Chapter 11 Survive

From the next day, Fukang opened as usual, and Hu Xueyan's businesses, such as pawnshops, pharmacies, and silk shops, were all calm. Everyone watched with great interest the happy event of Hu's family on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year. watered down. The wedding ceremony was at dusk, but Dongping Lane was full of spectators from noon onwards. All kinds of lights and colorful pavilions were lined up for two or three miles. The master is a brand-new blue silk padded jacket with red trim, which is extraordinary in style. At that time, the Hu family on Yuanbao Street was still prosperous from the outside, inside and out, there were lights and festoons, there were many sedan chairs and horses, and there were lots of laughter and laughter. Just looking carefully, there were three or five people gathered everywhere, whispering In private discussions, when seeing a stranger passing by, they all shrink back and say nothing, staring blankly into the distance, seeing it in their eyes, which makes people feel uneasy for no reason.

This kind of situation also happened in the reception area in the garden, and the most disturbing thing is that the "bridal wife", that is, the third lady, was hidden somewhere, according to the whispers of the old ladies and maids. According to the news, Miss San has been crying since the early morning, and the tears have not stopped. It is not uncommon for the "bride" to be reluctant to part with her parents and sisters before getting on the bridal sedan chair, but it is uncommon to cry for a whole day. However, guests who are familiar with the situation of the Hu family feel nothing surprising.It turned out that Miss San's biological mother died young, and she and Hu Xueyan had shared hardships when they were trapped in "long hair" for the second time in Hangzhou. Therefore, the virtuous Mrs. Hu regarded Miss San as her own, and said in front of strangers She is her own daughter, and she was spoiled and spoiled since she was a child. Not long after she was born, Hu Xueyan was admired by Zuo Zongtang, and her family business prospered. Everyone said that she had a good life, and she was especially doted on. The major events in life are unsatisfactory. After getting married, I gradually realized that the "bridegroom" Ah Niu has the same temper as his nickname, rude, incomprehensible and gentle. The talent and appearance of "Young Master in Distress" are far apart.

Originally, she had been wronged all the time, but on the eve of the wedding day, there would be a wave of bank runs in Fukang. It is conceivable that some people would say that her life is suffering.She also heard that Wang Shanren wanted to make this marriage because he wanted to curry favor with her family's wealth. If her mother's family fell, life in her husband's family would be difficult in the future. Everyone can guess her pain, but she has no words to comfort her, and she can't complain to others. Apart from crying, there is no other way to make her feel better.Of course, both Mrs. Hu and Mrs. Luoshi understand her state of mind, but they can't find a solid word to comfort her. In fact, the two aunts and concubines of Miss San are also trying their best to entertain guests, and they have something to say in their hearts. How can I have good news to comfort others, how can I spare no effort to comfort others? "Don't cry anymore! Your eyes are red and swollen, how can you see people?" Mrs. Hu could only say this over and over again, her eyes were indeed a little swollen, and the girls could only use new hand towels over and over again to help her reduce the swelling. .

When the firecrackers blared, the people were buzzing, and the sedan chair had already arrived, the third lady was still crying, she urged her four times, but she didn't leave. Mrs. Hu, Mrs. Luosi and some close female relatives were so anxious that they didn't know what to do. Mrs. Luosi still has an idea. Please take a few steps back, pull the stool closer, sit down next to the third lady in front of the dressing table, and say softly: "Your father will raise you until you are nineteen years old, eat well, wear well, and dowry well." , to send you out, if you have a conscience, you should also repay me.”

This statement was very effective, and the third lady stopped crying immediately. Although she didn't speak, she looked into Mrs. Snail's eyes and asked: How can I repay her? "Your father has been competitive all his life, especially now at this moment, you have to grit your teeth and hold on. I don't want to say 'my father wants to fight, my son wants to fart', you are like this, and your father's vigor is crying!" "Which one said that?" Miss San straightened her chest, with an expression of disbelief. "This is it, quickly bring a hot towel!" Mrs. Snail turned around and ordered.

"Come right away!" The girl replied loudly. "Miss San! There is a passbook of Shanghai HSBC Bank, 10,000 taels of silver. You should hide it privately and don't use it until it is urgent." Mrs. Snail said again, "I don't think there will be any important time, but 'people It's a hero, money is courage', with this discount, your courage will be strengthened." Then, he stuffed a paper bag, and said, "The stamp is the face of a gold ring with the word 'luo' on it. When you get to the sedan chair, you'd better put the ring on your finger."

When she said something, Miss San nodded. Although she felt sore in her heart, she was able to hold back her tears. The happy event of the Hu family does not come to an end until the bridegroom and the bride "return home for three dynasties".But in the past three days, the situation has changed again, and it has aroused quite a storm. The turmoil started in the capital city, the land of the first good.On the sixth day of November, the news from Shanghai spread to Tianjin, and then to Beijing. Fukang was immediately overwhelmed.The local ruffians made a fuss, opened the row door in the middle of the night and looted, and when the Xuncheng Yushi arrived, it was already in a bad shape.

The next morning, more people came to run.The Governor of Shuntian Prefecture had no choice but to issue an Announcement to the people together with Xuncheng Yushi, because there are four old banks in the capital, all of which are located in Dongsi Pailou. The names are Hengxing, Henghe, Hengli, and Hengyuan. "Heng" has always had a good reputation. At this time, under the influence of Fukang, it is also crowded with customers who want to cash in silver. If the "Four Great Constants" fall, the market will be unimaginable, so the local officials have to come forward to maintain it, and stipulate that the banknotes below 100 taels should be paid as required, 100 taels to 1,000 taels should be temporarily paid 50 taels, and more than 1,000 taels should be temporarily paid 100 taels. One hundred taels.

However, the Four Great Walls were barely able to hold on. Banks with small capital scales collapsed as soon as they were crowded, and the market was greatly affected.At the same time, the price of silver bills has fallen and the price of money has risen. Originally, silver is cheap and money is expensive, which is beneficial to the livelihood of ordinary people.This situation alarmed the court, and Hu Xueyan knew that something was going to go wrong. At that time, Gu Yingchun had already made a special trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou to share weal and woe with Hu Xueyan.They have known each other for 30 years, but Gu Yingchun is extremely reserved, some have a deep understanding of Hu Xueyan's career, while others are very distant, in order to avoid suspicion, he is usually unwilling to ask more questions, and at this point, he can't care less about suspicion No more suspicion.

"Uncle, not to mention that paper can't hold fire, it's not okay to poke a hole in a piece of paper, because everyone wants to see the inside story from this hole, and that hole will get bigger and bigger." He said with great difficulty. Said, "Uncle, I think you might as well lift this piece of paper yourself, and let everyone see it first, and the matter will be easier to deal with." "You mean, I should get down and clean up?" "Could it be that little grandpa hasn't changed his mind?" "Turn around." Hu Xueyan's voice was weak, "Turn around more than once, but I just can't make up my mind. Because there are too many involved."

"What are the connections?" "Too much." Hu Xueyan said after a short pause, "For example, some people thought highly of me at the beginning and deposited their money with me, but now they're down, and they pay them back at a discount. How can it be acceptable?" "Then, I would like to ask my uncle, are you sure that you will be able to come back to life? You can get through the difficulties with a delay, and you can pay the deposit without compromise?" Hu Xueyan had no answer.He only opened his mouth when he saw the extremely embarrassingly stiff air, which almost made people suffocate. "The market is too bad, and the foreigners are too powerful. I don't know how to turn around." He said, "In the past, there were opportunities everywhere. Banks didn't make money and pawns made money, and pawns didn't make money. There are seven lids for the jars, and they will not wear out when you cover them. Now there are only four lids for the eight jars. No matter how flexible your hands are, you can't take care of them. What's more, there are people watching there, picking the jars you can't cover. Difficult, difficult!" "Grandpa, you still have at least four caps. If you go back and forth and miss your cap, even someone next to you will grab your cap. At that time—" Gu Yingchun uttered a sentence with all his strength, "At that time, no one will pity you even if you hang yourself!" These words made Hu Xueyan's hair stand on end.The more it dragged on, the worse it got, and when it dragged on, it would show its true colors, and people would say that death is not a pity. The so-called "one life's fame is paid for by water", that is something Hu Xueyan can't be reconciled to. "Come on!" A girl came, Hu Xueyan ordered her to call Ayun, and told her to tell Mrs. Luoshi to have dinner at the Baishilou. Notice. "Let's discuss it at night and see what we should do." Hu Xueyan said, "I'm going to find some people now." Bright and bright, the fire is blazing, delicious food and wine, the Baishi Tower, magnificent and exquisite, just like in the past, the four guests and the host can't see any difference on the surface, if it is necessary to find out the difference from the usual, it is only Hu Xueyan. The grandeur is gone.He was so, and the rest of the voices were lowered. "It's just the four of us today, and everyone wants to say what's on their minds." Hu Xueyan's voice was a little hoarse, "I can't do anything these two days, and I have more time to spare. Yesterday I sat alone and was bored, so I grabbed a book and read it. Zhuge Liang Poetry in the thatched cottage: "Who will wake up from the big dream first?" I think Ying Chun is the first person to wake up from the dream. Ying Chun, please tell Mr. Wu." Gu Yingchun's tone at this time was not as excited as it was at the beginning. At the same time, he also had a new idea, which could be used as a supplementary reason for procrastination and getting worse, and it is urgent to make a decision early. "Once an accident happened in Fukang, the four major constants will be squeezed, and the capital city will be greatly affected. I'm afraid that some officials will come out to speak. Once the Hall of Mental Cultivation is disturbed, if you want to sit down and discuss slowly like today, I'm afraid—" He didn't Go on. Everyone was silent, it wasn't that they didn't speak, but that the bankruptcy and liquidation had too much to do with it, so we had to think about it. "Fourth Sister," Hu Xueyan asked by name, "What do you mean?" "Whether it's bad or good to procrastinate, it must be procrastinated." Mrs. Snail said, "Let's not talk about the outside world, just at the old lady's place. After all, there are eyes, and I can see it a little bit, and I keep asking: Is there something wrong? One day I can’t hide it, and when the bolt from the blue hits, will the old lady be frightened? It’s really worrying. " This was also one of the reasons why Hu Xueyan couldn't make up his mind, but his attitude changed a little at this time, and what he was thinking in his heart was how to keep Mrs. Hu from being too frightened. "I agree with Mr. Ying Chun's method. Long-term pain is worse than short-term pain." Mr. Wu said, "Since Mr. Da wants us to speak from our hearts, I dare not keep one thing in mind. Some people say that 'Xueyan' is two The word is 'iceberg', the day before yesterday I asked my grandson to draw out a word to break it—" "Is it for me?" "Yes." Mr. Wu dipped his finger in the tea juice and wrote on the red sandalwood table while saying, "What I drew out is the word 'Yue' which means 'I don't look at the mountains when I return from the Five Sacred Mountains'. This word is not good, Bing'shan 'Once it falls, there will be a 'prison' disaster." Hearing this, Mrs. Snail's face changed greatly in fright. Hu Xueyan stretched out his hand to hold her shoulder, and said comfortingly, "Don't be afraid. It doesn't matter if the iceberg hasn't fallen. Mr. Wu must have something to say." "Yes. The word test is a trigger. I just listened to what Mr. Ying Chun said, and I think it seems more reasonable. The word in the middle of the word "prison" is the speaker. Now there is a mountain pressing there. It doesn't matter, the backer Once it fell down, the officials came forward, and at that time there were dogs on the left and dogs on the right, and every day the dogs barked, all the dogs barked and attacked in groups, how could it be tolerated." The words were so reasonable that Hu Xueyan and Gu Yingchun felt that they had to believe it, not to mention Mrs. Luosi, and hurriedly asked: "Mr. Wu, if you can't rely on the mountain, is there nothing wrong with it?" "There will be nothing wrong with it. You can see that the dog on the left has stood up and is about to bite someone with its teeth and claws. But as long as the speaker is not up, it doesn't matter. Roubaozi beats the dog to make it obediently stop barking, and it's fine." "That's right, that's right!" Hu Xueyan said, "Now we have two things to do, one is that I will go to see Mr. Zuo immediately, and the other is to write to Xu Xiaoyun quickly, asking him to go and see some people who like to talk in Beijing. Master Du, please perfunctory." This is the strategy of "meat buns beat dogs". However, Mr. Wu thought that writing letters was too late, so he had to send a telegram. "Yes." Hu Xueyan frowned and said, "You can't use a clear code for this kind of thing. Once you use the clear code, Sheng Xingsun will know it immediately." "Defan Taiwan communicates with the military plane Zhang Jing, there must be a password?" "It's the public code book of the Military Aircraft Department. I have to say a few words for private matters as a last resort. For example, someone is critically ill, someone died, etc. I can't explain in a few words about my affairs." "As long as you can say a few words, there is a way." Gu Yingchun is very familiar with the situation of telegram exchanges, "Please send a secret message to Xu Xiaoyun from Defan Station, tell him how much to add or subtract, and we can use the code. " "Ah, ah! This is a good idea. Yingchun, please make a manuscript for me." Hu Xueyan said to Mrs. Luosi, "You go and ask Defan Station to send it for me in code immediately." So Mrs. Luoshi went to bring the pen and inkstone in person, Gu Yingchun took a piece of paper, and swiped it: "Secret. Brother Xu Zhangjing Xiaoyun: there is another electricity, add 20 to the first 50, and subtract 20 later. Xiaofeng." This is a kind of password designed temporarily. There are fifty crosses in the front, add twenty to the lighting code, and subtract twenty from the back lighting code. This is a very simple method. Once the password is broken, the situation has changed, and the function of secretly transmitting information has been achieved.On the contrary, the word "other electricity" is very knowledgeable. The telegraph students only think that Dexin "other electricity" will not pay attention to Hu Xueyan's telegram. This is a way to lead people astray. So Hu Xueyan took care of Mrs. Luoshi, went to see Lianzhu immediately, and asked Dexin to send a confidential telegram on his behalf. At the same time, he planned to make a special trip to Jiangning the next day to see Zuo Zongtang's news. Under the command of the navy, I borrowed a small steamer to tow and take the boat. "Come back as soon as you go." Hu Xueyan specifically urged, "I'll wait for you to pack your luggage." Next, Hu Xueyan invited Mr. Yang, who specializes in writing and ink, to dictate the general idea, and asked him to immediately draft a telegram to Xu Yongyi, and asked the manager to prepare for the boat departure the next day.After explaining these chores, he began to discuss with Gu Yingchun and Mr. Wu how to rely on Zuo Zongtang as his backer to save the day. "It's not enough for Mr. Zuo to help. If Mr. Zuo is invited to come forward and invite someone to help, the matter will be fine. However," Gu Yingchun said with a frown, "I'm afraid Mr. Zuo won't bow to this person .” Hearing this sentence, both Hu Xueyan and Mr. Wu understood that this person was referring to Li Hongzhang.If Liangjiang, Zhili, and the two ministers of Beiyang and Nanbei are willing to join forces to support Hu Xueyan, the public deposits can not be changed, and the large private depositors are all dignitaries in the court. Seeing the face of the two of them, I am embarrassed to force them to mention it. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. "This is a desperate move." Mr. Wu said, "No matter what, please ask Mr. Zuo to be wronged. Mr. Da, this move must be done early." "To tell the truth!" Hu Xueyan knocked on his forehead dejectedly, "A few days ago, my mind was in a mess. I didn't think about anything except trying to hold on to the scene. When I couldn't hold back, I was exhausted. Simply rely on it, resign yourself to fate, and think about nothing. Speaking of it, I always blame myself for being bad." "It's not too late to make amends." Mr. Wu said, "If you decide to go this way, the situation will still be tense. You should send a telegram to inform everyone, and try to maintain it no matter what. It's like fighting a war. There is only one soldier left, and we must defend to the end." "That's right." Hu Xueyan nodded deeply, "Mr. Wu invites you to draft a telegram." Mr. Wu was obliged to do so. With the four treasures of the study ready-made on the table, spread out the paper and write while thinking. Halfway through writing, Master Yang came to hand in the paper. Master Yang’s manuscript was concise and subtle, but it was not thorough enough. Hu Xueyan said yes naturally on the surface, and then said: "Please put it here, and I will think about what else I should say." That is to say, Mrs. Yang had just retreated, and Mrs. Snail came back, bringing a rather surprising message: "De Fantai said that he wants to see you. He has a lot to talk to you in person—" "Why don't you tell me, I'll go see him?" Hu Xueyan interrupted her and asked. "Why didn't I say it? I did. Defantai insisted that he came by himself. Later, Lianzhu told me in private that when you come to the yamen of Fantai in the middle of the night, you have many eyes and ears, and some people will gossip." Hearing this, Hu Xueyan was secretly startled, but at the same time sad. It seemed that he was being watched. From now on, he had to be careful in every move he made. "De Fantai is smoking at the moment, and I'll come back when I'm finished." Mrs. Snail said again, "The password hasn't been issued. But he said he has another way, and we'll talk in person later." "Oh." Hu Xueyan asked again, "If I want to go to Nanjing, have you told him?" "Naturally. I'm afraid that's why he rushed to see you." "Okay! Talk to him first, and it will be more appropriate to do things." Hu Xueyan did not avoid the guests, held her cold hand, and said pitifully, "There are so many armholes, you won't bring one." Mrs. Snail always has more than a dozen armholes, sable, squirrel, black fox, she has all the famous and precious fur furs, and she uses them with fur jackets in fancy styles, but in the current situation , where does she still have the thought to spend on clothes?Hearing what Hu Xueyan said at this time, thinking of the past ten days of restless sleep and food, tears almost welled up in his eyes, and he quickly turned around and avoided it. "Fourth Sister Luo, go slowly." Hu Xueyan asked, "Where can he sit when Defan Terrace arrives?" "It's better to stay in the Western-style living room. It's more comfortable and convenient." "Yes! Tell someone to light the foreign stove." "Understood." Mrs. Luoshi agreed, and went downstairs to receive guests. There is a fireplace in the Western-style living room. There are two red velvet easy chairs in front of the fireplace, and a chair next to each chair. There is only a pot of Longjing on the side of the host, and there are wine, fruit, and a plate of pine nuts on the side of the guest. A plate of pastry with lard and jujube paste, because people who smoke opium love sweets, it is specially prepared for Dexin. "This crisp is not bad!" Dexin took one piece and put it in her mouth, before she finished chewing, she reached out to pick up the second piece. Mrs. Snail, who was waiting for orders outside, quietly asked Ayun: "How much Ma Su is there?" "As much as you want." "I'm talking about the lard, jujube and mochi cakes from Huzhou." "Oh," Ah Yun said, "I'll go and have a look." "Yes, look at how many there are. They are all wrapped up and handed over to the attendants of Defantai later." Ayun was ordered to leave, and Mrs. Luosi held a small teapot made of fine porcelain and gold, and leaned close to the board wall to listen to the conversation between the host and the guest. "You want me to send a secret telegram to Xu Xiaoyun. It's not appropriate. Sheng Xingsun's subordinates have always copied the telegram from the military aircraft department. They can understand the code of addition and subtraction at a glance." Dexin added, "I It’s to call a friend of mine in Beijing and ask him to tell Xu Xiaoyun that if you have something to ask him, the telegram will be sent later.” "So, what password do I use?" "Use my copy." Dexin said, "My friend is very clever, and they can't break the code they made up." Hu Xueyan thought, according to this, the password would not be secret, because Dexin would not lend him the password book, drafted the manuscript and handed it over, and there were many twists and turns, and the more people handled it, the secret would inevitably be leaked. It's not good. Rather than that, why not just explain it to him, "Xiao Weng, I want to ask Xu Xiaoyun to burn incense for me in front of those lords. It's almost Chinese New Year, and please be respectful and prosperous. Please let them enjoy their blessings at home and don't mind their own business. It's just a help." My favor. If Xiaoweng said these words, it would be more crowning than if I said it myself." He asked, "I don't know if Xiaoweng is willing to do me this favor?" "Why not?" "Thank you, thank you!" Hu Xueyan asked, "Is the manuscript drafted by Xiao Weng, or should I prepare it?" Dexin came here with a purpose in mind. After all, Hu Xueyan's interests are not more important than her own interests, but she must take into account her immediate interests, at least Hu Xueyan's future interests.In other words, he can do anything for Hu Xueyan's future in exchange for Hu Xueyan preserving his immediate interests.Therefore, not only did he agree to the request to call Xu Xiaoyun, but he also felt that it was an opportunity for him to show his loyalty to Hu Xueyan. Therefore, after pondering for a while, he asked: "You invite a friend who has written the manuscript, and I will tell him how to draft the manuscript." Of course Master Yang wrote it, but Hu Xueyan thinks that Gu Yingchun is more appropriate, because Dexin's dictation may be inappropriate, and Master Yang will naturally record it correctly. Gu Yingchun will definitely give his opinion, please Dexin Xin reconsidered. "I have a friend Gu Yingchun here. Didn't Xiaoweng meet him?" "Ah, he's here!" Dexin said happily, "This gentleman has not only seen it before? I was very much encouraged by him when I went to Shanghai! Invite him to come." So they asked someone to invite Gu Yingchun to meet Dexin.Dexin went to Shanghai for business the year before last, and Gu Yingchun was entrusted by Hu Xueyan to entertain him very thoughtfully. Take the opportunity for yourself.Therefore, at first sight, he happily explained the truth, and his affection seemed very attentive. "Let's get down to business!" Hu Xueyan found a gap and interjected, "Ying Chun, just now I discussed with Defantai. For Xu Xiaoyun's place, Defantai came forward to entrust him. The third party's wording is relatively free. Defantai promised me, and now I want to draft a manuscript, please let Defantai express your ideas, and please use your pen. If there is anything you don’t understand, you can ask Defantai for advice.” Gu Yingchun, of course, tacitly understood this hint, nodded and said: "Wait for me to find a piece of paper." "Isn't there a pen and inkstone?" "No!" Gu Yingchun took out a pencil from his body, "I want to find a piece of thicker paper. It's better to use Korean paper." "Yes, yes!" Mrs. Snail agreed at the door. Having said that, Gao Lijian had nowhere to look for for a while, but he found a thick piece of foreign paper. When Gu Yingchun held a pen in his hand and looked at Dexin, he stood up and walked a few steps with his hands behind his back, and began to dictate . "This telegram must be clear. The first paragraph describes the current situation is difficult, the market is extremely bad, and Shanghai companies have closed down. It is an extraordinary change, and it is not the fault of one person or one family." Gu Yingchun vibrated his pen like flying, and after writing down the main points of the first paragraph, he raised his head and said, "Mr. De, please explain the second paragraph." "The second paragraph will talk about Xueyan's strength. He conspired with foreign merchants to collect silk and buy cocoons. In addition, there is another layer of theory. You two see, do you want to mention it?" Dexin continued, "The imperial court ordered the border officials along the provinces to prepare for war. Preparing for war is equal to fighting. Fighting requires money. Liangjiang's treasury is empty. Zuo Jue called Xueyan to be a general. He had to try his best to help, so that the position was tighter, which was also one of the reasons for being squeezed. one." "No, no need!" Hu Xueyan objected, "This will surely offend many people, especially Li Hefei, who is even more unhappy." "I also think it's better not to mention it." Gu Yingchun echoed, "If Xu Xiaoyun reveals this to Master Du, it will definitely cause extra problems and involve Mr. Zuo, which will only make him difficult." "Yes, yes! I won't mention it." Dexin stopped, and only spoke the third paragraph when Gu Yingchun stopped writing. The third paragraph is that Hu Xueyan is very responsible, but his credit has been affected, and it is extremely difficult to maintain it. Now it is a critical moment of safety.If you understand that he has no choice but to believe that he is responsible to the end, he will definitely be able to bear no burden on public and private depositors; if you are short-sighted and eager to withdraw and cash in cash, or even fear that the world will not be chaotic, and you will make troubles if you are afraid of harming others and not benefiting yourself, Hu Xueyan is of course If it falls down, the depositors may not get much. Both Hu Xueyan and Gu Yingchun thought that this passage needed to be considered, but it was Gu Yingchun who put forward the opinion. He said that "adding insult to injury" seemed to imply Li Hongzhang, and it was harmful to others and not beneficial to himself. I am afraid that the income would be little, and it would be enough to cause panic among depositors. In particular, public funds can be secured by means of seizure, while private depositors are not as powerful as the public, and the only way to protect themselves is to get ahead and strike first.Didn't he put himself in danger? "That's true." Dexin took the opportunity to show her sincerity, "I'm completely fair, if you feel it's wrong, you can say whatever you want." "In my opinion, we only talk about the positive side, not the negative side." That is to say, everyone must be considerate of Hu Xueyan, and believe in being responsible to the end.Dexin naturally agrees, and the fourth paragraph follows. This paragraph talks about the most important thing, but he only needs to express his hope in this regard without being bothered. Xu Yongyi, who is in an important position in Beijing, will have a thorough understanding, but Hu Xueyan needs to make an arrangement next. Discuss first. "Chinese New Year is coming soon," he said looking at Hu Xueyan, "this year's Charcoal Respect and Festival Respect, will you still give it away?" "Of course." Hu Xueyan replied without hesitation, and added, "I'm afraid there will be more." "How did you send the law?" Dexin asked, "Fukang can't do this this year, who do you entrust to do it? Where will the money come from?" When Hu Xueyan asked this question, he felt that the matter was very troublesome. He was distracted for a while, and looked at Dexin in a daze, unable to answer. At this time, Gu Yingchun couldn't help but said: "Now that things have come to an end, since Xu Xiaoyun has been entrusted, it's better to leave one guest and not bother the two masters, so let's entrust him." "Yes. I think so too." Dexin said, "If Xueyan agrees, let's discuss the steps." "I agree." "Okay! Now let's talk about where the money will come from. I'm a layman in this area, and only you can figure it out for yourself." So Hu Xueyan and Gu Yingchun did some research, and decided on a way to send a sum of money to Xu Yongyi from HSBC Bank, and ask him to arrange it.Of course, this point must first be explained clearly in the secret message. What needs to be considered is not knowing how much should be remitted, Hu Xueyan thought for a while and said: "I remember that last year I spent a total of more than 30,000, but less than 40,000." Hu Xueyan said, "If you want to give more this year, you should remit 60,000 silver. " "As for which one should be given and how much, Wang Weixian has a list, please ask Xiaoyun to ask him to get it." Hu Xueyan said. Dexin nodded and said: "It should be said in the telegram that although Xueyan is in trouble, he is still very concerned about the public and the provincial capital officials. When I came to Beijing on the second day, I asked him to get the list of charcoal tributes and festival tributes from Wang Weixian in the previous year, and added gifts, and paid tribute to Xueyan. With time, the difficulties can be overcome. That is to say, Xueyan has been fulfilled. As for those who have prejudice against Xueyan, or those who are always good at grandstanding, I hope to appease them." The meaning of this passage is very clear, and the wording is also appropriate. Gu Yingchun copied it almost word for word, and then carefully corrected the whole manuscript, and then copied the clear manuscript with a brush, and asked Dexin and Hu Xueyan to review it. "Very good!" Dexin handed the manuscript to Hu Xueyan, "Please read it carefully again." "You don't need to read it. Please, please." Hu Xueyan cupped his hands and said. So when Dexin put away the draft telegram, Gu Yingchun said "excuse me" and quietly retreated, the host and guest resumed their private conversation. "Xueyan, our friendship is no different from that of a brother, so I don't have any taboos when speaking, otherwise it will be easy to cause trouble. Don't you think so?" Hearing this passage, Hu Xueyan knew it in his heart. He had already made up his mind that no matter what, he would act in an aboveboard manner. If a business fails, one can start over. If a person fails, not only will there be no chance of recovery, but decades of fame will go to waste. This is something he would rather die than see. So, he thought about it for a while, and replied generously: "Xiao Weng, Lu Yao knows horsepower, and he can see people's hearts after a long time. If you are willing to come here tonight, you are sharing troubles with me. Especially what you said to me just now It’s not in vain for us to meet each other, Xiao Weng, I did it on my own. I underestimated the matter at the beginning, but I also caught up with the little girl’s wedding and delayed the most precious few days. From now on, I can’t go wrong again One step, in fact, I'm afraid it's too late, I'm just doing my best to obey the fate. While I can still make the decision, Xiao Weng, if you have something to say, I will definitely obey it." Dexin wished he had these words, and immediately said: "Xueyan, let's think for the best, but we have to plan for the worst. I have a list here, you can consider it, as long as you say 'it doesn't matter', this list All the people on board, I will support you for you." This list is three inches high and six to seven inches wide, and it is filled with dense small letters. As soon as Hu Xueyan got it, he was annoyed at first. Closer, I can't see clearly, and my head is a little dizzy.For a while, Hu Xueyan was unwilling to eat, restless in sleep, only burning with emptiness, his face was still red, but in fact he was holding on to an empty frame. At this time, he was anxious and angry, and suddenly his eyes turned black, and he fell back. The easy chair has a solid base and does not move in the wind, but he overturned a bowl of tea on the coffee table next to him. The fine porcelain tea bowl fell to the ground and broke into several pieces. Although the sound is not loud, it is enough to make people in the compartment Mrs. Snail was surprised. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" she couldn't help shouting as soon as she ran in, and squeezed out all the local dialect in Hangzhou, "Jiagedi, Jiagedi?" This is a rural saying with sound but no words, which is like the astonishment of people in the north, "What's the matter?" She said, and came forward to pinch Hu Xueyan's "Renzhong". The groove on the lip of the nose is called "Renzhong". It is said that when a person faints and needs first aid, pinching Renzhong is the most effective way.But Hu Xueyan was only weak, not fainted. Although he fell on the easy chair, as if he had stopped breathing, he was actually very clear in his heart.At this moment, Mrs. Snail's long nails, which Mrs. Snail had kept for many years, pinched desperately, tears flowed from the pain, and she jumped up like a "detonated corpse", which shocked Dexin a lot. After being frightened, he was delighted, "It's done! It's done!" He said, "Probably because of his state of mind." Mrs. Snail has realized the reason, "It's not just a bad mood, not sleeping well, not eating well, people are too empty." Then she shouted, "Ayun, Ayun!" Calling Ayun in, she ordered to "have a snack", bird's nest porridge with pigeon eggs, but there was another bowl of ginseng soup, which had been prepared for Hu Xueyan long ago. She thought it was inconvenient for the master to enjoy it all because of the presence of distinguished guests. So I didn't take it out. At this time, I couldn't say it, so I had to be a hypocritical favor. "That bowl of ginseng soup, you take another bowl and divide it into two halves, a bowl of Jingfantai." This bowl of ginseng soup is made from Jilin Laoshan ginseng given to Mrs. Hu by the Empress Dowager Cixi. More than three hundred and twenty thousand silver. "Xiao Weng," he said, "I'm afraid I won't be able to make up this much money in cash, so I'll pay you some money that is easy to change." "Small" refers to jewellery, and "soft" refers to leather goods, calligraphy and paintings. It is very difficult to estimate the value of this, but Dexin believes that he will only underestimate and not overestimate, so he is very relieved, but he only has some words in words. "Xueyan, I'm showing you this list just to remind you that my concubine and I are responsible for the money, and I didn't plan to ask for it right away. Now, I think you've finally settled the account. How much is owed, can you pay it off?" Asked this, Hu Xueyan was confused and annoyed, but when Dexin visited late at night, at least on the surface, he was sharing troubles with friends, so he had to calm down, think carefully, and give a more sincere answer. Of course, the matter of "calculating the general ledger" has been lingering in his mind, but he can't think about it anymore, so it's just intermittent and fragmented thoughts. A complete thought. "If you want to say that people owe people, if you compare the two, according to my calculation, there is more than enough. The stocks in Tianjin and Shanghai - silk and cocoons, have a market value of 8 million. Twenty-nine pawns, some of them are from the same people. There are 20 sole proprietorships, each of which is worth 100,000 taels, which is 2 million, and Hu Qingyutang is worth at least 500,000. As for the house, it’s hard to say.” "You don't need to count the house you live in now." Dexin asked, "What about the antique calligraphy and painting?" When it comes to antique calligraphy and painting, Hu Xueyan can only smile wryly, because most of them are fake tripods, and Hu Xueyan buys antique calligraphy and painting, he just squanders them and rarely bargains.Once an "antique ghost" said: "Mr. Hu Da, I sold it at my original price, and I didn't make any money from you." Hu Xueyan was very displeased, and waved his hand and said, "You don't make money from me. Which money do you earn?" As soon as this story is passed on, "antique ghosts" are always bargaining. Hu Xueyan said: "It's too expensive." People will honestly admit it, and say with a smile: "When I meet the God of Wealth, it's my luck."这种情况之下，除非真的要价要得太离谱，通常都是写个条子到账房支款，当然账房要回扣是必然的。 他的这种作风，德馨也知道，便不再提古董字画，屈着手指计算：“九百加两百一千一，再加五十，一共是一千一百五十万。欠人呢？” “连官款在内，大概八百万。” “那还多下三百五十万，依旧可算豪富。” “这是我的一把如意算盘。”胡雪岩哀伤地说，“如果能够相抵，留下住身房子，还有几百亩田，日子能过得像个样子，我就心满意足了。” "how?" “毛病就在丝上——” 原来胡雪岩近年来做丝生意，已经超出在商言商的范围，而是为了维护江浙养蚕人家几百万人的生计，跟洋商斗法，就跟打仗一样，论虚实，讲攻守，洋商联合在一起，实力充足，千方百计进攻，胡雪岩孤军应战，唯有苦撑待变。这情形就跟围城一样，洋商大军压境，吃亏的是劳师远征，利于速战，被围的胡雪岩，利于以逸待劳，只要内部安定，能够坚守，等围城的敌军，劳师无功，军心涣散而撤退时，开城追击，可以大获全胜。 但自上海阜康的风潮一起，就好比城内生变，但兵不厌诈，如果出之以镇静，对方摸不透他的虚实，仍有化险为夷的希望。这就是胡雪岩照样维持场面，而且亦决不松口打算抛售存货的道理。 “一松口就是投降，一投降就听人摆布了。九百万的货色，说不定只能打个倒八折——” “雪岩，我没有听懂。”德馨插嘴问道，“什么叫'倒八折'？” “倒八折就是只剩两成。九百万的货色，只值一百八十万。洋商等的就是这一天。晓翁，且不说生意盈亏，光是这口气我就咽不下。不过，”胡雪岩的眼角润湿了，“看样子怕非走到这一步不可了！” 德馨不但从未见胡雪岩掉过眼泪，听都未曾听说过，因此心里亦觉凄凄恻恻地，非常难过，只是无言相慰。 “像我这种情形，在外国，譬如美国、英国，甚至于日本，公家一定会出面来维持。”胡雪岩又说，“我心里在想，我吃亏无所谓，只要便宜不落外方，假如朝廷能出四百五十万银子，我全部货色打对折卖掉，或者朝廷有句话，胡某人的公私亏欠，一概归公家来料理，我把我的生意全部交出来，亦都认了。无奈——唉！”他摇摇头不想再说下去了。 “这倒不失为一个光明磊落，快刀斩乱麻的办法！”德馨很兴奋地说，“何不请左爵相出面代奏？” “没有用！”胡雪岩摇摇头，“朝廷现在筹兵费要紧，而况阎大人管户部，他这把算盘精得很，一定不赞成。”“阎大人”指协办大学士阎敬铭，以善于理财闻名，而他的理财之道是“量入为出、省吃俭用”八个字，对胡雪岩富埒王侯的生活起居，一向持有极深的成见，决不肯在此时加以援手的。 “那么，”德馨有些困惑了，“你不想请左爵相出面帮你的忙，你去看他干吗？” “也不是我不想请他出面，不过，我觉得没有用，当然，我要看他的意思。晓翁，你晓得的，左大人是我的靠山，这座靠山不能倒。”接着胡雪岩谈起乌先生拆那个“嶽”字的说法。 不道德馨亦深好此道，立即问说：“乌先生在不在？” “不知道走了没有。” 胡雪岩起身想找螺蛳太太去问，她已听见他们的话，自己走了进来说：“乌先生今天住在这里，就不知道睡了没有。” “你叫人去看看。” “如果睡了，就算了。”德馨接口，“深夜惊动，于心不安。” 其实这是暗示，即便睡了，也要惊动他起身。官做大了，说话都是这样子的，螺蛳太太识得这个窍门，口中答应着，出来以后却悄悄嘱咐阿云，传话到客房，不论乌先生睡了没有，请他马上来一趟。