Chapter 72 The sixty-ninth retracement represents the overthrow of the Peace Council and sent police calls to frighten the emperor's family

Lu Jiangong and Li Yi hurried to Baoding station, bought tickets, and prepared to get on the train.In their opinion, they originally wanted to secretly get into the third-class car, find two seats to hide from people's eyes, and hide for a while, but they hoped that the car would leave, and they would arrive in Beijing in two or three hours.It is a blessing to get through the Baoding level steadily, and I never want to meet acquaintances and cause a lot of trouble.Unexpectedly, when they got on the platform and passed by the second-class car, they were looking for the third-class car, but a person in the first-class car saw them coldly, and called out to Lu Ershao loudly.When the master and servant heard this, they were so frightened that they were at a loss. They wanted to hide, but there was nowhere to hide.The people in the car jumped down early, grabbed Jiangong, and shouted: "Second Young Master Lu, Nephew Lu Xian, why did you come here? It's so strange to be dressed like this! Just now I greeted you in the car, Why don't you pretend not to hear, don't you even recognize the old uncle?" In fact, Jiangong didn't recognize him, because he had too many eyes and ears among people, and he was afraid he would attract people's attention, so he whispered: "Uncle Nian, please forgive me, This place is really not a place to talk. My nephew in the first-class car dared not go up, so I had to wait until Beijing, and then go to the mansion to say hello." It turned out that the person who greeted him was Xiang Gongbao's secretary-general, Ruan Zhongshu.Ruan Zhongshu and Lu Zhongqi were Jinshi in the same year. When Jiangong was studying in Beijing Middle School, he often went to Ruan's house to hang out.Zhongshu loves him because he is smart.When Jiangong went from Beijing to Jin Dynasty, Zhongshu gave him a farewell party and invited him to dinner at home.Now we meet unexpectedly in Baoding, Zhongshu sees him dressed like this again, how can we not be surprised?Jiangong insisted on refusing to get on the first-class car, but Zhongshu did not agree, dragged him into the car, and told him: "Don't be afraid, with me here, nothing can happen." Jiangong couldn't do it, so he had to follow him on First class car.Although the old servant Li Yi was not happy in his heart, but at this moment, he had no choice but to go up with the young master.Zhongshu dragged Jiangong to his private room, one can avoid people's eyes and ears, and the two can talk in secret.

As for Ruan Zhongshu, who is working as the Secretary-General in front of Xiang Zicheng at this time, he is very busy with business, so how can he have time to visit Baoding?Because Xiang Zicheng has important and confidential matters, to contact Duan Jixiang and his group of warriors, there must be someone who is good at eloquence and has a relationship with Beiyang warriors.Ruan Zhongshu's personality, regardless of his thin and dry appearance, when he talks, his eloquence is eloquent, his voice is like a bell, eloquent and methodical, he can talk for three days and three nights without being tired.And when he was training soldiers since he was a child, he followed Xiang Zicheng as a copywriter, and had the best relationship with Duan Jixiang, Feng Guohua, Cao Huchen and others.Therefore, Xiang Zicheng specially selected him and sent him to Baoding to discuss military affairs secretly with Duan Jixiang and others.When he came, he came in a light car, with only a young man with him, and he came here in a third-class car, in order to cover the eyes and ears of the soldiers and civilians.After he got off the car, he went all the way to Duan Jixiang's private house, never went to the military headquarters.It happened that Duan Jixiang was returning home to rest, the two met and exchanged a few words.Zhongshu first uses words to test the meaning of auspiciousness.Although Jixiang is a warrior, he is very knowledgeable, has political knowledge, and understands the current situation. For Zhongshu to come here, he already knows a lot about it.Because when he went to Zhangde to welcome Xiang Gongbao into the capital, he had a secret alliance with Lao Xiang in secret, so Xiangzicheng specially appointed him to take charge of the military power and wait for changes in Baoding.This time Ruan Zhongshu came, he already understood the meaning of Xiangzicheng.The two discussed it all night in the secret room.Duan Jixiang decided to wait a few days later to take a look at the situation in Shanxi before making a decision.At present, it is advisable to convene a meeting of Beiyang generals first. It is expected that they will not disagree.As long as everyone agrees, I can handle it with full authority here in the future, and I don't need to inform them anymore.It's just that Shanxi is very close, but there is no real news, which is really boring.Zhongshu said: "Gong Bao pays great attention to Shanxi. He has sent two or three high-level detectives to live in Taiyuan and report the news at any time. If there is any move in Shanxi, Beijing can know first. Don't worry, wait until I get back. Beijing, if there is any important news, I will send you a telegram immediately." After the two discussed it, they sent telegrams to the generals in Beiyang that night.Fortunately, these people were all stationed in Jiji area, and they all arrived in two or three days.When the meeting was held, of course it was all in favor.On the second day, Duan Jixiang invited another guest, and on the third day everyone said goodbye and went back to their original defenses.Zhongshu also drove back to Beijing that night, but unexpectedly met Lu Jiangong and Li Yi, master and servant.When Zhongshu returned to Beijing this time, he refused to take the third-class car, so he dragged Jiangong and others to the first-class car.Although the master and servant of Jiangong were not happy, they had to reluctantly obey.

When he arrived in the private room, Jiangong fell on the ground and kowtowed to Zhongshu.Zhongshu was so frightened that he quickly pulled him up, and asked him why he came to Baoding. Your lord is in Shanxi, but he is still healthy?Jiangong's face was full of tears, saying that his father had been martyred.In a word, Zhongshu's face turned pale with fright, he stretched out his hand to grab Jiangong, and sat down on the soft couch.He stared and asked, "What did you say?" Jiangong said, "Uncle Nian, please calm down, and let my nephew tell you carefully." Then he described Zhongqi's martyrdom in Shanxi from beginning to end in detail.Later, when it came to the family's death festival, and how he and Li Yi escaped alone, he choked up so much that he couldn't make a sound.After Zhongshu heard such a tragic incident, tears rolled down his eyes, and he stomped his feet and scolded Yan Defeng for revenge.Even if you want to be independent, you should send the Lu family out of the Shanxi realm, why did you do such a vicious trick? "Nephew, don't be sad. When I arrive in Beijing, I will definitely ask for palace protection for you. On the one hand, I will issue an order to commend you, and on the other hand, I will send soldiers to conquer Shanxi to avenge your parents and family!" Li Yi also kowtowed, saying that Master Ruan would beg Gongbao to avenge my master, and that this old slave would rather be an ox or a horse to repay your favor.Ruan Zhongshu comforted Li Yi again and again, saying that you really deserve to be a servant of righteousness, and I must admire you more in my heart.The master and servant are about to arrive in Beijing, according to Jiangong's intention, they want to get off the train and go to Xiang Gongbao's house to report everything.Ruan Zhongshu waved his hands again and again, saying that this was impossible.Tomorrow is Mrs. Kung Pao's birthday, and tonight, she is singing an opera to celebrate her birthday.You have to go head-on, Kung Pao got the news, he must stop the show.This is the kindness of the civil and military ministers of the Manchu Dynasty. If you destroy it like this, won't they hate you?According to my advice for you, it is best to wait until three or four o'clock tomorrow afternoon, when your master and servant enter the birthday hall. One is that the birthday is almost over, and it is not important to stop the show; Let them cry and say that in the future, they will definitely get a little special grace from the court.I plan for you, this is the best, but I don't know what your master and servant think?At this time, Jiangong and Li Yi, of course, obeyed Zhongshu's words, not to mention that his words were very reasonable, so they should be praised.So after getting off the car, Jiangong and Li Yi went back to his private residence in Beijing, while Ruan Zhongshu returned to Xiang Gongbao's residence.First discuss all matters with Duan Jixiang, and report to Xiang Zicheng in detail. Zicheng knows that the important matter has been settled, and rewards Zhongshu very much.Zhongshu took advantage of the situation and told Lu Jiangong on the road how Shanxi killed officials independently.Xiang Zicheng was very surprised when he heard this, and said that there were three detectives I sent to Shanxi, and they were all cadres. Why didn't they call to report such a big event? Could it be that all these things are dead?Zhongshu said: "You can't blame them for this matter. Since Yan Defeng agreed with the revolution and killed officials for independence, he certainly had a kind of wariness. I am afraid that the central government will find out and send troops to crusade. Shanxi is very close to Jifu. Once soldiers gather, what will he do?" It can be blocked. Therefore, it is reasonable to guard the telegraph office so that no one can send telegrams to the outside of the province. The reason why the detectives did not report it must be for this reason, and Kung Pao does not need to blame them. According to the The book thinks that Lu Jiangong's coming here is very beneficial to Kung Pao's important affairs. Tomorrow, Kung Pao just pretends not to know. Gong Bao only showed a look of surprise, and asked his master and servant to describe the situation in Shanxi in front of the king and ministers. From now on, they will no longer complain that Gong Bao refuses to fight the Revolutionary Party. Gong Bao ordered at that time to send a certain army to conquer Shanxi, which can silence their mouths. This is the most powerful negative article. Article, I wonder what Gongbao thinks?" Xiang Zicheng nodded and smiled, saying that your plan is really thorough.That's it.Ruan Zhongshu left.

On the second day, except for his fellow Xiangzicheng, no one else knew about it.Xing Beizi proposed to sing "Ningwuguan", and Lao Xiang was extremely in favor of it. He wanted to make use of the topic, so as to force the real drama out of the fake one.As far as Xie Dafu led his master and servant straight into the birthday hall, readers, please think, if it wasn't for someone's secret instruction, how could Dafu have such audacity to dare to bring people in hemp and filial piety inside the birthday hall, wouldn't he be afraid of Xiang Gongbao? blame him?Since he brought these two people here, he shifted the eyes of the people present from the stage to the audience, instead of watching the tragic scene of loyalty on the stage, they all wanted to watch the amazing live drama in the audience.Xiang Zicheng was confident, but deliberately put on an air of panic, took Lu Jiangong's hand, and asked him in a trembling voice: "What's going on in Shanxi, what's wrong with your lord? Tell me quickly, don't just worry about it." Cry!" Jiangong held back his tears, and described in detail the situation of Shanxi's independence, his parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and how his family members were martyred.At the most tragic place, Xiang Zicheng almost burst into tears.The princes and ministers present also ignored the drama, and stood up one by one, surrounded Jiangong, and listened to him talk about this tragic history.Xiang Gongbao also ordered Xie Dafu to quickly send an order to stop acting on the stage, and dismiss all future actors; the curtains and curtains were also removed, don't hang them any more.After all of us heard the news, it was too late to mourn, how could we listen to the show again!When the actors got this order, they all scattered like birds and beasts.Neizhong only liked Wang Xiaonong, because of this interruption, his "Shou Zen Terrace" could not be performed; Tan Xinpei's "Zhulian Village" has never been shown.In an instant, a noisy and lively birthday hall was silent.After Jiang Gong finished speaking, Xiang Zicheng said to the princes and ministers present with tears in his eyes: "I never expected that Lu Zhongqi would end up like this. Pity his whole family for martyrdom. He really deserves to be Zhou Yuji of this generation. In the era, there is still singing and dancing to promote peace, I am really ashamed!" While Xiang Zicheng gave a speech, he looked at the faces of his relatives and nobles with his eyes.I saw Zaixing clapping his arms and said: "Since Lu Zhongqi was loyal to the country and lost his life, all of us should act as the empress dowager for him, and issue an order to chase him down as an official. I think it's best to make him an official." He is the City God of the whole province of Shanxi. He is an official while alive, and can still serve the royal family after death. Do you think about it?" Everyone listened to his nonsense and ignored him.Only Zai Ze sneered and said: "Why do you worry about it! The state affairs, Xiang Gongbao presides over everything, and there is no need for us to go to see the empress dowager, how should the compensation be paid, the Gongbao has the right to weigh. We all don't have to be there I have been sitting here for a long time, the situation in Shanxi is so urgent, and Xiang Gongbao still has a lot of things to prepare, why should we bother here?" He stood up and cupped his hands towards Xiangzi City, saying that we will meet again another day, and then Swaggered away.Xiang Zicheng said why the father-in-law is so busy, and wanted to see him off.Everyone took this opportunity to leave together.Zicheng didn't hesitate to stay, and sent everyone away.Then he comforted Jiangong and told him to go home and guard the system. "I will face the empress dowager, and I will reward the best. As for revenge, I will do my best. I will send soldiers from two towns to conquer Yan Defeng. It will take less than half a month to recover Taiyuan and capture that group alive." Traitor, I will avenge your lord." Jiangong kowtowed again before quitting.

In the evening of the same day, Xiangzicheng called another group of counselors to hold a meeting in the house.He himself, the chairman, announced the situation in Shanxi to everyone and discussed countermeasures.The first motion raised the issue of Shanxi's independence, how should we deal with it?I saw Ruan Zhongshu stood up and spoke, saying that Shanxi is the right assistant of Shenjing, and it is absolutely unshakable in terms of the situation.As soon as Shanxi is shaken, its influence will reach Beijing first.In order to defend the capital, Shanxi must not be allowed to be independent for a long time, this must be crusade.Secondly, Lu Zhongqi was appointed by the imperial court to serve as a great official in Xinjiang. Yan Defeng was in charge of a patrol, and he dared to murder the imperial minister. imagine.In order to commend the law of the country, especially those who have to be crusaded.As the prime minister, Gong Bao, every word and action is the safety of the whole country. Please pay special attention to the Shanxi issue, and don't let it go lightly.Zhongshu finished posting this discussion, and Xiang Zicheng was about to speak when he suddenly saw Zheng Ercheng, the head of his military patrols, coming up and saying: "If you go back to Gongbao, the detectives Hao Zhankui and Ma Qiushi who were sent to Shanxi have just arrived from Shanxi. Mo Bian asked them to wait a little longer because Gong Bao was in a meeting. They couldn't wait any longer, so they must ask Mo Bian to come back and forth. Please ask Gong Bao, or should they not see you?" Xiang Zicheng said: " Hurry up and tell them to come in, I'm waiting to ask them something." Zheng Ercheng agreed and turned his head to go down.After a short time, two burly men were brought in. They were all in their thirties. Is a businessman dressed.After Zheng Ercheng came in, he went to Xiang Zicheng, and said hello.Please be safe, then stood by with hands down, but didn't make a sound.At this moment, Xiang Zicheng's face suddenly darkened, and he said to the two of them, "Did you just come back?" The two of them said yes.Zicheng said: "I sent the two of you to Shanxi. What did you do? Shanxi had such a big event, and you two didn't even have a single-word report. Can you handle the business?" Xiang Zicheng's seizure didn't matter. Poor Hao and Ma suddenly fell half short, knelt down together in fright, and replied: "Please calm down the anger of the Gong Bao, the humble and others have given up their duties, and they deserve it; but there is still a little embarrassment in the situation, please forgive me Gong Bao. "Zicheng said: "If you have any embarrassing situation, tell me. If it is reasonable, I will forgive you; if it is unreasonable, beware of your life!" The two replied tremblingly: "Since I came to Shanxi, I have not done anything. I dare to live in a high-rise building, because I am afraid that the government will notice the signs. I only live in a friend's private house, and I dare not neglect it for a moment, and go outside to check at any time. Before the incident, the place was extremely quiet, and no flaws could be seen. .Only two days before the incident, there were a few rumors, but it was not very serious. Didn’t Beibian and others send a telegram? The telegram only said that rumors were found in the market, and it was nothing to worry about. Once there is any movement, let’s continue Unexpectedly, one day later, Yan Defeng led the generals of the Tenth Battalion to look for Lu Zhongcheng, and a breakup broke out at that time. Beibian and others wanted to go to the telegraph office to generate electricity, but they didn't know that the bureau was already occupied by rebels. They guarded the gate of the bureau. Not only the Chinese are not allowed to make telegraphs, but foreigners are also not allowed. There was an American priest who was shot twice by the rebels because he went to the station to make telegraphs, and almost killed him. Who would dare to go again? Huh? At that time, it was the wrong idea of ​​Bei Bian and others. In fact, it was not troublesome to escape from Taiyuan City that day. It was our wishful thinking, and we wanted to get some new news, spend a few dollars, and watch the soldiers of the telegraph office. To send news to Beijing. Unexpectedly, Shanxi people are narrow-minded and deadly. They waited for two or three days in vain. We knew that there was no hope for the telegraphing, so we had no choice but to give up the idea. It was thanks to a French priest who went from the city of Taiyuan to the countryside to perform wedding ceremonies for the faithful. We left the city. We ran to Zhili all night, and we managed to get into Zhili territory with great difficulty. We didn't dare to delay for a day, and then we came to the capital. The humble people are dereliction of duty. It's really because they don't have knowledge. , I also ask Lord Gongbao to be extra merciful." The two returned and kowtowed again and again.At this time, the color on Xiang Zicheng's face was a little kind, and it was understandable to say that.When you came, did you know how many troops Yan Defeng had?Can his armies fight or not?Are the equipment in the army refined or not?Hao Zhankui replied: "Shanxi doesn't have a lot of troops, except for the tenth battalion of the patrol battalion, which was trained by Yan Defeng himself. On the surface, it seems to have a bit of martial spirit; the rest are all mobs, not to mention going to battle, just fighting. Suppressing bandits may not be competent. As for firearms, it is even more ridiculous. Except for the tenth patrol battalion, which is completely new, the rest also have muzzles, carry guns, and earthen cannons. There are also spears and two hands I brought it. But the long and short spears and knives made by Shanxi Iron are still sharp. But how can you use those weapons in a war at this time?" Xiang Zicheng smiled slightly when he heard this, and said, get up, go down and rest.Gu Nian worked hard along the road, and each person was rewarded with one hundred yuan, waiting to be dispatched.The two kowtowed their heads in thanks, then stood up and stepped back slowly.

Here Xiangzicheng said to everyone: "Shanxi's military strength is weak, and it is located next to Jifu. If you dare to attack first, or give him a strong hand, why lock other provinces! This pavilion will play the Empress Dowager Ming tomorrow, and at the same time make a decree. Treasure Lu Zhongqi, and at the same time send capable generals and elite troops to conquer Shanxi. This proposal is considered to be decided, what do you guys think?" Everyone agreed with one voice.Xiang Zicheng took out another telegram and showed it to everyone, saying that it was sent by Tang Qin from Shanghai.According to him, he had discussed with the Revolutionary Party in Shanghai for more than a month, but he hated the other party for insisting on his own views.If you have any insights on this issue, you may wish to give full play to it, and I would like to choose the good and follow it.After Zicheng finished speaking, Zhao Bingheng stood up and said, "Gongbao is begging for perfection, but in order to protect the royal family, he has no hope at all. Now these revolutionary parties are making progress, but they know how to show their own prejudices, but they don't care about the overall situation of the country and Gongbao personally. According to Bing Heng's humble opinion, there is no need to accommodate them. Gong Bao made a decisive decision, but only wanted to benefit the country and the royal family. No matter what he did, the people of the country would definitely forgive Gong Bao for his painstaking efforts. What Bingheng said was clearly to tease Xiang Zicheng and tell him to break with the Revolutionary Party, but he refused to say it outright.Also because of this issue, it has too much to do with it, and it is inconvenient for me to make extreme claims.However, the overtones are also intriguing.After listening to his words, Xiang Zicheng said to everyone with a very sincere attitude: "This pavilion has received the royal family's special favor. When this bequest is in trouble, if there is anyone who can stabilize the country and benefit the community, even if he sacrifices his life The Revolutionary Party has racial prejudices and is determined to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. The original intention of the cabinet was to advocate the crusade to the end. It was only because the Empress Dowager put love for the people first and could not bear the loss of life that she sent a representative to negotiate peace with them. As long as they want to know something interesting, they just take advantage of this to step down and establish a constitutional monarchy country, which benefits both sides. Their revolutionary party members, don't look at the hype, what freedom, equality, national benefit and people's welfare, in fact, they are all Those who aim to get promoted and make a fortune. As long as they recognize the monarch, I will give them a good official to pretend to be happy for the rest of their lives. Wouldn’t it be better than running around and fleeing overseas? But these The stuff is really greasy, and the skin is stuck. If you don’t take the ready-made road, you must go to the horns. After spending more than a month in vain, the imperial envoy Tang is almost tongue-tied and burnt, but still can’t change their minds. Look at this The air is only due to the last move, but it still can't be resolved. This problem, the last move is to abandon the peace and talk war. Tomorrow will be straight forward, send a telegram to the imperial envoy Tang, summoning him to return to Beijing on the same day, and all the peace talks and other issues will be overturned. Afterwards, everyone gathered their flags and drums, and the revolutionary party had the ability to attack Beijing. This cabinet is willing to die for the country and let them do the beautiful country of the Qing Dynasty; I have the ability to attack Nanjing and pacify Wuhan. Capturing Sun Wen alive and Li Tianhong alive will also bring a permanent disaster to the country. This pavilion has no hesitation, and it will do where it is said. If you have any great ideas, you may wish to help one or two."

Xiang Zicheng passionately and impassionedly made this whole set of arguments, but after finishing speaking, he looked at the people present and waited for them to speak.I saw a thin and withered counselor standing up slowly, saying what Gong Bao said just now, it can be said that he knows himself and the enemy, he knows what is important in the hole, and a kind of loyalty to serve the royal family, which is like crying ghosts and gods.It can be seen that there is no other way to deal with the revolutionary party except to abandon peace and talk war.But as far as I think about it, there is still a difficulty in it, I don't know if Gong Bao has considered it.Xiang Zicheng saw that it was Yang Shiqi who spoke.This person is known as a think tank, although he is weak, but he has an arsenal in his chest.Zicheng said: "Yang Shilang, if you think there is any difficulty, you might as well tell the cabinet directly." Yang Shiqi replied: "The revolutionary party has already formed wings. If we want to completely eliminate it, we must deploy more troops. We must deploy more troops. Now, the state treasury is in shambles, and the provinces are becoming independent one after another. All the funds from the central government have been withheld. How can we get a large amount of military salary in a hurry. Without military salary, how can the war go on? Even if it is forced to go on, it is impossible It won't last long. Gongbao has always coordinated the overall situation when doing things. Now, I don't know if I am very sure about the level of military pay. If I am sure, it means that the difficult is not difficult; if I am not sure, this problem seems to have to be solved Think long-term." After Yang Shiqi finished speaking, Xiang Zicheng hadn't answered yet, but an obese counselor stood up and said, "Master Yang's suggestion just now is really reasonable. I also think that raising salary is more important than paying If you use troops, if you don't solve this problem first, it seems that you can't suddenly abandon peace and war." Zicheng raised his eyes to watch, and recognized this person as Jin Shiyi, Beiyang's alternate Daoist.He is a graduate who studied in the West and majored in economics.After returning to China, he ranked first in the imperial examination and was granted a Jinshi background.He also took the special economic examination and ranked first in the examination.When Xiang Zicheng was in Beiyang, he was specially assigned to be a member of the Food and Rating Bureau, so he made an additional donation in Zhili as a standby.Later, Zicheng resigned, and he also took a leave of absence to return home.This time the revolutionary army is booming, he originally wanted to join the revolution, because then Xiangzicheng sent a confidential message, telling him to go north immediately, saying that I have been summoned to rise again, and I have a special reference for my step, so please pack up and go as soon as possible. There should be no delay.After receiving the call, Shi Yi happily rushed to Beijing.Xiang Zicheng was very happy to see that he had arrived first.Within a few days, he was decreed to be specially appointed Zhang Jing, the cabinet of the third-rank Jingtang.This man is excellent in economics, and Xiang Zicheng once promised him to be the contemporary Sang Kong and Liu Yan in person.This time he agreed with Yang Shiqi's comments, and of course he had to pay special attention, so he asked in turn: "Since you take Yang Shilang's words for granted, you must have a good opinion on the matter of raising wages. This pavilion is motivated by righteous indignation and aims at peace. Thief, I didn’t take this into consideration in a hurry. If you have any good ideas, you might as well just say it, this pavilion will definitely be able to choose what is good.” Jin Shiyi said: “In the current situation, it is not easy to raise wages, but the affairs of the world You have to use power to achieve change. When there is peace, it is natural to follow the usual law to determine income and expenditure; when it comes to chaos, you must find a shortcut outside the usual law, so that you can use it urgently and turn the tide. It is a truth that is not easy. Now that the revolutionary party is in the same position as a prairie fire, and even the dignity of the royal family is in jeopardy. At this time, I can't bear to cut it. The future is gone, and it will be very difficult to save it. Shi Yi thinks At present, when raising funds, we must first think about the royal family itself. There are tens of millions of huge sums of money, and it is not difficult to deal with it. If you leave the royal family itself, no matter who it is, I am afraid that it will not be able to bear this heavy responsibility. Gong Bao has always been high-minded and far-reaching in his work. Zhi, I guess I have already seen this kind of truth." When Shi Yi said this, Xiang Gongbao's eyebrows were already beaming, and he didn't look like he was worried just now, and he asked: "What you said is true. It’s a great way to save money, but does the royal family have such a huge sum of money? I’m afraid I don’t dare to say for sure.” Jin Shiyi smiled slightly when he heard Xiang Zicheng say this, and replied: “Gongbao is really a nobleman who forgets things too much. , How can you forget all the history of ten years?" Zicheng said: "What is the history ten years ago? This pavilion will not be so forgetful if I ask myself. But I don't know what you are talking about?" Shi Yi said: "Ten years Also during this winter month, the Empress Dowager Cixi celebrated her 60th birthday, and Kung Pao made a special 30,000 gold circles as a birthday gift. At that time, the gifts received by the Empress Dowager from the governors and governors of various provinces were calculated to be as much as It is as much as 50 million. I heard that this huge sum of money has never been used, and it has been completely sealed in the Shouhuang treasury in Ouchi. At present, the state affairs are in dire straits. If there is a mountain high and the bottom of the water, wouldn’t it be in vain to benefit the revolutionaries? Why not Kung Pao? Face to face with the Empress Dowager, I will temporarily lend this money as military pay, but the royal family wants nothing more than to preserve the country and the country, so mere money is nothing to worry about. I also ask Gongbao to think about the big picture and implement it at his own discretion." Xiang Zicheng nodded Said: "What you raised is indeed a good emergency plan, but at this moment, how can I bear to ask the empress dowager to borrow this money. Wouldn't her old man suspect that I took advantage of others and blackmailed the king? This crime, I How can I afford it?!" Shi Yi said: "Does Gongbao still have to be loyal and cautious at this time? The ancients said that great conduct does not care about meticulousness, and great gifts do not hesitate to make small concessions. If you want to protect the honor of the room, then I have to bear the pain. Gong Baoru is really a hindrance to this matter. Shi Yi has another strategy, which is a little easier to handle, I wonder if Gongbao will adopt it?" Xiang Zicheng heard it, but he didn't realize it Overjoyed, he hurriedly asked if there was any other way to raise funds.Shi Yi said: "This is a very long story. After I entered the customs and Dingding in the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Zuren once set up a treasury for stolen goods in the palace because of confiscating Oboi's family property. The nature of this treasury for stolen goods , is designed to punish corrupt officials. When confiscating his family property, all property, regardless of high or low, will be confiscated in this treasury. Mark the year, month, day, and the type, name, and value of the stolen goods, and record them in the stolen goods book The Ministry of Internal Affairs was sent to guard, and four eunuchs were added to monitor. No matter who it is, no grass or tree in the treasury is allowed to be tampered with. Later in the Qianjia era, Mingzhu and Hekun were also seized. I heard that the property of these two times At most, Hekun's family alone is worth more than 70 million yuan. Although it has been more than a hundred years, these stolen goods have not been moved. Why don't the palace protect the Empress Dowager and fine all the stolen goods in the treasury first? The jewels are all transported out, all of which are changed in value and used as military pay. Such a transfer, turning useless into useful, does not damage the royal family's private property, but can be useful to the public, so why don't the palace guards do it?" Zi Chengdao: "Your second policy is really whimsical and benefits both public and private interests. This cabinet will definitely implement it!" At this point, the meeting was announced to be adjourned.

The next morning, Xiang Zicheng handed over a memorial and asked the Queen Mother to develop a treasury of stolen goods and fines, and transfer it to military pay, so that he could compete with the revolutionary army.At the end, the rise and fall of the royal family is mentioned, and this move implicitly implies a threat.The Queen Mother saw it, and she had no choice but to hold a meeting before the imperial family, and all the princes and princes Baylor, who were close to the clan, were called to discuss it.These people were frightened at first, they were afraid that Xiang Zicheng would use their name to collect military pay from them, but now that they saw this topic, they didn't come up with it, and they all secretly said it was a fluke.As for the punishment for converting stolen goods, all of them agreed by agreement.Seeing that everyone agrees, the queen mother approved it resolutely, and sent Xiang Zicheng to join Zai Ze and Pu Lun to check all kinds of treasures stored in the stolen treasury, so that they can be billed and presented, and attract merchants for valuation.Xiang Zicheng got this order and sent two representatives, one Manchu Baokang and the other Han Chen Guorui, to go to the stolen goods warehouse to check and register on his behalf.Unexpectedly, this on-site inspection revealed a huge flaw.What is your reason?It turned out that the case books in the stolen and fined file were scattered and incomplete. If you search the things again, not only are they broken and corrupted, and they don’t show any shape. , Gold and silver utensils, all turned into broken copper and iron.Only some clumsy wooden furniture still exist and have not been moved.When Chen Guorui and Baokang saw this situation, they were stunned and didn't dare to make any further inspections. They asked Zai Ze and Pu Lun for instructions, what should they do?The two smiled slightly, saying that we had expected such a result a long time ago, but all of them were stolen, which was too unexpected.The two of us had no choice but to go face to face with the Empress Dowager, and the two of you went back to Gongbao.What should be done, please ask Gongbao to play the empress dowager again, and ask for the order to be implemented.Of the four of us, who can take on this heavy responsibility?Chen Bao and the two listened and nodded in agreement.So split up to explain everything.In Xiangzi City, it was a well-thought-out person. When he heard this letter, he quietly wrote a secret edict to inform the empress dowager.But on the side of the empress dowager, when she got the news, she was really angry and shocked.What is surprising is that the gold and jewels accumulated for two hundred years have disappeared. Could it be said that these things can still grow wings?What is angry is that there are evils in the inside. Obviously, the watchman must be guarding and stealing.It's hard for them to be so bold that they dared to steal the golden treasure from the royal treasury and put it in their own pockets.The Empress Dowager was originally a kind and honest woman, but now she suddenly encounters this unexpected problem, she is in a mess, where can she have any suggestions?Apart from coughing and sighing, there was nothing else to do.At the moment of embarrassment, the eunuch on duty submitted a memorial.The queen mother took a closer look, and it was Xiang Zicheng, the prime minister of the cabinet, who made all the arrangements for the fine of the treasury for the stolen goods.The general idea is to say that the staff who watch the treasury are guarding and stealing themselves, but there must be eunuchs in charge of them.If it wasn't for the eunuch to make the decision, the secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs would never be so bold.But the person who is in charge must be the eunuch in charge.Can the empress dowager please send the eunuchs in charge to the cabinet, and the ministers will send people to interrogate them, so that the truth can be found out, so that the original stolen goods can be recovered, and the country can be used as soon as possible.When the Empress Dowager read this memorial, she felt hesitant.Because yes, the first one is in charge of Zhang Delu, and he must hand it over, so that he can go on with business; the second one is also implicated in Li Deyong, the retiring general manager, and may have to go to court.Of these two people, one is his trusted confidant, the other is the queen mother's favorite, and he has no grudges against him, let alone he has retired from the court, how can he be dragged out to fight a lawsuit?But if it is not allowed, the dignified internal treasury has such a big stolen case, as the mother of the country, but also protects private persons, it seems that it is even more difficult to speak out in public affairs, and it is in a dilemma.Just when he couldn't make up his mind, Zhang Delu suddenly came in from the outside with Emperor Xuantong in his arms, put Xuantong down, and came to greet his mother.Standing by the side, Delu asked, "Buddha isn't resting at this time, what business is he looking at?" Seeing him asking, the Queen Mother sighed and said that even you have something to do with it.One sentence scared Delu to his knees and asked: "My master Buddha, what's the big deal, even the slaves are involved?" The queen mother said: "Don't pretend to be dumb, don't you know about the fine of the stolen goods? Delu said: "Of course you know, but there are two treasury officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and four eunuchs who are in charge of the treasury. They are fully responsible for this matter. What does it have to do with slaves?" The Empress Dowager said: "That's not the way to say it. You are the chief of the forty-eight departments, and the treasury of stolen goods and fines is also in the forty-eight departments. Now that something is wrong, the chief of the capital is the first to be responsible. How can you blame it for nothing?" What about it? Besides, if there is nothing to do, I can’t be the master. Now that Xiang Zicheng wants you by name, can I not pay?” Zhang Delu was very surprised when he heard this, and said why Xiang Gongbao came looking for us again. Where do you start?Could it be that Lafayette had the heart to hand over the slave?The queen mother said: "As far as I think, if you don't go out, this matter will be even more difficult. It just so happens that a big prison will be raised. At that time, it will be difficult to stop. Can you still go to the sky? It's better to meet the boss and meet Xiang Gongbao. Everyone has a meeting, and you tell him about the historical situation in the palace. If you don't go, and he keeps talking about business, then But it’s hard to handle. Originally, this incident was really unexpected to me, so how could it be reversed so that there is not even a single valuable thing? I really can’t go on, no wonder they have excuses.” Delu said: "My slave went to see Lao Xiang. If he detained my slave and went about his business, wouldn't it be a trap for himself?" The Queen Mother laughed and said, "You are so confused! I didn't approve his memorial, how can he just detain him? You just go there boldly. If he really has trouble with you, he will definitely not see you; if he is willing to see you, it will be easy to handle." Zhang Delu thought carefully what the queen mother said was very reasonable, so he agreed to see Xiang Zicheng.Before I left, I begged the Empress Dowager again, if I can't come back, I must definitely send someone to Xiang Zhai to bring me back.The queen mother also agreed, so he immediately stepped up and went to Xiangzhai to meet Xiangzicheng.

In his own mind, he was still trembling, with the air of Deng Tong paying homage to Shen Tujia.哪知到项宅以后，竟自大大地出他意料之外。他到了项宅，将名片取出来，交给值日的卫兵。卫兵一见，立刻满脸赔笑，叫一声张老爷，快请到客厅坐，末弁这就上去回话。张得禄随着他们来到客厅。卫兵上去不大工夫，便笑嘻嘻地出来，高声道：“宫保有请张老爷，在内书房谈话。”得禄随着他转弯抹角，走了好几层院子，才来到项宫保的密室。乃是另一所小院，收拾得十分精雅，由北至西，接连着全是游廊。游廊之内，见北房三间，西房两间。项宫保此时，已经步出房外，一见张得禄进来，紧行几步，来至游廊外边，先朝着得禄，跪请皇太后圣安，然后又与得禄请了安。这才拉住得禄的手，表示十分亲密的样子。嘴里却埋怨得禄，为何许多日子，也不来看望愚兄一次，莫非有什么得罪老弟之处？今天是什么风儿，把你吹来？咱弟兄两个，可得亲亲热热说一天了。得禄万没料到，项宫保同他这样要好，反倒露出受宠若惊的神气来，连说小弟有罪，不敢来见宫保。项子城一面拉他进来，一面说：“老弟你真该罚，怎么宫保宫保的叫个不住，难道愚兄不配同你论弟兄，就这样见外吗？”得禄这才改口称呼四哥。说四哥既承你不弃，小弟就依实了。四哥近来很忙，所以少过来请安。今天实在是有事相商，才来访四哥谈谈。但是这件事无论如何，得求四哥格外包涵才好。说到这里，便站起来，又深深请了一个大安。项子城白瞪着眼问道：“什么事叫愚兄包涵？你老弟太言重了！你是随皇伴驾的人，自有愚兄求你包涵，怎么你倒求我包涵起来？真真笑话，令人不解了。”得禄被项子城这样一捧，觉着说又不好，不说又不好，反倒踌躇起来。项子城哈哈大笑道：“自己弟兄，你不要这样忸怩作态，有什么事，只请吩咐一声。凡愚兄力所能为的，无不竭力报效。”得禄只好将来意说知，又说了许多客气话，求他关照，并述皇太后的意思，不愿因此兴起大狱。项子城笑道：“我当是为什么大问题，原来就是这一点小小事情。实对老弟说，这是皇家自身的问题，愚兄何人，怎敢寻根究底，纠缠不休？不过这其间有两种难处，第一种是此事既经皇太后派到愚兄头上，却出了这大的岔子，假如要从此噤口不言，外间不明真相，难免多所猜疑，还许说是愚兄勾通作弊，将值钱的宝物，全都盗换入了私囊。将来以讹传讹，是跳到黄河也洗不清了。所以必须彰明昭著地声述一番，好平息外间浮议。第二种是愚兄上条陈，求这笔赃款，原是为革命党不肯就范，将来即以此款，为扫平革命之用。如今赃罚库既闹成这种样子，试问革命党是打呢，还是不打呢？”子城才说到这里，张得禄早跳起来，说：“打打打，本来早就应当打，全是皇太后妇人之仁，一定要同他们讲和，也不怕失了皇家的体统。如今和议既然破裂，这正是再好没有的机会。四哥你就放开手打吧。皇太后如果不乐意全有我呢！”项子城见他已经入彀，便说道：“打革命党，我是极赞成的，纵然皇太后不乐意，有老弟在旁边，当然也可以化解一切。但是未打仗以前，尚有一件最大的难题。这个难题要没有办法，仗也就不必打了。愚兄所愁的，是为这个，并不是愁打仗。”张得禄又问：“这个难题，到底是为什么事呢？”子城道：“你问什么事吗？就是为兵饷。好容易想出赃罚库这一条路子来，万没料到，竟自空空如也。如今再想第二条法子，可真有点大大不易了。”得禄笑道：“说来说去，还是为钱啊！这有什么难处，四哥明天拟一道旨意，叫各省速筹军饷若千万，押解来京，还不易如反掌吗？”子城笑道：“我的傻老弟，你把事太看容易了。目前各省纷纷独立，姑无论他们不肯解款，纵然有几省志在勤王，肯解点款子来，远水也解不了近渴呀！如今必须筹一笔急款，伸手便可以拿来，然后誓师讨贼，方能克期南下。这一笔急款，试问从何处去筹？倘然要筹得来，不但革命党毫无可虑，便是赃罚库那一案，也不难束之高阁，即刻消灭了。老弟也是随王伴驾的磐磐大才，可否替愚兄筹一筹，也省得我焦忧致疾，国事更不易为了。”

项子城连敲连捧的，说了这一套。得禄略一思索，忽然拍手道：“有了有了，我替你想出一笔巨款来，保管发军饷绰有余裕。”项子城听了，倏地立起身来，朝着张得禄深深请了一个大安，说愚兄先谢谢你。老弟果有筹款把握吗？不止军饷有着，连皇家也可以连带保全，将来你就是一位大功臣，皇太后一定要特别嘉奖。但不知你这法子，是从什么地方入手呢？得禄道：“你问入手吗，便是从皇家本身入手。当初慈禧老太后，在寿皇库中存着好几千万的现款，直到而今，并不曾挪用一文。这笔款子，正好移作军费。即以其人之款，还保其人之家，岂不比白白地丢在库中，任凭他去长锈强得多吗！”得禄说出了这个来历，论理项子城应当鼓掌赞成才对。哪知道他竟大谬不然，把头连摇了几摇，说老弟这法子，诚然高明得很，但是款子既是先太后的，先太后已经升遐，当然是由当今皇太后完全承袭。我们一个当臣子的，谁敢跑到太后驾前，点着名儿，要她的私款？这件事只好认为望梅止渴吧。得禄不等他说完，便抢着答道：“我的四哥，你怎的这样固执呢？方才我不是向你说过吗，完全由我一个人，在皇太后驾前游说一切，并用不着你去当面恳求。只要由你内阁总理大臣出名，上一封奏折，提出一个头儿来，以后的事，就交给我吧。但是我可不能白效力，款子领来，得给我提点成股。这事料想四哥一定能做得到。”项子城笑逐颜开地答道：“这事老弟要肯为力，一定可以成功，至于从中提一点成股，乃是应有的酬劳。老弟纵然不要求，愚兄也决然要替你办到。但是事不宜迟，坐而言就得起而行。我这里今天连夜将奏折缮好，明天一早，准可以递上去。你务必要见机而作，并且还得要严守秘密，千万别叫那些近支王公知道。他们全是守财奴，眼小如豆，成事不足，坏事有余，能肯把自己的江山社稷丢了，也决不肯掏腰拿出一文。他们要知道开寿皇库，凑集兵饷，必然要设法阻拦，那时误了军国大事，你老弟一腔热血，岂不是白卖了吗？”张得禄点头称是，又说几句闲话，方才告辞而去。

果然第二天的早晨，内阁呈进一封奏折，并不经值日太监的手，是张得禄自己当面呈与皇太后的。皇太后看了，踌躇了有两刻钟，又同张得禄在秘密殿中商议了一番，居然拿起笔来，批了“照准所请该衙门知道”九个字。得禄等太后批准了，便高高兴兴的，一面用电话通知了项宫保，说今天你的奏折，老佛爷已经批准了。但是这件事的手续，必须先通知内务府掌印钥大臣，然后才能办理。项子城在电话中再三致谢，说内务府大臣，由我这里知会他们，请你老弟也即刻到我家来，有事面议。得禄答应马上就去。项子城便派差官去请内务大臣。这时候，掌印钥的大臣只有两个人，一个是叫吉富，一个叫崇华。两人在内务府资格最老，全当过三四十年的差使，才熬到掌带印钥。两人的家中，全有千万之富，在北京要称得起数一数二的财主，穷奢极欲，差不多比王府还要阔加三分呢。赃罚库同寿皇库的钥匙，照例全是存在他两人手中。从前慈禧太后在世，因为每天必要开寿皇库门，自己查视一番，所以钥匙也在太后手中。自从慈禧崩逝，那个锁门的钥匙，隆裕太后便当面交给崇华，说我派你看寿皇库的大门，千万可要小心谨慎。崇华自兼了这份差使，倒是兢兢业业的，时刻也不敢疏忽。那一柄钥匙，老在他身上佩戴着，无论何人，他也不敢交付。上回查赃罚库，出了意外的岔儿，他益发害怕起来，生怕这事闹大了，连自己全担着不是。不料这一天项宫保竟自打发差官，到他宅邀请，说宫保有紧要大事，立候崇大人面商，请即刻就去，千万不要迟延。这一来，可把崇华吓坏了。心说这一定为赃罚库的事，宫保要彻底根究，我要去了，他倘然翻脸，我可怎么好呢？崇华是越想越怕，差官却立逼着他非走不可。崇华急了，拿出一千块钱的票子来，向差官说：“这一点小意思，请你收下，买一杯茶吃。回去替我向宫保美言，就说我热病才好，就怕见风，等再过两三天，我的病好了，一定去会见宫保，目前实在不能从命。”差官向他摇手道：“崇大人，请你把钱票子快拿回去！休说是一千，便是一万至十万，下官奉宫保命出来办公，也是不敢领的。请崇大人只管放心前往，宫保决然没有一点恶意。并且吉大人也在被请之列，并不止你一个人。快快走吧，不要耽延时刻了。”崇华一见这神气，知道非去不可，只是捏着头皮，吩咐套车，随差官一同到项宅来。 差官将他直引到后秘密室，交给谢大福，将他带至宫保屋中。崇华一进来，抬头观看，早吓得矮下了半截。What is your reason?原来是得禄同项宫保，正在对面谈话。吉富在得禄身后侍立着，不敢坐下。崇华一见得禄，犹如老鼠见猫一般，不顾得招呼项宫保，先朝得禄深深请安，口中还高声说：“请张老爷安！”得禄连眼皮也不抬一抬，仍然同项宫保谈话。倒是项子城见崇华到了，连忙起身让座，连说崇大人请坐。崇华因为没有得禄的吩咐，他哪里敢坐。得禄此时才慢慢立起身来，看了崇华一眼，然后高声说道：“佛爷有旨。”这一句不要紧，吓得崇华双膝跪下，口称奴才崇华跪接圣旨。得禄道：“佛爷叫你把寿皇库的钥匙交给项子城，并派你同吉富两人，跟同项子城开寿皇库，将里边金银取出来，全数点交清楚，听候应用。”崇华听他这样说，早吓得手足无措，心中不住突突乱跳，嘴里却答不上一句话来。得禄恼了，拍着桌子问道：“你怎么不言语，难道还敢抗旨吗？”崇华期期艾艾答道：“奴才不敢抗旨。奴才因为这事关系重大，奴才理应面见皇太后，再请一请训诲，然后才敢遵旨办理。”崇华才说到这里，得禄冷不防便踢了他一脚，破口骂道：“混账东西，难道我张老爷还假传圣旨不成？你不信看看这个！”说着从怀中将项子城奏折取出来，递到崇华手中，说不信叫你看。崇华战战兢兢地接过来，从头至尾看了一遍，又恭恭敬敬地递给得禄，说：“奴才这就遵旨办理。张老爷千万不要多心。我有多大胆子，敢不听你的话。常言说，小心无过失，我这出不过是小心罢了。”得禄从鼻子里哼了一声道：“嘿嘿，好不要脸，滚起来吧！”崇华这才起来，解开外衣的纽扣，从里边小衣服里，取出锁寿皇库的钥匙来，双手递给项子城，说宫保请收下吧。项子城道：“崇大人请你先带起来，少时咱们一同到寿皇库再请钥匙不迟。”崇华只得仍旧收藏起来，心中却老大不愤：你姓项的敲杠子，公然敲到皇室头上来，难得这位皇太后，也公然就能批准。偏偏内中又掺上一个张得禄，假如要没有他在当中打搅，我同吉富，还可以求见太后，陈说利害，请她老人家收回成命。怎奈有张得禄在前，我们有话也说不进去了。可见项子城手段真辣，他恐怕有人从中破坏，却先买好了得禄，使你无法可施。可见从前辅公爷说他是人中操莽，一点也不错的。崇华只低着头，心中默默打算。项子城早已派好了赵秉衡，替他去点收寿皇库款项，又派了郑尔城带三百拱卫军，在宫门外等候扛抬库款。张得禄应许派几十名有力的小太监，由宫中往外运送。一切手续全商议好了，然后由赵秉衡偕同崇华、吉富，到寿皇库中点收一切。项子城做事，向来是敏捷速快，只需半天的工夫，所有寿皇库中慈禧太后个人私蓄，已运出了一大半。所运的，全是金银硬货。至于珍珠宝石，翡翠碧玺，各种宝物，却一件也没敢动，反倒由赵秉衡点明白，开了一纸清单，呈与皇太后备案，并责成崇、吉两人，要谨慎地看守保存。这一笔寿皇库的款项，在未搬运以前，项子城既稳住了张得禄，又拘来了崇华、吉富，做得非常机密。所怕的是被近支王公知道了，他们一定要出头阻拦，倘然生了波折，再也想不出第二条法子来了。因此利用张得禄，降伏了崇、吉二人，然后由他们手中取到钥匙，神不知鬼不觉的，将这一笔巨款弄到手中。以后再有人知道，也不怕了。 果然崇、吉两人，出了宫门，便去见醇亲王载沣、恩亲王奕劻。老恩王因为同项子城要好，对这件事，倒没有反对的表示。唯有醇王因为项子城夺了他的政权，心中正积愤不舒，忽然听见这消息，恰好似火上浇油，立时勃然大怒。说这还了得，他这简直是设局诓骗。数千万巨款，乃是先太后积铢累寸存下的，并非容易。如今三言五语，便被他全数骗了去，这真是以朝廷为儿戏了。张得禄里勾外连，甘心做汉奸，也无足怪，怎么皇太后也这样糊涂呢？你无论如何，应当同我们大家商议商议，怎么轻描淡写地就允许了呢？这事无论如何，我们近支几家王公，得要同他争一争，至不济争回一半来，也就不在少处了。醇王发过牢骚，当时便指派崇、吉两人，到各王公家去送信，定于明日午前，一同进宫面见皇太后，请她收回成命，并严旨饬项子城，即日将库款原封送回，不得缺少一个。崇、吉两人领命去了。所有各亲王郡王，贝子贝勒，镇辅国公的宅里，差不多全走到了。内中有跟醇王表同情的，有不赞成醇王意见的，更有怕项子城不敢多事，对于这件事不赞一词的。究竟是少年王公气盛，与醇王抱一个宗旨的，也居然有二十多位。当日晚间，便各集醇王府商议，明日面奏，怎样措词。一个个慷慨激昂，大有与项子城不能两立之势。 第二天一早，大家在宫门聚齐。值日的侍卫，见来了这许多王公贝勒，如何敢阻拦他们，只好回明了领侍卫内大臣，请示怎样对付。领班的大臣是严亲王，昨天晚上，他也在与议之列，本是随着醇王一班人，很表同情的。如今见他们来到，焉有不欢迎之理？便一直将这许多人，先让到他的办公处。然后去寻值日太监，说明众家王公，来给皇太后请安，并有军国大事当面奏陈。值日太监也做不得主意，又去寻张得禄，请示他怎样办理。得禄道：“他们这老早的来做什么？太后老佛爷才起床，还不曾梳头呢。你对他们大家说，先回去，等我请示太后，何时召见他们，再派人知会，不必在这里候着了。”值日太监答应一声去了，不大工夫，又匆匆跑回来，向得禄回道：“请总管自己对他们说去吧。这些人蛮不讲理，当时非见太后不可。我再三阻拦，反倒把醇王招恼了，张口就骂我是混账东西。又说什么我们家二百多年江山，全要丢在你们身上了。你去对你们总管说，今天见也得见，不见也得见。谁要阻拦，便坐以欺君之罪！总管请想，我们一个当小差使的，还敢多说话吗？”张得禄一听，不觉气往上撞，说这还了得，他们要造反呀！等我自己去见他们。说罢便一直来到领侍卫公处。举目一看，乌压压将三间明着的屋子，全坐满了。这些人见得进来，有多一半站起来招呼，唯独醇王、恭王、择公三个人，却端然坐着不动。得禄向大家道：“老佛爷才起床，还没有梳头呢，如何肯见你们？只好请诸位先回去，等下午我奏明了佛爷，是否召见，再听信吧。”得禄的话尚未说完，只见择公先说道：“今天我们来见太后，是关系皇家存亡的事，不能再拘那君臣常礼。好在我们全是近支，不是先帝的弟兄，便是太后的侄辈，梳头不梳头，也没有什么要紧。就求你先上去替回一声吧。”得禄还要阻拦，只见恭王瞪起眼睛来喝道：“你这混账奴才！要再花马吊嘴的，拦挡我们，我们这就下手，先打你一顿，然后闯进宫去，纵然落个欺君罪也不怕的。”恭王一壁说着，一壁揎拳挽袖，势将动武。醇王、择公也站起来，仿佛调停道：“张总管，你就去回一声吧。太后决不能不见，你也决担不着不是。”得禄见他二人调停，便也借此下台，说我看你二位的面子，上去回一回。老佛爷肯见不肯见，我可没有把握。他嘴里说着，脚底下早已跑出多远去了。得禄见着太后，便故甚其词的，说一班王公气势汹汹的，也不知要做什么，一死儿非见佛爷不可。据奴才想，他们一定是有什么难题，特特跑了来为难佛爷。佛爷简直下一道朱谕，申饬申饬他们，不准召见，看他们到底怎样。皇太后沉吟了一刻，说他们既来了，我要不见他们，倒显我有什么愧心，不敢同他们朝面，难道我还怕他们不成？这样吧，我在坤宁宫正殿全班召见，看他们倒有什么话说？得禄见太后这样，自己也不便再拦，便口传懿旨：太后老佛爷升坤宁宫正殿，召见王公贝勒，各值日太监侍卫，及内务府堂司，敬谨预备。 他一面传旨，一面却跑回自己办公室中，给项子城通电话，口对口地告诉他，说现在来了二三十个近支王公，要见皇太后，当面奏事。看他们那神气，气势汹汹的，不知又要对付谁。我既然知道，不能不对四哥说一声，你好有些预备。项子城道：“多承老弟关照，回头他们倘然为款子的事，出来捣乱，请你老弟只管撺掇他们，到我这里来坐讨，我自有法子对付他们。”说完了便将耳机挂上。张得禄匆匆跑到领侍卫办公处，向大家说，老佛爷有旨，特御坤宁宫正殿，召见一班王公。你们随领班的侍卫大臣，这就上去好了。他交代完了，这里严亲王在头里带领一班王公，步行至坤宁宫。在宫门外又候了有一刻钟的工夫，得禄才出来，招呼他们进去，这些人按着班次，鱼贯而入。来到丹墀之下，一齐跪下行礼。皇太后道：“今天特别施恩，你们有什么事，可站起来回奏。”各王公谢过恩，一同立起身来，恭恭敬敬地站在一旁。大家本是推定了，请醇王发言，因此醇王向前略进半步，奏道：“臣等无事也不敢惊动圣驾。因为项子城欺蒙君上，诓骗寿皇库巨款，居心叵测，罔上营私，请皇太后速降严旨，仍将该款收回，以备将来缓急之用，便是先太后在天之灵，也不至抱恨。臣等分属宗亲，不能漠视，无论如何，要请皇太后俯允所请。”醇王奏毕，皇太后叹道：“你们这一番好意，我也深知，但是，你们只知其一，不知其二。我何尝乐意开寿皇库呢？你们要知道，如今和议已经破裂，革命党眼看就要杀到北京。要没有得力大军，前往迎头拒敌，一旦兵临城下，难道我们母子，还能衔壁舆榇，面缚请降吗？既然要官军出力，头一样就得发饷。目前库空如洗，各省又纷纷独立，无人解款。项子城朝着我要兵饷，我又朝着谁要去呢？你们既爱惜寿皇库的款，不愿充作兵饷，这也是极好的事。但是这一笔救命的款子，你们大家可得分担起来。你们自能摊出两千万元，我立刻便能下旨，令项子城仍将库款缴还。你们就斟酌复我一句吧。”这些王公，本是欺负皇太后老实，所以敢来要挟，却没料到太后竟说出这一套来，大家面面相觑，谁也不肯承认拿钱。其实他们要知趣的，大家认一个不是，从此退出宫来，一言不发，清室的运命，对付着还能多缓和几日。偏偏醇王、择公挟有成见，想同项子城捣乱，便强词夺理，硬驳皇太后的话。说项子城的话全不可靠，革命党绝不敢北来。畿辅现有十几镇官兵，那些镇统，全抱着耿耿忠心，报效皇室，月饷全有指定的款，并无须中央补助。项子城不过假借他们的名义，向皇太后骗款。臣等在外边，深知这些情形，所以才敢上达圣听。皇太后只管向他索要，他决然不敢抗旨。这笔款子，仍然可以收得回来。太后道：“你们准有十分把握吗？”醇王尚未答言，洵贝勒便抢着回道：“臣等要没有把握，也不敢向皇太后驾前妄奏啊。”太后道：“既然这样，我就派你同择公两个人，先到项子城家里，将这意思对他说明，看他怎样答复你们。他如果肯还，那时我再降旨不迟。”洵、择两人，见太后把这种差事派在他们身上，倒有点踌躇起来。有心去吧，知道项子城不是好缠的；要不去吧，太后既派在头上，既不能抗旨，又不便示弱。正在低头沉吟，张得禄在太后身旁代催道：“老佛爷既然派你两人去，你们还有什么犹豫的。再说这种事原是你们反对，如今老佛爷既重视你们的意思，派你两人前往索讨，你们又想抗旨不遵，难道还能请老佛爷自己去讨吗？”得禄这几句话，把洵