Training the Heavens

Chapter 331 Meeting Yixian Again
"I hope to see you again in Solvay at the next meeting!" When he was about to leave, Lang Zhiwan and Madame Curie came to see him off.

"I hope so. I also want to communicate with you often. Unfortunately, it is too far from China to Europe. I also have teaching and research work to do, so I may not be able to spare the time." Zhang Xingjiu said helplessly.

"I heard that there has been a revolution in your country and the corrupt barbarian rulers are about to end their rule. I hope your country will get better soon. If I have time, I would also like to visit your country." Lang Zhiwan offered his warm blessings.

"If the time is right, I will send a telegram to invite you over." As he said this, the train was about to depart. Zhang Xingjiu boarded the train and waved goodbye to them from the window.

After drifting on the sea for more than a month, Zhang Xingjiu returned to Shanghai in mid-December. At this time, the domestic situation had undergone new changes. As soon as they met, Ma Xiangbo excitedly introduced them to him.

The world's dissatisfaction with the Qing Dynasty had lasted for many years, and the Wuchang Uprising quickly ignited this fire. Many provinces, especially some provinces in the south that had longer contact with the outside world, more open minds, and stronger revolutionary forces responded quickly. In a short period of time, the Qing court lost control of half of the country.

The Qing court had no choice but to re-employ Yuan Shikai, hoping that Yuan Shikai could continue to maintain the rule of the Qing court like Zeng Guofan. However, when Zeng Guofan suppressed the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, some people tested whether he had the intention to seize the throne. What's more, the Qing court's ruling power is even weaker now?
Yuan Xiangcheng had no intention of dying for the Qing court. Previously, the Qing court had sent him home like a beggar, and now they wanted him to take the blame when things got tough. How could such a good deal happen?
Moreover, the Qing Dynasty was about to collapse, and it was a time for competition among the people. If he was lucky, he might even be able to conquer the world. On the one hand, he acted like a loyal minister of the court and stabilized the Qing Dynasty. On the other hand, he took a positive attitude and contacted the revolutionaries.

The inexperienced revolutionaries were indeed fooled. They thought that as long as a republican government was established and a Han Chinese became the president, the revolution would be successful, and there would be no big deal about a ceasefire and peace talks with the north.

So Wang Jingwei and Yang Du each represented one side and jointly formed the "National Freemasonry" to discuss matters such as the union of the North and the South, forcing the Qing emperor to abdicate, and electing Yuan Shikai as the president. The South was also preparing to nominate a representative to compete with Yuan Shikai for this position. After much discussion, it was found that only Sun Yat-sen was qualified.

"Mr. Yixian is now preparing to return to China from the United States by boat. He will arrive in Shanghai in a few days. By then, major issues will be settled, and China will also usher in a new life. Perhaps it will become as prosperous and strong as Japan." Ma Xiangbo was very optimistic about the current situation.

Zhang Xingjiu couldn't help but pour a bucket of cold water on him. "I don't think so. Looking at the revolutionary history of countries around the world, either the old class was eliminated through war or after a long period of evolution. Even if the North and the South can unite to force the young emperor to abdicate, the old forces will still exist and they will still hinder China's progress towards a modern society."

It's not that he deliberately wanted to make his father-in-law unhappy. If Ma Xiangbo was just his father-in-law, he could just say a few nice words to please him. But he is also the president of Aurora University, responsible for the future of thousands of teachers and students, so he has to think further ahead.

"I heard that Jiangsu only used bamboo poles to remove a few eaves tiles from the main hall of the governor's office as a sign of revolution. The provincial advisory councils are still mostly composed of landlords, gentry, merchants, or old bureaucrats. They still control the military, financial, and personnel power."

Zhang Xingjiu also cited several familiar figures as examples. "Given the current situation, even if the North and South unite and the president replaces the emperor, they'll still have the final say in Shanghai's education sector. Do you think they'll change their attitude and strongly support our school just because we're now the Republic of China?" Ma Xiangbo hadn't reacted to the previous big talk, but after hearing these specific names, he finally realized the situation wasn't as optimistic as before. He quickly asked, "Does that mean a successful revolution is meaningless?"

"Yes, and it's of great significance! It's been two thousand years since the First Emperor unified the six kingdoms. The founding of the Republic of China has shown the people that the world can still function without an emperor! Once people's wisdom is awakened, it's not easy to close it off again! The change from an imperial system to a republic is already a huge improvement, and it will also allow us to have a more relaxed environment for running schools. However, we can't become careless and think we can rest easy!"

"That's true. It's a new dynasty and a new atmosphere. Even if they refuse to change their ways, they shouldn't go too far at the beginning." Ma Xiangbo finally regained some smile on his face.

After sharing a bunch of bad news, Zhang Xingjiu also revealed a bit of good news. "I met Mr. Yixian when Zongwen and I were on a lecture tour in the United States. We've kept in touch ever since. I even received a telegram from him before returning to China. He wanted to invite me to serve in the new government, but I declined. I still only want to do research and run a school. I have no interest in participating in politics."

Sun Yat-sen offered Zhang Xingjiu the position of Minister of Education, but Zhang Xingjiu knew that this position would not be of much use to him. Of course, this did not disappoint Sun Yat-sen too much, so he immediately transferred a sum of money to him so that he would have more money in his pocket when he returned to China, which would make it easier for him to do his work.

"However, I've discussed many ideas about education with him before, and he's very supportive. He himself has received a modern education, so if he becomes president in the future, he will definitely make greater progress in education than the Qing court did. Our Aurora University will also have a great opportunity for development. Let's first make Aurora University a success, and if we have spare capacity, we can consider other things."

"You are not impulsive at all despite your young age, but it's good this way. Let's make preparations first, so that it won't be in vain in the future." Ma Xiangbo accepted Zhang Xingjiu's proposal.

Zhang Xingjiu muttered to himself that after several worlds added together, his mental age had long been over a hundred years old. If he was still impulsive, then at this age he was really living a useless life.

A few days later, the passenger ship carrying Sun Yat-sen arrived in Shanghai. The dock was crowded with people, including revolutionaries, passionate young people, and even local gentry and old bureaucrats who came here to welcome him.

When Sun Yat-sen appeared at the top of the gangway, deafening cheers immediately rang out at the scene, which was truly what everyone expected.

Going down the gangway, Sun Yat-sen shook hands with the prominent figures one by one. At the same time, he spotted Zhang Xingjiu in the crowd and quickly stepped forward to shake his hand. "Mr. Zhang, I'm glad to see you again."

(End of this chapter)