Chapter 99 The ninety-sixth chapter of willows, crows and sparrows anesthetizes the great hero, magpie eggs, and the bird's nest shows good skills

The two congressmen, Xu Ling, were having a dream at noon in the hall, but they were picked up by a car sent by the police department.Ling Bing knew in his heart that there was always more bad luck than good luck.But until now, I have no choice but to accept my fate.Only Xu Renjing was sitting in the car, and kept cursing. Ling Bing advised him: "Stop complaining like this. It's not beneficial, but it's harmful. Why bother?" Renjing not only refused to accept it. , but said Ling Bing: "Timid and fearful! You are afraid of Xiangzicheng, my surname Xu is not afraid of Xiangzicheng, but how dare he dare to do me?" Ling Bing said angrily: "What about you? Isn't it? Shoot? Even my results are nothing more than that, what else can I say?" Ren Jing said: "If he doesn't shoot me, I'll have to scold him for a day! I can't live anyway, so I'm happy and happy. Like you don't Huh no, he must have pity and not shoot you?" The two were arguing in the car, which had already entered the gate of the police station and pulled straight to the front of the special treatment room.Ma Rui jumped out of the car and said to Xu Ling and the others: "Here we are, please sit inside!" The two got out of the car and followed Ma Rui into the special treatment room.

Ling Bing raised his eyes and saw that there was another person sitting in the room, not only from his hometown, but also a comrade.His surname is Jia Mingjie, his style name is Yingchao, and he is also from Henan. He studied in Japan since he was a child, and joined the Iron Blood League. The person he opposed the most in his life was Xiangzicheng.After the founding of the Republic of China, he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives, but he refused to take office. Instead, he gave up to an alternate Wang Shoujing.But he himself organized a "People's Voice" in Beijing, advocating opposition all day long.Xiang Zicheng hated him so much that he asked someone to help him, promising him a deputy chief, but he completely refused.Later, he promised to give him 30,000 yuan to study in Europe and the United States, and to leave Beijing, but he also shook his head and refused.This made Xiang Zicheng very angry, so he secretly dispatched troops and set up traps to deal with him.At this time, Henan Bailang was making a lot of trouble. He had 70,000 to 80,000 people under his command, killing people, kidnapping people for ransom, sometimes slaughtering villages, capturing cities, and even counting county magistrates.Xiangzicheng also sent people over and over again to call for security, but Bai Lang and Wang Tianchong swore to be at odds. He knew that Tianchong had already surrendered to Xiangzicheng, and all his subordinates were reorganized into arch guards.Bai Lang's wild nature is difficult to tame, since he went to Wang Tianchong as his formidable enemy, he felt that in Henan province, there was no other person who could subdue him.As for those officers and soldiers, in his eyes, they were nothing but mobs, not worth a single blow, so his courage became more and more bold, and he ran amok in the counties and counties of Henan and Hebei.Xiangzi City is being honored with a high arch.When he was full of ambition, there were such thieves in his hometown, and he always felt that he was not good-looking.But it is necessary to seriously send troops to suppress them. The Beiyang divisions are defending the south. Although there are many soldiers in Henan, they are not temperate divisions. They must not confront Bai Lang.Because of this matter, he was very embarrassed, and later he thought of a way to fight poison with poison, so he instructed Lu Chengzhang to tell Wang Tianchong: "At present, the people of Henan are suffering from Bai Lang, and my brother is also from Henan. It seems that he should not ignore it. President Said, if you are willing to go to Henan to fight against Bailang, you will be given the name of the province's township supervisor, and you will be allowed to recruit 20,000 township soldiers to wipe out Bailang. Let's go bravely." Zai Lu Chengzhang thought that Tian Chong would be happy to obey.Unexpectedly, he snorted through his nose and said, "Forget it! I don't want to be an official anymore in my whole life. When I surrendered to Duke Xiang, I promised to give me a teacher. Later, I gave up all the brothers under my command to Duke Xiang." No, the division commander never fell on my head, and he took on a false name in vain. I don’t know what a senior military councilor is. Give me 1,200 yuan a month. I don’t want it on purpose. It’s the president’s face; Accept it, it’s too boring to spend this money. Now I’m being asked to flatten Bailang. Bailang’s roots are deeply ingrained, how could it be easy to flatten him? If in the past, there was a group of my subordinates who would all listen to my command, Although I am not very sure, I can still fight him a few times. Now that my old department has been reorganized, what should I use to confront him? I have to ask the governor to reply to the president politely. Please forgive me for being insensitive.” Lu Chengzhang touched his nails, so he couldn't say anything more, so he told Xiang Zicheng the next day.Zicheng smiled slightly and said, "If he doesn't go, he won't go. People are afraid of idleness, and the more idle they become, the more lazy they become. He lives in Beijing, and he is so comfortable. How can he go back to Henan to do the business of leading the battle?" After a few perfunctory words, Lu Chengzhang withdrew.

Xiang Zicheng thought in his heart, listening to Wang Tianchong's words, he is very dissatisfied with me, and it may not be easy to use him in the future.But this kind of person is not an idle person, just relying on his art, he is capable of defeating thousands of people. He is not used by me, and he knows that he will not be used by others.If he wants to help others in the future and turn his face against me, this is really a kind of heartache.It seems that precautions must be taken in advance, but what means are appropriate?For example, it would be too revealing to put him to death with the hot hands of the past.In the guard army, there are many of his old troops. Wouldn't it make these people disintegrate?This is absolutely unavoidable, it must be done differently, so that he is willing to fall into the trap without knowing it, and it is not necessary to kill him. It is only necessary to make him indulge in a hobby, and he will not be able to call himself a man in the future. It becomes waste.Thinking of this, he sent a message to tell his military attache, one named Zhang Qisheng and the other Wan Chengxiang, to come up together. Xiang Zicheng told them to do this and that slowly. To achieve their goal, the two made no noises and came down together.Zhang Qisheng is from Shandong. He has been working in the military circles of the three eastern provinces for a long time.Later, he got into trouble in the three northeastern provinces, and someone wanted to murder him, so he fled to Beijing, entrusted the favor of Third Young Master Xiang, recommended him to the president, and was appointed as a military attache.He got this errand for himself, just like the emperor's imperial guard in the Manchu Qing Dynasty, he could run amok in Beijing's brothel.When he was off work, he and a group of whoring friends ate wine and played cards in Badabu, spending money like water, so there was no one in each small class who didn't know Mr. Zhang.That Wan Chengxiang is from Anhui, and Zhang Qisheng is also first-class, but he has one more hobby than Zhang. He is very addicted to opium. He always takes cigarettes at any time and never gets drunk. Two cigarette creams are also clean.And he only eats what his friends eat, not his own. Every day after breakfast, he goes out to play cigarette circles. He may bump into someone's house, and he eats as much as he lays down. He will never eat until the cigarette box is empty. give up.He not only lives on opium himself, but also always persuades his friends to smoke opium. He said that opium can boost the spirit and change the temperament. It is the Daluo Jinxian in the sky.For example, if you want to do something against your heart, just light up the cigarette lamp, point the lamp to your face, face to the lamp, push the longevity ointment from the lamp holder, and emit a scent of fragrance, which penetrates into the nostrils and enters immediately. In the mind, in the limbs, infused in the muscles and bones, making the blood flow in the whole body lively, as if born out of the world.At this time, although there are icebergs in front, it does not need to be cold; there are volcanoes in the back, it does not need to be hot.Even after the death of his wife, he doesn’t want to continue his marriage; after his son’s death, he doesn’t want to adopt him; after his parents and brothers die, he can’t even shed a single tear.This really corresponds to what Mencius said: I am good at cultivating my noble spirit.No matter what you encounter, you can stay calm, and you must be like this in life to be truly happy.Anyone who opposes opium is a fool who does not know the truth. If he is asked to taste the taste, he is afraid that the world, no matter what happy state, will not exchange it with opium.Whenever he met a non-smoking friend, he would make such strange remarks, and those who were self-restraining just ignored him.The talkative retorted and said: "You are a military man, and now you are serving as a military officer. You have to mount a horse to kill thieves and raise your gun to fight to the death. If you lie on the couch all day long, holding an opium pipe, if the enemy Now, is it possible that smoking guns can also go into battle?" Wan Chengxiang said with a stern face: "Why can't smoking guns go into battle? It's all about courage. For example, if you have this courage, you can defend against the enemy with a stick of firewood; I have had enough of the addiction. At that time, when I kicked my legs and stretched my arms, I really had the power to lift the mountain. With this courage, I went forward to defeat the enemy. How could the enemy not be defeated? The Green Camp in the Qing Dynasty, Which one doesn't smoke opium? With a bong in his waist and a foreign gun on his shoulder, he can charge forward. One year, the British and French allied forces attacked Beijing from Tianjin. On the way, they encountered a green battalion. Shooting forward, seeing the bullets hit the battalion soldiers, but still standing upright. This frightened all the foreign soldiers, saying that there must be treasures on them, and all the foreign soldiers backed away in fright Later, after inquiring, I found out that most of the hundreds of green battalion soldiers survived the bullets. It turned out that before the arrival of the foreign soldiers, they were all laying down on the field and smoking opium. They asked them to eat. Because they were not addicted enough, they refused to eat. When they were addicted, the cooks each brought them a few cakes before they opened their mouths to eat. They reported that the foreign soldiers had arrived. They were so close. They didn't care about eating them, so they put pancakes in their bosoms, and each of them carried four or five pieces, which almost covered the belly, chest, left and right ribs. When the two armies faced each other, the guns of the foreign soldiers flew away. Come here, as long as you beat it on the pancake, as soon as you see the soft surface, you will lie down immediately, not even a little bit of oily skin. This is the case in nine out of ten cases, so the foreign soldiers will be scared away. Just think, if they If you don’t eat opium, you’ll eat all the pancakes, so how can you rely on it as a treasure for self-defense? It can be seen that opium smoke is really beneficial to marching. We soldiers, how can we not smoke as much as possible?” He said in a cloudy manner. One set, so angry that his friends avoided him far away.On the contrary, he was complacent and said, "I, an opium smoker, can actually fight with scholars. In the future, I will not only be able to lead troops as a general, but also to be a plenipotentiary envoy to foreign countries when I have an opportunity. Maybe I will be able to do it happily!"

He and Zhang Qisheng received Xiang Zicheng's secret orders, and they will have a source of income, so they went to find the third young master Xiang, and told them about the president's entrustment, and money was the only way.As a small errand, we can only lose our time and attention. If we want to spend money to make a fortune and attract people, who knows that Wang Tianchong has been a big boss for many years?He plucks a single hair thicker than our legs.If we risk our lives to accompany a gentleman, we must afford it!Third Young Master Xiang understood that they came here to ask for money, and he was happy to take this opportunity to share some profits with them, so he fully agreed: "This matter is easy to handle, but you have to say something first, we will divide the accounts four or six. If Take out one thousand, you can only take six hundred, and the four hundred are mine." Zhang Wan and his wife had already thought about it: as long as they can get it, not to mention four or six, even if it is folded in half, it won't hurt us. , we will have it a few more times.They promised repeatedly: "Follow the order of the third young master." The first time they opened a note, they received 5,000 yuan, 3,000 yuan for Zhangtai Zouma, and 2,000 yuan for piccolo playing horizontally.The third young master said something in the accounting room, and of course the money would be issued immediately.The two shared 3,000 yuan and discussed with each other, how to get it?Wan Chengxiang said: "I have met Wang Tianchong several times. Although we don't have a deep friendship, we can still be regarded as friends. This matter must be initiated by me, so as not to appear abrupt." Zhang Qisheng asked him what he got at the beginning, Chengxiang said : "I have made a calculation. Tianchong was originally a martial artist. I heard that his swordsmanship is very high. It is indeed a Wudang sword. I have a sword at home. The word Cao Bin is engraved on the hilt. It is said that it is indeed a relic of Cao Bin, the great general of the Northern Song Dynasty. There are fish scales on the back of the sword, which shimmers blue in the sunlight. This is indeed a precious sword, some people have seen it before, and they say that this sword is the ancient Qinglong sword, so there are scales on its back. We only need to use this as an excuse to recruit him and slowly try to figure it out." Cheng When Xiang said this, he whispered in Sheng's ear, telling him so and so.Qi Shenglian praised: "Good plan, good plan!"

Two days later, Chengxiang prepared a sumptuous banquet at home, and specially sent out eight posts, and the people who were invited were military counselors except for the attendants and military officers, and Zhang Qisheng and Wang Tianchong were all invited.His post stated clearly: Recently, he accidentally bought an ancient sword handle. It is indeed a treasure, and he specially invites the driver to visit him for identification.And prepare a thin drink to appreciate together.Sign Wan Chengxiang to order.This paper invitation really has great effect, Wang Tianchong unexpectedly came at the right time.When he saw Chengxiang, he laughed loudly and said, "What cheap stuff? Brother Wan collected them all, and my younger brother also opened his eyes today." Chengxiang also laughed and said, "Brother Wang is a Fayan, what kind of You haven’t seen Baojian before, and my younger brother invited you here just for the sake of being famous and worth ten times. Don’t be too busy, let’s introduce you friends first.” There are Zhang Qisheng, Li Songlin, and Wang Naiwu in the seat, all of whom are military officers; Sun Huanmou , Zhou Zhiyang, and Ma Guangdou are all military counselors.Sun Zhouma and Wang Tianchong all knew each other, only Zhang Qisheng and the other three had met for the first time.Tian Chong circled around for a while, Zhang Qisheng especially got close to him, asking questions, Tian Chong of course also asked him what he did in the past.He laughed loudly and said: "My little brother is a straightforward man. To tell you the truth, I have been a bandit in the three eastern provinces for eight years. Later, I changed into the military and served as a battalion officer for two terms. Because I got tired of being outside the pass, Tete ran to Beijing, and was sent by the President of Mongolia as a military attache. It was a great luck. Brother Wang, don’t laugh at the younger brother’s rudeness, but just worry about the younger brother’s background.” Qi Sheng’s words are deliberately teasing Tian Chong On the contrary, Tian Chong thinks that Qi Sheng is a good man who sees his heart clearly and sees his nature.I also slapped myself, and laughed loudly: "Brother Zhang, we are really a family. You are a gangster, and I am the head of the pole. No one has to worry about anyone. As long as you think highly of me, you will get closer to each other in the future. Because we No one dares to get close to this kind of person, so I have to ask Mei Xiang to find someone." This remark caused all the people present to applaud and laugh, and said: "After all, they are Wang and Zhang. They are worthy of their true qualities. We all want to I want to imitate the two of you, but I can't learn it! How can I not get close?" Wan Chengxiang ordered wine to be served, and he wanted to admire the sword before the banquet.Wang Tianchong couldn't wait any longer, and said, "Master, why do you have to act like this? Quickly take out the sword and let me see it. Didn't you hear an ancient poem saying: Look at the sword and lead the cup to grow. How can you drink without seeing the sword?" Where are you going?" Cheng Xiang hurriedly took out the sword from the inner room, held it in both hands, and handed it to Tian Chong.Tian Chong also took it with both hands, and saw that the green sharkskin sheath was already worn out.The hilt of the sword is exposed from the sheath, but it has a golden mouth and a golden handle.Tian Chong took the sword and didn't draw it out, but carefully examined whether there was a word on the hilt.When he discovered the word Cao Bin, he said in amazement: "This is an ancient relic of the Southern Tang Dynasty! When Cao Bin attacked the south of the Yangtze River, he took nothing but two swords: one was called Qinglong. The sword is called the Herring Sword. He engraved his name on the hilt as a memorial forever. Is this sword a herring or a green dragon?” Cheng Xiang raised his thumb and praised, “Good eyesight! A master of swordsmanship." After Tianchong finished speaking, he still held the sword in both hands and handed it back to Chengxiang.Chengxiang was surprised and said: "Brother Wang, why don't you take it out to appreciate it? Could it be that through the scabbard, you can see the full spirit of the sword?" Tian Chong shook his head and said: "You are wrong, we are invited guests, You are the master, and the guest is in front of the master, how can you draw your sword? Drawing a sword is disrespect, can you bear the crime of disrespect?" When Tian Chong said this, everyone couldn't feel awe, saying: "After all, the king General, you really deserve to be a Confucian general! How could we rude people think of this level?" Cheng Xiang hurriedly took it, took it out by himself, put it on the case respectfully, and then smiled at Tian Chong: "Please look at it! Can you still say that you are disrespectful?" Tian Chong came over, lightly held the sword in his hand, took a look at it, nodded and said it was true.Strolling into the courtyard again, under the sun, he looked carefully at the sunlight and said: "This sword is indeed Cao Bin's old thing, but the scales on the sword are fish scales, not dragon scales, so it can only be called the herring sword, not the sword. It's called Qinglong Sword, I don't know whose hands the Qinglong Sword fell into? However, it's already worth a thousand gold just for this bite." Chengxiang said: "As long as it's real, it's fine, let it be Qinglong and herring. But I don't know General Wang It is said that it is a fish scale and not a dragon scale, what is the difference between the fish scale and the dragon scale?" Tian Chong laughed and said: "It is not worth half a penny, the fish scale is round, and the dragon scale is also square. For example, square-headed snakes must belong to dragons, and if a square-headed snake is found on a river project, officials and people will all regard it as a king, this is the reason."

When Tian Chong said it, everyone present was amazed.Suddenly Li Songlin jumped up and said: "General Wang has learned from all ages, and he has dispelled my ten-year suspicion." As he said this, Tian Chong suddenly came over, took his hand and asked: "General Li, if you say this, the Azure Dragon Sword must be It's in your hands." Li Songlin asked Tianchong to sit down, and said: "General Wang, don't be too busy, listen to my younger brother and tell everyone carefully. My younger brother was originally a descendant of Li Wu, a master of bullets. My family's bodyguards have been here for generations. In my generation, transportation is convenient, firearms are prevalent, and the journey of bodyguards is almost cancelled. The younger brother has learned martial arts, but has no place to earn a living. Later, he was unable to do so, so he had to go to various states and counties to perform art. That year he went to Shanxi , passed through Lingshou County, and lacked money, so I had to set up a place in the busy market, punched twice, danced with the sword again, and begged for a few money from everyone. It was also at that time that the younger brother was ignorant and uttered big words. I said that my swordsmanship is the true teaching of Wudang, and I have traveled all over the five northern provinces, and I have never met an opponent. These two words are not important, but it will lead to disaster. I saw an old man in his seventies, His hair was bald, his beard was gray, his waist was bent, and his feet were weak. He ran into the arena and asked me, "What's your surname? What's your name? Come to our place, How dare you say such wild words! He must be proficient in swordsmanship, the old man came here to learn.' I saw that he was so old at the time, and I thought he was looking for a coffin book, so I smiled and said: 'Old man , at your age, it would be nice to ask your grandchildren to beat your legs and lock your beard at home, and take you for a walk on the side of the road. What are you doing here?' The old man sneered, Said: "Ignorant child, do you think I'm looking for a coffin book? To tell you the truth, the old man is here to teach you a lesson! You really don't know that a newborn child with a yellow mouth dares to make such wild remarks. How high is the sky and how thick is the earth! Come, come! Since you boast that you are proficient in swordsmanship, and the old man stands in the middle, you can use your sword to slash or stab, as you like. I am unarmed, if your sword touches me I am willing to worship you as my teacher.' I was only in my twenties at that time, and it is true that a newborn calf is not afraid of tigers. Also, this old man ridiculed and scolded him in front of everyone, just like a father teaching his son and a professional teacher teaching him a lesson. Students, you need to be more strict. Please think about how a young and energetic person can bear it? I said to him at the time: "Master, this is you who found me, not my youngest kid who dared to bully the old seniors." All the gentlemen present have also seen it. If everyone dares to guarantee that when I fail to make a move, I will hurt the old man. Don’t blame me, then I will dare to learn. Otherwise, I would rather ask the old man to beat me. I punched and kicked me a few times, and I would never dare to fight back without authorization." After I finished speaking, more than half of the people present came out to vouch for it, saying: "It doesn't matter, you just have to be bold and compete with the old man. If you injure him by mistake, with all of us as notaries, you will definitely not be blamed, so you can be confident and bold.' I heard everyone say this, and I was confident, so I clasped my fists to the old man and said: "Old man, since you are willing to teach me, it seems that you can't empty your hands. Apart from the sword, I have a few weapons here. What do you like to use?" , can be chosen at will.Otherwise, it would be too embarrassing for me to hit an unarmed old man even though I am a young and strong guy with a weapon in my hand. ’ I thought I was able to speak in a proper way when I spoke like this, but the old man laughed wildly again after hearing this, and said: ‘How can you use a weapon in a fight with a child like you?No need to show off nonsense, hurry up and send your recruits. ’ I picked up the sword, very hesitant in my heart: If I really want to make a move, stab him with a sword, even though there are people who guarantee it, I am afraid that there will be a dispute.Then I thought again, maybe this old man is a Lian family son, otherwise, who would dare to protect him from the local people?Looks like it must have roots.When I thought of this, I held the sword in both hands, said a word of please to the old man, and hurriedly took a step back. With the sword in my right hand, I used a forward-flowing posture to stab the old man's chest.Unexpectedly, the sword was pushed over, the person fell with the sword, the old man was short and came down from the edge of the sword, I knew it was not good, if I wanted to withdraw the sword, how could I have time?But when he felt his wrist go numb, the double-edged sword was actually in the old man's grasp.I was really anxious at this moment, and I raised my leg, trying to kick the old man to the ground.Unexpectedly, as soon as he lifted his foot, he was pushed by his heel, so he couldn't stand stably, and he fell on his back.The old man took a step forward, stepped on my chest with his broken shoe, held the sword upside down in one hand, pointing down, aiming at my throat.At that time, I thought he was really going to stab him, so I closed my eyes and waited for death.Unexpectedly, the old man laughed loudly, moved his feet, and said: "Get up, let's see if you are still crazy?" ' At this time, the people inside and outside the court cheered like a thunderstorm.I opened my eyes and saw the old man standing aside, with the sword thrown aside, I stood up and knelt down to the old man in shame, and said: "My disciple is ignorant and speaks wild words. Fortunately, the old patriarch taught me like this." , This is exactly the fulfillment of my life, and my disciples thank you here. The old man laughed and said, "Please come up, strong man. It's rare that you know and recognize it. This is really a hero, and it's not in vain for the old man to spend a lot of effort." 'I still refused to stand up at that time, and begged again and again, willing to worship under his door.Because my age is very different from the old man, I am willing to call him the master, but I beg him to accept me.The old man refused at first, but later, with the help of those present, some who knew the old man said, "You have no descendants at your knees, why don't you take him in?"Wouldn't it be nice to be your old grandson? ’Everyone, you said something to each other, made the old man feel alive, and then discussed with me: ‘Can you deny that I am a righteous grandfather, as my righteous grandson, when our old couple dies in the future, you grab a handful of soil, bury us?I am willing to pass on all the unique skills of my life to you. 'I prostrated four times at that time, and immediately called the old man a grandfather, and my grandson would like to serve his grandparents for life.The old man was very happy, and asked two elderly people present as a guarantee, and told me to go home with him with my luggage and weapons.It turned out that his family lived in a small village in the south of Lingshou City called Caolin Village.In this village, eight out of ten residents are all surnamed Cao, and it is said that they are all descendants of Cao Bin.The old man's name is Cao Bingyi. He has practiced martial arts since he was a child.His wife, Jia Shi, had never had any children. Friends advised him to take a concubine, but he refused. Later, he retired and returned home, only guarding a few acres of Susukida.The old couple are all over seventy years old, they are not deaf, their eyes are not blurred, and they are in very good health.In his own clan, there is only a distant family, no close branch.None of the children from the distant house could be seen by him, so he has lived to be more than seventy years old and has never had a step-children, and now he unintentionally accepts me as a step-grandson, which is also a kind of accidental fate.After I went home with him, I lived in his house, studied art with him day and night, and helped him with housework.The most touching thing is my righteous grandmother, the old lady is kind and peaceful, and treats me like a grandson.I lived in his house for two years, and all the Cao surnames in the same village hated me, saying that I had a different surname.I once gave a speech to everyone in the temple of my village. The purpose of my coming here was to learn from my righteous grandfather, and I had no intention of making money.His surname is his Cao, I am my surname Li, and there is no such thing as a different surname.Since I learned art from others, of course I have to serve them.One day my adopted grandparents passed away, and I saw them buried together, so I left the village immediately.Except for my original luggage and weapons, I will never carry a single plant or tree. All my righteous grandfather's property and land will be dealt with fairly by your clan. I, Li Songlin, will never ask questions. Don't you feel relieved?After this explanation, everyone's jealousy really dissipated.Another year passed, and my swordsmanship was completely graduated. Just in time for the Mid-Autumn Festival in August, the old man drank wine to the moon and was very happy.He took out a sword from the bottom of the box, and danced it by himself under the bright moon.After the dance, he handed the sword to me again and told me to dance the same way, and then he said solemnly to me: "This sword is an ancestral thing. It should not be shared with people with foreign surnames, but my family Among them, there are all the townspeople and peasants, none of them can bear this sword.Therefore, I have been visiting outside for more than ten years, and it was very difficult to meet you. I am good at matching people all my life. When I see you, I know that you will have a career in the future, so I will use small tricks to return your spirit head-on , and then accept you as a righteous grandson, take you to your own home, and experience it for three years, knowing that although you are young, you are old and trustworthy.Therefore, I will try my best to pass on the unique skills of my life to you. Today, on the day of the full moon in the Mid-Autumn Festival, I specially took out this sword and presented it to you. You must treasure it carefully and remember my words: the sword survives, and the sword perishes.When you are middle-aged, you must have a great career, but when you have power, don't be willful and reckless, this sword is your life. 'I followed the old man's words and kowtowed to accept it.This old man was really a living god. After he gave the sword, he passed away peacefully and forever within three months.His wife, Jia Shi, was only half a month late, and she also followed.Seeing that the two old people were buried together, I hired a car on the cemetery and took all my luggage and weapons away.I asked his clansman surnamed Cao to handle the aftermath of the family.This is a very interesting history before and after I got the Azure Dragon Sword.Today, because I saw the Herring Sword, I couldn't help feeling infinitely more emotional, so I remembered this period of history. I never wanted to tell people, because what General Wang talked about was really worthy of the sword's confidant, and I couldn't bear to be bored any longer. Not announced. "

After Songlin finished talking about the history of swords in one go, all the people present applauded and praised, saying: "General Li's future must be limitless." Zhang Qisheng jumped up and said: "Pinks are given to beauties, and swords are given to martyrs. Today we have both swords." Now that I am the master, I feel infinite brilliance at this table, but it is a pity that there is no pink lady, and I always feel a little dry. My old Zhang suggested that we all be impartial, each call a note, and surround us. Drink enough to live up to these two swords. Otherwise, the Qinglong Qingyu, who kills without blinking an eye, will be told to drink too much wine. If it gets impatient and loses its temper, how can we deal with it?" The words aroused everyone hehe laughing out loud.Wan Chengxiang first said: "Brother Zhang is right, come on! Brother Sun Huanmou is the best writer, please ask him to write the note for you. I am still an old friend, Jin Fu from Sanxi Class. Brother Zhang has too many acquaintances. His name is One is not satisfying, it’s better to order half a dozen. You, grandson, just hold your pen and listen to the order.” Zhang Qisheng opened his voice, as if he was reporting the name of a waiter’s dish, and he is from Shandong, so he has a bit of a waiter’s taste. He only heard him shouting: "Wulin Chun Xiaobao, Yihongyuan Aiyu, Sanhualou Lingxian, Yongniguan Xiaoqiu, just these four, not too few." Chengxiang said: "No way! You are a northerner, but you specially greet these southern barbarians, and you can’t even understand the words. What’s the point? You call two northerners to join in the fun.” Qi Sheng said: “You are a southerner Why don't you welcome the southerners?" Chengxiang laughed and said, "Do you think I am a southerner? You have to know: our Anhui Province is not the south, and the Huai River Basin has belonged to the north since ancient times. From the Three Kingdoms to the east and west In the two Jin Dynasties, Anhui was used as the boundary between the north and the south. Anhui is in the north and it is the barrier of Henan, so Zhang Liao is famous for Xiaoyaojin. Said: "Who will tell you the history? Whether it's the south or the north, as long as you look good, it's better than anything else." Wan Chengxiang said: "It makes no sense! Are you talking about friends or prostitutes?" Qi Sheng said: "Of course she is a prostitute, can a friend compare with a prostitute?" Cheng Xiang said: "Don't talk nonsense! Do you think of someone you like?" Qi Sheng said: "It doesn't matter, add two more: one is Cui Fang Ban Jingui, one is Sanxi Ban Xiaoqing, this can make up half a dozen, don't bother me anymore." Everyone present called one, only Wang Tianchong said that he had never greeted anyone before, so he didn't know who to call.Qi Sheng stepped forward and said: "General Wang, if you want to find a lover, I need my old Zhang to introduce you. Recently, in the Chunyun class, there came a man named Xiangjun, who was born in Luoyang, Henan. He behaves generously and speaks frankly. He is not known to know this person unless he is General Wang. I, Lao Zhang, have seen him many times, and my heart is itchy, and then I think, I am really unworthy of this face, so I will keep the jade for Gao Xian. General Wang Her beautiful blessing is really not small." Tianchong said: "In this case, brother Zhang knows her, and younger brother can use it as an excuse." Qi Sheng said: "Don't let it go! If you let it at this time, you will turn your face and regret it." Everyone They all laughed and said, "Even though General Wang is lustful, he wouldn't be so impatient!" Chengxiang urged Sun Huanmou to write quickly, and sent two family members to each small class in Babu with notes.The small class saw that it was the military officer of the government calling someone, who would dare to delay for a moment?Fortunately, Mansion Wan lived in Fenfang Glass Street, not far from Babu. In a blink of an eye, it seemed as if flowers and butterflies were flying back and forth, coming to Wanzhai one by one.The first one to arrive was Sanhualou Lingxian, she was from Nanjing, her feet were bound very tightly, and when she walked, she probably took the slight steps of Concubine Luo Shangmi Lingbo.Followed by Sanxi Ban Xiaoqing also arrived, although he is from the north, but he was born short and moderate, fine and slender.After a short time, there were thirteen of them in total, and the King of Xiang, who was called the favorite of heaven in his prime, had not arrived yet.Qi Shengfa said anxiously: "It's really a famous actor, he always has to sing the show, why don't you come at this time?" Tian Chong said: "My little brother has never been interested in this, it would be good if he didn't come." Qi Sheng said: "There must be some reason for her. Xiang Jun usually doesn't have the bad habit of resisting the head."

Everyone was discussing, when Mr. Xiang arrived, she was wearing a green satin cheongsam, with a shiny braid, and two white satin soap shoes embroidered with blue flowers on her feet. She had no makeup on her face. The natural clear water face is very fair, with beautiful features and natural affection, it does have a natural beauty.It is much stronger than that artificial and thick powder.It's a pity that Yurong is thin and thin, with a three-point sickness.When she arrived, she first called Master Zhang, who is Master Wang, please guide me.Qisheng pulled her to the front of the heavenly pet seat, and said with a smile: "General Wang, because I am from your hometown and admire your name, so I, Lao Zhang, acted as a matchmaker, so I pulled this strip of leather for you. Just get closer." On the one hand, he said to Tian Chong: "Look, with such a talent, I can finally be worthy of you." Everyone followed suit, saying: "As expected, you are not General Wang, so you can't bear such a peerless beauty." Xiang Jun again accused him again and again, saying: "I should have come earlier, but I couldn't get up because of stomach qi disease for several days. I heard that Mr. Zhang called for my friend, so I didn't dare not to come. I had to take two pills to help qi. Hastily combed a braid, whipped it up, and came here." Qi Sheng said: "You have stomach qi disease, why didn't you tell me earlier? There is a lot of smoke in Master Wan's house. You can take a few bites later. Taking medicine is much more effective!" Xiang Jun said: "Thank you, since I got this disease, many people have advised me to take cigarettes, because I am afraid of becoming addicted, so I have never dared to take a single sip." Qi Sheng said : "Addiction is not easy to talk about. I don't eat more than ten mouthfuls a day. I have been eating for six or seven years, and I haven't seen the shadow of addiction yet." Chengxiang came over and said: "All the guests are here, and the girls are enough. Let's have a formal drink." With an order, the family set up tables and warmed up the wine.Chengxiang must let Tianchong sit at the head, and everyone will accompany him in turn.

Some of these prostitutes could sing, they sang, and after singing a tune, they left.When she arrived in front of Mr. Xiang, she wanted to sing a Henan drum. At this time, Tian Chong felt a kind of pity for the fragrance and jade. He first said: "Since Mr. Xiang is here to help the sick, you can avoid it." Qi Sheng laughed and said: “你们看看人家王将军，真是护花使者，一见面就这样多情，将来交长了，不定还有多大劲呢！”呈祥笑道：“你不要起哄！人家王将军这种举动，确是尊重人道，她们姊妹也一样是人，既带着病来应酬条子，如果再叫她唱，似乎太不近人情了。”天宠大笑，说：“这才是青天大老爷，明镜高悬呢！”此时叫来的妓女已先后走净，只剩了湘君一个人，她的意思也想走，却被张其盛留住，说：“你的胃气病吃几口大烟准好，万老爷这里有新从香港来的大土公膏，你吃两口再走，我这确是一番好意。”湘君道：“谢谢张老爷！改天再扰吧。来的时候，我娘就嘱咐早回去，现在已经掌灯了，再一吃烟，不定要晚到什么时候了。”其盛笑着对天宠说：“这可用着你安驾了。”天宠果然对湘君说：“你不要害怕，晚回去一刻半刻的，算不了什么。难得张万两位老爷这份厚意，你怎好拒却呢？”湘君见天宠这样留她，果然迟疑不走了。其盛笑道：“到底是王将军一言九鼎，快点烟灯，看我来伺候王太太吃烟。”天宠说：“张大哥，你不要这样开玩笑，叫湘君心里岂不骂你？”其盛尚未答言，湘君早抢着说道：“只怕我们没有这大造化，要果然有这造化，感激张老爷还来不及，为什么骂人家呢？”其盛鼓掌大笑，说：“这是弦外之音，王将军，你就赶紧建筑金屋吧。”天宠一笑，呈祥将烟灯点着，其盛真给装好了一口，让湘君吃。湘君说：“罪过罪过，诸位老爷都未上口，我怎敢占先呢？”大家全说：“这有什么？你是有病，理应先吃这一口，不必让了。”湘君果然吸了一口，第二口让天宠吃，天宠道：“我向来不吃这个，当年在河南当杆子头时候，保险的烟土每年都不下几千包，我不止一口不吃，连我手下的弟兄们，也一概不准他们吃。后来同白朗闹意见，还是因为吃烟呢。他的烟瘾很大，却瞒着我不叫知道，那如何能瞒得住呢？我始而婉言劝他，他不肯听，后来索性揭明了，彼此的意见越闹越深，结果才闹得归于决裂。假如我如今要吃上大烟，也对不起白朗啊。”呈祥大笑道：“你以为嘴一沾枪，就有了大烟瘾吗？那真是笑话了。实对你说，这种东西是很不容易上瘾的，按准了时候，按准了口数，天天地吃，月月地吃，过三年都不准能上真瘾。何况是逢场作戏，偶然吸上一口半口呢？你不信请天天到舍下来，吃上三个月，如果有了瘾，我万呈祥情愿输你一辈子大烟吃，并且给你当一辈子烟奴，你不信就试试看。”天宠大笑，说：“我也不贪图这便宜，你也不必供我一辈子大烟。”其盛接过烟枪来，说：“让我吃吧。”他一气将三分重的一口大烟吸了个精光，自己又装了一口略小的对天宠笑道：“王将军，你所以不肯吸大烟的缘故是怕上瘾，有损你的英雄体质。请你看一看，我老张的体质比你何如，我是没有一天不吸的。假如要是吸烟就与体质有伤，那早就当皮包骨了，还能这样筋粗肉厚，像一个赳赳武夫吗？”他这一套话，却把天宠说活了心，觉得其盛所言不为无理，自己偶然吸一两口，也不见得就与体质有伤。他心里一活动，其盛早就看出来了，立刻将烟枪递上，说：“我替你看斗，你就闭着眼吸吧。”天宠果然不再推辞，一口气将烟吸光。他是生平未尝此味的人，如今忽然尝着了，但觉香喷喷的，不呛不辣，较比什么大炮台、吕宋烟，又别有一种不同的滋味。吸过了，向其盛拱手致谢，他要想坐起来，其盛却将他一手按住说：“先躺一刻，不要忙，俟等烟力散一散再起来不迟。”天宠果然躺着不动，但觉得四肢百体、周身血脉，全都酥酥然，有一股舒畅之气在里面运行。他心里想：怨不得世人多愿吸大烟，原来有这样不可思议的魔力。他正在想着，其盛又装了一口，比方才略小一点，说：“吸烟不吸单，请把这一口再饶上吧。”天宠本是一个再豪爽不过的人，他既觉得这大烟滋味很好，便不肯再事虚让，接过来又一气吸光。这两口烟到了肚中，格外觉得精神焕发。此时人客差不多全走净了，只剩下张其盛、李松林、王天宠，还有天宠新认识的湘君。她因为连吸了两三口大烟，觉得有点头晕，不敢到外边，恐怕见风醉倒，因此同天宠对面躺着。天宠便搭讪着同她谈话，说：“你是什么地方人？因何流落在烟花队中？你家里可还有父母兄弟？”湘君被问，眼圈一红，低低地叹了一口气，说：“王老爷，按说咱们是初次见面，原不能过什么深谈，不过彼此是同乡，多少说有一点乡情，我看王老爷，又是一位豪气冲天的好男子，因此我才剖肝沥胆地对你说一说。我是河南府城里的人，原本姓贺，我父亲是一位黉门秀才，母亲司氏，膝前只生我姊弟两人，家中开着一座书店，兼卖南纸笔墨，字号是秀文堂。因为我父亲名文美，字子秀，所以才起了这个字号。每年的生意虽不甚好，但是对付着可以糊口度日。我十六岁上，便在女子中学毕业，原想着再入大学，我父亲说供给不起，况且女孩子多念书，也没有用处，因此便在家中帮着母亲操作。我那弟弟名叫贺炳新，比我小两岁，他也考入洛阳中学肄业。那一年伏假，因为学校中带着学生到鸡公山旅行，可就出了意外的祸事了。”天宠忙问什么祸事，湘君含着两泡眼泪说道：“我那弟弟炳新才十五岁，身体又弱，走起路来哪能赶得上人家，因此在鸡公山游山时候，便失落在后面了。校长到山上一查点人数，就缺他一个，当时急了，赶紧向回路搜寻，哪里寻一点影儿。回到客栈中，又差人四下寻觅，始终也未能发现。他们空在信阳滞留了一星期，也未能将学生找回。结果还是我父亲在书店中接到一封信，信上说你那儿子已被我们绑了票了，快预备三千块钱，到某地方去赎，只限七天限，过了七天，便撕票，再想赎也不成了。信后并注明，他们是白朗部下。我父亲见了这信，如何不急，反倒先寻了校长去朝他要人，闹得不可开交，后来有人出来调停，算是学校与我家中各认一半。在学校无论怎样穷，一千五百块钱尚不至拿不出来。唯有我们家中，可就真为难了，一个小书铺，把货物全算上也不值一千块钱，何况书铺一倒出去，家中孩子大人立刻就得挨饿，只得把住房出卖。这所房子，本值一千多块，因为急卖，仅仅就卖到七百，还下差着八百块钱没有着落呢。借贷无门，可想什么法子？这时候我们街坊有一个叫郭四的，他给出主意，说目前有北京某某贵官想要纳一房姨太太，要果然人材好，一千八百的彩礼他都肯拿，何不把你家大姑娘说给人做姨太太？既可救了目前之急，又可攀一门好亲戚，姑娘也有了享福的地方，这真是三全其美，为什么不这样办呢？我父始而不肯，说我家世代书香，女儿不能给人做妾。后来倒是我出来说，弟弟可以接续贺门后代，比我这做女儿的关系大得多，您莫若想开了，就这样办，好救我弟弟出来。虽说给人做妾，将来还有见面之时，父亲何必这样拘泥，眼睁睁地害了我弟弟性命呢？是我哭着喊着，将父母说活了心，由郭四往来穿说，人钱两交，那面付八百块钱，即刻派人将我接走，有家人仆妇将我护送到北京。我父亲此时救儿子心急，也顾不得许多，只要把钱付过来，怎样都能迁就。钱倒是如数给了，一刻也不等，便将我用车拉走。接我来的，是一个五十多岁的老婆婆，据她自己说，姓金，是北京某阔人宅里的女仆，宅里都称呼她为金妈妈，特特奉了主人之命，前来接姨太太，另外还有两名马弁，随着保镖。据金妈妈说，主人如何慈善，家中如何阔绰，因为年将半百，尚无子嗣，所以想娶一位如夫人，嫌北京的姑娘太好浮华，不如外省人规矩，曾当面托过郭四爷。因此郭四爷才出头管这事，也为的是一双两好，你们老夫妻只管放心，将来决受不着一点委屈。她是口若悬河，说得天花乱坠。我母亲虽然难过，也不能不放我走。自从那一天辞别了双亲以后，家中消息如何，简直连一个字也听不见了。及至到了北京，才知道是完全受骗，哪里有给人做妾的事，原来那个金妈妈，乃是北京一位著名的大养家儿（按：北京土语，凡买女子学唱为妓者，呼之为养家儿，又名领家儿）。她每年总要到各省去采买良家女子，偏偏这一次来至洛阳，就住在郭四家里，她早就看上了我，情愿出一千块钱买，始而郭四说不成，人家是书香体面根柢，岂能出卖女儿？也是活该我命中注定，偏偏出了我弟弟这一场祸事，郭四便乘隙而入，居然达到目的。金妈妈出了一千元身价，郭四使了二百。我来到北京，金妈妈便另换了一副面孔，对我说，你要好好帮我挣钱，我便拿你当亲女儿看待；你如果不听，轻者饿起你来，重者便打你一个皮开肉绽，你要仔细好了。可怜我是一个懦弱无能的女子，经她这一吓，哪里还有抵抗余地，只得含羞忍辱，操这皮肉生涯。她因为我是中学毕过业的，便标出牌子去，什么中州才女，洛下名媛，胡吹一气。因此慕虚名而来的，终日车马盈门，生意总算十分旺盛。不足一年的工夫，我就替她挣了足有七八千元，她仍然不甚满意，说我太老实，不会敲客人的竹杠，不过面子上待我还算不错。只是昼夜防闲，不许我有一点自由，那金妈妈纡尊降贵，给我做一名贴身女仆。面子上我是她的主人，当着客人面，把姑娘敬得天神一般，小心伺候，连一口大气也不敢出。等客人走了，一转脸的工夫，她便拿出假母的威风来，从头发根直数到脚底板。我那胃气病，生生是她气出来的。今天她因为交运，听了瞎子的话，在屋里闷着不出来，怕见生人。要不然，早就跟着我一同来了。但是她本人虽不能来，却派了班子里一名女仆，一个跑厅的，四只眼监视着随我同来。张老爷有话，不许女仆跟进屋中，把他两个留在门房，所以我才敢对王将军说这一套。假如她们要在眼前，我连一个字也不敢说啊！ ”天宠听她从头至尾述说这一段历史，心中很动了无限感慨，说：“你舍身救弟，心眼儿总算好极了，将来结果一定也坏不了。不过你在这里坐的工夫太大了，就这样去回，保不定你那假母又要胡乱疑心。 ”一句话提醒了湘君，立刻柳眉紧蹙，发起愁来。其盛笑道：“这事好办，待我老张给你出一个主意吧。你不是有胃气病吗？就说在这里因为喝了两杯酒，忽然犯病，躺在床上起不来。王老爷劝你吃了两口烟，方才好一点，直躺到现在，才勉强挣扎起来，由王老爷坐马车陪你回去，我们大家也随了去，这样你的面子上十分圆满。不止可解除她的疑心，还可叫她十分高兴。你们想，我这法子总算面面俱圆吧。 ”大家鼓掌赞成，说这法子果然真好。湘君道：“好固然好。但怕王老爷未必肯这样做吧。 ”天宠道：“这有什么，只要你不受委屈，我陪你走一趟，是没要紧的事。 ”张万两人见天宠肯送湘君回春云班，真是意想不到的高兴。天宠自己本有一部马车，万呈祥又吩咐家人从马车行中叫了一部来，天宠湘君坐一辆，张、万，李三人坐一辆，风驰电掣地来到春云班。

此时鸨母金氏早已盼得眼穿，她曾三番两次派毛伙到万宅去打探，知道湘君尚在万宅，并未他去，心中略为放下。但是候之许久，仍不见来，她可真有点急了。说：“叫条子也不能把人留下啊！待我自己看看去。”她才要叫车子到万公馆，忽听外面人喊马嘶，跑厅的高声喊道：“张大人，万大人，还有诸位大人，送湘君姑娘回来了。”这一声喊下去，真给春云班壮了很大威风。金氏立刻也眉飞色舞地迎出来，一见了其盛，先招呼二爷，其盛喊道：“你们姑娘犯了病啦，多亏我劝她吃了两口大烟，好容易缓过来。人家王将军还不放心，又亲自送她回班，你得怎样地谢我们呀？”金氏未曾开言，先念了一声阿弥陀佛，接着说：“大慈大悲观世音菩萨，总是我们姑娘命好，才遇着诸位大人，全是佛心善人，又管治病，又管护送回家。我这苦老婆子就托姑娘的福吃一口饭，一听说姑娘有病，比我自己有病还难过十倍呢。快请诸位大人、老爷、将军到屋里坐吧！我真得磕响头谢谢诸位。”她一壁说着，一壁赶上来，亲手搀扶了湘君，又用手轻轻按她肚子，低低问道：“姑娘，这时胃还疼不疼？可把我吓着了。”看她那种嘘寒问暖的神气，便是亲生母女也没有那样关切。湘君说：“娘快去沏茶去吧，我不用人搀着。”金氏连声答应是是，别提有多驯顺了，亲打帘子，把大家让进来，一迭连声叫跑厅的沏一壶五百一包的香片小叶，快拿大炮台香烟。湘君住的屋子是两明一暗，外间是客厅，里间是卧室。四围墙壁，满糊的是米色花标，用电灯一照，格外显得光明耀眼。客厅中摆着一架很大的书橱，书橱中陈列着新旧各种书籍；墙上并无名人字画，只挂着很大的世界地图同中国地图；靠墙角边，还放着一座很大的风琴；紧挨着风琴是写字台，这一座写字台，虽系新式模型，却用的是红花梨木，所以格外显得好看。大家坐定，天宠笑道：“这真够上女学生派头了。”张其盛也跟着凑趣，说：“若非王将军，哪能消受这样才女。”万呈祥紧跟着提倡打牌，说：“这样漂亮屋子，我们不在这里叉四圈，也太对不起女学生的绣房了。”

班子中人一听见客人要打牌，直比囚犯听见大赦还格外欢喜。呈祥这一说，金氏立刻笑逐颜开，喊跑厅的快给众位大人收拾牌桌。原来当中的长条桌子，把两面卸开搬走，立刻就变成一张小小的牌桌。四面放上软椅，把桌上下照的莲花瓣电灯也拧开了，格外照得明亮。又请示众位大人，是用大牌还是用小牌。其盛道：“谁耐烦使小牌，那是女人的玩意儿。我们这粗手粗脚的，牌越大使着越应手。”跑厅立刻寻出一副象牙大牌，崭新的，尚未使过几回，连筹码庄子一律全是象牙的。排好了座位，王天宠是东，张其盛是南，李松林是西，万呈祥是北，四家都坐好了，紧跟着打庄，又是天宠的首庄。大家都笑起来，说：“到底主人资格是不能让人的。”天宠道：“咱们的牌底是怎样算法呢？”大家都说客随主便，你乐意怎样算，就怎样算。天宠道：“在座没有外人，咱们就打五十块么二的小牌吧，四十和底，五百和封门，也就可以对付了。”大家都赞成，心里却好笑：到底是山大王的口气，这样还算是小牌，他要打大牌，遇巧连门都不封了。头一把，天宠是四喜牌，没和出来，张其盛却和了一个两翻。因为和底太大，两翻便二百六十多和，这一把牌，他便赢了五十多块。紧跟着又是他本人做庄，又连和了三把，一百七八十块已经进了他的腰中。四圈牌打下来，天宠不输不赢，其盛赢了四百多块，头儿打了有一百多块，万呈祥输了一百多，下余全是李松林输的，他身上只带着三百块钱，完全输出去，还欠了其盛一百多块。松林的意思，是想再续四圈捞一捞本儿，只因腰中没有现钱，又不好开口。天宠看出他的意思来了，便掏出票夹子来，点了五百块钱票儿，五十一张的六张，二十五一张的八张，伸手递与松林，说：“李大哥，先拿这个做本，赢了钱再还我。你要嫌票子太整，可以叫他班子里破一破。”松林也不客气，伸手便接过来。老鸨金氏在一旁冷眼旁看，见天宠票夹子里花花绿绿，满满当当，全是整数的票子，最少二十五一张，其余全是一百五十的。心说这位王将军，真真是大财神爷，看他这一个票夹子里，就许有上万的洋钱，湘君结识了这样一位阔客，真是我的发财机会到了。想到这里，便抖起二十分精神来，高声招呼跑厅的快给李大人破票子，满要十块五块的，大人们使着便利顺手。那些跑厅的全在门外站班伺候，见这位王将军手笔如此之大，谁不争先恐后地巴结伺候。金氏一声令下，跑进一个十八九岁俊俏小厮，垂手侍立在松林身旁。松林递给他二百块钱，说这是二百，全破十块五块的，赶紧拿来。小厮应了一声，将票子接过去，不大工夫便送上来，松林点过不差，便二次打坐，又续起来。恰恰松林换的地位，便是方才其盛坐的地位，大家都笑道：“这一来，李将军该翻梢了。”果然这四圈就是他同天宠两家赢，本钱未动，又赢了一百多块。天宠赢了七八十块，又抽了一百多块钱头儿，天宠把赢的钱也扔在头儿里，说：“赏给你们大家花吧。”金氏同那些跑厅的全都请安道谢。这一场牌局，连抽头带加赏，便是三百多块，在班子里总算是走幸运。李松林输了一百多，万呈祥输了二百多，张其盛赢了几十块钱。散局之时，已经快两点了，金氏早吩咐厨房预备消夜的点心，是八个凉碟、四个炒菜，最后上一个很大的一品锅，预备的是各样蒸食馒首。她知道王将军是河南人，河南人每饭非馒首不饱，所以特特预备各样蒸食。天宠果然吃着对味，尤其是所炒的菜，全是河南风味，大家吃了，俱都赞不绝口。天宠一定拉着湘君同吃，湘君始而不肯，金氏在一旁极力撺掇，说：“姑娘，你看人家王将军这样爱惜你，拿你不当外人看待，你何必这样拘泥呢？陪着诸位大人吃上两口，那有什么呢？”湘君听假母允许她吃，她这才坐在天宠身旁，先给大家布过菜，然后自己陪着吃了一点。吃过之后，天已有三点多了，天宠看一看表，说：“不好，天快亮啦，咱们走吧。”湘君有点恋恋不舍，大有留客之意，鸨母金氏也在一旁敲打，说：“王将军要不嫌我们这屋子太脏，何妨休息一夜呢？”天宠皱眉道：“我对你们姑娘，并非无情，只可惜眼前这几天我还不能宿在这里，将来或者也许有住宿的一日，现在还说不到呢。”大家听他这样说，知道内中必有隐情，也不好追问，只有其盛天生鲁莽，口不择言，他便问天宠究竟因为什么，不肯在此住宿。天宠咳了一声道：“一言难尽。”也不肯再往下说，其盛也不好再问了，吩咐一声套车，大家纷纷散去。临行之时，湘君再三叮咛，明天务必来。又托付张、万、李三位：“明天王将军不来，就全在你们三位身上了。”其盛是横打鼻梁，说：“明天王将军不来，唯我老张是问。”金氏笑道：“张大人，救人要救到底，您已经治好了我们姑娘的胃气病，可不要叫我们姑娘再害相思病啊。”一句话招得大家都哈哈大笑。 湘君直送他们到大门外，眼看着天宠上了马车，她方才回来。这在班子里，实在是创例，因为无论多要好的客，也没有送到大门外。湘君确是看中了天宠，虽系武夫却温文尔雅，诚实不欺，自己终身，如能得这样一个丈夫，也可以折一折这几年的罪孽了。所谓美人慧眼识英雄，正是此类。然而在天宠这一面，也未尝无意于湘君，方才他说有难言之隐，不能住在这里，原来里面也含着一段情史。在前半部书中说过，天宠在上海假充道台，骗了某观察的小姐做妻，他夫妻二人回到河南故里，彼此琴瑟调和，感情甚笃。这位夫人帮着他规划了许多章程，使他那山寨事业，根基巩固。夫妻相处了整整八年，只生了一双儿女：头胎是一个女儿，今天已经七岁了，乳名叫作良玉；第二胎生了一个男孩，正是天宠被招安那一时生的，取名文玉。不料生下他来，他母亲产后受风，又吃错了药，竟至一病不起，在天宠来京的前半月，已经故去了。临终之时，再再嘱咐天宠，务必早早续娶，以便照应她那一双儿女。天宠平日对于他这夫人很是钟情，如今鸳鸯折翼，连理伤枝，他怎能不痛？便对他夫人立誓终身不娶，将来如有相当者，宁可纳一妾照应儿女，也决不正式续弦。夫人听了，只点点头，便气绝身亡。他家中又没有亲人，只有他夫人娘家的姑表哥嫂曾投到这里来，在天宠部下管理文牍。天宠便将一双儿女，托付给他表舅舅母，另外雇了一个乳娘，一个保姆，照应他这两个孩子。将他夫人葬埋了，自己睹物思人，心中好生难过，便借这招安的机会，一同迁至北京，在顺治门外丞相胡同，租了很大一所房子。好在他有的是钱，家中厨夫、车夫、跟役、门役、洗衣的女仆、做活计的女仆，又另外添雇了十几个。他那表舅爷，姓安号叫安子常，倒是一个很有血性的忠厚人，因此天宠把家事完全交付与他。舅太太吉氏，也倒实心实意地，照应她那外甥男女。只可惜这位舅太太是一双近视眼，因此对于照应孩子，便有许多不甚得力之处，天宠时常引此为忧，想要物色一位姨太太，也好有一个帮手。只是心里又再三犹豫：头一样是得知道她的性情脾气，将来不致使孩子受着委屈；第二样得知道她是良家出身，品行靠得住，将来不至给自己揸脸丢人；第三样才说到品貌何如。似乎这样人才，要向妓院去求，恐怕绝对没有；要买一个小家碧玉，又怕她没见过世面，将来接到家中，也帮不了自己的忙。因此为难了许多日子，始终不曾向人表示过，因为这话要一出口，凭自己的身份、家当，必至有许多人登门效劳，愿做媒介，反倒吵得脑子发昏，所以他宁可严守秘密，也决不轻易出口。 也是活该姻缘前定，天宠在万宅贺剑，无意中遇着了湘君，二人本系同乡，言语自不隔膜。后来因为吃烟闲谈，又得知湘君堕落风尘的经过，于不知不觉间，竟动了一点怜惜爱慕之心，所以才肯亲自送她回班，又叉了八圈麻将。后来湘君有留客之意，天宠却因为他的夫人逝世未过百日，自己觉着于心不忍，所以婉言谢绝了她。回到家中左思右想，觉得湘君的为人实在不坏，虽然堕落风尘，却未失去良家女子的面目。并且听她说卖身救弟，可见是笃于手足之情，天性未为不厚，将来如能把她接