The anti-Qing movement began with the looting of the Eight-Nation Alliance.

Chapter 165 Kang Nanhai

That day, Shen Lian was studying diligently in his study. He had collected all sorts of books on electromagnetism, mechanics, physics, and mathematics that he could find on the market, filling the room with them. There were also papers and hypotheses published in various countries on these topics.

He never imagined that someone like him, who now commands hundreds of thousands of troops, holds the position of governor-general of a province, and is a hereditary marquis, would have to go back to school. He was utterly bewildered!

"My lord, someone is requesting an audience at the door!" Wang Kaiyun walked in with a strange expression.

"Who is it? Mr. Wang recommended another talented person to me, right? Just let him in!" Shen Lian nodded with a smile.

"My lord, you should hear who he is first!" Wang Kaiyun stroked his beard and shook his head.

"Who is it? Why are they being so mysterious?"

"Kang Nanhai!"

"Didn't he flee overseas? What's he doing here?" Shen Lian was also taken aback when he heard this.

Kang Paopao? As a historical figure from the late Qing Dynasty, anyone who has read history books should know him.

After the failure of the Hundred Days' Reform, this guy fled overseas, first to Japan, and then to Canada, where he established the Royalist Society in Vancouver and claimed to have a "summons" from Emperor Guangxu.

He raised substantial funds among overseas Chinese through speeches and propaganda. The Royalist Party's influence rapidly expanded to the United States, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

It is said that the Royalist Party had millions of members and raised hundreds of millions of dollars.

Wasn't he using that money to invest and do business in the US, and to oppose Sun Yat-sen? I think he even bought an island in Switzerland and became its owner. Why is he suddenly running back? He's really got some nerve.

"Everyone knows his intentions: he wants the Marquis to lead his troops into the capital and support the Emperor in assuming personal rule!" Wang Kaiyun shook his head and said.

“If Your Excellency doesn’t want to see him, just send him away. There’s no need to harm him; this man still has a huge influence both domestically and internationally,” Wang Kaiyun advised.

"See me, why wouldn't I see you!" Shen Lian waved his hand.

Firstly, Shen Lian wanted to see this extraordinary person in person. Secondly, this person was probably the most influential person overseas at the moment, and he wanted to see if he could make use of him.

Soon, Wang Kaiyun led in a middle-aged man of medium build, slightly chubby face, and wearing a gray-white long gown.

"Student Kang Youwei greets Your Excellency!" the middle-aged man said with a bow and clasped hands.

“Mr. Nanhai, there’s no need for such formalities. Please have a seat!” Shen Lian nodded with a smile.

"Everyone says that Lord Marquis is young and promising, and treats scholars with respect. Seeing him today, I can see that he truly lives up to the reputation!" Kang Youwei immediately began to flatter Shen Lian.

"Hehe! I was merely lucky to have made a small contribution. Mr. Nanhai is renowned throughout the world, and I have long admired him. I only regret that I was unable to meet him back in America, but today my wish has come true! Hehe!"

It's just mutual flattery in business! Everyone's the same.

"Your Excellency has accomplished a great deal in Shandong, which I have heard about from overseas. After seeing it for myself upon my return, I am filled with emotion! I have lived a mediocre life for more than ten years, and the things I wanted to do are already almost realized by Your Excellency! Sigh!" Kang Youwei stroked his beard and shook his head.

"Your Excellency's industry is doing very well, and these are all from the West. I wonder what Your Excellency thinks of the political systems of Western countries?" After talking for a while, Kang Youwei began to get down to business.

"Each country's political system has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are all related to the country's history and geographical conditions. I can't really comment on it. But if you were to ask me about our country's political system, I do have some thoughts!" Shen Lian smiled slightly, too lazy to waste time with him.