Chapter 71 Chapter 68: A Loyal Family Plays a Fake Come True, Ten Princes Swish Their Arms Anyway

Tan Xinpei, Wang Xiaonong, and Yue Dayi were discussing and speculating about the rise and fall of the Manchu Qing Dynasty when someone knocked on the door loudly, as if beating a drum, which inevitably startled them.When the family went out to open the door, it turned out that it was Xiang Gongbao's housekeeper, Xie Dafu, who came to see Boss Tan with two servants.Old Tan didn't dare to be negligent, so he hurried out to greet him personally, Wang and Yue followed behind.Lao Tan paid his respects deeply, saying that it was no wonder that the magpies were making noise for a long time in the morning, so it turned out that a nobleman had come.Why is Mr. Xie so leisurely? When he has time, he comes to sit in the humble house.Dafu returned the salute to the three of them, and while walking into the house, he replied to Lao Tan.It is said that I will not go to the Three Treasures Hall if I have nothing to do, and I am here today to ask the boss if I have something to do.Lao Tan hurriedly gave up his seat to offer tea, and burned cigarettes with his own hands, preparing to serve Master Xie to have a bite.But Dafu stopped me, saying that my addiction had already passed, so don’t worry about it, let’s talk about business.Old Tan said: "Master Xie, thank you for your face and have a bite. If you have any orders, please lie down and talk." Dafu was not polite either, and lay on the iron bed crookedly. Xiao Nong hurriedly brought tea.Dafu smiled and said: "Today, my old Xie is really a special blessing. I have worked with you two bosses, one of whom packs cigarettes and the other pours tea. Don't be spoiled." Xiao Nong said: "We two, I hope sooner or later I'm afraid I'm clumsy and clumsy, and I won't be able to flatter you." Dafu said: "Joke, joke." He took the pipe, took a sip, and said slowly to Lao Tan: "The day after tomorrow is the palace. Mrs. Bao's birthday, the boss expected to know about it." Lao Tan hurriedly replied: "I know. We went to serve on the first day." Dafu said: "All the famous actors outside Beijing have been informed. Only the boss is here. It's not serious to send someone here, and I have business with you, so I'll go there myself." Old Tan said: "Master Xie is too polite, we are an actor, as long as the lord loves you, when will we be called? When will we arrive, let alone Gong Bao’s house, we want to flatter this job, but we are afraid that we won’t be able to flatter you, so how dare you come and ask for it yourself?” Dafu heaved a sigh of relief, and said: “At present, you people in the theater world There are really very few people who behave like their boss and do not dare to be arrogant. They almost have a little reputation, so they put up stinky airs and refuse to come three times or five times; If the official is inferior and the position is small, they will not even raise their eyelids. That air of arrogance seems to be one level older than my Gongbao! Such a person, even if he is famous, he is not considered. It's a character." Old Tan also coughed, and said, "Master Xie said, why not? Our industry is in a state of disarray, and all the rules of the old-timers have been completely destroyed by these young boys. A small actor, in the human race, has a very humble status. To put it bluntly, he is a kind of plaything for adults. Like elegant princes and nobles, like a group of unrestrained literati and bachelors, they use singing and playing tickets as a kind of business all day long, and write poems and essays about operas from time to time, which are published in newspapers. They are either holding one flower head or carrying that one. Tsing Yi, the paper is full of hype. In fact, the critics don’t understand dramas, and they don’t care about dramas. The ones that are judged have no value to judge, but because of their good-looking faces, they are enough to confuse those who are not. After a few days, everyone was chaotic like flies chasing smells. It’s strange to say that after only a few days of coaxing, they became famous actors. This group of children never seek the truth and learn from it. What kind of celebrities and nobles do you want to win over? As long as you win together, you will openly call yourself a celebrity and a nobleman, but you have forgotten what your origin is. Speaking of it, why not make people angry?" Old Tan nags Nodding, after posting this big complaint, all the people present nodded in admiration.Talking about the boss's comments can really be used as a blow to the rising celebrities; even those celebrities, if they want to hear these words, they will feel ashamed.Especially Wang Xiaonong was even more emotional.Said: "It's a pity that I can't study, and I am willing to practice this kind of cheap career. I have been running in Waijiang for many years, but I still don't want to get close to celebrities. Sometimes they visit me to chat, and I just deal with them by respecting ghosts and gods. In my heart Although I don't want to get close to them, I don't dare to be cold towards them. But if I want to ask you to write a few articles and praise me in the newspaper from me, Wang Xiaonong, that is impossible in my dreams. .It's not that I don't like being praised, but I, Wang Xiaonong, can't bear the greatness of those celebrities. They think they are praising me, but I think it's more sad than being scolded."

What he said made everyone laugh.Dafu said: "You two bosses, don't talk about it, let's be serious. Birthday celebrations are different from usual, and even acting needs to be unique. Because this time it is a famous actor in China, and almost all of them will arrive. The fault is that there is a famous person presiding over the period, and they must not be able to do their best and be orderly. But this person is hard to find. After much deliberation, everyone thinks about Boss Tan, especially the second young master. He originally wanted to go there by himself , because his life is imminent, he really can't leave him, so he appointed me as a representative. In any case, I will invite the boss to the house tomorrow. You don't have to refuse the obligation to adjust this drama." Old Tan said: " Of course I have to attend to Gongbao’s birthday celebration, but the responsibility of raising the tune in this play is very important, and I really can’t take it up. Master Xie, please don’t be overwhelmed and suspect that I am deliberately shirking. Opera, there are two different paths, those who can sing may not be cured, and those who can be cured may not be able to sing. I have sung opera for more than 40 years, but I have never dared to be the backstage boss, because I have no ability to manage opera. When it comes to mobilizing colleagues, I'm especially not good at transferring. Li Shoufeng and Wang Yaoqing, who were in charge that day, were all good hands. In the Qin Opera, Tian Jiyun and Wuyuexian belonged to me. I can invite the four of them to act as my agent, and the custody can satisfy all the adults and masters. I can Thank you so much." Dafu said: "You don't want to ask whoever you want to help, please do whatever you want, only in the name of promoting the play, but you have to bear it." Hearing what he said, Lao Tan knew that he could no longer refuse, so he reluctantly agreed .It is said that since all the lords rewarded me, I will take up this name.It's just that the temporary handling is good or not, I have to ask Mr. Xie for his kind words for me.Dafuman promised and said that you just have to do it with confidence and boldness. With me in front, you will definitely not have to worry about it.Lao Tan thanked him again and again, and said that in that year's Kung Pao's 50th Anniversary, he was pulling Zhongtang to make a play to improve the tone, because he asked me to sing one more play, and Zhongtang asked me to give him a big peace.Later, I was ill for more than two months, and I didn't get up, and I really regretted it.From then on, I never dared to put on airs again.Now that I am doing the tune myself, I must sing two main plays, and then play "Stealing Soul Bell" in reverse, and spare a lizi (the supporting role is called a lizi in the troupe), which can be regarded as atonement for my sins of the past.Master Xie, what do you think?Dafu clapped his hands and laughed loudly: "Yu is very good, the boss is willing to work so hard, it has never been done before. When I go back to the house, I must tell Gong Bao first, and tell him to be happy." Lao Tan cupped his hands and said : "It all depends on Mr. Xie's kind words for me."

Dafu took another two puffs of cigarettes, and Lao Tan asked him: "Which team is responsible for the performance of the birthday party this time?" , how can we hold birthdays again and put on a big show? However, Uncle Xing led the leader and gathered with a group of relatives and nobles, saying that everyone accepts the protection of the palace guards and sends troops to protect them. Everyone shared some money and gave two days of play. It is not easy to refuse repeatedly in Kung Pao, so I had to agree. Those relatives and nobles are extra fun, and they want to collect all famous actors and actresses outside Beijing. Seeing Gong Bao, please ask Gong Bao and his wife to pre-determine a play number so that we can follow the singing temporarily. Gong Bao said that I don't have such leisure, so I randomly ordered a few, and the rest were ordered by the wives, young masters and young ladies. As for The management team is Wenmingyuan, Yu Zhenting's team. All the expenses will be paid by Yu Zhenting to the relatives and nobles. In the Gong Bao's house, except for temporary rewards, the rest will be ignored." Old Tan nodded, Said that this piece of fat was taken by Yu Wu'er again.This kid is really capable, we really can't keep up with him.Seeing that it was getting late, Xie Dafu got up and said goodbye.Wang and Yue also left with him.

Another day passed, and it was Gongbao's residence to warm his wife's birthday.All the famous actors outside Beijing, of course, are vying to be the first, and they are all on the same page.In the first opening scene, he played a bangzi, which was "worshiping birthday and counting food", with "Da Dengdian" and "Huilong Pavilion".Guo Baochen’s Xue Pinggui, Gai Shanxi’s Wang Baochuan who went to worship for his birthday, Cui Lingzhi went to Dengdian Wang Baochuan, Li Yanyun went to Gao Shiji, Niu Chunhua went to Wang Chengxiang, Thirteen Reds went to Su Long, Liu Yizeng went to Wei Hu, Da Wuyuexian went to Daizhan Princess, and matched It was very neat and sang straight for two hours.Underneath is Wang Fengqing's "cinnabar mole", Jia Honglin and Wu Caixia, a couple in trouble.When Hong Lin saw his wife came back, he pretended to be seeing gods and ghosts, and with a few librettos, he drank Feng Qing (the supporting role in the play overwhelms the protagonist, which is called drinking), and everyone nodded in appreciation.Kung Pao rewarded each play with fifty yuan, and this "cinnabar mole" added another thirty, which was clearly for Jia Honglin.The last evil scene is "Si Lang Visits His Mother" in Tan Xinpei's complete book.Wang Yaoqing's princess, Wang Xiaonong's Liulang, Zhu Suyun's Zongbao, Xie Baoyun's prince, Qian Fucai, Chen Tongyun's eighth sister and ninth sister, Li Baoqin's queen mother, Chen Delin's fourth wife, Zhang Ersuo's ugly girl, really brought this play to life .Xiang Gongbao rewarded Yang with 1,000 yuan.On the second day, Daqing's birthday, all the relatives and dignitaries of the Qing Dynasty, as well as the civil and military officials in the court, were all there.In Gongbao's house, there is only a hall for acting.In the front is the stage, and in the back are five halls.It is clear enough to accommodate three or four hundred people, and there are wing rooms on both sides, which are also clear.The female guests are on both sides, and the male guests are in the main hall.Gongbao was very happy that day, so he put on his official uniform and came out to entertain.In the main hall accompanying many guests to the show, I suddenly saw Xie Dafu coming up to reply, saying that he just arrived today for a corner that he hadn't arrived yesterday.Please tell me, my lords, what play should I send him to sing?Zaixing hurriedly replied who it was, and Xie Dafu replied that it was Li Xinfu, making Zaixing jump up with joy.It's rare that Ku'er also arrived, I called from Harbin.This can't spare him, he must be asked to sing a tiring play of hard work.Sui turned to Xiang Gongbao and asked, "Fourth brother, what drama do you like to listen to? This character is really irresistible in both civil and martial arts." Seeing his impetuous appearance, Xiang Gongbao was irritated and funny at the same time.Let's talk freely, I'm an amateur in listening to operas, my brother knows what operas he is good at, so feel free to point out for me.Zaixing thought about it, and said that his Wu Laosheng was the best. The whole version of "Battle of Taiping" is not good, too vulgar, or the whole version of "Ningwuguan". Guy, it's compact and lively, and it's even more beautiful.Tell him to sing "Ningwu Pass".Xiang Gongbao nodded and said yes.Zaixing was about to send Xie Dafu down to deliver the order, but Lun Beizi stepped forward and said, "Uncle, I can't sing this opera, it's too unlucky to be in the hall." Xiang Gongbao laughed and said, "What's auspicious? I have never been superstitious about these things in my life. Besides, when the current situation is in turmoil, when the country’s swordsmen are loyal ministers serving the battlefield and killing themselves for justice, acting out this kind of drama just encourages and encourages the people present. Learn from Zhou Yuji from back then, and it was not the blessing of the imperial court. I don’t know what you think?” Saying this in Laoxiang is not out of loyalty, and I really want to admire Zhou Yuji, but I want to use this to find out about the King of Man and Han In the arms of the ministers, whether there is still unwavering loyalty to the Qing Dynasty.After he finished speaking, he looked at everyone with his eyes.Latong replied with a smile: "Gongbao's expectation may not be easy to realize. If our country really had a dignitary like Zhou Yuji, it wouldn't be so bad! You have to listen to the drama, if you want to see modern times Zhou Yuji, I'm afraid it won't be easy." Everyone present also echoed, saying that what La Zhongtang said is indeed reasonable, we have to watch the show, there is nowhere to look for Zhou Yuji.Xiang Zicheng couldn't help but feel amused when he heard their comments.Zaixing couldn't wait there, and said to Xie Dafu, "Go down and tell Li Ku'er that Gong Bao wants to hear the full version of "Ning Wutou". Starting from Shangshou, call his two brothers Li Liu Li Qi is with him, Li Liu's old lady, Li Qi's tiger, please sing harder, don't be lazy. There is still a reward for the palace guard!" Dafu responded, turned his head and went down.After a while, "Ningwuguan" started.Li Shoufeng's wife, Qiao Huilan's wife, Feng Huilin's son, Lu Jingui's family courtyard, all of them were old characters who sang Kunqu opera.When he was young, Li Xinfu pretended to be Zhou Yujilai, with a golden armor and red robe, and a serious appearance.On the birthday, the tragic song is tactful, describing the filial piety and the heartfelt affection together.Those who watched the play felt awe and awe when they saw it.Li Shoufeng's Mrs. Tai gave a lecture to her son, she said it calmly and meaningfully, it can be said that she shed tears every word.Although the princes and ministers present here are heartless, when they heard this, their consciences were mobilized, and they were unknowingly horrified.The soft-hearted one was still crying secretly behind his back.It can be seen that drama is deeply moving, and it is more effective than speeches.People who write novels talk about opera again and again because this skill has a deep relationship with people's hearts and morals.It is very different from the nature of ordinary opera criticism to use opera to lead to major topics.Gossip less, but Li Xinfu said that when he turned back from his first battle, he was reprimanded by his mother. With tears in his eyes, he mounted his horse again with a gun and went forward.When he turned back the second time, he wanted to see his mother again, but unexpectedly, the commander's mansion had caught fire, and all his family members were buried in the fire pit.At this time Zhou Yuji poked the fire with his gun, showing that miserable and painful air.Among those present, some applauded, some stamped their feet, some hid their faces in disbelief, and some sighed.As for the female relatives of the hatchback, eight out of ten wiped their tears with towels.

When everyone was watching this tragedy, they suddenly saw Xie Dafu flustered and brought in two people.One is an old man in his sixties, and the other is a young man in his twenties.I saw the young man dressed in filial piety, with a mournful face, followed Xie Dafu to Xiang Gongbao's seat, prostrated himself on the ground, hugged Gongbao's leg, and let out a loud cry of grief.This startled everyone present.In everyone's mind, there was a suspicion.He thought that when it was a time of birthday celebration and joy, how could Xie Dafu have the guts to lead this man in mourning to the birthday hall, wouldn't he be afraid that Gong Bao and his wife would be jealous?Unexpectedly, not only did Gong Bao not shy away from it, but he pulled the boy up with a look of astonishment and sadness on his face.He said to the young man, "Nephew, why are you acting like this? Is there any change in Shanxi? Did something happen to your father?"

As a novelist, one pen can hardly tell two things.It turned out that the boy's surname was Lu and his name was Jiangong. He was the second son of Lu Zhongqi, the governor of Shanxi. Lu Zhongqi was originally from Jiangsu and was a Jinshi.The juvenile Kejia, when the museum was closed, was changed to the county magistrate of Guangxi.I have been a county magistrate in Guangxi for more than ten years. I am really pure and devoted to the public. I love the people like a son. I only drink a glass of water from the people and don't accept half a penny from the people.Therefore, the official voice is excellent, and Shangfeng is extremely important. Later, he was promoted to magistrate by the magistrate Baoxian, and served as magistrate and Taoist member for two terms in Jiangxi.Nanchang Dao was promoted to the standard division, and the standard division was promoted to the vassal division.Later, the governor of Shanxi was vacant, and at that time Xiang Gongbao was serving as Minister of Military Affairs.The imperial court made a lot of sense because of Xiangzicheng.He specially promoted Lu Zhongqi to be the governor of Shanxi, and ordered him to come to Beijing to see him.When Zhong Qi arrived in Beijing, she knew that Gong Bao was very powerful in this promotion, so she couldn't help feeling a little confidant.Because I have never spent money on sports, I have been appointed to seal borders. If I hadn't been in power and loved talents, why would I have come here.Therefore, in addition to visiting several military ministers as usual, he also went to Xiang Zhai several times.Xiang Gongbao sat down with him for an in-depth conversation, and saw that Zhong Qiguo was a talented person with economics and knowledge, so he proposed to exchange posts with him.Zhongqi was also happy to get to know this powerful alliance brother, and there was someone in the court to help at any time.After the exchange of posts, they were the same age, and Xiang Gongbao was only two months older than him, so he called old Xiang his eldest brother.He also asked his wife Xu to bring her two sons to pay homage to Uncle Meng and Aunt Meng.It turned out that Zhongqi gave birth to two sons and two daughters.The eldest son's name is Jianfan, who is also a young man, and is now an editor of the Imperial Academy.The second son, named Jiangong, is only eighteen years old. He is studying in Japan and is about to graduate.He came to Beijing with his father because he went back to China to visit relatives during the summer vacation.The eldest lady has already left the cabinet and married a foreign student.The second lady is still in her boudoir, and she never promises anyone.Mrs. Xu took her son and daughter to visit Xiang Zhai.Xiang Gongbao was very happy, praised these two nephews, they are all great weapons in the future, and talked with them for a while.A few days later, Zhongqi took her family and went to Shanxi to take up her post.Although Shanxi is close to Jifu, it is a barren province.There is not much money, food, rent and tax in the province, and there is very little production. In ten years and nine droughts, it is the worst one among the governors.In addition, Zhongqi is a clean and honest official, and he would not take any unjust wealth, so he is not as good as a magistrate who is good and lacking.Fortunately, Zhongqi has been an official for more than ten years, and all the clothes, food, and family enjoyment are similar to those when he was a poor scholar, so although Shanxi is bitter, he doesn't feel much about it.Later, when Xiang Gongbao returned home from his official position, he suddenly lost this Olympic aid, so he couldn't do it for long because of Shanxi's shortage.Unexpectedly, the regent has a prejudice, but he uses it to protect Zhongqi's position.What prejudice?The regent is in a recent era, and he also knows that the overseas revolutionary parties are very violent, so the view of Manchu and Han races becomes more and more unbreakable.He always felt that the Han people were unreliable as the big officials of the frontier, so he slowly used some means to promote the Manchus to the governor, to the position of Jianqi.For example, Song Ershun, the governor of the three eastern provinces, Song Erying, the governor of Sichuan, Xiangcheng, the governor of Hunan and Hubei, and Shengrun, the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu, are all outstanding bannermen.Others, such as the governor of Sanjiang, although he was Han, sent Tie Muxian to watch from the side, which is similar to the Manchu governor.This arrangement finally fulfilled his wish, but on the surface, he had to suppress the words of the Han people.So, he chose a small province that was still barren, and placed a few Han people as governors, so that he could display his sign of blending Manchu and Han.This can be regarded as a slippery policy.Zhongqi just caught up with this time.The regent thought that the people of Shanxi were known to be cowardly, and revolution would never happen.Although Lu Zhongqi is a Han Chinese, after all, he was born as a scholar, so he knows how to be loyal to the emperor and love the people, let alone have any ambitions.It is also very good to keep him as an example of a Han governor's loyalty to the royal family.Therefore, he retained his position as governor and never wavered. It was finally lucky.Because of this kind of heart, the regent sent an edict to commend him twice, saying that he has outstanding achievements in inspecting officials and calming the people, and he is worthy of being a good choice.After Zhongqi got this kind of test, she really thought that Yulong, a family member, became more and more cautious and diligent, and loyal to what she did.

He was originally a man of the old school, and he did not advocate the New Deal very much.At that time, there were a lot of Shanxi students studying in Japan, and they all wanted to find a job in this province when they returned home after graduation.Those who study industry advocate manufacturing; those who study mining suggest building mountains;Zhong Qi only verbally perfunctory, but refused to advocate strength.Therefore, these foreign students did not have a good impression of him.They are also enemies, and there is only one foreign student among them, and Zhong Qi appreciates him very much.This person's surname is Yan, his name is Defeng, and his style name is Boshan.After graduating from the Japanese Non-commissioned Officer Academy, he served as a field trainee for another year.After returning home, he reported to Futai.Zhongqi talked with him twice and praised him greatly.Said that he was a young and steady boy with deep wisdom and courage, and he would be able to take on important tasks in the future. At that time, he was appointed as the battalion officer of the patrolling battalion.Yan Defeng has been very diligent and cautious since he took the post.There is another article about reforming the battalion system. Everything is compiled in accordance with the new Japanese law, and Zhong Qi has also approved it.A year later, just in time for the vacancy of the commander of the patrol battalion, Zhong Qi promoted him by leapfrogging and promoted him to the commander. Later, he was promoted to the general of the Chinese army and was promoted to the commander-in-chief of Datong Town.Yan Defeng was also entrusted with the commissioner and governor of the Central Committee. Now, his military power and power can be regarded as the first person in the whole province.In the pre-Qing period, military officers from left to right, and military officers from various provinces, although there were admirals and general soldiers, they were not as powerful as the governor's central army.Don't look at Du Biao as a lieutenant general and Fu Biao as a general, but the town of Chubiti has the power.Most of the incumbents are promoted to the town, and they are willing to give up their current status and step down to act as the deputy commander of the Chinese army.Just because I can get close to the governor, with the influence of the governor, I can play the autumn wind, open the joints, and make some money for the civil and military generals of the province.Yan Defeng was born as an army student, and in less than three years, he actually became a commander and also served as a member of the Central Committee. For such a special encounter, no matter who he is, he can't help but be grateful for his confidant.Unexpectedly, Lu Zhongqi's family members were ruined because of this.Isn't this God's will?In the year of 1911, Zhongqi's eldest son Jianfan, because he was in Hanyuan, since the suspension of the imperial examination, all the various errands of the Examiner Fangguan Academy have been donated and exempted.In those Hanlins where there are sports, they are either released as academic envoys or government officials, all of which are for external use.As for most of the poor Hanlin who did not exercise, some stayed in Beijing, and some asked for leave to return to their hometowns. Most of them all disappeared. The Hanlin Academy is compiled and inspected as a seventh-rank Beijing official, who receives a salary in spring and autumn every year, with rice for each season, and a seventh-rank official is five stones and six buckets).Therefore, Jianfan also asked for leave to go to Shanxi in the name of visiting relatives.When Zhongqi saw her son come to the office, she asked him to help review the documents, so that she could save some energy, so she didn't return to Beijing for several months.When the vacation is over, I will send a letter to the hall official to continue the vacation.Fortunately, the Imperial Academy is idle, and no one cares about these things.This year just happened to catch up with his younger brother Jiangong who also graduated and returned to China. He was ranked second in the Beijing court examination, awarded a candidate, and waited for appointment, so he also came to Shanxi.At this time, the Lu family's couple and their children were lined up together, really enjoying the family happiness.Unexpectedly, extreme joy begets sorrow, and in the late autumn and early winter of the year of Xinhai, unexpected tragedies happened.

It turned out that Yan Defeng was known by Zhong Qi, he was the commander of the patrol battalion, and he was also a general of the Fubiao Chinese Army. In Shanxi Province, he was really the most popular character.In fact, Defeng was not very handsome, and when he met his boss, he couldn't even say a word of official business satisfactorily.And there is a stuttering problem, for example, when the boss wants to ask him how many soldiers are in the battalion, when he answers—yes, yes—he may repeat it many times before he can answer this sentence.Like this kind of person, why does Zhongqi like him, and use him so much?There is also a reason for this.Because Zhongqi was born in the old school, and was deeply influenced by Song Confucianism, she saw people with a different perspective.He said that although Feng was dull and blunt, his demeanor was thick and his words were cautious, and he definitely did not have the air of a warrior who was strong and rash.Therefore, the military power of the provincial capital was completely handed over to him alone.In the eldest son Jianfan, he has the same temperament as his father, so naturally he has a very close relationship with Defeng.Only the second son made meritorious deeds, but he didn't take it seriously.He said that Feng Da seemed loyal, and he was cheating like trust. Moreover, when he was studying in Japan, he had joined the League and advocated the full revolution.Now when I come back to China, even though my face has changed, I am not sure whether it is true or false, and people's hearts are far away.Now that he is given such great military power, if it comes to an emergency and he wants to learn from Xu Tianqi, then it will be very difficult to subdue him.The second son Jiangong, because of all these worries, would plan everything in front of his father from time to time, and asked Zhongqi to take precautions in advance, not to be temporarily controlled by others and wait to die.But Zhongqi believed that Yan Defeng was a good person, not only refused to listen to his son, but reprimanded him.It has been said since ancient times that you should not be suspicious of anyone, and that you should not be suspicious of anyone. You are a child, what do you know, how dare you participate in my employment administration.This must be where Defeng treats you poorly, so you hold a grudge and deliberately speak ill of him.It shows that you, a child, have no tolerance for others, and are much worse than your brother.Jiangong met his father's nails and never dared to say anything since then, but secretly discussed with his brother that he had to think of a preventive measure so that he wouldn't be caught off guard.Unexpectedly, Jianfan also had the same thinking as his father, thinking that since Yan Defeng had received such special favors, he would never change his mind.People have always had the same heart and the same reason.Don't be biased and guess good people.Jiangong saw that his brother was also so stubborn and refused to listen to good words, so he got angry and didn't care anymore.But in secret, he still observed Yan Defeng's behavior from time to time, and it seemed that he was well-behaved and did not act outside the rules.Jiangong said in his heart, most of the time I blamed the person wrongly, after all, my father and brother had better knowledge than me.Since then, he has been determined and no longer doubts about Defeng.Unexpectedly, in the autumn of the year of 1911, a revolution broke out in Wuhan, and the rumors were picked up, and the whole country was in an uproar.Shanxi is the right assistant of Gyeonggi, of course it is more important than other provinces.Because the imperial court cared about You Fu, Zeng also secretly sent several telegrams to Zhong Qi, telling him to be extra cautious and to guard against the revolutionaries at all times, and negligence was inevitable.Zhongqi replied, saying that there is no bandit party in Shanxi, please let the chief assistant of the cabinet convey it to the Prince Regent, please rest assured.On the one hand, he called Yan Defeng to the court office, handed over to him face to face, and told him to lead the battalion and patrol around day and night. If he saw any suspicious person, he should be arrested immediately. The revolutionary party must not set up secret organs here to incite the people.In the future, when the current situation is stable, I will definitely recommend you to reward you for this merit.Please thank you Defeng.Zhongqi announced the emperor's benevolence again and again, saying that I am a great Qing Dynasty, a sage, a great benevolence, a small revolutionary bandit, willing to rebel, born from the outside, but only taking the disaster of killing my life, it will never succeed.As subjects, we only have to be loyal, eliminate harm for the people, and kill thieves for the country.As for baseless rumors from outside the province, one must not believe them.Defeng repeatedly said that Mu En dared to disrespect and obey the order of the commander, and retreated respectfully.

Zhongqi thought that after this handover, Defeng was solely responsible for the public security of the provincial capital and the prevention of rebellious parties, and there would never be any mistakes.Unexpectedly, in his bones, he was so arrogant.It turned out that Yan Defeng had changed his mind at this time, and he was about to raise trouble right now.It's just that the layout is not yet complete and the subordinates are not consistent, so we have to wait a little bit.On the face of it, he was perfunctory with Zhongqi, pretending to be very docile, but in fact, he was doing everything by himself in secret.It is also due to an accident in Shanxi, Zhongqi's family should be martyred, Yan Defeng should have good luck, and he must become famous from now on, so he came out with a powerful helper and created a rare opportunity.Otherwise, how could a cowardly person like Defeng do such an earth-shattering thing?It turned out that there were two battalion officers in the patrol battalion, one surnamed Meng Mingbing and the other surnamed Yin Mingming Lei.That Meng Bing is from Pingyang Prefecture, Shanxi Province, and he studied in Japan with Defeng, and they are brothers in exchange.After returning to China, Meng Bing met Zhongqi twice. Zhongqi said that his behavior was frivolous and his spirit was exposed.Seeing that he could not get through the barrier of Futai, he had no choice but to lower his ambition and begged Yan Defeng again and again to do something for him in the patrol battalion.At the beginning of Defeng, he was afraid that Fu Xian would be overwhelmed, so he didn't dare to agree suddenly, so it took two months for Chen to make up a trainer.After another half a year, there happened to be a vacancy for a battalion officer. Defeng defended himself in front of Futai, saying that Meng Bing had made great progress in morality in the past few months. It's never what it used to be.Mu En wanted to mention him as a battalion officer, but she didn't dare to make the decision, so she asked the commander-in-chief for instructions.Zhong Qi said with a smile: "People are not sages and sages, who can do nothing. If you can correct your mistakes, you can be regarded as a gentleman. Since Meng Bing has washed his face from the past, it is very rare. I will appoint him as a battalion patrol officer." Defeng Since he recommended Meng Bing to be a battalion officer, he gained another arm invisibly.After less than three months, he recommended another battalion officer, and this battalion officer was Yin Lei.If you ask Yin Lei's background, he didn't study abroad in Japan, nor did he graduate from Baoding Military Academy. He is an apprentice of Beijing's old Mi Dufang, and Beijingers call him Xiaolidu.Why did he become a battalion officer all of a sudden?There is also a period of history in between.

It turned out that Yin Lei was from Huang County, Shandong Province. He lost his parents since he was a child and lived by his uncle and aunt.His uncle raised him until he was eighteen, and then sent him to Beijing to study business.Fortunately, the old Mi Duifang was a patented business of Huang County people, so they recommended him to a small Duifang to act as a force.The owner of this dungeon was surnamed Qu, and he was extremely violent, so he was nicknamed Qu Dapao.Qu Dapao was very savage to his disciples, he would scold him without saying a word and beat him with his hand.And when you fight someone, you are neither allowed to cry, nor to shout, and you are not allowed to beg.If you violate his three taboos, he will hit you ten times, but he will not finish it with fifty times.When Yin Lei first arrived in Beijing, how could he know the east, west, north and south, but Qu Dapao sent him to deliver old rice to each family, and he didn't tell him in detail which city or street he was in, but how did Yin Lei recognize the alleys and houses.At that time, there were neither house numbers nor patrolmen on the ground in Beijing, so it was very difficult to find out the way.Also, when Yin Lei spoke the language of Dengzhou Prefecture, Beijingers listened to it, but they didn't understand six or seven of the ten sentences, so whoever told him in detail patiently.So I carried out five buckets of rice and sent it straight to Sunset West Mountain from the morning, and it may not be delivered.Sometimes I couldn't find the door, so I had to carry the original bag back.In such a situation, in front of Qu Dapao, how could he not be beaten?I don't know how many times I have suffered this kind of wronged beating.Fortunately, Yin Lei's skin is thick and fleshy, otherwise, he would have been beaten too hard for a long time.However, under such prestige, Yin Lei's ambition is very arrogant.He often thought in his heart, I am alone, and he is also alone, why can't I fight back when he can hit me?Besides, since arriving in Beijing, on the streets, we often see people riding horses and sedan chairs with brilliant plumage.They are just a nose and two eyes, and they are nothing more extraordinary than me. How can I not be like him?Then I thought about it again, I want to squat in this old rice dump room all the time, begging for a life of being beaten, I am afraid that there will never be a day like others in this life.This random thought of his made the student's heart half cold.He deserved to be lucky. On this day, he came back too late to send off Lao Mi, just in time for Qu Dapao to drink two cups of wine. When he saw him coming back, he was so angry that he went over to grab the pigtail, left and right, and hit him twice. mouth.Who would have thought that this time, Yin Lei suddenly changed his normal state, instead of being beaten with his arms, he fought back.One arm stopped Qu Dapao's hand, and this arm was raised earlier, to respect Qu Dapao with two pot stickers.This can be regarded as reciprocity, and the apprentice treats the master with a special courtesy.The big boss of Qu, since he became the shopkeeper, has never suffered this kind of suffering, it is beyond his dream.I was so angry that my seven orifices were smoking, and I only yelled: "Reverse! Disciple dare to beat the master. I will not kill you today, you little turtle. My surname is not Qu." He said and wanted to beat him desperately.Yin Lei also yelled loudly: "I'm going to risk my business and don't learn anymore. I won't throw out your old bastard today. My surname is not Yin!" Root, he pulled it hard, made a fuss, ate urine, and fell to the ground.Yin Lei lied to himself, sat upside down on his back, raised his fist, only punched vigorously on his buttocks, and then squeezed the thick flesh on his buttocks with all his strength.At this time, Qu Dapao screamed like killing a pig.Theoretically, when the people on the counter saw the boss being beaten, of course they had to come over to try to persuade them, and hit their apprentice Yin Lei back. This kind of savagery, everyone agreed secretly, and all of them slipped away because they had something to do.After working hard for a while, no one came to take care of him, so Qu Dapao could only call Yin Lei Xiaopao and Xiaozu. Please spare me.Yin Lei scolded: "You are a turtle, and you are afraid of being beaten. If you want to be tough to the end, the master will forgive you; if you are afraid of begging for mercy, the master will beat you." He said several more punches.Qu Dapao yelled, and the gentleman watching the counter in front heard it, and hurried over to take a look.Seeing this, he was overwhelmed with fright, and thought that Yin Lei was insane, so he stared and dared not go over.Seeing that the savior was coming, Qu Dapao hurriedly shouted: "Old Wang, pull him away quickly, he is going to kill me, you all just ignore it?" Mr. Wang rushed over to pull him away.Yin Lei said: "My surname is Wang, you want to pull me and beat you together." He was frightened again by a word.Fortunately, when everyone saw Mr. Wang coming, they also ran over.曲大炮见人多了，胆子一壮，向众人说道：“你们大家，快把这小畜生给我活活地打死！”内中有鲁莽一点的，便想过去伸手。殷雷却向大家说道：“咱们往日无冤，近日无仇，俺今天打他，纯粹是为出这一口怨气。俺打完了他，扛起铺盖来，立刻就走，不走的不是好朋友。你们谁要替他抱不平，过来打俺，俺立时将这老龟蛋掐死！你们诸位，究竟是想看死的还是看活的？不妨明白地对俺说。”众人没想到，他还有这么一套，便不约而同的，齐说你既打完了一走，我们也不便管，但是我们要求你，千万手下留情，就此歇台。大家全是好朋友，我们决不帮着老板来欺负你，你自管放心吧。殷雷听了这话，蓦地立起身来，向大家做了一个罗圈揖。说俺谢谢诸位，便宜这老家伙，不打他了，请王先生随我去收拾铺盖，俺不便久陪了。好在他身无长物，只有一床破被，两三件破旧衣裳，还有一柄带鞘的短刀。据他说是祖上遗留的，能够削铜剁铁。Other than that, nothing more.可怜腰中连两吊钱票全没有，几个师兄弟同事，念他给大家出了气，暗地凑了二十吊钱票，送给他作为暂时盘费。他也不说谢，接过来掖在怀中，连头也不回便去了。

活该天无绝人之路，他出了铺门，扛着铺盖，只顾向前走，却撞在一个人身上。他抬头一看，不觉倒吸一口凉气，忙站住招呼道：“二爷！俺走太慌了，你老人家千万不要见怪。”原来此人正是上文说的金戈二。戈二本是吃仓的朋友，因此各老米碓房，上至老板，下至徒弟，没有不认得他的。他见殷雷这种样子，便追问什么缘故。殷雷也不瞒他，照直说了。戈二大笑道：“好小子！真有胆量，有志气。但是你出来投奔谁呢？”殷雷福至心灵，便顺口搭音，说俺正想投奔二爷去。俺造了这样弥天大孽，同乡谁还肯要俺，只好求二爷替俺想法吧。戈二道：“也好，你先在我家中住几天，容我慢慢想法子吧。”殷雷忙请安谢过。从此便住在戈二家中。过了几天，戈二荐他到《京话日报》馆去学徒。《京话日报》的总理彭翼仲，本是阔少出身，广交游，济贫困，专能急人之急，大有朱家、郭解之风。凡穷无所归的人，如果投了他去，他或赠给盘费，或量才荐事，总有一种安置。金戈二同他至好，因此把殷雷荐到他报馆去学徒，翼仲慨然收下。问了问来历，又相了相他的相貌，说你这人学徒太屈才了，我给你盘费，你到东三省去游历一趟，或者有什么际遇也说不定。殷雷本是好动的人，如何能安心学徒，今听冀仲这般说，正是恰合孤意，连忙谢了。第二天翼仲拿出五十块钱来，给他做盘费。他即刻便到东三省去了。在黑龙江住了二年，居然当了胡匪头目。后来不知因为什么案子，被地方官厅驱逐出境。他于是又投到山西去，恰赶上颜得峰初任巡防营统领，正在招兵之时，他前去应募，居然选为上等兵。他在东三省学会了开枪，并且打靶时是百发百中，因此不到两个月，便提升为教练哨长，不到一年工夫便升了营官。他本是当过胡匪的人，举动粗豪，轻财仗义，因此各兵丁同他感情极好。 此时孟丙也在营官任内。他本是主张革新的，又因为鲁仲琪待他冷淡，他便另抱了一种思想，要在兵士脑筋中，输入革命二字。但是他一个人，又怕势力孤单，白送了一条性命，所以时时刻刻，想再拉上一二同志，好建立这个革命的基础。恰恰赶上殷雷同他全在一个标下当营官，二人不时在一处吃饭谈话，有时候以言话之。殷雷本是一个直肠汉子，懂得什么忌讳，便信口乱道，仍拿出他那山大王的调调来。孟丙心中大喜，知道这个人容易入窍。慢慢地讲些故事给他听，如扬州十日记，嘉定屠城记，全成了他口头上的好资料。每逢讲到清兵如何残忍之时，那殷雷便跳起多高来，大声叫骂：俺姓殷的，誓必杀尽这些鞑子，才能出这口怨气。孟丙却又拉回来，说算了吧，咱们做的是大清朝的官，怎能说到杀鞑子呢？殷雷道：“什么你还想做官吗？俺的官是不做了，鞑子也得要杀。”孟丙见他已经入彀，这才开诚布公地对他说：“老弟，你果然是我们汉族好男儿。愚兄也不必瞒你了，我便是铁血团同盟会的一分子，专门讲究种族革命的。你果真有这样志气，今天咱两个便歃血为盟。早晚有了机会，轰轰烈烈地做一场，也不枉人生一世，也给当日我们被难的祖先，出这一口怨气。不知老弟可赞成，或不赞成呢？”殷雷道：“赞成赞成，含糊的不是英雄好汉。”当时果然斟了一盅酒，两人一同刺血，滴入酒中，彼此对天发誓：将来扫灭胡人，光复汉族，有福同享，有祸同当；倘渝此盟，神明殛之。又将酒分饮了，然后孟丙才细说那同盟会经过的历史，又告以种种革命的方法。说咱们有这两营基本军队，要慢慢地将这革命思想，输入他们的脑筋中。将来机会一到，这一千人足抵万人之用，千万不要看轻了。殷雷性情粗暴，又是当过土匪头儿的，平常日子，便有一种飞扬跋扈之致，对于满清的那些官礼官规，原就抱着十分的不满。如今经孟丙一再浸润，他的热血直要喷出来，较比那些革命党，尤其激烈十倍。两人歃血为盟之后，孟丙又再三嘱咐他，千万要严守秘密，不可少露一点声色。殷雷点头说：“这个我晓得，不用大哥嘱托。”但是从此以后，他便不时地同本营中那些连排长格外要好，请酒请饭。甚至弟兄们，他也常常犒赏，大酒大肉的请他们吃。因此这一营人对于殷雷，无不推诚拥戴，大有兄弟手足之风。 始而殷雷还不敢公然谈及革命，后来武汉事起，本营的军官士卒，有不知所以然的，全在暗中向殷雷打听。殷雷便乘此机会，向他们演说革命，果然效力神速，不到两个星期，这些人的脑筋，一律全变了。大家跃跃欲试，恨不即刻就反戈起事，称了他们的心愿。是孟丙格外慎重，说内中还有两个难题，必须完全解决了，然后才能说到起事，目前是万不可轻举妄动的。殷雷忙问是两个什么问题。孟丙道：“头一样是咱们那个头儿究竟抱的是什么宗旨，目前尚捉摸不定。倘然他还讲忠君，甘受鲁老头子的骗，使咱们两人，稍一出头，他一定要以咱们为法，项上吃饭的家伙，先长不牢了，还讲什么排满革命呢。这是极端得慎重的。第二样，咱们这巡防营，一共是十营。十营之中，只有咱们两营主张革命，那八个营头倘然不表同情，以八营之力，打咱们两营，岂不甘受其苦吗？这是更不易解决的了。若非预先疏通好了，谁敢冒这险啊！”殷雷想了一会子说，要紧是第二个问题。如第二个问题解决了，第一个问题，便丝毫不用费力，可以迎刃而解了。孟丙道：“这一层我也明白了。但是第二问题谁能担任解决呢？”殷雷大笑道：“小弟不才，愿效此劳。”孟丙听了，愕然问道：“这话当真吗？”殷雷道：“这是何等重大的事，还能撒谎吗？”孟丙道：“那可不是闹着玩的，倘然疏通不好，你我的性命，可就交代了。”殷雷道：“大哥请放宽心吧，那八个营长，倒有四个同小弟换帖，并且他们全都赞成革命。把这四个疏通好了，那四个就不成问题啦。因为有这四个，再拉那四个，至少也能拉进两个来。十营咱们倒占了八营，那两营纵然不服，也阻挡不住。仅仅剩了统领一个人，他还能够独持异议吗？”孟丙惊问道：“原来你已经联络好了四营，到底是哪四营呢？”殷雷道：“第一营的赵子龙，第三营的张智兰，第七营、第八营的云贵星、朱得标。这四个人，全是巡防营的健将，难道还不能有为吗？”孟丙笑道：“真有你的！要论赵子龙、云贵星，我们全是多年的老同学，还不够说私话的程度，兄弟你竟能同他们结秘密同盟，足见你这人粗中有细，手腕灵敏，比愚兄又强得多了。”殷雷听孟丙这样奉承他，自然十分高兴，说咱们一不做，二不休，要干抄起来就干，不必前怕狼后怕虎的，反倒耽误了大事。两人商议好了，当日夜间，便在殷雷的营部里，开了一次秘密会议。张智兰应许，还能拉两个营官来。赵子龙说第十营营官，那是我的小舅子，我叫他怎样便怎样，是不成问题的。下余只剩了一个，还有什么可虑，莫若趁今天会议将那四个营官也请来，大家决定了，好去见统领。众人全赞成他的话，立时将那四人请来，并不曾废话，三言五语，便决定了。于是大家乘夜静人稀，一同去见颜得峰。得峰听见十个营官一同前来，心中也有点吃惊，只得捏着头皮，出来会见他们。赵子龙资格最老，当然是他先发言。便说有要事，须到密室中面禀。颜得峰只得将这十位营官，让到密室之中，又把听差的一律驱逐门外，然后向赵子龙道：“十位此来，有什么紧要事，在这密室中，除去我们，再没有知道的，可以直截了当地说吧。”赵子龙以最严重的态度，向得峰说道：“标下十人，现抱定同一宗旨，主张排满革命，光复汉族，同武汉方面表极端的同情。大家情愿推统领做临时山西都督，只求统领金诺。一切进行，由我等十人负责。统领若不赞成，请即刻将我们十个人枭首示众，妤向清廷去擎功受赏，我等情愿引颈待戮。”颜得峰突然听见这几句话，恰好似半空中响了一个焦雷，但觉耳朵里嗡嗡乱响。定一定神，才缓过这口气来。经这一迟顿，他心中已经有了成算，低声向大家道：“诸位这革命的主张，恰合兄弟本意。兄弟所以迟迟没敢发表，是恐怕大家不能一致。如今天心默佑，十位全想做汉族好男儿，难道说兄弟愿甘心事奉胡虏？不过都督一席，实在愧不敢当。据我想，莫若大家拥戴鲁抚帅作都督，好在他也是汉人，不知诸位意见如何？”得峰说过这话，当时也有赞成的，也有反对的。后来决定，由得峰去说鲁抚。如表同情，便推他做都督；倘然不表同情，只可把他除掉了，由得峰担任此席。大家决定以后，便各自回营，分头安置本营军队，好等时机一到，便即刻举事。 却说颜得峰自众人走后，他的一颗心，也是忐忑不定。虽然欣羡山西都督的地位，但是想一想鲁抚待自己的恩遇，若把他杀掉了，未免于良心说不过去。可是不杀他，这独立两个字，也休想做得到。自己思前想后，一夜不曾合眼。到了第二天早晨，院上巡捕便来传抚帅谕，叫他即刻上院，有要事面商，不得迟延。得峰驰马而至，见了抚台，原来正为革命党的事。鲁仲琪奉到廷令，叫谨守山西，所以将得峰叫来，当面嘱咐他，格外小心，随时注意。得峰只有诺诺连声，哪敢将昨晚的事，告知仲琪。他退下来，心说这才糟呢，上司叫严拿革命，哪知我部下十营人，却完全变成了革命，如果要拿，只好先拿自己。这却怎么了呢？哪知他回家以后，那十位营官，如车轮一般的，前来催促他，赶紧举事。后来殷雷竟怀着手枪向他要求，如再迟延，便以手枪见响。得峰被逼无法，只好向他们讨了三天限。到了第二天上，十个营官，带着队伍，叫他去面见抚台。当时必须办出一个结果来，不然这十营官兵，便自由行动。 此时太原全城的人，已经知道巡防军不稳。但是省城里除去巡防军外，又没有旁的军队可以抵制，只有巡警道部下有两千巡警，也万不是巡防军的对手。况且又有一半也加入革命，这时候他们要宣布独立，直是易如反掌。全城的官民人等，无不忧惶恐惧。只有鲁仲琪一个人，还不知道内幕情形，以为有颜得峰震慑着，决不会发生事变。署中的亲近人等，谁也不敢多言。这一天，他正在花厅闲坐，只见武巡捕官，带着颜得峰，神色仓皇地跑进花厅来。仲琪忙立起身来，问有什么事，这样惊慌。得峰回道：“不好了，巡防十营完全要哗变，并勾结省垣警察，已经包围了院署。沐恩实在无法压制他们，只可来大帅驾前请罪。”仲琪愕然道：“他们到底因为什么哗变呢？难道无缘无故的，就想造反吗？”得峰道：“沐恩有罪，实在不敢回禀。”仲琪道：“赦你无罪，快快地说。”得峰道：“他们这些人，是想要顺应潮流，主持革命。大家愿推戴抚帅做山西都督，宣布独立，与清廷断绝关系。大帅如能承认这种要求，立时挑出五色旗来，他们便即刻各回营部，听候调遣。”得峰的话尚未说完，鲁仲琪早气得脸上变了颜色，大喝一声：“住口，我把你们这乱臣贼子，还想要做什么？实对你说，有本院在山西一天，山西一天便休想独立。除非是将本院杀死，你们想做什么，全可以随便。”仲琪越说越气，吩咐长班王忠，将我的朝衣朝帽取来，我这就出去会他们。当时换好了衣帽，头品珊瑚红顶，朝珠补褂，粉底官靴，又吩咐将印信王命取出，摆在大堂之上。鲁仲琪却大摇大摆地踱至大堂，在公案后端然正坐。此时左右侍役之人，谁还敢上前？只有他的大公子建藩，见老父一个人冒此大险，要捍御当前的巨变，心想父既不惮为国捐躯，我做儿子的又岂能袖手坐视，便也赶到大堂上，侍立在他父亲身旁。长班王忠，自从十几岁就跟随仲琪，已经三十年了，主仆感情极好，今见老爷少爷以身试险，自己问良心，也不能随着其他仆人，跑到一旁去躲避，便也来至大堂上，在仲琪的下首侍立着。此时颜得峰碰了钉子，知道仲琪是一秉忠心，坚如铁石，决无丝毫变通余地，便一直跑出院署，向大家说知。众营官中，唯独殷雷格外激烈，他大声说道：“鲁仲琪既甘心效忠满奴，我们只好以敌人待他了。诸位有愿随我去的，咱们一同去质问他。事不宜迟，迟则有变。”那九个营官异口同音，齐说愿往。每人全是一柄指挥刀，一杆自来得，另外有四个护兵跟着，如一窝蜂似的，便冲了院署。院署中原有一连卫兵，这时连长全跑得没有影儿了，那些兵士，谁还敢出来送死。因此他们直入院署，并无一点阻拦。殷雷在紧前边，直来至大堂上。举目观看，见鲁抚台翎顶辉煌，端然正坐，他便直跑到公案前，将手中刀向桌上一敲，厉声道：“大帅你究竟怎样？”此时鲁仲琪尚未答言，却气坏了他的家人王忠，向殷雷戟手骂道：“你们这一群目无王法的叛贼！我家大帅，抬举你们做到营官，有哪样亏负你？你们食皇家俸禄，不想报效皇家，也还罢了，怎么竟敢造起反来，公然持刀入署，逼迫我们大帅，也太没有天理良心了。我王忠是不怕死的，你们先把我杀了吧。”他这一个杀字才说出口来，殷雷手中刀早飞过去，刹那间一颗血淋淋人头，砍出数步之外。王忠的死尸，紧随着便倒了。鲁仲琪一见这情形，勃然大怒，立起身来骂道：“好你们这班乱臣贼子，竟敢杀我家人，本院项上有头颅，胸中有热血，为守节抗贼而死，死有余荣！来来来，快把本院杀了，你们要如何便如何。留我一个人，便不能容你们在太原城中造反！”仲琪这几句话，真是慷慨淋漓。十个营官听了，倒有七八个向后退了几步。孟丙一看这情形，恐怕要糟，急中生智，向殷雷使了一个眼色，低声说道：“当断不断，反受其乱。兄弟快快下手，迟则有变。”殷雷大喊一声，挥动手中刀，便向仲琪砍来，却听后面有人高声喝道：“慢着，忠臣烈士，我们应当保全他一个完整尸首。”紧跟着就是啦的一声，一枚枪弹，恰恰打进仲琪的心窝，向后一仰，连椅子全倒下了。接连着又听见一声枪响，鲁建藩的头颅上，早中了一弹。可怜父子两人，一个殉清，一个殉亲，刹那间全都魂归天上了。满清二百六十年的江山社稷，到了灭亡之时，疆臣死节的，只出了仲琪这么一个人。不是胡儿，还是汉儿，也总算寂寞极了。 仲琪父子，既然死难，他的夫人许氏，带着大少奶奶同二小姐，还有两个丫头，在后堂中得着这个信，夫人并不号哭，只叫过二公子建功来，说你父以身殉国，你兄以身殉父，我同你嫂子，只以身殉夫。可惜你十几岁的妹子，不能不随我们同归于尽。我这里给你预备了二百块现洋钱，你快同老仆李义，跳后花园的墙，赶快逃生去吧。建功忍不住放声大哭，说父母兄妹既然殉难，孩儿何忍独生，我情愿随父母一路去，至死也不出这衙门的。他的话尚未说完，早被许夫人恶狠狠地啐了一口，骂道：“畜生！你忍心就看着鲁家绝后吗？你不依我的话，我立时撞死在你眼前。”吓得建功忙应道：“我依依依。”此时老仆李义也在面前，他还是当年随仲琪上学的书童，今年快六十岁了，忠诚可靠，所以许夫人将托孤的重任，完全交付与他，亲手将一包洋钱，递在他手中，又跪在地上，向他说道：“我们鲁家这一条根，完全托付老哥哥了。你理应受我一拜。”此时公子小姐少奶奶，也都随着跪下，向老仆李义叩头。吓得李义俯伏地上，直碰响头，口中不住说：“太太快请起，可把老奴折杀了。老奴活一天保护少爷一天，口不应心，天诛地灭。太太自请放心吧。”许夫人听他这样说，又叩头谢了，方才立起身来，催建功快快走。建功哪里舍得，含着一泡眼泪，仍然是恋恋不行。老仆李义拉着他的胳臂，硬向外拖。夫人抄起一根木棍来，向外驱逐。建功这才狠一狠心，把脚一跺，随着李义出来，跑到后花园墙根下。好在墙不甚高，李义蹲在地上，叫他踹着眉头，爬上墙去，一翻身跳在墙外。李义紧跟着也跳出来，向建功道：“我们不许迟延，赶快地走。老仆已经向厨役借了一件衣服，一条油裙，少爷快快换上。咱们混出城去，就好逃了。”说着将小布包解开，替建功穿扎好了，一同向前快走，直奔东门。 好在此时五色旗尚未挑出，街面上虽然惊慌，秩序尚未紊乱。守城门的只有两名巡警，商民出入，并不盘查。主仆两人，倒是自自然然地出了城门。一直走了有十几里路，建功实在走不动了，只好先投一个村子住下。李义对他说：“咱们自赶入直隶境，便没有危险。先奔正定府，然后再由正定奔保定。听说段吉祥段大人现在保定。他是项宫保手下的大将，咱老爷是项宫保的盟弟，当然有照应。咱主仆千万不可停留。自一到了正定，便可向地方官要车，送咱们到保定。沿路上有人保护，就不怕了。”建功摇头，说这个法子不妥。当时山西戕官独立，直隶未必知道，咱们跑去一报告，倘然激出一点变故来，与你我有损无益。莫若隐姓埋名，等逃到保定，见了段吉祥，看看形势怎样，再定进止。李义点头，说少爷所见高明，就是这样吧。他两人晓行夜宿，走了七八天，才到保定城。一进城门，就见街上行人乱纷纷的，全呈一种惊惶之色，仿佛是有什么重大事情。主仆二人，哪敢在街上停留，直奔西门大街一座客栈。栈伙给开一间客房，却低声问他们是从哪里来的。李义回说是从山西太谷来的。我们是北京人，给太谷县一家财主当厨师傅，新近听说北京地方不大平安，因此回家探望探望。栈伙一听是山西来的，脸上现出一种很怕的样子，又低声说：“回来查夜的到了，你二位千万不要说是从山西来的。”李义惊问什么缘故，栈伙吐了吐舌头，说原来你二位还不知道，现在保定驻扎三万大兵，带兵的是段统制段大人，听说这三两天内，就要宣告独立了。因为山西有独立的风闻，已经去电质问，尚无回电。你二位既是从山西来，山西是否独立，料想总知道了。栈伙说这话时，两眼直盯着李义等，待他回答下文。李义很镇定的，慢慢答道：“我们从太谷动身时候，地方很安静的，并不曾听见有什么独立的话。直到出了山西境界，沿路上也是很平安。今天来到保定，看街市上乱纷纷的，我们也不知是怎么一回事，正想向你老哥打听打听。承你先说了，我们这才略知一二。原来山西独立了，这样我们还能回去吗？”李义说了这一套不着边际的话，栈伙也不好再问，只得张罗他们漱口洗脸吃饭。吃过饭，建功对李义说：“看这神气，咱们不便去寻段统制了。寻他倒许招出是非来，将来恐怕落项宫保的埋怨。莫若咱们搭晚车连夜赶回北京去吧。”李义点点头，说少爷虑得很是。好在离晚车还有很大工夫，我先出去探听探听。如果风声不紧，咱们多耽误一天也不妨。他说罢，便匆匆离了栈房，到藩台衙门去探听一切。 李义本是保定府张登镇的人，于保定地理很熟，并且他有一家亲戚，在藩台衙门当书吏，因此他探听探听官府的事，很不费难。去了足有三个钟头，方才回来。建功迎头问他怎样，他把头摇得像拨浪鼓似的，连说不妥不妥，万没想到人心变得这样速快。早知如此，咱家老爷何必效那愚忠，枉送了一家性命呢？建功问他到底是怎么一回事，李义叹道：“大清朝的天下是丢定了，没有一点指望了。内中的细情，我们亲戚也说不清楚。他是从藩台衙门得出来的消息，说还有七八分可靠。原来段统制领着三万人马，在保定住着。表面上是预备南征，骨子里边却是另有所图。听说日前曾开了一