Summary: Chapter on the Zhoutian Star Chart Project Negotiations

1. Key Plot Points and Events

Lagrange reveals that England initially ignored the French Academy of Sciences' invitation to join the Zhoutian Star Chart Project (a global observatory network). However, when England learned Great Shun was the main initiator and most world powers had agreed, they panicked at being left out and came begging to join, dragging Portugal along. France is deliberately dragging out negotiations to extract more concessions. England wants observatories in its North American colonies and Portugal's in South America.
The core dispute concerns where to set zero longitude. Both Versailles and the Forbidden City want their palace's central axis as the starting point. Louis XVI offers a compromise: zero longitude may pass through Great Shun territory but not through any palace or royal garden (to avoid appearing as a tributary state), and Paris/Versailles must fall at a whole-number longitude divisible by ten. The Duke Chen has already obtained Emperor Dezhang's agreement; Lagrange will formally present this at the Great Court Assembly after the Spring Festival recess.
Lagrange's second purpose: standardizing telescope technical specifications and production quotas. Great Shun and France will be the exclusive manufacturers of the crucial telescopes, shipping them to observatories worldwide — effectively creating a duopoly on cutting-edge astronomical technology.
The chapter ends with Chen Wu joking that he and Lagrange could draft a treaty themselves before the fireplace and have the monarchs merely stamp it. They toast ironically to the "Fireside Treaty."

2. Character Developments

• Chen Wu demonstrates sharp geopolitical insight, recognizing the authority and historical weight that the longitude table will carry, and quickly grasping the commercial/technological significance of the telescope production quotas. He compares telescopes to lithography machines (a pre-transmigration reference), and jokingly acknowledges the "imperialist" nature of the arrangement before reframing it as "responsible great powers."
• Lagrange is portrayed as witty, deeply anti-English (mocking their imperial units and "island mentality"), and proud of France's special alliance with Great Shun. His long residence in Great Shun is shown through his fluent use of local rhetorical conventions.

3. Significant Themes

• Scientific projects as instruments of geopolitical power: The Zhoutian Star Chart Project is a vehicle for soft power, historical legacy, and technological monopoly — not just pure science.
• The zero longitude question as symbolic dominance: Whoever controls the reference meridian shapes cartographic history for centuries; the compromise preserves Great Shun's status while granting France symbolic dignity.
• Great power technology cartel: Great Shun and France deliberately exclude England from telescope manufacturing, using their victor prestige to divide the market between themselves.
• Diplomatic nuance: The distinction between tributary and diplomatic alliance is carefully maintained; France yields on substance (longitude's national location) while bargaining on symbols (Versailles' whole-number coordinate).

4. Character Interactions

• Lagrange speaks at length, gleefully recounting England's humiliation and France's negotiating tactics; the narration notes his joy at English setbacks.
• Osi Han pours wine for the group, acting as a quiet host.
• Chen Wu asks probing questions (zero longitude location, Lagrange's purpose) and engages in playful, rebellious banter about drafting treaties without royal oversight.
• Wang Zhenyi is present but does not speak directly; the narrative notes she and Osi Han are accustomed to Chen Wu's irreverent manner.
• The scene closes with a unified, laughing toast — "To the two monarchs, and to our Fireside Treaty" — blending irreverence with the warmth of an established friendship.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu reports to Duke Chen about the steamship, Dai Suitang, and submits patent documents and company shares.
• Duke Chen assigns Chen Wu to receive the French ambassador and Lagrange during the Grand Court Assembly.
• The Grand Court Assembly's complex order of court congratulations is explained, with tributary envoys going first and diplomatic states last.
• Great Shun's unique diplomatic tribute system is highlighted, with only five diplomatic states recognized.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu demonstrates tact and understanding of politics, declining additional shares and suggesting Duke Chen donate dividends to the Academy of Sciences.
• Duke Chen shows his political acumen and power, assigning Chen Wu to receive the French ambassador and Lagrange.

Significant Themes

• The ingenuity and self-deception of Great Shun's diplomatic tribute system.
• The complex hierarchy and order of the Grand Court Assembly.
• The power dynamics between Great Shun and other nations.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu interacts with Duke Chen, demonstrating his political understanding and earning the Duke's favor.
• Chen Wu's assignment to receive the French ambassador and Lagrange hints at his growing role in diplomacy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Spain's colony in Luzon is under Great Shun's control, with a dual governance system.
• The Spaniards maintain a Governor's Office but have limited authority.
• Great Shun's Ministry of Rites opposes Spain abolishing the Luzon Governorate to maintain tribute relations.
• The Grand Court Assembly ceremony begins, with foreign states waiting outside.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu learns about Great Shun's diplomacy and tributary relations, understanding the absurdity of the system.
• The Choros Family (Yining Prince's Mansion) prepares to perform a dance at the Grand Court Assembly, aiming to please the emperor.

Significant Themes

• The absurdity and complexity of Great Shun's diplomacy and tributary system.
• The power of flattery and opportunism in the imperial court, exemplified by Yining Prince's Mansion.
• The preservation of intangible cultural heritage, as Chen Wu values the dances of Yining Prince's Mansion.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu chats with the French ambassador and Lagrange about the Grand Court Assembly.
• Chen Wu learns about the dances of Yining Prince's Mansion from Duke Chen.
• A minor official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs notifies Chen Wu about the foreign ambassadors' entry.

Key Plot Points and Events

• France is the last to enter the audience with the Emperor, as they have actual matters to discuss regarding the Zhoutian Star Chart Project.
• The negotiations between France and Great Shun go smoothly, with the prime meridian and production quotas for the project settled.
• Chen Wu gains fame for his role in the negotiations and is invited by the French ambassador to have tea and listen to opera.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Gains recognition and fame for his work, begins to build relationships with the French delegation.
• Lagrange: Successfully negotiates the Zhoutian Star Chart Project details with Great Shun.
• Gilbert du Motier: Reveals his background and experiences, including his dismissal from the army for refusing to use force against civilians during a food riot.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and alliances between Great Shun and France, particularly in relation to the Zhoutian Star Chart Project.
• The influence of the French Physiocrats and their policies on French society and politics.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Lagrange: They form a friendly relationship, with Lagrange inviting Chen Wu to social events.
• Chen Wu and Gilbert du Motier: They meet and discuss Gilbert's experiences, including his dismissal from the army.
• Lagrange, François, and Gilbert du Motier: The three Frenchmen discuss Gilbert's past and his current role as military attaché.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu learns about 'flour riots' from Ambassador François and Lagrange.
• They watch a performance of 'Yellow River Formation', a popular opera in Tianshun, with innovative stage effects.
• Gilbert, a Frenchman, discusses the 'Flour Riots' in France, revealing that they were severe and widespread during Louis XVI's reign.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu shows curiosity and eagerness to learn about foreign affairs.
• Gilbert displays anger and frustration about the harsh living conditions of the poor in France.
• Ambassador François and Lagrange exhibit caution in discussing sensitive topics.

Significant Themes

• The struggle of the lower classes and their desperation due to poverty and high food prices.
• The impact of poor governance and policies on the common people.
• The contrast between traditional and innovative stage performances.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu interacts with the French diplomats, seeking information about France.
• Gilbert shares his knowledge of French history with Chen Wu, despite the ambassador's attempts to stop him.
• Ambassador François and Lagrange exchange glances, indicating their unease in discussing certain topics.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu learns about the Physiocrats, a French economic school with extreme policies.
• The Physiocrats' policies lead to massive riots in Paris, known as the Flour Riots.
• The Physiocrats' belief in 'Laissez-faire' and abolishing all taxes except land tax is revealed.
• Chen Wu compares the Physiocrats' ideas to both the School of Heavenly Principle and the Investigation of Things School in Great Shun.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Realizes the extreme nature of the Physiocrats' policies and their disastrous consequences.
• Gilbert: Expresses his disapproval of Louis XVI's policies and his dismissal for refusing to suppress a riot violently.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of extreme ideologies and policies.
• The clash between feudal systems and modern economic thought.
• The struggle between adhering to principles and addressing practical issues.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu interacts with Ambassador François, Gilbert, and Lagrange to discuss the Physiocrats' policies and their effects.
• Gilbert shares his personal experience with the Flour Riots and his disapproval of Louis XVI's policies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu is astonished by France's situation, despite its abundance of resources and lack of famine.
• Louis XVI's mismanagement is compared to Chongzhen's challenges, highlighting the French king's ineptitude.
• Chen Wu attends an opera performance with French officials, witnessing a stage accident involving the Three Xiao Sisters.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Recognizes France's potential and Louis XVI's mismanagement, feels pity for France's future.
• Gilbert: Struggles with his noble status and the guilt it brings, appreciates Chen Wu's validation of his concerns.
• Louis XVI: Portrayed as incompetent and unable to manage France's resources effectively.

Significant Themes

• Mismanagement and Inept Leadership: Louis XVI's inability to govern France effectively, despite its abundance of resources.
• Privilege and Guilt: Gilbert's internal conflict regarding his noble status and the privileges it brings.
• Progress and Tradition: The tension between old systems and new methods, as seen in France's struggle to adapt.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Gilbert: Chen Wu comforts Gilbert, validating his concerns and helping him feel better about his situation.
• Chen Wu and Lagrange: Lagrange explains the opera's plot and characters to Chen Wu and the French officials.
• Chen Wu and the Opera: Chen Wu enjoys the opera but grows concerned when he notices something amiss on stage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A fire breaks out during a stage performance of "Yellow River Formation" at a teahouse, severely burning the actresses playing the Three Xiao Sisters.
• Chen Wu, Gilbert, and Gu Chenghe rush to extinguish the flames, but the fire is stubborn and takes over 15 minutes to put out.
• The constables from the capital's Constabulary Office arrive, led by Wei Mingxuan, who investigates the incident.
• Wei Mingxuan learns that petroleum was used to fuel the flames, making the fire more intense and difficult to extinguish.
• The stage-effects master, One-Armed Old Nine, is suspected of tampering with the mechanisms, and the investigation will continue in Tianjin.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu demonstrates his concern for the public's safety and well-being.
• Gilbert shows his willingness to help and his quick thinking in rushing to the stage.
• Gu Chenghe reveals his knowledge of petroleum and his new status as a general, despite his humble self-description.
• Wei Mingxuan displays his political acumen and understanding of the capital's power dynamics, as well as his ability to read people and situations.

Significant Themes

• The theme of public safety and the responsibility of those in power to protect citizens is highlighted through the incident and the characters' responses.
• The corrupt and leaky nature of the Great Shun court is emphasized, with secrets being common knowledge among those in the yamen.
• The power of petroleum as a fuel source is introduced, foreshadowing its potential impact on the story's events.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu, Gilbert, and Gu Chenghe work together to extinguish the flames, showcasing their teamwork and concern for the actresses' lives.
• Wei Mingxuan interacts with the three men, treating them differently based on their status and importance, demonstrating his political savvy and willingness to curry favor with powerful figures.
• The troupe leader and teahouse owner interact with Wei Mingxuan, expressing their concern for their employees and businesses while also trying to distance themselves from the incident.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu, Gu Chenghe, and others give statements at the Constabulary Office regarding the Harmony Spring Troupe incident.
• Gilbert and Gu Chenghe discuss the case, with Gu Chenghe expressing his belief that the murderer is not among the troupe members.
• Chen Wu learns from Gu Chenghe that actresses have been used for the Three Xiao roles in the Harmony Spring Troupe, which caused controversy due to the traditional use of male actors in female roles.
• Chen Wu receives Old Wang's reply regarding the Yongjiu School reform, with a conference scheduled for the end of the month in Tianjin.
• In a prince's residence, a plot is discussed to undermine the Crown Prince's investigation in Songjiang Prefecture and to eventually ban the Equal Poverty School.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu demonstrates his concern for the Harmony Spring Troupe actresses and his understanding of the troupe's innovative approach to the Yellow River Formation play.
• Gu Chenghe reveals his familiarity with the Harmony Spring Troupe and his belief in the innocence of the actresses.
• The prince and his official-robed accomplice plot against the Crown Prince and the Equal Poverty School, displaying their ambition and ruthlessness.

Significant Themes

• The power of tradition and the challenges of innovation, as seen in the Harmony Spring Troupe's use of actresses for the Three Xiao roles.
• The struggle for power and influence within the Great Shun dynasty, as exemplified by the prince's plot against the Crown Prince.
• The importance of reform and adaptability, as Chen Wu seeks to modernize the Yongjiu School.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu, Gilbert, and Gu Chenghe discuss the Harmony Spring Troupe incident, leading to a deeper understanding of the case and its context.
• The prince and his accomplice collaborate to undermine the Crown Prince's investigation and plan for the future suppression of the Equal Poverty School.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu follows the Harmony Spring Troupe case through the Industry Promotion Daily.
• Jia Yihe's articles, filled with gossip and rumors, draw Chen Wu's attention.
• Chen Wu learns about Prince Bao's Mansion and its connection to the Investigation of Things School.
• Jia Yihe reveals he's protected by the Crown Prince's Mansion and defends his journalism methods.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu becomes more concerned about the Harmony Spring Troupe case and its implications.
• Jia Yihe demonstrates his boldness and cunning, using his journalism to influence public opinion.
• Wang Zhenyi is seen as a potential romantic interest for Chen Wu.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle between the Crown Prince and Prince Bao, representing the School of Heavenly Principle and the Investigation of Things School, respectively.
• The influence of journalism and the manipulation of public opinion.
• The blurred line between truth and fabrication in journalism.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Jia Yihe's interaction highlights their differing views on journalism and the truth.
• Chen Wu's encounter with Wang Zhenyi hints at a potential romantic relationship.
• Jia Yihe's connection to the Crown Prince's Mansion is revealed, showing his political affiliations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu asks Jia Yihe to investigate One-Armed Old Nine, who designed the stage-effect mechanisms for the opera accident.
• One-Armed Old Nine is found to have gone missing, and his home was emptied of valuables.
• A wanted notice for One-Armed Old Nine is issued in the Industry Promotion Daily.

Character Developments

• Jia Yihe shows interest in writing a novel about Wang Cong'er, a prominent figure in the White Lotus Sect.
• Chen Wu is concerned about the potential backlash from the White Lotus Sect if Jia Yihe writes about them.
• Wang Zhenyi shows knowledge about petroleum research in the Academy of Sciences.

Significant Themes

• The power of the press and its influence on society (through Jia Yihe's novels and the wanted notice).
• The consequences of one's actions and the importance of accountability (implied through One-Armed Old Nine's disappearance).

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Jia Yihe's relationship continues to develop, with Jia Yihe showing interest in Chen Wu's life and Chen Wu trying to keep his distance.
• Chen Wu and Wang Zhenyi's partnership grows as they discuss the case and share information about their respective fields of expertise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu visits the Academy of Sciences to learn about petroleum research.
• Zheng Zhaoluo, an expert in fractional distillation, has successfully created 'Fire Oil' (kerosene) from petroleum.
• The murder weapon used in the Harmony Spring Troupe case is identified as a crude incendiary bomb made from petroleum and sugar.
• Chen Wu reports to Duke Chen about his work with the French delegation, and they discuss the political tensions between the Crown Prince and Prince Bao.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu demonstrates his investigative skills and determination to solve the Harmony Spring Troupe case.
• Zheng Zhaoluo shows his expertise in chemistry and his pride in his son's intellectual prowess.
• Duke Chen reveals his concern for Prince Zhenwu's future and his disapproval of the Crown Prince's actions.

Significant Themes

• The importance of petroleum as a strategic resource.
• The struggle for power between the Crown Prince and Prince Bao factions.
• The role of innovation and expertise in scientific research.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Wang Zhenyi visit Zheng Zhaoluo at the Academy of Sciences to discuss petroleum research.
• Chen Wu reports to Duke Chen about his work with the French delegation and discusses the political situation at court.
• Zheng Zhaoluo expresses his admiration for Chen Wu's investigative skills and chivalrous heart.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Crown Prince's memorial exposes corruption in the Maritime Trade Office, including smuggling of imperial kiln porcelain.
• The Crown Prince is recalled by the Emperor due to the severity of the matter.
• Duke Chen plans to send his son, Zhenwu, to Europa to avoid court disputes.

Character Developments

• The Crown Prince demonstrates bravery and ignorance in his actions.
• Duke Chen shows concern for his son's safety and political future.
• Chen Wu displays confidence in his martial arts progress and commitment to protecting the Crown Prince.

Significant Themes

• The power of luxury goods and their role in society.
• The dangers of court politics and the importance of choosing the right side.
• The value of martial arts cultivation and its potential benefits.

Character Interactions

• Duke Chen shares confidential information with Chen Wu, testing his loyalty and commitment.
• Chen Wu reassures Duke Chen of his dedication to protecting the Crown Prince and his martial arts progress.
• Chen Wu encounters an uninvited guest under his room, revealing a potential ally or enemy.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Monk Zhongcheng returns to the capital, revealing that One-Armed Old Nine is hiding in Zhengding under a disguise.
• One-Armed Old Nine confesses to Monk Zhongcheng that he was coerced into the Harmony Spring Troupe incident by Prince Bao's Crown Prince.
• Prince Bao scolds his Crown Prince for his foolishness in handling the Harmony Spring Troupe matter.

Character Developments

• Monk Zhongcheng: Shows compassion and wisdom by helping One-Armed Old Nine and seeking Chen Wu's assistance.
• Prince Bao's Crown Prince: Reveals his incompetence and recklessness, causing Prince Bao to lose faith in him.

Significant Themes

• Guilt and Repentance: One-Armed Old Nine's actions and motivations are driven by guilt, leading him to seek repentance in a temple.
• Power and Consequences: Prince Bao's power allows him to manipulate events, but his son's actions lead to unforeseen consequences.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Monk Zhongcheng: Their camaraderie and mutual respect are evident as they catch up and discuss the recent events.
• Prince Bao and his Crown Prince: Their interaction highlights the Crown Prince's incompetence and Prince Bao's growing disillusionment with his son.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Prince Bao decides to submit a memorial to the Emperor, targeting the Equal Poverty School, despite his chief historian's advice.
• The Crown Prince learns of the Emperor's anger and discusses strategies with Dai Quheng to counter Prince Bao's moves.
• Monk Zhongcheng seeks Chen Wu's help to avenge the deaths of the three martial artists who performed the Yellow River Formation at the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration.

Character Developments

• Prince Bao shows political acumen and determination, prioritizing the Investigation of Things School's interests and viewing the Equal Poverty School as a potential threat.
• The Crown Prince demonstrates resilience and adaptability, considering allying with the Equal Poverty School to counter Prince Bao's influence.
• Monk Zhongcheng reveals his vengeful side, seeking Chen Wu's help to punish the person responsible for the deaths of the three martial artists.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering among the different schools and factions.
• The consequences of unchecked power and dissatisfaction among the lower ranks.
• The tension between personal vengeance and Buddhist precepts.

Character Interactions

• Prince Bao and Chief Historian Yu discuss political strategies, with Yu warning against currying favor with the Investigation of Things School.
• The Crown Prince and Dai Quheng strategize to counter Prince Bao's moves, considering supporting the Equal Poverty School.
• Monk Zhongcheng and Chen Wu discuss their shared desire for vengeance, leading to an agreement to work together.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu decides to assassinate Prince Bao's Crown Prince.
• He learns about the heavy security at Prince Bao's Mansion.
• Chen Wu, Monk Zhongcheng, and Wang Zhenyi plan the assassination together, each writing their own strategy.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Struggles with his assassin persona and reputation, seeks a life-bound weapon.
• Monk Zhongcheng: Offers to help Chen Wu obtain a life-bound weapon, participates in planning the assassination.
• Wang Zhenyi: Insists on participating in the assassination, competes with Chen Wu in planning.

Significant Themes

• Reputation and identity: Chen Wu grapples with his assassin persona.
• Planning and strategy: The three conspirators each propose their own plan for the assassination.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Monk Zhongcheng: Zhongcheng offers assistance and participates in planning.
• Chen Wu and Wang Zhenyi: They compete in planning the assassination, showcasing their differing skills and personalities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Harmony Spring Troupe performs 'Yellow River Formation' and a new opera, 'Legend of Dayu'er', at night for the first time.
• Chen Wu, hiding on the roof, plans to assassinate the Crown Prince of Prince Bao's Mansion, who is watching the opera.
• A street drama involving a monk and a woman distracts the Crown Prince's guards, allowing Chen Wu to plant a bomb in the Crown Prince's carriage.
• The Crown Prince, impressed by 'Legend of Dayu'er', decides to give it a less harsh review. He discovers the bomb in his carriage and is subsequently killed in the explosion.

Character Developments

• The Crown Prince of Prince Bao's Mansion shows his appreciation for 'Legend of Dayu'er', indicating a shift in his character from a villain to a more complex figure.
• Chen Wu demonstrates his stealth and cunning in planting the bomb, showcasing his growth as an assassin.

Significant Themes

• The power of art and storytelling to captivate and influence people.
• The consequences of one's actions and the inescapability of fate.

Character Interactions

• The Crown Prince of Prince Bao's Mansion interacts with the street drama, showing his curiosity and amusement.
• Chen Wu interacts with the Crown Prince's guards, using their distraction to plant the bomb.
• The Crown Prince of Prince Bao's Mansion interacts with the bomb, leading to his death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Prince Bao's Crown Prince is assassinated using a firebomb while watching 'Legend of Dayu'er'.
• The assassination is kept secret, and no one claims responsibility.
• Chen Wu, Wang Zhenyi, and Monk Zhongcheng discuss the assassination and its aftermath.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu shows his strategic and tactical prowess in planning the assassination.
• Wang Zhenyi shows concern for Chen Wu's safety and well-being.
• Monk Zhongcheng demonstrates his loyalty and eagerness to help Chen Wu.

Significant Themes

• The use of intelligence and strategy in assassination.
• The importance of considering innocent lives in violent actions.
• The power of belief and faith, as seen in Wang Zhenyi's gift to Chen Wu.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Wang Zhenyi grow closer, with Wang Zhenyi showing affection and concern for Chen Wu.
• Chen Wu and Monk Zhongcheng form a partnership, with Monk Zhongcheng eager to assist Chen Wu.
• Chen Wu shares his knowledge of assassinations with Monk Zhongcheng, demonstrating his experience and expertise.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu arrives in Langfang Town, Anci County, where a railway is being constructed.
• He meets Geng Heizi, a railway worker and local operative for the Equal Poverty School, and learns about the railway and its workers' conditions.
• Men from the Constabulary Office arrive and arrest Geng Heizi for questioning, suspecting the Equal Poverty School of plotting something improper.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu: Shows curiosity and initiative in learning about the railway and its workers, demonstrating his adaptability and resourcefulness.
• Geng Heizi: Revealed to be a local operative for the Equal Poverty School, showing his involvement in political activities and his willingness to stand up for his beliefs.

Significant Themes

• Economic development and its impact on society (railway construction, wages, living conditions).
• Political unrest and government suspicion (Constabulary Office's actions against the Equal Poverty School).

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu and Geng Heizi: Chen Wu learns about the railway and its workers from Geng Heizi, while Geng Heizi shares his experiences and concerns about the Equal Poverty School.
• Geng Heizi and the Constabulary Office: Geng Heizi is arrested by the Constabulary Office, highlighting the tension between the Equal Poverty School and the government.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Wu intervenes in a fight between Geng Liangchen (Equal Poverty School) and constables led by Xing Sen.
• Chen Wu reveals he's an emissary of a powerful figure, defusing the situation.
• They spend the night together at a ruined temple, with Chen Wu suggesting they go to Tianjin together the next day.
• Chen Wu deduces that the Tianjin Constabulary Office's actions are due to the Equal Poverty School planning a general strike, inspired by Songjiang Prefecture.
• They travel to Tianjin together, and Chen Wu notes its industrial development and Western influences.

Character Developments

• Chen Wu demonstrates his martial skills and diplomatic prowess, earning respect from both Geng Liangchen and Xing Sen.
• Geng Liangchen shows determination to fight for workers' rights, even if it means using extreme methods.
• Xing Sen, a constable, is portrayed as reasonable and understanding, following orders but also empathetic to the workers' cause.

Significant Themes

• Class struggle: The conflict between the Equal Poverty School (workers) and the Investigation of Things School (capitalists) is a central theme.
• Industrialization: Tianjin's transformation into an industrial hub is highlighted, reflecting the changes happening in Great Shun.
• Western influence: The presence of Westerners and Western-style buildings in Tianjin underscores the growing global influence and cultural exchange.

Character Interactions

• Chen Wu mediates between Geng Liangchen and Xing Sen, showing his ability to navigate complex situations and forge alliances.
• Geng Liangchen and Xing Sen develop a mutual respect, with Geng Liangchen seeing Xing Sen as a potential ally and Xing Sen coming to understand the workers' perspective.
• Chen Wu shares his insights with the group, earning their trust and confidence in his judgment.