Chapter 18 Chapter Seventeen
Zhang Yunqing said: "I don't want you to pay more, I'm going to go back to the original one. Someone here, take out all the things he just ate!"
A group of thugs swarmed up, grabbed Qiao Licheng, stripped off his coat repeatedly, until his upper body was exposed, cut open his belly with a sharp knife, and forcefully pulled out the food he had just eaten with the back of the knife.
It is said that on October 26, 1926, Wugang City was besieged for seven days and seven nights. The city ran out of ammunition and food.Seeing that the defense was about to fall, reinforcements arrived suddenly, and the bandit army was defeated. Zhang Xiangdi opened the city gate and covered the city.
Originally, the victory was decided, but when he was returning to the division, a stray bullet suddenly flew from the other side of the river, and hit Zhang Xiangtou's left chest impartially.At that time, there was no hospital in Wugang city, only a small clinic. Fortunately, the bullet missed the vital part, passed through the corner of the lung, and was sandwiched between the two back bones.After taking some anti-inflammatory drugs, Zhang Xiangtou handed over the affairs of the regiment to the deputy head of the regiment, and went back to Changsha for medical treatment.
After Shen Hongying was driven away, the county party members immediately devoted themselves to the work of the farmers association.All of a sudden, the county's peasant movement was in full swing. Every day local tyrants and evil gentry were kidnapped by the peasant association and sent to the county seat, and the prisons were full.
Besides, ever since Zhang Xiangdi left Wugang, Yi Hao has always wondered, those people sent by Tiancheng to report the news were all killed by Zhang Yunqing's bandits outside the city or on the way. Where did he go to Shaoyang?
One day, Yi Hao was thinking about this problem in the room. Suddenly Zhou Liansheng brought someone in. He recognized Deng Lianjia at a glance, and quickly got up to give up his seat and said, "Old Deng, what brought you here?"
Deng Lianjia looked tired, and after sitting down, he asked, "Where did Captain Zhang go?"
Yi Hao told about Zhang Xiangtou's trip to Changsha, and asked, "What do you want from him?"
Deng Lianjia took the hot tea from Zhou Liansheng, put it on the coffee table, and sighed: "The farmers' association is so troublesome today, even my master has been arrested. Zhang Guangwen asked me to come to the head of the group to talk about love." , What a coincidence, why did he get injured?"
Yi Hao rubbed his hands and said: "I'm afraid that Captain Zhang must come back for this matter. My weight is too light. Ouyang Dong and Liu Zhuo won't buy it. Don't worry, if his injury heals quickly, he will be back in a few days .Your master is here anyway.”
Deng Lianjia said: "That's the truth, but Guangwen is in a hurry. No wonder, his father died when he was young, and his brother treats him like a father. In addition, the peasant association arrested people this time. Originally, the two brothers wanted to arrest them together. Master Huo said that he ran the house alone, Guangwen has been studying outside, and has never exploited farmers."
Yi Hao said: "How is Guangwen's situation now, is he still in the regiment defense bureau?"
"No. The regiment defense bureau changed the peasant association into a peasant self-defense force a while ago, and Guangwen was driven away? I was anxious at home day and night, thinking about saving my brother as soon as possible."
Yi Hao remembered one thing: "This time the county was besieged by bandits. The messenger I sent was either killed or arrested. I don't know who sent the letter."
Deng Lianjia said: "You should be able to guess this matter. Besides Zhang Guangwen, who else can help you?"
Yi Hao said: "It really is him! I and all the soldiers and civilians in the city should thank him. Let's go, let's explain this matter to Ouyang Dong, Liu Zhuo and the others one by one, and ask them to release the benefactor's brother."
"No!" Deng Lianjia waved his hands again and again, "Guangwen urges you not to speak out about this matter. Once Zhang Yunqing finds out, it will be a new account."
Yi Hao sighed: "Actually, brother Guangwen doesn't need to be evasive like this. He just stood up and publicly opposed Zhang Yunqing. If things go on like this, he will suffer a big loss one day."
"I have also persuaded him, but he has too many worries. Once he breaks openly, he can't live in Shibei Zhang's house. Especially Master Huo, he will die in the old house. The situation of Zhang Yunqing, Zhu Yunhan, Zhang Shuncai and others do you know?"
Yi Hao looked at Deng Lianjia and shook his head.
Deng Lianjia grinned his teeth and shook his head and said: "Zhang Yunqing is really amazing, this time even Shen Hongying played for him! After the Gui army was defeated and fled the country, Shen Hongying disbanded the team because he had no face to see the elders in Guangxi. Zhang Yunqing took this opportunity to take him in. More than 500 people were shot."
"I've heard about this too." Yi Hao sneered, "However, I don't think he's great for this matter alone. On the contrary, I think he's so stupid. , that is the necessary basic quality. The problem is that Zhang Yunqing is not a general, but a born bandit leader. The word "soil" for bandits means the "soil" of the native town. Basic. His original strength is only about 80 men, and the Gui army is 500 people. In addition, these people are veterans who have experienced battles and are used to fighting. Zhang Yunqing can control them? In my opinion, these People are also willing to stay because they want to seize Zhang Yunqing's territory."
Deng Lianjia heard what Yi Hao said, and praised him sincerely: "Incisive, Brother Yi's analysis is too incisive, and the matter itself is exactly the same as what you said. However, I said that Zhang Yunqing is amazing, and he has his own advantages. In fact , what he wants is not five hundred foreigners, but five hundred guns."
Yi Hao was startled: "Sure enough, he has some advantages. What happened next?"
"Later, he used psychological warfare to scare away more than 300 people, and the remaining 200 people were just waiting for an opportunity to seize Zhang Yunqing's cottage. Zhang Yunqing was so wise and foolish that he tricked the 200 Guangxi guys into Yanziyan to poison them all..."
"It's amazing, it's amazing, it's really amazing!" Yi Hao muttered to himself.
"In addition, Zhu Yunhan and Zhang Shuncai followed Zhang Yunqing's ass this time and did not get anything. After the Gui army failed, they ran to the hinterland of Xiangxi to make a living in fear of being chased by Commander Zhang."
Yi Hao was heartbroken when he heard the news. In this way, once the turmoil of the peasant association passed, Zhang Yunqing would still oppose him. The road to enemies is narrow.
A few days later, Zhang Xiangdi came back from Changsha, interceded with Ouyang Dong and Liu Zhuo in person, and released Zhang Guanghuo.
The peasant movement in Wugang County is in full swing. Once the peasants wake up, their strength is like a volcanic eruption. The feudal forces that have accumulated for thousands of years are crumbling and begin to collapse.
All decayed things will not reconciled to their failure, but will always struggle to the death.The same is true for the local tyrants and evil gentry in Wugang. In such a general situation, Xia Yumin, the evil gentry of Beixiang, united with a group of accomplices to fight against the wind and set up a pseudo-peasant association, refusing to accept farmers to divide their fields and open warehouses to help the poor.Out of righteous indignation, Peng Bin, chairman of the Beixiang Farmers Association, tied up the first offender, Xia Yumin, and key member Zhang Guanghuo, and escorted them to the county government.On the same day, a temporary court was established and Xia Yumin was sentenced to death.Zhang Guanghuo was originally going to be shot, but because Zhang Xiangdi came forward to protect him, Liu Zhuo changed Zhang Guanghuo's sentence to prison for the sake of united front work.Even so, Zhang Xiangto still felt that the Communist Party did not give face.In a fit of anger, the wound exploded, and the mouth vomited blood.Just as he was about to go to Changsha again, Zhang Guangwen came to ask for his brother's affairs.
Zhang Guangwen was very sad when he learned that Zhang Xiangtou was so angry about his affairs, and wept in front of the couch.
Zhang Xiangdi said: "I worked hard to defend the city and saved a city of soldiers and civilians. I didn't expect that I would not give this kind of affection..."
"Brother Xiangdi, don't complain too much. The Communist Party doesn't care about human feelings. In my opinion, this kind of life won't be too long. Since ancient times, the rich have ruled the world. How can the poor be so presumptuous? It's a pity that "Ta Kung Pao" ", "National Daily" have been seized. Otherwise, there must be good news reports. Chiang Kai-shek in Guangzhou is both a representative of the Kuomintang and a rich peasant. One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers. No matter how you think about it, General Chiang will eventually take action against the Communist Party."
Zhang Xiangdi nodded: "I am also looking forward to this day coming soon. Last time I stopped by home after being hospitalized. My father at home watched me and cried, saying that life is hard for the rich and the poor are clamoring for rent reduction every day. Interest rates were cut, and they threatened to divide the land. Now I really don’t know how the situation at home is.”
"Brother Xiangto, don't think about these things, and rest easy. You are the head of the National Revolutionary Army. Will the Peasant Association embarrass your family?"
Zhang Xiangtou shook his head with a wry smile: "The Communist Party doesn't care about humaneness. Otherwise, how could Brother Ling be arrested again? Guangwen, I'm really ashamed to think of this..."
"Don't talk about it. It's more important to treat the disease. You can go at ease, I will take care of my affairs."
After sending Zhang Xiangtou away, Zhang Guangwen met Yi Hao in secret again.Yi Hao asked about Zhang Yunqing's current situation. Zhang Guangwen said: "Zhang Yunqing now has more than 500 guns on hand. He originally wanted to take advantage of the spring famine to recruit troops. Due to the disturbance of the peasant association movement, he is currently adopting a wait-and-see attitude. However, he I dream of dominating one side all the time. When the peasant movement subsides, he will come to your door to fight against you. How does it feel to be a battalion commander here?"
"Not very good." Yi Hao said, "The biggest feeling is that being a regular army is too restrictive, and my brothers and I can't stand it. If it weren't for the commander Zhang, my brothers and I would have gone up the mountain."
Zhang Guangwen seemed to be stuck in his throat by something, and he said after a long while: "I just met Commander Zhang, and his condition is very bad. I have a premonition that when he leaves Wugang this time, I'm afraid..."
"You mean he's going to die?"
Zhang Guangwen sighed: "I hope my premonition will not become a reality, let us bless him in our hearts."
Zhang Guangwen met his elder brother Zhang Guanghuo in the prison. Because the guards were very strict, they didn't dare to talk about him except to say a few things. Soon the guards came to urge him.Zhang Guangwen left the cell and rented a room in Si Pai Lou Inn because he was worried.
Si Pai Lou is the most prosperous area in the whole city, with shops and banks lined up everywhere. During the day, there are many pedestrians, and at night, the lights are brightly lit, and singing and dancing are on the rise.
After staying for about five or six days, one night, Yi Hao suddenly came to Zhang Guangwen's room.He closed the door and said, "Second Brother, a telegram came from Changsha today, saying that Commander Zhang died in the hospital."
Although Zhang Guangwen had a premonition, he was still taken aback, and said with tears in his eyes, "There are not many congenial friends like Xiangto..."
Yi Hao also sighed, and said: "The telegram requires the deputy commander to lead the troops to set off immediately and return to Changsha for training. Second brother, I really don't want to stay in the army. It's too uncomfortable. I want to leave immediately."
"Will your subordinates obey you?"
"At least three out of five people are willing to leave with me."
"What are the origins of these people?"
"Among them, nearly 200 people belong to my old department and the group that followed Yi Shunman into the city. In addition, I secretly developed a group of reliable people, about 100 people, adding up to nearly 300 people. You can come with me at any time as long as you call. I want to leave tonight, and the brothers are all ready. If you postpone it, I am afraid there will be no chance. Second brother, you are a military genius, come with me, I will The team will be handed over to you."
Zhang Guangwen shook his head: "Unless I have to, I won't go up the mountain."
"Do you think us people are rustic?"
Zhang Guangwen shook his head: "Nowadays, many of my classmates who graduated from Baoding Military Academy with me have already made their mark in the military field. They are all promising. If I want to fall into the grass, I will not be able to justify my face. I am a real person and I am telling the truth."
Yi Hao sighed, and no longer forced himself: "Let's say goodbye to you tonight. If you have anything to do in the future, you can send someone to Fengmu Ridge to contact me."
"Are you going to Maple Ridge?"
Yi Hao nodded: "Of course that place can't support 300 brothers, but it's very good as a liaison office. I temporarily choose the mountain villages in Chengbu and Suining counties as my foraging sites."
"Have you made preparations for Zhang Yunqing?"
"He won't come to beat me yet, and I don't have the extra energy to eat him up. If there is a perfect opportunity, I will come back immediately and wipe him out in one fell swoop. It's getting late, second brother, I'm leaving, why don't you Take care of yourself."
Zhang Guangwen sent him downstairs, said goodbye to each other, and then reluctantly broke up.
The news in Wugang City was very closed. Zhang Guangwen lived in the fourth row of buildings for a day, and the news he heard was either that the land of the landlords was divided, or how many local inferiors had been arrested.He figured it would be useless to stay in the city for a long time, so he had to go back to the Zhang family's old house in Shibei and asked Deng Lianjia to inquire about Liu Yi's whereabouts, hoping to get some new information from him.
A few days later, Deng Lianjia came back and said that Liu Yi had been away from home for a long time because he could not bear the criticism of the peasant association.
Zhang Guangwen was very depressed, and spent his days reading ancient books for entertainment.One day, while he was watching at home, Deng Lianjia hurried over to report: "Liu Yi and Zhao Rong are here."
Zhang Guangwen was overjoyed and threw the book away: "Are they looking for me?"
Deng Lianjia shook his head: "They were walking back and forth at the gate of Zhang Yunqing's mansion, and they seemed to be looking for Zhang Yunqing. Fortunately, Zhang Yunqing is not here."
Zhang Guangwen got up: "Go, go and invite them here."
The two walked out the door and happened to meet Liu Yi and Zhao Rong on the way.Liu Yi asked, "Guangwen, where are you going?"
"Pick you and county magistrate Zhao, are you two going to my house?"
Liu Yi had no choice but to nod: "Long time no see, I also want to move around."
The four came to sit down in the living room of Zhang Guanghuo's old house and exchanged pleasantries for a while. Liu Yi couldn't help asking, "Guangwen, do you know where Zhang Yunqing is now?"
Zhang Guangwen said: "I heard that I was in Yanziyan before, but I don't know where I went now. Is there anything I can do with him?" Seeing that Liu Yi hesitated to speak, he asked, "Even I keep it a secret?"
"Captain Liu, Guangwen is one of our own, so he should know about this." Zhao Rong said from the side, "Let's be happy together."
Zhang Guangwen immediately understood what happened above, and asked, "Could it be good news?"
Liu Yi nodded and said: "Yes, the county magistrate Zhao and I went to Shaoyang to find Chen Guangzhong a few days ago, and told him that the Wugang Peasant Association was lawless. As soon as he heard it, he said: 'Such days will soon end. Now, The Kuomintang began to clean up the party. On April 12, General Chiang Kai-shek staged a coup in Shanghai, killing people, and openly broke with the Communist Party; Capture and kill a large number of communists. Now, the nationwide party purge movement has been vigorously carried out, and the time has finally come for us to counterattack the Communist Party. You came just in time. I just received a telegram from General He Jian, who asked me to be in charge of the party purge work in western Hunan , and clearly instructed to massacre a large number of people. My task is very heavy, and you should share it for me.' When I heard this, I emphasized that I had no military power. General Chen said: 'If you don't have military power, you can find a way, Wu There are many bandits in Gang, won’t you fight for them?’ After he reminded me, I thought of Zhang Yunqing. He is my godson, and I should give him a chance. So I blew him up in front of General Chen. General Chen I am very happy, and said that as long as Zhang Yunqing has meritorious service in killing the Communist Party, he will definitely come to Wugang to be appointed an official and a nobleman. If you live in a village, you should know where he is, and you must tell him about it as soon as possible."
"That's right." Zhao Rong echoed, "Wugang is located in a remote place, and there is no information. The Wugang Communist Party must not know about the coup that happened at the top. It just took the opportunity to destroy the Wugang County Party Headquarters in one fell swoop and start killing. If the news leaks out, Ouyang Dong, Liu Zhuo and the others may escape. In addition, the county has almost no military power at the moment, and Liu Zhuo's self-defense corps is fighting local tyrants in the countryside. Zhang Yunqing's strength is enough to take it down. Once the county is occupied, the city As soon as the door is closed, it is announced that the original county government will be restored, the county magistrate Zhao and I will be reinstated, and the next step is to kill on a large scale—kill the Communist Party, the leaders of the peasant associations, and the poor ghosts who oppose us!"
"Guangwen," Liu Yi urged Zhang Guangwen not to speak, "Do you know where Zhang Yunqing went?"
Zhang Guangwen scanned the living room and saw that Deng Lianjia had left, so he had an excuse: "I have to ask Lao Deng about this matter, and I leave all the intelligence work outside to him."
Liu Yi said: "You find him."
Zhang Guangwen shook his head and said: "It's getting late, don't worry, anyway, I can't find Zhang Yunqing today, so I will stay in the humble house for one night first, I think you two are still hungry, I want Deng Lianjia to go down and get something to eat."
After it got dark, the food and drinks were ready. During the banquet, Zhang Guangwen used his own power to get Liu Yi and Zhao Rong drunk, and then discussed the matter with Deng Lianjia.
When Deng Lianjia heard what Zhang Guangwen told Liu Yi and Zhao Rong, he was shocked and said: "This is not a good thing. Once Zhang Yunqing gains power, our life will be even more difficult!"
Zhang Guangwen sighed, "That's exactly what I'm worried about. However, I can't think of a solution for both."
Deng Lianjia pondered for a moment: "How about this, we will persuade Liu Yi and Zhao Rong to change their minds tomorrow, not to use Zhang Yunqing, and then you will come forward directly and recommend Yi Hao to them. The situation is already clear, whoever makes the first contribution this time will be the martial artist." The real power faction of the Gang army, this opportunity must not fall into the hands of Zhang Yunqing!"
"Liu Yi and Zhao Rong know the truth better than us, so it is impossible to persuade them to change their minds. If you were Liu Yi, would you hand over military power to outsiders?"
"This..." Deng Lianjia swallowed.
Zhang Guangwen went on to say: "Zhang Yunqing is Liu Yi's godson, and they have a deep relationship of interests, not to mention persuading him to change his mind, even a little revealing will touch him."
"We don't do it at all, and we don't stop—" Deng Lianjia looked at Zhang Guangwen.
"Kill both of them..."
"Guangwen, don't hesitate." Deng Lianjia said, "This is the best way. Kill Liu Yi and Zhao Rong, and then let Yi Hao go out and take Wugang City. Maybe the county magistrate will be yours !"
Zhang Guangwen shook his head: "That won't work. Liu Yi is Chen Guangzhong's confidant, and Zhao Rong is Chen Guangzhong's fellow villager. Especially this time, Liu and Zhao were sent by Chen Guangzhong to Wugang to lead Qingxiang. If these two people are killed, It might cause big trouble."
Deng Lianjia frowned sadly, and murmured: "Should we just watch Zhang Yunqing gain power?"
Zhang Guangwen raised his head: "How about this—" He paused, "Zhang Yunqing has five hundred guns in his hand, and he regards these things as more important than his life. No matter who it is, as long as he wants to use these guns, Zhang Yunqing is absolutely hostile." Yes. Now Liu Yi and Zhao Rong don't know the inside story, and I will tell them tomorrow. These two old dogs will not think about the deeper stakes. They must be overjoyed to hear the news. At that time, I only need to do a little trick I want them to praise Zhang Yunqing's feat of seizing five hundred guns in the name of Chen Guangzhong... Zhang Yunqing is suspicious by nature, he will definitely be suspicious, and will not agree to send troops to clear the country. Once Chen Guangzhong finds out about the first skill, he must be angry with Zhang Yunqing for not knowing how to flatter him, and in the future, Wugang will be our world."
"Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!" Deng Lianjia clapped his hands, "In order to make things go smoothly, I suggest that you personally lead Liu and Zhao to Yanziyan."
Zhang Guangwen nodded: "That's for sure."
After seeing off Deng Lianjia, Zhang Guangwen came to the guest room, just as Liu Yi and Zhao Rong had already woken up.Seeing Zhang Guangwen coming, Liu Yi asked, "Have you asked Deng Lianjia about what happened yesterday?"
"I asked." Zhang Guangwen said, "Zhang Yunqing was still at home some time ago, and took in five hundred Guangxi guys."
"Shen Hongying's remnant soldiers?" Liu Yi looked at Zhang Guangwen.
"They are all elite soldiers."
Liu Yi rubbed his hands together and said, "My son really has a hand, it's amazing, it's amazing!"
"He has something even more remarkable." Zhang Guangwen exaggeratedly told the story of how Zhang Yunqing outwitted five hundred guns.
After hearing this, Liu and Zhao were dumbfounded.Liu Yi murmured: "My son is simply amazing, amazing..."
Zhang Guangwen then praised: "Shunlu is a rare genius, but he has a weird temper. He has done some extraordinary feats. If people with similar status praise him face to face, he will be suspicious and think it is right. He is jealous, so if you two go to meet him, it is best not to mention this matter."
"How can this matter not be mentioned?" Liu Yi said disapprovingly, "I am his godfather, and he dare not not listen to my words."
"Please don't say that you heard me." Zhang Guangwen looked anxious.
"How about this," Zhao Rong interjected, "When this matter is mentioned, we will bring Chen Guangzhong into it."
Only then did Liu Yi nod his head: "If Chen Guangzhong praises him, he must be happy." Speaking of this, he looked at Zhang Guangwen, "Can you accompany us to Yanziyan?"
Zhang Guangwen first pretended to evade, and finally pretended to be unrequited, and accompanied Liu and Zhao to Yanziyan to meet Zhang Yunqing.
As expected, things went as Zhang Guangwen wished, and Zhang Yunqing started to mention the "April 12" coup and the "Ma-Day Incident". Zhang Yunqing was very devoted and eager to try.When Liu Yi mentioned the five hundred guns by Chen Guangzhong's name, Zhang Yunqing immediately became vigilant.Then, the more they talked, the less speculative they became, and Liu and Zhao broke up unhappy.
Out of the mountain, Liu Yi felt inconceivable about Zhang Yunqing's attitude, shook his head and sighed: "It's true that the sky changes from time to time, and people change from day to day. A while ago, he was still a long-time godfather and a short godfather. Who would have thought that it would suddenly change now?" Face, don’t listen to me anymore. The most annoying thing is that I gave him a good chance without any selfishness. Thinking about it now, I don’t seem to have said anything wrong.”
Zhang Guangwen took the opportunity to say: "Maybe he feels that his strength has increased by nearly ten times, and he feels that he does not need to rely on anyone. I used to have more contacts with him and know him better. He often said that he has no major political issues." Ideal, the greatest wish is to become the number one hero in Xiangxi and live a happy life. Now that he has nearly 600 guns, he thinks that his goal will be achieved soon, and there is no need to rely on others."
"It's simply ignorant!" Zhao Rong said angrily, "If he doesn't do it, I will find someone else. Guangwen, in Wugang, you should know other bandit leaders and tell him that the general trend is now, and the Communist Party is not the Kuomintang. Opponent, who can kill the Communist Party in Wugang, on behalf of the soon-to-be-restored Wugang County Government, I will appoint him as the leader of the local army.”
Zhang Guangwen shook his head and said, "I know Zhang Yunqing."
"Well," Liu Yi said, "the three of us came out at the same time today, Zhang Yunqing may have concerns. After a few days when he wakes up, meet him alone and reason with him, I believe he will change Yes." He still hopes that Zhang Yunqing can become his confidant, "In my opinion, the key problem is that he doesn't understand the current situation, and Liu Zhuo is also trying to win him over. Maybe he intends to hang himself up for sale, and whoever bids the most will Just whoever."
Zhao Rong nodded: "That makes sense. However, if this is the case, Zhang Yunqing may have overestimated himself. The Kuomintang has already secured the victory. Can Zhang Yunqing alone turn the situation around?" Turning to Liu Yi, "I'm afraid, at that time, your godson You have to drop your head."
Liu Yidao: "Shunlu is a smart man, he has always been very knowledgeable about current affairs, I will talk to him in two days, and he will wake up immediately."
Zhang Guangwen thought in his heart that in two days, Yi Hao had already received the news. He set off from Maple Ridge, and Zhang Yunqing set off from Yanziyan. It was obvious that Yi Hao was a short distance away, so he was one beat faster.When Zhang Yunqing arrived, Yi Hao had already occupied the county seat. Once he closed the city gate, he could attack Zhang Yunqing as a self-defense force of the Communist Party.In this way, Zhang Yunqing will become angry from embarrassment, and turn around and regard Liu Yi and Zhao Rong as allies who framed him... Zhang Guangwen then echoed: "Captain Liu is right, and Zhang Yunqing will definitely wake up in two days. You go, he will take the initiative to come to the door. In this case, it is best for the two of you to live in my house first. "
Liu Yi and Zhao Rong were not polite, and followed Zhang Guangwen back to Shibei Zhang's house.
It was a day's journey from Yanziyan to Shibei Zhang's house, and Liu Yi and Zhao Rong stayed at Zhang Guangwen's house for another two days.On the morning of the fourth day, Liu Yi couldn't bear it anymore, and shouted to go to Yanziyan after eating.
Zhang Guangwen estimated that if nothing happened, Yi Hao should have won the county.So he stopped blocking Liu Yi.
Before Liu Yi went out, he could only hear the sound of horseshoes coming from outside.Zhang Guangwen said: "Captain Liu, you don't need to go. I guess the person outside is Zhang Yunqing——I said, he will come to the door by himself."
Liu Yi opened the door, and saw a group of people walking towards this side on horseback, but the one walking in the front was not Zhang Yunqing, but his confidant Zhong Xuehua, who also led three horses.
Zhang Guangwen was very puzzled, so he went out to welcome Zhong Xuehua and asked, "Why are you here, are you on your way?"
Zhong Xuehua answered Zhang Guangwen's words, but looked at Liu Yi: "Earlier this morning, we received information from Zhang Zuanzi. He said that there is now a massive upsurge of purges all over the country. All the backbones of the Communist Party and peasant associations must be killed , the more you kill, the greater the credit, Master Man just remembered that you didn't mean to lie to him a few days ago."
Liu Yi shook his head and said, "I said, he will wake up one day. I am his godfather, how could I lie to him. Hey, what do you mean by bringing a few horses?"
"That's right." Zhong Xuehua said, "Master Man originally wanted to pick up the three in person, because he was worried that if the news got out, the Communists in the city would flee early. So, he hurriedly led the brothers into the city to kill the Communists. The three horses are for you, County Magistrate Zhao, and Mr. Zhang, and he asks you to enter the city immediately to take power and restore the old government."
Liu Yi was so happy that he couldn't close his mouth from ear to ear, and said again and again: "My son is really thoughtful. County Magistrate Zhao and Guangwen, let's go to the city and take power!"
The three of them got on a horse each, followed Zhong Xuehua with whips and galloped towards the county seat.At this time, each of them was very excited and nervous. What Liu Yi and Zhao Rong thought was that they would soon make a comeback and restore the lost paradise; Then, Zhang Yunqing took the first place.Relatively speaking, Zhang Guangwen's mood is more complicated than that of Liu and Zhao.In the end, he put aside all his worries—because although Zhang Yunqing might send someone to hunt down Deng Lianjia, he believed that Deng Lianjia was capable enough to escape all kinds of dangers, and finally he would be able to bring Xin safely to Yihao There.Thinking of these, Zhang Guangwen was completely relieved.
The horse ran very fast, and in the afternoon, they arrived at the Yingchun Pavilion Inn outside the east gate.
Zhong Xuehua, who was walking in front, got off his horse and said to Liu, Zhao, and Zhang, "It's been a long journey, and the horse must be hungry and thirsty. I'll ask the boss to bring some horse feed. The three masters, please get off the horse and have a drink." Tea."
Zhang Guangwen dismounted after Liu and Zhao. On the way, the closer he got to the county town, the more uneasy he felt.It stands to reason that Zhang Yunqing and his troops on foot should be able to catch up with them on horseback, but in fact there was no movement along the way.Zhang Guangwen sat in the inn drinking tea absent-mindedly, but his eyes looked up the east gate tower from time to time, trying to see some signs.
There are soldiers with guns guarding the city tower. Although there is a flag planted on a high place, because of the wind, the specific pattern on the flag cannot be discerned.He looked back, and suddenly, the walls of the houses on both sides in front were covered with slogans, the handwriting was fresh, and the content read:
"Long live the Kuomintang!"
"Kill the Communist Party!"
"I'd rather kill a hundred wrong than let one go!"
Obviously, the city is no longer in the hands of the Communist Party, but who exactly is in the city?
At this time, Zhang Guangwen saw someone coming out of the city gate with batter and posting slogans all the way to the houses opposite. He finally saw clearly that it read: "Warmly welcome Mr. Zhao Rong, Mr. Liu Yi, and Mr. Zhang Guangwen." Return to the city and regain power!"
Zhang Guangwen was shocked, and an ominous premonition flashed through his mind. At this moment, Zhong Xuehua came over and said to them: "Three masters, please enter the city!"
Zhong Xuehua's very plain words were like thunder on a sunny day to Zhang Guangwen. He soon realized that the city had fallen into Zhang Yunqing's hands a few days earlier... Liu Yi and Zhao Rong also saw the welcome slogan , excited, jumped on the horse triumphantly, feeling his face radiant with radiance, and feeling honored.
After refueling, drinking and resting, the horses became full of energy, swishing their noses, raised their heads, and walked towards the gate of the city majesticly.
Immediately, a large group of casually dressed teams with live ammunition poured out from the gate of the city, and they stood in two ways. A loud voice took the lead and shouted slogans:
"Warmly welcome Zhao Rong!"
"Warmly welcome Liu Yi!"
"Warmly welcome Zhang Guangwen!"
"Warmly welcome Zhao, Liu, and Zhang back to the city to take power!"
"Kill the Communist Party!"
"Long live the Kuomintang!"
Amidst the earth-shattering shouts, Zhang Guangwen felt that Zhang Yunqing was demonstrating to him, and the horse carried him forward slowly.When he was about to enter the entrance of the city gate, Zhang Guangwen suddenly felt a chill on his neck, and he subconsciously reached out to touch it—it was human blood!When he raised his head, he could see clearly that there were a large number of densely packed human heads hanging on the tower...
Zhang Guangwen shuddered.At this moment, there was a loud sound of gongs and drums and deafening firecrackers in the city, and then Zhang Yunqing, Zhang Shuncai, Zhu Yunhan, Yang Xiangwan, Mei Manniang and a group of big local tyrants and evil gentry cheerily clapped their hands to greet them. come up.
Finally, Zhang Guangwen saw his very thin brother Zhang Guanghuo among the welcome crowd.
"Brother—" Zhang Guangwen waved his hand, and finally a smile appeared on his face.
From the previous book, Zhang Yunqing got 500 guns, and when he was full of ambitions, suddenly Liu Zhuo and Liu Yi successively came forward to fight for him. Because of lack of information, they were worried that if they made a wrong choice, they would be forever hated.Being unable to make a decision, Pu Hu'er suggested to make a divination to choose someone to take refuge in.
According to Zhang Yunqing's words, she used shoes instead of hexagrams, silently recited Ruo Yi to ask the gods to show the Xun hexagrams, but she was very frustrated when she hit two "Yang hexagrams" in a row.Emotionally, he is towards Liu Yi and hopes to cooperate with Liu Yi.But the hexagram shows "unlucky", it seems that this matter is not easy to handle.He didn't make a decision right away, and was going to wait for Zhang Zuanzi to come back to do research.Zhang Zuanzi placed a few eyeliners near Zhang Guangwen's home, and he believed that he would be able to find valuable good news.
The next day, Zhang Zuanzi didn't come back, but Yin Dongbo came back. As soon as he entered the room, Yin Dongbo asked, "Master Man, have Zhang Guangwen, Liu Yi, and Zhao Rong been here?"
Zhang Yunqing raised her eyes: "How do you know?"
Yin Dongbo sat down: "This time, I didn't give the letter to Liu Zhuo."
"Why is that?"
"I met Zhang Zuanzi at the Yingchun Inn outside the East Gate—"
"Yingchun Inn, is Jiang Taibing's family?" Zhang Yunqing asked.
"Yes. On the 26th, Jiang Taibing took advantage of our retreat and escaped. But he was very afraid of us, and the inn has been transferred to someone else." Yin Dongbo moved his buttocks, "I met Zhang Zuanzi at the inn, and he asked me to come back quickly Reported that he stayed in Shibei Zhang's area to monitor Zhang Guangwen's eyeliner found that Liu Yi and Zhao Rong went there to find Master Man, but because they couldn't find it, they had to ask Zhang Guangwen nearby. That night, Liu and Zhao stayed in Zhang Guangwen. home overnight, but Zhang Guangwen’s confidant, Deng Lianjia, went away the next morning.”
"Deng Lianjia, where is he going?" Zhang Yunqing felt that this was the key to the problem, and her heart went up in her throat.
Yin Dongbo said: "Our spies followed quietly. They didn't know where he was going, so they followed him all the way to the outskirts of the city. As a result, Deng Lianjia went to Fengmu Ridge. It was obvious that Zhang Guangwen sent him to contact Yi Hao. Why? , Zhang Zuanzi said, he has not figured it out for the time being.”
Zhang Yunqing was startled, looked at Pu Hu'er in blank dismay, then stood up and ordered: "Old Yin, hurry up, quickly get Xie Laogou and the others!"
After a while, Xie Laogou, Zhong Xuehua and other backbones came in.They didn't know what was going on, but they had a hunch that something must be very serious.
Sure enough, Zhang Yunqing said with a serious expression: "Brothers, the Kuomintang and the Communist Party have broken up. After Zhang Guangwen got the news, he sent Deng Lianjia to Fengmuling to inform Yi Hao to go to the city to kill the Communist Party. Forces, trample us under our feet. Brothers, the critical moment has arrived, we must act immediately, and rush into the city to kill the Communist Party before Yi Hao!"
Xie Laogou said: "But, we only have eighty brothers, how can we capture a county?"
Zhang Yunqing said: "Now the city is very empty. Not only is there no army, but the peasant self-defense corps has also been brought by Liu Zhuo to the countryside to fight local tyrants. In addition, although we only have eighty brothers, we have a lot of sophisticated weapons and bullets. Everyone try our best Choose submachine guns, fast guns, and machine guns to use, and the combat effectiveness can be increased several times. If the situation is tight, everyone, go down and order the brothers to prepare for a little bit before starting."
"Should I inform Zhu Yunhan and Zhang Shuncai of their support?" Yin Dongbo asked.
"Of course." Zhang Yunqing turned to Zhong Xuehua, "You immediately ride my horse into Xuefeng Mountain to ask Zhu Yunhan and Zhang Shuncai to come out for reinforcements. Once we occupy the county, Yi Hao—especially Liu Zhuo is likely to attack the city. It's better to have a helper than to do it alone. Well, that's it, let's go down and get ready immediately."
The bandits got up and left their seats, Zhang Yunqing led Zhong Xuehua to the manger, and personally pulled out his mount - Xiaobailong.This is a white horse, fat and tall, without a single hair on its body. "Little White Dragon" was originally Shen Hongying's mount. He lent it to Zhang Yunqing several times. "Little White Dragon" took him away, and finally got his wish.
张云卿把缰绳交给钟雪华，叮嘱道：“此次送信事关重大，务必要尽快把朱云汉他们请出来，切记切记！”
钟雪华离去，张云卿又来到后山——他的手下正在洞里挑选自己喜欢的武器。挑完后，洞里还剩五百多条枪，谢老狗走过来说：“满老爷，我们就要出去打仗了，这些宝贝怎么办？一旦让敌人寻找到……”
“是啊！”张云卿锁着眉，“我正为这个发愁，带在身上不能，不带走，一旦我们攻下了县城，易豪会带人进山寻找。”
两个人正在发愁，尹东波过来说：“这些枪可否藏到东麓悬崖上去？”
“悬崖？能行吗？张云卿问。
尹东波点头：“那一年大年初一满老爷去给张光文、张顺彩拜年，突遭易豪袭击，山道口被封锁了，我从那里吊下去向你报告，发现离上面二十丈高处，有一个大洞。前年过年，又遭张湘砥、易豪大规模围剿，弟兄们正是躲在那里逃过一劫。”
谢老狗道：“那个洞我知道，前年初一我和老尹也是躲在那里。可是，万一被发现怎么办？”
“绝对没问题。”尹东波道，“我们可以留几个弟兄在洞里，万一敌人发现了秘密，一百多丈高的悬崖，不是那样随便能上去的，惟一的办法是用绳子吊。如果是这样，来一个打死一个，来一对打死一双。这任务就交给我吧，满老爷，进城要紧，你放心去吧！”
“很好！”张云卿说，“那就这样定了。老谢，率领弟兄们立即出发！”
除了留下尹东波等六七人藏匿武器，其余近八十人由张云卿带领，日夜兼程，奔赴武冈。一路上，如遇上农民武装，就称山门乡农民自卫队。
两日后的上午，匪部抵达县城东郊，张云卿下令停下休息，吩咐谢老狗：“如今县城盘查虽然松懈，但大队带枪的人入城还是要受到阻挠。你带几名弟兄化装成挑夫先进去，待我们来到城门，伺机下手，控制城门。”
谢老狗把冲锋枪留下，率了五六个机灵之人，各自怀揣快慢机，扮做挑夫，夹在百姓的行列中混进城里。
谢老狗离开约半小时，张云卿估计他已经进城，遂率部队列队行进，冲锋枪、卡宾枪在前，机枪压后。这些枪都是苏联制造，是苏联为了支援国民革命军北伐，派顾问鲍罗廷带过来的。后几经辗转，到了陆荣廷的手里，如今，又变成了张云卿的杀人武器。
经过迎春客栈，他们没有停下休息，径直开向东门。一路上，引起市民的注目，纷纷好奇地看他们手中的武器，议论这支部队属于哪派势力。
张云卿这队武装很快被城楼上的守兵看到了，城门“吱呀”一阵巨响，关闭起来。
来到城下，上面的守城兵拉动枪栓警惕地喝问：“什么人，哪一部分的？”
张云卿走到队列前，粗着喉咙道：“山门乡农民自卫队！”
“谁是你们的负责人？”
“万春发。”
城楼上卫兵的口气缓和下来：“进城有何贵干？”
张云卿振振有词道：“如今张湘砥团刚刚撤走，城内异常空虚，欧阳县长担心匪军前来攻城，特派我乡自卫队进城防卫，加强实力。”
“怎么就没有欧阳县长的通知呢。”守城兵挠着头皮说。
“没收到是你的失职。”张云卿大声道，“还不快快开了城门！”
“这可不行，你们这么多枪，万一不是农民自卫队，岂不是麻烦？请耐心等一下，我去问问欧阳县长就可以放你们进来。”
张云卿及手下于是破口大骂。听到叫骂声，邻近炮楼的守城兵也过来看热闹。恰在这时，城墙上枪声响起，不一会功夫，城门就开了，谢老狗迎出来，请示道：“满老爷，另外三扇城门也要占领吗？”
“笨蛋！”张云卿叱道，“这么简单的事都要问我！不把所有城门控制在手，共产党岂不要跑光？我再增派三个班的兵力，每占领一处城门，把门关了，留下一个班看守，七日之内，不许任何人进出！”
张云卿率大队武装进了城，谢老狗随即关了城门，留下一个班看守，率二十余名匪徒持冲锋枪沿城墙向南绕城一路打过去，控制四处城门。
张云卿亲率主力经和合街插正南街，直奔小王城。过宣风楼时，遇有小量抵抗，张云卿匪部凭借先进的武器，很快控制了内城城门。
小王城是武冈城的心脏，历代统治者都将机构设在此处。控制了内城门后，悍匪们直冲县党部。由于事发突然，城内共产党来不及准备，就被围困在县党部会议室里。
其时，县党部正在召开上半年农会工作小结会议，一听到枪声，大家跑出会场，接着看到一伙便衣武装气势汹汹直杀过来。
这伙人穷凶极恶，见人就杀，见东西就砸，很快，县党部里里外外血流成河，尸体横陈，惨不忍睹。
张云卿控制了武冈县城，城内一片白色恐怖，许多共产党员被杀害，人头悬挂于东、西、南、北四门城楼。
所幸，县党部主要领导人欧阳东、邓中宇于张云卿进城前的头天晚上奉上级电令离开武冈赴长沙学习；邓成云则于“四一二”事变前由农会推荐去省党部学习；刘卓则仍在各乡发动农民打土豪分田地。
次日傍晚，钟雪华带领朱云汉、张顺彩两股土匪约二百余人进城，势力进一步得到巩固。至此，张云卿舒了一口气。
第三天下午，易豪在邓联佳的带领下，率本部三百余人姗姗来迟，于南门口外列阵，隔着赧水桥向城楼上放枪。
张云卿闻讯匆匆赶至，站在城墙垛口望着对面的阵地狂笑不止。
易豪恼羞成怒，先放了一阵枪，又拿来一只铁筒喇叭骂道：“张云卿，你这条野狗，休要得意，要不了多久，老子非得割下你的狗头！”
张云卿也拿来一只铁筒喇叭，回敬道：“易豪，有种你就过来！如今，武冈城都姓张，如果你跪下喊老子三声爹，老子饶你一死，收了你这个儿子，一同享受富贵荣华！”
外面，易家见骂终是解决不了问题，喊道：“姓张的，日子还长着呢，最后谁跪下叫爹，走着瞧吧！”喊完，率部沿半边街向东而去。
张云卿猜出易豪可能会去燕子岩骚扰，命令钟雪华：“你骑上我的马，去山门镇上等候，如果尹东波出了什么事，马上回来向我报告。另外，刘异、赵融的下落也要顺便打听一下。”
回到小王城，朱云汉、张顺彩、杨相晚从原县党部会场迎出来。朱云汉问道：“顺路，什么人敢来攻城？”
张云卿摇头，笑道：“如此金城汤池，沈鸿英一万精兵都攻不下来，有谁不知天高地厚敢来攻城？那是易豪来迟了。可能钟雪华跟你们说得不详细，我就把这次的前因后果告诉各位吧。”
三位听完张云卿的详述，唏嘘不已。杨相晚赞叹道：“这次若不是顺路兄才智过人，差点就上了张光文的当。若是那样，如今在这里的不是我们，而是易豪。”
张云卿谦逊道：“相晚兄过奖了，这乃是神灵相助，并非张某有什么过人之处。”
杨相晚道：“神灵也及不上你。卦上不是要你倒向共产党么？”
张云卿仰头，得意地哈哈大笑。
杨相晚又问道：“顺路兄如今已拿下县城，下一步具体打算怎么干？”
“你说呢？”张云卿狡黠地反问。
杨相晚摇头，他已看出张云卿早就成竹在胸。
张云卿敛起笑：“下一步当然是迎接赵融、刘异回城执政。我们是什么身份就不要自己说出来了，反正名不正则言不顺，如果让我当县长，朱老爷、彩老爷做总兵，老百姓不会服。再则，这次行动是陈光中委派赵、刘二人回来发动的，我们只能退居幕后，顺便捞点好处。”
杨相晚伸出拇指：“顺路兄高明。不过，既要请赵融、刘异回来，我们还忽略了一件关键的事没有做。”
“哪件事？”张云卿问道。
“自从去年下半年开始到现在，农会抓了很多富人，如今仍在牢里。这些人和赵融、刘异他们属同一个阶级，我们应该立刻放了他们。”
张云卿恍然大悟，连声说：“好，好，好，还是相晚兄想得周到！”
“另外，”杨相晚又说，“听说前一次顺路兄赚了一批武器，准备扩充队伍。牢里还关了一大批杀人、放火、乱伦、偷盗、投毒的犯人。这些人大多数是即将要处死的人。如果特赦他们，必会感恩戴德，替你卖命，何乐而不为？另外，他们也是本地人，有根可查，不怕逃跑或叛变。”
张云卿喜出望外，当即接受杨相晚的建议，先放了土豪、劣绅，这些人一旦恢复自由，都把张云卿当成英雄和功臣，而忘了过去遭其抢掠、敲诈。随后，张云卿来到刑事罪犯牢门口，隔着铁窗喊道：“弟兄们，认不认识我呀！”
这些罪犯中，很多是单干或小股土匪，也有认识他的，他们和张云卿如小巫和大巫，属同一类。张云卿出现在这里，本不足为怪，为匪者，随时都有被官府捉拿的可能。奇怪的是，今日张云卿不但没有脚镣手铐，而且还穿绸着缎、红光满面，身后站了马弁。有些头脑灵活的立即明白过来，哭喊道：“满老爷，救救我们！满老爷，只要你肯救我们，哪怕当牛做马，也要报答你的大恩大德！”
随后，牢里乱成一锅粥，有叫张云卿爷爷的，有叫亲爹的，有叫菩萨的，更多的是称其为再生父母，目的就一个——希望放了他们，并收留他们。
张云卿得意洋洋，待众犯人喊得累了，才摆着手道：“静一静，静一静！”
一时牢里一片肃静。
张云卿双手叉腰，扬起眉毛：“弟兄们，武冈城如今是我的啦！这几天，老子杀了一大批共产党，武冈城就到了我的手里！哈哈，想不到老子也会有今天！你们——”手指牢里，“别人都说你们是犯人，本来只有死路一条，老子今天偏偏要说你们是好汉，不仅要你们活，还要你们活得好好的，跟着我扛起枪，吃香喝辣，谁敢侧目瞧一眼，或说我们坏，我们就让他们死！弟兄们，好不好！”
"well!"
牢里一阵狂热，张云卿即下令打开牢门，一群犯人蜂拥而出，在皇城坪乱蹦乱跳。
接着，张云卿令犯人排成长队，逐个报姓名、住址，要蒲胡儿抄录成册，编入匪部，计有一百二十余人，分给老土匪带领。
编好队，已是中午时分，张云卿令城中各饭店送来好酒好菜，大家开怀畅饮。
饭毕，张云卿兴犹未尽，又令新老手下在皇城坪列队训话。张云卿训话的内容无非要大家听从他的命令，好好干，谁最听话就奖赏大洋、官职和女人。
末了，他口气一转，说道：“我张某带兵，从来最讲规矩、道义，从不强迫别人。如果有舍不得家中妻儿或嫌当土匪名声不好的，可趁早提出来，本老爷马上放你们回去和家人团聚！”
张云卿话音刚落，队伍里走出一个高瘦的男人，躬身道：“谢谢满老爷，小的愿意回家。”
张云卿感到面熟，似乎在哪里见过，问道：“你叫什么名，哪里人？”
高个子欠身道：“小的叫乔立成，就住在北门闸，开了一间杂货铺。”
张云卿终于记起来了，去年八九月份，他和沈鸿英进城侦察军事设施，正是在这位乔立成的杂货铺里喝茶，险些打起架来。张云卿面露微笑，说道：“哟，原来是你呀，还记得我么？”
乔立成摇头：“不记得，我开店子每天都要接待很多人，不可能每个人都记得的。”
张云卿敛起笑，问道：“你在北门闸开了一间杂货铺，怎么到牢里来了？”
乔立成道：“说起来很冤枉，今年春上，隔壁屋里闹贼，那个贼本来已经给团团围住了，还想逃跑，我赶在前头一棍子劈过去，不想失手打死了人。就这样我被抓进牢里来了，街坊每天都有人去县政府保我，好歹留下一条命。”
张云卿点头：“原来是这样，怪不得你不愿跟着我当土匪。也好，我成全你。”
乔立成连连称谢。
“不过，”张云卿道，“你吃了我的酒饭，却不愿意跟我干，从道义上这是说不过去的。老乔，你说，这事该怎么办？”
“吃了你的酒饭，我还给你。”
“说得好！请快点还来。”
“小的家在附近，容我去去就来，我可以叫家人多拿些过来还你。”
张云卿摇头：“多一粒饭我也不要，就要我原来的。来人啦，把老乔刚刚吃下去的饭全部取出来！”
张云卿的后面，立刻闪出两位五大三粗的汉子来，扭住乔立成，三下五去二剥开外衣，露出赤裸的上身，也不顾他挣扎和喊叫，用利刀剖开肚皮，硬是把胃内的饭、菜用刀背往外扒……
犯人中很多不敢看下去，张云卿却大笑不止，直到乔立成胃里的食物被扒空，人也昏死过去。
张云卿喝令道：“把他拖出城去，我这里不再需要他！”几位大汉架着乔立成离开皇城坪，他才笑着对新入伙的手下说：“弟兄们，没什么大不了的，小事一桩，我相信每一位都是真心跟随我的。这样就很好，今后，我们有福同享、有难同当，有我一口硬饭，就不会让你们喝稀粥！不过——”他停下来，扫视一眼众人，“谁要是生二心，或者不肯服从我，刚才就是例子！”
新土匪们就地打了一个寒颤，有的连尿都吓了出来。
制服了新土匪，张云卿转过身，在数位马弁的簇拥下昂首阔步走回县政府。
傍晚，钟雪华骑着小白龙回来。此时，张云卿正在会议室与朱云汉、张顺彩、杨相晚商量如何迎接赵融、刘异进城。他见钟雪华回来，指了指前面的椅子令其坐下，问道：“带回消息没有？”
钟雪华道：“满老爷果然神机妙算，易豪这次确实去了燕子岩，把我们的寨子点起火全部烧了。”
“他找到我的东西没有？”这是张云卿最关心的。
“还好，没找着。他们一伙人像疯了似的，每个地方都找遍了，还挖地三尺。只是万万没有想到，在那么高的悬——”钟雪华说到这里，见张云卿瞪他的眼，慌忙把后面的话咽下，转口道，“我去洞口找过刘异，没找着，后来我想一定是在张光文家里，没想到果然就在那里。”
“你没有暴露自己吧？”
“没有，我哪会那么笨。”钟雪华得意道，“我把小白龙寄在镇上伙铺里，趁着夜色摸到张光文家里，见一处窗口亮了灯，我走过去用舌头舔破窗纸，就发现赵融和刘异在里面了。”
张云卿满意地点点头，叱退钟雪华，转对朱、张、杨三位说：“干脆我们把张光文也一起迎进城里！”
杨相晚击掌道：“说得对，早就该让他清醒清醒了，免得老是在暗中跟我们作对。”
“那就这样定了。”张云卿说，“朱老爷、彩老爷下去各自准备，标语要大幅，锣鼓、鞭炮要备足，要让赵融、刘异感到高兴，让张光文感到我们是不可侵犯的。另外，南门、西门、北门的人头都要在吃早饭前移到东门城楼去——这可是最厚重的欢迎礼物。”
朱云汉等人离去，忽听得外面有叫骂之声，十分刺耳。张云卿问是何人在外喧闹，一位贴身马弁进来报告道：“是谢队长抓了一位捣乱分子。”
一会，谢老狗进来汇报道：“满老爷，乔立成回到家不久就死了。他的儿子不知天高地厚拿着两把菜刀扬言要为父亲报仇，我把他抓来了。怎么处置？”
张云卿的喉结动了动：“我最讨厌他的声音，把他的舌头割了。”
外面的叫骂声十分刺耳，谢老狗出去一阵，传来一声惨叫，叫骂声便停止了。张云卿的脸上露出一丝阴笑，径直走到县政府招待所——刚放出来的土豪、劣绅都住在这里。
土劣们把张云卿当成活菩萨一样拥戴，张云卿要他们做好准备，明天迎接赵融、刘异进城，然后头也不回地离开。
走了一段路，感到后面有人跟随，正要转身，很快辨出这脚步声非常熟悉。他停了脚步。
“顺路。”一个声音十分轻柔。
虽然这叫声是真诚发自内心，但张云卿内心却涌起了一股厌恶感，乃至不想回头一顾。
“顺路，我老了。我知道你不会再喜欢我，可是，你总不能不理我呀。我已经五十多岁，到了现在，心里记挂的，就你一个男人……”
“梅满娘，对不起，我很忙，我要办事去了。”
“可是，你总得转过身，让我好好看看你呀！”
“不必了。你我的债务早就一笔勾销。今日我救了你，那是我还息给你。从此，我们各不相欠。”
“你……你不是说过喜欢我么？”
“你是聪明人，一位年轻男人，怎会真心喜欢一位半老徐娘？是的，我曾违心说过喜欢，那是为了自己的前途。现在，我不需再求助你了，我们——就到此了结吧。”
“你……真寡情……”梅满娘抽泣。
“我正是记念过去的一点情分，才不愿回头看你。从前，你在我的印象中是徐娘半老，可这些年，你显然是老丑得不成体统。如果回头一顾，以前的印象会荡然无存——你在我心目中会留下永久的丑陋形象。”说完，大步流星走开。
次日一早，张云卿令钟雪华率一帮人，牵了三匹马去石背张家接赵融、刘异、张光文。这次的欢迎会非常成功。
当张光文通过东门城门洞口时，张云卿发现他伸手抹脖子，走近后，有意打趣道：“光文兄，大晴天的，抹脖子干吗，莫非天要下雨不成？”
“是啊，”张光文笑道，“清平世界，朗朗乾坤，天上居然下起了血雨。顺路兄，这次你不会是请我赴鸿门宴吧？”
张云卿哈哈大笑，拍着他的马首，指了指人群中的张光火