Chapter 43 The 40th Chapter Swallowing Funds and Making a Conspiracy to Lose Huaibei and Go to Henan Province to Avoid Suit

After Xue Xizhuang said this, he thought that Huiqing must have a legitimate answer, but he never expected him to applaud and laugh.This smile made Xizhuang stare, not knowing what kind of medicine was hidden in his gourd.I had to ask again: "Master Sun, why are you laughing when we talk about serious things? Is there anything ridiculous about me saying this?" Huiqing said: "I laugh at you for being too unserious, and you still Take your master as the top door. You rent this house for two or three hundred yuan a month, and you only pay your master ten yuan a month. Now that you haven’t paid it for three months, who do you discuss with? I kindly hand over this business to you. You come to the door, you push back and forth, and talk nonsense, it would be better for me to deal with your master directly. Let's open the wall and talk about it, so you don't want to make a fortune, marry a wife, open a shop, and enjoy the happiness of the rest of your life. Reward anyway You have a few thousand, enough to keep you from eating and drinking, that’s what it means. You open your mouth and think of tens of thousands, are you crazy about poverty?” Xi Zhuang rolled his eyes at the words.After hesitating for a while, he suddenly fell to his knees and cried loudly.While weeping, he pleaded: "Master Sun, you are the merciful Avalokitesvara, can you really watch Xiaodao starve to death? A few thousand silver, please think about it, what is enough to do. Now open a fresh fruit shop What's more, we monks can't carry the burden on our shoulders or carry the basket in our hands. How can we get it with these few dollars. Master Zarui rewards a few more coins, but it's just a drop in Taicang. As long as you A few words of kindness will make my bull nose shine." Huiqing said: "You are such a rascal, if you try hard and fail, you will try hard again. I am always afraid of softness rather than toughness, how about this? I'll give you 10,000 yuan, it's a lot, get up and write, don't hate it anymore." Xi Zhuang cried and begged for more money.Huiqing angrily ordered his apprentice, "Hurry up and drive this bull-nosed man out of the gate. Whoever has the time to spare will make trouble with you." Seeing that Huiqing was in a hurry, Xizhuang didn't dare to fight any more. He stood up pretending to be wronged, and said "Master Sun, how do you order, and how Xiaodao obeys, it's not enough!" Huiqing said, "If you said this earlier, it would be over. Why bother?" Is the deed available?Xi Zhuang blushed and said, to tell the truth to Mr. Sun, the house deed has already been placed in custody by me.Huiqing snorted and said: "Sin, sin, you have two or three hundred yuan a month, and you have to mortgage the house deed. It's too difficult for you. Go and get it quickly. You can't see the house deed and you can't allocate money. How are you going to mortgage it?" In whose hands is it?" Xizhuang said in a low voice, "It's in the Hehe Photo Studio." Hearing what he said, Huiqing hesitated, and said, "How much did you bet?" Xizhuang Said: "I bet two thousand two hundred and fifty yuan, and I really got two thousand. The two hundred and fifty is Huang Zuowen's commission." Huiqing said, "What do you mean by hanging this little change?" Xi Zhuang said "This is two cents a month, which is exactly forty-five yuan for his rent." Huiqing said: "Damn it, you have to pay for it now, and I'm afraid it will cost you money. That Huang is very cunning. When he sees that you have the money to redeem the house, he must be suspicious and refuse to ask you to redeem it. You have to pretend that you still need to borrow money from him, and if you don’t borrow money, you will increase the rent. Someone else borrowed it. At that time, I transferred to Zhu Xiaozhuang, the owner of Qinghezhai, and said that I would lend you the money. He would definitely not doubt it. At that time, Xiaozhuang gave him the money, and the deed was taken out naturally. This matter has to be delayed for two days. , It’s too urgent, and he’s going to make wild guesses. You must keep your mouth shut and don’t release any news. Let’s meet at Zhu Xiaozhuang’s house the day after tomorrow, and it’s not too late after breakfast.” Xi Zhuang agreed one by one, and just returned to the temple .

Sure enough, two days later, Huang Zuowen was not suspicious when he followed suit. He actually took out the house deed and handed it over to Zhu Xiaozhuang, who took back the two thousand two hundred and fifty yuan.Rui Fang got the house deed, and without waiting for a moment, he passed the tax deed of the cabinet, and filed a case in the Admiral's Yamen of the Police Department, Tong Wanping County, and changed the Qingren Temple into an antiquities exhibition hall.All bureaus have approved it.The Swiss side sent four family members to inform the various shops and businesses in Guanzhong, and they all moved out within ten days.Hehe photo studio is naturally included in the notice.Huang Zuowen was caught by surprise, like a thunderbolt in mid-air, he immediately grabbed a family member and asked who sent you?The family members lied from beginning to end, saying that I was sent by the Yugong Mansion.In his opinion, he thought that Zuo Wen had been interrogated by Lord Yu, so he must be afraid of him, so when he mentioned these two words, of course he had nothing to say.Unexpectedly, Zuo Wen is the patriarch of litigation, so why does he take Yugong to heart.And this family member is called Zhong Fu, who worked as a Goshha with Rui Fang, and Zowen knew him.Unconsciously, he sneered and said: "Butler Zhong, you don't have to hide it from me. You were sent by Lord Rui, so why pretend to be Yugong! You have to tell the truth, otherwise I will call you a policeman and say that you are under the guise of the government. Blackmailing outside, you have to go around if you can't eat." Zhong Fusuri also knew that Zuo Wen was not easy to pester, so he had to tell him the whole truth.Zuo Wen's anger was really serious, and he said to Zhong Fu: "Housekeeper, let me borrow your words, go back and tell Rui Fang that others can move, but my photo studio can't move. I rent a house, but all the layouts in my courtyard , I took out all the money to clean it up. This mountain and rock cost three thousand silver, and all the flowers, plants, trees, and various equipment cost more than twelve thousand taels in total. He wanted me to vacate the house, and he had to pay the same amount. Me. And if I move out, if I can’t rent a good house and stop the equipment within three months, this loss should be paid to him. A total of 18,000 silver is required, and I will give 17,999 Nineteen taels, it didn’t work. Go back and talk about it. If he doesn’t pay compensation, I’ll give him forty-five yuan a month as the rental price. If my surname Huang wants to give him forty-four yuan and nine cents, then I’m not honorable. , not friends. Do you understand this?" Zhong Fu said: "I understand, Mr. Huang, please wait for my reply!" Zuo Wen let him go.

When Zhong Fu came back, he told Rui Fang everything in detail.Rui Fang was so angry that he stomped his feet and cursed, saying: "Reverse, rebellious! His surname is Huang, and he dared to blackmail me. I won't let you taste it, and you don't know how powerful I am." The next day, Rui Fang took a few strong family members and ran to Qingren Temple.He told his family members, "If I tell you to move things, you should move them; if I tell you to beat people, you should beat them. If you kill someone, I will be responsible for it all, and it has nothing to do with you."The family agreed: yes.After entering the Qingren Temple, I came to the Kuayuan, and saw Huang Zuowen sitting and drinking with an old man in his sixties in the courtyard.As soon as Rui Fang came in, Zuo Wen hurriedly stood up, bowed and saluted, and called the Commander. Since Wansheng was released from prison, he paid three visits.It's rare to come here today, and Wan Sheng happened to make an apology face to face.Rui Fang was originally angry, but when they met, his conscience realized that when he recalled what happened that day, he always felt a little sorry for Zowen, so he forced a smile and replied: "You are very wronged, I know it; but I have been wronged more than you. So I very much hope that you will not mention the past. Now I am here because this Qingren Temple has been changed to an antiquities exhibition hall. You guys Don’t worry about occupying the photo studio, free it up earlier, so I can start to clean it up. I’m going to send my family, I’m afraid he can’t explain clearly, so I will go there in person, one to see the situation of the house, and the other to meet you face to face Let's talk. Let me know when you will be able to move, so I can prepare everything." Zuo Wen laughed and said, "It's easy to vacate a house. If we talk today, we can vacate tomorrow. Do you want to explain everything to the Commander?" Zowen's words made Rui Fang anxious, and sneered: "What Zhong Fu said, I just thought he was lying and farting! It turns out that you really asked him to say it. Then It's easy to handle, you are simply blackmailing on purpose, and you want to occupy my house. Yes, I have money in Ruifang, but I can't spend it like this." Huang Zuowen saw him turn his face, and he was about to get angry when he saw the old man Sir, he asked Rui Fang in a stereotyped tone: "Rui Fang, how much do you call rich people? Where do they come from? I would like to be taught by you." Rui Fang was angry at first, but listened to The old man chewed his words, called his name and asked, he couldn't hold back his anger, and shouted: "Where did you come from, an old village cow, dare to call me by my name! How much money do I have, and where did I come from?" , can you control it?" The old man saw that he was so angry, but he was not afraid or anxious at all, and he still calmly replied: "This is a trivial matter, why bother to be so impetuous, if it is serious? Calm your heart, calm your breath , I will ask again. Is the amount of your money worth two million cash? Is the two million cash a donation from Huaibei? You can tell me clearly." The old man asked, But it hit Ruifang's lung tube.It turns out that there is an unspeakable history in it.

The Swedish side has committed crimes all his life, and this should be the number one priority.Little was known about this matter, but Huiqing told him about it when Huang Zuowen first arrived in Tianjin and was dating Sun Huiqing.Unexpectedly, now Rui and Huang have broken up.That old man is Zuo Wen's uncle, named Xia Lin. He is an old Xiaolian. He has a good character, but he is too rigid.In the past, Zuo Wen didn't care about him because he was prone to litigation.Now that Zuo Wen changed his way to do business, it was much more polite than before, and the uncle and nephew just kept seeing each other.Just when Ruifang was coming, Xialin arrived and said that he hadn't eaten yet, so Zuowen called him for a drink and a drink.Thinking of Rui Fang, Zuo Wen complained a lot, and told Xia Lin all his history and theories, without hiding a single word.Hearing this, the old man was so angry that he cursed, saying that Rui Fang was a beast, and he even ate all the victims.Like this kind of person, you should not have made friends with him before, but now you have broken up, this is a good opportunity for you to make a new life.If I saw him face to face, I would have to scold him to express my anger.Unexpectedly, while talking, Rui Fang really came.At the beginning, the old man listened to their conversation, but he couldn't get in his mouth. Later, Rui Fang boasted that he was rich, but he couldn't bear it anymore, so he stepped forward, went straight to the point, and exposed his heart.How can the Swiss side bear it?

After all, this period of history of swallowing relief can be regarded as a good material for official records, and the writer cannot but recount it.In that year, when the Swedish side was the governor of Liangjiang, there was a flood in the Huaibei area, and the people's houses and fields were all washed away by the water. At that time, no less than tens of thousands of people drowned, and the remaining ones or two million did not die. many.Sitting in the open air, waiting to be fed, and suffering, it is really difficult to write.So the governor of Liangjiang and the governor of Jiangsu all handed in their chapters, which is naturally very pitiful.In addition to exempting money and food, the Qing court issued another 100,000 domestic currency, which was handed over to the Swedish side to select and dispatch appropriate personnel to go to the relief.But the money is small and the people are many, this one hundred thousand silver is really a drop in the bucket and does not help at all.At this time, the Swiss side actually showed compassion, and earnestly made a donation letter, pleading for the lives of the victims.All ministries in Beijing, as well as the twenty-two provinces, from governors to state and county officials, will give a share and donate at will.This donation has really had a great effect, the excess is eighteen thousand, and the least is no less than thirty fifty.When all the payments were made and calculated, there were actually more than 4.579 million yuan, and all of these items were remitted to Jiangning and handed over to the treasury for storage.When Rui Fang saw this much money, he immediately turned his compassion into greed, wishing he could put it all in his waist, only then did he get what he wanted.But under the eyes of everyone, how can I say this sentence?I can't help but hesitate in my heart.At this time, the family members came up to report that Mrs. Ji of Dongsi had arrived.When Rui Fang heard the word "Mrs. Ji", he suddenly got an idea and took it to heart.

Do you know why?It turns out that the incumbent Jiangning feudal chief Ji is also a Manchurian bannerman, and he is an aunt and cousin with Ruifang.This gentleman is a big opium smoker.He had to eat eight taels of ointment a day, which was a penny for a mouthful, a total of eighty mouthfuls, and he couldn't live without one mouthful.I always get up at the time of lighting the lamp every day, and before I open my eyes and get out of the bed, the maid who serves the smoke will divide eight puffs of cigarettes into eight pipes, and the lamp is lit and ready.All he had to do was snort, and the pipe had to be brought to his lips.He didn't open his eyes either, and started smoking with his pipe in his mouth.After taking this puff, the gun continued to be used immediately, sucking up all the puffs in one go, and then pulled the quilt to cover his head.He still slept for a quarter of an hour before he could dress.Get up, wash up, have a snack, and lie down to smoke as usual.It is always at night when the son is full that he is full of energy. He is very happy to read official affairs and receive guests.Three hundred and sixty days a year, always every day.Sometimes on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar new year, he was interviewed by the supervisory office. He didn't sleep at night, so he went early.Before dawn, all the current and alternate officials of Hecheng walked behind him.But in a month, this is not allowed once.Since Rui Fang came to be the governor, he felt that he was an old cousin, and he became more and more unrestrained. He was often not allowed to go to the governor's office for two or three months.If there is a business matter that must be discussed, he entrusts his wife, Bao Shi, to go for a walk.This lady is very shrewd, literate, and understands official business, so she is a good helper for him.If there is any business on the Rui side that needs to be discussed, they don't invite Fantai, but instead invite Fantai's wife.This time Mrs. Ji came to the supervisor's office for some official business.Rui Fang was thinking about the more than 4 million yuan in donations. When he heard that the wife of the feudal secretary had arrived, he had an idea and thought that the business would be done from this woman.Thinking of this, he went to see Mrs. Ji himself.

At this time, Mrs. Ji was chatting with Rui Fang's wife in the upper room. Seeing Rui Fang walk in, she hurriedly greeted him, and said hello to the commander in chief.Rui Fang said with a smile while stilling: "Old cousin, I really want to punish you. We are such close relatives, why do you call each other a handsome man, making people feel nasty." Mrs. Ji laughed and said: "This is from the emperor's family. System, we as courtiers, how dare we abolish the public for our own sake. If you are not called a commander, what are you called?" Rui Fang said: "Although we say this, it seems that we are in the family, and it seems to be based on family affection; when it comes to officialdom It’s not too late to set up that pointless system at parties.” As he sat down, he asked, “Is my cousin’s opium still the same?” Mrs. Ji said, “How can I live without it? " Rui Fang sighed and said: "My cousin has been smoking opium all his life, and he has been a minister for more than ten years, has he still had a few pennies left?" Mrs. Ji snorted: "Stop talking, he I don’t see people during the day, I don’t do anything, I just wait for the few hours of night work. All the work is left to the master and the concierge. He has money left over, but where does his money come from? As usual, the few money, Our family has a big ostentation and a large population, but it’s just to keep the money. If you want to talk about leftover money, I’m afraid a copper coin will never be considered!" Rui Fang said: "According to my sister-in-law, the future is really worrying. Please ask Think, how many years can you live with the method of your cousin? You two don’t have any grown-up sons, your cousin is only eight or nine years old, and your two nieces will leave the cabinet sooner or later. At this time, while he is in office, Cousin doesn’t save much money, if there is a high mountain and low water in the future, how will you live your life?” These few words just hit Mrs. Ji’s heart, and she shed tears early without knowing it.He bowed his head and pondered for a while, then replied: "My handsome...cousin, you are really a good man, and every word you say is full of good words. If your cousin can think as far as you do, I won't worry about it long ago. Seeing that Mrs. Ji's heart was touched by his own words, Rui Fang followed up and said, "Since my cousin understands that what I said is right, why don't you think of a way?" Mrs. Ji said: "Cousin, it's easy for you to say I'm a woman, what can I do? Jiangning's lack is a nameless one. There are very few prefectures and counties under its jurisdiction, and there are many candidates. All of them wear big hats. They are either letters from the prince or military planes. It's only perfunctory, but it's not enough, how dare you think about money. As for the money and food per mu, there is a certain amount, which is somewhat beneficial, but also very limited, where do you ask me to think about this method?" Rui Fang said: "These two ways, of course I can't think of a way. Even if I try to try, it's not very lucrative, and I'm still worried. Why bother with such useless thoughts! All things in the world are man-made. Thinking about Xianghuo, it is natural to be clear and logical, even if it is hundreds of thousands or one million, it will not be a piece of cake." Mrs. Ji heard that there was something in his words, she hurriedly moved her seat, took a step forward and asked in a low voice: "Cousin, what are you doing?" Can you think of a way out for Mrs. Yu? If you can really become us, you will be alive and dead. In this life, Mrs. Yu will never forget your benefits. I will simply embroider your name into gold letters and offer it to Guanyin In the altar of the Dashi, I will burn incense for you twice in the morning and evening, do you think this is a good reward?" Rui Fang said with a smile: "Forget it, I am alive and kicking here, so you can burn incense and offer offerings to me. Isn't this cursing me?" Mrs. Ji hurriedly admitted her mistake: "Damn it, I also like to be confused. Cousin, Marshal, don't blame me, if there is any magic trick, tell me early, don't make me like it Ah." Rui Fang said: "You husband and wife are really stupid, there are more than 4 million unearned wealth in the treasury, why don't you try to find a way on that, instead you are crying poor all day long." One sentence reminded Mrs. Ji, Quickly asked: "You said more than four million, but is that a donation?" Rui Fang laughed and said: "My cousin is really a crystal belly and a glass heart. No wonder you are the wife of the palm print. You really can see through it." Mrs. Ji also laughed, and said: "Don't flatter me first, this donation is related to people's lives, can we really think about it?" When Rui Fang heard this, he couldn't help laughing again, and said: "No Thinking of my cousin who can teach morality! Do you think that the donations will not be used? To tell you the truth, the officials and gentry who have always raised donations and released relief have all held up the signs of charity and practiced his principle of giving and giving. Yes. For example, ten taels of silver, two or three taels must be able to go to the victims, and that is the best official gentry. Some swallow up, and the victims can’t even see a silver hair. He still pretends to be a good person, the emperor The family even gave him a plaque of charity. Why do you bother with the benevolence of this woman again!" Mrs. Ji said: "The commander-in-chief has seen great things. We are a woman, of course we are not as good as you, but this donation The funds are all donated by officials outside Beijing. In the future, there must be a reimbursement list. According to the name of the person who donated, each one will be an account. We have to divide it. If people question it , but with what words to answer? "Rui Fang smoked a hookah, drew circles with his head, and said in a tone of reading: "A woman's opinion of a woman cannot reach her husband after all.In fact, I told my cousin that the reimbursement list is something that can be fabricated by manpower.As long as we get rid of a few money and shut the mouth of the insider, let alone more than 4 million, even more than 40 million, a piece of paper can cost him all. Seeing what Rui Fang said, Mrs. Ji immediately became energetic and courageous. She thought in her heart: Rui Fang, this old boy, would have such a kind heart to get money for our family, I’m afraid it’s unreliable! Oh, yes That's right, that's right, it's obvious that he's eyes turned red when he saw the four million foreign money, because it's stored in our treasury, and it's not easy to forcefully withdraw it, but he pretended to be a good person and used us as a door stick. Anyway, I'm happy to push the boat along, Even if we can't share the territory equally with him, the three or five million yuan must be given to me anyway, why don't I do this ready-made favor! Thinking of this, I whispered with a pleasant face: "Master Mingjian, your cousin smokes a lot!" With that kind of appearance, where can I still do things!I am also a woman, and I am at a loss what to do.What should be done, please give me your instructions, we will follow it, and how much you will reward us, I should be your poor cousin.We have been honored by you and benefited from you, so there is no need to say that the donation is not a donation. " Rui Fang heard Mrs. Ji say so euphemistically and earnestly, and he felt more and more happy, so he replied: "Okay, please go back, cousin Shen Xiang, first, and say that all the donations have been paid out, and it should be done." How to distribute, please give instructions from the commander-in-chief.According to this official letter, I called Hengxiang, the general manager of the Relief Bureau, and discussed with him, and asked him to go to Huaibei in person to cover everyone's eyes and ears.All the procedures will be taught by me face to face, and the money will be divided without anyone noticing.You have to reserve 600,000 yuan for this share; the old nephew of the Relief Bureau has to give him 400,000 yuan; the civil and military officials in the rest of the provinces and cities have to ask them to share the profit; I have to serve the king of military aircraft if I have more or less. Minister; as for relief to the victims, just take a fraction of the four million yuan, which is quite a lot.Do you think it is appropriate to do this? Mrs. Ji was overjoyed when she heard that she could get 600,000 yuan. She stood up suddenly, kowtowed to Rui Fang on the ground, and even said thank you for the kindness of the commander. Rui Fang hurriedly called his wife to help his cousin Get up! What's the matter? We are close relatives, so there is no need for such politeness. Mrs. Ji got up, and greeted his wife again and again, saying that now, our mother and son will have food and clothing in this life, so we don't have to worry about it. Rui Fang laughed and said: "Biao sister-in-law hurry back to the Yamen, it is important to prepare for official business, so there is no need to say these kind words. " Mrs. Ji responded with a yam (according to the word yah, it is the promise of the Manchu people), and immediately left and returned to the office.

After meeting Ji Chang, I told him what Rui Fang said in detail.Unexpectedly, Ji Chang disapproved.He said: "This matter must not be done. One is to steal food from the victims, which is too much for conscience; the other is a huge sum of money. Hearing what the Swiss side said, he alone got more than two million. Well, we only got a few hundred thousand, but it's really uneconomical to take the lead in committing such a crime. As far as I think, we would rather not have this ignorant money, but also have to monitor it and sell it in real terms. After all, the victims of the disaster can still get some benefits. Otherwise, put Let him deal with the money, we don’t want money, and we don’t ask about it. Let him do it alone. This is also a good way to treat the boss, I don’t know what you think?” Mrs. Ji heard her husband say this, and there was almost nothing. Exploding his lungs, he sneered twice, looked sideways at Ji Chang and said: "Okay, I think you also look like an upright official and a good man. Of course, you have to push the God of Wealth away. But the same thing, you eat that hard work all day long. Cigarettes, don’t care about everything, don’t ask about everything, I’ll hold all the farts. Look in the mirror, you can live for a few more years, and in the future, you will stand up and leave us orphans and widows, begging at the door, this is what you do The fate of honest officials and good people. Rather than suffering in the future, our mother and son should leave you early, you take your Qingqiu road, I cross my single-plank bridge, we will not disturb each other, what do you think?" Seeing that his wife was really angry, he was so frightened that he was at a loss.He hurriedly said: "Ma'am, why are you so angry? If you really leave me, I will not be able to do it for a day. I did it out of good intentions. If you are afraid that you have no money to spend, I will save a little and spend the rest. The money is all yours, why not?" Mrs. Ji said: "Hey! Forget it. If you know how to save money, you saved money in the first ten years. Now that you say save money, so be it, I ask you Chapter Three: From today onwards, if you don't take a puff of cigarettes, this donation will be completely cancelled. I will never think about a single money again. It will be up to Lao Rui to decide whether it is good or bad. Can you obey me?" Ji Chang listened When the wife proposed this condition, she didn't feel creepy, and replied with a sad face: "Well, you might as well strangle me to death with a rope, or stab me to death with a knife, which is more gracious than your condition." That’s a lot.” His wife laughed at her words, and said, “You know it’s hard not to smoke, but I also know it’s harder to have no money. You don’t need to worry about this matter! Come on!” “Come on!” , A boy ran in early outside, about seventeen or eighteen years old, named Chang Fu, came in and stood beside his wife with his hands down.The wife ordered: "Hurry up and greet the chief of the manuscript office, there is an urgent business." Changfu responded with a yell, turned and went out.After a while, Chang Sheng followed him in, greeted the master and wife first, and then stood beside the cigarette couch, motionless.Mrs. Ji said: "Go down quickly and ask Ku Shu to prepare an official matter, saying that Huaibei's relief money has been released, and ask the superintendent when to release it. The sooner the better, the painting line will be printed tonight, and tomorrow will pass the hospital Do you understand?" Changsheng replied: "My family understands." The wife said: "Since you understand, let's do it quickly." Changsheng asked for another ann, and then slowly withdrew.Fortunately, this kind of official business is very easy to do. Sure enough, the seal was drawn and printed that night, and it was sent to the Superintendent's Office early the next morning.

When Rui Fang saw this official business, he was overjoyed and said that Mrs. Ji was indeed a cadre.Immediately, in the secret room, Hengxiang, the general manager of the Relief Bureau, was heard.This Hengxiang was originally from the Ministry of Industry, and he was a doctor in the Ministry of Industry in Switzerland at that time, and they worked together for more than ten years.Later, Hengxiang was promoted to the imperial censor and released to the magistrate of Zhenjiang Prefecture.In any year, he donated more to the class and waited in the provincial capital.When Rui took office, he was specially appointed as the head of the Relief Bureau.The Relief Bureau was supposed to be good and bad, and the net monthly interest of the relief fund was more than a hundred thousand, which was all the bottom of the head office.As for the disbursement of relief funds, it is either a 37% commission or a 28% commission.For example, if there is a donation of 100,000 yuan, when it is distributed, the general office will withdraw 20% of it first, leaving only 80,000 yuan.The 80,000 yuan will be distributed among the committee members.Conscientious ones put 10,000 yuan and earn 3,400 yuan; unconscionable ones, 10,000 yuan, the disaster victims can only get 1,800 yuan, and the rest are all committee members.This is a long-standing disadvantage that all provinces agree on.Although the governor knows, he doesn't ask.There are even those who help with food, deliberately picky and picky, and the general office of the relief bureau has to quickly send someone in, get through the joints, or honor 30,000 yuan, or honor 50,000 yuan, and naturally they will not be held accountable.Accumulated habits follow each other, and Tian is not surprised.Only Mr. Mao Shijun, when he was serving as the general office of the relief bureau in Zhili that day, he wanted to sell it in real terms, and even the interest he deserved should be allocated to the relief fund.When distributing the funds, he not only refused to commission, but also strictly warned the committee members who released the funds: if anyone embezzles the funds, he will be dismissed immediately.He also wanted to go out to investigate the committee members privately, and if he found out that there was something wrong, he was not polite, so he went to the supervisor's office at that time, not only dismissed the post, but also gave away all the original prospects.Therefore, all the committee members worked hard, and no one dared to make any money.The disaster victims have indeed benefited, but they have suffered a lot from a group of alternate officials.In the past, the Relief Bureau was seen as good or bad, but now it is all regarded as daunting.Later, everyone came up with an idea, used money to mobilize the supervisory office, forced Mr. Mao to be transferred to Yongding River, and vacated the head of the Relief Bureau to handle this job, and then appointed someone else to slowly restore the original state.From this point alone, it can be seen that this kind of job is much better than that of an incumbent Taoist platform.

Hengxiang was originally a person who loved money like his life, and he happened to be the general office of this bureau. It was just what God wanted, and he could get it in time, and there was a lot of leftover money.For the Huaibei flood, he swallowed more than 30,000 of the 100,000 silver relief issued by the Qing court.Later, he learned that the Ruizhi Army sent out a donation letter and raised more than 4 million yuan. His greedy mouth had already flowed down three feet.However, the money was stored in the treasury of the vassal, and he did not dare to ask how to dispose of it.Now that the Rui side heard about him, they couldn't help but feel very happy. They had already guessed that it must be a matter of relief, so they immediately went to the hospital office to see him.The two of them talked about something in the secret room, Heng Xiang smiled brightly and became ten times more energetic.Before saying goodbye, he also said: "This job is reasonable, and it is well kept in all aspects without showing any signs. The marshal's money is deposited in a foreign bank on behalf of him, and his receipt is obtained in front of the marshal. At that time or You can transfer it to Beijing, or transfer it to another place. It’s just that you are honored by the Marshal’s grace and given such a huge sum of money. I’m deeply uneasy about receiving the reward for nothing.” Rui Fang smiled and said that you’re welcome, brother. See you It's my business, so hurry up and do it.Hengxiang agreed, and the Superintendent's Office issued a decree on the same day: "Order Hengxiang to withdraw more than 4.5 million yuan from the treasury, and distribute it in person in Huaibei. It must be handled carefully, and it will benefit the people. It will be released in the future." Finished, and the list must be handed in for future reference. Be sure to keep this letter." Hengxiang received the official business and went to meet Ji Chang that night.After the two negotiated, they took out the money from the treasury the next day. One side had the official documents for handing over, and the other side had the official documents for actual receipt.As expected, Hengxiang went to Huaibei without hesitation and traveled for more than three months before returning.The list is so detailed that even the collars of the villagers are all attached to it.Sure enough, not too much, not too little, four and a half million and hundreds of thousands of yuan were released.All your own food and beverage expenses will be explained by the post.Because of the relationship with people's lives, I dare not spend a penny of this public fund.Rui Fang then wrote a few words in his own hand after the submission: "The submissions are all known. The road traverses Huaibei, distributes relief funds, suffers from hard work, benefits the people, and advances the distribution fees, hoping to return to the public trickle. Benevolence helps the public, It’s worthy of honor. I’m waiting for the decree to award it as an encouragement. This batch.” In fact, the two million yuan from the Swiss side has already been remitted to Beijing Zhengjin Bank for storage, and the interest rate starts at 6%; Hengxiang is alone Ji Chang got 600,000 yuan; all the members of the Relief Bureau, treasury officers and clerks in the feudal government's yamen, and even the maids and servants in the house, each received several thousand yuan.When it comes to the victims of the disaster, in Huaibei, the millions of victims have given less than 400,000 yuan in relief, not even one-tenth of it.This is a secret history of swallowing relief that day.

At that time, Sun Huiqing also worked as a copywriter in Jiangning with Rui Fang, and he also shared 40,000 yuan, so he knew it in detail.Later, when we became friends with Zuowen, and we talked about our business experience, Huiqing asked him: "How much profit can the photo studio make a year? How much money is allocated to my own name?" Zuo Wen said: "Photography business, in Beijing If we count as the first one, we will be the first one. If we take out the expenses every year, there will be seven or eight thousand yuan left, and after the dividends for shareholders, I can make a total of three thousand yuan a year.” When Zuo Wen said this, he felt very proud.Unexpectedly, Huiqing heard this, and just snorted and said: "After all, it is very difficult for a businessman to make money. The profit he makes in a year is not as much as a fraction of an official. If you don't believe me, let me tell you." I'll tell you a joke." Then he told Zuo Wen everything about the food that day.Later, when he talked about himself, he was originally an outsider, but because he was very popular in front of Zhijun, they had to send a check for 40,000 yuan, embellishing it.The 40,000 yuan, if you ask your photo studio to earn it, I'm afraid you won't be able to earn this amount in five years.When Zowen heard this, he was naturally very envious.So he wholeheartedly wanted to get into the official career, and made a fortune like Sun Huiqing.Unfortunately, the sky didn't follow people's wishes, and the Swiss side only used him to take pictures, but didn't promote him to be an official.In Zowen's heart, the boss is already unhappy.Just in time for this thorn in the imperial mausoleum, Rui Fang listened to Huiqing's instigation and alienated Huang Zuowen.Zuo Wen was full of hatred and jealousy, complained all over his belly, and used wine to vent his anger, so he told his uncle Xia Lin all about Rui Fang's embezzlement.Xialin doesn't care about anything, and insists on exposing his shortcomings in front of Rui.The Swiss side was not willing to accept it, and immediately cursed.This scolding made Xialin anxious, she grabbed the jug and punched Rui conveniently, hitting Rui Fang on the shoulder, dripping wine all over her body, as if she was singing Happy Forest.Rui Fang ordered his family members: "Shoot this old thief to death!" With the order, the family members rushed forward, tore off Xia Lin's clothes, and scratched his face.Unconvinced, the old man continued to scold.When Zuo Wen saw his family beating his uncle, he rushed over by air, grabbed Rui Fang and tried his best.Seeing their master being grabbed and bumped by Zuo Wen, all the family members let go of Xia Lin and rushed to beat Zuo Wen again.At this time, a dozen or so people in the photo studio also came out together to help Zuo Wen fight.The neighborhood shops in the same courtyard came out to persuade them, how could they be persuaded? At this moment, Xialin got out of her body and ran all the way to the door to call the patrolman, saying that there were open fire robbers coming to the photo studio to rob, and the boss came to help.As soon as the patrolman blew his whistle, he summoned seven or eight of them, all with guns in their hands, they broke into Qingren Temple together.Rushing to the courtyard, I saw a group of people fighting, the windows were broken, the rocks were smashed, and a lot of furniture was thrown all over the courtyard.The patrolman went up and asked Xialin which one was the leader of the bandits.Xialin pointed to Ruifang and said, "That one is the leader of the bandit." The policeman went up and grabbed Ruifang, wanting to tie him up with a rope, no matter what happened.Rui Fang cursed angrily: "Blind bastard, are you stretching out your hand?" Everyone stopped fighting at this time.The family saw that the owner was caught by the patrol police and wanted to tie him with a rope. Although they dared not fight back, they shouted loudly: "Stop it, this is Mr. Rui, who was the governor of Zhili. Why are you acting so rashly?" The policeman replied with his eyes rolled "We don't care if he is Lord Xiang or Lord Rui, if he comes to someone's house to beat and beat people for nothing, we will use him as a stick." He still tied Ruifang's braid with a hemp rope.At the moment when they were in a hurry, they suddenly saw a person rushing in in a hurry. Everyone looked closely and found that it was Zhu Xiaozhuang, the owner of Tsinghuazhai.He is the head of the street in Liulichang, someone reported to him that there was a fight with someone from the co-photo studio, so he immediately rushed to try to stop the fight.此时瑞方正在窘迫之际，见朱小庄来了，好似半空中掉下一个宝贝来，大声叫道：“小庄兄，快来救我。”小庄忙问是怎么回事？瑞方道：“不要说了，真没有王法了，白占我的房子硬不给腾，还敢用强打人。打了人不算，还要喊巡警来，拿我当强盗办，你晚来一步，就被他们把我捆上了。”小庄又向佐文，你同瑞四爷，不是很要好的朋友吗？今天为何决裂到这步田地。佐文冷笑道：“我一个草木主人，还敢同大帅交朋友？皇陵照相，几乎把我送到断头台上。好容易出来，不但没有一点可怜安慰的意思，连一面全见不着。照这样交朋友，自好拿开水浇，算了吧。从今以后，我可知道大帅是什么变的了。”小庄道：“以前的事你也不必提啦，方才倒是为什么呢？”佐文道：“瑞大人把清仁观买去了，立逼着叫我腾房。我这照相馆一切设备，通共是一万多银子，我求他如数赔偿我，他不但不赔，张口就骂，举手就打，带着这一群恶家奴，把我叔父按在地下，发狠凶殴。他老人家，快七十岁的人，哪里还禁得打？我再三央告，他不但不听，反喝令家人，又来打我，连我馆中的家具，也全砸烂了。是家叔逃出去，招呼这几位老总来救命，再晚来一步，小弟就被他们打死了。如今没旁的说，我们先一同到区，再请区里转送检察厅，提起公诉。横竖这个原告，我总当上了。”小庄听这两面全不下台，只得劝道：“算了吧，算了吧。当初是好朋友，现在为这点小事，也不值得打官司。再说瑞四爷是官场中人，佐文也是斯文名士，你二位到区里去，面子上全不好看。莫若先请瑞四爷回宅，佐文也消一消气，有什么话全冲我说，没有不好办的事。”佐文道：“瑞大人怕丢面子，我黄佐文是一个无业游民，不懂得什么叫面子不面子，非打官司不成。”瑞方冷笑道：“你打算我怕打官司吗？我姓瑞的房子，你白占了不腾，无论打到什么地方，也没有你赢的道理。小庄兄你也不必费心了，我同他上区，这并不算丢人。我原是滚车辙泥腿出身，做直隶总督，那是侥幸，要说到打官司，才是本行呢。”佐文也笑道：“你是泥腿，我是讼棍，要说到打官司，只怕你还得拜老师呢！”瑞方道：“用不着吹字，咱们是快骡子快马，走上再瞧。老总你把我们一同带到区里去吧。”朱小庄见这两面，是一面不揭鞍，一面不下马，自己料到也管不了，索性随他们去吧，便说道：“你们二位既不赏脸，我也只好敬谢不敏了。”二人一齐说道：“多谢，对不住。”巡警见没有台阶儿，只得公事公办，说：“你们两造既乐意打官司，随我们走吧。”佐文道：“净姓瑞的一个人走不成！这一群帮凶的打手，老总得一律带区，短一个也是不成功的。”瑞方也说：“他馆里这些伙计，也全是帮凶打架的，老总也得搜一搜，一个也不能放他跑掉了。”巡警到此时，倒有些为难起来，净带他两个，是一定不走；全带吧，二三十人，成一个什么体统？区长岂不要埋怨，说我们不会了事。内中一个伍长叫愣张清，心粗胆大，他是满不在乎，挺身出来说：“要带全带，一个也落不下！”众巡警听头儿这样说，乐得随着，有不是反正是他担，与我们不相干了，便出来两个人，跑至照相馆屋中去搜人。却见拦柜里面，爬着一个，连动也不动。大家认定：这个人一定是帮凶的，听见要搜，所以先藏起来。便连忙过去，想要把他拉出。哈哈，哪知拉了半天，纹丝儿也拉不动，仿佛比石头还沉重呢。却听他一个劲儿地哼哼带喘，又是央告，说：“我不是照相馆的人，是在这里闲坐的朋友，同你们诸位无仇无怨，何必打我呢？”巡警道：“我们不是打人的，你快出来，不用害怕。”那个人慢慢地蹭着，从拦柜里爬出来，却喘作一团，不能起立。巡警一看这人，不觉笑起来，原来此人便是说的那位危险先生周维贤。他最胆小，听见外面打架，早吓得真魂出壳，不知藏到什么地方好。后来见拦柜开着，他便趴伏在地，慢慢蹭进拦柜去。因为这一座拦柜，尺寸非常之大，要不然，如何能容得下他。后来被巡警搜着，他还认着是瑞方的家人特来打他，因此极力哀告，挺住了身子不肯出来。后来巡警说明白了，他这才放下心去，慢慢爬出。只因他身体太胖，藏的工夫大了，四肢血脉，不能流通，所以立不起腿来。多亏两个巡警，将他架到院子遛了两趟，那伍长催着快走，巡警问道：“这大胖还带他上区吗？”伍长道：“怎么不带？”瑞方一眼照见，连忙摇手示意，说：“算了吧，不用带这废物了。”佐文说不成，废物更得带。好在他自己有车子，也用不着诸位架他。巡警只得将他也扶出大门，早有他的包月车子上来伺候，巡警又把他扶上车子，还是一个拉着、两个推着，一直赴巡警区。佐文故意挽着他叔父霞林，一边走一边哼哼着，仿佛真受了重伤似的。瑞方领着这一群家人，在后面跟随。走到大街上，有认得的，全很诧异，说这位不是瑞四大人吗？为何在地下走着？还有许多巡警带路，难道是犯了什么案？再看一个加大的洋车上，坐着个大胖子，也夹在当中，大家益发不明白是什么案了。 少时到了区署，巡警上去回话。署长姓庆名余，字子善，是满洲镶红旗人。从前本在瑞方宅里听过差，后来考取巡警，五年的工夫，居然升到署长。也因为他的公事好，又善于钻营，所以历任上司，无不格外垂青。这外右二区，本是一个极冲繁的缺，胆子小的不敢来做，厅丞特特地派了他来，因为他是干员，必能胜任愉快。庆余到任一年，成绩很好，上边连给他记了三次大功。偏偏这一次倒霉，遇着了瑞方这宗案子。巡警上去一回，他又是急，又是怕，又是气，下狠地啐了伍长一口，骂道：“混账糊涂东西，你怎么连瑞四大人全给拘了来啦！似这种口角没要紧的案子，你们看着该了便了，也值得带到区里来给我添麻烦？”伍长道：“我的老爷，你先别着急，我们何尝乐意带他？连清华斋的朱老板出来，全了不好，他们是一头不揭鞍，一头不下马，非叫带区不可，我可有什么法子呢？”庆余为难了半天，说：“这样吧，你先将瑞四大人请到后边来，我先问一问是怎么一件事，然后再发落。”伍长答应下去。少时同瑞方进来，庆余忙请了一个大安，垂手侍立在一旁，听他发话。瑞方也不客气，坐在上面，将佐文怎么霸占他房，还要行凶打架的话，说了一遍。立逼着庆余把那些人一律押在署中，再解厅送检察厅起诉。这叫作一面官司，自己的面子，可以十足。庆余哪敢驳回，只有“是是，嗻嗻”地答应下来。瑞方道：“你既听明白了，我要先走一步。”说着立起身来，大摇大摆地，领着一群家人，径自去了。 庆余哪里敢拦一拦，自己只得坐堂，叫带黄佐文、黄霞林同周维贤一干人。这些人上来，庆余料想他们不过是些买卖人，只需用雷头风先威吓几句，自然就唬住了，却没想到这一拍，正拍到棘刺上。他对着佐文先问道：“你就叫黄佐文吗？”佐文道：“不错，买卖人便是黄佐文。”庆余道：“唗！我把你这刁狡的东西，你占了瑞大人的房子，霸着不腾，还敢行凶打人。这是天子脚下，你就这样凶横，要到旁处，还了得吗！”佐文一听这话，心里早明白了，冲着庆余笑了一笑，回道：“我告的是瑞方，不知道谁是瑞大人。我们做买卖的人，专讲诚实，不会奉承。大人两个字，是奴才嘴里的称呼，买卖人不懂得。请署长千万不要见怪。”庆余本来有亏心病，听佐文这样说，以为是有意出他的丑，心里的火如何按捺得住，立时拍着桌子喝道：“好大胆的买卖人，你敢当面顶撞本官！我先押你两天，看你怎样！”佐文道：“我不曾犯了拘押的罪，不要说是你，就是检察厅也无权押我。”庆余道：“霸占人的房子，还行凶打人，这就可以拘押你，你还敢说无罪吗？”佐文道：“我霸占房子，行凶打人，你看见了吗？”庆余道：“我虽然不曾看见，是瑞方大人亲口……”说到此处，忽又改口道：“是瑞方亲口对我说的，那还能假吗？”佐文道：“瑞方现在这里，你叫他上堂来，我们对证对证。”庆余道：“瑞方已经走了，你跟谁对证去，快实话实招吧。”佐文一听瑞方被他放走，这一气非同小可，冷笑了两声，指着庆余道：“好署长，好警官！我先问你，你吃的是国家的俸禄，还是吃的瑞家俸禄？我六十多岁的叔父，被他打成重伤，照相馆的家具，一律被他摔碎，这样要犯，你抖手就放，还帮助他诬赖良民。这场官司，不在你这里打了，我有地方告去，连你也成了被告了。”说罢扭转头，领着一干人，便要下堂。庆余做梦也未梦着这个买卖人口风如此厉害。自己到此时，索性一不做、二不休，先把他们拘住，再想法子。也顾不得失了官体，跑下堂来拦住佐文道：“你要到哪里去！这是皇上家的官厅，也可以随便吗？”左右的警察见署长自己下来拦他们，便也一齐过来，不放佐文一干人走。佐文道：“你们倒是打算什么主意？”庆余道：“先拘留你，等交了房子，才能释放呢。”佐文一看这个来头，明知自己决脱不开身。光棍不吃眼前亏，急中生智，便和颜悦色地对庆余道：“署长，你拘留我还可以，请你仔细看一看，我们这一群人，六十多岁挨了打的老头子是家叔，十几岁的小孩子是学徒，只有那大胖三十来岁的，你看他那神气，会打人吗？你拘留这些人，有什么用处。据我想，你只把我拘起来，也就很对得起瑞方了。其余的人，求你高抬贵手，放了他们吧。”庆余果然仔细看了看，他见这大胖喘得接不上气，生怕他得了紧痰火，死在区署中。便吩咐巡警将大胖送出去，其余一概拘留。佐文见他肯放周维贤，便也不争了。自己抢行两步，拉住维贤的手，低声说道：“你出去休忘了三二五，明白我这话吗？”维贤道：“我明白。”巡警见他们说话，生怕串了供，立时将维贤架走。维贤出了门，坐上车子，吩咐快到醉琼林，我要借电话。 他这一去不要紧，少时，外城警察厅丞朱起秦，正在屋中阅看公事，忽然电话的铃响。忙拿起耳机来问是哪里，只听里面问道：“喂，你是外城警厅吗？”朱起秦应道：“是的，是的。”里面又说道：“我是法部尚书廷宅。我们大人同厅丞朱老爷有话说。”起秦道：“请大人说吧，我就姓朱。”少时，又听里面问道：“你是贵新吗？”（贵新是朱起秦的号）起秦道：“不错，是职厅。大人有什么吩咐？”里面说道：“你那二区署长庆余，是有什么精神病吗？”起秦听这话问得出奇，忙回道：“庆余并没有什么病，大人有什么事招呼他吗？”里面道：“我还敢招呼他，他把我的教读老夫子黄霞林，全给锁押起来了。瑞方是个什么东西，他把人家的照相馆给砸了，连我的先生也打了，庆余他不但不把行凶的人扣下，反倒帮着瑞方，欺压良善，把挨打的人，全押在署中。他是什么居心，莫非贪了瑞方的贿赂？你快去问一问，我立等你的回信。”起秦道：“大人不要动气，职厅这就去调查，赶紧陪同黄老夫子回宅，决误不了哥儿姐儿们上学。”（汉人称公子小姐，旗人称哥儿姐儿，又称阿哥格格）里面应道：“好好，我候着你吧。”起秦将耳机挂上，也顾不得喊套车，立时出了厅署，坐上一辆人力车，如飞的奔至二区区署。 站门的巡警，见是厅丞来了，连忙举枪立正。起秦连头也不抬一抬，一直跑进署中，推开署长办公室的门，一步跨进去。庆余正在屋中催着文牍起稿，好将佐文的案子送厅，一抬头却见厅丞进来，不觉吃了一惊，忙立起身来，先请过安。起秦还礼坐下，气急败坏地问庆余道：“你今天可曾拘押了两个姓黄的吗？这其中可有瑞方的事吗？”庆余听这话，错会了意，以为是瑞方的人情又托到厅里去了，忙回道：“不错，有这一桩案子。可是瑞大帅早就释放了，所有姓黄的一干人，卑职一个也没敢放走，全在区署押着呢。卑职这就办公事送厅，大人自请放心。”起秦急了，大声道：“你快不要送厅！你要送到厅里去，我更没有法子办了。你押人也不要紧，得先打听明白了是什么人。那黄老先生乃是法部尚书廷大人宅里的教读老夫子，你有多大胆子，敢把他押起来？如今廷大人连我全怪下来了，这事怎么处！至于瑞方，不过是个革职的废员，你庇护他做什么？如今廷大人说他欺压良善，要把他送检察厅严讯呢。你快想法子，把他拘回来吧。黄先生现押在什么地方，快快请出来，我好陪他回廷宅。快去，快去！别耽误工夫了。”庆余一听这话，吓得尿屎直淋，一面向起秦连连请安，自认不是，求在廷大人面前代为疏通，一面戴上帽子，预备见黄霞林赔礼，好请他出来。起秦又催他快去，庆余出了办公室，直跑到拘留所中，见黄霞林躺在大炕上，闭目合睛地养神呢。佐文却背着手儿，在地上走来走去，仰着头仿佛想主意呢。其余五六个人，也有躺着的，也有坐着的，一个个垂头丧气，看样子很不高兴。庆余进来，吓得那些人全站起来了。唯独黄佐文，却仍然来回走溜儿，徉徉不睬。庆余也顾不得招呼大家，一直到炕前，轻轻拉一拉霞林的衣服，低声叫道：“老先生醒一醒，不要睡了。”霞林仍然不醒。佐文过来拦道：“你慢着点，家叔受伤，疼得厉害，好容易忍着了，你又叫他做什么？难道是瑞方又催你过堂，好给他出气吗？”庆余此时只得纳着气儿，给佐文请了一个安，央告道：“黄先生你不要生气了，是我一时糊涂，诬赖了好人。请你将令叔叫起来，廷大人宅里，急等他老先生回馆呢。”佐文听这话，知道是三二五的效力发生了，益发板起面孔来说：“我们爷儿两个，自进到这里来，就不能随便出去。廷大人那里你自己去回话，不要在这里胡缠。”两个人吵着，霞林已经醒了，揉揉眼坐起来。庆余便抛开佐文，又向霞林请安，求老先生随我出来，再晚一点，我更担不起了。到底霞林是一个道学正派人，不肯故意刁难他，笑着问道：“署长何前倨而后恭也？”庆余只得又认不是，又述说廷大人怎样派人来寻。霞林道：“居停抑何关切之至也。但是署长这番来，还是放我一个人乎？抑全数皆放乎？”庆余道：“这事原是晚生办错了，自然诸位先生一律请出来。”霞林道：“既以我们为是，则必以瑞方为非；既然开释我们，则必须拘留瑞方，此一定之理也。署长其能之乎？”庆余忙答道：“老先生说的是，晚生已经专人捕拿瑞方去了，请老先生同诸位先生，先出来吧。”霞林到此，也无的可说，便立起身来，招呼佐文同一干人，随署长出来。佐文见他叔叔答应了，自己也不好再放刁，便领着这些人，随霞林一同出门。众人此时，也全眉飞色舞，不是方才懊丧的神气了。庆余将霞林陪出来，方才告诉他说：“朱厅丞现在这里，请老先生随他先回廷宅。”佐文却拦住，说：“使不得。我们挨了瑞方的打，不能就此算完。得先到检厅递呈子，验过伤，填好了伤格，再求署长派巡官、干警，到照相馆开了损失清单，移交检察厅，将来提出公诉，好判他如数赔偿。这种种手续不曾做完，家叔决不能回馆。”庆余哪敢驳回，只得答应着，请他们叔侄先见一见厅丞。佐文见朱起秦，将这番意思说知。起秦想了想，说：“这样吧，老先生的伤格，由我们厅里填好，再移知检察厅照填。回来我具一封公事，就说瑞方率人行凶，摔打完了他一哄而散，请检察厅出票传他好了。”佐文听说这样，格外有力，自然极力赞成。起秦便同他叔侄两人，先回厅里预备一切。不大工夫，便将伤格填好了，朱起秦自陪着黄霞林回廷宅。佐文却同着两个巡官、一个书记、四名巡警，回照相馆开清单去了。 廷杰见老夫子回来，果然头皮撩伤，腿上也有踢的伤痕，不觉咬牙切齿骂瑞方。他两人本来有仇，因为廷杰是内务府褒衣旗人，瑞方在京时候，每逢见了廷杰，便形容褒衣旗人的卑贱，什么姑娘媳妇，全得送进王府当差，天生的奴才，无论做多大官，也脱不了奴才的皮。廷杰听着刺耳。那时有慈禧太后活着，瑞方正在得宠，自己的势力敌不了他，心里却隐恨，常思报复。却没想到，如今犯在自己手里，就是没有老夫子的关系，他也决不肯善罢甘休，何况又打伤了他的老夫子，益发火上浇油，不肯罢手了。立时给检察厅去电话，吩咐检察长，如此这般，妥速办理。检察长奉到法部尚书的传谕，哪敢怠慢。此时警察厅的公事，黄佐文的呈文，俱已到了。检察长刻不容缓，当天便派了四名法警、两名承发吏，去传瑞方来厅候讯。 瑞方在家里，早已有人给他报信，他听见廷杰两个字，早已吓慌了手脚，急得嚷道：“真倒霉，真晦气，偏值冤家路窄，又遇见了他！这场官司，可有点不好打了。”正着急，家人上来回说：“现有地方检察厅的法警同承发吏，要参谒大人，有要话面回。”瑞方道：“什么参谒我，不过是来捉我罢了。”一抬头看见钟福，只得央告他道：“没旁的说，只好你去替我打这场官司吧。”钟福道：“我的老爷，小的去是不怕的，他就是打我、押我，我也能受；所怕的，他倘然叫我赔偿黄佐文的损失，小的哪有钱垫这笔账呢。这一层无论如何，得老爷答应起来，小的方才敢去。”瑞方此时，但求着自己不出头受辱，就认便宜，哪里还敢在钱上计较。忙答道：“你自管去，钱的事，满由账房担任。”立时叫家人把账房和升叫上来，当面兑给钟福，说他去打官司，将来用多少钱，你如数拨给他。和升应了一声“嗻”。钟福这才出去，见法警说：“敝上今天午后的车，到天津去了。在下是他宅里管事的，情愿随诸位去，替他打这场官司。”承发吏问道：“你能负完全责任吗？”钟福答应，能负完全责任。法警说：“既然这样，你就随我们到厅里去吧。”钟福代雇了几辆人力车，大家坐上，一直到检察厅。法警上去回话，检察长哪敢怠慢，即刻便开庭预审。先问了问原告，然后传钟福上来，问道：“你主人瑞方，为何恃强摔毁人的家具，还打伤了人的身体？这是犯法的勾当，你能担任一切吗？”钟福回说：“家主人并不曾打人，也不曾摔砸家具，实因为催他腾房，彼此口角了几句，却没想到他竟告起来，求检察长仔细考查，就知道了。”这位检察长姓乌名魁，是一个蒙古旗人，却生得身量矮小，大家给他送个绰号，叫乌小鬼，为人极其势利。他见这案是法部尚书交下来的，便将原告看成天神。此时就是瑞方出庭，也讨不出公道来，何况是钟福呢！立时把脸一沉，大声喝道：“胡说，人家照相馆的人受伤，家具毁坏，现有警察作证，你还敢打赖吗？快快招承，要不然，我就要动刑了。”钟福一想，自己不过替主人打官司，何必碰这硬钉子，饶讨了苦吃，依然还逃不出人的掌心，到莫如随便招几句，好叫他下台。想到这里，只得回说：“大老爷不必生气，叫小人怎样说，小人就怎样说，还不成吗？”乌小鬼又随便问了几句，钟福也随便招了几句。这提起公诉的根据，就算有了。立刻退庭，由书记备好了公事，呈与审判厅长。 厅长梅有光更乖觉。他知道这案子是廷尚书交下来的，自己索性到宅去请示，如何判断才好。廷杰面授机宜，说了几句。梅有光心中有底，回来便开夜庭审讯此案。先派书记、承发吏等，到和合照相馆，估量损失的价值。佐文早已买通，硬估了八千九百七十六元三角五分。梅有光当庭硬判瑞方应赔偿原告损失，如估价的数目。并须赔偿黄霞林身体损失一千五百元、医药费五百元，限黄佐文三个月腾房。所有诉讼费，均由被告担负。并当庭吓着钟福，代他主人瑞方给黄霞林叩头赔礼，如果不从，便要罚他拘役。钟福此时只有百依百顺，哪里还敢驳一个字。先在庭上，给霞林磕了头；然后由法警、承发吏押着回到瑞宅，拨了一万一千多块钱。这场官司，才算完全了结。 瑞方得到这个消息，早气了个头晕眼花，大骂廷杰这狗头下此毒手。花钱还是小事，在庭上给那老村牛叩头赔礼，真真把我的脸丢净了，以后还有什么颜面在北京住着。急得他来回打旋，有半点钟工夫，忽然想起一个人来，拍着桌子说道：“罢，罢，我何不寻我把兄去呢！他现在彰德息影林泉优游自得，好似活神仙一般，我偏要住在这五都之市，自寻苦恼，怎怨仇人来欺负呢？我明天便坐京汉车到彰德去，躲静求安，倒是无上上策。”想到这里，立刻吩咐钟福收拾行李，从账房支了两千块钱钞票，第二天一早，别了家人，便带着钟福，一同到河南去了。瑞方这一去，便埋下了断送满清宗社的种子。不到两年工夫，三百年基业，完全毁灭在这