“They say you’re plotting rebellion?”

Lin Yuchan looked completely disbelieving, secretly pointing at the seals on Yixing’s doorway, lowering her voice to ask.

Of course, what she “didn’t believe” wasn’t the fact of rebellion, but rather—

Yixing had always been cautious, with all legal business on the books, at most playing some edge games like everyone else. After so many years of calm, how did they suddenly stir up a hornet’s nest?

Even someone like Boss Chu, who swaggered around doing criminal business, was never bothered by the foreign settlement!

Shi Peng lay on a small boat, canvas covering most of his body, revealing only a worried face.

“Who knows!” he said. “Minguan went to Tianjin over ten days ago and hasn’t returned; only a team of constables came, saying the Municipal Council responded to the Zhili Governor-General’s request to investigate our business. Several brothers on duty were taken in! I ran fast and heard them chattering that they discovered Minguan was… was a society figure. The wind’s been tight lately, everyone’s been very careful, doing things without leaving traces, and we haven’t heard of anyone reporting to officials. It’s just… just strange!”

Lin Yuchan: “Li Hongzhang…”

Of course, this wasn’t the first time Heaven and Earth Society encountered such things. Su Minguan had premonitions before departing, so emergency plans were quickly activated. Escaped fish from various places rapidly contacted each other – those who should hide hid, those who should seek connections did so, and several had already gone to other places to contact comrades. Fast boats to Tianjin were also booked…

“What about society account books and membership lists?” Lin Yuchan suddenly asked.

“Didn’t have time to destroy them all.” Shi Peng said regretfully. “But lately with tight winds, Minguan had us all switch to coded records – officials can’t understand them…”

“Reserve me a cabin.” Lin Yuchan said decisively.

“Miss, aren’t you going abroad…”

“Also, who did he go to Tianjin with? Is there a list?”

Two hours later, Lin Yuchan took leave from Zheng Guanying’s mansion, clutching a business card.

“Newly appointed Chief Financial Officer of Butterfield & Swire Steamship Company.” Zheng Guanying remained economical with words, introducing his new title to her. “Your Fair Steamship Company shares have all been transferred to Butterfield & Swire. Welcome to continue cooperation.”

The business card was freshly printed, emanating ink fragrance. She’d never heard of “Butterfield & Swire Steamship Company” – probably a newly formed shipping subsidiary under Butterfield & Swire.

Zheng Guanying wouldn’t say more, but from this title, Lin Yuchan already guessed eighty percent of the reason.

His “Fair Steamship Company” side business was doing fine – no reason to suddenly fall into Butterfield & Swire’s embrace.

Unless…

“Oh,” Zheng Guanying was almost through the door when he suddenly remembered something, handing Lin Yuchan a white-enveloped letter. “Originally was going to send someone to the shipping company, but since we’re acquaintances, here you go.”

Lin Yuchan was startled: “What is this…”

Zheng Guanying was too lazy to say more, giving her a “can’t you read it yourself” look, cupping his hands and turning around.

A newsboy on the roadside loudly hawked: “Shenbao! Shenbao! Eight Wen per copy, large, clear characters, come buy!”

Shenbao’s launch was an instant hit, priced at only one-fourth of another Chinese newspaper Shanghai Xinbao, and using vertical layout that Chinese people loved, immediately becoming the new darling of Chinese press. The newsboy shouted energetically, wishing he could shove newspapers right into pedestrians’ faces.

Lin Yuchan saw vertically printed characters flash by: “China Merchants Steam Navigation Company preparing to raise capital, planning to acquire all Shanghai Chinese shipping, unified scheduling…”

She hurriedly fished out some money and bought a newspaper. After reading, she completely understood.

Last time they were locked in a small dark room by foreigners. This time, they were probably locked in a small dark room by the Great Qing court.

The Chinese private transportation industry truly had a bumpy fate.

Lin Yuchan folded the newspaper and opened the white envelope, reading again with her heart sinking to the ocean floor.

Su Minguan’s familiar handwriting, ink barely dry before being hastily sealed, with messy ink stains on the paper. Since it was originally meant for the Yixing brothers, it used common characters with simple wording.

“If I don’t return on time, family property may be hard to preserve. I’ll try my best to fight, only seeking to be worthy of my ancestors. Hope family and brothers each take care, instruct my sister not to worry.”

Lin Yuchan folded the letter, saying softly: “Don’t worry my ass.”

Waves rose and fell, sunlight scattered on the silk-like sea surface. A massive passenger steamer slowly passed Chongming Island, going against the current into the vast white Yangtze River.

The ship’s bow flew the Great Qing dragon flag, with passing vessels giving way.

After a long lunch break, Li Hongzhang finally got up, resting in his first-class suite, sipping Dongting Biluochun tea in small mouthfuls, asking Sheng Xuanhuai in low voice: “Is that person awake?”

Li Hongzhang’s most prized abilities in life were first insight and memory, then official talent and subordinate management. A face glimpsed eight years ago could still be recognized at a glance now – Li Hongzhang wanted to applaud himself.

It was fortunate the man had extraordinary appearance. Despite trying hard to disguise himself, his manner was definitely not that of an ordinary servant. This made Li Hongzhang take extra looks.

He almost let a society rebel slip away from under his nose!

The Great Qing had finally ended years of military disasters and couldn’t afford to be careless again, letting trouble arise from within.

Li Hongzhang naturally immediately ordered the man seized. When his hat was removed, a rebel’s shaved head was revealed on the spot. Before he could make excuses, guards had already pounced and captured him immediately.

First, interrogating his kidnapping of Hede years ago and rescuing people from under the Empress Dowager – what were his real intentions? The man surnamed Su answered quite readily, saying it was to save his lover.

What a clumsy excuse – Li Hongzhang didn’t believe it. This kind of unscrupulous, stubborn troublemaker with “Water Margin” on his desk, always talking about “brothers like limbs, women like clothes” – saving what lover? More likely a female bandit chief.

But anyway it was an old case, pursuing it was meaningless; then he ordered him to confess party accomplices and organization. This time the man surnamed Su was stubborn, enduring several beatings while talking complete nonsense.

Only when half-unconscious, his tongue didn’t obey and he mumbled something. Li Hongzhang leaned close to listen carefully, hearing a few words.

“Jiangnan Arsenal…”

Li Hongzhang’s whole body shuddered. His composure nearly broke.

This was the Self-Strengthening Movement star enterprise he’d personally fostered, years of concentrated effort – how could he tolerate such slander!

“You’re lying!”

When Su Minguan woke up, knowing he’d let something slip, he simply gave up completely, smiling weakly: “That factory was originally bought with my money. When transferring and relocating, I helped throughout – how could I not know?… Corruption up and down the bureau, cheating you out of hundreds of thousands of taels yearly – guess where that money went? Technicians slack off, accomplishing nothing – do you think they’re naturally lazy? In a year, seventy to eighty percent of guns and cannons are defective – do you think we Chinese have limited talent, unable to replicate foreign achievements?… Oh right, last year I had workers there privately make several Remington rifles – made, already using them to prop doors…”

Li Hongzhang became more alarmed the more he heard. He wasn’t unaware of corruption and laziness at Jiangnan Arsenal, ordering reforms annually; but when the upper beam isn’t straight the lower beam is crooked – he’d stuffed it with his own connections who grew fat on kickbacks yearly, so couldn’t expect others to emerge from mud unsullied.

But… according to this Su fellow’s testimony, the entire factory had been infiltrated by society forces? A simple rallying cry could create factory-wide strikes like at Yason Shipyard? Even stealing materials, finished products, and blueprints?

That would be fatal!

Speaking with such detail, even knowing what weapons were currently being manufactured inside. Li Hongzhang couldn’t help feeling uncertain.

“Who? Who else is in cahoots with you?”

Su Minguan gently licked wounds on his wrist, sneering silently.

Jiangnan Arsenal practiced nepotism – ordinary society members couldn’t infiltrate high levels, just a few apprentices, sweepers, and cooks who had some friendship with Su Minguan. And factory personnel had no security consciousness – sometimes guns and cannons under construction had their model numbers published in foreign newspapers before completion, easily discovered by interested parties.

Li Hongzhang suffered from not residing permanently in Jiangsu-Zhejiang, failing to understand this ecosystem. Su Minguan’s vague statements hit all of Jiangnan Arsenal’s weak spots, making him increasingly insecure.

“Prepare the ship.”

He hadn’t inspected for two years – time for surprise rectification. Anyway he still needed to select sites for China Merchants Steam Navigation Company, so consider it early departure.

Sheng Xuanhuai was somewhat surprised by the news.

“Sir… just society members, they haven’t caused major disturbances in recent years. Just poor people banding together, choosing leaders, having backing when bullied – they’re all obedient citizens! This subordinate thinks there’s no need for such mobilization, disturbing your Governor-General’s dignity just to investigate a few society members?”

Li Hongzhang smiled. His young aide was clever but lacked experience.

“Xingsun, you don’t understand this.” Li Hongzhang lectured him. “Can’t they survive without banding together? You only see poor people’s hardships, but have you considered that maybe they’re too lazy and greedy, not seeking improvement, leading to their current state? You only see bullies oppressing people, but have you thought why those bullies don’t bully others, but specifically them? Is it because they lack moral cultivation and patience? Taking ten thousand steps back, even if society truly has injustices, they have neighborhood security, gentry, parent officials, grievance drums… At worst, step back, mind their own business, cultivate promising descendants who’ll seek justice later – why must they support some unrelated helmsman, hall master, dragon head? Those who constantly seem desperate, as if everyone owes them and harms them, every single one has evil intentions! Even if they don’t cause trouble now, they’re plotting rebellion; once opportunity comes, these will be the vanguard rebels! Xingsun, we can sympathize with people, but can’t nurture hidden dangers.”

When people are ignorant, don’t let them awaken; when people are scattered sand, don’t let them unite. Even if societies do nothing, in the court’s eyes, they equal rebellion and must be strictly monitored.

Sheng Xuanhuai received the lesson with awe, immediately taking leave to arrange ships and the itinerary.

The steamship was still half a day from port. Su Minguan was brought to the luxury suite on the ship’s top deck.

Guards released his arms, and he staggered several steps before standing steady.

“Thank Lord Li for the medicine.”

His face was extremely pale. Despite being wrapped in two layers of clothing, you could see faint bloodstains seeping through bandages. He forced out a smile, bowing with difficulty.

The beating hurt. But Li Hongzhang’s accompanying Western doctor was truly capable. Su Minguan reflected that if he’d fallen into other traditional yamen hands and been tormented like this, he’d be dead already.

Li Hongzhang sneered coldly. From his tone, he seemed to be showing off his willpower.

Just a warning, not even injuring tendons or bones. If he got serious, this man’s head would already be left on Haihe Beach.

Li Hongzhang had seen many such young people who didn’t know their place when fighting the Taiping rebels. Talented, ambitious, just on the wrong path. Initially, he felt some heroic mutual recognition, condescending to recruit many. Some became capable assistants, others were fickle, surrendering then rebelling again, causing trouble; later, he became numb. Talented people emerge every generation like endless crops of leeks – better to cut them cleanly.

“When we reach the arsenal,” Li Hongzhang instructed, “you must testify truthfully. I’ll know every false word. If you’re sincere, I’ll spare your life.”

Su Minguan raised pale lips, smiling calmly.

“Understood. Lord Li detained this humble person but didn’t send me to the capital, instead going south – you’re giving me another chance. This humble person is extremely grateful.”

This person was quite clever. Li Hongzhang nodded: “Then…”

“Sending rebels to the capital doesn’t earn much money.” Su Minguan couldn’t stand steadily, sitting openly on the guest sofa, supporting the armrest, as composed as a foreigner coming to discuss business. “You’re high-ranking, unlikely to get promoted three levels. You’re sparing me because you want me to quietly submit, then you can rightfully confiscate Yixing’s property and swallow the four hundred thousand taels compensation that should be mine – I guess someone’s already gone to seal Yixing, right?”

Li Hongzhang raised an eyebrow angrily: “Stand up…”

“Please calm your anger, sir. I’d do the same in your position.” He smiled with a hoarse voice. “Being recognized by you was my oversight, your skill. These four hundred thousand taels are your reward, perfectly reasonable. But Lord Li might consider – if Su stubbornly refuses to release Yixing… You know my mobilizing power. Yason Shipyard is an example. Even with your dignity as Zhili Governor-General, commanding this seven-hundred-ton giant ship with military pressure, if you forcibly take over Yixing, the chaos it would cause – have you planned well how to explain to the court?”

Li Hongzhang was instantly furious, but that anger quickly converged deep in his eyes. He took several sharp puffs of his water pipe.

This rebel indeed had some capital.

If his minions angrily destroyed and sank Yixing’s precious steamships, or even raised flags in rebellion… given these desperados’ character, it wasn’t impossible.

Li Hongzhang had suppressed bandits for so many years – how could he not know this principle? Though everything under heaven belongs to the emperor, some things had long taken root deep in Great Qing soil, extending beyond knowing. These deeply dormant forces occasionally sprouted disobedient buds on the surface, like barbs beside fingernails, making one want to tear them off, but “cutting grass and removing roots” was a delusion. More likely, pulling out thorns would bring blood, earth-shaking upheavals, mud and debris flying skyward, releasing more demons and monsters, trampling the path to wealth and honor he’d carefully laid for himself into chaos.

Did he dare lift this seal, revealing a pile of rotting abscesses, getting covered in stench?

From ancient times, so many heinous rebel traitors were lightly “pacified” – wasn’t it because those in power feared trouble?

Crushing a wild bee was easy. But getting stung hurt too.

“Anhui Battalion Acting Department Chief in Shanghai. Can’t be more.” Li Hongzhang appeased this poisonous stinging bee, generously compromising. “Do tea and bean cake business later – having official status is convenient. The money for those steamships will be earned back eventually. Tell your minions to disperse, work honestly from now on, and don’t cause trouble. Twice yearly, you must report to Jiangsu-Songjiang-Taicang Circuit Intendant’s office…”

“Thank you for the honor, sir.” Su Minguan was too weak to stand, very sincerely making a bowing gesture. “If this humble one accepts, within three days of disembarking, I’ll die mysteriously in Suzhou Creek.”

Li Hongzhang thought that would be perfect – this official would be delighted. Best if even the corpse couldn’t be found.

“Then what do you want?”

The steamship suddenly sounded its whistle. Outside the porthole, wasteland disappeared as Western-style buildings rose from the ground like foreign soldiers awaiting inspection.

Learning of Li Hongzhang’s early visit, the dock had already reserved the best berth. A long line of high and low officials waited, with a row of sedan chairs parked roadside. Welcome, banquet tents had been set up right to the gangplank.

Li Hongzhang stood up, ordering: “Take this person back to his cabin under strict guard. Prepare clothes for this official!”