Chapter 18 Chapter Eighteen

Liu Xiao said to Li Hongzhang that day: Last winter, the Taiping Army attacked Songjiang City.At that time, Feng Rikun led the land and water divisions to garrison outside the city of Songjiang.On the first day when the Taiping army attacked the city, Feng Rikun suddenly led a battalion of his own soldiers into the city, looted wantonly, and ruined several daughters of small families.The Songjiang Mansion received a secret report from the people, and hurriedly brought people here, only to see a street boiling, and the people all met to stand at the street and curse. Songjiang Mansion didn't dare to provoke Feng Rikun, so they could only dissuade the people with good words.The next day, the Taiping Army came to attack the city, and Feng Rikun's brigade stationed outside the city had disappeared.On the one hand, Songjiang Mansion asked the governor's yamen to send troops to help defend it, and on the other hand organized troops to resist.

Seeing that Songjiang was in a hurry, Xue Huan dispatched 2,000 people from Liu Yunjiao's battalion to help.Liu Xunjiao rushed to Songjiang non-stop, and the Taiping army had to retreat when they saw the reinforcements from the officers and soldiers arriving.From then on, people in Shanghai referred to Feng Rikun as Feng Rabbit, which meant that after seeing the Taiping Army, he ran faster than a rabbit. Liu Yunjiao went to the city to meet the Songjiang Mansion that day, but the Songjiang Mansion didn't bother to talk about the military situation, but first told about Feng Rikun's evil deeds.At this time, two households came to the magistrate's yamen crying and asking for their daughters, saying that they were snatched away by Feng Rikun.Liu Yunjiao reported Feng Rikun's army's evil deeds of ruining the people to the governor's office, and at the same time went out of the city to make an unannounced visit, and learned that Feng Rikun was leading a team to station on a hillside 20 miles away from Songjiang.Liu Xunjiao hurriedly led the regiment to rush over, firstly asking him about begging for the daughter of the people's family, and secondly asking about his crimes.

Unexpectedly, Feng Rikun didn't take Liu Xun's cream seriously at all, but instead said that Liu Xun's cream was tarnishing his innocence.Liu Xunjiao argued with him with the complaints of the people, but he couldn't help but order someone to tie Liu Xunjiao with a rope, and threatened to throw Liu Xunjiao into the river to feed bastards.Thanks to the deputy leader of the regiment battalion, seeing Liu Xunjiao disappeared after entering Feng Rikun's barracks, he felt suspicious, and led his troops to rush over, forcing Feng Rikun to hand over Liu Xunjiao, otherwise he would go to the Governor's Yamen to argue with him; Although Xun Gao escaped unharmed, he was stabbed in the arm.

Not long after Liu Xunjiao left the barracks, Feng Rikun quickly released the dozen or so women who had been looted, and then went to Shanghai to protest at Xue Huan's feet, claiming that Liu Xunjiao had tarnished his innocence, and begged Futai to uphold justice.Xue and Feng were originally in-laws, and Feng's favorite concubine was once a maid of Xue's mansion. It is said that the maid was pregnant with Xue Huan's child before she married Feng Rikun.With these layers of relationships, Feng Rikun was not only not questioned, but was recommended by Xue Huan, and was rewarded with a yellow jacket by his superiors.Feng Rikun, who was wearing a yellow mandarin jacket, did whatever he wanted, almost guarding and robbing a place; crossing a city, killing a city.When Feng Rikun raped other people's daughters a few times, he was still wearing a yellow mandarin jacket, saying: "It was the heavenly king who asked me to do it!"

Liu Xunjiao finally said angrily: "The officials have gone to tell Xue Zhongcheng several times, and Xue Zhongcheng seems to have persuaded Feng Rikun several times, but there has been no major change. Once you go out to fight alone in the city, you will definitely develop your old ways, and you will loot and mutilate the people even more than before. .” Li Hongzhang was startled when he heard this, and he couldn't help asking: "Feng Rikun has no law, so bold, does it mean he wants to betray the court?" Liu Yunjiao hurriedly said: "Your Excellency, your words reminded me of a sentence that Zeng Bingzhong's military sect once said to me. It was not long after my lord helped defend Songjiang, and was sent by Xue Zhongcheng to work with Zeng Bingzhong. Junmen went to help Taicang. On the way, the subordinates talked about Feng Rikun with Zeng Junmen, and Zeng Junmen said to the subordinates: "The friendship between Feng Xietai and Xue Zhongcheng is extraordinary, and it has reached the level of exchanging wives. There is Xue Zhongcheng Be careful, what Feng Xietai did is not only ignored by Shanghai, but even the imperial court has to turn a blind eye. If it is true that one day the imperial court pushes Feng Xietai into a hurry, he will undoubtedly vote for him.'

"At that time, I thought, Zeng Junmen can see that Feng Rikun will throw long hair in the future, how come Xue Zhongcheng can't see it?" Li Hongzhang was silent for a long time, he was thinking about the best way to get rid of Feng Rikun.Li Hongzhang firmly believed that if he could get rid of Feng Rikun, it would undoubtedly be equivalent to cutting off Xue Huan's arm. The next day, Li Hongzhang sent Zeng Bingzhong, the admiral of Jiangsu, again to inquire about Feng Rikun's misdeeds.Zeng Bingzhong is a native of Yanggu, Shandong, and he is from the same hometown as the famous Wu Song.Zeng Bingzhong spoke bluntly and without restraint, he asked one question and answered three questions without any effort from Li Hongzhang.

Zeng Bingzhong said: "Feng Rikun's misdeeds, I mentioned it to Mr. Xue, Futai, and also sent a letter to He Guiqing, the former governor of Jiangxi. He Zhijun. I dare not say that Mr. Xue is protecting Feng Rikun, but I dare say that Mr. Xue There must be some shortcoming, and he was caught by Feng Rikun of Gou Ri. "Feng Rikun originally had two Green Battalions, including his own soldiers, but only 1,300 people. Later, he recruited another 600 or 700 people, reaching 2,000 people. But in the two battles of Taicang and Qingpu, he lost nearly 1,000 people in succession! But when he received the military salary, he must receive two thousand. If the vassal hesitated a little, he would either draw his gun or slap the table. Ben mentioned this several times to Futai Mr. Xue, but Mr. Xue either said to investigate or shied away. However, Feng Rikun is still receiving the fake salary. Feng Rikun’s actions have caused great repercussions in the Green Camp, and everyone complained, which made the admiral’s prestige even worse. It's getting lower and lower, and it's like farting. Master Li, don't you think that this admiral has become an empty-headed man? This admiral has written three resignation papers in his hand, and the former master Xue just refused. Courier. Mr. Li, Feng Rikun is such a bitch, you can't do it if you don't do it!"

Li Hongzhang nodded and said in a low voice: "Zeng Junmen, don't tell outsiders what we just said just now. Listen to Mr. Liu, this Feng Rikun has long wanted to betray the imperial court. Shanghai will be even more uneasy. After you go down, keep a close eye on Feng Rikun with your confidantes, and first divide Feng Rikun's troops into several places to station. The headquarters will immediately send a letter to the governor's office, asking the governor's office to request an order immediately. Also, separate Feng Rikun's men and horses, you have to do it in several steps, don't show your face. The headquarters heard that Feng Rikun practiced martial arts since he was a child, you have to be careful to guard against him, and don't fall into his schemes!"

Zeng Bingzhong said in a loud voice: "Thank you for your concern. My lord, it is true that Feng Rikun has practiced martial arts since childhood, but his three-legged cat kung fu is still a step behind this admiral. As long as your lord is determined to deal with him , there is only one person in the book, and he can be tied up without help, and he can be carried around to be manipulated by adults!" Li Hongzhang laughed and said: "This department firmly believes what Zeng Junmen said. However, the Junmen is an old man after all, and it is not as good as Feng Rikun when he is in his prime. It is better to be careful!"

Zeng Bingzhong stood up suddenly and said: "My lord, can't you trust Ben Ti? Well, don't look at Ben Ti's age is over fifty, Ben Ti will bring the stone lion outside your door right now. Ben Ti doesn't believe in Feng Rikun, he can make it harder than a stone." lion!" Li Hongzhang grabbed Zeng Bingzhong and said: "Zeng Junmen is brave, I believe it is enough, why bother to hold a stone lion!" Zeng Bingzhong left happily. Li Hongzhang spread out paper and ink, and sent a secret letter to Zeng Guofan, governor of Liangjiang.The secret letter was sent away by Kuai Ma on the same day.The next day, Li Hongzhang happened to go to inspect the defense of Maodian Lake, and by the way, he came to the west gate of Songjiang City in casual clothes for a secret visit.What the common people said was basically the same as what Liu Xunjiao said.

Li Hongzhang lingered in Maodian Lake for a few days before returning to Shanghai.Wu Xu rushed over in a hurry, and after giving a salute, he said, "My lord, why have you been to Maodian Lake for so many days? Something happened to Fubiao recently, did your lord know about it?" Li Hongzhang was taken aback for a moment: "The headquarters has just entered the signing room, and has never taken a sip of water. The headquarters has not yet asked about the bidding. What happened to the bidding?" Wu Xu said: "Your Excellency, please let me know. Your Excellency went to Maodian Lake to inspect the defense, and Zeng Bingzhong's army started to adjust the Shanghai defense zone. This is also his job as an admiral, but he should not only adjust Feng Xietai. He will first One of Feng Xietai's land battalions was transferred to guard the north gate, and Feng Xietai's three naval battalions were assigned to the foreign gun team, so that the naval battalions would practice with the foreign gun team, and said that the navy battalions should learn from foreigners. The method of warfare. Your Excellency knows that Feng Xietai's men were not originally from the Shanghai Army, but Feng Xietai's soldiers brought over from Guangdong. They became the masters of war after Master Xue invited the imperial court. Zeng Junmen has ruined him so much. Naturally, Feng Xietai couldn't agree. Not only the navy battalion was not transferred, but even the army battalion transferred to the north gate was called back by Feng Xietai. Now Bingyong is all angry at Zeng Junmen. If this continues, the Fubiao battalion will Isn’t it about fire? Right now, Feng Xietai scolds Zeng Jun’s clan every day in the camp, and even finds a job three times a day, and asks him to ask for leave in front of the adults.” Li Hongzhang thought for a while and asked: "Wu Xu, this department has just come to Shanghai, and I don't know much about the Fubiao Camp. This department would like to ask you, did Zeng Junmen and Feng Xietai ever have a quarrel? This department looks at that." Zeng Junmen, a school of heroism, has the demeanor of a general, and Feng Xietai is also a majestic and brave man. Both of them are very human. How can Zeng Junmen and Feng Xietai be incompatible? This department is puzzled The solution!" Wu Xu said: "My lord, there are some things I didn't want to talk about, but now my lord asks me, and I can't let me not say anything. Zeng Junmen was originally from Yanggu, Shandong. Three generations of his ancestors have been butchering pigs and cattle as a profession. The Changmao incident Only then did Zeng Junmen put down the butcher knife and pull up a regiment to practice, and for some reason, he became a first-rank admiral. But Zeng Junmen still has a butcher's nature in his bones. He listened to people's talk about his career, and some of his subordinates disagreed with him. He didn't call for beheading, but he claimed that he was going to stun him with a stick. He was very surprised when he heard this, but after many inquiries, he found out that beheading is a jargon for pig butchers, and beating him unconscious with a stick , is a process before slaughtering cattle.” Li Hongzhang said with a smile: "What you said is true. In Anhui, before slaughtering a cow, we have to hit a stick on the head of the cow. When the cow is dizzy, stab it quickly. This is the method of the butcher. I don't know. How did it spread? How about Feng Xietai?" Wu Xu said: "My lord, Feng Xietai was originally a Hakka in Guangdong. His ancestors were gentry for several generations, and he is one of the best big families in the local area. When Changmao rebelled, Feng Xietai was eager to serve the country, and relying on his good skills, he recruited in the local area. With a brave army, they went straight from Guangdong to Shanghai, almost invincible, killing Changmao's soul. As soon as Changmao saw Feng Xietai's banner, all of them ran away, and of course some ran slowly. Naturally, he became the ghost under Feng Xietai's gun. When Feng Xietai assisted in defending Qingpu, the local people saw him brave, so they jointly gave him a big flag with a rabbit embroidered on it. Mr. Xue is going to visit for two days, so he agreed again and again!" Li Hongzhang asked: "Why didn't the headquarters hear about the rabbit flag given to Feng Xietai by the people of Qingpu?" Wu Xu said: "My lord, I have never seen the rabbit flag that Qingpu people gave to Feng Xietai, but Master Xue has definitely seen it. According to Master Xue, the people of Qingpu sent the flag to Feng Xietai. At that time, I was afraid that Feng Xietai would not accept it, so I sent someone to give the flag to Mr. Xue first, and Mr. Xue handed it over to Feng Xietai. I heard Mr. Xue said that when Feng Xietai saw the flag, he shed tears at that time. I also took out the few taels of silver I usually saved, and gave it back to the person who gave the flag!" Li Hongzhang nodded: "That's right, no wonder the people in Songjiang and Taicang all call Feng Xietai Feng Rabbit, which probably refers to the rabbit flag. According to Wu Dao, this Feng Xietai is loyal and brave." He is a complete character! He should have a deep understanding of righteousness, why did he lose his temper like this when Zeng Junmen mobilized several battalions of soldiers from him?" Wu Xu said: "My lord, according to Feng Xietai's fellow Taoist, Zeng Junmen is obviously deploying defenses, but in fact they want to dismantle his soldiers and then manipulate him around. Feng Xietai also cried and said Well, someone spoke ill of him in front of your lord, and he has no place to stand in Shanghai. After hearing this, Zhi Dao persuaded him, saying that your lord is an official appointed by the court, and he is the most upright official, but he just cried!" Li Hongzhang thought for a while and said, "Wu Xu, this department will also tell you the truth today. Not long after acting as the governor of the department, we did receive several complaints against Feng Xietai, but this department did not believe it. Feng Xietai If you have any grievances, you can directly appeal to the headquarters. He shouldn’t be at odds with Zeng Junmen. Since the agency of Fuzhuan, the department has been busy with defense and has never had a good talk with Feng Xietai. Taking this opportunity, the headquarters would trouble you to go to the city. Let’s take a walk outside and invite Feng Xietai into the city, the three of us have a good talk. This department can also take this opportunity to find out about the feud between him and Zeng Junmen. How do you like it?” Wu Xu got up and said: "Your Excellency can think so, Zhidao first thank you for Feng Xietai! Zhidao will drive out of the city now, let Feng Xietai come to pay your respects as soon as possible. Zhidao will retire first." Li Hongzhang got up and said: "It's very good, the headquarters is waiting for Feng Xietai!"