Hearing that Duan Qirui and Xu Shichang had arrived, Zhao Tianlin stood up and said to Hu Shi and others, "Gentlemen, please wait a moment."

Hu Shi smiled slightly and said, "Brother Zhao, why not invite the two to come in for a chat, so that we can also meet them?"

Hearing this, other scholars echoed one after another. Zhao Tianlin thought for a moment before replying, "Let me go see the two first."

Seeing Zhao Tianlin's back disappear out the door, the scholars felt mixed feelings. Someone sighed in a low voice, "Beiyang is of the same breath and branches after all." Hu Shi and others couldn't help sighing upon hearing this. They finally met Zhao Tianlin, ostensibly to congratulate him on obtaining the title of world-famous scholar, but actually to take the opportunity to seek a formal position for themselves. This sentence 'Beiyang is of the same breath and branches' spoke everyone's heart.

With outstanding diplomas and world renown, becoming the Vice Premier of the Republic of China at the age of 39, and being elegant himself. In the minds of many literati, this is a character walking out of a novel. It happened that Zhao Tianlin, just like a character in a novel, had quite a personality. As soon as he returned to China, he became the President of the National Peiyang University, which already made many people envious. He performed well in office, but because he disagreed with the Beiyang central government, he resigned in anger and went to Siping to follow He Rui.

Most scholars who failed to join the He Rui government believed that the gap between themselves and Zhao Tianlin did not stem from insufficient knowledge, but because they never had the opportunity to display their talents. Whether it was Beiyang leader Yuan Shikai or Beiyang rookie He Rui, they both entrusted heavy responsibilities to Zhao Tianlin, a talent with 'red roots' in Beiyang. In the past ten years, other scholars had always been depressed and unsuccessful, while Zhao Tianlin continued to sharpen himself in high positions. The difference between clouds and mud today is entirely due to different origins.

Originally, this group of scholars adopted a wait-and-see attitude because the He Rui government went to war with Britain. Although the war was undecided at this time, the Asian International Tribunal won a complete victory, making them unable to continue to have scruples, and they all decided to get a job in the He Rui government no matter what.

At this time, Duan Qirui and Xu Shichang had already met Zhao Tianlin who came out to welcome them. Having not seen each other for more than half an year, the two Beiyang seniors saw that Zhao Tianlin was more steady and calm in his gestures, and they were both happy in their hearts. Duan Qirui didn't like joking, and from a political principle, National Assembly Speaker Duan Qirui, representing public opinion, was the number two figure in the Republic. If He Rui died suddenly, Duan Qirui would temporarily act as the Chairman of the Republic. Facing Zhao Tianlin's greeting, Duan Qirui just nodded slightly.

The Director of the National Archives of Culture and History was an extremely noble and leisurely position. Xu Shichang was not restrained at all, looking at Zhao Tianlin with a smile, "Premier Zhao, I came here to bring a message for Duke Zhang."

Everyone knew who 'Duke Zhang' was who could ask Xu Shichang to bring a message. Zhao Tianlin asked hurriedly, "I wonder what instructions Duke Zhang has."

"I relay Duke Zhang's original words." Xu Shichang replied, "Regarding the Asian International Tribunal, this little kid Zhao Tianlin has made great contributions. Since he has returned to Tianjin, please ask Premier Zhao to come to my house for a potluck."

Being called a 'little kid' by Zhang Xiluan, who was over 80 years old, Zhao Tianlin, who was still a few months away from turning 40, didn't feel anything inappropriate. He answered immediately, "Since Duke Zhang has an order, I should naturally obey. I wonder when I should go?"

"Duke Zhang said choosing a day is not as good as hitting the day. If Premier Zhao is free today, how about today at noon?"

Zhang Xiluan had lived in seclusion for two years and ignored worldly affairs. There were very few figures in the Republic whom he would actively invite to a family banquet. Zhao Tianlin didn't decline either and agreed directly, "I am meeting with some scholars right now. After the talk, I will go to Duke Zhang's place."

Hearing the word 'scholars,' Duan Qirui felt a burst of disdain in his heart. Locals from all provinces across the country served as officials in the central government to ensure domestic political unity. Then government officials ranging from Communists to Royalists existed, which could only mean that He Rui indeed had magnanimity.

Being just a 'scholar' in such a loose environment, Duan Qirui really didn't want to see those people. Since the message was delivered, Duan Qirui took his leave, "We will wait for Premier Zhao at Duke Zhang's residence."

After sending the two off, Zhao Tianlin returned to the reception room. Before the scholars could speak, Zhao Tianlin took the initiative to say, "At present, the country is in need of people, and personnel are especially needed in three aspects."

Seeing that they finally got the opportunity, the scholars' moods were lifted. Someone immediately said impassionedly, "Even if our virtue is thin and our talent is shallow, we know that every man has a share of responsibility for the fate of his country. At this time of war with Britain, we should naturally serve the country."

Zhao Tianlin knew the speculative nature of this group of people very well, so he pretended not to hear this and said directly, "The country has three things at present. The first is the capture of tens of thousands of British prisoners. These people are different from the criminals of the ANZAC Corps. if they have not committed crimes after screening, their legitimate rights and interests should be protected. Moreover, for these people, someone must teach them China's advanced civilization and help them liberate themselves from the poisoning of immature and backward European philosophy."

Hearing such a job, although the scholars all felt they understood Chinese culture, conducting training for British prisoners of war was quite different from the official positions in the government that scholars expected.

After a moment of silence, Hu Shi said, "Propagating Chinese culture is our bounden duty. However, Chairman He has learned five cartloads of books. If we display our slight skill before an expert, it would be unseemly."

"Someone will arrange it," Zhao Tianlin replied.

Other scholars heard that Hu Shi meant to accept the job directly from He Rui, and felt that Hu Shi was too cunning.

Zhao Tianlin continued, "The second thing is that Japan has always considered itself Huaxia. In the future, I'm afraid there will be debates with Japan, so preparations should be made for this."

Immediately, many scholars said, "How can the vast China allow the Japanese to display their slight skill before experts? If the Japanese dare to come, we will definitely make them convinced."

Seeing these people so confident, Zhao Tianlin mentioned the third thing, "Strong economy means strong national power. Gentlemen should explain the country's future policies to the outside world, so that the world knows China's direction."

The scholars were stunned. Zhao Tianlin's words were meaningful. In the eyes of scholars, engaging in economics meant making money. If they had the ability of Tao Zhugong [Fan Li], they would naturally do it. But although they couldn't be Zhao Gong Marshal (Martial God of Wealth) themselves, many of their relatives engaged in business. However, scholars were not clear about what the He Rui government's policy was.

Just as everyone was considering how to ask, Zhao Tianlin stood up and said, "Just now, Speaker Duan and Director Xu came because Duke Zhang asked them to call me to Duke Zhang's place. It's almost noon, gentlemen, I have to prepare."

Hearing that Zhang Xiluan invited Zhao Tianlin, the scholars dared not say more and could only stand up to take their leave. Leaving Zhao Tianlin's place, those scholars who had already made a choice were happy in their hearts, waiting to be notified. Scholars who hadn't made a decision calculated in their hearts which path was most beneficial to them.

Outside the door, some people wanted to ask everyone to have a meal together, and everyone also felt it was necessary to talk. So they found a private room in a nearby restaurant. After sitting down, someone said sourly, "Duke Zhang lives in seclusion. This time he must have heard about the Asian International Tribunal and specially invited Premier Zhao. Premier Zhao's face is truly enviable."

Everyone felt that Beiping was of the same breath and branches externally, but internally it was also severely divided. Among the Beiyang seniors, only Zhang Xiluan bet all his fortune on He Rui, so everyone wanted to go through Zhang Xiluan's channel. But what kind of person was Zhang Xiluan? Except for working hard to promote major events, he never recommended anyone because of personal relationships. Those who couldn't get through this path, although dissatisfied verbally, actually admired Zhang Xiluan in their hearts for never getting carried away.

The news of Zhang Xiluan inviting Zhao Tianlin at this time spread, which became a beautiful story. It seemed that even at this age, the old man was still not confused.

Zhao Tianlin had always admired Zhang Xiluan and knew that the old man never accepted gifts in recent years. But going empty-handed was inappropriate, so he took a set of Four Treasures of the Study from home and wrapped it up. Welcomed into the back garden of the Zhang family, seeing Zhang Xiluan, he presented the gift. Zhang Xiluan held Zhao Tianlin's hand and laughed, "Premier Zhao, my Zhang family has never produced a scholar. I hope to borrow Premier Zhao's Four Treasures of the Study to encourage the descendants of the Zhang family to produce a few scholars like Premier Zhao."

Everyone knew that Zhang Xiluan himself could write poetry, and Zhang Xiluan had recently compiled his poems into a volume at his own expense and printed a small batch to give to old friends. So he laughed, "I have long heard that Duke Zhang's poetry has the style of the generous and tragic songs of Yan and Zhao, but I was busy with official duties and failed to see it. I wonder if Duke Zhang could be generous enough to give me a copy?"

Zhang Xiluan laughed, "Just doggerel. Premier Zhao, a great scholar, will definitely laugh after reading it. But an ugly daughter-in-law is not afraid to see her parents-in-law. I printed some the day before yesterday to give to old friends. Because no one read them, and too many were printed, there are many left at home. Since Premier Zhao doesn't mind, come, take one and send it to Premier Zhao's residence now."

Xu Shichang was originally a *Jinshi*, and he also printed his own poetry collection and calligraphy, so he didn't feel much about this. Duan Qirui was a student studying in a German military academy, a standard soldier. Seeing Zhang Xiluan and Zhao Tianlin giving Four Treasures of the Study and returning poetry collections as gifts. How was this 'the family never produced a scholar'? This was clearly the style of a scholar. Seeing that he could leave articles and poems in his life, he even felt a little jealous in his heart.

While talking, the banquet had been delivered. Zhang Xiluan invited Zhao Tianlin to come with absolutely no intention of doing business, but was very interested in the Asian International Tribunal. Everyone took their seats, and after just the first drink, they asked Zhao Tianlin for advice.

Zhao Tianlin did not hide anything. Moreover, Duan Qirui and Xu Shichang had made considerable contributions in the unification war, and presumably they didn't know the strategic intention of this matter. So he told them the ins and outs.

Initially, everyone chatted while eating. After two rounds of wine, Zhang Xiluan sighed, "I really can't keep up with the situation. If I hadn't heard Premier Zhao tell it personally, I actually thought that China controlling the International Tribunal in its own hands was the best policy. truly short-sighted."

Seeing that Zhang Xiluan was truly happy about China's diplomatic victory, Zhao Tianlin replied, "Duke Zhang, this matter was originally an accident. We didn't expect the ANZAC Corps to commit such beastly acts. Chairman He was able to guide the situation according to circumstances. This breadth of mind was not understood by the comrades of the Central Committee at first. Everyone participated in this matter, and even with Chairman He's command, it took more than a month for everyone to understand."

Duan Qirui was convinced, just sighed softly, picked up the teacup, and took a sip. Xu Shichang was quite emotional, "I was worried before that European countries would collude. I didn't expect Chairman He to have seen through that European countries are not only disunited but will not miss any opportunity to undermine each other."

Hearing this, Zhao Tianlin couldn't help laughing, "The comrades of the Central Committee also said similar things. At that time, Chairman He replied, if European countries could collude on this matter, Europe would have been unified into one country long ago."

The other three were stunned, thought for a moment, and all laughed loudly. Zhang Xiluan slapped the table and praised, "Hit the nail on the head, striking the crucial point! Indeed Brother He's style. Ten years ago, Brother He was ordered by Brother Duan to take a small team to outside the Pass. I still remember that small team, including Brother He, was only 50 people. Just arriving in Fengtian [Mukden], Brother He went to the Kwantung Leased Territory alone and made the Kwantung Army causing trouble in Shenyang withdraw voluntarily with his own strength. At that time, I felt that Brother He's vision was so high that this old man couldn't understand it at all. Now it seems that there is nothing in this world that Brother He can't understand. Brother Duan entrusting heavy responsibilities to Brother He is China's fortune. It is also the disaster of Japan and Britain. Come, Brother Duan, I toast you!"

Duan Qirui waved his hand hurriedly, "Brother Zhang, don't make fun of me."

Zhang Xiluan said seriously, "Brother Duan, when Brother He returned to China, there were two thousand if not three thousand field officers of his age in my Beiyang. Why did you choose him? Just as Brother He established a foothold outside the Pass, you sent him another 10,000 ocean [silver dollars]. Brother Duan, don't be modest; Brother He doesn't say it, but he remembers it in his heart. For Brother He to reach today, our table of people also has some credit. Come, Brother Duan, drink this cup!"

Duan Qirui certainly remembered giving He Rui 10,000 ocean, but he relied on his status and never told outsiders. Hearing Zhang Xiluan speak sincerely at this time, and Zhao Tianlin and Xu Shichang also raised their wine glasses. Duan Qirui wiped the corners of his eyes, raised his tea, clinked glasses with everyone, and drank it in one gulp.

Xu Shichang finished his wine, ate a piece of glutinous rice lotus root, and asked, "Regarding the books and documents of the Asian International Tribunal, I don't know how many bookshelves are needed to hold them. I am anxious to see Chairman He's next stroke of genius."

"It has already begun," Zhao Tianlin replied.

"Ah?" The other three were truly surprised hearing Zhao Tianlin say this.

Zhao Tianlin explained, "This trial is the first counterattack of the oppressed colonial people against the colonial countries. There are probably 1 billion oppressed people on this planet. Their voices were not heard internationally before because no one spoke for them. I have communicated many times with legal experts from various countries and left-wing figures from various countries who came to China. Everyone intends to establish an International Criminal Court and form an International Human Rights Council. Various branches of the International Human Rights Council will regularly publish human rights reports of various countries, and investigate and expose various crimes against humanity. Although the capture of the ANZAC Corps may not happen again for a long time. However, the International Criminal Court can accept reports of crimes against humanity, and through means such as organizing investigations, pressure countries, requiring those countries to investigate and file cases on such crimes, and conduct trials."

Hearing such a plan, Zhang Xiluan, Duan Qirui, and Xu Shichang were stunned. This plan exceeded their understanding ability, so much so that the three could not imagine what this matter would look like specifically. But the three knew that if this matter could really be done, it would definitely have a great impact on the whole world.

After a moment of silence, Xu Shichang sighed, "Summer insects cannot talk about ice, well frogs cannot talk about the sea, ordinary people cannot talk about the Dao. Compared with Chairman He's strategy, I am just a frog in the well; even if I hear it, I don't understand. Ashamed!"

Duan Qirui didn't understand either, but he still asked, "Premier Zhao, I don't know Chairman He's strategy either. But hearing this, I can't help worrying, if we openly provoke a group of powers like this, will the powers go to war with us in desperation?"

Looking at the reactions of Xu Shichang and Duan Qirui, Zhao Tianlin couldn't help recalling his reaction when he first heard this plan. Initially, Zhao Tianlin didn't understand either, and then worried whether it would trigger tense relations with the powers, eventually prompting the powers to join hands to deal with China.

An analysis by He Rui at that time calmed Zhao Tianlin's mood. Since this judgment fit the situation so well at this time, Zhao Tianlin said it, "If the powers could collude on this matter, they would have unified into one country long ago!"

This was the second time Zhao Tianlin said this sentence. At this time, the three people at the same table didn't laugh loudly again, but the anxiety and confusion in their eyes disappeared. They all experienced the days when China was bullied by the powers together; that was truly a feeling of despair. But the current China defeated Japan and occupied the advantage in the war with Britain. As long as the powers cannot unite to deal with China, China indeed has nothing to fear.

Zhang Xiluan saw that the atmosphere at the wine table was really a bit depressing, so he laughed, "Premier Zhao, I wonder if you have encountered any interesting things recently; tell us."

Zhao Tianlin knew Zhang Xiluan wanted to enliven the atmosphere, so he laughed, "The British side has been having a headache about the ANZAC Corps matter, but unexpectedly, some Indians came to China. They held up banners demanding the Asian International Tribunal to try Britain for various atrocities in India. Those Indians also knew several foreign languages, so the banners held up in front of the hotel where British reporters stayed were written in English. That English should be taught to Indians by schools run by the British colonial government in India."

Duan Qirui and Xu Shichang couldn't help smiling. Although the joke Zhao Tianlin held back urgently was not very funny, it was at least a story of shooting oneself in the foot. It was considered worth a laugh for now.

The atmosphere at the dinner table began to be harmonious and happy again.