Chapter 30 The twenty-seventh round of the customs accepting bribes and begging for mercy at night, the supervisor was thanked by the hospital bed

Guangxu and the queen were talking in the palace, and one of them came in rashly. When they saw each other, they were scared out of their wits.Do you know who this person is?It turned out to be Li Deyong, the empress dowager's favorite eunuch.Why can Li Deyong enter the palace freely?This is usually ordered by the Empress Dowager.This time he ran to Guangxu Palace, because the Empress Dowager saw Guangxu crying during the day, knowing that he must have been moved by the scene of "Lianyingzhai", so touching the scene made him feel sad and shed so many tears.She thought that Guangxu was recovering from a long illness, and this sadness meant that the old illness must have relapsed, and his death was not far away, so she sent Li De to spy on everything in private.It has to be used to eavesdrop on the outer ear of the palace gate, and hear the voice of the empress.He said in his heart that the empress dared to come before the emperor without obeying Lafayette's order. She was indeed quite courageous, so she made up her mind to eavesdrop carefully.The queen's words of persuasion to Guangxu were spared, and he listened to them all.Later, when he heard Guangxu's words, he stuck out his tongue in the dark, thinking that it was amazing!If the Empress Dowager died first, once he took over the power, he might have to kill or cut as many as possible.I wanted to go back and report to the Empress Dowager, but then changed my mind, it was not appropriate, let the Empress Dowager find out, and in vain created a great crime for the two of them, after all, it is of no benefit to me.In Guangxu, if it was I who said it, the resentment in his heart will be deeper. If it falls into his hands in the future, the guy who eats in my field will not be able to grow long. Why don't I just give him a favor?Besides, there is one more thing, if you take this opportunity to ask him, he must not refuse.He agreed, and the 400,000 silver was safe in my waist. Why didn't I do this pretty business?Thinking of this, he gently lifted the curtain and walked in sideways.Seeing Guangxu, he hurriedly greeted him with both legs, saying that the slave asked the master good night.Turning around, he asked for peace again: "Slave, please be good to your mother." When the two men saw each other, they felt like thorns on their backs, and the queen shook her clothes in fright and fought.Or Guangxu had some guts, still holding on to his emperor airs, and asked lightly: "What are you doing in my palace in the middle of the night?" Seeing Guangxu scolding him, Li Deyong quickly knelt down and kowtowed: "I have nothing to do with you, my slave!" I didn't dare to surprise Shengjia. Just because the queen mother, Lafayette, was tired from watching the theater for a day, I was afraid that her newly healed body would not be able to support it, so she sent a servant to visit. This is also a little compassion from Lafayette, who loves the emperor. That's why the slave dared to enter the palace without knowing that the empress, Feng Jia, was also here. The slave alarmed the holy car, and he deserved death, and I begged the master and the empress to be extra merciful and forgive the slave." After saying that, he kowtowed again and again.Guangxu heard that it was the Queen Mother's order, so he didn't dare to neglect, stood up quickly, and said to Li Deyong: "So Lafayette sent you to visit me, get up quickly, don't kneel down." Li Deyong But he made a deliberate gesture and said, "I beg the master to forgive my innocence, so that I dare to get up." Guangxu laughed and said, "I forgive you for your innocence, why don't you get up?" My master's grace." Then he got up and stood beside him with his hands down.Guangxu stood up and asked him: "How is the Empress Dowager in the evening?" He had to reply with a bow: "Don't worry about it, Master, Lafayette is very energetic at night. He is still sitting and playing chess with Princess Rongshou. "At this time, the queen couldn't bear it anymore, Xiang Deyong said: "Mr. Li, I beg you for one thing, and you must do it." If you have anything to do, please give me an order. This servant will do it for you even if you go through fire and water. There is no such thing as begging. This servant really can't bear the stretcher." The queen said: "It's nothing else. I came to the emperor's palace just now. When you see Lafayette later, don't mention a single word, lest the old man get angry." He said with a smile: "Why does your mother regard this slave as a bad person? I really want to tell my master that this slave is in front of Lafayette." , cover up everything, talk a lot of good things, never say bad things. What I mean by slaves, I always hope that mothers and sons-in-law and daughter-in-law are harmonious. We serve as slaves, which saves a lot of trouble. Pulling my wife's tongue, slaves never do that Your Majesty asks you to be safe." After listening to his high-sounding words, Empress Guangxu believed it to be true, immediately let go of her heart, and said with a smile on her face: "You have to use it. We also know that you are a good person, because these slaves recently They are virtuous and foolish, and sometimes they show courteousness in front of Lafayette and provoke a lot of right and wrong with a few words, so we have to guard against it." Deyong said: "Who says it's not? The slave hates it so much because of these things. The last time Wang Degong, who was in charge of combing the Buddha's hair, said for no reason that the concubine Zhen cursed the Lafayette behind his back, and he hated her so much that the old man immediately called the concubine Zhen to his eyes, scolded the concubine Zhen, and even slapped him. Yes The slave knelt on the ground and kowtowed for hundreds of times, his forehead was swollen, and he just begged for it. Later I found out that it was a play of meritorious deeds, and the slave cursed me so much. The day before yesterday, I told the Queen Mother He is unreliable. Lafayette was still willing to listen to the servant, and immediately dismissed his post and deported him. Madam, please think about it and you will know the character of the servant. How can you tell the Queen Mother about the matter just now? Guangxu said: "For several years, I have not known that you are so honest and reliable, and I will treat you differently in the future."

When this sentence was needed, he immediately knelt down and kowtowed: "I thank the master for his kindness." Having said that, he took out his handkerchief and wiped away his tears.Guangxu hurriedly asked: "Why are you crying? Is there something embarrassing?" De Yong said: "The slave has one thing, and he has to ask the master to decide. It is just a pen for the master. The slave's parents, uncles, aunts, brothers, nephews, etc. The family is big, but they are all blessed by God." Guangxu hurriedly asked him what was the matter, and said: "The slave's parents gave birth to three slaves, and the slave has been working in the palace since he was sixteen. Farming is a business. The slave and his uncle and aunt are both blind, and they also rely on the slave's family for food. The family has 50 mu of Susukida, which is not enough for chewing, and it happens to catch up with the drought. The slave has four nephews, all If you are not successful, you will only spend money, not earn money. The servant earns a little money in this job, and if it is not enough to entertain, how can he take it back to support the family. Poor parents and uncles are often hungry, and the servant thinks of it, and shed tears for a while The day before yesterday, someone suddenly told the servants that there was a lack of supervision at the Guangdong Customs, and that he was about to be released. It was Chang Chun, a doctor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. He should go according to the order, but he was afraid that the Long Live God would not like him and let someone else go. So he is willing to give out 100,000 silver to the slave as a family support, and ask the slave to say a good word for him in front of the Long Live Lord, and let him go for the shortcomings of the Guangdong Customs. I refused him. Later, the introducer said: "His shift deserves this job, and Long Live God will never let others go. You are happy to give him this ready money, why do you want to reply him?" The slave said: "Although he deserves it, even if I use his money, if I don't tell the Lord Long Live, I will be charged with the crime of deceiving the king." How many heads does the servant have, dare to do the deceitful thing? So I said to him: This matter must be made clear to the Lord Long Live. If the Lord Long Live takes pity on my poor family and allows me to ask for his money, it is according to his will. He will neither deceive the king nor his friends. If the Lord Long Live does not allow me to ask for it Whether you let him go or not, I will never dare to use the money.' Today, the slave is bold and tells the matter to the Lord Long Live. Whether you want it or not, you can only order it according to the will of the Lord Long Live. I will not bear the hunger and hunger of the servant's family, just ask the imperial pen to draw a red circle on Changchun's head, and the servant's family will have enough to eat." After saying that, he kowtowed again and again, wiping away tears.Guangxu raised his head and thought about it, and asked De Yong: "Isn't the Guangdong Customs Supervisor who should be released this year called Chang Xing?" De Yong hurriedly said: "Yes, there is Chang Xing, but his qualifications are Very shallow. Besides, this person has only one eye, and his five sense organs are incomplete. If the master sends him there, it will be a bit inelegant for the court." Guangxu said: "Your words are also reasonable, but when you met the empress dowager last time, , the old man once asked me face to face, saying that this time the Guangdong Customs will change people, you should ask Changxing to go. I had to agree at that time, if Changchun is now transferred, will the Queen Mother not turn against me?" Deyong said: "This Please rest assured, the master on the first level, all the slaves at Lafayette's side go to clear it alone, and the master is definitely not to blame. In fact, the slave should not say it, but why should Lafayette! The gold in her old man's inner treasury is only a piece of gold. Hundreds of thousands, why bother to be greedy for such a small gain? Chang Xing asked Wang Degong to say that if he was released, he would rather pay Lafayette 200,000 in cash, which is actually 300,000. Ten thousand. Master, please think, if he is willing to spend 300,000 capital, he will not harm the merchants and people when he comes to Ren in the future? If Changchun is released, it is a trivial matter for the slave to get some benefits. He will definitely work for the master and not cause trouble Get angry." Guangxu thought for a while, I can offend the Queen Mother, but not Li Deyong.Because I offended the Queen Mother, I need to say a word or two of good words for the empress dowager, and then the mist will disappear.If there is a reason to offend him, he will gossip in front of the queen mother, and my crime will be serious.Besides, the empress came here today out of a good intention to take care of me. If I am not allowed to use what I have invited, he will come back and tell the empress dowager all the things the empress thinks of me. Wouldn't my poor imperial wife be punished again? Abuse?I have turned into repaying virtue with hatred.Thinking of this, he smiled and said to Deyong: "Since you said it once, and it is related to the life of your family, I can definitely do anything for you. But if the Queen Mother blames you, you have to bear it." You have to listen to Guangxu He agreed and was very happy, so he crawled on the ground and kowtowed to thank him.He also promised that the queen mother would be offended, and she would have her own slaves to resolve it, and would never do the work of the master.Guangxu said: "In this case, you go!" You had to kowtow and stand up before you quit. Guangxu called him back again and said, "I have something to discuss with you. You secretly tell the imperial dining room, I have two meals a day, morning and evening, and ask them to cook something edible, so I can satisfy my hunger, so don’t eat that sour and smelly thing.” After hearing that, I was a little embarrassed, hesitated for a moment, and just now Played: "I really dare not be the master of this matter, because Lafayette has an order. The slave has a flexible method. Fortunately, the empress's bedroom is not far from the master's bedroom. It is best to send half of the empress's imperial meal to the master. It is enough. Liao Xiaofu, who was sent by Lafayette to inspect the master's food and drink, is the slave's apprentice, and the slave told him not to disclose it, so I think it will be fine. We have to do it this way." Guangxu nodded, saying that it was very good.The queen at the side also strongly agrees, so I have to use it just now.

In the early morning of the next day, the Minister of Military Aircraft, Prince En, really released the names of the three people who should be released by the Guangdong Customs Supervision. Xing, the third party is Changchun.There was a reason for all of this.In terms of qualifications, Changtai is the deepest.He has been working in the Ministry of Internal Affairs for seventeen years. He was promoted to the head of the hall by the pen post, then to the doctor of the hall, and then to the doctor of Duanpiku.With a total income of no less than 200,000 yuan every year, he is still not satisfied, so he must ask for it to be released.In the former Qing Dynasty, the most famous gaps in the country were the four gaps of Guangdong Customs Supervision, Hangzhou Weaving, Changlu Salt Administration, and Lianghuai Salt Administration Road.There are millions of dollars in money every year, and non-banner people cannot get it, and the banner people who are not the banner people of the Ministry of Internal Affairs cannot let go.In the Qing Dynasty, this office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs was like a concierge of a royal servant.Every plant and tree in the palace is undertaken by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and all food and living, down to the smallest detail, must be prepared in advance by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.To put it bluntly, he is the servant of the emperor's family.Therefore, the bannermen of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are one level lower than those of the Manchurian Banners, but there is one advantage. All the staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs have full pockets and hundreds of thousands of dollars in their pockets.Even those who work as small errands are more generous than the ministers of other ministries.Because there are hundreds of jingshuo warehouses in this house of internal affairs, for example, those in charge of silk and satin are called satin piku, those in charge of leather are called leather warehouses, those in charge of dim sum are called dianku, those in charge of tea are called tea warehouses, and those in charge of fruits are called tea warehouses. The fruit library, which is in charge of fragrant flowers, is called the flower library.Even the Manchurians are very superstitious, and they always have to burn incense to the Buddha for three days and two days, so the House of Internal Affairs has added an offering storehouse and an incense storehouse.And so on, if you have something to eat, wear, and use, you have a storehouse.With this treasury, there will be a doctor in charge of the treasury, and the richness and barrenness of the treasury affairs have been separated for a long time.As far as the annual expenditure of the Ministry of Internal Affairs is no less than tens of millions.In fact, the people in the mansion, from the chief minister to the pen post, are all full of wine bags and rice bags, and they have nothing to do except to put on airs.Why is it not a pity to spend so much fat and anointing every year?According to the regulations of the Qing Dynasty, the eunuchs in the palace should be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In fact, they are in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, not the Ministry of Internal Affairs.As a husband, when he saw an official of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, his eyes widened, bigger than a glazed lamp, and he would give him whatever he wanted.He was slow in agreeing, and his mouth immediately turned to his face.It doesn't matter if you are the minister in charge, if you provoke the eunuch, if you make two slanderous remarks on the empress dowager, if you drag it over, you will get forty imperial sticks, and there is no place to complain about your grievances after the beating is over.This is all the inexhaustible aftermath of the era of absolute monarchy.People in the Ministry of Internal Affairs just want to make more money.I'm bored with errands, and I have to exercise outside.Customs weaving is what they should be promoted to.

At first, even the Minister of Salt Administration belonged to them as a monopoly, but later the governor of Zhili, Liu Changyou, forced him to take the blame, and then he was changed to the governor's part-time job.Speaking of it, it's a joke.Originally, in the early Qing Dynasty, the official vacancies for the establishment of the Salt Administration were to make the banner people rich, and had no other meaning.There is a salt transport envoy to handle affairs, so why bother to add another salt administration?What's more, the officials of the salt government are only of the fourth rank, but the salt transport envoys are of the third rank.However, after the Yanzheng took office, the Yanyun envoy handed over the manuscript and attended the ceremony in court.When Yanzheng went to worship the priest, it was all parallel, but when he saw the envoy, he put on the airs of his boss.In the past, there was a Yanzheng Yamen in Tianjin, and there was a common road inside the gate of the Yanzheng Yamen.At that time, when Jinhedao passed his yamen in a sedan chair, he could enter and leave the gate and pass freely.Yuntai didn't dare, except that the sedan chair could be carried into the Yuanmen during the audience. If he passed here normally, he had to make a detour and pass outside the Yuanmen.It can be seen that there is no certain standard for the official rank in the monarchy era.One year, a salt official came in, but he was born in a wealthy family and was not up to world affairs.The governor of Zhili at that time was Liu Changyou.Liu Changyou was a hero of Ping Hong and Yang, and he was treated differently by the court.After he took office, he felt that the governor's vacancy was very poor, so he thought of the Yanzheng government.A table was prepared for this day, and the Yanzheng was specially invited to have a meal, accompanied by envoys and Jin Dao.When the wine was half drunk, Liu Changyou smiled and said to Yan Zheng: "Brother, I have something to discuss with my brother today. No matter what, I have to ask my brother to make it happen." ?Still thinking that it was a trap, he said with a sigh of relief: "If there is anything wrong with the old man, I will entrust it to the late student. The late student will definitely do his best and will never refuse." Come on, what can I do for you?Just borrow some money from you.Thinking of this, he smiled and replied: "Brother is willing to help, it is the best thing. Brother used to only work in the military camp, and the expenses were light. If you have a little money, you can do it perfunctorily. And he is stupid by nature, and he doesn't care about it." I know how to save money, and I spend most of my life as an official, but I still have two sleeves. Now, thanks to the grace of the emperor, I ordered me to open a mansion in Zhili. All the entertainment and expenses are very expensive, but I have no money. The annual maintenance is only 18,000 Thousands of silver are not enough for a month's chewing. The rest of the income is nothing. I am not afraid of your brother's jokes, and even pawned all the clothes and jewelry of my wife. Now it is extremely helpless, so I discuss it with your brother .Brother’s salt business, every year is calm and smooth, and the income of 1.2 million taels is guaranteed. Brother is not presumptuous, and I plan to accommodate your brother. I only borrow 200,000 a year. Your brother has a One million is enough. This is our personal friendship, not an example. If the brother is transferred, he can still restore the original state, and he will never let the next one know. Guess your brother is generous and will never spare a thousand dollars. Nuo, brothers will benefit endlessly."

At this time, Yan Zheng wanted to change to a shrewd one, said a few good words, promised him one hundred thousand silver, and the matter was resolved peacefully.Unexpectedly, the more anointed the disciples are, the more stingy they are.Don't look at him squandering by himself on weekdays, he doesn't feel sorry for thousands of dollars, if it's a show of face, generosity and righteousness, he won't pull out a dime.As for what is a relationship of interest, he doesn't even understand.Hearing Liu Changyou's words, he understood that this was called extortion, but he had made up his mind not to ask you to extort.But if you don't call out, you have to have a way to deal with it, and you can't offend others verbally.Unexpectedly, he didn't think much, so he blurted out: "How much money is earned by Wansheng? The old man has never been in the salt administration, so how would he know? Besides, even if Wansheng really got 1.2 million, it is the grace of the emperor." , no matter who can share this sum of the emperor's favor. The old senior sees my shortcomings, why don't you ask the emperor to send you to be a salt administrator? It's not only 200,000, the 1.2 million is all enjoyed by the old senior alone, wouldn't it be better Is it?" This remark made Yun Shi, Jin Dao and a group of accompanying guests all turn pale with panic.Unexpectedly, Liu Changyou was old and cunning, he was not angry at all, he just smiled slightly: "Your brother is too serious, brother is just talking for fun. If you are willing to borrow, it is a favor, and if you don't, it is your duty, and you will never dare to borrow it." Don't force yourself, don't misunderstand." After speaking, he picked up the wine glass again and kept letting the wine go.From then on, I never mentioned this word again, instead, I talked about it, got close to each other, and parted happily with each other.

In the night of that day, Liu Changyou specially invited a close Shaoxing master to his bedroom, turned away his family, and told the details of what happened just now. He must ask the master to think of a way to vent his grievances.This master's surname is Huang Shulang, and his name is Bai. He is known as "Weasel" in the United States. He is sensitive in mind and skillful in swords and pens. He is finally an outstanding talent in the shogunate.Now that he heard that his master had been insulted, how could he be willing?After pondering for a while, he whispered to Changyou's ear.Changyou applauded unknowingly: "Good plan! Good plan! It's not too late. I'll ask the old master to draft the draft and send it out today." The weasel agreed and went back to his room. And just.A memorial to the imperial court and two private letters: one was addressed to Zeng Guofan, governor of Liangjiang, and the other was addressed to Prince Gong, minister of military aircraft, and presented to Liu Changyou for review the next day.After Changyou finished reading, he praised: "It's very good!" The three manuscripts were not handed over to the Qing Dynasty for copying, but they were all left in the upper room, and asked his own son to write them and send them out one after another.Not half a month later, Yanzheng Fuhai suddenly received a letter from the military aircraft department.Fu Hai saw it, and was stunned, unable to breathe for a while.It turned out that the imperial post said: "According to the emperor's order, Changlu Yanzheng Fuhai did not handle it well, and the affairs of the department were handed over to Liu Changyou as an agent. After Fuhai handed over, he still has to stay in Tianjin to wait for investigation. After the investigation is found out, he will go again." Decree. For these reasons, Fuhai was ordered to obey and handle it. The military plane sent it." Fuhai saw this court letter, and after thinking about it, it seemed that an oil and salt shop had opened in Wuzang Temple, and he couldn't tell it was suffering. It is salty, sour or spicy.At this time, he suddenly realized that the source of this was all from Liu Changyou.If I knew this earlier, I generously promised him 200,000 yuan at that time, how could there be such a problem?It's too late to regret now, and I dare not disobey my will.I have to ask Changyou immediately for instructions on when to pick him up, and I don't know who is investigating me, maybe it is Liu Changyou.I had a quarrel with him in the past, how can he forgive me now?In the future, there will be no charge for it.The more I thought about it, the more afraid I became, so I immediately invited the Salt Transport Envoy and asked him to unblock it.

The envoy of Salt Transport, surnamed Ji and named Qian, was also a bannerman and had deep opinions with Fuhai on weekdays.Because Jiqian is very old among the bannermen, he is an old academician, and he is the same year as Fuhai's father, so he is still Fuhai's old uncle.Fu Hai's father was the governor of Jiangsu Province, and he stripped a lot of people's fat. He donated a doctor for Fu Hai to work in the Ministry of Internal Affairs.After the old man passed away, he spent money to take care of it, and actually gave it to a real lack of doctor.He was still unsatisfied, and wanted to let it go, just in time for the Changlu Yanzheng to be vacant, so he spent half a million yuan to take the vacancy into his hands.When he took office, Ji Qian thought he was an old man, and he wanted to save face no matter what.Unexpectedly, when meeting him for the first time, he actually accepted the manuscript, and he didn't stop him during the court appearance, which blew up the lungs of this old Hanlin.He wanted to resign and quit, but he was reluctant to give up the good job, so he could only grit his teeth and endure it.From then on, he made up his mind to never see Fuhai, even if he lived two lives in three festivals, he only had one account in his handbook to count as a business trip.Because of this, Fu Hai felt very unhappy with him.But he was old, and Governor Liu Changyou took good care of him, so there was nothing he could do if he got angry.But now I think of him coming, send someone over there, please come right away.But I forgot to put on airs like my boss in the face of resignation.This kind of outdated affairs can be considered to the extreme.Unexpectedly, the family members have gone, but when they came back, they said that Mr. Ji had sent a message that he was sick in bed and could not go out. If there is an urgent business, please write a letter.When Fuhai heard this, he felt very disappointed, and immediately passed the sedan chair to the Yuntai yamen to seek medical advice.

When Ji Qian heard that he came in person, the old sly official was well-informed, and he knew that he must have a special accident related to his own body. He quickly lay down on the bed, pulled a quilt to cover it, and ordered his family to invite Mr. Fu to the bedroom to talk. .Fu Hai entered his bedroom, but saw Ji Qian lying on the bed, covered with a quilt, moaning endlessly.Seeing Fuhai coming in, he kowtowed on the pillow, humming in his mouth and said, "Because I'm sick, I blasphemed Your Excellency. I deserve death. I kowtow to Your Excellency here." Fu Hai hurriedly walked over, stopped him and said: "What is the old man doing? My nephew heard that you are sick, so he hurried over to pay his respects. Why did the old man make a fuss?" Ji Qian thought that this boy was possessed by the devil today. Ever since he took office, I have never heard him greet me as an uncle. Why did he change his tone today?Thinking of this, he kowtowed again and again: "My lord, if you call me this, I won't die of illness, but I will also have to shorten my life. This is an old problem in the past, and now the situation is far away. Please respect your lord, and don't lose the honor of the imperial envoy." Decent." Ji Qian's harsh words made Fu Hai's face turn red.It's not good to be humble, and it's not good to be humble, so I just sat down on the edge of the bed with an old face, and called Nian Bo in a low voice: "my nephew is young and ignorant, I offended you old man before, don't take it too seriously I also ask Uncle Nian to think of his father's love for the same ranking, and think of a way for my nephew." After hearing this, Ji Qian understood in his heart, but pretended to be confused, and deliberately asked: "My lord, what do you think? After a long time, why did it happen? You told me to think about it, where can I use this method?" Fuhai was so ashamed and funny when asked this question, why didn't he tell others about the matter, let others think about it first The truth of the method?He quickly took Ting Ji out of his arms and handed it to Ji Qian for reading.After Ji Qian finished reading it, he returned it to him. Immediately, he stopped greeting the lord, and said coldly: "This is the order, how can there be any room for thinking? You hand it over as soon as possible, and it's over. Don't you dare to resist the order?" Fu Hai Said: "How dare you resist the decree? But..." At this point, he hesitated for a moment, and Fang continued: "But Liu Zhijun's side, before the banquet last time, my nephew offended him. Uncle Nian saw it with his own eyes. It's too embarrassing to entrust the matter to him now and see his face. Besides, there is still a layer of investigation, and it is expected that he will not be able to escape from his hands. If he becomes a mess again in the future, what will happen to my nephew's future? Isn't it ruined? The old man can't just ignore it no matter what, you have to try to save my face and future. In any case, we are always the same people, not for the sake of my nephew, but also for my late father It's just a matter of face." Hearing that he said it was pitiful, Ji Qian also felt a little bit of compassion when he remembered that his father was really good in Japan.Only then did he openly and honestly take out his identity as an old man and lecture him: "You young people are really inexperienced. In the past, when Liu Zhijun asked you for money, you should promise him some money when you know the time. Even if If you can't do it with 200,000, why can't you still get 100,000? You say such repulsive words, and you don't even think about it. The military is so powerful today that even the empress dowager has to deal with him three points What's more, how can we, a flag-breaking officer, offend him? It's obvious that he has conjured up the right and wrong, trying to monopolize the beauty of the salt government. Under his wrist, the ugly daughter-in-law also has to see her in-laws, but she hurried to see him and handed over the matter completely. Since he got what he wanted, he won't make things difficult for you anymore. As for the matter of investigation, as far as I think, absolutely impossible It was assigned to him, because he is the plaintiff, and there is no reason in the world to send the plaintiff to investigate the defendant. We hurriedly inquired who was the investigator, and it was too late to clear up the investigation, and it seemed that we would not be charged again. But this seal We must not hold on to it anymore. You must know that the Military Aircraft Department has sent it to you, and of course it also sent it to him. If you do not hand it over after two days of delay, he will send a telegram to the Military Aircraft Department, saying that you resist If you don’t hand in the decree, I’m afraid you won’t be able to eat, and you will have to walk around.”

This remark reminded Fuhai, and he greeted Ji Qian three times and said four times: "My nephew is a fan of the authorities. If I don't owe my old man's sincere advice, my disaster must be serious. I will go to meet Liu Zhijun today and ask him to take care of me." The day of the seal. If you have any news tomorrow, I will come to learn from the old man." After saying that, he resigned from Ji Qian and did not go back to the Yamen, and went to pay homage to Liu Changyou.The word came out that we will meet in the flower hall.Fuhai waited in the flower hall for a while, and Liu Changyou came out. As soon as they saw each other, Fuhai greeted An Daoxi, saying that the late student would first come to congratulate the old senior, and second, he would ask for the date of receiving the seal, so that he could make proper preparations.Changyou hurriedly took his hand and replied: "Brother, don't worry too much. Brother Yu was very sad when he received the post from the court today. Brother Yu and I get along very well. In the past, at the banquet, we only talked a few words. Just a joke, but now that this happened, it seems that Brother Yu has some effect, so I feel embarrassed. I have already replied to the pleading resignation today, please calm down, brother, and there is no need to rush to explain it. In case there is a change, You don’t have to hand it over and over again, it’s just a lot of trouble.” Hearing this, Fu Hai thought to himself that you are really a cat crying for a mouse, why are you pretending to be merciful!In the end, he didn't dare to offend him in face, so he had to believe it and said: "The old man's kindness, Wan Sheng really appreciates it. But the emperor's will, how dare I, as a courtier in my generation, disobey it? The seal of the Yanzheng is temporarily taken over. Wait for the holy wrath to subside, and then ask the old seniors to help. Besides, after Wansheng relinquishes, he is still waiting for the crime to be investigated. Sin is God's grace, and I dare not hope to be re-elected." Liu Changyou said: "What my brother said is very true. If we don't handle it according to the order at this time, we will add a layer of sin to you, so we can simply write as usual tomorrow. Do it first, to cover people's eyes. As for the investigation, no matter who comes, brother Yu will defend my brother in many ways, and I will never make you feel wronged." Seeing that he promised to accept the seal, Fu Hai promised to cover it up for himself , Let go of your fear a little, and quickly thank you.When he returned to his yamen, he sent an order to prepare for an explanation.

In the afternoon of the next day, Liu Changyou went to the Yanzheng Yamen in a sedan chair, first looked at the palace to thank him, and then worshiped the seal.All the officials and subordinates of the Yanzheng yamen have attended the hall, and after talking a few gossips with Fu Hai, they returned to their yamen with their seals.His old man is considered to have added the title of salt administration.Poor Fuhai still has to live in Tianjin after his confession, pending investigation.Who did the investigators send?However, Zeng Guofan, governor of Liangjiang, was sent.Zeng Zhongtang got the will, and he knew the long-term cause and near-effect of this matter in his heart.Because Liu Changyou had informed him beforehand and asked him to speak to the Military Aircraft Department on his behalf.At this time, Zeng Zhongtang said everything he said, who in the court would dare to offend him?Therefore, this beauty was directly given to Liu Changyou, and the responsibility for the investigation was fully entrusted to Zhongtang.Lao Zeng appointed Peng Yuju as an alternate, and went to Tianjin to investigate on the spot.Peng Yuju lived in the governor's yamen and asked Liu Changyou how to report this matter.After all, Liu Changyou was born as a warrior, with a loyal heart, and he didn't want to go too far.Find Ji Qian, the envoy of salt transportation, and signal to him to convey to Fuhai, pay a few dollars, and clear up the investigation committee, and everything will be fine.Later, Fuhai paid 150,000 taels of silver, the investigation committee got 100,000, and Jiqian used 50,000. They only recovered one Changlu salt business.Moreover, the salt government has no local power, and it cannot command the states and counties as they wish in matters such as investigation and arrest.As for Fu Hai himself, who has no personal malpractice, how to rectify it, I ask the lord to review it and implement it. I am not a professional who dares to draw up, and vaguely repeats this set of official affairs.On the one hand, he excused Fu Hai, but on the other hand, he spoke for Liu Changyou.When Commissioner Peng came, he was actually sent by Zeng Zhongtang to make such a reply.So I am happy to push the boat along the way, to be a favor, and to get a hundred thousand silver for nothing is the cheapest thing.Sure enough, it was reported, and Zeng Zhongtang played back accordingly.Liu Changyou's Military Aircraft Department had already finished its campaign, but within three days, it issued a decree: "Changlu Salt Administration should be merged with Zhili Governor and Governor, and Fuhai will come to Beijing to serve, hereby." The above is Changlu Salt Administration. In the history of the merger, the bannerman's ability is weak, which can be seen here.

Gossip less, but said that Guangxu saw the list of people who asked Jane to release the Guangdong Customs, hesitated for a moment, then picked up a ink brush and drew a big circle on the head of the third Changchun.Followed by the eunuch who was close to take down the list, but he refused to announce it suddenly, so he came to the military plane first.Seeing that it was the eunuch accompanying the emperor, Prince En dared to be negligent, and hurriedly got up to give up his seat.The rest of the military ministers also poured him tea and offered him cigarettes.Prince En asked: "Master Zhang, you have just been on duty to serve the driver. Have you ever seen Lord Long live circle out the customs supervision?" See, send out the list earlier to save people from waiting. The usual happy money can't escape anyway." Zhang Deli said with a smile: "The old prince can say what's ready-made. , no exceptions. Once it comes to us, opening our mouths is an example, and closing our mouths is an example. Does anyone in Guangdong Customs know that it is a famous beauty shortage? We like money as usual, but it is only 800 silver. Excuse me, my lord, the 800 silver Everyone points, and it’s my turn to be under the name of Lao Zhang. It’s only four or five taels. How many times have I run back and forth, it’s not enough to buy boots to wear! It’s inconvenient for me to catch up with others on duty. Passing by my hand? There is nothing else to say, but I have to ask the prince to take the lead and call the three of them together. Who would want to know the news early and tell him to break the broken banknotes and show the silver first. I will immediately It is a free gift to hear the happy news, can the prince not do it?" Prince En said with a smile: "It is very easy to do this. Now the three of them are all waiting for the order in the military aircraft room. Come as soon as you call." After that, he ordered the servants to go to the messenger room to call Chang Tai, Chang Xing, and Chang Chun together, and said that Master Zhang, the inner fan, was waiting for them here. It didn't take much time to serve people, but the three of them came together.They are all officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and they often meet with Zhang Deli on weekdays. Although they dare not make mistakes in face, after all, because the emperor is out of time, the eunuchs in Guangxu's side can't do what the Queen Mother does. Li was very unhappy with them.Today, however, it fell into his hands, and the eunuchs on the side of the Empress Dowager had no right to intervene in the matter of hand-picked delivery of the decree.At this time, the three of them had no choice but to curry favor with him. When they met, they greeted him deeply, and even said hello to Mr. Zhang.Zhang Deli just raised his head and didn't even pay attention.The three of them greeted Minister Wang again, and Prince En told the three of them what Lao Zhang meant, and asked him how much money the three of them were willing to pay.This time it really caught up with the opportunity, and the three of them held full hope in their hearts.The first one thinks that he has a lot of qualifications, he has made a wish in front of Prince En, and he is the first one. It is expected that he will never escape.The second one has the empress dowager's favor and is confident that the Buddha's light will shine everywhere, and it will never be the turn of others.The third one was promised by Li Deyong face to face, so like that, how could the emperor agree to him face to face, the golden words, nothing changed, and there is no mistake.These three people all have a certain prejudice in their hearts, so they are very excited. After hearing Prince En's words, they become more and more impatient. They can't wait to link their names with the Guangdong Customs Supervision and announce it. It is enough to express proud.Only Chang Xing couldn't wait, he thought that the Empress Dowager allowed it, it was like a certainty, and there was no one else to fight for it.Seeing that Chang Tai and Chang Chun were waiting to hear the good news, he felt a little uncomfortable, thinking that you two really don't know what to do, are making trouble after blindly, and don't care about your status, do you have the value to compete with me?他想到这里，便脱口说道：“张老爷，我情愿出两千银子听你一报。”张德立笑道：“你这人到底慨爽，快把两千银子拿出来，放在王爷面前，我好再同他们讲价。”常兴立刻点了两千银票，放在桌上。张德立又向常泰道：“人家第二名全这样慷慨，你是头名状元，当然不能叫他压下去的。”常泰生来好戴高帽子，如今听张德立以状元许他，他心中格外高兴，便随手点了三千两银票，也放在桌上。 就剩常春一个人了，他此时很有失望自馁的神气，因见常泰、常兴这样慷慨，当然是有些把握，自己的名儿又在末尾，恐怕是没有指望了。张德立也看出他的意思来，便对他笑道：“老春，你怎样呢？”常春道：“算了吧，我这小兄弟焉能有份，万岁的御笔，飞也飞不到我头上啊！我又何必花这冤钱？张老爷要用钱，我莫若送给你，岂不比押宝强吗？”德立道：“你这人真没志气，怎就见得不许放你呢？”常春尚未答言，常兴早接口说道：“张老爷，你饶了他吧，何必呢！人家总算知道进退，你又何必一定敲他的竹杠。难道这五千银子还不够你花几天的吗？”德立道：“你这人说出话来就该打你，怎么知道没有他呢？”常兴冷笑道：“当了多少年差，难道连这点机关还看不透吗？一定没有他，我敢保险。”张德立道：“假如要有他，应当怎么样呢？”常兴道：“如果此次粤海关放的是他，我情愿替他出三千银子，送你张老爷买点心吃。”德立道：“口说无凭，先把三千银子摆出来，再放这大炮。”常兴道：“摆出来很容易，要不是他，你可不能擅动。”德立道：“你怎么把人看得这样不值钱呢？我抢过你几回银子？”恩亲王见他二人斗口，忙劝道：“常兴，你自管把银子拿出来，他抢不了走。纵然抢走，你有一个粤海关，还抵不得这几个钱吗？”常兴一听恩王的话，心中更有了把握，以为这明明是恩王泄露春光，告诉这粤海关监督是放了他，我何必再畏首畏尾，不同他们赌一赌呢？想到这里，重新掏出靴掖子来，点了三千两银票，二次放在桌上。当时桌上三大卷银票，一共是八千了。张德立此时不慌不忙，又斟了一碗茶，慢慢地喝着，喝罢又吸着一支吕宋烟卷，慢条斯理地对恩亲王笑道：“有福不在忙，无福跑断肠。人一辈子的官星，也关乎一时的圣眷，丝毫也勉强不得的，你用尽心机，也挡不住临时变卦，今天就是一个比样了。” 他说到这里，蓦地将烟卷放下，立起身来，脸上现一种严重的神色，高声说道：“皇上有旨，常春跪听宣读！”他这一吆喝不要紧，立时在座的军机大臣同常兴、常泰全都变了颜色。常春又惊又喜，反倒闹得手足无措，立刻俯伏在地，口中说道：“奴才常春接旨，愿皇上万岁。”德立从怀中掏出单子来，高声念道：“上谕粤海关监督着常春去，钦此！”常春连忙磕头谢过恩。常兴在旁边听见，立时痰火上升，一跤跌倒在地。常泰却白瞪着两眼，灵魂不知飞到何处去了。恩亲王捋着他那白须，只是摇头不语。军机大臣外务部尚书项子城只是点头微笑。张德立却将八千两银票卷在一处，纳入自己囊中，一面又向常春道：“你起来吧，不要只管跪着了。”常春立时起来，又向得立深深请安道：“这全是张老爷在圣驾前替我揄扬，所以才得邀此异数，我这里先谢谢张老爷。”德立道：“我的监督大人，你这随身的礼物，就算谢了咱家吗？人家不得监督的，还三千五千往外掏银子，你这实缺监督，反倒一毛儿不拔，也太笑话了。”常春道：“张老爷自请万安，我常春必然要特别酬劳，不但张老爷这一份格外从丰，就是众位老爷我也加倍致谢，决不仿照从前的旧例。”德立听他说得很慷慨，自然十分满意。随后传内务府听差的从军机处抬出一个常兴，又架出一个常泰。可怜二人花了不少钱，各自买了一场大病。 皇太后在宫中正探听消息，如果常兴被放，好向他索款。及至传出旨来是常春不是常兴，这一气非同小可，立时便要传光绪到宫来，当面讯问。李得用忙奏道：“老佛爷消消气，这一点小事也值得去叫万岁爷。据奴才想，不放常兴是顶对了。如果放了常兴，老佛爷的气更得生得大呢。”太后道：“你这话怎么讲？”得用道：“佛爷请想，常兴当日原托王得功向佛爷恳求，如今王得功已经回籍，这笔钱已经没有着落了。你老人家要一定要呢，势必得叫旁人去对他说。他应许还好，如果不应许，是一点把柄也没有。真翻脸再革他的职吧，出尔反尔，岂不失了朝廷的体面？再说他革职在后，逢人便说，佛爷的声名关系甚大。若从全着叫他去吧，这口气如何压得下去？岂不比放别人尤甚难过？如今天牖圣衷却叫万岁爷放一常春，这正是神灵暗中默佑，不忍老佛爷气坏圣体。据奴才想，应当嘉奖万岁爷才是呢，怎能再派他的不是？”李得用这一席话，说得条条有理。皇太后平日对于他本来言听计从，如今听他这话尤其近理近情，便把一肚皮怨气立刻化为乌有，反倒派李得用给光绪送了八样点心，又传懿旨，安慰光绪，叫他好好养病。光绪到此时，才算一块石头落了地，不再悬心害怕了。只是他这病乃由平日郁闷而成，已经转入痨病，又兼一切饮食起居不得调养，他心中又怕皇太后，轻易不敢辍朝，每逢早晚，还得到太后宫中请安，日积月累，饥饱劳碌，便有些挣扎不起了。又赶上深秋天气，已经寒冷，他身上穿着夹袍子，早晨起来冻得瑟瑟地抖。这一天从太后宫中回来，一路上被凉风吹得已经支撑不住。偏巧在宫门外，又被青苔滑倒，仰面跌了一跤，立时背过气去。随驾的太监吃了一吓，忙过去将光绪扶起，把他驾进宫去，躺在床上，已经人事不知了。要问光绪的性命如何，且看下回分解。