Chapter 5 Fifth warning

In the previous article, after two consecutive famines in Jinan Prefecture, Shandong Province, there was another heavy snowfall in November, and a large number of poor people had no clothes and food. No, when this icy and snowy dying year cannot be passed, and everyone cries out for the emperor, it goes without saying that the situation is bleak.The government is insensitive and treats the snow disaster as auspicious snow. It invites guests to banquets, writes poems to relieve the cold, socializes with dignitaries, and drinks and has fun.Just to be happy, Hong Bin, the county magistrate of Licheng in Shouxian County, was also entertaining guests that day. He suddenly heard the news that there was a very bizarre robbery case inside and outside the provincial capital, and hurriedly ordered two famous arresters, Han Xin, Zhao Sanyuan and Bi Gui, to go and investigate. .On the first day of the second arrest, he first searched for a martial artist early in the morning. Not only was his opponent ahead of him and he gave the martial artist Chen Yuting a warning, but because his master was moved when he heard about Snitch Yi Renying Wushuang's amazing skills and chivalrous behavior, he was not expected to be an opponent. Volunteer to surrender, not to be an enemy.As soon as he finished speaking, Yi Renying Wushuang suddenly appeared in the back room. At that time, he saw a black shadow flashing on the wall, and took away the flying knife left behind. On behalf of the recovery, it is nailed to the top of the hat, which means that the master is only willing to turn back, and they will not offend each other from then on.Yuting came back from the investigation and advised the second arrester again, saying that this kind of alien chivalrous man is the most respected and loved by everyone, not to mention that the owner is under control, and since he has not reported to the official, he should not be troublesome.

The second arrester saw that there was a famous martial artist in Yuting, and there were many friends and disciples, all of whom were capable. Even so, he was quite moved at that time.When he went back to the Yamen to report, he was tempted by Hong Bin for a while, and he was so utilitarian that he completely forgot what Yuting said.Early the next morning, I braved the cold wind and rushed to the villages and towns next to Foshan in Nanguan. A dwarf in the corner of one eye laughed wildly and went out, turning into a giant eagle-shaped crow soaring into the sky.Then he listened to Yu Fu, the owner of Baiquanju Hotel, persuasion and warning again and again.The second arrester knows that the situation is difficult and dangerous, but because he is used to being an eunuch and a big eagle on weekdays, his nature is hard to change. He is greedy for big rewards, but also wants to use this to find an official position and revive the lost family reputation. Although he thanked him, he still did not give up. After spending a lot of talking and holding back his anger, he found out that all the local tyrants, bullies, and wealthy families inside and outside the city gate had this dear man patronizing him, and the more powerful the victim was, the more he would not let him go, and the more money he would take.The incident has been going on for nearly two months, because the thief was one of the seven charity merchants who rescued the flood last year, and the source of the large amount of disaster relief silver and rice also used this method, stealing money from rich people .If this unprecedented big case can be solved, not only will he get rich and become an official, but even the governor of the province will have to play it, and Shang Datian will be very concerned about it.However, many of the victims who covered the whole province of Shandong, as far as the border of Henan, swallowed their anger and did not dare to publicize it. It was because everyone they had seen was intimidated, and no one dared to report to the officials. The poor also regarded him as a relative. Don't even think about getting a word of truth from the interview, it's difficult to start.

I really can't help it, remembering that Shi Erye, the rich man of the Shijiazhuang, was originally from the Jianghu, and he was also a brother of the same school. He used to collude with each other, ask for a lawsuit, have frequent contacts, and have a deep friendship. The bad breath was never reconciled, because I was afraid at the time and didn't dare to act rashly, no matter how I could reveal a little truth, I went to visit under the pretext of wanting to meet someone else.As soon as he was on the way, Cui Wenxue, Shi Er's brother-in-law, Xiao Gangbian, rushed over and hurriedly greeted him in the secret room where Qiancun usually receives friends from the rivers and lakes. He openly declared that the owner was sick and could not see guests.Yi Renying Wushuang is indeed a real person, but he and Shi Er, the two uncles, admire him so much that they will never renege on their promises and reveal it to the outside world, even though they are friends.In order not to deceive my friends, I tell you bluntly.He also said that this person's whereabouts were erratic, his movements were like flying, like a dragon seeing its head, elusive.Don't see now in the secret room of the heavy room, our words and actions are still hidden from him.It's best to go back to the Yamen after eating, and perfunctory official affairs, but it's not okay to be an enemy, and it's not okay to be a fake one.When the two heard it, Shi and Cui's tone was worse than Chen Yuting's, and they always regarded their opponents as gods, and they were extremely timid.The two sides have been friends for so many years, and they still dare not even say a private word with their enemies behind their backs. They can't help feeling angry and angry.After two morning drinks, he was bold and unrevealed, and his usual arrogant and sinister nature had been aroused.Zhao Sanyuan was still calm and did not want to explode in person, but Bi Gui became more and more angry the more he listened, and couldn't help it. He just said a few words of dissatisfaction when he heard a woman laughing and scolding in the accent of a woman outside the window: "Because you deserve to see me , Shameless!"

Hearing this, Bi Gui became more and more ashamed and angry in front of his master, and yelled angrily: "My friend is deceiving you too much!" While leaning on his alcoholism, he got up and wanted to rush out, but Zhao Sanyuan grabbed him first and winked. When he opened his mouth, Cui Wen had already blocked the door first, and warned in a low voice: "Two leaders must calm down, what I said just now is really a good intention, you are all old friends with your sister and husband for many years, even though the younger brother is following orders, in terms of friendship It's also an unusual comparison. Please think about which one of us is the most delicious fruit? It's not that this strange man is so talented, and the things he does are so fair and reasonable, and everything is convincing. How could this be so? Be obedient, and refuse to say a word about him from the bottom of your heart? If the two of you meet, talk to him twice, and then know a little about what happened, you will be the same as me. Don't be afraid that the two team leaders will be offended, so you have to talk to him It's up to the two of you to fight against each other to the end, so why bother hitting an egg against a rock and asking for trouble?"

Sanyuan saw that the master's words were sincere, and he was definitely not helping outsiders to bluff. He recalled what he had heard and seen in the past few days, and felt guilty again. Taking the opportunity, he replied: "My brother is really curious, and he thinks that we are not worthy of friendship, so we can meet him and talk to him for a few words. The second brother Bi has always been outspoken. Changing birds, many miraculous actions, I admire him. Although we came out this morning to visit his traces, we didn't really oppose him according to our own wishes. Don't say that we didn't bring a fire warrant and arrest ticket, and we didn't bring any chains. Wearing a pair is just to prevent him from being overwhelmed. He just thinks that we are not good people, and we always follow behind us like ghosts and ghosts. It is natural for people to fight for breath, and it is inevitable to make a slip of the tongue after drinking, but this friend will understand sooner or later. You and sister-in-law Ling I must have seen this friend many times, what kind of person is he, is he male or female, can he really change and fly, come and go without a trace, it’s okay to say a few words like this.” Cui Wen laughed and said: “The two classes Don't worry too much, this anonymous flying man is really unpredictable. His voice and appearance often change, even if you say it, you may not be able to tell it when you meet him. It's not really trying to hide it. Although we admire him very much, the origin of his name I still don’t know, how can I explain it?” Bi Gui blurted out, “According to this, we have been blinded by wild geese, and we would never be able to recognize them even if we met face to face?” Cui Wen saw two things. Fang said: "It's not necessarily true, but..." Before he could say anything, someone behind the room laughed and said: "It's really easy to see me, as long as you can see me."

Hearing this, Sanyuan saw the slight change in the master's face, as if he was taken aback. He knew that something would happen sooner or later, and the opponent had already fully understood his intentions. He reacted too eagerly to ask the master.I was quite worried at first, and then I thought about it, I was only following the official order, since I was on a errand, I couldn't violate my official's will, not to mention that all the words from the beginning to the end were admiration and begging, and I didn't boast to others that I wanted to arrest him. , showing the slightest hostility, even if they meet on a narrow road, it is not unreasonable.Many years of prestige, even the famous people in the green forest on Shandong Road know, some of them have had friendship and contacts, if they are too subdued, they can't afford to lose it, and they don't look good in front of the master. By the window, he arched his hands outward, and laughed loudly: "Your Excellency is really clever, which is admirable. It is a blessing if you are given to see the truth, and it will be clear for a long time. People are forced to live up to my brother’s admiration for you.” After speaking, I only heard laughter outside the front window, and the more I thought about it, the more angry I was, I hurriedly followed and ran across, piercing the window paper with my hands One side facing the outside, this side is covered with ice and snow on a shallow slope vegetable bed, well uninhabited, it is estimated that this time the laughter is at most about three or four feet, it should not be too far away, and first listen to the answer from the side window, and the person arrives again in a blink of an eye In the front, according to the terrain, it was surprisingly fast, I was puzzled, the laughter was approaching and far away, at least it was near the entrance of the village, my heart moved, I said words of admiration, and I complained in my heart that Bi Gui was really stupid, just sitting there and getting angry What's the use, if you don't observe it with your heart, isn't it a fool?He was planning to follow and chase down the street, to see how the other party hides in the vast snowy land where there are no pedestrians, and whether he really turned into a big bird again. As soon as he took a step, Cui Wen grabbed his hand and said anxiously: "Zhao Listen to me, old leader, big brother. This hero is really amazing. It’s not that you underestimate the two leaders. It's low. Listen to his tone, you two will meet sooner or later, why bother?"

Sanyuan was a bit guilty at first, but seeing his master's tone of sincerity, he seemed to know that the enemy was strong, and his attack was too hot, and he didn't want to rush to fight, and it was inconvenient to express his air, so after thinking about it, he could only see the wind and put down the awning, and returned to his seat with anger. On the surface, he still pretended to be okay, drinking and laughing, and his expression was as usual.Bi Gui got angry after drinking, and felt ashamed in front of his master. He was sitting on the sidelines thinking about something, and suddenly asked in a low voice: "Brother Zhao, your hearing is not bad, I must be able to hear, how can there be such fast legs in the world? Flying is not so fast. As soon as the second time I finished speaking, people jumped over a row of haystacks from the side window, and laughed on the slope in front. It is understandable that you have a little delay in the process. Just pay attention to listening, When you passed by the side window, the laughter here clearly started, and in a blink of an eye, it was more than ten feet away. We even asked Yu Fu and Cui Erzhuang, and they said that there was only one person. Isn’t it strange? Then again, our Baiquan There were two dwarf drinkers at the residence, and there were more than one of them. They pretended to be ghosts and ghosts to tease us on purpose. One person can never do so many things. Don’t even have more than two people, seven people come, and one person will come forward, and the six people will all become his incarnations, making noises, echoing each other, deliberately confusing people Ears and eyes."

Hearing the words, Sanyuan was immediately reminded, turned to Cui Wen and said with a smile: "My brother has already bowed down, even if he is ordered to send him, he can't help himself, and he will retreat when faced with difficulties. However, my brother has been in the public school for forty years. No matter where he is or whether he has a name or surname among his friends in the rivers and lakes, he just confessed the past in such a muddled way. Wouldn’t it be a joke to spread the word? My brother will be good or bad sooner or later, and finally I have known the two owners for many years, and my sister-in-law was unable to see guests due to illness, so I had to meet again in the future. The owner of Domon Cui is very kind, my brother is full of food and wine, and I dare not disturb any more. I just want to ask, How about saying goodbye immediately?"

Cui Wenyuan is extremely shrewd and capable, and his vigilance is not under the second arrest. It is expected that Jiang is old and spicy. This time, when he asks the question, he must be on his knuckles, but he can't ignore it, so he can only answer with a calm smile: "Boss Zhao, I Although it's not like my sister-in-law and you have the same friendship, since relatives and relatives, and friends and friends, not to mention anything else, even if we have known each other for many years, it is not the ratio of ordinary friends. If you really want to know, you can say it. Is there any reason not to say it? It’s good that the younger brother said the truth just now. You said these few words, don’t you? " Sanyuan heard that his tone was wrong, and quickly apologized with a smile: "Master Cui, don’t be careless, forgive me for speaking quickly. Sincerely, please think about it for me. Is it embarrassing? Now the government has issued a strict order. Although there is no other intention for the time being, it is necessary to interview this friend's origin and name. Since he is an official post, what is the idea? This friend Forgive me, he knows all about our purpose of coming and what this officer said, and he doesn't need to hide it, he is only willing to meet once, it's easy to discuss, even if it's all perfunctory according to his wishes, he has nothing to say, he just doesn't forgive the difficulty, Isn't it embarrassing? I don't ask anything else. You two uncles must have met him more than once. They may have worn a mask when they met. So far, they have never seen their true colors. But they have never met, and the accent can always be heard Did the owner ever feel that this friend's accent is male or female? Whether the accent is from the same place each time he hears it, and whether there is any difference. I probably know it. We just heard that it was a female accent once. This is not a secret thing, please answer with the truth, it will always be fine."

Cui Wen scolded secretly: "You don't know how powerful an old dog is. You clearly saw that Ying Wushuang had done many big cases in and out of the provincial capital for two months, and thought that more than one or two people did it, and there must be a few accomplices secretly echoing , use some tricks to show my magic, I want to reveal the truth from my mouth, so that more people can attack both openly and secretly. Isn't this a dream? You usually pretend to be powerful and frame good people. You know that you are a hard nail, but you still want to Hit your head hard. You are impatient with life, but I can’t break the contract and find it boring.” After thinking about it, he said with a smile: “I think it’s something important, so I asked him about his accent. This hero is really strange. If I were to tell a lie, I am not a human being. Bantou Zhao is not bad at all. Every time I meet him, he wears a mask, and he can never see his true face. His accent is also a woman and a man, except for his tall and short clothes. Similarly, the whole body is covered in black, and the voices I have heard are honest and I have never heard the same thing. I still don’t understand what his intentions are. It is reasonable to say that all the seven brothers who rescued the flood came here. But no matter how deep the friendship is, the skills are so strong, not to mention brothers with different surnames, even the same flesh and blood should be divided into tall, short, fat and thin, how is it that there is no one time that they are not the same figure and dress, even the weapons they carry, and even the chest belt. , the knots tied, and the worn-out marks of the soft boots worn are all exactly the same, what is the reason for this?"

When talking, Zhao and Bi Erchuang were all engrossed in each other, and there was really no sign of intentional exaggeration.I thought to myself: "Although the master is an expert in the world, he is steady, calm, and calm. One is that he has known each other for many years, and the other is that the loss of his and his uncle's family wealth this time will definitely not be small. According to what he said, it is not a happy thing to dare to disobey, to cut off his flesh, and to be ashamed. Why do you want to speak up and speak for others? If you are afraid of the enemy, you are in the room at this time. The voice is not loud, not to mention that the enemy dared not speak out after showing his power and walked away, there was a little bit of expression between his eyebrows, he shouldn't be so decisive, there was no discussion, and it would be even more troublesome if the enemy was really a bit of a ghost. Encountering such a god of plague for no reason, the road back to the Yamen is far away, the wind and snow are cold, and there are few people. It’s not too late to take revenge for three years, and I can’t ask why here, so it’s much better to pretend to be true, to leave this place as soon as possible, and to find someone else to inquire about it before the face of both parties is ruined.” After the two sides finished speaking, Sanyuan led the way to stand up, thanked the teacher for the trouble, and said goodbye to go back.The master didn't stop him either. He only looked at things twice when he went out, and said in a low voice: "We have been friends for many years, so we are not afraid of being offended. The two team leaders, it is best to go back today. If there is no other choice, as far as I know In the provincial capital, many famous people who have never experienced hardships have also been warned. It is not that there are no people who hate them, but there is nothing they can do. Besides, what they have done is really popular, and there is no praise or criticism for the two leaders. Look for it again If people leave more traces, they will cause trouble for others, and they will still be angry. If they can stand by and do not offend each other, no one will dare to report. Even if there is a daredevil, it will be futile and boring. It is best to tell the county magistrate It's convenient for everyone to put it straight in front of me. Otherwise, although I don't dare to conclude that the two team leaders will lose, I am afraid that Master Hong will not be able to bear it." The second arrester listened to his repeated instructions. Even Zhao Sanyuan, who is usually the most conceited person, was a little nervous. He just worked hard and couldn't explain it.After a little calculation, I decided to go back to Ding Sanjia to see if he came home.This person is the most loyal and obedient, and he is also an old tenant of the Yue family for many years. No matter how coaxed or frightened, he can get some clues, so he rushed back in the icy, snowy and cold wind.The second arrester has been an old man for many years, well-informed, vigilant and gloomy, and just now he heard that the opponent's tone is not good. Although he has never exposed the enemy, he will not use evil hands to plot. Now that he has said the words of meeting, there must be color. Perhaps In the hidden place in the middle of the ambush, I suddenly made a joke. I have never seen the shadow of the snitch. First, I lost an adult. From then on, my reputation will be ruined. I will use my face to meet those friends in the rivers and lakes. Thinking of this, I have already become wary.When the owner has not revealed himself, he immediately uses both eyes and ears on the road, conscientiously, and concentrates all the time. If there is any disturbance, he will secretly guard and watch separately, in case the opponent will make trouble and make him laugh. Walking all the way across the Sanli River, seeing that the entrance of Ding Sanjia's village was just ahead, no accident happened.It suddenly occurred to me that the enemy met by accident in Baiquanju, whether the truth is still unknown, after appearing once, see you later, either a black shadow flashes, or the changes are unpredictable, and there are only sneers and traces underneath. None.With such a secretive expression, he must still have a lot of things to do, how can anyone see him in broad daylight, not to mention that this road is covered with fields covered with ice and snow, and the villages at both ends are far apart. Some people are not on the side of the road.The trees have all withered long ago, only the trees are covered with ice and snow, and no one can hide.If there is any movement, it can be seen from a long distance, the enemy is also happy to show his magic, and he will never show up without knowing where, and he has been worrying all the way in vain, it is really wronged. The two arresters glanced at each other, they were both angry and funny, when they suddenly saw Ding Sanjia hurried out from the door, greeted each other, and asked with a smile: "I just heard that the two squad leaders are looking for me, I just came back, and rushed to Baiquanju, Said that the two of you have already left. I regret that I should not go out today, so I was not greeted. I was afraid that Uncle Zhao would find me for something. I was afraid that the children might not hear clearly. I was about to go to Baiquanju to inquire in person. Besides, I'm really happy. I have ordered my family to kill two fat chickens and have good wine from Baiquanju. I want to keep the two old bosses for a meal. I know that the two of you are already full at Baiquanju. Country people don't have any good things to honor your old man, and this year is bad, but fortunately Uncle Zhao cares about me the most, please give me some credit, please show my little old man's respect." Bi Guifang was laughing to himself. Well, this old man is really boring, the three of the host and guest are standing in the cold wind, they don't know what to say inside the room, but they want to chatter outside.Zhao Sanyuan also felt that Ding Sanjia was too respectful, after all he was old and foolish, and talked more than in previous years.Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard a shout from inside: "Grandpa, who are you talking to, why don't you come inside? It's windy outside, and how cold it is!" Sanjia hurriedly replied: "Little old man!" Damn it, I haven't seen Uncle Zhao for a long time, it's rare that a nobleman comes here, I only care about liking it, and I forgot to invite the distinguished guests inside." After saying that, he repeatedly begged An Zuoyi to make amends, invited the guests in, and shouted to the family to get some tea. Sanyuan knew that the peasants in the countryside were suffering, especially after the famine. When encountering heavy snowfall, they would say that the weather was too cold. Sanjia was diligent and thrifty in order to avoid freezing and starvation. At most, he would burn a hot pit to keep warm.Mingming is like that chicken again, knowing that he still has to ask him to press for the rent, he is timid and afraid, he came from Baiquan Juyun who owes money on credit, intends to put courtesy first, flatter himself enough, and then snot and tears together, the whole family begged bitterly , wanting to use the famine as an excuse to owe the ancestral food allocated by the Yue family until the end of the year. Rent is not much in debt. But his family is thrifty, they know how to live, they are able to endure hard work, and they can barely survive even famine years. It is a bit embarrassing to think that there are two consecutive famines. I deliberately thought of this bitter plan, intending to reduce the credit debt until the Chinese New Year, so he was forced to play a lot of tricks in the cold wind outside the door. It can be seen that such an honest countryman is not willing to reap his hard work when it comes to rent collection. He generously and reluctantly handed over his food, but he never let go of an excuse. He always has a lot to say. No matter how honest a person is, he will force him to say a lot of nonsense. You speak a thousand words, but I have certain rules. I treat you generously on weekdays, that is, first tighten and then loosen. I have calculated this account early, just right, and calculated how much you charge and how much you want. Because you have a lot of land, everyone in the family, regardless of gender, old or young, goes to the fields , Diligent and thrifty are not afraid of hard work, the income is half times more than others, and the remaining 30% to 20% is enough for you to eat. I am happy to pretend to be a middleman, collect the rent, sell it, and then count the old debts together. You will always be A debt, let it accumulate, I don’t want interest on the surface, but it can’t be exempted, I always ask you to worry about it, never force it until the harvest is good, and ask him to repay it as much as possible when the time is good. To get back the old debt, I will ask you to accept a big favor once or twice a year, and the rent is not short. In order to be clever, I slap and rub it as usual. This old guy not only does not hate, but is grateful, thinking that I It’s easy to talk. As long as you stay until late today, after eating and drinking, you can cry and beg. According to this year’s situation, you can not pay a single grain, and you can talk about it next year. I will never give up in front of my uncle, eat what you eat, and what you do, if I want to be really easy to talk to, I am a grandson, you are really poor, you must have some savings, and you have to accept a little bit, if you want to owe it all, it is an act A dream. Let’s not talk about the surface, the case is important, I’m happy to pretend to be a good person and laugh for a while, and then I’ll open my mouth after I’ve inquired about the business.” Just thinking about it, the person has already walked in. There are many Ding's family members, although it is a self-built earthen house, because the whole family is thrifty and hardworking, the old man has suffered all his life, and he has a shrewd plan to survive all his life, and the earthen house is also built in a very special way. The field is quite far away, just because Sanjia grew up in adversity and poverty. Although he didn't live a day of comfort, he was loyal, timid and contented. He felt that he had suffered for decades, and he always planted the land of the rich master , without the slightest property, relying on his own self-made family, not only married a wife, but also raised a house full of children and grandchildren, even though there is no room, no land, under the whole family's hard work day and night, and more side jobs, they can survive until today. reunion.No matter how famine the year is, although the life is extremely bitter, it is a blessing not to be separated from the wives and children like others.The land was not earned, after all, there were a lot of people, and there were still a lot of old things, and I was content.This year, I think of the large number of people in recent years, how hard it is to work hard, and it is always impossible to save some money. The whole family wakes up early in the dark, and there is no one to rest. Normally, there should be some savings, but the more they pass, the harder it is. I wonder, and I can’t think of a reason. . In the end, I racked my brains to make up my mind, remembering that my boss had more than half an acre of vacant land at the entrance of the village. I bought it at a low price in the past, and left it there and no one cared about it. The master agrees that the land rent will not be paid first, and when it will be repaid when it will be used for a long time, and no excuses are allowed, so that it has to be borrowed reluctantly. I would like the whole family to endure more hardships and travel a little longer to flatten the original earthen house that is separated by miles. , to open an extra paddy field, and agreed with the owner, this one is not white, but a little less, on the other hand, during the mountain season, the women and children at home who can't go to the field are asked to weave, take time out of their busy schedules, and rush to produce some. Products and things used by pilgrims and tourists, sell some money to supplement.Although the paddy field was still the same as other fields within two years, not only the rent had to be paid less, but it caused a lot of trouble. I only argued a few words, and the owner almost took the field away, and I couldn't even eat bitter food. Fortunately, Zhao Sanyuan Come to smooth things over, so you have to keep it.Because of the large number of people in Chaoshan, there is actually an extra income. Otherwise, with the owner increasing the rent every year and doing a lot of tricks, the 30-odd acres of fertile land from the original species will never be enough.Because of its fineness, it is not willing to waste every inch of land. This small house is really special. The earth pit inside the house is for the convenience of women, and it is near the window at nineteen.But he turned inward, and all the pits of the houses were connected, and the inside was opened up. With only one or two earthen bowl fires, all the pits were hot.He also has a name called Liuhechun.The teacher next door once said this and praised his elegance.This is not surprising, the strangest thing is that all the mud houses open to the outside, as small as a pigeon cage.Because it faces south and faces north, there is a large upside-down room at the back facing the sun. It was originally a sideline business for the family's textile belt. There is also a long pit against the inner wall. The fire path is connected to the other three sides of the house and can be closed at will.In the middle of winter, people gather in this open house every day, take out the bamboo branches and fine grass collected in the first half of the year, and weave all kinds of toys that pilgrims and tourists like, such as windmills, bamboo baskets, grass and flowers.In order to facilitate the workmanship, the other huts are all very simple and simple. One of the big ones has a row of wooden lattice paper windows in front of the whole body, which are long and big. Basking in the sun to keep warm, and working together, even when there is no sun, the inside is still bright.Although it is made of mud, it is not only cleaned without any dust, but also covered with curtains and kang mats made of various fine grasses. The end is simple and beautiful, with a special elegant flavor. The members of Ding's family only know how to work, they work hard and love cleanliness, they believe that if they want to work more to save money, the place must be good for living, and they have no money to buy it, so they use their rough hands and the produce in the field to work more, and at the same time they change them into goods to go. Exchange money for rice, on the one hand, it is used to seek convenience in workmanship.The old men in these places never spare manpower. They often tell people that they must do things in this way. If the roof leaks, the walls are ventilated, there is no light at all, the summer is hot and sweaty, and the hands and feet are freezing in winter, don’t say that you can’t do more. , good things can't be done.These wasted manpower is also our capital. Sure enough, after a long time, it will be effective. Everyone says he is smart, and there are many people who imitate his example. something to buy. The poor in Jinan Prefecture are better off than others, because there are more sideline jobs in places of interest.However, after two consecutive famines and a heavy snowfall, they still complained endlessly.Zhao Sanyuan passed by the place before the Mid-Autumn Festival, and went in once, and saw that his whole family was frowning, already showing a look of embarrassment, and concluded that after the heavy snow, it would be even more poor, and there was probably no way to collect the rent arrears, so these two fat chickens were raised for a while. Laying eggs, while preparing to entertain the landlord's family, and in case I come here to please myself, I probably at most heat the kang for the guests, nothing else.Hearing that there is tea first, my heart has moved slightly. This should be based on the feeling of being on credit. It is not very obvious when I walk through the middle room, and when I walk from the small hall door to the north room where I sit upside down in the back, I secretly I was taken aback, and concluded that the other party had an adventure, otherwise it would not have been the case. It turned out that the north room, which was used for both work and hospitality, was full of fire, and the room was full of spring. Not only were the paper windows and walls cleaned, but two new spinning wheels and a weaving machine were added next to it. The two fat pigs raised in the first half of the year had already been marinated long ago, and a row of pheasants, deer legs, etc. were hung along the eaves. It was old clothes refurbished, and all the Ding family children, wives, and daughter-in-laws were all smiling, and all the clothes they wore were covered with a layer of thick cotton, and there was cotton thread attached to the spinning wheel, and the cloth was half woven. It seems that the women at home are weaving, and they stop when they hear people coming.Except for the two young women who had avoided it earlier, Yu Jun responded in unison, "Please say hello."The fire bowl is also a new item, and sitting next to it is a large earthen pot with a missing mouth, steaming, and smelling the aroma of wine.Yin Ding's houses are concentrated, with one side facing the street, and the two sides in the middle and the open space in front of the back house have already been turned into vegetable beds, where Shandong's unique Chinese cabbage is grown.There is no patio, and the north room is the largest of all the houses. Weaving, weaving, eating and drinking, cooking and cooking are all in this room. The corner opposite the spinning wheel is the stove.At this time, the Dingzai chicken had been killed early, and there was a large pot of meat, which had just been boiled and put in the water. In addition, they were busy preparing other dishes and wine, which was much richer than the ancestors collected in any year. The second catcher has a bright eye, and at a glance, he can tell that Ding Sanjia not only knows the whereabouts of Yi Renying Wushuang, but also has received a lot of donations from him, otherwise it will be an ordinary good year, and a thrifty family like him can't afford it. What's more, he has just arrived home, and he is eager to do so many things, and he must not have the financial resources. At most, he will kill two domestic chickens, and his heart will hurt when the guests leave. How can he be so rich and thoughtful?Because of the bad times, in case the landlord urged rent, if you have a little savings, you will pretend to be poor and sigh, and the whole family will not be so happy.After thinking about it, he glanced at each other. Sanyuan was even more scheming, and decided to change the original intention of asking for rent when he entered the door. Let him go first, and then talk about it later. When they were seated, Sanjia personally brought hot tea and served it. Sanyuan smiled and said, "Old Ding, we passed by unintentionally. We remembered that we hadn't seen each other for a long time, so we went to visit. Everyone knows about this year, and I don't press for rent. , and don’t collect debts, just rest assured. At your age, you have led the whole family to work hard for a year. In this year, I am afraid that even food and clothing are difficult. How to spend so much money makes my brother very disturbed. Yamen There are still business matters, and I am busy going back, so I probably can't stop for a long time. I just ate again in Qiancun, and it was early in the morning, although it was still early in the evening, maybe I can't accept your kindness, wouldn't I be wronged? Could it be the same as that year? Why don't you tell us to take it away if you can't eat it? Tell them not to cook it." After Sanjia delivered the tea, he sat down on the small wooden stool in front of the kang, at first he seemed afraid to say something, and hummed a few words in his throat, but didn't say anything.When the second arrester saw that something was wrong, he became even more suspicious, and laughed at the same time: "Old Ding, if you have something to say, we have always helped those in need, we are generous and generous, and we like to help others the most. If you have something to worry about, you will never shirk it. Don't do this." Timidity makes me sad." Sanjia coughed again and spit out a mouthful of phlegm, Fang Shihong blushed with a wrinkled old face, and said with an apologetic smile: "Two bosses, no, Mr. Zhao, please listen to me. Said. This year was really embarrassing. The last time I met you, I said, no, the little old man is really old and confused. I didn’t mean that. , It really is not here to urge the rent, nor to repay the old debt. I am really grateful for the benefits of your old age. But one must have a conscience. Although the rent has been promised to postpone for a few days, when your old man Yue is waiting for the money to be used , I really don’t have it, that’s helpless. Now that I have it, I should hand in my rented grain, so that the old man will have less trouble. For fear that it will be inconvenient for your old man to pick it up, I specially sold the grain and sold it on the market. The old rule of adding one to the price, even the grain of fortune is sold out and exchanged for silver. My family has planted more than 31 mu and four quarters of land, and they are combined according to the market price. For this season alone, I added the old debt as usual, and finally The total is one hundred and seventeen taels and eight cents, including the future of the field, please take the old man to take it for the little old man. This is much more convenient, and saves the need to borrow money from his granary When the cart is pulled away, there will be a two-day delay in manpower, and one misfortune is not enough to count, and it takes a dozen trips to find compensation and say good things to count. Fortunately, everyone knows the year of this year." Sanjia said here He stopped again. Although the Ding family planted more than 30 mu of land under the name of Sanyuan and his wife, because his father-in-law Wu Ming was born as a litigator and was not a few years older than Sanyuan, he deliberately married an old girl to Sanyuan to fill the house in order to collusion. Official affairs, profit from it.Fearing that Sanyuan, a treacherous and cunning old man, would not be able to stop him if he had no money, so he secretly allocated two of his chosen fields as dowry for his daughter.Although Sanyuan is a combination of man and wealth, all of which are harvested, there is another calculation. The land deed is only handed over, but on the surface it is still the property of the Wu family, and even the harvested grain is kept by the Wu family's granary.If the year is good, even if the Wu family borrows it from others, otherwise, I will act as a middleman, force the rented food away, and be a good person.Listen to Sanjia's hesitation in answering first, and there must be something wrong. He stopped Bi Gui and listened carefully. Suddenly, he saw that the other party was talking more and more vigorously. It was obviously a bad year, but he paid according to the good year, even the rent arrears from last year and the first half of the year. When you open your mouth and offer it yourself, what you pay is money again.He secretly thought: "According to the enemy's behavior, you can only stir up the tenants and the landlord, and there is absolutely no good intention. It is no problem for the top three to receive alms from him. How can they pay the rent and grain? I really want to be like other friends in the underworld, intending to show kindness. I used this gift to say hello, and I met several times this morning, and I will not behave like that." Sanyuan was puzzled, and Bi Gui couldn't help but asked: "Old Ding, you have to understand that the law is like a furnace, and no one knows the pros and cons. People in famine like this year are sad, and no one in the field can hand over Rent is the truth. Don’t say that the rich owner’s family is not as aggressive as in previous years. It is a bluff for our brothers to come out to urge them to collect. No one is willing to do the same thing as in previous years. We came in and thought you勤俭，有点积蓄，听你上月相见口气，也必不甚好过，谁知你这间屋里连吃带用样样齐备，没到腊月房也扫了，肉也腌了，屋里头又是暖热，又是干净，鸡肉酒菜一大堆，单粮食就够吃到明年夏天，寻常有钱人家也未必有你过得好，何况今年灾荒。你平日那么本分，就说承你的情专为款待我们，一时之间也办备不齐呀。这还不说，我赵老大哥以前代他岳老太爷收租，我也来过，十回倒有八回总叹苦经，恨不能少个一升一角都是好的。今天见面并没和你开口，上来就说不为催租而来，你竟会这样慷慨，把本年欠租全数交上，答话又是那么吞吐可疑，我弟兄多年老公事，光棍眼里不揉沙子，这两月来的事情我们业已访问明白，我知你是老实人，决不会做什犯法的事，不过知情不举，罪加一等。你也有全家老小，少时我弟兄问你的话要是知道，你不肯说，到时身受官刑，我们就是多年相识也保你不得呢。” 赵三元先恐对头跟来，听去讨厌，继一想：“我和毕贵说好，他向例是做红脸，脾气又暴，索性由他去当恶人，也许由老家伙口里诈出一点虚实，便在暗中留神察看，满拟三甲胆小忠厚，以前催租稍微吓他两句便急得要落眼泪，毕贵这等恐吓一定惊慌胆寒，这样一个老实人，事情不能怪他，人家又是远接高迎，尊若上宾，和祖宗一样看待，话还不曾说上几句，就劈头劈脑吓他一个好的，为了办公事虽然没法，到底也是多年相识，如用别的方法探询，一样可以问出，何必这样急三枪，上来先是一个下马威，当着他的妻儿老小岂不难堪？” 三元方觉毕贵做法还是太差，及至留神一看，丁三甲真似换了个人，始终睁着一双老眼望着毕贵，神色不变，连开头吞吐都似平日忠厚，不愿当面犯上，有点不好意思，毕贵这一问已早料到，并非真因怕事情景，越知有因，忙使眼色止住毕贵，故意笑道：“毕二弟就是这等心直口快，我和老丁多年交情，大小也帮过他好几次忙，如果知道什事，由我来间，他还能够帮着外人隐瞒么？我弟兄又非真听官话对这位朋友有什恶意，不过想见心切而已，你偏故意吓他，一个不巧被这位朋友知道，一生误会，更是见不成功，这是何苦？老丁，你不要怕，他是想见一个人，请教两句话，急得他胡说八道，使出这类激将之法，不要上他的当，都有我呢。就是有什官司牵连，凭我弟兄还不是一句话就完事么？你听我说，包你没错。你祖宗坟墓、全家老小在此，还敢抗官吗？你也喝碗热茶，我们再谈吧。” 三甲始终若无其事，听完方要回答，三甲的小儿子名叫丁虎，本在一旁劈柴，闻声走过，立在乃父身侧，仿佛冷笑了一声，忽然接口说道：“老大爷问的什事俺都知道，俺爹年老，说不明白，胆子又小，情面又重，说得驴唇不对马嘴，没的叫二位老大爷生气，由俺丁虎代俺爹说吧。”三元知道这小伙子血气方刚，每次催租都有不快表示，老说乃父这一辈子为他人忙，苦得冤枉，富有山东人口直心快的刚强之性，容易受激，方才又听在旁冷笑，分明这一家人和白泉居所见众苦人一样，受了对头好处，听了蛊惑，业已生出反抗之念，暗骂：“杂种休狂，就是对头厉害，跌他不倒，终有走时，早晚叫你们吃不了兜着走，多少包够你们受的！” 三元心中寻思，面上却不露出，故意笑道：“这话不错，你要知道什么只管说出，倒有好处，我们还没有问你怎知道什么事呢？”丁虎憨笑道：“这还用说，二位老大爷去而复转，还不是为了余家酒馆所见的人？实不相瞒，这件事情老大爷最好听余大叔的话，放下不管，就这样，人家还未必肯高抬贵手呢。至于你那来意今天一清早我们就知道了，不过俺爹人太老实，先不好意思见面，恐怕为难，老早避开。后来一想，老大爷多年照顾，不见面不是事，当你二位未到以前又得到恩人吩咐，俺爹还是不肯，是我再三劝说，最好直言无隐，否则躲得了今天，躲不了明天，早晚总要相见，并无用处。就这样俺爹还是怕事，吓得避了出去。其实这有什么，我们不过受到人家周济，能够渡过今冬和明年春荒，既没有偷，又没有抢。如说来路不明，一则人家行好，自己送来，我父子没有向人伸手，事前不知，事后也无法送回，也不认得。再说，受他周济的本村人还是不少，济南府城关内外只是真正穷苦、不是游手好闲的懒汉谁都得到周济，受他好处的人多着呢，如要捉人间罪，休说监牢大小，便把所有衙门腾空，捉了去也装不下，并不止我一家，要捉都捉，怕什么呢！” 三元闻言，忽然鼻间闻到新煮开的鸡肉香味，猛想起今早毕贵虽曾来过，人早走开，并未留话说要再来，何况回时走得甚急，途中未遇一人，刚到门口主人便自迎出，说已杀鸡备酒，留吃晚饭。先当对方料定要来催租，不曾留意，此时想起，主人平日俭省，就是断定有客上门，这鸡也必等到见面之后，说定在此吃饭，才肯开杀，断无先就下锅之理。听老儿交租银的口气更有可疑，岳父近年不大管人宫事，除有三顷多地收租外专放印子钱，还开有一家药铺，每日都有不少盈余，决用不完，怎会缺钱使用？这多祖银全是往多处算，最刻薄的地主均不会有争执，丁三甲由何而来，便好年景一时之间也非容易，况此岁暮风雪的荒年。念头一转，忍不住哈哈笑道：“小伙子你真爽快，是个好样儿的。有话只管开口，老大爷如叫你家受上一点牵连我不是人。”丁虎便将前事一说，听得二捕心神皆震，也不知是急是怒，是难过，是心疼，呆在座上面面相觑，做声不得。