Chapter 26 Great shame

Since the old lady's funeral, the third master has never traveled far.According to filial piety, a filial son has to stay in mourning for three years.Mrs. Du has no offspring, and the third master wanted to hold a funeral for her, but the old master did not tell her. During this period, he never stopped visiting the shops in the city.Arriving at Tiancheng Yuanlao, one can't help but pay attention to the newspapers in Xi'an.This Xiang Xihao always reported that the peace bureau agreed, the imperial court was going to return to Kyoto, and the government was going to go back to Luan on a mission, and we had good business to do.Since there is good business, why just report but not do it?After thinking about it, the third master finally realized that it must be because the western account has reported repeatedly, but the old account has been refusing.

But he has nothing to do with the old storekeeper Sun Da.After much deliberation, I can only test the tone of the old man: the only one who can convince shopkeeper Sun is the old man. Since the military disaster receded without any risk, the peace situation has become increasingly clear, and the old man seems to have recovered as before.When the third master came into the old man's courtyard to see him, he was playing with rubbings of ancient steles. Before the third master could speak, the old man asked, "Are you talking about Xi'an?" "Exactly..." The third master was not very surprised, he speculated that shopkeeper Sun Da had already discussed this matter with the old man.That being the case, there is nothing left to hope for.Shopkeeper Sun didn't want to complete Xihao, the old man already knew, so what else can he say?

"You and I don't need to worry too much about Xi'an. Master He is there to talk about it." "Master He? Which Master He?" The third master was really confused for a while, and he didn't even think of Master He in the family hall. "There are a few other masters! Master He from the family hall took Lao Liu to Xi'an, don't you know?" "Knowing is knowing, it's just..." "It's just a joke! Master He used to be a good player in Beijing, and Zhang Luoxi's business is just a matter of passing it on." Of course, the third master also knows what master He used to do.The old man let him go to Xi'an at this time, so there was another deep meaning.Kexihao's difficulty lies not in the incompetence of the old gang, but in the refusal of the old gang.Can Qiu Taiji fail to see the business opportunities under his nose?It's just that the treasurer Sun can't be said.Master He went to Xi'an, will shopkeeper Sun look at him differently?So the third master boldly said:

"At present, Xi'an is also like Kyoto. Mr. He Zhang Luo Jingzhong business, of course he is familiar with the business. I am afraid that the old man will still see him as an idler, and will not pay much attention to his high opinion." Hearing what the third master said, the old man actually laughed, put down the rubbings in his hand, and sat down. "You still underestimate Mr. He! How can he only focus on Xi'an after he has made a fuss? Here is a letter from him, you can read it." The third master took a piece of letter paper from the old man and looked at it carefully:

Master Lao Rentai respected: Accompanying Liu Ye to Xi'an this time is originally for idle business, not related to business.It's just that after traveling, I took a cold look at the market here, and saw business opportunities everywhere!Yu has been out for many years, and he is afraid that his hands and eyes in business management will be useless, so he suspects that what he sees is nothing but a dream.Write out the letter by hand, please Lao Rentai to distinguish the truth from the truth.If what you see is true, Xihao and Laohao must have already captured it, so it is a foolish talker.If it's really an illusion of stupidity, just talk about Bo Lao Rentai and smile.

………… Then, I briefly mentioned that the imperial court is about to return to Luan, the government is eager to prepare for the big errand, and the high officials in the court are worried about the transfer of private money to Beijing. Isn't this just calling me to come out to solicit big business? Because the third master already knew about the business opportunities Mr. He mentioned, so he didn't feel anything clever after looking at Bi Xin.Then he said: "No matter how good the business opportunity in Xi'an is, the old account has to send a message before we can get it out?"

The old man sneered and said, "You still can't see what Master He is doing?" "Master He's method?" "Stupid!" "Willing to listen to teaching." "The beauty lies in the letter. Mr. He wrote this letter to me clearly, but in private he wrote it to shopkeeper Sun Da. This letter was sent from Xihao to Laohao. According to the rules of the shop, the old shop must be opened and read first." So, even though I was the one who looked up in the letter, Mr. Sun read it before me. Mr. He wrote it in the tone of an outsider, which didn't hurt the face of the old company, but also stimulated him to look at the West again. No business, isn't it a wonderful pen!"

"I see." Although the third master felt that some of them were ingenious, but given the current status of master He, what would Shopkeeper Sun pay attention to?So not too surprised. "I know what you're thinking: it's just a trick!" "I didn't underestimate Mr. He, but I was afraid that shopkeeper Sun would ignore Mr. He's kindness." "Then guess how this letter was delivered to Kangzhuang?" "The old number sent a reliable partner to deliver it?" "Shopkeeper Sun personally delivered it." "Deliver it yourself?"

"He's still not confused. After reading this letter, he understands that Mr. He's going to Xi'an is not just for leisure." Only then did the third master really understand: Mr. He was sent to Xi'an by the old master, so it is naturally inconvenient for Shopkeeper Sun to treat him lightly.That being the case, why did the old account still not move?The third master said: "With my father planning like this, we don't need to worry too much. The draw is established, the court will return soon, and the resumption of business of Beijing and Tianjin No. 2, shopkeeper Sun has already started to make arrangements, right?"

"Your question is not confused. The resumption of business on Beijing-Tianjin No. 2 is what you should worry about! You don't have to worry about Xi'an." "The Beijing account is not available, and the West account cannot open the Beijing-Shaanxi Huilu Road. I dare not accept large remittances, and it is difficult for the West account to lend money to officials..." "Third son, you are so young, why do you look like shopkeeper Sun, and you have no courage at all? Shopkeeper Sun sent a letter that day, and it was your tone: it is difficult to restore the Beijing name, and the receipt of foreign exchange should be slow. People want to suffocate to death! In the early years, when he encountered such a situation, he had already sent a message to Xihao: You just let go of Luo Xi'an's business, and you don't have to worry about Jinghao! Now I don't even dare to say a word."

"The resumption of business in Beijing, Tianjin and Zhuangkou is no small matter..." "Even if you say that, there is really no one to count on!" "Number two are very troublesome. They are all in the same place, especially the account books. There is no piece of paper. After all..." "After all, what! How can the billing number not have the Beijing number?" "The imperial court's return to Luan has not yet been decided, so it's not easy to talk about it?" "I'm afraid it will be even more difficult when the imperial court returns to Beijing! Don't worry about the resumption of business in Beijing and Tianjin. As for Master Sun, you have to cheer him up! How difficult can it be to resume business in Beijing and Tianjin? It’s nothing more than filling a hole. The Beijing-Tianjin hole is caused by the current situation and has nothing to do with the operation of the name. This hole is filled by our boss. With this in mind, what else can you make trouble for?” The third master still wanted to say a few words, but the old master had already driven him away, so he had no choice but to quit. The third master originally came to urge the old man to talk to the old storekeeper Sun, why did he seem to be on the same side with the old shopkeeper Sun, and became afraid of the resumption of business on Beijing-Tianjin No. 2? In fact, the third master did this intentionally: since the old master has made it clear that shopkeeper Sun is not brave enough, of course he can't take the opportunity to pour out a lot of grievances.If so, wouldn't it be too small? Furthermore, the resumption of business on Beijing-Tianjin No. 2 is indeed not a trivial matter.The peace has been agreed, the imperial court is going to return to Luan, this kind of news spreads in Qi Taiping, the first priority of the major bank accounts is the resumption of business in Beijing and Tianjin!Last year Gengzi was in trouble, Beijing and Tianjin fell, and every family in Zhuangkou of the Xibang Bank was ransacked.But if the store is destroyed and the money is gone, the losses are considerable after all, and if the account books and bills are not kept, it will be regarded as a bottomless hole.Especially for the Beijing account, there are too many old accounts accumulated, and most of them involve the dignitaries in the officialdom. If they lose their accounts, how can they deal with it?Those who have borrowed money, people can pretend to be confused and never show up again; those who have saved money, and those who have held money orders, must be anxious to see you resume business, and don’t rush to run!After going through such a catastrophe, even the imperial court can't rely on it. Who knows that your West Gang is still trustworthy, whether your vitality is hurt or not?If you return to the capital under such circumstances, who will let you go lightly! Thinking about that scene, I dare not be careless. Therefore, there is a kind of discussion among colleagues in the ticket industry: this catastrophe is unprecedented, and it is also affected by the current situation. The West Gang should publicly discuss a paper and submit it to the Ministry of Accounts, requesting Beijing, Tianjin and Zhuangkou to resume business. Old accounts, regardless of whether they are owed or owed to others, will be cashed later, so as to calmly clean up the accounts and raise funds for remediation.Otherwise, as soon as it opens, it will be besieged by creditors, and it will be impossible to carry out any actions. The third master also agrees with this proposal.However, this kind of matter must be promoted by the top figures of the West Gang before it can be discussed publicly.But so far no giant has paid attention to this discussion.The third master wanted to mention this matter to his old man: if father is willing to come forward, and then contact the three or five giants of Qi Gang and Ping Gang, the matter will be promoted.So when I met the old man, I specifically emphasized the difficulty of resuming business in Beijing and Tianjin, and I also wanted to pave the way for this.Unexpectedly, just laying the groundwork for a few sentences, before getting to the point, it was thrown out. The old man asked him to worry about the resumption of business in Beijing and Tianjin, but he didn't want to listen to his chatter, and also accused him of being stupid: obviously he didn't rely on him very much. Even if he raised a matter of public discussion, the old man would laugh it off. The third master thought of Mr. He: why not convey this proposal to Mr. He in Xi'an first, and then let him reach the old man?A detour around Xi'an might yield some results. The third master is also very excited to learn Master He's tricks like this. But he had no close friendship with Master He, so he had to write a letter to Qiu Taiji, asking Qiu Taiji to convey his intention to Master He.The tone of the letter was ordinary, without any hint of conspiracy, it was just sent without handing over the name, and delivered directly to the private letter bureau. Just after finishing this matter, I suddenly received an order from the county government: the chief executive of the American Congregational Church who handles the "teaching case" will come to Taigu on the eighth day of June, and I would like to invite the wise old man Kang of your house to accompany the county magistrate Welcome out of town. During the Boxing Rebellion last year, several Congregationalist priests were killed. This is a settlement.The so-called greeting is nothing more than an apology and humiliation, right?Of course the old man can't bear this humiliation. During the peace talks with foreigners, the German and French allied forces had been besieging Shanxi, so of course Shanxi had to be hit extra in the peace talks.Germany and France told Cen Chunxuan in Futai, Shanxi: There are too many teaching cases in Shanxi, and the peace must be discussed separately, otherwise the army will not stop.Cen Chunxuan was afraid that Jin Province would fall, and it would be difficult to explain to the court, so he had to agree to another discussion. The result of the other discussion was that in addition to the Xin Chou Twelve Items Treaty, Shanxi paid an additional 2.5 million taels of silver; this additional compensation must be paid off on the day when Germany and France withdraw their troops!In order to urgently raise the compensation for the strike, ticket dealers in the province alone were paid 500,000 taels of silver.At that time, because they were afraid that the war would enter Jin Dynasty and affect their ancestral property, each family had endured humiliation and bankrupted their fortunes.Kang Jiatian Chengyuan is a big name in the ticket industry, how can there be less bleeding? It was too much for the boxers to kill foreign priests, but because of this crime, the crusade was first launched and the huge sum of money was claimed later, so it has not been evened out?What's more, the government had already hunted down and killed the murderers among the boxers, and the number of boxers who survived was many times more than the murdered foreign priests!The priests and civilians who were murdered in Taigu have been buried grandly by the Provincial Bureau of Western Affairs.The compensation has been paid, the fine has been paid, the life has been paid, and the ceremony has come. Now those who come to handle the teaching case don't know what else to do, but to give such courteous treatment, the government really frightened the foreigners. After receiving the order from the county government, the third master and the fourth master discussed it and decided not to inform the old man.The old man is old and has lost his wife soon, so it is easy to make excuses.The fourth master meant that he should take the place of the old master to answer the errand, and no one from the Kang family would show up, so he might not be able to explain to the government.But the third master insisted that no one should come forward, because there are ready-made reasons: the old man is old and his body is not in good shape, so he can't go out;Wouldn't it be disrespectful to greet foreigners in filial piety! The third master dismissed the housekeeper, Lao Xia, and went to the county government to ask for leave.Unexpectedly, the county government refused to allow it.It is said that foreigners have different customs, and there is no three-year mourning system.He also said that the chief executive who came this time is Wen Adeh who first came to Taigu to preach more than ten years ago.He is very familiar with the big family in Taigu, how can he explain it if the Kang family doesn't show up? The third master was still very angry when he heard what Lao Xia said: it is common sense to do as the Romans do.How can foreign priests come to Taigu and disregard our gift?In the body of mourning, even the imperial court can not serve him, and he is allowed to resign and return to his hometown. The foreigner is bigger than the imperial court? Lao Xia hurriedly persuaded: "I think the gentlemen of the county government have no other choice. I am afraid that the big households will not make excuses. The scene is too deserted. The disaster of war is over, and I dare not offend foreigners." The fourth master also said: "It's too inconvenient for us to be too difficult for the government. I'll go on a business trip, and you don't need to come forward. These days, even the imperial court tolerates foreigners, and we can't be very particular about old etiquette." But the third master still said: "Don't be anxious, wait until I go out to inquire about it. Especially the Cao family, let's see who he sends to come forward, and we will make up our minds." Before the third master went out to inquire, the old master summoned him.After entering the old courtyard, the old man immediately said, "If you don't want to go, I will go on the eighth day of June." Who has told the old man about it?When I thought about it, I knew it was Lao Xia.Lao Xia's most loyal, of course, is the old man. "It's not that we don't want to go..." "Needless to say, I'll tell you, I'll go on the eighth day of June." The third master hurriedly said: "I'll go, I'll go! It's hot, how can I ask my father to go?" "You are afraid of shame, I will go." "I go." After the third master finished speaking, he hurriedly withdrew.Only then did he calmly think about it: Is he guilty of recklessness and showing off again?Maybe the fourth brother is right, the court is not afraid of shame these days, so what else can we pay attention to! He said to the fourth master and Lao Xia: "On the eighth day of June, I will go to answer the old man's errand." But the fourth master still insisted that he go: "I take the name of housekeeping, and I can explain it when I go, third brother You don't have to worry about it." After arguing, the fourth master still insisted, and the third master stopped fighting. On the eighth day of the sixth lunar month, it was the day of the Great Dog Days, and Mr. Liang, the county magistrate, prepared an official guard of honor. He led nearly a hundred entourages and squires five miles out of the city to meet the foreign priest Wen Ade by the Wuma River.Fourth master came back and said, the gentlemen in official uniforms really didn't die from the heat, the mending clothes were soaked through. Fourth Master also only said that the weather was hot, but as for the scene, the officials and gentlemen of the county yamen were too flattering, and the accompanying gentry and celebrities were silent or did not mention it. The third master didn't ask any more questions, just asked: "Who has gone to the Cao family?" Fourth Master said, "Cao Peide has gone." "Cao Peide has gone?" "However, it's only the Cao family. The other big families are like us. They only send one head to respond to errands, and not many serious heads come out." The Cao family is the first household in Taigu, so it's not easy to shirk it.But Cao Peide's willingness to come forward was beyond Sanye's expectation: he is still not deep in the city? Not long after Wen Ade arrived in Taigu, he actually sent someone to express his belated condolences to Mrs. Du's unfortunate death.More than ten years ago, when Wen Ade first came to Taigu to open up a new missionary site of the Axiom Society, he met Du Changxuan and his daughter Du Yunqing.Du Yunqing's youthful, noble voice and smile are still there, but he is actually dead? The person sent by Wen Ade to Kang's house to express his condolences was none other than Kong Xiangxi, who escaped from the besieged Gospel Church last year.After he escaped, he moved to Tianjin and joined Wen Ade, who presided over the North China Congregational Church.Returning to Taigu with Wen Aderong this time, it is naturally a different scene. However, during this visit, Kang Watnan did not see him.When the third master saw him, he was also very cold.He was just running errands for foreign priests, but he still wanted to associate Mrs. Du with foreign priests. How could the third master give him a good face?At that time, Kong Xiangxi was just an unknown local kid after all, and if he hadn't learned from foreign religions, the third master probably wouldn't have seen him. However, within a few days, it was reported that Wen Ade had used several ruthless moves to investigate the teaching case, and it seemed that the moves were all aimed at the business world. The first tactic was to ask for compensation as foreigners are used to, asking Taigu to pay the Congregational Society twenty-five thousand taels of silver.This compensation is in addition to the court compensation and the province's additional compensation!Foreigners have tasted the sweetness of compensation. From top to bottom, from the military to the church, they are all pawned with money, and the amount is increased layer by layer. The second move was aimed at wealthy businessmen, forcing the Meng family in the city to "donate" the Meng family garden as a cemetery for the dead priests!The Meng family in the city is also one of the most wealthy and prominent families in Taigu, and they made their fortune very early. Their ancestors built the garden of the Meng family in the Harem Palace outside the east gate, which has always been an exquisite and beautiful private garden in Taigu.This garden not only pays attention to the pavilions, mountains and stones, but also covers a large area.The Congregational Society actually wants to plunder it as a cemetery. Isn't this trying to humiliate the wealthy Taigu who established their families through business?Wen Ade dared to make such an outrageous request. The only excuse was that when the boxing riot broke out last year, some sons of the Meng family made friends with boxers and condoned the riot.How can the disciples of the Meng family control the boxing chaos of last year!In fact, the foreign religion just wants to take the first share of the beautiful garden. The third move is even more damaging: it is proposed to hold a grand funeral for the foreign priests and local believers who were killed; at that time, from the county magistrate to the villagers sent from the villages, there will naturally be rich businessmen and celebrities among them. You have to wear hemp and mourning to go to the funeral.This will humiliate the whole county and the business community!In the funeral of foreigners, is there also the custom of wearing hemp and filial piety? It was widely rumored that Kong Xiangxi, the local boy who ran errands for Wen Ade, had a lot of ideas in it. When the third master heard the news, he lost his composure again.He galloped on his horse and rushed to Beibei Village to see Cao Peide. Cao Peide also looked sad.He said that not long after he came back from the Meng family, the Meng family invited him to discuss countermeasures. After discussing for a long time, there was really no good plan to come up with. The third master revealed an angry look on his face, and said, "It's such a big garden, it's not a thing, if you don't give it to him, can he take it away?" Cao Peide said: "Wen Ade said on the other side that if you don't offer a garden, you will arrest the children of the Meng family. You also know that Meng Ruzhen, who is in charge of the family, is a person who loves his children and grandchildren very much. He is afraid when he hears this." "During the Boxing Rebellion last year, I didn't hear how the Meng family's children came out to make trouble? Were there any children from his family present when they besieged the Gospel Hall?" "I heard from Meng Ruzhen that it was just to watch the excitement, and it didn't attract much attention. The men of the Meng family also made friends with a heavenly master Zhang from Zhili, and once invited this heavenly master to practice kung fu in his garden, just for the sake of being lively. .” "That Heavenly Master Zhang, I have experienced it before. That time when he chased us Tian Chengyuan with a knife and wanted to kill Wei Luyi of the Congregational Society, I asked me to stop him. This Heavenly Master Zhang looks scary, but in fact he is not a fist. It’s just crazy stuff. To befriend such a crazy celestial master is so sinful that you have to pay for a garden? According to this kind of compensation method, it’s not enough to “sacrifice” the whole Taigu!” "Who told you this kind of reasoning? He is a master now, and he deliberately wants to occupy that garden, so he still has to find an excuse?" "Then give it up?" "Of course the Meng family doesn't want to donate, but if the government doesn't make the decision, how can his family bear it?" "Wen Ade is just a foreign monk, why is the magistrate so cowardly?" "The imperial court has already written the letter of surrender. How can a small county magistrate be so dignified? The twelve clauses of the peace treaty are not the letter of surrender drawn up by the imperial court! Besides, Cen Futai is also eager to settle the teaching case. Blindly forbearance, of course Wen Ade will push forward." "By bullying the Meng family like this, it's also showing our business color?" "The Axiom Society has been in Taigu for twenty years, and our business community has never offended them." "But we are also cold and turn a blind eye to others." "Businessmen and foreign religions are also two families of the gods and the secular, each has its own business, and common sense should be kept at a respectful distance. How did we curry favor with the local gods, Buddhas and Taoism?" "In Qi Taiping, it is precisely because our businessmen don't think highly of it that it is difficult to spread its teachings. The Axiom Society has been in Taigu for almost 20 years, and how many people have joined the teaching? Let me see, Wen Ade's arrest this time It is really meaningful to live in Meng's house." Cao Peide hurriedly asked: "What is his deep meaning?" "While the imperial court has been subdued this time, first give Taigu merchants a disarm so that they can preach in the future. If you dare to bully the Meng family in Taigu like this, who will dare to look down on them in the future?" "The third master is right! In that case, why don't our business community give him enough face first, maybe we can save the Meng family?" "I also have the same intention. These ruthless moves by Wen Ade are clearly aimed at the Taigu merchants. The first move to pay compensation, the big one is not ours? Needless to say, occupying Meng's garden, just take it directly The businessman took the knife. Asking the gentry and celebrities to wear hemp and filial piety is a serious insult to the merchants! The gentry and celebrities in Taigu, who else but us! Since they challenged them first, we just ignored them, fearing that Wen Ade would be even more angry." "Third Master, I have an idea, but it's inconvenient to say it." "At such a critical juncture, what are you still worried about? Tell me!" "The important task of unblocking Wen Ade, I think it must be the third master." "There are so many giants in the business world in Taigu, what merit and prestige do I have to take on such an important task? Dude, stop making fun of me." "Third Lord, this is not a joke. The old wife of your mansion, Mrs. Du, has personal relations with the priests of the Congregational Church; your Tian Chengyuan has always collected money for them; especially in the boxing chaos last year, the third master stepped forward and saved Their Wei Luyi. With these few rules, if the third master goes to see Wen Ade, will he give you some face?" "A few days ago, Wen Ade also sent a little believer surnamed Kong to Kangzhuang to express his condolences to the old lady. How can we save the Taigu business community just by giving our Kang family this little face?" "Third Lord, as long as he treats him with courtesy, you can tell him your interests: you have gained power, and bullying merchants like this is of no benefit to preaching in Taigu in the future? Don't foreign religions respect and forgive? It's shocking." Great changes, if your religion can bestow forgiveness on the world, it will definitely be admired by the officials and people in Taigu, and the business community will take the lead in supporting your religion. Then we will tell our price on camera: don’t occupy the garden of Meng’s family, and don’t make people from all walks of life wear sackcloth and filial piety , the Taigu business community is willing to pay more compensation!" After hearing this, the third master thought it was worth a try, so he said: "For the Taigu business community, I am willing to take this life!" Futai, Fantai, and the Western Affairs Bureau in the province should also run around to clear it up, and ask the higher-ups to stand in the way.But the third master discussed with Cao Peide for a long time, and they gave up: asking for nothing. Back in Kangzhuang, the third master meditated and felt deeply that if he wanted to live up to his fate, he would have to resort to some means.But there is not a single resourceful person around.Shopkeeper Qiu is far away in Xi'an, Mr. He, who has to look at him with admiration, is also in Xi'an, and Mr. Dai, the Beijing name, goes even farther to Shanghai.I have to go to see the shopkeeper Lin Da of the tea house again? If Mrs. Du was still alive, what a world of maneuvers would be! Recalling last year when the boxing chaos started, the old lady came here on purpose and told the third master to come forward and contact all walks of life to prevent the boxing chaos.He also said that he has general talent, and he can take advantage of this to show his achievements.The old lady also said something that he will never forget: Quan Kang's family only counts the third master, you have worked hard. Thinking of Mrs. Du, the third master immediately sent someone to call the maid Du Mu.Du Mu has been serving the old lady personally. She should know how the old lady interacted with the Congregational Society during her lifetime. After Du Yunqing's death, although Du Mu still stayed in the old home, he only did some rough work and couldn't get to see the old man anymore.So, when he heard that it was the third master who called, Lao Ting let her out. Du Mu ran over in a hurry, a little nervous because he couldn't figure out why she was called. The third master told her the truth, he just wanted to ask about the old lady's relationship with foreign priests, but it was by no means pursuing anything, but wanted to use the old lady's old friendship to negotiate some matters with the Congregational Society. But Du Mu still said: "Let me see, the old lady doesn't look down on foreign priests at all! For so many years, I haven't been to their Gospel Church once, but their Mrs. Lehoud often comes to curry favor with the old lady." Every time she came to flatter her, the old lady always said something that was neither salty nor bland, and she didn't like to talk to her." "Besides this Mrs. Lehoud, who else is she associated with?" "I didn't remember clearly earlier. Since I served the old lady, the only one who came to flatter me was this Auntie Leihaode. The old lady doesn't like to talk to me. Why does she often come to flatter? Because the old lady is open-minded, kind-hearted, and always responds to requests. When the boxing chaos started last year, Aunt Laihaode ran over in a panic and asked the old lady for help. The old lady said: I don’t know martial arts, how can I stop practicing boxing? Gu has a great reputation, who wouldn't be afraid to show up? The old lady said: If that's the case, then I will temporarily join your foreign religion and serve as a cover for you for a few days." The third master was taken aback, and hurriedly asked: "The old lady has been in the Congregational Church? Why haven't I heard of it?" Du Mu said, "I didn't make it later." "Why didn't you make it?" "They didn't dare to ask the old lady to join the church." "Why not?" "I don't know. Anyway, after the old lady agreed to join the church, Auntie Leihold didn't come again. In a few days, the Gospel Church in the city was besieged to death." "Did the old lady mention joining a religion before?" "From the very beginning, I don't like it at all. Why would you want to join their foreign religion! Why does Auntie Laihaode come to curry favor so often? Doesn't she want to win the old lady into the religion? The old lady never agrees with her." "Then this time you propose to join the foreign religion, is it really to save them?" "No, the old lady is too kind." The third master asked some more about the situation, and only counted the weight of this matter.With this incident under pressure, the third master did not go to see the shopkeeper Lin Da of the tea house. Wen Ade lives in the post house of the county government, and the guards are strictly guarded, just like the pomp of a high-ranking official on the peak.However, the third master handed over the post and went in, and immediately saw the kid surnamed Kong running out. "Lord Wen Ade is very happy to hear that Mr. Kang is visiting. Please hurry up!" The third master came today with a request, so he was too indifferent to Kong Xiangxi, so he asked casually as he walked, "Which village are you from?" "Chengjiazhuang, the Chengjiazhuang in the west of the city." "Is the ancestor an official or a businessman?" "My father has studied Confucianism all his life...but his literary luck is not good, and he is now a school teacher...the treasurer of Zhichengxin Ticket Shop is our master..." "The shopkeeper of Kongda who is honest and sincere is your master? The shopkeeper of Kongda is very famous!" "My family is my family, and I don't have many contacts..." The third master wanted to look at this kid surnamed Kong differently, but saw him dodging shyly.Just about to ask again, I have arrived at the guest house where Wen Ade lives. This is the main room in the main courtyard of the post house, and the furnishings inside are even more luxurious: it is really treated like a guest. Wen Ade looks like a Westerner, with a high nose and sunken eyes, curly beard and hair, like a monster.The only thing is, her face is rosy and enviable.This old man has wrinkles all over his face, but his face is as ruddy as a boy's. "I don't know that Mr. Kang came to visit, so I am far away from welcoming you!" As soon as we met, Lao Maozi looked pleasantly surprised, not sure if it was true or not.However, his Chinese can be understood, so the third master felt relieved: he was very afraid that the boy surnamed Kong would be the interpreter and play tricks. "I'm here to express my gratitude to Mr. Wen Ade on behalf of Mrs. Du!" When the third master saluted, he tried his best to appear respectful. "Please sit down, please sit down. I remember Mrs. Du was young, beautiful, and in good health. Why did she die so young? What kind of emergency did she suffer from?" "When the old lady was seriously ill, I was in Shanghai and Hangzhou, and my condition was not clear. I heard that it was a strange disease, just lethargy." "Drowsiness? What other symptoms?" "I wasn't home at the time, so I don't really understand." "Master Kang, Mrs. Du was also killed by the Boxers!" Wen Ade actually said this categorically, and the third master was very displeased.But she held back and said calmly, "My lord, Mrs. Xian only ascended to heaven this spring." "I know. But I also remember that Mrs. Du believed in our Western medical skills, and she often consulted the Congregational Society when she was sick. If it weren't for the boxers' rebellion, the medical center of the Taigu Congregational Society would definitely be able to cure Madam Du's illness. Dr. Sang Aiqing, who was killed in the attack, was very skilled in medicine. If he hadn’t died, why would he worry about saving Mrs. Du’s noble life? The Boxers are a heinous crime!” The old man made a move here, but the third master really didn't expect it.He also had no choice but to say: "What your lord said is true. The old lady took good care of your Congregational Church before she was alive. Mrs. Leihoude asked our old lady if she had something to do. Why? The old lady responded to every request!" "I know, I know." "Your Majesty may not know about the great act of righteousness of the old lady, right?" "What act of charity?" "At the beginning of the Boxing Rebellion last year, Mrs. Laihaode came to our Kang family to ask for help. The old lady did not avoid risks, and she still agreed generously. In order to strengthen the prestige of the Congregational Society, the old lady decided to join your foreign religion immediately! In Taigu, there are Our old lady of the Kang family stands among them, who would dare to easily provoke foreign sects?" "Is there such a thing?" "Facing the spirit of the old lady in the sky, how dare I speak nonsense?" Wen Ade turned back and asked Kong Xiangxi: "Have you heard of this?" Kong Xiangxi said: "I heard Mrs. Laihaode say it." Wen Ade asked: "Then why didn't you join the religion?" Kong Xiangxi said: "At that time, the crisis became more and more serious day by day, and the Gospel Hall was extremely busy, and I was afraid I couldn't take care of it." The third master immediately said: "Our old lady donated a fourth-rank official position in the imperial court. According to the rules, the old lady is not allowed to join foreign religions. But to save you, she resolutely took this righteous act and sacrificed her life to protect the education. It is really kind of heart! " Wen Ade hurriedly said: "Madam Du has done such a righteous act, we will never forget it, and neither will the Lord." The third master asked: "Wei Luyi still remember?" Wen Ade said: "Why don't you remember! He was a great pastor, but he was also killed. The Boxers are really evil!" "I personally rescued Wei Luyi with my own hands." "Master Kang rescued Wei Luyi?" "Ask him if he knows?" The third master pointed to Kong Xiangxi. Kong Xiangxi hurriedly said: "There is such a thing. The third master bravely retired from Tianshi Zhang, everyone knows." Wen Ade asked, "What's going on?" The third master pointed to Kong Xiangxi again, and said, "Tell him to talk." Kong Xiangxi hurriedly said: "Let's let the third master tell. I've only heard about it, so I won't go into details." The third master said: "That time when I entered the city, I was entrusted by the old lady to take care of the fist chaos. I was planning with Tian Chengyuan and the shopkeeper Sun, and I heard that the front cabinet was going to kill people. Run out quickly, see Zhi The Zhang Tianshi who came from Li has already stopped Wei Luyi and raised his knife to cut him. Fortunately, I have practiced Xingyiquan, so I jumped in front of Zhang Tianshi and separated Wei Luyi!" Wen Ade asked: "What weapon did you use at that time?" The third master said: "Run out in a hurry, where are the weapons? It's just bare hands." Wen Ade turned to Kong Xiangxi again: "With bare hands, are you invulnerable?" Kong Xiangxi said: "The Xingyi Quan practiced by Mr. Kang is real martial arts, and it is different from the Boxer Bandits' Yihe Quan. People in Taigu love to practice Xingyi Quan. It is useful for self-defense, courtyard protection, and escorting darts." The third master said: "My martial arts are very ordinary, only enough for self-defense. But when I saw the way that Zhang Tianshi held the knife, I knew that he was a fool with little skill. He kicked the big knife in his hand away, and suddenly thought about it, and felt that it should not be too embarrassing. I was a fool at first, and it was too annoying, and it would be troublesome to get angry with you. So, at that time, I just I put on a fighting posture, but didn’t move him. He raised his knife again, but I just smiled and didn’t move. This smile really frightened him, and I held up my knife, not daring to cut it down. The confrontation didn’t last long, This Heavenly Master Zhang retreated with his saber in hand." Wen Ade asked: "Where is Wei Luyi, has he already left? Will the boxers chase him again?" The third master said: "How dare Wei Luyi go? He was led into the backyard by his friends in the cabinet and hid. Until after the incident, he didn't dare to go back alone. We sent a martial artist to send him back to the Gospel Hall." Wen Ade said: "Thank you Kang Sanye for his righteous rescue! If the business community in Taigu is like Kang Sanye, all the pastors in my association will not be in trouble." When the third master heard this, he hurriedly said: "My lord, you must not say that. The Taigu business community has been in contact with foreign businessmen for a long time, and they have always been friendly to each other. Therefore, since your axioms came to Taigu, our business community has also been very friendly. Not only Our Kang family, who is not responsive? Last year's Taigu boxing riot was really instigated by foreign boxers and connivance by the higher authorities. Although the business community tried their best to organize, how could they control the general situation? In the turmoil, we have suffered unprecedentedly! " Wen Ade lowered his face and said: "You are troubled, go to your government to complain. I am only here to investigate the teaching case. Anyone who has harmed my priest will be punished without mercy." The third master really didn't expect that this old man would lose his face even though he chose to say nice things!In fact, Wen Ade gradually revealed a kind of arrogance like an imperial envoy, and the third master had already endured it for a long time.Now he could bear it no longer, and said bluntly: "My lord, you misunderstood. Did I come to you to complain? In Taigu, only the officials complained to our merchants, and we never complained to the government! Recently, the county government came to complain to our business community. Your axiom will ask for compensation, They are worried! Before the Fist Rebellion, your Congregational Society often came to our business community to complain, ask for help, and borrow money. Why have we ever troubled you?" Wen Ade heard that his tone was wrong, but he still had a sullen face and asked, "What do you mean by that?" "Since your lord has asked, let me explain it clearly. In the next day, I will firstly thank you on behalf of the old lady, and secondly, on behalf of the Taigu business community, I will ask: After your congregation ends the teaching case, you will never leave Taigu, right? " "What's the meaning?" "After completing the teaching plan, I took the compensation and left, never to come to Taigu again: Is this your plan?" Wen Ade was a little annoyed, and said loudly: "Presumptuous! Who said we have such a plan?" The third master smiled and said: "We in the business world can only look at things with business eyes. The three major tricks that the adults used when they came to Taigu to handle the teaching case, in the eyes of our businessmen, it is clearly a one-shot deal." "One-hammer sale?" Wen Ade turned around and asked Kong Xiangxi, "What is one-hammer sale?" Of course Kong Xiangxi could hear the sharp edge in San Ye's words, but he didn't dare to say it clearly, he was at a loss for words and didn't know how to explain it. The third master smiled again and said, "Don't you know how to buy and sell with a hammer? It's just that the two parties in the transaction, in order to fight for a small profit in a business, will not hesitate to forge a deep hatred, and never communicate with each other forever!" Wen Ade shouted angrily: "Presumptuous!" Kong Xiangxi also chimed in and said: "Master Wen Adeh came to handle the teaching case, and he acted in accordance with the terms of the imperial court's agreement." The third master immediately glared at Kong Xiangxi: "You are not a foreigner, can you take your turn to talk?" 文阿德厉声说：“我们严办教案，正是为了日后的事业。真没想到，康三爷竟也有仇洋驱教之念！” 三爷换了一副笑脸，说：“我也没想到，文阿德大人竟会如此忘恩负义！我康某若仇洋仇教，何不坐观张天师怒斩魏路易？我冒死搭救你们的教士，就为大人赏我一顶仇洋驱教的帽子？” 文阿德冷冷地说：“你既不仇洋，为何非议本总办？” 三爷毫不相让，说：“我刚才说的，不是一己之见，实在是太谷商界乃至全县乡民的一致议论：公理会是要出口恶气，捞些银子，溜之大吉！” 文阿德没有再发作，仍冷冷地说：“办案严厉，是本总办的行事风格。太谷发生如此次惨案，我们不加严办，日后也难在贵县立足吧？” 三爷冷笑了一声，反问：“公理会如此办事，以后还想在太谷传教？” 文阿德又忍不住了，厉声说：“本教事务，岂是你可非议！” 三爷依然冷笑说：“太谷商界与贵会，一向井水不犯河水。若不是贵会趁此次危难，讹诈商界，我们也无暇多管你们的闲事！” “发生如此惨案，我会六位伟大的教士全部遇难，怎么是讹诈？” “贵会教士被拳匪杀害，我们也是甚感悲愤的。可因为这一类教案，你们东西洋十多国，出兵犯华，已杀害了多少中国人！以至京师陷落，朝廷逃亡，我晋商在京津的字号，悉数被抢劫。这一切，居然还是抵不了你们被害教士的命！为求议和，朝廷答应赔款四亿五千万两银子；山西更倒霉，在四亿五千万之外，还得另赔二百五十万。这四亿五千万另加二百五十万，是赔给谁呢？与贵国无关，与贵公理会损失无关吗？” “怎么能说无关？但每一桩教案，都务必具体查办！” “那照大人行事风格，查办每一桩教案，岂不是还得额外再赔一次款，再割一次地吗？以此法查办全国教案，岂不是要再多赔一个四亿五千万，再割走几个行省？” 孔祥熙忽然插进来说：“三爷，账不能这样算。” 三爷立马怒斥道：“你一个太谷子弟，不学算账为商，却来给洋人跑腿！你懂什么叫算账？” 文阿德忙压住三爷说：“本总办只是公理会神职人员，仅限查办本会教案，与赔款割地何干？” 三爷说：“杀害贵会教士的拳民，官府早缉拿法办，抵命的人数，几倍于遇难教士。省洋务局也将六位教士隆重安葬。因这桩教案，太谷商界已被省衙重课了十多万赔款。不久，朝廷的四亿五千万分摊下来，我们不知还要被重课多少！太谷因出了此桩教案，还将被禁考五年！可这一切处罚赔偿，对你们似乎都不算数？查办才几天，就又索要赔款，更有甚者，还要霸占孟家花园！这不是额外赔款割地是什么？” 文阿德还是冷冷地说：“两万赔款，是赔福音堂之损失。孟家花园，只是做死难先贤的墓地而已……” 三爷知道这位老毛子难以说动，早不想多费口舌，但一口怒气咽不下去，竟慷慨直言，说了这许多。闷气既出，也想收场了，就放缓了口气说： “文阿德大人，你来华多年，大概还没听说过中国民间的一句俗话：得理且饶人。我听老夫人生前也说，皈依基督的洋教，最崇尚的是宽恕，饶恕，仁爱，是普爱天下每一个人。贵会如执意照大人风格查办教案，恕我直言，那必定要自断后路！在这场塌天大祸中，贵会因蒙难而如此报复，与基督教义真是相差了十万八千里！太谷人重商敬商，大人这次又偏偏与商界过不去，竟敢拿富商孟家开刀！在太谷与商家过不去，那将意味着什么，大人就没想吗？” 文阿德沉着脸，只冷冷说了一句：“你岂配说伟大的基督！” 三爷笑了笑，说：“我是不懂基督，但你是基督的使者，你的所作所为就在昭示什么叫基督！拳乱以前，贵会来太谷传教十七八年，得教徒仅百人而已。何以会如此冷清？就因太谷敬商不敬教。今结怨商界，以后贵会只怕连冷清亦不可得！山东、直隶为何教案频仍，激起如此烈火似的拳乱？以前我不甚明了，今观文阿德大人来太谷数日的所作所为，算是明白了！” 文阿德恼怒地喝问：“你想煽动新的拳乱？” 三爷大笑一声，反问道：“基督令你靠什么传教？宽恕，仁慈，普爱众生，还是恃强凌弱，趁火打劫，贪得无厌？” 说毕，行礼作别，扬长而去。 就在康三爷失去控制，激扬舌战文阿德的时候，太谷第一大票号志诚信的孔庆丰大掌柜，也正在为此事谋划对策。因为志诚信的财东员家，听说要没收孟家花园，也慌了，生怕殃及自家田产。 这时的志诚信虽仍为太谷第一大票庄，但其财东员家已露败相。员家当家的，已经是不理商、也不懂商的一代人，只是会坐享商号的滚滚红利。这一代员家弟兄中，又没有特别出类拔萃者，可以压得住台。于是兄弟间无事生非的故事，就不断上演了。老九和老十因小小一点分利不均，就酿成惊天动地的一场诉讼，生生靠银钱铺路，一直把官司打到京城。两边比赛似的扔掉的银子，市间传说有百万两之巨！即便富可敌国，也经不住这样败家吧？ 遇了庚子、辛丑这样的乱局，员家就没了主心骨，一切都得仰仗字号的领东大掌柜。这真是兄弟阋于墙，又怯于御外，内外都不济。 孔大掌柜把东家几位爷安抚回去后，自然得考虑如何御外。洋教倒是寻不到借口，来霸占员家田产，但这次对太谷商家的羞辱，孔庆丰也是怒不可遏。给公理会赔几个钱，倒也罢了。 竟然要拿孟家开刀，还要太谷商界有头脸的人物，披麻戴孝给洋鬼送葬！西帮立世数百年，还未受过这样的奇耻大辱！志诚信是太谷排行在前的大字号，这场羞辱也得首当其冲了。 但孔庆丰毕竟是商界成了精的人物，外面上没露出多少痕迹。 这天，字号的协理，也即俗称二掌柜的，又在孔庆丰跟前提起孔祥熙。说不妨把这后生叫来，让他给文阿德掏掏耳朵：公理会如此糟蹋商界，以后还想不想在太谷立足了？ 孔庆丰见又提孔祥熙，终于忍不住，勃然大怒了：“你又提这孙子做甚？他与我何干？” 二掌柜忙说：“我又不是当本家提他！眼看公理会要糟蹋商界，能跟文阿德那个老毛子说上话的太谷人，就数这个孔祥熙。他既然想高攀大掌柜，何不教他做件正经事？” “谁认他是太谷人？他是美国人，不是太谷人！” “大掌柜，外辱当头，还是以西帮尊严为重吧。孔祥熙一个毛小子，何必跟他太计较了？” “太谷商界再没本事，也不能去求这孙子！你们求这孙子疏通洋人，也不能由我出面！他满世界跟人说，志诚信的孔大掌柜是他本家爷，我这一出面，不等于认了他？我这孔门跟他那股孔门，八竿子打不着。他投洋不投洋，我也不能认他！” “你们天下孔门是一家，都认孔圣人。” “他孙子投身洋教，早背叛了孔门！” 孔庆丰这么与孔祥熙过不去，实在也不是自眼前始。 孔庆丰祖居太谷城里，孔祥熙则祖居太谷西乡的程家庄，本来也是八竿子打不着的两支孔门之后。城里孔家，老辈虽也算不上太谷的望族，家势可比程家庄孔门兴旺得多。到孔庆丰做了志诚信的领东大掌柜，其家族已跻身太谷大户之列，孔祥熙父子却仍挣扎在乡野寒门。孔父习儒落魄，靠乡间教职营生，又染了鸦片毒瘾，家境可谓一贫如洗。所以，两孔家隔了贫富鸿沟，分属两个世界，即便同宗同姓，实在也没有来往。 孔祥熙从十岁起，投身公理会免收学资的福音小学堂，在太谷孔氏中间，并没有引起太大注意：那时他太卑微了。五年后，孔祥熙以福音小学堂第一名优等生毕业，公理会要保送他去直隶通州的潞河书院深造，这才引起孔氏众族人的非议。潞河书院是美国公理会最早在华北办的一所教会中学，为的是在华人中培养神职人员。可晚清时代，尊孔依然是国朝大制，即便在商风炽烈的太谷，孔姓也依然被视为天下第一高尚姓氏。孔圣人之后，竟要皈依洋教，卖身去司夷邦神职，这岂不是亵渎孔门，背叛祖宗，大逆不道吗？ 谴责最烈的，当然是程家庄的孔氏族人。但他们一样地位卑微，孔家父子哪肯听从！孔父因习儒潦倒，见儿子能有出路，也顾不上孔圣人的面子了。尤其孔祥熙，他从教会学堂得到的智慧和赞赏，比虚荣的孔姓不知要实在多少倍。所以，少年孔祥熙竟对族人放言：不让姓孔，我正好可取个西洋姓名！ 这更了不得了。程家庄的孔氏只好来求孔庆丰。孔庆丰是太谷孔姓中最显赫的人物，借其威势，或许能压住孔祥熙父子。当时孔庆丰并不想管这种闲事，他哪想认这许多穷本家？但经不住这帮人的磨缠，就答应叫来说后生两句。 一听是志诚信的孔大掌柜召见，孔祥熙赶紧跑来了。可还没等问几句话呢，这位正做西洋梦的少年，竟兴头昂然，眉飞色舞，给孔大掌柜讲解起中国人供偶像、拜祖宗、女缠足、男嗜毒的害处来。孔庆丰连训斥的话都没说一句，就将孔祥熙当生瓜蛋撵了出去。一个十五六岁的后生，谁敢这样对他孔大掌柜说话？仅仅是那种讲解的口气，孔庆丰就恼了。 这孙子既然连祖宗都不要，你们还要他做甚！ 这是孔庆丰第一次知道孔祥熙，第一次就厌恶之极。 此后，孔祥熙当然是执意去了通州潞河书院。在那里，因为他有中国这个高尚的姓氏，似乎也得到了校方的格外垂青：孔圣人之后皈依公理会，这是基督在中国的一个小小胜利吧。 到庚子年，孔祥熙在潞河书院也将近五年了。京津拳变一起，书院不得不遣散避乱，孔祥熙也只好躲回太谷。哪想到，没几天太谷的拳乱也起来了。他被围福音堂，几乎丢了小命。 这次跟随文阿德重返太谷，孔祥熙很有一点大难不死、衣锦还乡的感觉。但作为一个太谷人，在心底里还是想攀附孔庆丰这样的富商：他毕竟是被商风熏大的。何况在西洋人眼中，商人并不卑贱。所以，他不计前辱，还是到处跟人说：志诚信的孔大掌柜是他本家爷。 这话传到孔庆丰耳中，先还只是勾起淡去的厌恶。后来就传说文阿德使出的几手狠招，孔祥熙起了不少作用。这一下，孔庆丰除了怒不可遏，真替孔门脸红了。在此情状下，堂堂孔大掌柜怎么可能出面去求一个叛祖侍敌的狗东西！ 孔庆丰在志诚信，虽也至高无上，他还是善听属下进言的。可这一次，二掌柜费尽口舌了，大掌柜依然是毫不松动。 其实协理的意思，也并非要孔大掌柜低下头去求孔祥熙，更不是叫他去认这个本家子孙，只不过给孔祥熙一点面子，不妨叫桌酒席请一次，以便正经陈说在太谷得罪商界，会有什么后果。说不定，孔祥熙还正是因为你这个同姓大掌柜，看不起他，才偏使坏，糟蹋商界。这关乎西帮尊严，商界名声，不能只顾跟这么个不肖晚辈怄气的。 但好说歹说，孔庆丰还是不见孔祥熙。二掌柜只好提出，那就由他代大掌柜出面请一次。孔庆丰勉强同意，但不许太抬举那孙子！ 这位二掌柜姓刘，在商界也是位长袖善舞的人物。他本想再联络几位大字号的协理，把招待的场面弄大点。再一想，觉得也不妥：孔祥熙这后生的心病，分明在孔大掌柜这厢，扯来别的大头，也不见得管用。于是决定，只以志诚信的名分来宴请，并从财东员家搬一位少爷出来做东。酒席呢，摆在饭庄中排场大的醉乐园。这也算把面子给足了。 员家少爷一辈，也是些平庸子弟，志诚信的掌柜们很容易搬动。 孔祥熙那头，也果然如刘掌柜所料，志诚信的帖子送过去，很爽快就答应下来。 可孔祥熙如约来到醉乐园，却未见孔庆丰大掌柜在座。刘掌柜早有准备，没等孔祥熙问出话来，已抢在前头说： “这桌酒席，本来是孔大掌柜做东的。可我们东家听说了，也要出来作陪。大掌柜见东家肯出面，当然也觉脸上有光，就说：东家既出面，那就做东吧，我们字号的掌柜欣然作陪。东家一听，又不忍叫大掌柜陪坐副座：大掌柜辈分大呀。就改由这位四少爷出来作陪，还叫大掌柜主持席面。四少的年纪、辈分，都跟舍儿你相当。” 舍儿是孔祥熙的乳名。刘掌柜事先特意打听来，就为以此称呼能给孔祥熙一种本家的感觉。 这时，员四少爷就照刘掌柜事先吩咐，站起来对孔祥熙说：“咱们头回见面，不要见外。”又转脸对刘掌柜说：“舍儿既不是外人，也不用太拘老礼了。” 刘掌柜才接住说：“舍儿你是不知，我们大掌柜可是最重礼数的人！说即便是四少出面，也不能乱了主臣呀？财东为主，字号为臣，这是商家大礼。有东家出面，无论长幼，