Chapter 2 The second chapter starts from being a flag soldier

Zhang Xun took a letter of recommendation from his boss, Xu Zhenchu, and went to Nanchang Mansion to become a banner soldier.That is, what people often call the guards later.This year was the 5th year of Guangxu (1879 AD), and Zhang Xun was 26 years old. It has been 243 years since the Qing Dynasty changed its national title in the first year of Taizong Chongde in 1636 (Bingzi). It is no longer there, and Xianfeng and Tongzhi have gone from bad to worse.When it came to Guangxu, no one in the ruling and opposition parties could not feel the sunset. "The Qing Dynasty is exhausted!"

When Zhang Xun was a soldier in Nanchang Mansion, Jiangxi, the Guangxu Emperor, who was unable to govern at first, was caught up in a fleeting time. The rain continued, and even the Yongding River at the foot of the Great Wall broke through.In the 5th year of Guangxu, floods and droughts continued, coupled with earthquakes and locust plagues, the whole country was already desolate, and nine out of ten households were poor.As a result, bandits and disasters arose everywhere, bandits uncovered poles, people were devastated, and dead bodies were everywhere. Fortunately for Nanchang Prefecture, there were no major disasters, and people still had food to eat and land to work on.There are peaceful days to pass, whether it is an official or a soldier, they are always mediocre and mediocre.

It is easy to be a Taiping officer, but it is not easy to be a Taiping soldier: there is no chance of prosperity.Zhang Xun served as a flag soldier in Nanchang Mansion for two years, and he is still a flag soldier.People are almost 30 years old, "Thirty to stand"! How will he stand? Where will he stand? He is a little anxious. One day, he sneaked out of the yamen, first went to the thatched cottage in the alley to see Cao Qin and his grandmother, and then sneaked into Xu's mansion—he wanted to find Mr. Liu and the young master Xu Xifu, and ask them to help him Climb another high branch.

Xu Xifu and Zhang Xun were originally congenial and very close.Now, they don't see each other very often, not to mention that Zhang Xun is not a servant but a soldier in the government.Therefore, he was very polite to him, sat down opposite each other with a cup of fragrant tea, and talked about what they liked to talk about with each other. "Master..." Zhang Xun saw that the entertainment was over, and wanted to talk about his thoughts.As soon as the words came out, Xu Xifu shook his hand. "Don't call him that in the future." Xu Xifu said, "We have to be friends in the same class, and we must never be separated from each other. Just speak up if you have something to say."

"Okay," Zhang Xun nodded, but then said, "It's okay for the two of us to face each other. In Xu's mansion or mansion, I will never dare to make mistakes. We have to behave properly." Xu Xifu still shook his head. "Let me tell you straight, I have to ask for your help." "Tell me, what's the matter?" "I've been a soldier for almost 3 years and I'm still a soldier. Look..." "Yeah! I understand." Xu Xifu frowned slightly, and said: "The yamen in Nanchang Futai is not a gentleman, and he is not very reliable." He thought for a while, and said: "Nanchang, there is still What better place to go?"

"It's okay to leave Nanchang." Zhang Xun said, "Fortunately, I'm alone and have no worries." "Then Cao..." "You mean Cao Qin's grandfather and grandson?" "Yes!" "Don't be afraid, we don't know what year, month and day we can get married. Besides, I can't get along well, and I can't get married. If I go far away in the past two years, they will be happy." Hearing what Zhang Xun said, Xu Xifu first smiled lightly, and then said: "Well, my father has a friend named Pan Dingxin, who is now the governor of Hunan. He is a very nice man, I have met him, and he respects my father very much. How about introducing you to Hunan?"

"Yes, yes," Zhang Xun said, "It's just that the master is an official in another place. I don't know when I can introduce it? Besides, I don't know if the master is willing to do this." Zhang Xun has not met this official who is out of town. Xu's second child, I'm afraid it's just empty talk. Xu Xifu smiled lightly. "Don't worry about that. I'll write a letter in my father's name, and you can take it to Hunan. If it doesn't work, come back to Nanchang and work as a flag soldier again. See the opportunity later; if it's done, there is a good place in Hunan. , I will tell my father in the future, it is not a big deal."

Zhang Xun felt that this was the best of both worlds, so he nodded and agreed.Xu Xifu took it to the study room and imitated his father's handwriting, and wrote a warm letter to Pan Dingxin, the governor of Hunan Province. Take care." After writing the letter, he took out his own money to pay for Zhang Xun's travel expenses. "You go, I think it's all right." "I don't want this money." Zhang Xun said, "I still have money. I will leave in the next two days." "You have to take the money." Xu Xifu said, "Even if you have travel expenses, I will help you settle down with the money. You can give it to Cao Qin and the others. If you leave, if things are done, I don't know when you can come back, and I will miss it too." They. Leave some money at home, I really feel in my heart."

Zhang Xun said a few words of gratitude, but still accepted the money. Zhang Xun walked into the unnamed alley, met Li Ma, told about going to Hunan, and then said: "Grandma, I will definitely go to Hunan, it will be better than here. The yamen in Futai here is an empty officialdom, without oil and water. , Hunan people are governors, they are in charge of a huge territory, leading many soldiers and horses. Mr. Pan is also a good friend of Xu Zhenshen in the Xu family, there is a place with a wide road. It's just that I have little time to come I’m taking care of you and sister Qin. I feel bad.” Li’s mother didn’t know where Hunan was, and she couldn’t tell how big the governor was, but she just felt that the road must be very far.When the man walked away, the old woman felt empty. She wanted to keep him and not let him go. "Why don't you have a full stomach and clothes to wear, so why go so far?" Then I thought: "We can't keep him, he always gained knowledge in Xu's mansion, and spent two years in the yamen, maybe he is What's the point of pulling someone's leg and not letting him go? Isn't it ruining his future?" Thinking of this, Li Ma laughed.

"Go, if you go to Hunan, go to Hunan. It's just that you can't be free with the officials. I don't know how long it will take to come back to see my mother and daughter?" Zhang Xun said: "Grandma, don't worry, no matter how far you go, my heart is by your side. As long as I am free, I will come back." He also said: "I'm done with you over there, I will pick you up with Sister Qin first." In the past, let’s settle down and live happily ever after.” Mama Li rubbed her eyes again.No tears, just a smile. Cao Qin is here.She was no longer as shy as she used to be, she just snuggled up beside her grandma and listened silently.Finally, she whispered: "I'm going on a long trip, and the clothes and quilts have to be washed. Bring them over tomorrow, and I'll wash them."

Zhang Xun walked up to her and said, "Sister Qin, don't worry about it. The clothes and quilts are freshly washed and not dirty. Besides, when I arrive in Hunan, I have new errands, and new clothes and quilts will be issued." Then, he took out the silver dollar presented by Young Master Xu from his pocket and handed it to Cao Qin.He also said: "You keep the money to supplement the life of you and grandma. In winter, just add a few cotton-padded clothes and a new quilt. It can't always be so poor." Both Li Ma and Cao Qin said: "No, don't. You can live a good life. You go out, everywhere, and you have money. If you don't have money, you still have to carry it with you. Only then did Zhang Xun talk about the affectionate gift from the young master of the Xu family, and then said: "The money from the Xu family is reserved for us to set up a family. Who will you give it to if you don't give it to me? I have enough money with me." Mama Li still wanted to be modest again, but Cao Qin had already accepted the money, "Grandma, don't give in, we will accept the money. Adding clothes or not is a small matter, and the days will be long in the future, maybe there will be unexpected things , can’t use money? If you have it in your hand, don’t panic.” "Granddaughter is very thoughtful," Li Ma said, "Zhang Xun, I will save this money for you first. If you need something in the future, just send a letter to ask for it, and I will give it to you. "Then there's no need, you and your wife can just use it. Sister Qin is also growing up, so she must have clothes to go out with." As soon as she said "go out", Mama Li rubbed her eyes again.Sighing sadly, he said, "Where are you going when you go out? Lay down at night, you two, and stand under the sun during the day, Lian Ying'er has only four people. Apart from you, how can there be any relatives in the world?!" When Cao Qin saw that grandma was sad, she hurriedly used words to break it. "It's getting late, let's make something to eat." Li's mother smiled, as if remembering something important, and hurriedly said: "Zhang Xun! You are going to Hunan, how long will it be before you go back? If you have time, go back to Chitian Village and see it, which is also a farewell to your family. Zhang Xun When I heard about "Chitian Village", I felt uncomfortable. My parents were dead, and my stepmother was also dead. My uncles didn't take him in, they forced him out. "I won't go back, there are no relatives there. " "Aren't there still uncles and uncles?" "They're all dead." "And brothers." "I don't know where I've been." "Then..." Li Ma is kind, she only thinks of the best when things happen, and thinks that the whole world is a piece of sunshine. "Grandma, don't mention Chitian Village in the future. This alley is my home, and you and sister Qin are my relatives. I will never forget this alley, and you and your wife." 1880, winter. Several early cold snaps made the temperature between Hunan and Jiangxi several degrees lower than usual, and the yellow leaves on the branches made those deciduous trees look old and withered. Changing into casual clothes, Zhang Xun left Nanchang and hurried towards Changsha with the small package prepared for him by Li Ma and Cao Qin on his back.Water and dry roads alternate, and soon they entered Changsha City.He has no intention of admiring this ancient city with a history of 2,560 years, but only wants to enter the yamen of Governor Pan Dingxin. Pan Dingxin, who was born in the army, has been in the officialdom for nearly twenty years, walking a fairly smooth path.In recent years, I have gotten to know many civil officials and literati, always wanting to decorate the "facade", often fake poems; because of the prosperity of the official career, my mind is broadened, and I want to recruit heroes and celebrities from all over the world.One day, while sitting idle in the yamen, someone reported that "a friend from Jiangxi is visiting", and he agreed, "Please meet in the living room." When Zhang Xun was led to him, he saw that he was a handsome man, but he did not do not know.His expression was a little stunned. Zhang Xun was clever. Seeing this situation, he unwrapped the package and took the letter, and said, "Master Xu Zhenqi from the Xu Mansion in Nanchang Prefecture asked me to pay a visit to Mr. Pan, please sir..." When Pan Dingxin heard that it was from his friend, he hurriedly took the letter, opened it and said, "Please, please sit down! My eldest brother Xianping (Xu Zhenqi's word Xianping) has always been okay? In the blink of an eye, just a few The year is gone." Zhang Xun said "Thank you", and said: "Master Xu is very good, let me greet Mr. Pan." Pan Dingxin fell in love with Zhang Xun when he first saw Zhang Xun's outstanding talents, and he liked him even more when he heard his extraordinary conversation.After reading the letter with a smile, he said: "You have been in Xu's residence for more than ten years, you are considered an old man in Xu's residence, how could you bear to leave Xu's residence?" Zhang Xun stood up and said: "The Xu family has always been generous to the servants, and always wants them to climb up to Gao Zhi. Besides, the master admires the adults very much, and often praises the villains in front of the villains, which moves the villains' hearts. The villains also want to follow the adults. Tenda." A few words made Pan Dingxin feel elated. "After all, someone who came from a famous family has an unusual heart. Well, you can stay here, and I will give you a hundred bosses (equivalent to company commanders) first, and you will have a chance in the future. As long as you can work hard, I will I will take care of you." As he spoke, he explained to his followers. As soon as Zhang Xun arrived in Changsha, he hired a chief executive. Naturally, he was full of joy, and quickly expressed his thanks, and said: "Please teach me more, Zhang Xun will definitely do a good job." As the saying goes, a samurai can only show his prestige by galloping on the battlefield.When Zhang Xun went to Changsha and became the president of Baibai, it was a peaceful time.If there is no battle, the leader of the army will have no hope of success.Fast forward two years, and he is still a hundred boss.However, in the past two years, Zhang Xun also had a small amount of savings, and when Mao was 30 years old, he had to think about marrying a wife and starting a family.With the consent of the governor, he wrote a letter to Li's mother in Nanchang, inviting their mother-in-law and grandson to come to Changsha, and he wanted to marry Cao Qin.This year, Cao Qin was already a 16-year-old girl, tall and handsome, and Li's mother had already taken this matter to heart.As soon as Zhang Xun's letter arrived, he said to his granddaughter: "Qin, the hard times for our mother and daughter are finally over. Zhang Xun has a letter, telling us to go to Changsha. You should pack up too, let's leave early." When Cao Qin heard that she was going to get married in Changsha, she was startled—she was not mentally prepared. Although her relationship had started early, she felt that Zhang Xun was serving as a soldier outside and had no fixed nest. She had to find a safe place to start a family.Besides, getting married is a big event, and one must have a new dress.she didn't.The original body beats the original body, how shabby. Li's mother is someone who has experienced it, so she knows it well.Then she smiled and said, "Qin! Don't be afraid. As the bride's wedding dress, grandma has already prepared it for you. Can you let you go in the palm of your hand? No." She said with a long sigh of relief. : "There is a man in the family, it is like a family. In the future, we can walk straight up. Besides, I am even happier when I hear that Zhang Xun has become an official in Changsha." "Grandma," Cao Qin said, "what kind of official is Zhang Xun? I think he is still a book boy. A person can only behave honestly. Being an official is a lifetime job. After getting married, it would be great if he can come back! " Grandma smiled, shook her head, and hurried to pack the clothes.Two days later, he took a cargo ship to Changsha. After all, Zhang Xun was only a boss, so it didn't have much influence, so he had to deal with the marriage hastily, and asked the governor for three days' leave to lead the mother-in-law and grandson around Changsha. The city of Changsha is ancient and has a long history of culture. Just such historic sites as "Moon Mountain Neolithic Site", "Han Dynasty Beijin City Site", "Dingwangtai Site", "Ming City Wall", "Tongguan Kiln Site" and so on, are There are no less than twenty places, plus various excavated and unexcavated ancient tombs, there are countless.Zhang Xun is not interested in this, he doesn't understand.He also lacks the ability to appreciate the eight sceneries of Xiaoxiang, such as "Xiaoxiang Night Rain", "Dongting Autumn Moon", "Pingsha Falling Geese", "Yansi Evening Bell", "Yuanpu Returning Sail", etc., which Changsha people are proud of. go.He only chooses good-looking and interesting places to go shopping.It is natural to go to Yuelu Mountain, which has "deep ravines and valleys, winding roads with strange stones, clear springs and towering ancient trees". du8.com copyright That day, the weather was fine and the breeze was cool. They hiked up the mountain, watching as they walked. Listening to the gurgling stream, I always feel the hometown of the gods.Finally, they came to the "Yuelu Academy" at the eastern foot of Yuelu, which was known as the four major academies in the Song Dynasty. Yuelu Academy is as famous as Henan Songyang Academy, Lushan Bailu Academy, and Henan Yingtian Academy. , in addition to the collection of books and lectures, there are also offerings.Zhang Xun doesn't care about these.They ate something indiscriminately, took a rest, and then crossed the Qingfeng Gorge, went up to the Aiwan Pavilion, looked around at the rural cottages at the foot of the mountain, and were exhausted.So, hurried back.Although tired, Mama Li and Cao Qin were so happy that they couldn't keep their mouths shut, and said over and over again: "Following the son-in-law has opened your eyes!" Zhang Xun is a small official, and his wife can't follow him.Li Ma led Cao Qin to live in Changsha for a few days, her belly was full, her eyes were full, and the important matter of getting married was done, so she thought about "going back to Nanchang." Zhang Xun felt uncomfortable and must accompany them Back to Nanchang.Coincidentally, this year is the 60th birthday of Xu Zhenhuan, the second owner of the Xu mansion, and Zhang Xun had an excuse to return to Nanchang to celebrate his birthday, and said to Pan Dingxin, "I want to go back to Nanchang to celebrate my master's birthday." Xu is Pan's friend.When a friend celebrates his birthday, he should go there in person.However, the military affairs cannot be separated from the body, so I prepared some birthday gifts for Zhang Xun to take care of both public and private matters, and went back to Nanchang. "Go ahead and tell Eldest Brother Xu Xianping that I can't get away from official duties, and a small gift is not a respect." I will definitely convey your lord's kindness. Zhang Xun said: "I will come back immediately when the matter is over." " Governor Pan said: "Don't panic. The newlyweds still need to resettle their home. When it's done, I'll come back." Zhang Xun led his grandmother and daughter-in-law back to Nanchang, repaired the original thatched house, bought some utensils, and then prepared a generous gift to Xu's mansion to celebrate his birthday. Xu Zhenshen has been an official abroad for a long time, and he has become a little estranged from his relatives and family members.Therefore, this time the birthday party is not in the mansion in the city, but in Gangzuitou Village, his hometown, in order to dredge the relationship and deepen the relationship. Gangzuitou Village is a village with only a few dozen households, half of which is occupied by Xu's yard.Colors are tied in the courtyard, sheds are set up outside the courtyard, and there are a lot of guests and high friends.The whole village is hot.Zhang Xun led Cao Qin, and as soon as he entered Gangzuitou Village, there was a slight commotion: Qiu Shan came to see! The cow-keeper and the survivor asked for a handsome cow-keeper woman, here they come! When Zhang Xun came to Gangzuitou Village, his reputation was not good. What's more, he stole the imperial vase of Xu's mansion later, so people thought he was a loafer.Today, leading the daughter-in-law and bringing generous gifts to celebrate the birthday of the boss, it is naturally not a sight.Seeing Zhang Xun's appearance today, the Xu family was naturally happy, and felt that it was because of their good family style that they influenced him well.The manager hurriedly sent someone out, scolded those men and women who made sarcastic remarks, and took Zhang Xun to the living room. Although Xu Zhenshao is full of official spirit, today is his birthday, and he is in the hometown of Gangzuitou Village, and he is trying to make a name for himself.So, I came to the living room to meet Zhang Xun.Although Zhang Xun has been a servant in Xu's mansion for more than ten years, this is the first time Xu Zhenqi has seen him.As soon as he saw Zhang Xun's burly figure, round face and bright eyes, he knew he was a good soldier, and he was happy first.Go up and talk to him. Zhang Xun bowed deeply, and then wanted to kneel down again.Xu Zhenmian refused, and even said, "My family, my family!" Zhang Xun said: "Xun has been in Xu's house for many years, and he has received many teachings. Xun is today, thanks to the love of the masters. Today, the master's birthday, Xun and the cheap Nei Jing wishes the master good health and a long life! This great gift is undeniable." After speaking, he pulled Cao Qin, and the husband and wife still kowtowed to Xu Zhenzuo. Xu Zhenshao is currently the governor of Guangdong. He is an important border guard and always wants to show his demeanor. He inevitably asks about Zhang Xun's situation in Changsha and his attitude towards state affairs. Finally, he talks about Pan Dingxin, the governor of Hunan. "He is an honest and capable general. When the country is in trouble, the emperor will use him." Xu Zhenshen said: "You go to Changsha and let him do things. This is your luck." Zhang Xun said vaguely: "Speaking of this, I have to thank you, master, for your cultivation." So he told the story of going to Changsha with the letter from Xu's mansion back then. Xu Xifu had already explained this matter to his father in his previous letter, so Xu Zhenshao was not surprised.He only smiled lightly and said: "Small things are not worth mentioning." He also said: "People go to high places, as long as there are high places to go, my Xu family is willing to help everyone." Xu Zhenshen pondered After a while, he said: "The situation in the world today is very bad; our situation in China is also not good. The French invaded Vietnam, which is a close neighbor of China, and the war has spread to China. Now, China and France have actually fought. There is a war. I guess Governor Pan may go to Guangxi to fight at the frontier. By then, you'd better go to Guangxi too." Zhang Xun is eager to be promoted, and always feels that opportunities are hard to find.Now that I heard that there is a war in Guangxi, I don't want to let go of this opportunity.He hurriedly said: "I have to ask the master to help me with this matter, and I will pass it on to Mr. Pan." Xu Zhensock nodded.Immediately, he found the Four Treasures of the Study and wrote a letter to Pan Dingxin.In addition to thanking him for his longevity, the letter briefly mentioned the urgent situation in Guangxi, "If my brother is transferred to the front line of Guangxi, please take your new friend Zhang Xun with you, so as to give him a chance to serve the court. It’s good to make a contribution.” After writing the letter, I asked Zhang Xun again: "Now that you have a family and a wife, how is your life? Would you like me to help?" du8.com copyright Zhang Xun hurriedly said: "No need, no need. Thank you for your concern. I can live a small life." Xu Zhensock just nodded and gave up. du8.com copyright The world situation is always chaotic.Some self-proclaimed powerful countries, with their eyes wide open, want to turn other countries into their colonies.Such was the case with the French Empire. Beginning in 1858, France united with Spain to launch an aggressive war against Vietnam through the "killing of missionaries", forcing the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam to sign the first "Treaty of Saigon", which divided the eastern border of Nanqi, Jiading and Dingxiang The three provinces and Con Dao were ceded to France.Then, France occupied the three provinces of Nanqixi.Since then, France has invaded Vietnam one after another.By 1882, the French army invaded Vietnam again, and attacked Hue the following year, forcing Vietnam to sign the first "Treaty of Hue" and the second "Treaty of Hue" with them.Since then, Vietnam has become a French colony.The French were not satisfied with occupying Vietnam, and continued to invade the North.Thus, the Sino-French war was provoked.Sure enough, as Xu Zhenyu analyzed, the situation in Guangxi deteriorated together with the war between China and France. The imperial court dispatched Pan Dingxin to Guangxi to govern the army, and he supervised the military affairs of Guangdong and Guangxi and the governor of Guangxi.Pan Dingxin naturally remembered the entrustment of his friend Xu Zhenqi, and took Zhang Xun to Guangxi. This is l884. When Zhang Xun arrived at the front line in Guangxi, he was determined to make achievements and serve the court. In the Battle of Guanyin Mountain in May and the Battle of the Bow in August, Zhang Xun fought bravely and defeated the enemy regardless of his own life.In November of this year, after Pan Dingxin and Zhang Zhidong, the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, the deputy military affairs, Su Yuanchun, the admiral of Guangxi, and others played the role of guarantor, they were exempted from supplementing the foreign general Qian Zong, and added the title of the capital to the defense. Appreciate Hualing.In March of the following year, Zhang Xun led the troops to conquer Changqing Mansion and Langjiang Mansion in Lang Son Province, Wenyuan Prefecture, Vietnam, and his reputation was greatly shaken.After being nursed by Zhang Zhidong and Su Yuanchun, Governor Li Bingheng of Guangxi will play the role of guarantor. In August, he was issued an order to exempt the garrison superintendent, and make up for guerrilla warfare first; Stationed in Guangxi border defense.From then on, Zhang Xun became a trusted "garrison" officer under Su Yuanchun's subordinates. It is also a coincidence that when Pan Dingxin introduced Zhang Xun to Su Yuanchun, he mentioned that Zhang Xun was "recommended by Xu Xianping of Jiangxi Province".Soon, he was supplemented with the rank of general and added the title of lieutenant general. Zhang Xun's status has risen, he has more money, and his desire to settle down is even more urgent-he is nearly 40 years old, can he want to have a family? For Zhang Xun, a family is too remote.When his mother died, he was only 8 years old, and he was still ignorant of the world; when his stepmother married into the family, he developed fear and hatred for "family"; when his father died at the age of twelve, he no longer dared to miss home up.In Xu's mansion and Xu mansion, although he lived in warmth, it was his "home" after all, and he was just an insignificant servant in his "home". After the "Royal Vase Incident", he subconsciously felt the fear of losing his "home", and vaguely felt the warmth of home.When he had the most realistic sense of home, it was after Li Ma in Qingjietang told him in the thatched cottage that he would marry his granddaughter to him.That day, when he returned to Xu's mansion from the Cao'anzi, the first thing he thought of when he lay down on the bunk was not his daughter-in-law—he thought she was still a girl, and the day of becoming a daughter-in-law was still far away—but home. "I want a home! It's my own home, a home with men and women!" In the past few years, he has fought bravely and made meritorious deeds; he has worked hard and saved money, and accumulated money, all in order to have his own warm home. "I'm almost forty years old, and I'm still wandering around, and I don't even have a son. Is it possible that the Zhang family will be extinct when it comes to my branch?" He thought of passing on the family line, and thought of what happened behind him. Ever since he met Cao Qin in Qingjietang, he had a very close relationship with her, and later fell in love with her very much.They are all poor and lonely children, and their language will be relatives, "the same fate, the same family", it's a pity! It's been ten years since we got married in Changsha.Zhang Xun felt very guilty for putting them only in Nanchang, in that dirty and small nameless alley for ten years. "I can't wait any longer. I must bring Cao Qin here and set up my own family! I want to give her happiness, warmth, and..." Soon, Zhang Xun took Cao Qin to Guangxi and established his own family.This year, Zhang Xun was 39 years old and Cao Qin was 26 years old. After the end of the Sino-French War, China once again showed a calm situation. The officials were promoted officials, and the soldiers lived a comfortable life in Nanshan.Zhang Xun is stationed in frontier defense. He has a family, a family and an official, so he is considered a man.At this time, Zhang Xun had a big idea: "With my ability and success, is my official position too small? I have to rise up!" Some people say that the most difficult gap in the world to fill is people's popular expectations.When he was a vagrant and a cattle guard, Zhang Xun only hoped to have a stable foothold and three meals per mouthful.It's different now, with the post of garrison and the title of lieutenant general, he has become a prominent figure and has the capital to climb up. Zhang Xun has been in frontier defense for five years, and he has won the trust of his superior, Su Yuanchun. He has also enriched his skills in the officialdom, how to climb up? He has a rough understanding of the mystery - he wants to catch the hot Guangxi admiral Su Yuanchun . Su Yuanchun is also a greedy person.After ten years in Guangxi, he has acquired a huge and considerable family business, which has attracted a lot of criticism. He is looking for an "innocent person" to shelter him from the wind and rain.After looking around, I found Zhang Xun.So he secretly called him to the inner house, and made a "commitment" vaguely. "Zhang Xun, you have been in Guangxi for several years, and I have not treated you well in many places. I always feel bad. Today, let's close the door and have a good talk as a family." Deputy Su Yuanchun said sincerely attitude. "Master Su!" Zhang Xun was a little nervous, stood up hurriedly, and said awkwardly: "When Zhang Xun came to Guangxi, he was taken care of by adults everywhere. The villain's official position has been promoted again and again, all relying on the recommendation of the adults. The villain is grateful. I can't stop feeling it. My lord, you..." Su Yuanchun shook his hand modestly. "Sit down, sit down. You don't have to say words of gratitude. We are both the emperor's courtiers. If we want to say gratitude, it is naturally the emperor's grace and rain, which will never be forgotten. Then again, we officials of the same dynasty , even if we are traveling together in the same boat, fortunes and misfortunes, and fates are connected, we always ask for a hand in hand. Don’t you think so?” Zhang Xun has little experience in officialdom, so he can't figure out what Su Yuanchun wants to do.How to answer? He couldn't make up his mind.He just nodded and said repeatedly, "Yes, yes, yes!" Su Yuanchun is old and treacherous, and he can see that Zhang Xun is pure and simple.Then he said: "Zhang Xun, to be honest, I have a very good impression of you. I have recommended you several times, and I keep you by my side. I want you to shoulder the burden and share some worries for me." "Sad?" Zhang Xun was startled. "My lord, do you have worries too?" "Yes. How can there be no?" Su Yuanchun said: "There are many problems in the officialdom: when you are a big official, you have to accompany you—to accompany you is like accompanying a tiger. I don't care about this, and I won't be able to get into it for a while. Court. However, among colleagues, it is also very sinister, not much different from businessmen's opportunism." "This..." Zhang Xun was confused. "Let's just talk about me," Su Yuanchun rubbed his forehead, stroked his half-stretched hair, and gently put the braid on his chest across his shoulders to the back of his head.Said: "I have been in Guangxi for some years. In fact, I also lived frugally. I accumulated a little money over time. Some people became jealous and made irresponsible remarks. I didn't take much trouble for this matter. For some reason, Talking to you today, I didn't want to talk about this, but I brought it up. You are not an outsider, so I just ask you..." Zhang Xun suddenly understood.He hurriedly said: "My lord, please don't say please, if you have something to do, please just give orders, even if you go through fire and water, Zhang Xun will not hesitate." "It's not that serious." Su Yuanchun said: "I just want to share some of the money I've accumulated with you, and you can keep it for me. If something happens, I have to ask you to block it for me. There must be a way out." He sighed deeply, and then said: "Human nature! This is not for the sake of future generations. We serve as officials, and in the end, our children and grandchildren end up begging along the street. Do not rest in peace!" Zhang Xun said: "Master Su, this is easy to handle. You can arrange it, and I will definitely do it. No matter how much it is, I guarantee it will be safe!" Su Yuanchun was relieved, and quickly transferred most of his savings to Zhang Xun's name.Zhang Xun is a newly promoted junior official, no one suspects that he is corrupt and accepting bribes.Thus, Su Yuanchun felt safe.In fact, Su Yuanchun's corruption has long been a storm in the city.It's just that he is in position, and no one can bring him down.Soon, Su Yuanchun was transferred to Hubei, and the problem arose.The imperial envoy issued a book of impeachment to the imperial court, listing many facts, proving that "Su Yuanchun committed a lot of corruption and perversion of the law, and public grievances arose, please investigate and deal with it." At this time, it was Lafayette Cixi who governed.The situation in the country has already gone from bad to worse, and the empress did not admit that it was her fault, but only blamed her subordinates.Seeing the chapter of impeachment of Su Yuanchun by the imperial envoy, he was furious: "Investigate thoroughly immediately! If it is as it was said, it will be severely punished!" Lafayette spoke, and the Forbidden City was shaken! However, after the thunder, it didn't rain immediately.The Forbidden City is not a peaceful place. The palace alone is in chaos. The ministers are all fighting each other. Who will they send to investigate Su Yuanchun? It can't be decided for a while.As a result, it was a matter of urgency. There was someone in Su Yuanchun's court, and the news of Cixi's anger was reported to him early.This scare was no small matter, and he almost lost the ability to stand up.After all, Su Yuanchun has a good way of getting through the officialdom. He understands that worrying about things is always worrying, and he has to find a relationship to ease it.The way to alleviate it is naturally to rely on money! He has no shortage of money, but the problem is who to send to spend it? After much deliberation, only Zhang Xun is the most suitable.So, an urgent messenger was sent to invite Zhang Xun from Guangxi to Hubei. When Zhang Xun arrived in Hubei, Su Yuanchun invited him to the secret room. Before the banquet, he clearly stated his situation and the purpose of inviting him—— "This is a major matter that concerns my family and life. No one can save me except you!" "My lord, what should I do? Just say it." "Now Lafayette is furious, and no minister can do it. I think only Let Lafayette calm down through relationships." "That……" "In front of Lafayette, the eunuch Li Lianying is the one who eats the most." Su Yuanchun said: "I want you to go to Beijing, and at all costs, catch Li Lianying and let him speak in front of Lafayette. melted." "This……" "You don't have to worry," Su Yuanchun said, "I have the money here, take it with you, and take as much as you need." du8.com copyright As soon as he heard that "money can be used to the fullest", Zhang Xun was already tempted.He has experience, people who have money will have spirit; people who have money, even clumsy people will pass through. "Can money be able to pass through the gods!" However, this time it is the god who is the cronies of the empress dowager who is connected, "Can it be connected?" Zhang Xun is still hesitating. Su Yuanchun's life-saving is the most important thing, and he can't spare money. He immediately took out a plate of existing gold bars and silver ingots, put them in front of Zhang Xun, and took out two silver notes, saying: "If the existing ones are not enough, you can buy them at any time." You can go to the bank outside the front door to exchange it; if it’s not enough, just write an express letter and I’ll send it to you.” Trying his best to spend money, Zhang Xun thought this job was beautiful.What's more, he also dreams of going to Beijing, "Maybe he will break out a wider and wider way to reach the sky." He smiled. "Lord Su, please don't worry, this matter is on my shoulders. I will finish it, you can wait for the good news at home!" He added: "I will not go back to Guangxi, I will leave tomorrow." "In Guangxi, I will arrange it for you." Su Yuanchun said: "You just focus on doing your work in Beijing." He looked at Zhang Xun and said: "This is a very important event, I believe you It will be done. If you finish this matter, even if you have made great achievements, I will never treat you badly." Zhang Xun rushed to Beijing in a hurry, did not find a place to live immediately, but only asked about the mansion of Li Lianying, the chief executive, through his old son.He came from Li Lianying's door, so he had to find a way to get close to him so that he could take refuge in him.Not long after, he found out that Li Lianying lived in a huge mansion on Beichang Street.Therefore, he paid a high price and rented a first-class guest room next to the eunuch's house to live in. He kept his valuables and then lay on the bed thinking about what to do to Li Lianying. This is the 19th year of Guangxu (1893 A.D.). This year, there was a severe drought in the suburbs of Beijing. The seedlings were scorched and the grains were not harvested. The farmers were short of food and did not cook.Inside and outside the capital, rumors spread everywhere, saying that "The Empress Dowager Cixi has offended God, and she should plead guilty to God." Some people also said that "Li Lianying, the chief eunuch, was full of evil and angered God, and God is going to punish her." Eunuch totalitarianism is a major ailment of recent government affairs.Before Li Lianying, the chief eunuch An Dehai was a very popular figure in front of Cixi. All the ministers in the court hated him, and even Prince Gong Yifu gritted his teeth.Only Cixi is regarded as the apple of her eye. In 1869, when the inner court of the Qing court was preparing for the wedding of Emperor Tongzhi, An Dehai volunteered to purchase materials for tribute from Jiangnan, saying that "the embroidery in eastern Guangdong is exquisite".Cixi agreed, but she was afraid of the ancestral precepts—the Qing court had a system: eunuchs could not leave the palace for 40 miles privately—only let him take one or two entourages to go secretly.Unexpectedly, An Dehai acted recklessly and took a large group of people out of Dongzhimen to Tongzhou. He took a big boat with a dragon flag and swaggered along the way.The states and counties they have passed have been extorting and accepting bribes.After passing Cangzhou to Shandong, he met a governor Ding Baozhen who didn't buy it. While pretending to be enthusiastic to persuade him to stay, he sent people to fly to Beijing to report to Prince Gong's mansion to play the Empress Dowager Ci'an of the East Palace.Ci'an felt that it violated the government system and was an unforgivable crime.Immediately wrote Ding Baozhen, "Strictly arrest and arrest, and execute the law on the spot."When Cixi knew about this, An Dehai's head had already fallen. Cixi lost An Dehai, lost her soul, and had to put her "pin" on Li Lianying.Thus, Li Lianying became a smash hit in the palace. After Zhang Xun arrived in Beijing, he first bought off the leading figures on Beichang Street, and then bought off Li Lianying's doorkeeper and Mr. Manager.渐渐地人们都似是而非的明白，“有一位外任官爷，想通过总管太监买通老佛爷，弄个京官做做。”这也算宫中寻常事了，没有人敢计较。 就在这时候，京中发生一件有关李莲英的大事，弄得朝野上下，宫廷内外，一片哗然—— 天津洋人支持的《国闻报》上登出了一篇署名沈北山的的短文，题目是：《中国近事一则》，其文为： 李莲英在朝，上倚慈恩，下植党羽，权震天下，威胁万民，包藏祸心，伺机必发……当今我朝家法森严，岂能令阉宦小人参与政事?防微杜渐，无秦、汉、明季之患。而今李莲英以一宦人，举足轻重，被其弹劫、罢官、含冤而杀身者，不知凡几。风闻该太监积蓄金银财宝达数百万之巨，若不贪污受贿，如此巨金由何而来?李莲英惹天下之公愤，招中外之流言，上损我慈圣之盛名，下启臣民之口实，罪不容诛。而最可畏者，今日隐患伏于宫禁之间，异日必祸及至尊之侧。李莲英之所恃而无恐者，为太后；而所其不快者，是皇上也。近年以来，上有大臣，下至仆从，奔走李莲英之门者，络绎不绝。凡能辗转设法与李莲英互通声气者，无不因而发家致富。今日若不杀李莲英以做其余党，则将来皇上之安危实在不可知也。涓涓不塞，将成江河。水之涓涓犹可塞也，及至江河，一旦决口，不可遏止。李莲英结党结帮，盘踞宫廷，患生肘腋。现在奸党满朝，内外一气，倘视若无目睹，危难立至。李莲英不过一区区阉宦小人，朝廷有何顾惜?望朝廷除恶务尽，不俟终日…… 张勋找到这张报纸，反反复复地读了几遍，也有懂得的，也有不懂得的，总算知道是骂李莲英的。心里一急：“这个门子还能投吗?”他问自己。 他无法答。 可是，苏元春的银钱他已经花了许多，舍去这个“门子”又去寻谁呢?他思索了一天，决定不改门路，“还是得靠这个大柱子!”一天，张勋正在太监府门外转游，忽然看见一个彪形汉子骂咧咧地朝院中闯去，连门卫也恭恭敬敬地陪着小心。张勋以为他就是李莲英呢，便走上前去打问。 门卫是花过张勋的钱的，自然不会相瞒，忙对他说：“他哪里是总管太监?他是总管太监的乾儿子，小霸天!”又说：“原本姓胡，叫胡春山。认总管太监为义父后，便改姓李了。不过，人们并不称的名字，只叫他山大叔。 “今儿他骂咧咧地，怎么啦?”张勋问。 “此人就是这个德性，赌场输了，妓院缺钱进不去了，就来这里闹。总管太监宠他，别人只好孝敬他。”停了停，又说：“是个花钱如流水的东西，谁也填不满的深坑。” 张勋都一一记下了。回到住处，躺在床上隔窗瞅着李莲英的大“衙门”，一边犯了思索：“我得在这个人身上打主意!” 张勋在床上瞅了半天，终于看见了“小霸天”又从里边趔趄趄地出来。虽然不叫不骂了，那脸却还是死一般地沉郁。张勋猜想他“一定是没有如愿。”于是，他急忙下床走出来，随在他身后，走出北长街，绕过放宫北墙，便来到景山前。张勋瞅瞅近处人稀，便紧步走上去，拦住“小霸天”，拱起手，恭恭敬敬地喊了声“山大叔!” 小霸天拾眼一看，不认识。便问：“你是什么人?拦我干什么?” 张勋笑了。本人是外任小官，广西守备，张勋。此番进京，可以说是专为拜见山大叔而来，今日总算如愿。 " “拜见我?”小霸天愣了一下。 张勋又说：“这里不是谈话之处。山大叔你拣个地方，咱们好好谈谈。” 原来这几天小霸天赌嫖拉了一个大窟窿，正愁着无法补上，在总管太监府上又没有得满足，愁着无去处呢。一见张勋这般模样，就知道是来孝敬一番的。忙说：“谈谈?谈什么?我正愁着日子没法过呢。哪有那心肠。” 张勋笑了。“山大叔，不就是几十两银子吗?走，小人先给你补上。这总可以了吧?” “你补?几十两?”小霸天不相信。 张勋从腰间拿出一个布袋，转手交给小霸天。“数数看，够用不够用?” 小霸天接过布袋，在手中一颠，笑了。“用不了这么多。”“剩下就装身上，留作别的用。” 小霸天把银子装在身上，精神也来了。笑嘻嘻地说：“张守备，今日初见，你就这么慷慨，够朋友。今儿哪里也不去了，咱们去喝一场花酒，趁酒兴好好谈谈。” 张勋跟着小霸天来到京城中较有名的妓院——暖馨阁。小霸天点了两位“名角”，张勋押上银子，老鸨备了酒宴，小妮们梳妆打扮，安排一个僻静雅室，他们便风流起来。张勋有心事，酒不敢多，浪不敢过，处处表现出拘谨。同时，也反复告诫自己：“今日是初次，绝不谈任何要求，只交朋友。”那小霸天也是个贪财的老手了，他也闭口不问张勋有何所求——问早了，钱路不是断了吗?故而，他们只管花天酒地，调情斗爱。直到日落西山，小霸天已十分酒意、筋疲力歇了，他们才离开暖馨阁。临别，张勋又朝小霸天腰里狠狠地塞了一把。 小霸天语无伦次地说：“张守备，不，张大哥，咱们有今日这一场，就算是金兰兄弟了，后会有期。我知道你的住处了，改日去登门叩谢!” “谢什么，有什么好谢?”张勋掺扶着他。 就这样，张勋陪着小霸天，从赌场到妓院，从妓院到烟馆，夜以继日，花天酒地。一连混了十多天，二人的关系也就非同小可了。那日他们从赌场出来，小霸天赢了个得意的数目，破天荒地要请张勋喝酒，张勋也乐得近乎。于是，二人进了酒馆。三杯下肚，小霸王开了口：“张大哥，我知道你有大事进京，早天不好开口。对吗?”张勋点点头。 “这也难怪，当时咱兄弟交情不深。”小霸天说：“现在不同了，你该说了。凭多大事，我都替你周旋。” “好，既然山大叔……” “打住!”小霸天忙说了“你怎么又喊我山大叔，呢?叫兄弟!知道么。” “是，兄弟。”张勋说：“咱哥俩到这样亲热了，我也不再瞒你了——”于是，把湖北巡抚苏元春之托从头至尾和盘托出，又说：“我可是跟苏大人有些年了，最知道他。人可是个极其忠实厚道的，对皇上、对总管太监，尤其是对老佛爷，都是一心一意。在广西、湖北，也都办了许多好事，黎民百姓，有口皆碑。只是得罪了个别人，才被参了一本。听说老佛爷很生气。这不，苏大人就想走走总管太监的门子，请总管太监在老佛爷面前美言几句，给开脱一下。”张勋望望小霸天，又说：“苏大人说，这事在京城，除了总管太监，再无人有这种能力。故而……”小霸天淡淡一笑，仰面干了一杯酒。说：“我不管你们家苏大人是好人还是坏人，也不管苏大人是真贪赃还是假贪赃。我只问你一句话：这位苏大人能出多大个价?” “这个……”张勋说：“山兄弟，你先说说，动一动总管太监在老佛爷面前说一句有用的话，得多大个价?” 小霸天一听这口气，愣了一下，心想：“这位巡抚罪恶不小呀!”他想了想说：“论说钱，我爸——是他干爸——家中的金银财宝，可是堆积如山，粪土似的，并不在乎。只是想看看对他的'忠心'如何?” “是的，是的。”张勋说：“苏大人一再表明，京中人值得他敬仰的，除了老佛爷便是总管太监老爷。为总管太监老爷，即便倾家，苏大人也甘心情愿。”京中从王公大臣起，均称李莲英为“老爷”。张勋知道这规矩。 这样吧，咱弟兄不是外人，我给你出个码，你斟量一下，不妨同苏大人通个气。要是行呢?回我一声，我去同爸说一声。他答应了，东西自然是你当面交他。 " “你说吧，我可以作主。” 小霸天把声音压低，终于开了个价码。不想，竞把张勋吓呆了...... du8.com copyright 在天津小报上发表文章大骂李莲英的沈北山，是户部侍郎英年家中的教师，是一个忧国忧民的知识分子。他的文章写好后，本来是托英年转递朝廷的。英年阅后拒绝转递。沈又托总理衙门内的一位朋友张部郎转递。张看后说：“这样的奏折让我转递，你不想活，也想叫我的脑袋搬家?”沈无奈，只得跑到天津去找洋人支持的报纸发表。 此文一发表，博得国人共鸣，一时轰动京城。醇亲王奕环看后说：“这份上书说得好，李莲英恶贯满盈，太后宠他实在过分，看怎么收拾?”于是，派人将报纸送到宫中。 慈禧太后阅后大怒，下旨缉拿沈北山。沈北山在洋人的庇护下终于走脱了。慈禧无可奈何，只好对李莲英说：“不用怕，有我呢。天大的事，只管往我身上推。” 自此，李莲英的手伸得更长。 张勋回到住处，一直愁眉不展。“两万银子不是大事，那两件古董，到哪里去办呢?” 原来在小霸天的“价码”中，有这样两件东西十分珍贵：一件是唐人张萱的名画《虢国夫人春游图》，一件是明代的瓷器三彩济公座像。 ——其实，小霸天根本就不懂古董，也不知这两件东西贵在何处。只是早时有个古董商到李莲英家作客，闲谈中打听这两件东西，说是“有人愿出连城之价求购”，并诗诗文文地介绍了这两件东西之影响在说那张画上还有宋代大诗人苏轼的题诗，有“佳人自鞋玉花骢，骢如惊燕踏飞龙”等句，是一件无价之宝。至于那件三彩济公座像，说它是明代出品，一说是造型奇特，这个济公像，从左侧看为悲，从右侧看为喜，从正面看为傻，令人叹为观止。小霸天只想弄来向他的干爸爸献献殷勤，什么价值连城不连城，他不懂。 张勋也是古董外行，他原想到古旧市上可以信手拈来呢，谁知打听了两天，那些古董商无不向他摇头咋舌!他这才知道“难办”。于是，又摆了个花酒场，把小霸天请来，好言好语想推辞掉。“其实，并不是怕花钱，只是这件东西世上却没有，买不到。请兄弟……” 小霸天马上变脸摇首。“张大哥，这可就不够朋友了。小孩子还懂得'没有米逮不来雀'，一个巡抚的身家性命难道不抵两件旧玩艺?”他饮了一杯酒，又缓了缓口气说：“这也难怪，货也不敢卖给你。这样吧，明儿你拿三万银子，我去替你办。” 张勋虽觉“太啉人”，但也没办法，只得答应。第二天，便给小霸天送去一张银票。 小霸天的狐朋狗友多，本领通天。几人一商量，便在琉璃厂古董市上买了两件膺品——好在李莲英也是外行，不一定认得出——，剩下的银子都吞了。 天津报纸骂了李莲英之后，李莲英着实提心吊胆了许多日子。慈禧给他吃了“定心丸”，李莲英的心还是定不实。 这一天，他正坐在室里郁郁发闷，小霸天突然闯进来。李莲英缓缓地仰起面，无精打采地闪了闪目，说：“小山子，你怎么许多天不来了?又去做什么了?” “爸，”小霸天偎到他身边，说：“这几天，我在替你接待一位外任官的差人。” “哪里的外任官，怎么是替我接待?” “是这样……”小霸天把苏元春的事简单说一下，又说说张勋如何为主人尽心。 李莲英半闭着眼，说：“苏元春，我怎么不知道这个人?”“原本是广西的巡抚，现在湖北仍任这个职。” “巡抚?”李莲英摇摇头。“京城里的王公大臣我都无心肠瞅他们一眼，巡抚算个屁!中国的巡抚比荒野里的兔子还多，管他们那些事干啥?” 小霸天呆了。果真李莲英不出面，他用了张勋的钱怎么交待呢?但又不能太勉强。便说：“爸，其实我也不想问什么巡抚的事。这种人没有一个好东西，为官一方，坑害一方。可是，他的这位叫张勋的守备部下，为主人这么尽心，抛家丢眷，弃官不做，千里迢迢到京中为主人寻门路，这精神太感人了!” “这个苏元春也不像话，当初有肚量贪脏枉法，今天就应该有胆量出来顶。叫一个部将出头露面，真是个孬种!”李莲英呷了一口茶，又说：“既然揽下了这个烂摊子，我也不能不出面了。只是……倒也难为了这位守备。” 小霸天忙说：“爸，我是这样想。只要你见了张勋，你一定会很满意。”说着，又把嘴贴在李莲英耳边，告诉他早日那位古董商提到的两件宝物也在礼中。“爸，我看张勋这个人很会办事。” 李莲英笑了。“那好吧，你明儿午前把张勋领来见见我。不过，你不要把话说得满，那两件物品我得送给老佛爷去过目。老佛爷喜欢了，我才能开口。若是老佛爷连眼皮也不翻，这事便只好作罢。”“这……”小霸天害怕了。那两件东西是他做的假，稍有知识的人便会看穿。这不是要落“欺君之罪”么!但是，事到如今，也只好硬着头皮顶下去。 其实，李莲英说是“送给老佛爷去过目”，也是一句托词。大内什么样的珍宝没有?普天之下莫非王土!慈禧稀罕一张什么画，一只什么瓷器?就连总管太监李莲英，也并不把这件区区小事放在眼中。在当前，诱他注目的不是银子钱、珠宝，而是人心。“报纸上不是骂我吗?京中不是有人要杀我吗?外任官出了事还得来找我。我李莲英还比你们强!” 第二天，风和日丽，一片明媚。 早饭之后，张勋换了件干净衣服，抱着小霸天为他备办的两件“珍宝”，又拿出晋见礼银，这才跟着小霸天朝李莲英宅中走去。张勋是从偏远僻乡来的，这些年虽然也出入衙门，那都是地方小衙门。来北京这多天，打从大衙门口走过，但并未进任何一处——人家不许他进。今日一进总管太监的住宅，心中陡陡然一惊：“乖乖，这么威严一处宅院!” 进门是五级文石做成的台阶，石捆的门槛，门板为红木，中书唐人联句： 若道平分四时气南枝为底发春偏进得门来，一片照壁；绕去，便是一洞天院落，青砖灰瓦，翘檐叠脊。 张勋顾不得细看，跟着小霸天穿过中庭，来到一座壮观的客厅，层轩广庭，宏敞精丽，四壁全用竹木雕花；厅中桌椅，一片殷红闪光!八仙桌边坐着一个暄胖的官儿——张勋猜想。他大约就是总管太监李莲英了。果然，站未定，小霸天就介绍说：“这就是我爸，赶快见礼!” 张勋眉头一皱——他不知道该怎样向总管太监行礼。但又不能不行。他忙深深一鞠躬，只说一句糊糊涂涂的话：“老爷你老人家安康!” 李莲英抬眼一看，见是一位很有风度、人才相貌都不错的人，心里先是一喜。然后说：“免了吧。你就是从广西、湖北来的……”“小人张勋，广西一个小小守备。” “嗯，”李莲英站起身来，慢声拉语说：“你那个苏巡抚也太不像话，怎么能把事情闹到这个地步?你倒是个好人，为主分忧，算是肝脑涂地。要不是你有这个精神，我才不管这样的扯淡事呢。”张勋忙说：“我家巡抚大人，最崇拜的就是李老爷，说李老爷正直，待外官亲厚。所以...... 李莲英淡淡一笑，心中暗想：“全是屁话，他不犯案，从未想到过我!”他摇手阻止张勋。“听说你还带来点东西。我可看不上眼。我这里的东西都无价。你带来了，我也不好让你再带回去。明儿我到宫内赏给孩子们就罢了。” “多谢李老爷。”张勋说：“苏大人的事……” 放心吧，”李莲英说：“我趁着老佛爷喜欢的时候，给他美言几句也就完了。 " 张勋忙着站起，告别出来。 张勋退出客厅的时候，李莲英又叫住他。“你慢走一步，我有话说。” 张勋站立，转过身来。“李老爷……” “苏巡抚的事，你就算办完了，可以回复他一下，让他安心做他的官。只是以后别再那么贪得无厌。旧病复发，可是无药可治了。”李莲英说：“我想你就别再回去了，留在京中如何?以后我会关照你的。” 张勋忙打躬。“多谢老爷大恩。” 几天之后，李莲英趁着给慈禧梳头的时候，对她说了苏元春的事。慈禧仰面看看他，半天才说：“知道了。”然后又说：“把那个折子——即弹劾苏元春的折子——抽出来，退回去就算了。” 一场“通天”的大案，就此完了。不曾想到，张勋竟因此攀上了高枝，在京中大内有了立足的地方。