Chapter 93 The 90th Presidential Executive Ke Guangsheng Jiangzhang General Na Caichun Man Jinling

Because Zhao Bingheng died too hastily, there was a lot of talk outside, all saying that Xiang Zicheng bought his cook and people and died with poison.Whether this is true or not, we have not seen it with our own eyes, and of course we dare not make a judgment.But afterwards, according to the legend of the people in the department, all kinds of situations are quite suspicious.Originally, this kind of thing existed in the pre-Qing Dynasty.At that time, with the power of the autocratic emperor, such a secret had not yet been discovered, let alone the Republic of China, even if someone knew it, who would dare to reveal it?

In the Daoguang era, there seemed to be a murder case in Shanxi that competed for inheritance.The victim's surname is Yun, and he is a wealthy family with tens of millions of assets.The poor patriarch has no heirs, only two wives, standing on an equal footing, and there is no distinction between the son and the concubine.One is Yunzhang and the other is Yunyang.Later, when the head of the family died, logically speaking, according to the law, Quan should inherit a son from the family, which is the proper way.It's just because there is a kind of desire to get a baby among the same clan, one family will fight, and the other family will rob, and each other will not give in to each other. On the contrary, this matter is frozen and cannot be resolved.Because of this delay, a great tragedy happened.It is said that Mrs. Yunzhang is a good person. She keeps the chastity for her husband and has no other intentions.That Yun Yang family had an affair, and her adulterer advised her how to monopolize this property, she had to kill Yun Zhang family first, and then she could achieve her goal.They first spread rumors outside, saying how Yunzhang could not be content with his room.Later, he simply put a dead child who had just been born secretly in Yunzhang's house, and then colluded with the rogue children of the same clan to search him out of the house, and Jiayunzhang insulted him in various ways.Yun Zhang was so ashamed and angry that he hanged himself.Since then, the family wealth has completely fallen into the hands of the Yunyang family, who obviously inherited a rogue son of the family, but secretly a certain adulterer controlled everything and became an invisible head of the family.Please think about such an injustice. If the distant relatives and neighbors know about it, how can there be no reason not to be angry?Besides, his clan is not all scoundrels.Those who have a decent journey, but can't bear this tone, come forward to appeal for Yun Zhang's grievances.The first trial was the magistrate of the county, who secretly did not know how much money Yun Yang had used, and even the servants in the class had made a fortune with the master, and inexplicably used the dead child as evidence to firmly decide that Yun Zhang was unfaithful, and a certain clan member made a false accusation If the victory is attributed to Yun Yang alone, the case will be over.A certain clan member refused to accept, and sued the magistrate's Yamen again. This is the second trial.The prefect didn't know how much money the Yunyang family had spent, and the servants of the prefectural yamen also made a fortune with the elder, but the result was the same judgment as the county yamen.This unjust prison can no longer be cleared up.However, a certain ethnic group still refused to give up, and ran to the provincial capital again, and filed a complaint in the three major constitutional yamen of Fufan, so the case was brought to the provincial capital again, and this was the third trial.After all, money can pass through the mind, no matter how big an official is, he can soften his eyes when he sees silver.In the hands of the three constitutions, Yun Yang has spent tens of thousands of silver.Of course, the shogunate officials in these three yamen also benefited greatly.The final result is still the same as that of the prefectural and county yamen.Because Yun Yang is rich, he actually won the third trial.However, the matter was too big, and this kind of noise had already spread to Beijing, and a memorial was handed over by a certain censor, and all officials, big and small, from Shanxi were involved.Emperor Daoguang had not been on the throne for many days, and he was refreshing himself and working hard to govern. When he saw this memorial, he immediately flew into a rage and said, "It's not bad! How dare the dignified officials of the frontier be greedy for bribes and insult people's reputation. If they hadn't sent a Officials of justice go to conduct a thorough investigation, and they will definitely not get to the bottom of it.” So he wrote a Zhu Yu, which is “Specially dispatched to Shanxi to investigate and deal with unjust prisons. I hereby.”This old Du Zhongtang is from Shandong, he is the teacher of Emperor Daoguang, and he is an old Daoist.He has an upright personality, and usually regards himself as a sage, but only seeks to be ashamed of the house leaks, and has no shame in the quilt. Among the ministers, Emperor Daoguang admired him the most.Now if you don't send anyone else, just send him, and you can know what Guang's intention is.When this decree came out, all the officials in Shanxi, big and small, were scared to death. They scratched their heads one by one, as if they might split up one day.When this great imperial envoy came to Taiyuan, it was Dumen who thanked the guests. From the governor down, no officials, big or small, saw him.But first, all the files of the whole case were transferred to Xingyuan, reviewed from the beginning, and passed on to them. The two culprits, as well as the governors of prefectures and counties, were all listened to and awaited trial.All the officials who tried the case became defendants.Such vigorous and resolute actions, how can those who have made money feel guilty? How can they not be afraid?However, his joints were blocked, and he couldn't think of a way to move him.Later, in the governor's office, an old shogunate figured out a way, saying: "It is absolutely impossible to entrust the favor of the officialdom to this matter. Only with his neighbors around him, he managed to get through first, and then he spoke. room." At this time, only the cook he brought with him came out to buy vegetables from time to time.Because he is not supplied by the local area, he even manages the kitchen by himself.This cook is from Beijing and has served Du Zhongtang for many years, so he has won his trust.So in secret, the governor first sent himself to be close to the cook and make friends with him. He first gave him 10,000 silver, and begged him to speak in front of the middle hall.The cook didn't dare to respond at first, and said: "No one dares to speak out because of Zhongtang's temper, let alone us who are the current ones." Later, he gave him the silver, which was ten thousand taels in vain.How can an uneducated rough man not be tempted by seeing it?What's more, the person who gave the money said: "Whether it is successful or not, no one will ask for it back, but please accept it." The cook actually took it and kept it.The overpayer said to him again: "Old Zhongtang can only be vague, and he is willing to give 300,000 cash in cash for Zhongtang's delicacy." The cook only vaguely agreed, and returned to Xingyuan, but did not dare to confront him directly. Zhongtang said.After Zhongtang had dinner, when he was happy, he said that he went out to buy vegetables and heard a lot of rumors.Zhongtang asked him what the rumor was.He smiled and said: "There are a lot of discussions outside. Some say that Zhongtang received 300,000 yuan, and some said that Zhongtang received 500,000 yuan. The villain was very angry when he heard this, and explained to them, saying that Zhongtang has treated Shanxi officials and people since he came to Taiyuan. , I have never met a person before, how can such a thing happen! If you continue to talk nonsense, I will definitely send you to the Yamen of Yangqu County, slap your mouth first and then scream, and see if you still talk." Du Zhongtang listened. He laughed loudly and said, "Can three or five hundred thousand buy my heart? You can ignore them from now on, why bother to be angry with them?" The cook got these words and passed them to Fufu the next day police.Send someone back and inform the governor.The governor misunderstood, thinking that Zhongtang was too small, so he asked him to entrust the cook again, and if Zhongtang agreed, he was willing to pay one million taels.Unexpectedly, this time he hit a snag, was scolded by Zhongtang, even slapped the cook twice, and was almost expelled from the house. After intercession by his family and the shogunate, he reluctantly kept him.Unexpectedly, this stay, but killed his own life.The Fufu sent someone to give him a pack of poison, told him to kill Zhongtang, and gave him a gift of 100,000 taels of silver.If you don't do it, I will report that you have extorted 10,000 taels before. If you have stolen goods and evidence, your life will never be saved.If you do it, even though you killed one person in Zhongtang, you will save the lives of dozens of officials and people in Shanxi, and you will get one hundred thousand silver for nothing.Tilting and threatening at the same time, the cook was cruel, gritted his teeth, and agreed.Sure enough, within three days, Du Zhongtang passed away in Xingyuan, Shanxi due to a serious illness, and he didn't even have time to submit his will.On the one hand, the governor entered into the case of his violent murder, and on the other hand, he took back the document, imitating Zhongtang's handwriting, and ordered to uphold the previous original judgment.The governor of Shanxi thought that if he handled it this way, he would be safe and secure and never have any future troubles.Unexpectedly, when Emperor Guang saw this folded book, while mourning, he had great doubts.Although Du was in his fifties or sixties, his body was usually very strong, and he had never heard that he was sick beforehand, so why did he suddenly die?At that time, the emperor Lao Tzu felt more and more suspicious about the situation, so he wrote a Zhu Yu with his own hand, to the effect that he said: "Du is my master, and he has made great achievements in teaching Qiwo on weekdays. Now he died of a violent illness. I am deeply saddened. The body of the minister belongs to the governor of Shanxi Province. He is properly protected and cannot be coffined without authorization. An official from the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be sent to meet the escort when he comes to Beijing. This decree was passed down, as if Jiao Lei had been beaten for half a day, and all the ministers of the king who were outside the capital were stunned.It is believed that the emperor wants to see the minister Hanyu in person, which has never happened before. I don't know what the emperor has in mind.He intends to remonstrate, but he is afraid of causing his misunderstanding and implicating himself in it.If you don't say it, you are afraid that this matter will become a big problem, and how many people may be involved in the future.In particular, the governor of Shanxi and the counties of feudal officials, etc., saw this decree, and it was almost the same as announcing their death sentence.On the one hand, they greeted the imperial envoy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, opened their joints, and begged him to speak well in front of the emperor;I don't know how much money was spent in this way.The Yun family's property of about 18 million yuan has been spent and there is not much left.After Du Zhongtang's remains were transported to Beijing, they were of course parked in his prime minister's residence.Emperor Daoguang really wanted to visit Hanyu himself, and a group of ministers all knelt on the ground and kowtowed, saying: "Please ask the emperor to think about the dignity of the country, and there is no need to pursue it anymore. After all, Du is a courtier, and he dare not behave like the emperor. You can give him a special sympathy. On the one hand, all the governors of Shanxi will be dismissed, and they will be charged with the crime of insufficient defense, and the original case will be sent to the ministers to try it impartially. This is enough to show the justice and dignity of the court." Daoguang thought for a while , I am also afraid that this matter will be too much.So he still withdrew the order to see Hanyu personally, and followed the instructions of the Minister of Military Aircraft, and finally saved many heads without suffering from the sword.However, the just Du Zhongtang died because of this.The case of Yunzhang was only half resolved later, as two wives fought over the property and framed each other, Yunzhang committed suicide in anger, the family should set up a heir for the deceased and drive Yunyang out of the house.Confused, he closed the case and spent all the property of the Yun family.If two women wanted to merge into one and inherit a son, enjoy a huge property, and enjoy blessings for life, how could this result happen?

The author specifically quotes this story, which is a metaphor for poisoning an unjust case, which could not be solved even with the power of the emperor, let alone in the Republic of China, and the master had a special power!It can be seen that the death of Zhao Bingheng can only be regarded as a prison of doubt through the ages.Be sure to identify who caused it, no one dares to say it.However, there is always a trace of horse traces and clues.At that time, the shogunate and various officials in Tianjin called the presidential palace one after another to report the process of Bingheng's death due to a sudden illness.The President replied immediately, expressing his deepest condolences and condolences, and sent Zhu Baotian, a senior adviser to the Presidential Palace, to Tianjin overnight to serve as governor of the army temporarily and to help Governor Zhao's family deal with his death.Just like that, the matter was exposed in a daze.Although there were some rumors at the time, who would dare to question the president in front of him?Unexpectedly, a few days later, Feng Guohua, the governor of Jiangsu, suddenly sent a telegram, to the effect that he was asking about Zhao Bingheng's death. As for the staff, the president couldn't help but feel very sad about his death. In order to protect the Beiyang faction group, it seems that there should be a kind of expression, so as to prevent his subordinates from being separated from Germany due to misunderstanding.When Xiang Zicheng saw this telegram, he immediately became a little terrified.Originally, among his subordinates, the civilian officials had Zhao Bingheng, Yang Zhiqi, and Ruan Zhongshu as their confidantes, and the military ones had Feng Guohua and Duan Jixiang as their minions.In particular, Feng and Duan are two generals under his command. In Xiang Zicheng's eyes, they are almost the same as Han Xin and Peng Yue of the Han Dynasty.He also thought about relying on these two people to start a business for him in the future and build a world of eternal generations.Seeing Feng Guohua expressing this suddenly now, although his words are extremely gentle, it is not difficult for people to understand the implication.So he was so tempted that he didn't close his eyes all night.The next day, I asked the Secretary Office to reply to Guohua's telegram, saying how to mourn Zhao Bingheng's death.Two orders have been issued, and the funeral will be better.Because he died too quickly, there were various misunderstandings in the outside world. Fortunately, the rumors stopped with the wise, and with the general's wisdom, he would not be confused by him.I still hope to protect the southeast, work hard for the country, and have high hopes for the Lin Pavilion in the future.A lot of face-saving words were said, but it was An Guohua's heart.After all, there always seemed to be a disease in Xiang Zicheng's heart.He wanted to try to win Guohua over so that he would not have a different ambition, so he had to use a special method to win his favor first.Fortunately, the detectives released from Xiangzi City live in various provinces, and there are many people who inquire about the news.There are detailed reports on the personal actions of a certain governor, as well as family affairs.

On this day, I received a report from the Nanjing detective.Zicheng saw it and jumped up for joy.Do you have any special news?Actually not.It turned out that Feng Guohua broke the string, and his wife passed away recently.Xiang Zicheng knew that he was monogamous. Although he was such a high-ranking official, he did not have a concubine in front of the hall.The loss of his wife made him a loner.Therefore, he had an idea and thought of using the female soldiers to tie him firmly.At the same time, he thought of the most suitable women's army.If I make a match in the first place and bring this marriage together, I will definitely be grateful to both parties.This is really a false fate, which made me succeed. How could I miss this opportunity!Do you know who is the person in his heart?It turned out to be Ms. Zhou Wenjin who was mentioned earlier as a teacher in his residence.He calculated that Ms. Zhou was thirty-six years old this year.Feng Guohua is fifty-four years old.There is no disparity in age between each other.However, Ms. Zhou had sworn before that she was willing not to marry for life, to take care of her mother and take care of her weak brother.Now that he suddenly proposes marriage to her, if she blocks him head-on, it will be difficult to handle.It is necessary to find a female guest with Su Zhang's tongue first, so that she can change her mind.Who can do this kind of errand?Unexpectedly, he thought of his aunt and wife.As far as his aunt and wife are concerned, she is really a talented woman. She can do things that others can't do, and she can do things safely, and she treats people with kindness.No matter how difficult a person is, as long as they meet her, they can pour out their hearts and treat her as a confidant.As for her mouth, You Neng was articulate and well-rounded, so that people would naturally be satisfied after hearing it.Therefore, if Xiang Zicheng has any difficulties, he must always discuss with her.When my aunt comes up with an idea, sometimes she is more knowledgeable and thoughtful than Zicheng.This time, because he wanted to tie Feng Guohua's heart and wanted to fight for Zhou Wenjin, he discussed with his aunt and wife and asked her to come out as a lobbyist.The aunt and wife readily agreed, and said: "The president will leave it to me. But there is one thing that must be announced in advance. Ms. Zhou's family is very cold, and now she is married to the warlord. It seems that this dowry must be more decent. In the future, it will be up to us. I don’t know if the president may allocate a huge sum of money to buy it.” Zicheng laughed and said, “You’ve thought too carefully. I’m going to give them a lesson this time, which originally has a political effect, but I hope things can be done. Even if you spend one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand, you will never be stingy. You can do it with confidence, and when you use the money in the future, you can get it from the internal accountant." The aunt and wife heard him fully agree, and then started to arrange everything.

Just in time, it will be Ms. Zhou's birthday in a few days.The aunt and wife issued an order in advance to celebrate Mr. Zhou's birthday.In a large courtyard near the sea in the South China Sea, it is used as a place of celebration.The kitchen of the mansion prepares a good banquet, and sends blessings to the actors and actresses.The aunt's wife is also famous by herself, and invited the wives of the Prime Minister and the heads of various ministries to accompany her.Ms. Zhou felt very uneasy when she saw her celebrate her birthday with such a big fanfare. She personally thanked the aunt and wife and said: "I have been given special treatment in the mansion on weekdays, and I have already remembered the fifth middle school. Now, on the day of the consignment, I feel so sorry for being so extravagant. Besides, I'm only in my thirties this year, and I really can't afford to celebrate it. Please take it back, my aunt and wife." The aunt and wife laughed and said, "Master Zhou, why don't you act like this?" Open! You are in the status of an old master in our family, and you are not comparable to ordinary shogunate. The rules of our Xiang family are very respectful to teachers. How can we not celebrate your birthday? Please leave it alone. Temporary Just be the king of Nanji Xing." Sure enough, on this day, when he got up early in the morning, the aunt and wife specially sent eight people in a sedan chair to welcome Master Zhou.This sedan chair is made of apricot-yellow satin, embroidered with multicolored phoenixes, dazzling the eyes, and it is very beautiful under the light of the first sun.It turns out that this sedan chair was specially prepared for the Empress Dowager Longyu when she was the empress dowager. Later, when she became the empress dowager, she should take a yellow sedan chair, so this apricot-yellow sedan chair is considered invalid.The aunt and wife also wanted to make fun of it, and Tete borrowed it from the Qing Palace, and sent eight young bearers to welcome Master Zhou.Wenjin had already woken up and finished dressing. He only wore a peach-gray Ning silk jacket, white socks and blue shoes, and was very plainly dressed.Zi Yan and Su Juan followed behind.As soon as she went out and saw this apricot-yellow sedan chair, Ms. Zhou said in amazement: "How can this be done! I am just a commoner's daughter, how can I sit in a yellow sedan chair? It’s impossible, but fortunately the journey is not far away, so I might as well go.” The maids who greeted her, one named Han Xiang and the other named Su Mo, were all operators under the aunt’s wife.Hearing what Ms. Zhou said, she hurriedly greeted her with a smile and said, "Master, please don't be modest. Our aunt and wife said that today is a good day for Master Shi, so we sent Jiufeng Luanyu to greet him. This is my wish for Master Shi In the future, there will be a distinction between the mother of the country. Master Shi, just stick to the truth, there is no need to refuse." Ms. Zhou said with a smile: "This is your concubine making fun of me. Why do you admit the truth?" Han Xiang is the worst girl, Seeing that Ms. Zhou insisted on refusing to get into the sedan chair, she winked at Su Mo, Tong Sujuan and Zi Yan, and the four of them rushed forward, one crossing their arms, the other crossing their legs, forcing Ms. Zhou into the sedan chair.The eight bearers lifted them up and walked forward.Ms. Zhou seemed to be riding a cloud in the sedan chair.At this moment, her nerves were touched, as if the dream she had when she released Chen Meizhen that day had come before her eyes again.But that time was a dream, this time it was reality.I thought to myself: Do I really have the hope of being the mother of the country?As she thought about it, she arrived at the auditorium in a blink of an eye.The bearer puts the sedan chair in front of the door.I saw lanterns and festoons hanging in front of the door, and five-color electric lights formed a big Chinese character "Shou" on the screen wall.The aunt and wife led the concubine and young lady of the house to wait in front of the door.The four maidservants also arrived in a carriage.When Ms. Zhou was helped out of the sedan chair, everyone laughed, some said they were welcoming birthday stars, and some said they were welcoming empresses in the palace, which made Ms. Zhou feel embarrassed.I bowed deeply to my aunt and wife, and said: "Wen Jin is so good, dare to thank my wife for such preferential treatment! Especially for this sedan chair, the owner is not celebrating Wen Jin's birthday, I am afraid it is going to shorten Wen Jin's life!" The auntie took her hand and said with a smile: "The old master is too modest. I hope you will officially take the Jiufeng Luanyu in the near future, so I invite you to try the new one today." A few words made everyone laugh Now, like the stars holding the moon, they held Ms. Zhou to the auditorium.

This auditorium is a hall with five clear rooms.In front of the hall is a square open space, and in front of the open space is a small and exquisite stage.The curtains and curtains have been hung on the stage, all of which are red satin and flat gold embroidery.There are more than a dozen square tables set up in the open space, which are prepared for banquets, and they are all hung with red satin wrapping around the tables and chairs.Looking at the auditorium again, there are statues of Magu offering her birthday, the three stars of blessing, wealth and longevity, and the Queen Mother, all of which are idols made of red gold, with a lifelike look.In addition, there are many flowers lined up. In spring, they are nothing more than peaches and apricots.There are also a few embroidered soft couches, ready to rest when you are tired from listening to the play.There are twenty or thirty maids in pink, white and dark green, all around the auditorium, serving to pack cigarettes and pour tea.The aunt gave Ms. Zhou to the auditorium, and she must have given her the upper seat.Everyone wants to pay respects to her birthday.Ms. Zhou said: "Wen Jin's talking about the blessings of the master's family is already too much. If I lose my life, I can't live in peace for a moment, so I have to go back to the study." The auntie laughed: "We don't need to pay birthday respects. Don't your students salute you?" After hearing what the aunts and wives said, they all knelt down in unison.Wen Jin had no choice but to bow deeply and accept their ceremony.Everyone just sat down and talked and laughed.When I was young, all the guests arrived one after another, some Ms. Zhou recognized and some she didn't.Finally, a Miss Zhu came, dressed very fashionable and very beautiful.The auntie greeted her with a smile and said, "Should I call you Miss Zhu, or should I call you Mrs. Yang?" Miss Zhu smiled slightly and said, "I'm here on behalf of the Zhu family. Don't talk nonsense, auntie. Let's give Antarctica first." The old man kowtows to wish Gu Gu." The aunt and wife hurriedly introduced Ms. Zhou.Said: "This is Mrs. Zhu's second lady. She recently got engaged to Mr. Yang's young master. Mr. Yang's young master just came back from studying in Germany. He is really handsome and a natural couple. The wedding will be held sooner or later. Mr. Zhou is invited to visit , take care of your long-quiet Zen mind, and see this Yanyan flying together, and you will also learn to dance wildly in the spring breeze!" Ms. Zhou dealt with Ms. Zhu, and smiled at her aunt and wife: "I don't know what happened to my wife today. For great joy, I only talk about these flirtatious things. How can a person like me, a baby in Beigong who never marries, compare with Miss Zhu?" The president's nine aunts followed suit and said, "I advise Mr. Zhou to Married is fine. Since you are not married, why do you sit in Jiufeng Luanyu?" The guests didn't understand what he said, so they must ask what's going on.Mrs. Jiu said with a smile: "we will pick up Mr. Zhou, and Mr. Zhou will definitely not come. She said: 'Without Jiufeng Luanyu, I will never go out. Borrowed. You guys, when you came here, you didn’t see the yellow and yellow ones outside the gate, are they still on display?” When they heard Mrs. Jiu Yi’s words, they all clapped their hands and laughed: “I can’t complain, so today is your mother’s birthday. We are one step late and missed the salute with the class. It is really a sin. Please forgive us, Mrs. Zhou." The aunt said: "Don't listen to Aunt Jiu, she is talking nonsense. Our old master Zhou is a master of Taoism How can I bear you making fun of me like this." Ms. Zhou also argued very hard, saying: "Why would I want to sit in this Lao Shizi? The four maids couldn't hold me up, so they forced me into it. Until now, I still feel feverish all over. "Miss Zhu laughed and said: "Everything in the world has an omen. This is Master Zhou Hongluan's destiny. In the future, there will be the hope of the world." What you say, what I say, is just for fun.The aunt and wife were afraid that Ms. Zhou would be unhappy, so she urged the show to start, so as to divert it.When the gongs and drums sounded when I was young, I sang "The Picture of a Hundred Years of Life" first.Immediately afterwards, I asked Ms. Zhou to order a play.Ms. Zhou said: "I'm a layman in this way, so please invite all guests to order." Ms. Zhu said: "I think of a good show for Master Zhou. I don't know if you agree or not?" Everyone laughed: "It really is true. Well, there is no disapproval." Miss Zhu said: "It is best to ask them to sing the whole version of "Huilongge", starting from "Cailou" and continuing to "Dengdian". This includes free marriage In the end, Wang Baochuan became the empress of the palace, just like today's master Zhou riding the Jiufeng Luanyu. Isn't this a good show made in heaven, which is better than "Magu Presents Birthday" and "Hailing Tiantian" Isn't "Shou" too strong?" After hearing this, everyone loudly agreed.It's just that there is room for discretion as to how the roles of a group are allocated.After exchanging opinions with each other, Chen Delin was asked to sing "Cailou", Wu Caixia sang "Happing Hands", Hu Suxian sang "Wujiapo", Mei Lanfang sang "Blessing for Birthday and Counting Food and Returning to Dragon Pavilion", Wang Huifang and Wang Yaoqing respectively played the role of Princess Daizhan, Liu Jingran played Wang Chengxiang, Tan Xinpei played Xue Pinggui who was on the slope, Wang Fengqing played Xue Pinggui in "Huilongge", Xu Yintang played Xue Pinggui in "Da Dengdian", Ci Ruiquan played Wei Hu in "Blessing Birthday", Li Jingshan played Wei Hu in the expedition, Luo Baisui plays the role of Wei Hu who is finally killed, and Xie Baoyun plays the wife of the prime minister in the whole play.The roles are all assigned by the top, and then passed down, played in order.Sure enough, everyone did their best, and everyone was very satisfied.In the end, the aunt and wife took out 2,000 yuan to reward Mr. Zhou.Call Tian and Lan Fang, two hundred each.There are also one hundred, fifty, and thirty twenty.Even the maids of the old palace who played the flag were rewarded with four yuan each.Everyone is grateful for Master Zhou's kindness, but they don't know that someone paid for her!This day was really full of flowers, which made Mr. Zhou very happy.When the evening show was over and the crowd dispersed, Wen Jin thanked the aunt and wife repeatedly, and then returned to the study with Zi Yan and Su Juan.

The aunt and wife specially ordered a carriage to be prepared and sent Master Zhou back by herself.Wen Jin stopped again and again, saying: "This can't be done. Auntie and wife have a lot of business. Today, because I delayed many things for you by myself, I feel very uneasy. How dare you work hard and send me back to the library?" Said: "Today I asked for a day off before the president's visit. It was specially for my master's birthday. I don't need to ask about anything. So I would like to take this opportunity to have a long talk with you, so that I can also start a business meeting." Happy. There are too many guests during the day, and they only care about entertaining people. How can there be time to talk? At this time, people have cleared up, and we just kneel down to talk. Don't let this good night go. Let's go together, don't be polite." Ms. Zhou saw She was so interested that it was inconvenient for her to stop her, so they got into the car together.Back in the study, I asked Sujuan to make a pot of good Longjing tea, and opened a pack of Dabaotai cigarettes.Ms. Zhou said with a smile: "Since I have come to my study, I will be the master for the time being." She poured tea for the aunt and wife and handed cigarettes.The aunt and wife laughed and said: "You ladies, let alone in other people's homes, you can't be the masters even in your own home. You must become a wife after you leave the cabinet, and then you can be the masters!" Ms. Zhou laughed. "According to what you said, I have no hope of being the master in my life." The aunt smiled and said, "That's not entirely true. Maybe in a month or two, you will be the master!" She blushed slightly, and said: "My aunt, don't make jokes. For a person like me, don't say that I don't have such a plan, and I really don't have such a blessing." When she said this, the aunt and wife hadn't answered, but Ziyan snatched it. He said: "As our master is so talented and knowledgeable, there may be no one who is blessed to enjoy it in the future. Tell me, it's not that you are unlucky, it's just that others are unlucky!" The aunt scolded: " Little girl, there are really no rules. What are you talking about? You hope that the master will come out of the cabinet, so you can marry a little son-in-law early. I won’t let you go, I want you to be a girl forever." Ziyan pouted Mouth, dare not say anything.Ms. Zhou laughed and said: "It's really fun to scold, I see you still talk too much!" The aunt and wife talked long and short to Ms. Zhou while smoking a cigarette.Ask her: "How old is the old lady this year?" Ms. Zhou replied: "Sixty-one years old." The aunt and wife said: "You are not too young, you are still in good health?" I am often sick, especially in recent years, with severe phlegm and asthma." The aunt said: "Who is there to take care of the family?" Ms. Zhou sighed and said: "It's hard to describe. There is only one little brother in the family. I am sixteen years old and have not yet graduated from middle school. Fortunately, I have an aunt who often visits at home. My younger brother has a wet nurse who has been in our house for sixteen years. She takes care of cooking in the morning and evening, and relies entirely on her alone. I am very grateful to her for her utter loyalty." When Ms. Zhou said this, her face showed a kind of sadness.The aunt and wife also praised her sincerely, and said: "Your situation is not too strong! As a weak woman, she bears the responsibility of saving everything, her father is old and sick, and the younger brother is still in childhood. I can't help you. Fortunately, there is a maidservant, otherwise, it would be even more difficult." Ms. Zhou nodded and said: "Who says it's not? Whenever I think of home, I feel sick. Sometimes I don't even eat. I can't eat well, and I can't sleep well. I can barely manage the present, but what about the future?" The aunt said: "Why don't you marry your brother a wife as soon as possible. Wouldn't it be better for her to take care of the old lady than to rely solely on the maid Are there many?" Ms. Zhou shook her head and said, "You know one thing, but you don't know the other. Why don't I have such a plan to marry my brother-in-law. But in fact, there are two difficulties: the first one is that although my family is not A famous eunuch, my late father was also a Jinshi in the second list. No matter what, he had to marry a scholarly family so that he would not have a lintel. However, my late father had been an upright official for half a life, and he had no room or a row of land. The recent aristocratic family has very eyelids. They would rather be married to an upstart rich man than give a girl to a poor family. This is the first difficulty; the second is that the younger brother is young and very weak. My mother is determined not to call He married a wife early, which may hinder his physical development. This was originally a kind of subtlety of the old dear son. As a sister, how dare I go against my dear heart and tell him to marry early? This is the second difficulty Aunt and Madam, please think about it. With these two difficulties, can you still mention them now? I have to support them day by day. The future is uncertain, who can take care of it?"

When she said this, she couldn't stop sighing, showing a kind of helplessness.When the aunt and wife saw it, it was time to speak up.Then he took a sip of tea, lit another cigarette, smoked it slowly, and then showed a very concerned attitude, and said to Ms. Zhou: "Master Zhou, I have some heartfelt words to talk to you, but I don't know if you can accept it?" Ms. Zhou heard her words so solemnly, she didn't dare to think of casual chatting, so she replied in a very calm tone: "Wen Jin is a weak woman, but she has been lonely and poor for half her life. Besides, there is almost no one who can love me sincerely. Since the aunt and wife are willing to tell me from the bottom of their hearts, it shows that they really know how to love me, so what else can I not accept?" Hearing her answer like this, the aunt and wife were clearly sincere Accepted.But he refused to reveal it directly, and still said in a roundabout way: "We used to get along for three or four years, but we never had an in-depth conversation. I still think you are a happy family! Today, when we talked, I realized that you have such a good relationship." Difficulties. I have always been the most soft-hearted, and I feel very sorry for you to hear people like this. I will do my best to help you if I can.” Ms. Zhou quickly bowed to thank her, and said: “It’s rare for my wife to be like this. Take good care of me, thank you in advance." The aunt said: "It is our duty to get along with each other, and we can't say thank you. But your family's affairs are another matter. If you want to talk about helping money It is very easy to help others, but the most difficult thing is to help others. But at present, your family does not need help with money, but does need help with people. It is best for the old lady, if you can In the morning and in the evening, stay on the sidelines. As for your younger brother, he is able to study and go to school, strive for further education, so that he will not miss his future. To achieve these two goals, you must have a suitable person who can help you fulfill this responsibility. But this person can be indistinguishable from you, a person who is one, two, two, and one, and only then can this goal be achieved satisfactorily. Do you think what I said is right?" Ms. Zhou heard that there was something in her words. It was inconvenient for me to make further inquiries, so I just replied in a submissive tone: "Isn't what you said right? But such a person is hard to find. Who is willing to do such a big job for me for no reason?" The concubine laughed and said, "It's not difficult. As long as you move your mind, this matter can be completely resolved." Ms. Zhou also laughed and said, "Your words are really strange. Is there anything wrong with my mind? What's the relationship between activities and inaction?" The aunt said: "Don't you understand? Let me tell you the truth. As the saying goes, 'a son-in-law is a son-in-law', if you want to marry a good Husband, shouldn’t he bear all these responsibilities, and achieve a permanent and satisfactory result?” After the aunt and wife finished speaking, they laughed again.Ms. Zhou said: "After talking for a long time, you are still appetizing me! If I have the intention of getting married, how can I wait until today?" The aunt and wife said sternly again: "Master Zhou, don't recognize me. It's just to appetize you. I'm really doing it for you. If you can follow my words, not only your noble family will be able to rely on you, but you can also enjoy the rest of your life. As the saying goes, "Life is alive,如轻尘栖弱草，何必自苦乃尔'。况且你又不是出过嫁的，为前人守节，何必定要博一个贞女的名儿，把一生幸福全都牺牲净尽呢？”周女士听她开门见山地说了这一套，自己低下头去，沉吟不语。

大姨太太一看这情形，知道她的心思已经活动了，便再进一步说道：“我从前也听人说过，你是终身不嫁，宗旨就为的是奉养老母。你的志向固然是很可嘉了，不过你的算盘，却是打错了。你因为不嫁养母，所以才闹得这样进退两难。假如你要肯嫁，决不至有这种现象吧！方才我同你说的那种道理，凭你这样聪明人，还能够不了悟吗？所以我劝你回心转意，早早寻一位佳婿。这真是再好没有的事，你又何必固执呢？”周女士听她又逼进一步来，游说自己，知道她意中必定有人，便也用针锋相对的法子，向她微然一笑，说：“东家太太，您说的道理，诚然颠扑不破，在我也无的可驳，不过就我们女子说嫁人，乃是一生最重大的问题。从古以来，许多才女，因为遇人不淑，闹得饮恨终身，远之如朱淑贞，近之如顾太清，全是一个榜样。文锦虽不敢与古人比，然而我也决不愿落到她们的结果。因此对于婚姻一事，宁可守独身主义，不愿冒昧从事，步了前人的后尘。东家太太料想也能谅解我这番苦衷，又何必一定得勉强我呢！”大姨太太点一点头，说：“你说得很对了。不过照你这样说，并不是不嫁的问题，而是择嫁的问题。难得你居然肯开诚布公地向我说明。我如今试请问你，必须是有什么资格的人你才肯嫁呢？”周女士万没想到，她竟单刀直入地提出这种质问来，闹得自己真有点不好回答。什么事也真是天缘凑合，周女士因为她这一问，把自己问得无法转圜。心想，她既难我，我也难她。便淡淡地答道：“您问有什么资格的才能娶我吗？我虽然认识几个字，我却绝对不要那咬文嚼字的酸婿。我认为满意的，必须能够上马杀贼，下马做露布的，然后才能嫁他。东家太太意中，可有这种适当的人吗？”周女士这样回答，明明是难大姨太太，好堵住她的嘴，使她意中人无法提出，也算借此报复，不肯白白受她的打趣调侃，万没料到这两句话，竟自掉在人家的毂中。大姨太太不听犹可，一听了她这话，不觉欢喜得跳起来，拍手打掌地笑道：“我的师爷，老夫子，寡人就怕你不取这两种资格而落了佳人才子的俗套，要去寻什么司马相如，我可就真没有办法了。哪知道你这位女英雄，竟是独具慧眼，偏要在将军的武库中寻觅佳偶。寡人可以不辱尊命了。”几句话说得周女士愕然一惊，问道：“果有这样人，不见得吧？”大姨太太道：“你先不必问是否有这样人。我先问你，果然有这样人，你到底是嫁不嫁？”周女士道：“果然资格相符，没有丝毫迁就，我一定嫁他，决不反悔。”大姨太太听她说得这样结实，便叫着两个使女的名儿，说：“素娟，紫艳，你两人可听明白啦！你们就是证见。周师爷如果反悔，我就惟你两人是问。”素娟道：“我们师爷，向来是言而有信，决不会反悔的，大姨太太只管说吧。”周女士笑道：“您大概是没人可说，姑且拿两个丫环凑凑趣儿吧。”大姨太太笑道：“你先不要忙。你越心急，我越慢慢地说。这是名满大江南北的头等角色，不能够轻易登场的。”她又喝了半杯茶，润一润喉咙，然后慢慢说道：“周师爷，你不要拿当笑话听。我实对你说吧！这个人胸罗武库，真是当代的杜元凯。要论文学，在前清时代，他曾中过秀才，补过廪生。要论武学，他在德国陆军学校毕过业，回到本国来，曾任保定讲武学堂总办，北京军咨处副使，并且还实地任过陆军统制。在满清时代，已经烜赫一时。当武汉革命起义，亲领大军，做征讨统帅，曾以军功封二等男爵。后来到了民国，又改任直隶都督，奉总统命，亲领大军，到南方平乱。乃至乱事平定，又改任江南都督。直到如今，还赫然为南方重镇。这个人的资格，我试请问，与你所提的符不符？你要如果认为不符，不要说中国，只怕可着全世界也没地方再寻第二个去了。”周女士愕然道：“您说的这个人，可是江苏都督冯国华吗？”大姨太太笑道：“不是他还有谁呢？”周女士连连摇头，说：“冯国华是有正妻的人，文锦虽然不肖，不要说做妾，便是两头大做二房，也万难从命。”大姨太太“嗤”的一声笑了，说：“你们读书人的心眼儿，真能够想入非非。凭我们家里的女老夫子，给人做二房，不要说你不肯，便是我们堂堂项府，也决然不肯丢这人啊！实对你说吧，冯国华的大太太，已经故去两个月了，他堂前又没有姬妾。总统看他中年丧偶，实在可怜，便同我商议，想要给他保一门亲事。只可惜没有适当的淑女身份能与他相称。本来他是中年以上的人了，要说一二十岁的女子，不要说人家给不给，在他自己，也决不属意于这种时髦少艾。年纪大一点的，在世家大族中，轻易寻不出来。寻常人家的庸俗女子，又般配不上。你请想这不倒成了一个难题了吗？是当时我的灵机一动，忽然想到周师爷身上。年岁既相当，讲人品学问，哪一样也敌得过他，这真是天造地设的佳偶，千载难遇的良缘。我向总统一提，总统就极端赞成，说我想得果然不错。后来又虑到周师爷在我家里，是老夫子身份，骤然提出这些话来，又怕唐突了师长。总统为这事很发愁，是我自告奋勇，说旁人说不了的话，我一样能说。差事是讨下来了，到底自己想着也没有十分把握。今天恰赶上老夫子的佳辰，我多喝了几盅酒，只当是说醉话，纵然不成功，也当然可以原谅，我因此才冒昧向你进言。万没料到你提出来的条件，仿佛是专指着这位先生立言。可见世上事默默中全由天定。我们做媒人的，也不过是牵丝引线而已。如今既承你慨然应允，我复命总统之后，总统一定正式执柯，向冯督接洽。料想此事是千妥百稳，你就擎着做都督夫人吧。 ”周女士听她洋洋洒洒说了这一大篇，心里方才明白，这是项子城同他如夫人的谋定后动。自己盘算这门亲事，也不能不算美满。自己将四十岁的人，嫁一个五十几岁的，年龄也不算悬殊。冯国华虽系武人，却出身庠序。平日的威名，也颇能倾动中外。在全国中，总要算第一流人物，嫁了他不为辱没我的终身。想到这里，便很郑重地向大姨太太答道：“总统同东家太太，这样关切我，真使我这穷苦弱女感激涕零。这门亲事，在文锦一方面是没得说了。不过文锦上面，还有老亲在堂。虽说目前是文明时代，婚姻可以自由，到底文锦是旧家庭女子，不敢显背诗礼。此事还得请大姨太太，向家母前善为说辞。文锦只有谨遵亲命就是了。 ”周女士这一席话，总算说得冠冕堂皇。大姨太太连连点头，说：“你自请放心，明天我就去见太夫人，料想必有圆满结果。 "

果然第二天大姨太太纡尊降贵，亲到周女士家中。名目是来问病，其实是来提亲。这位老夫人，平日总是忧愁女儿年龄已经大了。她总是一口咬定奉养老母，终身不嫁，就这样蹉跎下去，已经误了她的青春。做母亲的总觉着对不起女儿。但是一定催她出嫁，不要说女儿舍不得娘，娘也舍不得女儿。老夫人因为此事，竟愁出一种神经病来，每逢见了人，总是愣愣的不发一言，再不然就是唉声叹气。此次大姨太太去了，对她提说这门亲事，又再三解释：“将来过门之后，将老夫人接至都督署中享福。少公子也随过去，送往金陵大学读书。从此以后，你家嫡亲三口儿，朝夕不离。而且一切享受，也要超过目前十倍。”大姨太太粲花妙舌，居然将这位老夫人额上的皱纹全说开了。她的病经过这一席话后，早已好得一半，连连向大姨太太万福申谢。说：“小女的亲事，请您完全做主，老身没有不乐意的。将来我们享福，全是大姨太太所赐。” 大姨太太既得了老夫人的同意，这才回府，将经过情形向总统说知。项子城十分满意，说：“此事虽然成功，还须经过种种手续。我想冯国华那一面，先不必向他说。最好派一个说客，假吊丧为名，到南京走一遭，以言挑之，令其自动地托我说亲。然后再表示怎样替他为力，既可保住了咱们的身份，还可以叫他特别感激。你想这样，比直接向他说，岂不更有力吗？”大姨太太点头称是。项子城斟酌了许久工夫，唯有内史监阮中书最为适当。因为他的口才既好，而又非常圆滑，在北洋系中，是一位很有名的说客，同时也是政治舞台上一个很滑稽的小花脸。无论什么难事，什么不易亲近的人，他全能对付得来。因此总统一想便想到了他，特特把他约至密室，两人秘密地谈了一番。阮中书满口应承，说：“总统自请万安。这一点小事，中书必能不辱君命。”他由公府出来，特特备了上好的缎幛、白绫的挽联，又亲自拟了一篇骈体祭文，极哀感庄重之致，也缮写在白绫上。总统的礼物之外，又特送了一万元赙仪，全交与阮中书带着。他只带了两名护兵，一个随身的长班，一同乘津浦车直奔南京。

公府早有电报拍去，说特派阮内史监为代表，前往南京吊唁。冯国华特派了一文一武，到下关去迎接。阮中书下了车，连一刻都不肯休息，一直到督署来。冯国华因为他是总统派来的，特特开正门鸣炮作乐，欢迎这位大钦差。他见了国华，抢上去拉住手，便放声大哭，一直哭到灵堂前，一定要跪下行礼。国华至再阻拦，说：“老弟是代表总统来的，我们如何敢当此礼？”拦了多时，中书这才三鞠躬而退。国华将他让至内客厅。中书吩咐从人，将总统同自己的礼品，一律献上来，请都督赐收。国华虽系武人，却非常讲究文字，见中书的挽联祭文，格外做得哀恳得体，他便连连致感谢之意。后来中书又取出万元支票来，说是总统送的赙仪，他尤为满意。国华的脾气，向来将兵是多多益善，得钱也是多多益善。如今见总统送了这样厚礼，对阮中书自然也要格外欢迎，特别优待。中书对他说：“我此番前来，一见了大哥，就止不住悲从中来。方才的哭，并非哭大嫂，实在是哭大哥。”国华笑道：“你这话奇了，我现在还活条条的，你哭我做什么呢？”中书道：“大哥误会了。常言说，'中年丧妻，大不幸也。五十断弦，不如捐馆。'这种滋味是人间最难过的。何况大哥是一夫一妻，并无妾媵。我们知己之交，当然关切。所以小弟想起你的境遇来，就代为难过。今日相见益发触景伤情，不知涕泗之滂沱也。”说罢又连连吁气，表示他格外关怀。冯国华一看这情形，便把他引为知己。自己也慨叹着说：“难得老弟如此关切，真比我自己的亲兄弟还强。你别看我身为都督，世界之人，再没有比我命苦的了。”中书很诧异地问道：“大哥这话怎讲？小弟真不明白。凭你这身份，何求而不得，怎么能说到命苦呢？”国华只是摇头，说：“你但知其一，不知其二。实对你说吧，我的家庭中，就有种种难言之隐。我们弟兄两个，舍弟原在家务农，我给他置了不少的地，你就老老实实吃一口庄稼饭，有多么舒服。哪知自从我做了都督，他们两口子全不种地了。带着侄儿侄女，从老家追到天津，又从天津追到南京，一死儿地要充二大人。无论家里外头的事，他总要横插一杠，甚至连账房出入款项，银行往来钱财，他都要稽查到了。从前有山妻活着时候，倒还惧怕她三分。自从她故去以后，简直闹得不像话了。账房的张先生，被他打过两回嘴巴。你那大侄儿，又是一个书呆子，任什么也不懂。有一次叔侄两个也吵起来了，因为几百块钱，二爷硬要下腰，不许入账，你侄儿说，这个使不得，倘然我父亲问下来，怎么交代呢？不怕入账以后，您再提了去，不是一样吗？其实这几句话也没有什么妨碍。哪知竟把他叔叔招翻了，拍桌子，瞪眼睛，大骂他一顿。说：'你少在我眼头里胡说八道，你怕你父亲，我不怕你父亲。咱们的家还没有分呢！连你父亲那都督，都得有我一半。'从此以后，他益发肆无忌惮了。无论官款私款，只要叫他碰上，便生抢硬夺。老弟你想，我正在糟心时候，哪有工夫管他？小儿同儿妇，一者是晚辈，二者也实没有能力。人家有弟兄是彼此互助，我有弟兄是领头儿拆家。像这种糊涂交代，得打到什么时候算完？我每逢想起来，白日不能吃饭，夜里不能睡觉，这真是糟心上又加上一层糟心。像我这种年纪如何能支持得住呢？”国华说了这一大套，又止不住地唉声叹气。中书一听，心说，你这可是投到网里来了。随故作惊异说道：“哎呀，这还了得吗！按情理说，你们是同胞兄弟。我同大哥虽然要好，究竟是异姓兄弟。疏不间亲，原不应当加什么论断。不过这件事不止关系大哥一人。据我想，关系世兄的前途尤为重大。二爷这种举动，不发生于嫂夫人仙逝之前，独发生于嫂夫人仙逝之后，他的居心已经是不可测了。咳！小弟不忍言又不忍不言。”中书说到这里，略一停顿道：“还是不说的好吧。”国华平日很知道他是一位智多星，如今听他说得这样郑重，不觉激灵灵打了一个寒战。忙向下追问道：“老弟，你有什么话自管说啊！你千万不要存疏不间亲的成见。实对你说，愚兄此时心乱如麻，看老弟是我唯一的亲人，你要再这样藏藏掖掖的不肯说话，我更没有路儿可走了。”中书叹了一口气，说：“好，说就说吧。头一样大哥这大年纪，净这一省的军国大政，已经就够你累的了。不要说家庭不和睦，就令家庭和睦，你已经没有富余精神再担任那种米盐琐屑，何况还处在这样局面之下呢！二爷是一眼看到底，借大哥断弦机会，先把财政权抓到手中。其实你们是亲弟兄，你管也罢，他管也罢，都是一样，这原没有多大关系。不过赶在这时候，太不对了。大哥现抱鼓盆之悲，他做弟弟的总应当善体兄怀，早早替哥哥寻觅一位佳偶，使家庭得以维持原状，这才是尽美尽善的办法，怎么能在这时候生心捣乱，同侄儿争产呢？明明是使你精神上受一种极大打击。将来日久天长，一定支持不了。世兄又不能同叔叔相抗，大哥一生心血，岂不要尽付东流吗？”国华本是一位惜财如命的人，近年又上了几岁年纪，益发贪得无厌。他鉴于自己儿子懦弱无能，恐怕将来身死之后，竟至挨饿受冻，恨不得铸成一座金山，一座银山，留为子孙万世之业，将来用小刀子一点一点往下刮，足可五万年刮之不尽。如今听中书发了这一篇议论，不止言言透骨，直是字字刺心，将座位向中书面前挪一挪，低声说道：“老弟，你的话真是金石之言，愚兄越想越有道理。不过这件事是很难办的。舍弟随任也不是一天了，假如我要强制他们回籍，也不见得做不到，不过得要大大地怄一回气。眼前贱内的丧事尚未办完，叫外人看着，不说是舍弟不顾大局，叫人难于忍受，反要说愚兄存了什么坏心，连自己亲兄弟都不能容。你想这不是一个很大的难题吗？”说罢又表示一种踌躇之意。中书哑然笑道：“大哥，你真是聪明一世，懵懂一时。哪里用得着这样小题大做呢？这件事要叫小弟看，可以不动声色，便可措置你的贵家庭于泰山磐石之安。只怕大哥拘拘小节，不肯听我的话罢了。”国华道：“你不要把我看成书呆子，我向来是不拘小节的。只要与事有济，不拘怎样，我都可以从权。”中书点点头，说：“这样就好了。”才要往下说，国华的大公子冯成矩，穿着一身孝服，过来给中书磕头。中书忙用手相搀，说：“世兄遭此大故，总要节哀顺变，上慰尊翁之心，下尽家督之责。我们做朋友的也可以少安。”中书一壁说着，见成矩骨瘦如柴，面目黧黑。心想，这倒是一位孝子，大有哀毁骨立的神气。哪里知道，他是烟瘾太大，平素就是这个样儿呢！成矩见过之后，紧跟着副官差弁一齐上来，请示都督，阮大人的酒席开在哪里。国华道：“开在我的烟室中，也不必请师爷作陪，就是我们两人同桌吃。”副官答应一声。 少时回说摆齐了。国华携着中书的手，一同步入烟室。这烟室在花园中，极其僻静，乃是一大间角形的屋子。各面全有玻璃窗户，四围全有月台栏杆，要在月夜时候将窗帘打起，真好像一座水晶宫。国华本是一个文人，他寻幽选胜，特采取这个地方作为烟室，所为过足了瘾之后，可以吟风弄月，表示他那名士的清高。自从夫人故去以后，早已没有这种豪兴了。今天因为要同阮中书谈心腹秘密，特特把他让到这间屋里。两个人同桌吃饭，好向中书讨主意。这就叫作法不传六耳。中书很明白他这意思，手里擎着酒杯，只夸赞：“这酒真好，真是蹲过十年的老花雕，在北京尚不易得，况南京乎！”国华连连敬了他三大杯，然后说道：“方才承老弟指迷，仅仅说了一半，什么主意你还不曾告诉我。现在是出你之口，入我之耳，可以痛快地说吧。”中书见他这样着急，自己偏表示一种从容态度。慢慢地又喝了一杯酒，又用筷子夹一枚蜜饯海棠，放在口中咀嚼着，然后徐徐吟道：“只恐夜深花睡去，故烧高烛照红妆。据小弟看，大哥只需早早地银烛高烧，娶来一位红装娘子，自然一了百了。你的家庭，从此再也没有问题了。”国华满脸苦笑答道：“老弟你这是拿我开心。愚兄此时，哪里还有这种心思呢？”中书放下酒杯，用一种很郑重的态度，向国华说道：“大哥你怎么说我是拿你开心呢！你岂不闻女子无夫身无主，男子无妻家无主。自从嫂夫人仙逝之后，你家里失去了一位主妇，焉得而不纷乱？大哥只需早早地再调琴瑟重续鸾胶，自然中锁有人。二爷的野心，既可无形消弭，世兄的前途，也可有所依恃。而且大哥这大年纪，也省得衾寒枕冷，受无限的孤寂凄凉，这岂非一举而三善备吗？”说罢又哈哈大笑。国华听他说的句句有理，心里已经是活动了。但是他乃秀才出身，并非那班粗野的军阀可比。面子上总不能不顾及礼制，便慨然答道：“贤弟说的何尝不是。不过于情于礼，似乎还有斟酌余地。”中书忙问道：“大哥，何所见而云然呢？”国华道：“头一样我们是结发夫妻，现在她骨肉未寒，我就商量续娶，这是于情字说不下去。妻死应守一年的期服，至快也应当过大功五个月之后再行续娶。如今尚不足两个月，我怎好意思背礼伤教，就贸然地想做新郎呢？这是于礼字说不去。有此两种原因，所以我说尚有斟酌余地。老弟是局外人，当然不能虑得这样周密了。”中书大笑道：“怎么样？我的话不曾说错了吧！我早就虑到，大哥一定要拘泥于这种小节。其实据小弟眼光看，这都不成问题。您要不信，请听我说。嫂夫人同您是结发夫妻，当然格外情重。她虽身归天上，究竟不能忘怀的，只有大哥同世兄两人。如今见大哥终日愁烦，世兄受人欺负，而且偌大家私无人主政，她心里当然要感到不安。假如这时要是有一个人能为大哥减去愁烦，能为世兄增加保障，能使家庭一切秩序俱得恢复原状，偌大财产也可保持安全，我想嫂夫人在天之灵，方欢迎之不暇，又安能怨大哥薄情？这是第一个情字，毫不足虑。至于说到礼制，我们读书人固应遵守，然而天下事有经亦有权。当日圣人制礼，也不一定叫人去死守。比如大哥若在青年，并没有家庭内顾之忧，那么就是守一年的期服也不为过。如今家庭起了内讧，而大哥又过中年，这是在一种变态之下，理应通权达变，以求家庭之福，岂能再拘泥于这种小节！这是第二个礼字，更不成问题了。大哥是圣贤豪杰合而为一的人，怎么对于自己的事，独不能观其大而会其通呢？”中书真是苏张之舌。他这一套又关切又奉承又圆通又恳挚的谈话，居然打动了国华的心。一壁执壶殷殷劝酒，一壁慨叹着说：“事到而今，我为家庭子孙起见，也顾不得许多了。不过这其间还有一种难处，就是人选问题。虽说我的资望地位，在目前总算敷衍得过，到底年纪太大了。人家名门闺秀，谁肯嫁一个老朽？若降格以求，那些小家碧玉，姑无论非我所愿，纵令娶过来，对于我的家庭，如何能够处理得好。老弟你想这岂不是一个难题吗？”中书道：“要依大哥的意思，是得怎么样才算合格呢？”国华想了想，说：“我的意思并不苛求。头一样说世家的根柢，只要是世代书香，门第清白，不怕寒苦一点，也没要紧。第二样年龄不要过于幼稚，最好是三十里外，与我的岁数正好般配。第三样相貌也无须怎样美丽，只要端庄雅静，站在人前，不至贻嫫母之诮，我就于愿已足。以上这三样，据我想尚不难求。唯有第四样，却恐怕有点不易寻觅。”中书忙问：“第四样是什么？”国华道：“第四样就是她本人得要知书识字，有学问，有心计，而且还得有口才，有魄力，能够镇得住合家之人，使他们各安本分，各勤职务，从此以后，谁也不敢再生事捣乱。老弟你想，我们中国妇女中，哪里寻得到这样全才，这岂不是一个难题吗？” 中书到此时，忽然满斟了一杯酒，两手高高捧着，送至国华面前，笑道：“小弟敬上一杯，祝大哥成功。”国华接过来，却不肯饮。说：“你的话我不明白。我什么事可以成功，值得你这样庆祝。”中书笑道：“大哥不日便可得一位贤内助，小弟焉敢不贺，焉敢不祝？”国华道：“贤内助在哪里？连影儿还没看见，贤弟就祝贺，未免太早吧。”中书到此时，方才正式揭开，说：“大哥，小弟实对你说，我已替你物色了一位贤内助，保管能使你十分满意。”国华听了，不觉又惊又喜道：“老弟，你真是我冯家福星，为愚兄之事，叫你这样费心关切，我得怎样地