Chapter 46 Forty-third avoiding internal use and going out of the capital at night to investigate the case

Zhuang Zhongtang, who is nearly eighty years old, has been bedridden for days after suffering from the qi of the people.It just so happened that there was another small disturbance in his family, which added a dose of death soup to the old man.To be honest, it was his own fault.How can a person who is more than seventy years old still have seven or eight concubines not to be a joke!Qi Xing'er, the most beloved in his heart, saw that Lao Zhongtang was seriously ill, and knew that he would not live for a few more days.In the future, he said, these aristocratic families, with regard to the rules of concubines, whoever has a son can receive a share of the family property, and when the son grows up, he can be an old concubine for the rest of his life and enjoy the blessings of children and grandchildren.As for those who don't have sons, it will be hard: first, they are not allowed to go out to marry, I am afraid they will hurt their family's dignity;In the end how to wait for it?They were all sent back to their hometowns, locked in the deep house and not allowed to go out.Each person is only allocated to one old maid to serve, and there are restrictions on dressing and eating, except for death.Sitting in the cold palace for a lifetime, never seeing the light of day.What's more, those who don't talk about humanitarianism deliberately lure them to take opium, and they all become addicted to opium.Just ask how vicious this method is.How can anyone who is a concubine not be wary!

Zhuang Zhongtang, the seventh concubine, is very shrewd.She was afraid that once Zhongtang passed away, she would have no children, and it would not be worthwhile to spend a lifetime in prison.Besides, I am only under 20 years old. If I want to live to 60 years old, the 40 years of imprisonment, it is better to be sentenced to death immediately!Thinking of this, I made up my mind that the best strategy is to move thirty-six, the sooner the better.It happened that she was on duty the next day, and of course she was the one who rested the earliest in the first night.When she returned to her room, she packed up a bag of Jin Zhuruan.She was naturally talented, and she had big braids, so she changed into a servant girl. When Zhongtang was sick and everyone was lazily sleeping, she locked the door and slipped out by herself. She disappeared long ago.If you want to go outside, there must be someone to guide you, but the writer of the novel thinks it doesn't matter, so he ignores it and doesn't discuss it.

Just to say that the next day when Zhuang Zhongtang got the news, he immediately collapsed on the bed and everyone shouted for a long time before he woke up.He let out a long sigh, and although there were tears in his old eyes, they were dry and unable to flow.He only said one hateful word, and then gasped again.The eldest son Zhuang Heng was standing in front of the bed, holding a bowl of ginseng soup in his hand, Zhongtang shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't need it.Then he reluctantly said: "I'm not going to get better from this illness. You brothers, remember my words, after I die, don't be an official in Beijing, help the coffin back to my hometown as soon as possible, study behind closed doors, and don't ask about world affairs anymore." Said When I got here, I gasped again.She closed her eyes and rested for a while, then opened her eyes again and saw the concubine and concubine in front of her eyes, and then said to the young master: "You six concubines, except for the first and third births, you can't talk about getting married anymore. , and the other four, a hundred days after my death, each of them will be given three thousand silver, sent back to each family, and allowed to remarry, and stop confining them for the rest of their lives according to the rules of the family." Zhuang Heng hurriedly agreed yes .Zhongtang pointed to the two big maids and told them to handle them all.The young master understood and agreed.Zhongtang said to him again: "My legacy has already been drafted, and it is under the drawer of my office desk. You find it and ask the secretary to complete it and submit it." The young master said: "Father, why worry about this level. According to my son, it may not be useful right now." Zhongtang sighed, "How would you know that my illness is not easy to recover even if it is mildly reborn. Besides, I don't want it to get better. To see Qingshe as ruins. Thinking back to the three dynasties' kindness is as heavy as a mountain, wouldn't it add another layer of sadness!" When Lao Zhongtang said this, he felt a burst of sadness, burst into two old tears, and shouted loudly: " First Emperor! First..." Before he could say the last word of Emperor, he was short of breath and panting, rolled his eyes upwards, and mourned, and his soul passed away to that world.Everyone was in a hurry, put on the court clothes for him, carried him to the bed, and mourned together.The eldest son took out the manuscript of the legacy, sent someone to copy it, and submitted it on the same day.When the regent saw him, he was very surprised, saying that he had only been on leave for four or five days, how could he die? !Immediately summoned King En to discuss how to decree and give him benefits after death.At this time, King En knew that Zhuang Zhongtang was dead.He got what he wanted, and since then he has gone to an old military plane. From now on, the military plane department can be completely decided by him alone.But even though he thought this way in his heart, he expressed regret on his face, and insisted that the sympathy code should be particularly favorable.At that time, a decree was drawn up, which roughly said: "The mountain of the university scholar Zhuang is mature and sophisticated, and he is both defensive and excellent. He has been in China and abroad for more than 50 years. He has been cautious and has made great achievements. I heard that he passed away and mourned deeply. Zhuang Zhishan followed the example of the overworked illness of the university scholar, and discussed the sympathy from the best, and rewarded three thousand taels of silver for the funeral. He also sent the Zhen Guogong Yuzhang and led ten guards to make sacrifices. All punishments in his life were restored. The coffin returned home At that time, the local officials along the way took good care of them, and announced his life and political achievements to the National History Museum to set up a biography, in order to show his sincerity and sincerity. I respect this." After the decree came down, Zhuang Zhongtang finally lived and died, so there is no need to describe it.

However, it is said that after the death of Zhuang Zhongtang, the regent king, he discussed with En Wang: After the death of Zhuang Zhishan, the general office should be changed to the cabinet; All decrees must be signed by the General Counselor and stamped by the Regent before they can take effect, expressing the meaning of the responsible cabinet.Naturally, King En is very much in favor of it. It goes without saying that he is the first prime minister.Only the assistant minister, according to his opinion, should not have too many people, only two people, one full and one Han, are enough.The regent asked him who to sponsor?King En said: "Among us Manchurians, there is only one Latong who is capable of being a prime minister. He is now a scholar of Dongge University, and his qualifications are enough to be an assistant minister. Can you ask the prince to simply serve him? The regent thought for a while, and said: "Latong is really good. He handles all aspects, and he is suitable for everything. Calling him an assistant minister is a good helper for you. I will simply let him go. But who do the Han people let go?" What about it?" En Wang said: "Among the Han people, it is really difficult to choose now. If the prince does not remember the old evil, can you ask him to come out again?" The regent asked in amazement: "Who are you talking about?" En Wang was hesitant After hesitating for a moment, he replied: "Xiang Zicheng is really a useful talent. It would be a pity to leave him idle for a long time. The lord is so kind to the world. If he wants to use him, he will definitely repay him to the death." The regent listened , immediately lowered his face and said: "Why do you think of him again! In fact, I don't have any deep hatred with him, it's just that the empress dowager, who can talk? Besides, Tie Muxian and Shanfu, They are all incompatible with him, if Xiangzi City is used, won’t these people make trouble?” King En touched this big nail, he was so frightened that he stood up to pay his respects, thinking he was not.Said that the old minister was stupid and blasphemed the heavens, please forgive me!The regent said: "I don't blame you for anything. I'm afraid I got wind of it and let the Queen Mother know about it. I will be reprimanded again. You have been a military plane for more than 30 years. Can you still not forgive this little thing? It is true that they are Han people, but it is not enough to wipe out Xiangzi City, and they can't even find a single person. If you think about it carefully, is there anyone else?" King En groaned for a while and said: "I think of a person Come on, he is qualified, but it is a pity that he is a bannerman of the Han army, so he is not qualified." The regent said before he finished speaking, "Are you talking about Song Ershun?" King En smiled and said, "My lord can guess a little bit." Not bad." The regent said: "He is a man of obedient ears, and he is really reliable. And he has been in the frontier for a long time, and he has excellent experience. If he is an assistant minister, he will be the same as Latong for a while. It is really rare! As for him, although he is a The bannerman is the Han army, which is different in nature from the Manchurians. Before he asks for training out of Beijing, go quickly to ask for his consent, and I will publish it tomorrow." King En agreed, returned to the mansion, and immediately sent People go to invite Song Ershun.

Don't you think it's strange that King Caien dared to sponsor Xiang Zicheng in front of the regent just now, and hit that big snag?In fact, it is not surprising.It turns out that Zicheng has been keeping a low profile since his resignation. He was in Changde and Huixian, surrounded by wild mountains and rivers.The first thing is that in Beijing, there are many agencies in charge of snooping news, reporting at any time, and managing powerful military ministers.If you ask who is his confidant?The first one is Yu Shuangren, the current minister of the Ministry of Posts and Communications, and the second is Feng Guohua, the deputy envoy of the military counselor and the commander of the imperial guards.The rest are Cao Yulin, the right minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yang Xiu, the third-rank candidate for Jingtang, and Gu Yan, a member of the Zizhengyuan, all of which are Xiangzicheng's closest confidants.In addition, there is a man named Yin Chang who is willing to give Zicheng a job.He is now the minister of the Ministry of War, and he is not below Shanfu when it comes to military science.But Shanfu is devoted to the royal family, while Yin Chang is willing to serve Zicheng.He once said behind his back: "Xiang Gongbao has the talent to run all over the world, he is Henkel Wei Wu in this life. Even if I lead the horse and whip for him, I am willing to do it out of my heart. It is better to be the leader of the ignorant relatives and nobles. It's much more honorable." Later, Xiang Zicheng heard what he said, and immediately invited him to the house, let him into a secret room, and repeatedly urged: "Your brother must not say these things, if you call the superior I know, it will be disadvantageous to you and me. The future will be long, and we will take care of each other." After Yin Changjing Zicheng persuaded him, he also came to his senses.Since then, they have been estranged from each other a lot.And every time he met with Tie Muxian and Shanfu, he also scolded Xiang Zicheng for being unpredictable and reckless.Pointing to the sky, he is extra impassioned than others.As time went on, these people took him as their confidant, and actually let him be the Minister of the Army Department.In fact, in the dark, he is really a traitor.Although Xiangzi City lives far away in Henan, in this Beijing city, there is Liangping in Wen and Jiangguan in Wu.He knows everything about Fan Qing's every move.Not only in Beijing, but also in Tianjin, Shanghai, Hankou, Nanjing, as far as Guangzhou in the south and Liaoshen in the north, he has confidantes who investigate everything there.Almost every day there will be letters and telegrams reporting the situation in various places.His intentions can also be imagined.As for the Minister of Military Aircraft in Beijing, there are etiquette and respect for longevity.Even the powerful eunuchs like Zhang Delu, he still gave money, and a lot of it.These people are villains and women, and seeing that Gongbao Xiang is not a Gongbao and is so generous, no one will say that he is a good person.However, due to the deep enmity between the Empress Dowager and him, she dared not speak boldly. In fact, everyone hoped that he would leave the mountain as soon as possible.As for his confidants, that's not to mention.However, although Zicheng has such an arrangement, it is not known to Mr. Kejing.He said that Ke Jing was a child, he couldn't hold his breath, if he found out, he would be arrogant and cause trouble.There is a Nanzhi shop in Beijing Liulichang, the name is Qingmizhai, and it has been in business with Xiang Gongbao for many years.When Kung Pao was in Beijing, the letter paper, envelopes, sticker sets, account books, reports, and all pens, inks, and stationery used for each festival were always around 2,000 yuan.After he returned to Henan, Mr. Li, the owner of Qingmi Zhai, thought that the deal would not be possible.Unexpectedly, it is still the same, sometimes it is more than when I was in Beijing.But at that time, someone left the house, so at this time, I had to go by post.Boss Li was very surprised, and said: "Gongbao is dismissed from office, and of course all social activities have decreased compared with before. How come these things are used more than before?" All the goods were sent to a grocery store in Zhangde called Zhongxing.This grocery store was opened by Kung Pao's nephew named Ke Guang. It was just a small business, but it sold seven or eight thousand yuan of Nanzhi every year. Isn't this a joke!But since he keeps secrets, we are happy to make money, so we don't care what he does.Like these small places, if you carefully speculate, you can imagine the ambition of Xiangzi City.Like King En and others, which one is not under the palm of his hand.Everyone still recognized him as a loyal minister of the Manchu Dynasty, so King En wanted to recommend him.In front of the regent, he was willing to run into a hurdle.

Later, Song Ershun was recommended, and the regent was very pleased, so he sent him to greet Ershun and ask for his consent.In his own mansion, King En invited Ershun to come straight to the point, and said what he meant.He also tried his best to say, this is the Prime Minister of Taiping, why don't you just do it?Ershun bowed and replied: "My lord lifts me up like this, why am I not willing to accept it? But according to Ershun's careful consideration, there are three things to do in this matter, so please ask the lord to find someone else." King En was very surprised and asked him if he had any questions. What three must.Er Shun said: "The head is the same. The current trend of revolution in the southern province is very fierce. They are all playing the banner. At this time, the imperial court has to quote the Han people in order to gag their mouths. It is only now that the cabinet system has been changed. The three kings and ministers of the General Counselor all used bannermen, wouldn't they give them another excuse? In my Shengqing, of course, they are not afraid, but they must be resolved. Why give them problems? Second, Er Shuncai Jian appointed the governors of the three eastern provinces. The three provinces are full of bandits at this time, and I have not even been there for a day, so I changed to the cabinet assistant. If you know, it is the love of the two princes; Damn, old and cunning. No matter what, Ershun has to go to the three provinces to rectify. He must first eliminate the barbarians, and then he can change his affairs. At present, there should be no promotion. Dare to obey orders. As for the third thing, Er Shun has been a foreign official for a long time, and all the central government is not very clear, and he has no talent for harmony. Although the prime minister is respectful, he dare not be a vegetarian. Forgive me, reply to the chief, and make another Jian Xiancai!" When he said this, he gave another deep greeting.When King En saw his firm resignation, he guessed it was out of his original intention and definitely not a fake, so he couldn't force it anymore.Then he said: "Well, I will reply to the prince according to your wishes, and ask the prince to recommend talents again, and you are ready to be trained out of Beijing." Er Shun thanked him again and again, and resigned from the king.

Back in his house, Mrs. Song asked him what was going on?Ershun told his wife what King En said.The madam hurriedly asked: "Have you agreed to him?" Er Shun said: "According to your opinion, should I agree or not?" The madam said sternly: "Can you agree to this? Think about it for yourself. Of these two princes, one is a dude who doesn’t know how to do things; Is it possible to get along? Let’s not go to the three provinces of Kaifu, why do you want to mess with these people? I think it’s best not to agree, but if you want to agree, you have to find a way to retreat.” Ershun clapped his hands and smiled: “Madam, you really are If you are knowledgeable, why do you think the same as me! To tell you the truth, I have already shirked it completely." Then he told his wife how to reply.Madam thought for a while and said: "This matter is not very appropriate. If the regent still does not give up after King En returns, he will call you up and face you, or he will make a decree and appoint you as an assistant. Minister, if you refuse to resign at that time, you are resisting the decree, and if you don’t resign, you are falling into a trap. Aren’t you asking for trouble?” The words reminded my ears, and I hesitated, how can I talk about this matter?Madam smiled and said: "I have been sealing off borders for you for many years. Is it difficult for such a trivial matter? You should quickly prepare a report and say that there is a 100,000 urgent telegram from Shengjing, saying that the barbarians there are making a scene. I went to the Suppression Office, so I didn’t have time to ask for training, so I went out of Beijing overnight. Please forgive me for the local people. Tonight, you need a special car and drive to Fengtian overnight. He sees Zhezi, and if he wants to chase you again, he will not It's too late. Don't you think this method is not good?" Er Shun said: "This method is certainly good, but it's a bit domineering." The lady laughed and said: "Meeting such a foolish master, why do you care about being domineering or not! He just doesn't like it , Zhida sent a decree to announce that it is still not possible to be dismissed for this!" Er Shun said: "Your words are indeed reasonable. But as far as I think, we should not book a car in advance. This word spread, let King En know, he Wouldn't it be a lot of trouble to send someone to stop him? It's better to transport the luggage and the important ones to the station first. Don't say anything. After the lights are on, I will take my family to the station and ask him to take a few special cars temporarily. There is absolutely nothing that cannot be done. Why bother to make an order so early, and deliberately send a letter to others!" Madam nodded in agreement, and followed the law by the way.

After lighting the lamps, everyone rode in a carriage to the East Railway Station.The family members all entered the first-class waiting room.Ershun sent his copywriter Cheng Yian to the box office to find out where Duan Changke is, so that he can ask him for a car directly.Cheng Yi'an went there not long ago, and when he came back, he said to Ershun, "The ticket seller asked me who I ordered the car for. I only said that I would order the car for the one named Song, but I didn't dare to mention the commander-in-chief. He told me that my surname was Song." It has already been set up, and it is now ready on the platform. When people arrive, it will open at that time, and there is no need to make any further reservations. It is strange for me to hear this. Could it be that the second men in the house have made the appointment for the commander. Please, the commander. When will you leave, and when will you get on the train at the platform?" Er Shun listened, but was also a little puzzled, and he recognized or sent someone secretly from his wife, so he hurried over to ask his wife.Unexpectedly, Madam was at a loss when she heard this.The young master and young lady interjected next to him and said, "Why are you so serious, father and mother? Since someone else made the appointment, let's get in the car. Who cares who made the appointment, can there be any mistakes?" Er Shun thought about it, Then he ordered his family to transport all the luggage and parcels to the train.The man watching the car just asked, are you the Song residence?The family members were right, so they arranged everything.Then Song Ershun took his wife, young lady and son, as well as his entourage, servants, etc., to the train together.After getting in the car, he ordered to drive.The driver came over to ask for instructions, and said that when the adults originally scheduled, they said that they would start after twelve o'clock at night, but now it's only after ten o'clock, and the drivers are still not in order, how to drive?Er Shun said: "Why did I tell you to open at 12 o'clock! This is the wrong theory of the messenger. You hurry to find the driver, and it will be ready." The driver knows that he is the commander-in-chief of Fengtian, so he dares to disobey him.Besides, the person who originally booked the car was also from Fengtian, so of course there was nothing wrong with it, so I had to get out of the car and go back to the office to find the driver.Unexpectedly, I was in a hurry, but I couldn't find it. I wanted to transfer another one. Everyone has their own special responsibilities, so how can they transfer it.

When I was in a difficult situation, I heard that there was an argument in the box office.A person with an Eastern Provincial accent scolded: "Are you all dead people who are doing business? You let others take the special car we booked. Aren't you joking with me! Get those people out of me quickly , let’s stop everything; otherwise, let’s go hand in hand to see the general manager. I’d like to ask your general manager if it’s reasonable or not? Did you take Zhang San’s money and give up the car to Li Si?” Standing He said good things straight, but he didn't admit it, and promised to hang up the special car for him again, so as to save him from the trouble of falling up and down.But the man insisted on refusing to do so, insisting on driving the driver off the bus.There was also a woman's voice in the middle, also unrelenting, saying that since the special car has been taken by others, we will not go to Fengtian, let's see what happens!I was too lazy to go, but this is a step up.When the woman said this, the man from the eastern province became more and more furious, and wished he could jump into the car immediately, grab the person who took his car, and throw him away from the platform, so as to relieve his hatred.At this moment, the driver had an idea and slipped out of the office to see who had booked the car.I saw a few cars outside the station gate, all of which were theater boxes and a lot of clothes and bags.Then look at a woman surrounded by many people, who is only seventeen or eighteen years old, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, not good-looking, and looks like a Kunling.He went over to ask who the boss was?The companions patted their chests and said, "This is the famous Song Ziyun, Boss Song. You don't recognize him at all? The one who spoke was Li Laohong, the owner of Fengtian Qunfang Tea Garden. He came to Beijing specially to ask Boss Song to sing in Fengtian. , a monthly package of 4,800 yuan in silver, and a special car to pick up and drop off. It was hard for Boss Song to nod his approval, and he set off tonight, and he will arrive in Shengjing City tomorrow night, and the performance will start the day after tomorrow. But something happened, and the car was taken by someone else , do you think Boss Li is not in a hurry to get angry."

After hearing this, the driver said, I'll give him a hard time and tell him to hit a big snag.Then he separated the crowd, and said to Li Laohong: "Boss Li, you are here to argue, and you can't take the car. Fortunately, the person who occupied the car is in the car at this time, and hasn't driven yet. Why don't you hurry to get the car?" He yelled, you get in the car immediately, isn't this thing over? Why make a fuss here!" Hearing this, Li Laohong was justified, angrily, and led a group of people straight to the special car.At this time, the driver hid aside, waiting to watch the excitement.Li Laohong went straight to the first-class float, and then opened the door to go in. A guard in military uniform was holding the door, staring and asking, "Who are you, running around on the car!" In society, he can be regarded as a person who can stand up. He didn't put the guard in his eyes, so he also stared and replied: "I am the owner of this car, why do you occupy my car and not allow me to get on it. Is there such a reason in the world!" As he spoke, he jumped over and pushed the door open, and wanted to go in.The guards were not willing, grabbed him by the chest, and cursed: "What! Are you going to assassinate our commander!" Li Laohong was grabbed by the guards, and he became more anxious, so he stretched out his hand to grab the guards. braids.As soon as the guards dodged to dodge, the two twisted together.Li Laohong was born in Wudan, and his hands and feet are very flexible.The guard was young and strong, so he wasn't afraid to fight him.The two beat and scolded, which alarmed Song Ershun, and hurriedly opened the door to come out and stop the guards, not to beat anyone.Then he asked Li Laohong: "Who are you? Why did you fight with my guards? Speak slowly if you have something to say, don't use force." The two gave up their hands.Li Laohong took a look at his ears, they were the most vigilant singers, and he had already seen that they were not ordinary people, so he bowed and replied: "You don't know something. This special car was originally ordered by me, and there are people in their car." , but let your master come up. There is nothing wrong with leaving the reasoning to you. But we have something urgent, and we have to rush to Fengtian tomorrow, so I have to feel sorry for you, let us sit first." Song Song Ershun smiled and said: "Don't worry, we can discuss everything. Please come to the car, let's talk!" Li Laohong was also polite, and really got into the first-class car.Song Ershun asked him to sit down, and he sat down.Ershun asked him, what's the important thing, he's so busy.Li Laohong told Er Shun in detail about inviting Song Ziyun to Fengtian to sing in Beijing.Ershun laughed loudly and said: "No wonder, so the owner of your car is also named Song, so there was a misunderstanding. The reasoning is that you are pre-determined, and you should have been allowed, but the old man has an imperial order, and there is no time to delay, so I have no choice but to deal with it." I can't help you, let's go one day later." Li Laohong heard the word "Qin Ming", as if a needle popped out of his buttocks, making him unable to sit in prison.He hurriedly stood up and asked, "Please tell me your surname. What is your errand in Fengtian?" Ershun said with a smile: "This old man is Song Ershun, the governor of the three eastern provinces released by the emperor. He is going to Shengjing today to receive a seal. Do you understand? Is it?" When Li Laohong heard it, he quickly got down halfway, knelt down in the car, and kowtowed, saying that Xiaomin deserved to die, and offended the commander-in-chief Huwei, he deserved death!More than enough to die!Just ask Dashuai to write a supernatural life.There were a few more ringing noises while talking.At this moment, Ershun turned his face away, patted the coffee table and shouted: "Hey! Brave slave! You are at the foot of the emperor, in the imperial city of Beijing, yet you dare to be so arrogant and presumptuous. Now that you are in Shengjing, don't you want to do whatever you want?" Today, I will lock you up first, and bring you together to Fengtian, where you will be handed over to Shou County for a severe punishment. Come on!" With a cry of "Come on", two guards came in earlier and boldly tried to tie him up.At this time, Li Laohong was so frightened that his soul came out of his shell, and he was trembling.Apart from kowtow, he couldn't even answer a word.Seeing that he was so frightened, Ershun snorted and sighed: "Go! The aunt of this department thinks you are stupid and ignorant, so I will give you a lenient sentence. If you hit my hand again in the future, you will definitely not let me go!" He drove off and drove off immediately.Li Laohong got the amnesty, kowtowed to thank her, and ran away with her head in her arms.There was a whining sound, and the car was already moving.Poor Li Laohong spent more than 1,000 yuan to book this special car, but was seated safely, was scolded, and sweated, so he had to admit that he was unlucky.

But Song Ershun went straight to Shengjing in this special car.He had not sent a telegram to Fengtian officialdom beforehand, so when the car arrived, no official came to pick it up.On the contrary, many people from the troupe came to pick up Song Ziyun and prepared a flower carriage.Five-color paper flowers are tied all over the hood, which is also for Song Ziyun to sit on.Thousands of people gathered together, waiting to see this Kun Ling who is famous all over the country.When the car stopped, a group of singers wanted to jump up to meet them, but they were stopped by the guards.Take your time, if you pick up someone, just wait on the platform.Seeing this scene, everyone thought it was Song Ziyun's arrogance, so some people were not happy, and gossiped: "Although the horns are big and small, they are all bad singers. What kind of arrogance are they putting on?" Those who were older and less understanding said to everyone in a low voice: "This is not the case. Even though Boss Song is rich, he can't afford to lead a guard." At this point, he asked the guard again, what is the name of the owner of your car?The guard only answered two words, "surname Song".Only then did everyone confirm that it must be Song Ziyun.Another courteous person said that the carriage is ready, please get off the carriage now and go to the apartment first.The guards ignored them and only instructed the porters to carry the luggage.Ershun led his youngest young master and young lady, and stepped out of the car first, followed by his wife, young master, young mistress, young lady, maids, servants and so on.The people who picked it up were all dumbfounded on the platform, and only said "it doesn't look like it".Another impatient one asked your surname by ear.Ershun and Yan replied: "The surname is Song." The man recognized him as Song Ziyun's father, so he called the boss directly, saying that the boss came in the same car as Li Laohong's boss?Why didn't you see him?Er Shun smiled and said: "Don't misidentify me. Song Ziyun and I have the same surname and different clan, and we are not on the same road. They will arrive soon, everyone, please let us go." At this time, the guards came again Come over to intervene and say: "Don't run away! This is Marshal Song, what are you guys talking about!" Er Shun heard him call out the word "Marshal", and then gave the guard a vicious look. The guard didn't dare to say anything up.Seeing his background, these people knew in their hearts that they must be a high-ranking official, so they secretly greeted everyone and hurriedly dispersed. Here, Er Shun ordered his family members to call the people from the hotel to come and stay at the hotel for now.As soon as the order was given, the guy from the guest house had already come to take care of everything.First called for four or five carriages, and more than twenty rickshaws, and everyone jumped into the carts, leaving only two guards here to check their luggage.The Guest House is located in Xiaobeiguan in Shengjing, which is a bustling and bustling area.Ershun came to the hall with a group of people, and specially booked a cross-courtyard. There are more than 20 rooms in total, which are enough for living.The accountant hurriedly sent a clerk over to ask Er Shun your surname, where you came from, and what you did here, and asked in great detail.Ershun took a pen and wrote by himself: "Mr. Song, I came here from Beijing for a trip." The clerk took it away, and came back after a while, saying that the master said that this way of writing can't work, and he has to write another one.Ershun wrote again: "Master Song came here from Beijing to pay a visit to Kunhou, the vice capital." The clerk took it away, and came back after a while to say that the master said that it still couldn't work, and still had to write another one.This turned Ershun over, and he said angrily, "Why are you like this! Go and call your husband, how do you write it!" After the clerk left, it didn't take long for the accountant to come and apologize to Ershun. .Said: "Master Song, don't be angry. It's not that the small shop dared to call customers, but because Governor Kun ordered the police to check the shop at any time. All guests who stay in the shop must explain their whereabouts. Who is he, what is his job, whether he is a short-term or long-term resident, and what relatives and friends he has in the provincial capital, all of which must be indicated before he is allowed to stay in the small shop. If he makes a mistake, the police will punish him. Thirty or twenty yuan, which is more than one thousand and eight hundred. Master, please think, who can afford the fine! Therefore, you have to ask in detail and note everything, so as not to prevent the police from coming, and even you will be questioned a lot." Er Shun said: "Why are they so meticulous?" The gentleman said in a low voice: "To tell you the truth, this provincial capital is full of horse bandits, and almost every street and alley is full of their people. It is in the warehouse and hotel." , There are also their footprints. Such a strict investigation in the officialdom means preventing bandits." Ershun said: "After the strict investigation, why are there still bandits?" , who dares to report to the official circles. Just report. Let me ask these policemen, which one dares to look at them. They are just businessmen, and they just cause a lot of trouble for our business." Ershun sighed: " Most of the officials in the Qing Dynasty are like this, which is not surprising. You just wait for the new system to take office, or get rid of some of these bad policies, and then you will be fine." The accountant said: "But I heard that the commander-in-chief I don't know how many years the old Fengjiang is, and he may be better than his predecessor." Ershun said, "Let's see when he arrives." Then he took the store book and wrote it in detail again. Only then gladly hold on.Sure enough, in the evening of the same day, an inspector brought six or seven policemen to the Guest House, and checked as usual.Kan Ershun's behavior is generous, and he has guards, so he knows that he has a lot of background.Also, the guest house spent money in their hands, so they didn't make any trouble, and went after asking a few questions. Ershun lived here for two days.This day when the lights were on, we had just eaten. The waiter brewed tea as usual, poured out a bowl, and brought it to Ershun eagerly.Er Shun saw that the waiter was only seventeen or eighteen years old, with delicate features, like a student who just left the study, so he asked with a smile: "What's your last name? How many years have you been working as a waiter here?" Asked, immediately the eye circles turned red, and almost shed tears.A little later, he looked at Ershun again, and then he replied: "I think you are always a decent person, so you dare to answer. Otherwise, you will kill me, and you dare not say it. The villain is not from this place. , is from Jilin Shuangcheng Hall. My grandfather and my father are all local gentlemen. There are dozens of plots of land planted in the family, and there is also a business. Last year, the horse bandit Ma Erlin started a war with the Russians. He actually won, killed many Russian soldiers, and captured two military officers alive. He cut open his heart with a knife, sacrificed his parents, and finally avenged his death. It’s getting bigger!” Ershun said, “What kind of enmity does he have with the Russians?” The small tea house said, “His family lives in Heilongjiang, which borders Russia. The Russians occupied our land and forcibly assigned the village where he lived to Inside the Russian border. His father, Ma Feilong, refused to admit it. He first reported it to the county government, but the county magistrate refused to take care of it; The general’s yamen sued, and asked the general to send personnel to survey the border and fight hard. The general sent two committee members, all of whom were flag officers, to the border to conduct a field survey. It was indeed occupied by the Russians. From the beginning, they still argued hard, but the Russian officials were on the sidelines Threatening with false words, he took out one hundred taels of red gold and distributed it to two committee members. The committee members got the bribes, so they made excuses and replied, saying that this place should belong to Russia. Because Ma owned land here, he was afraid of heavy Russian taxes. Knowing that our country's taxation is light, so we are arguing to assign this place to China. It is really an excuse to make trouble. The general has seen the report, but has not reviewed it, so he writes about the county and passes it to Ma Feilong. He is not allowed to communicate with the Russians. To fight, so as not to invite negotiations. Ma Feilong suffered from this sulking, and he had nowhere to complain about his grievances, and he wished to live.However, when the Russians saw the Chinese generals, they didn't dare to argue with them, and became extremely fierce.He told Ma Feilong that within half a month, he would be allowed to live in the village only after paying a naturalization deposit of 120,000 taels.In the future, all farm buildings and transactions must be registered, and 30% of the profit will be donated.As for the population of his family, another head donation has to be made.With all kinds of harsh sects, Ma Feilong has almost no room to gain a foothold.There are more than 300 households in his village, so of course they all do it.Ma Feilong was perfunctory to the Russians, saying that if you wait a few more days, I will try my best to collect the money.The Russians expected that he would not be able to fly to the sky, so they waited peacefully.Unexpectedly, Ma Feilong secretly summoned the elders and children of a village, and made a speech to everyone: From now on, we will be people without a country.The Qing Dynasty pushed us out, and the Russians regarded us as fish and meat, and sooner or later we would not be able to escape one of them to die.It is better to die vigorously than to die in a swallowed manner.There are two to three hundred fast guns in our village, and four or five fast guns, with enough bullets.每人家里挑选一两个精壮的人，咱们这村的四周又有土围子，大家分驻把守。俄国人再来，咱们是见一个杀一个，见两个杀一双，索性同他们拼一个你死我活。将来实在不可开交，有命的弃家远逃，没命的也赚个义烈的名儿，流芳千古。不知诸位父老兄弟赞成不赞成？众人此时本来是义愤填膺，听飞龙这样说，更激动了北人刚劲之气。大家异口同音，全说赞成赞成：宁可这样死，也决不能给俄罗斯当顺民！当时大家出人的出人，出枪的出枪，一吆喝居然聚集了三百五六十名极精壮的青年。有二百多支快枪，还有一百多杆土枪，有三尊快炮，更有十几尊土炮，子弹也很不少，全算备好了。俄国人又来催问，马飞龙便拿他们祭了大旗，可怜五个俄人，一个也不曾跑掉，全都砍成了几段，埋在一个坑里。后来俄国军官知道了，您请想他肯善罢甘休吗！立刻调了二百哥萨克马队，将村子包围住，直往里攻。马飞龙率领这些人，在土围子的上边抵御，伤了俄国七八十人，也不曾将村子攻开。后来俄国人真急了，调来炮队、炮车，攻打这个村子。其实要没有汉奸，再攻一个月，也不准能攻得开。是这村子里有了汉奸，姓巫名良。他平日同马家不睦，想借此报仇，暗暗派他儿子巫龙、巫虎与俄人通消息。并定了秘密条约：将来攻开此村，所有马家的田产，俱归巫姓享受。他又暗中勾引同村的人，说咱们的身家性命，全赔着马家断送，那犯得着吗！莫若将姓马的献出去，罪作一个人当。咱们大家不但保全了身家，必蒙俄国人优待，不比白送命强吗！他这一蛊惑，居然有一少半听受了。里应外合，他们便先抢到马家，劫掠财物，生擒一家老小。家里只留马二麟一人看家，他见来头很凶，知道抵抗不了。他母亲冯氏，叫他急速逃跑，好给马家留一条根。好在二麟也早有预备，他换上一身俄国衣裳，揣了一柄手枪，乱哄哄逃出后门。此时围子已被俄人攻开了。二麟说一口俄国话，极其流利，又兼他相貌长得也有几分像俄国人，故意闯进俄兵群中，冷不防逃开。可怜马飞龙一家三十余口，全被俄人杀了个干干净净。其余被累而死的，也不计其数。唯独巫良家里，不但未死一人，而且白得了马家一份家产。 哪知马二麟逃亡之后，便入了胡子队。他是处心积虑，要报此仇。所以在胡子队中，阵阵当先，十分骁勇。不到二年的工夫，便升为大头领，带着一千多人，横行吉黑两省。见着官兵他也杀，见着俄人他也杀，就是无辜商民，也被他杀了不少。俄人会同地方官长，也曾剿过他多少次，怎奈他出没无常，盘踞在山中，犹如铜墙铁壁，谁能攻得进去。偶一疏忽，他便带人出来，劫掠一回，后来闹得俄人全怕他三分。去年他出其不意，高低将他原住的村子打开，将巫良父子同几个俄国人开胸摘心，总算报了他杀父之仇。俄人知道风声，立刻调大队追剿，哪知他已跑得没有影儿了。俄人跟踪追赶，直赶入吉林界。听说他逃至双城，便又赶至双城，可怜正在我们的村里，打了交手仗，两方面全死了二三百人。我们的村子，也连带屠了一个干净。后来马二麟实在抵敌不过，这才破围而逃。俄人本想追赶，不料半路上遇着一支生力军，便是目前最有名的胡子头儿章春林。他手下足有两千多人，个个全是打生的国手，无不以一当十。放过马二麟去，便同俄人开了火。俄人哪里是他的对手，可怜七八百人，被他打了个片甲不归，算是替马二麟解了围。从此，俄人听见章、马两个人的名字，魂飞胆落，再也不敢出头多事了。只是苦了我们的村子，无端遭这池鱼之殃。小人的一家子，共死了十九口，只剩下小人同小人的娘。可怜房屋、田产，皆成火烬。是我们母子讨饭来至盛京城，多亏这迎宾馆的老板，看小人可怜，将我留在店中当茶房，并将店旁马号里的草房，腾出一间来，叫我娘权且安身。可怜我娘本是千金小姐出身，哪里受过这样的苦。如今只给人洗洗衣裳，做做针线，每天赚几个钱，不致饿死。小人一个月，只有两吊钱的工钱，怎能养活母亲呢！”小茶房说到这里，几乎又掉下泪来。 耳顺听他说话又文雅，又有条理，很是爱惜他。便问你姓什么？可曾读过书吗？小茶房道：“小人姓袁名金环，自幼从我母亲读书，四书五经俱都读过讲过了。”耳顺道：“原来你母亲也通文字，如今正倡办女学校，为什么不去当一位教习，却要在这里受罪呢？”袁金环道：“我的老爷！你怎么讲起呆话来？我母子讨饭至此，举目无亲，身上又十分褴褛，不要说当教习没人肯要，就是当一名女仆，人家也不肯收留啊！如今那些当教习的，哪一个不是有人情有势力，至于学问不学问，还讲不上呢！”耳顺叹一口气道：“别看你小小年纪，这样有阅历，真是难得！从今以后，我想收你做一名书童，陪少爷们读书，不知你可乐意不乐意？”袁金环道：“这是小人最称心的事，怎么不乐意呢！只是有一件，你老爷可先向本馆老板贾先生商议一番，如果他乐意，小人立即应差；他要是不乐意，对不住老爷，小人决不能舍此别就。因为小人母子将要饿死之时，是他伸手救活的。他不放小人走，无论挣多少钱，小人不能落一个忘恩负义的名儿。求老爷得要格外原谅。”耳顺听他这样说，益发欢喜赞叹，说：“难得，难得！只这一样，就看出你这小孩子，将来一定有大发迹。这样吧，我先向你们老板暂且借用你几天，做一名向导。俟等将来，我再正式同他说明。”金环道：“谢谢老爷，就是这样吧！” 二人正在谈话，忽听外边喊道：“金环，你快出来，到前边帮着搬运行李，东边道王大人来了！”金环听见“王大人”三个字，扭头就跑，连一句“回头再见”也顾不得说。耳顺听见“东边道王大人”几个字，也不觉心里一动。原来这个王大人，在东三省也是一位出名的人物。他本是行伍出身，能骑快马，能双手放枪。人家送他一个绰号，叫快马王三。他名字王九锡，专门与胡匪作对。凡东三省的胡匪，差不多没有不怕他的。唯独章春林、马二麟这两个后起的少年，却不把他放在眼里，专在他的境内作案。也曾打过几回，虽然互有胜负，到底章、马的部下骁勇善战，这位王道台，也竟无奈他何。此番到省城来，一者因为新制台宋大帅眼前就要到任，特来叩喜禀见；二者因为章春林新近从他道署旁边架去了一位卸任的副都统，名叫喜成阿的，硬要勒赎十万现金，过期便要扯票，连一个小时全不能展缓的。喜成阿家里一面报案，一面却预备银子好去赎票。依着王九锡的主意，调兵痛剿，如果能打一个胜仗，不愁他不把人票完全送回。倘然真用钱赎，胡匪看得太容易了，以后逢人便绑，事情更不好办了。九锡虽然这样说，怎奈喜成阿的夫人、公子执意不肯听，说观察要准有把握，能够不伤我家人一根毫毛，我们便依从你；要是没有把握，可以不劳费心吧！王九锡道：“这种事就是硬碰，碰对了人财两全，碰不对只好认命，我哪里有把握呢！”喜夫人摇头道：“你说得这般轻巧，拿我们家的人命，交给你去碰大运。我们一家子就靠他一个人，你碰得起，我们碰不起。要是这样，就不劳驾了，我们自会去赎。等赎出来再同你算账！”九锡听话不投机，只说罢了。这里喜家果然凑了十万银子，把人赎回来。九锡本想调兵，趁赎票时候，来一个强劫硬打，是他的幕府谏言，说：“万万使不得，倘然伤了喜大人，他是二品大员，这个不是，连总督也担不起。我们为什么自寻苦恼呢？”九锡一想很对，便不再多事。暗中却派了四个得力的护兵，在喜宅左右监视，到底要调查明了，章春林这一股现在窝藏在何处，好预备将来剿办。四个护兵去了十来天，回来对九锡说，他们的窝巢，简直没有一定，现在又折回省城一带去了。大人要剿他们，得先到省城调查一番，或者能得着真消息，在这里实在探不出来。王九锡听了，气得他一天也没有吃饭。 偏巧喜成阿得命思财，回到家中，将息了两天，便一直来寻王九锡。见面就瞪眼睛，说：“你做了皇上家的兵备道，全管什么？在你的治所以内，居然敢绑朝廷大员，你还装聋装瞎吗！咱们得手拉手儿去见制台，到底问一问，你都负什么责任！”九锡只得纳着气儿，用好言安慰。喜成阿却不依不饶，说：“你要怕见制台，那十万票价，得要你照数备出。另外还得拿一万两银子，做我养息之费，短一个也不成功。再不然，你能将章春林生擒活捉了来，在我的面前，将他斩首，给我出这一口怨气，我那十万银子，也可以不要了。”九锡道：“既然这样，大人得赏我限期，我好踏访拿贼。”喜成阿说：“这样便给你十天限。”九锡大笑道：“章春林此时不定跑到什么地方去了，十天的工夫，只怕连他的准住处全闹不清，哪里说到拿人呢？最短不过，大人也得赏三个月的期限，职道才有办法，要再少了，断然不敢从命。”喜成阿想一想，这话很有道理，便应允展两个月的限。九锡又争了一回，最后定为七十天，喜成阿才认可。他去了以后，九锡同幕友商量，说此事必须到省城走一遭，一者查章匪的下落，二者宋制军不日到任，就近给他叩喜，好报告匪情，向他再借几营陆军，好帮同捕拿章春林。主意打定，马上启程，到了盛京，住在迎宾馆中。这迎宾馆是九锡每次来省的行辕，所以馆中的先生、伙计，格外巴结，争先恐后，为的是博取王大人一个欢喜，临行时好多赏他们几两银子。所以袁金环扭头便跑了。 九锡到省，才知道宋大帅尚未莅临，只得先禀见坤厚，将章春林的事，说了一遍。坤厚道：“没想到这后起的小匪，竟会如此之凶。好在宋大帅早晚定可接印，你老哥多候几天，等见着面请示机宜，自然总有办法。事已至此，着急也是无用的。”九锡明白他这是推辞。本来一个护督，又到交卸之时，谁肯负责多事，乐得推到下任身上。九锡回店来，无精打采，只带了一个长随，信步出来，在街上闲游。他原来有几口鸦片烟瘾，这盛京的烟茶楼非常阔绰，非为二十万银子不能开，较比从前京津一带的小烟馆，实在有天渊之别。因为要开一座烟茶楼，非有一百多间楼房是不够用的。他这一个买卖，里边要分三等九级。吃大土烟的让到官房。这官房之中，虽然是一灯一榻，却收拾得十分雅洁。墙上挂着名人字画，桌上摆着钟鼎古玩，连梳妆台、穿衣镜，全都样样齐全。这一间官房里，有一个专人伺候。这个人的官衔，叫作烟大使，专管沏茶烧烟，外带伺候吃点心、吃饭。他这烟茶楼中，楼下有大厨房，过足了瘾，想吃什么，可以咄嗟立办，甚至成桌的席面，也能随叫随来。至于第二等的，叫作客房。客房也是每位一间，不过里面的陈设铺垫，稍差一点。第三等叫作大厅，是三五间楼房敞着，安设许多烟榻。吃烟的主儿，在这一个厅里过瘾。还有第四等叫作大炕，是楼下几间明着顺山墙砌成的大炕，烟具一份挨着一份，足可容一百多人。这一个烟茶楼中，要分多少部分：有管烟的、有管土的、有管煮的、有管秤的、有管账的、有管钱的、有管伺候人的、有管茶的、有管点心的、有管菜饭的，上上下下，足有二百几十号人。请想他这买卖，要没有二三十万，如何能开得起。在前清末叶，厉行烟禁，各省的烟茶楼烟馆，差不多一律歇业了。唯独这盛京城，名为歇业，其实却不曾歇业：不过将烟茶楼的字号去了一个烟字，单名茶楼；将那三四等的大炕、大厅，算是取消了；至于头一二等官房、客房，仍然是开灯大卖；不过在巡警道衙门，每月花上几百银子，暗认一笔捐，就算过了明路。也实因奉天官场中人，没有一个不吸烟的，自己问一问良心，也不好过于严禁。所以省城之内，烟茶楼仍有一二十处。王九锡生平有一种癖好，专好在烟茶楼或是烟馆里吃烟，据他说，是别有滋味。因此每逢到省城来，无一日不到烟茶楼过瘾。头一日过于匆忙，也太累了，所以不曾去。第二天见过坤厚，知道宋大帅尚无定期来省，自己得要在省城多住几天，便带了一个长随叫吕升的，一同到青莲阁烟茶楼去过瘾。他本是青莲阁的老主顾，柜上没有不认得他的。知道他烟瘾虽然不大，排场可实在不小。每逢吸一次烟，要在这里吃饭，必格外赏两块钱；不在这里吃饭，一块大洋也决然飞不了的。因此大家见了他，俱都格外表示欢迎。其实并不知他是东边道的观察大人，只叫他王大老爷。今天又见王大老爷来了，仿佛是活财神下降，早围拢上来，将大老爷叫得震天价响，簇拥他到了第三层楼。这三层楼便是官房，伙计想替他寻一间雅室，好伺候他吸烟。 偏巧是日恰赶上星期，吸烟人格外加多，十八间楼房全有人预先占住。伙计不觉大失所望，恨不撵走一个，让给九锡，才合他的心思。怎奈这些人多半是老主顾，而且是有势力的，哪里敢哼一声，急得他来回乱转。九锡道：“没有屋子吗？那样我到旁处去吧。”伙计如何肯放他走，急中生智，便对九锡道：“大老不要忙，这十四号房只有一位少年客人，我去同他商议，你二位先对灯吸，少时这客人就走。大老屈尊一点，我们就沾光了。”九锡道：“我倒没有什么，只怕人家不肯吧。”伙计道：“不妨，不妨，请大老少候一候。”说着他便进了十四号房。不大工夫，笑嘻嘻地出来，说：“请，请！这位客官很慷慨，他说一个人寂寞得很，再添一位好极了。”九锡忙随他进来，吩咐吕升暂在楼下等候，吕升去了。 九锡进屋里来，只见一位少年，不过三十上下。穿一件青呢袍子，青章缎马褂，足穿着黄皮革履。再看相貌，是白净面皮，细眉长目，微有几个麻子。眉目之间，含着一团英气。一见九锡进来，他倒先打招呼，说：“请坐，请坐！咱们有缘会在一处，不要客气。兄弟这里有现成的烟，先请过瘾。”九锡听他说话爽朗，而且声如洪钟，自然嘹亮，不觉动了爱慕之念。忙笑着回说：“打搅打搅！兄弟并不觉瘾，请你先吸，咱们慢慢地谈。”那少年听九锡这样说，果然不客气，重新躺下吸烟。九锡便同他对面躺下。见这少年所吸是自己的烟，一个金盒里边，盛着有几十个烟泡儿。每一个泡儿差不多有小黑枣儿一般大，看神气总有一钱上下。少年是一口一个，对准了灯头，不用换气，一口气抽到底，转眼间四五口已经下肚。九锡看着，不觉暗暗纳罕，心里说：这个人虽然吸大烟，看他的气力，却着实不小。似这一钱一口的烟，要叫我吸，得换七八口气，也未必能抽到底，他居然一气一口。要不是中气足、练过功夫的人，恐怕不能如此。九锡正思量着，少年已经装好了一口，双手奉与九锡，说老先生请尝一尝我的烟，比他们的大土似乎还好一点呢！九锡一面道谢，一面接过来吸，果然烟的香头力量，俱都很好。一连换了八九口气，才将这烟吸完。少年在旁边微微地笑，意思间是说他气力太微。九锡吸完了，赞不绝口，说：“老兄的烟，果然比他们强得多！兄弟叨扰，还不曾请教老兄贵姓？”那少年略一迟顿答道：“在下姓朱，是金州人，原籍却在山东。”九锡道：“到省来是闲游，还是做买卖呢？”少年道：“在下是开参茸庄的，新从营口来，想在这里采买一点新货。没请教你先生贵姓？在哪恭喜？”九锡也随口答道：“在下姓玉，给北京王府里当庄头，是要到京交粮，从这里路过，闲住几天玩一玩。”少年笑道：“足下原来是皇粮庄头，失敬，失敬！但不知你们是交粮，还是交钱呢？”九锡道：“哪里有交粮的，一律全是交钱。不过另外孝敬许多土物就是了。”少年点点头。 此时青莲阁的伙计，早挑过一盒大土公膏来，放在烟盘里边，问九锡道：“是大老自己开，还是用小人代开？”九锡道：“你去吧，我自己开好了。你只把上好的红茶泡一壶来，别的不用管了。”伙计应声而去。这里九锡一面开着烟，一面同少年攀谈，说目前参茸的行市，一天大似一天，倒是很有利的买卖。只是沿路之上，恐怕不大好走，后起的兄弟们太多，他们不管三七二十一，遇着了便想下手。做买卖的人，也怕要时刻有戒心呢。少年笑道：“老先生虑得很是。不过在下久走江湖，却不把他们放在心上。有时遇着，客气几句，也就过去了，好意思真下手吗？”九锡听他吹这般大牛皮，心中一动，这个人恐怕不是善类。一边烧着烟，偷眼看他的神气，见他两目精光炯炯，一双剑眉，斜飞入鬓，隐隐含着一团杀气。心里明白了一半，便用话引逗道：“老兄是久走江湖的人，兄弟才敢大胆说一句，如今这些兄弟们，实在是行侠仗义，令人佩服，较比那些害民的官兵，还强得多呢！就以眼前说吧，章、马两家英雄，居然能将洋鬼子打怕了。就是这一样，我们就得五体投地。假如官兵都能同他们一般，那日、俄两国的人，就是拔我们三省一根草，也休得能够啊！”九锡说到这里，倏地坐起来，将大拇指一挑，啧啧地称慕说：“这才是奇男子、大丈夫！小弟今生有缘，如能遇着他们，就叫我牵马坠镫，也是甘心乐意的。”少年低声道：“老先生压音，不要叫人听见。”他嘴里虽然这样说，脸上却已眉飞色舞，情不自禁。九锡道：“你老哥太胆小了，这怕什么的？不要说此处没有官人，就是有官人，他们臊还来不及，难道还有脸干涉我们吗！”少年道：“虽然这样说，总是小心无过失。”九锡还想往下套，忽见伙计沏上红茶来，这才将话头打断。少年接过茶壶来，先给九锡斟了一碗，笑道：“你老先生润一润喉咙再谈。”九锡道：“岂有此理，怎么劳动老哥给我斟茶。”他接过来嗅一嗅，说这是上好的白毫，老哥请随便喝，不要客气。少年便自己斟了一碗，二人对坐品茶。九锡还想用话勾引，忽见帘子一掀，进了一条大汉：身量总在七尺开外；膀大腰粗，黑油油一脸横肉；身穿青洋绉夹袄夹裤，脚登狼皮靴子；一件灰褡裢大夹袄，闪披在身上，却不曾扣扣儿。他进来在少年眼前一站，少年却连眼皮也不抬，只问了一句：“有事吗？”大汉道：“外面起了风，请掌柜的早点回下处吧。”少年听见“起风”两个字，倏地立起身来，从怀中掏出票夹子，喊一声“来”，早有伙计走进。只见他拿出一张十元的卢布票子，递在伙计手中，说：“这位玉老爷的烟账，我候了，下余全赏你们。”伙计高声道谢。九锡才要过去阻拦，只见他抓起帽子按在头上，随手拿起文明杖，说一声再会，早走出好几步去了。九锡要想说话，全来不及，眼巴巴地看他下楼，不知去向。连忙转身回来，喊住伙计，打听此人到底是谁？若问伙计是否肯说，且看下回分解。