Chapter 19 Chapter Nine (1-3)

Xiao Zhang Zhiqu stopped at the outer door of the curtain, turned to Liu Bucai and said with a smile: "Third brother, it's good if you come alone! I didn't sleep too much last night, so sleep here for a 'returning cage sleep' to refresh you hundred times." Liu Bucai shook his hand, signaled silence, and then said in a low voice, "You'd better sit downstairs first. I'll follow your advice and talk to Li Xiaomao first." Xiao Zhang taught Liu Bucai what he said last night, why did he only kowtow to Li Xiaomao "in private"?Because of the opening of the incense hall at Gongchen Bridge in Hangzhou, it is inconvenient to say how to deal with Li Xiaomao.If public accompaniment, everyone must ask, even if Xiao Zhang offended Li Xiaomao at Zhu Sulan's house, he had to "eat tea and call it off", why did he have to kowtow to accompaniment?Wouldn't it be forced to expose the truth?

Therefore, Xiao Zhang naturally understood what he wanted to talk to Li Xiaomao about?Nodding his head, he quietly retreated downstairs. So Liu Bucai opened the curtain and went in. Sister Shun had already put on a long coat, was buttoning up the clothes and brushing her hair. At the same time, she asked, "Why did you come so early?" She said dissatisfiedly, "This friend of yours , What a daredevil!" Liu Bucai laughed, "Don't scold him. He is a good person." He said, "We will live together in the future!" "Who lives with him?" "Of course it's me."

"What does that have to do with me?" "Why is it irrelevant? Where there is me, there is you." Liu Bucai didn't allow her to ask any more questions, and then said, "You invited Young Master Li here, I have something to say." Sister Shun hesitated for a moment, "I woke up from a doze, and heard the clock strike five o'clock, and they were still talking." She said, "I don't know if I will wake up now or not." "Why can't you wake up? You tell him that Xiao Zhang came to kowtow to him, and he will naturally be full of energy."

As she said, Sister Shun opened the door and entered Zhu Sulan's bedroom. After a while, she saw Li Xiaomao came out rubbing her eyelids in short clothes and shoes. When she saw Liu Bucai, she asked, "Xiao Zhang is here?" "Yes. Downstairs." "Just now," he asked, "Boss Liu, what did you say to Sister Shun?" "Xiao Zhang came to kowtow to you to make amends." "Really?" Li Xiaomao's eyes widened. "What did I lie to you for? But, brother Li, there is a saying that he wants me to say first, and I can only kowtow to you in private here. He said that he has something to do to you. He knows you know about it. , it’s inconvenient to tell a third party, so only the two of you call it off in person.” Liu Bucai pretended to be curious again, “What’s the festival? I asked him, but he wouldn’t say anything. Brother Li, why don’t you tell me? Listen to me and let's judge."

Hearing these words, Li Xiaomao looked a little embarrassed, but he didn't look slow. It was completely different from the previous night when he mentioned Xiao Zhang and yelled at him.Liu Bucai knew in his heart that his dislike for Xiao Zhang had been greatly reduced. Seeing that it was difficult for him to answer, Liu Bucai was naturally inappropriate to "break the casserole and ask the end", so he turned around and said: "I think it must be Xiao Zhang who is sorry for you, otherwise with his temperament, he is not willing to kowtow to others casually. Li Brother, we are all friends, I have something harsh to say, I don't know if I should say it or not?"

"Say, talk! Just talk." "Enemies should be solved rather than knotted. Since Xiao Zhang admits his mistake and kills people without nodding his head, why don't you just be more generous and teach him to feel that he owes you more and more, and he will take care of you everywhere. If you want him to kowtow, he will definitely Kow, I can be sure, because he doesn't want to speak inexplicably in front of the messenger in front of me. But this time, I think he must have such an idea in his heart: Mr. Zhang, I was sorry for him in the past, kowtowed to him, and made amends. From now on, I don’t owe him anything. There is no need to be afraid of him. So, Brother Li, what do you think is the point?”

This set of words was not ordered by Xiao Zhang, but calculated carefully by Liu Bucai along the way.The purpose is to hope that Xiao Zhang will not have to kneel, but the steps start with probing. If Li Xiaomao's old hatred is hard to get rid of, and even a drop of water can't be poured into his words, he will not speak when he sees the opportunity. One step, until Li Xiaomao was persuaded. Of course Li Xiaomao hesitated.Words are good words.But thinking of the time of "Opening the Fragrance Hall", the humiliation and fright were all caused by Xiao Zhang, and I couldn't swallow that breath.

During the silence between each other, Sister Shun flashed out from the inside, a vermilion noodle tray with two gaiwan placed on it, but it was not freshly brewed tea, but a tonic prepared by Zhu Sulan for her benefactor, sitting in the "fifth watch" The rock sugar lotus seed and white fungus soup on top of the "chicken" is divided into two, and respects the guests by the way. The first bowl was given to Liu Bucai. Sister Shun only glanced at him without saying a word. The second bowl was given to Li Xiaomao. She whispered a word: "Sir, please!" Li Xiaomao said goodbye, turned around and entered the room. Zhu Sulan pulled him to the edge of the bed and sat down, and said quietly: "Master Liu said good things. You want to start your own business, relying on the help of your friends. If you don't listen to him, you will offend both of you." A friend, listen to his words and make two friends. You should think about the relationship between in and out. Although this is the first time I have met Xiao Zhang, I can see through his temperament. This kind of friend If you pay well, there will be benefits, and if you don’t pay well, there will be disadvantages. It’s all up to you.”

This support is very powerful.Li Xiaomao took Liu Bucai's words again and thought about it again, thinking that it was very interesting for him to guess Xiao Zhang's thoughts.Xiao Zhang is willing to kowtow, of course, because he feels that he is lacking in friendship, and if he kowtows, he will make up for it. If anyone knows about this, ask him: Xiao Zhang, why did you kowtow to Li Xiaomao?Naturally, he wanted to explain the cause and effect of opening the incense hall in the first place.Then how can I behave myself? Thinking of this, I couldn't help feeling restless.At the same time, he didn't care whether he could swallow that breath or not, he only hoped to seal Xiao Zhang's mouth.There is no need to tell Zhu Sulan about this, just follow her wishes and take advantage of the situation to take advantage of the situation.

"Okay! I'll listen to you." "This is it!" Zhu Sulan hooked his neck happily, "As long as you are willing to listen to my advice, we will have a good life." Li Xiaomao nodded, blinked his eyes wildly, and thought for a while, then Fang Shi walked out of the hall slowly, and said calmly: "Boss Liu, because of your face, I can't say no. What about Xiao Zhang, we will see you later." Meet!" Liu Bucai was overjoyed, he thought it would take a lot of talking, but he didn't want to receive the work so easily!Immediately arched his hands high, bent his waist low, and bowed to the ground almost artificially, "I'm here to call you!" He said, "My brother's platform is really beautiful."

So, he went downstairs to call Xiao Zhang himself, and naturally gave some instructions.Xiao Zhang also had a pleasant surprise, his mind was very fast, and he knew what Li Xiaomao was thinking at once, so when he went upstairs, he greeted Li Xiaomao with a smile, and greeted him first without the other party's signal. "Brother Mao, everything is my fault. Thank you for your noble hand, and mutual understanding. The past is over. When it is dead, there is no need to mention it. Friends start from the present. Do you think it is okay?" "As long as you are my friend, what else can I say? Xiao Zhang, you are amazing!" There was still a hint of resentment in the words, so Xiao Zhang smiled and cupped his hands again: "Don't mention it again, don't mention it again! It's always my fault." Just because Xiao Zhang blindly bowed to admit his mistake, Li Xiaomao complained, and the old hatred was resolved.During this period of time, Zhu Sulan had already dressed up, and she came out to entertain guests. She didn't look like the face of "a chastity archway on her forehead", and Xiao Zhang had heard Liu Bucai said that Zhu Sulan was very helpful in helping her, so she was extra polite "Sister Lan" is long and "Sister Lan" is short, with a very sweet mouth, which made Zhu Sulan very happy, so she wanted to stay for a drink. This is out of proportion!Liu Bucai was deeply afraid that Li Xiaomao would be here to accompany the guests and delay his business, but Xiao Zhang had a delicate mind, seeing that Sister Shun was not in front of him, he smiled at Zhu Sulan: "Sister Lan, save your meal for tomorrow, today I will eat it." Invitation, only one of you." Then he turned his face to say hello again, "Brother Mao, don't get me wrong, I don't dare to use my brains on Sister Lan, it's because of our Third Brother Liu, I want to discuss it with Sister Lan—it's a good thing." Zhu Sulan immediately understood the last point, and hurriedly replied: "Okay, okay! I understand. But, please talk to Mr. Liu, okay?" "He has other things, we don't need to worry about him. Brother Mao, it's getting late, let's go together. I'll treat you to a drink in the evening, and you choose a place, or, let's borrow Sister Lan's place, and let's have a good talk." "My place is good, my place is good." Zhu Sulan hurriedly said, "I still have serious things to talk about tonight, so I don't think I need to invite other guests. I'll just have a light meal here." "That's it." Li Xiaomao looked at Liu Bucai and said, "I'll come at seven o'clock." This means that there will be an answer from the rice business in the evening, and Liu Bucai replied solemnly: "Waiting for you, see you soon." Due to Xiao Zhang's arrangement, Li Xiaomao could go back to Mihang to discuss business, so Liu Bucai made an appointment with Sister Shun to see the house, and they got their own place logically.He personally asked Zhu Sulan to "eat a big meal" at the newly opened Yizhixiang, which was also useful. The first was to match Liu Bucai with Sister Shun; the second was to inquire about Li Xiaomao's situation. Of course, what Zhu Sulan cared about was Li Xiaomao, so before Xiao Zhang could speak, she asked first: "Master Zhang, what unhappy things did you have with 'him'?" "Nothing, nothing! After all, everyone is young, I won't let him, he won't let me, Xiaomao suffered a bit in words, I should make up for him." "There are ups and downs in words, why do you have to kowtow to apologize?" "It's because of Mr. Liu's rice business, and I deserve to kowtow to him." This reason is a bit far-fetched, but Zhu Sulan did not doubt him, she just said: "I also hope that he can make this business a success." She suddenly asked seriously: "How is Master Liu? Is he very kind and generous?" really?" Xiao Zhang knew that she asked this question because she was concerned about the kickback; then he replied: "It's very kind and honest, but it's also very shrewd and powerful." These words are not difficult to understand for people like Zhu Sulan who run the docks and understand the rivers and lakes. "As long as you are smart and good on the road, what are you afraid of?" .” "By the way! You understand. Mr. Liu is a very good person." Xiao Zhang then said: "He has a relationship with Sister Shun, just like you and Xiao Mao. I and Mr. Liu are here to help you two. , Mr. Liu's good deeds depend on your help." "That's needless to say? Please tell me, how can I help you with this favor?" "Of course we have to say success; we have to go smoothly." "This is too general, and the matter is too difficult." Zhu Sulan laughed, "I'm afraid I don't have the ability." "You are welcome, Sister Lan. I think you have a quick mind, clear reasoning, eloquence, and determination. You will be a good helper for Xiaomao in the future. But—" Xiao Zhang said it smoothly, and didn't have time to think about it, until he realized that what he wanted to say would violate taboos and would kill the scenery, so he suddenly stopped.However, Zhu Sulan had heard something strange, so she had to ask. "Master Zhang, tell me! You said that you and Master Liu are going to help us, but if you tell me the truth, you are helping us." This sentence caught Xiao Zhang, if he just kept pushing back without explaining anything, he would appear to be insincere, and there would be no further talk. So how should I explain it?Xiao Zhang thinks that the first thing to be clear is, how much does Zhu Sulan know about Li Xiaomao's secret?So he asked: "Do you know about Xiao Mao's situation in Dafeng?" "Why don't you know? The proprietress is an old slut, and she has been playing tricks on him. You see, sooner or later a 'live trick' will come out. " Xiao Zhang secretly called it a fluke, fortunately, he had to test it first, otherwise he would offend Li Xiaomao for no reason. From her tone, one can guess that Li Xiaomao "falsely dismissed" in front of Zhu Sulan, only telling half the truth.If he accidentally revealed the truth, Li Xiaomao's scar would be exposed. That being the case, I had no choice but to "only talk about three points when I meet people", and echoed her: "I also heard that the lady boss of Dafeng is playing with Xiao Mao's brains. The old and the young are not compatible. If he wants to leave Dafeng, he will create his own. Some business, of course, Mr. Liu and I have to help." "Yes!" Zhu Sulan said excitedly, "I have also talked to him several times. I have my difficulties, and he has his difficulties. I lost two money for coming and going. This business was successful, and Mr. Liu agreed. Send a rebate, in addition to business or position, depending on the skills of the two of you, if you are willing to help, he will not be able to use it." "In a word, as long as I can help, I will definitely help. After this matter is over, I will have a good talk with Xiao Maolai. All in all, all in all, as long as the rice business is successful, everything can be discussed." ＊＊＊ The trouble was the rice business, which didn't go well. "Business is good business. The time is not right!" Dafeng's proprietress nicknamed "Fen Mian Hu" said: "Ten thousand shi rice takes half a month, and the gods can't help it." "Why can't we do anything?" Li Xiaomao said, "I checked the accounts. In the past few days, three shipments of rice have arrived, and there are at least 20,000 shi. Jingmi is of course important, and you can hand it in batches. First, take 10,000 shi. It doesn't matter to people." "It's easy for you to say! It's really 'light plant ash to eat, light fart'. Look in the living room, three or four 'committees' are sitting and urging, let's not talk about it, as soon as the foreign ship arrives After the customs declaration, Li Futai immediately sent people on board to check and accept. The loading and unloading and weighing were all done by others. We just went to settle the bill, and we couldn't even touch a scoop of rice. " I didn't expect it to be so difficult!Li Xiaomao was stunned.It took a long time to say: "I have already promised him!" "How can you agree to others casually? You really don't know the seriousness!" Fen Mianhu asked anxiously: "Have you accepted Dingyang from others?" Li Xiaomao didn't dare to say that he received a kickback of one thousand taels of silver, so he shook his head and said, "No." "It doesn't matter if you don't have one. You go back to the family and make up for it." Fen Mianhu said: "Zhu Daotai is a man, I know, he is the most beautiful in doing things, and he is the most considerate of others' difficulties. It is really impossible, and it is really impossible. There is no way, you go and say it as soon as possible, and the matter will be over." "I'm not going!" Li Xiaomao turned his head, his neck was straight, and his veins burst out: "I don't have the face to meet people." Fen Mian Hu also got angry, "Do as you please! The trouble you caused yourself has nothing to do with others?" She raised her voice and said, "You are also a knowledgeable person who has gone through the rivers and lakes. Although you are not an expert in the rice business, you can It’s not so dark, I don’t know anything about it! Where does ten thousand shimi come from? If you don’t think about it, you will foolishly agree to others. Who is to blame for ‘eating your head’ now?” "Don't blame you, blame me!" In a hurry, Li Xiaomao raised his hands, and slapped himself several times in the left and right sides. While slapping, he blamed himself: "Damn, damn! Who taught you to do business like this?" After finishing speaking, he walked back, went back to his bedroom, and fell on the bed.Feeling confused, angry and anxious, don't know what to do? ＊＊＊ I don't know how much time passed, and suddenly felt the edge of the bed sinking, and then a fat and warm hand stretched out and held his hand.This hand is of course a "tiger claw". Li Xiaomao, who was lying facing inside, did not break free from his hand, but turned his face and buried it in the pillow, expressing his anger and ignorance of the pink-faced tiger. "Why do you have to be like this? You're not a three-year-old kid, you have something to say!" "What is there to say? You are not open to discussion at all. Instead, you keep saying that I am confused and ignorant." Li Xiaomao said resentfully, "People say that I have a way in Dafeng, so I asked someone to invite me to dinner. The price is irrelevant, and there are countless good things to say, but in the end it is still nothing! After all, they are the buyers, what do you mean by "clothing and food parents"? Dafeng is so disrespectful, people don't know that you are a "big bully", and you only think of me Li Xiaomao is half-baked, not enough friends. Just think about it, how will I mess around outside in the future?" The powder-faced tiger was silent, and it took a long time before he said, "You get up first, and then we can talk about it after having dinner with me." "Eat? I have no appetite." "You want to kill people!" Fen Mianhu roared in a low voice, "It's not three or five hundred shi meters, ten thousand shi! Where do you want me to come from?" The tone was loose, Li Xiaomao was thinking in his heart, forcing is not a thing, he must think of a way to advance by retreating.Then he turned around and sat up, and said in a self-deprecating voice: "Okay! Eat. From now on, I will eat a bowl of old rice with you, and I will not go anywhere." "Did you say that?" Fen Mian Hu asked, "Do you mean what you say?" Hearing his serious tone, Li Xiaomao was a little confused, but more vigilant, and asked very carefully: "How about counting, so what if you don't count? Tell me to listen!" "If you really don't leave the house, I'll do whatever you want. Even if you have to sue, you'll have to pay 10,000 shimi to save your face." Hearing this for the first time, Li Xiaomao sneered and replied with a sneer: "So you still have a way! You just don't believe me and look down on me, so you have a way not to show it. Now you want to buy me with this business." A 'step out of the door', what law have I committed, you want to sentence me to a 'long prison'?" Fen Mianhu knew that what he said was wrong, but what Li Xiaomao said was too much.Regret and hate, there is nothing to answer, only one sentence: "I didn't mean that." "What do you mean?" Li Xiaomao said aggressively, "I really can't say some things. I just advise you to show some conscience. I'm under 30 years old this year. You keep me at home like a pug. See You just wag your tail; you treat me like a beast, don’t you?” These words were too harsh a reprimand, and Fen Mian Hu felt aggrieved.She didn't mean to support the face, she just hoped that Li Xiaomao would stay with her for a few more years, and then marry a wife for him, help him start a family and start a business, so that this bad relationship can have a happy ending.However, this requires Li Xiaomao himself to be willing to check it out and flatter him before he can talk about other things.Asking him to stay out of the house is really asking him to calm down, not wanting to speak clearly and cause such a misunderstanding.Now that he wants to express his original intention, he must use it as an excuse to cover up, it is better not to say it. One is full of ups and downs and regrets endlessly; the other has ups and downs in his mind and intends to break up, but when he thinks about it, the ugly reputation of "eating soft food" has already fallen to the outside world, so letting go, it would be cheap for the pink-faced tiger, not only the heart Not to be reconciled, and the road ahead is boundless, and there is no way to plan.You should plan carefully. In the embarrassing silence that both of them felt, the pink-faced and fierce-hearted got up and left quietly. After thinking about it for a while, when they returned to Li Xiaomao's bedroom, the bed was already empty. "Where are people?" She asked the girl. "It's been a while." "Did you say where to go?" "I asked him, and he said: Don't worry about it!" The girl said aggrievedly, "It's fierce, as if it wants to hit someone." "Don't pay attention to him!" Fen Mian Hu said, "Will he come back or not?" ＊＊＊ Li Xiaomao didn't go back that night, but he wasn't at Zhu Sulan's house either. After coming out of Dafeng, he went to Tongyueyuan to visit Xiao Zhang. He didn't meet him until after ten o'clock, and asked Xiao Zhang to find an inn and set up a room for a long talk. "It's also very quiet here." Xiao Zhang said, "Why don't we just talk here?" "No! I have something to say." This time Xiao Zhang was flattered. Two days ago, he was an enemy who hated and couldn't understand, but suddenly he became a close friend. Xiao Zhang felt that he should not disappoint his kindness, so he stopped talking and put on the clothes he had just taken off. The mandarin jacket said, "Let's go! Let's go to Yongyu Inn, where my original room is." When I arrived at Yongyu Inn, I called for more candles, tea and water, and called for food and wine for supper, then closed the door with my own hands, and invited Li Xiaomao to sit down facing each other, waiting for him to tell his heartfelt song. "Xiao Zhang, you don't have to hide my affairs from you, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Dafeng's proprietress, you've always seen—" "No." Xiao Zhang interrupted him, "I don't know at all what kind of person he is." "As for people, in my conscience, I'm really passable. I was born in the year of Geng Yin, a tiger. I'm thirty-five years old this year. It looks like I'm under thirty. It's not bad for me." "Why are you embarrassed about this? If you marry Dafeng's wife, don't you become the boss of Dafeng?" Xiao Zhang patted him on the shoulder and said, "To be honest, if you want to get Zhu Sulan at home, you might as well be familiar with the road. good." "It can't be done!" Li Xiaomao shook his head and said, "Someone tried to persuade me like this. I only knew it was unsuccessful after talking to her." "how?" "The man in front of her has a will. If she remarries, she can't take Dafeng with her." Li Xiaomao said, "She has a seven-year-old son who is posthumous. For the sake of her son's future, she is reluctant to abandon Dafeng." "This is a difficulty. But—" Xiao Zhang shook his head thoughtfully. It seems that there is a business, but it seems that it is not very clever.Leave it alone and listen to it.Li Xiaomao was thinking like this in his heart, and said in his mouth: "Xiao Zhang, what did you think of?" "It seems to be trying to plot other people's property, with bad intentions." "It doesn't matter if you talk about it." Xiao Zhang pondered for a while, then Fang Shi said cautiously: "This plan, if we don't talk about it, we must make it a success. Otherwise, 'I don't have the shoes, I'm out of shape', it's not worth it. What's the matter with that? What to say? You need to test it out first, if the other party is really reluctant to part with you, she will listen to what you say. Otherwise, it’s better not to say anything.” "Xiao Zhang, Xiao Zhang!" Li Xiaomao said anxiously, "You don't want to be ignorant! It's just you and me, it doesn't matter if you are right or wrong, just speak up!" "Slow down, don't be in a hurry. I have to ask you something, how do you treat her?" It is difficult to answer this question. In terms of the character of Fen Mian Hu, except for being a little older, the rest are considered qualified, but they are mixed together for no reason, and the reputation of "eating soft food" is ugly. Sure enough, the Ming media is marrying, and he should be content with a wife like Fen Mian Hu. "How?" Xiao Zhang urged, "You have to tell the truth. If you put all your heart on Zhu Sulan, sooner or later you will get rid of Dafeng's proprietress, then it will be my fault." "Then, let me say something, if she is really married to be a wife, considering her strengths, she may not let me fall easily. If she wants to fall, she will fall now." Xiao Zhang read his words very carefully for a while, understood his intention, nodded and said: "Okay! I will teach you a way of 'moving the house with mice'. As long as she is sincerely willing to be a husband and wife with you, there will be no There is no reason to help you create a new business. You also open another rice store, and Dafeng’s capital will slowly move to your store, and the mouse will move, and the accumulation will become more. When the footsteps are established, the proprietress of Dafeng will not bring Dafeng Every plant and tree, come here in a sedan chair, who is easy to talk about?" Li Xiaomao was silent.At first, I thought Xiao Zhang's words seemed too easy, but after thinking about it carefully, it might not be impossible.Of course, the key point is to have Fen Mian Hu really commit himself to his side.In other words, it is to make her believe that she really has the sincerity to grow old with her. This was something that could not be decided at the moment, so Li Xiaomao asked, "What else?" "Just now I said that it is the best policy, but there are also medium and bad policies." The middle strategy is to stand still, keep the same old things, and wait for a period of time to make sense; the worst strategy is to coax and force, get a sum of money, and then make a clean break.In Li Xiaomao's view, the worst policy should be the middle policy; but the middle policy is the worst policy.But he refused to say these words, because it was related to Zhu Sulan's life, and he had to plan slowly. "Actually, in my opinion, the best strategy is the only one. Fortunately, there is no rush, you can wait and see. What is urgent now is rice; what's going on?" When it comes to this, Li Xiaomao is really hard to explain.He hesitated to tell the whole story of the conversation with the pink-faced tiger.Xiao Zhang was also very disappointed at first, but later he felt that things had turned around. He just didn't understand why Li Xiaomao had such a shameful expression. Therefore, he couldn't help but said: "The matter is almost successful, what are you worried about?" "It's almost successful. I don't understand your words." "Hey!" Xiao Zhang sighed with a smile, "You are really smart all your life, and you were confused for a while, and you still don't understand? What did she say, what did you promise, the feet are on your body, does she really use a chain to lock you up?" Won't you get up?" "Ah! 'Wake up the dreamer with one word!'" Li Xiaomao slapped his forehead suddenly, "I'm really confused. It's not too late. I'll go back and tell Fen Mianhu now: According to her words, I won't walk in the future. Let’s wait until she has collected 10,000 shi rice.” As soon as the words were finished, the footsteps had already moved; but Xiao Zhang felt deeply, "Xiao Mao," He stopped him and said, "I'm a fan of the authorities, I can see the situation between you and your pink-faced tiger. I have something to say, do you want to listen to it?" "Of course I want to listen, you say it!" "You are so serious about her words, it seems that you are not hypocritical to her, otherwise you will also want what I want, so just perfunctory her, why bother to fight? Think about it, I Does it make sense?" "Don't ask me first, just keep talking." "Since this is the case, you might as well follow the best policy, but you can change the way you do it. You don't need to discuss it with her first. Fortunately, this business is successful, and you have a kickback. I will find a way to borrow a thousand or two thousand silver for you. You Let’s open a rice shop first. Hang out the signboard, and then explain to her to see what her plan is.” Xiao Zhang said confidently: “In my opinion, as long as you work hard, she will be happy and will help you. You, too, will marry you." "Then—" Li Xiaomao forced himself to swallow what he was about to say. "I know." Xiao Zhang asked with a smile: "You mean, this time Su Lan is going to fail, right?" "Yes." Li Xiaomao admitted frankly, "Su Lan is also pretty good." "There are two more explanations." Xiao Zhang quickly interjected: "First, how about seeing the pink-faced tiger? If she is virtuous, maybe she will let you take Su Lan into the door generously, and it is not impossible. Second, if you think that Fen Mian Hu will never tolerate Su Lan, and you can’t get rid of Su Lan, then be tougher, do this rice business, earn this kickback, and share weal and woe with Su Lan. Start a business. This way of doing things seems to be a little sorry for Fanmianhu; but as long as you can make a name for yourself, it is still worth it if you call it 'heartless'." "That's a good point. It couldn't be more clear." Because Li Xiaomao is very trusting, Xiao Zhang is also very enthusiastic and energetic, "Since you listen to me, then, don't go back tonight." He explained the reason for keeping him: "First, you should Let’s discuss it carefully and see if I can give you some ideas. Second, when we go back tonight, we will show our attitude when we meet. We will gong and drum to each other, or come to Huaqiang. , why don't you go back tomorrow and find out what's going on with her first? Only by taking the right medicine can you succeed immediately." Li Xiaomao thought so deeply.So I added food and wine, and talked deeply with the cup. The deeper the conversation, the more interesting the conversation became. It was not until five o'clock that I fell asleep. ＊＊＊ At noon the next day, when Li Xiaomao returned to Dafeng, the pink-faced girl, A Cui, pouted and said, "I didn't come back the day before yesterday, and I didn't come back yesterday. If I didn't come back, I didn't say a word, which made people sleep in the middle of the night." Come and run." That is to say, Fen Mian Hu asked A Cui more than once to watch the news, so one can imagine her concern.Li Xiaomao smiled and said, "It's not too much to run twice. You are not a three-inch golden lotus, so you are afraid that you won't be able to run? You are full of resentment like this!" "It doesn't matter if you run twice, you sleep comfortably in the middle of the night, and you wake up, what do you know?" A Cui complained endlessly. Try it! A real fire in the belly." "Okay, okay! Count the debt I owe you, and I will make up for it." Li Xiaomao asked, "Where's grandma? Go and see, I'm back. If she's free, I have something to say to her." .” "Grandma is out." "Then why didn't you follow?" "Ah Hua followed. Grandma specially kept me here to wait for you, a treasure. Grandma reminded: Please don't go out again. She has something important to tell you when she comes back." "Oh, where is she going?" "I have to go to several places. Guisheng and the sedan chair probably went to see the official master." Fen Mianhu is very capable, and she is the only one who comes into contact with the officialdom. The only helper is Gui Sheng, Dafeng's buddy. The master who is an official must have him as a follower who posts posts. This is a good sign.Li Xiaomao was thinking in his heart that when he visited the official master, he was not trying to solicit business, but maybe he was discussing with them to postpone the delivery, so that he could allocate a batch of rice to sell to Zhu Daotai. Thinking about it this way, he became more relaxed and calm, talked and laughed with A Cui, ate and ate, and waited until dusk when Fen Mian Hu came back. When they met each other, it was the same as before, as if they had forgotten that there was a quarrel the day before. It wasn't until they were sitting across from each other for dinner that Li Xiaomao began to ask, "Do you have something important to tell me?" "Well, a lot to talk about." "I also have something important to tell you. Listen to you first." "I went to the Zhu Mansion..." Li Xiaomao was surprised by the first sentence, and he didn't understand what was going on, so he couldn't help but interrupt her and asked, "Which one's surname is Zhu?" "Zhu Daotai, Zhu Daqi." Fen Mianhu replied, "Seeing Mrs. Zhu, how capable!" Li Xiaomao didn't care about Mrs. Zhu's ability, what he cared about was Zhu Daqi, "Have you seen Zhu Daotai?" He asked. "See you later." "What are you talking about? Is it because he wants to buy rice?" "Of course. It's not for this reason. Why should I go see him?" Fen Mian Hu took a sip of "Rose Burn", chewed the dried fish calmly, and said, "I understand what Zhu Daotai meant, he is in a hurry To transport this batch of rice is to help Zuo Zhitai. This is even more difficult. Li Futai and Zuo Zhitai are at odds, so it is natural to distribute a batch of goods from the "Jingmi" run by him. No. Things in the officialdom are really difficult!" As he spoke, he sighed. The state of mind of the two seems to be very different. How could Li Xiaomao have the heart to listen to her talk about officialdom and complain?He followed up and asked: "What's the matter? You talk about the matter that someone entrusted to me, and it seems that I am useless." Hearing this, the pink-faced tiger's face changed from leisurely to gloomy, "I didn't expect you to still care about this?" She said sadly, "It seems that I am too serious!" Li Xiaomao felt a little regretful, he shouldn't have spoken so openly, but now he was a little stiff.Thinking about only myself giving in, I picked up a small western silver jug, poured wine for her and said, "Don't blame me! Men always want to make a name for themselves on the scene, and we have to meet a capable woman like you. I'm holding the baby at home." "Should I 'stick' your 'table'? I can't do it just because of you, and things can't be delayed. As for you, I don't know where you are, and I can't even tell you, so I had to show up and beg someone .The trouble was brought on by you. I went to take care of it for you with good intentions, but there was no good reward. Thinking about it is really chilling!" This quarrel was completely reasonable, Li Xiaomao felt that she was really wronged, and since the matter had been settled, he should be more perfunctory and perfunctory.Then he smiled and said: "I just said one thing, you have to ignore others. Come, come, count me as wrong." After toasting, Fenmianhu's annoyance disappeared, and he returned to his calm tone: "Zhu Daotai is very good at doing things, he knows our difficulties, and he will never make things difficult for me. He spoke very politely, saying "sister-in-law, sister-in-law" over and over again.People's hearts are made of flesh, and you come from me, so of course I need to help out. After talking about it in detail, it's basically settled. " "Oh, how do you set the rules?" "I'll find a way for him among the peers. If I sell my face, there will always be half of it, but the price is particularly good. Only Bai is the errand, and maybe he will post two tables of banquets." Fenmianhu paused for a while. He also said: "The other half is up to him to discuss with the committee members who run Jingmi. We don't care whether they are willing to give it up, or how much the price is. As long as he agrees, we will give it to him first. Dafeng The notes of those committee members are pure and clear, and they have nothing to do with it." After listening to her words, Li Xiaomao gasped and remained silent for a while. "Huh!" Fen Mianhu was surprised, "What's wrong with what I did? You act like something else!" Li Xiaomao couldn't express the pain, so he just shook his head and didn't bother to answer. Although I don't know why he has such an attitude, but something strange is becoming more and more obvious.Fen Mian Hu is extremely shrewd in doing business: he thought that a business of 10,000 shimi was no small matter, and if something went wrong, Dafeng would suffer endlessly.It looks like now.Li Xiaomao must have tricks, so he needs to figure it out. "Let me ask you, when talking about business with Zhu Daotai today, he didn't mention you, so I can't say more about it. What's going on? The one who came to talk to you, have you taken over Dingyang? " Why do you ask this?After staring blankly for a while, Li Xiaomao realized that she had become suspicious, but it was just blind suspicion, so he didn't need to pay attention to it, so he deliberately asked, "What if I take someone else's Dingyang?" "You should tell me!" Hearing her tone soften, Li Xiaomao had an idea, and sighed with a sad face: "I dare not tell you." "Don't dare to tell me! Why?" "I'm afraid you're not happy—" The expression of remorse and uneasiness that hesitated to speak was seen in the eyes of Fen Mian Hu, who realized what was going on, and was really annoyed in his heart, wanted to yell at him a few words, but seemed unable to bear it. After a long time, he sighed helplessly: "It must have been given to the casino! Thirty-two flower bones killed you!" 李小毛原准备有一阵疾风骤雨，当头而来，却想不到是这样一句埋怨！心中高兴，做作得也愈像了，低下头去不断地一口一口喝酒，似乎抑郁难宣，只有无言地发泄在酒杯中似地。 “你接了人家多少银子？” “三千。”李小毛轻轻答说。 “多少？”粉面虎的声音却很大。 粉面虎的脸绷紧了，“输得光光？”她问。 “还剩下一点。” “剩多少？” “一百多两银子。” “哼！”粉面虎冷笑道，“明明输光了，还要说假话！你一上赌桌，不输光了肯站起来？我才不信！” 李小毛以不答表示默认。心里却在盘算，失之东隅，收之桑榆，照粉面虎跟朱大器定规的办法，一半向同行转购，预做“白当差”，回扣已经落空，另一半由朱大器自己去设法，更谈不上回扣不回扣。忙了一阵，到头来一场空，现在有粉面虎肯承认这笔定洋，恰好补足原数，仍然可以照预定的计划行事。不过，粉面虎至今未曾松口，还得小心应付。 粉面虎也有她的盘算。三千两银子不能出公帐，因为做生意最犯忌徇私，李小毛名义上是大丰的伙友，亏空帐款应该照赔。不然其他伙计心里会不服，或者发生同类事件，要追保索赔之时，话就不容易说得响。但如私下取三千两银子交给他赔补公帐，却又苦于凑不出这么多现款。左思右想，想出一个计较；但她不愿告诉李小毛，为的是气不过他，不肯让他心里好过。 李小毛不知她葫芦里卖的什么药？一颗心悬在那里，确是很不好受，转念一想。自己未免太傻，事到如今，她肯也罢，不肯也罢，反正话已说出口，这三千银子一定可以着落在她身上——只要跟小张说明白，朱大器付米款的时候，扣下三千银子就是。粉面虎也是讲究外场的，自然不能不承认，回来可能有一场饥荒好打，那就再说了。倘若吵得厉害，索性就吵散了它，倒也干净。 念头转定，神气也就不同了，和颜悦色地说道：“今天你辛苦了，不要再气恼。舒舒服服吃顿酒，早点上床。有啥伤脑筋的事，明天再说。” 粉面虎听得这几句温柔体帖的话，觉得落个“寡妇偷人”的名声也还值。不过她对李小毛已起戒心，所以心里热辣辣地舍不得他走，表面却不能不摆出去留“悉听尊便”的无所谓的态度。而李小毛只道她余憾犹在，少不得尽力巴结，从堂屋到卧房，视线只随着她那臃肿的身躯转。 由于夜来勉效驰驱，格外出力，李小毛竟睡得失瞌了。起床不见粉面虎，只道她在前面店堂里看帐，不以为意，但直到正午，未见踪影，一问之下，才知道她是到朱大器那里去了。李小毛这一急非同小可，因为她此去一定要谈到那三千银子的定洋，朱大器不明就里，实话直说，”本无其事，那就不但算计落空，而且骗局拆穿，见不得人了。想来想去，唯有去找小张设法挽救。却又不知从何处去寻他这个人？万般无奈，唯有先到永裕栈去探问；幸好小张在柜上留了话，是在松风阁吃茶会朋友。 赶到松风阁，见着小张，未曾开口，小张先就笑着说道：“我算到你一定会来寻我。” “糟了！只怕你也没有办法。怪我不好。睡过了头，要一早跟你碰头，事情就妥当了。” “现在还有啥不妥？你说。” 听前后语气，似乎其中另有道理，李小毛便不说缘由，先问一句：“你知道不知道，她昨天、今天都去看了朱道台？” “知道。今天我还见着了。人，着实不错，小毛，你配不上她。” “这些闲话先丢开。你告诉我，她今天去了，谈些啥？” “谈些啥，你应该晓得。”小张变了埋怨的语气，“你骗她收了三千银子的定洋，应该早来打个招呼，两下不接头，差点戳穿西洋镜。” “怎么？”李小毛惊喜交集，“西洋镜没有戳穿？” “都亏得朱道台。他听粉面虎提到定洋，含含糊糊不说啥。 正好我去了；他拿我拉到一边，问我是怎么回事？我想，这当然是你耍的花腔，朱道台听我说完，点点头不出声。 “不能不出声啊！他跟粉面虎怎么说的呢？” “自然承认付过。事后他跟我说，三千银子他替你扣下来了，不过是刘三爷的原经手，仍旧要由刘三爷过付。此外——”，小张突然问道，“小毛，你要怎么请客？” “谈什么请客？大家'劈靶'就是，连刘三爷在内，三一三十一照'劈'。” “'劈靶'？啥叫'劈靶'？” 这是洋场上新兴的一句“切口”，流行于黑道之中，本是分赃之意。所谓“见者有份”，只要眼见他人窃盗诈骗，默然旁观，不去坏事，事后就可以要求“劈”一份。李小毛也是刚学来的这句切口，不经意地脱口而出。经小张一问，方始发觉说这样的话有失身份。好得他不解，也就无须细说了。 “我是说我这三千两银子，大家三一三十一照分。” “那你也未免太大方了！”小张说道，“你请我吃顿花酒。” “那容易。” “还要把素兰请来，高高兴兴在席面上唱一段。”小张又说，“大家都在背后说素兰，在外头从来没有笑脸，你要叫她笑一回，也是我的面子。” “她不笑是有道理的。当初学三笑的时候，说到'大踱'、'二刁'这一对活宝，她就要笑场。她师父骂她，说你自己笑了，客人就不笑了。无论如何不许笑。久而久之，怕成习惯，人家才笑她'额角头上树贞节牌坊'。其实冤枉！这也不去说它了，总而言之，小事一段。” “那就言归正传，你的情形，我也跟朱道台说了。你想自己立个门户，他说你有出息，答应你的回扣，只要是大丰代为经手的，还是照出，算来总在一千两银子以上，不过，他好像有点不大相信你会拿这笔钱去派正经用场。” “不会的。一定不会！”李小毛气急败坏地说，“朱道台如果不相信，款子我存在他钱庄里。” “这倒也是个办法。将来你生意做得有了信用，如果货款要周转，也方便。” 正说到这里，小张仿佛觉得眼前一亮。定睛看时，意想不到的竟是顺姐，她穿的是蓝袖大毛出锋的皮袄，玄色湖皱的裙子，一头黑亮光滑头发，梳个时样新髻，别一枝珊瑚簪子，满面春风地走在前面，后面跟着的自然是刘不才，手里挟一个拜匣，倒像阔气人家的豪仆。 松风阁地近青楼，向来衣香鬓影，独多北里名花，但此时众目所注，似乎都在顺姐手上。她抬眼发现了小张与李小毛，十分高兴，笑得既媚且甜，越发夺了他人的光采。刘不才当然也很得意，左顾右盼，神气十足。 等叫应落座，小张便问：“你们从哪里来？” “带她到洋行里去挑了几样首饰。经过这里，她说口渴了，要吃碗茶再走。”刘不才笑道，“其实不是口喝，是要来出出风头。” “风头真出足了。顺姐，”李小毛说，“今天你好像大不同了呢？” “还不是一样的。”顺姐矜持地笑着，“又不多双眼睛多张嘴。” “多双眼睛多张嘴，不成了怪物？人逢喜事精神爽，看起来就不同了。” “我看，李少爷，你春风满面，倒真像人逢喜事精神爽。” 顺姐针锋相对地调侃他，“像个有嘴的葫芦。” 此言一出，李小毛和小张都觉得莫名其妙，刘不才到底年纪长，经验多，交游广，很欣赏顺姐的词锋，不由得爽朗地大笑。 “你笑啥？”小张说道，“当我们“洋盘'，就不够朋友了！ " 这话在场面上说，就是句很重的话，刘不才急忙解释，“这是捧小毛。”他觉得交情不同了，所以直呼其名，“北方人笑人不会说话，说是像'锯了嘴的葫芦'；现在葫芦有嘴，不就是恭维小毛的口才好？” 这样一解释，误会涣然，“刘三嫂！”小张开玩笑地说，“你跟刘三爷配对，好有一比，叫做天牌配红九，相得益彰。” “相得益彰”这句成语，顺姐听不懂，但“天牌配红九”，无论牌九还是“挖花”，都是好牌，当然他的譬喻也是好话。 “谢谢倷！”顺姐嫣然一笑，用道地的苏白称谢，同时举壶为小张斟了茶。 “房子看好了？”小张问刘不才。 “看好了。多亏老四的主意好。” “真的，太好了。”顺姐越发高兴了，“四阿姐人也好。将来楼上楼下，一定像一家人一样，张少爷，真要谢谢你。” 他们这一番对白，李小毛只能猜知大概，究竟不明其详。 悄悄问起，经小张细诉因缘，方知始末，他一面替顺姐高兴，一面想到朱素兰，顿时便有立刻要相会的渴念，随即起身告辞。 顺姐很机警，立刻问道：“李少爷可是要去看先生？” "yes!" “那！”顺姐向刘不才说，“我也先回去一趟。” 这一下，李小毛才知道自己不该说实话，不安地劝顺姐留下来。而顺姐坚持要跟他一起走，因为她觉得她决定嫁刘不才的事，应该由她自己跟朱素兰去说，才合乎做人的道理。 等他们一走。小张跟刘不才可以畅所欲言了。先谈顺姐，刘不才颇有踌躇满志之意。饮水思源，既感谢小张，亦感谢李小毛，因而便很想撮成李小毛与朱素兰的姻缘。 “这桩闲事管不得。”小张摇摇头说，“其中的麻烦很大，只好听其自然。我们谈正事吧！” 正事就是那笔米生意。刘不才这两天与朱大器没有见过面，所以这笔生意成功的经过，反要听小张陈述。其间急转直下的种种变化，都是他所想不到的，讶异之余，想到朱大器运米到杭州，还有许多琐碎细节要料理，便收拾绮念，邀小张一起到朱家去详谈。 已经起身离座了，刘不才忽有所悟，改了主意，因为朱家至亲，上上下下都似一家人一样，问起顺姐的事，必然穷于应付，就不能谈正经了。 于是小张提议，先到桐月院，再派人去请朱大器。自然是一请就到，而且还带了松江老大一起来。 时候还早，正好茶叙。刘不才对于这两天所谈的正事，比较隔膜，而且顺姐的一颦一笑，萦绕心头，也没有心思去谈正事，松江老大一向沉默寡言，所以说话的只是朱大器与小张。 彼此谈了对方所不接头的细节，了解了全盘情况；朱大器说道：“匀一笔'京米'过来，我已经接过头了，回话很好，这也是平常有交情放给人家的缘故，大丰老板娘，是有担当的人，她答应替我凑一半，一定也是说话算话。不过，做事不难做人难，做人不难做朋友难。无论如何，这件事对孙老大面上要有个交代。” 孙老大就是指的孙祥太，所谓“交代”，也就是交代与李小毛打交道的不得已之故。听得这话，松江老大便站起身来，手撩长袍下摆，作出个急于要去方便的姿态。大家知道，他的“尿遁”是“打过门”，谈到与他们“家门”规矩有违碍的事，他不能在座旁听，视如无事，所以特意避开。 “我再说一句，米呢，不过值六万多银子，连水脚杂用，一起在内，不出七万，也没有啥大道理。可是，这件事要做成功，杭州老百姓跟左制军所得的好处，实在很大。我的好处更多——”朱大器略停一下，急急又说：“我的好处就是大家的好处。我想，凡是跟我共过事的，都会晓得我这不是空口说白话。” “好了，好了，朱先生，”小张插嘴，“你不必表白了！说孙老大，怎么样？” “这桩事能做成功，可以说，我自己都没有把握，全靠大家帮忙，算我的运气还不错。现在米是有了，运到杭州不容易，到处都是饿瘪了肚皮的人，饿急了抢米，不算犯法。所以我这一万石米，想要运到杭州，真正是步步荆棘，要靠两个人帮忙，一个是松江老大，一个是孙老大。” “朱先生，”小张问道。“你是说，一路要靠青帮弟兄保驾？” “是啊！不靠他们靠哪个。”朱大器紧接着说，“松江老大自己人，孙老大跟你们两位有交情，我要请问：该不该好好捧他一捧？” “该！”这回是刘不才答话，要言不烦地问，“你说怎么样一个捧法。” “我想，”朱大器看着小张说，“我不晓得我的想法对不对，也不晓得办得到、办不到？说错了你不要替我不好意思，尽管实说。” 听这口风，便知道是个很不寻常的主意，或许还是个无可措手的难题。小张便沉着地点点头，静听他的下文。 “我在想，一日拜师，终身如父，李小毛应该对他师父有点表示。你们看，我这话通不通？” 话通不通在其次，这个念头实在出人意表，小张接口答道：“道理当然通的。不过，朱先生，你想过没有，就算李小毛肯给老孙磕头赔罪，老孙肯不肯受他这个头？” “我看算了。”刘不才说，“李小毛在他们家门里犯的过错，真叫十恶不赦，孙老大决计不会饶地，多一事不如少一事！” “我也是这样子想。朱先生，要捧孙老大，你还是另外动脑筋的好。” 众口一词反对，朱大器从善如流，立刻舍弃了他的想法。 于是小张便谈到帮助李小毛创业的事，想拿他可以到手的几千两银子，存在阜康钱庄，问朱大器的意思。 “这我就不便答应了。既然李小毛跟他师父有这样难解的过节，我只能跟他做生意，不能攀交情。不然对不起孙老大。” 虽然一口拒绝，但小张还是很佩服，觉得朱大器的立身处世，在灵活圆通之中，是非分明，确不可及。不由得连声答应：“是，是！这件事就不谈了。” “还有件事，我也要交代。”朱大器又说，“大丰的老板娘，很帮我的忙，照道理说，我帮李小毛挖她的三千银子，是不对的。如果李小毛拿了这三千银子，另外去弄女人，拿她抛掉，这就显得我更加没有道理了。当然，大丰的老板娘怨不着我，而且她同朱姑奶奶一样，比场面上的男人还能干，还硬气，吃了哑吧亏，也不会说啥。可是，旁人要批评我，说我不上路。我带的人多，眼看杭州光复，我管的事，带的人还要多，不能不顾到全局，做一件事要能够摆在台面上大家来评。小张，这一层，你要原谅我。” “言重！不过，清官难断家务事。朱先生，你恐怕也管不得那许多了。” “不然。”朱大器说，“杭州灵隐寺飞来峰下的冷泉亭，有副对子：'泉自几时冷起；峰从何处飞来？'凡事都有个根由，一定要弄清楚。如果不是从我这里过手拿到三千银子，他自然还是安安分分，陪着大丰老板娘过日子。你想想看，这个道理！” 道理容易明白，处置却真为难。“那么，朱先生，我倒请问你，”小张问道，“你的意思是不是一定要李小毛有句话，决不会做对不起粉面虎的事，你才肯付他那笔钱。” "Not bad." “这怕难。” “你跟他复交了，就应该劝劝他，他作的孽也够多了。不可再作孽。人总要讲良心，尤其是贫贱之交，糟糠之妻，不可以忘记。我再说一句，既然称到'粉面虎'，就决不是'偎灶猫'。帮里不是有句话：'你做初一，我做初二'？等到粉面虎做起初二来，只怕李小毛就再没有翻身的日子了。” 这个警告，连小张都有些入耳惊心，因而又是连连点头：“朱先生这几句话，倒是苦口良言。” 谈到这里，窗外咳嗽一声，是松江老大的声音，先报个信，他要进来了。窗内朱大器与小张的那番对白，他是否都已听到，无可究诘，反正关于李小毛的一切，话也谈得差不多了。为了尊重松江老大和他帮里的规矩，大家心照不宣，绝口再不提李小毛的名字。 接下来，便谈如何运米到杭州？以及到了杭州要做些什么事？朱大器这两年蛰伏，无所作为，大家都以为他豪气、魄力、冲劲，似都不如前，这天一夕之谈，方知不然！朱大器依然是那样锐于任事，也依然是那样计虑周详，而且也依然是那样凡事先为手下着想。