Chapter 63 The 60th round of tongue-in-cheek battle Jin Ge Er persuaded Lian Xing to drink crazy Ding Yuanzhen scolded Chunli

When Bin Xiaocen was afraid to leave, someone knocked on the door suddenly, loudly, and shouted not to let anyone go.As a result, not only did Xiao Cen get under the bed in fright, but everyone also changed their colors, each of them had nowhere to hide, nowhere to hide.It was Chunzhuo who was quick-witted first, and hurriedly told everyone not to panic, and sat down according to the arrangement of the ticket opera.Everyone holds a musical instrument in their hands as a preparation to open the show, and then send a person to open the door.After all, Lian Xing had been in the military for a long time, and he was more courageous than them, so he went out to open the door by himself.Originally, the street gate was next to the hall, and it only took three feet and two steps to reach the gate.At this time, the people outside the door were already impatient, knocked on the door several times, and shouted: "What kind of secrets are you doing, don't even open the door!" Lian Xing agreed, and opened the door, but Startled him for a moment.It turned out to be the inspector of the district, with four policemen, followed by an officer and two soldiers.As soon as he saw Lian Xing, the inspector recognized that he was not the owner of the house, so he led the people behind him straight in without saying a word.Lianxing couldn't stop him, so he had to act as a guide in front, leading the military and police to the hall.When everyone saw it, they didn't know why.Poor Heng Shifeng was holding a big gong in his hand, he felt frightened and relaxed his grip, only to hear a clang, and the gong had already been thrown to the ground.The inspector recognized Long Zichun, nodded to him, and said, "Master Longdu, we don't dare to build the Tanfu if we have nothing to do. Because your house is always full of gongs and drums these days, and the guards are inspecting Master Yue. I don't know what happened. What's going on, I went to the district every day to inquire. We said it was a ticket show, but he still couldn't believe it. So I came here with him today and went to the house to have a look." Long Zichun was in shock at this time, knowing that he was not an arrest It was only then that they took the courage to come out and answer, saying which one is Mr. Zhao, please sit down and have a talk.I saw the officer in the back stand up and said, "Our father's surname is Zhao. What are you, wives and grandchildren, singing? The noise in the neighborhood is uneasy. My father is in Henan, and I heard that those in Beijing who were singing on the banner My brother-in-laws, the plenary session will sing Erhuangqiang, and I will trouble you to sing it today." Lao Zhao's words made everyone present look at each other in dismay.Endure it, I really can't bear it; attack it, but dare not.The one surnamed Zhao kept pushing, so Long Zichun could only hold his breath and asked: "But I don't know what play the master wants to hear?" Startled, said my master Zhao, this is your Henan opera, we Beijingers have never heard of it, where can we sing it?Old Zhao said: "Hmph! My father-in-law, this is a play to show China's face, so you can't sing it! You can sing Cuiping Mountain kills monks! Huh! Brother-in-law and brother-in-law! My father-in-law!" After saying that, he turned his head and left.The soldiers and police followed behind and went out of the gate.Zichun said: "Where is this bad luck! Such a barbaric thing came out of nowhere, and he didn't know what to spray with his mouth!" Lianxing said: "My heart is pounding. You have caused trouble." Everyone said together: "You must not fight. Don't look at it like this, it is Lao Man's confidant Qiancheng. Now the nine cities of Beijing are full of them, and they are designed to guard against us bannermen. Since After Fugong was bombed, they paid special attention to the banner man. If you refuse to accept, he will open his mouth and beat him with his hand. Rao has suffered a lot and has no place to complain. It is best to endure a little and not provoke They are."

While everyone was discussing, Wulechun suddenly inhaled twice with his nose, and said, "It smells so bad, where did the smell come from?" When he raised his head, everyone could smell the smell. With the same pronunciation, Qi said it stinks strangely.Lianxing said, don't say that brother Zichun has a toilet in the living room, otherwise where did the scent of osmanthus come from?Zichun said: "That's unreasonable! Even if I don't clean well, I wouldn't put the toilet in the living room as a display. Besides, there is a toilet in this room. Everyone has been sitting for a long time. Why can't I smell it? Only at this time can I smell it What about it?" Everyone also said that there is no toilet, so don't be confused.Zhi Zhongti said, "It's mostly cat feces. If you don't believe me, let's lift the bed curtain and take a look." Then he came over and lifted the bed curtain.As soon as he lifted the bed curtain, everyone laughed out loud.It turned out that there was still a person crouching under the curtain of the bed, who was Bin Xiaocen.Zhongti hastily pulled him out with his hands, saying that the soldier had already left, come out quickly, don't show your eyes.Xiao Cen groaned and said, "No, my shit is all in my pants. Tell the servants to fetch a basin of water. I'll scrub and change my pants before I can see anyone." , making everyone laugh again.Lianxing spit on the ground angrily, and cursed: "Xianshibao, shame on you! Pity our Bannerman team, it turns out that there are only these things, and what kind of sectarian party is organized to support and protect the royal family! Hey! Don't give people more money!" It's an ugly joke." When he was young, someone fetched a large basin of water, and Zichun found a pair of trousers and socks for him.Poor Bin Xiaocen crawled out from under the bed, everyone blocked their noses and looked at him from a distance.I saw that he had taken off his jacket, and was wearing a pair of white cloth trousers on his lower body, which were all damp with excrement, yellowed a lot, and had a strong stench.Heng Shifeng's mouth is usually very mean, seeing this phenomenon now, how can he keep silent?With a smile, he said, "Xiao Cen, why did you show yourself under the bed when you are full of knowledge?" Xiao Cen said with a straight face, "Who wants to lose this man? At that time, I heard the soldiers speak with a Henan accent, and I was afraid. I can't bring it up anymore, but what can I do?" Lian Xing said: "Forget it, don't talk about it. Do we have business to discuss? If there is no business, I will leave." Long Zichun said with Heng Shi Feng, Qi said that Yunting should not leave, we still have something to say.Chunzhuo first said: "If you have something to say, find another place to talk. This living room has become a latrine cellar, can you still sit down and discuss things?" Zichun said: "Yes, you come with me."

Everyone followed him out of the living room and came to the bedroom in the courtyard.Lianxing hurriedly asked if there was anything else to discuss?Shi Feng and Zi Chunqi said: "The matter of the meeting must not be in the two of us's homes. It's not the other way around. The guards inspected it really well. We just sang a show at home, and he ran away. Come to make trouble, brother-in-law and father-in-law, make up nonsense; if they know about the establishment of some kind of meeting, we will never be able to live in peace." When Heng Shifeng said this, he showed a very scared attitude.When Lian Xing saw this, he felt more and more unhappy, and said with a sneer: "This matter is really difficult. Those of you who have houses are afraid of being angry; I am not afraid of being angry, but unfortunately I don't have a house. According to this, the clan The party simply doesn't need to be dealt with!" Chunzhuo first said: "Yunting, don't get angry first, let's discuss it slowly. Originally, I can't blame Brother Longheng for this matter. Those guards are unreasonable. As long as you give them a little bit of an excuse, you will be unable to get off the stage at that time. Besides, our combination should be kept secret. If we want to make it obvious, it will not only be useless, but it will cause trouble, and make the other party guard against it. In the future, we will You can't even be free. Brother Lian, do you think I'm right?" Lian Xing nodded in agreement, and then asked Zhuo Xian: "Where are we going to have a meeting in the future?" Chun Zhuo thought for a moment, and suddenly turned The individual laughed and said, "Jingyi, don't you have an errand at Longevity Hill? Can you borrow a place there?" It turned out that Jingyi's surname was Chong, his name was Qi, and his style name was Jingyi.Now the Longevity Hill Palace is in charge, and there is nothing to do all year round, except that when the Empress Dowager arrives at the Longevity Hill, he is in charge of directing the workers and cleaning the bedding.Since the death of Cixi, the Longevity Mountain has not been visited for two years, so Chong Jingyi's errand is more leisurely.Chunzhuo saw him first, then thought of Longevity Hill, and asked Jingyi if he could borrow the palace on Longevity Hill as a temporary meeting place.However, Jing Yi is the least courageous person. He hesitated for a long time when he heard Zhuo Xian asked him this, before he replied: "This is the forbidden area of ​​the emperor's family, I have no control over it. If the empress dowager finds out, her old man Who can afford to be blamed? Besides, there is Guan Shan’s eunuch, I agreed, but if he doesn’t agree, he still can’t do it.” Zhuo Xian laughed when he heard about Guan Shan’s eunuch: “This matter It's easy. You don't have to worry about it. I just ask you to introduce the eunuch from Guanshan to us. We have our own way to borrow it from him, so you won't have to worry about it." Jingyi said: "This person is called Jiang Degui. , but a veteran eunuch, and Li Deyong and Zhang Delu are all brothers. Because he was a few years old, Lafayette sent him to manage the mountain. In fact, it was just a name. He won't go either. It's easy for you to meet him, and I can take him to see him. But if you want to borrow a mountain from him, you have to pay a little bribe, otherwise, he may not be willing to borrow it." Heng Shifeng continued. "This matter is easy to handle. I will give him fifty yuan back, of course there is no problem." Seeing Shi Feng's generosity, everyone gave a thumbs up.We made a rule like this: After noon the day after tomorrow, everyone will still meet here, and we will get a reply if we can borrow Longevity Hill.Zhuo Xian said to Lianxing again: "Go back to the camp and pick up our friends in the banner. Make sure to make a few more appointments to make yourself stronger." Lianxing agreed to go, and everyone here dispersed one after another.Bin Xiaocen cleaned up, put on his pants, and sneaked away by himself without daring to say goodbye to everyone.

After Heng Shifeng left Zichun's house, he went to the houses of the princes and princes, Bei Le, and in the name of the Zong-Social Party, he slammed a lot of money and went home happily.I said in my heart, I didn't expect that the Zongshe would die, but it gave me a rare opportunity to make a fortune. I gave Jiang Degui fifty yuan in face, but I didn't know that I had knocked out more than ten thousand in my heart.This is really the God of Wealth, very lucky.After noon the day after tomorrow, everyone played gongs and operas at Long Zichun's house.After singing, a secret meeting was held.According to Heng Shifeng and Chun Zhuoxian's reports: He has negotiated a compromise with Jiang Degui. Not only is he willing to lend us the Longevity Hill as the venue, but he also takes us with him and takes care of everything.After hearing this, everyone naturally praised Heng and Chun for their quick work.Zhuo Xian asked Lianxing again, how many comrades did he unite with?According to Lianxing's report: a total of ten platoon commanders and two company commanders have been united, all of whom are young and handsome among the bannermen.They were going to come together, but I stopped them.One is that there are too many people hanging in the barracks, which will inevitably arouse the suspicion of the superior; the other is that if they go to Zichun's house in groups, it is easier to attract people's attention.If the tricky inspection detectives saw the flaws, wouldn't it be troublesome again, so they weren't called to come with them.Zhuo Xianlian said: "Okay, after all, it is Yunting who has a meticulous mind and is worthy of being a person who does great things. Now that we have a meeting place, the first step is to hold a regular inaugural meeting. Now that the meeting has been established, we will put forward proposals and divide it up. Now the opportunity is pressing, and there is no need to delay. If we continue to follow the wrong path, the sect society of the Qing Dynasty will be really unimaginable!" Everyone agreed with Zhuo Xian's proposal, but Long Zichun especially agreed.He wished he could move to the Longevity Hill as soon as possible so that he wouldn't be entangled in his house all day long and couldn't even eat a comfortable meal.He suggested at that time: It is best for everyone to go to Longevity Hill tomorrow to hold the inaugural meeting.It is not too late to raise all the motions temporarily.That's the decision, no need to hesitate anymore.So the whole audience unanimously approved that tomorrow morning, everyone will go to Longevity Hill separately, and we will meet together after noon.Lian Xing left in a hurry. When he said it, he didn't register it. I'm afraid it's too late. Let Shangguan know.Zhuoxian asked again: "Be sure to go to Longevity Hill tomorrow. There is an urgent proposal, so you must attend."And asked him to invite the two company commanders to come together.Lianxing agreed to go.Here we discuss the proposal again.Zhuo Xiandao: "The first chapter of Kaizong Mingyi has to overthrow the "Kingdu Daily". If Tian Nianren's life is taken, Beijing will be regarded as a disaster. If this cannot be done, our Zongshe Party will become a waste. Canceled." Zhi Zhongti said: "Zhuo Xian, why do you open your mouth and want someone's life? Is this a joke? As the saying goes, murder pays for life, and debts pay for money. That person surnamed Tian didn't break the law, you Can the government agree to taking his life for nothing?" Zhuo Xian laughed loudly and said, "Zhongti, there is no need to talk nonsense like you. You don't need Tian's life, you are here Just watch from the side." Wu Lechun said: "If you want to discuss the crimes of the "Kingdu Daily", it is true that the surname Tian must be killed. But is it an assassination or an assassination?" Zhuo Xian said: "You don't need to ask, tomorrow At the meeting, I proposed a corresponding method. But you all, please hold your breath and don’t be afraid. Whatever I propose, you just agree with it all, and you will never be asked to stand in the front line when the time comes. Don't make a fuss, demolish yourself first, this is the most important thing, but remember." Chunzhuo finished giving orders first, and everyone dispersed.

The next day, they all went to Longevity Hill for a meeting.Heng Shifeng and Chunzhuo first made an appointment with Jiang Degui to come first for a moment, ready to entertain everything.Zhuo first set up a small table in front of the door and prepared a copy of paper and pen.Anyone who came, he recorded the whole thing in his notebook.The name and address are clearly written.Then the receptionist accompanied him to the office next to the Longevity Hill, where he rested for a while, and prepared for the meeting after all the people arrived.By two o'clock in the afternoon, more than twenty people had already arrived.Lianxing took two company commanders, one named Chenghou and the other named Qixiang, who also registered and came inside together.Zhuo first looked at his watch and saw that it was getting late, so he ran to the back and suggested a meeting.Heng Shifeng pulled him aside, and said in a low voice, "Don't open this meeting in front of the people in the palace. Look at the little eunuchs who serve us tea, all winking. I don't know why we are here. Let's If you talk about the Socialist Party in front of these people, and they hear you in your heart, you can’t guarantee that you won’t go out and talk nonsense. If this rumor reaches Lao Xiang’s ears, he will have to get to the bottom of it and search for it one by one. Isn't it just asking for trouble?" Zhuo Xian said: "Yes, what you said is very reasonable. But where are we all going?" Shi Feng said: "This matter It's very easy to do. Just find Jiang Degui, ask him to find a secluded place for us, and the meeting will be held without anyone noticing, why should we come up with our own ideas. Do you have an idea?" Zhuo Xianlian said well.The two looked for Jiang Degui and told them what they meant.Degui smiled and said, "This matter is very easy to handle. You all take care of yourself and follow me."

There is a tunnel in the middle of the mountain.Going in along the tunnel, there are five main halls and more than a dozen auxiliary rooms inside. "This was built by Emperor Xianfeng back then. At that time, Empress Dowager Cixi was still a partial concubine. Because she was favored, the emperor purposely built this palace to escape the summer heat in June. Later, because it was too gloomy, no one could easily enter it, so it was blocked. It has been several years. Last year, the Empress Dowager Longyu sent us to clean the house because of the hot weather. When the cleaning was finished, she never came. Now you want to find a secluded place, even in Beijing City. It’s more secluded than this place.” Degui said while leading them into Longevity Hill.After beating around the bush, it was easy to come to a piece of flat ground halfway up.There are three very tall pavilions, with a horizontal plaque outside, which is Feixia Pavilion.The three big characters, written in dragons and phoenixes, are written by Xianfeng Yu.Everyone didn't have time to take a closer look, so Degui entered the pavilion and went straight into the inner room, where there was a huge dragon bed.Degui said to everyone: "You wait outside for a while, and you can come in after I turn the machine on." Everyone had to wait outside, and suddenly heard a vibration inside, like Jiao Lei, which shocked everyone. .Those who were timid wanted to run outside, but Lian Xing grabbed him back and said, "What are you running! This is the sound of a machine, is it worth being afraid of?" Degui smiled from the inside and said, "I forgot to explain. Come on, don’t just wait.” Everyone hurriedly followed him into the inner room, raised their eyes to look, and it was strange to say that two gates stood up on the dragon bed, and there was a five-color electric light on the gate, which was already on. Bright.Degui said: "Entering this door is an authentic ladder. You follow me down and hold on to the railing. This is a white marble ladder. It is too smooth, and you will fall if you don't step on it firmly." He said , then opened the door and led the way, and everyone followed closely.It turns out that when you go out of this door and look around, there are all mica walls, with white jade stairs in the middle.All the way from top to bottom, there are electric lights shining on it, and the more you go down, the brighter it is.There are a total of twenty-eight floors in the stone staircase. When you walk to the end, you can look down and see that the floor is covered with large gold bricks.There is a small corridor next to the ladder.Degui walked forward along the corridor, and everyone moved forward one after another, but they saw that the walls around them were all inlaid with electric lights of various colors, illuminating the dark room brightly.After twists and turns, they came to a courtyard.There are five large rooms on the front, and more than ten small rooms on both sides.All kinds of flowers and plants are displayed in the courtyard, all of which are colorful porcelain pots from Kangxi.Heng Shifeng was surprised and asked: "Why are there flowers in the cellar? How did they grow them?" Degui laughed and said, "Look carefully, are they flowers?" Everyone came over to take a closer look It turned out that it was all made by hand, inlaid with emeralds, corals, agates, and jasper stacks, and it looked the same as the real thing at first glance.Zhuo Xian sighed: "No wonder the revolutionaries always have trouble with the royal family! It seems that this kind of extravagance is extremely lustful. A pot of fake flowers, worth tens of thousands, is still thrown in the cellar. No one cares about it. If it comes to the palace, I don't even know how bad it is!"

Everyone entered the hall with Degui, looked up, and these bannermen were so frightened that they knelt down and performed nine kowtows.It turned out that Xianfeng's royal appearance was enshrined on it.After everyone had attended the meeting, Degui said goodbye to everyone, saying that I had to go outside to take care of everything.If you have anything to do, please discuss it in this hall.He said that and went.Zhuo looked at his watch first, and said that it was past four o'clock. We all stood in this hall and chatted a few words, and it was considered that the Zongsha Party held its inaugural meeting.Then push the chairman, pick the most important case, and propose one. If everyone approves it, it will be ready to proceed tomorrow.Everyone unanimously recommended Chairman Zhuo Xian.Zhuo Xian did not refuse.He stood alone in the middle of the hall and made a speech to everyone: "Everyone! Do you know what time it is now? There are revolutionary parties outside, fighting for land and cities, and they have cut off half of our Qing Dynasty; The rebellious ministers and thieves conspired to usurp the throne and overthrow the regent. This is not counted. The most hateful thing is the "Kyoto Daily" and "Guofeng News". Instigation. The Imperial Guard almost bombed the camp the day before yesterday because of the poison of the "Kyoto Daily". Our first step is to deal with the newspaper, and then we can keep the hearts of the army and the people in Beijing. The imperial family of the Qing Dynasty cannot be preserved anymore. Now the first proposal is to deal with the "Kyoto Daily". I don't know what you think? If you agree, please raise your right hand." More than ten people all raised their right hands high in approval.Zhuo Xian went on to say: "The first step has been passed. The second step is to deal with it. Only one of us is willing to sacrifice his life, so that this matter can be easily resolved. But I don't know which one is willing to sacrifice his life to save the country?" Zhuo first proposed this method, everyone looked at me and I looked at you, and no one said a word.After a moment of silence, Bin Xiaocen said: "Because to deal with a newspaper, one has to sacrifice one's life first. Who would do such a stupid thing! Since Zhuo Xian came up with this method, it is best to ask him to set an example and do a good job first." Come here, let us all have a look." His words were obviously sabotaging the stage, Zhuo Xian listened and gritted his teeth angrily.Said: "Forget it! People who shit in their pants are not worthy to speak up here!" Zhuo Xian's words were clearly exposing Xiao Cen's face, but his face was thicker than rubber, and he smiled: " You don't have to laugh at me. Shit is a good machine for making dung. If you want to do it, you're afraid it won't be ready!" Heng Shifeng shouted: "Stop talking nonsense! This is a matter of business, not a big dung factory. Yours The machine is good, and I don’t need it for the time being! After all, what Zhuo Xian said is the method, but how can I solve it?”

Zhuo Xiandao: "Originally no one is willing to go to this desperate duel. Let's decide by drawing lots. Whoever is drawn will not be allowed to refuse. I have a ready-made bamboo stick in my handbag. Take it out , everyone fills in their names on it, and then the chairman draws lots in public. Whoever is drawn will go to the "Kyoto Daily" to fight with Jin and Tian. This is the most fair way, but it depends on who Emperor Xianfeng sends. , whoever is obliged to do so." He opened his handbag as he spoke, and took out a handful of sticks to distribute to everyone.There are ready-made pens and ink in the purse, everyone fills in one by one.Only Bin Xiaocen insisted on refusing to write, saying: "I don't have the ability to fight, let alone the spirit of desperately fighting, so there is no need for me as a waste." Zhuo Xian sneered: "You don't need to come here! Leave early Come on, don't make trouble with me!" Long Zichun couldn't stand it anymore, so he pushed Xiao Cen out of the hall.Then everyone took turns to write their names on the bamboo sticks, and the chairman sent two people to check it, and then put it into the tube.Zhuoxian said to everyone again: "There are twenty-six lots in total. We are at our mercy. If we can't draw them, we don't need to be happy. If we draw them, don't consider it bad luck. This is the first sacrifice. We Everyone must muster courage, not shrink back, not be afraid. Even if you lose your life, it will be worth it in the history of the Qing Dynasty.” He pretended to be serious and said to everyone: “ I'm going to make a pledge!" When he said this, he put the cylinder on the table, closed his eyes and prayed for a while, then stretched out his hand and tossed the lot in the cylinder for a while, and then solemnly He took out one, grabbed it with his hand, and held it up high.At this time, everyone's eyes were fixed on this stick.Most of them were disfigured and frightened, for fear that their names would be on the bamboo sticks.For a split second, Zhuo Sheng shouted: "Long live my royal family of the Qing Dynasty! Long live Lian Xingjun!" With this shout, everyone felt like a stone fell to the ground, knowing that it was Wu Ren Lian Xing who had been elected.At that time, everyone also shouted "Long live, long live" and clapped their hands and shouted to express their welcome.At this time, Lianxing was really full of enthusiasm. Hearing that he was elected, not only was he not afraid to cringe, but he was happy.Zhuo Xian would also join in, saying: "This is all due to Emperor Xianfeng's secret blessing, and he specially selected this courageous and insightful hero to take on this great task! This is the foundation of my Daoism for thousands of years in the Qing Dynasty! Please Yunting Let us express your opinions on how to proceed, we can help, and we can help everything temporarily." Lian Xing said: "Brother is young and short-sighted, and he is a martial artist, so he can't afford such a big responsibility. It is my duty! Tomorrow I will go to the "Kyoto Daily News" office to find Tian Nianren and Jin Geer. This is a duel and a desperate nature. I have to carry a Browning pistol in my pocket. If it is overturned, killing one is enough. "It's profitable to kill two of them. After I beat them to death, of course I have to kill myself, otherwise I will be arrested by the government, and everyone will inevitably be involved. If Xiangzicheng finds out, we Bannermen will suffer even more. It's better to die. But I hope you can continue this aspiration to protect the emperor. The sea is dry and the stone is rotten, and I will never forget it. Although Lian Xing dies, he is still alive!" When he said this, he unknowingly shed a few heroic tears.All the people present were also devastated.Heng Shifeng looked at his watch and said that it was getting late, it was almost seven o'clock, let's go.It was too late to attract attention.Let's rush back to the front door, have dinner at Zhimeilou, and give Yunting a farewell farewell, which counts as helping his courage.Lian Xing and the two company commanders said together: "Thank you, we can't wait any longer. According to the rules of the camp, we are not allowed to go back at night. The three of us have been out for a day, and we have to wait until midnight to go back. Let the battalion commander know. It's useless to be reprimanded for nothing. Let's see you tomorrow." After saying that, he left in a hurry.

Here, Chunzhuoxian and Heng Shifeng came out of the cellar, and Jiang Degui turned the trap around and led them down the mountain together.Everyone rushed back to the front door, led by Shi Feng, and went to Zhimeilou for dinner together.Zhi Zhongti drank a few cups of wine and got a little tipsy, so he asked Chun Zhuo first, "Why did your tricks become so clever just now? You can't even see a single flaw. What method did you use? Why don't you announce it?" Once, I learned a lot." Zhuo Xian laughed and said, "It's not worth a penny. On the twenty or so sticks, Lianxing's name was written on it, and it was written with potion. Just look at it." It doesn’t come out, and it’s obvious when it’s damp. When I was drawing lots, I wiped my hands with saliva, and when I went up, the words I wrote later were erased. Come out. If you don't believe me, I pulled out more than 20 lottery sticks, all of which were in Lianxing's name, and none of them could be wrong. This was originally a planned plan, and I was happy to sacrifice him alone. A sum of money, and earn the name of supporting the royal family. Such a cute thing, why not do it?" Everyone listened to his words of making a fortune, and they all wanted to learn how to make a fortune.Zhuo first tapped the table with his fingers, smiled slightly, and said, "This is a secret, and cannot be revealed to outsiders." Zhi Zhongti was very unhappy when he heard this, and said, "If you want to get rich, everyone should do it. Three or two of you, In the name of everyone, you are spending money everywhere, and we follow your buttocks, and you can't even smell the smell, is that worth it? Forget it, we will have a meeting tomorrow without me." Zhi Zhongti finished his angry words , Bin Xiaocen jumped up again, and said: "All of us were sold by Chun Zhuoxian and Heng Shifeng! There is nothing wrong with it. The formation of this party and that meeting is actually a cover for them to sell wine. In the future, we will use Zong The Socialist Party doesn’t know how much money it will charge, but it keeps us all in the dark. When danger arises at that time, the government will name and arrest them, and the leaders of them will put oil on the soles of their feet. Xiaojun went to fill in the trap. Let's pat our chests and think about it. Is it possible to commit a crime? My surname is Bin. If you know it, you may even reward me with a half-job, maybe." When Bin Xiaocen said this, his eyebrows were beaming, as if he had already been rewarded for his informant.At this time, there were more than 20 people present, and more than half expressed sympathy with him.Only Heng Shifeng, Chun Zhuoxian, Long Zichun, Wulechun, and Chong Jingyi, the leaders, all turned pale with fright.Heng Shifeng waved his hand and winked at him, but he pretended not to see it.Chong Jingyi persuaded in a low voice: "Brother Cen, please keep your voice down. Fortunately, there is no one in the next room, and the waiter is not in front of you. No one can run away. Why are you bothering? Even if you are unhappy, you can discuss it slowly. Today’s meeting is only established, and it’s too disrespectful for us to tear it down first.” Xiao Cen said with a sneer : "What is loyalty? You don't boil loyalty in the pot, but you have to be honest. In this cold weather, you all wear ermines and sheep, and I am still single. Who is willing to spend money to change the season for me? Hearing what he said, Heng Shifeng quickly took out his wallet, counted twenty yuan bills, handed them to Xiao Cen with both hands, and said, "Brother, use this money to buy a few cotton-padded clothes to change into. When you use the money in the future, just talk to Brother Yu. If it’s too much, I can still help you with twenty or thirty yuan.” Xiao Cen took the money, smiled, and said: “After all, it’s Brother Heng who is talking about loyalty. It’s for you One person, through thick and thin, has to help the Zongshe Party. My surname is Bin, and I can’t be vague!” Shi Feng laughed and said: “My brother, but please don’t talk nonsense, it’s great. The Zongshe Party three Words, don't talk about it, it's not a matter of Feng Mingwen." Xiao Cen fell silent and ate his meal with his head down.The rest of the banner people in the party, seeing Xiao Cen got a lot of foreign money, all of them were jealous, but they couldn't say anything, so they could only eat and eat angrily.After eating, without saying a word of thanks, I left without saying goodbye.

There were only five or six people left here. Long Zichun complained to Chun Zhuo and said: "Why did you say the word "facai"? They are more powerful than hungry wolves. For no reason, they are tempted to bite. In the future, if you don’t get along well, you will have to do bad things to them. You are a poor man, of course there is nothing to be afraid of. I, Shi Feng, Jing Yi, and Le Chun, will not live in peace from now on. They just use the word Zongshe Party as a As long as you don’t give them the handle of extorting money, you will give them the first report. Who can afford this crime!” Zhuo Xian laughed loudly and said, “Brother Zichun, it’s no wonder that you are a very smart person , can’t even figure out such a small matter? They borrow money, the most is thirty or twenty, and the least is only ten or eight yuan. "You can speak ready-made words, so who can afford it?" Zhuo Xian said with a smile: "After all, Zichun is an old man with an honest heart, and he can't even understand this trick, so it's too useless. People!" Zichun said: "I am an honest person. How can you have new people who have studied abroad and have a lot of knowledge and ideas? What kind of articles are in it? Please tell me directly. I would like to ask you to help me." Teacher, is it still possible?" Zhuo Xian was about to answer, but Heng Shifeng gave him a wink, meaning to stop him from speaking.However, Long Zichun saw it again, and said to Shi Feng: "You are wrong! We are people in the same trouble in a party, and we have to fight each other, so why don't we keep it?" Zhuo Xian said: "Don't you In a hurry, I will pass on to you the eight-character mantra. As for how to do it temporarily, it is up to you to adapt to the situation, so there is no certainty." After finishing speaking, he picked up the pen and wrote eight characters in his palm for Zichun to see, saying: "You take care of it. If you use these eight characters, you don’t have to worry about thousands of foreign money being delivered to your door. However, you have to get the soft and hard dimensions right, and you have to make them fearful, and you have to give them hope before you can knock them out. Otherwise, , not only can’t see the money, but may also be boring.” It turned out that the eight characters in his palm were “to intimidate relatives and nobles, and borrow money from the party.”When Zichun saw him, he suddenly realized, clapped his hands and laughed, "Damn it! How can you not see the opportunity in front of you? After all, you and Shi Feng are fashionable people, and you are much more beautiful than me, an old corrupt man. I really want to bow down in the future! However, I also have a suggestion, like this kind of speculative business, the few of us must form a group to carry out it in unison, and we must not think that only one person can patent it in order to achieve results. If you have a monopoly , I’m afraid that both sides will suffer in the end, and no one will get any good results. I am confident that these words are good words, and you should carefully consider them.” Zhuo Xian said: “Your suggestion is really reasonable, and I think so. Otherwise, , How can you speak bluntly, without hiding anything from you." Chong Jingyi and Wu Lechun also agreed, but Heng Shifeng disagreed a bit.Because his money has already been transferred behind everyone's back, I'm afraid it will be exposed and everyone wants to share it with him, so he didn't praise him, and hurriedly settled the meal bill, and he left and went home.The rest of the people went home to rest, and did not mention it for the time being.

However, the "Kyoto Daily News" has continued to grow in value since it made a big statement in favor of the republic, but the people who read the newspaper are also very happy and angry because of it.Anyone who favors the monarchy and leans towards the Manchu Qing all scolds the "Kyoto Daily" as a thing, spreading rumors to stir up troubles and inciting people's hearts.There are also those who are really angry, although they dare not seek out the door to vent their anger, but the letters of false threats are like snowflakes, either saying that they will be treated with pistols or bombs.Tian Nianren received more than a hundred letters of this kind.Although he didn't pay attention to it at first, because there were too many letters, he put these letters together, showed them to Jin Ge Er, and discussed with him how to deal with them.Ge Er glanced briefly, and said with a smile: "These useless pustules are only good at firing empty cannons on paper, so they are worthless. If they really have the backbone, they can go to the newspaper office, and when they meet, they will fire pistols and throw bombs. Why don't you write a letter and send news to others first? This is so ridiculous that we can ignore him and see when the guns on his paper will sound." Tian Nianren said: " My brother's guess is certainly not bad, and we have to be careful after all. The communication is intimidating, although there is no reason to worry about it, but if you really want to fight with us, you don't dare to say that it must be nothing. We have to have it in advance. Just be prepared." Ge Er said with a smile: "Don't worry about it, brother, I have plans. I have a self-made gun and a Browning with me. I am usually full of bullets. When I need it, I can just stretch out my hand. If we succeed, we will definitely not suffer. But elder brother is a man of letters. How can you make time for this martial duel? It is best to ask elder brother to hide for a few days. I have already found a very safe place for you. Quiet and elegant, you live there, and you still talk about everything. I see you every day, and if there is any news outside, I can report it at any time. Except for you and me, only the second brother Jian Dan knows about the people in this museum ，其余全不能对他们说。有问你的，我就说你到天津去了，俟这风头过去，你再回馆不迟。”念壬道：“老弟替我打算的，诚然千妥百当。但是我一个人寻安全地方，却叫老弟担这危险，心里总觉过意不去，还是我在馆里陪着你，咱们有福同享，有祸同当吧。”戈二摇头道：“大哥这话太迂了。你要知道，我替你寻安全地方，所为是两有益，并非单单顾你。你是一位文弱书生，遇着事，不但自己摆脱不开，还要连累我。我一个人，文来文挡，武来武挡，是全不怕的。加上大哥，我可就要为难了。”田念壬一想，他这话很对，便慨然说道：“既是老弟这样说，我全依你就是了。”当日戈二陪念壬出去，假装是听戏，便一直进城，来到东西牌楼本司胡同灵光医院。这个灵光医院，在四十几回书中也曾表过，院主人便是太医院御医徐灵光。他原是奉天人，久寓北京，医道固然很高明，而且侠肠义骨，交遍天下。他同金戈二两人，为忘年之交。因为戈二彼时才二十几岁，他已经五旬多了，两人因为脾气相投，便结为金兰之好。田念壬同他也熟识，不过没有深交。他却很仰慕念壬的文名，老想着格外亲近，只是没有机缘。此次戈二预先通知他，想把念壬安置在他医院中暂住几天，避一避风头，灵光极端欢迎。戈二领念壬来到他家，灵光殷殷招待。他那医院，就在住房的跨院一座小花园中，是三间北房，两间西房，两间东房。院子不小，有藤萝树，有葡萄架。正在深秋之时，菊花摆满了一院子。灵光将他二人让至北屋，屋中陈设着钟鼎彝器，墙上挂的俱是名人字画。最好是王孝禹观察的一副对联，篆书的十四个字：上联是“无求自是养心法”；下联是“不饱真为却病方”。写的铁画银钩，大有邓石如的风味。另有六条石头中堂，一共是十二块石心，生成的各样风景，最好的有：潇湘夜月、洞庭春晓、月光掩映、云树迷蒙。比画的还好看。灵光为人极其慨爽，他笑向念壬道：“田先生，你在我这小医院中住几天吧。闷了可以赏菊。我还有许多部老版的医书，你无妨研究研究，于卫生很有益。你想吃什么，自管叫下人去买。早晚两餐，我陪着你吃，你尝尝我们奉天厨子的手艺，比北京好得多呢。”念壬再三致谢，说无是无非，打搅老先生，实在抱歉得很。灵光哈哈大笑，说：“一件小事，到你们读书人嘴里就酸溜溜的。攀个大说，老哥哥粗鲁人，不会客气，你老弟诸事随便。我这医院就好比是你的家，你要脱略形迹，舒舒服服地住几天，老哥哥看着才痛快呢！”念壬也笑道：“既然老大哥这样至诚，小弟情愿多住几天，早晚领教。你不要看我是个书生，却最放肆不过的，只要老大哥不讨厌，以后更要随便了。”戈二道：“你二位全是肝胆照人的朋友，当然越交越近，用不着我托付。咱们明天见吧。”说罢便起身告辞，仍回《京都日报》馆。 此时天已快三点了，戈二在账房坐下，才要看账，忽见门房李福跑进来，说：“有一位军爷，点着名要会经理同田先生，这里有他片子。”说罢，将片子递至戈二手中。戈二接过来，看见当中印着联星两个字，上首的官衔是禁卫军第八营第三连连长，下首是云亭镶白满洲旗籍。戈二尚未看完，只听皮靴同刀环声音越走越近。帘笼启处，一位少年军人，全身武装，已经走进账房来了。戈二忙迎上去笑道：“请到客厅里坐吧！”联星随着戈二进了客厅。这客厅便是账房的外间，两间屋子明着，虽然不大，收拾得却十分华丽：当中一张新式长方桌子，桌上蒙着俄国花毯。四把小竹椅子，分列四旁。那边靠墙，放着一张写字台，写字台的前边，是一把灯芯绒背的椅子，上下首两张椅子，也是一样。那一边放着一张绒面绷胎的躺床。躺床那边，便是一架书橱，橱中陈列着许多书籍。再看墙上，并没有名人字画，只是可着后墙的大地图，顶大的一幅世界开方的地图，其次便是一幅中国图。那一面墙上，是一幅北京详细地图。最好是这幅北京图，乃是一位测绘专家破半年工夫绘成的，凡北京的大街小巷，甚至一条极窄小的胡同，也都绘在上面，并无遗漏，所为是地方发生什么新闻，可以按图索骥，亲往调查，路径决不会走错的。金戈二将联星请到这屋中，联星便坐在写字台的上首椅子上，戈二却坐在办公的椅子上相陪。联星和颜悦色地先问道：“你先生贵姓？”戈二随掏出一张片子来，递过去。联星见了笑道：“久仰久仰！金先生在北京报界中，是铮铮有名的！兄弟久想过来领教，只是营盘中工夫太艰难，今天得瞻仰风采，真是名下无虚！”戈二道：“承你老哥过奖，兄弟实在愧不敢当。兄弟在报界，不过替人民主张一点公道，这也是应尽的天职。你老哥在军界服务，是国家的心腹干城，比我们报界中人，负的责任重大。像我们，终日在纸上发空议论又有什么价值呢？”联星冷笑道：“你老哥可不要这样说。报与报不同，如今咱们北京城中，照贵报的敢言，总要算首屈一指。就是社会上于报纸的信仰力，也要以贵报首屈一指。不但社会如此，甚至连我们军界，全唯贵报马首是瞻。西人说一纸新闻，抵五千毛瑟，照贵报目前的风头，只怕五千毛瑟还比不上呢！”戈二道：“承你老哥这样过奖，总算表同情于敝报了。但是敝报缺点很多，有什么可以指教之处，还求直言无隐才好。”联星此时，忽然把脸色一沉道：“你老哥不要误会。兄弟对贵报，绝对的不表同情！不但不表同情，而且立于敌对的地位，你老哥听明白了没有？”联星说这话时，声色俱厉。金戈二毫不震惊，依然满面赔笑道：“联先生，你先不要动气。你既是军人，本无过问政治的必要。敝报言论，原不能向各方面一律讨好，赞成的固然不少，反对的却也很多。不过赞成反对，全是一种学理的研究，同政见的歧义。同是一国人民，有什么可以敌对的？你老哥这话，兄弟实在不解。”联星被戈二用话顶住，他也不解释敌对的理由究竟因为什么，便大声问道：“你贵馆的田秋蝉先生可在家吗？快请出来，我有重要事，得同他面开谈判。”戈二笑道：“联先生，你来迟了。要是昨天这时候，田先生尚在馆中，他因为有要紧事今天早车已经到天津了。”联星一听这话，面上立刻现出一种失望的神情，皱眉道：“怎的这样巧呢？恐怕是推词吧？金兄，你不要误会，只管请田先生出来，我决没有丝毫恶意。”戈二哈哈大笑道：“这话奇了！田先生如果在馆，你就是怀着恶意来。我们报界人，主张公论，问心无愧，也没有什么不敢见你的。难道说你没有恶意，田先生就能从天津飞回北京来吗？你老先生，未免把我们报界的人格太看低了。”联星被戈二迎头一拍，虽然满腔气愤，却又无话可驳。木了片刻，又问道：“田先生既不在馆，那位余剑胆先生在不在呢？”戈二笑道：“据我想，你先生有什么问题，尽可对我金戋谈判。田、余两位先生，虽是主笔，究竟关系大体的事，还须由我金戋主持一切。简而言之，金戋便是《京都日报》，《京都日报》便是金戈。阁下有什么不满意处，自请明白吩示，我金戈必为剖析一切，很可不必再寻他人。” 戈二说到这里，联星才要答言，忽见门帘挑起，进来一人。戈二笑道：“你寻余剑胆，余剑胆真来了。”联星举目观看，见进来这人，年纪有四十上下，生得细眉长目，风采照人，光照头顶，穿一件鼻烟色的呢袍，戴着时式金丝眼镜。见了联星，便拱手为礼。两人换了名片，剑胆道：“久仰得很！听说贵军到湖北去打革命军，是几时回来的？料想必是大获全胜，振旅而归了。”联星突然被这一问，显出难于回答的神气。略一迟顿，才答道：“我们的军头，已经开回半个多月了。仗打得固然不错，但是军统奉了中央命令，叫即日开回，我们一个当下级军官的，哪里有过问之权呢？”剑胆点点头，说：“本来军人以服从为天职。既然上边有令，当然无过问之权。但不知你老哥到敝馆来，有什么见教之处？”联星道：“你问我吗？我因为有一事不明，特来领教。你们贵报，终日大声疾呼提倡革命，赞成共和，究竟是受了什么人的运动？得了多少金钱？请你二位明白说一说，好解释我胸中的疑团，料想总可以吧？”联星问这话时，两只眼睛注射在金戈二面上。戈二忽然一抬头，两只放光的眼珠儿，同联星的眼睛正碰成一条直线。联星不知不觉地，一股冷气把自己眼光慑住，忙转到一边，不敢同戈二对视了。戈二冷笑了一声答道：“我原认阁下是一位文明军人，说出的话，一定有价值，有分寸。万没想到，竟问出这样话来。革命也罢，共和也罢，不过全是一种良心上的主张，何必要人运动，运动又何必须金钱。阁下说这样话，是阁下心目中，唯知有运动，唯知有金钱，未免自待太薄了！纵然假设一词，就算我们报馆受了运动，图了金钱，这也是我们个人的自由，与阁下何涉，难道阁下还有干涉之权吗？”金戈二这一套连讥带讽、直接痛快的答词，直不为联星稍留余地。就是没有成见的人，也有点容受不下，何况他是抽签而来，预备拼命决斗的，当然更不能容了。只见他颜色骤变，右手插在衣袋中，是预备掏什么的神气。戈二何等精明，哪有看不出来的。他的勃朗宁手枪，就在写字台的抽屉中，这抽屉恰是半掩半开，他正坐在抽屉前边。一只右手，伸在抽屉内，却岿然不动。脸上的气色，也十分镇定，并无丝毫改变。 联星见戈二确是有了预备，自己的手枪如果提出衣袋，戈二眼明手快，他的枪弹难保不先发出，岂不枉自送了性命。想到这里，便立时恢复一种和平态度，衣袋中的手，也慢慢提出来。笑道：“金先生，你恕我失言。凭你这样人物当然不至受人运动，不过贵报赞成革命，未免有点盲从附和，全是纸上空谈。至于革命的真相，兄弟敢武断一句，你们还不曾亲眼见过。假如要看见他们飞扬跋扈的神气，恐怕也未必赞成吧。”余剑胆道：“老哥这话，确乎很有道理。我们赞成革命，也不过因为民族不自由。至于革命真相如何，他们在湖北，我们在京城，当然是不甚明了。你老哥既到湖北去过一趟，所有革命的情形，当然见闻较切，何妨叙谈叙谈，使我们一开耳界呢？”联星听剑胆问他革命情形，立刻精神兴奋，说：“足见余先生是有心人，注重实际，不尚空谈，兄弟很愿意详陈一切。我们禁卫军初到汉阳，便同华自强见了一仗。可怜他徒有其名，一见就被我们打了个弃甲曳兵，逃回汉阳城去，再也不敢出来。后来又被我们王统领炸开城门，里应外合，夺取了龟山，把华自强赶到上海。兄弟奉统领的命，把汉阳西门。当地商人，全纷纷向军队诉苦，说那革命党人初占汉阳之时，用整匹的白布，写上'还我旧山河'五个大字，从三层楼上扯至楼下。那些革命军终日以搜查汉奸为名，凡商店住户，一刻也不得安生。最厉害的，是十字口令。何谓十字口令？那是念那十个数目字，从一数至十，到六字便是死生之关。凡南人读六为漏，北人读六为溜，只要念出北音来，当时不是枪毙，便是刀杀。至于说京话的，更没有生活之路了。他们名为排满，其实连北省人一并排在里面。像这样屈死的，便不知有若干人。可怜我们驻防旗人，有一多半送了性命，逃出来的，连十分之三也没有。似这样的革命，直接是自残同胞，还有什么可赞成的！你两位先生，全是高明人，似乎也应当有点觉悟，何妨把赞成革命的精神，移作忠君爱国的事业，将来流芳千古，不比附和乱党强得多吗？”金戈二嘻的一声冷笑，说：“联先生，我拦你清谈。你说革命军惨杀旗人，诚然是过于残忍。但回想满清进关时候，扬州十日，嘉定屠城，比今日的革命军又何如呢？天道循环，无往不复。从来做大事业的，当入手之初，难免有些矫枉过正。我们敝报所赞成的，不过是革命宗旨，至于个人行为好坏，乃是另一问题，不能并论。”联星实指望借着述说革命，把金、余二人说服，并可使《京都日报》改变宗旨。在自己，既免去拼命决斗，对于宗社党的使命，也可以说是圆满无缺。万没料到，金戈二又说出这一篇话来，直把自己的说词完全批驳，并没有一毫俯就余地。这一来联星又有点沉不住气了，立刻把眼一瞪，大声问道：“说旁的全是废话！我到底问你们，是赞成君主，还是赞成共和？”戈二微微一笑，说：“赞成君主怎样？赞成共和又怎样呢？”联星道：“赞成君主的，我便引为良友；赞成共和的，我便视为敌人！”他说这话时，真是声色俱厉，怒发冲冠。哪知戈二听了，哈哈大笑说：“联先生，你说出这样话来，便是抗旨欺君。你还自己认着是忠于满清君主吗？”联星此时，满腔中全是烈火。戈二的话，却如一盆冷水，蓦地浇下来，直把这位勇猛刺客激得面色惨变，浑身直打寒噤。突然问道：“你这话怎么讲？如果解释确有道理，我联星情愿甘拜下风。”戈二笑道：“没有道理的话，我怎能说出口呢？你既有这样主张，当然自命为满清忠臣。我试问你，从古忠臣，是应当服从君主谕旨，还是应当反抗君主谕旨呢？”联星道：“当然是得服从。要反抗谕旨，还能叫作忠臣吗？”戈二道：“既然这样，照你方才所说，必然是皇上有旨意：凡赞成君主者，有奖；赞成共和者，该杀。你然后服从皇上的意思，或引为友，或视为敌，这才不失忠臣的本色。何以本月某日，宣统皇帝特颁谕旨，征求全国人民的意思，是赞成君主立宪，还是赞成民主共和？不妨各抒所见，直言无隐。可见皇上并没有一定成见，纯以多数为从违。我们无论赞成君主，或赞成共和，全是仰承皇上的意思，研究学理，发挥政见，见仁见智，各有不同。在皇上何曾特立一格，只许如此，不许如彼？要果然这样，当日的旨意上，何不标明：凡赞成君主的，俱系顺民；赞成共和的，皆为反叛。你今天来此反对，也总算师出有名。无奈皇上也要服从多数，不肯以专制手段压迫人民。难道你一个小小军官，就能专制一切，比皇上权力还大吗？” 金戈二说话时，虽是和颜悦色，并无半点愤张之态，可是话中的锋棱，十分犀利，把联星说得瞠目结舌，半晌答不上一句话来。停了片刻，忽然立起身来，朝着戈二深深请了一个大安，说：“金先生，我实在佩服你是一位豪杰之士！中国人民，要全有你这样程度，不要说共和民主，便是美利坚也不能专美于前了。兄弟今天要就最低限度，要求你老哥一点事，但不知可以俯从否？”戈二道：“你老哥有何事相求，只要兄弟力之所及，没有不帮忙的。”联星道：“君主民主，是政治问题，当然取决多数。兄弟从今以后，也不再过问。只有我们禁卫军，关系北京全境的治安，假如军心不固，地方难免受很大影响。兄弟不求旁的，只求你们贵报，嗣后对于军界少发一点议论。咱们彼此全是为保持北京的治安，这也不关系皇室，料想你老哥总可以俯允吧！”戈二道：“你老哥说到这里，兄弟是很赞成的。咱们全是北京人，难道还乐意发生变乱吗？我敢担保，从此以后，在国体未解决以前，对于军界，暂不发表议论。”联星听了，又深深请一个安，说：“我联星替大皇帝谢谢阁下！天已不早，咱们改天再谈吧。”说罢便告辞而去。金、余两人直送到大门外，眼看他走了。回至屋中，余剑胆朝着戈二吐了一吐舌头，笑道：“好险啊！我眼看他那手枪三起三落的，想向外提，却始终没提出来。要不是老弟唇枪舌剑据理折服，今天不定要出什么事了。”戈二道：“这也算一时侥幸。一者是我以矛刺盾，借着他忠君的题目，单刀直入，抬出上谕来，使他无话可驳，便可因此有了收场；二者写字台抽屉中，我藏着一柄勃朗宁手枪，他每逢插手在衣袋内，我便插手在抽屉中，他看出我有预备来，恐怕自己先吃了亏，所以手枪不敢轻易提出。这也算一时侥幸，到底这个人是谁打发来的，很有研究余地。”剑胆道：“要据我想，估八成是纯卓先冒的坏。自从那一天走后，他始终不曾来。本来他骨子里，是忠于满清，表面上还假装赞成革命。再加以平日他同秋蝉就有嫌隙，如今直是借刀杀人。今天这个联星，六成是冲着秋蝉来的，四成是冲着你老弟来的。至于于愚兄，不过捎带着问问罢了。”戈二点头道：“二哥猜得一点也不错。嗣后我们对于卓先，倒得格外留他的神了。”二人吃过晚饭，又谈了几句闲话，各自休息。 第二天早晨阅看北京各报，忽见《爱国报》同其余各报，全登一段启事，是纯卓先出名，上面的言辞完全是对田念壬而发。剑胆便念道： 剑胆念完了这一段启事，把金戈二气得跳起多高来，骂道：“混账狼心狗肺，不是人生父母养的。你同秋蝉有多大仇恨？派人谋杀不成，想出这样阴险的招数来。虽不知他因为提倡革命，主张共和，同旗人结下仇怨，有许多要寻他拼命的，你登这种启事，分明是挑拨是非，想引仇人到他家去捣乱。他家中只有妇孺，这不是欺负人吗！别家报登这启事，还不足怪，怎么《爱国报》也帮着起哄呢？丁元珍同秋蝉，是最好的朋友，为何乘人之危，这太不对了。我回头去寻元珍，倒得问问他是怎么一回事情！”剑胆道：“你去寻元珍，我到田家报一个信，叫他们好防备防备。”两人议定了。先说剑胆来至田家，田大爷正在家里。原来念壬行三，他上边还有两位哥哥，下边还有一个弟弟，虽然分居另过，可是弟兄间的感情非常敦笃。大爷念辛，是商界人，现开着一片杠房，手下净抬杠的苦力，养着足有一百多人。他也是早晨看见报，很不放心，便来到念壬家里，向弟妇侄儿报告一切。见家人得着这个消息，正在害怕，余剑胆又来了，同念辛会到一处，便商量怎样防备的法子。念辛道：“余二哥，你自请放心，我已经有了预备了。回头派廿名杠夫，轮流看家，专预备对付仇人。两个人把门，家里留几个，路上站几个，现成的兵器，便是杠棍。有来寻仇的，他们是一齐上，先打倒几个，回头打官司，我顶着去。凭他纯卓先，敢同我们弟兄过不去，哪一天遇到我田念辛手里，不死也得叫他脱一层皮。”剑胆见田家已经有了预备，便放心而去。 再说金戈二去寻丁元珍。这丁元珍名叫宝廷，是清真教中人，精明干练，也很有一点侠气。平日同田、金、余三人，最为投契。他本是《爱国报》总理，《爱国报》在北京，销数最多。他抱着一种滑头主义，既不拥护君主，也不提倡共和，首鼠两端，随风头转移，所为是保持他报的销路。他馆中的总编辑，姓全名友，字益堂，是一个满洲旗人，因此对于革命，极端反对。依着他的主意，就想在《爱国报》上大发议论，保持满清皇室，痛骂湖北华军。是丁元珍竭力阻拦，说这事可不能由你老先生做主，报是我一个人创的，我无论对于某方，向不持极端主义。君主民主，只有将来的形势转移。我们在这时候，是万万不能表示态度的。经他这一拦，全益堂虽不敢再逞己意，可是心中总觉着郁郁不乐。这一天，丁元珍到天津买纸去了，纯卓先借着这机会，便寻全益堂，将启事交给他，请他随要闻稿子一同发出。益堂本来也恨田念壬，乘元珍不在馆中，居然把启事发出。等元珍归来，已无法挽回。丁元珍看见这启事，气得大嚷大叫，手里拿着报，一直跑到编辑室，问益堂道：“这个启事你怎么竟叫登出来？凭他纯卓先什么东西，竟敢利用我的报，挟嫌泄愤！这一段启事，是五千块钱刊资，少一块也不成功！”元珍正在闹着，馆役上来回道：“金二爷来了，现在你屋里坐着，说有要事面谈。”元珍道：“如何？人家来兴问罪之师，叫我拿什么话回答？”说着便出来会金戈二。一见面，没容戈二开口，便连连作揖，说：“对不起！对不起！千错万错，总怨我到天津这一趟去坏了，不然决登不出这个启事来。”戈二道：“成事不说，已经登出来，还有什么法子挽回呢？我今天来，是拜托二哥，以后你要多留意，可别再受人利用了。”元珍道：“这一层你自请万安，岂但不受利用，早晚我见着卓先，非痛痛快快地骂他一顿，不能出这口怨气。老弟你看着吧，最好等有机会，我把秋蝉跟你，同卓先约到一处，面子上是给你们圆场，骨子里，是当着你二位臭骂他一顿，我们也出一出这口气。我是惯会撒酒疯的，你二位在旁边坐着，不要搭腔，净看我一个人唱独角戏。我骂一声，还得叫他答应一声，骂一句还得叫他重说一句。你就慢慢地看笑话吧。”元珍说到这里，忽见一个人进来，说：“好啊！你们想要骂死人不偿命！”二人一看，不觉吓了一愣。要问此人是谁，且看下回分解。