Chapter 35 The 32nd round of boarding the car door in the snow and opening the bustling city to cover up fishing tricks to deceive the bannermen

It turned out that on the day when Xiangzicheng left Beijing, there was a thunderbolt, and the imperial court issued a special edict, to the effect that: Xiangzicheng, Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Military Affairs, has a strong reputation, and the imperial court could not bear to give up lightly; Suffering from foot disease, it is difficult to walk, kneeling and tending to stagger when going to court, which is inconvenient.The minister begged to open a vacancy and return to his hometown for medical treatment. If he did not agree, it would be a loss of the court's sympathy for the elderly.Xiang Zicheng wrote it with the original product, and returned to his hometown to recuperate.This is it.When this decree was issued, all bureaucrats and commoners in Beijing were extremely surprised.Even the envoys from Eastern and Western countries went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to inquire about the news, and they all said that Xiang Gongbao was a good person and had no illness at all, but where did this decree come from?One spreads to ten, ten spreads to a hundred, causing a commotion, and the city is full of wind and rain.

Let's just say that Xiang Gongbao's eldest son is respectable, he is also a Beijing official now, and he is a counselor of the Ministry of Commerce.When I saw this edict in the ministry, I was both surprised and delighted: the surprise was that his father lost his official position, and he didn't even know about it beforehand; the happy thing was that he was only lost and no accident happened, which was a great luck .He left the business department in a hurry, ran back home, and reported the news to his dozens of concubine mothers.After only a few words, the family members spread the word outside, saying that there is an urgent matter in Zhuang Zhongtang's house, and they immediately invite the eldest and young master to talk.Ke Jing didn't dare to neglect, and immediately came to the mansion in a carriage.Fortunately, they were both family friends and relatives-in-law, so there was no need to call back, so he ran all the way to the study in the central hall.Zhuang Heng, the son of the middle hall, rushed out to greet him, and called out: "Brother, sit in the back, my father is eating in the back hall now." He respectfully said: "My uncle is eating, so I don't want to disturb you, so let's sit in the study with my elder brother first." " Zhuang Heng said: "That's not necessary, because my father is eager to talk to you, and we are close relatives, so there is no need to stick to this small detail." He said and led Kejing to the upper room.Zhuang Zhongtang was eating alone, and the table was full of chickens, ducks, fish and crabs, seaweed, fresh fruit, vegetables, and pastries. They were scattered all over the table, but the whole table was filled.The old man chewed according to the order, and there was no order. Before he finished the piece of fish, he grabbed the branch of grapes, picked them one by one, and sent them to his mouth.When he saw Kejing coming in, he didn't get up to give up his seat, but just nodded his head and said, "Sit down, you haven't eaten, and eat at the same table with me."Adorable said that I have eaten.In fact, he never ate it, but he saw this old Zhongtang grabbing vegetables with his hands, and he was so dizzy, his beard was covered with snot and saliva, and the oily vegetable soup was dripping all over his sleeves. When the young master saw it, he was so sick that he wanted to vomit, he didn't dare to eat at the same table with him, so he just sat down far away.Zhuang Zhongtang ate on the side, and said: "Because of your father, I didn't have a full meal for two days. It was hard to get over it, so this meal can be more settled." Not a word.

After finally waiting for him to finish eating, the family copied down the dishes and rice, but he didn't rinse his mouth or wash his hands, he just wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his leather jacket.The family brought a bag of dry cigarettes, he took two puffs, and then formally negotiated with Ke Jing: "Old nephew, it's very dangerous! I don't know who has slandered the Queen Mother, saying that your lord has rebelled for a long time and is about to Plotting something wrong, I specially called the Prince Regent up and ordered you to be brought to the Ministry of Justice for questioning." Having said this, Zhuang Zhongtang frightened Ke Jing to stand up, and asked in a low voice: "How can I afford this crime? It all depends on your in-law's thoroughness." Zhuang Zhongtang said: "Don't be afraid, listen to me and tell you in detail. Fortunately, the prince adapts to the situation and refuses to agree, saying that this matter has too much to do with the minister alone. Zhuang Zhishan called in to discuss with him. If he thinks it can be done, it will not be too late. The queen mother called me into the palace without delay, told me all the meaning, and asked me how to do it. Nephew, you I thought, relatives like us, why am I not anxious after hearing this? Immediately kowtowed and replied, there are three major things that must not be done in this matter, please ask the queen mother to take it back. The queen mother asked me what the three things are with a sullen face? The palace guest slaughtered the ministers within a hundred days, and the whole country heard of it, they must think that destroying the old army and disintegrating the hearts of the people, this is the first thing to do; the new lord ascended the throne, it is reasonable to grant amnesty, now it is auspicious to kill the courtiers Zhao, this is the second thing. Xiangzicheng has been in the frontier for a long time, and he has achieved a lot. His subordinates have many warriors and are admired by the Eastern and Western allies. Once he is punished, the warriors are simple-minded and do not know the inside story. If you are a hero, if there is a war in the future, you may not be willing to serve the battlefield and serve the country with your life. Even if you are a foreigner, you will inevitably cause a misunderstanding. The empress dowager was baffled by my question, and couldn't answer for a while. After thinking for a long time, she said: "Your words are reasonable, but it is not appropriate for Xiangzicheng to stay in the court. Send it out. I I want to send him to Heilongjiang to serve as a redemption, do you think so?" I thought, this idea is even worse. Your father is usually very afraid of the cold, and in May and June in Beijing and Tianjin, he still wears flanges. Fleece trousers and jacket, telling him to go to Heilongjiang now, wouldn’t it be his life? But no matter what, I dare not stand up anymore at this time, so I have to play back, saying that the imperial edict is very wrong, Rong Chen went down to discuss with the regent , and then draw up the decree, and present it to the imperial court. The empress dowager nodded, and said it was all right, you should hurry up and draw up the decree without delay. I promised to come down, and I begged the regent prince again and again: how can I say the words sent by Heilongjiang? Export? Xiang Zicheng has never committed a crime, and no one has reported it. He was sent out for no reason. Looking at the outside world, it is very unsightly for the imperial court. You have to ask the prince to think twice. Who knows that the regent is also afraid that the queen mother will not comply. I didn't dare to go up to refute. I thought for two days, finally came up with an idea, and went up to the Queen Mother and said: "Send Xiangzi City to Heilongjiang, this matter is still impossible." Queen Mother Ask why? I said that Heilongjiang is the birthplace of my Shengqing, and the people there are strong. When Xiangzicheng arrives there, if he is not willing to settle down and arouse the hearts of the people, he has trained for many years as a soldier, and he already has some power. Go, help him make trouble, the place is vast, and it is not easy for the magistrate to search, won't it cause trouble in the future? SoThis method is extremely inappropriate.The queen mother said: "I want to kill him, but you stop him; now you are extra gracious, and you are so worried about sending him out."How exactly? I listened to the kowtow and said: "I have an idea of ​​the best of both worlds. On the surface, there is no trace, but in the heart, Xiang is detained, making it difficult for him to move. I don't know what the Queen Mother's will is?" ’ The queen mother said: ‘Since there is such a way, you can tell me and I will listen. ’ I replied: ‘Xiang’s origin is originally in Henan.Now it is only necessary to issue an imperial edict, saying that Xiang Zicheng is having difficulty walking due to foot disease, and he will ask for a vacancy and return to his hometown to recuperate.Xiang Mou wrote the original product to rest, and returned to his hometown to recuperate his illness, in order to show the imperial court's intention to honor the court minister.This is not ugly in face, and it will definitely not arouse reaction.Secretly, you can instruct the governor of Henan, the prefect of Chenzhou Prefecture, and the magistrate of Xiangcheng County to secretly monitor Xiang's actions and take away his power without anyone noticing.Some local officials will investigate him at any time, and they will never dare to act outside the rails, and they can preserve the dignity of the court.Please ask the empress dowager to rule. The queen mother thought about it, but she had nothing to say, and she agreed.So, when I came down, I hurriedly drafted an order, fearing that she would change her mind midway.Now I have invited my virtuous nephew, one is to talk about the inside story, so as not to worry your lord; the other is to ask you to make up a memorial as soon as possible, so as to fill up the time and save me that this will not come true.And please forward it to your lord, leave Beijing and return to your hometown as soon as possible, and don't stay here.Do you understand what I mean? After hearing this respectable, he quickly stood up and kowtowed to thank: "my old uncle saved my father's life, and my nephew respectfully bows to my family on behalf of my father!" "Zhuang Zhongtang helped him up with his own hands, and said that we are close relatives, and we don't need this customary ceremony, but it's important that you hurry to prepare for business.

Kejing resigned from Zhuang Zhongtang, and immediately rushed back to the house, and told his friends to draft immediately, so as to make a draft for opening vacancies.After a general look, it was written and cleared by the screen friend, and it was sent to the cabinet on the same day according to the folding procedures.After all the work was done, it was time to light the lights, so I hurriedly called Tianjin Xiangzhai again.Knowing that it was Gong Bao's house, the telephone company did not dare to neglect, and was connected within two minutes.Kejing briefly reported the situation on the phone, and then listened to Zicheng's will, asking if he had any orders?Zicheng replied: "I see, I don't have anything to say." He hung up the headset, returned to the front hall, told everyone the news he got on the phone, and asked everyone what they thought.According to Wang Zhankui and Zhang Qinglan, we are all members of Gongbao. Since Gongbao is home, we are willing to go home with you. If you stop being a broken military officer, no one will be guilty of serving the Qing Dynasty.When everyone listened to the proposition of the two of them, some agreed, and some remained silent.Only Duan Jixiang, Lu Changrui, and Li Cui shook their heads in disapproval, saying that since we are members of Kung Pao, the first thing we have to do is to protect Kung Pao.Now we all hold the military power, and with this military power, we will be able to help Kung Pao to do a good job when we have the opportunity in the future.If we take away the military power by ourselves, the few of us together will be nothing more than a few empty people, even if we follow Gong Bao, we will only serve as his guards.Before Gongbao drives, there is no shortage of us guards, so what is the benefit of adding expenses to him in vain?Zicheng applauded unknowingly and said: "After all, it's the words of these three brothers. You can see far away. Although I am going down for the time being, as long as my troops in the six towns still exist, there will be a day when I will not succeed. Wang and Zhang I am reluctant to leave me, which shows the meaning of Gao Yi. But it is only a temporary parting. The days of reunion will be long in the future, so why be sad? But after I return to my hometown, I hope you all maintain a calm attitude for a while, and keep in touch with each other. The sea is dry and the rocks are rotten, so it's better not to change your mind." Hearing this, Duan Jixiang stood up suddenly, and said to the crowd: "We are all here today, and we have to swear to the sky, whoever betrays Gong Bao halfway, is like a palace guard. The tree in front of you." He quickly pulled out his command saber, leaped in front of the hall, and chopped a willow tree in front of the hall into two pieces.Everyone applauded and said that the tree was well cut, and whoever betrays Gongbao, we will treat him with this tree.Seeing the generosity and loyalty of the crowd, Zicheng knelt down on the ground and said, "It's rare that you brothers are so loyal. I, Xiang, can't express how grateful I am in my heart! I hope that we will work hard in the future. Blessings are shared, and misfortunes are shared." Everyone also knelt down together and said, "Kong Bao, please don't break our fodder. We have received the kindness of Gong Bao. Although our bones are broken, it is not enough to repay us. Gong Bao When you need us, you only need to send an order to go through fire and water, and you will not hesitate!" Zicheng got up with everyone and said, "Brothers, please return to the defense area for the time being. I still need to go back to Beijing once to take care of my private affairs and deal with them together. I will go back to Zhangde within two days. Please report the situation in Beijing and Tianjin at any time. If you need money, you can ask my cousin Zhang Jinfang to observe it, and you can accommodate as much as possible.” Everyone agreed, They all bid farewell and go back.Only Cao Huchen and Li Peiji were willing to return to the defense because they had to send Gong Bao back to Beijing and protect him back to his hometown.Zicheng couldn't resist the two of them, so he had no choice but to agree.

At two o'clock that night, there was an additional train just in time, and Zicheng could not wait any longer, so he took this train and turned back to Beijing.It happened to catch up with the strong wind and snow that night.He took Yin Hongsheng with him, as well as Xiao Xing'er, Cao and Li.This time I took a second-class car, because the smell of the third-class car was really unpleasant, and I was afraid of meeting officials in the first-class car, and causing a lot of unnecessary troubles for socializing, so I changed to a second-class car.Most of the business people on the second-class car, naturally no one paid attention.When we came to Beijing in a blink of an eye, the sky was not yet bright, but the snow was falling even harder.Looking around in the car, it is white, just like the three mountains of Pengdao, and the silver is the palace.When the car arrived, Yin Hongsheng and Xiao Xing'er helped Xiang Gongbao out of the car, surrounded by Cao Huchen and Li Peiji, and left the station.I looked around and saw that there was no carriage, so I had to call five rickshaws to take them back to my house.The people in the house never expected Gong Bao to come back so quickly.Zicheng went straight to his office, called Xie Dafu and young master Kejing to him, and told them to do this and that, the sooner the better.Turning around, I went to the aunt's wife's room again, and ordered the aunts in each room to clean up the gold and pearls immediately. It would take half a day to clean up, and I would go back to Zhangde by car that day and night, without any mistakes.He also sent Cao Huchen to take his business card to the Beijing-Han Road Bureau, and told the general office of the bureau that a special car would be opened at nine o'clock tonight, with one float, three first-class cars, three second-class cars, two luggage carts, and two luggage carts. Prepare in secret, keep quiet.At this time, the general office of the northern section of Beijing and Han Dynasty was Sun Zhonglin, who was an alternate of Beiyang Taoism and was also promoted by Xiang Gongbao.This old gentleman is honest and honest, and he doesn't have the habit of official power.Seeing Cao Huchen asking for a car with the film of Gongbao, he hurriedly let him to his bedroom, and with tears in his eyes, he said to Cao Huchen: "Our Gongbao, Gongzhong Tiguo, did not expect such a result. It's really chilling to hear. Since your elder brother came here to ask for a car under the order of Gong Bao, I immediately prepared everything in secret, and I will never miss Gong Bao's itinerary." Seeing Sun Zhonglin's politeness, Hu Chen couldn't help complaining. Swearing at the imperial court for being stupid and self-defeating the Great Wall, but making ideas for naughty children and dividing up power, I don't think they will be happy for a few years. Sooner or later, they will have to let him know how powerful our Han people are.Sun Zhonglin turned pale with fright at what he said, and waved his hands repeatedly to signal him not to say any more.Cao Huchen was not willing to listen, until he left the gate of the Road Bureau, he was still yelling.In the evening of that day, Xiang Gongbao's house had already been tidied up. All gold beads, calligraphy, calligraphy and copybooks, etc. were all boxed and packaged.As for the crude utensils and all the worthless things, they were all left in the house, and a note was posted the next morning to auction them off.

Xie Dafu led several family members to take care of the thing in the house, and sent two other people to greet the buyer outside.What about furniture shops, woodworkers, and various shops on the left and right? They all called for valuations.Even passers-by nodded to come in, shouting loudly that there are bargains here.After half a day, even the whole of Nine Cities was a sensation, everyone knew that Xiang Gongbao had left Beijing, and even sold all the things in the house.There are those who are greedy for cheap, and run all the way, seeing that this is good or that, but they are not willing to bid, and those who are clearly worth ten yuan open their mouths and only ask for one yuan.The seller just pretended not to hear.There were also those who shouted two yuan and three yuan.Xie Dafu took advantage of the crowds, stood on the stone steps in the hall, and said loudly: "My neighbors, please keep your voice down for a while, and I will have a few words with you later. I miss my Gongbao." He is an honest and upright official. Although he has served many years in frontier affairs and served as a minister of military affairs for two or three years, he still has nothing to do. It is a pity that this time he was dismissed from office and returned home. All the debts owed by Beijing and the salary of our family members There is nothing. The palace guards had to keep the furniture and pay back the money. It is very pitiful for the end of an official to be in such a state. You guys, since you want to buy these things, you must save a little bit of compassion and justice For example, you need to pay ten yuan to buy it at other stores, but you can buy it here, at least six or seven yuan. It is obvious to take advantage of others. Think about it, all of you feel a little sorry for Gongbao, right?" Xie Dafu's speech actually had an effect.Everyone discussed: Some said that Xiang Gongbao had been an official for decades, but he had never saved much money. Now that everything in the family is in trouble, it is too pitiful to auction off all the debts; He is a good official, but I hate that the emperor's family wants to dismiss him. Now that the slanderous ministers are in power, there is no place for loyalty and goodness. I am afraid that in a few years, there will be chaos; When I was in chaos, I thought of Kung Pao again. At that time, I thought I would use him for what reason.Xie Dafu listened to everyone's words, and prepared to report to Gong Bao.Sure enough, these people were provoked by the words, and they all paid back the real price. After half a day, they sold all the things in the house, and there was a total of more than two thousand yuan.As soon as Xie Dafu was a member, he took the money to pay and went back to Zhangde.However, in the society of Beijing, this commemoration was kept, and everyone knew that Xiang Gongbao was an upright official.

Only one person among them was dissatisfied, and that person was Xiangzicheng's opponent Tiemuxian.He heard his friends tell him about the situation of Xiang Zicheng before he left, and he smiled through his nostrils and said: "Old Xiang's tricks can hide it from others, but I can't hide it from me, old iron. He worked in Beiyang. First of all, he raised seven or eight million yuan, and deliberately transferred Yang Shixiang to make up for his shortfall. Who doesn't know about this? Later, he became Minister of Military Aircraft, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Governor of various provinces. Who can't honor him with 100,000 yuan a year? Eighty thousand! Below King En, who has more money than him? Even the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, when other people were ministers, often spent no more than 700,000 to 800,000 yuan a year. More than one and a half million yuan. Where did all the money go? Didn’t it all go into his pocket? Now that the imperial court has driven him back to his hometown, it is considered a special kindness, and he still has to make this fake face to buy people’s hearts. This person is really important." Speaking of this, he asked Long Hua again, the strategy we thought about a few days ago, unexpectedly changed again, this is really unexpected.Longhua said: "This matter is always blamed on Wansheng's improper employment, and now I don't know where Bai Lang has gone. Most likely Lao Xiang was killed, maybe it is." Tie Muxian said: "It may not be killed. Are you I don't know, Lao Xiang's method of filling rice soup is better than that of a prostitute. Bai Lang is also a rough man, and he can't resist filling a few bowls of rice soup and keeping it without asking himself. He died. At that time, I knew that idea was wrong. I hoped that the rooster would win the crop immediately, or that there would be no fraud. If the time goes by, there is absolutely no reason for it to change. Now let the past go, I think Lao Xiang this time As an honest citizen, he must have all sorts of conspiracies. If he doesn’t take precautions, he is afraid that the wings will be formed in the future, and the imperial court will be greatly affected!” Longhua said: “Your Excellency’s words are indeed not true. False. Wansheng thought, now that he has resigned from his post and returned home, it is best to ask the magistrate to monitor him at any time. If you arrest him, he can escape to the sky!" Tie Muxian said: "That's the only way. The current governor of Henan is Baofen, and he is also a Manchurian bannerman. I will definitely do my best for this matter. I will write a post later. Send a letter to inform him, and then ask the Prince Regent to issue an order to put this heavy burden on his shoulders, so he must do his best." Longhua said: "Okay, let's do it like this."

Don't mention the plan between the two, let's talk about the history of Baofen.Baofen was originally a man under the leadership of Manchuria Xiangbai Banner. He was promoted from a pen post style to the head of the Henan Department of the Ministry of Households. In less than a year, he was promoted to Yuanwailang, and then he was promoted to Shandong Division Langzhong. hall.From sitting in the grain hall, he let Henan Kai return to Chen Xubing to prepare for the road, and promoted Shanxi as an inspector, acting as Shanxi's chief envoy, and actually appointed Henan's chief envoy.Less than half a year after he took office, he was promoted to governor when he caught up with governor Lin Mounei who had appointed governor of Cangchang.After seven years of work, he became a big official in the frontier from a small post.For those who don't know, it must be said that he is a genius with special abilities, and he is a unique operator in the whole country.In fact, it is quite different. When it comes to Baofen's character, he can't write a pen, can't shoot a gun in martial arts, but he is born with a good appearance.In addition, he has a hobby, which is to pay attention to repairing, dressing well, single-folded cotton yarn, and classifying them by category, even the patterns are not allowed to be heavy. Roughly speaking, it is always less than a hundred boxes.When he was in Beijing, he made a bet with a certain official in the headquarters that he wanted the same material for his clothes, and he was not allowed to repeat them for 20 days.At that time, at the end of August and the beginning of September, in late autumn, silk robes were the norm in official circles.From this day on, a certain A wore a sapphire blue silk jacket for the first day, and Baofen also wore the same color and material.The next day, A changed to purple Ning silk again, but Baofen still wore blue.On the third day, a certain Jia wore black and gray Ning silk, while Baofen still wore blue.From then on, for seven or eight days in a row, A certain A had to change her color every day, but Baofen always wore blue.On this day, certain A couldn't stand it any longer, and asked Baofen, "Have you finally lost?" Baofen smiled and said, "How can I be sure that I lost?" One, you are wearing a blue robe now, and you have been wearing it backwards for seven or eight days. You can see that this is the one you have, so why do you have the face to gamble with others!" Baofen laughed loudly and said, "Are you blind or near-sighted? Are you blind? Just focus on the color, don’t you see the difference in the pattern? To tell you the truth, I have changed eight pieces of my blue robe. If you don’t believe me, I’ll take it out and show you.” He ordered the class leader: He took off the seven jackets stored in the bookcase for several days, and took them out one by one to show a certain master.The head class agreed, and immediately took out the clothes, there were no more, no less, a total of seven pieces, including the ones he was wearing, a total of eight pieces, as expected, one was of the same pattern, and each piece was different.Baofen also said with a smile: "I still have eight pieces in this color. You only have one piece in each color, and you dare to compare with me. You are really too self-sufficient!" The officer was ashamed, and never dared to bet with him on clothes.From the looks of this matter, it can be seen that Baofen has studied clothes very well.What's more, he is now a big official in the frontier, he has plenty of money, and his clothes are bright, which of course is beyond the reach of others.Because he had a lot of clothes, he specially hired four family members to take care of his clothes, and he kept the keys of each box with him.He has to change it several times a day, and he has to reach out for what he wants to change. If he is a moment late, he will lose his temper.So the spirit of his life is completely spent on clothes.

This time he was the governor of Henan, and after he took office, he never advocated anything else, except for the issue of the clothes of his subordinates.Whenever he sees his subordinates, he must make a speech.Said: "At that time, Confucius also said that one should straighten one's clothes and respect one's vision, not to mention people in the political circles, who are the model of the four peoples. If the clothes they wear are too inappropriate, it is most likely to attract people's contempt. What's more, in the new theory It is said that a person must first have a form before he can have a spirit. The form is where the spirit resides. Brothers, you must pay special attention to this matter." As the saying goes, the effect of the upper and lower is better than the influence.Since Baofen's proposal, the atmosphere in Henan's official circles has changed, from Si Dao to Zuza, and the clothes on their bodies are all completely new.At that time, all the silk and satin shops of the same name and size in the provincial capital of Kaifeng had done a good job, and all the silk and satin in stock were sold out, and they rushed to send a telegram from Shanghai to urge the goods.In the past, when new styles of silk and satin came out of Shanghai, they had to be transported to Beijing and Tianjin first, and then went to the provincial capitals of Jinan, Kaifeng and Taiyuan after Beijing and Tianjin became popular.Nowadays, with Baofen promoting the trend, the new products from Shanghai actually arrive in Kaifeng first.Whenever a new type of satin gauze arrives, Narui Linxiang's boss, Meng Guangcai, secretly carries the new gauze, and after lighting the lamp, sneaks into the hospital office to see Baofen, and sends it to him specially.The price is open at will, and it doesn't matter.But Guangcai also spent a lot of money in the hands of the concierge and the family who took care of the clothes.All these new materials must be worn by the commander-in-chief before they are allowed to be sold to other officials.As soon as the officials of the whole province put on the new clothes, the commander-in-chief changed them again.Baofen is proud of this all day long, and regards it as the most proud thing in his life.All the members of the subordinates are also aware of his faults, even though they have new clothes, they dare not wear them out before he wears them, for fear that it will arouse his jealousy and be detrimental to their own future.With this method, Meng Guangcai became the first popular person in front of the commander in chief.Because Baofen likes him, he wants to promote him to be an official, but he is actually attached to the river worker's insurance case.It was really a surprise that Guangcai got an official position. He hurriedly put on the five-rank men's clothing and the crystal cap, and went to the courtyard to thank Bao.When they saw Baofen, they kowtowed like pounding garlic, and even said that they were a businessman in a lowly position. Marshal Meng's flattery, even though he was smashed to pieces, he couldn't repay him.Baofen hurriedly pulled him up and said, "Lao Meng, you and I are friendly, you don't need to be polite. You will always pay attention to any new materials in Shanghai, and ask them to bring them quickly without delay. Even if it is you Repay me." Guangcai said: "It's all about the humble job. My number is in Shanghai, and I have my own factory. When we weave the first one, I will send it to the commander by express mail. No matter whether he is in Beijing or Tianjin, he must wear it. Behind the commander-in-chief, let alone the province." Hearing this, Baofen was naturally overjoyed, and promised Wei Guangcai that he would be rewarded for his work.Guangcai thanked him again, and then he withdrew.

Sure enough, within ten days, Guangcai was appointed to promote the Medicine and Dental Bureau.The promotion of the Pharmaceutical and Dental Bureau is one of the best in Kaifeng, because Henan produces the most medicinal materials, and the provincial capital has set up a general bureau. All states and counties that produce medicine have branch bureaus. The bureau will issue a receipt, and then allow the goods to be shipped out of the country.This bureau, serving the public every year, is around 200,000 yuan.In fact, they are full, more than this number.There is a general office, a general office, and an assistant office in the bureau.The general manager must be an alternate Taoist, and the assistant must be the magistrate.However, the real power is in the hands of the transfer, and the transfer is either an alternate magistrate or an alternate prefect.The predecessor's Titiao, whose surname was Xiang and whose name was Kezhong, was the nephew of Xiang Gongbao's own clan.His shift was a magistrate, but the province he referred to was Anhui. He didn't want to go to Anhui, so he begged his uncle to write a letter to Lin Futai, asking for the assignment by name.Lin Futai is an old slippery official, he has the principle of not offending anyone, let alone the nephew of the Minister of Military Aircraft, he dare not offend him, so he was appointed immediately and appointed him this post.But he has been so loyal to work for a year and a half, and he has the power alone, and the general office and the general office are also afraid of him, so he really has a lot of money.Ever since Kung Pao was vacant and returned to his hometown, his influence has also been in decline.All the candidates for officials in the provincial capital, who are qualified and well-connected, all want to seek this job.We practiced with each other for two or three months, but we didn't expect the fallen leaves to return to their roots, but they were snatched away by the owner of a foreign goods store.After it was published, everyone was shocked as an anecdote, but Xiang Kezhong felt even more angry.He said: "I didn't care about the loss of my job this time, so I didn't feel sad; but the person who picked me up had to be decent, and he was an upright official, and I would be happy to hand it over to him. Now Meng has been entrusted. What the hell is that Meng guy?! In the middle of the night, he slipped into the courtyard office with his satin bag in his hands, his eyes looking around, like a thief. He is also worthy of a promotion, but he really scolded the officialdom. There is such a foolish futai in the world. If you love him, it’s okay to stay by your side as a servant and take care of your clothes. You have protected him for no reason, and you have ruined the officialdom. Now, you still want to appoint him this good job, and you really see no one in Henan. You think that if uncle opens a vacancy, he can't control you, but I want you to know how powerful our men are!" He explained the matter hastily After that, he ran to Xiang Gongbao's villa in Zhangde.When I saw Gong Bao, I told him about my complaints.Zicheng just smiled and didn't answer, let him finish, and then replied coldly: "You have been doing good jobs for more than a year, how much money have you earned?" Ke Zhong said: "Don't dare to lie to uncle, it's true. I earned more than 90,000 silver." Zicheng laughed and said, "What do you want all this money for? Give me half of it, and you keep the half. Hurry back to your hometown in Chenzhou and buy a few hectares of land to enjoy yourself!" Ke Zhong listened, although he felt a bit of a stomachache, but he didn't dare not disobey orders in face, so he had to remit 30,000 cash from the bank to Xiang Gongbao, and took the rest back to Chenzhou Zhidi.He always felt unhappy in his heart, this time he did not sue, but lost 30,000 silver, how could he bear this tone.

Baofen deserved it for asking for trouble.In February, he indirectly received a letter from the Beijing Military Aircraft Office, asking him to monitor Xiangzi City anytime and anywhere, but if there was any special action.He didn't pay much attention to it at the time, thinking that this was just a routine article of the court, so he just ignored it.Unexpectedly, at the end of April and the beginning of May, the Military Aircraft Department sent another letter from the court, saying that Baofen was sent to his home in Xiangzicheng, Chenzhou, under the order of the regent, to investigate on the spot what he was doing now, and reported it in secret, and no delays were allowed. , not allowed to be obvious and less visible.After the decree arrives, go there today, and so on.Baofen accepted this decree, how dare he be negligent, and immediately dispatched two copywriters from this department, one is the alternate Dao Xiangzhen, and the other is the alternate magistrate Taiqi.Two more Wen patrols, Enshun and Enfu, and two Wu patrols, Duoxing and Aqingji, were ordered.These six attendants are all bannermen.In addition, Wu Kebu, the commander of the patrol battalion, was sent to bring 40 pro-military guards along with him.This is also because the imperial decree did not ask him to make it clear, otherwise, he would have to send a whole town to escort him.Before leaving, Hecheng Wenwuju went to the station to see him off.The telegram has already captured the Chenzhou Prefecture, and all the prefectures and counties are ready to welcome the commander-in-chief.He also pre-built the mansion for him.Unexpectedly, after he left the mansion, there was a sudden order to borrow Xiang Gongbao's house to live in.This can stump the county magistrate.That house is the number one gentry in the county, and there are so many children in his family, all of them are very arrogant, and the county magistrate is usually afraid of him like a tiger.Now the commander-in-chief insists on living in his house, how can this be done?If you don't want to talk about it, the boss really can't explain it; if you want to talk about it, if the young master is not happy, you will be slapped in the face.Thinking about it, it's just embarrassing.Then I frowned, and suddenly remembered that Xiang Kezhong had recently helped him buy a hectare of land, and we have a very good relationship with each other, why don't you ask him to intercede, I'm always embarrassed to refute me.Thinking of this, I took a sedan chair to pay homage to Kezhong.Kezhong saw him and asked his father what he wanted to come to see him?The county magistrate was very straightforward and said the above meaning.Ke Zhong listened, and felt angry, and then wanted to attack, and then changed his mind, why don't I take this opportunity to tease Lao Bao for a while.After making up his mind, he replied with a smile: "The commander-in-chief is willing to visit the humble house. This is the most honorable thing. We can't ask for it. Is there any reason why we don't want to borrow it?" , I can only spare one house, and the commander-in-chief is invited to bring a few entourages to live there. There are too many people, but I can't accommodate it. As for all the supplies, I have to go to the old man's station to prepare, and Zhiwan can't do it for me." The county magistrate said: "That's natural, you don't need to order, just have a house to live in." After saying that, he left in a hurry.Here, Kezhong immediately cleaned up the house in the main hall, took out a lot of calligraphy and paintings from the box, and ordered his family to hang them on the main hall immediately, and replaced all the curtains and curtains of the main hall with light yellow satin, and changed all the furnishings in the hall. up. When the sun was flat in the west, the governor sat in the bright sedan chair, blew the gong to clear the way, and went straight to Xiang's house, and handed over the late birthday post first.The inside said please, and Baofen got off the sedan chair and walked in the door swaggeringly.Ke Zhong greeted him, let him into the living room, and exchanged a few pleasantries.Because Baofen didn't see Xiang Zicheng come out, he felt very uncomfortable: I can't blame the court for investigating you, you don't even pay attention to the highest official of the province.Then he asked Ke Zhong and said, "Gongbao has been suffering from foot illness recently. Brother, I came here to pay my respects here today, and I would like to ask you to report on my behalf." Ke Zhong said, "The grandpa's trip was in vain. My uncle does not live in his hometown. He is in Henan. He originally had three houses. This is his ancestral home. He also has two villas. One is in Hui County and the other is in Zhangde. The letter was still in Zhangde a few days ago, and now he is in Hui County Go, maybe. There is no trace of my uncle now, and I begged the grandpa to learn more about the original." Baofen was very surprised when he heard this, and said: "Why are you not here? Strange, when I arrived, I asked the county Bai Ling, according to him, Gong Bao is at home. Why is he not at home? You must know that this court is coming this time, and we have to discuss with him, so we should always meet." Ke Zhong sneered: "This matter is very difficult. It is true that my uncle is not here, so where should I ask Zhiwan to change? According to Zhiwan's thoughts, the grandpa can live in the house for a few days in peace, and when Zhiwan calls my uncle quickly, or he comes back, or the grandpa arrives Go over there, but you can make the rules in one day, so why bother today?" Baofen thought it was right, so he had to agree.Then he said a few more polite words: there are many disturbances in the house.Ke Zhong stood up and led him to the main hall, followed by all the county magistrates. After entering the gate of the courtyard, Baofen and these officials were startled for a moment, because they saw that the curtain was yellow, and they didn't know what kind of medicine was sold in the gourd.Just walking outside the curtain, I suddenly heard Kezhong say loudly: "I am in the hall with all the saints and queens of the Qing Dynasty, and Baofen has not yet gone in to pay respects." This sound, just like a Jiao Lei in the middle of the sky, scared Baofen It's frustrating.It turns out that this family has had hairpin tassels for generations. Xiang Jiasan was a famous minister of ZTE at that time, and Xiang Wencheng was the nephew of the public, and he was the most favored by the court.When he arrived in Xiangzi City, he became well-known both at home and abroad, and was favored by all officials.Since Xianfeng, the emperors of the three dynasties have all had handwriting bestowed by the emperor.东西两宫皇太后，也有御赐的福寿字。更有三朝皇帝驾崩后，颁赐的纪念衣同赏的各种玩物，满满的将五间正厅，全陈挂得无一毫隙地。在前清君主时代，凡做官的，见了先朝手泽，及皇帝曾经服御的衣服玩物，必须行二十四拜的朝参大礼。如今可忠故意戏弄，将宝芬诓到正厅，给他一个迅雷不及掩耳，要当场出他的大像。宝芬又是一个旗官，对于这些礼节，尤其不敢疏忽。当时硬着头皮，整一整衣冠，又拦住随员县官，说：“你们的品级，还够不上在厅内行礼，只在厅外叩头吧。”说着他便蹑足潜踪地侧身进去。见当中悬的是文宗显皇帝御书，两旁是两宫皇太后御书，以下便是穆宗毅皇帝、德宗景皇帝的御书。宝芬到此时，也不敢仰头细看，连忙跪在地上，一起一拜地行那大礼。可忠本是有意同他开玩笑，地上喷了许多水。多少年未曾洒扫，土是很厚的了，用水一浇，全和了泥。可怜宝芬穿着一身簇新的实地纱袍褂，在这泥水中拜了二十四拜，这一身袍褂沾了许多黑滋泥，淋淋漓漓，直往下流汤儿。拜完了又双腿请安，方才退出。他心里无名孽火虽然高三千丈，却又不敢发作。一发作便担了欺君之罪，只得忍气吞声，反倒央告可忠，说：“这正厅既是先皇先后御笔陈列之所，我们做臣子的，怎敢在这里住着？无论如何请老哥方便方便，另替兄弟预备卧室。不怕是一间半间，全可以将就，这里是万不敢住的。”可忠见他怪可怜的，便把正厅旁边一所住宅，让给他住。可是每日早晚，宝芬仍得到正厅磕头请安。他又不敢派自己的家人进厅洒扫，只得暗中在项宅夫役手中，花了一百元钱，才将这泥水扫净了，另外替他预备了一块垫子，这才不脏衣裳了。过了两天，项宫保的回电已到，说自己现在辉县居住，因为足疾甚剧，不能回原籍来，请中丞到辉县走一遭，情愿扫花以待。宝芬见了这电报，如同得了赦旨一般，当日便起身到辉县去了。他生怕宫保说回来，叫他在这里候着，正在五六月天气，早晚磕头礼拜，实在是受不了。所以他得着回电，多一天也不肯住了，匆匆地又跑至辉县。 这辉县是山清水秀，风景绝佳。河里的游鱼，历历可数。虽然在河南省，却大有江南的风味。因此，致仕的官僚，多在此处购地建屋，作一个世外桃源。当时有五个总督，俱在此地建筑别墅，所以大家特送了一个徽号，叫作五总督地。唯有项子城的别墅，尤其宽阔精雅：内中有河流，还是活水；土山也是天成的，并不用人工制造；山上的树木很多。项子城住在园中，同他一位契弟，名叫子阶的，终日种菜灌园，赋诗饮酒，倒也十分快乐。这一天接到他侄儿可忠的电报，诉说宝芬已经到辉县来。子城微微一笑，对子阶道：“六弟，你知宝芬这次东颠西跑，一定要同我会面，是什么意思？”子阶道：“这有什么难知道的，他不过奉了朝廷旨意，特来监察四哥有什么举动，好预备收拾我们罢了。”子城叹了一口气道：“这真应了'黄钟毁弃，瓦缸雷鸣，正人匿迹，才夫高张'的话了。他这次来，你我还得有一番做作，好遮掩耳目。这也是为避祸计，不得不然。”说罢将家人叫上来，吩咐如此这般，宝大人来时，你们要依照我的话办理，不得有误。回头又向子阶商酌好了，二人另换了一身衣服，到河边上了船，吩咐管船的撑到山后。原来这道河紧抱着山，山后边港池分歧，大有湖泊的形势。这时候正在五六月间，芦苇丛生，芰荷并茂，绿沉沉一望无际。小船隐在里边，很不易寻觅。当时项子城兄弟二人荡进港去，择了个极深邃的地方，将船泊住，取出钓竿来，稳坐船头，向河中钓鱼，暂且不表。 却说宝芬到了辉县，知县李光典将他迎进衙门，先预备酒饭款待，然后请示大帅到哪里去？宝芬问项宫保的别墅离此多远？李光典说：“就在南门外二三里路。”宝芬叫预备轿子，派李光典引路，去拜会宫保。李光典立刻传轿。无奈轿子是蓝的，巡抚大人怎肯降级去坐。后来还是某师爷出主意说：“杠房里的魂轿，全是绿的，何不借来一用？”一句话提醒了李光典，立时派差人去传杠房，将魂轿抬来借用。哪知轿衣已经十多年没换了，虽然是绿的，却早已变得乌黑。李光典见了，只是咧嘴，想不出法子来。后来高低由布铺里借了一匹绿粗布，将轿子围起来，对付着请抚台大人坐了。知县陪着，一直来到项氏别墅。差人递上帖，看门的许顺忙跑出来，在宝芬轿子前边请了一个安，回道：“宫保在园子内，请大人进来会吧。”宝芬下了轿子，李光典也随在后边，进了园门。许顺在前引路，曲曲弯弯，引至一所楼房前边。许顺道：“宫保就在这里住，请大人少候一候，我进去回。”说着便敲门，从里面出来一个家人，许顺将来意说了。那家人忙过来回说：“宫保弟兄两位，吃过午饭便驾小船钓鱼去了，现在并未在楼中。大人要寻访，你到山后湖边，芦苇丛中，柳阴树下，必能见着。这里面现在无人，只有家人在此看守。”宝芬听了，似信不信地又问道：“宫保何等身份，岂能自己去钓鱼？你这话只怕靠不住吧。”家人又回道：“大人如果不信，先请进楼来，自己访查一番，就知道家人不敢说谎话了。”宝芬真不客气，果然信步游行。进了这一所院落，四面是矮矮的红墙，院里的地基很不少，足有四五亩见方。当中是五楼五底一所楼房，前后左右，俱是花畦菜圃。还有几株葡萄架、藤萝架、塔松、洋槐、垂杨柳，树木很多的。宝芬也都无暇细看。一直奔这楼房，推门进去，里面静悄悄并无人声。宝芬叫看楼的家人带路，自己同知县款步上楼。原来五间楼是三明两暗，当中三间明着，陈列一张极长的白木桌子，四围有十几把椅子，也是白木的，不曾上过漆蜡，也没有围桌椅披。桌上只摆着一具棋盘，围棋黑白子还在上面放着，看神气是残棋未终。再走至里间，只有破破烂烂的几部书，陈列在案上。一张破竹床，已经七短八缺。一架白夏布的蚊帐，看神气足有十年开外，已经变深灰色了。帐子里放着几件破烂衣服，什么粗布大褂子，法兰绒小褂子，高腰袜子，床前还放着一双破皂鞋。宝芬见着鞋袜，以为宫保在床里睡觉呢，连忙凑了过去。哪知才到床前，一股酸臭之气直冲鼻端，真乃从来未有之奇臭。宝芬哎呀了一声，觉着五脏六腑，立刻往起一翻，哇地吐了一地，将方才在县署中吃的酒席，倾肠刮肚，一丝也不曾存留。此时只苦了李光典，随在身旁，又不敢动。床里边放出来的臭气，同床外边吐出来的臭气，又腥又酸，给他闻了一个饱，原来项宫保平日脚气很重，终年流脓流水，他又永远不肯洗足，脚上的臭气，穿着靴鞋袜子便能闻出老远去。他如今将鞋袜全脱在这里，这个气味怎能好闻得了。活该宝芬倒霉，撞入这臭阵里边。他那样好修饰讲清洁的人，怎能忍受下去，所以刺鼻棘腹，吐了一地。家人忙倒一碗凉茶水，给他漱过口。他一刻也不敢再停，便匆匆下楼去。又吩咐家人，领着他去寻宫保。家人回道：“我的大人，宫保此时不定荡入哪个港汊去了，叫家人哪里去寻他？”宝芬正没好气，喝道：“胡说！横竖宫保总出不了这个园子，怎见得没地方去寻他？分明是你脱懒。我不看宫保面上，将你带回县衙，从重责罚！”家人也不敢再说了，只得在前面领路，顺着河流，在芦苇丛中乱找。山前已经钻到了，哪里有宫保的影儿。虽然遇着两只小船，全是看园家人，前来摘莲摸藕的。宝芬向他们打听宫保现在哪里，一个回说不知道，一个回说在山后边呢，杜若洲一带去寻，或者能见得着。倒是李光典有主意，忙招手唤道：“舟子，你荡过来吧，我们借你这只船去寻宫保，如果寻着了，情愿谢你两块钱，”舟子果然将小船荡过来，三人上了船，晃晃荡荡的，还有点载重。舟子只得轻轻地撑着，向山后边荡去。东寻西觅，在芦苇丛中，足有一点钟工夫，也不曾寻见宫保。后来还是家人出主意，说你吹一吹哨子吧，宫保在那边，一定也吹哨相应，我们闻声去寻，自然就容易了。舟子果然拿出苇哨来吹。不大工夫，远远也有苇哨的声音。家人道：“好了好了，宫保有了下落了，我们只顺着这声音去寻吧。”舟子撑着船，只向那边柳阴深处荡去。果然荡过那一片垂杨，远远看见一只小渔船，系在依山傍水的一行芭蕉树下。船上稳坐着两个渔翁，戴笠披蓑，在那里垂钓。若问这两人之中，是否有项宫保，且看下回分解。