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Chapter 59 The fifty-sixth round of slaughtering imperial envoys in meditation halls, the first-level monk who thieves at the dharma field accuses him of going astray

Yang Desheng and the others were still asking Rui Fang for his salary yesterday, why they changed their faces overnight and arrested Rui Fang to the Great Buddha Temple in such a fierce manner that they wanted to kill him, this is too abrupt.It turned out that Desheng and others didn't know about the Hubei uprising before, and it was a coincidence that the American priest from Zizhou had just arrived from Hankou, and he had witnessed all the actions of Li Tianhong's uprising with his own eyes.When I came back to Zizhou, people in the natural church knew about it first.It so happened that this priest was an old friend of Tan Zhengsi, the governor of the state. He went to the state government first and told the state officials all about the situation in Wuhan.Otherwise, this Zizhou is a remote place, and there will never be such news for a while.Tan Zhengsi was originally an old sly official, the most timid and fearful in his life, when he heard such a big disturbance in the neighboring province, he was so frightened that he didn't know what to do.In addition, outside the city of Jianzhou, there are now three battalions of the Hubei Army, and they must be related to the revolution.If word of this spreads and the army finds out, and they start a revolution in this state, how can it be worth it?Thinking of this, he passed the eight classes and six rooms to the back flower hall and told them face to face that they must not let the wind out.Who would have thought that it would be better if he didn't entrust him, but this entrustment would be even worse.Those government servants, who are not good people, immediately ran outside the city to report the secrets, in order to ask for rewards.Hearing such an alarm, Desheng didn't dare to take it for granted, he rewarded the guards with a few taels of silver, and then called a secret meeting, fully announced the Hubei affairs to everyone, and asked how to deal with this matter.Zhang Chenggong, the battalion officer of the first battalion, had a fierce temperament and was originally a revolutionary athlete.According to his idea, brother Ruifang was killed immediately, and his head was sent to Hubei to make contributions.The Neizhong staff officer and the two battalion officers disagreed, saying that it was too reckless to do so.We will first monitor the Swiss side, and when Commissioner Sun borrows money back, we will first take the money into our hands, and then make calculations.Anyway, Rui Fang's life cannot escape our hands, so why should we be busy at this moment?Desheng agreed with this argument very much, so he discussed with everyone at that time that tomorrow he would first earn Ruifang into the temple, give him a blow, and then monitor him.He is afraid of us, but he has to be grateful to us. If he has money in the future, he will naturally spend it quickly to pay for his life.After everyone discussed it, they sent four guards to invite Ruifang the next day, but it happened that Ruifang went to the city to borrow money.Desheng smiled at everyone and said, "It's not the right time for him to borrow money this time. You think about the news in Hubei, which has caused a lot of trouble in the city. Even if Zhizhou has money, why would he fill in this hole for nothing? He just made a trip for nothing." Urge the four soldiers to go to the city quickly to find Rui Fang, and after a short time, they bring Rui Fang to him.At the beginning of the victory speech, Rui Fang was so frightened that his real soul came out of his shell; then Zhang Chenggong wanted to kill again, so he couldn't sit still, struggled from his chair, and said to everyone: "Don't misunderstand that I am a Manchu!" To tell you the truth, my ancestors are indeed Chinese. Our old surname is Jin, not Rui. I am indeed a descendant of Jin Shengtan. At the beginning, Mr. Shengtan was killed by the Han people, and all his wives were sent to As a slave in Heilongjiang, he changed his Banner surname, and it has been nine generations. I am indeed the ninth grandson of Sheng Tan, gentlemen, please don’t mistake me for a Bannerman.” Rui Fang thought that he had deceived these officers with this set of cover-up words. , so that they are convinced that they can avoid the disaster in front of them, but they don't listen to it.Zhang Chenggong shouted loudly: "Stop talking nonsense! You treat all of us like three-year-old children, that is unsuccessful. No one knows that you are a senior member of the Manchurians. If you meet us today, you will never survive. " After saying that, he shook his fist and rolled up his sleeves, and then he was about to rush to the podium and go to La Ruifang.Yang Desheng couldn't see whether he was up or down, so he grabbed Zhang Chenggong and told him to wait a minute, this is not a matter of willful nonsense.Mr. Rui is an imperial envoy of the imperial court, if there is something good or bad, can I afford it?Let's talk about the Hubei matter, it's just a rumor, if it's not true, you will become traitors if you kill the imperial envoys for no reason.There are only one or two thousand people in the area, and the provinces send troops to suppress them. Isn't it self-inflicted?Zhang Chenggong blocked Zhang Chenggong with his words, which was regarded as a relief for Ruifang. Ruifang was too frightened to say any more, but just cupped his hands and thanked Desheng repeatedly.Victory comforted him again, saying that my lord is asking for safety, that there is a final general here, and you must not be wronged at all.Then he ordered the guards to send Master Rui back to Xingyuan. The soldiers on the way are not allowed to speak up. If anyone insults the imperial envoy, he will be dealt with according to military law.With Desheng's order, Rui Fang didn't panic anymore, as if a prisoner dragged to the market suddenly received an amnesty order, he didn't dare to stay here for a moment, immediately resigned from Desheng, and hurried out of the temple to return to his apartment.

When he came to the apartment and saw his sixth brother Ruijin, he couldn't stop crying.I never expected that our brothers ran out of Beijing for no reason and died thousands of miles away. In the future, no one will take care of the corpses, and they will be full of tigers and wolves. What kind of crime is this?Rui Fang kept crying while talking.Poor Ruijin didn't know what was going on, so he took his brother's hand and asked, "What's the matter?" Ruifang stopped his tears and told Ruijin about the Hubei affairs in detail.Ruijin was not afraid, nor did she cry, she just sighed and said: "Brother, you should open up a bit. As the saying goes, there is a land in life, and a place in death. Who told you to be greedy for fame and wealth? You live in Beijing. How carefree and carefree it is to spend four or five hundred thousand yuan to donate one thousand miles to the army, and to meet such an earth-shattering adverse event, I am simply impatient to live, and want to jump into the pit of death, what else can I say? Anyway, we are two brothers, born in one side and died in the same place. My brother has something good or bad, and I don’t want to live, and go all the way to the gate of hell, so as not to suffer on the road. What's the benefit?" Rui Fang never expected that when Rui Jin said this, he felt very uncomfortable, saying that you are crazy, why did you say such depressing words?Ruijin sneered and said: "Forget it, I want to say auspicious ones, there must be ones. Don't you open your eyes and see that Yang Desheng and Zhang Chenggong are more powerful than robbers. It's just that there is no such thing as Hubei. Our brothers are also in danger, not to mention facing such a big problem, they have more and more excuses, maybe they will take our lives and go to Hubei to perform meritorious deeds and receive rewards. Think about it, can you still have a way to survive?" De Ruifang was terrified, and just shook his head and sighed: "My brother's words are true. However, insects and birds know how to be greedy for life, let alone human beings? We always want to survive. Is it really just sitting and waiting to die? I still have a chance I hope, or I can use this to survive." Ruijin hurriedly asked him, what hope is there?Rui Fang said: "Have you forgotten Sun Huiqing? He went to Hunan to borrow money. He has been there for many days, and he calculated that he should arrive sooner or later. As long as he can borrow a huge sum of money, we can buy our lives if we have money. Yang Desheng, Zhang Chenggong, etc., although they are vicious, have no deep hatred with us. As long as we have money to give them, say a few more pitiful words, and persuade them to return to Hubei as soon as possible. I don’t want to be an official anymore. Shanghai, quickly take a boat to Jin, and you can escape danger and save your life. Do you think this is a good way?" After hearing this, Ruijin snorted and said, "Brother, do you still look forward to Sun Huiqing? That bastard Things are not raised by his parents, so he will definitely not come back." Rui Fang said: "Why are you swearing? Sun Huiqing is my friend, and I treated him well in the past. The reason why you came back is that you are the wrong person." Ruijin sighed and said: "Brother, you are still making a living, treating a villain as a good person, how could you not have such a result! If you were willing to listen to Xiang Xiang For the fourth brother, this kind of disaster will definitely not happen. Until now, you still regard Huiqing as a good person. He was originally a philistine, and he can probably borrow money when he goes to Hunan this time. It’s just that Hunan and Hubei are not far away. There is no guarantee that he will not be heard about the revolution. As long as he finds out, he must change his mind. With tens of thousands of dollars wrapped around his waist, it’s not good where to go. Why should he give it to you and my brother?” Rui Fang shook his head repeatedly. , The more you talk, the further you go. How can there be such an ungrateful person in the world?Even though he is greedy for money, wouldn't he leave room for seeing each other someday?The more he knows the news about Hubei, the sooner he will come back.Ruijin got impatient, stood up with a flick of his sleeves, and said, "Forget it, don't go on. If you are as stupid as you are, I'm afraid you won't be able to find another one in China." Rui Fang was upset at first, but was robbed face-to-face by his brother, how could he hold back, he suddenly had a fit.Said: "Okay, you have no elder brother, dare to insult me ​​face to face, there is no law. You look down on Sun Huiqing, I just say he is a good man. Since you think I am stupid, you might as well leave me early, I don't have you You don’t have a brother like me, you don’t have a brother like me, and we will go our separate ways so that I won’t burden you.” Rui Jinwan didn’t expect his brother to say such unfeeling words, and immediately burst into tears, saying that you don’t want to I'm fine too, I'll leave today, so as not to upset you.After speaking, he took his purse and was about to go out.The high and low are the attendants Wan Youjian, Zhang Jinming, etc. I really can't see it, so I grabbed Ruijin and said, my six masters, where are you going alone!The commander-in-chief said a few words, he is also his own brother, what's wrong with him, is it worth making such a big fuss, splitting up on the way?Ruijin still insists on leaving.Later, Rui Fang felt that what he said was a bit too much, so he pulled it back and said: "You are too serious, my brother. Is it worth breaking up like this even if my brother said a few words about you? People persuaded you to do the same." Well, why don't you just lose face like this?" Ruijin also took advantage of this to step down after hearing what her brother said.It is said that we are younger brothers, how dare we contradict our elder brother, just because my elder brother doesn't know good and bad people, I'm watching from the side, it's really sad.It's better to stay far away, out of sight and out of mind, why bother to be angry in one place, but make brother feel unhappy?Zhang and Wan were afraid that his brother would become stiff again, so they dragged Ruijin into their room, lit a big cigarette and persuaded him to smoke to relieve his boredom.Ruijin refused to smoke, saying that you please feel free to talk, and the three of us can talk casually.Zhang Jinming was no longer polite, and while smoking a cigarette, he asked Ruijin how the situation in Hubei was.What the Marshal said just now, you must not hide it from us, we know the details, so we can go outside to find out the wind.If there is a trouble, it is best to report to your brother early, so as to prevent trouble before it happens, so as not to be plotted against by others.Ruijin heard that what he said was very reasonable, so she re-learned what Ruifang said just now.Wan Youjian stuck out his tongue in fright, Zhang Jinming also frowned, saying how could such a thing happen?As far as I think, the commander-in-chief and the six adults are still very dangerous, so we should bear it at home for the time being and never go out.Tomorrow afternoon, I will go outside to investigate. If the wind is not good, I should make a serious decision as soon as possible. If I really want to bury my life here, is it not worth it?Ruijin nodded in agreement, saying that your idea is right, and it should not be too late, and find out the truth early, so as not to be caught off guard.My elder brother is getting older and more dizzy. When we get the news, no matter whether he likes it or not, we force him to run far away. As long as he escapes from the hands of this group of officials and robbers, there will be nothing to fear.Wan Youjian said: "You two's discussion is very reasonable, but as far as I think, it's better to be more cautious. Since they intend to seek imperial envoys, they must send people to watch outside. We mean to run, if we are caught When they spied out, they not only couldn't get away, but they did evil to the imperial envoys, maybe they immediately resorted to harsh methods, wouldn't they not be able to survive, but would have made them die instead?" Zhang Jinming said: "In the end, the old man was thoughtful and thoughtful. It's far away. Late students must be cautious in their actions. Even if they can't share their worries with the commander in chief, they must not bring trouble to the commander in chief. Tomorrow, I will go out for a private visit. It will be a disguise, so that no one can see any flaws. The old man and the sixth master , please rest assured."

Sure enough, in the afternoon of the second day, Zhang Jinming dressed up as a face-to-face gentleman, wearing only a big thick blue cloth jacket and a fat and big green cloth mandarin jacket, and found a wooden signboard. The word "Shen Xiang" was written, and eight words were added on both sides, which is "Liu Zhuang is reborn, Xu Cheng is reborn".Holding this sign, slip out through the back door and head straight to the Great Buddha Temple.In front of the temple gate, shouted loudly: "Familiar with each other, be good at watching the eighteen great fortunes, fifty years, can know the past and the future, and can break the fame and wealth of a lifetime. When will the civil servants pay homage to the prime minister, and when will the military officials be named marquises?" You know it when you look at it, and you know it when you look at it." Zhang Jinming yelled like this, and he dared to run into the temple to solicit business from those soldiers, isn't he afraid that they will see his signs?What's more, Zhang Jinming and Yang Desheng have met several times, even if they change their attire, can they still change their faces?Readers don't know that Zhang Jinming has already considered this level.When he was a county magistrate, he often made private visits in disguise.The best thing to cover people's eyes is the fake beard and the broken hat, as long as you hang up the beard and put on the broken hat, you can immediately change your appearance, even the people around you can't see it at all.Because of this new shape-changing technique, he dared to let go of his courage, pretended to be a fortune teller, and ran into the Great Buddha Temple in a daze.Those who are military officers and teachers are all fans of the government, and they only like to make fortune tellers, so as to know the progress of their careers throughout their lives.Seeing Jin Ming coming in, as if he was holding a treasure, this one shouted, that one shouted, some couldn't wait, ran over and dragged them into the house, causing Jin Ming to not know who to go with.Later, one of the guards said, you go to Master Luo's room first, and after Master Luo has met you, it's not too late to meet others.It turns out that Master Luo is Yang Desheng's accountant, in charge of the military supplies of the third battalion. He is the first person with power in this army, and there is no one in the army who does not fawn on him.His name is Guifang and his name is Qiushi, and everyone calls him Qiuweng.Although this gentleman is in charge of money, he treats people extremely generously.As long as he has money in his hand, no matter who comes to borrow him, he will never refuse, and will always lend you some, so everyone says he is a good man.Yang Desheng's violent temperament can win the hearts of the soldiers, and everyone loves him, which is somewhat supported by Master Luo.Jin Ming came to the temple for a face-to-face meeting, and when he saw him, he suddenly had an idea and remembered something, and he wanted to make a decision in Jin Ming's mouth.So he asked the guards to pull him into his room and give up his seat.Jin Ming sat down and asked, "What's the surname of this officer?" Qiu Shi said, "My surname is Luo. I didn't know your surname, but are you from this place?" Jin Ming said, "The Xiangshi's surname is Jin. You Yun travels the world, rich and powerful people from various provinces, I have met all of them, and they all come true. I went to Sichuan this time to visit the Song Zhijun, but I didn’t expect to be short of money on the way, so I came to your camp to visit friends, but met Seeing Master Luo, it is finally destined. I think Master Luo is worthy of three mountains, and his two cheekbones are high. He must be in charge of wealth and power, and his future is limitless." When Jin Ming said this, Qiu Shi nodded, and the guards also jokingly said: " Sure enough, it's a divine appearance. It's not been a day since our master has been in charge of wealth and power. His old man may have tens of millions of hands in a day. You, sir, can tell when you see it. Can you say it's not a divine appearance?" Jin Ming heard this. , said more and more proudly: "I am an iron mouther, and there is nothing wrong with what I say. But I don't know what this Master Luo wants to decide?" Qiu Shidao: "I don't ask about fame and wealth, and you don't have to flatter me I just want to ask you, look at my complexion, whether it is better to live here, to move forward, or to retreat. Among the three, please choose for me for a while. Don't ask at all." Jin Ming smiled and said: "My master, you have three ways to understand, and there are only two. Because you are the army of Hubei, this Zizhou is Sichuan, no matter what, you must not be left in Zizhou Garrison, so there are only two ways to advance and retreat. If you stay for a long time, it is just a foil." Qiushi nodded, saying that your words are very reasonable.How to advance or retreat?Jin Ming said: "In theory, you can only advance and not retreat, because your responsibilities can only go to Chengdu, Sichuan. If you want to retreat, you can only go back to Hubei. You have no reason, why do you go back to Hubei? Just go back reluctantly." , this job is not easy to sell." Jin Ming's words were clearly intended to tease Qiu Shi and tell him the true meaning of Hubei.As expected, Qiu Shi blurted out: "When we go back to Hubei, what else can we sell? The current situation in the provincial capital of Hubei is not what it used to be. Commander Li held high the banner of revolution and killed all the slaves of the Manchu Qing Dynasty." Net. We just go back and help Commander Li to make contributions. Who will be the guard of Mannu and follow Ruifang? Do you think I will make any progress when I go back to Hubei?" Jin Ming thought in his mind. No, if I say that going back to Hubei is not good, he will definitely see me as a traitor. Not only will I not be able to find out their news, I am afraid that I will also bear the danger.Now I have to go along with what he said, so as to spy on them.Thinking of this, he deliberately looked at Qiu Shi's face carefully, and then solemnly replied: "Congratulations, master! Congratulations, master! Your seal is shining now, and there is a kind of white light hidden on your face. Now it is time to judge , just in late autumn. Autumn dominates the west, the Baidi is in power, and the face is white, which is the same as the season, which is the true color of autumn. Moreover, autumn is a criminal officer who specializes in killing, and your face has the spirit of killing. , I’m afraid I’m going to take the lead in murdering people right now. After killing people, I’ll lead all my brothers back to Hubei and keep them in custody. I’ll be able to achieve great success and establish a great cause. The future is boundless, and within three years, I’m sure I’ll be able to become a supervisor. If I If not, I will go home and be an old farmer from now on, and I will never be a soldier in the world." Before Jin Ming could finish his sentence, Qiu Shi clapped his hands and said, "Mister's eyes are really poisonous, how did you know there was someone murdering? To tell you the truth, we are now preparing to kill one or two people. As long as we kill him, returning to Hubei in the future will be a great achievement. If we don't kill people, we will never go back to Hubei. You really agree Not bad at all, it seems that this matter must be done." Although Jin Ming was perfunctory in his mouth, he was very anxious in his heart.If they had done it within half a day, the imperial envoys would not even be able to escape.If I don't know, it's fine. Now that I know, can I just ignore it?I must try to stabilize them first, so that I can spare time so that the imperial envoy brothers can escape.After making up his mind, he said to Qiu Shi: "Master's plan is very clever. But according to the fortune-tellers, the murder will have to be delayed for three days, and it will not be too late. Because there is a kind of wealth on the face of the master." , this kind of wealth is most afraid of fierceness. Killing is the most vicious thing. Once you kill, the wealth will be wiped away. It is best to wait until the wealth is in your hands, and then you will not be afraid of killing again." Qiushi suddenly jumped up and pulled Looking at Jin Ming, he praised: "Sir, you really have lightning-sighted eyes! From this point of view, the temporary wealth must not escape, and it will probably arrive sooner or later. How about it, you will still come to my temple in three days' time. Come on, if you really get this money, I will discuss with the commander and propose fifty yuan as a thank you. You will have the money to travel to Chengdu, so you don’t have to meet up along the way.” Jin Ming hurriedly bowed to thank him, saying that it is rare for the master to do this Generosity, we passers-by, really met a lucky star.After Jin Ming was photographed by Qiu Shi, he went to the barracks again and did a random photograph. Everyone collected a few dozen cents for him.Holding his face-to-face signboard, this gentleman walked out of the temple gate swaggeringly, and went back to Ruifang to walk.After lighting the lamps, he knocked on the back door and sneaked in. He didn't care to go back to his own room, and went to Ruijin's room first to report everything.

Just after entering the door, I saw that Ruifang and Ruijin were all in this room.Everyone stared out, obviously looking forward to Jin Ming's return.As soon as Jin Ming came in, the three of them felt like they had found a living treasure.Rui Fang took his hand first, and said with a smile: "You have worked hard, hurry up and change your clothes to eat, shall we? We are all waiting for you." While changing clothes, Jin Ming said how to wait for me alone, telling everyone to suffer hungry.All the family members were busy setting up cups and chopsticks, and the four of them sat around to eat.Rui Fang was eating, but asked Jin Ming, did you get any news when you went out for private visits?Jin Ming said: "The commander-in-chief invites you to eat first, and after the meal, he will talk about his professionalism in detail. Because this is a long sentence, it cannot be explained clearly in a few words." Rui Fang was inconvenient to ask again, but he thought Really disturbed, he ate half a bowl of rice hastily, then put down his chopsticks to rinse his mouth.The three of them couldn't eat any more, so they got up together, and the family took away the food.Rui Fang ordered: "You go down to eat, and you are not allowed to come in unless you are called." The family members agreed to leave.Then the Rui side urged Jin Ming to ask what happened during the visit.Before Jin Ming could speak, he shook his head and sighed, saying that he really didn't like to talk about this matter, because if he said it, the commander would be troubled.But in the meantime, it has to be said.If I conceal it, sooner or later if danger occurs, it will not be delayed on me alone.Rui Fang felt more and more uncertain when he heard his hesitation, and said that you should hurry up and stop making so many detours.As I said earlier, we can still think of a way to avoid bad luck. We have to wait until it's too late.Jin Ming sighed: "What do you mean when something is imminent, the knife is already in the neck, the gun is already in the chest, I'm afraid it will be three points worse than the imminent incident." These few words made Brother Ruifang's face turn pale with fright.Even Wan Youjian was so frightened that his appearance changed, and he hurriedly asked Jin Ming what was going on, could it be the Hubei army, did this change?General Jin Ming asked and answered questions with Luo Qiushi in the temple. He told the whole story to Rui Fang, without missing a word.Rui Fang didn't want to listen, and immediately slumped on the chair, the tears in his eyes were like pearls with broken strings, they couldn't stop, and he almost burst into tears.Zhang and Wan were also miserable.Wan Youjian said: "Don't be sad, Commander, even if you are sad for a while, it won't help. Judging by your looks, it is finally extremely dangerous. According to the professional way, tonight, you have to make a serious plan. Although Jin Ming stabilized them, but the barbarian If Zhang Chenggong and others are going to lead the leader to make trouble, I am afraid that the surnamed Luo will not be able to stop him. As the saying goes, it is best to go when they are thirty-six. Why don't they all sleep tonight, and everyone Shuai Kunzhong disguised himself and escaped from Zizhou. There are two people who are professional and Taoist, and we will take care of the house for the time being. At that time, the wind was not good, so we also came to take advantage of the soles of our feet. Without anyone noticing, we got through this difficult time. Big Shuai, please think of this method?" Rui Fang said: "Your method is indeed an emergency solution, but my brother will inevitably attract attention when walking together, so let's divide them into two." Rui Jin didn't wait for him After finishing speaking, he interrupted and said: "Brother is very worried. In this way, at the second watch tonight, you will run away first, and I will rush there after tomorrow. As long as we leave Zizhou and are not in his sphere of influence, we will not be afraid. We Going to the provincial capital overnight, as long as we arrive in Chengdu, we live in the governor’s office, and Mr. Song has to fulfill his responsibility of protection. If things are easy to do, my brother will set up an imperial envoy to carry out the work. If things are not easy to do, we will go to Beijing Telegram to ask for instructions, and then decide where to go. My brother will get up tonight." Rui Fang shook his head and said, "I can't go first, it's better for you to go first. Tonight, you and your family, Erhei, quickly escaped from this tiger's den Longtan. I will bring Erbai to catch up with you after lighting the lanterns tomorrow. Seventy miles away from Zizhou, there is a town store called Golden Spear Market. I heard that there is a Ma Chao Temple in that town, and Ma Chao is worshipped in the temple. Golden gun. When you get there, stay there first and stay there, and then we will gather there. As far as I think, even Wan and Zhang can’t live here for a long time. Everyone rushed to the golden gun market one after another, and then discussed how to detour Enter the province. Don't go along the main road. I'm afraid that their army will catch up with me when they see that we have all escaped. If they catch me again, there is really no way out. It's not too late, you Now pack up and leave quickly." Jin Ming and Youjian also agreed with this idea, and immediately urged Ruijin to leave immediately.Ruijin said: "It's very easy to walk. Unfortunately, it's dark and midnight, and I can't even distinguish the south, east, and north. Where should I go? Even if I can walk dozens of miles, the future is boundless, but where to settle down? Is it also a problem?" Rui Fang said anxiously: "My sixth master, you are really a person who has never been out of the house. You are afraid of walking in the dark. The less there are people, the cleaner you can go. You can go southwest, and you will naturally come to Don't waste your time by wandering around." Ruijin had no choice but to follow his brother's advice and carry a small leather bag.In the purse, there are dozens of yuan of his own money, which was prepared when he left Beijing, and he has never used it.Ruifang's money and objects were all taken by the concubine.On the way, Ruijin refused to take out these dozens of dollars because of many difficulties, which shows that his economics is really sure.Before leaving, Zhang Jinming was worried that he would run out of money on the way, so he hurriedly took out the dozens of Mao Xiaoyang he had cheated from meeting in the Great Buddha Temple and gave them to Ruijin, who also accepted them and took them with him.Then he took Erhei with him, bid farewell to everyone, and greeted the Rui side, saying that brother, let's see each other again.When he said this, he couldn't stop the tears from streaming down his eyes, as if he was parting from life and death.Rui Fang also sobbed and couldn't make a sound, saying Sixth Brother, you can go, I hope God will favor us, escape from the dangerous place, and arrive in Chengdu early, then we will survive.Zhang Jinming and Wan Youjian also cupped their hands and said, "Lucky stars along the way." Ruijin walked out of the house, everyone saw him off, gently opened the back door, and the two of them slipped out without even looking back, and walked southwest.There are a group of people on the Rui side here, and when they returned to the house, they were still in suspense, for fear that some trouble would happen on the way.But for a whole night, nothing happened, and Rui Fang felt a little more at ease in his heart.

On the second day, everyone got up and had a hasty meal.Erbai said in a low voice to Rui Fang: "Today, why are there so many soldiers outside our gate, the front and back gates are completely surrounded." Rui Fang was naturally quite surprised when he heard this.But Zhang Jinming said frankly: "It doesn't matter. They are afraid that Commissar Sun will come back. The commander-in-chief will keep it secret. They won't get money, so they may have other intentions." Rui Fang nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.Alone listless, he went back to his own room, feeling more and more sad the more he thought about it.Living in Beijing, what kind of discomfort is there, what kind of official addiction is caused out of thin air, 400,000 foreign money wasted in vain, and I dedicated my hands to others, and I bought a lot of anger in Hubei.Now on the road, I have taken this big risk again.Think carefully, why bother!I think how happy I was when I was in Beijing, going to the Zhonghe Garden every day and listening to Tan Jiaotian perform.Now trapped here, dead or alive, what the hell is going on!Thinking of this, he knocked on the table with his hand and sang "Bumping the Monument".Just as he was singing "There is no food and grass inside, no soldiers outside", when suddenly there was a bang, dozens of soldiers rushed in and rushed into his house.Rui Fang didn't know what happened, so he stood up in fright.This group of people had already entered the house, and the one at the head respectfully raised his hand as a military salute.Rui Fang didn't look at You Ke, he was already so frightened that he stared blankly, unable to say a word.Do you know who this person is?It turned out to be Zhang Chenggong, the violent battalion commander they were most afraid of.When Rui Fang saw it was him, his heart jumped up.After calming down, he asked kindly: "General Zhang, is there anything important for you to come to my apartment?" Chenggong replied respectfully: "Return to the imperial envoy, in the current camp, because of the payment, Surrounding Commander Yang, you must ask questions. The commander really can't reply, so he has to send the imperial envoy to invite the imperial envoy. As long as the imperial envoy arrives, just say a few words to them, and the siege will be solved naturally. It is not too late, please the imperial envoy. Let's go with the end." When Rui Fang heard this, he thought that this is another big problem, and I have no money, how can I convince this group of desperadoes.I had to say to Chenggong: "General Zhang, please tell Commander Yang that I really can't talk for a long time because of my old illness of phlegm and asthma in the past two days. Anyway, brothers, please be patient and wait for another three or two days. , Commissar Sun will definitely come back. At that time, there was plenty of money, not only the military salary was paid, but also the headquarters had to give extra rewards. Please ask General Zhang to go back and give us a lot of good words." After hearing this, Cheng Cheng smiled and said: "The words of the imperial envoy are too easy. If Commander Yang can tell them to wait, why bother to disturb the imperial envoy again. It is really impossible to get rid of it today, so I sent Mo Bian to ask for it. If the imperial envoy does not go, Mo Bian will not be able to sell the mission. There is not much to say there, and the imperial envoys do not want to go on foot, but there are horses outside, so please go on horseback.” Rui Fang hesitated, but still did not dare to go.After hesitating for a while, he said, "General Zhang, I really can't go. I beg you to forgive me. Reply for me well. I will come to Chengdu in the future. I will never let you down. If you want to be promoted, I can guarantee you to join the general; If you want money, I’ll raise eighteen thousand for you, and I’ll be able to beat you.” In the calculations of the Swiss side, they thought that if they baited high-ranking officials with generous profits, they would be able to get away with it.Who knew that these few words touched the taboo of success.He immediately changed his color, sneered two or three times, and shouted: "Shut up, Rui Fang! Look at what time it is, and you are still holding the official position of the Qing Dynasty to fool us Han people. You must know that the surname Zhang is from the Han nationality." Good man, this year I want to kill all the slaves and take the Great Golden Seal. How can I be fooled by you again. You have to be smart, follow me quickly, and you can still preserve your dignity. Let's go, don't blame me for not saving face." When Cheng Cheng said this, his voice was so harsh that an imperial envoy was so frightened that he slumped on his chair, how could he move.He said in a trembling voice, "General Zhang, do you really want my life? I told you the day before yesterday that you and I are both Han Chinese. I strongly agree with it. If you kill me, don’t you self-mutilate the same species? General Zhang, I beg you to hold your hand high and don’t settle for this.” Rui Fang said so pitifully, Zhang Chenggong should be a little more merciful, and he would naturally soften up.Unexpectedly, he turned a deaf ear to it, and issued an order to the soldiers who came with him: "Two of you, one on the left and one on the right, carry Rui Fang to the temple without delay." The strong-looking soldiers rushed up, pulled Rui Fang off the chair, and set up the shaft without touching the ground.Success and an order was issued that all Congyuanli, regardless of the attendants, masters, and kitchen servants, should be tied up and brought to the Great Buddha Temple to be punished.Poor these people, there is nowhere to hide, there is nowhere to hide, they can only be caught without a fight.These soldiers drove behind, like pigs, to the Great Buddha Temple.Along the road, more and more people gathered to watch. I saw two soldiers, with a bearded man in his fifties in front, followed by a group of people, all with ropes tied to their arms, and two soldiers. Thirty soldiers, all carrying fast guns, watched from behind and walked forward together.Everyone couldn't see what happened, and they thought they had captured some kind of robber.Those who have that good thing will follow, wanting to see the truth come to light.People are gathering more and more, and they have arrived at the Great Buddha Temple in a blink of an eye.But I saw many soldiers standing arrogantly in front of the temple gate, all holding guns and staring, as if they were facing a big enemy.Zhang Chenggong commanded in the front, and all the people who came to the frame rushed into the temple.The people who followed the excitement were a little timid and did not dare to go in.

He successfully led these people all the way to a large courtyard behind the temple, where the old monk kept quiet and practiced meditation with dead trees.There are only five large north rooms in the interior, and the houses are also bright, without any dark room.At this time, Yang Desheng, two battalion commanders, three masters, and a dozen guards were all waiting in the courtyard.Some of the guards were holding pistols, and some were holding short knives. There were two at the top, and each of them held a tiger-headed knife with a wide back and a thick blade, which was particularly vicious and terrifying.When Chenggong came in, Desheng first asked: "Is the imperial envoy here?" Chenggong said: "He's already here, it's outside the door." Desheng rushed out to greet him, and saw Rui Fang sitting on the ground outside the door, panting.The rest of those who were tied up stood still in a row, all bowed their heads and did not say a word.Desheng hurried over, first went to Rui Fang, and greeted deeply, and said in his mouth: "Please greet the commander. Just now Zhang Chenggong acted rudely and offended the commander. Please look at Mo Bian and forgive him. "Rui Fang just received Zhang Chenggong's thunderbolt and lightning, and his shock was still undecided, but now he meets Yang Desheng again, so docile and humble, he feels that he has no idea what to do, staring at Desheng, but can't answer. In a word.Desheng laughed again and said: "Commander, please sit at the back. I have a few heartfelt words at the end, and I want to report them to him." Rui Fang only nodded at this time, and wanted to struggle, but he couldn't move.Desheng ordered the two soldiers who came to escort him, saying that you should support the commander well and sit in the backyard.The soldiers helped Rui Fang up, and then they wanted to fight inside. Rui Fang said wait a minute, General Yang, since you treat me preferentially, how can you have the nerve to tie up all my subordinates.Please hold your hand high and let them go for now.Yang Desheng laughed and said, "I forgot about it." Immediately ordered the soldiers to release all the kidnapped people, please wait in the barracks for a while, and treat them favorably.All the soldiers responded, and immediately released these people, and detained them all in the barracks.Then Desheng followed Ruifang to the backyard.兵丁把他架到禅堂中一条板凳上坐下,得胜过来立在他面前,突然高声问道:“大帅你既自己承认也是汉族,为何又想私自逃跑,足见你是心虚胆怯了。今日趁大家全在这里,你到底是满人是汉人,务必痛痛快快地说个明白。要不然,全军的弟兄们全认着我有意袒护你,全把我看成汉奸,我能担得了这嫌疑吗?”瑞方到此时,自知是九死一生,索性把心一横,问道:“你怎么见得我要逃跑呢?”得胜哈哈一阵狂笑,说我不给你一个证据,你也断然不肯承认。来来来,你们把夜里擒着的两个人,一齐带上来,同他对证对证。不大工夫,早从外边拉进两个人来。瑞方不看犹可,看了又是心惊,又是难过,眼中的痛泪,早倏地流下来。你道这两个人是谁?原来正是瑞锦同小厮二黑。瑞锦一见他哥哥在这里,便大声说道:“哥哥,咱弟兄两人认命吧,旁的话不要说了。”瑞方哽咽道:“哥哥是自己找死,原无的怨,可怜六弟你,无缘无故,却被我拉了来,赔上一条性命。哥哥口问心,实在对你不过。但不知你因为什么,却被人家获住,这也算冤家路窄了。”瑞锦道:“我原意本不愿走,怕的就是这一着。果然人家在四面八方全有埋伏,我们走了没有半里路,就被人家擒住了,一直牵入庙中。杨统领他们本认得我,见面问我因何而跑?我对他说,因为无钱开发军饷,是奉了哥哥之命,特往湖南去迎孙委员。他偏不信,说你就是到湖南去,也应当白天走,为何白天不走,却要夜里走呢?我说白天走,恐怕你们看见,疑惑我是逃跑,因此才黑夜走,所为避人眼目。杨统领说,既然这样你更是逃跑了,还有什么赖的。我说你一定说我逃跑,我便是逃跑,任凭你们发落吧。他又问我,钦差走了没有,我说钦差怎能走呢?你太小看人了。他当时便派兵把钦差的行辕围住,不许放走一人。兄弟就料到了,今天哥哥是得到这里来的,决然放你不过。”瑞方听瑞锦唠唠叨叨,说了这一大套,生怕把杨得胜招恼了,眼前便要吃亏,连连向他使眼色,意思是止住不叫他说。哪知瑞锦的话越说越多,瑞方只得拦道:“算了吧,不要说了,我已经全明白了。”瑞锦道:“哥哥你还怕谁不成吗?咱弟兄,在阳世间多说一句是赚的,再想交谈,只怕得到阴曹地府去了。”瑞方听这话,益觉刺耳动心,但是又无法止住他不说。高低还是得胜过来,向瑞锦道:“你可以休息休息吧,我同大帅还有要事相商呢。”瑞锦到此时,方才止住不说了。

得胜立在瑞方面前,问道:“末牟有一事请教大帅,务必请大帅做一切实的答复,千万不可支吾搪塞。成则行,不成则止,一言便可以定局。末弁也好回复本军的弟兄们,省得他们终日捣乱。”瑞方道:“杨将军有何见教,自请实话实说,没有不好商量的事。”得胜冷笑道:“这事并没有商量余地。大帅要仍抱着商量主意,那就不必说了。”瑞方道:“不商量也可以,到底是什么事呢?”得胜道:“这事也没有什么难办的,就是今天这时候,请大帅拿出十万现洋来,我们大家做盘费,开回湖北,也省得在路上搅得大帅不安。大帅领着众位随员,自行到成都去,好在相离甚近,也无须我们保护了。大帅要认可呢,眼前就把银子分兑,大家从此分手,另图后会。将来末弁等到了湖北,如有寸进,决然忘不了大帅体恤之恩。”瑞方听他说完,只是白瞪着眼,一个字也答不上来。得胜又催道:“到底怎么样,肯不肯,自请快说。”瑞方道:“杨将军,我们到这时候,还有什么不肯的。不过我手中有钱没钱,也瞒不了你。你诸位如果能候一候,早晚孙委员到了,他纵然借不到十万,五万块钱是一定有把握的。借到了,我连一块全不要,就请你杨将军尽数提去,回湖北的盘费,是足够用了。”得胜不待他说完,便冷笑道:“这样你是没有十万块钱了,直截了当地回复我,不就完了,何必绕脖子呢?大帅你要知道,天下事全是出自情愿,不能勉强的,你既不肯拿钱,我也绝不怪你。我们此次想回湖北,是万不能空手回去的。末弁想同大帅商量,要暂借一宗物件,俟等到了湖北之后,再原物奉还,不知大帅肯借不肯?”瑞方道:“不知杨将军要借什么物件,自是我所有的,便慨然奉上,决不吝惜。”得胜哈哈一阵狂笑,说我要借你项上的头颅,到湖北见我们李统领,做一种进见之礼。弟兄们还不动手,等待何时?得胜的话才说完,早跑过两个兵来,从板凳上把瑞方揪下,一个人牵着发辫向前一拉,那一个高举虎头刀,向下一落,只听咔哧一声,红光崩现,一颗血淋淋的人头滚落地上,死尸也随着向前一扑。此时旁边站的瑞锦,也不害怕,也不悲哀,两双眼睛,直要努出眶外,如恶魔癞狗一般,直扑过去,要同得胜拼命。得胜向旁边一闪,忙向左右兵士一比手势。仍是那两个兵奔过来,把瑞锦按住,也是一刀杀死。得胜吩咐,寻两领芦席,把他弟兄两人,先卷起来,暂埋在庙后柳树底下。两颗头颅,放在盆子里边,用石灰埋上,省得腐烂了,不易辨认。兵士答应一声,如法办理。然后得胜到前面办公室中,吩咐把瑞方的随员仆从叫过来,当面问话。少时张金铭、万有鉴、二白、二黑,另外还有一个厨夫、一个执帖回话的门役,全带到得胜面前,听候发落。众人战战兢兢的,一齐跪倒在地,大呼统领饶命。得胜平日,本认得张、万两个随员,知道他们全是汉人,并非旗族,便和颜说道:“张、万两位观察,不必害怕。我今天杀瑞方兄弟,是为我们汉族复仇,并非有什么私怨。你二位虽做满清的官,却全是汉人,我们同种同类,万没有自相残害之理。你二位愿随我们回湖北呢,咱们早晚便可一路同行;如愿各回家乡,也自请随便,我每人并可送你二十元的盘费。你二位快请起来,坐下谈话吧。”张、万两人,异口同音,先谢了得胜不杀之恩,然后说愿回家乡,因为我们全是文人,跟随统领也无可效力,倒不如及早还乡。如果家乡有什么机会,倒可以帮助我们汉族,也独立起来,倒可壮一壮声势。得胜听了,果然拿出四十元来,送给张、万两个人,立刻放他们走了。这两人如死囚遇赦一般,便连夜逃出资州城。二白、二黑,因为全是旗人,俱被得胜杀了。厨子及看门的,是由资州衙门派来听差的,得胜把他们也一律释放回城。

得胜将一干人全发落完了,然后召集军事会议,向大家宣布:“我们如今杀了钦差,便是背叛朝廷,除去回湖北之外,别无旁的路可走。请大家议一议,我们是立时折回呢,还是少候一候呢?”罗秋士起立答道:“我们回去得不可太快,一者湖北革命,不过得自耳闻,究竟是什么情势,必须先派一两个人回去采一采。探明白了,可归则归;如不可归,我们便攻入资州城,先饱掠一回,然后分头四散,各回老家。就算是兵变了,残害钦差,抢掠一逃,连统领也随着不知下落,便轻轻地把这一场是非脱过去了。我们如明目张胆地回湖北,倘然要有一点参差,那时再想跑,如何来得及呢?再者孙委员还不定哪一天回来,我们如果走了,这一笔财,岂不是白白便宜了别人。统领请想一想,我这话可是吗?”得胜及在座的军官,无不鼓掌赞成,说到底是秋翁的策划,果然面面俱到。到底谁告奋勇,能先到湖北走一趟呢?话音未了,只见第三营营官高长捷挺身出来,说末将不才,情愿讨这项差使,先回湖北看一看。紧跟着又有第一营的哨长陆永明也起立发言,愿随高营官一同前往。得胜笑道:“高、陆两位肯去,再妥当不过了。事不宜迟,今天你二人便要起程。请罗师爷发给你们盘费,早去早回,千万莫在路上耽搁。”二人答应了。得胜又嘱咐本军的人,暂时不要宣布杀害钦差的事,并叫罗秋士传谕寺中和尚,也要严守秘密。神不知鬼不觉,把一位大钦差谋害了,外边还不知道这一点影子。杨得胜对知州说:“因为时局不靖,钦差在行辕中,倘或保护不周,出了旁的岔子,谁担得起啊!所以劝钦差,暂且搬至大佛寺中,同军队住在一起,大家好尽保护之责。”知州谭正斯,明知这里边有问题,但是惧怕军队,也只好装聋装哑,应当怎样供给,仍旧派人送至大佛寺中。其实里面的消息,早沸沸扬扬,传遍资州城了。

过了几天,大佛寺中,忽来了一个做小生意的。肩上背着一个木柜,手中擎着一柄摇铃,来至寺中,高声叫道:“卖香胰子、花灵水、手巾袜子,各样杂货俱全。”大兵一看见,便全围上了,问了这样问那样。叫卖的非常和气,要的价钱也很公道。卖了几样,然后背着木柜出庙。从此以后,这卖货郎天天必来庙里走一遭。过了几天,不但军人全熟识了,连庙中的和尚,也认识了一大半。尤其同他要好的,是本庙的知客僧月空。什么缘故呢?原来这月空是一个青年和尚,长的相貌既美,谈吐应酬又文雅又和平,在本庙中总要算一个出色的僧人。可是有一样不好,他不守清规,专好同左近一带不规则的妇人勾搭。他见这卖货郎的物品,多半是妇女欢迎的,便也跑过来打听价值。货郎一看他这神气,便料他不是一个安分的和尚,偷偷地送了他一盒香皂、两瓶花灵水,还有香粉、牙膏之类,也每样送了一点,并不向他要钱。月空得到这便宜,说不尽的欢喜,向他再三致谢,并应许给介绍买卖。过了两天,月空向他说:“这庙的前边二里多路,有一个小村子,名叫五柳店,我的娘家便住在那里。你明天晚饭后,到那里去,我能替你卖不少的货。”货郎笑道:“师傅肯做成小人多赚几个钱,那是再好没有的了。但不知师傅的娘家贵姓,住在村子哪边,小人去了,好容易打听。”月空道:“你进了村子,一直走,在尽东头一个篱笆门外,有一株桂树,还有两三株垂杨柳。那一家姓汤,你打听桂花汤家,没有不知道的。我准在那里候你,千万不可失信。”货郎道:“这是赚钱的事,我还能忘记吗?”

第二天晚饭后,他果然背了不少的货,照着月空说的方向,寻至五柳店。才一进村子,便有许多狗追着咬他,他一边吆喝狗,一边向前行走。来至东头,不但看见桂树,桂树底下还立着两个人,一个正是月空,那一个却是妇人。虽然乡村打扮,却涂脂抹粉,很有几分姿色。一见货郎来了,和尚先打招呼,说这里来,你这位大哥,真不失信。又朝着妇人说:“五嫂,你看怎样?我不冤你吧。”妇人笑了笑,说你让他里面坐吧,在外边看货,回头街坊家姑娘嫂子全围拢上,我们倒不得挑了。月空点点头,随把货郎让至篱笆门内,一个院子当中。月空道:“这里又宽阔,又明亮,叫他把柜子打开,你拣心爱的挑上几样吧。”货郎随把柜子放在院的当中,笑着对妇人说:“奶奶喜欢什么,随意挑选。我们买卖人,但求多卖几样,决不扯谎要价。”说着将柜盖揭开,但见里面花花绿绿,十分好看。妇人看了这样,又挑那样,问货郎道:“这是桂花皂吗?多少钱一块?多少钱一盒?”货郎道:“这是从汉口贩来的,真正地道法国皂。我们原本还要两块钱一盒,这位奶奶要买,只算两块二毛钱,要一块是八毛,这是实在的价钱,少一个也不能卖的。”妇人道:“呦!好贵的胰皂,我从来没听见说过。我们平常用的桂花皂,两毛钱一块,也是香喷喷的,你难道一块就顶人家四块吗?”货郎道:“奶奶说的,那是中国桂花皂,要论香味,比这个可差得多呢!这是法国巴黎造的,那是中国上海造的。奶奶不信,请先拿一块用去,如果同那个一样,我情愿奉送,不要你一块钱。”说着果真拿出一块来,双手交给和尚,说师傅自请拿去,转交给奶奶用,过几天再给钱,假了包管退换。和尚笑嘻嘻地接过去,果然递给妇人,说你留下用吧,不要管真假好坏,横竖用不着你还钱。妇人笑着收了,又挑了两瓶芝兰香水、两瓶爽身粉、两瓶生发油,另外又挑了半打丝巾、一根绣花腰带。通共算了算,是六块四毛八分。和尚当时便要给钱,货郎笑道:“忙什么,先放着吧。等小人哪时起身到旁县去,再向师傅讨钱,在你老手里存着不好吗?”月空见货郎这样诚实,益发欢喜,说难得你这样和气,咱们见了多次面,我还不曾打听你贵姓呢。货郎道:“小人姓李,是南京的人,常在湖北做生意。如今湖北不安静,因此贩一点货到四川来,沿路叫卖,不过是借此糊口。如今遇着师傅,格外照顾我,我心里感激极了。但不知师傅庙里住的什么军队?”月空叹气道:“不要问了,我们出家人吃十方,如今来了这些军队,反倒吃我们,这真是吃到十一方了。要如果是我们四川军队,也还罢了,偏偏是湖北的。什么护送钦差大臣,现在钦差大臣也没有影儿了,他们仍然赖着不走,眼睁睁要把我们这庙吃空了,也不知造了什么孽,才遇着这一群恶鬼。李掌柜你看,这不是天外飞来的事吗?”月空说罢了,却见货郎面色惨白,两眼发直,问道:“钦差为什么没了影儿,到底上哪里去了,师傅可知道吗?”月空略一迟顿答道:“我告诉你,你千万不要到外边乱说,不然说差了,可要吃苦呢。”货郎道:“小人一个做生意的,说这些做什么。我们不过闲谈,师傅自管说,没要紧。”月空叹道:“说起来惨得很呢。我们出家人最慈悲,偏偏遇着这种事情,吓得我六七天不曾睡觉。”货郎听他这样说,益发急了,连连催问:“到底钦差怎么样,难道是被军队害了吗?”月空道:“咳,不要提了!这位钦差,我也曾见过四五次,倒是长得又福厚,又慈善,一部连鬓胡须,很有威严,谁想到落到这般结果。”货郎到此时更急了,说我的师傅,你倒是说什么结果啊,怎么专拉扯这没相干的话呢?月空道:“你何必这样发急?你越急我越不说了。”货郎又再三央求,月空才说道:“咳!好好的一位钦差,被他们架到后院禅堂,三句话不投机,硬把脑袋砍掉了,鲜血流了一地。”月空还要往下说,只听哎呀!thump!那旁边的货郎,仰面朝天,摔倒在地,已经背过气去了,吓得和尚同妇人手足无措。两个人将他扶起坐下,盘好了腿。月空低声唤道:“李掌柜,醒醒,李掌柜,醒醒。”唤了好几声,方才悠悠气转,哇的一声哭出来,紧跟着大放悲声,哭得十分凄惨。月空忙拦道:“你先不要哭叫,街坊听见,怕不招出是非来。”货郎听他这样说,才勉强止住,仍是抽抽噎噎地痛泪交流。月空道:“看你这种情形,一定同那位钦差有什么关系。你实话实说吧,要不然,我可拉着你到军营告发。”货郎到此时,忙给月空跪下,说:“师傅慈悲,救了我的性命,便是保全了钦差的尸体。实对你说,我并不是生意人,我乃是钦差属下的武巡捕李虎臣。”月空连忙一把将他拉起说:“原来是李老爷,恕贫僧眼拙,连日多有简慢,快快请到屋里坐吧,这院中不是讲话的地方。”说着把柜子替他提起来,妇人打起帘子,向屋里让。

虎臣随他们进来,见屋中收拾得很干净,并无旁人。月空让他坐下,又叫妇人烧水沏茶。然后问虎臣道:“李老爷,怎么不随钦差同来,你个人又扮成货郎模样,究竟是什么缘故呢?”虎臣道:“一言难尽。”随将当日在武昌时如何分手,后来因姨太太得病,又折回汉口,怎样请何仙姑,后来何仙姑怎样被杀,自己怎样被捕,怎样扯谎逃回汉口,详细对月空说了一遍。月空很赞叹说:“照李老爷这样忠于故主,只怕可着中国,也寻不出第二个来了。”妇人也催问道:“后来姨太太怎么样呢?”虎臣叹道:“她自己也受上罪了。我从武昌逃至汉口,实指望寻她去,先要几个钱,好赶了来搭救钦差。哪知她的来历,已被革命军查出来了,将所带的银钱衣物,一律没收。将她这个人,也暂时寄押在女监中,听候将来发落。我得着这个信,也不敢到佛照楼去了。幸而在武昌时候,陈哨官给了我五十块钱,原是预备到南京做盘费的,我只得改作到四川的盘费。继而一想,这几个钱,未必够用,而且当这革命时代,倘然露了形迹,叫人知道是瑞方的随员,便有性命之忧。索性将这五十块钱,全买了洋广货,置了一个木柜,放在里边。沿路之上,随走随卖,一处也不敢停留,一直赶到了资州,才打听着钦差确在这里住着未走。我原意本想一直投了去,是小店的主人对我闲谈,说钦差被军队架到大佛寺去,到如今不曾放出来,也不知是死是活。我听了,便到大佛寺探访。访了两三天,不曾看见钦差身旁一个人。我又不敢打听。后来师傅叫我来五柳店卖货,我便预备向师傅探听一个详细。如今师傅全对我说了,可怜我那十几年的恩主,一旦竟落得身首异处,叫我心中怎能不难过呢?”说着又哭起来。月空劝道:“你哭一阵子也活不了,倒是以后你打算怎么样呢?”虎臣听他这样问,立刻跪在地上,朝着月空大磕其头,说鄙人有一件事,拜托师傅,无论如何,得求师傅成全才好。月空忙扶他起来,说我们出家人,以方便为本,自能够尽力的事,一定帮忙,就请你对我说吧。虎臣道:“我们主帅死了,不知尸首现埋何处?”月空道:“这个我倒知道。他的身子现埋在寺后边柳树底下,首级却用盆子盛着,就放在后院禅堂里边。你打听这个,莫非想搬柜回京吗?这可做不到,千万不要碰这钉子。我听说,他们统领早晚还要拿首级到湖北擎功呢,谁敢到他面前索取钦差的头颅啊。”虎臣道:“明明索取,当然是做不到的,但求师傅指引,我知道他首级在哪里,偷偷盗了出来,连夜离开这地方,他们就不答应,也没有法儿了。师傅无论如何,得帮我这个忙。”说罢又连连请安。月空很踌躇地说:“这事我可不敢应你。他们见丢了首级,一定要同本庙捣乱,我又是一个知客僧,怎能脱得这干系,你这不是向火炉上抬我吗?”虎臣还要向他央求,忽听门外有人喊叫:“别放他走了,我们看看。”三人吓得面面相觑。要知后事如何,且看下回分解。
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