Chapter 88 Eighty-fifth Chapter: Eight Hundred Arhats Tour Beizi Garden, A Hero Gets Drunk in the Presidential Palace

When Zeng Helou, Tian Jianlong and others were getting on the car, they were suddenly held across by a man and a woman, and the man stretched out his hand and grabbed Jianlong, shouting: "Old dragon, where are you going? Why are you doing this?" Coincidentally, you won’t leave even if I don’t come, and you want to leave just after I come, isn’t this like Yin Xing’s avoidance?” Shi Er Ge Er was shocked when he saw it, thinking that someone saw through Zeng, Because of this, Tian and Tian were staying sideways. After listening to what the man said, it seemed that there was no malice, and the two seemed to have a close relationship.Ge Er seemed to have a little awareness in his heart, thinking that this must be someone, so he opened his mouth to ask Jianlong. Jianlong had already introduced him, saying that this was Brother Wen and Ms. Li Fangyuan.Then he said to Wen Xiongwei: "This is the second and second elder brother Jin Ge that I often mention in my letters. Although you two have never seen each other, you probably have been friends for a long time, not a day." At this time, He Lou was already a little impatient. , came over and grabbed Xiong Wei and said: "Fourth Wen, you have become a member of parliament, and your eyes are getting bigger. You don't even say hello to my brother. It's really unreasonable!" Damn, why can’t you even recognize the eldest brother who has been a classmate for many years? It’s no wonder that you changed into Chinese clothes and left a mustache, and you suddenly couldn’t remember it. Why do you two have to leave today? Those two tickets are invalidated, let's hang around for a few days and talk about it." Jianlong winked at Xiong Wei and said, "We have something important to go to Tianjin, and we'll be back in a few days. Fourth brother will wait in Beijing. , if you have anything to do, please contact the second brother Jin, it’s all the same. And he is an outstanding man in Beijing, much better than me.” After Jianlong said this, the flute was already playing on the front of the car, Wen Xiongwei, Jin Ge Er, Li Fangyuan and two or three others who came with them, who dared to stop, had to shake hands with Zeng and Tian hurriedly to say goodbye.After getting out of the car, Ge Er asked them what luggage they had. Xiong Wei said that the badge had been deducted, and they would send someone to pick it up after the division.So everyone hired two carriages and drove them all the way to the social group branch on Nanheng Street.

Ye Shufen was working in the branch office. Seeing Li Fangyuan coming, she greeted Li Fangyuan out of the door, took Fangyuan's hand, and pulled her to her bedroom, saying: "My Miss Li, why did you spend so many days in Shanghai! Before getting up , and didn’t send me a letter, but fortunately, I met Mr. Jin, otherwise it would be a joke if there was no one to meet me at all.” Fang Yuan laughed and said, “Auntie is too worried. What Wei meant was that he wanted to stay in Shanghai for a few more days. Later, he received a telegram from the Senate saying that the Cantonese senators had arrived, and Xiong Wei was the only one left. The telegrams from the members of the Guangdong Senate and the House of Representatives were all in the same voice, urging him to go to Beijing as soon as possible. He was still hesitating. In addition, I also brought a servant, Ah San, to pack up the luggage and send it to the boat, and I held him until he got on the boat, so he had nothing to say, otherwise, it might be too late!" Ye Shufen smiled at her, there was a lot of meaning hidden in this smile, which made Fangyuan blush, and said: "Auntie, you are so old, why are you still full of bad things?" Shufen laughed loudly. He laughed and said, "Why am I broken?" Fang Yuan laughed and said, "Your smile contains a lot of articles. If you want to use the principle of sincerity, you are really bad from the inside out, and you still ask me Well! It’s because you are still an elder, our aunts and aunts are short-sighted, and they can’t leave their mouths, so I have the nerve to make fun of the younger generation.” Shufen was a little annoyed by her words, and said in a panic: “ My lady, don't be too careful, I was born with this habit of laughing, if you must say that I have some intentions to laugh at you, I will be wronged to death." Seeing her fear and sincerity, Fang Yuan expressed She looked very scared, and she smiled again unconsciously, and said, "Auntie, why bother? Could it be that my girl, do I really take this little matter to heart?" Shufen heard her pull back, I felt at ease in my heart, and said: "Miss Li, I was very concerned about your affairs. Fourth Master Wen is someone to rely on. I very much hope that you can achieve a good relationship for a hundred years. But then again, after all, we are outsiders. Whether he is reliable or not, you have been with him for many days, of course you have already decided in your heart. If he is unreliable, then there is no need to say it. If he is really reliable, if there is something that is difficult for you to say, you may as well tell me, I I will definitely be able to think of something for you. Ordinarily, I shouldn’t have said these things to you, but we are both relatives and you, we are definitely not like ordinary sons and daughters, and we are very decisive when things happen. Of course, I'm not too shy." Shufen said this.Fang Yuan felt very touched and said: "My niece is very grateful for my aunt's words. I was originally rejected by my parents. If I don't have my elder relatives to support and guide me, my life will be even more miserable. To tell you the truth, I Ever since I met Xiong Wei, I saw that he has a strong physique, and he will definitely be able to do something in the society in the future, and he will never be without responsibility. This is the first thing. The second thing is that he has a bold temperament, and he is definitely not the least bit dirty. This is the most discord with his niece. The third thing is that he has neither parents nor brothers in his family, but only one uncle. After a hundred years in the future, all the property will belong to him except for his sister. Even if you don't do anything, you can live without worrying about food and clothing. With these three things, you can say that each of them is pleasant, so my niece put all her energy into examining him for two or three months, and found that he is very professional in his use of emotions, and there is nothing out of the ordinary. , Only then did he know that he could rely on him. He had already proposed to me in Shanghai, and I fully agreed. The only difference is that the wedding ceremony has not yet been held. What he meant was that he wanted to hold the wedding in Shanghai. I said Shanghai It’s not as good as Beijing. Since you are a member of the Senate, why don’t you come to Beijing to formally attend, and also propose a few cases to seek some real benefits for our newly established republic? Why do you stay in Shanghai for a long time? If we get married in Shanghai, Maybe I will go to the West Lake for my honeymoon again. Is there still a date to attend in Beijing this year? If we go to Beijing together, on the one hand you will perform your duties as a member of parliament, on the other hand we will organize a small family and hold a wedding in Beijing. Invite a few well-known and outstanding members of the two chambers, and everyone will have a lively day. This can also show the solemnity of the wedding. Isn’t it much better than in Shanghai? He listened to me and made sense, so he completely agreed with me. We came to Beijing together, probably after he reported to attend, our wedding will be coming soon. Apart from the two of us, no one else knows these words. My niece really feels that my aunt is sincere, That's why I told you everything. But before the wedding ceremony, I still ask you to keep the secret." Shufen said with a smile, "I'm overjoyed, I will definitely keep the secret for you." The two were talking happily, Jin Ge Er asked the servant to come over and invite him, saying that the wine and meal for the wind had been prepared, and he invited Mr. Li and Ye to come to the table together.The two of them came to the front hall with the footman, and saw Wen Xiongwei and Jin Geer talking loudly, seeing them come in and get up to give up their seats together, Ye Shufen said: "I have already eaten." Ge Er smiled: "I have also eaten , but Mr. Wen and Li have just arrived, and since we have prepared dinner and dinner for others, why don’t we have the nerve to accompany them?” Everyone talked and laughed and sat down to drink together, Xiong Wei asked Ge Er where the Senate was, and Ge Er smiled Said: "After breakfast tomorrow, I will send a special car to take you to the Senate to attend the meeting. You will know as soon as you get there."

Sure enough, in the afternoon of the next day, Ge Erte specially ordered a beautiful carriage, invited Xiong Wei to sit in it, and drove it all the way to the Senate on Xiangfang Street.In front of the House, Xiong Wei jumped out of the car.It looked like it was a meeting today, because there were a lot of horses and horses parked in front of the gate, and many gentlemen with badges rushed to the courtyard.Xiong Wei also went straight in with his chest upright without any hesitation.Unexpectedly, this foot had not stepped up the steps yet, someone had come over and held him across the chest, and asked loudly: "Who are you looking for?" The guard on duty felt a little angry in his heart, so he replied loudly: "I'm looking for the Senate." The guard was a little too ignorant, and still refused to let him go, saying: "There are a lot of people in the Senate. Well, which one are you looking for, you have to have a name and surname, so I can lead you to find it. Could it be that you can’t see the huge Senate in front of you, so you still have to look for it?” Xiong Wei heard him say so many things. Even with the sarcasm, the anger in my heart became more and more uncontrollable, and I cursed loudly: "What are you, dare to stop me from entering the court. To tell you the truth, the Senate is looking for me, and I have no time to find the Senate. What!" Hearing his harsh voice, the policeman showed no sign of weakness, grabbed him by the chest, and said, "This is a place with dimensions. If you dare to yell and curse, I will hand you over to the chief of the guard first, and then send you back to the police station." In the hall, I will punish you as a coolie for three months, and see if you are still tyrannical." Before the second word in the guard's mouth was finished, there was a "slap", and Xiong Wei's slap had already slapped him on the face.No matter how willing the guard was, he also raised his hand to beat Xiong Wei. Xiong Wei is a strong physique and has practiced martial arts.At this time, more and more spectators had gathered, and the chief of security, Zhang Qingcheng, had already received the report, so he hurried out to see what was going on.As soon as he saw Xiong Wei, he already understood in his heart, knowing that this person must have a lot of background.

Although Zhang Qingcheng is young, he has been in the officialdom for seven or eight years. He used to be a member of the Outer City Police Department in the Qing Dynasty, because he was quick-witted and quick-witted, and he was very popular with the director Zhu Qiqin.Therefore, for the establishment of the Senate and the House of Representatives this time, as usual, the Jingshi Police Department must allocate 120 policemen to be stationed in the two courtyards to serve as guards, and a police chief must be assigned to manage the 120 people. , Command them at any time, guard the entrance and exit of the gate, and maintain order in the venue.This kind of errand is originally very important. The fault is not that you are old in the officialdom and have the ability to adapt to changes, so you can't do it happily.Wu Bixiang was cautious, he was afraid that the person he sent would not be the right one, and he would not be able to deal with the eight hundred Arhats in the future.Therefore, he thought of an irresponsible method, and put all the section chiefs and staff qualifications of the department on the list to be sent to the chief of security. The position of chief is very important, and the position in the office is shallow. As for the staff in the office, who can take on this important task, I dare not make rash judgments.The chief has been in charge of the Beijing police for many years, and all these officers are your old subordinates. Which one can take on this important task? The office has already listed all their names. I beg the chief to send one. He led a group of policemen and went to the hospital early to arrange everything.Zhu Qiqin is so shrewd, once he heard what Wu Bixiang said, he already understood what he meant.Then he said with a smile: "Your elder brother can make up his mind about this little matter, and he can appoint whoever is competent. Why bother to discuss it with my brother?" The chief minister's lesson, the staff office also knows this little matter, and should not bother the chief minister, but although the matter is small, the relationship between the future is very important. The eight hundred legislators are sacred, and even the president is afraid of three points. If the chief of guards serves How can the office afford a stretcher? The chief has the knowledge of people and has more experience than the office. Of course, the person you choose can be competent and happy. In any case, I beg the chief to give the office a face." Zhu Qiqin listened to him He opened it and said that he was embarrassed to say that he didn't care about it, so he took the list, read it briefly, smiled and said to Bixiang: "According to my brother, Zhang Qingcheng is very good, young and mature, and has a peaceful temperament, he can handle it very well. Difficult. If your elder brother thinks he can be assigned, then he is fine. But this is my brother's own opinion, and I dare not make a judgment based on it. If your elder brother thinks it is inappropriate, you can try to imitate others. Don't look at your brother. For the sake of face, we must appoint this person." Bixiang hurriedly replied: "Sure enough, the commander-in-chief has sharp eyesight, and Zhang Qingcheng is the chief of the guard, of course, the office will be on business today." After saying that, he stood up and said goodbye, he secretly smiled inwardly Zhu Qiqin, you really deserve to be an old slippery official. You have already named someone, why bother to say so many irrelevant words.Can I still give up the person you mentioned and change to someone else?While thinking about it, he went back to the hall and asked the secretariat to start work immediately: Zhang Qingcheng, the special committee member, is the head of security for the Senate and the House of Representatives, and he will lead 120 policemen to the two houses to perform duties.The original pay of the chief of guard and the policemen remains the same.All the guards on duty are respectful and dedicated, without slack or negligence.Do not forget this order.Zhang Qingcheng received an official business and hurriedly met with the director to thank the committee in person.On the contrary, Wu Bixiang said to him openly and honestly: "This time your errand was appointed in person after I asked Director Zhu for instructions. Although this errand is not big, the responsibility is not light. First of all, you should know that a boss is easy to serve, and now There are more than 800 members of the two chambers combined, and these 800 members are all your immediate superiors. They all look at you as a servant leader who is looking after the house. Which one are you going to offend? They are all inviolable and sacred. You must be careful at all times and never offend them. This is the first level, and it is already difficult to handle. Let's talk about the second hurdle. Fights may start at any time in the meeting room. What kind of ink cartridges and pen holders are all weapons they can handle. Since you have the responsibility to suppress the meeting room, if this group is holy, fight well You don't need to ask them who is right and who is wrong. The first one is wrong, but it is you. This is the second difficulty. There is a third difficulty. The responsibility is greater and the matter is more difficult. The president silently There are factions in the ground, saying that among the more than 800 members, there are quite a few rioters among them. As the chief of the guard, he must pay attention to their behavior at any time and anywhere. Of course, he cannot bear such a wide range of responsibilities outside the House of Representatives. When other commissioners are sent to check their whereabouts outside the courtyard. As for the inside of the chamber, they have to instruct the chief of security to monitor them secretly. If they have any misconduct in the courtyard, they must first report to the police chief, and then the police chief reports to the presidential palace. In order to prevent it in advance. This is the third difficulty. Today I will be open and honest, and I will fully reveal these three difficulties to you, and you must keep them in mind. I’m asking for trouble, so you’re considered a good job.” Zhang Qingcheng heard Bixiang nagging, and said such a big talk, he also felt that this kind of job is really not easy, but the cultivation of the two-level boss, and He didn't dare to utter the words of refusal, so he had to bow and reply: "The staff are weak, and they can't take on this important task. They only rely on the cultivation of the director and the chief, and dare not give in. If there are any major problems in the future, the staff will not be willing If you dare to make a claim, you can only ask for instructions from the director first so that you can follow it." Bi Xiang nodded and said, "You try your best to do it, and if you deal with it well, I will try my best to guarantee it to the president. There is hope." Qingcheng was originally excited about being promoted, but when he heard the Director's reward, he felt happy again, and quickly bowed deeply, thanking the Director for his cultivation, before leaving.I also visited the directors of the hall and asked everyone to take care of them.After entrusting everything, the General Affairs Office dispatched 120 policemen, 12 superintendents, and 4 inspectors to Qing Cheng, and asked him to take them to the Senate and House of Representatives to guard them respectively.At this time, the two chambers were just beginning to open, and everything was being created. When Qingcheng came to the courtyard, he first reported to the Secretary Office, met Secretary-General Ping Gen, and Ping Gen led him to meet with the Chairman and Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker politely encouraged him. , ask him to work immediately.Since Zhang Qingcheng arrived on official business, he has been conscientious and conscientious, never daring to let go of a small matter, and has to deal with it himself.The good thing is that the more than one hundred police inspectors all obeyed his orders in a regular manner.Originally, this was a kind of advantage. From the head of the guard to the police, the original salaries in the hall were all in accordance with the old ones.In the two chambers, there is another salary, the chief of the guard gets double the salary, the Senate pays 240 yuan, and the House of Representatives does the same.There are sixty-eight inspectors and chief police officers in each courtyard. The inspectors are forty yuan each, the chief officers are twenty yuan each, and the policemen are twelve yuan each.Besides, besides guarding the gates and meeting places in turn, there is no need to stand guard all day long, and it is free and earns more money, who is not satisfied.The policemen outside the gate almost all recognized the councilors and staff in the courtyard.When the speaker and the secretary-general come in and out, of course they have to raise their guns and shout slogans to show their respect.The rest of the councilors and section chiefs just raised their hands and stood at attention.After many days, everything was in place, and Zhang Qingcheng felt that there was nothing difficult about this job.

This day, I was having lunch in my office, and I just picked up the chopsticks. Before the rice grains were in my mouth, I heard a commotion outside the gate.His office was originally close to the gate, so he could hear it very clearly.He didn't care about eating at this time, put down his chopsticks, and ran to the outside of the gate in three steps. Although the clothes are not very gorgeous, the look on his face has a kind of majesty and extraordinary aura.As soon as he saw him, he guessed that this person was probably a member who had just reported for duty. The police didn't recognize him, so they must have blocked him from entering, so there was a conflict.Thinking of this, he hurried over to frighten the two policemen, then clasped his fists and smiled at the fighter: "The policeman is ignorant, he offended you just now, please don't mind. Please tell me your name, sir, where is Xianju, and when you come to the hospital to visit Which one? Please don't hesitate to enlighten me and tell me that I would like to be the guide." Seeing that Qing Cheng spoke so peacefully, he was embarrassed to say anything more, so he replied with a smile: "Just now I was too reckless, and I made you laugh. My surname is Wen Xiong Wei, and I am from Cantonese. Because the courtyard sent telegrams repeatedly asking me to attend, I came from Shanghai and reported to this courtyard today. Unexpectedly, the policemen guarding the gate refused to entertain me, and even blocked me to death. Tell me to come in. Later, he simply said something bad, so he got angry for a while, and went to the point of using force, which is really ashamed." It didn't matter that he signed up, it frightened the two policemen, and Qingcheng was also taken aback.My heart said that this was a sacred thing, but luckily he beat the police, if the police beat him, I, the head of the security guard, would almost lose my job.He hurriedly raised his hands respectfully to Xiong Wei, and said: "It turns out that Mr. Wen has arrived, and the court is looking forward to Mr. It has not been a day. Next up, Zhang Qingcheng, is the chief security officer of this court. I will personally accompany Mr., first to the secretariat." Report for duty, and then I will accompany you to meet the speaker." Xiong Wei said, "It's really hard work."

Qing Cheng walked in front, Xiong Wei followed behind, and the two went to the secretary hall first.Qingcheng took up the post of conveyance, holding Xiong Wei's business card, and entered the secretary's hall to return to the Ming Dynasty.Secretary-General Ping Gen, come out quickly.The two were Dongyang's old classmates. Ping Gen ran over and shook his hand, and pulled him into the Secretary-General's office, saying, "My fourth brother, why did you come here today! You are about to panic to death, who tripped you up?" I can't walk even an inch, and I haven't seen you in the meeting for more than two months." Xiong Wei said: "Don't ask, it's hard to explain. Fortunately, I can still come to the Senate. If you are the Secretary-General, please help me. Report, I will meet the two speakers Zhang and Wang first, and I will attend today, you can always help." Ping Gen said with a smile: "This is my responsibility, and I can't say that I can help. I will definitely be able to attend the meeting. However, Chairman Zhang has gone to Shanghai, and only Chairman Wang is in the courtyard, so I will go with you to see him." Ping Gen and Xiong Wei turned around and came to the deputy chairman's office.At this time, Wang Zhiting, the deputy speaker, was looking at the official documents in the room, when he saw Ping Gen coming in with someone, he quickly got up and gave up his seat.Xiong Wei studied in the East and was very acquainted with Chairman Zhang Boquan, Wang Zhiting was a student studying in the West, and Tong Wen Xiong Wei had never met each other, but they were famous and everyone knew each other.Pinggen came in and put Xiong Wei's business card on the table. When Wang Zhiting saw it, he smiled all over his face, shook Xiong Wei's hand, and said, "It turns out that Mr. Wen is here, and I will reward you with a letter in advance, and my brother will be fine too." Greeting at the station, this is really a bit too brief." Xiong Wei also said politely: "My little brother is in Shanghai, because of a little something, I can't attend after two months of leave. I am really ashamed. Today, since I’m here, to make up for my mistakes, I’d like to attend today, so I’d like to ask the Speaker and the Secretary-General to work hard and introduce you to me.” Wang Zhiting repeatedly said yes, and when he came back, his younger brother accompanied Mr. Wen to the meeting place, and introduced to all members, Mr. Ping The seat number was drawn on my behalf, and I notified the Discussion Section to quickly prepare a pen and ink meeting minutes, etc., so that Mr. Wen can use it.Just as he was talking, the bell had already rung in the meeting place, which meant that the quorum of members had been met, and the speaker and the secretary-general were requested to attend immediately so that the meeting could begin.Wang Zhiting brought Wen Xiongwei with him, followed by Ping Gen, and the three of them entered the conference hall together.Wang Zhiting was at the speaker's seat, and seeing everyone bowed and seated, he pointed to Xiong Wei and announced to everyone: "This gentleman is Senator Wen Xiongwei from Guangdong. Come to the courtyard, I will attend today, and I will introduce you first." When Zhiting said this, Xiong Wei hurriedly bowed deeply to everyone, and everyone returned the salute and applauded to express their welcome.Immediately afterwards, Ping Gen took out the seat number to see that it was No. 218. The Discussion Section hurriedly sent the application stationery to this number, and then the speaker announced that Mr. Wen Xiongwei was invited to attend.Only then did Xiong Wei get down from the chairperson's seat, retreat to his own seat in No. 218, and listen to the Secretary-General's announcement of various documents with all the congressmen.There were no major proposals that day, and when the meeting was about to break up, the deputy speaker Wang Zhiting announced to everyone: The day after tomorrow is Sunday, and the four speakers of the Senate and House of Representatives and the Deputy Speaker initiated a garden party.I would like to invite more than 800 members of the two houses to gather in this house in the afternoon and go to the Sanbeizi Garden outside Xizhimen to enjoy the magnificent scenery in the garden. Western food is prepared there, and all members are invited to have a meal there.In addition to the invitations that have been sent out, and to inform everyone at the conference, it is best to come early for the time being.After Wang Zhiting finished explaining, he just left the meeting, and all the councilors were also discharged one after another.

What is the reason for this garden party?It’s a long story to say. After the formal establishment of the two chambers, the chairman of the Senate is Zhang Boquan, the deputy speaker is Wang Zhiting, the speaker of the House of Representatives is Tang Daolong, and the deputy speaker is Chen Zhixiang.After the selection of these four speakers, the government will use people for administration, and of course, major cases must be passed by the two houses before they can be implemented.However, the members of the two houses deliberately joked with Xiang Zicheng. Anyone who Xiang Zicheng wanted to use, mentioned the House of Representatives, and nine out of ten times he would not pass it. , still have to touch back.Therefore, Zicheng hated Zicheng very much, and secretly scolded the councilors as a bunch of troublemakers, who did not care about the government's painstaking efforts, and did not care about the overall situation of the country. Mess with the government again.Xiang Zicheng had the intention of dissolving the House of Representatives, and if he didn't dare to take it over, he should first discuss with his first counselor, Zhao Bingheng, whom Lao Xiang believed to be Zhang Liang and Deng Yu, in the secret room, what should this group of members of parliament use? Ways to treat.Zhao Bingheng just smiled and didn't answer.Xiang Zicheng said anxiously: "They rubbed me into such a state, why don't you just do nothing?" Zhao Bingheng laughed and said: "This group of ignorant children, why should the president have the same knowledge as them, what can't be done? "Xiang Zicheng said: "You speak so lightly. They grabbed my wrist and told me not to move. How can I bear it?" Zhao Bingheng said: "According to the president's intention, how about How about that?" Zicheng said: "I want to disband all these things, and ask them to leave the capital early, and save hundreds of thousands of yuan a month, wasting the people's fat, not only can't help the government, but will be everywhere It's a hindrance." Zhao Bingheng shook his head repeatedly and said, "This is impossible. If we do this, it will not only help them, but also harm ourselves." Zicheng hurriedly asked why, and Bingheng said: "It's not worth a penny if it's broken. Let me ask the president first, what is the purpose of calling the members of the two chambers?" Zicheng thought for a while and said: "The purpose of calling them is to elect the official president, other than that, what else can we use them for? Bing Heng clapped his hands and laughed: "Oh, but they are going to be disbanded right now. As soon as August comes, it will be the formal election period. May I ask, how can we gather so many treasures in such a short time? Let's talk about the president's election." The status is still temporary and not very stable. How could they have any good people? If they suddenly disbanded them without sufficient reasons, how could they be willing? At present, there are still some forces of the Democratic Party in Southern Province. If they collude At one point, even though we have nothing to fear, I always feel that it is not worth it to delay the official election. Why don't the president stay calm and wait until our major affairs are done before disbanding them? "

Hearing what he said, Xiang Zicheng woke up like a dream, and said: "Sure enough, you are very thoughtful, but I still have one worry. When the election comes, they will vote indiscriminately. Is there any way to prevent and correct it?" Bingheng laughed and said, "The president is too worried. I dare to guarantee 100% of the risk at this level. I will never elect others temporarily. What we should worry about is what we need to use now. What method can we use to buy these 800 arhats and make them obediently listen to our commands, not only in the future general elections, but also to make them feel a little bit more peaceful now, and to make them pay more attention to the government's employment and administration? Come on with a condescending attitude, don't be willful and brutal, this is the only hope for them at present. Just deal with it and get through the general election, and if you fall into the abyss in the future, isn't it completely up to me?" Xiang Zicheng Said: "What you said is indeed reasonable, but these things are very troublesome. It is not easy for you to deal with them one by one. But it is not enough. They are just a feather duster, making trouble alone , there is a group of people chaotically following behind, who can stand this kind of unreasonable anger? Let’s take the cabinet members proposed recently. It used to be a good political party cabinet. Patience, all kinds of politeness, I don’t know how to perfunctory. They still want to take me and resign all without reason. What is the reason for this? It’s impossible to guess. I can't give up my resignation, so I have to let them go, and I will mention another person. I don't know how much consideration was spent in the nomination, and the ones proposed are all well-known people in the country. It seems that there is nothing to refute. How could I mention the House of Representatives They dismissed them head-on. Why they didn't go through others, I'm afraid even they themselves couldn't explain why. Later I saw that this group of people had been cancelled, so I had to change their appearance, go to a few more, and add a few more. This time, it was still referred to the House of Representatives. This time, it finally saved face, and it was completely passed. Who knew that it was sent to the Senate by the House of Representatives, but they were completely rejected by them. It is entirely the responsibility of the House of Representatives to decide between the two chambers. It was stipulated in the agreement at the time that this power must also be given to the Senate. One side is good, but the other side is not good. How can our administrative side bear this kind of crime? Since you have a way to subdue them, the cabinet member in front of you will not bother the two masters. You think quickly Let’s clear it up.” Bingheng said with a smile, “President, don’t worry, the passage of cabinet members is just a branch issue, as long as they are cleared up, it will naturally be solved. Now let’s talk about the initial steps. The ancients said, shoot people first. Ma, to capture the thief, you must capture the king. There are more than 800 people in the two courts. Of course, you can't exchange private words. Now the first step is to subdue the four speakers. They dredged up that group of radicals. As long as one-fifth of the radicals can fully submit and stop embarrassing the government, from then on, the legislature willIt can become a peaceful world, what else can be difficult? "Xiang Zicheng laughed when he heard that he was so happy, and said: "According to what you said, there is nothing difficult in the world?How did you know, don't talk about others, just Zhang Boquan, the chairman of the Senate in front of me, I know very well that he is very difficult to subdue.Back then when I was in Beiyang, I worked very hard on him and promised him a foreign scholar with a monthly salary of 800 yuan, but he still went to France and refused to follow me.Of course, he is more difficult to deal with now as Speaker than before.If he couldn't pass one level, where would the three of them start? Bingheng thought for a while, and said: "What the president said is about the past, so it's a different matter now."Although Zhang Pu is difficult to deal with, let me see that he is easier to deal with than others. At this point, he whispered a few words to Xiang Zicheng, Zicheng nodded and said, "This method is very good, you should hurry up and prepare everything."As for the money, just ask my accountant to get it, and if it is less than 100,000, you can make up your own mind.For more than 100,000 yuan, discuss with me again, and I will inform the accountant again. With full power, Bingheng bid farewell to Xiangzicheng, and prepared all plans with his minions. The first step was to send someone to contact Zhang Pu first, and said: "President Xiang Da is very anxious because the responsible cabinet cannot be established. , People who have proposed repeatedly have been rejected by both houses. The president wants to ask for your consent, old man, to appoint you as the prime minister of the cabinet. But that's all. Zhang Pu laughed when he heard people say this, and said, "Why did Xiangzicheng choose me alone?"This is simply a joke.Please go back and appeal to the President. I, Zhang Pu, will appreciate this kindness.But in fact he can't use me, and I will never be used by him.Ask him to choose another Gao Ming. "The visitor went back and told Bingheng, Bingheng smiled and said: "I knew this earlier, so there is no need for him to get rid of it.But this is to send him a letter first, so that he can prepare to leave Beijing as soon as possible, otherwise he will issue an expulsion order without opening his mouth, and it will be too embarrassing for him. "The first step was done, followed by rumors from outside that filled Ninetowns, saying that President Xiang Da wanted to ask Chairman Zhang to form a cabinet, but he refused to submit. If you want to make trouble, you must not keep him. We have to deal with him early in line with the purpose of never using him or punishing him. Now the powerful spies have sent more than 200 people to surround Chairman Zhang's house. Every move he makes, is followed by detectives. It is uncertain when he will succeed. It only takes one bullet to count as a complete success. As soon as the word got out, within three to five days, all the people in the Democratic Party were full of it. It's full. Originally, Xiang Zicheng was cruel and ruthless, who didn't know? What's more, there was a word about asking Zhang Pu to form a cabinet in front of him, which made people believe it all the more. Everyone was sweating for Zhang Pu, and there was a friend who was close to him. So he earnestly advised him to leave Beijing as soon as possible, and don't wait for the disaster to come, and it would be too late to leave. Zhang Pu himself thought that it was really dangerous, but he didn't dare to go blatantly, so he had to entrust all the affairs of the House of Representatives in secret. Vice Speaker Wang Zhiting, pretending to be a businessman, first took a Tongzhou bus to Tongzhou, Jingdong, and then chartered a civilian boat from Tongzhou, and drove to Tianjin. After arriving in Tianjin, he didn't even dare to delay a day, so he bought a I bought a boat ticket and went to Shanghai on a NYK ship. When I arrived in Shanghai safely, I sent a telegram to the Beijing Senate, saying that I was going to Shanghai for medical treatment because of an old illness, and I asked for a month's leave in the hospital. All the duties of the speaker Wang Zhiting, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, is asked to act temporarily. As soon as his telegram arrives in Beijing, the presidential palace will know it first. Zhao Bingheng said to Xiang Zicheng: "What does the president think? This first step of my plan has finally been done. One of the most difficult troublemakers has been sent to Shanghai.We can open our hands to contact them in the future.About those three people will never be as stubborn as he is.We only need to do this, so that we don't have to worry about them not getting caught. "Xiang Zicheng said happily, please ask your plenipotentiary representative to do everything for me.

When Zhao Bingheng came down, he first prepared a good banquet in his own house, and invited Wang, Tang, and Chen to have a banquet at home.All three of them knew that Zhao Bingheng was President Xiang's only celebrity. Who would dare to refute his face?When the time comes, of course they will all go to the banquet.The accompanying guests invited by Zhao Bingheng were not outsiders either, one was Ruan Zhongshu and the other was Yang Zhiqi, all of them were capable counselors of Xiangzicheng.大家酒酣耳热，赵秉衡首先对三个议长说：“兄弟此番杯酒言欢，承三位先生不弃，惠然贲临，顿使蓬荜生辉，真不胜荣幸之至。今天兄弟不揣冒昧，还有一事相求，在三位先生学贯天人，夙抱澄清中国之志，对于兄弟的提议，料想必能为相当赞成，但不知可允许兄弟发言否？”三人之中唯汤道隆年长，当然由他起立致答。道隆放下酒杯，含笑答道：“赵总理太言重了，兄弟三个人如何担当得起？总理有什么吩咐自请直言，凡是兄弟们力所能为的，一定竭诚帮忙，决不推诿。”秉街道：“难得三位先生这样推诚相与，兄弟实在感谢之至。说真了，这件事也并不是兄弟个人的私事，确乎关系国家前途。不过这种大问题，除却三位先生之外，别人实无此权力可以玉成。国家前途之安危，同胞幸福之得失，不能不唯三位先生是赖了。”三人听他又空空放了这一大套议论，却仍未拍到题，大家也觉着可笑了。陈致祥青年气盛，有点捺不住了，便正颜厉色地问秉衡道：“总理说了这半天，到底为的是什么事，何妨直截了当地披露出来，为什么一波三折永远不到题呢？”陈致祥这样一问，招得大家都笑了。秉衡也笑着答道：“陈先生好厉害的口风，真不愧是国会首领。小弟并非是吞吐其词，实在因为这件事关系重大，在我未提出之前，当然要有一番郑重地表示。要说小弟是忸怩作态，可就未免太冤枉我了。”他说到这里，又轮流着给大家斟了一巡酒，方才正式说道：“兄弟所提的，因为今年八月已到选举正式总统之时，按理说，这件事本完全是一种民意的表现，兄弟为政界中人，本丝毫不容过问。不过常言说得好，天下兴亡，匹夫有责。我们如以国民一分子的资格来说，将来大选之时，以你三位先生的眼光看去，究竟是选举哪一位才足以应时势需求，任国家艰巨？这个问题，兄弟倒不能不虚心请教了。”

三位议长听他这样一宣布，方才恍然大悟，知道他千回百转，原来为的是大选问题。彼此面面相觑，颇有一点难于置答。因为说出项子城来，既不是自己的本心；要说出项子城以外的人来，当着赵秉衡，留了这一道裂痕，于自己个人前途，说不定就许发生危险，这是多么难答的一件事啊。到底是王峙亭，别看他年纪幼小，却是一位智多星，真有临时应变之才。他不慌不忙地笑道：“赵总理凭你老先生这样大才，怎么会问出令人可笑的话来？现在的中华民国，除去项大总统之外，哪里还有第二个人足以当此重任。你难道没听见某先生说过吗？中国的时势民情，非有如项某者治理十年，不能稳固国家的基础。他老先生又说，罗斯福为美国总统有余，为中国总统则不足。中国总统，除去项某人之外，决无第二个适当者。以某先生那样政治眼光，他到北京来时，尚且发为此论，何况是我们？难道于项大总统之外，还敢再推选第二个人吗？”他这样一气地大放厥词，当时两位议长同主人陪客不约而同地全都鼓起掌来，啪啪啪一阵掌声，比《打鼓骂曹》的那一阵鼓点，还来得又清脆，又紧密。掌声过去之后，汤道隆首先发言说：“王议长的议论，真令我们佩服得五体投地。本来救时人物，除去项公，哪里还能寻第二个？这实在是代表全国民意一种大公至正的表示，谁要不赞成此议，真是全无心肝了。”陈致祥也附和着说：“本来这是不用议的，不要说我们这样主张，便是三岁的顽童，无知的妇女，你要问到他们名下，现在的总统应当选举何人，只怕除去项子城三字之外，他们也说不出第二个人了。”

赵秉衡听他三个人这样议论，当时心中真是说不尽的愉快，自己索性再赶进一步，向三议长笑道：“你三位是两院的领袖，既然一致这样主张，料想其余议员先生，当然更没得说了。”王峙亭一听，心说他这明明是想找便宜，要叫我们三个人，包办两院八百多个议员，姑且不论我们办得到办不到，也不能这样叫他看得太易。况且乘此机会，如不放开手敲他几个钱，也未免太便宜老项了。他想到这里，便慢吞吞向赵秉衡说道：“总理也不可把事情太看容易了，要知道这不是我们三个人能够做主的事。众议院是五百多人，因为不在我的范围以内，我且不必管他。就拿我们参议院说吧，统共算起来，也有二百八十多人。这二百八十多人，各有各的党派，各有各的主张，平时就是一团散沙，合拢不起来，一日遇着大问题，更是无法接洽。况且他们这些人，果然真有主张，也倒不难对付，多半连一点主张全没有，终日瞪着两只大眼，净想升官发财。甚至连通过一个阁员，他们全都要索讨票价，何况是选举中华民国的正式大总统，当然更不能放过了。我们当议长的，对于这些位先生，除去敷衍之外，简直别无他法。并且他们人人心中，都怀着满腹疑忌，他们总认为议长接近政府，秘密中必有什么特别便宜。因此议长不赞成的事，他们倒不反对；反是议长赞成的事，他们却休想赞成。请总理想，在这种形势之下，我们方才的话谁敢向他们提出一字，所以说这件事倒是一种极难下手的问题。我们如果出于诚心，想帮项大总统的忙，必须早早有一种筹划，预先安置好了，省得临时闹一个措手不及，到那时将美不美，反倒对不起项公了。”王峙亭这一套含意颇深的话，在座五个人，差不多都是水晶肚子玻璃心肝，谁还不明白吗？尤其是赵秉衡心里，想着可笑。我说了这些话，所为就是把你的心腹事挤兑出来，假如你要不说，我还是真没法子可想，你这一说出来，这篇文章可就有题目可做了。他想到这里，朝着峙亭高高拱手，说：“多承王议长指教，使我顿开茅塞。在王议长认为这件事很难下手，然而叫兄弟看，这件事并不甚难，所难的就是三位议长先生，能否实心实力帮忙。如果真有帮忙的实心实力，这个小问题我以为不难迎刃而解。因为议员先生的目的，不是就为升官发财吗？我今天将这实在的底里，向三位说知，如果他们肯一致投项公的票，要官有官，要钱有钱。不过这种话，政府中人万不能去寻他们，挨着个儿地应许，只好请三位议长做一个居间介绍之人，你们只管放量应许，兄弟可以负完全责任。不但将来的升官发财，全可以朝兄弟说，便是眼前你们三位先生，关于联络他们种种的交际费，兄弟也早有一种筹措，决不能叫三位自己掏腰包。我已经知照梁燕香了，他是有名的大财神，你三位如果用款，只请向他说一声，立时就可以拨付。事不宜迟，请你三位即日就得出马，先把他们聚会到一处，开一次非正式的谈话会，先探一探他们的口气，然后再分头进行。想来三位一定赞成兄弟此议，今天这一席，咱们就算是决定了。” 王峙亭万没想到，自己将刀把儿竟自递在了赵秉衡手中，再想打退堂鼓也来不及了。心说到底是光棍厉害，学生的心眼儿无论怎样多，到头总是敌不了光棍。事已如此，只好接受老赵决议案，说：“兄弟一孔之见，不过仅仅是对参议院而言，对于参议院一切进行步骤，当然可以遵照总理的话循序而进。至于众议院，非兄弟权力所及，应当怎样办理，还请与汤、陈两位另议。”秉衡听他这样推说，心说我倒要劳你驾了，有你这样一推，当然那两位议长，一定得往自己身上叫，倒用不着我再游说他们了。随笑答道：“王议长之言甚是，不过据兄弟想，方才汤、陈两位议长，已经发出极恳切的议论，对于给项公帮忙的事，当然与王议长抱同一心理，这也用不着兄弟再说客气话了。”汤道隆心说，你两人一唱一和，明明是挤对我大包大揽，我此时若不兜揽起来，还不作张溥第二吗？谁惹得起老项啊？我们无论如何，得给自己留地步，处此形势之下，呆蛋是万做不得的。他想到这里，很兴奋地对秉衡说：“总理只管放心，众议院人数虽然过多，到底还是和平分子占其大半，兄弟一定随地随时向他们疏通。无论如何，八月大选的事必能促其成功，决不能于项公之外，再做第二人想。不过疏通时，或是用钱，或是用官，或是责以大义，这又完全在乎随机应变，绝不是事前可以预定的。好在总理有话，需用哪一样，您可以负完全责任。我们身后既有这样的靠山，难道还有什么可愁的吗？”秉衡连忙拱手致谢，心说这个人大几岁，到底比王议长说话又有尺寸了，无论他们说些什么，横竖今天这一席，我总算是完全成功。回头报告与项子城，叫他先吃一副定心汤，也省得连吃饭睡觉全觉着不踏实。三议长见所议的事已经说定，便起身告辞。王峙亭又临时建议下星期先集合两院议员，开一回游园会，表面上先联一联感情，然后再进行第二步。秉衡对此议极端赞成，当时便签了一万元的支票，作为游园时八百多位议员饮食车马之需，请王议长费神偏劳，主办一切。王峙亭再三推辞不受，说：“这个无须乎，兄弟还可以垫办得起。”秉衡哈哈大笑，说：“岂有此理，你三位帮忙受累，兄弟就很承情了，难道还能叫你们垫款吗？你老哥要一定不收这支票，便是没有诚意了。”峙亭只得带起来，说：“这笔款可暂交庶务科承办，花多花少将来必有正式报销，也省得总理对项公那一面不好交代。”秉衡知道他这说几句话，是给汤、陈两议长听，便也连声应道：“好好，足见王议长做事丝毫不苟，兄弟佩服极了。” 秉衡将他三人送走，自己坐上马车，立刻进总统府去见项子城，将当日同三议长接洽的情形，原原本本向子城报告了一遍。子城听着很是高兴，再三地奖励了几句。两人正在高谈之际，忽见文传宣官吴宝珩，手中拿着一纸名片，恭恭敬敬地站在子城面前。子城问道：“什么人求见？”吴宝珩忙将名片放在桌上，子城一看这名片，便有点奇异。因为这一张小片卡，既不是白纸的，也不是红纸的，乃是白纸上印着一支很鲜艳的海棠花，在海棠花当中，嵌着很小的三个金字，是陈美珍。旁一行小字是留美大学毕业，特授博士位，下款四个字是南洋华侨。项子城看了，哈哈大笑，对赵秉衡道：“你认得这博士吗？”乘衡拿起片子来略一注目，很诧异地说：“这位不是北伐队的女先锋吗，怎么会跑到北京来，还专诚谒见总统，也许是事前有人介绍吧？”子城点点头，说：“前天接到华自强一封快电，说有革命女同志陈美珍，其人的学问品行无一不佳，而且自幼投身民党，很做了不少事业。上年南京政府成立，在孙大总统幕中充过秘书，近来有志北游，并且极欲瞻望总统颜色，嘱为介绍台端。如该女士到时，务请赐予接见，并恳酌量予一位置，以展甚才。实为盼切云云。我接了这一封电，正在茫无头绪，却不料她本人已经来到了。你看我是见她好，还是不见她好呢？”秉衡笑道：“总统正可以赏识赏识这位女英雄，为什么不见她呢？最好请进来，连秉衡借总统的光，也可以一瞻风采。”子城听他说得这样高兴，便毫不游移地对吴宝珩说：“请她进来，就在这办公室中相见。”宝珩答应一声扭头出去。 不大工夫，只听咯噔咯噔的革履之声，非常清脆，随侍官打起帘子来，高声说了一句陈小姐到，美珍已经走进屋中。项子城忙立起身来，因为他身穿陆海军大元帅制服，所以不用引见，就知道他是项大总统。这位陈女士，倒是很恭敬地朝着子城，连鞠三个九十度的躬，子城弯腰还礼。行过礼后，见总统身旁还立着一位，看神气也是贵官，便也深深地鞠了躬。项子城借此便给他们介绍，说这位是才从南方来的陈女士，这位是国务总理赵先生。二人彼此又微笑点头，子城让他们坐下谈话。陈女士告座坐下，同项总统正坐了一个对头。子城这才详细地看她，见她年纪仿佛像二十上下，两道长眉一双媚眼，面皮非常白皙，仿佛是西洋女子，所差的就是头发漆黑光亮，代表东方之美，而不是代表西方之美。从头上至脚下，所有衣服冠履，却完全是一种欧化式，头戴一顶极薄的秋呢帽，四围镶花边，上面还插着两根五色的彩翎，金碧辉煌，十分好看；身穿一件印度花绸的束体长衫；下面围着一件荷叶式的锦裙，淡红颜色，上面绣着浅黄的花朵；足登两只高底黄皮革履，履上还嵌着红绿宝石。通上到下颜色材料无一不配搭合宜，真是别有风韵，不亚如天上的安琪儿。项子城的天性，本来最好女色，但是像这种洋式美人，他当年做外务部尚书时，虽与各国公使及其夫人小姐，也不断常常会面，但是心意中认定了她们是外国人，倒也不发生什么异感。如今对方明明是一个中国人，但是她妆饰打扮，却与当日使馆的洋小姐一般无二，在子城眼光中见了，不觉脑筋中的感想，也为之陡然一新。彼此坐定了，子城很高兴地问道：“陈女士是几时到的北京？华先生的信，我前日方接到。说你在革命过程中，也很立了不少功业，并且去年武汉起义，你还自告奋勇愿充女子北伐队的总队长。似这样热心，出自青年闺秀实在难得，本大总统久已就钦慕你的为人。如今既到北京来，当然对于国事，有志效劳。但不知女士学的是哪一门，也好因材借重。”子城向来的脾气，无论对什么人，只要他用得着的，必要迎头浓浓地灌一碗米汤。今对于陈女士，居然肯这样竭力周旋，连赵秉衡在一旁看着，全不明白他葫芦里卖什么药。不过在陈女士本人，可实在有点受宠若惊了，连忙毕恭毕敬地回道：“女学生在外洋留学时，就不忘情祖国，所以追随革命前辈，略效微劳。至于成绩，可以说是丝毫没有，今蒙总统这样嘉奖，女学生实觉惭愧得很。至于所学，更不敢说有什么特长，不过因为有志革命，所以对法政一门，倒是研究了四五年。到底是纸篇上的学问，未必适用。如何因材器使，只可听总统的钧裁了。”美珍这一席话，说得不卑不亢，很是得体。而且她操一口很流利的京话，并不似南省人，在子城同秉衡听了，觉着很诧异。子城点点头，说：“女士既学法政，借重的地方更多了。请把京寓住址留在传宣处，俟等府里有什么公事，也好专人投递。”美珍听到这里，赶紧起身告辞。子城立起身来，还送了两三步。美珍去了，子城问秉衡道：“你看这个女子怎样？”秉衡笑道：“才出马的医生，还谈不到能治病不能治病。不过莽大夫的胆子是不可测的，什么砒石巴豆，她就许胡来一回，总统总是小心一点为是。”子城哈哈大笑，等秉衡去了，他立刻便传知秘书厅，亲手写了一张条子，是委陈美珍为总统府参议，月薪六百元，即下委令。秘书厅还不知陈美珍是何许人，但是总统既有条子，怎敢怠慢。第二天便将稿备齐，呈核盖印，交由传宣处发下去了。 却说子城降下手谕之后便将他府中的女秘书兼女参议周文锦女士，请到后宅谈话。原来这位周女士，在子城做北洋大臣时候，便在督署充任西席，后来子城做外务部尚书，周女士仍然随他到北京，及子城罢职归田，周女士又随他到彰德洹上村。前后五六年工夫始终没离开项宅，同子城的夫人余氏，尤其格外要好。她家中倒是世代书香，她父亲周宪章，也是两榜进士，做过保定府儒学教授。项子城在北洋时候，很赏识周教授的学问品行，本想要提拔他做知县，偏偏他病故在教授任上。子城传保定知府，当面问周某的身后如何，知府说他身后萧条，要一个钱的积蓄也没有。家中太太之外，还有两位姑娘，大姑娘的学问很好，只可惜她的父亲死了，她本人很想当一位女教员，好养活她的母妹。子城听了，便慨然允许聘她在家中教读，并拿出一千块钱来，作为她父亲发丧同她母亲安家之用。发过丧之后，这位女教员，便实行到督署，教子城最小的几个公子小姐。子城见她虽然年轻，举止却非常庄重。而且对于小学生，尤其循循善诱，性情非常和平。子城十分满意，每月特送束脩一百元，三节加倍。余夫人又时常赠给她母亲衣服吃食等物，因此周女士对于项子城夫妇非常感激。从北洋任上，直到辛亥年起用来京，始终不曾离开项宅。项子城做了总统，为调剂周女士起见，特特委她为公府女秘书兼参议，一个人领着两份薪水，一份八百，一份六百，其实际仍然是教读几位公子小姐，也没有什么旁的事可做。这一次陈美珍到北京来投效，子城一见她面，虽然口头上极力欢迎，其实他心里早料到这位陈女士一定是民党派来的，别有作用。但又无法侦察她，只可先委她一个参议，慢慢地再留意她的行动。后来因为同周女士见面，便连带想到这件事，何不委她办理。于是请周女士到密室中，将自己的意思完全说给她，叫她同陈美珍结交，慢慢地套她实话，此次来京，究竟有什么目的，好为将来预防之地。周文锦满口应承，说此事晚生能负完全责任，请总统只管放心。 果然第二天陈美珍又来上班，她进了参议厅，见在座的全是男人，并没有一个女子，自己很觉着孤单，照例拿出名片来，挨着个儿周旋了一回。大家见她是一位女参议，全觉得有一点新奇，面子上虽然十分客气，其实骨子里却含着一种滑稽意味。有那口头轻薄的指桑说槐，还隐隐说那讥讽的话儿，故意引人发笑。美珍初次来到这里，真有点如坐针毡，有意要走，又怕亏负了自己职务。正在进退两难之际，忽然听差的茶房高举门帘，大声说：“周参议到。”在座的十几个人，一听见周参议三个字，便不约而同地全都立起身来恭候。美珍当然也得随着了，她心里想，这位参议的来头，一定很大，要不然，大家不会表示出这种样子来。她心里正在思量，周参议已经进来，举目一看，不知不觉间，便提起了一百二十分高兴。Do you know why?原来这位周参议，并非男性而是女性。在美珍见了，大有吾道不孤之叹。所以她格外觉得兴奋，几乎要越众当前，先同这位周参议握手。不过两个人相形之下，却是一旧一新，陈美珍是一身西装，从头顶到脚板，无一处不表现欧美式的文明；那位周参议，却穿着一件湖色老洋绉的短褂，青华丝葛长筒裙子，头绾极简单的发髻，足着青缎皂鞋，看神气有三十上下岁，生得体态丰盈五官醇厚。大家全朝着她鞠躬周旋，还有两位抢着问道：“周先生公事很忙，今天何以得暇来此？”她微笑答道：“平日诸位先生多劳，我实在无暇与议，今天是听说有一位新到差的女参议，这实在是空谷足音，大可引为同调，所以特特地前来拜会。”周参议才说到这里，陈美珍早抢上一步，先恭恭敬敬地鞠了一躬，然后又伸出手来，彼此紧紧地握了手，说：“晚生是才来乍到，因不知周先生的尊寓在那里，假如要早知道，一定先去拜访，怎敢劳先生亲降玉趾，反倒先寻晚生谈话呢？”周女士见美珍这样谦恭，自己倒有点不好意思，连说不敢当不敢当，我们全在一厅办事，请以姐妹相称，或是彼此相呼以字，照这样的恭不近礼，愚妹实在愧不敢承。美珍道：“先生说哪里话，您乃是前辈名贤，晚生后学新进，当然要执弟子礼，先生就无须谦让了。”周女士道：“你这样固执，以后我们倒难亲近了。我今天来访你，因为你同我全是女性，在这参议厅中难免有些形迹拘束，你如果不弃嫌，我倒另有一处办公室，以后不妨迁到我的办公室中，也省得我一个人显得寂寞，且我有时不在那里，偶然遇着一点事，你也可以替我偏劳，但不知你可乐意不乐意？”美珍听她这样说，当然是求之不得，连连称谢，说：“到底是先生思想周密，惠及后生，我哪有不乐意之理，并且晚生还有无厌之求，求先生立时就做向导，将我引入夫子之墙，也好窥见宫室之美，百官之富。”周女士听她说得这样典雅而亲切，心中也觉着十分高兴，连连点头说：“很好，这样你就随我走吧。”于是两人又向那十几位男参议，周旋了几句，然后告辞出厅。那些位参议，好像送上司似的一个个恭恭敬敬给周女士站班。周女士笑着向大家点一点头，这才携同美珍出了参议厅。门外立着两个女听差的，一见周女士出来，连忙在前面引路。曲曲折折，也不知经过了几层回廊，几处院落，方才来到一座小小的花园中。 这花园占的地基虽不大，却有人造的土山，自凿池塘，在池旁的杨柳丛中，盖着几件小巧玲珑的房子，红砖绿瓦，格外好看。女侍者将她两人引至门前，早有人打帘子，周女士逊让美珍先行，美珍执意不肯。高低还是周女士带路，两人一同进来。才一进屋子，美珍便觉着遍体生凉，一身的香汗立刻全都降下。原来这屋子从外面看，虽然不大，屋里的面积却很不小，屋的三面，全有风窗，又凉爽又光亮。一进门是传达室；过了传达室，便是会客厅；出了会客厅，便是聚餐室；又出了聚餐室，才到休息室；又过了休息室，方才来到周女士的办公厅。这座办公厅，是两间明着，当中陈列一条花梨长案，案上铺着极细的西洋桌氍，放着一对康熙五彩的花瓶，瓶中插着两枝含苞待放的荷花；紧靠窗户放着一张写字台，写字台上，陈列文房四宝，正中放着一具帖架，帖架上架着一本老拓的张猛龙碑；再看后面挨墙立着一具书橱，书橱上分上下两格，上格列着几十部旧版的老线装书，下格却陈列着许多布装金字的新书。直到了这一间屋中，周女士才停住脚，向美珍笑道：“陈先生，你看一看这间屋子，作为办公室，比较那一座庞大空洞的参议厅，怎么样呢？”美珍笑道：“多谢多谢，真是有天壤之别了。”周女士笑道：“你既看着这里好，以后再来上班，便一直到这里来好了。”美珍道：“承先生美意，学生实在感激得很。但是有一样难处，学生初进公府当差，对于府里的门户路径，一概不熟。今天到参议厅，还是多亏了文传宣官吴先生亲自带路，把我送进厅内。要不然，连参议厅的门，我全摸不着。先生这办公处虽好，但是距离参议厅，不定又有多少曲折，刘郎已恨蓬山远，又隔蓬山几万重，却叫我怎样能寻得来呢？”周女士哈哈大笑，说：“你且请坐下，我再慢慢地替你想法子。”美珍坐在长案一旁，周女士却坐在靠墙的一张沙发上，喊一声来啊，外面有人高声答应，随着进来一个十六七岁的侍女，生得唇红齿白，天然俊秀，