Chapter 54 Chapter 51: Taking the opportunity to escape from the tiger's den and Longtan to report an affair

It has always been true that evil spirits cheat money and harm people, and there must be no good results.But how Xiangu's retribution came so quickly is really unexpected.Thinking about how comfortable and happy she was when she was in Hankou during the day, five thousand foreign dollars flew into her pocket with just a trick.Unexpectedly, he didn't even live a night, so he gave his life away in a daze. Not only was the five thousand yuan taken away, but even the tens of thousands of private pockets he cheated on weekdays were all enjoyed by others.Also, the old mother who was tired, and the weak brother who was tired, all became innocent souls.Although it is said that the vitality of Qing Dynasty is exhausted and the revolutionary uprising is related to the overall situation, but if Aunt He Xiangu is not ostentatious and lives behind closed doors, she may not be anxious about her.It can be seen that people who abide by the law in the world will never have accidents and disasters, and those who do not intend to harm others will never be harmed by others.Knowing this truth, the case of He Xiangu is not surprising.

Gossip less.But he said that Li Huchen leaned on the tree and had a clear look at the situation below.Although he was bold, he was trembling with fright, and almost didn't fall from the tree.When the young officer left, he thought in his mind: a lot of people died just now, but there were no pillars inside; or they couldn't find them in a hurry, and they slipped through the net, which is a very lucky thing.I must go down quickly at this time and rescue him from danger.But inside this house, there are still four guard soldiers, all of them have fast guns, if they go to save people, they will definitely not be able to escape their eyes, wouldn't they just lose their lives in vain?However, this tree is not a place to live for a long time, and when the sky is bright, it is impossible to think about it.No matter what, I must leave this dangerous place first.As for Zhu'er's life, I had to let God arrange it.Thinking of this, he gently got down from the tree and stood in the backyard, thinking silently.Even if I leave Hejia, there are revolutionary troops on this street, and I can't leave.I just saw the situation where they killed their family members. Anyone who speaks Beijing dialect is in danger.Fortunately, I have been in Nanjing for many years, so it is easy to change my accent.I just want to go back to Hankou, I'm afraid it will be very difficult.They must send a large force to guard the river bank, and I can't fly over the Yangtze River even with my wings.But what about this matter?But no matter what, you can't wait to die here for a long time.I had no choice but to escape first, and then worry about it.

Thinking of this, he gently climbed up the wall.Looking around, Su Xixi saw that there was no one there, so he quickly jumped to the middle of the street.Suddenly, my heart moved, and I quickly pulled out the civilized staff from behind, and put it on the ground, this kind of trouble is absolutely unacceptable.Then I put down the rolled long coat, so as not to be seen and suspected that I am the gentleman on Liangshang.He touched his body again, but there was no money with him.The handbag is still in He Zhai's study, and he wants to go back to get it at this time, how dare he take the risk?I can only resign myself to fate and make up my mind when the time comes.At this moment, Hu Chen felt indescribably sad.If you want to be bold, you will walk down the street. When the sky is bright, you will be caught by someone, and you will be in a dilemma.All of a sudden, I got wise, I simply lay down in the middle of the street, pretending to be sick, and when the street inspectors caught me, I just said that I had not met my relatives and had an old illness, so I lay down on the street without being bothered, not only saving my life, but also Maybe even get a chance to escape abroad.Thinking of this, he prostrated himself on the street, humming endlessly.Sure enough, after a short time, the sky was already bright, but the sound of whistling could be heard in the distance.When I was young, I made a sound of groaning, as if someone had come to my side.A man with a Hubei accent said: "Oh! Who is this man? Why did he get up and lie down beside the road early in the morning? The brothers woke him up and asked him if he was innocent." A sergeant bent down and pushed the tiger The minister said, "Get up quickly! Who are you? Why are you lying on the ground?" Hu Chen hummed, opened his eyes slightly, and looked very surprised. He tried to force himself to get up, but he couldn't get up. Come on, speaking with a Nanjing accent, he said: "My lord, have pity on me, a man in distress. I'm from Xiaguan, Nanjing. I don't meet my relatives here, and I'm short of money. When I walked here last night, my eyes darkened, and I lay down. I can’t move. Help me, gentlemen, give me a sip of water, and give me some money, I will take the boat back to Shanghai, and I will be grateful.” The little officer next to him showed regret when he said this. He said with air, "You can see that his appearance and physique are all good. It's really pitiful to be living here. You put him up and put him in the office of our second sentry first, and give him some tea and dry food. Save him once." Life is also considered a great merit." A soldier next to him didn't take this seriously, and said: "Master Chen, you know what he does, so you put him in the camp? In this era, the military order is strict, so you are asking for trouble. According to me, you have to search him first to see if there is any suspicious evidence?" The officer nodded, saying that is fine, just search.Sure enough, the sergeant squatted on the ground and groped for Hu Chen.After touching for a long time, not even a copper coin or a piece of writing paper was found.The officer snorted and said, are you still worried?Pick him up and go.The two soldiers were about to set up Huchen, and suddenly saw a civilized walking stick by the wall, and said to the officer, "Sir, what is that?" The officer picked it up, and knew that there was a weapon hidden inside. I pressed the spring and pulled it out quickly, but it turned out to be an oriental sharp knife.At this time, the soldier who spoke first immediately smiled, as if he had obtained proof, and said to the officer: "What do you think, sir?" The officer calmly inserted the knife into the staff, and then asked the tiger minister: "This is yours. Is it a weapon?" Hu Chen hurriedly agreed: "Yes, to tell you the truth, this is a family heirloom of a villain. Whenever I go out, I always carry it with me, thinking it is a treasure for self-defense. The master looks at it well. The villain I would like to give it to you as a plaything." The officer walked along and said with a smile: "A gentleman does not take away the beauty of others. Since it is your family heirloom, how can I take it!"

Hu Chen followed him on the street, and he saw troops patrolling all the streets and alleys with armed guns. There was a sense of sternness and sternness, which was terrifying to watch.I saw a long white flag hanging high on a building in front of me. On the flag, flying dragons and phoenixes, dripping with ink, there were five big characters written: "Return my old mountains and rivers".Going forward, it is the yamen that patrols the road. On the two large flags outside the yamen, it is written "Recover the Han nationality and expel the Hu'er".When Hu Chen saw all these signs, he was already frightened to pieces.Thinking about it in my heart, I never expected that such a hero would emerge in Wuhan, and in one night, he would be accomplished and the foundation of the revolution would be established.If this is the case, I am afraid that the Qing Dynasty is exhausted and there is no hope of recovery.The most pitiful thing is that my coach, Rui Fang, took out 400,000 yuan in cash for no reason, and arranged for this errand. Whether he has arrived in Sichuan or not is unknown. There must be bad luck along the way.But this concubine is sick in Hankou again, and all the money and clothes are in her hands.She didn't care how hard the general was, but she generously handed over foreign money to that deceitful temptress.As a result, even Zhu'er and I were affected.Zhu'er's life is still uncertain.Although I pretended to be sick and survived the disaster, I was not at all sure of my future.The most important thing is to try to go back to Hankou first and ask for some money from my aunt.Hurry to Sichuan to find the commander-in-chief, and persuade him to come back early, not to be involved in the vortex, and die in vain.

Hu Chen was walking while figuring, and before he knew it, he had already arrived at a temple, which was the office of the second sentry.The sergeants took him to a room, which was the bedroom of the sentry officer.Put him on the bed, make a bowl of sugar water, and drink it for him.Hu Chen asked the serving sergeant with a pleasant face: "The boss has worked so hard, I feel really uneasy, but I don't know the name of the sentinel master? Where is he from?" The sergeant said: "Our master is named Chen Mingxue Gui is from Hanyang. He used to be a trainer under Wu Junmen. After Wu Junmen went to the south of the Yangtze River, he changed to serve under Commander Li. Commander Li made up for this because of his proficiency in drills and his special praise. The lack of the second sentry. Yesterday the revolution was successful, Mr. Chen bravely assisted the Supervision Office, Commander Li added him a title of inspector, and sent him to patrol the market. You should be lucky to meet our Mr. Chen. He has always been It is the most convenient for people, so I put you in my own camp and sent someone to serve you. Life!" Hu Chen secretly said ashamed, but on the face he said with a look of fear and gratitude: "It's rare that Mr. Chen treats people so kindly, if there is a chance in the future, if he goes through fire and water, he must repay him."

Then he asked the soldiers: How did Commander Li raise his uprising last night, and how did the governor's yamen break through? Didn't Commander Zhang, the town bidder, come out to resist?The sergeant said with a smile: "This is a long story. You must know that although the military power in the whole province of Hubei is in the hands of Zhang Bao on the surface, inwardly, it is all under our commander Li. I heard that three months ago, it was We are ready. There are three generals under our command, namely Xun Wen, Jiang Zanwen, and Zhang Xingwen. The abilities of these three are very great! But we also meet Xiangcheng, who is desperate for money. The method is to extort money in our military circles. All battalion officers and above will be paid every month. If not, they will be withdrawn immediately without being polite. Even our commander, I don’t know how many times he has been ripped off by him. Not to mention officials. Think about it, if you don’t pay your salary, but ask for money from everyone, who can sell your wife to curry favor with him! Only complaints and bitterness will be heard. Isn’t this kind of military spirit hard to inspire? Originally, the soldiers in Hubei planted the seeds a long time ago. The words "Pai Man Xing Han" are in everyone's mind. When this kind of opportunity comes again, it is not difficult to explode immediately when someone encourages them. Last night everyone besieged The Superintendent’s Office, the guards of the Superintendent’s Office, none of them were willing to come out to resist, but acted as a pioneer. The most ridiculous thing is that the Governor, Xiangcheng, is still lying in the room of the Seventh Concubine smoking opium! A row of guns, and then Commander Xun issued slogans to spread the army inside and outside the supervisory office. Commander Xun led a group of people to attack the back house and shouted for Xiangcheng to come out to answer. Pity him for getting under the bed, how dare he come forward. They searched from house to house and found him from the room of Seventh Concubine's wife. The two of them were still lying under the bed, and they were dragged out by two brothers. He just kowtowed to Commander Xun on the ground, what kind of lord, what kind of ancestors and relatives, just want to save his life. But the seventh concubine has a lot of backbone, pointing at Commander Xun and yelling, saying that you are all officials of the court, why? You want to rebel for no reason, and you dare to threaten the commander in chief! Don't be too complacent. Sooner or later, the imperial court will send troops to suppress you, and you will be captured alive. It will be too late to regret at that time. Commander Xun sneered: No It is rare to think of you as a woman who is so bold. But why did you marry Xiangcheng this pussy? You have to know that our move is in line with the will of the people and the heart of heaven. Manchu stole Zhongxia, It’s been almost three hundred years. We Han Chinese have been subjected to various abuses. It’s finally easy for us to awaken our hearts. We all work together to restore our old mountains and rivers. Who else are you scaring with the word “imperial court”? I should have shot you bitch to death Gu Nian, you are brave enough to save your life for the time being. I only want to settle the accounts peacefully. For the past few months, you have embezzled military pay and tried to bribe you. Where is all the money now? And your governor’s seal, you have to Hand it over together. If you hesitate, don't blame me for not saving face for you. Xiangcheng is a man who loves money like his life. When he heard that he was asked to take money, he was a little hesitant. He stared blankly and couldn't answer for a long time. The words came. Commander Xun scolded: You look at a miser, and death is approaching, and you still refuse to say a happy word. Can you just let you go there for nothing? Xiangcheng begged again: I would rather call the vassal All the military salaries owed for several months will be paid off. Please hold your hands high and forgive me. XunThe commander laughed loudly and said, "It's too late for you to think about the salary arrears at this time."All of us are for the rejuvenation of the Han nationality and the expulsion of Hu'er, not for the mere payment of wages.As for how much money is in the treasury, of course our revolutionary military government will handle everything. Can you still exercise the power of governor of the two lakes?Later, Xiangcheng made a mistake in some words, which annoyed Commander Xun, so he drew out his command saber, and struck him straight in the face.Fortunately, Xiangcheng dodged quickly and did not hit his head, but cut off half of his left ear, which immediately dripped with blood, causing Xiangcheng to roll on the ground screaming in pain.Commander Xun sent the guards of the supervisory office to temporarily drive Xiangcheng's family into the back garden, confine them in one place, and not allow them to move freely.Then the supervisor's office was searched, and only one item of foreign money was found, and more than one million yuan was found.The rest of the pearls are too soft to count, and they are all sealed, waiting to be dealt with by Commander Li.In front of the gate of the supervisory office, the five-color flag of revolution was hung up, and Commander Li was asked to preside over everything in the office, and all the civil and military bureaucrats in the city were sent.At the meeting, I heard that Wang Pengnian, the school envoy, was appointed by everyone to temporarily manage civil affairs and preside over everything.Wang Xueshi repeatedly declined and dared not accept it.Later, Zhang Xingwen was angered, and he drew out his knife and said, "You are a man of the Han nationality, aren't you?"We braved thousands of risks and took all kinds of difficulties to win glory for the Han people.You have no heart, you coward, and you still want to be a loyal minister of the Qing Dynasty, I must kill you today.Not only will I kill you, but even your whole family will be killed, and they will be treated just like Mannu. I am not afraid of you.Seeing this look, Wang Pengnian was so frightened that he was out of his wits. He even said that I am willing to serve, General Zhang, don't kill anyone.Seeing him admit it, everyone laughed again, saying that my lord really understands that if you don't take the role, who else can?I heard he took over today.All the notices from the Chief of Civil Affairs have been sent out.Commander Li has already sent telegrams to all provinces, requesting a unanimous declaration of independence, as a gesture of rejuvenating Han.As for the future, even I don't know. "

Huchen listened to the soldier's nagging and talking about this big story, and thought that the trouble would get bigger and bigger. No matter what, I had to leave this place first and report a letter to my commander so that he could escape early and not be caught. It would be better if they killed them.While he was hesitating, the sentry officer Chen Xuegui came back from the outside, went to his room first, and asked Huchen if he was well?Huchen thanked him again and again, saying that the villain is a chronic illness, as long as he commits the past and rests for a long time, he will naturally recover.How can I repay you for receiving such preferential treatment from Master Chen?Xuegui smiled and said, "Since I saved you, you don't need to repay me. I'm asking you today, do you recognize someone?" Huchen said, "I don't know who the master is asking?" Xuegui said, "Since you are A native of Nanjing, Wang Wenbao, the battalion commander of the Nanjing Patrol Battalion, do you recognize him?" Hu Chen said with a smile: "Not only do we recognize him, but we are still old colleagues. In the patrol camp that day, he was the post chief, and I was the post chief. In one sentry, we were very close to each other. Later, I gave up my job in Yingpan because I changed my career to a businessman. But during the New Years and holidays, I still asked him to talk to him. He treated old friends very well, and he always wanted to meet Keep it for dinner, I don't know what Master Chen is asking him for?" Huchen's words are indeed nonsense.Because he joined the army since he was a child, he is actually an old friend with Wang Wenbao.However, when he arrived in Nanjing with Ruifang, he was already a military inspector of the dignified supervisory office.Wen Bao was just a small sentry officer in the patrol battalion.Hu Chen did his best for him, and repeatedly spoke good words to him in front of the patrol commander Wu Junmen, so he was promoted to the battalion commander.How dare you tell the truth in front of Chen Xuegui?Therefore, he only admitted that Tong Wenbao was a colleague, but didn't dare to say a word about the rest.Instead, he asked Xuegui to find out what he was doing.This is exactly where Hu Chen is so sweet.Chen Xuegui believed it was true, and applauded unconsciously: "It's wonderful! So I might as well tell you the truth. Wang Wenbao is also from Hanyang, and we are from the same hometown, but we don't have a deep friendship. I heard that he is indeed a good man. Now The revolution has been successful, and the most important thing is to take Nanjing over. At least one person is willing to act as an internal response, and this matter will be easy. Wang Wenbao is the most suitable person, and he has soldiers under his command. Now, there must be someone who is willing to take the risk to persuade him. This is really a miracle, but it accidentally fell on the old man. It's really wonderful." Hu Chen said: "Don't dare to do it, Mr. Chen, why are you the same as my brother?" Do people talk about brothers?" Xuegui laughed and said, "We are all members of the military, regardless of brothers, what are we talking about? Just now, my younger brother was negligent and forgot to ask your surname, Taifu, how to call him." Hu Chen responded casually. Said: "The villain's surname is Ji and his name is Yifei." Xuegui said: "Don't talk nonsense about adults and villains in the future. Since we are both members of the military, we will borrow a lot from each other in the future, so you don't have to be polite. I What I said to you today is indeed a confidant. Since you have a relationship with Wang Wenbao, I will see Commander Xun later and simply recommend you to do this miracle. Sure enough, if you win Nanjing, you will be able to secure a battalion officer."

When Hu Chen heard this, he thought it was too inappropriate.A few days ago, when I came to the province with the imperial envoy, I have met Li Tianhong and the senior military officials Quan and I countless times. How can I go to see them now.You have to think of a way, just quit.Then he replied: "Master Chen, I am willing to take the risk of going to Nanjing this time to talk about Wang Wenbao, just to repay your kindness for saving me, and I don't mean to be greedy for merit. Besides, I have been doing business in recent years, and I feel free everywhere. Much better than being in the military, and I will never think about that kind of work again. It is best that you let me go secretly, and when I get there, I will write to you quickly. If the matter can be accomplished, you will report to the superior and just say yes You sent it to do it; if the limelight is unfavorable, you can think of other ideas. This method is nothing more secure. You must not surprise the army, what do you think?" Heart.Huchen's words, after hearing Xuegui's words, were right in his arms, but he had to be humble in order to save face.Later, I planned how to leave the provincial capital and go to Hankou first.Right now is the period of military martial law, and the revolutionary army is dotted all over the river bank, and they cannot fly over even with their wings.Xuegui hesitated for a long time, then suddenly came up with an idea, let's say this, Hanyang is my hometown, and I have a mother in her sixties at home, all Shangguan knows about it.I just said that following the letter from home, my mother thought I was sick.I was supposed to go home for inspection, because it was a military emergency and I didn't dare to ask for leave, so I sent my guard, Ji Yifei, with a letter from my family and a few dozen yuan, to cross the river to visit my old mother.Ask the battalion officer of this post to report to the commander, and it is expected that there will be no inaccuracies.Once he gets it right, you can cross the river safely without any obstacles.Can you please think of this way?Hu Chen replied: "Okay, it's very safe to do this, even the superiors will never criticize it. Master Chen, please do it quickly." Xuegui hurriedly ordered the sentry letter, prepared a business, and sent it to the battalion on the same day go.The battalion commander's surname was Meng, and Chen Xuegui was originally an alliance brother, so of course he took special care of him and immediately reported it to the headquarters.Commander Xun Wen not only did as he asked, but also sent another 40 yuan to Chen sentry officer to take home as a gift from his mother.Filled out another passport issued by the headquarters, and handed it over to the battalion headquarters, ordering Chen Xuegui to collect it.Xuegui got the news and liked it very much.Early the next morning, I handed over the passport and silver dollars to Huchen, and personally sent him to the riverside. After repeated reminders, I shook hands and said goodbye.At this time, the revolutionary army was in Wuhan, and it had already been united. Zhang Xingwen was guarding Hanyang, together with two generals, Cai and Du.After Huchen crossed the river, of course he was doing his own business.Finally, seeing his loyalty, God gave him this opportunity to let him escape from the dragon's pond and tiger's lair.He really went to Sichuan in the future, overcame many hardships and risks, stole Rui Fang's head after his death, and buried it in the capital.I will explain everything later, so I will not list it for the time being.

Looking back now, let's talk about Li Tianhong's 10 or 20 years in the military in Hubei. He is usually known for being mature and cautious. Why did he suddenly think of revolution?And it was a success, isn't this a strange thing?Readers should know that this incident is not surprising, as it has been fully expressed above in this book.The governor, Xiangcheng, was born with a money addiction, so he was named Saiheqiao.Since he took office, he was the first one who wanted to beat Zhang Bao, but Zhang Bao has a good wife, who not only helped Xiangcheng exercise, but also married his seventh concubine.Only Li Tianhong didn't know the limelight, and he refused to spend money on sports. As a result, he lost the Superintendent's Association and even removed the township.Fortunately, Sanwen helped him, planned for him, and took money for him, so he was downgraded to Xiongtong and preserved the military power of a town.Unexpectedly, the imperial envoy of Rui came soon after, and Tong Xiang made a big fuss, and deliberately teased Zhang Bao.The two of them were angered by the imperial envoy, and they all suspected that Li Tianhong was behind the scenes, and the rift between them deepened.After Ruifang left, Xiangcheng gave Li Tianhong a big reprimand, insisting that the people in Tianhong's town were all revolutionaries.He is not strict in control on weekdays, and when the facts are found out, he will not only be dismissed from his post, but also severely punished.Tianhong was originally a loyal person, so he couldn't bear this scare, so he went back to the mansion and discussed with Sanwen secretly.Jiang Zanwen was irritable, and immediately jumped up when he heard it, and said: "Simply reverse it! Since he said that we are a revolutionary party, we simply kill him, so what?" Xun Wen said: "Wait a minute, we are already doing it for Shan Jiuren, the success has fallen short, why are you still so impatient? Tell the commander, the current army of the thirteen towns has been split up by the three of us, and we just wait for the time to come, and the commander will issue a mobilization order. It will immediately become a revolutionary army. There is no need for him to send someone to investigate. We have discussed with the commander beforehand, but we have not reported to the commander in detail about the actions of the past two or three months. What we mean is that we only need to wait for twelve Let’s get together, and then ask the commander to decide on the date of the incident. But judging by the air, the pressure is getting tighter and tighter, I’m afraid we can’t wait, so we have to report to the commander so that we can prepare in advance.” After hearing this, Tianhong said, Although I still hesitated a little in my heart, but the matter has come to this point, riding a tiger is difficult, so I can only cough and say: "Forget it, in the future, if you lose your family, you will listen to the third brother; if you turn your family into a country, you will also listen to the third brother. But the most important thing is Twelve towns, if the twelve towns can be settled, the rest is nothing to worry about." Zhang Xingwen said: "The commander asked Wanan himself, the officers and soldiers of the twelve towns are easier to talk about than the thirteen towns. They are all three I haven't been paid for four months. When I mentioned Xiangcheng and Zhang Bao, I gritted my teeth and hated to eat their skin and flesh. Whenever they met people from Shisan Town, they said that you are a great fortune, and you are such a good leader. , not only did not withhold the military salary, but also took out the money to advance the military salary. It seems that we have committed a great crime. When we met Zhang Bao, the commander, not only did not deduct the salary, but also forced us to pay it. We are filial, respectful and auspicious. Our brothers are so anxious that they will change. They don’t even want to take a look. Such a boss, why do you serve him! We are willing to serve Commander Li, and we are happy if we don’t give money Commander, please think about it, all the officers of their twelve towns have said such things, isn't it easy to persuade them to surrender?" Xun Wen continued: "And the standard officers of the twelve towns, such as Cai Dayou and Du Gongheng, all I am a brother of Baimeng. As long as the standard movement is done well, the rest will not be a problem. As for all the officers in the Twelve Towns, only Yang Desheng is close to Zhang Bao. But he was on a business trip again and came with the Swiss side. Go to Sichuan. Isn’t this a rare and good opportunity?” Li Tianhong also felt that this matter was very sure, so he was not afraid of Xiangcheng’s words, and only discussed how to carry out regular incidents in the future.

At this time, there was another unexpected event, which strengthened Tianhong's mind. It turned out that Xiang Zicheng was in Zhangde, Henan, and he was planning to overthrow Man Qing, so he sent his confidant minions to various provinces to act.Xiang Zicheng had already detected the discord in Hubei's military circles and all the internal strife, and sent his confidant generals Liang Zhizhong and Zheng Erhe to Hubei in secret to contact Sanwen in secret.Yanming: Xiang Gongbao is willing to help. In the future, when things are done, everyone will share wealth and fame;Everyone knows that Kung Pao is very powerful, even though he has retired and is out of office, his former disciples are all over the country.Once he has the opportunity, he can call out from the top, and the whole country can immediately respond.Now that he has sent his confidants to contact him, he is more confident about this matter.Therefore, Sanwen proceeded very quickly in secret.

Coincidentally, there was another opportunity to make things happen, that is, the lifeless He Xiangu, married Zhang Bao's wife, and Xiangcheng's seventh concubine, married sisters with different surnames.Mrs. Zhuang often told her that Li Tianhong was a trouble in her heart.After hearing this, He Xiangu took the opportunity to come in and said that since Li Tianhong was a trouble in his heart, why didn't he cure him, but left the root of the trouble?Mrs. Zhuang said: "It's not easy to say, he has no obvious crimes, and he has a military power, even if the general wants to kill him, it is not easy to do, let alone us." He Xiangu laughed and said: "This is too stupid. If we want to hoe him, we just need to kill him without anyone noticing. Why do we need to beat the gongs and drums and use military law to rule him?" Before Mrs. Zhuang could answer, the Seventh Concubine rushed to ask: "Sister, can you Do you have any tricks? If you can do it, I can ask the commander to thank you for 10,000 taels of silver." Madam Zhuang also said: "Sister, since you can restrain the spirit and send a general to kill a person, it is nothing to think about. This matter is simply entrusted to you." Seeing that the two of them have entered the shell, He Xiangu put on airs again, saying that this matter cannot be done, we are cultivators, how can we kill someone for no reason, please ask your two other people about this matter Look for cleverness, I definitely can't do it.Seeing her evasiveness, the two begged again and again. The seventh aunt's wife will decide on the amount. After the matter is completed, they will be rewarded with 10,000 yuan, and they are now offering 3,000 yuan as pocket fees for casting the spell.Mrs. Zhuang was the guarantor, and Xiangu agreed.When Mrs. Seven came back, she informed Xiangcheng and asked him to transfer 3,000 yuan immediately.Xiangcheng was hating Tianhong, and when he heard that someone could put him to death, he couldn't help but feel happy.But he had to take out 3,000 yuan first, and he felt a bit of a stomachache.How could it be that Mrs. Seven's eyes widened and she had to transfer the money immediately.Xiangcheng had no choice but to rely on her, and paid three thousand yuan from the cashier, and handed it over to the concubine, who then donated it to Xiangu.He Xiangu got three thousand yuan, so of course she had to put on a show and show some magic spells for everyone to see.So he made a human figure with peach wood, put him in a military uniform, and inquired about Li Tianhong's birth date in different ways, and wrote it on the wooden figure's back.Do the Dharma every three days, until seventy-seven forty-nine days, Custodian Tian Hong suddenly fell ill and died.Mrs. Zhuang and Mrs. Seventh Concubine, seeing her actions, believed it was true. They said that Xiangu's supernatural powers are boundless, and they celebrated with their foreheads and hands, thinking that the thorn in their eyes could be removed in the daytime.Who knows that harming others is not enough, but instead harming oneself, what is the reason? It turns out that in the mansion with his wife, there is a new servant named Zhu Cheng.This person was also registered in the army that day and served as a horse in Shisan Town.Because I was drunk, I delayed an official business and never delivered it.According to the rules of the camp, he should have been fired with 200 army sticks, but Tianhong was so kind, he only fired him, but never beat him.Therefore, when Zhu Cheng mentioned Li Junmen, he was overwhelmed with gratitude.This time He Xiangu cursed Li Tianhong and secretly tried to harm him. Zhu Cheng saw it and was so angry that he was going crazy.So he resigned and came to Li's mansion to report, claiming that there was a confidential matter, and he had to report to the military gate face to face.He went up to the number room to answer him, just in time for Tianhong and Zhang Xingwen to have an important meeting in the secret room. He heard that Zhu Cheng was going to meet the informant, Tianhong still remembered him, so he ordered him to come in.Zhu Cheng came up, kowtowed and stood aside.Tianhong asked him what was the matter with a pleasant face.Zhu Cheng looked at Zhang Xingwen.Tianhong said with a smile: "You can say it yourself, don't hide it, Mr. Zhang is also my confidant." Zhu Cheng said it in detail from beginning to end.Tianhong laughed loudly and said: "I think it's a secret thing, so it's for this. Well, I invite her to do the magic. I have a clear conscience. Are you still afraid of her sorcery?" Benevolence and generosity are unattainable. However, according to the label, the sorcerer's sorcery is still the second problem. Only Xiangcheng and Zhang Bao are planning to put the leader to death. Despicable means, to fulfill his wish, is really abhorrent. If he doesn't start early, it's hard to guarantee that he won't make other tricks. If you take this opportunity, declare their crimes. As long as the sergeants of the headquarters are united, we don't worry about not being able to succeed in one go " Tianhong thought for a while, and it is true that what you said is true, but the true meaning of Twelve Towns is not yet very sure.As long as they don't disagree, they can start a riot regardless of the day.Zhu Cheng temporarily follows you to act as a guard, and you must not show any signs of it.You and a few of them can contact each other immediately and act according to the camera.Don't be too fussy, it's important.Zhang Xingwen agreed. It so happened that two days later, Governor Xiangcheng sent out an official order to vote for the 12th and 13th towns, and it was scheduled to hold a parade in the provincial capital on a certain day.In fact, deep down, they wanted to use the opportunity of the parade to confiscate the ordnance of Shisan Town and arrest Li Tianhong. This was the plan with Zhang Bao.Zhang Baoli was so stunned that he still believed that the Twelve Towns were all his confidantes.Since following this official business, he has been eager to inform the two associations and mobilize to the province.It turns out that among the troops in the twelve towns, only the battalions of supplies, engineering, and horse artillery are in the provincial capital, and the rest of the infantry of the two associations are all stationed in Hanyang.Cai Dayou and Du Gongheng, the two coordinators, had long been said to surrender by Zhang Xingwen and others, and they turned against each other when the opportunity came.It just so happened that Xiangcheng wanted to transfer them to the gymnasium, which was an unexpected opportunity.Therefore, when I received official business, I refused to stay even for a day, so I issued a mobilization order and set off to the province immediately.The boat that He Xiangu met in the river was the soldiers of the two associations. When we arrived in the provincial capital, we all got together and did not wait until the next day's parade. On that night, we got together in one place and started a joint incident.Poor Xiangcheng and Zhang Bao are still asleep.It was Xun Wen who attacked the governor's yamen, but it was Cai Dayou who surrounded Zhang's mansion and captured Zhang Bao.Zhang Bao was frightened out of his wits, and met with Cai Dayou tremblingly, saying that my dear brother, we are colleagues, why would you cruelly kill my life, I just ask you to open a way to let my husband and wife escape, and I am willing to donate all my money and property, as Money to buy your life.Cai Dayou snorted, saying that since you have today, why bother.In our twelve towns, the military salary owed for four months will not be paid.Let me ask you, where did all this money go?Zhang Bao said: "My dear brother, don't blame me. The military salary was not paid, and it was all swallowed up by Xiangcheng alone. Brother Yu has fought against him again and again for this matter, but he insists on not paying it. Brother Yu can't do anything about it." Cai Dayou said: "You don't have to put all the blame on Xiangcheng. Let me ask you, you have deposited 800,000 cash in Hankou HSBC Bank in the past six months. This is not a deduction of military pay. Where did it come from? You want to call me How happy it is to let your husband and wife escape, to move to the concession and to be a millionaire for a lifetime. You are wishful thinking, and now I only bring you to meet Commander Li. If he is willing to let you go, I will never hinder you. He will not let you go Don't blame me, too. As for your wife, you don't have to worry, she is Zhuang Zhongtang's adopted daughter, and I am Zhongtang's disciple. No matter what, I can't make things difficult for her. I will send some capable soldiers to watch in your mansion later. No matter who you are, you can't just come in, so you can rest assured." At this point in Cai Dayou's words, Mrs. Zhuang came out of the back room crying, begging Dayou again and again.Said Brother Xian, don’t look at other people, but look at Xianzhongtang’s face, spare my husband, don’t take him to Commander Li, I’m not afraid of how much the Commander wants to fine him, I’m willing to guarantee that none of them will be missing. My younger brother covered it up and saved his life, and Sister Yu couldn't be more grateful.Dayou said: "Ma'am, don't be delusional. You shouldn't, you shouldn't have entrusted He Xiangu with sorcery to murder Commander Li's life. This is a taboo. If Du Gongheng and I hadn't repeatedly begged for you Even my wife will be arrested together. Now you only think it’s lucky, wait for the letter at home, don’t beg for your husband anymore. Don’t worry, although I took him, if I can save his life, I will never Don't do anything. If you want to let him go privately, it is absolutely impossible." Mrs. Zhuang heard that her secret had been leaked, and she was so frightened that her face was brown and at a loss, and she didn't dare to beg for Zhang Bao again. , just kowtow to ask Dayou to take special care of him.Dayou agreed, and took Zhang Baotong to sell the business.However, eight guards were sent to take care of Zhang's mansion, guarding the door for him, and not allowing other soldiers to enter without authorization. Overnight, the revolution has succeeded.Zhang Xingwen came up with an idea to use the military strategy of slowing down the army, and don't report the real situation to Beijing.He only spoke vaguely, and still in the name of Xiangcheng, he sent a telegram to the central government, saying only that a revolutionary army had risen in Wuhan, but was immediately wiped out by the government army, and that the remaining party members were being searched out to deal with the aftermath.This telegram was sent out to stabilize the central government so as not to send troops to suppress it immediately, so that everything can be arranged calmly.Otherwise, the consuls of various countries stationed in Hanyang must have sent telegrams to Beijing, exaggerating their claims, and instead prepared the government.Sure enough, when the telegram was sent out, the Prince Regent was having dinner, and the foreman, Prince En, the cabinet minister, took this urgent telegram and wanted to meet him immediately.太监于得海，是专伺侍候用膳的，听说恩亲王即刻求见，心中不大耐烦，自己出来对恩王发话道：“你老人家，怎这样不晓事？王驾正在用膳，谁敢去惊动他。难道再等一刻，就迟误了不成吗？”恩王也着急道：“于掌案的，你不要抱怨我，若非有了紧急大事，我不会在府里休息，跑来求见什么。你要知道，湖北起了革命党，连省城都快失陷了。这样大事，还能够迟迟等等吗？你快上去回奏，不要再费话了。”于得海听见革命党三字，知道关系重大，不敢再说什么了。立刻跑上去，见了摄政王，贸贸然回道：“恩王即刻求见，说有大事，一刻不能延缓，请示爷见他不见？”摄政王听了，将筷子向桌上拍，骂道：“混账！你没见我正在用膳吗？难道一刻都不等，必得立时见他。”得海挨了骂，吓得跪下回道：“请爷息怒，奴才本不敢回，因为恩王说是湖北出了什么革命党，省城失陷了，奴才想，这样大事，如不即刻回奏，倘然误了军机，谁敢担此重咎。所以才大着胆子，惊了爷的驾，奴才罪该万死。”摄政王听见“革命党”三字，也吓了一愣，饭也顾不得吃了，吩咐于得海，快把恩王引至膳房问话。恩王进来请过安，便将电报呈上。摄政王忙接过来观看，匆匆的也不曾看清楚，便问恩王道：“这样湖北不是已经失了吗？”恩王忙躬身回道：“湖北尚未失陷，电报上说得明白，是革命党勾结十三镇军人起事，幸亏祥呈应变有方，急调十二镇到省城，立时扑灭，幸未蔓延。目前正在办理善后，请示朝廷怎样处置。”载沣听罢，心里略微安静一点，又重新将电报看了一遍，方才看明白了。问恩王道：“依你的主意，怎样处置呢？”恩王道：“这事只有赶紧复一个电，叫祥呈加意防范，然后再下一道旨意，对于此次出力有功的军队，先褒奖一番，并责成尽力保卫地方。再分电各省，从严搜查革命党。如此办去，不知王驾以为如何？”载沣想了想，也只有如此，想不出旁的高明法子来。随答道：“好好，就是这样吧。你急速下去办理好了。”恩王退下来，同余双仁、拉同，又斟酌了一番，然后分投复电下旨。 余双仁是一位有阅历的老官僚。他看了这个电报，便知道内中不妥。对恩王道：“这事据晚生看，恐怕湖北的形势不能这样简单。果然是革命党勾结军队，扑灭也不能如是之易。王爷总是加细探访一番，别等到临时措手不及。”恩王一想，这话很对，便问余双仁向何处探访呢？双仁笑道：“这事讲不得叫外人耻笑了。王爷只向使馆中一问，便可知道详细情形。”恩王道：“这样大事，我们自己不知道，反倒要向外人打听，面子上太难为情了。”恩王才说到这里，忽然茶房上来回道：“外务部尚书周大人，说有要事，面见王爷中堂。”余双仁一听，笑道：“好了好了。”原来这位外务部尚书姓周名福来，是广东人。当年曾文正遣派留学生到英国去求学，这周福来才十几岁，他居然肯应募前往。总算是少年有志，自到英国后，他的学业倒是很有进步。只有一宗毛病，因为他正在血气未定之时，到了英国伦敦，那样繁华地方，虽没有妓院，可是暗娼却非常多。What is the reason for this?因为英国的皇上维多利亚是一个女子，所以尊重女子的人格，不准民间开设娼寮妓馆。但是明的虽然禁止了，暗的却禁止不了，闹得遍地全是暗娼，警察也不干涉。所为英国原是以商立国，各国来伦敦做生意的，多半没有家眷，如果将暗娼禁止了，商业上便不免要受影响。而且这一笔大利，本地人也无从获得。所以不但不禁，暗地还实行保护。可有一样不好，既是暗的，所有查验种种手续，也一律免除了，因此花柳病非常之多。周福来正在青年，不知深浅，在暗娼中买了一身的病。后来虽然治好了，可是留下一种毛病，鼻孔里总流臭水，无论用什么药，也堵塞不住。闹得同学师友，全躲着他不敢亲近。大家给他起了一个绰号，叫烂鼻头，将周福来三字，改作周癞。他自从得过这病，由愧而生愤，此后屏绝外务，苦志用功，毕业时居然考列最优。回国之后，很蒙当道垂青，派在各国事务衙门，办事多年。后来又简派驻英参赞，后来又代理公使，简放驻美公使，官运亨通。及至庚子年后，创立外务部，又调他为外务部右丞，署理外务部侍郎。宣统三年，又升授外务部尚书。北京各使馆，因为他是外交界老资格的，面子上倒也得尊重他。只因他那鼻孔中老流臭水，所以每逢宴会，只要有他在座，外人总是躲着不肯去。他自己知道这个原因，也倒识趣，逢是外部宴会，便叫左右侍郎代做主人，他总不肯出面。因此各公使全说他好，每逢有什么小小的交涉，都肯表示让步。所以摄政王载沣，很夸他是一个能员。 这一次他忽然到内阁来，求见王大臣，余双仁料到他是因为湖北的事情，得到什么紧要消息。故此说好好，吩咐茶房，快请周大人里面坐。少时福来进来，向恩王余拉请过安，大家让他坐下谈话。福来很现出来一种惊慌的神气，坐不安站不宁，突然问恩王道：“湖北省城已经失陷了，王爷可晓得吗？”恩王被这一问，也吓得变颜变色，吞吞吐吐地答道：“湖北的事情，内阁已经接着电报，可是失陷的话，电报上不曾说明。你这消息，可是从哪里得来的？”福来道：“东西洋各报纸已经全登载了，还用打听消息去吗？”说罢从袖中拿出两份报来，一份是英文的，一份是日文的。并将自己翻出来的两张汉文译稿，也随着一并呈与恩王余拉观看。三人轮流看了一遍，俱都慌得手足无措。恩王道：“历来革命党起事，没有一次成功的，怎样这回，竟会把武汉占领了呢？”福来道：“王爷但知其一，不知其二。从前革命党起事，不过仅仅数十名党人，既没有利器，又没有接应，当然是不能成功。这一回，有两镇军队俱都加入其内，声势浩大，武汉地方，当然唾手而得，哪能跟从前做比呢？”恩王点点头说：“你的话诚然有理。但是就这样由着他们造反不成？必须想个急法子，将他们扑灭，省得再向他省蔓延才好呢。”拉同道：“据晚生看，最好先调禁卫军全队出发，一直开往汉口，正式征讨，不愁不能一鼓荡平。印长的军事学，在全国属第一的。冯国华也是能征惯战的骁将。他们只要去了，这事便容易解决。不知王爷意下如何？”恩王道：“好好，你这法子好极了。我这就上去同监国说，今天就下旨意，派他们出征。”余双仁旁边，只低着头一声也不响。大家散了，双仁却不回宅，一直到印长宅中，又用电话约了冯国华前来，三人在密室中，也不知会议了什么事，双仁方才回宅。恩王上去见载沣，将武汉失陷的话，从实说了，又献策速调禁卫军前往征讨，载沣准了，即刻下旨意，派印长为钦差大臣，冯国华为总司令，叫他们即刻动员。 旨意下来，印冯两人却按兵不动。一同去见恩王，说：“我们担任不了这重大责任。如今这武汉的声势很大，而且南方各省，也多有群起响应的，纵然能将武汉平灭，区区禁卫军一万余人，也不能分顾各省。再说我们全部开走，这京师根本重地，倘然有一个风吹草动，岂不更加危险。这事还要请王爷三思而行。”恩王见他们推脱不肯去，心中益发急了。说：“朝廷养兵千日，用在一时，你们难道就看着大清朝的天下，葬送在革命党手里不成？”印长道：“王爷不要着急，我们并不是不去，是要请王爷主持，得再派一位声望素著的知兵大员，在上面指挥监督，这件事才有把握。要空空叫我两人去，我们是担不了这大责任的。”恩王一听这话里有话，忙问道：“你们说声望素著的知兵大员，到底是谁呢？只要有这个人，我立时就保荐他，决不游移的。你们不妨实说。”印长道：“我们意中哪有这样人呢，王爷秉国钧调鼎鼐三十余年，所有全国人才，哪个不是你老人家的门生故吏，还用我们推荐吗？只要你老人家平心静气，化除成见一想，自然有这样人才出来效力。不要说革命党不足为虑，无论什么大问题，也解决得了。”恩王不假思索地答道：“要论目前够这种资格的，只有项子城一个人。难道我心里不明白吗？”印长道：“王爷既然明白，遇着这样盘根错节之时，为什么不求利器呢？”冯国华也随着说道：“王爷真有知人之明，不愧是救时的贤宰相，这时候如果起用项宫保，末将敢下一句断语，不出一个月，湖北的事，便能露散风消，用不着王爷忧虑。”印冯两人一唱一和，说得王爷点头叹息道：“两位将军有所不知，为起用项宫保的事，本爵不知碰了多少次钉子。在监国那一面，却没有不好说的，独隆裕皇太后，持之甚坚。更兼善辅铁木贤一干人，同他作对，硬说项子城是曹操、刘裕一流，如果起用他，将来得了志，一定篡位，圣清三百年的江山社稷，定葬送在他手里。他们在监国面前，便倡言无忌。我每逢一张口，说项子城好，他们便气势汹汹的，同我顶撞。你们二位想，似这样叫我如何张口呢？”印长笑道：“王爷太忠厚了。善辅是个小孩子，铁木贤并无知识，为什么要听他们的话呢？当此国家存亡危急之时，就是皇太后，也得要摒除成见。难道因为一点私嫌，便把祖宗的江山社稷也随着牺牲了不成。王爷若不乘机力争，更待何时？”恩王道：“这样你们先下去，听我的信吧。”印长、冯国华答应一声是，便退了下来。 第二天夜间，摄政王在自己府中召开御前会议。所有宗室王公、贝子贝勒、内阁大臣、各部尚侍，以至九卿科道，俱都列席。向大家宣布道：“自先帝升遐，本爵禀付托之重，励精图治，一刻也不敢安逸。没想到时事多难，人心大坏。近年来各省时有不轨之徒，乘机谋乱。广东已经是闹过两次，可怜凤珊、福琦，俱都为国死难。江西徐天麒之变，铭新也捐了躯。种种变故，已经是应接不暇。如今武昌地方，又出了革命党，竟敢勾结军队，占领省城，并派匪军取了汉阳。眼看湖北全省，全入了他们掌握，朝廷若不急速派兵征讨，将来匪势蔓延，前途更不堪设想了。因此本爵特将众卿家召至邸中，通盘筹划。众卿有何良策，不妨据实上陈，事如可行，本爵定然采纳。将来成功之后，还要越级升奖。”载沣宣布完了，文武各官，彼此面面相觑，谁也不肯首先发言。停了一刻，还是恩王出来答道：“适才监国所说征讨的话，诚然是一刻不容再缓。昨天旨意派印长、冯国华率领禁卫军，即日下动员令，出征武汉，这便是目前切要之图。老臣昨天已经将二人叫至家中，面授机宜。他们却是耿耿忠心，预备扫平逆匪。只是有一样可虑：目前革命党已经占了湖北，这一出征，倘然兵连祸结，日期延长，北京地方空虚，无有军队守卫，再加上他省一有响应，根本重地，岂不就动摇？”载沣一听这话，果然觉着可怕，忙追问恩王，必须怎样才可以免去这危险呢？恩王道：“依老臣的愚见，第一得要选一位知兵大员，而且声望素孚，能使革命党闻风怕惧的。叫他独当一面，然后内外才能兼顾，既不至摇动京师的根本，又可以早收讨逆的功勋。不知爷驾以为然否？”本来载沣此时已经慌了手脚，恩王出的主意，他还焉敢驳回。只有点头称是，说老皇叔看着怎样办好，我没有不赞成的。恩王见他已经俯首就范，不敢再闹爷的脾气了，便进一步问道：“爷驾既承认这主意好，就急速预备人吧。”载沣道：“可是到底叫谁去好呢？我意中真没有这种人才，还是老皇叔替我想一想吧。”恩王见他把用人之权，也完全交付了自家，便使出欲擒先纵的手段来，向载沣道：“爷的意思，是想用忠厚老实、人人说好的人呢？还是用那有才干、有作为，有人说他好也有人说他不好的人呢？”载沣道：“时势至此，我们只问他能否当重任，至于说好说坏，不过是个人所见不同，我们管他做什么呢？”恩王道：“爷驾这话真圣明极了。老臣意中，确有一个人才，此人真是文能安邦，武能戡乱。只要他一出来，革命党立刻就能平息。只是有一样，此人从前得罪过王爷，所以才放还乡里，如今要用他，必须爷驾不念旧恶，将从前的事一笔勾销，然后老臣才敢保荐他，独当一面。”载沣听了这话，不觉猛然醒悟，忙问道：“你保荐的可是项子城吗？”恩王道：“正是此人，爷驾可谓明鉴万里。”载沣道：“要论项子城的名望才干，在群臣中总算首屈一指。他如果出来，湖北的事不难指日平定。就是本爵同他也并没有什么深仇宿恨。不过皇太后的驾前，很难说话。更有咱们宗室中，一班同他不睦的，出死力反抗，这事岂不叫我很为难吗？”恩王道：“目前时势至此，祖宗的江山社稷，已经危如朝露。爷驾为大局起见，难道还能顾惜那些无谓的阻力吗？皇太后是圣明不过的女中尧舜，果能安定全局，保存祖业，她老人家决不会反对的。至于宗室王公，只要爷驾主持其上，他们也不敢过于阻挠。常言说，当断不断，反受其乱。这时候再不起用贤臣，等到各省响应，大局已危，就是项子城出来，只怕也要束手无策了。”载沣道：“既然这样，可派他一宗什么差事呢？”恩王道：“目前湖北陷落，祥呈的生死存亡尚无确信，何不就把项子城补了两湖总督，并派为钦差大臣，督帅平灭革匪。令他不必来京，由原籍驰赴新任，这岂不是最好的办法吗？”载沣道：“好好，你这就下去拟旨吧。” 恩王才要退下来，忽见宗室班中，闪出一人高声说道：“且慢，臣有要言，面奏监国。”大家用目看去，不是别人，乃是一等镇国公度支部尚书载择。只见他朝着摄政王大声说道：“国家虽然危急，也尽有人才可选，为什么要起用项子城那乱臣贼子！这件事臣以死力争，不能从命。”恩王在旁向载沣道：“怎样？臣早料到这种阻力，是决然免不了的。”载择此时急了，指着恩王骂道：“你这老不死的东西，就知道招权纳贿。那项子城，谁人不知他是曹操、刘裕一流人，你只图受他的金钱供奉，借着眼前这机会，好酬报私情，却甘心把祖宗艰难创造的基业，双手奉与这贼子。你自己问一问，还有心肝没有？”恩王平白挨了他这顿痛骂，如何忍受得下。便也戟手还骂，说：“你一个后生小子，在朝廷之上，就敢辱骂叔伯。按照祖宗家法，是应当打杀你的。何况在监国驾前，又犯了大不敬的罪名。请爷驾速传旨，将他交宗人府慎刑司，依法办理，也好整肃家规，为狂妄犯上者戒。”此时闹得载沣左右为难，也不知如何才好。只得先向载择喝道：“你有什么见解，自管陈述，为何这样狂言暴躁，不循规矩。这还成什么事体！”载择见监国动了气，这才有点惧怕，说：“臣并不敢在爷驾前失礼，实因一时气愤，出言不检，还求爷驾宽恕。”载沣尚未答言。恩王又忍不住问道：“你在爷驾前不敢失礼，难道在族长面前就可以失礼吗？”原来此时宗室之中，唯有恩王的辈数最大，年纪也最高，总算得一族之长了，所以向载择质问。载择此时也觉得自己出言过于鲁莽，清室的家法极严，如果闹到宗人府去，至轻也要挨一顿御棍，或竟因此把公爵革掉，也说不定。因此他心里也觉得胆怯了，只可硬着脸向恩王深深请了一个大安，说侄儿一时昏聩，出言不逊，求叔叔饶过我吧，以后我再也不敢了。载沣见他赔礼认错，便也向恩王道：“老皇叔不要生气了，他既知过必改，何必还同他一般见识呢？”恩王觉得自己的面子十足了，便乘势下台，又发作了几句，说：“你一个小孩子家，知道什么？我错非看你父亲死得早，没人教育，今天决不能饶过你。”原来载择是郡王老八爷的儿子，八爷、九爷全都少亡，所以恩王这样说他。载择心里虽然生气，面子上也只好俯首无言。 恩王见头一个反对的，已被打倒，便放心大胆地下来拟旨。拟好了旨意，呈与监国观看，载沣此时，只有百依百顺，哪里还有商榷余地。旨意发下来，大致是项子城着补授两湖总督，并特派为钦差大臣，即日驰赴新任，毋庸来京陛见。This is it.旨意宣布了，中外人氏，无不额手称庆，全说项宫保一出来，湖北的乱子，便不难指日平定了。内阁将电报拍至河南彰德府，并付了恩、余、拉三位大臣一封私电，是请项子城即日出来任事，千万勿再耽延。种种推重催促的话，说得非常恳切。大家料想子城见了，一定挺身出来，走马上任。哪知过了一天，方才接到复电，电上说蒙恩除授两湖总督，感激圣恩，匪可言喻。本当遵旨即日起程，无奈腿疾尚未痊愈，步履艰难，不能行路，恳恩另简贤员。一俟宿疾大痊，再图报效云云。这电上的话，分明是同当日免他的旨意，针锋相对。那时说他腿上有疾，放还乡里。这时他便说腿疾未痊，不能到湖北履任，这是有意同摄政王怄气。恩王见了复电，哪敢怠慢，立时谒见载沣，将复电呈与他看。载沣此时，也没有丝毫主见，只得又召见各王公大臣，将此电给大家看了，问众人还有什么主意。这些人纷纷发言：有主张再去电劝驾的；有主张派一位大员到河南，倒看一看项子城是否有病，再就近疏通，叫他不要记念前嫌，赶紧出来任事的。正在发言盈庭之时，忽有一个人挺身出来，厉声说道：“项子城如果死了，难道就寻不出第二个来！我如今有一个方法，保管即刻成功，也无须项子城出头。”若问此人是谁，且看下回分解。