Chapter 77 Seventy-fourth round of famous scholars being promoted to official positions, hanging their elbows on Jinyin Kingdom to heal diseases, spit out lotus flowers with their tongues

Crazy Zang has a bad temper, and he usually wears filthy clothes. Of course, in the eyes of the snobbish family members in Beijing, he is looked down upon, let alone a dignified prime minister!As the saying goes: In front of the prime minister's door, a seventh-rank official, an ordinary person, and a very old broken rickshaw, how can there be no reason not to hit a snag?For them, it is natural for them to deal with visitors like this.Who would dare to lose their temper in front of the Prime Minister's mansion for those guests whose status is not close?Hence their habit of pride.Unexpectedly, today I met Zang Hanhuo who is not afraid of the sky and the earth. He doesn't even look down on the Prime Minister, let alone a gatekeeper who dares to speak against him. How can he contain his nameless anger?At that time, he raised the civilized stick in his hand and struck down violently. The door was caught by surprise, and it was too late to dodge. He quickly turned his head to the side, and only knocked down his ear. At that time, the ear was broken, blood flowed, and the door hurt He yelled loudly, covered his ears with his hands, wiped his head and ran away.Where Hanhuo is willing to relax, he chases after him, and still wants to fight.The guarding police couldn't bear to see him, so he ran up and hugged him, and said, "Sir, speak slowly if you have something to say, why do you have to do this?" People dare to stop you from talking to me, but today I meet this kid, I must teach him a lesson!"

When the policeman heard the words "Zang Hanhuo", he was already frightened. Even the doorman suddenly realized that he deserved to be unlucky today.Because Prime Minister Tang repeatedly asked him a few days ago: "I know that there is a Mr. Zang, named Hanhuo, who visits me. You must treat me well and don't overthrow him. He is very difficult to deal with! If I'm not at home, you let him into the inner living room, ask Mr. Lu and Mr. Wang to come out to entertain him, and ask the kitchen to prepare a good jelly dish to entertain him. You must keep it in mind, and don't cause trouble for me !” Prime Minister Tang had instructed them twice, but he didn’t expect that there would be such a disturbance today.

It was no wonder at all, they were all ignorant villains. Hearing Prime Minister Tang call him Mr. Zang, they thought that this gentleman must be very rich. When he came, he was not a car, but a carriage; It is very gorgeous, and there is a long class of book guards, who are always there to serve.As for Han Huolai's situation, they never dreamed that it was him.In addition, Hanhuo refused to use his first and last name, and only asked if the Prime Minister was at home, so it's no wonder they couldn't think of it.Therefore, when this kind of trouble happened, the gatekeeper was most afraid and didn't even bother to run away. He quickly turned back and knelt down towards Hanhuo, saying, "Damn the villain! The villain has eyes but no eyes! I don't know if it's Zang!" My lord is here, and I have spoken recklessly, my lord, please hit the villain firmly a few times to vent your anger. The villain should be punished." The policeman also let go at this time, admitting that he was wrong, and made Zang Han feel embarrassed to explode. up.Said: "Is your Prime Minister at home?" The doorman replied: "It is true that he is not at home! When he was about to go out, he also told the villain that if Mr. Zang came, please wait in the inner living room for a while, and let him Call, he will come right away. Sir, please go to the living room first, and wait for a while!" Han Huo said: "In this case, let's lead the way ahead!" Follow him to the living room.On the one hand, the doorman told the teahouse to make tea quickly, and on the other hand, he went to find two masters, Lu and Wang, to come out to talk with him, but he secretly reported to Prime Minister Tang.

Premier Tang gasped when he heard this, and hurriedly ordered the doorman: "You keep it from him for now, don't tell me I'm at home, ask the kitchen to prepare a banquet for him, and ask the masters to treat him well. I'll go outside from the back door Go there and ask the coachman to park the car at the back door and wait." The doorman agreed and came out to wait for orders.However, Premier Tang slipped out of the back door secretly, jumped into the carriage, and ordered it to be pulled all the way to the presidential palace.The coachman shook his whip, and ran down like the wind. After a while, he arrived at the gate of the house.The prime minister jumped out of the car, went to the secretariat first, and begged Ruan Zhongshu to lead him to see the president immediately.Seeing his panicked expression, Zhongshu asked him what's important, so urgent?Shao Yi said: "That lunatic came and searched all the way to my house, and the doorman was broken by him. How dare I meet such an unreasonable person? Didn't you say last time that the president has a good way to deal with it?" Is it? I have no choice but to find the president, and ask him to come up with a solution quickly!" Zhongshu laughed and said, "So that's why! It doesn't matter! Let's go to see the president together. Since he said there is a way, we can't go wrong." So the two They went to look for Xiangzicheng together, and when they explained their future intentions, Xiangzicheng also laughed and said, "How come you can't do anything when you meet a lunatic? This matter is easy to handle. I immediately issued an order, Greatly give him a title. Please, Prime Minister Tang, take my order and congratulate him when you meet him. He has an official himself. This kind of person is very responsible, and he must be responsible for matters within his authority. Make a plan with some twists and turns. And I gave him a foreign official. After he finished the plan, he had to go far away. Of course, he had no time to ask about Wang Zhirui. If he wants to pursue that matter, you guys So I slowed him down, saying that I had fully agreed to it a long time ago, but because there was a problem, I wanted to discuss it with Zhirui face to face, and I wanted to use him to handle it. Order, let him be the governor of Zhili. Of course, he has no excuses for this kind of statement, do you think this is a good idea?" Shao Yi said: "The president's plan is really brilliant, but what official do you want to appoint him? Xiang Zicheng thought for a while, and said, "Well, let's send him as a consolation envoy for the three eastern provinces. Although the name is big, he has no real power. He can be welcomed by people in the three provinces, which is not the best way. Is it an errand?" Shao Yi and Zhongshu at this time, of course, were extremely in favor of it, and there was no need for the State Council to pass it, and they didn't need the Prime Minister to stamp it. Sealed by the seal officer.Xiang Zicheng took it, took a look at it briefly, and handed it to Premier Tang.

After the Prime Minister got this magic weapon, he immediately took courage and bid farewell to Xiangzi City.Back home, I kept going to see Zang Hanhuo. At this time, Hanhuo was drinking with Wang and Lu at the same table. When the Prime Minister came back, he got up and gave up his seat.Shao Yi didn't care about taking a seat, first made a deep bow to Han Huo, and said, "Mr. Zang, congratulations! Congratulations! I'm going to take office soon!" This made Han Huo confused, and said to Shao Yi "Prime Minister! What are you talking about? Could it be that you are also crazy!" Shao Yi hurriedly took out an order, and said solemnly: "President Xiang Da, I have admired you for a long time, and I want to borrow from you. You are too young to make full use of your great talents. After planning for many days, just in time for such a meeting, the president thought that you would not be able to do it, so he rushed out this paper order overnight and called me. Carry it with you, and hand it to you face to face. He also said that you are the number one celebrity in China, and you can’t be restrained by official etiquette, and you don’t have to go to the government to thank the commissioner. You are fully responsible for how to organize the office and call personnel. As for casting For small matters such as customs clearance and withdrawal of funds, you can directly handle them with the State Council, and you can save a lot of trouble." Shaoyi said while handing over the order to Hanhuo, asking him to read it.Han Huo received such unexpected good news by surprise, and immediately felt the blood in his whole body boil, and took the order with trembling hands to read. It was a thick pound paper, printed with gold lace all around, and there was a big book on it: "Special Commissioner Zang Han Huo Consolation envoy for the three eastern provinces. This order." The president's seal is stamped on the back.Hanhuo read it again and again.Although he himself is a famous person with a good reputation all over the country, he has never tasted the taste of being an official. Now that he sees the order of this special mission, he can't tell whether he is happy or afraid, and he should even thank the prime minister in front of him. I don't know how to speak the answer.After a short pause, he suddenly asked Shao Yi, "What made the seal of the President?" Shao Yi smiled and said, "Of course it is made of gold. Just think about it, he is the head of state of a country. Of course, the seal must be paid special attention to. In the former Qing Dynasty, most of the top officials were gold seals, not to mention the head of a country?" This sentence suddenly reminded Han Huo, saying: "In this case, my consolation envoy is Special officials, of course, can also cast a gold seal." Shao Yi nodded and said: "This is natural. And don't worry about your distraction. I will go back to the State Council and send the Seal and Casting Bureau to quickly cast one for you. So that you can take up the new post as soon as possible." He replied like this, while still dealing with the Han fire, he invited him to a seat for a drink, and he himself sat on the horizontal head to accompany him.Hanhuo was very happy at this time, and said: "The three provinces in the Northeast are the places I visited before, and I am familiar with almost all the geography and people's conditions. Since the president sent me there this time, I must sincerely express my condolences and never fail to fulfill the president's entrustment." Kindness." Shao Yi also took the opportunity to flatter him, saying: "If Mr. Zang is not the one to take this job, others will never be able to do it happily. The President has already seen this step, so he does not appoint others, but only Mr. It is because I know that Mr. Zang is not only talented, but also has the courage to do things." Shao Yi poured as much soup as he could, making this Mr. Zang dizzy, as if he was in a cloud.Wang and Lu, the two masters, took this opportunity to let go of drinking again.When Han Huo was in high spirits, he had to drink every time he was persuaded, and every time he drank, he had to empty it. The good Chen Shao drank a full four or five catties.Because he is originally from Shaoxing, Zhejiang, he has been fond of the local old Huadiao since he was a child. Now that he has this unexpected happy news and encounters the fine wine from his hometown, he must cheer up and drink it.What's more, the three people in the same seat intentionally played tricks on him, taking turns to change the cups for longevity on the ground.At first, he could barely hold on, but then his tongue became short, and he couldn't even speak clearly.Still refusing to give up, they persuaded him to drink three more glasses. After this, he couldn't stand upright and slipped under the table involuntarily.Master Lu hurriedly ordered the head class: "Drive the carriage quickly, and take Mr. Zang back to the Jintai Hotel." Shaoyi said: "Since you know that he lives in the Jintai Hotel, you can accompany him for a trip. Because he is now a special official, We don’t have too much status. If something happens on the road or in the store, we can’t afford it. Besides, he still has the order of the consolation envoy on his body. If he loses it, it will be even more troublesome. You can go to Jintai Hotel with him , handed him over to Wang Zhirui, and asked Zhirui to take good care of him, this is nothing more than appropriate. You can go." Master Lu promised: "Yes!" The two long squads on the left and right set Han on fire from the ground Arise, and force him into the carriage.Master Lu also supported him in the car with the long class, and then drove to Jintai Hotel.

Wang Zhirui was full of anticipation, full of doubts, wondering where did this lunatic go?He is not familiar with the geography of Beijing, so if he gets lost, what should he do?I should never let him go alone, even if I can't follow him myself, I can rest assured by sending a waiter in the hotel to serve as the long shift for him!Zhirui was sitting upstairs, full of doubts, when he suddenly heard shouts from downstairs: "Master Zang is here, why don't you carry the lanterns to lead the way? This is a specially appointed imperial envoy. The one who opened the inn is blind. The imperial envoy is back." Is it okay? When I send your boss to the district to play two hundred boards, I will naturally understand." Hearing this, Zhirui was very surprised, where did this come from? What about Lord Zang?Could it be my partner?Can't?How could he become a special officer in a blink of an eye?As he thought about it, he had already stepped out of the house.Sure enough, seeing the bright lights and candles downstairs, many people surrounded a drunk man and came upstairs.If you look carefully, who is the drunk but not Hanhuo?At this time, Zhirui's hair became more and more foggy.After a while when they came up, they saw a man in rich clothes who asked loudly, "Which room is your co-living Mr. Wang?" This is Mr. Wang." Seeing that the store clerk had pointed him out, Zhirui leaned forward, cupped his fists and smiled at the person who asked, "This is Wang Zhirui. That Mr. Zang Hanhuo is my good friend. , living together with each other, I don’t know what advice you can give me?” The man hurriedly raised his hand and said, “This is Lu Jintang, who works as a secretary in Prime Minister Tang’s residence, and is now appointed by the Prime Minister to send Mr. Zang back to his apartment. It’s inconvenient here Let's talk more, can you tell me about it?" Zhirui said: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please sit in the room!" He also called his long class, opened the door of Hanhuo's room first, brought him in, and put him in the room. Good sleep in bed.Then let Lu Jintang come to his room to give tea and smoke, and entertain everything politely, and took advantage of the situation to inquire about the reason why Zang Hanhuo was appointed as a special official.After saying a few words, Lu Jintang got up to leave, and then entrusted Zhirui to take care of Hanhuo to prevent him from drinking at night and getting sick.Zhirui was naturally very happy when he got the news, and he repeatedly agreed: "We are best friends, so don't worry about the Prime Minister and Your Excellency."

After Lu Jintang left, Zhirui went to the Hanhuo House in person, but he felt the smell of alcohol and snoring loudly, so he wanted to wake him up and ask him everything, how could he do it?But Zhirui planned in his heart: Lian Hanhuo released the special officials, and my Zhili governor, of course, will have no problem.When he wakes up tomorrow, he will tell me in detail, why fight for this night!Thinking of this, he ordered the head class: "Don't leave this room, take good care of Mr. Zang, and prevent him from asking for tea and water at night. If you don't answer, I will know tomorrow, and I will punish you severely." Repeatedly.

Zhirui returned to his room, the more he thought about it, the happier he became, and he didn't sleep well all night.It was not until it was almost dawn that he fell asleep in a daze.I didn't get up until eleven o'clock, cleaned my face in a hurry, and ran to the Hanhuo room to talk.At this time, Han Huo had already woken up, and the hangover had also woken up. He was taking out the paper Ren Zhuo from his bosom, looking at it repeatedly, and suddenly saw Zhirui walking in. Feeling a little embarrassed, he threw the Ren Zhuan on the table. , hurriedly got up and gave up his seat.Zhirui respectfully bowed to him to congratulate him, and said, "Mr. Zang, you must know the great experience. This way, you can develop your ambition." Han Huo said, "What's so exciting? How can I be an official?" ?Old Xiang is just trying to appetize me! Prime Minister Tang also followed suit, and he must have asked me to do it, and I am in a dilemma!" Zhirui sat down and said, "Why not? You used to be all on paper, but now you have Given this kind of opportunity, if you don’t do it, people will definitely criticize you, saying that although you have a lot of words in your pen, you have no plan in your mind. Isn’t this giving others a handle?” Han Huo said: “Why don’t I think so? So I reluctantly agree, and I have to ask for your advice on everything." Zhirui said: "Too modest! Too modest! Being an official is no longer like the age of the monarch. All the procedures are very simple, and your job is just to represent the president. It is very easy to comfort the people without taking on local administrative responsibilities. Moreover, the people in the three eastern provinces have not yet reached the age of enlightenment. You can make the people of the three provinces feel refreshed when you go there. The future of the Republic of China is also very beneficial, so why not go there?" Encouraged by the Han Huo Jing, he unknowingly elated and gave a speech about how to develop industries, how to pay attention to diplomacy, and how to open the door when he came to the three eastern provinces. Minzhi, how to rectify the officialdom, many off-topic articles, all said in one go.Zhi Rui was listening, and couldn't help laughing, but he didn't dare to show his face.After he had finished his speech, he slowly turned to himself and said: "Mr. Zang came to Beijing this time to deal with the matter of direct supervision, but he didn't expect to kill two birds with one stone. Yun, it shows that people have certain origins." When Zhirui said this, Han Huo suddenly realized, and stomped his feet unconsciously: "It's broken! It's broken! Damn it! Damn it! I went to look for Old Tang yesterday, but why did I go there? He was not at home at the time, and I complained to his secretary for a long time. Later, when he returned home and met each other, he didn't allow me to speak, so he took out an order, and he didn't know what to say. , I actually left your direct governor’s question out of the blue. Later, the three of them took turns pouring me wine until I lost consciousness before giving up. When I woke up, I was already in the store, and I didn’t know what happened. What happened. Zhang Sheng of your noble family stood in front of me. I had to ask him in detail. Only then did I know that I was drunk. They took me back in a carriage. I slept all night before I woke up, confused I'm confused. I didn't mention a word to Old Tang about your matter, so you're right!" He rubbed his hands and sighed as he spoke, expressing his apology.At this time, Zhirui, although he was very dissatisfied in his heart, didn't want to say anything out of face, so he replied with a smile on his face: "What's the matter? I didn't talk about it yesterday, and it's not too late to talk about it today. Why bother? "Han Huo was going to the Tang residence immediately without delay. Zhirui said: "If you go again this time, it will be different from yesterday. Yesterday you were a commoner, but today you are a special official. I will call you a carriage and send Zhang It's better to be promoted to serve, and it will look better." Han Huo laughed and said, "In the Republic of China, what is the distinction between officials and citizens? Common people are also special officials, and special officials are also civilians. I will go like this, without losing my dignity." Citizenship. What do you need a carriage for?" After he finished speaking, he got up and left.Zhirui had no choice but to send Zhang Sheng to follow him, or he called two rickshaws and drove them all the way to Tangzhai.

This time, the gatekeeper didn't dare to stop him, and immediately led him to the inner living room, and it was still Lu Jintang who came out to accompany him.He asked where the prime minister had been, and Lu Jintang replied: "Today, the regular state affairs meeting was held, and the prime minister went to the State Council to attend. Moreover, Mr. Zang's gold seal had to be handed over to the printing and casting bureau by the prime minister in person, so that they could catch up with it." If it is cast, it will not delay your trip. Otherwise, it will be a lot of delay." Han Huo heard Lu Jintang say so euphemistically, and he also went out with Prime Minister Tang to handle his casting. It's hard to say anything else, so I can only add a few words to Zhirui's question.Lu Jintang insisted: "When the Prime Minister returns to the house, I will press on behalf of the husband. There will be definite news within a day or two." Sitting was very tasteless, so I left.

Go back to the store and report to Yu Zhirui according to the facts.Although Zhirui said he was not panicking, in the end he was always uncertain.I intend to go to see Prime Minister Tang by myself, but I am afraid that the matter will become stagnant, and on the Hanhuo side, if he wants to let him know that I go out on my own, not only will he be greatly annoyed, but also hurt the friendship of friends. Destruction, wouldn't I suffer even more?If I went to look for people like Song Woodman and Chen Yuanpei who worked in the Democratic Party without him behind my back, I would definitely make fun of them, saying that I was too eager to be an official, that I hadn't gotten rid of the bureaucratic habits of the former Qing Dynasty, and my future might not be good.Thinking of this, it's better to be patient and slowly clear the fire from the side of Hanhuo.It's just that Hanhuo is always a bit stupid, and it's hard to guarantee that there will be no mistakes in the future, so how can this be good?Zhirui felt indescribably sad.Han Huo was very happy, and went to Tang Zhai to urge him the next day, but it still didn't make sense.I went there three times in a row, and on the fourth time, Prime Minister Tang came out to meet him in person, holding a brocade seal box in his hand, and said to Han Huo with a smile: "Your seal has been successful!" I showed it to him, and saw that the yellow one was indeed a rectangular gold gate.On the tiger button above, there is also a purple ribbon tied.Prime Minister Tang took it out himself, handed it to Han Huo, and said that it took three days and three nights to get it out. You can see if it is satisfactory.Han Huo took it, looked at it carefully, and said: "The workmanship is really good. When Wang Dun rebelled, Zhou Zhuan said that today he would kill all the thieves and slaves, and take the golden seal as big as a bucket, and tie it behind his elbow. I will also put this seal today. It's tied behind the elbow, but it's a pity that there are no thief slaves, if there are thief slaves, I will kill them quickly, and I will live up to this golden seal." He said, wrapping the purple ribbon around his arm superior.The brilliant golden seal dangled behind his elbow, and he laughed loudly and said, "Do you think this is good?" Premier Tang and a group of staff all followed suit and said, "This is not a celebrity. Compared with those filthy people who hand over the seal to their wives and don’t even dare to move it, there is a world of difference.” Everyone in the Han Huo Jing praised him so much, and he was more happy, so he took off the seal and put it in the box. .Premier Tang asked him when he would get up. He thought for a while and said, "Tomorrow... the day after tomorrow... the day after tomorrow!" The Prime Minister smiled and said, "This is an important mission for you, so why waste too much time? According to my opinion, You can go tomorrow." Han Huo said: "Tomorrow is too hasty, I have nothing prepared, how can I go!" Prime Minister Tang smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, I have prepared everything for you. The travel expenses are the same as the start-up expenses I will give you 10,000 yuan first. When you get up tomorrow, I have already prepared a special car for you. As for the servants and servants, I have chosen by the cabinet for you. There are a total of more than ten people, which is enough for you. You don’t need it today Go back to the hotel and stay at my house. Tomorrow morning, I will take you to the train, how simple it is! Why do you go back and forth in vain and ask for trouble?" Han Huo heard Premier Tang's words so thoughtfully, and at that time he believed him It is out of the sincerity of treating friends completely, and I feel awe and respect, expressing my gratitude.Prime Minister Tang smiled and said, "What's the matter! We are friends, and we should serve you." Han Huo thought again, it would be better if he didn't go back to the inn.Going back to the inn, I feel a little sorry for Wang Zhirui.But Zhirui's matter had to be mentioned incidentally, so he smiled and said to Prime Minister Tang: "I came here not to seek an official for myself, but for a friend, but I didn't expect my friend's official to be announced yet. I became an official myself first! Where did this start? We are still repeating the old saying that Wang Zhirui’s Zhili governor, no matter what, must follow the original agreement. I think the prime minister can definitely bear it. "Premier Tang laughed and said: "You just need to rest assured about this matter! There is absolutely no change. However, President Xiang's intentions and other matters need to be taken advantage of, or the announcement of the Zhidu will be delayed for a few days. You just have to worry about it." Don't worry, go to the three eastern provinces. Before you return to Beijing, you may be able to publish it." Han Huo heard him respond in such a comprehensive manner, and felt that this matter was very sure, so he agreed to leave the next day.

Seeing that his plan had been completely successful, Prime Minister Tang was naturally very happy.At that time, he ordered the officials to call the Jingfeng Road Bureau, saying that according to the Prime Minister's order, at eight o'clock tomorrow morning, a float, two first-class cars, a dining car, and a second-class car were specially prepared to send to Zang. Your Excellency, you must not delay when you arrive at the provincial capital of Fengtian.The director heard that he was assigned by the Prime Minister, how dare he neglect?The next morning, everything was ready.President Tang personally sent the Han train to the station. All the attendants and servants had come to the station to wait on them. They boarded the special car together, shook hands and said goodbye.Han Huo was really full of ambitions at this time, but he forgot that there was still a companion in the Jintai Hotel.Wang Zhirui waited in the hotel for a whole day, but Hanhuo still didn't come back, and he was very anxious.While waiting to hold the lamp, Zhang Sheng, the leader of the class, came back.As soon as Zhirui met, he scolded him for nothing: "You went to the Tang residence with Mr. Zang, why did you come back now? Where did Mr. Zang go? If we lose him, can we afford it?" Zhang Sheng replied: "The little one followed Mr. Zang, how dare he come back alone? He went to the house and talked with Prime Minister Tang, and he didn't come out until dark. The little one was in a hurry, so he asked the porter to go up and ask. The porter went away again for a long time. It took a long time to come out and tell the younger one, saying that Mr. Zang is staying in the house today and will not go back to the hotel. You can go back alone. The younger one doesn’t dare to say anything, so he can only come back alone. After breakfast tomorrow, Let’s pick him up again.” Zhirui heard that he lived in the Tang residence, and his hair became more and more foggy, and he didn’t know what was going on.After breakfast, Zhang Sheng was still sent to the Tang residence to serve Mr. Zang.He himself was in the hotel, feeling very bored, so he took a newspaper to read to relieve his boredom.Who would have thought that if he didn't look at it, he could really see it, but it really pissed him off!It turns out that the Beijing news of that newspaper contained an article: The title is "Zang Xuanwei Envoy Goes to Serve Regularly", which roughly means that Zang Hanhuo, the Xuanwei Envoy of the three eastern provinces, had a late-night talk in the residence of Prime Minister Tang last night. It has been cast, and all the personnel have been adjusted. The Jingfeng Road Bureau has specially prepared a float.Zhirui jumped up angrily after reading it, and cursed: "What is this thing! He opened his mouth and closed his mouth. He always came for my business. The fallen leaves return to their roots, but he earned a special official to do it. You are an official and I will do it too." I don't look angry, but I shouldn't, I shouldn't, I shouldn't be left alone in the store, you didn't even have a few happy words, so you just picked up your legs and walked around, how can you make friends like this in the world What?" He complained loudly in the room alone, and the people in the hotel didn't know what was going on, and they suspected that he was mentally ill.At this moment, Zhang Sheng came back, Zhirui didn't wait for him to reply, he ran up and slapped Zhang Sheng with two mouthfuls, making Zhang Sheng stare blankly, and he didn't know why.Zhirui scolded: "You bastard! That lunatic Zang went to Fengtian. You followed him for a whole day, and you didn't even know his shadow? Today you are still shy to serve him. Are you the one who serves him? Or the one who serves him?" Where's his soul? Isn't it strange that you are such an idiot in this world?" Zhang Sheng was beaten and scolded, but he didn't dare to argue, he just stood there with a sad face and stood motionless.Zhi Rui scolded again: "Why are you still waiting?" Zhang Sheng withdrew slowly. The more Zhirui thought about it, the more angry he became, so he had no choice but to go to Song Woodman to discuss ideas with him.The woodcutter is a well-known wise man, besides, I was the governor back then, he also tried his best to protect Old Tang, so he must not sit idly by at this time.Thinking of this, he slipped out of the hotel alone, called a rickshaw, and went to Song Woodman's Mansion in Xicheng.Pass in your business card, and please go to the inner room immediately.It's a pity that he lives in a very small house with only six or seven rooms from top to bottom. The gatekeeper is an old man who looks like a farmer and has no official experience.Zhirui unconsciously admired in his heart: After all, he is a member of the Democratic Party, with true colors in every way.Otherwise, with a majestic chief, he would be a minister in the former Qing Dynasty, what a prestige in front of the door!Seeing him so airy now, there are no birds in front of the door!He thought to himself that the old man had already led him to the inner room.The woodcutter greeted him personally, shook hands and let him into the house.I saw that the room was very simple, just a table and four chairs, a bed and a tent. On the table were a few old books, an ancient inkstone, and nothing else.Zhirui laughed and said, "Mr. Song, why is he so poor?" The woodcutter laughed and said, "How do you know that as the chief, we only receive 60 yuan a month as a public fee. Although the salary is set at 1,000 yuan, the Ministry of Finance I have no money to distribute, so I have to owe it. May I ask what the sixty yuan is enough for the residence in Chang'an? I am a poor man, and I can't hide it from others. In the past, during the revolution, I could still spend my friends' money, but now I am the chief. How can I open my mouth to my friends again? Sixty yuan is used to pay rent and take a car, and I have no money. I have to ask my friends to buy rice and vegetables on credit. How can I not be so poor?" Zhirui said: "It's too difficult! The government may not really have no money! It's just making fun of the poor." The woodcutter shook his head and said, "I can't say it! I can't say it! When did you come? Where do you live?" After recounting the past situation in detail, the woodcutter sighed and said, "I knew it was going to be bad. Your Zhili governor, don't have to think about it!" A pot of cold water poured it on, and I couldn't tell what it was like in my heart.He had to force himself to ask with a wry smile: "Mr. Song, how do you know that my Zhili governor is completely hopeless?" The woodcutter said: "I am also one of the cabinet members, how can I not know? At that time Premier Tang proposed The cabinet discussion was passed without any trouble at all. After the order was drafted, Premier Tang and the chief of the army section signed it all and sent it to the government for stamping. It has been pressed for more than half a month. There is no news. I listened from the sidelines and found out the meaning of the president. He has no affiliation. It is almost invisible. What do you expect him to do?" Zhirui said: "In this case, why not tell me clearly, Prime Minister Tang? There's nothing you can't do, why bother to cover it up and not even tell the truth?" The woodcutter laughed and said, "You are so confused! Prime Minister Tang dared not say it clearly because he was afraid that madman Zang would make trouble with him, and nothing else happened. So I organized a consolation envoy from the three eastern provinces for him, cast a seal for him overnight, and sent him to Fengtian in a special car. This is like giving away a ghost, trying to calm down for a while, don't you understand?" Rui said: "Hanhuo is really not enough friends. He came to Beijing with me. He said he was doing me a favor so that he could urge the announcement of the Zhili governor. Now my Zhili governor has disappeared, but he has taken office. I was left alone in the shop, and when I left, I refused to see him even once, how could there be such a disrespectful person in the world?" Zhirui expressed an indignant attitude when he said this, but the woodcutter smiled slightly , Said: "You have a close relationship with Han, and you don't know his temperament. He is a crazy lunatic and a big money fan. If Lao Xiang and Lao Tang want to play tricks on him, isn't it the same as playing with a child? It would be unfair to say that he completely forgot about you, but he just doesn’t know what’s going on inside! As far as I can see, since people can play with lunatics, you can also play with lunatics. They are making trouble, let's see how Xiang and Tang can subdue this lunatic?" A few words reminded Zhirui that he was very happy to learn from the woodcutter, and the woodcutter came to his ear and told him so. Like Zhirui, when he heard this, he immediately beamed with joy, clapped his hands, and said, "I follow this method, and the custody will make Lao Xiang and Lao Tang feel unsafe. Even if they can't be the governor of Zhili, they are happy to have this resentment." The husband said: "It's not bad to talk about Premier Tang's feelings for you. We seem to feel a little sorry for how we treat him. In the future, he may use this to step down!" Zhirui said: "Like Lao Xiang, who is suspicious and kind Jealousy, who can get along with him? If Prime Minister Tang sees the opportunity, it's not bad!" The woodcutter nodded and said, "I have to think so!" Zhirui said goodbye to him and went back to the hotel.After another week of waiting, the woodcutter's plan was carried out.I wrote a letter secretly, but dared not send it in Beijing, so I sent Zhang Sheng to Tongzhou by train, and sent it to Fengtian Xuanwei envoy Xingyuan by double registered mail from the Tongzhou Post Office.Sure enough, within a week, Zang Hanhuo sneaked back to Beijing by himself in a third-class car.None of the officers and servants in his department knew about it.After he arrived in Beijing, he still went back to Jintai Hotel and ran into Zhirui's room.Seeing him, Zhirui thought to himself that the cannon has been fired, let's watch the fun!Han Huo grabbed Zhirui with straight eyebrows and said, "Is your letter serious?" Zhirui said, "That's unreasonable! If it wasn't for the investigation, how dare I write you a letter? You have to understand, this matter There is also a reason that old Xiang recommended Prime Minister Tang as the governor of Fengtian and Duan Yuzhi as the governor of Heilongjiang. The Qing court had already announced it. Later, the censor Zhao Qilin discounted it. Duan Yuzhi failed to take office, but Prime Minister Tang became the governor of Fengtian He and Lao Xiang always felt a little sorry for Duan Yuzhi, and now giving him the governor of Zhili is just to end the important public case a few years ago. It can be seen that this matter was originally taken care of, but we were too sincere and misunderstood They are good people, and they thought they were safe, but they fell for him?" Han Huo didn't wait for Rui to finish his speech, so he jumped up and cursed loudly: "Tang! What are you! How dare you take I, Zang Hanhuo, are happy! You see, I am a three-year-old child, and the consolation envoy is your favorite food for coaxing the child. Now that I don’t eat the food, I have to work hard with you!" After saying that, he ran outside, and Zhirui threw He grabbed hold of him and said, "Where are you going?" Han Huo said, "I'm going to find Old Tang!" Zhirui said, "Calm down first, let's discuss it. If you go looking for Old Tang like this, how can he do it?" Willing to see you? Wouldn’t it be a waste of time? According to my idea, you should find out. When he is in the presidential palace, you should follow him whenever he is in the presidential palace. Don’t show any signs. You go to the presidential palace to report He only said that there was a major problem in the three eastern provinces, and he had to meet the president to make a statement in person. Lao Xiang must not see you. When you see Lao Xiang, of course you will also see Lao Tang. It would be a shame to negotiate with the two of them at that time. Let's see what their answers are. Don't you think this is the safest way?" Han Huo thought for a while and said, "Your idea is also right. But I'm so anxious right now, how can I wait so long?" Rui said: "It doesn't matter! I'll make a phone call first and ask where Old Tang is now. If he is in the mansion, you can go there right away, and you will definitely see him." Han Huo nodded in agreement.Zhirui went there for a while, came back with a smile, and said, "It's a shame that the road is narrow. Old Tang just went to the government's mansion from the State Council, and he hasn't arrived yet! I've already asked the store to fetch a carriage for you. It's not too late. You Just go now!" Han Huo hurried out of the store and jumped into the carriage, and Zhang Sheng followed him to wait on him.一直跑到公府门前，幸而他身上带着有职衔名片，张升拿着片子，先向站门的护兵说明，然后领他到传宣处。传宣官一看衔名，知道是新放的特任官，也不敢怠慢，问他是有公事，还是私见，张升回说：“因东三省有紧要公务，须面见大总统禀陈，请您费神给回一声吧！”传宣官答应了，立刻上去回话。此时项总统正同唐总理在办公室中谈话，传宣官拿上片子来，老项一看很诧异地说：“他不是走了不多日子吗？怎么贸贸然又跑回来？”传宣官回道：“回大总统，那臧汉火因东三省有紧要公务，特来京面禀总统，请示总统是见他不见呢？”老项道：“既有公事，怎能不见？你就引他到这屋里来吧！”传宣官应一声：“是！”拨头便走。老唐却有点沉不住气了，说：“臧疯子贸然而来，不是又要捣什么乱，总统怎么就放他进来呢？”老项笑道：“这有什么！你也太胆小了。”正说着，汉火已随传宣官进来，按规矩他初次谒见大总统，本应当行三鞠躬礼，老项因为他是一位名士，又系革命伟人，不以常礼相拘，要表示破格敬贤之意，便立起身来，想要过去同他握手，哪知这位先生直着两只眼睛，仿佛是没看见项大总统，过来劈胸一把，就把唐总理揪住，大声喝道：“姓唐的！你是什么东西，敢同我姓臧的开玩笑！王之瑞的直隶都督，是你当面应许我的，凭什么半途消灭？你又想送给段毓芝！我今天非同你拼……”唐总理道：“你先不要拼命！你看看大总统现在眼前，有什么话也可以慢慢地说，何必这种样子呢？”项子城也劝道：“臧先生，你先请坐。什么事全好商量，千万不要这样胡闹。”臧汉火这时候才看见总统了，无奈他的神经病已经一发不可复遏，便索性跳起来骂道：“什么叫大总统？你不要拿项子城吓唬人！我臧汉火全不怕！统统说一句，你们狼狈为奸，全不是好东西！我今天非同姓唐的拼一个你死我活不成！”他说到这里，蓦地从怀中掏出一柄手枪来，便要朝唐总理施放，说时迟，那时快，项子城左右的两名随身护卫，是何等眼疾手快，一个夺枪，一个将他按倒在地上。此时项子城可真恼了，大声喝道：“把他捆起来！这是什么地方，他竟敢跑来行刺！似这样目无法纪的凶徒，真是可恨已极！叫章建鲁、吴必翔来！我有话吩咐他们。”此时汉火被按在地，他益发破口大骂起来，两个护卫，将他拉出办公室中，唐总理自觉脸上十分难看，勉强对总统说：“这全是我办理不善，致连累总统受惊！”项子城却含笑说道：“有什么呢！一个疯子，你何必在意。等回来叫章、吴两人管教管教他就好了。”唐总理也不便再说什么，告辞出府。少时章、吴两人，一齐来到。那章建鲁是执法处处长，吴必翔是京师警察总监，全是项子城的心腹爪牙，一同上来给总统请过安，垂手侍立。项子城道：“方才臧汉火手持凶器在我办公室中胡闹，可恶已极。你两人把他带了去，管束管束。他本来是有疯病的，不妨请一位高明大夫给他治一治。如果他病根已深，无法救药，你们便给他一粒卫生丸吃，也省得他长长受罪。”章建鲁为人机警，他听项子城的意思，是要把臧汉火置之死地，心里一转，他也是民党重要分子，我犯不着做这种恶人。便先发言道：“总统说的是。不过末将那执法处，是专管军人的，汉火既非军人，理应由警察厅办理才对，不知总统以为如何？”项子城道：“既然这样，就由吴必翔领他去吧！”吴必翔是一个直性人，就知道报效总统，他听项子城这样吩咐，便毫不游移地答应一声：“是！”便退下来。 他回到警察署中，先召集了一次会议，商量这件事怎样办理。署中一共是四处：总务处、行政处、司法处、卫生处，每处有一个处长，还有两三个科长，这全是署中的重要人，便一同召来列席。吴必翔当着大家宣布了这一案，并述说总统怎样授意，征求大家有何意见，不妨发表发表。因为这一案的关系也是很重要的，我们总要办理尽善，既不背总统的意思，也别落外间闲言才好。吴必翔说完了，第一个是总务处长董书麟起立发言，说：“总监这样虚心下问，我们是很佩服的，不过据职员想，那臧汉火也是民党中有名人物。在大总统并未下令要他的命，我们何必一定要做恶人？好在总统也说他是有病，只要他的病有转机，便可以上去复命，再请示总统怎样办理。目前也不必把他拘留在厅，最好先送到庙里去，派人看守着。一面再叫几个工于辞令的人前去游说他，请他亲笔写一张悔过的呈词，将来在总统面前也是一个交代。这乃是两面不伤的办法，不知总监以为何如？”吴必翔想了想，他说的也很有道理，便又征问大家，列席的人一致赞成，于是便委定董书麟专办此案。 书麟下来便派本处的科员铁鸣，先把臧汉火用马车拉着送到南城外龙泉寺，暂为安置，吩咐该寺的僧人要好好伺候，一切饮食起居，务必格外优待。一面又派本处的科长张青原，前去游说汉火，叫他写悔过呈词，自己在厅中候信。等到晚饭时候，张青原回来了，见着董书麟就连连摇手，说：“这个差使，我实在当不了，请处长自己下山吧！”书麟笑道：“你这人真无用！连这一点小事，也办不出个结果来。看我自己去，一定马到成功！”青原道：“那是自然。处长是苏、张之舌，他哪能不回心转意呢？”书麟被他这一架，更不能不去了，立刻骑上马，跑到龙泉寺。和尚迎出来，书麟便问臧大人现在哪里，和尚说：“现在内禅房，才吃过饭，把桌子也掀翻了，瓷家伙也都摔破了，请处长快去看看吧！”书麟叫和尚引路，一直来到内禅房，汉火正跳着脚在屋里骂呢！一见书麟进来，便直着两眼问道：“你叫什么名字？是个什么官儿？快说快说！”书麟忙取出一张卡片来，递过去，汉火接来一看，便呸呸地啐了两口，扯个粉碎，撂在地上，又用脚踏了几下，大声骂道：“我当你是项子城的狗呢！原来是项子城的狗毛！你也不拿镜子照一照，就敢跑来同我交谈？什么东西呢！”书麟被他迎头一顿臭骂，仍然不肯退去，还含着笑脸，说：“先生！你不要生……”气字还不曾说出来，汉火道：“你不走吗？等我用尿把你浇出去！”说着便扯裤子，做便溺之势，吓得书麟同和尚拨头便跑，汉火在屋中仍然大骂不休。书麟一气跑出来，朝着和尚伸一伸舌头，说：“我活了三十多岁，也没看见过这样不要脸的疯子。我只好敬谢不敏，请总监自己想法子吧！”他跳上车一气跑回警察厅，张青原迎头问他怎样，书麟道：“不要说了，你简直是拿我开胃！不过我是狗毛，你碰巧连毛还够不上呢！”青原大笑，书麟一直跑进总监办公室中，去辞这项差使。 此时吴必翔正同一个人在室中谈话，此人就是上回书中说过的徐灵光。他同吴必翔是换帖弟兄，必翔做了警察总监，特委他为内城官医院院长。他的医学在北京城医界中本是很有名的。又兼他工于心计，长于口才，必翔便拿他当一个参谋。凡遇着什么疑难事情，必同他商议商议，因此他不时到厅中来，同吴必翔闲谈。这一回恰赶上书麟上来回话，述说臧汉火骂人的情形，自己实在担任不了这种差使，请总监另委贤能，设法处理，省得耽误事情。吴必翔听他这样说，不觉气得跳起来。说：“这还了得！我们好意要保全他，他反倒恣意谩骂，这种人真不可以情恕理遣，怎怪总统想要他的命呢！叫我看，你也不必辞差，回头带两个执法警察，到寺中把他毙了，就埋在龙泉寺的义地中，作为了结这一宗公案。明天我去见总统回话，料想也担不着什么不是。”书麟挨这一次骂，本来满怀没有好气，总监这样吩咐，他当然答应下来，预备前去执行。灵光在一旁，却急忙拦道：“这万万使不得！总监快快收回成命。我对于这件事，还有许多话要建议呢！”必翔忙对书麟说：“既然徐先生另有高见，你暂且下去，听吩咐再说吧。”书麟退下来，必翔忙问灵光：“到底有什么意思？”灵光道：“总监太实心了！大总统叫你杀臧汉火，你怎么就真杀呢？你要知道，汉火的学问文章，便是今世的祢衡。他那恃才傲物，也同祢衡一般无二，总统不愿自己杀他，落一个害贤之名，却叫总监做刘表、黄祖，等把汉火杀了，他还许说你杀得不是呢！总监为什么要上这种圈套，徒然落一个害贤之名呢？”吴必翔被他几句话提醒，不觉瞿然问道：“大哥你说得很是！但是你可有什么法子，使我既不负杀贤之名，又可在总统面前，把公事交代下去呢？”灵光笑道：“这并没有什么难处，就请总监把这差事完全派给我，由我以全权办理，无论何人，不得横加干涉，我自有法子使他回心转意，不再倔强。将来仍归结在病字身上，自然就慢慢地撤销了。”必翔大喜，说：“这样就劳大哥去办。如要用款，可直接向我账房支取。将来事情办好，我一定重重地酬劳你。”灵光道：“理应效劳！也用不着总监酬谢。今天已经晚了，先叫他在庙里住一夜，压一压性气，明天早饭后，我就去会他。”说罢便告辞回家。 第二天早饭后，徐灵光果然到龙泉寺去会汉火，仍由和尚将他带进屋中，此时汉火正坐在一张太师椅上，呼呼地喘，因为他骂了一早晨，实在累了，暂且休息一时。偏偏这时候灵光跑进来，他看见是生人，把头一扭，连理也不理。灵光朝着他拱一拱手，说：“臧先生，吃过饭么？你大概不认得我吧！”汉火惊得跳起来，瞪着眼问道：“你是狗毛，是狗指甲？跑来做什么？”灵光笑道：“臧先生！你是海内名士、中国大儒，出言要尊重些。圣人说君子不重则不威，要重己必先重人。请问狗毛、狗指甲的名词，出何经典？”灵光这一反诘，反倒把汉火问住了。略一停顿，汉火又骂道：“你不必逞这佞口，你是从警察厅来的，便是狗毛、狗指甲。”灵光大笑道：“你这一猜就错了！我同警察厅，是风马牛不相及。实告你说，我乃是一个医生，行道四十年，以寿世活人为己任，从不在政界吃饭。我是听说先生负屈含冤，受此侮辱，念你是中国唯一的大名士、文学界的泰斗，特特前来慰问你。想同你谈一谈，却没料到你一见面就出口伤人，我实在认为遗憾。”灵光说这话时，早在他对面椅子上坐下了。汉火此时脸的神色少为和缓，但是他口中仍然不服，说：“你自称是医生，我还有一点信不及。我如今想考你几条医书上的道理，你可能答我吗？”灵光哈哈大笑道：“先生，你要考我旁的书，我自有敬谢不敏，要说到医书，我也曾见过一两千部，就请你命题典试，我自信还不至于交白卷的。”汉火听他说出这样大话来，便连道：“好！好！”随手取过桌上的纸笔来，不大工夫，写了二十四道问题，全是从灵枢《素问》及扁鹊《难经》上摘下来的，递与灵光，说：“你看一看，可按着条儿，用笔答复。”灵光接过来一看，心说可问到婆婆家了，内、难两经，是我当初学医时候，拿当四书念的，早经背得滚瓜烂熟，至于张景岳的《类经》，徐灵胎的《难经解释》，更看过不知多少遍。这二十四条问题，在我对答，很算不了一回难事。想到这里，便随手取过笔来，在每条之下全用极精简的三言两语将题义释明。不大工夫便完全交卷。汉火接来一看，立刻脸上现出笑容来，说：“方才实在冤屈你了。你诚然是一个医生，并且还不是混饭吃的医生，很好！很好！请坐下谈吧。” 灵光见他这样优礼相加，自己更觉着高兴，便把座位向前挪了一挪，低声问汉火道：“先生，你也是堂堂特任的大员，为何放着宣慰使不做，却跑回北京来同大总统怄气？到底是什么缘故呢？”汉火经他这一问，又勾起旧恨来，不觉咬牙切齿地说道：“你哪里知道，我并不是同总统怄气，我是寻唐总理来拼命。他绝不应该耍弄我，叫我对不起朋友。”随将王之瑞运动直隶都督的历史，从头至尾，详细对灵光说了一遍。灵光哈哈大笑，说：“这样看起来，先生你真成了一个书呆子了。常言说：冤有头，债有主，你既恨唐总理，就应当寻到他家去，当面同他说理，何必上总统府呢？你既到了总统府，便应当规规矩矩，当着总统的面，质问他当日为何应允，如今为何变卦，他没有话回答你，总统当然就得做和事佬，这事不患无下台的地步。你为什么要在总统面前掏手枪，这明明犯了行刺的嫌疑，怎怪人家这样对付你呢？”灵光这一席话提醒了汉火，但是他面子上仍不肯自己认错，还持着倔强的态度，说：“我眼里没有总统，我当时气愤不舒，必须打死老唐，才能出我胸中这一口气！因此我掏出手枪来便打，谁还管他总统不总统呢？”灵光又大笑道：“好！好！打得真痛快！但是我还要请教先生，你可曾打死老唐没有呢？”汉火道：“他们哪肯容我开枪，才掏出来，就被老项身旁两个如狼似虎的狗头，硬把我的枪夺了去。还把我按倒在地上，拿绳子就捆，真真地把我气煞了。”他说这话时，一个劲地跺脚不止，灵光道：“却又来啊！既然打他不着，又何必打呢？再说先生你做事也先要看一看风头，堂堂一个总统府中，护卫森严，不要说先生是一个文弱书生，无法下手，便是有孟贲之勇，飞廉之捷，也是无隙可乘，结果不过闹一个束手被擒。这简直是自投罗网！还讲什么出气不出气呢？”灵光这几句话，说得汉火再无辩论余地，他也不由得把头低下去了，半晌答不出一句话来。 灵光这时候便掏出一支烟卷来，划着洋火，慢慢地吸着，用冷眼偷看汉火，倒是一种什么神气。只见汉火将两道眉毛拧在一处，很不高兴的样子，忽然向灵光问道：“徐先生，你新从外边来，可听见有什么风声？老项把我囚禁起来，究竟是什么用意？你总多少知道一点，可否据实地告诉我吗？”灵光听他问到这里，心中暗暗盘算，我先吓吓他一回，看他害怕不害怕，再定游说方针。随把烟卷向桌上一放，很郑重地说：“臧先生，我很想对你说，我却又不忍得说。哎！这事倒真难了。”汉火冷笑道：“这有什么，不过是要我的命。命是现成的，随便拿去，这有什么不忍说的？也值得你这样假惺惺。”灵光道：“并不是我假惺惺，果真当道想要你的命，直截了当地把你杀了，人早晚是一死，这也没有什么可惜的！不过他们那法子，是想叫你求死不能，用软刀子锯扯你。你是一位有肝胆、有血性、不能忍受气苦的人，到那时候，你如何能够受得了呢？”汉火听他这样说，倒有点摸不着头脑，很诧异地问道：“你这话怎么讲呢？他既不要我的命，却用什么法子惩治我？难道还上夹棍不成吗？”灵光大笑道：“上夹棍也不过是皮肤血肉的痛苦，他们是要叫你受精神上的痛苦。把你送到疯人院里，以对付疯子的手段来对付你。你要骂人，他们便用极脏的案布塞住你的嘴；你要踢人打人，他们便给你上上手铐脚镣，把你关在一间极肮脏的屋子里，使你躺不能躺，卧不能卧。每日三餐，只给你一点猪食，等什么时候，你的疯病好了，才放你出来。他们永远说你有病，你就得永远在那疯人院里受罪。这种精神上的痛苦，比杀剐还难过十倍。你能够受得了吗？”灵光用这话吓唬汉火，他倒真有一点惧意了。说：“你这话是从什么地方听来的呢？”灵光道：“我给一位朋友看病，他就在警察厅当秘书，这话是吴必翔亲口对他说的，还能假吗？”汉火忽然大哭起来，说：“我当然坐过三四年牢狱，倒不觉得怎样，如今他们用这毒法子陷害我，使我求生不得，求死不能，我可实在受不了啊！看这样，我倒不如自杀吧！省得将来受莫大的污辱。”说罢他立起身来，便要向墙上撞头。灵光忙用两手将他抱住说：“先生！你死不得。我还有话对你说呢！”汉火还极力挣扎，说：“你不要管我，我死了便可摆脱一切苦恼，省得受那些贼子的气！”灵光道：“先生，你少静一刻，等我把话说完了，你如果听着不入耳，再死也不为迟。”汉火勉强坐下，瞪两只大眼问道：“你还有什么话？快快地说！”灵光道：“先生，你这时候是万万死不得的！你要死了，中华民国的前途可就不堪设想了。”汉火摇头，表示不赞成的意思，说：“你也不必这样捧我，我的性命不过等于鸿毛，说死便死，毫不足惜，你何必拉到民国上去？难道我活着还能制伏那一群国贼吗？”灵光道：“先生，你看你的性命等于鸿毛，我却以为比泰山还重呢！你要知道，当时荣辱，无关重轻，身后的褒贬，方为定论。将来中华民国的开国史，刨去先生，再没有第二个人能拿得起这一支如椽之笔的。你要活着将来彰善瘅恶，还可有一部信史留在人间；你倘若死了，那一班权奸益发更无忌惮。作史的人，再阿谀党附，连中华民国的真面目，后世之人，全都不能知道，岂不是很可惜的一件事吗？”灵光这几句话，句句打入汉火的心坎，无形中把他寻死的心，完全打消。然而他还不肯遽然改口，说：“你虑得固然很有道理，但是要叫我忍辱含垢，好预备作史，也实在办不到。”灵光大笑道：“这有什么办不到的？先生，你的学问手笔，固然是今世一人，但请你自问，较比作史记的司马迁，能否高出其上呢？”汉火道：“真是拟不于伦了！太史公的文章学识，是我国史界第一人，我如何敢同他开比例呢？”灵光道：“却又来啊！以太史公那样的学问文章，只因为一部史记未完，不惜身下蚕室，惨受宫刑，先生你要因为作史，受一点小小屈辱，正可与太史公后先媲美，难道你比太史公的身份还要大吗？”几句话说得汉火无言可答。灵光乘势又赶进一步，说：“先生，你的眼光，也要向活处看一看。那项大总统，他也不一定同你为难，不过是要折磨折磨你的性气。至于警察总监吴必翔，听说也很想保全你，不过苦于没有下台地步，也就不免爱莫能助了。”汉火听他这样说，不觉又跳起来，说：“你说什么？我姓臧的头可断，也不能屈服在他们手里！你说这话，难道还叫我在他们手里递悔过书吗？”灵光见他恼了，自己却毫不着急，只微微地一笑说道：“先生，你又错会意了。我何尝叫你在他们手里递悔过书？你只需写一张因病辞职的说帖，吴必翔就有的可交代了。你自己想一想，东三省宣慰使，原是老项任命你的，你已经到任，不能不算是他的属僚。属僚对于上司，原是应当递呈文的，这并不算丢你的身份。你只说旧疾复发，难胜繁剧，请大总统俯准开缺养病，决没有不批准的。你便可以脱离这龙泉寺，到我那灵光医院去。我那院中，有一座小花园，花木扶疏，十分幽雅，有两间暖室，养病非常相宜。并且我还有许多老版的书籍，足可供你随便消遣。你只要写好了辞职呈文，今天晚上，我就可以用马车把你接到医院去。也省得在这寺中同他们早晚怄气，你想这法子不好吗？”汉火想了想，果然这个主意不错，便立刻允许。随手拿过纸笔来，写了一张辞职呈文，简简单单的，只有几句。写的还是行草书，取出随身带的图章来，印在上面，随手递与灵光。灵光接过这一纸呈文来，真如获着宝贝一般，草草看了一遍，倒还规规矩矩，并没有什么刺目的话，便向汉火说：“先生，你略候一候，我马上就回来，接你一同入院。”说罢便匆匆地离了龙泉寺，直到警察厅总监室中，与吴必翔会面。 吴必翔正在阅看公事，见徐灵光走进来，连忙起身让座，说：“今天大哥一定很辛苦了！你费了这一天的唇舌，不知那疯子肯否就范？”灵光也不回答他的话，只从衣袋中取出那一纸呈文来，给必翔看。必翔接过去，很郑重地看了一遍，不觉笑逐颜开，说道：“罢了！罢了！大哥真不愧是苏、张之舌！这一纸呈文，能使那疯子亲笔写出，真要比登天还难！错非是你，只怕刀放在脖子上，他也未必肯写呢！”灵光很得意地又把经过情形对必翔述说了一遍，然后请示总监，可否把他接到我的医院中，了此一宗公案。必翔完全允许，又问灵光：“一切耗费，得用多少钱，你只管到我账房去领。”灵光说：“也用不了许多钱，先从账房支五百元，等不足的时候，再来领吧！”必翔点头应允，并亲笔开给他一纸支据，灵光接过来，喜滋滋地跑到账房，将五百元领到手中，便借用警察厅的马车，到龙泉寺去接汉火。 汉火正在寺中望眼欲穿，见灵光来了，便迎头问道：“你办好了吗？咱们一同走吧！”灵光笑嘻嘻地拉住他的手，说：“你随我来，马车就在庙门外候着呢！”二人一同出了龙泉寺，并肩坐在马车之内。车夫一摇鞭子，如风轮一般，直跑进海岱门，拉到东四牌楼本司胡同灵光医院。二人一同下车，灵光在前面引路，一同到医院的养病室中。原来这座医院就紧靠着灵光的住宅，东首是一所四合瓦房，西边是一所跨院。这跨院之中，北房三间，是灵光的诊疗室；过厅三间，是会客室。从过厅穿过去，是一所小花园，此时正在冬令，藤萝芭蕉早就残败了，只有几棵洋松同几十竿竹子，倒还青枝绿叶的，长得十分茂盛。花园的正中间，有一个茅亭，西面有两间厢房，南边有三间养病室，灵光便将汉火让到这三间养病室中。三间本是两明一暗，明间陈设得极其华丽，墙上挂着八扇大理石挂屏，全是天然生就的山水人物。这一面是王石谷的山水中堂，配着邓石如的篆书对联，案上陈列着钟鼎彝器。旧式的花梨桌椅，桌上的茶壶茶碗，全是乾隆时代的青花白地瓷。汉火一进来便高兴得了不得，对灵