Chapter 34 The Thirty-first Chapter of Copying Jun Servant Xie Dafu Seeing the Opportunity and Hearing the Alarm Xiang Zicheng Fleeing

When Xiang Zicheng returned to the house, what did he see that made him so frightened?It turned out that on his desk, there was a steel knife sticking brightly, and a piece of eight-line script was inserted under the steel knife.On the eight-line script, there are two lines of big characters written with a vermilion brush, and the writing is not weak.Two simple sentences are: You don't help Man Nu kill two people, and I won't help Man Nu kill you. The ink was dripping, but not yet dry, which was clearly left by the assassin.Seeing Xiang Zicheng, how can he not be afraid?But he is a great man with great perseverance, and he can still be calm in his heart.He pulled out the knife with his own hands, put it aside, folded the eight-line script in four, put it in his pocket, and said to Xie Dafu very calmly: "Don't make a fuss, and don't take the thief, just be more careful in the future." At this moment, Dafu's face was pale with fright, he had no choice but to agree to his master's order, and walked to the door of the house, shouting a password.The leaders of the various guards came immediately after hearing the news, and Dafu didn't announce what he had just said, but only said that the official business is over, you are still on duty, guard carefully in the future, and don't slack off.Everyone responded in unison.

At this time, Xiang Zicheng has gone to the house of his seventh aunt.Dafu also withdrew slowly, and went back to his room, but he didn't see Bai Lang in the room, wondering where did the child go?Bai Yun then called out.Baiyun was the name Dafu had given him on his behalf.He yelled three times in a row, but where was his shadow, Dafu became irritable and cursed in the room.Xiao Lu'er, who used to be a personal servant, now sees Baiyun being favored, and he is jealous of the boss, so he is not willing to serve everything in the Dafu House easily.Now he heard his master calling Baiyun repeatedly, but he hid aside and refused to come out.After hearing Dafu scolding, he opened the curtain and came in.When Dafu saw him, he spat in the face first, and scolded: "You lazy bastard, what hole did you go into, why didn't you come yelling?" Little Lu'er pouted and said, "Master called Baiyun How dare you come here!" Dafu didn't wait for him to finish speaking, he raised his hand and slapped him loudly.He cursed again: "Call Baiyun, you are not allowed to come? Baiyun is going to die, you can't die with him!" After being beaten, Xiao Lu'er dared not cry or say anything, just stood aside with his hands down .Dafu snorted and asked: "Where did Baiyun go? You are either drinking or gambling, and when I meet you, you will be skinned alive one by one!" Little Luer took the time to reply: " Baiyun and Xiaoxi went for a private visit. They said it was not far from the mansion, so they would come as soon as they went, and they have been gone for an hour, and they will be back soon." Dafu hated prostitutes the most in his life, Xiaoluer said this deliberately, It was to make him angry.Sure enough, the fire was on, and he immediately jumped up and cursed: "It's not bad, they are going to rebel! Quickly call Ma Sheng and Niu Shun, who are guarding the gate." Xiao Lu'er agreed, and jumped Run out with a bounce.After a while, the cow and the horse arrived, greeted Dafu, and stood aside.Dafu ordered: "Do you two know that there is a secret door near the mansion? Baiyun and Xiaoxi, you two go and lock them up for me right now. If anyone else is wandering there, lock them up together." Come, listen to me." The cow and the horse agreed twice, then retreated.Secretly nodding Xiao Lu'er to greet the door, complaining: "My second master, you set off wildfire, but told us to arrest people, do we know who is a private family? This is going to be the wrong way, and it will be a waste of money." After a hard fight, people still call the police to arrest people. Although the officials are not afraid, after all, we can't afford the immediate loss! Since the second master knows which alley they are going shopping, the details are in which alley, the house number, the road east and the west road. , facing south and facing north, you must know everything. If there is nothing else to say, please point out a clear way." Xiaoluer just smiled.Ma Sheng said anxiously: "My second master alone, don't make fun of us. Don't you know the old man's temper? You have wasted so much time, you can take this whip when you come back!" Little Lu'er said with a smile "It's poor, let me tell you, Xiaoxi went alone, but Baiyun didn't go, I was playing tricks on him. Hurry to Huazhi Hutong, the road is south to north, the eighth gate from west to east, The word Deyu is pasted on the door frame, that’s the house. I often go there too. When you invite Second Lord Xi to come back, don’t tell him that I told the old man. Hit here, just ask him to come back quickly." The two agreed, and followed the direction he said, and found Huazhi Hutong.

Sure enough, the eighth door was counted, and a lantern was used to illuminate it, with the word "De Yu" on it.The two reached out and knocked on the door, like beating a drum.A woman inside asked loudly: "Who is knocking on the door like that? What are you doing to scare people in the middle of the night!" Niu Shun whispered: "Hurry up, we are sent by Xiang Zhai to find the second master Xixi." The woman said: "What about Xi Erye and Fu Erye, we don't have them here!" Ma Sheng said: "Sister-in-law, don't fight haha, we have something important to find him, Gong Baoli is waiting for him to go back to the house to open the box and get the clothes, it's too late Time, he will be told when he goes back. Open it quickly, the two of us are getting impatient." Ma Sheng cheated, and he opened the door.The two rushed in, held up the lamp to take a look, and saw that the person who opened the door was a woman in her forties, a lady in her mid-mature, still charming, wearing a fox fur jacket with a blue satin hanging surface, with painted eyebrows and temples, If you are flirtatious, you will know that it is not a good product just by looking at it.He closed the door casually and asked them their names.Niu and Ma shared their surnames and followed her in.

The yard is winding and deep, reaching to the back yard with three rooms on the south side, one is bright and the other is dark.The woman told them to wait in the morning, and went to the west room by herself first.I don't know what to say, I heard a young man in the room shouting: "Second Brother Niu, Second Brother Ma, please sit in the room." Immediately afterwards, a maid opened the curtain.The two went in and took a look, and saw that the room was very ornately tidied up: all four walls were pasted with flower paper, which looked very beautiful when illuminated by electric lights; It is in full bloom; a Western clock in the middle is illuminated by a golden face and glass, which is very brilliant; on the Eight Immortals table in front of the case, there is a small pink porcelain vase, with a few red plum blossoms inserted in it, and three cups and chopsticks. Put a tin jug with a cover, a few dishes of cold meat, such as crispy fish, white chicken, etc., looking like they are going to eat dinner; by the window is the kang, but the red crepe curtains on the kang have been hung high; There is a Russian blanket on the top, red satin wolf fur mattress on both sides, but there is a very beautiful smoking set in the middle, the number one Jiaozhou lamp is dazzling, the snow-white ivory gun is on the left, and a tortoiseshell gun is on the right.Xiaoxi was lying on the kang and burning cigarettes, and opposite him lay a young man of eighteen or nineteen, also in gorgeous clothes.The two were having fun with the lamp, and when they saw Ma Sheng and Niu Shun coming in, they didn't even owe a debt.Xiaoxi only hooked her head slightly, put a puff of smoke the size of a jujube pit on the bucket, and puffed it up.After finishing smoking, he put down the bong gently, then sat up, took the teapot, and drank mouth to mouth, then asked slowly: "You two have really long ears, how do you know I'm here? Who told you?" Ma Sheng said with a smile on his face: "No one said that we searched for a few places but couldn't find it, so we expected the second master to be here. Sure enough, it's a coincidence." Xiaoxi asked again "In the middle of the night, what are you looking for me for?" Ma Sheng said, "Who of us dares to disturb the second master's happiness? The old man asked Xun." It turned out that Xiang Zhai's family members were controlling Xiang Gongbao to call the old man the upper house, and Xie Dafu to call the old man the second house. They were more afraid of the old man who was the second house than the old man who was the upper house.Because Dafu treats these people very strictly, if they are not satisfied, they will be scolded at least, and whipped shamelessly if they are not happy; if they are not happy, they will be driven out of the house immediately, even if Xiang Gongbao finds out, he can't say no .Those who obeyed the rules a few years older respected him for being upright, but Xiaofu, Xiaoxi, and Xiaolu, the group of bratty kids, felt very resentful in their hearts.Because Xiaoxi has been favored by Gong Bao recently, he is so proud of being favored, and even Dafu looks down on him a bit.But on the surface he dare not contend with him, but in his heart he hates Dafu to the marrow.Seeing him being arrogant, Dafu also felt uncomfortable, and said to himself: You think Gong Bao spoils you, so I can't do anything to you?Don't be busy, I have to tell you to taste it.Often sent his poor head.Xiao Xi refused to meet a tough nail, but the fire in his heart was already raging and could not be suppressed.It's also worthy of making trouble today, after all, it's because of Xiang Gongbao's fortune and fate, that's why he squeezed out this incident.

Gossip less.But when Ma Sheng heard Xiaoxi's question here, he solemnly replied: "It's the old servant." Xiaoxi sneered from his nose and said, "What does the old servant ask me for? I'm not serving him! You guys Let's go back and tell him that we can't find it, and it's over." Niu Shun begged: "Second Lord is very wronged, and he will go back with us. Otherwise, the old man will not say that we can't find it, but say that we are too lazy to look for it. It doesn't matter if you scold me badly, but the whip hits your face, it's really uncomfortable. I'm here to pay my respects to the second master." As he spoke, he greeted him deeply.Logically speaking, since he is so low-key, he should have nothing to say, but Xiaoxi, because Gongbao loves him, has a bigger temper than Gongbao, and he drank a few more glasses of wine at night, making him more courageous Get strong.Hearing Niu Shun begging him like this, not only refused to leave, but yelled: "What are you talking about? You are afraid of someone named Xie, and the second grandpa is not afraid of someone named Xie. He is so majestic that he dares to come looking for me! Go back and tell him, Let him save a little trouble. Mei Xiang is a slave, anyway. His slave has never had the words "imperial order" on his head; I have never engraved demotion on my slave's head. Both of you are slaves, so there is no reason to help The servant came to scare the servant, leave me as soon as possible, it will be much better. If not, don’t blame me for not saving face, and drive you out." Xiaoxi became more and more angry, and simply jumped on the ground, gesticulating and scolding Mr. Xie Dafu You bastard, old man, your dog is afraid of you, the second master is not your dog, so I won't go back to the house today, it depends on what you do to the second master.The cow and the horse were frozen there by him and could not step down.

At this moment, a seventeen or eighteen-year-old woman came in from the outside, dressed very delicately.Walking into the room, he pushed Xiaoxi to the edge of the pit with his hand and sat down, and said with a smile, "You have something to say, what are you doing when you are angry, who provoked you again?" again.The woman was surprised and said: "Hey, why is there another old man Xie? Didn't you tell me just now that you are the only one who counts you in the house besides old man Xiang? It looks like you have a boss above you! Since The two of you have come all the way to look for you, and it will be over when you go back, why bother him?" Originally, Xiaoxi was furious, but when this woman exposed him to her face, his anger became even hotter, and he spat at the woman. Spit, and cursed: "Shameless whore, why are you driving me out? Are you flirting with Xiao Xing'er, do you think I won't see it? You want to use this topic to drive me away, hello Talk to Xiao Xing'er a few words about yourself. You are dreaming! Eight people can't carry the second grandpa in a sedan chair. Hmph, what a shameless thing!" The woman was so ashamed to cry after being scolded by him, and said loudly : "Where did this bad luck come from? It was a good intention to persuade you to go back. What kind of jealousy did you eat next door! Even the second master Xing came with you, and I don't know him. He behaves well, you are talking nonsense something."

It turned out that the young man lying on the kang was named Xing'er, and he looked like he was the leader of the shift.Hearing Xiaoxi quarrel with that woman, he couldn't lie down any longer, got up and said: "You two don't have to quarrel, I'll take a step first, see you tomorrow." Xiaoxi didn't stay either.At this time, because Ma Sheng was scolded empty-handedly, the more he thought about it, the more angry he became. Seeing Xiao Xing'er stood up and wanted to leave, he used the excuse to stop him with his hand, saying that you could not leave.Xiao Xing'er was surprised and said: "That's unreasonable! You are here to look for him, not me. Why do you stop me from letting me go?" Ma Sheng said: "We thank the elder for the order, saying that the housekeeper The second man's private visits were all lured by you together. You told all the visitors in this house to be taken to the house and waited for. How did you get away?" Xiao Xing'er said: "You are talking nonsense! I went shopping What does the private family have to do with your uncle Xie? He is neither a policeman nor a soldier of the admiral's yamen, so he can control these matters?!" After finishing speaking, he still wanted to move forward, but was grabbed by Niu Shun again, saying "You have to be sensible, follow us carefully, or else, tie you up first, and then carry you back to the house." Xiao Xing'er was anxious, and shouted to Xiao Xi'er: "The people in your house People, why are you so unreasonable! You can't offend officials and offend Zaoli, don't you just ignore them?" Xiao Xi'er hurriedly said to Niu and Ma, "Don't mess around, what are you doing with them?" At this moment, Ma Sheng But you are not welcome, and said sharply: "You are too ungrateful, we say so many good things, please go back to the house to sell the errands, you are cursing. Anyway, we can't do the errands anymore, instead of going back empty-handed With a whip and kicked out of the house, it's better to take you two back, and the old man will deal with him whatever he wants. No matter what, the palace guard will never shoot us, or make a fuss, and we will finally do business. Angry, we can't take it!" Then he said to Niu Shun: "Second Brother Niu, do you think what I said is right? Let's not be perfunctory." Niu Shun was also angry at first, because it was inconvenient for him to see Ma Sheng perfunctory them Doing evil alone, now that Ma Sheng has turned his face, he is also happy to vent his anger.Then he replied sharply: "Shouldn't we have done this a long time ago! Children know what it means to save face. Let's take them back and tell him to go to the old man to ask for face." Then he grabbed Xiaoxi and said Let's go, don't bother here.Ma Sheng also grabbed Xiao Xing'er and pulled him out of the door.At this point, the two of them knew that it would be useless to struggle any longer, so they had to follow along.Xiao Xi'er said: "Should we just go back to the house like this? It's convenient for the two of you. Let's hire four rickshaws and go back together. Wouldn't it be faster?" Niu Shun said yes, and immediately called four rickshaws In the car, Ma Sheng was in the first car, Niu Shun was in the second car, but Xing and Xi were in the middle, as if they were prisoners, they kept escorting them back to Xiang Zhai.

Get off the car and give the money, and come in together.Seeing them coming back at the door, he said to Niu and Ma, "The old man was so anxious that he went crazy and sat down in the garden. Go quickly, and a moment later, the guards will be sent to arrest them!" Ma Sheng said to the little boy. Xi sneered and said, "How?" At this moment, Xiao Xi was also a little timid.The ugly daughter-in-law also had to see her parents-in-law, so she had to scramble to the garden.I saw the bright electric lights in the lobby of the garden, and there were many people standing inside and outside.Little Lu'er was quick-eyed, and when he saw them coming back, he rushed up to meet them, held Xiaoxi's hand, and called Second Brother in a low voice, you have been wronged today.Xiaoxi also asked in a low voice: "Third brother, why is the old man so angry today?" Xiao Luer said: "It's all because of Xiaobai. He doesn't know where he went. The old man checked his family, and he and the second brother were only short-changed." , then repeatedly said that the second brother took him for a stroll and wanted to arrest the two of you. If you go up and say that you didn’t see him, his anger will be even greater. You might as well say that we go out together, and he will go outside the front door. Go shopping, ask me out, I didn’t dare to go, I’m afraid there’s something wrong in the house. Fortunately, he’s not here, since there’s no proof of death, the old man won’t be angry with you.” Xiaoxi said thank you for your advice.When they came to the outside of the hall, Niu and Ma went up first and said, "Baiyun never saw it, and now I only brought Xiaoxi here, and also arrested another one named Xiaoxing'er." Dafu stared and scolded: "Go here." After a long time, I only got one, it's useless! Bring me Xiaoxi first." Then he shouted: "Bring Xiaoxi!" Xiaoxi came in tremblingly, and knelt down.He slapped the table sharply and asked, "You bastard, where have you been?" Xiaoxi said, "I just sat at a friend's house, and didn't dare to go out of the city." Dafu said, "Hmph, what a decent friend. Tell me later Friend, I smashed your mouth!" Xiao Xi'er lowered her head, not daring to say a word.Dafu asked him again: "Where did Baiyun go?" Xiaoxi repeated what Xiao Luer said.Sure enough, Dafu stopped asking questions, and just shouted: "You don't ask for leave, you go out to wander around privately, that's okay! Come on, kneel on that side for me. It's already one o'clock now, and you won't be allowed until three o'clock Get up. This is to take advantage of you, otherwise, I will use a whip to whip you up." Xiaoxi had no choice but to feel wronged, and went to the other side and knelt down by herself.

Dafu asked to bring Xiaoxing'er up again.The crowd rushed Xiao Xing'er into the hall, but Xiao Xing'er stood still and did not kneel.Dafu looked at him in detail, as if he had seen him somewhere before, but he couldn't remember for a while, so he shouted: "Where are you a wild child, dare to take the people in the house to visit the private door? Today the crime is in the hands of Uncle Xie." If you don’t die, I’ll peel you off!” Xiao Xing’er said, “Master Xie, what does your house have to do with me? You’re not a magistrate, so how can you ask the case in a private court!” Dafu was caught by this Immediately he got angry, and sneered, "Not only am I going to the private court, but I also want to torture you today? Come on, turn him over first, slap him twenty mouths, and ask after you come back." Ma Sheng agreed With a sound, he was about to start.Xiao Xing'er became anxious and shouted: "Uncle Xie, please forgive me if you don't look at the monk's face and the Buddha's face! Who knows that my master is Zhuang Zhongtang, if you slap me on the mouth, you slap Zhongtang in the face. Zhongtang and this house are relatives, don't you even save some face?" When Dafu heard this, he suddenly remembered that he was Zhuang Zhishan's personal servant.Ordinarily, it would be over if he was spared, but Dafu was stubborn, and when he heard this, he became even more angry.Cursed: "You put a big hat on me, thinking I wouldn't dare to beat you. After I finished beating you, I dragged you to see Zhongtang. You must know that the power of my family's palace guard is above your family's hall. Even if you annoy Zhongtang himself, I won’t be afraid!” Dafu mentioned the word Gongbao, and Xiao Xing’er suddenly had a whim, and blurted out: “You, don’t brag, your Gongbao sees even I can't even keep my head, it looks like you're so pretentious, you can still be strong for a few days!" When Xie Dafu heard this, he remembered what happened in the lounge just now, and said to himself that Xiao Xing'er probably knew the truth, and I shouldn't offend him.Thinking of this, I couldn't help laughing wildly, ran down by myself, took Xiao Xing'er's hand, kicked Ma Sheng away, and cursed: "Stupid thing, why are you serious about fighting? I'm a fellow Second Master Xing was joking around. He is the number one celebrity in front of Zhuang Zhongtang, and I dare not hit him even if I have three hands!" Then he smiled at Xiao Xing'er and said, "Brother, don't be angry, Brother Yu Just to have fun with you, don't you still blame me?" When everyone saw this look, they were both surprised and funny.I thought that the old man was probably crazy, just now he was glaring, wishing he could eat him, but when he turned his face away, he was so submissive, the young lady is attentive, there is no way to make a joke like this!Everyone was angry and backed away slowly.But Dafu took Xing'er's hand and said that the two of us should go to the inner room to talk.At this time, Xiao Xing'er was also confused, and asked Dafu, "Master Xie, what's wrong with you? You want to fight yourself, but you suddenly get close to me like this, and I'm hurting you." Afraid to come. It’s not someone else, you dragged me to the inner room, did you secretly kill me?” Dafu smiled and said: “Brother, don’t be afraid, I definitely didn’t harm you, let’s find a place to talk heart to heart.” Xiao Xing'er said: "Master, if you want to save face, you can let me go. After I finished eating, I was not addicted to smoking, so I was arrested by you, and I am still addicted!" Dafu said: "What's so important? There is a lot of smoke for you to eat." After speaking, he pulled him into his room, and shouted "Come on!" Little Lu'er agreed loudly, and walked into the room.Dafu ordered: "You borrowed Master Chen's smoking set for me, and I also want a box of Da Tugong ointment." Xiaoluer responded and went, and after a while, he brought the smoking set and cigarettes together. Put it on the iron bed and light the smoke.Dafu hurriedly told Xinger to lie down and eat cigarettes.Xiao Xing'er was really addicted to it, so he didn't hold back, leaned on the bed, picked up a cigarette to burn the cigarette.Dafu sat beside him and accompanied him.Xiao Lu'er took this opportunity and replied: "Master, please let Xiao Xi'er who is kneeling outside, can you let him go?" Before Dafu could answer, Xing'er hurriedly interrupted and said, "It really confused me. Thank you, Mr. Treating me so high, but still punishing him to kneel outside, how can I feel at ease? Please hold your hand high and let him go." Dafu laughed and said, "For my brother's sake, let me take advantage of this monkey boy." Then he turned to Xiaoluer Said: "Go and wake him up, and you don't have to come inside to thank me, you are all waiting outside, don't come unless you tell me." The little deer agreed to go.

Here, Dafu accompanied Xiao Xing'er, and he smoked cigarettes for a quarter of an hour before he got over his addiction.Dafu poured tea for him with his own hands, and offered him Western desserts.Xiao Xinger ate slowly, but Dafu teased him with words, saying: "Isn't Zhongtang very busy these days?" Xiao Xinger sighed and said: "Who said otherwise! Since the two palaces died, the regent prince Domineering. His temper is that of a mother-in-law. He may have to discuss a matter many times, but he can't discuss it. He can't leave Zhongtang for a moment, and he refuses to listen to what Zhongtang says. Take today's situation as an example. Let's talk about a major event, he..." Xiao Xing'er paused for a long time when he said the word "he", then swallowed it back.Dafu hurriedly asked: "Brother, how do you talk? Little people, why are you so easy to talk. It's not the old brother talking about you, this is not a good problem!" Xiao Xing'er blushed, and covered his eyes Zhuo said: "Old uncle, don't call me that, I can't bear it at such a young age." Dafu said: "In this case, I will call you old nephew." It's over. You old man is so old, why bother to be polite?" Dafu said: "You are serious! I can't listen to half a word, but what about him?" Xiao Xing'er said hesitantly: " This matter has too much to do with it, so I don’t dare to say it, and I’m afraid I’ll lose my head if I make a mistake!” Dafu laughed loudly and said, “After all, you young people don’t have any knowledge at all. Today’s important affairs in the court can’t even beat clappers and drums. You must discuss it. At least you are Zhongtang's personal entourage. As the saying goes, even if you say it in front of the prime minister's door, no one will dare to blame you. What's more, in this room, if you come out I am so old, can I still pull my wife's tongue?" Xiao Xing'er thought for a while, and replied: "Actually, it's nothing, but it still involves Kung Pao, I'm a little bit saying Don't say it." Dafu said: "That's unreasonable! Since Gongbao is involved, you should say it, one is Gongbao and Zhongtang, who are your children's in-laws, and they can be regarded as your half-master. If there is anything, you should report it; Furthermore, Gong Bao is a generous person, so if you say something wrong, don’t worry about it. If you say something right, you will be rewarded heavily! Why are you so hesitant.” Xiao Xing’er was a child, so how could he not tolerate it? Dafu was deceived like this, so he said in a low voice: "I don't want any reward, I just ask the old man not to tell others, lest it be spread to Zhongtang's ears that I leaked his secret. It won't be safe." Dafu said: "Just say it, I will never say a word to others." Xiao Xing'er coughed lightly, took another sip of tea, moistened her throat, and then whispered Said: "It was after the second watch last night. Suddenly, the Prince Regent's Mansion called, and Zhongtang answered it himself. This day was just in time for me to be on duty, so I was with Zhongtang, and I heard it very clearly. I don't know what to say over there. What, but Zhongtang repeatedly agreed, saying that I will go right away. He hung up the earphones and ordered to serve, but instead of ordering a horse-drawn carriage, he only asked for a broken mule cart. The lantern of the Hanlin Academy. I thought it must have gone to the palace, but I didn’t know that the old man got into the car and ordered to enter the Donghua Gate. Later, when he entered Inner Donghua, someone sent by the prince was there to greet him and told him to pull in. To go to the palace, there is no need to get out of the car and take a shoulder car. This is an unprecedented oddity, so I followed in. Later, the car was unloaded at the interior manager's office, and the driver sat in the servant's room, but the little eunuch Lead me into the lounge of the chief manager. At this time, the manager has been replaced by Zhang Delu. The room is tidied up like a fairy cave. Even the cushions are all white satin embroidered flat gold, and a dozen lamps are assembled together. The lotus petals shot so hard that I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I heard that the doily on the table was custom-woven in Russia, and it’s worth three thousand or several hundred dollars! And that..." Dafu had already heard it. impatientHe hurriedly stopped him and said, "Forget it, who told you to start here?You are serious! Xiao Xing'er also laughed, and said: "You old man, don't worry, you will slowly get to the point."The little eunuch who brought me here is very nice to me, and even poured tea for me.I asked him, what is Xun Zhong Tang doing in the middle of the night?He replied that he didn't know.Later, she told me that it was the empress dowager who called the prince in, and took out two notes to send to the prince, telling him to do it quickly.The prince was so frightened that his countenance changed, he knelt down and kowtowed, saying that he might not be able to do it.The empress dowager was annoyed and said that your brother was killed and you didn't even want to avenge him, so what do you want your brother to do!Besides, this is the edict of the two palaces. If you don't do it, you will be resisting the edict. I can ask the family law to punish you.Hearing this, the prince panicked and kowtowed again and again, saying that the minister will go down to do it now, but he must call Zhuang Zhishan in and discuss with him a surefire solution.The queen mother said angrily, that's fine, you should go to Tongzhi Mountain to discuss it.When the prince came down, he immediately called the mansion and asked the manor to invite you.I don't know about the future. "Xiao Xing'er said this, Dafu's face was ashen with fright, and he asked in a trembling voice: "You you! !If you hear any news in the future, tell me quickly! "Xiao Xing'er said: "After a while, another little eunuch came in and ran in with straight eyebrows.Because the room is big, I didn't see me, so I said to the little eunuch rashly: "Third brother, who do you think the Queen Mother wants to kill?"Dare to kill Lao Xiang. ’ The little eunuch waved his hand at him, he saw me just now, he was shocked and asked who is this, why did you bring him to this room?The old third said: "Lao Qi, don't be afraid, this is Zhuang Zhongtang's personal entourage." Lao Qi hurriedly came over to hold hands with me, and told me in a low voice: "You must remember what you said just now, and don't mention it outside."This matter is too serious, if you get wind of it in advance, not only will you lose your head, but even Zhongtang will not be able to afford this punishment.Just now the lord had an order, if the inner fan spreads the news privately, find out and beat him to death!There are only you and me in this room, the heavy burden is all on you. ’ I said: ‘You two invite Wanan yourself, with the knife resting on your neck, I will never say a word! 'Now that the old uncle is asking this question, I really can't hide it.You old man must never tell others. After Dafu heard this, he was frightened and funny, so he could only perfunctory him, saying: "I will never tell others, don't worry about yourself, you'd better eat opium."It's late today, so I'll stay here, and tomorrow morning, I'll set up a car to take you back home. "After that, he stood up, went outside to relieve himself, secretly called Xiaoxi, and told him to hold Xing'er back, not allowing him to leave or sleep. I have something urgent to do, so I'll come back right away. He went straight to Xiang Gongbao's lounge.

Seeing that it was Uncle Xie, the guard hurriedly opened the door and turned on the light.Dafu first looked up the password, and knew that Gongbao lived in the house of the concubine in the seventh room, so he quickly moved the phone over.After a while, Xiang Zicheng personally interviewed him and asked who it was?Dafu replied: "It's Xie Dafu. If there is an urgent matter, I must report to Gongbao immediately. Please ask Gongbao to come to the lounge quickly. If it is late, I may miss something important." Because there was a matter of sending a card to leave a knife just now, I dare not take the liberty to go there.But send a maid named Xiaoqian to the rest room to have a look, if there is only Xie Dafu alone, you can bring him to my room.Xiaoqian carried the red gauze lantern and walked towards the lounge.Seeing that it was a family member, the guards stood aside respectfully.Xiaoqian pushed the door open and came in, and saw Dafu scratching his ears and cheeks in the room, looking anxious.Seeing Xiaoqian coming in with a lantern, she thought it must be Gong Bao who had arrived, she hurriedly stood by with her hands down, but there was no sign of Gong Bao, so she hurriedly asked Xiaoqian, "Has the Gong Bao arrived yet?" Xiaoqian said, "The Gong Bao has already woken up." , sent me to call the uncle. The uncle quickly followed me to the seventh aunt's room, and said there if you have something to say." Dafu had never been to the aunt's house before, and after hearing this, he hesitated and refused to go.Xiaoqian urged: "Let's go quickly, Gongbao told you not to delay your time." Dafu had no choice but to follow her, walked outside Mrs. Seven's door, and stood still.Xiaoqian went in to answer the question first, Gong Bao told him to come in, Xiaoqian raised the leather curtain, and Dafu walked in.The heating in this room forced him out of breath. It turns out that Xiang Zicheng is most afraid of the cold. The house he lives in in winter not only has a trachea, but also the walls are covered with fox fur. Ordinary people will sweat all over when they come in.When Dafu entered the door, he felt dizzy and dizzy, and saw Gongbao sitting on the soft couch, wearing short clothes, leather jacket and leather pants.This is the outer room. Seventh Concubine hid in the inner room and never came out.Gong Bao asked: "In the middle of the night, what's the big problem again?" Dafu looked around and found no one else, so he whispered back to Xiao Xinger's words just now.He said again, saying that judging from the situation, something might happen within half a day, so I asked Gong Bao to make up his mind early.Xiang Zicheng listened, pondered for a while, and said that you will call Xing'er here soon, and I want to ask him face to face.Dafu agreed, and hurried out, and brought Xing'er here after a while.Kung Pao spoke to him in a pleasant manner.At this moment, Xing'er was already trembling with fright.Xiang Zicheng laughed and said: "It's rare that you are willing to report to me, which shows that you are a small person with a good heart. Not only will I not make things difficult for you, but I will also send you to my house and send a steward. You make a lot of money in the Zhongtang house. You must know that now that the secrets have been leaked, you have no choice but to go to the manor house, and you will be in danger if you go back. Just serve me wholeheartedly, and I will be able to give you special praise." Xiao Xing'er was busy He knelt down and kowtowed, thanking Gong Bao.Zicheng asked again: "Do you see Zhongtang's expression, are you worried or happy?" Xiao Xing'er said: "Since Zhongtang came back last night, his brows were frowning and he didn't even eat. I don't know what to write." Son, pick up the pen, put it down again, put it down and pick it up again, write a few sentences, and put it in your arms again, lest others will see it. Tonight, I went to the palace again. I really don’t know what will happen next, and I don’t know. Dare to go back." Xiang Zicheng said: "I will take you to Tianjin, are you willing?" Xiao Xing'er said: "I am willing. It's just the clothes and things in the villa, but I can't get them out." Cheng laughed and said, "It's a trivial matter. How much are your clothes and stuff worth?" Xiao Xing'er said, "It's only worth four or five hundred yuan." Just give him the money." Xiao Xing'er kowtowed again.Zicheng also asked Dafu to call the East Railway Station and ask him when the first train leaves early in the morning?Dafu led Xinger to go.When I was young, I came back again and said that the station replied that it would leave at 5:25 at night. At this time, I saw that Xiang Gongbao had changed his attire: a gray cloth leather jacket, a green cloth leather jacket, a black sheepskin hat covering his face, and big sunglasses covering his eyes. Not only could he not see his face, but he was dressed like a businessman .It was ordered that Yin Hongsheng and Xiao Xing'er go with him.That Yin Hongsheng is the leader of the guards, nicknamed Big Yin, proficient in martial arts, with extraordinary arm strength, a strong man in his fifties and seventies, he is not alone in his opponents, he is always escorting the palace guards when they go out.Moreover, his heart is sincere, he only knows that there is Gongbao, but he does not know that there are others, if he is in danger, he is willing to ask him to die for Gongbao, he is also willing.Therefore, Xiang Zicheng treated him very generously, not counting his monthly salary of 200 yuan, but also bought him land, and gave him Amei, the maid who served his wife, as his daughter-in-law.This time, Gongbao suddenly encountered such dangers, and had no choice but to take shelter, so he had to call his eldest son, Kejing, to him, and told him, "Keep quiet. If there is any accident, call the Zhongzhou Guild Hall in Tianjin." , and make another call to the German Consulate. If you can make a phone call, you can also make a phone call with my house in Tianjin. If there is a family member, if it is urgent, you can go to the German Embassy in Jiangmi Lane to avoid the limelight.” He also asked Xie Daifuku, take good care of the family.He urged Yin Hongsheng to change his attire as well, pretending to be a shop partner, with a box cannon and a sharp dagger in his waist.He also asked Xiao Xing'er to change into coarse clothes and pretend to be an apprentice.Then, he put on his windbreaker, Yin Hongsheng only carried a small leather bag.The carriage had already been harnessed, and the three of them hurried into the carriage and headed straight to the station.When I got to the station, it was only a quarter past four.Xiang Zicheng took Yin Hongsheng straight into the third-class car, but Xiao Xing'er went to get a ticket and then rushed to the car.三人拣了一个背静座位，小兴儿铺好了毡条，就请子城躺在上面，假装有病，脸朝着里。小兴儿坐在他旁边，殷洪胜却侍立不动。不大工夫，车便开了，开至廊坊落垡。 沿路之上，全有军队稽查。见子城面朝里躺着，不免要问。幸亏小兴儿随机应变，说这是我们掌柜的，因为他病了，我们将他送回天津老家，军队也就不往下问了。偏偏来至杨村，这个稽查军官是一名营长，姓李名叫培基，是项子城在小站练兵时亲手提拔的人。年纪不过二十四五，在随营学堂毕业，项宫保因看他为人机警勤劳，便拔他做了连长。后来段吉祥也看他不错，又提升营长，派在杨村驻扎。每日起床很早，凡过往火车，他必要自己检查，从不假手他人。活该凑巧，这一回查至三等车中，见一名彪形大汉挺然侍立，遮着一个睡卧的人，旁边又坐着一个年轻学徒。他见了便有些疑惑，仔细看那大汉，又仿佛有些面熟，只是一时想不起来。只得问道：“你们是到哪里去的？”殷洪胜道：“我们到天津去。”李培基又问道：“那躺着的是你什么人？”殷洪胜道：“是我们铺子掌柜的，因为害病，送他回家，所以不能起来。”李培基道：“他自己不能起，你搀他起来，我要当面看一看的。”殷洪胜道：“他是一个有病的人，好容易睡着，再叫他起来，就要半天不舒服，请老总行一个方便吧。”李培基听大汉管他叫老总，心中不痛快，因为他身为营长，差不多全以大人呼之，这老总二字，乃是当兵的普通名称。他听了，心说好大口气的买卖人啊！我非看一看病人不可。便沉下脸来，对大汉道：“我们这是公事，不懂得什么叫方便。你快把人扶起来，不用废话！”殷洪胜的火气，已经提高有三千丈，有意要发作，心说使不得，这次同宫保出来，关系很大，倘然走漏了风声，哪还了得！况且这李培基，我又认得他，他也是宫保的人，彼此一照面，他倘然喊叫出来，更有许多不便了。想到这里，只得和颜悦色，再用好话央求。小兴儿也帮着他说。谁知李培基更动了疑心，非看一看决不肯下车。殷洪胜急了，冷笑道：“李营长，你怎的这样不识趣！我告诉你，我们这病人形容可怕，你倘然见了，要将你吓矮了半截，到那时，你可不要埋怨我不关照你。”李培基听他呼出姓来，益发觉着这事有点蹊跷，索性更不客气，非看不可，并且说：“你们形迹可疑，不用拿话来威吓我！”殷洪胜见此情形，知道这一关是决躲不过了，便轻轻拉子城衣裳，低声说道：“请掌柜的抬一抬头，这位老总一定要看看你呢。”方才他们说的话，项子城全听个清清楚楚，知道李培基办事认真，不同他打照面，他决不肯走，便侧身坐起来，一转脸，用手将墨镜往上推，紧跟着又摇一摇头。李培基同他一对眼光，早吓了一个寒噤，才要请安，腿刚蹲下去，项宫保却冲着他摇头，他连忙又立起来。在这一蹲一立之间，他忽然生出急智，对殷洪胜道：“我当是谁呢，原来这病人是我表叔。”忙自己过来，仍扶项宫保躺下，却向带来的四名军士道：“你们下去三个人，只留郝得元在车上，随同我到天津，好将我表叔送至家中。明天不回来，后天一准回来。”三个人答应着去了。 这里李营长挎着刀，在殷洪胜旁边，并肩侍立。又吩咐郝得元，快去沏一壶好茶，叫饭厅上预备三份上好的西餐，另外用鸭汤卧四个鸡子，越嫩越好，赶紧送到这里来。郝得元答应一声，匆匆去了。这三等车上的人，看着很为诧异，一个个交头接耳，说方才这李营长威风凛凛，硬要拿病人开心，怎么一转脸又这样殷勤起来？有的说这是李营长笃念亲情，因为病的人是他表叔，所以特别照应。那神经过敏的，却摇头不信，说纵然是他表叔，人家已经有两位伴送，他又何必加入？况且他身为营长，这杨村是他驻在地，他怎好因为亲戚擅离职守？看起来，这里边一定有不能明言的缘故，不过他借词罢了。更可怪的，是李营长站在旁边，有多少人因为他是军官，全让个座位给他，他始终不肯坐下。少时饭菜全到了，还挟了一张小炕几来，放在就地。菜饭摆好，李营长又不敢惊动他那表叔，低声下气地请那大汉去叫。殷洪胜过去，低低问吃不吃。那位铺长慢慢坐起来，说：“我喝一点鸡子汤吧。”小兴儿忙将鸡子汤捧过，就他手中，喝了两口。又将四个卧鸡子全喂了他，又照旧躺下，只说了一句：“你们随便吃吧。”那三人听了，如奉旨一般，立时将三份大餐吃完。少时到了北仓，李营长取出铅笔来，从日记本上扯了一张纸，简单写了几个字，又从衣袋内掏出一个胶口信封，将写的字封好，交给郝得元，附在他耳边说了几句，郝得元便急急忙忙下车去了。 不大工夫，车到了天津老龙头车站。殷洪胜同小兴儿一边一个，搀扶着项子城下车，李培基却提着皮包，在后面跟随。项子城故意将皮帽子一拉，将脸盖住，混过车站。站上有现成的马车，叫过一辆来，子城坐在里边，小兴儿站在车后，殷洪胜同赶车夫并肩坐在马车的前边。李培基自己叫了一部人力车，在后面跟随。殷洪胜吩咐车夫一直拉到德国租地，却还不肯说出地名。直等进了德国租界，才告诉他某街某里项公馆。马车夫知道是从前北洋大臣的住宅，哪敢怠慢，紧加了一鞭，转眼间已经来到。站门的巡捕，认得是宫保回来了，连忙恭恭敬敬地举手立正。子城下车来，朝着他略点一点头，又吩咐道：“你暂且不要对人说，我是回家养病，怕见客的。”巡捕应了一声是，他方才进去。看门的见宫保回来，他心中很诧异，怎么预先没有来信知会呢？一个出来迎着，一个喊进去报信。原来，此时宅中只有宫保的正太太余氏住着。因为这位夫人看不惯那十几房姨太太，群雌粥粥，妒宠争妍，终日的鸡吵鹅斗，所以躲到天津来，倒赚一个眼不见心不烦。有几个公子小姐，也随着大太太在天津从师读书。在他们，做梦也想不到宫保突然回来。家人喊着，太太正同一群公子小姐吃午饭，连忙将饭碗放下，迎接出来。一看这神气，不觉吃惊，忙问道：“老爷到天津来，为何预先也不通个信呢？倒是叫人到车站接一接啊！”子城笑道：“劳太太挂心。我这次因为回家养病，所以不敢叫人知道，免得天津这些官儿又来啰唣。”说着走进屋里，见桌上正摆着饭，便坐下吃饭。太太还要给他添菜，他连忙拦住，说：“咱们一同吃吧，不用费事了。”厨房知道宫保回来，没等吩咐，便精心用意地做了几样菜端上来。子城食量很好，见有菜饭上来，便放开量地一吃。 他从来的脾气，也不挑吃，也不挑穿，家人弄上什么来，他便用什么。可是遇着军国大事，他却一丝一毫也不肯将就，不能含糊。他做外务部尚书时候，部里的丞参及一班司官，全怕得了不得。因为他对于外交的事，是随来随办，从不许压过三天。无论大小的事，他全要开一次会议，将本部大小官儿一律召集到会议室，每人一份纸笔墨盒。他当着大家将这事原原本本地宣布了，便吩咐他们要加细研究，当面作一个条陈，应当怎样回复，怎样办法。交了卷的，还不能放出来，必待大家的卷子全交齐了，他随阅随批。等齐了的时候，他便立起来，朝大家宣布谁的意思好，谁的意思不对，或者全卷之中无一可取。他然后将自己的意思说出来，果然比众人完全周密。意思定妥了，立刻叫主管的司官立时办稿画行。有时一件事从白天议到黑夜，他巍然上坐，并无一点倦容。其余的官儿，可不免饥火中烧、睡魔侵袭了。后来有人建议，说万没有饿着办公的道理，这位老先生方才发了慈心，吩咐厨房预备馍馍粉汤。到了开饭时候，凡会议厅中的人，每人是四个馍馍、一碗粉汤，连他自己也是如此。在前清时代，外务部本是最阔的部，那些司官老爷，终日燕窝鱼翅，全吃得不耐烦，如今换了馍馍粉汤，反倒觉着非常适口。可见古人说晚食当肉，是一点也不错的。这个风声传出来，大家给外务部起了个名儿，叫作外务书院。因为书院考月课的日子，凡生童前往考试的，到了吃饭时候，全是四个馍馍、一碗粉汤。如今堂堂外务部，居然取法书院，这也算是一段佳话，当日项子城励精图治的精神，于此可见。作书的叙这件事，也是寓着无限感慨。如今的外交部，要再寻这样一个负责任的人，恐怕是没有了。子城吃罢饭，一个人走到前厅，将李培基叫上来。培基见了宫保，忙跪下叩头，说方才卑弁在火车上冒言冒语的，冲犯宫保，罪该万死，求宫保恕罪！子城和颜悦色地将他叫起来，又着实奖励了一番，说：“我的部下，全能照你这样尽职，我是再欢喜没有了。并且你有急智，将众人耳目遮过去，尤其令人欢喜。在北仓站上，你写字派人去知照段吉祥，更是先获我心，我回来见了段统领，必然叫他格外提拔你。”培基又请安谢了。子城又派他去知会三镇曹协统，今天晚上到我宅里来开会议。培基答应下去。 不大工夫，段吉祥先赶到了。因为他得着信，便坐轧车赶了来，下车一直奔宫保公馆。子城请他在内室相见。段吉祥请过安，便问宫保为何来得这般慌迫，莫非北京城发生什么大问题了？子城遂将京里的情形，略略说了几句。吉祥气得跳起来，说：“这还了得！他们敢动宫保一根汗毛，我立刻带兵杀到北京城。我们北洋六镇，索性反了吧！大家扶宫保登基，倒看他们这些王爷崽子有什么方法对付我们！”子城急得直朝他摆手，说：“老弟，你怎么先领着头儿胡闹！这个风声传出去，我的罪过更大了。我请你们来，就怕的是你们知道这个消息，大家不平，闹出事来。你是我的心腹，怎么倒不体贴我的意思呢？”段吉祥诺诺连声，说职镇并不是鲁莽决裂，不过这种情形，实在叫人忍不下去。子城留着他吃过饭。掌灯时分，曹虎臣、卢长瑞、王占魁、李粹、张庆兰一班北洋派的健将，全都闻风赶到。大家同坐在议事厅，立等宫保出来谈话。子城携着段吉祥的手，步至前厅。众人全抢上来请过安，如雁翅一般排列两旁。宫保又将在京情形说了几句，并嘱咐大家：“千万要恪守纪律，不要因为我一个人，闯出祸来，反倒使我心里不安。”这其中唯有曹虎臣、张庆兰二人摩拳擦掌，恨不即刻攻下北京城，将宣统赶掉，保项宫保做了皇上，才出这一口怨气。座中唯有李粹深沉雅量，说此事我们大家先少安毋躁，听一听北京信息究竟如何，然后再定办法。子城也极端赞成此议。正在高谈，家人说北京有电话到来。要知电话中说的什么事，且看下回分解。