Chapter 4 Visit Xuetai

Back at the Daxing Inn, sister Aqiao asked Hu Xueyan about the purpose of her trip while packing up her belongings. Tell her the truth. "What kind of official is Xuetai?" "Specialized in the examination of talents." "Is there any extra money?" "I don't really understand this." Hu Xueyan said, "I heard that Sichuan Academy and Guangdong Academy are vacancies. I don't know about Jiangsu. According to my opinion, there are many places where you can't even go. The land is small. , there is extra money but also limited.” "If this is the case, if He Xuetai is invited to find an official in a good place, I'm afraid it will not succeed."

"how?" "I want money!" Sister Aqiao smiled and said, "I don't understand anything! One time, an alternate Taoist Mr. Wang was entertaining guests in Yiqingyuan, and he talked about the business experience of the officialdom. , they all give money. The more money, the easier it is to get promoted." "Hmm, um!" Hu Xueyan was reminded, and secretly made up his mind, but he didn't want to reveal it, because it had a lot to do with it, even for someone like Aqiao, it was better not to say it. "I still need to give some gifts!" Sister Aqiao said again.

"That's it, I have prepared four-color foreign goods." "Where is He Xuetai from?" "Yunnan." "Then why don't you send things from Yunnan—" "Ah, yes!" Hu Xueyan greatly appreciated, "Ah Qiao, you have a really good brain." So early the next morning, Hu Xueyan went to look for Gu Yingchun, looking for Yunnan local products, but found a Yunnan alternate prefectural judge who unloaded copper and went to the Jiangsu vassal yamen, and transferred four Yunnan local products from him.These four native products are Xuanwei ham, purple kohlrabi, chicken mushroom and corned beef jerky. Unfortunately, there are not many of them, but because of the small quantity, they seem to be rare and expensive.

At noon, I ate at Yiqing's second child, and agreed with each other not to give each other away.When the person Gu Yingchun arranged for him to escort arrived, Hu Xueyan politely asked the "surname Dafu" and boarded the boat together. The boat was a "Wuxi Express" towed by a small steamer. Hu Xueyan took Aqiao My sister lives in the back cabin, and the front cabin is given over to the escort. This man's name is Zhou Yiming, a native of Hunan. He used to be a sentry officer in the Jiangnan Navy. Because he liked to drink and make troubles, he once injured the officer's brother-in-law.But although Zhou Yiming's wine ethics is not good, he is very generous and loyal. Since he is on duty in the navy, he knows quite a few boatmen, so at first he went to the pier to play the autumn wind, and everyone was happy to help him. Sometimes he was asked to bring a According to the oral letter, he is also "eating people's salary and being loyal to others".The tea parties of all walks of life are like the same trade offices, or to negotiate business, or to deal with officials, or to "eat and talk about tea" when there are disputes among peers, all are discussed at the tea party.Zhou Yiming became a key player at the Funato tea party, especially the official affairs such as "catch the boat" and "send dispatches", etc., were all discussed by Zhou Yiming.This time he also went to Suzhou on business, Gu Yingchun was familiar with him, so he happened to entrust Hu Xueyan to him, even hiring a boat and escort, he arranged for him, and agreed to send twenty taels of silver.

Hu Xueyan was famous for his generosity. As soon as he boarded the boat, he found a red envelope and put a thirty-two silver ticket in it, and presented it to his face with both hands.Zhou Yiming was still polite, but Hu Xueyan couldn't help Hu Xueyan's earnest words, and he accepted it gratefully.The greeting along the way was extremely thoughtful. Hu Xueyan never liked to take a servant with him when he went out, so Zhou Yiming volunteered, and when he arrived in Suzhou, he hired a sedan chair, carried luggage, and went to the inn, and he was the manager.The inn is outside Changmen, and the name is called "Jinchang". When the arrangement is complete, Zhou Yiming is about to leave.

"Master Hu!" Because Hu Xueyan is a candidate magistrate for the donated class, so he called him this way, "I have a 'gateway' in Suzhou, now I go back and have a look. I will go to the Navy Yamen for the first half of the day to submit papers and work, and I will come to serve at noon .You keep watching, okay?" "I have a heartfelt request." Hu Xueyan said, "There are four things, one letter, and I would like to ask you to give one away right now." "Yes." Zhou Ming asked, "Where are you sending it?" "Give it to He Xuetai. I have to inquire first, where is He Xuetai's mansion?"

"It's easy, just leave it to me." So Hu Xueyan entrusted the accountant of Jinchangzhan, wrote a manuscript, and made a note: "Jinchangzhan outside Yuchangmen enters the third west end", and handed it along with four Yunnan soil rituals and a letter from Wang Youling. Zhou Ming.The letter was sealed by Hu Xueyan, and inside it was a silver note of five thousand taels, which was given to He Guiqing by Wang Youling. Of course, this letter is important, so Hu Xueyan specifically told him: "Old Zhou, I still need to trouble you. Be sure to contact He Guiqing. Explain on the door, ask for a reply card with He Xuetai's own handwriting."

"Yes!" Zhou Ming asked, "Would you like to send the replay today?" Hu Xueyan thought to himself, don't be suspicious, don't be suspicious, and Zhou Mingren is both loyal and has a history, so he quickly replied: "If the reply only says that you have received it, then you don't have to come. Let's talk tomorrow." As soon as Zhou Ming left, Hu Xueyan couldn't wait to go sightseeing with Sister Aqiao.Suzhou is no better than Shanghai. Although women like to burn incense in small temples, and go to any crowded scene such as going out for a competition, a man and a woman, whether they appear in Xuanmiao Temple or Huqiu Mountain Pond, always It's a matter of ostentatiously flaunting and attracting people's discussion, and sister Aqiao is from her hometown, so she will inevitably meet acquaintances, so she has to be cautious, so she feels even more embarrassed.

Just when the soft words were rubbing against each other, and when he was about to stop, Zhou Yiming was holding a red tasseled hat in his hand as a fan. He was sweating profusely while running, but his face was full of smiles. Hu Xueyan thought it was He Guiqing who had something to say , quickly greeted them out. "Delivered!" Zhou Ming said, "Here is the reply." I took a look at the reply post and saw a line of words written on it: "One piece of letter from Wang Taishou, received. Wai Longyi four colors, thank you for accepting it." At the end of the post, there is another line of words: "Respectful envoy."

"Master Hu, I really want to thank you for picking me." Zhou Yiming said with his hands down, "He Xuetai made a big deal and rewarded me with twenty taels of silver." Hearing this, Hu Xueyan felt very honored, so he said: "Very good, you can accept it." "I just want to tell you that He Xuetai lives in Suzhou Fuxue." "Oh, have you seen He Xuetai?" "Yes, I haven't seen it. However, Xuetai is very happy to hear their second master come out." Are you happy to receive five thousand taels of silver, or four-color Yunnan native products, or both?Hu Xueyan didn't know.But no matter what, it can be regarded as the strength of Sister Aqiao.

Because of this, he followed her wishes and did not force her to travel together.But if you plan to go out alone, you have to ask Sister Aqiao for advice first. I was talking about the famous gardens and ancient temples in Suzhou City, when I suddenly found the shopkeeper of Jinchangzhan, hurried in, and went straight in. "Master Hu, Master Hu!" said the shopkeeper, "He Xuetai came to worship, and he has already got off the sedan chair." Hearing this, Hu Xueyan was a little flustered. First, there was no servant to "receive the post";So I felt at a loss for a while. Sister Aqiao was more calm, "What clothes did He Xuetai wear?" she asked. "Casual clothes." "That's okay!" Hu Xueyan interjected, "It's too late, so I have no choice but to greet him in casual clothes." After saying that, he walked out, and Sister Aqiao hurriedly tidied up the unpacked luggage that had just been scattered in the room After a while, he looked at the window, only waiting for He Guiqing to arrive, then he wanted to avoid it. He Guiqing met Hu Xueyan at the second middle entrance.Although he was wearing plain clothes, he could be recognized by two servants in green clothes and caps.But Hu Xueyan didn't dare to do anything wrong, he stood still and saw that the visitor was about the same age as himself, with a very fair face, this appearance was exactly in line with the appearance of He Guiqing described by Wang Youling, so he knew that there was nothing wrong with it. "Lord He!" He greeted Ann and said, "I really dare not be that." "Please get up, please get up!" He Guiqing cupped his hands and said, "Brother Xueyan is under my feet?" "Don't dare to be called that! I'm Hu Xueyan." "It's a pleasure to meet you." As he said, He Guiqing moved again. So Hu Xueyan led the way and led He Guiqing to his room.During these few steps, the host turned around a lot of thoughts, and he found the situation very awkward. The second-rank official visited a first-time friend, and the place was in an inn. The battle of running.In this way, it is difficult to talk about official etiquette. Simply be his own person!Hu Xueyan resolutely made such a decision. First of all, he changed his title. He Guiqing followed the example of "Xue Gong" and called him "Yun Gong". After accepting the guest seat, he said: "Mr. Yun, etiquette cannot be waived. Please take a seat and let me, the alternate magistrate, see you!" This is a "passing door" call, since it is casual clothes, and it is such a title, there is no intention of referring to it as official etiquette. He Guiqing is an extremely smart person, and he understands it as soon as he hears it. Admiring his unique handling, he said with a smile: "Brother Xueyan, don't say anything unsightly. I heard Xuexuan talk about my brother. I have been in love with him for a long time, so I just want to get rid of my appearance!" "Yes! Respect is worse than obedience!" Hu Xueyan bowed to the ground, stood up and said, "Please sit inside!" This is really the way to escape from the traces, and to extend into the inner room as soon as you meet.He Guiqing hesitated for a moment, then walked in.As soon as he entered, he quickly backed out, because he saw a mirror box used in the boudoir and two women's clothes. "Baojuan is here, don't be rude!" "It's okay, it's okay." Hu Xueyan said while shouting, "Ah Qiao, you come out to meet Master He." While He Guiqing was still hesitating, suddenly his eyes lit up, and he refused to back out again. He looked at Sister Aqiao who walked a few steps like a willow in the wind, and asked Hu Xueyan, "What's your name? Mrs. Rusao?" "No!" Hu Xueyan said, "Mr. Yun should call her nickname Aqiao." During this conversation, Sister Aqiao had already called out with a smile: "Master He!" At the same time, Yingying bowed down. "Don't dare to do it, don't dare to do it! Please get up." The man and the woman couldn't kiss each other, and it was inconvenient to help her with her hands. In the end, Sister Aqiao knelt down, and she stood up and said, "Master He, please sit down!" Then she walked out lightly, and heard her calling the waiter in the inn to make a bowl of tea . He Guiqing no longer restrained himself, sat on the first chair in front of the window, and thanked Hu Xueyan first: "Duomeng made a special trip to visit, and Longyi was especially grateful. It’s so rare to taste the local flavor.” "To be honest, it was Aqiao's idea." "Kind, sweet!" He Guiqing's eyes fell on Sister Aqiao who was loading fruit plates again. "I don't have any good things for Mr. He to eat. I mean it." Sister Aqiao came over with four fruit plates in her hand and said that the four fruit plates were snacks she brought along on the road, one plate of foreign sugar, one plate of candied dates, one plate The torreya in Hangzhou and Yidish are Huangdai melon seeds near Kunshan. "Thank you!" He Guiqing's eyes followed her pair of snow-white hands, and he suddenly realized that this ecstasy was impolite, so he narrowed his eyes, looked at Hu Xueyan and said, "When did Brother Xueyan arrive?" "Just arrived today." "From Hangzhou?" "No, I have been in Shanghai for a few days." Hu Xueyan said, "I wanted to invite someone to deliver the letter. Because Jiumu Yungong wanted to see him very much, so I came here sincerely." "The kindness is so touching." He Guiqing cupped his hands, "I wonder how long Brother Xueyan will stay?" Not to mention delays or lingering, Hu Xueyan could only understand these polite words after getting along with Ji Heling for a while, so he replied in a very elegant rhetoric: "This is just for paying homage. I will visit Lingyan on the way." , Huqiu, there will always be three or five days to linger." "Brother is really a lucky person!" He Guiqing pointed to Sister Aqiao and said, "Two couples, carrying wine to watch the mountains, not to mention this kind of troubled times, even the peace festival, is also a rare thing in life." Sister Aqiao couldn't understand what he said, but she must be talking about herself, and it must be a good thing.Looking at this "Master He" again, he looks like a "white-faced scholar", and he has already put on a red cap. It is unbelievable to say it, but after thinking about it, "Mr. The number one scholar, put on the "Seven Provinces Patroller", with Shang Fang's sword, repays kindness with kindness and revenge with revenge, I am afraid that he is just like the "Master He" in front of him. Thinking in such a state of confusion in his heart, he couldn't help looking at He Guiqing with his soul-stirring eyes.The "white-faced scholar" in the eyes of sister Aqiao also felt indescribable in her heart, and at the same time kept thinking: what kind of way is she, and what's the matter with Hu Xueyan?Because of this, he didn't know what he was talking to Hu Xueyan in his mouth. He didn't become alert until Sister Aqiao got up quietly and her shadow disappeared. What a joke. "I'll take my leave!" he said, "I'll have a drink tonight, I want to ask for advice." "Don't dare to be." "Brother Xueyan!" He Guiqing said seriously, "I'm not being polite. I know the friendship between Xuexuan and you. He also mentioned it in his letter, saying that you are 'resourceful and courageous'. I have a lot to say. Talk to your brother." "That being the case, I will obey." "That's good." He Guiqing said happily again, "I don't ask anyone else, just the two of us. I'll come back later." So Hu Xueyan sent He Guiqing out, and when he got into the sedan chair and went back to his room, he saw Sister Aqiao packing up the fruit plate, thinking of the scene where she flirted with He Guiqing just now, he felt a little sour and not very strong. "Master He," Sister Aqiao said, "looks younger than you." "Yes!" Hu Xueyan said, "I think he is only two or three years older than you, so he is just right for you." "Nonsense!" Sister Aqiao gave him a blank look. She stopped talking, and Hu Xueyan didn't bother to speak, and lay on the bed alone, thinking about things, thinking about things, bored.Seeing that it was getting dark, there was another voice from the shopkeeper outside, shouting hurriedly: "Master Hu, Master Hu!" The voice made people panic, so he got up quickly and went out to meet him. He saw the shopkeeper in front of him, followed by a footman wearing a red tasseled cap, with a "protection book" in his hand. When he saw Hu Xueyan, he took two steps to say a thousand words. He Fu: "Little He Fu, send greetings to Mr. Hu. My majesty specially asked the little one to come and greet me. The sedan chair is at the door. Please leave Mr. Hu!" He said and handed over a post. The post reads: "Soon to apply for engraving and engrave it at your discretion." "Oh! Alright, I'll go." Hu Xueyan returned to the house, only to see that sister Aqiao had already taken a mandarin jacket, waiting for him to put it on. "Leave you alone in the inn!" After Hu Xueyan said this, he suddenly thought of probing, "When I get there, can Master He send someone to pick you up?" This should be regarded as an extremely absurd idea. The host and the guest meet for the first time, their identities are different, and they are still a hundred and eight thousand miles away from the good relationship of the family. Home?One step later, even if she has a status, the concubine of the Hu family has to be picked up by the relatives of the He family, and it cannot be said that "Master He" will invite the guests! Therefore, Sister Aqiao’s expression should be one of surprise, or a smile, as Suzhou people say: “Thank you for thinking it out!”And she is nothing, just replied: "I'm sorry!" How embarrassing it is, it is quite intriguing.Hu Xueyan smiled back and stopped talking.When I got into the sedan chair, I was still studying Sister Aqiao's attitude in my heart.He is very calm, just like evaluating a big business that can make huge profits, but may also lose money, without emotion, and purely considers the benefits. Considering that the sedan chair was about to stop, he had roughly made up his mind, so he put it aside for now and braced himself to deal with this new nobleman. He Guiqing is living in the West Flower Hall of Suzhou Fuxue. The hall is divided into three rooms by screens, the outermost room is used as the "signature room", and the reception is in the second room.When Hu Xueyan arrived, he was writing big characters, put down the unfinished couplets, and entertained the guests.But I saw him wearing a chestnut red silk jacket, a black soft satin waistcoat with a one-blade collar, and a hexagonal folding hat, a kind of fan-shaped cap that can be folded up and put in his pocket. , this outfit, how does it look like a school for a scholar?It's like a hakama in a foreign market. "Brother Xueyan!" He Guiqing waved his hand gracefully, "Look, it's just you and me, we have nothing to talk about." It was unusual for Hu Xueyan to express this, but he was also very cautious, "Mr. Yun, He said with a calm expression, "When Mr. Xue handed the letter to me, he specifically told Mr. Yun that if you have any orders, you must follow them. I also refuse to say these words casually, because I am afraid that my strength is limited. Yes. Now I might as well tell Duke Yun, even if it can’t be done, I think Duke Yun will be considerate, so please tell me if you have anything to say.” This has come to an end, and He Guiqing has no worries, and said frankly: "Huang Shouchen is my same year. If he doesn't leave, I can't express it. Now I heard that he has been transferred. In terms of qualifications, I will accept it." It's not surprising that he took over his vacancy, so Xuexuan set up a plan for me, so I might as well plan it out. However, it took a lot of effort, and if what I got is a "chicken rib", then it doesn't matter. You see , What is the situation in Zhejiang?" Hu Xueyan didn't understand the meaning of "tasteless to chew, but a pity to throw away", but the meaning of the whole passage can be roughly understood, and it is to ask the governor of Zhejiang whether this deficiency is good or bad. "Zhejiang is not as good as Jiangsu, of course, but it is worse than Jiangsu in one thing! After all, there has been no war." "Even though we haven't fought a war, we still have to help in running the grain platform for Daying in the south of the Yangtze River, as well as in the defense of Anhui. Marrying someone is not worth it." "That's not necessarily true." Hu Xueyan replied, "If it's a job with nothing to do, I'm afraid Duke Yun may not be willing to give in." "This is the truth." He Guiqing felt quite deeply in my heart, "I am a student of politics in Jiangsu. According to Taiping, I am only second to 'Admiral Shuntian Xuezheng'. This is because of the capital city, In terms of talents, how can it be as good as Jiangnan? Therefore, whether Jiangsu students who study politics can win people is related to the luck of the country and the growth and decline of talents. Who knows that I have been in the right place for two hundred years. Only talking about war preparation, not cultivating civil governance, and adding that many places have fallen, I could have been lazy, but if I don’t talk about cultivation at this time, a year of war and talent interruption, that is my crime of harming the country. After trekking, I feel that I am worthy of the emperor and the people of Jiangsu." Hu Xueyan has also heard that He Guiqing, a student of Jiangsu politics, is very active. Outside of his job, he often has memorials and talks about military affairs. Only then did I know Wei Xi's position, and I felt a sense of respect in my heart.But in this regard, he has nothing to praise, he can only listen attentively and keep nodding. "My lord!" A girl came up and said, "Please invite the guests to the table." "Please! It's really a drink," He Guiqing said, "and it's a gift to the Buddha with flowers." Sure enough, there are four kinds of ingredients in the six dishes, which come from the four-color Yunnan local products sent by Hu Xueyan. One of them is a first-class pot. When it is opened, it has a different shape. It was a pot of chicken nuggets, the soup was very clear, with a slightly bad smell, and I swallowed a mouthful of saliva in my throat before I knew it. "This is probably 'steam pot chicken'." Hu Xueyan said, "I have heard the name for a long time, but this is the first time I have seen it." "This chicken is just to drink some soup. It's not troublesome to make. What's rare is that guy. I asked someone to imitate this steam pot in Yixing. It's not suitable for anything." He Guiqing asked here suddenly, "Xue Yan Brother, have you been to our place?" "No. But I have admired Kunming for a long time as a blessed place, with four seasons like spring and beautiful mountains and rivers." Hu Xueyan said again, "As the saying goes, there are outstanding people, and such a good place can be such a person as Izumo." "Thank you, thank you!" He Guiqing said, "You've always heard Xuexuan say that I'm not a native of Yunnan." Ken mentioned this, which meant he didn't shy away from his background.Hu Xueyan changed his mind to this, and realized that He Guiqing really treated herself as a bosom friend.However, it was inconvenient for him to reveal that he knew everything about him, so he replied: "I know a little bit. Duke Xue also admires Duke Yun very much." "My friendship with him is different, and your friendship with him is also different. So you should not see outsiders in the future." "Yes! Yes! Thanks to Duke Yun for not giving up, I respect Duke Yun just as I respect Duke Xue." "I don't dare to respect each other, I hope you don't distinguish between each other. Come to 'meet each other', please drink this cup." Both drank their glasses, then drank slowly and continued to talk about the situation in Zhejiang.Hu Xueyan thought that there was no need to encourage him to make any plans, but he only stated in detail the government, people's livelihood, human conditions, and customs in Zhejiang to the best of his knowledge.He Guiqing listened very carefully, and occasionally asked a few questions, all about the local situation. Hu Xueyan could tell that his interest was in military affairs. If he was not sure about defense, he might not be satisfied with the lack of governor of Zhejiang. would be interested. At the end of the talk, He Guiqing disclosed his source: "I will definitely quit as a student of politics. I still can't make up my mind about what to do in the future." As far as Hu Xueyan knows about the tricks in the officialdom, he only knows about the prefectures and counties, and he can guess about the affairs in the province.As for the many special deficiencies in the future of Beijing officials, he didn't understand, so he couldn't answer He Guiqing's words. "You know, in our list, Yiwei in the fifteenth year of Daoguang's reign is the most proud of now. This is because of Mu Xiangguo's promotion back then. You know Mu Xiangguo, right?" "Ashamed to say. I don't quite know." "It's also your fault for not coming, you are not from our road." He Guiqing then talked about "Mu Xiangguo" for Hu Xueyan - Mu Zhang'a, the minister of power in the Daoguang Dynasty.The Yiwei Divisional Examination was his chief examiner. During the fifteen years, he had devoted himself to promoting students, including military aircraft departments inside, and governors and vassals outside. It collapsed in the second year, but Yiwei was on the same list in the same department, and his wings were already full, and everyone could fly high. Not only was he not affected by the teacher's downfall, but the teacher was only dismissed because of the strength of his students. Like "He Shen fell down", it led to a tragic ending of ransacking his home and killing his life. "So," He Guiqing changed the subject and talked about himself, "I can't give up the opportunity. I have to make a move. This is not a peaceful world, and I don't have a job in studying politics. If I want to go to Zhejiang, I will become the one who poached Huang Shouchen. Gen, it’s unreasonable to know each other in the same year. It’s really meaningless to ask me to go back to be the servant of the Ministry of Rites. I’m thinking, it’s better to pass the time for the lack of positions like the servant of the warehouse.” Hu Xueyan knew about the official title of "Cangchang Shilang", because it was related to water transportation, and Wang Youling and Ji Heling had both talked about it.The warehouse assistant is stationed in Tongzhou, and he is in charge of receiving and storing grain. There are eleven warehouse supervisors under him, which is a fat job. There is no need to include land. Hu Xueyan's mind was quick, and he immediately thought of Zhejiang's shipping. From Wang Youling to Ji Heling, the Shipping Bureau still had a lot of troubles, and there were many accounts that had been written off after verification. It would depend on the help of Tongzhou. If He Guiqing could take charge of the matter, everything would be convenient .So he said: "Mr. Yun, your plan is really good! When it comes to this, I can do a little work. The grain in the world is mainly in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and the sea transportation in Zhejiang is as long as Mr. Yun is in Tongzhou. Whatever you say is fine." What, must be handled according to the wishes of Duke Yun." "Oh," He Guiqing asked, "Xuexuan has already handed over the shipping to Zhejiang, why are you so sure?" "Although Xue Gong has resigned, Ji Heling, who is now in charge, still has a deep relationship with Xue Gong. Ji is my brother whom I worship." "So that's how it is!" He Guiqing was delighted and surprised, and felt that it was such a coincidence that it was unexpected. "As for the sea transportation in Jiangsu, Mr. Yun must know better than me, and whoever is transferred from Jiangsu must be an acquaintance. Naturally, everything is easy to talk to." At this point, Hu Xueyan made a conclusion, "In short, It is suitable for man and place to do this job, Mr. Yun." "If people are able to live in harmony with each other, then there will be good governance and harmony among people." He Guiqing paused for a while, and then said, "I just had an idea at random, and I didn't want to talk to you, but the talk became famous. I have already written a letter to Beijing. , I want to go to Beijing for a visit, and the imperial edict of 'Seeing you' will probably come down soon, and I will definitely try to adjust the warehouse." He Gui said such a thing with confidence, and he already regarded Hu Xueyan as a confidant who talked about everything.Obedient people understand that the establishment and development of friendship and relationship between people depends on a solid performance in this place.If this step cannot be crossed, close friends will become casual acquaintances.Therefore, of course Hu Xueyan will not let it go easily. "Duke Yun! I dare say that your plan can't be better. You should let it go without delay. However, there is a saying, I don't know if it is presumptuous or not?" "You never said, how would I know?" He Guiqing peeled off his nails, looking at his own hands, with an air of ready to accept his "presumptuous" words. "I heard that it costs at least 20,000 silver for a vassal to go to Beijing, but is there such a thing?" "This cannot be generalized. A medium-sized province is enough, but a first-class province like Jiangsu is not enough. It is enough just to report on your work. If there are business contacts, or requests for payment, or reimbursement, then there is no 'department fee'." In the end, where is twenty thousand silver enough?" "According to this, it is not enough to have something to do." "It also depends on the lack of points, the holy family, and whether there are people in the court. It doesn't cost much to go like me." "Then," Hu Xueyan frowned and looked straight at it, asking clearly word by word, "How much do you want?" He Guiqing didn't answer immediately, blinked his eyes randomly, counted his fingers in a murmur, and said after a long time: "If you have fifteen thousand silver, you can use it as much as you want." "Yun Gong," Hu Xueyan smiled, and straightened his face again, "You always know that I am a bank, and in our business, we are most afraid of 'bad positions'. You always come to Beijing this time, and you have to use me a little." .” After saying this, He Guiqing's expression became very complicated, pleasantly surprised and confused, as if he didn't quite understand what he said, he didn't understand, and he figured it out after thinking about it carefully, but he didn't know if his explanation was correct , so the words are not very neat. "Brother Xueyan, do you mean to give me a sum of money?" "Yes." Hu Xueyan answered very straightforwardly and clearly, "I want to put an account of 15,000 silver to Duke Yun. The interest is very self-restrained, because I have a lot of positions, and it's better than rotten there." "What about the deadline?" "Mr. Yun said it himself." He Guiqing couldn't answer again, he wanted to calculate it carefully, but he couldn't figure it out, because he only knew that there was a good shortage of warehouse assistants, but he didn't know how much he would earn in a year. Seeing his hesitation, Hu Xueyan said: "I have an idea for Mr. Yun. In the capital, I will introduce Mr. Yun to a bank account. All Mr. Yun's money is deposited with him. It depends on the situation. Pay more money and pay less money." Also, the deadline is not fixed, how do you always see it?" "Okay, okay, that's the way to do it. But I don't need to use so much, as long as ten thousand is enough." Hu Xueyan knew that the five thousand had already been settled, and it was the bank note that he had sealed in by himself after listening to Sister Aqiao's words, but it was inconvenient to say, "What's the matter? Isn't it five thousand?" He asked deliberately. He Guiqing also refused to tell the truth, Wang Youling had attached five thousand silver in the letter, but he just replied: "It's not enough, I'll find someone else to make it up, it's almost enough." Hu Xueyan's stomach was clear, so he nodded and said, "Then, please tell me, Mr. Yun, where should I send my ten thousand silver?" This ordinary sentence should be extremely easy to answer, but He Guiqing couldn't open it!Because this matter is unavoidably abrupt and unbelievable.Ten thousand silver is not a small number. When meeting for the first time, it is not uncommon to lend a lot of money in a few words, don't win, don't guarantee, and don't need to talk about interest and deadline? Thinking in such a daze, he suddenly realized that Hu Xueyan's actions could be explained by Wang Youling's friendship, but did he himself have any schemes?No matter how shrewd a businessman's calculation is, it's better to ask first. "Brother Xueyan," he said with difficulty, "are you really the so-called 'bad position'?" When asked about this, Hu Xueyan felt that there was no need to tell lies, so he replied ambiguously: "Even if the position is not bad, I have to do my best to help Duke Yun's important affairs." "I'm very grateful. It's just that I have benefited from you, how can I repay you?" The words were ordinary words of affection, but his eyes were different. He stared at Hu Xueyan with burning eyes, as if waiting for a reply.At this moment, the exquisite and translucent Hu Xueyan understood that this sentence was not only an expression of inner gratitude, but also carried the meaning of "asking for conditions".The conditions naturally exist, but they must not be said, it is a fool.At the same time, Hu Xueyan also felt that his question made him underestimate his friendship with Wang Youling, so he was slightly dissatisfied. "Where did Mr. Yun speak? I have never read the book, but I have heard of the "Biography of Huozhi" and "Biography of Rangers" in "Historical Records". It is mere money. Could it be that he has some intentions before he is willing to act?" "Yes, yes!" He Guiqing was very disturbed, and cupped his hands again and again, "I made a slip of the tongue. Brother Xueyan, I really didn't expect that you are a person who has learned a lot." Hu Xueyan was amused in his heart, and naturally he was also proud. Hearing Ji Heling tell a few stories about the Han Dynasty, he actually frightened the masters from the Imperial Academy. "Where, where, Mr. Yun's words are tantamount to scolding me." He said half truthfully, half modestly. But He Guiqing really looked at you with admiration, "No wonder Xuexuan admires you." He said, "Although Xuexuan was not proud before, he was also a person with high eyes. It turns out that you are really different." Hu Xueyan responded with a reserved and modest smile, and brought the topic back to the loan: "My 10,000 silver can be prepared as soon as I arrive in Shanghai. Did I send it, or what?" "No need to send it." He Guiqing thought for a while and said, "When I go to Beijing, I will naturally go to Shanghai first, and go north by the sea road. The first road is relatively calm, and then I will see the situation of the sea. When we arrive in Shanghai, we will meet and talk about it. At that time, there must be troubles for you." "Okay, okay——" Hu Xueyan volunteered, "When Mr. Yun comes to Beijing, please give me a letter first. In the Shanghai Bei Mansion, I will take care of booking the cabin." "Please take back the word 'running business'." He Guiqing hesitated and said, "There is one thing, the soonest I can leave will be around the Dragon Boat Festival. By then, I'm afraid you will have returned to Hangzhou." "I'm rushing back to Shanghai from Hangzhou." Hu Xueyan answered very crisply, "Besides, I also have people in Shanghai, so there is no need for Mr. Yun to bother." At this point in the conversation, the wine was enough, Hu Xueyan asked the host to "reward the meal", sat down for a while after eating, and then got up to leave, He Guiqing still sent him back to Jinchang Inn in a sedan chair.Sister Aqiao was sitting alone under the lamp, waiting for him to come back. "Have you eaten yet?" "I've eaten." Sister Aqiao said, "I've always wanted to eat the sauced pork recommended by Lu Gong, and I finally got it today." As she spoke, she helped him unload his clothes and wash his feet, while asking about He Guiqing's situation there.It's inconvenient for Hu Xueyan to tell her how to transfer to Beijing for activities, but other than that, there is nothing to say, because he has never seen any of the He family's relatives. After getting into bed, sister Aqiao asked him on the pillow: "How about tomorrow? Where do you want to go?" "I've finished my business. Where can I go for a day of shopping tomorrow? If I go to Suzhou, I can't say that I have never been to Tiger Hill." Hearing what he said, Sister Aqiao was quite surprised, "I thought it would take a few days to finish your business." She said, "This way——" "What's the matter?" Hu Xueyan was similarly surprised when she saw that she hesitated to speak. "I originally wanted to go back to Mudu. It seems unsuccessful now." "It doesn't matter." Hu Xueyan asked, "What are you going to do?" "Hey, you're asking a strange question! My home is in Mudu, so it makes sense not to go back when I arrive in Suzhou?" "Oh!" Hu Xueyan blurted out, "Are you going to see your husband?" "It's really ugly!" Sister Aqiao said angrily, "I'm going back to my mother's house." Judging by her demeanor, this is not a lie. In this case, Hu Xueyan thought it might as well ask: "Who else is there in your natal family?" "My mother, a brother." Sister Aqiao said again, "I'll take a look at them, I brought some money with me, I'll go back to the city right away." "How long will that take?" "It will take two days to come and go." "Two days?" Hu Xueyan thought for a while and said, "You go tomorrow, come back the day after tomorrow, and we will leave as soon as we come back." "So," Sister Aqiao said apologetically, "I can't accompany you to visit Tiger Hill tomorrow." "It doesn't matter. Ah Qiao," Hu Xueyan asked, "What's going on with you and your husband's family?" “怎么回事？只要有钱给他们，他们啥也不管。”阿巧姐用这样鄙夷不屑的口吻回答。 “钱是按月带回去？” “有时一个月，有时两个月。钱多多带，钱少少带，没有一定。再也要看有没有便人。常常要托人，真麻烦。” “与其如此，还不如一刀两断，也省得托人麻烦。” 阿巧姐不响，看样子是有些为难，胡雪岩便在猜度她的为难是什么？ “一刀两断是可以，就怕他们狮子大开口。” “你倒说说看，大到怎样的程度？乡下人开口来也不见大到哪里去。” “总要两千银子。” 两千银子倒是狮子大开口了，在上海“长三”中，娶个红倌人也不过花到这个数目，而阿巧姐人虽不错，身价到底不值这么多。 如果说一句“两千就两千”，这样出手，不能博得豪阔之名，倒有些像洋场新流行的俗语，成了“洋盘”。当然，这是因为从阿巧姐情不自禁地表现出对“何老爷”有“意思”以后，胡雪岩对她的兴趣已经打了折扣之故，否则他就不会有那样做“洋盘”的感觉。 于是他淡淡地答了句：“到了上海再说吧，手边也没有这么多银子。” 其实他带着三千银票，这样说是托词，阿巧姐原不曾作此期待，因而也不觉得失望。一宿无话，第二天起身，他实践前宵枕上的许诺，催阿巧姐回木渎。 “丢你一个人在客栈里，真不好意思。”阿巧姐说，“要么，你跟我一同去。” 这算什么名堂？乡下风气闭塞，阿巧姐这样带个“野汉子”回家，就算她自己不在乎，胡雪岩也觉得尴尬，所以摇着手说：“不要紧，不要紧！你一个人去好了。一个人在城里逛逛也很好。” “那么，我明天一早就动身回来。大概中午就可以到了。” 说着，便托金阊栈代为雇一顶来回的轿子，胡雪岩想想让她空手回去，自己一无表示，也不好意思，便取了一张一百两的银票，说是送她父母买补药吃。阿巧姐自然高兴，上轿时便越发有那种依依不舍的神情了。 也不过是她刚走，何桂清又派人送了柬帖来，约他午间在狮子林小酌。胡雪岩正愁无处可去，自然是欣然许诺，给了回片，发了赏钱，坐轿进阊门，到玄妙观里喝了一碗茶，在庙市上买了几样小件的玉器，到了近午时分，就在庙前雇一顶小轿，去赴何桂清之约。 狮子林以假山出名，据说是倪云林亲手所经营，曲折高下，诡异莫测，何桂清亲自引导游览，随处指点，极其殷勤。一圈逛下来，去了个把钟头，走得累了，便觉得饮食格外有味，吃到半饱，话才多了起来。 这种场合，自然不宜谈官场，谈商场则何桂清是外行，于是只好谈山水、谈风月了。 有了几分酒意的何桂清，谈兴愈豪，话也更少顾忌，一谈谈到家庭，他忽然说道：“雪岩兄，我有件事，要腼颜奉托。内人体弱多病，性情又最贤惠，常劝我置一房妾侍，可以为她分劳，照料我的饮食起居。我倒也觉得有此必要，只是在江苏做官，纳部民为妾，大干禁例。这一次进京，沿途得要个贴身的人照料，不知道你能不能替我在上海或者在杭州，物色一个？” “这容易得很。请云公说说看，喜欢怎样的人？” “就像阿巧姐那样的，便是上选。”何桂清脱口而答。 胡雪岩一愣，细看一看他的脸色，不像饰词巧索，心里便好过些了，“我知道了。”他点点头，“总在云公动身以前，我必有以报命。” “拜托，拜托！”何桂清说，“回头我先送五百两银子过来。请雪岩兄在这个数目之内替我办。” “用不了这么多。”胡雪岩说，“云公也不必送来，办成了，我跟云公一起算，顺便还要讨赏。” “言重，言重！该我谢媒。”