Chapter 6 Chapter 3 (1-2)

On this day, Xiao Wang was placed in a temporarily furnished guest room, and Liu Bucai still slept in his own bedroom, which was in the same courtyard as Chen Shifa's room, but the size was different.Every night when Chen Shifa came back from his camp tour to eat snacks, he always asked Liu Bucai to accompany him, and this day was no exception, and the time was very early, because Liu Bucai was leaving for Shanghai tomorrow on business, so he had to have something to talk about. "Inspection!" Liu Bucai said as soon as he opened his mouth, "I want to leave the day after tomorrow. Let the surname Wang go to Jiaxing to have a look tomorrow. If the gun buried there is still working, we will get it out. , anyway, my friend is considered to be scrapped, so he can buy it at the price of scrap metal, wouldn't it be a double benefit?"

"Not bad, not bad! This brain is moving well." "Since you agreed, send him a 'waving note' tomorrow, telling him to come back that day." "Can." "We'll leave early the day after tomorrow. I'll be back in about three days. I'll take care of it, and you won't suffer any losses. However, inspector, I have something to say. I shouldn't have asked, and I'd be sad if I didn't ask." Liu Bucai Glancing at him, he said solemnly, "I also know a little about physiognomy. According to your physiognomy, you can succeed in youth, but you are too evil. How old are you this year?"

"I am twenty-two this year." "In this way, there will be a pass next year. I'm afraid this pass will be very sad. If you pass the pass safely, you will have smooth sailing in the future and you will have great luck for 30 years." Liu Bucai asked himself and said, "Why do I ask this question?" What about words? Because you value me, I have to repay you, and I want to help you pass this test." Chen Shifa was terrified and moved, "Mr. Liu, I am also destined to you." He asked solemnly: "You said that I will have a pass next year. Of course it will be a difficult one. How can you help me get through it?"

"I can't say it yet, but if I pay attention early, there will always be a way to think about it. When it comes to physiognomy, I have another saying, the so-called 'cultivate the mind and complement the physiognomy'. If you can do one or two things to accumulate virtue, your destiny will be natural." It will change, turn bad luck into good luck, and turn bad luck into good luck. I said there was something I wanted to ask, but I dared not ask, but I had to ask it, because it was related to your passing the test. Inspections, words can’t be kept on the lips, Let me ask you, what are you doing with so many guns?"

"Isn't this easy to understand? Since we are at war, the more strength we have, the better." "It doesn't matter if it's just fighting. You can't talk about committing crimes if you work hard on the battlefield. It's just that there are too many guns. Don't let the common people suffer. This trip to Shanghai, ask someone to stand in a row for you. Look among the five elements, where can there be help?" "Okay!" Chen Shifa immediately reported his birthday, and Liu Bucai took a piece of paper to write it down, and put it in his pocket.

The serious conversation came to an end here, and Chen Shifa began to drink in silence. What he drank was the local wine that was turbid like rice slops—the rice produced in Songjiang Prefecture, and almost every family brewed this so-called "turbid mash" described by literati. The sweetness is like wine brewed with juice. It is very easy to drink, but it has a strong aftertaste. When you know something is wrong and want to stop your hand, the alcoholic nature has already occurred, and you often don't know when you are drunk.Liu Bucai was cheated by the old master in Songjiang once, and he was quite wary, but Chen Shifa didn't care much, he drank one sip after another, and after drinking, he often sighed, as if he was depressed.This is why Liu Bucai said that he was "tired of long hair".

It is inconvenient to ask two days ago, but this night is different.As soon as Xiao Wang arrived, their friendship took a step forward, and it was a big step. It was naturally not presumptuous to ask Chen Shifa about his past. "Inspection!" He said in a very earnest voice, "I've been drinking with you for the past few days, and I always see that you are unhappy, and I think you have something on your mind. Can you talk to me? Or I can do you a favor and go out for you. an idea." "I'm afraid you can't help me with this. You don't know what's on my mind, but it doesn't matter if I talk to you. Let me talk about my background first."

When Chen Shifa voted for Changmao, he was still a "little trick". He was under the subordinate of "Wing King" Shi Dakai, and was promoted from a personal soldier under the account to a general of partial benefit.In the sixth year of Xianfeng, there was internal strife in "Tianjing", Yang Xiuqing and Wei Changhui reported their grievances, and hacked and killed endlessly. This winter, Shi Dakai returned to his teacher to quell the chaos. Unexpectedly, in less than half a year, the situation changed drastically, because the "kins and nobles" and the group of young people were jealous of meritorious talents and pushed them out.The most jealous of Shi Dakai is none other than the two brothers of "Heavenly King" Hong Xiuquan, one is Hong Renfa who was originally named King An, and the other is Hong Renda who was originally named King Fu.

These two "kings" were originally ignorant and foolish. They never dreamed that there would be a day when they were so dignified.When I looked down on myself, I thought that others might also look down on him. This thought lay in my chest, and I felt very uncomfortable. What I thought about in my heart was how to teach others not to look down on myself? So a group of villains just took advantage of their mentality to attack Shi Dakai, and the two troubled brothers went forward every day to slander Hong Xiu, making alarmist statements, saying that Shi Dakai's power was too heavy, and one day Wei Yang's successor would seize power and rebel.Once the climate has been established, no one can control it, but to wait for death, it is better to eliminate it early.

Hong Xiuquan heard too many slanderous words, and he was suspicious and fearful, but he couldn't find a way to control him, so he could only gradually alienate him.Seeing this scene, Shi Dakai felt chills in his heart, knowing that this person could not share important matters, so he decided to go far away to Western Sichuan and start a career by himself. He crossed the river to the north in May of the seventh year of Xianfeng, and almost all the direct line troops along the river in southern Anhui were taken away. At that time, Chen Shifa was already on patrol. Later, because of different factions, he was discriminated against everywhere. In the past few years, he has been transferred and transferred, and he has suffered a lot, and he has no chance of being promoted to an "official".

"According to my qualifications, even if the 'sixth-class nobleman' can't be flattered, I should at least be a 'general'! Damn, they all see me as a member of King Yi, and they insist on suppressing me. It doesn't matter if you don't get promoted, I can't swallow this breath." Chen Shifa angrily punched the table, shaking the wine bowl into the air. Contrary to Chen Shifa's agitation, Liu Bucai remained surprisingly calm, because he revealed his secret, there was nothing to scare people, and nothing to make people nervous. "Inspection—" "Don't call me an inspector!" Chen Shifa almost roared, "Which one wants to be an inspector? You can call me Shifa, or Lao Chen." "Respect is worse than obedience. But the system must not be ignored. After all, you have a lot of brothers with you." Liu Bucai said calmly, "We are all addressed as Mr. Mr. Chen, take another sip of wine and be sure, we are so slow." Talk slowly and carefully." The last two sentences sounded meaningful, and Chen Shifa did exactly what he said.Taking a sip of wine, panting slightly, waiting for Liu Bucai to speak. "Mr. Chen, you want to buy these guns, there must be some other reason?" "That's right!" Chen Shifa replied, "I have other reasons." What is the reason? Only Liu Bucai can guess for himself.This leaves room for speech. But it's not appropriate to go too far, but if you ask this question, if you don't explain it, it's obviously not a smart attitude.So he nodded and said, "I guess you have some other reason. If you don't tell me, I don't have to ask. As time goes on, you will always let me know. Isn't it?" "Yes. I still want to discuss it with you after the matter is settled." Chen Shifa paused for a moment and said, "Mr. Liu, there is a lot of information on the Yichang in Shanghai. I would like to ask you to inquire about someone for me." "Which one?" "Yiwang." Chen Shifa said sadly, "earlier I heard that he was in Guangxi. He was suffering from no food and no pay. Many people pulled a team and went to Zhongwang. Now I don't know where he is. Mr. Liu, please find out the whereabouts for me." What he said also showed his intention, he had the old master in his heart, and wanted to go for refuge.From this point of view, Chen Shifa is really a chivalrous man with a bloody spirit. Since I have had this extraordinary encounter with him, it is the only way to be a human being to devote my heart to him.So he solemnly agreed: "I don't know if I can find out, can't I find out? After all, it must be dealt with as a major matter. If I can't find out this time, I will ask someone. Sooner or later, there will be definite information." "Please!" Chen Shifa raised his glass and said, "Mr. Liu, I was really lucky to meet you." "I hope so! I hope you are out of luck!" Liu Bucai vaguely hoped to wake him up. ＊＊＊ Early the next morning, Liu Bucai completed the "waving paper" and handed it over to Xiao Wang. Chen Shifa wanted to get a horse for him, but Liu Bucai didn't want to, because at this time a horse is an extremely precious thing, and if you don't meet it, you can't buy it. The reasonable long hair is taken away by force, and it will make him have to travel a long distance, which is worse than taking a boat. "Mr. Chen," Liu Bucai felt that he no longer had to be as scrupled as before, and asked frankly, "I want to give him a ride." "It's up to you. Or you can simply get a 'waving paper' and go to Jiaxing with him." This is not good!But then I asked myself, Chen Shifa would think, is this necessary?No.Then it is inappropriate to make mistakes, so he smiled and replied: "No need! What's the point of going for no reason?" So Liu Bucai sent Xiao Wang to the boat, unloaded a "Tianhuang" ring with his name engraved on it as a token, and asked him to go to Jiaxing to find Sun Xiangtai.At the same time, it was explained that they were post-changing brothers, so they had nothing to say to Sun Xiangtai about Liu Bucai's situation.There are only two things he wants to tell Sun Xiangtai. First, tell the Zhu family to rest assured that they will be able to go to Shanghai in the near future; By boat, use it anytime. ＊＊＊ At noon the next day, Xiao Wang returned to Jinshanwei by boat.He told Chen Shifa a lie, saying that a batch of firearms buried in Jiaxing had been damaged unexpectedly, and he thought they could still be usable after sorting out, but they were so rusted that he couldn't be caught off guard. "Forget it then! Please leave tomorrow, both of you." Chen Shifa said briskly, "I hope you will bring something with you when you come back. My things are ready-made, Mr. Liu, you can copy a list and take them with you. " There are many things.The catalog of calligraphy and painting is relatively easy. Jewelry needs to be checked for quantity and quality.How big is it, how small is it?What about brilliance?All must be checked one by one.Chen Shifa was very generous, he first asked Xiao Wang to help, then he simply walked out and left it to Liu Bucai. At this time, Xiao Wang can talk about his trip to Jiaxing.He said that he met Sun Xiangtai in a nunnery, which aroused Liu Bucai's interest. There are many young nuns in Jiaxing.According to Boss Sun, the head teacher is his cousin. "Then why does he live in a nunnery?" "I'm also surprised." Xiao Wang replied, "Go to the tea shop you mentioned first to inquire about it. A very handsome young man asked me about my background. , I had something to say in person. At the same time, he showed him the ring, and he said he knew the ring, but he couldn’t take me there for a while. He found someone to accompany me to dinner, and he didn’t take me to the nunnery until the next half day. Boss Sun seemed to be Avoid anyone." These few words made Liu Bucai quite uneasy. He thought of Sun Xiangtai's disputes in the gang, and it seemed that someone was seeking revenge, so his behavior was so secretive.But it is inconvenient and useless to talk about it with Xiao Wang, so I have to keep it in my heart first. "I told him both things. He also asked about your situation. After talking for a long time, he said, Zhu's family is very safe, and he just misses you. As for preparing a boat, it is very convenient, and it is available at any time. In a few months, he may have to leave Jiaxing. If you pick up the Zhu family members within five days, you can meet them face to face, otherwise, you can find one of his apprentices, named Ye Zhenfeng, and he will arrange everything." "Yeah!" Liu Bucai frowned and said, "It's best to be able to take care of it in five days. We'll leave early tomorrow, and we'll be back right away once we've made an agreement." Speaking of this, people were already seen outside the window, so they both shut up and hurriedly counted things until the evening.Chen Shifa also bought wine as a farewell party, and he begged heavily, and at dawn the next day, he personally sent them on board, and with smooth sailing, they arrived in Shanghai at noon that day. When they arrived at Desun's house, the master, his wife and Zhu Daqi were waiting there, waiting for Xiao Wang, and seeing him return safely, he felt relieved.Seeing Liu Bucai again was even more unexpected. Everyone knew that the third master was born and died in the long-haired den, so they gathered around and listened to his stories. Liu Bucai was like a general who returned to court after victory, full of ambition and high spirits He even talked about how he convinced Chen Shifa wisely, and he forgot about the time when he talked about it. It was not until it was dark that Aunt Zhu drove away all the servants, and asked Liu Bucai to take a rest first, and talk about business after dinner. It's better to talk about secrets than business.Liu Bucai had been gone for only three months, but the extraordinary experience was more than half his life.From the dining room to Sun Ziqing's study, even if the irrelevant branches and leaves are deleted, it is also talked about in the middle of the night, so that the listeners can get the outline. "It's like the Classic of Mountains and Seas," Grandma Zhu rubbed her eyes and smiled, "Uncle Liu, if you survive a catastrophe, you will have future blessings. Congratulations!" "It all depends on a good match." Liu Bucai pointed to Xiao Wang and said, "Like him! Fortunately, he was sent here. If he is a little inflexible, he will show his feet and everything will be over! Old Sun, our little brother, is capable. Very, you can be on your own." "Yeah, yum!" Sun Ziqing was also deeply satisfied, "There is always a chance to be alone." "How are you guys doing? Let's talk tomorrow, or should we go to bed after supper?" Aunt Zhu interrupted and asked. "The two of them are tired." Zhu Daqi said, "Let's talk tomorrow, talk tomorrow!" Liu Bucai and Xiao Wang were also really tired. After eating supper and having two glasses of wine, they felt that their eyelids were heavy and drowsy.On this day, both of them slept at Sun's house. Zhu Daqi and Sun Ziqing were not sleepy yet, they had to go to bed at two o'clock in the middle of the night every day, and after listening to Liu Bucai's many words in their hearts, they were very excited, so naturally they wanted to continue talking. "Old grandson," Zhu Daqi asked, "what do you think?" This question was so confusing that no one could answer it. Sun Ziqing was stunned for a long time before he could sort out what Liu Bucai said. Come on, and get the hang of it. "We have three approaches to this matter. Baojuan will definitely be able to take it back. If this is the only goal, we will directly negotiate with Chen Shifa. We will send him as many guns and bullets as the condition is that he is responsible for escorting Baojuan. To Shanghai. That's one." Sun Ziqing paused and said, "Secondly, we really do business with him. We can 'wear a hat' on the price of the gun. His batch of jewelry, antiques, calligraphy and paintings are worth the price of the gun. Of course, we can estimate the price. It’s a good deal to make money at both ends. But let Shanghai Dao know about it, and it’s a lot of trouble, it all depends on your wrist.” Having said this, he stopped to see what Zhu Daqi said. Obviously, Sun Ziqing planned to use it. This approach. "Didn't you say there are three ways? What about the third?" "The third thing is to do a big job. That is to follow Liu Sanshu's approach and find a way to pull Chen Shifa over. However, first, you have to explain it to Shanghai Dao; second, it seems that Chen Shifa is a small character, so you pull him over , doesn't seem to make any sense." "That's not the case! Chen Shifa is a lint. Since he can hold on to the lint, of course he can't let it go immediately." "You mean, pull the line from Chen Shifa further up?" "I think so, why don't we do it, or make it bigger if we do it." "This is the fourth method." Sun Ziqing asked very attentively: "Little uncle, tell me first." "I'm thinking, no matter if you're doing silk business or opening a bank, if Hangzhou is not restored, it will always be stagnant. So what I mean is to help the government and army clear Zhejiang first." This tone was too loud, Sun Ziqing couldn't praise him, he just stared at Zhu Daqi blankly, waiting for him to say more. "You know about Jiangsu. Li Jianhua in Anqing has already recruited a soldier, and they are about to arrive—" Li Guanguan refers to Li Hongzhang of Shao Dao in Yanjian, Fujian.With the help of Cheng Xueqi, he recruited Liu Mingchuan, Zhou Shengbo, Zhang Shusheng, Pan Dingxin and others who were running regiments in various places in Anhui. He led his troops, a total of 9,000 people, and gathered in Anqing. It is called "Huaiyong", also known as "Huaijun".At the same time, the gentlemen from Jiangsu in Shanghai had already collected enough 180,000 taels of silver to hire British ships to transport troops eastward to Anqing.This matter has been discussed for a long time, and Sun Ziqing is aware of it, but there is an obstacle in it, fearing that the British ship will be attacked by the Taiping army on the way down the river, so it has been delayed. Now that Zhu Daqi said it was "coming soon", Sun Ziqing couldn't help being surprised, so he interrupted Zhu Daqi, expressing doubts: "Not necessarily! Little uncle, do you have any new news?" "Yes. I only heard the news yesterday afternoon that Admiral Ho Bo of the British Navy has agreed to send British warships to protect the troop carrier. The first ship will be sailing in about two or three days." Sun Ziqing still didn't believe the news from foreigners, and he was quite well informed, but he hadn't heard of it, so he asked again: "Where did the little uncle get the news?" "Wu Guan told me personally." The Wu Guan in his mouth refers to Wu Xu from Shanghai Road. This person is from Qiantang County, Hangzhou Prefecture. Adding care is friendly.What he told Zhu Daqi was naturally reliable, and Sun Ziqing had to believe it. "Wu Guan also told me that Zuo Zhongcheng had already led troops into the border of Zhejiang, and Suian was conquered half a month ago." Zhu Daqi said again, "The situation is clearly changing. The long hair depends on Li Xiucheng. People, no matter how great their skills are, they are useless. According to my opinion, Hangzhou can be recovered in only a year or so—” "Little uncle," Sun Ziqing couldn't help objecting again: "You are too optimistic." "I haven't finished talking yet." Zhu Daqi replied calmly: "I said that the recovery in a year and a half is for everyone to work together. Like Jiangsu, if everyone hadn't collected 180,000 silver, the Huai army would not have been able to reach Shanghai, and everything would be out of the question." The situation in Zhejiang is of course the same. Fighting wars is a matter for the officers and soldiers, and raising wages and food is a matter for the local government. In Zhejiang, no one has thought that they should prepare to meet Zuo Zhongcheng’s officers and troops early. This matter , I want to do it, and if it succeeds, there will naturally be many benefits." The advantage is doing business, of course Sun Ziqing understands.However, the matter was too serious, and he was afraid that Zhu Daqi would not be strong enough, and he would not be able to finish the fight, so he had to remind him. "Our Sanye Liu's two moves in Hangzhou are really amazing!" Zhu Daqi said with his thumb up, "When doing big things, people are the first thing you need, and money is the second. Liu Sanye is very different from the past. ! Just because of someone like him, I can do this important task of helping the officers and soldiers recover Hangzhou. But, Old Sun, I cannot do without you and Fifth Brother. What do you say?" These two people are indispensable, one contributes money and the other contributes, what can Sun Ziqing say?Naturally, he agreed without hesitation: "Little uncle, you don't need to ask." "I always have to ask a question." Zhu Daqi said, "I have asked you before I can let go of things. Old Sun, we are doing business while doing business." So Zhu Daqi talked about business again.He thinks that there are three kinds of business that are easy to do right now. The first one is to follow the plan that Liu Bucai negotiated in Hangzhou, and Sun Xiangtai will sell Yangguang groceries for the advance capital, but the scale must be large.Zhu Daqi usually pays attention to the market conditions in various places. Changmao occupies a place, and generally sets up a "buy and sell street" outside the city to absorb all kinds of daily necessities. The quantity is always limited. If you can deliver the goods first and collect the payment later, your business will be bigger and your profits will naturally be higher. Sun Ziqing found this idea unacceptable, "Little uncle, the world is in turmoil, the years are famine, and the turmoil is turbulent. How do you do business with debts?" He asked, "After the goods are shipped, no one can be found. Where can I collect the money?" "Otherwise!" Zhu Daqi said, "People always want to live and work in peace and contentment. If the situation can be settled, they will do business well. Unless it is absolutely necessary, they will not dismantle bad debts. As for bad debts, there are always business. Before shipping, we always have to inquire about the credit of others. Another layer, we do this, from Shanghai to Hangzhou, it means that there are our "manager" people at every wharf along the road. Not only is it convenient to respond, but also well-informed. Clear up, do whatever business you want, with these piers as your foundation, think about it, who can beat us in terms of momentum?" This long-term and far-reaching idea aroused Sun Ziqing's ambition, and he couldn't help but blurted out: "Alright! I will plan this matter." "Then it would be great." Zhu Daqi said happily, "The second business is to do our own business. The situation is certain, those who farm the fields still need to farm, those who pick tea still need to pick tea, and those who raise silkworms still need to do it. Raising silkworms. Otherwise, how will we live in the future? Don’t you think so?” "I understand!" Sun Ziqing replied, "You mean, we still collect tea and shreds?" "That's right. We still accept it, and we can still lend money, or first credit Yangguang groceries to them to offset the future tea price and silk price. As for the shipment to Shanghai, there is Sun Xiangtai's ship, and it is just right to use it when we return." Sun Ziqing was very excited when he said it clearly and logically. After thinking about it for a while, he felt that there was a huge obstacle, "Little uncle," he said, "now it is a 'war between the two countries'. If you want to pass without hindrance, you have to do it No. Even if it makes sense on our side; Long Mao can allow you to do business, but it’s difficult to keep it?" "Of course there will be difficulties. Find a way to overcome them. If you can overcome them, the business will be yours and the money will be yours alone. If there are no difficulties and everyone can do it, the benefits of this kind of business must be limited." "That's a good word." Sun Ziqing felt that Zhu Daqi would inevitably be suspected of singing high-profile, and was slightly disgusted, so he stabbed him: "I understand, and I can say it too!" "Of course you can't just talk and don't do it. The road is made by people. As long as the direction is clear, the road can also be walked." The "direction" mentioned by Zhu Daqi only needs to start with Chang Mao, who is in charge of civil affairs in Zhejiang.The long hair has occupied the territory, of course I also hope that the place will be stable and the market will be prosperous, but the two items of silk tea are bound to be unsalable, because if the coarse rice is not available, how can there be a pleasure of drinking tea? Wearing satin?Therefore, Changmao must find a way out for silk tea. "The area occupied by Changmao is short of food. If they exchange food for silk tea, they will be happy. Old Sun, put yourself in your shoes, are you willing to make such a deal?" Sun Ziqing was persuaded again, but, "What about us?" He asked, "If Zhang Ming obviously does business with Chang Mao, the officials may have to keep talking." "There are tricky ways to do this. The first is to do business with the common people. As long as Changmao acquiesces and secretly informs them that the checkpoint on the other side is allowed to pass, we can turn a blind eye to it. Besides, silk tea is exported, so The market in Shanghai is beneficial, and it is easier to raise wages, so why bother? Second—” Zhu Daqi suddenly paused, and then spoke again after a pause, “I won’t talk about the second method, I hope it won’t be used.” That is to say, if you don't use it, it will be effective if you use it.Of course Sun Ziqing wants to hear what the solution is.Urging Zhu Daqi to continue. "This method is used as a last resort. It is worthless to put it bluntly: find a foreigner to come forward." Really, it's not worth a penny to put it bluntly, but even someone like Sun Ziqing, who often deals with foreigners, never thought of this move.The valuable thing is that others can't think of it, but Zhu Daqi can think of it. "Actually, it's not impossible." Sun Ziqing had a different opinion on this aspect, "If we have negotiated with a foreign company, how much silk and how much tea will be sold to them, we will make it clear before negotiating the contract that the goods will be delivered in the interior. Let them go down to receive the goods under the flag of their own country. This is not counting on us relying on the power of foreigners." "This is nothing more than lying to myself." Zhu Daqi said frankly, "If the goods are delivered in the mainland, of course you will suffer a loss in terms of price. It would be best not to go this far.Now let me talk about the third business. This business has a lot of potential, but I can't justify it in conscience. It seems to be taking advantage of the fire.So, let me take it easy. " Sun Ziqing was listening with great interest, but Zhu Daqi's almost trickery made Sun Ziqing feel itchy, "Speak, say!" He urged repeatedly: "Speak up." "If you want me to say it, I'll say it. I've always thought about the first two businesses, but this kind of business came up on the spur of the moment after Mr. Liu went." Zhu Daqi's face was slightly sad: "How many people have been in the past few years?" , the family is ruined, the calligraphy, paintings and antiques accumulated for several generations are scattered outside, and the teacher's long hair is ruined. It's a pity to think about it. Like Chen Shifa, he is still a caring person who knows the goods—" "Ah, ah!" Sun Ziqing jumped up, "Little uncle, I must do this kind of business. This is not taking advantage of the fire, it is a matter of cherishing cultural relics, benefiting oneself and others, and benefiting both. Why can't we do it?" "Of course you can do it, but I would like to ask you, do you understand calligraphy and painting, antiques, and ancient books." Zhu Daqi said, "We have been together for several years, and it seems that I have never heard of it. You are an expert in this field." "It doesn't matter if I'm not an expert, I can ask others for advice." "That's not so good. We in Hangzhou call this group of people 'antique ghosts'. Almost none of those who play with antique calligraphy and paintings know how to be scheming. If the fake is true, the real will be false—" "Come on, come on! Little uncle, it's taken for granted by them to tell the truth, so why do you say it's not true?" "You are really smart all your life, and you were ignorant for a while, and you can't even figure this out." Zhu Daqi smiled and said: "It's true that it's a lie, of course you don't want it, he can get it." "Ah, ah!" Sun Ziqing suddenly realized, dazed for a while, and then said calmly, "It is useless to ask a fake expert for advice, but I am afraid that he will deceive me if I ask a real expert. This is difficult!" "That's it. This business is not done by laymen. That's the reason. But as it is now, you have a way. Fortunately, when laymen meet laymen, your price is not high, and the other party will not be too big." Open your mouth, no matter good or bad, collect a large number of them, and slowly dig for gold in the sand, there will always be a few good things." Sun Ziqing thought about it for a while, and replied happily: "Little uncle, that's not bad. Fortunately, I don't take it as a serious business, but to preserve cultural relics. Take it away, arrange it, frame it, and invite a few more people to see it." Look, if the price is right, sell it, or keep it for yourself.” "With this way of thinking, there will be no worries. Our business is still on the first and second items. I will have a detailed discussion with Mr. Liu tomorrow, and it will be a foregone conclusion." ＊＊＊ The next day, the four of them worked in two groups. Sun Ziqing and Xiao Wang went to find foreigners who sold arms. Zhu Daqi and Liu Bucai planned at home how to start from Songjiang, go to Jiaxing and Haining to Hangzhou, and form a line to help them. The government and the army counterattacked, and they could do business on their own.This is an extremely difficult arrangement with a lot of thoughts, and of course it is not possible to reach a conclusion in a day and a half. In contrast, what Sun Ziqing handled was much easier.The foreigners have already negotiated, according to the amount Chen Shifa wants, buy two hundred long guns and one hundred short guns, half in stock and half in futures. "Now it depends on how to get there." Sun Ziqing said, "Wal's team has changed its name to the 'Ever Victory Army'. Recently, they have been strictly checked at the checkpoints. They want to smuggle them out of the small river. It’s dangerous. Hiring a British escort will cost you extra, and the rumors will be too loud, which will harm Chen Shifa. Uncle, what do you think is a good way?” "Think slowly, there is always a way." Zhu Daqi said, "I was discussing with the third master just now, and I want to invite Chen Shifa to come to Shanghai and have a face-to-face talk." This idea is almost bizarre. "Will he come?" Sun Ziqing asked, "Is he not afraid of getting stuck here?" "He can trust me." Liu Bucai said, "If he really doesn't believe it, let's keep someone there as a pawn." "I'll go!" Xiao Wang blurted out, "I'll be the bet there." "If you are willing to go, there is nothing better." Liu Bucai said again, "However, I wonder if Chen Shifa has other scruples? If he is willing to come and dare to come, things will be much easier." "The so-called "scrupulousness" and the so-called "dare to come" are to put ourselves in Chen Shifa's shoes. His "official rank" is not high, and he has been excluded all the time. Naturally, he must be cautious in his actions. If you came to Yichang privately, someone might inform you, and it would be a very serious crime to investigate. Therefore, did Chen Shifa "dare to come" without such "scruples"?No one can say for sure, for the current plan, the only way is to return to the original topic and study how to transport the batch of long and short guns out of the checkpoint? "There are two paths to this matter. I will take one path, and it will work, but the time is relatively slow, and it is best for Chen Shifa to come." Zhu Daqi paused and said: "There is another path, which is to It is imperative to ask Boss Songjiang for advice. Only he can play tricks on the waterway." "Boss went to see friends in Pudong. I don't know if I can come back tonight. What if I can't?" Sun Ziqing asked, "Little uncle, how long will it take for your road to work?" "Maybe, it will take at least ten days." Zhu Daqi intentionally put aside a fortune and asked for everyone's opinions: "Should I wait a few more days and go after I'm done, or go and inform Chen Shifa first, tell him the difficulties, and ask him Wait patiently?" At this level, there are different opinions. Liu Bucai thinks that the time interval is too long, and the nights are long and dreamy, which is very inappropriate; while Sun Ziqing thinks that it is a practical explanation to win people's trust.When it came to the end, Zhu Daqi still had to make the decision. He didn't say exactly.Because he has another idea, and this idea has a lot to do with it, and it will take a while to think about it. "Let's not talk about it for now! Let's relax our minds, where should we go to play?" Sun Ziqing echoed Zhu Daqi's opinion, "Receiving the wind for Liu Sanshu is also suppressing Liu Sanshu's surprise." He said, "I will invite Liu Sanshu to have flower wine!" "It should be said that way," Zhu Daqi said with a smile, "It's a celebration for the third master." "No!" Liu Bucai patted Xiao Wang on the shoulder and said, "It's to reward our little brother." "Whatever it is?" All of a sudden, Aunt Zhu flashed out from an oriental screen and interjected, "Please ask Third Uncle Liu to have a good time. He's been suffering too much for a while. But don't spoil Xiao Wang." , he will ask for marriage at the end of this year." "What's the harm in acting on the occasion?" Sun Ziqing was afraid of spoiling Xiao Wang's interest, so he hurriedly said this, and then broke the words: "Uncle Liu, please choose a place." According to the rules, since Sun Ziqing treats guests, it is naturally at his "account", but Liu Bucai is very alert and refuses to say so.Because although Aunt Zhu's husband and wife are as happy as a man, she never interferes with her husband's entertainment in the entertainment venue, but she is jealous, which is an example through the ages, so it is better to be cautious. "Hurry up!" Sun Ziqing urged again. Liu Bucai had a thought, "If you want me to say it, I will say it. However, you have to do what I say." He said, "Otherwise, I don't need to speak." "It's up to you. Say it!" "Xiao Wang mentioned Xiao Guifang the other day, so I wanted to go see her." "Xiao Guifang?" Sun Ziqing said, "Yaoer's place is not as good as Changsan's. Uncle Liu, you're called Bureau, isn't it the same?" Zhu Daqi understood the meaning of the two of them, one was to praise Xiao Guifang, and the other was because he was the host and felt that Yao Er was unavoidable.But since good friends get together, look at flowers and drink wine, he thinks suitability is the main thing, so he made an arbitration: "According to the third master! Let's go to Xiao Guifang." Xiao Guifang's place is called Yanhong Courtyard, and Sun Ziqing has also been here, but he has never been a master here.Since it was to cater to Liu Bucai's wishes and to support Xiao Guifang, there was no need to pick someone first, and he would sit in Xiao Guifang's room first, but first of all, he declared that everything was his treat. This is a rare example in Huanchang, and it is considered a matter of face for Liu Bucai and Xiao Guifang.Xiao Guifang has a very special temper. She is usually taciturn, but when she meets Xinglai, she speaks witty words like pearls and eloquently. At this time, when she reunites with Liu Bucai after a long absence, she feels a little strange, so she looks reserved and doesn't talk much.But that "family" is a well-spoken and slick person, knowing that Sun Ziqing is a wealthy guest, and Zhu Daqi has a good temper and a lot of money, and is a first-class good guest, so he tried his best to curry favor with him, and the entertainment was impenetrable. "I really didn't expect Mr. Liu to come!" She pointed to Xiao Guifang and said, "In the little Ayuan's house, a big lantern was made last night. Everyone said that there will be a happy event. As expected, all the masters are here today. Mr. Liu," she said while unloading Liu Bucai's jacket, looked up at him, and said with great concern, "Why don't you come here for a long time? You've lost weight!" "It's because you little Ayuan wants to lose weight." Sun Ziqing smiled, "Let's gossip, I'm hungry, 'set the table'." The full table is called "setting the table", and the half table is called "light meal".本家听说“摆台面”，自然格外地笑逐颜开，一眼看见大小姐捧来的瓜子水果，立刻便说：“水果碟子拿回去，换外国苹果来！” 接着又张罗茶水，摆上烟盘，拿过一叠请帖和局票来，孙子卿便问：“刘三叔，要不要请两个朋友来？” “请一个。”刘不才答说：“把黄胖请了来。” 黄胖自然姓黄，但胖是虚肿，他生过一场黄胆病，一直不曾痊愈，因而得了个外号叫做“黄胖”。此人是个朱大器所说的“古董鬼”，但鬼得很上路，对好朋友他就有一句话挂在口边：“兔子不吃窝边草。”刘不才要请他的意思，孙子卿当然明白，但就因为深知黄胖的为人，所以不加阻拦。 于是小王执笔，信手挥道：“飞请黄胖老爷速驾艳红院一叙。”写完，交“相帮”立刻送出。 “叫局了！”孙子卿说，“小阿媛举荐吧！” “慢慢！”朱大器说，“等开席再叫，也还不迟。让三爷跟小阿媛叙叙，我跟你躺躺烟盘。” 于是孙子卿跟朱大器隔着烟灯对面躺下，小王端张凳子坐在烟榻前面听他们谈话——谈的自然是正事，就这一路来，朱大器将他要走的那条路想停当了。 “我明天去看吴观察。”他说，“这件事，我们要走大路。” 所谓“走大路”，照朱大器的解释，就是先征得上海道吴煦的同意，秘密进行策动陈世发反正。这样做法是拿自己的脚步先站稳，一向谨慎细密的孙子卿自然赞成。 不过，他也有疑问：“如果吴观察不同意呢？” “为什么不同意？”朱大器反问一句：“又不要他出钱，而且策反不成，于他亦无害处，何乐不为？” 当然，还有朱大器个人对吴煦的关系，他尚未计算在内。 孙子卿细想一想，果然不错是自己过虑，就不再有何异议了。 “走大路可以省事得多。不过，老孙，交涉还是要你去办，而且要办得很扎实，不能拖泥带水。否则，不但前功尽弃，还有后患。” 在烧着烟玩的孙子卿，听他的语气严重，便放下烟签子，坐起身来，望着朱大器说：“是不是跟洋人办交涉？” “当然。”朱大器说，“虽说走大路，做起来要象走小路的样子，才不会惹人疑心。我的意思是，洋枪仍旧照走私那样，找条僻静的小河浜运出去，我跟吴观察要件公事，你拿了去看华尔，要他关照部下，放一条路。” “这容易。这个交涉我办得了。”孙子卿点点头说：“我懂小叔叔的意思，要跟华尔切切实实讲清楚，他不能干预我们的事，更不能出花样，拿我们当是'向导'，暗底下派人跟踪，去打陈世发。” “对！我就是这个意思。老孙，全局成败的关键，就在这上头，开不得玩笑的。” “洋人说话算话，华尔我跟他打过交道，倒是讲信用的人，就怕他不答应，答应了决无翻悔。” “那就好了！”朱大器矍然而起，“大事已定。我们吃花酒吧！” 这时的小桂芳对刘不才，已经重炽旧情，有说有笑，浑不似初见时的那种所谓“面熟陌生”的光景，当大家商量叫局时，都由她一手安排举荐，当然都出于幺二——妓家的等级甚严，“书寓”的“先生”，一遇“长三”的“校书”，便即离座，同样的，长三除非一年一度的“菊花山”，随客观光以外，平时从不肯出局到幺二，否则就是“失身份”。 幺二比较爽快，不似长三，有许多扭扭捏捏的做作，所以局票一发，纷然而至，各自坐在客人后面，低声请教姓氏，然后自报花名、寓处，有几套笼络客人的甜言蜜语，因人而施。小桂芳举荐给朱大器的，是幺二中的红牌，名字很雅致，叫做黛芬。生得一张瓜子脸，长眉凤眼，气度不俗，而且多才多艺，应酬功夫，更是一等，听朱大器是杭州口音，便谈她四年前随家人到三天竺烧香的情形。说起西湖，向往之情，溢于言表，倒惹得朱大器平添一段乡愁。 正娓娓清谈之际，只听相帮高喊客到，门帘起处，进来一个中年人，一望而知就是黄胖。刘不才起身招呼，随即为朱大器引见，黄胖自道曾经在王有龄那里见过，但朱大器却想不起来了。 提到王有龄，自不免使朱大器伤心，此时此地，这是个不合时宜的话题，做主人的孙子卿，急忙乱以他语，同时向黄胖使个眼色——古董商人最识得眉高眼低，自然能够领会，便转脸去向刘不才寒暄。 “来，来，胖哥！”刘不才将他纳入首座，“先坐下来再说。” “自然是朱观察首座。” “不，不！”孙子卿说，“我们是自己人，胖哥不必客气。” “还有哪位？” “别无外客了。”刘不才答说，“特为请你，是有事跟你叨教。回头再谈。” 黄胖点点头先不多问，坦然入座，也叫了局。于是主客五人，在莺声燕语中，相互酬劝，接着是由黛芬领头奏技，唤进“乌师”来操琴，一个个当筵引吭，唱完了再坐一会，转局而去，台面顿时清冷了下来。 一般的规矩，大抵在此时就要“翻台”，问津他处了。但此夕的情形不同，多不愿另外征歌选色，因而转入把杯清谈之局。 看似闲谈，其实是正事，刘不才不经意地问道：“胖哥，最近收进什么好东西？” “好东西很多，可惜我力量不够。”黄胖问道：“怎么，刘三哥也好此道了？” “附庸风雅而已。不过还没有入门，所以要跟你叨教。”刘不才说，“不晓得字画方面的行情怎么样？” 问到行情，当然是要作些买卖，黄胖见是生意上门，便精神抖擞地答道：“书画的行情最难说，做我们这一行的，真叫做'见人说人话，见鬼说鬼话'，遇着内行是内行的价钱，遇着外行是外行的价钱。说老实话，刘三哥你不算内行，不过，我决不会拿你当外行。你先说，你想要点啥东西？是自己收藏，还是送人？预备了多少钱？拿你的打算，大致跟我说一说，我来替你提调，包你不会吃亏。” “胖哥，你弄错了！”刘不才说，“我是受朋友所托，有一票货色想脱手。不是买，是卖！” “这也好啊！是些什么？” 刘不才身上就揣着从陈世发那里抄来的一份目录，正想取出来，只见孙子卿抛过来一个阻止的眼色，于是便住手说道：“东西很多，一时也说不完，有字画、有古书。” 听得这两句话，黄胖大失所望，因为刘不才的话，说如不说，略想一想说道：“刘三哥，我讲个笑话你听，有一天遇见一位朋友，他跟我说：'看见有人做了一副对子，好极了！'那就念来听听，他说：'是一副五言对。上联记不得了；下联是什么什么春。'一副好对子，我只听了一个字。” “胖哥，罚酒！”刘不才窘笑着说，“你真是北方人说的，骂人不带脏字！” “罚酒、罚酒！”黄胖干了一杯酒，然后追问：“到底是些什么东西？说个一两样来听听，怎么样？” 在此地步，如果不说一两样东西出来，看起来就像不上路的半吊子了。无奈刘不才在这方面的“记性”，比起他的赌来差得远，明明是自己手抄的目录，偏偏急切间一样都想不起——也不是想不起，是想不全，记得画、记不起画的人，记得画的人，却又起不清是怎么样一张画。因而不免发窘。 刘不才发窘是罕见之事，连朱大器都有些为他难过，便作解围之计，故意拿话扯了开去。 “黄兄，”他问，“我们杭州戴文节公的画，你看怎么样？” “好的！”黄胖将拇指一翘，“他的山水本来就好，现在是越发好了。” “戴文节殉节了！怎么说现在越发好？” “就是殉节得好，所以他的画格外值钱。”黄胖说道：“这就叫画以人重！” 听得这话，朱大器深为安慰。一半是因为自己在杭州曾有一番出生入死的经历，一半也因为王有龄的缘故，他总觉得危城殉难的人，应该格外受人敬重。如今照戴熙身后，画名益盛的情形来看，正符所愿，自感欣然。 就这一打岔之间，刘不才已经托词离座，走到僻处，将身上的那张目录掏出来，匆匆看了一眼，回到席面上，黄胖还在滔滔不绝地谈戴熙的山水，赝本甚多，以及如何分辨真假，根本没有注意到他去而复返。 等他讲完，刘不才开口了，“胖哥你刚才要我拿我朋友的好东西，说一两样你听听，那我就稍为谈谈。有部书，孟东野的诗集，是宋版——” “什么？”黄胖将双眼睁得好大，“宋版的孟东野诗集？” “不错！”刘不才极有把握地说，“一点不错。” “我倒不大相信。刘三哥，你倒说说看，上面有那几方图章？” 这又差点将刘不才考倒。凝神细想了一会说：“有个姓仪的，还有个姓安的。” 黄胖听了这话，表情很怪，又惊喜、又困惑，仔细看了看刘不才，眼睛睁得越大，“刘三哥，”他问，“你是不是在寻我的开心？” “怎么叫寻你的开心？” “你是有意考考我，是不是？”黄胖有点气愤，也有点得意，“换了别人，让你考倒了，我黄胖，眼底下，肚子里都还有点东西。你明明是说安仪周的收藏——他收藏的书，每一本三方印；'安岐之印'、'仪周珍藏'、'安麓村藏书印'。你说什么又姓安，又姓仪，真当我两眼漆黑的外行？” 听到这里，朱大器正含了一口酒在口中，忍不住“噗哧”一声，喷了出来——人家姓安、号仪周，刘不才当他是两个人，岂不可笑？ 闹笑话的人，当然也不免暗暗惭愧，不过笑话未曾拆穿，他不在乎，将计就计，顺着黄胖的话说：“你说我考你，就考考你，安仪周是何许样人，你倒说说看！” “他是康熙年间，权相明珠的底下人。是不是？”这一下刘不才又楞住了，一个“底下人”会收藏珍贵的古书？ 这一来，黄胖才知道刘不才根本不知安岐其人。酒到微醺，好逞谈锋，他兴致勃勃地说：“古往今来，有许多奇人；这安岐也好算一个。他不是中国人——” “不是中国人，难道是西洋人。” “刘三叔，”孙子卿拦着他说，“别打岔！听胖哥说下去。” “安岐是高丽人——”安岐是高丽贡使的随从，原来的身份，已不可考。不过“宰相家人七品官”；既在大学士明珠门下，就算本来是高丽的品官，此时当然也只好委屈了。 明珠是康熙中叶的权臣。由于三藩之变，圣祖主张用兵，而朝臣中赞成的不多；所以三藩乱平，圣祖对支持他的主张的少数人，特加重用，明珠就是其中之一。 他的府第在北京地安门外的什刹海，原是前明勋臣的府邸，以后和珅住过，现在是恭亲王府，为京中有名的大宅。 据说这座大宅中有许多窖藏。这是很可能的事，明朝末年的贪渎，昏天黑地，等到李闯进京，勋臣国贼，一时来不及逃，先把积聚的金银，入土埋藏，亦在情理之中。明珠很想掘出这些窖藏之物，却不知如何下手——有一个钞本，上面记着许许多多奇怪的符号和莫名其妙的隐语，相传就是指示窖藏的秘笈。多少人费尽心机，无法参详。 这一本秘笈到了安岐手里，反覆辨识推敲，终于悟出其中奥妙，于是求见明珠的儿子——不知道是不是纳兰性德？自道能够将窖藏掘出来。一试果然，因而大受明珠的宠信。 明珠御下，恩威并济，底下人亦分好几等，有在宅中供奔走使唤的，亦有像汉朝的素封之家那样，蓄僮仆替他经商营运的，安岐自然是后者。 他领了主人的本钱，在天津、扬州两处经营盐业，还掉主人的本钱，加上极优厚的利息，然后自立门户。积资至数百万之多。当时论富，有“北安西亢”之名，西亢是山西亢家，相传李闯进京，占领大内，将明朝列帝积聚的“金花银”，铸成极大的银块，等吴三桂请清兵，山海关前一片石地方，一仗大败，在京城里站不住脚，便带着银块往山西逃，追兵甚急，银块笨重，反为所累，因而将它倾入山谷，为亢家所知，事平捡了个现成，一跃而为巨富。 安岐既富，在天津起了一所巨第，名为“沽水草堂”，他喜欢结纳名士，相传朱竹垞应征“博学鸿词”以后回嘉兴家乡，经过天津，安岐的程仪，一送便是一万两银子。当然，喜欢结纳名士，一定也喜欢收藏字画古董，明末有名的收藏家项子京平生的积聚，便大半归入“沽水草堂”。他字仪周，号麓村，又号松泉老人，凡是他的收藏，一定钤有这些图章，而凡是钤有这些图章的亦必是精品。因为他对此道由外行变成内行，还做了一部书，名为“墨缘汇观”。 这段故事，在座的人都听得津津有味，然而各人的感想不同，朱大器的兴趣不在安岐善于鉴别，而在他善于经商。心中想到，口中便问了。 “老兄对此人的生平，这样子熟悉，佩服之至。不过我倒要请教，他经营盐业，能发几百万两银子的大财，是凭什么？” 黄胖不知他是这样一问，不暇思索，随口答道：“当然是凭本事。” “我知道是凭本事，是啥本事呢？” 这一下将黄胖问住了，然而那是一时想不起——安岐的事迹，他听人谈过许多，只为与本行有关，对安岐在收藏方面的成就，记得相当清楚，此外就要仔细想一想，才能唤起记忆。 于是他一面点点头，表示必有答覆，一面擎杯寻思，慢慢地想到了一些：“我说不大清楚。据说，那时候的盐法，还是沿用明朝的规矩，就像田赋的加派一样，做官的层层剥削，盐上的苛捐杂税多得很，盐民固然苦得很，盐商亦没有多大好处。老百姓吃官盐吃不起，只好吃私盐；盐枭是与国争利，老百姓反而欢迎盐枭，甚至于处处帮助盐枭的忙，替他们多方遮盖，为的好吃便宜的私盐。” 说到这里，朱大器大有所悟，便接口说道：“私盐猖獗，官盐自然滞销，有盐票盐引的正式盐商，生意自然做不开了。安岐一定是在这上头动脑筋。” “着啊！”黄胖有着如遇知音之喜，大为得劲，拍着自己的膝盖说：“安岐就是在这上头动脑筋。他是大盐商，说话有力量，要求改办法，哪些税是公库收入，决不能少；哪些捐是为了盐官要养家活口，可以承认；哪些加派的苛杂病商害民，决不能出。这样一来，毛病减少了好多，官盐的价钱平了下来，虽然还是比不上私盐便宜，但是贩私盐、吃私盐，到底是犯法的，官盐只要吃得起，何苦犯法？于是乎，官盐的销路好了，私枭也少了，盐民生计一苏，国库的收入增多，当然盐商也赚大钱了。” “老兄谈得头头是道，实在佩服。”朱大器很高兴地说：“其实你不干这一行，做别样生意，一定也会出人头地。” “过奖，过奖！哪个不知道朱道台长袖善舞！我是外行，谈生意经，真是班门弄斧了。” “不然！世事洞明皆学问，做生意尤其要多请教，多谈，'谈生意，谈生意'，生意原是谈出来的。”朱大器说，“就像老兄的这番话，在我就受益不浅。我倒也有点小小的心得，不妨说来向老兄请教，像安岐这样子，固然本事是好的，但是如果他没有凭藉，人微言轻，也不会有人听他。我觉得他最难得的一样本事，是不仅仗势，还能用势——用明珠的势力。” “小叔叔看得真透澈！”孙子卿说，“我就在想，安岐的这套想法，是道理之常，为啥别人做不到，他做得到，就是能够乘势的缘故。” “再还有一点心得。这个道理，老孙，我们要好好体会，受用无穷，凡是一样生意，要久、要大，一定要大家有好处。就像安岐那样，改革盐法当中的毛病，朝廷好了，老百姓也好了，这样子再有利可图，是一举三得。朝廷当然支持你，老百姓也乐于跟你交易，真所谓立于不败之地，如何能不发达？” 朱大器谈兴大起，略不稍停又接下去说：“世界上有种人，巧取豪夺，生意只想他一个人做，饭只想他一个人吃，实在是想不穿。如果说'拔一毛而利天下不为'，结局应怎样呢？天下人非把他的毛拔光不可。所以我们以后做生意，务必先要想一想，利国利民而利己，是第一等生意；利国而不害老百姓，或者利民而不违反朝廷功令，是第二等生意；虽不利国利民，也不至于害国病民，是第三等生意；自私自利是末等生意。即使不能做第一等生意，起码要巴结个第二等，第三等生意是没奈何为了养家活口，不妨做一做。至于末等生意，决不可做！” “大学问！”黄胖一半佩服，一半恭维，翘着大拇指说了这一句；便又问道：“我倒请问，世界上那几种是末等生意。” “喏！”刘不才往地上指一指，表示便是这艳红院：“这就是末等生意。” “自然啰！”小桂芳嘟起嘴说：“一样都是爷娘十月怀胎生养的，为啥要吃这碗断命饭？还不是'没法子'三个字！我们也不是生来下贱的，也想寻个好好的人，那怕粗茶淡饭，总是个归宿，可惜人家看我们末等人，玩玩可以，从良免谈。我倒请问刘三爷，岂不是注定了一辈子要做末等生意？” 一面说，一面不断用一双凤眼睃着刘不才，语言神态都充满了幽怨。在座的人包括小王在内，都是鉴貌辨色，善于捉摸言外之意的人，听了小桂芳的话，全都明白，她曾想从良，刘不才拒而不纳，所以有此一番牢骚。 在刘不才的意向未曾明了以前，大家自然也都不便起哄点破，唯有装作不解，顾而言他，“我倒也想起一桩末等生意，” 小王说道：“卖鸦片烟，真正是末等生意！” 话说出口，不免失悔，因为说卖鸦片是末等生意，那末抽鸦片，也就是没出息。看黄胖的脸色，似乎是好那“一口”的，岂非无意中伤触了人？ 这样想着，不由得以疚愧的眼色去看黄胖，这一眼却又把他看得不安了，老实说道：“王老弟，你当我'有瘾'是不是？我的气色犯嫌疑，实在没有！” 这一说反使小王受窘，因为自己好像冤枉了人家“有瘾”，急忙陪笑说道：“我知道你不抽鸦片。你不要多心。” 黄胖付之一笑，摸摸脸说：“也难怪你，十个有九个看我有瘾，那天在大马路'一洞天'吃茶，有人推销戒烟丸，硬要送我一服，不管你怎么跟他辨白，他不相信。后来我忍不住说了一句话，才把