In front of the Zhang family descendants, Zhang Xiluan formally requested He Rui, Duan Qirui, and Xu Shichang that if any Zhang family descendants came to them asking for connections, they should just kick them out. The Zhang family descendants dared not utter a word. It wasn't convenient for He Rui to say anything, so he could only look at Xu Shichang.

Xu Shichang was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations) and was second only to Zhang Xiluan in age among the four. He knew that Old Zhang was actually asking for a connection for the Zhang family descendants at this time. Seeing He Rui's expression, he didn't decline. He walked up to Zhang Xiluan and said to the Zhang family descendants, "Worthy nephews, if you want to go to school, come to find me. Besides that, Lord Zhang is your relative. He is truly considering for you worthy nephews, which is why he teaches you so earnestly. I hope you worthy nephews can understand Lord Zhang's heartfelt care."

The Zhang family descendants were generally not bad. Zhang Xiluan's sons immediately answered, "Thank you, Uncle Xu, for the guidance." Then Zhang Xiluan's grandchildren and great-grandchildren expressed their gratitude.

Zhang Xiluan ordered the descendants to leave, and only then sat back at the table with the support of He Rui and Xu Shichang. Xu Shichang praised, "Brother Zhang cares for his descendants so much; I admire you."

Zhang Xiluan waved his hand. "Brother Xu, only a figure like you can understand that I am caring for them. If these descendants could understand, I would be burning high incense." After speaking, Zhang Xiluan sighed again, "Alas, let's not talk about these things. Talking about it only makes me angry. Come, serve the wine and food!"

Soon, the wine and food were served. The three toasted Zhang Xiluan. Zhang Xiluan drank it all in one gulp, then changed the subject, "Worthy Brother He, there are rumors outside saying that we are going to fight a war again. Is it true?"

"Lord Zhang, who do the rumors say we are going to fight?" He Rui asked with a smile.

"I hadn't seen the American 'Chinese Exclusion Act' before, but now the newspapers explain it very clearly. After reading it, I feel that going to war wouldn't be strange. Moreover, there are also domestic bills dealing with the United States. Is the United States really going to have no reaction?"

Duan Qirui and Xu Shichang didn't chime in. Both of them felt that war wouldn't actually happen. Of course, this referred to the Republic under He Rui's rule. If it were the Qing Dynasty or the Beiyang era, it would be hard to say. However, the current Chinese public sentiment was very agitated, believing that if the United States refused to abolish the "Chinese Exclusion Act", China could declare war on the United States.

Zhang Xiluan originally wanted to steer the topic away from the Zhang family descendants as soon as possible, so he continued, "I read the reprinted commentaries from British and French newspapers. *The Times* and *Le Figaro* are both instigating, saying that if the United States dares to enact such laws against Britain and France, Britain and France would go to war. I wonder what Worthy Brother He thinks about this?"

He Rui nodded. "The British and French newspapers are right. If the United States dares to pass an Exclusion of British Act or Exclusion of French Act, the two countries would really go to war with the United States."

Duan Qirui was stunned. He originally thought He Rui didn't want to go to war with the United States. But looking at it now, if the United States was really stubborn, for the sake of China's dignity, He Rui might not necessarily refrain from taking action.

Zhang Xiluan hadn't expected He Rui to answer like this and felt he might have asked the wrong topic. However, Zhang Xiluan's age allowed him to take advantage of his seniority, so he said, "Whether to go to war or not is a major national affair; I was just asking casually."

Xu Shichang was also very surprised and couldn't help asking, "Chairman He, does the United States have to push the situation to that point?"

He Rui explained, "The US government organization is different from China's, and the scope of power is also different. The US President's power lies in national defense and diplomacy. Congressional power lies in legislation and taxation. With the current so-called small government in the United States, unless China declares war first, or the US upper class has decided to go to war with China, the US President and both houses of Congress cannot jump out directly. So we must pass the 'Special Tariff Act on US'. This special tariff affects US exports to China. Once the actual interests of US merchants are damaged and the merchants take action, it will give the US President and Congress an opportunity to act. As long as the interests of US merchants and financial groups are not actually touched, the US reaction to the deterioration of Sino-US relations will be very slow; they might drag it out for ten or twenty years before solving it."

Before Xu Shichang could continue asking, Duan Qirui interjected, "Brother Xu, we came to congratulate Brother Zhang on his birthday. Why disturb Brother Zhang's mood with these things?"

Zhang Xiluan immediately followed these words and raised his wine glass, "Three worthy brothers, let's drain this glass."

After drinking the second glass, everyone's topic returned to things around Zhang Xiluan. Zhang Xiluan praised the newly built asphalt roads, saying cars drove fast and steadily on them. Many factories had opened in Tianjin in the last three years, and the market was very lively. When Zhang Xiluan went out for a walk, he felt that ordinary days were just like New Year. On the contrary, during the New Year, a large number of people from other places left Tianjin to return home, making Tianjin deserted.

Hearing this, Xu Shichang said that the new capital (Zhengzhou) was the same. It became livelier every day, but once the Spring Festival arrived, there was no human presence. Not only Tianjin and the new capital, but Beiping (Beijing) was also about the same.

Everyone talked about things they saw daily, and the atmosphere at the wine table gradually relaxed. When the wine was flowing and ears were hot, Zhang Xiluan asked, "Worthy Brother He, I, your elder brother, just want to ask one question. Have you ever thought about finding a woman to serve by your side?"

Xu Shichang and Duan Qirui both pretended not to care, but both listened very seriously. They heard He Rui laugh, "There are so many national affairs; where is the mind for such things? I have three brothers in my family; my elder brother and younger brother both have sons. I am not worried about having no descendants in the family."

Hearing this answer, Zhang Xiluan immediately replied, "Worthy Brother speaks like this, but I just feel Worthy Brother lives too bitterly. However, Worthy Brother devoting himself wholeheartedly to the country is the country's fortune. Come, I toast Worthy Brother a glass."

Xu Shichang and Duan Qirui also hurriedly raised their wine glasses. Duan Qirui himself was not lustful; seeing He Rui being so ascetic, besides admiration, Duan Qirui also felt a sense of mutual appreciation. Xu Shichang speculated in his heart, wondering which people in the old Beiyang clique wanted to get closer to He Rui and actually persuaded Zhang Xiluan to mention this matter.

While guessing, the steward came in from outside, "Master, Master Lu has come to offer congratulations."

"Invite him over," Zhang Xiluan replied.

A moment later, two people walked in. The one on the right front was a clear-faced man in his forties, wearing a Beiyang military uniform without rank insignias like Duan Qirui. Behind him followed two people; one was a servant holding a gift, and the other was a young woman. Duan Qirui himself was not lustful, but even so, his gaze couldn't help fixing on the woman's face for a while, then moved down to look at the feet of this woman wearing a lotus-colored long skirt.

The hem of the lotus-colored long skirt was about 10 centimeters above the ankle, revealing a pair of brown calfskin boots completely. Seeing the young woman's light steps, she should have natural feet and never had bound feet.

Xu Shichang looked her over for a moment, feeling that Old Zhang handled things properly. This girl had a fair and ruddy round face, truly dignified and beautiful, with excellent appearance. The most important thing was this calm demeanor, definitely not an ignorant woman from the deep boudoir.

At this time, Zhang Xiluan didn't need support. He pressed the armrest of the chair and stood up steadily to welcome them. "Worthy Brother Lu coming really makes my humble house shine." Saying this, he took the hand of this Officer Lu, led him to the table, and introduced him to the three, "This is our Beiyang Army Regimental Commander, Lu Chongming, also a graduate of West Point in the United States."

Lu Chongming immediately saluted He Rui and Duan Qirui, "Subordinate Lu Chongming salutes Chairman He and Chief Duan."

Which one at this table wasn't a thousand-year-old fox? At this moment, their hearts were clear as a mirror. Looking at Lu Chongming's uniform, which was the same as Duan Qirui's, Xu Shichang knew even more clearly that this was definitely an idea from a group of old Beiyang brothers. Now outsiders looked at the new government and still thought it was the Beiyang government. But the old Beiyang brothers and new-style figures with vision outside Beiyang knew very well that the He Rui government was rapidly becoming what a truly promising central government should look like. Talents from all provinces in the country had been incorporated into the He Rui government according to population proportion. The Beiyang color was rapidly fading. In at most five or six years, Beiyang would remain only a name.

Now, Beiyang had to stuff as many people as possible into the government. He Rui's wife was undoubtedly a very important candidate, and the old Beiyang clique could not let it go no matter what.

At this time, Zhang Xiluan had invited Lu Chongming and Miss Lu to take their seats. Duan Qirui obviously didn't want to participate in this matter, just pushed away the wine glass silently and started drinking tea. Xu Shichang completely understood the purpose of Zhang Xiluan inviting He Rui this time. Although Miss Lu's appearance and temperament were good, Xu Shichang felt that as a Beiyang bigwig, he had to check first. Whether a figure like He Rui was willing or not was another matter; the old Beiyang clique couldn't lose face.

After drinking for a while longer, Xu Shichang asked, "Brother Lu, is your daughter still studying?"

Hearing this question, the pride in Lu Chongming's expression was hard to conceal. "My daughter is studying in the Philosophy Department of Tianjin University and is about to graduate."

"Philosophy Department?" Xu Shichang was really surprised.

Lu Chongming laughed, "Since the establishment of the Asian International Tribunal last year, many foreign professors came to Tianjin University. My daughter listened to their lectures and was taken by the school to Shanghai to visit the Asian International Tribunal. Sigh..." Speaking of this, Lu Chongming had the troubled look of an old father, "I feel the school is also... hard to explain in a few words. Letting a group of students listen to how trials are conducted. My daughter and her classmates applied to the school for study abroad, wanting to go to the Philosophy Department of the University of Berlin in Germany. Germany isn't enough for her; she also wants to study at Oxford University in England."

"Studying abroad is a good thing! It can increase knowledge." Xu Shichang began to be satisfied. What he worried about most was that the old Beiyang guys were insensible and pushed the girl out like offering a daughter. Lu Chongming seemed to agree with his daughter going to Europe to study; this was correct. If He Rui became interested in Miss Lu and wanted to marry her, that would be naturally good. If He Rui didn't make a decision or had absolutely no interest, everyone would be decent, which was a good thing.

Duan Qirui graduated from a German military academy. Hearing Germany, he became interested and asked, "Why go to the University of Berlin? Munich University, Heidelberg University, University of Cologne, which one isn't better than the University of Berlin?"

Lu Chongming knew little about Germany and asked hurriedly, "Berlin is the capital of Germany, gathering talents. Is the University of Berlin inferior to these universities?"

"Confucianism is also discussed in the capital, but why are most Confucian schools not in the capital?" Duan Qirui asked back.

Hearing this, Xu Shichang felt Duan Qirui really improved. He laughed, "As far as I know, there are many philosophical schools in Europe. I wonder if Brother Duan has dabbled in various European philosophical schools?"

Duan Qirui shook his head. "If talking about understanding philosophy, Chairman He is a master! Why doesn't Brother Xu ask Chairman He?"

Hearing this, Miss Lu finally raised her eyes. Since taking her seat, she had kept her eyes lowered, not looking at this group of old men. Looking up at this time, He Rui saw that Miss Lu had a pair of almond eyes, very beautiful.

For a moment, He Rui felt something was wrong in his heart. To suppress this impulse, He Rui said indifferently, "Philosophy is just a discipline. This discipline easily becomes empty talk, or becomes a tool to explain reality according to a process. If these can be avoided, I think it's good to dabble in it."

Xu Shichang was greatly interested. "Can you elaborate?"

To cool down the situation, He Rui answered, "The learning of a gentleman enters his ear, clings to his mind, spreads through his four limbs, and manifests in his actions. His smallest word and slightest movement can serve as a model. The learning of a petty person enters his ear and comes out of his mouth. The distance between mouth and ear is only four inches; how can it be enough to beautify a seven-foot body?"

Zhang Xiluan, Duan Qirui, and Lu Chongming knew very little about Chinese culture and philosophy and didn't understand what He Rui was saying. Only Xu Shichang and Miss Lu's eyes brightened. Xu Shichang praised, "Hit the mark!"

Miss Lu finally spoke. Her Tianjin accent wasn't heavy, sounding very gentle. "I wonder where Chairman He thinks the difference lies between Chinese philosophy and European philosophy?"

"Chinese philosophy and European philosophy each have their characteristics. I prefer to define them as modern philosophy and ancient philosophy. Modern philosophy, as I see it, must figure out from the principles what biological mechanisms humans use to perceive and understand the world. I talked with Mr. Zhao Tianlin about the philosophy curriculum setting. I don't know how domestic philosophy courses are set now. I think the context of learning philosophy should be like this: first figure out biological instincts, then through training, try to understand how the body sends signals to the brain. On such a basis, learning philosophy with the purpose of self-cultivation, one should achieve something in learning various philosophies."

Now even Xu Shichang was confused. He thought for a moment before asking, "Has science been able to research to this extent now?"

"In a few more years, much research on several mass extinctions will come out. Based on these, one can understand some characteristics that life must possess to survive in such harsh environments."

"Mass extinctions..." Xu Shichang didn't know what to say.

He Rui felt the irritability in his heart became stronger, so he briefly introduced the mass extinction 65 million years ago. Hearing that drastic climate change should have destroyed the Earth's biosphere, but the massive eruption of the Deccan Traps supervolcano in India actually alleviated the destruction of the world by climate change, everyone felt they were listening to a myth. When He Rui recounted that a meteorite with a diameter of probably ten kilometers hit the Caribbean region at this time, finally completing the great destruction, causing the extinction of all animals over a few kilograms on Earth, everyone except Miss Lu felt He Rui was telling a myth.

Zhang Xiluan stroked his goatee and said slowly, "Why does this sound a bit like Gong Gong smashing Mount Buzhou in anger?"

He Rui explained, "Heaven tilting to the northwest and earth sinking to the southeast is another matter. It may refer to the oscillation of the Earth's axis, or the displacement and fracture of strata."

Miss Lu asked, "Chairman He, why do you think... the mass extinction tens of millions of years ago..." Speaking of this, a look of unbearableness appeared on Miss Lu's face. He Rui saw this expression and actually felt some sympathy in his heart.

Miss Lu calmed down quickly and continued to ask, "Why would such natural disasters affect human cognitive characteristics?"

"First of all, humans didn't exist at that time. How could small lives of a few kilograms be humans? However, creatures that could survive in that environment would have their own different characteristics. The ancestors of mammals were a group of creatures similar to small mice at that time. Many of our biological characteristics originated from that type of very single, highly common creatures. There are more biological characteristics and life organization patterns that are the results screened by earlier mass extinctions one after another. Figuring out these, plus understanding brain evolution, one can understand what signals our body is sending to the brain."

Speaking of this, He Rui was certain that his physiological instinct had reacted to the woman in front of him. And these reactions likely affected the neuronal writing function, leaving an impression of this woman on him. This was not the result He Rui wanted to appear, but He Rui also knew that if he got excited, his body would instead strengthen the impression of this woman.

At this time, Lu Chongming, with a complicated expression, interjected, "Lord Zhang, I still have some matters at home, so I'll take my leave."

He Rui couldn't praise Lu Chongming more in his heart; such an interruption was excellent. His body finally didn't need to strengthen the impression of this girl anymore. As for whether Lu Chongming thought He Rui was a madman, He Rui didn't care at all. If he just thought He Rui was a simple madman, he could probably be counted as a person holding goodwill towards He Rui in this world.

Finally, this birthday celebration ended in a passable way. After sending He Rui away, Zhang Xiluan sighed. He had long felt He Rui was an extraordinary person, but he didn't expect He Rui's knowledge to contain such dark, terrifying, almost mythical content.

Footsteps sounded; Mrs. Zhang brought tea over. Zhang Xiluan took it and drank two mouthfuls, but saw his wife didn't leave. Looking up, he saw his wife frowning slightly, pondering something. Just as Zhang Xiluan wanted to ask, his wife said slowly, "Chairman He actually fancies the little girl from the Lu family, but why did he deliberately act so cold?"

"Oh?" Zhang Xiluan was happy, but felt something was wrong. He himself just felt He Rui seemed to lose his composure a bit, but when He Rui left, he obviously didn't look moved.

Mrs. Zhang sighed, "Master, you men don't understand."

"What did Madam understand?" Zhang Xiluan asked.

Mrs. Zhang shook her head. "It's my first time seeing it too, and I don't understand either. It's just that Chairman He... is too different from others."

After coming out from Zhang Xiluan's place, He Rui said goodbye to Xu Shichang and Duan Qirui, then went to the Tianjin Municipal Committee of the Civility Party. Everyone in the Municipal Committee had prepared for the report. Seeing He Rui come in, their expressions immediately became serious. This report was equivalent to a summary of the work of the past three years. The comrades of the Municipal Committee were not sure if they could get He Rui's approval.

"Start," He Rui ordered.

The Municipal Party Secretary immediately read the document, "...From 1924 to 1927, the permanent population of Tianjin changed from 1.07 million to 1.27 million. Including..."

When the Municipal Party Secretary finished reading the population part, He Rui asked, "Is that all for the summary report on Tianjin's floating population?"

Everyone in the Municipal Committee was stunned. The number of floating population in Tianjin couldn't be completely counted now, probably between 500,000 and 700,000. This was a very headache-inducing part of the work. The Municipal Party Secretary probed, "We have already started discussing how to manage it."

"Then introduce it," He Rui ordered.

"Regarding the floating population, set up a repatriation mechanism..." The Municipal Party Secretary spoke while observing He Rui's expression. When he saw He Rui's expression become somewhat cold, the Municipal Party Secretary didn't know if He Rui approved or disapproved. But whichever it was, He Rui's attitude was certainly quite strong.

During the report, the Municipal Party Secretary became more and more nervous observing the expressions. Finally finishing reading, he immediately waited silently. Sure enough, He Rui said, "I oppose the repatriation system. I advocate guiding this floating population. When they come to the city, they have the opportunity to enter industrial production. Expanding the scale of the industrial population is a positive promotion for current economic development. Of course, I know the burden brought by managing the floating population, so what I am considering is whether we can seek a relatively balanced way of handling between the two."

The Municipal Party Secretary exchanged glances with other comrades, then answered, "Could the Chairman please arrange the work?"

After the Municipal Party Secretary finished speaking, he really felt some despair in his heart. Tianjin was one of the top industrialized cities in China now. If the Municipal Party Secretary expressed that he couldn't complete He Rui's idea, he would very likely be replaced. However, the Municipal Party Secretary felt he had to do this. The reason was simple: he really couldn't think of a way. If he promised, it would definitely be worse. At that time, he would still be replaced.

Rather than being replaced in disgrace, it was better to make it clear face to face and then be replaced. This was the maximum dignity he could retain.