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Chapter 48 The forty-fifth chapter of recruiting to surrender the green forest, if you are a proud son, you will blindly cast a deep root of disaster

Although Jiu Xi verbally proposed the word command, in fact, he still had other plans in his heart.Zhang Chunlin was extremely alert, and he knew about eight or nine of them when he saw this look.But in face, since he accepted his promise as a leader, he was also happy to sail along the water, first accept his affection, and then think about how to deal with it.The two confronted each other with their own scheming plans, although Zhang Mingyi didn't hum or haw, he knew it very clearly in his heart, sitting by the side and watching the two of them negotiate was very interesting.Only Ma Erlin was a straightforward man, without those twists and turns. He was naturally very happy when he heard Jiuxi say that they were allowed to be commanders, but still lead the old department.I want to say a few words of thanks, but I am afraid that the words will be inappropriate and Chunlin will be angry, so I can only swallow them without saying them, and just listen to Chunlin's answer.These four people each have a look, but they are also good-looking.

In the midst of a private discussion, suddenly saw a person pushing the door and barging in, it was a tall man, suddenly startled Jiu Xi for a moment.Looking carefully, it was none other than the man Yang Sihu who met in Yancha Building that day and protected Chunlin from going downstairs.I saw him holding a box cannon in his hand, and a short knife stuck in his waist. His face was full of fierceness, and he looked really scary.He came in without making a sound, and stood behind Chunlin.Chunlin glanced at him and asked, "Fourth brother, how did you know we were here and came after us immediately?" Yang Sihu said, "I slept very sweetly outside tonight. At some point, the head of the house went out. When I woke up, I went inside and saw that you were nowhere to be seen. I was very anxious, so I hurried out to inquire, and no one said I knew. I thought that only Mr. Wang knew the secrets of the family, so I went to wake him up and asked him where he was. He grinned at me, but refused to tell me the truth. Then I got really anxious and wanted to use force with him. Then he said, don't worry. At this moment, Mr. Tong Ma and Mr. Zhang, who are in charge of the family, are all here. In the seventh secret room in the north room, discussing matters, it doesn’t matter whether you go or not. I asked if there are any outsiders here? He said that only one Wang Daotai agreed. I think that although Wang Daotai is a high-ranking official, After all, it is not our group of people, I always feel a little uneasy. So I made up my mind to come and have a look. I took Lao Wang and asked him to come with him, but he would definitely refuse. Later, I called a guide and led me to the Go to this door and teach me how to push the door and how to take steps so as not to hit the mechanism and suffer. I followed his words and found it." Chunlin said: "We are here for a meeting, not a war, you It doesn't matter if you come or not. You should hurry to find Wang Zhihan and ask him to pass an order for me: All the brothers in Niuzhuang, stay here for a few days, don't make nonsense, and wait for my message before you are allowed to start. "Yang Sihu agreed and went.

Jiuxi knew in his heart that some of his people must be in Niuzhuang, and he might want to make trouble.Fortunately, I am here to stabilize them, otherwise, this disaster will not be small.Thinking of this, he asked Chunlin with a smile, "I shouldn't have inquired about your secrets. But at the meeting tonight, everyone finally met with sincerity, and it seems that there is nothing to say. Just now, my brother sent an order to Niuzhuang. I don't know where it is. Is there any arrangement?" Chunlin sneered for a while and said, "Xiaomin has some preposterous words, adults have listened to them, so please don't be offended. Nowadays, there are hardly any human beings who are officials, no matter how big or small, I don't know if adults can believe my words Don't you believe me?" Jiu Xi thought to himself: This kid is really bad, he always scolds people face to face, but I can't say that what he said is wrong.He laughed and replied: "You scolded well! That's not bad at all. But which official in Niuzhuang offended you?" Chunlin said: "He really offended me, that's not a problem, and I don't blame him at all. Because When we are horse bandits, we are enemies with the government. So the reason for the enemy is not because the horse bandits are harming the people, but the government is protecting the people? But now it is inversely proportional. Sometimes the horse bandits see the people in distress. There is still a little compassion; the official does not know what is conscience and what is the law of heaven, except for changing ways to get money; sometimes he is not satisfied with the destruction of the people, and he has to implicate many innocent people Even if such an official is killed, we can’t be considered cruel.” Jiuxi said: “Who are you talking about all this time?” Chunlin said: “Xiaomin is not talking about others, It was the patrol inspector of Niuzhuang Town who was kind. He was originally a bannerman of the Han army. His old surname was Guo, and his name was not evil. Later, he joined the banner sect, removed his old surname, and only called him good-natured. He was originally the head of the Linzhongtang mansion. He was born as a man, and later donated this little fame to come to Fengtian as a replacement. The former Xi Qingxi, who made the platform, was a disciple of Lin Zhongtang. Supplemented the inspection of Niuzhuang Town. The province's Niuzhuang and Yingkou inspection vacancies are well-known advantages and disadvantages in the province-Niuzhuang has 30,000 silver per year; You, my lord." Jiuxi laughed and said, "I know a little bit, but I'm afraid there are not so many." Chunlin said, "Let's not hide these things. Of course, my lord doesn't know these places as well as I do." Jiuxi said, "He makes money. How much, what do we care about him? You just say what crimes he has done, and bring out your grievances." Chunlin said: "He has committed a lot of crimes." In Yingkou Town, there was a family with the surname Yu, originally moved from Shandong, and made a fortune in business in the three northeastern provinces.The old shopkeeper's name is Yu Dehai, who has been in business for forty years in the three northeastern provinces, and has established more than a dozen businesses, such as Yingkou, Dalian, Niuzhuang, Changchun, Shuangcheng, Vladivostok, and Jiamusi, all of which have consecutive numbers.All in all, it is worth one or two million.However, his family lived in Niuzhuang, married wives and had children in the three eastern provinces, and his first three sons also followed him in business, and the old man finally had everything he wanted.Unexpectedly, he died of illness last year, and the three sons separated: the second son, Yu Jian, and the third son, Yu Lian, all moved out of Niuzhuang; only the eldest son, Yu Jin, took care of his mother and still lived in Niuzhuang.On this Niuzhuang street, because his family is rich, he was pushed to be the first person.Usually, when there is any matter in the government, the person in charge will come out to discuss it.This time, he came to the post because he knew that Niuzhuang was the richest place, so he thought of a way to make extra money.Originally, the main export goods of this place were ginseng antler, fur goods, livestock, and grain.These days, in addition to the regular tax, there are three or four donations: student donations, police donations, needless to say; there are also car donations, boat donations, and various other items, which are increasing day by day. Businessmen can no longer afford it.However, this old inspector insisted on collecting a road donation: He said that since your goods pass by me, I am a magistrate, so of course I have to protect you. There is no reason to protect you in vain. We have to pay a few dollars, and we will take 1% of it, which is not too much.Did you know that if you draw 100% of the money, there will be a lot of money for a year. Only the three items of ginseng antler, leather goods, and red grain are no less than tens of millions every year.It's worth drawing one out of a hundred, and he will get tens of thousands a year.My lord, please think, can the merchants in this town admit it?So Yu Jin advocated to fight against him, saying that he collected taxes privately and extorted business people, and wanted to sue him in the province.Only then did he scare him back.But although the donation was resisted, the enemy was formed.I don't know where he came from, but he arrested some unknown horse bandits, and insisted that they were Zhang Chunlin's accomplices.This really made Xiaomin sarcasm to death.Xiaomin said a bold word, my friend, let alone a small inspector dare not look directly at it, even if the military master mobilized the three armies, he would not be able to catch it with his hands.When Chunlin said this, he became very angry, and unknowingly, he revealed his true nature of a gangster.Jiu Xi was beside him, just smiling with his beard twisted.

At this time, Zhang Mingyi was a little bit impatient, for fear that Chunlin would be too barbaric and offend Jiuxi, which would cause obstacles in recruiting and surrendering.Because Ming Yi originally wanted to surrender, which was somewhat different from Chun Lin's purpose.Chunlin was wild and unruly, and he was not very enthusiastic about recruiting to surrender, but he had no choice but to go along with Zhang Ma's persuasion.As for his original intention, he always feels that being an official is worse than being a bandit, and earning a free life.Seeing his arrogance, Ming Yi stopped him with a smile: "Old Wu, you talk too much, you can rest for a while. You see how high the sun is when we talked about it. We didn't sleep all night and talked a lot. You should also eat something, and then we can talk again when we have energy." Seeing Ming Yi interrupting him, Chun Lin was very unhappy.But Jiu Xilian said yes, we should have some snacks.Wouldn't it be better for us all to eat and talk at the same time!Ma Erlin also shouted: "I'm really hungry, Mr. Zhang Si, you are a lifesaver, tell them to make breakfast." Ming Yi took advantage of everyone's hunger, and pressed the electric bell with his hand, and pressed it repeatedly. Three times.After a while, seeing family members push the door open and come in, they replied to the host: "The meal is ready, please sit in the dining room." It turns out that the rules here are to press the electric bell once to call someone, press the bell twice to pour tea, and press the bell twice. Three presses are for dinner, four presses are for smoking, and five presses are for accidents.Each family has someone who is on duty for the day and someone who is on duty for the night. The rules are strict and no mistakes are allowed.Ming Yi pressed the button three times, and the family members on duty knew that it was time for dinner, so they immediately informed the kitchen, and in a blink of an eye, everything was ready.

When everyone came to the dining room, of course Jiuxi took the seat, Chunlin and Erlin were on the left and right, and Mingyi took the main seat.After a little persuasion for two glasses of wine, he ordered dinner.In his opinion, I am afraid that if he drinks too much, Zhang and Ma will commit a bearded sex and offend Jiuxi.So hastily had a meal, so we can talk about business.But Jiu Xi asked Chun Lin about the Niuzhuang case before he finished eating.Chunlin said: "My lord, don't worry. After dinner, let's talk in detail next to the smoke lamp." Jiu Xi laughed and said, "You mentioned smoking. I've been here for two days, and I don't know where the addiction is. It’s really ridiculous. It seems that the addiction to cigarettes is fake, but the addiction to the heart is real. People will never become addicted to emergencies, because if they forget about it in their hearts, the addiction will naturally not come. Although I can’t eat A lot, but four puffs a day, I always have to eat. Now for two days in a row, I haven’t taken a puff, and I don’t feel a little sad. It seems that big cigarettes also bully people. When you come here, even it scares you back "Ming Yi laughed and said, "Why didn't the great grandpa say it earlier? The other people can't afford it, and when it comes to opium, it is inexhaustible. My village must at least grow it every year. Four to five hundred acres, and a yearly income of one hundred thousand, all have to be obtained from opium. It is a joke to come here to suffer from addiction." Chunlin said next to him: "The addiction to opium is fake, I really believe this Once I led four or five hundred people to fight against the Russian soldiers. They came over two thousand and scattered all my people. I fled to the cave alone and hid for three days and three nights. I brought dry food and water bottles, and there was no shortage of food and drink. If it was just opium, there was no place to go to enjoy it. At that time, I was only afraid that the Russians would search here, and my life would be in danger. Addiction! Deserving of a narrow escape, Second Brother Ma led one or two thousand brothers, specially came to respond and rescued me from the cave. Ask me how I am alive these days, and I will tell everything in detail. Ma The second elder brother laughed and asked me if I was addicted? I didn’t know that I couldn’t ask the question. I immediately snotted, cried and yawned, like a cannonball, one after another. I went to a small restaurant and borrowed someone’s smoking set. After smoking it for a while, I am no longer addicted. Not only am I not addicted, but I am full of energy immediately. I called up my remnants, accompanied by Brother Ma, and still fought forward, beat the Russian soldiers to pieces, and turned defeat into victory. You say big smoke Is this thing hateful or not? Is it a real addiction or a fake addiction?" Chunlin's words hooked Jiuxi's addiction back up, and he yawned and shed tears, and he couldn't hold it anymore.Ming Yi hastily pressed the electric bell four times, and after a while, family members came up and said that the smoking room had been cleaned up.Everyone walked from the dining room to the smoking room, ready to enjoy themselves.

Mingyi was busy burning cigarettes for Jiuxi, and while Jiuxi was smoking, he asked about Niuzhuang.Chunlin said: "Bringing this matter up will ruin people's anger. That kind-hearted man caught these people on his own, and taught them to lie behind his back, forcing Yu Jin to come out, saying that he is Zhang Chunlin's boss. Actually Xiaomin did not know this person personally. For no reason, he insisted on treating him as a gangster, signed a fire ticket and arrested him. He was beaten into a trick and is now still in prison. Hope to use this to knock money. The Yu family promised him 30,000 yuan, but he still refused to obey, and the settlement must be 100,000 yuan. Sir, please think of an official like him, even if he is killed, it is not too much." Jiuxi said with a smile: " Of course it is right to kill him, but once you kill him, wouldn’t Yu Jin’s accusation become more substantiated?" Chunlin said: "I have also thought about this. But if I don't kill him, I can't think of it No matter sooner or later, he must take his head." When Chunlin said this, his fierceness appeared on his face, and Jiuxi thought in his heart that this young man is indeed a useful talent. It's a pity that he didn't take off his beard, even if he is subdued in the future, I'm afraid it will be difficult to control.But I came here to surrender under orders from the commander-in-chief, so I can only persuade him, which is a remarkable achievement by me, as for whether to repeat it in the future, it all depends on how Marshal Song uses his methods, and I can't control much.Thinking of this, he still said to Chunlin with a pleasant face: "Brother Zhang, you are willing to surrender to the commander-in-chief. The matter of Yu Jin is easy to deal with - the commander-in-chief can send him an official letter and he can be released immediately. As for the good nature Corrupt official, I must ask the commander in chief to punish him severely, and he must never be called to harm the people again. What do you think?" Chunlin laughed loudly and said, "My lord Wang, you are wrong. Punish corrupt officials , that is what you should do as a high-ranking official, what has it to do with me, Zhang Chunlin? If I don't surrender, shouldn't Yu Jin be punished? Shouldn't he be punished if he is good-natured?" Yes, just staring blankly.Unexpectedly, Jiuxi was also from the rivers and lakes, so he acted according to circumstances and came quickly.After Chunlin finished speaking, he replied with a smile without hesitation: "Brother Zhang, why are you blaming me? You have to know, if you don't surrender to the commander, who will go up and answer this matter? I can't Exit, because you don't surrender, how can I say that I listened to what you said; if you don't surrender, then I can't decide whether Yu Jin was wronged or not. If you surrender, you should also be responsible for this matter Because you are the leader, you have the responsibility to comfort the people. Yu Jin was wronged, of course you have to go back to the commander-in-chief of the Ming Dynasty and plead for his life. I was wrong first!" Chunlin was speechless at the words.Zhang Mingyi and Ma Erlin both applauded and laughed, and said, "Fifth, you have nothing to say. Mr. Wang's eloquence is really good!" Jiu Xi hurriedly laughed and said, "Where do I have any eloquence? I I only hate this brother Zhang, he is about to become a commander, and he said such irresponsible words, don't you think you are too small?" Chunlin said: "My lord, don't lift me up. I am a reckless man How can you be a leader?" Jiuxi said sternly: "We just said that everything should be treated with sincerity, why are you being polite again? We are sharing the same lamp, just in time to negotiate terms What do you three mean? Tell me straight up. Let's make a rough agreement first, and I will explain it to Marshal Song in detail. Hurry is better than hurry. We will succeed within ten days. This is what our husbands want True color. If you want to hesitate and twitch, that's a woman's behavior, wouldn't it be a joke!" Chunlin said: "In this case, Xiaomin must report the truth: At present, the brothers under my subordinates are in Niuzhuang and Yingkou There are more than 3,000 people in the area; more than 4,000 people in Jinfuhaigai; and more than 1,000 people in Jihei and Jihei provinces. The total number is about 8,000. If each battalion is 500, it can be organized into 16 battalions. The preparation fee is at least 200,000 yuan. As for the monthly salary, 70,000 yuan cannot be less. The adults can admit that it will take less than half a month for Xiaomin to order , we can form a strong army, not only to defend the provincial capital, but also to have more than enough to spare, even Japan and Russia. There is no shortage of gold and silver, no matter which country people dare to look directly at it. The rights and interests guaranteed every year may be tens of millions, so don't think about spilling over. As for the horse bandits in the three provinces, once we surrender, who will dare to make trouble? The country spends only one or two million yuan on food every year, but the benefits it receives are inexhaustible. This kind of opportunity is definitely not available to adults who are eager to seek talents and come to visit you. This is not what I, Zhang Chunlin, boast Haikou, my lord has been in the three eastern provinces for many years, can you still hide this situation from you?" Jiuxi felt very disapproving when he saw that he had charged such a large price and was still so exaggerated.But it was not easy to refute him because of face, so he had to show an attitude of consultation and said: "Everything is easy to handle, but the preparation fee is too much. At present, the provincial treasury is full, and I am afraid I can't get it out. We have to think long-term." Chunlin was displeased when he heard this, and said, "I don't believe that the provincial treasury doesn't even have hundreds of thousands of cash in cash. My lord, you should know that now that it is organized into the national army, it is very different from the era of the bandits. When we were bandits, we could wear any kind of clothes and live anywhere, and we didn’t need decency or ostentation. Since then, we have changed to the army, and all decency and ostentation seem to be unavoidable. The 200,000 yuan establishment fee, To be honest, it’s not enough at all. In the future, I will have to deposit tens of thousands. Because it’s for the sake of the adults, I can’t bear to ask for more. Now the adults can’t even come up with this amount, and there is simply no room for negotiation. Fortunately, what the adults said was the three of us. Although Xiaomin can't submit, there are two of them who can negotiate. Sure enough, they can ask for a little less money. The adults might as well recruit them first. Xiaominquan is an outsider. It doesn't really matter." Jiuxi said: "Brother Zhang, you shouldn't be so stubborn. I can also forgive your difficulties. In the future, I will do my best in front of the commander. Sure enough, I can achieve 200,000 yuan. I am also satisfied, and I am worthy of a group of brothers, let alone you? But I really can't make up my mind." Chunlin sneered and said, "Since my lord has come here by order, don't you have the full authority of the representative? You have to be like the general in everything. Discuss, if we are horse bandits, we are timid and timid, if we fail to surrender, and then we are captured by the officers and soldiers, and we lose our lives for nothing, is it worth it?" Jiuxi pressed harder and harder when he heard what he said, thinking that this matter must Unfortunately, he simply has no sincerity to surrender.But if he is to be provoked at this time, not only will his life be lost, but when the defense of this province is empty, it is difficult to guarantee that it will not lead to a huge disaster.I had no choice but to use Dangzi Jue for the time being to solve the current problem, and then open the third kit, thinking that there must be a clever plan in it to subdue him.Thinking of this, he brought a puff of opium smoke he had filled with himself to Chunlin and said with a smile: "Brother Zhang, please take a puff first." Isn't Master Lao trying to shorten my life by burning cigarettes for me?" Jiuxi said: "We are all people in the Jianghu, we want to get out of the way. Why are you so grown-up? You can't keep your mouth shut. That's not what I mean by making friends. .Besides, sooner or later you will be the commander, and we will be colleagues. How can there be any difference between adults and villains?" Chunlin listened to Jiu Xi's words, and as expected, he took the bong and smoked it.At this time, Jiuxi was inconvenient to persuade him to surrender, and he only said a lot of gossip, which was just an exaggeration of the glory of being an official, and what he did was to move the hearts of the three of them, so as to help them secretly surrender.We talked for two hours, because everyone didn't sleep that night, they were all a little sleepy, so Ming Yi asked Jiu Xi to go back to the bedroom to rest.At this time, Jiuxi was looking for a place where he could take a look at his kits, so he said goodbye to Chunlin and Erlin, and followed Mingyi to the room where he used to rest.

Ming Yi said with a smile: "My lord, please take a nap for a while, and come over to treat me after dinner, and the birth staff will not accompany me." After finishing speaking, he wanted to open the door and go out.But Jiuxi called him back, and asked with a smile: "Xianqi, stop joking with me, and please stop the two of them, and don't come here to teach me again." Mingyi smiled and said: "Grandpa, please Don't worry. Although we are reckless, we are not so unreasonable. You always sleep again this time, if a fly dares to disturb your lucid dream, I'm the only one to ask." He went out after saying this.Jiu Xi repeatedly said thank you, thank you, but he didn't know if he heard it or not.Thinking to myself, this time there will never be any thugs again, so I took out the third kit from my entourage and took it out to watch.See above it says: "Zhang Chunlin is so cunning that it's hard to make a decision in a hurry. You can find his copywriter Wang Zhihan, who is the same guard as Yang Sihu. Zhihan is the same as Yuan Jinhuan, and he is an uncle and brother. You can tell by mentioning him. This man is resourceful, and he won Chunlin Believe me, he is willing to help, and everything is easy to obey. As for Sihu, he is upright and brave, loyal to Chunlin, and Chunlin can never leave him. If he is the battalion commander, he must have a way to subdue Chunlin, If this is the case, great things can be achieved, and there will be no future troubles. Please follow this instruction." Jiuxi just looked at it, and then suddenly realized.The clues in it all lie in Yuan Jinhuan.It seems that Song Ershun should be very lucky. Why did he encounter such an opportunity as soon as he took office, and someone actually sold him all the information of Hu Bandit.I have stayed at the Guest House many times, but I don't know that the Golden Ring has such a big history.It can be seen that I was really careless, and I was far worse than my ears.But he lives in the museum and refuses to reveal the truth. This is where he is strong. I always show my identity as a Daotai, so it's no wonder people look away and leave.Looking at his letter now, he is willing to appoint Xu Yang Sihu as the battalion commander, and it can be seen that the implication is that he treats Chunlin as the commander.In this case, what is there for me to do?In the end, there is a layer of concern, not something else, seeing Chunlin's rebellious appearance, even if he is allowed to be a leader, it may not necessarily have good results in the future.It can be seen that contacting Wang Yang is also the most important move. When it is urgent, it can also be used as a method of fighting poison with poison.Besides, it is very difficult to solve the problems of staffing fee and military pay at present, if they can get their help, I guess Zhang Chunlin will not be too difficult.Thinking of this, he stood up and went to look for Wang Zhihan.Then I thought about it, wait a moment, first, I don’t know which room Wang lives in; two, even if I find him, if the matter is not secret, and Chunlin finds out, seeing his violent and vicious appearance, If you want to suspect that Wang Zhihan colluded with me, it is impossible to guarantee that you will not violate his temperament as a barbarian. At that time, wouldn't Wang be at a disadvantage?It seems a bit wrong for me to cause trouble for others before I finish my work.It's always better to be cautious.But what method must I use to meet him?Jiu Xi thought for a long time, and suddenly remembered that in the first kit, there was Zhang Mingyi's words that although he wanted to surrender, he couldn't do it himself.Looking at this look today, although he didn't say a word, there was a hint of disapproval of Chunlin in his face.I'd like to discuss it with him first when I come back.If he agreed, it would be easy for him to introduce him to meet Wang Zhihan.

Jiu Xi was making calculations in the house, when someone opened the door unexpectedly and came in, which surprised him.Looking closely, it turned out to be Zhang Mingyi.There is another person with him, this person is not very old, he looks only about twenty years old, he is very thin, but in his thinness, he has a delicate appearance.When the two of them came in, Jiu Xi hurriedly stood up to greet him.Ming Yi hurriedly introduced him: "This is Lord Taoist King of the East; this is Wang Gongsheng, named Zhihan, with the character Ziguang, from Jinzhou, and a Bagong student admitted this year." Jiuxi didn't hear it. Overjoyed.I said in my heart that I was interviewing him and I still can't get him, but now he voted for it himself, which shows that my official fortune is prosperous.I don't have to worry about not being able to succeed in recruiting security.Thinking of this, I am naturally very happy.He shook Wang Zhihan's hand, and said with a smile: "Jiuwen Xianqi is a celebrity in the three eastern provinces. It is a great fortune to meet you today. Please sit down, we will have a long talk." Ming Yi held him down and sat down together. First he said to Jiuxi: "The Grand Duke must forgive his sins. Although this Wang Gongsheng is a member of the school, he was forced by the situation to join Chunlin's subordinates and become a secret agent for the bandits. To be honest, it is true." The sinners of the country, please forgive the past and open a new road, so we dare to tell the truth." Jiuxi laughed and said: "What is Xianqi talking about! Bandit Hu, I also want to pull out all kinds of muddy paths to preserve the real talents for the country. Besides, Chunlin intends to surrender; People, how can I mention banditry or not." This remark made Zhang and Wang not only happy, but also admired.Wang Zhihan expressed his thanks again and again, and said many words of gratitude and repayment.

Taking advantage of the momentum, Jiuxi brought up Yuan Jinhuan and asked if he was a relative?Zhi Han said: "Your Excellency doesn't mention Jin Huan, and Gong Sheng doesn't dare to say it. Now that he is mentioned, he sent a letter to Gong Sheng a few days ago, asking Gong Sheng to protect Your Excellency in secret. Then Yuan Jin Huan is the son of Gong Sheng's uncle. When I went to Shuangcheng, I stayed at his house. It was my great-grandfather. Seeing that my late father was good in character and learning, he betrothed his third young lady to my late father. Later, my late father was elected and brought my mother back to Jin State. My late father was once a Jinzhou Xuezheng, so he later took office. Later, when Gong gave birth to his mother and son, he often went to Shuangcheng to pay his respects to his grandfather. He and Jinhuan were always together since they were young. Shuangcheng was robbed by soldiers the year before last. Poor Grandpa’s whole family was martyred. At that time, my mother knew about it and wept until she died. She sent me to Shuangcheng to find out the whereabouts of Yuan’s family. No one escaped. I got the news, how dare I go back to my mother to tell the truth, only that Jinhuan was wrapped up by the horse bandits. My mother sent me to ask the horse bandits again. If there is any whereabouts, the family will be bankrupt. I must also redeem him. I had to vaguely agree, but where to ask? This year, I was in the provincial capital for the examination of Bagong, and I accidentally made friends with Zhang Chunlin. In a courtyard, Chunlin visited Ming Yi. I talked to him several times, and I admired his uprightness, so we paid homage to Brother Meng. Only after we paid homage did we know that he was the leader of bandits. He repeatedly, Persuaded me to join the gang. I was unwilling at first, but later saw that he was a chivalrous man, and his personality was indeed superior to that of an official..."

When Zhihan said this, he regretted his slip of the tongue, blushed, and stopped talking.Jiuxi laughed and said, "Just say it yourself, I'm not surprised. Don't look at me as an official, but I hate the official. The more people scold the official, the happier I hear it. Hurry up." Say there is no need to hesitate." Zhihan said: "Because of this, I actually joined the gang. But as a gang, I can't go with them to rob houses. I can only advise and advise him in secret. Not long ago, Zhang Chunlin and I Yang Sihu, who came to the provincial capital to play, ran into Yuan Jinhuan by accident at Xiaobeiguan. He was riding a bicycle, running fast, and never saw me. As soon as I saw him, I hurriedly turned my bicycle back and hurried to catch up. Passed his car, dialed it back, and crossed in front of his car. He saw me now, oops, and fell off the car. I hurried down to help him up, and he hugged me and called me cousin , and burst into tears. I quickly stopped him, saying that this is not a place to talk, and dragged him to the Yan Tea House in Qinglian Pavilion. At this time, the four tigers in Chunlin also all caught up. I don't know what happened. We went to the Yan Teahouse together, and then we talked about the past history. I complained to him, why didn’t he go to Jinzhou to join my family, but the mother and child suffered so hard here. According to him, his family suffered from such an accident, and he didn’t want to go to my family again. I am a drag on relatives and friends. Besides, I am so old, I can’t be independent, but I ask others to support my mother for me. I am really ashamed and panic. Now in the Yingbin Building, although I am a lowly slave, I always support myself. It's much better than going to relatives. I heard that he has such ambition at such a young age, so I naturally admire him very much. Chunlin is especially impressed. He must have asked him to resign from the guest house and go outside with us to experience experiences. He must not Ken, I asked Chunlin what kind of business he does. Chunlin and I were originally unwilling to tell the truth, but Yang Sihu was a rough man. He knew that Jinhuan and I were cousins, so he thought that there was nothing to hide from such relatives. He was honest and blunt, and told Jin Huan all the history. Fortunately, Jin Huan, a kid, was very open-minded, and he said it was the work of a hero. It's a pity that I am too young to hold the whip, otherwise , I am very happy to join the gang. Chunlin saw that he was so alert and cherished him very much. From then on, we often went to the guest house to look for him. This is the history of the past. The lord came this time. He avoided suspicion, so he never came over to greet the lord. Now that Ming Yi said that the lord and Chunlin had already reached an agreement, Gong Sheng thought to himself, it is nothing important to talk about it at this time. And if the lord has any difficulties, please ask I said that I know that I can do everything I can, and I will do my best."

When Jiuxi heard this, he was really lonely, and he was so happy that he couldn't say enough, he hurriedly told Zhihan about his embarrassment.Zhihan said with a smile: "This is nothing. My lord asks for Wanan, and I will definitely make Chunlin bow his head. All the staffing fees, annual salary, etc., I will promise him by myself. I will never make my lord embarrass me temporarily. Moreover, Gong Sheng can take on the responsibility of Marshal Song." Hearing that there was something in his words, Jiu Xi suddenly realized.From this point of view, Yuan Jinhuan had already got the idea of ​​the commander-in-chief and handed over the mechanism to the Han, that's why the Han dared to brag about this big bullshit.Pity me, Wang Jiuxi, I'm still in the dark, what kind of trouble is it that I'm doing blindly!Simply what Chunlin asks, I will agree to. He asks me to make a contract, and I will make a contract with him. What is there to do?Smiling, he said to the Han, "Since this matter is based on the virtuous contract, we have to ask for polite advice later. Since Chunlin has been recruited, he is an official appointed by the imperial court. His nature is the same as before. Everything must be done." Be patient, don't lose your temper when there is nothing important, and it will be inappropriate in front of the commander in the future." Zhihan said: "My lord, this is a golden word, Gongsheng must tell him." Jiuxi said again: " The big guy in Sui Chunlin, I think he is really a hero. After recruiting in the future, I will guarantee him to be the battalion commander. If this man leads troops into battle, he can really be the champion of the three armies, but I don't know his name? Zhihan thought that Jiuxi really didn't know, so he said to him, "This man's surname is Yang and his name is Sihu. He is also from a bandit. He is loyal and brave. He is really a tiger general. And he is loyal to Chunlin, and he will never leave him. Besides Chunlin, I don't know if there is another person, and Chunlin also regards him as the first confidant. Although the Lord guarantees him to be the battalion commander, he may not be willing to do it. It is best to appoint him as the commander of the Chinese army , still follow step by step, he must be very happy." Jiuxi said: "I will definitely be able to do this, so please convey it for me." Zhihan agreed.Ming Yi took advantage of the situation and asked Jiu Xi: "Can we still hold the meeting today?" Jiu Xi thought: since there is such a smooth opportunity now, how can we delay any longer.Besides, this place is no different from a dragon's pond or a tiger's lair, if I can leave one day earlier, why bother here?Thinking of this, he said to Ming Yi: "After lighting the lanterns today, we are still meeting at the same place." Everyone nodded in understanding. Sure enough, that night, the meeting went very smoothly.Although Wang Jiuxi is obedient and obedient, Zhang Chunlin is not as stubborn as yesterday. He actually established several treaties: first, the three eastern provinces control the army, allowing Baozuo Zhang Chunlin to be the deputy general, Ma Erlin to be the general, Zhang Mingyi As a co-prefect, he was given the title of magistrate, and the rest of the small leaders, according to their grades, were given appropriate official positions in the consulting department. The commander of the Eighth Battalion will be stationed in the provincial capital and the fortresses of Fengtian; Article 3, the establishment fee of the three army heads shall be set at 500,000 yuan, and shall be paid in full in one month; Article 4, the annual military salary shall be paid by the provincial treasury. The number will be determined after the establishment; Article 5, the commander directly belongs to the army of the three eastern provinces and is not restricted by others.After these contracts were signed, Zhang Chunlin and the others were naturally satisfied.The next morning, Jiu Xi bid farewell and went back to the province, and Zhang Mingyi sent eight horsemen to escort him. When Jiuxi arrived at the guest house, he rested for a while, and then went to the court to see him.Song Ershun took him to the flower hall, and when they met, they worked hard.How is he doing?Jiuxi said: "I entrusted the commander-in-chief Willing to my job, and I got the help of Yuan Jinhuan, and I succeeded immediately. Fortunately, I didn't disgrace my life." Then he took out the contracts from his sleeve, and put his hands in his ear: "Please look at the commander-in-chief When Jiu Xi handed over the contract, he couldn't help feeling a little nervous, fearing that the commander-in-chief would blame him and be angry with him for promising too much money and securing a high official position.Unexpectedly, I saw it with my ears, but my face was pleasant, without the slightest intention of resentment.At this time, Jiuxi was like a stone falling to the ground, waiting for the commander-in-chief to deal with him.Seeing that Er Shunxing had nothing to do, he put the draft of the contract on the table, and said with a smile to Jiu Xi: "You have done a good job in this way. The head office will ask the copywriting department to prepare the memorial today. Your brother can go to the copywriting department , to describe the process of this surrender. But there is no need to tell the truth, only to say that in recent years, the ronin of Japan and Russia, together with the Nihil Party, have made fierce disturbances on the borders of the three eastern provinces of our country, causing merchants and people to live in peace.那章、马三人,在乡村召集民团,实地训练,所为防止日俄党人骚扰,保护乡里,厥功甚伟。况且能禁止俄国的革命宣传,其功尤大。朝廷若收为正式军队,必能御外侮而保治安,因此派王九锡奉宣朝廷德意。这三个人感激涕零,情愿报效官家。谨按其民团之多寡,定为正式军队,某人应保某官云云。你可明白我这意思吗?”九锡连声应道:“职道晓得,请大帅自管放心。”说罢便要告辞下去。耳顺又把他叫回来,低声吩咐:“你同文案拟保案时,可将袁金环加入,保一个试用知县,加五品衔。”九锡笑道:“大帅吩咐的是,本来此次招安,深亏金环在暗中帮助。若没有他作线索,章春林是很不好说话的。”耳顺点点头,说这些情节,我全明白。你下去帮同拟稿好了,我再叫文案处预备三道委札,先委他三人为统领。从明天起,就着手编制,款项可由粮饷局发给他们。朝廷的旨意,不定什么时候下来,我们编制军队,却是一天也不能迟缓的。九锡答应下去。 果然宋大帅办理这件事,非常高兴。第二天委札便下来了。粮饷局总办荣厚,面见九锡,对他说:“请你转达章、马三位统领,我这里银子现成,他们哪时用,自管具公事来领。这是奉大帅面谕的,丝毫不能留难。”九锡答应了,又禀见宋耳顺,声明自己愿到石麟堡,将委札面交他三人。他三人见了委札,必然同到辕门禀见谢委,大帅也好当面施一番训诲。耳顺道:“这样很好,你就去吧。”九锡下来,此次却不是从前私行的样子了——向巡警衙门,特借的绿呢大轿;曾得胜戴着五品顶戴,给他打顶马;有章明夷随来的八名马队,他自己还有十二名,一共二十名马队,前呼后拥,好不威武,一直奔石麟堡。又路过当日打尖的那个茶馆,九锡吩咐住轿。自己走下来,一直进了这个茶馆,一眼看见大车,正在那里招呼客人。便笑道:“乡亲,还认得我吗?”此时茶馆的许多人,因见有绿轿马队从这里经过,心里明白,这必是一位大官,多有跑到门前来看的。却不料轿子到门前站住,轿里的官走出来,竟进了茶馆,吓得这一群人,藏藏躲躲,不知怎样才好。及至九锡进来招呼大车,大家又露出很惊异的样子,想大车是何等之人,怎会认识官呢?在大车本人,突然见九锡招呼他,也有点莫名其妙。因为这一回九锡的衣服气度,较从前大不相同了,从前只像一个孤行客人,如今是二品顶戴,双眼花翎,紫宁绸开气袍子,天青缎子外套,朝珠补服,粉底官靴,鼻梁上架着一副大墨晶眼镜。因此大车益发认不出来,只吓得浑身发抖,不由己地跪了下来。口称大老爷,你老人家认错了人吧,小的哪有这样体面的乡亲呢?九锡将眼镜摘下来,笑道:“我并不曾错认了。你还记得那一天早晨,有一位孤行客人,拉着马在这里打尖吗?那就是我,同你也曾认过乡亲的。”大车此时方才恍然大悟,定住了眼睛,又仔细端详了一回,不觉失声叫道:“大爷,你那一天不是到石麟堡去吗?怎么今天又变成这样阔的老爷,你到底是谁啊?”九锡听他这样语无伦次,忍不住地大笑,说:“你快起来吧,我是东边道姓王,你在东省多年,总应当知道有一个快马王三,那就是我!”大车忙爬起来,喊道:“我的大老爷,你原来就是快马王三大人!小的真是有眼不识泰山,上回伺候得不周到,你老人家,可不要见怪啊。”九锡正色对他说道:“你不要絮絮叨叨地乱说了。本道因为你为人挚诚,初见面,就能披肝沥胆地说心腹话。似你这种人,在如今世界中,实在不可多得,所以本道顺便来访你,想提挈你也到石麟堡走一遭,算是我的护从。将来有机会,还要保举你呢。”大车道:“大人这样栽培我,真是天外飞来的幸运。但是小人这一身衣服,怎能够跟随大人去作护从呢?”九锡笑道:“这没要紧,我现带有护兵的衣帽,快拿出来给他换上。”又将随来的空马给他一匹乘上,立刻跟着王道台,忽忽悠悠,便到石麟堡去了。这一个茶馆的人,无不点头啧啧,称赞大车的幸运。 这一回九锡重到石麟堡,不是头一次的冷落景况了。轿子才到庄前,便是咚咚咚三声大炮,紧跟是章春林、马二麟、章明夷,全是戎装挎刀,带着许多护兵同军乐队,在庄外相迎。鼓号齐鸣,章、马三人,俱在轿前请安。九锡拱一拱手,便一直抬进柳林以内,直至明夷宅内,会客厅前,方才落轿。九锡走进厅中,又重新同章、马三人见礼,笑道:“幸不辱命,你三位全是统领了。”说到这里,从怀中将督署的三封委札全取出来,分交他三人观看。都是一尺多长的大官封,外面几个大字,是“钦命东三省总督部堂封”,那一面是右札委某某人准此。三人忙取出里面札文,翻开细看:头一行是印版的大书“钦命头品顶戴兼陆军部尚书都察院都御史衔总督奉吉黑三省部堂宋”;下面是写的为札委事,现查某人娴悉军事,久历戎行,特委为本省新编若干营统领,即日到差视事,此札;骑缝年月,全盖的是总督部堂的紫印花。三人见了,真是喜出望外,立刻将委札供在上面,叩头行礼,算是谢了总督宋大帅。转过脸来,又朝着九锡跪下行礼。九锡忙还礼不迭,说:“你三位这是胡闹了!咱们以后是同寅弟兄,哪里用得着这样客气呢!”四人一同起来,紧跟着汪之汉、杨四虎同明夷部下一干人,俱都上来给统领道喜,当日杀猪宰羊,大排筵宴。章春林、马二麟,立时派人到电报局给他们本寨中拍去电报,报告一切招安情形,叫他们谨守老营,不许胡乱打劫,专听候省城正式官信,便一同前来受编。九锡又将大车给他三人引见,说:“这是本道一位乡亲,随我多年,可惜没有机会保他做官。请你三位酌量在本军中,委他一点小事做做,也算了却我一桩心愿。”春林连声答应,一定借重。九锡又向他三人说:“此番宋大帅招降你们三位,总要算是开诚布公,并且连一切条件,他老人家全都慨然应允,概不驳回。照这样上司,真要算人生第一知己。你三位理应先进城去,谒见大帅,当面叩谢,才合乎官场的礼节。不过去与不去,是你们的自由,本道决不勉强。因为这是头一次,倘然你三位多疑,认着我是诓你们进城,别有用意,那倒是将好心变成歹意了。”马二麟道:“这有什么?不用说大帅待我们这样至诚,我们当去面谢;就是你老人家,因招安我们,居然敢跑到石麟堡来,探这龙潭虎穴,难道说我们就不敢进城么?”九锡大笑道:“到底马兄是快人快语。”那两个姓章的,也都异口同音,说:“我们明日早晨,一准随大人前往。我们既非草木,难道就没有一点人心?要再疑惑大人有什么歹意,那可真成了枭獍了。大人今天鞍马劳顿,可先在小庄休息一夜,明天一早再起节进城。”九锡慨然应允,暂且按下不提。 再说宋耳顺此番招降章、马等,他事前并不曾同本城各官征求同意。所有全城的官,除去九锡一人之外,再无第二人知道。如今事已办成了,却不能不向各官知照一声。九锡到石麟堡去的这一天,他便派巡捕拿着自己的帖,将合城文武各官,一律请了来,开一个茶话会,有要事面商。这些人见是大帅派人来请,哪个敢不来?所有全城的官,自副都统以及道府州县,副参游都,文武各官,也无论是现任是候补,一律到总督衙门来会议。耳顺见了大家,非常的客气,让至会议厅中,按着官级大小,依次坐定。耳顺坐了主位,然后和颜悦色地向大家说道:“兄弟今天请诸位来,是有一件最快心、最满意的事情向大家报告。兄弟自信这件事办成之后,不但我们东三省得到永久的平安,就连我大清国家,也得着干城腹心之寄,真乃意外可贺的事。” 他报告完了,在座的人全都默然无语。唯独副都统坤厚,立起身来问道:“据大帅所说,真乃可喜可贺至极。但不知所指的是何事?所收的是何人?还要求明白指教。”耳顺笑道:“坤兄不要着急,听老夫详细报告。你在东三省多年,总知道东三省著名的胡子头儿是什么人,他有多大势力,大概全瞒不了你吧。”坤厚道:“大帅问旁的,晚生许不知道,若问到胡子的事,倒还略知一二。我们这东三省中,本是著名产胡匪的地方。先年那些老胡子虽然厉害,究竟不过二三百人,便是极大的一杆。近年可了不得了,他们随便一啸聚,便是一两千人;多的有时候竟到四五千,连官兵全不敢正眼看他,甚至日俄两国的人,全怕他们三分。那少年胡子之中,最厉害的,就是两个人:一个是章春林,一个是马二麟。这两个胡匪,正在年轻力壮,大约全不过三十里外,骁勇善战,不愧是两名悍匪,听说他们手下,全有六七千人。那章春林不但勇悍,而且狡狯非常,行踪飘忽,没有一定。在三省杀官劫库,不知闹了多少次。而且常向俄人挑衅,牵动外交。历任的大帅,对于他两人,全是束手无策。这两人之外,还有一个叫章明夷的。此人是一个黉门秀才,家里极富,专好结交匪类,藏垢纳污,是个著名窝主。他家里平常就养着两三千人,专指着种烟土,贩私货,有时候也随着一群胡匪,打家劫舍,无所不为。照他那样秀才,可中国只怕也寻不出第二个来了。如今这三个人,在三省之中,可称得起是三害,只可惜没有法子,能将他们除掉。大帅今天问到这些人,不知是怎么用意?莫非你老人家,部下有什么出色的人才,能将这些胡匪一鼓荡平,所以会合本城官员,大家齐心努力,帮同去做吗?”坤厚这一席话,也不知他是有心还是无意。可是主席的宋大帅听了,自己一团高兴,却被他打去大半,连以下的话,全有点不好出口了。 略迟顿了一刻,向坤厚笑道:“子重,你不要这般说。你要知道,自古以来,越是恶人,越是有用之才,但看你能收服不能收服,能驾驭不能驾驭。果能收为我用,似章、马这些人,全是捍边御侮之才,万万不可轻看的。兄弟自未到任,就知道这三个人是东三省的心腹之患。所以到任以后,明查暗访,在省中隐姓埋名,住了一月,才得着线索。在暗中用尽心机,费尽唇舌,无论如何,总要招安他三个人,改邪归正。直到今天,才算是大功告成,因此特向诸兄报告。”耳顺说到这里,随又从头至尾,将怎样派王九锡说降,怎样委他们做统领,详细地叙了一遍。 此时督中协梁得功,首先起立回道:“大帅真是神机默运!似这样积年巨匪,历任大帅,全都束手无策。如今居然能俯首帖耳,愿听指挥,由豺狼一变而为熊虎,若非大帅威德兼施,何能如此。这真是可喜可贺的事!末将不才,愿率领三军,上寿称觞,为大帅庆祝。”梁得功这一套谀词,真说得委婉动听,耳顺欢喜得不知如何才好。更有巡警道孔祥云也起来凑趣,说:“据职道想,这些人虽是目前才改邪归正,报效皇家,到底他们以前,就胸有成见,仰慕大帅的德化,不止一天。所以大帅一到任,他们立刻就前来归化。足见帅德巍巍,真能使顽民悦服。将来御外侮,保治安,三省人民,全沐浴大帅的深仁厚泽。古人说万家生佛,像大帅才可以当之无愧呢!”祥云说罢,其余各官,你一言我一语,无非是拍马主义。耳顺听了,真是入耳不烦。 大家全说罢了,却把一位副都统坤厚气得满面焦黄,倏地又立起身来,向耳顺道:“晚生有几句愚拙之言,大帅不要嗔怪。大帅收这三个胡匪,自以为不世之功,可以使三省长治久安,永无后患。其实叫晚生一想,这正是给三省种下永久的祸根,只怕二十年以内,三省人民也休想有安枕的一日了。”耳顺听这话,不觉陡然变色,忙问:“你这话何以见得呢?”坤厚微微一笑道:“这事并没有什么难见到的,不过大帅贪功好胜,不曾往远处想罢了。大帅知道,那章春林同马二麟,在东三省所造的孽,擢发难数,为王法所不容。三省人民,虽妇人孺子,提起他两人来,无不恨之入骨。大帅到任以来,人民喁喁望治,实指望大发雷霆,将这些胡匪一律肃清。如今纵因时间短促,未能克期剿灭,也似乎应当调兵遣将,早早布置,以平积寇,而杜乱萌。何以对于这三个人,竟自提出招安两字。假如要不惜高官厚禄,每年掷掉二百万金,晚生在护理督篆时,早就可以招安他们了,何必等到现在呢!晚生愚拙之言,实为三省地方起见,大帅还要三思三想。”坤厚这一席话,犹如正平之鼓,声声动人。耳顺听了,直好似冷水浇背,登时间把满面春风,化作秋霜冬雪,半晌答不上一句话来。连在座的文武各官,也全木住了。巡警道孔详云,本是个老吏,见大帅被人问住,只好挺身出来解围。笑向坤厚道:“大人方才的议论,诚然有深识远见。但是有一句俗言,远水救不得近火。那章、马两人,每一杆全啸聚上万的人,横行三省,杀官劫库,无论走到什么地方,总免不了闾阎丘墟,村镇焦土。各处的官兵,谁敢正眼看一看他们。大人也曾护理督篆,假如本省有可恃之兵,在那时候,早就把他们剪灭了,还能等到现在吗?彼时既无兵能剿,难道宋大帅来,还能自己带十万健儿,专预备剿匪吗?如今他老人家,不忍三省人民再遭涂炭,所以才委曲求全,想出这招降的法子来,于谈笑之间,收服三万虎狼,使三省商民,从此安居乐业,这真是慈悲心肠。大人怎么反倒见怪起来?大人今日既反对招降,当日就应当剿匪;既然当日不能剿匪,今日又何必反对招降呢?”孔祥云尚未说完,在座的官,早就鼓起掌来。啪之声,上震屋瓦,连宋耳顺也不知不觉地,鼓掌喝彩。可怜坤厚此时,直然成了独夫,孤掌难鸣,急切间又想不出话来,驳倒祥云,反倒羞得面红耳热,低头无语。耳顺究竟是一个老官僚,总要面面俱圆,不肯得罪同寅,便向坤厚婉言劝道:“坤兄的话,何尝不是金玉良言,兄弟也曾熟虑及此。不过我们做皇上家的官,总要仰体朝廷爱民之心,处处以息事宁人为主。目前东三省兵力单薄,倘然剿匪不成,反倒给人民招出祸乱。在我们丢官,原算不得什么,只是小民何辜,遭此涂炭?所以前思后想,总以招安的为是。况且天下无不可化之人。招安以后,我们果能恩威并用,驾驭有方,未见得便有什么祸患。以后唯望坤兄随时赐教,防患未然。眼前木已成舟,也只好将就一切了。”坤厚虽然心中不平,但是看在座各人,并没有一个帮着自己的,也只好就耳顺这一套婉言下台,不肯再说什么。这一个议案,便算是完全通过了。然后大家陆续告辞而去。 第二天早饭时候,王九锡带着章、马三人,一直来到总督衙门,将手本传上去,立刻在花厅请见。九锡领着他三人,进了花厅。耳顺已经是朝珠补褂,红顶花翎,巍巍然坐在上面,真有个大帅的气派。九锡向他三人道:“这便是大帅,你三位行礼吧。”三人忙跪下叩头,口称大帅在上,罪民某人某人,给大帅叩头。耳顺受过他们的礼,然后下位来,亲手将三人扶起,笑道:“三位请坐。老夫今日得与你们一堂把握,实在快心之至。我们要脱略形迹,畅谈一番,千万不要这样称呼。同是皇上家的官,什么叫罪民呢?”又向九锡说:“你老哥这次太辛苦了,快请坐下谈吧。”九锡也帮着捺他三人坐下。耳顺殷殷恳恳,说了许多劝勉的话。三人倒是感激涕零,自誓从今以后,必然竭力报国。耳顺欢喜已极,又吩咐九锡:“好好照应他三人。目前统领驻所,尚未规定,可以请他三位,暂时就住在迎宾馆。所有房膳各费,全由本署账房支领。”三人再三谦逊,说大帅格外施恩,沐恩等心领就是了。九锡带他三人下去,耳顺直送出花厅以外。这真是十足的面子,连司道禀见,也从来没有这样光荣。 九锡同他们回至迎宾馆。这一个店中,住下了三位统领,登时人喊马嘶,格外热闹起来。馆主贾长发,又极力巴结,在门前悬灯结彩,并贴出很大的官衔条子去,是“十六营统领章大人,十二营统领马大人,八营统领章大人行辕”。店门外也有两个穿军衣的卫兵在那里站班。杨四虎同大车,也都变成了武巡捕,全戴着五品顶戴,挎着刀,系着战裙,出来进去的,好不威风。登时间一个沈阳城中,一传十十传百,全知道宋大帅收降了章、马三个大头子做统领。一时议论纷纷:也有说给人民造福的;也有说给东三省种祸的。更有那好事的人,特意要到迎宾馆来,看一看章春林、马二麟到底长的是个什么样儿。 宋耳顺自从见着章、马之后,便认定是英雄豪杰,前途不可限量。特择了一个日子,在督署大排筵宴,将全城的官绅俱都请到,为章、马三人贺喜。这些官绅,同他三人全见过了。因为他们曾亲自拜过一回客,这些人一者震惊他们平日的威名,二者知道他们是大帅的红人,谁敢怠慢。一个个全是争先恐后,想来巴结,所以在大帅面前,更要同他三人表示亲密。不大工夫,人客全到齐了。耳顺亲自查点查点,座中只少副都统坤厚,忙叫文巡捕打电话去催。少时电话回来,说坤大人偶染小恙,不能奉陪,改天再过来请安。依耳顺的意思,也就不再请了,偏偏这位章春林章大统领,对耳顺说:“沐恩前天去拜坤大人,也挡驾未见。我们三人,很想拜见这位老大人,也瞻仰瞻仰他的风采,偏巧他今天又病了。不知大帅可有什么法子,请他来吗?”耳顺听春林这样说,不肯驳他的面子,便吩咐巡捕:“快派我的轿子去接坤大人。无论如何,总要枉驾来一趟才好。”两个巡捕一齐应声去了。这里调好了桌面,只候他一个人。本来坤厚并没有病,因为他看不起章、马三人,兼他妹丈喜成阿有信来,诉说章春林绑票历史,怎样可恶,因此他心里益发不痛快,对于宋耳顺招降的事,坚决反对。只恨自己无权力打消,又深悔耳顺未到任时,王九锡也曾同自己商量,要请兵剿匪,那时趁着有权在手,为什么不调动几营人马,前去剿他?纵然不能成功,也可将招降的事无形消灭。如今却酿成这种形势,总怨自己当断不断。他一个人在署中,懊恼得抬不起头来。督署巡捕,带着绿呢大轿一直进来,硬催他到督署去赴宴。坤厚再三推辞。巡捕左一个安,右一个安,将大人叫得震天价响:“只恳求去一趟,卑弁好销差。要不然,大帅不说是大人不去,却怪卑弁请不来,卑弁的饭碗子,可就打碎了。”说罢又跪下磕头。坤厚被他两人挤得无法,只可说了一声“我去”,巡捕便替他喊人拿衣服来,帮着给他换上,连搀带架的,架入轿中。 转眼便抬到督署花厅,耳顺笑嘻嘻地迎上去彼此见礼,拉着坤厚的手,一直拉进客厅。先给他引见章、马三人。这三个人虽然不懂得官礼,九锡却曾告诉过,这省垣之中,除去大帅,便是副都统的官儿顶大了。他也是钦命大员,见了面总要叩头行礼,不能以平等相见的。他三人倒是真听话,见了坤厚,忙不迭地跪下行礼,口称大人上坐,末弁给大人叩头。在他们想着,坤厚一定要搀扶阻拦,哪知坤厚只淡淡地说了一句免参,连腰全不曾弯下去,便同制军到那边暖阁前坐下了。这三人草草磕了一个头,立起身来,羞得无地自容。连在座官绅,也全僵得面面相觑,说不出一句话来。九锡见这情形,深恐他三人恼羞成怒,说出不好听的话来,忙高声道:“坤大人腰腿有病,步履艰难,你们看走路还这样吃力。方才请你三位免参,正是实在话,并不是客套呢。”这几句话,算是将当时的僵局轻轻揭过。章、马三人低下头去,这才没得说了,可是心里依然憋着满腹牢骚,恨不即时发泄。耳顺也看出这种情形来,深悔自己孟浪,不应当接坤厚来赴宴。但事已至此,只得胡乱入座,草草将酒饭吃罢,早早散席,免得再招出旁的事来。今天请的主客本是章、马三个人,自然首席首座,要让章春林。春林也不推辞,便昂然上座,第二座是马二麟,三座是章明夷,第四座才让到坤厚。坤厚见这三人踞他之上,心里的火气益发按捺不住。几杯酒下了肚,忽然朝着九锡厉色问道:“你此次晋省来,不是为喜成阿绑票的案子吗?这案中的要犯,到底是谁?二十万赎款,能否原封拿回?你到底也要有一个下文。难道糊里糊涂就过去不成吗?”说完了,瞪着两只眼,只看章春林。此时把一个老奸巨猾的王九锡,也吓得直眉瞪眼,满面焦黄,急切间答不上一句话来。宋大帅更吓得手足无措。在座官绅,吓得面面相觑,仿佛大祸就在眼前。在这一停顿间,忽见章春林将酒杯向桌上一摔,哈哈一阵狂笑,向坤厚道:“姓坤的,你要问绑喜成阿的是谁吗?你要往近处看,就是我章春林章老太爷。你难道还有什么过不去的意思吗?来来来……”说罢从怀中掏出盒子炮。若问坤厚性命如何,且看下回分解。
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