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Chapter 45 The forty-second round of Aoyuanjia's son admits his father and is sullen, and the old Zhongtang donates his life

The regent Zaifeng, because he listened to Song Ershun's slander, must replace Huguang governor Ding Dasheng.In fact, Ding Dalou is very mature and prudent, if he were the governor of Huguang, he would not have any accidents.It's also because the breath is exhausted, so I thought of changing the bannerman.Zaifeng asked Ershun again, who would be able to replace him.The old and dizzy Song Ershun thought of someone without thinking.He replied to Zaifeng: "The person recommended by the slave has outstanding talent, but unfortunately his qualifications are too low." Zaifeng wanted to break the rules and said that qualifications are not a problem. As long as he is competent, I will immediately release him as Governor of Huguang.Er Shun said: "This man is young and strong, and now he has become a governor. Please think about it, the prince will naturally be in the Sacred Heart, and there is no need for slaves to name him." Zai Feng thought for a while, then blurted out: "You Is the governor of Anhui, Xiangcheng, the sponsor?" Ershun smiled apologetically, stood up and replied, "My lord has learned a lot, so I don't need a servant to tell me. Although Xiangcheng is younger, he has been a foreign official for a long time, and he knows the suffering of the people. , Local advantages and disadvantages. If the prince uses him to transfer the governor of Huguang, he will be able to do it happily, and he will never fail the entrustment of the court." Zaifeng nodded repeatedly, and said: "You go down first, and I will discuss it with Minister Wang Junji. If they agree, I can decree tomorrow."

After Ershun said his goodbyes, Zaifeng immediately summoned Enwang Tongzhuang Zhongtang to explain the replacement of the governor of Huguang.King En strongly agreed, but Zhuang Zhongtang disagreed, saying: "It is not appropriate to replace the big officials in the frontier. Kuang Dingsheng has been in office for two years, and he has not made any mistakes. The two lakes are peaceful, so why bother. As for the revolutionary party, when the minister was in Hubei Don’t be surprised if you see the strange, and the strange will defeat you, why should the prince worry about it?” Who knows that Zaifeng heard this, not only did not take it seriously, but suspected that Zhuang Zhongtang was a traitor, he replied coldly: “That is Of course, with you Han people serving as governors there, the Revolutionary Party is embarrassed to keep you from stepping down no matter what. But as time goes on and great changes are brought about, can you still take care of it after you leave!" These few words clearly stated that Zhuang Zhongtang was a traitor. An old gentleman was panting with rage and raised his beard.If I want to contradict him, I can't do it in retrospect. Since he is so confused, it's useless for me to rebuke him directly. Let him do as he pleases!Thinking of this, he said nothing.Zaifeng asked King En again: "Since you agree to replace people, do you have any material?" King En said: "At present, who can and who can't among these big officials in the frontier region is all in the Wang Ye's cave. Who does the Wang Ye want to replace? It must not be wrong." Zaifeng said: "Xiangcheng, the governor of Anhui, has been in the frontier for a long time, do you think it would be good to change him?" Enwang said: "Xiangcheng is shrewd and capable, and the prince appreciates it. It would be best to replace him Seeing that King En has agreed, Zaifeng couldn't stop asking Zhuang Zhongtang, so he said to Zhishan, "What do you think?" How dare you hold an objection alone? However, I have received the kindness of the two palaces of the first court, so I dare not say nothing. The prince must use the auspicious submission, and I am afraid that I will regret it in the future." Hearing this, Zaifeng was even more frightened. Unhappy, he snorted through his nostrils and said, "Since I see that he is available, what is there to regret! You go down and draw up the decree, and there is no need to discuss it." King En replied again: "The lack of governor of Anhui , who should teach it?" Zaifeng said: "You can think of anyone." En Wang agreed, and immediately wrote a few decrees and submitted them to the imperial court.The first one is Ding Shenglou, governor of Huguang, written by the original product.Qin this; the second way is Xiangcheng's supplementary award to the governor of Huguang.Qin this; the third way is Zhu Baotian, the governor of Anhui Province.Qin this; the fourth decree is written by Chen Minglun to act as governor of Jilin.This is it.The four orders were submitted, Zaifeng looked at them, and approved them.King En was naturally full of joy, but Zhuang Zhongtang was very angry.Because that Zhu Baotian is Zhuang Zhongtang's most proud student, and Xiang Zicheng single-handedly promoted him from prefectures and counties to the governor's most proud subordinate.This person is indeed a good material for rectifying the administration of officials.As far as his personality is concerned, he also has a special skill in catering to his boss.This time, it is really unexpected.If you ask the insider reason, he inadvertently offended King En's long history. King En listened to the slander, so he took this opportunity and took a piece of fat from Jilin out of his mouth and gave it to Chen Minglun.This is still the meaning of taking a zither song, telling him to wake up as soon as possible, otherwise he will start to pick his future.What is the offence?It's still an acid effect.

It turned out that Zhu Baotian had a lot of money left in Jilin, but he tried his best to curry favor with Beijing's Minister of Military Aircraft King, and every year he would send him gifts.He also sent his son Zhu Si to stay in Beijing to contact the Minister of Military Aircraft King so as to protect his position.This time, too, it deserved to be unlucky. Shi Hailiang, head of Prince En's Mansion, celebrated his mother's birthday, and asked Zhu Si to buy twenty pairs of Jilin wild ginseng, and pay according to the price.This was obviously a scam, but because the wild ginseng market was too big, twenty pairs would cost almost thirty thousand yuan, so he was really reluctant, so he only prepared four pairs and delivered them in person.Said to Hailiang: "It's really hard to find famous wild ginseng at present. Besides, there are too many 20 pairs, how can I buy them in a hurry. It took Jiayan a year's work in Jilin to find these four pairs. .Now I’m serving Mrs. Tai to show my father and son a little filial piety, and if we meet good ones again in the future, we should continue to offer them.” Hai Liang replied sternly: “It can’t be done. How can such a precious thing be given away for nothing? Man, you should pay the price." Zhu Si insisted on not negotiating the price, but Hai Liang insisted on asking the price.Later, when she asked anxiously, Zhu Si said, "This kind of wild ginseng can be purchased at a ginseng store in Beijing. It costs 2,000 yuan a pair, but it may not be as good. We buy it locally in Jilin, and it costs 1,000 yuan a piece." Yes, it’s about the same.” Knowing the price, Hai Liang immediately took out a ticket clip from his pocket, casually counted twenty 1,000-yuan ruble notes, forced Zhu Si to accept them, and said, “Please.” My brother will buy another sixteen pairs for me, please don't be polite." At this time, Zhu Si didn't dare to pick it up, pushed it but couldn't push it, her face was all red, and she replied eagerly: "Second Master, what are you doing? Why bother? How much do you need, let me find it for you slowly, and it will not be too late to give you the money after you find it, why bother! Besides, you have to accept the four pairs I gave you, no matter what. You If you give money, it's like scolding me. My second master, don't embarrass me." At this time, the people present also helped say: "Since Young Master Zhu is so sincere, Second Master Hai will accept it. Why bother?" How can you be so stubborn?" Hai Liang said: "You don't know, I want such a precious thing for nothing, so I feel really uneasy. Since everyone is talking, let's do it," he said, and took four out of a roll of tickets. Zhang Lai said, "Young master Zhu's wild ginseng is temporarily stored in my house. For the sixteen thousand yuan, please buy another sixteen pairs. After you buy all of them, I will return the originals." , Hai Liang said: "This is an expedient method. If you say anything more, I don't even want these four pairs." Zhu Si had no choice but to take over the 16,000 yuan note, saying that there is no such thing, really. I'm sorry Er Ye.When Zhu Si returned home, the more she thought about it, the more she felt uncomfortable, so she hurriedly wrote to his father to ask for instructions.A few days later, Zhu Baotian's express letter also came back, admonishing his son, saying that there are only twenty pairs of wild ginseng, what is your plan?You are not as good as giving it away, but also accepting money from others. How can there be such a reason in the world?Quickly ask someone to unblock it, if it is too late, my future will be lost.After receiving a letter from her father, Zhu Si knew that things had gone wrong, but she was anxious but irreparable, so she had to run around all day long to find a way out.

On this day, I accidentally got a clue.Because Zhu Si has a personal servant named Shun Ling.He is from Beijing and was only seventeen years old.Serving people is really clever, and he is familiar with Beijing's geography.When Zhu Si first arrived in the capital, she wanted to find a guide, so a fellow official from the capital recommended Shun Ling to him.Shunling was originally a bannerman, and she was very familiar with official rites and regulations.Because serving the master is very effective, compared with the old family for many years, it is especially reliable.On this day, he asked Zhu Si for a day off. When Zhu Si was getting impatient, she warned him: "What's the matter with you, you need to ask for a day off? Since you are my long-term follower, you are not at home all day. I can't go out for a day. I'm very busy right now, don't you mean to make things difficult for me!" Shun Ling said: "Young master, don't be angry. The servant asked for leave today, it's really a serious business, not to go out for fun. And since my matter is done, there is still some benefit for the master." Juss' heart was moved when she heard this, and she hurriedly asked what was going on.Shun Ling smiled and said: "It's nothing serious, but we are young servants, we want to change posts and ask for help, so today we just kowtow." Zhu Si unconsciously spat and cursed: "You bastards! You little monkeys What's the master's interest in worshiping the master?" Shunling said: "Master, you look down on our group of little monkeys? There really is Sun Dasheng in there." Zhu Si said: "Who is Sun Dasheng? You can recite it to me." Shun Ling said: "Serve Xiao Gong's Deli, serve Uncle Xing's baby, serve Tie Shangshu's Li Sheng, serve Fu Gonggong's Xiao Yong, serve..." Zhu Si stopped him before he finished reciting: "Enough is enough, are you telling the truth?" Shun Ling smiled and said, "Master, I said that these are all of our kind, so there is no need to lie!" Zhu Si immediately lost her anger , changed a very kind face and said to Shunling: "Good boy, you can take care of yourself. You group are all young people with aspirations and ambitions, I admire them very much. In a hurry today, there is no gift to give You guys, how about this..." When he said this, he took out a bag of gold coins and asked Shunling how many people are in your alliance?Shunling said: "There are seven people in total." Zhu Si took out fourteen foreign dollars and handed it to Shunling, saying, "This is my congratulatory gift, two yuan per person." Then she took out another four dollars and said: "This is an extra two yuan for you, and an extra two yuan for Uncle Xing's servant boy. You go now, lest people just wait for you." Shun Ling hurriedly thanked her, and hurried out.It wasn't until ten o'clock at night that he came back happily and greeted Zhu Silian.The first one is to thank himself; the second is to thank his allies.He also said that the brother-in-law Xiaowa, because the young master rewarded him with extra money, might one day come over to pay his respects to the young master!Zhu Si was overjoyed when she heard this, and hurriedly asked when he would come?Shun Ling said: "I can't say for sure, because he is the boy who waits for Uncle Xing to burn cigarettes. Uncle Xing is very addicted to cigarettes. There are four of them in total, and they take turns. They are still busy. Today he is entrusted to serve Uncle Xing." Sanxing'er, the boy who eats, burns cigarettes for him, so he asks for the next day's leave. I'm afraid it's not easy to ask for more leave." Zhu Si said, "There's no need to ask for a day's leave, as long as he can come out, Talk to me for an hour, and I'm very welcome." Shunling said: "It's not very difficult to come out for an hour or two, I'll find him tomorrow and we can discuss it." Zhu Si repeatedly asked: "Anyway, you invite him to have a talk. As long as he is willing to come, I will give you another ten taels of silver as an introduction fee." Shunling heard that there was money to be had, so she raised her spirits, and she will be able to do it with all her strength. arrive.

Sure enough, two days later, Shunling actually accompanied Xiaowa to Zhu's house.As soon as he went up to report, Zhu Si immediately called, please come to the upper room to talk.Shunling accompanied Xiaowa to the upper room.Zhu Si raised her eyes to watch, and saw that the child was born with delicate features, as beautiful as a young girl.It seems that he is only fifteen or sixteen years old.Wearing a blood-huhua jacket, a solid green kusha mandarin jacket, full Wubeizhai satin boots, a green gauze hat with a big red hat knot, and a pink tourmaline hat flower.Walked in and greeted Zhu Si deeply, saying that Xiaowa greeted Young Master Zhu.Zhu Si hurriedly said goodbye, shook his hand and said with a smile: "Hello, brother, from now on we brothers are our own family members, and we must never call him that." She forced Xiaowa to sit on the upper chair.Xiaowa was humble again and again, saying that we are the ones who are in charge of the family, how dare we sit opposite Master Futai.Zhu Si laughed loudly and said, "My brother, you are too incomprehensible. As the saying goes, the seventh-rank officials in front of the prime minister, let alone the steward of the palace, the current governor will fight against you. Brother Yu, I am sitting opposite you today, and I still feel that It's an honor. Sit down, don't be polite." Originally, these people were a little bit arrogant, but even if they were praised by Zhu Si like this, they would not doubt it, and sat high on the chair.Zhu Si poured tea for him with her own hands, and asked him how many years he had been serving the uncle.Xiaowa said: "I have entered the mansion since I was ten years old, and this year has been seven years. I have been burning cigarettes for the uncle since I was fourteen. There are four of us, and the uncle treats me very generously. From this year onwards, I will be promoted to be the head of the guard. The leader of the driver’s children. Even though I’m young, young master, I’m still in charge of thirty or forty people.” Zhu Si couldn’t help but envy her, and said, “My brother is a genius! A person like you who is accompanied by the king has a bright future. It's unlimited. But I don't know how your monthly income is, is it enough to spend?" Xiaowa said: "The rule in the house is two taels of silver at first, and one tael a year more. The uncle praised me very much. From this year onwards, sixteen taels will be closed every month. This kind of dead wages is not much at first, but it is a little more than three quarters. According to me this year, it should be divided into four and a half cents, and each quarter is 1,450 silver. In the future, I can survive When it comes to the whole share, there are tens of thousands of dollars per year." Zhu Si said: "It is said that at such a young age, my brother earns quite a bit of money. But in this palace, it doesn't show much. Here we come. As far as I think, you should think a little extra, and if you get a fortune, it will be thousands of dollars, and you will make many friends, isn't it good?" Xiaowa said: "This method is indeed good, but now I I dare not do it."

Zhu Si hurriedly asked why.Xiaowa didn't answer, she laughed up and down, and said that it's just a few days, there was a big joke in the house, everyone spread it as a laughing stock, so no one wanted to be troublesome.This is what our partner Xiao Lai committed.He knew a Shanxi native named Hou Quan who was the young owner of the wine tank.The family had a lot of money, so they donated to a magistrate to try it out in different provinces.Someone said to him, you must worship a minister Wang as your teacher, and ask him to write an eight-line essay, and keep you in the province to get a good job.When he realized this, he immediately went to find Xiao Lai, begged him to introduce him, and asked his uncle to be his teacher.Xiao Lai readily agreed, but told him ten thousand taels of silver as respect and four thousand taels of silver as family respect.This gentleman recognizes the first flower for Zhi Jing, but he is a little hesitant about Men Jing, thinking that this number is too much.Later, after further negotiations, it was considered to be halved, and it was set at two thousand taels of silver.Who knows that this halving is just asking for bad luck.All the disciple posts and the money of Zhi Jingmen's respect are all ready, and Xiao Lai will take them all in.It's all said and done, and he will come to the mansion to apprentice tomorrow after dinner.Unexpectedly, the person in charge of the gate and post joked with him because he thought he had little money.It turns out that there is a rule in the mansion that anyone who comes to meet for the first time will meet in the front hall.The gatekeeper led Hou Quan to the door of the front hall, but did not let him in, but told him to stand in front of the door.And told him, don't move a step, when the young prince comes out, you will kneel down to meet him.Isn't your surname Hou?You just say that your little Hou'er kowtows to the Lord to pay his respects.Hou Quan didn't understand that he was appetizing him, and he asked the young prince when he would come out, what he looked like, and what clothes he was wearing.The gatekeeper said to him: "Listen up and listen. It's shouting that the Lord is coming down, and the young prince will come out right after you. Look at the first one to leave. He's very young, wearing boots, hats, and gowns. That's him. Young prince, quickly kneel down and kowtow, there is nothing wrong with it." Hou Quan remembered it, and stood upright outside the front hall door waiting.He deserved his presence, and Xiao Lai, who happened to introduce him, was not in the house at this time.Turning to the old man left and right, the old man was smoking opium happily, how could he go to meet him immediately, only snorted, and continued to smoke his cigarette.When the opium smoke is full, order to change clothes to meet guests.Because it was the first time for me to learn from a teacher, the uncle had to be well-dressed, with the jewel top, yellow mandarin jacket, filial piety belt, purse, and girdle all fastened before driving to the front hall.In front of the uncle, there is a former eunuch with neat boots and hats, who is in charge of leading the way in front, followed by two guards and two heavy guards, who surround the uncle and come out together.This time the uncle came out to meet guests, the eunuch cited earlier was named Ma Zhen, she was in her twenties, she was white and fat, she had the airs of a nobleman; and she was wearing dazzling clothes, if you say he is an uncle, I'm afraid it's more decent than the uncle himself.It's no wonder Hou Quan was wrong.He led the way alone until he came to the hall.At this time, the uncle was following behind, and he walked outside the second door, haha, what a big joke.The Marquis who was standing in front of the hall was anxiously looking around when he suddenly saw a well-dressed official coming in front of him.He said in his heart, this is the young master's arrival, and he didn't have time to look carefully, he jumped down from the steps, knelt down towards Ma Zhen, and said loudly, "Little Hou'er kowtows to the master."As he spoke, he kowtowed and kowtowed his head.Xiao Wa was talking and describing, even Zhu Si and Shun Ling laughed out loud, and asked him what happened afterwards?Xiaowa said that she was even more pitiful later.Seeing him like this, Ma Zhen ran away in fright, saying that the master is behind, don't mistake him.At this time, the uncle was outside the second gate, and he happened to see clearly, and unknowingly flew into a rage: "How can such a savage who doesn't understand official etiquette be brought into the mansion to make trouble? Hurry up and drive me out! Not even a moment Don't stay." When the uncle said this, he stood still.The two guards on the left and right, obeying the young prince's order, immediately rushed a few steps, came to Hou Quanquan and shouted loudly: "Get out of here!" At this time, Hou Quan didn't understand in his heart, he thought it was the young prince who told him to get up. , but still fell on the ground, humbly again and again, saying that Xiao Hou'er dared not get up without authorization.The two guards were anxious, and said, "Is there something wrong with you? The prince told you to be kicked out. You can't get up, can you succeed? Get out of here, don't talk nonsense!" It dawned on me.I saw him standing up suddenly, crying and shouting, saying that I spent more than 10,000 silver, just buy one and drive it out?The uncle was irritable and scolded the two guards for no use: "Why did you let him in with such a thing? Hurry up and get him out of the gate!" At this time, the guards had no choice but to do it themselves, one on each side, holding his arm until Pull out the door.Poor this gentleman, who spent more than 10,000 silver in vain, and the teacher never paid for it, but was thrown out of the house in a hurry.From then on, no one dared to do anything more.Young master, please think, isn't this a big joke!

Zhu Si smiled and said: "It's no wonder that the uncle is angry. It was too indecent to meet the eunuch on the ground under the eyes of everyone. It seems that this kind of person is not on the stage. Even if he has a little money, he can only Squatting at home, being his local rich man, why do you want to be an official!" Xiaowa said: "Originally, Beijing is not a place where people live. No matter who you are, when you arrive in Beijing, you always want to curry favor with being an official. In fact, being an official You must also have the knowledge of being an official. Without this kind of professional knowledge, you will never be able to do it." Zhu Si said: "My brother's words are really well-known. It's rare that you have such insight at such a young age. It's rare." Xiaowa said: "What kind of knowledge, but I have been in the mansion for six or seven years, and there are thousands of people who have moved to become officials, and no one can escape this threshold. Some of them are proud and some are frustrated. , There are all sorts of strange things, all kinds of phenomena. Looking back, it is ridiculous and lamentable. I thought, why do they work so hard? What good is it to be an official? I am really a layman, Master Zhu, do you know that?" His question made Zhu Si stunned and couldn't answer for a long time, so he had to divert it with other words and said: "brother, you are the first celebrity before the uncle, brother Yu wants to ask you something, I don't know Are you willing to help?" Xiaowa said: "Master, if you have any questions, please tell me directly, as long as I can do it with my strength, I will do my best, and I will definitely make your wish come true." Jusi arrived At this time, he refused to speak out.He let Xiaowa into the inner room and told Shunling not to come in without being called.The two talked secretly for a long time in the back room, and then called Shun Ling to pour tea.Shunling came in, only to hear Xiaowa say to Zhu Si: "You can't be too busy with this job, and you have to keep it a secret. If Second Lord Hai finds out that he's jealous and says we took his business, that's a big deal." This matter is not only useless, but also detrimental. It is best not to stay in the mansion. Now the uncle often goes to the Huguang Guild Hall on Luomashi Street, because there is a box office for singing Erhuang. , together with us, Mr. Xing, go there for entertainment from time to time. The chief instructor there is Tan Xinpei. The rest, such as Shen Sanyuan, Da Liwu, Li Shoushan, Luo Baisui, etc., are all instructors. It is best for me to introduce for the young master, first go to the box office Going to learn opera, you will naturally get close to these relatives and nobles. You can use your tricks to curry favor with them. When the uncle is happy, I will take the opportunity to speak again, and I will succeed immediately, without any effort." Zhu Si thanked again and again, saying thank you Brother Yu is very grateful for your advice.The two discussed it properly, and Xiaowa left.

Two days later, Zhu Si really entered the box office.He also likes to sing Erhuang, but he is careless and hums randomly.Since entering the box office, these instructors have raised his voice, and there are not enough rap students, so he can only sing Xiaosheng, Tiedan and so on.Originally, Zhu Si didn't want to be drunk, no matter what he sang, he didn't care, he just wanted to get close to Uncle Xing, so as to achieve his sporting goal.From then on, whenever Uncle Xing came to the box office, he would be extra fawning.Originally, those dandies and relatives all have the same common problem, that is, they like to take advantage of others.There is another term for this kind of problem, which is called adultery.Why is it called young adult rape?Because the rich and powerful sons and grandsons of Beijing urban management are all called young children.The meaning of young child means that he has just come out of the egg shell, immature and unable to stand on his own.Because there are many such young children in the city of Beijing, there is a kind of villain born at the historic moment who only eats young children.The young master will say what he likes to hear; the young master will do what he likes to see.In the end, they set up a trap and extorted the young master's money into their hands.Again and again, again and again, maybe so many times.Although Chu'er is rich and ignorant, he often cuts his flesh, and he also feels the pain.By this time, it is almost enough to be raped.He himself felt that I was a person who experienced in this bad society. Although I wasted a little money in the past, I learned a lot of tricks.From then on, it is possible for me to give to others what I received back then.Anyone who is close to him, he is on the one hand guarding against being eaten, but on the other hand wants to eat people; even if it is a copper coin, he will change his ways to take advantage of it.This is called prostitution.In fact, people who specialize in eating young children, seeing that he is a rascal, welcome him even more, and do what he likes, and give him a little advantage in everything.He decided that this person was a good person, and got closer day by day.When he had the opportunity, he would beat him up a lot.Rao spent his money and told him to be so determined that he didn't even dare to hum.To put it bluntly, the younger generation is raped, that is, the younger generation becomes younger after rape.The princes and grandchildren in Beijing, although not everyone is like this, after all, this kind of people must be the majority.

Gossip less, but said that since Zhu Si entered the box office, he has been concentrating on currying favor with Zai Xing.I don't know how many times I have waited for the bill.He took out the money again and bought some clothes for Boss Tan, in order to make the uncle happy.Later, Tan Xinpei gave him an idea, saying: "If you want to recognize Uncle Xing as a foster father, it is best to start with singing operas. Uncle likes to sing old faces, and Li Keyong in Feihu Mountain is his favorite play. Usually it is Zhu Suyun who goes there." Li Cunxiao, play with him; now that you are learning to sing Xiaosheng, you'd better learn this one first. If you learn it, you will play with him once when the color singing is over, and I will call out a few good friends by the side, he must be very special I'm happy. At that time, I tried my best to match up, from fake to real, and told him to recognize you as a foster son, and he could succeed in just a few words. Do you think of this way, okay?" Zhu Si unconsciously applauded, saying that the boss really As expected of Zhi Duoxing, this is how to do it.The two made a plan, and Tan Xinpei introduced him. First, he was called Bai Dejunru as a teacher, specializing in the play of Feihushan.Originally, Zhu Si's talent was very high, and he also had ulterior motives, so naturally she learned very quickly.In less than ten days, I learned all the interspersed singing and composing of this play by heart.One day, Uncle Xing came to have fun again, and Tan Xinpei encouraged him, saying that Uncle Xing's Feihu Mountain is much better than Jin Mazi (Jinxiu Mountain)!Why not have fun today?Zai Xing said with a smile: "Singing Feihushan is not easy. Suyun has gone to Yantai, and Dechu is putting on airs again. It is not easy to be matched with others. Zhang Baokun is not good enough to sing this play. Can you ask me to go on stage alone?" Old Tan laughed and said: "Master, don't worry, I've hired a good supporting role for you now, the caretaker is much better than Suyun and Junru!" Zaixing was very surprised and asked which one it was.Old Tan said: "You don't need to inquire, if you are happy to sing, we will act immediately. If there is no Li Cunxiao for the time being, I would rather take this role." There must be certainty.Even if there is no suitable talent for the time being, it is a rare opportunity and a supreme honor to force Boss Tan to act with me.Zaixing made up his mind and happily went backstage to perform.Seeing that Zhu Si was also putting on water gauze, painting her eyebrows, and changing her boots there, she couldn't help laughing and said, "Who am I? I really want to say farewell for three days, and I will look at you with admiration. Good! With your appearance, if you want to pretend to be Li Cunxiao, you are really heroic and handsome, much better than the virtue of the old man." At this time, Lao Tan and Xiao The baby was also on the sidelines to make fun of it, saying: "My uncle's Feihushan must be matched by Young Master Zhu to match his status. How can anyone else match him?"Juss is really concentrating and pleases the uncle.Lao Tan kept applauding at the end of the game, and the two of them became more and more energetic, and they made a colorful show. On and off the stage, the applause was like thunder.When I was young, I finished singing and went to the backstage together. I hadn't put on my makeup yet. Lao Tan smiled at Zai Xing and said, "Master Zhu is really the adopted son of the uncle. Why don't you think of him as a father and son?" Zaixing has not yet answered. , Zhu Si knelt on the spot early, and said with a smile: "Please sit down, adoptive father, Zhu Si, the adopted son, will kowtow to you old man." How did you realize it was true?At this time, there was already a group of opera singers who forced him to be in the top position, and Zhu Si paid homage to him everywhere.Following this group of people, they all congratulated the uncle, and even the little baby was caught in it, making arrangements for everything.Congratulations to Zaixing, and congratulations to Zhu Si.After saying that he was happy, he asked the two for reward.Zhu Si said: "It's rare that my adoptive father is doing me a favor today by accepting my dolphin dog as a servant. How dare I call him a poor old man. Let's do this..." He took out his pocketbook at this point, First I ordered five hundred taels of silver bills, saying that my adoptive father gave them to buy snacks for you; followed by taking out three hundred taels, saying that this is a trivial matter, and I gave them to you to buy tea for you to drink.Everyone thanked him for the reward.He secretly gave Lao Tan a thousand silver coins to thank him for his virtue.He also gave five hundred to Dechu to thank him for his ability to teach opera.Don't talk about it, Xiaowa, it's natural to give a generous gift.He also asked everyone to have dinner at Zongxian Hall on Cherry Xie Street, and everyone happily disturbed him for a meal.There are thirty or forty people who sing opera and play tickets.After eating in Zongxian Hall, it became obvious that Uncle Xing had accepted Young Master Zhu as a righteous son to serve as His Highness.

It just happened to be a coincidence that after they had eaten and left, they followed closely behind Shi Hailiang, the head of Prince En's residence, and also came here for dinner with seven or eight people.Xiao Wang, the waiter, spoke quickly, and said to him, the second master came at an unfortunate time, he came a step earlier, the uncle is eating here!Hai Liang hurriedly asked: "Who is eating here with the uncle?" Xiao Wang said with a smile: "How come the second master doesn't know about such a big happy event?" Hai Liang hurriedly asked what the happy event was?Xiao Wang said: "The uncle recognizes his godson, and he recognizes the young master of Marshal Zhu. He just kowtowed today, and he and Boss Tan are having a wedding here. Why doesn't the second master know about such a great event?" Hai Liang listened With a thought in his heart, he replied casually: "What is the important thing for me? It turns out that it is for this. I already knew it. It's rare for the godson of the uncle to carry a lot of money." Sit down and eat.After dinner, everyone asked him to go for a walk. He said that he had something to do in the mansion and had to go to the city.

Hailiang went back to the mansion and asked the man on duty: "Has the uncle ever come back?" The man on duty replied that he hadn't come back yet.Hailiang asked again: "Where is the old prince?" The man on duty said: "The old prince is fighting crickets with Er Fujin on the lotus pavilion in the garden." Cinnabar head, get ready, I'm going to the garden right now.Left and right agreed, and immediately put a Zhao Ziyu cricket basin in front of her eyes.Hai Liang opened it and took a look, then carried it to the garden by himself, and first asked the little eunuch to come back to Ming.King En told him to come to the pavilion.Hailiang went to the lotus pavilion, and greeted the lord and Fujin first, saying that the servant got a good worm today, so he came here to give it to the lord for fun.Before King En could answer, Er Fujin smiled and said: "You can't give it to him, you have to give it to me. My worm has already lost two ends. With you as a new force, I can make money. "Hai Liang said: "Anyway, Master and Fujin, whoever wants to be the same." He said and put the basin on the table.King En hurriedly opened it and took a look, laughed loudly and said: "I thought it was some kind of outstanding bug, but it turned out to be a redhead. This kind of bug is not useful, and I don't want it for nothing." Fujin came over to have a look, and said, "If you don't want me, let's have a fight right away. I think your big black must not be his opponent." King En snorted, and said, "Okay! Let's go!" Er Fujin said: "This time we can't fight in vain, we have to bet a lot of money." En Wang said: "What do you want to bet?" Fujin said: "The 20,000 yuan sent by Zhu Baotian on the August Festival Respect, I call it on my booklet, you must not agree. Just bet on it now. If the red man wins, the money will be allocated to me. What do you think?" En Wang smiled and said: "The red man is going to lose What will you give me?" Er Fujin said: "If you lose, it's yours, I don't want it." King En laughed and said: "It's a fair gamble, that's it. You can't win anyway, so I'm so happy." You are determined, so you don't have to think about it any more." After saying that, he brought Dahei over and put him in a basin with the red head.Hai Liang watched from the side, and saw that the two worms were about the same size, about eight centimeters in size.The red head is slightly smaller, but the head is wider and bigger than the big black.Put the two in the basin and fight immediately.The big black pliers are yellow, but the red pliers are purple.En Wang is getting old and his eyesight is weak, so he put on flower glasses to see.Seeing Hongtou's teeth, he couldn't help shouting: "Oh, I've been fooled!" He had just finished speaking, and Dahei had already been bitten by Hongtou, kicking around with only six legs.How can it kick open, when I was young, I barely turned over, and I had already fled with wings down, and was driven out of the basin by the red head.The red head inside, however, flapped its wings and sang, very proud.King En said: "I'm old, my eyes are useless! I want to see that it's Ziya, and I'm determined not to fight with him. The cinnabar head has always been yellow teeth, and purple teeth are rare. It's no wonder that I lost. " Er Fujin was very proud at this time, and said: "Don't worry about his yellow teeth and purple teeth, the 20,000 yuan will be mine anyway." Enwang said: "You women know how to love money. You have to know this Twenty thousand yuan is not easy to get. It is his insurance fee as the governor. When the regent prince and empress dowager want to ask him, I have to lie and be naughty and say a lot of good things for him. If you take it, I will I don't care about it, the Prince Regent will ask him again later, so go up and answer." Before Er Fujin could answer, Hailiang rushed to say: "According to my servant, I don't need to sell my strength for 20,000 yuan." King En said: "What is this called? As the saying goes, it makes people feel good. Money, to eliminate disasters with people. How can someone ask for 20,000 yuan for nothing, and then not even say a good word!" Hai Liang said: "Do you think he is a person who sincerely respects and respects you?" King En said: "Naturally, how about he is willing to pay so much money?" Hai Liang smiled and said, "He still has a big backer, and his filial piety is more than double that of the master. The servant accidentally heard someone He said that he wanted to report to the Lord, but he was afraid that he would be angry; don’t tell me, because the Lord will deceive him all his life, and he still doesn’t understand!” King En said in surprise: “His big backer is Xiang Lao Si, who has already It’s down. Who else has a big backer? It’s twice as good as filial piety to me. How much can he produce as the governor of Jilin?” Hai Liang said: “The slave will be the head of the Macquarie Bank today. According to him, this year’s八月节,吉林抚署净给庄中堂一个人,就汇了五万银元。奴才假装糊涂,问朱抚台同庄中堂怎么这样近呢?大班告我说,庄中堂是朱抚台的老师,去年中堂买了一块坟地,今年大兴土木,栽树盖房,所以朱抚台孝敬这许多钱,是专为老师建筑坟山之用。奴才也曾问他,那吉林每年有多大出息?这大班是山东人,他在东三省经商多年,所以知道得十分详细。据他说,吉林在东三省是第一的富省,较比奉天还强得多呢!因为吉林幅员既广,出产尤多,只森林一项,每年就有好几千万。至于矿产、渔业、参茸种种,更是不计其数。无论哪宗哪项,全是抚台分头一份儿。据说这个缺,在全国巡抚中要算第一呢。他拿那五万块钱,不过是九牛一毛,算不得什么。爷如今得他两万块,还要替他说好话,这也未免太便宜他了。”海亮这一席话,气得老恩王直吹胡子骂道:“混账东西,我还拿他当好人呢!他看着庄中堂可靠,我偏叫他靠不上。不要忙,早晚总叫他知道我的厉害。”海亮道:“爷不用生气。这件事据奴才看,倒不可一次将他打倒。莫如先小小地使一点手法,叫他明白明白。他如果醒腔,急速打点,咱爷儿们倒可以大大地敲他一笔。”恩王点头,说你的话很对,早晚我自有办法。此时二福晋见王爷生气,也不向他要两万块钱了。又谈了几句闲话,海亮退下去。过了没有几天,也活该是冤家路窄,偏偏赶上宋耳顺召见,三言五语,打倒了一个丁大声,抬起了一个祥呈。二人一起一落,便连带着牵出一个朱宝田,又成就了一个陈明伦。老恩王借题发挥,总算如了志愿。其实,全是海亮一个人作祟。 自从这几道旨意颁布下来,最难过的就是庄中堂,一肚皮气说不出来,回到自己宅中,越想越不是滋味。别的倒还罢了,只有朱宝田由繁调简,心里觉着很对不住人。但是木已成舟,如何能挽回得来。左思右想,只好先派人将朱丝请来,向他解释一番,也好盖一盖羞脸。主意打定,立时派小厮二有到朱宅去请。二有回来,说朱少爷回禀中堂,今天因有要紧事,实在不得工夫。明天晚间,一定过来请安。庄中堂听了,心里很不自在的,说:“往常我派人去叫他,全是随叫随来,怎么今天忽然端起架子来!哦,我明白了,这必是因为他父亲调缺,看我不能维持,所以改了态度,不把我放在眼内。我叫他,他居然敢抗命不来,这个小孩子,也未免太浅了。别的不说,你父亲同我既有师生关系,你是一个小门生,对于太老师的命令,难道就敢不遵吗?”庄中堂是越想越气,一夜也不曾合眼。到第二天,便请假不曾上朝。原想休息两三天,自然就平复了。却没料到,第二天又惹了一场大气。 你道因为什么呢?原来项子城自从开缺回籍,他那长公子可敬,本想随他父亲一同回去,项子城却不许。说:“你现在商部做参议,也算一个小小的堂官。再熬三二年,便有侍郎的希望。为什么要辞官呢?再说我此次开缺,无形中已经变成了罪人,你如果辞官,也随着我回家,叫朝廷看着,仿佛咱爷儿俩有心同皇上家制气。这种疑似之间,关系很大。我正在倒霉时候,你谨慎着点,不要再给我种毒了。”可敬听他父亲这样说,只好仍住北京,照旧当他商部的差使。转眼过了一年多,照资格论,他应当升右丞了。怎奈官情如纸薄,人在人情在,项子城既去位下野,他的儿子当然没人肯照应了。此时商部尚书溥伦,是一个天潢贵胄、纨绔子弟,除去吃喝嫖赌唱二黄之外,并没有旁的本事。摄政王因为兴贝子的声气太坏,不好意思再叫他做商部尚书了,所以才选着这个宝贝。居然挂上尚书的头衔,一面还充着咨政院院长,仿佛他是神圣万能。这位先生,便也居之不疑。他到了商部之后,便想把项可敬免职。因为同项子城,平日很有嫌隙,一朝权在手,便想令来行。哪知老恩王知道这个风声,很不以为然,立时将溥伦叫到府里来,大申饬了一顿。说:“你一个小孩家知道什么!才做了官,就想作福作威,寻仇报复,那还了得吗!项老四虽然退职下野,我们对于他的后人,更应当格外照应,才不失同寅的义气。你为何硬要免他儿子的官?也未免太浅露了。我劝你趁早儿将这念头打消!如果不然,你今天免了项可敬的官,我明天便免你的官,你可不要后悔。”溥伦挨了这一顿申饬,只得忍气吞声,从此罢手。项可敬的参议才算保全住了。到底要再想升官,是很不容易的。他从前,原随着项子城住在东城。后来子城回河南,连本宅的家具全拍卖了完账,他只得搬到西城去住,同庄中堂的宅子相离不甚远。 这一天也是活该有事。项可敬早晨吃罢点心,吩咐套车上衙门。车夫大柳将马车套好,他跳上去,一摇鞭子便出了胡同口儿。本来他住家离工商部不甚远,出了胡同才要向北走,偏巧有一家广货店,当天开张。正在这时候,大祭财神,鞭炮齐鸣,外夹着还有双响儿。项宅的这一匹马是才买的,野性尚未脱净。如今忽然听见鞭炮响,将两个耳朵向上竖起,撒开腿好像箭头一般,直向前没命地跑起来。车夫无论怎样吆喝拉缰绳,也收不住了。恰巧迎面来了一辆洋车,因为躲闪不及,被马车撞翻。洋车也摔散了,坐车的同拉车的,也都摔伤了。这时候迎上两个警察来,将马车截住。马停住了脚,项可敬连忙亲自下来,过去看那摔伤的人情形如何。幸而全不甚重,坐车的只戳坏了手,将手上皮擦掉一块;拉车的磕伤了腿,站不起来。项可敬便对警察说:“老总,你可将他二位雇车送至医院,应当花多少钱的医药费,可向我宅里去取;这洋车子也可就近收拾收拾,应当用多少钱也由我给;我并且格外赏拉车的十块钱。你二位费心办一办吧,我还急等着上衙门呢。”内中一个警察,向可敬看了看,问道:“阁下姓什么?在哪衙门当差?”可敬忙掏出一个洋纸小名片来,交给警察。警察看了看,才要照着可敬的话办理,偏巧车夫大柳多嘴多舌,想用势力压人,便插话道:“这是项宫保的大少爷,你们难道不认得吗?我们少爷太好性儿了,像这样赏他两块钱就完了,还费这许多事做什么!”可敬听他这样说,才要申饬他两句,忽见坐车的那人跳起来,指着可敬骂道:“我当你是什么东西!敢在大道上横冲直撞。原来你就是国贼操莽的儿子,倚着你爹的势力,满街上闯丧招骂。今天撞到我姓智的手里,咱们是势不两立,非手拉着手到警厅去不可!”可敬同两个警察,骤然听他这无理的话,也都愕然不解。可敬道:“你这人莫非是疯子吗?我的车虽然碰了你,我自己下来安慰,还应许给你治伤,也就很是了。你怎么张口伤人,当面辱骂我的父亲。我们姓项的,向来不使势力;但是今天遇着你这不讲理的人,我就硬撞了不管,看你又有什么法了!”车夫大柳见主人这样说,他益发的横起来,揎拳挽袖,意思间想要打那姓智的,才解心头之恨。警察忙过去阻拦。那个姓智的,依然不依不饶,非同可敬打官司不可。警察极力调解,他便向警察瞪眼道:“你们这些东西!听见了项宫保三字,便吓得尿屎直淋。你要知道,项宫保已经是一个平民了。我姓智的,同铁大人、龙都老爷,全是至好的朋友。你如果不办,连你们厅丞,也要吃不了兜着走呢!”此时北京城,铁木贤的势力正在鼎盛时代,龙子春也是一个专门好参人的御史。警察听了这两个人,便有些胆怯,生怕给他们署长同厅丞惹出事来,便改了一副面孔,向可敬道:“项老爷,你的马车既然撞了人,这是违背警章的。受伤人乐意了结,我们自然也不便多事。如今他既不依不饶,一定要同你打官司,没旁的说,只好请项老爷随我们走一趟吧。”可敬忽听警察这样说,他的气可实在捺不住了,一阵冷笑向警察道:“你们太看容易了!我就能随他到警厅去吗?他既不是重伤,我又应许医治,这事也很可以完了。他是挟嫌,故意要给我难看,你们就依着他吗?”内中一个警察,也是旗人。他平日很抱着排汉的思想,认定了项子城不是好人,将来要篡夺满清的天下,所以此次遇着项可敬,他便想借题发挥,给可敬一个不下台。偏巧是两个人,恐怕哪一位不肯顺他的意思,又兼可敬说话很讲情理,自己不便再找麻烦。所以,始而也想着将就下台,继而姓智的一道字号,可敬又翻了腔,他便挺身出来说道:“项老爷,话不是这样说。假如你不是宫保的少爷,我们倒可以将就了结。皆因你是宫保的少爷,我们如果不照公事办,叫上司知道了,便要说我们徇情私纵。这个不是,能担得起吗?没旁的说,还是请你项老爷辛苦一趟的好。”可敬听他的话,越发紧了。有意再同他分辩几句,一想不好,凭我的身份,要是同巡警在大街上争吵,未免太丢人了。但是,不随他去到区,他又不肯放我,怎么好呢?想了想,对警察道:“这样吧,叫我的车夫同你们到区好了。”那个警察,意思间还不满足,姓智的也一定不认可。这一个警察,实在看不过了,便向姓智的发话道:“你这人也太岂有此理了!人家虽撞了你,又管医治,又赔不是,还另外给车夫钱养伤。就认打了官司,也不过如此。你一定不依不饶,究竟是什么居心?”警察说这话,拉车的居然也表同情,勉强站起来,说:“这位老总的话,实在有理。小人终日拉车,也没有工夫打官司。方才项老爷不是说赏给我十块钱吗?这样吧,我也不上医院了,车也归我自己修理,就求赏几个钱吧。”可敬听拉车的这样说,便掏出靴掖儿来,点了二十块洋钱票,递给方才说话的那警察,说老总费心,你给他叫他先走吧!警察将钱交给车夫,车夫接过来,向可敬请了一个安,嘴里还说谢谢老爷赏。又向警察也请了一个安,说谢老总费心。回身拉过他那破车,便要开步。那姓智的益发急了,如中疯一般地闹起来。后来高低由警察将车夫大柳,同姓智的,及那一部马车,全带往内右三区,听候转送。 这里,可敬虽未被警察带走,可是面子上总算丢人。自己没有了车,也就不上衙门去了,信步游行,来至庄中堂府,一直进去。门上认得他是项大少,是中堂的老姻侄,时常到府里来,也不用家人上去回,便也不问他,任他进来。他进了二门,见着跑上房的小厮二桂,便招呼住,问他中堂在上房吗?二桂忙请安道:“回少爷话,中堂在上房吃药呢!”可敬道:“病了吗,为什么吃药?”二桂道:“大概是有点不痛快,少爷请上房坐吧!”随把可敬引至上房。中堂吩咐请进来。可敬见了,忙请安道:“听说姻伯欠安,小侄特来看一看。”庄中堂一见可敬,止不住老眼中流下泪来,说:“贤侄请坐。老夫这几天心绪恶劣,想起尊大人当日的话来,实在佩服他的眼光识见,超异常人。从前我还抱着几希之望!如今看起来,连一分也没有了。”可敬听他这话,摸不着头脑,只得安慰道:“姻伯年龄太尊了,诸事还是看开一点,少生闲气的为是。”庄中堂叹道:“这也是气数!当然我倒没有什么生气的,只可叹大清三百年的社稷,葬送在三五个无知亲贵之手!当年慈禧太后升遐之时,尊翁曾对我说,大清的宗社,恐怕不出十年,有大变动。铜驼荆棘,只怕我们也要亲眼见着呢。我说来头虽然不好,可也未必如此之甚。尊翁说,老大哥但知其一,不知其二。从前皇室虽然偏向满人,到底还知道他们无用,遇着大事,还是倚靠咱们汉人。如今可不然了,这一班后起的亲贵,看他们满人,个个全是擎天玉柱,架海金梁,文能安邦,武能定国;看我们汉人,全是眼中钉肉中刺,人人伯嚭,个个张松,恨不将汉人做官的,全诛除净尽,俱换了他们满人方才觉着放心。防家贼的手段,一天比一天厉害;哪知汉人革命的思想,也就一天比一天坚深。早晚老成凋谢,再没人替他敷衍维持。这一群昏天黑地的满官,放手为之,毫无顾忌。一遇有人发难,便立成土崩瓦解之势,还愁不宗社为墟吗?我彼时听了他的话,虽然也觉着动心,到底想十年以内,总不致如此。哪知自他走后,朝政日非。到这几天,我细细体验尊翁的话,竟自应了一半。怎不叫人伤心叹气呢!” 庄中堂说到这里,便将与二王怄气的话,对可敬学说一番。可敬听了,也不觉触动他方才的事,便将马车撞人,姓智的怎么骂街,怎样刁难的话,也对庄中堂学说一回,并说姻伯看这不是欺负人吗!庄中堂听了,不免又添了几分气,说:“老侄你想,他们满人,公然排汉的话在大街上乱嚷,这还是好兆吗?那个龙御史,顶不是东西,所有挑拨浸润,全出于他一个人。在他自以为是忠于皇室,其实正是祸害满清。早晚不定搞成一个什么样子呢!但是老侄的车,凭空叫他们拉去扣在区里,这也不像话,我怎好看着不管呢。这样吧……”说着便将二桂喊过来,说你拿我一张名片,到内城警厅见一见厅丞恩格,对他说,请他将项宅的马车及早放出来,不许迟廷。二桂去了。在庄中堂想着,凭我一位现任大军机大学士,向警厅说这一点小事情,还有不奉命唯谨的吗?因此坦坦然留可敬在宅里吃早饭,一面彼此谈心。等了足有两个钟头,才见二桂回来。中堂埋怨他道:“小孩子真顽皮,这一点小事,也值得去这大工夫,叫项少爷在这里久候。哼哼,真不够材料。”二桂等他发作过了,方才躬身回道:“回中堂话,小厮到厅里,等了许久工夫,方才见着恩老爷。小厮将中堂交派的话,一字不差向他学说了一遍。他沉吟了一会儿,对小厮说,有劳管家回宅代禀中堂,就说这一点小事,职厅本应即刻遵办。无奈被撞的人,因为伤痕过重,非打官司不可。目前已将两造人证,送往检查厅去了,请中堂交谕检察厅,由那边领取好了。当时小厮对他说,那一部马车难道也在检察厅吗?官司打不打,我家中堂也不管,要的就是那部马车。不料恩格竟自发脾气说:'你这人好生糊涂!马车是伤人的证物,哪有不送法庭的道理!难道未卜先知,预备中堂索要,留在这里不成吗?'小厮听他说话不讲理,只得纳着气儿回来。该怎样办,还求中堂示下。”庄中堂连日闹病,本来一肚子肝火;没想到又碰了恩格这个钉子,哪里忍受得住。只说了一句好、好,便有些痰火上攻,一阵跟着一阵地喘起来。可敬连忙起身告辞,说:“这一点小事,姻伯值不得生气,过一刻马车自然会放回来。你老人家先静养一刻吧,小侄回家还有事呢。”庄中堂只点一点头,可敬便去了。 这里自有许多家人、仆妇,围绕着庄中堂,问他心里怎样?快请太医院徐先生来诊治。中堂摇摇头,家人不敢再问了。过了一刻,将大公子庄衡叫至床前,吁吁地喘着说道:“你快到敬王府去,面见敬亲王,将方才恩格的情形,对他说一说,请他打一个电话,快将项宅的马车放出来。”中堂说了这几句,已经喘得上气不接下气。庄衡哪里敢驳回,高声答应着便去了。不大工夫折回来,对他父亲说:“全办好了。敬王立时给厅里去电话,马车已然放出,官司也完结了。敬王还叫对父亲说,不要生气,早晚一定撤恩格的任。”庄中堂听了这一套,心里略微和平。晚半天,只喝了两口燕窝粥。七位姨太太全围绕着他,劝他早一刻安眠。他又不肯,说今夜朱少爷必来,我还有要紧的话同他说呢,早歇觉有什么好处。姨太太们听他这样说法,便各自回房安歇,只留值夜的三姨太太同五姨太太,在房里伺候他。原来庄中堂老年好色,前文已经表过他的正太太早已去世,现下只有七房姨太太,还有两个已经收房尚未正式宣布的大丫鬟,一共是九个人。自从庄中堂病了,她们便立下条约,每日夜间有两个人值班伺候,轮流倒换。这一天晚上,恰恰是三、五两个姨太太值班。这两个姨太太,是过时的人物了。庄中堂眼前最宠爱的,是七姨太太,名叫七星儿的,同一个丫鬟,名叫露桃的,明天便是她两个值班。今夜她两个早早地安息去了,庄中堂一个人在屋里闷坐,看着三、五两个如夫人,心里便有些不快活。但是自己有病,原应当大家轮流伺候,不能专指定一两个人,这也是无可奈何。好在明天便有意中人来值班,今天只好委屈一夜,只在屋里呆呆地等候朱丝。哪知左等不来,右等不来,直等到二更天,还没有一点动静。庄衡便去打电话催,朱宅回说:“少爷自从白天出去,直到现在还没回来。准到什么地方去,连家里也不知道,请中堂不要候吧。”庄衡挂上电话,便到上房劝中堂早早休息,说朱丝病了,今天怕不能来,你老人家早早安歇,不要尽候吧。庄中堂听了,自然又是气上加气,无精打采地和衣而卧,思前想后,一夜不曾合眼。第二天早晨,三、五两姨太太各自回房去了,照例是换七姨太太同露桃过来伺候。哪知不换还好,这一换竟自出了意外。家人不敢隐瞒,忙回禀庄中堂知道。中堂听了,哎呀一声,立刻气倒在地。要知生命如何,且看下回分解。
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