Chapter 15 Chapter Three Another Game of Chess

On the afternoon of July 15th, after the bloodshed in the Zhitai Yamen, Xu Yue, a patrol officer, received a large scroll of four-character and eight-sentence rhymes issued by the Governor's Court.It's too late to be rigid, it's a bowl-sized character written with ink and brush, which has passed the mark, and used rouge to prevent it.Ordered that "the road should be handed over to the four police stations for posting, so as to reassure people." The notice is very simple, just saying: "The imperial court's decree: only take a few people, all of them are chiefs, and don't ask the common people. The chiefs have already been arrested, and the market will be opened immediately to make a living. Gather people into the office, and kill them! Everyone obeys!"

How could the well-behaved chairman of the Sichuan Provincial Council Pu Dianjun, the well-behaved vice-chairman of the Sichuan Provincial Council Luo Lun, and chairman of the Sichuan Baolu Comrades Association suddenly become important?What's the first thing?Of course bandit is the first.Bandit, what kind of bandit is that?If you don't explain clearly, why don't the people panic?How can you be at peace? From the 16th, the gates of the four cities will be closed again.Then there was a fire at Niushikou outside the east gate, and a fire at the red archway outside the south gate.As a result, within the surrounding twenty-two li and eight-tenths of the city wall, more than two hundred thousand common people had a great panic, and even thousands of officials and gentlemen and more people who served the officials and gentlemen also died day by day. At a loss, I don't know what kind of catastrophe is going to happen.

Therefore, a few days later, Zhao Erfeng posted another detailed notice. The imperial order is Ding Dai, the title of the minister, the capital censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate, the Minister of Salt Administration, the acting governor of Sichuan, and the management of food and salaries, the management of the governor, and Wuyong Batulu Zhao Wei: According to this time, the priority is not to fight for the road, but because they have conspired against the law in the name of fighting for the road.If the matter of fighting for roads is due to the patriotic ignorance of our good people in Sichuan, I am very much in favor of it.Therefore, when I got off the bus, I played for the common people in Sichuan, and I also played with the generals and officials, and contacted the officials and the people.The governor's department came to three, which time did not fight for the way of our Sichuan people?Fighting for the road is a very legitimate thing, and it is not a crime, so how can we do it?What's more, how to take a gentleman with an official position?If we talk about the matter that was taken this time, it is because these few people want to commit crimes and riots, deliberately using the name of fighting for roads to incite people in the whole province; after inciting so much, they dared to resist donations and food, and blatantly resisted the court; And set up offices in various states and counties, dare to collect local grain taxes, coerce our people, not to pay taxes for our emperor, but to pay taxes for their rebellious parties; Go to the treasury; more importantly, build guns and cannons, train soldiers and bravery, and be free; all kinds of rebellious behaviors, we, the people, have seen and heard in the report, especially the obvious ones of rebellion!They harbor evil intentions and want to take advantage of the incident to say nice words.Let me ask you, what does fighting against grain taxes, building guns, and training soldiers have anything to do with railways?It is obvious that he wants to betray the imperial court, but he is afraid that our people will not agree, so he uses the name of fighting for roads to deceive the public; what he is talking about is a passion for patriotism and love for Sichuan, and the people of the upper class are naturally confused by it, and they echo it; therefore, , the foolish people are easier to deceive!They also colluded with foreign bandits and regularly staged incidents on the 16th to commit rebellion.On the 16th, they came to besiege the city everywhere.If the city hadn't been closed early, these disorderly people would have started killing and looting indiscriminately when they entered the city.You are so stupid and ignorant, it is really pity to be fooled by them!Therefore, although the criminals who rushed to the city to resist the officers and soldiers the day before yesterday were ignorant and reckless, and committed a capital crime, the governor's department thinks that they are all innocent children of the imperial court, who were incited by others, the situation is really pitiful!The dozens of people who were captured the day before yesterday were cleared by the relatives and released with leniency; the return of food and drink was the one who could not bear the heart of the governor's department.The common people in the middle and outside of Kuang province are coerced by him, and there is no other choice.But they are all good people who can keep their duties and go about their business as usual.In short, the priority this time is not a matter of fighting for the road, but a matter of disobedience to the imperial court, which was handled by the Ministry of the Governor under the secret decree.We people must understand it, and don't misunderstand it. Not only will it not implicate our people, but it will not hinder our way of fighting.Even those who entered the meeting by mistake, as long as they can reform themselves immediately, they will not ask questions.The governor's department loves the people like a son, and hates evil like a hatred. When he was guarding the courtyard, he didn't kill a single person. He wanted to be seen by all the people in Sichuan.For this reason, let’s make it clear again, farmers, businessmen, etc. in Valles must understand this meaning well, and don’t have any suspicions, and earnestly express it!

Although this notice took a lot of thought from the master copywriter and had to be considered twice by Zhao Erfeng himself, its effect was not only calming people's minds as envisioned by the Taiwan Signing Room, but it also aroused the attention of the whole city. The anger of the people. After the notice was posted, there were indeed a lot of people watching, some came and some went, and everyone didn't say anything except sneering.After a night, wherever there are military and police patrolling major thoroughfares, the notices are still the same as yesterday: white paper, black characters, rouge off guard.The notices on some other remote streets were either torn to pieces, or the notices were criticized in a mess by Shangtu Hongzhutan.Some are: "It's time for the butcher Zhao to spread rumors and make troubles, white meat boils, he will be beaten forty, and he will be expelled from the army and thrown out of the arrow furnace, and will never be released!" Some are: "People say that Zhao Erfeng is a high-ranking official, I say that Zhao Erfeng is Famous litigator. How do you know it? Because he knows that there is no way to make a false statement!" At most, there is a school of abuse: "Fart! Shit! Put your butcher mother's dog fart!"

Ever since Ge Huanzhong got a job in the machine factory, he has been going to the machine factory downstream of Shiniuyan outside the East Gate—the so-called New Machine Bureau—almost every day.Even if he didn't have a lot of business to do, he would still sit in the adjustment room specially set up for him for around two o'clock, gossiping with his staff and drinking a few cups of fragrant river tea—sometimes when he was co-authored. When Meng Daotai, the general manager, came to the factory, he could also drink Xue Tao's well water that was specially sent to Wangjiang tower to pick it up.Then he ordered to pick up the sedan chair, took He Xi, his little follower, and hurried back to the city.But I didn't go there for a few days after July 15th.Everyone from the head office to the inspector knows that this is not because Geti transferred the adults to be lazy, but because the gates of the city are opened and closed from time to time, and it is inconvenient for non-military personnel to enter and exit.What's more, since a fire broke out outside the east gate, rumors have been rampant in the past few days, saying that the area around the machine factory and the Evolution Paper Factory next to it is a dangerous area, and there is a good reason not to go.

Although Ge Huanzhong was close to the gentlemen like Pu Boying, Luo Ziqing, Deng Mulu, Yan Yongqi, and Zhang Biaofang; he also expressed his willingness to help the trend of fighting for roads because his old boss Zhou Xiaohuai was in favor of it; At the opening ceremony, I saw conflicts between the officials and the gentry, and the situation was getting worse day by day. I scratched my head and thought, he has neither official guards nor responsibilities, if he gets involved again, he will inevitably be reported by mistake.So he excused the machine factory to be busy, not only left this group of people far away, even his old friend Hao Dasan became estranged for a while because of this.

Today he went to the main office to talk about going out on business, and the soft sedan chair was moving vigorously like lightning. Suddenly, there was a wind on the street, and some shops that only opened this morning—thanks to the new establishment. The members of the Preparatory and Prevention Department went door to door for two days, coaxing and intimidating some businessmen and craftsmen to the point where they couldn't dodge. The shop that had just opened this morning closed the shopboards with ding ding dong dong; People who were walking on the street also ran like crazy. The bearer immediately put down the sedan chair.

Ge Huanzhong walked out of the sedan chair door and asked, "What's the matter?" He Xi said angrily: "Some people say that comrades will come through the east gate!" "Nonsense! How can this happen!" But at this time, people from east to west were running so fiercely that his sedan chair had to make a passage through this torrent if it wanted to go from west to east.The bearers looked at it, and they all mumbled that they didn't want to fight. It's not good for Ge Huanzhong to force the bearers too much.Looking left and right, it happened to be not far from Hao Da's house, so he said, "Okay, let's go to Mr. Hao's house."

As soon as he entered the living room, he greeted his master with a big laugh and said, "Brother Da San, I never thought that when the Red Lantern Sect attacked the city, I came halfway to your house to escape. Today, I came halfway again, don't you think it's strange Strange?" "Could it be that the Red Lantern Sect is attacking the city again today?" "Of course not! It's so funny, it is said that the comrades will press the east gate." "Really?" "How can it be true! I was in the Meng Observation Mansion just now, and I had a phone conversation with the machine factory. It is said that the outside of the city is quieter than the previous two days."

"Haven't you been out of town these days?" "No. It's too inconvenient to go in and out, no matter who you are, you have to interrogate them. It's good to take this opportunity to rest at home for a few days." "Is it really quiet outside the city? Doesn't it mean that there is still fighting outside the southeast gate?" What Hao Dasan said was absolutely correct.Although the battle between Niushikou and Hongpailou only lasted for a while, and the losers were the regiment defense and comrades' association.But what people in the city spread in tea shops, taverns, streets and alleys is just the opposite.They just want to say that the one who won the battle in Niushikou was the regiment defense and the comrades' association.The patrolling soldiers couldn't hold back and drove the new army out. After the two sides agreed, the regiment defense and comrades' association retreated only two miles.Now they are waiting for the people from Jianzhou and Renshou County to arrive.Together, they will attack the city.Speaking of the fire outside the south gate, it was even more dramatic.They praised the black mule: "Hey! This man has unstoppable courage. He can use a single sword to make a round, and the water can't even pour in. I'm afraid that if his patrolmen are crooked again, if he touches the black mule, he will have nothing to do. Yes!" Praising the group defense, he raised his gun and said, "This is their most powerful guy, better than Kuaiqiang. What do you think! Kuaiqiang is the only son, and if Zuoxing hits every shot, he can only knock down one of them. People; if you shoot for a mile, you won't be accurate. It's different when you lift the cannon. Fill up the gunpowder and you can shoot for a mile and a half. Once you shoot it, the gunpowder is as big as a dustpan. When you raise a cannon, you always run into several people." Therefore, they always believed that there were many patrol soldiers killed or injured between Wuhou Temple and the Red Pailou.This group of people can probably be pressed into the city at any time.

But Ge Huanzhong shook his head and said: "It's also a rumor, just like the rumors about the ground." He sighed again, "In short, people's hearts are extremely fluctuating, and if there is a slight disturbance, you will be shocked!" "Huanzhong, is it right for you to comment on Lao Zhao's actions this time?" "What kind of measures are you talking about? In recent days, the gates of the city have been closed all the time, which not only disturbs people's hearts, but also prevents excrement from getting out, river water and small vegetables. Of course, such measures are wrong!" "Closing the city gate is a trivial matter. I'm asking about his actions on the fifteenth day." Ge Huanzhong took out the cigar, lit it with a match, smacked it, exhaled a few puffs of green smoke, and said: "In my opinion, um! I am right or wrong to criticize him. How do you say this? When it comes to explaining, of course it can’t be explained clearly in a few words, so I will only talk about it briefly. First of all, I will say that he is doing the right thing.” He glanced at Hao Dasan with a smile, “He is a big official in the frontier, and he has a responsibility. The local safety and security are all responsible, and the road war is getting more and more turbulent day by day; in half a month, the city strikes, strikes against food and taxes, and the arrogance of the people can be said to reach the extreme. If left unchecked, there will be a catastrophe, and Yiyuhu will not be known In order to clean up the crisis, he had to use the method of strong men to cut off their wrists, and arresting Boying and the others was the way to capture the thief and capture the king, and turn the tide. I think it is absolutely right to do so." Hao Dasan was astonished, raised his slightly swollen eyes and said: "! You are completely speaking for him!" Ge Huanzhong flicked the cigarette ash, said with a smile: "I haven't finished yet. Now, I'm going to say what he's wrong about." Hao Dasan's face relaxed, and he blew out the burning paper again.He stared intently at his shimmering, elusive triangular eyes. "What's wrong with Ji Shuai is that after arresting Boying and the others, he didn't cut off their heads with one knife!" "Oh! It's too outrageous!" Hao Dasan rolled his eyes as if he was about to get angry, "Even if you and Boying don't have a deep friendship, you shouldn't say that!" Ge Huanzhong burst out laughing and said: "My dear brother, how can you be so honest that you actually believe my irony! Haha! Haha!... Originally, there is no reason for you to ask. Ji Shuai's actions this time are simply unreasonable. The plague is terrible, whoever does not criticize him is wrong, you still ask me if I am right, do you suspect that I am Zhao Dang, do you regard me as Lu Zishan's first-class person?... Speaking of this baby Taizun, I will tell you A secret anecdote of yours... do you know what happened on the fifteenth day, when the governor's courtyard was shot and bleeding, Liansheng Lane, Beidajin Street suddenly caught fire?" "I think it was due to carelessness. But it's also a coincidence. ... What does this have to do with Lu Guangzhong?" "Of course there is! At that time, there were many rumors that the fire was set by comrades." Hao Dasan quickly argued: "There is absolutely no such thing!" "But thanks to Xu Jitong for disclosing the truth, who can tell the truth from the fake? Because after the fire broke out, the fire brigade rushed to see a few policemen from the patrol training station panicking from the place where the fire started. At first, the firefighters didn't pay attention to it, but when they put out the fire, they found that the three houses that had been burned were not only vacant houses that had been unoccupied for a long time, but there was also a foreign oil barrel left on the ground, which was new and contained Some unburnt firewood. It is obvious that someone started the fire, not the residents’ negligence. The firefighters and the police station are responsible, and they have to step up their investigation. In less than half a day, it was clear that the fire was indeed caused by the patrol coach. The people turned the lock, went in and set the fire. They quickly reported to Xu Jitong. Xu Jitong made the truth public the next day in the Sidaoguan hall. The rumor that the comrades would set the fire was self-defeating.” "Why did you have a relationship with Lu Guangzhong?" "Don't even think about it. Lu Zishan is now in charge of the head office of the Patrol Coaching Office, and the new chief inspector of the four divisions. If the land doesn't speak up, tigers dare to eat people? If it's not an envoy of the head office, how can the police officers of the Patrol Coaching Office dare to break the law? Even Xu Jitong didn't dare to say that it was the work of the patrol coaches, so it's understandable." "Did Xu Guan tell you this secret?" "No! It was the member of the police station, my former staff member, Tete who came to tell me." Hao Dasan nodded and said: "This is indeed a valuable secret, but on the fifteenth day, Lao Zhao tied Boying and the others up, why didn't he kill them? Do you know the reason?" "According to what I heard, it was Yang Yanru, the wise man who was sent by the Salt Transport, who proposed a strategy. It was to come to him first to show his prestige, and then to show him his virtue. He wanted Boying and the others to stop being stubborn and just submit. Could it be that there is also a so-called secret story during this time?" ?" "It's not a secret, there are already many people who know about it. It probably hasn't reached your ears yet." "Maybe so. I seldom socialize these days, I just go to Mr. Meng's office.... Please tell me your secret, which is not a secret." "It's like this. Old Zhao had invited all the civil and military officials of the city to the courtyard that day. After Boying and the others were tied up, he asked everyone to sign for approval. But he didn't expect General Yukun to speak first. He asked Old Zhao: "This group of people are all registered gentlemen, not ordinary people. They fight for the road only because of political differences, which is very different from conspiracy and rebellion. Did Ji Weng want to kill them, did he ask for an imperial edict?" Lao Zhao said: "The performance has been made, Zhu's approval has not been received yet." The general said: "Since there is no approval, it can be seen that the court is serious about it. As ministers, we should not act rashly. We should ask for a decision." Said that the time was critical, and it was expedient for the minister to do it. But the general still disagreed and said: "Now is not the time to use troops. The responsibility is too great. An Neng Menglang killed people?" After finishing speaking, he left with Dutong Kuihuan Seeing the general in this way, the four divisions and the two officials are said to have said that the envoy Liu Jiachen, Quanye Dao Hu Sifen, and patrol officer Dao Xuyue first expressed that General Yu had good reasons, and they fully agreed that it would be better to ask for a decree, so they refused to sign for approval. On the spot The ones who signed and approved are Yin Liang, the chief minister, and Yang Jiashen, the salt transport envoy..." When he said this, he glanced at Ge Huanzhong again, paused for a moment, and then continued: "After all, there are many people who oppose it. Some, including generals and two banner officials. That's why Lao Zhao couldn't go on, turned around on his own, and untied Boying and the others." Ge Huanzhong pointed his fingers and said, "In the four divisions, there are political envoys, salt transport envoys, and academic envoys, but why is there no envoy for teaching Fa?" "Zhou Xiaohuai?...Hmmm! It's your old boss who promoted you again, so don't mention it!" "Why don't you mention it. Xizhe has a saying: I love my teacher, and I especially love the truth. If there is something wrong with Zhou Fasi, I will definitely not protect my old boss just because he was promoted. No! Absolutely not! I People only talk about right and wrong, not grudges. You just talk about it and don’t worry about it.” Hao Dasan hesitated for a moment, and then slowly said: "Zhou Xiaohuai is such a person! It is said that he was the same as Liu Tixue and did not sign for approval. But Ziqing, Mulu, Biaofang and others have already been tied up. , He also obeyed the order of Lao Zhao, and repeatedly called Boying to invite him to the courtyard. Boying would not be in prison at all, because he believed that he was a good friend and that he assured him that there was no danger, so he ran away Once he goes there, he will not only be a prisoner, but also bear the name of a culprit. So no matter how you say it, Zhou Xiaohuai is really not as decent as before!" He glanced at his old friend who was sitting next to him on the kang bed, and the one he admired the most in his life.I felt that the old friend only frowned slightly, and there was no sullen look on his face.Yin continued: "The public opinion on him is even worse. It is even said that the trapping of Ziqing and others was all his idea. Everyone said that he has changed since he was promoted to the Tifa envoy. , slick tricks, pleasing all parties, you have a different relationship with him, have you heard anything from him recently?" "Let me ask you a question first. Where did you hear the anecdote just mentioned? Is it reliable?" "Mr. Yan Yongqi's Tai Weng Boqin told me. It may not be very reliable, seven or eight points or..." "Master Zhou, I haven't been there for a long time. It's still hard to confirm how reliable Yan Boqin's words are, or not at all. I can only talk about what I heard at the Meng Observation Office. Some of them are similar to what Yan Boqin said. For example, those who agree with Ji Shuai's arrest and Ji Shuai's tough measures to severely deal with the members of the shareholders' meeting and comrades' association are indeed Yin Xingwu, the feudal official, and Yang Yanru, the salt transport envoy. But there are also some that are quite different from what Yan Boqin said and what the outside world said. First of all, he didn't mention the matter of General Yukun's refusal to sign. If there is such a thing, is there any reason not to spread it in the officialdom? How can it be that only you know that even Meng Guan, who has such a close relationship with the governor, has never heard of it? Besides, when Mr. Zhou came up with ideas, many people outside also involved Wang Yinbo, Rao Jieqing and other observers. The military advisers are only Zhou Shanpei, Wang, and Rao Fengzao, and Tian Zhengkui is set up outside. In fact, according to Meng's observation, the real military adviser of Zhao Jishuai is only one of the four young masters, Yang Yanru Xiantai outside, and the rest Everyone, follow along with the voice, add salt and vinegar, and you will have it; if you want to be able to advise him and influence him, you may not have the ability to do so." "Since Yang Jiashen is strategizing for him, why do you say that his actions this time are horrendous? Could it be that Yang Jiashen, who is nicknamed Huo Wuyong, does not match his name, why is he really a Huo Jiang?" "No! According to what I heard, Yang Yanru's plan for him was to bend his horse and bend his bow, hold his breath, and wait for Boying and Ziqing to obey his orders, and then turn around on his own. Unexpectedly, Ji Shuai was half-hearted and undecided. Pan Xing, he listened to what Yin Fantai said to him, he also listened to what Tian Zhengkui told him; even Lu Zishan's nonsense, such as the unreasonable things like arson in Liansheng Lane, he also nodded Of course, I didn’t expect that as soon as Boying and the others were arrested, the news would spread throughout the city, and the people would rush to ask for them; and I didn’t expect that after a few people were killed in the yamen, the militia and comrades’ associations outside the city would openly riot. Let's fight. The more troubles get worse, the more Ji Shuai is in a hurry, and he can't get off the stage. For example, there was a conflict outside the city. After driving away the militia and the comrades' association, why did they close the gates of the four cities tightly to make people popular? What about panic?" Both of them were silent, and they just smoked their own cigarettes. After a while, Hao Dasan held the hookah, shook his legs, and asked, "Huanzhong, how do you think Lao Zhao will deal with the situation in front of him? Don't be confused, let's keep going!" "Have you seen his second notice?" "I didn't read the ones posted on the street, but I did read the ones posted in the "Chengdu Daily." "Then, of course you know how Ji Shuai will deal with this situation." "I don't understand. I just think he's just making excuses. Huang Lansheng has already said that he didn't receive any decree, but he gritted his teeth and said that he had a secret decree. Are you angry?" "You can't wipe it out like this. His notice still has some truths, and it also tells his future methods. If you gentlemen want to file a lawsuit with him, you must study this notice carefully." "Oh! Is it still so profound?" Hao Da Sangeng shouted for Gao Gui to go to the upper room and find yesterday's "Chengdu Daily". Ge Huanzhong said: "Tell you, Ji Shuai is now dividing a matter into two prongs. One prong is talking about fighting for the road, which he thinks is justified; the other prong is talking about rebellion, of course it shouldn't be. It is legitimate, he agrees; no As it should be, he wanted to interfere. Do you think he was irrational? But there were two incidents that happened to be caught by him again. It was a coincidence that Boying, Ziqing and others were invited to the courtyard on the 15th day , I didn’t say it was an arrest. Why did the people in the city know it immediately? Thousands of people rushed into the yamen to ask for people? It’s unreasonable to say that no one arranged or supported them at all. This is one thing; , Just that night, hundreds of wooden signs floated down the river, telling comrades to protect themselves quickly.... Really, there are such wooden signs. Not only the water police caught a few pieces, but even our machine factory I also caught a piece and sent it to the Meng Observatory Mansion. I saw it with my own eyes. And why the next night, the militias and comrades' associations from hundreds of miles away all took up weapons and came to Chengdu to besiege the city? Who is in the middle? The news passed on, the order? It can’t be said that Ji Shuai bought and sold it himself? No matter how you explain these two unexpected incidents, in short, Ji Shuai caught him. Alright! Here comes the Chengdu Daily , look carefully!" Hao Dasan immediately re-read the notice in the "Chengdu Daily" carefully, raised his head and said: "Yes! Lao Zhao is really thinking about it like this.... After I read it yesterday, I really don't understand. Turned his face, people were arrested, and the clubhouse was closed, why did he say that fighting for roads was a legitimate thing?...Hmmm! He had intentionally split one thing into two!...But, he couldn't convince people. Who in the world does not know that Pu Dianjun, Luo Lun, and Zhang Lan are the chairmen, vice-chairpersons, and councilors of the Advisory Council? Yan Kai is not only the upright chairman of the shareholders' meeting, but also a Hanlin bachelor who returned home on leave. The rest are not well-known figures in the academic world , is an old eunuch who has been in the official business for a long time. It doesn't look very good to frame this group of people with treason! I said that I saw the annoying things, that's all." Ge Huanzhong laughed and said: "It doesn't matter if you are angry or not, it's for Ji Shuai's sake. If he doesn't say that, he has a way to do it. Otherwise, how can you tell him to turn this hard crutch? " "I want to ask you again. You see, since Lao Zhao is determined to be tough, how should we deal with it?" "I need to know first that after the accident on the fifteenth day, did your shareholders' meeting and the Advisory Bureau discuss how to deal with it?" "A few people have discussed it. It's because everyone can't make up their minds because they can't see Lao Zhao's policy clearly." "Now we can make up our minds. On the one hand, hold him here and reason with him. Since he hasn't delivered the decree... this point must be confirmed by Huang Lansheng. If it is true, then force him to give it to him. It was announced by secret decree. If he can’t announce it, he will lose. But on the other hand, he has to send people out everywhere to spread the word that he deceived Sheng Cong and killed him. It’s best to go to Beijing to find Sichuan officials and fight with him. All in all, although Ji Shuai divides the matter into two prongs, you can't divide the matter, and if you divide it, you will be fooled." Hao Da nodded three times and said: "Of course! Of course! It was originally a charming trick played by him, how can we deceive ourselves? However, Boying and others fell into his hands, and we reasoned with him, he would not Harm them?" "On this point, you can rest assured. I remember that in the second year of Xuantong's constitutional government, the detailed rules for the execution of capital crimes were stipulated: Anyone who conspires against rebellion and commits immorality is under the special authority of the Dali Yuan. You can draw this article to the same He reasoned. Even if it is true that Boying and the others rebelled, he cannot deal with it without a judgment from the Supreme Court. If you fight Beijing Control with him, Ji Shuai will not be able to harm Boying and the others. Fortunately, they are locked up again. In his yamen, it is not allowed to secretly plot to kill, to fabricate a murder." Hao Dasan immediately said with a smile on his face, "Hey, hey, Huanzhong, you are really double-minded! With your guidance, what are we afraid of?" Gao Gui came out to ask for instructions: Do you want to ask the kitchen to add more vegetables? Ge Huanzhong waved his hand and said, "I'm going to say goodbye." "It's a light meal, don't be polite. You will be back soon. When he comes back, you can have a real talk with him. I have been sick for many years, and my brain power is very weak. I can't remember many important things clearly after I say them." "Really, I also forgot to ask, where did You San go?" "He went to a scout he knew." Ge Huanzhong laughed and said: "Yousan's friends are getting wider! That's okay, in today's world, it's not good to make friends more broadly. However, don't learn from Fu Qiao Village. It's not good if you go too far." Yes, Hao Yousan really went to the place where Wu Ping was stationed in Yishui Temple on Duyuan Street.He went there mainly to find out when Mrs. Wu would return to the province, and at the same time talk to Wu Ping about helping him buy furniture. From the day Hao Yousan knew that Wu Ping's family had started from Dajian Furnace, he counted his fingers almost every day.But after two days, there is still no news.He had to go to Wu Ping's place every day, and walked out of Yishui Temple with a sad face every day.Since the gates of the four cities were closed on July 16, and on the 17th, the regiment defense and comrades gathered in Shuangliu County. Although the patrolmen won the battle at the Red Pailou, they only chased after Cuqiao and returned to Chengdu. Up and down Shuangliu County The road has been blocked since then.All the charcoal, oil, rice, and other things transported by the South Road were all blocked by the comrades' association and the regiment defense.I heard that empty-handed pedestrians are not stopped, but the interrogation is very strict. If anyone has anything to do with the government army, regardless of whether you are male, female, old or young, your head will be chopped off immediately and hung on a tree for public display. The more he inquired, the more worried he became: "My God! She won't encounter any trouble, will she?" On the contrary, Wu Ping himself was not as worried as Hao Yousan. He said with confidence: "I have received definite news that Zhou Hongxun's battalion has already arrived in Xinjin. Since my wife's roommate is with him, they must also rest in Xinjin." Zhou Hongxun is a man who donates money and generously. He has worked with me for several years and they are very good with each other. I entrust my family to him, so I am very relieved." When it comes to the impeded roads in Shuangliu County, Wu Ping doesn't care, "Comrades will As for the defense of the regiment, no matter how many of these mobs there are, if they meet Zhou Hongxun, it would be strange if they don't beat them to death!" Wu Ping is not worried now.Half a month ago, I still worried about it.He was worried about where his family would stay once they arrived in the province.He has thought about it several times: this time his family members return to the province, they should live in the provincial capital. No matter what his future whereabouts will be, his wife is in her sixties and often falls ill. Running around; the son is already fifteen years old, not too young, and should have been sent to be an apprentice, but the wife insisted that he should go to school to study.When I went to Chengdu and talked with Hao Yousan, Mr. Hao was full of approval, and thought that he could still help when he went to the Army Primary School.Since the previous generation and the next generation should live in Chengdu, the wife naturally cannot leave with him.So, when the family comes back, if they don't rent out the house first, how can they do it?Wu Ping grew up in Chengdu. Although he has been away from Chengdu for many years, he is still very familiar with the situation in Chengdu.He knew that when buying or selling a house in Chengdu, he could find a house dealer, especially to buy a high-rise building, or even a large mansion with a garden, which was extremely easy.If you want to rent one or two rooms suitable for middle and lower families, you have to walk around the streets and alleys all day long to see if there are any signs of auspicious houses for rent on the doorways of each house and on the doorposts of each courtyard.I can't leave Yishui Temple all day long, because it's an extraordinary period, when military orders come at any time, if it is delayed, my future and life will not be played around.The subordinates are all from other states and counties who came to the province for the first time. Not only are they not familiar with the situation in Chengdu, they don't even know the streets.Coincidentally, Mr. Hao was free and enthusiastic, so he bowed his head and kowtowed, entrusting Hao Yousan with the important matter of finding a house. Looking for a house for Mrs. Wu, Hao Yousan is of course willing to undertake it.But my family has never done such a trivial matter, and after accepting it, I don't know how to be caught off guard.Only then did he think of Wu Jinting, "How convenient it would be if he was here!" He wasn't too anxious at first.He had already calculated in his mind the heads of the few empty houses in his big garden. His third uncle Hao Zunsan accepted the re-engagement of the Lin family in Zizhou, and took his concubine Chunlan and his little sister to Zizhou to watch the dragon's veins for the Lin family. Although Hao Zunsan's self-taught ability is ridiculed by his nephews and nieces, his reputation among distant relatives and friends who have never met in person is growing.He once saw a shady plot for the sweet potato Poliao Qiye, near Huanglongxi.Mountains, waters, sands, cases are of course not contradicted, and it is guaranteed that if the acupoints are opened according to his point, there must be some tricks in it.Sure enough, after digging less than three feet, I found that there was a layer of five-color fine mud on the bottom, which was as tender as powder when I picked it up with my fingers; but it was gone five feet away.This has made Liao Qiye dumbfounded in surprise.He also affirmed that for the burial at Wuxiang's acupoint in Zishan, within sixty years, Bao Liao Qiye's family would produce three, eight, and eight seats, and more people would have to import them before the due date.The sixty-year promissory note was issued too far away, and no one is sure whether it will be fulfilled or not.But in less than nine months, Liao Qiye's second daughter-in-law gave birth to twins in her first child.What made Liao Qiye so happy that he couldn't finish talking were the two fat and fat boy dolls.When Liao Qiye asked his family to dye red eggs, he sighed repeatedly: "It's thanks to Mr. Hao's good geomantic omen! Thanks to Mr. Hao's good feng shui!" Since then, Hao Zunsan has been squeezed into Chengdu by Liao Qiye. The list of famous geographers. The Lin family in Zizhou is a close relative of Liao Qiye, and they are also Hakkas who moved from Jiaying Prefecture, Guangdong to Sichuan in the 20 years of Kangxi.Since entering Sichuan, people and wealth have flourished, and the number of relatives who have been allocated from his house has been countless.Everyone attributed it to the good feng shui of the ancestral grave in his house, and the descendants of his house really believed that it was due to the good feng shui of the ancestral grave.In recent years there has been clamor for the construction of the railway, and starting from Yichang, a mountain passage has already been dug.Someone told the old man in charge of the Lin family that in the future the railway will pass through Zizhou, and maybe it will pass over their ancestral graves.At first, the Lin family didn't take these words to heart.Afterwards, as expected, some people in official business took up a ruler instrument and measured east and west around the ancestral grave.Ask them, always do not answer.And all of them have black faces, as if they borrowed his millet and returned his chaff.Some people worry that it seems that the ancestral grave of the Lin family is doomed.Even if the ancestral graves are not dug up, the dragon veins will always be injured.The dragon's veins are injured, not only the ancestors are uneasy in the ground, can the grandchildren of the Lin family still thrive as they are now?Can you still purchase farmland houses every year? This leisurely talk made the old man in charge of the Lin family feel uneasy about eating and sleeping for several months. In the spring of this year, old man Lin went to the Provincial Flower Fair and talked about it with Liao Qiye.Liao Qiye advised him that instead of waiting for others to dig out the dragon's veins, it is better to look at another good land and move the ancestral grave away first, so as not to suffer from it, and recommended Hao Zunsan, a famous geography teacher.In addition to taking the example of adding people to him, he also said that Hao Zunsan boasted that he was not the first, but the second.Old man Lin and Liao Qiye first came to Hao's house to pay a sincere visit to Hao Zun three times, gave them a lot of earthenware, and invited them to the flower festival to eat at Jufeng Garden.Then he formally mentioned that he would be hired to go to Zizhou to see the land. Hao Zunsan didn't have the stinky airs of those famous geologists of the time, that is to say, if you don't find me, I'm a stinky shit; if you find me, then I won't be exchanged for gold.No, Hao Zunsan is not someone who supports his family with arts, and he can't even say this bad habit.He's only busy, and he's aged in recent years—only forty-five in fact! ——The body is blessed, and you don't feel too tired after running mountains and fields; after working for a day, you have to rest for a few days.I also thought of how much responsibility it would be to relocate and bury the ancestors' graves for others!If you look at a place scribbled, you will not only be sorry for the living, but also for the dead.He didn't say anything about refusing, because the favor was different, so it was inconvenient to say no, so he just replied softly, "Let's decide later!" 及至争路风潮起来，林老头再三写信托廖七爷促驾，说明请把家眷带去做数月勾留，慢慢看，免他过劳。实在托不过人情，只好接下聘金和盘费。郝尊三是在罢市前走的。说过只有几个月耽搁，只带了两口大皮箱，一只大网篮，其他用动东西全没带。仅仅一只会说“客来了，请坐下，叫丫鬟装烟倒茶”的红嘴鹦哥，因为留在家里没人照料，才连铁架子一并带走。临走时，把房门钥匙交与嫂嫂即是扶正了几年的刘姨太太——以便李嫂、吴嫂等有空时，好开门打扫。 空着几间房子，家具什么都齐全，若果伍大嫂一家回省，一时找不到房子，岂不可以利用一下？郝又三倒不怕三叔将来说闲话，也不怕父亲和娘母不答应。他只顾虑到家里的佣人一大堆，哪一个不是嘴尖舌长的家伙？哪一个又不是各个主人的耳报神？伍家婆媳二人的言谈举止，大约不会有多大更改，万一有点破绽地方被他少奶奶叶文婉知道了，恭喜发财，若不闹个文王不安，武王不宁，那才怪哩！因此，虽说不怎么着急，还是放松了同志会的事情，每天总要挪出好几个钟头，到大街小巷去闲步。并非闲步，是去找合适于伍大嫂一家人住的房子。 到制台衙门流血的头一天，王念玉同他约在科甲巷香泉居茶馆吃茶时候，无意间谈到南打金街十三号外厢房那个独院。最近佃住的一家粮户，因家里死了人，退佃搬回二江沱老家。房东孙家正托他家介绍稳妥的熟人去住。 “啊！太巧了！”郝又三不由叫了起来，“就是你家对门那个独院，两年前伍大嫂……不，现在应该说伍管带的家眷，住过的房子吗？……空了半个多月吗？……没巴招租帖子，难怪我不晓得！走！小玉，同我到孙家去立刻租过来。” 王念玉微觉诧异道：“你要到外面租房子？莫非干了啥子怪事，着老太爷撵了出来不成？” “莫胡说！并非我要租来住，我不过帮别人租的。” 郝又三脸上摆出一副尴尬神情，倒笑不笑地瞅着王念玉道：“你猜我帮哪个人租的？” 王念玉大睁起那对呼灵得像滚盘黑珍珠似的眼睛，把郝又三逼视了半会儿。而后微露皓齿，从眉毛尖上笑了起来道：“这还用猜，吃屎狗断不了那条路的！……若不是帮那个骚婊子、滥舍物租的话，你敢当天赌个血淋淋的咒！……哼！我倒要劝你当心一点儿。……别个的男人，不管是文是武，总之是个官，管一营人，也不为小；并且就守在眼皮底下，你不要脸皮，别个却要声名。……再说，损阴德，还罢了；损阳德，只怕要出事。……即使不出事，大家都已半世年纪，儿大女成人的，再像从前那样不顾羞耻地搞下去，自己想想，也难过嘛！” 说到后来，王念玉仿佛认了真，不是闹醋劲儿，简直是在开教训了。 郝又三虽则感到不大好受，在王念玉跟前，又发作不起来。只好涎着脸皮，抓过他一只很像姑娘小姐的纤手，捏在手掌中，笑着说道：“老弟说得很对！真的，我转瞬就是三十年纪，已算中年人啦，还能像从前那样荒唐不成！……说老实话，这一次找房子，硬是伍管带重托了我，我才给他帮忙的；一则也因伍安生要在省城读书的缘故。你不信，将来都可质证的。……好在你同伍家是老邻居。若果这次再住在一起，也算前世因缘。就这一点，你也该帮帮忙啊！” “噢！不谙郝大少爷还是这么一个大公无私的君子哟！”王念玉侧着头瞟了他一眼，“说到因缘上头，我只好帮忙了。其实，你不这样说，我也要帮忙的。为啥呢？因为我们又对门对户住下了，将来你的一举一动，都逃不出我的监督。如其老马不死、旧性仍在的话，别多心，你，郝大少爷，不给你一点厉害尝尝，我不姓王了！” 房子租好了。这回，倒不要郝又三再借押金，再出月租。只是想到伍大嫂回省，总不可以住在光光几间空房子里。比如睡觉的床，该不该要？做饭的锅灶，该不该要？再说，使用的桌椅板凳，要得；捡衣物的立柜屉笼，要得；吃饭盛菜的盆盘碗钵，要得；喝茶饮酒的瓶壶杯盏，要得；还有说不完的日常生活所必需的若干东西，哪一样缺得？伍平说：“跑起滩来，倒不觉得，有时住栈房，有时住在百姓家里，用动东西全有。如今安排回省长住，想不到一针一线，都要从头置办起来，好不麻烦！” 伍平都在嫌麻烦，受了伍平重托的郝又三，更不待言了。好得有个王念玉帮大忙，有些东西借，有些东西租，有些东西买，有些东西只好将就了。闹到七月二十三日，大致看来已是差不多。郝又三还特特怂恿王念玉把他妈妈请过来代为看一下，是否还有必需补充的东西。 王念玉笑道：“妈早已看过，并且还出过主意来的。……说真话，要不是妈的指点，我咋个想得到婆娘家那些过场：洗脸的盆子不洗手，洗手的盆子不洗脚呢？” “啊！你妈真热心。大概也为了旧邻居的情分吧？” “那倒难说。” 郝又三还要问时，王念玉笑嘻嘻地把他直向门外推走道：“莫耽搁了！再去沂水庙打听一下，你的心上人到底哪天回来？别说你等得心焦，连我这个不相干的人也望眼欲穿了！” 沂水庙是郝又三这许多天来走熟了的地方，虽然大门内外到处是巡防兵，他也毫不在意，一直向他所熟悉的伍管带住的那间房子走去。 往天，这间房子很热闹，老远便听得见人声鼎沸，有说有笑。今天很奇怪，静静悄悄，连最常听到的伍平那片又粗又嗄的嗓声也没有了。“莫非伍平不在吗？”却又看见伍平的几个护兵蹲坐在房门外的阶沿石上。还有一个未成年的小护兵叫皮猴的，歪着肩头，提了把红铜开水壶，打从房里出来。“看来，又像没有出门的样子。” 伍平果然没出门，而且三个哨官、一个书记长还齐扑扑地坐在那里。但是都闭着口，沉着脸，每个人的眼睛都集中在管带脸上，似乎有什么非常重大事情要等伍平拿主意。 伍平站起来，迎着郝又三说道：“来得好，正有一桩坏消息要告诉你。” “什么坏消息？”郝又三已经心情紧张起来。 书记长晁念祖是个最喜欢说话的人，当下就抢着说道：“新津出了事！……周管带在新津加入了同志军！……” 伍平两眼一道：“何尝是他加入同志军？就是他掉了头，自称起南路同志军统领来的。” “周鸿勋掉了头？”郝又三有点莫名其妙地问，“是不是叛变了？” 第一哨哨官石敬武不由笑了一声。觉得不适合眼前情况，急忙把笑容收起，做出一张很难看的面孔。启了一下唇，却又忍住了没有开腔。 “何消说得！”还是伍平回答了，“就是叛变，我们叫掉头。……他妈的，真对不住朋友！……” “那么，你的宝眷呢？” “自然也顿在新津回不来了！我说老周对不住朋友，就在这里。你要掉头，为啥不把人家的家眷先送回省？就说你不便咧，带个信，我派人去接，也早到了。” 伍平越说越高声，并且一对圆彪彪的眼睛越发鼓得像爆栗子，仿佛周鸿勋就站在他跟前一般。 郝又三回头问晁念祖道：“周管带叛变的消息，从哪里得来的？该不会是谣言吧？” 书记长摇着他那短发剃得老高、两腮瘦得像猴脸的头道：“营务处传出来的话，怎会是谣言。而且还特别叫我们各营提防，怕他阴悄悄地派人来营里煽惑。” 第三哨哨官马占彪也和伍平一样，行伍出身，不过还年轻，才三十来岁。红着脸皮说道：“管带，我刚才提说的那个主意，并不错嘛。” “你那啥子瘟主意哟！……” 晁念祖对着第二哨哨官高占魁道：“我也认为不对。” 郝又三为了掩饰他的不安，连忙把一个玳瑁纸烟盒摸出，照往天老例，每人敬一支。自己衔一支在嘴唇上，正擦洋火，遂接着问道：“马哨官提说的，是啥样主意？” 伍平喷出一口浓烟道：“叫他自己说吧。” 原来马占彪建议，由他们这营直向赵尔丰递个禀帖，自告奋勇去打新津。他估量周鸿勋本人虽很猛勇，但他营里的三个哨官、三个哨长，以及几个什长，彼此很熟，当了面，把言语交代明白，是很可以把他的人拉过来。只要把弟兄伙拉垮，周鸿勋光棍一条，若不伙着过来，就让他去跑滩。那时，不但把伍管带的家眷接了回省，并且立了这个大功，说不定还有好处。 郝又三立刻眉飞色舞地说道：“好啊！这主意并不坏嘛！” “就是不好啰！”伍平把头摇得同拨浪鼓一样，“郝先生，你是学界中人，摸不够我们这一行道的命脉。告诉你，我们赵大人的军令严得很，队伍调动，只有他一个人能拿主意，我们当部下的，除了服从，断不准许有啥子主张的。……” 来不及等他把话说完，郝又三便抢着说道：“上禀帖请求，准不准还在他呀！” “请求也是主张嘛！……” 晁念祖插嘴道：“周管带是赵大人最赏识的一个人，现在都掉了头，还放心再调我们去吗？所以我说，即令递了禀帖，也不会批准；或者还会引起大人疑心，疑心伍管带同周管带有啥子勾扯。……” 伍平连连点头道：“着呀！赵大人一定会疑心的。为啥呢？因为现摆在省城的十一营人，别人都不请求，偏偏我们一营人着了急，这其间难免没有弊窦。” 矮个子高占魁也开了口说：“就不说这些。老马默倒我们队伍一开拢，彼此都是熟人，交代交代，便把人家拉了过来。却不曾想到，你能拉人家的弟兄，人家难道不会拉我们的弟兄？不要偷鸡不着蚀把米，没有把周管带拉垮，自己倒搞成了光棍，那才报不出奏销来哩！” 说到这里，连郝又三都点头说道：“确有这种道理。”他又问到周鸿勋既是老粮子，为什么会叛变了呢？ 伍平蹙起浓眉说道：“什么原因，还不晓得。我猜想，说不定是侯大爷的吹功。” “侯大爷是什么人，能有这大的本事，把你们官兵都吹得动？” “侯保斋嘛！本来已经洗了手的，不晓得为了啥，这回会重新出山当起同志会会长。我们巡防新军里好多人都是他太爷栽培过的，他这位恩拜兄的资格老咧！” 郝又三猛然想起吴凤梧就是为了要使他说动侯保斋出山，才由同志会托付到新津县去的那回事。他又想起吴凤梧也在打箭炉外的川边巡防新军里当过管带，和伍平有交情，他自己说，曾向伍平借过盘费。遂不由冲口说道：“伍管带，你可认得一个人叫吴凤梧的？” “认得，”伍平略微有点愕然，“你咋个忽然提到他？” “因为我晓得吴凤梧目前正在新津帮助侯保斋办同志会哩！” 房间内的人都一齐哦了一声：“他在那里！” 伍平向晁念祖几个人点了点头道：“不用说了，老周的掉头，包管是他打的条。”又回过头来向郝又三说道：“吴凤梧这个人，狡猾是狡猾，可也有些鬼八卦；若他真个同老周搞到一块，我看新津这事可就闹大了，大人准定要发大兵的。” 马占彪又插嘴道：“有我们就好啰！” 伍平只是摇头，其余几人都不开口。 郝又三向伍平说道：“若果吴凤梧真还在新津的话，只要托他照管照管，我看你的宝眷更可保险，他这个人或者是有良心的。” “难说啊！连周鸿勋这个讲交情的朋友都不可靠。”伍平沉思了半晌，“托他一下也好，只怕是一场空事！说不定一两天内这仗火便要打起来。老周即使厉害得像飞天蜈蚣，他手下也不过三百来人，比我这一营的名额宽一些。不管怎样，大人的大兵一到，无异泰山压卵，迟则三天，快则半日，老周就会垮的。我倒盼望真像马占彪所说，大人能够调到我们这几营，那便好啰，公私两利！如其大人调动别一些营头去，城破之后，大家逃奔，谁顾得了谁？……” 因此，郝又三这一次从沂水庙出来，心里简直像搁了一块石头了。 伍平猜得很准，赵尔丰在他签押房里果正商量用兵大事。 这一天，在签押房里的，依旧是往天那几个重要人。即是说，除了胡子头发俱已花白、身体仍然结实肥的赵尔丰本人外，还有那个形态与他相似，只是瘦一些、高一些，年纪已近四十岁的四少大人；也有年纪刚过三十，又瘦又矮，一双眼皮随时搭拉着颇难看出他的眼神，脸色永远苍白而少血华的九少大人。赵老四照常坐在签押桌侧，一面就桌上翻着一大叠说帖纸，一面向坐在旁边的日行派办处道员、督院民政科参事饶凤藻问道：“真有这些人吗？有没有遗漏的？” 饶凤藻小小心心地答应道：“有案可据的，现在只有这一批，其他一些，尚在调查中。等几天，恐怕还可拖得出一张长单子来的。” 赵老九衔着一支三炮台纸烟，在当地走了几个来回，走到坐在一张靠背椅上的兵备处总办、候补道王横跟前站住道：“是你对我说的军心不固吗？” 坐在王旁边另一张靠背椅上的营务处总办、候补道、挂名松潘镇总兵，一脸横肉又黑又红，两撇墨黑八字胡须的田征葵抢着说道：“岂止寅伯这样说，我也是这个意思。不过说的是陆军。” 赵老九像是不大相信的样子，摇摇头道：“陆军，还不是朝廷饷银养出来的。难道他们敢怀二意吗？要是真个如此，那干脆叫他们把枪械缴出来，给咱们滚开好啦！” 赵尔丰瞪了赵老九一眼道：“莫胡说！”接着向田征葵、王二人问道：“饶介卿拖的那些同志军匪首的名单，你们可曾看见过？” 赵老四不等他二人回答，立即把桌上那迭说帖纸拈起来一扬道：“就是这个。不必看，我念给你们听吧。不过我很诧异，怎么忽然就钻出来这么多的袍哥和革命党。平日这些东西在哪儿呢？何以一个都未抓住？……真奇怪！……” 单子上开着：在郫县、灌县、崇宁县、彭县的，有张尊、张捷先、张熙、姚宝山、刘荫西、杨靖中；在崇庆州的，有孙泽沛、周朴斋；在温江县的，有吴庆熙即吴二大王、李树勋、冯时雨；在绵竹县的，有侯国治；在成都、华阳两县的，有卓笨、秦载赓；在双流县的，有向迪璋；在仁寿县的，有王子哲、丘志云；在彭山县的，有方少卿、田华山；在眉州的，有赵子和；在荣县、威远县的，有王天杰、王少南。 赵老四念到这里，把名单向桌上一搁道：“这个王天杰，委实是个革命党徒。我们早已接有地方详文。我记得，还有一名叫李难，一名叫吴玉章，一名叫吴景熙的，公然借名争路，率领一批乱党，扑进荣县，把征收局委员都拘留了起来。……这股革命匪党，可恶已极，听说，他们还纠合不少匪徒，同犍、乐盐场上一班不安分的学生、哥老，希图乘机作乱。这带地方，也是四川财富之区，你们要留心啊！……” 不等他说完，赵尔丰已仰靠在太师椅背上，先把右手举起，向他侄儿挥了挥；接着拿眼睛把众人扫了一遍，才向坐在迎面不远的盐运使杨嘉绅说道：“我说，这些都是癣疥之疾，倒不要过于重视。彦如，你老兄意思如何？” 杨嘉绅的长方形红润脸上，嵌了双狡猾透顶的三角眼睛。当下把嘴一咧，两撇小胡子便随着这一咧而活动起来。说道：“是极！大人的高见，半点不差。当前心腹之患，并不在荣、威、犍、乐那班革命党人，也不在温、郫、崇、灌这些哥老土匪，确确实实只在于新津一隅。一则，新津是省垣西南门户，地当冲要，地形又甚险恶，所以次帅才将陆军营房建立在那里；目前正值洪水季节，它三面环水，易守难攻。其次，新津有事，通川边道路显被遮断，大人所调的西兵已难到达省垣，万一持之既久，邛雅几属还会受其影响。而且最可注意的，更在于周营的叛变……” 赵尔丰把手在桌边上一拍，连连点头道：“着！这一点，你老兄看清楚了。周鸿勋这东西，是我一手提拔起来的，所带的，又是我训练了几年，身经数十次战阵的精兵。他这一叛变，不惟伤了我的心，也丢尽了我的脸，叫我今后怎好再督责朱子桥啊！” 他紧闭着嘴，两眼呛得很大，两手不住理抹那越来越白的大胡子。这是他要发气的先兆。 但他的儿子赵老九还是那样潇潇洒洒地在铺有猩猩红的地毯上踱来踱去。最后踱到签押桌前面，把纸烟蒂向旁边瓷痰盂里一掷，看着他父亲说道：“爸，你老人家用不着生气。周鸿勋既是忘恩负义，那就不要再顾惜他。我看，为了整饬纲纪起见，开几营防军去把他逮来砍了，不就结了吗？” 赵尔丰平日对他这儿子，几乎是言听计从，有时还颇颇赞赏他聪明绝顶，认为才气虽然不及老四，而智计则过之。今天听了他的献计，却把眉头皱了起来，一言不发。 赵老四微微咳了一声，正准备把他想起的话说出，他叔父已经拿眼望着杨嘉绅，意思是要杨嘉绅说话。 杨嘉绅先把走到房门口去的赵老九瞟了一眼，然后昂起脑袋，正视着赵尔丰说道：“适才九哥说的话，理由确乎充分。周鸿勋叛降匪党，辜负大人天高地厚之恩，按照军纪国法，确应大张挞伐，拘捕归案，处以殛刑的。但是须得研究之处，该派何种军队前去，方为合宜。依职司愚见，大人由川边带出来的防军，千万不可派去。……” 他委委婉婉地说出了几种理由。主要的是巡防军人数不多，目前在省城的通共三千多人，这三千多人的任务，都很重大。因为田征葵早已把这些任务详细告诉过他，他心里明