words, Chen Ke could roughly guess that Pu Guanshui's superior wanted to swallow the credit alone. If Pu Guanshui continued to stay here, in case Yuan Shikai got to the bottom of it, he would definitely call Pu Guanshui to him to praise him personally. Sending Pu Guanshui away early, the credit could definitely be swallowed alone.

"Brother Pu, it wasn't easy to make the trip. Can we go take a look secretly?" Chen Ke said with a smile.

"I'll arrange this." Pu Guanshui didn't seem too willing to let his efforts go fruitless like this; he agreed readily. He went out again and had someone bring some straw and marching bedding. "It's a bit simple. After all, we are away from home; please make do. When we return to Beijing, I'll be the host and treat everyone to a meal." In the end, Pu Guanshui didn't want to lose his status either.

Nothing happened overnight. The next day, Pu Guanshui arranged for everyone to go to a small high ground early. Although it was a bit far, the Beiyang Army's parade could still be seen clearly. Moreover, there were some sentries here guarding. With them around, a lot of trouble could be avoided. A Military Assistant personally came to arrange and instruct the Beiyang Army sentries; the sentries naturally agreed readily. Moreover, having checked that Chen Ke and the others didn't carry any weapons, the sentries naturally didn't want to cause trouble.

After waiting for not long, troops began to assemble on an open space far away from the high ground. The rumbling sound of footsteps came from far to near, making Pang Zi and the others dare not make a sound. Storytelling loved to say "Once troops exceed ten thousand, they are boundless and endless." Looking down from a height, seeing tens of thousands of people lined up in dense formation, this stretched out for more than a *li*. The Beiyang Army was considered the best-trained army in China at the time after all. Tens of thousands of people stood there, but no one made a noise; the entire military formation was silent.

The military band was in the center of the team. Opposite them was a mound of earth, which looked like it was temporarily built with new soil; the color was quite different from other places. After a while, several officers riding white horses galloped past the front of the formation. Next, a few horses galloped back and stopped on that mound. The military band began to play "The Beiyang New Army is Advancing," and teams of the Beiyang New Army passed the mound in turn.

Last night, Pang Zi ridiculed the Beiyang Army for "blowing funeral instruments." Now watching teams of soldiers marching in step with his own eyes, Pang Zi's face changed completely. Thousands upon thousands of soldiers marched with a unified pace. That spirit, combined with this murderous military music, was truly majestic.

The watching crowd didn't dare to stand and watch holding horses like last time. This time they all lay on the hillside, only exposing their heads. The vibration of the goose-step marching came from the ground; everyone's tactile nerves could feel it. Pang Zi felt a truly earth-shaking flavor. The thought of competing with the Beiyang Army that originally remained in his heart was completely abandoned. He knew that with just these ten thousand or so people pressing over like this, not to mention anything else, even if Uncle Jing Tingbin led those tens of thousands of people back then, seeing such a scene would probably scare many people away. The longer he watched, the more Pang Zi felt scared afterwards. The memories of fighting with the Beiyang Army a few years ago also came back more and more. Fortunately, the Beiyang Army didn't have so many people back then. If the military strength was so abundant back then, Pang Zi certainly couldn't have escaped.

Chen Ke wasn't afraid at all. Having seen several shocking National Day parades, with this little movement of the Beiyang Army, Chen Ke felt it was just at the level of college military training formations. Back then, colleges hadn't expanded enrollment yet; a class of students was only two thousand or so, but compared with the Beiyang Army, they were by no means inferior.

The only thing that Chen Ke felt had some flavor was the cloaks on those officers riding white horses. They fluttered when the horses ran, quite aesthetic. *Should I dress officers like this when the Red Army is built in the future?* But Chen Ke quickly denied this thought. The characteristic of the Red Army was one word—"rustic" (*tu*). This was certainly related to the lack of financial resources to produce better equipment at the time, but this "rustic" characteristic made it easier for the masses to accept this army. *Think about it, if the Red Army were all in woolen coats, woolen breeches, and long boots, could the common people regard such an army as their own sons and brothers?*

This was a temporary parade. The troops went directly towards the exercise ground. Tens of thousands of people quickly left cleanly. The sentries also withdrew. Not knowing if it was because they lay down for too long or were scared, Chen Ke saw that when Pang Zi and the others got up, their legs were a bit weak.

What should be seen was seen. The group returned to the military camp, led the horses, and embarked on the return journey.

On the way, Pang Zi and the others deliberately kept a distance from Chen Ke. Chen Ke also wanted to recruit Pu Guanshui. Without Pang Zi and the others mixing in, it was convenient. Although Pu Guanshui had his credit snatched away, this was normal in the Beiyang New Army. Moreover, according to official documents, he was now the Vice Commander of the Anhui New Army. A Commander (Canling) naturally didn't count for much in the Beiyang New Army, but this was Beijing after all. In Anhui, this Commander title was definitely a high-ranking officer that could be ranked.

"Wenqing, once I leave Beijing, there won't be many opportunities to meet. It wasn't easy to meet a character like Wenqing; I really don't want to leave like this."

"I don't want to separate from Guanshui so early either. But saying meeting is not easy may not be true."

"How so?" Pu Guanshui became interested.

"I want to go to Anhui next year. Since Guanshui is also in Anhui, we brothers can meet often."

"Really? If Brother Wenqing goes to Anhui, you must come find me."

"If I find you, I definitely have something to beg at your door. And I definitely will beg at your door; you must not find me annoying."

"Being able to help Wenqing, I can't ask for more. If you have something and still don't find me, that would be unkind."

After chatting for a while, everyone discussed the issue of the army again. Pu Guanshui came from a regular military academy after all. Chen Ke's level was just finishing *The Art of War*; he hadn't even finished reading *On War*. His military knowledge was all from the Red Army and the PLA, which was completely inappropriate for this era. Talking about the military discipline of the Red Army, Pu Guanshui laughed, "Wenqing, you are just armchair strategy, purely a scholar's view. Who doesn't know the importance of military discipline? But who can really make military discipline like the Yue Family Army, 'freeze to death without tearing down houses, starve to death without looting'? Although the Beiyang Army's military discipline is good, don't forget, this is fed by large sums of gold and silver. Without the court's military pay, heh heh."

Chen Ke knew this was true. Even the Red Army and the Eighth Route Army still had military pay. And because they didn't eat empty pay (embezzle pay for non-existent soldiers), the Red Army and Eighth Route Army's military pay was even more than the actual income of the Kuomintang army. Moreover, after arriving in Northern Shaanxi, the backbone of the Eighth Route Army were elites tempered by the Long March elimination. Looking through Chinese history, or even human history, there was arguably not a single army tempered in such a difficult environment. Trying to form such an army in this era was really a bit of an extravagant hope for himself.

Seeing Chen Ke silent, Pu Guanshui thought his words were a bit heavy. He comforted him again, "Wenqing's statement is not unreasonable. But China's problem now is industrial backwardness; armaments cannot be produced by ourselves. If we fight with foreigners in the future, if they cut off the supply of arms, this would be a big deal. But domestic military industrial enterprises have limited production capacity; I have always found this a headache."

Seeing Pu Guanshui say this, Chen Ke simply talked to Pu Guanshui about foreign industrial construction. This catered to Pu Guanshui's thoughts. Pu Guanshui was a layman in this aspect. Listening to Chen Ke's simple explanation of profound things, Pu Guanshui was quickly completely attracted. Chen Ke had been lecturing for so long and was familiar with talking about these things, so it was nothing to him. But for Pu Guanshui, he already had an excellent impression of Chen Ke. Now listening to Chen Ke's narration, he only felt that the problems that had troubled him for a long time were explained clearly one by one. His good opinion of Chen Ke rose rapidly.

Chen Ke stopped with a dry mouth and drank a bellyful from the water bottle. Pu Guanshui suddenly asked solemnly, "Wenqing, what do you plan to do in Anhui?"

"Do some business."

"Then what help do you need from me?"

"I plan to set up some factories and organize a caravan. Without Guanshui's help, these will definitely not work."

"How about this: seeing you are so familiar with industry, after you arrive in Anhui, simply contact a group of people to engage in arms manufacturing. After I arrive in the Anhui New Army, I will have some status at any rate. As long as your things are good, Wenqing, I will definitely buy yours. I will definitely let you make money. As for organizing a caravan, it actually requires military backbones. When the time comes, you find the people, and I will help you train them. I will definitely not let Wenqing down. I won't take a cent of your money for training."

Hearing this, Chen Ke was really happy. In the interactions these days, Chen Ke could feel that Pu Guanshui hadn't reached the age of corruption yet, so his nature still hoped to achieve a career. Since he said so, he should do so. Chen Ke quickly said, "Great kindness needs no thanks. Guanshui has such good intentions; I can only say I will absolutely not let you down, Guanshui."

"Own brothers, congenial, why say these things. But Wenqing, I still don't quite understand the 'linked production' you just mentioned; Wenqing, you have to explain it in detail."

On the way, Pu Guanshui asked countless questions. When staying at the inn, he insisted on staying with Chen Ke. Upon returning to Beijing, he immediately wanted to treat Chen Ke to a drink. Chen Ke politely declined. The two sides agreed to meet at noon the day after tomorrow. Only then did they part.

Returning to the residence, Pang Zi and the others were also tired from the journey and went straight to sleep. Chen Ke, Wu Xingchen, and Chen Tianhua didn't go to sleep. They carefully closed the door, checked that no one would disturb them, and then officially convened the first meeting of the Beijing Party Group.