Although Duan Qirui wasn't certain if Zhang Xiluan was mocking him regarding the 'People's View of History', he dared not probe deeper. Zhang Xiluan was over eighty years old and a sworn brother of Yuan Shikai. In his lifetime, Zhang Xiluan had never wronged his Beiyang brothers. So, let alone this ambiguous teasing, even if Zhang Xiluan were to curse Duan Qirui to his face, Duan Qirui not only couldn't retort but would have to apologize to Zhang Xiluan and find a way to earn his forgiveness.

This was the rule!

Duan Qirui hurriedly smoothed things over. "Brother Zhang, seeing you live such a carefree life, I am envious to death. I'll just wait for the next parliamentary election, and I won't run for Speaker again. I'll learn from Brother Zhang and retire to my hometown."

"Hehe. Brother Duan, you are being childish." Zhang Xiluan's tone carried a hint of disappointment that iron failed to become steel.

Xu Shichang, sitting beside them, almost laughed out loud. To save Duan Qirui from embarrassment, Xu Shichang picked up his watermelon juice and took a sip. Finding it cool and sweet, he praised, "Delicious."

Duan Qirui didn't want to look crestfallen either, so he also picked up his glass and took a sip. Just as Xu Shichang said, the watermelon juice was cold and sweet. He quickly joined in the praise, "Indeed, it is delicious."

The atmosphere softened considerably. Zhang Xiluan smiled. "Brother Duan, I see you have a life of toil. Why resign? With you there, the old Beiyang brothers can feel that someone understands them. If Brother He were a rash young man who treated the old Beiyang brothers as remnants of the previous dynasty and refused to use them at all... once the matter of Jing Tingbin gets into the textbooks, would the Beiyang brothers even have a way to live?"

Duan Qirui originally had a chest full of gloom because of his son's affairs. After the fatigue of the journey, much of that angry fire had dissipated. Now, hearing Zhang Xiluan's point, he couldn't help but feel a bit of lingering fear.

Seeing that Duan Qirui no longer dared to make a fuss, Xu Shichang smiled. "Brother Zhang is right. In these past two years, the parliamentary leaders of the Great Powers that Zhiquan has met—which one hasn't been respectful? Zhiquan, over these years, even if we don't say you've vented your spleen, you've at least been riding high. The events of the past can also be given an accounting. Others are envious to death; if you resign, Zhiquan, I'm afraid you'll regret it later."

Hearing these words, Duan Qirui felt even more emotional. The ambassadors of various countries to China were now equivalent to department-level officials in China, at most deputy bureau-level officials, and that was only for the ambassadors of major powers. A Chinese deputy bureau or department-level official, although possessing some real power, really didn't count as a high official within China. But in the past, the ambassadors of Britain, France, the United States, and Japan dared to be tough with Duan Qirui. Although Duan Qirui was resentful at the time, he was powerless.

In the past two years, the ambassadors of various countries had consistently maintained respect when meeting Duan Qirui. Let alone threatening Duan Qirui, they didn't even dare to speak loudly. As a republic, the Parliament of the Republic of China was China's highest authority, representing the will of the Chinese people. Let the ambassadors of various countries try shouting at the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of China, and the next day they would be packing their bags and getting out!

As a symbolic figure, as long as he didn't think about fighting for power and profit, Duan Qirui actually lived quite happily. Duan Qirui also understood that the old Beiyang ways were already things of the past. Now, the children of the old Beiyang were changing their tune, desperately squeezing into the new government. Those people wished that others didn't know about their relationship with the old Beiyang at all; how would they dare to boast about their family background?

Seeing that Duan Qirui had finally settled down, Zhang Xiluan brought up another topic. "Recently, some tabloids have written that there's an uprising in Annam, and France seems unable to handle it. Is this true?"

Duan Qirui quickly replied, "There is indeed an uprising, but it's not that the French can't handle it."

Zhang Xiluan frowned slightly. "This reminds me of when I was outside the Pass; there were always people saying that bandits were making trouble everywhere. Although there were indeed bandits, the people saying this wanted to fish in troubled waters. Two brothers, have you asked Brother He what he thinks?"

"With the Chairman being so intelligent, how could he not know?" Xu Shichang replied.

Zhang Xiluan waved his hand. "The reason I can't say anything is that I worry that if my words are used by someone, it will only create a rift between me and Brother He. You two, as officials, why don't you say a few words?"

"Brother Zhang, we are also worried."

Zhang Xiluan took a sip of watermelon juice before slowly replying, "In my view, you don't need to worry about being misunderstood by Brother He. Instead, you should worry that Brother He doesn't know what you are thinking. Brother He formulated the policy of friendship with France. Now, what these newspapers are saying harbors ill intentions toward France. If it weren't for someone plotting something, why would even I hear about such things?"

Duan Qirui and Xu Shichang were both stunned for a moment, then immediately understood what Zhang Xiluan was pointing at. Thinking a bit deeper, they felt Zhang Xiluan was right. If it were Duan Qirui or Xu Shichang in power, even if someone shouted 'drive all foreigners out of China', it wouldn't matter. Because with China's strength at that time, it was simply impossible to do.

But the current situation was completely different. When China fought Japan, many people could still say that Japan was at the bottom of the Great Powers in terms of strength. But the British Empire was the world's number one power, and China fought it just the same. And nothing happened in the end. France's strength was inferior to Britain's; if China really wanted to move against France, it would just do it.

China was now pursuing a policy of Sino-French friendship, yet much of the content published in domestic newspapers ran counter to this policy. If one said there were people indeed opposing Sino-French friendship, it definitely couldn't be regarded as baseless wind.

Thinking of this, Duan Qirui hurriedly said, "Brother Zhang, these years I really have been neglecting my duties."

Zhang Xiluan waved his hand. "You sit high in the center. I was in the local regions back then, and I only have these thoughts because I suffered for it. So there's no need to say those words. It's just that from now on, you two brothers need to pay more attention. Back then outside the Pass, as soon as life got a little better, someone would definitely cause trouble and never let people live in peace. Now that the country's life is so much better, just stirring up some trouble can make one earn a fortune. You two brothers must not treat this lightly."

"How should we put it?" Duan Qirui asked hurriedly.

Zhang Xiluan laughed. "If you see Brother He, just say whatever you hear. What Brother Xu said just now was correct; with Brother He's intelligence, how could he not know! Two brothers, you just need to tell Brother He that right now there are indeed some people with impure thoughts who only want to grab some benefits for themselves. That will be enough."

Hearing this, Duan Qirui and Xu Shichang were truly completely convinced by Zhang Xiluan. In these years, Zhang Xiluan had never said a word about state affairs. Many people felt that Zhang Xiluan was only clear-headed on major issues but had average ability on specific matters. Of course, being clear-headed on major issues and decisively supporting He Rui was already an incredible talent. The two hadn't expected that even at his age, Zhang Xiluan was still clear about the general trend of the country.

Xu Shichang sighed. "Brother Zhang's talent is truly something to look up to. Just as Brother Zhang said, ever since the end of the Sino-British War, the world has been shaken. Some... many domestic youths mock Japan with their mouths, yet use Japanese words, shouting 'Tenka Fubu' (Unify the World under Military Rule). While mouthing 'Tenka Fubu', the strategies they propose are nothing more than opportunism and looting a burning house. They really are good for nothing!"

Duan Qirui still had some worries in his heart. Judging from the conflict his son experienced, the old Beiyang were considered to have always upheld the style of weakness towards foreign countries from the previous dynasty. This style was considered to have run consistently from the Manchu Qing era. Duan Qirui felt very aggrieved. If the troops under his command back then were as tough as the current National Defense Force, and the generals' combat abilities—let alone being comparable to He Rui—had even the level of He Rui's Five Tiger Generals, Duan Qirui would have dared to go to war with Japan.

But if Duan Qirui said this, it would probably be considered self-aggrandizement. Duan Qirui was someone who cared about face, so naturally, he wouldn't bring humiliation upon himself. Since Zhang Xiluan reminded them, Duan Qirui sincerely asked for advice, "Brother Zhang, how do you think we should speak?"

Zhang Xiluan laughed. "Brother Duan, why ask me? What is there to calculate in such matters? Just speak your own worries. And even if you don't say anything, it doesn't matter; presumably, Brother He has already made plans."

Speaking of this, Zhang Xiluan looked at his watch. "Oh! It's already 7:30. You two brothers haven't come for a long time; you must stay for a meal! At my age, seeing old brothers one time is one time less. With you here, I am very happy in my heart!"

***

While Zhang Xiluan was inviting Xu Shichang and Duan Qirui to dinner, He Rui was also hosting the French Vice Speaker, Monsieur Malon. Monsieur Malon had already met with Foreign Minister Li Shiguang in the afternoon, and coupled with his earlier meeting with Duan Qirui, they had already communicated about the issue of rising nationalist sentiments within both countries.

As a Speaker, Monsieur Malon could completely imagine the current atmosphere within China. In eight years, having experienced a series of military and diplomatic victories, the country not only hadn't suffered huge casualties, but the domestic economy had also developed at high speed. Let alone China, any country in the world would be brimming with confidence. Up to now, a wave of self-proclaimed 'superior race' hadn't appeared within China; looking at it globally, this was already commendable.

As for those trivial matters among the populace, ever since France lost Alsace and Lorraine in 1871, there were people shouting about it every year. Whenever there was economic turbulence, there were forces inciting public opinion to be tough on Germany, attempting to fish in troubled waters, gain power, and divert conflicts.

The French upper echelons now had a consensus: as long as China's leader He Rui could remain calm, France must cooperate with China and suppress these matters unfavorable to the unity of the two countries.

Seeing the Chinese officials so calm, Malon was not very worried that He Rui would lose his head. The French upper echelons currently held He Rui in high regard, generally considering him a top-tier national leader. Such a leader, although cold and ruthless, was worthy of trust.

With this attitude, when Malon dined with He Rui, he didn't deliberately avoid certain topics; instead, he brought up the uprising incident in the Indochina colony. After finishing, Malon asked, "I wonder how Chairman He views this?"

"At this time, we must maintain Sino-French friendship," He Rui replied.

Hearing such an answer, Malon felt even more reassured. He raised his wine glass. "To Sino-French friendship."

After drinking this glass of wine, Malon told He Rui about the French government's orders regarding the Indochina colony. "My government requires the Governor-General of the colony to protect China's interests in Indochina and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel there. Does the Chairman have any other suggestions regarding this?"

He Rui understood that the French upper echelons had already expressed sufficient goodwill, so he replied, "If I have any suggestion, it is probably to suggest that France allow the various regions of Indochina to gain independence."

Malon's hand stopped. The expression on his face froze the moment he understood the words He Rui had spoken. After remaining rigid for a few seconds, Malon immediately put down the knife and fork in his hands, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and asked seriously, "Mr. Chairman, are you trying to say that China has demands regarding France's colonies?"

He Rui shook his head and replied calmly, "Is Monsieur Malon questioning China's political credit? If you cannot understand this topic, I can only discuss these matters with your country's diplomatic department. After all, they are professional diplomats and can understand my words with minimal ambiguity."

Malon's face turned red. He Rui's tone was calm, but these words were polite yet unsparing. Honestly and frankly accusing Malon of lacking diplomatic ability was not considered rude in the diplomatic field. If Malon were someone from the French diplomatic field, just based on this sentence from He Rui, Malon could pack his bags and go home, never to be employed again.

Spending a minute to suppress his unease, shame, and anger, Malon then asked, "I wonder if the Chairman has anything he wants me to convey to the French Parliament?"

"Since Monsieur Malon asked for my suggestion, I am merely stating my personal view." After He Rui finished speaking, he put down his knife and fork, picked up his wine glass, and took a sip. He wiped his mouth with a napkin.

In this bit of time, Malon hurriedly organized his emotions and smoothed out his train of thought, preparing to listen to He Rui's suggestion. He heard He Rui say, "More than two thousand years ago, when Qin Shi Huang unified China, what is now northern Indochina was a commandery of China. At that time, Jesus hadn't been born yet. In the two thousand years that followed, this region sometimes rebelled and became an independent country, or was re-incorporated into the map by China. In hindsight, every war of annexation strengthened the awakening of local national consciousness. The uprising France is encountering now is merely the result of a new round of national awakening in Vietnam."

Vice Speaker Malon, like the French upper class, had indeed made up for some knowledge of Chinese history over the past year in order to better communicate with China. However, China's history was too long; a short-term cram session only made him fully feel just how long and ancient Chinese history was. As for the history of northern Indochina, Vice Speaker Malon really knew nothing. His only concept came from Europe's traditional view of China. This traditional view, in turn, came from the Arabs.

In the Arabs' perception, east of India and north of Persia was China. The Arabs also gave China a very poetic name, 'Peach Blossom Land' (Taugast). So France knew that Indochina was a vassal state of China; because this region was located to the south of India and China, it was named 'Indo-China'.

Hearing He Rui's words, Vice Speaker Malon still didn't quite understand, but he confirmed once again that the French intellectual circles' evaluation of He Rui was correct. The French intellectual circles believed that He Rui was a true scholar who had extremely deep attainments in fields such as politics, economics, military affairs, and philosophy, and had proposed very penetrating, cutting-edge understandings in these fields. Regarding the regional history He Rui casually recounted, Malon listened with the mindset of attending a lecture by a great scholar.

He Rui also saw that Malon still didn't quite understand, so he asked, "Monsieur Malon, have you read *Commentaries on the Gallic War*?"

Vice Speaker Malon was stunned, and a sense of shame actually arose in his heart. A moment later, Malon remembered He Rui's identity as a great scholar, and the shame vanished. Shaking his head, Malon replied, "Mr. Chairman, I've only heard a little about it roughly. I cannot be sure if the part I've heard is the part you wish to mention."

"The concept of France did not originate in the era of Charlemagne. When Caesar conquered the Gaul region, he recorded his experiences fighting with dozens to hundreds of different tribes. Before that conquest began, tribes existed in the Gaul region. With Caesar's war of conquest, the Gallic tribes were defeated, surrendered, rebelled, and finally, the Battle of Alesia broke out. In this battle, a great coalition of Gallic tribes appeared. Although they were defeated, the concept of Gaul began to form after the appearance of a foreign enemy. The subsequent Gallic province further reinforced this concept. By the time of Charlemagne's enfeoffment, the Gaul region was already viewed as a whole by those within the region. After Caesar, Charlemagne, and the Hundred Years' War, the concept of France truly formed nearly 600 years ago. That is to say, a nation's self-cognition is realized through the appearance of 'the other'."

As a Frenchman, hearing this, Malon finally understood what He Rui wanted to say. Although he felt Indochina was not worthy of comparison with France, national self-cognition relying on the appearance of 'the other' as a foreign enemy—Malon completely agreed with this view and even felt a sense of refreshing clarity.

Just as he was feeling a bit happy, Malon suddenly realized that his initial feelings of unease and resistance had dissipated completely at some point. Although He Rui's suggestion for France to let Indochina be independent was indeed very shocking, Malon was not afraid now. Malon thought about his reaction and quickly determined the reason. The biggest reason was naturally his political trust in He Rui; He Rui would not destroy the *Agreement on Ensuring Stability in Southeast Asia between China, Britain, France, and the Netherlands* that he had signed. Moreover, Malon also believed that in a discussion with a scholar, it was a very normal thing for the scholar to propose some shocking views.

So Malon continued to ask, "Do you believe that the Indochina region must gain complete independence?"

He Rui asked in return, "Monsieur Malon, do you think those insurgents are clear about the huge gap in strength between them and France, as well as the dynasties of the Indochina region?"

Vice Speaker Malon wanted to say something perfunctory, but facing a scholar like He Rui, he finally could only say, "I think they know."

He Rui nodded. "Monsieur Malon, I think so too. Therefore, as a Frenchman, you can certainly imagine that these insurgents hold the same convictions as the insurgents in French history. They firmly believe that they are fighting for their country."

Vice Speaker Malon was unwilling to discuss this issue further. The insurgents in French history were considered heroes of France; equating French insurgents with Indochinese insurgents was something Malon absolutely could not accept. Furthermore, this line of thinking was also taboo in French politics.

So Malon asked, "Does China's suggestion stem from reasons within China itself?"

"East Asia, Burma, and the Indochina region all have a part of Chinese bloodlines. Historically, they belong to the Sinosphere. Morally, China also does not wish to see these people with Chinese bloodlines in their current position."

Malon could completely understand He Rui's view; regional bloodlines were seen in Europe as having natural legitimacy. He could not express opposition to China's concern. So Malon asked, "What has China decided to do?"

He Rui replied, "We believe that strengthening Sino-French friendship is the most important thing right now."

Malon was stunned, and a moment later, some emotion arose in his heart. He Rui was indeed as the French upper echelons had judged: a top-tier politician who was cold and ruthless yet trustworthy. So Malon asked again, "Do you need me to convey your views to France?"

He Rui replied crisply, "I never hide my views, Monsieur Malon."