Chapter 82 Chapter 79 Defrauding Gold Diamond, Long Yushi, Losing His Wife, Stealing Silver Dollars

Tang Zhi showed Wang Wangji the list, but he actually saw it when he went to the Jingzhao Yin Office.There are a total of six members elected in this district, with the most votes being 31 votes and the least number of votes being 27 votes. There are also six alternate members.Of these six people, five had twenty-six votes, and only one had twenty-five votes.In fact, there were three people with twenty-five votes, and only one was drawn out of the three, which was Zhang Yushi Xinpei, and Wang Wangji with the same surname Huang all lost.Tang Zhi looked at this list, and he hesitated in his heart. He decided to go home and tell Wang Wangji that he was afraid that he would be impatient. If something good or bad happened, how could he bear it!If I don't go back to report, I'm afraid Wang Wangji will be in a hurry, and I don't know how to lose my temper at home, so I'm in a dilemma.Later, he thought of a way to watch from a distance outside the alley. If someone came to report the matter first, no matter what happened to Wang Wangji, he would not be responsible for it. This is the best way.He stood outside the alley with his big eyes open and only stared at the entrance of the Wang mansion. Wang Wangji came out of the house. He had seen it a long time ago, and he thought that my sister-in-law might feel so sad at this time!When I was young, I saw buying newspapers again, and thought that it would be soon. After a while, Wang Wangji fell outside the gate.At this time, Tang Zhi didn't dare to hide any more. He ran over to help Zheji up in three steps at a time, and shouted to his family members to come out to help. On the ground, he also panicked and helped Tang Zhi carry him into the house.Seeing the situation, the wife immediately burst into tears, and Tang Yi hurried out to say hello, while advising his sister not to cry, this is temporary air confinement, and there is no danger, please consult a doctor and take medicine.Fortunately, the place where he lived was not far from Lingguang Hospital, so he asked Sun Sheng to quickly invite Doctor Xu to treat the master.

However, since Xu Lingguang sent Crazy Zang away, he has been trying to make money all day long. He has been digging the cellar for more than 20 days, but he has not seen any money seedlings. How anxious he is!He was pacing up and down in the small study room at home, thinking about his idea of ​​getting rich, when he suddenly saw his family member Gaogui bring in two business cards, all of which were for medical treatment, he thought to himself that this is not bad, he will get the eight yuan first and then talk about it.I took a look at the business cards, one was Wang Wangji, who is currently the editor of the Imperial Academy;These two families all send cars to pick them up, the Wang family uses rickshaws, and the Long family uses horse-drawn carriages.Ling Guang got into the carriage as soon as he got home, and Sun Sheng, a family member of the Wang family, cried and said, "Master Xu, go to our mansion first! My master is suffering from an emergency, if you go one step too late, you will die!" Unexpectedly, Feng Gui, a family member of the Longzhai family, said it better: "Our master is dying! He is more anxious than your family!" Ling Guang ignored them, and only urged the driver to hurry up, and with a flick of his whip, he left early. Alley, far away.Sun Sheng chased after him, crying and yelling, only then did Ling Guang stop the car and tell him, "I'll go to your house as soon as I get out of Longzhai. You should go back!" Sun Sheng couldn't help but curse bitterly: "People say that being a doctor is the most snobbish, it looks really good!"

When Lingguang came to Long Zichun's house, only Zichun's elder brother Long Zijing came out to entertain him. He accompanied Lingguang to the bedroom. He saw the patient lying on the bed, foaming from the mouth and turning his eyes upwards.Ling Guang said that he went to check the pulse, and after a lot of time, he frowned and said to Zijing: "Master Du is attacking in a hurry, and the phlegm is confusing his heart. Really!" A few words made Zijing shed tears, and said: "Mr. Xu, you are really the reincarnation of Hua Tuo and Bian Que. It is unfortunate that our family has such a shameless woman. My younger brother made a mess of someone else. How can he not have an emergency when he is short of money? If you don't mind the trouble, sir, let me tell you what happened in detail. "

Although Ling Guang is getting old, he is still very fond of female sex. As soon as he heard the words "shameless woman", he wished to know the truth about it, but Zi Jing said it like this, which was exactly what he liked.With a solemn look on his face, he said: "This is of course. As the saying goes, looking, hearing, asking, and cutting are all indispensable. If you explain it in detail, I can also prescribe medicine to cure the disease." Accompany him to the small study and detail this period of family history. It turned out that since Long Zichun held a meeting with Chun Zhuoxian and Heng Shifeng last time, he knew that Chun and Heng had some connections with the Democratic Party. I am happy to see Lie Xin, and I want to get a member of Parliament Dangdang.One has a talisman to avoid being affected by the full rank; the other uses the parliamentarians as a shortcut to get promoted in the future.This kind of plan is not bad, but there is one thing that is not satisfactory: he has no financial power in the family.It turned out that Zichun was a middle-aged man who married another wife, Yanxi, who was the son of Yanxi, the deputy governor of Qingzhou. Because his parents loved him, he stayed until the age of twenty-six and never left the court.Why did you give it to Zichun later?Yushi Yanfu found out that Yanxi was withholding the flag salary in Qingzhou Mansion, so he had to hand over the discount to him. Zichun tried his best to clear it up, and Yanxi sent a generous gift to Yanfu to eliminate the matter secretly.Yan Xi kept his fame, so of course he was overwhelmed with gratitude to Zi Chun.It just so happened that Zichun broke his strings at this time, so someone matched him and promised this Miss Yan to him as his successor.Yan Xi's old couple were extremely supportive, but Miss herself was a little bit displeased.She said: "Long Yushi's official reputation is very good, but he is already in his forties, almost half my age. Why should I marry an old man and sacrifice the happiness of this life?" Someone persuaded him, saying that although Zichun was older, he was still very beautiful, and his ex-wife had no children, so he didn't feel tired, so he was relieved.After getting engaged, they got married two months later, and the husband and wife were very harmonious.What's more, this Miss Yan, who is naturally light and graceful, has been nicknamed Sai Feiyan before she came out of the cabinet.Zichun was so happy to have such a beautiful lady, he was afraid of being crooked when he put it on his head, and afraid of melting in his mouth, so he didn't know how to flatter her.In the last book, he went to Shanghai to attend a meeting, and he used Hailiang's tricks to buy a red gold bracelet and a diamond ring for his wife, worth four or five thousand yuan. He brought them back to Beijing and handed them over to Sai Feiyan. It's joy, and the love that treats Zichun in face is extraordinarily happy.Unexpectedly, there was a problem in his bones.

It turned out that Zichun had lived in Shanghai for a month or two. Because she was lonely at home, she went to the theaters outside Nancheng from time to time. When I got this opportunity, I entertained myself by listening to operas every day.At this time, a new character came to Tianle Tea Garden, called Xiao Guihong, who was originally a singer in Qin Opera, and also played the role of Pi Huang Wu Xiaosheng. It's from Waijiang, and the costumes are especially colorful.This Mrs. Yan watched him several times, and she became addicted to watching him. After breakfast every day, she had to go to Tianle to listen to the play.After more than ten days, the two of them flirted with each other, and they both had affection, so they changed from eye language to oral conversation.Sai Feiyan invited him to dinner twice, and Xiao Guihong used her tricks to sing Huadan and tried her best to hook up, and the two formed an indissoluble bond from then on.Later, when Long Zichun returned to Beijing, although he had to hide his face, he continued to go out of Nancheng to find pleasure.Zichun was unhappy in his heart, but dared not say anything in face.There was already a rumor outside, but Zichun's elder brother Zijing was a very decent Taoist teacher. Hearing the rumor, he came to look for Zichun.His two brothers lived separately, and Long Zijing was in front of the Li Fan Department as a writer, and he could handle it too much, so he didn't come to Zichun's house easily.This time, because Yan's voice outside Nancheng was too loud, he couldn't hold back anymore, so he had to come to find Zichun.While the siblings were not at home, he stammered a few words, just to ask Zichun to discipline her and not let her go outside too often.Unexpectedly, not only did Zichun refuse to listen to his brother's good words, but he suspected that he was provoking the relationship between his husband and wife.He also praised his woman as a famous lady, even if she wandered outside the south city every day, there would be no accidents.Hearing what his brother said, Zijing was so angry that he flicked his sleeves and went out without even saying a second word.When Yan came back in the evening, Zichun told the woman what her brother said. Yan jumped and cursed for a while. After all, she planned in her heart. The outside world knew about it. The person I like goes far away, hoping to grow old forever, and he will not lose a talent like me.He planned this for days.Just in time for the congressional election, Zichun wanted to be a member of the parliament, but unfortunately he didn't have the capital, and there were only a few houses in his family. How could he sell them?There are only a few hundred yuan left in cash, so there is nothing to do.Then he thought of his wife's gold and diamond ring jewelry, which is worth four to five thousand yuan. If it is sold off, it will be enough to buy sports tickets.But these things are all my wife's favorite things, how can I open my mouth to ask her for them?I was in a difficult situation for a day or two, and then I just talked about the benefits of being a member. I became a member, and I can be a high-ranking official in the future. You are Mrs. Zhangyin. , Sai Feiyan said that she was happy.Then I slowly talked about borrowing her ring, hairpin, and temporarily sold it, good sportsman.In Zichun's mind, eighty-nine points out of ten were unwilling to admit it, but the result was beyond his expectation. Yan agreed, saying: "My things are also yours, not to mention being promoted for the movement. You Qi should help you. But I have to ask you for one thing. If you admit it, I will give it up. Otherwise, I have no choice but to give up!" Zichun asked her what was the matter, and Sai Feiyan said: " Since the success of the Revolutionary Army and the reform of the Republic of China, it has been rumored that all the rich and rich officials of the Eight Banners will have their property confiscated. I think that although our family can’t be called rich, my box of gold and diamond jewelry is worth four dollars after all. Wouldn’t it be a pity to ask them to copy the five thousand yuan for nothing? So it was stored in the home of one of my righteous sisters. She is Han, and she will definitely keep everything safe.” Zichun asked her where her righteous sister lived. , What is the surname, what is the occupation, Yan replied: "I live in Wudaomiao Street outside Shunzhi Gate, and my surname is Ma. Her husband works in the military and was a military supply chief. The family is very rich. When I was in Qingzhou Mansion We used to be neighbors with her, and we are very close to each other, and now we meet each other by accident, and we are very close to each other. That's why I keep the gold and diamond jewelry in her home, which is very appropriate." Zichun at this time, but begged If Madam is willing to help him, there is nothing wrong with it, how dare I ask for anything.Seeing that her husband had listened to her words, Yan asked her to live in the righteous sister's house. Within three days, I would bring back the gold and diamond jewelry, and Zichun graciously agreed.From this night, Yan's blatantly lived outside the South City and did not return overnight.I waited another day and night the next day, but there was still no news.Until the third night, a middle-aged man came suddenly, carrying a small rosewood box in his hand, and sent it to Zichun's home.It was said that Mrs. Long ordered it to be delivered, and it must be handed over to Master Long. The wife also brought a message, saying that she still had the key with her. Today, Mrs. Ma is treating guests. If the banquet is over early, she must go home. It's late, so I have to wait until I have breakfast tomorrow before coming back.Zichun took the wooden box and felt that it was heavy and heavy, so he gladly accepted it and rewarded the visitor with a dollar.Said: "You go back and tell your wife that I have received it. Tonight, but it can be earlier, so I always ask her to come back." The visitor thanked the reward, promised repeatedly and left.Zichun holds the box in his hand, just waiting for his wife to come back, so that he can open it to get the golden treasure.Unexpectedly, after waiting for a whole night, there was no sign of him.Until dawn, he still didn't close his eyes.After the sun came out, I was already extremely sleepy, and I closed my eyes and fell asleep. I didn't wake up until after noon.Opening his eyes, he saw that only the maid, Mrs. Yang, was standing by, and Zichun shouted, "You don't call me when Ma'am comes back, please quickly invite Madam, I have something to wait for her!" Mrs. Yang asked straight-eyed, "Where is Ma'am? " Zichun scolded: "You bastard! Why do you ask me? Hasn't the wife come back at such a time?" Mrs. Yang was very impatient when she heard the master scolding her, and said, "This is really strange. I'm not blind, and the whole living person will not be able to see when he comes back? The master saw his wife in his dream, but he begged me for someone when he woke up. Who should I ask for?" Zichun was speechless when he spoke. Stamping her feet and scolding her wife is not a thing, going to the funeral for two days and three nights, regardless of what is going on at home, no wonder people say she is restless!At this moment, Mrs. Yang waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "Forget it! The master just scolds me happily. If my wife arrives at this time and hears a few words, I'm afraid I can't fight this famine." Zichun really didn't like it. insulted.But at this moment, someone knocked on the door, and Mrs. Yang said, "What did I say?" She went to open the door in three steps at a time, and here Zichun hurriedly sank down and put on a smiling face, ready to welcome his wife, why not? Knowing the result, he was greatly disappointed. It turned out that Chun Zhuoxian and Heng Shifeng came to him to discuss the election.Aunt Yang let them go to the small living room and came up to answer the conversation. Zichun came out listlessly carrying a small wooden box to meet the guests.Chun and Heng, seeing him holding a wooden box and refusing to let go, stared straight at him, answered irrelevant questions, said a few words and then left.Zichun looked at the sky and saw that his wife hadn't come back yet, but he was a little anxious. Could it be that there are still people entertaining guests today?Then I thought about it, maybe because there is a night show in Guangde Building tonight, and all their wives love to go to the theater, they must have gone to see a play in Guangde Building with her righteous sister. Why don't I go and find it myself? Then we can come back together.Then I thought about it again, it was still wrong, she was with a group of girlfriends, and I had never met them before, so if I ran away rashly and took her home, wouldn't it hurt her face?She wants to come back in a smooth manner, of course there is nothing to say, if she wants to turn her face down and refuse to step down in front of the public, wouldn't I be asking for trouble?Thinking of this, Zichun hurriedly dismissed the idea of ​​looking for his wife, and still waited patiently.But I didn't know that there was still no shadow from the time I held the lamp until dawn.

The next morning, Zichun was really in a hurry. He gritted his teeth and said to the wooden box, "I'm sorry! I'm going to split you! It's not the other way around. This election is worth a lot of money. We must wait for her to come back before opening it. Wouldn't I have missed my important event!" Then she called Mrs. Yang to fetch a kitchen knife, chopped off the lock, and cut off half of the wooden box's lid.The box was opened, and Zichun's face turned pale, and his eyes became straight. With a sound of oops, he almost fainted.Luckily, Aunt Yang supported him and peeked into the box to see where there were gold beads and jewelry. It turned out to be a few imitation copper rings, a few iron nails, and a few broken copper thimbles.Zichun sat on the edge of the bed, and it took him a while to get over his breath. He looked up at Aunt Yang, then lowered his head again in shame, without saying a word.On the contrary, Aunt Yang was sensible and quickly explained: "Master, don't worry, I think this is probably my wife's joke, deliberately playing tricks on the master. If you don't believe me, you will know when you see your wife outside Nancheng." Zichun was in a daze at this time. Concentrated, once she heard Mrs. Yang say this, she immediately believed it was absolutely true, and said: "Your words are very correct, I think my wife must not be so ridiculous, she must be making fun of me, so that I can go to meet her in person! It's not too late, I'm going out of the city now. You and Sun Sheng take good care of the house, and I will reward you when I come back with my wife when you are young!" Aunt Yang agreed loudly, saying, "Thank you, master! You can go quickly!" Good In Zichun, there was a car with a monthly subscription, and the driver Gao Er took him straight out of Nancheng.On the way, Zichun asked the coachman, "You must know where my wife's friends live." The sophomore said, "I don't know. My wife always goes out of the city, and she just asks me to deliver it to the gate of the theater. I never pick it up. She always goes by herself." Hire a car to go home, how can I know her friend's address?" Zichun had no choice but to ask him to take him to Wudaomiao Street and look for it by himself.But the sea is vast, how can one find a way?Suddenly, I had an idea. There is a Fuyuanju on this street. It is a Shandong restaurant. I also ate there for a few days. I know Yu San very well. Why don’t I have breakfast there? By the way, ask Yu San. , he must know.Thinking of this, he asked the sophomore to park the car in front of Fuyuanju, and walked in by himself.

It was not yet eleven o'clock at this time, and it took a little time to light a fire, and there was no dining room.Zichun walked in suddenly, Yu Sanyan quickly greeted him, and said with a smile, "Master Du got up really early. You probably lived outside Nancheng last night. Please come upstairs for tea!" Zichun went up Lou found a small private seat, served a pot of high-quality lobular tea at Sanji, and asked again with a smile: "Is Master Du hungry? If you are not hungry, drink it slowly." Zichun casually ordered a jug of wine and two ready-made cold dishes, and asked Yu San, "There is a family named Ma in your street, do you recognize it?" Master Dedu, if you want to inquire about other places, I may not know, but to mention Wudao Miaoben Street, I can call it a geographical map. There has never been a family named Ma, but there is a family named Niu." Chun asked: "What does the surname Niu do?" Yu San smiled and said: "Who doesn't know about Niu Chunhua, who sings two-faced faces?" Zi Chunlian said: "No! No! I asked about the surname Ma, not Niu Yes, don’t talk nonsense.” Yu San thought for a while and said, “Maybe his surname is Feng? The second horse is Feng, or he refused to reveal his real name, so he changed his surname to Ma, maybe there are.” Chundao: "Is there anyone surnamed Feng on your street?" Yu Sanlian said: "Yes! Yes! Who doesn't know the famous Feng Heideng?" Zichun said: "What Feng Heideng? Is it?" Yu Sandao: "Exactly! Exactly! Master Du is probably asking about him!" Zichun raised his face and said, "Forget it! I can't do without opera singers, what do I ask them for! " Seeing that the words were not speculative, Yu San had to uncover them and cover them with other words, saying: "Master, are you hungry? What do you want to eat? I'll go there earlier for you." Zichun said: "Two Zhang Qing Oil pancakes, a bowl of braised duck waist, and a bowl of hot and sour soup." Yu San shouted loudly.

Before the dishes and rice were served, I suddenly heard a newspaper seller downstairs shouting loudly: "News about Mrs. Long! News about Mrs. Long running away with someone!" After drinking, he hurriedly shouted to Yu San: "Hurry up and buy a newspaper!" Yu Sansan chased to the gate in two steps, bought the newspaper, and handed it to Zichun with both hands. Zichun took it and looked straight for it. It was with great difficulty that I found a title, which was "Red Swallows Flying Together", and there was a piece of news below, which said: Yushi Long Zichun's wife is named Sai Feiyan, she is light and graceful, worthy of the beauty in the palm, and she likes to be romantic, she must go to the theater to watch plays every day, so she has an indissoluble bond with the singer who sings Huadan Xiaoguihong, and they live together and fly together , just like a couple.Yesterday, the two of them fled together hand in hand. It was heard that they took away gold and jewels worth tens of thousands of gold. Some said they went to Shanghai, some said they went to Guandong.Xiao Guihong's contract with the garden has not yet expired, and she heard that the owner of the garden is sending people to search everywhere, and intends to file a lawsuit with him in order to recover Bao Yinyun who was deceived.

Holding two bowls of vegetables in one hand and two plates of cakes in the other, Yu San hurried upstairs, intending to bring them to Master Long for him to eat, but unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the room, the Master Long suddenly screamed wildly, and lay on his back on the floor.Terrified, Yu San threw all the cakes and vegetables on the ground, clattering and ping-pong, the dishes and bowls were smashed to pieces, splashing all over the ground.Yu San also didn't care about picking up the furniture at this time, and hurried over to help Zichun, trying to hug him, but his limbs were already straight, so how could he move?He had no choice but to push open the window of the building and call Gao Er up with all his strength. The two of them struggled to help Zichun up.Seeing that he was foaming at the mouth and his eyes were askew, Yu San said: "No! Master Long has had a stroke! Hurry up and call his family so that he can be sent back to his home! If he dies here, we will be in a small restaurant." , but I can’t afford a stretcher!” Gao Er said: “My wife is not at home, is there any person in charge at home?” After thinking about it, he said: “Yes, let’s invite the elder first!” Call and ask Zijing to come quickly, the second master has a stroke in Fuyuan, it is very dangerous!Zijing was working, and when he heard the news, he dared not neglect, grabbed an express car, and ran out of the city.After a while, I came to Fuyuanju.Seeing the brother's situation, he was anxious and sad at the same time, so he hurriedly found a carry bed nearby, and hired two proper people to carry it home first.

At home, Zijing called the three male and female servants, Sun Sheng, Gao Er, and Mrs. Yang, to him, and asked where his wife had gone, why the master ran out of Nancheng early in the morning, and why he got sick so recklessly. In this way?I remember that he usually does not have this kind of disease. What is the cause of the disease?Sun Shengtong replied that he did not know.Auntie Yang spoke quickly, and told Zijing everything that had happened in the past few days, and then brought the broken wooden box to Zijing, saying: "This thing is the root of the disaster. Please keep it well, sir. In the future, if the master has something good or bad, and the wife does not come back, I have to take this wooden box for him to be buried!" Zijing said: "Why do you say such despondent words! Now that the matter is up to now, let the master give it to him first. Treatment is important. Is there a reliable doctor around here?" Sun Sheng said: "Lingguang Hospital is the most famous, and Mr. Xu is an old imperial doctor in the palace, why don't you invite him to have a look first." Zijing ordered the senior student to pull the car immediately Go to invite, Sun Sheng said: "My lord, you should call a carriage to pick him up. Who is not a snobby doctor? You may have to wait for hours for a rickshaw to arrive at the door!" Zijing agreed, Said: "You can figure it out!" The efficiency of the horse-drawn carriage is indeed greater than that of a human carriage, and Xu Lingguang was invited here without much effort.After examining the pulse, Lingguang just frowned and shook his head, and said to Zijing: "Master Du's illness is really difficult to do. He was rushing to his heart and caused real phlegm. According to medical books, this is called a real stroke. And Stroke-like is very different. If stroke-like is treated properly, a few doses of medicine will be effective. No matter what kind of medicine you take for real stroke, it will not be easy to get results. I can only try my best to treat it. When Zijing heard that there was no hope, he was sad and hated at the same time, and told Lingguang all the histories of his younger siblings in detail.

Ling Guang only listened to this romantic history in Long Zhai, but forgot that Wang Hanlin's house was still waiting for him to see a doctor.When he came out of the Longzhai, it was already sunset, so he simply went home, not even going to the Wangzhai.Unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the alley, he saw many people crowding in front of his door, yelling and making a fuss.Ling Guangxin said, strange!What is making noise in front of my house?I simply jumped out of the car and separated from the crowd. I wanted to ask what was the matter, but two people ran over from the crowd, grabbed Lingguang, and shouted: "Let's file a lawsuit! You have delayed our illness, our patient It's dead already! It's like you killed it with your own hands, let's go to the lawsuit." Ling Guang scolded: "Fart! I haven't even seen your patients, so why should I kill them!" That one also Cursed: "You're just farting! We are Wang Hanlin's brother-in-law, and we have been here to pick you up since the morning, but you are a snobbish person. You first took a carriage to Longzhai, but you didn't come to our house. Now our brother-in-law is dead. If you don't bring this lawsuit against you, who will you fight against?" Lingguang is a comic, and he likes to joke with others. When he heard people say this, he laughed and said, "So it's the two uncles and masters. Disrespect! Disrespect! Your brother-in-law is dead. , What a pity, but if you don’t agree to me, how can I make you a brother-in-law!” Tang Yi and Tang Zhi were originally two bachelors, how could he accept this kind of ridicule, and immediately raised his fist to beat the spirit, Fortunately, there was a policeman standing guard in front of the Lingguang Gate, who came over to stop the two of them, and said, "Don't mess around, President Xu is a close friend of the director, so he is going to be beaten, and beware of coolies for half a year." As the saying goes, a bachelor does not eat At present, the two of them felt soft when they heard what the police said, and said: "Boss, please comment on this reason. We invited him because of an emergency. If he doesn't go, he should reply to us in time. Why delay the patient for a day?" Die? Of course we don't agree to this!" The policeman said: "Your relatives, are you really dead, or are you still a little angry?" Tang Zhi said that there was still some vitality, and the policeman said: "In this case, I advise Xu The dean should go and have a look, isn’t that a good thing!” Ling Guang shook his head again and again and said, “This can’t be done. I’ve seen one person die today, so I can’t let another one die from my hands. This kind of stroke and sudden illness It’s definitely not going to get better. Go home quickly and prepare for his funeral, so you don’t need to spend money to call a doctor!” After Ling Guang finished speaking, he ran into the house in a fit of anger, asked the servant to close the door, and walked into the guest room by himself. Lying on the sofa crookedly, just gasping for breath, cursing uncleanly: "Today is really unlucky! When you go out, you will either meet a dead ghost or bump into your opponent." Zhang Sheng scolded the servant again. : "Why don't you serve dinner at such a time? Could it be that they are all dead!" Zhang Sheng opened the dinner, but he thought the food was not well done, so he called the cook, Old Wen, and scolded him again. , making people turn their backs. Just when it was time to close the door, someone knocked on the door suddenly, with all their strength, it was louder than beating a drum.Ling Guang was really anxious, and said, "Go and see! What bastard bastard dares to knock on my door like this!" Zhang Sheng opened the door, and the people outside the door ran in without waiting for an answer. Zhang Sheng recognized the person. Master Fu, Fu Mian, is a family friend with his master, so he didn't stop him, but followed closely behind.Fu Mian kept running into the living room, and when he saw Ling Guang's face, he didn't greet him or be polite, so he shouted loudly: "Uncle! You have hurt me! You just pay for my house!" Ling Guang heard him like this If you don't think well, you are angry and ridiculous at the same time, saying: "Old nephew, please sit down first, what is worth making such a fuss about? I want to harm you, and I will do it before today. Where are you from?" Speaking of which?" Fumian said angrily, "Uncle! You originally sent Crazy Zang to our home for my own good. Since he moved here, he hasn't paid the rent for two or three months. Needless to say, Well, he still spoiled our house with his will, the glass was broken, the windows were torn down, the floor was smashed, and the ceiling was poked off, needless to say, now people are killed! The eldest lady hanged in our upper room last night, and she didn't report to the official for inspection. Today, she buried her privately and carried her to bury her. His eldest son-in-law, who said that the old man forced him to death, will definitely not obey Don’t forgive me, I’m going to file a lawsuit. The old man pretended not to hear, and insisted on burying it. The city was full of riots, and the district sent police to question the landlord, saying that if someone died, the landlord should bear full responsibility. Uncle, please think about our house It’s dirty, and I have to sue for life, how can I bear this! You should make a serious decision! Otherwise, when it comes to the government, I will lift you out. You rented out the house, Zang The lunatic is your good friend, so you should be responsible!" Among the Banner disciples, Fu Mian is the most timid and fearful person, he usually respects Ling Guang like a god and fears him like a teacher, why suddenly he turned his face and said such ugly words?It turns out that he can't be blamed, because Lingguang sent Crazy Zang to his home that day, obviously framing Soochow.No matter where this kind of person goes, it is impossible to tell him to live in peace and contentment. Once his madness breaks out, he will not be afraid of the sky and the earth. No matter what valuable things they have, he will destroy them at will. In his eyes, his home is even worse than wormwood.Ever since he moved to Fumian's courtyard, Fumian has really treated him as a saint. All the thick and thin furniture in each house are ready-made by Fu's family, even calligraphy, paintings, clocks, bed curtains, bedding and pillows, and even washbasins and spittoons. , hand towels, soap, etc., all prepared for him, and sent two servants from his own house to serve him, and the two meals in the morning and evening were also delivered to him from the house.It is said that the master is so thoughtful, he is almost the same as a subordinate serving the boss, how can he be grateful to others in a place where there are few people?Unexpectedly, he didn't take it as a kindness, but a resentment instead, either because the food was not tasty, or because the servants didn't serve him attentively, and sometimes he lost his temper. , can fall to the ground at will, making the house a mess, with no place to step down, but the servants are not allowed to clean it up.All the glass windows in the upper room were broken by him. How could he live in it after seeing Sanjiu?He then moved to the living room in front of him. There were five open rooms in the front living room, unless there was a huge foreign stove.This Mr. Zang is really a natural monster. His physique is different from ordinary people. He lives in this big house, no fire is allowed, and he can lie on the iron bed alone and cannot get up for seven days and seven nights.Meals are eaten on the bed, water is drunk on the bed, and urination and urination are all handled on the bed.The Gongtong chamber pot is placed by the bedside, and when it is reached out, it makes the living room look like a latrine pit.The servants did not dare to come in, except to bring him food and dump his urine and excrement, because the smell really made people shun him.He lived like this for more than a month, and the landlord was so angry that he cursed all day long, but he couldn't think of any way to send him away. At the critical moment, a savior suddenly came, who do you think this savior is?It turned out that Zang Zhizhu, Zang Hanhuo's biological daughter, and her son-in-law Tang Wenhuan came to Beijing to take care of Hanhuo's daily life.Hanhuo has only one daughter in his life, born to his original wife Gao, and she is now twenty-three years old.When he was studying abroad with Hanhuo in Western countries, he married freely and married Tang Wenhuan, an overseas student.Han Huo was originally from the old school, and fundamentally disapproved of the freedom of marriage between men and women, so the relationship between father and daughter was not harmonious.Later, her biological mother Gao died, and Han Huoyuan was determined not to marry for life, but met Yang Xiaodi, who would never marry for life.Because Yang Xiaowo admired Hanhuo as a famous scholar, and Hanhuo also admired Yang Xiaowo's knowledge, the two actually officially got married and made a century-old contract.Unexpectedly, after getting married, Yang Xiaowo felt complacent and disappointed, because Han Huo's temperament was very perverse, and his dirty body odor was especially difficult to satisfy the bedside person.Therefore, when Hanhuo came to Beijing, Yang Xiaowo refused to accompany him. Later, he heard that something happened to Hanhuo, and he almost lost his life. Yang Xiaowo was not bad at all, and sent a telegram of intercession to President Xiang Da.Her telegram was written in a mournful and charming way, which is roughly the same as the book written by Mrs. Zhang in the Ming Dynasty to redeem her husband Yang Jiaoshan's death.Therefore, Hanhuo believed that his wife's love for him still existed, so after regaining his freedom, he sent a telegram to Shanghai asking Yang Xiaowo to come and live together in Beijing.Unexpectedly, this Mrs. Yang was unwilling to leave Chunshen no matter what.But she urged her daughter Zhizhu and her son-in-law Tang Wenhuan to go to Beijing to take care of Hanhuo's daily life.Zhizhu and his wife were impatient living in Shanghai and wanted to go to Beijing for fun. Hearing Yang Xiaowo's words, they readily agreed, but the financial difficulties and lack of money.Yang Xiaowo generously took out 300 yuan to mend their clothes, and the rest was used as travel expenses.It turns out that Xiaodi was born as a young lady of a noble family. Zeng Qing received half of her father's property, which was worth two to three hundred thousand yuan. She ran a private girls' school by herself. She served as the principal and devoted herself to education freely. It was much happier to spend that dirty life with Hanhuo, so she never thought of going to Beijing, and she was happy to spend some money to send Zhizhu and his wife away, so as to save them from spending all day idle in Shanghai and having to pay for it. The dimples provide them with chewing. The two bid farewell to Xiaodi, took a boat to Tianjin, lived in Tianjin for a week, visited all the casinos in the concessions, and then drove to Beijing.Fortunately, where Han Huo lived, they had known about it in the letter, so they fled there as soon as they got out of the car.The servant saw that the young lady and the uncle had arrived, so he dared not be negligent, and immediately reported to Hanhuo. At this time, Hanhuo was opening his small box to check and count the banknotes. It was 800 yuan per month, and the total was 2,400 yuan in three months. The presidential palace has just sent 1,200 yuan, which is 800 yuan in salary and 400 yuan in coal expenses. The total is 3,600 yuan.He was writing stacks of papers one after another, and the servant came up to answer the conversation, and he felt a little unhappy. The servant mentioned that the lady and uncle had come again, which added fuel to the fire. , said: "Let them come in. Do you still wait for me to greet you?" Young Zhizhu and Wen Huan walked in, the smell of urine and feces in the room made them hide, bite the bullet, and walked in front of his old man , knelt down on both knees, and kowtowed once.因为这是汉火的家法，晚辈见长辈，必须行此大礼，错了规矩，他当时就要打骂的。唐文焕此来，本是有求于他，只好耐着气儿，随夫人下了一跪。汉火说：“你们起来吧！”两人站起来，侍立在一旁，汉火问智珠道：“你娘为何不一同来？”智珠道：“我娘也快动身了，因为学校的事，找人代庖，尚未交代清楚。派我们两人先来，一者是恭候父亲起居，二者是收拾收拾屋子，料理料理家务。省得她老人家来了，一切事都不就绪。”智珠说了这一套诳话，是深知道她父亲的脾气，如果说她娘永远不来，当时犯了疯病，不定闹出什么花样来，莫若先用假话搪脱，使他心中抱有希望，就是他们夫妻两人，也可以得到一点实惠。果然汉火听了，脸上的颜色略为和蔼，对智珠说：“既然这样，你们先到上房去收拾收拾，权且住下。如果没吃饭，叫辘轳炮给你们开饭。”智珠听见辘轳炮三个字，倒不觉吓了一愣，心说怎么辘轳炮还会开饭呢？略一迟疑，汉火又催道：“手枪，你把他两人领到上房去！”只见方才回话的听差，对智珠道：“小姐同姑少爷，先到上房坐吧！” 智珠同文焕抱着满腹狐疑，随听差的来至上房，便问他什么是辘轳炮，你怎么又叫手枪？听差的笑道：“小姐您哪里知道这些笑话！我们两个听差，原是从福公馆拨过来，我叫余升，他叫桂顺。老爷说这两个名儿太讨厌，便给改了。管我叫手枪，管他叫炸弹，我们两人伺候老爷一个多月，原先本是福宅管送饭，后来因为老爷闹脾气，时常摔饭碗，推桌子，人家赌气也不送了，饿了三天三夜。老爷倒饿得起，我们真饿不起了，只可请示老人家，怎么办法。这一回老爷倒是很慷慨，说：'他家既不送饭，难道我们自己不会做吗？你去叫一个厨夫来，只要手艺好，我多给工钱。'先叫了两个来，全不中意，后来拖到一个疯子，此人姓鹿，是定兴县的人，听说还是鹿中堂的本家呢！从前在澡堂子里做饭，后来因为他脾气不好，被人家赶出来，他便挑担子卖豆腐脑儿。他的羊肉卤，勾得十分鲜美，时常把担子放在这门口儿，我们饿极了，买两个大烧饼，买他一碗豆腐脑儿，对付着充饥。有一天炸弹献殷勤，给老爷端了一碗，他老人家吃着得味，一连吃了五碗，说这个人的手艺太好，他如果肯当厨子伺候我，我每月给他十块钱工钱。我们正在发愁没地方去寻厨子，得着这个机会，哪肯放过。立刻同他商量，他也乐意，我们便把他拖到老爷面前，他也不会请安，也不会下跪，一见老爷便作了一个大揖，真是一躬到地，把两拳高拱到头顶上。老爷哈哈大笑，说：'这个人行的是古礼，没有奴隶气，比你们程度高得多。'问他姓鹿，便给他起了个名儿，叫辘轳炮。从此他便在公馆里造厨，老爷每天给他两块钱，连菜带饭，俱包在内。我们从此才算有了饱饭吃了。小姐同姑爷，想吃什么，只管传下话去，叫他去做。他的手艺着实不错呢！”智珠听了这一套，真是好笑，说：“吃什么全能将就，只是这样的房子，如何住得？窗户也破了，顶棚也掉了，错非重新修饰一番，怎能够住人呢？你快去寻木匠、裱糊匠，从今天就得下手拾掇。”手枪很为难地说：“我的小姐，您拾掇屋子容易，但是拾掇完了，人家要工钱、料钱，叫我上哪儿去领呢？老爷的钱，错非他自动，休想拿出一个来，小姐要不给，我们下人，能够垫得起吗？”智珠笑道：“我既叫人拾掇，当然我给钱，用不着你为难。”手枪得了这句话，这才兴冲冲地去寻人。从此文焕夫妻两个，便住在汉火公馆中。 现在的国务总理已经换了赵秉衡，汉火写了一封信，叫文焕去寻秉衡谋事。这位赵总理本是八面玲珑的人，他知道汉火在民党中也很有一部分势力，因此对于唐文焕面子十足，见面的第二天，便由国务院印铸局下了一道委令：委唐文焕在签事上行走，每月薪金二百四十元。唐文焕自从得了这一项差事，每日总到国务院上班。其实并没有事可做，不过是点名画到而已。但是从此在国务院中拉拢了不少朋友，最要好的，是本局内制印科长裴鸿庆，还有法制局二等科员钟子英，三个人成了形影不离的好朋友。裴鸿庆是上海人，本是刻字匠出身，后来又学会制版照像，曾到东洋去实地练习了一年，后来在某大印字馆充当制版工头，某印字馆的经理是一位名士，被项大总统物色了去，充任教育总长。当国务会议时，提到印铸局缺少一个制印专家，某总长便推荐裴鸿庆可以胜任，于是赵总理第二天便下公事，任鸿庆为制印科科长。他的技术诚然不坏，但他的为人，却是一个流氓。什么腥赌翻戏拆梢，种种不体面的勾当，他全能身体力行。相貌非常漂亮，言谈又极其慨爽，不知底的人，初次见了他，一定要认他为难得的好朋友。唐文焕是臧汉火的令坦，一进国务院，他就调查明白了，他认定这个人的根基势力一定与众不同，将来前途是不可限量的，因此便下了十二分的功夫气力，来交欢文焕。至于那位钟子英，他名叫钟灵，本是满洲旗人，当年在巡警部当过主事，那时赵总理正做巡警部侍郎，看钟灵青年英俊，很赏识他。后来赵侍郎罢职，他曾亲自送他出京，两人有这一点感情，所以此次赵总理登台，他前去叩贺，因此便把他提升到国务院，由法制局委为二等科员。其实子英的表面虽然漂亮，骨子里也是一个纨绔子弟，什么斗鸡走狗，走票戏，唱八角鼓，他无一不好。尤其是皮黄京调，是他专门学科，他唱得一口好青衣，有时候傅粉登场，大家说比梅兰芳胜强十倍，因此钟子英便也居之不疑，隐然以票界的梅兰芳自居。唐文焕虽生长在南方，却自幼喜好皮黄，他也能唱几句。当年在美国留学时候，下了班在住室中，便高唱皮黄，所有美国人同一班华侨，都说他唱得好听，甚至有下帖子约他去唱，情愿出数十元美金作代价的。文焕借此很捞摸了几个钱，公然自命为皮黄专家了。哪知这次到了国务院中，同钟子英交欢，有时候再唱起皮黄来，子英在一旁只是鼓掌大笑，笑得文焕唱也不好，不唱也不好，只可虚心下气地向他请教。子英道：“我的老大哥，你这种唱法，是跟什么人学来的？”文焕说：“我哪里学过，不过在上海时候，时常去听戏，我最赞成的，是白文奎、小达子、吕月樵几个人，因为他们的嗓音洪亮，高唱入云，我听过之后，模仿几句，然也很像，因此我就自命为皮黄专家，在美国足蒙一气。不瞒你老哥说，我的几句戏词，还得过百元的代价呢！”他这一说，把钟子英更笑得直不起腰来，说：“这就难怪了。我说一句直言，老大哥不要过意，您到戏园子听戏学唱，本是私淑的意思。但是私淑也要私淑于人啊，为什么要私淑于驴呢？”文焕直着两眼问道：“哪里有驴？怎么驴还会唱戏吗？”子英道：“那白文奎、小达子、吕月樵，我们北京内行全管他们叫作驴，当年小达子跑到北京来唱戏，一出戏不曾唱完，就被台下叫戏的人把他骂跑了。大家全喊：'我们不听驴叫，我们家里的大叫驴比你唱得还好听呢！'吕月樵更不自量了，那一年他来北京，正赶上谭老板在中和园贴《四郎探母》，他在同乐园也照样儿贴了一出《四郎探母》，意思是想同谭老板赛一赛，倒看谁的《四郎探母》能得多数欢迎，这种存心，真是不知天有多高，地有多厚。果然打炮的这一天，几句坐官的西皮尚未唱完，台底下的茶壶碗早已如雨点似的乱飞起来，吕大老板一看不是风头，没等公主出来就演回令，三步并两步地回到后台，再也不敢出来了。你所奉为老师的，他们的艺术不过如此，你真敢着脸跑到外洋去换钱，胆子可真不小啊！”文焕被他这一场奚落，才知道自己所学的实在太不高明，于是立志要拜子英为老师，求他切实指教，子英笑道：“我们学习皮黄，不过是借此消遣，并非要去卖艺赚钱，哪里用得着拜老师呢！你如果乐意学，从今天起，每天下班之后，同我到票房去，先吊一吊你的嗓子，够唱什么的唱什么，这是丝毫也不能勉强的。”文焕听了，欢喜得手舞足蹈，连说：“蒙老大哥提携，将来如果学有寸进，我必然重重地酬谢你。”裴鸿庆在一旁也跟着凑趣，说：“唐先生具有绝顶聪明，将来跟着钟先生学，只怕要青出于蓝，冰寒于水呢！”从此以后，三个人天天必到票房去学戏，晚饭不是唐文焕请客，便是裴鸿庆约吃，钟子英是两肩荷一口，实行他那北京吃哥儿的主义。文焕每月只有二百四十元进款，哪够这样挥霍的。 臧汉火自从女婿有了事做，便将他夫妻二人叫至面前，说：“如今你在国务院中，每月能拿到二百多块钱的薪水，以后的房钱日度，我可不能再管了。好在咱们的人口少，你拿出一半来，就可以够开销的。下余一半，还不够你夫妻两个零用吗？我的钱储蓄着另有用项，以后不能再动一文。”文焕夫妻听了，只有诺诺连声，其实他两人心中全抱着很大的不痛快。出了屋门，文焕便对智珠发话，说：“看你爹这个疯老头子，真是财迷心窍，他又没有儿子，要这许多钱干什么？莫非留着带到棺材里去吗？”智珠沉下脸来答道：“你为何讥诮我父亲？世界上有当着儿女毁谤人家老子的吗？”文焕也自觉着说话太冒失，连忙向智珠再三赔罪，智珠也拉回来说：“本来也难怪你发牢骚。他老人家，五十多岁的人了，生平只我这一个女儿，既没有三兄四弟，后娘又自己有钱，还这样视财如命，将来可留给谁呢？”两人在上房闲谈，手枪上来回话说：“小姐昨天吩咐，叫寻一个女仆，要年轻天足的，听差寻了一天，好容易得着一个，年纪才二十几岁，虽然不是天足，却比天足的脚还大呢！小姐如果要看看，我已经把她带来了，在门房候着呢！”智珠笑着：“这个我倒得看看，缠足比天足脚大，真是从来没听见过的新闻。你快快叫她进来吧！”手枪答应一声，扭头出去，不大工夫，果然带进一个青年妇人来，看神气，不过三十上下岁，身体胖大，脸上的肉，黑而且亮，穿一件粗蓝布大棉袄，头蓝棉裤，脚底下两只青布鞋，虽然做出一个尖儿来，却此天足的鞋还格外肥大，看尺寸没有一尺，也有九寸。从前形容大脚妇人，全说莲船盈尺，可真应在这个妇人身上了。手枪带领引见，说：“这是小姐，这是姑爷。”妇人忙请了两个蹲安，这本是一种旗礼，文焕同智珠全不懂得，还以为她是要下跪呢！忙说了一句：“免行大礼。”哪知这句话尚未说完，蓦地她又立起身来，倒把两人吓了一跳。智珠问她姓什么，她回说姓邢，是京南的人，在北京当女仆，已经三四年了，还伺候过朱总长的小姐呢！智珠见她生得非常壮健，而且说话诚实，便欣然应许留下她。每月给四块钱工钱，邢嫂再三称谢。智珠又笑着说：“你在我们公馆住着，可不要害怕，我们这里有手枪、炸弹，还有辘轳炮呢！”几句话说得邢嫂直着眼发愣，智珠道：“你不明白吗？我们这两个听差的，叫手枪、炸弹，厨子叫辘轳炮。你既然在这里，似乎也要有一个绰号才好，但是叫什么呢？”智珠仰起头来想着，文焕插嘴道：“我倒想了一个绝好的绰号，你看怎样？”智珠道：“你快说给我听听。”文焕道：“她不是姓邢吗？何不就管她叫飞行船，同手枪、炸弹、辘轳炮，也可以联到一起。你看怎么样？”智珠不觉跳起来，鼓掌笑道：“这个名儿太好了，不但是一种战利品，而且同她那两只尊足也关合有趣，从此以后，就管她叫飞行船吧！飞行船，你快去打一盆脸水来，我要净面，还等着出门呢！”邢嫂拨起两只大脚来，咚咚咚跑出去，不大工夫，脸水已经送到面前。智珠笑道：“这才爽利呢！只怕天足妇人，也没有她这种本事。”从此飞行船竟成了小姐唯一得用的人，有时候智珠出门，逛东安市场，或是到前门外去看戏，总是带着飞行船同行，直仿佛一朵鲜花，旁边陪衬着一株秋葵。走到娱乐场中，人家对于这两个人，全都特别注目。飞行船因为伺候过朱总长的小姐，所有北京满汉阔宅门的姨太太、小姐，差不多她全认得，有时候在戏园、电影院见着了，她便给智珠介绍，说这是某宅的小姐，那是某宅的姨太太。这些姨太太小姐，见智珠生得秀丽，而且穿的衣服也很时髦，又是大名士臧汉火的千金，自然也都乐意同她接近，从此以后智珠也就变成了交际之花。白天戏园饭馆，晚夜电影院跳舞场，都不时有她的踪迹，一个人的开销，至少每天也要在十元之外。 唐文焕在国务院中，每月只有二百元的进款，又要担负公馆中一切挑费，他个人的应酬又多，哪里还有余钱供给夫人挥霍？因此智珠很感受经济的压迫，只是想不出什么法子来，可以救济目前。飞行船在她身旁，早看出这种情形来了，便在背地里对智珠说：“小姐您怎么这样呆呢？现放着大卷钞票，整箱的洋钱，却发愁没有钱用，真是笑话了。”智珠皱眉道：“你不要说轻巧话儿了，老爷诚然有钱，但是他那钱是生铁铸成，永远不能动的。谁敢过去摸一摸啊！”飞行船大笑道：“俗语说，死店活人开，老爷的钱不能明动，还不许暗动吗？”智珠略一沉吟，意思是有点活动了，说：“恐怕不易吧！他老人家，把那个钱箱藏在床底下，钥匙带在贴身的小袄内，谁敢当着他把钱箱取出来？就是取出来，没有钥匙，也开不开啊！”飞行船笑道：“这个全容易。只要小姐有这胆子，敢担起这个责任来，我全有法子替你想。”智珠道：“你先说说用什么法子，我再考量一番。至于责任的话，当然由我担负，决牵不到你们当下人的身上。”飞行船笑道：“既然小姐肯负责任，这事就好办了。本来做女儿的花爹娘的钱，那还不是分所当然吗？又有什么责任可说呢！”智珠道：“你先不要瞎胡扯，到底用什么法子，快快说给我听。”飞行船道：“小姐先不要着急，您想盗取那个钱箱，无论如何，不能飞出手枪、炸弹之手。这两个人，是早晚伺候老爷，永不离开他身旁左右的，只要小姐肯把这两个人买好了，他们肯帮您的忙，不要说一个钱箱，十个钱箱，也能手到拿来。”几句话说活了智珠的心，她又沉吟一刻，方才对邢嫂道：“你说的诚然有理，但是凭我一个做小姐的身份，要同听差的商量作弊，未免太丢人了，这件事还得你去先探一探他两个人的口气。如果他们胆小，不敢做这事，就毋庸议了；倘然他们肯一力担承，将来洋钱到手，我必有特别的犒赏，就连你也在沾光之列，万不能白了你们。”飞行船连忙请了一个蹲安，说：“谢谢大小姐！” 当日晚间，她果然同手枪、炸弹开了一次偷盒会议。手枪胆小，说：“老爷那样财迷，谁敢动他的命根子？这件事我不敢参与，也不希图什么犒赏。”炸弹冷笑道：“照你这样，只好当一辈子穷鬼。我们负的着什么责任？做女儿的偷她爸爸，不是应偷之偷吗？不要说老爷近来精神不好，一时查考不到这上边，纵令老爷知道了，我们完全向小姐身上一推，他一个做父亲的，又能把自己女儿怎么样了？也不过是一瞪眼罢咧！我们为什么不借机会弄几个钱呢？”手枪被炸弹这几句话居然说活了心，笑容满面地问炸弹道：“你的话果然有理，但是得用什么方法，那个宝贝匣儿才能到手呢？”炸弹哈哈大笑，说：“你这人真笨死了，我们整天整夜地围在老爷身边，常言说老虎还有打盹时候，何况一个老头子呢！他哪时睡沉了，我们只轻轻从床底下取出那个匣儿，原封不动送至小姐面前，由她自己去开，自己去拿，爱拿多少拿多少，我们一概不管，拿完了照旧锁上，我们仍然送回老爷床下，神不知鬼不觉，这事就办理好了，专等着擎功受赏，有什么不好做？你却为难成这种样子，真要寸步难行呢！”手枪道：“到底还是你随机应变，足智多谋。不过匣儿容易窃取，只有那贴身的钥匙，谁敢从老爷身上硬往下摘啊！”炸弹道：“这个也容易。我们先看一看那个锁簧，叫小姐多买上几个预备着，事到临时，难道还没有一个适用吗？”二人商议已定，便依次进行。飞行船回到小姐面前报命，智珠自然是非常高兴，飞行船又给她出主意，说：“老爷那票子全是十元一张的，小姐要硬拿出几十张来，他不免一望而知。最好是用调包的法子，小姐预备几十张一元的票子，把它插在票子当中，却换出几十张十元的来，老爷就是打开匣儿查看，也万不会一张一张地去点。他只要看着原卷不动，还是一般大小，这事就蒙混过去了。”智珠也采纳飞行船的建议，第一次盗出匣儿来，是用了六十元的单张票子，换了六十张十元的票子，果然原封不差，仍然送至汉火的床下。智珠倒换结果，得了五百四十元，把四十元赏了手枪、炸弹、飞行船，三个人得了这天外飞来的赏赐当然格外欢喜，把大小姐看成天神一般，不知怎样奉承才好。 智珠凭空多了五百元的收入，也当然志气发舒，同外面结交的一班女友更形亲近，有时候吃过晚饭，便约她到宅里打牌。此时朱总长的三小姐韵清，同康都督的大小姐君英，还有总统府的第十三姨太太王鹤鸣，正在火炭一般的亲热，智珠同她们也要好。这一天在番菜馆中吃罢了西餐，康君英说：“天气还早，离我家又很近，大家叉四圈麻雀，再散不迟。”头一个朱小姐很赞成，王女士却踌躇着恐怕回府太晚，受总统的呵叱。智珠说：“这个无妨，我们叉两圈看，如果天晚了，请王姨太太先走一步，再另寻一个接替的人，也没有什么为难的。”大家均赞成智珠的话，于是一同到康宅。一副象牙质的麻雀牌，十分精致，四个人立时入局，言明是一百元二四的底，五百和封门。智珠久在上海，牌打得非常活动，两圈下来，三家全输了，她一个人赢了七百多块。王鹤鸣输了三百多，不愿再来了，说：“天色已经不早，明天再见吧！”匆匆地乘上马车回公府去了。这里因为寻不出替手来，也只好散局。康小姐派自家马车送臧小姐回寓。临行之时，还再三叮嘱：“明天午后，仍请到舍下来。咱们畅畅快快地，叉上八圈。”智珠连声答应，带着飞行船回寓。赏了赶马车的五块钱，飞行船笑嘻嘻地对智珠说：“大小姐的牌打得真好，而且手气又壮，不大工夫，就赢了七百多，活该我们得点彩头了。”智珠毫不吝惜地把所赢之款，取出五十元来，交给飞行船，叫她同手枪、炸弹去分。飞行船同炸弹要好，两个人分了四十元，却告手枪说小姐只赏了三十元，每人名下分到十元。手枪本来老实，这就喜出望外了，还有旁的说吗！ 第二天，智珠自己雇了一辆马车，带着飞行船，又到康宅去打牌。头四圈很好，她一个人赢了五百多元。又续了四圈，却完全输了，不但把头四圈赢的五百多一律输出，反把昨天赢的钱，又倒出二百多去。智珠心里很不痛快，本想再续四圈捞一捞，只因天已不早，康家又预备上好酒席，留她吃晚饭，只得草草吃过饭，怏怏地回家去了。临行之时，朱三小姐又再三约她：“明天午后，到我们家里打扑克。我已经定好四只极肥的羊腿，明天送到正阳楼去叫他给片好了，咱们痛痛快快地吃一回氽锅子，姐姐千万不要失信，辜负了我的心。”智珠连声答应着，珍重握手而别。回到家中一查点票子，昨天赢的，已经不足四百之数了。心中默默打算，这种赌博实在不小，手气背一点，输上三千两千并算不了一回事。看她们几个人仿佛都有铜山金穴，输几百块钱，就像输几个铜子一般。我的经济力怎能同她们追逐呢？何况明天的扑克其输赢之大而且快，又超过麻将十倍，我身上所带的，满算起来还不足一千元。禁得赢禁不得输，倘然输了，岂不要当场丢丑？想到这里，她那跃跃欲试的心早已灰了大半。明天午后，只需打一个电话到朱宅，就说受了感冒，不能起床，也就搪塞过去了。智珠这种打算，何尝不是。可怜她睡了一宵觉，到第二天早晨，也不知什么缘故，把昨天晚夜的计划，竟忘到九霄云外去了。再加上飞行船在旁边一督促，匆匆吃过早饭，也没等人家来电话催，叫了一部马车，带着飞行船，便直奔朱宅去了。 朱宅的局面，比康家又大过数倍，门口站岗警察因为得了三小姐的命令，一见臧小姐的马车到了，哪敢怠慢，立刻迎上，先行了一回举手礼，然后低声回道：“请小姐少候一候，我们这就上去回话。”智珠点点头，警察如飞地跑进去，先告知门房，门房又跑到内院，告知女仆丫鬟，立时出来一大群，从马车中将智珠搀出来，一直陪进内宅。朱三小姐已经迎至二门外，拉了智珠的手，甜甜蜜蜜地叫了一声：“姐姐！”二人一同来至内客厅，一进屋子就觉着满室生春。原来生的是暖气管子，并且地下铺着极厚的毛毯，墙上钉着西洋毛织的壁衣，地上摆着很大的暖床，所以五间明着，并不觉丝毫空旷而寒冷。屋中已经先到了六七位，三小姐一一代为介绍：这是赵总理太太，这是段总长的小姐，这是吴总监的二太太，这是中国银行冯总裁的夫人，这是总统府谢都管的四小姐，还有王鹤鸣、康君英，同智珠都是熟人，也无须代为介绍了。智珠同大家一一见过礼，然后入座，这一群女友，全是冲着赌博来的，所以到齐之后，也顾不得周旋谈话，便即刻入局。一场麻雀、两场扑克，智珠仍寻熟手，同康君英、王鹤鸣，还有谢都管的四小姐谢王莹，坐在一起。斗起扑克来，智珠因为手中的赌本并不充裕，所以不敢冒险偷鸡，康、王、谢有的是钱，输赢满不在乎，连三并四地偷鸡，智珠因为心虚胆怯，不大工夫，便输了一千多块。幸而朱三小姐知道她款不充足，暗地里接济她一千元，连人家带自己的，通共输出一千四百五十元。她心中着慌了，不愿再赌扑克。朱三小姐特意把自己的地方让出来，请她加入雀战，自己却陪着康、谢、王三人斗扑克。智珠接续着叉了三圈麻雀，结果总算不坏，居然赢了四百多元。假如智珠要有决断，以所赢的钱，补足一千之数，完全还了朱三小姐，从此洗手不赌，也还不致受巨大的创伤，哪知她贪心无厌，赢钱之后胆子又壮起来，认为自己的手气甚壮，居然又续了四圈。内中因为赵总理的夫人，临时加上许多花样，一百元二四的牌，差不多同千元底也差不多了，四圈牌打下来，智珠又输了七百多，这时已经到晚饭时候了。大家哪有闲心细细地吃汆羊，不过草草吃了一阵，又商量二次入局。智珠此时虽然有些后悔，但已抱定沉舟破釜、背水一战的决心，手中只剩了二百多元，但求着能赢回几百来，够还朱三小姐的，也不再存奢望。又叉了四圈麻雀，幸而输得不