The Heroic Age of the Late Qing Dynasty

Zhang Yinghao slammed his fist on the table and said, "Shanghai is now a city of sin, a devil's city!"

"Yes, in the bustling Shanghai, a city full of foreign concessions and extravagant money, being a teenager and working in a factory is considered a big kid. There are many younger child laborers, even those as young as five or six, and even those under ten. These factories often start work at dawn and don't get off work until seven in the evening or later. Lunch time is not counted as working time, and there is no such thing as a day off. Working from morning till night, you hardly see the sun all year round, and it always feels dark. You can only eat moldy and spoiled potato chips and cornmeal, and you have to bring your own lunch every day in a lunch box. When the weather gets hot, you have to cover yourself up and eat it anyway. So these workers basically have gastrointestinal problems. These workers work day and night, and they are exhausted. "Adding to this chronic malnutrition, they're extremely thin, their hair and teeth have almost all fallen out... Because most of them live in the concessions, where they enjoy extraterritoriality, we can't intervene right now, and we don't know much about their situation. But according to what the union has learned, at the Meihe Trading Company, for example, child laborers are frequently brutally beaten by foremen. Some are even struck on the head with clubs, others suffer ear tears, perforated eardrums, and deafness. Sexual assaults are also common. In the half-dozen areas we sent undercover to investigate, we witnessed at least one serious incident of violence every day. Our comrades wanted to organize workers to resist, but the workers were apathetic. If they hadn't escaped in time, they would have been beaten to death, their bodies drowned in the Huangpu River..."

Zhang Yinghao had thought himself hardened, able to face the harsh realities of this era with composure and absolute composure. But after seeing these statistical reports, his hands couldn't help but tremble with anger.

Miserable, it's so miserable! Difficult, it's so difficult! This is not a life for human beings at all!

It's no wonder that the proletarian revolutionary movement of this era is surging. It's either erupting in silence or dying in silence. Unfortunately, before the world proletariat united to overthrow the bourgeoisie and build a new world, the bourgeoisie had already become one.

This also illustrates the greatness of the founding of the Soviet Union. It not only broke the bourgeois domination of the world and announced the birth of a new social system to the world. It was also a great inspiration and impetus for the international proletarian revolutionary movement and the liberation movement of oppressed nations, providing a reference and guidance for the spread of socialism and the development of the international communist movement. The establishment of the Soviet Union ushered in a new era for mankind to explore the path of socialist development and is regarded as the beginning of modern world history. The proletariat of the world should indeed be grateful to the Soviet Union and should not forget its roots.

Bao Shilin finally said: "Chairman, I think we should immediately begin to liberate Shanghai and seize this bridgehead for the Western powers to invade China. Although I know that the Chairman has his own plans and plans, but... to be honest, I would rather bomb Shanghai into ruins than let the foreigners continue to occupy it and let so many people continue to suffer."

Chapter 5: Second update!

Zhang Yinghao saw that Bao Shilin's young brow had deep wrinkles and a trace of worry between his eyebrows. He immediately stood up and patted Bao Shilin's shoulder to comfort him. He didn't expect Bao Shilin to have such a compassionate side. Zhang Yinghao knew that Bao Shilin really wanted to liberate Shanghai and save the people who were suffering there. After reading the information, Zhang Yinghao could completely understand Bao Shilin's feelings. Born in such a fucked-up era, except for the dignitaries, the big landlords and the comprador class, who didn't suffer?

Glancing at Bai Guangliang, Zhang Yinghao spoke in the calmest possible tone, "Bombing Shanghai into ruins is a bit too extreme. But liberating Shanghai should definitely be put on the agenda. Perhaps I was wrong before. However, there are over 100,000 foreign troops in Shanghai now, and the unions shouldn't take action. So, let's target the financial industry. The foreign powers are about to unite and wage war against us. Tomorrow, we'll spread the news of the foreign powers' invasion of China, and then artificially start a bank run in Shanghai. We'll use this opportunity to see if we can deal with the comprador families, and ideally, resolve the issue of the banks in China."

Zhang Yinghao suddenly realized, "Oh my goodness! I told you Bao Shilin wanted to liberate Shanghai, but he must have other motives. He's been laying the groundwork for so long, and he's been waiting for me here!"

"Chairman, I think so too."

However, Zhang Yinghao didn't care, so he asked: "Then are you prepared?"

"We have made some preparations, but doing so could cause severe damage to Shanghai's economy and leave a devastating mess."

"If we can deal with a bunch of big compradors and resolve the problem of the great powers' banks in China, then everything will be worth it. Contact the propaganda and intelligence departments. All departments must work closely together. This patriotic movement and bank runs must spread from Shanghai to cities like Nanjing, Qingdao, Yantai, and Tianjin. Seize the opportunity and severely damage the influence of the great powers in China."

"Chairman, there is also the issue of the plague. It first occurred in the Gansu Road area of ​​Zhabei, Shanghai. Two people died of the plague, and then the plague spread throughout Shanghai.

Mr. Chairman, you are aware that Europeans harbor a deep-seated fear of plague. The Black Death, which nearly devastated Europe in the 14th century, is still fresh in our memory. The panic of the great powers can be imagined, especially when their inspections unexpectedly revealed outbreaks along Alabaster Road and Beishan West Road. The concession authorities hastily activated a comprehensive set of emergency measures.

To disinfect the epidemic area, foreign police were urgently dispatched and brutally forced nearby residents and businesses, whose livelihoods were threatened, to relocate. The foreign inspectors, who conducted house-to-house inspections, made a poor impression. They barged into homes as if they were their own, regardless of gender, causing panic among women. While setting mousetraps, inspectors criticized the filthy and untidy living conditions of the Chinese, sometimes engaging in physical violence. These actions by the foreign powers infuriated the Chinese community.

As a result, the health quarantine launched by the concession authorities gradually developed into an accusation by the Chinese people against the foreign powers for violating their sovereignty. Thousands of people immediately blocked the quarantine, and the Municipal Council's disinfectant truck was also smashed, causing temporary chaos. The Municipal Council saw the situation and dispatched a large number of police officers to suppress the situation and arrested 32 rioters.

To prevent and control the plague, the Municipal Council insisted on implementing a punitive "Quarantine Regulations," convening a special meeting of taxpayers in the International Settlement. The regulations included strict penalties for failure to report infectious diseases, refusal of family members of patients to move out, and obstruction of vaccination. Even more stringent were the regulations: only one person could live in a 40-square-foot (approximately 4.5 square meter) apartment, with a 25 yuan fine for any additional occupants. Because the public lacked scientific knowledge and understanding of epidemic prevention measures, this regulation, which was beyond their understanding and living standards, greatly aroused public resistance to quarantine. Even now, while the epidemic in Shanghai has been largely brought under control, cases continue to occur.

The plague was actually one of the reasons that delayed the great powers' attack on the liberated areas. Not to mention that the soldiers arriving in Shanghai needed to be quarantined and observed, the troop transport ships at sea also slowed down, greatly reducing the speed at which the great powers' soldiers gathered in Shanghai.

Zhang Yinghao, upon learning of the plague's arrival, did one crucial thing: quarantine and observation. Early on, he ordered all ships entering the liberated areas to disembark. Because pneumonic plague has a relatively short incubation period, he simply ordered everyone, Chinese or foreign, to disembark and spend a few days in a designated quarantine area to observe for symptoms of the plague. Later, the order expanded to require all people entering the liberated areas from other locations to undergo quarantine.

During the first month or so, both Chinese and foreigners felt very inconvenienced, especially foreigners, who felt they were discriminated against. There were even people cursing in newspapers and in public opinion, and countries such as Britain, the United States, and Japan sent people to protest.

Zhang Yinghao naturally wouldn't listen and continued to carry out epidemic prevention work as usual. Although Zhang Yinghao also warned the Qing court and even passed the news of the epidemic to cities such as Nanjing and Shanghai, the Qing government basically ignored it and simply ignored the warning.

It was not until people began to die from the disease in concession ports such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Tianjin, and Japan became a severely affected area, and there was even a risk that the epidemic would spread around the world via ships, that the voices of doubt ceased.

However, this era lacked scientific understanding and the plague's transmission channels, as evidenced by the Shanghai Municipal Council's single-minded focus on rat eradication. These foreigners also had no understanding of the plague's transmission channels. Despite their many unscientific and crude approaches to the plague, it's worth noting that the vast majority of their actions were effective in preventing and controlling the plague, a result of widespread access to basic scientific knowledge.

Because quarantine measures were implemented early in the liberated areas and enforced through administrative orders, although some individuals slipped through the net, the overall epidemic was much milder and the losses were minimal. At this point, public opinion shifted again, praising Zhang Yinghao to the skies, calling him the reincarnation of the savior Guanyin Bodhisattva, while simultaneously denouncing the Qing and Beiyang governments for their disregard for the lives of the people.

Zhang Yinghao didn't care much about the conflict between foreigners and Chinese in Shanghai. Foreigners were invaders, and the two sides were essentially enemies. If these actions were carried out in the liberated areas with scientific propaganda, resistance would be minimized, especially when people died.

Zhang Yinghao basically doesn't care about the work after he assigns it, unless they actively seek his help and solve their problems. Otherwise, Zhang Yinghao only needs to supervise them from time to time and get the results in the end.

That afternoon, the Central Military Commission received a telegram from the Northeast, which contained only one sentence: Everything is ready and we can attack at any time.

After reading the telegram, Zhang Yinghao raised his head and closed his eyes in deep thought. He knew that a turbulent campaign against the great powers had begun, and it was his turn to take the stage. Zhang Yinghao chose to strike first, because he knew that only action could bring results.

Xue'er was pregnant now, and she knew that Zhang Yinghao was busy with work and often stayed out all night. So Zhang Yinghao quietly went to the place next door where his mistress was hidden, and happily took two shots on Li Guihong to relieve his tension.

Li Guihong is now not only a busy woman but also a well-known "big shot" in the Jiefang District, a truly wealthy individual. She not only produces bras under various brands, such as "Qin Guimiyu" and "Dushi Liren," but also, under the guidance of Zhang Yinghao, has developed a wide range of men's and women's briefs and boxer briefs, which are widely popular with consumers. These products, like sanitary napkins, are sold through the same channels and are popular both domestically and internationally. They have become one of the Jiefang District's top export products and a major taxpayer.

In addition to the competition among department stores and supply and marketing cooperatives, Zhang Yinghao opened large and medium-sized comprehensive supermarkets in larger cities in order to solve employment problems and better serve the people. He also opened a special section for women and babies, so that bras, sanitary napkins and other products could be circulated throughout the liberated area, bringing good news to women throughout the liberated area.

Seeing Li Guihong's flushed face and the unique charm it exuded, Zhang Yinghao instantly became aroused. However, to clear his mind and have enough energy to cope with the heavy workload ahead, Zhang Yinghao forced himself to sleep. He then got up, wiped himself clean with water, and returned home, hugging Xue'er's pregnant belly and falling asleep again.

Perhaps it's because he thinks about things during the day that he dreams about them at night. Zhang Yinghao dreamed he was a jerk, caught on a battlefield. Li Guihong and Xue'er, both heavily pregnant, were oblivious to the artillery fire, arguing that they were his wife and would bear him a child. Zhang Yinghao, nervously observing the battlefield, suddenly saw an artillery shell coming. He tried to carry the two pregnant women away, but couldn't. The shell exploded at his feet, startling him awake. Wiping his forehead, he discovered beads of sweat.

Seeing that it was still dark, Zhang Yinghao looked at the sleeping Xue'er again and lay down again.

...

Zhang Yinghao got up late the next day. After a simple morning exercise and breakfast, he arrived at the office and found that the great powers had indeed refused to accept the request to change the content of the liberated areas.

He is very tough and stubborn. Without a beating or setbacks, how can he face reality?

The second step was launched. Not long after, the newsboy was selling a large stack of newspapers on the street, and the newspaper deliveryman delivered the newspapers to the newsstand as quickly as possible.

"Sell the newspaper, sell the newspaper! The foreign powers have once again united to invade China, and the country is once again facing a crisis!" "Sell the newspaper, sell the newspaper! The foreign powers have united to force the liberated area government to recognize the unequal treaties signed by the Qing Dynasty."

"Newspapers, newspapers! The imperialist powers are bullying us too much. The Forward Party is unwavering!" "Newspapers, newspapers! The imperialist powers are invading China again. The Chinese people are deeply dissatisfied!" "Newspapers, newspapers! The imperialist powers are forcing us with force. What will become of the liberated areas?"

The newsboy's clear, melodious cries reached everyone's ears, and everyone who heard the news was stunned, their faces vacant with confusion. Rich or poor, literate or illiterate, everyone rushed to buy the newspaper. This newspaper is hailed as a symbol of China's independence. Although many copies were printed, many were gradually damaged and lost in the long river of history. However, due to its unique meaning and special collectible value, it was later sold for tens of thousands of yuan. Who could have imagined that such a newspaper would appreciate in value a hundred thousand times?

The diplomatic corps of the great powers also received the news immediately. They were completely in disbelief that the Liberated Areas had actually made the contents of the negotiations public. This was something that offended all the great powers and left almost no room for maneuver. How could the Liberated Areas dare? How could the Progressive Party dare? How could Zhang Yinghao dare?

"Crazy, they are all crazy!"

Jordan finished reading the newspaper with trembling hands and sank down on the stool. The other ministers looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what to do. In the minds of the diplomatic corps, they were the only ones bullying China, and it was the Chinese who saw them trembling and treading on thin ice. Who could have imagined that Zhang Yinghao would actually flip the table? Who could they turn to for justice? Who didn't believe that China was the victim?

Suddenly, Zhu Erdian seemed to have thought of something, and immediately stood up and ran out. However, at this time, the place where they lived had already been surrounded by angry people. If the police had not been prepared, they might have been dragged out and beaten to death by the crowd.

"The great powers get out of China!"

"Oppose the imperialist division of China!"

“Down with imperialism!”

"Save the country from danger and oppose imperialism."

"Oppose all imperialist aggression and defend national sovereignty!"

The crowd's eyes seemed to be spitting fire, their fists were clenched, and they raised their arms and shouted slogans.

Zhu Erdian was a little scared when he saw the angry crowd, knowing that everything was irreversible. Suddenly, he saw Shen Ru squeeze in from the crowd, and immediately ran over and asked: "Why did you make it public? You..."

Before Zhu Erdian could continue his attack, Shen Ruo interrupted, "Isn't this the truth?"

Upon hearing this, Jordan was stunned, then blushed! These are facts, of course they are facts. But how dare you publish them? Aren't you afraid of the great powers launching a war? Aren't you afraid of the great powers crushing you? Aren't you afraid of retaliation and settling scores later? Shouldn't you beg the great powers to change their demands? Shouldn't you kowtow and negotiate with them one by one, just to gain a few minor benefits?

Looking at Zhu Erdian's red face, Shen Ruo continued, "I've told you many times that we don't recognize the unequal treaties signed by the Qing Dynasty, but you just don't believe it and are unwilling to accept reality. Now that the negotiation information has been released, everything is over. Look at the angry crowd outside; that's our answer."

"You'll regret this."

"Regrets will come later. The Qing Dynasty has signed too many treaties with you. Our Chairman said we have to start all over again. There's no other way. By the way, I'm here to pick you up. Our Chairman is going to hold a press conference, and reporters from your countries will be there too."

"I request to see Chairman Zhang Yinghao and have a face-to-face meeting with him."

Although Zhu Erdian still didn't know why the liberated area dared to do this, he instinctively felt that something was wrong. The development of things had completely gone beyond his control and was rushing towards the uncontrollable unknown.

Shen Cong pondered for a moment and said, "I can arrange it for you, but I can't guarantee whether I can meet the chairman."

"Three grams of oil!"

At this moment, all the journalists at the press conference were buzzing with discussion, wondering what had happened or why it had suddenly occurred. While they all knew that the foreign powers had assembled a massive army in Shanghai, and the vast majority accepted the official narrative that these troops were there to protect the people of the foreign powers and safeguard their interests, some had heard rumors, but they hadn't anticipated the development of events. All the journalists were convinced that this press conference would be a major news event, a meeting to confirm the Liberated Areas' stance on foreign powers, and that the content would be extremely valuable. Of course, most importantly, everyone would get to see Chairman Zhang Yinghao, the elusive and legendary figure.

When Zhang Yinghao heard Shen Ruo say that the diplomatic corps of foreign powers wanted to see him, he thought for a moment and said, "Forget about the diplomatic corps. Let's bring Jordan over to see him!"

Soon, Zhang Yinghao saw Zhu Erdian approaching aggressively. Zhang Yinghao stopped and waited quietly for Zhu Erdian to arrive. Zhu Erdian came to Zhang Yinghao and asked immediately: "Chairman Zhang, I need an explanation."

"What?"

“Why did you publish it?”

"We in the liberated areas no longer engage in secret diplomacy."

That's the reason? This is the real reason? Zhu Erdian's face was filled with disbelief. In this era, secret diplomacy was the norm, a deep-rooted tradition. Diplomats, in particular, held immense power and freedom, naturally representing enormous interests. Often, secret diplomacy was simply an exchange of interests between local governments and diplomats. Moreover, both the Qing Dynasty and the Beiyang government, unable to represent public opinion, favored secret diplomacy, secretly concluding a series of unequal treaties that were detrimental to national sovereignty and national dignity.

"Believe it or not."

Zhang Yinghao said this and immediately walked towards the meeting place. It was indeed Zhang Yinghao's idea not to engage in secret diplomacy. But Zhang Yinghao naturally wouldn't tell Jordan that in his previous life, Japan forced Yuan Shikai to sign the Twenty-One Demands, which led to the May Fourth Movement and the beginning of the Chinese working class's independent entry into the political arena.

This time, the great powers took the initiative to give Zhang Yinghao such an opportunity to mobilize the masses. How could Zhang Yinghao be willing to miss it? Every movement can awaken a large number of people and make great strides for China. So what if the great powers are just a stepping stone?

Of course, in this era, only Zhang Yinghao would take the initiative to do so. He knew that once a revolutionary movement arose and the masses participated, the ultimate outcome would be a revolution to the end, with no reason to stop. Until the fruits of the revolution were usurped or the revolution was completely successful, in this era, only Zhang Yinghao saw a clear future, and only Zhang Yinghao had a heart big enough to accommodate the entirety of China.

At that moment, the conference was already playing recordings of the demands made by the powers during the negotiations. The atmosphere was unusually quiet, as everyone was recording the contents. The faces of the diplomatic corps members all darkened, their expressions constipated. They had not expected Zhang Yinghao to be so despicable and shameless as to secretly record the conversation in the conference room. This made it impossible for them to deny it.

As Zhang Yinghao listened to the recordings, he suddenly realized that perhaps it was these recording devices that put an end to secret diplomacy. After all, who could guarantee that they wouldn't be monitored while selling out their country? If their politically incorrect recordings of selling out their country were released, it would mean the end of their political career! Who would dare to take such a risk?

After listening to the recording, the spokesperson immediately said: "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Chairman of the Progressive Party and the Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People's Liberation Army to speak. Everyone, please welcome!"

Amidst the enthusiastic applause of the reporters, Zhang Yinghao took the microphone, raised his hand to signal the applause to stop, and began to speak: "The Chinese nation has always been a peace-loving nation and has never invaded other countries or nations in history. The Chinese nation has always disliked war and cherished every minute of peace. However, since the Opium War, the Chinese nation has endured too much suffering. The Qing court lost sovereignty and humiliated the country, ceded territory and paid indemnities, and signed a series of unequal treaties... The profound suffering of the Chinese nation was caused by the unequal imperialist treaties of the past, and the Liberated Areas will never allow them to exist. The existence of privileges enjoyed by the great powers in China is not only a disgrace to China, but also a disgrace to the great powers themselves who pursue equality and freedom. They must, and only by eliminating them, can relations between China and the rest of the world be improved..."

After Zhang Yinghao finished speaking, the spokesperson said, "Reporters, if you have any questions, please raise your hands."

Seeing that someone like Zhang Yinghao was willing to answer reporters' questions, everyone naturally raised their hands immediately.

A reporter was called up by the spokesman and asked: "Mr. Zhang, you intend to abolish all previous treaties signed between the Qing central government and Western countries. Doesn't this seem unreasonable?"

Chairman Zhang smiled and replied, "Mr. Reporter, those treaties were forced upon China by the great powers, forced through war. Furthermore, you claim they were all signed by the Qing government. It was the Beiyang government, not the Liberated Areas government, that succeeded the Qing court. So what does this have to do with us?"

The reporter still insisted: "The Qing government is your central government. Once a treaty is signed, you should abide by it. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a breach of trust?"

Zhang Yinghao looked at the reporter and asked, "What country is the reporter from?" "British!"

"Then I would like to ask, after signing the Treaty of Nanjing during the First Opium War, why did you join forces with France to launch the Second Opium War and sign the Treaty of Tianjin? This shows that even among your powerful nations, treaties can be torn up."

Chairman Zhang's expression grew serious, and he continued, "These treaties are all unequal, heavy shackles imposed on the Chinese people by you Western powers. In this era of striving for freedom and equality, they are inappropriate. We must break them and will never admit our mistakes! This is completely different from breaking your word."

The reporter retorted, "Chairman Zhang, we in the West attach great importance to credibility. If you don't keep your word, you will be isolated by Western countries, and they will not recognize you. That would be more trouble than it's worth!"

Zhang Yinghao also retorted: "Keeping promises must be based on equality. These treaties only stipulate the obligations that China needs to assume. They are completely unilateral demands and completely ignore the responsibilities that Western countries should fulfill. They are extremely unfair."

The reporter immediately said: "However, as long as you recognize and implement these treaties, Western countries will establish diplomatic relations with you and provide you with a lot of support and assistance."

Chairman Zhang wanted to roll his eyes, but he smiled and said, "Mr. Reporter, please read my article, 'Farewell, Sir Sartorius.' Sartorius is trying to deceive us by recognizing the Liberated Areas as belligerents, thereby interfering in China's internal affairs and demanding that we honor those unequal treaties. This is inequality, and we reject it."

The reporter nodded and continued, "The liberated areas are now isolated and helpless. If you had chosen to fulfill those treaties, perhaps you wouldn't be in such a difficult situation now."

Zhang Yinghao retorted, "Mr. Reporter, you're wrong. I don't feel passive. Besides, we have friends all over the world; we're not alone. Don't worry about having no close friends on the road ahead. Everyone in the world knows you!"

Chairman Zhang then gazed into the distance and addressed the reporters in a deep voice, "The Qing Dynasty ruled China for over two hundred years, leaving behind a tremendous amount of garbage. We are now cleaning up the house and waiting for our guests. Ultimately, exchanges between nations and between peoples are based on equality and mutual benefit."

"But you have now offended all the great powers and are blindly xenophobic." Zhang Yinghao waved his hand and said, "No, this is not an offense. Driving out a robber who broke into your home does not count as offending anyone. There is no such thing in the world. Driving out the robbers is difficult, but the difficulties are only temporary. I always believe that the Chinese people and the Chinese nation have the ability to overcome the difficulties they currently face. Revolutionary war is a war of the masses. Only by mobilizing the masses can we wage war; only by relying on the masses can we win the war. The Chinese people are not afraid of war, let alone any blackmail. The Chinese people will never surrender and are determined to fight to the end. The great powers can launch a war of any form and any scale, but the form, scale, and time of the war will not be decided by you. Our principle is: I will not offend others unless they offend me. If others offend me, I will definitely offend them!"

At this time, Japanese Minister Yasuya Uchida was eager for the relations between the Liberated Areas and the Great Powers to deteriorate and the negotiations to fail, so that he could launch a siege against the Liberated Areas. So he immediately shouted: "On behalf of the Imperial Government of Japan, I am lodging a formal protest. You bear full responsibility for the consequences of your actions..."

Zhang Yinghao didn't want to continue talking. His attitude was clear, so he interrupted and said, "Protesting is your personal matter. It has nothing to do with me!"

With that, Zhang Yinghao stood up and left the venue, leaving behind a group of reporters and ministers with varying expressions. The reporters, energized by Zhang Yinghao's departure, immediately set their sights on the ministers, ready to dig out more inside information. However, this had nothing to do with Zhang Yinghao himself.

Future generations have highly praised Zhang Yinghao's press conference: "Chairman Zhang, with his far-sighted strategic vision and unwavering conviction, charted the path for China's development. Zhang Yinghao's wisdom and courage will be forever etched in the long river of history, inspiring the Chinese people to forge ahead and strive for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."

Chapter 6: First update!

For China today, Zhang Yinghao's speech undoubtedly boosted the people's morale. Since the Opium War, the Qing Dynasty had suffered repeated defeats against foreign invaders. Finally, the foreigners, wielding their power in China, bullied and humiliated us, plundered our wealth, raped our wives and daughters, seized our land, and dominated our lands. Their actions were nothing short of banditry. Officials treated foreigners like mice seeing cats, and when conflicts arose between foreigners and civilians, they punished them indiscriminately...

In this impoverished, weak and bullied country, there is a great need for a strong leader to rally the people's hearts and strength, boost the morale of the entire nation and lead the people in resistance.

As a result, Zhang Yinghao earned the title of "Iron-Blooded Leader." He understood that the people needed spiritual inspiration and leadership. However, he also understood that he must rely on industry. Truth is only within the range of cannons. Without cannons, only rhetoric is doomed. The reputation of "Iron-Blooded" should not be proven by blood. He could not use the blood of the people to verify the Chinese people's fear of war.

When Zhu Erdian heard Zhang Yinghao's speech, he already knew where he was wrong. The great powers had now become tools for Zhang Yinghao to rally the people and a stepping stone for him to gain fame.

Jordan was well aware of the consequences of Zhang Yinghao's words being publicized. It would undoubtedly be a movement even more serious and terrifying than the Boxer Rebellion. Blind and ignorant xenophobia isn't terrible; what's terrifying is xenophobia driven by ideals. Jordan knew that when the great powers could no longer threaten China with force, when hundreds of millions of Chinese united, imagine the spectacular spectacle of facing millions upon millions of militiamen charging forward. That would also be the time for the great powers to withdraw.

Zhu Erdian couldn't help but recall the words that Sadowi said in a sad tone when he left: "The future of Asia does not belong to Europe, nor to America, but to China."

Jordan was filled with grief and felt powerless. He knew that once China rose up, the hatred and conflict between China and Britain would bring unrest to the British Empire in Asia.

"Sir Jordan, what should we do next?"

Jordan looked around, glanced at the diplomatic corps, and said with a forced snort: "Humph, the Chinese are using us great powers as stepping stones. They are really bold. Let's see if the Chinese have the ability to trample all our countries under their feet!"

"Yes, it's wishful thinking."

"Too arrogant! The arrogant Chinese must be taught a lesson. Do the Chinese still think that the great powers are easy to bully?"

"Send troops, send troops, send troops immediately, let the Chinese know why the flowers are so red!"

·…"…"

Despite their frantic clamour, the diplomatic corps was more interested in blackmail than actual military action. A small nation like Belgium merely sought to exploit the situation and profit from the situation, not truly engage in a life-and-death battle. The Chinese were now stirring up public opinion, displaying an unyielding, unyielding attitude, which only made the envoys wary.

How could Jordan not know what the diplomatic corps was thinking? He immediately said, "My fellow envoys, please remember and abide by the principle of unity among the great powers towards China. Only in this way can we truly safeguard the interests of all countries in China..."

Although Jordan said this, after returning to the lounge, he still sent a telegram back home: "Your Excellency, the situation in China has changed dramatically. The former Qing Dynasty rebels are a group of extreme nationalists, extremely xenophobic, and have a resolute and tough attitude. They will inevitably seriously damage the interests of the British Empire. If war is determined, a loan should be immediately provided to the Beiyang government of China, and all countries should immediately send troops to suppress it. Otherwise, a completely friendly attitude should be expressed towards the former Qing Dynasty rebels..."

Zhang Yinghao's speech quickly spread through newspapers, sending the Wuhan public into a frenzy. This radical, exaggerated approach naturally triggered a chain reaction of uproar. Progressive students were enraged. During their speeches, some wept bitterly, others spoke passionately. One even bit his finger and wrote the words "Oppose Aggression" in blood on a white cloth. The vibrant, eye-catching words filled the air, and everyone felt a shared sense of grief and indignation. The intensity of the situation was unimaginable.

The demands of the great powers and Zhang Yinghao's conversation spread like a storm, quickly causing an uproar in the country. Everyone, regardless of nationality, gender, rich or poor, was outraged by the shameless demands of the great powers. The whole country was in an uproar, and at the same time, they were inspired by Zhang Yinghao's speech.