Chapter 22 Chapter 22 The Wind Rises from the Yellow Crane Tower
Rong Qing and Yuan Liu went back to the Escort all the way, and discussed with him about accompanying Cha Shuizhang to the south to rescue soldiers. Yuan Liu didn't know that Cha Shuizhang came to Rong Qing for the emperor's business, he heard that Rong Qing was going to go with Zhang Gonggong In the south, after much deliberation, I feel that it is wrong.It is said that the two of them can't protect themselves now, and they can still manage the emperor's business?Rong Qing disagreed, thinking that as long as he had breath, he had to find a way to save the emperor.The two argued for a long time, but neither could convince the other.Rong Qing was in a hurry, and took out the blood edict to show Yuan Liu.
brother!Don't show me, it's useless!You are loyal to the king, you are benevolent and righteous, what can you do?Just relying on you alone, plus me, can you still enter the palace and recite the emperor?Even those Jianrui camps, Tiger God camps, 100,000 people are all shit, where do you send the emperor?Yuan Liu insisted on refusing to accept the white silk edict that Rong Qing handed over.
Brother, the emperor treats me one hundred and one.Not to mention the emperor, he is just a brother.Making friends, I can't just ignore death!Rong Qing also got angry, put away the imperial edict, and said he wanted to leave you alone, he was determined to go south to Wuchang with Cha Shuizhang.
Let's not argue, it hurts our peace!The empress dowager, the emperor, the mother and son are fighting, what are you trying to do?Seeing that he was really angry, Yuan Liu softened his tone a lot.Rong Qing said that we saved the emperor, and we didn't disrespect Lafayette, just take it as a distraction before trying to persuade the fight.Yuan Liu patted his forehead and said okay, if you come up with a solution, I, Yuan Liu, will follow, and at worst it will be my life.But there is one thing, Rong Qing thinks whether the tea seal is reliable or not.Yuan Liu thought that neither of them knew the truth.
Could he be sent there to trick you back?Yuan Liu asked.
impossible.Rong Qing knew Cha Shuizhang was a man, not to mention that he was Yingying's uncle, and it was Yingying who brought him here to find him.
How can it be impossible?Don't forget, the word Rongqing is still pasted on the wall!
Miss Ying won't lie to me.Rong Qing said, if Yingying wanted to get the two thousand taels of silver, she would have already reported to the government in Beijing, so why wait until now to cheat him with Cha Shuizhang.As soon as these words came out, Yuan Liu was at a loss for words.
Rong Qing and Yuan Liu packed their luggage and were about to leave when they suddenly found that the security guard was surrounded by officers and soldiers from the city, and they wanted to arrest two foreigners with a Beijing accent by name.Rong Qing and Yuan Liu drew out their swords and rushed out of the door. When the officers and soldiers approached, Yuan Liu waved his short gun and fired several shots in a row, knocking down several officers and soldiers on the spot.The two took the opportunity to stand out from the crowd, and rushed towards the wild woods behind the house.
Rong Qing and Yuan Liu ran along the hillside to Aunt Yingying's house by the lake.As soon as they entered the door, without saying a word, they immediately told Cha Shuizhang and Yingying to leave quickly.Aunt Yingying calmly led them all to a reed field behind the house, dragged a boat out of the grass, and sent them away on the lake.
In this way, Rongqing and Yuanliu protected Chashuizhang and Yingying, traveled day and night, and crossed the Central Plains of Henan Province, and came to this historic city that strangles the dangerous north and south of the river and connects the east and west waterways.
The north has entered the early winter, and the wind and sand are blowing all over the sky. The trees outside are not much green, but Wuchang is still full of vitality.
In the afternoon, Rong Qing, Cha Shuizhang and others rested in a secluded small inn outside the city, discussing the next move together. Right now, how to go to the Governor's Mansion to ask Zhang Zhidong, and what to say when they see Mr. Zhang, is the most important thing. important.Thinking of meeting Zhang Zhidong, Rong Qing immediately thought of the blood edict given to him by the Chashui Zhang. Although Master Zhang's name was not directly written on the blood edict, the emperor's handwritten blood letters could at least prove their identities, and the next step was easy. .Rong Qing stretched out his hand to touch it, and froze there for a moment, the emperor's blood edict disappeared without a trace.
Cha Shui Zhang told him not to worry, and to look around again.With the help of Cha Shui Zhang, Rong Qing searched through his luggage, but in the end he still couldn't see the blood edict.It must have been in a hurry on the road, and I don't know where it fell.
what to do?According to Cha Shui Zhang's original plan, Rong Qing pretended to be a certain prince of the Aixinjueluo family, and himself a eunuch of the palace, and went to Dashuai Zhang's mansion to meet him with Guangxu's bloody edict.Zhang Zhidong belonged to the emperor, as long as he could see him and hand him Guangxu's blood edict face to face, the other party would naturally find a way.Now without that blood edict, even if you can get into the commander's gate, you can't produce convincing evidence. Not only will you not be able to convince the other party, but it will make the other party suspicious. Beijing will play miserably.
Rong Qing had no choice but to let Cha Shuizhang, Yuan Liu and others stay in the inn, and went to Zhang Zhidong's Governor's Mansion alone with a fluke mood, and asked the guard to see the commander-in-chief. Cha Shuizhang thought it was not feasible and advised him Don't go, and seriously discuss other options.Rong Qing refused to listen and insisted on giving it a try.
As Cha Shui Zhang expected, when Rong Qing arrived at the governor's gate, the guard asked him to show his name card.He couldn't take it out, and even if he said something, the guard wouldn't let him in.Rong Qing went back to the inn in frustration, and told Cha Shui Zhang and Yuan Liu about the situation. They sat in a sad city and couldn't think of a solution after thinking for a long time.In the end, Cha Shui Zhang proposed that he should come forward to try it out. Rong Qing and Yuan Liu unanimously objected, thinking that he would leak the truth when he opened his mouth, because he is a man, but he speaks like a woman with a high-pitched voice, which will definitely make people suspicious. It's not good to let the other party buckle up.
It's good to buckle it up, and I can meet Mr. Zhang above.Cha Shui Zhang said with a wry smile.
no!You can't see Mr. Zhang, you lost your head for no reason, what a shame!Rong Qing persuaded him that Cha Shuizhang was actually an old man in the palace, and he also knew the rules in the palace. The inner eunuch did not have the emperor's imperial decree, and if he went out of the city forty miles, his head would be beheaded if caught.It's just that right now he really can't think of any other way, so he has to do what he can't do.
This Marshal Zhang is too arrogant!Yuan Liu said from the side.
That is!The official residence is the best, Lafayette will give face, unless it is the emperor, even the prince who is close to it, he will not take it seriously when the son comes!Cha Shui Zhang said with a sigh.If the emperor can come here, the world will be peaceful.Speaking of the emperor, Cha Shui Zhang Xin couldn't help but let out a long sigh.Thinking of his house arrest in Yingtai and the danger of being dismissed at any time, I feel even more sorry for him.
uncle!What if the emperor really came?Yingying interjected from the side.
There is no shadow!Rong Qing smiled wryly, deeply regretted that he had lost the imperial edict.
If the emperor can come to Wuchang, there is no need for us to work hard here.Yuan Liu patted his thigh and said.
Didn't the emperor issue an edict to Zhang Zhidong?Rong Qing asked Cha Shui Zhang.
Where did I think of so much at that time!
Cha Shuizhang discussed with Rong Qing and others until dark, but they couldn't think of a way to see Zhang Zhidong without revealing the secrets of the trip.After dinner, they gathered in Chashui Zhang's guest room and continued to discuss countermeasures.Seeing that they were anxious like ants on a hot pot, Yuan Liu said casually, let Rong Qing pretend to be the emperor if it is really impossible, so Master Zhang will take the initiative to come to the door, Rong Qing quickly said no, let alone Whether he pretends to be, even if he pretends to be, according to the laws of the Qing Dynasty, it is a heinous crime.Not to mention beheading, his family, and all relatives will be tied up at the entrance of the vegetable market and beheaded for public display.Seeing that Rong Qing was serious, Yuan Liu quickly said that he was joking.
Yuan Liu's joke moved Cha Shuizhang's heart. He felt that this was a good way. Since Rong Qing could pretend to be a prince, if someone like Baylor saw Zhang Zhidong, why not pretend to be the emperor?As long as he can see Dashuai Zhang, the rest will be easy.
I have an idea.Cha Shui Zhang whispered his idea to Rong Qing and Yuan Liu.
useless!useless!Rong Qing was shocked when he heard this, and kept saying no.
When things come to this point, tearing off the dragon robe is death, and killing the crown prince is nothing more than death. Wouldn't it be too heavy to hold on to one side?Moreover.If this matter cannot be done, you and I will not be able to live, let alone, the emperor will have no hope.Yuan Liu was anxious at the side, saying that there was no other way to see Marshal Zhang except this way.
But, but I don't look like that either!Rong Qing murmured.
As far as I can see, your looks are not too far behind him.Besides, Zhang Dashuai met the emperor a few years ago, when Lafayette was still training politics.Later, the emperor was in charge of the government and met once or twice, but they were all in the court hall. There were so many princes and ministers, so many people and far away, he couldn't see clearly. The emperor and Mr. Zhang hadn't seen each other for more than three years.
What are you talking about, I can't understand at all.Yingying didn't know what they were talking about, so she shouted away from the side.
You have nothing to do here.You go back to your room and rest for a while, and I will call you later if there is something to do.Cha Shuizhang glanced at Yingying, and asked her to leave kindly. Yingying knew that her uncle had something important to discuss with Rong Qing, so although she was reluctant, she obediently walked out of the room.
As soon as Yingying left, Chashuizhang took out a set of light beige robes that Guangxu usually wore in his leisure time. It was late at night when he fled the palace. Before parting, Guangxu suddenly stopped him and gave him this suit.One is as a commemoration, and the other is to prevent any accidents. Once his identity is found out, this set of clothes presented by the emperor can prove that he did not run away without permission. He asked Rong Qing to try on this set of clothes.
If the emperor knew about it, Rong Qing took the clothes with both hands and stood there hesitantly.
Aren't we just here to save the emperor?Cha Shuizhang asked him back, don't worry, I let you be a substitute, and didn't let you usurp the throne!
It made sense for Rong Qing to think about it.Didn't they come here just to save the emperor, wearing the emperor's clothes once can save the emperor, so they have to try.He put on the light beige robe, the soft satin round hat, and tied a bright yellow ribbon around his waist with the tea badge, and let him walk around the room, looking at Rongqing under the lamp, dressed in Guangxu casual clothes, the more I look at him, the more I feel that his figure and face are a little bit of that.
Don't tell me, it's really interesting.It's just that you have to be a little bit more stylish. If you follow the pace of the dragon and the tiger of the Long Live Lord, you will definitely be able to stay close to each other.
Rong Qing had been by Guangxu's side before, he straightened his body according to the instructions of the tea chapter, followed Guangxu's style, and walked back and forth in the room a few times.Cha Shuizhang pretended to be in awe on purpose, stepped forward and pulled away the chair by the table, Rong Qing sat down in a grand manner, imitating Guangxu's tone, and asked Cha Shuizhang to serve the tea.He was bold, and his demeanor immediately changed. Rong Qing took the teacup respectfully handed over by Chashui Zhang, took a shallow sip and handed it back to the other party. The two laughed in unison.
Cha Shui Zhang kept applauding.Then he told Rongqing that apart from the fact that Guangxu and Cixi met Zhang Zhidong four years ago, they met him twice in the main hall. Hanyang opened an arsenal.Speaking of handing over the arsenal, it was the playbook that Tea Zhang had received. Zhang Zhidong stood in the back row and knelt on the ground while handing over the notebook, not daring to raise his head.Strictly speaking, when Mr. Zhang heard Guangxu speak, he hardly saw Guangxu himself.Later, Guangxu greatly appreciated Zhang Zhidong's memorial, and approved three good characters in a row.Cha Shuizhang told Rong Qing these details and let him remember them firmly, so that once he meets Zhang Zhidong, he can use them freely and make the other party believe in his identity even more.
Cha Shuizhang glanced at Yuan Liu, thinking he wanted him to pretend to be a guard.In this way, the emperor, eunuchs and guards, including the court lady Yingying, are all there, and the acting is also decent.
Just as they were about to sit down and talk, Yingying brought tea.She found that Rong Qing had changed his outfit, looking extra stylish, staring at Rong Qing's elegant clothes, especially the bright yellow belt around his waist, she was secretly startled, thinking that this is a color that only the emperor dares to use, how could he Dare to tie it on your body.
What game are you playing?Yingying asked.
Keep your voice down!Chashuizhang hurriedly stopped Yingying, closed the door, and then told Rong Qing and Yuan Liu about his plan in detail.
Zhang Zhidong sat at the large desk in the signing room of the governor's office, squinted his eyes, and listened carefully to the secret report from his aide, Master Ma.A few days ago, Rong Qing went to Yuanmen to ask to see Zhang Zhidong, the guard on duty asked him to show his name card, but he refused.He refused to give his name, saying that he had to talk to Mr. Zhang face to face.For this reason, the monitor on duty didn't let Rong Qing in, saying that the commander-in-chief was not free, and sent him away.But after thinking about it afterwards, he felt that this person was a bit extraordinary, so he reported the process of Rong Qing's request to see Marshal Zhang to Zhang Zhidong.
When Zhang Zhidong heard that this person speaks a Beijing accent, he immediately became suspicious.In addition, there was an accident in Beijing a while ago, and there were rumors that the court was going to change the emperor, so Erye Ma immediately sent someone to inquire about the whereabouts of these people.Zhang Zhidong felt aggrieved about Cixi's sudden attack and seizure of Guangxu's power.In addition to his attitude towards the New Deal, he stood on Guangxu's side. At the same time, he felt that Cixi had already let Guangxu take charge of the government, but suddenly changed his mind and came forward to teach politics again, which was inconsistent with both reason and law.As the governor of one party, he, Liu Kunyi and others have not expressed their views on this.Because the official edict issued by the imperial court was still in the name of Guangxu, and it also used Guangxu's jade seal, so even though there was a change in the imperial court, Caishikou killed Tan Sitong and others, and the whole country was full of uproar, they had no choice but to pretend to be confused.Now that someone came from Beijing and asked to find him by name, there must be some origin.Of course he couldn't let go of this opportunity to learn about the situation in Beijing.
After Ma Erye went to Baiyun Temple to inquire about the situation, he found Zhang Zhidong as soon as he returned to the governor's office, and kept saying it was strange.This group of people left the inn, lived in the Baiyun Temple outside the east city, and never came out again. Zhang Zhidong couldn't help but feel moved when he heard this, but he still showed disapproval on his face.He asked Erye Ma what these people were doing all day while they lived there, and Erye Ma said he didn't know. He heard that they followed the monks every day as a vegetarian and didn't show up for several days in a row.
Then you should ask the monks in the temple.Zhang Zhidong lost his temper when he heard this.
The monk said, they gave the silver and paid the rent, and they didn't ask anything else.Second Master Ma suddenly remembered something, and took out a piece of silver from his pocket, saying that he had specially exchanged double the silver from the monk.Zhang Zhidong kept saying that the exchange was good, and when he took the silver and took a look, he saw a seal in seal script engraved on the base of the silver, and he was shocked:
Isn't this Ouchi's official treasure?
What I said is, except for the inner court, there is no such thing.A mysterious smile appeared on Ma Erye's face, obviously he felt that those people had backgrounds as he expected.
Not really.Maybe it's a wealthy businessman, what business do you come to Wuchang for?Although Zhang Zhidong also felt that this group of people was unusual, his face remained calm.Ma Erye said that he doesn't look like a businessman, otherwise, what are these people doing hiding in Baiyun Temple all day without looking at the market?Zhang Zhidong was questioned, and it took him a long time to say:
Could it be that the imperial envoy came down from Beijing and made a private visit in microservices?
No way, there haven't been any major incidents in the two lakes to alert the Ministry recently.
Zhang Zhidong remained silent again, and after a while, he asked about those people in detail.When he heard that there were four people in total, three men and one woman, all of whom were from Beijing movies, he felt that there was something to be said here.Seeing the tense expression on Zhang Dashuai's face, Ma Erye became even more excited.He told Zhang Zhidong that one of them was a man in his twenties, with a moderate build and a handsome face, and everything else looked like his servant.He also said that others called him Master.
master?So dear.What does he call others?Zhang Zhidong stared at his staff, trying to find out the origins of these people and the relationship between them through the names they called.
This student didn't pay attention, oh, that old man, they seem to call him the manager.
Did you hear me right?
Yes, call him Manager Zhang.
This news is not allowed to spread outside, only you and I know it!Zhang Zhidong told his subordinates.
yes!Will the commander-in-chief meet him?
Of course you will.Zhang Zhidong said resolutely.
I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse?Ma Erye said worriedly.
It's a blessing, not a curse, and it's a disaster that can't be avoided.
Zhang Zhidong thought to himself that the title of chief executive would not be found in other places except for the chief eunuch in the palace.Therefore, he thought that these people must be related to the palace.If these people really came from the palace, who are they?It was a secret envoy sent by the emperor, he still thought of this, he didn't dare to think about it any further.It seems that whether it is the emperor or the person sent by the emperor, he has to be very careful, because as long as the news of his contact with the other party is revealed, he may be involved in a very terrible political vortex, and if there is a trouble, something big will happen.But there is one thing, no matter who the other party is, he must meet this person and make his own choice after meeting.
Early the next morning, Zhang Zhidong, who was nearly 60 years old, dressed in casual clothes, pretended to be tourists together with Ma Erye, and came to Baiyun Temple outside the city.On the surface, the two of them were strolling in the courtyard, but in fact they had many things in their hearts, especially Zhang Zhidong, who looked around this quiet ancient temple while walking.
This ancient temple huddled on the mountainside was built in the Southern Song Dynasty. Although it has been neglected after several wars, the original scale is placed there, and the ruins and old walls still remind people of its former glory.The ancient temple is surrounded by a large tall and dense forest.The dark green tree color is sandwiched with pieces of withered red and dark yellow, full of rich and colorful autumn.I don't know if it's too early, or it's the busy season of autumn harvest. There are almost no tourists and pilgrims here. The clear and crisp bird calls show an extraordinary tranquility.
Ma Erye accompanied Zhang Dashuai, and the two entered the west side door from the main hall one by one.Second Master Ma gave Zhang Zhidong a wink, and Zhang Zhidong nodded knowingly, as if he had inadvertently walked along the gravel road into the Xikua courtyard.
Next to a bamboo forest, there is a moon gate.Yuan Liu was dressed in plain clothes, but he was a warrior at a glance.He stood by the round door and saw two people walking towards him.He stays here when he has nothing to do. According to Cha Shuizhang's estimate, Marshal Zhang will come here to meet them, but he has been here for several days, but there is no movement.He was getting impatient when he suddenly saw two well-dressed tourists walking towards him.The person walking in the front was older, in his fifties, with an extraordinary bearing, and the man in his early thirties behind him looked like a scholar.
Lord, rejoice elsewhere.Yuan Liu stopped Zhang Zhidong and Ma Erye and said casually.He didn't believe that Marshal Zhang would come here to inquire about the situation in person, as Cha Shuizhang said.
Can't I enter this yard?Zhang Zhidong asked.
We rented it.Yuan Liu was a little impatient, remembering Cha Shui Zhang's instructions, and answered patiently.
Your honor seems to have a Beijing accent?
That's right.
Came with His Majesty?
Yuan Liu nodded, raised his face and looked at the other party, feeling a little puzzled.Zhang Zhidong saw that he was a little impatient, so he still patiently asked Master Yuanliu whether he was an official or a businessman, and where he was proud of.
Our master is proud of everything!Yuan Liu said proudly, his heart couldn't help but tighten, feeling that this person was extraordinary.A few days ago, there were also some tourists who were blocked by the door by him. They just poked their heads out to look at the inner courtyard, then turned around resentfully and left without saying much at all.
So he is a subordinate uncle?Zhang Zhidong smiled, but he was guessing in his heart, judging from his tone, this group of people must have a lot of background.
You ask too many questions, are you tired?Yuan Liu also saw that the other party had a background, and wanted to be respectful at first, remembering Rong Qing and Cha Shuizhang's repeated confession, the more Marshal Zhang himself, the more he had to pretend he didn't care, and don't let the other party underestimate them.
Just chat and make friends.Zhang Zhidong said in a soft voice.Yuan Liu said that he couldn't climb high, so he simply turned his face away and ignored him.Ma Erye saw that this man was so unreasonable to Zhang Dashuai, he was a little anxious, he stepped forward to say something, but Zhang Zhidong grabbed him, in order to ease the atmosphere, Zhang Zhidong laughed a few times, dragged Ma Erye to think Go through the Moon Gate.Yuan Liu stretched out his strong arms to block the two of them, saying, man, let's take a walk outside.
What if I want to visit your master?Zhang Zhidong asked, half-hearted, determined to go in and meet this mysterious master.
Master is not free right now!Yuan Liu clasped his chest with both hands, looking unwilling to accommodate, but in fact he was very anxious.It was originally agreed to wait for the tea chapter to come before letting people in, but he just didn't come. If this person is really Marshal Zhang, he will be in trouble if he misses this opportunity.At this moment, Cha Shuizhang suddenly came out and asked Yuan Liu: What are you yelling about?
Manager Zhang!Seeing Chashui Zhang, Yuan Liu breathed a sigh of relief, pointed to Zhang Zhidong respectfully and said, this master wants to see his master.
oh?Cha Shui Zhang recognized at a glance that standing in front of him was Zhang Zhidong, the famous governor of the two lakes. When Cixi summoned Mr. Zhang alone, he was the only eunuch present besides Lafayette and Mr. Zhang.Apparently Zhang Zhidong also thought Chashui Zhang looked familiar, but he couldn't remember where he had seen it before.
Who is under your feet?Chashuizhang asked Zhang Zhidong with a smile.As soon as the words came out, they showed a bit of elegance, which formed a clear contrast with Yuan Liu.
Zhang Zhidong calmed down and said that his surname was Wang, he was a businessman, and he wanted to see their master.Cha Shuizhang smiled and said you are waiting, then turned around and walked towards the black tile and white walled fasting house in the back of the small courtyard. Seeing Cha Shuizhang's calm demeanor, especially his high-pitched voice when he opened his mouth, Zhang Zhidong Deciding that he is the eunuch in the palace, looking at his back, I couldn't help but feel agitated.What if the master inside is really the emperor?Beijing was very noisy, and there were many rumors about the emperor. He must have something very important and urgent to go south at this time.If so, he will have to make a choice, and for the sake of the emperor, he will have to take the risk of confronting the empress dowager
Cha Shuizhang hurried into the fasting room and told Rong Qing in surprise that Zhang Zhidong had taken the bait.When he heard that Zhang Zhidong really came, Rong Qing was both excited and nervous, and kept asking Cha Shui Zhang, did you admit it?The Tea Chapter was right, he told Rong Qing that when Master Zhang met with Lafayette that year, when the two were alone, he was there, and Master Zhang also drank the tea he made.Coincidentally, Mr. Zhang drank Junshan Yunwu tea on Dongting Lake at that time. Unexpectedly, he later became the governor of the two lakes, and Dongting Lake became the place under his jurisdiction.
So what to do.Tell him clearly?Rong Qing thought that the emperor was saved, and there was hope for his and Yin'er's affairs, he was very excited, and quickly asked Cha Shuizhang what to say when he saw Master Zhang.
Hold your breath, don't think about anything else, you are the emperor right now.Whatever the emperor should do, so do you!Cha Shui Zhang repeatedly told Rong Qing that in order to prevent accidents, it would not be too late to tell the truth after finding out Zhang Dashuai's hole cards.Rong Qing pretended to be relaxed and smiled, saying that everything was up to him, the manager.Cha Shuizhang gave some more instructions, then called Yingying, and explained the rules of the palace again, and what she wanted.Yingying said that she has been studying all day these days, so she can't make mistakes.Only then did Cha Shui Zhang feel relieved and went outside to pass Zhang Zhidong in.
After a while, Cha Shuizhang led Zhang Zhidong, who called himself Master Wang, back to the fasting room.Originally, Second Master Ma wanted to come in with Mr. Zhang, in order to show the dignity of the royal family.At the same time, in order to keep it secret, Cha Shuizhang deliberately refused to let someone surnamed Ma come in, and only let Zhang Zhidong in.
Cha Shuizhang led Zhang Zhidong into the spacious and clean front hall.Seeing the guests walk in, Rong Qing didn't stand up to greet the guests like ordinary people, but sat motionless on a mahogany chair.He glanced at the famous Marshal Zhang from the corner of his eye, feeling unspeakably nervous in his heart, fearing that his feet would be exposed.
Master, the guest has arrived.Cha Shui Zhang said respectfully.
Oh, kneel down.Rong Qing waved his sleeves, nodded inadvertently, his body was still leaning on the back of the chair, and he didn't intend to get up at all.He instinctively learned what he saw around Guangxu on weekdays, imitating Guangxu's every move, including his tone of voice.
twitter!Cha Shui Zhang asked to kneel down, and then stood aside.
sit!Rong Qing waved his sleeves and said to Zhang Zhidong.
Thank you for sitting down.Instinctively following royal etiquette, Zhang Zhidong made a deep bow, and carefully lowered his body on the side chair.In order to show respect, he sat on the chair with half of his buttocks, half of which was hanging there.
Serve tea to guests.
twitter!Serve tea.Cha Shuizhang repeated Rong Qing's instructions.
As soon as Cha Shui Zhang finished speaking, Yingying, who was dressed like a maid from a rich family, immediately walked in slowly with a tray in her hand.She walked up to Zhang Zhidong, ready to put down the teacup on the coffee table.Zhang Zhidong hurriedly caught the teacup she handed him with both hands.Yingying smiled gracefully, let go of her hand, and walked out of the front hall like a breeze.
Facing everything in front of him, Zhang Zhidong was dumbfounded.From Eunuch Zhang, the eunuch, the guards outside the door, to the court ladies serving tea, their manners, speech and demeanor seemed to be correct, but the emperor still couldn't figure it out.Sitting there, he didn't dare to look at the real dragon emperor head-on, and lowered his head slightly, looking at him secretly from the corner of his eyes.After all, it has been four years since the last time I met Guangxu. At that time, it was only him, Cixi and the emperor.Later, it was in the main hall, not to mention the distance, and there were many people, so it can only be a general impression.The emperor in front of him was wearing casual clothes, so he couldn't recognize him clearly. He felt that the person in front of him somewhat resembled the emperor, but not exactly.He was trying to figure it out in his heart when the other party suddenly spoke.
Master Wang, are you all right?Rong Qing's claim made Zhang Zhidong's heart tremble, his voice and tone were clearly the same as Guangxu's.Zhang Zhidong hurriedly raised his face and asked in a low voice:
you are?
Rong Qing smiled and said nothing.
Excuse me, what should I call you?Zhang Zhidong asked nervously, thinking that the person in front of him is really the king of a country today.
It doesn't matter, just call it according to the dress.Rong Qing smiled.
What about your surname?Although Zhang Zhidong laughed along with him, he still asked persistently.This is not only a general courtesy, but more importantly, it is to find out the origin of the other party, which is also the purpose of his coming here.
Rong Qing didn't expect this question in advance, he and Cha Shuizhang discussed almost all the details, but forgot this important link.He froze there for a moment.Fortunately, Cha Shui Zhang casually answered for Rong Qing that the master's surname was Jin.
Doesn't seem to be Han Chinese?Rong Qing's momentary hesitation did not escape Zhang Zhidong's eyes.He paused for a moment, then continued to ask, his tone was very gentle, he was actually checking, Rong Qing replied that he was in the flag.Zhang Zhidong immediately asked him which flag it was.Rong Qing proudly replied that he was Zheng Huang Qi.
It seems that Zhenghuangqi shouldn't be named Jin.Zhang Zhidong said seriously.When he said this, Cha Shuizhang, who was standing by the side, became anxious, and the thing in his chest rushed to his throat, lest Rong Qing would accidentally show his feet.He didn't dare to answer for Rong Qing, nor could he wink at him.
Just like you, Marshal Zhang, shouldn’t be surnamed Wang, right?Rong Qing smiled, didn't answer directly, and asked the other side tactfully.Hearing his question, Chashui Zhang secretly applauded, and heaved a long sigh of relief.
Zhang Zhidong couldn't help standing up from his chair when he heard that the other party had recognized his identity, he was inexplicably surprised, what does this mean?
Rong Qing knew that the quicker he had to catch the opponent, the more he had to hold his breath.He stabilized his mind, pointed to the chair in the usual Guangxu tone, and said calmly: Sit down.
Zhang Zhidong knew he had lost his composure, so he sat back to his original place unconsciously.
Marshal Zhang, who is so powerful in the two lakes, does not need to remain anonymous on your own one-third of an acre of land.
I really can't remember ever seeing a single step.
yes.It has been twenty years since you left the capital, but when you were in the Imperial Academy, your demeanor and sharpness were all admirable.Your famous four remonstrances from the Hanlin Academy are so short-sentenced that I have often heard the empress dowager talk about it.Rong Qing talked about the allusions of the year according to the tea chapter's explanation like an endorsement.
Excuse me, who are you?Zhang Zhidong obviously lost his composure.
Dashuai Zhang's eyes are not clumsy, but I was too young when you left the capital.Although you came to Beijing more than once to introduce me, you were still the Empress Dowager at that time.We didn't speak a few words.is not it?Do you still remember, that year when you were in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Empress Dowager gave you tea using the famous Dongting Junshan Yunwu
emperor!Before Rong Qing finished speaking, Zhang Zhidong already understood that the one sitting in front of him was Emperor Guangxu.He hastily left his seat, knelt down in front of Rong Qing, the false emperor, and kowtowed in fear.
Did I say who am I?You don't have to be like this, the palace is the palace, and the temple is the temple.Rong Qing spoke very vaguely, implying that the other party does not need to be bound by etiquette.Cha Shuizhang hurriedly said that the commander should get up quickly, it would not be good for the monks in the temple to see him, and stepped forward to help Zhang Zhidong.
The humble minister didn't know the emperor was coming, and he didn't greet him from a distance, he deserved death!Zhang Zhidong stood there respectfully, repeatedly apologizing.Looking at Rong Qing, recalling the scene when he saw Guangxu a few years ago, the more he looked at it, the more he realized that was the case.
Please call me Mr. Kim.Rong Qing said with a smile.
The minister obeys the order.Zhang Zhidong quickly agreed, expressing that it was not safe to live here, he immediately arranged for a residence after returning, and asked Rong Qing and others to move there early.
Since I call myself Mr. Jin and live here, I have my reasons.You don't have to rush to serve me, let me stay here for a few days, and I will send someone to find you if I have something to do.After Rong Qing finished speaking, he glanced at the tea label and asked him to serve tea for the guests.Serving tea this time is different from the first time serving tea, which means seeing off guests.Chashuizhang opened his mouth to offer tea, Zhang Zhidong immediately understood, stood up from his chair, and was about to kneel down to say goodbye, but was stopped by Chashuizhang with his hand.Dashuai Zhang recalled that the emperor had just greeted him with impertinence, so he bowed deeply, and then left the fasting room.
Chashuizhang sent Zhang Zhidong to the Moon Gate along the way.Zhang Zhidong took out a sweat towel and wiped the sweat on his forehead, feeling very nervous.He didn't know why the emperor refused to live in the governor's mansion this time when he went south in disguise, but must stay in this inconspicuous temple.
Zhang Dashuai has a lot more gray hairs than when he met Lafayette alone that year.Cha Shuizhang could see that he was preoccupied, and knew that he basically believed in Rong Qing's identity, but he still had some doubts about the emperor quietly coming to the south.In order to dispel the other party's doubts, he deliberately told Zhang Zhidong what happened in the palace back then.
Were you there?Zhang Zhidong was taken aback.
Our family still remembers that you always kneel down after kowtowing and forget your gauze cap on the ground.Director Li specially sent it to the imperial court for you, and you even rewarded him with a silver note of one thousand taels.Cha Shui Zhang said with a smile.
When Cha Shui Zhang said this, he was only implying that the other party would reward him with silver, which is the usual style of eunuchs in the palace.In the final analysis, he was not greedy for the other party's money, but to liven up his own role and prove that Rongqing is the current emperor. Sure enough, when he said this, Zhang Zhidong quickly said: I almost forgot.While stretching out his hand to feel for money, at this moment, the second master Ma who happened to be standing by the moon gate came up to meet him, and Zhang Zhidong hurriedly called Brother Ma.Master Ma ran over, Zhang Zhidong whispered something in his ear, Second Master Ma quickly took out a silver note of one thousand taels and handed it to Zhang Zhidong.Zhang Zhidong stuffed the silver ticket into Chashui Zhang's hand and said: Don't care how much it is, it's a kindness, buy a pair of shoes and wear it!Where is this?Cha Shuizhang gave way, and finally accepted Zhang Zhidong's silver ticket.
Zhang Zhidong lay on the large mahogany bed in the bedroom, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep no matter what.Thinking of the scene of meeting Emperor Guangxu at Baiyun Temple during the day, he felt unspeakably nervous.Especially that Eunuch Zhang, he even remembered clearly when he lost his gauze cap in a panic when he met Cixi back then, so it can be seen that the emperor must not be fake.Since the emperor is real, in the current situation, the emperor went south alone in low clothes and refused to publicize it to the outside world, there must be a lot of articles here.
About seeing the emperor, he held back all day without telling anyone.He didn't even say a word to his most trusted aide, Ma Erye.He thought about it, his mind became more and more chaotic, and finally got up from the bed, walked through the backyard, and came all the way to the governor's yamen signing room, wanting to discuss it with Ma Erye, even if nothing can be negotiated, just vomit The mind is also good, otherwise it would be too suffocating in my heart.
Ma Erye, who was on duty here, couldn't help but his eyes lit up when he saw Zhang Zhidong walk in.Although Zhang Dashuai didn't say anything when he came back from Baiyun Temple, judging from his dazed expression and his silence all the way, Ma Erye firmly believed that the group of people in the temple had extraordinary origins.He thought about it, but didn't ask much.He knew very well that the commander-in-chief couldn't hold back when the time came, and he would definitely come to him.It's just that he didn't expect that the other party had held back for so long before coming to him.
handsome!Still not resting so late?Second Master Ma stood up from the desk.
Unable to fall asleep, Zhang Zhidong sat down on the chair by the table, while waving his hands irritably, apparently telling him to sit down too.After the other party was seated, he murmured, What a problem.
Marshal means the honored guest of Baiyun Temple?The clever Ma Erye hit the nail on the head.
right!Zhang Zhidong was excited and nervous, guess who it is?
Second Master Ma pondered for a moment and said he was a prince.Zhang Zhidong asked him to guess further.Master Ma said it was the prince, or the iron hat prince.When he heard Dashuai Zhang say that he still had to guess, he froze there.I thought to myself, is there any need to guess, besides the current emperor, who else can it be?Ma Erye guessed that it was the emperor, but he didn't dare to say it out, saying he didn't dare to guess.
In fact, I dare not guess.But it's true, I saw it with my own eyes today!Zhang Zhidong stared at the confidant, stretched out his hand to smooth the beard on his chin, and told about the situation when he saw the emperor.
Really the emperor?Even though he had already guessed in advance, when Dashuai Zhang said it himself, Second Master Ma still couldn't hide his inner excitement.
Hush!Zhang Zhidong hastily put his index finger on his mouth, motioning him to keep his voice down.Second Master Ma hurried to the door to look around, and seeing no one outside, he closed the door, returned to the desk, and leaned closer to the commander in chief to ask.
Are you really the emperor?
It's not true, it's hard to kill me!Look at that style, it's too real.Especially the steward, I seem to have seen him.At that time, he was still with the empress dowager.張之洞一急便習慣地理著鬍鬚，手指時不時敲著桌面。
依小弟看，估計錯不了。馬二爺興奮地向對方抱拳，恭喜大帥，本朝開國以來，從沒有聖駕到過武昌。這回平添了大帥一段千古佳話呀！
佳話，笑話，還不好說呢。如果真是皇上，為什麼這個時候來到兩湖？皇太后三度垂簾，兩宮勢同水火。You know it.特別前一陣子斬了軍機處的譚嗣同，皇上好長時間沒露面，這時候突然冒出來，我越想越覺得不對頭啊！
會不會是皇上想重新親政，把武昌當做行宮呢？馬二爺激動地問。
Here lies the trouble.我張之洞雖說興學校、辦工廠，參與維新，對皇上的國策雙手贊成。但話又說回來，真要讓我獨樹一幟，和紫禁城唱對台戲，我還是誠惶誠恐啊！
不不，然而不然！再造新政，再創中興，正是大帥建功立業的好機會。千載難逢，大帥千萬不能錯過呀！馬二爺也是個熱血書生，對光緒推行的新政一向持支持態度。加上湖南湖北一帶興學辦廠，本來就比北方走得快，一股革新的力量在這兒迅速發展。他和許多知識分子一樣，對京城發生的事變深感失望，對譚嗣同等六君子血灑菜市口深為同情，且極為敬佩，因此他覺得要是張大帥能跟著皇上，扯起一面大旗，南方各省自然跟著一起上，挽回京城的局勢，擊敗保守派的政變陰謀不是不可能。此事一旦成功，不僅張大帥是大清國中興的功臣而名垂青史，自己作為事件的參預者，也將是一生的幸事。
如果萬一皇上是假的，那就大笑話了。張之洞顯然被馬二爺的一番話說動了，只是經過一天苦苦思索，覺得白雲寺來人有不少疑點。首先皇上微服南下，顯然沒有經皇太后許可。京師何等森嚴，一路多少關卡，他們主僕四人是怎麼出來的？為什麼沿途一點消息也沒有？為什麼總督府派駐北京機構裡的人也絲毫沒有察覺？
馬二爺聽張之洞說了一連串的為什麼，當下建議，為了穩妥起見，由他出面，連夜給北京發個祕密電報。張之洞說這是個辦法，叮囑他不要在字面讓人抓住把柄。馬二爺要他放心，說電報可用暗語收發。
那就發一份電報。張之洞點點頭，讓馬二爺立即去發電報。馬二爺用暗語擬了電文，正要出門，突然外面有人敲門。馬二爺上前開了房門，原來是電報房書記員。書記員手裡拿著一份電報走進，說是京裡來的急電。馬二爺接過電文一看，原來是電報房剛收到的朝廷明發上諭，剛剛翻出文字來，上面寫著一行電文：立冬日祭天大典，因朕躬欠安，著令恭親王代行主祭
馬二爺立即將電文遞給張之洞，張之洞看了之後，原先對皇上南行的懷疑，反倒變成對朝廷的懷疑。立冬本來算不上什麼大氣節，何況現在離立冬日少說還有半個多月，根本沒有必要發急電。分明是面對四下雀起的謠言，朝廷欲蓋彌彰，想藉著個機會證明皇上安好，只是身體欠佳而已。
handsome!這分明是假傳聖旨，欲蓋彌張呀。看來皇上出走的消息，皇太后還瞞著哪！看見張之洞低頭不語，馬二爺忍不住對他說。
張之洞穩住神，揚起手中的電報，讓馬二爺立即將這些天的朝廷的上諭。邸報全找來，看看皇上究竟多少天沒有露面。張之洞說完準備回房休息，讓馬二爺明天一大早再給他回話。
馬二爺連連點頭，從公文架上捧下一大疊近期的官電、公文，趴在書桌上逐一檢查。原先打算回房休息的張之洞，忍不住留下，站在桌邊等著，心想回去也睡不踏實，不如在這兒等結果。辦事一向乾淨俐落的馬二爺很快查出，自從上個月初八至今，皇上就沒上過朝，對內沒召見過任何朝臣，對外也沒會見過各國公使。
張之洞仔細看了近期官電和公文，情況果然如馬二爺所說，皇上自北京發生變故以來一直沒露過面。他正想說什麼，電報房的人又送來一份急電，是總督府派駐北京的人發回的電報，電文寫著：乾清門侍衛恩海等人，護送車轎，祕密前往武昌。並說所護大員身分不明，朝中要員近來均未離京等等。
handsome!上頭寫得清清楚楚。王公大臣們都沒有離京，離京的是誰，還不明白嗎？馬二爺激動地說。
果然是真的！張之洞點點頭，這到現在，他終於打消了所有的疑慮，讓馬二爺通知首府，派一哨兵暗中保護白雲寺。
把聖駕接到總督衙門來，不更好嗎？
那就沒有退路了！老謀深算的張之洞搖搖頭。這樣，他不但暗中保護了皇上一行，在時局沒有明朗前又不讓人抓住把柄，主動權始終抓在他手裡。進，可以樹起皇上大旗，聯絡各省，向北京發難；退，可以將皇上抓起來交給朝廷；如這兩種方法都不妥，也可以皇上名義，與北京分庭抗禮，必要時甚至可以讓洋人出面調停。
李蓮英離開瀛台後，一路回到儲秀宮。他奉慈禧之命，去西苑南海子中間的瀛台島上接光緒到養心殿，與慈禧一塊兒接見朝臣，緊跟著要讓他單獨接見西方各國公使，其中也包括日本國公使。
這是慈禧與恭親王、瑞王等人商量後作出的決定。因為自菜市口斬了譚嗣同等人，康有為逃到日本，國內外輿論嘩然。不論是北京還是上海、天津和武漢等大城市，還是一些交通便利的中小城市，到處盛傳皇上被害，慈禧重新上台的消息。國外的報紙，包括租界出的中英文報紙，乾脆說皇太后發動政變，奪了皇帝的權，並說這是一次不合法的政變。雖說這些叫做報紙的玩意兒慈禧從沒見過，瑞王、恭親王也不敢告訴她，但她自有耳目。當她聽到這些消息，氣得勃然大怒，說這是他們愛新覺羅的家事，外人管不了。
罵歸罵，氣歸氣，一想到當年洋人一路殺進北京的經歷，慈禧心裡不得不軟下來。她不敢得罪洋人。對國內老百姓她不怕，但也擱不住眾人舌頭多，一人一口唾沫也將你淹得半死，這真叫世道大變啊！
要在從前，別說罷了皇上，就是在宮中殺了皇帝，過上一年半載外面也沒人知道。秦始皇當年死在東巡路上，屍首放在車上運回咸陽，走了半個多月，別說外面人，就連當朝大臣也沒幾個知道內情。現在倒好，有了電報，有些地方通了火車，海裡江中更有小火輪，跑起來飛快，北京城裡發生的事，用不了多久，上海、天津以至全國很快傳遍了，報上登了不說，更惱人的是老百姓，幾千幾萬張嘴巴越傳越神，越傳越離奇，甚至有人說光緒死了，棺材不敢運出宮外，偷偷埋在景山，說得有鼻子有眼。為了對付洋人，同時也為了穩定國內民心，慈禧才不得不讓光緒出面接見洋人，向外界證明傳言毫無根據。
沒想李蓮英到了瀛台，光緒躺在床上說病了，任他怎麼求光緒也不肯離開瀛台。當李蓮英告訴光緒，今天叫大起兒，老佛爺讓奴才伺候萬歲爺上朝。光緒瞪他一眼，說你瞧我這樣子，去的了嗎？李蓮英慌忙說：今兒個還有外國使臣晉見，等著向皇上遞交國書哪。
內閣代辦吧。光緒不耐煩地說。他已經想好了，從現在起，他不當慈禧的擺設，只有對方答應讓珍妃與他住在一起，他才會當她的花瓶。
emperor!老佛爺請皇上無論如何去一趟，也就是一會會兒。李蓮英知道慈禧脾氣，他要是請不去皇上，那就有他瞧的，奴才攙著皇上！他邊說邊上前準備挽扶光緒。光緒憤怒地推開李蓮英，指著對方鼻子大罵。
俗話說，皇上不使喚病人，如今病人就是皇上！你愛怎麼說怎麼說，朕反正不去，你替朕向皇太后告假得了。光緒索性轉過身體，面向著牆躺在床上，再也不理睬跪在地上不停磕頭的李蓮英。
李蓮英無奈地回到儲秀宮，戰戰兢兢地向慈禧報告了光緒不肯前來的經過。不知是她早有預知，還是她的內侄女隆裕皇后正坐在那兒，她非但沒發脾氣，反倒淡淡一笑說：噢？皇上擱車了？好吧，有病養病，讓太醫院好好開藥。
twitter!李蓮英連忙回答，心裡頓時落下一塊石頭。
皇后啊，你也該上那邊瞧瞧去呀。慈禧看一眼隆裕那張扁瘦的長臉。
兒臣可不去，去了也見不著好臉兒。隆裕身子一扭，眼皮習慣地向上一翻。她是來這兒給慈禧請安的，慈禧留她在這兒說一會兒話。
皇上是你男人嘛。慈禧不高興地說。
什麼男人呀？從大婚到現在，他連坤寧宮門兒朝哪兒開還不知道呢！一說起光緒，隆裕心裡立即說不出什麼滋味。可以說，由慈禧一手包辦的這樁婚姻，從沒給她帶來一絲男婚女嫁的歡樂。她佔了皇后的名份，表面上享有了皇后的一切榮華富貴，骨子裡卻什麼也不是，光緒根本不把她放在眼裡。她恨珍妃，其實也有些埋怨身為她姨媽的慈禧。與其說她嫁了皇帝，還不如說慈禧為了控制光緒，硬是讓她佔了這個位子。
每當隆裕為了她和光緒之間的關係發牢騷時，慈禧心裡便莫名地窩火。一方面恨光緒故意冷落她的內侄女，一點不給自己面子；另一方面又覺得隆裕太窩囊，連自己男人也攏不住，既可憐她，又瞧不起她。慈禧顯然不想跟對方談這件事，故意沒接她的話茬，隆裕還想說什麼，李蓮英突然來報，說瑞王在殿外等著叫起兒。
一聽瑞王爺要來叫起兒，隆裕知趣地提出告退。慈禧早就有些煩她，巴不得她走。但轉念一想，既然光緒不肯來，她也能算得上棋盤上的一顆子，先留下她再說。
you don't go.都是家裡的親戚，又不是什麼外臣。慈禧這一說，隆裕只得乖乖地坐在那兒。
不一會兒，瑞王進了門，先依次給慈禧和隆裕皇后請了跪安，然後向慈禧報告，說英國、德國和日本國的使臣全到了，都在殿外等著接見。
一聽說慈禧要接見高鼻子藍眼睛的洋鬼子，隆裕立即要走，說兒臣先迴避一下，慈禧不讓她走。隆裕不自在地低著頭說：您這兒有朝廷大事，兒臣又不懂。
你坐這兒就成！使臣們見不著皇上，得讓他們見著皇后。
我見著他們可說什麼呀？隆裕心裡非常慌張，她實在不想見那些洋人，嘰哩哇啦地說什麼也不懂，硬撐著面子應付這種場面實在活受罪。慈禧看出內侄女心思，耐著性子教著她怎麼說。
你就說皇上龍體欠安，不過是受了點兒風寒。你剛去看了他，他讓你替他跟使臣們道乏，致個謝意就成了。
您說慢點兒，兒臣可記不住。
這不都是眼面前兒的話兒嗎？慈禧沉下臉，一肚子不高興。
不行，兒臣怕見洋鬼子！隆裕不理對方高興不高興，一心想離開這兒，免得在洋人面前出醜。
Lafayette!李蓮英一見這架勢，慌忙出來打圓場，其實皇后娘娘隨便說什麼都成，反正有同文館的舌人來回翻，洋人也聽不懂。
慈禧聽了覺得有道理，對隆裕說：行了，由你吧，怎麼說都行。李蓮英見老佛爺發了話，立即向門外傳旨。不一會兒門外便響起太監們的吆喝，外國公使們在太監的引路下進了大殿。好說歹說，總算將場面應付過去。
洋人一走，隆裕緊張得出了一身汗，也跟著告辭了。不一會兒，瑞王送走了各國公使，再次回到殿內。不等他站穩，慈禧劈頭問起小格格去武昌的事。今天光緒不肯來這兒接見各國公使，令她換皇上的決心更大了，所以更急於知道那邊的情況。
回老佛爺話，他們該到了。
什麼屁話？到了就是到了，沒到就是沒到，什麼叫該到了？
奴才該死，瑞王滿臉通紅地跪在地下，如實告訴慈禧，說按事先商量的計劃，為了不走露風聲，路上不給北京遞信兒，到了那邊，立即讓總督府給這邊發電報。眼下他們似乎沒到，但按日子算，就在這一兩天準會有音信。其實他前幾天給張之洞發了一份電報，想探探對方這方面的口風，但武昌那邊一直沒回電。這個情況他不敢告訴慈禧，怕她聽後會改變換皇上的主意，對慈禧來說，只要她在一天，光緒在不在位對她都不敢怎麼樣，但對瑞王這些人來說，那可大不一樣啊！
慈禧聽後沉著臉，半天不說話，心裡暗暗思忖著廢掉光緒的事。對此她早已鐵了心要辦，她考慮的不是廢不廢，而是怎樣廢，這話兒最好由別人說。京裡有人說話還不夠，地方上也得有人說話，她正是為此派瑞王家的小格格悄悄南行的，只要小格格一到，討了張之洞的口風，估計劉坤一和兩廣總督李鴻章也會跟著表態，這樣一來，洋人想反對也沒用，畢竟是朝廷內部的事。
深秋的東湖，煙波浩淼的水面上倒映著四周的楊樹和遠近的青山，如畫的風景一點不比西湖遜色。岸邊一條小船上，張之洞與榮慶坐在船頭釣魚。
其實他倆誰也沒心思釣魚。他們各懷心事，一個想打探皇上來武昌的真實意圖和目的；另一個則想尋找時機，在適當的時候將光緒被軟禁瀛台，請他出面保駕的真實情況和盤托出，榮慶心想光緒皇上真要在這兒，什麼事都好辦了，問題光緒不在，他是個不折不扣的冒牌貨，加上他丟掉皇上寫的血詔，拿不出有力的證據，一旦說出真情，張之洞不肯買他的賬怎麼辦。鬧不好，大帥覺得被他們愚弄，一怒之下將他拿下，前面花的力氣全白搭了。
眼面前，小船上兩個人，一個想說出真情不敢說，另一個想問個中真情卻不敢問。兩人一邊釣魚，一邊閒聊，相互摸著對方的底牌。
emperor!張之洞輕聲叫著榮慶。
大帥叫誰呢？榮慶故意反問。
噢，張之洞連忙改口說，金先生，在北京也常釣魚嗎？
很少有這個雅興，近來閒在點兒，也偶爾釣兩竿。
一向在什麼水面？
當然是西苑瀛台。
前幾天接到瑞親王一封電報，很教人為難，不知從何說起。張之洞沉吟半天，終於提起前幾天北京來電報的情況，想以此試探一下對方的態度，
什麼電報？榮慶心裡一驚，盡量穩住神。
為人臣者，實在說不出口。
是不是商量換皇上啊？榮慶脫口而出，藉著對方的話茬，正好可以摸清這位大帥的態度，這對他下一步行動至關重要。皇上不，看來金先生早已洞察了？張之洞當下一愣，沒想自己沒說出口，對方先點明了。他深深嘆了口氣，告訴榮慶說，北京發來電報，意思是他們那邊的意思，但換皇上的話又想讓他說出來。
榮慶笑笑，問張之洞準備怎麼回答北京方面。他臉上在笑，心裡說不出的緊張，如果對方態度不明朗，他這會兒裝得再像也沒用。
廢立大事，非臣下可以妄議！而且我看金先生的身體，也不是他們說的那樣張之洞說了自己想法。他說的是實話，即便不是當著皇上的面，他也是這樣想的，所以遲遲沒有復電。
榮慶聽後心裡頓時落下一塊石頭，連聲說：張大帥是明白人，響鼓不用重捶啊。
我打算再問問各省督撫，特別是李鴻章和劉坤一他們的意思。
張大帥覺著怎麼合適怎麼辦，不用跟我商量。榮慶邊說邊從船頭站起，揮著手中魚竿說走吧，咱們不釣了。張之洞不明白，既然皇上已經露了真象，為什麼遲遲不表明他南下的真實目的，好像在跟他捉迷藏。今天一大早，趁著陪皇上釣魚的機會，總算討了對方的口風。從湖邊回到家，他自認這是皇上的旨意，心中有說不出的激動。看得出，皇上似乎想跟他說什麼非常大事，但又不放心他，所以一直在試探自己。湖邊一通對話，他決心借電報的由頭，向對方明白無誤地表白了他的心跡。顯然對方非常高興，臨分手前，皇上那句話分明暗示自己，讓他立即與李鴻章和劉坤一等人聯絡。
張之洞為此將馬二爺叫到密室商量，說他主意已定，讓馬二爺立即擬一份電文給各省總督。巡撫發去，說要幹就手拉手一起幹。一聽大帥決心要幹出一番驚天動地的事業，馬二爺激動得不行，連聲說好，並提醒張之洞，一旦起事，行在大營一定得設在武昌。他所說的行在，是指皇上臨時指揮大營。只有這樣才能以武昌為中心，以皇上名義對全國發號施令，張大帥自然也就成了全國中興的輔國功臣，而他這個沒有入舉的文僚，也會因此青雲直上，成為這一歷史事件中功不可沒的人物。
千萬記住。皇上的事千萬別提，只說廢立不妥就成了。張之洞吩咐馬二爺。對於在政治漩渦裡滾了幾十年的大帥來說，任何時候都得替自己留下一條後路，再有把握的事也得這麼做，這是一種本能。
馬二爺點頭說明白，匆匆離開這兒，說他立即回簽押房擬電文，今天就發出去。看得出，這位才華出眾的心腹，對於助光緒中興，重開新政，有著一股子極大的熱情，望著他的背影迅速消失在門邊，張之洞不但理解他那躍躍欲試的激情，也情不自禁地湧出一種雄心。躊躇滿志的張之洞站在窗前，望著那滿眼的秋色，想著將要發生的事情，心潮起伏迭宕。在他遲暮之年，命運之神突然悄悄向他招手。
吃了晚飯，張之洞心裡惦記著馬二爺發出的電報是否有回音，直接由飯桌上來到簽押房。他一進門，馬二爺立即興奮地告訴張之洞，江南劉大帥回電報了。
他點頭還是搖頭？張之洞不動聲色地問。
劉大帥說君臣之份已定，中外之口宜防。馬二爺將電報遞給張之洞。張之洞看了，高聲讚賞地，一連說了幾聲好句子。兩人正說話，總督府的衛士長突然來報，說京裡有人來拜訪大帥。
擋駕罷。張之洞看一眼馬二爺，對方臉上的表情和他心裡想得一模一樣，於是對衛士長擺擺手，說現在不見客。
大帥，是乾清門的侍衛恩大人！他說有緊要事，一定要現在面見大帥。衛士長雙手遞上名帖。
張之洞接過名帖，見上頭寫著恩海兩個字，頓時愣在那兒。明明皇上身邊的衛士說自己叫恩海，身分也是乾清門三品侍衛。世上同名同姓的人聽說過，可這兩人不僅同名同姓，連宮中當差的職務也一模一樣，難道說一個