Chapter 73 The 70th Empress Dowager issued an edict to follow the people's heart, and the Socialist Party turned its helm to a new look

The Empress Dowager folded the telegram together and pushed it down the Longshu table, and only said, "Look at it", she fell back and passed out.Fortunately, the throne she was sitting on was carved from sandalwood, and it was extremely heavy. Even though she fell backwards, the chair did not move at all.When Zhang Delu saw the queen mother fainted, he ran immediately, held her up with his arms, and called the other eunuchs to quickly bring the soft sedan chair over.Everyone supported the queen mother and got into the soft sedan chair.Delu supported it inside, and was carried to the bedroom by eight eunuchs.He also called the quick pass to the imperial doctor on duty to come to the palace for consultation.Many princes and princes here, seeing the queen mother leaving in a sedan chair, knelt on the ground one by one, and chanted their titles in their mouths.At this time, the Queen Mother, where can I hear it.However, Zhang Delu felt deeply wronged, and shouted to the crowd in the sedan chair: "Forget it! You all forced this catastrophe. If Lafayette has something good or bad, you should be careful, the crime of deceiving the king will never escape!" While he was talking, the sedan chair had already gone a long way.

Although the princes and princes here are unhappy, do they dare to say anything now?I had to be patient, stood up slowly, and picked up the telegram memorials on the ground one by one.Everyone ran to the bright place outside the hall and rushed to watch.Oops, it really is not good.It turns out that the telegrams received by the cabinet and the telegrams received by the Ministry of Internal Affairs were all taken from the same place.The leader is Duan Jixiang, and the rest are Feng Guohua, Cao Huchen, Wang Zhankui, Lu Changrui, etc. There are twenty or thirty people in total. Always changed face.The meaning of the words in the telegram is that the people of the whole country are all inclined to democracy, and there is no room for the monarchy.The ministers and others were favored by the royal family, and they should have devoted themselves to the fatal situation to save this decadent wave. However, the sergeants of the troops unanimously demanded to stop the war and declare a republic.The minister and others persuaded him again and again, but it was ineffective after all.Therefore, I have no choice but to appeal to my empress dowager and the emperor to love the people as the most important thing, follow this trend, follow the example of Tang Yao, Yushun, and Zen the country to the people, so that the war can be stopped early, and the country will not be shaken. blessing.If you don't accept what the ministers said, the ministers can only lead the troops under their command and come to Beijing to ask for orders.The call is urgent, and the death penalty is terrified.At the end, there are two more sentences, saying that the reason why the photo was sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs was because Xiang, the prime minister of the cabinet, was not necessarily willing to submit the telegram of his ministers and others to the imperial court, so he could only make a secondary telegram to listen to the sky.After reading these two telegrams, the princes were probably stunned and unable to say a word.It was King Chun who had been in charge for a few days and was a little more knowledgeable than everyone else. He sighed and said that we all blamed us for being too reckless in this matter.At that time, he knew to ask for money from the Shouhuang treasury, but he forgot to do so.The pivot of this matter lies entirely in Xiangzicheng alone.But at this time he has something to say, but we have nothing to say.Now take a look at what he said in the memorial, and then try to save room.As he said that, he opened the memorial of Xiangzi City and shared it with everyone.It turned out to be a letter of resignation, to the effect that since I took office, I have been anxious day and night, and have already suffered from illness, so I dare not resign for fear of losing the grace of the Empress Dowager.The soldiers at the front were desperate for pay, so they raised money from Shouhuang's treasury for temporary relief, so as to inspire the soldiers to deal with the revolutionaries.Unexpectedly, the princes and princes Baylor did not understand this intention, and the empress dowager must recover the money.The minister did not dare to resist the order, so he had to let the princes call for money.Unexpectedly, after the telegram was shot, the generals received calls the next day. Not only did they have no intention of repaying the money, but they also blatantly demanded that the emperor take the throne and rebuild a democratic country, and even threatened him with military force.When I read this telegram, my chest was filled with righteous indignation, and I fell into a coma for two hours at that time.The minister asked himself that his talents are weak and his strength is weak, and he really can't resist this catastrophe. He can only appeal to the empress dowager, the emperor, to be extra reserved, go to the cabinet, the prime minister, and other talented people to deal with a group of soldiers, and the revolutionary party in the south. The foundation of the ten thousand years of Taoism in Shengqing is not only the luck of the minister alone, but the luck of the overall situation.

After everyone finished reading his memorial, some of them who had taken the medicine for confusion rushed to say, "Since Xiang Zicheng has resigned, let him go. Could it be that without him, we wouldn't be able to do business? It's all about him." It's a bad idea, he left, and there will be a turnaround immediately." King Chun said: "Hurry up! At this time, he is allowed to resign, and within three days, Duan Jixiang will lead the soldiers from all walks of life, and he will be able to come to Beijing At that time, not only will we become captives, but the empress dowager and the emperor will all feel uneasy. Do we really have the heart to call the ancestral temple, Qiuxu, and the empress dowager mother and son to surrender to them?" King Chun choked up when he said this. into sound.Belle Yulang stood up and said: "My lord sees it very well. Now Yulang has an idea, I don't know if it can be done?" King Chun hurriedly asked him what idea he had, and said it quickly for everyone to consider.Yulang said: "Now that we are pushed to this point, all of us can no longer stand out. One, the Empress Dowager is not at ease, and the other is that Xiangzi City doesn't see us. It is best to invite another ordinary Those who are close to Xiangzicheng and can have a private conversation with him should meet him first and take a breath. If there is room for redemption, don't be afraid to give him an official title, as long as he doesn't resign, this matter may be easy to handle " King Chun said: "Where is there such a comparable person?" Yulang said: "Why not, now the old Enwang is his teacher, and there are many benefits to treating him in the past. Could it be that at this critical moment, the old man just Can you just sit back and watch?" Chun Wang said: "Yes, let him go now, why did I forget it! If this is the case, go and persuade him!" Before Yulang could answer, Zaixing said early: "Forget it, you people go, the old man will definitely not come out. The day before yesterday, Prince Chun dated everyone, and the old man complained for a long time, saying that this matter must be deadlocked. Yesterday I went back to the mansion to teach him, and he spat in the face Let me take a bite. Tell you children, don’t be too happy, there is a lot of fun to come! I was very angry at the time, thinking that the old man was crazy, but I didn’t expect him to guess it. Now I turn back Beg him, he must say that since you will cause trouble, you will have a way to get rid of it, so you don't have to come looking for me, I don't care. Isn't this a waste of time?" Yulang said: "This is also reasonable. As far as I think, we I still have to go to the Empress Dowager and ask Lafayette to issue an order to summon King En into the palace. If there is an important matter to be discussed, he will have to come. As long as he comes, the Empress Dowager will appoint him face to face, and he can no longer shirk." King Chun said: " This is a very good idea. But the Empress Dowager is sick, how can we see it?" Yulang said: "There is no need to meet the Empress Dowager for this matter, as long as we find Zhang Delu, he is willing to help us, this matter will be all right Already." King Chun said: "I'm afraid it's not easy. The day before yesterday we all offended Zhang Delu very bitterly, and he still can't hate him now, so how can he help us again?" Yulang laughed and said, "Why is the lord so stubborn? Like These people don't care about grievances, as long as they give money, they can do anything. Please write me a check for 5,000 yuan, and I will go to see him. I will keep it and talk about it and it will be successful." The matter is so crowded here, King Chun is also afraid Putting this big thing on himself, he had to endure the stomachache. At that time, he took out a check, wrote 5,000 yuan, and handed it to Yulang. Yulang went to find Zhang Delu alone.

At this time, the empress dowager returned to the bedroom, and the imperial doctor had already checked the pulse, saying that the liver was hurt by anger, and after taking the medicine, she had to rest for three days before reading official affairs.Delu was waiting by his side, but he didn't dare to leave without taking a step.Unexpectedly, the little eunuchs on the left and right suddenly whispered something into his ear.Delu frowned and said: "What do they come here to find me again? Lafayette is disturbed by them. Could it be that he is not satisfied and wants to make trouble?" The little eunuch whispered again: "The only ones who come are Rambelle is alone. He and the manager are very close, so we dare to go back and forth. He also said that there is some gift that should be given to the manager in person, so he dare not neglect him. The manager must not be there, so we have to reply to him When Zhang Delu heard that there was a gift, he didn't look like Caicai, and said that I didn't see him, because Lafayette was always inseparable from people, and I always felt uneasy when I left.How about this, let's ask Director Wang to replace him for a while.Instruct the little eunuch to invite Wang Degong here, and repeatedly enjoin, don't leave a step, I will come as soon as I go.After he agreed, he hurried to the guard's office to meet with Yulang.As soon as they met, they complained, saying that it was not you people who made trouble out of nothing and forced this catastrophe.Now Lafayette has also fallen ill, Xiang Gongbao is no longer working, and the generals have changed their minds. You should find a way to deal with it.Yulang had no choice but to apologize, and said a lot of good things, and finally asked the empress dowager to call Enwang to discuss a solution.Delu shook his head like a rattle, even saying that he couldn't do it.Lafayette is sick like that, who dares to trouble her again.Since you want old Enwang to come forward, why don't you invite him yourself?Yulang took out the check for 5,000 yuan, saying that it was a small matter, that King Chun gave the manager a bag of tea to express his apology.Old En Wang's character, because of his usual status, the manager is not ignorant, at this time we want to ask him to take the lead, how can it be effective?We can only take advantage of the empress dowager's big hat and force him to do it.Even though Lafayette is ill, as long as the manager is willing to do his best, there is nothing impossible for her to mention a few words in front of her.As long as the Buddha approves, and the manager calls En Wangfu, will he still dare not come?He is here, please ask the manager to speak the words of heaven, say a few more words for Lafayette, and transfer this heavy burden to his shoulders, all of us will be grateful.Delu sneered and said, "You guys are so kind-hearted. You caused this disaster, but you want to shift the responsibility to others. I, Zhang Delu, don't do such a bad thing! Five thousand yuan, just invite someone, he Whether you are willing to do it or not is another question. If you want me to help you, give me another 10,000 yuan. Otherwise, I won’t say a word, and if it happens, I will let you know.” Yulang said something in his heart Worse.If you don't agree, he will really ruin it; if you agree, you have to pay at the time, and there is no time to go back and discuss with them; Problem.Then I thought about it, the reason why I am a dignified Baylor is that I can enjoy the rights for a day because of the existence of the Qing Dynasty;It's nothing to spend thousands of dollars in front of you?Thinking of this, he discussed it with Zhang Delu in a pleasant manner.Said Mr. Zhang, you want to ask for more money, which is not a big deal.As far as our brother's usual friendship is concerned, it's too much.But at this critical time, where is the time to consult them again.How about this, didn't King Chun give five thousand, brother, I will add another five thousand.In fact, my identity is not comparable to that of King Chun, because since Master Zhang opened his mouth, how dare brothers reject it.How much, please forgive me a little.After finishing speaking, he took out the branch book and filled in the number.Zhang Delu also generously agreed.When the 10,000 yuan came into his hands, he slapped the bridge of the nose, saying that you only care about Wan'an, and I have it all!Yulang made another deep greeting, saying that everything was done thanks to Master Zhang, so he left just now.

Here Delu hurried back to the palace, and saw that the Empress Dowager had already sat up on the soft pillow.As soon as I saw Delu, I asked you where you went and why you didn't come back for a long time.Delu hurriedly bowed and replied: "Lafayette is sick like this, how dare this slave leave without permission? Just because a few important telegram seals in the hall are still in their hands, this slave is not at ease, so Tete ran to tell him They ask for it back." Hearing this, the Empress Dowager frowned and asked, "Since you saw this group of ignorant scum, have you ever questioned them, is there any way to redeem them?" Delu snorted and said: "My Buddha, you still ask them, these things, when they saw the telegram seal, they were all so frightened that they peed and shit, one by one, you looked at me, I looked at you, and they couldn't even fart. I have an idea!" The Empress Dowager sighed, and said, "I expected this day to come. They made trouble this time, and it's hard for our mother and child. Cough, the country and society of our ancestors for more than two hundred years, is it like this? Can you just give it up lightly?" When the Empress Dowager spoke up to this point, the tears in her eyes were like broken pearls, they couldn't stop flowing.Delu said on the side: "According to the family law of the ancestors, the slaves did not dare to listen to politics, but now, seeing the old Buddha so anxious, the slaves are stabbed like knives. If there is anything to see, even if they are smashed to pieces, they still want to say something. Yes." The Empress Dowager asked without waiting for him to finish, "What do you have in mind, just say it straight, I forgive you for not guilty." Delu kowtowed to thank you.Standing up, he said, "It's not difficult for the Lord Buddha to solve this problem. He must have a solution if he only summons the old King En into the palace." The empress dowager immediately cheered up and said, "Well, how do you say this? I'm also sick and confused, how could I forget this old man? He has no other person to do this matter. You go quickly and call him into the palace." Delu led the empress dowager Not daring to be negligent for a moment, he immediately called from the palace to Prince En's Mansion, explaining that he is Manager Zhang, and asked the old prince to speak in person.At this time, King En was rejecting his young master Zaixing, when he heard a call from the palace, he angrily said to Zaixing, "It's all the trouble you kids gave me.While talking, he came to answer the phone.After saying two or three sentences to each other, King En said: "Since it is the queen mother's order, how dare I not go? Please wait a little longer, Mr. Zhang." After finishing speaking, he hung up the earphones and ordered the sedan chair to be passed.The old man didn't bother to change into his court clothes, so he hurried into the palace in a sedan chair in plain clothes.When Delu saw him coming, he immediately led him to the empress dowager's bedroom.Waiting outside the door for a while, Delu came in to play back.The Empress Dowager summoned King En to his bedroom and told him face-to-face.It is rare for princes and ministers to be summoned to the bedroom. Unless they dictate a will when they are dying, this canon cannot be recited.This time King En was summoned into the palace, but he was conscientious. Following Delu, he was still a few steps away from the imperial couch, so he knelt down, proclaiming that his minister Yikuang knelt down to ask the Empress Dowager Shengan.The queen mother was on the imperial couch, and said weakly: "Give you a flat body. Take a low stool from the left and right, and Yiqian, sit down and talk." The old King En kowtowed: "Such a special ceremony is not suitable for the ancestors' family. Please forgive me, the empress dowager." The empress dowager sighed, and said: "Now that the ancestors, the country and the country, cannot be preserved, what family law is there? Don't be afraid, sit on your own. Let's talk." En Wang kowtowed: "This is absolutely impossible. The empress dowager is like pity for the old and weak, please give me a cotton pad, and I will kneel on it, and it will be very good. Standing up and playing back, it is considered Kuang Dian." The Queen Mother said: "In this case, you can talk standing up." King En kowtowed again and thanked him, and then he stood up, bent over, bowed his head, and listened to the Queen Mother. instructions.The queen mother said: "Zhang Delu, take the telegram and the memorial, and ask Enwang to have a look first." This matter was purely squeezed out by all the princes. At that time, the old officials did not know the details, and they did not dare to intervene. Now that the matter is like this, even the old officials are helpless. How to deal with it, please show the empress dowager. All the old officials can do what they can Yes, even though I go through fire and water, I dare not refuse." The queen mother said: "I am a woman, and I was misunderstood by them. What else can I do? I am calling you now because I want to send you to see Xiangzicheng first. As long as he If you don't insist on resigning, there is still room for saving this matter. You should go there as soon as possible!" En Wang said: "The old minister must go to see him. But I am not sure if it can be redeemed or not." The queen mother said: "Do it. Well, it’s everyone’s good luck; if you can’t do it well, you can’t blame you alone. You just have to rest assured.” King En gave a command and stepped back.But he didn't dare to delay for a moment, he went out of the palace gate, and immediately flew to Xiang's house in a sedan chair.

When he arrived at the gate, he jumped out of the sedan chair without waiting for an announcement, and asked the guard to take his business card to lead the way before entering the gate.The guards guarding the gate just wanted to go over to stop it. A gatekeeper on duty had come over long ago. When he saw the business card, he greeted King En deeply, and said loudly: "Please greet the old prince!" King En nodded, saying that you lead me Let's go see Kung Pao.The door official replied: "Please sit down in the inner living room for a while, the old prince, and the door official will answer immediately." It's okay for King En to say, and come in with him.Let him go to the living room first, then he hurried back.After a short time, I heard the shout from inside: "Gongbao come out to meet the prince!" With this shout, Xiang Zicheng came out hurriedly with four or five people in plain clothes.As soon as he entered the living room, he first knelt down to greet the Empress Dowager, and then deeply greeted King En, saying that the disciple did not know that the teacher Wang was coming, and did not greet him at the gate.En Wang said: "We ourselves, how can we have these etiquette?" Xiang Zicheng said: "What does the master have to say? You can call the disciple to the mansion. Why bother to drive the car yourself? How can this student be worthy?" "Ever since you escaped danger, I've been worried about you all the time. How can I ask you to go again? Besides, state affairs should be kept secret. There are many people in my house, so it's better to talk about it with you." Xiang Zi The city ordered the left and right to quickly carry the soft chair for two people, and invite the old prince to the back room for a secret talk.The room here is too cold, don't look at the frozen body of the prince.When I was young, the soft chair was brought over, and King En and Xiangzicheng sat on each other, and walked through several courtyards before arriving at Xiangzicheng's living room.Everyone helped King En down, like holding a saint, into the house, helped him to the bed, and asked him to lie down and rest.King En refused, saying that I was not tired.Xiang Zicheng said with a smile: "Master Wang, why is he so polite when he comes to his disciples? Please lean on it casually. There are ginseng and big earth cream here. Although it is not as good as the one in the mansion, it is still usable. Please, Teacher Wang Take a breath or two for your face, and you can also escape the cold air a little bit." Seeing his earnestness, King En had no choice but to lean his body on the bed.There was a waiter who had arranged the pillows and asked the prince to lie down.Then he took out the carved lacquer tray, put it away, and knelt down on the bed to burn the cigarette.After it was installed, it was respectfully delivered to the lips of the prince.King En took half a puff and said that your smoke is so strong that you have too much ginseng.Xiang Zicheng said: "It's nothing, it's cooked by Tong Ren Tang, and all the top-quality American ginseng is used. Although the mouth is strong, it doesn't have much anger. Teacher Wang, please take a breath." En Wang only took this one mouthful. After finishing, I sat up, shook my head slightly, and said that I would stop smoking.The servant hurriedly offered tea.

Xiang Zicheng sat on the sidelines to accompany them, only talking about trivial gossips, but didn't mention a word about the current situation.King En had no choice but to speak to him first, saying brother, you have worked very hard for the country recently.Xiang Zicheng didn't answer, but first showed a very miserable look, saying that it was good if the master didn't mention being a country, but if he mentioned the word being a country, his disciples would really feel ashamed.King En said: "How can I blame you for this? It's always this group of children who are in the dark and make trouble out of nothing, so they squeeze out this big thing, and the trouble is so big that I can't clean it up. Now the old man comes here in person. It is to make amends for them, and the two are to persuade my brother to give up his resignation no matter what, so as to maintain this mess. If you encounter any difficulties and obstacles in the future, tell the old man yourself, and the old man will definitely resolve it for you with all his strength. "Old Enwang's words are finally euphemistic and sincere, very pleasant to listen to.After he finished speaking, he looked at Xiang Zicheng and waited for his answer.Unexpectedly, Xiang Zicheng suddenly burst into tears.When he cried, it was not good for Old En Wang to let him cry, and it was not good to persuade him not to cry, it was really a dilemma.After waiting for a while, I had to persuade with tears in my eyes: "brother, you are sad, the old man understands very well. But it is useless to cry all over the country. I hope you will stop your grief for a while, and let's discuss it in a long-term way. Alright." Xiang Zicheng stopped his tears and was still choked with sobs. It took him a long time to speak, and he said to Old En Wang: "The disciple is full of grievances, so I dare not vent it in front of the master, because the master has treated you so badly just now. The disciple said this, and the disciple felt sad, so he had to learn from Ruan Ji's poor way of crying, and he couldn't help frightening the master, it's really a sin." King En said: "If you have any grievances, you may as well tell the old man in detail, and I will be able to do it. I can do my best for you." Xiang Zicheng said: "Teacher Wang treats his students with great respect. If students have any difficulties, of course they should tell the teacher. But this time an accident happened, so the students have no room for maneuver. Even if they report to the teacher at this time I'm afraid there is nothing I can do. When the princes of the family asked for the refund of the treasury money, the disciples had already expected that it was not an auspicious omen, but thinking about it, more than half of the officers in the outer towns were selected by the disciples themselves, and the court treated them It's not too thin, no matter what, it won't change its face, so I sent the call according to the wishes of the princes. I never expected that they would be so bold, openly betray the court, and make such a counter call. It's really undreamed of From this point of view, they obviously communicated with the revolutionary army a long time ago, and even if the disciples went to call to resolve it, it would be useless. During the incident, they always complained that the disciples had no loyalty to the country at the top, and no understanding of others at the bottom. Hearing about politics. My teacher, Wang Bingzheng, has been admired by both Chinese and foreign countries for 30 years. The responsibility to clean up the mess is none other than the teacher. Please come out resolutely, without hesitation." Get up, wave your hands at Xiang Zicheng again and again, saying, dear brother, you pity the old man's dying years, don't say such words again.The old man came today, if you don't want to be annoying, I just ask you not to resign.No matter what, you have to promise me this sentence.Xiang Zicheng said: "How dare the disciples disobey the orders of the king of reasoning? But in the current situation, the disciples refuse to resign. What else can I do? The morale of the army has changed and they refuse to obey my command. They will join forces with the Revolutionary Party again, Come to Beijing sooner or later, other than arresting him without a fight, is there any other way for the disciples?" These words made old En Wang speechless.He lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then asked Xiang Zicheng, "According to you, is there any other way besides not resigning?" They are all ten times higher than the disciples, if there is any special magic method that can save the emergency, the disciples will definitely agree."

Xiang Zicheng's words were clearly intended to force an idea out of King En's mouth.Although old En Wang is cowardly and incompetent, he has been in military aircraft for more than 30 years, and he is now over 70 years old.But he was still a bit unwilling to say inappropriate words from his mouth.Helplessly, Xiang Zicheng's straight-forward rhetoric, if he can't come up with a reason, there will be a stalemate in front of him. Maybe Xiang Zicheng really ordered his officers to go straight to Beijing.At that time, not only the sect society Qiuxu, but also his own huge mansion and tens of millions of private pockets will have to be paid for.Thinking of this, I had no choice but to be ruthless, show off a little bit of sweetness first, and cage Xiang Zicheng, and then discuss a solution with him.Then he said with great emotion: "My dear brother, it doesn't matter who has the experience and insight, we only want to preserve the dignity of the royal family, and don't let the Pope and Empress Dowager suffer panic and danger. As for whether the government can exist or not, that is the second question. What do you think, brother?" Xiang Zicheng said: "What the master has seen is so great that the disciples are really ashamed. Preservation is the way to go. Even if it is the republic of the emperor, it finally has such a name. It’s just that those revolutionary parties are really hateful. Tang Shaoyi negotiated with them for two months, but she still couldn’t give in, and she returned with anger. Now this group is added The warriors are causing trouble, and their arrogance is even greater. I don’t know what the teacher king can do to overcome this difficulty, so that the name of my holy and pure monarch will last forever.” Old En Wang laughed loudly: “Your words, my brother It's too far away. With a veteran diplomat like Tang Shaoyi, after talking for two months, they still can't change their minds. What else can I do? As far as I think, it's best to use all the nominal vanity of the royal family at the cost of years. Gu Quan, as for the political power, please let the court completely let it go, let us find a responsible person in the north for the time being, and don't let this kind of power fall into the hands of the southern revolutionary party. This is a good way. What do you think, brother? Xiang Zicheng said: "Teacher Wang's vision is so bold, he can really keep his face, and make the world safe on Mount Tai. According to the disciples, it is best to ask Teacher Wang to come out and take over the political power. After a few years, today At that time, the revolutionary party had been gradually wiped out, and then the political power was completely returned. This is the same as Zhou Zhao’s republican administration and Zhou Xuan’s return. Isn’t it comparable to the latter!” King En waved his hands again and again: “You are reasonable. It is very true, but at this time I must not stand out. Their revolutionary party kept calling for the Manchus. Now that the royal family has abdicated, the Manchus still continue to rule. Isn’t that a joke? According to the old man’s humble opinion, this It's better to let you, my virtuous brother, take charge of the matter directly. One can avoid many side issues; both of them will return to power in the future when you become an adult, and your virtuous brother will return the power. It also shows that you have perseverance and will not be taken advantage of by others. This is really true. There is a sure way. Other than this, I can't think of a second way. You don't have to refuse any more." Xiang Zicheng said: "Your disciple has received the emperor's favor for generations, how dare you take the chance? But this In the meantime, there is also a danger. If the imperial court implements abdication, and the teacher and king are afraid to hear about politics because they avoid suspicion, and the disciples stand by and watch because of their loyalty, all the political power in the future will inevitably fall into the hands of the southern revolutionary party. The purpose of Sun Wen's life is to be full. If he holds the power of the whole country, is the future of the royal family still conceivable? The disciples are concerned about this, so they dare not be too hypocritical and stubborn about the instructions of the teacher Wang. But We have made up our minds that in the future, this loyalty will always be revealed to the future generations, and we will be worthy of the ancestors of the world. As for the present, it is like a magic trick. As long as we can cover their eyes, we can get through the difficulties. In the future, If you think about it slowly, it will be easier." Old En Wang Wan did not expect that Xiang Zicheng would not show any attitude, and openly agreed.I said in my heart that this man is really amazing, and I have finally fallen into his trap.However, in the middle of the matter, there was nothing I could do, so I had no choice but to push the boat along and put this heavy burden on him first.Thinking of this, he firmly said: "Oh, it is my brother's vision and courage, which is far from others. This is also because my sage's virtue is long and my ancestors are blessed, so my savior is born. Otherwise, really I want to continue for Zhu Mingzhi." Xiang Zicheng didn't wait for him to finish, then smiled slightly and said, "Teacher Wang, take time to be happy. This matter is just a private discussion between our teachers and students. As for whether it can be implemented, I'm afraid it is still far away. Very good! In the first stage, although the empress dowager is a sage, she is a woman, so she may not have such foresight; in the second stage, those princes and princes, Baylor, are reluctant to give up even a little money from the Shouhuang treasury. Now they insist on giving up the monarchy. How can they agree? According to the disciples, let's ignore it and just push it to them and let them go to hell." King En said: "You don't have to worry about these two barriers, the old man has a solution. Now I just ask you to give everyone The warriors called to stop them from moving around. Please spare some time to discuss the procedures of abdication and the terms of preferential treatment to the royal family, that's all right." After saying this, the old King En got up and left.Xiang Zicheng sent out the gate of the mansion.

King En got into the sedan chair and went straight into the palace.After seeing the empress dowager, he said that Xiang Zicheng's resignation was very firm and irreversible.The generals from all walks of life communicated with the revolutionary party and prepared to issue a mobilization order to attack Beijing directly.And this time is different from the change of boxers in the Gengzi Year. Although there are foreign aggressions in the Gengzi Year, all provinces still know to be loyal to the imperial court. Therefore, the first mother and the first emperor can take advantage of Xi'an and escape for a while. Now that Shanxi has declared independence, the people who go to Xi'an The road is impassable, and the only option is to stay in Beijing and wait for death.Other than that, there is no other way.When the empress dowager listened to the old Enwang's threatening speech, she was so frightened that her color changed, and she asked tremblingly: "According to what you said, isn't there no way out for us all? What emergency is there? Is there any way?" King En said: "There is only one way to save the emergency, but as a courtier, I dare not take the liberty to play it out. Only by asking the Empress Dowager to think far and wide, and Kun Gang's arbitrary decision, can this matter be resolved. The way." The empress dowager pondered for a while, saying that it is not impossible to give up the monarchy for the safety of our mother and child at this time.When King En heard the Queen Mother say this, he knelt down and kowtowed: "The Empress Dowager is Yao and Shun among women. One thought of benevolence saves the people of the whole country from suffering. The old minister first kowtowed for the grace of the people of the whole country," said the Queen Mother. "You get up first, this matter has to be discussed in the long term. We are not hesitant to give way, but the other party should also have a condition of exchange, which is used as a reward, so that it is worthy of what I mean." The method of Xiangzicheng's consultation was also played in detail with the empress dowager.It is said that our inside story is just a trick to temporarily confuse the revolutionary party with a group of warriors.In the future, not only the dignity and interests of the royal family will not suffer at all, even the monarchy will have a day to recover.After all, the empress dowager is a woman. Hearing what King En said was such a hype, she believed it and became happy instead.It’s very good to say that, because I’m so old today, and I’m not a queen mother, and you’re too old, instead of asking King Chun to be regent and make a mess, it’s better to push it to Xiang Zicheng and ask him to clean it up In a few years, it will be easy to take over in the future.King En said: "Compassion and consideration are beyond the reach of the ministers. However, it is inconvenient for the Queen Mother to advocate this matter alone. It is best to convene another imperial meeting tomorrow afternoon, or first ask the princes Baylor and the ministers of the Manchu and Han Dynasties. Is there any other good way? If there is really no other way, and then go this way, they have no excuse, and the Empress Dowager can also be worthy of their ancestors." The Empress Dowager nodded and said: "You make a lot of sense .Tomorrow afternoon, I will ascend to the main hall of Kunning Palace and summon the princes and ministers. You go down and inform the guards and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to pass the decree quickly and prepare everything. It is getting late, and I have to rest. "Old En Wang gave a command, then knelt down to say good night, and slowly withdrew.

He didn't have the time to inform everything, but he told Zhang Delu to follow him.After returning to the mansion, he called Xiang Zicheng and reported everything he had just studied with the Queen Mother.I asked Xiang Zicheng if he could attend tomorrow?Xiang Zicheng replied that he was sick, so he might not be able to attend, so he had to ask Yu Shuangren to act as his agent; and I have already asked Shuangren to go to the teacher's mansion immediately and ask everything, so that I can agree with the teacher at the meeting tomorrow.King En said: "In this case, you can urge him to come quickly. At this time, the sky has already been fixed, and I'm afraid we can't have a long talk any later." Xiang Zicheng repeatedly agreed.Sure enough, after a short time, Yu Shuangren has come to Enwang's mansion.Yu Shuangren, as mentioned in the previous volume, is Xiang Zicheng's classmate.Back then, Xiangzicheng was training soldiers at the small station, and Shuangren used to edit the Hanlin Academy, and Qu was his shogunate.The two finally became close friends when they were children. Later, Xiang Zicheng became the Governor of Zhili Beiyang Minister, and Yu Shuangren was also promoted to Minister.Just in time for Fengjihei to change to the provincial system, the imperial court appointed Shuangren as the governor of the three eastern provinces, and later used him as the minister of the Ministry of Posts and Communications.And when the regent supervised the country, he changed to a cabinet system, and Shuangren became an assistant minister of the cabinet. Kuang also had the title of Tiren Pavilion University scholar, and everyone outside Beijing called Yu Zhongtang a name.It can be seen that his reputation has surpassed that of Xiangzi City.However, in terms of talent and reputation, he is still far behind, so this time Xiang Zicheng entered the cabinet, he still implicitly regarded himself as a subordinate, and did not dare to be arrogant.However, Xiang Zicheng's politeness to him is different from that of ordinary bureaucrats, always treating him like a big brother.However, the internal division is not the same as that of Zhao Bingheng, Ruan Zhongshu, and Yang Shiqi.These people talked about everything with Xiang Zicheng, and Zicheng didn't shy away from them, just like Guo Jia, Cheng Yu, Jia Xu, and Xu You were in Cao Cao's camp that day.As for the identity and nature of Shuangren, it is a bit like Xun Wenruo.So on the surface, although Xiang Zicheng is very close to him, in his heart he refuses to tell him his intimate matters.Therefore, although Yu Shuangren had been friends with him for forty or fifty years, he didn't know Xiang Zicheng's great ambition.This time forcing the Qing court to abdicate is exactly what he was using.Zicheng invited him to the house, turned back and talked secretly for two quarters of an hour, and Yu Shuangren agreed with it very much.It is said that Gong Bao's allegiance to the royal family is so subtle, even though Zhou Zhao was revived, it is nothing more than that.Originally, there is no other way to get rid of this method of stealing the sky and changing the sun.As long as Kung Pao stays true to his heart, when the opportunity comes in the future to return the power, he will never be afraid of the current material disputes.I'm going to see King En right now and try my best to secure everything to him.Even tomorrow before the empress dowager, I can do my best to protect it.Xiang Zicheng bowed his hands to express his gratitude, saying that the big brother is really the number one confidant in my younger brother's life, and he will definitely be able to do everything from beginning to end in the future to satisfy the big brother.

Yu Shuangren said goodbye to him and immediately went to Prince En's Mansion.Fortunately, he has been working with Enwang for several years, and he is familiar with this mansion, so he doesn't need to sign at the guard's office. When the communication office answers, he walks into the front study all the way, and tells the eunuch in charge of the study to quickly go to the inner house to answer. .Seeing that it was Yu Zhongtang who had arrived, the eunuch didn't dare to neglect, and immediately went up to return.里面传出话来，请余中堂到王爷寝宫谈话。余双仁到了恩王的卧室，此时屋中只有他一个人，还有一个伺候烧烟的小太监。双仁进到屋中，便觉着遍体生春。原来他府中，生的是暖气管子，又兼墙壁上全蒙的是猞猁皮，所以觉着特别温暖。这时双仁见面先请过安，恩王便让他在对面躺下，吩咐小太监烧烟给他搪寒。双仁摆手，说晚生向来不用这种东西。王爷要是不吸，可以先叫这位小总管到外边暂坐，晚生有机密话面稟。恩王点点头，向小太监一使眼色，便出去了。然后两人才低声谈话，谈了足有两刻钟。恩王问双仁道：“他拿得稳吗？将来他倘然要变卦，你我全落一个对不起朝廷，清史上还许说咱两人帮同他篡夺。这个名儿，谁担得起啊？”双仁道：“本来也有王爷这一虑，不过项子城的为人，晚生从几岁时，便同他在一起，后来又同事数年，总算知道很深。他这人要说好大喜功，诚然是有的，至于说他抱着曹操、刘裕的野心，却未免言之过甚。那全是仇家借题发挥，万万不可凭信。此番的变通做法，他也是出于万不得已，只要把眼前的难关渡过去，多者六七年，少者二三载，他决然能将大政奉还，万不至叫王爷同晚生落褒贬。王爷自请万安，这事晚生是可以担保的。”恩王道：“据我想，他也不至如外间所议，况且有你担保，是更可以放心的了。最要紧是明天这御前会议，在各家王公面前，务必请你将话说得结结实实的，免得他们再从中捣乱。一者我没有这大气力；二者当这时候，你说话也比我说话有效。”余双仁连连答应，说这个自请王爷放心，晚生不惮烦言，必能使众家王公谅解。说到这里，两人才分手。双仁又折到项子城宅，详细复报。子城大为满意，力赞双仁立言得体，能担大事。 到了第二天午后，皇太后在坤宁宫召集御前会议。这一次出席的人不少，自王公、贝勒、贝子，以及近支宗室将军，还有各部尚侍，各寺院堂官，乌压压地跪满了一个殿中，足有一百数十名之多。皇太后坐在实位上，先将目前危急的情形，略略说了几句，然后又指派一个大员，把各路军官联衔的电报，同项子城辞职的封章，高声朗诵给大家听，问各王公大臣可有什么救急的法子，自管向上直陈，以备采择。可怜这些位先生，有一部分是已经碰过钉子，吓破了苦胆，不敢再发言的；有一部分是名位太小，而且没有政治知识，简直无言可发的；更有一种是同项子城串通一气，他们心里早有成算，非到紧要时候，于项子城有利，是不肯发言的。因此皇太后问了许久，还是静悄无声。当此紧急之时，皇太后也实在无法了，只好指着名儿，问恩王道：“奕劻，你是上了年纪、最有阅历的人，并且做过三十年军机大臣，当这国步艰难，变生意外，难道也没有一点挽救的意见吗？”恩王碰头道：“老臣倒有两条意见，只是不敢冒昧妄奏。”皇太后道：“有什么意见，你自管直说，对与不对，本宫决不怪你。”恩王道：“第一条是讨伐。目前各镇带兵官，既然发出那样逆电，甘心背叛了朝廷，便是乱臣贼子。俗语说，乱臣贼子，人人得而诛之。皇太后皇上，可以下一道讨贼上谕，简命一位督师大臣，即日出发，到前方诛锄逆臣，削平大难。这便是第一条讨伐的意见。”恩王尚未奏完，只见班中一位亲贵，插口说道：“恩王这第一条意见，再好不过，臣首先赞成，就请皇太后允了吧。”众人见他这样放肆，全都注目看视，原来正是军谘处大臣贝勒载洵。皇太后见是他答话，心里觉着很不高兴，便高声问道：“载洵，你既赞成恩王的意见，你可能去讨贼吗？”这一句把载洵问得直眉瞪眼，半晌答不上一句话来。太后又催问一次，他这才捏着头皮，勉强回道：“这个臣可担任不了。”太后大怒道：“你既然担任不了，为什么乱插言，左右把他给我驱逐出殿！”一声令下，早有王得功带着几个小太监，便把载洵架起来，脚不沾地，一直拖出殿门。皇太后又问大家，你们对于这讨伐的意见，是否能行，到底也要磋商一回，难道然然无言，也算是会议吗？后来还是醇王三行涕两行泪的，向上奏道：“据臣看，眼前大势，这讨伐两字，简直就没有磋商的必要。朝廷自己本身，并没有一师一旅，可视为心腹干城，甚至连禁卫一师御林军，自善辅死后，改归印长冯国华统辖，如今全变了心。其余还有可恃的兵吗？再说督师这种差使，眼前除非项子城可以胜任，但是他志不在此，如何能够勉强得了。其余在朝的汉人，全是些文弱书生，我们满人一班亲贵，除去斗鸡走狗，怒马鲜车，及唱二黄玩八角鼓之外，还有什么本事？不要说督师，连放枪也不会啊！当这种危难关头，只好任凭项子城的性儿摆布我们。他叫我们怎样，我们就得怎样，难道还有丝毫力量抵抗他吗？”醇王说到这里，竟在殿上放声大哭起来。皇太后及一班稍有良心的亲贵，见他这样，也有随着哭泣的，也有掩面拭泪。余双仁向上奏道：“请皇太后同各家王公，暂抑悲哀，老臣有肺腑之言，详细奏陈。” 他这一出来说话，大家停住悲啼，静悄悄地听他说些什么。双仁继续奏道：“适才醇王所说的话，然而不然。在他以为项子城是有意同皇室为难，这实在是错怪了他。要知项子城家里，世受国恩，他图报之心，未尝后于他人。就以上海和议说吧，他处处公开，所派去的代表，全是满汉各半。因为争君主的存在，直费了两个月唇舌，直到水尽山穷，他宁肯将唐绍怡撤回，也决不肯答应革命党的要求。这是有目共睹、有耳共闻的。其实在皇太后皇上，也曾下过旨意，征求全国人民的意思，到底是君主好，还是民主好，可见朝廷对于这事，全取的是公开主意。所以老臣说一句大胆的话，此时无论何人，赞成民主共和，也不能说他是叛逆。项子城当这时候，还始终拥护君主，坚定不移，耿耿孤忠，也要算难能可贵了。我们何忍再以种种揣测之词，故入人家的罪呢？”余双仁词锋犀利，侃侃而谈，总算为项子城辩护得尽情尽理。就是殿上殿下的人，听了他这话，也都觉得入情入理。醇王首先问道：“余中堂，你既说项子城是忠心报国，决无他意，为什么他又辞职呢？”余双仁听他这样问，便毫不客气地答道：“王爷要问这个，只能问自己，怎能问到晚生的头上呢？项子城明知各镇武人，对于朝廷已经离心离德，只好用金钱笼络他们，但求暂时不变脸，可以堵挡革命军，俟将来时局平定了，再谋彻底解决方法。不料王爷看不透这种意思，却领着头儿，硬要追回寿皇库的款子，结果遂闹成僵局。这时候带兵的官，全都变脸。试问项子城除去辞职，还有什么办法？王爷怎么倒问我他为什么辞职呢？”双仁这一席话，把醇王堵得面红耳热，哑口无言，低着头连大气儿也不敢出了。皇太后道：“事到如今，你们也不必再做这种无谓的争辩了。双仁你既有主意，可快快说出来。但能委曲求全，我无不依照办理。”双仁道：“适才恩王说有两条主意，可以叫恩王陈奏出来，大家商议一番，再请皇太后钦定。” 余双仁陈奏完了，却用眼瞟着恩王，意思是请他接续下文，好陈述那第二条方策。恩王只得奏道：“方才老臣所奏第一条主意，乃是真讨伐。真讨伐既然行不得，只好再敷陈第二条主意。这第二条可名之为假禅让。”恩王才说到这里，贝勒玉朗同载滔便齐声问道：“怎么叫禅让？禅让又为什么有真假之分？我们实在听不明白，请王爷详细解剖一番才好。”恩王本是老猾，听他两人这样追问，索性借此下台，便望着玉朗答道：“你要问这个，本爵年老气衰，实在说不了这许多话，只可请余中堂代我演述。好在经过的历史，他较比我知道的尤为真切，你们就听他说吧。”双仁到此时也无推诿，便高声道：“方才老恩王所说的假禅让，正是目前解决时局削平国难的唯一方法，虽使良平复生，舍此也别无他策。诸位须知道，如今南方的革命军，同北方各镇武人，已经合而为一。他们所要求的先决条件，便是皇室退位，改建共和民主国家。假如朝廷不准，不出半个月，北京便要完全陷落。到那时候，老臣真有不忍言者。但是就这样退位让给革命党，我们也决不甘心。再说让到他们手中，将来决无恢复希望，便做成真禅让了。真禅让，无论如何是万万做不得的。所以老恩王才想出这假禅让一着。怎么是假禅让呢？便是我们大家，认定一个人，这人既能对付南方革命党，又能对付北方军人，而且根本上又能忠于皇室，决无二心，便推他继续朝廷的政权。把目前这一座难关，稳稳渡过，然后再慢慢想法子。将革命势力解散了，重光将反侧武人铲除了，仍然把君主大权，奉还于今上之手，使河山再奠天日。这就叫作假禅让。但不知恩王的意思，与老臣所说，是否符合，诸公的意思，是否赞成，请大家详细参酌一番，也好求皇太后圣裁决定。” 双仁洋洋洒洒，发了这一大套议论，殿上人全听得入神，连皇太后也连连点头，表示一种赞可的意思。恩王道：“请皇太后圣心注意，凡余双仁所奏的话，全是老臣肺腑中的话。再求太后询问殿上诸臣，如果赞成呢，便急速照此进行；谁要不赞成，只好请皇太后责成他一个人抗此大难。老臣同余双仁，可要敬谢不敏了。”太后道：“赞成与否，我也不能挨着个儿去问，如今且行一个表决的方法：凡赞成诸臣，一律起立；不赞成的，仍然在地上跪着。这是我的旨意，你们也不必害怕放肆。”太后才说完，只见殿上纷纷起立的，倒有十分之八九。皇太后仔细看去，偏偏只有醇王，仍然伏在地上不动。太后道：“载沣你乃是各王的领袖，你如果不赞成，这事又有研究的余地了。”醇王在地上磕头道：“臣不起立，并非是不赞成，是因为尚有下情上奏。”皇太后道：“你有话自管说吧。”醇王道：“假禅让让与何人，就目前形势观察，当然非项子城莫属了。他接过政权以后，将来或真或假，我们先也不必管他。如今最要紧的，是得问他，把皇太后皇上安置在什么地方；全国臣民，对于皇太后皇上，是否还以君上之礼相待；政权交出之后，每年皇室的用度，项子城能否供给。这三样是最要紧的。其次德宗皇帝的崇陵尚未竣工，项子城能否继续修理；东西各皇陵看守同祭扫，项子城能否担负责任。以上这几件事，请恩王同余中堂，先问明了他。如果他全有满意答复，臣一定赞成禅让，决没半点犹豫。”他说完了这话，自皇太后以至各王公大臣，全为之肃然动容。太后叹道：“你这些话，说得很有道理。”随问恩王、余双仁，你两人对于这几件事，可有把握吗？恩王道：“这些事老臣早已虑及，并且同余双仁已经拟出许多条件，全是关于优待皇室各问题，请皇太后御览。”说罢从怀中取出一个手折来，交给张得禄，转呈与皇太后。太后放在御案上，仔细观览。看完了，说果能这样，也还罢了。随叫得禄拿下去，给醇王看。醇王看罢，向上奏道：“该王大臣所拟，极其周密妥帖，臣也无庸赞一词了。只有优待费一层，当初以十九条宣布全国时候，原定的皇室经费，本是四百万两库平纹银，如今改为四百万银元，内中出入甚巨。将来倘然入不抵出，如何是好？莫若仍定四百万两足银，较比银元，可多出一百六七十万来。不知皇太后以为何如？”太后道：“到底你的心思细密，这样一改，省得将来穷日子不好过。奕劻问双仁，你们就这样同项子城去说吧。”二人齐说领旨。大家见皇太后已完全同意，知道假禅让的方策，已经是铁案不移，便一齐向上奏道：议的时候，已经不小了。皇太后正在圣躬不豫，可得早点休息休息，免得慈驾劳累，我们做臣子的，心更不安了。太后点头，吩咐退朝，并当面指派恩王、醇王、拉同、余双仁四个人，为代表皇室的全权大臣，好同项子城磋商一切优待条件。只要条件议妥，双方盖印签字之后，皇太后便可颁布懿旨，把政权禅让出来，任凭项子城组织政府。 这四个人领了皇太后旨意，下得殿来，先商议同项子城交涉的步骤。恩王同醇王，不愿再到项子城宅里去，便委托余双仁为恩王代表，拉同为醇王代表，许他两人全权办理。两人领命，即时到项宅去交涉。余双仁同项子城的交情，是不用说了。至于拉同，本是一个八面讨好圆滑无比的人，他在前几年，同项子城的关系就非常密切，后来项子城下野，两人的联络仍然不断。三节两寿，项子城必送很重的一份礼物，冰炭敬还是特别从丰。拉同因此上倾心吐胆，引项子城为生平第一知己。此番项子城起用，他的力量也很不小。后来项子城做了内阁总理大臣，他便一心一计，想把项子城巴结欢喜了。一者可以保自家的私产，二者还希望项子城起用他，将来外放一任封疆，再捞摸几个钱，为子孙万世之计。他存着这种心，所以对于皇太后派的差使，不但毫无感触，而且兴孜孜的，伴着余双仁前往接洽。哪知到了项宅，却先请余中堂在内花厅会谈，把这位拉中堂木立大客厅中不理。相形之下，拉同觉着很难为情。好在他是宰相的肚子，还能容受得开。等了有两刻钟，才把他请进去。项子城一见面，便作揖请安，连说：“对不起，叫二哥久候了，二哥千万不要多心。小弟因为你是我的畏友，我是决心不再担任国事，恐怕二哥以大义责备，所以不敢见你。如今据余大哥所说的，小弟竟成了责无旁贷，义不容辞，倘然再要鸣高，两位王爷同皇太后全要到敝宅当面敦促，那时小弟的罪过更大了。因此避着委屈，姑且答应下来。好在是遮掩人的耳目，过上一两年，风平浪静了，仍然原物交还，自己问心，也就算无愧啦。至于优待皇室的条件，在小弟本心上毫无成见，皇太后要怎样，我们只有遵旨办理。不过这件事小弟一个人做不得主，似乎得要南方革命军同北方武人同意，将来履行时候，也省得他们捣乱作梗。好在皇太后既有禅国的大功德，条件当然加优，他们料想也无的可驳。就请两位老大哥，先回府静候一两天，小弟这里也就接到他们的回信了。”项子城不待拉同张口，先说了这一套，分明是催他们快走，不要再说没要紧的话，耽延时刻。拉同倒也知趣，连屁股没坐稳，便起身告辞。说宫保思虑周详，我们尽可回家坐候，俟等有什么信，宫保派人知照一声，我们即刻便到，决不误事，就请宫保致公吧。他说完了，便同余双仁向上鞠躬，一齐告辞退出屋来。项子城一定要送出大门，两人再三拦阻，只送到内花厅门外，便叫他儿子可定代送，自己仍回屋办公去了。 此时项子城知道大功已成，便召集一班谋士，商量如何对南方说话。好在此刻，在南京的官吏同议员，也有一半是项子城的心腹，暗中早就勾结好了。一方面用电报吓倒清廷，一方面又向南政府邀功讨好。因此在议席上，决定给南京孙大总统去电，报告项宫保如何赞助革命，如何授意北方将士，电吓清廷，如何用尽种种的方法，诱迫清太后甘心退位，如何磋商优待条件，俟条件定妥，即可颁布禅位诏书，并将优待条件，一并电致南京，征求同意。孙大总统接着这个电报，当然也要召集一个会议，同大家讨论讨论。内中有激烈一派的，便说项子城这种办法，我们不能赞成。满清盗窃中国，垂三百年，他如今被迫退位，我们只可赦其一死，怎么条件上每年还要供给他四百万两的优待费，并且还要以外国君主的礼敬他，这同虚君共和，还有什么分别呢？将来说不定项子城得了机会，还许恢复他的皇位，岂不是自贻后患吗？孙大总统拈着胡子微笑道：“诸位所虑的，固然也有道理。但要叫我看，这全是些小问题，并没有什么争辩的价值。要知道我们革命第一难关，就是排满。费了二十年力，尚未完全成功，如今项子城既肯帮忙，这正是我们汉族兴复的好机会，一者可以免去重大牺牲，二者可确立成功基础。至于优待清皇室，无论条件定得如何优异，也不过是水月镜花，将来决没有存在余地。我们何必做那种无谓的反对呢？要说项子城恢复故主，那更是不会有的事。倒怕他个人有什么打算，我们也尽可无虑，因为世界进化的公例，只能由君主变民主，决不会由民主变君主。纵然勉强改变，也万万不会长久，你们只管放心吧。如今项子城无论要求什么事，我们全都可以同意，唯有清廷的禅位诏书，务必请他催促着及早发下。自求着清廷禅位，我那第一目的，已经达到，便把这总统地位，完全让给项子城，也没什么可惜的。须知我的居心，与项某绝对不同：但求人民得到自由幸福，免去君主恶魔的毒螫，无论谁做总统，全是一样，我是丝毫没有成见的。”大家听总统发了这一套冠冕堂皇的伟大议论，当然没的再说，当日便给北京去回电。对于优待条件，完全同意，并很赞美清太后禅让的盛德，不愧女中尧舜，唯必须于三日内，将禅位诏书，宣示中外，以安人心。项子城接到南京电报，知道大事已妥。至于北方武人，原是不成问题的。他马上便邀请双仁、拉同到他宅中，将电报给两人看看，请他们去见皇太后，面奏一切。 两人拿着电报，先见恩王、醇王。醇王主张，按照两国定条约的款式，缮写满文、法文、汉文各一份，请皇室与中华民国政府，各执一份，有一天中华民国，便须发生一天的效力。皇太后也赞成这样办。项子城当然无的可驳。果然照这样办妥了。在皇太后既有了把握，便坦坦然命项子城拟了一道禅位的懿旨，自己过目之后，便盖上御宝，吩咐由内阁宣布中外，咸使闻知。这道旨意的大义，不过是说国步艰难，潮流紧迫，全国民心既一致趋向共和，未便再因一人一家之故，涂炭生灵，延长祸乱。况皇上在冲年，更无力抗此大难，本宫因此询谋王公大臣，佥以为禅让之外，别无他法。本宫遂毅然谕令皇上退位，从即日起，将政权交还国民，并责成项子城，暂时代理国务，以全权组织临时政府。自此谕旨发布之后，即为朝廷最后之纶音，从此不再发表上谕，合并声明，咸使知晓，钦此。 懿旨宣布的这一天，恰赶上是阳历二月十二日，第二天便是阴历的正月初一日，因此贺年声中，兼贺共和。北京城的人民，真个是欢声雷动。内中只气坏了一个人，你道此人是谁？原来是五十九回书中所叙的宗社党健将联星。他当时本在禁卫军中当连长，后来因见冯国华、印长全是项子城的心腹，不肯忠于清室，他满怀气愤，便把连长的差事辞掉了。回到北京来，终日想联络满洲同志，好扩大他那宗社党的范围。偏偏这些人全同他貌合神离，并没有一个肯出力的，而且终日还是恒舞酣歌，以二黄票为消遣。他见了这种情形，当然要满腔郁闷，击碎唾壶。这一天又忽然看见满街上全挂出五色旗来，不觉陡然一惊。连忙询问缘由，便有人将皇太后的懿旨，取出来给他看。他看了不到一半，早就勃然变色，如中了疯的一般，迈开大步，直奔龙子春家里。也不等门房去回，便一直闯入前厅。恰好前厅中高朋满座，正在那里过排《让成都》，好预备度除夕节。联星举目观看，见纯卓先、志仲梯、乌勒春、宾小岑、恒石风、崇静漪一干人，俱都在座。纯卓先因为嗓音洪亮，而且沉着，颇有当年汪桂芬的气味，所以他去刘璋，正在引吭高歌。不提防联星进来，大家才要起立为礼，联星连睬也不睬，一直跑到纯卓先面前，左右开弓，便敬了他两个嘴巴。他本是一个武人，又用了十二分气力去打，果然当场出彩，打得纯卓先顺着嘴角直流鲜血。崇静漪同乌勒春，赶忙上来拉劝，宾小岑却吓得躲在墙角下抖衣而战。纯卓先贸然挨了这样苦打，他哪肯甘心，便瞪眼道：“姓联的，你这是成心欺负人啊！我唱我的戏，与你有什么关系，你硬来打我。”联星骂道：“没有心肝的亡国奴！我打死你，不过臭一