Chapter 2 The second chapter goes to Xijing to show loyalty to the imperial court

Xu Shichang, who was relegated from the Hanlin Academy to the training ground, unexpectedly found the way to be promoted, and his official career prospered.This is something he himself never thought would be so smooth. Yuan Shikai made meritorious service in training the new army and was promoted to governor of Shandong.Xu Shichang also went to Shandong with Yuan Shikai as a Taoist for his meritorious service in training the new army. With the honor of being named, Xu Shichang suddenly became excited and thought happily: Finally, there is a way to be promoted-the official system of the Qing Dynasty, only those officials with outstanding contributions can be named in the official department or military aircraft, and the name means waiting for promotion and reuse.This is no longer a cold bench, but a hot bench, a bench ready to fly.Xu Shichang knew that it was Yuan Shikai's role in obtaining this honor. Without Yuan Shikai's reporting to the Ministry of Officials and the Military Aircraft Department, who would have known about Xu Shichang? Tune, but there is no part for him.Now, the Ministry of Officials and military planes have registered their names, and Xu Shichang's dream of being promoted has taken shape. How can he be unhappy! "Those who know me and love me will comfort the court!"

Xu Shichang was right, it was Yuan Shikai who loved him. Although Yuan Shikai, who was born in the army, was ordered to train the new army, it was his honor to have a scholarly scholar in the Imperial Academy willing to accompany him. What's more, this Imperial Academy was his childhood acquaintance. As an older person, he always wants to help this old friend and help him get promoted.Therefore, Yuan Shikai said in front of many big figures: "This time, we have compiled and trained new troops for the small station of the imperial court, so it is effective, and it is entirely due to the sponsorship of Xu Shichang, a native of Hanlin!" Taxation, cleanliness and strictness, is an all-round talent in civil and military affairs!"

Xu Shichang registered his name at the military plane, and except for Fuyuan in Shandong, he mostly walked around the capital.Xu Shichang is a very scheming person, he has the opportunity to walk around in the military aircraft, he has more opportunities to perform, and has more opportunities to meet important people. He is modest and cautious, which leaves a good impression on people. In the year of Gengzi (1900), China suffered a catastrophe. The eight imperialist countries, Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Italy, and Austria, conspired to carve up China under the guise of "suppressing the Chinese Boxer Regiment" under the pretext of the Qing government. Exclusive, united and aggressive. On June 17th they captured Dagu Fort, on July 14th they captured Tianjin, on August 2nd they mobilized 20,000 troops and marched from Tianjin along the canal, and on August 14th they captured Beijing, the heart of China.

Beijing fell, and the Empress Dowager Cixi fled to Xi'an with Emperor Guangxu and his ministers.When Xu Shichang saw that the court was in trouble, he knew that his chance to be loyal had come, so he packed his bags and followed the queen mother, and the emperor was going to Xi'an. There were too many people following the queen mother and the emperor, and there were not enough vehicles.Xu Shichang only registered his name on the military plane, and he was carrying too much luggage. How could he catch up? Xu Shichang was left behind. He wandered disappointedly in a wasteland in the suburbs of Beijing, looking at the sky and sighing: "I, Xu Shichang, have no chance to serve the imperial court. What future do I have?" There is no emperor in Beijing, and the capital is naturally lost. Solemn, the civil and military officials who stayed in the capital were downcast one by one, doing nothing.Xu Shichang, who was waiting to be appointed, felt even more deserted, so he had to hide at home and thank guests behind closed doors.

This year, Xu Shichang was 46 years old; Xu Shichang, who was looking forward to the opportunity of Tengda at the age of 46, disappeared like lightning again. Can he not be in a hurry? Wait—how long will he wait? How many 46 years are left in his life? When Xu Shichang was uncertain about raising his flag, he suddenly thought of Lu Zu. "Okay, I'll go ask Lu Zu, and ask him to tell me what to do." Xu Shichang retreated to his bedroom, closed the door, came to the altar where Lu Zu was enshrined, took out the incense candles, put the futon on, knelt down to worship, and begged Lu Zu to give an "explicit instruction"--Lu Zu, that is, vulgar It is said that Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, was known as Chunyangzi.What is that? "The Empress Dowager Cixi will definitely treat the officials who go to her place differently when she is in trouble." The uncle knew that although he was the name of the military plane, it didn't have much benefit, so he must be short of money, so he sent it to him travel expenses.Xu Shichang was reminded by his uncle, and he understood in his heart: "Yes, Lu Zu said that Chang'an will not see people, so if I go to Chang'an, I will be happy!"

When he thought of going to Xi'an, he felt worried again, "The queen mother and the emperor are both in danger, so they must be under heavy guard. Even if I go to Xi'an with my name, how can I see the holy face?" He lingered again in his secret room Get up, "Did Lu Zu make it clear that when you arrive in Chang'an, you don't see the holy face, which makes people worry?" After thinking about it, he was uncertain. The empress dowager and the emperor left the capital to flee, and the main ministers of the military plane also drove away, but after all, there were still people walking around in the palace.There are left-behind personnel in the Military Aircraft Department dealing with foreign missions.Therefore, these left-behind personnel have mastered the situation in various places.Xu Shichang learned from these left-behind personnel that Lu Chuanlin, the governor of Jiangsu, had been promoted to serve as the king, went to Xi'an, and was promoted by the queen mother to minister of military aircraft.That Lu Chuanlin was the owner of his restaurant in the early years. He was the teacher of his two sons, and they had already known each other. "Through the deer governor, can't I make a pilgrimage!" At the same time, I also thought: "When I arrive in Xi'an, I can visit my master first, which kills two birds with one stone." So I decided to go west.

Xu Shichang traveled west on foot in the first month of Xinchou year (1901), and arrived in Xi'an in February.He went to visit Lu Chuanlin first, and Lu Chuanlin received him very kindly. When he knew that Xu Shichang wanted to see the two palaces, he said tactfully: "Mr. Ju, your loyalty to the two palaces is admirable! I think whether it is the Empress Dowager or the Emperor, they will be very happy to know that you have come all the way to Xi'an to greet them. However, the two palaces are wandering, and they are in a very unhappy mood. Except for the ministers who have heard about it, there are generally not many To receive foreign ministers, whether it is the King Qin's army or the officials who are going to the line, it is rare to name them. If they know it, it will be over." Then he said: "You are a military aircraft, and it is said that it is not impossible to ask to see the two palaces. Then I don’t know how long I have to wait? I think that’s the case. You write a post of visiting, and I will personally submit it to the Queen Mother for you when you are summoned. Then I will briefly introduce your situation. It is rare for her to nod. Rituals are done."

When Xu Shichang heard what the governor of Jiangsu said, he couldn't force it, so he had to say: "Then there is Mr. Lao Lu. The students are waiting for the good news of Mr. Lu." Lu Chuanlin said: "It's not easy to come to Xi'an from the capital. You can stay here with me. When something happens, I can also learn from you face to face. Besides, Xi'an is not peaceful. Living in my barracks is better than other places. It's just that Don't be lazy." Xu Shichang hurriedly bowed, and said: "Lord Lu loves you very much, and the student has accepted it. However, living at the adult's place will cause trouble to the adult, and the student is a little panicked!"

"What's the trouble?" Lu Chuanlin said: "Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign country is a great joy in life. What's more, it's a national crisis now. Meeting in chaos is a great fate. Don't say it's troublesome or not. thing." Two days later, Lu Chuanlin found Xu Shichang and said to him: "Mr. Ju, I forwarded your post to Empress Dowager Cixi. She is very happy and said that it is hard for you. You are so loyal to her in times of trouble. She Said she knew." In fact, Lu Chuanlin gave him a favor, and he had no intention of forwarding the post for him, because a named sketch like Xu Shichang is not qualified to submit a post, and no one will read it if he submits it.This time is different, Xu Shichang is his teacher, and he has taught his two sons very well; now, when the two palaces are in crisis, I hope someone will give them enthusiasm; moreover, Xu Shichang can also be regarded as accompanying Yuan Shikai to compose and practice new songs. A meritorious minister of the army, Lu Chuanlin also intended to get close to Yuan Shikai, so he reluctantly forwarded the post to the emperor on Xu Shichang's behalf.That day, when Lu Chuanlin was summoned by the Empress Dowager Cixi, he turned around and introduced Xu Shichang first. Naturally, he was praised, and he especially expressed his loyalty to him: "After Lafayette left the capital, the name-holder was in a state of restlessness. , has always been thinking about the health of Lafayette. No, it is almost trekking to Xi'an, and we must find out the health of Lafayette. When I arrived in Xi'an, I remembered that I was a small official and could not see Lafayette. minion...

Cixi closed her tired eyes and frowned as she listened—how could she take such a small name to heart? However, when Lu Chuanlin talked about loyalty, Cixi was amused: "It's rare that he is a small person Don't forget the emperor's kindness, and follow him on foot in times of national calamity, he is considered loyal." He still closed his eyes and said, "Xu Shichang, um--I see." Cixi said "I got it", and Xu Shichang was very happy as if he had found a treasure. Knowing that his goal had been achieved, he felt that there was not enough hot money around him to be a diner at Lu Chuanlin's house all the time, so he said, "Master Lu, I want to go back to Beijing tomorrow." Well, there's still something to do."

"Don't stay here for a few days?" Lu Chuanlin said. "I can't stop." Xu Shichang said: "Thanks to Mr. Lu for taking care of me these days, the students are very grateful." "Don't talk about it, I have to thank you. You have raised my two children well." When Xu Shichang left Xi'an, it was a breezy new autumn day.At that time, the Longhai Railway had not yet been fully connected, so Xu Shichang still needed a car or a walk to go east from Xi'an, and because he was in a happy mood, he didn't feel tired.After a few days' journey, Xu Shichang came to Zhengzhou. At this moment, he suddenly thought of Zhang Zhidong, the governor of Huguang—"Why don't you visit him once, he is a very influential person!" He decided to divert to Wuhan. --Zhang Zhidong, a native of Nanpi, Zhili, with the style name Xiaoda and the name Xiangtao, was a Jinshi in Tongzhi. During the Sino-French War in 1884, he was promoted from the governor of Shanxi to the governor of Guangdong and Guangxi.He is another Westernization leader who can compete with Li Hongzhang for power because of the establishment of the Hanyang Iron Works and the Hubei Gun Factory, the establishment of bureaus for weaving, spinning, silk reeling, and hemp making, and the preparation of the Lu-Han Railway.This person attaches great importance to Yuan Shikai's military training.Xu Shichang accompanied Yuan Shikai to visit him in Tianjin, and the two had a good conversation. Zhang Zhidong's idea of ​​"learning from the middle school for the body and learning from the West" was admired by Xu Shichang, and Xu Shichang's talent was also highly appreciated by Zhang Zhidong.When they met in Tianjin, Zhang said to Yuan Shikai: "There are dragons and tigers in Weiting's subordinates, and the one who will do great things in the future is Mr. Xu!" Great business can be created!" After hearing these words, Xu Shichang was very comforted and encouraged. In addition, he heard rumors of Zhang Zhidong's praise at the military plane, and he believed that Zhang Zhidong was a backer and a person who could trust him. The railway from Zhengzhou to Hankou has just been completed.Xu Shichang waited in Zhengzhou for two days, bought a first-class carriage, and went south to Hankou.However, when he lay down on the comfortable berth, he thought about it again—— Xu Shichang and Zhang Zhidong only knew each other on one side, and they were nearly twenty years younger than him; in terms of official position, Zhang Zhidong was a great official in the frontier, and Xu Shichang was at most a fifth- or sixth-rank servant. Greetings, will he see you? If the meeting is cold and cold, how can I step down? What is the meaning of such a visit?..." At this moment, Xu Shichang used all his talents on interpersonal relationships. Only when he used it did he really feel that his talents and learning were poor and really not enough. Arriving in Wuhan in a trance, Xu Shichang found a good hotel near Zhangzhidong Yamen in Wuchang, took a bath, changed his clothes, shaved his face, and wrote a post about "Yu Wan", and then went to Huguang Go to the Governor's Mansion. The greeting card was sent to the governor's mansion, and Xu Shichang waited around. Zhang Zhidong, the 65-year-old governor of Huguang, just finished a major event involving the "king of Qin", so he wanted to retreat to the secret room to think about his other major event-the establishment of an army academy.This matter was something he had been thinking about since he returned to the post of governor of Huguang five years ago. It was only because of the repeated wars and internal and external troubles in these years that he stopped this matter.At the same time, there is also the matter of sending students to study abroad in Britain, France, Germany, Japan and other countries at official expense.After the Eight-Power Allied Forces invaded Beijing, Zhang Zhidong felt that these matters were urgent. At this moment, people reported "Xu Shichang, the name of the military plane, came to worship!" and sent Xu Shichang's greeting card. "Xu Shichang?" Zhang Zhidong's heart sank, and he suddenly remembered. "Didn't he register his name at the military plane, why did he come to Wuchang?" Zhang Zhidong felt that Xu Shichang's visit was meaningless, and the reception was meaningless. He hesitated and wanted to excuse himself.But after thinking about it, he changed his mind and decided not only to receive him, but also to make a grand ceremony—he wanted to recruit this talent, and he even more wanted to use this talent to recruit Yuan Shikai and the new army that Yuan Shikai trained.So, he immediately sent a message: "Please, small living room please!" Zhang Zhidong had a habit of inviting distinguished guests into the small living room.As soon as the announcer heard that the master was going to receive guests in the small living room, he knew the identity of the visitor was unusual, so he hurriedly opened the front door and sent a loud message: "Your Excellency Xu is welcome!" Xu Shichang was surrounded into the compound of the deep house. Zhang Zhidong greeted him outside the small living room, and arched his hands with great kindness, smiling all over his face: "Mr. , sin!" "It's really disrespectful to visit. Please forgive me, Mr. Zhang!" Xu Shichang also arched his hands.The two walked into the small living room arm in arm, and someone offered fragrant tea. Before sitting down, Xu Shichang clasped his hands again and said: "Juren went to Xijing to pay homage to the two palaces. On the way back to Beijing, he planned to visit his uncle Jiahegong, who is now the magistrate of Zhongxiang County. When he arrived in Wuchang, he naturally wanted to pay his respects to Mr. Zhang first. " "Thank you, thank you!" Zhang Zhidong said, "It's been a long time since we left Tianjin. Later, I heard that Ju Rengong's military plane was registered. It can be seen that the court has clearly seen that there will be a big appointment in the near future.", "Students are not talented, so Mr. Zhang needs to support them a lot." It was originally a social visit, and there was no specific content other than polite words.Originally, they found a common interest amidst the chatter, that is, both of them were editors of the Hanlin Academy, and both were students of Li Hongzao, a bachelor and minister of military aircraft.However, when it comes to Li Enshi, the emotions are different: Zhang Zhidong is Li Hongzao's favorite student, he tried his best to praise him in front of Cixi, and he is very important; Xu Shichang is different. The bench has been cold.Therefore, the topic of the Hanlin Academy between the two of them was not interesting today, so they had to look around.Zhang Zhidong's kindness to Xu Shichang was very obvious, and he hosted a banquet in honor of him.At the banquet, Xu Shichang was repeatedly asked to greet Yuan Shikai on his behalf. "Back to Beijing, I met Wei Ting, please send my regards." "Master Yuan is always thinking about Mr. Zhang." Xu Shichang said, "I will definitely convey Mr. Zhang's kindness." Zhang Zhidong was not very hospitable to guests, especially for those whose official positions were lower than his, he only socialized once and for all when he had to.It is rare to hold a grand banquet to entertain small officials.Officials know more about this.Xu Shichang felt satisfied after receiving this generous gift, so he said while drinking: "Master Zhang is so kind, the students are very touched, and I will be useful to the students in the future. Promote and love." He also said: "Students are in a hurry on the way, and it is inconvenient to stay for a long time. If you borrow an adult's wine, the student will be considered as a thank you." Then, he stood up, cupped his hands, and offered a glass of wine. Zhang Zhidong said: "Why are you in such a hurry, stay another day, I have something to discuss with you." Xu Shichang thought it was an official talk, and said: "Thank you for your kindness, and the students will not bother you anymore." The next day, when Xu Shichang was about to leave, Zhang Zhidong paid homage back and forth in person.Xu Shichang was flattered and thanked him again and again.Zhang Zhidong said with a smile: "Mr. Ju, I wanted to stay with you for a few more days. One thing is that you want to visit relatives. Besides, there are many things in Beijing, so I won't stay any longer. Huguang is barren, and I am also very poor as an official. A little respect, Cheng Yi a little, please accept it." Then, he gave Xu Shichang a letter of Cheng Yi wrapped in red paper. Xu Shichang was both surprised and delighted: "Sir, the students dare not accept such a generous gift, thank you for your kindness." "A small gift is not a respect. There is no need to refuse. We will get along for a long time in the future!" Zhang Zhidong said with sincerity and enthusiasm. It was also Xu Shichang's honor to receive such a generous gift from such a great person, so he took the wallet and said: "Being respectful is worse than obedience, and the students accepted the kindness." Unexpectedly, Xu Shichang's exclusive interview not only laid the foundation for his ascension, but also built a friendly and usable bridge between the two warlords Zhang Zhidong and Yuan Shikai.This is a later story, so I won't repeat it. When Xu Shichang returned to Beijing, the Qing government had signed the "Xin Chou Protocol" with eight countries including Britain and the United States.Although this treaty, known as the loss of power and humiliation of the country, requires China to pay reparations to be classified as embassy boundaries, demolish the Dagu Fort, and permanently prohibit the Chinese people from forming or participating in organizations with enemies of other countries and other unequal terms, but the Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu can swagger After returning to Beijing and living in the Forbidden City, the ruling machine of the Qing Dynasty was finally able to turn again.As a result, all civil and military officials and local officials were busy with their own affairs.Yuan Shikai's small station organized and trained the new army, and he has already shown his cutting edge. The governor of Shandong brutally suppressed the Boxer Movement, which greatly helped the court and flattered foreigners. As soon as he returned to Beijing, Yuan Shikai was greatly promoted, and he was asked to be the governor of Zhili and concurrently the minister of Beiyang.Yuan Shikai was promoted, and Xu Shichang naturally rose with the tide.When Yuan Shikai was promoted to Beijing, Xu Shichang was the first to visit him.When Xu Shichang saw Yuan Shikai, he hadn't decided what to say first, but Yuan Shikai opened his mouth first: "I heard that Brother Ju went to Xi'an a few days ago. It's time to go. The two palaces are where the hearts of the people want. Going there is also sincere. "Xu Shichang was a little embarrassed and said: "With my official position, I am lucky enough to face the Holy Spirit, but I just asked Governor Lu Chuanlin of Jiangsu Province to pay my respects." Who taught his son?" Yuan Shikai asked. "Yes." Xu Shichang said. "He has already been promoted to Minister of Military Aircraft." Yuan Shikai said: "He will transfer your thoughts to the two palaces. You should take a good rest for a few days. I will recommend you in front of the queen mother when I enter the palace. There will be a A chance to be promoted." "Thank you very much." "Why bother to say thank you, thank you is not a stranger." Xu Shichang smiled frankly and retreated.Two days later, Yuan Shikai was summoned to the palace, met with the Empress Dowager Cixi, and after reporting the matter, he said to Cixi: "Xu Shichang, who is named military aircraft, is a useful talent. He has learned both civil and military skills. He is a rare talent." When Xu Shichang was mentioned, Cixi suddenly felt a little familiar. She closed her eyes and thought for a while, then asked, "Xu Shichang? I seem to be familiar with this name. Who is he?" Yuan Shikai hurriedly said: "He is a Jinshi of the Bingwu Division of this dynasty. He has served in the Imperial Academy for several years. When I was training in the new army at the small station, he showed his talent. Later, he went to the Military Aircraft Department. A few days ago, he went to Xi'an specially Meet the two palaces. It's just because of the small position..." Cixi remembered. "The Xu Shichang you're talking about is probably the same person that Lu Chuanlin, governor of Jiangsu, told me about in Xi'an. It's really difficult for him. A literati walked from Beijing to Xi'an, which shows his loyalty." "It is this man." Yuan Shikai said: "Xu Shichang, a well-educated man, often expounds the ethics of loyalty to the emperor and the strategy of governing the country in front of his ministers. It is very touching. He is just an honest man, he does not see much, and he has no luck to face the saint." "Since both of you ministers have praised him, it must be good." Cixi escaped from disaster and knew the importance of talents, so she was planning to select a batch of them.So, she said to Yuan Shikai: "Early tomorrow morning, you can bring that Xu Shichang into the palace, I want to see him." "Yes, I will bring Xu Shichang to see Lafayette tomorrow morning." Yuan Shikai returned to his residence and told Xu Shichang the news.Knowing that Cixi was going to see him, Xu Shichang went crazy just like Fan Jin, who was awarded Juren back then.Crazy beyond control—what should I say to this totalitarian woman? What will this totalitarian woman ask me? What should I wear and wear to enter the palace? Is it better to laugh or be serious...About Xu Shichang thought that this is a big test of success or failure, and whether he can pass it is related to his wealth, honor, honor, disgrace, and children and grandchildren, so he had to be cautious. Prepare carefully.Although he has been walking in Da Nei for some years, Xu Shichang is just walking after all, at most he is familiar with a certain part of this building, but he has seen little and knows even less about the people who hold great power here, especially the people who hold total power.Cixi is going to see him, what kind of meeting will it be like? That woman is so holy that she is like an illusion, she can say whatever she thinks, and ask whatever she thinks of.Xu Shichang thought: "Whatever she asks, she has to answer, and she has to answer it well!" He thought again: "What will she ask?" Cixi didn't read many books, but she often showed her skills in front of scholars. Test others with some strange questions, always make people feel at a loss and embarrassed.Then, the woman said with a cold face: "Don't always think that you have read too many books and you can stop reading. Look, you are also an idiot. Go back and suffer hard against the wall for a few more years." "It doesn't matter these few words, whoever gets involved will have to sit in obscurity for a few years; maybe there will be no bright future in this life.Xu Shichang squatted in the Imperial Academy.Knowing Cixi's virtue, I was afraid that I would encounter such a cold reception.He thought it possible, because he had forgotten all the books he had read in the early years.So, he was very flustered, he wanted to close the door and open those dusty books overnight.However, he shook his head again: "Books are like the sea, where do you start to read them? How much can you remember after reading them?" Xu Shichang thought about it calmly and felt something was wrong. "Cixi just came back from the disaster in Xi'an. She was still in shock. She was terrified of foreigners. Moreover, she was burdened with foreign debts worth more than 900 million taels that would take nearly forty years. ...." Xu Shichang thought of the "Xin Chou Treaty", and thought of the high-spirited foreigners from the Eight Kingdoms. "You need to find some knowledge in this area, maybe this woman will have some problems in this area." So Xu Shichang settled down, starting from the capture of Dagukou by foreigners, to Tianjin, to Beijing, and Empress Dowager Cixi fled westward , Yi Kuang and Li Hongzhang begged for peace from foreigners, and then signed the "Xin Chou Treaty", and counted layer by layer, they all knew what they were doing, and then they thought about it and thought about what questions Cixi would ask?" It's really hard to have a good impression of him!" Xu Shichang didn't close his eyes for a whole night, until Dongfang turned pale, and he never sorted out what questions Cixi would ask him. At dawn, Xu Shichang washed his face with cold water, ate something hastily, and hurried to Yuan Shikai's residence.Yuan Shikai led him into the Forbidden City in a panic.Empress Dowager Cixi was overwhelmed with emotion after the escape. In the 38 years since he took office at the age of 26, he has never experienced such a miserable life.Back then, she and Prince Gong Yisu conspired to murder the regent ministers, Dai Yuan, Duanhua, and Sushun, how proud they were after listening to the government behind the curtain, and how handy it was to use foreign soldiers to help suppress civil strife! No, the foreign soldiers will end up Will leave her without a foothold and have to flee the royal family.When he returned from fleeing, he lost all face.Now, when she took a breath, she suddenly felt that it was time to seriously think about how to revitalize the country.How to revitalize the country? Cixi was at a loss.After thinking about it, she felt that no one could help her figure out a solution, no matter whether it was a bannerman or a Han Chinese, those who walked around her were mediocre people.She had transferred Yuan Shikai to Beijing, and she felt that the new army he had organized still had some color, "maybe it will become a pillar to save fate." Yuan Shikai has entered Beijing, and what Yuan Shikai said in front of her will carry weight. Yuan Shikai was right when he said that Xu Shichang "learned both civil and martial arts, and was talented and capable".That's why she wanted to meet this man.Otherwise, there are too many registrations in the Military Aircraft Department, and it would be more difficult for anyone to see her than to go to the blue sky! Xu Shichang followed Yuan Shikai to the harem, knelt down to pay his respects as usual, and then stood aside. When Cixi met courtiers in the harem, she never gave them a seat.Kneeling to say hello, she just answered "um--" in a strong nasal voice, and said at most three words: "Get up!" Then she half-closed her eyes, or listened to the report, or gave orders.Today is actually a little abnormal, the atmosphere of the meeting is not cold. "Your name is Xu Shichang?" Cixi's eyes were half closed at the moment, as if she was thinking about something. "My minister is Xu Shichang." Xu Shichang knelt on the ground and replied. "I heard that you are a Jinshi of the Bingwu Division. Where are you from?" Cixi asked again. This question made Xu Shichang stunned for a moment - it turns out that Xu Shichang's distant ancestor moved from Raohuqiao Village in Yinxian County, Zhejiang Province to Daxing County, Zhili at the end of Ming Dynasty, and moved to Tianjin during the Qianlong period; his ancestor Xucheng was from Nanyang, Henan Province The county magistrate was buried in Jixian County, Henan Province after his death, and the whole family lived there.Therefore, Xu Shichang has three native places of Zhejiang, Zhili and Henan.Which hometown should I use to answer Cixi? He frowned for a while, but reported "Tianjin".Cixi also mentioned it casually, so remember it.So he asked again: "I heard that you stayed in the Imperial Academy for nine years. Is it true?" "Thank you, Empress Dowager, for your concern!" Xu Shichang said, "Your Majesty, I can learn more from all the bachelors, apprentices, and lecturers! They are all well-educated today, and the opportunity is rare!" Xu Shichang sat on the bench for nine years, full of dissatisfaction. When he met Cixi today, not only did he not complain, but he also said that it was a "rare opportunity" and he could learn from so many people who are better than him.It can be said to be very decent.Cixi is a woman who is most afraid of others complaining in front of her, and is most afraid of others reaching out to ask her for an official.She thought it was a "frivolous person, blinded by profit".The first impression Xu Shichang gave her was that it made her feel happy.I was happy in my heart and put a smile on my face.She turned her face and looked at Xu Shichang, feeling joy and surprise in her heart; "This man not only speaks clearly, but also looks so handsome!" Cixi felt that Xu Shichang had a strange air, and hurriedly looked at Yuan Shikai. Said: "You go back, I will let someone find you if something happens." After the harem withdrew, Xu Shichang's heart sank a lot. He thought that when Cixi saw him and talked a few words, he would be promoted to three or five levels when he was happy.Who knew that he didn't ask any questions, so he waved his hand and pushed him out. "Could it be that the queen mother doesn't like me? If she doesn't like me, why is she still smiling when talking?" Thinking about it, her face darkened.He followed Yuan Shikai silently, not wanting to say anything. Yuan Shikai laughed.He understood that Xu Shichang didn't understand Cixi's temperament at first, who was this old woman's fancy, she always kept silent, and if she could say "I'll get someone to find you if something happens", that would be considered a high opinion of her.Therefore, Yuan Shikai said with a smile on his face: "Brother Ju, your day of great joy is coming. Let me congratulate you first and congratulate you!" Then he briefly commented on Cixi's temper. Xu Shichang smiled with relief.