Chapter 100 The ninety-seventh back to the east station of the city gate hangs the gun and prepares a special car

Using red alum magpie eggs to treat diseases is really a strange prescription that has never been seen before, but it works well when the symptoms are right, and sometimes it can even put away the effect of bringing the dead back to life.Mr. Xiang sucked the two magpie eggs, and Tao Yi'e said to everyone: "When the medicine takes effect, she will definitely have a stomachache, and the pain will be severe, but you don't have to be afraid. After the pain passes, you must have diarrhea. All living things come out of the stool. The aftercare is abstaining from cold and greasy food for one month. After three days, only drink rice soup and use vegetarian food for recuperation. Within a hundred days, you must not eat noodles. Once the hundred days pass, there will be no taboos. "When the osprey said something, Jin agreed.Before he finished speaking, Mr. Xiang said on the bed with Xizi holding his heart and frowning: "My stomach hurts very badly, ah, it's terrible." Everyone advised her to bear it, but she couldn't help it, and then she simply gave up. Rolling around on the bed in pain, he kept saying that there were worms fighting in his belly, and an owl said: "It won't fight for long, and it will die naturally. You should bear with it." After a while, Mr. Xiang said to the Jin family. : "Mother, I want to relieve, please sit outside, gentlemen." Everyone came out together, Mrs. Jin took the Gong bucket, personally waited on Lord Xiang to relieve, and helped her to lie down on the bed.Then he brought the pail himself, looked at the light, there were indeed two snakes and insects that were as red as fire and as bright as vermilion, and they were already dead.It was only then that she admired Master Tao as a miracle doctor, so she went to her own room, kowtowed to thank Yi'e, and told what she saw, everyone was amazed.An osprey said to Tian Chong again: "This is an expensive medicine. Within three days, I will eat silver flower wild ginseng, while disinfecting it, and at the same time cultivate her vitality. After three days, take the excellent American ginseng and cut it into pieces. After making decoction pieces, put them in a porridge pot to cook, and drink ginseng porridge three or four times a day. After drinking for two weeks, you don’t need to drink it anymore. After one month, you will recover, just like a good person, and will never relapse.” After he finished explaining, he stood up and walked.Tianchong knew his temper, so he didn't insist on staying. He just called a car to take Mr. Tao back to his house.After sending the osprey away, he ordered the head class to take a hundred yuan and go to Tongrentang to buy wild ginseng and American ginseng.Looking at Mr. Xiang again, he was already paralyzed on the bed, out of breath, so he said a few words of comfort and went back to Jin's house.Chengxiang urged him to smoke again, but he had to take two puffs.Starting from today, every afternoon, the three of them must come to see Mr. Xiang's illness together.Sometimes if I can get my hands on it, I will fork a few rounds of mahjong here; if I can't get my hands on it, I will smoke and chat in Jin's house.For a whole month, Tian Chong's addiction to cigarettes was almost gone.Mr. Xiang's illness is also as good as before.From the day we met, in this month, Tian Chong spent more than 2,000 yuan.The relationship between the two, of course, is growing day by day.Tianchong told Zhang and Wan about his straight-forward intentions, and wished to take the place of Lord Xiang out of his nationality and take him into his room.Its full promise is that it will definitely do it for you.He went straight to the point and proposed to Jin: No more, no less, I will give you 5,000 yuan, which is the price agreed upon during the treatment that day.If you don't agree, I'm afraid you won't get any of them.Mr. Jin expressed his reluctance at the beginning, saying: "I have this cash cow, and the annual profit is more than five thousand yuan. Now it is only this amount if I cut off the roots. Please think about it, Mr. Zhang. My bitter old lady will spend the rest of her life. Who will you tell me about life?" Qi Sheng sneered and said, "You don't want to live on fat, do you still want to control the children of a good family to eat for a lifetime? To tell you the truth, the five thousand dollars is like a reward. If you are not willing, In the future, you will be deprived of money and human resources, and by chance, you may be beaten and returned home, even if you want to live in Beijing, you can’t do it.” A few words stopped Jin, and she used soft tricks to kowtow , begging Qisheng to say good things to her, and add a few thousand more, and it was finally agreed to be 8,000 yuan.Tianchong specially prepared a float to bring Mr. Xiang home, and prepared several banquets of wine, and all close friends were invited to congratulate him.

After this banquet, Zhang and Wan went to the Presidential Palace to meet with Xiang Zicheng for his return: after spending two months, Tian Chong's addiction to opium has already been eaten.Another person was picked up in the flower world, who was walking in smoke and color, and would never have any more plans. Please rest assured the president.Xiang Zicheng nodded and said: "I see, you go down first." When the two came down, Zicheng still felt a little disbelieved, and thought to himself: I have to try again to know what his purpose is.At this time, there is only one week left before the general election, and all the methods and procedures have been properly arranged. However, how to persuade the people in Beijing to unanimously wish me to be elected is also an important drama. It must be played by a famous actor. Demonstration, it is best to suppress everyone's words.I will assign this job to Tian Chong.Thinking of this, he immediately sent an order to send the civil servants of the government to lead four government servants, bring eight gold ornaments, four bolts of silk, a pair of wishes, and two large boxes of cosmetics to General Wang, and give him the joy of congratulations.Tian Chong is really overjoyed to receive this unexpected reward.He doesn't care much about these things, but they were given by the President and asked Mr. Xiang to look at them. He has such glory as soon as he enters the door. Women have the most vanity, so of course they feel extra glory.He himself could not go to the mansion to thank him face to face.When Xiang Zicheng heard that the celestial pet was coming, he immediately passed it on.As soon as they met, Tianchong kowtowed to thank him, Zicheng helped him up with his own hands, and said with a smile: "You have the joy of being a star today, I am very happy to hear that, some old things, let's use them as reminders for your new favorite. " Tianchong said: "Because of the loss of his wife and no one to take care of the children at home, Mo Bian had to take a concubine. How dare the President favor Duozhen? Humble Bian is really disrespectful, and he is ashamed to accept it." He sat down to talk, he must not.Zicheng smiled and said: "My brother is chivalrous, I don't treat you with martial arts, why are you so rigid?" Tianchong is not like Yang Delin, seeing the president's earnest concession, he sat down faithfully.At the beginning, I talked about a few gossips, and then slowly talked about the general election. Zicheng sighed and said: "This group of muddleheaded congressmen deliberately made troubles, which is really frustrating." You can do whatever you want, why worry about those councilors?" Zicheng said: "The public opinion is definitely in favor, but on the surface, they have to have some excuses, and then they can urge that group of councilors not to vote indiscriminately. Vote." Tianchong said: "The president is very thoughtful, is there any way to make the people excuse?" Zicheng said: "There is absolutely no way, but who can do it with shame? This candidate is very difficult." Tian Chong was originally a warrior with a straightforward temperament, so he didn't understand the other party's mechanical traps, so he said bluntly: "How can there be no one to do it? As long as it's not on the tip of the pen, Tian Chong can do whatever it takes." He finished these few sentences , I felt a slip of the tongue again in my heart, but it was not easy to pull it back.What's more, Xiang Zicheng was waiting for his sentence. Hearing that he had said it, he felt joyful all over his face, cupped his fists and said, "It's rare that my brother is so loyal and brave. The general election is not difficult to succeed." He took a step forward, said a few words to Tian Chong in a low voice, and then explained, "This is just an excuse to give the people an opportunity to urge the parliamentarians to vote formally. Definitely not going to this point. Just do it boldly, my brother, and I will be rewarded a lot in the future." Tian Chong said: "The president ordered me to be obliged to do so, and I dare not expect to be rewarded. But there must be a name before I can do it." Mobilize the army. Otherwise, who would listen to Mo Bian's command with a vacant title?" Zicheng smiled and said: "That's natural, and the name I gave you, all the police forces in Nine Cities of Beijing can do it Aren’t you afraid that it’s not easy to manage temperance?” Tian Chong said: “There’s no need to do that, as long as there are three or two hundred people, temporarily called Moben Temperance, and a few more artillery carts, bluffing, it’s enough. It's not a march, it's just to intimidate the people, are you still using some armored soldiers?" Zicheng said, "What you say is very true. I will go to work tomorrow. You can listen to it at home." Tian Chong resigned. President, go home and wait for orders.

In the afternoon of the next day, there was indeed an official matter sent by the Cultural and Propaganda Department.Tian Chong took it out and took a look. He was appointed as the chief inspector of the military and police of the capital, and assigned the first battalion of the Gongwei Army to be trained by him, and he was allowed to choose a place for the inspectors to organize the inspection office.The monthly salary and public expenses are allowed to be paid by the department. The monthly salary of the director is 800 yuan, and the public expenses are 600 yuan.This order.Tian Chong accepted this appointment order, feeling really embarrassed: This old guy is taking advantage of me again.It is obviously a matter of being scolded and complained, but I was asked to do it.There are one or two million people in Beijing, all of whom live within the nine cities. They do nothing but set up cannons at the top of the city to let the people watch. What kind of person am I?How can there be such a shameless person in the world who does not go outside with guns but directs the guns at his compatriots?I shouldn't, I shouldn't, I shouldn't have volunteered in front of him yesterday because of a moment of joy.I always blame me for being too petty, I don't know what to do after receiving this small favor from others, and I blurt it out, and actually caused this trouble for myself, who can I blame now?He sighed unconsciously when he thought of this, Jun Xiang looked at him in surprise, and said in his heart that I entered the door yesterday, but he is so unhappy today, it seems that there may not be true love.Thinking of this, I didn't feel tears falling in my eyes.When Tian Chong saw it, he was also surprised, and quickly asked: "Why are you crying?" Xiang Jun said: "I saw the general sighing, it must be because I think my concubine is ugly and stupid, and I can't bear to serve you. So I sighed for my fate, unconsciously I shed tears from the ground, and I hope the general will forgive me." Tianchong couldn't help laughing when he heard this, and said: "You women have too many minds, and I just sighed. I am worried about state affairs, not because I have any displeasure with you. Why do you care so much?" Mr. Xiang hurriedly asked about state affairs, and Tianchong said: "Today, the President ordered me to be the chief inspector of the military and police in the capital, and asked me to intimidate the people. Please think about it, what good is this? In the future, if he succeeds, he will be the president; if he fails to succeed, it will be us who will be scolded and blamed, telling the people to secretly say that so and so is a running dog of the Xiang family. With my chivalrous background, I am famous all over the country, but in the end How grievous it is to be a running dog for others! Besides, people in the capital are already unstable, and if I lead the leader to make trouble, will they still have a good life? I don’t blame anyone else for this matter, I always blame me for being too heavy I can't hold back my anger, I received a little reward from him yesterday, and was taken away by his words, so I threw myself into a trap and stood up. I regret it today, but there is nothing I can do. But it caused your misunderstanding, this is really pulling the winter melon on the eggplant rack—it’s too ridiculous." Xiangjun turned his eyes and smiled at Tianchong: "If the general only cares about such a small matter, I have an idea, I don’t know if it’s possible Do you accept it?" Tianchong said: "Okay, what you said is indeed reasonable, not only accepting it, but I can implement it at that time. Tell me quickly." Xiangjun said: "If the name of the world is not correct, the words will not go well, and the general will hang his head Pao, although it is said that it was ordered by the President, but there is no official document. When things are done in the future, of course there is nothing to say. Difficult to sue? This is the first step to find a way. After the second step of the general election, if Xiangzicheng loses the election, the order in Beijing will be disordered at that time. How will the general’s battalion of soldiers deal with it? We can really shoot into the city Is it? At that time, the arch guards and the imperial guards will all mutiny. Of course, our battalion will not be able to continue to rob, but it will be impossible to stand by and watch. I think that at that time, it is best to This battalion was converted into the president's pro-military guards and drove to Henan with his special car. When he arrived in Henan, the general had the soldiers of this battalion and all the ammunition and bullets. With your reputation in Henan, you can gather two people with a single call. 30,000 people. With this battalion of guards as the basic army, and at the same time recruiting the guards of Beijing, the two sides advance side by side and gain a certain strength. Then decide whether to support Xiang Gong or establish yourself as king, no matter what, you can always This is the second step. Now let’s talk about the first step. The general can meet with the commander-in-chief of the Gongwei Army and ask him to send a letter to the General Audit Office, saying that before the general election, there will be many The party members sneaked into Beijing and wanted to take the opportunity to disrupt and sabotage the election. Please ask the chief inspector to eliminate hidden dangers, prevent them first, and use a demonstration to deter them. Then the general will act according to the president's words, which will naturally suppress everyone mouth-to-face."

Tianchong heard her eloquently and eloquently uttered this big discussion, and she was eloquent and eloquent. He jumped up, slapped his hands and laughed, "You really deserve to be a female counselor. Ever since I lost my ex-wife, I expected China to come back again." There is no such a strange woman as her, now listening to your plans, it seems like my ex-wife has been resurrected and reborn. I, Wang Tianchong, is truly blessed to have such virtuous housemates one after another. It seems that life is all pre-determined and cannot be forced." Xiangjun said: "You don't have to be so happy, it's important to get down to business quickly." Tian Chong hurriedly changed his uniform, first went to the government office to thank the commissioner, and explained the meaning of asking for business.The president nodded and said: "When I come back, my government will be on official business, and there is no need to inform the guards. If one battalion is not enough, you can ask Zhang Shiyu for an extra battalion. This is a matter of prestige. It's okay to be more dignified." God Chong also took advantage of the situation to suggest to the President: "Of course the public opinion does it, members of parliament can't elect others and cut themselves off from the people. After all, the President has to make a step back plan. For example, if the result of the general election is unexpected, I don't know what preparations the President has? Mo Bian is willing to serve you wherever you are sent." Xiang Zicheng laughed loudly and said, "My brother can be called my schemer. What I mean is that if I lose the election in the future, I will not live in this place in Beijing for one more day. Before the general election In three days, I prepared a special car at the East Railway Station and paid for coal and water. But as soon as the result was announced, I was not among the candidates, so I immediately led my family back to my Zhangde Huan Shang Village. Ask about the affairs of the world. All Beijing is safe, and whoever is elected president will be responsible, and I have no control over it." Hearing what Xiang Zicheng said, Tian Chong felt in his heart that he admired Mr. Xiang for his wisdom, so he turned serious Said to Zicheng: "Since the president intends to take him away suddenly, Mobian is a close friend who serves the president. What's the point of living in Beijing? If the president returns to the mountain in the future, Mobian is willing to go back to his hometown with him, and he will not leave. President, please repay the kindness of the past; when the two arrive in Henan, the president can call at any time if there is a place to send him away, and Tianchong will do his best to support the president to the end." Tianchong's words really convinced Xiang Zicheng.He was very happy, and said: "It's rare that my brother is so enthusiastic, and he really does not lose his chivalrous qualities. Then you go down and meet with Ji Yuncheng, the official of the government, to prepare the car early, so as not to be in a hurry. If there are not so many cars, how can you be at that time?" Don't waste your time?" Tian Chong agreed, and went to find Ji Yuncheng, saying that he was ordered by the President to contact you about the vehicle.Yuncheng said: "I know that the meeting is ready to prepare five special trains for the West Railway Station. Each train has eighteen cars, and there are ninety cars in total. I don't know how many troops General Wang has? How many more cars can be used?" Tianchong said: "My subordinates consist of two battalions, about 1,200 people. It seems that there must be one train to cover them." Yuncheng frowned and said, "This is very difficult. The five trains just mentioned , It took me three days of work and thousands of words before I negotiated a compromise with the bureau chiefs of Jinghan, Jingfeng, and Jinpu. According to them, the five trains almost collected all the neater cars on the third road For the sake of business, at least they have to drive three times a day, and now they are all transferred by the president. Within three days, they can't even drive twice. The loss of business in these three days is combined. I'm afraid it won't be a million or hundreds of thousands. How can they agree to add another column now?" Tian Chong laughed and said, "I can handle this matter. Please ask Yun Weng to take me to meet them, and say that the president sent me to see them in person. I am the head of the chariot guard, and when we set off in the future, I will lead the troops to escort the car. There are many people under my command, so of course the chariot should be prepared for them early, and I have my own way to negotiate with them for the chariot."

Originally, Ji Yuncheng was worrying, he knew Xiang Zicheng's temper well, he would never want to be famous for any bad things, so someone had to cater to his thoughts and take care of things for him.Not only are you scolded and complained, but you also have to be reprimanded by him face to face, but if you reprimand yourself, you can hold your breath, and within three or five days, you will either be promoted to your official position, or you will be given a good job. If you are not good, you will be subsidized with some money, and you will never be told to waste your efforts and be reprimanded for nothing.This time a special car was prepared to leave Beijing, but at the entrance of Xiangzi City, he refused to make an official announcement, especially not in the road bureau, saying such words regardless of the overall situation.But Ji Yuncheng already understood what he meant, so he had no choice but to come forward to negotiate with the road bureau, but these bureau chiefs didn't understand Xiang Zicheng's temper very well. It doesn't matter, you can always make a fortune in front of the president.Now there is only a verbal order from the Director of General Affairs of the public house, although they dare not reject it, but they always feel that the written word has not been given, and their strength is sold on the open space.So it took a lot of talking and pushing three times and four times to get five trains.It was difficult for Ji Yuncheng to explain this meaning to them. In fact, in his ideal, he wished that all the three-way vehicles would be transferred to the west station without a single car left, from the west of the front gate to the west side gate.In order to let the people of Beijing know that the president is going back to Henan, regardless of the security in Beijing, and to transfer all the troops away.In the future, Beijing will play "Empty City Strategy". If such a big threat is made, won't the general election be facilitated?His plan is not bad, but it is actually a bit difficult to implement.Just as he was in trouble and worrying, this General Mang came and asked him for a car. He already had a plan in mind, so he deliberately pushed it on the chief of Sanlu, so that Tian Chong could negotiate with them face to face, and Tian Chong really took him.In Tianchong, he also has his own plans, if we don't take this opportunity to negotiate the car, if there is an accident in the future, where will my two battalions of basic troops be placed?As long as I have a car, no matter how bad Beijing is, I can go to Henan immediately. At the very least, I can always restore my original appearance as a leader.Thinking of this, he urged Ji Yuncheng to go together.

Yuncheng has roots in his heart. He knew that only Sun Baohua, the director of Jinghan Road, was the most difficult to speak, so he took Tianchong all the way to the office of Jinghan Road Bureau of West Railway Station.The guards recognized Yun Cheng and knew that this was the head of the president's affairs, so they dared to be negligent and immediately went up to answer.Sun Baohua asked me to come out to meet him.When he saw Yun Cheng, he didn't do much, but the man who came in with Yun Cheng couldn't help but surprise him: he was wearing a military cap with a hairpin tassel on his head, he was wearing a lieutenant general's uniform, and he had a saber on his waist.Sun Baohua didn't recognize Tianchong, thinking that this person was not the governor, but also the teacher.He came to see me, what's the matter?Yun Cheng hurriedly introduced him and said: "This is the senior military councilor of the government, the current Chief Inspector of the Beijing Military and Police General Wang Tianchong Wang, and this is Director Sun Baohua and Director Sun of Jinghan Road. This is probably the first time you two have met." Chong rushed forward to shake hands with Baohua, while Baohua dealt with it, his heart was beating a little: This is a famous boss, he came to see me, is he trying to tie my ticket?Hurry up to the living room, offer cigarettes and tea, very attentive, and said: "General Wang maintains law and order in Beijing, this is really the happiness of the local people." Ask me to inspect traitors, but ask me to be a temporary guard. With the title of chief inspector, I can command all Beijing military and police at will. The current general election is only two or three days away, and the president has appointed me as the chief of the car guard. Immediately after being elected, I left Beijing. I was in the car to protect the president's army. There were a total of 2,000 soldiers. Therefore, my younger brother came here to visit Taiduan, begging for extra help, no matter what, it must be prepared tomorrow, so that it can be used on the day of the general election." Sun Baohua shuddered when he heard it, thinking that this is really a difficult problem, In this rush, let alone two trains, even one train has no place to search.What's more, all the cars on this road have been transferred, adding five rows, and there are only dozens of dilapidated cars left, and there is still a perfunctory business, but what should I do?However, this General Wang seemed a bit difficult to develop, so he had to use slippery means to delay.Then he replied with a pleasant face: "General Wang's order, the director of the bureau should respectfully obey it, but in my opinion, nine out of ten of this matter will always be useless. With President Xiang's virtue and good reputation, the two chambers of the court do not agree. Who else should choose him? The president himself has to worry about this. In fact, the old man wants to go back to Henan, but in fact he can't do it. The thing about preparing a car can only be regarded as a one-size-fits-all. The general's wisdom, can't you see this?" After saying that, he laughed again.Tianchong replied with a serious face: "The younger brother is here to ask for a car from your bureau chief, not to discuss the general election with your bureau chief. You have a car or not, and a word can make a decision. Why do you need to make so many discussions?" A few words Sun Baohua resisted the words and couldn't answer for a while.It was Ji Yuncheng who made the rescue on his behalf, saying that there is always a way to do this, and General Wang should not be too hasty.With a wry smile on Sun Baohua's face, he said to Tianchong: "General Wang, let's talk privately, who is not the person promoted by the president? Of course, he will only do his best to ignore the president's affairs, and never dare to put any excuses on him." The heart, but the world's affairs, I am afraid that the heart is too much and the strength is not enough. Let's say it as a brother, if you can transfer the car with your own strength, let alone two rows, even if you have twenty or two hundred rows, you will not be able to order it. Because of the fact that there are various difficulties: first, there are not many spare cars on Jinghan Road; second, the cars stored in Hankou can be driven there without talking. The general's business is the president's business, and I will try my best to do it. However, there is no certainty whether the two columns can be made together. For example, if I promise in front of me, but I can't do it temporarily, then it is a deliberate lie, and it is even more wrong." Hearing people say this, Tian Chong is really open and honest. Feeling ashamed to say anything else, I went down the steps and said, "I can trust what your chief said. If you can work hard to mobilize, I am not afraid that the two columns will not be able to do it. If it is a little bit worse, you can make it up." Sun Baohua listened He breathed a sigh of relief, and then said many words of gratitude and flattery, and finally sent the two away.

Tian Chong has a bottom line in his heart, knowing that there must be a way out for the time being, and he will not stay in Beijing.Then he calmly asked for another battalion from the arch guards. There were two battalions in total, one artillery battalion and one infantry battalion, and he brought in twelve field artillery vehicles.He issued many announcements in the name of the General Inspector of the Military and Police, to the effect that it is the time of the general election, and Beijing’s public security is of great importance. It is rumored that a rebellious party is secretly coming to Beijing, and he is preparing to take the opportunity to disrupt. , in addition to setting up gun emplacements on the city walls, and closely inspect them at any time to ensure peace and eliminate hidden dangers.After the notice was issued, he ordered the soldiers to pull the artillery carts up to the top of the city. At first, there was no definite position. It was not until the morning of the general election that the cannons on the top of the city had a certain direction.From the Shunzhi Gate tower to the west, every twenty or thirty steps, there is a cannon carriage, especially aimed at the Xiangfang Bridge area.The gate of the House of Representatives and the gate of the Senate are all lined up with large cannon carriages, impartial and facing each other in a straight line. The residents of Fangqiao were so frightened that they moved one after another. Three people: my son is called Endo, who is currently serving as the inspector of the House of Representatives; my mother, Deshi, is a bachelor among the bannermen; my daughter-in-law, Tashi, is very good-looking.Deshi's family lived in three houses, and one of them was purposely cleaned up as a smokehouse.Most of the caregivers handed over are staff members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, with a couple of shabby MPs among them, who went to have fun.The female boss relied on her son as the inspector, as if she had an insurance ticket, solicited wildly, and the business was very prosperous.Every day, the gentlemen of the Senate and the House of Representatives come to enjoy themselves, always after breakfast or dinner.Today is just in time for the general election. As usual, members of parliament and staff are all allowed to enter and not allowed to leave. They are not allowed to freely enter and leave until after the general election is announced.Therefore, a group of addicted staff was scheduled on the first day, and they would come at seven or eight o'clock tomorrow morning to satisfy their addiction. After their addiction was satisfied, they returned to the hospital to help with the election procedures.Among them, only the Discussion Section has the heaviest responsibility and the most complicated procedures. The Senate’s Discussion Section Chief, Wang Wenyuan, nicknamed Wang Dahunzi, is very addicted to cigarettes. smoking.In the Discussion Section of the House of Representatives, there is Wu Xianzhang, a first-class member. Because he was born with a short stature, everyone gave him a nickname, and called him Wu Ergege.It is said that he is the elder brother of Xingzhe Erlang Wusong, and in terms of his stature, his name is finally worthy of his name.This gentleman is also an addict, and he always smokes against the lamp every day with Wang Dahunzi.From the two of them, two councilors were introduced: one was from outside the Guan, and his surname was Jin, and his name was Jin Renming. He was born tall and tall, a foot and a half taller than ordinary people.Whenever he came to the smokehouse, he had to lower his head to enter. Once he entered the room, the top of his head was almost close to the ceiling.His nickname is Cao Jiao, and it is said that he must be over nine feet four inches; the congressman is from Shaanxi, his surname is Jiang, and he is too short, so everyone calls him Jiang Douzi. .

On the morning of the general election, it was only eight o'clock. Brother Wu came first, and as soon as he entered the door, he lay on the bed and said to De Shi: "The boss quickly picks two yuan, and I have to suck it all up. Otherwise, the day's work , but I really can’t get it down.” De Shi quickly picked out the cigarettes, lit the lamp, and Brother Wu started to work.Before finishing a puff of cigarettes, Wang Dahunzi opened the door and came in and said, "Okay! It's so early in the day, Wu Dalang has shown his soul. Hurry up and take a breath! Give me the gun." The second brother Wu said: " I just took a puff. You have to wait for this gun, but it’s too early. Why don’t you just use that one.” It turns out that there are only two guns in De’s tobacco shop, one is ivory, and the qualification is the oldest.Not only does it make the mouth calm and powerful, but it also has the addiction of three coins. With this gun, only two coins can be used to resist it.This gun is not an old or wealthy owner, so it is not easy to use it.In normal life, there is plenty of time, which can be exchanged in turn.For example, four people, Wang, Wu, Jin, and Jiang, can all be manipulated.However, today is the day of a thousand dollars, of course, whoever gets ahead will get the advantage.Wang Dahunzi fell behind anxiously, seeing someone using an ivory gun, but he couldn't figure it out, his eyes almost burst into flames.I wish I could beat Brother Wu to death with one punch, so that he can be the heir to the ivory gun.It happened that Brother Wu Er was a viscous bandit, he could hold his breath, he didn't say a word, he just kept his eyes on the lamp, the lamp pointed at the gun, and he didn't even take a breath.Wang Dahunzi hated it very much, and said: "If you don't get up again, I will take you out and throw you on the road to see if you are still good." Brother Wu said: "Section Chief Wang, Brother Wang, Brother Wang , please wait a moment, I'll give you another breath, isn't it okay?" Wang Dahunzi heard that there was hope for another breath, so he waited with his eyes straight.Unexpectedly, after taking one sip, he still couldn't get up, and said: "You have been waiting for this for a long time, I will take another sip, and I will definitely give in. The one who lied is the tortoise." After smoking, I still can't afford it.Said: "Wait a little longer, I'll be a tortoise all my life, what's not cheap?" The big prickly scolded: "You are a tortoise, and you still use this to swear against someone, it's really hateful, I have to give it to you today." The tortoise's yellow can't be smashed out." He shook his fist and rolled up his sleeves, and was about to deal with Wu Erge, when a big man suddenly broke into him, without saying a word, he lifted Wu Erge from the bed, like a small bulldog Throw it out the door.Leaning on the bed, holding the ivory gun, he said to De Shi in a commanding tone, "Give me a couple of ounces, light a lamp, and make some bubbles for me." Wang Da Hunzi saw that it was none other than Jin Renming, nicknamed Cao Jiao.As a result, not only the ivory gun could not reach my own hands, but even the smoke lamp was taken by someone else, and I couldn't do it no matter how much I wanted to downgrade.How could he not be angry and anxious, full of anger, he poured it all on Wu Erge, he hit Wu Erge twice on the mouth and said: "Today I will hit you, you wicked turtle." Wu Erge The elder brother was slapped in the mouth, of course he didn't agree, and said: "Why do you beat someone for no reason! You are so addicted, why didn't you come early? You come late and you are arrogant and domineering. Is there any reason in the world?" ?” Wang Dahunzi refused to accept it, and still stood up to fight. When he was in a difficult situation, he suddenly saw a policeman in uniform rushing in from the outside, his expression was very panicked.Wang and Wu were taken aback for a moment, and they didn't bother to fight anymore. After watching carefully, it turned out that it was the young owner of the smokehouse, Enduo.As soon as he entered the door, he said to De Shi: "Grandma is not well, let's pack up and leave quickly." De Shi also recognized that there was a tobacco shop coming, and said: "Why have you been here for several years? Do they still have the nerve to copy it?" Enduo said anxiously: "It's not a copying hall, but a cannon hoisted from the top of the city, facing this Xiangfangqiao Street, and the door of our house is facing the muzzle of the cannon. , are you still waiting to fill in the blast hole? My grandma lives outside the back door, let’s go there to hide for a while.” After hearing this, Deshi spat on Endo and said, “What a bastard, a fool! It’s hard for you He has also worked as an errand for seven or eight years, and he can't even figure out this charade. This is a method used by the President's envoy, preparing to shoot King Kong and burn Arhats, so as to frighten them into obediently voting for Xiang Gong. Guaranteed to be the President. You are eight feet away from our people, what kind of people are you afraid of?" De Shi is really a bachelor who has been enemies for a long time, and she reminded Endo with a few words.Endo immediately stopped being afraid, and a smile appeared on his face, saying: "After all, it is my mother who has far-sightedness and great insight. I have a pity that I am almost thirty years old, and I can't even see this trick."

His mother and son were talking in the room. The smoker lying on the bed and the two alternates standing on the ground were a little moved when they heard these words.This corresponds to the saying on the stage: don't care about things, care about chaos.Jin Renming was shaking with fright while holding the ivory gun, and he couldn't smoke well.But Jiangdouzi rushed over again and was busy smoking, so he asked Jin Renming to give him the gun.Renming got angry and said, "You're going to die, and you still want to have fun!" Jiang Douzi was startled, and said, "What are you talking about, why are you cursing people for no reason?" Jin Renming said, "Don't dream, When you came, didn’t you see what was hanging from the top of the city?” Jiang Douzi said, “I’m so addicted to death, how can I even bother to look at the city? My Xiaokui, who pulls the cart, pulled me away in a fit of anger. Here, I smoke as soon as I enter the door, and of course I can’t see anything in the city. Tell me quickly, what’s going on?” Jin Renming told him about the situation of hanging the cannon, and Jiang Douzi was even less courageous, so he screamed Saying mother, said: "If he can't be elected like this, wouldn't we all become cannon shit?" Ren Ming said: "Who is sure about this? We have to be lucky. Is it a blessing or a curse? It's a disaster." However, we should be robbed, can we still escape?" Jiang Douzi shook his head again and again, and said: "People don't die by themselves. I don't care about you. I will never go into the muzzle of a gun." After he finished speaking, he went He bowed deeply to De Shi, and said: "Old lady, old aunt, you only need to accumulate virtue and cultivate well. Let me hide in your house for a day. I would rather give you ten yuan to buy some snacks." Said it was a fat pig arch, I had to knock him a few times.Thinking of this, he said sternly: "I don't dare to do this. The election is a national ceremony. I locked the voters at home. I let the president know about it. If my head is chopped off, I still have to carry the shackles. No way. Not allowed! Absolutely not allowed!" Jiang Douzi was in a hurry, increasing from ten yuan to forty yuan, and Deshi reluctantly agreed.Jin Renming was a little courageous, and said: "I've had enough fun, so I went to vote, and I don't want to waste my money." Jiang Douzi followed De Shi, and went to hide in other people's bedrooms, thinking that nothing would happen.

Unexpectedly, within ten minutes had passed, there was a knock on the door outside like a drum beating.Deshi asked who it was through the door, and the outside said, we are the waiter of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and we are here to find the section chief and staff on urgent business.Deshi opened the door, and suddenly seven or eight people came in, all wearing gray cotton robes and blue mandarin jackets, most of them spoke with a Tianjin accent, and they went straight to the smoking room as soon as they entered.De Shi said: "What are you doing? Why do you insist on running into other people's houses?" One of them said: "You open a private restaurant. This is a bad business. How dare you detain the councilors? You missed the general election vote. Can you afford it?" As he spoke, he went straight into the house and saw Wang Dahunzi and Wu Ergege walking back and forth on the ground. What kind of day is this? You’re still here eating opium and not doing business. Take a look, it’s almost noon, and it’s only two hours before we leave the meeting. Why are you still free here?” The two escorted Wang Dahunzi and Wu Erge, as if they were prisoners, and escorted them back to the House of Representatives.这里只剩了金人铭，还在床上躺着想再吸一口，早有两个人过来，说：“金先生，走吧，今天是投票选举总统的日子，不是吸烟的日子。等过了今天，可以放开量地吸一个饱，请你先到议院投票去吧。”金人铭一看这神气，光棍不吃眼前亏，连忙将烟枪一放立起身来，说：“好好，我这就走。”来的人说：“先等一等，你还有一个姓江的伙伴呢，他到哪里去了？”人铭向旁的屋子一努嘴，大家都明白了，立刻分出四个人来，要到隔壁的屋子去搜，德氏用胳臂一横，说：“慢着，那是我儿媳妇的屋子，她生了小孩，还没有满月呢，你们怎这样不讲理啊？”这些人也说得好：“我们不管产房不产房，我们是来寻议员的，你既窝藏着议员，就得许我们大家搜。”说罢便一拥而上，进了塔氏的屋了。他们住的原是三间西厢房，一明两暗，当中一间是厨房，南间是烟房，又是德氏的卧室。北间是恩多两口子住着，江豆子藏在北间，以为这是人家小媳妇的闺房，当然无人敢入。哪知道这一群人心里是有根的，他们自金、江两个议员从家里起身之时，就在后面跟定了，一直跟到德氏门前。他们早经调查明白，这两位大议员每天必到这里来过瘾。甚至连王大混子、武二哥哥，他们也都认得。

这些人本是奉了祝子琴的命令，在午饭以前，无论如何必须把这七八百议员一律送入众议院，预备开会投票。内中有宿妓的，便到妓院去；有在俱乐部赌钱的，便到赌窟去抓；有鸦片烟瘾太大，不能起床的，便堵在他门外吵嚷，必须把本人叫起来，赶紧到院，不误投票。除去规矩议员按时到院的，用不着他们以非常手段对付，其余多半要受他们一种威迫。尤其是这一天各站岗的警察，对于保护议员，都不肯十分出力。凡议员同这些公民冲突起来，总是帮着公民，说议员的不是。本来北京的警察是训练出来的，人人有一条苏张之舌，他们面子上，虽不敢公然说议员的不是，但是高调是要唱的，什么大选就在今日，时光一刻千金，诸位今天如不早到院去，有负人民期望。这几位公民前来督促着，正是看得重您，你就急速前去，不必迟疑了。异口同声，警察嘴里，都是这样说话。闹得那些滑头好玩的议员，也都没有法儿了，只可乖乖地到议院去。偏偏金、江这两位大议员，竟闷在烟馆里不出来，这如何能躲得过？他们原是派好了的，跟金人铭的是两个，跟江豆子的也是两个，另有四个人是看守议院，专查两院议员，在大选这一天不能尽职，他们便实行干涉。最重要的议事科科长科员，临时却不知哪里去了，他们如何肯答应？问本院的守卫警察，全说不知道，后来问到一个当茶房的，此人姓史，因为他天性邋蹋，大家送他一个外号，叫屎里混。他原是伺候议事科的茶房，素常日子很受武二哥哥的气，张口就骂，举手就打，直不拿他当人待。积威之下，屎里混当然是敢怒而不敢言，不过他心里，总也存着一种报复的念头。如今无意中遇着这几个假公民，向他打听王大混子同武二哥哥的下落，屎里混说：“你几位问他做什么？”这几人便回说：“我们大家全是公民，今天特来监督大选，却看不见议事科的重要职员。他们每月三百二百地拿着薪水，今天到了大选之期，如何重要，却躲起来不肯露面，这样的职员还要得吗？”屎里混一听，心说好好，这可到了我报仇的机会了。遂对那些人说道：“我的公民老爷，您要知道那王科长同武科员全是鸦片烟鬼，今天一早就出去过瘾去了，遇巧了午后三点都不准回来。他们不到场预备一切，看今天这大选会怎样开法。”这些人一听急了，说：“你知道他们在什么地方过瘾吗？”屎里混用手一指，说：“您出门向东走，就在这象坊桥街上路北，门牌七十二号，有一家姓恩的开私烟馆。他们全在那里抽烟，准能见得着，要去晚可就怕他们走了。”这些人一听，立刻选出四个胳臂粗、力气大的马上加鞭，到七十二号去寻。恰恰同金、江两位议员身后跟的合在一处，一共是八条好汉，正好对这四个人，两个架一个，也能把他们架到议场。先用诈语将门诈开，敬了王大混子、武二哥哥每人两个耳光子，脚不沾地，把他们架回众议院。可怜王大混子连一口烟也不曾吸着，三行鼻涕两行泪，勉强回议院办公。心里只恨武二哥哥松奸坏，早晚非报复他不可。哪知武二哥哥的瘾，也不曾十分过足，连走路都没有气力。多亏有两位架着，要不然，就得跌倒在地。 不提这两位职员被人架走，却说金人铭把一两膏子已经吸了八钱，他的瘾过足了，丝毫没用费话，站起来说一声走，两个护卫他的公民，也脚尖随定了他的脚跟，说着便一直闯入北间。见屋中冷清清的并没有一个人，一张床上挂着一架半新不旧的粉红洋布帐子，帐帘垂着，并未打起来。内中一个鲁莽的抢上前去便要揭帐子，德氏高声喊道：“慢着！我儿媳妇正搂着小孩睡觉呢，你们难道还要强奸民妇吗？”哪知这位莽大夫满不听，一伸手便把帐子揭开。见帐子里有一床花棉被，花棉被里裹着一个人，据德氏说，这就是她的儿媳妇。那四人说不成，我们得看一看，德氏说看不得，她没穿衣服，难道赤条精光的，真叫你们看模特儿吗？内中一个说，没要紧，模特儿我们也一样看。说罢抢上前去，将棉被一揭，这个戏法儿变得真快，哪里有二十多岁的小媳妇，正是三十多岁穿着西装的一个大男人。德氏也跑了。正所谓光棍不吃眼前亏，江豆子再想装死是装不成了，只得爬起来，说：“你们几位怎么这样逼人太甚？我是害肚子疼，才吃过药，在这里忍一刻，并非有意逃席。”公民哈哈大笑，说：“好一位议员！好一位国民代表！你害肚子疼，也不是什么大不了的事，为何跑到人家小媳妇屋里藏着？难道那个老太婆说她儿媳妇生了小孩，生的就是你吗？”可怜江豆子被人家骂得一语答不上来，只可垂头丧气，随着他们走出屋门。迎头遇见金人铭，人铭看着他冷笑，说：“四十块钱白花了，依然还得出席，这是何苦呢！”江豆子也不理他。 大家离了德氏家中，一同到众议院来，却见众议院门前围了许多人，言词嘈杂，秩序纷乱，仿佛像打架似的，也不知为了什么事。大家挤上去看，原来是门口挂的牌示，被公民摔碎了。警卫长立在大门前，对许多公民演说，说：“诸君不要误会，本警卫长有多大胆子，敢阻拦诸位主人翁前来监视大选。只因本院议长唐先生以今日为大选之期，理应严肃，如果放进许多闲人来，于议场秩序必有妨碍，所以特特吩咐本警卫长悬出牌示，所为限制闲杂人等不准随便出入。至于诸位尽可自由，本警卫长绝不敢滥使权力。”众公民依然是不依不饶的，非面见唐议长请他答复不可。此时唐议长也不知躲到哪里，哪敢出头露面。本来这件事也怨他过于鲁莽，他因为自己是议长，今天大选理应早早出席，八九点钟他就到议院来了。一进门就看见许多长袍马褂的人把一座议场全包围了。他心里也明白，这是项子城派来监视大选的，但是面子上太不成体统了。尤其是夹杂着许多本京的游民，甚至连一件长大衣裳全不穿，跑了来逛议院。唐议长看在眼中，心里老大的不痛快。他来至办公室，便把警卫长张清臣叫来，说：“你看这议院围了人山人海，怎么也不干涉干涉，任着他们的性儿胡闯呢？”张清臣躬身回道：“议长圣明，请想这些人全是有来头的，警察如何敢干涉他们？倘然干涉出是非来，岂不是给议长添烦吗？”唐议长皱眉道：“这个我也明白，不过有来头的，我们可以许他自由；那没来头的多少也要有一点限制才好。”张清臣道：“人是太多了，谁有来头，谁没来头，哪能够一望而知呢？”几句话问住了唐议长，有点拐不过弯子来，他沉吟了一会便强词夺理地说：“这也不见得，最好挂出一个牌示来禁止闲人。那些没来头的见了牌示，自然就不敢向里乱闯了，这岂不是顶好的一个法子吗？”张清臣还有意要驳他，后来一想犯不着啦，等牌示悬出去招出麻烦来，我便往他身上推，倒看他怎样应付。张清臣因为存了这种私心，所以毫不犹豫地答应下来。他便自己写了一张牌示，哪知才挂出去便出了麻烦，本来在大门站岗的警察，谁知道这内中层层黑幕，他们就知道执行上司的命令，见警卫长悬出这样牌示来，便信以为真，在大门以前实行阻止闲人，不许擅入。自然本京的闲人，专为逛议院来的，当然可以阻止住了。至于那一班奉天承运的假公民，正在趾高气扬，谁肯听这一套，他们仍然是昂然直入。警察过来一拦，说：“慢着点，你们没看见牌示吗？怎么还向里硬闯呢？”这几十位假公民，正在兴滋滋大摇大摆向里走着，被警察迎头一拦，如何不气？大声喝道：“什么东西敢拦我，牌在那里？拿出来我看！”警察见他们这样横，也不肯示弱，大声回道：“你怎么出口伤人？这是有尺寸的地方，要看牌示，没长着眼睛吗？”内中一个不服气的，过去将虎头摘下来，朝着门前的石墩，咔嚓一声，摔成了好几块，说：“这些东西，只能吓吓毛贼小偷儿，怎么竟拿来吓中华民国的主人翁？”警察一见摔了牌可急啦，过去当胸一把将那人揪住，说：“你搅扰议场，得随我去见警卫长，送你警察厅至少罚你三个月苦力。”这一把尚未揪住，早被人家包围起来，上头一拳，底下一脚，将警察打倒在地。一吆喝，又来了二三十个公民，全是灰布棉袍，青布马褂，一个个腆胸叠肚，精神非常整齐，过来问什么事。摔牌的从头至尾一说，大家异口同声，便说摔得好，摔得对，净摔牌不能算完，咱们得寻那出牌示的人，质问他为什么阻拦大家，不叫进去。 正在吵嚷着，张清臣已从里面出来，原来当那个警察被人打倒之时，他的伙伴早已拔步飞奔，跑至警卫长办公室中。张清臣正在端坐看报，见这个警察跑得上气不接下气，吁吁直喘，不觉诧异问道：“什么事？你这样慌张。”警察回道：“现有许多公民在议院门前，把牌示也摔碎啦，连警察也打伤啦，口口声声还要见警卫长。请示您是见他们，还是不见他们？”张清臣心里有底，知道是健身社的同人都来到了，自己毫不犹豫地随着警察出来。老远就看见乱哄哄的，议院门前全挤满了。警察高声喊道：“警卫长出来啦，闲人闪一闪，不要挡着路。”这些人如同没听见一样，依然围了一个风雨不透，高低还是张清臣自己说：“众位公民先生，不要动手打警察了，这事全由警卫长负责。我有几句话同诸位先生说，请暂时压音，不要再嚷了。”清臣这几句话，果然有效力，大家轰的一声散开，都脸朝着清臣，倒听他说些什么。清臣先用眼望一望，见这一群假公民中有两个认识的，正是陆福通、车福上这两人，是健身社的小头目。上次阻拦凌、许两个议员不能登车，祝子琴给他们记大功一次，又由小队长升为中队长，一个人管着六十个公民。张清臣曾受祝子琴之约，在惠丰堂饭庄吃过一回饭，同那些大队长、中队长，都换过名片认得他们。祝子琴请张清臣也是为说明底细，将来大选时，这一班假公民自由出入，不致发生龃龉。清臣是多年的老官僚，乐得做人情，满口应许。不料今天阴错阳差，却出了这一场是非。他看见车陆两人，心说既有熟人，这事就好办了。满脸含笑，朝着车陆两人拱一拱手。这两人也笑着朝他点头。清臣说：“诸位先生，千万不要误会！凭我一个警卫长，有多大胆子，敢拦阻中华民国的主人翁，不叫进院来监视大选？实在因为本院议长唐先生，见来的人太多了，内中分子复杂，恐怕与大选秩序有妨，因此才吩咐兄弟我出了那一道牌示。其实也不过是纸面的文章，只限制一班无知识的下等人，至于诸位乃是关心大选的爱国志士，本警卫长欢迎还来不及，哪有拒却之理呢？”张清臣油腔滑调地说了这一大套，自以为总可压住他们的口面了，哪知内中还有几个非面见唐议长不可。清臣又再三解劝，怎奈这些人是得理不让人，清臣又不好意思真去请唐议长，相持了足有一刻钟，恰赶上参议院的汪议长来到，这才给解了围。汪立堂是一位辩才无碍的博士，他到门前下了马车，一看这种情景，心中早明白了八九。没等张清臣向他回话，他便对大家演说：“今天选举总统，是国家大典，理应公开。诸君在旁监视，不可人太多了，于做事的手续上，不能无妨。据兄弟想，倒有一条最妙的法子，可以两无妨碍。”众人一听都高兴了，忙问议长有什么高明主意。立堂笑道：“我这法子极其捷便。是不问公民不公民，只问身上穿的是什么衣服：凡是穿灰布棉袍、青布马褂的，今天允许有自由出入之权。这样一限制，凡闲杂人等自然进不来了。这岂不是最简便最容易的好法子吗？”众人听了，全都鼓掌赞成。这一幕摔牌的话剧，才算告一段落。 汪议长洋洋得意地走进议院，先到办公室中同唐议长晤面，述说方才和解了事的情形。唐议长面子上虽不便反对，但是心里总有点闷闷不舒，说：“事已至此，我们只求着候今天这一场敷衍过去，哪里顾得许多。只要不出岔子，便是如天之福。看神气，恐怕议场要变成战场也说不定呢。”汪立堂只摇摇头，说：“但愿平平安安地选出项子城来，天大的祸事，也可以云消雾散。要不然，我们想出议院的门，都恐怕不容易呢。”正谈着闲话，议事科长王大混子上来请示什么时候开会散票。汪立堂看一看表，已经十一点半了，说：“你就赶紧预备吧，一点钟准开会，比往常提前一点。”王大混子烟瘾不曾过，迷迷糊糊的，手捧着议员名册，才走出议员办公室，被地上一口黏痰滑了一个跟头，仰面朝天，摔得不能起来。多亏夫役将他搀起，架至议事科中，半晌缓不过气来。他的责任，只好暂由武二哥哥代庖。汪唐两议长草草吃过早饭，预备到议场出席。先问茶房：“议场上来了多少议员了？”茶房回说：“已经有四百上下，但是议场上的人数已经过千。”唐议长问：“这话怎么讲呢？”茶房道：“坐着的是议员，立着的是公民。每一个议员背后，也有立着一个的，也有立着两个的。议场上的警卫，谁也不敢阻拦。议员多有说话质问他们的，全都碰了钉子。少时两位议长到议场去，自然就知道了。”唐议长听了皱眉，他对立堂说：“我先到辩论席上去，好在今天你是主席，可以晚一刻也没要紧。”立堂明知道他这是一种油滑手段，不愿随着自己到议场去，招那些假公民注目，故此先走一步，在辩论席上一忍，等到散票时候，草草投过票，便可以溜之大吉。这种打算，未尝不是。偏偏他才一进议场的门，议席中有几个议员，便高声喊叫起来：“唐议长到了，有了主席人啦！”一壁喊着，还一壁鼓掌表示欢迎。这一来，真把唐议长气坏了。心说：我这里躲还躲不及，怎么明喊出来，非架我上台不可呢？自己真是进退两难：有心不登主席台吧，人家既喊出来，怎能放弃责任；真去做一位临时主席吧，倘然被公民围住，受了窘，又实在有点太不合算。后来急中生智，一直奔到主席台上，向大家演说道：“今天是大选之期，照例由参议院议长主席。本议长此来责任也仅止系于投票，并无其他事故。诸位安心等候汪议长吧。” 他演说完，向大家一鞠躬，便慢慢退下。他的脚踪儿尚未来到辩论席前，早有两位穿长袍马褂的公民，雄赳赳气昂昂地随在他的身后。他一看心说不好，这两个人，看神气全是有武力的练家，倘然言语不合，被他们打几下，真是有冤没处诉。他正在战战兢兢的，有些胆怯，内中一个居然向他发言，说：“足下就是唐议长吗？”唐议长只得答了一声是。那位假公民，便正颜厉色向他说道：“足下身为议长，当然是议员的表率。但不知今日贵议长选举何人，我们大家很愿一闻其详，求您提前发表吧。”这几句话，真把唐议长窘苦了。他只得用很和气的态度向那两人回道：“议场的规矩，向来在开会时不准谈话。鄙人既身为议长，岂敢自乱其例。这一层务必求二位格外原谅，恕我不能答复。”这两位公民听他这样说，不觉冷笑了一声，说：“我们要求的事，仅止两三个字，说出口来就能使我们满意。议长却说了十来句，并不对题。假如议场上不准说话，议长说了这许多句，岂不是自乱其例？要是可以说话，就请你告诉我们一个人名，并用不着做长谈，这还有什么隐蔽的吗？”唐议长被这几句话，问得无言可答，迟疑了有三分钟，方才正式答道：“选举何人，投票之后当时揭晓，诸君自然知道。本议长决不能在投票之先，发表人家的姓名，这是法律所不许的事情。望二君千万不要强人所难。”公民将脸一沉，说：“议长这话，说得很没道理。我们当公民的，盼望大选，如大旱之盼云霓。好容易到了今天，恨不得早一刻知道谁人当选，也可稍慰大家望治之心。况且在外国选举总统，一切都是公开。我们中国，当然也不能独外此例。议长是这一院的领袖，比如你要投谁的票，其余议员也当然随着你投。所以我们只问你一个，其余便可以类推，你偏偏要这样深闭固绝。你就不想一想，要没有我们公民，如何能选出议员？既没有议员，如何能推举议长？你对于外国人可以严守秘密，对于中华民国的主人翁，有什么秘密可言？你就直截了当地告诉我们，也不见得于你议长的尊严有损，何必说什么法律不法律呢？”唐议长被他们逼得没有路儿了，说：“你二位既然关心大选，目前可以当选的人，当然也在你们意计之中。凡是众公民大多数所倾望的，本议长当然就是举他。我们彼此心心相印，也用不着再说了。”这两个公民听唐议长这样说，似乎不好再向下追问，便故意由自己揭开，说：“目前救时人物，当然要推项子城项大总统。唐议长既知尊重人民的意思，当然是选举他了。”这时候唐议长尚未答言，忽听议员席中有一人骂道：“项子城什么东西！”只说了这一句，以下不再说了。他这一句，算是给唐议长解了围。他身旁的两位公民，立刻把眼睁大了，仿佛像走狗寻狡兔一般，随着声音便冲过去。大声问道：“方才是什么人说话？请你再说一遍。”哪知问了两三遍也问不出人来，当时议场里这些公民，一个个把眼睛瞪得滚圆，还有几个摩拳挽袖，仿佛要寻着这个骂项子城的人，立刻抓过来，就应当活活打死。 正当这空气紧张之际，忽听一阵掌声，原来是汪立堂走进议场。一班议员早已等得不耐烦，好容易盼他到了，全体鼓掌表示欢迎。骂项子城的人，也借此脱了一场灾难。汪立堂到了主席台上，睁眼一看，乌压压把一座很大的议场全塞满了，连站一个人的空地都寻不出来了。也真整齐好看，每一位议员身后，必有一两位保镖的，紧紧贴在议员的座位上，直然同野台子戏棚的底下差不多了。可怜这五六百议员，想要喘一口大气，都有点不容易。甚至连主席台上，也堆得满满的。汪立堂本是滑头，他一看这神气，心说今天这一关，实在有点不大好过。最好是快投票，快揭晓，早早打发他一走，省得怄气。再说这个议场里，气味熏蒸，中人欲呕，如何受得了。他先对大家演说：“今天选举总统，必不负诸君的期望，不过投票一切手续，也非常繁杂。诸君监视只管监视，但总要腾出一点空地来，好叫议员得以自由，写票投入票匦之中，也好早早揭晓。要不然，可就要耽误时间了。”汪立堂这几句话，果然发生了一点效力，这些公民居然散出有二三百去。然而在议场上，还不下七八百之多。武二哥哥领着议事科几个职员，挨着座位散票。他的大烟瘾不曾过足，怕了不下这一幕差事来，又狠狠地吞了两个大烟泡儿。瘾倒是挡回去了，只烧得他五脏如焚，脑袋嗡嗡的，仿佛要涨裂。强自支持，挨着座位送票，好容易把票散完了。于是一班议员，个人拿着一支笔，预备书写个人意中要投的人物。这时候每一个议员的身后，全有两只大眼瞪着，看到底书写何人。有那决定投项子城的，当然不怕身后人看；若于项子城之外，属意他人，可就有点畏首畏尾，不敢下笔了。在他们一迟钝，身后便有人催，说：“你打算写谁？要胡乱投人，我们只有在议院门外候着你。”这一吓唬，居然有害怕投项子城的；可也有拿着笔，立起身来，走出议席之外，要到票匦前面去写票。公民也随在后边说