Chapter 4 Xibang leg length

After Liu Ye was awakened by the sound of the gong exorcising ghosts, he never fell asleep again. The mother's spirit did not visit him for many years.The nanny said that his mother did not abandon him, but was reincarnated from heaven.But next fall, he will take the provincial examination, and he hopes that his mother will bless him to win the first examination, to be named on the gold list, and to share his glory. The amazing thing is, when he thought this way in his heart, did his mother really come to see him? However, when he was awakened by the sound of the gong, he hurriedly jumped out of bed and knelt down in front of his mother's portrait, the sound of the gong stopped.No other voices were heard.Is it true that the mother has come, or did the guards and guards knock the wrong gong?

Early the next morning, Liu Ye sent his servants to inquire.Come back and say, it's not the wrong gong.The guard at night saw a woman walking under the moonlight, and hurriedly beat the gong.When the gong rang, the woman disappeared.The housekeeper, Lao Xia, has already strictly examined this servant, and asked him if it is true or not, is it your dog day dreaming, or is there really a woman who appears?The servant didn't dare to change his words, he still said that he really saw a woman walking around under the moon. The sixth master hurriedly returned to his mother's portrait, offered incense, knelt down and saluted, and said in his heart: Please rest assured, mother, I will definitely pass the provincial examination next year.

When it was time for breakfast, he rushed to the dining room on time.His father had arrived before him, and he was sitting there dignifiedly and peacefully, with the same expression as usual.Didn't father hear the rapid sound of the gong at night? Even in the early years when my mother had just appeared, and the whole family turned pale when they heard the commotion, my father was also like this, majestic and serene, as if nothing had happened. During the meal, his father asked him: "Do you arrive at the school on time every day?" The sixth master said: "Yes. I am studying hard for next year's competition, even if I am at home after school, I dare not neglect."

"Master He, what does he think of your future?" "His words, maybe." "Bold, who is 'he'? I still call him Master He, but you are so disobedient!" "Master He is really like that. He talks one day at a time. One day he said that you will undoubtedly win the championship, and the next day he said, why bother you? What are you doing to take the exam?" "What about you, see for yourself, can you win the exam?" "Yes. It doesn't matter what the number is, I want to win back a candidate." "You have a lot of energy, and you are determined to ask for an official position."

During breakfast that day, Kang Hunan announced to the four masters present his decision to go out to inspect the business.Ask who would follow him. The old man couldn't hear anything, he sat on the side like a Buddha, as quiet as a virgin. The second master said: "I have martial arts, I am willing to follow, and be my father's bodyguard. But my father is over seventy years old, and it is such a hot day, it is absolutely inappropriate to go on tour!" Fourth master also said: "My lord father, you must never go on tour!" Kang Hunan said: "I don't need your promise for a tour. I just ask you, who is willing to follow me?"

The fourth master hurriedly said: "Of course I am willing to follow and serve my lord father! However, it is really not suitable to go on tour in hot weather. I also heard that the outside is not peaceful. There are boxers in Zhili, Shandong, and Henan who are rioting." Kang Hunan closed his eyes, and said without doubt: "I know more about the situation outside than you. Don't talk about it anymore. How about you, Lao Liu, don't you want to follow me?" The sixth master said, "Father, I'm preparing for the exam." "It's still early next year's autumn."

"But I don't dare to waste a day." "Then go about your business." Kang Hunan took the mouthwash from Lao Ting, rinsed his mouth, got up and walked out of the dining room. The old man followed and left. The second master hurriedly said: "Do you think the old man really wants to go on tour, or just made up questions to test us?" Fourth master said: "I'm afraid we will still be tested." The second master asked the sixth master, "What do you think?" The sixth master said: "The old master said that it is obviously false. He is really talking about me. He doesn't believe that I can succeed in the competition."

The second master said: "The old man looks down on you." The sixth master said, "Then he can think highly of you?" The second master smiled and said, "How can you think highly of me! Among our brothers, the old man values ​​only the third child!" The fourth master said: "The old master loves strange things all his life, and maybe he really wants to travel around the world in his rare body." The second master said: "If the old man really wants to make surprise soldiers, then we can't persuade anyone, unless the third child persuades him."

The fourth master said, "Where is third brother? In Guihua City, or in Qianying?" The second master said: "Who knows! Send someone to ask shopkeeper Sun Da." The fourth master said: "The old man wants to go out on a tour, I see it and tell the third brother about it." The second master said, "Then tell him." When he came to the academy, the sixth master told the school teacher, Mr. He Kaisheng, about it. "Master He, do you think my father will really visit the docks in other cities?" Master He didn't even think about it, and said, "Why not? This is just like your old man's actions!"

"The old man is so old, and it's such a hot day, Mr. He, can you persuade him?" "It should be that you know your father better than your son. Sixth Master, you just don't know the real face of your old man? Who has he heard persuasion in his life, and who can persuade him? I can't afford this kind of thing. Read Your book." "Today my father asked me, what does Master He think of my future?" "How do you answer?" "I said, Mr. He always thinks I'm too stupid, and the test is for nothing!" "Master Liu, when did I say that?"

"I think Master He says this in his heart every day. This is called knowing a teacher like a disciple!" "Sixth Master, why do I think you are stupid? It is because of your extraordinary talent that it is a pity that you are so obsessed with Confucianism. If you want to be born in Confucianism, no one is too stupid. Confucianism is a sage, evolution To this day, it is already unbearable. There are too many old barriers and worldly activities. No matter how stupid and sincere you are, you will only fall into the bottom of the sky, and you don’t need to try to get ahead. Back then, I have neglected Confucianism for a long time. His family, Tiancheng Yuanpiaozhuang, became the deputy gang of the Beijing name. He didn't know why he was a ghost, so he made a guest appearance in the township examination, and unexpectedly won the exam! How did he win the exam? It's just nine words: don't be obsessed with it, especially Let go!" "Master He, I'm going to study." After the sixth master finished speaking, he hurriedly left Master He.If you don't hurry up, Master He will tell him the story of Zhongju again. He Kaisheng was selected in the Jiawu National Examination in the 20th year of Guangxu.At that time, he was indeed working as the assistant gangster of the Beijing account in Tiancheng Yuanpiaozhuang, and he had already reached six per cent of his stock.Because he is very talented and sociable, he can often win a large amount of treasury and bank business in the officialdom of the capital, so the big shopkeeper Sun Beiming let him stay in Beijing for many years.His three-year class period in Beijing coincides with the period of the general examination in the capital, and he leaves work at Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei Nian.Therefore, every time he returns to Jin after get off work, it is also the day when the capital will try to make a list. At that time, the famous tributes on the gold list were proud of their spring breeze and were waiting to go to the palace examination.The loser, on the other hand, sprinkled the sadness of frustration all over the teahouse and wine shop.The capital was extremely lively at the moment.He Kaisheng and his colleagues in Jinghao couldn't help asking how many people from the township party in Shanxi province made the list, which province won the championship again, and whether there are any candidates who are worthy of early curry favor among the top three scholars in the new department.Then, He Kaisheng took the news and embarked on a journey back to Jin. In the 18th year of Guangxu's reign, there were surprisingly few candidates for the Renchen Divisional Examination and the Shanxi Intermediate Examination.The friend of Jing Hao was a little frustrated.There was a lot of chatter, accusing the group of officials in the township party for being too incompetent and unfulfilling, and suddenly they all mobilized He Fugang.Said shopkeeper He, you go to take the exam, you won't win the champion, and you won't come back empty-handed!The most terrible thing is that Dai Ying's old gang also participated in the mobilization: "Professor He, you might as well go to play a cameo, win back a scholar, and make a name for our Tiancheng Yuanjing name!" This was originally a joke, but when we returned to the old shop in Taigu, the shopkeeper Sun Beiming became serious: "Treasurer He, you just have to work hard. Tianchengyuan has a lot of talents, and it's up to you to earn a serious reputation. You want I am willing to work hard, and I will grant you a year off to prepare for the provincial examination!" It's too tempting to give a year off. When Mrs. Caidong Kang heard about this, he summoned He Kaisheng and asked him, "Do you think it's not difficult to take the exam?" He Kaisheng said: "I have not focused on Confucianism for a long time, and I am afraid that I will fail the old man's expectations." "It's not very difficult for me to see. A group of pedantic scholars can't get rid of the word 'pedantic'. They can only break the meaning out of context and attach meaning to it. Don't be afraid of them. You have experienced many years in the business world, less pedantic and more enlightened. , I can't see it." In this way, He Kaisheng embarked on an unlucky road by a strange coincidence. He was talented and learned, but he thought it was a cameo, so in the competition of the Jiawu year, he was extraordinarily open, swaying his ink freely, without any obstacles along the way.Especially the current affairs and policy theory in the third scene, because he has been stationed in Beijing for many years and has a broad vision, he has played a vivid role.In the examination room of Jin Province, how many Confucian scholars are there who play like this?Even if he didn't want to win, he had to win.Shopkeeper He really brought back the 19th candidate for Tian Chengyuan, which caused a sensation in the Taigu business circle for a while. Both Sun Beiming's shopkeeper and Kang Hunan's old boss held a banquet to celebrate their achievements, and they praised him a lot. How could He Kaisheng have imagined that bad luck would follow glory like this.After celebrating the meritorious service, Sun Beiming, the treasurer, suddenly discovered that He Kaisheng was already a dignified official and a member of the imperial court.Although Tian Chengyuan's business is spread all over the world, it is a private name after all.It is a violation of the current government system and outrageous for a private firm to order the master Juren.Sun Beiming discussed with Kang Hunan for a long time, but he could only respectfully ask Mr. He to find another job.If you go to Beijing for the test in the coming year, all the expenses will still be reimbursed on the counter.After leaving the account, Mr. He's six per cent stock can still be kept for one year. He Kaisheng almost went crazy when he heard the result.He never even thought about such a stupid thing as abandoning business and seeking an official position!After staying in Beijing for many years, he still doesn't know the dangers of officialdom?His guest appearance in the township examination was originally to fight for glory for the Kang family and Tiancheng Yuanpiaozhuang, so he didn't want to be an official!His ideal in life is to survive to become a member of the old gang of Beijing.Now it is not far away from such an ideal, and suddenly it has a name?After half a lifetime of hard work, the whole family is rich and honored, just like this?It's not expulsion from the account, it's better than expulsion from the account!If you ask Tian Chengyuan to fire you, you can still apply for a job at other companies. Now that you have earned such a reputation as a master, no one can use you anymore! But this empty fame, can you return it to the court? During the first two years of Zhongju, He Kaisheng was always insane and doing nothing.After he recovered a bit, Kang Hunan invited him to be the tutor of Kang's family hall.The gifts are expensive and respected, but compared with the life of the vice gang in Beijing, it is already a sparse scene. After He Kaisheng took up the teaching post, Kang Hu Nan asked the sixth master to pay homage to his teacher.But Liu Ye really couldn't respect such a crazy old man.However, as the township examination was approaching, Master He was particularly open-minded in his on-the-spot performance back then, which can be used as a reference. It's a pity that Master He repeated his story too much. Kang Hunan's fourth wife, who is also Liu Ye's biological mother, was born in an official family.Her father is a Jinshi on the right path, and although the officials only do the general judgment of the county magistrate and the state capital, it is only six or seven ranks, but she has always been very dissatisfied with the Kang family's despise of Confucianism.Therefore, Liu Ye was taught to read books as a sacrament since he was a child.After his mother passed away early, his nanny kept up the mother training. The sixth master is determined to study and seek an official position, which is really full of longing for his mother.When he was young, he noticed that his mother was always unhappy.When he was five years old, his mother passed away suddenly. At that time, he didn't know the meaning of death. He just thought that his mother must have gone away because she was unhappy. Why is mother always so unhappy?He asked the nanny many times.The nanny never told him, but told him to study hard: Mother will be happy only if you study hard.But he could see that there was something the nurse was hiding from him and refused to tell. Half a year after Liu Ye's biological mother passed away, Dexintang began to be haunted.According to the servant who guarded the courtyard at night, they had seen Mrs. Xian's figure and heard her shrill cry.However, the sudden sound of the gong in the middle of the night did not wake up the young Sixth Master, who was just at the age of snoozing.Later, every time the gong sounded, the nurse always shook him awake and told him to kneel in front of his mother's portrait. The nurse offered incense on his behalf and told him: "Your mother sees you coming, talk to her quickly!" How could he understand, so he asked, "Where is mother?" "She is in the sky, and if you talk to her in your heart, she can hear you too." Mother is in the sky, where is the sky?He still can't understand.It's just that once, twice, many times, the young Sixth Master also believed what the nanny said, and got used to meeting and talking with his mother.He knelt down and told him how much he missed his mother, and the nurse passed on his mother's reply, telling him to study hard. Sometimes, kneeling there, he could not help crying.The nurse cried with him on behalf of the mother. However, most of the time, he still told his mother how he used the book of sages.He worked hard and really wanted to make his mother happy.But he never knew why his mother was so depressed. He grew up day by day, and when he had many questions to ask his mother, she had already left him.My father has done a lot of dojos for my mother to save the dead, so my mother has to leave.Apart from caring about him, there must be something else that my mother can't let go of.But the nanny still refused to tell him more secrets. My late mother suddenly appeared again last night, isn't it just because of his scientific research? Liu Ye believes that the nanny must know many secrets related to the mother.When will you be willing to tell him these secrets?Do we have to wait until after he wins the imperial examination? When she came back from the academy that day, the nanny talked to Liu Ye about his marriage again.He was seventeen years old and was about to reach the age of marriage.Kang Hunan also wanted to start a family for him as early as possible. He is so old, and still relying on his nanny to live, how can he have any future.But Liu Ye insisted on waiting for the provincial and general examinations before mentioning the marriage.The old man didn't push too much, but the nanny was not happy, thinking that the old man didn't love him too much. "Sixth Master, your mother came to see you last night, do you know what she is thinking about?" "Must it be my late mother? It's been many years since my late mother was reincarnated, right?" "Who is it not your mother? It must be your mother who is worried about you." "Don't worry about next year's Grand Competition?" "Next year, Dabi is also thinking about it, and what I think about most is your marriage!" "Nurse, this is your idea. What my mother hoped most for me was to be like my grandfather, to be able to win the imperial examinations and become a Jinshi. I also want to be a scholar. With fame, are you afraid that you won't be able to form a good relationship? ?” "Sixth Master, your mother knows that you have lived up to her high expectations, and you are very competitive in your studies. She is already at ease about your future. As long as you get married as soon as possible and have your own home, your mother will have nothing to worry about." "I know that my mother has other concerns. Nurse, you must know that she has something to say. Since I have grown up and should start a family and start a business, then tell me what you have to say!" "Master Six, I have nothing to hide from you." "Nurse, I can see that you have something to hide from me." "Sixth Lord, although we are master and servant, I regard you as closer than my own flesh and blood. What will I hide from you?" "Nurse, I also regard you as a mother. I can see that you are always depressed like a mother." "I just miss your mother. She is too miserable. In the past ten years, I have felt that I have been burdened too much. Your mother is born in everyone and is a famous talented woman. How can I do my best for you on her behalf? position? But she weeps and bloods on her deathbed, and I dare not neglect her for a day." "Nurse, you don't need to say anything." "Master Liu, I heard that the old man is going on a tour. Is there such a thing?" "There is such a plan, but it has not been decided yet." "Then please ask the old lady to make an appointment for you before going on tour. An engagement is a celebration, and it is also auspicious for you to take the exam next year." "Nurse, the old lady said to leave, and she is leaving, how can I make it in time! I must decide, and I want a talented woman like my mother. Not that kind of talented woman, I don't want it!" "If you want such a talented woman, ask them to find you." "Where to find it!" Liu Ye remembered that even when his mother was alive, he lived with his nanny in this courtyard.Mother sometimes lives here, sometimes not.When he was away, he stayed in the old courtyard where his father lived.In the old courtyard where my father lived, Liu Ye had grown up so much that he hadn't been in it a few times.His father often came out to see him, but never called him in. The old courtyard where my father lived was a mysterious forbidden place.From the eldest brother to him, there are six brothers, none of whom can go there often.Even the third brother who is the most valued by my father can't come in and out casually.Usually, they greeted their father and kowtowed, and they all ate in the big dining room.During festivals and New Year's Eve, it is in the hall where the ancestral tablets are enshrined.Even if their father is sick, they will not be called into the old home to visit, but they will only inquire about their illness through the old kiosk and convey their greetings. However, from the eldest brother to the fifth brother, they seem to be used to this.Only he has always connected the mystery of the old home with the mother's depression and the secrets that the nanny is hiding.If he could come in and out of the old house casually, he would be able to figure out everything he wanted to know.Liu Ye made many excuses and tried to go to the old home a few more times, but all failed. Now, my father is going out to inspect the business, which may be an opportunity.If father is not at home, will the old courtyard still be so guarded? Therefore, in his heart, Liu Ye hoped that his father's tour would take place.The last time my father went on tour was four or five years ago, when he was still young, he didn't take advantage of that opportunity. After his father announced that he was going on a tour, the housekeeper Lao Xia also came to see the sixth master and said, "You masters don't persuade the old master. How dare you go far in this hot weather? What about you six masters, who can't run for the old man?" A trip? It's blocking, it's replacing, you have to find a way quickly!" Sixth Master originally wanted to use the excuse of emergency preparation for the exam and not to participate in persuasion, but later he remembered what Master He said: "Whoever has been persuaded by him, who can persuade him!" Knowing that persuasion is useless.But in terms of filial piety and human relationships, you have to try your best to persuade them. He said to Lao Xia: "You have to tell the second master about this matter. The elder master is an outsider, so the second master has to come forward to make a decision. He takes the lead, so we can talk." Lao Xia said: "Second Master is a man with no ideas. He also said that he is a martial artist, and the old man doesn't like to listen to his words. I went to Fourth Master again, and he also said that his words have no weight, and persuasion is useless. He Let me go to shopkeeper Sun, and what the shopkeeper says is more important than you. But to ask shopkeeper Sun, you have to ask for it! What face do I have to ask other shopkeeper Sun?" "Second Master and Fourth Master are both married and established. Talking doesn't hold much weight. I'm a child, can talking work?" "Sixth Master, you are young, and you are loved by others. Maybe the old man loves to hear what you say." The sixth master said in his heart: Can the old master love me? "During the meal, I have persuaded many times. The old man will not listen to me! It is still necessary for the second master to come forward. He can't make up his mind, so he has to greet everyone and discuss an idea together." "Second master is invited to come forward, and fourth and sixth masters are also invited!" "Okay, let's invite. At breakfast tomorrow, I will force the second master to leave after the old man finishes eating. At that time, you have to come, Lao Xia, and invite Master Bao too. You have to give us some advice." "That's fine. Sixth Master, just do as you said." For breakfast the next day, Kang Hunan came to the dining room before all the gentlemen.But during the meal, very little was said.However, he eats a lot, as if to show that he is not old and can travel smoothly.After eating, Kang Hunan got up first and left. The Grand Master left the table as usual. The second master was leaving too, but was stopped by the sixth master: "Second brother, have you tried to persuade the old man?" The second master said, "Besides eating here, where can I meet?" The sixth master said: "Second brother, you are good at martial arts, you just fly over the eaves and walk over the walls, and you still worry about not being able to enter the old man's home?" The second master said: "Lao Liu, you are eloquent, well-educated, and young. You can speak freely, so you should talk more." The fourth master said: "For the rest of us, even if we try to persuade him, it won't do anything." The sixth master said: "It's not worth it. We have to persuade him. This is filial piety! Big brother is an outsider, we can't trust him, even if something happens, the world will not blame him. We can't escape! Second brother, you have to pick up a heavy responsibility. We talk lightly, and the old man doesn't like to listen, but you can ask someone with weight to persuade the old man." While talking, Lao Xia and Master Bao arrived.After discussing for a long time, we agreed to invite three people to come first.The first one, of course, is the shopkeeper Sun Beiming.The other one is also the big shopkeeper, that is Donglin Qinxuan, the leader of Kangjiatian Shengchuan Tea House.The Kang family originally made their fortune from the Tianshengchuan tea house, and later came to the Tiancheng Yuanpiao shop, so the status of the shopkeeper of Tianshengchuan is also very high.The third place is Che Yizhai, the number one master of Taigu Xingyiquan.Che Yi Zhai Xing Er, known as Master Che Er in Taigu folk, not only has high martial arts skills, but also has better virtues, and is well-known both inside and outside the martial arts world.Kang Hunan also respected him very much. The ones who insisted on asking Master Che to persuade Mrs. Kang were of course Er Ye and Master Bao.They also had another thought, in case the persuasion did not work, they would ask the second master Che to accompany the old man on the tour, as a guarantee.So, I came forward to invite the second master Che, and the second master also took the initiative, and only asked Master Bao to accompany him. The task of respectfully inviting the two shopkeepers had to be undertaken by the fourth master, and Lao Xia accompanied him. As for the sixth master, everyone still calls him "Yi Xiao Selling Xiao", as long as he sees the old man, he will persuade him not to be annoyed or angry. Liu Ye was very satisfied with this kind of persuasion. After all, Second Master Kang was a warrior. After taking the order, he called Master Bao that day and rode to Guanjiabao where Master Che lived. Guanjiabao is also in the south of Taigu City, not far from Kangzhuang.Guanjiabao has always been famous for its chrysanthemum art, which has been handed down from generation to generation by flower farmers with unique art methods.When the flowers bloom in deep autumn, rich families compete to buy them.Although Master Che Er is a martial arts hero, he also likes Yiju very much.In his early years, he also applied to a wealthy businessman as a martial artist in the nursing home.Later, when I got old, I returned to my hometown to manage the fields and raise the military.His ancestral home was originally in Jiajiabao, but because he liked art chrysanthemums, he moved to Guanjiapu.In addition to taking apprentices to practice martial arts, he is happy to practice chrysanthemums.On this day, when Kang Erye and Bao Shijing visited, he was working in the chrysanthemum orchard. Because they came here often, Er Ye and Master Bao were not very polite, and went straight to the chrysanthemum garden.Seeing Master Che Er was fertilizing and watering the chrysanthemum seedlings, Er Ye picked up a dung scoop and wanted to help.So frightened that Master Che Er seemed to have discovered a hidden weapon flying, and hurriedly used a punch to block it. "Second Master, Second Master, I dare not trouble you!" "It's easy to earn a living, and it doesn't take much effort!" "Second Master, put down the dung ladle quickly. I am applying fertilizer and water to strengthen the leaves, so that the feet and leaves will not fall off after flowering. You see, this is a little effort, and it is actually very particular. It seems that you are so frivolous and dirty. On the leaves, within a few days, the leaves will be burnt, what kind of leaves are there!" The second master scooped up some fat water and smelled it: "The soup is thin and watery, and it doesn't smell bad. Is it that bad?" Master Che Er said: "This is retting made of chicken feather and goose feather soup. It can only be used after retting until it is filthy and not smelly." "It's really particular. Then shall we weed for you?" "No need, there are two little apprentices who are hoeing, and there is not much work. Yiju really cares for her temperament, and hard work is second. Please go back to the humble house to sit!" Bao Shijing said, "Master, it would be nice to just sit in the arbor of the chrysanthemum garden." Second Master Kang also said: "That's right, it's cool and beautiful here." "Then I will wrong you two." The second master Che didn't give in any more, he called a little apprentice and sent him back to serve chrysanthemum herbal tea. The three of them sat casually in the arbor.Although the sky was sunny, there was a cool breeze and it didn't feel stuffy.In the chrysanthemum garden, the mugwort-like vanilla scent makes people feel a little excited in tranquility. Master Che Er said: "The two of you are not here today to perform martial arts, are you?" The second master said: "It is also possible to practice martial arts, but unfortunately, we are no match for you!" Bao Shijing said: "Second Master Kang is here today, and I really want to ask Master." Master Che Er hurriedly said: "Second Lord, let me tell you, when I arrive today, I am so considerate. Tell me, I will obey orders if I can help you. We are not outsiders anymore." The second master quickly stood up and bowed, and said, "Master Che is so polite, I really dare not speak." Bao Shijing said: "The second master came today, not he alone to beg the master, but also the six masters of the Kang family, to beg the master!" Master Che Er hurriedly got up to return the salute, "You said it so solemnly, what happened?" Bao Shijing said: "The old man of the Kang family is more than a few years old. Recently, he suddenly had a whim and went to inspect the business at various docks. If he said he would go, he would go. The weather is getting hotter every day. He doesn't care, and no one else will We couldn't persuade him. The second master and I told the old man that the area around Jin Province, Zhili, Henan, and Shandong is not peaceful at the moment. This kind of talk, the old man can't listen to it. Quan Taigu, there are not many people who can talk to him. But you are respected by him, master, he will listen to what you say." "It turns out that this is the case. I thought I was asked to capture thieves and defend against enemies. I am a country warrior, how could I be asked to be a lobbyist? You know, I am not good at words. Besides, this is your family business, and I have nothing to do with it." Outsiders, how do you set your beak!" The second master immediately said: "My father really respects Master Che, not only for your martial arts, but also for your benevolence. He is willing to practice Xingyiquan to keep fit, in fact, it is because of his admiration for Master Che." Bao Shijing also said: "No one in the Kang family can persuade the old man to invite you, Master!" Master Che Er thought for a while and said, "I can't be a lobbyist. It's not that I don't want to help. From what I know about Mrs. Kang, he won't listen to my advice on this matter. Because it's about you. A big move in the rise and fall of the Kang family! Look at the rich and powerful families in Qi Taiping now, how many of them are not just sitting and enjoying the riches? Who of them is willing to inspect the business of the docks in other cities? Even if they go, who knows business? They They will only spend money, not make money.” Bao Shijing said: "Second Master and the others are not opposed to the old man going on tour, but just want him to miss the hot weather. Even running high feet and pulling camels, we must avoid the hot weather." Master Che Er said: "Old Mrs. Kang chose to go on tour on a hot day, maybe it was intentional, and he wanted to issue a warning for the West Gang. If it wasn't intentional, if you really don't care about the cold and heat, then you will be more heroic." .” The second master said, "We are worried about his health." Master Che Er asked: "Has your lord continued to practice boxing?" The second master said: "That's right, rain or shine, a day without stopping." "How much food?" "The appetite is not small." "What about sleep?" "Then I don't know." Bao Shijing said: "I think the old man looks very good." The second master of the car said: "Tell me, you will fulfill the old man, and respectfully send him on a tour. When he was young, he often went out, north and south, three rivers and four seas. Where has he never been? Especially the Mongolian border outside the mouth. , Big Coulomb, front and back battalion, ran many times. He is still afraid of wind, rain, cold and heat? Although you are old, you all know that you practice martial arts. In addition to strength, you must have heart. The old man is so big, nothing will happen. Xibang How can merchants be rich in the world? Apart from being gentle and kind, they have long legs, travel thousands of miles, and work hard in trading. It is always a common thing. Second master, your father named your brothers Yuan, Xian, Guang, Yun, Yao, and Long , are long-legged characters, so I hope you don’t lose your legs!” The second master said: "The old master suddenly wants to go on tour in such a hot summer, obviously he is dissatisfied with us." The second master of the car said: "Yes, not all. Second master, you have to be filial, why don't you follow the old man and travel far, and you will also meet martial arts friends in the world?" The second master said: "Which time the old man went on a tour, I didn't want to accompany him to serve? People looked down on me and didn't ask me to go. Master Che, if my father insists on going on a tour this time, I wonder if the master will condescend to go with him to show his prestige? " Bao Wushi also said: "If the master can go together, it will become a great event for the West Gang!" Master Che Er smiled and said: "I am a farmer, what kind of prestige can I have, what kind of grand event can I achieve! If you want bodyguards, you should hire martial artists from the Escort Bureau. They travel all year round, know the ground along the way, have many friends, understand the rules, and there will be no trouble. Trouble. For a novice like me, even if I have some martial arts skills, I have to open my way again. Don’t I delay the old man’s schedule? The old man is smarter than you in this kind of thing. He always invites martial arts from the escort agency when he goes out.” The second master said: "Rujia's father has personally extended the invitation, will Che master be willing to honor the company?" Master Che Er laughed again: "There will be no such thing." Bao Shijing said: "If there is such a respectful invitation, the master will not refuse it?" Master Che Er said: "If there is such a thing, I will not refuse it. But I dare say that there will be no such thing. I think your old man is going on tour this time. I think he wants to warn the West Gang by enduring hardships and taking risks. He dragged me away. Waiting for others, to stand in the middle, it seems to be for the sake of ostentation, who can warn anyone!" The second master hurriedly asked: "Master Che, the boxers from Zhili, Shandong, and Henan are not afraid to start riots everywhere?" Bao Shijing also asked: "Master, what kind of boxing do those boxers practice?" Master Che Er said: "A few days ago, a martial friend from Shenzhou, Zhili, talked about the boxing that is popular in Zhixing. The boxing there is not similar to our Xingyi boxing. It is a kind of divine religion. It takes practicing boxing as its main lesson when entering the teaching, so it also calls itself "Yihe boxing". There are many gods, men and ghosts in the novels of "Shen", "Three Kingdoms", and "Water Margin". The leaders of the religion, holding incense and chanting mantras, call the gods to possess the body. It can be practical if you practice it for one month, and you can achieve it after three months. You and I have practiced boxing for most of our lives. How have you ever seen such a clever boxing technique? They can be used to scare Westerners, but it is nothing to us! " The second master said: "I heard that when the incident occurred, there were many boxers, and it was difficult to deal with." Master Che Er said: "Then Er Ye, you will follow, and you will be able to show off your martial arts skills of 'snatching people back from a thousand troops'." Bao Shijing said: "Since that's the case, it's really nothing to be afraid of. Let's play martial arts for a while!" The three of them drank some herbal tea, walked out of the chrysanthemum garden, and went to the martial arts arena. Lao Xia accompanied the fourth master, and went to the city to meet Sun Beiming, the treasurer of Tiancheng Yuanpiaozhuang. Shopkeeper Sun still didn't quite believe that Mrs. Kang was really going on tour. He said, "That's a joke he said when I was chatting with Mrs. Kang. Don't take it seriously." The fourth master said: "The old master has solemnly explained to us." Lao Xia also said: "The old master has already instructed me to arrange many matters for the tour as soon as possible." Shopkeeper Sun Da said: "Did he really say he was going to leave?" Lao Xia said: "That's right! Or, we would come to see you in such a hurry?" The fourth master said: "The shopkeeper, you have to persuade the old man. If he really wants to go on tour, he will have to miss the summer, right?" Sun Beiming pondered for a moment, then said: "Then I'll go see the old man. See if he really wants to go on a tour, or has he published a lesson on Zen gongan for you to understand? He really wants to go on a tour, so I have to settle everything on the cabinet as soon as possible." !" The fourth master said: "The old man really wants to go on a tour, can't you persuade Master Sun?" Shopkeeper Sun said: "Fourth Master, Lao Xia, let me see the old man first." The fourth master hurriedly said: "Then I will ask Master Sun a lot!" Lao Xia also said: "The treasurer keeps his promises. No one can persuade the old man except you." After leaving Tiancheng Yuanpiao House, Lao Xia accompanied Fourth Master to Tianshengchuan Tea House. Tianshengchuan Tea House is also on West Street, not far from Tianchengyuan.The door face is not as elegant as Tiancheng's, but it has an antique elegance.Although the Kang family's big business is in Tianchengyuan, Tianshengchuan is the family name of the Kang family, so its status has never been low.Every year in the first month of the lunar year when the business is open, Kang Wat goes south to the city to burn incense and bless his own brand name, and worship the God of Wealth. Tianshengchuan was just a small tea house in the city of naturalization in the early years.At that time, Kang Shiyun, the head of the Kang family, ran a small camel transport agency in Taigu, raising more than 100 camels, and ran the tea-horse road between Hankou and Kouwaiguihua.When going up, the old green brick tea will be transported from Yanglou Cave in Puqi, Hubei, outside the north exit; when going down, the woolen felt will be carried from Guihua to Hankou in the south.Tianshengchuan Tea House is a regular customer of the Kangjia Camel Transport Club, transporting tea goods from Hubei for it all the year round. Old green tea, which belongs to black tea, is a kind of fermented tea.Mongolian herdsmen are used to making milk tea with old green tea, and milk tea is half of the daily diet of herdsmen.However, the old green tea business in Mengdi is almost monopolized by Dashengkui, the number one firm of Jin people in Mongolia.Tianshengchuan is a small tea factory, so it is impossible to compete with it, and the manager assistant is a mediocre person, so the business can't do well.In the end, it was often difficult to pay the freight in arrears to the camel transport agency.But Kang Shiyun was very benevolent, owed the shipping fee, and still bought goods for Tianshengchuan.With more and more debts, the Kang family's benevolence has not diminished.Feeling his sincerity, the treasurer and treasurer of Tianshengchuan offered the tea estate to Kang's family in return for the debt. Kang Shiyun took over the Tianshengchuan tea house, first avoiding Dashengkui's edge, and no longer doing the old green brick tea business.Da Shengkui's camel transport team has tens of thousands of camels, and the mobile "house" for sales can travel to all the pastures in Inner and Inner Mongolia.Who can compete with it?It was during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, when the China-Russia Kyakhta Commercial Treaty had just been signed.康士运慧眼独具，大胆将生意转往更为遥远的边疆小镇恰克图，在那里开了天盛川的一间分号。多年跑茶马大道，他知道俄国人喜饮红茶，而蒲圻羊楼洞的米砖茶，即是很负盛名的红茶。改运老青茶为米砖茶，那是轻车驾熟的事。天盛川易主后，就这样转向专做米砖茶的外贸生意了。 驼道虽然由归化延伸到恰克图，穿越蒙古南北全境，其间艰难险阻无法道尽了，但赶在恰克图的买卖城草创之初，捷足而登，却占尽了先手。天盛川不仅在这个日后繁荣异常的边贸宝地立住了脚，而且很快发达起来。将米砖茶出售给俄商，获利之丰，那是老青茶生意无法相比的。从俄境贩回的皮毛呢绒，就更能在汉口售出珍贵物品的好价。一来一去，两头利丰，不发达还等什么！ 到康笏南曾祖爷手里，天盛川茶庄已经把生意做大了。总号由归化移到太谷，在湖北蒲圻羊楼洞有了自己的茶场，恰克图的字号更成为大商行。驼运社则移到归化，骆驼已有千峰之多。 康家的茶场，除了自种，在鄂南大量收购毛茶，经萎凋、揉捻、发酵、蒸压，制成砖茶，然后，运回太谷老号，包了专用麻纸，加盖天盛川字号的红印，三十六片装成一箱，再由驼队发运恰克图。 经历乾嘉盛世，恰克图已成边贸大埠，天盛川也成为出口茶叶的大商号。自然，康家也成巨富。 道光初年，平遥西裕成颜料庄改号为“日升昌”，专营银钱汇兑的生意，打出了“汇通天下”的招牌。从此，山西商人涉足金融业，独创了近代中国的“前银行”——票号，将晋商的事业推向了最辉煌的阶段。康家依托天盛川茶庄的雄厚财力和既有信誉，很快也创办了自家的票庄：天成元。康家也由此走向自己的辉煌。 票庄是钱生钱的生意，发达起来，远甚茶庄。尤其到咸丰年间，俄国商人已获朝廷允许，直入两湖采购茶叶，还在汉口设了茶叶加工厂。俄商与西帮的竞争，已异常残酷。康家虽没有退出茶叶外贸的生意，但已将商事的重心，转到票庄了。 天盛川茶庄的大掌柜林琴轩，是一位颇有抱负的老领东了，他苦撑茶庄危局，不甘衰败。对东家重票庄、轻茶庄，一向很不以为然。所以，当四爷和老夏来求助时，他毫不客气，直言他是支持老太爷出巡的。 “叫我说，老太爷早该有此壮举了。看看当今天下大势，危难无处不在，可各码头的老帮伙友，一片自负。尤其他们票庄，不但自负更甚，还沉迷于奢华，危难于他们仿佛永不搭界！天下哪有这样的便宜？老太爷不出面警示一番，怎么得了！” 四爷说：“林大掌柜一片赤诚，我们一向敬重无比。所以才来求助大掌柜，只有大掌柜的话，老太爷肯听。我们不是阻拦老太爷出巡，只是想叫他错过热天，毕竟是年逾古稀了。” 老夏也说：“听说外间也不宁静。要出巡，选个好时候，总不能这样，说走就要走。” 林琴轩说：“这你们就不懂了。我看老太爷才不是心血来潮，他是专门挑了这样的时候。大热天，外间又不宁静，以古稀之年冒暑冒险，出行千里巡视生意，这才像我们西帮的举动。时候好，又平安，不受一点罪，那是去出游享乐，能警示谁？” 四爷说：“父母在，不远行。现在家父要远行，林大掌柜，你说我们能不闻不问吗？” 林大掌柜说：“不孝有三，无后为大。老太爷生了你们六位老爷，不是我说难听话，你们有谁堪当后继？” 当着四爷的面，林大掌柜就说出这样的话，老夏虽感不满，也不便顶撞。因为即使当着老太爷，林大掌柜有时也是这样直言的。看看四爷，并无怒气，只是很虔诚地满脸愧色。 “林大掌柜说的是，我们太庸碌了，不能替老太爷分忧、分劳。” “四爷，你真是太善了，善到这样没有一点火气。你像归隐林下的出世者，不争，不怒，什么都不在乎，这哪里像是商家？” 老夏忙说：“四爷这样心善，有什么不好！” 林大掌柜说：“你们几位老爷，都是这样逸士一般，仙人一般，商家大志何以存焉？” 四爷依然一脸虔诚的愧色，说：“哪里是逸士仙人，实在是太庸碌了。要不，还需劳动老太爷这样冒暑冒险出巡吗？” 老夏说：“林大掌柜，三爷在口外巡视生意，已经快一年了。三爷于商事，那是怀有大志的。” 林大掌柜居然说：“三爷他倒是有心劲儿，可惜也不过是匹夫之勇。” 老夏就说：“林大掌柜，你也太狂妄失礼了吧？当着四爷，连三爷也糟蹋上了，太过分了！你当大掌柜再年久，也要守那东伙之分、主仆之别吧？” “正是当着四爷，我才这样直谏。” 四爷忙说：“林大掌柜一片赤诚，我们是极为敬佩的。所以我们才来求助大掌柜。” “不用劝老太爷了，他想出巡，就叫他出巡。他能受得下旅途这点辛苦，不用你们瞎操心。你们康家是拉骆驼起家，不应该怕这点旅途辛苦。没有这点辛苦，哪还能立足西帮！” 四爷说：“那就听林大掌柜的，不再劝阻老太爷出巡。林大掌柜能否为老太爷选一相宜的出巡路线？” 林大掌柜说：“还是怕热着老爷子吧？叫我说，他想去哪儿，就由他去哪儿。你们无非叫我劝他，往凉快的地界走。可叫我看，三爷既在口外，他一准下江南。” “下江南？” “大热天，下江南？” “你们不用大惊小怪了，下江南，就由他下江南。” 林大掌柜说话不留情，可执意要四爷和老夏留在字号用饭。席间几盅酒下肚，他说话就更无情了。除了老太爷，几乎无人不被数落，尤其是票庄的孙北溟大掌柜，林琴轩数落更甚。 四爷和老夏，也只能虔诚地听着。 求助的三位人物，就有两位不但不劝阻，反而很赞成老太爷出巡。六爷听了这个消息，心里倒是暗暗高兴。只有一个孙大掌柜，没有说定是劝阻，还是赞同。四爷说，听孙大掌柜口气，好像是不赞同。 孙大掌柜可不是一般人物，他要出面阻拦，说不定真能把老太爷拦下。 六爷想了想，忽然想到一个人，那就是他最不愿意见的老夫人。老夫人出面劝阻，那会怎么样呢？六爷知道，老太爷是不会听从她的劝阻的。但应该请她出面劝一劝。于情于理，都应请她出面劝一劝。趁见老夫人的机会，也可进一次老院。 这天从家馆下学回来，吃过晚饭，就去老院求见老夫人。下人传话进去，老亭很快就出来了。 “六爷，我这就去对老夫人说。老夫人要问起，六爷为什么事来见她，我怎么回话？” “我正预备明年大试的策论，怕有制夷之论。所以想向老夫人问问西洋列强情形。” “六爷稍担待，我这就去说。” 老亭进去不多久，老夫人身边的吕布就跑出来了。 “六爷是稀客，老夫人一听说，就叫我赶紧来请！” 六爷真是没有想到，这样容易就进了老院。以前他想进老院，总是以求见老太爷为由，老太爷又总是回绝他。但他从没有求见老夫人。这位替代了母亲的女人，他最不想见她。今天来见她，也完全是为了母亲。 跟着吕布，穿过两进院，来到了父亲的大书房。 这里也曾经是母亲生前居住的地方，但他自己是一天也没有在这里住过。他一落地，就和奶妈住进了派给他的那处庭院。母亲也常常住在那里。 现在，这个替代了母亲的女人，已经站在大书房的门前。她这样屈尊来迎接，六爷心里更感到不快。 “拜见母亲大人了。” 六爷正要勉强行跪拜礼，老夫人就说：“吕布，你快扶六爷进屋，我这里不讲究，快不用那样多礼。” 进屋后，又把他让进了她的书房，是想消去长辈的威严吧。其实，他在心里从来也不认同她这位继母。 这间书房，以前也是母亲的书房。里面的摆设，好像什么也没有改变，只是有些凌乱。书橱上置有《十三经注疏》、《钦定诗经》、《苏批孟子》、《古文眉铨》、《算经十书》、《瀛环志略》、《海国图志》、《泰西艺学通考》一类书籍。六爷猜不出这个替代了母亲的女人，是否会读这些枯燥的书，也猜不出母亲在世时，这些书籍是否已放置在此了。 这里的书橱，可比他自己房里的书橱精致得多，是一排酸枝浅雕人物博古纹亮格书橱。那边，老爷子的书房，放置书籍的更是红木书卷头多宝架。 “听说六爷正在为明年的大比日夜苦读呢。” 这个女人的京话，说得这样悦耳，六爷也感到很不快。 “我哪里是读书的材料，不过是遵了老太爷的命吧。” “六爷极有天分，我是早知道的。明年一准会蟾宫折桂，为你们康家博回一份光耀祖宗的功名来。” “谢谢母亲大人的吉言，只怕会叫大家失望的。” “不会。六爷，叫谁失望都不怕，但能叫你的先母失望吗？这么多年了，她的在天之灵一直惦记着你，真是得信那句话：惊天地，泣鬼神！” 六爷没有想到，这个女人会说这样的话。她是真心这样说，还是一种虚情假意？ “先母生前的确是希望我能读书成功的。可惜，我那时幼小无知。母亲大人，难道你也相信，先母的灵魂还在挂念我？” “我一直相信。” “你为什么会相信？” “因为我也是一个女人。尤其是我住进了你父亲的这座大书房，住进了你的先母住过的这一半大屋，我就能理解她了。” “可是，父亲一直不让我相信先母的鬼魂。” “但我相信。” “先母的灵魂，回到过这座大书房吗？” “没有。我盼望她能来，但她一直没来。” “你不怕她的鬼魂？” “我知道，她不会怨恨我。” “那先母怨恨谁？” “六爷，我不能给你说。” "Why can't you tell?" “我不能说。六爷，你还是全力备考吧，不能叫你的先母失望。听说，你要问我西洋列强情形，我哪里能知道！” “母亲大人，我今天来拜见你，其实是为另一件事。老太爷他要到各地码头出巡，你知道吗？” “我哪里会知道？没有人告诉过我。他什么时候出巡去？” “他说走，就要走。已经叫老夏给预备出巡的诸事了，也不管正是五黄六月大热天！他那么大年纪了，大热天怎么能出远门？但我们都劝不住他，票庄茶庄的大掌柜也劝不住他。今天来，就是想请母亲大人劝一劝他。想出巡，也得拣个好时候。就不能错过热天，等凉快了再说？” 杜筠青听了六爷这番话，半天没有言声。 他决定要出巡，已经闹得这样沸沸扬扬，她连知道也不知道。他不告诉她，下面的人，也没有一人告诉她。吕布是不知道，还是知道了也不告诉她？她当的这是什么老夫人！想出巡，就去吧。她不阻拦，即便想阻拦，能阻拦得了！ 但她又不能将这一份幽怨，流露给六爷。 “母亲大人，你也不便劝说吗？” “不，我看你父亲要冒暑出巡，是一次壮举。我为什么要劝阻他呢？只是，不知要出巡何方？要是赴京师天津，我也想随行呢。我已经离京十多年，真想回去看看。四五年前，你父亲出巡京津，我便想随行，未能如愿。” “听说，这次是要下江南。” “下江南？下江南，我也愿意随行。我外祖家就在江南，那里天地灵秀，文运隆盛。六爷，你也该随你父亲下一趟江南，窃一点他们的灵秀之气回来。” “可老太爷那么大年纪了，冒暑劳顿千里，我们怎么能安心呢？” “他身子骨好着呢，又有华车骏马，仆役保镖，什么也不用担心。你们康家不是走口外走出来的吗，还怕出门走路？” 六爷没有想到，老夫人居然是这样一种态度。她也是不但不劝阻，更视老太爷出巡为一件平常事，出巡就出巡吧。 这位替代了母亲的女人，是不是也盼望着老太爷出巡能成行？ 六爷从老院出来，回想老夫人的言谈，分明有种话外之音似的，至少在话语间是流露了某种暗示。她说母亲不会怨恨她，也许她知道母亲的什么秘密吧？ 六爷回来将这种感觉告诉了奶妈，他还说了一句：“她好像也同情母亲呢。” 奶妈听后，立刻就激愤了，说：“六爷，你可千万不能相信她！” 说时，竟落下泪来。 六爷没有想到，奶妈会有这样激烈的反应。就问：“母亲生前认识这个女人吗？” 奶妈叹了口气，说：“六爷，有些话，我本来想等你中举、成家后，再对你说。这也是你母亲临终的交待。现在，就不妨对你先说了吧。” 母亲去世后，奶妈就是他最亲近的人了。但他早已感觉到，奶妈有什么秘密瞒着他。现在，终于要把这些秘密说出来了。 “奶妈，我早知道，你们有话不对我说。” “六爷，那是因为你小。说了，你也不明白。” “现在，我已经不小了，那就快说吧。” 但奶妈说出的第一句话，就叫六爷大吃一惊：“六爷，你母亲就是叫这个女人逼死的。” 她逼死了母亲？只是，听完奶妈的话，六爷明白了母亲的去世，是同这个女人有关。可好像也不能说就是她逼死了母亲。 原来，杜筠青回到太谷之初，陪伴着父亲出入名门大户，那一半京味、一半洋味的独特风采，很被传颂一时。自然，也传入了康庄德新堂，传入康笏南的耳中。他当着老爷少爷的面时正色厉声，不叫议论这个女子。太谷的名门大户，几乎都宴请过杜长萱父女了，康家也一直没有从众。康家不少人，包括各房的女眷们，都想见一见这位时新女子，康笏南只是不松口。 不过，回到老院，康笏南就不断说起这位杜家女子。那时的老夫人，也就是六爷的生母，听老太爷不断说这位女子，并无一点妒意。听着老太爷用那欣赏的口气，说起这个杜家女子，京话说得如何好，生了一双天足，却又如何婀娜鲜活，在场面上，又如何开明大方，一如西洋女子，她也只是很想见见这个女子。 她几次对康笏南说：“我们不妨也宴请他们一次，听一听西洋的趣事，也给杜家一个面子。” 可康笏南总是说：“要请，我们康家也只能请杜长萱他一人！” 到头来，康家连杜长萱一人也没有请。 老夫人后来听说，康家的天盛川茶庄，宴请过杜家父女。老太爷那日去了天盛川，但没有出面主持宴席，只是独坐在宴席的里间，听了杜家父女的言谈。老夫人想，他一定也窥视了这位杜家女子的芳容和风采。 但她心里，实在也没有生出一丝妒意。她甚至想，老太爷既然如此喜欢这位杜家女子，何不托人去试探一下，看她愿意不愿意来做小。杜长萱是京师官场失意，回乡赋闲，杜筠青又是失夫寡居，答应做小，也不辱没他们的。那时，老夫人也正想全心来抚