The Road is Long

Guangzhou Prefecture, Li Residence.

In feudal times, the residences of royalty and nobility were called "Fu" (府), officials' residences were called "Zhai" (宅), and commoners' homes were called "Jia" (家).

The Li Family, as the wealthiest family in Guangzhou, would normally only be considered "commoners."

However, the patriarch, Old Master Li Tingzhao, had directly spent money to purchase an official position. This was for convenience in conducting business and to allow him to build a more impressive residence.

In reality, given the relationship between the Old Master and the current high-ranking official, Minister Li, no one would have dared to object even if they had used the title "Fu."

But Li Tingzhao, never arrogant about this, maintained a low profile, adhered to rules, and never used his connections to his advantage.

At this moment, he was entertaining guests in the main hall of his residence: an elder and a youth.

" Brother Wang, what brings you to my humble abode today? I should have paid you a visit."

Wang Shiyuan chuckled, "Brother Li, there's no need for formalities between us. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."

Li Tingzhao felt a pang of doubt. While the Wang family wasn't as prominent as the Li family in Guangzhou Prefecture, they managed their affairs diligently and shouldn't be facing insurmountable difficulties.

Therefore, he smiled and said, " Brother Wang, you flatter me. I am past fifty, neither a high official nor a magnate. How could I presume to act superior in front of you? Please, speak freely."

Wang Shiyuan sighed inwardly. Everyone said Li Tingzhao was humble and low-key; his reputation was well-deserved.

His eldest son currently held a mid-level position in the New Army, a force directly loyal to Minister Li and commanded by Yuan Shikai, equipped entirely with German gear.

His second son served in the Registrar's Office under the Guangdong Provincial Administration Office, assisting the Provincial Governor with official documents and administrative matters. Though a minor position, it held significant influence.

His third son was reportedly studying abroad in England, thousands of miles away, considered exceptionally talented. The Li Family was truly full of talent.

Despite their family's prominence, they never flaunted their wealth or power, nor did they act arrogantly in front of others. Consequently, Li Tingzhao enjoyed excellent relationships and had a wide circle of friends, including close ties with many foreigners.

Today, Wang Shiyuan's purpose for visiting was related to Li Tingzhao's third son, Li Qiwei. "Brother Li, to be frank, I've come today regarding my daughter."

He then turned to a young maiden behind him and said, "Yao'er, quickly go and pay your respects to Uncle Li."

At this, a girl about 160 cm tall, wearing a moon-white dress, with a mischievous and smiling face, said, "Uncle Li, do you still remember me?"

Li Tingzhao scrutinized her closely, then asked with uncertainty, "Are you... Wang Luyao?"

Wang Luyao replied sweetly, "Yes, Uncle Li."

Li Tingzhao suddenly realized and exclaimed, "She's grown so much! She's become even more beautiful."

It turned out the Li and Wang families were old acquaintances. For several years, they had lived near each other, and thus, the children of both families knew each other.

Li Qiwei and Wang Luyao had grown up playing together, practically childhood sweethearts. Therefore, Li Tingzhao naturally remembered her.

Later, the Li Family moved away, and Li Qiwei separated from Wang Luyao when he was fifteen.

From then on, contact between the Li Family and the Wang family diminished significantly.

The little girl from back then had now blossomed into a graceful young lady, still as playful as ever.

Li Tingzhao pondered inwardly, wondering what Wang Shiyuan's intention was in bringing his daughter.

Wang Shiyuan was also troubled. He truly had no other recourse.

Years ago, Wang Luyao and Li Qiwei often played together. The young girl was precocious, and coupled with Guangzhou's historically open atmosphere and the widespread influence of Western ideas, The women's liberation movement in the West was gaining momentum, advocating for female empowerment, which had naturally spread to the Qing Dynasty.

Wang Luyao had harbored a secret affection for Li Qiwei since childhood. His image was deeply etched in her mind. Now that she had grown up, she no longer hid it, constantly pleading with her parents to allow her to be with Li Qiwei.

Wang Shiyuan, having had a daughter late in life, cherished her like a treasure, doting on her excessively. Thus, he had agreed to all her requests, big or small.

Wang Shiyuan initially thought it was not a big deal. At worst, he could swallow his pride and approach the Li Family to gauge their reaction. After all, marrying into the Li Family would bring immense benefits to the Wang family.

Furthermore, he had met Li Qiwei before; he was a distinguished young man, perfectly suited for Wang Luyao.

Then, the situation that troubled him arose. "Brother Li, I heard a few days ago that you were widely publicizing your intention to seek talented young men interested in Western studies and send them to Britain at your own expense. Is this true?"

Li Tingzhao replied, "Yes, my third son is currently studying at Cambridge University in Britain, and he has made quite a name for himself in the foreign land."

"He wishes to learn the techniques of Western natural philosophy and bring them back to China to reshape the world. However, he is working alone and needs to find promising young individuals to train."

"Once they have completed their studies and returned, they can establish new schools, teach scientific knowledge, and, like the Westerners, usher in an industrial revolution to strengthen China."

Wang Shiyuan listened and immediately felt a deep respect. Regardless of whether the endeavor succeeded, the sheer ambition was beyond ordinary people.

He thought even more highly of Li Qiwei and then asked, "May I know how many talented individuals from home and abroad you have recruited so far?"

Li Tingzhao said, "My son mentioned that the first batch wouldn't be too large. Currently, there are only three."

"Oh," Wang Shiyuan mused, then his expression suddenly turned awkward, and he stammered, "Um... Brother Li, have you recruited any young ladies?"

Li Tingzhao was slightly taken aback, not understanding.

Wang Luyao, unable to wait any longer, immediately chimed in, "Oh, Uncle Li, I also want to go to Britain and study by Brother Qiwei's side. Do you think it's possible?"

"Ah?" Even the seasoned and steady Li Tingzhao was greatly surprised. After a long pause, he managed to say, "My dear niece, Britain is very far away, across the sea. It's not like China. Are you sure?"

Wang Luyao said灵动ly, "It's alright, Uncle Li. I won't be alone on the journey. And once we get there, I'll definitely be with Brother Qiwei, so nothing will go wrong."

Li Tingzhao was dumbfounded. He thought, My dear girl, are you really offering yourself up like this? He looked helplessly at Wang Shiyuan, seeking his opinion.

Wang Shiyuan could only sigh, "Brother Li, if it's convenient, I hope you will grant this request."

Seeing this, Li Tingzhao could only agree and said, " Brother Wang, please don't worry. My third son will have people to attend to him and protect your niece. She won't suffer any hardship."

"This trip to Britain will be on Britain's newest steamship. It's fast and comfortable, so even a journey of thousands of miles won't be bumpy."

"Besides, San'er mentioned in his letter that they'll be back in two years at the shortest, or three years at the longest."

Upon hearing this, Wang Shiyuan felt much better, though still a little reluctant.

He was conflicted, wanting his daughter and Li Qiwei to succeed while also not wanting her to go too far away.

From what he'd gathered over the past few days and from their recent conversation, he guessed Li Qiwei had lofty ambitions and was no ordinary person. Furthermore, their families knew each other well.

The Li Family was in need of capable people now, and offering help in times of need was far better than trying to curry favor later.

Seeing how thorough and well-prepared the Li Family was, he finally put his mind at ease.

On December 1, 1900, a Britain steamship carrying four young people departed from Guangzhou.

Wang Luyao and the other three would travel along the South China Sea, through the Strait of Malacca, into the Indian Ocean, passing Sri Lanka, then entering the Red Sea, crossing the Suez Canal, and finally entering the Mediterranean Sea.

After a rest at Port Said, they would cross the Mediterranean Sea again, pass through the Strait of Gibraltar, sail along Portugal and France, and enter the English Channel from the Atlantic Ocean.

Finally, they would disembark at the docks in London, a journey of 29 days in total.

Truly, "A journey of ten thousand miles for a remarkable achievement."

Thank you [Ten Million Reads] for the monthly tickets, and thank you to all new and old readers for the recommendation tickets. The female lead has finally appeared! Some readers found these chapters a bit bland, but these characters are crucial for what's to come, so I've given them a bit more focus. Don't worry, the plot will pick up soon.