Chapter 10 Chapter 9: Shuangbiyan's old grudge seeks vengeance, Chen's old schemer miscalculates

Looking at the back of Yang Lilu going away, the dazed Yang Xiangwan suddenly beat his chest and shouted: "No, we have been fooled again, this time I have done another wrong thing!" Zhang Yunqing and Zhu Yunhan asked together: "What's wrong?" Yang Xiangwan said: "Yang Lilu didn't come to negotiate at all, but to find out the truth. Now that our truth has been exposed, I'm afraid there will be trouble." Zhang Yunqing and Zhu Yunhan were shocked. It is said that on the first day of the first month of 1924, Zhang Yunqing was suddenly attacked by an enemy of unknown origin, and soon fell into a desperate situation.

The enemy is very good at instigating, chanting the slogan "only kill Zhang Yunqing" over and over again, trying to put him in isolation.Zhang Yunqing clearly realized that he was already under the double guns of the inside and outside, but at this moment, the danger from inside threatened him more directly.In an instant, Zhang Yunqing's eyes filled with tears, looked at his subordinates and said: "Brothers, you have heard the shouts. Since they are coming for me, I don't have the heart to hurt everyone. Instead of dying at the hands of unknown enemies, It would be better to die at the gunpoint of your own brothers. You follow me from birth to death, and you are like brothers and sisters. Today, you will kill me, and no human power can restore it. I die without complaint. If my death can really be exchanged for the enemy’s forgiveness for the brothers , then, I deserve to die! Shoot, brethren!"

Zhang Yunqing's words caused some shameless people who had different ideas to cancel their original ideas. The gunshots were obviously sparse, but the shouts were still floating in the field.Zhang Yunqing poked his head out from the ridge of the field and found that someone had come out of the bunker at the mouth of the valley and was shouting at the top of his lungs. He raised the speed gun and fired once. When he fired again, the bullets were gone.But the shot bought him time. Whether it is extremely peaceful or not, the two armies are facing each other, and the fighters are changing rapidly.At this critical moment, a sudden army protruded from the other end of the canal, throwing the enemies ambushing in the canal into chaos.

With sharp eyes, Yin Dongbo recognized it at a glance, and shouted happily: "It's Zhang Shuncai's team, we are saved!" At the same time, Xie Laogou in Yanziyan Village also organized a fire attack.The enemy army at the mouth of the valley was overwhelmed, and hurriedly retreated westward, joining with the group of accomplices who had retreated to the end of the canal, fighting and fleeing for their lives. The danger was over, Zhang Yunqing walked out of the field, embraced Zhang Shuncai who came over, and said with tears, "Brother Shuncai, I will never forget my life-saving grace. If you don't report it in the future, Zhang Yunqing will be in vain for the whole world!"

Zhang Shuncai also patted him on the back and said: "Brother Shunlu, you don't have to be like this, you and I belong to the same family, and we should have joined shoulders long ago to defend against foreign aggression!" While the two were talking, Zhang Guangwen also led more than 20 regiment defense officers Qiu Balai, walked up to Zhang Yunqing, shook his hand and said, "I don't worry that you are fine. After you left, I have been restless. I want to go with you, but I have no soldiers and the regiment defense station is far away, so I am late, I hope Brother Shunlu will forgive me."

Zhang Yunqing couldn't help expressing his thanks again, looked up at the sky, saw that it was not early, held the hands of the two of them and said: "I have arrived at the door of the house, let's go in and have a few drinks, buddies, talk about it." Zhang Guangwen said: "I came out in a hurry, and I didn't prepare a gift. It's not appropriate for the New Year's Eve." "Brother Guangwen is out of touch now." Zhang Yunqing said, "A friend in adversity sees the truth, and today he draws his sword to help. I have already accepted such a generous gift, and I don't need anything else."

Zhang Shuncai said from the side: "Guangwen, don't be too polite, let's go in together." Zhang Guangwen couldn't refuse, so he had to go with him. When they arrived at the Shanzhai, the bandits raised their glasses to celebrate Zhang Yunqing's escape. In order to guard against further enemy disturbance, a guard post was added at the entrance of the valley. In the main hall of the cottage, Zhang Yunqing, Zhang Guangwen and Zhang Shuncai gathered together.After drinking for three rounds, Zhang Yunqing put down the wine glass and sighed: "Today's facts are wronged, I was beaten for nothing, but I still don't even know which side the other party is. Shame, shame! Brother Guangwen, you are ours!" Zhuge Liang, can you help solve this mystery?"

Zhang Guangwen pretended to be surprised: "What? You have been fighting for a long time, and you didn't even figure out who the other party was?" Zhang Yunqing sighed again, and said seriously: "Brother Guangwen, I'm not pretending to be confused. I've racked my brains from the beginning until now, but I just can't figure out who the other party is." Zhang Guangwen pondered for a while, then shook his head and said, "Even Brother Shunlu can't figure it out, let alone an outsider." Zhang Yunqing turned to look at Zhang Shuncai.Zhang Shuncai shook her head: "You two don't know, and I don't know."

Zhang Yunqing sighed again and again: "I am wronged, I am wronged, I am really wronged!" "However, I think," Zhang Guangwen said after a while, "the culprit is the wrongdoer, and the debtor is the debtor. If the other party chooses to beat you on the first day of the first lunar month, they must have had hatred or festivals with you." "I think so too." Zhang Yunqing nodded and said, "However, I, Zhang Yunqing, have not had any enmity with anyone since my debut. Could it be you? Of course, this is absolutely impossible. If the territory is further relaxed, Zhu Yunhan once tried to recruit me into the group, but was rejected, but it is not necessary to put me to death!"

"By the way," Zhang Guangwen said, "you have offended a lot of people in the past two years while earning a living in the four townships. Maybe some of these people came to seek revenge." Zhang Yunqing nodded: "Maybe, otherwise, there is really no way to explain this matter." Having said that, the three of them had nothing to say.After drinking for a while, Zhang Guangwen and Zhang Shuncai insisted on going back, but Zhang Yunqing did not insist on staying. After seeing off the guests, Zhang Yunqing returned to the room.Pu Hu'er greeted him and threw herself into his arms, saying in a sweet voice, "By the way, you're worrying me today!"

Zhang Yunqing stroked his wife's shoulder, and said emotionally: "It's finally all right, if we survive the catastrophe, we will have future blessings." Pu Hu'er said: "By the way, I overheard your conversation just now inside. Could it be that you have no idea about the enemy who is attacking you today?" "No, I already guessed who the enemy is." "who is it?" "There is only one person who dares to hate me so much, and that is Yi Hao, Zhu Yunhan's subordinate. A few years ago, I killed his younger brother in Shuangbiyan, and later he became a leader under Zhu Yunhan who commanded twenty men. Some time ago, it happened that he led his troops to mutiny. It is estimated that he betrayed Zhu Yunhan just for revenge. Unexpectedly, he would come and beat me today." Pu Huer raised her head: "Then why didn't you say it in front of Zhang Guangwen and Zhang Shuncai just now?" A cold smile flashed across Zhang Yunqing's face: "I'm going to test him." "Who is he?" "Zhang Guangwen." Zhang Yunqing said, "With his shrewdness, he will not know that I killed Yi Fang when I debuted, and he will not know that Yi Hao has left Zhu Yunhan. I know that Yi Hao will come to the door sooner or later Come, but I didn't expect him to know my situation so well. If there is no one to guide the way, this is impossible! If Zhang Shuncai didn't help me sincerely, I'm afraid you will only see my dead body." "You are not allowed to say that!" Pu Huer snuggled into his arms, "Auspicious people have their own nature, and you will be fine. I also feel strange about this matter. I suspect that there is a partnership between inside and outside, but I didn't expect it to be Zhang Guangwen." From this I figured out that Zhang Guangwen did not kill you last time because he didn't really intend to befriend you, but he just didn't want to kill you with his own hands. By the way, isn't that the case?" "That's right." Zhang Yunqing kissed Hu'er on the face and said, "You are too smart, and you are more thoughtful and thoughtful than me in some things. The reason why Zhang Guangwen didn't want to kill me with his own hands was because he was worried that my subordinates would retaliate. Once, he finally showed his flaws. It's just that I can't figure out how such a smart person can behave so clumsily." "This is also normal. The so-called wise man is bound to make a mistake. Zhang Guangwen has a ghost in his heart. No matter how mature and calm he is, his heart will inevitably feel weak. When you ask questions, he deliberately avoids the important and ignores the minor. In the end, he is self-defeating and tries to cover up. By the way, with these people Be careful when dealing with them!" Zhang Yunqing nodded: "I will be careful." While the couple were talking, Yin Dongbo, Zhang Zuanzi, and Xie Laogou called Zhang Yunqing outside, saying they had something important to discuss. Zhang Yunqing let go of Pu Hu'er, and whispered: "Only you and I know about this matter." After speaking, let her go to open the door.After the three backbones came in, they wanted to talk about Zhang Yunqing's attack today.The three agreed that the enemy was Yi Hao who had just left Zhu Yunhan. Zhang Zuanzi said: "I met Yang Xiangwan at the entrance of the cave before Chinese New Year, and he reminded me especially to beware of Yi Hao's revenge." Zhang Yunqing frowned and said, "Then why didn't you tell me earlier?" Zhang Zuanzi scratched his scalp and said, "I just met him not long ago, and I didn't expect Yi Hao to act so quickly. I want to tell you after the new year, so that you don't worry about it." Yin Dongbo interjected: "Today's incident is by no means accidental. According to my analysis, someone else must have intervened. Otherwise, Yi Hao would not have understood Master Man's actions so accurately." Zhang Yunqing scolded: "You can't talk nonsense without evidence!" Yin Dongbo murmured: "They are all from my own family, so it's okay to guess." Zhang Yunqing changed the subject and said: "Since Yi Hao is my enemy, he will never give up if he doesn't succeed this time. Zuanzi—" Turning to Zhang Zuanzi, "After the New Year, you go to inquire about Yi Hao's information, the more detailed it is The better. I've heard people say that the best way to defend against the enemy is not to defend, but to take the initiative—I'm going to make eliminating Yi Hao the only major event of the year!" "Didn't Master Man say today that he is going to build a farm?" Zhang Zuanzi interjected, "Is that the way to go?" Zhang Yunqing shook her head: "Construction needs to be prospered, the house needs to be built, and the big event of eliminating Yi Hao still needs to be completed. These two things are not contradictory. This incident lets us know that Yi Hao has very good eyes and ears, and we need to use large-scale construction to paralyze him. Give him the illusion that I am keen to live in peace and contentment and enjoy myself. In the dark, we must pay close attention to planning the attack day and night, and when the conditions are ripe, we will put him to death!" The three backbones even called the trick. Speaking of this, Zhang Yunqing sighed, and said: "The most troublesome thing for us now is that we still don't know where Yi Hao's nest is. Xuefeng Mountain is vast and vast, and you can hide in any cave. Finding them is like looking for a needle in a haystack. !" "This is easy," Xie Laogou said, "Since Yi Hao has left Zhu Yunhan, Zhu Yunhan must pay more attention to him than we do. Isn't Master Man contacting Zhu Yunhan, why don't you take this opportunity to visit the garden to pay New Year's greetings? Yi Hao's whereabouts." "Things are not as simple as you imagine," Zhang Yunqing said, "Since Yi Hao is leaving Zhu Yunhan, the first thing to do is to beware of hunting and killing, and will not easily expose the target. Besides, we must not contact Zhu Yunhan in the open , in this way, it is tantamount to publicly stating that we want to unite with Zhu Yunhan to deal with Yi Hao. The best way is to simply pretend to be confused - pretending that we don't know who the gods attacked us on the first day of the new year. Of course, with Zhu Yunhan Han's contact is essential, but it can only be done in secret. Zhuanzi, you should go to the garden first, maybe Zhu Yunhan has already grasped Yi Hao's whereabouts." Speaking of this, Zhang Yunqing ordered the three backbones to go back to rest, and he couldn't do without a chat with Pu Huer. The next day was the second day of the first lunar month, according to Zhang Yunqing's instructions, Zhang Zuanzi pretended to be a beggar early in the morning, carrying a cloth bag on his shoulder with a large number of paper-printed "God of Wealth", leaning on a dog-beating stick, walking along the direction to the garden The village goes to each other to send the God of Wealth. A few days later, Zhang Zuanzi came back with a cloth bag of rice exchanged with the "God of Wealth". He reported to Zhang Yunqing that Zhu Yunhan hated Yi Hao very much, and threatened that if he was caught, he would be punished by Ling Chi.He had sent many spies around since last winter, but unfortunately found nothing.Zhang Zuanzi added: "Zhu Yunhan knew that you were attacked by Yi Hao, so he offered to act side by side with you if you wanted revenge." Zhang Yunqing said: "It's too early to talk about side-by-side actions. The first thing is to find Yi Hao's den. Thinking about it, Zhu Yunhan must know where Yi Hao's family is. With this in mind, it will not be difficult to find him." "I asked about this." Zhang Zuanzi said, "Yi Hao's family lives in Yijiazhai in the hinterland of Xixi. Although it is the birthplace of Xi's aborigines, there are only about 70 households. The spies sent by Zhu Yunhan dug the ground three feet, I have never found out about Yi Hao's whereabouts." Zhang Yunqing sighed: "It seems that Yi Hao is indeed very cunning. Zhuanzi, after the new year, I will send you up along the Shuangbiyan. As long as you are careful, you will find some clues. Okay, go out and talk to the brothers Let's have fun." The fifteenth day of the first lunar month passed in a flash. There is a custom in Xiangxi, "everyone finds his own way after the fifteenth day of the first lunar month".That is to say, after the new year is over, people must put away their hearts and devote themselves to their livelihoods.Zhang Yunqing was no exception. After the new year, he started two things: one was to send Zhang Zuanzi to pretend to be a beggar along the direction of the stream to inquire about Yi Hao's whereabouts and other information; Zhang Yunqing has robbed countless fortunes in the past two years. He has always been aggressive and determined to build the most luxurious house to show off in the village. When the skilled craftsman asked about his requirements, he demanded that the house must be exactly the same as that of Mei Manniang at the Shanmen Gate, and even copy the trough door on the side.For this reason, he accompanied carpenters and masons to the mountain gate many times to visit Mei Manniang's mansion.Every time, it is natural to have some romance with Mei Manniang. After the craftsmen designed the blueprints, Zhang Yunqing immediately hired hundreds of strong laborers at a low price to go up the mountain to cut wood. The dozens of large pillars in Mei Manniang's mansion are all nanmu that can only be embraced by two people.Phoebe is solid, hard and heavy, and it is lacking in every mountain. Only the one on Meimanniang Mountain is qualified.It is more than 30 miles from the mountain gate to Shibei Zhang's house, and Xuefeng Mountain, which is more than ten miles away, is a long way to cut down the trees. The hardships of the laborers can be imagined. While building the house, Zhang Yunqing bought more than 200 mu of paddy fields in Shibeiqiang through Zhang Guanghuo, hired seven or eight long-term laborers to cultivate them, and appointed Zhang Yakou as the chief housekeeper, who was fully responsible for the construction of the house in Shibei and the harvest over the years. Tube. Zhang Yunqing's house recruited more than 300 skilled craftsmen and 500 to 600 strong laborers to work overtime. It is planned to be completed before the Spring Festival in 1925. Besides, Zhang Zuanzi returned to Yanziyan after going out for three months.This time he went to every cottage in the Xuefeng Mountains, but still found nothing.Zhang Yunqing asked after listening, "Have you ever been to the stream?" Zhang Zuanzi nodded: "I have been there, but there is no news." Zhang Yunqing was very annoyed, but she still said patiently without losing her demeanor: "Xuefeng Mountain is so big, how can you use the method of finding a needle in a haystack? I'm not saying that you are stupid, in fact, you only need to use your brain a little. Snake road, rats have rat ways, Yi Hao is not a god who does not eat fireworks in the world, with such a large group of people, if there is no disturbance nearby, it is certain that this group of people has been raised. As for who is raised, This question can be guessed without thinking about it - he is from Xi, and he will definitely not leave his hometown. Think about it carefully, is there a big village in Xixi that is capable of raising Yi Hao?" Zhang Zuanzi scratched his scalp for a long time, and suddenly realized: "By the way, at the gate of the stream, near Baoyao Station, there is a big village with seven or eight hundred households, named Chenjiazhai." Zhang Yunqing asked carefully: "Is there any village in the depths of the stream that is bigger or smaller than Chen's Village?" Zhang Zuanzi shook his head. Zhang Yunqing breathed a sigh of relief, nodded and said: "Then don't think too much, you go back to the stream right away, and try everything possible to break into the Chen family village and find out the situation!" Zhang Zuanzi took the order to retreat.The next day, Zhang Zuanzi disguised himself as a salesman, and carried small department stores into the hinterland of Xuefeng Mountain.Before leaving, Zhang Yunqing ordered: "At present, Shuangbiyan is guarded by Zhu Yunhan's confidant Yang Xiangbin. You know each other. If you meet him, ask him to tell Zhu Yunhan that I may take some time to visit him in the garden." Zhang Zuanzi nodded and said that he would tell. This time, Zhang Zuanzi came back less than a month after leaving the house. Seeing his happy face, Zhang Yunqing knew that he had found the news.He called Zhang Zuanzi to the inner room, and as soon as he sat down, Zhang Zuanzi said impatiently: "Master Man, you are really good at predicting things, Yi Hao lives in Chenjiazhai." Zhang Yunqing nodded and looked at Zhang Zuanzi: "Don't worry, speak slowly." Zhang Zuanzi wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and said, "However, I did not break into the inside of the Chenjiazhai. There are soldiers guarding the main entrance with guns, and there are two blockhouses inside the wall. led by someone, no one can get in." "Then how do you know that Yi Hao is in the village?" Zhang Zuanzi proudly said: "Fortunately, I'm not stupid. Although I can't enter the village, there is a Baoyao Inn opposite the village. In addition to the innkeeper, there are also people from south to north. I guess the innkeeper must know Chen. The secret of the family village is where I lived for a long time. In the first few days, I was calm. After getting familiar with it, I took a chance to chat and pointed to the village and asked: "It's a big village with a wall built. This road I don’t know how much manpower and financial resources have been consumed by the wall. Wouldn’t it be possible to live without building it?” The shopkeeper said: “Guest, how do you know that the stream is remote and full of bandits, so it’s not safe if you don’t build the wall.” I said: “Build it. If there are a large number of bandits on the wall, it will still be useless. Hey, there are gunmen guarding the door. Is there a self-defense force or something? Those few guns are not enough. What can their broken guns resist!' The shopkeeper said: "That's true. In fact, this village has suffered losses every year. But it won't happen now—" He stopped here, and I recognized He couldn't resist, so he said to me mysteriously: "This matter must be kept secret, and it must not be spread to the outside world, lest disaster come out of the mouth. Since last year, Yi Hao, the leader of Zhu Yunhan, has betrayed the water, Dragging twenty human guns into this cottage to act as a self-defense force. Because he is worried about Zhu Yunhan's pursuit, this matter is very confidential. If anyone leaks the news, Yi Hao will not let it go lightly. So guest officer, it is better to do less than to do more For one thing, let the words go in the left ear and out the right ear.' When I heard this, I understood everything in my heart. In order to find out more detailed information, the next day I carried the burden of the salesman and deliberately went to the gate to yell. Then The spearmen who guarded the gate scolded me back on the spot. So I walked along the fence all the way. When I got to the back, there was a hillside with a bamboo and wood structure on stilts, and there were people walking around on the upstairs. I was about to take a closer look Who wants to be discovered by the people upstairs and threaten to shoot, scared me to the shit, and ran all the way back." Zhang Yunqing patted Zhang Zuanzi on the shoulder approvingly: "It's a good job this time, you go down first, I want the kitchen to cook some good food for you. Rest early, and you will take me there tomorrow." The next day, Zhang Yunqing and Zhang Zuanzi pretended to be shopkeepers and left Yanziyan to walk towards the stream. When passing by Shuangbiyan, it happened that Yang Xiangbin was in Guanyang. Zhang Yunqing and Zhang Zuanzi were caught among a group of merchants, but they retreated to the back because they saw Yang Xiangbin searching one by one. Zhu Yunhan's subordinates at Shuangbiyanguanyang had about 20 people, except for four or five people who stopped at the intersection and searched one by one, the rest were scattered on the high rocks on the hillside, with guns in their hands, and they looked like they were ready for battle.To guard against resistance, the bandit in charge of the body search was protected by an accomplice holding a shell gun. In fact, under the duress of gun-toting bandits, all the passing merchants dared not take their lives for a joke. Apart from finding a way to hide their valuables early on, they all accepted body searches honestly.Therefore, as soon as an experienced bandit notices a slight difference in the appearance of the other party, he immediately drags him aside. After everyone has searched, he goes back and strips off his clothes and pants, focusing on the anus. If it is a woman, Also check the vagina. After thirty or forty merchants were searched and released, it was Zhang Yunqing's turn.At this time, Yang Xiangbin, who was hiding in the dark, recognized them and came out to search them himself. Zhang Yunqing put down the salesman's burden, and raised his hands to be checked. Yang Xiangbin pretended to be searched, and said, "Master Man, last time you asked your subordinates to ask Master Zhu for something. Master Zhu is waiting at home." Zhang Yunqing said: "I will visit immediately after I come back this time. Please tell him to be prepared. I have already found out about Yi Hao's whereabouts." Yang Xiangbin said happily: "Really? That's great!" "Hey, is Master Zhu's illness serious?" "It's not a serious illness. I'm angry with Yi Hao. If Yi Hao can be found, his illness will be cured. By the way, where are you two going?" Zhang Yunqing said: "Go to Xixi, inspect Yi Hao's stronghold on the spot, and study the battle plan with Master Zhu after returning. Well, it's getting late, it's time to go on the road." Yang Xiangbin then let go. This time, Zhang Yunqing stayed in Xixi for a total of five days, and then hurried back. When he arrived at Dongkou Town, he asked Zhang Zuanzi to go back to Yanziyan, while he headed west to the garden. Huayuan Town is more than 30 miles away from Dongkou, and it is an important town at the foot of Xuefeng Mountain, second only to Dongkou Town.The small town is along the upper reaches of the Zijiang River. There are three to four hundred families in the town, including tailor shops, barber shops, grocery stores, southern goods stores, traditional Chinese medicine stores, and small inns. When the villagers came, the town was crowded with people and it was very lively.On weekdays, it is somewhat deserted, only the river beside the town is whimpering. Zhu Yunhan's residence is in the north of Huayuan Town, and there is a road leading directly to the gate of the trough.The door is often guarded by armed gangsters and a few vicious dogs. This is a mansion with two fronts and four horizontal lines facing north and south. The pillars and beams are made of nanmu, painted buildings, carved beams, eaves, and Zoumalou. Thousands of steel tiles are used on the eaves of the main house. Just look at the momentum. You will know how much wealth this bandit family has robbed over the years.When Zhang Yunqing came to the door of the trough house, he was stopped by the guards and the vicious dog first, and his name was announced.After a while, an old man with a gray beard, kind eyebrows and kind eyes, dressed in a mandarin jacket, came out accompanied by a young man in his twenties with a capable appearance. If they hadn't known each other long ago, no one would have believed that Zhu Yunhan was a murderous bandit leader after seeing him like this for the first time.Zhu Yunhan saw Zhang Yunqing at a glance, and quickened his pace. Behind him, Yang Xiangwan was protecting him as if he was afraid that he would fall. "Looking forward to the stars, looking forward to the moon, I finally look forward to Brother Shunlu today." Zhu Yunhan came up to meet him, took Zhang Yunqing's hands, and kept shaking them. "Master Zhu, is your body healthy?" Zhang Yunqing nodded friendly to Yang Xiangwan while asking. "Oh, it's hard to describe," Zhu Yunhan sighed, "It's all because of Yi Hao! More than 20 guns, that's a huge fortune, and my grandfather didn't have so many when he started his family. The child was abducted by that animal. Tell me, can you not be angry?" Yang Xiangwan interjected: "The biggest loss is not these few human guns. Now he has made a bad start. If he is not punished, other branches in Cangdong and Hongyan will follow suit. What else do we have?" hope." "Oh?" Zhang Yunqing asked intentionally, "Could it be that Master Zhu hasn't punished him yet?" Zhu Yunhan shook his head and sighed: "His whereabouts have not been found, how can we punish him?" "Yi Hao knows that we will never spare him lightly, so he hides it very secretly." Yang Xiangwan explained, "However, even if Yi Hao has the ability to go to heaven, once he leaves the creek, how can he find a place to stay. It's a pity that the spies sent by Master Zhu are all a bunch of trash, and none of them are capable. If you let I will go there myself, within three to five days, even if Yi Hao hides in his mother's stomach, I can still find him!" "How can you leave?" Zhu Yunhan murmured, "You are my right-hand man, and Yi Hao and his subordinates know you. If something goes wrong, wouldn't my loss be even greater?" "By the way," Yang Xiangwan turned to Zhang Yunqing, "I heard from my brother, Master Man has Yi Hao's whereabouts?" The three of them walked through the courtyard through the slot door, walked out of the main house, and walked back to the main house.Zhang Yunqing smiled and said, "We'll talk about it when we get inside." The host and guest sat down in the living room of the second main house. A servant had already made hot tea. Zhang Yunqing crossed his legs and took a sip of tea slowly. Then he looked at Zhu and Yang who were anxiously waiting for him to speak. Said: "To be honest, since I almost died under Yi Hao's gun on the first day of the first month of this year, I also vowed to kill this beast. After the New Year, I will send people along the Xuefeng post road to find Yi Hao's The traces lasted for three months without any results. From this we can see how cunning this beast is. My thoughts are the same as that of Brother Xiangwan, which never changes from the original source. No matter how capable Yi Hao is, he cannot leave his hometown Since the cottages along the way have not been harassed, it means that they have been raised by people. The cost of more than 20 mouths, if it is not a large cottage, cannot be supplied at all. Based on this, I sent people to sneak into the stream again , The result is fruitful—” He stopped deliberately. Zhu Yunhan and Yang Xiangwan opened their mouths and looked at him. "It turns out that on the opposite side of Baoyao Station, there is a Dazhai with seven or eight hundred households—" "Is it Chenjiazhai?" Yang Xiangwan interrupted Zhang Yunqing and said, "I already guessed that Yi Hao might be hiding inside. The spies we sent only said that there was a self-defense force there long ago, and nothing new was discovered." "There is a self-defense force in Chenjiazhai," Zhang Yunqing continued, "It's okay to defend against small groups of bandits, but it's useless if there are thousands of people and large groups of bandits. Therefore, there are frequent ups and downs. Putting more than 20 people into the Self-Defense Forces with guns was not only welcomed, but also justifiable. He took advantage of the unique walls and fortifications there, and then concealed his name and blocked the news, thinking that there was nothing wrong with it—in fact, he would attack alone with my or your strength. , are all ineffective. I just came back from Xixi today, and I did a few days of investigation around Chenjiazhai, and I think it is necessary for us to unite against the enemy." "Of course, of course." Zhu Yunhan said again and again, "If you don't bring it up, I will take the initiative to ask for it. This time we can be regarded as the same enemy. When do you decide to act?" "what you think?" "Of course, the sooner the better, the sooner the hatred in my heart can be relieved. How about doing it tomorrow?" Zhu Yunhan looked at Zhang Yunqing. Zhang Yunqing thought for a while, then shook his head: "This matter should not be rushed. Although Yi Hao only has more than 50 people and more than 30 guns, he has enough bullets and grenades, plus strong fortifications. More difficulties came. The most important thing is that there are seven or eight hundred households and three or four thousand people inside the wall. Once they fight, swords, spears, and shoulder poles are all weapons. Even if one shot kills one, it will cost three to four thousand bullets. Therefore, we must think of a surefire plan." Yang Xiangwan frowned, and said: "It seems that a hard attack is absolutely impossible, and the only way to do it is by outsmarting. Master Man, what do you think?" Zhang Yunqing sighed: "Of course, outsmarting is the only way. But since I saw the scene of Chenjiazhai, I feel that it is too difficult to break into the inside! Except that there are gunmen guarding the gate day and night, all other villagers enter. They have to be guaranteed by the locals and tell the identity and address of the entrants. Along the way, I was thinking that I could send a smart person to get in touch with the Chenjiazhai people. In the long run, there is always a chance to break in. However, Even if we get in, what's the use of knowing what's going on inside? We'll still have to shoot at that time. If we shoot, we're no match. Even if we can all charge in, with our strength of less than 200 people, we will I was made into meatloaf by them. The more I thought about it, the more confused I became, so I came here to ask for advice. As the saying goes, three cobblers make one Zhuge Liang, besides, brother Xiangwan is always resourceful and must have a clever method." Zhu Yunhan also set his sights on Yang Xiangwan. Yang Xiangwan's throat joint kept moving, and when the throat joint stopped, he took a sip of the tea on the coffee table, looked at Zhang Yunqing and said, "Xiang Wan is a young man, so there is no good strategy, but there are stupid ways to do it." One, let's start with—" He put down his teacup. Zhang Yunqing nodded to him encouragingly. "If Master Man has another good strategy, then just treat me as a fart." Yang Xiangwan said with a low face, "Since a hard attack is not enough, Master Man's strategy of outsmarting is the best strategy. However, since it is 'outsmart', The method is 'intelligence', and the purpose is 'acquisition'. That is to say, as long as the goal can be achieved, various means and methods can be used, and there is no need to stick to one method. Just now, Master Man said that sending people into the interior , although this method is good, but it won't work much. The only thing that can work is the person who breaks into the inside. He must be resourceful, superb in martial arts, and a person who dares to die. After breaking in, he will assassinate Yi Hao. But At present, it's not that I intend to grow others' ambitions and destroy my own prestige, there is no suitable candidate for such an outstanding person, whether it is under the banner of Master Man or in Master Zhu's team." Zhang Yunqing said with a smile: "Brother Xiangwan, did you elevate Yi Hao too high? I admit that he is indeed an extraordinary leader, but he is not unattainable. There are even strong men who surpass him everywhere. For example, Brother Xiangwan himself, Zhang Guangwen of the Huangqiaopu Regiment Defense Bureau, Deng Lianjia, which one is not better than him?" Yang Xiangwan said seriously: "I also admit that what Master Man said is true, but will Zhang Guangwen and Deng Lianjia enter the tiger's den for us? No! Neither will you, Master Man, and you are not suitable for doing so! What I mean is, For now, it is unrealistic to send people into Yi Hao's interior, and the thinking should be relaxed." Zhu Yunhan nodded and said: "If you have any good plan, just tell it straight, don't beat around the bush." Yang Xiangwan nodded and said: "I think that although there are thousands of people in Chenjiazhai, there are less than 30 guns, while our two families together have more than 100. Therefore, we can fully use our own advantages. There are The wall is an obstacle for us to attack. If we outsmart it, it can be used by us. Why don't we use the wall as a cover and take advantage of the advantages of more guns to block the Chenjiazhai!" Zhang Yunqing nodded and said: "This is a good way. There are only three gates there, and if one comes out and kills the other, it will create a horrible situation. But if we do this, it will take a long time." Yang Xiangwan shook his head: "It won't take long. After 30 to 50 days of siege, the Chen family village will be panicked. Let's play psychological tactics again, saying that we have thousands of soldiers, and we could have razed your Chen family village to nothingness." Flat land, but we only have enmity with Yi Hao and other gangsters, and we don’t want to hurt the innocent, if we can hand over Yi Hao and more than 20 people, we will withdraw our troops immediately!" Zhang Yunqing clapped his hands and said: "A good strategy! However, you can't ask them to hand over more than 20 people at the beginning, you should narrow the scope of attack, as long as Yi Hao's head is alone, and then come to the second step." "No, I don't want the head!" Zhu Yunhan shouted, "I want Yi Hao alive! I want to cut him to death piece by piece with my own hands!" "Don't be so excited." Yang Xiangwan persuaded, "Elder people should not get angry. After you catch Yi Hao, it's not too late for you to vent on him." Turning to Zhang Yunqing, "Master Man, you still What's your opinion?" Zhang Yunqing shook her head: "This plan is very good, so it's decided. When will we start to act?" "Of course, the sooner the better!" Zhu Yunhan shook his beard and became angry, his originally kind face became very fierce. Zhang Yunqing cast her eyes on Yang Xiangwan.Yang Xiangwan thought for a while and said, "Okay then, try to get ready as soon as possible. How soon can your team be pulled out?" "My team can be pulled out at any time. The problem is that the brothers in your department are scattered in several places." "This is not a big problem." Yang Xiangwan said, "The team guarding Hongyan and Cangdong can gather here in two days, and Shuangbiyan, we have to pass there anyway, so we can pull out together at that time. How about it, I Go and look through "Book of Changes" and "Bagua" to see when is the best time to act." After speaking, he left his seat and entered the inner room, and after a while, he came out holding a book bound with thread, pinched his fingers while reading, and asked again Ask Zhang Yunqing's birth date, and said: "Sending troops on Duanyang Festival does not coincide with the birth dates of the three of us; however, there will be excellent days only in winter." Zhang Yunqing glanced at Zhu Yunhan: "Then the Dragon Boat Festival, we don't have to wait until winter." It is now mid-April, more than half a month away from the Dragon Boat Festival, so there is enough time to prepare. However, it is said that Zhang Yunqing and Zhu Yunhan led their elite teams to set off from the base area early in the morning on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. In the morning, they formed a group at Shuangbiyan and headed deep into Xuefeng Mountain.In the evening, more than a hundred people, led by Zhu Yunhan, Zhang Yunqing, and Yang Xiangwan, arrived at Baoyao Station. Over the years, the area in western Hunan has been flooded every Dragon Boat Festival, and this day is no exception. Mountain torrents broke out everywhere, and several ancient post roads collapsed. After arriving at the post station, Zhang Yunqing took this place as the command center and ordered more than a hundred bandits armed with bullets to form a fan shape to surround Chenjiazhai, and each person hid in a hiding place. At eleven o'clock in the middle of the night, Zhang Yunqing fired three bullets into the sky.Seeing the signal, more than a hundred gangsters fired a few shots into the village, and then shouted, replacing bullets with Liuyang fireworks, firing from time to time. There was chaos in the village at first, the cries of children, the barking of dogs, the crowing of cocks, and the sound of flustered footsteps all became a mess.Then, Yi Hao, who was on the slope of Houzhai, led his troops to return a few shots to the outside of the wall. Since no one could cross the wall, he shouted loudly, "Followers, don't move around." As the incident happened suddenly and there was no psychological preparation in advance, some villagers who could not calm down fled across the wall, but were beaten to death by the bandits who were ambushing outside the wall. After the tense atmosphere was created, Yang Xiangwan issued a signal, and the gangsters shouted in unison: "Yi Hao is our enemy, and the others have no enmity against us!" "Hand over Yi Hao and retreat immediately!" "Don't trade Hao, bloodbath the Chen family village!" "Chenjiazhai is surrounded, we have five thousand troops!" "Just kill Yi Hao, others are innocent!" 呐喊声与花炮声彼此交融，在茫茫黑夜里，一种阴森、恐怖的氛围，浓浓地笼罩在陈家寨上空。 不到两个钟头，寨民们的精神终于崩溃了，突然有人举着一盏马灯，大声地叫喊：“我是这里的寨长，我愿意与贵军谈判！” 守在正门口附近的杨相晚问道：“你是寨长，你叫什么名？” “我叫阳立炉，我受众乡亲之托，特来与贵军谈判。” “好，你出来，我不会杀你的。”杨相晚说。 阳立炉从一名年轻人的手中接过一盏灯，另一只手提着长衫下摆，大步走了出来。 杨相晚看出了对方的诚心，把阳立炉带回宝瑶驿站指挥部。简单地向张云卿、朱云汉介绍了两句。 张云卿目光炯炯地瞪望着阳立炉，阴声地问道：“你可是真心愿意答应我们提出的条件？” 阳立炉“扑通”一声跪下，哭道：“难道我敢拿数千乡亲的性命开玩笑吗？我有一百个胆子也不敢得罪贵军！”说着又叩了一个响头。 张云卿恶声道：“谅你也不敢！我们的要求你知不知道？” “知道。听说贵军与我寨的自卫队队长易豪结下了梁子。” “知道就好。那你打算如何答复我们？”张云卿瞪着一双豹眼问。 “当然是全依贵军的意愿办。易豪本来就不是我寨人，他家住在溪腹地的易家寨。因老朽寨子屡受劫扰，求枪若渴，恰好他又拖了二十余条人枪主动来投奔，谎称从军队中逃出。老朽不明就里，糊里糊涂收下了他。没想到他是贵军的仇人，如今寻上门来，我寨乡亲自然没有一起与他遭殃的义务。受众乡亲之托，老朽特地出寨与贵军接洽。” 张云卿冷笑道：“你别说的比唱的好听，我们不是傻瓜。你若诚心答应我们的条件，请把易豪的头提来见我。其余的话说得再多都是废话！” 阳立炉再叩首道：“老朽当然知道提易豪的人头出来见贵军最能说明问题。可乡亲们都手无寸铁，如何对付得了荷枪实弹。如狼似虎的易豪和他的手下？” 张云卿粗着脖子骂出他那句口头禅：“娘卖×，混蛋！” 杨相晚走过来，耐着性子问：“阳寨长，你既然说代表寨民们答应我们的条件，事实上又提不来易豪的人头，此事该如何办理好呢？” “杀了他！”朱云汉把别在腰上的左轮手枪重重地摔在桌上，吼道，“我们已经仁至义尽，没有再商量的余地了。先杀了他，再把寨子踏平，全寨老幼一个不留！” 阳立炉一听，吓得全身打颤，泪水长流。 朱云汉说着真的上前抓起阳立炉的后领，用枪管顶着他的后脑勺。 “朱老爷请慢动手！”杨相晚拦住朱云汉说，“我们再给他一次机会，看他还有什么办法可想？” “办法本来是有的。”阳立炉说，“我和乡亲们商量好了，方案有两个：一是放贵军入寨，攻打他们；二是要他们离开寨子，到外面让贵军打。” “你尽想好事。”张云卿冷笑道，“你简直是把我们当小孩！我们入寨，你好打我们；要他们离开寨子，我们在外面早已布下天罗地网，易豪有这般蠢吗？” “老、老朽才疏学浅，实在想不出良策。” “你根本不是想不出良策，而是与易豪串通一气，诱我们上当！”张云卿“嗖”地从腰上拔出快慢机顶在阳立炉额头上，“你再耍滑头老子把你打成马蜂窝！” 杨相晚向张云卿递了一个眼色，对阳立炉说：“好吧，你也没有必要多说废话了。我们只要易豪的人头，这个要求一点也不为过。既然你不给，说明你和易豪串通一气。得罪了，明年的今日，就是你的忌日。来人啦，拖出去！” 两名小土匪应声进来，架着阳立炉往外拖。阳立炉见动了真格，哭叫道：“饶命，饶命，我愿意交出易豪的人头！” 杨相晚喝住两个小土匪，走近去目露凶光地问：“你怎样把易豪的人头割下？！” 阳立炉抹着泪说：“我和乡亲们暗中商量好了，如果前面两种办法你们通不过，非要易豪的人头不可，我们就以商量对策为借口，请易豪与老朽饮酒，暗中在他的酒中下毒，此外再无别的办法了。” 杨相晚点头：“这计谋还不错嘛，怎不早说出来？” 阳立炉道：“这样也是没有办法的办法。易豪很狡猾，下毒不是那么容易的，老朽只好与他同饮毒酒……为了全寨四千乡亲，我只能走此绝路。”言毕，泪如雨下。 杨相晚又问道：“什么时候能办成？” “老朽出来时，易豪派人来找过我。我借口要去安慰一位要爬墙逃命的小妾，跑到寨门口来了。回去后，我会立即派人去请他，最迟三个钟头，最快一个钟头，保证有人把易豪的人头交到贵军手中。如过了三个钟头仍不见人头送来，贵军只管大举进攻，老朽情愿与四千乡亲同死于贵军枪下！” 张、朱、杨三人交换了一下目光，朱云汉叱道：“还不速去办理！” 阳立炉爬起来，谢了罪，转身走出客栈，消失在茫茫黑暗中。 突然，杨相晚一捶胸口，大叫道：“大事不好，我们上当了，这次我又办了一桩错事！” 张云卿、朱云汉惊愕，齐问：“错在哪里？” 话分两头，却说1924年正月初一，易豪率部在燕子岩狙击张云卿，眼见就要得逞，岂知张云卿命不该绝，被异军救下。 易豪率部撤退，至洞口镇，留下周连生与张光文联络，余匪众跟他一起回陈家寨休整，并治疗几名负伤者的枪伤。 几天后，周连生回来向易豪报告，原来救走张云卿的就是盘据黄桥铺的巨匪张顺彩。易豪咬牙切齿骂了一通，又问道：“这次你与张二哥见了面没有？” 周连生摇头：“没有。我在廻龙洲等到初六，二哥才派来细狗与我接头。细狗先告诉我初一那天我们离开后的情况，然后转告二哥的话。二哥说，张云卿可能对他产生了怀疑，要我以后最好少联络。还说，张云卿一向报复欲很强，他很有可能与朱云汉合伙报仇，要我们多加提防。” 易豪点头：“这一步我早就料到了。他们两股势力合起来虽有百五六十条人枪，但不足为惧。我们虽只有二十多条枪、四五十名弟兄，但我们有近四千人作后盾，有坚固的工事、围墙。我们还有一个优势就是他们至今不知道我们的落脚处。自从我们脱离朱云汉后，他一定派出不少探子四处打探，我的老家易家寨据说经常有货郎和要饭的出现，那些人肯定就是杨相晚派去的探子了。如今，我们戳了马蜂窝，张云卿肯定要派出精干的探子来打听。为了万无一失，你去把阳立炉请来，我有事与他商量。” 一会，阳立炉来了，易豪开门见山说：“阳寨长，上次我们去洞口夺枪，本来眼见要得逞，谁想半路杀出个李逵，另一股土匪出面救了他的驾。据我派在外面的探子回来报告说，那股土匪正在四处打探我们，想要复仇。一旦真的打起来，乡亲们肯定会受到连累，我们心里也不安。我想请你以寨长的名义转告众乡亲，对外不要提到自卫队的事，就是有人盘问，也只能说是本寨几个子弟在负责防盗。” 阳立炉用复杂的眼神望着他，只简单地点点头，问道：“还有什么没有？” 易豪摇头：“没有了。乡亲们能严守秘密，就不会有什么事情发生。” 过完年，陈家寨的寨民开始各自忙碌，其间果有好几起货郎或乞丐向他们打听自卫队的事，大家都不予答理。 虽然如此，易豪心里仍然不安，又派周连生出山与张光文接头，打探情报。 张光文让周连生转告易豪，目下张云卿正忙于大兴土木和买田，但这只是一种掩护，背地里却与朱云汉紧密勾结，一旦他打听到易豪的下落，很可能就要采取行动。 易豪得讯，倒抽一口凉气，他知道一场你死我活的火并迟早会发生。与其被动挨打，还不如早做准备。因此，他除了加紧练兵、筹措枪支弹药，还修复周围的工事、围墙。 原以为要到年关才打响的战争结果在端午节前夜打响了。 陈家寨是溪最富裕的大寨，节前都有把各处至亲好友请来一起过节的习惯。因此，这一夜寨子里的实际人数比平日多了上千人。 外面的枪声打响后，没有经验的寨民急得抱起家中的贵重物品爬墙逃走，结果被埋伏在外的土匪用手电筒照到当场射杀。 事发时易豪正在与弟兄们喝酒，听到枪声，他知道战斗已经拉开序幕。他命令周连生率领二十余名部下去大门口碉堡中增援，以防大股的土匪攻入，一边又派小头目率二十余人去劝解乡亲，要他们安静下来，不可浮躁。他自己则在自卫队房间里等待阳立炉到来。 一会，阳立炉果然来到，他瞪着一双眼望着易豪，问道：“易队长，事到如今，你要说真话。陈家寨中有五千余人的生命，你必须对他们负责！” 易豪跪了下去，抱着阳立炉的大腿说：“阳寨长，是我欺骗了你。易豪和其他弟兄并非当兵出身，而是朱云汉手下的一股，如今又与张云卿结仇。”接着，将其弟弟易放在双壁岩被张云卿所杀，到今年正月初一狙击失败等事，原原本本地说了一遍。 阳立炉听后，反而平静下来，点头道：“我早就猜到在双壁岩一带关羊的是你。因为溪有几个乡亲被关，说为首的与易家寨的易豪相像。” 易豪惊道：“你既然知道我是土匪，为何还肯收留我？” 阳立炉点头道：“正因为知道你是土匪，才特意给你这次自新的机会。” “这是为什么？”易豪不解地望着阳立炉。 阳立炉欲言又止，最后还是摇头说：“有些事不说反而更好。如今兵临城下，商量对策才是正事。起来吧，我们好好分析一下敌情。” 易豪起身，与阳立炉各找一张椅子坐下。 阳立炉摸了摸下巴处的灰白胡须，说道：“敌军如今在外面打枪，还大叫嚷，自称有五千大军，还有大炮。他们扬言只要本寨献上你的人头，就可饶恕寨民。” “你信他们？” 阳立炉道：“我当然不信，但乡亲们经不起引诱，要我与你谈谈。” 易豪说：“你去告诉他们，张云卿、朱云汉匪性十足，他们既然远道而来，自然不会空手而归，一旦没有自卫队护卫，陈家寨就会遭到血洗。” “这话我跟他们说过了。问题是他们弄不清对方的底细。万一对方真有数千人枪，你们二十多条枪终是顶不住的。” 易豪耐心解释说：“我在山外混了几年，对他们的底细十分清楚。朱云汉与张云卿合起来总共才一百五十条人枪。他们不敢贸然进来。他们不会不清楚，陈家寨是四千余人的大寨，又有坚固的工事围墙，只要乡亲们齐心协力，一人扔一块石头都能把他们砸成肉泥。” “问题是他们已经知道了底细，今晚必定是有备而来。会不会联合或雇用其他匪帮一起来攻寨？” 易豪叹道：“这一着我们确实不能忽视。不过，要摸清楚底细也不难，只要派位机灵的人去驿站谎称愿意接受他们的条件，与他们谈判就可。如果只有张云卿、朱云汉、杨相晚几个头领，这次我不仅不怕他们，还要教他们尝尝陈家寨人的厉害！只是可以担当此任的人一时难以找到。”说完，望着阳立炉。 阳立炉道：“我是寨长，当然只能由我出面。” 易豪感激地点点头：“那就有劳阳寨长了。除了你，陈家寨确没有一个合适的人选。”“情况十分紧急，我也不敢多坐了。”阳立炉二话没说，起身告辞。 易豪一直目送阳立炉的背影消失在黑暗中，才又想起刚才阳立炉欲言又止、最后还是不愿说的话。 阳立炉现年六十五岁，体魄仍相当硬朗。他原是一名上无片瓦、下无插针之地靠打柴为生的光棍。他的发家史，在溪可说是公开的秘密。 阳立炉二十多岁的时候，一次偶然的机会，在宝瑶驿站客栈里听到一个喝醉酒的棉花匠说出一个秘密：洞口山门镇上有一位姓曾的举人在怀化做了十几年知府，为官期间搜刮了大量民脂民膏，卸任前，他把这些财富换成二万两黄金和一皮箱珠宝。他原打算用一支上百人的军队护送回乡，几经考虑，觉得如此兴师动众，必会引起沿途土匪注意，反而不太安全。后来，一个弹棉花出身的家丁向他献计——扮成弹花匠，把黄金和珠宝藏在挖空了的弹锤里。知府依计而行，和几名家丁穿得破破烂烂，扮成弹花匠，身上只留些碎银，从怀化出发，经黔阳几天后抵达溪宝瑶驿站，一路上也曾遇上几次关羊，但都安然无恙，只被搜去身上的碎银…… 那弹花匠只是当做茶余饭后随意侃谈的一件得意事讲的，阳立炉却听得怦然心动，他立即叱住醉汉：“休要胡言乱语。” 当时，阳立炉只带了一把柴刀，但他下决心要劫下这笔横财。他知道，事情败露必遭杀头，而杀了头，财富再多也消受不到。因此，他决定不邀同伙，单干。知府有主仆五人，是不能以一对五硬来的。他想出了一个妙策。 时间紧迫，他在附近买了十几副棕绳，跑到驿道东头离驿站十余步的一个名叫打狗坳的山坳上，然后躲在树后，凡过路人有两人以上的都放过。等到有单人出现，他就立即冲过去，声称“关羊”，将该人制伏，挟持到隐蔽处反绑在树上，警告说：“兄弟，帮个忙，等会我叫什么，你也跟着叫，如不听话，回头杀了你！”待对方答应后，他再到驿道旁，遇上单个路人又如法炮制。不出一个小时，他就在驿道两旁的隐蔽处绑了七八名“同党”。 傍晚时分，果见五名“弹花匠”挑着行李踽踽而来。进入伏击圈后，阳立炉大喝一声：“站住，不许动！” 林子里跟着喊叫：“站住，不许动！” “谁敢动杀了他！” 林子里异口同声：“谁敢动杀了他！” “把担子放下！” 林子里跟着叫：“把担子放下！” 知府和他的仆从不愧是经过风见过雨的，他们老老实实地等着搜身之后再走过去。 但阳立炉并不急着出去，他继续喊道：“东西留下，人走开！” 林子里齐声附和：“东西留下，人走开！” 知府不情愿地向四周拱手：“好汉们，我们是做手艺的，除了这副讨吃工具并无他物。身边还有点碎银，我们可以拿出来孝敬，工具还是让我们挑走吧！” 阳立炉并不理会，喝叫道：“打！” 林子里应和：“打！” "kill!" 林子里呐喊声起：“杀！” 知府和仆从的防线彻底崩溃了。为了活命，他们在一片打杀声中弃担而遁。 其时天已黑了。阳立炉把几只弹锤等并做一担挑了，藏在深山，才每隔一段时间放走一个被绑者。他挑着一担横财回到家中，埋藏在床脚下，没多久就出外当兵去了。一年后，阳立炉回家，得知事情早已平息，姓曾的知府回家后没多久就死去，家业由他守寡的儿媳梅满娘操持。阳立炉这才把钱拿出来，买地、买山、开作坊、兴土木。 易豪明白，阳立炉说的“正因为知道你们是土匪，我才愿意收留”的真正意思是什么。所谓“做贼心虚”，多少年来，阳立炉虽然富甲一方，活得十分威风，但一想到自己的发家历史，内心就感到十分害怕，担心梅满娘终有一天会寻上门来。很久以前，他就有意组织武装自保，但规矩人家子弟，谁愿舍死为他卖命？只有依靠土匪势力，土匪是没有退路的。阳立炉与易豪的结合，可谓是西门庆遇上潘金莲。 闲话休提，书归正传。却说阳立炉出去不到一个钟头，就安全地回到寨中，与正在陈家祠堂等他的易豪碰上头，并向易豪介绍他刚才在驿站客栈刺探到的情况。 易豪听后放心地说：“既然就只有张云卿、朱云汉两股土匪，我们大可不必惧怕。阳寨长马上去动员乡亲们，要他们准备石块、开水、热稀饭运到围墙脚下。今晚土匪是不敢入寨内的，天亮后可能会发起攻击——但也只是发泄而已。告诉乡亲们，土匪人数不多．他们在虚张声势，所谓枪声不过是燃放的花炮声。” 阳立炉依计去动员寨民。寨民们一听对方只有百余人，胆子也大了起来，于是，凡青壮劳力都持鸟铳、长矛在墙脚严阵以待，老弱病残运送石块到围墙下，妇女则安排回家烧稀饭。 一切准备停当，阳立炉爬上山坡上向易豪汇报，研究行动计划。易豪说：“乡亲们都愿听你的，你下去指挥他们。因围墙太高，你们在下面看不到外面的敌情。我在这楼上可以看到。夜里，我在楼上悬一盏灯，没有敌情是在正中央；如果他们向西边攻，我把灯悬到西面；向东面攻我把灯悬到东头，你们要时刻注意灯的方向。到了白天，我用红旗代替灯。” 正说着，寨子周围的花炮声停止了，四处只有无边的黑暗和宁静。阳立炉问道：“他们是不是准备进攻了？” 易豪凭着他两年多土匪生涯练就的眼力，发现围寨的土匪正悄悄向宝瑶驿站方向撤退，说道：“他们知