Although Guangxu admired Kang Fan very much and basically responded to his requests, he did not adopt Kang Fan's suggestions on reform and was still determined to carry out earth-shaking political reforms eagerly. Kang Fan was so anxious that he had to ask to see Cixi.

Kang Fan understood that Guangxu had no real power and could not control the situation in the country. Liang Qichao and Tan Sitong's understanding of Western society was only superficial and not essential. Moreover, their radical reforms would seriously weaken the Qing government and the entire Manchu people.

The inherent power and social status of the ruling group, but Manchu officials are the main body of the contemporary Chinese bureaucratic class. Several senior government officials who supported the reform, such as Li Hongzhang, Hu Pinzhi, etc., are all Han nationality and are alone. Especially if they want to abolish

The imperial examination system, which has lasted for thousands of years, has caused the vast number of intellectuals across the country to lose their lifelong goal of "entering an official career through hard study". It has also lost the support of the people, including the Han people, and the society.

The support of the backbone has triggered a strong shock in the entire society!

It is conceivable that without the general support of the government, officials and the people, how can the reform be successful?!

Cixi knew his purpose, and before Kang Fan could say anything, she said: "My reform is the original intention. At the beginning of Tongzhi, I accepted the proposal of Zeng Guofan and sent my children to study abroad and build ships and equipment in order to become rich. Now that my son is in power and is in charge, I can get rich."

If you are strong, you can do it yourself, I don’t have to control it internally.”

Kang Fan said: "If this is the case, the domestic situation will be turbulent. The Boxer Rebellion is raging in the country, conflicts with foreigners are coming one after another, and the conflicts are getting deeper and deeper. The great powers have sent troops to our country in the name of suppressing the Boxer Rebellion, and their plans to carve up our country have been brewing for a long time. I

If something happens again, they will take advantage of the chaos and take action, and war will happen."

Cixi smiled and said: "Prefect Kang's words are true! Even if the reform fails, it is not too late for me to copy it."

Kang Fan said: "If there is no chaos, why do we do it? If a war breaks out, how can we control the situation as we wish?"

Cixi became a little impatient and forced a smile and said: "That's what I want, Governor Kang, please don't give me any advice."

Kang Fan had no choice but to withdraw from Cixi's palace in depression. While waiting for Mei Xiang in the post station, he organized the intelligence personnel to conduct exercises. Over the past few days, everyone was familiar with the terrain surrounding the Japanese Embassy in London and the robbery plan formulated by Kang Fan.

Mei Xiang already knew about Kang Fan's remonstrance to no avail. After meeting, the two looked at each other speechless.

"Let's go. There's nothing we can do here," said Kang Fan.

Mei Xiang knew that he was in a bad mood, so she said, "How about taking this opportunity to visit Shuixiu before leaving?"

"That's fine." Kang Fan replied dully.

When everyone was about to leave, a palace guard came to deliver a handwritten message from the Empress Dowager Cixi: "Prefect Kang, please be patient: once I have spoken, I cannot take it back. Although I have no internal restraint, I do have a caring heart. If there is civil strife, I will definitely restore it."

And control it.”

After Kang Fan saw it, he couldn't help but laughed and laughed, and replied: "The Queen Mother, I think that matters concerning the country, the country, and the country should not be trivial! If this happens, the world will be in chaos. In less than two years, the great powers will take advantage of the chaos to send troops to our country, and a war will break out.

. I have little ability and power, and I dare not make false claims to protect the country. However, I can still protect the land of the three Jin Dynasties from troubled times. At that time, the Queen Mother can take the emperor to the Jin Dynasty to take refuge in order to protect herself."

The guards collected them and said goodbye. Kang Fan and his entourage then arrived at He Shuixiu's husband's house.

He Shuixiu seemed to be living an unsatisfactory life in her husband's family, but due to the presence of her mother-in-law, it was difficult to explain clearly. Kang Fan and Mei Xiang couldn't stay for a long time, so they stood up and left after sitting for a short time. He Shuixiu was sent out, and her mother-in-law followed closely. He Shuixiu wanted to

He stopped talking, but looked at Kang Fan with a pair of still clear eyes resentfully.

Kang Fan's heart softened and he said softly: "Shui Xiu, big brother will come to see you in a while."

He Shuixiu nodded, "Brother, you must keep your word. You and Sister Mei must come to see me again."

Kang Fan smiled softly, took Mei Xiang with him, got in the car and left together.

"You knew Shuixiu was wronged, why didn't you ask?" Mei Xiang asked him.

Kang Fan shook his head, "Shui Xiu is pregnant, so I can't ask more questions. But you should ask. You are both women and you have something to say."

Mei Xiang curled her lips, "Didn't you see Shuixiu's defensive look? She didn't even give us a chance to talk alone."

Kang Fan looked back at the mansion, thinking about He Shuixiu's eyes, feeling disappointed.

After leaving the capital, another palace guard came after him and sent a message: Mr. Kang, please wait where you are, the emperor will be here soon. After Kang Fan accepted the order, he followed the guards to the direction where Guangxu was coming. This time, Kang Fan and Mei Xiang

It was the first time I met Liang Qichao, Tan Sitong, Yang Rui, Lin Xu, Liu Guangdi and others. When they met face to face, both sides had mixed emotions.

"It's a great honor to meet Mr. Kang." Liang Qichao first greeted him with fists on his horse.

Kang Fan dismounted and returned the courtesy, "I have heard of Mr. Liang's name for a long time, and it is an honor to meet him today."

Liang Qichao said: "What Mr. Kang did to create wealth in the three Jin Dynasties by his own efforts is beyond our ability as scholars. However, Mr. Kang regards our reform as something that cannot be done. May I ask what you think?"

Kang Fan smiled and said, "Mr. Liang has said before: firstly, the creation of wealth in the Three Jin Dynasties was done by everyone, how could it be my own efforts? Secondly, I have never said that reform cannot be done."

Liang Qichao said: "Master Kang, can you repeat your opinion? I am all ears."

Kang Fan said: "Mr. Liang is full of knowledge. I must have understood what I mean. Why repeat it?"

"Master Kang, please give me an interview in person." Liang Qichao insisted on listening.

Kang Fan had no choice but to say: "Flowers can only bear fruit, but if there is no soil to grow flowers, how can the flowers bloom and where can the fruits be produced? In today's Qing Dynasty, less than one in ten advocates of reform to strengthen the country.

Second, how do you serve the public? How can you change and abandon the great government? Those who seek welfare for the people will be promoted by the people; those who seek wealth and strength for the country will also be promoted by the country. Today, we should develop industry, improve people's livelihood, and gather people's support.

The most important thing is. Now Mr. Xiang only seeks political reform, which will inevitably cause the people's hearts to boil and the country's situation to go up and down. How can we talk about development in troubled times? It can be said that it is a flower without soil and a fruit without flowers!"

Liang Qichao argued: "My reforms will also enrich the country and strengthen the people!"

Kang Fan said: "If the country is not rich and the people are not strong, what will happen, sir? How can the country be rich and the people are strong just by talking about it? Mr. Wei Yuan argued decades ago that 'real achievements will lead to practical achievements, and practical achievements will lead to practical things'. Mr.

Don’t you know?”

Liang Qichao was speechless for a moment and looked embarrassed.

Kang Fan continued: "Government is for the people, and the people are the foundation of the government. Wealth is created by the people, and wealth is stored in the people. The government changes with the changes of the people and becomes the right way. It cannot be the opposite. Think of me Ningwu Mansion, rich

If the world is the best, is there a coup? With strong soldiers and horses, is there a coup?"

Liang Qichao seemed to be sneering.

Kang Fan waved his hand, and the 10 intelligence officers around him quickly drove out. At the same time, he pulled out the Mauser automatic pistol from his waist and fired continuously. All one hundred bullets were fired at a poplar tree as thick as an arm beside the official road. The wheels rolled.

, the horses' hooves flew, and the gunshots were deafening. In the rapid and continuously changing relative displacement, the tree was broken by the concentrated bullets, and slowly fell in the gentle spring breeze. The mighty war horses returned without finishing, still snoring continuously.

, hooves stomping around, the intelligence officers all changed magazines and pulled the bolt of the gun on the bumpy carriage. Their skills were skillful and extremely fast!

Liang Qichao, Tan Si and others, as well as the palace guards and imperial officers and soldiers who were surrounding them, were all dumbfounded! There was a sudden silence around them.

Guangxu got down from the car at this time, clapped his hands as he walked forward, "The soldiers of the Jin army are strong and their horses are strong, don't brag!"

Kang Fan hurriedly bowed and saluted, and asked: "Your Majesty, can I be surprised by this?"

Guangxu smiled and said: "I am very happy, why do you say you are so surprised?"

Kang Fan said: "The official was about to return to the Jin Dynasty. He received the emperor's instructions and came to greet him. Fortunately, he met Mr. Liang, which led to a dispute. I never thought that the holy emperor would come in person. How disrespectful!"

Guangxu asked with a smile: "What was the outcome of the argument between you and Mr. Liang?"

"There has never been any result." Kang Fan replied.

Guangxu turned to look at Liang Qichao and others and asked, "Why?"

Tan Sitong interjected: "Back to the emperor: the methods of planning changes are different."

Guangxu nodded and asked Kang Fan, "Do you insist on what you said last time?"

"Yes." Kang Fan replied.

Guangxu said: "That's the case. It's okay. The methods of planning changes are different, but the purpose of making the country rich and the people strong is the same. The prosperity of Ningwu Prefecture is famous all over the world, and the achievements of Kang Prefecture need not be mentioned. This time I return to Jin, I hope to build on the past and open up the future.

, forge ahead with determination, strengthen one of my sides first, and lead with one point, and with time, we will become stronger in the end."

Kang Fan said: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Guangxu said: "Hu Pinzhi has dedicated his life to our Qing Dynasty for decades. I sympathize with his old age and frailty and cannot bear the heavy burden. Therefore, I ordered you to assist in Shanxi's military affairs as the second-rank deputy capital commander and commander-in-chief to share Hu Pinzhi's burdens.

One or two.”

Kang Fan bowed and thanked him.

After Guangxu and his entourage left, Mei Xiang playfully wished Kang Fan a blessing and said with a smile: "Congratulations, Mr. Kang."

Kang Fan said sadly: "If the reform fails, the world will be in chaos! Even if I become a high-ranking official, what can I be happy about?"

"You have tried your best, Kang Fan. You can't force Emperor Guangxu and Empress Dowager Cixi to change their minds with a gun, right?" After Mei Xiang finished speaking, she took Kang Fan's arm and rested her head on Kang Fan's shoulder.
Chapter completed!