Chapter 36 Bleak foreign field (4-1)

This was a good thing in the first place, but Yuan Shikai was pregnant with ghosts, but he couldn't do it, so he had to wait for the leak to come out before trying to figure out a solution-finally one day, he was the staff member who handled the copywriting for Wu Changqing.Zhou Jialu, who also taught Yuan Shikai to read, asked him to ask him something. "Wei Ting," he asked, "are you the Zhongshu Department's Zhongshu?" "How is it?" Yuan Shikai was noncommittal, and first asked what happened. "look!" It's an official business from Beiyang, saying that the case of Qingjun Baobao, Yuan Shikai, Zhongshu Division Zhongshu, Baosheng Tongzhi, has been approved by decree.However, after checking the archives of the Department, there is no Yuan Shikai in Zhongshu Division Zhongshu; please order this member to Shenfu Yunyun.

Yuan Shikai was happy on the one hand, and worried on the other. What he was happy about was that he built a tower on the ground and set up a five-rank Tongzhi. This position is a military position, so he is also called "Sima"; The deputy generals and generals are still worth money; the worry is that the Zhongshu Ke Zhongshu in terms of qualifications was originally a fake. If this basic deficiency does not exist, the dream of being promoted to a Tongzhi will come to naught. He was flustered in his heart, but calm on the surface, "Mr. Zhou," he said with a smile, "You should take a guess."

"You don't need to guess. The 'ministry photo' you brought back as a donated official has a good surname, Yuan, but not the first name. Of course it was borrowed." "Yes, yes, Mr. Zhou has seen thousands of miles, this matter," he typed thousands and said, "Mr. Zhou, please do it." "Needless to say, if you report the truth, even Duke Qing will be punished for negligence." Zhou Jialu immediately said, "Now there are two ways, one is easy and the other is troublesome, you have to choose." "Then ask Mr. Zhou to advise, what are the two methods?"

"Let's talk about the easy one first, you can change to the name on the ministry photo." Zhou Jialu said: "This method is not only easy, but also convenient. It is convenient for you, just a corner of the official document, Yuan Shikai changed the name for Yuan XX. Just restore the original name." Yuan Shikai was unwilling to use this easy and convenient method, because he was already a well-known figure in South Korea; what was especially relevant was that, from the Empress Dowager Cixi and Prince Gong to Zhang Jing, the prime minister's office, all knew of Yuan Shikai who had made great contributions in North Korea. , Once the name is changed, everyone knows the same thing, who knows.

However, the reason for his refusal was not to say, "Mr. Zhou, to tell you the truth," he said, "The original ministerial photo belonged to a cousin of mine. This person has passed away, and his original name has been restored. There are many unexpected entanglements. Please tell me the difficult way!" "The difficult way is to entrust someone to go to the official department to carry out activities. Those book offices in the official department have so many tricks that it is unexpected. They must have a way, but it's so hot that the pig's head rots. , The money is for official business', I'm afraid you can't do it without a thousand dollars." "Yes, yes. I will do it according to Mr. Zhou's wishes."

"Okay! I'll put down the official business for the time being, and wait for you to go to the official department to see the results and make sense." "Yes. Thank you, thank you." "Wei Ting!" Zhou Jialu said with a smile, "I have a chant for you." After finishing speaking, he picked up the pen, picked up the manuscript paper of the official document on the table, and swiped it away; Yuan Shikai took it and read: "This is a crooked scholar in Zhongzhou, so I don't need to guess if I borrowed it from Zhongzhou. I showed my skills for a while and killed people Come seven."

When he finished reading, Zhou Jialu laughed out loud, and Yuan Shikai had to laugh a few times to show his freedom. When he returned to his camp, Yuan Shikai naturally thought of a person named Xu Shichang.Just according to Zhou Jialu's statement, it takes a thousand taels of silver to spend, but it takes a lot of thinking about where the money will come from.After much deliberation, I had no choice but to go to Zhang Jian.He is also in charge of the support office, food and wages come in and out, and he holds great power. As long as he nods, one thousand taels of silver will be settled.Greeting each other, "Mr. Zhang!" Zhang Jian was taken aback. It turned out that he called Zhou Jialu "Mr. Zhou", and Zhang Jian had always only used the word "teacher", but now he not only changed "Mr.", but also added a surname. why?

It was inconvenient to ask questions for a while, so I just answered coldly: "What advice do you have?" Yuan Shikai also realized that he was wrong, but he didn't want to change his words. He only explained his difficulties in a tactful way and asked Zhang Jian to "fulfill". "I don't dare to be Chengquan, but since we are friends, we should help each other. The money in the support office is public money, so I can't lend it to you privately; now there is only one way, your public money is 200 taels a month, and you write five 'bow ties'. , I will send you your five-month public expenses first."

"Okay! How do you spell a bow tie?" Originally, the "seal knot" knot was interpreted as an admission that the matter was over. The words were not very nice, and no one paid attention to it. It was just that Yuan Shikai was sick in his heart. The main idea of ​​the writing is that if you receive two hundred taels of public funds for a certain month, you will count them face to face, and the fineness will be divided into two, and there is no shortage; if there is a shortage later, you will never ask for any compensation.As if to prevent him from playing tricks, I was already feeling uncomfortable; then I flipped through a "six idioms" that he used as the secret of being an official. ", the annotation is: "Where the government has settled the case, or ordered the owner to take back the property, he will order himself to make a "love and obedience" evidence, and draw a monogram on it, which is called this sweet knot."Immediately he was furious; it turned out that the so-called printing knot was such a low-key expression, but the monogram was changed to a seal, and he felt that Zhi Ying was deceiving too much.

Thinking about it again, in this case of protection, Zhang Jian is only a magistrate of the seventh rank who is protected by the county magistrate; he himself is a co-prefect, so why should the so-called "five ranks Huang Tang" have to give a seal to Zhiying? At that time, there was a lot of complaints, but there was no seal and no money, so I had to swallow my anger and obey.But even though Zhang Jian heard that he was yelling at him behind his back, "Hewu Zhiyingsuo", and felt that the villain's face was chilling, but he still helped him a lot. "Weiting," he asked, "do you want to use this money in Beijing?" "Yes."

"So who are you sending it to?" "One of my acquaintances." Yuan Shikai replied: "The surname is Xu, and he must have been a new imperial examination candidate." Zhang Jian understood what he meant. His friend surnamed Xu took the Beiwei Township Examination, and now the list has been released, and he may be on the list, but he is far away in a foreign country and has no news from the capital, so he used the word "probably". "Okay!" Zhang Jian said, "Of course I can't send you cash. I'll use bank notes. I'm afraid it will be lost in the middle of the delivery, and it will be very troublesome. I have a way. I don't know if you want it or not." "Oh, please tell Mr. Zhang." It's "Mr. Zhang" again!I am used to hearing him call "Teacher" repeatedly, but now hearing this address for the second time, it is really harsh.However, Zhang Jian still said patiently: "The salaries of our army are all issued by the Beiyang Office in Tianjin; I will give you a receipt now, and you send it to your friend, and he will go directly to the Beiyang Office to collect it. Wouldn't it be convenient." "Okay, okay! Take care of Mr. Zhang." "What are the two characters of your dear friend's name?" Zhang Jian said again: "The receipt specifies that someone should pick it up, it's safer." Yuan Shikai felt that this was a good point, nodded and said, "His name is Xu Shichang. The fifth generation of Qichang Shichang." "Where are you from?" "This should also be written on the receipt?" "That's not what I mean. I want to state his identity. Of course, he is either a supervisor or a student who goes to Beiwei. The student must specify which county the student is from, so I asked him where he is from. "He is a student." Yuan Shikai said: "He was originally from Ningbo, Zhejiang. You can also be considered a person from Zhejiang, a person from Zhili, or a person from Henan.” "In this way, he is still a student in Tianjin. If he is from Ji County, he will have to take the provincial examination in Henan." Zhang Jian issued the receipt, specifying that "Xu Shichang, a former student from Tianjin, was the "leader". When this receipt was mailed to Xu Shichang, he would already be a new candidate for the imperial examination. Xu Shichang and his younger brother Xu Shiguang passed the exam together. Examinations. After three exams, during the month of waiting for the results to be released, he was eager for fame, and the thoughts of gain and loss were lingering in his chest. Check out. His friend is Ke Shaoban, styled Fengsheng, from Jiaozhou, Shandong.Tell Xu Shichang: "The Lu Zu Temple in Liulichang, the lottery there is the most effective. If you ask for it, you will get it. Why don't you go and ask for it." Xu Shichang rejoiced, and when he arrived at Luzu Temple in Liulichang, he saw that the incense was more prosperous than the Huoshen Temple to the west of it, and his confidence increased a bit.At present, the prisoner prayed sincerely, and took out a lottery. A poem written on it was: "Eighty or nine Xuangong has a foundation, so there is nothing wrong with frequent additions. Wait until the twelve-story building is revealed, and Dan Chenghe will arrive at that time." " "It seems that time is not enough." Xu Shichang said: "I'm afraid there is no hope for this subject." "Otherwise." Ke Shaoban said: "In my opinion, this refers to Chunwei. Mochachi', it means that after you are proud of the autumn, you should work harder and write more 'big papers', and next year you will try Chinese style, and you will be the best in the imperial examination, so isn't it 'twelve-storey building lure' out?" Xu Shichang was very happy to hear this explanation.Looking at the "duanyue" after the poem again: "the front and the back are bright, and the family is prosperous", I feel more and more joyful. On the day when he got on the list, he waited from midnight to dawn, and from dawn to noon. The good news came, but Xu Shichang was particularly embarrassed. It turned out that his younger brother Xu Shiguang had won the 95th place. At present, Xifeng was developed, and after a period of chaos in the guild hall, when it calmed down, I couldn't help crying. "Brother, I think your ink is better than mine." Xu Shiguang comforted him and said, "It must be the chief of the Five Classics, and it's too early to report!" It turned out that when the township examination released the rankings, the sealed papers were torn apart and one was written. From the middle of the night before, I had to write until the next night.As usual, the list starts from the sixth place, and the top five titles are called "Five Classics Kui", and they are left to be announced at the end. It is already the next night, and when the papers of the Five Classics Kui are opened, there will be a handyman in the middle of the house. Red candles, shining like day, are called "Naobang".It was not dusk at that time, so Xu Shiguang said, "It's too early to report." "Report!" It was bustling outside again, Xu Shichang listened attentively, and the report was: "Lang Shichang, Young Master Xu of your residence, the 145th candidate in the high school Renwu Keshuntian Township Examination." is this real?Of course it is true, what was written in the lacquer paper, I was afraid I would be dazzled and mistaken, the newspaper came to ask for a reward of "three yuan", but refused to reward twenty taels, saying: "Eldest young master, second young master, Double happiness is coming, at least one hundred taels of silver will be rewarded." This must be true! After much debate and little discussion, "Lian Sanyuan" was finally paid with forty taels of silver.But this is the "first report", and there will be "second report" and "third report", which will cost a few taels of silver.This night the clubhouse was very lively, the courtyard where the Xu brothers Tangdi Lianhui lived was full of congratulators, and it was not until after midnight that they calmed down. Although people were already very sleepy, Xu Shichang was in high spirits , no sleepiness at all. "Second brother, what a spirit!" Xu Shichang jumped up suddenly and yelled loudly, which startled Xu Shiguang a lot. "Brother, what is so good?" "Second brother, you can't use the word 'something'. I'm talking about Lu Zu's signature. You see." Xu Shichang pointed to the signature: "'Brightness before Yuhou', it's unclear, your ranking up front?" "Uh!" Xu Shiguang also felt a little reasonable, "Really, Lu Zu has made it clear that I want to be honored by my elder brother." "However, second brother, don't be too complacent. Your future achievements will not be as good as mine." As an elder brother, Xu Shiguang naturally had to keep silent when he spoke in such a tone. "Why, Xu Shichang said: "You don't believe it? " "It's not that I don't believe it. It's conceivable that my future achievements will not be as good as that of my elder brother; but just now I was talking about Lu Zu's signature, and my elder brother must have learned something about it. If I didn't tell the truth, it would be inconvenient for me Beaked." "Of course! Of course it's the mystery revealed in the signature. You see: 'Prosperous family', isn't it me, Xu Shichang, who can honor the ancestors?" "Xu Shiguang had nothing to answer, he could only say yes repeatedly. "Only the eldest brother can make our Xu family's family bigger." "Second brother," Xu Shichang said with a solemn expression, "Tomorrow, I will kowtow at Lu Zu Temple. First, I would like to thank the old man for his advice; on the other hand, I will also ask his old man for advice on what to do in the future." Xu Shiguang listened to his brother's words, and went to Lu Zu Temple together the next day to pray and ask for a lottery.This time, each of them asked for one, and asked where they were going. Xu Shiguang asked for a lottery. It didn’t mean that he would go home to study and try again next spring; Although there is no ladder to the sky, one step is higher." "Second brother, you go back, I can't go back." Xu Shichang said: "It's very clear on the sign, going out is better than being at home. It's better for me to work hard in Beijing." Xu Shiguang listened to him, and went back to his hometown alone; but Xu Shichang found a place for him to study with his son Zhang Ruiyin. , with a pen and ink, and lives in the backyard of the Zhang family. The backyard is very spacious. Xu Shichang has arranged bedrooms, study rooms, and other rooms. He plans to set up a shrine to worship Lu Zu; If you want to offer my incense, you must keep it secret; when I am a little tired from traveling and need a nap, I will come, and I will use your place as a quiet room away from the noise, and no one should disturb me." When he usually dreams, he still remembers it when he first wakes up, and after a short pause, he forgets it all; only this dream, when he got up to wash up the next day, he still remembered it clearly.Xu Shichang thought that Lu Zu's dream was very important, but he must follow the instructions of the gods, so he did everything by himself, found the most secret room, and quietly set up a shrine; the door was closed during the day, and it was not until the courtyard door was closed and bolted at night. Open the secret room, burn incense and worship in front of the god, and at the same time put a pair of "Lv Zu's divine lottery" so that when you have any doubts, you can ask Lu Zu for advice. When I received a letter from Yuan Shikai that day, I had to ask for a signature, asking if this matter could be done?Not only can it be done, but it must be done quickly; if it is too late, it is too late.Immediately, he asked Zhang Ruiyin if he had any acquaintances in the official department? "What's up?" "It's a friend, Yuan Weiting, who is a bit troublesome." Xu Shichang explained the reason in detail. "This is the selected sentence of the official department." Zhang Ruiyin said: "It's better to find a secretary than a secretary for this kind of matter." "Exactly, Yuan Weiting's notice in the letter is also looking for the book office; I asked if there is any acquaintance, that is to say, is there anyone in the official book office who is friendly enough?" "How can a family like ours have friendship with subordinate officials?" Zhang Ruiyin said, "Let me ask the old cow in the door." Xu Shichang knew that he had made a slip of the tongue, so he blushed and said, "Yes, yes, I was wrong. Please ask Lao Niu for a question?" I brought Lao Niu over and asked, and he said, "We know a man surnamed He very well in the Ministry of Officials' Literature and Selection Department. But I don't know if he's in Beijing?" "What? Where would the office of the Ministry of Officials be if it wasn't in Beijing?" "Old He was originally from Puzhou, Shanxi. I heard that he was going to ask for leave to go back to his hometown to visit the grave a while ago. I don't know if he has left?" "Go quickly." Zhang Ruiyin said, "See if He Shuban is here? If he is, just tell him that there is such a thing." Xu Shichang told Lao Niu the whole story of this matter, and asked Lao Niu to discuss it.This is a matter of kickbacks, Lao Niu was very obsequious, and then went to He Shuban to negotiate.Tonight came back and said, "It's dangerous!" The old cow said, "It's only one step away, the luggage is all on the bus, and we will leave early tomorrow morning." "Oh, you talked to him?" "yes." "Is there a way?" "Why can't they do anything?" Lao Niu laughed and said, "I'm afraid that the 'dishes' won't agree." "What's the 'handicap' he opened?" Zhang Ruiyin asked. "He Shuban said that once this matter comes in and out, it has a great relationship. If Mr. Yuan's Zhongshu hasn't left his natal family, not only will he be promoted to a colleague without talking about it, but he will also be investigated for why his qualifications do not match, then he is not from the Ministry of Officials. It's over." "It's not about the Ministry of Officials," Xu Shichang asked, "Which department is it about?" "The Ministry of Punishment." "What a guy!" Xu Shichang was taken aback, "We need to be punished!" "That's what he said, we can't listen to him all. However, Master Yuan just has this shortcoming and we must ask him, so we have to listen to him speak loudly." Already." "How much?" "two thousand." It was just half of the difference; Xu Shichang looked distressed, and handed Yuan Shikai's letter to Zhang Ruiyin to read. After reading the letter, Zhang Ruiyin asked: "Old Niu, did he tell you? What is the solution?" "Eldest young master, do you think, will he tell me? I stared and asked for a long time, but he only said to me: 'It's not difficult, but I told you, you can't do it. .” "Okay, let's talk to him about the plate, and give him half at most." Zhang Ruiyin said again: "Master Xu's friend is not an outsider." At this time, it is a hint to Lao Niu not to wear a hat indiscriminately: "Yes! Since the young master told me, I will try my best to do it." Lao Niu said again: "I have to talk to He Shuban overnight, otherwise he will leave at dawn people." The deal was settled overnight at 1,200 taels of silver; half of it was paid first, and the other half was paid when the deal was completed.Xu Shichang went to Tianjin the next day, went to the Beiyang Public Office to take out the 1,000 taels of silver, and kept it in the Fukangfu Bank. He first printed a note of 600 taels and handed it to Zhang Ruiyin. Zhang Ruiyin was also very considerate in handling affairs, so he called Lao Niu and said, "You'd better make an appointment with He Shuban, and everyone will gong and drum to explain to each other face to face. I'm afraid that if something goes wrong, Master Xu will also have a plan for Master Yuan." Confession." "yes." Lao Niu went to make an appointment with He Shuban to meet at a restaurant.The status of the subordinate staff in the ministry is very low. Although they dress more exquisitely than dudes, they call Zhang Ruiyin "Elder Young Master" when they meet Zhang Ruiyin and "Master Xu" to Xu Shichang.