Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Baptism of Blood

What happened later was so complicated that it was hard to argue with it, which dazzled Bian Yifu and the people in Xinhong City.First, the royal family in the late Qing Dynasty was forced to accept the preferential treatment conditions proposed by the Nanjing Republic of China government. Supported Yuan Shikai.Afterwards, Sun Wenshi resigned from the post of President, and recommended Yuan as interim President, and volunteered to build the railway, saying that he would build a 100,000-mile railway in one fell swoop.The largest leaders of the national revolutionary parties have all gone to build railways, and the success of the national revolution is self-evident.Since the revolution has been successful, it must be rewarded according to meritorious deeds. Yoshio Bian understands this truth.Therefore, Bian Yifu was neither surprised nor surprised when he received the team reorganization order from the first governor of the provincial capital, Huang Huzi, which was in the nature of rewarding meritorious deeds.According to the order of Governor Huang, the militia, militia and former patrol battalions in the whole province of Xijiang were reorganized into a new provincial army and formed into a division.Liu Jianshi, the former commander of the New Army Association, was promoted to division commander, with three brigades under his jurisdiction, two of which were occupied by the provincial capital;Bian Yifu, who had become the governor's office, was formally appointed by President Yuan Shikai of Beijing, took the rank of major general, and concurrently served as the commander of the third brigade, under the jurisdiction of the ninth and 12th regiments.The head of the Ninth Regiment is Xiagu, and the head of the Tenth Regiment is the former patrol battalion Qian Guan and Qian Zhongyu. There are three battalions under each regiment. In Qian Zhongyu's regiment, there are three sentries from the left, middle and right of the former patrol battalion. The sentry officers were all promoted to battalion commanders because of their contribution to the recovery.And Ma Ershui, the commander of the Lianzhuang militia under Qian Zhongyu's regiment, did not have much credit, but there were four or five hundred people, and he also became the battalion commander.In Xiagu's regiment, Li Erye, Hu Longfei, and two brothers whom Bian Yifu didn't know very well, all changed from commanders and deputy commanders of various armies to battalion commanders of the provincial army.A national revolution miraculously created so many brigade commanders, regimental commanders, and battalion commanders.

The heroes from all walks of life are naturally happy.All of a sudden, the big and small taverns in Xinhong City were filled with the new faces of these new provincial army officers at night.The faces have made great contributions to the recovery. There are soldiers and guns, and one is better than the other.Li Erye, the battalion commander of the Fourth Battalion, got drunk and shot into the sky indiscriminately. Someone said that "bandits are hard to change", and Li Erye drew his gun and killed him on the spot.Yifu Bian, as the brigade commander, heard the news and went to the tavern to persuade him. Mr. Li pointed his gun at Yifu Bian and asked Yifu Bian if he was tired of working.When Aunt Xia arrived, she kicked over the table and let Erye Li sober up.The battalion commanders and company commanders under Qian Zhongyu are also not good people. They still carry out extortion and extortion openly as usual, and they have learned the new method of the bandits in the mountains. They collected "recovery donations" and "support fees", forcing the shopkeeper of the silk shop on Hanfu Street to drink opium.There are also Ming grabs.The "Jubao" gold shop in Pishi Street was surrounded by more than 20 soldiers of unknown origin in broad daylight.The soldiers stood in two rows, and one row fired guns at the pedestrians on the street to keep them away; the other row used guns to force the old shopkeeper to hand over the gold objects.The old shopkeeper refused to pay, and was shot to death in the shop, and all the gold and silver that could be found were looted.Afterwards, no one admitted that it was done by their subordinates.Xiagu's Ninth Regiment said it was done by the Tenth Regiment; Qian Zhongyu's Tenth Regiment said it was done by the Ninth Regiment.The two groups of people yelled at each other for this, so that no one dared to seriously investigate and deal with it. Such a huge case was left without a head and no owner.The public opinion in the market was uproarious, the Chamber of Commerce secretly contacted, united with all the stores, wanted to donate money to buy guns, and set up an armed business group.In addition, representatives of the gentry from all walks of life went to the governor's office to petition, asking the governor's office and brigade commander Bian Yifu with the same voice, where is the revolutionary order?The people of Xinhong have been looking forward to the restoration for so many years, is this what it looks like?

Bian Yifu felt that this should not be like this, but faced with this chaotic situation, he had no choice but to ask the deputy governor Bi Hongen anxiously: What should the soldiers do with such nonsense?Bi Hongen didn't say anything, but it was hard to say.Ask again, Bi Hongen pushes again, asking Yifu Bian to ask Xiagu, saying that Xiagu is not only the head of the regiment, but also the chief of civil affairs, and he needs to be controlled in every way.Bian Yifu went to Xiagu—did not dare to tell Xiagu to the governor's office, and went to the old fort in the south of the city where Xiagu's Ninth Regiment was located, and asked Xiagu for advice on improving military discipline and restoring revolutionary order.Aunt Xia lazily said, "Brother Bian, you built this governor's mansion, and you have to take it for the rectification proposal!" Yifu Bian smiled wryly, "Sister Xia, it's not like you don't know that this governor's mansion is not It’s not that I’m vying to do it, it’s that Bi Hongen and the others forcefully recommended it, isn’t it because I have no choice but to do it?!” Aunt Xia snorted, “Don’t tell me that, go find Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu Say." Yifu Bian said, "It was Bi Hongen who asked me to find you." Aunt Xia's handsome eyes widened suddenly, and she became angry, "He is talking nonsense!" Yifu Bian was so anxious that he wanted to cry "Miss Xia, can you help me out? Didn't I tell you earlier? My governor's mansion is just a name, but I let you be my family!" Aunt Xia still had no good face, "I don't care. Not so much, why don’t you seek government if you are in your position! You are not only the governor’s office, but also the commander of the third brigade of the provincial army. Seeing that Aunt Xia didn't give me any face, my husband was also angry, "I will be... I will be a ball player! I have no soldiers except Wang Sanshun. The commander of the tenth regiment is surnamed Qian, and the commander of the ninth regiment is Qian. The leader is your Aunt Xia, and the troublemakers in the city are all your brothers. If you...you don’t help, which dick will listen to me, the short brigade commander? Major general, I don’t even have soybean paste Not as good as that!" Seeing that Yifu Bian blushed with anger, Aunt Xia laughed instead, "Brother Bian, did you realize it now? Bi Hongen put you on fire!" Yifu Bian smiled when he saw Aunt Xia Feeling hopeful, she put her arms around Aunt Xia and kissed her, begging, "Sister Xia, just help me, pour water on the fire, don't add fuel to the fire anymore!" Aunt Xia Sighing, "Brother Bian, don't blame me for not helping you, I'm really mad at you! At the council declaring independence, they set you on fire, and you cheered for them! What's more, I heard that once you became the governor's mansion, you went back home and made a big fuss, and almost killed your second cousin, didn't you?" Yifu Bian said , "This is nonsense, sister Xia, you can't believe it!" Xia Gu shook her head, "Anyway, you have changed, you are no longer the old brother Bian..."

However, Aunt Xia was still Aunt Xia, and she and Yifu Bian had a relationship in the past. Although she was angry with Yifu Bian, she finally gave her face. That night, she summoned three battalion brothers under the group to give a lecture, and strictly ordered her subordinates not to Drinking and making trouble in the city, harassing the market.Aunt Xia also had a private conversation with the most unbearable Second Master Li, asking him to change his habits in the mountains and behave like an officer and battalion commander.The atmosphere at the beginning of the conversation was quite pleasant. Aunt Xia and Erye Li were lying face to face on the kang, smoking opium across the cigarette couch. Erye Li listened to the training honestly and remained silent.But as soon as Aunt Xia mentioned Yifu Bian, Second Master Li became angry. He dropped the pipe and said, "Why did the surname Bian come to us instead of Qian Zhongyu? The gang under Qian Zhongyu didn't steal anything." Sex? His mother, I think that bandit is probably more vicious than our brothers, and they might have robbed the gold shop in Pishi Street!" Xia Gu said, "We can't control the matter of Qian Zhongyu's group, we just If you can control yourself, let's not add trouble to Yifu Bian!" Second Master Li said, "What did we cause? The chaos became a mess during the liberation, and the master didn't wash the city!" After a pause, he said, " This is all because of what your aunt Xia said, if I had known that Yifu Bian would be so ignorant, I would have washed the city that day!" Aunt Xia said angrily, "Second brother, don't talk about washing the city, shut up! If you don’t wash the city, it’s your duty, not your credit!” Then he said, “Don’t hate me, brother, he’s still one of us, we have to help him!” Second Master Li He said coldly, "The person surnamed Bian used to be one of his own, but not today! I think this kid is probably already wearing panties with Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu! Aunt Xia, to tell you the truth, let this go on like this. I don’t want to play stakes in Xinhong for ten thousand years!” Aunt Xia was startled, “You still want to go back to Tongshan?” Second Master Li nodded sullenly, “Brothers are not used to this dreary life, they have already clamored to Come back, I didn’t say anything because of your grandma Xia’s face.” Xia Gu said sharply, “Second brother, this step must not be taken! I know that people will not do secret things, so let’s say this first: If you dare to go this far One step, and I will lead my troops to suppress you!" Li Erye asked, "Back then we felled grass together, but today you come to suppress me, so you can do it?" Aunt Xia said, "Back then, Luocao was doing justice for the sky, and today you are also fighting against me. How can I not make a move?" Li Erye smiled, "Well, let me think about it again, your Aunt Xia is loyal, and I say it face to face, and I, Li Shuangyin, are also loyal, and I also say it face to face: I When I really want to leave, I will let you know in advance, and I will definitely not leave secretly."

Li Erye failed in the end.In the third week after talking with Aunt Xia, Li Erye and Qian Zhongyu ran into each other in the "Boudoir Fragrance Pavilion" on Hanfu Street and caused trouble. whole city.That day, Second Master Li was in a good mood. He brought seven or eight brothers under him to eat flower wine in the "Boudoir Fragrance Pavilion", and called the most popular and wildest "Little Magnolia", and the brothers under him also called themselves The sisters I like are hugging in my arms, it can be said to be very happy.Qian Zhongyu didn't know beforehand that Li Erye was eating flowers and wine in the "Boudoir Fragrance Pavilion", so he brought two guards to collect the "protection donation" as he did when he patrolled the battalion.Qian Zhongyu didn't want to cause trouble, but when he saw Li Erye leading a group of brothers to drink on the flower terrace on the top floor, he was taken aback for a moment, exchanged greetings with Li Erye with a smile on his face, and left.When he was leaving, he joked with Li Erye in a friendly way, telling Li Ermou to be careful about Little Magnolia, saying that Little Magnolia is the best at planting flowers, and don't be sucked dry by being planted on him.Because Second Master Li was present, Qian Zhongyu didn't go to collect donations from Xiao Yulan and the girls on the spot.As soon as Qian Zhongyu left, Xiao Yulan lay in Li Erye's arms and complained, cursing and telling about the "protection donation". They rob all the money they sell x.Li Erye was a hero and wanted to make decisions with his sisters, so he led his brothers to find Qian Zhongyu.After finding it, he quickly drew his gun, paid the money that Qian Zhongyu had collected, distributed it to the sisters on the spot, and asked Qian Zhongyu to return all the money that Qian Zhongyu had swallowed in the past.Qian Zhongyu only brought two brothers, they were not Li Erye's opponents, so to be honest, the head of the group didn't dare to show his arrogance, and called each second master, Wei Wei retreated.After Qian Zhongyu left, the sisters who got the bargain were extremely happy, and they all regarded Li Erye as a great hero.The petite and wild little Yulan like a cat jumped into Li Erye's arms in front of many sisters and brothers, asking Li Erye to take her back to his room.Back in the room, he rode on Li Erye's neck again, and took out the snow-white tits to give Li Erye to eat.Second Master Li didn't say to fuck, but Xiao Yulan lay on Second Master Li's body, lifting her half-naked body up and down, as if being fucked, which made Second Master Li lose his temper.Little Magnolia is really good at planting flowers, once she got on Li Erye's body, she never got off again.Li Erye was riding under Xiao Yulan, very happy, so he started to fuck vigorously, until Xiao Yulan gasped and groaned, saying that she couldn't take it anymore, it wasn't that she sucked Li Erye dry, He was about to be fucked to death by Li Erye.Li Erye asked, "What should I do if I really fucked up my grandfather? What will you sell in the future?" Xiao Yulan said boldly, "Sell your butt!" Li Erye said, "Let's sell the little white butt to you too. !" Little Yulan even sacrificed her little white buttocks for Second Master Li who was the master for her sisters.She was about to leave, but Xiao Yulan didn't accept Li Erye's money. She changed her wildness when she did that, and said with red eyes, "As long as Er Ye often comes and walks, it's better than anything else. , the sisters will suffer a lot less."

This moved Li Erye. Li Erye took his brothers out of the "Boudoir Fragrance Pavilion" and put away the idea of ​​returning to the mountains. For the first time since entering the city, he felt a great sense of responsibility.Second Master Li thought that he had to stay in the city just to save Little Yulan and his sisters from being angry with Captain Qian, not to mention that there was such a little Yulan who liked him and made him reluctant to part with it!That night, thinking about it, Second Master Li walked to the intersection of Hanfu Street and Baiyuanwai Hutong.A gunshot rang out suddenly, and a cloud of bullets shot out from the alley outside Bai Yuan Wai, knocking down three of the brothers next to Master Li on the spot.Seeing that something was wrong, Second Master Li took the rest of the brothers to hide beside the door of a grocery store on Hanfu Street, and drew out a quick gun to fight back.After hitting the alley, there was no sound, so I rushed to search, but found no one, only a piece of shell casings on the ground.Although no conclusive evidence was found, Li Erye still believed that it was Qian Zhongyu who did it. He led a battalion of more than 300 brothers and surrounded Qian Zhongyu's courtyard overnight, declaring that if Qian Zhongyu did not hand over the murderer, he would fight with Qian Zhongyu. Jade is endless.Qian Zhongyu did not admit that the hidden gun at the entrance of Baiyuanwai Hutong had anything to do with him, and he also transferred hundreds of people to occupy the roofs of Simian Street.A fire didn't look like it was going to break out.At this critical juncture, Bian Yifu and Bi Hongen dragged Xiagu to come, demanding that the opposing brothers return to their respective camps.Qian Zhongyu was very obedient and asked the brothers on the top of the four streets to withdraw.Li Erye was unwilling to withdraw, and continued to quarrel endlessly, riding a horse, waving a gun, yelling on the street at dawn, threatening to wash up the bird city.It wasn't until Aunt Xia called the hard-core brothers from Peach Blossom Mountain that he was about to hand over the guns of Second Master Li, that Second Master Li relaxed and took his brothers back home.

This scene made Bian Yifu shudder.Looking at the figures of Li Erye and his brothers going away, Yifu Bian thought, this situation must end, and if it doesn't end, I'm afraid that sooner or later, I, the governor and major general and brigade commander, will have to be surrounded once or twice . The final solution was quietly proposed by Qian Zhongyu and Bi Hongen behind the backs of Xiagu and Li Erye. Yifu Bian thought it was fair: the troops of the two regiments of the Third Brigade of the Provincial Army, except for a battalion stationed in various parts of the city temporarily Outside the city gate, the rest of the battalions went out of the city to clean up.Qian Zhongyu's 10th Regiment was stationed at Luying Laozhai on Paotai Mountain in the south of the city; Xiagu's 9th Regiment was stationed at Paotai Town at the foot of the mountain.Those who disobey will be regarded as rebellious.Bian Yifu went to Xiagu and told Xiagu about the plan. Afraid that Xiagu would be overwhelmed, he didn't say it was Qian Zhongyu and Bi Hongen's idea, but only his own.He also sighed and said that Huang Huzi, the governor of the province, was already quite disturbed by the chaos in Xinhong City, and let out the wind: If Xinhong did not clean up, the first brigade of the provincial army stationed in the provincial capital would come over; It is said that the Chamber of Commerce in the city also wants to: the Red Gun Association that communicated with the surrounding counties rebelled.Aunt Xia also felt that it was time to clean up, so she said to Yifu Bian, "Yes! The new army after independence should have the appearance of a new army. The army has to look good." He also mentioned the reason why Li Erye and Qian Zhongyu got into a fight, and scolded Qian Zhongyu for being a bastard.However, Yifu Bian heard that the collection of black money was caused by Li Erye, and Li Erye wanted to use this as an excuse to make a big fuss and take the opportunity to wash the city.Yifu Bian didn't dare not to believe the two sides' statements, and he didn't dare to believe them all, so he made a mess, neither saying that Qian Zhongyu was an asshole, nor that Li Erye was an asshole, but that everyone would be together for a long time in the future. When working together, it is always better to resolve than to form enemies.

A few days later, most of the troops of the two regiments left the city.On the day they left the city, the common people ran out to watch, and some shops even set off firecrackers to celebrate. Naturally, no one dared to say that it was to drive away the plague god and blow up evil spirits, but only said it was a farewell.After the teams settled down outside the city, Bi Hongen, the deputy governor, said again that it is not a problem for the elders of the Ninth and Tenth Regiments to stand up and resist like this, and there may be big troubles in the future.Bi Hongen volunteered to be the host, and he wanted to invite Xiagu, Li Erye, Qian Zhongyu and the battalion commanders of the two regiments to his house for a meal and hangover.Bian Yifu agreed, and said that he was the one who made the Governor's Mansion and the Brigadier Commander. Because he didn't do a good job, he caused troubles for everyone and chaos in the city. Therefore, eat the money for the hangover You can't ask Bi Hongen to pay for it, you have to pay for it yourself.Bi Hongen just smiled and didn't say much.That's how things settled down.

This led to the biggest mistake in Yifu Bian's life: he was willing to be taken advantage of, and he paid for Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu to hold a banquet at the Hongmen, and in one fell swoop took Xiagu, Li Erye, and so many good brothers. He lost his life, and almost lost his own. The "Hongmen Banquet" was set up one night four days later.Beforehand, Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu hid dozens of gunmen around the main hall where the banquet was held.The main hall faces the gate of the front yard, and on both sides of the gate are sedan chair rooms, where people can hide.Behind the main hall is a very small garden, which is not easy to hide people, but outside the flower wall is easy to hide people.The flower wall is very low, facing a row of large windows in the main hall, and there are plum blossom holes in the wall, which can be used as a sniper line for gunmen.There were also people hiding on the surrounding roofs, and an iron cannon was set up at the Guanyin Temple on the other side of the street, and the muzzle of the cannon was facing the gate of the west courtyard of Bi Mansion.The murder plan of Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu is insidious and well-thought-out.But there is no sinister shadow at the gate. The stone lions on both sides of the gate are lying quietly, and the gate is decorated with lights and festoons, looking festive.When Bian Yifu led the adjutant Wang Sanshun and several followers to Debi Mansion, Bi Hongen was standing on the steps of the gate to meet him.The trap has been laid, and the killing is about to begin, but Bi Hongen's face is extremely calm, and he smiles naturally. He arched his hands and let Yifu Bian to the inner tea room on the side of the main hall, saying that neither Qian Zhongyu nor Aunt Xia had arrived yet. Yifu Bian went to the room first to drink tea and smoke, and said that he had prepared the best Yunnan face just for him.Sure enough, it is the first-class Yunnan noodles, which is different from the ones bought from the market earlier, and it is very mellow.Bian Yifu fell down on the cigarette couch and started smoking, and then felt that good goods were hard to come by, and it was Bi Hongen's favor, so he made a favor and asked Wang Sanshun to try something new.Wang Sanshun didn't smoke opium at first, so it can be seen that the master who is the governor and major general brigade commander praised himself, but also thought that he had become the adjutant of the guard, and he was a person on the scene. If he didn't learn to smoke, he would lose face, so he followed Yifu Bian's example Look, put on the bong and smoke.

When the master was lying face to face and soaring through the clouds, Yifu Bian not only didn't smell the bloody smell that was about to permeate, but was proud of it, thinking that it was his great success that the regimental and battalion commanders of the two regiments could sit together today. It was Bi Hongen who really convinced himself, "—San Shun, think about it, I begged Bi Hongen so much before to help me suppress the evil spirits in the city, but he just pushed. Why has it changed now?" Wang Sanshun was choked by the smoke Coughing again and again, "I...I don't know about your official affairs." Yifu Bian said with a smile, "Isn't it because I have secured my seat in the Governor's Mansion?! Sanshun, world affairs That’s how it is, when your position is unstable, someone will push you, but once you are stable, someone will help you!” He also waved his pipe and sighed, “It seems that you still have to be an official! After I grow up, I know that the benefits of being an official are infinite..." I was about to sigh, but the courtyard rang out "Chief Qian is here", so Yifu Bian had to give up the sigh and put down the pipe Get up and go to the main hall to meet Qian Zhongyu.This servant is one of the protagonists at today's banquet, and he has to persuade him to be patient, so that he doesn't accidentally quarrel with Xiagu's brother at the reconciliation banquet.

Qian Zhongyu's attitude was very good, with a sincere and respectful smile on his face, he patted his chest and assured Yifu Bian that even if the brothers of the Xiagu Ninth Regiment were making trouble, he and his brothers would never make trouble,... Border Governor's Mansion, think about it, this is you and my old uncle Mr. Bi, can I make trouble?Besides, even if I don't give my old uncle face, the murder plan of your side Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu is insidious and well-thought-out.But there was no trace of sinister shadow at the gate.When Bian Yifu led the adjutant Wang Sanshun and several followers to Debi Mansion, Bi Hongen was standing on the steps of the gate to greet him. I have to give the governor's face, right?I won't make trouble, and neither will the brothers under me. Whoever dares to mess around, I will punish him! "While talking with Qian Zhongyu, Aunt Xia came with Li Erye and a group of battalion commander brothers under him, accompanied by Bi Hongen himself into the main hall. Aunt Xia brought Bi Hongen two large When I opened the gift box, I found two bloody heads. Both Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu turned pale with fright, and looked at Aunt Xia and Second Master Li in horror. Yifu Bian was also afraid, let alone understand Xia What is the purpose of this move? Auntie said, "People... Mr. Bi kindly invites everyone to eat and hangover, you... what are you doing? ! "Aunt Xia said with a smile," this is exactly the kindness that my aunt gave to you from the Border Governor's Mansion and Master Bi!These two dick-day things were the first offenders who robbed the gold shop in the past. They were verified during the purge yesterday, and I ordered it to be done!Only then did Yifu Bian let go of his heart, Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu also breathed a sigh of relief, and the host and guest politely gave way to sit down. When the seats were held in the main hall, there were two other tables in the west courtyard also held seats at the same time.Sitting at the two tables in the west courtyard were the Ma Bian entourage brought by Qian Zhongyu and Xiagu, and the guards of the governor's mansion brought by Wang Sanshun.Both parties drank very enthusiastically, and the reconciliation of the drink really seemed to reconcile.That is when the atmosphere of reconciliation was at its best, Bi Hongen said that he wanted to send an unusual gift to Aunt Xia, excused himself to get it, got up and left first.As soon as Bi Hongen left, Qian Zhongyu said that he would go to the west courtyard to toast the brothers at the two tables, and he also left with his three battalion commanders.Only Xiagu, Li Erye, Hu Longfei and two other brothers whom Bian Yifu didn't know very well were left in the main hall.At this point, no one has realized what is going on, Xiagu is still holding the wine glass and drinking with Hu Longfei and the others, and seems to be talking about cleaning up the discipline of the Ninth Regiment.Li Erye next to Hu Longfei was simply drunk, sitting on a chair and dozing off.It is also the heaven that wants to save Yifu Bian's life.Behind the flowered wall outside the window, before the ambushes' guns were about to go off, Yifu Bian felt a pain in his stomach, and was about to go out, so he quickly walked out of the main hall door.Not a few steps away from the gate, hot and intensive gunshots suddenly rang out.At the same time, the vermilion lacquer gates of the Bianfu were closed, and many soldiers rushed out of the sedan chair houses on both sides, shooting towards the main hall like shells, shooting all the way into the main hall.Gunshots also rang out in the west courtyard, and the gunshots seemed to be louder than here.Yifu Bian was still ignorant at first, thinking it was a hallucination, and then he saw the soldiers in the sedan chair rushing towards him, and saw the door of the main hall being smashed to pieces by a lance shot, and the hall was filled with smoke, so he was frightened. Suddenly, he fell to the ground, and was stepped on by the rampaging soldier on his leg. It was when she fell to the ground that she saw Aunt Xia.Covered in blood, Aunt Xia staggered out of the smashed door, holding two quick guns in both hands.Xiagu was actually a husband, and she still did not give in under such a desperate situation. She supported her bleeding body, fired guns at the soldiers who rushed up, and cursed Bi Hongen one by one for "dick day".Amidst the yelling, Yifu Bian saw with his own eyes that Aunt Xia was shot up by the platoon of guns in front of her and behind her. Still holding it in his hand, one fell to Yifu Bian's side.Immediately, Yifu Bian forgot to be afraid, and with tears in his eyes, he grabbed the fast gun that Aunt Xia had dropped to his hand, staggered to stand up, and as soon as he stood up, he waved the gun and shouted, "Stop! Give me everything... Stop! You...you dare to kill Aunt Xia..." He yelled these few words freely, and several soldiers grabbed his gun, grabbed him, beat him, kicked him, and said they wanted to kill him .A vicious dwarf actually put the muzzle of a gun to his forehead. At this time, Bi Hongen hurried over from the west courtyard or where, and asked the soldiers to release Yifu Bian, and said to Yifu Bian, "Bian Dufu, you have to forgive me, Qian Zhongyu and I did this." It's a last resort..." Bian Yifu stammered angrily, "What...what's the last resort? You...you are rebellion!" Bi Hongen smiled peacefully, "It's not a rebellion, nor a mutiny, I am Suppress the bandits!" Bian Yifu stiffened his neck, "Well, let's also suppress Lao Tzu!" Bi Hongen said seriously, "What are you talking about? Your border governor's office is a revolutionary party, advocating revolution, not a bandit Well." Bian Yifu was trembling all over, "You, Bi Hongen, still... still have the face to talk about the revolutionary party, the revolution, the revolutionary party and the revolution, today...you are mourned by you...you! Dead!" Bi Hongen still smiled kindly, "No, the revolution has just begun! I, Qian Zhongyu, and the gentry from the Chamber of Commerce in this city believe that the suppression of bandits is the beginning of the revolution! If you don't suppress bandits, the hearts of the people will fluctuate. The market is chaotic, and you are talking about revolution! Let me ask you from the Border Governor's Office, which government throughout the ages did not suppress bandits?" Bian Yifu knew that the general situation was over, and it would be unnecessary to talk to Bi Hongen any further, and he was afraid that Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu would kill him, so he wanted to go back with Wang Sanshun.After searching for a long time, I finally found Wang Sanshun who had taken refuge in the big water tank in the west courtyard.But Bihongen didn't allow them to leave, saying that the city is not peaceful tonight, so it's safer to live here.It was only later that I found out that when the Bi Mansion attacked, the inside and outside of the city also attacked at the same time.The battalion that Xiagu stayed in the city was originally from the dead Baihehe people, who were less loyal to Xiagu. As soon as the brothers in Qian Zhongyu's camp opened fire, the brothers in charge immediately raised a white flag and surrendered to Qian Zhongyu.Qian Zhongyu's 10th Regiment on Paotai Mountain outside the city and the Six County Red Spear Society, which supported the suppression of bandits, secretly joined forces to fight seriously with Xiagu's 9th Regiment in Paotai Town.The Tenth Regiment fought down from Paotai Mountain, and the Six County Red Spear Society surrounded them from three sides. They killed and wounded nearly 800 brothers from the Ninth Regiment in one night. More than 300 brothers were captured at the foot of Paotai Mountain. buried alive.Many years after the incident, those who witnessed the burial still expressed their sorrow, calling the mass burial a "horrific tragedy."The firearms of the Red Spear Society were insufficient, and there were gaps in several joints, which allowed some of the brothers under Xiagu's regiment to escape.There were about 400 people in this group, and they had no leader, but they didn't dare to go home individually, so they went to the old camp in Taohuashan. After daybreak, the gunshots in and outside the city stopped, Xiagu's Ninth Regiment no longer existed, and Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu met Yifu Bian together.The uncle and nephew were no longer called Bian Du's House, and the obedient look they had before was gone, and they sang and said that Yifu Bian could not lead troops to be brigade commander, nor could he be the governor's house.After all, Qian Zhongyu gave an order, and a group of soldiers guarded Bian Yifu to the governor's office, and handed over the customs seals of Bian Yifu and the brigade commander on the spot.Afterwards, the soldiers defended Bian Yifu and returned to Bi's mansion to report to Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu.When entering Bi Mansion again, an armed "petition group" wielding knives and guns appeared in front of the gate of Bi Mansion. The men of the armed "petition group" kept firing guns into the sky, chanting two monotonous and loud slogans over and over again. : "Bian, get out!" "Master Bi, come back!" "Bian, get out!" "Master Bi, come back..." Bi Hongen was reserved on the surface, but he was very proud of himself in his heart. Amid the calls for justice from the armed petition group, Bi Hongen talked about the truth that "the public opinion cannot be insulted" to the dumbfounded Yifu Bian.Then, under the double support of the "public opinion" outside the door and the head of the regiment Qian Zhongyu in the house, he became Xinhong's second governor's mansion, and Qian Zhongyu was promoted to brigade commander under the support of Bidu's mansion.The newly appointed Lord Governor and Brigadier General are still magnanimous. They did not pursue Yifu Bian's crimes of colluding with bandits in the past, nor did he intend to let Yifu Bian leave immediately. , nor let Yifu Bian really get out of here.He also said that Yifu Bian had been a revolutionary party for a few days. Although he passed the bandits earlier, he actually helped to suppress the bandits last night.Bidu Mansion appointed Bian Yifu on the spot as a member of the Governor's Mansion and the office of the soon-to-open New Honghua Donation Bureau. He was in charge of implementing the "braid cutting order" issued by the Republic of China government and collecting taxes from brothels throughout the city.Bidu's Mansion encourages Bian Yifu to serve faithfully, to cut braids and manage whores. There is no room for the two adults, Bidu Mansion and Brigade Commander Qian, to finish their assignments. Yifu Bian, who was frightened all night and sulky all night, broke out mentally and physically and collapsed. He couldn't hold on any longer and sat on a chair. He crooked his body and passed out... It has been two days since I woke up from the groggy state.When he opened his eyes, he was still very dazed, unable to understand what happened in Hongcheng.The place where he was standing was very dark and the light was dim, so Yifu Bian didn't know whether it was day or night, and he couldn't tell where he was.It is certain that this is no longer the Governor's Yamen. The bedrooms in the Yamen are much larger and cleaner than here. There is absolutely no such pungent musty smell and bad smell of inferior tobacco leaves in the room.When I sat up and looked again, I saw the only familiar thing, but it was Wang Sanshun, my former adjutant of the bodyguard.Wang Sanshun was sitting under the window and taking a nap, with a short gun with a holster hanging on the back of the chair, and a big blue cloth bag beside him.When Yifu Bian sat up, there was a sound on the broken wooden bed, which woke Wang Sanshun up. Wang Sanshun immediately went to touch the gun. When he found that there was no assassin, it was the master who woke up, relieved himself, and put the gun down again. Only then did Yifu Bian understand that when he was in trouble, among so many guards in the governor's office, only Wang Sanshun followed him and guarded him, and his heart felt hot, and he remembered the fright and sullenness in time, and couldn't take care of him any more. The air of the Governor's Mansion and the master, jumped out of bed barefoot, hugged Wang Sanshun and cried, crying out a lot of snot.Wang Sanshun said, "Master Bian, why are you crying?" Yifu Bian wiped his nose with tears streaming down his face, "I'm crying for myself! Sanshun, I... I was played by those bastards, now Son, I... I am not the governor's mansion, nor... I am not the brigade commander anymore, I... I only have one brother again..." Wang Sanshun was also very sad, "Master Bian, don't say that, you are so Say, I want to cry too!" However, Wang Sanshun didn't cry, and persuaded Yifu Bian, "Master Bian, think about it, how many people died the night before, even Aunt Xia and Master Li died, but we Not dead, I think it is better than his mother! What do you think, Mr. Bian?" Yifu Bian couldn't say anything.Wang Sanshun accidentally mentioned Xiagu, which aroused his deep regret.Aunt Xia's face flashed in front of her eyes, as if she was still alive, talking to him very clearly!He also vaguely remembered that Aunt Xia also scolded him before being shot away by the platoon, and only cursed half a sentence, "Dick? The side..." What?have no idea.Anyway, he won't be "Brother Bian" anymore.Aunt Xia has been with him for so many years, even after the liberation, she was angry that he became the governor's mansion, and she still helped him sincerely, but he killed her.If it wasn't because she wanted to help him, Aunt Xia would never have agreed to drive her troops out of the city, nor would she have taken two heads as gifts to Bi Hongen's Hongmen banquet.However, Aunt Xia finally misunderstood him and thought too badly of him at that time.In fact, he was not too bad at that time, on the contrary, he was too kind, so he was fooled by Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu.The lesson that Aunt Xia got in exchange for her life was worth remembering for a lifetime!I really remember it for a lifetime.Afterwards, Yifu Bian never suffered from such kindness and ignorance again.In the words of his opponent, "This general of the Three Cannons is as cunning as a fox who sneaks away when he hears the wind." Yifu Bian set up three Hongmen banquets for his opponent, which were extremely successful. Critical junctures changed history.This is the precious legacy that Aunt Xia left to Yifu Bian, and it is also the greatest help that Aunt Xia gave to Yifu Bian in his career. Without the blood of a female husband at the Hongmen Banquet in the Bi Mansion in the early years of the Republic of China, there would be no Yifu Bian. Successful evasion and successful attack... At that time, Yifu Bian was not a "cunning flower fox".After crying for Aunt Xia, Yifu Bian didn't think of running away, let alone that Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu would send people to hunt him down after they repented.Although he knew in his heart that instead of being the governor and brigade commander, it would be humiliating to be a member of the governor's government and the flower donation bureau under Bi Hongen, but he still wanted to do it.Being an official is powerful, majestic, and flattering. It's so tempting. I don't know if I have never been an official. Once I become an official, I really can't let go.Therefore, Bian Yifu put away his memory of Aunt Xia, and said to Wang Sanshun with red eyes, "Sanshun, we can't stay here for a long time, we... we have to forget about the past. Tomorrow... tomorrow we will I still have to go to the governor's office to find Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu, complete the official paperwork, and take up the post at the Flower Donation Bureau." Wang Sanshun became anxious when he heard this, "My lord, your governor's mansion and brigade commander have been arrested. They got rid of it, and Aunt Xia and Master Li died again, how can the organization of the Flower Donation Bureau be done well?” Yifu Bian said, “I don’t care if it’s firm or not, anyway, we have to do it now, and it’s still a fat job. Seeing that Yifu Bian is still obsessed, Wang Sanshun sighed and persuaded, "Master Bian, if there is no play in the Bi Mansion, and you and Aunt Xia are not so closely related, you don't want to make this flower donation." The bureau will handle it, and I will advise you to do it. Who doesn’t know that this is a fat job? It can catch money and fuck a bitch. But now, do you dare to do it with confidence? You are not afraid of Bi Hongen and Qian Zhongyu Do you turn around and kill you?" Bian Yifu said, "If they want to kill me, they will kill me in Bi Mansion, and they won't procrastinate until now." Wang Sanshun shouted, "Do you think they don't want to kill you in Bi Mansion? They just didn't kill you. That's all! Master Bian, don't think about it, if they don't want to kill you, why didn't they talk to you before they do it?" Yifu Bian said, "That's because I'm afraid I'll go talk to Aunt Xia and Master Li. "Wang Sanshun had no choice but to say, "So, Mr. Bian, are you really going to be the committee member who manages braids and whores?" Yifu Bian nodded, "I'm going to do it, anyway, it's better than going back home to be a grassroots person. Officials are more important than people, I know..." It was noon when Bian Yifu said this.At night, when a few bullets flew into the bedroom of the inn, smashing a mirror and two vases on the table, Yifu Bian changed his mind and stopped talking about being a committee member and the Flower Donation Bureau. Lianye and Wang Sanshun escaped from the city through the old north gate. After leaving the city and running around in the middle of the night, they arrived at the intersection of Peach Blossom Ji and Peach Blossom Mountain, and the two sat down on the ridge by the road to rest their feet.While resting, Yifu Bian and Master Wang Sanshun hesitated again, not knowing where to go next.Originally they said they wanted to go back to Taohuaji's hometown, but seeing Taohuaji was right in front of them, the two felt timid again.The master and the slave kept it from each other and did not say it clearly.This night, the sky is full of stars, twinkling, as if a huge net has been cast out of thin air.A crescent moon is far away and hazy, like a kid torn apart from the net.The wilderness under the night was dead silent, without a trace of vitality, only Bian Yifu and Wang Sanshun sitting together, proving the existence of themselves and each other with their respective gasps.After resting for a long time, Yifu Bian "tested" Wang Sanshun again, and said calmly, "Sanshun, I have reached this point, I really want to test you now: we have two questions in front of us. Sanshun, which way do you think we should go?" Wang Sanshun said listlessly, "Master Bian, I'm not sure, I'll listen to you." Yifu Bian looked at him in pain. The shady net in the sky, after thinking for a long time, finally made up his mind, "Let's go home!" and found a good reason, "The Qi family governs the country and the world, the Qi family... the head of the Qi family... One always comes first!" Mrs. Li saw that the revolution of the thief's son had fallen to this stage, and she came back to Qi's house without a word of scolding or complaint.The old lady seemed to be a different person, she didn't say anything for two days, just listened to Bian Yifu and Wang Sanshun's bitterness, and didn't intervene, at most she just nodded or shook her head.In terms of life, Mrs. Li asked her family to take good care of both Yifu Bian and Wang Sanshun, and discussed with Yifu Bian in a friendly manner, and named the little grandson.According to the Bian family's lineage of "propriety and righteousness to help the world, and family prosperity", the youngest grandson should be in the generation of Ji, so Yifu Bian made the decision, Mrs. Li granted the official name: Bian Ji Country, character, Rongchang.Mrs. Li's behavior surprised Bian Yifu and Wang Sanshun, and they were also very moved. Both master and servant agreed that the old lady was really too generous.Because of Mrs. Li's generosity, Bian Yifu and Wang Sanshun took it easy, they just thought it was a big dream before, and they planned to wash their hands, stay at home and live a good life for their common people, and even discussed it. Well, go to the nunnery and climb the wall again. Unexpectedly, on the evening of the third day, Mrs. Li passed Yifu Bian and Wang Sanshun to her room in the Erjin Courtyard together, and said to Yifu Bian and Wang Sanshun, "You master and servant have had enough rest, what should I say?" I'm done talking, now I have to go." Bian Yifu felt very sudden, "Mother, you... where do you want us to go? You know, I... I have nothing. I won't tell you, Bi... Bi洪恩和钱中玉要……要杀我呀！他们已杀了那么多人，把霞姑奶奶都杀了，还……还活埋了几百口子！他们……他们让我当花捐局会办是假，想杀我才……才是真……”王三顺也说，“老夫人，边爷难哪！实是不能再回新洪城了。”李太夫人道，“我并没叫你们回新洪城，只叫你们走。你们当初不听我的劝阻，非要做革命蟊贼，如今闹到这步田地，想做顺民也做不成了！现在，你们的毕大人和钱旅长要杀你们，日后灭了革命党，大清圣上重坐龙庭也要杀你们。你们得清楚：从伙同霞姑那个女强盗攻城的那日起，你们都没退路了。”前途被母亲道破后才知道，竟是如此暗淡。边义夫面额上渗出了汗，脸也白了。李太夫人继续说，“义夫，你不要怪娘心狠，你既已参与谋反，为大义娘不能留你；谋反后又落得这么个被人追杀的结局，为娘的就更不能留你了。不留你，正是娘出于私情为你着想，你呆在家里必是死路一条，出去了，没准倒还有一线生机……” 边义夫抹着脑门上的冷汗，讷讷问母亲，“可……可我还能去哪呢？”李太夫人说，“进桃花山。我替你想了两天两夜，想来想去，也只有这一条道了。你和三顺不说了么？九团还有四百口子弟兄逃到了桃花山。你和三顺得去找他们，得靠他们的力，和毕洪恩、钱中玉这两个乱臣贼子拼到底！”这更让边义夫吃惊，他再没想到，素常对桃花山里的强盗恨之入骨的母亲，会主动提出让他和王三顺进山投靠匪贼，便以为母亲是捉弄他和王三顺，“娘，你要是气我，就打我两巴掌也好，只是别再这么挖苦我了。”李太夫人摇摇头，“都到这份上了，娘还有挖苦你的心思么？娘的秉性你是知道的，素常不惹事，碰上事不怕事。和当年你那不争气的爹正相反。我看你呀，一点不像我这个为娘的，倒活脱像你爹。正是个没事一身胆，逢事面团团的东西！”王三顺插言道，“老夫人，也不好这般说哩！我边爷还算是有点胆的，攻城那日，老北门没人敢下令开炮，就边爷下了令，连开三炮，才有了革命的成功。”李太夫人定定地看着边义夫，“义夫，只要你还有胆就好。你不是做过反贼的督府兼旅长么？那就以督府的名，把山里的弟兄编起来，再下一次令，再轰一次城，再连开三炮，把姓毕的和姓钱的这甥舅俩轰出去！别坐等着他们来杀你们，剿你们！我再说一遍：你们别做那退隐山野的大头梦了！你们既上了贼船，最好的结局便是去做窃国大盗！窃珠者贼，窃国者侯，古人早就说过的！”母亲无意中说出的窃国大盗一语，让边义夫受到了极大的震动。尽管边义夫知道，忠于大清的母亲并不是真想让他去做“窃国大盗”可他却由这句话看到了暗淡前程中的一线光明，看到了一个男子汉轰轰烈烈活上一世的最高目标。That night, Yifu Bian lay down on the heated kang and smoked opium for two cents, discussed with Wang Sanshun for a long time, and finally made up his mind: enter Peach Blossom Mountain again!向山中的弟兄宣布：毕洪恩和钱中玉是谋反兵变，他要以督府兼省军第三旅旅长的名义，亲率第九团的弟兄们去讨伐。他还可以到省城寻求大都督黄胡子和刘建时师长的支持，他能活动的天地大着呢！想得浑身燥热，边义夫等不得第二天天亮了，拉着王三顺，收拾东西要连夜走。李太夫人也不拦，边郁氏抱着儿子，拖着大小姐、二小姐在一旁哭，李太夫人反而好言好语劝。 行前，李太夫人拿出家里仅有的九百两现银，分做两包，用一层层布包好了，交给边义夫和王三顺，要边义夫和王三顺用它做招兵买马的花费。Yifu Bian's heart felt hot, and he knelt down and kowtowed to his mother with tears in his eyes.王三顺放声哭着，也跪下给李太夫人磕头。李太夫人看着跪在一起的边义夫和王三顺，叹着气说，“你们二人从小在一起长大，虽道一个是主子，一个是下人，却是天生的一对孽障；这次谋反又一起共过患难，今日我老太太作主，你们就拜个金兰兄弟吧！日后出门在外，再没啥主子下人了，就兄弟相称，相沐以助吧！”边义夫和王三顺挂着满面泪水，依着李太夫人的心愿，点烛熏香，结拜了金兰。而后，王三顺从牲口棚里牵出家里仅有的两匹马，给马备了鞍，一人一匹，牵出了边府大门。主，“人在上马石前上马时，李太夫人又说话了，要边义夫等一下。边义夫重回到母亲面前，问母亲还有啥吩咐？母亲把泪水涟涟的边郁氏和大小姐、二小姐都叫了过来，让她们一起给边义夫磕头。大小姐不干，说是自己老子是去做强盗，她不给强盗下跪。李太夫人厉声说，”就算去做强盗，他也是你爹！ “大小姐这才很委屈地给自己老子磕了头。边义夫心酸得很，自知此次进山不比上次，有一场民族革命可指望，这次确是逃亡，啥时能回来，甚或能不能回来都说不准了。心里头一回对母亲和妻女生出了愧疚之情，腿一软，又在母亲和边郁氏面前跪下了，泣不成声说，”娘，你们多保重，至今往后，你们就当……就当我死了吧！言毕，再不敢流连，走到上马石旁，急忙上马走了。 望着儿子和王三顺的背影消失在夜色中，李太夫人先是塑像一般在门口的台阶上立着，默默地落泪。后来，就撑不住了，身子一软，倚着门框呜呜哭出了声，并于哭声中一口一个“孽障”的骂。“孽障”当夜还在梦中，一副小淘气的样子，躺在她怀里笑，躺在请来的奶娘怀里向她笑，还追着满院的小鸡小鸭笑。丰富多姿的笑却被一阵马蹄声踏飞了。天刚放亮，桃花集就被新任旅长钱中玉派来的马队围了。马队的营长不说是来抓边义夫，只说是奉毕督府和钱旅长的令，来请边义夫到城里走一趟。对李太夫人，营长也很客气，说是毕督府和钱旅长都知道老夫人是义民节妇，实属风世楷模，正拟呈文省上，造册具书证明，按例褒扬。李太夫人不听这些废话，只问，“你们毕督府和钱旅长找这孽障干啥？”马队营长说，“边爷仍是督府委员兼花捐局会办，毕督府要请边爷上任视事呢！”李太夫人淡然一笑，“去回禀你们毕督府，就说这孽障永远不会上任视事了！”马队营长急问，“边爷既不上任视事，如今又在哪里？”李太夫人仰脸看着灰白的天空，“具体在哪呢，我也闹不清，只听说现在正整兵备武准备讨逆哩！也不知那逆是谁？反正这孽障从小就不是饶人的碴，你们回去传个话给你们毕督府和钱旅长，让他们小心了就是！” 兵变之夜抑或是剿匪之夜骤响的枪声，被许多遗老遗少们认定为成功的复辟。一时间传言四起，道是毕洪恩和钱中玉皆是有良心的大清忠臣，虽置身乱流仍念念不忘皇上浩荡圣恩，择机灭杀了新洪城中的反贼乱党，即将奉密旨发兵勤王。又道是反贼之督府边义夫惶惶不可终日，日前已被其母——深明大义的义民节妇李太夫人亲自擒拿归案，押在牢狱，只等毕大人和钱大人发兵勤王之日便开刀祭旗。遗老遗少们盘在头上的辫子公然落下了，大清的龙旗赫然出现在新洪街头。宣统恩科进士秦时颂更大天白日闯到督府衙门，见了毕洪恩跪倒便拜，光亮的额头在地上磕出了血。秦时颂涕泪俱下，把毕洪恩称做文天祥第二。毕洪恩便十二分的惭愧起来，觉得自己实是下作，竟在起乱之时服膺了匪类，而没去做文天祥。 毕洪恩眼噙热泪，扶起秦时颂，感叹说，“兄台呀，你才真是文天祥哩！”秦时颂说，“毕大人，我们都要做文天祥，都要有气节，宁死不事二主，宁死不为二臣！人生自古谁无死？留取丹心照汗青！民国？呸，什么东西！泱泱一个大中国没有皇上怎么成？还不乱了套！别处不说，就说咱新洪，这一年多被民国闹成了什么样子？简直……简直是不可言也！”毕洪恩应着，“是的，是的，所以，我和钱旅长就顺应民心，把他们剿了！”秦时颂赞道，“剿得好，剿得好啊！毕大人，你和钱旅长这是解民于水火倒悬呀，是大忠大义呀！听说你和钱旅长正准备发兵勤王？不知定在何日？”毕洪恩一怔，“谁说我和钱旅长要发兵勤王？谁说的？”秦时颂说，“外面都在传哩。”毕洪恩沉吟片刻，颇为痛苦地开了口，“秦兄台，和你说心里话，勤王的心我和钱旅长都是有的，那力却没有啊！勤王和剿匪不是一回事，没有足够的兵力是万万不可行的！”秦时颂头一昂，“毕大人此言差矣！昔楚国三户尚可亡秦，今日毕大人和钱大人手中有一旅人马，安知不能勤王乎？大人须知，民国政体不合我国国情，更不合民意，中国老百姓是不能没有皇上的！大人只要打出勤王旗号，必能得到天下响应！”毕洪恩捻着下巴上几根黄须，沉思不语。秦时颂以为自己的话起了作用，“毕大人，你想想，中国没有皇上怎么得了呀？这民国之民字又是如何得了呀？国家神器四万万草民百姓皆可窃之，皆思窃之，岂不要天下大乱？五服十六国的乱局岂不又要重演一回？所以，晚生一直以为，中国只可君主立宪维新图强，断不可革命毁国失却根本！晚生今日把话撂在这里：如吾等不能忠心勤王保皇上复位，天下必将由此大乱，我中华文明古国五千年传统必将毁于一旦，你我日后将于内忧外患之中死无丧身之地也！” 毕洪恩尽管心里惭愧着，却绝无丝毫勤王的念头。事情很清楚，他和外甥钱中玉不能逆势而为，他从心里敬重秦时颂，却不能去做秦时颂，拿鸡蛋去碰石头。便好言好语地对秦时颂说，“兄台所言极是！只是勤王之事非同小可，成则青史留名，败则后果不堪设想，兄台且容我和钱旅长再想想吧！我们总不能事无把握，就打出勤王旗号，让新洪子弟白自流血的。”秦时颂挂着满面泪水，“扑通”一声跪到地上，激烈地叫了起来，“该流血就要让他流！晚生头一个去流！生当做人杰，死亦为鬼雄！大人，你我皆大清进士出身，都沐浴浩荡皇恩，今日正是报恩的好时候！大人啊，咱宣统小皇上尚在冲龄啊，民国乱党贼人和袁项城就将他废了，岂不痛哉！圣祖仁皇帝冲龄亲政，手夷大难，平定四海，青史留名，民国乱党贼人又安知宣统小皇上不能奠定寰宇，完成中兴之大业乎？大人，咱宣纷小皇上天纵英明啊！”恰在这时，钱中玉匆匆进来了。秦时甥又冲着钱中玉胡乱磕头，“钱旅长，钱大人，求你们发兵勤王救救咱宣统小皇上！晚生愿为你们二位大人牵马坠蹬……”钱中玉呆住了，看看跪在地上的秦时颂，又看看舅舅毕测恩，一言未发。毕洪恩再次拉起秦时颂，“好了，好了，秦兄台你的心思我都知道了，一旦有时机，我和钱旅长必会发兵勤王的！现在却不成，现在，要想法继续剿匪哩！匪首边义夫逃逸眼下啸聚桃花山，不剿平必有大患呀。”秦时颂很吃惊，“不是说边义夫已被捕获，正要择日开刀问斩么？”钱中玉阴阴看了秦时颂一眼，“等你进士爷去斩呢，你既有心勤王复辟，倒不如先把桃花山里的边义夫斩了，也了却我和毕大人一份大心思！”秦时颂这才知道，市面上的传言颇为不确，不但勤王的事渺茫得很，就连匪患亦为剿绝——那反贼督府边义夫如何兢让他逃逸了呢？还想再问，钱中玉已很不耐烦了，一声送客，将秦时颂驱逐出门。在门口，秦时颂极力回过头来，又冲着毕洪恩叫，“毕大人，匪患剿绝必得勤王啊！”毕洪恩连连道，“好，好，秦兄台，勤王之事你只管放心，只管放心！” 秦时颂走后，钱中玉拉下了脸，“勤什么王？老舅，你糊涂了不成？咱现在可是民国新朝的官吏，你老是督府，我是旅长！真保个皇上回来，对我有什么好处？让我放着民国新朝的旅长不做，再回头做个吃气的小管带？简直是岂有此理！”毕洪恩不高兴了，“钱阿三，你心里怎么只有你自己？就没有社稷国家？你就不想想，中国没个皇上怎么得了呀？就不想想小皇上才十岁，就被这帮乱臣贼子废了，满朝忠臣良将并那举国义民百姓又作何感想呀？”钱中玉没好气地道，“那好，老舅，你就和那位进士爷发兵勤王吧！我倒要看看你们兵从哪来？又有几个不识时务的蠢货会跟你们去干！老舅，你不是不知道，边义夫把个督府衙门的大招牌挂到了桃花山，正在招兵买马要讨咱的逆，你倒好，正把个逆的借：送给了他！” 毕洪恩这才彻底清醒了，只得把一颗忠于前朝的心暂且收了回来，去面对眼前恼人的现实，“阿三，快说说看，这个边义夫，你打算怎么对付？”钱中玉说，“得问你呀！剿匪那夜，我要把边义夫干掉，你就是不允，还让他做花捐局会办！”这确是失策，毕洪恩想，那夜真依着外甥的意思，把边义夫杀了，今日便没了这些麻烦。嘴上却不认账，故作高深道，“阿三，不是老舅教训你，政治上的事你真是不懂，当时形势必得体现民意嘛！我这督府是民意拥戴的结果嘛！民意体现过后，我不是依着你的主意，让你去干掉姓边的么？”钱中玉看了毕洪恩一眼，“晚了！你就等着姓边的再攻回城吧！”毕洪恩被钱中玉目光中的鄙夷弄得极是恼火，觉得做了旅长的外甥实是不堪得很，脾气一天大似一天，眼里已无了他这个舅舅，因之气道，“就算边义夫攻城也是你的事，你做着旅长，又不是我做旅长！”钱中玉说，“说得是，所以，老舅，我就不能容你这般胡来！剿匪之后，龙旗都出来了，辫子也不剪了，这不是反逆民国又是什么？今更好，竟在堂堂督府衙门谈起了勤王复辟，被省城大都督黄胡子知道如何得了？找死不成？你就不怕黄胡子把省城的两旅省军开过来，助着边义夫讨咱的逆么？”毕洪恩惊出了一身冷汗，顾不得拿架子了，“那你说该咋办才是？”钱中玉手一挥，“龙旗不准挂，辫子还要剪，不能给黄胡子和边义夫留下任何藉口，尤其是勤王复辟之事，提都不能提，那个姓秦的狗进士再提什么勤王，老子一枪毙了他！咱得让省上承认咱是剿匪！”毕洪恩问，“黄大都督承认咱是剿匪么？你派到省上的弟兄是咋说的？”钱中玉说，“霞姑这干人是匪，黄胡子原本知道，现在极是疑惑，道是霞姑和她的民军有功于民国，怪我们处置失当，声言此事不算完，定要查个水落石出。倒是原新军协统刘建时受了我们的好处，为我们说了些话，眼下便僵着。据说，黄胡子和刘建时早已不和，也在明争暗斗。”毕洪恩眼睛一亮，“那就好，我们就靠定刘师长，继续剿匪！” 钱中玉说，“真剿也难，边义夫不是霞姑，是新洪光复后民意公推出的首任督府，曾以文代电宣达全国，现在仍打着督府的旗号，如何剿得？”意味深长地看了毕洪恩一眼，“老舅，当初既没杀掉他，只怕还要对他和平让步哩！”毕洪恩狐疑地问，“怎么和平让步？”钱中玉道，“让他回新洪复任督府之职嘛！”毕洪恩气得浑身直抖，“钱阿三，你……你……你，你混账！你混账！你狗东西敢让姓边的复职，我就……就先挚起大清龙旗，在这督府衙门誓……誓师勤王！”钱中玉一点不恼，笑笑地看着毕洪恩，“老舅，你不要急嘛，我说的只是一种设想！你不干就算，别给我提什么誓师勤王的鸟事！还有一个设想我没说呢：我也可以把旅长的位子让给边义夫，只是不知道边义夫做旅长，老舅您这督府还干得下去么？”边义夫真做了旅长，他这督府如何干得下去？毕洪恩呆住了。钱中玉便又说，“所以，老舅，你就别成天坐在大衙里做那复辟的大头梦了，得赶快找商会的那帮守财奴勒银子去！没有银子壮着弟兄们的胆，谁替你剿匪守城！老舅，我今日到这儿来不为别事，只是告诉你：我以省军名义从本洋行订了批枪弹，需五万两银子，你得赶快去给我筹！”说罢，昂昂然，大英雄一般走了。 钱中玉走了好久，毕洪恩仍是气愤不已，越想越觉得秦时颂说得有理：民国这个民字最是要不得！没了皇上，国家神器草民皆可窃之，皆思窃之，纲常礼乐也就崩乱了。放在过去，这个钱阿三岂敢这样放肆地和他讲话？岂敢！又想，自己这新