Chapter 15 The Hongmen Banquet in the Yamen of the Sixth Governor

Zuo Zongtang is the most honest man, he doesn't avoid suspicion, if he doesn't agree, it's fine, once he has agreed, he takes the defense of Changsha as a matter of course, like a half-governor, all matters related to the defense of the city are on his shoulders .He inquires about everything, cares about everything, and no matter how big or small he handles, there is no one that is not in an orderly and appropriate manner, and has a lot of ideas.In front of him, there is almost no difficulty.With such a good helper, Zhang Liangji was greatly relieved.Zhang Liangji was very dependent on Jiang Zhongyuan and Zuo Zongtang, and he always consulted with them on his plans and strategies; Bao Qibao was obviously the leader of the military affairs of guarding the city, but in fact, all of them had been entrusted to Jiang and Zuo.Since then, the chaotic stage in Changsha city has passed, replaced by a new atmosphere of well-planned, busy but not chaotic.

That night, Zhang Liangji said to Zuo Zongtang melancholy: "The treasury's money is almost used up, and the imperial court's salary can't come for a while. If the money can't be received, the morale of the army will be weakened. What should I do?" Zuo Zongtang pondered for a while, and said: "What Zhongcheng is worried about is exactly what Zongtang has been thinking about these few days. After thinking about it, I have no choice but to borrow money from a few wealthy and famous gentry in Changsha. , to save the urgent need." "I came to Guixiang not long ago, and I don't know the people well. I don't know which households have money, and how much can they give?"

Zuo Zongtang said: "The richest man in Changsha should be Huang Mian. Huang Mian's name is Fuzhou, and his name is Nanpo. His father Huang Bo once served as the magistrate of Minzhou. Nanpo used the Lianghuai Salt Transport Commission to organize Huaiyang relief. He was known by Tao Wenyi, who was the governor of Jiangsu at the time. Tao Wenyi promoted him to be the magistrate of Jiangdu County, and then transferred to Yuan County, and then promoted to the prefect of Changzhou Prefecture and Zhenjiang Prefecture. That year, the barbarians invaded the southeast coast, Zhenhai fell, Yu Qian died for his country, and Nanpo was banished to the Western Regions with his entourage. Later, the imperial court granted him his hometown and rewarded him with a six-rank crown. After Nanpo returned to his hometown, he did not care about official affairs and devoted himself to business. He opened the Yongtai Jinhao in Bajiaoting. The official is not very clean, and the family has hundreds of thousands of savings. With this wealth, Yongtai Jinhao became the first wealthy household in Changsha City, and the annual profit is as much as 50,000 to 60,000."

"Oh!" Zhang Liangji yelled softly. He didn't expect that there were such wealthy businessmen in Changsha City. "The second one is He Yuan from Puji Pharmacy. He is He Changling's nephew and the second son of He Xiling, the supervisory censor of Shandong Province." "He Changling's family still runs a pharmacy?" He Changling had successively served as Fengjiang, and he was a famous eunuch during the Daoguang period. Zhang Liangji knew about it.However, he didn't know that the He family was also in business. "Mr. He was well-clothed and well-fed since he was a child. He didn't know how to run a business. He just couldn't do well in reading. The family was afraid that he would learn badly, and in order to train him, he deliberately opened this pharmacy and let him be a young boss. The pharmacy has little prospect. , but the property of the He family is at least three to four hundred thousand. The third household is Sun Guanchen, the owner of Lisheng Silk and Satin Shop, named Lingfang."

"Is he the younger brother of Sun Dingchen, a bachelor's servant?" "Exactly. Sun Dingchen is his eldest brother, and his second brother, Sun Yichen, is now a member of the Ministry of War. Sun Guanchen relies on the power of his two brothers to open a Lisheng silk and satin shop in the red archway in the center of the city, with an annual income of 30,000 to 40,000 yuan. Each of these three rich households lends 30,000 to 40,000 to 40,000, and they can get about 100,000, which can be used for half a month and 20 days. After the long hairs are gone, they will report to the court and return them."

"It's a good idea." Zhang Liangji touched the few sparse beards on his chin, and said hesitantly, "However, these bosses and businessmen, borrowing money from them is like asking for their flesh. Will they borrow it?" ?” "What Zhongcheng said is right, it's very rare." Zuo Zongtang thought as he walked.Suddenly, he stopped, "If you invite another person, things will be easier." "Who?" "Ouyang Zhaoxiong, the owner of Shilixiang Sauce Garden." "How much income can a soy sauce garden have, even if he wants to borrow it, he can't borrow much."

"Zhongcheng, this Ouyang Zhaoxiong is no better than other businessmen and profit-seekers. This person is the most ancient-hearted and generous, and he has the spirit of Lu Su to borrow money from warehouses. He is from Xiangtan, and Shilixiang Sauce Garden is just his foothold in Changsha. .This person is here, so don't let them refuse to borrow it. Zhongcheng, don't worry, see my arrangement tomorrow." In the afternoon of the next day, a sumptuous banquet was set up in the flower hall of the governor's yamen in another village.The guests present were Huang Mian, Sun Guanchen, He Yuan and Ouyang Zhaoxiong.The host is the governor Zhang Liangji, accompanied by former Hubei governor Luo Raodian, chief envoy Pan Duo and aide Zuo Zongtang.The guests were moved by the courtesy of the new governor, and they drank and chatted happily.After drinking for three rounds, Zhang Liangji got up and said: "You are the sages of Sanxiang, and Liangji inherited the poor hometown. It is a great fortune in my life to be able to get to know each other today."

Huang Mian got up and replied: "Zhang Zhongcheng came to Changsha when he was in danger, and led our army and people in the city to fight against the rebellion. I respect and admire him." Zhang Liangji smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness. Please sit down, sir." After Huang Mian sat down, Zhang Liangji went on to say: "Liangji was ordered by the emperor to be the governor of Hunan, and he should swear to defend the city to the death. It's just that the battle has not turned around, and the princes and the people of Hecheng have been shocked a lot. Liangji feels ashamed."

Sun Guanchen said: "Where did Zhongcheng come from? It is our duty to defend the land and resist the bandits. Zhongcheng has done his best, and the war has no turning point. How can we blame Zhongcheng alone." Huang, He, and Ouyang all followed suit. Zhang Liangji said excitedly: "You guys are so wise. Liangji is willing to save hundreds of thousands of people in Changsha from being burned. However, Liangji has little talent and learning, and I am afraid that he will be entrusted with it. I invite you to come today, and I dare to ask you to stay." I use it as a good strategy to save the poor."

Huang, Sun, He and the others didn't think much about defending the city, and couldn't come up with a good plan for a while, so they had to drink in silence.Zuo Zongtang glanced at Ouyang Zhaoxiong.Zhao Xiong understood, and said loudly: "Zhongcheng, what's your embarrassment, just tell me! Zhao Xiong is not talented, but Brother Nanpo, Brother Lingfang and Mr. He are all capable with clever strategies and good plans. People, they can take care of Zhong Cheng." Zhaoxiong's two words made Huang, Sun and He happy, and said in unison: "If you have any difficulties with Zhong Cheng, just tell me!"

Zhang Liangji took advantage of the situation and said: "With your generosity and righteousness, what difficulties does Liangji have to overcome? There is a big event today, and I implore all of you here to help. As you know, since the siege of the city, the imperial court has urgently transferred seven or eight thousand troops. When they arrived in Changsha, the supply of salary was temporarily insufficient. These troops and other expenses added about 5,000 taels of silver per day. Mr. Pan tried his best to barely support it for more than 20 days. Now the treasury is exhausted. In a few days, it will be over The silver is about to be broken. Once the silver is broken, the morale of the army will be slackened, and the consequences will be unimaginable. Liangji has been worrying about this matter for days, thinking about it, and has nothing to do. He can only invite you to come to discuss it. All of you are Sanxiang Dafu , and always had a heart of loyalty, Liangji borrowed 100,000 silver from the princes in the name of the governor of Hunan. .” As soon as Zhang Liangji spoke, the guests were immediately dumbfounded.As the saying goes: "When it comes to money, there is no chance." The warm atmosphere on the banquet table just now cooled down immediately.Everyone looked down at the chopsticks and kept silent, harboring ghosts in their hearts: regretting that they should not come to this banquet. If Changsha can't keep it, Zhang Liangji will be dismissed and killed, who will pay the debts!After being cold for a long time, Sun Guanchen took out his handkerchief to wipe his greasy face, and said: "When the country is in crisis, everyone is responsible. I shouldn't refuse to borrow money to help the army. It's just that my money is tight and I can't come up with money." At this time in previous years, people from all corners of Hunan would come to our account to order silk and satin, preparing for the wedding after autumn and New Year's gift. Right now, there is no one who comes to ask the price because of Changmao's trouble. There are more than ten people in my account. To live, there is no money in every day, only money out. Alas, if this continues, Lisheng will close its shop." When Sun Guanchen said this, he looked downcast, as if he was pouring out endless pain.As soon as the words fell, Huang Mian went on to say: "Yongtai Gold Shop is the same as Lisheng Silk and Satin Shop. At this time of year, who still has the heart to sell gold and silver utensils. For a month, my shop has not done a single business. My hair is so anxious that it turns white gone." "My number is similar." It was He Yuan who answered the conversation, dressed like a playboy, "With the long hairs around, there are even fewer people buying medicine. Do you think it's strange!" Zhang Liangji was very anxious when he saw them all complaining, worried that the banquet would be broken up like this, and he would not be able to borrow half a tael of money.His eyes were always on Zuo Zongtang.I saw Zuo Zongtang drinking and eating leisurely, listening to the complaints of the bosses.After He Yuan finished speaking, he picked up the jug, walked over to the guests, and said to them while toasting: "In the past few months, the business of the bosses has indeed been sluggish, but everyone's family background is very rich. As the saying goes Said, a starved camel is bigger than a horse, no matter how hard it is, it will not be a problem to give out tens of thousands of silver." Jing went to Ouyang Zhaoxiong and kicked him lightly.Zhao Xiong said loudly: "Zhang Zhongcheng worked so hard to protect Changsha, which touched the people of Hunan. What the bosses said just now is the truth. Shilixiang Pickled Vegetable Garden is a small business, and it can't be compared with your treasures. The business is also light these days. But Well, the ancients said it well, people forget their selfishness when they are in the public office, and forget their home when they are in the country. In today's situation, there is no choice but to defend Changsha and fight back the long hair. My family has a weak foundation and is not good at management. If there is a lot of silver, I will borrow 10,000 first! A drop in the bucket is not enough. It is the rich men who really make a difference." "Mr. Ouyang is really a straightforward person." Seeing Ouyang Zhaoxiong's heroic act, Zhang Liangji, who was in an embarrassing situation, said with infinite emotion, "After the matter is settled, Liangji will definitely ask the imperial court for his husband's seal and cast him in the octagonal pavilion." A bronze bell, engraved with Mr.'s name, famous in Sanxiang, and immortal." But Ouyang Zhaoxiong's actions did not cause a chain reaction. Once the governor finished speaking, the banquet was completely silent again.Zhang Liangji, Luo Raodian, and Pan Duo were restless.Zuo Zongtang saw that the situation was wrong, picked up his wine glass, stood up abruptly, walked to Ouyang Zhaoxiong, and said, "Mr. Ouyang, you are not from Changsha, and your land property and family business are not in Changsha. To have such a chivalrous act, Zongtang I admire you very much. Zongtang has never offered wine to others, but today he wants to offer you this cup for hundreds of thousands of souls in Changsha. Sir is worthy of being the son of Sanxiang elders, the sage of Confucius, Mencius, Cheng Zhu, a good citizen of the imperial court, and a model of scholastic business circles." Ouyang Zhaoxiong stood up and said, "Don't dare to be, don't dare to be." Zuo Zongtang raised the wine glass to Ouyang Zhaoxiong's mouth, and said, "You must drink this glass of wine, I have something to say." Ouyang Zhaoxiong had no choice but to drink the wine and still sat down.Huang, Sun, He and the others had long heard that Xiangyin Zuo Zongtang was very powerful. Now that they saw him like this, and heard his words mixed with bones, they knew that the person who came was really bad, so they all sat down in good order. On the stool, listen respectfully to his next words. "Zuo's family background has been cultivated and studied for many generations; his fame and fame are just one person. Today, Mr. Zhongcheng invites everyone to come to discuss the important matters of guarding the city. Logically, there is no place for Zuo to talk about it. Whether Changsha keeps it or not is the same as Zuo's." Nothing to do, in case Changsha is attacked, Zuo Mou leaves. There is my wife, family and children in Baishui Cave, Dongshan, Xiangyin. I can still live a secluded life there, secluded in the mountains and wild ridges. I hope the long hair will not invade. Zuo A certain talkative today is really for the sake of the hundreds of thousands of people in Changsha, and for the sake of all the old gentlemen. All of you here have either been officials of the imperial court, or are the children of famous officials. Ze. Just think about it, without the imperial court, would you have the family business you have today? The current national crisis, you stand by and ignore it, are you worthy of your conscience? The gold and silver treasures were all captured by Changmao; the rich and rich were dismembered and beheaded by Changmao one by one. Instead of watching that day come, why not try to keep Changsha? You can compare, let Changmao Is it better to conquer Changsha and die and lose money, or borrow money to pay wages and drive back the long hairs, so as to tide over the difficulties?" Speaking of this, Zuo Zongtang glanced at Huang, Sun, He and others. Seeing that they were sweating and worried, he knew that their inner struggle was fierce.Zuo Zongtang thought to himself, if he doesn't do it, he won't stop, so he might as well give them some color.He called the soldiers beside him over, gave a few whispered instructions, and then raised his voice and said, "Mr. Ouyang, you can go back. The sedan chair is ready outside the door. Brother Nanpo, Brother Lingfang and Mr. He, I am wronged for the time being." Come on, sit here for a while." The three of Huang, Sun, and He were taken aback, and couldn't help but look towards the door.I saw a row of soldiers with big knives in their hands and murderous faces standing at the door.The hearts of the three were beating wildly. They didn't expect that the joyous gathering just now turned into a banquet where swords and guns meet. Everyone looked at each other, speechless.Zuo Zongtang continued: "Today's matter has nothing to do with Zhang Zhongcheng, Luo, and Pan. It is all done by someone from Zuo. Someone from Zuo dared to keep everyone on behalf of hundreds of thousands of souls in Changsha. If you have any grievances in your heart, Feel free to sue the court. However," Zuo Zongtang's eyes were stern, showing an inviolable demeanor, "Zuo will also announce everyone's attitude to the whole city of Changsha, and let the fathers and villagers comment on it." Huang Mian is experienced, knowing the current situation, if he doesn't take out the money, he will have trouble in front of the court or in front of the people, and the source of his money is not so clean, so he said hard-heartedly: "Zhang Zhongcheng's painstaking efforts, I deeply appreciate it." I know. I have received the favor of the imperial court for two generations. Is there any reason not to repay it, and how can I bear to see the city of Changsha crumbled and the villagers suffer. It’s just that my business has been sluggish recently, so I can’t give much. I have tried my best to lend Forty thousand taels, how about it?" Zhang Liangji said happily: "Thank you, old man, for your support. Liangji guarantees that he will repay it." The rich young master He Yuan didn't know how to cherish money since he was a child, and he didn't take it seriously when he gave out tens of thousands.Now seeing soldiers with guns and knives standing at the door, I know that I want to keep him as a hostage. He remembered that he had made an appointment to play cards and listen to music with his third aunt tonight, and he was very anxious. At this time, as long as he can get it, he is willing to take as much as he wants.He Yuan hurriedly said: "My number is also borrowed forty thousand!" "What a Mr. He who understands the general situation and cares about the overall situation!" Luo Raodian and Pan Duo praised together. Sun Guanchen took out his handkerchief, wiped the sweat from his brow, and said, "My shop is small and rich. It can't be compared with Brother Nanpo and Young Master He. Just borrow 30,000!" "Okay!" Zhang Liangji was overjoyed when he got the 120,000 taels of silver. He stood up and said, "Thank you for your generosity. On behalf of Changsha Hecheng, Liangji bows to you." After finishing speaking, Zhang Liangji straightened his clothes, cupped his fists, and bent down, causing all the guests to stand up in a panic to answer the salute.Zhang Liangji held up his wine glass and said: "Everyone, Liangji vows to live and die with Changsha. If you stick to this heart, the emperor and queen will learn from each other!"