Chapter 10 He Ling takes over

As soon as he arrived in Hangzhou, Hu Xueyan went home and sat down for a while, and immediately went to Fukang, where Chen Shilong had already put his luggage and waited there.Although there was a lot of luggage, it was full of gifts for others. Liu Qingsheng helped take care of it, and the distribution was ready, and a "outlet" was sent to accompany Chen Shilong's family to distribute.Hu Xueyan took advantage of this moment to listen to Liu Qingsheng's report. "Mr. Hu, please read the accounts first." Liu Qingsheng said solemnly holding a stack of account books.

"Not busy, not busy! Tell me the general situation first." "Please read the account before talking." Hearing his insistence, he knew that the business could be seen in the account books, so he nodded and looked at the deposit first.I couldn't help but be surprised when I saw it. There are quite a lot of depositors with names such as "Zhang Debiao", "Li Desheng", "Wang Zhankui", and "Zhao Huchen". A small print: "long-term interest-free". "Hey, yo!" Hu Xueyan was amazed, "Fukang is really going to get rich! How come there are so many accounts?"

"Mr. Hu!" Liu Qingsheng said reservedly, "Look at this account again." The account he found was an expense, and it said: "Pay 11,000 taels of principal in the name of Luo Shangde on August 25th. Interest free." "Oh, so the money from Roshande was withdrawn?" "No!" Liu Qingsheng said, "Luo Shande was killed in battle, so I returned the silver. I don't know if this is the right thing to do." Liu Qingsheng talked about the incident in detail. On August 25, two military officers came to Fukang to ask, saying that they had heard that Luo Shangde had a sum of money in Fukang.He also said that Luo Shangde had been killed in battle, but he still had relatives in Sichuan. If he had the money, he would submit it and send it back.

Luo Shangde's passbook is in the hands of Liu Qingsheng, if he denies it, no one else can witness it.But he refused to do so, and admitted it outright, and immediately took out the passbook to verify the amount of silver, but he said that he could not pay the deposit based on the one-sided words of the two of them. "Then what should be done?" "I know that Master Luo is friends with Second Master Liu of Futai Yamen, and I want Second Master Liu to come forward with your battalion officer and send a note to Fukang." Liu Qingsheng said, "As long as Master Luo is really killed in battle, you all are willing Take the responsibility, and Fukang will pay immediately."

So those two officers called Erye Liu that day, and issued a collar together. Liu Qingsheng immediately offered 11,000 taels of silver, plus interest, so he naturally refused to ask for any more.In this way, on the second day, Zhang Debiao, Li Desheng, etc. all came to the door. After hearing his speech, Hu Xueyan was very satisfied. "Celebrate your birthday," he said, "Fukang's brand name has been launched! You have done a brilliant job." "To be honest," Liu Qingsheng himself felt very comforted, "I learned the trick from you, Mr. Hu. Doing business honestly and not cheating, as long as you can be determined with your heart. Honesty and not cheating must be taught to customers. I know, it takes a little effort to talk about it everywhere, but I finally had an idea and seized the opportunity.”

"Yes! Seizing opportunities in business is the first-class knowledge. I am very happy that you can do this. Qingsheng, I don't have enough help now, so you should take care of me a little more. From now on, all the business in the bank will belong to you. Hu Xueyan said, "I don't care about everything, it's up to you to dispatch." "This—" Liu Qingsheng was excited, but also felt overwhelming fear, "I'm afraid I won't be able to carry this burden." "It doesn't matter! As long as you put your mind to it and do everything properly, it doesn't matter if you take a little risk. Everyone can do a business that doesn't take risks. How can you stand out? As long as it's worth it, you can go ahead and do it."

"It's hard to say. How is it worth it? How is it not worth it? Everyone has different opinions." "In life, if you don't make profit, you should make a name. It's the same in business. Whether the risk is worth it or not depends on whether you can take one of the two." Hu Xueyan paused and pointed to the account book and said, "For example, this loan, I know this He is a rice merchant, and if he borrows money to start a business, you have to find out where his rice is shipped to? It doesn’t matter if it is shipped to a place that has never been lost. If it is shipped to Changmao, this loan cannot be done! Why, in case this account is put down, the outside world will say: who wants you to help Changmao? You deserve it! This way you will lose both fame and fortune, so naturally there is no need to take risks."

"I understand!" Liu Qingsheng nodded deeply, "There is always a setback in everything. Even if something happens, it can be justified on the stage." "That's right! Birthday celebration," Hu Xueyan patted him on the shoulder and said, "You fully understand! Our business, no matter what it is, is based on this purpose. If you miss something, you have something to say. In this way, others can forgive you. There is still a chance to start from scratch, even if you lose!" "Defeated but not defeated!" Liu Qingsheng recited this sentence several times in his heart, quite understanding.Then they talked about some business expansion plans. Hu Xueyan had to make a decision at that time because he was only delayed in Hangzhou for a few days, and there was no result after a delay.

While discussing long-term plans, someone shouted all the way in: "Second brother, second brother!" He knew it was Ji Heling from the address, Hu Xueyan rushed out to greet him.I saw him with a rosy face, wearing a black and bright braid, wearing a very crisp purple maroon lined spring jacket, and a black satin "Batulu" waistcoat outside, with a row of coral buttons on the flat shoulders. His sleeves were covered, revealing the cuffs of snow-white woven silk, a pair of walnuts in his left hand, and a short cigarette pouch inlaid with emerald bamboo inlaid with concubine Xiang's concubine in his right. .

"Brother!" Hu Xueyan laughed, "You are more than ten years younger, and you almost don't recognize him." "It's all Ruiyun!" Ji Heling couldn't contain his joy, "After dressing up a few children, you still have to dress up me. If you don't do useless things, how can you spend your life? Let's not talk about it. I am I was ordered to invite guests, Ruiyun asked me to tell you, I will welcome you tonight, there is no food to eat, but I must come." "Sure. Only it won't be too early." "Are you going to visit Xuegong first?" Ji Heling said, "That's unnecessary. I have already made an appointment with Xuegong, and he will come to meet you in the dormitory. After dinner, you can go together."

"Well, how much trouble has been saved for me." Hu Xueyan asked with a smile, "How is Miss Rui?" "That's all in silence. In a word, I can't thank you enough." "Xuegong has already written to me about the case of Xincheng, and the words are vague. I remember it very much in Shanghai." Hu Xueyan asked, "Is there any arrangement for you?" "Yes, I'm going to talk to you in detail." Ji Heling hesitated for a moment, and then said, "The story is too long, and once it starts, it won't end. Well, I have to do something, Ruiyun wants I'm going to buy a few pots of chrysanthemums, I'll leave the sedan chair here, and you'll sit here later. It's best to arrive earlier, before Mr. Xue comes, we can have a good talk." Seeing that his face was full of spring, his clothes were gorgeous, and now he knew that he had a "car class", so he knew that the situation was not bad, so Hu Xueyan felt relieved, nodded and agreed, and went to the appointment as soon as possible. After finishing several important matters in Fukang, Hu Xueyan went to Ji's house in a sedan chair.Not long after Ji Heling came back, he was wearing short clothes and directing the gardener to display chrysanthemums. When he saw him coming, he said, "You sit inside, and I will come after I wash my hands." At this time Zhang Gui had come to Su Ke, and seeing Hu Xueyan was very respectful and affectionate, he hunched over to lead the way, while earnestly asking questions, he led him directly to the back hall, and met Ruiyun head-on. "Second Master!" Because Hu Xueyan and Ji Heling had made obeisances, she called her with a smile.After staring at him for a while, he said, "I'm getting thinner, I think I've worked hard on the road! But my spirit is still the same." "You seem to have gained weight." Hu Xueyan asked with a smile, "Is your life satisfactory?" "Thanks to the second master." Ruiyun shouted inwardly, "The croupier, brought the younger brother and younger sister to see the second uncle!" "Oh!" There was a coquettish answer from inside, only to see Dan He leading the way, leading a group of little fellows, waddling forward, all of them dressed cleanly, and when Dan He stood still, they all stopped too. "Call! Second Uncle." Rui Yun looked at Dan He and said. So Dan He called first, and after she called, she called her brothers and sisters.When Hu Xueyan saw this situation, he admired Ruiyun very much.She used the method of "capturing the thief and capturing the king". Somehow, she managed to win over the naughtiest Dan He into submission!The group of little fellows were all at ease. "Where's the boss?" he asked. "I sent him to the 'affiliated hall'." Ji Heling entered the door, and the two younger ones rushed over immediately. Hu Xueyan was really envious of Ji Heling in his heart, and naturally felt deeply comforted. He took Dan He's hand to ask questions, and he didn't let go for a long time. "Okay, okay!" Rui Yun said loudly, "Follow Second Sister inside, don't bother your Second Uncle!" After sending the children away, Ruiyun also told him and went back to the kitchen.So Ji Heling talked to Hu Xueyan about the situation after the farewell.During the trip to the new city, the purpose of appeasement first and then suppression was well set. The local gentry admired Ji Heling's courage and understood his sincerity when they went deep into the dangerous city with their guns and horses. The robber monk "Huixin" lured him to surrender to the county.The snake has no head but can't walk, and the mob is scattered all at once.It took only half a month before and after. When he came back, Wang Youling naturally saluted and was very affectionate. He personally gave five hundred taels of silver as a thank you gift.Ji Heling refused to accept it, but Wang Youling had to give it away. "In the end, there will be a quarrel." He said, "I think you have a different relationship with him, and I am a brother with you, because of this indirect relationship." , took it down." "You are really meticulous in choosing and giving up." Hu Xueyan nodded and said, "It doesn't matter how many of them you use. Let alone him, what about your filling in the vacancies? Xuegong said, filling in the lack of things, including On him. Now what?" "It's a bit irritating to talk about," Ji Heling hastily added, "However, Xue Gong has nothing to say to me. He guaranteed me to go to An County as an agent, but Huang Futai refused, and guaranteed me to pick up the sea freight. Bureau, he also refused, saying to wait until the 'safeguard case' comes down." A major case in the local area, whether it is a military campaign, or a river project, or a case of major events such as the change of water transport from river transport to sea transport, etc., if it is completed, it can be awarded for the contributors. ", there is a distinction between "clear protection" and "secret protection", and it is natural that secret protection is valuable. "Huang Futai gave me a clear security guard, but Xuegong is a secret security guard." "This is so unfair." Hu Xueyan interrupted him, "Could it be that there is a ghost in it?" "Hi!" Ji Heling slapped his thigh, "You are really smarter than you! One of Huang Futai's copywriting committee members wanted me two thousand silver, and I don't know whether the two thousand silver is for himself or for Huang Futai? Anyway? Don't say I can't get it out, I can get it out, and I can't plug this dog hole." "So, what does Xuegong say?" "Xue Gong didn't know at all. I didn't tell him." Ji Heling said, "I told him, and he must pay me the two thousand silver. Why should I owe him another favor?" There are not many people as upright as him in the officialdom, and Hu Xueyan couldn't help being respectful.But he can think this way: he should make it clear to Wang Youling that no matter what he wants to get the job of the Maritime Bureau, even if the "dog hole" has to be blocked. "Brother!" he said, "You don't need to worry about this matter, Mr. Xue will have an explanation, wait for me to tell him." "Actually, you don't have to force it." Ji Heling shook his head, "I'm really tired of seeing the cold and cold world in the officialdom. It's also very comfortable to be like me now, and I'll talk about it after spending the five hundred taels of silver. Anyway, there is no hunger in the world." dead person's." "You are really a famous scholar." Hu Xueyan smiled, "I'm not talking big, I can still afford a life like yours, but you must not, and I don't want to let you idle and do nothing. Life In this world, you can’t be satisfied if you live comfortably.” "That's right." Ji Heling nodded deeply, "Of course I have my own plan. If Zhejiang can't make it, I want to go back to Hubei to hold group training." "That's not necessary! We really have something to do in Zhejiang. When Xuegong comes, let's have a good talk." Speaking of Cao Cao, Cao Cao is here, because he is already a regular customer, and just heard Zhang Gui come to report: "Master Wang is here!" Wang Youling has already entered the door, and as he walked, he shouted: "Xueyan, Xueyan!" "Xuegong!" Hu Xueyan greeted him, clasping his hands in greeting. "I look forward to you every day. When you come, I will have a day to go back to Huzhou." "Master!" It was Ruiyun who called, and she still used his address at home, "Please sit inside, just eat the bar! I'm afraid Master Hu is also hungry." "Okay, okay, drink, drink!" Wang Youling said happily, "I want to have a few drinks today." So I walked into the back hall, and saw a table full of dishes: Ruiyun's specialty red chicken, and her ingenious stewed fish tofu from Ji Heling's hometown and fish head tofu from Hangzhou. The pot, cooked thick and extraordinary, is suitable for eating at dusk when the westerly wind leaves. "The foreign wine given by Mr. Hu." Ruiyun laughed while holding a bottle of brandy, "I don't know how to drink it?" "I'm coming, I'm coming!" Ji Heling took the wine, put his hands on her shoulders and said naturally, "Drinking this wine will save trouble, and you don't have to scald it. Please go to the kitchen! It's better to cook slowly. Turn around and you Come to toast too." He didn't feel that there was anything inappropriate for such a style, but Rui Yun was very embarrassed, gave him a slightly embarrassed smile, and then complained in a low voice: "You are so trivial!" Wang Youling glanced at Hu Xueyan, and when Ruiyun's back disappeared, he couldn't help laughing, "Xueyan!" He said, "I only know your fun now. It's really exciting to see all the lovers in the world getting married." Have fun." "May all lovers in the world get married eventually," is the couplet in the Yuelao Temple in West Lake. Ji Heling smiled and said, "This word is a good change! Xuegong has such a heart, so he is always happy." "It's easy to say, easy to say! It's all thanks to the two of you who helped me a lot. Today, let's borrow flowers to present Buddha, and talk about our hearts." So the three drank a cup first.Brandy is no better than Shaoxing wine, Ji Heling drank too much, choked his throat, coughed until his neck was thick, even Ruiyun heard it in the kitchen, rushed out to have a look, asked the reason, and beat his back for him.Wang and Hu looked at each other again and smiled. "Where's your Miss Zhu?" Wang Youling asked Hu Xueyan, "Now it's up to you!" "That's a pleasure, too." "What?" Wang Youling rushed to ask with concern, "Could it be that good things are not in harmony?" "It's still a good thing to be in Azhu, so I won't talk about her here. It's Wanxiang," Hu Xueyan said, "I asked someone to visit her in Shanghai, and I still live in Mei's Lane. I haven't been frightened at all. She is interesting. Come play for a while, Mr. Xue, what do you think?" "Let's see and talk!" Wang Youling's expression was very cold, as if he was not willing to talk about this matter. Ji Heling originally wanted to ask who Wan Xiang was?Seeing his expression like this, he didn't say anything.Of course, Hu Xueyan would not mention it again. The topic changed and he talked about his own friends and business in Shanghai. There are two things to discuss at the moment, one is the foreign guns bought on behalf of others; the other is the export of the sea from Liuhe, and it will be transported by five barges. The latter is related to Ji Heling's provenance. Bringing it up, it seems that he also has extraordinary talents in this area, so he decided to talk about foreign guns first. "Xuegong!" he asked, "how is the team training in Huzhou?" When asked about this, Wang Youling was very excited, "It's very good! The team training in all parts of the province is successful in Huzhou. In all fairness, it's all thanks to Zhao Jingxian." He said to Ji Heling, "This man's talent is not inferior to my brother's. .When will I introduce you to make friends with him?" "I've also heard that this gentleman is both virtuous and capable, and I really want to make this friend. It would be a pleasure to be introduced by Mr. Xue!" As he spoke, he drank his glass and tilted his neck to dry it up. "Xue Gong!" Hu Xueyan brought the topic back, "I bought a batch of foreign guns for you." He told the whole story. "I want to make it clear!" Wang Youling said happily, "Xueyan, you have done a great job! Two days ago, Futai told me that the soldiers are good but not many, and he said If you want to do good work, you must first sharpen your weapon. Although Gong Zhenlin and his son have experience in making guns, they can't make guns. Now they can buy foreign guns, which is of great benefit to defense. I will go to the court tomorrow to see Futai. Come up with a comprehensive solution, the more foreign guns the better." "That's for later. What about the present batch of guns?" "Of course we bought this batch of guns in Huzhou! With this batch of foreign guns, what will be their usefulness in the future, not to mention it, at least they can boost the morale of the regiment right now, which is very important." Wang Youling said again, "Zhao Jingxian knows I don't know how happy I will be after hearing this news!" "Xuegong!" Ji Heling interjected, "Since Huzhou is determined to win, this is not the way to go. To prevent Huang Futai from intercepting these guns tomorrow, it's better not to talk about it for now." "So when will we talk?" "I think we need to follow such a procedure," Ji Heling replied slowly, "first ask the feudal secretary for a license to transport foreign guns, then take the batch of guns and send them to Huzhou, and then talk to Huang Futai. Then The guns had already been released, so Huang Futai said that they were all taken back and used by his own soldiers?" "Yes, yes!" Wang Youling said, "With the two of you as my counselors, it's really foolproof! Come, have some wine!" While drinking, Hu Xueyan talked about the benefits of buying this batch of foreign guns and wooing British businessmen so that they would have less dealings with Hong and Yang.Ji Heling listened silently at the side, thinking about Hu Xueyan in his heart, and when their conversation came to an end, he said in a reminding tone: "Xueyan, how to calculate the price of this batch of goods, do you want to talk to Xuegong first?" ?” Before Hu Xueyan opened his mouth, Wang Youling said in a hale and hearty way: "When I mentioned this level, I remembered it. The regiment training is run by the government and the people. The local government raises the salary and keeps it by itself. Huzhou is rich, and the local government is also enthusiastic. The funds for the regiment training Very rich. I originally wanted to tell Zhao Jingxian to teach him to store public funds in Fukang, but I was afraid that I would face a soft nail and lose face, so I never spoke. Now it’s all right, with this batch of foreign guns, it’s a very good job. Yao Yinzi', Zhao Jingxian must be very fond of you, so I am easy to talk to. As for the price of this batch of goods, say how much, the kickback is of course yours." What Hu Xueyan feels most difficult at the moment is the first is the shortage of manpower; the second is that the position cannot be adjusted.With a large amount of funds for the Huzhou regiment training in, it would be wonderful to feel like a fish in water.Once he has a big business, he will not be greedy for small profits. "No!" He said, "My business needs to be done beautifully. The kickbacks will either go to the public, or go to Jing Xian's subordinates. I am completely on the job." "You don't need to be an errand." Wang Youling said, "You don't need to worry about this matter. I'll tell Zhao Jingxian." The two things to be discussed have been settled, and the other has to be discussed from Ji Heling, "Xue Gong!" He asked straight to the point, "What happened to Heling?" As soon as this was mentioned, Wang Youling put down the wine glass that had been brought to his lips, and sighed in a dispirited manner. "Because of this matter, I can't sleep well." Wang Youling said, "I'm waiting for you to discuss it too. I don't know what kind of idea Futai came up with. It was near the river and the bridge was demolished. How can I feel sorry for brother Heling?" So he told Huang Zonghan how many times he had talked with Huang Zonghan about Ji Heling's affairs. "Xueyan!" Wang Youling said at the end, and he wanted to ask him again, "You are more accurate than others, let's see, what is the reason?" "'No ghost can never die'!" Hu Xueyan said frankly, "there must be ghosts." "I also thought of this level." Wang Youling replied, "I asked the person on the copywriting if I wanted to embellish it? The person on the copywriting replied very sincerely, saying that it all depends on Futai's intentions. They At this moment, I don't dare to take advantage of it. I'm afraid that if I take advantage of it, things won't work out. I'm sorry. When Ji's letter comes down in the future, I will naturally have to ask him for a glass of wedding wine. Xueyan, listen, this is not the end of the story ?" Wang and Ji's words were different, put it in Hu Xueyan's mind, and immediately understood it.Huang Zonghan asked for two thousand silver, but he refused to ask Wang Youling to pay it. That's why there are such words. If you want money in the copy, it doesn't matter if your silver is surnamed Wang or Ji, as long as you are good-looking! I understand it, but I don't want to say it.To put it bluntly, even if Wang Youling spends money, he will still feel guilty and sorry for Ji Heling's failure to do his best. As for Ji Heling, since he is so unwilling to spend money to buy an official, it will lead to a deadlock. So he said with a smile: "They are haunted by ghosts. I am the 'Maoshan Taoist' who specializes in catching ghosts. Let's see my methods!" "So, how are you going to 'catch ghosts'?" Wang Youling asked. "The secret must not be leaked." Hu Xueyan pointed at Ji Heling, "Xuegong, Heling's letter to me mentioned that the sea transportation of grain rice should be exported by the Liuhe River, because a knife will cause trouble, and I was afraid of trouble, so I came up with an idea. You see. Ok?" Hearing this, Ji Heling was very surprised. Did he come up with any ideas?Just as he was about to speak, he realized that someone kicked him lightly. This was naturally a signal from Hu Xueyan, so Ji Heling fell silent. "What's your idea?" Wang Youling asked very attentively, "The superiors are worrying about this matter, and I am also having a headache. Sending troops to protect the canals is originally a business matter, but who knows that everything needs to be demanded, and the green battalion soldiers should really be abolished!" "That's good! This idea is useful." Hu Xueyan said calmly, "He Ling knows the friendship between me and You Wu, and also knows what You Wu can do. The idea is to arrange for You Wu to transport it. You What do you think?" Wang Youling thought about it for a while, and then praised: "This idea is absolutely brilliant! You Wu is from the Songjiang Cao Gang. It is as cheap as a foreign party, and you can explain everything. Brother Heling, you are really talented. How about it, please You can make a post today, and I will submit it in person in the courtyard tomorrow. If there is any more triviality in Futai, then something really happened!" "Yes, yes!" Ji Heling promised that he was agreeing, but he couldn't help blushing, but he couldn't see it for a while because he was using the wine to cover his face. "Very good, very good!" Wang Youling raised his glass and said, "I have also drank brandy a few times, and it seems that it is not as fragrant and mellow as today's." "'Friendship with the Duke of Zhou is like drinking alcohol'!" Ji Heling quoted a sentence from "Three Kingdoms", raised his cup to Wang Youling, but looked at Hu Xueyan. After drinking this glass, Wang Youling said: "The wine is almost done. Brother Heling will write a post tonight, so come to my place tomorrow night and have a good drink!" As soon as the words were finished, Rui Yun lifted the curtain and came out, smiling, "I haven't respected Master Hu yet, I respect Master Hu!" "I should respect Mr. Hu, thank you for the media!" Ruiyun originally meant this, but once Wang Youling said it, it would be difficult to deal with it. Holding the pot in one hand and the cup in the other, she froze there and felt at a loss. Fortunately, it was only a blink of an eye, because Ji Heling solved it for her very vigilantly. around. "You should respect Xuegong first!" He took the pot and said, "Xueyan and my brothers are our own." "Too bad!" Wang Youling laughed, "You are all from your own family, and the only one left is I, who is an outsider." "Master, don't say that." Rui Yun's embarrassment disappeared, and he was still good at socializing, "Master Hu and Master Ji didn't regard Master as an outsider." "By the way!" Wang Youling, who was a little bit drunk, had a particularly sharp edge, "A woman is extroverted, but you see me as an outsider." "I don't dare!" Although it was a joke, Ruiyun answered it seriously, "I have been in the master's house for more than ten years, and I dare not forget the benefits that the master and wife have treated me." Speaking of such things, even if Wang Youling used wine to cover his face, he was too embarrassed to joke with her again, so he accepted her glass of wine in a proper manner.Then, Ruiyun respected Hu Xueyan again, put down his cup and wanted to leave, but he stopped her and asked her to respect Ji Heling as well.At this time, Ruiyun couldn't be more generous!But the more he refused, the more trouble Hu Xueyan made, attracting a few tricksters to watch the excitement behind the curtain, especially the most mischievous Dan He, who couldn't stop laughing.Ji Heling took the opportunity of scolding his children to save Ruiyun from the siege. After dinner, go back to the study to drink tea and talk about seriousness.Wang Youling asked about Hu Xueyan, "Did you talk to You Wu about the transportation?" "It's been talked about, it's not a foregone conclusion. Because I don't know what you mean?" "Actually, it's the same as long as you make the decision." Wang Youling asked, "What does You Wu say?" "You Wu is still not a word! The fee is negotiable, but Zhejiang has to give them Jiangsu Duliangdao a business." "Official work is ready! Even if it is for Jiangsu Xu Futai, it will not take much trouble. But the cost is one level, and we need an approximate amount before we can plan." "I think," Hu Xueyan said, "it's much cheaper than sending green battalion soldiers for protection." "That's fine!" Wang Youling thought about it carefully and said, "As long as You Wu can really be safe, this matter will be wonderful!" Hu Xueyan heard what he meant, and was a little worried about You Wu, but it was inconvenient to tell him many things, such as the friendship between You Wu and Zhou Lichun.However, since Wang Youling said this, and Ji Heling was involved, it was his "stipulation", then if there was a mistake, it would hinder the future of both of them, so they had to reconsider. "I'm 70% sure about things, but 'don't be afraid of 10,000, just in case', I think," Hu Xueyan looked at Ji Heling and said, "Let Huang Futai be the master." "No, no!" Wang Youling shook his hands and said, "He won't take responsibility." This time, the matter became necessary to discuss again. Hu Xueyan always felt that it was difficult to have a perfect solution because of his heavy responsibilities. When Fang was contemplating, Ji Heling opened his mouth. "It's a matter of bending the horse and bowing the bow, which is a bit artificial." Ji Heling said, "Now the defense is tight, and all places need to increase their troops. The original soldiers are not enough. How can we send people to escort Caomi?" "Ah, ah!" Wang Youling suddenly realized, "I understand." "I also understand." Hu Xueyan said, "But it's best not to let Mr. Xue say this." "You mean Lvying himself will say it?" Wang Youling shook his head, "They won't say it, it's a good job, comfortable and promising, why not do it?" "It's comfortable but not necessarily so. When we really meet the Small Sword Society and start a battle, the Green Camp is not their opponent." "Unfortunately, they don't think so. I can't say that either." Wang Youling made a decision, "I will definitely meet Futai in person, and act in camera." "So," Hu Xueyan asked, "where's Tiao Chen?" "Tiaochen still draws it up tonight, and I took it with me. I would rather prepare it than use it, and don't use it and leave it unprepared." "That being the case, I got up overnight." Ji Heling said slowly, "I want to keep Xueyan here, and we can discuss it together and make the best of it. What does Mr. Xue think?" "Alright!" Wang Youling looked at Hu Xueyan and said, "Let's meet tomorrow morning." Saying so stopped, Wang Youling said goodbye and went home.Hu Xueyan and Ji Heling did not hesitate to start immediately.One is clear, one is written down, and the draft has been drawn up without any trouble. After reconsideration, the final draft is made, and it is copied by hand, and Hu Xueyan takes it away. The next morning, Wang Youling didn't go out, and Bocheng waited for Hu Xueyan at home.As soon as he arrived, he talked behind closed doors in the study room. Ever since the chaos in Xincheng was subdued, Wang Youling had gained Huang Zonghan's trust more and more, so many people were jealous of him, and there were many people who were bound to do things. For this reason, he had a lot of troubles and wanted to confide in Hu Xueyan . "Xueyan," he said, "I have an important matter to discuss with you. I heard that Huang Futai has been transferred. If he leaves, the person who will pick him up will not know what to do. So I have the courage to retreat. think." Hearing this, Hu Xueyan was taken aback, and hurriedly said: "Mr. Xue, why did you come up with such an idea? The situation has just been opened, and it is going smoothly. Why do you want to retreat?" "One is that I am afraid that my successor will come. If we are not quite right with each other, many of the things I have handled will be trivial to clean up. It will be easier to handle the transfer while Huang Futai is here; the other is Jiang Zhongyuan. The governor of Anhui, he has an old relationship with me, and he wrote to me asking if he would like to go to Anhui? He and Zeng Guofan are now very prosperous, and I think it would be good to go to him." "Otherwise!" Hu Xueyan shook his head greatly, "You are not familiar with Anhui, and neither am I. And to be honest, if you go to Anhui, I won't go, because I can't help you even if I go!" "Okay!" Wang Youling nodded, "I don't need to say more when you have said this, I will write a letter today to thank Jiang Zhongyuan for his kindness." Hearing his words, Hu Xueyan naturally felt comforted, but he couldn't help but feel that the responsibility was getting heavier. After thinking about it, he said, "Is the news about Huang Futai's transfer really accurate?" "If you say this, you must guard against it." Wang Youling said again, "There are bandits causing trouble in various parts of Zhejiang now. A single spark can start a prairie fire. Huang Futai is very serious about this. Because the case in Xincheng is well handled. , so these errands will fall on me in the future. I have to delay the matter of the Maritime Bureau, and I am really exhausted." This shows that Ji Heling's affairs are extremely important.To be honest, Wang Youling was more anxious than Ji Heling himself, but he was powerless in front of Huang Zonghan, because Wang Youling made a wrong move in terms of merit and reward, or in other words, he didn't make this move. In Huang Zonghan, the commission for the Xincheng case had been allocated long ago.Wang Youling and Ji Heling gave one secret protector and the other clear protector. He has no objection to the secret protector.When he played the performance, if Wang Youling said: "Ji Heling has played a lot of strength, please give him a secret security guard." Huang Zonghan would do the same.Just because of the lack of this sentence, he made himself a secret guard. If he recommends Ji Heling again at this time, it seems opportunistic. He is afraid that Huang Zonghan will be unhappy, so he still dare not say more.Even in front of Hu Xueyan, it is difficult to express this level of difficulty, and the longer the time lapse, the deeper the guilt that is similar to "taking credit" and hoping that Hu Xueyan can come up with an idea to get this matter done as soon as possible. "Looking at it now, I'm afraid it's not a matter of three or two days." Wang Youling said, "Let's talk about defense first, let Huang Futai know that he can't draw troops, and then let him ask himself, is there any other good way? Only then will I be able to take out Heling's note. Think about it, how roundabout is this?" Hu Xueyan agreed with him, reconsidered the cause and effect, and realized that he was wrong!The fault is that he wants to "show his abilities" for Ji Heling.In fact, that clause has little to do with Ji Heling's ability to take over the post from the Shipping Bureau.The relationship is still there in the copywriting. "The fire is so bad that the pig's head is rotten, and the money is too busy to deal with business"!Why can't you even remember these two sentences? So he said: "Xue Gong, I ask you to take it easy, tomorrow if it is soon, and the day after tomorrow if it is late, and then go to see Huang Futai." "What's the matter?" Wang Youling asked, "What's your plan?" "It's still the same sentence." Hu Xueyan smiled, "The secret of the sky must not be leaked." "Okay! I won't ask anymore, just listen to your greetings." So they talked about the situation in Shanghai and Hangzhou. There were too many things to talk about for a while, and Mrs. Wang came out to socialize again. When talking about Ruiyun, they couldn't finish talking.Hu Xueyan also simply put aside the business, chatted for a while, had lunch at Wang's house, said goodbye and went out, and came to Fukang to work for Ji Heling. He used his own banknotes to make two tickets, one for two thousand and one for two hundred, and sealed them in an envelope with the word "Feiyi" written on it, and the name on the bottom was "Jiaoyu brother Ji Heling". "Happy birthday! Please come and ask Second Master Liu to hand over the copy to Mr. Chen. He said that I still have a few days to work, and the chores are a little fixed. Please come over and talk about it." "Okay." Liu Qingsheng asked again, "Do you want to return the film?" "No need." Hu Xueyan said, "He brought it back for you. If you don't give it, it's unnecessary. Anyway, God knows it." Liu Qingsheng acted very quickly, and within an hour, he returned to the store, and brought a business card from Mr. Chen, the copywriting committee member of the Fushu Department, with four words on it: "Thank you!" So Hu Xueyan informed Wang Youling that night that he could go to Futai to discuss this matter.Wang Youling didn't know what kind of medicine he was selling in the gourd, anyway, he would never go wrong if he followed his advice, so the next day he went to the Futai yamen dressed neatly.The manuscript was handed in, and Liu Erhui came out and said: "The superior explained that there were many customers in the first half of the day, and I will definitely invite Uncle Wang to come at three o'clock in the second half of the day." All consultations at the time of the Shangxian special appointment are all particularly valued expressions, which means that a period of time should be spared to discuss in detail.After Wang Youling heard this, he went back to his residence and came back in the afternoon. Huang Zonghan received him in the "boat hall" in the back garden of the governor's yamen. Once he arrived, he changed into plain clothes first, and then invited Wang Youling to eat snacks, such as millefeuille cake, swallow skin soup, and ground rice cake, both sweet and salty, hot and cold. They are all the tastes of their hometown in Bamin. While eating and talking, let's talk about the current situation first, and talk about Xiangrong's Jiangnan camp, which consumes a lot of salary every month, and official documents are as urgent as sparks, and it is very nerve-wracking. "This shouldn't come out of Zhejiang alone." Wang Youling expressed his opinion, "There is no bottom to ask, and it is difficult to continue. It seems that adults can discuss with Xiang Shuai whether it is an overall plan, and the three provinces of Jiangsu, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang will determine the amount every month. ，到期报解？这样子，大家筹措起来也比较容易。” “你这个主意不错，我可以试一试。”黄宗汉又说，“你湖州这方面，关系甚重，通省的饷源，主要的就靠你那里。我看，海运局你真有点兼顾不到了！” 王有龄心里有些嘀咕，听这意思，抚台夹袋中似乎有人，倘或此时就提了出来，一个上司，一个下属，直来直往，中间没有缓冲的余地，嵇鹤龄岂不是就落空了？ 这还在其次，如果换一个人来，立刻就得办移交，海运局的亏空，除非能找一笔钱来补上，否则就会原形毕露，那怎么得了？ 一想到此，额上便见了汗。黄宗汉不知就里，随即说道：“十月小阳春，天气太热。你请升冠吧！” 升冠就是脱帽，是不礼貌的，王有龄拿块手巾擦擦汗说：“不要紧，不要紧！” 这是小事，黄宗汉也不再多说，又谈公事：“那个姓嵇的，我看倒有点才气。” 听得这一句，王有龄顿觉心头一宽，耳目清凉，赶紧答道：“大人目光如炬，凡是真才，都逃不过大人的耳目。” 这一声恭维，相当得体，黄宗汉瘦刮刮的脸上有了笑容，“让他接你的海运局。”他用征询的语气说，“你看怎么样？” “那是再适当不过。”王有龄乘此机会答道，“嵇鹤龄此人，论才具是一等一，有人说他脾气太傲，也不见得。有才气的人，总不免恃才傲物，不过所傲者，是不如他的人。其实他也是颇懂好歹的，大人能够重用他，我敢写包票，他一定会感恩图报，让大人称心如意。” 最后一句话，意在言外，不尽关乎公事妥帖。黄宗汉其实也不需他“写包票”，胡雪岩那张阜康的银票，比王有龄的“包票”更来得有力。所以他点点头说：“我知道！你就回去准备交卸吧！” “是！”王有龄站起身来请了一安，“大人容我暂息仔肩，真是体恤我。” “不敢当，快请起来。”黄宗汉也站起来，虚扶一扶。这一站起来，不再坐下，便是等待送客的表示。 “我就告辞了。”王有龄敲钉转脚地加了一句，“我回去就将大人这番栽培的德意，告诉嵇某人，叫他实心报效。” “可以，你就告诉他好了。我马上叫人下委札。” 于是王有龄告辞回家，第一件事就是派人去请胡雪岩和嵇鹤龄。自然是胡雪岩先到，因为阜康离王家不远，而他是早就关照了王家门上的，有事到阜康招呼，所以一请就到。 “佩服，佩服！”王有龄翘着大拇指说，“雪岩，你具何神通，料事如此之准？”接着，他把会见黄宗汉的经过，细说了一遍。 胡雪岩也不曾料到事情是这样子的顺利，因而也有喜出望外之感，想了想问道：“那么，条陈是怎么说法？” “条陈不曾上。”王有龄答道，“一拿出来，倒显得早有成算似的。大人物分两种，一种喜欢先意承志，事事先替他想到；一种是喜欢用不测之威，不愿意别人知道他的心思，黄抚台就是这一类人。我觉得等鹤龄接了事，或者谢委的时候，当面请求比较好。” “事情要快，就让他谢委的时候请求吧！”胡雪岩又问，“运枪的公事——” “啊！把这件事给忘记掉了。”王有龄说，“不要紧，我写封信就行了。” 刚把信写完，嵇鹤龄到了。王、胡二人一见他先道贺，然后略说缘由，嵇鹤龄有点摸不清首尾，不知道是谁的力量使然，唯有向他们两个人都道了谢。 这时王家的男女佣仆也都来磕头道喜，嵇鹤龄正带着一张三十两银子的银票在身上，很大方地发了“总赏”，还有人说要给瑞云道贺，又说她福气好！尤其是待嫁的两名丫头，眼看瑞云“飞上枝头作风凰”，艳羡之意，溢于词色。这就不但是嵇鹤龄，连胡雪岩也觉得很得意。 这样喜气洋洋地乱过一阵，王有龄便说：“鹤龄兄，你请回去吧！说不定已有送喜信的人到府上去了。雪岩帮着一起去招呼招呼，我们晚上再谈。” 叫胡雪岩去招呼，是招呼放赏，这方面的“行情”他不大熟悉，少不得先要向王有龄问清楚了，然后顺道往阜康交代了几句话，才一起回到嵇家。 “二弟！”嵇鹤龄在轿子里把事情想通了，一到家率直问道，“可是你走了门路？” 因为嵇鹤龄说过不愿买官做的话，所以胡雪岩的回答很含蓄：“也不过托人去说过一声。” "How do you say it?" “无非拜托而已。” 嵇鹤龄静静地想了想说：“我也不多问了，反正我心里知道就是！” 正说到这里，刘庆生也到了嵇家，他是奉了胡雪岩的指示，送东西来的，一千两银票、五百两现银，另外一扣存折，上面还有三千五百两。 “二弟！”嵇鹤龄把存折托在手里说，“我觉得沉重得很，真有点不胜负荷。” 这是说欠他的情太多了，怕还不清，“自己弟兄，何必说这话？”胡雪岩答道，“而且水帮船，船帮水，以后仰仗大哥的事还多。” “这用不着说，你的事就是我的事。海运局的内幕，我还不大清楚，要你帮我的忙，才能顶得下来。” 刚谈到这里，只见听差引进一位客来，是抚台衙门的一名戈什哈，这是满洲话“侍奉”的意思，转用为护卫的名称，到了后来，凡是督抚左右跑腿的差官，都叫做“戈什哈”，此人戴着个金顶子，也是个八品官儿，但遇见候补州县七品官的嵇鹤龄，不敢以官自居，抢上来请两个安，一面口称，“恭喜嵇大老爷！” 这自是报喜信的，嵇鹤龄连称：“不敢当！”扶起来请教，“贵姓？” “不敢！敝姓朱。抚台派我在文案上当差，文案陈老爷特别派来跟嵇大老爷报喜。”说着，从“护书”中，取出来一封盖着紫泥大印的委札，双手捧向嵇鹤龄。 委札不曾封口，取出来一看，不错，是接王有龄“海运局坐办”。嵇鹤龄顺手交了给胡雪岩，转脸向姓朱的说一声：“劳你的驾，请坐了说话！” “不敢！”姓朱的说，“陈老爷交代，说先跟嵇大老爷道喜，晚上再来拜会，又交代：抚台今天身子不大爽快，嵇老爷今天不必谢宴，等到明天上院好了。” “好，好！费心你转达陈老爷，多承他关照，心感万分。准定我今天晚上到他府上去拜访。” “是，”姓朱的又说，“请嵇大老爷赏个名片，我好回去交差。” 这是早准备好的，一张名帖，一封二十两银子的红包。刚打发了姓朱的，只见瑞云走了出来，穿一件紫缎夹袄，系一条雪青绸裙，一朵红花，盈盈笑道：“嵇老爷我来道喜！” “怎样！”嵇鹤龄有些意外，也有些手足无措似的，“你也来这一套，何必！免了，免了。” “应该的。嵇老爷大喜！”说着，她手扶左腰裣衽为礼，随后又喊，“荷官，带了弟弟、妹妹来替爹爹磕头。” 于是丹荷领头，一群小把戏，推推拉拉地都从门边出现，显然是瑞云早就安排好的，一个个都像过年的样子，穿得整整齐齐的衣服，在一长条毡条上，七跌八冲地，一面磕头，一面笑着。嵇鹤龄扶住这个，抱住那个，嘴里还要应付调皮的丹荷“讨赏”，乱到十分，也热闹到了十分。 “瑞云！”嵇鹤龄等乱过一阵，这样说道，“实在要谢谢二老爷——” “是啊！”瑞云抢着接口，“不过倒不是谢谢二老爷，也是要跟二老爷道喜。” “同喜，同喜！双喜临门，喜酒吃不完。”胡雪岩笑道，“瑞云，都是你带来的运气。” 这句话说得瑞云心花怒放，不自觉地就瞟了嵇鹤龄一眼，然后正一正脸色说道：“这有好几天可以忙了。马上就有道喜的人来，茶烟点心，都要早早预备，二老爷请宽坐，我不陪你了。”说着又福了福，转身而去。 大家妇女的派头，讲究稳重，行路无声，裙幅不动，才是福相，瑞云居然亦有这副风范，使得胡雪岩大感意外，大概婢学夫人，早就有心了，于此见得她的志气，不由得赞了一声：“实在不错！” 嵇鹤龄也看到了瑞云那俨然命妇的派头，自然也很得意，得意思往，想到两个月前与胡雪岩初见的光景，恍似梦寐，这是一个令人沉醉的春梦，而且一时不会醒，还有更妙的梦境在后面。 无量欢喜竟化作浓重感慨，“提起来也真好笑！”他说，“记得我们第一天见面，我还埋怨你跟雪公做下圈套，令人拒之不可，受之不甘。谁知是这样的圈套，只怕再耿介的人，也要去钻一钻。” 提到这个回忆，胡雪岩更觉得意，从与王有龄认识以来，他出过许多奇奇怪怪的花样，而以“收服嵇鹤龄”最足以自豪，因为第一，救了新城地方一场刀兵之灾；其次，帮了王有龄一个大忙；复次，好人出出头，使得嵇鹤龄不致有怀才不遇之叹；第四，促成了一头良缘；最后，自己交了一个亲如骨肉的好朋友。一举而众善备，自觉这个脑筋动得实在不坏。 于是他半开玩笑地说道：“我听你谈过，说汉高祖的陈平，出过多少条奇计，我的奇计也很多，大小由之，大才大用，小才小用，只看对方自己怎么样。” “是的！”嵇鹤龄说，“你应该是诸侯的上客，像现在这样是委屈了。” “那也不见得。事在人为！”胡雪岩跟嵇鹤龄交谈，话中不知不觉就有书卷气了，“俗语说得好，'将相本无种，男儿当自强'，我现在虽不是诸侯的上客，帮人做到诸侯的位分，自然就是上客了。” “这话说得好！乱世本来是出人才的时候，征诸史书，历历可见。” “书上怎么说，我不晓得。不过，大哥，”胡雪岩的脸上，显出那种在他难得有的、古板正经的神色，“你说现在是出人才的时世，我相信！乱世故事，不必讲资格例规，人才容易出头。再有一层，你到过上海，跟洋人打交道，就晓得了，洋人实在有洋人的长处，不管你说他狡猾也好，寡情薄义也好，有一点我们及人家不来，人家丁是丁、卯是卯，你说得对，他一定服你，自己会认错。不像我们，明明晓得这件事错了，不肯承认，仿佛认了错，就失掉了天朝大国的面子。像洋人那样，不会埋没你的好处，做事就有劲了，才气也容易发挥了。凡是有才气的人，都是喜欢做事的，不一定为自己打算。所以光是高官厚禄，不见得能出人才，只出旗人对皇上自称的'奴才'！” “嘿！”嵇鹤龄睁大了眼说，“想不到你能这么痛快的议论。书，我比你多读了几句，论世故，我实在不及你。” “我是瞎说的。”胡雪岩谦虚着，“吃亏还在书读得少。” “不然，不然！”嵇鹤龄不断摇头，换了个话题，“我说过，我想认识几个江湖上的朋友，第一个是尤五，这一回少不得要借重他了。我想接了事，先到上海、松江走一趟，一则看看海口的情形，再则专诚去拜访尤五，不晓得你能不能陪我一起走？” “可以，我本来在上海也还有好些事要料理。不过，此刻来说，言之过早。等你明天谢了委、接了事再来商量，也还不迟。” 说到这里，张贵来报，有道喜的客来了。 这位贺客是裘丰言，向主人道过喜，便来跟胡雪岩招呼，将他奉若神明，因为裘丰言原来最佩服嵇鹤龄，而胡雪岩能使得恃才傲物的嵇鹤龄服帖，进而结为昆季，这就像如来佛收服孙悟空一般，不能不令人倾倒。 胡雪岩也很喜欢裘丰言，此人生来心肠热、脾气好、肯吃亏，最难得的是眼力高，识得人的长处，而且衷心敬服。同时他的趣味别具一格，说他俗，俗到不堪言状；说他雅，做两件别出心裁的事，比雅人还雅，这就是嵇鹤龄能够跟他成为好朋友的一大原因。至于胡雪岩喜欢他，是喜欢他那副生气勃勃的劲道，哪怕家里等米下锅，外面看来是吃饱睡足只想找乐趣的样子。 胡雪岩因材器使，马上替他想到了一桩“差使”：“老裘，你今天就不要走了！替主人陪陪客。” “义不容辞！”裘丰言笑嘻嘻地答道，“鹤龄兄春风得意，声名鹊起，贺客必多，都归我招呼。摆酒唱戏'开贺'，我心里也有谱了，起码有十天好热闹。” “嗳，老兄，老兄！”嵇鹤龄连忙拦着他说，“你少给我出点花样，弄出暴发户的样子来！” “做此官，行此礼，哪个不是这样子热闹热闹的？” “斯世何世？长毛打到黄河以北，上海又是小刀会起事，我们在这里瞎起哄，给京里'都老爷'晓得了，随便什么奏陈时政的折子上，带上一笔，吃不了还兜着走呢！” “这倒也是实话。”胡雪岩一想是该当心，“老裘，眼前不必铺张，自己人悄悄玩一两天，有个庆贺的意思，也就够了。好在至迟年底，总还有一场热闹。” “对，对！”裘丰言“从善如流”地连声答应，“鹤龄兄，年底纳宠之喜，也就跟洞房花烛的'小登科'一样。到那时候，你总不能委屈我们那位才貌双全，既贤且惠的如嫂夫人了吧？” “这也再说。如果公事顺手，年下无事，倒不妨热闹热闹。” “好，有这句话就行了。年下办喜事，自然也是我的'总管'？” “当然，少不得要奉烦。”嵇鹤龄又问，“老裘，你现在忙不忙？” “你晓得的，我是无事忙。” “那就忙点正经的。”嵇鹤龄向胡雪岩问道，“你看，请老裘来帮忙如何？” “那还有什么话说？”胡雪岩忽然想到一件事，便接下来问一句，“你请老裘在哪方面帮忙？” “自然是押运。” “我也猜到是这方面。”胡雪岩问裘丰言说，“老裘！请你当海运局的押运委员，你肯不肯屈就？” “谈不到这两个字。海船我还没有坐过，不晓得会不会晕船。这都不去说它了，反正你们两位说怎么，就是怎么！” “承情之至！”嵇鹤龄拱拱手，又向胡雪岩说道，“我猜你另外还有事托老裘？” “是啊！'烧香看和尚，一事两勾当'，等你那个条陈准了，先请老裘到松江跑一趟。” “我懂了！”嵇鹤龄说，“你想把那批枪托老裘带了回来？” “对了！”胡雪岩说，“我本来想叫我那个'学生子'去办，一则怕他年纪轻，不够老练；再则，'一品老百姓'的身份，到底比不上我们裘大老爷！” “好了，好了！”裘丰言用告饶的语气说，“雪岩兄，你不必调侃我了。说了半天是怎么回事？我还不甚明白。” 于是胡雪岩把海运转驳和向英商购枪两事，说了个大概，裘丰言好热闹，爱朋友，对尤五这样的人，跟嵇鹤龄一样，渴望结交，运洋枪的差使，也觉得新鲜有趣，所以满口答应。 “不过，说句实话，此行也不是全无意外！”嵇鹤龄提出警告，“这年头，萑苻遍地，洋枪这样的利器，暗中颇有人眼红。老裘，你是有名的'酒糊涂'，一路上要少喝。” “少喝一点可以。你放心好了，我每顿总喝到快要糊涂为止。” 嵇、胡二人都笑了。“老裘！”胡雪岩好奇地问道，“你平生醉过没有？” “只醉过一趟。”裘丰言说，“是我娶亲那天，特意喝醉的。” “为什么？”胡雪岩诧异地问。 “负气！”裘丰言说，“我那头亲人，是先父定下的，照我的心意，想娶东邻之女，先父说什么不许。我心里存个拙见，花轿要抬进门，我没法阻挡，洞房之中，同床异梦，是我自己的事。所以吃喜酒的时候，同学少年起哄来灌，我来者不拒，已吃到了六七分。一进新房，我不揭新娘子的盖头，去揭酒坛子的盖头，吃得颓然大醉，人事不知，整整睡了一天一夜才醒。” “该打屁股！”胡雪岩好奇地笑着，“新娘子必是哭了一夜？” “新娘子倒没有哭，先母从没有看我醉过，吓得哭了！你道我醉得如何？十一月的天气，一块豆腐放在胸口，要不了多久就滚烫了。” “好家伙！”胡雪岩咋舌，“你这么喝，不把命都喝掉了？” 嵇鹤龄没有听他谈过这一段，此时感兴趣的是他的新娘子，便抢着问道：“尊夫人如何？虽不哭，必是苦苦相劝？” “没有那话！”裘丰言摇摇头，“你们道内人如何？只怕猜到天亮也猜不着。” “那就不要猜了，你自己从实供来！” “内人当时叫'伴房'的回娘家，说新姑爷好酒若命，叫她娘家送二十坛好酒来——” “妙！”嵇鹤龄失声而呼，“那你怎么样呢？” “我还有怎么样？人生难得一知己，我好酒，她寻好酒来我吃，你想想，我怎么能不服帖？” 嵇鹤龄跟胡雪岩都大笑，裘丰言回忆着少年的妙事，自己也笑了。 “说也奇怪！”他又说，“从那一天起，我对内人的看法就两样了，原来看她胖得有些蠢，这时候想想，杨贵妃是胖的，明朝的万贵妃也是胖的，上的薛宝钗也是胖的。脚是大了点，她的三寸金莲——” “慢来，慢来！”嵇鹤龄抢着问道，“三寸金莲怎么说是大脚？” “我的话还没有完。”