Chapter 24 old city
On the eighth day of March, the sixth master must never forget: last year, due to the capture of foreigners in Beijing, the court postponed the Enke Township Examination, which was delayed, to this day this year.
When the imperial court issued this imperial decree, they were still fleeing on the North Shanxi Road, so they thought it would rain and clear in March this year?March is here, but the court is still taking refuge in Xi'an.After suffering all kinds of humiliation, the negotiation still failed.The German, French and foreign troops broke through the Dongtian Gate of Jin Province and killed them.Needless to say, Nkobi tried again.
When Liu Ye heard the news that the military disaster was approaching, the first thing he thought of was the fate of the current emperor, it was too bad.Thirty is the year of standing.The Enke opened on the emperor's thirtieth birthday is actually so catastrophic!It seems that someone who is as honorable as the emperor has a hard life; he cannot escape the catastrophe he deserves.When you meet such an emperor, you can only admit that your life is miserable.
Originally, it was said that the prefectures and counties where the boxing chaos occurred would ban the exam for five years, Liu Ye had given up thinking about it, and thought he was unlucky and his life was miserable.When I can't think about it, I secretly take a few mouthfuls of noodles, fluttering, and fly away from the sea of bitterness.Unexpectedly, news came from Xi'an a few years later, saying that the prohibition clause was only for foreigners, and the imperial court had a flexible strategy: students from prefectures and counties were banned from taking the test, and they could borrow from other places for reference.Shanxi is a province where exams are banned, and the township exam will be moved to Zaiwei, Shaanxi.The capital is also on the list of banned examinations, and the examinations will be moved to Kaifeng Prefecture, Henan Province.
Who came up with the good idea of taking advantage of scientific research?
Sixth Master quickly cheered up, the first thing was the same, that is, he decided to quit smoking, and he could no longer smoke noodles.After smoking opium, he knew what the addiction was.Entering the examination room, once the addiction to smoking breaks out, how can you still do beautiful essays?In the majestic examination shed, it is probably not allowed to bring in bong noodles.
It's just that quitting smoking is so easy!When the addiction comes, if you don’t take two puffs, you will lose your soul. Except for two puffs, there is only one thing left: want to die.
Master He, didn't you hurt me?
Of course, He Juren did not expect that the imperial court would still have the ability to borrow scientific research.But the fate of the country is in such a decline, so if you bear the humiliation and excuse yourself, you will be able to choose the virtuous?The imperial court is incompetent, so what if a virtuous official becomes an official?Therefore, Mr. He doesn't care about Liu Ye's censure.Being addicted to opium, it is a bit of a hindrance to take the exam, but if you abandon Confucianism and enter business, Liu Ye, then you will not delay anything.Of course Liu Ye didn't like to hear this kind of words.
Master He just comforted Liu Ye, saying that he should not be too anxious to quit smoking. "You have only been smoking for a few days now, and the addiction is far from deep into the bone marrow. You can quit smoking, but you can't be anxious. Quitting smoking is like curing a disease, and the disease is gone like a thread."
After hearing this, the sixth master became even more anxious: "I would like to take my time and quit smoking, but the imperial court examination period can wait for you leisurely? The eighth day of March will be here in a blink of an eye. Am I not in a hurry?"
It was the first month at that time, and it was not far from March.
He Juren smiled and said, "Just because the eighth day of March is not far away, there is no need to worry."
Sixth Master thought that Master He was deliberately angry with him, so he said: "It's useless to be anxious, anyway, it's too late to quit? Does Master He have any magical method to bring the noodles of smoking utensils into the examination room?"
Mr. He said: "Sixth Master, if the exam can be held on the eighth day of March as scheduled, we really don't have to worry about bringing in the smoke from the bong. The bong can be made into the shape of a pen, and the smoke doesn't take up much space. Isn't it cheap to put it in?" "
The sixth master said: "Master He brought it like this back then?"
"At that time, my shopkeeper was enjoying the spring breeze. What kind of big cigarettes! I became addicted to smoking, just like the sixth master, all because I cut off my bright future. After winning the exam, the deputy assistant of the Beijing number couldn't do it, what else could I do? I had to smoke Smoke it up."
"Master He, you are here again! Don't worry me, do you really want to smoke enough big cigarettes before taking the exam paper?"
"Master Liu, I advise you not to worry, because the exam will definitely not be held until the eighth day of March! This Enke Township Examination will definitely have to be postponed."
"What news did Master He get?"
"There is news, there is no news, it must be postponed. In a blink of an eye, March will arrive, and there is no movement yet. The peace negotiation has not yet been negotiated, so why talk about excuses?"
Sixth Master thought about it, although he felt that Master He's deduction was reasonable, but he still had to quit smoking: no matter when the exam is postponed, there is always hope to participate.
So in the second month of the first lunar month, Master Liu made his family miserable.When the addiction kicked in, I bumped into the wall, rolled into the ground, and pulled my hair out. Unfortunately, no matter how cruel I was, I couldn't avoid taking two puffs and finally fell down.It wasn't until Mrs. Du became seriously ill that Liu Ye's smoking cessation was effective.
The old lady suddenly became seriously ill, which shocked Liu Ye inexplicably.Shocked, he often forgot his cigarette addiction.Especially after visiting the old lady, I have been depressed for several days: I have no craving for cigarettes these days.
On February 17th, the old lady really let go.From this day until the old lady's funeral on the seventh day of March, during the three to seven twenty-one days, Liu Ye never had a cigarette addiction!Apart from the busy memorial service, vigil, and hospitality, he was also overwhelmed with grief.Madam Du's death naturally reminded him of his biological mother's death.But what made him feel lost in his heart was another layer: he had just understood this stepmother, how could he die when he died?He has just understood what a woman is, what is a woman's natural beauty, what is a woman's elegance and openness, and what is a woman's depression... Just now he understands that many charms of a woman are concentrated in the stepmother. He died suddenly.
She just showed her real body when she suddenly died!
In this unresolved grief, Liu Ye completely forgot about Da Yantu.Because he is willing to enjoy this sadness, no matter how thick and heavy it is, he does not want to escape.
After the seventh day of March, Liu Ye suddenly remembered what day the eighth day of March was.His addiction to cigarettes was gone, but the postponed township examination did not come as scheduled, as the master had expected.The current situation did not ease further, but became tense again.Dongtianmen fell, war disaster was approaching, and the news was not good.
A few days later, Liu Ye followed Master He and fled to the mountains to take refuge in the darkness of night.
It was a small villa called Baibi, with not many residents, but the mountains and forests around Zhuangzi could not be seen far away.There are mostly green pines in the forest, with a touch of green.It was the first time for Liu Ye to see such a vast and majestic mountain forest, and it was extremely rare.Especially when the wind blows at night, Lin Tao roars, the ground shakes, and Liu Ye is both terrified and fascinated when he wakes up: Lin Tao, who seems close but far away, clearly exudes a kind of mystery and profundity, making you wonder where you are. .
Mr. He is not interested in this at all.He blindly persuaded Liu Ye that it would be better to go to Xi'an instead of hiding in this kind of mountains.At present, the imperial court is stationed in Luan Xi'an, which is the most suitable place to take refuge.Xi'an is not far from Taigu!
Go to Xi'an for refuge?Mr. He is really fond of fantasy.The sixth master didn't pay much attention, just said: "I don't want to go to Xi'an, I just want to stay in this secluded villa for a few more days. How often has Master He seen such a magnificent forest?"
"Sixth Master, you really don't have a lot of courage. You don't want to see the experience after taking refuge with the imperial court?"
"Take refuge in the same city as the imperial court?"
"Since you are determined to enter an official career, you should hurry to Xi'an to have a look."
"Look at what?"
"Look at the imperial court! The entire imperial court has moved to Xi'an, and it is temporarily stationed in Luan. It is the easiest to see clearly! The imperial court in Beijing is hidden in the forbidden palace, separated from the common market like a sea. How can there be many forbidden places for the imperial court to abandon the capital Xi'an?" Hiding? So now is the easiest time to see the true face of the imperial court!"
"Master He, now is the most unlucky time for the court. Are you asking me to see the court's failure?"
"You can't easily see the defeat of the imperial court, right?"
"I understand what's the intention of pushing me to see Baixiang!"
"What's my intention?"
"Isn't it trying to ruin my interest in becoming an official through the imperial examination!"
"Master Liu, you have wronged me this time. I urged you to go to Xi'an for only one purpose: to be honored by Lord Liu and accompany me to Xi'an. Whether the imperial court is stationed in Xi'an, whether it is defeated or prosperous, it is worth it after all." Go and have a look. After the Han and Tang Dynasties, there was no imperial court in Xi’an, so this is a once in a thousand years!"
When Master He said this, Master Liu believed him.However, what's the fun of traveling in Xi'an with a lunatic like Master He?Therefore, he did not let go:
"Xi'an is really worth going to, right now? We are fleeing, how can we have the heart to travel? Besides, the old lady has just died, so it is not appropriate to leave the old lady and go on a long journey."
"Six Lord, when there are no disasters and no disasters, will the imperial court still be in Xi'an?"
Mr. He still tried his best to persuade him, but Mr. Liu did not agree in the end.But when the imperial court was stationed in Luan, a trip to Xi'an really aroused Liu Ye's interest.Anyway, the exam period has been postponed, and the addiction to smoking has been eliminated, so I can travel.In the future, the exam will be held in Xi'an, and if you go one step earlier, you may be able to grab some auspicious points.
It's just that, no matter what, I don't want to go with Master He.It's too disappointing to have him by my side.But besides Master He, who else could he travel with?
Liu Ye didn't think much about it, and a person jumped out and appeared in front of his eyes: this person was Miss Sun Er, the young girl who was engaged to him.
Was it just a whim on his mind that he wanted to travel with his fiancée?At that time, it was taboo for engaged couples to meet in private, let alone travel together, before getting married.After getting engaged, Liu Ye rarely thought of Miss Sun.Under the arrangement of the old lady, he secretly looked at each other, and he couldn't see anything wrong, but it was not unforgettable.
But after the old lady became seriously ill, he began to think of Miss Sun from time to time: she was the woman the old lady found for him.That time at the back door of Huaqing Pool, maybe I didn't see it very clearly.It's winter again, and the wrapping is too tight.It's not very outstanding, can the old lady appreciate it?Liu Ye has already given birth to a strong desire: it would be great to see Miss Sun again.But besides the old lady, who would make such a thing for him?The old lady, who was seriously ill, would never play tricks like this with him again.That mischief really made him feel warm and abnormal.
As long as he thinks about it, Liu Ye will feel very sad.
After the old lady passed away, Liu Ye missed this Miss Sun even more: she was the woman left by the old lady.I remember that she is also very beautiful, she is also very talented, and she also likes to take baths, so she should be very enlightened.Will she not stick to the rules, go out of her way quietly, and play tricks once?
During the funeral for the old lady, Liu Ye couldn't help thinking like this often.At that time, his fantasy was to guard the spirit of the old lady for one night together with Miss Sun.Under the ever-burning lamp, facing the still-sounding portrait of the old lady, there were only the two of them, and no one else...Of course, that can only be imagined.No one would do this for him.
Now, when it comes to traveling in Xi'an, Liu Ye can't help but think of Ms. Sun again.Going out with Ms. Sun is an even more difficult incident.But once he fantasizes, who can control it!
Ms. Sun is very talented, and it is very convenient to travel.She is also enlightened and will not be afraid to meet people.She can even dress up as a woman and a Confucian student rushing for the exam, so they can travel together in Xi'an.She dressed up as a Confucian scholar, she would be too handsome.
Such fantasies fascinated Liu Ye who was fleeing.Sometimes, in order to avoid Mr. He's nagging, he took only his servants and sneaked into the pine forest outside the village.The depths of the woods are quiet and mysterious, so it is more suitable for fantasies.
After fleeing from Baibi, the situation has greatly eased, but there is no news about the rural examination.Master He continued to tease: If you go to Xi'an, what news can't you hear?
Having just experienced the old lady's new funeral and going out to seek refuge, Liu Ye felt really depressed and unbearable staying at home.So, I really asked the old man for instructions: I heard that I will take a scientific examination in Xi'an, so I want to go to Xi'an to see it earlier.While the imperial court is stationed in Luan Xi'an, if you go, you can also open your eyes.
The old man actually asked: "Is this Master He's idea?"
The sixth master understood as soon as he heard it: this master He, he yelled in front of the old master first!Probably because he was not approved, he was urged to come forward again.So he said, "I want to go. I don't want to do Mr. He's business."
Unexpectedly, the old man said happily: "It's your own idea, that's even better! Lao Liu, you should have gone to Xi'an to see what it was like when the court was in trouble, you should have gone to see it! It’s a once in a thousand years, and Xi’an is so close, it’s a pity not to go. If you want to go, go as soon as possible!”
What the old man said was exactly the same as what the old man said.Did the old man listen to the strange theory of the old man, or did the old man secretly accept the old man's will?No matter what, Liu Ye's interest dropped greatly.They drove him to Xi'an, just to let him see the failure of the imperial court in person, so that he could give up the imperial examination and become an official.If he had known this, he wouldn't have been fooled.Now I can't go back on my word, so I have to promise to leave as soon as possible.
The old man reminded: When you arrive in Xi'an, live in the Tianchengyuan cabinet and listen to the shopkeeper Qiu more.Shopkeeper Qiu's hands and eyes are open to the sky, and he knows everything.
Their intentions became clearer.Master Liu agreed, but he thought in his heart: He doesn't want to listen to shopkeepers reading business scriptures, he just wants to play.Besides, people are outside, and I don't know what will happen.
There is no obstacle to go to Xi'an, but those who are traveling together, indeed appointed Master He.Mr. Liu lost interest for a while, but after thinking about it, he thought it was all right: Mr. He is interested in business affairs, and when he arrived in Xi'an, he would plunge into the shop and discuss politics with the shopkeeper Qiu.
Liu Ye can play alone as much as he likes, I'm afraid he is much more free than at home.
That being the case, Liu Ye's fantasy came out again: what would it be like to invite Miss Sun's family to visit Xi'an together?
If in the past, Liu Ye would not have such outrageous thoughts of indecentness, but now it is different.In the past two years, there have been great changes, and people have been frustrated and frustrated. He doesn't care much about benevolence, righteousness and integrity.Coupled with the youth consciousness awakened in his heart by Mrs. Du, he could no longer hold back.So he is eager to go out of line instead!
Without thinking too much, Liu Ye wrote a letter to Miss Sun's family.The letter said that the death of the old lady made him feel so much pain that he couldn't bear to live, and he was even more hurt when he was trapped at home.Recently, he has been allowed to travel to Xi'an. While relaxing, he can also admire the weather of the imperial court.I only mentioned one thing at the end, you admire the old lady, you seem to have a great spirit of reform, and you will not be afraid to travel.I think I have already traveled to Xi'an, can you point out some places of interest?
After the letter is written, how to deliver it?
Liu Ye thought of the place where he first met Miss Sun: the back door of Huaqing Pool in the city.Ms. Sun often goes to take a bath, so that should be a good place to send letters.He called Gui'er, his confidant servant, and told him to wait at the back door of Huaqing Pool, trying to deliver the letter to Miss Sun's family.Be secretive and clever.
Gui'er went as ordered, and ran back to report that day: the letter has been delivered.
Sixth Master hastily asked, "To whom?"
Gui'er said: "Of course it was handed over to the person in front of Miss Sun's family."
"Did you take it?"
"As soon as I heard it was a letter from Master Liu, how dare I not accept it!"
"What did you say?"
"Miss Sun hasn't come out of the bath yet. A servant, what can she say? Just say it will be forwarded."
The letter to Miss Sun was originally impulsive, and after sending Gui'er away, Liu Ye felt a little scared.It's too reckless. Is Miss Sun so enlightened? I don't want to talk about it!Wouldn't it be troublesome if people didn't like this and turned their faces and blamed them?At that time, he thought it would be good for Gui'er to rush to nothing, but he regretted that it was too late.Ms. Sun doesn't know how to take a bath every day, how could it be such a coincidence that she bumped into her when she first went there?
God, it really hit it!
Now that the shot has been taken, what the result will be, we have to resign ourselves to fate.Thinking so, my heart is not at ease.After all, Liu Ye is a responsible person who has learned Confucianism since he was a child, and he is new to dating between men and women, so of course he can't be sure.
He told Gui'er to go to Huaqing Pool more often and see what Miss Sun had to say.
Unexpectedly, before Gui'er could run to the city, the Sun family sent someone.
It was the second day after the letter was delivered, Liu Ye urged Gui'er to go to the city, but Gui'er refused to go, saying that it was a waste of time, how could she go to take a bath every day!The sixth master couldn't be bothered to urge him anymore, his heart was in a state of turmoil, he couldn't sit still, and he didn't want to move.At this moment, the housekeeper Lao Xia brought in a stranger, saying that the Sun family sent someone to meet Liu Ye.
The sixth master was a little panicked when he heard it, he just thought that there was a real trouble, and hurriedly said to Lao Xia: "Just ask the subordinates to lure him in, so why do you ask Lao Xia to do it yourself?"
Lao Xia smiled and said: "People from the Sun family, how dare they neglect!"
Liu Ye tried his best to pretend to be normal, and said: "It's just a runner, you don't have to worry too much, Lao Xia, if there is anything, ask him to tell me later. If you are not busy, sit down and have a cup of tea first?"
"No, Sixth Master, hurry up and greet him. If you have orders, call Gui'er to sue me."
Lao Xia left, and seeing the servant sent by the Sun family, he was also calm, Liu Ye felt relieved.Then he asked, "Who sent you from the Sun family?"
The man whispered, "Our lady."
Miss of their family?
"What sent you here?"
"Send a letter to Liu Ye." When he said that, he took out a letter from his bosom and presented it.
Sixth Master caught it, tried his best to remain calm, and said, "That's all?"
"That's it. The sixth master picked it up with his own hands, and I can go back and explain it."
Liu Ye ordered Gui'er to send the Sun family to send someone out.As soon as the two left, they quickly took out the letter to read: God, why is she exactly like I imagined!The letter said that after receiving the private letter, she was so pleasantly surprised that she couldn't believe it was true; after Mrs. Du passed away, she missed you even more; it was her long-cherished wish to travel to foreign places and places of interest; she had already done it before traveling with her husband. Such a dream; today's visit to Xi'an is really at the right time; I am willing to walk with my husband, please don't abandon each other; in order to avoid the eyes and ears of the world, she can disguise herself as a man...
This is more than enlightenment, it is full of flames!
Such a letter, actually sent someone to deliver it directly to the door in a big way!
Although Miss Sun's level of enlightenment shocked Liu Ye greatly, he still felt like he had smoked noodles, and his spirits suddenly lifted.
What would Miss Sun look like when she was disguised as a man?More romantic and handsome, or bolder?
Seeing that his wild thoughts are about to come true, Liu Ye can't wait to leave for Shaanxi immediately.Rushing to discuss the travel date with Mr. He, this old gentleman is lying on the kang couch.When I asked, I found out that I had contracted the wind and cold, and I felt very uncomfortable. My whole body seemed to be cramped, and the cotton was soft.
What is this called!I don't see you getting sick on weekdays, but when it comes to such a deadly joint, what kind of disease do you get?Since you want to get sick, Mr. He, you should be sure to get sick. I won't force you anymore, so I have to go ahead.All the way to Shaanxi, it was a lot of hard work, and when you recover from your illness, you will not be delayed when you come to Xi'an.
Maybe it was God's will, especially to send Master He away early so that he wouldn't get in the way?
The sixth master tried his best to persuade him: "Master He, you are getting old, and you should take care of your body first. Take care of your illness first, and don't worry too much about big things. Students should be more promising. Where can I go to Xi'an?" Do you have to be led by a teacher? Even if you run away, the students should go to practice alone. Since ancient times, the students who have traveled a long distance to rush for the exam have never been accompanied by a teacher? Waiting for the teacher to arrive in Xi'an later."
Hearing this, Mr. He became very anxious. He turned over and rolled off the bed, stood up straight and said, "Master Liu, I don't have any illnesses! Just now, it was just a joke to scare you. Even if I leave tomorrow, it will be cheaper for me."
The sixth master looked at Master He's situation, but he clearly looked sick. Although he tried his best to stand upright, his body was still visibly shaking.
He hurriedly helped Mr. He to lie down, but the old man refused to move, and said, "I'm not sick, I'm not sick, it's cheaper to leave anytime!"
Isn't the old man insane again?
After pestering for a long time, Master Liu finally understood: Master He is really afraid of losing this opportunity to travel abroad!Ever since he got the unlucky fame of Master Juren and left Beijing, he hasn't been out again, let alone the big wharf.Going back to Xi'an this time, no matter what, he must be fulfilled!It's just an occasional cold, nothing serious.Sixth Master, you must never tell the old man about this minor ailment, never mind, never mind.
Once the old man knows, will Mr. He go to Xi'an?This is also a move to get rid of this crazy man.But looking at his pitiful appearance, Liu Ye really couldn't bear it.After all, he is a teacher!
No choice but to wait for him for a few days.
Master Liu agreed to wait, but Master He just didn't believe it, and still pestered him and said: Don't leave him, don't let others know that he is sick.You can't tell the old man, let alone Lao Xia!Lao Xia has always been uneasy and kind to him...
Master Liu couldn't help getting really angry, and lost a sentence: "If you don't trust me, you go to Xi'an by yourself!" No matter how anxious Master He was, he left.
The passion that Miss Sun brought to Master Liu turned into a bit of an unknown fire after Mr. He stirred it up like this.After I came back and calmed down for a while, I remembered that I should send Miss Sun a reply.He is in flames, but you only care about being angry with this crazy lord!
When Liu Ye Zhan Jian wrote the reply letter, he felt that he had also become a ball of flames, and he wrote down with great speed, all scruples were thrown aside.
Soon, I received a reply from Ms. Sun, still full of enthusiasm.
Coming and going like this, I don't care about getting angry anymore.Five days later, Liu Ye set off first.Based on his wish, of course he wants to go with the Sun family!What will it be like to go on this long journey with her?He couldn't imagine it.But Ms. Sun said that after all, it is too inconvenient to be in the local area, so it is better to go to Shaanxi separately.The implication is that when you arrive in Xi'an, can you have no scruples?So it was agreed that Liu Ye would go first, and Ms. Sun would leave later.
When the sixth master set off, he naturally "brought" Master He with him.He said that the minor ailment has recovered, who knows?
It was mid-April and the weather was getting hotter.From Taigu to Xi'an, it has been going south again.The weather is getting hotter every day, and the boundaries along the way are also hotter than the other. The two heats add up to one pile, and the journey is not easy.
Liu Ye still had a fever in his heart: that ball of flames thrown by Miss Sun.Encouraged by the heat, he didn't care about the fatigue of the journey.It's just that Mr. He kept talking about how his family was not afraid of trekking thousands of miles back then, and also said that it was very hot when the old man was on his southern tour the year before last.It seems that everyone else is afraid of heat and tiredness, and is unbearably limp, but he has the heroic spirit he has cultivated back then.
But after walking for five or six days and arriving at Hongdong, Master He fell ill first.This time I was suffering from a seasonal illness, and my diarrhea continued, and I became soft like a cotton ball again.
The sixth master had no choice but to stop in this Hongdong, and asked the doctor to see and take medicine for the master.Just about to get angry in my heart, I suddenly changed my mind and said yes secretly: Wait a few more days in this land, won't I just wait for Miss Sun?
He tried his best to remain calm, and comforted Mr. He not to get angry in a hurry, it was urgent to stop the diarrhea, and everyone was tired from walking, so they could take the opportunity to breathe for a few days.In the dark, Guier was sent to keep an eye out for the movement of Sun's family horses.
There are also several places of interest in Hongdong. Apart from the well-known pagoda tree, Huoshan Guangsheng Temple is an ancient temple worth visiting.But how could Liu Ye have such thoughts!
After waiting for four or five days, Master He's illness has gradually recovered, but Gui'er has not found any news.
"You little monkey ghost! Didn't you try hard to find out?" Sixth Master was upset by waiting: Four or five days have passed, and the Sun family still hasn't left?
Guier was unambiguous, and said: "How big is Hongdong? How many decent inns are there? I have already made arrangements. As soon as the Sun family arrives, they will send us a letter! Unless they are not here in Hongdong The boundaries are sharp."
Sixth Master hurriedly asked: "It's okay if you don't fight in Hongdong?"
"Not in Hongdong, unless the Sun family is traveling to Xi'an day and night. How can they make Miss Sun suffer like this?"
"Miss Sun has to travel day and night, and the people below can't stop her?"
"Miss Sun will take advantage of this?"
"We're walking too slowly!"
Gui'er just said this casually, but Liu Ye took it seriously when he heard it, and didn't dare to delay any longer, and immediately urged him to set off on his way.Young masters who fall in love are probably like this, sensitive and restless, and easy to trust.It's just that Liu Ye still doesn't realize that he is deeply in love: he can't think about anything anymore.There was one thing I thought about along the way. I arrived in Xi'an one day earlier and met Miss Sun who was disguised as a man.
As soon as he entered Tianchengyuan's shop in Xi'an, Master He's spirit changed a lot. The fatigue of the long journey was almost wiped out, and even the thought of taking a few mouthfuls of opium receded.
In these years, his biggest thought is in this foreign shop!
Cheng Laobang and Qiu Taiji of Xihao knew that Liu Ye and his party were coming to Shaanxi, but they didn't expect that there would be Master He accompanying him: Lao Hao didn't mention it in the letter.However, Qiu Taiji was still a little overjoyed by Master He's presence.He knew that the deputy gangster of the Beijing name had real skills, and he admired him very much before, but it was a pity that he never worked together.Now that he suddenly met Xi'an, he didn't dare to neglect him, and his respect was not inferior to that of the sixth master.
To be honest, Qiu Taiji was more worried than happy when Liu Ye came to Shaanxi at this time.The first thing he thought of was the accident that happened to Wu Ye and Wu Niang in Tianjin the year before last.This year's situation is even worse than the previous year, and there is a lot of chaos. It's not a good time to travel!It is not easy to even find a decent inn. The secluded courtyard that I rented to the third master last winter is hard to find.Xi'an has become a temporary capital, and more and more dignitaries from official circles are gathering here, but the good houses are not enough for them to grab.
Qiu Taiji tried his best to persuade Master Liu and Master He to live in his own house after some grievances. It's not enough ostentation, but his friends can serve them wholeheartedly.Unexpectedly, Master Liu would not live in the cabinet even if he said anything!It's all right to live in a low-level inn or a big shop, but I don't want to live in a cabinet.
Qiu Taiji asked Mr. He to persuade him, but Mr. He didn't persuade him, so he made the decision: "Master Liu has studied Confucianism since he was a child, and if he doesn't want to get involved in Shang characters, there is no need to force him. It just so happens that Mr. He doesn't want to live outside. Let me take your love on behalf of the sixth master, and live on the cabinet. You two shopkeepers, you don't have to be polite, let us each get what we want."
Qiu Taiji hurriedly pulled Master He out of the account room, and whispered his worries.
Master He still said in a decisive tone: "Worry too much, worry too much! The imperial court is in Xi'an, and the streets are full of wealthy people. How can it be our turn to tie our tickets?"
Qiu Taiji said: "The dignitaries in the officialdom don't dare to provoke them, they just bully our businessmen!"
Master He's tone remained unchanged: " Shopkeeper Qiu, you heard me right! There is an imperial court here, who is so foolish as to kidnap people under the imperial court's nose? I know the market in the capital!"
"Master He, Xi'an is no better than the capital. What is the situation in Xi'an right now? The world is in chaos!"
"Now Xi'an is Kyoto, listen to me right!"
Master He couldn't listen to what he said, so Qiu Taiji had no choice but to stop persuading him.Hurry up and ask Mr. Cheng to help you set up a banquet and welcome the two of you.As for him, he personally ran out to find an inn for Master Liu.
After running a few places, I was not satisfied, so I thought of Xiang Jiuxiao.Being favored by the Empress Dowager West, Xiang Jiuxiao became more and more popular in Xi'an.Officials begged him to let him go, and there was an endless stream. Is such a trivial matter worth asking?However, Qiu Taiji had another idea: to borrow a few houses from Xiangjiuxiao to live in, in order that no one would dare to bully him.This is safer than hiring a master escort.In Xi'an, Xiang Jiuxiao is a figure in heaven, who dares to provoke him?
Qiu Taiji came to the door in person, Xiang Jiuxiao really gave face, and agreed immediately.Qiu Taiji also said it bluntly: he wanted to take advantage of Boss Guo's prestige to bring good luck to the Young Master's family.After all, he was born as an actor, and seeing Qiu Taiji, a big-time veteran, also bowed his head to beg him, he was quite satisfied.In the past, he was the one who begged Shopkeeper Qiu like this!
What I borrowed was naturally a ostentatious yard.Qiu Taiji persuaded Mr. He to live there too, but Mr. He also came to live and die!However, Mr. He made it clear: He has been away from the name for many years, and he misses it very much. It is not uncommon to give him the Golden Temple, but he is only greedy for our name.
Having said that, can you still force it?
After the sixth master was settled, Master He pestered him to ask about the court's movements and Xihao's business.Qiu Taiji also wanted to have a family member who could speak, and planned many important affairs.Mr. Cheng of Xihao didn't suppress him, but his knowledge and talent were much inferior after all. Whatever he said, he would blindly agree with him, and it was difficult to conspire with him.Although Master He has been away for many years, he is a seasoned and talented veteran after all, and he can always talk about things.
Mr. He was eager to inquire first, of course, about the current situation: "Master Qiu, has the court negotiated a peace? Before we came to Shaanxi, Shanxi seemed to be in danger. It was rumored all over the world that foreigners had invaded Dongtianmen. Fleeing in droves. The sixth master and I fled to Nanshan to escape for ten days. Afterwards, the weather suddenly calmed down again. Why did the ups and downs happen like this? There is a legend in Taigu City: Foreigners were ambushed by our officers and soldiers at Dongtian Gate, and suffered heavy casualties. He was defeated and left. If the officers and soldiers of the imperial court are really so powerful, how can the capital be lost?"
Qiu Taiji said: "Now that the situation has calmed down, it means that a peace has been agreed. The foreign army's siege of Shanxi is just to force the court to pay more compensation, and they don't really want to invade."
"A draw has been agreed? How much did you pay the foreigners?"
"I heard that the amount of compensation has increased to 450 million taels, and the foreigners are satisfied. They promised to withdraw the coalition forces from Zhili, Beijing and Tianjin, and asked the court to return to Luan."
"Forty-fifty million?" Mr. He has been the deputy gang member of Beijing for many years, and he understands what kind of amount it is!In the prosperous years of the Qianjia Dynasty, the annual revenue of the Qing Dynasty was only 30 to 40 million taels of silver.Afterwards, the situation of the country turned to decline, external disasters and internal strife continued, and it became common for the treasury to be stretched out. Lijin, new taxes, and donations were used to collect money. However, the current annual revenue of the Ministry of Households is only 45,000. A fraction of that!
"I heard that this is the number. If it is less, the foreigners will not withdraw their troops. If they occupy the capital, you can redeem it without paying a big price? The court has no ability, so they can only spend money like this to avoid disaster."
"If you lose money, you have to have money to lose! Shopkeeper Qiu, we are in the money business. How much money can the household department receive each year? How much money can the Qing treasury have in total? How much money can the whole world have now? It’s an estimate. Now the imperial government’s annual revenue, recorded in the accounts of the Ministry of Households, is only 70 to 80 million, and the amount that can be collected in the end is probably less than half. Based on the book value, it is 450 million. , This is the yearly revenue of the fifth or sixth year of the Qing Dynasty! According to the current market, even if the imperial court is sold five or six times, I am afraid that it will not be able to exchange so much money!"
"Who said it wasn't? After the defeat in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895, the Japanese government in Japan was paid 20 million yuan. The imperial court has already collapsed. It still owes heavy debts to the four western countries. How can the national treasury have a bottom? Just save some money for daily use. This time I lost the capital, and I didn't bring it out. Ordinarily, the court owed its debts, so we grassroots people don't need to worry about it. But all the money in the world is taken away by foreigners. Needless to say, the country's power is declining and people's livelihood is dying, but the market suddenly lacks money. flow, it will be difficult for us to do financial business!"
"How can the imperial court know how to worry? The 450 million foreign debts are nothing more than apportioned to the provinces, and the provinces are apportioned to the prefectures and counties, and they are strictly ordered to pay them within a time limit."
"It's spread to the prefectures and counties, and the prefectures and counties are nothing more than searching for it from the people. But in recent years, there have been frequent disasters among the people, severe droughts and wars, and they can't survive. If the monstrous amount is suppressed, will they not be afraid of stirring up civil uprisings? I heard that This time, we followed the example of the Sino-Japanese War indemnity, turning the indemnity into foreign debt first, then paying the capital and raising interest, and paying it off over several years.”
"God, 450,000,000 yuan has been turned into a foreign debt, and it will be paid off within 20 years. It's just a huge amount of interest, and it's a monstrous amount! Foreigners' money business eyes are really vicious!"
"I heard that the 450 million indemnity will be paid off in thirty-nine years, and the annual interest will be set at 4%! When the principal and interest are converted, the total is 980 million taels!"
"God, ninety-eight million? When this indemnity is paid off, there will be no more silver in circulation in the Qing Dynasty!"
"I heard that Rong Lu, Minister of Military Aircraft, also exclaimed: Foreigners occupy my financial resources like this, and China will become a consumptive ghost who can't act! But he is a big military aircraft, and it seems that it has nothing to do with him?"
"The deed of sale, the deed of sale, this is the deed of sale written by the court! In such a court, the sixth master still wants to devote himself to allegiance, isn't it stupid?"
"Master He, I have long since understood that regardless of whether it is the West or the East, not only are the ships strong and powerful, but those high-ranking officials and generals, princes and commanders are all good businessmen! Foreigners do not take business lightly. Whenever they bully us, no First of all, you will be defeated by a fierce battle with heavy troops, and then you will set up a business maze to slowly calculate you! Look at the indemnity of the Sino-Japanese War, the Japanese won the naval battle, and asked you to pay for arms. A monstrous number! Could it be that the Japanese devils’ ships and guns were made of gold and silver? Such a monstrous number was calculated in order to prevent you from paying it back. If you don’t pay it back, the four western countries will take advantage of the situation to intervene Li: We can lend you money. Can borrowing money be borrowed for free? The interest written by the Westerners is even more ruthless! Look, the Easterners get 20,000,100 taels, but the Westerners get a huge amount of interest for nothing. This time, Gengzi pays even more. It’s amazing to calculate a 40 million, and he wrote such a high annual interest rate to others, and the rolling down is 98 million! Such a profit, foreigners bully us Are you still addicted to bullying? Let me see, those princes and ministers raised by the court, the military can't fight, the literary can't settle accounts, so what are you waiting for if you don't get bullied by others!"
"Shopkeeper Qiu, tell the sixth master more about this kind of talk! The old master sent the sixth master to Xi'an to show him the incompetence of the imperial court, and to lose the illusion of becoming an official through scientific examinations. This sixth master is smart, I have ambitions, but I just don’t want to touch the edge of Shang characters, are you stupid?”
"It's not easy for me to say a few words? I'm afraid Liu Ye won't like to listen."
"Traveling in Xi'an for a few days, I saw with my own eyes the sloppy and desolate state of the capital's officialdom. I just saw him and loved it."
“何老爷，你去转两天，也就明白了，聚到西安的这帮京中权贵，才不显稀松落魄呢！”
“不稀松落魄，难道还滋润光鲜？”
“反正一个个收成都不差。”
“在西安是避难，哪来收成？”
“何老爷，你还做了多年京号掌柜呢，其中巧妙，想吧，想不出来？”
“可西安毕竟不比京师，能有多少油水？”
“朝廷一道接一道发上谕，各地的京饷米饷也陆续解到。可因为是逃难，京中支钱的规矩都无须遵守了，寻一个应急变通的名儿，还不是想怎么着，就能怎么着？再者，临时屈居西安，门户洞开，出外搜刮也方便得很。”
“你这一点拨，我就清楚了。生疏了，生疏了，毕竟离京太久了！”
“人年轻时练就的本事，轻易丢不了的。何老爷，柜上正有件事，想请你指点。”
“邱掌柜不用客气！”
“这和局一定，朝廷也该回銮了。随扈的那班权贵，逃出京时孤身一个，别无长物，现在要返京了，可是辎重压身，不便动弹。”
“辎重压身？”
“要不说一个个收成都不差呢！他们收纳的物件，再金贵，在西安也不好变现，就都想带走。可跟着两宫随扈上路，哪敢阵势太张扬了？所以，就想把收成中的银钱，交我们票庄兑回京城。银锭多了，太占地方。”
“想兑，就给他们兑吧！这也是咱们常做的生意。”
“搁平常，这还不是例行生意吗？可现今，他们是只探问，不出手。”
"why?"
“咱们的京号遭劫被抢，人家能不知道？现在京号还没复业，银钱能汇兑到？”
“邱掌柜，硬硬地给他们说：西帮哪能没京号？朝廷回銮之日，必定是我京号劫后开张之时！”
“何老爷，老号要有这种硬口气，那倒好办了。那些权贵们虽是派底下的走卒来打探，我们也不敢大意，但只能含糊应承：大人信得过敝号，我们哪会拒汇？洋人一撤，京号开张，我们立马收汇。人家也不傻，一听是活话口，就逼着问准信儿：你们的京号到底何时开张？到底何时能收汇？我哪有准信儿告人家？也只好说：朝廷回銮的吉日定了，我们也就有准信儿了。人家说，到那时节，哪还赶得上呀？也是。我们赶紧发了电报，请示老号。老号回电只四字：静观勿动。”
“老号是不大知晓西安近况吧？”
“我们三天两头给老号发信报，该报的都随时报了。朝廷在这里，我们哪敢怠慢？可就回了这么四个字，何老爷，你说叫我们如何是好？”
“邱掌柜，你没听说吧？孙大掌柜正闹着要告老卸任呢，只是老太爷不允。叫我说，孙大掌柜也真老朽了，放他告老还乡，天成元也塌不了！”
见何老爷说得放肆，邱泰基忙岔开说：“老号的事，我们也不便闻听。何老爷，只求你一解这'静观勿动'的用意，教我们如何张罗？”
何老爷又断然说：“邱掌柜，我看你也别无选择，就听我的，硬硬地应承下来！老号叫静观勿动，你们也不能回绝人家吧？既不能回绝，那就得应承；既应承，就痛快应承。京城官场这些大爷，你哪敢模棱两可的伺候？何况这又是他们搜刮的私囊，你不给个痛快话，他哪能放心？”
“我岂不想如此？可老号不放话，我这里就放手收了，到时京号不认，或是支付不起，那我们罪过就大了：这不是叫我们砸天成元的牌子吗？”
“可你们不应承，也是砸天成元的牌子！这都是些什么主儿？京城官场的王公大臣，部院权贵！在这非常年头，想指靠西帮一把，却指靠不上，想想，以后还能有我们的好果子吃？”
“何老爷，这其中利害，我能不知道？只是，我们一间驻外分号，哪能做得了这样大的主？近日，人家都在问：到底何时可开京陕汇兑？老号不发话，我们怎么回答？”
“就照我说的，朝廷回銮之日，即我天成元京号开张之时！”
“何老爷，日前我们听说，朝廷已议定在五月二十一日，起跸回銮。眼看就进五月了，我们也不便再含糊其辞吧？”
“已议定了五月二十一日回銮返京？”
“这还是听响九霄说的，禁中消息，他可灵通得很。”
何老爷愣住，想了想，忽然击掌说：“邱掌柜，有好生意做了！”
“什么好生意？”
那天说到关节处，何老爷忽然来了烟瘾，哈欠打起来没完，身上也软了，什么话也不想再说。
邱掌柜是交际场中高手，一看就明白了。以前柜上也备有烟枪烟土，招待贵客。只是这次返陕后，因西安权贵太多，一个个又似饿狼，就尽力装穷，不敢招惹。尤其是给西太后底下的崔玉桂，串通响九霄，敲去一笔巨款后，更是乘势趴下，装成一蹶不振的气象。来客不用说大烟招待了，就是茶叶，也不敢上好的。现在何老爷来了烟瘾，他还真拿不出救急的东西来。
“何老爷，我们真不知你还有此一风雅。怕惹是非，柜上久未备烟土了，实在不敬得很……”
“什么风雅？我这是自戕，是自辱，自辱本老爷头顶的这个无用的功名！”
“何老爷，叫伙友出去给你张罗些回来？”
“不连累你们了，本老爷自带粮草呢。请少候，少候。”
邱泰基忙叫伙友扶何老爷进去了，心里就想，这么一位商界高手，当日何以要参加朝廷科考？
不由得想到了六爷。何老爷叫开导六爷，可他和这位少东家没交往过，性情，脾气，一些儿不摸底，说深了，说浅了，都不好。所以，他也不敢多兜揽，只求六爷在西安平平安安，不出什么意外就得了。六爷要想拜见官场人物，倒可求响九霄居间引见的。
为尽到礼数，邱泰基派了柜上一个精干的伙友，过去伺候六爷。万一有个意外，也便于照应。可这个伙友跟过去没多久，就给撵回来了：六爷高低不叫他在跟前伺候。还嫌不够精干机灵？六爷说是老太爷有交待，不能太麻烦柜上。这是托辞吧？何老爷依旧断然说，人家是不想沾商字的边儿，就由他吧。
邱泰基还是放心不下：巴结不上倒在其次，为首是怕出意外。住的地界虽然保险，但六爷也不会钻在那宅子里不出来。外出游玩，谁还给他留面子！派个伙友暗暗跟着？
何老爷已经精神焕发地出来了。
“邱掌柜，好生意来了！”
“什么好生意？愿听何老爷指点。”
“这是放在明处的生意，邱掌柜哪能看不见？”
“真是看不见，何老爷就给点明了吧！”
“只要朝廷回銮的吉日定了，那我们就有好生意可做！”
“什么生意？”
“邱掌柜，朝廷回銮虽说不上是得胜凯旋，也不会像去年逃出京师时那样狼狈了。皇家的排场，总是要做足的。这是天下第一大排场，那花销会小了吗？官府为办这份回銮大差，必定四处筹措银子。所以，从回銮吉日确定，至两宫起跸，这段时日西安的银根必定会异常吃紧，不正是我们放贷的良机？”
“良机是良机，可我们拿什么放贷？西号本来也不是大庄口，架本就不厚，这一向怕再惹祸，尽量趴着不敢动。暗中做了些生意，也撑不起大场面的。尤其老号也不支持，三爷出面都未求来援手。就真是千载难逢的良机，也只好干瞪眼，动不得。”
“邱掌柜，你听我说！我只说了放贷良机，还未说收存的良机呢！”
“收存的良机？”
“邱掌柜你刚才不是说了吗？京中权贵正想将私囊中的现银，交我们汇往京师，这不是小数目，还用发愁无银放贷？回銮花费那是动用京饷官款，权贵们谁舍得动自家的私囊！回銮之日越近，他们越着急汇出私银。我们一手收汇，一手放贷，岂不是好生意！”
邱泰基一听，眼也亮了，说：“何老爷，真不愧是京号老手！我们真是给懵懂住了，看西安就只是满目乱象，却瞅不出如此良机！”
何老爷真是得意，说：“邱掌柜，做票号这一行，你不住一回京号，终是修炼不到家！”
“这谁不知道？但才具不够，老号也不会挑你去。不说这种不该说的话了。只是收汇，老号不发话，我们到底不便自作主张吧？京号何日能开张，也须老号做主。听说京号被糟蹋得片纸不存，底账也都被抢走了，一时怕也难以恢复吧？”
“邱掌柜，你就放心预备做这番好生意吧！老号那边，本老爷给你张罗！孙大掌柜听不进话去，还有康老太爷呢！天成元只要不想关门大吉，就不能不设京号！如今开票号，哪有不设京号的？叫我说，京号实在比老号还要紧。”
“何老爷既这样深明大义，我们西号也有救了！还望何老爷能及时说动老号，眼前良机实在是不容迟疑了！”
“我岂能不知？邱掌柜你就放心吧。”
邱泰基虽未住过京号，但对眼前这一难逢的商机，也已看出来了。只是，老号对西号似乎已有成见，报去的禀帖，再紧急，再利好，也是平淡处理。所以，他才这样故意装出懵懂，激起何老爷的兴头，代为说动。何老爷寂寞多年，对商事的激情实在也叫人感叹。
只是，以何老爷今日之身份，能说动老号吗？
何老爷知道老号的孙大掌柜不会买他的账，就径直给康老太爷写了一封信。信走的是天成元的例行邮路，即交付宁波帮的私信局紧急送达。所以，信报还是先到天成元老号，再转往康庄。
按规矩，外埠庄口写给东家的信报，老号是要先拆阅的，凡认为不妥的，有权扣押下来。何老爷正是要利用这个规矩，叫老号先拆阅他的信报。因此，他特别嘱咐了邱泰基，信皮要与西号惯常信报一般无二，不可露出是他何某人上呈老东家的。
邱泰基就问：“这样经老号过一道手，就不怕给扣押下来？”
何老爷说：“谅他们也不敢。孙大掌柜只要读过我的这道信，他就知道事关重大，绝不敢耽误；他更会猜想到，老东家见到此信，不会不理睬。这样一来，他孙大掌柜对此事也不敢等闲视之了。”
邱泰基笑了：“何老爷到底手段好，想一箭双雕？”
何老爷也得意地笑了：“实在说，我这信报主要还是写给孙大掌柜的，可不把老东家抬出来，他哪会理睬？”
邱泰基有意又夸了一句：“何老爷真是好手段！”
告急的信报就这样发走了，回音还没等到，柜上就来了犯难的事。
这天，邱泰基和何老爷正在后头账房议事，忽然就见程老帮跑进来说：“响九霄派底下人来了，言明有要事求见邱掌柜。你快出去招呼吧！”
邱泰基没急着出去，只是说：“看这响九霄，排场越发大了！既有要事，怎么不亲自来？只是打劫我们，才肯亲自打头阵？”
何老爷倒慌忙说：“邱掌柜，你不想出面，那本老爷出去替你们应付一回！”
邱泰基赶紧拉住，说：“一个伶人派来的走卒，哪能劳动何老爷！”
说着，才出去了。
响九霄底下的这个走卒，居然也派头不小，见面连个礼也不行，仰脸张口就问：“你就是邱掌柜？”
邱泰基心里有气，面儿上不动声色，忙行了一个礼，说：“不知是公公驾到，失敬了，失敬！”
那走卒见此情形，忙说：“邱掌柜认错人了，我是郭老板打发来的……”
邱泰基才故意问：“郭老板？就是唱戏的郭老板？”
"right."
“小子，你把我吓了一跳！去年，西太后跟前的二总管崔公公，亲临敝号，还没你小子这派头大呢！人家也还讲个礼数，更没这么仰脸吊脖子的跟人说话。你这副派头，我还以为是太后跟前的大总管李公公来了！”
那走卒听不出是骂他，倒呵呵笑了。
邱泰基拉下脸，厉声说：“小子，你听着！我跟你家郭老板可是老交情了。以前我没低看他，如今他也没低看我。今日就是他亲自上门，也不会像你小子这么放肆！郭老板现在身价高了，你们这些走卒也得学些场面上的规矩，还生瓜蛋似的，那不是给你们主子丢人现眼吗？等见着郭老板，我得跟他当真说说！”
那走卒这才软了，忙跪下说：“邱掌柜在上，小人不懂规矩，千万得高抬贵手，别说给郭老板知道！”
“怎么，你们郭老板也长脾气了？”
“可不是呢！邱掌柜要把刚才的话，说给我们班主听，那小人就得倒灶了……”
“我还当你小子胆子多大呢！郭老板派你来做甚，起来说吧。”
“小人有罪，就跪着说吧。我们班主交给我一张银票，叫面呈邱掌柜，看能不能兑成现银？”说时，就从怀中摸出那张银票，双手举着，递给了邱泰基。
邱泰基接过来细看，是天成元京号发的小额银票，面额为五百两银子。京中这种小票，其实也是一种存款的凭证，只是因数额少，就写成便条样式，随存随取，也不记存户姓名。不想，这倒十分便于流通，几近于现代的纸币了，在京中极受欢迎。但这种小票也只是在京城流通，京外是不认的。响九霄在西安土生土长，他哪来的这种小票？是哪位权贵赏他的吧？
邱泰基就问：“这张银票，是谁赏你们郭老板的？”
那走卒说：“银票不是我们班主的，听说是位王爷托班主打听，看这种银票在西安管用不管用？”
“知道是哪位王爷吗？”
“班主没交待，小人哪能知道？”
“那你记清了：这种票是我们天成元写出的，不假。可它是银票，不是汇票。我们票庄有规矩：只收外埠的汇票，不收外埠的银票。”
“邱掌柜是说，这种银票不管用了？”
“这张银票是我们京号写的，在京城管用，在西安不管用。不是我们写的票，辨不出真伪，不敢认。你回去告诉郭老板，这银票废不了，妥为保管吧，等回到京城，随时能兑银子。记清了吧？”
“记清了！”
这时，何老爷走了出来，说：“拿银票来我瞅瞅。”
邱泰基把银票递了过去，说：“你看是咱京号的小票吧？”
何老爷只看了一眼，就说：“没错，可惜是光绪二十二年写的票，那时本掌柜已离开京号了。”
邱泰基说：“谁呀，逃难还把这种小票带身上？”
何老爷说：“人家不是图便当吗？总比银子好带。”说着，就转脸对那走卒放出断然的话来：“回去跟你们主子说，银票我们认，想兑银子就来兑！”
邱泰基一脸惊异，正要说什么，何老爷止住，抢着继续说：“按规矩，我们西号不能收京号的银票，可遇了这非常之变，敝号也得暂破规矩，为老主顾着想。既然朝廷落脚西安，我们西号就代行京号之职，凡京号写的票，不拘银票汇票，我们都认！听清了吧？”
那走卒也是一头雾水，瞅住邱泰基说：“听是听清了，这位掌柜是……”
何老爷又抢先说：“本掌柜是从天成元老号来的，姓何，早年就在京号当掌柜！小客官，要不把这五百两银票给你兑成银锭？背了现银回去，也省得你家主子不信我们，又疑心你！”
那走卒忙说：“班主只叫来问问银票管用不管