The north wind was like a knife, and the ground was full of frost. On a main road near the seashore in the south of the Yangtze River, a group of Qing soldiers, armed with knives and guns, escorted seven prison carts, heading north in the wind and cold. The three men imprisoned in the front three prison cars were all dressed as scholars, one was a white-haired old man, and the other two were middle-aged men.Women sat in the last four cars, and in the last prison car was a young woman with a baby girl in her arms.The baby girl was crying.Her mother spoke softly, but the baby girl was just crying.A Qing soldier beside the prison car was annoyed, stretched out his leg and kicked the car, and shouted, "Cry again, cry again! I will kick you to death!" The baby girl was startled and cried even louder.

There is a big house tens of feet away from the road, under the eaves stands a middle-aged scribe and a child of eleven or twelve years old.Seeing such a scene, the scribe couldn't help sighing, his eyes turned red, and said, "Poor, poor!" The child asked, "Daddy, what crime did they commit?" The scribe said, "What crime did they commit again? Yesterday and today, more than 30 people have been arrested, all of whom are famous scholars in Zhejiang. They are all innocent companies." When he said the words "innocent companies", his voice was very low, for fear that the officers and soldiers escorting the prison van would hear them.The child said: "That little girl is still breastfeeding. Could it be that she has committed a crime? It's really unreasonable." The scribe said: "You understand that officers and soldiers are unreasonable. You are really a good boy. Alas, I am a knife, I am a fish, and a man is a tripod." Wok, I am the elk!"

The child said: "Father, you taught me a few days ago, 'Man is the knife, I am the fish', which means to be cut and slaughtered for others. People are kitchen knives and chopping boards, and we are fish and meat." Ding wok, I am the elk', do these two sentences have the same meaning?" The scribe said: "Exactly!" Seeing that the officers and soldiers and the prison cart had gone far away, he took the child's hand and said, "It's windy outside, let's go back to the house. Go inside." The father and son walked into the study. The scribe dipped his pen into the ink, wrote the word "deer" on the paper, and said: "Deer is a huge beast, but its temperament is extremely peaceful. It only eats grass and leaves, and never harms other beasts. It is ferocious." If wild animals want to hurt it and eat it, it has no choice but to run away, and if it can’t escape, it has to be eaten by others.” He wrote the word “chasing the deer” and said: “Therefore, the ancients often used the deer as a metaphor for the world. The people in the world are gentle and kind. , only to be oppressed and harmed. "Hanshu" said: "Qin lost its deer, and the world chased it together." That is to say, the Qin Dynasty lost the world, and the heroes rose together, everyone competed, and finally Han Gaozu defeated If you get the Overlord of Chu, you will get this fat and big deer."

The child nodded and said: "I understand. The novel says 'Chasing the Central Plains', which means that everyone is vying to be the emperor." The scribe liked it very much, nodded, and drew a tripod on the paper , said: "The ancients did not cook with stoves and pots. They used such a three-legged tripod to burn firewood underneath. When they caught deer, they cooked them in the tripod. The emperor and high officials were very cruel. If they didn't like anyone in their hearts, they would eat it in the tripod." Said that he committed a crime, put him in a cauldron and boiled him alive. "Historical Records" records that Lin Xiangru said to the King of Qin: "I know that the crime of bullying the king should be punished. Please use the cauldron." That is to say: "I deserve to die." , burn me to death in the cauldron!"'"

The child said: "It is often said in novels that 'Aspire to the Central Plains', which seems to have the same meaning as 'Chasing the Central Plains'." The scribe said: "That's right. King Yu of Xia took the gold from Kyushu and cast nine big tripods. The so-called 'gold' at that time was actually copper. Each tripod was cast with the name of Kyushu and the shape of mountains and rivers. Later generations will be the lord of the world." "Zuo Zhuan" said: "The son of Chu watched the soldiers in the Zhou border. King Ding envoy Wang Sunman to work on the son of Chu. The son of Chu asked about the size of the tripod." Only the master of the world can keep the nine tripods. The king of Chu is just a vassal of the state of Chu, and the importance of his aspirations for the crown is because he has an evil heart and wants to take the throne of the king of Zhou and replace him."

The child said: "So 'aspiring for the top' and 'chasing the deer' means you want to be the emperor. 'I don't know who will win the deer' means you don't know which one will become the emperor." The scribe said: "Exactly. Later, the words 'Aspiration' and 'Chasing the Deer' can also be borrowed from other places, but the original reference refers to being an emperor." Speaking of this, he sighed. In a low tone, he said: "As ordinary people, we always end up dead. 'I don't know who will kill the deer', but it is unknown who will kill this deer, but this deer is doomed."

As he spoke, he walked to the window, looked out the window, and saw that the sky was gloomy, as if it was about to snow, and sighed: "God is so cruel, hundreds of innocent people are walking on this frosty road. Get up Xuelai, but I have suffered a lot more." Suddenly, he saw two people wearing bamboo hats on the southern road, coming side by side. When they got closer, they recognized their faces.The scribe was overjoyed and said, "It's you, Uncle Huang and Uncle Gu, who are here!" He walked out quickly to greet him, and shouted, "Brother Lizhou and Brother Tinglin, which good wind blows you two to come?"

The one on the right is slightly plump, with a black beard under his chin. His surname is Huang and his name is Zongxi, and his courtesy name is Lizhou. He is from Yuyao, Zhejiang.The one on the left is tall and thin, with a dark complexion, his surname is Gu, his name is Yanwu, his style name is Tinglin, he is from Kunshan, Jiangsu.Both Huang and Gu are great Confucian scholars of the time. After the fall of the Ming Dynasty, they were saddened by the country's change and lived in seclusion. They came to Chongde together today.Gu Yanwu walked up a few steps and said, "Brother Wancun, I have something important to discuss with you."

This scholar, surnamed Lu, surnamed Liuliang, and named Wancun, lived in Chongde County, Hangzhou Prefecture, Zhejiang Province for generations. He was also a very famous hermit in the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties.He saw that Huang and Gu's faces were serious, and he knew that Gu Yanwu was always very flexible and calm in front of things. Since he said it was an important matter, it was naturally no small matter, so he cupped his hands and said, "Both of you, please go in and drink three cups first to relieve the cold." The two entered the room and told the child: "Baozhong, go and tell mother that Uncle Huang and Uncle Gu are here, first cut two plates of oatmeal to serve with wine."

Not long after, the child Lu Baozhong and his brother Yizhong took out three sets of cups and chopsticks and spread them on the study table.An old servant served wine and food.Lu Liuliang waited for the three to leave, closed the study door, and said, "Brother Huang, Brother Gu, drink three cups first!" Huang Zongxi looked miserable and shook his head.However, Gu Yanwu poured himself a drink and drank six cups in one breath. Lu Liuliang said: "The two of you are here, is it related to the 'Ming History' case?" According to people?'Brother Wancun, these two lines of your poem are really sung! Whenever I drink alcohol, I must recite this poem, and I will come to understand it."

Lu Liuliang cherished his homeland and refused to be an official in the Qing Dynasty.The local officials admired his reputation and recommended him as a "recluse in the mountains and forests". He was recruited to the court as an official.Later, another senior official recommended him as a "erudite Confucian". Lu Liuliang saw that if he refused again, it would be a slight insult to the court, and he would inevitably be killed, so he shaved his hair and became a monk, and became a fake monk.The local officials saw that he was determined, and never persuaded him to leave the mountain. The two poems "Qingfeng, Mingyue" ridicule Man Qing and yearn for the former Ming Dynasty. Although they dare not publish them, they have been recited among like-minded friends, and now Gu Yanwu has read them again.Huang Zongxi said: "It's really a good poem!" He raised his glass and drank a glass.Lu Liuliang said: "You two are absurd." As soon as Gu Yanwu looked up, he saw a large painting about five feet high and about ten feet wide hanging on the wall. A big character: "such a country", said: "look at this road, it should be Mr. Erzhan's painting." Lu Liuliang said: "exactly." A great painter at the beginning, also made good friends with Gu Huang and Lu.Huang Zongxi said: "How can such a good painting have no inscription?" Lu Liuliang sighed: "Mr. Erzhan's painting is quite meaningful. It's just that he is prudent and cautious. He neither signs the signature nor has the inscription. Jian Panhuan, I came here on a whim, and I sent the painting to me, how about you two write a few words?" Gu and Huang stood up and went to the painting to look carefully. They saw the vast river flowing eastward, with countless peaks on both sides, dotted with strange trees and strange rocks, but the painting is full of clouds. Although the mountains and rivers are beautiful, they are impressive Down, the meaning of stagnation suddenly arises in the chest. Gu Yanwu said: "In such a country, it has fallen to the barbarians. We swallowed our anger and survived, which is really filled with grief and indignation. Brother Wancun, why don't you write a poem expressing Mr. Erzhan's meaning?" Lu Lu Liu Liang said: "Okay!" He immediately took off the painting and spread it on the table.Huang Zongxi studied ink.Lu Liuliang pondered for a while while picking up the pen, and then stroked the pen on the painting.The poem is completed in an instant, and the poem goes: After finishing the book, I threw my pen on the ground and couldn't help crying. Gu Yanwu said: "It's so heartwarming and dripping, it's really a wonderful word." Lu Liuliang said: "This poem is not implicit, it's not good, it just expresses Mr. Er Zhan's original intention, so that people who see the painting can understand it. "Huang Zongxi said: "When will the old country be reborn, when the mountains and rivers will be opened and the jade will be finished". "This poem is so wonderful! One day the barbarians will be expelled, and we will return our great Han mountains and rivers. It is more inspiring than expressing grief and indignation." Huang Zongxi slowly rolled up the scroll, and said: "This painting cannot be hung up, Brother Wancun must properly keep it. If it is seen by traitors like Wu Zhirong, the government will investigate, Brother Wancun will certainly be troublesome, but it will be troublesome. Mr. Erzhan was implicated." Gu Yanwu slapped the table and scolded: "Wu Zhirong is a thief, I really want to eat his flesh raw." Lu Liuliang said: "You two are in vain, saying that there is an important matter. I am a generation of scholars who have accumulated a habit of writing poems and paintings, but put aside the serious business I don't know what's going on?" Huang Zongxi said, "The two of us are here for Mr. Erzhan and Mr. Yihuang, who belong to our family. My younger brother and Brother Gu received information the day before yesterday that it turned out that this big case of 'History of the Ming Dynasty' actually involved Yihuang Mr. Huang is also implicated." Lu Liuliang said in surprise, "Brother Yihuang was also implicated?" Huang Zongxi said: "Yes. The two of us rushed to Yuanhua Town, Haining the night before yesterday. Mr. Yihuang was not at home, and he said he was away to visit friends. Seeing the emergency, Brother Yanwu hurriedly asked Mr. Yihuang's family to stay overnight Dodging; remembering that Mr. Yihuang and Brother Wancun are good friends, I came here to visit." Lu Liuliang said: "He...but he didn't come. I don't know where he is." Gu Yanwu said: "If he is in the mansion, this time My son came out to meet me. I have already written a poem on the wall of his study. If he returns home, he will naturally understand and know what to avoid. What he is afraid of is not knowing the news, showing his face outside, and being caught by the public. That would be terrible. .” Huang Zongxi said: "This case of 'History of the Ming Dynasty' caused almost all of our famous scholars in western Zhejiang to be murdered. The Qing court's intentions are very evil. Brother Wancun's reputation is too big. Brother Tinglin and the younger brother intend to persuade Brother Wancun to stay away for now. Travel away from home and avoid the limelight." Lu Liuliang said indignantly: "If the emperor of the Tatars takes me to Beijing and cuts me to pieces, he will scold him severely, and then he will die happily after venting the anger in his chest." Gu Yanwu said: "Brother Wancun is so heroic, it is very admirable. I am afraid that I will not see the Tartar Emperor, but will die at the hands of ordinary slaves. Besides, the Tartar Emperor is just a child and has nothing. I understand, the power of the government is entirely in the hands of the powerful minister Oboi. Brothers and Brother Lizhou speculate that the reason why the 'Ming History' case is so vigorous and vigorous is that Oboi intends to frustrate the spirit of our Jiangnan scholars." Lu Liuliang said: "What you two have seen is very true. Since the Qing soldiers entered the customs, they have run amok in the north of the Yangtze River, but once they arrived in the south of the Yangtze River, they encountered resistance everywhere, especially the scholars who knew the defense of the Hua and barbarians and kept making trouble with them. Aobai took advantage of this Opportunity, to suppress my Jiangnan scholars. Huh, the wild fire will never burn out, and the spring breeze will regenerate, unless he kills all of us Jiangnan scholars." Huang Zongxi said: "That's right. Therefore, we have to stay useful and deal with the Tartars to the end. If we show our courage for a while, we will fall into the schemes of the Tartars." Lu Liuliang suddenly realized that Huang and Gu were in vain despite the cold, firstly they were looking for Zha Yihuang, secondly they were trying to persuade themselves to escape, for fear that they would lose their lives in vain if they couldn't hold back for a while, the good friend worked hard and was deeply grateful, saying: "Brother, how dare you disobey the good words of the two Jinshi? Tomorrow morning, the whole family will go out to take shelter." Huang and Gu were overjoyed, and they said in unison: "It should be like this." Lu Liuliang mused, "But I don't know where to avoid it?" He only felt that the world is vast, and the world is full of Tartars, and there is no clean land. Can we avoid the tyranny of the Qin Dynasty?" Gu Yanwu said: "In today's world, there really is a paradise, and we can't be alone and go hide..." Lu Liuliang didn't wait for him to finish his resignation, he jumped up against the case, and said loudly: "Brother Tinglin This rebuke is correct. Everyone is responsible for the rise and fall of a country, and it is okay to avoid disaster temporarily, but if you go to hide in the Peach Blossom Spring, be at ease, and endure the suffering of hundreds of millions of people under the iron hooves of the Tartars, how can you be at ease? Brother, you made a mistake. gone." Gu Yanwu smiled and said: "Brother has wandered around the rivers and lakes in recent years, and has indeed made many friends. From the north and the south, as far as I can see, not only scholars are against the Tartars, but there are also passionate heroes everywhere in the traffickers and butchers. Brother Wancun If you want, the three of us will go to Yangzhou together, brother, how about introducing some people of the same way to you?" Lu Liuliang was overjoyed, and said: "It's wonderful, it's wonderful! We will go to Yangzhou tomorrow, you two, sit down, and brother will tell me Jing, let her tidy up." Said and hurried inside. Not long after, Lu Liuliang returned to his study and said, "Although there are many rumors about the 'History of the Ming' case, the rumors may not be true, and the speaker has many scruples and dare not speak out. My brother lives alone in a small house, so I don't know the details. , what is the reason?" Gu Yanwu sighed, and said: "We have all read this history of the Ming Dynasty, and there is some lack of respect for the Tartars in it. This book was written by my Minister Zhu Guozhen of the Ming Dynasty. How can you be polite to the Tartars regarding the matter of state guards?" Lu Liuliang nodded and said, "I heard that the Huzhou dealer spent several thousand taels of silver to buy the original manuscript of Ming history from Zhu Xiangguo's descendants and publish it under his own name. cause this catastrophe."
The three prefectures of Hangzhou, Jiaxing, and Huzhou in western Zhejiang are located on the shore of Taihu Lake, with flat terrain and fertile soil, rich in rice and silk.The first county of Huzhou Prefecture is called Wuxing County today, and it was divided into Wucheng County and Gui'an County in Qing Dynasty.The literary style was very prosperous in the past, and there were many talented scholars in the past dynasties. Liang Shi divided Chinese characters into four tones, Shen Yue, and Zhao Mengfu, who was superb in calligraphy and painting in the Yuan Dynasty, was born in Huzhou.The local area is also famous for its pens, pens from Huzhou, ink from Huizhou, paper from Xuancheng, inkstone from Duanxi in Zhaoqing, and the four treasures of the study, which are well-known all over the world. There is Nanxun Town in Huzhou Prefecture. Although it is a town, it is larger than ordinary counties and counties. There are many wealthy families in the town. Among the famous wealthy families, there is a family named Zhuang.At that time, the wealthy family of the Zhuang family was named Zhuang Yuncheng, who had several sons. The eldest son was named Ting Cheng.During the reign of De Shunzhi, Zhuang Tingyu suddenly became blind due to too much study. He searched for famous doctors but couldn't cure him, so he was depressed. Suddenly one day, a young man surnamed Zhu in the neighborhood brought a manuscript, which he said was the posthumous manuscript of his grandfather Zhu Xiangguo, and mortgaged it to the dealer, asking for a loan of several hundred taels of silver.The Zhuang family has always been generous and has always taken care of Zhu Xiangguo's descendants. When he came to ask for a loan, he immediately agreed and did not ask him to use any posthumous manuscripts as collateral.But the young man surnamed Zhu said that after he borrowed the money, he would go on a long journey, and he would keep this manuscript of his ancestors with him for fear of losing it.Zhuang Yuncheng agreed.After the young man surnamed Zhu left, Zhuang Yuncheng asked his family Qingke to read to him in order to relieve his son's boredom. Most of Zhu Guozhen's Ming history manuscript has been published and handed down to the world. This time his grandson brought many biographies to the Zhuang family as a mortgage.Zhuang Tingyu listened to Qing Ke read it for several days, was very interested, and suddenly remembered: "Zuo Qiuming was also a blind person in the past, but because of a history book "Zuo Zhuan", he has enjoyed a great reputation for thousands of years. I am blind today. , living at home is boring, why not write a history book and pass it on to future generations?" It is easy to do things in a rich family, and since he had this idea, he immediately hired several scholars to read the Ming History manuscript to him from beginning to end.He dictated what he thought should be added and where should be deleted, and the guests took notes. But thinking that I am blind and unable to read a lot of books, this history of the Ming Dynasty was compiled and compiled. If there are many errors in the content, not only is it difficult to enjoy the name, but it is ridiculed by others, so I spent a lot of money and invited many scholars. , strive for perfection.Some people with great knowledge can't be invited by money, so Zhuang Tingyu went to several people and asked them humbly.There have always been many literati from the shore of Taihu Lake. Those who were invited by the dealer felt sorry for their blindness and felt sincere; This book may correct its mistakes, or add embellishments, or write one or two articles.Therefore, this history of the Ming Dynasty is indeed a collection of many great talents.Not long after the book was completed, Zhuang Tingfeng passed away. Zhuang Yuncheng is saddened by the death of his beloved son, so he will publish a book immediately.It was really not easy to print a book in the Qing Dynasty. Craftsmen had to be hired to carve woodblocks into pieces before it was printed into a book.This Ming history is voluminous, and the engraving and printing work cost a lot.Fortunately, the dealer had plenty of money, so he set aside a few large houses as workshops, hired more craftsmen, and completed the book within a few years. .All the scholars who have assisted in this matter are also listed on it, including Mao Yuanxi, Wu Zhiming, Wu Zhirong, Li Qitao, Mao Cilai, Wu Chu, Tang Yuanlou, Yan Yunqi, Jiang Linzheng, Wei Jinyou, Wei Yiyuan, Zhang Jun, Dong Eryou, Wu Yan, Pan Yuzhang, Lu Qi, Zha Jizuo, Fan Xiang, etc., a total of 18 people.It is also mentioned in the book that this book was based on additions and deletions of Zhu's original manuscript, but Zhu Guozhen was the minister of the Ming Dynasty, and his name was too big to be written directly, so it was vaguely said to be "Zhu's original manuscript". "Mingshu Collection" has been edited and revised by many literati and scholars. It is well-prepared in style, detailed in narrative, and elegant in writing. After the book was published, it was highly praised by scholars.The dealer is also aiming to make a name for himself, and the price of the book is extremely cheap.When Manchuria was involved in the original manuscript, there were many words of criticism and criticism, which were deleted one by one by the historians, but the words praising the Ming Dynasty were also unavoidable.At that time, the Ming Dynasty was not long ago, and scholars cherished their homeland, so the book became a bestseller as soon as it was published.Zhuang Tingyu's name is well-known in the north and south of the Yangtze River.Although Zhuang Yuncheng felt the pain of losing his son, seeing his son become famous behind him, he was very relieved. It is also a time of troubled times, when villains should succeed and gentlemen suffer.The county magistrate of Gui'an County in Huzhou, surnamed Wu Mingzhirong, corrupted the law during his term of office, and the people hated him so much that he was finally reported and dismissed by the court.Wu Zhirong served as the county magistrate of Gui'an County. Although he confiscated tens of thousands of taels of silver, but when the court ordered him to be dismissed, he bribed people here and there, and ransacked everywhere, so as to avoid the punishment of ransacking his home. , Even the family members who accompanied him disappeared.He lost his official wealth, so he had to go to various rich houses to beat the autumn wind, saying that being an official is hard, and this time he lost his official position, and he didn't even have to go home without entanglement, so he couldn't make it.Some rich people gave him ten taels of silver to avoid trouble.After arriving at the rich family Zhu's house, Zhu Youming, the owner, is an upright gentleman who hates evil and hatred. Instead of sending the ceremony away, he sneered at him, saying that your Excellency is an official in Huzhou, and the people have suffered so much for you. I, Zhu, will be considered rich , I would rather go to give alms to the poor who have suffered from you.Although Wu Zhirong was angry, there was nothing he could do. Since he had been dismissed and had no power, how could he get rich and rich?Now come to visit Zhuang Yuncheng again. Zhuang Yuncheng had always been friends with high-ranking celebrities, and he looked down on this corrupt official, seeing him coming to ask for it, he sneered, sealed a tael of silver to him, and said: "According to your character, these two silvers should not be given away, but the people of Huzhou are looking forward to it." Your Excellency, it’s good to go a quarter earlier, and it’s good to go a little earlier with an extra tael of silver.” Wu Zhirong was very angry, he glanced at a copy of "Compilation of Ming Shu" on the table in the hall, and thought to himself: "This man surnamed Zhuang loves to listen to flattery, as long as he praises how well this Ming history is compiled, it is white and flamboyant." Hold the silver to others with both hands, and never frown again." Then he smiled and said: "The Zhuang Weng gave it generously, but it is disrespectful. Brother is leaving Huzhou today, and the most regretful thing is that I can't take home a copy of the 'Treasure of Huzhou' so that I can let him go home. It is an eye-opener for the ignorant and ignorant people in my hometown." Zhuang Yuncheng asked: "What is the 'Treasure of Huzhou'?" Wu Zhirong said with a smile: "Mr. Zhuang is too modest. Among the scholars, they all said that the "Mingshu Series" written by the son Tingyi himself Briefly, historical talents, historical knowledge, and historical pens are all rare in ancient times, and Zuoma Banzhuang is the four great masters of ancient and modern history. This "treasure of Huzhou" is naturally the Ming history written by your son." Wu Zhirong's first sentence "written by the son himself", and the latter sentence "written by the son himself", made Zhuang Yuncheng elated when he heard it.Knowing that this book was not written by his son himself, he couldn't help but feel regretful, Wu Zhirong said this, it was a great investment, he thought: "People say that this person is a corrupt person, and he is a dirty villain, but he is a scholar after all, and he has a good eye. It turns out that this book is said to be the "treasure of Huzhou". It's the first time I've heard that." With a smile all over his face, he said, "Brother Rong doesn't quite understand what Zuomabanzhuang is, the four great histories of ancient and modern times. Please advise me." Wu Zhirong saw that his expression softened, and knowing that the flattery had been paid, he secretly liked it, and said, "Zhuang Weng is too modest. Zuo Qiuming wrote "Zuo Zhuan", Sima Qian wrote "Historical Records", Ban Gu's "Hanshu" is a masterpiece that has been read for thousands of years. Since Ban Gu, there have been no great historians. Ouyang Xiu wrote "Five Dynasties" and Sima Guang wrote it. When the masterpiece "Mingshu Jilue" written by the son himself came out, no one could keep pace with Zuo Qiuming, Sima Qian, and Ban Gu. "The four great histories, Zuoma Banzhuang" Born out of this." Zhuang Yuncheng smiled, cupped his hands again and again, and said: "Praise, praise! But the phrase 'the treasure of Huzhou' is not worthy of it." Wu Zhirong said seriously: "Why can't it be worthy of it? Everyone outside said: 'The treasure of Huzhou' Baoshi’s silk brush is still No. 1 in Zhuangshi’!” Silk and writing brushes are two famous products in Huzhou.Zhuang Yuncheng liked it even more. Wu Zhirong said again: "Brother came to your place to be an official. He has nothing to gain. Today, he is old-fashioned and wants to ask Mr. Zhuang for a history of Ming Dynasty as a family heirloom. In the future, my descendants of the Wu family will read it day and night. It is thanks to Zhuang Weng's generosity to make great progress in talent and thought, to honor the ancestors." Zhuang Yuncheng laughed and said, "I should give it as a gift." Wu Zhirong talked a few more words, but Zhuang Yuncheng did not see what he did, and then he praised this Ming History for a while. In fact, he hasn't read a single page of this book, it's just a matter of his historical talent, his historical knowledge, and his nonsense.Zhuang Yuncheng said: "Mr. Rong, please sit down." Go back into the inner hall. After a long time, a servant took out a package and put it on the table.Seeing that Zhuang Yuncheng hadn't come out yet, Wu Zhirong quickly weighed the package, although the package was big, it was light and there was obviously no money in it, so he was really disappointed.After a while, Zhuang Yuncheng returned to the hall, held up the package, and said with a smile: "Mr. Rong thinks highly of our local products, so I would like to present them as a gift." Wu Zhirong thanked him, took his leave and went out, before returning to the inn, he reached into the package and fumbled for a while, what he found was a book, a bunch of silk, dozens of tubes of brushes.He spent a lot of time talking, thinking that Zhuang Yuncheng would give away hundreds of taels of silver in addition to a piece of Ming history, but the gift was actually the "Three Treasures of Huzhou" he made up nonsense, and he cursed secretly: "Damn it, These rich men in Nanxun are so stingy! I was also wrong, if I said that the three treasures of Huzhou are gold, silver and Ming history, wouldn’t it be a big gain?” Going back to the inn angrily, he threw the package on the table and fell asleep. When he woke up, it was already dark and the time for eating in the inn was over, and he was reluctant to order another meal. Suffering from each other, unable to sleep anymore, I immediately unwrapped the package and opened the "Compilation of Ming Shu" to read.After reading a few pages, a golden light flashed in front of my eyes, and a golden leaf suddenly appeared.Wu Zhirong's heart was beating wildly, he rubbed his eyes and looked carefully, but it wasn't gold leaf, what was it?There was a flurry of shaking, and ten gold leaves were shaken out from the book. Each one was worth at least five coins, and ten gold leaves were worth five taels of gold.At that time gold was expensive, and five taels of gold were worth four hundred taels of silver. Wu Zhirong was overjoyed and thought to himself: "This Zhuang man is really cunning, he is afraid that I will ask for this book, he will throw it away without turning it over, so he put the gold leaf in the book to see who reads his son's book. Anyone who reads a book will be blessed to get this golden leaf. Yes, I will read a few more, and I will come to the door tomorrow to thank him for the gift of gold, and at the same time recite a few passages in the book, and praise him very much. In his heart A joy, maybe there are a few taels of gold to give away." At the moment, I lit the oil lamp, flipped through the book and recited it. After reading that in the forty-fourth year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty, Nuer Hachi, the emperor of the later Jin Dynasty, came to the throne, the country was named Jin, and Jianyuan was "destiny". Jianyuan, from this year onwards, the Ming Dynasty Wanli year name should no longer be used, it should be the first year of the Dajin Destiny." Reading all the way, I saw that Jin Taizong ascended the throne after Dingmao, and the book still reads "the seventh year of tomorrow's revelation", not "the first year of Dajin Tiancong".After Bingzi, Jin changed the name of the country to Qing and Yuan Chongde. This book is still written as "the ninth year of Chongzhen", not "the first year of Chongde in the Qing Dynasty"; The book "The First Year of Shunzhi in the Qing Dynasty".It is also seen that after the soldiers of the Qing Dynasty entered the customs, the book was written as "the first year of Longwu" in the year of Yiyou, and "the first year of Yongli" in the year of Dinghai. Nalongwu and Yongli were the reign titles of King Tang and King Gui of the Ming Dynasty. However, those who wrote the book clearly still believed in Zhengshuo of the Ming Dynasty, and did not take the Qing Dynasty seriously.When he saw this, he couldn't help shouting: "It's reversed, it's reversed, it's okay!" With one clap, the table vibrated, and the oil lamp fell over immediately, splashing lamp oil on his hands and lapels.In the darkness, I suddenly had an idea, and I couldn't help being ecstatic: "Isn't this a windfall bestowed on me by God? I was promoted and made a fortune because of this." Thinking of the happy place, I couldn't help calling out loudly.Suddenly, the shop assistant knocked on the door and shouted: "Guest officer, guest officer, what's the matter?" Wu Zhirong said with a smile: "Nothing!" He lit the oil lamp and read through it again.This night I saw the rooster crowing, and then I put on my clothes and went to bed, but I found seventy or eighty taboo and forbidden words in the book, and I couldn't help laughing in my sleep. At the time of the change of dynasty, those in power are most interested in the year name Zhengshuo.The most taboo is nothing more than words that make people miss the previous dynasty. "Ming Shu Ji Lue" narrates the events of the Ming Dynasty, and there is no discrepancy with the Ming Dynasty's year name, but when the writing is extremely dense, it is a great disaster.Most of the scholars and literati who participated in the compilation of history only assisted in the compilation of a few volumes and failed to read the entire book. The person who compiled the last few volumes hated the Qing Dynasty deeply, and would never use the Qing Dynasty name in the book.Zhuang Tingfeng is a son of a wealthy family, and he is blind, so he is careless, and finally gives the villain a chance to take advantage of. At noon the next day, Wu Zhirong sailed eastward by boat, and when he arrived in Hangzhou, he wrote a note in the inn, and sent it to General Songkui's residence together with this history of Ming Dynasty.He expected Song Kui to summon him after receiving the letter.At that time, the Manchus reported treason, and the rewards were extremely generous. For such a great contribution, it was expected that he would be appointed as a reinstatement official, and he might be promoted to three ranks in a row.Unexpectedly, he waited in the inn for more than half a year, and went to the general's mansion every day to inquire about the news, but nothing happened. Wu Zhirong was extremely anxious, the gold leaf that Zhuang Yuncheng gave to exchange was about to be used up, but this report came to no avail, he was troubled and surprised at the same time.One day when I was wandering in the city of Hangzhou, I walked past the door of Wentongtang Bookstore, and I walked in to read the white books, so as to pass the day away. I saw three volumes of "Compilation of Mingshu" displayed on the bookshelf. What happened is not enough to sue Zhuang Yuncheng? Let’s find a few more treasonous words, write another letter tomorrow, and hand it to the general’s mansion.” The governor of Zhejiang is Han, and the general is Manchurian. He is afraid that the governor will not Ken Xing's literary prison is determined to report to General Manchuria. He opened the book, only read a few pages, he couldn't help being startled, his whole body was like falling into an ice cellar, he was like a monk Zhang Er for a while, he couldn't figure it out, only to see that the taboo words everywhere in the book had completely disappeared, After the founding of the Qing Dynasty, the Taizu of the Qing Dynasty also switched to the year names of Dajin and Daqing. As for the words that criticized the governor of Jianzhou Weidu (the relative of the ancestor of the Manchu Qing emperor), and the words of the year names such as Longwu and Yongli in Dashu, it is even more common. The words are missing.But the text runs through the front and back, the pages are clean, and there is no trace of alteration. How this trick works is really strange. Holding the book in both hands, he was just dazed in the bookstore, and after a long while, he shouted: "Yes!" Seeing that the book's pages were clean and brand new, he asked the shopkeeper, and it turned out that it was a book seller in Huzhou. The customer has recently delivered it, and it has only been seven or eight days since the arrival.He thought to himself: "This Zhuang Yuncheng is amazing! It's true that money can pass through the mind. He took back the old book, reprinted it, published a new book, and deleted all the taboos in the original book. Hmph, can't that be the end of it? ?” Wu Zhirong's expectation was really good.It turned out that Hangzhou General Songkui didn't know Chinese characters, when the master of the shogunate saw Wu Zhirong's letter, his whole body broke out in a cold sweat. The guest's surname is Cheng, and his first name is Weifan, a native of Shaoxing, Zhejiang.In the Ming and Qing dynasties, nine out of ten staff members of the government were from Shaoxing, so above the word "shiye", they were often crowned with "Shaoxing" and called "Shaoxing master".These masters first learned a set of secrets from their ancestors from the same village, and then they were very experienced in handling criminal names and money valleys.All the official documents in the government are drafted by the teacher. Since everyone is from the same village, it is not easy to encounter critical criticism when the official documents of lower-level officials are submitted to the higher-level yamen.Therefore, when new officials, big or small, take office, the most important thing is to hire a Shaoxing master with a lot of money.In the Ming and Qing dynasties, not many people from Shaoxing were high officials, but they controlled the common government of China for hundreds of years, which is also a miracle in the history of Chinese politics.Cheng Weifan was honest and loyal, and he believed in the famous saying "It's easy to practice among the public".That is to say that the government holds the power of life and death of the common people. When the master drafted the draft, a few words were a little heavy, and the family of the common people could be ruined. A little excuse can make them escape from death. Practice in temples is more effective.He saw that if the case of Ming History turned into a big prison, he didn't know how many people would be killed in southern Jiangsu and western Zhejiang, so he immediately asked the general for a few days' leave, and took a boat at night to come to Nanxun Town, Huzhou to inform the matter. Zhuang Yuncheng. Suddenly Zhuang Yuncheng was in a catastrophe, he was out of his wits, his whole body was paralyzed from fright, salivating, he didn't know what to do, after a long time, he stood up, knelt down on his knees, kowtowed to Cheng Weifan for his great kindness, and then He asks for advice. When Cheng Weifan arrived at Nanxun by boat from Hangzhou, he thought over and over again and came up with a good strategy. He thought that this "Compilation of Ming Shu" had been circulated for a long time, and it was impossible to hide it. Bookstores all over the country bought all of this book and destroyed it. While driving away night work, they engraved a new edition, deleted all taboos, reprinted the new book, and marketed it outside.When the government pursued the investigation, they checked the new version of Ming History and found that Wu Zhirong's report was not true, and the disaster could be averted.Immediately said this plan.Zhuang Yuncheng was full of surprises and kowtowed to express his thanks.Cheng Weifan also taught him a lot of joints, such as how much gifts should be given to a certain government office, and how to unblock a certain yamen office, Zhuang Yuncheng was taught one by one. After Cheng Weifan returned to Hangzhou, it took more than half a month before he transferred the original book and Wu Zhirong's letter to Zhu Changzuo, governor of Zhejiang Province. If you suspect it, please investigate it carefully, Mr. Futai. While Wu Zhirong was waiting for the news in the inn in Hangzhou, Zhuang Yuncheng's money was about to go out like water.At that time, Zhuang Yuncheng's heavy bribes had already been sent to the General's Yamen, the Governor's Yamen and the Xuezheng Yamen.Zhu Changzuo received the official business, and the publishing of books was under the responsibility of the academic administration. After more than ten days of pressure, he was handed over to Hu Shangheng, the academic administration.The master of Xuezheng Yamen put it on hold for more than half a month, and then took a month of sick leave, and then slowly drafted and published the paper, sending the official affairs to Huzhou Mansion.The academic officials of Huzhou prefecture delayed for another 20 days before transferring the papers to the academic officials of An County and Wucheng County, asking them to apply for a reply.The two academic officials had also received a large sum of bribes from Zhuang Yuncheng. At that time, the new edition of Ming History had also been printed. They handed over the two new editions and replied: "The book is mediocre and rough, and it will not help the people of the world. After checking the whole book, there is no taboo about committing crimes." After applying and replying layer by layer, it is over. Wu Zhirong didn't know until he found a new version of Ming History in a bookstore, thinking that only by getting an original version of Ming History can he reopen the case.Among the various bookstores in Hangzhou, the original books had already been bought by the dealers. Now I went to the remote counties and counties in eastern Zhejiang to search and buy, but I still couldn't find a single book.He was so poor that he had to return to his hometown.也是事有凑巧，旅途之中，却在一家客店中见到店主人正在摇头晃脑的读书，一看之下，所读的便是这部《明书辑略》借来一翻，竟是原版。这一下大喜过望，心想若向客店主人求购，一来他未必肯售，二来自己也无银子，买不起，只好偷。深夜之中悄悄起床，偷了书便即溜出店门，心想浙江全省有关官员都已受了庄允城之贿，一不做，二不休，索性告到北京城去。 吴之荣来到北京，便写了禀帖，告到礼部、都察院、通政司三处衙门，说明庄家如何贿赂官员，改镌新版。 不料在京中等不到一个月，三处衙门先后驳复下来，都称细查庄廷鑨所著《明书辑略》一书，内容并无违禁犯例，该革职知县吴之荣所告，并非实情，显系挟嫌诬告，至于贿赂官员云云，更系捕风捉影之辞。那通政司的批驳更是严厉，说道：“该吴之荣以贪墨被革，遂以天下清官，皆如彼之贪。”原来庄允城受了程维藩之教，早将新版明史送到了礼部、都察院、通政司三处衙门，有关官吏师爷，也早已送了厚礼打点。 吴之荣又碰了一鼻子灰，眼见回家已无盘缠，势将流落异乡。其时清廷对待汉人文士极为严峻，文字中稍有犯禁，便即处死，吴之荣所告的若是寻常文人，早已得手，偏生遇着的对手是富豪之家，这才阻难重重。既无退路，心想拚着坐牢，也要将这件案子干到底，当下又写了四张禀帖，分呈四位顾命大臣；同时又在客店中写了数百张招纸，揭露其事，在北京城中到处张贴。他这一着却大是行险，倘若官府追究起来，说他危言耸听，扰乱人心，不免有杀头的重罪。 那四个顾命大臣，名叫索尼、苏克萨哈、遏必隆、鳌拜，均是满洲的开国功臣。顺治皇帝逝世之时，遗诏命这四大臣辅政。其中鳌拜最为凶横，朝中党羽极众，清廷大权，几乎尽操于他一人之手。他生怕敌党对其不利，是以派出无数探子，在京城内外打探动静。这日得到密报，说道北京城中出现许多招贴，揭发浙江庄姓百姓著书谋叛，大逆不道，浙江官员受贿、置之不理等情。 鳌拜得悉之下，立即查究，登时雷厉风行的办了起来。便在此时，吴之荣的禀帖也已递入鳌拜府中。他当即召见吴之荣，详问其事，再命手下汉人幕客细阅吴之荣所呈缴的那部原版明史，所言果是实情。 鳌拜以军功而封公爵、做大官，向来歧视汉官和读书人，掌握大权后便想办几件大案，镇慑人心，不但使汉人不敢兴反叛之念，也令朝中敌党不敢有甚异动，当即派出钦差，赴浙江查究。这一来，庄家全家固然逮入京中，连杭州将军松魁、浙江巡抚朱昌祚以下所有大小官员，也都革职查办。在明史上列名的文学之士，无一不鎯铛入狱。
顾炎武、黄宗羲二人在吕留良家中，将此案的来龙去脉，详细道来，吕留良听得只是叹息。当晚三人联榻长谈，议论世事，说到明末魏忠贤等太监陷害忠良，把持朝政，种种倒行逆施，终至明室覆亡，入清后汉人惨遭屠戮，祸难方深，无不扼腕切齿。 次日一早，吕留良全家和顾黄二人登舟东行。江南中产以上人家，家中都自备有船，江南水乡，河道四通八达，密如蛛网，一般人出行都是坐船，所谓“北人乘马，南人乘舟”，自古已然。 到得杭州后，自运河折而向北，这晚在杭州城外听到消息，清廷已因此案而处决了不少官员百姓：庄廷鑨已死，开棺戮尸；庄允城在狱中不堪虐待而死；庄家全家数十口，十五岁以上的尽数处斩，妻女发配沈阳，给满洲旗兵为奴。前礼部侍郎李令晰为该书作序，凌迟处死，四子处斩。李令晰的幼子刚满十六岁，法司见杀得人多，心肠软了，命他减供一岁，按照清律，十五岁以下者得免死充军。那少年道：“我爹爹哥哥都死了，我也不愿独生。”终于不肯易供，一并处斩。松魁、朱昌祚入狱候审，幕客程维藩凌迟弃市。归安、乌程的两名学官处斩。因此案牵连，冤枉而死的人亦是不计其数。湖州府知府谭希闵到任还只半月，朝廷说他知情不报，受贿隐匿，和推官李焕、训导王兆祯同处绞刑。 吴之荣对南浔富人朱佑明心下怀恨最深，那日去打秋风，给他抢白了一场，逐出门来，当下向办理此案的法司声称，该书注明依据“朱氏原稿增删润饰而成”。这朱氏便是朱佑明了；又说他的名字“朱佑明”，显是心存前明，咒诅本朝。这样一来，朱佑明和他五个儿子同处斩首，朱家的十余万财产，清廷下令都赏给吴之荣。 最惨的是，所有雕版的刻工、印书的列工、装钉的钉工，以及书贾、书铺的主人、卖书的店员、买书的读者，查明后尽皆处斩。据史书记载，其时苏州浒墅关有一个榷货主事（关吏）李尚白，喜读史书，听说苏州阊门书坊中有一部新刊的明史，内容很好，派一个工役去买。工役到时，书店主人外出，那工役便在书铺隔壁一家姓朱的老者家中坐着等候，等到店主回来，将书买回。李尚白读了几卷，也不以为意。过了几个月，案子发作，一直查究到各处贩书买书之人。其时李尚白在北京公干，以购逆书之罪，在北京立即斩决。书店主人和奉命买书的工役斩首。连那隔壁姓朱老者也受牵累，说他既知那人来购逆书，何以不即举报，还让他在家中闲坐？本应斩首，姑念年逾七十，免死，和妻子充军边远之处。 至于江南名士，因庄廷鑨慕其大名、在书中列名参校者，同日凌迟处死，计有茅元锡等十四人。所谓凌迟处死，乃是一刀一刀，将其全身肢体肌肉慢慢切割下来，直至犯人受尽痛苦，方才处死。因这一部书而家破人亡的，当真难以计数。 吕留良等三人得到消息，愤恨难当，切齿痛骂。黄宗羲道：“伊璜先生列名参校，这一会只怕也难逃此劫。”他三人和查伊璜向来交好，都十分挂念。 这一日舟至嘉兴，顾炎武在城中买了一份邸报，上面详列明史一案中获罪诸人的姓名。却见上谕中有一句说：“查继佐、范骧、陆圻三人，虽列名参校，然事先未见其书，免罪不究。”顾炎武将邸报拿到舟中，和黄宗羲、吕留良三人同阅，啧啧称奇。 黄宗羲道：“此事必是大力将军所为。”吕留良道：“大力将军是谁？倒要请教。”黄宗羲道：“两年之前，兄弟到伊璜先生家中作客，但见他府第焕然一新，庭园宽大，陈设富丽，与先前大不相同。府中更养了一班昆曲戏班子，声色曲艺，江南少见。兄弟和伊璜先生向来交好，说得上互托肝胆，便问起情由。伊璜先生说出一段话来，确是风尘中的奇遇。”当下便将这段故事转述了出来。
查继佐，字伊璜。（《觚剩》一书中有“雪遘”一文，述此奇事，开首说：“浙江海宁查孝廉，字伊璜，才华丰艳，而风情潇洒，常谓满眼悠悠，不堪愁对，海内奇杰，非从尘埃中物色，未可得也。”）这一天家居岁暮，命酒独酌，不久下起雪来，越下越大。查伊璜独饮无聊，走到门外观赏雪景，见有个乞丐站在屋檐下避雪，这丐者身形魁梧，骨格雄奇，只穿一件破单衫，在寒风中却丝毫不以为意，只是脸上颇有郁怒悲愤之色。查伊璜心下奇怪，便道：“这雪非一时能止，进来喝一杯如何？”那乞丐道：“甚好！”查伊璜便邀他进屋，命书僮取出杯筷，斟了杯酒，说道：“请！”那乞丐举杯便干，赞道：“好酒！” 查伊璜给他连斟三杯，那丐者饮得极是爽快。查伊璜最喜的是爽快人，心下喜欢，说道：“兄台酒量极好，不知能饮多少？”那乞丐道：“酒逢知己千杯少，话不投机半句多。”这两句虽是熟套语，但在一个乞丐口中说出来，却令查伊璜暗暗称异，当即命书僮捧出一大坛绍兴女儿红来，笑道：“在下酒量有限，适才又已饮过，不能陪兄畅饮。老兄喝一大碗，我陪一小杯如何？”那乞丐道：“这也使得。” 当下书僮将酒烫热，分斟在碗中杯内。查伊璜喝一杯，那乞丐便喝一大碗。待那乞丐喝到二十余碗时，脸上仍无甚酒意，查伊璜却已颓然醉倒。要知那绍兴女儿红酒入口温和，酒性却颇厉害。绍兴人家生下儿子女儿，便酿酒数坛至数十坛不等，埋入地下，待女儿长大嫁人，将酒取出宴客，那酒其时作琥珀色，称为“女儿红”。想那酒埋藏十七八年以至二十余年，自然醇厚之极。至于生儿子人家所藏之酒，称为“状元红”，盼望儿子日后中状元时取出宴客。状元非人人可中，多半是在儿子娶媳妇时用以飨客了。酒坊中酿酒用以贩卖的，也袭用了状元红、女儿红之名。 书僮将查伊璜扶入内堂安睡，那乞丐自行又到屋檐之下。次晨查伊璜醒转。忙去瞧那乞丐时，只见他负手而立，正在欣赏雪景。一阵北风吹来，查伊璜只觉寒入骨髓，那乞丐却是泰然自若。查伊璜道：“天寒地冻，兄台衣衫未免过于单薄。”当即解下身上的羊皮袍子，披在他肩头，又取了十两银子，双手捧上，说道：“些些买酒之资，兄台勿却。何时有兴，请再来喝酒。昨晚兄弟醉倒，未能扫榻留宾，简慢勿怪。”那乞丐接过了银子，说道：“好说。”也不道谢，扬长而去。 第二年春天，查伊璜到杭州游玩。一日在一座破庙之中，见到有口极大的古钟，少说也有四百来斤，他正在鉴赏钟上所刻的文字花纹，忽有一名乞丐大踏步走进佛殿，左手抓住钟钮，向上一提，一口大钟竟然离地数尺。那乞丐在钟下取出一大碗肉、一大钵酒来，放在一旁，再将古钟置于原处。查伊璜见他如此神力，不禁骇然，仔细看时，竟然便是去冬一起喝酒的那乞丐，笑问：“兄台还认得我吗？”那乞丐向他望了一眼，笑道：“啊，原来是你。今日我来作东，大家再喝个痛快，来来来，喝酒。”说着将土钵递了过去。 查伊璜接过土钵，喝了一大口，笑道：“这酒挺不错啊。”那乞丐从破碗中抓起一大块肉，道：“这是狗肉，吃不吃？”查伊璜虽觉肮脏，但想：“我既当他是酒友，倘若推辞，未免瞧他不起了。”当下伸手接过，咬了一口，咀嚼之下，倒也甘美可口。两人便在破庙中席地而坐，将土钵递来递去，你喝一口，我喝一口，吃肉时便伸手到碗中去抓，不多时酒肉俱尽。那乞丐哈哈大笑，说道：“只可惜酒少了，醉不倒孝廉公。” 查伊璜道：“去年冬天在敝处邂逅，今日又再无意中相遇，实是有缘。兄台神力惊人，原来是一位海内奇男子，得能结交你这位朋友，小弟好生喜欢。兄台有兴，咱们到酒楼去再饮如何？”那乞丐道：“甚妙，甚妙！”两人到西湖边的楼外楼酒楼，呼酒又饮。不久查伊璜又即醉倒。待得酒醒，那乞丐已不知去向。 那是明朝崇祯末年之事，过得数年，清兵入关，明朝覆亡。查伊璜绝意进取，只在家中闲居，一日忽有一名军官，领兵四名，来到查府。 查伊璜吃了一惊，只道是祸事上门，岂知那军官执礼甚恭，说道：“奉广东省吴军门之命，有薄礼奉赠。”查伊璜道：“我和贵上素不相识，只怕是弄错了。”那军官取出拜盒，拿出一张大红泥金名帖，上写“拜上查先生伊璜，讳继佐”，下面写的是“眷晚生吴六奇顿首百拜”。查伊璜心想：“我连这吴六奇的名字也没听见过，为何送礼于我？”当下沉吟不语。那军官道：“敝上说道，些些薄礼，请查先生不要见笑。”说着将两只朱漆烫金的圆盒放在桌上，俯身请安，便即别去。 查伊璜打开礼盒，赫然是五十两黄金，另一盒中却是六瓶洋酒，酒瓶上缀以明珠翡翠，华贵非凡。查伊璜一惊更甚，追出去要那军官收回礼品，武人快步，早已去得远了。 查伊璜心下纳闷，寻思：“飞来横财，非福是祸。莫非有人陷害于我？”当下将两只礼盒用封条封起，藏于密室。查氏家境小康，黄金倒也不必动用，只是久闻洋酒之名，不敢开瓶品尝，未免心痒。 过了数月，亦无他异。这一日，却有一名身穿华服的贵介公子到来。那公子不过十七八岁，精神饱满，气宇轩昂，带着八名从人，一见查伊璜，便即跪下磕头，口称：“查世伯，侄子吴宝宇拜见。”查伊璜忙即扶起，道：“世伯之称，可不敢当。不知尊大人是谁？”那吴宝宇道：“家严名讳，上六下奇，现居广东省通省水陆提督之职，特命小侄造府，恭请世伯到广东盘桓数月。” 查伊璜道：“前承令尊大人厚赐，心下好生不安。说来惭愧，兄弟生性疏阔，记不起何时和令尊大人相识。兄弟一介书生，素来不结交贵官。公子请少坐。”说着走进内室，将那两只礼盒捧了出来，道：“还请公子携回，实在不敢受此厚礼。”他心想这吴六奇在广东做提督，必是慕己之名，欲以重金聘去做幕客。这人官居高位，为满洲人作鹰犬，欺压汉人，倘若受了他金银，污了自己清白，当下脸色之间颇为不悦。 吴宝宇道：“家严吩咐，务必请到世伯。世伯若是忘了家严，有一件信物在此，世伯请看。”在从人手中接过一个包裹，打了开来，却是一件十分敝旧的羊皮袍子。 查伊璜见到旧袍，记得是昔年赠给雪中奇丐的，这才恍然，原来这吴六奇将军，便是当年共醉的酒友，心中一动：“鞑子占我天下，若有手握兵符之人先建义旗，四方响应，说不定便能将鞑子逐出关外。这奇丐居然还记得我昔日一饭一袍之惠，不是没良心之人，我若动以大义，未始没有指望。男儿建功报国，正在此时，至不济他将我杀了，却又如何？” 当下欣然就道，来到广州。吴六奇将军接入府中，神态极是恭谨，说道：“六奇流落江南，得蒙查先生不弃，当我是个朋友。请我喝酒，送我皮袍，倒是小事，在那破庙中肯和我同钵喝酒，手抓狗肉，那才是真正瞧得起我了。六奇其时穷途潦倒，到处遭人冷眼，查先生如此热肠相待，登时令六奇大为振奋。得有今日，都是出于查先生之赐。”查伊璜淡淡的道：“在晚生看来，今日的吴将军，也不见得就比当年的雪中奇丐高明了。” 吴六奇一怔，也不再问，只道：“是，是！”当晚大开筵席，遍邀广州城中的文武官员与宴，推查伊璜坐了首席，自己在下前相陪。 广东省自巡抚以下的文武百官，见提督大人对查伊璜如此恭敬，无不暗暗称异。那巡抚还道查伊璜是皇帝派出来微服察访的钦差大臣，否则吴六奇平素对人十分倨傲，何以对这个江南书生却这等必恭必敬？酒散之后，那巡抚悄悄向吴六奇探问，这位贵客是否朝中红员。吴六奇微微一笑，说道：“老兄当真聪明，鉴貌辨色，十有九中。”这句话本来意存讥刺，说他这第十次却猜错了。岂知那巡抚竟会错了意，只道查伊璜真是钦差，心想这位查大人在吴提督府中居住，已给他巴结上了，吴提督和自己向来不甚投机，倘若钦差大人回京之后，奏本中对我不利，那可糟糕；回去后备了一份重礼，次日清晨，便送到提督府来。 吴六奇出来见客，说道查先生昨晚人醉未醒，抚台的礼物一定代为交到，一切放心，不必多所挂怀。巡抚一听大喜，连连称谢而去。消息传出，众官员都知巡抚大人送了份厚礼给查先生。这位查先生是何来头，不得而知，但连巡抚都送厚礼，自己岂可不送？数日之间，提督府中礼物有如山积。吴六奇命帐房一一照收，却不令查先生得知。他每日除了赴军府办理公事外，总是陪着查伊璜喝酒。 这一日傍晚时分，两人又在花园凉亭中对坐饮酒。酒过数巡，查伊璜道：“在府上叨扰多日，已感盛情，晚生明日便要北归了。”吴六奇道：“先生说哪里话来？先生南来不易，若不住上一年半载，决计不放先生回去。明日陪先生到五层楼去玩玩。广东风景名胜甚众，几个月内，游览不尽。” 查伊璜乘着酒意，大胆说道：“山河虽好，已沦夷狄之手，观之徒增伤心。”吴六奇脸色微变，道：“先生醉了，早些休息罢。”查伊璜道：“初遇之时，我敬你是个风尘豪杰，足堪为友，岂知竟是失眼了。”吴六奇问道：“如何失眼？”查伊璜朗声道：“你具大好身手，不为国为民出力，却助纣为虐，作鞑子的鹰犬，欺压我大汉百姓，此刻兀自洋洋得意，不以为耻。查某未免羞与为友。”说着霍地站起身来。 吴六奇道：“先生禁声，这等话给人听见了，可是一场大祸。”查伊璜道：“我今日还当你是朋友，有一番良言相劝。你如不听，不妨便将我杀了。查某手无缚鸡之力，反正难以相抗。”吴六奇道：“在下洗耳恭听。”查伊璜道：“将军手绾广东全省兵符，正是起义反正的良机。登高一呼，天下响应，纵然大事不成，也教鞑子破胆，轰轰烈烈的干它一场，才不负了你天生神勇，大好头颅。” 吴六奇斟酒于碗，一口干了，说道：“先生说得好痛快！”双手一伸，嗤的一声响，撕破了自己袍子衣襟，露出黑毛毵毵的胸膛，拨开胸毛，却见肌肤上刺着八个小字：“天父地母，反清复明。” 查伊璜又惊又喜，问道：“这……这是什么？”吴六奇掩好衣襟，说道：“适才听得先生一番宏论，可敬可佩。先生不顾殒身灭族的大祸，披肝沥胆，向在下指点，在下何敢再行隐瞒。在下本在丐帮，此刻是天地会的洪顺堂红旗香主，誓以满腔热血，反清复明。” 查伊璜见了吴六奇胸口刺字，更无怀疑，说道：“原