"Comrades, since Wenqing has completed the task of the party organization, I would like to propose for discussion the next work arrangements for the Beijing Party Group," Shang Yuan announced at the party meeting.

The people below had different expressions. Some looked forward to the organization's assignment of work with enthusiasm, some felt indifferent and just listened quietly, and one or two looked as if they were ready to watch a joke.

Looking at everyone's different expressions, Shang Yuan naturally knew what was going on. He had seen too many such people. Even these comrades enthusiastic about revolution, coming from the old era, inevitably had habits of the old era. In their habits, interests and status were still very heavy. Looking at the comrades, Shang Yuan suddenly remembered the discussion with Chen Ke a few days ago. Chen Ke thought these people might as well just stay in Beijing. They might not be able to withstand such hard work if they went south. Shang Yuan thought Chen Ke was right. Judging from now, there were indeed a few people here who were very inappropriate.

The first discussion was about Chen Ke's work arrangement. Shang Yuan suggested that Chen Ke should not go out for activities anymore but concentrate on Party class education. Shang Yuan would arrange the subsequent work of how to contact Yuan Shikai.

Chen Ke was the initiator of the Beijing Party Group; Shang Yuan had always advocated this. Even a few days ago, Shang Yuan publicly stated that in terms of learning and revolutionary theory, Chen Ke was Shang Yuan's teacher. Unexpectedly, after Chen Ke finished contacting Yuan Shikai according to the arrangement of the Party Group, Shang Yuan immediately began to issue orders, letting Chen Ke lecture. This was a naked seizure of power. If nothing unexpected happened, Chen Ke would definitely counterattack.

Contrary to those people's expectations, Chen Ke had no resistance at all. He nodded, "Comrades, I think at this stage I should concentrate on lecturing. I am completely in the dark about affairs in Beijing and can't intervene. Besides, I have no intention of long-term development in Beijing at all, so there is no need to do this useless work. I will obey the resolution of the party organization."

Such a statement surprised everyone quite a bit. Some people began to ponder what exactly Chen Ke meant. This "obey the resolution of the party organization" was quite intriguing. *Whatever the party organization asks Chen Ke to do, Chen Ke will do? Even if asked to move bricks and mix mud, would Chen Ke accept it calmly?*

Next was the voting. The result was eleven votes in favor and two against. The opponents were Chai Qingguo and Zheng Wenjie. Shang Yuan asked Chai Qingguo to explain the reason. This was the first time Chai Qingguo spoke in front of a group of officials. He put on a look of a die-hard loyalist of Chen Ke and said, "Mr. Chen met Yuan Shikai. If Mr. Chen washes his hands of it later, and Yuan Shikai wants to see Mr. Chen, what should we do?"

Words could be said like this, but things were completely not done like this. The others present were either proficient in officialdom or knew some officialdom. Chai Qingguo's speech made many people reveal some malicious smiles on their faces. But no one spoke; everyone's eyes fell on Chen Ke and Shang Yuan's faces. Chen Ke felt he failed in doing things; Chai Qingguo's idea was understandable, but the method was completely wrong. Chen Ke should have communicated with Chai Qingguo before the meeting. But on second thought, this was also a good opportunity to let Chen Ke understand what attitude the comrades of the Beijing Party Group had towards organizational discipline.

"Qingguo, I'm not completely ignoring this matter. But regarding what purpose to achieve by contacting Yuan Shikai, everyone has the final say."

Chai Qingguo didn't quite understand this. Chen Ke was the leader; why did he have to listen to everyone's opinion? Doing things should be discussed with everyone, but Chen Ke delegating power like this, didn't he become a runner underneath? How could he be the leader? But Chai Qingguo finally straightened his position. Since he decided to follow Chen Ke, and Chen Ke had already explicitly expressed his stance, he should listen to Chen Ke. He nodded, "Since Mr. Chen says so, I change my vote to agree."

Such a wise performance surprised many people. Except for Chen Ke whose academic background was somewhat unclear, all these party members had "fame/merit." Originally, everyone didn't quite understand why Chen Ke brought a crude fellow. Not only did they look down on Chai Qingguo, but they also underestimated Chen Ke along with him. But seeing Chai Qingguo spoke wrong words but could correct them immediately, this breadth of mind was also quite commendable. Consequently, they also had some respect for Chen Ke.

Zheng Wenjie obviously wanted to watch a joke. He voted following Chai Qingguo, originally harboring no good intentions. Unexpectedly, Chai Qingguo gave up just like that. He was also straightforward and said directly, "I actually just wanted to see this Brother Chai make a joke, and then join in the jeering. Since Brother Chai is so straightforward, I was wrong."

This Brother Zheng Wenjie was so frank that Chen Ke wasn't angry at all. Not only Chen Ke, but several participants couldn't help laughing out loud. Hearing these words and laughter, Chai Qingguo immediately flew into a rage. He stood up abruptly. Chen Ke grabbed Chai Qingguo's shoulder and pulled him back to his seat.

"Brother Zheng, you have to explain this matter clearly." Chen Ke's voice was very serious. Bringing things to the table to talk about was a good thing. But since it was brought to the table, there must be a public conclusion.

"I have met this Brother Chai. I was in Shandong in the Gengzi year, and I fought with Brother Chai." Zheng Wenjie said with a solemn expression. "At that time, Brother Chai led a team of cavalry and charged out forcibly. He is also a talent. But since Brother Chai is a Boxer bandit, I don't think Brother Chai really wants revolution. He doesn't understand revolution. I originally wanted to wait for trouble to start, and finally, Brother Chen, you would have to let Brother Chai leave. But I was wrong; I underestimated Brother Chai. Then I'll say it straight now: because of different political views, Brother Chai is not suitable to be in the party organization."

Everyone originally thought Zheng Wenjie was just playing a prank, but it turned into a mess. Hearing such fierce words, no one picked up this topic anymore.

Where did the superiority of the new-style political party lie? Its superiority lay in the fact that the new-style political party was centered on political views; people with the same political views formed the new-style political party. While China's political organizations at the current stage were centered on economic interests or political interests. This was Chen Ke's narration in the Party class. These participants all believed this line of thought was very correct. Since it was a correct theory, just execute it according to this theory.

Zheng Wenjie now raised the issue of political stance, and even Chen Ke couldn't refute it. He knew Chai Qingguo was not a suitable party member at this stage. Although the Beijing Party Group hadn't held an initiation ceremony yet, obviously, the group members' level was quite high. Zheng Wenjie's view was not only agreed by himself.

"I request a vote, voting on whether Brother Chai should continue to participate in our meeting." Zheng Wenjie said loudly.

There was silence in the venue; everyone looked at Chen Ke. Since the person was brought by Chen Ke, and Chen Ke hadn't spoken yet, everyone had to give Chen Ke some face and let him express his stance first.

Chen Ke knew what he should say; there was no other choice. As a party member, one must obey the resolution of the party organization. This was what Chen Ke said to everyone when explaining the party organization's program. Just as Chen Ke wanted to speak, he saw Chai Qingguo stand up trembling with anger. "I'll go now; no need for you to drive me."

Chen Ke pulled Chai Qingguo back to his seat again. "Brother Chai, you are a member of the party organization. Only when the party organization asks you to leave can you leave. If the party organization asks you to stay, you must stay. You leave just because you say so; are you still a member of the party organization?" After saying these words, Chen Ke felt like he was slapping his own face. In Shanghai, Chen Ke actually expanded the party organization through the mode of auditing and then gradually pulling people in. But he didn't consider thoroughly and followed the same pattern in Beijing, unexpectedly encountering such a result. Chen Ke didn't hate Zheng Wenjie; Zheng Wenjie did nothing wrong.

Chai Qingguo was so angry that his face turned iron-blue; the emotions of humiliation and shock after being wronged were revealed completely. But the more so, the less he would receive tolerance from this political structure of the party organization. Chen Ke suddenly understood a bit about what the so-called "suffering political grievances" back then was all about. The party organization said mold you round, and you were round; mold you square, and you were square. You still had to wait here for the organization to make a decision.

And his thoughts didn't just stop there. Suddenly, Chen Ke felt he could understand personnel struggles and crazy retaliation. When Chairman Mao launched various movements back then, he repeatedly emphasized that "Rectification is not rectifying people." And under Chairman Mao's prestige back then, various things emerged one after another. This only guaranteed the bottom line of not killing people in rectification. Now the grudge between Chai Qingguo and Zheng Wenjie was formed. How high a quality would it take to "smile away gratitude and hatred when meeting" in the future? In the future, once a rectification movement started, in case Zheng Wenjie fell into Chai Qingguo's hands...

"Start voting," Shang Yuan said.

Twelve votes against, one vote abstained. Chai Qingguo could no longer participate in the Beijing Party Group meeting. The abstention vote was cast by Chai Qingguo; needless to say, this was definitely the best proof of "resentment." The party organization was so ruthless. Even knowing one was destined to be expelled, one still had to genuinely move closer to the party organization. One couldn't resist passively. Chen Ke knew all this, and only knew it. Today he completely understood what organization was all about.

After the voting ended, Chai Qingguo left the venue. That depressed back figure was completely different from the performance of the usual bold and uninhibited Shandong man. Watching it made Chen Ke feel bitter.

After such an incident, the meeting immediately entered a new realm, and everyone perked up. Work distribution proceeded quite smoothly. Chen Ke was responsible for lecturing, and others also had their own duties. Before Shang Yuan left Beijing, the goal of the party organization was to recruit as many personnel as possible, especially members who could be sent to Anhui. After Shang Yuan left, the party organization not only had to complete the transportation of personnel but more importantly, carry out the transmission of intelligence.

"Asking me to go revolution with real swords and guns, I can't do it. In the future, Anhui will be the Party Central Committee; I absolutely obey the decision of the Party Central Committee. But now I can only do intelligence work in Beijing. I can't do anything else." Zheng Wenjie said frankly.

There were quite a few people who agreed with his idea.

After the meeting adjourned, Chen Ke immediately went to find Chai Qingguo. This meeting lasted a long time. When Chen Ke saw Chai Qingguo, Chai Qingguo had already packed his luggage. Seeing Chen Ke, this Shandong hero didn't get angry. "Mr. Chen, I am not on the same path as these people. Regarding the matter of asking you to send a few scholars mentioned last time, I dare not mention it again. I'm going back to Shandong now."

"Brother Chai, if the brothers of the Boxers discussed things like this back then, do you think we would have been beaten like that by the Beiyang Army?" Chen Ke held Chai Qingguo's hand and asked.

"The brothers of the Boxers wouldn't treat their own brothers like this," Chai Qingguo said angrily.

"So the brothers of the Boxers failed. If we want to succeed in the future, then we must have such organization and discipline." Chen Ke still wanted to persuade Chai Qingguo one last time.

"Letting a brother leave the meeting like this, I can't do it." Chai Qingguo couldn't understand.

"Everyone just asked you to leave the meeting, not to leave Beijing. Brother Chai, in a while, I will go to Anhui. I want you to go with me very much; will you go?" Chen Ke made a final effort.

"Mr. Chen, you are a good person." Chai Qingguo issued a "good person card" to Chen Ke first. "But I also have face. Asking me to muddle along under those people, I can't do it." Chai Qingguo spoke his mind.

Words having reached this point, Chen Ke naturally couldn't say anything more. He sighed and took out all the money from his pocket. Fortunately, Chen Ke hadn't gone out much these days, and there was no place to spend money. The dozen silver dollars in his pocket were all there. He stuffed all of these into Chai Qingguo's hands. "Be careful on the road."

After Chai Qingguo left, Chen Ke was somewhat depressed. Chai Qingguo went back to launch a rebellion; without correct theoretical guidance, the result could be imagined. Chen Ke only regretted this, but it was limited to regret. For people of high quality, there was no need to complain about such things at all. Chen Ke always felt that if a person's quality was high, emotions would degenerate to a considerable extent. The further you could see the problem, the more you would find that many things were destined to happen. Who had the leisure to be sad for those tragedies that would inevitably happen?

Chairman Mao said, "A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained and magnanimous. A revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another."

Besides silently wishing Chai Qingguo could "turn ill luck into good luck, turn danger into safety," Chen Ke had no other way.

After this meeting, Chen Ke had been lecturing. Shang Yuan didn't let Chen Ke lecture foolishly because the capital was a strange place where rumors and news traveled extremely fast. For example, the third day after meeting Yuan Shikai, He Ruming actually ran to the honeycomb briquette factory early in the morning to visit Chen Ke. After Shang Yuan finished discussing the process of visiting Yuan Shikai with Chen Ke, he told Chen Ke that a wave of officials would come to visit in the next few days. Then Shang Yuan moved the location of the Party meeting from the dormitory of the honeycomb briquette factory to a residence in the capital. Chen Ke's Party class was held in another house near the factory.

He Ruming was considered one of the initiators of the honeycomb briquette factory at any rate, and he had gained a lot of benefits from Chen Ke during the founding process. Chen Ke hoped a little that He Ruming came to talk about money. Unfortunately, He Ruming just chatted a few sentences casually, then said with a strange smile, "I heard Wenqing visited Lord Yuan a few days ago?"

*What the hell does it have to do with you?* Chen Ke thought. But on the surface, Chen Ke said with a serious look, "Lord Yuan took time out of his busy schedule to receive me. It was truly a great honor."

"Does Wenqing know that Lord Yuan and Mr. Yan Fu are close friends?" He Ruming continued to ask.

Chen Ke knew some of these old stories. As his relationship with Qin Tongren got closer these days, Chen Ke heard Qin Tongren introduce many things. When He Ruming's father, Old Master He, was in Tianjin, he was quite close with Yan Fu and Yuan Shikai. Back then, both Yan Fu and Yuan Shikai were reformists. In Tianjin, they formed a "Reform Salon" with a large number of reformists. Old Master He was also considered an important figure. According to Qin Tongren's inference, Yan Fu's books should originally have been sent to Old Master He, not He Ruming. At first, when Chen Ke learned that He Ruming had received Yan Fu's books, he thought He Ruming was a character. Unexpectedly, he made such a big mistake. Chen Ke felt somewhat unhappy.

"I know a little about this." Chen Ke deliberately didn't pick up this topic.

"When my father was alive, he was quite close with these two lords." He Ruming didn't avoid suspicion at all.

"Is that so?" Chen Ke pretended to hear it for the first time.

"So, Wenqing and I are close family friends (generations of friendship)." He Ruming laughed.

It seemed He Ruming came this time to connect the "old friendship" between the He family and Yuan Shikai through Chen Ke's relationship. Chen Ke felt this was very normal, so he perfunctorily said a few words. Seeing Chen Ke's attitude was acceptable, He Ruming was quite happy. Visiting Chen Ke this time was actually suggested by He Qian. Yuan Shikai was a recognized member of the Empress Party, consistent with the He family's political faction. But for some reason, Old Master He didn't like Yuan Shikai very much. During the Gengzi Incident, the relationship between Old Master He and Yuan Shikai cooled down. After Old Master He passed away, He Ruming couldn't renew the relationship no matter what. Although Yuan Shikai was desperately recruiting people, he turned a blind eye to the He family. So He Qian felt it was logical to use Chen Ke's relationship. Seeing Chen Ke didn't mean to refuse, He Ruming was quite happy.

After He Ruming left, several officials came one after another; they were all Yan Fu's old friends. The purpose was basically the same as He Ruming's: to make friends with Chen Ke. A few days later, suddenly someone came to report that an official surnamed Sheng came to visit. The Party Group had discussed who would come if there was official contact? The discussion result was that if it was someone from Beiyang, it would either be Yuan Shikai's direct line, which should be Yang Shiqi's subordinate, or a subordinate of Sheng Xuanhuai, the "No. 1 Economy Man" of Beiyang.

Shang Yuan spoke at the Party Committee meeting, believing that since everyone's goal was to create a new political system, there was no need to pay attention to the messy things of the old era. The only thing to note was that if it was someone assigned by Sheng Xuanhuai, they must leave room for future meetings. Sheng Xuanhuai had considerable influence in Anhui. Before building the base area, there was no need to offend this person. Before completely raising the banner of rebellion, Sheng Xuanhuai could still provide a lot of support. Sheng Xuanhuai was a figure who accomplished quite a bit in Chinese history. He was a reformist, founded and operated industries such as shipping, telegraph, textile, coal and iron mines, railways, etc., during the Westernization Movement, founded banks, and opened modern Chinese universities. He was also considered a big shot.

Shang Yuan even believed that as long as they could connect with Sheng Xuanhuai, they could even consider matters in Anhui now.

Shang Yuan pondered for a long time before saying this. Generally speaking, people who could say this were either close friends or had ulterior motives. What finally made Shang Yuan make this determination was Chen Ke's words in the Party class.

The Beijing Party Group provided a lot of information. Although Yuan Shikai and Sheng Xuanhuai seemed to be in the same boat now, the private struggle between Sheng Xuanhuai and Yuan Shikai, especially the conflict over the management rights of the "Shipping and Telegraph Companies" starting in 1901, was quite subtle.

Like Yuan Shikai, Sheng Xuanhuai was also a backbone of Beiyang. After Li Hongzhang died in 1901, the former Beiyang transformed into the later Beiyang hosted by Yuan Shikai. The succeeding Minister of Beiyang was Yuan Shikai. At that time, Yuan Shikai and Sheng Xuanhuai cooperated very intimately because of consistent political views. But when Sheng Xuanhuai's father died in 1902 and he went home to "observe mourning," Yuan Shikai began to intervene in the "Shipping and Telegraph Companies" hosted by Sheng Xuanhuai. "Shipping and Telegraph Companies" referred to the two new enterprises founded by Beiyang: shipping and telegraph. They had always been hosted by Sheng Xuanhuai.

Regarding honeycomb briquettes, up to now, the daily profit was far higher than expected. Chen Ke once thought there would be some manual workers competing. As a result, he miscalculated. In these times, there were constraints from handicraft guilds, and it wasn't easy for handicraft workers to change professions to production. More importantly, people of this era were not adapted to fierce competition. The situation of knockoffs flying everywhere in the 21st century didn't happen at all. Plus, Chen Ke investigated from the beginning and suppressed the price very low, firmly pressing the bottom line of handicraft workers. The efficiency of mechanical production was simply not something handicraft could confront. Low price, sufficient supply, plus stable users. Honeycomb briquettes could sell 30,000 pieces a day, and the sales volume was 60,000 *wen* (cash) per day. Plus repairing stoves and selling furnace tiles, the income was quite high. And users were still increasing steadily. If it could be popularized in both Tianjin and Beijing, there should be no problem with daily income exceeding 200,000 *wen*. This was a business of more than one hundred thousand taels of silver a year. And the investment was quite low. Just a few factories. Compared with investments of tens or hundreds of thousands of taels at every turn, this was nothing at all. If it could be promoted in several big cities in Hebei, or even in places with conditions nationwide, this income would be boundless. But this is a later story. No need to consider it now.

At this stage, honeycomb briquettes were just a small trick, so Yuan Shikai shouldn't look at them. As a gesture of goodwill, it was very possible to let Sheng Xuanhuai operate it.

This Official Sheng was a nephew of the Sheng family, in his thirties, chubby, looking quite amiable. Of course, because he should know Chen Ke's background, maybe that's why he was so amiable. Not knowing if it was luck or something else, He Ruming visited again not long after. Chen Ke simply treated both of them to a banquet.

At the banquet, Official Sheng informed them that the honeycomb briquette matter was currently done privately by Chen Ke and the others. Beiyang's meaning was that it had to be registered. Government operation was impossible because it involved too many procedures. Since it involved coal, it would be classified under the Beiyang Shipping Company. Just negotiating a "contribution" (*baoxiao*) value to the court would allow operation. Moreover, Official Sheng stated that the amount of "contribution" could be discussed slowly.

Since it had to be "discussed slowly," that meant it depended on Official Sheng's attitude. Whatever he said went. Chen Ke didn't understand the tricks in between very well either. He simply said directly that he didn't understand. But if there was anything he could serve, he would absolutely not refuse.

Official Sheng chuckled, "Brother Wenqing, I heard you have a batch of medicine to send to Lord Yuan. I dare not ask for Lord Yuan's things. However, do you have any extra prepared..."

Both sides finally agreed that Chen Ke would provide 200 portions of medicine to Official Sheng for "trial." Chen Ke emphasized that this medicine was highly toxic. Official Sheng laughed, "We all know about this medicine. My home is in Tianjin city; someone in my family knows this medicine. Brother Wenqing's reminder, I know it is Brother Wenqing's kindness."

Words having reached this point, Chen Ke couldn't say anything more. However, after He Ruming heard this, his face didn't look too good.

After discussing business, everyone started chatting idly. talking and talking, they informed each other of their situations. Learning that Chen Ke was 25 years old and not yet married, Official Sheng laughed, "So old, you should get married early. If Wenqing has a girl from a family you like, I'll help Wenqing propose marriage."

Speaking of this, Chen Ke suddenly thought of He Qian and couldn't help glancing at He Ruming. Official Sheng was really cunning; he pondered for a moment and suddenly laughed, "Could it be that Wenqing has taken a fancy to Lord He's daughter?"

Chen Ke was startled. He couldn't help asking, "Brother Sheng, how did you know?"

"I was guessing before, but now I know," Official Sheng laughed.

He Ruming looked embarrassed, and Chen Ke also felt he had made a slip of the tongue. Official Sheng saw everyone was embarrassed, so he didn't say much more about this issue.

The banquet dispersed, and Official Sheng was sent off. Chen Ke didn't know how to explain either. But he heard He Ruming suddenly say, "Wenqing, do you know you have caused big trouble?"