Chapter 17 Breaking precedent

Dai Ying heard that the Cao family had captured Cen Chunxuan's cavalry alive, so after thinking about it for a while, he decided to meet Cao Peide. In Taiyuan, Dai Ying had already inquired clearly, after the Western Empress Dowager sent her favored Wu Yong to Huguang to press for Beijing's salary, this Cen Chunxuan had already taken care of all the errands in the palace.The person who came to Cao's house to kidnap was actually a soldier under Cen Chunxuan. Didn't this just give the West Gang a chance to clear up this Mr. Cen? In fact, besides the Imperial Forest Army of Shenji Camp and Shenhu Camp, the guards accompanying King Laiqin were mainly the Jingying Wuwei Army under the command of Ma Yukun, the admiral of the Nine Gates.When he was in Taiyuan, Dai Ying also visited Ma Junmen.Speaking of the difficulty of escorting and leading troops along the way, Ma Junmen also vomited bitter experience.The road was desolate, and there was no money for the soldiers. When they were in a hurry, the soldiers went out to loot everywhere.Sometimes, the imperial tributes prepared for the Queen Mother by counties along the way were robbed.Therefore, the Empress Dowager was extremely annoyed by this, and repeatedly ordered that all soldiers who dared to go out to rob would be killed without mercy.Killing is killing a lot, but looting is still unstoppable.It was only after entering Yanmen Pass that the ground became richer and the supply of imperial missions along the way gradually increased, so it was easier to bring soldiers.

After hearing Ma Yukun's complaints, Dai Ying asked, "Now that Taiyuan is under pressure from the army, will there be unscrupulous soldiers running out to disturb the people, especially going to our Qi Taiping to rob?" Ma Yukun said categorically: "The Queen Mother saw that the emperor's envoys here are doing well, and she issued a special order: If there are soldiers who disturb the people bravely, they will be severely punished." He also said that no matter who the soldiers are, he, Ma Yukun, can kill them immediately. Dai Ying had heard these words, so he felt that using the kidnapping case of Cao's family could be used as an article for Cen Chunxuan: hide this matter for him, don't make it public, don't report it to the officials, and if you don't believe him, Cen Chunxuan won't take any favors?If Cen Chunxuan is cleared up, at least he can cry more for the Xibang in front of the Queen Mother.Also, Cen Chunxuan also has a great way to handle this matter assigned by the old man.

But it seemed too abrupt for him to meet Cao Peide suddenly.So Dai Ying asked the third master to accompany him.He said to the third master: "After clearing Cen Chunxuan, it will not be difficult for the old master to see the empress dowager." When the third master heard this, he naturally readily agreed. Dai Yingzhen did not expect that Cao Peide treated him with more respect than the third master.Because Cao Peide intends to turn his own account shop into a ticket office, he naturally admires the Kang family, the well-known shopkeeper of the Beijing account.It's just that Dai Ying doesn't quite understand the meaning of this layer.

Dai Ying saw that the young head of the Cao family was not difficult at all, so he expressed his thoughts frankly: "Our Taigu Wujie captured the kidnappers for your Cao family, and the work was beautiful! Especially Master Che Er and the others were unarmed, but the kidnappers were riding on horseback with a knife, and they were able to take it down swiftly, there are good stories about the martial arts of the masters." The third master said: "This time, Master Che and the others are planning to outsmart, not force to force." Dai Ying said: "Smart and brave, that martial name will spread far and wide. But the one who was captured alive was actually Cen Chunxuan's cavalry. This is not a good thing!"

Cao Peide hurriedly asked: "Treasurer Dai, how can we know that the kidnappers will be his soldiers? I still don't quite believe that the soldiers and horses escorted by King Qin are doing this kind of banditry for a living." Dai Ying said: "Cen Chunxuan's soldiers and horses were brought over from Gansu, and they were originally wild. It's strange to escort them all the way, eat and drink little, and don't loot." Cao Peide asked: "I've never heard of this Cen Chunxuan before, why is he suddenly escorting the imperial court?" The third master also said: "I heard that the guards are the Beijing camp soldiers and horses led by Ma Yukun. Where did Cen Chunxuan come from?"

Dai Ying said: "This Cen Chunxuan originally served as a vassal in Gansu. In June, foreigners captured Tianjin and threatened the capital. Cen Chunxuan asked to lead troops to Beijing to defend the court. Mr. Tao Gongmo, Governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, knows that Cen Chunxuan likes to show off He is not good at leading troops to fight, so he didn't want to allow him to go. But his name is upright, if you don't allow it, you can't stand it. Master Tao had no choice but to let him go, but he only allocated the third battalion of infantry , cavalry and three banners, there were only two thousand people in total, and they brought fifty thousand taels of silver. Cen Chunxuan took these soldiers and horses and rushed to the capital. The soldiers and horses passed through the Mongolian grasslands to Zhangjiakou, and the march was too time-consuming. He himself So I flew into the capital first. When your majesty saw it, the queen mother scolded when she heard that she had only brought two thousand soldiers and horses: 'It's a joke!'"

The third master smiled and said: "Two thousand soldiers and horses, just want to block the foreigners and relieve the danger of the capital?" Cao Peide said: "Let me see, this Cen Chunxuan is still somewhat loyal and brave. Those who command heavy troops and are able to recruit and fight well, why don't all of them go to relieve the danger of the capital?" Dai Ying said: "Those who are capable can't be caught; those who are not capable will come to surround you, so what if they are not unlucky! The Queen Mother is already upset, so she asked again: 'Where are your two thousand soldiers and horses?' Cen Chunxuan I can only truthfully say: "I have arrived in Zhangjiakou, and I will arrive in Beijing in a few days." Such a small number of soldiers and horses, before they were brought, came to ask for credit? The Queen Mother was even more disgusted, and immediately said: "You soldiers and horses , stay in Zhangjiakou, beware of old Russians, and don’t have to go to Beijing.’”

Cao Peide said: "Such a loyal minister came, but he was driven away." Dai Ying said: "Don't tell me, this Cen Chunxuan is really lucky. Before he left the capital, the capital fell. He escaped from the capital with the two palaces. If he was not asked to escort him, he would have to escort him. " The third master said: "What kind of luck is this? The capital fell, maybe he brought the bad luck." Dai Ying said: "The soldiers and horses that Cen Chunxuan brought along with the retinue all the way to the west were not worth mentioning, but the 50,000 taels of military pay he brought was a big deal in the first few days. The empress dowager fled the capital in a hurry. The guards and escorts are considered mighty and mighty, but they didn’t bring out a tael of Beijing’s salary from the imperial treasury. So in the first few days, the food, drink and spending of this mighty and mighty group of people all depended on the little military salary brought by Cen Chunxuan. Zhi Ying. The Empress Dowager heard about it and praised Cen Chunxuan greatly. Later, she simply asked him to work with Wu Yong to undertake the big mission of Qianlu Liangtai. Look, isn't this good luck?"

Cao Peide said: "This good luck was also bought with loyalty and bravery. Shopkeeper Dai, the gang of kidnappers caught by Master Che and the others, if they are really under Mr. Cen's hands, they should be sent back to the camp and let him deal with them, right?" Dai Ying said, "I'm afraid he won't recognize me." The third master said, "Why doesn't he recognize it?" Dai Ying said: "This is smearing his face, is he willing to admit it? After he was stationed in Taiyuan, the Empress Dowager repeatedly issued an order not to allow the soldiers to go out to disturb the people. Anyone who violates the law will be executed without mercy!"

Cao Peide said: "Then we'll pretend we don't know it's his soldiers, and just hand it over to the officials." Dai Ying said: "If you hand over the officer, you must be killed immediately. If it is really Cen Chunxuan's cavalry, if you kill us like this, he will definitely not spare us when he finds out." The third master said: "Then we captured these bastards alive, did we capture them wrong?" Dai Ying said: "The two rich men don't know that Cen Chunxuan is really difficult to provoke, and now he is favored by the Empress Dowager, so he is very popular. If this matter is not handled properly, I don't know what trouble it will cause!"

Cao Peide said: "Treasurer Dai, you have been stationed in Beijing for many years, how should you deal with it?" Dai Ying hurriedly said: "Cao Dongtai, what can I do? I just lived in Taiyuan for a few days and got some news. Let's give you some information. What we caught, even the Beijing army led by Ma Yukun Ying Bingyong is easier to deal with than this. The third master has friendship with Ma Junmen, so he can talk about everything. Even if there is no such personal relationship, Ma Junmen is easy to deal with. After all, he is a capable general, not like this Cen Chunxuan! " The third master said: "The villain is not easy to mess with if he succeeds." Dai Ying said: "Cen Chunxuan was a bit arrogant and domineering in the first place, but now he is favored by the Empress Dowager, monopolizing the power of the palace, and even more domineering, tyrannical and tyrannical! I heard that he used all kinds of coercion to the officials of the states and counties along the way. Extremely humiliating. After Shengjia arrived at Xuanhua Mansion, Tianzhen County Magistrate received an urgent report, telling him to prepare to pick him up. A small county in Saibei suddenly ran such a large imperial mission, just to prepare food and drink for thousands of people. Enough for it to hum." The third master said: "I have been to Tianzhen. In the face of such a severe drought this year, what delicious food can there be? There are not many naked oats to be harvested, and the mutton is afraid that it will not be fat." Dai Ying said: "If Cen Chunxuan thinks like the third master, that would be great! Tianzhen put all the efforts of the county, and finally managed to get everything ready, but the Queen Mother stayed in Xuanhua for three consecutive days and did not start driving on time. Tianzhen's side Can't wait for Shengjia, other things are okay, many poultry foods will lose their taste. When Shengjia suddenly arrives, how can there be time to re-purchase temporarily? This Cen Chunxuan, when he heard that the food smelled rotten, he called to the county The order was insulting, and immediately forced to replace fresh food. The county magistrate said that the queen mother and the emperor's imperial meal had been prepared as much as possible, and the rest of the big ones were too late. Cen Chunxuan would not listen, but said: "Want to be lazy? Let's see." How many heads do you have!' The county magistrate was threatened by this, knowing that he could not confess, so he took poison and committed suicide." Cao Peide said: "When you run an imperial mission, you probably always hold your head." The third master said: "The court is so unlucky, why should people like Cen Chunxuan be reused? He is domineering, why don't he scare foreigners!" Dai Ying said: "It's a common problem in official circles to bully the weak and fear the hard. It's just that Cen Chunxuan is not easy to mess with." Cao Peide said: "Then shopkeeper Dai, look, what should we do with the dozen or so kidnappers we caught?" Dai Ying said: "Cao Dongtai, I really don't have a good strategy." Although Dai Ying has a countermeasure, it is inconvenient to say at this time: Don't be too loud. "Right now, don't publicize this matter. I'm afraid that if I don't handle it properly, I'll offend Cen Chunxuan. If he deliberately indulges his soldiers to harass Taigu, or persuades the Empress Dowager to rip off our West Clan, then he will be in big trouble. I'll go back to Taiyuan right away, and make further inquiries to see how this move should be played. There are many capable shopkeepers in your house, so I ask them to think of a way." Cao Peide said: "We have a lot of brands, but there are not a few outstanding Beijing names. I will listen to the shopkeeper Dai and cover this matter first. I will not report it to the official or make it public. I will wait for your good plan." Dai Ying hurriedly said: "Cao Dongtai wants to say this, I really dare not do anything wrong! I just try my best, how can I come up with a good strategy?" Cao Peide said: "Don't be polite, Shopkeeper Dai. I also want to ask by the way: Is it too late to apply for a new ticket number?" The third master said to Dai Ying: "At the end of this new year, Brother Cao mentioned that he wanted to change their account shop into a ticket shop. The old man agreed very much, saying that Cao's family also opened a ticket shop, so our Taigu Gang will not be able to do it today." It's better than ever!" Dai Ying hurriedly said: "Our old man is right. The ticket number, whether it is sooner or later, depends on who will do it. If your Cao family wants to do it, isn't that easy?" Cao Peide said: "Master Dai, I don't want to hear your compliments, I really want to teach you!" Dai Ying said: "I'm telling the truth. You don't lack capital, and you don't lack shopkeepers. All major docks in the country have your Cao family name, especially the Cao family name is so famous that everyone can trust it: these few things Complete, the check-in number is not a ready-made thing!" Cao Peide said: "Shopkeeper Dai has to see what happens, and I dare to make up my mind. However, this year is just too late for natural disasters and man-made disasters, and there is no shortage of them. Looking at the future situation, shopkeeper Dai, is there still hope?" Dai Ying said: "Cao Dongtai is full of heroic spirit, I also want to hear your insight on the general situation!" Cao Peide said: "I live in the countryside and watch the sky from the bottom of a well. How can I have any insight! Shopkeeper Dai has always been in the capital, so I really want to hear some good opinions." Dai Ying said: "Suddenly, such a catastrophe as this year happened. No one dared to predict the current situation. Last year today, who would have thought that the situation would fall like this? Even in May and June this year, who would have thought Will the imperial court abandon Beijing and flee? So I dare not predict the general situation in the future, that is, the rebirth of Kong Ming. If you say that the Qing Dynasty still has hope of turning around and rejuvenating, no one will believe it. However, this year's changes, despite internal strife and external troubles , or foreign aggression is the most serious. Compared with the Hongyang Rebellion, only Beijing and Tianjin were lost, and other land boundaries are not so important. Especially the Jiangnan provinces, there is almost no impact." The third master said angrily: "The loss of the capital is already a great shame!" Dai Ying said: "Foreigners also just want to insult the Qing Dynasty, not to destroy the Qing Dynasty. The purpose of insulting you is to make you obediently pay compensation and cede the land; if you are destroyed, who will sign the peace treaty and who will pay the compensation to cede the land? So, call me Look, the result of this catastrophe is nothing more than writing another peace agreement, paying the compensation and ceding the land. Your Cao family needs an invoice number, so you just need to make a list, and it’s just a few days later.” Cao Peide said: "I think so, and the situation is just like this. Shopkeeper Dai, we are new to the ticket industry, and you old accounts won't bully you, will you?" Dai Ying said: "If you dare to bully your Cao family, you must have great ability. The Cao family is not like the current imperial court, anyone dares to bully it!" The third master said: "After such an imperial court, all the money has been paid to foreigners. How much business do we still have to do!" Dai Ying said: "Scholars, farmers, businessmen, we are the last ones. I like to care about whether the court is strong or not! Even if you want to control it, they don't ask you to care! Jump out of the officialdom to see the world. In prosperous times and troubled times, there is always business to do. " After Dai Ying walked back to Taigu for so many days, he unexpectedly missed the meeting with Wang Wenshao, the co-organizer, minister of military affairs, and secretary of the household department. On the second day after Dai Ying left Taiyuan, Wang Zhongtang summoned more than a dozen big-name veterans of the Beijing gang among the Xibang ticket offices.But this summoning was not at the request of the West Gang, but on his own initiative.Moreover, the summoning was extremely urgent, and the order was sent in the morning, and it was received in the next day.It was too late for Tian Chengyuan to invite Dai Ying back, so Mr. Liu had no choice but to go by himself. Wang Wenshao, as the prime minister, urgently summoned the shopkeepers of the Xibang ticket office, not because he came to the Xibang's hometown and wanted to show courtesy to a corporal. The reason was really simple: he wanted to borrow money from the Xibang. After arriving in Taiyuan, the Queen Mother lived comfortably and had no intention of leaving.However, the capital salaries of all provinces have disappeared without a trace, and there has been no remittance.Those governors, the memorial was written so movingly, everyone said that the remittance had already started and was about to start, but where did the money go?Ask them to hand over to the Shanxi ticket dealer, and the bills and wire transfers have been completed, but there is still not much movement.The Shanxi feudal treasury is about to run out, and the Fuyuan feudal secretary is already complaining.Only then did Wang Wenshao follow the advice of some subordinates of the household department and borrow money from Western merchants in the name of the imperial court. In the past in the capital, it was not uncommon for the household department to borrow money from west bankers. Please go up, and the queen mother agrees. Originally, Wang Wenshao wanted to invite the big moneyholders of the western merchants to treat them with generous gifts and righteousness, and perhaps it would not be difficult to borrow huge sums of money.But Li Yanxiao, the Shanxi feudal lord, said that Qi Taiping and those rich men don't care about such things.They have seen many things like official persuasion for donations and borrowing money.Invite them here, apart from hearing them cry poor, you can't expect anything else. Wang Wenshao proposed: "Then invite the big shopkeeper of the Western merchants?" Li Yanxiao said: "The big treasurer of the leader is also the same as the rich man, so it's hard to talk about it. Not long ago, the humble official just summoned them and read out the imperial decree, asking them to accept the remittance. .” "Then who do you see?" Li Yanxiao suggested: "If you want to meet, you should meet the shopkeepers of various companies in Beijing. This group of people is the most capable and open-minded among Western merchants. They have been stationed in Beijing for many years, have vision, and have a bureau, which is reasonable. I will never refute Master Zhongtang's face. Right now, most of them are in Taiyuan, and they will come when they are called." "Can they be the master?" Li Yanxiao said: "The status of the shopkeeper of the Beijing account is unusual. For major outside affairs, the big shopkeepers of the wealthy often listen to them." Wang Wenshao adopted this suggestion and urgently summoned the veterans of Jinghao. But after seeing the shopkeepers of the Beijing name, Wang Wenshao quickly discovered that they were not as reasonable as Li Yanxiao predicted.No matter what you say, whether it's the festival of loyalty, the great grace of the emperor, or the majestic household department will never repay the loan, these shopkeepers will always just cry and complain like that!If they were in the capital, he would have kicked them out of the Yamen a long time ago.But now that he is fleeing, it is really inconvenient to have an outbreak in the face of danger. As the prime minister of the imperial court, now he also feels the feeling of being poor and short-sighted. Wang Zhongtang is really sentimental! Li Yanxiao, who accompanied him to summon him, was able to hold his breath. The shopkeepers were crying and complaining, and he was still beating and drumming: "It's not easy to see Master Zhongtang once. Tell me about any grievances and disasters. Master Zhongtang will definitely Play the imperial court at the meeting and let you decide!" Wang Wenshao was dissatisfied with Li Fansi's attitude at first: You have become a good person!Later, thinking about it, maybe Li Yanxiao was more sensitive to the temper of the Western merchants, let them complain first, and comfort them more, and then borrow money when they are calm.Therefore, Wang Wenshao had no choice but to be patient and let the shopkeepers cry and complain. Of course Wang Zhongtang and Li Fansi didn't know that it was pre-planned by the old Beijing gang to cry for poverty.Whether they want to hear it or not, they all do this. The old gang had already discussed that they would have an audience with Wang Zhongtang, and they would be the first to cry poorly.But before he had time to ask for an interview, Lord Zhongtang urgently summoned them first!Hearing this news, everyone knew that the situation was not good: the imperial court took advantage of the West Gang sooner than expected!Wang Zhongtang was willing to condescend to see them and was so anxious to see them, nothing good would happen. As soon as we met, it was as expected: I opened my mouth and wanted to borrow money from Xibang! Although it was inconvenient to talk about it at that time, everyone knew how to deal with it: crying poorly, we must not open this hole!It is said that it is borrowing money, and the interest is written as usual, but now it is not as usual, even if it is not bad, and the repayment is nowhere in sight, it is tantamount to defaulting.Give Wang Zhongtang face and lend money today, it will be like a levee bursting, and a torrential flood will surely come.Besides, even if the West Gang can support the imperial court in exile, scholars, farmers, businessmen, and businessmen, they don't have that status! These veteran gangsters of the Beijing name are indeed more mature, shrewd, and wise than the big shopkeepers. Facing Mr. Zhongtang, they have no stage fright at all, nor are they cold. Liang Huaiwen of Rishengchang was obliged to take the lead.After listening to Wang Wenshao's polite and domineering opening remarks, he said: "To be summoned by Mr. Zhongtang today is both an honor and a fear. Although we have been in Beijing for many years, we have often been sheltered by the household department. Looking up at Mr. Zhongtang, it is like watching the sun and the moon. How can we be so lucky to be so close? The imperial court toured Shanxi, Our West Clan is even more honored, and we are discussing how to honor the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. Master Zhongtang said "borrowing" today, is he blaming us for being too slow? It's not that we are ignorant, it's really because of the amount we made up at the moment. Don't do it!" Li Hongling, who was rich and generous, went on to say: "Lord Zhongtang, it's a pleasure to meet you today. I shouldn't say anything disappointing, but the catastrophe in Beijing and Tianjin in June and July still makes people feel hairy and terrified! On July 20th , we learned that the capital had been broken by the barbarians, so we hurriedly set up the deposit bank of the Beijing name, and fled out of the city. As soon as we arrived at Zhangyi Gate, we were looted by the bandits, dozens of sleigh carts, and a small hundred thousand taels of silver. , In the blink of an eye, it was all gone. The account books brought out were also lost in the chaos! The business of Jinghao is mostly large, no matter whether it is owed or owed, it is hundreds of thousands or hundreds of thousands. The accounts are all In the future, the settlement will have to be slaughtered by others. The robbery of Jinhao is even worse, and I can’t bear to repeat it. In addition to Beijing and Tianjin, Zhuangkou in Zhili, Shandong, Guanwai, and Kouwai also suffered heavy losses. Most of them closed down. The owner, the big shopkeeper, Recently, I have been worrying a lot, and I am planning to cut down on food and clothing, and sell my property to deal with the crisis in the future. The Xibang has been in business for hundreds of years, and this is really the biggest disaster ever seen!" The two tubas started like this, and the other old gangs naturally followed up with a wow. Li Yanxiao, the Shanxi feudal lord, encouraged the veterans to complain, really wanting to please them first, and then begging them to give Wang Zhongtang a face.But these veteran gangsters complained about their sufferings, but they didn't stop.Listening to that voice, it seems that it is their Western merchants who are in urgent need of help, not the imperial court!He really didn't know how to clean up the situation, and it was extremely awkward to sit there. Wang Wenshao had grown impatient for a long time, and finally interrupted the shopkeepers, saying coldly: "The grievances you have suffered, I will definitely report the truth to the emperor. However, when the country is in crisis, who can not be a little bit wronged? The current court is in trouble. If you repay something, it is natural to be loyal; if it is really beyond your ability, then that's all." Liang Huaiwen still said calmly: "Lord Zhongtang, since I heard that the imperial court was lucky enough to visit Taiyuan, our Xibang is preparing a gift of filial piety, but we have been raising for many days, and the amount is really not enough! The Xibang has lost a rich name in vain. It’s a waste of money, but if you come up with such a sum, you are really afraid that the Holy One will be displeased and the world will laugh at you.” Li Yanxiao asked: "How big is your number?" At this time, Jia Jiying, the provincial leader of Dade Heng, suddenly took up the conversation and said, "Lord Zhongtang, Lord Fantai, I don't know how much money the Household Department urgently needs to borrow?" Wang Wenshao and Li Yanxiao didn't expect someone to ask such a question, so they were at a loss for words.Wang Wenshao saw that the shopkeeper who asked the question was very young, so he found the topic and said: "Which company does this young shopkeeper belong to?" Jia Jiying said calmly, "Da Deheng, Caidong is Qiao's family in Qi County." Wang Wenshao asked again: "What's your name?" "My surname is Jia, and my first name is Jiying." "Are you also stationed in Beijing?" "The young one is the provincial shopkeeper of Da Deheng. Since my shopkeeper stationed in Beijing is not in Taiyuan, the young one is fortunate to meet you." "How old are you to become the shopkeeper of the provincial number?" "The youngest is twenty-five years old, and has ten years of experience in the ticket number." Wang Wenshao said, "My shopkeeper Jia, if you ask us the amount of the loan, do you ask casually, or can you make the decision?" Jia Jiying said frankly: "Lord Zhongtang, shopkeepers stationed abroad have the right to self-determination in case of trouble. This is also the rule of our West Gang. Besides, lending is also a business within the provincial code, and the small ones have the right to make money." After Wang Wenshao heard this, he whispered a few words to Li Yanxiao, and then said: "Master Jia, I am a minister of the imperial court, and talking is not a joke. In order to meet the urgent needs of the imperial court, the household department needs to borrow at least 300,000 yuan. two." No one at the scene expected that Jia Jiying said calmly: "If it's just this amount, our Da Deheng family will be able to fulfill it." Wang Wenshao and Li Yanxiao looked at each other in surprise: Can you believe what this young shopkeeper says? Li Yanxiao hurriedly said: "Treasurer Jia, there is no joke in the army. Facing Lord Zhongtang today is like facing the holy majesty today! If you deceive the king, you will not only be guilty of the small shopkeeper, but your big shopkeeper, No old rich man can escape!" Jia Jiying said calmly: "What the little one said is definitely not a joke." When Wang Wenshao heard this, he suddenly laughed and said, "Okay, today your Xibang sang for me. What kind of play is it? First wept aloud, and finally revealed his hand: 300,000 taels of silver, or take it." It’s a small amount that you don’t need to sell! I don’t think I’ve borrowed too little money today, so I’ll just hand over the money to the bank’s account department.” Seeing that Wang Zhongtang finally had a smiling face, Li Yanxiao breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "Master Zhongtang, I have something to say beforehand: Xishangzhang is reasonable after all, and his loyalty is commendable." Wang Wenshao said: "Show tea to all the shopkeepers!" He stood up and left the room. All the elders hurriedly said their goodbyes. But Jia Jiying unexpectedly showed such a trick, how can the shock of the old Beijing gang be appeased?Didn't they agree to cry for poverty together? Why is Da Deheng so prominent by himself? This summoning was at the yamen of the feudal lord.Therefore, it is inconvenient to discuss when we are free. Liang Huaiwen returned to Rishengchang Province, and just changed his clothes when Li Hongling followed.Liang Huaiwen didn't even give up his seat, so he said, "Da Deheng is a stunned young man! Doesn't he know what we mean?" Li Hongling said: "How can I not know!" "I know, can it be like this? When we cry about being poor, he reveals his wealth!" "Yeah, I was also taken aback at the time: how can such a shrewd young man suddenly become a raw egg?" "Such a big matter, it's not all like being stupid. Does Qiao's Da Deheng have other plans?" "But Zhou Zhangfu of Dade Tong, didn't he also cry and complain like us?" "Tell me to see, it's really hard to tell!" Just as he was talking, Zhou Zhangfu came along with Jia Jiying. As soon as he came in, Zhou Zhangfu said: "The two bosses are angry, right? No, I brought you Jiying quickly! If you want to beat or scold, it's up to you." Liang Huaiwen said coldly: "Your Qiao family's brand name is in full swing, and you are rich and powerful. How dare we make irresponsible remarks!" Li Hongling also said: "Your Qiao family wants to curry favor with the court, and we will not stop it! It's just that everyone agreed at the beginning, and cried for poverty. It can be seen that Wang Zhongtang, we kept our promise and cried for poverty, but you did the opposite, everyone. Lu Fu, ostentatious! You flattered the imperial court and put us in a place of infidelity?" Jia Jiying hurriedly said: "The junior is ignorant and superficial, and he said that on the spur of the moment. The original intention was to save the siege, and he didn't mean to hurt his colleagues. I hope the two bosses will forgive me!" Zhou Zhangfu also said: "Jiying made such a move, and I was also very shocked! When I came back, I asked him: "Is it the boss's intention that you act like this, or is it the order of the big shopkeeper?" The shopkeeper has nothing to do with it, it's just that he made this rash move on the spur of the moment." Liang Huaiwen said: "Huh, on the spur of the moment, you will sell 300,000 yuan! It's because your Qiao family is rich and powerful. The court has tasted the sweetness and continues to fight the autumn wind like this. Who else can afford it?" Li Hongling also said: "I heard that you, a young veteran, are highly valued by your shopkeeper Yan. But with today's move, can you explain to shopkeeper Yan?" Jia Jiying said: "At that time, I really didn't think too much about it. I just saw that the seniors of the West Gang were crying and complaining, Wang Zhongtang was sitting helplessly, and Li Fansi was almost begging, begging us to give Wang Zhongtang a face, and the two sides were deadlocked. I thought, since the tragedy of the robbery of the West Gang has been stated to the fullest, it would be inappropriate not to give Mr. Zhongtang a face. The West Gang has old rules and does not have any grudges with the officials. This is to face the court Therefore, what good is it to help the west because of this grudge against the imperial court? That's why I acted rashly. If I can't confess to Master Yan, I have no choice but to be punished." Zhou Zhangfu said: "Accordingly, if you lend money to the court, you don't have to be afraid of his refusal, let alone in this time of distress!" Liang Huaiwen said: "It's not because I'm afraid that the court will renege on my debts, but because I'm afraid that the court will stay in Taiyuan like this, relying on the west to beat the autumn wind, and live a leisurely life. Doesn't that drag us down?" Jia Jiying said: "In my opinion, the imperial court is unlikely to ask us to borrow money again." Li Hongling asked: "How do you see it?" Jia Jiying said: "It's almost begging this time, who has the face to come again? The supreme and holy court, begging from merchants in such a humble way, they really don't feel ashamed? At least Wang Zhongtang will not come again. His honor Xiangguo, he would rather urge the Beijing pay more severely than beg for the merchants of the Western Gang." What Jia Jiying said made Liang Huaiwen, Li Hongling and Zhou Zhangfu all feel a little bit surprised, and they all felt a little bit of reason.However, Liang Huaiwen still said: "If the court wants to know its shame like this, it won't fall like this, and go into exile in Taiyuan!" When Dai Ying returned to Taiyuan and heard about the summoning, he didn't take Jia Jiying for being so prominent.However, he also felt that this summoning came suddenly, since the military minister of the imperial court had already said the word 'borrow', it was really impossible to not lend a tael of silver;Three to five hundred thousand, this is the amount he told Mrs. Kang, I don't want Wang Zhongtang to report it, but it is also such an amount! Dai Ying felt a little proud of himself for making a good estimate.Unfortunately, even if he was present at the time, he did not dare to monopolize such a sum of money.For the imperial court, this is a small number; but for a firm, it is really enough for you to hum.It is said to be a loan, but who knows whether it is a loan or blackmail!Da Deheng of the Qiao family really doesn't care about this sum of money? Hearing about this incident, Dai Ying originally wanted to see Li Hongling and ask him in detail, but he gave up.Let's meet Cen Chunxuan first.After seeing Cen Chunxuan, maybe I can ask with the camera: Is the Queen Mother happy or angry when I borrowed the 300,000 yuan from Xibang? Dai Ying accepted Cao Peide's entrustment to deal with the group of Cen Chunxuan's soldiers, in order to meet this palace favorite. When he was in Taigu, when Dai Ying came back from Cao's house, he went to the main office and asked, "Has Zhuangkou, Lanzhou come back for vacation?"Shopkeeper Sun asked the counter to check, and there were indeed, but it was only Mr. Lan's accountant.The accountant stationed in Zhuangkou abroad, after the old gang and the deputy gang, is commonly known as the third shopkeeper, but there are not many foreign affairs managers. Dai Ying hurriedly sent someone to ask the accountant back to the main account, and asked, "Have you had any contact with Cen Chunxuan, the feudal official, in Lanhao?" The accountant surnamed Kong said: "How can there be no contacts? How can you get big business if you don't curry favor with the masters of Fantai?" Dai Ying asked: "Then have you seen this Cen Fantai?" The accountant said: "I haven't seen it, but we see it often in Wu's old gang." Dai Ying said happily: "That's good!" He ordered the accountant to write a letter to Cen Chunxuan in the name of Lan Haowu's old gang: condolences, old words, congratulations on his being favored by the court, and a few more words of flattery; especially write it clearly, and listen to Mr. Cen When the attendants came to Sanjin, I was even more grateful for the many blessings from the past, so my name is a little bit of the landlord's gift, and I have specially prepared a soil ritual, which is not a respect, and so on. After writing this letter, I took Mr. Kong, the accountant, and hurried back to Taiyuan.On the way, the accountant asked: "I don't know what kind of earthenware I have prepared?" Dai Ying said: "What earthenware, just go to Taiyuan and write a silver note of three thousand taels." After arriving in Taiyuan, Dai Ying saw that the cashier Lan Hao was very nervous, obviously he hadn't seen many big scenes.After thinking about it, he decided to pretend to be the accountant by himself, and Mr. Kong followed behind as an ordinary friend of Lanhao.If you ask about the old things in Lanzhou, please remind me quickly. On this day, when he brought Mr. Kong and a bank note of three thousand taels to ask to see Cen Chunxuan, Dai Ying was not sure.But what was unexpected was that not long after the post was handed in, the guard ran out in a panic, and said to Dai Ying very fawningly: "Master Cen, please, come with me!" At this time, Dai Ying thought that the friendship between Lan Hao and Cen Chunxuan was really extraordinary, so it was a way of saving face. After seeing Cen Chunxuan and submitting the letter from Mr. Wu, Mr. Cen did not open it, but said excitedly: "Haha, I was just about to inquire about you, but you found it yourself. !Which company do you belong to?" You haven't even figured out which brand name, so you still have friendship? Dai Ying took a closer look at this Cen Chunxuan, he was only in his forties, but he had a bushy beard.Not tall in stature, but quite aggressive.Such a person may not be difficult to deal with. Dai Ying hurriedly said: "My name is Tian Chengyuan, and my host is Taigu Kang's family." Cen Chunxuan asked again: "Whose name is Dade Heng?" Dai Ying said: "The name of Qiao's family in Qi County." Cen Chunxuan said: "In the past two days, the Empress Dowager has talked a lot about this great virtue, and also about your Xibang Money Shop." After hearing this, Dai Ying thought that Jia Jiying from Dade Heng had caused the trouble, so he hurriedly asked, "Lord Cen, does the Empress Dowager have any orders for us Western merchants?" Cen Chunxuan smiled and said: "What is the decree, I praise you for making money! The queen mother said, we knew it would be so difficult to spend their money, so we would open a few money shops ourselves, so that we would be like beggars when we need it urgently." They want!" Where is this Kwasi Gang?Obviously curse them! Dai Ying panicked, and hurriedly said: "Lord Cen, it's not that our Western Clan is too stingy and reluctant to show filial piety to the imperial court, it's because we have suffered too much from the fist chaos." Cen Chunxuan said puzzledly: "The queen mother didn't say that you Western merchants are stingy, but that the governors of the provinces are too cruel, and it is too difficult to ask them for Beijing's salary, just like a beggar! Giving the imperial court 300,000 yuan, and saying that he was afraid that he would not be able to take it out, made the queen mother very sad!" "Sad?" Dai Ying couldn't help asking. "Don't be sad! It is usually said that the emperor's grace is mighty. In this critical time, no one can rely on the big officials of the frontiers, civil and military officials! I ask them for Beijing's salary every day, but no one pays any attention! It's a shop of your Western merchants. , I lent 300,000 yuan to the imperial court. So the queen mother scolded them: You have one province and one pass, and several provinces and several passes. How can you not compare with a shop opened by someone from Shanxi? The queen mother said that she knew that Shanxi people would do business. But what kind of business is this Da Deheng, so rich? Wang Zhongtang said that the billing account is specialized in money business. After hearing this, the queen mother said that when she returned to Beijing in the future, the imperial court would also open a money shop, save some private houses, and have them in case of emergency A bolster. Listen, isn’t this a compliment to you?” Dai Ying breathed a sigh of relief.But Jia Jiying's generous move made the empress dowager know that the West Gang is too rich, and the previous cry of being poor was useless.The Queen Mother knew that the West Gang was rich and generous, so if she didn't leave in Luan, it would be really troublesome. Dai Ying tried to calm down, and said: "It is the highest honor of the Western Clan to be praised by the Empress Dowager. Lord Cen served as the governor of Gansu Province, and he gave us a lot of shelter in Zhuangkou, Lanzhou. Therefore, our wealthy owner Shopkeeper He, I heard that Mr. Cen came with us, so he specially sent someone down to thank Mr. Cen. It is not a respect to have prepared a copy of the earthenware." After finishing speaking, he handed over the bank note. Cen Chunxuan immediately tore off the cover, saw that it was a bank note, and laughed: "Is this a local product from Shanxi?" Dai Ying hurriedly said: "This ticket is written by my account, but it works everywhere in the world, and it is not out of the ordinary." Cen Chunxuan said, "Okay, I'll accept it." 戴膺紧接着就说：“敝号的财东、大掌柜，对岑大人仰慕已久，今大人光临太原，也是天赐良机了。他们早想拜见一次岑大人，不知方便不方便？” 岑春煊说：“那有什么不方便？我也正想结识你们西帮乡衮。太后还稀罕你们呢，我能不稀罕？只是，要见，就早些来见。近来，太后已有意往西安去，不趁早，说不定哪天就起跸走了！” “朝廷要起跸去西安？” “多半是。朝廷住在山西，各省都不热心接济，还住着做甚！太后说，跟山西钱铺借到钱，有盘缠了，咱们还是往西安去吧。老住在山西，都以为咱们有吃有喝呢，更没人惦记了。” 两宫要往西安去，西帮也可松口气了！这倒是一个好消息。屈指算来，两宫驻銮太原已快二十天了，这还是头一回听到要起跸离去的消息。前些时，听说晋省东大门故关一带，依然军情紧急，德法联军围攻不撤。随扈的王公大臣慌惶议论，如惊弓之鸟。两宫意欲赴陕，只怕也有几分是被吓的，迁地为良，走为上策罢。 戴膺不动声色，说：“要真是这样，那我还得赶紧回太谷，告诉老东家和大掌柜，叫他们及早来拜见岑大人！” “由太原往西安，经不经过你们太谷？” “出太原经徐沟、祁县，往南走了，不经过太谷。岑大人，在下还有件事禀报。”戴膺这时才将绑票案轻轻带出来。 "Tell me, what's the matter?" “几日前，在太谷逮住一伙绑票的歹人。这伙歹人，竟冒充是大人麾下的兵勇！我们深知岑大人为人，一听就知道他们是想借大人威名，以图自保。” 岑春煊就问：“是给谁逮着的，县令？” “我们还没有报官呢，只是请镖局武师将他们逮住。一听他们嚷叫是岑大人麾下兵勇，更暗暗捂下了。这帮歹人本是冒充，可张扬出去，也怕有损大人威名。” “狗杂种们，只想坏本官名声！” “这伙歹人既敢冒充大人麾下兵勇，那我们就把他们交给大人，由大人严惩吧？” “成！我即刻就派兵马去，将杂种们押回来，便宜不了他们！” 能看出，这伙兵痞就是岑春煊手下的。戴膺这样处置，岑春煊显然也算满意。 两宫将往西安的消息，戴膺最先告诉了李宏龄。 李宏龄听了，当然也松了一口气。这也算是驱銮成功了吧。但细想想，大德恒那个贾继英，冒失使出的那一着，似乎还管了些事。He said: “大德恒使出的那一手，真是冒失之举？” 戴膺说：“我当时又不在场，哪知道呢？不过听岑春煊口气，他们这一手还真惊动了朝廷。” “三十万两银子呢，何况是在这种时候。这位贾继英，以前也没听说过呀？” “我也只听说过几句，二十来岁，就成了省号老帮，很受他们阎大掌柜器重。可没听说做过什么漂亮的生意。这次忽然就这样出手不凡？” “一个年轻后生，就敢主这么大的事？我看他们的阎维藩大掌柜，一定早有交待。” “我看也是。乔家大字两连号的领东，高钰、阎维藩，都不是平常把式。” “两宫既往西安，可见回銮京师还遥遥无期吧？时局无望，我们西帮也只好这样窝着，乔家又能出什么奇兵？” 两宫离晋后，西帮能有何作为？戴膺和李宏龄计议良久，依然感到无望。 乔家大德恒的阎维藩大掌柜，的确不是平常人物。两宫停跸太原后，他对平帮日升昌、蔚字号一味哭穷的对策，很不以为然。 儒学道统历来轻商。大清以来，口外安靖，江南发达，至康熙年间国中商业本已大盛。可那位器局小又自负的雍正皇帝，赶紧来了一个“重定四民之序”，只怕商家财大了气粗，忘了自己是四民之末。雍正对善商贾的晋人，更是低看一等。现在大清朝廷狼狈至此，逃来山西避难，乞求西帮接济，阎维藩就觉得这是老天爷有眼，赐下一个千载难逢的良机：总是商求官，什么时候官肯屈尊求商？这一次，还是朝廷跑到西帮家门口来求乞！享受朝廷的求乞，千载难逢，你们居然就舍得推拒掉？ 阎维藩将这一份快意，悄悄给老财东乔致庸说了，乔老太爷拍案叫道：“对我的心思，对我的心思！朝廷怪可怜的，求上门，就拉一把，不敢太小气！” 拉一把至尊至圣的朝廷，那是什么样的感觉，又是什么样的享受！ 所以，阎维藩就跟大德通的高钰大掌柜商量好，在面儿上跟西帮各号保持一致，该哭穷，就跟着哭，但有机会，一定要“拉一把”朝廷。为了不太得罪同业，阎维藩就叫年轻的贾继英相机出面。 贾继英巧为应对王中堂，不露痕迹地拉了朝廷一把，引得朝野争说大德恒，消息传回祁县，阎维藩和高钰满意之极。 他们亲自跑到乔家，向老东家报告了这个消息。 乔致庸虽已年迈，但豪气不减，听了这个消息自然是大感痛快！他连问阎维藩：“贾继英这个后生，他眼下在哪？” 阎维藩说：“正在太原省号忙呢。” 乔老太爷就说：“赶紧把他叫回来，我得当面夸奖他几句！小小年纪，办了一件大事。我得当面夸奖他几句！” 阎维藩说：“我们这样拉了一把朝廷，字号名声大震，省号哪能清闲得了？这种时候，他只怕分身不得吧？” 高钰也说：“整个朝廷都在太原，省号老帮真离不开。” 乔老太爷口气不由分说：“人家后生把大事给你们办了，日常小事就不能摊给别人张罗？叫回来，赶紧给我叫回来！” 阎维藩也只好答应了。 贾继英应召回到祁县时，带回了朝廷将往西安的新消息。阎维藩和高钰听了，更感欣慰：你们一哇声哭穷，也没把朝廷哭走，我们露了露富，倒把朝廷羞走了。 贾继英说：“听说朝廷本来就是要移銮西安的。” 阎维藩冷笑了一下说：“哼，谁不会给自家寻个台阶下！” 乔致庸听到朝廷要离晋往西安去，并没有拍案赞叹，只是在凝神寻思什么，仿佛没有听清似的。 阎维藩就故意问：“老东台，朝廷既往西安，也不知能驻銮多久？” 高钰也说：“朝廷既往西安，只怕得及早把京号的周老帮派往西安去。” 但乔致庸似乎仍未听见他们说什么，半晌，才突然问贾继英： “朝廷去西安，经过咱们祁县吧？” 贾继英忙说：“那是必经之路。出太原南下，第一站在徐沟打尖，第二站必停跸咱祁县。” 乔老太爷这时忽然又拍案说：“继英后生，我再交你一件大事去办！” 贾继英说：“听老太爷吩咐，只是怕担待不起。” “我看你能担待得起！”乔致庸站了起来说，“朝廷去西安，既然在咱祁县打尖过夜，继英你就去张罗一下，叫他们把行宫设在咱们字号。不拘大德恒，大德通，都比他县衙排场。太后皇上路过一回，不叫人家看看西帮的老窝是啥样，也太小气吧？” 把朝廷行宫设在商家字号？一听是这样一件大事，不光贾继英，连高阎两位大掌柜，也给惊得目瞪口呆了。这怎么可能呢！按朝制，不用说太后皇上了，就是过路的州官县官，要宿民宅，也要微服私行才成。两宫虽是逃难，也是浩浩荡荡过皇差，怎么可能将行宫设于商号！ 贾继英一时不知该如何回答，只是愣着。 阎维藩、高钰两位，也不说话。 乔致庸见他们都愣着，哈哈一笑，坐了下来：“看看，把你们都吓住了！继英后生，你以为我在说昏话吧？” 贾继英忙说：“不是，不是。” 乔致庸笑问：“那是太难办，难于上青天？” 阎维藩说：“老东台豪情万丈，令我们敬佩。只是，有朝制在那放着，谁敢违背？这事，实在不由我们左右。” 乔致庸又笑问：“那由谁左右？” 阎维藩说：“当然是朝廷。” 乔致庸更哈哈笑了，说：“连这也不知道，那我真老糊涂了。这件事，要难也难，要易也易，就看你怎么办了。我不是上了年纪，真亲自往太原张罗去了。高大掌柜，你也给吓住了？” 高钰忙说：“可不呢，真给吓蒙了。” 乔致庸就问：“看来，高大掌柜有办法了？” 高钰笑了，说：“我哪有办法！我只是问一句：这件事非办不可，还是可办可不办？” 乔致庸断然说：“当然是想叫你们办成！这是千载难逢，开千古先例的一件事。” 高钰说：“既是这样，不拘办成办不成，我们也得尽力去张罗了。” 乔致庸笑说：“你们办不成这件事，就趁早不用在我们乔家当掌柜。” 回到城中字号，高钰和阎维藩两位大掌柜仔细商量了半天，仍觉乔老东家交办的这件差事，实在是太棘手了。西帮拉拢官吏，一向有些过人的手段。高钰驻京时，也是长袖善舞，很交接了一些京官，内中甚至有一位皇室亲王。可直接巴结太后皇上，那真是连想也没想过！至尊至圣的太后皇上，与卑贱的商家之间，隔着千山万水呢！ 但是，能叫两宫圣驾入住西帮商号，那也真是开千古先例的大举动！这个大举动，实在也太诱人了。要能办成，西帮的先人也会在冥冥之中，出一口粗气。天下商家更当刮目看西帮。 两位大掌柜商量再三，谋了一个方略：以今岁大旱，县衙支绌，百姓困窘为理由，乔家大德通、大德恒情愿包揽朝廷过境的一应皇差，以让祁县官民得以应对饥荒，休养生息。若圣驾行宫能设于民宅，以示与民同甘共苦，那朝廷盛德必流布天下。其间点明，敝商号其实也是很富丽堂皇的。 这是一个很高尚的义举。加上大德恒先前的仗义，或许朝廷会恩准？ 于是，大德恒的阎维藩带了贾继英，赶往太原，再求见一次王文韶大人。王中堂是朝廷近臣，他肯领情，那才能将老东家的意愿，传达给西太后。 这一次求见，倒是没费多大事，很快就受到召见。但中堂大人听明白了阎维藩的意思后，当即就拉下脸，厉词驳回。竟想将民间商号设为当今圣上的行宫？这不是僭越犯上，胆大妄为吗！朝廷起居行止，都得合于大礼，岂是你们商号的富丽堂皇可以替代？还是趁早收起这非分之想吧。想孝敬朝廷，多捐助县衙，办好皇差，不就得了。 可能念着大德恒前次的仗义，王中堂没有细加追究，只是冷脸斥责了几句，就退堂了。 回到省号，阎维藩和贾继英都觉此事已经完全无望了。老东家叫他们张罗的，这是一件什么事！看王中堂那架势，几乎要拿下问罪了。所以，他们也不再另作图谋，只是商量如何向老东家交待。 大德通的京号老帮周章甫，过来询问谒见王中堂的情形，听说是这样的结果，倒没有吃惊。 He said: “王中堂就是那样一个死板人。对我们西帮，尤其刻薄！去年他入主户部后，自家不会理财，倒先拿我们西帮开刀，一道禁汇令，真弄了我们一个措手不及。正顺手的生意，忽然变得疙疙瘩瘩。所以，前次他出面借钱，谁家也不想给他面子。看看，我们给了他面子才几天，就拉下脸来，不认人了！” 阎维藩说：“我看他也是不敢应承这样的事。” 周章甫说：“王中堂搬不动，我们再另寻门路。他越这样难为我们，我们倒越要尽力成就这件事！” 贾继英就问：“周掌柜，你有新的门路吗？” 周章甫说：“我看，咱们也得去巴结巴结这个人。” 阎维藩忙问：“谁？” 周章甫说：“岑春煊。” 贾继英就说：“要能拉拢到这个人，真还有几分指望。只是，周掌柜有门路吗？” 阎维藩还没有听说过岑春煊，就问：“此公是谁？” 周章甫说：“这个岑春煊，是两宫西巡的前路粮台，独掌着宫门大差，与宫监总管李莲英结为一气。拉拢住这个人，或许还真能把我们的意思传给太后。我听太谷天成元的戴膺说，他们刚见过这位岑大人，甚好巴结，写张银票递上去，就得了。” 阎维藩忙说：“那我们就赶紧巴结这个人吧！” 经一番计议，决定他们三人一道去见岑春煊。因为一时朝野争说大德恒，顶了大德恒的大名求见，或许更容易获准吧。 果然，这位岑春煊很容易就见到了。一见面，便连连问：“你们真是大德恒的？” 周章甫忙答应：“蒙大人这样厚爱，敝号阎大掌柜特意来参拜大人。” 阎维藩也忙说：“在下是大德恒的领东大掌柜，久仰大人威名。今大人随扈来晋，幸蒙赐见，无以回报，只备了一份土仪，不要笑话。” 说着，将一个装有银票的信封呈了上去。 岑春煊接过来，又随手撕去封皮，看见是两张银票，共写银五千两，就哈哈笑了：“你们山西的土产，倒是特别！” 阎维藩就说：“敝号自写，又处处可用，权当土产吧。大人随扈远行，携带也方便。” 岑春煊又哈哈笑了。 贾继英就问：“岑大人，听说朝廷圣驾将南下临幸西安？” 岑春煊先看着贾继英，反问：“这位年轻掌柜，是不是借钱给王中堂的那位小掌柜？” 贾继英慌忙伏身跪了说：“正是在下。” 周章甫也忙说：“岑大人日理万机，还这样惦记着问我们？” 岑春煊说：“不光是我，太后还念叨你们这位年轻掌柜呢！” 阎维藩、周章甫听了，也慌忙伏身跪下了。 “起来吧，起来吧。”岑春煊快意地招呼着。“太后很稀罕你们，说你们怎么就那么会挣钱？” 阎维藩起身坐了，说：“那是外间的讹传，我们实在不过徒有富名罢。但朝廷有难，我们就是砸锅卖铁，也得孝敬。” 于是，阎维藩将他们的意图，委婉而又无误地说了出来。 真是出乎意料，岑春煊听完，立刻就夸奖不止，连说那祁县的这份皇差，就交给你们大德恒、大德通办了。他是堂堂前路粮台，这事他就能做主。 也许岑春煊答应得太痛快了，阎维藩他们都不大敢相信，但又不敢表示有所怀疑。应酬了几句，周章甫才忽然有了主意，从容说： “岑大人，那我们就赶紧回祁县张罗这项皇差了。离并前，还想谒见王中堂，在王大人面前，是否提及此事？” 岑春煊就说：“拉倒吧，不必跟他说了！他知道了，也做不了主，还得上奏太后。出京这一路，跟他要饷没饷，要粮没粮，他说话，太后才不爱听呢。好事经他一说，不定就黄了。你们不必跟他说，更不必跟别人说。我这就跟宫内的李总管说去，一二日内，准给你们一个称心的回话！” 岑春煊越这样容易拉拢，越不敢叫人相信。只五千两银票，就叫这位岑大人百依百顺，连圣上的行宫也出让了？老练的阎维藩和周章甫，都以为这位岑大人不过是在信口开河，或是在虚以应付。过两日，他传来话，说太后责骂了他，实在没法成全，你又能把他怎样？所以，他们只说了几句含糊的谢辞，不再细加叮咛。 但贾继英却正经问：“岑大人，我们何时能听到喜讯？”