If the conflict between landlords and ordinary people was sharp due to class positions, Chen Ke firmly believed that profound contradictions also existed within the landlord class itself. As soon as external pressure disappeared, the internal struggle among landlords would become sharp and profound. The Chinese landlord class did not have a kind of class self-awareness, so they couldn't have a true political consensus. Of course, even if they had any political consensus, it would be limited by the level of productive forces and couldn't form any real strength.

After Yuan Shikai's death, China fell into a situation of warlord melee. The landlord class could at most bully the common people, while warlords could arbitrarily slaughter landlords. So after having his own armed forces, Chen Ke didn't care much about the landlords' opposition. The reason why he didn't fall out directly now, but adopted the method of divide and persuade, was merely because the stronger enemy, the Manchu Qing, still existed. The "United Front" was to unite the forces that could be united to the maximum extent, striving to let the various factions within the enemy choose a neutral position to the greatest extent in the struggle. Only in this way could the greatest benefits be obtained at the minimum cost through "striking at the diehards."

The facts were as Chen Ke expected. As soon as Shang Yuan threw out the contradictions between landlords, the participating landlords were no longer united. The conflicting emotions between Zhang Pinggui and Lv Youlian were intensified. Although Zhang Pinggui was very clear about Shang Yuan's intention to sow discord, that kind of hostile emotion from the bottom of his heart still couldn't be overcome. And Lv Youlian also didn't have any good attitude towards Zhang Pinggui. Even if Zhang Pinggui wanted to ease the hostile emotions, there was no way.

Shang Yuan struck while the iron was hot and said: "The conflict between you gentlemen has already reached this point. If there is no charter, everyone think about it, what kind of situation will it be when those tens of thousands of people without food and drink make a disturbance? I'll say this upfront: as an official in Fengtai County, I want to protect the territory and comfort the people. If you gentlemen want this official to suppress the people who are about to starve to death, don't even think about it. We should always talk about hidden merit (*Yin De*) when doing things. Saving tens of thousands of people, this hidden merit will definitely be no problem in protecting your safety and the safety of your descendants. But if people starve to death, how will you explain it when you see the King of Hell after death and he asks about it?"

Shang Yuan didn't believe in any King of Hell or little ghosts at all, but most of these landlords believed. More importantly, now the situation was stronger than people. Even if Shang Yuan didn't speak for the common people now, the Insurance Corps clearly wouldn't speak for the landlords.

The so-called "Red Face, White Face" (Good Cop, Bad Cop) was a common means to guide the situation. Ren Qiying was assigned the task of the "Red Face." Seemingly speaking from the landlord's perspective, she was actually completely adding fuel to the flames. When Shang Yuan spoke to this point, Ren Qiying naturally knew how to continue, "Lord Magistrate, you are an official, and we are commoners. As the saying goes, commoners don't fight with officials. No matter how we fight, we lose. Moreover, Mr. Chen Ke has thousands of soldiers in his hands now; we can't beat him either. You say you want constitutionalism, but we don't believe it."

Actually, the biggest characteristic of landlords was that they would compromise in the face of power. Ren Qiying's words spoke out the fundamental thoughts of the landlords. In China, there was basically nothing that could guarantee the interests of landlords. The government and the landlords were not of one mind either.

"Lord Magistrate, Mr. Chen Ke. We are just this few people now. You either have power or have soldiers. We can't match you at all, so whatever you say, it seems we only have to listen. So if you force it, we have no way either. But if you want us to be convinced, just talking like this won't work." The speaker was Liu Jinxue. His nickname was Si Gouzi (Fourth Dog). He had read some books but didn't pass the exam for *Xiucai* (cultivated talent). In the People's Party's investigation report, this gentleman was very keen on an official career and always wanted to speculate and camp.

According to the investigation data, Shang Yuan could roughly guess Liu Jinxue's meaning, "What is constitutionalism? It means everyone discussing everyone's affairs together. My meaning is, let's organize a People's Representative Congress. Elect representatives to discuss major issues. As for this congress, let everyone elect together."

"Lord Magistrate, you are joking. Now the common people all follow the Insurance Corps. If everyone elects, those elected will definitely all be Insurance Corps people. We can't be elected at all. This won't do, this won't do." Liu Jinxue said hurriedly. Hearing these words, the landlords nodded one after another. Although they didn't like Liu Jinxue, Liu Si Gou's, usual style of camping, Liu Si Gou was quite insightful when talking about establishing order now.

"Right, right. If we elect representatives now, those elected will definitely be Insurance Corps people. If none of us get elected, it would be better not to elect." The landlords echoed one after another.

Hearing everyone's support, Liu Jinxue was very happy in his heart. Since he became sensible, he had never received such support from so many "reputable" landlords. Although this was because the landlords had to support him under the urgent situation, this Landlord Liu Jinxue, nicknamed Si Gou, felt as sweet in his heart as if he had eaten honey, and a proud look appeared on his face.

"Then everyone's meaning is, if you can't have a say in this People's Representative Congress, you definitely won't agree?" Shang Yuan asked.

"This..." Liu Jinxue couldn't quite continue. Although the landlords indeed meant this—whether it was constitutionalism or the People's Representative Congress, they must have the right to speak and leadership rights—Liu Jinxue had camped for so long after all, and he knew that thinking about it was fine, but hoping for such things to be realized was dream talk. After hearing Shang Yuan throw out these words, Liu Jinxue knew he certainly couldn't answer like this.

Seeing the sarcastic looks on Shang Yuan and Chen Ke's faces, Liu Jinxue knew he couldn't offend them. But turning his head to see the surrounding landlords looking at him with eager expressions, Liu Jinxue suddenly felt he was forced into a very awkward position. He said this originally to seek a future for himself, and he said those words somewhat involuntarily. Although he didn't know exactly what this "People's Representative" meant, Liu Jinxue intuitively knew this was a position with power, and this position didn't need government appointment and could be obtained now. But with Shang Yuan and Chen Ke in front and the landlords behind, he found himself powerless like a jumping clown.

Just when Liu Jinxue felt in a dilemma, Landlord Liu Yixuan beside him spoke, "Lord Magistrate, if we elect representatives, there must be a rule. Who can be elected and who cannot be elected? You have to give a reason. Let us hear it first."

Liu Yixuan was like Landlord Liu Jinxue; he had always been very keen on muddling along for a government job. Seeing Liu Jinxue jump out, Liu Yixuan also couldn't hold back and spoke.

Shang Yuan smiled slightly; finally, someone took the bait. This was a good thing. The task the Insurance Corps originally assigned to Ren Qiying was to act as this "Red Face" and guide the meeting onto the path prescribed by the People's Party. Unexpectedly, someone volunteered, making it much easier instead. Shang Yuan couldn't help but glance at Chen Ke. Before this meeting, Chen Ke had told Shang Yuan that in the atmosphere of northern Anhui, hoping to "be an official" was an important trend. As long as the bait of "promising an official position" was thrown out, someone would definitely jump out. Shang Yuan actually didn't believe it, but unexpectedly Chen Ke predicted it correctly. This foresight made Shang Yuan admire him very much.

Since someone volunteered to jump out, Shang Yuan naturally proceeded according to the plan the People's Party had stated, "As the saying goes, the Heavenly Spirits comprise thirty-six. I think it's appropriate to elect thirty-six People's Representatives. On the ground, there are workers, peasants, soldiers, students, and merchants. Plus this government office, I think six representatives should be elected from each walk of life. What does everyone think?"

As soon as this plan came out, the participating landlords were all greatly surprised. They really didn't expect Shang Yuan dared to decentralize power so much. "Workers" meant workshops; "Peasants" meant those farming the land; soldiers needless to say, were definitely the Insurance Corps; "Students" meant scholars; "Merchants" meant those doing business. As for the government office, it would definitely be people arranged by Magistrate Shang Yuan. calculated roughly like this, among the landlords, those opening workshops, farming land, studying, and doing business all had people participating. At most, "Peasants," "Soldiers," and "Government" would be monopolized by Shang Yuan and the Insurance Corps. The landlords were confident about selecting their own people for the other three categories.

Just when the landlords felt they were very likely to have an advantage, Shang Yuan threw out a "heavy bomb" again, "Since Mr. Liu Jinxue and Mr. Liu Yixuan understand the great righteousness deeply, it is inconvenient for our government office to occupy six numbers. As long as everyone agrees to establish the People's Representative Congress, our government office will take out two positions and give them to Mr. Liu Jinxue and Mr. Yixuan."

As soon as these words were finished, the conference room immediately exploded with a buzz. Liu Jinxue and Yixuan were mixed with surprise and joy. Just because they echoed Shang Yuan's words, they could obtain two positions in this future "People's Representative Congress." What an opportunity this was! Other landlords couldn't imagine Shang Yuan could be so "enlightened," and they were all tempted.

"Gentlemen of virtue, this official has to consider for you all. Now the natural disaster is so fierce, we are definitely powerless. But outside are tens of thousands of hungry people. These people live precariously. If they make a disturbance, can we withstand it? Forming this People's Representative Congress, with people who have a say and with rules, this official can also give an explanation to these common people. Mr. Chen Ke can also give an explanation to the common people, right?" Shang Yuan continued his persuasion work.

"Lord Magistrate, what you are plotting is nothing more than our land. Whether this People's Representative Congress is established or not, you will definitely use our land. I, a girl, just want to ask one thing: who is this land lent to exactly? Is it lent to the government, or lent to the common people? Or is it lent to Mr. Chen of the Insurance Corps? If this matter is not clear, I, a girl, dare not covet any People's Representative. If the ancestral land is gone, if I die, how can I explain to the ancestors underground?" Ren Qiying spoke. These words were like a bucket of cold water pouring on the landlords' hot hearts, making them calm down.

"Miss Ren said it well. This official dare not make decisions presumptuously. This official would like to ask, who do you gentlemen hope to lend this land to?" Shang Yuan asked loudly.

The landlords looked at each other; this was a big problem. Who exactly to lend it to was a question. Before they could speak, they heard Chen Ke say: "I personally have no opinion on who you gentlemen lend this land to. It's best to lend it to our Insurance Corps. If not lent to our Insurance Corps, lending it to the government is fine, lending it to the People's Representative Congress is also fine. But I must explain first, our Insurance Corps must be responsible for distributing the land. If there are any matters in the future, our Insurance Corps must come forward. If you gentlemen cannot agree to this condition of mine, there is nothing else to talk about."

Hearing Chen Ke's tough attitude, the landlords immediately lost their ideas. Liu Yixuan summoned up his courage and asked: "Mr. Chen Ke, if this land is lent out, can you return it to us? If you don't return it, what should be done?"

"Mr. Liu, what does our Insurance Corps want your land for? Can you tell me?" Chen Ke frowned and asked with a puzzled expression.

"This... your Insurance Corps said, borrow our land for the common people to farm." Liu Yixuan answered cautiously.

Chen Ke slapped the table and said with a slightly aggrieved voice: "Right. We don't want your land. Our Insurance Corps told the common people that taking the land is for the common people to farm, and the grain grown is for the common people to eat. We are not just taking your land now; we want to take all the land to cope with the natural disaster. But not only is your land being borrowed, the common people's land is also being borrowed. What does our Insurance Corps want your land for? If we wanted to seize your land, why would we make such a big fuss? We deceived the common people to support us, and as a result, we snatched your land. Everyone is fellow villagers; if we do this, will the common people support you locals? Or support us outsiders? They will definitely support you locals. If we break faith, the common people will absolutely not recognize it. You must think this point through clearly."

Hearing Chen Ke say this, the landlords realized that the Insurance Corps was not only taking landlords' land but also taking away farmers' land. Understanding this fact, the landlords finally breathed a sigh of relief. If so, if the Insurance Corps broke faith, they would not only be opposed by landlords, but the common people would absolutely not spare the Insurance Corps either. The landlords felt relieved one by one, looking left and right. Although they couldn't be completely at ease, at least they no longer felt they were about to face a catastrophe.

"Since Mr. Chen Ke says so, I, a girl, will tentatively believe it," Ren Qiying smiled, "However, I also know some propriety. I am willing to lend the land to the government and let Magistrate Shang Yuan preside over this matter. Is that okay?"