Chapter 33 Jade Seat Bead Curtain (4-2)

Not only is it unspeakable, but there are also unspeakable secrets.Drinking wine under the lamp, and recounting the past in detail, Cai Shouqi certainly has some lies.He left Beijing in the summer of the ninth year of Xianfeng. The reason for leaving Beijing was simply that he could not survive the idle life. He wanted to see opportunities in other provinces and find a way to get promoted and make a fortune through military merits.His plan is to enter Guanzhong from Shanxi, then go to Sichuan, and then go downstream from the Three Gorges. If there is no chance, he will return to Jiangxi. The road in his hometown is always wider than in Beijing.

So, as Hanlin, he beat the autumn wind all the way to make money, and walked for a year before arriving in Sichuan.Sichuan does not have a governor, only a governor. At this time, Huang Zonghan, the governor, was dismissed from his post in Beijing because he failed to negotiate with the British during his tenure as governor of Guangdong and Guangxi. General Chonghou of Chengdu was acting as governor of Sichuan.Although Chonghou was a bannerman, he was cautious and open-minded, and he didn't really appreciate Cai Shouqi's exaggerated and vain way of running the army.So he got "Cheng Yi" with several hundred taels of silver, and traveled from Chengdu to Chongqing, preparing to go down the river.

After receiving news in Chongqing, Zeng Wangyan, governor of Shaanxi, was promoted to governor of Sichuan.Cai Shouqi and Zeng Wangyan were acquaintances, so they stayed in Chongqing and did not leave. When Zeng Wangyan took office, he also returned to Chengdu in March of the following year.At that time, Lan Chaozhu, a bandit from Yunnan, was harassing the affluent areas in southern Sichuan, and Shi Dakai was threatening Sichuan from Hubei. swagger.Soon after, Zeng Wangyan was dismissed from his post, and Chonghou was still acting as his agent. He participated in the impeachment of Cai Shouqi and was ordered to deport him back to his hometown.Not long after, Governor Chuan released Luo Bingzhang.

Although Luo Bingzhang was a native of Guangdong, he had a deep connection with the Hunan Army. When he entered Sichuan, he took Liu Rong, a general of the Hunan Army, with him. He was very trustworthy, and as a prefect, he recommended him as the Sichuan Fansi.Seeing that Cai Shouqi, who was ordered to be deported back to his hometown, was still staying in Chengdu, secretly guarding against him, and recruiting local bravery, Liu Rong hated it, so she honestly warned: If Cai Shouqi doesn't leave, he will really order to deport him. Of course, Cai Shouqi concealed his original intentions. He had a set of high-sounding statements. He regarded Sichuan as his hometown, and he was anxious for justice, so he forgot to avoid suspicion.He was tabooed by the power because of his courage in doing things.On the one hand, he continued to drink heavily, as if he really had a belly that was out of season and wanted to use wine to pour it down.

"That's how things are in the world!" Shengbao also complained, "When you are in trouble, others don't remember your courage in doing things, and when you are not needed, they say you are taking power everywhere. Fuck him, I don't believe them That set." "Ke Shuai!" Cai Shouqi suddenly persuaded him, "A man can bend and stretch, so it's time to restrain yourself. When he comes back to power in the future, it's not too late to avenge his revenge and repay his injustice." Shengbao thought about his words carefully, and replied with a sigh: "Why don't I understand this truth? But I just can't swallow this breath."

"No matter what, you have to be patient for a while." Cai Shouqi lowered his voice and said, "Ke Shuai, you have a lot of capital. If you keep the green hills, you don't have to worry about running out of firewood." What does the word "capital" refer to? Shengbao was a little confused, so he said bluntly, "Meian, what is the meaning of 'capital', and where is it?" Cai Shouqi took a look, dipped his chopsticks into the wine, and wrote a word on the table, "Miao." "Cough!" Sheng Bao frowned and said, "It's his fault!"

"The misfortune depends on the blessing! Just look at the use of one's heart." "Ah, ah!" Shengbao nodded greatly: "The magic of using it is all in one mind!" "Also," Cai Shouqi said these two words, and then wrote another word: "Li." Shengbao nodded again to express his understanding, and listened to him go on. "Embrace self-respect." Cai Shouqi erased these two words, and wrote: "Should show the imperial court that those who surrender without justice will surely rebel." "Yeah!" Shengbao raised his glass solemnly, "I would like to be taught."

Cai Shouqi threw his chopsticks on the table reservedly, and leaned back, with the air of holding his head high.Shengbao, on the other hand, lowered his head and remained silent. At this moment, he had already made a decision, but he didn't say it out loud. "Meian," he changed the subject, "where are you going?" "I wanted to go down the river, because I wanted to see Keshuai, so I went out of Jianmen to Shaanxi." Cai Shouqi thought for a while and said, "'Changanju, it's not easy', I want to go home and have a look first." "No!" Shengbao expressed his disapproval quickly and resolutely, "You should go to Beijing to have a chance. As for 'Changanju, it's not easy', it's the truth. Let me help you, but at this moment For me, I can only show a little sincerity, don’t be too mean.” He reached into the skirt of his clothes, took a long time to take out a bank note, and handed it across the lamp.

The amount written on the bank note was one thousand taels, and Cai Shouqi took it in his hand. I don't know how to thank him?After a long time, I squeezed out two tears, put on a sad face, shook my head and said: "I can't accept it, I can't refuse it. What's the plan?" "Mei An, this is your pedantry. If you want to care about things outside your body, it will belittle the friendship between you and me." "It's right to blame, it's right to blame!" Cai Shouqi said while withdrawing his hand, holding the bank note in his hand. Then he talked about the military situation in various places and the changes in the court. It was not until late at night that he began to arrange various arrangements.Sheng Bao was alone in the ancient temple facing the lonely lamp, listening to the sharp wind, he thought of the beautiful scenery of twenty or thirty concubines accompanying him, pink, white, green, jade smiling and pearls fragrant, it was really desolate, he didn't know what to do?

So he wandered around the room, and spent the whole night thinking over Cai Shouqi's words and his own ideas, thinking over and over, even the smallest details.It was not until the sky was light that he began to lean on the pillow and fall asleep.Soon, people's voices gradually became mixed, and the door was rattling and rattling. When I opened the door to have a look, the accompanying servant came to report that the military officer in charge of the escort had returned from Xi'an. "Okay!" Sheng Bao still spoke in the tone of an imperial envoy: "Send him in!"

The escort military officer was in the corridor not far away, and before the servant came to deliver the message, he came over to greet him: "Respond to Mr. Sheng, the letter has arrived." "What do you guys say?" "My lord is also very angry, and said that he must do it." "Oh!" Shengbao thought the words were pleasant, nodded his head and said, "He still understands. But, have you done it yet?" "It's done, it's done. People have been sent to Puzhou." "That's good. I'll wait here until he can figure it out." "That's unnecessary." The escorting military officer said with a smile, "Master Sheng, please think about it, how good it would be to meet him all the way up?" It was a good plan, but Sheng Baoyi had ulterior motives, and just had an excuse to stay.Furthermore, he has not forgotten his accumulated habits, and still wants to show off his prestige, so he just shakes his head vigorously, turns around, and walks into the house, expressing that there is no room for accommodation. At this time, the escorting military officer showed his official face, took two steps forward, walked to the door and said loudly to the room: "Tell the truth to Mr. Sheng, Mr. Sheng has something to say: The sacred order is hard to violate, please leave early, Mr. Sheng, so as not to inconvenience each other. " If it was ten days ago, someone who dared to talk to him like this would have died immediately, and at this moment, Shengbao's temper is not small, "Bastard!" Inconvenience to each other'? You get out!" "I'm a good talker." Shengbao became more and more angry: "Get out, get out! You dare to threaten me! What are you?" This quarrel was very loud, one of his writers, Wu Tailang happened to be visiting, rushed in and pulled the escort military officer out first, asked the reason briefly, then hurried back in to persuade him. "It's really unreasonable!" Shengbao was still showing off his power, "I just won't leave, let's see how Duolongana takes me?" "You can't blame Marshal Li for this." Wu Tailang said, "That kid didn't know the heights of heaven and earth, and offended the Marshal, so there's no need to be as knowledgeable as him. I'll ask him to take responsibility later." Hearing what he said, Shengbao couldn't make a fuss anymore, just shook his head with a wry smile. So Wu Tailang went out again, went to the escort military officer, said a lot of good things, and asked him to come and make amends for Shengbao.After spending a long time talking, he finally convinced him, but there was an exchange condition, Shengbao had to leave immediately.After discussing for a long time, they finally agreed to stay for another day. After this series of ups and downs, although Shengbao didn't take advantage of it, he had a step to go down after all, so he didn't say anything more.But after being stimulated by this, he felt more and more that the proverb "a man should not be powerless for a day" is really an undeniable "sage of wisdom".Gritting his teeth secretly, one day he will regain power and punish those snobs who pretend to be powerful. In fact, there are many snobs around him who are pretending to be powerful, just looking at the fact that his tiger skin will be stripped, they will scatter and go their separate ways.People like Wu Tailang and Cai Shouqi just have nowhere to go.However, since I still have the heart of relying on Shengbao, it is natural that we are closely related, so I took the opportunity of staying for a day, wandering around from morning to night, and talked a lot of intimate words. These three people are full of complaints. Wu Tailang is a Taoist priest who was dismissed before the army, and he hates the head of the Hunan Army like a bone; Cai Shouqi and Liu Rong are enemies, and the relationship between Liu Rong and Zeng Guofan is different. So I also scolded the Hunan Army.Not to mention Shengbao, he has always looked down on the Hunan Army, thinking that their reputation shook the government and the public, and the southeast looked up to Zeng, Li, Zuo, Peng and others like the Great Wall, simply because they were good at forming parties and helping each other and flaunting each other. "Ah!" Wu Tailang patted his leg repeatedly and said, "Keshuai's words really hit the nail on the head. That is to say, Keshuai has both civil and military resources. Going alone and coming alone, although this is the deed of a hero, it will suffer in the end." "Not necessarily, just wait and see!" After Shengbao said this, he pulled himself away again, "Go on!" "Let's talk about Mr. Mei." Wu Tailang pointed at Cai Shouqi, "Mr. Mei, you are not very popular in your subject, and you can boast the most." "That's right, 'Science Movement' is not good." "Which subject is Mei An?" Sheng Bao asked. "Gengzi Enke in the 20th year of Daoguang." "In this subject, I'm afraid there is only one old man from your hometown, Wan Ou?" Wu Tailang refers to Wan Qingli, who is also from Dehua, Jiangxi. "That's right!" Shengbao also sighed for their subject: "After twenty years, there is only one minister, and the academic luck is not good." His eyes fell on Cai Shouqi's face, but he shook his head and refused to answer. He drank the glass alone, as if borrowing other people's wine to pour his own.The same is true in his heart. Only after the fall of the past two years has he truly realized the value of the word "same year" that ranks first in the list.A Jinshi in the 20th year of Daoguang should have been a governor long ago in terms of seniority. With a governor in the same year, why did he fail in Sichuan? Therefore, due to the loneliness that everyone feels, for Sheng Bao's future practice of seeking to get rid of crimes, he will focus on helping his party members, echoing this purpose in many ways, and agreeing on the areas and people who should be active.It was not until the sky became light that they began to disperse. Shengbao slept until noon before getting up, washing his food slowly, wanting to endure more time, so he decided to leave that day, but the military officer who escorted him was merciless, he had already prepared his chariots and horses, and urged him over and over again. At the beginning of the first handover, he was forced to go on the road and headed east. After walking for more than ten miles, I saw a lot of dust in front of me, and several mules came towards me with their boxes and cages.When they approached each other and asked each other, they realized that it was exactly the luggage that Duo Long'a sent someone from Dexing'a to bring back from Dexing'a. So both sides stopped.One of Shengbao's confidantes, Baosheng was promoted to be the leader of the third-rank ginseng, but in fact he was equal to Mabian's military academy, a banner man named Ladha, who was originally sent to Beijing with his family, and now he came here with his luggage. Go to the Shengbao sedan chair and ask An to call back. It was necessary to report some of the incidents of being robbed at that time. The words were very trivial, and Shengbao became impatient. "Anyway, you have a good job." ! Tell me, what's going on now?" "Your Majesty sent someone there, made a lot of negotiations, and brought back the eight camels' luggage." "Is there a lot less stuff?" "Probably a lot." "How do you call it 'probably'? What is missing?" "Only one box was moved. For the rest, the seals are still well pasted." "That box?" Sheng Bao asked anxiously, "Isn't the box numbered?" "It's the number one bite." fine!Shengbao was quite comforted.The contents of the first box are worthless.When packing the box, I intentionally made the name inaccurate, and the higher the number, the less important it is. This small thought really paid off.However, no matter how valuable it is, it is nothing more than something outside the body, so he immediately asked: "Where is the person?" "Several aunts and maids are still living in Puzhou City, and they will leave together when the commander arrives." "Oh!" Shengbao finally asked the most important sentence: "Is Aunt Lu okay?" Asked this sentence, Radha's complexion was uglier than that of his dead parents. He only moved his lips, wondering what he was talking about? "What's the matter?" Sheng Bao asked loudly, "Didn't you hear me? I'll ask Aunt Lu!" "Call, Master Jiao De is here to stay." "Ah!" Shengbao jumped in the sedan chair, took off his big sunglasses, pointed at Radha angrily and asked, "What did he say?" "Master De's words are hard to hear." Radha murmured, "It's better not to ask, Commander." "Bastard! How could I not ask." "Master De said..." Radha lowered his head and lowered his voice, "He said that Mrs. Lu is a rebellious wife, and he has to do business properly!" The words "business as usual" hit the key point of Shengbao.Knowing that Dexing Ah would pretend to be "public" to benefit "private", there is nothing he can do about him.So he leaned back dejectedly, not bothering to ask anything. In this way, after a few days, I was able to let go of missing Aunt Lu a little bit.In Shanxi for the new year, I wanted to stay for a few more days, but couldn't stand the court's repeated urging, so I had to leave after the seventh day of the new year.He arrived in Beijing at the end of the first month and was immediately sent to the Ministry of Punishment.The chief secretary received Duolong'a's message to ask questions about Beijing, and handed Shengbao over to the "Prison Hall" for temporary settlement in the "Fire Room".With the door closed and locked, it was already a prison, and now Shengbao really panicked. This test was closed for several days, but no one came to ask him. He was only taught to "deliver a confession". Among the countless charges of impeachment, he only admitted to one: bringing a prostitute. The "professional confession" has been handed in, and the Military Aircraft Department has drafted an order according to the report of the Ministry of Criminal Affairs to "send the King of Political Affairs, the Minister of Military Aircraft, and the University Scholars to interrogate with the Ministry of Criminal Affairs, and prepare a written statement according to the law", but Prince Gong has not acted for a long time , Because of the mouse-scare, I have a lot of worries. Before Sheng Bao arrived in Beijing, their planned rescue plan was launched.The first one was the memorial of General Mu Teng'a of Xi'an and Governor of Shaanxi Ying Kai, who rushed to deliver it within six hundred miles.When the memorial was delivered, Empress Dowager Cixi had gone to bed.Because it was a first-class emergency in the order of transmission, the internal affairs office did not dare to delay at all, and knocked on the palace door at night, and An Dehai took it, and then went to knock on the Empress Dowager Cixi's bedroom, and sent the yellow box in. At this time, although the Empress Dowager Cixi had only one year and two months of experience in listening to politics, she was already very familiar with the procedures of internal and external affairs.Seeing that it was Mu Teng'a and Ying Chuan who took the title and rushed to submit the memorial within six hundred miles, he couldn't help being surprised, and cried out: "Could it be that Duo Long'a died in battle?" This is no wonder she thinks so, because if it is an urgent military report, it should be reported by Duolonga, the imperial envoy who is in charge of military affairs. Six hundred miles to step up.Therefore, she intuitively thought of what happened to Duolonga.Unexpectedly, when he took it apart, he said, "Zhili's military affairs are in short supply, please ask Yu Shengbao to go and suppress it." "Bastard!" Empress Dowager Cixi was so angry that she threw the memorial to the ground. It was rare for An Dehai to see such a situation, but he couldn't ignore the memorial when it fell to the ground, so he quietly picked it up.Just when she didn't know how to deal with it, the Empress Dowager Cixi gave instructions. "Get a pen!" An Dehai agreed, and brought the vermilion pen, and she personally approved the eight words: "Strictly enforce the order in accordance with the decree." Then ordered him to return it to the internal affairs office immediately. Early the next morning, Zhang Jing picked up the military plane and turned back to the military plane. Naturally, he put the most urgent ones on top and sent them to Prince Gong to pick them up for a look.However, he is calmer than the Empress Dowager Cixi, and he has to discuss with his colleagues the intention of Mu Teng'a and Ying Chihui to be included in this fold first, and then make a reason. "Mu Teng'a is Sheng Bao's best friend, and Ying Chi is a fool. He must have been instructed by Mu Teng'a, so why bother?" Bao Jun frowned. "I'm talking about the purpose of this book. Don't they know what kind of result will be obtained if such absurdity is done?" "That's nothing more than to repay Shengbao." "Otherwise!" Wen Xiang had another opinion, "This is 'throwing stones to ask the way', to detect the intention of the court. If the tone of criticism is loosened, those who speak for Shengbao will come one by one." "Not bad, not bad!" Everyone present nodded deeply. "Then draft an order and reprimand it!" Prince Gong made a decision. This "strict order" was issued by the cabinet.People in and out of Beijing who have been affected by the Shengbao activities will wait and see when they see that the situation is not good.But indirect news also spread to Prince Gong's ears, saying that the group of people Shengbao recruited to surrender did not understand the righteousness of serving the country and the people, but only knew to be grateful to Shengbao. If there is a change, the overall situation will be even more difficult. After taking power for more than a year, Prince Gong's purpose is still to stabilize the situation as the first priority. As long as Miao Peilin can be wronged, as long as he can be imprisoned, even if he is the "Emperor of Earth" in the Shouzhou area, he can tolerate it. Unexpected changes caused by Shengbao were naturally something he took a serious precaution against. Moreover, Prince Gong's feelings for Shengbao are different from others after all.It is difficult to say how much threat Shengbao's mixed army can pose to Sushun, but King Gong has indeed increased his confidence because of Shengbao's attitude and at the same time It shows that there are people who can use Shengbao to make those who were hovering between Sushun and him turn to his side.Win or lose, you know yourself, and Prince Gong feels that he owes Shengbao his love. Because of this double obstacle between public and private, Prince Gong, who has always been decisive and bright in dealing with affairs, seems very sticky in this big case that has attracted attention from inside and outside the capital after the "killing of the three culprits", as if he had forgotten Like this thing. He understands Wen Xiang and Cao Yuying best, and then Bao Yun.Bao Jun has always taken Prince Gong's will as his will, Cao Yuying's qualifications are still inexperienced, and it depends on the opportunity to make a speech. Only Wen Xiang thinks that it is not an option for Prince Gong to delay like this, and feels that he must speak. Whenever he has a proposition, he always speaks softly but with a firm purpose. He pointed out to King Gong that when Sheng Bao was dismissed, the most important thing is the word "ask".Rectification without questioning is worse than "Qu Yu Yourong" in terms of rectifying the discipline.What's more, it doesn't matter if you don't ask. The empress dowagers of the two palaces don't say anything, and they are already dissatisfied. The cabinet is also waiting for news. Waiting for them to ask, it will be embarrassing. Ministers discussing crimes have always been discussed by important ministers in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Punishment. Shengbao was interrogated in the cabinet.In any case, the king of politics should convene a meeting first, and then proceed.Therefore, Prince Gong accepted Wen Xiang's opinion, consulted with the cabinet, and held regular meetings. Beforehand, of course, there was some private contact, and Prince Gong got a report: Zhou Zupei, a scholar, and Li Tangjie, Minister of Military Aircraft, were very fierce, and they had already stated that strict enforcement of victory protection would not be enough to uphold the law of the country. "Why is that?" Prince Gong frowned and asked, "Could it be...?" Bao Yun has always spoken without reservation, and said loudly: "Henan people! Sheng Kezhai has done too much in Henan. Zhou and Li, if you don't say so, how can you explain to their fellow villagers?" This was straightforward and straight-forward, Prince Gong knew it in his heart.So on the day of the cabinet meeting, let Zhou Zupei and Li Tangjie scold Shengbao, let them vent their anger first. "In short, in a nutshell," Zhou Zupei said, slapping the table, "like this, corrupting the people, corrupting and dereliction of duty, and letting down the commanding officers of the imperial court, a hundred deaths are not enough to cover their guilt!" "Old Zhi is right." Prince Gong spoke slowly and confidently. After agreeing, he suddenly changed his mind, "However, as the saying goes, 'you can't cast a mouse', Shengbao is already in the prison of the Ministry of Punishment and can be executed at any time. I think—— Let's talk about Katsubo aside!" Zhou Zupei was taken aback, not knowing who and what else would be discussed in this case apart from Shengbao? Above the temple, it is inconvenient to say something that is not grand enough to accommodate the reality, so I put aside Sheng Bao and talked about his hidden property.This matter was under Bao Jun's control. He talked about the situation of Duo Long'a's inspection and the information he got from him, as if he was chatting and talking about the news. Who might have hidden some property from Shengbao?Who will be sent to search?In what way?And so on, although it is too trivial to talk about it, it sounds interesting. The first meeting ended in such a muddled way.In a few days, a memorial from Zeng Guofan, governor of Liangjiang, brought new troubles and worries to Prince Gong and his colleagues——Shengbao played another ruthless game besides Miao Peilin. Zeng Guofan's memorial said: Li Shizhong, the admiral of the south of the Yangtze River, wrote a letter, willing to deprive himself of his position and make atonement for the victory.This is a whimsical thing, and it is not only presumptuous but also absurd to use a military officer in the front to interfere with the court's authority to deal with the guilty minister.Logically speaking, Zeng Guofan should have been reprimanded, but Zeng Guofan did not deal with it, and acted on his behalf according to the facts, and only briefly stated that the reason for his acting on behalf of him was: "I dare not block the news." This understatement, for those who understand the relationship between Li Shizhong and Shengbao, there is a lot of meaning in it.What Zeng Guofan meant was that if Li Shizhong didn't make his request on behalf of him, there might be troubles, and this trouble was something that even he, the governor of Liangjiang, who controlled the military power of the four provinces, couldn't take care of it, so he "did not dare to block the news" . "You three discuss it first!" Prince Gong handed the memorial to Wen Xiang, Bao Jun and Cao Yuying, shook his head and said, "I have a terrible headache!" Why don't the three of them have a headache?We got together and read Zeng Guofan's memorial several times, but didn't know how to comment. Finally, Wen Xiang said this: "In my opinion, Li Shizhong's intention is not all to repay personal favors, but also to show merit for Sheng Kezhai." Bao Yun didn't quite understand what he meant, but Cao Yuying had a great understanding and nodded repeatedly: "This is so deep!" "how?" "In September of the eighth year of Xianfeng, Sheng Kezhai recruited Li Shizhong to surrender, which benefited the overall situation. It was indeed not easy. At that time, Li Shizhong was not called Li Shizhong, but Li Zhaoshou." Li Zhaoshou was originally a Nian bandit, joined forces with Hong Jun, and fought against officers and soldiers in Chuzhou and Liuhe on the north bank of the Yangtze River.In the autumn of the eighth year of Xianfeng, Li Xiucheng and Chen Yucheng worked together to stabilize the north bank of the Yangtze River, and they entered northern Anhui, and Chuzhou handed over to Li Zhaoshou for defense.The discipline of his subordinates was extremely bad, and he was not a direct descendant of Hong Jun, so Chen Yucheng always despised him, which made Li Zhaoshou feel strange. So Shengbao managed to capture his whole family, and treated him very kindly. Li Zhaoshou considered his own interests, sacrificed Chuzhou City, and accepted Shengbao's offer to surrender.When Zou reported to Beijing, he was rewarded with the second grade Hualing, named Shizhong, and appointed as the general soldier, and still let him garrison Liuhe area. "From that time on, the Hong army in Jiangning and the north of Anhui couldn't be united. It wasn't the beginning of Li Shizhong's blocking. In terms of this, it can also be regarded as the credit of Sheng Kezhai." "But it's wrong to coerce the court!" Wen Xiang said with a frown, "I'm afraid Li Shizhong is also the second Miao Peilin. I heard that the bandits and salt lords in that area all come and go. Li Shizhong's nickname is 'Shou Wang. " "Then," Bao Jun said in surprise, "are you going to rebel again?" The other two were silent.After a long time, Wen Xiang clenched his fists and said with a painful expression: "We must not force Li Shizhong back! The relationship is too big, too big!" In this way, a conclusion is naturally raised, and there is only one way to appease.But it was very difficult to express the edict in reply, so Bao Yun pointed to Cao Yuying and said, "Zuoru, this must have been done by you." "Let's talk about it after we see the prince!" Cao Yuying replied, "I'm afraid there must be other arrangements besides the decree." "Yes!" Wen Xiang nodded deeply, "After talking for a long time, Zhuo Ru's words are very useful. Let's go, let's go to Jianyuan. " When we arrived at Jianyuan in Daxiangfeng Hutong, Prince Gong was having a banquet, so he left the banquet to accuse him of a crime, and had a private meeting in the small study.Along the way, Wen Xiang had a plan in mind, so he calmly put forward his solution at this time. "Peace is inevitable, but there is no need to rush to approve this memorial." "That's right!" Prince Gong interrupted involuntarily, "This is a good purpose, first let Li Shizhong have some hope, and then we can discuss it in the long run." "Yes." Wen Xiang continued his own words, "Zhuo Ru thinks that there must be other arrangements. This is a cunning plan. In my opinion, I will write a letter to Zeng Disheng in the name of the sixth master today." "What did the letter say?" "Li Shizhong's request is absolutely unacceptable. Let him comfort him well, and," Wen Xiang said in an emphatic tone, "take strict precautions!" "Okay!" Prince Gong immediately made a decision: "Just ask Zhuo Ru to work hard for a while, write it here and post it." Because it was decided to put Li Shizhong's request on hold for the time being, so when he met the Queen Mothers of the Two Palaces in the Hall of Mental Cultivation the next morning, Prince Gong didn't mention it at all.And the Empress Dowager Cixi just remembered that after finishing the other chapters, she asked kindly: "It seems that Zeng Guofan still has an account. What's the matter with Li Shizhong?" "This is trouble." Prince Gong shook his head vigorously. "There is no way out of trouble. What should we do? There must be an explanation." Empress Dowager Cixi turned to look at Empress Dowager Ci'an and asked, "Sister, do you think so?" "I," the Empress Dowager Ci'an replied with an apologetic smile, "I still don't know what's going on!" The Empress Dowager Cixi didn't know much about Li Shizhong's background and the current situation, so she took this opportunity to look at Wen Xiang and said, "You must be clear, tell me about it!" Wen Xiang went out to answer the class, and briefly explained the process of Shengbao's recruitment of Li Shizhong, and then mentioned his current situation: "Li Shizhong is currently stationed in Liuhe, and he has collected the salt lessons and lijin there. His reason is to teach him to be grateful, don't follow Miao Peilin's example, and get rid of the heart of surrender and rebellion. Li Xiucheng brought 300,000 people from Jiangxi to northern Anhui in November last year. , wanting to hit Zeng Guoquan from behind and save Jiang Ning, if Li Shizhong changes his mind and votes in the past, it will play a pivotal role and the overall situation will change." "Then you have to talk to him, Luo?" Empress Dowager Cixi's words were full of self-deprecating meaning. Prince Gong felt a little hot on his face, so he replied: "'If you can't bear it, you will make a big conspiracy', the two empress dowagers are wise." Seeing the embarrassment on Prince Gong's face, Empress Dowager Cixi kept nodding her head as a comfort, but she had her own opinion, but she still said it out. "I often think," the Empress Dowager Cixi said gracefully, in her unique, clear, calm and authoritative voice: "There are so many people in Beijing and outside of Beijing who are doing things. In the end, it's up to us, the monarchs and ministers." Ideas, things, not everything can be done; people, not everyone can be convinced, as long as we can explain it with our own conscience, we can't control so much. Liu Ye, you mean that? " "The Holy Mother and Empress Dowager can see it." Prince Gong raised his dangling hand, pointed to his heart and said, "I just use one heart to repay the grace of heaven and ancestors." "Yeah! But how can I be worthy of my conscience? I think there is only one word 'gong'." She stopped, and looked around at every minister of military aircraft with a calm gaze, which made people feel a sense of power without anger. With her two deep words, they couldn't help but feel nervous, wondering if she had something to say to blame. "Take the case of He Guiqing as an example." Empress Dowager Cixi still said leisurely, as if talking about family affairs, "in my opinion, it is a little too serious. He is not the only one who lost his teacher and lost his land." Why should he have his head chopped off? Last summer when he was escorted from Shanghai to Beijing, some people in the court spoke for him, and some had to be dealt with strictly. Our sisters couldn’t tell who was right and who was wrong. Selfishness, one set of arguments on one side and another set of arguments on the other side messed up the rationale, and the matter would be difficult. At that time, I thought, if He Guiqing's case was decided by me alone, I would definitely spare him It is enough for him to be dismissed and never to be employed again. However, many people say that the overall situation is improving, and the chaos must be rectified in order to put down the chaos. The sisters wanted to spare He Guiqing, but they couldn't do so, so they had to be charged with "execution after autumn". Originally, He Guiqing could live for another year when the yuan was changed last year and the autumn judgment was suspended. According to the usual practice, he was finally tied to Caishikou. Naturally, there is nothing to say about the imperial court's great law. But..." As soon as I was about to get to the point, the Empress Dowager Cixi stopped for a while, picked up the tureen bowl of the Kangxi Kiln Greenland Huanglong, uncovered the bowl, and brought it to her mouth. The eunuch was replaced.This delay was fine for others, but Wu Tingdong felt like a thorn in his back, and he was extremely cramped, because he was the strongest advocate for punishing He Guiqing strictly. In the cold February weather in spring, I was sweating on my back. After taking a sip of tea, Empress Dowager Cixi wiped the water stains on her lips with a silk handkerchief, and then continued: "I also thought of Shengbao because of He Guiqing's case. The great officials of the frontier have the responsibility of guarding the land and cannot share with the city." Life and death, it is said that it is for the rectification of Ji Gang and his death penalty, it is true, but after all, He Guiqing is just a frail scholar, and it is not a strange thing to tremble with fright when he hears the long hair coming. But Shengbao—what now? Year? He is still studying Nian Gengyao, and he sees the court as something. Isn’t that weird? I don’t want to mention it, I have a sentence, I can’t help but say, what is Ji Gang? Kill He Guiqing Ji Gang, you won’t mention Ji Gang when you win the victory? This is unfair, you can’t convince people, and you’re sorry for your own conscience. Sixth Master,” she raised her head and looked at all the military ministers with a long-term perspective: “Everyone, look Are my words fair?" "Yes!" Prince Gong couldn't help lowering his head: "The minister is waiting to listen to Yi's decree." "I'm just talking." Empress Dowager Cixi became more modest, "You can discuss it!" This nail hit hard enough, everyone couldn't help but feel wary, only Prince Gong was different, although he was aware of the sharpness in Empress Dowager Cixi's words, he didn't take it seriously, he still believed in his own thinking that it is not appropriate to act too hastily, and let Shengbao will live in the fire room of the Ministry of Punishment for a few days. After all, he has read a few books. Although he is in prison for crimes, he still does not lose his dignity. Shengbao is in the fire room of the Ministry of punishment, reading to pass the day.What I read is not poems that are pleasant and nourishing, nor notes that relieve melancholy, but military books and history books. In a situation like his, it is the so-called "floating system", only the freedom of movement is lost, and the visits of relatives and friends are not prohibited.At first, because of the strict decree, it looked as if the "Three Murderers" were questioned the year before last. Once arrested, they would be executed.Gradually, I saw that the situation was not as serious as imagined; with Prince Gong's attitude, it became clear to the outside world, and there would be no severe punishment for inferring Shengbao's future.As a result, relatives and friends were old, and scruples gradually disappeared, and Shengbao was no longer left in the cold. Among those visitors, some were just offering condolences, while others were here to report news and discuss business matters.As news came out from the Military Aircraft Office that there were many "rebels" in the Shengbao Battalion who used their power to do evil and were hated by King Gong and the military aircraft ministers, so people like Wu Tailang and others did not dare to show their faces.But Cai Shouqi had been separated from Shengbao for a long time, and his behavior was relatively unnoticed, so the responsibility of intermediary contact naturally fell on his shoulders. Zeng Guofan's request for resignation on behalf of Chen Li Shizhong, and the memorial to Beijing for Shengbao's atonement, was a secret news, but it was also inquired by Cai Shouqi, and he specially went to see Shengbao to report this "good news". "He was born recklessly, and he still knows that there is a word for 'righteousness' in the world." Shengbao said with emotion, referring to the Empress Dowager Cixi and Prince Gong being unrighteous. "Prince Gong is fine." Cai Shouqi lowered his voice and said, "He has been suppressing and refusing to do it. However, what is his intention is beyond doubt. Maybe it's because 'Xi Bian' is angry, and when she calms down, Things are easier to deal with.” "You mean to wait?" Sheng Bao frowned slightly, "Will you wait until that day?" "Look at Zeng Disheng's note, what did it say when it was approved? You can get a clue." Shengbao thought for a while and said, "Someone has to talk." "There is someone who should be able to tell the truth." Cai Shouqi refers to Wu Tailang's younger brother, Wu Taishou who is in charge of the Shandong Taoist censor.Sheng Bao also thought this was an ideal candidate, and asked Cai Shouqi to tell Wu Tailang to proceed as soon as possible. "In my opinion," Cai Shouqi said again, "as long as the two of you talk less, things will turn around soon." "Those two?" "Ke Shuai think about it." Cai Shouqi said, "They are all from Henan." “那……，”胜保答道：“无非商城跟河内。” “正是。”蔡寿祺点点头——“商城”是指大学士周祖培； “河内”是指军机大臣李棠阶。 “哼！”胜保的坏脾气又发作了，“等着看吧！我偏不买这两个人的帐。” “克帅！”蔡寿祺劝他，“俗语道得好：'在人檐下过，怎敢不低头？'绛侯曾将百万兵，一旦失志，不能不畏狱吏，何况这两个人位高权重！” 那是指的汉朝开国名将绛侯周勃的典故。胜保桌上正有本摊开的《史记》，周勃的典故就在里面。他摇摇头，不以为然，把书拿起来一翻，翻到《陈丞相世家》，傲然说道：“陈平六出奇计，以脱汉离之危，我就不相信我不如陈平。” 蔡寿祺默然。见他依旧是如此自大自傲的脾气，心里颇为失望。这一下，当然也有话不投机之感，略略谈了些不相干的话，告辞而去。 出了刑部，径自来访吴台朗，他住在他胞弟吴台寿家，三个人在一起密谈，他转述了胜保的要求。吴台寿面有难色，但经不住他老兄，一面说好话，一面以长兄的身分硬压，吴台寿无可奈何，拟了一个为胜保辩冤的奏稿，三个人斟酌了一番，定稿誊正，第二天就递了上去。 慈禧太后一看自然非常生气，但言官的奏折，她不敢象处理瑛棨的折子那样，拿起笔来就批“严行申饬”。同时她也奇怪，不知道吴台寿为何上这一个折子？一年多的工夫，她对御史科道已经很了解，谁是耿直敢言的；谁是喜欢闻风言事的；谁的脾气暴躁，谁的党羽最多？从他们的奏折里，便可以猜出他们的本意。这吴台寿，在她的记忆中，是个默默无闻的人，现在替胜保说话，是为了什么？得先查一查清楚。 把折子交了下去，恭王发觉自己对胜保的处置态度，确有未妥。迁延不决，启人侥幸一逞之心，吴台寿的这个折子，就是最明白不过的例子。再这样下去，为胜保出力的人，越来越多，岂不是自找麻烦？ 因此，他一面决定了要痛驳吴台寿的所请，并且予以必要的处分，一面改变了过去的态度，把胜保这件案子交给周祖培和李棠阶去管。不过，他向李棠阶作了这样的表示：以大局为重！而胜保如有一线可原，不妨酌予从宽。 李棠阶是个相当方正的人，他受了慈禧太后的指责，耿耿于心，这时见恭王授权，自然不会耽搁，立即去拜访“商城相国”。周祖培以大学士兼领“管理刑部”的差使，办事极其方便，当时就派了人到刑部去通知，第二天上午，传胜保到内阁问话。 刑部司官见是管部的周中堂的命令，不敢怠慢，半夜里就把胜保喊了起来，带到内阁，天还不亮，借了听差、车伕休息待命的一间小屋子，把他禁闭在那里。一直到近午时分，才开门将他带了出来。 一带带到周祖培面前，一肚子不高兴的胜保，说不得只好大礼参见，周祖培不曾理他，他也就不理周祖培未曾吩咐“起来说话”，管自己起身，昂然站在当地。 “潘大人的原折呢？”周祖培向左右问。 “潘大人”是指潘祖荫，参劾胜保，以他所上的那个折子，列举的事实最详尽，所以周祖培就以他的原折作为审问胜保的依据。 “胜保！”周祖培问道：“你纵兵殃民，贪渎骄恣，已非一日，问心有愧吗？” “既非一日，何不早日拿问？”胜保微微冷笑。 一上来就是讥嘲顶撞，周祖培心中异常不快，问得也就格外苛细。光是入陕以后，捏报战功一节，就问了两个时辰，然后吩咐送回刑部。 于是隔几天提出来问一次，每次都只问一两件事，或者重复印证以前问过的话。问的人也多寡不一，但大致每次都有周祖培。这样两个月拖下来，李世忠被安抚好了。为了朝廷的威信，予以“革职留任”的处分，可是谁都知道，不须多少时候，军机处就会随便找一个理由，为他奏请开复。至于吴台朗、吴台寿兄弟，可就没有那么便宜了！ 吴台寿新升御史不久，资望尚浅，他那个奏折中，最失策的地方，是攻击另一个御史赵树吉。赵树吉亦曾参劾胜保，并以“京内外谣诼纷传”，主张对胜保从速定罪。吴台寿针对他的话，有所批评，招致了同僚的不满，因而另外有些刚直的御史，毫不容情地指出了吴台寿与胜保的间接关系，而吴台朗指使他的胞弟为胜保辩冤，说他“但有私罪，并无公罪”是“感激私恩”。朝廷对言官的处分，一向慎重，现在看吴台寿孤立无援，那就不必客气了，明发上谕，痛斥他“无耻”，革了他的职。吴台朗的命运与他兄弟相同，由胜保为他设法开复的“道员”职衔，再度被革，同时“拔去花翎”。 这一道严旨，对于蔡寿祺之流，颇有吓阻的作用，自此销声匿迹，噤若寒蝉。可是京外与胜保有关联，而情势不稳的那些军队，仍旧不能不顾忌，所以依然在谕旨中一再声明，对于审问胜保一节，务须传集人证，逐款查核，表示出绝无要杀胜保的成见。 这也算是恭王的苦心回护，只望慈禧太后不再督催，周祖培和李棠阶的态度比较缓和些，清议也能逐渐平息，等把这件事冷了下来，胜保便有活命之望。 那知胜保自己却已沉不住气，对周祖培的反感尤其深。胜保的想法是：“没有我，你何来今日？”周祖培当年为肃顺压得抬不起头来，而打倒肃顺，胜保认为是他的功劳，这就等于替周祖培报了仇，然则今日事事苛求，竟成恩将仇报！想起传说中，周祖培与肃顺同在户部作尚书，司官抱牍上堂，肃顺把周祖培画了行的文稿，打一条红杠子废弃不用，周祖培居然也忍了下去，则今日高坐堂皇，颐指气使，岂不令人齿冷？ 不平和轻视之感，积累在心里已非一日。这一天提到他纵容部下在河南奸淫妇女这一款罪名，周祖培问他可有这回事？胜保突然冲动，大声答道：“有的！河南商城周祖培家，河内李棠阶家的妇女，不分老幼，统通被污，无一幸免！” 这两句刻毒得到了头的话，把周祖培气得嘴唇发白，四肢冷冰，几乎中风。事后传到了恭王耳朵里，他向文祥、宝鋆长叹一声说：“胜克斋死定了！谁也救不了他了！” 如此公然侮辱“相国”，可以想见胜保平日的跋扈！光是这一点，就可以定他的死罪。而“不分老幼”这四个字，简直蔑绝伦常，亦为清议所万万不容，更为身为妇女的两宫太后认为罪大恶极。 胜保该死！但怎样死法呢？死刑有好几种，是斩、是绞？ 是“立决”还是“监候”？ “自然是'斩立决'！”周祖培摸着胡子，断然决然地说。 这个原则是大家所同意的，除非不教他死，要死就要快。不管是“斩监候”还是“绞监候”，到秋后勾决处斩，还有两三个月的时间，只怕夜长梦多，别生枝节。但是绑到菜市口有肃顺的前车之鉴，胜保临死之前，少不得也有一场破口大骂，抖露许多内幕，那跟肃顺的乱骂又自不同，所以大多数的人都不赞成斩立决。 只以周祖培年高位尊，虽以恭王的身分，亦不便当面反对他的意见，因而他向文祥递了个眼色——文祥自然明白，点点头，把身子朝前俯一俯，表示有话要说。 宝鋆性子急，本想开口，看到文祥这个动作，便让他发言：“博川，”他为他作先容，“你必是有话，你说吧！” “论胜保的种种不法，立正刑诛，亦是咎有应得。”文祥看着周祖培说：“不过，我想上头或许会派老中堂监斩，这么热的天，轰动九城，倾巷来观，老中堂这趟差使太累，叫人放心不下。” 话说得异常委婉，而且也提供了一个极好的建议。二品大员获罪处决，监刑的不是王公，就是大学士，周祖培主杀胜保最力，正好把这个差使派给他，所以恭王连连点头：“不错，不错！我一定面奏两宫，请芝公监视，另外再派一个绵森吧！” 周祖培自己也知道。当着“管理刑部”的差使，多半会奉旨监刑，便即问题：“这一说，要请上头赏他一个全尸？” “对了！”文祥赶紧接口：“请上头从宽赐令自尽吧！” 大家都不再开口，就此定议。等第二天进养心殿，恭王把具报会议结果的奏折以及明发上谕都准备好了。 等听完了恭王的陈奏，慈禧转脸望着慈安太后问道：“姐姐，你看呢？” 要让慈安太后杀人，她总觉得心有未忍，所以皱着眉答道：“胜保实在也闹得太不象话。如果……。” 话没有完，她的意思却很明白，如果罪无可赦，也就只好杀了！慈禧太后想了想，庄容宣示：“就从宽赐令自尽。” “再跟两位太后回话，”恭王又谈胜保的案子，“想请旨，派大学士周祖培、刑部尚书绵森，监视胜保自尽。” "Can!" 于是恭王从宝鋆手里，接过预先拟就的旨稿，捧呈御案，两宫太后盖了“御赏”和“同道堂”的图章，发了下来，由军机处派专人送交内阁，内阁转送刑部。 刑部大堂中，周祖培和绵森都衣冠整肃地在等着，提牢厅的官员已略有所闻，也在伺候待命。等上谕一到，周祖培从封套里抽出来略微看了一下，便向绵森说道：“叫他们预备吧！” 刑部提牢厅，专有一间屋子，作为赐令自尽之用。清朝以来，毕命于此的大臣也不少，和珅就死在这里。所谓“预备”，极其简单，用块白绫子从梁上挂下来，打个死结就行了。 然后便要去传唤胜保来就死。七月十几的天气，名为“秋老虎”，又当中午，热不可当。胜保是个胖子，特别怕热，光着上身，在砖地上铺一领凉席，正要午睡。传唤的差役，便在窗外喊道：“胜大人，请穿上衣服吧！” "What for?" “还不是那一套吗？请胜大人到内阁去走一趟，天这么热，那里的房子大，凉快，去走一趟也不错！” “出去溜溜也好。”胜保蹒跚地从凉席上起身，“我正想吃'沙锅居'的白肉。” “好啊！回头我伺候你老上'沙锅居'。” “你叫人打盆水来！” 胜保的手面阔，经常有赏赐，所以刑部的差役都愿意巴结他。但此时不便叫他们来服役，怕言语或神色之间有所泄露，让他发觉疑窦，引起许多麻烦，所以那司官亲自拿铜盆去打了一盆冰凉的井水来。胜保大洗大抹了一番，换上杭纺小褂裤，细白布袜子，双梁缎鞋，然后穿上江西万载出的细夏布长衫，外套一件玄色实地纱“卧龙袋”。头上戴一顶竹胎亮纱的小帽，帽结子是樱桃大的一颗珊瑚，帽檐上缀一块绿如春水的翡翠。左手大拇指上一只白玉扳指，右手拿一把梅鹿竹的折扇，扇面上一边是王麓台的山水，一边是恽南田的小楷。完全是一生下来就有爵位的“旗下大爷”的打扮。 美中不足的是那根辫子不能重新梳一梳，好在他自己看不见，只低头看一看前面衣襟，问道：“车套好了没有？” “早就在伺候了。” “咱们走吧！” 出了屋子，原该往南，那司官却往北走，一面走，一面说：“从提牢厅边上那道门走吧，近一点儿。” 胜保没有说什么，轻摇折扇，踱着八字步，跟着他走，一走走进一座小院落，蓦地站住脚说：“怎么走到这儿来啦？这是什么地方？” “那不有道门吗？” 门倒是有道门，那道门，轻易不开，一开必有棺材进出。胜保似乎对他的答语不能满意，正站着发愣，一响碰撞声，等他回过头去，刚进来的那道门已经关上了。 于是有人高声喝道：“胜保带到！” 北面一明两暗的三间官厅，当中一间原来悬着竹帘，此时卷了起来，大学士周祖培、刑部尚书绵森，红顶花翎，仙鹤补褂，全副公服出临。胜保一见，便有些支持不住，额上冒的汗如黄豆般大。 “胜保接旨！”绵森神色懔然地说。 两名差役已经赶了上来，一左一右扶掖着他。把他搀到院子里，就在火微的青石板上，揿着他跪下，听宣旨意。 这时的胜保，虽已脸色大变，但似乎有所警觉，不能倒了“大将”的威风，所以双臂挣扎了一下，意思是不要差役扶持。果然，等他们放开了手，他把身子挺了挺，跪得象个样子了。 绵森从司官手里接过上谕，站在正中。等他从“前因中外诸臣，交章奏参胜保贪污欺罔各款”念起，一直念到“姑念其从前剿办发捻有年，尚有战功足录，胜保着从宽赐令自尽，即派周祖培、绵森前往监视”为止，胜保背上的汗，把他那件“卧龙袋”都已湿透。 “胜保！”绵森又说，“这是两宫太后和皇上赏你的恩典。 还不叩头谢恩？ " “不！”胜保气急败坏地喊道：“这不能算完！” “什么？”绵森厉声责问：“你要抗旨吗？” “我有冤屈，何以不能申诉？” 不等胜保把话说完，伺候在周祖培和绵森左右的司官，已挥手命令差役把胜保扶了起来，两个人掖着他，半推半拉地，弄入后院中梁上悬着白绫的那间空屋。 胜保似乎意有所待，一面扶着窗户喘气，一面双眼乱转着，仿佛急于要找什么人，或是寻一样什么东西。等周祖培和绵森踱了进来，他拔脚迎了出去，守在门口的差役想阻拦，无奈他身躯臃肿，而且是不顾一切地直冲，所以没有能拦得住。 一见他这神气，监视的两大臣，不由得都站住了脚，往后一缩，神色紧张地看着，那些司官和差役，自然更加着忙，纷纷赶了上来，团团把他围住。 “周中堂！”胜保也站住了，高声叫道，“我有冤状，请中堂代递两宫太后。” 周祖培微闭着眼使劲摇头，慢吞吞地答了四个字：“天意难回。” 胜保好象气馁了，把个头垂了下来。差役们更不怠慢，依旧象原来那样，一左一右掖着他进了屋。 一个端张方凳，摆在白绫下面，让他垫脚，一个便半跪着腿说道：“请胜大人升天。” 胜保呆了半晌，一步一步走向白绫下面，两名差役扶着他踏上方凳，看他踮起脚把头套了进去。那个圈套做得恰到好处，一套进去便不用再想退出来，只见他脚一蹬，踢翻了方凳，胖胖一个身子晃荡了一下，两只手微微抽搐了一阵，便不再动。 两名差役交换着眼色，年纪轻的那个说：“行了！” “等一等！”年纪大的那个说，“你再去找两个人。他的身坯重，咱们俩弄不下来他。” 等他唤了人来，胜保左手大拇指上的那个白玉扳指，已经不翼而飞。年纪轻的那差役不作声，扶起方凳，站了上去，探手摸一摸尸身的胸口，回头说道：“来吧！” 解下尸身，放平在地上，照例要请监视的大臣亲临察看，周祖培和绵森自然也不会去看，只吩咐司官好好料理，随即相偕踱了出去。 一路走，一路谈，周祖培不胜感慨地说：“胜保事事要学年大将军，下场也跟年羹尧一样。”