Chapter 58 Chapter 55: The Villain Betrayed and Defrauded Money and Missed

The reason why Zhang Guangpei and Han Deji assassinated Xiangzi City last time has been explained in detail.Now turn back and talk about Xiangzi City.Surprised by this accident, when I returned to Xingyuan, all the bureaucrats of the Hefu and the civil and military people in the city came to pay their respects.The nine admirals and the chief of the Inner City Police Department came to plead guilty even more tremblingly.Xiang Zicheng talked and laughed freely, as usual, as if there was no such thing.Only those who died in the bombing felt very sorry, and asked to prepare good clothes and quilt coffins to bury the dead bodies, and rewarded his family with another 5,000 yuan as a pension.On the one hand, he discussed with the secretary of staff how to deal with the two assassins.It was Yang Xiu who suggested that the assassins must be members of the Democratic Party, and if they were clearly punished, the feelings towards the Democratic Party would definitely be greatly hurt.Kung Pao was originally planning to make peace with them, and if he handled it this way, there would be some obstacles in the future of the negotiation.But keeping them will be a future trouble in the long run.According to the student's opinion, Mo Ru hinted that Yi Wujin was in the secret room of the admiral's yamen, and the two of them were killed without anyone noticing, put them in two thin leather boxes, and buried them behind the admiral's yamen.From then on, the case was never brought up again.Whether it is the Democratic Party or not, he can't guess it all.Gong Bao, please think, is this a good idea?Zicheng nodded and smiled, "You really think carefully." At that time, Liang Zhenbang, the military inspector, was called over, and he was told to go to find Wujin to deal with it in the same way.The lives of the poor two martyrs were lightly ruined.It wasn't until later that the burial was moved to the park, and the Huabiao was erected to give a big praise.Ever since this method was implemented, the Military and Police Law Enforcement Office in Beijing had a blueprint.Lu Jianwen was the Director of Law Enforcement, and none of the Democratic Party elements sent in survived death.At the beginning, the crimes were announced, but later they were not even announced, but they saw their entry, but they did not see their exit, and it was unknown where and where these people were exterminated.Among them, there are really many people from the Democratic Party, but there are not a few who are not from the Democratic Party.At that time, there was a group of evil detectives in Beijing who were appointed by the government to search for the Democratic Party inside and outside the Nine Cities.In fact, there are so many Democratic parties, they have come up with all kinds of clever ways, for those who have just come to Beijing or those who do not have a job in Beijing, they will first get in touch with them, and then introduce them as confidantes, revealing their true feelings, It doesn't mean that Sun Wen sent it, but that it was sent by Huang Xing.If there is a letter of appointment, I will show it to you, and it will be charged with interest, saying that after receiving the appointment, the monthly salary will be at least two or three hundred yuan.So he was deceived into believing it was true, and actually asked him to recommend him, and within a few days, the letter of commission came, and sometimes he could really give a hundred or two hundred yuan in foreign money.When this time comes, it is considered a great achievement, and they immediately report to the government that there is a rebellious party somewhere, and what is the last name.When he took the army and police to suppress them, he got all the stolen goods, letters of appointment, private letters, and foreign money, and they were immediately sent to the law enforcement office.That great detective got promoted and made a fortune because of this. Once he received a reward of three thousand or five thousand, he would be a lieutenant colonel or a major once he was promoted.In fact, wherever there are chaotic parties, they are all created by themselves.This is the dark truth in Beijing that day, and it is not false at all.

After Xiang Zicheng ended the matter, he took advantage of the Qing court and issued a decree.The general idea is to negotiate a truce, with Shanghai as the area for the peace negotiation, and Tang Shaoyi, the special assistant minister, as the peace negotiation plenipotentiary, will fly to Shanghai immediately to discuss the conditions.The Nanjing Nationalist Government appointed Wu Tingfen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, as the plenipotentiary to meet and negotiate with Tang Zhaoyi, but for the time being, I will not make a statement.It's just that Xiangzi City is in the dark, and all the arrangements are ready, just waiting for the thunderbolt, and then transfer the country and mountains of the Qing Dynasty to himself.After thinking about it, I finally got my wish, which is really an indescribable joy.One day, I was chatting with Zhao Bingheng in the secret room, and suddenly saw a family member holding a notebook.Zicheng took it over and looked at it carefully, and saw that it said Li Huchen, the third-rank title of Mu En and alternate capital secretary.Seeing him, Zicheng groaned and said to Bingheng: "True, I forgot about him. Last time the Empress Dowager summoned him, she also mentioned the death of Fourth Master Rui in Sichuan. The Empress Dowager is going to prepare a decree to surrender and send me to investigate. The fact of his death has now passed two or three days, and he is busy negotiating peace, but has forgotten about it. It was not his fault that he came looking for me, I can't remember it! Come on, hurry him up Call me up, so I can have a face-to-face question." The family agreed, and brought Li Huchen up in a short time.I saw him wearing plain clothes, looking haggard and dusty.Seeing Xiang Zicheng, he knelt down on the ground, pulled Zicheng's clothes, and burst into tears.Zicheng did not shed tears easily in his life, but seeing Huchen's appearance now, he recalled that when Ruifang was there, he was close to himself, not because after losing power, he changed his original intention, and among the friends, it was finally rare, so he didn't know Feeling sad and crying.He pulled Hu Chen up with his hands, and said that it is rare that you really deserve to be a righteous man, please sit down and talk.How dare Hu Chen sit down, and say what kind of person Beibian is, who dares to sit side by side with Gongbao.Zicheng said: "Because you are a righteous man, don't be bound by official etiquette. Please sit down and have a long talk. I'm sorry that you can't describe the details of Wu Shuai's death. If you talk about it, I'm afraid it won't be exhaustive. Or Sit down." Zhao Bingheng also urged him to sit down, and then Hu Chen leaned over and sat down on a small stool next to him.Zicheng asked first, "When did you come back?" Huchen said, "Beibian has only been in Beijing for six days. Because the search along the road is very strict, Beibian took the leader of Wu Shuai with him to avoid people's eyes. Yes. It was very easy to go from Sichuan to Hankou, and from Hankou to Shanghai, so that the danger was avoided. In Shanghai, I was waiting for the young master Wu Shuai to pick me up, but he never arrived, so I had to help the coffin back by himself." Hearing this, Zicheng said, He asked very displeasedly: "Where is Rui Qi now? Why didn't he go pick up his father's body?" Hu Chen said: "Master Qi is sick in Tianjin and has not returned yet. I ordered the coffin to go back to the capital and park it at home. When the time for burial comes, he will come back naturally." Zicheng frowned, and stopped asking Ruiqi, but asked why Ruifang died in Sichuan, and why Ruijin died with him. You can talk to me in detail from beginning to end.Huchen didn't answer, but shed tears first.If Gong Bao is not bored, this matter can be talked about for half a day, the scene at that time is really painful.Zicheng said: "You can explain it in detail yourself, I will never get bored." Then Hu Chen recounted it in detail from beginning to end.

To write a novel, you can only use a kind of inverted pen, continue the previous article, and then start from the Swiss side on Hubei Road.In the fiftieth chapter, it is said that Rui Fang, the imperial envoy, went to the border of Hunan Province, and was forced by Yang Desheng and Zhang Chenggong, the commander of the battalion, to demand military pay.However, the Swiss side has no money in their hands.It was really crowded, so I came up with an emergency idea, wrote a letter personally, and sent his entourage Sun Huiqing to the provincial capital of Changsha to meet Tian Kuilin, the governor of Hunan, and temporarily borrowed 100,000 yuan. , it will be returned in full.The letter was written very earnestly, with the air of living if you get it, and dying if you don’t get it.After finishing writing, I personally handed it to Huiqing, and said solemnly: "Huiqing, if you take this letter, you are taking the lives of my two brothers. When you meet Tian Shuai, you must speak well. In any case, please let him This step of helping me will be repaid in full in the future, and I will repay him extra for saving his life. You should go early and come early, so don't make me look forward to it. You must know that this time Zhang Bao and Xiangcheng made a secret plan, and they really wanted to Put me to death. That's why I sent these two warriors, obviously to protect the imperial envoy, but secretly to kill me. If you come back late, I'm not sure what tricks they will play. It's important. " Huiqing said repeatedly, took the letter and put it in her close pocket.Yang Desheng collected 20 yuan for the transfer fee on his behalf, and the Swiss side also handed it over to him.Only then did Huiqing leave and set off, and hurried to Changsha.When I came to the provincial capital this day, I first looked for an inn to stay.After a night's rest, without breakfast the next day, he hired a car and went to the governor's yamen to meet him.It was just in time for the fifteenth day, and it was the time for the officials to see each other. There were cars, horses and water dragons, and the front of the courtyard was very lively.Huiqing took a man from the store to work as a long shift and asked him to go up and answer.The shop clerk went away for a long time, and just came back, shaking his hand to Huiqing and saying that it was unsuccessful.The concierge replied that the commander-in-chief was suffering from a toothache these two days, so he never saw any customers.Huiqing was anxious, saying how good this is?He intentionally took out the letter and went to the concierge to deliver it, and then thought about it, if he pressed the letter, wouldn't it be a big mistake?I had to go back to the store first, and then think of other ways.After driving back to the store, he was alone in the room thinking, what must he do to meet Tian Shuai?Thinking about it left and right, there is no proper way in a hurry.Later, I had an idea, and remembered that when I was in Beijing, I had met with the Tian brothers several times with Ruifang, and I knew that this second master Tian was fond of calligraphy and painting, and he especially welcomed Zhao Ziang's authentic works.I have also done a few business deals. Although I didn't make much money, I finally got married.As long as I do this now, I will definitely be able to meet him.Thinking of this, he invited the shop owner over and said, I have one thing to ask, you can do it for me, I will meet Tian Shuai in the future, I will get benefits, and I will definitely reward you heavily.The shopkeeper asked him what was the matter, and Huiqing smiled and said, "Go find a few scrolls of old rotten calligraphy and paintings for me, the older the better. Even the things that are mostly smoky and sticky in restaurants can also be used. I myself If you have this, you can take it to see Tian Shuai. Please, please, find it quickly." The shopkeeper laughed and said, "It's not difficult. I can find it for as much as the master uses." Qing said: "You don't need much, three or five volumes are enough." The shopkeeper agreed to go.I just came back early the next morning, and said with a smile: "Fortunately, I am not disgraceful." Then he put the old calligraphy and painting under his armpit on the table.Huiqing saw that it was really old and rotten, so she opened it one by one to have a look, but accidentally came across a treasure, which turned out to be a small nave with a pink and black autumn eagle painted on it.Huiqing has worked in antique shops for many years. He is an old connoisseur. He has seen many authentic works of famous people in his life.Therefore, upon seeing this scroll painting, one knew it was the imperial brush of Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty.After carefully identifying the inscription, the word "Xuanhe" has become blurred. The word "Xuan" has only two horizontal lines at the bottom, and the word "He" has only an incomplete word on the right. The word "Yubi" and "Yubi" can no longer be read clearly, but Ying's expression has not disappeared at all.After careful inspection, it is indeed authentic.Huiqing put his hands aside and thanked the shop owner repeatedly, saying that it was rare for a brother to be so sincere, and if a brother had the opportunity to meet Tian Shuai, he would definitely be rewarded considerably.The owner of the shop was originally a powerful person, and seeing that Huiqing was able to meet Tian Shuai, he must have a lot of background, so he searched out all the tattered calligraphy and paintings in his home.This ax eagle originally belonged to his father-in-law's family. After his father-in-law died, the uncles were all prostitutes and gambling, and they didn't know that the relics of their ancestors were so valuable.The daughter-in-law lives in her natal home with her children. When the children saw this painting, they shouted, "What a big bird, they must pick it up and play with it."Enough playing, take it home again.The shopkeeper didn't recognize it as a famous painting, but said that the eagle was so energetic that it would be a pity for a child to tear it up, so he rolled it up and put it on the table.When Huiqing asked for the old paintings, he suddenly remembered and rolled over with the pile.If Huiqing were a gentleman, he would never plunder the beauty of others, and he would tell the shopkeeper where the eagle came from, and tell him to put it away carefully and hide it as a treasure. This is the principle of life.It's not like Huiqing is a villain who loves profit, picks up this treasure out of nothing, thinks he is a fortune star, and is willing to express it clearly.He had always planned this ancient painting in his heart, and I brought it to Sichuan. The Ruiqin envoy will definitely love it when he sees it, and at worst, he can sell it for 2,000 yuan.Then I changed my mind again: Why should I sell it to him?It's best to take it to Mr. Tian, ​​tell a lie, and just say that it was given to him by the Rui Qin envoy.He must like it, and he can prove that I am not a fake when I come to seek help for Lao Rui this time.No matter what, he would lend tens of thousands. Wouldn't it be a great credit to meet the imperial envoy Rui in the future.In his reply letter in the future, he will definitely express his thanks for the gift of painting.At that time, I told another lie. I just said that I met a friend in the antique shop in Changsha City, and I bought this thing from him.So I deducted 3,000 yuan from the loan to repay him, but without anyone noticing, I remitted 3,000 yuan from the Daqing Bank to my home in Beijing. Isn't this a windfall from outside?The more he thought about it, the happier he was, and he forgot about the upper court.Or the shopkeeper reminded me, Master Sun, aren't you going to see the handsome man?It's getting late, is it still waiting until tomorrow?Huiqing said: "Yes, yes, you go and call a car, and I will go right away."

When the car arrived when I was young, Huiqing took the second car to the Governor's Yamen, and didn't need the shop assistant to answer. It is said that Sun Huiqing from Jubaozhai Antique Shop in Beijing came to visit the general sincerely, because there are several calligraphy and paintings, which are authentic works of ancient people, and he brought them from a long way, please appreciate them, and if there is any agreement on the sale, he will reward you all. "The gatekeeper rolled his eyes, looked at Huiqing, and asked slowly: "Are you the owner of the antique shop?" Huiqing hurriedly said: "Don't dare, the merchant is the manager of Jubaozhai "The gatekeeper asked again: "Do you know our Marshal?" Huiqing said: "When the Marshal was in the Imperial Academy in Beijing, we met almost every day. All calligraphy, painting and calligraphy were undertaken by merchants. Because of this relationship , That's why I came from afar. In any case, I beg the superior to reply on behalf of you, and the merchant will never let you down." The gatekeeper sneered and said: "You Beijing oil sons are all sweet-hearted. When things don't work out, you can say The sky is full of hype. When we meet with the superiors and the transaction is completed, it will be written off. It is not the first time we have been deceived. I don’t want your rewards in the future. Let’s go through a test and talk for you. One hundred yuan. If you have money, we will do things. If you don’t have money, I’m sorry, this is a business place, and we don’t have time to discuss it for a long time. Please go ahead.” Hearing this, Huiqing took a deep breath and said to herself Likes and dislikes, where can I find one hundred yuan, twenty yuan for the disk fee, and I have already spent eight or nine yuan, isn't this a life of death?There is no way but to grind softly.So I deeply invited a Da'an, and I didn't call him a job at all, but changed my name to uncle, saying that the amount you want, uncle, is really not much, but my nephew came from Beijing this time, and the money he brought was not rich. It happened that I was sick for a few days in Hankou, and it cost me a lot of money.When I came to Changsha, I only had a dozen or so yuan left on me, so my uncle took it upon himself to take pity on my nephew, and helped me accomplish this.The few scroll paintings I brought are worth seven to eight thousand yuan if sold at a low price. If they are sold in the future, my nephew would like to pay one-tenth of them as a reward to all the uncles.Sun Huiqing's soft approach actually worked.One of them, who was a few years old, sighed and said to everyone: "Look at this situation, it is very pitiful. Originally, it was a long journey, six or seven thousand places, and it was cast here. A few scrolls of broken paintings are for sale. If you don’t see the commander-in-chief, who is willing to pay thousands of silver for such things? Maybe he ended up living in Changsha and starved to death. It doesn't cost him anything to reply." Hearing the man's comments, Huiqing felt like a dead tree springs up, and there is a way out of death.Immediately turned his face away, and greeted that person again and again, saying that what the uncle said was really a bodhisattva's heart, and my nephew heard it, and it was like meeting reborn parents.If there is nothing else, I beg you, old man, to be merciful and report back for me.After finishing speaking, he greeted everyone one by one, making the noise so that everyone stopped saying anything.The old man asked him for the manuscript so that he could go up and answer.Huiqing hurriedly took it out of her arms and handed it over with both hands.The old man looked at it and said with a smile: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm still an observer." Because Huiqing has been with Ruifang for many years, he has secured the second rank to be a candidate, and it is clearly written in his handbook , so the man met and said he was an observer.Huiqing hurriedly replied: "Don't dare, my nephew is originally from the business world. This kind of official title was given by Imperial Envoy Rui to the governor of Zhili. It is just a false title. Observe how the two words are worthy Let’s get up.” The man didn’t answer, and went up to answer with a notebook.After going for a long time, I just came back and said with a smile to Huiqing: "Your luck is really good. The commander saw the manuscript and suddenly couldn't remember it. After I explained it, he remembered it. He said you were sent by Ruiqin. Attaché, how can I come here? Commander Tong Rui is a best friend, so he is given special treatment. Please come to the back hall to meet me. My lord, come with me." At this time, everyone knew that he had a lot of background, and they saw the master again. With such preferential treatment, he immediately changed his face, and everyone rushed to talk to him, adults and adults shouted loudly.Huiqing had no choice but to perfunctory them, but followed the old servant to the back hall to see Tian Kuilin.

This back hall is the quiet place where Kuilin practiced, and the room is full of shelves, all of which are ancient books and postcards.There are also several pots of orchids that are about to bloom, with a delicate fragrance, refreshing.Kui Lin was sitting on a bamboo chair beside the desk, wearing a dark gray jacket made of patriotic cloth, a large mandarin jacket with green braids, a green gauze cap, and light yellow cloud shoes.He was only about fifty years old, with a hairless beard and a very ruddy face. One could tell at a glance that he was someone who was good at taking care of himself, and he was by no means a licentious person.Huiqing came in with his family, and as soon as the family entered, they called Mrs. Sun, and Kui Lin slowly stood up.Huiqing had already walked in front of him, and kowtowed first without saying a word.This is the court ceremony in the officialdom.When meeting the governor for the first time in the hall, this is not enough to show respect, but the governor still has to kowtow.In the former Qing Dynasty, Li Wenzhong was the only one, because he was getting old, and he was also a veteran of the three dynasties. He was also a general.After all, because of his great status, he couldn't avoid some grievances.Later, when Xu Yong was the prime minister, when his subordinates attended the ceremony, he actually cupped his hands on his seat and didn't even move his body. Everyone didn't take it seriously.At the same time, Sun Xiangguo is very respectful, which is inversely proportional to Xu Xiangguo.Even when new recruits go to pay homage to their teachers, the old man is extremely humble.Not afraid of elementary school students in their teens, if they kowtow to him, he will also kneel down on the ground and return the salute.Therefore, Beijingers have a few common sayings, saying that Sun Zhongtang is small and Xu Zhongtang is big; the small one is not small, and the big one is not big.These are all the official etiquette and rules of the autocratic era, and now the Republic of China has been swept away.But the benefits of the Republic of China, apart from this, the rest are not easy to find.

There are few gossips, but it is said that after Huiqing went to the court to attend the ceremony, the old family put the scrolls of calligraphy and paintings brought by him on the table for him.Quilin gave up his seat and asked, "When did Brother Sun arrive?" Huiqing replied, "I arrived last night." Kuilin said, "We haven't seen each other for more than ten years. I heard you Dude has been on the Rui Qin mission, and things have been going well for the past few years. Has the Rui Qin mission arrived in Sichuan now? Why do you have time to come to my brother, brother?" Hearing his question, Huiqing got up and replied, "Responding to what the commander-in-chief said, Zhidao originally accompanied the imperial envoy to Sichuan, but because of a little obstacle on the way, he had no choice but to send Zhidao to ask for help from the general. In any case, he must ask the general for help, otherwise the future of the imperial envoy will be ruined. But it's dangerous." Kui Lin was very surprised when he heard this, and hurriedly asked what the reason was.General Huiqing was in Hubei with the anger of Tong Xiangcheng and Zhang Bao, how they set up a trap, sent special cavalry and strong generals to escort the imperial envoy, but refused to allocate any money to the imperial envoy, and how they were bullied by Yang Desheng and Zhang Chenggong on the way The coercion has now traveled to the border of Hunan, and it seems that there will be no food, so I personally wrote a letter and sent a special post to ask for help.After Huiqing finished speaking, she took out Rui Fang's letter from her bosom, and presented it to Kui Lin respectfully.Kui Lin took it and took it out to watch.After reading it, he let out a long sigh and said: "I didn't expect Fourth Brother Rui to end up in such a field. It seems that he can't get out of the mountain." After finishing speaking, he pondered again and again.Huiqing was afraid that he would say weak words, so he bowed back and said: "When Zhidao came, Rui Qin envoy specially handed over an ancient painting that he carried with him to Zhidao, saying that it was a gift to the commander-in-chief. It’s like talking to an old brother.” When Kui Lin heard that there was an ancient painting as a gift, he knew that Rui Fang was a great collector, and he expected that this painting must be extraordinary, so he immediately beamed with joy and asked Huiqing where the ancient painting was. ?Have you ever brought it?Huiqing stood up, took out the scroll of pink and ink autumn eagle from the table, opened it himself, and asked Kuilin to look at the second half.Seeing the painting suddenly, Kui Lin applauded loudly: "It's a magic brush. It's not the Taoist emperor. He is gifted with intelligence and would never paint this kind of divine state. Brother Rui has such a treasure, why don't he keep it?" Why don't you give it to me?" Huiqing said with a quick smile, "it's often said that swords are given to martyrs, and the envoy Ruiqin knows that the marshal is good at appreciating them, so he gave them to him specially. It is a rare treasure. I am afraid it will fall into the hands of others, so I dare not write it in the letter. I am afraid that it will be searched by the soldiers and detained by them. They will also find a few scrolls of tattered calligraphy and paintings and mix them in, so as to cover the eyes and ears of others. The imperial envoy took great pains to draw this scroll." Huiqing's cover-up words were so kind and complete that Kui Lin was naturally delighted and grateful after hearing this.He rolled up the painting, looked at the other broken paintings, smiled and glanced at the side, just putting the eagle on the bookshelf would be considered a reward.Seeing that he had accepted the eagle, Huiqing guessed that the matter of borrowing money would always be in vain, but it was not easy to urge him to ask, so he could only tease him with other words: "The sports expenses of Ruiqin's mission to the mountains this time are not small, so When I left Beijing, I never brought a lot of money. It happened that I broke up with my aunt in Wuchang, and the money was soft, and was taken to Hankou by my aunt. Instead, I didn’t have any money. In the opinion of the imperial envoy, since he was ordered to investigate and handle the incident, the money along the way You can always accommodate the local officials. Unexpectedly, Xiang Shuai has already issued an order that the prefectures and counties are not allowed to borrow a single penny except for food and beverages for the imperial envoys. As a result, the imperial envoys were in a dilemma. They had to do their best to deal with the guards, and they were extremely helpless, so they asked the commander for help. Fortunately, it is not far from Sichuan Province. As long as they enter the border of Sichuan, all states and counties can do it. Free loan. With such a big imperial envoy, it will not be too much trouble if you can accommodate one hundred and eighty thousand yuan. You don’t have to wait until Chengdu, and the commander-in-chief’s money will be returned in full.” Kui Lin nodded and said: “Your brother said It is very good. I am on a mission with Ruiqin, we are close friends, and my brother and he are brothers in exchange. The mere borrowing of this money is nothing, but it is a pity that there is no money in the treasury, and the states and counties are busy with money and food. , I haven’t figured it out yet, and my brother has no money in his own hands, how can we deal with this matter?” When Huiqing heard this tone, there was no hope, and he thought that he would not be able to borrow money, so he would lose a fortune in vain. Painting, this is really a loss for my wife and a broken soldier.I have no choice but to use soft methods, no matter what, I have to ask for money from him.Thinking of this, he made a very miserable look.Before he could speak, he wiped away his tears with his lapel sleeves, and then said in a trembling voice: "This time, I was entrusted by the imperial envoy to seek help from the general with all my heart, which is different from ordinary money. Trapped on the road, front, back, left, and right are all unreasonable people like wolves and tigers. They kept saying that they hadn’t paid their military pay for three months, and immediately forced them to ask the imperial envoy for money. Son, use good words to appease them, otherwise, something has happened a long time ago. The commander-in-chief is willing to give some money, and the imperial envoy will pay off their arrears. As long as these people see the money, of course they have nothing to say. Arriving safely in Sichuan, not only did the commander-in-chief's money stay in the clear, but in the future the imperial envoys will investigate and deal with the railway affairs, and when they are specially recorded in the memorial, regarding the situation of Xiangcheng and Zhang Bao's coercion and manipulation, and the generosity of the commander-in-chief, You must play it in detail and let the regent know. The commander is finally loyal to the country and devoted to friendship. Although he does not want the court to reward him, his voice of righteousness can shake the whole country. If the commander-in-chief really has no money to support the imperial envoy, his brother The lives of the two of them will inevitably be in danger. This trip to the post is useless, and there is no face to see the imperial envoy. I have to learn from Dr. Sanlu and join Xiangliu to thank my confidant." Hui Qing Speaking of this, I couldn't help but shed tears from my eyes.Kui Lin was very emotional when he saw it, and said with emotion: "Your brother is really a loyal trustee, which is admirable. Brother, no matter what, I will always try to help you, and I will never ask you to go back empty-handed." Upon hearing this, Huiqing, He stood up quickly, fell down on the ground, and said Sun Huiqing competently, first for Brother Ruifang, thank the Marshal for saving his life.Kui Lin hurriedly pulled him up, saying why your brother is doing this, brother must keep his word.Huiqing stood up and asked An deeply again, saying that the general is generous, kind, and warm-hearted, and he knows his profession well, so there is nothing he can't trust.However, Brother Ruiqin is in trouble, and now there is a savior, it is really their fate, that is why they met the nobleman Tianyi and came to rescue them.I empathize with the profession, how can I not thank you for it.Kui Lin smiled and said: "It's rare in the world to be as sincere as your elder brother. No matter how difficult it is, brother, he will try his best to piece it together. I'm sorry for one thing, I have to ask your elder brother to wait for a few days, because there are too many people in the warehouse right now. There is no money, let me ask someone to make a loan from the bank for a while, and I am not afraid of paying a few interest money, which is nothing. But you have to borrow it early, so your brother can set off, and hurry up to catch up with the imperial envoy, so that he will not be in trouble. On the way, I'm looking forward to it." Although Huiqing was anxious, but she didn't want to be too urging, so she had to agree repeatedly, saying that the commander in chief would come forward to borrow money, and it would be done as soon as he said it, and it was expected that there would be no delay for a few days.As for the amount of interest, please don't be polite to the commander-in-chief, please understand and hope for instructions, and submit to the imperial envoy in a dignified manner, and give them all in the future.Kui Lin said: "This is a small section. In the future, he will treat me the same. Where does your brother live now? If the store is not clean, you can move to the Yamen to live." Huiqing said: "I am so concerned by the commander-in-chief. I am really grateful for my job. Fortunately, there are not many days left, and I can live in the store, so I don’t have to move to the Yamen anymore.” Kui Lin nodded and said, “That’s fine.” After tea, Huiqing hurriedly got up and said goodbye.Kui Lin sent him to the outside of the hall, Hui Qing stood beside him respectfully, Kui Lin nodded and retreated into the room.

Huiqing came out from the inside this time, but it was not the scene of being in the concierge just now. The civil and military patrols in the department, as well as the family members of the communication office, all rushed forward to surround him and greet the adults, because they knew that he was the representative of the imperial envoy. Dare to neglect.Huiqing had no choice but to perfunctory one by one. Your brother and my brother also changed their names from uncle to uncle.When I got back to the store, Changsha and Shanhua counties came to visit first. In front of the store, colored silk was hung and a note of red paper was pasted. It was Mr. Sun's apartment.Seeing this look, the shopkeeper tried his best to curry favor, and stood outside the door himself, in charge of conveying the message.In the morning and evening, the two counties will give away the banquet. Huiqing can't eat it alone, so he will give it all to the shopkeeper.Two days later, the hospital department did not come to call.Huiqing planned in his heart, I came here for a loan, and if I borrowed it early, I can go to see the imperial envoy early, and I want to squat up, but what should I do?Maybe I have to trouble him again, if he is bored, he has to hand over the money to me early.Thinking of this, he asked the store to set up a car again, and went to the court office for the second time to report.This time it was not as embarrassing as before, as soon as he arrived at the concierge, someone asked him to sit and wait in the Si Daoguan hall.Huiqing sighed secretly, thinking that I came here for the first time, and they would not believe me if they said that I was an entourage of the imperial envoy, so they might force me out. From then on, I could not meet with Shuai Tian.Fortunately, I was resourceful and humble, so I managed to deal with it and met Shuai Tian.After we met, they never dreamed that I was an attache of the imperial envoy, and they still recognized me as an antique shop selling calligraphy and paintings.It wasn't until after talking with Tian Shuai that they hadn't heard of it.When the farewell came out, they immediately changed their faces, it can be seen that the warmth and coldness of people are all shifted by power.

Huiqing was thinking about it by himself, and when he saw something happened, he nodded to him and said that Mr. Sun would like to sit in the flower hall.The commander-in-chief is having lunch in the flower hall, saying that you are not an outsider, please talk casually.Huiqing hurriedly followed him to the flower hall.It turned out that the flower hall of the hospital department was in a garden at the end.This garden is not big, but it is very elegant.The pavilions, flowers and trees, Qushui and stone mountains are all in a suitable location.It's late autumn now, a garden is covered with chrysanthemums of various colors, red and purple, yellow and white, it's really fascinating to look at suddenly.I saw three small living rooms deep in the chrysanthemums. The person responsible led Huiqing to the front of the hall and sang loudly, "Master Sun is here." The word "please" was said in it, and the Xiang curtain was opened.Huiqing came in and bowed deeply to Kuilin, which was a common courtesy for Si Dao to meet the governor.Kui Lin also quickly returned the courtesy and gave up his seat, saying that brother Sun would sit for a while longer, and we can have a long talk after brother has eaten.Huiqing said: "The commander-in-chief invites you to have a meal, and he is waiting for you." Kui Lin still sat down to eat.Huiqing watched from the side, and saw a small round table filled with all kinds of dishes, all of which were small plates and bowls, as many as twenty or thirty dishes.Look at the air, everything is done very delicately.Kuilin has a big appetite, he ate three or four bowls in a row before he stopped.Huiqing said in her heart: "Where did the solar eclipse cost tens of thousands of dollars? Look at his meal, and it's more than ten thousand dollars!"Today's big officials in the frontier are really extravagant and desperate.Kuilin finished his meal, cleaned his face and rinsed his mouth, and then sat down to talk with Hui Qing.Talk about your brother, brother has already planned it for you.Just one thing I'm sorry, the number of 100,000 is really impossible to piece together. From the two bank accounts, only 30,000 yuan can be borrowed, and the interest is as high as 1 cent and 7%.I intend not to borrow it, just because your imperial envoy is in urgent need, and I don't care about the size of the interest, but I hope that the transaction will be completed as soon as possible, so that you can go back and return.About tomorrow morning, payment can be made.You only need to come to the office in the afternoon, and you can get it.Huiqing hastily thanked him again and again, and then said to Kuilin: "Marshal Cheng has worked so hard to save those who are in danger. Not only are the imperial envoys grateful, but also his career is deeply engraved in his heart, and he will never forget it. It's just the 30,000. According to the current needs of the imperial envoy, it seems that there is still a little lack. Can I ask the commander again? There is nothing more to say. I would like to ask the commander-in-chief to be extra careful." Huiqing asked Da'an deeply again when he said this.Kui Lin pondered for a while, and said: "Well, I will discuss it with the feudal secretary later to see if he has room to borrow. If there is room to move a sum, I will make up fifty thousand for you. But this matter But you are not sure, you don’t have to like it if you can make it up; don’t worry if you can’t make it up, just take the 30,000 yuan first.” Huiqing said: “The commander-in-chief is old-fashioned, even if the amount is less than 50,000 yuan, It can be considered that I have done my best for my friend, so there is nothing to worry about in terms of career." After saying that, he got up and said goodbye, and went back to the shop.

After a night, I came to the hospital office to collect the money the next afternoon.As soon as Kuilin met, he smiled and said: "Your luck is good, you deserve to show your face, and it really counts to fifty thousand." After that, he pointed to a large black leather bag and said, "The fifty thousand bills are all in the banknotes. Inside, you have opened it yourself, and if the numbers match, then you can get it." Huiqing kept counting for half an hour conscientiously.Fortunately, they are all in full bills, at least twenty-five yuan a piece, some one hundred yuan, and some fifty yuan. About half of them are from the Bank of Qing Dynasty, and the rest are from foreign banks.After counting twice, it turned out to be a total of 50,000 yuan, not more than one yuan, and not less than one yuan.Huiqing respectfully replied to Kuilin: "The profession has been clarified. It is a total of 50,000 yuan." In response, he leaned on the table and wrote a collar.Kui Lin took it over and said: "Sun Huiqing, a candidate for the collar, is now dealing with the collar. According to Feng, he won the Yuantian of the Governor's Department of Hunan Province, and planned to borrow 50,000 yuan from Dayang under the name of Rui Fang, the minister of investigation and investigation. .As soon as the imperial envoy arrives in Sichuan, he will borrow one cent and six per cent interest as originally borrowed, and send personnel to return the principal and interest in full, and the collar certificate is true. Year, month, day. The leader Sun Huiqing is in charge." After reading, click The head said: "Very good, very good. This cash and purse are all handed over to you. When you repay the loan in the future, you will return the purse with you. I will give you an extra fifty yuan for expenses." Huiqing hurriedly thanked him.Kui Lin laughed again and said, "If you carry this much money by yourself, there will inevitably be dangers along the road. I have already appointed someone to accompany you. Fortunately, he is also from Beijing, your fellow countryman, and he can't speak much. And it saves you loneliness on the road. He can still serve you, which is really more convenient." After speaking, he shouted loudly: "Qin Yong!" Only one person entered in response.Huiqing raised his eyes to watch, and it turned out that it was not someone else, but the elderly family member when he first reported to him.Kui Lin said to Huiqing: "This man has been with me for many years and has always been honest and reliable. He will go with you. When I meet the imperial envoy in the future, I beg you to brag a lot and ask the imperial envoy to reward him with a little work. There is absolutely nothing wrong with me. I dare to guarantee it." Huiqing repeatedly agreed.魁麟又向秦勇道：“你快来叩见孙大人。”秦勇连忙伏在地上，朝着会卿叩头。吓得会卿连说不敢，亲自把他扶起来。魁鳞又嘱咐沿路之上，要好好伺候孙大人，不许懒惰，又嘱他少喝酒，少管闲事，将来到了四川，钦差大人一定要提拔你。秦勇又叩别魁麟，会卿也向魁麟深深请安告别，然后由秦勇提着皮包，一同出了院署。回至店中，会卿对秦勇倒是极其客气，说路上要求管家格外照应。将来到了四川，找在钦差面前，一定竭力保荐，不但差事唾手可得，就是保案中也可填上一个名字，至不济县丞州判，也能稳坐取得。秦勇再三致谢，又请示会卿何日起程。会卿道：“今天已经晚了，只好明天一早吧。”秦勇又叫店家，替雇了一辆轿车，预备明天起程。到了第二天，会卿吃过早饭，车马已在门外催促。会卿开发了店钱，一共四元九毛。店家上来要讨赏钱，会卿道：“我们要住官店，是一个钱也没有的。如今按着规矩给你钱，这便是格外的恩典，怎么你倒多要起来了？”店家道：“我的大人，你当初借画的时候，原说是见着抚台，便多多赏钱。如今抚台也会着了，大事也办完了，连我们当初的画儿，也不知哪里去了。大人说是赏钱，难道借我们的字画，也不还我们吗？”店东这话，分明是挟制会卿，如果不赏钱，便得还他字画。哪知会卿不听这一套，立时拍着桌子，瞪眼骂道：“混账！胡说八道。我什么时候借过你的字画。你想着求我赏钱，也得规规矩矩的，说些个哀怜话，怎么竟放出讹诈来了？你自己想一想，我住你这里，每日县里送来的两桌席，总共吃不了一点，下余的全赏给你吃，如今还如数地开发店钱。照这样恩宽的大人，你打着灯笼也没有地方去寻，今而反倒撒泼讹赖，也太没有良心了！”会卿连说带骂，自以为可吓住店家，不敢还言了。哪知开店的全是泼皮，他们哪里能忍这一口气。到底看会卿的势派，又有点惹不起，便扑地跪下，向会卿磕了三个响头说：“孙大人，你老的恩典真不小，是我开店的不知好歹。我那几轴破画，本来是被没良心的混账杂种偷去了，却昏了心，往大人身上赖，真真该死已极。求大人高抬贵手，饶恕了小人吧。”说罢又咚咚磕了三个响头，闹得会卿发作也不好，不发作又真真难受。还是秦勇过来给解了围，一脚把店家踹开，骂道：“还不快快滚蛋，大人有要紧事等着起身，哪有工夫同你胡缠，再打搅把你送县。”店东被秦勇吆喝一顿，不再说什么，噘着嘴嘟嘟囔囔地躲到一边去了。然后会卿乘上车，秦勇跨着车沿，赶车的一摇鞭子，便出了城。

顺着大街向前行走，当日晚间宿在一个镇上。这集镇名叫灵均店。据传说，当年屈原被贬，曾在这里盖过一所茅屋，隐居二年。后来屈原沉了汨罗江，本地人追念他的道德学问，便给这村起名为灵均店，也是召伯甘棠永志不忘的意思。会卿到这镇上，住在一座小客店中。这店便叫屈家店，主人姓屈，自说是屈原的六十九代孙，到底这些事，也无可查考。店家弟兄两个，长的叫屈明，次的叫屈锐。屈明守着他祖父留下的店，规规矩矩做生意。屈锐自幼好武，从十八岁上，便入伍当兵，在湖北武昌张豹的部下，充当卫队。因为武汉革命，他担了一点嫌疑，便连夜逃回长沙。原来屈锐的脾气最不好，时常喝醉了殴打同伴，大家恨他刺骨。后来武汉起了革命，便有人造出谣言来，说他是长沙的驻防旗人，偏巧他的姓名，又有点像旗人，更兼他自幼在长沙时，常同旗人来往，学会了半口京话，到此时可就成了真嫌疑犯了。他眼看着旗人被杀的不少，倘然自己也绕到里面，岂不是有冤无处诉吗？三十六计，走为上计。他便收拾了收拾，夜间逃出来，没命地奔回长沙。偏巧会卿下店的这一晚上，他也赶到了。他哥哥屈明，见他这种狼狈样子，料想必是闯了祸回来，吓得什么似的，把他拉到一间密室，郑重地问他，说兄弟，你又闯了什么祸，快快地告诉我。咱们这店中人多口杂，决然隐藏不了。趁早打主意，我把你送一个背静地方，也省得受连累。屈锐笑道：“我的哥，你何必这样胆小。实对你说，这一次可不是我闯的祸，却是他人闯祸，连累到我头上了。”随把武汉革命的情形，对屈明说了一遍，又说自己怎么担着嫌疑，不得不逃。屈明诧异道：“这样滔天大祸，怎么此地连影儿也不知道呢？”屈锐道：“这是他们一种手段，暂时不向各省拍电，所以三五日内决然得不着消息。至于外国人，多一半同他们表同情，愿替他们严守秘密，因此各省更不容易知道了。必须他们布置妥协，然后一声霹雳，才能天下响呢。”屈明点头叹息，说难得我们汉族，也有出头之望了。既然这样，你哪里也不要去，老老实实的，就在店中帮着我做生意吧。方才来了两位客官，一个车夫，还有一车一马。客官在上房，还不曾吃饭呢，你快去问候人家，想吃什么，咱们好打点着。王小二我已经派他去喂马，你走一趟，就省得我去问了。屈锐掸了掸身上的土，便一直奔上房去寻客官。

会卿正在上房同秦勇闲谈，屈锐突然进来，在面前垂手一站，恭敬地问道：“请示老爷们吃什么饭，店家好去预备。”会卿猛然抬起头来，同屈锐一对眼光，不觉诧异地问道：“哦！你这人好面熟，仿佛是在哪里见过？”屈锐听了，也仔细向会卿端详，不觉失声叫道：“你不是孙大人吗？从前在武昌时，我们统领请大人吃过饭，手巾把儿还是我递的呢。你老人家怎么会来到这里？真是巧遇了。”会卿这才想起来，说对啊，你是张统领的卫队，我这才想起来了。我到湖南来，是因为这古玩铺有几卷字画，要想卖给钦差。钦差没工夫来看，特派我来替他收买。我看了看全是假货，便连夜赶回去复命。你为何不伺候统领，却跑回家来做什么？屈锐道：“小人在统领部下七八年，始终没有一点升迁的希望，又赶上家兄多病，便把我叫回来，替他开店，军营的饭是再不想吃了。”会卿点头道：“也好，这样你替我们烙几张饼，炒几样菜，对付着吃饭吧。”屈锐答应一声下来。少时饼菜全好了，端上来会卿吃过了，便打听湖北的情形。屈锐道：“方才那一位在座，小人不敢乱说。如今大人亲自来问，我只得实告诉你吧。现在湖北已经乱得不成样儿了。”会卿一听，不觉吓得变色，忙追问屈锐，到底湖北起了什么大乱子？屈锐是一字不隐，将武汉起义，祥呈、张豹被囚，种种情形，详细报告与会卿。会卿听了，不觉称愿道：“活该活该，这两个坏小子，也有今日，看他们还能倚势横行吗？”屈锐道：“我的大人，你先慢着点欢喜，你不知道，这一回并不是专对祥、张两人。他们的旗号，是排满革命，光复汉族。只要遇着旗人，就不留活命，甚至连会说京话的人，全跟着遭了殃。小人跑回来，就为的是这个。据我看，将来如果蔓延大了，连瑞钦差也很危险呢。”一句话提醒了会卿，不觉吓得抖起来。屈锐道：“据小人看，湖北这个乱子，一定越闹越大。大人要一定随着钦差，恐怕自身全脱不得干净。常言说，见机而做，等到祸临头上，再想法子可就难脱了。”会卿道：“话虽这样说，但我随钦差多年，怎能半路上自己逃生，却把他抛弃了呢？无论如何危险，我一定得赶上前去，决不游移的。”屈锐叹道：“照大人这样忠心事上，只怕踏遍中国，也寻不出几位来。”会卿叹息着，回到自己屋中，却暗暗打算：目前出了这样乱子，我还去寻钦差吗？凭杨得胜、张成功那种为人，他们要知道武汉起义的事，必定要杀害钦差，好回湖北去擎功受赏。那时候连我也讨不出公道来，岂不是白送死吗？罢罢，我一定不去了。继而又一想，有这五万现款，或者能保住钦差生命。我跟随他十几年，功名富贵，全是他一手提拔的，如今到危难之时，我如果撒手不管，似乎对不住天理良心。无论如何，我还是赶回去的对。正在思索间，忽然一抬头，看见了那黑色革囊，仿佛白花花五万大洋钱，在那里向他招手说，你这人真呆了，现放着这千载难得的机会，伴着我一同走，咱们做一个永世不分的伴侣，岂不比送给瑞钦差强吗？洋钱在对面一怂恿，会卿本是商买出身，并不曾读过多少书，了彻那人禽义利的界限，一看见大洋钱，便有些摇摇不定。何况现在夹杂着自身利害的关系，要想叫他奋发忠义，如何做得到呢？方才的回想，正是良心萌动，古人谓人性皆善，便是这个道理。因为上主造生一个人，必是完完全全地交给他一副良心。至于人世之后，自己能否保守这个良心，这就全系乎人为，老天爷也不管了。但是保良心的有赏，不能保良心的有罚，赏罚之权，仍然握之上主。在那昧良心的，只图眼前快活，却忘了永远的苦恼，看起来也就太可怜了。会卿盘算了半夜，落叶归根，到底叫利心把良心战败了，决定拐着五万现款，跑回北京。并料定瑞钦差弟兄没有活路，必死于军人之手，将来是死无对证，这五万块钱，便安安稳稳为孙会卿享受，决无可虑。想到这里，心中非常快活，什么叫忘恩负义，什么叫拐款潜逃，算是满不顾了。但是还有一样为难，这身边的秦勇，是魁麟派了监视我的，一举一动，全瞒不过他的眼。得用什么法子，才能把他开发走呢？又思索了一刻，忽然灵机一动，计上心来，说眼前有这好机会，何必再向旁处去寻呢？我只需如此这般，将他吓回省城，只剩我一个人，加紧先跑回上海，住上一两月，看一看风头。如果无事，我再投奔四川，只扯一个谎，说半途之上遇了土匪，不但把钱抢去，并且将我这人也拐走，辗转随从，不知走了若干远。幸亏我得间脱逃，跑至上海，然后才由上海奔来四川，料想钦差也没得说。如果出了旁的乱子，我便从上海回京，神不知鬼不觉的，五万元便下腰了。这真是天赐的黄金，成就我孙会卿发此横财。 自己越想越快活。回头看秦勇，正在浓睡之际，便过去轻轻摇了他两下，并唤道：“秦大哥快起来。”秦勇尚在梦中，听见有人叫他，哼了两声，又睡着了。会卿又摇他两下，秦勇才睁开眼。一看是会卿叫他，连忙爬起来，说大人有什么事吩咐？会卿道：“你先醒一醒，等明白了，我有要事同你商量。”秦勇揉一揉眼睛，自己拿起茶壶来，斟了一碗茶，一气喝下，这才清醒了。然后问会卿道：“大人有什么事，请吩咐吧。”会卿道：“你自请坐下，听我细细对你谈。因为这件事说起来很长，关系也很大，不是三言五语能够说完的。并且说完了这事，咱们两人，还得加细地商量一番，大概今夜是不能安睡了。”秦勇听这话摸不着头脑，但断定了一定是大问题，便也不敢怠慢，聚精会神地坐在床沿上，同会卿对着脸问道：“大人说得这样郑重，一定是要事了，请你仔细告诉我吧。”会卿未曾开言，先叹了一口气，然后用手巾拭着眼泪说：“没想到咱们北京的朋友，眼前就要遭杀身之祸，这真是天上掉下来的，也要算在数难逃了。”会卿开口说了这几句，闹得秦勇又是惊慌，又是害怕，忙往下追问道：“我的大人，好好儿的，你这话从哪里说起呢？莫非是住了贼店，有人要暗算咱们吗？”会卿道：“不是，不是，就是有人暗算，吃亏的也不过你我两人，何至于连北京人全包在里头呢？你要知道，如今湖北武昌城，已经起了革命，祥大帅同张统领，全被他们杀害了。并且实行排满主意，所以省城的旗人，一个也不留。凡遇着一个人，得先叫他说话，听一听口音，要会说南方话呢，便算逃了活命；如果说北京话，便立时要你的命，就这样不知死了有多少人了。他们已经调兵遣将，攻取邻省，看起来用不了两三日，就快到湖南了。你我全是北京人，要遇见他们，岂不白白送了性命？你想这事够多么危险呢。”秦勇猛然听了这一套，不觉吓得惊慌失措，忙追问道：“这事真确吗？”会卿道：“岂有此理，这是什么事，有敢造谣言的吗？你如果不信，我把屈锐叫来，叫他再详细说一说，你就了然了。他是张统领的卫队，新从湖北逃回，全是亲眼看见的。”秦勇道：“既然屈锐新从湖北回来，亲身经历，当然不能假，何必再问他呢。但是大人可有什么法子，解脱此难吗？”会卿摇头道：“我哪有什么法子，只好听天由命。咱们走到哪里说哪里。遇着了也算命里应该，只好到阎王爷驾前诉委屈吧。”秦勇听这话急了，说大人这话不对啊，你是钦差的随员，该当同他共患难。我们一个当跟役的，为什么要往火坑里跳呢？要去大人自己去，我是仍然回长沙的。会卿叹道：“本来你太冤枉了，在院署里多舒服自在，凭空却得了这一份险差，难道真拿性命当儿戏吗？我是只好认命了，你愿意回长沙，自请随便。不过有一样难处，我不能不替你筹划万全。你原是奉着帅命，随我去的，如今半途折回，田帅那里，你怎么交代呢？我替你出一个主意，明天一早，我一个人上路，你带着屈锐去见田帅。将湖北情形，详细禀明，不仅担不着不是，似这样军情大事，你能采着消息，即时回转禀报，当然还有重赏。大帅如果问到我，你就说我自从得着这消息，心中益发焦急，深恐款到迟了，钦差担着危险，因此连夜赶奔前程，向四川去了。”秦勇道：“大人替我筹划的，妥当极了。明日早晨我便回城去了。”会卿见他毫无留意，非常欢喜。又说：“别看咱二人暂时分手，将来大局平定，我一定请钦差向田帅咨调你到四川去，仍然可以常常聚首。又听瑞钦差此番到四川，摄政王爷曾当面许过署理四川总督，将来把宋耳盈换下来。因为他的资望太浅，实在够不上开府全川，你就在长沙静听好音吧。”一席话又把秦勇说欢喜了，二人一夜也不曾合眼。第二天一早，先把秦勇开发走了，然后会卿方才起程。因为他胆虚，恐怕自己先走，秦勇知道路径，将来再去赶他。所以情甘落后，同车夫马夫商议，专走僻径，所为遮掩人的耳目。好在车夫路径极熟，会卿又应许如能将自己送至宜昌，可以改乘江轮，情愿送车夫二百块钱。车夫果然竭力地向前赶路。从此会卿鸿飞冥冥，不知逃向何方去了。这一来，便把瑞方兄弟的性命，轻轻断送。 原来端方自从会卿走后，心中总算是有了盼望，就是随从的军官，如杨得胜、张成功等，也不似从前那样跋扈了。沿路之上，除州县供应外，瑞方想要花钱，杨、张等居然肯拿出来供给。好在转眼已入了四川边境，沿路官知道是查办铁路的钦差大臣，谁也不敢怠慢。瑞方心中打算，我必须向他们先借几个钱，略为点缀军饷。有一日行至四川资州，知州谭正斯出郭迎接。在北门外替钦差预备好了行辕，是极大的一所民宅。随来的军队，全安置在一所大庙里。这庙的名字，叫大佛寺，乃是资州第一座大庙。全寺的地基，足有四五百亩，大小房屋有七百余间。寺中当家的老僧，名叫枯木，已经七十多岁了。这一千多名军队住在里面，倒是绰有余裕。寺中有的是米粮，军队在此吃上三五个月，也可足用。知州将钦差让至行辕，一切饮食供应，俱有专员伺候。瑞方觉得沿路之上，唯有此处供给，最为周到，便一心想在这里多住几日，一者休息鞍马劳顿，二者等候孙会卿，三者实地调查调查，这资州是否殷富。如果殷富呢，便可向知州张口借款。有这三种关系，瑞方便在此一连住了七八天。好在各军官士卒，也看中这地方好，第一样吃饭不用为难，大家便也不言而喻地表起同情来，在此住着不走。在瑞方想，会卿一定可以回来了。哪知左等不来，右等不来，算计他起身到现在，已经二十多天了，仍然毫无消息。瑞方心中，自然是着急，连杨得胜也是有点诧异，不时追问钦差，怎么孙委员还不回来？瑞方只好用话支吾，说也许路上耽搁住了，你们不要性急，他早晚必定携款回来。杨得胜问了不止一次，瑞方总是这样回答。这一回杨得胜急了，瞪眼向瑞方道：“钦差不要说了，三番五次孙委员准携款回来，如今快一个月了，连影儿全看不见。麾下这两千人，全朝着末弁要饷，气势汹汹，再不发饷，他们就要叛变，连末弁的性命也保不住。钦差是打正经主意，别等到炸了营，那时有钱也来不及了。”瑞方急得跺脚，说你叫我打什么主意。杨得胜道：“现放着偌大一座资州城，还筹不出几万块钱来？只要钦差向知州张一张口，大洋钱立刻就能盘出。”瑞方道：“我何尝不是这样想，不过这几天在暗中查访，资州并没有多少钱，倘然借不出来，岂不是白饶面子吗？”得胜冷笑道：“钦差哪里知道呢？谁肯把真话对钦差来说。我早听见老和尚枯木说了，州库里哪时全存着三五万银子。并且那谭知州在这里，做了三四年，他本人的积蓄，就有十几万。钦差向他借，将来他仍由地丁下扣还，丝毫也短欠不了。这样顺水人情，谁不肯做？钦差却始终不肯张口，那可怨谁呢？”几句话，把瑞方说活了心。说既然这样，明天一早我便进城向他商借。你们暂候一时，无论如何，我总弄几个钱来，向弟兄点缀点缀。杨得胜见瑞方应许借钱，便怏怏地退下去了。 第二天一早，瑞方果然进城去见谭正斯。哪知这一回见了，神气间与往常大不相同，只淡淡地用话敷衍，仿佛有什么心事似的。而且所答非所问，直然是神不守舍。瑞方很诧异，却又不便问他，借款的事，也不好张口，只得告辞出来。心里计算，我必须调查调查，莫非出了什么大事故。想到这里，便用眼向四下观看，但见衙门中上上下下的人，全露一种惊惶颜色，彼此交头接耳，也不知说些什么。瑞方又不好过去打听，一个人走出衙来，也不坐车，只在大街闲游。游了有一个钟头，才想起雇车回寓，忽见迎头来了四个军人，正是随他来的湖北陆军。一见瑞方，如得着宝贝一般，高声叫道：“钦差大人快回行辕，我们奉统领的令，哪里不寻到了，原来却在大街上。”说着便招呼一辆轿车，扶瑞方上去。两个人跨车沿，两个人在后面跟随着，一直拉到大佛寺。却见大佛寺门前站着不少的兵，一个个仰头张望。看见瑞方的车到了，也不立正行礼，却彼此互使眼色。也有伏在耳边说话的，闹得瑞方心里七上八下，也不知是怎么一回事。端方跳下车来，问护兵道：“你们将我拉到庙里做什么？”护兵尚未答言，营官张成功已经迎出来，先行了举手礼，然后说道：“快请钦差到后边，大家要开军事会议，请钦差主席呢。”瑞方听了这一声请，恰如半空中响了一个霹雳，早吓得手足无措，身体乱抖。有心要不进去，看神气是走不脱；要进去吧，直然是鸿门宴，难免生命的危险。满腹狐疑，两足也就且前且却。张成功在旁边一力催促，说大人累了，可叫护兵挽着你走。一声令下，早有两名护兵，一左一右挟持而行，一直将他架尽后边禅堂中，是五间大房明着。瑞方进来，见乌压压坐满了一座禅堂，全是军装挎刀，杀气腾腾，令人望而生畏。原来是这三营的军官，自标统下至哨官、哨长，全来齐了。杨得胜正在主席上站着，一见瑞方进来，高声喊了一句一齐立正，众军官全站起来行礼。得胜满面赔笑道：“老帅来得正巧，请在主席椅子上略为休息，末弁有一事面禀。”瑞方只得过来，向大家鞠躬道：“本部堂承杨将军之约，来此与诸君晤谈，但不知杨将军有何见教？等他说完了，本部堂再同诸君细谈。”说完了便坐椅子上，闭目合睛，专听得胜说些什么。得胜立在他的身前，大声说道：“本标统同诸君全是湖