Chapter 67 Chapter 64: The Bookworm Dafaqin Wang Discusses the Revolutionary Party’s Sneaky Handing of Dueling Notes

When Yang Zhiqi asked this question out of thin air, all the people present expressed a sense of astonishment, only Zhao Bingheng was slightly calm.Zhiqi looked around with his eyes, and he also regretted that this question was too rash to ask.But once a word is spoken, it is hard to follow, so I can only calmly wait for Xiang Zicheng's answer.After all, Xiang Zicheng is really an old experienced person. He heard this question. Although he felt harsh at the time, his face blushed a little, and he returned to normal in a blink of an eye. , What kind of ambition is there? I don't understand this very much. The president of the Republic of China is the most noble, so can there be a president who is too high? But I don't know what you say that the president is above, so why not say it clearly? "Zicheng asked these few questions so fiercely that Yang Zhiqi, a resourceful and resourceful man, was so embarrassed that his face was flushed, his mouth was tongue-tied, and he couldn't answer a word in a hurry.It was Zhao Bingheng who rescued him, calling Zhiqi's name: "Xingyuan, you are too far away. Now let's just talk about the present. Let's all stabilize the position of president for Gong Bao. This is the foundation once and for all." As for the future, we can only take one step at a time, and there seems to be no need to worry about it for the time being." Hearing what Bingheng said, everyone agreed, and Zhiqi had no choice but to be obedient.Xiang Zicheng asked everyone: "Now the first step is to hold the North-South Conference. Since the conference is held, a plenipotentiary representative must be sent and an appropriate address must be selected. These two issues are crucial. According to my opinion, The best venue for the meeting is Tianjin, what do you guys think?" Tang Shaoyi first shook his head and said, "I'm afraid this can't be done." Xiang Zicheng asked, "Why can't it be done?" Tang Shaoyi said, "Tianjin is The Beiyang Portal is the sphere of influence in the north. How can members of the Democratic Party throw themselves into a trap and come to Tianjin to be monitored by the north? In our case, if Tianjin is to be mentioned, they must mention Nanjing. This place, It can't be solved." Xiang Zicheng said: "Where is the best place according to your idea?" Tang Shaoyi said: "According to Shaoyi's guess, this location should neither be to the south, nor to the north, and a moderate place should be found. That’s good. But it’s hard to get a moderate place, and I’d like to ask for the next best thing, only Shanghai, which can still be used.” Xiang Zicheng laughed and said, “Isn’t Shanghai closer to the south? If Shanghai is available, how can it be possible? Can’t Tianjin be used?” Tang Shaoyi said: “Don’t say that, Kung Pao, Shanghai is by no means comparable to Tianjin. Although these two places both have concessions, they are very different in nature. Tianjin is close to Beijing and has always been shrouded by the power of the central government. , and there was Li Wenzhong in the front and Gong Bao in the back, all of them were not afraid of foreigners. Therefore, the Tianjin Concession is in name only. It is not easy to use the concession as a talisman. As for Shanghai, it is quite different. The concessions of various countries are like foreign countries. Not only the power of the Chinese government, it is impossible to intrude at all, but also foreign forces can reach beyond the concession. Now the North-South Conference, the most important thing is to make all the southern forces have no place to exercise, and then they can discuss issues in peace. Shanghai Although it is in the south, the power of the Democratic Party cannot be exercised in the Shanghai Concession. If a meeting is held in the concession, it is very stable. There is no disadvantage to us in the north. What else should Kung Pao worry about? According to Shaoyi Look, Shanghai is the best place." Xiang Zicheng said: "What you said is certainly reasonable, but it's too honest to just do it like this. If you open your mouth to mention Shanghai, he will definitely not agree, and you will have to do everything in your power to make things difficult. If we mention Tianjin first, and finally Shanghai, as a condition of concession, so as not to let them make further progress. Do you think this is better than directly mentioning Shanghai?" Everyone agreed unanimously, saying that Gong Bao's consideration was really thorough.The address of the meeting was decided in this way.As for the representative, it is up to Gong Bao to decide who is suitable to appoint.Xiang Zicheng thought for a while, then pointed to Zhao Bingheng and said, "How about your hard work?" Tian Bingheng bowed and replied, "Bingheng was acquainted by the Palace Bao. No matter what happens, as long as he is assigned to me, he cannot quit. This is the only thing, but it’s another matter. It’s not because Bingheng is afraid of difficulties, nor is he lacking in talent, because there are two kinds of incompatibility: one is that Bingheng is from the north, and he doesn’t speak the language well in the south. At the conference table, if you can’t even understand what the other party is saying, how can you talk about the matter? You have to rely on an interpreter everywhere, no matter whether the tongue is used to pass the word, it is not reliable at all. Even if you rely on it, you still need to use an interpreter when you are meeting with your own countrymen. , it was too much of a joke. Furthermore, Bingheng had a deep hobby, so he dared not hide it from Gong Bao. In the future, he might not be able to arrive on time for the meeting, so wouldn’t it delay things? There are two reasons, so Bingheng Heng never dares to accept orders hastily, and I would like to ask Gong Bao to forgive me." Xiang Zicheng heard that what he said was very reasonable, and he didn't want to be too forceful, so he asked: "Since you refuse to go, I will let you recommend one. Let me go for you." Zhao Bingheng said: "Why should Gongbao think about other people, there is a very qualified person in front of him, why didn't Gongbao send him?" He pointed at his body and said, "Isn't this a good representative?" Everyone followed his hand to see that it was Tang Shaoyi.Xiang Zicheng laughed and said: "Your recommendation is indeed not bad! He is originally from Cantonese, and he has lived in Shanghai for many years. He knows all the dialects of Southern Province. He is also good at negotiating and negotiating treaties. Back then When I was in North Korea, I relied on him for all the diplomatic work. Later, when I was appointed in Beiyang, he also helped me for several years as a customs officer and foreign language secretary. Now it is him who is responsible for the great responsibility of Zunzu. " Tang Shaoyi backed down again and again, saying: "This time, the negotiation is too important, it is not comparable to the time in Beiyang. Gongbao should be simple and capable, Shaoyi really dare not take it." Xiang Zicheng said: "We are You have been friends for many years, so you don’t need to be polite. I think you can do it, and you must be able to do it. You should go down and prepare. Tomorrow, I will go to see the Empress Dowager and explain to her the meaning of the peace talks. The decree can be issued on the same day. The day after tomorrow you will send Once the attache is selected, we can go to Shanghai in three to five days. The sooner the work is done, the better, and there must be no delay." Tang Shaoyi repeatedly agreed, and everyone bid farewell to Xiangzicheng and retired.

The next morning, Zicheng entered the palace, met the Empress Dowager, and described how the revolutionary army was rampant, and it was difficult to exercise the right to win if it was fought with soldiers.If you negotiate peace with him, you can save the people from suffering and preserve the dignity of the royal family.It is not difficult for people in the party to bow their heads and submit to him if they are baited by officials and ranks in the imperial court.As long as Jane sends an eloquent plenipotentiary to negotiate with them slowly, they will definitely be able to compromise their dignity, which is much safer than using military force to attack.The empress dowager had no opinions, and was most afraid of war.Now I heard from Xiang Zicheng that the dignity of the royal family can be preserved without the use of troops, and I am really overjoyed.Busyly ask Xiang Zicheng, who can win the responsibility of the plenipotentiary representative.Xiang Zicheng replied: "There is Tang Shaoyi, the former minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the governor of Fengtian. This person is a Western student, proficient in foreign languages, and has done diplomacy with outstanding achievements. He is loyal to the royal family and is devoted to him. If this person acts Representative, I will be able to convince the party members, be honest and introverted, save the catastrophe, and protect our royal family. I have agreed to send this person to go, I don’t know what the empress dowager will do?" The queen mother said: "Since you think this person is competent, you must not If you make a mistake, go down and draw up an order." Xiang Zicheng came down and issued an edict on the same day: "Tang Shaoyi rewarded the minister with the title of minister and appointed him as a minister with full power to discuss and discuss matters. I honor this." This is the order. After posting it, Tang Shaoyi thanked him and searched Xiangzi City for instructions.Xiang Zicheng said: "The nature of this peace negotiation is different from usual. On our side, we have to ask for a price so that we can suppress everyone's words. The first step is to keep the royal family, and we have to fight for a few more days. The word "democratic republic" , don’t promise it out of your mouth. You just have to let go of your courage and fight with them. I’m not afraid of breaking up. Shanghai, you might as well bring a few more entourages. It is best to have half and half of the entourage candidates. I already have four people here, two banner people and two Han people. If you find four more, you will also need two banners and two Han I have a great role to play here, so don't take it lightly." Tang Shaoyi repeatedly said that the eight attendants might as well be appointed by Gong Bao, and Shaoyi could save a lot of procedures.Xiang Zicheng smiled and said: "Don't get me wrong, I don't want to take this kind of power, because in the future, these people will all be related. If you don't have considerable talents yourself, you'd better go to see Old En Wang and ask him to recommend one or two people This is the most important tactic, and it must be done." Tang Shaoyi agreed to go on, and immediately went to see the old King En to find a follower, but did not mention it for the time being.

However, Xiang Zicheng simply released Tang Shaoyi as the plenipotentiary representative, and he planned in his heart: he has a very important relationship to go this time, and he must have some capable people to help him.Of course, I have quite a few talents of this kind, but they must be considered.I sat in the room, thought for a moment, then called Xie Dafu: "Go and invite Master Chen, I have something important to discuss." Dafu agreed, and went to invite Master Chen.Readers, please guess who this Master Chen is?It turned out that it was Chen Xueqian whom Xiang Zicheng met on the way to Beijing this time.Xueqian put on his hat and came to the upper room with Dafu.This is a place where Gongbao rests alone, and no one else dares to come in without his fault, thanks to Dafu.Dafu went in first and said that Master Chen had already been invited.Xiang Zicheng greeted him personally, and said with a smile, "Zhongweng, please sit inside." Xue sneaked into the house, Xiang Zicheng sat down on the upper chair, and asked, "How many days have you seen Zhongweng?" What kind of book for entertainment?" Xueqian said: "In Gongbao's residence, there is a book of the Four First Histories, with large handwriting, Xueqian's eyesight is not good enough, reading foreign blackboard books is useless, and reading this book is not very strenuous. It took a few days to pass Wang Mang to graduate. Xue Qian didn't understand what kind of intention Ban Meng Jian had that day, but he spent all his energy to upload it for such a vicious man. I want to write it down to the last detail, and describe it all, so that the traitorous man can be seen completely, so why bother?" In Chen Xueqian, this set of words was not intended to be said, but Xiang Zicheng was puzzled by the humility of the devil. Xueqian deliberately ridiculed him, so he diverted his words and said, "What are we talking about about Chen making up and cutting the bamboo slips? Brother Zhongweng is here today. I have a request. You must work hard, old man." One time, this matter will be completed." Xue Qian hurriedly asked what was the matter?Xiang Zicheng briefly talked about the peace talks between the North and the South and the meeting of representatives of various factions in Shanghai.He also said that Tang Shaoyi was appointed by the Minister of Plenipotentiary. Under the full power, there are eight attendants who will be able to attend the meeting in the future.Brother just thought that Zhong Weng is a famous person in Zhongzhou, and he is usually in the Xinwang family. This trip will surely convince the Democratic Party and win the final victory.Brother has filled your name into the head of the entourage, please hurry up and get ready to go to Shanghai on a fixed date.Because the deadline is too short, I can't wait for a long time.Xiang Zicheng's words were always very euphemistic.Unexpectedly, when Chen Xueqian heard this, the color on his face suddenly changed tragically.Suddenly asked Xiang Zicheng: "The north-south meeting that Gong Bao said, but a meeting with the revolutionary bandits?" It seems that you can no longer be targeted as bandits. Besides, the peace negotiation this time was originally ordered by the empress dowager. Her old man also couldn't bear the suffering of the people, so she came up with this method of compromise. Could it be said that we, as ministers, don't know how to love the people? Is it necessary to expand this civil war?" Chen Xueqian sneered twice, and said: "If Wan Sheng said something bold, I would blame the Gongbao for mishandling this matter." Chen Xueqian said that at that time, he was going to get rid of him alone. But in China, there is no second one to be found.Not to mention Xiang Zicheng's subordinates, no one dared to say so, even dignified Qing Dynasty, empress dowagers, regents and others may not dare to say a word about Xiang Zicheng.Now that Chen Xueqian dared to say that Xiang Zicheng had mishandled it, this person's courage must be considered very different.However, this person's stupidity is also unique.When he said this, Xiang Zicheng didn't get angry at all, but asked kindly: "Zhong Weng, you say me, I'm happy to be taught. But if you don't handle it properly, I still need you to understand the instructions." Chen Xueqian sneered and said, "Why does Gong Bao ask Wan Sheng for advice? Wan Sheng speaks presumptuously because he doesn't know what Gong Bao intends to do. Now that Gong Bao is not ashamed to ask, Wan Sheng wants to ask Gong Bao for advice—whether Kung Pao still recognizes that the imperial court of the Qing Dynasty is China's The main body of the country?" Xiang Zicheng said: "This is natural. Today, the Qing Dynasty is still unified and has not changed its pace. Who dares to say that the imperial court is not the main body of the whole country?" Chen Xueqian said: "Kongbao knows that the imperial court is the main body of the whole country. , but the Revolutionary Party steals the country and claims that the soldiers have committed obedience, should we regard him as a traitor?" Xiang Zicheng said: "If we only think about it from the court side, of course there is such a theory." Chen Xueqian said: "We know that he It is treason, why should we negotiate peace with rebels? Let’s talk about the level of peace negotiation. If it comes out of the king’s ministers’ personal intentions, if they approach them secretly, bait them with high officials and generous salaries, pardon their sins and recruit them to surrender, it is out of the intention of the subordinates. It is not impossible to declare the court's virtues and intentions, and to open the net. How can you use the dignity of the court monarch, but humble yourself, and negotiate peace with the rebels? I am afraid that in the world, there is no such self-deprecating emperor. Besides, Is this really the emperor's will? If it is the emperor's will, then we, the courtiers, have nothing to do. Today, Emperor Xuantong is only six or seven years old, and he is still an ignorant child if he says a sinful sentence. How can he understand? To discuss peace with the Revolutionary Party. This is obviously out of Gongbao's personal intention. How can one hand cover the eyes of the world? Gongbao has the safety of the whole country, so he must act carelessly. Now he is going with the rebels for no reason Let the people of other provinces know about the peace talks, and there must be many rumors that the imperial court is weak and has no choice but to seek peace from the revolutionary army. Why bother?" Xiang Zicheng listened to Xueqian posting this set of comments, although he was very unhappy in his heart, but he refused to show it at all, and asked with a smile on his face, "Zhongweng blamed brother The words are really sincere, brothers worship Changyan, it should be engraved in the heart. But according to Zhong Weng's wise opinion, what must be done to protect the royal family and protect the people, so as to get a way of both?" Chen Xueqian saw that Gong Bao was not only Don't blame yourself for arrogance, but still ask humbly like this, so you think that Xiang Zicheng is still loyal to the Qing Dynasty, and he is willing to learn from himself.The old man started to discuss with all his money, saying: "The palace guard is willing to accept all the words, and he is tolerant. He really deserves to be a minister of the country. How dare you not exhaust your knowledge and pay your bosom friend? Now Xueqian I have one thing to ask Gong Bao, that is, although the current revolutionary party is rampant, it should be compared with Hong and Yang in Xianfeng. Is it as powerful as Changmao?" Xueqian asked, in Xiang Zicheng's heart. , I already understood what he wanted to say.And for this issue, Xiang Zicheng also has room for debate.He refused, but deliberately wanted to quote Chen Xueqian's words, so he replied bluntly: "How can the revolutionary party compare with Hong and Yang? , and the establishment of the capital in Nanjing is deeply rooted, and it has become a confrontation with the north, how can it be compared with the current revolutionary party?" Saying this in Xiangzicheng is clearly passing the talk to Chen Xueqian, so Xue Qian laughed and said without hesitation: "Since Gong Bao said that, why did the imperial court disagree with Hong and Yang on that day? Hong and Yang have such great power, even if they can't unify China, it seems that the north and the south are separated, following in the footsteps of the Six Dynasties, they will not It’s difficult. Why did they lose so much later that they couldn’t occupy even an inch of land? Could it be that the imperial court was not afraid of Hong and Yang, but today’s imperial court is afraid of the Revolutionary Party?” Xiang Zicheng said: “You can’t generalize everything in the world. Back then Tongzhi ZTE, what era is it? What era is it now? Who were the talents who dealt with Hong and Yang back then? It’s bad. In terms of the era, when Tongzhi ascended to the throne, he was only six or seven years old, and he was the empress dowager of the two palaces. Now Xuantong ascended to the pole, only three or four years old, and he is the regent. , how can we see that Tongzhi can be rejuvenated, but Xuantong cannot be rejuvenated? As for talents, Zeng, Hu, Zuo, Li, and a group of Zhongxing heroes are certainly rare, but according to the observation of learning potential, there are palace officials today. Just protecting one person is enough to keep pace with the heroes of ZTE. As long as Gong Bao is willing to devote all his strength to the royal family and fight against the enemy, those revolutionary parties will never be as deep-rooted as Hong and Yang. Hiding these words, it is obvious that one step is closer.Xiang Zicheng, however, remained calm and showed no color, instead he questioned openly and honestly, saying: "Zhongweng thinks so highly of me, and I feel ashamed to ask myself. When it comes to being loyal to the royal family, brother I can still believe it, I have a little strength, I have a little strength, I have a lot of strength, I do a lot of strength, and I never dare to back down. But I don't know what Zhongweng means, besides negotiating peace, is there any clever way, If you can make the revolutionary party submit and make the imperial court re-establish the cause of Zhongxing, this brother should be humble enough to learn." Chen Xueqian said: "Gongbao keeps saying what he taught, how can Wansheng afford it. Wansheng just feels at ease and becomes crazy As for whether it is applicable or not, it has to be considered by Gong Bao. According to Wan Sheng, the current situation has become so bad that we, as courtiers, can only move forward with the word "Qin Wang". As for success or failure, it is irreversible. See. But when dealing with the revolutionaries, there is absolutely no room for peace. Even if they come to the city in the future, we will collect the ashes and borrow money from the city, and we will have to fight him to the death. Besides, they are just threats, if they really talk about it. Troop strength, those undisciplined student soldiers, how can they meet our Beiyang force on the battlefield? Kung Pao has to let go and do it without hesitation. Kung Pao has his own balance, and he can't praise him even if he is late." Xiang Zicheng hurriedly cupped his hands and thanked him when he heard this big set of comments: "Your teacher, you are my teacher! From this point of view, Zhong Weng is the right person for the position of entourage." Absolutely refuse to give in." Xue Qian said: "If Gong Bao sends late student to the former enemy to serve as a military counselor, late student will never refuse. If you want to talk about peace and go to be an attache, you have to ask Gong Bao to choose another Gaoming, and late student will thank you for not being sensitive." Xiang Zi Hearing what he said so resolutely, Cheng knew that it would be useless to force himself.Then he said with a smile: "Zhongweng doesn't want to bow down, and brothers can't force it, so we have to wait for the opportunity to go to war, and then borrow more talents." After that, he picked up his teacup and gave way, Xueqian immediately got up and said goodbye.

Xiang Zicheng sent him to the door, then returned to the house, and said to himself: "There are such rotten scholars in the world, no wonder he has been poor all his life." Then he called Xie Dafu: "You go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ask the counselor Jin Guoan, hurry to my house and discuss with me about something." Xie Dafu promised to go on.He was not willing to run by himself, so he made a call to the Counselor's Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and asked Counselor Jin to speak.Jin Guoan heard that it was a call from Gongbao's house, so he dared not neglect it, so he hurriedly answered it by himself.Knowing that it was Gong Bao who called him, he even said: "Go, go!" He ordered the horse-drawn carriage to get on immediately, and arrived at Gong Bao's residence like the wind and lightning.It turns out that this Jin Guoan is the foreign student mentioned in the third and fourth chapters of this book.He met Tianzi, a Japanese prostitute in Dongyang, and was tricked by her family's beauties, and spent four to five thousand yuan to buy Tianzi into his own hands.Tian Zi also bore him a son.When returning home, he actually brought her mother and son back together.When I arrived in Tianjin, I dared not openly bring it home.One is because his father, Jin Youyi, has a strict family education and has been a popular candidate for more than ten years, and has never had a concubine.He was only in his twenties, and if he wanted to openly bring his concubine home, his father would definitely expel him if he knew about it, and he might even send him for disobedience, so he never dared to be so presumptuous.Furthermore, his wife, Hong Shi, is the daughter of Hong Changze, a Beiyang candidate.Hong Changze made a lot of money in Beiyang, and all the sons and daughters in his family were spoiled and spoiled, and they had a bad temper.Ever since she got married, this Miss Hong has been controlling Guoan in everything.Before studying abroad, when he was in Tianjin, Guoan had to bring the sun back whenever he went out.If he had come back late, his father would have had a good time, but his wife, Hong Shi, refused to show mercy. At that time, the court was formally opened, and the interrogation was severe, almost corporal punishment was used.Therefore, Guoan behaved very well in front of his wife, and Ji Chang's fear had been cultivated for a long time, not in a day.Now that he brought this treasure from abroad, how dare he let the Hong family know.On the day of arriving in Tianjin, Tianzi, mother and son were first placed in a Japanese hotel.A few days later, I rented a building in the Japanese Concession, with two floors and two floors, and a kitchen and toilet. I hired two maids, one to cook and the other to comfort the children.Every time he got off work, he would sit in the small mansion for a while before returning to the big mansion.As for the day of the week, I stayed in the small mansion for a day, and only told my family that there was a social gathering outside, but fortunately, the man who pulled the cart for him knew about it.Da Ma, who pulls the cart, is cited by Guoan as a confidant, and will give him an extra ten or twenty yuan every month, so Da Ma keeps his mouth shut.Sometimes when he comes back later, Malaysia can help him lie.After two years like this, the secret was so strong that no one in the family knew about it.This year, Jin Youyi died of illness in Tianjin, and the country was in a difficult situation, and the coffin was carried back to his hometown in Hangzhou.The Hong family naturally had to go home with him, and Tian Zi led the four-year-old child, and they were still living in Tianjin.Guoan deposited 30,000 yuan for her in the bank, with a monthly interest of 8%, and 240 yuan a month, which was enough for her to live, and he went back to Hangzhou safely.After living at home for a year, just in time for Xiang Gongbao to be transferred to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Military Aircraft, he thought of Guoan, and sent a telegram to the governor of Zhejiang, saying that he had to send Guoan to Beijing for a mission.Guoan is a person who is enthusiastic about being an official, how can he be willing to keep the system for three years?What's more, I was worried about Tianzi, mother and son. Now that I have such an opportunity, it is really convenient, so I hurriedly called back and said that I would leave immediately.But he said to his mother and the Hong family: "I have to go through three years of mourning no matter what. I can't be an official after I have served. However, Xiang Gongbao has too much temper. If I call back and refuse him, maybe I will arouse resentment." Come, so I have to go there personally and thank you in person, lest he will be unhappy. This time I am in Beijing, it will take a hundred days at most, or two months at the least, and I will definitely return to Hangzhou. Because Tianjin still has many properties bought by my father, and it also needs to be paid. Then clean it up. You two, you two, have been too strict at home, and you can still be reunited in less than three months." Hearing what he said so earnestly, his mother certainly believed it.But the Hong family insisted on going with her, and said she would go to Tianjin to live with her mother's family, and hadn't seen her parents for more than a year.Guoan said: "You are now wearing filial piety clothes. How can you go to live with your natal family? Besides, your father-in-law's official career is booming. If you go home wearing mourning clothes, the old man will not be happy to see him. If you wait until the clothes are full, I will take you there together." Tianjin, we will live there for a long time, so we don’t have to go back and forth.” Hearing that what he said was reasonable, Mrs. Hong had no choice but to give up.Guoan only took a young man named Qing'er with him, and they went north together.After arriving in Tianjin, I lived in Tongtianzi in the Japanese Concession for a week before going to Beijing.Before leaving, tell Tian Zi that when I have an errand in Beijing, I will pick you up to Beijing.On the second day after Guoan arrived in Beijing, he went to report to Xiang Gongbao.Kung Pao was very happy to see him, and said: "There is a lack of someone proficient in Eastern Mandarin in my Chinese treaty department. I think you must be very proficient in Eastern Mandarin after studying in Tokyo for many years. Therefore Transfer you to Beijing, and first send you to work as a doctor of Dong Yanggu in the Treaty Department. Today you can go to work, and tomorrow you can go to the Ministry to serve as a messenger." Guo'an said: "Students are known by Gongbao Teda, so they should serve. It's just that the body is hard, and it's only been a year. If you suddenly come out to take on a job, I'm afraid you can't justify it because of the national law and personal filial piety. I'd better ask Gongbao to take it back." Xiang Zicheng laughed and said: "You This man is too stubborn. I sent you on an errand, not the current official. What does it have to do with Ding Jian? You just go to the job with confidence, and no one will gossip about you." Guoan said just now, Ben It's not out of the heart, but it's just a word of face, taking advantage of one's own footsteps.When Kung Pao said this, of course he didn't have to argue, and quickly asked An to thank him for his apology.Seeing that he agreed, Gongbao was very happy, and said, "You should do your job well. In addition to receiving the doctor's salary, I will subsidize you with two hundred taels of silver every month. When the service starts in the future, the doctor in the palm of my office will I will definitely make it up to you." Guoan thanked you again and again, before resigning.Sure enough, he was resigned from the ministry that day, and went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the next day.Seeing that the errand had been settled, he rented a house on Yanshousi Street outside Qianmen, a small tile-roofed house with a car door and a horse number next to it.He has a small population and is very suitable to live in.The horse who pulled his cart back then was specially sent to Tianjin to pick up Tianzi's mother and son to Beijing to enjoy the blessings together.Fortunately, he has plenty of money, so everything can be done immediately.After Tian Zi arrived in Beijing, he tethered a big saddle mule cart.This was the first thing you should prepare for being a Beijing official in the former Qing Dynasty.The cart is new and the mule is strong.There is no need to hire another coachman, Dama can not only pull the cart, but also drive it, and has been the whip holder ever since.In addition, a cook and two maids were used.The three of them are in Beijing, so they are naturally very happy.It's just that three months have passed in the blink of an eye, and they still haven't returned home. I'm afraid Mrs. Hong was in a hurry and looked for them in person, so he had to write a letter back first, saying that he planned to leave immediately and return home, but Xiang Gongbao refused to let him go.Now we are entrusting someone to clear the matter to the palace guard. Once the clearing is completed, there should be no delay. You must wait for a few more days with peace of mind.He also asked his father-in-law Hong Changze to tell him to stay at home and never come to Tianjin.When Guoan returned this letter, he thought he could stabilize the Hong family and would never find him in Beijing, so he lived in Beijing safely for another three or four months.

It also deserves to be a joke.The curator of the Hangzhou Guild Hall, surnamed Fu and surnamed Qingyang, is a two-rank Jinshi. He is currently the supervisory censor of Shandong Province. He is very naughty.He is not only close to the same town as Guoan, but also has some relatives—his mother is Guoan's distant aunt.Bai Guoan was on a business trip to Beijing, so he came to visit first when he got the news.When we met, the older cousin was the younger cousin, and they were very affectionate verbally.Since Guoan had just arrived in Beijing, he was also very willing to associate with his fellow countrymen. Now that he saw Fu Qingyang getting so close, he introduced him as a confidant, and often ate and played together.Sometimes he actually took Qingyang to his home and introduced him to Tianzi, but he didn't avoid it inside or outside.When it came to the August Festival, Qingyang asked him to borrow five hundred yuan so that he could pay back the savings.Guoan only borrowed two hundred, and Qingyang was very dissatisfied.In a blink of an eye, it was New Year's Eve again, and Qingyang asked him to borrow another thousand yuan, and Guoan replied bluntly, saying that he didn't have any money.This time, Qingyang was really offended, and scolded: "Good boy! Sooner or later, I will let you know how good I am, Fu Qingyang." It turned out that after Guoan arrived in Beijing, he never told his family his address, and the letter only said that he lived in the guild hall.Hong wrote a reply and sent it to the guild hall.Three letters came in a row, and Qingyang opened them all privately.The first two letters were handed over to Guoan, but he kept the last one privately.Because the latter letter said that if he didn't return to Beijing for a long time, he must have had an affair. If he doesn't return in the first month of next year, I will go to Beijing in person to find out the truth.Qingyang was hating Guoan, so he secretly wrote a reply letter, pretending to be a coachman Dama, saying how the master met a Japanese prostitute, lived together in Yanshousi Street, Beijing, and never wanted to go home.I also tried to persuade the master to bring his wife to Beijing again and again, but he was stubborn and refused to listen.As a last resort, I wrote to my wife, asking you to come to Beijing early.When you go to Yanshousi Street, you can see the sign of Jinyu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is the owner's house.That day the prostitutes were often at home, and the wives kept coming in, and they beat each other when they met, so they would be able to vent their anger and so on.I wrote this rough letter and sent it by registered mail.In this way, a big joke came out.

Why do you know?It turns out that on this Yanshousi Street, there are two families surnamed Jin, and they are all on the west side of the road, not far from each other.This is not a coincidence, the most coincidental thing is that they all have errands in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all the signs outside the door are Jinyu of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.However, the surname of this family is Jin, who is a small Beijing official of the seventh rank, who is assigned as an errand in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Gongsheng.He is from Fengtian Jinzhou, named Jin Shuming, and he works with Guoan on an errand, so they know each other a little bit.In Guoan, who claims to be the real lack of doctor in the future, he doesn't take small officials seriously.Jin Shuming has been in the ministry for more than ten years. He thinks he is highly qualified and has a lot of friends. He is very unhappy with Guoan's proud appearance.Therefore, although the two knew each other, there was a kind of grudge invisibly.However, Jin Shuming also got a new concubine from Lehu in Beijing, whose name is Guihong.Shuming's wife, Heng Shi, was originally a Bannerman with a fierce temperament. She went back to Jinzhou last year because of illness.Letters came many times, saying that the disease was not cured, and he could not come to Beijing half of the time, so Shuming felt relieved and bold, and begged for the wife of the house.Since begging for it, the love has been very sincere, but he is worried all day long, I am afraid that the eldest wife will recover from her illness and return to Beijing. This terrible disaster is really not easy to deal with.I had to write letters from time to time to inquire about Heng's condition.However, in the past two or three months, there was no response to a single word. Shuming calculated in his mind that it must be that Heng's illness was serious, so he could not write letters.Therefore, she became more courageous, bought clothes and jewelry for Guihong, bought another maid, and hired a maid who was in charge of combing her hair, named Mrs. Luo.Since Mrs. Luo entered the house, she specially provoked and kicked out all the old maids, cooks, and even the drivers. She spoke ill of them in front of the master, and she also sponsored a few newcomers.Because there is no old man among the servants, this big joke happened.

On this day, Shuming left the early office, and together with some friends, went to the food store Zhongheyuan to listen to Tan Jiaotian and Lu Sanbao perform the complete version of "Oolongyuan".At three o'clock in the day, a carriage suddenly stopped in front of the gate of the Jin Mansion, and inside sat a lady in her thirties and a maidservant aged sixteen or seventeen.In front of the door, the coachman jumped down, looked at the sign outside the door, opened the door, and said: "Please come down, madam, it's already here." Seeing the woman humming angrily, she asked the maid to get out of the car first. Help her down.There was only a small bundle in the car, and the maid took it out casually.The woman looked up at the sign, then walked straight in, followed by the maid.Seeing two female guests coming in, the concierge rushed up to meet them and asked, "Who is the lady looking for?" The woman stared and scolded: "You bastard! Your mistress's wife is here, what are you asking?" The concierge heard, "Patriarch!" The word "wife" has already panicked.Because usually I heard the master said that there is still a big wife at home, but looking at the situation today, I know that the big wife must be here.He hurriedly said hello deeply, and said in his mouth: "Please hello, wife!" Turning his face around, he wanted to run to report the letter.The woman shouted: "Stop! Who told you to talk more!" The concierge didn't dare to run away, so he had to walk in behind his wife.After entering the second gate, I met Mrs. Luo head-on.Mrs. Luo was used to serving people for a long time, so when she raised her head, she guessed eighty-nine.He hurriedly bowed and stopped, and first asked the servant girl: "But is the eldest lady here?" The servant girl said: "It is the eldest wife, where is the concubine?" "Madam, please go to the upper room and sit in the west room first." Unexpectedly, this woman has a lot of thoughts, and Mrs. Luo asked her to sit in the west room, so she went straight to the east room.Stepping into the door, one can see that the furnishings in the room are very gorgeous. Needless to say, there is only a big red crepe curtain with verdant green edges, which is very dazzling and splendid.The woman went over and stretched out her hand to open the curtain, and saw that the quilt inside was all brand-new electric light satin. A young woman was taking a nap under the quilt.It's okay for a woman not to look at it, but if she looks at it, she won't feel jealous, how can she hold it back?Reaching out, he pulled the quilt up and put it on the ground.The sleeping woman was startled, sat up abruptly and rubbed her eyes, before she was about to attack, the woman who came had already caught up with her, and slapped her on the mouth first.Cursed: "Whore! Is this where you sleep? You don't even take a look in the mirror. Where did you buy your pink hair? Get out of here before it's too late. I'll kill you if you're too late!" Where did the woman agree, she jumped off the bed, like a hungry tiger pouncing on food, she grabbed it and fought desperately.She cursed indiscriminately: "Where did you come from, a wild woman and village girl, you dare to come to my house to beat people!" Aunt Luo and her maid followed her in early at this time, and seeing them twisted together, Mrs. Luo hurriedly pulled Gui Hong away and said, "Madam, you can't do this. This is the eldest lady, so don't be rude." ，等老爷回来再说。”桂红被骆大嫂拉至外厢，仍然不依不饶，说：“我进门时候，并不知道有什么大太太。她纵然就是大太太，也不能这样野蛮，进门来不问一个字，张口就骂，举手就打，世界上有这样不讲理的人吗？”她这一套话，把屋中的妇人益发给招翻了，伸手便将穿衣镜推倒，紧跟着，“咕咚咔嚓唏啦哗啦”一阵乱响，原来是痰桶也踹倒了，花瓶也摔碎了，案上的一切陈设也全扫到地下了。骆大嫂只得又进来劝，说：“太太才进门，先休息休息，等少时老爷回来，有什么话全好说，何在这一时呢？”妇人听见“老爷”两个字，她的气益发大了。一迭声问：“老爷倒上哪里去了？快给我寻回来！想躲着不见不成。你纵然钻进了耗子窟窿，我也拿开水把你浇出来！”骆大嫂说：“老爷到部里去了，少时一定回来，太太先耐心等一刻吧。”妇人瞪眼道：“他始终不曾告我说有差使，这时候怎又到部去了？到部去也得给我寻回来。”骆大嫂一听，心里很诧异，想老爷在部当差，不是一年了，怎么太太还会不知道呢？想到这里，便暗暗拉丫鬟的衣襟。丫鬟随她至外间，骆大嫂低声问道：“这位太太娘家姓什么，你可知道？”丫鬟笑道：“我还是她娘家的人呢，怎么不知道？她娘家姓洪。”骆大嫂听了，点点头，这才不疑惑了。原来丫鬟是南省人，南省人说话，洪恒不分，骆大嫂听她说姓“恒”，便信为千真万确，是这宅里的大太太了。按说洪氏也是南省人，为何说话听不出来呢？因为她父亲洪长泽，在北方候补多年，洪氏从四五岁时便随她父母在北方，所有说话的口音，完全变成京话了。所以骆大嫂认定她是北方人。这种阴错阳差，直然成天造地设，也是纳妾人默默中一种当然的结果。

妇人既闹得不可开交，骆大嫂便吩咐厨役去寻老爷，说大太太来了，现在正闹脾气摔砸呢，请老爷快快回来解围吧。厨役彭二奉了骆大嫂的命令，先到外务部打听。茶房说：“金老爷到部中，吃过早饭便同着本司的几位老爷出城去了，听说是到粮食店中和园听戏。这时候不到五点钟，离谭老板上场还远得很呢。你赶紧到中和园，一定见得着。”彭二不敢怠慢，又即刻折出城去，到了粮食店，直跑进中和园。先在池子里寻了一回，不曾寻着，只得又上包厢。一直寻到了下场门后官厢，才看见他家老爷，还同着五六个人坐在一个厢里，正在直着两眼，看金秀山、贾洪林、陆杏林、罗寿山四个人唱《忠孝全》呢。他赶忙跑过去，叫了一声老爷。金树铭经他这一叫，方才掉过脸来。见是厨子彭二，便不免吓了一跳，忙问道：“你来做什么？家里有事吗？”彭二躬身回道：“回老爷话，大太太才到了，正在家里闹脾气呢，快请老爷早点回去吧。”金树铭听见大太太三个字，早已吓得真魂出壳，“哎呀”了一声，陡然站起来，向同座的拱了一拱手，说：“对不起，明天再见！”便出了包厢，随着彭二下楼，寻到附近车厂子，催车夫急速套上车，慌慌张张地跳上去，只说了一句“回家”，车夫加快向前赶。金树铭心中盘算，这一只胭脂虎，实在有些不好对付，深恨当初，不应当娶妾。无奈事已做错，丑媳妇也得去见公婆，只得硬着头皮回家。进了门不敢一直走入上房，先在临街小客厅中暂避风头。却暗暗吩咐彭二，去唤骆大嫂出来，自己打探打探。少时骆大嫂出来，愁眉苦脸的，叫了一声老爷：“你老快见大太太去吧，我可实在没有法儿了。方才是我亲手卧了两个鸡蛋，劝她先吃一口东西，这才停住不闹了。老爷要晚去一步，不定又变出什么新鲜花样来呢。”金树铭听了，只得发一发狠，随着骆大嫂慢慢踱进上房。他心里说，我见了面，只给他一个服软，说好话，也不见得她就真把我生吞活吃了。心里正在想着，忽然一个人拦腰把他抓住，说道：“嘿！你当初娶我做姨太太，并不曾说家里有正妻。如今贸然来了这个野货，进门就打人嘴巴，这是什么道理，我只有同你算账！”说罢一个羊头撞过来，就要拼命。吓得金树铭连忙倒躲，举目观看，正是他的姨太太桂红。连忙地摆手摇头，表示不叫她声张。又单腿屈膝，表示一种哀求的意思。桂红倒还知趣，见他这样可怜，自己一声不言语，赌气回西屋去了。树铭见搪走了一个，心中略为放下，这才掀起东屋的帘子，向里观看，仿佛他那位夜叉婆，就在眼前。及至帘栊启处，同屋中的妇人正打一个照面。Oh?its not right?这是我的太太吗？我怎么不认得啊？屋中的妇人，也正在盼丈夫盼得眼穿，听有人打帘子，她连忙抬起头来，向对方仔细看。Oh?不对啊，这个男子是谁啊？不是我的丈夫啊，莫非是我丈夫的朋友？因为他不敢家来，特意托付朋友前来疏通，也是有的。想到这里，便大着胆子问道：“你是谁啊？”树铭听她这样问，便也照样问道：“你是谁啊？”此时骆大嫂已经跟进来，听他两人这样问话，更觉着摸不着头脑，便插嘴向那妇人说道：“太太，你老人家怎么打起哈哈来了？这一位便是我们的家主老爷，太太同他做了多少年夫妻，怎么倒不认得？”妇人啐了一口道：“呸！谁同他做了多少年夫妻！”说罢领着丫鬟，便要向外走。树铭在门口一横，正颜厉色地说道：“这位大嫂，你先慢一点走。我同你一非亲，二非故，且并无一面之识，你跑到我家来，又是打人，又是摔砸物件，如中了疯魔一般。闹完了抖手一走，世界上还有这样不讲理事情吗？”树铭一说这话，紧跟着他那姨太太桂红同骆大嫂，也一齐围拢上来，七嘴八舌。桂红张口先问道：“你可认着丈夫了吗？我看你就像孟姜女，万里寻夫，真不容易，只可惜你过于性急了，拉着一个就算是丈夫，公然拉到我家来了！但是你要睁开眼看看，像我们那老爷，已经四十多岁，快半百的人了，还拉他做什么？现放着许多青年小白脸，为什么不去认丈夫呢？”这一套刻薄话，说得那妇人满面通红，哪里答得上一句来。到底还是骆大嫂上几岁年纪，沉得住气，不慌不忙地问道：“太太你老到底是寻谁家的，为何走错路了，却跑到这公馆来？”妇人到了此时，也不拿太太的架子了，向骆大嫂深深万福，两眼中止不住流下泪来。说：“这位大嫂，你有所不知。我们是浙江杭州的人，我丈夫名叫金国安，是去年到北京来的，项宫保派他到外务部任差。他娶了一个日本妓女做妾，既不接眷，也不回家。是有人给我去信，叫我急速到北京来。信上写得很明白，说是前门外厂东门延寿寺街，门口有牌子，是'外务部金寓'。我从天津来，下了火车，一直奔到这条街，亲自查看门牌，果然有'外务部金寓'，一点也不差，我这才敢进来。却没料到张冠李戴，出了这大笑话。我实在对不住这宅里的老爷太太。等我回家以后，必然亲自来负荆请罪。至于摔砸的东西，我必拣选上好的买来奉赔。”妇人说到这里，骆大嫂才要答言，只见金树铭满面赔笑，向那妇人深深做了一个大揖，很恭敬地说道：“我当是谁呢，原来是司长太太到了，恕晚生一时鲁莽，言语不周，得罪了太太，千万不要见怪。”又回头吩咐他那姨太太桂红：“快去沏上好的茶，给司长太太压惊。”众人见树铭忽然变成这种状态，全都相顾愕然，不知他是一种什么意思，就连洪氏也有点莫名其妙，忙说道：“这位金老爷，你不见怪我，我就感激极了，怎么倒这样谦恭起来，我实在有些愧不敢当。”树铭笑道：“太太请坐，听我慢慢地告诉你。你家老爷，现在是外务部候补郎中，代理翻译司司长。晚生同他在一部当差，虽不在一个司中，却彼此时常见面。如今太太来到舍下，既有同寅之谊，又有司蜀之情，晚生理应招待。就是摔毁几样东西，也算不了什么。太太且请在舍下休息一刻，俟等打听着司长的准住址，再由舍下套车，送太太回宅不迟。”洪氏听树铭说得这样委婉恳切，便完全认他是好意，殷殷向他打听：“国安到底住在哪里？”树铭道：“司长的准住址，连我也不甚清楚，因为他从前住在杭州会馆，现在听说自己租了房子。究竟在什么地方，我可不知道，但是决不在这延寿寺街。如果在本街，他一定挂有牌子，我焉能不知道呢？我想给太太写信的人，一定同司长有挟嫌，故意支使太太到舍下来，闹这种阴错阳差的笑话。依我的愚见，太太先安心在舍下候一刻，我自己去寻司长。他此时多半还在部里，我寻着他，他一定来接太太，岂不比太太自己去寻强吗？”洪氏再三称谢，说：“金老爷为我们家事受累，我心里实在过意不去。如今也只好这样，我就在府上等候吧。”

树铭听她答应了，连忙匆匆地出了家门。好在相离不远，便一直寻到国安家里。恰巧国安回家不多时，听说金树铭来寻他，并且有要事非面谈不可，只得捏着头皮出来会客。树铭一见他面，便沉下脸来说道：“司长，你的大太太今天来寻你，你就应当套马车，自己到车站去接才是道理。你就是不去接，也不应当打发她到我家撒疯。如今把我一屋子的家具全摔碎了。最可惜是我一对乾隆五彩的瓷瓶，当初是三千五百两银子买的，还认便宜，现在五千两也怕买不出来。没旁的说，司长就是照样赔我吧。除去这一对瓶之外，旁的我自认晦气。唯有这瓶，是不能白砸的。”树铭这一个雷头风，直把国安拍得手足无措。他确乎不在这一对瓷瓶上，三五千两银子，在他看着，算不得什么重要问题。只有他这位太太，出其不意，如飞将军自天而下，他听了实在有些震惧失常。忙赔着笑脸说道：“老寅兄千万不要着急，摔了你的宝瓶，当初多少钱买的，我赔你多少钱，决不叫你受着一点损失。只有内人现在哪里，他是否知道我现在的住址，还请老寅兄明白指示。”树铭听他允许赔偿，便不似方才那样急迫，笑着说道：“司长要打听这个，请先给晚生签三千五百两支票，晚生必有满意的答复。”国安毫不游移，从怀中掏出支据来，立刻签好了数目，盖上图章交给树铭。树铭接过来看，是正金银行的支票，立时笑逐颜开，藏在怀里，拱手致谢道：“到底司长慷慨大义，晚生感激极了！”国安道：“到底内人在哪里，请你快告诉我吧。”树铭随将怎样稳在家里，怎样自己说谎，到部里寻访司长，怎样对他说司长住在杭州会馆，全对国安说了。国安深深给树铭请了一个大安，说多谢老寅兄随机应变，实在是成全小弟了。树铭在旁边又替他出主意，说：“司长快把门外的牌子摘进来，这是最要紧的一着。要不是因为牌子，何至闹得这样阴错阳差呢。”国安连声喊大马：“快把门外的牌子摘进来！”树铭又催他快收拾一点行李，到会馆去暂住一间房子，然后由我用马车把太太送至会馆。只说司长在会馆卧病，不能亲自迎接。这一场天大的是非，可就完全消灭下去了。国安连连点头，说：“老寅兄的主意果然高明，我就这样办理。只求你晚一刻回家，好容我安顿好了。”树铭道：“这是自然。我不但晚回家，还可帮着司长安置一切。”两人匆匆地收拾了两件行李，大马套好了车在门外等着，一同上车，来到杭州会馆，草草收拾了两间房子，将行李略为布置好了。树铭又匆匆折回家中。洪氏已经盼得眼穿，见他回来，忙问见着国安没有。树铭故做出皱眉叹气的样子来，说：“这道儿太跑得多了。晚生先到外务部，说司长已经三天没来了。我又跑到杭州会馆，这才见着。原来司长因为感冒风寒，病了三四天了。他听说太太来到，便强挣扎起来，要亲自到舍下迎接。是晚生拦住他，说外感的病，就怕见风，等我亲自送太太到会馆来。如今车已驾好了，请太太同这位姑娘，同到会馆去吧。晚生在家也没事，专诚送太太前往。”洪氏又问道：“会馆中是他一个人住着还是有家眷呢？”树铭连忙摇头道：“并没有家眷。”洪氏听见没有家眷四个字，心中的醋火立刻减去了十分之九。却不知这一幕戏法，完全是树铭一个人变的。算是她丈夫花了三千五百两银子，只买得这一场戏法，变得干干净净，并不曾露一点马脚。洪氏反倒千恩万谢，连连向桂红万福说：“改天必要过来请安赔礼。”桂红此时，已知道她丈夫得了便宜，便也另换一个态度，太太长太太短，口头上极力恭维。并亲自送洪氏出了大门，眼看着她上了车。树铭跨在车沿上，一直将她主仆送至杭州会馆，亲自陪进门来，见了国安，方才告辞而去。洪氏见国安躺在床上哼哼，便认定他是有病，反倒不好意思发作。只将大马臭骂了一顿，问他为什么无缘无故地写这坏信。可怜大马挨这一场空心骂，还摸不着头脑，反倒向太太请示：“到底是怎么一回事情？”太太只得将接到信的话，略略说了几句。大马急得指天画日，说小人如果写过一个字的信，叫我手上长碗大的疔疮。国安也帮着他分辩，说：“大马并不认识字，他怎能写信呢？这一定是同乡造的谣。因为他们时常向我借贷，偶然借贷不周，便胡造妖魔，你怎么单听这一套呢？”太太已然见着了老爷，便安心在北京住着。又因为会馆不方便，在东城单牌楼一带租了一所房子，从此国安又成了两分家。

他起服之后，果然补了外务部郎中。及至宣统三年，由郎中又升了本部参议。项子城到北京来，他也曾谒见过一两次。恰赶上同南军议和，项子城碰了陈学潜的钉子，心中很为懊恼，便想起金国安来，马上用电话招呼到宅中。一见面，项子城便对他说：“南北和议已经派了唐绍怡作代表，尚缺少八个随员，我想你可以充一个。你再保荐一两个在旗的人员。外务部中各司里，旗员很不少，只是我一时间想不起来。你可开出几个人名来，并附注简明履历，我好酌量派一两个。最好是要守旧派的，倒不用什么新人物。”金国安诺诺连声，立刻告辞下去。在秘书办公室中，开了两个人名：一个是张恩厚，字子重，汉军镶白旗人，是外务部条约司的主事；一个是志兴，满洲正黄旗人，是外务部堂主事，兼司务厅司务。张恩厚乃是一位旗秀才，并在日本东京留过学，是早稻田大学法科毕业生。这位先生，性情非常古板，真可称是非礼勿视，非礼勿言，而且胆量又极小，随便一点事，便能把他吓得手足无措。在外务部当了几年差，倒是循规蹈矩，极得上官的信任。所以国安不假思索，便先把他开出来。至于那位叫志兴的，乃是世家子弟。当日他的堂姐为光绪皇帝的妃嫔，他便公然以国舅自居。先在理藩院挂着一个笔贴式衔，终年也不去应差，只随着一班吃哥儿架秧子的，斗鸡走狗，问柳寻花，度他那种骄奢淫逸的生活。后来因光绪帝失势，某妃已死，志兴的势力便也随着一落千丈。十几年的功夫，家业已经花去大半，眼看着就不能支持了。实在被迫无法，这才立志想要正经当差。好在亲友有势力的，还不在少数。第一个大学士拉同，当日曾受过他家的好处，志兴便寻了去，说明来意。拉同素性本好诙谐，今见志兴来了，亲口说了许多立志要强的话，便不觉大笑道：“老弟，你怎么说起笑话来了？凭你这样漂亮人物，正好骑上快马，去跑蟠桃宫。再不然，便同你那好朋友，到白云观去会神仙，正好及时行乐，为什么想起当差来了？你老弟要想当差，等我奏明当今，替你单立一座俱乐部，里面设上花柳司、麻雀司，大菜科、香摈股，就请你做该部大臣，一定能够胜任愉快。至于其余各部，恐怕没有安置你的地方。”拉同说完，又哈哈大笑。志兴连羞带气，不觉放声大哭，又恳恳切切，述说他家中的苦况。拉同这才郑重地安慰他，说：“原来这样，愚兄一定替你设法。你在理藩院声气太不好了，莫若到处务部去吧。好在项宫保同我至好，我托付一语，他自然关照你。”果然未出十天，外务部给理藩院去咨文，调志兴来部任差。在理藩院正把他看成累赘，乐得有人来调，立刻复文照准，志兴从此便在外务部任差。真个是败子回头，万金不换。他从此专心致志，谨慎从公。过了几个月，便提升了堂主事。后来历任尚书全有拉同关照，因此志兴的差事，当了六七年，始终不曾更动。最近因为司务厅司务出缺，又委他暂为代理。这两个缺，在部中是列为最优的，他一身兼之，所以军马衣服，很是阔绰。项宫保吩咐金国安保荐两个人，国安便将他一齐列上，当时呈上去，居然全核准了，第二天便用内阁总理大臣下委任状。此时老恩王保荐的人，也由唐绍怡呈到项子城面前。内中两个旗员，一是龙华，一是海亮。项子城并不挑剔，一律核准加委。海亮原是恩王府的长史，龙子春在旗员中，号为通达时务，所以恩王看中了他。至于海亮，不过拿他当自己的耳目，将来会议情形如何，可以随时报告。要说到出席发言，他一个当家人的，有什么知识？这四旗员中，就是张子重、龙子春，尚有一点学识，那两个，一是纨绔子弟，一是世代家奴，不过随着充数而已。至于汉人中，有金国安、杨修、章敬宗，那一个却是项子城家的教读老夫子，姓徐名蔚，字豹文，保定人。还是桐城吴挚甫先生的高足弟子，人品极其高洁，只是性情迂腐，项子城因为陈学潜不肯去，所以选中了他。这位先生倒是直任不辞。八名随员全委定了，紧跟着唐绍怡请训出京，皇太后在慈宁宫召见，很勉励了几句，叫他临机应变，无论如何，总要保住皇室尊严才好。绍怡答应，说：“臣必竭尽心力，报效皇家。”下来又去见项子城，子城也是一再嘱托：“大清皇室，务必设法保全。将来无可奈何，就是作虚君共和，也千万不可把皇室推倒。至于其他条件，全可以迁就通融，这一层你务必要记住了。”唐绍怡诺诺连声，说：“将来会议情形，绍怡必随时电呈宫保请示，宫保认为可行的，绍怡也不敢坚执；宫保不认可的，绍怡也不敢擅专。”项子城点头道：“这样好极了。你不必再耽误工夫，明天就到上海去吧。”绍怡答应退下。第二天一早，率领随员仆从，乘早车先到天津，包了招商局一只官轮，转赴上海。

到了上海，陈起梅派员到码头迎候，在中国地替他预备好了行辕。绍怡执意不肯住，还是住在租界大饭店中。本来这也难怪，谁不求身命的安全，焉肯在革命党的范围内讨生活？陈起梅见北方代表已经到了，赶忙给南京去电报告经过情形。孙文也立派伍廷芬带领随员，前往开会。好在一切随员也全是预先派定的，宁沪朝发夕至。大家来到上海，伍廷芬先拜访唐绍怡。两个人既是同乡，又是旧日同寅，从先彼此感情很好，如今却做了对手方的代表，将来在会议席上自然免不了一番争执。但目前久别重逢，见了面倒是十分亲热。绍怡留他在大饭店晚餐，两人直谈了有三个钟头，彼此也略略交换意见。绍怡说：“你我当初全是朝廷官吏，饮水思源，对于满清似乎不好过为已甚。”廷芬大笑，说：“老弟真是妇人之仁。如今胡运已终，正是我们汉族伸眉之日。若不乘此机会根本推翻，将来他们有了英明之主，我汉族仍脱不了专制之孽，何如一劳永逸免致他年再起革命呢？再者项宫保的为人，有种族思想，有世界思想，不愧是一位大英雄。你老弟正好乘此时机，向他进言，为我们汉族争一口气，为什么反倒帮着满清说话呢？”一席话说得绍怡闭口无言，半晌答不上一句来。迟了片刻，方才搭讪着说道：“大哥，你也不可过执成见。咱两人所处的地位不同，假如你要是北方代表，自然就知道内幕的难处了。”廷芬大笑道：“愚兄要肯做北方代表，这时候早就补了外部尚书了。我自那一年到北京，做了半年的外部侍郎，便看出满清气数已完。那些亲贵，一个个自负万能，其实除去招权纳贿，骄奢淫逸之外，还有什么本事？我赌气出京，立志一辈子不做满清的官，如今总算如愿以偿。奉劝你老弟，也早早把旧思想变一变吧，不必再效忠于满清啦。”两人又谈了几句，总觉着话不投机，廷芬便告辞去了。第二天绍怡又去回拜，他两人议定了开会的日期。临时两方委员一律出席，取一种对等形势，北代表在东边，南代表在西边，各自提出议案来，彼此商酌。北方第一条提出来的，便是实行君主立宪，大清皇帝仍然万世一系。南方提出来的第一条，便与此绝对相反，满清君主即刻禅位于民国，由全国人民组织共和民国，变更国体。这一条北代表看见了，四位汉员倒没有什么说的，唯有那四个旗员，