Chapter 102 The ninety-ninth round of certificate recovery. Members of the two houses of parliament disbanded and set up a group of monsters to participate in politics.

Xiangzicheng was parading on Tiananmen Square, and many Chinese and foreign dignitaries surrounded him.In silence, there was a sudden bang, which was the sound of a gunshot.Wu Bixiang yelled in fright, Yue Dayi's face changed color, several important people on the left and right jumped out of their seats, ready to run for their lives.Fortunately, Xiang Zicheng was still able to hold his breath, he sat in his seat and remained motionless.Several foreign envoys, although they showed a little panic, remained still after all.It's just that everyone's eyes can't stop looking around.Duan Jixiang came up to answer the president, saying that the gunshot just now was because there was a third-class soldier in the imperial guards.He walked forward with the team, his usual steps were rusty, and he couldn't keep up.He was anxious, and took two steps forward, but he couldn't stand still, and fell to the ground, and the gun on his shoulder fell to the ground.It fell through the fire, so the gun flew out.Now he has been tied up and handed over to the Military Law Office for interrogation.When Xiang Zicheng heard this, he was filled with displeasure, and said: "The sergeant's gait is sloppy, why did you ask him to come out to show his eyes. You can tell the commander of the army to record a major demerit, the battalion commander will be fined for three months, and the company platoon leader will be dismissed." Duan Jixiang agreed to go on, followed Ruan Zhongshu to stand up and said: "It's getting late, the president can go back to the palace, and the foreign guests should also rest." Xiang Zicheng stood up and bowed to the ministers with this sentence, The ministers also got up, and everyone dispersed one after another.Xiang Zicheng returned to Xinhua Palace, rested for a day, and called Wu Bixiang and Lu Chengzhang in the morning of the second day.Said: "There are still many culprits hidden in this city of Beijing, you may know." This question turned the two into a panic, Bixiang just stared and dared not answer a word, Lu Chengzhang was more courageous than him Then he stood up and replied: "Since Mo Bian came to Beijing, he has been strictly investigating the culprit all the time. Although he dare not say that the search was exhausted, he did not hide much after all. But I don't know who the culprit the President refers to is? I have to ask you to understand your instructions." Xiang Zicheng laughed and said, "Of course you two don't understand the culprits I'm referring to. You must know that those congressmen who are arrogant and arrogant, claiming to be representatives of the people Most of them are the culprits. They always want to disturb the law and order in Beijing. If these people exist for a long time, they will be a hidden danger after all." Lu Chengzhang smiled and said: "Isn't the president worried? Chengzhang had already done so a few months ago I saw it. So last time in the case of Chen Weisheng, Chengzhang tried every means to get him a few truths. If the president is determined, he should do it as soon as possible." Zicheng said: "They are using the title of member of the council , so they dare to go public. Now to deal with them, they must first revoke their titles of parliamentarians. To revoke their titles of councilors, they must first dissolve the House of Representatives. I have already drawn up the procedures: the first step is to search for party certificates; Certificate; the third step is to dissolve the House of Representatives. Go down and investigate first, how many members of the Populist Party are in the two houses. The investigation is clear, and each family will send two policemen and two detectives to watch He is not allowed to go out of Beijing. Then they searched their party ID cards next to each other. Even the party ID cards and text messages were searched out and sent to the mansion to be handed over to the internal history office for detailed examination. You go down and prepare for this first step. Alright." Wu Lu and the two came down, pressing the button and not mentioning it for the time being.

Just talk about the President of the Senate, Wang Litang, since the election of the president, he has closed his house.He never sees anyone who visits him, especially the members of the Populist Party. No matter who comes, he just tells the doorman to tell him that he is sick and cannot see guests.However, he invited two flute masters who were proficient in Kunqu opera to teach his young lady how to play at home all day long.He holds a "Bible" all day long, specializing in the study of religious principles.He was originally a Christian, and there were only many books on religion in his living room.In addition to the religious books, there are a few music scores, such as "Zi Bai Mourning", "Suppressing Cloud Pavilion", "Selected Songs of Yuan Dynasty", etc., there are everything.He searched out all his personal letters and telegrams, only selected those related to religion and kept some of them, and burned the rest.Mrs. Wang and Ms. Wang didn't understand what his intention was, so they asked him again and again, and he smiled and said: "We have a big difficulty before us. We must use religion as a talisman to get through it safely. Otherwise, we can just go through it." I'm afraid my life will be in danger." When Mrs. Wang, mother and son heard this, they were all so frightened that their expressions changed.Ask him what is the difficulty, Litang explained to them in a low voice.Mrs. Wang said anxiously: "You are so stupid. Since you know that there must be such a result, why don't you escape from Beijing early? You just wait for someone to arrest you." Li Tang laughed loudly and said, "My Wife, do you think you are so smart that you will be fine if you escape early. How can there be such an easy thing in the world? If you can escape, I will have already absconded with my family without waiting until now. You must know, the item The methods used in Beijing are hotter than Qinjiao! He has already cast a net, even if you have wings, you can’t fly out of Beijing. Haven’t you seen Ling Bing and Xu Renjing? One was shot and the other was in prison I lived here for three months. It was not due to the strength of Governor Zhang of Henan Province, so I lost my life. Do I still learn from him?" Ms. Wang smiled and said: "My father said that everything is contradictory. I often hear you say, every time you come to the Presidential Palace, how do you invite you to dinner and how to be polite to you? This is always very friendly to you, so why would you kill yourself?" Litang laughed loudly, Said: "Silly boy, why do you say such nonsense? Do you think the president is on good terms with me? Let me tell you the truth, a person like Xiang Zicheng doesn't care who he is, and he doesn't care who he is. Good. If I need you today, I will treat you well; if I don’t need you tomorrow, I will not treat you well; the day after tomorrow will see if you are in danger. If it is not good for him, it may kill you. The former treats me well, because I It's the speaker. If he wants to be the official president, he must be elected by me, and then he will be justified. To be clear, he is not with me, he is with the speaker. Now his goal has been achieved. As the speaker, I will He has become a useless waste. Not only is he no longer on good terms with me, but if he meets me by chance, he may see something wrong with me, and he may use a small trick to play with my life!" Miss Wang told her father As soon as he explained, his face turned yellow with fright, and said: "Since this is the case, daddy is not running away quickly, is he waiting at home for him to come and get it?" Li Tang said: "You and your mother are a professor, so you know how to hurry up." Run. To tell you the truth, I am sitting at home, stable on Mount Tai. If I want to pick up my feet and run, my life will be in danger at that time. Fortunately, I have already arranged, you two, mother and daughter, preferably all day long Apart from singing, read the Bible and don't go outside. If the military and police come to arrest me, don't worry about it, just kneel on the ground and ask God to bless you, don't panic." Mrs. Wang and her daughter seemed to believe it or not promised.

Two or three days later, after breakfast, someone knocked on the door suddenly, and the knocking sound was very loud.Litang smiled and said: "The policemen have arrested me. You should calm down and don't talk too much." Just as he was instructing him, his follower Sun Sheng ran in in a panic and said, "There are ten or twenty policemen outside the door. There are a few plainclothes detectives and an inspector who are carrying a roster and want to talk to the master. Can you see that they are missing?" Litang immediately stood up and said: "Let me go to the front hall and I will meet them in person." Sun Sheng said "The two flute masters in the front hall, Mr. Chen and Mr. Wu, are there, one playing and the other singing, tell them to avoid it or not?" Li Tang scolded: "Bastard, I'm using these two gentlemen, why should I avoid them? Pass on my words, please, just play and sing, don't evade, and don't have to stop." Sun Sheng ran out, settled down first, and then asked the inspector to come in with the detective.When these two people walked to the door of the front hall, they heard the melodious flute rhyme inside, and a person with an old voice was singing "Soushan Taxi" inside.It just so happened that this inspector also had an obsession with Kunming. As soon as he heard the flute, he got in and opened his eyes: Wu Rongying was playing the flute, and Chen Ronghui was singing.These two people were all students in the Kunyi class of the old Chun Wang's mansion back then, and now they are both in their fifties.The inspector is a banner man named Sheng Quan. His father, Sheng Sankui, is a well-known Jing in the Kun class. He also sat in the Prince Chun's mansion back then. He and Chen Wu are brothers, but they are older than them.As soon as Sheng Quan came in, he hurriedly greeted Chen and Wu, and said, "You two uncles, you are here for fun. My father always talks about you." Chen Ronghui laughed and said, "I haven't seen you for two years, and you are actually an official?" Lah. How is your father?" Wu Rongying said: "The two of us are so poor that we have nothing to eat. Chairman Cheng Wang invited me to teach his lady a few Kunqu operas. He will take care of two meals a day and give him 20 yuan a month. Qian Xiujin. Your father is better than us, so he doesn't need to travel outside." The three of them were talking when Wang Litang came out.The inspectors and detectives all saluted him and respected the speaker.Li Tang's face was full of spring, and he asked him to sit up.Sheng Quan said: "How dare a small inspector sit opposite the speaker? I came to the mansion today under the orders of my superior Director Wu, who was handed over by the president face to face. I asked to send someone to all the members of the assembly. For those who belong to the Populist Party in your home, please hand over your party card first, and submit a summary to the President for review. You are also ordered to check all the gentlemen’s homes and any correspondence with the party department, and the President must have a look at them all. Director Because Chairman Wang is the leader of the first house and the old populist party, of course it has to be run by you. Together with the law enforcement department, this is the second lieutenant and inspector Guo Baoming of the law enforcement department. I have no choice but to ask the speaker to forgive me a lot." After hearing this, Litang did not show any panic, and even said: "Very good, I hope your hall will check it out, so that you can see your heart clearly. Please go with the brother to the inner courtyard Seeing Litang being so polite, Sheng Guo and the others were embarrassed to greet the policemen outside the door.Only the two of them followed Li Tang to the bedroom in the backyard.Litang opened the box and cabinet himself, and asked the two of them to check it.After checking out a few letters, they were all about the YMCA, and there were many other books, all about religion, as well as some handwritten music scores and the like.Li Tang took out the People's Party certificate, handed it to Sheng Quan, and said, "Please bring it back and present it to Director Wu. If the Director has any doubts, you have to ask me face to face. I am always at home Wait. When you come, I can go to the hall whenever you want, and I will never miss the summons from the director." Sheng Quan took over the party card, and Li Tang took out another 200 yuan note, saying: "Both Walk slowly, the two hundred yuan is meant to be a bit of a brother, please accept it as a kindness, and buy a pair of shoes as a souvenir of our friendship. If you don't accept it, you will look down on your brother." Sheng Quan He said sternly: "This is absolutely impossible! We are here on order, and we are here on official business. If we want to receive a penny from the speaker, how can we afford it if the news spreads in the future?" Guo Baoming also said: "Speaker, please take it quickly." Get up, we dare not accept bribes." Litang said: "You two have misunderstood, this is not a bribe. If it is a bribe, I must ask you first, and then give you money, this is called bribery. Wang Litang is neither a revolutionary party nor a political prisoner. I am just a Christian. Apart from reading the Bible, I do charity work. The reason why I joined the Populist Party is because several members of the party once taught in our church school Studying. I persuaded them to join the church, and they persuaded me to join the party. I was eager to preach, so I made an exchange with him. In fact, the party members like me are just titles. I don’t know the inside story of their party. I know. The two of you have searched just now, but have you ever found a letter or a telegram, which is between me and the party? As for my two hundred yuan, it is completely in the nature of making friends. Not only is it not a bribe, but I also You must never tell others, only you and I know about it. If you refuse to accept it, it is because I, Wang Litang, don’t know how to make friends, and I don’t dare to force it. However, friends in Beijing are the most generous , The most forthright. You seem to be too reserved when you are like this." When Wang Litang said this, both of them felt a little active.But Shengquan was timid, he had never encountered such a thing before, and he was still a little hesitant, afraid to say a word of certainty.Guo Baoming is a seasoned detective, and they always focus on taking bribes for selfish reasons. Today, because they are with Shengquan, they have to make a concession.If he had come alone, he would have picked it up a long time ago. Would he still need to pay for it?Seeing that he could not step down due to this matter, he said to Sheng Quan with a smile: "Second Brother Sheng, what Chairman Wang said just now is really a good friend. For example, if someone entrusts us with something and gives us money, of course we cannot accept bribes. Now they It’s not about accepting bribes, it’s just about making friends. If we want to keep this kind of favor with our brothers, we must insist on refusing to take it. Know how to make friends. When we go to other provinces in the future, if there is a place where we can borrow the speaker, what face do we have to meet him? As far as I think, it is better to accept it for now. As the saying goes: Reciprocity is good. In the future, we will try again Compensating others is in line with the principle of making friends." When Guo Baoming said this, Litang immediately extended his thumb and said, "Yes! After all, Mr. Guo has both far-sightedness and insight into reason. Sir, I have nothing to say." While talking, he handed the 200 yuan note to Guo Baoming.Baoming took it, divided it into two stacks, and handed the stack to Sheng Quan, saying: "Second brother, take it, we and the speaker have a mutual understanding, so there is no need to say thank you." Sheng Quan took it, put it in his arms, He also greeted Litang up and down, and said thank you, Speaker.Litang saw that he was a baby, wanted to laugh but didn't dare to laugh, so he had to pay him back, saying that you are too polite.Guo Baoming frankly seemed to be indifferent, but said to Litang: "Since the chairman has a clear conscience, why don't you take these letters from the YMCA Christianity and those music scores with you. Please ask the director Director, if the two of them pass it on to the president, wouldn’t it be a one-and-done thing? From then on, there will be no trace left, and it will save you and me a lot of traveling back and forth.” Li Tang said: “Okay, after all, Mr. Guo thought carefully. "Hurry up and hand over a few letters, holy books, and sets of music scores to them, and the two just left.

Shan said that Shengquan returned to the hall, and presented the party card, the letter, and several other books to Wu Bixiang.Bixiang took it and asked him again in detail.Sheng Quan said: "Chairman Wang is at home, apart from reading the Bible, he is also learning Kunqu Opera. He specially invited two flute masters, and they all know each other. It's not just a pretense." You go down first." Sheng Quan withdrew.Bixiang's intention to be an inspector may not be reliable.If Wang Litang has any collusion in Modi, and the president finds out, it is obvious that I can't do things.It would be better for me to explain this situation first, and listen to the tone of the president.If he believed it was true and didn't advocate further investigation, I wouldn't be guilty of being a villain.If he is a little unbelievable, or has other reasons, I will try to find a way to spy on him closely.In any case, don't be an afterthought and let the president see that I am too incompetent.After thinking about his idea, Bixiang went to the government office to meet Xiang Zicheng with party certificates, letters, books, etc., explained the situation face to face, and presented it to the president for reading.Xiang Zicheng just smiled, and said to Bixiang: "I know, Wang Litang is indeed a religious person, and he will never cause revolution to cause trouble. We only need to pay attention to those who are used to making trouble." When Bixiang heard it, his heart felt like a stone fell to the ground, and he no longer panicked.After leaving, he went to dispatch troops to deal with other congressmen.Let's not mention it for now.

Simply speaking, why does Xiang Zicheng believe in Wang Litang so deeply?It turns out that among the inside stories, Litang had already had a plan.In Xiangzi City Mansion, there is a school specializing in English teaching.In this school, there are two foreign teachers and two Chinese teachers, one male and one female, but they are not husband and wife.The foreign male teacher is an Englishman whose surname is Hui, and his name is Whitley, and he is a missionary pastor.The female teacher is an American, her surname is Fei and her name is Fei Jiayu. She is a girl who has graduated from university and has not yet left the cabinet.Because her father worked as a tax branch in the customs, he recommended her daughter to the presidential palace as a teacher.The two Chinese teachers were all graduates from universities in the United States.When the male teacher was called Ding Sheng, the female teacher was called Wang Wanggui.These four teachers are in a school, specializing in teaching young ladies in Xiangzi City.Each person has only one hour of homework per day.Two Chinese and foreign teachers work together to teach, one to explain and one to translate, all in one place, and it only takes two hours a day.Foreigners are more able to see the limelight. They understand that the president's sons and daughters are very pampered, and they cannot be supervised by means of school supervisors.I only teach a little bit every day, and in the rest of the time, I just tell them a little foreign scenery and Western stories, and tell them with relish.Translation plus many branches and leaves, of course the children are happy.In this way, with the idea of ​​coaxing the children, for a month of coaxing anyway, the salary of foreign teachers is 800 yuan per person, and the salary of Chinese teachers is half.Where in the world can I find such a good thing that requires less effort and more money?Once, Wadely chatted with the students again, saying: "You Chinese students, the most promising is none other than Wang Litang, the speaker of your House of Representatives." Promising?Whitley said with a smile: "It's a long time to talk about this, because he is my student, so I know it in detail. He was born as a poor boy, his father was an old man who sold tofu, he beat seven His father died when he was ten years old. His poor mother only took care of this son. She had no room and no plot of land. She just pointed at ten fingers, and he was sewing, washing and washing for others, living a poor life. His house was close to the The church, there is an elementary school in the church, with a total of thirty or forty pupils, all of whom are in their seventies and eighties, and the oldest one is twelve or three. Standing in the church and watching people carrying their schoolbags and going to and from school, he is extremely envious. But How could his mother have any spare money for him to study, so he stood outside the lecture hall and secretly listened to the lecture. After a long time, the teacher knew that he was a good boy, so he called him in and asked him what he had learned. He recited everything in his mouth, except that he could not read the characters. The teacher asked him to enroll in school from the next day. Not only did he not pay his tuition fees, but he also prepared books, paper, pens and inkstones for him. He really worked hard, and he has been admitted since then. Christianity, from elementary school to university, was completely cultivated by the church. He has not forgotten his roots, and until now, he has always taken missionary work as his lifelong duty. He is not very enthusiastic about politics or party affairs. The most enthusiastic , is religion, he is really one of the best students in China. When I was a professor at the university, I liked him the most. Until now, when he met me, he always behaved like a disciple. You were all born in the president’s family, it’s a godsend But to live in the world, you have to learn from Wang Litang." Huidili's words were deeply imprinted in the students' minds.They went back to the back hall and told Xiang Zicheng as if it was a joke.It turns out that Speaker Wang is the son of a tofu seller.When Xiang Zicheng heard this, he was also very surprised, so he asked them what was going on.The students said exactly what they said.Xiang Zicheng said: "It is a good word for Mr. Wang Litang to advise you. From now on, you are determined to learn from Wang Litang. You see, he is only in his thirties, but he is the leader of the House of Representatives. If he has no real skills, everyone can choose him. His English level is very good. You have such a famous teacher, why don’t you work hard to learn?” Xiang Zicheng talked about his children, but he believed in his heart: Wang Litang is a good student and a religious man , has no ambitions for politics.Originally, this is also a human favor. It is better for my wife to say a few words than to say a thousand words to others.Wang Litang took advantage of this weakness, and it turned out to be very effective.How can the rest of the members of the Democratic Party prepare for this?It's a pity that they were all frightened by the police detectives, and they even chased them away with their party certificates and congressional certificates.

On the second day, an imperial decree was issued to dissolve the House of Representatives.The House of Representatives has been dissolved, and this group of members cannot leave Beijing suddenly.I had no choice but to close the door of my house in Beijing, not even daring to breathe.Even if Xiang Zicheng is complacent at this time, he has no future troubles to worry about.Someone just came to him and said that this group of councilors wanted to leave Beijing secretly and go to Wuhan together.Because although Li Tianhong was elected vice president, he never came to Beijing to take office. He still sat in Wuhan and led 20,000 to 30,000 new troops as his governor of Hubei.Hubei was originally the birthplace of the revolution, and Li Tianhong won the hearts of the army. On weekdays, Xiangzi City looked like a very dangerous situation.What's more, these congressmen intend to defect to him.If there is a little change in Wuhan, or a revolutionary military government is actually established to condemn the old Xiang, a single spark will start a prairie fire.This is a matter related to the overall situation, and we must try to eliminate it.So when the speaker mentioned Li Tianhong, Xiang Zicheng was a little tempted when he heard it.He wanted to transfer Li Tianhong to Beijing, and change another confidant to be the governor of Hubei.It's just that he couldn't think of a suitable person in a hurry, and later discussed with Duan Jixiang, and Duan Jixiang tried to ensure that Duan Yuzhi was qualified for the job.Duan Yuzhi was originally a schoolboy in Xiangzicheng, but he single-handedly promoted him to graduate from the Military Academy.In the Beiyang era, Xiangzicheng was the No. 1 red candidate in Tianzi. He once let go of the governor of Heilongjiang, but was overthrown by the imperial censor.This time Xiang Zicheng became the president, he thought all the time, he only thought that it would be better to be an official in other provinces, but it was a pity that he didn't have such an opportunity.The governors of all the provinces in front of them are all powerful people. Duan Yuzhi has not led troops on weekdays, so how can he command the military of a province.But he is very scheming, he knows that in the President's mind, only the governor of Hubei is the only one, and he never wants Li Tianhong to stay in his post for a long time, so he secretly campaigns for Duan Jixiang to advocate for him.Duan Jixiang said to him: "This matter is not easy. One is that Li Tianhong may not be willing to come to Beijing; the other is that the military leaders in Hubei are proud of their merits and are the most difficult to control. Even if you take it reluctantly, you are afraid that you will not be able to go smoothly." Duan Yuzhi said: "These two things are nothing to worry about. As long as the president is willing to send me, I can make Li Tianhong happy to come to Beijing. As for the Hubei military officers, only Wang Zhankui has the most credit and the oldest qualifications. When I was in Beiyang that day, I was very supportive. He has worked hard, and he was promoted from company commander to brigade commander in a few years. I strongly recommended Feng Guohua. Now that I am going to Hubei, he is of course very welcome. It is best to keep it quiet and wait for Li Tianhong to come to Beijing. Send me as a temporary agent first. In this way, you can move over slowly without worrying about it.” Jixiang was confident in what he said, so he agreed to recommend it to the president.Of course Xiang Zicheng was very happy, but he had to think carefully about how to transfer Li Tianhong to Beijing, and then he thought of a way to promote both public and private affairs.It turns out that Tianhong's hometown is in Dagu, Haixia.His father was also a military officer and served as a general in Hubei, so he bought property and settled in Hubei.Later, his father died, and the coffin was still transported back to his hometown.From then on, Tianhong never came to the north.There are still a few of his own family living in Dagu.Xiang Zicheng made many twists and turns, and asked someone to tell his clan, and his colleagues in the clan signed their names, expressing their admiration and admiration, hoping that he would return to his hometown in fine clothes, and be favored by the clan.On the one hand, Beijing officials, businessmen, people, and big furniture publicly submitted to invite the vice president to come to Beijing to take office in order to comfort the people's hopes.On the one hand, Xiang Zicheng personally wrote a letter, inviting him to Beijing, saying that there are many important military and state affairs, and he is eager to learn.The procedures for the three aspects have all been prepared, and Duan Yuzhi and Ruan Zhongshu are specially sent to Hubei to welcome Vice President Li as special envoys.Ruan Zhongshu's three-inch tongue never let Su Zhang, he met Li Tianhong, and expressed his admiration for President Xiang Da.In any case, the vice president must be invited to Beijing.He knew that Tianhong was cautious and cautious, and he was most afraid of the suspicion of the central government. He simply colluded with his right and left, saying that a group of congressmen from Beijing and Central China wanted to come to Wuhan to support his independence and make things difficult for the government.If you don't escape early, you will inevitably be surrounded by them in the future. It is best to go to Beijing to take refuge for a while, and when the limelight passes, it will not be too late to return to Hubei.Tian Hong also heard about this matter, he calculated in his mind, now that the Republic of China is finally unified, how can I be used by others to destroy my previous achievements.Although Xiang Zicheng's methods are vicious, but after I arrived in Beijing, I kept silent so as not to arouse his suspicion.As the saying goes, living in the mouth of a tiger and being stable on Mount Tai is better than living in Hubei, which can save you a lot of trouble.In addition, since the clansmen have official letters and ancestors' tombs, they must also inspect them.With these two relationships, he actually allowed to go to Beijing.

Knowing the news, Beijing immediately ordered a special float on Jinghan Road to welcome the vice president who came to Beijing to take office.At the same time, another order was issued: Duan Yuzhi, governor of Hubei Province, will take care of her temporarily.This order.In fact, when Yuzhi arrived in Hubei, he had already cleared it up, and Wang Zhankui was very helpful to him.Therefore, the armies of all the towns in Hubei welcomed Yuzhi on the face, but in their hearts they paid monthly wages in exchange for full payment.At this moment, Yuzhi just asks everyone to help him, and they can agree on any conditions.Li Tianhong is happy to have a substitute, so he can get up early.Only a few staff were sent to handle the account, and he took his family with him until Beijing came.Xiang Zicheng was overjoyed when he heard that Tianhong had come to Beijing. He ordered General Affairs Director Ji Yuncheng to tidy up Yingtai in the South China Sea and decorate it beautifully for the vice president.He also appointed Duan Jixiang as the official representative, and his eldest son can be appointed as a personal representative to welcome him at the station.All the ministries, bureaus and bureaus in Beijing, the civil servants from the junior level and above, and the military officers from the lieutenant colonel and above, all wore uniforms and arranged shifts to welcome them.The No. 1 red car of the Special Commissioner's Mansion was used by the vice president, accompanied by the chief ceremonial officer Hong Qiwen.In addition, more than 20 ordinary cars have been prepared, which are specially used for family members to sit separately and transport luggage.At a west railway station, there was a sea of ​​people, so crowded that the wind and rain could not see through.Businessmen and people from all walks of life also pay their respects to the vice president's demeanor, and there is an endless stream along the road.Although the military and police have five steps and one post, they don't drive out idlers, because people like Li Tianhong are definitely not in danger, and there is no need to serve him in the same way as Xiang Zicheng.Only at this end, the quality of the two people's character can already be seen.Li Tianhong's car drove straight into Xinhua Palace, and Xiang Zicheng stepped down to greet him in front of his living room.With a face full of sincerity, he stepped forward to shake hands, and shouted Tianhong's name: "Brother Tang Qing, I will meet you today. Brother Yu has been in love for many days, and once I feel relieved, we can gather often from now on." Heaven Hong replied with a respectful attitude: "Tian Hong was originally a mediocre person. He is really ashamed to be supported by the President and favored by the people to this day. It is a great honor to be in front of the President's seat and listen to the teachings." .” The two walked into the living room hand in hand and chatted for an hour.Xiang Zicheng invited him to his bedroom again, and held a banquet in the bedroom to welcome Tianhong, and the two talked more and more speculatively.Tian Hong was originally a sincere gentleman, and he believed all Xiang Zicheng's words were true, but Sheng called Zicheng a president who saved the time.After the banquet, Zicheng specially sent the military attache chief Yin Chang to send the vice president to Yingtai.When Tianhong came to Yingtai, he saw that the inside was pasted and whitewashed, and it looked brand new.All the furnishings are even more gorgeous than the president's bedroom and living room.And there are also many staff, such as civil and military officials, military attendants, cooks, drivers, male and female servants, all of which are available.And submit the roster of all the officers and men to the vice president for inspection, so that he can command at will.Seeing such preferential treatment in the mansion, Li Tianhong felt uneasy.In fact, Xiang Zicheng's method is completely like Liu Bang's treatment of Yingbu in Han Dynasty, and Li Yuan's treatment of Li Mi in Tang Dynasty.Since ancient times, traitors have treated people like this.

At this time, it was the end of spring and the beginning of summer, and the tender lotus leaves in Sanhai were already floating on the water in rolls.Xiang Zicheng ordered a special flower boat to travel to the sea with the vice president, and held a banquet on board, had a drink with the vice president, and invited the secretary of internal history of the government to accompany him.The two presidents, the president and the vice president, were very happy on the boat.Xiang Zicheng suddenly asked Tianhong, "How old is my brother this year?" Tianhong replied, "I'm very young. I'm fifty-one years old this year. Didn't I ask the president how much is this year?" Chun." Tianhong said: "The president's face doesn't look like a fifty-six-year-old man, which shows that he is endowed with a healthy and strong nature." Zicheng sighed: "It's useless, you can see that the temples are full of stars, it's just a matter of fact." In the past two years, because of state affairs, he has been in distress all day long. It seems that he may not be able to last for many years." Tianhong said: "The president has worked hard for the country, so of course he can't rest However, if you sneak out from your busy schedule, you have to take care of yourself and respect yourself for the common people." Zicheng said: "Brother Yu has no hobbies in his life, so he has the least interest. But the few children under his knees, after the official business is over, they are called to the front of the eyes , play casually for a while, talk about the sad face, this is the only way to pass the time. There is nothing else to add to the fun." Tianhong asked: "How many sons and daughters are there in front of the president?" Zicheng laughed Said: "there are fifteen dogs and sixteen daughters. From the sixth child to the seventh daughter, the oldest is only twelve or three years old, and the youngest is still in his infancy. I don't know how many brothers and sisters there are under my brother's knees." Tianhong said: "There is a pair of men and women. The eldest son is sixteen years old and the eldest daughter is only thirteen years old. Now the family invites an old master to teach them to read. It's just that they are very stupid, and they haven't seen any progress." Zicheng He said with a smile: "We live very close to each other. In the future, we will send our brothers and sisters to study at my home. The Mr. Zhuang Zimo invited by my family is a famous scholar in Tianjin. The few children who left behind to study with him have made great progress. According to my opinion , you send the elder brothers and young ladies together, and take care of this gentleman so that they can get acquainted with each other." Having said this, Xiang Zicheng ordered his left and right to go to the study and ask Mr. Zhuang to bring the sixth young master and the eighth young lady here. It is also very fun for everyone to visit on the boat.The family members have gone, and when they come back soon, they say that Mr. Zhuang and the Young Master and Miss came here when they were young.

Sure enough, less than a quarter of an hour later, a small melon skinned boat, carrying Zhuang Zimo, the young master and the young lady Shutong, a total of four people, rushed to the big boat like flying.The left and right family members rushed over to help him, master and apprentice, and other four people over.Everyone stood up to greet him, and Zicheng hurriedly introduced him. Tianhong knew that Zhuang Zimo was an old celebrity and a young Kedi.In the former Qing Dynasty, he had become a servant and had a good relationship with Xiangzicheng.But Zicheng became the president, but he regarded himself as an old man and refused to serve as the Republic of China.Zicheng issued an official book, asked him to teach and read the old master, and gave 1,000 yuan a month to repair gold, doubled in three festivals.Zimo happily came to Beijing, and took this place as a library, specially packed a room for him as a study, and sent four servants and four book boys to serve the old master twice a day for snacks and meals.The husband handed over the food list, and the old master ordered it at will.If you ask Mr. Du in this way, you will probably get rid of the presidential palace, and you will never find another one.Tian Hong is also a native of Haixia, so he is very humble to Zhuang Zimo, calling him the head of the old village.Zimo even said: "I dare not be the vice president. I want to call him that, and the students will never dare to meet with me again." Xiang Zicheng said with a smile: "We are all about the same age, and it is best to be brothers. There is no need to be so modest That's good." Then he stretched out his hand and brought his six sons and eight young ladies over, pointed at Tianhong and said, "This is Uncle Li, bow three times." Sure enough, the two children heard that, and they all respectfully moved towards Tianhong. Tian Hong bowed three times.Tianhong hurriedly returned the gift, raised his eyes to look carefully, and saw that the two children were very cute.Xiang Zicheng smiled and said: "The president is very lucky. I see that the young master and the young lady are all beautiful and intelligent, and they are worthy of Xunlong Xiefeng's choice. I am really happy and congratulated." I want to invite the brothers and sisters to come to the boat, so that their little brothers and sisters can have a joyful reunion. The two of us will see it and it will be very fun, but I don’t know if my brother will allow it?" Tianhong said: "The president ordered How dare you disobey it. They are just dogs and girls, all of them are so stupid. Called here, she is a beautiful jade Jianjia, and I feel ashamed of her appearance." Xiang Zicheng laughed and said, "My brother, I'm afraid I have to say the wrong thing. Apart from being right, I'm afraid that the one who is ashamed is here and not there." A few words made everyone laugh, Tian Hong had no choice but to call his followers, and go quickly to call the young master and the young lady.

Ruan Zhongshu had already issued an order for the president, and sent an aide and military officer to meet Li Zhai's family in a melon boat.Sure enough, when I was young, I picked it up, helped me on the boat, and was led by Tianhong to introduce it to everyone.These two brothers and sisters, with beautiful features, are worthy of being chosen by Biren.Xiang Zicheng took Mr. Li's hand and asked him how old he was and what book he was reading, and Mr. Li responded fluently.Zicheng was very happy and asked Miss Li again.This young lady spoke eloquently, extremely generously, without the slightest bit of shyness.Zicheng laughed and said: "This comparison can compare with my family's. What Brother Tang Qing said is true." Ruan Zhongshu said with a smile: "Today's meeting can be called Chen Xun Jingshuang, two jewels and jade ，确没有优劣可分。”子城又向天洪问道：“不知大世兄已定亲否？”天洪道：“从儿岁时候，便定了同寅王副将之女，与小儿同庚，明年就要迎娶了。”子城点点头，似露一种怅惘之意。阮中书向天洪问道：“想来大小姐也许聘高门了？”天洪道：“小女尚未许有人家。”中书笑道：“晚生想替大小姐做伐，喝副总统一杯喜酒。但不知这样优差，可能轮到晚生头上否？”天洪笑道：“阮先生肯代小女执柯，这正是求之不得的美事，兄弟哪有不赞成之理？”中书道：“天下姻缘，皆由前定。当年瑞制军在河南时候，本想同大总统结亲。他的二小姐，许给总统的五少爷；总统的四小姐，也想许给他的大少，这不是极好的两门亲事吗？偏偏瑞制军的少爷留学英国，在海外已经自由结婚，大总统于是将四小姐许了他的侄儿。由这上看起来，岂不是姻缘前定吗？”中书说到这里，项子城接口说道：“天下事哪能样样皆如人意。我深喜李大公子英秀天成，原想高攀，做乘龙之选，哪知道已有捷足先登的呢？”阮中书笑道：“总统何必这样拘泥，眼前还有一门极好的姻缘，中书情愿约庄先生一同出来做伐，真是门当户对，天生成一对璧人。料想两位总统一定没有不赞成的。”中书说到这里，又用目向庄子模示意。子模是一位老道学家，然而阅历深沉，决不肯轻举妄动。他坐在旁边一言不发，却听了个清清楚楚，早明白他们的用意所在。如今见阮中书以目示意，他便用做文章超以象外得其寰中的手笔，含笑说道：“在下掌了三次文衡，教了半辈子穷书。所收的门生，无虑数千，当以项可敬为第一。他的天资颖悟，固然不必说了，尤其是沉静好学，手不释卷。在近今贵家子弟中，实在可称绝无仅有。阮兄但知为李副总统的小姐执柯，却不为我这得意学生做伐。据兄弟看，实在有点向隅了。”阮中书笑道：“晚生很愿将两件喜事，合为一家。但不知二位总统的尊意如何，所以不敢遽然提出。今听老前辈所言，项公子实为人中麟凤，料想副总统一面，或者也许表示同情吧。”项子城不等天洪张口，自己先说道：“犬子虽承庄先生嘉奖，但与副总统的千金相比，恐怕鸦凤悬殊，难免为门楣之玷呢。”他三个人此唱彼和，把弦外之音，全贯入李天洪耳中。天洪此时，想不搭腔，其势也有所不能了。只得接着说道：“阮先生这番美意，兄弟实在感激之至。要论大总统的六公子，讲人才，讲品貌，哪一样不是圭璋特达，杰出人群。得婿如此，尚有何憾？不过兄弟看，小女愚蠢，恐怕般配不上，因此很是踌躇。再者内人对此女格外钟爱，兄弟纵然乐意，似乎也不便单独做主，俟我回家同内人商议一番，必有以报命。”天洪本是一个直爽人，他这一套话，自以为立言得体，不亢不卑。哪知在阮中书一干人听了，直然是彀其毂中，同允婚也所差无几。他当时便拍着巴掌，哈哈大笑，故意向庄子模说道：“老前辈你看如何，副总统的眼力，当然高人一等，不用我们张口，人家早已就看中意了。至于虑到小姐般配不上，这正是与大总统鸦凤之谈针锋相对，彼此当然有这一种相互的客气，我们原不必认真。唯有副总统夫人这一关，当然也得有人正式去请求，晚生愿遣内子，专诚到副总统府当面洽商，但不知老前辈的尊夫人，可以屈驾同往否？”庄子模心里说：这小子真坏。他不但拴住了我，还要拴住了我的太太。李天洪想不允婚，其势也有所不能。倒莫如今天痛痛快快地应许，岂不免去许多折磨？他想到这里，便连声答应：“荆人一定随同行前往，纵然没有这一门亲事，副总统夫人才来北京，内眷也应当过去问安。”天洪连说不敢当，项子城却插言说：“提起问安来，我今天已经吩派内人，叫她明日带着子女，到副总统府去问候，最好叫小儿也随同前往，请副总统夫人当面相看。便是后天你们二位的太太前去说亲，也好张口说话，不致有粉饰夸大之嫌。”阮中书笑道：“能这样更好极了。”天洪一听，这简直是连环布阵，八面埋伏。天洪可以摆脱得开，自己女儿也在船上，简直有点不好意思，便用阻拦口气说：“大总统夫人，同二位先生的太太，全都不敢劳驾。要说相看，兄弟已经相看过了。我既中意，内人当然无异词，何敢劳总统夫人枉驾光临。俟家事摒挡就绪，内人便要亲往请安叩谒。阮兄只管放心，这事全在小弟身上好了。”众人听了俱都大笑，说：“到底是副总统豪爽真诚，不失大元帅本色。”紧跟着天洪的公子小姐，向众人告别，说出门时候未曾向母亲说知，恐怕她老人家不放心，必须先走一步。众人也明白他兄妹的意思，不便坚留。天洪又嘱咐回到家中，不要对你娘说什么。二人答应着，仍由侍从武官驾小艇将公子小姐送回。天洪因为关系女儿终身大事，在项六少身上格外注意。见这个小学生，确是没有一点浮躁之气，足证庄子模所言，尚有几成可靠。大家饮宴过了，各自分手。

第二天午后，大总统余夫人果然带着六少爷八小姐，到副总统府望看，携着很厚的一份礼物。副总统的刘夫人忙出来迎接。两位夫人虽是名门小姐出身，却因为年岁的关系，全是旧派。所讲的还是三从四德、《女儿经》、之类，因此越说越投机，彼此恨相见之晚。六少爷同八小姐在他嫡母眼前，却是循规蹈矩，侍立在一旁，连座位也不敢坐。刘夫人见了，心里很是满意。对余夫人说：“你家的公子小姐，没有一点贵胄习气，这真难得。看起来，咱们两家的家教相差无多。以后他们在一处读书，我也可放心了。我最怕的，就是染上现在那种洋习，好好的孩子，同他爹娘也讲起自由平等来，这还成一个什么世界？我家那几个孩子在我眼前，连新名词都不准他们说。这虽然过于小心，到底为防微杜渐，也不得不如此呢。”余夫人笑道：“您这主张很对。我家里宁可请旧派的老夫子，教他们念四书五经，也决然不送到洋学堂去，就是怕他们受了传习病。如今的世家子弟，动不动就送到外国去留学，任什么也不曾学会，只学了一身的洋习。回到家来，看家里的老老少少，没有一个入他眼的。从前娶的媳妇，一回国就不要了，得自己满世界去挑，美其名曰自由结婚。要叫我们看，简直是不要面皮。”几句话招得刘夫人大笑起来。少时李公子李小姐下学，到后堂来，余夫人亲热得了不得。两个公子，两个小姐，每人给了四块金洋钱，全是一两重的，上面还铸有万寿无疆字样。这种金钱，还是当年慈禧太后做万寿，项子城在北洋时代，特特定铸了进供的。他防备临时缺少，多铸了二百块，交给余夫人放在箱子底上，始终不曾用着，今天却想到了，特带来十六块，分送给李宅的公子小姐。刘夫人执意不肯收，说：“这见面礼太重了，小孩子家承当不起。”余夫人说：“这算不得见面礼，不过是一种玩物罢了。当年总统留下几块，就是为送给小孩玩的。您要一定不收，不但看不起我，直然看不起总统了。”刘夫人这才收下，叫他兄妹四人谢过。自己却寻了两件玉器，一个玉琢的麒麟，一个雕成的凤凰，送给六少爷同八小姐，余夫人不客气地收了。她母子三人走后，刘夫人反倒先向天洪夸赞项六少是一个好学生，在世家子弟中不可多得，不知他定了亲事没有。如果未定，咱家大丫头许给他，倒是一门很好的婚姻。天洪听了，心说这可真是姻缘前定，我还生怕她这一关不易通过，却没想到，反倒先出自她的口中。看起来真是天作之合，我倒不必再瞒她了。随将昨日在船上的经过，对刘夫人说了一遍。刘夫人大喜，说：“这是一件好事，我宁愿将女儿许给这旧式子弟，也决不嫁给洋学生。”天洪点头称是。第二天，庄子模同阮中书的太太一同来了，并没有费话，三言五语，这一门亲事就算完全成功，她们高高兴兴地回总统府复命。项子城的目的，总算是达到，择定吉期，便纳彩下聘。两方总统府，全都张灯结彩，忙坏了在京的文武大员，两面道喜。跑到了这一面，还得去那一面。最得意的无过于庄子模与阮中书，男家的庚帖，是子模缮写；女家的庚帖，是中书挥毫。两人全穿着礼服，坐上汽车，往返奔驰，执行大宾的责任。男家谢大宾，是每人金钱十元，定织进供最高江绸两匹；女家谢大宾，是每人礼服一套，礼帽一顶，礼靴一双，全都是上好的材料。 这一桩喜事办过之后，项子城心中安稳了许多。他最怕的，就是孙中山与李天洪。因为这两人是革命头脑，其势力足以号召一切。孙是鸿飞冥冥，使弋人无法罗致。且喜李已入彀，此后便可减去很大阻力。彼此既做了亲家，当然有一种特别关系，无论如何总得帮自己的忙。如今参众两院，已经取消，民意机关，表面上是一个也没有了，必须设法再制造出一个来，暂为替代。以后遇着事，也好有所借重。但是这种民意机关，必须由人民选举，然后才可以名副其实。民意选的，到底能否听自己指挥，这又是毫无把握的事。还是由我自己选派的好，不过这种机关取一种什么名义呢？似乎得不即不离，又有民意，又有官意，官民合作的性质，才觉适当。思索了多半天，想不出一个恰好的名称来。忽然灵机一动，想到满清时代，原有一处咨政院，何不仍循这个名称。咨政院的院长，是纶贝子。他对本院的设置及一切权限，当然胸有成竹。我何不把溥伦叫来，先向他问一问，然后再照方炮制，自然用力少而成功多。项子城想到这里，便将侍从武官张其盛叫来，派他拿着自己的名片，到伦贝子府第，请贝子爷即刻到新华宫，有要事面商。张其盛骑上快马，一直来到伦贝子府下了马，径奔门房，高声喊道：“大总统派人来见你家贝子，有话面谈。”门房的值日门役，听说是总统府派来的，先吓一愣，赶忙跑进内宅，向溥伦回话说现有大总统派来差官，要见爷有话面谈，爷在哪里会见他啊？溥伦一听，也觉吃惊：项子城此时正在志得意满，看我们这一班贵胄土芥不如，怎么又想起寻我来，别要敲竹杠吧。他猜到这里，便有些胆怯，不敢出见。继而一想，他纵然敲竹杠，也敲不到我头上。因为我在贵胄中，是一个有名的穷光蛋，既未做过军机，又未掌过部务，仅仅做了几天咨政院院长。谁不知咨政院是一个粉饰太平、虚有其表的机关。每月一千块钱公费，还没有地方去领，哪里去寻发财的路子呢？项子城他也做过京官，当然知道得很清楚，决不能敲到我的头上。或者还许有一点好处，也说不定。想到这里又高兴起来，吩咐门役，让到客厅相会。溥伦随着也出来了，一见张其盛，忙抱拳带笑，说：“这位老爷上姓，不知大总统差阁下来有何事面谕？”其盛掏出名片来，说：“总统请贝子爷，即刻到府里去，有要事面商。下官略候一候，请贝子爷一同走吧。”溥伦虽系贵胄，在官场中，却是一个很有阅历的人。他见项子城拿名片来邀请，知道并无恶意，随吩咐套车。张其盛给他打顶马，一直向总统府来，路上许多人见了，都很觉诧异：这个许久没人理的穷贝子，今天竟这样威风起来。别是项总统让位，宣统又要登基吧。一班穷旗人，大家传嚷起来，都觉着格外高兴。 却说伦贝子来到总统府，先到文传宣处，等候上去回话。不大工夫，便高声说请。伦贝子随着文传宣官，来到总统休息室。这个休息室，是总统办公事疲倦了，便在这屋里静坐几分钟以资休养，从不曾在这里会过客。今天在这室里接见伦贝子，真是从来未有的异数。伦贝子恭恭敬敬地向上鞠躬，项子城一壁还礼，一壁握了他的手笑道：“四爷许久不见，一向在府中纳福？”伦贝子很惶恐的，说：“大总统怎么这样称呼？怕不折尽了溥纶的草料。”项子城大笑，说：“咱们一殿称臣，是多年的老同寅，你怎么闹起客气来了？快请坐下，难得今日闲暇，咱们正好倾谈肺腑呢。”溥伦坐下，随侍官献上茶来，又替他燃着烟卷。项子城笑道：“我自从披上了这一件刺猬皮，旧日同寅尤其是天潢贵胄，都不愿同我亲近了。这真真是误会。兄弟担任总统一席，完全是为皇室渡这一步难关。将来我的苦心孤诣，总有完全大白之一日。四爷你要不信，请看我目前所行的政策，哪一样不是踵武前朝。参众两院，我毅然将他们解散了，所为就是将来免得捣乱。但是两院解散之后，外边的浮言四起，都说中华民国，却没有民意机关，这还成什么民国？兄弟是迫于无法，只好另创立一种机关，暂时代替民意。曾记得前几年，北京曾成立一座咨政院，是四爷为一院之长。如今莫如萧规曹随，再照样建设这么一座机关。只是一切规划，兄弟这里并无成案，我想借重四爷，仍参照当日的规模，替我擘划一切。但不知四爷可能帮忙否？”溥伦本是一个热衷做官的人，并不懂得什么叫骨气。如今听项子城要成立咨政院，请他来商量，不用说，这院长一席，当然要指派到他头上了，立刻喜形于色，说：“大总统这种替代民意的方法，实在又简便，又光明，溥伦极端赞成。一切设备，当年咨政院的成案，我家里全有副本。大总统尽可不必操心，只要指定地点，溥伦便可着手筹备。”项子城大喜，说：“这样一切全求四爷多分神吧。当年咨政院地点，仿佛记得就是现在象坊街那个参议院。如今最好仍就参议院的地方，成立咨政院。那里面全是新修饰的，最为合用。四爷可以先去调查一番，如有什么应当改修之处，可以斟酌办理。”伦贝子道：“眼前似乎没有什么可以修改，不过成立咨政院，也得有一班办事人员及夫役等等。家具等项，似乎也应酌量增添。当这青黄不接之时，参议院无人负责，里面的家具，当然不能齐全。这些事都得要提前赶办的。”项子城的心里何等透彻，听溥伦这样说，明白他是索款。立刻提起笔来，写了一个条子，着财政部拨给咨政院开办费二万元，以后经常费仍按月向该部咨领。This order.随手交给伦贝子，说：“你先拿这笔款去开办吧。”伦贝子接过来，说：“筹办情形如何，溥伦当另具清折，向大总统呈报。”他说完了才要走，阮中书进来，见是溥伦，忙行旗礼请安。说：“贝子爷，今天这样闲暇。”项子城一见他，说：“你来得正好，也可以少参末议吧。”随将要立咨政院的经过，对他说了一遍。阮中书道：“大总统何必沿袭咨政院的旧名称呢？据中书想，最好改为参政院，较比咨字，格外来得响亮，而且权限也似乎比咨政院宽广。隐然是允许人民参政的意思，将来院中议员，也可直名之曰参政，岂不比用咨政院的旧名强得多吗？”项子城鼓掌赞成，伦贝子也附和说好。又将总统手谕呈上，请他改过来，然后告辞下来。 他先到参政院调查一切，一进门便遇着两个夫役，正抬着一张最新式的写字台，向院外走来，迎头却遇着了伦贝子，大声喝道：“你私抬本院家具向何处去？还不快快放下！”两个夫役抬头看，不认得这个人。内中一个不知死活，没好气回答，说：“你管不着，我们想抬到哪里，便抬到哪里。”伦贝子一听，真气极了，向看门的守卫警察骂道：“你们这些东西，是木雕泥塑，眼看着夫役向外偷东西，你们并不拦阻。莫非是串通一气吗？”两个警察全是旗人，他们却不认得伦贝子，还认着伦贝子是多管闲事呢。也拿出一种不耐烦的神气来，说：“这是庶务科长的命令，叫他们往外抬。你又不是本院的职员，管这闲事做什么？”伦贝子一声冷笑，说：“我还是管定了，今天有我在这里，这张桌子，无论如何也抬不出大门去。你们的差事，大概是当得不耐烦了。”警察也是两个才出手的浑人，听不出话音来，反倒竖眼说：“你少说闲话，别等买贵的。”伦贝子身旁的家人，实在看不过了，挺身过来，向两个警察说道：“你们是大米饭撑糊涂了吧，这眼前站的是大总统新委派的参政院院长伦贝子爷，特来本院调查家具，当然不能容他们私抬东西。你两个不说公事话，反倒一死儿地袒护他们，这倒是什么意思呢？”家人这一席话，把两个警察两个夫役全都吓傻了。本来旗人最怕亲贵，何况又加上本院院长一道荣衔，立刻吓得也不知行什么礼才好了，又是举手，又是立正，又是请安，把伦贝子招得要笑又不好笑。那两个夫役，来了一个羊羔吃奶，双膝跪下，说：“小人该死，早知是贝子爷驾到，我们天大胆子也不敢向外私抬东西，就求贝子爷开恩，饶了小人不究吧。”伦贝子道：“我也不怪罪你们，我只问你们这东西，是谁叫你们抬出来的？”夫役回道：“这是庶务科长夏老爷叫小人抬到他家去的。”伦贝子又问：“你们一共抬过多少次？他本人是在院中，还是在家里？”夫役回道：“自从参议院解散之后，差不多天天总要搬运一点东西，已经有一个多月了。夏老爷天天早晨到院里来，临走时候留下话，叫我们搬什么东西，我们照样给他搬去。贝子爷要问详细情形，可以传了他来，当面讯问，小人也说不清。”伦贝子问：“现在庶务科中尚有何人？”夫役回说：“科中只有一个三等书记，名叫王奇珍的，管着一堆烂账，始终尚不曾离院。”伦贝子点点头，遂吩咐两个警察监视着，将桌子抬回原处。这两个夫役，也交警察暂为看管，自己只带着一个家人，直进庶务科中，寻书记王奇珍谈话。 只见屋中冷清清只有一个人，坐在那里出神，乱哄哄摆了一桌子账簿。其余乱糟糟，还有不少零碎东西，也都在地上横七竖八地放着。他一见伦贝子走进，连忙站起来让座。这王奇珍虽然年纪不大，却是一个很见过世面的人，他睁眼一看，就知道伦贝子不是一个等闲人物，忙让座敬茶敬烟，又问贵姓。伦贝子也不瞒他，把自己的来历，完全对他说完了。王奇珍又重新行礼，说：“原来是贝子爷驾到，您来得正好，要再晚来几天，这一座参议院就被人搬空了。”伦贝子故为诧异，问是怎么一回事。原来这王奇珍同科长夏仲舒两人意见很深。王奇珍在前任科长时代，原是一个头等书记，后来夏仲舒接事，便把他降归三等。这是头一样仇隙。夏科长采买家具器物，全是自己经手，凡科员书记等，休想沾着一个钱的光。这是第二样仇隙。参议院解散后，警察厅不愿代负保管责任，传出话来，叫两院庶务科长暂时看管。夏仲舒乘这机会，便实行其趁火打劫主意。所有院中的夫役，同本科的科员一律解散，只留了一个三等书记，代管账目，便是这位王奇珍先生。又留了两个夫役张升李顺，便是方才抬桌子的两个人。他把院中的家具，拣好的全搬到自己家中，却叫王奇珍在这里死守。一天两顿饭，全得自己掏腰包买着吃。他也曾三番五次要离职出院，夏仲舒却捺着不叫他走，说：“早晚等有人来接，你交代清了，然后再走不迟。”奇珍心里很明白，他将来是想嫁祸东吴。等交代时候，他来一个不照面，家具器物短了，得由我负完全责任，其用心可谓卑鄙阴险，达于极点。这便是第三种仇隙。有这三种仇隙，他为什么不走呢？就因为院中还欠着他两个月薪水，合起来也是一百多块，他希望早晚能发，所以在这里守着不动。恰恰遇上了伦贝子，他便将夏仲舒的行为，完全举发了。伦贝子听了大怒，立刻要派警察去传他。王奇珍说：“一传他就躲起来不见面了，莫如由我打电话，说警察厅人送来两个月欠薪，请他快来分配。他一听见有钱，马上就跑来，那时贝子爷将他扣住了，叫他办交代。我这里有家具账，你就按账收东西，短一件也叫他赔补，不愁他不全数吐出来。”伦贝子说：“很好，就是这样。你快去打电话。”王奇珍这个戏法变得真灵，果然两刻钟工夫，夏仲舒就赶到了。一见面先问洋钱在哪里，王奇珍笑着向伦贝子一指，说：“洋钱是这位先生带来的，请科长向他要好了。”夏仲舒果然朝着伦贝子拱一拱手，说：“阁下是总监派来发欠薪的吗？”伦贝子摇头说：“不不，我是总统派来的。”仲舒说：“总统派来的更好了，本院职员欠薪，一共是两万五千七百六十元。请先生全数交给我好了。”伦贝子将脸一沉，说：“本院长奉总统的命令，是来接收参议院地址同家具，并不管欠薪不欠薪。你既是庶务科长，赶紧办理交代。我是照账查收，如缺少一草一木，你得负完全责任。”夏仲舒吓了一跳，忙问他贵姓。王奇珍说：“这是伦贝子爷，大总统现派的参政院院长。”夏仲舒慌得手足无措，又埋怨奇珍，为什么不早早对我说明。奇珍只是笑，也不理他。伦贝子打电话