Chapter 180 Mother and Son Monarch and Minister (17-2)

Yu Xian was originally assigned to Xinjiang, but when he went to Lanzhou, he was chased by the imperial court and executed on the spot, and he Fukun, the inspector, was sent to supervise and execute him.Li Tingxiao, the vassal chief, was originally transferred from Shanxi. At this time, he was in charge of guarding the governor of Shaanxi and Gansu. Because of many Western priests, it seems inevitable sooner or later!So, like Yingnian, he took his own life on the first day of the new year, committing suicide by swallowing gold chips. Yuxian had been ill since the day he was laid to rest. Hearing that he was sentenced to death, he was in a trance and dying, so he was bound to the execution ground on the fourth day of the first lunar month, unlike Zaixun who died vigorously.However, after his death, there were two couplets of self-sacrifice. One was: "The minister died in the country, and the wife and concubine died in the minister. Who should say that? The most sad thing is that the old mother is ninety years old, and the charming girl is seven years old. It is too immature to be perfect. Hurting compassion and filial piety; I kill people, the court kills me, what regrets I have! I am ashamed to serve you for 20 years, and I have tried three times.

The other is: "The crimes of the ministers should be punished, and the ministers have no other ambitions! Nian Xiaozi's life and death are bright, it is not like sinking into the three-character prison; the king's favor is my responsibility, who will solve the king's worries? I hope you can make up for it, and you must comfort the two as soon as possible. Gong Xin!" Some people say that although the text of these two couplets is shallow, they are resentful but not angry, and their voices are also mournful. They are not like Yuxian's personality, and the breath is only occasional, and they may not be able to be conceived calmly. They should be caught by the screen friends.

※ ※ ※ The note to foreigners made it clear that the decree was issued on the third day of the first month and executed on the sixth day.Yingnian committed suicide, Zai Xunci died, and Yuxian was beheaded. All telegrams were sent to Beijing, but Zhao Shuqiao had nothing to say. On the sixth day of the lunar new year, envoys from various countries sent people to Xianliang Temple to inquire about the news, and there was an endless stream. Li Hongzhang replied verbally: "There is no mistake in punishing according to the order." I couldn't hold back my anger, so I sent a telegram to Xi'an, urging me to ask what happened.

When the telegram arrived in Xi'an, it was already late at night, and Zhang Jing, the military plane on duty, had translated it and sent it to the Ronglu Mansion in "Mancheng".The servant took it and sent it to the bedroom. Rong Lu only asked one reason, and then he turned inside.He was waiting for such a telegram, because he also knew very well that foreigners must not lose their trust, but the Empress Dowager Cixi still wanted to preserve Zhao Shuqiao, so it would be inconvenient to ask for it.Now that he has this Zhao Shuqiao's "Desperation Talisman", he will be able to fall asleep when he will play it in person the next day and have words to borrow.

So at eight o'clock the next morning, Zhao Shuqiao was ordered to commit suicide, and the new governor of Shaanxi, Cen Chunxuan, was sent to monitor him, and he was limited to return at five o'clock in the afternoon. Cen Chunxuan was very vigilant, knowing that the people in Xi'an were quite upset about this matter, and Zhao Shuqiao was in his hometown, with many old relatives.So with only a few followers, he rode to Zhao's house and entered the gate. Only then did he say that he was here to announce the decree. Zhao Shuqiao had already known that the edict came down in the third day of junior high school. It was originally scheduled to be punished on the sixth day of junior high school, but it was a day late. In his opinion, it was the empress dowager Cixi's intention to grant her kindness and not to do the same with others.Therefore, after listening to the decree while kneeling, Zhao Shuqiao asked:

"Is there any postscript?" "No!" "There must be." Zhao Shuqiao said with great confidence. Cen Chunxuan was inconvenient to argue with him, nor was it inconvenient to push him too hard, so he just said: "Mr. Zhan, I am ordered to return to you immediately." "I know, I know! There will be an order before noon." The military planes have always been summoned, and at the latest at eleven o'clock in the morning, almost all "acceptance" and "statement" have been properly completed.If there is a "later decree" of amnesty, it must be an account of the military aircraft, "keep people under the knife", and it must not be too late. Of course, Zhang Jing will come to deliver the letter immediately, so Zhao Shuqiao has such optimistic words.

Cen Chunxuan had nothing to say, so he could only sit in the hall and wait.The Zhao family sent people to the military aircraft office to inquire about information, and they reported at noon that two military ministers had already returned home, and there was no post-order of amnesty. "My lord," Madam Zhao said with tears in her eyes, "the foreigner refuses to forgive even the Queen Mother can't do anything about it! We are a husband and wife, let's die together! There must be no imperial decree anymore." Zhao Shuqiao just frowned with a confused expression.Seeing this, Mrs. Zhao took a gold ring, cut it into strands with scissors, put it on a plate, poured another cup of tea, and held them together in front of her husband.

Zhao Shuqiao kept her mouth shut and remained silent. It took a long time before she picked up a pinch, swallowed it with tea, and lay down on the soft couch.At this time, although Mrs. Zhao was alone in the room, the outside was already surrounded by the family members of the son-in-law and daughter-in-law, all watching silently with tears in their eyes.Zhao Shuqiao first stared at her with peace in her eyes, and soon she snorted, turned over and sat up. "Ma'am," he said, "while I still have breath, I will tell you what to do next." So the children and grandchildren entered the room together, knelt on the ground, and listened to his will.Zhao Shuqiao is famous for his stature, and when he is sad and angry, his voice is even louder. He talks about how honest and diligent he is in serving officials, and he can't stop talking.After talking for an hour, relatives came.A lot of relatives had already arrived, Cen Chunxuan didn't let them in, and when more and more came in, they couldn't resist, one was let in, and the rest came one after another, quickly filling up the upper room.

"It's all Gang Ziliang who harmed me!" Zhao Shuqiao said to her relatives and friends: "My life is in his hands. Is he wronged or not? My ninety-three-year-old mother should suffer such a tragedy. Don't die with peace!" After saying that, he burst into tears. The crying sounded so loud that Cen Chunxuan in the hall could hear it.First of all, it was Zhao Shuqiao's death, and the family mourned, so they rushed in, and when they got to the Chuihua Gate, they realized that it was Zhao Shuqiao's own crying, full of anger, and it was hard to imagine that he was a dying person.

Seeing that the time for reinstatement was approaching, Cen Chunxuan couldn't help feeling agitated, and found a tent in charge of Zhao's residence, and said with a calm face: "This is something that cannot be delayed! How about it, please go in and ask, if you don't I would like to obey the order and simply say it clearly, so I can have an explanation to my superiors." "Reluctance to comply with the order" means resisting the order, and no one can afford this crime.The accountant of the Zhao family hurriedly replied: "Master Cen, please don't misunderstand, and never dare not disobey the order. However, Mr. Cen clearly learned that this matter is really embarrassing, and he has already swallowed gold scraps, just because my Dongweng has always been strong." It's very strong, and it hasn't happened yet."

"If you don't have an attack, you don't have enough strength! You have to think of another way!" "What else can you think of?" "Hey!" Cen Chunxuan was dumbfounded and laughed, "It may be difficult for a person to live, but is it not easy to die? Smoke, arsenic, can't that be fatal?" "Then, let's take the opium!" I don't know if it's not enough, or because Zhao Shuqiao's talent is so good that he can resist the drug?Swallowing two cigarette bubbles still had no effect.At this moment, Xue Yunsheng, Zhao Shuqiao's uncle, arrived. Seeing the scene, he said to Cen Chunxuan, "Yun weng, you have seen Zhan Ru's situation. Death is not inevitable, but love can be reserved. It seems that he can return to life." "Return to life?" Cen Chunxuan asked loudly: "How can I return to life before I die?" Xue Yunsheng was silent.He was originally a veiled request, hoping that Cen Chunxuan would report Zhao Shuqiao's tragic situation of being unable to die even after swallowing gold and taking opium according to the facts, and then the court would use it to negotiate with foreigners, perhaps because of the word "humanity" , It is expected that Zhao Yi will die.Who knew that Cen Chunxuan didn't pay any attention to it, and with such a decisive answer, with Xue Yunsheng's status, he couldn't say a word more. "Forget it!" Xue Yunsheng stood up and said to the Zhao family: "Take the arsenic!" After speaking, he turned around and walked out, ignoring Cen Chunxuan. Arsenic is not as convenient as opium, and it was already eight o'clock at night when I got it.Cen Chunxuan watched from outside the window and waited for Zhao Shuqiao to subdue. After about a meal, he began to moan.This was the beginning of the onset of toxicity, so Cen Chunxuan didn't need to look any further, and went back to the lobby to wait. At this time, Hu Yan, the magistrate of Xi'an Prefecture, the capital, learned that the governor could not be reinstated and was unwilling to accept Zhao's hospitality. From left to right: "How is it?" "He hasn't died yet, he just said his chest hurts and asked someone to rub it for him." "Probably soon!" Hu Yan said: "Mr. Zhao is in such good health that everyone envies him at ordinary times. I don't want to feel tired because of his good health today." Cen Chunxuan didn't answer him, but looked at his watch and said, "Nine o'clock!" The time limit for returning to life has long passed, and Cen Chunxuan expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Zhao family for not taking a decisive action.But as a governor, he can't use any official language or lose his temper, because the whole Zhao family ignores him, and everyone who comes and goes looks at him with hatred. Take a breath and wait patiently. Seeing this situation, Hu Yan certainly didn't want to stay any longer. When he got up to say goodbye, Cen Chunxuan suddenly grabbed him and said, "Brother Hu, don't hurry up. I'll discuss something with you." "Yes!" Hu Yan had no choice but to stand still and said, "Please give me your orders!" "The Zhao family doesn't know what the hell is going on?" Cen Chunxuan lowered his voice and said, "The time limit is the unitary hour, and now four hours have passed, and at eleven o'clock, it will be the eighth day of the first lunar month tomorrow. A few hours later, there is still something to say, and a day later, there is no way to explain it in business. What do you think about this matter?" Hu Yan thought to himself, if he has his own ideas about life-threatening matters, he can't come up with them, so as not to cause crimes on the one hand and grievances on the other.So he quickly replied: "My lord, why don't you invite Muyou to discuss it?" "It's too late! And it's inconvenient to make public." Cen Chunxuan said, "I'm asking your mansion, and I'll ask the jailer immediately after I go back. Is there a good way for someone to die without leaving a trace? After asking clearly, send someone here as soon as possible. tell me." "Yes!" Hu Yan replied, "I've sent the jailer to ask you, Sir, to ask him face to face." "No!" Cen Chunxuan said: "You must ask clearly, if he has no other way, it is useless to come." "Yes! I asked the jailer to ask the jailer. After asking clearly, let him report to your lord face to face." "Okay! Tell him to come in plain clothes." Hu Yan agreed and left.But Cen Chunxuan really felt that the days felt like years. At around ten o'clock, the pro-army of the Fu Office who was guarding outside Zhao's house brought in a thin middle-aged man in plain clothes, saluted Cen Chunxuan, said that he was sent by Hu Yan, and reported his resume: "Xi'an Mansion Secretary Prison Yan Jintai, a native of Shanzhou, Henan, was born as a prison student." "Has Prefect Hu told you?" "I said so." "Do you have a solution?" Cen Chunxuan asked. "There is a way, but I only heard people say so, I have never tried it and I don't know if it works..." "You don't have to confess!" Cen Chunxuan said impatiently, "I know you haven't tried it, so just tell me what kind of method it is." "This method is called 'opening and adding officials'...." The method is very simple, and you can understand it as soon as you say it.As soon as Yan Jintai finished speaking, the chiming bell rang. "Eleven o'clock, it's midnight!" Cen Chunxuan ordered loudly, "Go inside and have a look!" After reading the report, Zhao Shuqiao was still alive, crying and yelling, with his wife and children crying, wondering when it would end? "This can't be delayed any longer! Invite someone who is in charge of the Zhao family to come out." It was still the accountant who came to the meeting.Cen Chunxuan's words this time are easy to say, but they are also very powerful. He said that although he was ordered to monitor Zhao Shuqiao's suicide, he only watched Zhao Shuqiao after he died, and there was absolutely no reason to force people to die.Now that it's the eighth day of the first lunar month, I can't wait any longer, so I have to report the truth and ask him to tell the Zhao family. The so-called "return to life according to the facts" is nothing more than reporting that Zhao Shuqiao should die but not die. Since "giving orders to commit suicide" cannot be done, then there is only "giving death". In other words, the court sent someone to kill Zhao Shuqiao !This is not only self-defeating, but the family members may also be convicted.Zhao's tent knew the importance of it, and turned to ask Cen Chunxuan how to make Zhao Shuqiao die? "No way!" Cen Chunxuan pointed to Yan Jintai and said, "The prison master of Xi'an Mansion is here, you can ask him for advice yourself!" Yan Jintai was deeply displeased with Cen Chunxuan's unsightly move, but because of his high official status, he had no choice but to disclose the method of "opening up officials".Zhao's tent went back in and explained the reason in detail, Mrs. Zhao nodded with tears.However, who will do it has become a huge problem.The most suitable candidate is naturally Yan Jintai, but he refuses to say anything.In the end, it was Zhao Shuqiao's eldest son who came out and knelt down, begging for "fulfillment", and Yanjintai Fangshi reluctantly agreed. When I got to the room, I saw Zhao Shuqiao lying on the bed with a face like a pig's liver, tossing and turning, moaning non-stop, only shouting "thirsty".Mrs. Zhao stepped forward and said, "Master, just bear with it, and you will feel very comfortable soon." "Ah! Ah!" Zhao Shuqiao gasped and said, "Is there any way, hurry up! Don't let me suffer again!" Mrs. Zhao nodded, dodging away, Cen Chunxuan gave a urging wink, Yan Jintai took off the prepared mulberry paper and covered Zhao Shuqiao's face, with a burning knife in his mouth, he slammed Spray it, and a fine mist will come out, and the mulberry paper will become soft after being damp, and it will stick to the face immediately.Immediately afterwards, Yan Jintai made a second sheet, and did the same.Zhao Shuqiao struggled with his hands and feet first, and after using the fifth one, he stopped moving, and Yan Jintai let out a sigh of relief. The silence in the room was as dead as death, only the loud "tick, tick, tick" sound of the chiming clock could be heard.After finally seeing the long needle on the clock move two characters, Yan Jintai stepped forward and touched Zhao Shuqiao's left chest, and said softly: "Master Zhao has passed away!" With this sound, the crying that the Zhao family had endured for a long time suddenly broke out.Cen Chunxuan stepped forward and inspected carefully. The five sheets of mulberry paper, which were stacked together and almost dried up, were peeled off, with distinct bumps and convexities, just like the mask of "jumping and adding officials" on the stage. "The origin of the name. It wasn't until Cen Chunxuan returned to the palace the next day that he found out that Mrs. Zhao had also committed suicide by taking medicine. ※ ※ ※ For the sake of appeasement, Rong Lute wrote a personal letter and sent it to Dong Fuxiang while announcing his dismissal.The letter is nothing more than detailing the difficulties of the imperial court, saying that foreigners are bullying too much.The imperial court had to be particularly aggrieved, and his dismissal was a last resort to perfunctory foreigners.The imperial court knew well that he was loyal and brave, so he must protect him in many ways, and hoped that he would take good care of his old troops, rise up when he was waiting, and avenge the country. But of course Dong Fuxiang also knew that the purpose of this letter was to hope that he would keep his own place.I am old and have money. Just on July 21, when the foreigners broke through the capital, they plundered and plundered Zhangyi Gate to the west. They made a fortune of millions of silver. Sure enough, the court wanted to protect it. You might as well live in peace and happiness.I'm afraid that reducing military power is the first step in killing him. It's just that the court doesn't want to get to the bottom of it, so it may not be safe. The foreigners must have strict demands, and the court can't live through the rest of the year if they refuse to comply. Therefore, he believes that it is necessary to express his attitude, especially to make Rong Lu feel scruples.Therefore, I called my friends together, discussed several times, wrote a reply letter, and sent a special messenger to Xi'an. Rong Lu opened the letter and saw that it said: "Xiang was innocent of the crime, and was only exempted from office. He wrote his condolences and felt ashamed. However, there is no complaint in private, so he has to look up to the sky and cry bitterly! Xiang humiliated Li Huijing, the commander-in-chief of the army, the military is under the command of the public, the division of the generals is solid, and the loyalty of the public is also loyal to the country; therefore, it is exhausted, and the slander of the public is used to drive away. In August of the Eighth Month, there was an extraordinary move, July 20 Ridian ordered Xiangtong's department to enter the capital, Shiwei Gong also. The change of the boxers was repeatedly ordered by Jun, and Xiang was ordered to come to Beijing and ordered to attack the embassy. Xiang thought this was a serious matter, and he was still hesitant. He urged the public to dare Do not obey orders. Repeatedly received face-to-face orders, besieging the embassy might as well fire; Xiang still suspected that killing the envoys; Running around ears. Today, the Duke is in power, but Xiang is accused of crimes, and the theft is greatly confused! Hu Xiang’s power to the public cannot be said to be inexhaustible; when the public does extraordinary things, Xiang commits righteousness and obeys them; the public caresses the boxers, and Xiang thus Use it; the public wanted to attack the embassy, ​​and Xiang Miyue fought a bloody battle; now the blame is solely on Xiang, and the soldiers under his command have been disbanded. To suppress it, dare not sue." After reading this letter, Rong Lu gritted his teeth, his blood was so tight that he couldn't sleep all night.Dong Fuxiang threatened to insult the embassy by saying, "Besiege the embassy, ​​you might as well fire the cannon." There is an attempt to kill the emperor, which is even more bloody! What made him the most unconvinced was the last paragraph. With state affairs at this point, Dong Fuxiang actually had the intention of rebelling.However, it is impossible to do it at present, and the only way to express this anger is to wait until the future. However, although Dong Fuxiang's implicit threats can be ignored, the movements of the Gan army cannot be ignored.The good thing is that Rong Lu has already worked hard in this regard.After the Gan army returned to Gansu from Dong Fuxiang, the whole army was commanded by Deng Zeng, the admiral of Guyuan. In the northwest, the official rank is the guerrilla of the third rank. Zuo Zongtang paid the most attention to weapons in his expedition to the west, while Deng Zeng was famous for his good use of cannons, and he was in charge of the flower cannon team, which belonged to Liu Songshan's army that Zeng Guofan "married" as a dowry.Liu Songshan was killed in battle, and his troops were led by his nephew Liu Jintang. Deng Zeng made great contributions to Liu Jintang's subordinates and was promoted to the general army. He was first stationed in Yili and then transferred to Xining. In the summer of the 21st year of Guangxu, the rebellion started in Qinghai, the upper and lower reaches of the Huangshui River, from Xining to Lanzhou, were all shrouded in hostility, and more than 100,000 Han people were massacred.At that time, Dong Fuxiang was appointed the capital of Kashgar, and was ordered to quell the rebellion and restrain the former enemy army. After returning to the rebellion until the fall of the next year, Dong Fuxiang added a "palace title" of Prince Shaobao, and got the post of a cavalry captain. .Deng Zeng had originally paid homage to Dong Fuxiang's family, and he made a special effort in this campaign, so he ranked first in the "protection case" and was promoted to Admiral of Guyuan, and at the same time he became Dong Fuxiang's confidant general. For the protests of foreigners and the demands of Liu Kunyi and Zhang Zhidong, on the one hand Dong Fuxiang should be expelled from the chariot, and on the other hand, the Gan army should be formed into an army with mixed groups. They have never seen a tough battle. The collapse of the so-called "diligent king's righteous teacher" is not the same. The protection is still there, but it has not been completely withdrawn.Therefore, after Ronglu's behind-the-scenes planning and twists and turns, Dong Fuxiang handed over the Gan army to Deng Zeng's generation, and returned to Gan alone.As a result, Deng Zeng's social status has been greatly improved, and Rong Lu has also won over from many parties. He has been able to command the Gan army through Deng Zeng.Of course, the military discipline of the Gan army in Xi'an is not very good, so the song is excellent. There are two theaters in Xi'an, and the number one guest who must visit every day is the elder brother Pu Jun.He doesn't like reading, but what he likes is dancing guns and clubs, galloping horses and hunting, and another thing is listening to operas.Every time after lunch, there is only a strong young man with his head tilted and his mouth tilted, wearing a gold-rimmed felt hat, a tight-fitting blue satin leather robe, and a maroon Baturu gown. He is surrounded by a group of eunuchs. big brother. Big Brother loves martial arts, and in martial arts, he also loves bunts. He never tires of listening to a series of routines.Although he didn't dare to openly play the strings, but every time he played the drums, the "ideas" were of course not very accurate. One day, Zai Lan and his elder brother, uncle and nephew, went to the Qingxi Garden in front of the Chenghuang Temple to listen to an opera. Pu Jun was eager for skills for a while, and then sat in the "Jiulongkou" Quan Chongguo, playing a song "Yanyanglou" ", Gao Deng appeared on the stage, but he couldn't buckle the "four marks" correctly, and the Gan army cheered and booed in the audience.Big Brother can't keep his face off! Of course something will happen this time, Lian Zailan got into a group fight with Gan Jun, and suffered a bit.Deng Zeng couldn't help being surprised, and hurried to see Rong Lu first, blaming himself.However, Rong Lu sent his elder brother to tell Zai Lan the difference, and comforted Deng Zeng, saying that he didn't need to deal with this matter, and he was in charge of everything. Sure enough, when Zai Lan came to sue Gan Jun, he gave Rong Lu a bad reprimand.The uncle and nephew couldn't breathe, so they vented their anger to the theater, and told Cen Chunxuan that both theaters were sealed off, locked up by the owners, forty boards and a shackle, and displayed in front of the Town God's Temple for three days before they were released.Cen Chunxuan, who is famous for his reputation, issued another notice: "The two palaces are covered with dust, and the people are covered with charcoal. It is the autumn of the emperor's humiliation and the death of his ministers. We all plan to live on our salary and taste our courage. Why do we play for fun? Besides, there is a huge drought in central Shaanxi. It is especially appropriate to save money. All restaurants, restaurants, etc. are strictly prohibited.” At that time, the officials fleeing from the capital went to Xi'an one after another, and the capital salaries of various provinces were also sent to Xi'an. When the market was about to be lively, it was hit by this and suddenly depressed.So the hosts of theaters and restaurants gathered to discuss and decided to invite Jilu, Minister of Internal Affairs, to ask Li Lianying to find a way to lift the ban. The method is very simple, if you can encourage the Empress Dowager Cixi to pass on the play, the ban will naturally be lifted.Unexpectedly, Li Lianying hit a big snag when she showed her tone a little bit, "What year is this?" She said, "How am I interested in listening to dramas?" One plan failed, but another plan was born. This time, he took the path of Zhang Mingqi, who Cen Chunxuan obeyed. The opportunity was very good. There was a heavy snowfall in the long-drought Guanzhong, and next year's harvest was expected, so there was something to do. The wording of the notice of lifting the ban this time is very crowning: "Auspicious snowfall from the sky is an omen of abundance, and it is appropriate to reward the gods by acting. All gardens and pavilions will be banned, except that rioting is prohibited, and serious punishment will be imposed on them." On the day the ban was lifted, Cen Chunxuan returned Putting on his luggage, Geshha, who was holding a big order in his hand, went to the theaters to inspect in person, intending to catch the troublemakers and execute the Fa in front of the theaters, so as to gain prestige. The person making trouble has never been met, but met a group of clans for entertainment. In the notice issued by Cen Chunxuan, although "the court of the Ministry has long regarded officials as if they were sent, and I don't know why the powerful are like people", but the real powerful nobles are still very friendly. Those who flatter me call Li Lianying "Uncle".At this time, I met a group of clans, remembering the special knowledge of the Empress Dowager Cixi who should be reported, and just put forward my idea to ask everyone for their opinions. "The Empress Dowager's longevity is coming soon!" He said, "Today is the sixth day of October, and there are only four days. It is the first day. The snow falls in the sky, and it is also a good time to celebrate, celebrate." Before the conversation was over, someone said sharply: "The country has declined to this point. Recently, I heard that Dongling has been occupied by foreigners. I don't know how to be worthy of my ancestors! Do you still have a birthday like this? If someone plays, I will definitely No objection!" The one who dared to openly accuse the Empress Dowager Cixi was Pu Tong, the son of Xuanzong's eldest grandson Zaizhi. Father". This "Five Dong Masters", nicknamed "Red Bean Pavilion Master", is well-known in the clan despite his young age. He is versatile, especially good at Guqu, Kunqu Opera, Luantan, and has a good sense of color.In everyone's minds, he is a good son in troubled times who doesn't care about world affairs. He speaks sharp words and is so straightforward!If you are not afraid of the Empress Dowager Cixi, what else should you be afraid of? Cen Chunxuan knew that he couldn't offend him, so he changed his face and thanked him, so he didn't talk about this untimely act of "making a birthday". However, although the ban on the theater has been relaxed, Pu Jun's interest has been greatly killed, because the first thing to discuss on the first day of November is to punish the culprit, and all eyes are on Zaiyi.After all, father and son are by nature, and they are closely related, so their behavior has restrained a lot. The same is true of the Gan army, which is the result of Deng Zeng's restraint.For this, Rong Lu is quite commendable.Now, because of Dong Fuxiang's threats, Rong Lu has made an extra effort to win over Deng Zeng, and invited him here, and said a lot of heart-to-heart words. Deng Zeng also kept explaining to Dong Fuxiang and apologizing.With this, Rong Lu was relieved, and naturally there was no need to take Dong Fuxiang's letter seriously. ※ ※ ※ Zhao Shuqiao was ordered to commit suicide, and the news of his death reached the capital. Li Hongzhang immediately sent a note to the ministers of various countries, and then negotiated with Japan alone to ask for the return of Qixiu and Xu Chengyu. Negotiations went well.Japanese Minister Komura Shoutaro agreed to do so, and agreed that the next day the Ministry of Criminal Affairs would go to the Japanese Army Command to pick up the person. That night, the commander of the Japanese army, Sotomi Yamaguchi hosted a banquet for Qixiu and Xu Chengyu. Xu Chengyu was very excited when he received the invitation, and decided that he would be released, so the commander of the Japanese army hosted a banquet for them. Qixiu was not so optimistic, she remained silent during the banquet.Halfway through the wine, Yamaguchi ordered the official to explain that the Chinese government has decided to execute them.Xu Chengyu's color suddenly changed, and he cried out for grievances, cursing foreigners as wolf-hearted. Qixiu was very calm, and advised Xu Chengyu that he should regret his mistakes.Xu Chengyu was willing to listen there, and made a scene all night, but when the day dawned, there was no sound, and he was already in a coma, half-dead from fright. At ten o'clock, the Criminal Department came to pick him up.All the large and small yamen in Beijing were occupied by the coalition forces, and the only ones that were handed back to them were the Ministry of Punishment. Because the common people committed crimes and it was inconvenient for foreigners to interrogate them, they were all transferred to the Ministry of Punishment for punishment.Therefore, only Shangshu Guiheng of the Ministry of Justice, servants Jingfeng, and Hu Yifen were the busiest, and the judges were scattered, so Jingfeng had to take the servants and handle it himself. Two small sedan chairs with no tops were carried to the lobby of the Ministry of Criminal Justice to go through the hall. After completing the usual formalities of authenticity verification, the original sedan chairs were carried to Caishikou.Countless foreigners came here after hearing the news, and some of them even set up cameras, burning medicine powder for lighting, and captured Xu Chengyu's fate in the camera one after another. "Heaven will pay back!" Everyone had the same emotion, "How proud Xu Chengyu was to oversee the beheading of Yuan Chang and Xu Jingcheng. Who would have imagined that once upon a time, the executioner who served the 'Er Zhong' would come to serve him?" ※ ※ ※ A peace agreement is finally expected to be reached.The most important one is the amount and period of compensation for military expenses. An agreement has been reached. The compensation is 450 million taels. Calculated in terms of gold prices, it will be paid off in 40 years, and an annual interest of 4% will be added to the outstanding amount.It is estimated that it will not be paid off until the "sixty-sixth year of Guangxu". Of the unprecedentedly large indemnity, Russia alone received more than 130 million yuan, accounting for 29 percent of the total.According to Wade's own calculations, Russia's war losses totaled only 170 million rubles, and the compensation he received was equivalent to 184 million rubles. , and the looting income is even more incalculable.Therefore, Ramsdorf said triumphantly in his country: "Our country's invasion of the three eastern provinces this time is the most basic war in history." So on April 20th, an edict was issued, and the peace bureau was decided, and it was chosen to return to Luan on July 19th.It is planned to leave Tongguan, pass through Hangu, arrive at Kaifeng, go from Pengde and Cizhou to Baoding, and return to Beijing by train. At that time, Wu Yong was also returning to Xi'an. In the fall of last year, because of Cen Chunxuan's rejection and dissatisfaction with the military aircraft department, he was sent to the two lakes to collect his salary.In March, when the business was over and the cooking was going west, I received a telegram in Jingmen, urging me to go back. Greetings at the gate of the palace as usual.The next day we met together, and after paying respects, the Empress Dowager Cixi asked about everything about the journey with a smile on her face, like a nephew returning from afar.Then he said: "Now that the draw is settled, and there is a day to return to Luan, I think you still need to take care of me along the way, so I sent a telegram to urge you back." "Yes! The minister should also go back and return to life." "I only found out a few days ago that Cen Chunxuan was wrong with you, they pushed you out." The Empress Dowager Cixi paused and said, "You can go out for a walk. If the two of you get together, there might be trouble. What a trick!" "I don't dare to argue with him, it's just that Cen Chunxuan is too capricious, and it really makes people feel uncomfortable." "I know, I know." Empress Dowager Cixi nodded repeatedly, "Cen Chunxuan has a bad temper, I know." It seems that we can't finish talking for a while, but Wu Yong has suffered a loss once, and he has become wary. He played it for too long and was blamed by the Minister of Military Aircraft, so he seized this gap, knelt down and retreated. Not long after returning to the residence, the Empress Dowager Cixi sent eunuchs to present a folding fan with handwritten calligraphy and painting, three thousand taels of silver, and twelve pieces of robes and jackets.Then, the Military Aircraft Department sent someone to inform, "Following Yi's decree, Wu Yongzhuo is still serving the palace's envoys." At this time, Zhang Zhidong, the governor of Huguang, and Yu Lianzhi, the governor of Hunan, all included a piece of secret security in their resumes on Wu Yong's handling of payment, and Wu Yong was worthy of great use.Therefore, the two palaces regularly meet formally.There were three people together, besides Wu Yong, the other two were Sun Baoqi and Xu Shichang, under the secret protection of King Qing and Yuan Shikai. Wu Yong did not know how many times he had seen the two palaces, but this time the ceremonies were different. Sitting high behind the royal case, the Empress Dowager Cixi, who was holding the "green head lottery" with the resumes of summoned personnel, looked down at the solemn Wu Yong who signed up, Consciously funny, he couldn't help laughing, and almost laughed out loud. After leaving the court, the Empress Dowager Cixi couldn't help laughing at Li Lianying and said, "Wu Yong also came on stage today, and formally performed the salute. It's really like singing an opera!" These words and the good news of "according to the decree to register the name of the Taoist priest" spread to Wu Yong's ears at the same time.While being grateful, I thought of repaying, so I remembered a passage by Zhang Zhidong. Zhang Zhidong put it this way: "This time, the calamity started from the big brother, and it caused such a big change, and this person is still in the deep palace, preparing for the second place, how can he calm the hearts of the world? Besides, the root of the calamity is not In addition, taking care of yourself will lead to accidents. If he is in the palace all day, his ears and eyes, both at home and abroad, will be uneasy, and there will be countless obstacles in the future peace talks. Therefore, it is urgent to send him out of the palace. If he waits Foreigners make specific demands, even more disrespectful, why don't you take the initiative to do it as soon as possible. When you come back to Xingzai, it's best to tell the empress what you mean first. You might as well make it clear that it's Zhang Zhidong's idea. It just depends on whether you have the courage ?” Wu Yong has the guts, but he decided to ask Ronglu about his intentions first, because he had learned from the past when he tried to protect Cen Chunxuan and caused dissatisfaction with the military plane. So looking for a chance to be alone, Wu Yong said Zhang Zhidong's words in detail, and asked again: "I can't take the liberty of this matter, can I tell the empress dowager, please tell me." While sitting and smoking opium with a rubber tube, Rong Lu closed his eyes and meditated until he finished smoking three tubes of "long, yellow, and pine" cigarettes. After more than ten minutes, he opened his eyes and opened his mouth. "It can be said!" Rong Lu nodded slowly, with a look of deliberation on his face, "It's just right with your status and division. It's inconvenient for us to talk about it." Wu Yong knew that it wasn't because he was afraid of hitting a wall, but because he was afraid that if he didn't listen to what he said, it would be inconvenient for him to say it again in the future.Now according to his opinion, not only can he say it, but it will be effective if he says it, so he can't help but increase his courage. "However, you must be extremely cautious in your wording, and refrain from recklessness." "Yes!" Wu Yong added: "Of course you can't play in front of the emperor." "Does it need to be said? You make good use of the snacks, and the performance is accurate. Even if you have made meritorious service for the country, you have also helped us." Rong Lu's encouragement is more powerful than Zhang Zhidong's persuasion. From this moment on, Wu Yong, looking for opportunities to speak to the Empress Dowager Cixi, listed it as the first important thing for the palace gate servants. This morning, the Empress Dowager Cixi summoned her alone and asked about some trivial matters. Wu Yong noticed that she was looking relaxed and wanted to chat, but there was no one around, so he thought this was a good opportunity and said nothing , until when? So he collected himself, tried his best to maintain a calm tone and said: "This time I came back from the two lakes, and heard the public opinion outside, it seems that I can't help but gossip about big brother." "Oh," Empress Dowager Cixi was a little surprised, "What are you talking about outside? What does it have to do with Elder Brother?" "The elder brother is accompanying the empress dowager, so of course it has nothing to do with the government." Wu Yong talked with his heart, pondered over the words for countless times, and said slowly: "But everyone's opinion, I think this time, It always started from the elder brother, and now he is still in the palace. Chinese and foreign people can't help but speculate wildly. Even in foreign negotiations, they are afraid of increasing obstacles. If they can be sent out of the palace, all countries in the east and west will definitely praise the saints. The peace treaty is easy to submit. When the minister was in Hubei, Zhang Zhidong also said the same, and ordered the minister to play the empress dowager and the emperor. Zhang Zhidong also said that the twists and turns must be in the cave of the compassionate sage, and there is no need to repeat it. , It’s just that the empress dowager has to personally decide everything, too busy or easy to forget. As long as the performance is clear, the empress dowager will have a place to comfort the subjects and make peace with the rest of the world.” The wording of the following passage is extremely gentle, and it also resembles Zhang Zhidong's tone. Empress Dowager Cixi's face became very serious!After contemplating for a long time, he lowered his voice and said, "You don't have to mention this matter in front of anyone! When I get to Kaifeng, I have my own reasons." "Yes!" Wu Yonggong respectfully agreed, thinking in his heart that this "headless certificate" might be approved. After resigning from the palace, he recalled the story of the performance again. Although the Empress Dowager Cixi kept the order carefully, she should be the only exception to Ronglu.Therefore, Wu Yong met immediately, asked to be rejected, and told the result of the matter in secret. "Very good! Yu Chuan, you have handled this matter very well." Rong Lu seemed to ask himself, and said, "How should I reward mediocrity?" "The day of Zhongtang's cultivation is just growing," Wu Yong replied politely, "There is no need to be busy for a while." Rong Lu didn't answer, thought for a while, and then said in his own words: "There is a gap in the road now, and the place is farther away. Fortunately, the superiors will not let you go for a while. It doesn't matter if the road is long or short. You occupy this place first." If it’s missing, I’ll try to adjust it for you later.” This gap is Lei Qiongdao in Guangdong, the hometown of Han Wengong's exile, and the place of Hai Gangfeng's birth in the extreme south of the Chinese territory.However, while filling the vacancy, there was another order: "The new Guangdong Leiqiongdao Wu Yong will delay his new appointment, supervise the return to Luanqian Station, and still undertake the palace gate affairs as usual." The news quickly spread, Wu Yong was the number one celebrity in front of the empress dowager.Including Sun Baoqi and others, they all came to the door to congratulate, and their envy was expressed in words. But Wu Yong is suffering in his heart, knowing that it will be more difficult to do things and be a man in the future. Originally, Wu Yong took care of all the palace affairs from Huai to Taiyuan.所谓“宫门事务”，即是地方官及各省差官，有事向宫门接头时，由吴永居间联络折冲。他是地方官，深知个中苦况，所以持平办事，不让太监有凌逼勒索的情事。 “宫门费”不丰不俭，按股匀分，倒也相安无事。 可是，此番重掌前职，情况完全不同了。因为自太原至西安，他的职司改归岑春煊接替。此人善于投机，猎官不择手段，是肯管李莲英叫“大叔”的人，当然不会放弃借花献佛，巴结近侍的机会，所以一反吴永所为。凡是各省解饷进贡的差官，岑春煊都出面替太监“讲斤头”，使费不足，多方挑剔，让人交不了差。每到一州县，第一件事就是谈“宫门费”，多则上万，少亦七八千。此外只要跟宫门打到交道，他一定代为需索。这一来，太监们自无不高兴，众口一词地说： “岑三儿够交情。” 相形之下，吴永便招恨了，太监几乎没有一个不是气量小的，所以当吴永初回行在，奉懿旨仍旧照料宫门时，便有个李莲英的亲信，专管各省贡品的太监赵小斋，当面向他诘责。 “我们从前都蒙在鼓里，被你吴大老爷刻薄死了！还亏得岑三懂交情，肯帮忙，动是千儿八百的，作成我们吃口饱饭。横竖使的人家的钱，百姓头上搜括，来路容易，也落得大伙儿做个人情，偏是你掂斤播两的，区区几两银子，还要叫人请安谢赏，这不存心耍我们吗？” 当时吴永知道此番归来，召见“过班”，必蒙外放实缺，照料宫门，是个短局，既然太监有此怨言，大可撒手不管。可是这一次明文奉了上谕，而且督办回銮前站事宜，不能不管宫门，也就不能不做恶人。而况如今的太监，居安而不思危，已恢复了在京的气焰，浑非去年流离道路，求一饱而不可得，所望不敢过奢的境况。吴永意料到以后的麻烦不但会多亦不会小。 ※ ※ ※ 本来定期回銮的上谕一宣布，人心原已大定，但朝廷内部有异见，各省疆吏亦有难处，因而慈禧太后的心又活动了。 朝廷中，军机大臣鹿传霖首建幸陕之策，至今亦仍不以亟亟乎回銮为然。因为他是同情旧党的，提起刚毅、赵舒翘，言下之意，总觉得他们死得可惜。 有时酒后大言，鹿传霖说洋人如不肯就范，不妨再决雌雄。他的话谁也不会理他，但侧面主张两宫仍留西安，亦可以看出他始终有“固守关中，俟机东向出击”那种两千年前的兵略思想。 在疆吏，主要的是怕期限太促，误了差使。第一个近在咫尺，接替岑春煊而为陕西巡抚的升允，上折奏报：“天时炎热，道路泥泞，请展缓行期。” 其次是河南巡抚松寿上奏，说是今年夏天，积雨连旬，黄河大水泛滥，跸路多被冲毁，灵宝、阌乡一带为古函谷道，深沟一线之路，山洪暴注，尤为危险，至今泥深数尺，步步阻滞。此外巩县的行宫，亦由于洛水漫溢，工程有所损失，刻正设法赶修之中。同时又说，七月间的“秋老虎”很厉害，圣母高年，不宜跋涉。因而建议，将回銮之期改至中秋以后。 这一次跸路所经，横贯河南全境，松寿的责任特重，他的话亦就格外有力量。不过展期启驾，虽成定局，却不便过早宣布，怕影响了沿路整修桥道的工程，更怕引起无谓的揣测。而揣测终于不免。 流言纷纷，说来亦有道理。一说，慈禧太后怕回京以后，各国会提出酿成拳祸的首要责任，促请归政，所以不许皇帝回京。又一说，慈禧太后倒还坦然，是李莲英怕她失权就会失势，极力丛恿，暂留为佳。 至于展期的次第，亦言之凿凿。说第一次改期在中秋以后，第二次改期在九月初三；第三次必以慈禧太后万寿为借口，改期十月半中旬，第四次则以时序入冬，不宜道路，改至明年春天，这样一改再改，结果是遥遥无期。 当然，这些流言，亦非全无根据。慈禧太后确有一个坚持不移的宗旨，洋兵不撤，决不回銮。而各国的意见恰好相反，要等两宫自西安启銮，方肯全撤。为此和约虽经定议，就为撤兵确期一节，所见相左，迟迟不能签订。 ※ ※ ※ 费了好大的劲，拖到七月二十五终于在贤良寺订了和约。李鸿章抱病出席，与庆王奕劻占大餐桌的一面，正对面是外交团领袖，西班牙公使葛络干，其余德、奥、比、美、法、英、意、日、荷、俄十国公使，列坐三面。略一寒暄，由葛络干宣读条约全文，共计十二款：第一、对德谢罪；第二、惩办祸首；第三、对日谢罪；第四、于外国坟墓被掘处建碑；第五、禁止军火运入中国；第六、赔款四亿五千万两；第七、使馆驻军；第八、削平大沽炮台；第九、各国于北京、山海关间驻军；第十、张贴禁止仇外之上谕；第十一、修濬白河、黄浦江；第十二、改总理衙门为外务部。 读完法文本，再由中国方面的随员宣读中文本，然后由奕劻与李鸿章先画押，是画的几十年不曾一用的“花押”。 等各国公使依序签署完成，庆王奕劻虽觉心情沉重，但亦不无仔肩一卸的轻松之感，只有李鸿章，心事反而愈重！公约虽成，俄约棘手。公约未成之际，俄约犹可暂时搁置，如今则推无可推，拖无可拖，而且预料格尔斯等人的催逼，会日甚一日。八十老翁，竟陷于内外交迫，摆脱不能，动弹不得的困境，想起来真如一场噩梦，而且是不醒的噩梦。 回到贤良寺，上上下下，一片沉默。李鸿章整夜失眠，长吁短叹，令人酸鼻，可是没有人敢劝他，也不知如何相劝？唯一敢在他面前发议论，谈得失的张佩纶，从发了辞差的电报，就请假回江宁了。此外，只有一个于式枚，比较起来，能够使李鸿章不至于因为肝火太旺而大发脾气，所以大家公推他去伺机劝慰。 于式枚长于文笔，拙于言词，一清早见了李鸿章，只请个早安，竟别无话说。 “庆邸怎么交代？”李鸿章问道：“画押一事，是否先发电报，请代奏？” “是的。已经发了，只说已画了押，不及他语。” “你看，是不是应该将这次议约的苦衷，详细奏报？” “看中堂的意思。” “我看一定要有此一奏。昨天晚上我想了一夜，心事如潮，反不知从何说起，你倒拟个稿子来看。” “是！”于式枚说：“请中堂列示要点。” 李鸿章想了一下说：“前一阵子我听人说，军机上还有类似刚子良之流所发的论调。真正是国家的气数！中国元气大伤，若再好勇斗狠，必有性命之忧。” “这一层意思，只有摆在最后说。”于式枚问：“前面呢？” “自然是谈和议之难，非局外人所能想象。” 于式枚点点头又问：“请从速回銮的话，要不要提？” “不必提了！既有明谕，不必饶舌。” 于式枚很快地拟好奏稿。李鸿章看上面写的是：“查臣等上年奉命议和，始而各使竟将开议照会驳回，几莫测其用意之所在。嗣于十一月初一日，始据送到和议总纲十二款，不容改易一字。臣等虽经办送说帖，于各款应商之处，详细开说，而各使置若罔闻。且时以派兵西行，多方恫吓。臣等相机因应，笔秃唇焦，所有一切办理情形，均随时电陈折奏。” 看完这一大段，李鸿章停了下来，沉吟着说：“'笔秃唇焦'之下，应该有两句话，表示苦衷。” “是力不从心之意？”于式枚问。 “不止于此！”李鸿章提起笔来，在“笔秃唇焦”下面，添上一小段：“卒以时局艰难，鲜能补救，抚衷循省，负疚良深。” 中间是叙议定以后，枝节丛生，种种委屈。最后，于式枚将李鸿章的话叙了进去：“臣等伏查近数十年内，每有一次构衅，必多一次吃亏。上年事变之来，尤为仓卒，创深痛巨，薄海惊心！今和议已成，大局少定，仍望我朝廷，坚持定见，外修和好，内图富强，或可渐有转机。譬诸多病之人，善自医调，犹可或复元气，若再好勇斗狠，必有性命之忧矣！悽悽之愚，伏祈圣明垂察。” “没有能说得透彻。可也没有法子了！”李鸿章说：“拜发吧！” “中堂，”于式枚问：“是不是要请庆王先过一过目？” “为什么？”李鸿章忽然又发脾气了，“他事事掣肘，专听日本小鬼的话，不必理他！” 这顿脾气，发得于式枚心里很难过。李鸿章的“中堂脾气”是出了名的，于式枚相从多年，司空见惯，而况又非对他而发，更无须介意。他难过的是，李鸿章的“中堂脾气”，向不乱发，甚至以发脾气作为一种亲昵的表示。北洋与淮军中很有人知道他的脾气，他喜欢用一句合肥土话骂人：“好好搞你娘的！”若有人得他此一骂，升官发财就大有望了！ 然而，如今不同了！李鸿章郁怒在心，肝火特旺，常常忍不住大发一顿脾气，八旬老翁，何堪常此喜怒无常？于式枚感到难过的是，怕李鸿章的大限不远。