Chapter 32 Jade Seat Bead Curtain (4-1)

Shengbao's execution was his own fault.The person he admired most in his life was Nian Gengyao, who was killed by Yongzheng.In the autumn of the first year of Tongzhi, when Shaanxi was in chaos, Shengbao was appointed as the imperial envoy to oversee the troops entering Shaanxi. Instead of using the parallel "consultation", he used the descending "letter" to write to the governors of Henan and Shaanxi.The copy in the army advised him not to do this. He said: "Do you know that the imperial envoy is the former general. The general writes to the governor, using letters as usual, not based on rank." This is his school year soup. Yao example.

When I was in Xi'an, there was a deputy named Gao Fu who contradicted him for some reason.Shengbao was furious, and ordered the officer to beat Gao Fu's army stick. Gao Fu was astonished, saying that he was also a second-rank official, how could he beat me?Sheng Bao replied with a sneer, "I'm an imperial envoy. I can kill you with military law, let alone with a military stick?" Then Gao Fu was beaten.This is another example of his school year Gengyao. As an imperial envoy, he marched as if he was marching in person.Eat every day, imitating the method of passing on meals, each dish is served in two bowls, and if the dish is good, it will be passed down, and reward a certain copy with this dish, which is actually the example of Yushi's meal above.At the beginning of entering Shaanxi, he once killed a cook for the mere blindness of chives. This is also an example of Gengyao in his school year.

However, if he offended the Empress Dowager Cixi, he had to die.His memorials are often drafted by himself. There are a few commonly used sentences. One is called: "There is an old saying: 'The generals outside the house rule it', which cannot be controlled by the imperial court." In the army, we only hear the general's order, but not the emperor's edict." That is the story of Emperor Wen of Han Dynasty.Sheng Bao often mentioned this in his memorials, which means that the military order is higher than the imperial edict, which is a big taboo, and it also means to despise the empress dowager and the emperor's childishness.Therefore, Yan Shusen, the governor of Hubei Province, visited him and "observed his daily memorials, and the heart of disobedience can be seen", thus thinking that "the disease of ringworm and scabies, the Guangdong invaders are just a branch of the problem, but Shengbao is a serious problem in the heart." .This is the most powerful of all the memorials to impeach Shengbao.

At that time, there were countless memorials to impeach Shengbao, both in Beijing and outside Beijing. In summary, there are only eight characters: "Fake merits to invade wages, fisherman's sex harms the people".Shengbao is famous for his lewdness. There are more than thirty concubines in the army, and the most favored one is the wife of Hong Yang "King of England" Chen Yucheng. In addition, it is not surprising that the army has taken civilian women forcibly. thing. He is also famous for his piracy.At that time, the military salary was mostly supported by the relatively peaceful provinces, which was called "cooperative salary". Personal friendship between imperial envoys.Shengbao is arrogant and arrogant, and he is not on good terms with the governors of various provinces, so the co-payment is often not received on time. Occasionally, a sum of money arrives.Once the army was defeated in an ambush in Tongzhou, and there were many casualties. A military officer surnamed Lei knelt in front of him, weeping bitterly, and asked him to pay for compensation, but there was no money, so his injured subordinates fell asleep. Outside the gate, moaning all night.Running the army like this, his subordinates have long been dissociated from morality.

If Shengbao still has strengths, it is because he himself knows calligraphy well, so he loves talents and values ​​scholars.Of course, those who are willing to work as copywriters in the Shengbao barracks will not be clean and self-sufficient.No scholar who is clean and self-sufficient is willing to go through the muddy water with him, and no scholar who is honest and dedicated can see all his deeds in the barracks and remain indifferent.However, some celebrities in Beijing, as well as the talented military aircraft Zhang Jing, because the road is far away and their knowledge is not true, so there are still a few who value him.When he first entered Shaanxi, on the one hand, someone impeached him, and on the other hand, Empress Dowager Cixi was already deeply dissatisfied with him because he frequently used the words of "Han Zhou Yafu" to play, but Gu Nian had him in a public case of Zhu Sushun. He has made great achievements, so he still wants to let him go.At this time, Zhang Jing, a military officer, wrote to him and told him not to submit memorials in the near future, because Prince Gong had already played back with the two empress dowagers, and he was going to choose one of the two vacancies, the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu or the governor of Shaanxi.If he still rants in the memorial and offends the "superior", things will change.

When the letter was delivered to Xi'an, Sheng Bao was chatting with his copywriters, and when he opened the letter, he passed on the copywriting indifferently, without making any representations.After waiting like this for a few days, there was no news, and he lost his composure. "Things may change!" His addiction to showing off his literary talents in the last memorial broke out again, "I have to tell my pros and cons, and urge me." "Why bother, why bother, Commander, just wait a little longer!" Everyone who read the copy of Zhang Jing's letter from the military plane thought that his move was extremely unwise, and urged him to do so.But Shengbao didn't listen, and drew up a memorial by himself, and immediately stepped up and sent it out with four hundred miles.

This memorial said that anyone who led troops to suppress bandits would not be able to respond effectively if he was not a high-ranking official in the province. He cited the governor of Huguang, Hu Linyi, the governor of Hubei, Zeng Guofan, the governor of Liangjiang, Li Hongzhang, the governor of Jiangsu, and Zuo Zongtang, the governor of Zhejiang, as examples. They are all local governors of their own provinces, who preside over the military affairs of their own provinces, so they get twice the result with half the effort.Then he talked about himself, "doing military affairs in the Northwest as a guest official", no matter whether it is food, salary or recruiting soldiers, he can't do everything together, so he said bluntly: "If you want your envoys to focus on the Northwest, you must have a real shortage of borders. , Insufficient concentration."

When the memorial arrived in Beijing, it was natural that Empress Dowager Cixi read it first.At that time, Sushun was killed, less than a year later, and she was very vigilant against the domineering officials of the powerful. As a relative of the state, prestige has always been, and he is cautious about the court's orders. Is there anyone like Shengbao? If the sanctions are not timely, wouldn't it be another Sushun? So she kept his notebook, summoned the Minister of Military Aircraft the next day, handed it to Prince Gong face to face, and said with a sneer: "If according to Shengbao's statement, if the imperial court wants to send troops to that province, it must first change to that province. Governor, think about it, does this make sense?"

Prince Gong's purpose at this time was to put peace in the court first, so he still had a somewhat protective heart for Shengbao. At that time, he wanted to let him go as a governor of Shaanxi. It is best to remove the military power and give him a proper post as his reward for leading the army into the guard last year and going to Rehe to demonstrate against Sushun. After some research and discussion, in order to maintain the prestige of the court and prevent the threats of the ministers leading the army, Shengbao was naturally severely reprimanded.On the other hand, he instructed Zhang Jing, the military officer who wrote to Shengbao last time, to discuss with him that if he was willing to transfer internally, let him choose one of the two positions of Minister of War and Minister of Internal Affairs.To be an official is to be a minister, but knowing that he is a spendthrift, the Minister of Internal Affairs has a lot of illegal income, which can barely maintain his ostentation, so I specially budgeted for him a way out, and see how he will go?Such an idea can be regarded as painstaking.

This rebuke from the court and a well-intentioned private letter drove Shengbao into a rage, and he wrote a letter to Cao Yuying himself: "Those who want to bind Bao can immediately pay the 'Si Bai'. Bait? It’s only a matter of Ji Xinyou, if it’s not a guarantee, why are you today?” The so-called "Sibai" means "Sikou", which means the Ministry of Punishment. He deceived the capital and punished him, so he was reprimanded.And "If you don't protect yourself, why do you have today" not only refers to his command of the army as the backing of the Xinyou coup, but also refers to a memorial he wrote "asking the Queen Mother to hang down the curtain and Prince Jianjinzhi to assist the government". Even the Empress Dowager Cixi He and Prince Gong scolded him together.

Cao Yuying sent this letter to Prince Gong, and Prince Gong presented it to the royal case. Empress Dowager Cixi just sneered slightly: "No wonder some people say that Shengbao Xiangnian Gengyao is really good!" Before Emperor Yongzheng killed Nian Gengyao, because he was not in the right position, he was guilty of the gods, and he was afraid that there would be any disputes outside. Therefore, the win over Nian Gengyao reached the point of losing his composure, and was ridiculed all the time behind his back.Naturally, the Empress Dowager Cixi and Prince Gong would not make the same mistakes. To kill Shengbao, there were other arrangements. Prince Gong, Wen Xiang, Cao Yuying and others coordinated the overall situation, and as a result of repeated research, they made the final preparations for lifting Shengbao's military power, but they still had the hope that he would be alert and make contributions, so he spoke a thousand words and instructed the general strategy. Ting sent, delivered to the front of the army almost every day, but Shengbao went his own way and didn't care. At that time, the area where the chaos was most intense was in Tongzhou and Chaoyi. It was only a few dozen miles away from Tongguan, which was very dangerous in Heluo. The rush to Tongguan is related to the safety of Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Henan provinces.Anyone in the court who understands the situation in the Central Plains is all worried about his appearance, and the court is constantly urging Shengbao to lead troops to the east.It's just that he doesn't know what he has in mind?Sitting in Xi'an, careless, and still domineering, there are generals in the Beijing camp who he dislikes, either participating in the surrender, or please withdraw.When Prince Gong saw the situation, he had to resort to the last resort. This last resort was to order Duolong'a in Zhechuan, western Henan, to go northward to rescue Tongguan, and issued a secret decree, ordering Duolong'a to open it himself and act according to the decree.Duolong'a was originally a general of Shengbao. Later, he was known by Hu Linyi. He was brave and good at fighting. He was as famous as Bao Chao, and they were collectively called "Duobao".This year—April of the first year of Tongzhi, when he conquered Luzhou, Anhui, the hero of the Hong army, "King of England" Chen Yucheng, defected to Shouzhou, relying on the shady and fierce general manager Miao Peilin, and just made a great contribution to Shengbao.Miao Peilin has a friendship with Shengbao. Seeing that Hong Jun has been broken since Anqing, the situation is not good. Chen Yucheng, who has nothing to return to, is a favor and sent to Shengbao's camp.Sheng Baoxi was unspeakable. On the one hand, he accepted Chen Yucheng's famous wife, and on the other hand, he was extravagant in the memorial, thinking that Chen Yucheng was the number one brave general of the Hong army. China wants to personally send Chen Yucheng to Beijing to hold the "Ceremony of Presenting Prisoners".As a result, it was very boring. The imperial court reprimanded him for nonsense, and at the same time ordered that the Fa be rectified before the army.The overjoyed Shengbao was disappointed, and became more and more dissatisfied with the ministers in charge of the government. When there was chaos in Shaanxi, Prince Gong's original intention was to send Duolong'a into Shaanxi, because he was far away in the west of Henan, and he was in a hurry, so he sent Shengbao instead.At this time, the imperial edict sent him to rescue Tongguan at the same time. For Shengbao, it was naturally a very embarrassing thing, so he became even more angry and ignored the battle situation in Tongguan.At the same time, due to the fact that the two "Gandu" and "Shaanxi governors" are really lacking in closing borders, they are completely in vain. When I am frustrated, I think of the trick of "using Anhui and Henan governors to assist in military affairs" in Anhui this spring, so I will do it again. Set, please use Shaanxi Governor Yingxi to help with military affairs.If it is approved, not only will the governor of Shaanxi become his subordinate, but he will also have the power to command the governor, and he will become the governor, which can make up for his lack of a governor. It is conceivable that from the empress dowagers of the two palaces to the military aircraft department, no one would agree to his request, and asked him: "If it is military affairs and local affairs, we must unite as one to suppress thieves, such as Guan Wen, Zeng Guofan, etc. If Seng Gelinqin is in Henan Province, he will be a Fuchen assistant if he is not heard of. Officials in Yu Province are especially called tired play; Seng Gelinqin's superintendent has made meritorious service, so what can we say?" Thus He answered him very simply: "What you ask is absolutely not allowed." Not only is it not allowed, but the tone of the supervisor and urge to help Tongzhou and Chaoyi is also stricter! In addition, the words of the supervisor's urging to help were quite sensual. First, he refuted: "Shengbao has been in charge of the army for a long time, and he usually prides himself on his strategy. Where is the so-called 'overall planning and insight into the situation of thieves'?" Then asked: "If there is a mistake, the minister should ask himself, what crime should he be guilty of? How can he face the world!" Finally, he warned: "The minister's job is to try to make up for it, and don't be negligent! It is fortunate that the court is lenient." Military Machine Chapter Although the imperial decree was drawn up like a fly, every single word has a sense of proportion, and after deliberation by the Minister of Military Affairs, it was submitted to the imperial court.It is almost impossible to make mistakes in the expression of the decree issued after these three procedures.Shengbao is also a person who is proficient in calligraphy. Seeing the last paragraph, it not only implies that it will be handed over to the Ministry of Discipline, but also that it is impossible to invite forgiveness after the punishment is proposed.So although he was furious in his heart, he couldn't help being anxious. He really couldn't "be negligent anymore" and had to "try to remedy it". "Okay!" He said to his staff, "Watch me 'remediate'! Remediate it, and then settle accounts with them." However, it was very difficult for him to remedy.The subordinates have no grace, the soldiers are unwilling to use their lives, abuse their power, and the same officials are unwilling to support, this is really the dilemma of not being able to respond well.The most distressing thing is that he does not have his own direct line troops, not even "children soldiers".In a hurry and helplessness, I remembered a chess game: Miao Peilin in Anhui. Miao Peilin's evil intentions, all Chinese and foreign bureaucrats are well aware that he started his career by running a regiment, training and protecting the local area, but he hijacked the governor, and communicated with the Hong Army and the Nian Army. Shengbao, Shengbao "begged for grace and forgiveness" for him, and reluctantly let him go.The ministers in power, because the military affairs in the south of the Yangtze River are tight, and the Nian army in Henan and the Hui rebellion in Shaanxi need to be suppressed, so although Yuan Jiasan and others are urging Miao Peilin to be suppressed, they still have to be tolerant, but precautions must be taken. extremely strict.Knowing that Sheng Baoji had nothing to do, he sent an admiral, took the passport issued by Guan Fang, the imperial envoy who supervised Shaanxi military affairs, and transferred Miao Peilin's troops to Shaanxi to assist in the suppression. As soon as the news spread, the local officials and military officers responsible for public security in Anhui, Jiangsu, Shandong, and Henan all panicked and flew badges to warn the police.Because Miao Peilin was suffering from too strict surveillance and could not move, Jing Shengbaoxi was transferred to Shaanxi, which happened to give him a chance to harass.So the Military Aircraft Department was in a hurry, and with six hundred miles of tightened court dispatch, "Strictly ordered the victory to protect the speed and stop it", and at the same time ordered Seng Gelinqin and the officials of the relevant provinces to stop Miao Peilin, "Properly enlighten, just now Use soft and soft. If you don’t listen to stop, you should allocate troops bravely and fight hard, and don’t allow one person and one rider to make troubles entering the country.” That's not counting, and one of Miao Peilin's "nemesis" was found out.This person is Li Xuyi, the old department of Luo Zenan of the Hunan Army. He has always fought in northern Anhui and is very familiar with the terrain. Miao Peilin is quite afraid of him.Later, he was transferred to Hubei. When Hu Linyi was seriously ill, he was specially recommended to take over. Soon, he was transferred from Hubei to governor of Anhui, with the intention of instructing him to deal with Miao Peilin.Not long after he took office, Ding Youzuo asked for a vacancy, but the court refused to let him go. He was only allowed to leave for a hundred days, which has not yet expired.Now because of Shengbao's absurdity, he was afraid of Miao Peilin's foolishness, so he specially urged, "I will set off for Anhui to serve in a few days ago, and we must not stick to the unexpired holidays. A slight delay will affect the overall situation of Anhui Province, and there may be changes and delays." Because of Shengbao's reckless actions, he caused great trouble. The ministers in the court and the provinces all hated him deeply, "Everyone can kill him!" As a result, Zhang Zuo's papers of impeachment and informant Shengbao flew like snowflakes everywhere.Prince Gong sent a special person to deal with those documents separately. Although a few exaggerated words were intended to retaliate, they were generally credible. Because of a bad deed, several people often pointed out that after careful comparison and listing item by item, There are as many as ten models in total. In order to rectify discipline, none of the ministers of military aircraft does not advocate strict punishment.The first step is of course to find out the real situation, but I am afraid that if Shengbao learns about it, it will cause a change, and he is appointed to be responsible for suppressing the bandits. As a result of the discussion, Wen Xiang's idea was adopted, and Seng Gelinqin was questioned, and the empress dowagers of the two palaces were approved, and then a secret edict was issued: "It was reported before: Sheng Bao went to the east of Beijing to supervise the division in spring, and even entered Anhui and Shaanxi. The prefectures and counties he passed through were not given a thousand gold or thousands of gold, and he was not allowed to leave the country. If he was detained for a while, the officials and the people were especially poor. There were many prostitutes in the camp. , donated a lot of funds of 100 million. It was also played: Shengbao supervised the soldiers in Zhili last year, passed by Hengshui, pleased with the folk women, and recruited them to the camp to have a look. He also indulged the committee members and sold "meritorious cards" indiscriminately. Horse thieves usually have blue or flower feathers in the Shengbao camp, as well as top-wearing licenses. Someone said: Shengbao is a poor man. Since he brought his own soldiers, his family has suddenly become rich, and there are many concubines. Protect personnel to take bribes; false registration quotas to fake rations; levy taxes to fill private pockets. This year the military governor went to Anhui, took his family members, and blocked the road; I heard that the "four-eyed dog" Chen Yucheng's family members are also owned by Shengbao. I don't know how many accompanying vehicles? The states and counties are suffering and tired. The similarities and minor differences seem to be true. Seng Gelinqin has been stationed at the junction of Henan and Anhui for a long time, so what he has seen and heard must be more accurate, and he will replay according to the facts in accordance with the various paragraphs he participated in." In addition, there are "public reports" of Shaanxi gentlemen-copied by Duo Long'a.These public reports asked Duolong'a to return to Shaanxi to quell the rebellion. Of course, Shengbao was also mentioned. Apart from corruption and lust, he also pointed out that "concealed defeat becomes victory", saying that "bandit nests are everywhere" on the north bank of the Weihe River. Fengxiang on the west road and Tongzhou on the east road are the places where Hui bandits gather, and Sheng Baoan sits in the provincial capital and fabricates the battle report of victory.Only then did the DPRK and China understand that the situation in the Central Plains was much more serious than imagined. The whole situation is to fight on all sides, to suppress the Nian bandits, to suppress the chaos, to deal with Shengbao, and to intercept Miao Peilin.These tasks fell on Seng Gelinqin and Duolong'a respectively, and the urgent task was to prevent Miao Peilin from entering Shaanxi, fearing that there would be no "Miao chaos" besides Hui chaos. The arrangement in the court is to use Seng Gelinqin as the front line. If this line cannot stop Miao Peilin in Henan, then Duolong'a will have to guard Tongguan.Since ancient times, this place has been guarded by a single man, invincible to thousands of people. If Duolong'a can't arrive in time, the consequences will be disastrous. But Duolong'a's total strength was less than 7,000 people, and he went north from Zijingguan, fought and left, and galloped towards Tongguan in the starry night. At this time, Shengbao inspected Tongzhou and Chaoyi, and returned to Xi'an, where he was still asking for soldiers and pay.The personal memorial is no longer the saying "unable to be controlled by the imperial court". It has been changed to a saying: "The former emperor once rewarded his ministers with 'loyalty and bravery, and serve the country with heart'." Bao Zeng "connected with foreigners" in Tongzhou.Next, he will describe his military exploits during this trip to the same state. He said that it was a place called Wangge Village. This complete victory will strengthen our military prestige.” Then we mentioned the military pay, in addition to accusing the provinces of coordinating the pay as usual, but failing to allocate the full amount, and the rations of the soldiers are brave, and the accumulated debts are accumulated, because Guanzhong is already "the west wind blows the Weishui, In the season of Falling Leaves Full of Chang'an, I deliberately added a note: "The weather is cold now, and the soldiers are starving." In addition, three "attached pieces" were added, one was to participate in the performance of the acting Shaanxi feudal official Liu Qixian, who was unable to raise wages and was unable to handle affairs. Negligence; one is to ask the three dismissed personnel to be punished and serve with the battalion; the other is to urge the new Xi'an general Mu Teng'a to take office immediately and help Shaanxi military affairs. When this memorial arrived in Beijing, Seng Gelinqin's re-report to find out Shengbao's bad deeds also arrived. Not only were the few things pointed out in the last edict all true, but many secrets were also discovered.The most shocking thing is that Chen Yucheng's two younger brothers were arrested and sent to the Shengbao military camp, where they donated thousands of taels of gold and silver.With such a generous bribe, Shengbao tried his best to protect them, spared the lives of the two "criminals", and even sent them to work in the camp. The revelation of this secret brought hidden worries to the Minister of Military Aircraft, no less than Shengbao's skillful transfer of Miao Peilin to Shaanxi.Immediately with an emergency courier, Seng Gelinqin and Duolong'a were ordered to send special personnel to investigate the details, and at the same time urged Duolong'a to travel all night, saying that if he arrived at Tongguan one day earlier, he would be able to "express the imperial court's west view" one day earlier. worries". Of course there is someone sitting in Tongguan, that is Xi Lin, the acting governor of Shaanxi and Gansu. His appointment was made at the same time as Shengbao's appointment in July.The governor of Shaanxi and Gansu was stationed in Lanzhou, and was ordered to stay in Shaanxi to deal with the chaos on the way to his post.Xi'an has an extremely domineering Shengbao, and a "landlord" governor Yingchao, who is inconvenient to ask for trouble, so he stays in Tongguan.The majestic governor is confined to a corner, but Shengbao knows it well, and writes letters with a vermilion pen at every turn, reducing his status to a general soldier. Therefore, this honest man is depressed.But he is a governor after all, so he probably has a share of the secret decree issued by the Military Aircraft Office concerning the disposal of Shengbao. Finally, on November 19th, according to the deadline he had set, Duo Long'a led the troops to arrive.This is a good army, because Duolong'a's military order is strict and its subordinates are gracious, so the company has a battalion for more than ten miles, and the shopping malls are not surprised.In Tongguan, in addition to meeting Xilin, he also specially found someone to meet - Dexinga, the right-wing deputy commander of Xi'an who was stationed on the other side of the Yellow River, in Shanxi, from Fenglingdu to Puzhou, and deployed along the river. Dexing'a, like Duolong'a, was born in Heilongjiang, did not know Chinese, and was the best of the flag generals.The difference is that Duolong'a is a talented general, while Dexing'a only has the word brave. He was known by Wenzong for his good riding and shooting. He made considerable military exploits in Yangzhou five or six years ago. The eldest brother Weng Tongshu helped him with military affairs, and when Weng Tongshu was transferred to be the governor of Anhui, there was no one left and right, and the army was weak, so he lost his post even after fighting.Not long after, he was sent by Gelinqin, the top monk of the sixth rank, and slowly climbed to the position of deputy governor of the second rank, but unexpectedly met a Shengbao. Shengbao looked down on Dexinga, and Dexingah looked down on him.Although he was not beaten with a military stick like the other vice-captain, it was naturally embarrassing for the vice-captain of Xi'an to defend Shanxi, the foreign land, for Shengbao. With a heart of revenge. Dexing'a and Duolong'a are old friends, and when they meet, they follow the Manchurian custom of "embracing the ceremony".Dexing'a slightly bent his knees and hugged Duolong'a's waist, almost excited, "Brother," he said, "You are here! I was looking forward to you!" "It's too late." Duolong said Ah stroked his back and asked, "How is your place?" "Blind! It's really hard to describe." The two held hands and talked in front of the eaves.Dexing'a was rude by nature, and scolded Shengbao with foam at his mouth. Duolong'a listened quietly, and when he finished listening, he said calmly: "Sheng Kezhai is a person who has made great achievements, and the court is extraordinarily generous. You also bear with it a little bit!" Upon hearing this, Dexing'a was stunned and didn't know what to answer, but Duolong'a made a solemn posture, and immediately walked in with his head raised. "Brother!" Dexinga followed into the "signature room", and asked in amazement: "What's the matter, didn't you come to take Shengbao?" "Third brother!" Duo Long'a said in a slightly reproachful voice, "After all these years, your temper still hasn't changed. This is the 'mansion' they prepared for me. It's hard to guarantee that no one from Sheng Kezhai is eavesdropping. What can I say when you yell like that?" "Yes!" Dexing'a accepted his reprimand, and smiled embarrassedly: "Brother is 'Zhuge is only cautious in his life'." These two people are familiar with "listening".Before the Qing Dynasty entered the customs, Emperor Taizong thought of the art of war, and ordered Dahai and Fan Wencheng, who were proficient in Manchu and Chinese, to translate this book into Manchu and promulgate it to all generals.When Duolong'a and Dexing'a were in the military camp, whenever they had free time, they always asked the copywriter to talk about it as a pastime. Therefore, he was naturally proud to use Zhuge Liang's allusions to compliment Duolong'a. "Even if I'm a reckless Zhang Fei, I have to ask the 'Military Adviser'. I, the deputy commander of the right wing of Xi'an, can I return to my post one day?" "Soon, soon!" Duolong Gu said, "How is the situation in Tongzhou and Chaoyi?" Mentioning this, both of them looked very serious.Duo Long'a and the Minister of Military Aircraft have a different view. The imperial decree puts intercepting Miao Peilin as a top priority, but Duo Long'a regards entering Shaanxi to calm the chaos as his own important task, so he must first ask about the bandits.As for Dexing'a's defense of Hedong, the main responsibility was to prevent the returning bandits from crossing the river and disturbing Shanxi. Now that Duolong'a asked about this, he naturally knew everything and said everything. The deep Dolonga listened with great attention, occasionally interjecting a sentence or two at a critical point.After knowing the whole situation, he made a decision and ordered Tao Maolin, the commander-in-chief, to lead the attack. Tao Maolin and Lei Zhengwan are two generals under Duo Long'a. Lei Zhengwan is helping Shengbao's military affairs and is responsible for breaking the siege of Fengxiang on the West Road.Tao Maolin's luck was better than his. He followed Duolong'a all the way from the west of Henan and made many achievements. Although the camp had just been set up and he had no rest, he knew that Duolong'a used troops to win with great speed. No embarrassment.He led the so-called "Ulama team" from Jilin, crossed the river from Weinan, went north through the old city, and attacked southward by detours, becoming "the back of the enemy". The Hui bandits who surrounded Tongzhou had always only paid attention to the government troops defending against the river in the south and east. They did not guard against the enemy in the north. Duolong'a's battle was not only to win people's attention and establish a reputation, but also to let Shengbao know that he just went to Shaanxi to help suppress the bandits and had no other intentions.When Tongzhou was released from the siege, he led the whole army to station from Yuguan, swept away the bandit nests, and won two more victories. He had enough time to spare and was not in a hurry to go to Xi'an, but the Military Aircraft Department was in a hurry, because it was expected that he would act according to the plan as soon as he arrived in Tongguan, so he asked Sheng Bao's decree and handed it over to the cabinet for at most half a month. Kungfu will be known all over the country.Shengbao himself is not afraid that he will fly to the sky with his wings, but he is afraid that the 2,000 people under him except Lei Zhengwan are the official army, and originally belonged to Duolong'a, so they can be safe. Military discipline is extremely bad. Once the trees fall and the monkeys scatter, if they join forces with Hui bandits, the chaos will increase.Sure enough, this unfortunate incident was all in the hands of Duo Long'a, so King Gong was angry and anxious, and issued an order to strictly enforce the order. At the same time, he ordered to be stationed in Puzhou with a secret order of 600 miles, which is on the same river as the same state. Yinggui, the governor of Shanxi Province next door, "quickly and according to the facts." Yinggui was worried at first, Duolong'a's stay was not enough, if something changed, Shengbao's subordinates would flee in a panic, and Shanxi would bear the brunt of it.It's just that at this time, looking up at the Great Wall of Duolong'a, he was afraid that he would be unhappy if he was pressed too hard. Now that he has sent it to the court, he just had an excuse, so he reported that Duolong'a was stationed in the same state, and fought three times with the Hui bandits. After winning the victory, he sent Dexing A across the river to see Duo Longa, and the camera urged him. "Brother! Look," Dexing'a handed the secret edict to Duolong'a, "If you don't leave, I'm afraid you will lose face." "It's already ugly!" Duo Long'a also picked up a package from the table and handed it to De Xing'a. "What does it say?" "Up to you," Duolonga asked, pointing to the decree handed over by Dexinga: "What did you say again?" They stared at each other and laughed.Both of them don't know Chinese, and the rule of using Qing language to write the court letter has long been abolished, so if there is a decree, you must ask the copywriter to read it before you can understand it. "The above said that I'm so important, how can I postpone it arbitrarily?" and said that I didn't know the urgency. Shengbao asked when he would ask how to check and how to arrange military affairs. , take the blame!' Look, is it great?" "It's no wonder the higher-ups. I'm afraid Shengbao has already got the news!" "Then how could it be? I stopped the delivery post at Tongguan, where did he get the news?" Dexing Ah suddenly realized that the shortest way from the capital to Xi'an is through Shanxi and into Tongguan. This pass cannot be crossed. Then the two orders issued on the 14th and 17th of this month, asking Shengbao and declaring Shengbao's crimes, Naturally, I will not be able to reach Xi'an. "No wonder you're not in a hurry, big brother. But..." Dexinga said, "Shengbao also has eyes and ears in the imperial court, and he intercepted the courier. It's hard to guarantee that there will be no other way to pass the news." This reminded Duolonga, "Ah !" He raised his thumb and praised De Xing, "Third brother, you are so reckless, you are so thick and subtle! Okay, without further ado, I will leave today." In the weather at the end of November, regardless of the thick frost and slippery horses, Duo Long'a mobilized two thousand people and marched westward overnight. At the same time, he sent a material officer to Fengxiang to inform Lei Zhengwan to meet in Xi'an and wait for him. dispatch. Na Shengbao didn't know anything about the arrangement in Beijing. He held a high-level wine meeting every day.Of course, he had already received a report about Duolong's soldiers going to Tongguan to attack Tongzhou, but the more he felt uncomfortable in his heart, the more he wanted to be indifferent on the surface.In addition, of course, some arrangements were made, sending cronies out of Henan and Shanxi. Those who left Henan were to urge Miao Peilin to go west, and those who left Shanxi were to transfer to Tianjin to urge the shipment of steel artillery ammunition ordered from foreign merchants. There was a lot of snow in the afternoon, the clouds were indistinct, and it got dark early. Shengbao had sent people to set up a dozen charcoal pots, lighted huge bright candles, and called copywriters to eat hot pot and dinner in the spring-filled West Flower Hall. Roast lamb.As soon as the banquet started, a general who was sent out to investigate the enemy's situation came to report the news angrily, saying that there were more than a dozen camps on the south bank of the Baqiao Bridge. The news was reported to a personal officer of Shengbao.He knew the temper of the "Marshal", if it wasn't an urgent military situation, he was not allowed to report it while he was drinking, if he lost his Qingxing, he might be killed.Since it is camped on the south bank, it must belong to the army, so there is no need to panic. After a while, the report came again, saying that the dozen or so camps belonged to Duolong'a's subordinates.After confirming that it was reinforcements entering the customs, I feel more at ease.When Shengbao's banquet was coming to an end, the material officer whispered a few words into his ear. Duolong'a's official title is General Jingzhou, which is not taken seriously in Shengbao's view. "Isn't he in Tongzhou? What are you doing here in the province?" He twirled his mustache and murmured, "Could it be that he came to listen to the temperance? Why are you so busy setting up camp first that you don't come to visit? Let's take a look and see." His subordinates were different from him, they all murmured in their hearts, when they heard the news, they quietly went to the city to visit, there was no moon in the frosty sky, they could only see the dark barracks in the dark area, the lights were scattered, the fighting was silent, and the weather was serious, one could tell at a glance Not a good thing.So they got together in twos and threes, whispering in whispers, and everyone made up their minds. Once they returned to the camp, they packed their luggage quietly and were ready to leave at any time. The whole camp is already planning to part ways, but Shengbao is still in the dark, hugging Chen Yucheng's wife surnamed Lu, dreaming soundly.At five o'clock, when the horn first blew, a trusted officer knocked on the door and shouted loudly: "Marshal, Marshal, many generals have entered the gate!" At this time, Duo Long'a had not only entered the gate, but also dismounted from his horse, holding a high yellow seal in his hand, and went straight into the middle gate proudly, saying loudly: "Shengbao accepts the order!" As soon as he reported to the upper room, Shengbao was taken aback. It's normal to have a will, and it's not a good time for Duolong'a to come here!So while being served by concubine Ji, she put on her gown, put on her boots and raised her crown, while thinking about it in her heart.When he was fully dressed, he said to the trembling Aunt Lu: "It's probably because General Duo came to pick me up. Maybe the Minister of the Ministry of War will be transferred within the year, and I have to leave within the year." He didn't know whether the words were comforting himself or others, anyway, he felt much better after saying these words.At this time, the material officer came to urge him again. When he walked to the lobby, the incense table had already been set up, and Duolonga stood above him solemnly waiting. At that time, Duolong'a's powerful soldiers had surrounded the entire palace of the imperial envoys, the middle door was opened, and the wall outside the door was shining brightly, as if facing a formidable enemy.No matter how domineering Shengbao was on weekdays, no one was in his eyes. Seeing this scene, he couldn't help being terrified, and obediently knelt down in front of the incense table. So Duo Long'a took out the Shangyu from the yellow silk envelope and held it high in his hand. He was just pretending that he didn't know Chinese. Like a catharsis, he recited it in one breath: "Decree to the Cabinet: Because of the rampant Hui bandits in Shaanxi, Shengbao was specially appointed as an imperial envoy to supervise the military affairs of Shaanxi. He has a heavy responsibility. How should we quickly sweep away the atmosphere of bandits and try to repay them? It has been several months since I arrived in Shaanxi, and the reported victories are mostly fabricated. ;And the case of accepting bribes and fishing sex was corrected and participated in by others. There are many people who don't know self-love and have a negative appointment! Sheng Baoshou immediately dismissed him, handed it over to Duolongana for questioning, and sent personnel to quickly transfer him to Beijing to discuss the crime. You are not allowed to stay. Duolong'a is appointed as the imperial envoy, and all defenses are closed, that is to say, the victory is guaranteed and handed over to Duolong'a as the leader, and all the troops in the department are brave and brave. After reading the Shangyu, Shengbao's face was pale, and the movement of kowtow to thank him seemed quite faltering.When he lifted his bloated body, Duolonga asked, "Shengbao! Comply or not? " "Then there is a reason not to obey." Shengbao replied sadly. "Then get off guard!" There is no need for Shengbao to re-instruct, someone has already seen the opportunity to please, brought a printing box wrapped in red silk, and handed it to Shengbao. A square of copper Guanfang, three inches long and two inches wide, was picked up and handed to the copywriter next to him, saying, "Look at it, right?" After inspecting the inscriptions in the Manchu and Chinese scripts of Shangfang Dazhuan, the copywriter replied: "Not bad!" “好！”多隆阿扬起头来，环顾他的随员，大声下令：“奉旨查抄！不准徇情买放，不遵令的军法从事。” 这一下把胜保急得神色大变，上来牵住多隆阿的黄马褂，不断地喊：“礼帅，礼帅！”多隆阿号礼堂，胜保平日一直是叫他的号的，这时改了称呼。 "How about it?" “礼帅！”胜保长揖哀恳：“念在多年同袍之雅，总求高抬贵手，法外施恩。” 多隆阿想了想说：“给你八驼行李。” “这，这，这……，”胜保结结巴巴地说，“这不管用啊！” “管够可不行！”多隆阿使劲摇着头，“八驼也不少了，你把你那么多姨太太打发掉几个，不就够用了吗？”说到这里向身边的材官吩咐：“摘顶戴吧！” 于是胜保的珊瑚顶子，白玉翎管连着双眼花翎，二品武官的狮子补褂，一起褫夺，换上待罪的素服，被软禁在他日日高张盛宴的西花厅。多隆阿又派了一百名兵丁，日夜看守，同时一再叮嘱，务须小心，倒象深怕会有人来把他劫走似的。 这因为多隆阿久知胜保自己虽不练兵，但他为了求个人仪从的威武煊赫，特意挑了二百人，个个体魄魁梧，配备了精美的器械服装，厚给粮饷，常有赏赐，把这个“元戎小队”，以恩结成他的死士。而他的部下出身不正，只知有胜保，不知有国法，万一起了个不顾一切救胜保的念头，以胜保的毫无心肝，说不定就会在劫持之下，甘受利用，与回捻同流合污。那一来自己的责任就太重了，所以不得不选精兵看守。 谁知他把胜保看得太重了。就在传旨拿问的那一刻，胜保的文武部下，溜的溜，躲的躲，余下的都向新任钦差大臣报了到。二百亲兵，四十八名厨役，走了一大半，跟在胜保身边的，只有一名老仆，两名马伕，还是他当翰林时的旧人。 这时雷正绾已从凤翔前线赶回西安，重投故主，万感交集，但无暇去细诉他在胜保节制下所受的委屈，多隆阿交给他一个相当艰巨的任务，安抚各营，申明朝廷的本意，完全因为胜保跋扈得不成话说，不能不振饬纪纲。除了胜保一个人以外，决不会有牵涉株连的情事，新任的钦差大臣也决不会有所歧视，劝大家安心，只要立功，必有恩赏。 尽管他苦口婆心地劝慰，终于还是有胜保旧部八百人，呼啸过河，另投山东，一路骚扰，不在话下。多隆阿接得报告，不愿分兵追击，因为他要集中兵力对付回匪。 回匪多在渭河北岸，与胜保隔河相持，已有四十多天。多隆阿召集将领集议，了解了情况，下令开炮，隆隆然一夜，把西安的老百姓惊扰得魂梦不安。第二天早晨一打听，说渭河北岸的匪巢完全荡平。接着便有许多人哭哭啼啼到西安来寻亲觅友报丧，说是南岸官军的炮火，玉石不分，把老百姓也轰在里头了。 而军机处只知道多隆阿连番大捷，下诏褒奖，同时催促移解胜保。查抄已告一段落，胜保的姨太太，各携细软，走散了许多，剩下的几个也是惴惴不安，局促在特为划出来的一座院子里，要想打听打听消息都不容易。这样度日如年地过了五六天，忽然雷正绾来了，这一下如见亲人，大家围着他七嘴八舌地诉苦，雷正绾也只有报之以苦笑。 好不容易才有了容他开口的机会：“明天要走了。”他说，“请大家收拾收拾，明天我派人送你们过河到山西。以后各自小心。” 大家都没有留心他最后这句话中的警告意味，只问：“到那里呀？” “自然是跟着胜大人到京里。” 到京里以后如何呢？雷正绾无法回答，大家也无法想象。各人收拾好了行李，第二天一早，坐车先走。胜保接着东下，依然坐了八抬绿呢大轿，只在轿杠上拴一条铁链子，表示轿内是革职拿问的犯官。 雷正绾派的人，护送出关，随即折回。胜保的眷属从风陵渡过河，进了山西境界，天色已经不早，投宿在蒲州城外的一座荒村里。 这是一个名符其实的荒村，而原来不是。河东富庶之区，却以数经兵燹，匪来如梭、兵来如梳、轮番的骚扰劫掠，把稍稍过得去的人家都撵跑了，所以空房子倒是很多。胜保的眷属连同少数的旧部，加上多隆阿所派的护送官兵，一共占了两座人去楼空的大宅。 天气冷，又没有月亮，最主要的一点是在前途茫茫的抑郁忧惧心情之中，因而除去那二十多名护送官兵以外，其余的都草草设榻，钻入被窝，听远处传来的狗哭狼嗥，把颗心都挤得发酸了。 胜保的那个吕氏姨太太，一直不曾睡着，独拥寒衾，望着一盏豆大的油灯火焰出神。她在想胜保，也想着陈玉成，一度是“王妃”，忽然又变成钦差大臣的“姨太太”，而她曾亲耳听见过别人在背后叫她“贼婆”。What about in the future?她在想，胜保的人缘不好，说不定会充军，充到冰天雪地的边疆，自己当然也要跟着去，说什么雪肤花貌，都付与阴寒穷荒，一辈子就这么完了，想想真有些不能甘心。 正这样惘惘然万般无奈时，忽然听得狗叫，叫得极其狞厉，然后又是长号着奔远了，仿佛被人打跑了似的，她的一颗心，蓦地里提了起来，侧耳静听，仿佛是有人声，便唤那在她床前打地铺的丫头：“小珠，小珠！” 小珠为她唤醒，梦头里着了惊，猛然翻身坐起，慌慌张张地问：“那儿失火，那儿失火？” 失火倒不曾，有火光是真的。霎时间人声杂沓，涌进来一群人，灯笼火把照耀着，看得清楚是官兵，她才略略放心。 “都起来，起来！”有个官长模样的壮汉大声吆喝：“搜查奸细！” 这种情况她以前也遇见过，懂得应付的方法，赶紧轻声喊道：“小珠快起来！把那包碎银子拿给我。” 她是预备拿一包碎银子送给来搜查的官兵，买得个清静，成算在胸，动作便比较从容了，下床穿好衣服，剔亮了灯，却听小珠急促地喊道：“奶奶，你看！” 急急扭头从嵌在冰纹格子窗上的那块玻璃望出去，只见官兵正从各个房间里把箱笼抬了出来，堆在院子里，“这是干什么？”她失声而问，一句话不曾完，听得房门上猛然一脚，立刻便是一个洞。 “开门，开门！”外面大喝。 小珠抖抖索索地去拔开了门闩，双扉大开，正是那个大声吆喝的官长，举一盏灯笼往她脸上一照，神色顿时不同： “就是她，就是她，一看就知道了。好好伺候着！” 不由分说，把她推推拉拉地拥了出去，弄上轿子，锁了轿门，连同那些箱笼行李，一起抬出村子，往北而去。 她惊疑不定地好半天，终于想明白，定是德兴阿干的好事！只怪护送的官兵不管用，从而转念也难怪，二十多人到了德兴阿大军所驻的防地，还能反抗吗？ 这时的胜保，还未出关，正走到临潼地方，住在东门外的关帝庙里，钦命要犯只是防守严密，除去行动不能自由，此外生活起居不受干涉，加以胜保出手素来阔绰，押解的官兵得了他的丰厚犒赏，格外优容，居然可以会客了。 所会的客，自然是他的那一班文案。当他初被拿问时，群情惊惶，以为会象上年拿问肃顺那样，凡是胜保的党羽，皆在逮捕之列，所以都存着避一避风头，躲开了看一看再说的打算。及至多隆阿派人安抚各营，申明只抓胜保一个，大家比较心定了。有些则平日倚仗胜保的势力，为非作歹，自知迟早难逃逮问的命运，依旧不敢出面，比较谨饬安分的，看朝廷既无进一步的行动，而多隆阿待胜保也还客气，见得事态并不严重。 株连之忧一消，侥幸之心又生，朝好的方面去想，胜保在去年的拥兵京畿，声言“清君侧”而为恭王的后盾，是能够打倒肃顺的关键所在。有此大功，就该象赐“丹书铁券”那样，赦他不死，而况他到底不曾丧师失地，与两江总督何桂清的情况不同。朝廷拿问议罪，多半只是临之以威，略施膺惩，至多革职，也还有戴罪图功的可能。此时正不妨好好替他出把力，至少也要见一面，说几句安慰的话，好为他将来复起时，留下欢然道故的余地。 于是从胜保一离西安，沿路便有人来相会，患难之际，易见交情，胜保十分心感。同时这对他确也是一种极大的安慰和鼓励，沮丧忧疑的心情，减消了一大半，他很沉着地与来客密议免祸的方法。连着谈了几晚，谈出一个结论：到京越晚越好！一则可以把事情冷下来，再则好争取时间，多方活动，预作布置。 胜保是个说做就做的人，从商定了这个办法，便尽量在路上拖延。最简单的办法是装病，但他的身体其壮如牛，装病也只能装些感冒、腹痛之类的小病，同时也不能总是装病，这天清早从临潼的关帝庙起身，正无可奈何地要上轿时，他那随护眷口的老仆，一骑快马，气急败坏地赶到了。 他是奔波了一日一夜，赶回来报告消息的。果然是德兴阿干的好事，八驼行李，四个美妾，都落在别人手中了。被抢的地方名叫东盐郭村，在蒲州城外，德兴阿的部下也还抢了别家，逼得那家的年轻妇女投了井。 胜保自出生以来，何尝受过这样的欺侮？但此时如虎落平阳，发不出威，首先想到的是，告诉押解的军官：“出了这么档子无法无天的事，我不能走了。我得回西安看你们大帅，听他怎么说？” 押解官如何容得他回西安？只答应在临潼暂时留下。胜保那时，就好比吴三桂听说陈圆圆为李自成部下所劫那样，想象着艳绝人寰的吕氏姨太太，偎倚在德兴阿怀里的情形，五中如焚，是说不出的那种又酸又痛，简直都不想活了的心情。 “大帅！”有个文案劝他，“此刻急也无用，气更不必，得要赶紧想办法，事不宜迟，迟则生变。” 怎么叫“迟则生变”？胜保楞了一下，才想到是指吕氏姨太太而言。事隔两天，必已遭德兴阿沾污，已经“迟”了，已经“变”了！他叹口气说：“我方寸已乱，有什么好办法，你说吧！” “自然是向礼帅申诉。” “对啊！”胜保的精神陡然一振，他拿德兴阿无可奈何，但可以赖上了多隆阿，“他得给我句话，不然我专折参他，纵容部属，公然抢劫，到底是官兵还是土匪？” “正是这话。” “来，来！那就拜烦大笔。” 胜保口授大意，托那文案执笔，写了封极其切实的信给多隆阿。等信写完，他也盘算好了办法，取了一百两银子，连信放在一起，叫人把负责押解的武官请了来。 “劳你的驾，给跑一趟西安。”他把信和银子往前一推，“把我的这封信，面呈你们大帅，信里说的什么，你总也该知道。” 看在一百两银子份上，而且也算是公事，那武官很爽快地答应，立刻动身去投信。 “再有句话，得请你要个切切实实的回信。” “胜大人的吩咐，我不敢不遵。信，我一定面呈多大人，不过，这个回信，可不一定讨得着。如果多大人说一声：'好，我知道了，你回去吧！'请想想，我还能说什么？” “那我可不是吓唬你。”胜保斩钉截铁地说，“没有切实回信，我在这儿不走。闹出事儿来，别说是你，只怕你们大帅的顶戴也保不住。我这话什么意思，你自己琢磨去吧！” 说完，胜保只管自己退入别室，把那武官僵在那里，不知何以为计？于是那文案便走到他身边，用惊惶的眼色作神秘的低语。 “胜大人的意思，你还不明白？落到今天这一步，他还在乎什么？冷不防一索子上了吊，你想想，那是多大的漏子！” 这两句话说得他毛骨悚然，钦命要犯，途中自尽，押解官的处分极重，前程所关，不是开玩笑的事，所以“喏、喏”连声，受教而去。 看见那武官一走，估量着多隆阿治军素严，得信一定会有妥善处置，胜保的心情比较轻松了些。但对德兴阿却是越想越恨，就算眷口行李，能够完整不缺地要回来，这个仇也还是非报不可。 左思右想，想出来一着狠棋，亲自拟了一道奏折，犯官有冤申诉，仍许上奏。奏折中说：“德兴阿纵兵抢劫，在蒲州城外东盐郭村，借口盘查奸细，亲带马队、步兵，夤夜进庄，将居民银钱衣物等件，抢掠一空，该民人等均在英桂行辕控告，请饬查办。”写完奏折，又替他的老仆写了张状子，命他赶回蒲州，到山西巡抚英桂的行辕去控告德兴阿。奏折则专人送到西安，请陕西巡抚瑛棨代为拜发，瑛棨跟他有交情，这件事一定肯帮忙。 能想的办法都已想到，该做的事也都做了，在临潼关帝庙等待消息的滋味却不好受，无事枯坐，不是苦思爱妾，就是想到入京以后的结果，真个是度日如年。 就这时候，有个想不到的客，深夜相访，此人叫蔡寿祺，字紫翔，号梅庵，江西德化人。道光二十年的进士，一直在京里当穷翰林，中间一度在胜保营里帮忙，咸丰八年冬天丁忧，因为九江沦陷，道路不通，只好在京守制，境况非常艰窘，胜保也曾接济过他。以后听说他到四川去了，混得还算得意。不想却又在这里相会，他乡遇故人，且在患难之中，胜保特有一份空谷足音的欣慰亲切之感，赶紧叫请了进来。 两人见了面，相对一揖，都觉凄然，“梅庵，”胜保强笑着吟了两句杜诗：“'今夕复何夕，共此灯烛光？'” “听得克帅的消息，寝食难安。”蔡寿祺也强露宽慰的笑容，“总算见着面了。” 胜保又是一揖，感激不已：“故人情重，何以克当？”他又问：“听说你在蜀中，近况如何？” “我的遭际，也跟克帅一样委屈。” “怎么？”胜保反替他难过，“骆籲门总算是忠厚长者，何以你也受委屈？” “唉！一言难尽！”