Chapter 74 Chapter 71 Makes the wine scold the seat

It is a coincidence that the affairs of the world, when ordinary people are proud and arrogant, they talk nonsense and don't know what to say, so they feel that they get what they want.Unexpectedly, at this time, there will be some unexpected reaction, which will frighten the big talker to death, and even the left and right observers will follow him to make a joint impact.This kind of thing is not unusual, as if the creation does not allow him to be too arrogant and full of pride, and it is necessary to be vigilant anytime and anywhere.Mr. Chun Zhuo was giving a speech, and when he was close to the revolutionary party, he boasted a lot, and even all the people present listened with gusto.Unexpectedly, at this moment, a specious bomb flew in, impartially, and just passed by Zhuo Xian's head.As a result, Mr. Chun Zhuo, who became more and more eloquent, yelled "Oops" in fright, and immediately prostrated himself on the ground, scrambling under the table.The rest of the people, some ran out, some crawled under the bed, and some hid behind the door, they immediately became a mess.But there was a burst of laughter outside the hall door, followed by two people, everyone became more and more frightened, thinking they were assassins.Unexpectedly, looking up, they were not assassins, but their comrades, one was Wen Boquan, and the other was Guan Tianxia.These two people conspired to blackmail Xing Beizi before, but they failed. Later, Guan Tianxia abducted Bo Quan's clothes, and even his shadow disappeared.He went to Tianjin to sing a new play, and he was in the limelight for a few days.Later, because he offended Yang Zhonglin, he almost lost his life.It was thanks to Tan Jiaotian, who verbally accumulated bad skills, that he saved his life and was deported back to his hometown.When he arrived in Beijing, he was still talking nonsense, taking advantage of the opportunity of revolution and independence in other provinces to frighten people everywhere.If you are big, you can get a few dollars, and if you are small, you can get a few meals.This day happened to meet Wen Boquan unexpectedly.When Boquan saw him, he immediately became angry. He ran over and grabbed him by the neck, and cursed viciously: "Dirty and rascal, you eat thieves for nothing. I wonder where you are going today? Return the master's clothes quickly." If you don’t pay me back, I’ll just hit you!” Bo Quan was so fierce, but he didn’t know that Guan Tianxia did nothing but smiled and said: “Brother Wen, it’s been a long time since I’ve been looking for you for a few days. I couldn’t find you, but I met you here. , What a coincidence. Don’t mention clothes or not, it’s all a trivial matter. Now I’m giving you good news, and our chance to make a fortune is here again.” Boquan sneered: “You don’t have to make such a fuss as soon as possible. I'm not a money addict, nor a three-year-old child, let your temperament play tricks. If you don't return your clothes today, I will strip your buttocks for everyone to see." Guan Tianxia was still not in a hurry, It's okay to say that you can peel me, brother, but in broad daylight, how can you be embarrassed.Let's find a quiet place first, and then it's up to you, isn't it okay?Bo Quan said fiercely: "Okay, I can't run away from you anyway. I will go wherever you say." Guan Tianxia looked aside and said, isn't this the Zhimei Building? Let's go to his private seat upstairs , clean and strict, do you think it is good?Boquan thought to himself, you kid wants to eat me again, but today you will definitely not be able to eat, so he snorted and said, "Okay, let's go." The two of them ran into Zhimei Building and found an elegant seat upstairs. .The waiter asked them what they were eating, and Guan Tian said, "You make a pot of small-leaf tea first, and we will drink the tea first, and we will call you when it's time to eat."

The two of them quarreled for a few words at first, but then they became more and more speculative.Guan Tianxia took out a secret letter from his bosom and showed it to Bo Quan.Bo Quan looked at it, nodded and smacked his lips, as if expressing his approval.At this moment, the expressions of the two were already extremely intimate.Guan Tianxia raised his thumb again, saying that this matter is all on the younger brother, and the preservation will come naturally.Let's take this opportunity to make a small fortune first.Boquan said: "How did you reply to Qiantu's letter?" Guan Tianxia said: "Of course, this matter needs to be greatly exaggerated. I replied that all the relatives and dignitaries of the Manchu Dynasty, since King Chun, En, The king and all the princes and princes Baylor are currently hiring me as a consultant, and they will not refuse to listen to what I say. Now they are lobbying, intimidating, and they are guaranteed to be safe. Only their wives and family members have to spend money to buy it. It is also good to urge them at any time and ask them to enter the palace to tease the Empress Dowager. This requires money, please remit a little less money first, as a sporadic decoration. It is expected that the remittance will be made before the fifteenth day of the first lunar month at the latest. My younger brother kept this matter strictly a secret and refused to tell anyone. Later, I thought that brother Boquan and I were friends with Guan Bao, so how could I hide it from you. Besides, I also mentioned in my letter that my brother will be successful in the future. , we are all on the same platform, and we have to discuss and discuss beforehand, so we can act in unison in the interim." Guan Tianxia's words made Wen Boquan elated, and immediately put aside his previous suspicions and became his confidant.The two of them ate and drank in Zhimei Building.After eating, Boquan still accounts.The two have been inseparable ever since.

On this day, the 30th day of the twelfth lunar month, Bo Quan dated Guan Tianxia to celebrate the New Year at his home, but on this day, the Empress Dowager issued an abdication edict.Seeing Guan Tianxia, ​​he danced with joy and said to Boquan: "Now, we have a handle, and we are not just empty words and asking them for money. As far as I think, the money can be remitted in advance." It's here." Bo Quan frowned and said, "Although I say that, it can't quench my thirst far away. Today we celebrate the New Year, only a few dollars are left, and there are hundreds of dollars for the accountant. What's wrong with this matter? Guan Tianxia thought about it for a while and said it doesn't matter. I have a wonderful idea: "Why don't we two go to Long Zichun's house? They are a group of fanciers, they are having a rehearsal, and we will join temporarily, so we will borrow a few from them." Money. If they are willing to borrow it, we will go home for the New Year; if they refuse to borrow it, we will disturb him for a day and a night, and we will not even return home. The accountant is afraid of him! Brother, please think about this idea, okay?" Boquan applauded and said, "It's really wonderful, it's really wonderful, let's go now without delay." Fortunately, Boquan lived not far from Longzhai, and they didn't need to take a car. They walked to the door.It didn't take much time to catch up with Lianxing, the street door never closed, and there was no need to call the door to answer, just kept walking in.Chun Zhuo was giving a loud speech first, and the two hid themselves beside the hall door, listening to it clearly.Seeing him playing so heartily, Guan Tianxia felt a little angry.But he was holding a pack of 20 cigarettes wrapped in soft tin in his hand, and he frowned unconsciously, thinking about it: slowly take out the tin foil, wrap it around the outside of the cigarette pack, and form a round egg. He winked at Boquan, then gently lifted the door curtain, and kicked the threshold with his foot, but the upper side let go and threw the "bomb".Zhuo Xian was talking wildly, suddenly he heard the sound of "Dang", followed by a shiny object that flew into him, and rushed straight to the door.He let out an "ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhss's', he got under the table.The rest of the people were also frightened and panicked, running around.At this time, when the curtain was lifted, two people came in, laughing loudly.Said: "It's like you who make feather dusters and want to contact the Revolutionary Party! A cigarette box, even your shit is scared out." When everyone saw the two who came in, they were all acquaintances, and they were shocked. .Chunzhuo first got out from under the table again, pulled Guan Tianxia and cursed: "I guess it's your bad bastard." Guan Tianxia laughed and said: "You really know how to guess. If you guess it's me, don't go I got under the table." Long Zichun complained from the side: "How can you be joking like this? What day is it today, and everyone came to my place to have fun. I, Long Zichun, entertained wholeheartedly, and I finally felt worthy of my friends. It made me frightened. Where did this bad luck really come from!" Long Zichun's words imply that he blamed all the people present, since they couldn't sit for a long time, they all left one by one.Wen Boquan followed Heng Shifeng, but Guan Tianxia pulled Wulechun. They all borrowed money, and went to their house for the festival if they had no money.At this time, who dared to provoke them, after all, Shi Feng took out 50 yuan, Wu Lechun took out 30 yuan, and lent them to Wen and Guan, and then drove them away.

The next day is the first day of the new first month.At that time, the incense factory in Beijing was still an open space, and no buildings had been erected. When it came to the first lunar month of the new year, from the first day to the fifteenth day of the new year, this half month was the opening period for the incense factory.The tea stalls set up mat sheds on the open ground, row upon row, one family next to the other.There are also quite a few stalls selling groceries, antiques, calligraphy and paintings.As for the most fashionable small businesses, they sell paper kites, glazed trumpets, hydrogen balloons, and toys for children.There are also various foods, such as candied haws, pea cakes, fried cakes, bean juice porridge, etc., which are also everywhere.And they also sell a lot of money.Because there are a lot of tourists, not only the residents and merchants outside the south city, men and women, gang up in groups, all want to go to the incense factory to show off, even the banner people in the east and west cities and the back gate have traveled long distances, especially to go shopping Incense factory.The women under the banner all wore big wings, rubbed red rouge on their faces, wore high-soled flowerpot shoes, wore fashionable cheongsams, and wore extremely long waistcoats. Walking slowly, strolling around the Xiangchang area, recruited a group of frivolous young people, who followed behind and booed.This is the scenery of Xiangchang at that time, and the writers of novels don't have time to describe it in detail.Now let's just say that Chunzhuo first left Long Zichun's house on New Year's Eve, and was about to go back to his own home. Unexpectedly, the enemy's road was narrow, and he met a man on the way.When they met each other, Zhuo Xian was startled.It turned out that this person was Jin Geer, the manager of the "Kyoto Daily".Zhuo Xian was afraid of him at first, but later because of plotting to trap Tian Nianren, he developed a bad feeling with Ge Er.Now that we meet unexpectedly, it is too late to avoid it.What's more, Jin Ge Er has ordered to stop, meaning to come down and deal with Zhuo Xian.Zhuo Xian had no choice but to stop the car, walked down first, greeted Ge Er deeply, and asked with a smile: "How is the second brother? We haven't seen each other for a long time." Ge Er also said with a smile: " I have never paid my elder brother farewell. I know that you have worked hard for the country. Fortunately, the situation has been settled. I just want to ask my elder brother to have a talk. Today is a coincidence. Wait for my invitation. Zhuo Xian blushed a few words, so he could only reply in a low voice: "Alright, I also want to get together with brother Nian Ren, but how can I bother you, second brother, let me be the host." Ge Er smiled and said, "You're welcome, just wait." The two bid farewell.Zhuo was on the road first, the more he thought about it, the more he felt uncomfortable.That Jin Ge Er is not easy to entangle, I want to disturb his meal, I am afraid that some restraints will not be resolved, I should first think of a way to make up with them, and there is no need to make this enemy again.He went home and worried about this matter, and he never closed his eyes all night.Later, Gao Low came up with an idea, saying why don't I go find Ding Yuanzhen, he is very good with Jin Geer and Tian Nianren, and his friendship with me is not weak.Besides, I offended Jin and Tian that day because I published an advertisement in his newspaper.Jieling is still the person who tied the bell, and now he is only invited to come forward and reconcile the three of us, and this matter will be over.Well, that's the way.After making up his mind, on the first day of the first lunar month the next day, he went to look for Ding Yuanzhen in the name of paying New Year's greetings.After meeting, he explained his purpose and earnestly entrusted him with it.Yuan Zhen generously promised, saying that fortunately, she is not an outsider at all, and everything on me will surely restore your old friendship without leaving any traces.Tomorrow at two o'clock in the afternoon, I will wait for you at the third halal tea shed of Xiangchang.Fortunately, the Juxing Mutton Restaurant in the grain store is for Lianshi, so we will eat there for dinner, as a way for me to give you two.Seeing Yuanzhen, Chunzhuo generously agreed, feeling indescribably happy in his heart, thinking that this big right and wrong can be completely eliminated from now on, so he thanked again and again and left.

Unexpectedly, Ding Yuanzhen has other ideas: Ever since Tian and Chun fell in love, Zhuo Xian accidentally used his newspaper as a sharp weapon to frame Nian Ren. Nian Ren let out a sigh of relief to be worthy of her friends.Unexpectedly, Chunzhuo threw himself into the trap first, and then found Yuanzhen himself, and asked him to relieve this enemy.Yuanzhen listened, and it was really just what she wanted.At that time, he kept his composure and stabilized Zhuo Xian, and promised to do it for him.After Zhuoxian left, he sent someone to invite Jin Geer, chatted with each other for a few words, and then said that the Qing court had abdicated. I don't know what Chun Zhuoxian did, and what idea he had, and it was our turn to take revenge Revenge.How Jin Ge Er met him on the road, how he talked with him, how he asked him face to face, and met Nian Ren for dinner, how he found a look of shame and fear on his face, and told Yuan Zhen in detail. .After hearing this, Yuan Zhen jumped up unconsciously, clapped her hands and laughed.I can't complain, it turned out that I was frightened by your brother, otherwise, how could I be so devout, and came to pay me New Year's greetings on the first day of the new year.Ge Er hurriedly asked what happened, and Yuan Zhen also told what happened just now.Ge Er said: "Are you really kind enough to smooth things over for the two of us?" Yuan Zhen shook her head and said, "There are still articles below. I am going to vent my anger for you, not to smooth things over for you. But on the surface, I have to talk about smooth things, Let me tell you something in advance, will he still go in the interim?" At this point, he whispered in Ge Er's ear and told him so and so.Ge Er laughed and said, "Sure enough, it's fun! Drinking madness is your specialty. We said it last time, but this time I'm going to listen carefully." Yuan Zhen said, "Although I know about his ugly past, , not quite complete, you live not far from him, but you want to ask for advice! This is like talking about an opera, so please shake your bag and pass it on to me." Ge Er was not polite, and the pure Mr. was born from a down-and-out kid back then, how was he stripped naked in the gambling field.Later, because he was in a hurry to lose, he became a thief. Because he stole someone's watch, he was grabbed by the wrist, beat a thief to death, and sent him to the government office, where he was imprisoned for half a year.After he was released from prison, he washed his hands and refused to do the business of thieves, and instead hired a soldier.Later, he filled up the southern camp to catch robbers and fooled around with a group of thieves, Xiaoqian, all day long. If Xiaoqian got stolen goods, he had to give them to his gang first.After a few years of mixing like this, he was actually promoted to the team leader.At that time, it happened that Prince Jing was serving as Minister of Civil Affairs. He wanted to spy on the traces of foreign revolutionary parties, so he was selected from the captains and soldiers.Chunzhuo first knew how to read and was very alert in his speech and actions. King Jing picked him up and gave him a special official fee to go to Tokyo, Japan to study abroad.He has been there for two years, and his grades are not bad.Every month, there are always three or five letters, reporting to King Jing, and deliberately exaggerating, saying that the Revolutionary Party has so many wings and power overseas, and most of the people who have returned from studying abroad are unreliable.By advocating like this, he was clearly claiming credit for himself, but in fact, he secretly added a lot of help to the revolution.

When Ge Er said this, Yuan Zhen asked, "What's the reason?" Ge Er smiled and said, "Second brother, why can't you understand this point. You can see that in recent years, Man Qing has been guarding against house thieves. How strict the means are. They are in charge of military power, financial power, and even education. This is not counted. The border officials in the provinces naturally fill in the vacancies. As for The governor and Qi, especially the Manchus. When they do this, they think they are powerful and can keep their descendants forever. In fact, it is a great reactionary force that promotes the revolution. Let’s take the Wuhan Uprising as an example. If Xiangcheng hadn't been the governor there, it couldn't have happened so quickly anyway. Even if it happened, it might not be a success in one fell swoop. You have to go back to the source. Can Chun Zhuoxian's detective report be said to have nothing to do with the revolution?" At this point, everyone laughed.Ge Er went on to say: "He graduated and returned to the country, King Jing appreciated him a lot, so he appointed him as a detective of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and also as the director of the Xicheng Art Institute, with a monthly salary of 300 yuan. This kid is a poor ruffian. As a matter of fact, once he was promoted and made a fortune, he would be arrogant and condescending. However, he has a very peaceful face, and is very polite when he talks to people. People who don’t know the truth still think he is a good person. In fact This kid has an extremely sinister heart and vicious methods. He can frame others, frame others as robbers, and do all sorts of unconscionable things. Anyone who wants to make friends with him will have to suffer from him sooner or later. He really deserves to hide a knife in his smile. Ghosts are like ghosts. Our brothers, we should always stay away from him in the future." Yuan Zhen said: "I'm not afraid of him, and you will see that I will not step down for him tomorrow. He doesn't know if he doesn't scold this kid for blood. I, Ding Yuanzhen, are amazing." The two of them talked until sunset and dark before Ge Er left.

In the afternoon of the next day, Yuan Zhen first went to the tea shed of Xiangchang to wait.Sure enough, after a short time, Jin Ge Er came on foot with Tian Nianren and Yu Liangwu, talking and laughing.Yuan Zhen greeted them out of the tea shed, let the three of them in, and sat at a table.Xiaoma, the doctor of tea, is a friend of Master Ding, and he is very considerate in serving him. Each of them brews a large tureen, which is full of top-quality small-leaf tea from Shuangjiao, and hand towels are handed up one by one.Yu Liangwu is an outspoken friend. He first smiled and said to Yuan Zhen: "On the second day of the new year, the second elder brother opened the shop to treat guests. The younger brother heard it and thought it was the banquet of the God of Wealth. He had to go. So he ran away without waiting for the invitation. Come to be an uninvited guest, second brother must be very welcome, right?" Yuan Zhen smiled and said: "Welcome is of course, but this time the God of Wealth banquet is Wu Xian's God of Wealth, and if you drink too much, you may fight. You are not afraid, Please join, otherwise it’s better to hide from a distance!” Liang Wu said with a smile: “Little brother, the happiest thing in life is fighting. Today’s God of Wealth Banquet, I want to come across the tiger and be a Zhao Xuantan. Can we hide?" The two were talking, when they suddenly heard laughter outside the tea shed, and someone shouted loudly: "This thing is special, it's really a celebration!" Everyone raised their eyes to look outside the shed, and saw a ten-year-old A seven or eight-year-old boy with beautiful clothes, a mink hat on his head, and a big hydrogen balloon tied to the brim of the hat.The ball is dark red in color, and there are several large white characters on it, which read "Long Live the Republic of China".The ball was four or five feet away from his head, and it was floating. It followed him, and it was very interesting to watch from a distance.Many elementary school students followed, clapping their hands and laughing.Satisfied, the young man walked straight to the tea shed.Yuan Zhen said: "This is very well decorated, otherwise, it would be too difficult for such a grand celebration of the restoration of the Han nationality and the reconstruction of the Republic of China in such a large city of Beijing, without even a single sign." Jin Ge Er said: "Don't Praise him. This kid knows what it means to celebrate the Republic of China. He is a nephew of my friend. He is studying in middle school now, but he doesn’t go to school well. It's really ridiculous to use this hydrogen balloon to show off and recruit so many people to make trouble with him." Tian Nianren said: "Second brother, you can't say that either. It is also a joyful thing for children to know how to celebrate the republic. .It’s much better than those insensitive old corrupt people in Beijing.”

Ge Er was about to answer when he suddenly saw two young men coming from a distance, all wearing maroon satin leather jackets, sapphire blue satin Baturu waistcoats, trimmed with Kujin borders, a row of gold buttons across their heads, and wearing them all on their heads. Wearing a mink sleepy autumn hat.Holding hands, the two walked quickly, and in a blink of an eye they had arrived in front of the tea shed, looking like they wanted to come in for tea.Looking up and seeing Ding Yuanzhen, she nodded and smiled.Yuan Zhen called out, you come in for tea.The two said please, and walked over.Yu Liangwu asked: "These two children look familiar, but who are they?" Yuan Zhen smiled and said, "These are the two main characters in "Killing Son News". Perhaps because the Qing emperor abdicated and proclaimed the republic, the story of "Killing Son News" has been fulfilled, and there is no need to sing that play from now on. Today, I am here to embellish the scenery while I have free time." Two Wu said: "You After talking for a long time, who is he?" Yuanzhen said: "Isn't that the famous pillars in Sanqing Garden, Xiao Taohong and Xiao Jirui? Last year Cui Lingzhi sang "Killing Son News", and Xiao Jirui went to the official security. Xiao Taohong went to Jinding, didn’t you also heard about it, how come you don’t recognize them after a month or two?” Liang Wu said: “Of course we can’t treat makeup as the same, let alone they are the same. Well." Jin Ge Er said: "You two talk slowly first, and listen to where the crying is coming from." Everyone listened carefully, and there was indeed a sound of wailing in the distance, and the crying was very miserable.Yuanzhen said: "This is really strange. Today is the second day of the first lunar month, and it is celebrating the republic. Who has something sad to cry like this?" Driven by the heart, before crying to the eyes, they got up together and walked out of the tea shed to watch.From a distance, I saw a man wearing filial piety, a white hat more than a foot high on his head, white clothes on his body, fat and big, holding a mourning stick in his hand.Take a step and give a call, still counting in your mouth, and you can't hear what you are saying.A group of people followed, some were crying, some were laughing, some were nodding their heads in admiration, but there was no applause.When he was young, he had already approached the third tea shed, Tian Nianren's eyes widened, and he said "Ahhh", saying that isn't that madman Sheng?Immediately after Yu Liangwu also said, it really is Sheng Shiyin, let's keep away from him, and beware of being entangled by him, it's really impossible.Jin Ge Er said: "It doesn't matter, it's me! Let's see why he is pretending to be crazy." As he was talking, he suddenly heard Madman Sheng shouting: "The Qing Dynasty is dead, Emperor Xuantong is dead, and I, Sheng Yuan, are dead. The world has received the favor of the emperor, and today is to wear filial piety for the emperor. Oh, my lord, cry Xuantong Lord, I will call the great emperor, Xiangzicheng usurped the throne and drive you away, my emperor!" He imitated Liu Hongsheng and sang "Cut the Yellow Robe" In the same tone, sing loudly.Originally his voice was resonant, and his action this time was not a game, it was really sincere, so he was deeply saddened and passionate, and it was very loud and restraining.At this time, the policemen on the side of the tea shed heard him sing Xiangzi City, and they were afraid that they might be wronged, so they came to interfere and said, "Sir, this is the capital of the Republic of China, and it is celebrating the Republic today. It shouldn't be like this, please." You take off your filial piety, don't cry, don't sing." Sheng Yuan was singing to the fullest, when he saw the police coming to interfere with him, he couldn't help being furious, spat on the policeman's face, and cursed: "I You devoid of conscience, aren’t you a banner man? Didn’t you grow up on money and food? Do you know what the Republic of China is? You protect Xiangzi City, even if you want to be a dog for him, it’s not enough, but Be the stinky mud under the dog's paws. The master cries and sings whenever he likes, can you control me? Get out of here early, don't make the master angry, and beat you dog mud." The police beat him up. He swears loudly, where is Kenyi, if he grabs him, he must go to the upper district.

At the moment when it was difficult to separate, suddenly saw a very gorgeous rickshaw coming, stopped in front of the third tea shed, and jumped off a person.The police hurriedly raised their hands to salute him, but the man didn't even pay any attention, instead he smiled and cupped his hands at Crazy Sheng, saying, Brother Shiyin, why do you bother to act like this again.Sheng Shiyin was going crazy, quarreling with the patrolman, when he suddenly saw someone bowing his hand to him and calling him "big brother", so he quickly looked closely.Unexpectedly, he didn't look at it, but when he saw the person standing in front of him, his chest was filled with anger, and he raised the mourning stick in his hand, like a mountain pressing down on him, it was just a stick.Zhuo Xian caught him by surprise, but luckily the stick was made of straw, although it hurt to hit him, it didn't hurt his muscles or bones.Zhuo covered his head first, Shan yelled strangely, saying that I was kind enough to rescue you, why did you beat me up?The patrolman should send him to the madhouse, and don't let him cause trouble in the street.Sheng Shiyin was not willing to accept it, but still waved his mourning stick and beat Zhuo Xian indiscriminately, scolding Zhuo Xian as a traitor and devoid of conscience.You pretended to be a sectarian party, watched the Qing Dynasty lose the world, did nothing, and showed off in the streets.Shameless, opportunistic and thieves like you, even if you are killed, it is not an exaggeration.The patrolman came to interfere, and he simply beat the patrolman together.It was so noisy that Ding Yuanzhen and Jin Geer came out together.Seeing these two people, Sheng Shiyin fell silent.High and low, Ge Er persuaded him to take off his filial piety.Fortunately, the filial piety clothes were made of paper, so they would break if you tore them.Yuanzhen took out two yuan, handed it to Shiyin, and asked him to buy a drink at Tianqiao.When Shi Yin received the money, he staggered away without saying a word of thanks.

Then Ding and Jin let Chunzhuo first into the tea shed to meet Tian Nianren.When Zhuo Xian saw Nian Ren, he immediately realized his conscience, his face was flushed with embarrassment, he was almost the same as the drunken Zhongli Daxian.Take two steps ahead, and greet Nian Ren deeply.Please Guo An held Nian Ren's hand tightly again, and kept saying that the elder brother has always been good, and the younger brother is really sorry, sorry, sorry.Nian Rentan remained calm and said, "Second Brother, what you said is too ridiculous. Our own brothers, what is there to be sorry for?" Yu Liangwu said, "Forget it, what happened before, No one is allowed to mention it again. We took advantage of the beautiful scenery on a good day, and we happened to find something enjoyable, and quickly sat down and drank tea." He also ordered the doctor of tea to change another new tea, and Tete let Nian Rentong Zhuo first to the first two On the seat, Ding Yuanzhen was on the lower seat, looking at Zhuo Xian and grinning.Said second brother Chun, it's really unlucky for you to come today, why did you bump into Madman Sheng?That devil is really difficult to deal with!Zhuo Xiandao: "Who's to say it's not? If you two hadn't come out to rescue me, I might have had to take more mourning sticks from him." You are a Zongshe Party, so let the secret agents of Xiangzi City hear about it, okay?" Zhuo Xian's words made his hair stand on end, so he forced himself to remain calm and said, "It doesn't matter, who is a Zongshe Party and who is not a Zongshe Party?" The party is definitely not something that can be framed with empty words, let alone he is a lunatic, who can believe his words?" Jin Ge Er said: "Brother Zhuo Xian, according to my younger brother, you can't say that. A man must do things, To be upright and bright, no matter good or bad, you have to identify a purpose, follow the line to the end, and never change, then you can be called a hero. Even if this thing is not successful, everyone must forgive him for his painstaking efforts, and future generations will also I admire his will. The so-called maverick, even if it is not good for the legends of freaks, it can also occupy a place. If you want to go to Qin Muchu, yesterday Li Jinzhang, just follow the limelight, it has no purpose in itself, protect the emperor today, and tomorrow Revolutions are not human beings at all. They are just like flies in the cesspit and mice in the gutter. The revolutionary oath is incompatible, of course you must stick to it and never turn back. Even if we disagree with each other, we still admire your enthusiasm and perseverance. Now the Qing court has issued an edict of abdication. Zhiqiu, why do you say such things, as if you have nothing to do with the Clan Socialist Party?Poor Mr. Chunzhuo, so shy and afraid that he didn't even dare to lift his head, he couldn't answer a word for a long time.Ding Yuanzhen just smiled, but Tian Nianren was silent, only Yu Liangwu was very humorous, and when he saw the two of them frozen there, he made fun of him and said, "Second Brother Jin, you are an enlightened person, how can you talk about being a fool?" Here comes the saying. As the saying goes, those who know the current affairs are called heroes. Besides, if you are born in this age, you must have eyes on the back of your neck and hair on the bottom of your feet. If you stick to one purpose and remain unchanged until your death, then you will become a fool. Can you still become a brand-new character? Let me see, Zhuo Xian's attitude is the most in line with the new trend. All of us, You have to imitate others, how can you ridicule them?" Yu Liangwu's support made Zhuo Xian even more uncomfortable, and he was a little restless.When Ding Yuanzhen saw it, she felt bad, they were joking like this, if they squeezed Zhuo Xian and ran away, wouldn't all my preparations be in vain?Thinking of this, I looked at my watch, it was almost four o'clock.At this time the weather is still short, the sun has set at four o'clock.Yuanzhen smiled and said, "It's getting late. Let's go to the Juxing Hall of the grain store. If you go late, there will be no seats." Ge Er said, "Why are there no seats in the first month of the new year?" First said: "Don't say that. There are many bureaucrats and politicians living outside the front door. They are all here for speculation. Most of them don't bring their families. It's the New Year, and none of them will go to a restaurant to eat. Therefore, those who work in Lianshi, all of them We got a good deal. It’s just right for us to go at this time, and it can’t be later.” Zai Chunzhuo said this because he was in a tight siege.Jin and Yu are just like talking about cross talk, one teases the other, each sentence is more harsh than the sentence, they are all challenging themselves, but they have no words to answer, they are so noisy.He was happy to take advantage of Ding Yuanzhen's invitation to help him with a few words, so as to divert Jin and Yu's conversation.Fortunately, the two of them were also acquainted with each other and said nothing more.Yuanzhen took out two yuan, handed it to Dr. Cha, and said that the rest will be rewarded to you.Dr. Tea would like to thank you again and again.

The five people walked out of the tea shed slowly, but luckily they all had chartered cars to sit in, and they arrived at Juxing Pavilion in a short time.Going all the way upstairs, the waiter saw Ding Erye coming, hurried over to say hello, let everyone into two very spacious private seats, first made tea, handed cigarettes, and arranged everything.The waiter's name was Xiaogui, a Manchurian bannerman, and he was eighteen or nineteen years old.She was born with a good face, only freshly cut hair, long in front, pulled back, and some perfume pomade, dark and shiny, really looks like a girl who has not left the cabinet.What's more, he is very clever, no matter what kind of troublemaker he is, he can always take care of him comfortably.Therefore, everyone who comes to Juxing Restaurant for dinner welcomes Xiaogui.Ding Yuanzhen cherished him especially, and whenever he came to eat, he would always reward him with an extra RMB 1.80.So when Yuan Zhen came, the other waiters didn't come forward, and it was always Xiao Gui who entertained her.This time, just in time for the New Year, Yuan Zhen's colleagues came to have dinner. When Xiao Gui saw her, she rushed forward and back as if she was a living God of Wealth, her hospitality is indescribable.Yuan Zhen said: "We have had enough tea, let's quickly set up the table to drink." Xiao Gui replied: "Yeah, yes." Chen Shao, it's all warmed up, each one has a pot, this is Ding Yuanzhen's old custom when entertaining guests, each person will order a pot, the host does not respect the guests, and the guests do not return the host.Drink more and drink less, it all depends on the amount of each person, drink freely.This way of drinking is welcomed by most of the people who are invited.Ding Yuanzhen's capacity for drinking was originally very large, but he didn't drink easily. Nine times out of ten, he used tea instead of wine.If it's drinking this time, there must be a reason for it, either there is something that can't be bothered, or there is something to be happy about.Since he raised the wine glass, the old Chen Shao in the next year would have to drink at least four or five catties.The more he drank, the stronger he became, the more he sweated, and the more he talked, he talked eloquently and amazed the four feasts, and he was very aggressive.It's just that there is one bad thing, if there is someone he doesn't like in the seat, he must go crazy with drunkenness and scold him severely.And this kind of scolding is really extremely vitriolic.One joke, one word, can make the other party feel ashamed. If you want to find a crack to get in, you can't solve the current shame.There was a man named He Zhanyi who ate at the same table with him.He deserved it, just in time for him to drink heavily.He Zhanben is a detective, and his qualifications are very old. He is quite famous in the detective circle.At that time, it happened that Xiang Zicheng was in power in Beijing, and he was on horseback all day long. Anyone who opposed him in the Democratic Party would most likely escape the murderous hands.A group of detectives are specially raised, going to Jiutian and going to Jiuyuan, to make things difficult for the Democratic Party.Of course, there are many people with high-strength methods, but there are also many people who make up for their numbers.At this time, Hao Dian has made a lot of achievements and is proud of himself, but he happens to meet this enemy Ding Yuanzhen.He didn't want to drink at first, but when he saw Zhanyi, he unconsciously felt a little angry, so he picked up his glass and drank heavily.In a blink of an eye, Chen Shao was three catties down, still holding the cup in his hand, and sneered at the people present, saying, everyone, we were born in this era of business wars, and we need to pay more attention to doing business and talking about business.Those who agree with me will say that your words are indeed true. Nowadays, commercial wars are much more serious than military wars, and we have to study them.Yuan Zhen said: "Since you have studied it, do you know what kind of goods are the most profitable to sell?" The one who echoed thought for a while, and said that it might be beneficial to eat, wear, and use, but it depends on you If you don't speculate, you can determine how much profit you will make.Yuan Zhen laughed out loud when she heard this, saying that Your Excellency knows how to speculate.If you really know how to speculate, are the goods for food, clothing and use worth selling?The people who agreed were very surprised when they heard this. It is strange to say this. To speculate, besides food and clothing on people, what else is there to be surprised at? Could it be possible to sell stars and moons?Yuanzhen said: "You still don't understand that the most fashionable goods these days are to sell compatriots! It was the cheapest when it was first sold, and the sale was guaranteed for 20 yuan a month. Sure enough, the price of the goods is high, and the natural price rises from 20 yuan.三十块，由三十块涨至五十块，如今居然值一百块了。这一百块银洋，全是拿同胞的鲜血铸成的。并且这种买卖，也用不着去办货，手指无边取之即是，真是商战中一种特别投机的事业。你如果不信，顺着我的手儿瞧，那一位便是出卖同胞的大商业家。如今已经得到每月一百元的代价了。”原来占一是最近升的侦探队长，月薪一百元，所以元珍就借此打趣他，闹得占一满面羞惭，一句话也说不上来，借着小解便跑了，从此再不敢与元珍同席。由这一件事看起来，元珍使酒骂座的本事，可想而知。 今天他同纯卓先坐在一个桌上，本是有意约来，预备大骂特骂，好把胸中愤气，发泄无余的。较比骂何占一，当然更要格外起劲儿。所以他入座之后，什么话也不说，先叫小桂取过一个饮啤酒的玻璃杯来，把陈绍倾在杯中，也不向旁人劝酒，只自己端起来，一仰脖子就是一杯。满满地饮了三杯，方才将杯放下。忽然一拍桌子，喊道：“小桂！你温的这是什么酒，怎么连一点酒味儿也没有呢？”小桂忙躬身回道：“二爷您先消消气儿，这酒是隔过三年的陈绍，气味很醇厚。二爷若还嫌味薄，我再去寻十年的老花雕，您可得稍候一候。”元珍骂道：“放屁！你因为看我们这几个人，全是没有人味的人，所以拿这没有酒味的酒，来伺候我们。你要知道，朋友是朋友，冤家是冤家，这年头没人味的人，固然很多，可也不能一概而论。你把眼睛睁大了，倒看一看我们这五个人里，谁有人味，谁没有人味，自管放胆子说一说，我绝不怪你；你要是不说，却拿这没味的酒来骂我们，我可不能答应。”小桂听他这样，忙赔着笑脸回道：“二爷，你问这个，小的可不敢说。”元珍瞪着眼睛喝道：“什么，你不敢说？我今天非叫你说不可！”小桂道：“二爷一定要问，叫小人看，你们这五位老爷，全是呱呱叫的好朋友，身上放出来的气味，那更是香得很了，全是芝兰、茉莉、玉簪花、晚香玉，芬芳馥郁，能开出十几里远近。二爷，您看这味儿足不足呢？”小桂这一耍嘴皮子，招得在座人全笑了。元珍却沉着脸子说道：“你这又是转着弯子，来骂我们。什么叫芝兰、茉莉、玉簪花、晚香玉，你再闻一闻，内中还有牛臊、马粪、狗屎、鸡尿，比那些鲜花的味道何如？”小桂在一旁只是笑，却不答言。元珍道：“你不要瞎眼瞎心了，你认着我们这五个人，全是老爷吗？内中有当过小偷儿的，你知道是谁？有当过蹲儿兵的，你知道是谁？有当过高等侦探、自残同胞的，你知道是谁？我丁元珍，好汉不怕出身低。当初放过羊，杀过牛，卖过野药儿，如今投身报界，也要假充文明人、上流社会的健全分子。其实我是什么变的，我自己知道，我也决不瞒人。但是有一件，别看我是一个粗鲁汉子，我眼睛里可不揉沙子。认得朋友是朋友，冤家是冤家。谁是叮叮当当的好朋友，我丁元珍绝不敢错待了人家，敢说是心口如一，表里不二。绝不能像你们，拿着朋友当冤家，嘴里说好话，脚底下就使绊马锁，笑里藏刀，酒中置鸩。多年的朋友，一旦翻脸无情，就陷害人家，用尽了阴谋诡计，含沙射影，血口喷人，总想把人家置之死地，心里才觉着快活。人家当患难之时，不但袖手旁观，还要落井下石，其实用尽了心机，也未见得伤着人家一根汗毛，不过自己落个不够人格，叫人背地里笑骂，说某人没有人味儿。似乎这类人，我丁元珍实在瞧不起他。小桂，你怎么样？我想你一定更瞧不起他，要不然，也不拿那没味的酒，来敬这没味的人了。”小桂也不答言，只是嘻嘻地笑。 少顷，取过一壶温好的绍酒来，说：“二爷，您喝这一壶，味道儿强得多啦。”元珍接过来，也不向杯中倒，也不向嘴里吸。他这时已经把皮袄脱下，只穿着一件青洋绉的小薄棉袄，还把纽扣儿解开，手中的酒，却向棉袄中倾倒，淋淋漓漓，将棉袄裤全湿了。口中不住地说：“好好，我这棉袄，今天也得痛饮一番，算是庆祝共和成功。我把你们这些满清的国奴，这些年可把俺老子压制苦了，在报纸上放一个屁，你们也要干涉干涉。一群无知的亲贵，张口是我们家的天下，合口是大清国的江山，如今你们的天下在哪里？你们的江山在哪里？清不清？清哉清哉！国不国？国哉国哉！哈哈哈，保皇党在哪里？宗社党在哪里？你们倒是出头露面啊？！怎么把脖子缩进半尺去，再也不钻出来啦？你们这些东西，不是自称满洲世仆，随龙进关吗？平常日子吹得呜呜地响，看我们这些人，全是家贼。如今家贼可做了主人翁啦！你们的龙到哪里去了？你们但凡有志气的，就应当攀龙髯，也随着龙驭上宾，为什么也跑出来庆祝共和，假充中华民国的新人物。既有今日何必当初。当初人家赞助共和，你们在暗地里破坏，还使出人来，同人家捣乱拼命。如今怎么样呢，你们有本事的，杀了项子城，活擒段吉祥，恢复你们的君主专制，那才算是好汉子呢。何必又战战兢兢害起怕来，求这个疏通，请那个谅解，哼哼，没有骨头的东西！怎配同好朋友坐在一个桌上，呼兄唤弟，饮酒长谈呢？！”元珍说到这里，便用手指着小桂，大声喝道：“小桂，你听见了没有？我骂的就是你这混账东西，你不要充傻装愣啊！”小桂笑道：“二爷骂我正是赏我脸，我怎样敢充傻装愣呢。”小桂嘴里虽这样说，两只眼却不住地向席面那四位客人脸上鉴貌辨色。只见那三个人，全是微微地笑，只有一个人，满面通红，大汗珠子从额角上滴滴地向下流，直瞪着两眼，同木雕泥塑一般。在旁边看的人，见了这神气，全要替他难过，当局更可想而知了。小桂心里明白，丁二爷骂的一定是这一位，却拿我做挡箭牌，我乐得给二爷捧捧场。想到这里，便笑着向元珍说：“二爷，您索性痛痛快快地骂吧。我小桂自小儿没有爹娘，是一个没人管的野孩子，大了又不曾受过教育，因此偷猫盗狗拔烟袋，什么没出息的事全做过。二爷您今天骂我，就好比是爸爸教训儿子，您骂一句，我给您磕一个头。您看怎么样呢？”元珍哈哈大笑道：“好小子！你真会寻便宜。我骂了半天，敢情骂的是儿子。我可不愿意要你这样儿子。你做的那些事，连坟地全是被人骂裂了，谁要给你当爹，挨得起这些骂吗？”此时金戈二见丁元珍已经骂得尽兴，挨骂的纯卓先，已经垂头丧气，连一口大气儿也不出了。心里说：天下事适可而止，也不可太过火，别由小桂的性儿，帮着刻薄人了。便正颜厉色地向小桂道：“天什么时候了，你还不赶紧预备菜饭。我们吃完了，还有进城的呢！”小桂答应一声是，借此下台，到前边去催菜。这里丁元珍也明白戈二的意思，不再说什么了，却直着眼说，我向来没有这样醉过，今天可真支不住了。嘴里说着，身子一歪，便溜倒在地上。戈二忙叫柜上招呼一辆马车来，特派小桂送他回家，自己陪着那三个人吃饭。卓先哪里还吃得下，只喝了两口汤。大家便分手，各自乘车回家。 第二天，可着一个北京，城里城外，各铺家住户，全高悬五色国旗，像是有什么大庆典，大家不约而同地举行祝贺。细一打听，原来是南京民国参议院，选出临时大总统。十八位议员，只有一人请假，投了十七张票，全场一致，选项子城为中华民国临时大总统。这个喜信传到北京，所以警察厅传知商民，叫一律悬旗庆祝。这个临时总统，并不是出于民意选举的，乃是南北一种交换条件。在孙大总统，宁甘牺牲自己的地位，好与项子城合力推倒满清。项子城既借着武人的势力，把清廷吓得下诏逊位，让出君主大权；南京孙大总统，是最讲信义的，见项子城真肯帮助革命，将满清推倒，不用武力解决，免去生灵涂炭，心中很觉着满意，便决定履行条件，改选项子城为临时大总统。授意参议院各议员，一致举他。果然全场一致，项子城以十七票当选。选出之后，便立时拍电报到北京。项子城知道了，自以为所求的目的，果然达到，便也回电到南京，略表谦让之意。紧跟着又商量新、旧两位总统，怎样行授受之礼。孙大总统召集会议，向大家发表意见，说：“如今项子城已经当选总统，要论他的才干，诚然是不可多得，不过他是官僚出身，对于共和原理，民主真谛，未必能十分了解，必须有民党中人，切实地辅佐他，将来政治才能渐入轨道。但是他在北洋多年，所造就的，不是跋扈武人，便是滑头官吏，要再由着他在北京去做总统，不知不觉地，就被这些人包围起来。再加上北京那块地方，乃是千百年皇帝建都之所，一切风俗社会，饮食起居，无一不挂君主的色彩。以项子城那种野心人，放在北京发号施令，既受恶浊空气的熏染，又被腐败官僚的诱惑，敢断将来一定得不到好结果。凡事总要为久远计，防患未然。我是以一片至诚，既要保全民国大局，又想保全项子城个人，以为迁都南京，是一劳永逸的法子。项子城果能到南京来，他那脑筋，自比较在北京清醒得多，当然能与民党合作，这便是国家前途之福。不知你们诸位，以为何如？”众人齐声说，总统眼光远大，荩虑周详，非我等所能及。但恐项子城未必听从，仍然是空言无补。孙大总统道：“这个无妨，我如今给他去电报，请他到南京来，行受任礼。他如果肯来，迁都事便不成问题了。”众人赞成此议，当日便拍电到北京，请项大总统来接任。 项子城接着这个电报，心中很不以为然，当时也召集了一次会议，向大家发表，说：“孙公一定请我到南京去就任，这是什么意思呢？现放着北京城，是历代元首建都之地，而且各外国使馆，也都在这里，却跑到南京去做什么？你们大家商量商量，可以寻出一个理由来，婉言回复孙公，我是绝不到南京去的。”阮中书首先建议，说：“总统不去是很对了。据中书想，他们请总统到南京，这里边绝不安着好意。因为总统是去接任，万不能多带兵马，当然是轻车简从，才显出民国大总统的精神来。可是南京那地方，乃是革命的势力范围，总统要去了，岂非自投罗网？倘然要发生一点危险，岂不是后悔无及？纵然没有危险，他们只把总统软禁起来，却假借着名义，发号施令，那更成了民党的傀儡，岂不更觉无味？”项子城本是一个多疑的人，经阮中书这样一解说，他心中更认定了南京是去不得的。但是孙大总统的来电，十分恳切，面子上又不好直然拒绝，只得叫大家想一个正当理由，好婉言辞谢。杨志奇献计道：“在这时候，总统不到南京去，是很有理由可说的。因为目前清廷甫经逊位，京津地方，有不少的保皇党、宗社党，在暗中蛊惑军队，还想着伺隙而动，推翻民国，仍然扶保满清，必须总统在这里坐镇，才能压服一切。倘要到南京去，这里出了变故，必至不堪收拾，岂不是前功尽弃。最好是请孙大总统到北京来，新、旧两位总统，面行授受之礼。如孙公实不能来，可以遣派大员，带着总统印绶，来至北京，代表孙公，交代清楚，便也可以接印视事。这种权宜办法，实在是为大局着想，不得不然。如此说话，在孙公也未便过于固执，自然将南京接任的话，就算无形打消了。”项子城点头赞可，说这样立言，很为得礼。就派杨志奇拟了一封回电，拍至南京。第二天又接到南京的电，说是防患未然，所虑甚为周密。这里听见此信，也甚不放心。拟派大员三人，先到北京，恭候项大总统起居，并就便看一看京津情形，再定受任典礼举行之地。特此电商，请项公同意。 项子城见了这个电报，十分欢喜，立刻叫秘书处回电表示欢迎，并请把所派代表姓名，及启节日期，早日示知，以便派遣专员，欢迎保护，并预备驻节行辕。这电报去了，果然当日便有回音，说派的是汪杜鹃、陈元培、王保惠，准于正月初十日夜车，从南京起身，大约路上没有耽搁，十二日早晨，准可到北京车站。项子城得到这个电报，立时大张旗鼓，传警察厅长朱起秦，同九门提督乌谨，当面吩咐：十二日早晨，有南京三位大员，乘专车来京聘问。这是南北携手的第一步，官府商民，全应当有一种欢迎表示。你们两个人下去，要赶紧预备预备。所有悬灯结彩，铺路扫街，务要格外的风光富丽。至于三代表的行辕，最好就借用东城金鱼胡同拉中堂的宅子，自划出半所来，就够三代表驻节之用了。朱、乌两人下去，哪敢怠慢，立刻照着项大总统的吩咐，传知内外城铺家住户，于十二日早晨，一律悬灯结彩，欢迎南方政府代表。一面又由警察厅派岳大谊，提督衙门派申林，为伺应南代表专门办差委员。这两个人全是著名的干员，对于伺候上差，平日极有研究。如今奉到这种差使，知道这三位代表，乃是项大总统注意欢迎的人，自然更格外讨好。在岳大谊还没有什么，唯有申林心中却有些忐忑不定。因为当日汪杜鹃谋炸摄政王一案，乃是他经手破获的。彼时汪杜鹃是囚犯，如今却做了南京政府的堂堂代表，俨然同钦差一般，自己偏偏又当了这伺应的差使。在汪某倘然要记念前嫌，处处挑剔，与我为难，我这差使，如何还能当得好呢？只得硬着头皮，事事要格外讨好，来一个锦上添花，或者将他哄欢喜了，也许能够消释前嫌。他这样一打算，立时鼓起精神来，把一座拉中堂府铺陈得如仙人洞一般。金鱼胡同的东西口儿，全扎起松彩牌坊来，格外高大，上面用电灯做成“南北一家欢迎代表”的大字。连东四牌楼一带，全是用黄土垫道，净水泼街。拉府的门前，是用红绿彩绸，盘成各式花样，上面全镶着纸花同小电灯，夜间远远看着，尤其美观。至于里面的繁华富丽，那更不需说了。所有代表的住室，内中门帘帐幔铺盖等，一律全是大红缎子平金绣花。至于听差的人役，全挑选二十岁上下、干净漂亮、能够眉言目语的机灵小厮。一切全都布置好了。 这一天恰是十二日早晨。项大总统特派赵秉衡为代表，到车站去欢迎。所有各部职员，也都前往。并由总统府特备了三辆汽车，专供代表乘坐。要知这时候的汽车，还非常稀少，项子城宅中，仅仅有四五辆，还是外国人赠的。此次特特驾出来，欢迎代表，正是表示格外尊重的意思。还有总统府卫队、警厅保安队、南营游击队、各色军乐队，站里站外，全都挤满了。并且由车站直到金鱼胡同，沿路上全是双岗，真是威仪整肃，气象森严。少时汽笛一声，专车已经开进站中，慢慢地停了。先由车上跳下两个随从的侍卫来，接受欢迎人员的名片，拿上车去。然后传话，请到车上相见。赵秉衡在前面，领着许多人，一同上车。车上的三位代表，也一齐迎出来。汪杜鹃穿着一件灰布羊皮袄，青缎子马褂，头戴便帽，足蹬青布皂鞋；陈元培穿的是蓝洋绉皮袄，青马褂，也是便帽青布鞋；王保惠却穿着一身西服，外罩一件皮外套。彼此见面，握手为礼。赵秉衡说：“先请三位到行辕休息休息，然后再见项总统不迟。”汪杜鹃执意要先去觐见总统，陈、王两人，也说先见总统为是。赵秉衡道：“既然这样，我陪三位一同去好了。”于是大家一同下车，三代表分乘汽车，由赵秉衡、阮中书、杨修三个人陪着，一同来到项宅。项子城亲身迎至前厅，三人一同鞠躬。项子城还礼之后，又挨着个儿握手，笑道：“三位先生，一路很辛苦的，正好回寓休息休息，怎敢劳枉驾先来。如今民国告成，这全是孙大总统二十年革命主义战胜之结果，同诸位先生冒险努力之成功。我项某不过愤汉族凌夷，仅仅立于赞助地位，何德何能，竟承诸大议员，选为一国元首，实在惭愧得很。以后诸事全得求诸位先生帮忙，千万不要客气才好。”汪杜鹃道：“此番清帝退位，改建民国，全是大总统在中央操纵之力。孙公对于总统，非常钦佩。以为开国之始，这总统地位，关系很是重大，非得一威望素著，而且熟于政情国势的，决然不能胜任愉快。以总统从前的政绩人望，居此地位，甚为相宜。不过有一件事，孙公派我三人致意总统：北京这块地方，腐气过重，当君主时代，当然可以作为都城；如今既改民国，所有建设的方略，同以后施政的性质，与从前绝对不同，必须另寻一块好地方，作为都城，才足以振奋精神，刷新耳目，从根本上改善一切。因此请总统到南京接任，就便相度地势，迁都于彼，为中华民国建万年有道之基。这乃是开宗明义第一件紧要的事，务必请总统采纳才好。”项子城笑道：“这件事不但孙公虑及，兄弟也早有所见。兄弟在北京服官数年，时时刻刻，嫌这地方肮脏龉龃。常对朋友笑谈，说北京这块地方，在三十丈以上，没有好空气；在三十丈以下，没有好井水。至于饮食居处习惯，更没有一样不讨人厌的。尤其是一班在旗的人，他们那种面目神气，真令人见之作三日呕。我们如今既改民国，岂能使首都之地，再有这种遗传病。纵然孙公不提议及此，兄弟也要设法迁移，绝不久恋的。”三代表听项子城这样说，无不改容起敬。王保惠道：“适才得聆总统这一套伟论，与孙公不谋而合，真可称英雄所见，大略相同。代表们实在钦佩得很。”陈元培又进一步说道：“我们向来知道总统的为人，是坐而言就要起而行，绝不因循姑息的。这迁都问题，想来用不了几天，便可以完全解决了。”项子城道：“那是自然。不过目前尚有一种难题，想来三位先生尚不十分明了。这北京城地方，本是爱新觉罗三百年奠都之所，根深蒂固，它那一种潜势力，早已深入人心。如今仓促间将它推倒，它那暗中的势力，依然存在。所有宗社党、保皇党，结合一班亲贵，在暗地策划，想要勾连军警，伺机发难。别看这地方表面上极其平静，无形中却是险象环生，伏莽四布。因为有这种关系，早把禁卫军远远调开，却将第六镇曹虎臣召至北京，严密防守。不料这几天风声不好，听说第六镇的下级军官，被他们收买的已经不少。我今天正想叫曹虎臣来，叫他早早严防，别等到临时措手不及。看这形势，迁都的话，恐怕最近期间，不能实现。因为立国之始，根本不宜动摇。这一层还得求诸公原谅。今天难得三位到此，兄弟略备薄酌，作为接风。”遂吩咐在花园暖阁中设席，项子城亲自陪三代表饮酒。有两个三四十岁的军官，全是武装挎刀，在席前斟酒布菜，伺候得十分殷勤。 席散之后，项子城方指着那两个军官，给三代表引见，说那一个是第六镇统制曹虎臣，这个是卫队统领郑尔成，你们见一见汪、王、陈三位先生。曹、郑忙恭恭敬敬地行举手注目礼。这是以上司之礼待三代表，三代表深深鞠躬还礼。项子城又对曹虎臣道：“我听说你那镇部的风声，近几天很是不好。你可要用全副精神，早早防备。今天三代表初次来京，要倘然有些风吹草动，惊了他三位的驾，我可一定要不依的。”虎臣诺诺连声。项子城又说：“天已不早了，正好请三位先生回行辕休息。曹虎臣、郑尔成，再加派九门提督乌谨，你三个人可护送他三位回寓，并派得力兵弁，在行辕前值岗。”曹、郑答应下去，三代表起身告辞。果然由曹、郑、乌三个人，每人武装挎刀，坐在汽车前护卫，一同到金鱼胡同住宅。早有办差的岳大谊、申林，迎至门外，将三位代表导引至客厅中略坐，然后又请到内宅。每人占一所院子，全住的是五间正房。一切铺陈，上文已经表过，真是靡丽奢华，使人目眩。三代表本是多年奔走革命的人，哪里享受过这种待遇。如今贸然来此，大有受宠若惊的神气。汪杜鹃向申林笑道：“申先生，咱们原是故旧之交。你何必这样费神，倒叫我格外不安了。”申林忙躬身回道：“卑弁理应伺候代表大人。如需用什么，自请吩示，没有不现成的。”此时曹虎臣、郑尔成、乌谨，将三人送入住室，然后辞别回去复命。 项子城见他们回来了，传谕叫曹虎臣到密室来，有紧要的事当面吩咐。虎臣进入密室，内中只有项子城一个人，连左右近侍全都屏退。子城在暖椅上坐着，曹虎臣在一旁侍立。也听不见他两人说些什么，只见虎臣低着头，弯着腰，表示一种极端服从的神气。最后向子城行了一个敬礼，慢慢退出。才走出屋门，项子城忽然追出来，高声叫道：“虎臣！”曹虎臣连忙回头站住。子城道：“方才嘱咐你的话，你可要牢牢记住，最要紧是千万不许伤人。风头要冲冲的，务必达到恫吓目的才好。”虎臣躬身道：“这个沐恩晓得，总统自请万安。”子城道：“这样好极了，你去吧。”虎臣又重新行礼，方才退出来。到了总统府外，骑上快马，一直跑回他的司令部。进至办公室中，连一刻全没敢停，立刻传令，召集参谋长，及协统标统，管带帮带等，在司令部开秘密会议。少时各员到齐。好在是总统交派的事，也用不着议，只向大家宣布一遍，谁敢不遵。各员听了，虽然全露着一点惊愕的神气，但是元首命令，只有服从。各员俱赶回本部，由管带传知哨官哨长再传知排长，由排长更传知什长伍长，由什长伍长传知众弟兄。全是用口头传令，并不发表官文。众弟兄听了，一个个摩拳擦掌，喜形于色，仿佛比在前敌打了胜仗，还觉着快活。这时候天已有下午四点了，正月的天气，四点钟已经快到日落。各军士全瞪起眼睛来，催伙夫烧锅造饭，像是有什么重大事情，必须吃得饱饱的，才好去做。各伙夫只得加紧赶做。少时饭做熟了，众弟兄狼吞虎咽地饱吃了一顿。这时候日光全落，天色快黑上来，大家将身上的军衣，结束结束，俱都拿起枪来，只等候动员令。若问有什么举动，同谁去交战，且看下回分解。