Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Secret Talks with VIPs

Zhang Shaoguang's complexion was white and smooth, and his bright eyes had an indescribable allure. He is only twenty-eight years old, and looks healthy on the outside, but he has a heart disease. As a child he was charming, he knew it. Until now, he is still as eye-catching as before. It can be said that he is popular. In the past, Zhang Shaoguang's family still had some assets, which were used for him to study abroad in Britain, Japan and other countries.After he returned to China, his family fell into poverty, and his father was ill in bed again. The reason why the Zhang family fell was because of his father's stubborn and eccentric character.

Whenever he thinks of his father, the word "stubborn" first comes to Zhang Shaoguang's mind.In fact, the so-called stubbornness has nothing to criticize on the surface.He thought: "Father is stubborn, but he is faithful to his own ideas, not flattering..." In fact, this is his virtue.For this reason, he was unable to establish a good relationship with local officials, and was charged with "slandering the current Holy One" and imprisoned. At that time, Zhang Shaoguang's mother was worried that her son who was studying abroad would worry about it and affect his studies, so he didn't tell Zhang Shaoguang about it.

In order to rescue her husband, Zhang Shaoguang's mother spent a lot of money.The Zhang family's economy became more and more difficult, and many fields were transferred to others. In prison, Zhang Shaoguang's father was tortured.After returning home, he was seriously ill and was bedridden, and soon passed away. Cheerful and healthy Zhang Shaoguang returned to his motherland with a vision for the future.Unexpectedly, he was greatly stimulated as soon as he stepped into his homeland, leaving a shadow deep in his heart. This is his heart disease. However, he didn't show any emotion.

After burying his dead father, he came to Beijing to raise his mother and younger sister. He specialized in law abroad, but in the Qing Dynasty, law was the least valued and useless.Due to the reckless behavior of the people in the Qing court, local warlords used force to run amok, take bribes... They managed all affairs by these means. In such a country, modern law became meaningless. When someone asked him what kind of subjects he studied abroad, he replied: "I'm a detective." Zhang Shaoguang is not an eloquent socialite, but sometimes he can talk freely when he is interested.But usually most of them are taciturn.

He was likable, not because of his flattery, but because of his taciturnity. Since the law he studied abroad was useless after returning to China, he had no choice but to find another way out according to his own personality. Through connections, he visited some powerful people.However, it wasn't all smooth sailing at first.Some people even said bluntly that they met him by themselves only for the sake of the introducer.But in the process of talking, I gradually developed a good impression of him.So, he said to him: "Come if you have something to do. As long as I can do it, I will do my best."

In the end, he was almost regarded as a relative. In order to find a job, Zhang Shaoguang visited everywhere, which was really annoying, but he had to do it again. After some time, he changed his approach.Among the dignitaries to visit, he made a selection.When he was introduced to Zhen Beizi, he secretly made up his mind and said: "Okay! I will definitely keep an eye on him." The lucky son of Prince Qing, Zhen Beizi, is a smart man who treats his subordinates well.Zhang Shaoguang thought to himself, under the current situation, relying on him, he can barely survive. Of course, he was not without distress, because this noble son is a well-known hater of Han people.However, Zhang Shaoguang believed that Zhen Beizi's Manchuism was nothing more than prejudice.

No matter how regretful the Qing court is, it is indeed difficult to find outstanding talents among the Manchus.In terms of population ratio, the Manchus are a minority in the national population.They ruled China for more than two hundred years.During these long years, the Manchus have always been favored by the imperial court.They can get salaries without working and live a prosperous life.In this way, even if it can be cultivated into a sprout, it will wither. In a sense, in a difficult environment, excellent talents will be cultivated. In addition, it is not uncommon for Manchu hereditary cavalry generals to know how to ride a horse.Among the senior generals and schools of the Manchu nationality, there are many who only wear military uniforms in the annual "Autumn Review" parade.

At this time, the distinction between Manchu and Han nationality had already been formed.During the heyday of the Qing Dynasty, when Emperor Qianlong was in power, he repeatedly issued imperial decrees to warn the children of Manpai to do the following: △It is not allowed to imitate the dressing style of Han people. △Diligent study of Manchu should not be lazy. It is said that the above-mentioned edict was promulgated because the Manchu children hated the vulgar and indecent clothing peculiar to the semi-nomadic people of their own people, and preferred to wear the elegant and spacious clothing of the Han nationality; Fewer and fewer.

In fact, the Manchus had been assimilated by the Han.The development of the above-mentioned phenomenon was stopped by the imperial court, but it was caused by the concept of Manchu supremacy. Zhen Beizi hates Han people, but Zhang Shaoguang is a Han with outstanding talent and courage.In Zhen Beizi's mind, he didn't think there was anything annoying about this Han man. Zhen Beizi once wanted Zhang Shaoguang to be his staff, but he declined.He said: "I feel that it is more free now, and it is also conducive to learning more knowledge." After hearing Zhang Shaoguang's words, Zhen Beizi appreciated him even more.

"He is a man without much ambition. He is a rare outstanding figure among the Han people." Zhen Beizi praised Zhang Shaoguang in front of his father, Prince Qing. Zhang Shaoguang didn't pay much attention to getting promoted and getting rich.He is sensitive.He feels that the times are changing, and he thinks that there is no need to rush to the bureaucrats to serve. Zhang Shaoguang jokingly said that he learned "detective skills" abroad, Zhen Beizi believed it, and introduced to the officials in charge of patrolling that Zhang Shaoguang was an authority in searching for criminals.Even words like this are said:

"If you have any difficult cases, you can turn to Mr. Zhang." Zhang Shaoguang didn't want to be an official in a hurry, but Zhen Beizi appreciated him very much. In order to repay his kindness, he often introduced some cases of foreign search and cracking cases to the patrolmen. In fact, Zhang Shaoguang did not use any brains when introducing these cases. He just translated and introduced foreign cases, but these officials admired him. After the Wen Baotai case happened, Zhang Shaoguang, known as an expert in reconnaissance, was naturally invited to assist in handling the case and was taken to the scene for reconnaissance.In this strange case, as Zhen Beizi said, "ordinary policemen are incompetent." After the case happened, Zhen Beizi once told Zhang Shaoguang that some high-ranking officials were very concerned about the case, and hoped that Zhang Shaoguang would introduce the situation of the on-site investigation to these important people. In this way, Zhang Shaoguang was taken to Shaojiu Alley. After entering the door, he was taken into a spacious room, and he was alone at the time.He immediately felt that this family was unusual... Zhen Beizi asked him to wait here and told him the list of dignitaries attending the secret meeting tonight. Prince Qing Zhen Beizi Minister of Foreign Affairs Natong Governor of Zhili Yuan Shikai Tang Shaoyi, the right servant of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tao Dajun There are six people in total. "Look, these are all prominent figures in the Qing court today!" Zhen Beizi said triumphantly.He's also one of those members, so he's in a good mood. At that time, Zhang Shaoguang only knew that he wanted to introduce the process of investigating Wen Baotai's case, but he didn't know who to report to. Zhang Shaoguang thought to himself: "Zhen Beizi asked me to wait here, maybe these six important officials will have a secret meeting, and then listen to my report." "What are these six people going to talk about?" Zhang Shaoguang claimed that he specialized in detective skills abroad, and he originally wanted to make fun of it.However, in the process of making friends with patrol officials, he found that they were indeed incompetent people.Over time, in his self-feeling, he gradually formed the concept of "am I not a real detective?" In fact, with his assistance, two or three cases were indeed cracked.His confidence is by no means unfounded. His thoughts returned to reality.He crossed his arms and thought: "This place is also really suspicious. The people in the meeting are also very strange..." While waiting, he had enough time to think about the purpose of the meeting of these six big men and why he was called here. He has already learned that the Yoyokan murder case involved the loss of 250,000 yuan.Before investigating Wen Baotai's murder, the two Japanese at the scene and the maid Fanglan told Zhang Shaoguang the secret, and repeatedly told Zhang Shaoguang not to tell the patrol camp about it. Based on the above circumstances, it can be inferred that the grant and acceptance of 250,000 yuan was carried out secretly. Zhang Shaoguang thought: "Why did Fang Lan reveal to me what she kept from the police?" "Perhaps she once studied in Japan and talked with Nasu Keigo and Doi Satsutaro in Japanese. She thought I was very close to them." "However, the more important thing is..." "Maybe I met Fang Lan in Prince Qing's palace. Fang Lan thought I was someone from Prince Qing's line and told me the secret." "Those two Japanese must have listened to Fang Lan's introduction before they believed me." "According to the analysis of the various clues above, the 250,000 yuan is related to Prince Qing..." After preliminary deduction, Zhang Shaoguang came to such a conclusion. Tonight, the six big shots met in secret to prove that the lost money is not only related to Prince Qing, but also involves the interests of this small group. The money that was supposed to be shared equally by everyone has disappeared. Therefore, it is necessary to explain the whole story to the relevant personnel. If you just say that the money was lost suddenly, no one will agree, and you will never let it go easily. How did the money get lost?I came to Zhang Shaoguang today probably to let him explain the ins and outs of the theft of 250,000 yuan. Assuming that there is no important relationship, why are these dignified people so interested in the killing of civilians and want to know the truth? Yuan Shikai and others betrayed the reformers and actually put Tan Sitong, Lin Xu and other promising people to death.Some other people are like Yuan, they will not run for a person's life and death.It was never known that these people were particularly interested in searching for criminals. Since Prince Qing, father and son and their secretary Tao Dajun are both on the same line, it is estimated that Na Tong is also on the same line. Yuan Shikai and his staff Tang Shaoyi belonged to another faction. Tang Shaoyi, who graduated from Columbia University, is a staff member, but she is responsible for diplomatic missions. "From this point of view, the 250,000 yuan also involves diplomatic issues." Zhang Shaoguang first analyzed from the dignitaries who attended the secret meeting tonight, and continued to deduce the breadth and depth of the matter. Once you have the clues, you can roughly know the nature of the money.The money secretly given and received will not be used for anything other than bribery funds. According to the current international situation, it can be inferred that both Japan and Russia are using money to buy important figures of the Qing government.The money comes from Japan, and Russia can temporarily cancel this clue. It seems that behind this sum of money lies Japan's intention to sabotage the agreement reached between the Qing court and Russia. At present, it is Yuan Shikai who strongly advocates re-concluding the Sino-Russian troop withdrawal treaty. Of course, the targets of Japan's bribery were people from the two major factions, including Prince Qing, an important person from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Na Tong, and Yuan Shikai, who advocated re-signing the Sino-Russian troop withdrawal agreement. "It seems that this is completely reasonable." Zhang Shaoguang couldn't help smiling. The huge sum of money used for apportionment was suddenly lost, and the group of them naturally wanted to find out the real situation. However, Wen Baotai, who was in charge of contacting and accepting the money, was dead. It was Zhang Shaoguang who went to the scene to investigate immediately after the case happened, so of course he was asked to introduce the situation. At this time, it was Tao Dajun, not Zhen Beizi, who came to ask Zhang Shaoguang to report the situation. Among these six people, Yuan Shikai and Tang Shaoyi have not been met by Zhang Shaoguang. Yuan Shikai was short in stature, with a protruding forehead, and his eyes were a little dull, he didn't look like a big man at all. "I heard that this person should not be taken lightly. It seems that he deliberately pretended to be a fool in order not to make others wary of him?!" Zhang Shaoguang looked at him while thinking. "After Wen Baotai's death, you went to the scene with the officials of the patrol camp. I hope you can introduce the situation to everyone here." Zhen Beizi said. The title of this noble son is the newly established "Ministry of Commerce" Minister, and he is a young cabinet member. Zhang Shaoguang stood in front of the six people sitting on vermilion lacquered chairs, without even a seat. "It's really unreasonable to treat me like this." He was indignant. "Where should I start?" Zhang Shaoguang asked.He imitated Yuan Shikai's appearance.I thought to myself, it's better to let you people think I'm a fool. "Tell me everything you see." Zhen Beizi said. "Really? ... So, where do I start? ..." Zhang Shaoguang pretended to think carefully. At this time, Natong felt a little uncomfortable sitting on the chair, so he shook his fat body and interjected: "Before I introduce the situation, I want to ask you one thing... Did you know that a case that may be related to Wen Baotai's death happened in the same residence?" "If you're talking about the murder of a male servant named Liu in the Wen family, I've heard of it. It is said that he was beaten to death in a corner of the Wen residence's courtyard." Zhang Shaoguang replied. Natong raised this question in order to test the extent to which the other party knew about the incident.After Zhang Shaoguang answered, Natong nodded deeply as if relieved. When Natong was not yet in the limelight, his eyes were as thin as a thread.Now, in his high position, his face was so swollen that his eyes seemed even smaller. He is very particular about his diet and eats a lot. It seems that there is still a tendency to continue to gain weight. According to contemporaries' written records: ——Natong is good at food, and it must be a delicacy. Every meal must have ginseng and shark's fin.The monthly salary of the cooks is as much as six or seven hundred yuan. —— His facial expression makes one feel like he just had a good meal. As soon as Zhang Shaoguang's eyes touched Natong, for some reason, it seemed as if he heard his voice swallowing saliva. Zhang Shaoguang briefly introduced the circumstances of the case. "I don't believe in evil. But this case is like the devil stuck in my neck, forcing me to believe in the existence of the devil." Yuan Shikai blinked while talking. "Wen Baotai doesn't seem like a person who would commit suicide. However, now it seems that there is no other explanation except that he committed suicide suddenly for some reason." Tao Dajun said. "No! I don't think it can be regarded as sudden suicide for some reason." Zhang Shaoguang said firmly, "The murder weapon was eight centimeters long, and nearly half of it was stabbed in his body. It would take a lot of strength to do it. If he committed suicide suddenly for some reason, He stabbed himself on the shoulder like crazy, so his fingers must be full of blood. However, no blood can be seen on the victim's hands. It is said that he used to write and work with his right hand. But At that time, he was still holding paper in his right hand, and it was a large fan of paper. He was probably planning to cut the paper according to the size of the stele. There was also a pair of scissors beside him. Small blades, it is better to use scissors. I don't think it can be considered from the perspective of sudden suicide for some reason. I have evidence to prove this problem. The murder weapon is highly poisonous. I think it will take time to apply poison to the murder weapon .” "So it's a homicide that people can't solve in their minds." Prince Qing patted the armrest of the chair and said. "Your brain is failing. If it were me, I could think of it." Zhang Shaoguang was about to say this, but he swallowed it back and just nodded slightly. "However, Wen Baotai's death is certain!" Na Tong tilted his head and said. "Storytellers often mention that thieves sneak into the house through the ceiling!" Zhen Beizi said. "The Yoyo Pavilion is a Western-style building. The roof is tiled with asbestos tiles, with some slopes, but the slope is very small. The space between the roof and the ceiling is extremely narrow, and it is impossible for people to hide inside. There is a skylight, but the distance between this skylight and the inner layer of the ceiling is only a dozen centimeters, and they are almost overlapped, so it is impossible to sneak into the room from the ceiling." Zhang Shaoguang replied calmly. "Don't martial arts novels often mention secret organs and caves?..." Natong said to himself.I really can't tell, he is still a person who loves to read martial arts novels. "The water pipe of the simple drain is a lead pipe with a diameter of three centimeters, and there are no holes other than the drain." "This is the same as the report of the patrolling camp." Prince Qing said to Yuan Shikai, "It seems that it will be very difficult for us to solve this case." From this point of view, it is really strange to lose 250,000 yuan.At present, everyone just wants to share equally, and it is difficult to do so.I hope we can bear with it for a while. Prince Qing's eyes revealed such emotions. Yuan Shikai frowned slightly, shrugged his shoulders and said: "Oh! There is no way." The purpose of this meeting is to seek the understanding of Yuan Shikai and his right servant of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Tang Shaoyi. "It can't be just because there is nothing to do." Zhen Beizi is a vigorous young man, he doesn't want to give up halfway.So far, as long as the things he has handled have been successfully completed according to his own wishes, he does not want to be stumped by the difficulties in front of him. It is indeed a "mystery" before his eyes. He will never stop until he solves this "mystery". "Zhang Jun! Is there really nothing abnormal in the house?" Zhen Beizi leaned out of the chair and asked. "Yuyou Pavilion is where Wen Baotai took rubbings. There are no bookshelves, boxes, or cabinets. There are only three Japanese mats, a stone tablet sent by customers, a purple plant wooden table, and three chairs. There are two buckets in the pool, and one A large wastebasket thrown in the corner. Most households put this kind of wastebasket near the pillar. There is a stone pillar that is close to the wall in the museum. It is built with ordinary stones and protrudes from the wall. About fifty centimeters." "One of the buckets was empty, and the other was only half full. The wastebasket was made of bamboo, and contained only scraps of paper, two old bald brushes, and three used cotton balls that had been scattered. ,... nothing particularly unusual anymore.” The more Zhang Shaoguang talked, the more serious he seemed. People with quick reactions would probably feel the teasing elements in what he said. "Times have changed." Zhang Shaoguang, who has lived abroad, has no doubts about this issue. What Zhang Shaoguang can't answer is: how much the changes of the times have affected him. Like the current situation, Prince Qing and his son are white-collared salaries. In the coming new era, it may not be allowed to do so. On the other hand, the new knowledge I have learned from abroad must be extremely popular in the new era. Specifically, what will happen to your own life?This is not yet clear. If you don't care about your own future.What if we only consider the immediate interests? How should I handle this case in my best interest? This is a question that Zhang Shaoguang must think about. Under such circumstances, if he told the story of Wen Baotai's case quickly and smoothly, he might gain the trust of his master, Prince Qing and his son, as well as some dignitaries.However, can this approach be called the best policy? Zhang Shaoguang thought over and over again, and finally gave up the idea of ​​adopting a positive attitude. The more he thought about it, the more unhappy he became. Behind this case, there seems to be a very complicated relationship. But he couldn't stop there, he hoped to use his own hands to take out one or two intricate threads like a child playing with flower thread.When he was called by Zhen Beizi, he made up his mind to do it. He only reported the situation at that time to the six important officials. Autumn nights in Beijing are chilly. Zhang Shaoguang shrunk his neck and bent his back, walked from Shaojiu Alley to Beixiao Street.