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Chapter 90 The eighty-seventh chapter of Cai Bu Cai Ren encounters bad luck and assassinates the assassin and passes the evil star

Because of his carelessness, Lu Chengzhang actually listened to Huo Zhengyi's words, complained for him, and returned the president's life.He thought it was an unimportant matter, but he violated Xiangzicheng's taboo and almost lost the governor.Fortunately, Duan Jixiang said good things to him, which can be regarded as preserving his temporary reputation. On the one hand, the president sent a strict telegram to question him; on the other hand, Duan Jixiang sent a private telegram to take care of him.Chengzhang was enjoying his cigarette and received two urgent telegrams at the same time. He didn't care about smoking any more, so he put down his pipe, received the telegram, and read the telegram from the Secretary's Office of the Presidential Palace first under the smoke lamp.I saw it said:

Xi'an Road Superintendent: The chief was furious when he saw this, and he formally wrote the letter, transferred Huo to Beijing, and set off as soon as possible, lest he might be offended.Official Secretary's Office Seal. Cheng Zhang only read this telegram, but before he saw Duan Jixiang's telegram, his soul was already frightened into the air, he let out an "oops", and immediately passed out.Seeing the Dudu like this, the two servants who waited for the burning cigarettes were also frightened and overwhelmed. One jumped on the bed to help Chengzhang sit up, curled his legs and beat his back for him.One hurried to the inner house, invited all his wives and sons over, and said that the governor was so phlegm-stricken, he asked them to go and have a look.When everyone heard this, they ran over crying, and as soon as they entered the smoke room, they saw that Cheng Zhang had woken up, sat on the smoke couch, staring at his eyes, and shouted repeatedly to lock Huo Zhengyi quickly. Come on, don't let him go.At this time, all important personnel from the staff office, the adjutant office, and the secretariat also arrived one after another.At first sight, this kind of appearance seems to be suffering from a mental illness.Among these people was the Secretary-General who knew in his heart, so he took the lead and came to Chengzhang and said loudly: "Don't worry, the governor, Huo Zhengyi has already been passed on, and he is waiting outside the door now." Chengzhang stared and said: "Hurry up He tied him in!" The deputy chief agreed, followed the secretary-general out, and asked, "Did you really call justice?" The secretary-general smiled and said, "I knew there must be such a trick. Justice is now in the secretariat." Just wait. You tell him, no matter what, asking him to suffer a little bit of grievance temporarily is to treat the governor, and there is nothing we can do. The two of us guarantee that there will be no danger at all. The governor really killed justice. He can’t go to the president. This is just to scare him." Having said this, he whispered in the ear of the deputy chief again, telling him that if this is the case, there will naturally be a step.It didn't take long for the two of them to go, and they really tied up Huo Zhengyi and tied him into the smoking room of the governor.Everyone moved aside, and the deputy chief pushed justice to Chengzhang.He knelt down on both knees, kowtowed upwards, and said: "Bianbian Huo Zhengyi has come to the governor to plead guilty, and begged the governor to save his life."When Chengzhang saw justice, his eyes turned red with anger, and he clenched his fist and knocked on the cigarette tray.Because of the excessive force, even the cigarette lamp and cigarette box were all knocked to the ground and smashed into pieces.He cursed loudly: "You bastard, you've made me suffer. If I don't cut off your head, what's the use of keeping you! Pull it out, and bring your head to me." The adjutant promised, and he was about to go out with Zheng Zheng .Justice cried and shouted, but didn't move, and said: "Just now you and the secretary-general guaranteed that the governor will never kill me. Now that the governor just said a few angry words, you will be dragged out and beheaded. There is no enmity between the two of us. Aren't you joking with my life!" The deputy chief said with a smile: "It doesn't matter, if I cut off your head, I will pay you one too. Don't be impatient." When I went out, I whispered in his ear: "You just listen here, and when I succeed, I only cough loudly, and you rush in to thank the governor for your kindness. It's completely finished." Zheng Zheng said with a smile: "Thank you, thank you, hurry up, don't tell me to wait here." The adjutant agreed and went back to the governor's smoke room.He pulled the secretary-general, and the two of them knelt down in front of the governor, and said, "Please appease the anger of the thunderbolt, governor. Although Justice was convicted and deserved to die, I think he is very cautious in his daily work and has made a lot of contributions. I beg the governor Let me spare him this time." Chengzhang was still angry, and still staring at the two of them, he said: "You don't know, this kid is too hateful! The first time the president called him, he should have called him immediately. When we set off, I didn’t realize that he not only didn’t leave, but instead tricked me with his eyebrows, telling me to hit the president’s nails head-on, and almost tricked the governor. If it wasn’t for Premier Duan’s secret care, I would have been dismissed by now. Such a thing can still keep him ” The adjutant said: “His behavior is indeed hateful, but the governor must forgive him. He refuses to go to Beijing, because he is completely reluctant to leave his benefactor. If the governor kills him, how can he Don't chill the hearts of other subordinates!" The adjutant's words fell into silence.Immediately afterwards, the Secretary-General asked again: "The governor killed Huo Zhengyi, but did he do so under the order of the president?" Said: "Not only did the president not order to kill him, but he also told him to go to Beijing today!" The secretary-general said: "In this case, the governor can't kill him. In fact, killing him is not a serious matter, but it is not the right time. If the President finds out, wouldn’t it be said that your old man deliberately pissed off with him! This level of suspicion is even more difficult to explain.” Chengzhang said: “Even if I don’t kill him, he may not be willing to go to Beijing today!” Chengzhang said At this point, the adjutant coughed loudly, Zhengyi ran in from the outside with his arms tied upside down, knelt down in front of Chengzhang and kowtowed repeatedly, and said: "Thank you for not beheading the governor, and I would like to set off for Beijing today. Never ask your old man to bear half of the burden again." At this time, Chengzhang just walked down the steps and said, "Come on! Get up, all three of you." The three of them got up together.The lieutenant loosened justice.Chengzhang asked the Secretary-General to prepare a telegram, and replied to the President, saying that Huo Zhengyi had recovered from his illness the day before he received the telegram; on the other hand, he replied to Premier Duan, thanking him for his special care.He also ordered the adjutant to monitor Zhengyi with his own eyes. In any case, he must get up from Xi'an today, and rewarded Zhengyi with 500 yuan for travel expenses.This chaotic and hot live drama has finally come to an end, and Cheng Zhang's illness has recovered.Poor Huo Zhengyi, after suffering this panic, he got five hundred yuan in travel expenses, and he was not allowed to stay on the day he earned it.The deputy chief supervised him from behind, packed a few clothes and a soft box at home, and hired a car that day when the sun was shining, and went straight to Luoyang from the dry road, and then changed cars to go to Beijing.The deputy chief was worried, and sent another guard to wait on him along the road, in fact, to watch him, lest he be delayed on the road, or come up with other ideas.Justice also understands that it has to be informed and grateful for face.Therefore, Zhengyi did not delay a single day on the road, advancing both by water and land, and arrived in Beijing in less than ten days.At this time, the Detective Bureau of the Presidential Palace was attached to the Generalissimo's Command Office, and the director of the bureau was Yuan Jiajun.Justice, of course, has to report first.When Director Yuan saw him coming, he welcomed him with face, and led him to meet the president at that time.Xiang Zicheng also comforted him with a smile on his face, and then told him: "Be on duty in Beijing, and there is a very important thing that you have to do right now. You can go down and meet with Prime Minister Zhao first, and everything will be done according to his orders." " Zheng Zhengyi said "yes" and stepped back with Director Yuan, asking in a low voice, "For instructions, Director, hasn't Prime Minister Zhao released the governor of Zhili? In this way, I have to go to Tianjin to see him." Director Yuan laughed and said: "Prime Minister Zhao is now in Beijing, why do you have to travel so far! You will see him at his mansion in Xisi Pailou." Zhengyi thanked Director Yuan for his advice, and went to find Zhao Bingheng alone.

Readers who saw this must have said that Xiang Zicheng asked him to meet with them because of Chen Meizhen's escaping privately, and ordered Zhengyi to go to Tianjin to arrest him.In fact, the inside story is quite different.It turned out that another earth-shattering event happened at that time, and there were too many people involved in this event.In order to permanently destroy the witnesses and evidence, Xiang Zicheng secretly discussed with Zhao Bingheng. There is no other person who can handle this matter except Huo Zhengyi, so he did everything possible to transfer him.Otherwise, why make such a big fuss just for one Chen Meizhen!If you ask what the cause of this incident is, the author can't say two things with one pen, so he has to recount it backwards, so that readers can fully understand.It turned out that Xiang Zicheng knew that he was a member of the Democratic Party and had set up agencies in the Shanghai Concession to deal with him wholeheartedly.He was very concerned about this matter, so he specially called Zhao Bingheng to his private room, and discussed with him how to prevent problems before they happen.Bingheng said: "This matter cannot be done without harsh tactics. The ancients said it well: 'When shooting a man, shoot the horse first, and if you capture a thief, you first capture the king.' Although there are many people in the Democratic Party, they are the most resourceful and kind Song Woodman was the only person dispatched. Although he was young, he was more intelligent than anyone else. When the cabinet was reshuffled this spring, I suggested to the President not to let him go out of Beijing no matter what. Under house arrest within the capital, he had ideas and nowhere to put them to good use. Unexpectedly, he left Beijing in secret, ran back to Guangdong, quarreled with members of the party, and made things difficult for the president. Now he only needs to be cut off, and the future will be natural. The weather is calm and there is no one to disturb you." Xiang Zicheng said: "Your idea is certainly good, but it may not be easy to implement it!" Bingheng said: "It is not difficult to do, Bingheng can do it alone. It can be arranged. But I have been squatting in Beijing for a long time, so I can’t handle this matter.” When he said this, he whispered a few words in Zicheng’s ear, Zicheng nodded and said, “That’s right! I will completely entrust you with the matter, you go down and obey orders." Bingheng said goodbye and came down.Within two days, the government issued an order: "Feng Guohua was transferred to be the governor of Jiangsu. The governor of Zhili, Zhao Bingheng, supplemented this order."Because Bingheng is the president's heart and soul, and he can't live without it for a moment, why is he suddenly released this time?Some people said that Bingheng's favor has declined, and this release is invisibly demoted.Some said that the president saw that Bingheng's family was not well off, so he sent him to other provinces. As the so-called secret transfer, he also asked him to make some money, and sooner or later he would still be transferred back.

Not to mention that there was a lot of discussion among the people, but it was said that Zhao Bingheng took office without staying for a day since he was released as the governor.When he arrived at the post of governor of Zhili, he didn't pay much attention to other things. The first thing was to find a shrewd and capable person who was close to the dark society, who could control a group of hooligans and bachelors, and could command him as he wished.Sure enough, after a short time, he was interviewed by him. His surname was Huang Xianzong. He was originally an alternate Taoist priest in the Qing Dynasty.On the surface, he is an old bureaucrat, and he is good at calligraphy and painting, and can write a few poems, so he also has the sign of a celebrity.In fact, in his bones, he is a big hooligan who commits all kinds of crimes. This gang and that society all have social contacts with him.There are also good and bad in various associations, and not all of them are Anshan elements.He uses the scum in the middle to play tricks and blackmail people.It seems that his mansion has become a den of evil.Zhao Bingheng is such a shrewd person. When he was the chief police officer in Tianjin, he knew everything about Tianjin's inside story. He also had a team of detectives under his command, all experienced veterans.So he arrived in Tianjin, within half a month, Huang Xianzong's various situations had already been reported to him.He remained calm, but issued a special order, appointing Huang Xianzong as the secretary of the supervisory office.Xianzong was flattered, and immediately went to the court to thank the commission after receiving the commission.Bingheng specially invited him to the inner flower hall. After the meeting, Xianzong of course thanked him again and again, saying: "I have been cultivated by the governor, and the staff are ignorant. I am afraid that I cannot take on this important task. I will have to ask the governor to teach me at any time in the future. Xianzong You should try to follow suit." Bingheng was full of joy, and rewarded him with a few words, and the two of them talked more and more speculatively.Later, Bing Heng suddenly took out more than a dozen official documents from the drawer, and said, "Look at this, how should it be handled, so that I can prepare approval for me. This is also the responsibility of your secretary." Xianzong took it, thinking that The governor intends to test his knowledge.Unexpectedly, when I opened it, my face turned pale with fright, and I was immediately at a loss for what to do, trembling all over, and if there was no chair to support it, I would almost fall to the ground in fright.It turned out that half of these official affairs were complaints against him, and half were investigation reports about him. He colluded with bandits, harmed good people, and almost all of his bad deeds were revealed.This really frightened Xianzong.But Bing Heng sneered at him.Xianzong couldn't sit still at this time, so he stood up quickly and knelt down on Bingheng, saying: "The staff deserves to die! I just hope that the governor's writing will be superseded." Bingheng asked in a calm and unhurried manner: "Xianzong, are you willing to be beaten or punished?" Xianzong said: "Please tell the governor how to be beaten or punished?" Bingheng said: "You want to be beaten, and I will punish you according to military law. At that time, I tied you up and shot you." After finishing these few words, Xianzong was so frightened that he collapsed on the ground, kowtowed, and said, "This way of fighting, the staff really dare not accept it." Bingheng He said: "Since you don't receive a beating, of course you will receive a punishment! To tell you the truth, receiving a punishment is to make you commit crimes and make meritorious service. If the matter is done well, not only will the previous crime be cancelled, but I can also protect you as the current Dao Yin." When Xianzong heard these words, it was like water from dry scales and spring from dead trees, he immediately became angry, and quickly kowtowed: "If the governor has any commission, the staff will go through fire and water, and if they lose their lives, they will be done by the governor. " Bingheng said: "This is great. You can sit down and talk." Xianzong kowtowed to the governor before he got up.Bingheng asked him to move the seat in front of him, and the two talked in the lowest voice for a quarter of an hour.Xianzong said: "This matter is not very difficult. The staff has a best friend in Shanghai. This person's surname is Yin and his name is Guisheng. He is a leader of the underworld. He used to be a county magistrate in Anhui. Because he was dismissed, he was dismissed. Living in Shanghai, he only made friends with famous heroes from all walks of life. On the one hand, he also tried his best to contact the government in Shanghai, Shanghai County, the tribunal of the Concession, and the famous judges and lawyers in various countries. He was very close to him. The friends outside, no matter what crimes they have committed, as long as they are thrown into his house and hidden, they will be safe, so everyone accepts them as offerings in his hands. His family has many thugs on weekdays, whoever offends him He made a slight gesture, and someone would come out to kill the other party and vent his anger on him. Therefore, no matter in which world, as long as Yin Gui was born, there is no fear. The staff is from his hometown, and they used to work together in Anhui, and they are very close to each other. Yes, it is good. Except for this person, there is no other person who can do the matter that the governor said. However, he is not very sure whether he will do it or not. I don’t know if the governor can make the decision entirely on behalf of the president?” Bing Heng said with a smile: “Since I entrust you, of course I can make the decision completely. And I can tell you in advance that if he can accomplish this matter, he is willing to be an official, no After two months, the president will give him an order to let him take a job. If he is willing to get money, I dare not promise too much. One hundred thousand yuan can be taken from me. As for the advance, of course, it takes a few dollars. If you ask him how much to use, I can ask him from the bank." Huang Xianzong was very satisfied when he saw the governor's generous permission, and said, "Since this is the case, let the staff go down and do it, and the governor will wait for the good news." Bingheng nodded and said, "" well".

Xianzong withdrew, and then used a password to telegraph Yin Guisheng.The next day, I received a reply from Gui Sheng, saying: "This matter is too important, I dare not do it rashly. But since there is a secret order from the President, no matter what kind of disputes arise in the future, I have to ask the President to protect me." The danger of life; the second is to recruit the dead before the attack, who will take this risk if there is less money! The minimum is to ask the governor to allocate 30,000 yuan; after the third thing is done, I don’t want to be an official, please the governor Reward me with 100,000 yuan. This 100,000 yuan is not because I want to fatten myself up. Because I have committed too many crimes in Shanghai, and I have long wanted to retreat to my hometown and repent behind closed doors. If I don’t send them away, I will never be able to leave Shanghai. I will have the 100,000 yuan in the future, and I will distribute it to them according to the size of the shares, and let them go to different places. I will only keep 10,000 to 20,000 yuan and take it home. Go buy a few acres of Susukida and spend your life. I have been a ranger for half my life, and I have achieved such a good result. It is finally due to the gift of the governor, and it is not in vain that I worked so hard in the end. Please tell the governor what I mean. Promise, I will do it when I come back." Xianzong took his reply and went to see Bingheng.Bingheng finished watching, laughed loudly, and said: "Yin Guisheng is indeed a hero, I really admire him. I can fully agree to the three requirements. Please call him back. It is best to start early. The sooner the better. For 30,000 yuan, I will send a telegram to the guarding envoy and tell him to meet the head of the guarding envoy in person, so as not to remit it from the bank and show his feet." Xianzong agreed, and immediately called Guisheng .Sure enough, the 30,000 yuan was paid out within three days.

Gui Sheng selected a Wu Boxiong named Wu from among his high-ranking customers. This man is extremely accurate with marksmanship and hits a hundred shots. He gave him 5,000 yuan and asked him to handle the matter.Wu Boxiong generously agreed.It's what they deserved. After they decided on a plan, Song Qiaofu followed Hua Ziqiang from Guangdong to Shanghai.When they disembarked, Wu Boxiong squeezed into the crowd to watch.After they got off the boat, they walked across the pier, with Hua Ziqiang in front and Song Woodman behind.Wu Boxiong let Hua Ziqiang go, aimed at Song Woodman's waist and shot him.The gun was a little lower, and it was piercing his lower abdomen from the waist. The woodcutter said "Oh no, I've been shot!" , holding his belly, frowning, as if seriously injured.He hurried over to help him, and called his left and right attendants, and hurriedly called for a car to help the woodcutter up.I accompanied him all the way to the hospital for treatment.But he said that when the patrol on the side of the pier heard gunshots, everyone flocked over.Someone with quick eyes had already seen Wu Boxiong running into the crowd.His feet were very fast, and he chased up from behind, connecting with Wu Boxiong mouth to tail.He leaned forward and hugged Boxiong's waist with both hands, with Boxiong's arms squeezed behind his back, lest he turn his hand to take out the gun.At this moment, Boxiong saw someone hugging him, so he struggled with all his strength, and both of them fell to the ground.The police officers who followed him also caught up, and they hurriedly tied Wu Boxiong up with a rope, found a Qixingzi pistol hidden in his pocket, and called a car at that time, even the people Take the gun and escort him to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Bureau.Because it was a serious murder case, the Bureau of the Ministry of Industry did not dare to stay, and only asked a few words before sending it to the court for trial.And he deserved it, because a pistol had never been thrown away at the time, and it was hard to deny it.So Wu Boxiong confessed boldly that he was driven by Yin Guisheng to assassinate Song Woodman.

This made things worse, and all the judges in the court knew that Yin Guisheng was the number one hooligan in Shanghai, with all-hands and eyes, and claws and claws everywhere.Therefore, I dare not send bailiffs to spread the news, lest he hear the news and run away, so I specially sent two high-ranking foreign scouts, with eight bailiffs, to his home to search for stolen goods.Gui Sheng was too careless. Although he received the letter that Wu Boxiong had been captured, he believed that Boxiong would never bite him outside. Even if there was an accident, he had many friends in the courtroom, and someone must deliver the letter to him.Unexpectedly, by surprise, two foreign agents came and brought eight bailiffs, they broke into his home, put him on the rope first, followed by another search, including Huang Xianzong's reply call. up.This really frightened Guisheng, so he had no choice but to follow them to the court to file a lawsuit.The good thing is that the Chinese and foreign judges in the court are almost all friends with him, and of course they have to do official business in order to save face, but as for food and daily life, they will not suffer at all.However, since Huang Xianzong's reply telegram was copied, it became known all over the country, and even Zhao Bingheng and Huang Xianzong became key criminals in the case.The court also went to Tianjin on official business, and added these two people, so as to find out the cause of the case.Fortunately, Zhao Bingheng was really wise. On the one hand, he mobilized foreign ministers and instructed the Shanghai court to absolve Zhao, Huang, and Yin, and put all the blame on Wu Boxiong. The money in the family asked him to retract the confession and put all the crimes on himself alone, thinking that he was accused of being false with Yin Guisheng.Originally, foreigners who are guilty of managing China's muddled account are happy to push the boat along with the flow and act as favors.Wu Boxiong thought for a moment that he was the one who beat people, even if he pulled out a few more, his guilt might not be alleviated, so if he offended Yin Guisheng, it would be difficult for him to gain a foothold in Shanghai if he got out by chance in the future. Favors are completely up to you to admit, and when opportunities arise, they will definitely do what they can, or maybe they won't die; even if they die, Yin Guisheng will never let me down, he will raise a lot of money for me as support, and the family will be happy With a lot of money, parents and wives don't have to worry about food.So he gritted his teeth and overturned all the previous confessions, thinking that he had an enmity with Song Woodman and did not do other people's business.The gun was stolen from Yin Guisheng's home, but Guisheng didn't know it.In this way, he flipped through the previous confession in a muddle-headed manner.In the courtroom, it is unavoidable to push and ask six times, but it is a cover-up, but in fact, after many questions, they have not found out why.A few days later, Song Woodman died of his injuries.Wu Boxiong also died of illness in prison.We don't need to talk about whether he died of illness or not.Probably everyone who has read novels must be able to understand this truth.Since Wu Boxiong's death, the case has been relaxed day by day.Because of the entrustment of all parties, the court of interrogation suspended the case, and neither concluded nor pursued it.As the days went by, Yin Guisheng's family submitted a statement, saying that Guisheng was falsely raped, became sick with anger, and was dying in prison. Please release him on bail and go to the hospital for medical treatment. He will not be summoned by mistake when he recovers.The court actually approved it, and Guisheng was released from prison safely.An earth-shattering murder case ended gently like this.

After Guisheng was released from prison, he wrote a letter earnestly, thanking Dudu Zhao for saving his life.He also added that in order to avoid publicity, Shanghai is not a place to live for a long time, and he plans to go to Tianjin to meet with the governor. One will thank him in person, and the other will stay in the north for a while until the case calms down before returning to Shanghai.After Zhao Bingheng received his letter, he immediately wrote a reply letter, saying: "My brother proclaims his labor for the Lord, and he is suffering from prison. Brother Yu is really uneasy. It is our duty to protect safety. How can we do this?" Speaking of thank you. Now that I am free and not tired, I just moved to the north to shake hands and say goodbye. He Sheng looks forward to it." Guisheng was very satisfied when he received this reply letter. After all, President Xiang and Zhao Dudu are really worthwhile. People, it is not in vain to give them a great effort this time.So he tidied up a little bit and wanted to take his wife Zheng to go north together.This Ms. Zheng, named Tongyun, is a young lady from an aristocratic family. She is well-educated and well-educated. She was married when Gui Sheng was the county magistrate in Anhui.Later, because her husband was getting more and more obscene, Tong Yun felt disapproving, and often advised Gui Sheng not to get close to bandits, but Gui Sheng refused to listen.What happened this time, Mr. Gui kept it from Tong Yun at first, but then things got serious, Tong Yun went to visit Gui Sheng in prison every day, and when they met, he would always cry and persuade him not to do this kind of thing again in the future.Later, when the case eased, Tong Yun wrote a petition himself, and asked Shanghai Dao to speak on his behalf, and it actually took effect, and Gui Sheng escaped from prison safely.Unexpectedly, he would go north to Beijing and Tianjin again, and he would definitely take Tong Yun with him on the journey.Tong Yun said: "As I advise you, you must never go to Beijing and Tianjin." Gui Sheng was very surprised and said, "How do you say this?" Tong Yun said: "Didn't you go to Beijing and Tianjin to avoid disaster? The disaster in Tianjin will develop even faster, and by then it will be too late for you to dodge." Guisheng said, "I don't understand that, please tell me the truth." Tongyun sighed and said, "It's hard for you Such a shrewd person, why can't he even see through this little truth! Don't be fooled, think that Xiang Zicheng and Zhao Bingheng are both good people. You have to know, these two people are treacherous and cunning. Dark and sinister. They have killed the most important figures in the Democratic Party under your hands, and they will never leave any traces in the future, so that the Democratic Party can have an excuse in turn. And they are even more unwilling to keep you, in the future They are a hostage to them. As soon as you arrive in Beijing and Tianjin, you will enter the dragon pool and tiger den, and you will not be able to fly out." Gui Sheng heard this, although he was a little vigilant, he thought it was the woman who was more timid. Concerned, he asked lightly, "What do you think?" Tong Yun said, "If I have the upper and middle strategies, the lower ones are absolutely useless." Guisheng said, "Why is it the upper and middle strategies? " Tong Yun said: "You and I are husband and wife, and we have no children. Let's pick up the valuable gold beads, pack one or two soft boxes, send the people under our care far away, escape from Shanghai in the dark, and change our names. , go straight to the outside of the pass, find a secluded place with a lot of land and people in the three eastern provinces, take a few hectares of government barren land, and recruit workers to reclaim it. Let's be old farmers all our lives, carefree, and spend the rest of our lives, this is the best plan. As for the middle plan , I advise you not to take a step away from the Shanghai Concession, think behind closed doors, and stop meddling with right and wrong, especially for people in the northern official circles. Don't ask about it. The previous things will be written off. Don't ask them for any reward. This is a trick .As for what you said about going north to Beijing and Tianjin, that's a trick and absolutely impossible."

When Gui Sheng heard his wife make such a big discussion, he couldn't help laughing, and said: "You are a female doctor, you are really clever and considerate, but in a word, it's all just a woman's opinion. You have to know that Mr. Xiang and Mr. Zhao are all great figures today. What they are afraid of is that their talents will not be used for me. On the contrary, if they want to restrain him with their talents, they will not hesitate to use their hands. Like the current Song woodman The result is a role model. If you are willing to be loyal and accept orders, it is too late for him to love, so there is no reason to do harm! Take my lawsuit as an example. If Mr. Xiang and Mr. Zhao want to hurt my heart, all you need to do is If I don't do anything, how can my crime of murder be cleared up! I'm afraid I will walk with Wu Boxiong all the way, is there still today? From this point of view, there will be no surprises when I go to Beijing, Tianjin and stay on Mount Tai. Besides, I don't want to blackmail them by asking for credit. My purpose is just to get the 100,000 yuan reward. After getting it, I am willing to give 70,000 yuan to dismiss my brothers. You and my wife only bring the three Ten thousand yuan, let's go outside the customs together, find a paradise, hide our names, and live this life, and you have fulfilled your wish, isn't it better than running like this without a head?" Seeing that he insisted on going north, Tong Yun knew that it would be futile to persuade him, so he just But with two tears in his mouth, he packed his bags for him.Before leaving, Tongyun said to her mother: "After we leave, you must not live in Shanghai. I have a hundred taels of gold here, and a box of pearl flower jewelry, which is worth about ten thousand yuan. You and I Brother, hurry back to your hometown in Huzhou with these things. There is a house at home, and a few acres of rice fields. I will go here for at least half a year, and at least three months. , I can be regarded as worthy of Guisheng and his wife, so there is no need to say anything else." Tong Yun almost burst into tears when he said this.Mrs. Zheng and her younger brother Zheng Tongting still couldn't believe what she said.But she continued to ask: "It must be like this. If you don't listen to me, if something happens in the future, people like Gui Sheng's subordinates will definitely arrest you, and it will be difficult to leave at that time." Hearing what he said so solemnly, Tong Ting took the gold and other things and promised to leave sooner or later.Tong Yun was relieved now.

He and his wife took only one servant named Ah Fu with them, and boarded the Xinming steamer together.Before leaving, I sent a telegram to Huang Xianzong in Tianjin, telling me to board the ship on a certain day, and ask him to greet everyone when the ship arrives.When the Xinming ship arrived in Tanggu, it stopped and couldn't enter.Guisheng was on the bow of the boat, looking around, and saw four or five people raised their hands high and asked loudly: "Master Yin Guisheng from Shanghai, are you on the boat?" Guisheng hurriedly answered loudly: "Here, Here!" The four or five people walked along the gangplank to the boat following the voice.The first one Gui Sheng recognized was Huang Xianzong.The four of them, two in suits and two in jackets, were all vigorous young men.As soon as Xianzong arrived on the boat, he first shook hands with Guisheng as a gift, and then introduced him, saying: "These two men in suits, one is Xiang Kegong, the nephew of President Xiang Da, and the other is Wang Jinyin, the secretary of the presidential palace. These two people wearing robes, one is Ma Qiurong, the deputy chief of Zhao Dudu, and the other is Yang Xiangong, a councilor of the Dudu. The four of them are here to welcome you on behalf of the President. What kind of person, how dare you ask the President and Governor to send a representative to welcome me!" While shaking hands with these four people as a salute.Xianzong asked again: "Who came with Brother Gui Sheng?" Gui Sheng hurriedly replied: "There is only the same servant in the lower house, and no one else." Xianzong waved, and six or seven servants came up long class.Emperor Xianzong ordered Mrs. Yin to greet him, and told them: "Mrs. Yin and the housekeeper are both in the official cabin. You should take good care of them. Have the sedan chairs and carriages been prepared?" Please wait on the shore, Mrs. Yin, Mrs. Yin, please take it as you like." Xianzong nodded, holding Guisheng's hand, and said: "Tanggu doesn't have any big warehouses. Let's go to Changchun warehouse to build a tip first. We have ordered the road bureau to prepare for it." You can go to Tianjin today by special car. The governor has already prepared the shaft for my brother in the Zhongzhou Guild Hall. The room there is spacious and everything is convenient.” Gui Sheng thanked him again and again.After landing, everyone first went to the Changchun Inn, where they cleaned their faces and drank tea carelessly, and two tables of banquets were specially prepared by the inn.Everyone accompanied Gui Sheng and ate at the same table.Ms. Zheng Tongyun occupies a table by herself.After dinner, the long class came back and said: "The special car has arrived. Please tell me, sir, should we leave immediately or wait?" Huang Xianzong said with a smile: "Why do we have to suffer here? It's better to arrive in Tianjin early. You Xianliang Meng also has a good rest, Haicheng must have been very hard these days." Gui Sheng said: "I don't think so, we arrived in Tianjin early, so we can see Mr. Zhao." So we shared the carriage.Zheng Tongyun sat in a sedan chair for four people.Ah Fu came to the station together with a few pieces of luggage.There is a float at the station, a first-class car, a second-class car, and a restaurant car. I am afraid that Guisheng and his wife will be hungry on the way, so they can have meals and snacks at will, which is very convenient.This kind of preferential treatment is almost the same as receiving imperial envoys in the previous Qing Dynasty.Gui Sheng felt very sorry and said: "I am just a county magistrate who has been resigned for a long time. Mr. Zhao is now a high-ranking official in Xinjiang. How can I afford to accept such preferential treatment from him!" Yang Xiangong laughed and said: "Gui Sheng Brother, it’s too serious. Our Governor Zhao has always been thirsty for talents, not to mention Brother Guisheng has made great contributions to the President! It has been a long time for the Governor to look forward to his demeanor. Busy, the brothers stopped each other again, saying that if this would make Brother Gui Sheng feel deeply disturbed. Sure enough, it is so simple, and your brother is so humble, which shows that brothers are not serious." Gui Sheng said a few more polite words.The more they talked, the more speculative they became. Everyone talked and laughed in the first-class car, but Ms. Zheng was bored in the float by herself.She thought in her heart: My husband is so insane, he is surrounded by these people now, and he will be killed by these people in the future.I can't think about it, so I have to let him go.

In a short time, we have arrived at Tianjin New Station.Governor Zhao sent more than a dozen officials to meet him at the station.A total of seven or eight cars were prepared, and they were sent to the Zhongzhou Guild Hall like the wind and lightning.I saw lanterns and festoons hanging in front of the guild hall, and there were eight Dushu guards standing guard in front of the door with guns and knives.As soon as Guisheng arrived, when everyone got out of the car and accompanied him in, the guards raised their guns to salute.Gui Sheng nodded with a smile, went to the big living room first, and saw that the furnishings were very gorgeous.Huang Xianzong knew that Yin Guisheng was very addicted to opium. He hadn't smoked for half a day. Seeing that he was a little tired, he said with a smile: "A smoke room has been prepared for you at the back of this hall. Let's go there to enjoy yourself. Brother, you don’t have to accompany each other. If you have official business, ask yourself to be the governor. Only brother Xiangong, brother, we two can accompany you.” So everyone bid farewell, leaving only Huang Xianzong and Yang Xiangong here to accompany Guisheng.Because Guisheng became addicted to hearing the word "smoking room", he became more and more unable to support it.Xianzong took his hand and walked into the smoking room.There are two smoke rooms, one light and one dark.The two servants serving the cigarette burners had already lit the lamps.There are two bongs on the left and right, one is ivory and the other is Yinchen.Xianzong ordered: "Take a sip quickly, so that Lord Yin can enjoy himself." Gui Sheng said with a smile, "Wait a minute." He told the smoke boy: "You ask our boy, Ah Fu, for my gun at the back. Red gold cigarette case." The cigarette boy agreed to go.显功道:“桂生哥你先尝一尝这个烟,这是都督自用的清水大土公膏。烟枪是兄弟家里的老存货,向来只用它吸大土烟,从未吸过杂色烟膏,你一尝就知道了。”显功一壁说,一壁躺下替桂生开烟。桂生连说:“不敢当,还是兄弟自己烧吧。”显功笑道:“太客气了,我们自己弟兄,一见如故,以后随便才好,桂生哥就请躺下过瘾吧。”桂生向显宗虚让一让,便躺在床上,一口烟已经装好,显功双手递过,桂生此时已经是瘾极了,接过枪来唿噜唿噜地一气吸光,放下枪向显功拱一拱手,说:“多谢多谢,果然是清水公膏,而且是蹲过一两年的,火气早净,比兄弟带来的又胜一筹了。”显功听他夸奖烟好,心中很是高兴,忙的又拿起签子来替他烧。此时阿福已经把他一杆镶金竹枪及很大的一个赤金烟盒,一齐送过来,放在烟盘内。又恭恭敬敬地朝着黄、杨二人,各请了一个安,垂手侍立在烟榻旁。桂生对他说:“这里有人侍候,你还是到后边,帮着太太把卧房收拾收拾吧。”阿福答应一声,慢慢退出。这里桂生一连吸了四大口烟。长班斟上很浓的极品香茶,桂生喝了一碗,揭开自己的烟盒,向显功笑道:“请显翁赏脸吸一口,虽然比不上都督的清水陈膏,也还对付可以过瘾。”显功吸了一口,说:“这烟的香头,虽比清水膏稍逊一筹,然而力量还大点呢!最好把两种烟膏合在一处用,那就尽美尽善了。”桂生大笑道:“显翁真可称黑籍祖师,参得此中三味了!” 两人越吸越有精神,越说越高兴,慢慢便说到宋樵夫被刺一案。显功道:“难得桂生兄手下,真有人才,当匆忙之间,又在许多行人中间,居然能一枪命中,而且还恰中他的要害,这种手法,真同养由基的神箭差不多了。”桂生放下烟枪,很得意地答道:“这也不是兄弟夸口,要论这种行刺的人才,兄弟训练了非止一天。他们的枪法,全是从西洋人学会的,从来不许空发一个子儿,要等到放第二枪,那就不够资格了。”显功道:“此时樵夫下船,就是他一个人吗?”桂生道:“岂止一个,还另有一个,比他的身份大得多呢!”显功愕然道:“那一个是谁?”桂生道:“提起此人,大大有名。当年守汉阳,后来镇守南京,以副元帅而代理大元帅的华自强先生。那真是革命元勋,盖世伟人。显翁难道不晓得么?”显功道:“这是名满中外的人,怎么不晓得呢!不过兄弟有一种疑问,想请教桂生哥,但不知你肯其赐教否?”桂生大笑道:“显翁你叫我不要客气,为什么你反倒客气起来?你想问什么话,只要我知道的,无不可以奉答。”显功道:“论资格,论名望,华大将军无一不在宋樵夫之上。你既事先知道,为何不授意吴伯雄,叫他一枪把自强结果了,岂不比杀掉樵夫又有价值吗?”桂生听他这样问,不觉笑得把一口茶全喷在地上,说:“显翁,拿你这样精明人,怎么竟说出这样呆话来!项大总统同赵都督,点着名儿是要宋樵夫的命,并不曾提到华自强。这是什么用意,显翁难道不明白吗?”显功摇摇头,说:“这个我实在参不透。”桂生慨然道:“这个本也难怪,天下事总是务名的多,求实的少。你别看华自强名垂宇宙,其实他不过是一员猛将,如樊哙、周勃之流而已。至于宋樵夫,好比汉代的张良、陈平,唐时的魏徵、徐绩。他一人之身,可以系敌党全部之兴衰,岂可与华自强同日而语!彼党去一华自强,尚有若许华自强相继出现,若去一宋樵夫,真可以说后无来者。我们为什么要舍樵夫而取自强呢!况且总统并不是怕民党,乃是怕民党中的人才,足以致他死命。我们仰体项公之意,自然要拣那头等人才,足为项公前途障碍的先铲除了他。至于有勇无谋,不是项公敌手的,项公自能以堂堂之鼓、正正之旗去制服他,又何必借重刺客呢!”桂生这席话,不但杨显功拍着巴掌表示钦佩、赞成,连黄显宗也跳起来,说:“桂生老弟果然名不虚传,有你这样的眼光手段,何愁将来不为项公的开国元勋,紫光阁上还愁不能图形绘像吗!”桂生笑道:“黄大哥,你怎么也拿小弟开起胃来!项公驾前猛将如云,谋臣如雨,哪里就选到小弟身上。只怕云台二十八宿,唯黄、杨两兄,得列其名,如小弟者,得为一盛世老农,于愿足矣。 ”显功道:“桂生兄,你不要认着黄兄是拿你开胃。如今我们中国,像桂生兄这样高才远识,能有几个?将来你就想避世高蹈,项公也决然不能容许的,何况士为知己者用。我们得遇项公这样恩主,又有赵公那样上司,为什么不轰轰烈烈做一场,偏要与野叟农夫为伍呢? ”显功这几句话,真是打入桂生心坎。他不知不觉地有些意气发皇,眉飞色舞,竟自忘了形,用手拍着胸脯,说:“这一腔热血,要卖给识货的。 ”黄显宗道:“着啊!这才是英雄呢。 ”三个人又说笑了一阵。显功道:“桂生哥一路劳乏,咱们不要尽着在这里搅他了,请他们贤梁孟早点用饭,早点休息。咱们两人明天午后照旧到这里来,好陪桂生哥一同去见都督。今天咱们先告辞吧。 ”显宗点头称是。桂生还至再挽留,说:“小弟并不觉得丝毫劳累,并且谒见都督,原应当今天就去,哪有等到明天之理。 ”两人一齐说:“这倒无须,赵公绝不是好挑小礼的人。并且我们临来时候,他有面谕,说桂生远道来此,一定很累,请他多休息两天再来见我,千万不必拘什么官礼官规。我同桂生是朋友,不是僚属,请他摒除一切客气好了。你想都督既有这话,你要今天去了,反显我们传达不明。最好是明天,不卑不亢,恰得其宜了。 ”桂生听他们这样说,便也依实:“请见了都督时先代为致谢。 ”又再三送二人出门。显宗一壁走着,又向桂生说:“这会馆中有八名卫队,四个长班,两个烟童,两个厨役,另外还有两名女仆,是专为伺候娣夫人的。你无论需要什么,只向那为首的长班说一声儿,即刻就可以办到。都督又怕你旅费不充,特在交通银行存了两千块钱,专备你零花赏人之用,存款折子已经由长班呈与娣夫人了。 ”桂生此时真是感激涕零,说:“都督待我这样优厚,叫我如何报答! ”两人笑道:“来日方长,何愁没有报答之日。 " 桂生一直把他们送出大门,眼看他们上汽车走了,方才转回后厅,为首的长班王升忙向他回话,说:“请大人到卧房休息吧。”此时阿福已走出来,领着他主人一直来到卧房,是三间北上房,一明两暗。卧房是在东间,房间宽大,光线充足,墙上挂着花壁衣,最新式的铜床,浅湖色洋绉帐幔,床上铺着很厚的俄国绒毯,闪花缎子的四铺四盖。屋中一切陈设以至壁间字画,全都典雅不俗。郑彤云女士正坐在床边出神。见桂生很高兴地走进来,向她笑道:“你这总可以满意了吧!大概就是属员给上司办差,也未必能这样讲究,足见赵都督待我们是一片至诚,毫无他意了。”彤云听他这样说,把头一扭,做出一种很不屑的样子,说:“算了吧,币重而言甘,诱我也。你准知人家心里存着什么打算,便这样欢喜满意,也太浅露了。”桂生见夫人仍然是不赞成,也不好再说什么,赌气叫阿福摆上烟盘,点着烟灯狠命地吸大烟。吸了几口,吩咐开饭。不大工夫,全份的鸭翅席,陈列在西屋,权作临时饭厅。夫妻二人同桌同饭,桂生倒是放开量地吃喝。彤云哪能下咽,只用鸭汤泡了半碗饭,勉强吃几口便不吃了。当日早早安歇。 次日午后,黄、杨两人果然来了,陪伴着桂生一同去见赵都督。秉衡见了面,真是十分亲热。桂生一定要叩谢救命之恩,秉衡至再阻拦也拦不住,高低两人对磕了几个头。秉衡拉着他的手,老弟长老弟短的,真如自己亲兄弟一般。又至再请他到自己烟室中吸烟。桂生一定不肯,秉衡道:“老弟要这样固执,以后我们倒难以亲近了,况且将来愚兄还有许多事要借重你,你这样客气,叫我如何再张得开嘴呢!”杨显功在一旁也至再撺掇,说:“都督向来没有一点官习,连我们一班属僚,全能自由到烟室去,何况桂翁以朋友相论,更没有避讳了。”桂生见推辞不过,只得一同到烟室中。这一间房屋很大,靠墙又放着一架宽大的铜床,床上放着两份烟具,点着两盏烟灯,对面足可容开四个人吸烟。赵都督同黄显宗对面,桂生同显功对面。黄、杨两人隐然做了他们的烟童,一口一口地伺候他两人吸烟,等把瘾过足了,便高谈阔论起来。秉衡说:“桂生老弟,你真不愧是今世的朱家郭解。我们中国最缺乏的就是你们这游侠尚义之人。项大总统当青年时,本也是游侠一流,后来入了宦场,便无暇及此。然而他待朋友的肝胆义气,仍然不减当年。当桂生老弟大功告成之时,愚兄曾将你的历史,及此次效力的经过,原原本本给项公去了一封报告书。总统回谕,说殷某真不愧为游侠模范,此种人在世界上最能担当大事,将来如果北上,务必请他来京一游,我虽不能效平原十日之饮,但也很愿同他订久要不忘之交。老弟你想,我们遇着了这样知己,若不及锋而试,一展鸿才,岂不辜负了千载难得的机会!好在愚兄不久就要晋京,最好请老弟一同前往,一者谒见总统,二者如今北京的三海已经开放,改为新华宫,我们不可不扩一扩眼界。你想这不是一举两得吗!”桂生再三逊谢,说:“叩谒总统原是应当的。至于总统同都督这样的过奖,可实在愧不敢当。况且职员是野鹤闲云,疏散惯了的人,若与当代贤豪同登仕版,为国家服务,不唯无此才力,抑且无此思想,此次北上,仅仅就为叩谢两位恩公,将来也不想再回上海,只求一背山临水之区,效陶彭泽夫耕于前,妻耘于后,做一盛世黎民,于愿足矣。”赵都督听他发了这样一套议论,心里早明白,他此番是为讨那十万元而来,便立刻改口说:“没想到桂生老弟竟这样清高绝俗,将来我必设法遂了你的志愿,使你归隐之后不患买山无资。”桂生听他说到这里,忙的立起身来,向秉衡深深请了一个安,说:“这样职员先谢谢都督了。”秉衡哈哈大笑,说:“我们自己弟兄,所说的全是肺腑之谈,而且互相帮忙,尤是彼此应尽的责任,怎么能说到谢上去呢!我劝桂生老弟以后不要这样才好。”桂生道:“都督待职员是仁至义尽,职员自恨口拙,不能将满怀感谢之意申述万一,不料反劳都督如此奖励,真要使职员惭愧无地了。”杨显功在一旁插话道:“桂生兄,你不知都督待朋友向来是坦白大方。今既有命,以后我们倒不必再说客气话了。”秉衡乘此便用旁的话岔开,说:“桂生弟此番北上,娣夫人一定相伴同来,明天愚兄当派贱内前往慰问。”桂生连忙逊谢,说:“哪如何担当得起!明天内人当先来督署,给都督同宪太太请安。”秉衡道:“何必拘这种形迹,还是贱内先去拜访好了,将来娣夫人如乐意到督署来,不拘何时,尽可随便。”说罢吩咐长班:“叫厨房摆酒,给殷大人接风。”桂生还要推辞,大家全笑道:“这是都督早备好了的酒席,请帖还在显宗兄身上带着,忘记当面呈交。其实连陪客全约好了,你如何能辞!” 正说着,项可恭、马秋容等一同进来。秉衡笑道:“陪客全到了,主客还能走么?”桂生只得同大家周旋。长班请示在哪里开席。秉衡道:“殷大人不是外人,我们简略一点,就在这烟室外边的客座里随便吃喝,吃过了躺下就可以过瘾,岂不比跑出老远的强吗!”大家一致赞成。长班在外间调好了桌。一个小圆桌面,仅仅七个座位,并不拥挤。干鲜果品,蜜饯冷荤,摆满了一桌子。各样中酒洋酒,无一不备,什么香槟、白兰地、威斯格、白葡萄,以至中国的状元红、莲花白、黄连叶、绿茵陈,还有蹲了七八年的女贞陈绍,一律俱全。该温的放在热水中,冷饮的放在一旁桌上。大家拱桂生上坐,桂生略略让了让,见在座并无外人,知道此一席首位,非自己坐了不可,便也不再客气,告罪坐下。秉衡问他喝什么酒。桂生道:“职员向不赞成洋酒,唯有中国花雕,实在滋味深长。职员生长浙江,这或者也许是乡土的关系。我只喝绍酒好了。”秉衡鼓掌道:“桂生所见与我相同。我也是赞成绍酒,而反对洋酒的一分子。那么咱们在座诸位全喝绍酒好了。”大家听都督这样说,哪个能不随着。长班又续温了十几壶绍酒。大家猜拳行令,尽量地喝起来。桂生酒量既大,拳又非常活泼,不大工夫将众人战得几乎大曳酒兵。秉衡笑道:“就此打住吧,桂生真不愧酒国英雄,不止是中华民国的国士也。”说罢哈哈大笑。众人正在被困重围之际,得都督一言而解。大家放下酒杯,拣爱吃的菜大吃起来。这桌酒席预备得非常丰盛,海陆并陈,不但燕窝银耳样样齐全,甚至熊掌猩唇,冬虫夏草,无一不备。大家吃罢了,净面漱口。秉衡又至再让桂生躺下吸烟。桂生说:“都督劳累了半天,也该休息了。职员适才已经过足了瘾,改天再过来请安吧。”秉衡见他—定要走,也不便再留,吩咐预备汽车,送殷大人回公馆。桂生从都署出来,秉衡还殷殷送至二堂。桂生在二堂上站住不动,秉衡才不好意思再送了,朝他弯弯腰,方才退回。大家将桂生送至大堂,眼看他上了汽车,各自分散。 桂生一个人回中州会馆,进门直奔卧室。却见郑彤云女士一个人坐在床沿上,用手帕擦抹眼泪。他心中便有点不高兴,强作笑颜问道:“你一个人闷得慌吧,为什么哭呢?”郑女士见丈夫回寓,只得立起身来,也勉强含笑答道;“我何尝哭来着,你多半是醉眼矇眬没看清吧!”桂生见她不肯承认,也不便再问,只喊阿福点上烟灯,自己一个人躺下吸烟。郑女士躲到旁边的沙发上坐下。桂生一壁吸烟,一壁搭讪着同彤云闲谈。说:“今天赵都督还问到你呢!”彤云冷笑道:“问我做什么!莫非还要罪及妻孥吗?”桂生道:“你这人为何这样脏心呢?人家完全是一番好意,还要打发太太来看你呢,你怎么竟说出这样话来!”彤云道:“她趁早儿不必来,凭我一个平民之妻,也劳动不起都督的太太来看我。”桂生还认着她是好话呢,便笑着说:“你说得很是,我也这样想。所以我对都督说了,明天你先到督署,给太太请安。”彤云一听这话,立刻柳眉倒竖,粉面含嗔。说:“你说什么?我到都署去给太太请安!我郑彤云虽然嫁了你这浪子狂夫,然而我是清门之女,世代书香,不能做那蝇营狗苟、钻门子的贱妇。她做她的都督太太,与我什么相干。我为什么要去给她请安!你既说出这样话来,明天就请你代表我走一趟,想叫我去,是万万不能的。”桂生做梦也没想到,她竟自翻了脸,自己有意也发作一顿,又怕这个声气闹出去,叫朋友知道了耻笑,叫都督知道了更要多心,只可将气儿捺了又捺。说:“你这是何苦呢,不去就不去,也犯不上生这大气啊!况且都署先说要叫太太来看你。人家是主人,咱们是客,我当然得说先看人家,这也是朋友应酬一种礼尚往来的口头禅,难道还能说我们在家里候着,专等你太太来请安吗!”彤云道:“什么朋友,我看简直是冤家罢了。把我们夫妻诳了来,不定哪时就下毒手,这样的朋友,我见了面先骂他几句,好出一出胸中怨气。为什么不叫他来呢?”桂生听她这样说,吓得连烟也吸不下去了,心想:明天都督的太太倘然来了,她不要说骂人家,便是说几句不好听的话,这个罪过我如何担当得起!看起来这个小小问题里,倒含着老大不妥,我必须防患未然,省得临时她真做出来。想到这里也顾不得再吸烟,一翻身爬起来,自己到电话室中,拿起耳机来叫督署参议处找杨显功说话。在电话中告诉显功,说内人因晕船,又兼劳乏过度,犯了肝气病不能起床,而且她犯这病时候,最怕同人接谈。明天不但不能到督署去给太太请安,并且求显功向都督回,千万不要请太太到会馆来,一俟病愈之后必然亲身去拜见。说得十分恳切,显功答应了,他这才放心回卧室来。夫妻两个,彼此全是满怀不快,一夜无话。 第二天黄、杨两人同来问病,桂生只得扯谎,说:“略微好一点,还是不能见人。”显功要荐督署的官医,前来诊病。显宗又主张送到马大夫医院调治。桂生一概谢绝了,说:“内人这病时犯时愈,在上海配有丸药,随身带着,只需静养几日,自然就好了。”三人闲谈着。显功说:“事逢凑巧,后天都督晋京,因为总统有要事面商,最好请桂生兄随都督一同到京,既有人带着你谒见总统,并且在北京玩几天,我们也可以做向导,因为我两人也要一同去的。不过嫂夫人尚在病中,恐怕桂生兄不甚放心。”桂生一想,与其在天津终日同老婆怄气,倒莫如一个人到北京去自在逍遥地玩几天,既可以开心,又可借这机会催赵都督早将十万元拨付。桂生想到这里,便对黄、杨两人说:“这一层倒不成问题,内人以多病之身,本不宜车船劳顿,最好就叫她在天津养病,暂时先不必到北京去。兄弟一个人随同都督前往,倒觉着便利得多。”显功笑道:“桂生哥毫无儿女之情,真不愧英雄本色。那么后天过午,请你到车站去,一同启行好了。”桂生连声答应:“绝误不了。”两人这才告辞出门。 第二天桂生一个人去寻黄显宗。显宗住在日本租界福岛街,是他自己的房子。三层大楼一所,后面还附着一座小花园。桂生来了,显宗特特把他让到花园中一间密室里,两个人对灯吸烟。显宗倒是明心见性地对桂生表示感谢之意,说:“此次老弟立了这一件大功,不但都督满意,就连愚兄也连带受你的好处不小。要不然,不但督署秘书做不成,恐怕还要担很大的处分呢!”桂生很诧异地问他:“是什么缘故?”显宗便把当日赵都督怎样要挟他,他怎样荐举桂生,种种经过情形,详细说了一遍。桂生哈哈大笑,说:“这是大哥的官运亨通,所以默默中使出小弟来给你帮忙。小弟若非大哥推荐,怎能得到都督这样厚爱!看起来我还应当感激你呢。”显宗也笑了,说:“老弟的意思究竟怎么样?我看乘这机会,你莫如死心塌地地报效项大总统,最好以简任职交国务院记名,然后再分派到直隶,交赵都督量才任用。无论如何也必有独当一面的差事委到你名下,用不了一年半载,道尹厅长准可以稳拿到手中。将来一帆风顺,说不定还许做省长呢!”显宗这一席话,自以为必能打动桂生的心,哪知桂生本是一个流氓光棍,他表面上无论怎样假装老成,骨子里总不免有一种勾心斗角的光棍思想。他听显宗这样说,心里打算,你们这些人真是难缠,凭空支使我冒那样大不韪,还陪着坐了几个月监狱。如今大功告成,应许我的十万块钱,一个字也不提,却拿什么简任职咧,又什么记名咧,委用咧,种种虚荣来牢笼我。我要那空空的头衔有什么用处!纵然做了官,得等多少日子才能赚到十万块钱。我殷桂生无论如何不能上你们这种圈套。他主意打好,很诚恳地向显宗答道:“承大哥这样善为我谋,小弟真要感激得五体投地。本来做官这件事,往大里说,可以福民利国,往小里说,也可以显亲扬名。何况小弟从前本做过官,焉有不乐意再登仕途之理!不过经此次入狱之后,清夜自思,觉半生来所造之孽不堪指数。如今年逾不惑,膝下犹虚,内人又终年多病,不离汤药,人生乐趣简直是丝毫皆无。又兼手下养着那一班亡命,管束严了,有伤感情,难免酿成意外;太宽了,任着他们的性儿胡闹,又不定闯出什么祸来。终日思前想后,如坐针毡,哪里还有精神再为国家效力!就是勉强出来,也必至陨越贻羞,因此把做官的心一刀割断。此番北上京津,完全为叩谢都督救命之恩,再到北京,得谒见总统,一瞻伟人颜色,于愿已足。此后便挈老妻寻一处山明水秀之区,盖几间茅屋,置几亩薄田,春夏耕耘,秋冬读书,做一盛世太平之民,了此余生,也可借此忏悔以前的罪恶,此外无所求矣。” 显宗听他发了一大套议论,不觉慨然叹道:“没想到老弟如此消极,连愚兄听了也不觉兴味索然。上次在都署面前我还认着你是自谦之词,哪知道你真是发于肺腑呢!”桂生又叹息道:“小弟还有一事要奉求大哥,但是很难出口。大哥要不见怪,小弟便直言无隐。倘然要招大哥见怪,小弟宁可烂在肚中,也就不敢说了。”显宗一口烟尚未吸完,听桂生这样说,也顾不得吸了,忙将烟枪放下,正颜厉色地答道:“老弟,你怎么说出这样话来,想当日杀人行刺,那样重大的事,愚兄全可以明白了当对老弟直言奉上,怎么如今你偏要绕这许多的弯子呢?莫非愚兄有什么不挚诚地方,被老弟看出来了,因此取瑟而歌,向我示意吗?要不然何至于说到见怪不见怪呢?”桂生很惶恐地连连向显宗拱手说:“大哥千万不要误会,小弟出言无状,实在是因为这件事说出来,太小气难看。大哥是大量之人,料想也决不至于怪我。本来小弟方才也曾说过,最难办的就是部下养着这一群亡命,如不及早把他们遣散了,将来实在是心腹之患。不过说到遣散也很不容易,最低限度每人得给他个三百块两百块的。小弟空逞了半世英豪,其实所得的钱,是这手来那手去,直到而今并无
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