Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Farewell Party

Regardless of whether it is a leap month or not, since the beginning of summer, the weather in Chengdu has been so unpredictable: it has been rainy for several days in a row, the rich wear all kinds of jackets, the soft ones are wrong, and they are replaced with hard ones; the poor have to wear unique clothes. torn padded jacket.For several days in a row, the sun is hot, and the poor can walk around naked; the rich are polite, and they have to wear a vest with a collar even if they hide at home. The poor laugh at them and suffer. On the first night of the farewell party in the South Campus, it was extremely hot like a dog day. An experienced old man said that the weather was not right and he was worried that it would rain tomorrow.

Isn't it?In the first half of the night, the sky was still densely packed with stars. After the third watch, the dark clouds slowly spread, and the midair seemed to be covered with a thick quilt. There was no light or wind, and the stagnant hot air made people feel like they were in a steamer.Those who were not drowsy kept waving their fans. It was said to keep cool, but in fact it was to repel mosquitoes.The hotter the day, the fiercer the mosquitoes. There are so many trees in Huang's courtyard, the daytime is very good, the greenery is full of coolness.However, there are more mosquitoes than in places with square bricks, stone slabs, and no grass; the deeper the night, the more like the tide, not only buzzing disturbingly, but also biting people from all directions.

After all, Zhenbang and Wangu were babies, they dozed off a lot and were not afraid of the heat. They didn't wait until the second watch, and just after taking a bath, they asked Mrs. He to accompany them into the east ear room to sleep.In the middle of the night, I had supper, and Zhang, the cook, also fell asleep.The old gatekeeper coughed a lot, and although he didn't doze off much, he still felt more comfortable lying on the bamboo mat after locking the gate.The rest of the people were like Luo Sheng, like the three nannies who carried sedan chairs. Because their feet were constantly exercising during the day, when it was time to rest, they would snore as soon as they touched the pillows. They didn't care about the heat and mosquitoes at all.

Chrysanthemum is still a minor girl, she is so tired during the day, she has to serve the wife and master, and the young master and miss, Mrs. He sometimes makes her run around, she should go snoring, since the heat and mosquitoes She doesn't care either.But she can't compare with adults. After the wife and master don't go to bed, she can't touch the back of the bedroom to make the floor.And when Miss and Master come together, Mrs. He has to come and wake her up.Every morning, I would force myself to sit up, my eyes would be too dry to open for a long time, and the mosquitoes would bite my face so fiercely that my face would be swollen, but I didn’t feel it.

When you are too tired and can't stand it anymore, don't you want to doze off?For example, at this time of year, beside the screen outside the main room in the upper room, she is holding a cardboard fan to blow mosquitoes to the wife one after another to cool off. Rolled to the ground for the third time. The wife cursed again: "You dozed off so much! You can't even sit still. Then, stand up and fan. I'm sure I won't be able to stand it for a while." The master smiled and said: "Young babies are not as good as us adults. ... But they are also very capable, and they can sleep while doing things on their hands. Just like Luo Sheng, one morning, squatting on the eaves While drinking a hookah by the steps, I unloaded it in the latrine, and saw him moving his hands, and he seemed to fall asleep as soon as he closed his eyes. If I hadn’t yelled, he would have rolled into the mud like a chrysanthemum.”

Chu Yong stretched his waist and said, "It was already late at night." Huang Lansheng conveniently placed the hookah on a temporary coffee table.When Ben went into the bedroom to look at his pocket watch, the old wall clock in the study suddenly rang twice. "So it's two o'clock! It will be dawn in a while! Why is it still so hot?" The wife smiled and said: "That clock is faster than your watch. Zicai, I still remember that one day, we went to see Yuelai's lunch show, and when we heard that it was twelve o'clock, I was so busy that I called out quickly. The sedan chair went to sit. When I went upstairs and sat down, the stage hadn’t opened yet. When I asked, it turned out that it was only 11:30, and the Machinery Bureau had just put down the work post.”

When I turned around, I saw the chrysanthemum standing there unsteadily, unable to open my eyes from the light of a vegetable oil glass lighted in front of the god in the main room.Can't help but get angry again: "Damn girl, is it true that a sleepy bug got into her head! If you don't sleep, you won't die!" Huang Lansheng waved his fan and said, "Why do you have to be serious with her? If you want to sleep, go to the bed and sleep. Don't stand here so distracted, but you hate it." Chu Yong also said: "Yes! Let her go to sleep!" and stood up from the bamboo armchair, took advantage of the momentum and pushed the chrysanthemum into the main room: "Let's go, let's go, my wife agreed."

Mrs. Huang couldn't help laughing: "You two uncles and nephews are really good people!... Hey! Are you really leaving! Bring some paper twisters, I want to eat cigarettes!" "Isn't it the same for my cousin?" "Then how can I do it!... Alas! It's so wrong! You are a student and a master at the same time, why do you serve me?" Mrs. Huang smiled and raised her body, and took the hookah and a pipe that Chu handed over with both hands. Lit paper twist. "I'm at home, what can I not do? It's when my cousin's house raises me up. I'd like my cousin to use me, just say it. It's a cumbersome way of life, as long as I can do it." , I will never lie."

"Ah! I don't think you can't murmur!" Mrs. Huang deliberately joked again: "If I live in my house for a long time, I don't have to buy a girl anymore!" "You still want to buy a girl? Don't you know that human trafficking has been banned?" "He banned his, I bought mine, as long as he has money." "Otherwise, ma'am. This ban is no better than the ten-year ban on opium smoking. Quitting opium is only a matter for us in China. It's good to quit. If you don't quit, the big powers have more business to do. As for buying and selling people, they have nothing to do with it." It was the big powers who proposed that if China signed the contract, if it violated the contract, it would be subject to foreign interference. Therefore, starting from the imperial court, this prohibition is not compared with other prohibitions, and the point is to implement it. If it violates it, it will not be merciless .”

Mrs. Huang stretched out her hand to push Chu Yong who was standing in front of her, and said with a laugh: "Listen to your cousin's official accent!...Tell you Mr. Huang, the traffickers have already brought a few ghost girls to visit, because they are too young. The oldest one is only ten years old, so I didn't bother to buy it." "! There are still traffickers selling girls?" Huang Lansheng was very surprised. "It's not just a girl! If you promise to have a concubine, I'm capable of buying you ten a day! Haha! But... there won't be any good ones!"

She laughed very wildly.Two rows of broken jade-like teeth were completely exposed, and the eyes were squeezed into slits.Chu Yong stared at her from the weak glass light, almost forgetting that this was his eldest relative, and it was an elder relative who had been with her for more than eight years. Huang Lansheng also continued to laugh and said, "According to what you said, prohibiting human trafficking is another bureaucratic article!..." Turning around, he talked about the current situation. Huang Lansheng said: "To be honest, I didn't know much about the state-owned railway policy before. I thought it was discussed by the Ministry and approved by the Ministry. It was not a big bad thing. At that time, when the gentlemen rose up to oppose it, Wang Caishuai Promised to act on behalf of them, Zhou Jietai’s capable senior officials almost had the same nostrils as those from the Advisory Bureau and the Railway Company. I still don’t think so, and I agree with Sun Yatang’s argument. I think that an official should always have a monarchy in mind. Why do you still object after the edict was issued? Later, I listened to it everywhere and read the articles in the newspapers. For example, those articles that refuted the loan contract all day long recently are almost incisive. When I study it, I feel that Minister Sheng The method is really inappropriate; Ge Huanzhong talked about the secrets of Beijing's political circles, it will be more clear, the court is so chaotic, and today it is promulgated a new order, overnight, tomorrow it will become invalid, he said If you don't admit it yourself, how can you convince people?..." He was silent for a moment.At this time, the Hanxiang plum planted in the flower pot gave off a burst of drunken fragrance. "However, I don't really agree with Comrade Baolu's rioting against the law. I think that whether you oppose it or strive for it, it makes sense for everyone to talk about it in a proper manner. Why do you have to mobilize teachers and mobilize people to make such a disturbance? King Wen is uneasy , King Wu is restless?" Mrs. Huang handed the hookah to the master, and waved the mosquito again with the cattail fan.Said: "What you said is wrong again. If you just reason in a proper manner, people won't listen?" "Speaking of it, it's only good to make trouble! But if the trouble continues like this, the court still won't budge; official sources say that Wang Caishuai has been severely reprimanded several times, and he is no longer as active as last month; Yin Fantai sent a telegram to Beijing every day, I don't know what I'm talking about. Is this situation going to last forever like this? No way? Look at the situation, after Zhao Jishuai comes, it will definitely change." The wife asked, "Will it get better? Worse?" Before his cousin could speak, Chu Yong interjected, "According to Wang Wenbing's estimate, Zhao Erfeng will come here, and he can't go against public opinion." Huang Lansheng shook his head a few times, and almost took off the braids on the top of his head: "It's better to talk about people than to make a fuss. Your classmate, although good in writing, is still not sophisticated in the end. He can't do it. Count." "What do you think of Brother Ge?" "Our bureau is busy these days, and we haven't had time to find him yet." "Whether it gets better or worse, it's a matter for the comrades' association, and it has nothing to do with us!" "Don't say it's irrelevant. Do you remember the scene of broomsticks appearing in the sky at the beginning of last spring? In the first few nights, the tail was not too long, and the time was short. Later, it was so radiant. The battle was really terrible!" "Haha! The more you talk about it, the more it gets to astronomy." "Madam, you don't understand. Astronomy and human affairs are closely related. Just think about it. You have lived to be twenty-nine years old. Have you ever seen a broom star like that? I am ten years older than you, and I remember it very clearly. I haven’t seen it before. It’s just that the broom star appeared last year, and it’s just that this year is not quiet. In the first two months, I thought it was due to the rebellion in Guangzhou, but now it seems, um! I hope it’s not in Chengdu! " Chu Yong said hesitantly: "The teaching methods of teaching science in our school are different..." Huang Lansheng stopped him and said, "I've also heard that people who teach Western culture don't believe it. In fact, they really understand astronomy. Look..." He sat upright and was about to express his special opinion when Mrs. Huang stood up from her seat and said, "Can you stay up all night at ease?" "What are you talking about! Originally you didn't want to sleep, so we forced ourselves to stay with you. But now you're blaming us, how can there be... this...reasonable!" So he yawned: "Ah! Sure enough, I can't bear it anymore. ...Everyone, please sleep!" Early the next morning, Chu Yong was lying on the bamboo mat, sleeping soundly.Wang Wenbing came and lifted the mosquito net and woke him up. "Get up, it's early in the morning, and you're still sleeping in!" "What's the matter, wake me up?" "Huh! Forgot? Didn't I make an appointment the day before yesterday to go to the South Campus? I came here to find you!" Knowing that he couldn't push it away, he had no choice but to get up, rinse his mouth with old tea, and wash his face with the cold water in the washbasin.Before he even had time to say hello to Luo Sheng or Mrs. He, he put on a blue foreign cloth gown greasy with sweat, put on cigarettes, carried a newly bought black silk umbrella, and followed Wang Wenbing to the half bridge. In a distant place in the sky, several muffled thunders have already sounded faintly.Still the same as last night, there was no wind, but in the early morning, the heat was a little better.He had only crossed half of the bridge, and the thick braid of hair dragging behind his head had already caught the vest. Chu Yong took a look at the dark clouds in the sky without any gaps and said, "Aren't you afraid that everyone will get caught in the rain when you have a meeting in such weather?" "Afraid of the rain? That's not a role! Besides, it doesn't necessarily rain." "It's about to come down, but I still say no!" They didn't slow down.Group after group of people abducted from Shaanxi Street to Wang's house, none of them seemed to notice that it was going to rain. Came to the South Campus.When the Provincial Athletics Conference was held that year, there were almost a thousand people in the playground that could accommodate seven or eight thousand people. The layout of the venue today is also unique: a high platform with a canopy is set up in the center of the venue, with four corners in the east, west, north, and south.There is also a platform for each, which is smaller than the one in the center. It is also hung with plain colors and has a large dining table covered with white cloth.Thousands of people scattered around the high platform noisily, not knowing what to say.There are already many people on the high platform. "Why are there five tables?" Wang Wenbing said: "People who stand far away can't hear a speech on a stage. This is not like the theaters of Sanyi Temple and Jiangnan Pavilion, which are covered with fences on all sides. The board of directors has only worked out this method: the high stage in the center is only used for giving orders and giving performances. Where there are military music and spirit seats, speeches can be made on four small platforms, so you can hear them wherever you stand.” People gradually came more and more.Some experienced people left the dam and climbed up the city wall from the slope.He also felt that the three or four zhang high city foundation was not high enough, so he even climbed up to the waist-high female wall to stand. Wang Wenbing pushed Chu Yong and said, "You should be taller. Use your strength. Let's squeeze onto the high platform. Mr. Luo Ziqing, three other ministers, some officers, directors, and representatives are all on the stage. I heard what they said Pass." "What are we going to do? We don't have a special position, just an ordinary member and a shareholder." "No! Just because we can't see ourselves as ordinary people, we have to squeeze on stage." "I will not go!" "Why?" "Cheng Bogao is the minister. Of course he is there. If you ask why you didn't return to Xinjin, it's rare to speak." "Oh! That's right! Let me tell you, I have introduced Wu Fengwu to them, and they think it's okay. Maybe they will go to him after the meeting. Ha! Cao Cao will be here after talking about it. Look! Then not him?……" Wu Fengwu also saw them.It was still ten feet away, and he opened a mouth to greet them.Seeing Wang Wenbing beckoning him over with his hands, he leaned forward and bumped forward, stepping on the instep of a fat and short old man inadvertently. "Oh, hello! My feet!...Hey! Why are you so flustered, you don't have eyes when you walk!" This is an elderly man in his sixties.On Fei Dundun's shoulders was a double-breasted sweater made of thick cashmere cloth, an old style without a collar.A small gray braid was coiled on the top of the half-bald head.The upper lip was completely shaved, and there was no trace of beard stubble, and the red and yellow wrinkled skin on the cheeks appeared to be heavy on both sides of the mouth.A pair of blister eyes that old people should have are now wide open.There were many beads of sweat on the tip of the rosacea nose and the overly wide nasal gall. Apparently he is a craftsman. "Offended, offended, I didn't see it, please don't worry!" These few words should have reached Wu Fengwu's mouth.Because of this, he swallowed it back, rolled his eyes on purpose, and sprayed a few other words on the old man's face fiercely: "A good dog is not the way! Who told you to stay here in a daze ! Don’t step on you, step on the dog!” The old man was already on fire, and now it was more like pouring a pot of oil on it.Immediately, he took a big and heavy umbrella in his hand and knocked it on Wu Fengwu's bald head; while yelling with phlegm, "You are a dog! I will beat you, a blind dog!" "Do you want to do it? You old dog!... You have met a good person! Next year, today is your death taboo!..." He just clenched his teeth and stretched out his hand to seal the old man's red, bloated and sweaty throat when he suddenly slapped heavily on both arms.At the same time, I heard Wang Wenbing's voice shouting in my ear: "No violence is allowed in the civilized venue!" Chu Yong also grabbed his arm and said, "Why are you making a move! No! No!" "Should I shoot first?" Wu Fengwu blushed and shouted to the surrounding audience: "Who hasn't seen that old bastard hitting me with an umbrella! Look, the bags are all packed!" Brain rubbing. The old man was gasping for breath, and was also fighting and arguing: "He scolded me so well!... Everyone saw that he stepped on me and scolded me!... What a cruel person, he doesn't look like he grew up on oil and salt!" If Wang Wenbing and Chu Yong hadn't intervened in the middle, persuading and reasoning at the same time, the two of them would have quarreled for a long time.At the same time, thanks to Wu Fengwu's scruples, the old man had a slight advantage.The spectators are also speaking out, brushing some lime on both sides.So that both parties have face and can step down.In fact, it is the rain that really solves the dispute. A muffled thunder passed, followed by wind, followed by heavier rain.As soon as the rain comes, it will be fierce and dense.The large group of people were like flies that had pinched their heads, buzzing, and fell into chaos.Some were yelling, some were laughing, some were swearing while running.Some didn't run, but scrambled to get under the table.This is more appropriate than climbing up the platform.The bamboo canopy on the stage will leak during heavy rain, but under the wooden plank of the stage, you only need to take off your shoes and socks, and put your trousers on your calves, and it will be very safe. Chu's black silk umbrella is ready.But covering two people can only keep the hair from getting wet, and the shoulders and vest cannot be taken care of.Besides, the silk surface was not too thick, and the rain was too strong. After all, it was a bit splashy, and it was really not as good as the old man's big and strong oiled paper umbrella. At this moment, the old man has calmed down, his sweat has stopped, and his neck is no longer thick.Leaving a pair of home-published shoes on his trouser belt, and holding an umbrella barefoot, Xiao Xiao leisurely walked to the central platform.Needless to say, the stage was also full of people like those four stages, and they were all wearing long gowns at first glance, and there were even more people hiding in the audience.Holding foreign umbrellas, umbrellas, and some wearing bamboo hats and wide-brimmed hats, they mostly swing around the high platform and refuse to leave.Estimate, there are almost a hundred people. The louder the thunder, the more violent the wind, and the heavier the rain, the people who hid from the rain seemed to be more and more sure that it was white rain, and it would not last long. Sure enough, more than half an hour later, the thunder went far away, the wind also weakened, and the rain did not stop, but the rain became thinner and lighter.The dark clouds fell into formations, which could be seen in groups like crazy lions, rolling in mid-air, on the graying cloud base. On the grass under the high platform, the rainwater is not flowing up the ground, but drilling into the mud.It has been sunny for a long time, and the grass roots and mud are very thirsty, and a white rain is just enough for them to drink.It's comfortable to step on the wet grass with bare feet.People with umbrellas, bamboo hats, and straw hats gradually came and formed a large crowd. The rain is getting weaker.Suddenly there was an impatient voice in the middle of the crowd: "It's a meeting! It's a meeting!...Why aren't you going? It's almost noon! What are you waiting for?..." People in long gowns on the high platform turned around, and suddenly squeezed together again, as if discussing something. A short and thin man suddenly ran to the entrance of the stage, looked up at the sky for a while, and said: "It seems that I won't live!" Yin shouted to the audience: "Extend for a day, okay?" Before everyone answered, the old man's old and phlegmatic voice roared: "I don't agree!..." Then there was a chaotic chatter: "I don't agree! I don't agree!" "Are you worried about the rain when you come to the meeting with peace of mind?" It's not a knife, I'm afraid of an egg!" "I don't agree!... Hurry up!" There were also voices on the stage, those talking about novels, but they couldn't hear them.After a while, the short and thin man stood on the podium again, waving his hands and shouting: "Subject to the majority!...Decided to continue the meeting!...My compatriots!..." The audience slapped his hands for a while, thinking that he was going to give a speech, but he turned around and said to the stage: "Well, ring the bell!...The military band is ready!..." It turned out that he was the master of ceremonies. The dark clouds kept spreading to the southwest, the north wind blew slightly, and the rain became lighter. Jingle! — Jingle!Jingle! — Jingle!From around the playground dam, gradually to the street, gradually to the city wall, copper bells are ringing everywhere. A small military band was lined up on the right side of the high platform, with brass instruments and drums playing majesticly. The scene changed instantly.People in long gowns crowded on the high platform came down one after another, not afraid of getting their shoes and socks wet, they braved the light rain and scattered from the wet grass to the four small platforms.Some people actually joined the audience. The crowd in the audience, and because all the people under the stage got out again, also increased to several hundred people. The brass bells are still ringing, the military music is still playing, and people are still coming. At this time, the old man happened to come to the same place with Chu Yong again, about ten feet away from the platform on the west side.There are even fewer people there. "What's your surname, sir?" The old man glanced at him a few times, and couldn't help but say: "And the one with you who wears glasses? You seem to be all students?  … Blame me for saying that the scholar understands the truth after all, and he is no longer like that arrogant person. I don’t know what he does. I just want to put my life on the line with him." Chu Yong said with a smile: "What's the matter that has passed, what to say about it!" Then he told him the names of himself and Wang Wenbing, and asked his name. "My surname is Fu. It's called Fu Longsheng on the signboard. It's from the Kaisan Shop at Yanshikou." Chu Yong took a look at his big umbrella that had been put away and was carried upside down in his hand, and said, "No wonder I said your umbrella is so good, so you made it yourself." Fu Longsheng smiled all at once, and showed his gaped, yellowish-brown teeth, and said, "Your husband knows the goods. It's not a boast, there are so many umbrella shops from Yanshikou to Pifang Street, in terms of business , They are all about the same. When it comes to goods, hehe! Longsheng needs some people to compare! Why do you say that? Because of my goods, materials are materials, kung fu is kung fu, every door is serious, pick and choose Hit. Although the price is a bit more expensive, it is worthy of the buyers. Therefore, my business has been going on for more than 20 years, and the buyers are mostly old buyers. It is not like other short-lived businesses. The buyers come back once and never look back." He also asked Chu to use the umbrella.Stretch it out, turn the wheel around, and draw it in, the technique is very sophisticated.After handing it back, he shook his head and said: "I advise you to buy a local umbrella. The foreign cloth umbrella made locally is so strong! You see, foreign things, foreign goods, fancy but not useful, take them in My hands are feeling light. The clothes are too thin, not to mention covering the rain, maybe even the sun..." "Oh! After searching for a long time, your husband is here! Where is Mr. Wang?" It turned out to be Wu Fengwu.With only a palm fan in hand, not only is the blue cloth gown dry, but even a pair of thick leather-soled blue cloth Chaoyuan shoes under his feet don't seem to be too wet.He is really capable. Fu Longsheng pouted all of a sudden, and his blistered eyes bulged. Chu Yong was afraid that the two of them would quarrel again, so he hurriedly said: "The meeting is about to start, order is important! Wang Wenbing is on the stage in the middle, and he is looking for you. You'd better go there quickly, so as not to miss it and cause trouble." He wanted to take this opportunity They sent Wu Fengwu away, but Wu Fengwu refused to leave. Whistles were blown on the four small stages at the same time: Wow! ——Wow!Before the blowing was finished, the military music on the high platform in the middle was played again: before the military music was finished, the copper bells were jingling again! — Jingle!It really looks like a meeting. Sure enough, there were applause in front of the four stages, and there were speeches on the four stages. Chu Yong looked on the west platform and said, "Oh! This is Mr. Deng Xiaoke." Wu Fengwu and Fu Longsheng almost said together: "Oh! Deng Xiaoke!" Deng Xiaoke, who was of medium build and sharp-mouthed, was wearing a fine white linen gown, standing on the front of the big dining table, gesticulating and talking.The voice is not loud, the place is open, and a little farther away, I can only catch these few sentences here and there: "... Guo Lieshi is dead! ... Guo Lieshi is dead! ... Guo Lieshi died for nothing? ... Sichuan Han Railway...state-owned policy...Sheng Xuanhuai...duanfang...traitorous treaty...if the road cannot be guaranteed, Sichuan will perish!...the country will perish!...Martyr Guo died for death....Spirit of Martyr Guo...Martyr Guo How dare you die!... Martyr Guo will live forever!... Martyr Guo... Martyr Guo..." Fu Longsheng asked Chu Yong: "Originally, it was said that it was a farewell to the representatives, why did you come up with another martyr Guo?" "Isn't there a lacquered paper in front of the high platform, which says the memorial service for the martyr Guo Shuqing?" "Oh! Memorial service!...Who is that big fat man speaking on the northern stage?" "It's Mr. Luo Ziqing." The two of them were almost saying at the same time: "! That's him!" The two of them moved almost in unison again, walking towards the north platform.Chu Yong had no choice but to follow them, in order not to disturb the order; at this time, after all, there were not as many people in the venue as before it rained, and they were so quiet. If they made a noise, it would arouse public anger. The speeches on the northern stage have come intermittently. "...Martyr Guo is a martyr who died for the country, for the people of Sichuan, and for... us before us! If we are the late dead, if... my compatriots! Please think about it!... How could I be sorry for Martyr Guo? Why...Sichuan people! Compatriots! Death is not something to be afraid of, but...death is worthwhile...glorious...fame forever!...United as one...As long as you can save the road and abolish the contract, then, compatriots!... Martyr Guo will rest in peace!...Rather than being a subjugated slave, I would rather die!...My compatriots! We must fight to the death, if we do not achieve our goal..." Wu Fengwu said softly, as if he was saying to himself: "It is said that he will cry, and he will cry nine times out of ten speeches. Today is just the time to cry, so why doesn't he cry?" Several people turned their heads to watch him.But Fu Longsheng who was standing beside him didn't hear it, because he was engrossed in Luo Ziqing's opening and closing mouth, and that not very loud but slightly trembling voice. Chu Yong was about to say something when suddenly the hoarse voice of a person crying and screaming came from a distance.Look for it with your eyes, and it turns out that it is on the south platform. Several people are asking each other: "Which one is it? Which one is it?..." A man with excellent eyesight turned his car to take a closer look and said, "Oh! It looks like Peng Lancun, the head of the General Affairs Department!" Immediately someone went on to say: "I promise it's him, I recognized his voice." "It's hard to say," another person interjected, "Cheng Bogao's voice is about the same." "That's different! Cheng Bogao speaks the dialect of Xiachuandong, and it's easy to distinguish whether he speaks it or not. Penglan Village is the mouth of South Road, and I'm familiar with it." "Then, Wang Youxin is also from Shuangliu. Could it be that Wang Youxin is giving the speech? He also loves to cry." Chu Yong suddenly realized: "That side is the south, and on the southern platform is Penglan Village who is giving a report. You haven't seen the notice in front of the military music platform in the middle, it is clearly written: The speech director Cheng Bogao for the east platform, and the report for the west platform. Minister of Secretary Deng Mulu—that is, Deng Xiaoke reported, the northern station was reported by the Minister of Negotiation Luo Ziqing, and the southern station... yes! It is indeed Penglan Village, he is the Minister of General Affairs..." The conversation was immediately picked up by Wu Fengwu: "Hey! No wonder everyone said that today's event will be important. It turns out that the person who spoke was the minister. How qualified the minister is!" Someone was about to refute him, when suddenly there were whistles in all directions: Wow! ——Wow! ——Wow! As soon as everyone paid attention, they saw Luo Ziqing, the Minister of Negotiation and Chairman of the Comrade Association who was giving a report on the North Stage, was no longer at the entrance of the stage, but behind the big dining table, holding a stack of papers and talking to a few people who looked like clerks. .It turned out that Chu Yong went to talk with them, and when he didn't hear the end of the report, he slapped him a few times. Before the whistle was blown, there was military music on the high platform in the middle; Shouting: "The ceremony is over!...I was wrong, I was wrong, it is the end of the memorial service....Cough! Attention all compatriots!...Cough cough!...Now the ministers of various ministries have reported that the meeting has been going on for half a month ...Cough!...Ya Jing! Everyone, Ya Jing!...Stay where you are, don't move, don't move! " It was the same scene again. Luo Ziqing held a large stack of ten lines of paper in his hand, and still walked to the entrance of the Beitai platform, and said slowly as he was speaking on the speech platform of the Advisory Council: "Since the establishment of the association on May 21st... " He reported how many lectures had been held in the provincial capital and how many gay associations had been formed in various neighborhoods.About tens of thousands of people signed up to join the comrades' association, and until today, people continue to sign up.It also reported the total number of liaison officers, negotiators, and speakers sent out, and how many comrades' associations were established in various states, counties, and towns. "Not only have comrades' associations been established in Chongqing, Shunqing, Luzhou, and Jiading in this province, but also in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hankou where there are Sichuanese associations. How many representatives have we elected to go outside the province? There are only three people who are going to be sent off today, and the rest have already left. My fellow citizens! Among the three representatives who are going to be sent off today, Mr. Liu Shengyuan, who has been entrusted by the Association to go to Beijing to kowtow to petition, is Mr. Liu Shengyuan!..." There was activity under the table: slaps were clapping, and many voices were shouting: "Farewell representative! Farewell Mr. Liu!...Farewell!..." Luo Ziqing waved the stack of papers in her hand repeatedly, and shouted: "Attention, compatriots! The farewell party will start later, and now is the report meeting. There are three meetings today! The last is the farewell party!... Compatriots ! Now I will report..." Then he reported on some of the effects of the activities of the comrades' association in the past half a month: "The people's hearts are so excited that it is enough to make Xiao Xiao break his courage. Some people commit suicide by jumping into a well to encourage the congregation; some people bleed from their fingers to express their determination." There are those who have traveled more than 1,100 miles in five days to attend the meeting; some old instructors in their sixties are willing to die for the meeting; Some dolls of a few years old saved up the money for buying cakes and handed them over to members; The guest nationality, after joining the association, applied to change to the local nationality; and the American missionary, also came to the meeting in person to ask if there is anything he can do to help....In short, the will of the people is already a city, as long as everyone perseveres, how can it be moved? Why can’t you be holy, can’t abolish the treaty, can’t get back the right of way?” Another slap, another yell. There is not a burst of uproar, but one after another. Luo Ziqing now reports a detailed account of how many letters have been sent since a certain day in a certain month.I want everyone to know how great the sound and light of the Comrades Association is, and how broad the relationship of the Comrades Association is.However, the audience below the stage became impatient, and a hundred or ten voices from the chaotic din, mixed and combined into a kind of synonymous language, shot at the entrance of the stage, and shot at Luo Ziqing, who was the most unpopular. "Don't report these detailed accounts again! What's the point of reporting a long article!...Let's talk about the truth!...Tell me about the purpose of this association!...Tell me about what we should do!...More about it News, tell me some news that is not in the newspaper!..." Asking him to put aside the account report and do these off-topic essays would scratch Luo Ziqing's itch.He hadn't given a speech in places like the Sanyi Temple for several days, and he was a little itchy to think about it. Just as he was holding the stack of thick paper and blinking his eyes feelingly, the tide under the table moved even more fiercely. He stretched his right hand forward, his voice sank, and he just said a few words: "We must strictly observe order, compatriots!..." Whistles were blown on the other three platforms: Wow! ——Wow! Wow-wow-whistle hadn't finished blowing, and there was military music on the high platform in the middle; To Gaotaitaikou... The final farewell party begins. The rain has stopped.The dark clouds have also cleared.The sky is a white mist with no thick or thin clouds.The sun cannot be seen, and the heat of the sun has gradually penetrated through the clouds.There is no trace of rainwater from the playground dam, only some moisture remains on the thin wiregrass. First of all, he went to the north platform to bid farewell to the public. It was Liu Shengyuan and Liu Liqing who were most familiar to the public. Liu Shengyuan is from Wanxian County. He is a member of the Advisory Council, a shareholder of the Sichuan-Han Railway Company, a pioneer in fighting for the right of way, and the main person in charge of the Road Protection Comrades Association.On May 21, the Comrade Baolu Association was established on the day when the railway company was established. Because the Minister of Negotiation is the person in charge of foreign negotiations representing the Comrade Association, he has a heavy responsibility and is often considered more important than the chairman; if something happens, he will be arrested first The most important thing is the Minister of Negotiation, and the president is second.Everyone had agreed in advance that this seat would be filled by Luo Lun, Luo Ziqing, the deputy chairman of the Xichong People's Consultative Bureau.Unexpectedly, when the time came to announce the list of ministers, he, Liu Shengyuan, suddenly violated the resolution and jumped up from the crowd, claiming that he was willing to bear the burden of this crisis.His reason is that Luo Ziqing has higher qualifications and popularity than him, is stronger than him, and has greater courage than him. Those who came here to act as the strong and persistent general who charged into the battle.He, Liu Shengyuanli, thinks he is inferior to others, but he has a clumsy and straightforward temperament, is not afraid of difficulties, and is not afraid of death. It is very suitable to do this job that has nine deaths but no life. "No matter what, I must take this seat!" But how could Luo Lun give in?If it is said that it is not estimated that this seat is important and dangerous in advance, then in front of thousands of people, it is okay not to fight.Although Liu Shengyuan is also from Juren, like Luo Lun, when he speaks, especially when he is emotionally excited, his tongue is not as good as Luo Lun's.Liu Shengyuan couldn't win the fight, so he cried out in anxiety.Luo Lun couldn't step down, so he cried with him.The old instructor and the railway school supervisor Wang Youxin were all literati with no reason for sorrow and joy. They were about to get up to persuade them, so they couldn't help but also cried.那一天铁路公司的哭声，便是这样开了端。 刘声元这个汉子，从那天起，性情也就越发暴躁，时时都在吵闹：“与其这样钩心斗角，不如拼了的好！” 恰这几天四川争路运动正遭逢到重重难关。王人文遭了几次严旨申斥，并从尹良那里得知朝廷并无转圜之意，心想二十多年的宦途，难道竟为四川人而断送了么！川滇边务大臣一职，虽然不及督抚光辉，到底是个回旋之处，不如混两年再看形势。作了这样计较的人，当然气就衰了，对于成都绅士的请求，当然能推脱的就推脱；不能哩，也只好暂时敷衍，留待赵尔丰来坐蜡。当头儿的人是这个态度，下面的僚属又谁不要看看风色？听说赵季帅有起马消息，那就更得静以待之。这样一来，地方官吏不可靠了。在北京一部分有名望的四川官员，一则接受了载泽、盛宣怀、端方、郑孝胥等人的引诱，觉得国有政策未尝不好，借款修路，更可保险早日修成。一则也觉得川汉铁路把持在不多几个在籍绅士手上，路款收支，毛病很多，自己远在北京，无从染指，似这样，不如连锅端走，大家吃不成，还公道一些。何况附和了载泽、盛宣怀，对于自己前程，还有说不出的好处。因此，像甘大璋、宋育仁、施愚这班在平日颇负乡望的名流，不但在同乡会上公然反对在籍绅士们的争路运动；尤其丑诋保路同志会是造乱机关，还进一步联名具呈度支、邮传两部，说四川人民的公意，都愿把历年所积路款，一概附入国家公股，只求股款有着，铁路速成。至于那班反对国有政策的人，无非各有私图，并不足代表全川人民的公意，全川人民的公意，只有他们这二三十个四川京官才能代表。只管也有部分四川京官和川籍资政院议员如赵尧生、苏星煌等人出头来声明说，甘大璋等捏造民意，不足为据。可是裂痕毕竟形成，一条不大不小的发辫毕竟着盛宣怀、端方抓在手上。还有一桩更为重要的变化，那便是宜昌公司总理李稷勋的转变。李稷勋当初之不赞成川汉铁路收归国有，本已和成都绅士们的见解不同。他只焦虑到工程这么大，从工程师到打石头的工人这么多，每天银钱进出不少，不说不能停顿，就只差错些儿，也可弄出大事。他负了工程重责，而款项的调拨和机械的购置，一方面却操在成都总公司之手，一方面又要取决于上海公司的冷暖。他在没有弄明白度支、邮传两部真正目的之前，他只有催促成都方面赶快打定主意，反对收归国有，以免人心不安，影响工程，影响到社会安宁。可以说，在争路之初，李稷勋出的力量倒很大。成都方面也把他倚为长城，希望拿他这两年在宜昌做出的成绩，用来抵制盛宣怀的借口。到借款合同公布，宜昌到夔府六百里划入干线，三峡险工，载明要聘请美国工程人员来负全责，李稷勋的反对态度更是激烈万分。但就在这时节，度支、邮传两部竟自越过成都总公司的职权范围，直接打电报给李稷勋，叫他亲自到北京去作商量。据闻，商量之下，李稷勋放了心。首先是不管局势变化如何，宜昌的工程不停顿，人员不更动，总理还是他，只是把管辖权由川汉铁路公司手上转移到川汉、粤汉铁路督办大臣端方手上。以后的款项不由成都总公司拨付，而是由度支、邮传两部经过督办大臣拨付，虽然在四国银行正式付款以前，所用的还是川汉铁路公司调存在上海、汉口、宜昌的中外银行中的款子。至于器材机械的购运，督办大臣更能做主的了。李稷勋一放心，对于成都方面争路人们说来，就等于是长城已垮。任凭在成都方面怎么骂他是汉奸，怎样威吓说要撤他的职，要开除他的川籍，要挖他的祖坟，也和对付甘大璋、宋育仁、施愚等人一样，终于还是把人家没奈何，反而表明了成都方面黔驴之技，除了乱叫乱踢一阵，还有什么能耐？再而盛宣怀、端方的分化策略也生了效。广东、湖北两省早已默尔而歇，大家已经知道，到最近，连发起反对运动的湖南咨议局，也不发言了。这自然一半由于邮传部的部令，严饬四省电报局，尤其四川电报局，除了商电官电而外，但凡有关路事电报，一概不准收发，也有原因。可是如其没有大变化，就凭邮政，也不会毫没消息。看来，四川的争路运动不仅要由四川一省来担当，还进一步要由成都一隅来承应。well!这已是重重难关，这已经要费无穷力量来打破它！盛宣怀岂有看不明白之理？所以他越发抱定宗旨，一定要贯彻他手订的国家政策。他知道在朝廷上，除了载泽一派，其他的亲贵无一个不恨他，在庆亲王奕这个不倒翁的眼睛中，他更是一颗铁钉。设若没有外国财团为了自己利益来支持他的话，他是早就应该滚蛋。目前这笔大借款的成功，正足证明他的重要。如其因为四川一省少数绅士反对而就萎缩下来，而就对外失信，那他还能做什么官？还能借什么款？还能办什么实业？还能当什么经纪？有这样的利害冲突，他对于四川一省少数绅士，便不能不想出各种方法，把这些人压制下去。好在有个得力帮手端方，自以为熟悉川人情性，又有个得力的包探尹良，随时报告成都方面令人喜闻的消息。到最近，他看出时机已快成熟，便与载泽商量，一方面电促赵尔丰从速到成都接事，用严重手段直接去对付那些少数绅士；一方面叫端方赶快到武昌去与瑞洽商，带领一标人马进驻宜昌，增强李稷勋的倚赖，并对四川人表示一下，若再执迷不悟，仍旧顽抗，便要用枪炮来对付了；再一方面针对同志会的呼吁，绝对认真查账，查账以后，再议办法。盛宣怀和端方始终认为对付四川争路运动，只有林黛玉的两句话最好：不是东风压倒西风，便是西风压倒东风；既然半步不能退让，因就不再思考另外的办法。 这重重难关还像无数的无形魔爪，从四面八方移动过来，凡是要害地方，都有着它抓住、着它撕成片片的可能。到那时候，岂不什么都完了？但是这时，又千万退让不得。一退让，也便什么都完了！ 蒲伯英、罗纶、刘声元、邓孝可、叶秉承、王又新、程伯皋一班人虽然坐在成都，耳目闭塞，因为肯用心思，到底看出了一些征兆。正好，郝达三把苏星煌的来信交与大家之后，又把葛寰中带回来的种种消息，详细向大家谈了一番。 蒲伯英登时一拳打在桌上道：“得之矣！”因就决定了对策。 对策之一是，多派一些代表出去，把四川争路真相告诉大家。同时请求两湖广东的咨议局和地方各法团起而声援，不要使四川陷于孤掌难鸣。“须知川人之争，实民权与专制之争，川人不幸而失败，行见专制淫威泛滥国内，则所身受其殃者，岂独川人而已哉！”这是叶秉承起草，准备交代表们带去亲致两湖广东咨议局的公函上的几句话。至于到北京去的代表，那就不只是带一封公函了。他的责任极大，他须会同咨议局留京副议长萧湘萧秋恕，把四川人争路宗旨广为传播；他须把赞成争路的在京同乡联合起来，成立一个强有力的保路同志协会，来抵制卖川求荣的甘大璋等；他须设法打通庆亲王和其他不满盛宣怀的亲贵的门路，运动这班较有力量的大人物出来，主持正义，裁制盛宣怀卖国行为，修正他的国有政策和借款合同。更重要的，是他必须设法向摄政王请愿，陈明四川人的公意，只在反对盛宣怀，并不是反对大清朝廷；反对盛宣怀，也只反对他妄改先皇诏旨，不顾法律手续，欺君罔上，媚外营私。总而言之，到北京去的代表是很不容易担任，因为北京正是载泽、盛宣怀、端方等人的窝巢，他们的势力多大，连庆亲王尚气愤得请了病假，现在要以一二个四川代表的力量，将他斗倒——姑且认为果能如愿以偿的话，那真不知道要冒多大危险，要流多少血汗！至于请愿失败的情形，虽有人想到，却都不愿说出来。 到广州、到长沙、到武昌等处去的代表，很容易便推定了。推到去北京的代表时，大家都把眼睛看着刘声元。 “这还用说吗？我去！……假使有人再同我争，我先就同他拼了！” 刘声元的声名就有这么大。当他刚在北面台子上被介绍和大家见面，台下虽只几百人，可那巴掌声音倒像有千把人在拍。同时，一片人声滔滔滚滚，滚到南，滚到北，滚到西，到处都是：“欢送！……欢送！……欢送刘代表！……欢送我们的刘代表！……” 傅隆盛兴奋得忘了形，连连用手肘拐着站在身边的人说：“看啰！这简直是个铁打的汉子！”等到别人要问他是什么意思时，他又翘起一个溜圆肚皮，挤到前面人堆中去了。并且把雨伞挟在腋下，两只手举到耳边做成两个招子，安心把刘代表吐出的每一个字音，毫不遗漏地全招到他那有点重听的耳朵里。 只有吴凤梧一个人有点莫名其妙。他不懂得傅隆盛为什么会这样。想问楚用，楚用也张着大口看出了神。 刘声元蹙起眉头，眉心皱纹结成团；油黑脸上，堆满忧郁。先向台下深深鞠了一躬，舒了口气之后才说：“今天来和诸君告别……不是小别，是永别！……” 话说得又迟钝，又直率，又平淡，可是噼噼啪啪的巴掌还是很响亮。 “我到北京去……呃！我到北京去……本会派我去……没什么……请愿……” 就这样，还是有人拍着巴掌大喊：“欢送！……欢送！……” 他仰着头，又舒了口气：“朝廷不答应我们要求……我不回来了！” 他没有哭，人堆中有人哭，声音不大，只唏呀嘘的。却没有人拍巴掌。 “鄙人的生死没啥……希望诸君坚持到底……坚持……到底！……” 他的声音越来越低沉，越来越微弱。 “还希望守秩序！……要严守秩序！……莫要暴动！莫要取破坏手段！……诸君……要学文明国大国民哟！……” 他说不下去了，舒了口气，又一鞠躬。刚抬头，便见台下面一个头发花白，身躯肥矮，没长胡须的老头儿，噙着两泡眼泪，双手捧着一把雨伞，向他一面作揖，一面唠叨：“噢！感激你！……噢！感激你！” 立刻学着傅隆盛这样做的，有几个人，都是戴草帽的乡下人，有的说：“难为你啰！……难为你啰！”也有这样说的：“你不要死，我们听你的话。盼望你太太平平顶着圣旨回来才好哟！” 刘声元走下北台，转往别一个台上告别时，在别个台上告了别的其他两个代表，又轮番来到北台。 吴凤梧这时恰与傅隆盛和解了。 当傅隆盛刚刚作罢揖，肩头忽然着人拍了一下，道：“傅掌柜才是一个好心人呀！” 回头一看，就是那个踩了脚还骂人的横家伙。 楚用已在旁边笑道：“来来，傅掌柜，我给你介绍。这位是带过巡防营的吴管带，起先是无心得罪了你……” 吴凤梧不等说完，就接过去道：“骂哪个龟儿才有心得罪人！先前硬不晓得你是这样一个好心人。” “噢！吴管带……相骂没好口呀！……没啥说头，晏会儿街口上吃茶，算我的。” “不！非算我的不可！” 恰恰王文炳偕同顾天成和他伯父顾辉堂第二个儿子，就是曾经做过钱县丞女婿而今在汪九曲家祠私立法政学堂读书的顾天相，一同走来，说道：“吴管带还在这里？那就免我到三圣巷去找你啦！你的事情说好了，还不只是一个部长点了头，连会长问清你的履历后，也赞成你赶快到新津去。已经发的费用由老楚转给你，委托书由我去办。事情就按照昨天说过的那些话去做，先找老楚的父亲介绍一下也可以。” 王文炳随即有意无意地笑了笑说：“你真算碰上机会，比这位顾团总的事情，就顺手多了！” “！是顾团总？久仰，久仰。请教贵处是……哦！那地方我去过，也不算十分小。尊章是哪两个字？……天，天地元黄的天，成都府的成，高雅，高雅。……我来介绍一下，这位是兄弟我才结交的好朋友傅隆盛傅掌柜，商界里头顶刮刮的热心人！” 他们便这样在会场中间一应一酬，直到告别礼毕，军乐大奏，中间高台上那个又矮又瘦的司仪——原来是商会总理廖用之，走到台口，大声宣告散会。 好几百人全朝傍街的木栅大门涌去。 天上的云幕越薄，太阳影子笼罩下来，又热烘烘地。 吴凤梧这一天说不出的高兴。万没想到回来才两天，便得了差事！——他把同志会当作一道衙门，把委托他到新津去联络侯保斋大爷当作差事，把委托书当作札子，把王文炳、楚用两个中学生当作官高一职的同寅。当王文炳和楚用与他分手时说：“那么，说定了。委托书和钱准定今夜送到你家里。你赶今下午收拾收拾，明天一早走。罗先生说过，事情不能再拖了。”他感激得简直说不出话。 傅隆盛在分手时说：“吴管带你好像没有雨伞？” “何消说哩！要有，也不会钻到台子底下躲雨去了。” “吴管带要上路，伞是应该备办一把，天有不测风云的……我送你一把大雨伞，道地加工货色，又可遮太阳，又可遮雨……嗯！又重又长，打捶时也用得上。”他笑了。 吴管带当然也笑了：“这样好法，还有啥说的。不过不好叫你破费，你我初交，我照价打个九折付钱。” “不要见外，吴管带。说清楚，我并非故意舔你屁股，因你上路是为了同志会的事，你看，人家刘先生连命都舍得，难道我就蚀不起一把伞？”傅隆盛马起脸说得很认真。 “不然的话，我手上这把伞就好送给你的。因是伞把上刻有我的名字，又旧了，不好送人。务必请你今天下午路过盐市口，到敝号上来一头。我包管挑一把顶好的新伞送你。要来哟！这是我的一点诚心！” 吴凤梧直到傅隆盛转身后还在说：“多谢！多谢！一定给你四海扬名，包在兄弟我身上。” 顾天成邀约他到枕江楼去吃一杯。说是彼此一见如故，目前又一同在同志会做事，也算三生有幸。他明天也要回去办团，还有一些事情请教，一个小东道不算什么，聊表敬意！聊表敬意！ 他当然不能推辞，只好说两句应该说的抱歉话，便一同朝着文庙前街，再沿上莲池边，插向南门走去。 枕江楼是前年重修南门大桥——一般叫作万里桥时才趁热闹开张的一家小饭铺。地点选得还好，恰处在大桥上流的岸边，临着锦江江水，砌了一道短短的石堤。堤上简简单单修了一排仅蔽风雨的瓦顶平房。平房尽头处，也就在石堤尖端，盖了一间圆形草亭。石堤得亏比大桥低，向下流头望去，靠岸第二孔石拱桥洞恰似它的大门。大门外景致甚好：天竺寺的后围墙，墙外临河小路，路边的大黄桷树，树脚下的石碛，石碛上面的水波，那么远法，看来真像画面。只是近处岸边一座积得山样的垃圾堆，成天都有一些穷妇女穷小孩蹲在上面刨渣滓，找东西，不免有点煞风景。毕竟因为地当桥洞，又在水流湍激之处，无论何时，好像总有一股凉风拂人，在天气热时，这地方的确是一个乘凉饮酒的雅座。而且上流头也是一大片鹅卵石坝，坝上河岸边一排斫折不死的老杨树，树下是个卖鱼虾的小码头，好吃嘴的客人每每亲自去买了鱼虾，烦厨房大师傅趁活做出来，非常好吃。这一切都合上了成都人的口味。于是它便从一个普通小饭铺摇身一变，变成一家馆厨派而兼家常味的、别具风格的中等南堂馆子。座头幽雅，又有天然景致，更兼价廉物美，首先来照顾它的是南门一带生意人，就不办会酒，也常来打平伙。其次的常客是学生们。到学生们作了常客，才悬上招牌，不知是哪位雅人给它取了这个切合实景而又带有诗意的名字：枕江楼。虽然这时还只有楼之名，而无楼之实。 枕江楼只有五个座头，寒冬数九还好，从初春赶青羊宫的日子起，它这里就生意兴隆。如其在下午两三点钟来，包你不能够随来随坐，人少也绝不能独霸一个座头，不让后客来镶一下的。 这天，顾天成三人来时，刚从大桥这头走进一间柴炭铺子的过道，再下几级石阶，踏上枕江楼的石堤，就听见全排平房里全是高声大嗓、划掌闹酒、谈家常话、讲生意经的声气。从没有糊纸的菱形窗格中看过去，只见盘着发辫的头，精赤条条的背脊和膀膊，原来正逢上座时候。 吴凤梧站在石级上说：“好生意！” 顾天相说：“我的估计没错吧？依我说，还是到北新街的精记去。不然，就总府街的崧记也好。” 顾天成前天来吃过这里的醋熘五柳鱼和醉鲜虾。觉得精记、崧记都只有蒸菜、炖菜，没变化。光是吃饭倒方便，泡菜都不差。但这里……隔着木栏杆，看见厨房正在炸鱼，炉火好旺，岚炭火焰从耳锅边冒起来好几寸高。四五个人站在菜案边挤虾仁。另一个厨子从炉子上一个挺大砂罐里，热漉漉地舀了一中碗黄焖鸡，把旁边耳锅里刚焯好了的三塌菇盖上两汤杓，递给身旁一个堂倌道：“亭子上的。”堂倌打从身边过时，啊！It smells so good!顾天成决心不打退堂鼓。 “喂！找个座头。只有三个人，镶一镶都使得。” “来嘛！亭子上只有两个客伙，镶得下。” 草亭被平房遮住，在石堤这端看不见，及至转过平房，果然亭内一张足容八个人坐的圆桌，只有两个人在那里静悄悄地浅斟低酌。 顾天成走在前头，刚靠近圆桌，还没待堂倌打招呼，两人当中一个穿官纱汗衣背向里边坐着的人，猛一掉过头来。 “唉！才是郝家大老少！” 因为他们在几年前有过一场买坟园田土的纠葛，所以到最近，无意中在铁路公司碰头时，由邓乾元一介绍，彼此都记起了对方的来历和往事；两个人反而熟悉起来，谈得有劲，真像多年朋友。 郝又三当下绯红着脸站了起来道：“是顾三贡爷。……怎么，也来吃馆子？” 堂倌满脸是笑，一面安条凳，一面说：“都是熟买主，这就好啰！我添杯筷去。……是是，菜牌子跟着拿来。” 顾天成向他堂弟和吴凤梧介绍了郝又三。恭维话说了一大堆。郝又三更尴尬起来，坐下也不好，不坐下也不好。 “这位是贵友吗？既然幸会，介绍一下吧！”顾天成并未察觉什么，还是那样热情要好的样子。 “这是我两年多没见面，今天才重新碰头的小朋友，王念玉老弟。” 不像介绍，却像在解释。 王念玉满不在乎地抬起身向着众人笑道：“幸会，幸会。都请坐嘛！真的，我才从自流井盐号上回来没几天。又三哥特别