Chapter 77 7. At the deserted Qianmen Railway Station, only Yan Xiu and Yang Du came to see Yuan Shikai off

At the same time that this edict was published in the "Beijing News", all kinds of gossip about Yuan Shikai were also widely spread in the living rooms of the dignitaries of the capital, in the lounges of large and small yamen, in teahouses, restaurants, and in the streets and alleys.In an instant, a mighty dignified official turned into a commoner who was the target of public criticism.Those who seek jobs and send food to beat the autumn wind no longer come, those who follow the trend dare not get involved, and there are even more timid and fearful people who dare not even pass the gate of the Beiyang Office.The Yuan Mansion, which used to be covered with clouds, is now so cold and silent.

This is a daytime phenomenon.As soon as night fell, black shadow ghosts flashed in through the small door one by one, and then disappeared in a hurry from the side door.These people were all private representatives of Chinese and military officials who had been promoted by Yuan Shikai and placed in the central government or Zhili, various government offices in Shandong, and the six towns of Beiyang over the past ten years.They dare not come here, because the imperial court will be full of spies around the Beiyang Office, which will be very detrimental to their future careers.However, this Yuan Gongbao was indeed kind to them in the past, but today he turned his back on him, and he didn't even have a single comfort, it seemed that his conscience couldn't justify it.So they either sent their own children, or sent subordinate servants to come in the dark.Generally, there are no letters, and what they bring is a verbal message, expressing their ardent concern, hoping that Yuan Gongbao will relax after returning to his hometown, take good care of him, and come out again one day.All these people gave their former benefactors a silver note, ranging from tens of thousands to thousands.The most numerous one was sent by Zhang Zhenfang, the governor of Zhili, totaling 400,000 taels.Zhang is Yuan's cousin, who was promoted by Yuan Yiyi. He has been employed in various jobs, and his family has accumulated several million taels of silver.Zhang Zhenfang has always spent money generously, and she is both indignant and sympathetic to her cousin's unexpected disaster. The four hundred thousand taels of silver expresses this deep friendship.

The inner room of Yuan Mansion is in a mess these days.Mrs. Yu was crying all day long, and the concubines were at a loss.Yuan Kewen also had no intention of fooling around in Goulan Washe, and stayed at home to study.A large group of young masters and ladies were busy packing their luggage with their biological mothers.In the entire Yuan Mansion, almost no one understood the reason behind this unexpected disaster. On the contrary, the owner of this Kung Pao Mansion is in peace of mind.He knew that because of his shrewdness and outstanding performance, he would inevitably attract the envy of others; It aroused the resentment and revenge of Zaifeng, who is now the supervisor of the country; because of the training of the six Beiyang towns with strong soldiers and horses, he was bound to be jealous of his relatives and nobles.All of these were safe and sound in the past because of the umbrella of the Empress Dowager Cixi. Now the mountains have collapsed, the enemy is in charge of the country, and everything can happen.In such a dangerous situation, it is really a blessing to be able to keep the safety of the leader and the whole family.Yuan Shikai couldn't help but be grateful from the bottom of his heart for Xu Shichang's advice to him, and for Zhang Zhidong and the old robes of the six towns of Beiyang for their support at this critical moment of life and death.He believed that this was the blessing of Yuan's ancestors, so he burned red candles every morning and evening, and kowtowed devoutly to the ancestral tablets of all generations below Gaozu.

When the whole family was busy packing up the gold and silver, he was thinking: After returning to Henan, where should he choose as his resting place?For ordinary people, this is not a question to consider.He was from Xiangcheng, so he should go back to Xiangcheng without a doubt, but Yuan Shikai was unwilling to go back to Xiangcheng.For him, Xiangcheng is not only the hometown of life, but also the place of deep fear.It turned out that this was because of a little-known family grievance. Yuan Shikai's biological father, Yuan Baozhong, married a concubine after his wife Liu's eldest son Shichang and second son Shidun, also surnamed Liu.This concubine of the Liu family had four sons, the third son Shi Lian, the fourth son Shi Kai, the fifth son Shi Fu, and the sixth son Shi Tong.Six years ago, when Yuan Shikai was serving as the direct governor, his biological mother passed away.Yuan Shikai had a deep affection for his mother, and rushed home immediately after receiving the obituary to arrange the funeral for his mother.At that time, it was his half-brother Yuan Shidun who was in charge of housekeeping at home.This second master Yuan kept the family tradition of the Yuan family's poetry and etiquette, and he was cautious and moved away from corruption.When he was buried, Yuan Shikai proposed that his mother be buried with his biological father and aunt.Yuan Shidun disagreed, and moved out the family motto that the concubine was not compatible with the tomb to object.Yuan Shikai was very angry, thinking that as a first-rank official, he had earned a lot of glory for the Yuan family, but he couldn't win a posthumous position for his mother to share the tomb with her husband, which was too disgraceful on his face.Yuan Shikai quarreled with his second brother.Yuan Shidun refused to budge, and said: "I'm not afraid that no matter how big your official is, you will still be my younger brother when you get home. You have to obey me and obey the family rules and family precepts. Concubines are not suitable for the tomb. This is the rule passed down from the ancestors." , can’t be destroyed by you.” Don’t look at Yuan Shikai’s ability to move mountains and fill seas. In this matter, he can’t do anything to his brother, and the relatives in Xiangcheng are all on Yuan Shidun’s side.The mother finally couldn't share the tomb with his father, and the dignified first-rank governor left his hometown in anger, vowing never to return to Xiangcheng in this life.

After Yuan Shikai fell out with his first brother, he became more intimate with his half-brother.The third elder brother Shi Lian immediately took the train to Beijing after learning the news that the fourth younger brother was dismissed from office.Over the years, relying on this fourth brother, Shi Lian made a fortune from business, bought more than 300 acres of land in Ji County, and built a luxurious manor.Shi Lian told his younger brother that there is Huanshang Village outside the north gate of Zhangde Mansion. According to legend, Yi Yinzuo was slandered and lived in seclusion here for three years when he was in Shangtang.There are beautiful mountains and rivers here, and there is also an old palace, which was originally the residence of a vassal king in the former Ming Dynasty. During the Qianlong period, a minister who served as an official rebuilt it and lived here for the rest of his life.Although it is now deserted, it can be inhabited after a little repair.

Yuan Shikai was very satisfied with Huanshang Village.The mountains and rivers and the palace are next to each other. The most important thing is that there once lived a famous figure of the previous generation who was slandered and avoided hermitage but was greatly used.He hopes that he is Yi Yin from more than 3,000 years ago, his retirement is only temporary, and his comeback should not be far away. He decided to bring some people to live in Ji County for a period of time, and sent Yuan Keding to Huanshang Village to buy the old palace, check the terrain, and make plans for restoration and expansion.There are still many aftermath matters in the capital's mansion, and he left behind the capable fifth concubine Yang to take care of it.

This is the eve of the end of the Guangxu Year, and the city of Beijing is in the severe cold season of the end of the year.Overcast and cloudy for several days, the north wind howled, and the strong wind rolled up dust and dust that fluttered in the air, making this ancient capital dizzy, giving people a feeling that the end is coming.It snowed heavily last night, and it stopped early in the morning.Yuan Shikai pushed open the window, and a gust of cold air rushed towards him, making him shiver involuntarily.In the past, the white snow scene often aroused his heroic spirit, but today's boundless snow, in his eyes, is no different from a huge mourning suit from the heavens.

After breakfast, everyone who went to Ji County came to the main hall.Among them are Mrs. Yu, sixth concubine Ye, eighth concubine Guo and their descendants, more than 20 people, big and small, and more than ten male and female servants.In the center of the main hall stands nine plaques, on which are written Yuan Shikai's great-grandfather Yaodong and great-grandmother Guo, grandfather Shusan and grandmother Wu, biological father Baozhong and aunt Liu, biological mother Liu, stepfather Baoqing and stepmother Niu's.Amidst candlelight and cigarettes, Yuan Shikai led his wife, concubine and children to kneel in front of the tablet of his father and grandfather, kneeling three times and knocking nine times.Yuan Shikai prayed to himself, begging his ancestors to bless his return to his hometown smoothly and get back up soon.Then he got up and went out, and boarded the carriage.No firecrackers, no drums, the horse team left Beiyang Office silently and sadly, and drove to Qianmen Railway Station without making a sound.

The Yuan family booked a carriage, and everyone was busy carrying their luggage. Yuan Shikai sat alone on the seat by the window, smoking a cigar without saying a word or expression.The past was floating in his mind in disarray.For a while it was the Yuanjiazhai in childhood, for a while it was the royal palace in Seoul on the Korean Peninsula, for a while it was the Tianjin station where the new army was first trained, and for a while it was the Yiluan Hall where the Empress Dowager Zigong was parked.It was clearly in broad daylight, but he seemed to be in a dream.Is life really like a dream?Over the past few decades, he has been proud of every step of the way, but he has never thought of this old question.Today, fate cruelly pushed this question in front of him.

In the front and back carriages, there are relatives and friends who are seeing off each other to cherish each other with those who are far away. The voices of "safe journey", "take care along the way", "return soon" and so on are endless. , After boarding the train with tears, he went down to the platform.It was a piece of true love in the world.However, the carriage of the Yuan family was deserted and lifeless, no one came to see him off, and there was not a word of joy.Thinking back to the beginning, there were hugs from front to back, compliments from left to right, ceremonial splendor, and majesty on all sides, but now he is dismissed from office and returns to his hometown, and even one of his old friends has disappeared.How could there be such a clear distinction between the hot and cold in this world, and the slightest disagreement!Yuan Shikai, who had never been very emotional, felt very sad.

At this moment, he suddenly saw a familiar face.This person was walking towards the Qianmen Railway Station through the snow and the severe cold, towards the carriage that Yuan's family had booked, towards the window where he was sitting.This person seems to be Yang Xizi! Yes, it was Yang Du who came. When the first draft of the nine-year constitutional regulations was prepared, the two palaces died at the same time.Zai Ze, the chief minister of the Constitutional and Political Compilation Office, was the niece and son-in-law of the Empress Dowager Cixi.The Xianzheng Hall was originally an idle office, and most people had nothing to do, so Zai Ze sent a temporary errand to the entire staff in the hall—to handle the national funeral. Running a state funeral is a lucrative job.In the past, when an emperor or a queen mother died, spending money on funerals was like swimming in sea water.Now, the emperor and the queen mother died at the same time, and the two national funerals were held together, and the expenses were simply bottomless.Therefore, the participants of the national funeral, from the princes and ministers in charge, to the errand-running staff, all want to make a fortune from it.All the people in the Constitution Hall participated enthusiastically.Yang Du was originally not interested in such matters, but everyone was positive, and he couldn't fall behind. This month, he has been immersed in busy affairs day and night. After seeing Wang Jingchun's reference in the "Beijing News", he didn't take it seriously at first.It is common for censors to impeach high officials, and the situation here is very complicated.Some are indeed motivated by public outrage and justice.There are also some who are not interested in impeaching others, but in gaining fame for themselves. The higher the official position and the more prestigious the person, the more they want to offend them.There are also censors who are purely bribed and instigated by others. They are killers who use words as knives and guns. Yang Du didn't know Wang Jingchun, so he didn't know which category he belonged to.However, it is not particularly strange for a person like Yuan Shikai to be attacked by the censor.He has many handles left behind in his affairs, and has a high status and great influence. He has many public and private enemies.The censor wanted to do something to him, which made sense from any point of view.After thinking about it, he thought again, as soon as the two palaces died, someone came to participate in the performance. Could there be more complicated inside stories?For example, what happened in the year of 1898, did the regent repair old grievances as soon as he came to power?When I contacted that the crown prince had just been rewarded with the title of Taibao, I felt that it didn't seem like it. A few days ago, he suddenly saw Yuan Shikai's resignation from office and returning to his native place was published on the front page of the "Beijing News", and he realized that Wang Jingchun's participation in the impeachment had a lot of background, and the regent was indeed a brother avenging his brother's revenge.That night he went to Xia Shoutian's house.The two old friends talked for a long time about the current court situation, and Yang Du learned more about Yuan Shikai's dangerous environment.He went to the Beiyang Office twice, but both times the door was closed and there was no sound in front of the door.He thought: Yuan Shikai may have followed the ancient practice of not communicating with outsiders after the minister was dismissed, not only to protect himself, but also to not drag others down.But this person who he had the kindness to know and encounter in the past, but who is unlucky today, did not even see him before leaving the capital, Yang Du felt very uneasy.He expected that the scene when Yuan Shikai left Beijing would be deserted, so he decided to see him off by himself, to give some warmth to the frustrated.Brother Yuan Keding couldn't see each other these days, so he had to send Mr. He to inquire about it through other channels.Yesterday afternoon, Mr. He received a confirmation message from the train station that Yuan Shikai would leave Beijing for Henan tomorrow morning.At night, Yang Du talked about it with Jing Zhu and Yi Zhu.They also advocated that Yang Du go to see him off, even if there is no second person to see him off, he should go, even if he loses his official position because of this, he doesn't care.There must be a few people in the world who do not put interests first, otherwise, there is really no need for this world to exist. When Yang Du came to the platform and looked around, Yuan Shikai finally couldn't bear it and called out, "Xizi, you're here!" Yang Du looked around, and saw Yuan Shikai's hand holding the cigar moved twice at the window, and then stretched out half of his face. "Yuan Gongbao!" Yang Du shouted in surprise, and ran to the window quickly. As soon as he boarded the carriage, Yuan Shikai was already standing opposite him, he stretched out his stubby arms and hugged Yang Du tightly, and said involuntarily, "Xizi, you are the only one to see me off, you are really my confidant in times of trouble." !" After hugging for a long time, Yuan Shikai let go of his hand and said, "Xizi, let's sit down and talk." Yang Du glanced at the carriage.The carriage was messy, with all kinds of luggage scattered here and there, and several servants were sweating profusely sorting it out.The eyes of Mrs. Yu and the concubines of Jifang were red and swollen, and the children sat next to their mothers in surprise.In the far corner sat three soldiers holding spears.He was startled: "Isn't this the man who commanded the yamen of the infantry? Would it be necessary to use soldiers to escort him back to his hometown?" He quickly calmed down, sat down opposite Yuan Shikai as if nothing had happened, and asked, "Where is the eldest son, did you come?" "He went to Zhangde Mansion." Yuan Shikai said, "Let's go to Ji County to live temporarily for a period of time, and then move to Huanshang Village of Zhangde Mansion in summer, where he went to buy a house." Yang Du nodded, looking at the demoted official.I saw that his face was obviously dark and thin, his hair set off his thick lips, a lot of white hair appeared on his temples, and his expression was a little tired, but his two round eyes were still bright, as if telling people that his chest His vigor has not diminished.Yang Du felt a little relieved. After being relatively silent for a while, Yang Du said: "I visited the house several times, and saw that the gates are tightly closed. I didn't get the news that you left Beijing today to return home until yesterday afternoon." Yuan Shikai smiled wryly, and said: "I cut my job for the people, I have nothing to do, and I can reduce gossip by closing the door." Yang Du turned his head and glanced at the three soldiers behind him.Probably got up early today, before the car started, they had already dozed off.Yang Du said softly: "Those three guys seem to be from the infantry yamen." Yuan Shikai glanced at them and said, "Yes, they are obviously escorts, but they are actually prisoners." "Shameful!" Yang Du gritted his teeth and cursed. "Easy." Yuan Shikai pressed down with his hand. "Xizi, you have to know that this is the luck of my misfortune. I almost lost my head. It would be better if they escorted me. I'm really afraid that someone will assassinate me halfway and die for no apparent reason." "Really, you have to be careful." This sentence reminded Yang Du, and he suddenly remembered the story of Zhongye Boar Forest. "Don't worry, I've already made preparations." Yuan Shikai patted his waist with his hands. "There's a guy hiding here!" After finishing speaking, he smiled twice, showing a row of big, black and yellow teeth, and pointed to the backs of the two male servants who just walked past, and said, "They all have British short Mausers in their padded robes." .” "That's good!" Yang Du nodded, thinking to himself: He is indeed the commander of the new army with military background. "Xizi." Yuan Shikai called out affectionately. "Thanks to Zhang Zhongtang's help this time, I wanted to go to the door to thank you several times, but it was inconvenient. It's good that you came, please go to Xila Hutong for me, and say that Yuan will never forget him in this life Ender." "I'll go tomorrow. Do you have anything else to tell Zhang Zhongtang?" Yang Du often heard people say that Zhang and Yuan were at odds, and he hoped to understand Yuan's views on Zhang. "There is nothing else to say." Yuan Shikai thought for a while. "Zhang Zhongtang's talent and learning experience are far superior to mine, and he usually handles things cautiously. Unlike me, he leaves a lot of excuses for others. However, in my opinion, the imperial court will make a series of big moves. The dismissal of Mr. Yuan from his official position is just the beginning. You might as well tell Zhang Zhongtang and ask him to be careful." "Okay, I will definitely tell him what you mean. Zhang Zhongtang is too straightforward, and the regent probably won't get close to him." "Prince Regent, hum!" Yuan Shikai burst out of his nose.He raised his eyes and looked at the three soldiers holding guns, and seeing that they were fast asleep, he said, "Now he believes in a group of people from the same family, and some of those people actually say that I am Cao Cao. Xizi, I should have known So, I might as well just be Cao Cao." Yang Du stared at the military minister who had been relegated to his original place with wide eyes. Unexpectedly, he said such words today.However, it was this sentence, like a flash of lightning, that made him suddenly see the secret in this character's heart.For many years, he has been obsessed with the study of emperors and tried hard to find the fourth-rank Jingtang candidate for the Lord of Life. His heart suddenly opened for one of them, and he felt like "that person is in a place where the lights are dim".However, he is leaving Maicheng at the moment, will there be a day when Dongquan can make a comeback? "Yes!" Yang Du nodded in agreement, and said, "Cao Mengde has always been said to be a traitor, but in fact he was the real hero in the late Han Dynasty. It was he who unified the north, stabilized the Han Dynasty, and protected Liu's orphans and widows. You said, what I admire most is his unpretentious confession: If it is not lonely, I don’t know how many people will be kings and how many people will be emperors.” "Cao Cao is telling the truth." Yuan Shikai interjected. Yang Du went on to say: "Others can call themselves kings and emperors. Why can't he, Cao Mengde, become emperor? What's more, he himself didn't ascend the throne until his death. Only his son was the emperor. If it were me, I wouldn't wait until my son's generation." , I have already usurped the throne myself." Yuan Shikai lightly patted Yang Du's shoulder with the hand holding the cigar, and said with a smile, "Happy, Xizi, we are in love with each other!" Yang Du immediately asked: "Yuan Gongbao, can you tell me about your plan after returning to your hometown?" "Xizi, you are such a big capital, I only have you as my caring person today. Let me tell you the truth, just listen and don't tell others." Yuan Shikai's expression became serious. "When I return to Henan this time, there are only eight words I pursue: to be happy and cultivate one's character, in anticipation of changing times." Yang Du probed further: "Do you think time change will come soon?" "Xizi, the ancients said: The moon halos and the wind, and the earth moistens and rains. All the signs of time change have appeared." Yuan Shikai stared at Yang Du's face and said seriously, "According to someone, it will be three or five years later." , within a year or two, China is bound to undergo major changes.” Yang Du suddenly squeezed Yuan Shikai's hand tightly, and said with a solemn expression: "Master Gong Bao, Yang Du really saw today that you are the pillar of China. You are demoted for no reason, but you are heroic and do not kill. Yang Du admires you. The bureau's views coincided with each other. Lord Gong Bao, you can rest assured that you can go back and cultivate yourself, Xie An will not return to the court for a long time." Yuan Shikai also held Yang Du's hand tightly, and said excitedly: "Xizi, when I was in trouble, I really thank you for saying such words to me. If you don't dislike me If it brings you trouble, please go to Huanshang Village often to see my friend who is in trouble." Yang Du said: "If you have anything to do in Beijing, just tell me. Yizhu will never forget your magnanimity." "What can I say, my second child is really useless, she and you are the real couple. When you give birth to a fat son, don't forget to say hello to me!" "that's for sure." "Oh!" Yuan Shikai suddenly said happily, pointing out the window, "Xi Zi, it seems that Fan Sun is here!" Following Yuan Shikai's gestures, Yang Du saw that it was indeed Fan Sun. "Fan Sun is a reserved person, don't tell him what you just said." Just as Yuan Shikai was exhorting, Fan Sun had already approached. Fan Sun was Yan Xiu's surname, and he was the minister of the school at that time.Yan Xiu, a native of Zhili, entered the Imperial Academy at the age of 24. He is a scholar with profound education and good conduct.When Yuan Shikai was the governor of Zhili, he served as the general office of the Zhili Academic Affairs Office.Yuan launched a new policy in Zhili, and the three major projects of the new army, foreign affairs, and education went hand in hand.Yuan respected Yan Xiu, often discussed with Yan about the establishment of education, listened to Yan's opinions with an open mind, and entrusted Yan with important responsibilities.Yan Xiu was grateful to Yuan Shikai for his kindness, and did his best for the prosperity of Zhili's new learning.Later, Yuan recommended him to the imperial court until he became the Minister of the Ministry of Education.This time when Yuan was demoted, none of the imperial cabinet, the Military Aircraft Department, the Six Ministries and Nine Ministers, Han Zhan Kedao, and Zhili Governor's Yamen spoke for Yuan Shikai. Only Yan Xiu protested and enumerated Yuan's achievements.He pointed out sharply that dismissing a minister with a foot disease would make a laughingstock for future generations, so please take back the order of the court.Of course, this nerdy memorial will not be ignored by the regent. "Fan Sun, I'm here!" Yuan Shikai hurriedly got up and greeted out the window. "Brother Wei Ting!" Yan Xiu shouted as he entered the carriage. Yang Du also stood up to greet Yan Xiu.As soon as everyone sat down, the bell rang on the platform. Yuan Shikai said: "The train is about to leave. The friendship between the two of you is appreciated by Yuan. Please get off the train quickly!" "It's okay, I'll take you to Lugou Bridge and get off." Yan Xiu sat still.He is forty-nine years old this year, one year younger than Yuan Shikai, but he is thin and wears a pair of round-frame Oriental myopia glasses. He looks five or six years older than Yuan. "Xizi, then you should get out of the car first!" "Master Yan and I will send you to Marco Polo Bridge together." "Okay, the best!" Yuan Shikai seemed very excited, and ordered his family to bring out two bottles of wine, and Mrs. Yu took out the dried beef and peanut kernels that she had brought with her.Yuan Shikai filled three glasses of wine with his own hands, and said emotionally: "There is an old saying: one dies in one's life, one sees friendship. Yuan was relegated to his hometown today, and suffered for no reason. The two gentlemen braved the severe cold and came to the station to see me off. , I want to accompany me to the Marco Polo Bridge again. This love and righteousness will never be forgotten by Yuan Mou in his life. If the sky is endless, Yuan’s will be repaid if there is still a day ahead. Heaven is above, this glass of wine is the proof .” After Yuan Shikai finished speaking, he picked up the wine glass on the tea table, raised it to the top of his head, then bent slightly, and spilled the glass of wine on the rug at his feet.Yang Du quickly refilled the empty cup.The three of them touched their glasses and drank them all in one gulp. At this moment, there was a deafening sound from the front of the car, followed by a loud "clang beetle", and the train started.Amidst the rolling sound of heavy wheels and rails, the steam train dragging four carriages slowly left Qianmen Station and headed southwest.Looking at the gradually disappearing Zhengyangmen, Yuan Shikai felt a strong sense of loss in his heart. Seeing Yuan Shikai's gloomy and dejected face, Yan Xiu knew that he was uncomfortable, so he comforted him: "Brother Wei Ting, I want to open something up. Yi Yin was slandered, Zhou Gong was slandered, and important ministers were wronged for a while. Soon it will become clear. There have been countless numbers since ancient times. Haosheng returned to his hometown to recuperate for a year and a half, and the court was sage, and after clarifying the trap of the villain, he must be used again." Yuan Shikai said: "I can think about it. When my uncle led troops on the front line to fight against Changmao, rumors and bad words continued almost every day, and the court was suspicious, but my uncle survived. When my father was an official, he often Something is not going my way. It seems that the people of my Yuan family have suffered more from the heavens than others. I, Yuan, have taken responsibility for the disaster I caused myself. I have nothing to do with it, but Brother Fan Sun, you have suffered because of it. I feel uneasy. There are many civil and military men in the dynasty who claimed to be my friends in the past. When something happened, they kept silent, but you stood up for justice and resisted. Brother Fan Sun, you are worthy of being an ancient gentleman today!" "Don't talk about it. It is the duty of a courtier to serve the emperor to correct the deviation and correct the situation. What's more, brother Weiting's sincerity to me during Zhili, it is also duty-bound to go to the school today." Yan Xiu took off his glasses and held his hand. He wiped his sunken eyes. "Master Yan, has your memorial been released yet?" Yang Du asked.He was full of respect for this bookish student minister. "Flooded." Yan Xiu said with a sigh, "I have drawn up another booklet, begging for the bones to return home. Today I will send Brother Wei Ting back to his hometown, and I will go back to my hometown in a few days." "It's all my fault." Yuan Shikai's eye circles were a little red.He took out a piece of colorful paper from his sleeve pocket and said, "Brother Fan Sun, this is an eight thousand taels of silver note, please accept it." Yan Xiu waved his hands again and again: "What are you doing?" After finishing speaking, a very angry look appeared on his face: "Did I just complain to you?" Yuan Shikai hurriedly said: "Brother Fan Sun, don't be angry. I know that you have been an academic officer for a long time, and you have no extra benefits. In addition to being honest and self-confident, life is already poor. If you return to your hometown, how will your family live? Although I am no longer an official, I am better than you in terms of money. Don't refuse, just accept it!" Yan Xiu restrained his expression and said: "Brother Wei Ting, I will go up to ask the court to take back the order, and beg for the bones to return to my hometown. They are all motivated by morality and have no interest or harm. You bring eight thousand taels of silver today and force me to accept it." , wouldn’t it ruin my reputation!” After hearing this, Yuan Shikai had no choice but to put the silver bill in his sleeve pocket and said, "Okay, brother Fan Sun, I respect your ambition, but I still want to advise you, don't be too stubborn, one day the livelihood will be difficult. Come to Huanshang Village to fix a book!" Yang Du had only heard of Yan Xiu's name in the past, but never met him.Seeing him like this today, we know that he is a respectable elder. "Master Yan, if a loyal and virtuous minister like you is really dismissed and returned home, then the court will be completely confused." Yan Xiu stared at Yang Du for a moment, then slowly said: "Brother Xizi, the current weather in the imperial court is really unpredictable!" A heavy remark silenced everyone.After a while, Yuan Shikai said to Yan and Yang: "The position of You Cheng in the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry and Commerce in Keding has not been removed, and he still has to live in Beijing permanently. Please take care of him in the future." Yan Xiu nodded. Yang Du asked: "Where are Kewen and Keliang?" Yuan Shikai said: "I will live in Beijing for a while, and I will go to Huanshang Village with their mother next autumn." After a short pause, Yuan Shikai suddenly asked, "Xizi, has Mr. Xiangqi received a letter? How is your health?" "Master Xiangqi sent a letter last month, saying that he is still copying books and writings every day, and his health is as usual." "Mr. Xizi, I heard that Lingmei is a very good poet and she is quite a famous female talent." Yan Xiu asked. "Master Yan, who did you listen to? Sister She just likes to recite a few lines of poems, she's far from a talented woman!" Yang Du said with a smile. "Xizi." Yuan Shikai took up the topic, "Speaking of Lingmei, I think of something. Please write a letter to ask her." "What's up?" "Lingmei has the talents of Aunt Cao and Ban Jiehao, and I have long been famous." Yuan Shikai said, "There are many girls in my family, and I want to invite a female gentleman to teach them how to read and write. Lingmei is a very suitable husband. I wonder if she will agree to it." Are you willing to do this, and would you like to go to that deserted place in Huanshang Village?" Yang Du said: "It's easy to handle, I'll write to her and ask her. She doesn't get along very well with her husband, maybe she will accept it. She has always disliked excitement, and she doesn't care if it's deserted or not." Yuan Shikai said: "Very well, as long as she is willing to give in, I will pay double the money for the museum." "My uncle cares less about fame and wealth. As long as we get along well, she doesn't care about how much the house money is." While talking, the speed of the train slowed down, and the ancient Lugou Bridge appeared outside the window. Yuan Shikai got up and said, "We've arrived at the Lugou Bridge, please get off the bus! This friendship will always be remembered by Yuan." Yang Du and Yan Xiu also got up, hugged Yuan Shikai's shoulders again, and got out of the car.Yuan Shikai sent them to the door of the car. Yan Xiu said: "Brother Wei Ting, take care!" Yang Du said: "Yuan Gongbao, Dongshan has a deadline!" Yuan Shikai arched his hands and said: "The weather is extremely cold, you two should pay more attention!" After a while, the car whistled again and continued to drive south.Yang Du and Yan Xiu stood solemnly on the platform until the rumbling sound disappeared completely in the bitter north wind, and then they walked slowly away from Lugouqiao Station through the snow.