Ying Guixin was directly involved in the assassination of Song Jiaoren who had been deemed a threat by various political factions loyal to Yuan Shikai.
Unable to take the Imperial examinations when they were abolished in 1905 he moved to Shanghai and became wealthy in his own right through large real estate holdings.
After Chen Qimei's provisional government was overturned by Yuan Shikai, Ying Guixin switched loyalties.
Incriminating telegrams were found at his house and he was detained but managed to escape to Beijing in order to secure protection from Yuan Shikai.
Indeed, all those suspected to be involved died mysteriously in order to deflect any responsibility from Yuan Shikai including the Premier of the Republic of China Zhao Bingjun, who was found poisoned.