Chapter 6 Chapter 5 Not My Life
Cars and people were coming and going on the middle street of the French Concession, and the remaining snow on the cobblestone road was swept clean. There were more than a dozen large foreign banks on both sides, and it was the busiest time for trading in the afternoon.
Miss Baoyi still dressed herself as a handsome young man, wearing a pair of soft lambskin gloves, and skillfully controlled the lacquered Hesting double carriage. "Attention, my request is very serious." She gently pressed her plump lower lip, fanned her long eyelashes, and said very seriously. "You must entrust this task to me."
Jin Shanqing leaned comfortably beside her, watching her lightly pull the reins, bypass a set of eight green woolen sedan chairs, and overtake a Chinese-style horse-drawn sedan and a stalled gasoline truck. Jun's blue satin-colored foreign horse has a light gait.She said again: "Today is a good day for King Chao Tian to spend his dowry, don't spoil the fun, keep disturbing my friends."
Jin Shanqing will never agree to her request. There are two reasons here: one is that although Baoyi has a good reputation, he has never seen her make a move. No face; the second reason is not easy to talk about as a revolutionary, it is a personal matter.
He knew Baoyi's temperament too well. He knew that if the carriage couldn't cross the Haihe River, she would definitely change her tone and beg him again, but he still wouldn't agree.
"Please, promise." The carriage ran up the French Bridge, Baoyi's cute little head tilted towards him, and began to act like a baby, but this time he spoke in proficient German.She is a top student at the government-run Dehua School in the German Concession.
"Don't say any more, this is an organizational decision." Jin Shanqing deliberately said something bluntly, but then changed the subject, saying: "Although I can't entrust you with the task, I still have a little bit of power in this matter." , I will send you a reserve team based on friendship."
Baoyi's eyes flashed towards him like lightning, seemingly dissatisfied, but Yuanyuan's smile began to flicker.
"Speaking seriously, a good woman, how can she be called Chao Tianwang?" This is a gossip to ease the atmosphere.Jin Shanqing firmly grasped the rhythm of the conversation.
"The members of our women's assassination group all have the name of Shuibo Liangshan."
"Then what's your name?" It was the first time he had heard such an interesting thing.Jin Shanqing became more and more worried about them. To give herself such a nickname can only show that they are all a bunch of children.
"I can't tell you that."
Why not choose them?He did not like this decision of the Nanjing Provisional Government at all.Maybe it's because they have become so famous these days that the members of the Northern Branch of the Tongmenghui believed it was true and reported it to Nanjing.He knew very well that if he wanted to count exactly who they assassinated, he really couldn't tell.
Chao Tianwang's mansion is on the south side of the Italian Concession, close to the Haihe River. It is a Tudor style mansion, but it is four stories high. This is the customary modification of foreign things by the Chinese.When Jin Shanqing and Baoyi's carriage entered the gate, just as the dry house sent people to deliver the make-up ceremony, the two teams under the mat shed at the gate were playing vigorously.
Originally, the Italian Concession could not allow the Chinese to make a fuss during weddings and weddings, and even issued a special ban for this. However, since the riots broke out in Wuchang last year, the world was in a state of unrest. The prices of houses and land in the concession have increased by two or three times. When foreigners see the benefits, they turn a blind eye to such things.
This King Chao Tian was the leader of the women's assassination group and the oldest, nearly twenty years old. It was said that she was a brave warrior who would not die. Many extraordinary stories about her were circulated among the revolutionary parties in the north.This time, the task assigned by the south was originally focused on her, but it happened to coincide with her getting married; and the number two person known as the leopard head had a habitual dysmenorrhea, and he was coming to Tiangui these days, lying in bed. I can't get up at home. I heard that seven or eight maids and mothers are not serving well.
It was Jin Shanqing's idea to give this job to No. 3 man, Shi Xiu, who is known as Desperate Saburo, because he didn't want it to fall on Bao Yi, who was No. 4 in the regiment.
Seeing that the host's house was busy, the two of them did not rush into the living room to avoid further confusion, so they stood under the bare wisteria trellis to watch the excitement.According to the local custom, the dowry must be paid on the first day of the wedding, and before the dowry leaves, someone from the dry house must be sent to deliver the dowry gift.The gifts at this time are not expensive, mainly food, but today the man brought eight pairs of food boxes, which seems a bit too flattering, and the average rich family can send two or four food boxes. The main purpose It is to send the dress, phoenix crown, and jewelry worn by the bride during the ceremony the next day.
"I heard that the man's family is from Shandong who opened a silk and satin shop." Baoyi didn't know whether it was emotion or something, as if he was talking to himself. "I made a hasty marriage in November last year, so I came to marry so soon."
Jin Shanqing heard a little bit that Chao Tianwang's father had been a customs officer for two terms, made a fortune of one or two million taels of silver, and now he is recuperating at home.Officials find rich and wealthy families to marry, which is a trend that has arisen since the Wuchang riots last year.These people are a bit clever. Now that the Revolutionary Party has successfully negotiated peace with Yuan Shikai and changed the Republic of China, these officials of the Qing Dynasty will have no future.
Behind the food box were eight housekeepers wearing barley ears and sheepskin robes, their faces seemed to be the kindness of natural businessmen, and if they opened their mouths to talk, they would definitely grumble.Shandong dialect was as popular in the business circles of the Qing Dynasty as Fujian Mandarin was in the officialdom a few years ago, and Jin Shanqing could also speak Shandong dialect.And "Yin'er" flashed behind the eight housekeepers, which made him feel a little complicated.
This is the No. 3 member of the Women's Assassination Group, nicknamed Desperate Saburo. What's interesting is that her real name is also Shi Xiu. She wears a red satin fox fur gown, but only a small satin hat in the cold weather. Facing a piece of rouge tourmaline, with a green emerald finger on her thumb, and a men's embroidered purse on her waist, she looks like a nobleman, and the most unusual thing is that her legs are riding on her legs. He bought a snow-white Swiss warmblood horse over eight feet tall.
Maverick and erratic behavior are the comments given to her by the Northern Branch of the Tongmenghui when they reported to the Nanjing Provisional Government. They objected to entrusting her with the task.In fact, Jin Shanqing is not at ease with her. It is said that this woman has a bad reputation of playing tricks on assassination targets.Although she has never missed a hand so far, maybe she is very lucky, although Jin Shanqing doesn't know what achievements she has.Too many people have been assassinated this year, and too many people have been assassinated, and the situation was once quite chaotic.
The whip, reins, and a piece of silver were thrown to "Goshha" who was standing at the gate, and Shi Xiu walked towards Jin Shanqing.It was only at this time that he noticed that Baoyi was wearing a robe and satin hat of the same material today, but it was Hailong's leather tube, the hat was inlaid with a piece of sapphire, and there was a yellow poplar green finger on his thumb.
Shi Xiu clasped his hands together like a man, and said: "Mr. Jin, Brother Bao." Her voice was low and soft, with the contempt of a wealthy family, her brows were handsome, and her eyes were surprisingly calm. You can see it from a corner.
Jin Shanqing bowed his hand to return the gift, and said casually: "It's really a good horse, but Tianjin Wei can't find another one, which makes Miss Shi look even more elegant." This is not entirely a compliment, he disapproves of Shi from the bottom of his heart Show publicity.
"A small gift from my father, the horse of the German consul." She took Baoyi's hand and whispered in her ear.Suddenly, another seven or eight big girls gathered around them, laughing and laughing, wearing the same maroon satin leather gown, the same satin hat, and the rest were all in the leather tubes, hats, fingers and purses around their waists. superior.
"Sir, what's your surname?" In fact, they knew that Bao Yi had a good relationship with him.When they heard that the surname was Jin, they joked in unison: "Hey, why isn't the surname Jia?"
Baoyi's face turned red, and said: "Let's go to see the bride, and come back to find you."
A dozen or so purplish red leather robes, with slightly wide waists, without waistcoats and mandarin jackets, walking together hand in hand, quite a spectacle.They dressed like this so that they could not show the expensive pistols that were burning on their waists, and they would not be hindered by their waistcoats from drawing them.Seeing them jumping and running to the building, Jin Shanqing stood there alone with some emotion.These foreign-educated children were born blessed, and their families were enlightened. Most of them did not let them suffer from footbinding.
"Is it too hot to see people getting married?" A young man in a western dress appeared beside him, clasping his hands as a national salute.
"Aiya, Brother Chaohai." Jin Shanqing was startled, and then let out a joyful cry.This is an old acquaintance, named Wang Yang, who took the name of himself to jump into the sea, but every time he had to explain to others that he didn't want to jump into the sea to commit suicide, but meant to dance on the sea.Like Jin Shanqing, he is slightly taller than Chinese people, but a little thin, with a small black beard and a shrewd look.When studying abroad in Japan, the two often traveled together in hot springs around the country during non-holidays and vacations, tasting local geisha, and they became friends for a while.At that time, he was already a famous advocate of violent revolution, advocating assassination and riots.But his major was the Public Security Department, which was sent by the Qing government to train officials for the preparation of a new police force.
This gentleman is the assassination target sent by the Nanjing Provisional Revolutionary Government. He is the new deputy of the Zhili Patrol Road. If he was in the Qing Dynasty, he should be an official from the fourth rank. What grade.
Is it because he took refuge in Yuan Shikai?Or for some other reason?Jin Shanqing has been trying to find out why Mr. Sun Wen's old friend Wang Jingwei ordered him to be removed, so he didn't make much effort to arrange the assassination.
Jin Shanqing: Renshoudang is the largest among the three local pawnshops opened by the Revolutionary Party. It is on Gongbei Avenue, especially the warehouse is the largest, with more than a dozen pawnshops, and it is also the most secure.The goods here, if the market value is about 200,000 yuan, the cost of pawns alone will be around 40,000 yuan.The solid shelves made of cedar wood stretched all the way to the roof, row by row, row by row, almost full of incoming pawns, very spectacular.From this day on, I am the owner of this pawn shop. It is not for no reason. As early as when I gave the batch of arms to Shanghai Governor Chen Qimei for free, I planned that they would send me to the pawn shop anyway. for remuneration.Now that Yuan Shikai has become the president, the world has initially been settled, and President Sun has no strength to start a war in the south. It just so happens that taking this opportunity, it is time to think about some family matters.Every well-to-do wealthy household in the local area regards pawnshops as their least risky investment. This is also an opportunity for our Ozeki Jin family to revive their family business.Looking around, the bundles on the shelf are different in size, gray cloth, wrapped in a special way of Danghang, and a small piece of paper is tied to the corner, with two lines of "Dang" written in heavenly script on it.When the shop is a kind of rolled bag, even the leather jackets and robes inside are folded in a different way. The people on the cabinet don't need to look at the small cards, but just the folded pattern, they can probably know the value of the things.This is the rule of the pawn shop. Although I don't understand it, I know that as long as you employ the right people, you can earn a lot of money.
Staying in the warehouse, I am in a good mood, because here is the smell of wealth.
"Boss, we have guests." The one who straightened his neck and shouted was the man in charge of the rolls, from Yangliuqing, who had been in Tianjin for more than ten years, and his accent hadn't reversed yet.The visitor looks like a domino, with a short stature, and with two arms stretched forward, it can be seen that he has been holding a stick since childhood, throwing stones to lock the pressure.Looking at the body again, the sheepskin robe is covered with a yellow Henan silk gown, the inside and outside hem is short, just below the knee, the bottom is blue cloth socks, double-bridge embroidered shoes, and there are two small braids behind the shoes.The head is bare on the top, and the eyebrows and eyes move wildly when he opens his mouth. The braid at the back of the head is as stiff as a whip, and the red silk rope more than two feet long is attached to the bottom.All the men in Tianjin Wei know how to dress up, they are jugglers and bastards.However, he opened his mouth politely: "Jin Dong's family, our men wish you a happy new year."
I gritted my back molars and said, "Second Master Qi, I don't dare to be you, please be polite." This Second Master Qi is called Qi Wancheng, nicknamed Gousheng, and nicknamed Zhenguan Xia.As soon as the local people heard the nickname, they knew that this was a gangster who was closed outside the North Gate.The former shopkeeper of Renshou secretly used pawn books to put out "sharp money" to cheat the owner's money. He teamed up with Qi Wancheng. Take four and enjoy them all by yourself.Presumably he heard that the owner has changed, and the shopkeeper has also been developed, so he came to see the way.He also said: "Boss Jin, let me take a step to speak. You know, something is coming, we have to talk about it." A small play before the fight.I'd also like to hear how he handles this.It's not a decent thing to collude with the shopkeeper's partner to defraud the boss of his money.Of course, they don't care whether the owner is an eunuch or a revolutionary party. These days, people are crazy about money.
The two of us turned around the Empress Palace one after the other, and sat on a seat by the stove in a small Muslim restaurant.Sixty dumplings stuffed with hot mutton and zucchini, and a pot of knives from a pot of Jindong cooking pot are the best food in this season of cold hands and feet, which can satisfy hunger and warm the body.I am partial to you first.Qi Wancheng was thoughtful, like a man from Tianjin Wei.Sixty thin-skinned dumplings, Yasai, and sixty jumping beans, throwing them into his mouth didn't do anything.Dumplings are like wine, the more you eat, the more delicious you are.This kid was holding a huge bowl of dumpling soup, his face was shining with oil.
"Full? Seriously." I said.When the Nanjing Provisional Government cashed me this deposit, it didn't say that the cash on the cabinet was also mine. The 20,000 yuan in silver that this kid released through his hands was all revolution funds, and I had to get it back if it fell on me.Besides, I was also a local character when I was young, and I saw a lot of them, and I am not afraid of the dog temper of the gangster who said he would turn his face.They are all Tianjin Wei's dolls, who is afraid of whom?
Qi Wancheng: The new owner of Renshou Pawnshop is a pretty guy, but as soon as I met him, I knew it was not a good match.Not to mention whether his identity as a comprador of the German merchant Hengchang foreign company is fake, let's just say that this kid has the energy in him, his eyes are playful, and his mouth is not weak.I'm really not sure whether I can eat him or not.But then again, we men get this two money, but also bear the bloody relationship with our friends, so we can't meditate.I followed the pre-arranged three-tone reading to him first: Master, Zheng Xiangji's shop collapsed, and all the ten thousand yuan in foreign currency was lost.His grandma's, catch this boy, I won't peel him off!When I was talking, I leaned very close, and the stench of garlic in my mouth rushed towards this kid.Hey, he is really good enough to not move at all.I took another sip of the hot dumpling soup, expelling the garlic flavor again, and without putting down the bowl, I went up to say something in the vernacular: Twenty-three Sacrificial Stoves, I'm looking for that boy.When the accounts are settled at the end of the year, please say hello first and forgive me.What he said was very good, the interest will be returned at twenty-eight, half of the principal will be paid, and the other half will be paid before thirty.I saw that he still had a hundred pieces of blue foreign cloth, more than twenty bolts of makeup satin, a dozen bolts of python satin, and seventy or eighty bolts of Henan silk and Shandong cocoon silk in various colors in his storage room. inside.I ordered two big bowls of crispy rice with spicy oil from Lao Kangtou outside the north gate early this morning, six hot pots with hot teeth and three noodles, which is called crispy....Well, the old problem is committed as soon as it is said, and the talker ran two miles away, and the surname Jin rushed up and dragged him back and forth, and said, "Zheng Xiangji, have you gone?"Isn't this nonsense, can you run if you are not full?I said I just went there and the fuck ran away.The couple and their two young children heard that they took the bus on Jinpu Road, so they didn't know whether they were going to Shandong or Nanjing to vote for the Revolutionary Party.Let me give the boy a cloud and mist first, and see what he will say.
"Where's the goods?" The man surnamed Jin seemed to have flashed a flash when he heard that, and waited for the thunder there.I gave him a few tough words at the beginning: "Why don't you say you are an ass!" If he has the goods to cover his bill, can he run away?The goods are all empty, and the shop will give it to an old Xier to open the paint.Seeing that the boy had nothing to say, I ordered another bowl of dumpling soup, which was hot.After running this morning, Shuimi didn't bite his teeth, and peed from the cold.The kid also said, I'll go and see with you, maybe he's back again?This was purely to say stupid things to hide my embarrassment. I told him, "Look? Everyone has passed Hengshui now. Where can I find it? There is nothing in the shop. What are you going to do? It's a waste of shoes. Haha."
People in Shandong are very polite, the eight housekeepers holding food boxes bowed, bowed, and talked politely, and the stewards who were picked up from Kun's house were still courteous endlessly, and the blowing and beating in front of the door was also tense. Relatives such as eight aunts and six aunts stood in the courtyard, appraising the bridal dresses and jewelry brought over.A dry house opens a silk and satin shop, and the material of the dress must have something strange...
Jin Shanqing asked Wang Yang: "Do you recognize this family?"
This is nothing to talk about, he was thinking in his heart, how to distract Wang Yang, lest he face to face with the women's assassination team.Especially Shi Xiu, who loves to play tricks, can't get acquainted with him.Assassination for the sake of the revolution is one thing, it can only be regarded as a last resort, but it is another thing to tease the other party enough when you know you want to kill him.That's not very benevolent.
"The owner of this house is my father's fellow Jinshi, and he is the same age. My nephew is indispensable to come to congratulate me. By the way, I will give my father a congratulatory gift." Wang Yang answered smoothly, but his eyes were fixed on the side courtyard in the moon cave gate.
In the side courtyard, a dozen or so maroon leather robes formed a circle, laughing non-stop.Suddenly, a small Lhasa dog came out of the circle, with a small piece of bacon tied to its tail.The little dog fled in front of Wang Yang, circling around, wagging its tail, and the long hair on its head was fluffed up. I don't know if it covered its eyes and couldn't see it, or what, it kept bumping around. , but just can't bite the meat.
Wang Yang bent down to pick up the puppy, and in the blink of an eye, he conjured up a dagger with a handle that was as wide as a finger but four inches long. He gently snapped the rope tied to the dog's tail, and the dagger disappeared again.
"Such a precious puppy can't eat dirty things." He threw the bacon far outside the wall, and the little Lhasa dog snuggled up to his hand, licking his fingers. "It's a good little thing."
"Give me back the dog." Shi Xiu was only half a head shorter than Wang Yang, her almond-shaped eyes were wide open, her gaze was like a knife, and she was very imposing. She surrounded her comrades like a screen behind her.
Baoyi persuaded: "Forget it, don't make trouble, it's not good if its owner finds out."
"What are you afraid of? Anyway, King Chao Tian is getting married." Shi Xiu's tone sounded very aggressive.
Wang Yang didn't let go of the puppy, but looked back to meet Shi Xiu's gaze.Jin Shanqing seemed to hear a click, like the sound of two sharp swords clashing.
Wang Yang withdrew his gaze and said, "Do you think this little thing wants to eat that piece of meat? No, it's angry because people humiliated it. What do you think? Shall I also tie a piece of meat to try its taste?" Feel?"
Jin Shanqing thought that Shi Xiu must be angry, but she was so calm, she stretched out her hand to Wang Yang like a foreigner, as if meeting friends at the spring horse race, and said, "I didn't expect you to be a compassionate person. I am the bride." classmate, are you?"
Wang Yang gave a respectable hand kiss, the puppy was still in his arms, and said, "I'm Wang Yang, the nephew of the owner."
"The assistant of the new police officer?" Shi Xiu didn't expect to meet the target of the assassination on such an occasion, and her hand involuntarily touched her waist, but stopped.
"Don't dare to be a small official who is as big as sesame seeds and mung beans. He just mixes two meals." Wang Yang handed the puppy to Shi Xiu, and smoothed the long hair on its forehead. "It's unexpected that the girl can know such a small person."
Shi Xiu didn't speak any more, just smiled unexpectedly, gracefully, and led the crowd away gracefully, without taking big steps like usual.
"Interesting girl." Wang Yang looked far away. "I wonder if she can dance?" This is a soliloquy.
Jin Shanqing had known for a long time that he was a fan of dancing. When he was in Japan, he couldn't find a dance partner, so he carried the chair around the room.
"She's not a good dance partner." Jin Shanqing didn't want the two of them to mix together, which was not good for either side.The murderer and the murdered get to know each other by meeting, which is a big taboo in the assassination business.
Jin Shanqing soon discovered that this matter was done wrong.What's wrong?It's just wrong that the members of the female assassination group are a bunch of rich young ladies, they are used to being servants, and their father and brother are all enlightened people, so they were educated in foreign countries and socialized everywhere, so they forgot Once he has fulfilled his duty as a woman, he has to rush to make decisions in everything. In this way, the task is given to them, and they also agree to it, but how to carry it out is no longer up to him.From then on, it all became their own game.
It's ridiculous to think about it. If they were women who were dutiful, how could they come up with a women's assassination group, also known as the Revolutionary Party?Jin Shanqing has the virtue of self-criticism.
It was necessary for him to worry, because three days had passed since King Chao Tian got married, and he had no news of Shi Xiu, and even Bao Yi disappeared.
It couldn't have been more obvious than things had gotten out of hand.Both the Northern Branch of the Tongmenghui and the Nanjing Provisional Government came to seek news, but he reluctantly kept it under wraps, but it could only be kept secret for a while.So, when he received the note from Baoyi, he rushed over like flying.It should have been thought a long time ago that the best place for Shi Xiu to tease Wang Yang is the dance floor.Wang Yang, a dancing fan, should have the joy of fish entering the sea when he returns to Tianjin, a world of flowers.
The YMCA on Middle Street in the French Concession is a small club, and it is also the only place that accepts Chinese in the concession clubs. Other luxurious English clubs, German clubs, country clubs, and even Jewish clubs must be led by foreigners. You can only enter, but all you can do is drink a cup of black tea with milk, and don't even think about participating in entertainment.Therefore, the existence of the YMCA is very precious.
When Jin Shanqing arrived here, the street lights in the French Concession had been on for a long time. In front of the YMCA, there were parked foreign cars, horse-drawn sedans, and even large blue sedan chairs. They squatted down, smoking dry tobacco there, or chewing meat with sauce on flatbread rolls.Jin Shanqing asked his coachman not to wait, because he could take Baoyi's Hensting carriage afterwards. Of course, he mainly wanted to talk to Baoyi. For such an important task, he, the master controller, had no idea about the progress of the matter. I don't know, this can't be explained to the Nanjing Provisional Government, not to mention that there are still some people in the northern branch of the Tongmenghui who regard it as a thorn in the side, so they have to guard against it.
There is an exquisite oval ballroom inside the Youth Association. On the small stage at the end, six Jewish musicians are playing a cheerful dance music by the old Strauss. There are small round tables covered with white linen tablecloths under the colonnade. Surrounded by leather-backed chairs, it was full of people.Apparently, the number of people sitting on the side watching is several times higher than the people on the dance floor. This is also a unique phenomenon in recent days. Many local fashionable young people have given up the fun of crossing sparrows and pushing Pai Gow and become obsessed with dancing. But because I can't dance, "watching dance" has become a very fashionable word.
Shi Xiu was alone at the table, but there were three cups on the table.She is still wearing men's clothing today, the difference is that she has changed into a lake blue satin leather robe with hidden longevity pattern, and is covered with a royal blue Baturu waistcoat with a missing front. crane back.There's no way to hide a guy in that attire, unless she's tucking a small Browning pistol in her sleeve, or carrying no weapon at all.
She didn't seem to notice Jin Shanqing's arrival, her eyes were fixed on the dance floor.This just gave Jin Shanqing a chance to observe her carefully.He saw that her hands were clenched tightly, and her feet were rubbing back and forth on the floor with the music. At the same time, he also found that there were some inappropriate wrinkles on her calfskin shoes, which was confusing.
Jin Shanqing followed her gaze and found Wang Yang and Baoyi on the dance floor.Baoyi's figure is slightly shorter than Shi Xiu's, but she is considered tall among Chinese women, and she looks very good with Wang Yang.What surprised him the most was that it was the first time since he got acquainted with Baoyi that she was wearing women's clothing, and it was a foreign-style skirt, with a very thin waist, the kind of fluffy buttocks, and the big and oily back of the head. The braids are gone, and she has changed to a rather complicated hairstyle, which looks a bit like Queen Victoria when she was young. With her bulging face, she looks very good.
Bao Yi's dance is very good, in the posture, it really shows the elegance of the excellent foreign education, in this point, it is much better than the rough dance of Wang Yang.Wang Yang studied public security in Japan. In the words of his Japanese teacher, a formally educated policeman should keep his arms ready to draw his gun no matter what the situation is.
The waist of Wang Yang's suit is bulging, and the gun must be attached to his body.Jin Shanqing discovered this on the day Chao Tianwang passed the dowry.He could not be too careful when he turned his back on the Southern Revolutionary Party and became Yuan Shikai's police chief in Tianjin.Jin Shanqing can understand the mood of this old friend at this time - be careful to make the Wannian ship.
At the end of the song, there were a few theater-style applause from all around, obviously aimed at Bao Yi.
"He is worried about his brother Bao, so he ran over to escort him." Shi Xiu interjected when Jin Shanqing and Wang Yang shook hands, but it was just a joke, neither malicious nor jealous, with a smile on her face Bright and tight.Making fun of Jin Shanqing is a hobby she has just developed recently.
Baoyi lowered her long eyelashes, and sat down next to Jin Shanqing, very ladylike, speechless.
"Miss Bao is famous and beautiful, I won't do such unsightly things." Wang Yang sat beside Shi Xiu. "I don't know when Miss Shi will be able to show the honor. Xiaosheng has been waiting for three days and wishes to dance with Miss Shi."
Shi Xiu's face was light, and he said: "In that case, you will have to build bridges and roads first, open a porridge field, distribute food relief, pray to Buddha and burn incense, it will be troublesome!"
"Xiaosheng only seeks this life, not the afterlife."
"Then don't count on it."
Another song sounded, it was the work of Strauss Jr. "You two please." Wang Yang said to Jin Shanqing. "I have to persuade Miss Shi well."
Shi Xiu sat there without moving, but Jin Shanqing believed that she had seen her give Baoyi a look that was not obvious but had a definite meaning.
The dance floor is very small, but fortunately there are only four or five couples dancing, and it is not crowded at all.The cherry wood floor is very smooth, the wax on it is just right, and the reaction force of the spring response under the floor spreads on the floor, perfectly responding to the undulating gait of the waltz, making Jin Shanqing feel like a Dharma The Yixing of the patriarch crossing the river with a reed.If there is a slight fly in the ointment, the hem of Jin Shanqing's leather robe will inevitably get mixed up with Baoyi's flying skirt when it is twirling - he is not ready for the next dance, he came wearing a long shirt.
There was another burst of applause from the four outer corridors, this time it wasn't just for Bao Yi.He is sure about the dance steps, because his dance teacher is Strauss's fellow countryman, his foreign teacher in the Imperial Academy.
"Isn't it too risky for you to do this?" He had to find out the situation first, and he hoped that the situation would not be too bad.
Bao Yi twirled the skirt into a gorgeous big umbrella, turned it to the side away from Shi Xiu and Wang Yang, and told him briefly that it was not they who found Wang Yang, but Wang Yang who found Shi Xiu and invited her to dance here, Shi Xiu pulled her here.They have no bad rules, and the task will definitely be completed, but they don't want to make unnecessary sacrifices.By the way, I pointed out to him that there were four big men sitting at a table by the door, with eight eyes constantly scanning around. This was Wang Yang's bodyguard, who never left him, so it was difficult to do anything.
Jin Shanqing glanced at Shi Xiu's side, and saw that Wang Yang seemed to be having a lively conversation, but she seemed indifferent and indifferent.
This Wang Yang seems to have taken a fancy to my third sister.Bao Yi made an objective summary of what she said.
"Why doesn't Shi Xiu want to dance?" He was a little curious, and he thought of those strange folds on Shi Xiu's calfskin shoes.
"What's the matter with you?" She didn't get angry with him.
Qi Wancheng: The kang is not thoroughly heated, and I didn't sleep all night without ironing it.The houses along the street, the shallow rooms with shallow kang, are inconvenient, noisy, there are some "fishing people" outside the door in the first half of the night, most of them are drunk, and the kiln tunes are sung out of tune, and the second half of the night is first Passing a large car, the bell to empty the toilet rang again before dawn, and there was no quiet time.There were no guests in Dayang Ma the night before, so I just stayed here, which is convenient and where to live. There are many women in my hand, and there are always business failures.No, just after dawn, the couple who sang the bouncing opera next door got up to answer the words again. The man was stupid and sang again: "I ran into the house with a kitchen knife in my hand. I was so angry that I couldn't distinguish things. Chop it on the kang, I chop it, I chop it, chop it, chop it. Chop off half of the broken reed mat. The weather is neither cold nor hot, so I will sleep in the courtyard to cool off..." The sang is "Branch Stalk Beating the Bastard".I can't learn such a short paragraph, and I call it over and over again every morning, and I get tired of listening to it.
If a man dare not use a knife to fight for his life, then he is still called a man?On the second day of October of the first year, my eldest nephew had been bullied for several years because of his mother, and he stabbed that person twenty or thirty times with a small knife.My sworn brother died early, leaving behind this orphan and widow, now the son can grow up to avenge his father, it is indeed his father's seed.Right now, although the kid has been through a few hot courts, but the life lawsuit, if he is to be rescued, the money raised and lowered is a lot of money.I, Qi Wancheng, can't make my brother die even if he sells everything he can.Then again, after the Gengzi years, especially Yuan Shikai Duzhi, who stood up to death a few local figures, Tianjin Wei's pranksters are getting worse every day, and children like the eldest nephew are everywhere in their early years. Yes, it is gone now, and they are all confined at home and not allowed to go out on the street.For this reason, I can't let him die.No matter how sooner or later, there will always be a day when the charismatic heroes will "go shopping" again, and the future will be counted on them.Thinking of the majesty and prestige of the heroes back then, today's old and young men are simply ashamed to death.
Speaking of which, the nickname Zhenguanxia is not mine, it was passed on to me by my grandfather.Our grandfather was not born as a gangster. He was a martial arts scholar during the Tongzhi period. Unfortunately, his family was in decline. He knew nothing but some martial arts, so he imitated the heroes and "walked around" in Guanxia.Hooligans "go shopping", not flowery shoes and big braids, just walk around the street twice and tell the neighbors about their new identity, and that's all. They have to find a gambling house, brothel or foot shop run by local pranksters, Go in and insist on getting a share of money and food, showing your domineering endowment.This kind of thing happened a lot in those days. In order to prevent some unqualified bastards from sneaking into the business of jugglers, there was a whole set of testing methods. No grudges, just follow the rules.The usual way is that the new gangster who "walks" puts on the outfit, enters a gangster-controlled property, and hurls endless curses.Back then, our grandfather broke into the most prosperous casino that was shut down. The old bastard in charge of the casino had a lot of experience, and there were hundreds of apprentices and money takers.When our grandpa yelled and scolded "Sea Street", everyone who watched the venue and those who came to play in the casino knew that someone was "going shopping".People who are disturbed are not bothered, because this is a major scene in the local area, it happens from time to time, it is not surprising, everything is done according to the rules...
Jin Shanqing: Qi Wancheng's home is in the dilapidated bungalow north of Beidaguan.There had been good times for this place too, but when the good times passed, all that remained was dilapidation and poverty.The dilapidated house known as the "Qi Family Courtyard" was made of blue bricks and gray tiles in the early years, but now it is in a bad shape. Qi Wancheng rents out these houses one by one. The rent is calculated on a daily basis, and the tenants naturally do not have overnight For the poor with food, men do coolies, women go out to sew poor people, and some lean on the door to sell their smiles.So there is such a saying, Tianjin City is demolished, and Beidaguan is poor.Maybe it's because I was in a hurry early in the morning, and my forehead and back were covered with sweat, and I didn't feel very warm, so I was even more annoyed.Looking into the yard, it is not a "dirty mess" that can be described. There are thick ice slabs on the ground here and there. It is the dirty water poured by the people in the yard. It has formed a thick layer over time; In the ice layer, there are still garlic skins, vegetable leaves, rotten shoes and other sundries frozen. They are yellow, yellow and green, and in the morning light, they look enchanting.After careful inquiry, I found out that Qi Wancheng didn't live in this courtyard at all on weekdays, and someone saw him resting at Dayanma's last night.
Dayang Ma is a woman, worthy of her nickname, tall and strong, half a head taller than me and a bit stronger, with a pale face, half a cigarette on her mouth, bare feet without foot wraps, squatting一双辨不清颜色的绣花鞋，一手提着水壶，另一只手端只小笸箩，一脚门里，一脚门外，跟我还客气：“大清早的，撞丧啊？”齐万成的声音倒是从房门内传出，后面跟着一股臭被窝子的热气。他围着被子坐在炕上，叼着根短烟杆，把我给让进来，他自己并没动窝。对着炕是一张旧八仙桌，上边墙上贴着合和二仙，两边一边一把破圈椅，桌前蹲着一只痰桶，半桶液体陈茶般浓酽，上边浮着几口老烟鬼才有的浓痰。我坐在圈椅上，一百个不得劲。齐万成还没说话，先是咳了一口浓痰，子弹般强劲地射入痰桶，就在我脚前，这才说：“忘了告诉你了，这个年，简直就别过了。他奶奶的，庆云后的天成小班知道吧？领人的老鸨子借了咱六千块钱，连买人儿，外带铺房间。这年前正是小班拿钱的时候，他妈的也跑了，带着几个小婊子上东三省了。你说这算么事？您老是东家，说吧，打算怎么着？是杀是砍，您也吱一声。只要您老发话，老齐我立马打车票奔出关外，不把那几个小婊子弄回来，姓齐的不算是天津娃娃。”他露出胸脯，拍得啪啪的。可我一点也不信他的话。
还没出正月就处决人犯，在大清国时就没有这种事。必是因为民国了，乱了章程，这是人们的普遍看法，不单单是这一件事，其它事也多是如此。改朝换代之初，每个人都想赶早把规矩改得利己一些，这也是人之常情。
所以，当从天津县大牢里押出来的人犯行走在南门外大街上时，两边的看客比往年秋决时来的要多，而且颇多议论。这也是民国半个月来新兴的风俗——对任何事任何人，每个人都可以品评一番。金善卿倒是没觉得这有什么不对，国事变迁，人事改辙，这是理所当然，没有什么对与不对的争竞，眼下的一切也不过是开了个头，日后还指不定是什么样子，能说得准的只有一处，就是变出来的东西肯定跟人们想要的不一样。
于是，他为这次行刑，特地租下了南市北口一家香粉铺的楼上，从这里北望可以沿着南门外大街望到南马路，向南能够清楚地看到行刑的空场。据说今天行刑改了文明的法子，用枪打。
石秀与宝义依旧是男装，宽腰身的那种，梳着油松的大辫子，倚着雕花栏杆向外看。她们似乎对处决犯人的事兴趣不大，两只漂亮的小脑袋凑到一起，低声议论个不停。她们现在议论的事情，金善卿从宝义那里听说了一些，说是女子暗杀团的二号人物，人称豹子头的，前几日的天癸过去了，经也不痛了，如今出面要与石秀争夺这次任务。
“石秀会让她么？”
“她们俩斗了不是一两天了，不会让。怕的是晁天王出来说话，她总是偏向豹子头，让人头疼。”
私下里说，金善卿更愿意这件事维持现在这个样子，一点一点往前蹭，进展虽然慢一点，却可以给他时间弄清汪洋到底是怎么一回事，弄清他为什么要背离南京临时革命政府，投靠了袁世凯。弄清楚了再杀也不迟，随随便便地就把人弄死，他总觉得有点不得劲似的。
在他的心底总有那么个模糊的想法：杀汪洋，未必是因为他当了袁世凯的官，这其中必有隐情。
今天他带着石秀和宝义过来，也是想让她们见识见识什么是革命，那不是小孩子过家家，是真会掉脑袋的营生。她们要是真没这份狠劲儿，哪怕是现在翻车说不干，他绝不怪罪她们。
要处决的四个人犯没有一个肯坐牛车的，都硬硬朗朗地迈着步子，三个穿着新军的二尺半大褂子，一个穿件青色棉袍，像个学生，都用绳子绑着。真是改了民国，一切都在变，连给人犯穿的老木红罪衣也省了。在他们前边开道的是天津县的衙役，跟在后边的是三十几个巡警，没有出现装备精良的新军。这说明北方革命总队替他弄来的情报非常准确，他松了一口气，向刑场方向望去，只见热热闹闹地至少挤了好几千人。本地人好瞧热闹是出了名的。
人犯走到近前，他看清楚了，这四个人都清醒得很，没有一个人喝过沿途酒店送过来的迷魂汤——黄酒与白酒掺在一起，专为赴法场的人犯预备的，饮后易醉。
突然，石秀与宝义似是被惊了一下，闪身退到房中。金善卿向下一望，见监斩官没有坐轿，而是骑了匹马，马上这人正是汪洋。
今天要杀的都是滦州起事失败，逃到天津方才被捕的革命党人。汪洋这会儿出来监斩很不是时候，这几个人十日前被捕时，正是他刚上任的那几天。
宝义的那把柯尔特手枪没来由地亮了出来，大张着机头，石秀却是两手空空，从宝义身后向楼下张望。“这可不是个动手的好时机。”石秀仍是慢悠悠的语调，像个大行家。
法场中间被打开了个空场，比撂跤的场子大点有限，人犯背上的法标也给除了去。看热闹的众人一浪一浪地往前挤，生怕错过杀人的那个节骨眼。这地界的习惯，杀土匪、强梁比杀什么奸情、逆伦的人犯看客要多，因为那些人豪横，会找沿途的酒铺要大碗的酒喝，运气好还能赶上他们唱两口儿，比瞧戏过瘾。再者说，枪毙人犯毕竟是这里开天辟地头一遭，这种新鲜不能错过。
汪洋下得马来，取出件公文在那里读，这是例行公事，金善卿远远地听不见，想来无非是行刑的命令。看是时候了，他在两个女友惊异的目光中，取出两只人称“二踢脚”的烟花，用香烟点燃一只，拿在手中伸向栏杆外边，踢——蹚——，声音又脆又响，三人都嗅到一股子硫磺的味道。响了一只，另一只就没用了，随手丢在对面的房顶上。
哗地一阵，南边法场上传来一排枪响，枪毙人可用不着这么密的子弹。石秀与宝义扒着栏杆一看，法场东边的一排房顶上飘起一片淡淡的硝烟，法场上已然乱了，巡警和衙役给奔逃的人群冲得七零八落，不成队伍，该行刑的人犯也不知去向。
到底是受过训练的正规军，干得漂亮。金善卿颇有几分感慨。若要是他联络的那些城市革命党来劫法场，干起来绝没这么利落。而且，他们选择的方位也有利，南市的东边紧邻日租界，劫了人后把大枪一丢，转身逃进日租界便安全了。
也就在这个时候，他还发现，他们自己的退路没有了。法场上的闲人在一转眼的功夫就跑光了，只在空场上留下几个受伤的看客在翻转哀号，汪洋的巡警们翻倒了几辆大车，在香粉铺前垒了个临时的工事，与东边来劫法场的人用大枪对射。汪洋也蹲在那里指挥，后背对着香粉铺的楼上，相隔不过两三丈，恰好在手枪的射程之内。
楼上三个人对望一眼。金善卿是向来不带武器的，他的武器是他脖子上的脑袋和钱袋里的大洋钱；宝义的柯尔特火力够猛，在这么个距离倒是合用，只是这任务不是她的，金善卿生怕她一时多事；石秀一向用的是什么家伙？金善卿今天一点也不想见识……
石秀回身推开了墙上的一扇窗子，外边恰好是邻家的房脊。好，未思进先思退。金善卿赞赏石秀虑事周全，但他宁愿就此逃生，不愿她们在这里冒险行刺，要动手，随处都是机会，不争在这一时。
楼下枪声如豆。石秀慢条斯理地伸手到皮袍下边，拉出一柄长枪管的驳克枪，捷克斯拉夫引以为自豪的产品，刚上市不足一年。
“你先来，还是我先来？”她问宝义，同时发现推窗子时手上沾了不少的灰尘，抽出条帕子来不住地抹。
“让他先来。”宝义指了指金善卿。
齐万成：我那大侄子的案子，从天津县，到府里，一直到保定臬台衙门，刑求逼供是少不了的。那孩子刚强，为这，我特地花银子跑到号里，传了他一套说辞，这是天津好汉活命的法宝，让他把刑求下来的供词都做成活口，当然了，录供的师爷那边大洋钱是少花不了，反正这案子叫它坐不实，县里成了供，到府里再翻，府里成了供，到臬台衙门去翻，就这么翻来倒去，人又给打回到天津县来。年前祭灶时，臬台衙门的总师爷传过话来，活这条命，两万块鹰洋，不讲价。只要是有个价钱就好办，怕的是要民国了，他们有钱不敢收。少不了，就活该仁寿当铺的东家倒霉。就这，我老齐这十来年的家底也同样给倒腾出去一大半，还不算日后仁寿当铺的东家找寻来，咱这边预备“过节儿”的开销。可钱那东西叫个王八蛋，花了再赚，不算个事。要说有难处，就是这案子一手托两家的人不对，是天津县皂班的班头儿老刘，当年也曾“开逛”，住锅伙，如今在衙门里混事，放窑帐、吃苦主，么钱都敢拿，倒也人物了。细说起来，这老刘“开逛”比我还晚一年，也没干过么出息事。当年咱爷爷那才叫“开逛”。知道么叫“开逛”的规矩？就是“开逛”的人先得经得住一顿暴打。咱爷爷当年已经四十岁了，早过了“开逛”的年岁，他又是武秀才出身，很是让那些开赌场的心里边疑忌，也就难把他看成是一个小混混的“开逛”。这不，等咱爷爷侧卧在地上，两手抱头，双腿绞股，同时裹紧裆里的物事，免得挨打时给震伤，这时节，众光棍都眼望当家的，等着号令。这个时候谁也不能发善心，要是出来个人儿劝咱爷爷出去，一来是看不起“开逛”的人，那便结下了解不开的血仇；二来看眼儿的赌客也会以为主家示弱，没开打便尿了。再加上咱爷爷躺在地上大骂不止，硬是要他们“打四面”。所以，老混混儿一个手势，众徒儿手持斧把，擂粘糕般的一顿暴打，顿时是皮开肉绽，血流如注。说是“打四面”，其实是打三面，正面一打人便死了；再有一点就是打人的只准伤皮肉，不能伤筋骨。从开打到完结，被打的人口中不能有一声叫疼，还得骂不绝口，若有一声哼唧，便是“走畸”了，这是最丢人不过的事，众人立刻停手不打了，每人掏出那话儿给他浇上一泡热尿——确有止痛、疗伤的功效，然后扒下他的鞋，把他赶到大街上去。扒鞋这一手对咱们是最大的羞辱，从此这个人便是人见人欺的“尿货”，再不能在本地立足了。咱爷爷打过三面，血流满地，骂声更壮。老混混儿又做了个手势，便上来俩人，找补了几斧把，他的两条腿骨就断了。这就不大仗义了，当时看热闹的人中不少懂行的，一阵哄叫。老混混儿出来作了个四方揖，说道：“各位老少爷儿们，今儿个小老儿这里添丁进口，新来了条好汉子。各位给在下个面子，都留下吃碗喜面再走。”到底是老江湖，场面话交代得漂亮。
下边也是照例的规矩，由赌场出钱给咱爷爷治伤，从此算是在这里吃上一份钱粮了。所不同的是，这一次老混混似是觉得理亏，专门请来了城里最有名的伤科大夫，也是有名的袍带混混儿汪小壶。身上的浮伤好办，照着“刑伤”的法子治就是了。那个时候，衙门里打板子、动夹棍是家常便饭，所以，医治刑伤的办法非同一般。咱爷爷身上的伤好得快，就是两条断腿总不见好，到三个多月头上，拆了夹板，竟然下不得地，只能拄着拐往前蹭。咱爷爷是么人物，立马明白了，他是让那个老混混儿给算计了。老混混儿买通汪小壶，给咱爷爷留个残疾，免得从此出来个狠人儿谋了他的买卖。
要是依照金善卿的主意，他们三人从南市撤出来时，应当直奔日租界旭街，反正没有几步路，进了租界，巡警们就不会去追了。可石秀这会儿显出主意大，性子拧来，她非要走东马路，过金钢桥，从戒备森严的直隶总督行辕门前穿过，绕个大圈子再奔意租界晁天王府上。
还有一点他没想到，这二位姑娘竟然是腿脚利落，身手不凡，窜房越脊时倒也像个练家子，若是小脚姑娘，这种事想也别想。看起来，租界学校中的体操课让她们获益非浅。当然了，最重要的一点，是她们未曾向汪洋开枪。若是开了枪，身后有二三十个巡警追着，怕是也难脱身。
石秀当时讲了一句极有见地的话，把他们从尴尬中解脱出来，“事缓则圆，让他多活几天，还能打到南京去不成？”便挥着驳克枪，把金善卿推出窗外。
“你们能够脱险真是侥幸，干活可不兴这么没脑子。”大名鼎鼎的晁天王竟然是个胖乎乎的姑娘，比石秀要矮上大半头，还是一脑袋黄毛，只是那双单眼皮的小圆眼，黑洞洞的深邃得紧。她斥责石秀与宝义时言辞尖利，似是金善卿根本就没有在场，“你们俩个是要去劫法场么？若不是劫法场，带着枪到那种地方去，不是自找麻烦是什么？你们得跟金先生学，什么时候见过金先生带着枪满街跑？”
回过身来她又殷勤地照应金善卿茶点，大大方方的像是茶会上的举止，但新娘子大红的服饰也遮掩不住她的不悦。石秀与宝义似是很怕她，两个天不怕地不怕的假小子，低眉顺眼地站在一边，坐也不敢坐。
大块玻璃镶嵌而成的暖房建在花园的一角，高大的铸铁洋炉子里，大块的大同煤块喷发着炽烈的火焰，将洋铁皮烟囱的末端烧红了半尺。四周高大葱郁的南洋植物，在热气的逼迫之下，轻轻地晃动着叶子。如果不是气氛不佳，严冬之日坐在这里品茶，必定受用得很。金善卿端着茶盏，故作神游物外之态，借机品一品晁天王这个人物。建这么间暖房可是件极奢侈的享受，金善卿自以为是个擅长享受生活的人，但像这样的暖房也只是存在于他的奢望之中。它的造价大约可以在租界中避静的地段买所十来个房间的小宅子，外加一两个苏州乡下的小丫头。
“金先生，小女子有个不情之请。”她不像她的团员们那样硬要装男人，却越发显得深不可测。
“晁小姐有事尽管吩咐。”
“对不起，忘了对您讲，小女子娘家姓高。”晁天王似是无意地摸了摸大红绣袄宽大的袖口。宝义知道，她的袖中一向收藏着一段铁线，长短刚够从后面勒住人的脖子。“不知道您能不能改个主意，把那个活儿派给另外一个人，石秀毕竟经验有限。小女子刚出嫁，今天带着夫婿回门，不大方便，要不，这件事我得亲自去做。南京临时革命政府交派下来的活儿，我们不能轻忽。”
金善卿站起身来，理顺了皮袍坐皱的下摆，对晁天王笑道：“您的好意在下心领了，只是恕难从命。”他可不想这么快就让汪洋死，因为，他跟汪洋不仅仅是个玩伴，他从心底里怀疑汪洋仍是个真正的革命者，只是对他眼下的所为不大理解。南京下这么个命令，其中也许是有误会。
“你可别……”宝义的插言被晁天王的眼神像刀锋一样割断。
“谢谢您的茶点，告辞。”金善卿面上的笑容像是刚刚谈成一笔有利可图的好生意。“不介意的话，在下还有借重她们二位的地方，让她们先跟我走？”
晁天王并未表示反对，送他们到暖房门口，没再往外送，道：“刚才忘记告诉您，劫法场的那批人，在日租界给日本驻屯军抓住了，没有一个人脱身。”
金善卿此时越发坚定了自己的看法，这个晁天王一点也不招人喜欢，远不如宝义和石秀来得可爱。
金善卿：齐万成想要谋我的钱财，这是明摆着的事，可我还不能就此翻脸，扯下面皮硬讨。身份所关，他是青皮，我是缙绅，要是硬碰硬，甭管钱能否要回来，我这脸面先丢尽了。所以我一点也没着急，对他说：“我就是觉着奇怪，怎么往常好好的，一下子就弄跑了这么大的两注子钱？没道理呀？你会不会弄错了？”齐万成把脑袋笼罩在一团蓝色烟雾中，含着烟杆的嘴里，口齿不清，说道：“这才叫一颗苍蝇屎，掉在油瓶里。要多巧有多巧。咱们外边还有四千多块钱的帐，十五以前还得赶紧催上来，要是再跑个一两家，这个元宵也就别过了，光等着喝西北风吧。”
喝西北风我倒不至于，可是让这混蛋平白骗去这么一大笔钱，不是我金某人该吃的亏。早几年金大少在天津卫那是响当当的少爷，哪一路人物不得敬着，如今混了革命党，怎么着，反倒要受人欺侮？谁想到那齐万成竟还得便宜卖乖，嘴里嘟囔着：“钱是没了，你想拿齐大爷怎么办？”
“你得把钱还上。”说这话时我有点动气。也许我还是眼力不够精到，没看清这小子是个真正的混人。只见他狂吼一声：“操你妈的我还你钱。”就把被子一甩，光着眼子跳下炕来，一手把辫子往脖子上一盘，另一只手便揪住了我的辫子。“我早就看着你小子不地道，合伙做生意，有出钱的，有出力的，鞋我跑飞花了多少只，人情、茶钱搭进去多少不算，今天你敢让我给你还倒帐，你也不在这门口扫听扫听，镇关下是干嘛的？”
许是他把我的辫子给挽在了胳膊上，无论如何是挣扎不开，就这样，让他给拉到了大街上，口中骂声不断，兼以拳打脚踢。街上的闲人像看撂场子摔跤的，围了一圈，没有人上来解劝。Why?我明白，因为这齐万成是老街旧邻，大家伙儿都认得，而被打的人，也就是我，看穿着打扮便知道是正经人，打了白打。若是两个混混儿在街上撕掳起来，早有其他混混儿上来说和了。正撕掳着，大洋马买早点回来了。一见这场景，二话没说，撇下水壶，上来一屁股坐在我的头上，一边的齐万成依旧光着眼子，对着我的胸膛、小腹猛踢猛踹。周围的闲人袖手而观，似是看春节照例上演的吉庆戏码。
与两位姑娘分手后回到家中，金善卿并不想因为劫法场的同志被捕而太难过，这倒并不是他没有同情心或是不负责任，他心里边很明白，这件事情并不是由他来主持，分派给他的任务只是打探消息，放放信号而已，有点小瞧他的意思在里边。同盟会北方支部里有些人从未把他当作革命同志，也并不信任他，所以，他知道自己在这件事里边再没有责任可言了。被捕的人想必关在海光寺日本兵营里，他没有本事救他们出来，当然，也轮不到他来救，这事不归他管。
所以，当汪洋找到他的门上时，他正弄个日本三弦在那里拨弄，虽不成曲调，却也有几分韵致。
“金老弟好雅兴。”汪洋宽了外边的长衣服，便抄起支曲笛来信口而吹，两个不成曲调的调子，仿佛两个互相倾慕的恋人，一点一点地靠近，渐成和谐。这是他们在日本时惯常玩的游戏，每每令日本国人惊异不已。
“多日不弄，手生得很。”金善卿突然间停手不弹了，拿着拨子在头上骚痒，心中盘算着汪洋的来意。
“你怕不是手生，而是心生。我们分别得太久了！”汪洋将笛子吹完了最后一个低回的转折，说。
旧友重逢时，相对无语最让人难堪。金善卿倒了两碗茶，给汪洋推过来一碗，茶氛如烟。
还是汪洋先开口道：“这样的好盏，用来喝香片可惜了。”茶盏是定瓷中的精品，金善卿喜爱这类精巧玩意儿。“以老弟的才学、人物，又何必听命于汪兆铭呢？”汪兆铭就是汪精卫，因刺杀摄政王而名动天下。这次暗杀任务据说是他下的命令。
汪洋点明他革命党的身份，莫非是要摊牌？金善卿未置可否。
“推翻满清，创建民国，有功有力者甚多，各成体系，各占地盘，都是为了成大业。老弟这样的干才，到了哪里，都会受欢迎，受重用。”字缝里的意思是：何必跟着汪精卫，那个人靠不住。
金善卿不想谈这个话题，问：“你为什么要到天津来？”你怎么就投了袁世凯呢？
“我想建成民国第一支真正的警察队伍，天津这个地方最适合。”大丈夫抱负得展，何必恋栈家乡？
“天津离北京太近了，不安全。”替袁世凯做事，随时有被革命党暗杀的可能。
“如今哪也不安全，革命党往北边派人，袁世凯往南边派人，都有动作，可作用都不大。不如真刀真枪地干。”主要是目前的局面让人失望，再者说，在南边干也同样可能被暗杀。
金善卿似是突然想起什么，问：“你认得汪精卫？”
“打过交道。”
他跟汪精卫之间有什么事？金善卿觉得他可能接近了这件事的真相。
汪洋来也突然，走也匆忙，穿上皮袍，停在门口，沉了一会儿，又道：“来劫法场的那批人已经移交给巡警道，我能保出来，得有人安排他们远走高飞。但是，该行刑的人犯是上边批下来的，改不了。抱歉。”
“承情之至，我给上传下达。”金善卿抱拳拱手。他知道，从此双方身份明了，反倒是好相处了。
“晚上青年会见？”
“不见不散。”金善卿心里明白，汪洋故意不提暗杀的事，是给他留个再见面的余地，当今各党派中的秘密像漏勺一样，而巡