The Heroic Age of the Late Qing Dynasty

After receiving the telegram, Zhang Feng had a clear idea. When the Japanese arranged a meeting, Zhang Feng invited the British as well. Zhang Yinghao's reasoning for inviting the British was simple: Japan was trying to break away from Asia and join Europe, hiding its bestiality and masquerading as civilized. In reality, Zhang Yinghao knew that Japan was now just a dog kept by the British. He assumed that the British would not want the Japanese to extend their influence so far. Whether this judgment was correct or not was irrelevant; after all, the bottom line was there.

Chapter 208:

Foreigners visiting Chongqing today are aware that Chongqing Prefecture has been renamed Chongqing City. While Lin Zhenghong is now the acting mayor of Chongqing City, the true voice in the administration lies with Zhang Feng, who commands the military and is stationed in Chongqing. Of course, the Qing Dynasty and foreigners would not recognize the administrative divisions of Chongqing City. This refusal was understandable. Foreigners refused to acknowledge the division because, if they did, it would be tantamount to recognizing Sichuan as the legitimate government of the Qing Dynasty, a matter that would have led to diplomatic disputes.

Originally, on September 24, 1901, Bao Cai, the Qing government's military governor of eastern Sichuan and supervisor of the Chongqing Customs, and Yamazaki Katsura, the Japanese consul in Chongqing, should have formally signed the "Twenty-Two Articles of Chongqing Japanese Commercial and Civilian Concession Agreement," designating a section of Wangjiatuo as a Japanese-controlled concession. However, due to the occupation by the revolutionary army, this agreement no longer existed.

However, Japan would not give up such an opportunity to gain benefits, so they visited Zhang Feng many times. Zhang Feng had never met with them before. This was also in Chongqing, and they were facing the revolutionary party whose background was unknown. If they were facing the Qing Dynasty, the Japanese devils would have dared to rush in with swords drawn and slapped them in the face.

Zhang Feng invited the British before he officially met with the Japanese. Zhang Feng saw the Japanese coming in. They were well dressed but short in stature, a typical image of a dwarf.

"Mr. Zhang, I am Yamazaki Katsura, the Consul of the Empire of Japan in Chongqing. It is a great honor to meet you."

Yamazaki Katsura finished speaking and bowed deeply to Zhang Feng. Zhang Feng had also heard from Zhang Yinghao about the temperament of the Japanese: they may appear friendly on the surface, but behind the scenes they may be timid and ready to stab you at any time.

"Hello, Kei-kun Yamazaki. This is Mr. Luo Sanle, the British Consul General in Chongqing. I'm sure you know him, so I won't introduce him. Please take a seat."

By this time, Luo Sanle probably knew what was going on. Although he felt a little unhappy, he really wanted to know what the dwarf was up to, so he sat in silence. Meanwhile, Consul Katsura Yamazaki's expression was a little gloomy, but he hid it well. If Zhang Feng hadn't observed carefully, he might not have noticed it.

"The dog that bites doesn't bark." Zhang Feng silently evaluated Yamazaki Kei in his heart.

"Katsura Yamazaki, you've been here twice before, but I was really busy. I don't think it's a bother that I didn't see you. Someone, bring some tea."

"Mr. Zhang, I do need to trouble you with something. Please take care of me."

"Haha, no problem, no problem. I've longed for the Great Japanese Empire. It's so powerful, it's really enviable."

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment."

At this time, the waiter brought the tea. Zhang Feng did not say anything. After the waiter left, Zhang Feng said, "Come, have some tea."

Zhang Feng took the first sip from the cup, not even looking at the other foreigners, and continued, "I wonder what urgent matter Yamazaki Kei-kun wants to talk to me about?"

At this time, the Japanese man produced a document and said, "This is the Sino-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and Navigation signed between the Empire of Japan and the Qing Dynasty in July 1896. Article 25 of the treaty stipulates: "If His Majesty the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty has or will grant preferential treatment or exemptions to other countries or subjects, the Japanese nation and its subjects shall also enjoy the same benefits." Therefore, the Empire of Japan intends to establish a concession in Chongqing, and has come to inform Zhang Sang. "

Zhang Feng may not be aware that the great powers in China share a principle of unanimity. After Japan secured the coveted unilateral most-favored-nation treatment through the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, it could then enjoy the rights and interests already seized by Western powers in China, including the establishment of concessions at treaty ports. Following this treaty, Japan was able to establish concessions in places like Hangzhou and Chongqing.

Zhang Feng knew what it was, even without even looking at it. It was just an unequal treaty signed by the Qing Dynasty. He wanted to curse the Japanese, but it was useless. So Zhang Feng turned to the Englishman, Luo Sanle. Luo Sanle thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Zhang, this is a reasonable request from Japan."

In reality, he already knew the Japanese were about to be thwarted. Even the British Empire's attempt to open a port in Wanxian wouldn't work. And yet, without even discussing it with the British, they were going to concede territory. Wasn't that a joke? Luo Sanle, aware of the Forward Party's unyielding stance, was already watching the Japanese's joke. Luo Sanle had now reached a tacit understanding with the Revolutionary Party. Although he didn't contact Zhang Yinghao again, the trade in goods in Chongqing was indeed increasing. Both sides remained silent.

Zhang Feng nodded when he heard this and said carefully, "It is indeed a reasonable request."

Hearing Zhang Feng say this, the little Japanese was stunned and immediately felt happy.

Come. But Luo Sanle wanted to jump up and down. Just like that? So simple? But in an instant he recalled what Zhang Yinghao said. He looked at the side of his face.

Seeing the little Japanese's almost unconcealed smile, I felt relieved.

He was truly enjoying himself now. Putting aside the Forward Party's nasty temper, doing business with them was a delight. Ever since the Chongqing Revolution, everything had been done by the book, and no one had bothered him. Most importantly, his business volume was increasing, and so was his income. How could he not be happy? Zhang Yinghao's question, "How long can you still work in Chongqing?" had truly touched him deeply. Who would travel all the way to the Far East to suffer if it weren't for the money?

"Since this treaty was signed with the Qing Dynasty, you should ask the Qing court to fulfill your promise. We are hostile to the Qing Dynasty, so you are asking the wrong person to fulfill your promise."

"What? You have a very bad conscience."

"Mr. Yamazaki Katsura, don't get excited. This is the truth. You should go after whoever signed the treaty. We didn't sign it, and we haven't even seen it. We weren't there, so how can we fulfill our promise?"

Luo Sanle felt these words were incredibly familiar; they were an exact replica of what Zhang Yinghao had said. If Zhang Yinghao had heard this, he would undoubtedly have taken it to heart, for this initial conversation had become official document, and all comrades involved were required to study it. Zhang Feng, in Chongqing, directly confronting the imperialist powers, was naturally the focus of attention. These documents were essential for him to review upon their arrival. Even if he didn't read them immediately, the relevant personnel would have shown them to Zhang Feng when he met with the Japanese. At the very least, they would have required Zhang Feng's signature, "Read."

Yamazaki Kei glanced at the British and saw Luo Sanle sitting there calmly sipping tea. He said a little angrily: "So, you don't recognize any treaties we signed with the Qing central government?"

"Mr. Yamazaki Katsura, please don't be angry. Regarding the signature issue, you should contact whoever you signed it with. It has nothing to do with me."

At this time, the little Japanese sought an ally, and heard him say: "Consul Luo Sanle, do you agree with this?"

"Well, of course we disagree."

Yamazaki Kei seemed to have found his confidence and said, "Zhang Cha Beiming has arrived. You must agree. Otherwise, you will be an enemy of the Empire of Japan."

Zhang Feng also got angry. He was a young man of twenty years old, but he had tens of thousands of troops under his command. If it weren't for Zhang Yinghao who was watching over him, he could have killed the Japanese a long time ago. He was about to say something harsh, but suddenly he held back. Danci said playfully: "That's the truth. Whoever signs the treaty must enforce it.

OK, I didn’t sign it, so why should I acknowledge it?”

After saying this, Zhang Feng suddenly realized a very important issue. Although the Qing Dynasty was the central government, it was only Cixi and her group who signed the treaty. In other words, the Qing Dynasty was actually a group of people like Cixi who made peace with the powers alone. It could not be considered that they signed the treaty on behalf of other provinces. After all, the East

The South Mutual Protection Agreement is still in place. In other words, the Qing Dynasty cannot actually represent the interests of the majority of the people. Whoever signs the treaty shall bear the responsibility. Why should the people pay for the traitorous treaty signed by a few royal families of the Qing Dynasty?

Do you agree or what? Since the people do not agree, then as Chairman Zhang Yinghao said, they are not represented.

Zhang Feng figured this out, and instantly, the fog cleared. He knew neither the Progressive Party nor Chairman Zhang Yinghao would sign or recognize such a traitorous treaty. And he, Zhang Feng, wouldn't recognize it either. Unless he died in battle, no one could force him to recognize it. And Zhang Feng knew that even if he died in battle, Chairman Zhang Yinghao wouldn't recognize it. If they wanted to force him to recognize it, then fight.

Zhang Feng looked at the British and the Japanese, and suddenly he felt murderous intent. With a fierce look in his eyes, he thought to himself: "You want me to admit that this has nothing to do with me, then kill me first."

I wanted to send you away, but I held back. Fighting without breaking is the best way. Then I heard Zhang Feng continue: "If you want to do normal business, we welcome it. We don't have enough money to buy your products. Just like the British Empire and the United States, we adopt a trade balance policy and trade at equal value. Or if you are willing to lend us money, we are also willing to lend you money to buy your machinery and equipment..."

After seeing off the two foreigners, Zhang Feng returned to the reception room, where a number of people were already seated, including Liu Xinsheng, the top figure in the public security, procuratorate, and courts, the director of the Women's Federation, and members of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee. It turned out that these people had been sitting in a nearby room, eavesdropping on Zhang Feng's conversation. After all, everyone knew that the Japanese, or rather, that most foreigners who came to Chongqing, had bad intentions.

Although everyone had heard the conversation between Zhang Feng and the foreigner, they still circulated the content of the conversation. Everyone was in a heavy mood and didn't know what to say for a moment.

Finally, after Zhang Feng had expressed his thoughts on the meeting, he said, "The Chairman once said that our Forward Party's mission is to work for the benefit of the people and ensure their good lives. Seeing how the Qing Dynasty humiliated the nation, it would be strange if people didn't abandon it. If anyone comes to us with something like this to sign, I, Zhang Feng, will make this clear: they must step over my dead body."

"Yes, unless you step over my dead body."

"Yes, we absolutely cannot compromise. We must fight to the end."

"The Chairman has long said that peace exists when it is sought through struggle, but it dies when it is sought through compromise. The Qing Dynasty's cession of territory and payment of indemnities were clearly a compromise in pursuit of peace. No wonder it was bullied so many times, and its bullies kept pushing it further."

"That's right, there's nothing to be afraid of when you die. You'll just get a big scar on your head. Eighteen years later, you'll be a brave man again."

Seeing everyone saying this, Zhang Feng continued, "The Chairman has long said that even though we are just a few people, we can crush only a few nails. Everyone, what would happen if the people of Chongqing knew about this? Would they agree with the Japanese? So we can't hide this news. We have to publish it in the newspapers, in our newly established Chongqing Daily and the People's Daily founded by the Chairman. Let all the people of Sichuan know about this."

"Yes, put it in the newspaper and fight resolutely."

"Unity is strength. As long as we, the people of Sichuan, unite, who are we afraid of?"

"My friend has been here for a long time. If the jackal comes, what awaits him is the hunting rifle."

Therefore, Chongqing published the conversation with the Japanese through newspapers. It did not mention the principle of unity among the powers, nor did it maliciously slander any country. It simply published the treaties signed by the Qing Dynasty in a systematic manner based on facts, and explained the consequences of the implementation of these treaties.

The final conclusion is that the Sichuan people and the People's Government absolutely do not recognize the treaty we have not participated in, and we, the Sichuan people, will not succumb to the impudent demands of imperialism. The content was disseminated throughout Sichuan simultaneously through the Chongqing Daily and the People's Daily.

The moment this news was published, it immediately caused an uproar, spreading rapidly across the Yangtze River. Previously, many people had not known how the Qing dynasty had betrayed its patriotic activities, or even the extent of their betrayal. Now, with such systematic publication, the entire Yangtze River basin was in an uproar, and the news spread like a wave.

Chongqing was the first to launch a demonstration under the organization of the Forward Party, with people shouting slogans everywhere.

"Down with Japanese imperialism." "Return our sovereignty."

"Refuse to ask for peace and compensation."

Zhang Feng has not appeared since the news was published in the newspaper. The Japanese consul, Kei Yamazaki, has been furious and has gone to his house many times but couldn't find him.

The final development of the situation made the British, Americans and French unable to sit still, and they were eventually invited by the Japanese.

Chapter 209: Thank you for the reward and urge for more updates

The wave of demonstrations had already spread beyond Chongqing, reaching Wuhan, the industrial heartland of the Qing Dynasty, and was poised to spread further to Nanjing and Shanghai. In Wuhan, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other places, the Forward Party had already established secret associations and organizations, capitalizing on the prevailing xenophobia to expand its influence and recruit members.

In fact, the Wuhan comrades contributed significantly to Chen Yiwei's rapid assembly and operation of the steel mill. Without the Qing dynasty's involvement, the base area simply wouldn't have found so many heavy industry workers. The working class is the most easily awakened and the most organized. Even after Wuhan comrades gave only a few lectures to some workers, many fled to Chongqing, armed with their families and letters of introduction from the organization, to join the Forward Party.

According to the telegram, xenophobia was currently running high in Wuhan, and it was also slowly growing in Shanghai, Nanjing, and other places. Demonstrations were occurring in many places, and the situation was escalating. This was why Britain, France, the United States, and Japan were so anxious to see Zhang Feng. At this point, Zhang Feng had no choice but to meet with the consuls of these four countries.

"Mr. Zhang, I think your farce should be over now, right?"

The speaker was the French consul, who boasted the strongest army in Europe. They were also known as the Gallic roosters, so naturally they looked up with an air of supremacy, acting as if they were the best in the world. They had little power in the Far East, yet they loved to dictate things.

"Farce? What does Consul Andy mean by this?"

"Mr. Zhang, we're asking whether the protesters outside should be dispersed or stopped."

The speaker was Luo Sanle, an Englishman. The British are known as gentlemen, and for good reason. They understand the art of fighting without breaking, knowing what's best for them. Therefore, they generally only do what's best for themselves. In this sense, the British are also a paragon of pragmatism, and they are willing to adjust their policies and strategies at any time.

Compared to the United States, France, or Japan, the British are simply not on the same level. They are all simple and rough. Maybe this is why people think that the British are gentlemen?

"Dear consuls, this demonstration was not instigated by us. It was the Japanese consul, Yamazaki Katsura, who went too far. Our people have heard this news.

It is understandable that they are filled with righteous indignation."

"You did it on purpose."

"No, no, no, this is unfair to me. Our people have the right to know, don't you agree?"

"Okay, now let's discuss how to deal with the aftermath."

"Of course, it's not a solution for the people to continue making trouble like this. We will try to stop them."

"That's good. When are you going to try to stop them?" "Haha, today."

The British man nodded in satisfaction. Zhang Feng continued, "It's a rare opportunity for the consuls to come here. How about we discuss expanding our trade quota?"

Americans are delighted by the idea of ​​expanding trade. The US is now like a nouveau riche, brimming with wealth and power. Furthermore, the US is currently experiencing an economic crisis and severe overcapacity. If Sichuan can absorb some of this excess capacity, his political achievements will be substantial. Furthermore, the US has a strong industrial sector, but lacks the corresponding social status. Its only appeal is to open the door, which is essentially a way to profit without contributing.

"Okay, that's a good suggestion."

"Haha, the American consul is still straightforward. As I said, we in Sichuan don't have any money to give you. We can only implement a trade balance policy. Just ship the machinery and equipment here, assemble it and make it operational, and we'll inspect it. We export agricultural products like tung oil, tea, and bristles, as well as garments, silk, and sanitary products, and mineral resources like sodium sulfate. We plan to set up a dedicated settlement bank in Chongqing to handle related business. Everyone in Sichuan knows our creditworthiness. What do you think?"

After hearing Zhang Feng's words, the Japanese looked gloomy, the French didn't care, the Americans looked happy, and the British looked mysterious, and no one had any idea what he was thinking.

Now is not the era of consumption. China actually has little demand for Japan. On the contrary, Japan needs to import a large amount of raw materials and other materials from China. If it is an equal trade, what will Japan use to trade is a big problem.

"Are we still responsible for transporting the products? Will the settlement method be the same as before?" The American was very straightforward and went straight to the point.

"Yes, is there a problem? Our Sichuan ships can't leave Sichuan. As for why you shipped the machinery and equipment here first, it's because you are all powerful countries, and we Sichuan are weak. As long as you don't default on your debts, how could we possibly default on ours?"

"can."

The Americans don't worry about anything else. As long as there is business to do and the British don't stop them, they will dare to do it.

"Okay, here's our recent shopping list. Here, take one each. We'll have someone discuss the price and your needs with you later. So, I won't see you off."

After saying this, Zhang Feng raised his teacup and gestured to the others, indicating that it was time to serve the tea. Without saying a word, everyone picked up the list and left.

At this time, the translator and recorder next to him said: "Comrade Zhang Feng, will these foreign devils be fooled?"

"It doesn't matter whether they're being fooled or not. We're just trying to keep them in check. The Chairman said that the main countries that can do business with us these days are the UK, the US, and Germany. The British are too much of a middleman, so the things they sell us are picky and usable, but the quality is poor. The only countries that can truly do business with us are the Americans and the Germans, and they're eager to do business with us. This afternoon, have the comrades from the Ministry of Commerce take the real list to talk to the Americans. Also, place an order with the Germans."

Thanks to the "efforts" of Zhang Feng and his colleagues, the Chongqing demonstrations were brought to a quiet end. This convinced the foreigners that Zhang Feng and his group were behind the Chongqing demonstrations. The Japanese consul, Katsura Yamazaki, was furious. He was severely reprimanded by his superiors for this incident, and not only did he not gain any benefits, but many regions are now boycotting Japan and its products.

However, the Japanese Yamazaki Katsura was helpless now, as their power in Chongqing was not strong. However, their petty nature would not let this matter go, so they could only bribe some people to secretly investigate the staff of the Chongqing government, waiting for the opportunity to explode.

Furthermore, the Japanese, Kazue Yamazaki, went around lobbying, saying that the Red Bandits didn't recognize the treaty they had signed with the Qing. He said all sorts of bad things about Sichuan, like the Land Revolution, thugs killing landlords, and a riot like the French Revolution...

The consuls knew what the Japanese were thinking. Actually, we are not stupid. We all know what is happening in Sichuan. It's just that everyone is playing dumb. If there is a chance, who wouldn't go up and bite hard? Now it's only you Japanese who are being offended. What's the point of saying all this? Do you Japanese dare to send troops into Sichuan? You still have to rely on the British father's attitude.

The situation in Chongqing was finally resolved, but the situation elsewhere in the Yangtze River Basin was far from over. The Qing Dynasty had no experience in handling mass incidents. Just as they had initially dealt with the Boxer Rebellion, their officials lacked a clear standard for handling them. Local officials either handled the situation harshly or ignored it completely. Ultimately, pressure from imperialism forced the Qing Dynasty to quell the situation. However, the fire had already been ignited, and extinguishing it was no easy task.

After the Qing Dynasty opened ports to trade in 1842, foreign businesses in China were primarily concentrated in the concessions. These included silk, food, pharmaceuticals, printing, ship repair, and various public utilities, including telephone, telegraph, gas, and waterworks. Before the Treaty of Shimonoseki, these foreign enterprises were typically small in scale. However, as some of China's earliest modern industries, they played an important role in shaping the emergence of modern Chinese industry.

Subsequently, the development of world capitalism has entered the stage of imperialism dominated by monopoly from the stage of free competition. In this stage, monopoly replaced free competition, the rule of monopoly organizations and financial capital was established, and the export of capital became the new characteristic of this stage.

In addition to continuing to look overseas for commodity markets and sources of raw materials, Western powers also began to look for places to export capital, which inevitably triggered new and larger-scale struggles among the powers for colonies and the division of the world.

The Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed between China and Japan during the First Sino-Japanese War. It can be said that this clause of the Treaty of Shimonoseki was not only in the interests of Japan itself, but also catered to the needs of all the great powers. This was exactly what the other great powers hoped for.

Later, the third paragraph of the "Sino-Japanese Public Diploma" stipulated: "The Japanese Government allows the Chinese Government to levy taxes and fees on machinery and goods at its discretion, but the taxes and fees shall not be higher or different from those paid by Chinese subjects."

Based on the principle of consensus among the great powers, various countries invoked the unilateral most-favored-nation treatment of "equal sharing of benefits" and obtained the same privileges of the four newly opened ports as Japan, especially the terms allowing foreign manufacturers to invest and set up factories in various ports. These factories received the same treatment as Chinese-funded factories and foreign goods.

Among the factories built were those in the mining, machinery, textile, and food industries, most concentrated in Shanghai, Zhili, and Fengtian. Examples included the Zengyu Flour Mill, Hefeng Shipyard, Yihe Spinning Mill, Laogongmao Spinning Mill, and Xielong Textile Bureau in the UK; the Hongyuan Spinning Mill, Tobacco Company, Machine Rice Mill, and Tongxing Coal Mine in the US; the Ruiji Spinning Mill in Germany; the Yunlong Cotton Ginning Mill in Japan; the First Factory of the Shanghai Textile Corporation; and the Mitsui Noodle Factory in Japan.

The establishment of foreign factories in China, on the one hand, transformed China into a monopoly market for their industrial products, and on the other, subordinated Chinese agricultural production to their needs, significantly deepening China's colonialization. From then on, foreign merchants directly opened factories in China, utilizing cheap raw materials and labor, and sold their products directly to mainland China, earning greater profits. These factories greatly facilitated the export of capital from imperialist countries.

Wuhan, strategically located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han Rivers, is known as the thoroughfare connecting nine provinces. It has been a vital military and commercial hub since ancient times, and during the Qing Dynasty, it was known as the most prosperous place in central Hubei. At that time, Wuhan was home to the Hanyang Iron and Steel Works, founded by Zhang Zhidong, which employed 6,000 to 7,000 workers. Together with other factory workers, the total workforce exceeded 20,000. Therefore, Wuhan has always been a key area of ​​development for the Forward Party.

After Japan's attempt to establish a concession in Chongqing and systematically expose the Qing Dynasty's traitorous treaties in Sichuan, people already discontent with the Qing Dynasty in the concessions throughout Wuhan took to the streets. Furthermore, due to the factory's harsh management of workers, closely monitored by foremen, punishment and beatings were commonplace, and wages were low. Furthermore, the Progressive Party's lectures to the workers, revealing some of the truth about the world, further fueled their discontent. Their resentment had already been boiling over, and once the fuse was lit, it instantly added fuel to the fire, igniting it unstoppably.

Because telegraph lines were cut off, Sichuan was unable to contact and direct the Wuhan strike in a timely manner. The Wuhan Party organization also had no experience in leading strikes and lacked unified action. Although many comrades from the Forward Party immediately and actively participated in the march, it was still a little late.

The workers in each factory were merely striking spontaneously, completely lacking any conscious effort. Although the workers in each factory were striking together as if by agreement, their slogans varied. Some opposed factory owners' arbitrary beatings and unjustified dismissals and demanded higher wages. Others chanted "Down with imperialism" and "Abolish unequal treaties."

When the great powers saw the banners held up by the parade and heard the slogans they shouted, they immediately realized what was going on and naturally put pressure on the Qing officials. After all, the Boxer Protocol clearly stated that Chinese people were prohibited from establishing or joining organizations that opposed them.

As is often the case, after the return of the two empresses, a new central government agency, the Office of Supervision of Government Affairs, was established. This agency served as the National Leading Group for Political System Reform. Led by Prince Qing Yizhu, five Manchu and Han ministers, including Li Hongzhang and Ronglu, served as supervisors of government affairs. Liu Kun, Governor-General of Liangjiang, and Zhang Zhidong, Governor-General of Huguang, both based outside Beijing, served as co-ministers. Zhang Zhidong, the white-haired and beard-faced Governor-General of Lianghu, was summoned to Beijing to report on his work and receive instructions in person from Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu. Zhang Zhidong was not in Wuhan at the time, leaving the city without a Qing official in charge and allowing the foreign powers to act recklessly.

Chapter 210: Thanks for the update!

Heroic Age Chapter 210:

Without Zhang Zhidong in charge of Wuhan, the Qing officials were already panicking in the face of the overwhelming protests. Where had they ever seen so many people protesting? Naturally, they immediately requested assistance from the foreign powers that were putting pressure on them to stop the protests. Britain and France still had a significant number of troops stationed in Wuhan, originally planning to attack Sichuan. The foreign powers had also reached an agreement to help the Qing suppress the workers' demonstrations, completely crushing the Chinese people's resistance.

After receiving the foreign powers' response and leaving satisfied, the Qing officials needed a pretext to suppress the protesters. Qing officials were truly peculiar. The Sanyuanli resistance had dealt a heavy blow to Britain, yet the corrupt and incompetent Qing government sided with the British, exerting pressure on the rebels and forcing them to disband. While fearful of the protesters, they had no problem conspiring against the people; a quick thought would instantly spur them to conspire.

Logically, disorderly demonstrations would naturally culminate in looting, smashing, and burning. Fortunately, thanks to the timely intervention of comrades from the Forward Party, the procession remained orderly. However, even the best of order could not withstand the machinations of those with ulterior motives. As workers were delivering propaganda speeches along a busy street in the concession, some individuals pretended to storm the concession. Seizing the opportunity, British "police" in the concession launched an offensive, arresting over a hundred people and then suddenly opening fire on the densely packed crowd, killing thirteen and injuring dozens. Simultaneously, gunfire was heard outside the Japanese concession, killing over a dozen protesters. British and Japanese imperialism perpetrated the Wuhan Massacre, which shocked the nation.