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Chapter 49 The forty-sixth chapter: the inside story, money and God's harvest, the effect of the unification revolution, the budding of the revolution

Taking advantage of the wine, Kun Hou complained a lot, pointed at Sang and Huai, and lost his temper at Zhang Chunlin.He thought that since Chunlin became an official, he had to obey the official rules, no matter how much he scolded him, he would never retaliate, so he was happy to give him a blow first at this time, so that he could discipline him as a superior in the future.Unexpectedly, he had made a mistake to stabilize the star, Chunlin was wild and unruly, he talked about shooting people with cannons if he didn't speculate in a few words, how could he listen to this, when the sparks of time burst out, he took out the box and fired, It is necessary to fight hard with Kun Hou.Fortunately Ma Erlin was sitting side by side with him and hastily grabbed his wrist.Wang Jiuxi pulled Kunhou to the inner gate.At this moment, Kun Hou's face turned pale with fright.Originally, most of my friends in Qi were fake bachelors: when people refused to recruit him, he would always oppress them;Kun Houwan didn't expect Chunlin to show such a face to deal with him. When he saw the bright box cannon, he was completely frightened.Fortunately, Ma Erlin was quick and never allowed him to pull the trigger.Wang Jiuxi was afraid of causing trouble, so he hurriedly dragged Kun Hou away.Everyone here persuaded Chunlin, saying that the commander should not be angry, as the saying goes that those who do not know do not commit crimes.Mr. Kun really doesn't know, if he knew, he would never tell.Commander quickly put away the gun and drink as usual.Song Ershun poured a cup himself, called Chunlin's name and said, "Ruqing, you drink wine, don't lose your temper!" Ma Erlin and Zhang Mingyi also persuaded: "Why are you doing this! Don't look at others, you have to look at the big What a handsome face! You care about yourself like this, how can you tell the commander-in-chief to be worthy of his colleagues!" Chunlin sneered, and said that I really have bones when I hear him say such rude words!It turned out that when he saw the gun, he went limp and paralyzed.Such things that are not frightened are also distributed horizontally.To tell you the truth, I was just trying to frighten him.If you really want his life, can you wait until now?Speaking of putting the box cannon away, he asked Song Ershun for peace and said, "Mu En was just reckless and surprised the commander. It's really a sin. Please forgive me." Ershun smiled and said, "You are exactly the same The true nature of a hero, but the official ceremony is a bit too unreasonable. Master Kun is always your boss, even if you reprimand you face to face, you will have to bear it. Besides, he didn't talk to you, why did you make such a trick? ? If the censor finds out, read the first book, even I can’t stand it! If you eat at a bar, you always have to pay him a gift.” Chunlin said: “If you pay a gift, you can pay him a gift, there’s nothing wrong with that .” After finishing speaking, he drank seven or eight cups.Er Shun heard that he would promise to make amends, so he asked Kun Hou to make peace.

At this moment, Kun Hou was sitting on a grand teacher's chair in the inner room, panting heavily.Standing beside him, Jiuxi kept beckoning, saying: "Your Excellency, don't get so angry, you always complain about your bad conduct. Sooner or later, I will ask him to kowtow to your lord to apologize." Kun Hou just shook his head and said nothing. No words.Er Shun came in, came in front of Kun Hou, took his hand and said with a smile: "Zi Zhong, don't be angry. He is a reckless and uneducated person, why should you be as knowledgeable as him. Everything depends on brother's sake, please forgive me." Let him go." Seeing Ershun in front of his eyes, Kun Hou unconsciously burst into tears.He choked up and said: "Wansheng has been an official for more than 20 years, and he has never been bullied like this. Since the commander has taken such a good arm, we don't need us anymore. Wansheng will hand over the paper tomorrow, and ask the original to rest. If it’s done, you can still save this life. Otherwise, sooner or later, you will have to die by his hands.” After saying that, he almost burst into tears.Seeing him like this, Ershun was both ridiculous and pitiful.He hurriedly persuaded him again and again: "I asked him to make an apology to you, and I must tell you to take this breath." Kun Hou said: "Forget it, who is Wansheng? Dare to work for him, Commander Zhang, to make an apology." Jiu Xi hurriedly Blocked the way: "Forget it, why should my lord have the same knowledge as his rough man. This time when Zhidao went to talk about surrendering him, he tried to assassinate Zhidao over and over again. It is very courageous to make mistakes in non-jobs, and there is a kind of self-defense. Martial arts, his life has long been in his hands. However, for the sake of saving the people of the three provinces, the commander-in-chief has taken the initiative to do this matter. Otherwise, whoever commits the crime will be angry with him! My lord is wronged It can be regarded as being accepted by the people. At present, a lot of right and wrong can be avoided. In the future, if he is not controlled, the commander-in-chief will naturally have a way to deal with him, and he must not let his temperament run rampant in the three eastern provinces." Kun Hou was killed by Jiuxi. A set of words, speechless to answer, I just lowered my head and said nothing.At this time Ershun went out again, and came in with Chunlin in a blink of an eye.Chun Lin walked up to Kun Hou, greeted him deeply, and said with an apologetic smile on his face, "The last general of Shicai offended you with his words. Please don't be offended. Your Excellency is the prime minister's heart, so don't talk to us people from the mountains and fields." Angry. From now on, the general must obey your lord's orders in everything, and your lord should invite you to drink in the outer room." Chunlin apologized here, and Ma Erlin, Zhang Mingyi, and several high-ranking officials and gentry also came in. , to help Chunlin persuade Kunhou.Seeing the face of so many people and Chunlin's soft words, Kun Hou had no choice but to go down the steps, and said to Chunlin, "Commander Zhang, why be so polite. I was lying just now to make you unhappy. Don't talk to each other. Since we are officials in the same city, we will get closer in the future so that we don't misunderstand each other." Song Ershun laughed when he saw that the two had reconciled, and said that this really echoed the ancient saying, don't fight We don't know each other anymore.After finishing speaking, he took Kunhou with one hand and Chunlin with the other, and went outside for a drink together.The poisonous mist and melancholy clouds suddenly turned into auspicious wind and auspicious mist.Everyone laughed and cheered, and praised the two of them for their generosity.

In fact, Chunlin's behavior, according to the market, is called crying and laughing. Treating Kunhou like a child is simply a bachelor's behavior.In Kun Hou's recognition, it is a face, but it is a shame!After all Kunhou tolerated so much, it seemed that Chunlin should not hold grudges anymore, but in his heart, he still couldn't resolve it, and he made up his mind that when the opportunity arises, he must kill Kun Hou.But at the banquet in front of him, the elders were older than the elders, and they were very flattering to Kunhou.A banner man who is a son of a family, how can he compete with his domineering Xiaojie.After we finished eating, we talked for a while before slowly dispersing.Er Shundan left Zhang and Ma in the office, and earnestly persuaded him again: "In the future, you must never be so self-willed again. As an official of the court, you must take care of your own decency, and you must also take care of others' decency. The future is bright. If you want to be too self-willed, your future will be greatly hindered. At the beginning, Chen Guorui put down the Nian bandits, and he was the greatest hero for a while. If he didn't lose his temper, he would strictly abide by the official rules and serve as the admiral , It has already been done. Just because he was unrestrained and insulted his superiors face to face, so he was sent to the military platform to serve, and all the previous achievements were wiped out. Do you think it is a pity?" Follow the commander-in-chief's lesson, and never dare to be reckless and self-willed again.Only then did Ershun bring tea to the guests.The three of them returned to the inn, and Jiu Xi earnestly persuaded them.Since then, Chunlin's temper has become much calmer than before.Followed by their team, they all drove to the provincial capital one after another.These three people didn't understand the rules of the camp, so Wang Jiuxi instructed them how to make the camp.Fortunately, the Food and Rating Bureau has plenty of silver, which can be taken out casually to buy all the military uniforms.In less than two months, it has been completely new.They are stationed in four passes, but they train every day.Marshal Song read the exercises himself, and sure enough, he has a clear banner, a strong man and a strong horse, and he deserves to be the number one team in the three eastern provinces.Song Ershun read it and said it, so he was naturally very satisfied.Returning to the office, he praised Wang Jiuxi greatly, saying that it is all due to you, and the department will definitely recommend it exclusively, and within two or three years, you will be able to establish a government and a province.Jiuxi asked An to thank him, and said to Ershun: "The job is in the provincial capital, and it has been delayed for more than three months. Now his three-person team has been organized, and it's time for the job to go back. Today is in front of the commander-in-chief. Farewell, and you can get up tomorrow morning." Er Shun said: "Why are you so busy? I will prepare a little wine tomorrow for your farewell party. You may as well get up the day after tomorrow." Jiuxi thanked him and replied, "Professional way This time I live in the province, I don’t know how many times the Commander-in-Chief has enjoyed meals. If it’s a farewell farewell, thank you and dare not be. There is only one thing, I have to ask the Commander-in-Chief to do his best to solve the problems in the career path, and I will return to the post in the future It's easy to do things; otherwise, Zhidao really dare not go back." Er Shun asked with a smile: "If you have any difficulties, just tell me, and I will take care of it for you." Jiuxi said: "This time, Zhidao is promoted In the province, because of the case of Xicheng being kidnapped by Zhang Chunlin, he asked Mr. Xi for a time limit and came to catch the thief. Now that the thief didn't take it, he went back empty-handed, and he couldn't explain it; Said to surrender. I think Master Lai Kun must have a letter telling him how he is willing to let go of the same job? This time, he must be angry when he goes back. He is also a powerful gentleman, how dare he resist him, sooner or later. How can you bear the anger? You must ask the commander-in-chief to relieve it on your behalf, please don’t make things difficult for me.” Ershun pondered for a while, and said: “Yes, yes. You go back and look for Ronghou, the head of the Bureau of Grain and Rating. He negotiated and asked him to reimburse an extra 100,000 yuan in the establishment expenses of Zhang and Ma. The 100,000 yuan will be brought to Xicheng by you. I will add a letter saying yes The special gift, although it is less than twenty, he finally got half of it back, so naturally there is nothing to say, this matter will not be completely resolved." Jiuxi was delighted and grateful at the same time, and hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed to thank you Shuai Yucheng's virtue.Ershun said to him again: "The court's decree will arrive sooner or later. I sent another private letter to the Minister of Military Aircraft, urging them to publish it quickly. When you come back, tell Zhang and Ma that they should not be impatient. I can't run away." Jiu Xi repeatedly agreed, and then he left.Everything was followed by ear to ear, and they contacted each other separately. Xicheng's hurdle was finally passed.

Zhang and Ma are of course eager to see through the matter of fame and fame.It is said that when Ershun was in favor, how could it be written up and not published after many dates?It turns out that there is also a reason for it.Because Ershun's copy was handed over to the regent, just in time for the governor of the two lakes, Xiang's copy was also handed over.Ershun is the official who recommended Zhang and Ma Zongbing, the deputy general; Xiangcheng is the commander-in-chief of Yuyang Town, Hubei Province and the commander of the 13th town. , And to remove the control, downgraded to the association, to show the light punishment.These two papers were handed over at the same time, causing the regent to hesitate.I figured in my heart why Song Ershun took a fancy to these three civilians. It was too outrageous for Wu to be a second-rank official and Wen to be a magistrate.As for Li Tianhong, I once heard Xiang Zicheng and Tie Muxian praise him, saying that he is a good general, and he is clean and honest, he loves soldiers, and he is an outstanding talent in the control of the towns.Why did Xiangcheng join him so vigorously within two months of his appointment? What is the reason?Yixiang and Tie are known as Zhibing. Could it be that there are still mistakes?This thing is too strange.It seems that these two excerpts are full of inaccuracies.I will hold it up for the time being, and ask the Minister of Military Aircraft to investigate and investigate in detail, and then it will not be too late to issue an order.After making up his mind, he called Enwang, Latong, and Yu Shuangren together the next day, showed them these two excerpts, and said, "I think there must be a reason for this, and the three of you can look it up separately. If you find out the truth, come up and play it. If there are many falsehoods in it, you should punish them slightly, so as to prevent the ministers of Fengjiang from deceiving the emperor in vain. Do you think my idea is right?" Tongben is the most flattering, he first played back: "The lord's holy lesson, like a candle burning like a rhinoceros, is not bad at all. The slaves will try to investigate their inside story, so that there is no escape, so that they can help the lord seek treatment." King En said: "My lord is very worried. However, according to the old minister's opinion, Song Ershun is mature and capable, and has a deep heart for the country. He may not be willing to do presumptuous things. Or those three people are all talented in defending the frontier and resisting insults. Not sure. As for Xiangcheng, although his qualifications are a little low, he is considered a rare talent among the Manchus. He said that Li Tianhong is not good, so he must have seen something, so it seems that he is not presumptuous. , It seems that there is no need to worry about him for such a trivial matter. The ancients said, don't let anyone doubt you, and don't let anyone doubt you. I also ask the prince to work hard." Yu Shuangren lowered his head, but he didn't make a sound.The regent said: "You two are right in what you said, but you should be more careful in the affairs of the world. You go down and check and ask for orders." After saying that, he retreated from the court, and the three returned to their homes.King En hurriedly passed on the copy, and wrote to Song Xiang and the two, telling the regent's refusal to read the letter, and told him how Latong played back, why Yu Shuangren kept silent, and told them to try to arrange it early, so that they don't wait for the temporary truth. hit a snag.

Song Ershun's aspect will not be mentioned for the time being.Simply put, why did Xiangcheng join Li Tianhong?It turned out that there was a dark curtain hidden in it.Among the banner people, Xiangcheng was born as a son of a senior official. His father was a minister of the household department and a scholar of Tiren Pavilion.He has been a first-class student since he was a child, worked as an errand in the Ministry of Industry in his teens, and worked as a doctor in the Ministry of Materials and Estimation in his twenties.This accounting institute is the first rich organization of the Ministry of Industry.Because he specializes in engineering, such as the empress dowager, if he wants to build a palace or a garden pavilion, the official of the Ministry of Industry will issue an order, and he has to submit the order to the dispatching and evaluating office, and then the materials and evaluating office will find it. Major factories, drawing samples including repair.The bosses of all factories must first curry favor with the officials of the materials and estimation institutes, and then they can recruit official workers.This project may cost tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands. In fact, it may not be a tenth of the materials used, but four or five tenths must be used to honor the officials of the Ministry of Industry and the officials of the Material Estimation Institute.One person in the palm print doctor can get three or four ten points, and the rest will be divided equally.Xiangcheng worked as a doctor in the forecasting office for three years. Just in time for the Empress Dowager Cixi to start construction projects, he had three or four million yuan left by himself, and he often said to his family, "I must make up ten million yuan." Only by counting can you give up. The ancients said that He Qiao is addicted to money, and I am confident that He Qiao will be reborn." Therefore, someone who knew it gave him a nickname, called Saihe Qiao.

He has served for three years and can be promoted to censor according to his rank.He said that whoever had the patience to be a poor official spent 70,000 silver in the Ministry of Officials, and chose the magistrate of Yangzhou in the south of the Yangtze River.This mansion is the best in Jiangnan.He still thought it was not enough, so he did everything possible to move Su Song's army to prepare for the way.This lack of Taoism is the number one in the country, and it is the so-called Shanghai Taoism.Because of the escrow tariffs and the purchase of gold pounds to repay foreign debts, there is a huge discrepancy.Anyone who has done this, such as Sheng Xuanhuai, Lu Haihuan, Yuan Shuxun, etc., is not rich in tens of millions.When Xiangcheng came to Jiangsu, what he hoped for was this lack of Taoism.However, his class is still not enough, so he will stay in Yangzhou Prefecture for the time being.Later, when Yuan Shuxun was promoted to be a director, he let go of his hands to exercise.It's just what people want, and it only cost 200,000 silver to buy and buy. The governor of Liangjiang specially discounted the secret security, saying that he "is worthy of great use. If he can be promoted to supplement Su Song's military preparations, he will be more than capable."The minister of military aircraft tried his best to push the hub in front of the empress dowager, and the empress dowager also remembered that when he was in the forecasting office, he was quick in handling things, young and promising, and he was right.Emperor Huanghuang's decree: "Xiangcheng is going to give Su Song a military preparation. This is your honor." After receiving the decree, Xiangcheng spent a few more money, and he took office immediately without being summoned in Beijing.No one in Shanghai has ever worked for two years, but he did it for two years and three months before he was promoted to Guangxi director.In Guangxi for half a year, he was appointed as a feudal secretary, and he was promoted from the feudal secretary to the governor of Anhui. It has been smooth sailing.Less than ten years after he was released from Beijing, he opened his residence in Wanjiang and became a big official in Xinjiang.He was originally from a wealthy family, so the knowledge of courtship has been passed down from generation to generation, so naturally he should be outstanding.Since Zaifeng was regent and King En came to power, he has changed his methods and spared no expense to buy all kinds of rare treasures from various provinces and overseas, and he will make contributions every year and every season.And for the elders of the Eight Banners, they also give gifts from time to time, which is very flattering.Therefore, the banner officials inside and outside the court all praised Xiangcheng as a rising star and a first-class talent.So this time Song Ershun defeated Ding Dasheng, and Zaifeng wanted to make him the governor of the two lakes.All ministers of military aircraft, from King En down, agree.The next day, the decree was issued: "The Governor of the two lakes issued a supplementary award. This is hereby." While decreeing the decree, the cabinet sent a telegram to Anhui.After Xiang submitted it for reading, he danced with joy, and hurriedly asked the copywriting office to quickly draft Xie En's papers and private letters to Xie Enwang and the military planes.Of course, the book said that he wanted to meet His Majesty Jin Jing, listen to the hadith, and follow it, but in fact, he had already entrusted King En to him.When the zhezi went up, he drew up a few sentences of imperial criticism, which were "the two lakes are important places, and the supervisors should take up their posts immediately, and there is no need to come to Beijing to see them. I respect this".When Xiangcheng received the decree, he couldn't wait for Zhu Baotian to take over the post of governor of Anhui, so he first appointed the feudal secretary to take over the post, and then went to Wuchang to take over the seal with his family and many entourages.

Ding loudly knew that the new appointment had arrived, so he hurriedly sent an order to rush to explain.Li Tianhong, the deputy general of the Chinese army, was also sent to see Xiangcheng first and ask for instructions to receive the seal on a certain day.When Li Tianhong saw Xiangcheng, he kowtowed and saluted, then paid his respects and stood aside.Xiangcheng sat on it, unmoved.Ordinarily, the deputy general of the Chinese army, commonly known as Du Zhongxie, is the governor's Chinese army. In terms of rank, he is also a second rank.If the governor is more humble, he must be polite and offer a seat when they first meet.Unexpectedly, this Xiangcheng was extremely proud, he looked at the Chinese army as if they were his family members, raised his head and asked nonchalantly, "What's your name?" Li Tianhong bowed and replied, "The last general's name is Li Tianhong. " Xiangcheng was a little displeased when he heard that he called himself the last general, "Why don't you call yourself Mu En, what's the reason for calling you the last general?" Dare to pretend to be Mu En; in the future, if you can often serve the commander-in-chief, of course you will be called Mu En, and you dare not be called the last general." Xiangcheng was pushed back with a few words, although he was unhappy in his heart, he had nothing to say in face.He asked again: "What is your fame now?" Tianhong replied: "The last general is a registered soldier, in command of the thirteenth town of the Hubei Army, acting as the deputy general of the Chinese army." Xiangcheng sneered: "Your official title Quite a lot! What do you mean by coming today?" Tianhong said: "The last general will report today, one is to congratulate the commander-in-chief; the other is to ask the commander-in-chief Ding for instructions. I will receive the seal one day, so I can prepare everything." Xiangcheng said: "This time the headquarter hall came to Hubei, and even the emperor's family was exempted from seeing your majesty. It can be seen that there can be no delay for a moment. I should receive the seal today. Jun is an old senior, I can't bear to embarrass him too much, let's pick it up tomorrow."

Li Tianhong replied yes, and it was inconvenient to say anything to him, so he asked for his peace, and withdrew.Go to the Superintendent's Office and report to Fu Ding loudly, saying that the new Taiwan will come to accept printing tomorrow.He frowned loudly and said, "How can there be such a haste? He has to let others explain!" Tianhong sighed and said, "Return to Commander, don't bother with him. I will hand over the seal to him tomorrow and let him go." Go." Hearing Tianhong say this loudly, he asked what Xiangcheng was like.Tianhong said: "I don't look like a gentleman, and the words I speak are especially inhuman; the smoke on my face is more than three feet thick; and it's blue and yellow, and I can tell it's a smoke-colored ghost at a glance; That kind of proud voice is especially capable of repelling people thousands of miles away. This kind of person was also sent by the imperial court to be a concurrent official! If Mu En said a sinful word, the power of the Qing Dynasty will soon be exhausted." Listening loudly, He hurriedly waved to him and said, "My brother, don't talk nonsense. We are ministers, how can we talk about the court casually. Since he will accept the seal tomorrow, let's prepare as soon as possible." Come to meet the boss.Ding hurriedly ordered to come to the flower hall in a loud voice, and he hurriedly put on his crown and tied his belt, and came out to meet the guests.We talked a few polite words when we met, and looked at his expression aloud. If what Li Tianhong said was exactly what he said, he refused to talk nonsense and promised to hand in the seal tomorrow.The only thing is that it will take half a month to clarify everything. After the confession, the supervisor will be able to clear it up when I bring my family back to my hometown. Everything must be forgiven.It seems that it is too late for Xiangcheng's intention, but half a month passed in a blink of an eye, and he loudly promised to hand in the seal, and he himself temporarily lived outside, and he also gave orders in the same way; to urge others to vacate the house early, it seems to be out of affection Too much to say.I had no choice but to agree, and then I left.Following Ding loudly, he went back to worship again.All civil and military bureaucrats know that the new commander-in-chief will take over the seal tomorrow, so no one will scramble to curry favor with each other.Therefore, the new governor's office is full of traffic; the governor's yamen is full of people.This is the official practice, not surprising.Only Li Tianhong, the Superintendent of the Central Association, was born loyal and mature, and refused to learn the coldness of the world. He was still helping to handle the confession in the Superintendent's Office.But at this time, the new governor Xiangcheng also had various things to call on the Chinese army.Seeing that Li Tianhong was not in Xingyuan, he became more and more annoyed, so he immediately hung up a sign saying: "Li Tianhong, the deputy general of the Chinese Army who supervises the bid, will be suspended as indicated." Show".

Do you know who this leopard is?It is the military patrol of the Nanyang minister Zhuang Zhishan described in the sixth chapter.He later followed Zhishan and returned to his original post as governor of the two lakes.Zhishan cherished him very much, guaranteed three guarantees and five guarantees, so he was guaranteed to be a registered soldier, and he was actually awarded the supervising bid as a deputy general of the Chinese army, and he gave him one of his most favored maids as his wife.This leopard is becoming more and more arrogant, and the military power in Hubei Province is almost controlled by him alone.Later, Zhuang Zhishan was transferred to Beijing for internal use, and the governor was replaced by Ding Dasheng.Because of concerns about Zhuang Zhongtang's face, Lou Dao supervised the bid as a deputy general of the Chinese army, and still ordered Zhang Bao to be re-elected.However, he investigated secretly and knew that his official reputation was very bad, so he was transferred to the command of the twelve towns, vacating the vacancy of the Supervisory Association, and Li Tianhong was appointed to act.Ding Zhijun took a fancy to Tianhong, saying that he was worthy of great use, and he supervised the Zhongxie and led the thirteen towns.Tianhong is very cautious.Although he has two important tasks, he is diligent and cautious in his duties, and he dare not be careless in the slightest.And he still has one unreachable place, which is to be kind to the next.All the officers and soldiers in this town love each other like father and brother, and they really work together. Even a fireman mentioned Li Tongzhi, and he was all grateful to him.Ding Zhijun lived in Hubei for three years, and he really trusted Li Tianhong from the bottom of his heart.Li Tianhong also tried his best to serve this Marshal Ding.However, in the past two or three years, Tianhong's influence has been formed in the military circle, and even the people in Zhang Bao's town are all interested in Li Tong's control.It's no wonder that Tianhong not only paid the army's monthly salary and clothes for the four seasons on time, but sometimes he even used his own money to reward the army.That's not the case with the leopard. The monthly salary is always backlogged for one or two months; Sharing the public share and giving dry gifts caused a lot of complaints.Everyone scolded him when they mentioned him, and praised Li Tianhong when they mentioned him.He didn't blame himself for being mean, but said that Tianhong had plundered the beauty of the city, and he felt very resentful in his heart.Because when Tianhong was in charge of the Association, Zhang Bao was already in charge, and he was finally his old subordinate. Therefore, he still treated Zhang Bao very respectfully and treated him with courtesy from his superiors.Although Zhang Bao resented, he couldn't find Tianhong's flaw, so he had no choice.

It just so happened that this time the new governor, Xiangcheng, came to the post, and he thought he could take advantage of it, so he did everything possible to curry favor with Xiangcheng, and first handed over Xiangcheng's personal servant.His surname was Guo and his name was Erli. He was born in Beijing singer Xiaodan. Because he lost his voice, he changed his career to be a family member.Fan Xiangcheng takes care of food and living all by himself, and he is more favored than concubine Ji.This Er Li was originally a villain and a woman, seeing his master love him so much, he would be arrogant and despise everything, he dared to do anything like recruiting power and accepting bribes.Therefore, those shameless people in the officialdom will all scramble to curry favor with Guo Erye.Since I can make the second master happy, I can get everything that is lacking in exercise, and everything is as I wish.Since Zhang Bao got this way, he immediately gave five thousand silver to Erli, and worshiped him as a brother with a different surname.Erli asked him what job he wanted to ask for?Zhang Bao told how Li Tianhong snatched the vice-general of the Chinese army who supervised the bid because he was vacant that day.Now that Xiangshuai is in office, no matter what, I ask my virtuous brother to do my best for me and restore my position as the supervisor of the Chinese Association.Erli thought for a while, and said: "This matter is a little difficult to handle. One is that the Superintendent of the Central Association is the first threshold for the commander. It is a well-known advantage and deficiency in the whole country. If you don’t spend a few dollars, the higher-ups may not be willing to accept you easily. When we left Anhui, the former Fuzhong Shen Lao Bao also asked someone to ask the commander-in-chief to transfer him. As far as Hubei, he was still in the Chinese army and served the commander-in-chief, but the commander-in-chief never recognized it. Later, he was willing to pay 20,000 yuan, but the commander-in-chief said that the Hubei Superintendent of the Zhongxie was only worth 20,000 yuan, and told him to take his money Come on. Listening to this tone, you must think it is too little. At this time, if you want to get it for nothing, how can you do it?" Zhang Bao said with a smile: "My brother, brother Yu has been an official for twenty years, don't you even know this? Don't know at all? How much money should be spent, my brother must not spend one less than others. Now I only hope that there is one person who can understand the news. Brother Yu wants to get rid of the good brother, and there is no suitable person anymore." Er Li said: "I Of course I can say it, but I’m not sure if it’s true. If it’s going to happen, I’ll show you a way, and you’ll be able to practice it yourself. I’ll make an introduction first, and then I’ll ask her to grind it out. Don’t be afraid of big troubles Shuai doesn't agree." Zhang Bao hurriedly asked where is the door?Er Lidao: "The seventh concubine of the commander-in-chief, this person is from Lujiang, Anhui. Her surname is Ma and her name is Fenglan. She was dedicated to the commander-in-chief by Bi Mingui, the prefect of Luzhou prefecture. Since the commander-in-chief got her, she has been inseparable. It is regarded as a living treasure. As long as the seventh concubine says a word, it is more important than a decree from the current prince regent. Brother, since you want to supervise the CCP, you have no choice but to take advantage of her." Zhang Bao said "It's difficult again! He's the handsome concubine. Could it be that we, as subordinates, can report to see his concubine by name?" Erli laughed and said, "Of course you are not able to see your concubine as subordinates. But you My wife, can’t I still see my aunt?” One sentence reminded Zhang Bao, and he clapped his hands unconsciously: “After all, my brother has high knowledge and quick ideas. I will send my sister-in-law to greet my wife when I turn around. A gift, as a resource for getting acquainted. You have to ask my younger brother to introduce it, otherwise, it will be futile to go back and forth!" Er Li said: "You can take care of yourself at this level. When my wife comes to visit, I can always lead her in What do you think of Mrs. Qi’s embroidering room?” Zhang Bao thanked again and again: “It’s great if you can do this! Are you afraid that you won’t be able to succeed? Before it’s too late, I’ll go get some presents.” After saying that, he left.

Back at the mansion, I discussed with his wife Zhuang Juying.The lady's name was Juying. Because she was the maid of the Zhuang's house, she assumed her surname as Zhuang, and she claimed to be Zhuang Zhongtang's niece to outsiders.Those who know the bottom line only laugh secretly, but anyone who dares to flatter her in face calls her Mrs. Zhuang.Madam grew up in the Zhongtang Mansion since she was a child. She has seen all situations and all rich people;Anyone who sees it can say that she is everyone's lady, worthy of the ruler's wife.Zhang Bao's fame originally came from her, so she really respects this lady like a god and fears her like a teacher.As long as the madam says a word, she will be respected ten times more than receiving an order from the general. This time when Governor Xingyuan came back, he was going to bother his wife to visit Mrs. Seventh Concubine, but when they met, they dared not say anything. I am afraid that Madam would not like to go, and instead she would scold her. Come on with air.When Mrs. Zhuang saw her, she greeted her and shouted: "What's the matter with you? Why are you sighing for no reason? Is the new governor going to dismiss you?" Zhang Bao hurriedly replied: "The new commander-in-chief did not intend to dismiss the official. It's just that the lower official has a difficult matter, which he really can't solve, so he is full of worries, sighs unconsciously, and makes his wife angry." Mrs. Zhuang said: "What's difficult to solve? It's worth it." Zhang Bao said: "Xiaguan recently met a brother-in-law, who is a close friend of the new commander. I want to ask him to exercise and restore my former official of the Supervisory Committee. He said to me: 'This It's not easy to do, unless you can meet the new handsome seventh concubine, as long as the concubine agrees, you will be listed immediately. Madam, please think: I am a man, how can I meet Shangguan's concubine? This matter is hopeless , so the more I think about it, the more sad I feel, and I can't help but sigh." Mrs. Zhuang listened, and said with a sneer: "I think it's something important, so it's a small problem. You dare not go to see her, don't I? Can't you see her?" Upon hearing this, Zhang Bao hurriedly stood up and greeted her deeply.He said with a smile: "Madam is willing to go to see her, and this matter is not unsuccessful. The official had already thought of Madam, but he was afraid that Madam would not condescend and condescend to meet someone else's concubine, so he dared not speak boldly. Now that Madam is willing Go, this is exactly what you wish for. But now there is a lack of sports, and there are too many people, Madam should always go one step ahead, so as not to fall behind." After hearing this, Madam Zhuang burst out: "You men, that's how it is. The problem is too annoying: I dare not even mention a word when people don’t agree; when people promise, you don’t wait for a moment. It’s my freedom to go early and late, do you need to talk?” Zhang Bao touched This nail had no choice but to bow down and apologize, not even admitting it was wrong.Said: "Little official is reckless, madam, don't be angry. I'm just worrying too much. In fact, when madam will go, when can she succeed, how can others compete for the first place?" Madam sneered: "Don't use it soon." I’m not sure if I’ll be successful or not, but do you want me to go empty-handed?” Zhang Bao said, “Of course I have to give presents, but I have to listen to my wife’s instructions on what to give. Mrs. Zhuang thought for a while, and said that since she wanted to be a sports officer, she had to give her something outstanding.As for ordinary gold, silver, pearls and emeralds, he was a man who sealed off the frontier, and he was from a family, so it must not be rare.When I was in Guangdong with Lao Zhongtang, the old man once sent troops to Qiongdao, went deep into Wuzhi Mountain to suppress Shengli.Those Li people's soldiers drove away, and they all went into caves to hide.All the rare treasures left in their homes were searched by officers and soldiers.Some of them were taken out and presented to the middle hall; some of them were rewarded by themselves.It's really strange to say that all those who dedicated to Zhongtang were safe and sound; those who hid themselves were all poisoned by Gu poison later.Some had their limbs rotted off;Zhongtang got more than 200 pieces, all of which are rare treasures that are not easily seen.Among them, the Buddha statues carved with eggplant wood account for the majority.Because those Li people are all superstitious about Buddhism, almost everyone wears a wooden Buddha statue, and the carving is superb, with flying facial features, lifelike.I have begged for four or five from Zhongtang, and they are still pressed against the bottom of the box.I found it out, but it is an excellent gift.Coupled with a pair of pearl watches from Switzerland and a pair of Western white gold and diamond rings, these gifts are also worth one or two thousand silver, and they are all rare items.what do you think?Zhang Bao clapped his hands and said: "Sure enough, madam is sensitive. He may not have a place to buy these gifts with money. It's really wonderful. It's just that these things are all madam's dowry. Giving it to others for nothing makes me feel uneasy." Mrs. Zhuang said with a smile: "Come on! Why do you have to make such a hypocrisy? We have an appointment first, and when the official arrives in the future, all the income must be handed over to me for deposit. I can't let you make the decision." Zhang Bao said: "That's natural, do you still need my wife to order? Even now, the subordinate officials have never had a private savings, which one is not in the hands of the wife?" Mrs. Zhuang was happy when he said He immediately asked the servant girl to open the box and take out these things with her own hands.I put on the supplementary clothes of the wife of the second-rank official, set up the carriage, took a long shift and a maid, took the posts, and went straight to the new governor's office. At this time, Zhang Bao arrived early on horseback, and entrusted Guo Erli again and again, saying that your sister-in-law will be here soon, and she will entrust you to lead her in, including gifts and others.After things are done in the future, Brother Yu will thank Brother Chengxian generously.Erli fully agreed.After a while, Mrs. Zhuang arrived, and Erli greeted her in person, and let her into the female living room first.Zhang Bao introduced it to him, saying that this is the new brother-in-law.The madam smiled and said, "My husband's affairs are all dependent on my brothers."The foolish sister-in-law came here this time, on the one hand, she asked her virtuous brother to help; on the other hand, when she visited the Seventh Concubine here, she also had to ask her virtuous brother to report on her behalf.This meager gift is for my concubine, as a plaything, I ask my virtuous brother to present it for me.After finishing speaking, the maid took a brocade box and opened it for Guo Erli to see.Erli looked at it carefully, and said that he had seen many rings and watches, but he had never seen this statue of Qinan in his life!Keeping these gifts will please my aunt.Please ask my sister-in-law to condescend here for a while, and the younger brother will go up and answer, and I will come here to ask.After all, he went alone with the gift. Sure enough, without much effort, he came out with a smile and said please to Mrs. Zhuang.夫人款步随他进去,穿廊绕槛,来至最后的一进房子,小巧玲珑,是两明一暗。二立到门前,高声喊道:“张太太到!”里面应了一声,立刻出来两名丫鬟,全在十四五岁,明眸皓齿,穿的衣服十分华丽。出了屋门,一个打起帘笼来,一个过去搀扶庄夫人。此时七姨太太已经迎出门来,彼此正走一个碰头。二人不免相看一番,这位七姨太太,年纪不过十八九岁,细长身条,瓜子脸儿,长眉细目,裙下两只天足,很有个时下美人的态度;庄夫人虽然三十多岁,却是天生少面,看神气也不过二十出头,面似银盆,天生富丽,很有个官太太的威仪。 二立在旁边替给引见,说这位就是七姨太太,这位是张统制的夫人。七姨太太忙过去携了庄夫人的手,笑道:“我们新来乍到,还不曾到公馆去给张太太请安,怎么倒先劳张太太枉礼先施,还送给我们这样稀奇的礼物,实在太客气了。”庄夫人笑道:“宪姨太太说哪里话?我们做属员的,礼应先来禀安。至于微薄之品,更算不得礼物,何劳宪姨太太挂齿。”二人谦恭着已经进了住室。庄夫人一定要磕头给宪姨太太叩喜。七姨太太再三拦阻,说:“那可使不得,我一个小小年纪,怎敢受夫人的礼!还折受坏了呢。”庄夫人道:“这是国家体制所关,不能专论年纪的,一定还要行礼。”七姨太太拉住她的手,一死向屋里让。庄夫人见她这样恳切,只得罢了。一同进了里屋,分宾主坐定。七姨太太倒是有说有笑,并没有一点宪太太的身份。后来听说庄夫人是庄中堂的侄女,知道人家出自名门,益发动了钦慕之心。更兼庄夫人谈吐应酬,本是唯一的惯技,真是随机应变,处处能得人的欢心,所以七姨太太一面之后,便认为生平第一好友。自己首先开口,一定要同庄夫人拜为干姐妹。庄夫人听了,自然是喜之不胜;但是面子上不能不谦恭一番,先做出很惊异的样子来答道:“宪姨太太,说的哪里话?我们一个武职属员的家眷,怎敢同宪太太结为异姓姐妹,这真是拿职妇开心了!我们是万万不敢依从的。”七姨太太笑道:“你愿意也得依我,不愿意也得依我。这些假谦恭面子话,趁早不必说了。”说着便跪下去,一定要认庄夫人做姐姐。庄夫人也只得跪下还礼,便改口道:“既然妹妹这样抬举我,愚姐再不认可,真是不识抬举了。”两边的丫鬟们忙去扶她二人起来,又给她二人叩头道喜。 登时间这个风声传出来,合宅的家人仆妇,全知道七姨太太同张统制的太太拜了干姐妹,谁不上来磕头讨喜钱?不大工夫,乌压压地站满了一院子人。庄夫人拉着七姨太太到外边受过礼,立刻从怀中取出票夹儿来,点了二百块钱交通银行的票子,交给丫鬟拿下去,给大家做赏钱。众家人仆妇,见庄夫人这样慷慨大方,立刻便歌功颂德,说:“到底是中堂家的小姐,与众不同。我们七姨太太结了这样一位好姐妹,真正可喜可贺。”不大工夫,连祥呈也知道了。因为要讨姨太太的欢心,便也跟着凑趣,吩咐厨房里预备上好的燕菜席,款待庄夫人。自己还亲身出来周旋,把姐姐叫得山响。庄夫人倒是规规矩矩,不肯失了她那大家小姐的身份。可是谈吐应酬,确比她那现任的两湖总督,还高十倍。 祥呈知道他是庄中堂家的人,中堂在当日,曾做过十几年的两湖总督,而且政声卓著,在全国之中,全称为模范省。如今遇着庄家的人,自不免要探听一番。庄夫人借着他这一问,便竭力地铺张扬厉,说先中堂在两湖时候,两湖地方,真乃是路不拾遗,夜不闭户。而且治军兴学,样样关系国家的命脉。我中国新军,是从湖北首先练起,所有军界的人才,全是他老人家创办武备学堂,亲手造成的,这一座武备学堂,每年经费,总需百万开外。凡学生身上穿的,嘴里吃的,下至漱口净面,一切零用之物,无不出自公家。学堂的规模,固然是很大了,至于内容的完美,连欧美各国人来参观,全称为全球第一,自愧不如。所以湖北学生,没有到外国去学武备的。先中堂常说:“外国的武备学校,还不如我这里设备完备。他们只能派人到湖北留学,湖北的学生,用不着到他那里去。”这就是湖北新军优胜的根基,全是先中堂的心血。至于各种学堂,如工业、商业、师范、美术,凡东西洋所有的,更是应有尽有。还有那兵工厂、制造厂、汉冶萍铁厂,更是先中堂苦心经营,成绩无不优美。到如今提起来,外国人还称叹不已。曾记得有一年,德国聘来一位工程师,是专门制造后膛枪的。定的是两年的合同,谁知他进了工厂,还未到三个月,便要求加薪。他的薪水本是一个月一千四百两,另外有二百两银子零费。他忽然提出条件来,要加三百银子月薪,一百两银子零费,共计两千两了。先中堂如何肯吃这个亏,立时驳斥不准。哪知这外国人竟自辞职不做了。先中堂听了,只捻髯一笑道:“叫他去吧!我工人会造枪,用他不着!”在外国人本是借此要挟,万没想到中堂竟自准了。他便搬出来,住在工厂旁边,倒看中国人会造枪不会造枪。又过了几天,他跑进工厂去实地调查,见中国人造出来的枪,同他手造的一般无二。自己又拆开了看,里面的机件也一宗不缺,一件不错。外国人到此时,还不明白是怎么一回事,索性禀见中堂,当面打听。中堂对他笑道:“你们外国人,自以为心灵手敏,我们样样不如你;你却不知道,自是你造出来的东西,我们一样能造。实对你说,自从你到工厂,我便派了四个聪明绝顶的匠人在你身旁,作为伺候你的下人。你一举一动,全瞒不了他们的眼。这三个月中,将你那造枪的本事,早就毕业了。你出了工厂,有他四个人从旁指挥,一样照常工作。你以为辞了职,我就得停工吗?我劝你以后不要这样。我们中国人,哪一样也不落在你们后头。”那外国人被中堂奚落了一番,只落得垂头丧气而出。由这小事上,就可见出中堂的深心远略了。 祥呈听庄夫人这样滔滔滚滚,诩扬先德,自己只有点头赞叹,却是一句话也答不上来。庄夫人述说完了,只得又折到祥呈身上,说:“大帅此番到两湖来,预料德泽勋名,一定在先中堂以上。这也是湘鄂人民应该享福,所以才得到这样一位大帅,连我们当属下的,也受着庇荫了。”祥呈再三谦逊,说:“兄弟后生新进,怎敢比老中堂,姐姐真是拟于不伦了。”七姨太太在旁边插嘴道:“姐姐,你为什么只管他叫大帅?你既是我的姐姐,便也是他的姐姐;我是你的妹妹,他便是你的妹夫。你以后只管他叫妹夫好了!”庄夫人笑道:“那如何使得?这是皇上家体制攸关,我们当属员的,怎敢那样放肆!”七姨太太仍不答应,说:“这是我们的家庭,不是皇上家的朝廷,你等到皇上家,再招呼他大帅吧。在我们家里,不要闹这假酸文了。”祥呈见姨太太这样说,只得顺着她的意思,说:“内人的话,确是一点不错。以后姐姐不要这样客气了。”庄夫人听祥呈全这样说,便改口道:“既然妹夫不嫌我放肆,我便依实了,但是总觉过于托大,失了官场的体统。”祥呈笑道:“你们汉人,是拘谨惯了。却不知我们旗人,是海阔天空,没有这种计较。”庄夫人吃过了饭,告辞回去。 这一次总算是马到成功,不但同姨太太联络好了,连座上的大帅,也随着认了亲戚。回到公馆中,张豹早就探听明白了,亲自迎出小门以外,不住口地道劳。随夫人来至屋里,又深深请安。说夫人的外交手段,果然超群绝伦。没想到第一次,就联络得这样亲密,将来下官的事,自然唾手可成了。庄夫人哼了一声道:“你先慢着欢喜,你别看我同人家姨太太拜盟,便认着你的事可以成功。你要知道,这不过是表面上的联络,还过不着说私话呢!那祥大帅有个绰号,叫赛和峤,是天生的爱钱,若专指着面子,不花真本钱,恐怕未必能成功。不过有一条内线,比人家少花几个,那就便宜极了。你究竟想花多少钱运动这个缺?趁早儿对我实话实说,不用吞吞吐吐的,净想找便宜。”张豹道:“这事还用夫人吩咐吗?下官已经备好了万金,专候夫人提用。如果不够,还可以再想法子。”庄夫人道:“办着看吧。我自能相机行事,也不能预先定规。” 第二天七姨太太过来回拜,张家预备的筵席尤其丰盛。张豹也出来相陪,恭恭敬敬的,一口一个宪姨太太。这宪姨太太倒是脱略形迹,把姐夫叫得山响。张豹再三谦逊不敢当,七姨太太却执意要论亲戚不准论官属。庄夫人吃过饭后,将她让至密室,低言悄语,将运动督中协的话,详细说了。并说:“这是为你姐夫争一口气。大帅那边,要多少使费,我们如数奉上,一个也不敢短少。”七姨太太笑道:“这一点小事还讲的什么钱不钱?我回头对他说,叫他明天挂牌就是了。”庄夫人道:“妹妹,你不要说这大话!官事是论不得私情的。再说大帅不同旁人,他外号叫赛和峤。对于银钱,无论谁说话,也是不能通融的。如今借妹妹鼎力,能够比旁人少花几个,我们就感恩不尽了。你要一定满送人情,倒许把事情闹僵,那时更不好办呢。”七姨太太想了一想,说姐姐果然说得对,那老东西爱钱如命,是一点也不错。究竟姐夫运动这缺,想花多少钱呢?庄夫人道:“听说大帅来的时候,已经有人许到两万块钱,他却不曾答应,可见心思很高了。但是我们哪有这许多钱,连两万的数儿,也出不到,就想在一万以内,妹妹替我们做到,我们夫妻俩,就感恩不尽了。”七姨太太笑道:“人家两万不成,你们只出一万,这明明是把个难题硬扣在我头上去做,姐姐你也太狡狯了。”庄夫人连连万福,央给道:“好妹妹!你方才说不用花钱,全能做到,怎么这时候又拿捏起来了?你如果为难,我替你出一个法子,保管一说就成功。”七姨太太忙问是什么法子,庄夫人附在她耳边,告诉如此这般,不怕他不应允。七姨太太笑道:“妙极妙极!但是你们的钱,可现成吗?”庄夫人道:“现成现成。”说着从怀中取出票夹儿来,里面早预备好了的,一千元一张德华银行钞票,一共是十张一万,全交到七姨太太手中。她收好了,立刻辞别庄夫人,仍回总督行辕。先将郭二立叫至密室,吩咐他传知文案处,预备一份委札的公事。公事预备好了,立刻送进来,不准迟延。 二立听说是委张豹做督中协,认着是大帅已经承认了,便喜滋滋地去寻文案处的领袖王邦直。这王邦直本是安徽候补道,祥呈因为他是进士出身,笔下很好,便委任他做抚署文案,一切紧要的公事,全经他手。这次到湖北来,又调他做随员,预备接印之后,便入奏朝廷,实行调至湖北候补。这位先生巴结上司很有工夫。他知道大帅近来最宠的是七姨太太,就变着方法,想得七姨太太欢心。正愁不得其门,二立忽然出来,对他说:“方才七姨太太传大帅的令,叫你赶紧备一份公事,是委第十二镇统制张豹,兼署督标中军副将。即刻便要预备出来,不准迟延。这里面关系着七姨太太,因为张豹的夫人,同她是干姐妹,你总知道的。快快起稿,我这就等着拿进去呢。”王邦直连连答应,一面办公事,一面对二立说:“既然是姨太太当面交派的,我们怎敢怠慢?回头求二爷在姨太太面前替我美言一句,我们做属员的就感激不尽了。”此次庄夫人替张豹运动官缺,一万元正款之外,还另外拿了两千,说明了是打点文案处同监印官的。七姨太太曾交给二立一千,叫他送给文案王邦直,好当日赶出这公事。王邦直听说是姨太太交下来的,哪敢怠慢,即刻就把公事预备好了,并托付二立,在姨太太面前替他吹嘘。二立满口应承,可是一千元自己赏收了。拿着公事进来,见七姨太太,说文案见了一千银子,哪敢怠慢,公事已经预备出来了,请姨太太将它收好了吧。七姨太太将札文藏在怀中,专等祥呈回来,同他说话。 不大工夫,见丫鬟喊道:“大帅来了!”紧跟着祥呈进来。只见他满面怒容,坐在椅子上,一声儿也不响。七姨太太问道:“你倒是为什么生气?怎么一声儿也不言语呢?”祥呈道:“我想凡是做官的人,全是钻热灶火,从没有钻冷灶火的。偏偏这个李天洪,其性与人殊,放着新大帅不来伺候,却跑到老丁面前献殷勤,三请不来,四叫不到。好大的督中协,你也不过是个中军,说白了,就是家人,也敢拿身份、闹排场。你说该死不该死呢?”七姨太太听了,恰合目前的事,便赶着说道:“既然李天洪不好,你不许撤换他吗?”祥呈道:“有什么不能撤换的?不过继任的人,不易物色。”七姨太太道:“有什么不易物色的?那十二镇统制张豹,多年的老军务,而且从前也做过督中协,你不许叫他回任吗?”祥呈道:“张豹的为人,诚然不错。但是这督中协,乃全省著名优缺,难道就白白地给他不成?”七姨太太道:“你看在我姐姐面上,还好意思同他要钱吗?”祥呈笑道:“我的姨太太,你怎么说起呆话来了?咱们做官的人,得先讲钱,不能先讲面子。比如一样的钱,给这个不给那个,这就叫面子。要是一个钱不花,不要说干姐妹,便是亲姐妹,不怕姨太太过意……”祥呈说到这里,又咽住不说了。七姨太太冷笑道:“我替你说了罢。就是亲姐妹,没有钱也不成功,对不对啊?”祥呈见姨太太有点动气了,自己也觉着这话说得太直了,忙和颜悦色地安慰道:“你快不要生气,我这不过是说着玩呢!假如姨太太要真有一位亲姐夫,我便不要一个钱,立刻委他督中协,也未尝不可呀!”七姨太太哼了一声道:“你也不必送这假人情,我虽然没有亲姐姐,但是我认的这位干姐姐,同一母同生也差不多。你要真送人情,便即刻下公事,不必闹这假惺惺,哄我们妇人女子。”祥呈道:“下公事也很容易,但是凭他这作统制的人,当年又是庄中堂部下第一个红角色,手里有的是钱,难道就这样干讨,一点油水也不出吗?”七姨太太道:“人家也没打算干讨啊!我实对你说吧,送你五千块钱,大小是一点人心,你也不必争多论少了。”祥呈大笑道:“帽子哪有差着一尺的?在安徽时候,老鲍想出两万块钱,我都不曾答应。如今四分之一,这事怎能做得到呢?”七姨太太见他不应,便立刻翻了脸,把眼一瞪,说:“你去吧,不要在我屋里胡缠了!你既然爱银子,就叫银子陪着你吃饭睡觉,也用不着我,明天我仍回庐州府去。”说罢一甩袖子,赌气进里间去了。 祥呈见姨太太真动了气,只得心低下气的,又追到里间,说了许多好话。又百般开劝,说:“你也不可太任性子。你想咱们做官,不为的是赚钱吗?多赚几个钱,将来你后半辈子,也好享福,不是专为我自家。”七姨太太道:“既然这样,我承你的情,这笔钱就算我用了吧,什么多多少少你全不要管,你就在公事上画行盖戳就好了。”说到这里,便从怀中把公事取出来,说:“你看这不是现成的委札吗?画行吧!”祥呈做梦也没想到,她把公事先预备出来。这时候要不画行吧,姨太太这一关真不好过;要画行吧,如此美缺,一个钱也捞摸不着,实在有点抱屈。因此他手把着公事,翻来覆去地看,只是不肯动笔。七姨太太等急了,便催道:“你怎么不画啊?”祥呈道:“我一定画,你不要着急。但是我有几句良言劝你,不知你肯听不肯听?”七姨太太道:“你如果说得对,我为什么不听呢?”祥呈道:“你年纪太轻,分不出好坏人来,听人家奉承几句,便引为知己。你因张太太拜干姐妹,那张太太是庄中堂家的人,什么局面全见过,精明老练,你如何斗得了。她同你套近,就为要白得这督中协的缺。我冲你不好说什么。但是你白白地替人帮这忙,一个钱也不得,却是何苦呢?”七姨太太笑道:“你把我真看成呆子了。来来来!你看这是什么?说着从怀中掏出票夹子来,双手打开,扯出一卷票子,给祥呈看,说你瞧这是千元一张,整整十张。你说明不要了,自然是我赏收,难道这还不值你一个行字吗?”祥呈这时候真没得说了,立刻提笔画了行。说:“真便宜张豹!他要同我讲这笔交易,三万块钱,少一个也不成啊!但是你拿着这一万块钱,又有什么用处?还是交给我,我替你存在银行生息,年息七厘,每年准有七百块钱进项,比白放着不强吗?”七姨太太一想也对,便把钱交给祥呈。公事立刻传下去了,第二天便挂出牌来。张豹得到信息,即刻到行辕禀见谢委。祥呈照例勉励了几句。张豹出来,又再三向二立致谢。又托二立陪他去见署中的文案师爷,极力地联络了一番,然后才到协镇衙门去接印。 李天洪早已知道改委了张豹,其实他本人倒是淡淡的毫不介意,以为这样的上司与其终日同他怄气,倒不如爽爽快快让给别人。无奈他手下的营团长,同协署中的文武职员,大家全气愤不平,硬主张不叫张豹接事,倒看他怎样?天洪再三阻拦,说:“那可使不得!这是大帅的命令,我们不服从大帅,便是背叛朝廷。这样的罪名,谁担得起啊?好在他虽夺了督中协,却夺不了十三镇,我早晚带我本镇人马,仍回陨阳镇总兵原任。诸君不乐意伺候他,尽可以随我到陨阳去,何必怄这闲气呢?”大家听天洪这样说,方才不言语了。 少时张豹来接印,天洪将印信及各项公事,全一律交代清楚,然后才回私宅。这里张豹发号施令,大逞威风。偏偏合署的文武职员,传谁谁也不到。张豹手拿点名册子,在大堂上咆哮如雷。咆哮了半天,只有几名夫役,从阶诺诺连声,却始终不见一个职员。张豹气急了,叫夫役各处去寻找。寻了大半天,拿着一封辞职的禀帖,对张豹说:“回大人,本署的诸位老爷,他们昨天就全辞职了。这是辞职的公事,请大人过目。”张豹接过来看,见上面列着十几个人,有本署文案候补知县荀文、实缺都司章兴文、实缺守备姜赞文等。张豹看了大怒道:“这微末的职员,竟敢如此作耗,还了得吗!”再看禀帖上的言辞,是说相随多年,情愿连带去职,不愿事奉新任。全是冲着李天洪立言,并非是向他张大人上禀。张豹看罢,这气更大了,骂道:“好个大胆的李天洪,你竟敢结党营私,一个人去职,还把大家一同带走,这简直是要造反啊!本镇明天去见大帅,非把你这一干人连根参倒,也显不出老子的手段来。”说罢赌气上马回公馆去了。见了庄夫人,便述说他接任的气恼。庄夫人道:“这也值得生气吗?等明天你向大帅回明,我再去寻七姨太太,叫他催逼大帅,急速具折奏参。什么陨阳镇十三镇,一律全给他革掉,看他还有什么本事捣乱?”张豹忙谢了夫人。第二天果然如法炮制,七姨太太也帮着说了许多话。祥呈嘴里虽答应着,他心中却暗自盘算:“张豹也太不知足了,督中协已经弄到手中,还要同李天洪作对,必须把人家的差缺一律革掉,他方才称心。天下哪有这样狠的人?也罢!我何不借着张豹,再大大敲天洪一笔竹杠,这就叫做两面双吃,倒也不错。”想到这里,忙把郭二立叫上来,吩咐他如此这般,快去进行。 二立答应了,第二天便去见李天洪。此时天洪已经奉到督署的公文,说是特派了署内差官郭二立,调查十三镇的军额。该员到时,仰由该镇领带查考一切。在天洪看了,以为这不过是新督到任后照例的文章,倒也不曾介意。少时郭二立真来了。天洪因为他是上司派来的人,怎敢
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