Chapter 5 Chapter Four Southern Tour of Hankou

one On the third day of June in the 25th year of Guangxu, Kang Hunan of Kangjiade Xintang, accompanied by Sun Beiming, the treasurer of Tiancheng Yuanda, left Taigu and started his trip to Jianghan in his rare years. Their entourage, in addition to Dexintang's Lao Ting and Bao Shijing's martial artists, also hired two martial artists from the Escort Bureau and four general fighters.The Tianchengyuan cabinet also sent three assistants to accompany it, one was in charge of the account of the journey, and the other two were serving the old boss and the shopkeeper.Kang Hunan didn't allow sedan chairs, but hired four small-wheeled carriages suitable for mountain roads.He, shopkeeper Sun Da, and Lao Ting each took a car, and when the car was empty, they put their bags, luggage, and other sundries.The others are all on horseback.

It was an easy-going formation. It was early in the day.The old lady of Dexintang, the four lords, the female relatives of each house, and the family members, as well as the big and small shopkeepers of the ticket shop, tea shop, silk and satin shop, and grain shop under the Kang family, there are always sixty or seventy people gathered together. to see off.When Kang Hunan came out, he got into the carriage straight away, without saying anything to the people who were seeing him off, he ordered him to go out, as if he was not going on a long journey. The group of people seeing off watched the caravan go away step by step, and no one knew what to say.If you have a chance to say it, of course it's all auspicious words.But who is not worried about the old man?Kang Wat Nam Zhun saw through this point, so he didn't give everyone a chance to speak.After the old lady returned home, everyone dispersed quietly.

However, the fact that Kang Hunan and Sun Beiming went on tour together was spread in the Taigu business circle that day, and it was discussed for a while.The major firms, especially the major bank accounts, couldn't guess why the Kang family made such a big move.Because in recent years, whether it is the wealth owner of the Western Gang or the big shopkeeper of the head office, it is very rare to go out to inspect the business in person.It is even more unbelievable that the boss of Caidong went on a tour together and chose such a hot day.What happened to the Kang family's business, or is there a big round going to be planned?

But looking at the Kang family's Tiancheng yuan bank, it was calm as usual.On the contrary, this aroused the interest of various speculations, and they wrote letters to the wharf in other cities, telling them to pay attention to the movement of the Kang family name. Guess what you want, this is Kang Hunan's expected reaction. The Kang family's car and horse brigade left Kangzhuang that day, and they walked quietly for a while.It was almost summer heat, and soon after the sun came out, the heat began to rise.The guys at the cabinet, Master Bao, and Lao Ting came to greet Kang Hunan from time to time, which made him very angry.

You still want to stop me and not tell me to go to Hankou?Walk your way carefully, I don't know who will heat the grass first! Kang Hunan didn't really feel the heat, but felt very refreshed. He seems to have a natural love for traveling.Once on the road, not only will the spirit be refreshed, but the body will also seem to be more solid than usual.How many times he traveled far in his life, and he still doesn't remember any time when he fell ill while traveling.The outstanding feature of Xibang is that he has long legs and is not afraid of traveling thousands of miles.Several accomplished ancestors of the Kang family were all good at traveling long distances.Kang Hunan has long felt that in his blood, he must have inherited the nature of his ancestors who are good at traveling thousands of miles.When I was young, in the wilderness and desert outside the mouth, I walked into desperation several times, thinking that I was dying.The strange thing is, once despair, how can my heart be so calm, how can there be such a sense of relief, as if everything in the world is suddenly unloaded, so relaxed and so clear.

Then, a fresh feeling rose unconsciously. His father told him that he had seen God, and that the gods had manifested themselves. He himself felt that it was a feeling of sudden enlightenment. It doesn’t matter whether you are manifesting the sage or gaining the Tao, anyway, the impasse has not continued since then, and everything has not ended, but it will continue until you come out, find water or find human habitation. Kang Hunan once told his third son, Kang Chongguang, the feeling of attaining enlightenment in a desperate situation.The third child said that he had felt this way too!This made Kang Watnan very relieved.The third master is also a person who naturally likes to travel long distances.Among Kang Hunan's six sons, this third master is the only one who is in the same blood line with him and his ancestors.

The third master went outside this time because he wanted to go by himself, and Kang Hunan didn't drive him away.It's been a long time, almost a year.Thought it would come back last winter, but it didn't.The third master wants to be at home, and Kang Hunan will take him on this long trip.Now, it is not known whether he is in Kulun or Kyakta. It was not until noon, and the heat was not felt much, so we traveled forty miles and arrived at the first stop, Baigui Town. Baigui is located at the intersection of the two official roads from Shanxi to Shanxi and Tongyu, and is a large town.According to Kang Hunan's intention, he didn't enter the official's inn, nor disturbed the merchants in the town, but just found a good inn to rest and drink some tea.After planning to have a meal to avoid the heat of the afternoon, we continued on our way.

Kang Hunan and Sun Beiming had just sat down in a guest room, and before they could drink a bowl of tea, several shopkeepers from the town begged to see them.Sun Beiming was fat, sweating all over from the heat, and his face was flushed. He didn't want to see guests, so he said: Whoever has such a long mouth shouted us out! Kang Hunan didn't look tired at all, he smiled and said: "Bai Gui's slap is as big as a palm, and if we don't shout, people will know about it."Call them in. As soon as the three or four shopkeepers came in, they saluted hurriedly and said, "You two are giants in the business world. They passed by the town and didn't give us a greeting?"Our small shop is shabby, there is always a place cleaner than an inn.I don't know if you are willing to show your respect and come to our cabinet for a meal?

Sun Beiming wanted to decline, but Kang Hunan was very interested.I asked them one by one what brand name they opened and who the owner was.I heard that a pawnshop was owned by Pingyao Rishengchang, so I said: Then I will eat you.Shopkeeper Sun and I are the only ones to go. If you don’t drink your wine, just give us some solid tea and rice. We still have to hurry. The pawnshop shopkeeper hurriedly said: That's really a compliment!But you don't have to hurry today, do you?If you go to Henan, the first fifty miles are all mountain roads, and you can only live on Pantuo Ridge if you drive the black.Why not set off early tomorrow morning and cross Pantuo Ridge?

Kang Hunan said: I don't need you to worry about this.How can you only walk forty miles on the first day of travel? The shopkeepers strongly invited the two giants to move to the shop to rest, but Kang Hunan declined, saying: I don't want to move anymore, I will rest here first, and then go there when I have dinner. The landlords bid farewell one after another.Sun Beiming laughed at Kang Hunan: "So interested, corporal! Kang Hunan said: I want them to send a message, telling Ri Shengchang about our tour. Sun Beiming laughed again, and said: Pass it to Ri Shengchang, what can you do?Rishengchang's wealth owner Li's family, who will follow your example?Maybe they will laugh at you for being stupid.Guo Dounan, Rishengchang's big shopkeeper, he will not obey your old boss like me.The shopkeepers of Rishengchang, whether talented or not, are all domineering!

Kang Hunan sighed, and said: In the future, he will become prosperous in order to connect the world and shine for a hundred years, and those who survive today are nothing more than the word "overbearing".Rishengchang is the leader of the Western Clan, if it doesn't cheer up, that's not a good thing.In my old age, I pulled you on such a long trip, and I really wanted to give Xi Gang a warning. Who will listen to your warning? We can only do our best. During the meal, in front of more than a dozen shopkeepers in the town, Kang Hunan really talked about the daily difficulties of the world and the decline of the Western Gang.Although these little shopkeepers were amazed by Kang Hunan's words, what would they think?What will they say when they spread the word to the business world?Sun Beiming really had no idea. After dinner, when he returned to the inn, Kang Hunan immediately fell asleep soundly.Sun Beiming felt tired and unbearably hot, and couldn't fall asleep for a long time. After noon, set off for Zihongkou.Soon, I went into the mountains, and the heat was slightly reduced. Looking at the gradually steep mountain outside the car, Kang Hunan seemed to be in a better mood.He kept chatting with the coachman, asking if he often ran this official road, whether it was quiet along the way, and the situation of his wife and children at home.He also asked him if he would shout a few Yangko Daoqing.The driver seemed restrained, and only said no. Summer is the time when the vegetation is luxuriant and the shade is full.The steep mountain peaks are dotted with green shades, so quiet and distant, it gives people a sense of coolness. Che Yu takes the cloud away, Guan Shan is full of strength. Kang Hunan suddenly picked up these two sentences and wanted to continue, but he couldn't find any more satisfactory ones.During the long journey, he loves poetry, and also loves to use the loneliness of the journey to temper his poems.Therefore, Kang Hunan has his new interpretation of Du Gongbu’s motto: read thousands of books, travel thousands of miles, you don’t have to be a Confucianist; travel thousands of miles, you can become a poet.Thousands of miles journey, how much loneliness will there be, you can calmly search for poems and refine words!It's a pity that Kang Hunan also knew that he didn't have poetic talent. He traveled thousands of miles in his life, but he didn't pick up many poems.He was also ashamed to collect and engrave the poems he got.The two sentences I picked up today, after whispering a few times, I felt that there were only three words left: take the cloud away. These three characters can be sealed with a new seal. When Kang Hunan was looking for verses, Sun Beiming gradually started to feel sleepy. Sitting in the bumpy car, he dozed off. Martial master Bao Shijing has been accompanying the two martial arts masters of the Escort.These two martial artists, one surnamed Guo, were apprentices of Master Che Er.The other, surnamed Bai, is also a master of Xingyiquan.Speaking of the situation of going all the way to Jianghu, the martial friend of the escort agency said, don't worry, they are all familiar ways.The Xibang tea horse has long occupied this official road; in the Jianghu, we also rely on our Xibang for food. Bao Shijing suddenly asked: What about Boxing Boxing, which is popular nowadays, have you two experienced it? Martial Master Bai said: Master Bao hasn't seen it yet?In Shexian County, Zhangde Prefecture, Henan Province, there is an altar of Yihequan, but we did not pass through it on this trip. There are already Boxers in She County?That's not far from our Jin Province! Master Bai said: The Yihe boxing in Shexian County was introduced from Zhili, but it has not yet become popular.Yihequan is Baguaquan in the early years.Further on, there is the White Lotus Sect, which has its roots in Yu Province.Compared with our Xingyi boxing, their Bagua boxing is not a martial art, but a teaching gang.In spring, we went to escort Licheng and entered She County.It is said that we are boxers and have been invited to fight in the countryside.The martial arts arena is not like an ordinary martial arts arena. It is a dozen wheat fields filled with yellow flags, all of which are painted with the hexagram of Qian.The people gathered in the square all wore yellow scarves on their heads, and Qianfu was also drawn on the yellow scarves.A farmer, whom they called the big brother, invited us to the venue and asked us to test his invulnerability. Bao Wushi said: Not long ago, Erye Kang and I went to see Master Che Er.Master Che also doesn't believe that there is invulnerability to swords and guns, and he doesn't believe that after three to five months of practice, one can shoot stones and guns without entering the body.But the saying that Yihequan is invulnerable to weapons and guns has spread more and more mysteriously. Master Guo said: What a god!That time, Nong Han wanted to fight the two of us one by one, and he also said that he could use any kind of punch, stick, knife or gun. Bao Wushi asked: Does he really believe that his family is invulnerable? Master Guo said: "Looking at that conceited face, I think I have obtained magical skills."I told him, according to the rules of the martial arts world, first one-on-one, if you lose, then two-on-one.He said yes. What weapon did he use? He does nothing. Do you really want to let you chop him with your knives and guns? He punched empty punches, and I punched empty punches.After bowing to each other and saluting each other, Nong Han didn't start fighting, but just lit three sticks of incense and held them under a yellow flag.Then, I just chanted the mantra, but I couldn't hear what I was chanting.After reading for a while, he suddenly fell to the ground without a sound. All the boxers around the martial field were also silent.After a while, Nong Han suddenly jumped up, his face was very different, a hideous look, he was jumping wildly, and screaming again.They said it was possessed by the gods.At that time, I hurriedly assumed the three-body stance, ready to meet the enemy.But the opponent just dances wildly like a drunk, without any martial art rules, you can't see where to defend, and you can't find where to attack.At this time, all the boxers around the arena roared and screamed in unison.For a while, it made you feel a little bit lost. Six gods have no master, so can you not suffer?In Xingyiquan, the most important thing is that the heart must take the lead, and the intention must win over others.This is also intended to beat you, to take the lead in momentum. Who has seen that kind of formation!I saw him jump wildly for a few rounds, just like that, there was nothing out of the ordinary, and then he settled down and calmed down.It's really quiet and calm.I understand that I can't attack him.If he attacked, he might be able to knock him down, but the boxers around him would definitely become furious.That's even worse.I should take the defensive position and lure him to attack, and then the camera will use his mad force to use Gu Gong to bounce him back and throw him out of the field. That would also anger the Boxers, right? I've thought about this too, and after throwing out my opponent, I also fell to the ground.That would seem like a tie.If I make this Gu Gong miss, then he really has magical skills. How is the result? Of course, as I thought, I easily threw that Nong Han far away from the field.Although I made a gesture of falling to the ground, everyone was still angry.I hastily turned over in the shape of a kite, and swayed in the shape of a swallow. I jumped in front of the farmer, knelt down and saluted, and said, "Brother, it's really a miracle. I haven't touched you yet, but you fly into the air!" Hahaha, you are clever. There are so many of them, they are not smart, how can they do it? That senior brother who fought against you really doesn't have much martial arts? It's like a melon egg outside the door.What is frightening is that those villagers wearing yellow scarves regard this raw melon as a god. that is.The boxers in Shandong probably relied on this to attack cities and plunder counties.I hope we don't encounter that kind of trouble during our trip. Master Bao, don't worry, this journey is our familiarity. After all, it was the first day of the journey, and the people were strong and the horses were strong. Before sunset, they had already climbed up Pantuo Ridge.According to Kang Watnan's intention, he lived in Xiyan Temple. Xiyan Temple is in the middle of the mountain, the temples are cleaned up, and the sky is covered by ancient trees.In particular, there is a clump of bamboo forest beside the temple, which is even more extravagant.In summer, just its coolness and quietness make people feel happy. Kang Hunan washed up for a while, and then came outside the mountain gate, condescendingly watching the sunset.But he is the only one who has this kind of elegance. Sun Beiming was already very tired and didn't want to move more.Lao Ting took the martial artists to meet the elders of the temple and offer incense to the Buddha.Several fellows are also busy to arrange board and lodging. However, Kang Hunan felt that the first day of the tour was quite pleasant. two On the second day, we traveled ninety miles and stayed in Quandian. On the third day, travel seventy miles and live in Qinzhou.Kang Hu pulled Sun Beiming to the south, and went to a banquet in the local business circles to speak out about the worries of the Western Gang. On the sixth day, we traveled sixty miles and arrived at Lu'an Mansion. There are tea farms and silk farms owned by the Kang family in Lu'an Prefecture.Kang Hunan and Sun Beiming lived in their own Tianshengchuan tea house.The rest of the entourage lived in the inn.Kang Hunan didn't inquire about the business of the tea house in detail, but just praised him blindly.The business of tea farms is mainly outside the mouth, and the province is relatively deserted, and the shopkeeper Lin Da is very strict.Therefore, Kang Hunan has always been at ease. The old gang in Lu'an Zhuangkou was very excited to see the old boss coming to the cabinet, and always wanted to say as much as possible about their achievements.But as soon as he opened his mouth, he was blocked by Kua Jia from his old club.Kuajia, which is too easy to get, is enjoyable, but not very enjoyable.Therefore, whenever there is an opportunity, this old gang still wants to say a few more words.Unfortunately, when he opened his mouth, Kang Hunan still blocked him with Kwaja.Sun Beiming saw it, and it was hard to say anything about Kang Hunan. He just asked more about specific business matters on purpose to create some opportunities for this old gangster to show off. Lu'an was much hotter than Taigu, but Kang Hunan was in good health and spirit.In contrast, Shopkeeper Sun seemed exhausted. Leaving Lu'an, traveling for three days, arrived in Zezhou.Zezhou is hotter than Lu'an, and the flowers and trees are lush and large, which is quite similar to the scene in the Central Plains.Kang Hunan remembered that one year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, he actually ate fresh crabs.When I asked, I found out that it was purchased from the neighboring town of Qinghua, Henan.When you go down the mountain from Zezhou, you will enter Henan Province, and then you will start to really enjoy the heat. But in Zezhou, shopkeeper Sun Da was still exhausted and hot.He went to a banquet held by the business community in Zezhou, but he said he was sick. Kang Hunan had no choice but to take Bao Wushi there, as if he was going to a banquet at Hongmen. Seeing that Sun Beiming was so unbearable, Kang Hunan was very proud. Big shopkeeper, if you usually say that you are pampered, you will complain.It's not out of Shanxi yet, and you're pouring hot grass.After leaving Henan and arriving in Jianghan, let's see how you live! I am a fat person, fat people all over the world are afraid of heat, I am not the only one who is delicate. Fat is the result of being pampered. Who can be pampered and pampered by you?If you don't get fat, you will be able to raise it. What kind of nonsense are you talking about?Our Kang family doesn't feel sorry for you eating and drinking!We came at the wrong time. When we come to Zezhou in autumn, we can eat live crabs.Many people in Shanxi don't know crabs. In Jinzhong area, even among the rich, there are some who have never eaten crabs in their entire lives. He also said that I am pampered, and I have never eaten crabs. If you haven't eaten crab, then I don't even know fish! Look at my journey, I only eat light soup, how can I have your appetite?Walk one place, eat one place, and look for local famous food to eat.Really enjoy it. You can only walk if you can eat.Only by eating miscellaneous foods can we travel far.When traveling far away, you must eat at least one solid meal a day.How far can you go if you only eat soup? I think Lao Ting also only eats soup. Lao Ting is also squeamish, this journey is not as spirited as an old man like me. Lao Ting's tiredness has not passed, and his appetite has been lost.So, when it comes to him, he has no words. Lao Ting is also an old man.In comparison, my Sun is still a few years younger.Old Dongtai, no matter how sluggish I am, I have to follow you to the end.After two days, I was relieved. In this place of Zezhou, there were quite a few wealthy businessmen in the Ming Dynasty.Looking at the current market situation, it is becoming less and less promising. The wealth of Zezhou depends on iron goods.With Westernization, the iron smelting here will not be successful.In the early years, I still wanted to set up a Zhuangkou here. After watching it for several years, I finally gave up. Zezhou Examination Institute is very magnificent.The few ancient pines in the courtyard are even more gloomy and spiritual.Do you want to go and have a look? I'm going to go to you.I didn't want to seek fame, so I sat quietly in the guest house, panting. Look at you, there is no interest at all.After passing Tunliu that day, I really wanted to go to Xin Village and see Bian He's tomb.Seeing all of you withered looks, you didn't dare to go. Is it the Chu man who hugged Pu and wept blood in the Spring and Autumn Period?Will his tomb be in Tunliu? Why not!In the early years, I went there once to see the ancient monument in front of the tomb.Unfortunately, the inscriptions have peeled off so much that they are no longer legible.This man Bian He, holding beautiful jade and shibi in his arms, has been unknown for many times, and has suffered the misfortune of being cut off. Finally, he does not give up, and still weeps blood to beg the Ming Lord. Who knows that in the Spring and Autumn Period and today, how many wise masters are there in the world? The disaster of the He family lies in those who don't know the jade in the rough.I'm afraid I'm just that kind of lover.Qiu Taiji, I lost my mind. Qiu Taiji, could he be a beautiful jade that we don't know? He is not Meiyu, I mistaken him for Meiyu before.It is because of him that you led your old Dongtai to this trip to Jianghan. Where is it just because of him!As a small shopkeeper stationed abroad, can he be related to the decline of the West Gang? Before we left, Qiu Taiji came to see me again.He said that he was very disturbed when he heard that we would go on tour this summer.In order to blame myself, I decided not to enjoy the vacation anymore, and I am willing to leave for work immediately, and please leave a place on the cabinet where no one wants to go. Heh, he seems to be promising.Where did you send him? Sent to Guihua Zhuangkou, downgraded to deputy gang. That's good.After all, he still has some skills, so it's a pity to put him in a small Zhuangkou.On the day we set off, did he come to see us off? no?I didn't pay attention.He wouldn't come to this kind of scene to show his face, would he? Leaving Zezhou, it is a more rugged and steep mountain road, and those who take the car have to abandon the car and ride a horse.After passing Tianjing Pass in the afternoon, although we have entered the border of Henan Province, we are still in the deep mountains of Taihang.Overnight at Banche Town in the mountains, it is quiet and cool.Early the next morning, we set off to climb the Taihang Peak.Although they saw all the crags and cliffs, and the towering walls, everyone seemed to have gotten used to it, and they were no longer thrilled.But Kang Hunan was still interested, admiring the steep mountain peaks, and remembered two lines of poems by the Yellow Valley: One hundred and eight hand in hand, It is still a dream to this day. Today, he and Sun Beiming went up this dangerous mountain together, but his younger brother is still sluggish, which is really disappointing.He suddenly thought of Huang Shanshan, was he still thinking about the "Inscription on the Crane" that was rewarded by Su Huang? There is an emperor temple on the top of the mountain, and it is said that the lottery is extremely spiritual.Everyone went to draw a lottery.Sun Beiming drew an auspicious lottery, and seemed to have finally regained his composure, and his spirits lifted a lot. However, after descending the Taihang Mountains, the temperature rises higher and higher, and the area around Yueshan and Tsinghua is like entering a steamer.This area belongs to the ground of Huaiqing Prefecture in Henan Province. It is located in the sun of Taihang and on the bank of the Yellow River. It is warm and humid. There are many bamboo forests everywhere, which is very similar to the scene of the southern country.Suddenly coming down from the mountains of Jin Province, it is really different from ice and coal.When crossing the Qinhe River, everyone was sweating and exhausted.Even the martial arts fighters of the Escort Bureau were pissed off and listless, as if they had lost their souls.Shopkeeper Sun and Lao Ting lost their spirits again.Only Kanghu South is still weather-beaten.When he set off, he said, let's see who gets the hot grass first!Everyone gave hot grass before him. This is really beyond people's expectations. It is said that the old man is not a mortal! He said, if I were not a mortal, I would have gone to Hankou early.The most important way to resist heat is to keep the mind calm.If the mind is not disturbed, the mind will not panic and the body will not be hot. What you say is reasonable, but who can do it without cultivating that kind of Taoism. At dusk, arrive at Huaiqing Mansion.Huaiqing Mansion was called Hanoi in ancient times, and it was the gateway from Huguang to Shanxi.Thanh Hoa nearby was also a large distribution center for iron goods at that time.Most of the camel caravans and mule gangs that go north and south to transport iron goods depart from here.Therefore, Kangjiatiancheng Yuanpiaozhuang has a branch here.The old fan gang who led the village had already received the letter, so they waited outside the city to greet him. Sun Beiming only cared about panting due to the heat, and didn't pay much attention to this old fan fan.After taking a bath and eating the reception banquet, Sun Beiming shook his big cattail fan vigorously, still sweating profusely.Just about to take an early rest, Kang Hunan came over. Look at this Shopkeeper Fan, he doesn't seem to like us coming. Shopkeeper Sun Da hurriedly said: How dare he!I can see that he is diligent enough to run around. Diligent is diligent, as if a little afraid of us. This is a small Zhuangkou, and even Fan's old gang sent a total of three people.You and I come to such a small Zhuangkou, can people not be afraid? When was shopkeeper Fan sent here? It's been two years.Suzhou, where he was stationed in Gansu for many years, was too remote and too miserable.During the shift change, he was moved closer.Shopkeeper Fan is a loyal person. Have you been stationed in Suzhou for many years?Then he followed shopkeeper Liu who died in Suzhou, right? He has been with shopkeeper Liu for many years, and he is also loved and valued by shopkeeper Liu the most.I just listened to shopkeeper Liu's recommendation, and I mentioned him as the deputy assistant of Zhuangkou, Suzhou. Last year, how much business did Shopkeeper Fan raise? A small Zhuangkou, I can't remember.Call him and ask. If he is an honest person, then you don't need to ask, just be careful to scare him. Suzhou, which is now Jiuquan.The Suzhou branch is the most remote village in the northwest of the Kangjia Tiancheng Yuanpiao Village.The tea horse trade in and out of Xinjiang, as well as the co-payment military expenses transferred into Xinjiang, are remitted from the inland, usually to Suzhou.Therefore, the business in Suzhou Zhuangkou is not small.It's just that it's too far away, and it's too painful, the hero doesn't want to go, and the Lai Han can't do it.Every shift change, the shopkeeper Sun Beiming was very worried.Later, thanks to the shopkeeper Liu, the business was successful and he was willing to stay in Suzhou for many years.It's a pity that shopkeeper Liu was already in his sixties when he went to work for the last time. He didn't finish his job and died in Suzhou.This made Sun Beiming feel very guilty, he was the one who used shopkeeper Liu too much.Originally, the old man should have been transferred back to the mainland to recuperate.I'm too sorry for the old man if I overdo it because it's easy to use.Therefore, in addition to making an exception to keep his stock for a few more years behind shopkeeper Liu, he also showed special sympathy for his deputy Fan, who was valued by him during his lifetime. To be honest, Sun Beiming really didn't pay much attention after he reassigned Shopkeeper Fan to Huaiqing Mansion. After Kang Hunan asked, Sun Beiming didn't pay much attention to it, so he took a rest that night.The next day, he and Kang Hunan went to the local business community to socialize again.During the dinner, he just sat down for a while, and came back first with an excuse. Sun Beiming was really taken aback when he wanted to go to the cabinet to have a look at the account books.It's been more than half a year, and the Zhuangkou of Huaiqing Mansion has only received less than 30,000 taels of silver, delivered less than 20,000 taels of silver, and only managed a total of less than 50,000 taels of silver.With the big name of Tian Chengyuan, the three of them worked together for more than half a year, and only made a mere 50,000 taels of business, wouldn't it be a joke! Kang Hunan's eyes were really vicious, as soon as he entered the door, he could see that he was tired and crooked. He asked Fan's old gang: Why did you open up this little business? Mr. Fan's face was tense: Big shopkeeper, isn't this the year of closing accounts, so we shrink our business and don't dare to be greedy. Shrink, can't shrink to this point!How much profit can you make with a business of 30,000 to 50,000 yuan?Can this little profit cover the expenses of your dealership, and support the three of you? Huaiqing Mansion is not a big commercial port How much business can be done here, I know.Shopkeeper Fan, how much business did you do last year? Last year, more than a hundred thousand, the total number of the annual report has already been submitted. Only a few hundred thousand business a year?What a joke! Here, unlike Suzhou Shopkeeper Fan, what is your problem?Or are your two buddies not listening? I can't blame anyone, I'm alone Shopkeeper Liu always praised you in his lifetime. I can't stand Shopkeeper Liu. Sun Beiming saw that Mr. Fan was sweating profusely and his face was not good-looking, so he stopped questioning him. Kang Hunan came back from the entertainment, he was in a good mood, and he didn't ask shopkeeper Fan again. Sun Beiming thought for a while, Kang Hunan was sitting in the town, and he personally questioned such a small old gang, the situation was too scary.So he wrote a letter to the old leader of Zhuangkou in Kaifeng, ordering him to take time to come to Zhuangkou of Huaiqing Mansion, check the accounts carefully, ask the reason for the abnormal business here, and report to Hankou.In Henan, Tianchengyuan only set up branch villages in Kaifeng, Zhoukou and Huaiqingfu.Kaifeng is a big wharf, and Kaifeng Zhuangkou usually takes care of the other two sub-villages.The old gang from Kaifeng came to investigate this matter, and when the general manager handled it, there was room for maneuver. Therefore, they only stayed here for one day before continuing southward. Before the trip, I hired a standard car with large wheels, which is suitable for traveling in the plains. The car is much more spacious and comfortable.Therefore, after passing through Wuzhi and Rongze and crossing the river to reach Zhengzhou, although the climate was hotter, Sun Beiming felt that he was gradually getting used to it.Looking at Lao Ting, he seemed to have come back to life. But when he arrived in Xinzheng, Kang Hunan suffered from heatstroke. three Xinzheng is a small place, and the Kang family does not have any name here.Although they lived in the best inn in the area, it was still hard to keep out the heat.It is not easy to make a bowl of delicious soup for Kang Hunan.Sun Beiming felt that there was a real dilemma. The martial artist of the Escort found acquaintances in Jianghu and invited a famous local doctor.I checked Kang Hunan's pulse, prescribed one dose of medicine, persuaded him to take two doses, and everything went away.Kang Hunan took the prescription and looked at it, and said what kind of prescription it was, and he decided not to use it.He only took the Qushu Dan powder he brought before he left, saying that it was specially prepared by Taigu Guangshengyuan Pharmacy for exercise, and he just took it.In addition, it is called smashing ginger and garlic, and taking it with hot soup, which makes you sweat profusely. After resting in Xinzheng for two days, Kang Hunan called for departure and continued southward.But the old man didn't take it lightly, who would dare to leave? Master Bao Shijing proposed: Go to Zhengzhou and hire a better doctor? Kang Hunan said: No need.What good doctor can Zhengzhou have! Lao Ting said: Then please go to Kaifeng! Kang Hunan waved his hand and said, "It doesn't matter if you don't mobilize people like that."The heat in Xinzheng won't kill me, if it wants to kill me, it has to be Hankou.Let me first teach you a way to save people, which is better than doctors' methods.I'm really going to die of heat, so you can save me in this way. Everyone hurriedly said, the old man is not a mortal, how can he die of heat! Kang Hunan said: You should remember the method I taught you first, and then talk about whether you can kill me from the heat.When I was young, I followed the high-footed caravan on the way back to Shanxi from Yangloudong, Hubei, and I personally saw it.It was also a summer day, and on the way out of Hubei Province, an old worker suddenly suffered from heat stroke and died.Everyone was terrified and at a loss.Lead the caravan, but don't panic.He greeted, lifted the dead worker, and put him on the hot dirt road on his back.He also called to untie his clothes to reveal his belly.Then, he picked up the hot soil from the dirt road and piled it on the man's belly button.After a pile was piled up, a small hole was dug in the middle.Guess what to do next? Everyone said they couldn't guess. It was to call a young workman to urinate some hot piss in the pit!After hot soil and hot urine, soaking and burning the navel hole, the old worker slowly came back to life. After hearing this, everyone sighed. Sun Beiming said: Old Dongtai, you said that the most important thing in the method of resisting heat is to keep the mind calm.You are overwhelmed, are you upset?You old man is not an ordinary person, we are all too hot to die, and we can't heat you up.Needless to say the story of the hot dead.Just calm down for a few days and don't rush to leave. Master shopkeeper, what do you think I am upset about? Along the way, you only think about the downfall of the West Gang, wherever you go, and where you talk.On such a hot day, if you think about it so hard, how can you keep your mind calm! Kang Hunan waved his hand and said to the others: You all go, go to rest, I will talk to the big shopkeeper for a while. After everyone fled, Kang Hunan said: I am worried because I am worried, and I am not overthinking it! It's good to be calm.The general trend of the West Gang cannot be supported by our family, so why torture ourselves too much! I told you, I can think about it.I'm not overwhelmed because I'm overwhelmed.After all, I am old. The age is put there, and it is also a lie to say that you are not old.But in the past ten days since you came out, you have always been more energetic than us.From my point of view, the general trend of the Western Gang cannot be ignored, nor should it be over-concerned.Today, there are three big stocks among the financial operators in the world.One is the Xiyang Yiren Bank, the other is local banks, and the third is our Xibang Bank.The Bank of the West has novel rules, sophisticated calculations, and flexible methods. Since the ban on the sea, it has taken away a lot of profit from our Western Gang.However, it has limited establishments in the country, and its business is mainly limited to overseas trade.Most of the money houses in various places are small-scale, and there are few branch banks in other places. The collection and storage of money can only be limited to the local area.Only our Xibang bank, which has a lot of money, has a name all over the world, and the business of remittance and mobilization of money between various provinces, commercial ports, and wharves in the country can only be done by our Xibang.Yiren Bank has to rely on my help for foreign exchange to the mainland.Banks are in urgent need of local lending, and they have to rely on my bank account. Therefore, the world's finance is still inseparable from our Xibang!We just want to decline, and people in the world will not allow it. Manager, what are you talking about? These are words to reassure you, and they are also true.Shanghai, for example, has now become a large commercial port, with frequent transactions with the mainland, and a large number of department stores.There is a huge amount of nearly 100 million yuan in and out of silver every year, but there is very little cash that can be transferred to the Escort.If the Western Gang declines, so will Shanghai. Shopkeeper, are you reassuring me, or mad at me?The world cannot be separated from the West Gang, but is it difficult for the West Gang to leave the world? During the chaos of Hong and Yang, the western gangs withdrew their villages and returned to Jin Dynasty one after another, and the business world declined accordingly. Didn’t the imperial court become anxious, and issued edicts every day, urging us to open the market.Who can't live without? Needless to say Hong Yang's chaos.We withdraw from the village and defend ourselves, but we are also sitting on the mountain! Sit and eat, there are still mountains to eat. Shopkeeper, if you are so confused, what are you doing with me! I didn't want to come out at first, this year is the account closing year, and the old counter is busy. Then you can go back, don't be mad at me! Then I have to wait for your old man to recover from illness. I'm not sick, you can go.old pavilion Lao Ting came in at the sound, and was surprised to see the old man's angry face. Lao Ting, you choose a martial artist and a buddy to wait for Master Sun to return to Taigu! After hearing this, Lao Ting was even more puzzled.Look at Sun Beiming, with a look of indifference. Did you hear that?Wait for Master Sun to return to Taigu quickly! Lao Ting quickly pulled Sun Beiming out.Once out, ask: Shopkeeper Sun, what happened? Sun Beiming said in a low voice: I was deliberately angry with the old man. Lao Ting panicked: he is so ill, are you still mad at him? Sun Beiming smiled and said: If you get angry with him, your illness will be cured. What are you talking about? Just wait and see.When the old man asked about me, you just said that I refused to leave and would not leave until he recovered from his illness.Just like that, remember it. Lao Ting agreed with doubts. After Sun Beiming left, Kang Hunan became more and more angry.Sun Beiming said the same thing today!Does he also see me getting old?He also thought I would be sick? Lying down in the inn during the journey, Kang Hunan felt a little anxious.Are you really old?Is it really a child's play to go on tour in the summer heat this time?When he decided to go on tour, Kang Hunan felt a heroic feeling that he would not hesitate to die.The more others dissuade you, the stronger this sense of heroism will be.But the more heroic you feel, the less confident you are in your body.After all, I am too old, I really might not be able to hold on wherever I go.Therefore, as soon as he collapsed from heatstroke, he felt an uncontrollable panic in his heart. Now that Sun Beiming was angry, Kang Hunan gradually became unconvinced.How he usually flatters me, it turns out that he thinks I'm useless!I have to ask him to take a look, I can't die yet. He asked Lao Ting: Has Master Sun left? Lao Ting told him: he didn't leave, saying that he would leave only after the old man recovered from his illness. Tell him to go, my illness will never recover! Even though he said this, he was even more angry in his heart: He didn't leave, because he wanted to wait for me to die so that I wouldn't die. After being so angry for two days, the illness became milder. Hearing that Mrs. Kang's illness had improved, Sun Beiming came to see him with a smile on his face. Kang Hunan said with a sullen face: Master shopkeeper, why don't you leave, you still want to anger me, don't you? Sun Beiming still smiled slightly: I'm not angry with you, can you see it lightly?I'm getting old and suffering from sunstroke. I don't think it's a big deal. Why don't you see it?Just short of this breath. So you are deliberately angry with me? The old Dongtai hero, but I see that you fell ill this time, like an old man in the village, always scaring yourself in your heart!You say I'm right? To hell!Where do I scare myself? I've been with you for decades, can't you see it?我知道，我一氣你，你就不嚇唬自己了，英雄本色就又喚回來了。 大掌櫃，你倒會貪功！不是人家廣升遠的藥好，倒是你給我治好了病？你去哄鬼吧！ Hahaha! Four 離開新鄭，到達許州後，就改道東行，繞扶溝，去周家口。周家口不是小碼頭，康家的票莊、茶莊，在周口都有分莊。 雖說越往前走，氣候越炎熱，但大家顯然都適應了這種炎夏的長途之旅。沒有誰再生病，也沒有遭遇什麼意外。康笏南就希望多趕路，但孫北溟不讓，說穩些走吧，這麼熱的天，不用趕趁。 康笏南就向車老闆和鏢局武師建議，趁夜間有月光，又涼快，改為夜行晝歇，既能多趕路，也避開白天的炎熱，如何？他們都說，早該這樣了，頂著毒日頭趕路，牲靈也吃不住。康笏南笑他們：就知道心疼牲靈，不知道心疼人。 於是，從許州出發後，就夜裡趕路，白天住店睡覺。 白天太熱，開始都睡不好覺。到了夜裡，坐在車裡，騎在馬上，就大多打起瞌睡來。連車老闆也常坐在車轅邊，抱了鞭桿丟盹，任牲靈自家往前走。只有康笏南，被月色朦朧的夜景吸引了，精神甚好。 那日過了扶溝，轉而南下，地勢更平坦無垠。只是殘月到夜半就沒了，朦朧的田野落入黑暗中，什麼也現不出，惟有寂靜更甚。 寂歷簾櫳深夜明， 搖回清夢戌牆鈴。 狂風送雨已何處？ 淡月籠雲猶未醒。 康笏南想不起這是誰的幾句詩了，只是盼望著能有一場雨。難得有這樣的夜行，如有一場雨，雨後雲霽，淡月重出，那會是什麼味道！這樣熱的天，也該下一場雨了。自從上路以來，似乎還沒有下過一場像樣的雨。中原這樣夏旱，不是好兆吧。 沒有雨，有一點燈光，幾聲狗叫也好。很長一段路程，真是想什麼，沒有什麼。康笏南也覺有瞌睡了。他努力振作，不叫自己睡去，怕夜裡睡過，白天更沒有多少睡意。 就在這時，康笏南似乎在前方看到幾點燈光。這依稀的燈光，一下給他提了神。這樣人困馬乏地走，怎麼就快到前站練寺集了？ 他喊了喊車倌：車老闆，你看看，是不是快到練寺集了？ 車倌哼哼了一聲什麼，康笏南根本就沒有聽清。他又喊了喊，車老闆才跳下轅，跑到路邊瞅了瞅，說：不到呢，不到呢。 康笏南就指指前方，說：那燈光，是哪兒？ 是什麼村莊吧？ 車倌打了個長長的哈欠，又跳上車轅：老掌櫃，連個盹也沒有丟？真精神，真精神。 康笏南還沒有對答幾句，倒見車倌又抱了鞭桿，丟起盹來。再看前方燈光，似乎比先前多了幾點，而且還在游動。他以為是自己看花了眼，定神仔細望去，可不是在游動！ 那也是夜行的旅隊嗎？再一想，覺得不能大意。幾位武師，沒有一點動靜，也在馬上打盹吧？ 康笏南喊醒車倌，叫他把跟在車後的夥計招呼過來。 夥計下馬跑過來。康笏南吩咐把包師傅叫來。 包世靜策馬過來，問：老太爺，有什麼吩咐？ 包師傅，你們又在丟盹吧？ No no. 還說沒有呢。你看前方，那是什麼？ 包世靜朝前望了望，這才發現了燈光。 快到前頭的練寺集了？ 還沒睡醒吧？仔細看看，那燈火在動！ 包世靜終於發現了燈火在游動，立刻警覺起來，忙說：老太爺放心，我們就去看個究竟！ 康笏南從容說：你們也先不用大驚小怪，興許也是夜行的旅人。 包世靜策馬過去，將鏢局兩位武師招呼來，先命馬車都停下，又命四個拳手圍了馬車站定。 包世靜問兩位武師：你們看前方動靜，要緊不要緊？ 白師傅說：多半是夜行的旅人。就是劫道的歹人，也沒有什麼要緊。沒聽江湖上說這一段地面有占道的歹人呀！ 會不會是拳民？ 郭師傅說：在新鄭，我尋江湖上的朋友打聽過，他們倒是說，太康一帶也有八卦拳時興。 太康離扶溝，沒多遠呀！ 郭師傅說：太康在扶溝以東，我們不經過。我跟朋友打聽扶溝這一路，他們說，還沒傳到這頭。這頭是官道，官府查得緊。 包世靜聽了，說：那我們也不能大意！ 白師傅說：包師傅你就放心。我和郭師兄早有防備的，鬥智鬥勇，我們都有辦法。 郭師傅就說：我先帶兩名拳手，往前面看看，你們就在此靜候。 說完，就叫了兩個拳手，策馬向前跑去。 這時，白武師已從行囊中取出四條黃綢頭巾，交給包世靜一條，天成元的三位夥計，也一人分給一條。他交代大家，先收藏起來，萬一有什麼不測時，再聽他和郭師傅的安排。 包世靜就著很淡的燈光，看了看，發現黃綢巾上畫有乾卦符，就明白了要用它做什麼。 白師傅，怎麼不早告我？ 這是以防萬一的事，早說了，怕兩位老掌櫃驚慌。 他們都是成了精的人，什麼陣勢沒有見過。 正說著，孫北溟大掌櫃過來了：師傅們，怎麼停車不走了，出了什麼事？ 包世靜忙說：什麼事也沒有。這一路，大家都丟盹瞌睡的，怕走錯了道，郭師傅他們跑前頭打聽去了。 孫大掌櫃打了個哈欠，問：天快亮了吧？ 早呢。 前站到哪兒打茶尖？ 練寺集吧。 還不到？ 這不，問去了。 孫大掌櫃又打了個哈欠，回他的車上去了。 這同時，老亭已經來到康笏南的車前。 老太爺，還是連個盹也沒有丟？ 你們都睡了，我得給你們守夜。前頭是什麼人，問清了嗎？ 聽說鏢局的郭師傅問去了，多半也是夜行的旅人吧。 還用你來給我這樣說，這話是我先對他們說的。前方的燈光，也是我先發現的！老亭，這一出來，你也能吃能睡了？ 白天太熱，歇不好，夜裡涼快，說不敢睡，還是不由得就迷糊了。 還說熱！真是都享慣福了。嫌熱，那到冬天，咱們走趟口外。 老太爺是不是嫌太放任眾人了？ 酷暑長旅，不宜責眾過苛。只是，你也不能放任了吧？ 該操的心，我哪敢疏忽了！ 六月二十七，無論到哪兒，也得用枸杞煎湯，叫我洗個澡。不能忘了。 記著呢。 在炎夏的六月二十七，用枸杞煎湯水沐浴，據說能至老不病。康笏南堅持此種養生法，已有許多年了。這次出來，特意叫老亭給帶了枸杞。 正說話間，傳來急馳的馬蹄聲。是跟著郭武師的一個拳手，策馬跑回來了。他喘著氣，對白武師說：白師傅，前頭那夥人，果然是信八卦拳的拳民！ 包世靜立刻說：真是拳民？ 白武師就問：郭師傅呢？他有什麼吩咐？ 郭師傅正跟他們交涉呢。那夥人說，他們是奉命等著攔截潛逃的什麼人，誰過，也得經他們查驗。 包世靜說：他們是不是要買路錢？ 我看不準，反正都包著紅布頭巾，夠橫，不好說話。 白武師說：快說郭師傅怎麼吩咐？ 郭師傅讓包起黃頭巾，護了車馬，一齊過去。 白武師便招呼大家：就照郭師傅說的，趕緊行動，但也不用慌。 包世靜就跑過去，把消息告訴了康老太爺和孫大掌櫃。老太爺當然很平靜，說：想不到，還能見識一回八卦拳，夠走運。孫大掌櫃就有些驚訝，問：不會有什麼不測之事發生吧？ 包世靜掏出那條黃綢頭巾，說：放心吧，鏢局的武師們早有防備的。 武師、拳手和三個伙友，都包上黃頭巾。之後，白師傅打頭，包世靜殿後，拳手、伙友分列兩廂，這樣護著四輛標車，向前走去。 沒有走多遠，十幾個火把已經迎過來了。火把下，有二十來位頭包紅巾的農漢圍了上來。紅巾上，畫著坎卦符。郭武師和一個年輕的漢子正在說什麼。那漢子，清瘦單薄，神色是有些橫。 康笏南靜靜地看著這一切，不動聲色。孫大掌櫃雖心裡有些急，但也只能穩坐不動。 老亭當然不能坐著不動，但剛跳下車來，郭武師就趕過來，對那位粗漢說：這就是我們的師傅，道法高深得很。說著，就給老亭施了個禮，說：拜見師傅，我們遇見同道了，這位壯士也是個得道的大師兄。 老亭揚著臉，問：小兄弟，他冒犯了你嗎？ 那漢子說：有幾個作惡的二毛子，從太康偷跑出來了。誰知道你們是不是？ 老亭仍揚著冷臉，問：你看我們誰是？ 年輕漢子也依然一臉凶相，走到康笏南和孫北溟坐的車前，叫舉來火把，向裡張望。 郭武師說：這是我們師傅的兩位師爺，讀書寫字的。 老亭就說：二位也下車吧，叫這位小兄弟認一認。 康笏南下來，笑吟吟地說：好一個少年英雄！ 孫北溟下來，只是一臉的冷漠，沒有說話。 郭武師說：看清了吧？我告訴你的都是實情。 那漢子又去看裝行李的車。包世靜要攔擋，白武師暗中拉住了。行李車也看過了，漢子還是一臉凶相。 老亭問：我們能走了吧？ 等天亮了再說！漢子的口氣很蠻橫。 包世靜又要衝前去，白武師拉住他。 郭武師就說：等天亮也不怕。只是，我們要趁夜間涼快趕路。你信不過我們的人，那你能信得過我們的乾卦拳吧？師傅，郭武師抱拳向老亭施了個禮，我請來祖師，與這位大師兄說話了。 說完，他就向東垂手站直，嘴唇微動，好像是在唸咒語。跟著，兩頰開始顫抖，面色變青，雙眼也發直了。見這情狀，那十幾個火把都聚攏過來。只見郭武師忽然向後直直倒下，合目挺臥在地，一動不動。 很有一陣，他的手腳才微微動起來，漸漸地，越動越急促。到後來，又突然一躍而起，如一根木樁，站立在那裡。片刻後，大聲問： 你們請我來此，做甚？發聲洪亮粗厲，全不像他平時的聲音了。 白武師忙過來，跪下，說：神祖降臨，法力廣大，我們願領教一二。 看著！ 郭武師大喝一聲，即換成形意拳的三體站樁勢，先狂亂跳躍一陣後，就練了一套虎形拳。騰躍飛撲間，時而逼近這個，時而逼近那個，直叫那些農漢驚慌不止，連連後退。臨收拳時，還使了一個掌上崩功，瞬間將一農漢手中的火把，彈向空中，在黑暗的夜空劃出一道光弧，更引起一片驚叫。 郭武師收拳後，白武師又跪下說：請神祖使刀棒，叫我們再領教一回。 郭武師用更洪厲的聲音說：你等可使刀棒，我不使！ 白武師就請那位年輕的大師兄，先使長棒去攻。農漢已有些猶豫，白武師說：你是得道的人，神祖傷害不著你，演習法力呢，盡可攻打，不用顧忌！ 這個單薄的漢子，接過一條棍棒，向東站了片刻，唸了幾句咒語，就使棒向郭武師胡亂掄來。郭武師不動聲色，從容一一避過，不進，也不退，雙手都一直垂著。如此良久，見那漢子已顯瘋狂狀態，郭武師便瞅準了一個空當，忽然使出一記跟步炮拳，逼了過去，將對手的棍棒擊出了場外。趁那漢子正驚異的剎那間，又騰空躍起，輕輕落在對手的身後。 那漢子發現郭武師忽然不知去向，更慌張了，就聽見身後發出洪厲聲音： 你只得了小法力，還得勤練！ 那漢子還沒有退場，白武師已提劍躍入場中，演了一套形意劍術。郭武師依然垂立了，不大動，只是略做躲避狀。收劍時，當然是白武師劍落人倒，敗下陣來。 爾也是小法力，不可作惡！已耽擱太久，我去了。 說畢，郭武師就頹然倒地。 白武師趕緊高聲喝道：快跪送神祖！ 這一喝，還真把所有在場的人威懾得跪下了。那邊二十來個農漢，這邊武師、拳手、伙友、車倌，連老亭、康笏南、孫北溟，全都跪下了。 等郭武師緩過神來，那些農漢當然不敢再阻攔了，只是想挽留了到村莊住幾天，教他們法術。 郭武師說：我們是奉了神祖之命，趕往安徽傳教，實在不敢耽擱！ 重新上路後，老亭就說：幾個生瓜蛋，還用費這樣的勁，演戲似的！叫我看，不用各位師傅動手，光四位拳手，就能把他們掃平了。 郭武師說：掃平他們幾個，當然不愁。就真是遇了這樣一二十個劫道的強人，也不愁將他們擺平。可這些拳民背後，誰知道有多少人？整村整縣，都漫過來，怎麼脫身？所以，我們商量出這種計策，以假亂真，以毒攻毒。 包世靜說：老亭，你剛才裝得像！ 康笏南說：我喜歡這樣演戲，就是戲散得太早了。 five 雖然這樣，在周家口還是沒有久留。 周家口是大莊口，康家的票莊，在此就駐有十幾人，生意一向也張羅得不賴。只是近來人心惶惶，生意不再敢大做。西幫在此地的其他字號，也都取了收縮勢態。康笏南對這裡茶莊、票莊的老幫，只是一味誇嘉了幾句，沒有再多說生意。他說得最多的，還是練寺集的遭遇，說得眉開眼笑，興致濃濃。 孫北溟給周家口老幫的指示，也只是先不要妄動，不要貪做，也不要收縮得過分厲害，特別不要傷了老客戶。等他和老東台到漢口後，會有新指示傳給各碼頭的。 在周家口打聽時，雖然有人說信陽、南陽一帶，也有八卦拳流行，但到漢口的一路，大體還算平安。特別是進入湖北後，一路都見官府稽查富有票、貴為票的黨徒。兩票中嵌了有為二字，係康梁餘黨。官兵這樣嚴查，道路倒安靜一些。 六月二十七，正是過豫鄂交界的武勝關，所以老亭為康笏南預備枸杞湯浴，是在一個很簡陋的客棧。康笏南沐浴後，倒是感覺美得很。他請孫北溟也照此洗浴一下，孫北溟推辭了，說他享不了那種福。 康笏南笑他：我看你是怕熱水燙！盛夏雖熱，陰氣已開始復升。我們上年紀人，本來氣弱，為了驅熱，不免要納陰在內。這樣洗浴，就是為祛陰護元。我用此方多年了，不會騙你！ 孫北溟雖然不聽他說，康笏南還是彷彿真長了元氣，此後一路，精神很好。 到達漢口，已是七月初九。兩千多里路程，用去一個月稍多，比平常時候要慢。只是，時值酷暑，又是兩個年邁的老漢，做此長途跋涉，也算是一份奇蹟了。西幫的那些大字號，已經指示自家的駐漢莊口注意康家的這次遠行。內中有一種意味，好像是不大相信康笏南和孫北溟真能平安到達漢口。所以，他們到達漢口後，在西幫引起了不小的轟動。 在上海開埠以前，京師、漢口、蘇州、佛山，是天下四聚，用現在的話說，就是國中四個最大的商品集散地。其中漢口水陸交匯，輻射南北，又居四聚之首。所以，天成元票莊的漢號老幫陳亦卿，雖貌不驚人，那可不是等閒之輩。這裡的莊口，人員也最多，老幫之下，副幫一人，內、外賬房各二人，信房二人，跑市二人