Chapter 56 Chapter 53: The Dumb Prince Was Fooled and Lost His Power

Xiang Zicheng was discussing with all the counselors, and he was embarrassing the regent Zaifeng, who was confused and refused to listen. There would inevitably be various constraints in his work in the future, so he had to try to prevent him from interfering, so that he could let go.At first, Yang Xiu offered advice, but Zicheng didn't take it seriously, and then another person came out and said that Zaifeng would have no right to retreat. Everyone watched, and it turned out that this person was Yang Zhiqi.Zhiqi is a deep and sophisticated man, he refuses to speak easily, and he is an old school in treating Huang.But although he doesn't speak, what he says must mean something.Whenever Zicheng has something that cannot be solved, he will discuss with him, and he will have a unique strategy, and he will be able to overcome the difficulty smoothly, so Zicheng trusts him very much.He is now serving as the Minister of the Postal Communications Department. He was also called to Henan to discuss major issues, and then returned to Beijing with Zicheng.Zicheng Committee made him the chief councilor and asked him to live in the mansion so that he could discuss with him at any time.Zhiqi heard Yang Xiu say that, and felt funny in his heart. It really became a child's experience, and then he was dismissed by Zicheng. He couldn't bear it anymore, so he stood up and spoke, saying: "Kong Bao, please rest assured. There is a clever plan that can make the prince regent hand over the power with both hands, and he will never intervene from now on, and he will be upright, and he will never persecute him in the slightest." Hearing this, Zicheng was overjoyed, and hurriedly called Zhiqi's name Said: "Xinglin, what brilliant idea do you have, tell it quickly, I will follow the plan." Zhiqi walked to Zicheng, and said in a low voice: "This plan cannot be announced in front of the public at this time." After hearing this, Zicheng lowered his body quickly, put his ear next to Zhiqi's mouth, and said, "Just say a few words, and I will understand." Zhiqi really said a few words in a low voice.Zicheng nodded and said: "It's wonderful. That's the way. It's safe to sit still and catch fish. I'll be able to do it tomorrow." After saying that, he announced his withdrawal, and everyone split up.

The next day, Xiang Zicheng went to meet Old En Wang in person.When they met, they were very affectionate, and they called the master loudly.It is said that the disciple came to the capital this time purely for the master alone. How can you bear such hard work at your old age.The disciple temporarily takes the place of the master to smooth out the catastrophe. Once the situation is stable, I will still return to Henan in seclusion. As I first wished, I will return the power to the master with both hands, and I will become a citizen of Taiping.King En said: "You don't have to be too humble. The old man is nearly seventy years old and his energy has been declining for a long time. He has long wanted to resign and return to the vassal to enjoy a few years of leisure. Just because there is no one to replace him, in normal times, the empress dowager and the prince regent, I don’t want to trust you. I tried to get you out time and time again, just because there was too much resistance. Now that I’m lucky enough to have this opportunity, the old man has spent a lot of talking, and the empress dowager and Jian Guo have nothing to say. From now on, my brother can let it go, but I beg the royal family The country is stable, and the old man has benefited from it. If I return to my post, I will never think about it." Zicheng thanked him again and again, saying: "I have received the kindness of my master, and I dare to try my best to repay it. It's just the Empress Dowager Buddha. It is a very worrying thing for the disciples not to be relieved. You have to ask the master to find ways to relieve the disciples, and to comfort you, so that there is no estrangement between the monarch and his ministers." En Wang thought about it and said so. , hurry up and prepare a letter of greeting, which is for the Empress Dowager.Another 10,000 yuan was prepared as a gift to Zhang Delu, the eunuch accompanying the Queen Mother.I will introduce the two of you and ask him to speak a few words for you before the Empress Dowager, and then the Empress Dowager will summon you, and you will explain it yourself in person.It is expected that there is nothing difficult for a woman's family.Do you think that's a good idea?Zicheng said yes again and again, but in the end it was the master who was considerate.Without further ado, please ask Master Zhang to invite Director Zhang to come and we will have a face-to-face talk.As for 10,000 yuan, it is readily available, so let them write a check.Old En Wang personally made a phone call to the general manager. Zhang Delu heard that Xiang Gongbao wanted to meet with him for a face-to-face meeting.

Sure enough, when he was young, he arrived in person, and Old En Wang introduced them to him.Zicheng flattered him very much, saying that Mr. Zhang's mentality is much stronger than that of Mr. Li back then. As soon as we met, he knew that you were a very talented and good friend. Don't blame the Empress Dowager Lafayette for being kind to Youlong.In the future, there will be a lot of places where brothers can rely on us, so we must ask Master Zhang for extra help.As he spoke, he took out a check for 10,000 yuan from his pocket and offered it with both hands.To say that this is not shyness, in the eyes of Mr. Zhang, it is nothing, but it is a little bit of heart, and it will help Mr. Zhang to reward people. Please accept it. Brother will live in Beijing for a long time, and he will be extra dedicated.Zhang Delu smiled and said: "Received for nothing, restless sleeping and eating, how dare you accept such a generous gift from Gongbao when we first meet?" Although he said so, the ticket was already in his hand.Seeing that it was an integer of 10,000 yuan, I was very satisfied.When he saw Zicheng, he was very happy to hear that he was better than Li Deyu.Because the two of them were enemies, when the Empress Dowager Cixi was in power, Li Deyong was hot and arrogant at that time.Zhang Delu served Dezong and his wife, and was bullied by Li Deyong everywhere, so he swallowed his anger and dared to say a hard word.When Cixi passed away, the affairs in the palace were returned to the Empress Dowager Longyu, and Zhang Delu's arrogance immediately surpassed ten feet.He told Queen Mother Longyu repeatedly that Li Deyong should be punished severely to vent his anger that day.Fortunately, the Empress Dowager understands that Li Deyong was the one whom the Empress Dowager favored first, and now that the Empress Dowager's grave is still wet, we will be his lucky ministers, which seems to be unreasonable.It's best to persuade him to resign himself and protect him in his later years, which is also my daughter-in-law's heart.When the news came out, Li Deyong was quite aware of it, and immediately resigned from his forty-eight office managers, and went home to enjoy Qingfu. Zhang Delu filled his vacancy.In terms of the advantages and disadvantages of the two, Li Deyong is much better than Zhang Delu.Although Li Deyong is a power eunuch, his heart is very clear.For the Empress Dowager Cixi, especially her loyalty, she has always been the same.Sometimes because the queen mother is too self-willed and playful, he can change his method and make himself suffer a little bit of pain, so as to remind the queen mother not to be too lazy. effective.He was actually able to remonstrate with himself, which was considered rare among eunuchs.At that time, the Empress Dowager Cixi was fond of shaking the empty bell (it was called a boring gourd in Tianjin), and she was especially good at throwing it from a high place and using a rope to catch it. This was a very dangerous thing. Flow, everyone was sweating.In case of danger, if one of the queen mother's hairs is knocked off, some of the eunuchs who serve on the left and right may be exiled to the army.Everyone begged Mr. Li to try to save it quickly, don't wait for trouble, and it will be too late for you to regret it.Li Deyong agreed with his mouth, but he hesitated in his heart, knowing the Queen Mother's temperament, no matter who gave advice, it would be ineffective.Later, he thought of a tricky plan, waiting for the queen mother to shake the empty clock, and he praised it first, saying that Lafayette shook it really well, and the queen mother was naturally happy when she heard it.He then said that he was new outside and had learned a new trick, and the Empress Dowager immediately asked him to shake it and watch it for himself.Li Deyong took it over, he had practiced it before, so naturally he was not shaking badly.Unexpectedly, the toss was so high in the end, but it didn't continue, it just hit his head, and immediately broke a piece of flesh, blood flowed out, so painful that Li Deyong cried and screamed, calling Lafayette to save me quickly .At this time the queen mother saw her, she was afraid and hurt, she hurriedly asked the little eunuch to go to the longevity pharmacy, took the best pearls and scattered them, and applied them on the wound, the pain disappeared immediately.Deshun kowtowed to thank the Queen Mother, and said to the Queen Mother, this is the Lafayette Hongfuda, so the gods sent the servant to be touched this time, and the Buddha must not shake this thing again for the sake of preservation.Sure enough, from then on, Cixi was always wary, and she put her beloved empty clock on the shelf.Although this is a trivial matter, it shows that Li Deyong really has a heart of loyalty and love.As for Guangxu and his wife, although he did not dare to get too close because of the Empress Dowager's face, he would never bully them under the influence of the Empress Dowager.So when it was in Longyu's hands, there was no bad feeling with him, so it was always preserved.He didn't die until he returned home after retiring and enjoyed a few years of happiness.It shows that God does not wrong people, because he did not do any evil in his life, so he got such a good result.As for Zhang Delu, he did all kinds of evil. As long as he got money, he could sell everything he called an emperor or a queen mother.This is also because the Qing family's vitality is exhausted, so Du Zhiheng came out as the second, and Xiang Zicheng's plan was fulfilled.He saw 10,000 yuan and thought in his heart, not knowing how to repay Zicheng.Zicheng took advantage of the situation and asked him to be in front of the Empress Dowager, and he must say a lot of good words. Tonight, he should go to the Palace of Compassion and Ning to greet the Empress Dowager in person, and ask him to introduce him in advance.Because it's not just greetings, but also important political affairs, so you have to ask for kindness in person so that you can follow them.Zhang Delu agreed, and then Zicheng resigned from both of them and went back to his apartment first.And entrusted Zhang Delu to make a phone call first so that he can be called to go there quickly.Delu also fully agreed, and then broke up and returned to the apartment.

Sure enough, at four o'clock in the afternoon, the phone from the general manager's office rang, and Xiang Gongbao was asked to answer it in person.Zicheng took the earphones and replied first: "Are you Master Zhang?" The inside replied: "I am Zhang Delu, are you Gong Bao?" Zicheng hurriedly replied: "No, it's me." The inside said "Please come quickly, Lafayette has a decree. After dinner at six o'clock, I will summon you at the Palace of Compassion. You must come earlier, so that you don't miss it." Zicheng replied: "Yes, I will Let’s go, we can’t miss it, please ask Master Zhang to take care of everything.” After finishing speaking, he hung up the earphones, immediately called for a car, entered the inner Donghua gate, and first went to the general management office to register.Zhang Delu came out to entertain in person, let him into his bedroom, offered tea and cigarettes, and was very attentive.Xiang Zicheng looked at his room, which was Li De's bedroom that day.That year, because of Empress Dowager Cixi's birthday celebration, I sat in that room for half a day, and even rescued Tie Muxian.In less than ten years, the house is still the same, but the people who live in the house have changed, and I feel very moved.Zhang Delu was very proud, and told Zicheng that he had just interviewed the Empress Dowager, and when Lafayette heard that the palace guard had arrived, Sacred Heart was very happy.Knowing that Gongbao is going to invite Sheng'an in person, and there are important matters to be reported, he sent an order to our family to summon him at the Palace of Compassion at 6 o'clock in the evening.At this time, it was past five o'clock, so I went to urge them to eat early, and after dinner, I was summoned by Gong Bao.Thank you again and again.Delu asked him again if he had had dinner. If he hadn't, it's very ready here.Zicheng laughed and said, "To tell the truth, Mr. Zhang, I haven't even eaten breakfast today. Since Mr. Zhang is willing to enjoy the meal, I will accept it. Don't bother." Xiang Zicheng didn't eat dinner, of course. It is true, but the meal at the manager's office is really not easy to eat. After eating, at least one thousand taels of silver will be offered as a reward. If you are a little more generous, you will need three thousand or five thousand.Therefore, no matter how hungry the princes and ministers are, they dare not eat at the manager's place.Xiang Zicheng was curious all his life, and at the same time he had a heart of usurping, thinking that he would have dinner in the palace one day, so why not try it at the general manager's office first.As for spending thousands of silver rewards, why does he care about this.Therefore, once Zhang Delu gave way, he never doubted it.The little eunuchs next to him heard that Xiang Gongbao was willing to eat here, all of them were very happy, knowing that the God of Wealth had come to the door, and without waiting for De Lu's order, they wanted to pass on the message.Delu stopped them and said, do you know what Gongbao wants to eat?It is necessary to falsely preach the decree.Zicheng said: "It doesn't matter. You can eat whatever you want." Delu said: "Is that the way of respecting guests? Well, you should tell the imperial dining room and give half of the food." Xiao The eunuch agreed to go.Delu cupped his hands to Zicheng and said, "Turn around, Gongpao invites you to eat as you please. Whatever is unpalatable, I ask them to change it. I'll go up and have a look first, and I'll come when I'm young." Zicheng smiled and said, "Please do as you please That's it." The young eunuch replied: "Please eat in the dining hall, Gongbao." Zicheng stood up and followed them to a warm pavilion.This is the place where Delu eats alone. It is very elegant and clean, and there is a round nanmu table in the middle, which is very large.Zicheng was surprised, he ate alone, why use this big table?The little eunuch let him sit on the warm chair in the middle, and there was a pair of real ebony inlaid silver cups and chopsticks on the table.When I was young, I saw people serving food, one after another.What kind of dry fresh cold meat, fried or fried, net small dishes and small bowls, served forty or fifty, colorful.Even in Xiangzi City, there are many unrecognizable and unnamed meat and vegetable vegetables.Taste a bit of each dish in Zicheng casually, and sure enough, everything is delicious, and the taste is quite different from the dishes outside.Zicheng thought to himself: As the saying goes, if you want to be really rich, you should still be an emperor's family. This sentence is not wrong at all.If I can live like this for a few days in the future, I will die without regret.He thought about it, but saw that the little eunuch served more than a dozen big dishes, all of which were served in porcelain pots.All kinds of fish, all kinds of boiled and steamed ducks, big pots of preserved deer and yellow sheep, small pots of bird’s nest and shark’s fins, white fungus and bamboo shoots, all kinds of soups, where can I eat in Xiangzicheng, I only drank two soups .He asked the little eunuch with a smile, "why do you serve so many dishes when you eat alone?" It's all done, and there's still half of it.The empress dowager and the emperor's meals are full portions.Each concubine's dishes have half portions and one corner.In the past, Director Li always had a full share, which was only four items less than the Empress Dowager.Now Manager Zhang has changed to half portion, but discounted that half portion, so we can eat a lot less food.Zicheng nodded, thinking that this is really a waste, such a table of food is enough for the people in the countryside.The usual expenses of the emperor's house are still the same, if it is a little more extravagant, it is not sure what to do.After washing his mouth and cleansing his face, he followed the little eunuch and went back to Delu's bedroom.Long ago, there was another eunuch in charge of tea, who made a bowl of tea, and Zicheng drank tea slowly and waited.After a while, I saw Zhang Delu walking in with a smile and congratulated Zicheng, saying that Kung Pao's fortune is not small, Lafayette had dinner very early today, so I went up to ask for instructions after dinner.Her old man said that since Xiang had come, he immediately summoned her in the Palace of Compassion and Ning, and with special kindness, they were allowed to take a ride with them in the palace.Jian Yu, I have already greeted you, so you can go now.I will go with you and save you a lot of trouble.Zicheng thanked him repeatedly, and then came out with Delu.Sure enough, there were two eunuchs guarding a shoulder guard and serving in front of the door.When Xiang Zicheng arrived at this time, he was not polite, and went straight to the shoulders of the two.But Zhang Delu rode a foreign horse and followed him.This shoulder walks very fast, and within a short time, he has arrived at the court room outside the Palace of Compassion and Ning.Delu dismounted, Zicheng also dismounted, and went to the court room to wait first.

Delu went up to play back, and when he was young, he came down with a kind decree to bring Xiangzicheng to court.According to the old rules, you must be led by the minister of the guards in front before you can enter the palace to face the king.At this time, these complicated papers were avoided, only Delu and a few accompanying eunuchs led Xiang Zicheng in, and first waited quietly outside the warm bar of the Compassionate Ning Palace.Delu went up again, and saw that the queen mother had ascended the throne, and then Yinzicheng came in.When he reached the place where he should kneel, Delu pressed him lightly, and Zicheng quickly knelt down and kowtowed, saying that his minister Xiang Zicheng kowtowed to the Empress Dowager.After saluting, I fell down and dared not look up.The queen mother first asked: "Are you still strong in recent years?" Zicheng hurriedly kowtowed and said: "The guilty minister entrusts the empress dowager Hongfu, and the body of a dog and a horse is still considered strong." The queen mother said: "Now you are called to Beijing. , This is the old minister who mourned the family and read the previous dynasty. He will be able to do his best to eliminate the troubles. You think you have met the regent yesterday, can you come up with some strategies from the meeting?" Zicheng played again: "I have been informed by the empress dowager. Well, even though I am broken to pieces, I can't repay you in case. Although I met the prince yesterday, I am afraid that the strategy may not be feasible, so I have to ask the queen mother to make the decision." The queen mother was stunned and asked: "What is the reason for this?" Zicheng said : "Your servant deserves to die, and I dare not take the liberty to play it in front of your kindness." The queen mother said: "Don't avoid any suspicions. If there are any rumors outside, just tell the truth yourself. Even if there are harsh words, I will mourn the family Forgive you for your innocence." Zicheng hurriedly bowed his head to thank him, and played: "The imperial edict of the empress dowager is really Yao and Shun among women, so how dare I avoid suspicion? I am guilty of crimes in Henan, and I can hear people talking about it outside. It is said that the regent's treatment is unfair. The pro-villains and far-sighted ministers all use a group of relatives and nobles. Everyone controls the finances, recruits power and accepts bribes, and does everything. The prince watches from above and does not try to correct them. Instead, it fuels their arrogance. Last year, the gentry and people from various provinces petitioned for a constitution, and proposed to ask the empress dowager to listen to the government behind the curtain, so as to save the country from peril. The empress dowager can’t make any more mistakes now. These gentry and the people are all slanderous and chaotic, and they must not be listened to. In fact, if the empress dowager was invited to teach the government at that time, the situation would not be as bad as it is now. It’s just because the prince has become stubborn. , and reuse ignorant people, that’s why this happened. Now that I’m taking the risk to come to Beijing, what I’m doing is to serve the royal family and save the crisis. I’m not as temperamental as the prince, and I’m helpless, so I have to ask the empress dowager to decide.” Zicheng's words penetrated into the heart of the Empress Dowager.What's the point?It turns out that the empress dowager, the regent, and her uncle and sister-in-law are also at odds with each other.One is because the empress dowager witnessed Cixi's dictatorship back then, and she was very envious. Although she did not have the talent of Cixi, she did not want to try it, but the regent held the power very strictly.In the past, matters related to the royal family itself sometimes asked the Queen Mother for instructions. Recently, even these superfluous words have been simply omitted.The Empress Dowager was naturally unhappy, and sometimes she could not help revealing a word or two to her left and right servants.His close servants, such as Zhang Delu, originally hoped that the empress dowager would listen to the government behind the curtain, so that they could use this to gain power, accept bribes, and do whatever they wanted.Now that the Prince Regent is standing in front of them, they look like a thorn in their flesh.When the queen mother expressed dissatisfaction again, these people took the opportunity to slander, saying how the regent had no queen, how he appointed private persons, how extravagant and arrogant, how he sold his princes and sold officials, and cited many evidences, saying one thing to another. The empress dowager listened.The queen mother is a woman, and she has no prejudices in her heart. After hearing these words, how can she not believe it?So he decided that the regent looked down on him, and he kept it in his heart all the time, and was ready to show the empress dowager's prestige and give him a severe lesson when he had the opportunity.But today I ran into Xiangzicheng again, and thoroughly described the prince's various faults, which coincided with the empress dowager's intention.The Empress Dowager frowned and said to Zicheng: "I have heard what you said a long time ago. According to this, the country and society of my three hundred years of sage Qing Dynasty will be ruined in his hands. The Qing family must think of a way. It would be good to guard against him." Zicheng said again: "The empress dowager is wise, how dare I warn the prince. The empress dowager issued a decree on this matter, telling the current situation that the situation is difficult, and asking the prince to work hard to govern, appoint talents, and not to repeat the past. Mistakes. The wording of the decree may as well be stricter. The prince has seen it, and he will be vigilant so that he will not act willfully and recklessly. I don’t know what the queen mother’s holy will is because of my ignorance." The queen mother nodded and said that the Qing family said it very well. Today I will issue a decree, you must cheer up and contribute to the royal family.In the future, when the general situation is settled down, the Ai family will award him a fifth-class seal, and he will be treated the same as Zeng Zuo.Zicheng hurriedly kowtowed his head to thank him, and said: "I will do my best to repay the empress dowager's kindness, and comfort the late emperor's spirit in heaven. I will promise the country with my body, and I will die."The queen mother was sad for a while, knowing that Zicheng was loyal, and deeply regretting her suspicion of him back then.Say you go down first, and I will send an order to Zaifeng later.After Zicheng kowtowed and retreated, Zhang Delu accompanied him back to the manager's office, saying that what Gong Bao played today was really good.It's hateful that the regent is so arrogant that he doesn't even pay attention to the queen mother, Lafayette.It's not that Gong Bao said so, the Empress Dowager still refuses to teach him a lesson.Zicheng asked again and again not to hear the Queen Mother's words today.Let him know, and say that I intend to make things difficult for him, how can I, as a courtier, bear it.Delu laughed and said, "Don't worry, you don't need to say that no one will pass on the words to him. Even if he was summoned by the Palace of Compassion and Ning today, he would never want to know. This is very confidential. Even the Queen Mother has a decree that she is not allowed to be called the regent." I know. Since the last assassination incident, he didn't dare to go out easily. Gong Bao invited Wan An, and the colleagues in the palace hate him so much, who would report to him." Zicheng thanked him repeatedly, before he left and went back to his apartment.Zheng Ercheng, the military attache, sent a check for 3,000 yuan, and asked Mr. Zhang to give it to a group of servants in the imperial dining room.Delu took the money in a hurry, and said to Zheng Ercheng, please go back and report to Gong Bao, and said that I would like to thank everyone.Our family is going to the palace to pass the decree. We are very busy.Zheng Ercheng smiled and said, "Master Zhang, please do whatever you want." He went back and followed Delu's words, and went back to Zicheng.Zicheng nodded, feeling very satisfied in his heart, feeling that this strategy was definitely used.

Sure enough, at 90 o'clock at night, the Prince Regent's Mansion suddenly sent two guards to meet Gongbao, and said that the prince has something important to discuss with Gongbao, please come right away, don't delay.Zicheng understood in his heart and said yes, I will go right away.He hurriedly ordered to set up the car, and flew to the Prince Regent's mansion, and immediately sent a message to the inner palace to summon him.Zicheng came in and greeted the prince.Zaifeng asked him to sit down, with a frowning face, he picked up a pale yellow tribute note from the table, handed it to Zicheng and said, "This is the imperial decree of the empress dowager, please take a look." Zicheng heard, Immediately showing a look of panic, he stood up quickly, knelt on the ground, and picked it up with both hands tremblingly.Zaifeng saw that he was so terrified that he couldn't sit still, so he quickly stood up and gave him his hands.Zicheng took it respectfully, and saw the flamboyant and phoenix dancing on it, and wrote a few lines of cursive script.Then he read: "Zaifeng knew that since the first emperor was promoted, he appointed you as the regent, supervised the state affairs, and had such important responsibilities. Since Naier took the matter, he has never heard of good governance or the use of a talented person. The country is in danger, and the revolutionary party is in trouble. You still don't know how to be vigilant, and you are still blindly perfunctory and accommodating, not a plan for fundamental salvation. I live quietly in the deep palace, and I don't want to hear about politics. However, the foundation that my ancestors built with difficulty cannot sit on the throne Afterwards, when you issue government orders, in addition to negotiating a compromise with the cabinet premier Xiang Zicheng, you must enter the palace to hear about it at any time. Fortunately, you should not treat it as a written document, and you will be responsible for your crimes. This order must be strictly followed." Queen Mother's treasure.After Zicheng read it, he still handed over the decree to Zaifeng, and then he stood up and said, "Why did the empress dowager suddenly issue such a strict decree? I remember that in the past two or three years, Lafayette never asked about political issues, and for the prince, I also firmly believe it. What is the reason for today? It is really puzzling." After finishing speaking, he shook his head and sighed again and again.Zaifeng said: "It's all caused by eunuch Zhang. The queen mother listened to one side's words. She made a lot of gossip without distinguishing between black and white, telling me where to put my face. So I called you here to replace me. Think of an idea, how to calm down the empress dowager's anger." Zicheng hesitated, bowed his head and thought for more than ten minutes before replying: "In Yuchen's opinion, this matter is very difficult to handle. In terms of the queen mother's edict, she simply doesn't trust the prince. Even if the prince endures humiliation, everything is done according to the order, and he does not make decisions. How can the queen mother deliberately make things difficult for the prince. She is an old man, and she may tell the prince several times a day. Prolonged anger, may I be able to bear it?" Zaifeng made sense after hearing this set of words, and he was afraid and angry at the same time, so he asked Zichengyi what should you do?Zicheng said: "Now that things have come to an end, I can't say that I have to fight with the Queen Mother. According to Chen's idea, we can only use less coercion. Although the Queen Mother is a saint, she is a woman after all. When she encounters difficulties, she naturally has to restrain her anger and submit. " Zaifeng said: "Your idea is very right. But there must be a way to coerce you. Why don't you just say it clearly, this mansion can carry it out as soon as possible." Zicheng said: "Although there is a plan, I dare not say it, I'm afraid Bearing the crime of deceiving the emperor, is it just a joke." Zaifeng said: "Don't be afraid. This mansion will never reveal a word about you. Even if things go wrong, I will never blame you." Zicheng said "Since the prince is so earnest, for the sake of the overall situation, I can no longer avoid any taboos, so I have to report it truthfully. According to the minister's opinion, the Queen Mother's will is just because he listened to slander for a while, so there may not be any prejudice. It is best for the prince to accept this will." , The last letter to return to the government said that the minister is not capable enough, and the situation is difficult. Three years have passed, and there has been no construction. Today, I would like to return the name of Jianguo Regent to the imperial court, and return to the residence of Chun. I am so grateful to beg the empress dowager for permission. As soon as this memorial is up, the empress dowager naturally has no idea. Fallen leaves return to their roots, and they have to be comforted. At that time, the prince has gained face, and he can still deal with everything freely, and there is no need to report everything to the Compassionate Palace. Moreover, the eunuch Zhang and others will slander again, but it will not have the slightest effect. This is the only way to advance by retreating. Make three good preparations in one fell swoop. Apart from this, there is no good strategy. My lord, please think, is this plan feasible?" Zaifeng danced with joy when he heard it, and shouted: "A wonderful plan! You are really a crystal belly, Glass heart, otherwise, how could it be so thorough. I am afraid that Kong Ming will be resurrected, and he may not have your quick wit. It is a pity that the man in this residence is unknown. You are awarded the fifth-class seal, and I will reward you with the three-eyed flower feather, so as to praise your great achievements." Zicheng thanked you again and again, saying that serving the prince is what he should do, so why dare he invite you to reward him.It's not too late, my lord, just hand over this memorial today.If it's too late, the queen mother may not listen to anyone's slander, or play tricks, then it will be even more difficult to deal with.Zaifeng repeatedly said yes, I will definitely play today, and I must not be late.Only then did Zicheng leave and return to his apartment.

That night, the empress dowager summoned him to the palace again, showed him the papers on Zaifeng's return to power, and asked him how he should handle it.Zicheng kowtowed and said: "This is the blessing of the holy and pure as heaven, the blessing of all the people in the country, and the silent protection of the ancestors and gods, so that the regent retreated. The party will be peaceful in the future, and the rule will be prosperous in the future." The Queen Mother listened, and she was really kind and happy, and asked the procedure to deal with this matter, what should be done?Zicheng said: "This matter is very easy to deal with, and it doesn't take any effort. The regent can return to the mansion, and the empress dowager can conduct political training. The first step is to ask the empress dowager to send the king's memorial to the cabinet. Only at the end of the fold, please write the four words "drafted decree for approval". The minister then followed the imperial decree and drafted a decree, to the effect that Zaifeng, the regent of the country, has been in power for three years, and the state affairs are becoming more and more difficult. The king knows that his talents are short , It is difficult to take on the important task. Please give me the title of regent of the country, and I am willing to return to the mansion, think about the mistakes behind closed doors, and borrow the past mistakes. The words of love are sincere, and I should immediately withdraw the title of regent of the country as the king asked, and still retreat. For Prince Chun, I will be rewarded with food and double salary. All government affairs will be temporarily handed over to the cabinet to handle, and a proper way to deal with the future will be carefully considered. After this decree comes down, the matter of the regent will be completely resolved. Moreover, the empress dowager is still benevolent and righteous. Since the decree has the words "repair aftermath", the ministers use this to inform the nine ministries, the thirteen divisions, and the eight banners. The head and deputy are all in charge, and everyone will hold a meeting, and the public will decide, and ask the empress dowager to teach the government. Everyone is jubilant, and even countries in the East and West will definitely agree with this proposal. The matter of political training will also be completed. I ask the empress dowager to make a decision. Is the method proposed by the minister possible?" The queen mother was overjoyed immediately after hearing this He raised his eyebrows and said, "Your method is really perfect. That's it." Let's talk, and asked Zhang Delu to spread Zaifeng's memorial on the imperial case. "The four characters are still ordered to be handed over to Zicheng.Zicheng took it and hid it in his sleeve.The Empress Dowager ordered to go, Zicheng kowtowed and retreated, and still followed Zhang Delu to the manager's office.Delu was happy again, and took advantage of his wish to ask Zicheng when the Empress Dowager could practice political training.Zicheng did the math and said that it could be done in half a month.Delu entrusted again and again, don't forget me if there is any chance to make a fortune in the future when the Empress Dowager trains the government.Zicheng was full of promises.Delu was overjoyed and personally sent Zicheng out of the palace to return to his apartment.

In the early morning of the next day, there was a thunderbolt, and the decree of the regent's resignation seemed to come down from the sky, which shocked everyone in Beijing.What was especially surprising was that the people on the regent's side saw this imperial decree, like pouring cold water on it, trembling all over, but couldn't figure out what was going on.Everyone was discussing, saying that even if the empress dowager had a will, it should also pass through the hands of the prince. Why did the prince run out of the will without even seeing the shadow?Or is it really the prince who is tired of working hard and begs to be relieved of this important responsibility?But looking at what the will says, it doesn't look like it.Besides, if the prince has such intentions, of course he will discuss it with everyone, and he must not do it secretly!There is something strange about this.Unless you ask the prince face to face, there is no other way.These long history guards, as well as those who usually follow the prince to handle confidential documents, gathered a total of ten or so, and asked to see the prince together, and reported important matters face-to-face.Zaifeng is still dreaming at this time.The little eunuch who was serving beside him saw many people with terrified faces and was eager to see him. He knew that something important must happen, so he didn't dare to delay, so he rushed into the prince's bedroom.Seeing this prince, he fell asleep with his head covered.If you want to go up and wake up, you are afraid of being shocked and can't afford it. If you want to wait and don't call, you are afraid of missing important military affairs.While in a dilemma, suddenly an object jumped onto the gums.The little eunuch fell in love with the scene, and unconsciously became quick-witted.It turned out that this object was a big snow-white cat with a straight neck, forming a yellow circle, hence the name Yushu Jinling, which is the favorite animal of Zaifeng and his wife.Whenever it was cold in winter, the cat would sleep with the prince under the blanket, and never leave the prince's side all day long.The little eunuch was in a dilemma, when he saw it suddenly, he had an idea and thought about it.So he took a bamboo stick and slapped the cat viciously.As soon as the cat saw that it was going to hit it, it scratched the prince's brocade quilt with its claws, and burrowed into the quilt desperately, waking up the prince regent early by surprise.The prince opened his eyes and scolded: "Yu slave! What do you hate to do again?" The little eunuch took advantage of the momentum and said back and forth: "I'm going back to the master, there are twelve people outside, such as so-and-so, who asked to see the master, saying that they have something important to meet Zao, can you see them?" Zaifeng spat at the little eunuch before he finished listening, and cursed: "You bastard, you son of a bitch, what time is this, you come up to answer them, don't tell me the sky is about to collapse? Can't you just wait a moment?" He scolded the eunuch, but he was still stroking Yu Nu.The little eunuch was scolded, so he had no choice but to keep talking, not daring to say a word.Zaifeng sat up around the quilt, and the little eunuch hurriedly hugged the clothes.He slowly dressed, but heard a loud voice outside, saying the opposite!Well, even our prince is gone.Zaifeng was very surprised when he heard this, and hurriedly asked the little eunuch, who is making noise outside?You are so bold, I want to catch them in, and I want to question them face to face.Because the regent lived alone in the house, Fujin did not live with him, so there was nothing to hide.The little eunuch went out, and within a short time, he brought in more than a dozen people, and when they saw the prince, they all knelt down.Zaifeng took a closer look, and found that they were all the leaders of various squads and divisions in the mansion, even the chef of the dining room was among them.Then he asked loudly: "You guys are yelling strangely outside, what is the reason?" The butler Kuisheng replied: "I went to the dairy to have some snacks this morning, and I overheard the yelling words of the newspaper seller. The servant dare not learn before the prince." Zaifeng said: "What is there not to dare to say? This is hypocrisy again. Come on, I will forgive you." Kui Sheng kowtowed: "Thank you for your kindness. When the servant was eating snacks, he saw a newspaper seller holding a roll of numbers and yelled, "Look, look, look, the regent has been dismissed and has gone home to take care of the baby. Look at the order of the empress dowager. Listen, servant." Surprised, he ran out and asked for an extra number from the newspaper seller. After opening it carefully, he found that there was indeed the order of the Empress Dowager. The servant did not dare to stay for a moment, so he ran back to the mansion to report the letter. It happened that all of them also got this letter. There are still people who don't believe it, saying that the cabinet made a decree, how can it be copied without the prince's review? We are going back and forth, just in time for the prince to rest early, so we dare not disturb it. Everyone is discussing outside, but we meet After entering the kitchen Guishun, he actually yelled loudly and startled the prince, he deserves death." After saying that, he kowtowed again and again.At this time, Zaifeng's eyes were staring straight, and he sat on the edge of the bed, motionless, as if he was made of clay.The little eunuch rushed over and beat his waist and rubbed his chest.After a long time, he took a breath, opened his eyes and looked around, and shouted: "That's all!" Then he asked Kui Sheng, "Where is the extra number you want?" Kui Sheng hurriedly took it out of his sleeve and presented it. .Zaifeng took it and looked at it hastily, and threw it to the ground in a fit of anger, and said bitterly: "Okay, I will pass the handle of the knife to others, and let them kill it." Follow Kuisheng's instructions, go and invite Three masters and four masters.The third master is Zai Xun, and the fourth master is Zai Tao. They are brothers with the regent, and they are both named Baylor and the title of county king.As mentioned earlier, they now have their own homes and they no longer live with Zaifeng.Kuisheng went away for a long time, and came back and said: "The third master was scalded by hot oil because he was in the kitchen, and he couldn't move. He was recuperating on the bed. The fourth master worshiped Yang Xiaolou as his teacher and went to the box office outside the city to learn opera.回府。奴才打电话，也未曾寻着，请爷的示下吧。”载沣长叹了一口气，说这两个东西，真没心肝，国事怎能不坏，奸臣怎能不生心呢？这样吧，你速速到项宫保住宅，说我有紧要事同他商议，请他马上就来，千万不要耽误工夫。

魁升答应去了，到得铁狮子胡同，项子城的宅中。见门口十来个军人，全都荷枪实弹，雄赳赳地立着，如凶神一般。魁升才上台阶，就被一个大兵拦住，问道：“你是哪里来的？快快说明，这是有尺寸的地方，能够由你乱闯吗？”魁升这般人，本来骄傲惯了，何尝把大兵放在眼里，瞪着眼睛回道：“你说什么？有尺寸的地方！告你说吧，连皇上的宫殿，全得由我自由出入，别说小小的宫保私宅。”那大兵是河南人，性情很蛮。况且初来北京，还不知天有多高，地有多厚，脑子里就认定了一位项宫保，仿佛世界之上，再也没有比宫保大的了。如今听魁升这样说，不由得气过顶门，用力推了他一把，说你少在这里卖字号吧，你看宫保的宅子小吗？就是不准你进门。你还是到皇上家宫殿去吧。魁升被这一推，几乎摔倒，大声嚷道：“反了反了，我是奉摄政王爷上谕来的，你怎敢动手殴打钦使，真不想活着了吗？”魁升这一吵嚷，惊动了卫队管带郑尔成，忙跑出来问是怎么一回事。魁升唠唠叨叨的，将方才的情形说了。郑尔成连忙请安赔罪，又将那个兵申斥了几句，然后把魁升让进来。先请他在客厅少坐，自己去寻文巡捕纪云程，请他上去回话，说有摄政王爷派来的管家大人，要面见宫保，有紧要事面谈。纪云程上去，不大工夫，回来说，宫保没有工夫接见，这时候正议着军机大事，实不能出来奉陪。管家大人有什么话，请对我说了，我回头必然转达宫保，也省得久候了。魁升一听这口气，简直是没有把他家王爷放在眼里，心中越想越生气。无奈王爷已经免职，项子城却正是当权得令，在人矮檐下，怎敢不低头。只得抱拳含笑，说有劳这位巡捕老爷，即刻向宫保回，就说摄政王爷有旨，召宫保即刻进府，有要政面商。在下只候一个回信，便可回府复命。纪云程答应一声，又上去回话。不大工夫折回来，满脸带着不悦的颜色，说道：“你是哪个王府派来的？宫保说，如今北京城中没有摄政王这个名称了，如有再假借这种名义的，便是违抗懿旨，捏名敲诈，按国法是要治罪的。请你说明白了，才能放出府门，要不然，得送法庭严讯。”纪云程的话尚未说完，魁升早气得浑身发颤。可是于生气之中，又带着十分惧怕，颤巍巍地答道：“我是醇王府派来的。醇王以前本是摄政王，我们顺嘴叫惯了，一时改不及，请宫保多包涵吧。没旁的，还得请这位老爷，再上去回一遍，宫保肯去不肯去，我也好回府有个交代。”纪云程噘着嘴，狠狠地说道：“这是哪里来的晦气，凭空跑多少趟，连自己的主人还说不清。”魁升只得耐着气，又请一个安，求他上去回话。纪云程这一次去了很久的工夫，方才回来，对魁升道：“宫保有谕，说目前军情重要，没有工夫闲谈。况且贵王爷身居闲散，更无谈话之必要。俟等将来大局平定，必前去造府请安。目下正在傍午，实在不能抽身赴召，请管家大人回府，婉言复命就是了。”魁升听了这一套冰冷的话，知道再说也是无益，只可垂头丧气告辞而去。回至府中，即刻面见载沣。载沣不等他开口，先迎头问道：“项子城可来吗？”魁升一句话不曾答出，便放声大哭，直哭得比死了爹娘还痛。载沣诧异极了，说你这人莫非得了精神病，怎么一句话不说，就哭起来，难道你爹娘死了不成？魁升便哽哽咽咽地答道：“我的爷呀，奴才的爹倒不曾死，就是死了我也不这样哭他。奴才哭的是，好好的王爷，竟被人家看得分文不值。从前奴才是爷驾前的传宣官，王公大臣见了我，全要号三分和气。如今却被人家作践得猪狗不如。奴才丢人现眼，原算不得什么，怎么连王爷也一齐作践呢。”他说到这里，又接续着哭起来。载沣听了，仍然是丈二的和尚，摸不着头脑，发急问道：“你说了半天，倒是因为什么？谁作践你，谁看不起我，倒是哪一个啊？”魁升到此时，只得将方才到项子城宅一切经过情形，及子城转达的话，又添了许多枝叶，说给载沣听。载沣本是一个懦弱没有火气的人，听了这些话，只有叹气咳声，却不会暴躁怒骂。可是心里越想越难过，到后来哇的一声也哭了。可怜他主仆二人，彼此楚囚对泣，痛痛地对哭了一大阵。到后来，还是魁升止住眼泪，劝王爷不要伤心，及早想一条挽回的法子才是。载沣一面拭泪，一面叹气说道：“我上了这奸贼的圈套，还有什么法子可挽回呀？总而言之，总是我们自己太不要强，这奸贼才乘隙而入。也是大清朝的气数已尽，所以才出这种乱臣贼子。我此时也不怨旁人，只怨老恩王这个老而不死的东西。他不保荐别人，单单要保荐项子城，这不是引狼入室吗？可是话又说回来，要不是我下旨意起用他，他就是造反，一时也杀不到北京城啊！咳，不要说了，总怨我糊涂昏聩，甘心将刀把儿递给人家，还能怨人家来宰吗？这样吧，你快把辅公爷请来，我有事同他面议。”魁升只得又出来，跑到善辅的宅子，请即刻来王府会议。善辅倒是闻召即来。一见了面，便埋怨载沣道：“王爷为什么要辞职还政，怎么事前亦不同我商量一番呢！这一着走错了，九个牛也拉不回来。眼巴巴地将大权交给项子城，他比曹操还厉害，这一来不是为虎添翼吗？”载沣一壁擦着眼泪，一壁述说已往的情形。善辅跺脚道：“这是项子城故意做成的圈套，王爷为什么硬往里钻呢？皇太后降严旨责备，不过是我们的家事。王爷应当召集一种亲贵会议，由我们自己家人，商量一个疏解的法子，然后大家面见皇太后，不怕给她老人家磕破头颅，也没有完不了的事。王爷偏偏将项子城约来商议，他还能出好主意吗？我想连皇太后的旨意，也是他运动来的，不但排除王爷，还得排除皇太后呢！”载沣此时如梦方醒，不觉连连点头，说当局者迷，旁观者清，你的话却是一点也不错。可惜此时太晚了，来不及了！我此时无的怨，只怨我知人不明，才上了这个大当。但可惜祖宗三百年基业，难道就这样断送了，我们连口大气儿也不敢出吗？你是皇室中的智多星，如今到了这急难关头，也得要死里求活，想一个挽救的法子才好呀。善辅踌躇了两刻钟，只低着头不发一言。载沣再三催他，忽然咳了一声道：“事到而今，只好使辣手段吧，臣想这件事，有善作恶作两条道儿，请王爷酌量施行。要善作呢，大家面恳皇太后，暂时先垂帘训政，他内阁中无论用人行政，先得奏明皇太后，请旨施行，打破他那挟天子以令诸侯的迷信，这是善作。要是恶作，简直使出两个刺客来，把项子城刺杀了，便是一了百了，永除后患。不过这善作的道儿，目前还怕不容易行使。那项子城，他本是两面愚弄：先拿垂帘的话，歆动皇太后；等把王爷排掉了，他就从此再不提垂帘两个字了。皇太后无论如何，万不能自己下旨意，说我要垂帘听政。必须内阁为首，率领满朝文武，具折奏请，这件事才能做得到。王爷请想，如今满朝文武，有十分八九，是项子城的私人。项子城既不肯领这个头儿，他们焉肯投其所忌，说出垂帘的话来？可见这件事是绝对做不到的，只好用恶作的方法，来对付他。臣想只要肯破除金钱，搜求两个要离、荆轲，倒还容易。常言说，老虎还有打盹的时候。他几时出门来，给他个冷不防，只需一枚炸弹，便可送了他的性命。只要去了项子城，其余的人全好对付。王爷请想，这种恶作的法子，可使得吗？”载沣皱眉道：“谈何容易？不要说未必炸死他，纵然有十分把握，目前他的党羽很多，听说从河南带来有万人，全有快枪快炮，要练什么拱卫军。倘然事到临期，他手下的人变起来，我们可有什么法子对付？况且保定、天津，近在咫尺，如段吉祥、曹虎臣、张志兰这几个师长，全是他的死党。如果将他暗杀了，那几师军队朝发夕至，将北京城包围了，只怕连我们全有性命之忧，这岂是鲁莽做的？据我想，还是善办的好，但求皇太后能垂帘训政。本爵退一步想，便是失掉了政权，也算不得什么，可千万不要做那冒险的事啊。”善辅见载沣这样胆小，心中很不满意，从鼻子里哼了一声道：“既然王爷怕事，只好就由他造反去吧。至于太后垂帘的话，臣敢具结，决然不能成功。王爷不信，请你洗净净的眼看吧。不过臣有一句话，要预先向爷驾声明，臣与这贼子势不两立。臣手中尚有一部分兵权，以后便宜行事，请爷千万不要干预。事成是国家之福，事败是臣一身之殃。从今以后，臣也不再来给王爷请安。等将来皇室重睹天日，臣方才有脸同爷相见。”说罢起身告辞，连头也不曾回，便气昂昂地出府去了。载沣见他这样，也无可奈何。善辅将来的结果如何，自有后文交代。

且说项子城自奉到懿旨，摄政王开去职责，所有国家用人行政，暂归内阁总理大臣全权行事，这直然就是站着的皇上了。他轻易不到内阁去，一切公事，全在行辕办理。这一条狮子胡同，立刻变成了皇宫禁地。各部院的长官，天天得到这里点卯画到，紫禁城倒门可罗雀了。果然应了善辅的话，张得禄奉着皇太后的面谕，三番五次面见项子城，催问垂帘训政的事，为何内阁还不领衔奏请。始而项子城说，这事典礼隆重，必须经过内阁会议。再查一查当日慈禧太后垂帘的礼文仪注，诸事全预备停妥，然后才能入奏请旨。目前武汉的军事正在吃紧，哪里有这工夫？请张老爷回去婉言奏明，就说项子城时刻在心，决不忘皇太后的恩德。得禄回宫奏知太后，太后还认着这是项子城尊重大典的一番诚心，果然不再催问了。哪知等了有半个月，仍然声息全无，只可再派张得禄去催，项子城着急道：“你回去对皇太后说，请她老人家赶快训政吧，我可支持不住了。不但南省全部宣告独立，甚至山东、山西也起了革命军，连直隶全不稳。石家庄的吴鲁政虽然被人杀了，滦州的张亦曾，还有蓝田谓，正在秣马厉兵，待时而动。东三省的胡匪，也打着革命军旗号，要驱逐官军，实行自立。各方全有奏折递来，就请你一总拿回宫去，呈与皇太后御览。就请她老人家，快想应付的法子吧。”项子城一片话，把张得禄吓了一身冷汗，反倒央求子城，千万不可脱卸责任，皇太后如何能办得了这些事。奏折我自管拿去，垂帘的事，从此不必提了。俟等宫保把各省的事全办平复了，到那时歌舞升平，再请出皇太后来做女中尧舜吧。子城很不乐意，说我犯不上做这挡箭牌，还是请太后自己办吧。高低由得禄给他请安下跪，说了许多好话，这才不说辞了。从此以后，皇太后再也不问垂帘的话，倒时常派张得禄询问各省情形如何。及至得禄回来，从不曾报告一件可喜的消息。皇太后忧愁抑郁，直然得了心病。

项子城此时，却放开手布置一切。第一件，便是武汉的军事。此时印长已经回京，冯国华为总司令，王占魁为前部先锋。占魁是山东人，小时在乡里间，本是一个无赖地痞。后来穷得不可开交，便投入军营。始而充当伙夫，后来项子城见他生得体格魁梧，臂力又大，便挑他为马弁，跟了子城四五年，因为组织新军，便升他做连长。打土匪他很出力，便由连长而营官，由营官而标统，由标统而协统，几年工夫，居然做到高级武官。他生平最佩服的，就是项子城同冯国华。此次国华被命征讨武汉，特特调他同来，因为知道他是一员福将，到了汉阳，一定能建立奇功。始而李天洪派蔡、杜两员大将，迎头同国华见了一仗，怎当得国华用兵如神，王占魁勇冠三军，禁卫军的枪炮子弹又非常的锋利，蔡、杜两人如何抵抗得了，只得大败而归，退守汉阳城，在龟山架起大炮来，向外轰击。冯国华下令，先在炮力不及的地方，安营扎寨，一方面给北京去电，报告得胜情形，及敌人依山架炮、拒守的状况，向项宫保请示机宜。第二天复电到了，限十日以内攻下汉阳城，如十日不能取得，军统及先锋官均摘去顶戴。好厉害的回电！国华见了，吓出一身冷汗来，心说，这不是难题吗？像龟山这样险峻，不要说十日不能攻下，就是一个月，也未必准有把握，这直然是开玩笑。他想了半天，忽然计上心来：现在东西洋各国驻京武官随营观战的，很有几位。我今天开一次军事会议，请他们出席，当面提出这攻打龟山议案来，请教他们，得用什么法子进取，多少日内可以取得。他们有好法子，我也可以采取。要是无善法可想，当然得多延日期，我便据着他们的话禀复，也担不着甚大的不是。好好，就是这样，立刻传令，在军统行营开军事会议。并拿自己的名片，将各国观战的武官，一律请来。 这些人倒是闻请即来，在会议场上坐定了。所有大小军官自营长而上，一律列席。冯国华在主席台上，向大众发言道：“今天本军统请列位来会议，是有一个大问题，非集思广益，不能收功。目前咱与敌军相持，他把住了龟山，有险可守，那汉阳城便无法取得。我们必须先夺龟山。只要将龟山得过来，汉阳不攻自下。这是天然的形势，诸君自然晓得。只是夺取的方法，事前应当如何布置，攻下的日期，大约须得若干时间，请诸君各抒所见，本军统当择善而从。在本国军官，有不次升赏。就是诸位客卿，也必有相当酬报。”国华说完了，各军官面面相觑，谁也不发一言。国华又改用英语，向各国武人演说了一遍，只见英国武官、陆军大佐金克坚起立发言，说龟山的形势，本武官早经测量明白，委实是天险之地。对方戒备很严，智取是做不到的，必须力取。力取非有重大牺牲，不易奏效，更非短促时间，所能收功。以本武官看，若用英国陆战的方法，得有五千人轮流攻打，最速也要一个月，方能占领此山。国华拱手致谢道：“多承金将军指教。但不知他位将军，还有特别妙法，能比一个月再快的吗？”话言未了，只听见德国武官陆军少将成士宝站起来微微笑道：“据末将看，此山虽险，要夺取过来，也还用不到一个月。如参用敝国陆战法，二十天决可收功。”哪知成少将的话尚未说完，座中一人哈哈大笑道：“当此军情紧急，瞬息万变，要待一月廿天，岂不误了大事？据我看，如用种种方法，明夺暗诱，只需两个星期，足可办到了。”大家听此人放出这大口气，不约而同地全向他注目，原来是日本武官藤田少将。此人年纪很轻，却在日俄战役中立了不少功绩，所以二十几岁，便升至陆军少将，现充北京日使馆武官。此番随营观战，摩掌擦拳，直要显一显自己的身手，方才称心如愿。听英、德两武官所谈，他心中很不以为然，所以挺身出来，只说了两星期的限，自以为可以压倒一切了。在金、成二人，见他这样少年轻躁，嘴里虽不好说什么，却嗤之以鼻，现出一副很信不及的样子。冯国华在主席台上，也很觉着诧异，心说，真是初生之犊不畏虎，连西洋久历戎行的将官，全不敢说此大话，你一个少年新进，知道什么，就这样发狂，也未免太可笑了。我必须问他一个词穷，也好折一折他的气焰。想罢，便先朝着本国的武官发话道：“诸君听见了吗？藤田将军说，两星期内便可取得龟山，总算是再速没有了吧！不但本军统五中佩服，大概诸君也是望尘莫及了。”国华说到这里，才要接着向下说，只见武官席中，一个身躯高大的，蓦地站起来，说末将有一言奉禀。国华一看，乃是先锋官王占魁，忙和颜问道：“王将军有何高见，自请明言。”占魁道：“方才，藤田将军不是说两个星期可以夺取龟山吗？要据末将看，何需两个星期。末将不才，虽无拔山之勇，要取这小小龟山，只需一个星期，手到拿来，遇巧了三五天也说不定。”占魁这一声大炮放出去，立时间得掌声如雷。原来这些外国武官，全在中国住过多年，对于中国话，听得很清。大家正在看不起藤田，却无法折服他。忽然听见这一套话，直是对藤田迎头一棒，真乃正中下怀，便不约而同地鼓起掌来。金、成两人，尤其鼓得起劲。当时却吓坏了冯国华，气坏了藤田少将，连中国各武官也全目瞪口呆，一个个看着占魁，只是发愣。大家全不约而同地揣测此人，必有神经病，再不然便是魔鬼附体，不如此，何以能说出这样的荒唐话呢？此时国华的心中虽然诧异，但是，自己部下，在大庭广众当着几个外国武将，说出这样压倒一切的话来，自己也觉着很露脸。却因众当前，又不可视同儿戏，只得向占魁追问道：“王将军，这军中可无戏言啊！”占魁郑重答道：“大帅说哪里话，末将如无十分把握，岂敢轻易发言？我既限定一星期，如逾一日，请以军法从事，末将情愿具军令状。但是本军全部队伍，全得听末将一人调遣，有抗令者先斩后报。不知大帅可能应许吗？”国华道：“这是自然的。你既肯冒险建立奇功，这指挥三军之权，焉能不完全交付你。你先具下军令状，我随后便令知全军将士，听你一人指挥，有不服者，按军法从事。”占魁果当众人面前，立下军令状，那些外国武将，又竭力地鼓了一回掌，然后国华才宣布退席。 众人散去之后，国华秘密派人，将占魁请到自己屋中，正颜厉色地对他说道：“你方才在大众面前夸下那样海口，这不是闹着玩的。自古军中无戏言，何况你又具下军令状，倘然事到临期，你不能做到，我做主帅的，也无法袒护你。你这不是自寻死路吗？究竟你有什么把握，不妨先对我说明，也省得我替你悬心吊胆。”占魁道：“承大帅这样的爱护我，末将心里实在感激不尽。末将没有一点把握，焉敢冒昧，以性命为儿戏呢！实对大帅说，目前有取龟山一个极好机会。末将乘这机会，可以事半功倍，所以才敢讨这极短的限。要不然，谁能这样荒唐呢！从前守汉阳的，是湖北陆军，全是当日张文襄训练之师，又兼带兵官如蔡杜两人，也是久历戎行的战将，所以龟山不易夺取。如今却换了华自强做主将，手下的兵全是学生军，较比湖北原有的陆军，程度差得太远了。那华自强虽是一位老革命党，到底军事阅历很有限。他原是湖南一个秀才，也出自张文襄门下，在湖北当过学生，后来到东洋留学，还是文襄送过去的。此人胆量虽大，却是仅仅会掷炸弹、打冲锋。在革命党中，总算非常骁悍，然而说战阵攻守的方略，却实实在在是一条门外汉。又兼那学生军，就知道不怕死，至于打上仗，连瞄准全不会。别看他有两三千人，我们只选五百精锐之