Chapter 15 Chapter Fourteen: Nunnery and Graceland

one In front of the third master, the one with the big head is a daughter.This girl is Rumei, she is sixteen years old, and she was engaged to the Chang family, a big family in Yuci, two years ago.Although she is a woman, she seems to have inherited Naifu's blood, and she likes to travel far, especially the places where her father often goes.She saw from her father that outside the mouth was the family's holy place, but no one took her there. The third master loves his intelligent eldest daughter very much, and the old master Kang Hunan also loves this handsome and chivalrous granddaughter very much.But none of them took her far away, let alone out of the mouth.In their eyes, her request was nothing more than a child's joke.

In Rumei, the more you go, the more you yearn for it.Therefore, after getting engaged, she stubbornly proposed: before marrying the Chang family, she must take her out of the mouth, otherwise, she will never marry. The third master vaguely agreed, but in fact, he didn't take it seriously.The third master went outside the mouth as usual, completely forgetting about his daughter's request.Last winter, when he came back from outside the mouth, Rumei was almost unrecognizable to him: she was much thinner, not to mention, what was even more frightening was that a girl who was so smart since she was a child suddenly became demented, as if she had lost her soul. like?The age of a flower, why is it suddenly aging?

The third master was horrified, and hurriedly asked Sanniang: What happened to Meimei?Are you sick? San Niang said: You still ask, you are used to it!You promised to take her out of the mouth? The third master said: No? She said you promised, so you walked on the front foot, and her back foot became like this.Ask her what's the matter, she just said: Since you don't take her out of the mouth, she won't get married.I asked: Who promised to take you outside the mouth?She said: My father.You really promised her? Hey, you don't know yet, she has been pestering me since she was a child, telling me to take her here and there, can I say not to take her there?

Or say you are used to it!Seeing that she is about to get married, she is still so willful. After the third master asked clearly, he hurried to caress Rumei.This little girl didn't want to see him yet, she seemed really angry.He lost his smile and said: Meimei, I went outside this time, and I almost couldn't come back.It was hard to escape from death!When I got home, you didn't ask me what I suffered, but you just got angry with yourself? I'm not angry.How could I be angry? Look at you, what you are talking about is angry!Still think I can't hear it? When I am angry, I am also angry with myself, and it has nothing to do with anyone.

After hearing this, Sanniang said, "Meimei, who are you talking to?" The third master, who was not very tempered, didn't care at all at this time, and still smiled and said: Meimei, I know you are angry with me.This time I went outside the mouth, not only to Guihua City, but also to the front and rear camps in Outer Mongolia, and experienced four to five thousand miles of wilderness.There are many difficulties and dangers, not to mention life and death, the camel team pulls camels, and the camel riders are all men; you are a girl, how can I take you there? You don't want to take me there, you want to take me, what else can you do?

You said, what can I do? I dress up as a man! Haha, why didn't I think of it!Meimei, since you have such pride, I will definitely help you!After the spring of next year, I will go to Beijing and Tianjin first.This time, I will definitely take you there.Let's go to Beijing and Tianjin first, and then go outside the mouth later, will it work? Sanniang hurriedly said: "Just after Wuniang had an accident, you took her to Beijing and Tianjin?"I'm afraid the old man won't allow it! The third master said: I am not the fifth master!If I can't even protect my daughter, what else can I do?

Then Rumei changed her tone and said, "I'll talk to the old lady!" At that time, the third master hadn't taken over to take charge of the external business, he just followed Qiu Taiji's instructions and decided not to be bored, but to go to Beijing, Tianjin and Jiangnan.So, he took out You Jingjin to comfort Rumei.At this time, he was more consoling than promising. During the Chinese New Year, the old man suddenly entrusted him with outside business. After being pleasantly surprised, the third master decided to fulfill his promise to Rumei: not only to take her on a trip to Beijing and Tianjin, but also to take her to the south of the Yangtze River!

More than ten years ago, when Du Changxuan, who had traveled to the West, brought his half-western, half-Beijing-flavored son-in-law to the rich and powerful families in Taigu, the third master was also amazed.Du Changxuan's open-mindedness, generosity, and new style opened his eyes.He was even more envious of the unique beauty and charm of the daughter of the Du family.He never expected that this new beauty would later become his new stepmother!Back then, when he heard the news, he felt a sudden pain in his heart.Hiding this pain, he really didn't want to see this new old lady, and couldn't respect him.Now, that pain has long since passed away. He remembered this incident again, because he wanted to imitate Du Changxuan back then, and he also took his daughter-in-law with him to travel to Beijing and Tianjin, and then to Jiangnan.

He did this to tell the Kang family's firm that he was different from the old man. Ru Mei soon noticed her father's enthusiasm, and she was naturally very happy.The whole person seemed to come back to life, returning to the cleverness and mischievousness of the past.She was full of expectations and went on a long journey with her father. Rumei has been used to being wild since she was a child, and Chang Ai found an excuse to run out of the Dexintang compound and go naughty and crazy in the countryside in the village.The reason why she was able to run around the world like this was first of all because the old man doted on her.Whenever she made a fuss, the old man would speak for her. Who would dare to go against her?Then there is because she is also a natural foot.

She began to bind her feet when she was a child, and she always cried desperately.At that time, it was just in time for the Du family's father and daughter to return to Taigu to make a splash, and the allure of Beijing flavor and foreign style seemed to be fully implemented on Du Yunqing's heavenly feet.The third master, who appreciated the Du family's new beauties, made a decisive decision immediately: His Meimei's feet are no longer bound!But how could Sanniang agree: If you don't bind your feet, how can you find your husband's family when you grow up?Sanniang reported to the old man, but the old man actually said: "Meimei feels hurt, so don't bother her."Royal women don't worry about getting married, and our Kang family women don't worry about getting married either.The old man said this, what else can San Niang do?In this way, Rumei also became a new beauty without footbinding.

However, she has been running wildly all over the world since she was a child, but she hasn't run very far, the farthest is probably Taiyuan Mansion.Therefore, for this real trip, needless to say, it was full of anticipation. Who would have thought that just after the New Year, the bad news would continue to spread before the weather was warm: the Boxers had spread to Zhili, then to Tianjin, and then to the capital!Father has been worrying about the brand name in other places all day long, so how could he take her on a trip? She once asked her father: You are so concerned about the name of Beijing and Tianjin, why don't you go there yourself? Father's temper became bad again, and he said very angrily: "I'll go there, it will do the trick!"Can I level Boxing Boxing? Rumei didn't dare to ask any more questions, she only hoped that the trouble would pass soon.But the more I hoped, the bigger the boxing chaos became. Instead of leaving Beijing and Tianjin, it spread to Taigu instead. As soon as Taigu got Yihequan, the old man let out a word: the women's family members and grandchildren of Dexintang are not allowed to go out casually. This is great, how can Ru Mei be able to bear being confined at home from spring to summer?She is very much like this year's crops, which have suffered a severe drought and are wilting day by day. They are always looking forward to rain, but they are always hopeless.But now, no one can pay attention to her.Even if she was in a daze like a lost soul all day long, her father ignored her.When she was extremely bored, she could only think: her fate is not good.Sometimes when I get depressed, I really want to sneak out to see what Boxing is like.Of course, this is just an angry thought, it is difficult to achieve. When the Boxers were finally suppressed by the county government, Rumei couldn't bear it any longer, and immediately shouted to go outside to get some air.There is a lot of chaos outside, how could Sanniang ask her to go out?Rumei resorted to her usual trick, ran straight into the old man's house, and asked the old man for help. The old man followed the usual practice and did not make things difficult for the granddaughter at all, and said happily: If you want to go out, you can.Call a martial artist to follow, or you'll be fine!As soon as the boxing of righteousness is scattered, the outside world will be safe. Rumei hurriedly said: Grandpa still has style! The old man asked: What about your father, he doesn't allow you to go out? It is not easy for me to see my father, he is busier than anyone else! Your father is now in charge of the house, and he is taking care of the outside shop. When grandpa was in charge of the house, I don't think he was as busy as him. Meimei, are you saying that grandpa is lazier than your father? I am boasting grandpa, lifting weights lightly. Hahaha, you are sweet! Grandpa just lifts weights lightly!How can grandpa live so long if he is anxious and frantic like my father?I was too tired to get down! Meimei, the more you say you are sweet, the more you will come!Now, the world is different, our Kang family name is spread all over the world, and it is not easy to spread it out. I know.Last year, grandpa went on a tour of the south of the Yangtze River, what a crime he suffered! I like to travel far away, and when I go on a long journey, I feel refreshed.So, that's not called suffering. I also like to travel far away, but you always stop me from going! I said, you have such a sweet mouth today, and you are flattering me with your sweet mouth, so you were waiting here!Meimei, why do you want to travel so far? He didn't draw anything, just like his grandfather, he wanted to be happy.As soon as I go out, I come to the spirit! You can say it. Grandpa has opened up the brand name all over the world. I go out and walk all the way, and I have my own brand name along the way. Who do you want to give it to? Ru Mei's words really touched the old man's heart, he lifted his spirits and said: Meimei, you have such a thought, you are really better than your uncles!If I had known you were so caring, I would have taken you there when I went to Jiangnan last year. Last year, I also said the same to grandpa, but you didn't listen to it, did you? Where did you say that? Said! That's why I'm getting confused. Last year, when grandpa was going to Jiangnan, the whole family stopped you from going. I was the only one who agreed with you, but grandpa, you ignored me! Really?Grandpa is old and confused, old and confused.In the future, if grandpa goes out again, he will definitely ask you to accompany him. At the end of the year, my father had promised me that he would take me to the capital, but who would have thought that he would meet Yihequan to make trouble?Grandpa, please tell my father, when Boxer is equalized, tell him not to forget to promise me! I can tell you this! The goal has been achieved, Rumei wants to leave, but the old man tells her not to rush away, stay and talk to grandpa for a while.She stayed and said a few words, but couldn't help but found an excuse and ran away. After Rumei ran away, Kang Hu nestled in the chair ring, and did not move for a long time.When the servants came to serve, he drove them all away, even Song Yu, who was being favored, came in and was also driven away. The granddaughter he loved refused to stay with him for a while, which suddenly caused Kang Hunan a feeling of loneliness that was hard to shake off.He opened his name all over the world, but how can he have a close person by his side? Although there are six sons behind him, except for the third son, none of them are successful.It's okay to be incompetent, but they have no interest in business!There is only one third child left, determined to inherit the ancestral business, but so far, he is still too bloody and lacking in wisdom.Among the grandchildren, there are a large number of girls, and it is only with the third child that they start to have children.But looking at the eldest grandson born to him by the third child, he is really not as masculine as his sister Meimei.San Niang almost spoiled him into a sweet girl.With a large number of grandchildren, Rumei is the only one who is outstanding, but she is a girl. Who can entrust the ancestral business with famous names all over the world? Looking at the current situation, the imperial court is so incompetent that even the capital has been lost!I really don't know whether the Qing Dynasty can keep its country.The Qing Dynasty will perish, and the world will be in chaos. Without great wisdom and geniuses, how can we stand up and keep our business? The world is so dangerous, and the family is so deserted, is it possible that the Kang family will follow the Qing Dynasty and fall all the way? two After the old lady let go, no one dared to stop Rumei.But where can San Niang rest assured?She called the housekeeper, Lao Xia, and told him to send a boxer with good martial arts to follow, and explained clearly to the driver: Lamemei is not allowed to enter the city, the city is in chaos. Lao Xia agreed again and again, saying: Sanniang didn't tell me, so I will do the same.I even asked from door to door: Is there any junior who wants to go out for fun, and if we get together, there will be more people and more people.Too bad no one wants to go.Then I'll ask them to take care of Meimei. Sanniang said: You know Lao Xia, Meimei is too capricious.We don't want to deliberately embarrass the people below. Lao Xia hurriedly said: Don't worry, San Niang. Lao Xia is the old housekeeper of the Kang family, and serving the old man is loyal and dedicated, without any discount.For a new master who is a generation later than the third master, he can't help feeling a little relieved.Therefore, although San Niang's orders were well fulfilled, they were not particularly caring about doing them.He just told Master Bao Shijing to choose two of his guards and follow them to serve him. It's the end of July, and it should be the season when the autumn wind is refreshing and the eyes are full of splendor.But in the year of Gengzi, there was a severe drought, and the crops in the field did not grow well. During the period, the drought was severe, as if they had been hit by frost, they had withered and collapsed.Looking up, the green field is full of these withered and yellow plates, which really seem to be devastated.The trees are also gray-green and gray-green, without any spirit. However, how could a little girl like Rumei notice the drought in the field!The whole summer, she was confined at home, and now she finally flew out, she only felt happy. Sure enough, as soon as she left the village, she asked the coachman to take her into the city for a stroll.But Lao Xia has an explanation: You can't pull the young lady into the city, so the driver naturally doesn't dare to disobey.However, the coachman was also clever, he blinked and made up an excuse, and said to Rumei: In the past two days, the county government has been suppressing the remnants of Boxer Boxers in the city, and the gate of the city is very strict, and ordinary people are not allowed to enter or leave. Rumei said: My father entered the city yesterday, why can't I enter? The coachman said calmly: "Third Master has a letter from the government." The maid who followed Rumei also said: I heard that even if you enter the city, you will be interrogated everywhere, and it is very inconvenient to move around.We took a trip out so easily, and went into the city to be bound by that, what's the point? The driver then said: Let's go to Fengshan.I heard that there has been a lot of activity there lately. Rumei had no choice but to agree to go to Fengshan. When we arrived at Longquan Temple in Fengshan, it was not as lively as the driver said. Compared with usual times, there were not many people visiting.However, Rumei didn't bother to complain, as there were fewer people and the open space allowed her to run more freely. So, Ru Mei ran around without resting after getting off the car. Commonly known as Fengshan, it is Fenghuang Mountain in the south of Taigu City.Longquan Temple is located at the foot of Fengshan Mountain. It is named after the unbeaten, clear and wine-like spring in the temple.Also because of this famous spring, entering the temple gate, there is a beautiful small lake named Kelaochi; in the middle of the lake stands an exquisite and elegant water pavilion.It reflects in the water, making Kelaochi even more ethereal.The main hall of Longquan Temple is the Hall of Three Buddhas standing against the mountain. In the hall, a giant Buddha several feet high is enshrined, and the incense is very strong. Around Longquan Buddhist Temple, there are also Longwang Temple, Erlang Temple, Guandi Temple, Caishen Temple, Niangniang Temple, and Zhenwu Taoist Temple.Of course, there are also theaters, booths, shops, and restaurants in the secular world. In short, because Fengshan Longquan Temple is not too far from the city, it has become a convenient place for wealthy businessmen to go outing in spring, escape the heat in midsummer, climb mountains in autumn, and enjoy snow in midwinter. Therefore, it is almost the second busiest area outside the county seat.Of course, the prosperity and beauty here is still due to the continuous donations from the big merchants in Benyi. In the summer of the Gengzi Year, the place suddenly became much deserted.The rich people who come here to escape the summer heat are almost extinct: the rich are the ones who cherish their lives the most.The only people who come here often are the nearby farmers. They come to offer sacrifices to the Dragon King and pray for rain.During the severe drought, even the Qiquan was weaker, but the Kelaochi was still full.Because the people in the nearby villages have stopped drawing water from the Qiquan in order to respect the Dragon King. Although the scenery in the temple is still ethereal and beautiful, Rumei didn't stay long.She just went to the Temple of Three Buddhas to offer incense in a hurry, then ran out from the side door behind the temple, and walked up the hillside path quickly.When she boarded a hexagonal pavilion in the middle of the mountain, the two maids who followed her did not catch up for a long time.Although they can be considered old mothers with big feet, their feet have been bound, and they cannot run, jump, or fly like Rumei.Those two servants who came to be bodyguards didn't follow either. Rumei was very proud of herself, she sat alone in the small pavilion and looked north: the square of Taigu City was showing the whole picture, and the white pagoda of Buddha at the South Temple in the city was even more clearly visible.She wanted to find the Gospel Church for foreigners under the White Tower, but it was really hard to tell.After all, it's too far away. She was about to leave the kiosk and continue to walk upwards when she saw a servant rushing up. Rumei asked: You are still practicing martial arts, and you walk so slowly? The housekeeper hurriedly said: "The two old ladies of Miss and I were too hasty to catch up behind. After a few steps up the hill, one of them sprained his foot and couldn't walk."I came to ask the young lady for instructions: Can we take a break and let us carry the old lady down the mountain? When Rumei heard this, she was overjoyed and said, "It's all so useless!"Go and take care of her, and leave me alone. The servant hurriedly said: How can it be!We came out to serve the ladies, not them. Rumei said: Then you threw her away?I'll wait here, you guys send her down the mountain and tell the driver to come back quickly, that's it! The servant said: "It's still Miss Renyi, I'll go and pass on your words."Miss Wrong is waiting here for a while, and when I go down, I will ask the old lady who has not sprained her feet to come up to serve.We are also fast, we will come back as soon as we talk.After speaking, he ran down. Seeing the servants leave, Rumei felt more at ease: it would be nice if she could avoid them!This feeling made Rumei extremely excited. Suddenly, an impulse came up: while they were not around, she hid in a secluded place to play alone, and asked them to search all over the world.If they can find them, they are capable! Thinking of this, she immediately got up, left the hexagonal pavilion, and hurriedly walked up the mountain along the hillside path.It's just that after walking a few steps, I feel that this is not enough: the old route, the old land boundary, it is not easy for them to find you? Rumei stopped, looked around, and suddenly found a place to go: instead of climbing up the mountain, she turned to the west, and soon went downhill; she passed the Guandi Temple in the middle, and then went down, walking a mile or two along the valley. , you can bend into a nunnery.This nunnery is not well-known, and the surrounding scenery is not unique.However, every time Rumei came here crazy, as long as she mentioned it to her grandfather, she would be reprimanded.At that time, grandpa was really angry.The servant who didn't control her and allowed her to go to the nunnery would also be scolded by the housekeeper, Lao Xia, as if she was allowed to step into some kind of dangerous situation. In the middle of Fengshan Mountain, the area where the nunnery is located is really plain and quiet, and there is nothing scary about it.Go for it, why are they making such a fuss? The more forbidden the land, the more mysterious the attraction. Now, taking advantage of the freedom at home alone, Rumei decided to go there again.Besides, it was not easy to chase after her mother and servant when she ran there. In this way, Rumei ran to the nunnery alone. When I came here, the nunnery was closed.But today, not only was the gate of the mountain not closed, there was also an old nun sitting outside the gate.Seeing someone running, the old nun wanted to get up and enter the nunnery, but after taking a closer look, he sat down again. The old nun saw clearly that she was a little girl, so he didn't want to avoid it, right? Rumei quickly ran over, saluted the old nun, and said, "I've come here so abruptly, I'm disturbing the master." The old nun said listlessly: This nunnery does not entertain pilgrims, we only practice at home.While speaking, the old nun's gaze was also extremely dull, it was truly an out-of-world gaze. Rumei said: I didn't come here to offer incense, I just got lost while running around. How can I get lost here?A ditch, just go out. Thank you master for your pointers.I'll rest here first, okay? up to you. Can I enter the nunnery and beg for saliva? We have a rule that people in the world of mortals are not allowed to step into the nunnery. Giving saliva to drink is also a kind deed.Is it because of the smallness of the good and not doing it? We have rules! How heartless.Are there any monasteries where incense is not allowed?I have never been to other nunneries. I wonder if they are all like this?Rumei looked in from the door, but couldn't see anything: there was a shadow wall blocking the door.The more this happened, the more she wanted to go in. Rumei first sat down on the steps outside the mountain gate, thought about it, and thought of a topic: Master, I actually came here specially, and I also want to become a monk. Lao Ni glanced at her coldly, and said: You are young, talking nonsense. My family forced me to marry a naive and ugly man.If I can't get out of the house, I will die. snort. Lao Ni just snorted coldly.Ru Mei's nonsense didn't seem to impress this indifferent old nun at all. Could it be that old Nifo's eyes are bright enough to see that what she said is nonsense? I know it is harder to become a monk than to die.Since the master sees that I don't have the root of wisdom to be a Buddha, I am willing to die.In fact, I had already made up my mind to die.It's just a dream recently, it's not a temple, it's a Buddha.I thought, is this the manifestation of the Buddha, calling me to become a monk? snort. Lao Ni still just hummed coldly.Did you really see through her nonsense? After looking at the old nun for a while, Rumei found that she didn't seem to be old or ugly.Especially on the slant above the corner of the mouth, there was such a mole, not too big and not too small, which seemed to add a bit of charm to the whole face.It's just that his face is too haggard and melancholy, which doesn't look like what a monk who jumped out of the sea of ​​suffering should have.Is she not a real nun, or is she a bad nun?At this time, Rumei suddenly felt some fear. No wonder, the old man forbids her to run here! Fortunately, Rumei is not timid, she tried her best not to show panic, and she didn't get up and run away immediately.She pretended to be in a daze, and sat there and kept saying: It's better to die, it's better to die At this time, the old nun suddenly asked coldly: Where are you from? Not far from Fengshan, Kangzhuang. Kang Zhuang?When the old nun heard that it was Kang Zhuang, he seemed taken aback. It is Kangzhuang. Whose family is Kangzhuang? The Kang family! The Kang family?When the old nun heard that it was the Kang family, he was obviously even more shocked. It's the Kang family. Who is in front of the Kang family? Third Lord. Third Lord.Do you see Liu Ye often? common. The old nun suddenly had a cold face again, stood up slowly, turned around and walked into the mountain gate.Only then did Rumei discover that the old nun had a lame leg.However, when she moved into the nunnery, she was quite agile, and after that, the gate of the mountain was closed, which seemed even more powerful. Looking at the closed mountain gate, Rumei realized: This weird old nun seems to be somewhat familiar with their Kang family?However, she didn't have time to think about it, so she left quickly.In Taigu, who doesn't know the Kang family!At this time, I was only thinking about: how did those servants with her find her? Ru Mei made a detour and returned to the place where the carriage was parked. Sure enough, they really panicked.The coachman also ran up to look for it, but the old woman who sprained her ankle stayed beside the carriage.When she saw Rumei coming back, she yelled: "Little ancestor, where have you been?"Driving us crazy! Rumei said calmly: You are in a hurry, but I am even more anxious than you!I went astray by myself and could hardly find my way back.One by one is useless, they can't keep up with me, and they even speak out to serve me! Seeing Rumei say this, the old lady hurriedly said: I am useless today, I have wronged the lady, and I have also implicated everyone!Miss Fu is very lucky, come back safely, even if I am scolded and punished, I am willing. Rumei asked: Where did they find it? Find it all over the world!I'm afraid that you will go to the top of Fengshan Mountain alone, and even more afraid that someone will kidnap your ticket. It really drives us crazy! In Taigu, who dares to tie my ticket! This year is full of chaos, which makes people feel uneasy! Just look at you guys and you'll be amazed!Am I that useless?Come on, stop talking.I'm going to call them back. The old mother immediately exclaimed: "Little ancestor, you must not leave again!"People look for people, look for Sharen!Who knows where they went to find you?They look for you all over the world, and if you look for them all over the world, when will you find them? Rumei smiled: Let's see you!I thought how big Fengshan was, a piece of land like a slap in the face. The old lady still said nervously: You must not leave!Fengshan is not big, didn't the lady also get lost just now?Let's die here and wait for them, we dare not go alone again! Rumei had no choice but to sit and wait.With this small disturbance, she felt a little happy in her heart. After a long wait, an old woman, a coachman, and two servants came back one after another.When they saw Rumei, a stone fell to the ground in their hearts, but their frightened emotions could not be relieved for a while.Now they are worried, such a mistake has happened, how will they explain it when they go back? Rumei saw what they were thinking, and said with a sense of relief: I am also to blame for today's matter, I ran too fast ahead.It's nothing more than a false alarm.Go back, no one can mention this matter again.If anyone talks too much, let Lao Xia know, and I can't save you if you clean up. Hearing what Rumei said, the servants were all relieved, and thanked them repeatedly. three Coming back from Fengshan, it has been peaceful and quiet, Rumei almost forgot that trip to Fengshan.Six or seven days later, she suddenly found that the two old women who went to Fengshan with her were gone. She asked her mother, and her mother said: They were all sent away. She hurriedly asked: Why? Mother said: It was Lao Xia's intention to send them away.It is said that they are too old, and each family is also burdened, and they all want to quit their jobs and go back.In fact, I'm used to being bossed around, and I don't really want to ask them to go. That's not all sent! What Lao Xia meant was that he had found a more capable maid, and the old one had to be replaced.Let me see, Lao Xia is flattering us: your father is in charge, how can he show nothing?So, I have to appreciate it. After hearing this, Rumei felt that it made sense, so she didn't say anything more.She ran out to find a servant, and after asking, she was surprised: the two servants who went up to Fengshan with her were also sent away! Because of her own naughtiness, all four servants were kicked out, which made Rumei feel very sorry. These dishonest slaves!Tell them not to talk too much, but they won't listen.Someone among them must have talked too much in front of Lao Xia, but who could it be?Who is so stupid and doesn't understand that the result of talking too much is everyone's bad luck? Rumei suddenly remembered that during that trip to Fengshan, besides two old women, two servants, and a coachman.Was he also driven away? She went to the carriage yard to inquire, and learned that the carriage driver was still there, but he was out of the carriage and would not be able to see him for the time being. Needless to say, the one who talked too much in front of Lao Xia was the driver.It's good for you, you sold everyone else, and you have nothing to do with yourself! Rumei ran several times, and finally saw the driver.When asked, the coachman was very aggrieved, saying that he was almost kicked out by Lao Xia too!Thanks to the words of the third master and the fourth master, they are called to stay and make meritorious deeds. When we went to Fengshan that day, we didn't serve the good lady, so we deserved to be kicked out.It's really not that I'm talking too much when I come back!The third master and the fourth master said that I could stay, but I still got scolded by Lao Xia, I really didn't die!Wages were also reduced.The lady didn't tell me to talk too much, why should I talk too much? Looking at the driver's distraught look, it doesn't seem like he has made up nonsense to wash himself off. That's weird.No one talked too much, how did Lao Xia know what happened on Fengshan that day? Knowing from the driver's mouth that her father also spoke about this matter, Ru Mei decided to ask her father.After waiting for a few days, I finally waited for my father to come home.When mentioning the expulsion of the servants, his father said that he didn't know much about it. It seemed that the fourth master had told him, how could he remember the details?All along, the shopkeeper friends of the shops in other places have escaped and come back almost every day, how can he care about these trivial matters at home! Seeing her father like this, Rumei didn't want to ask any more questions.Just as she was about to leave, her father stopped her suddenly and said in a serious voice, "Meimei, where have you been running like crazy again?"It made the old man angry, thinking that I had indulged you too much.You're almost married, and you're still so wild, can't you?The Chang family is also a big family, if you marry like this, you will be left to make people laugh at our Kang family! God, even Grandpa knew about it! However, Rumei felt that it would be good if grandpa knew about it.She went to ask her grandfather, and everything would be clear.Grandpa is not like others, he will tell everything she wants to know. So, after listening to her father's lecture, Rumei went to see the old man. A situation that was absolutely beyond her expectation happened: she couldn't even enter the old courtyard!As soon as she was about to enter the gate of the old home, someone came out to stop her, saying: There is an explanation inside, and now the old man is gone. Rumei had never been blocked like this before, so she yelled: I'm blind, I don't see who I am! The servant still stopped him and said: How dare I offend Miss?There is an explanation in it I do not care!I want to see the old man! Rumei yelled willfully, but the servant still stopped her and wouldn't let her go.When I was nervous, the old pavilion who was close to the old man came out from inside.He didn't wait for Rumei to open his mouth, and said coldly: Don't fight with them, I told you, the old man didn't see anyone. Why? The old man said he didn't want to see anyone, so how could I ask more?Miss, please go back, close the door! The servant of the porter of the old courtyard really suddenly closed the gate. Rumei stood there blankly, as if the old courtyard she was familiar with was not in front of her.What the hell happened?Ever since she could remember, she had never been treated so coldly by the old man. She ran back and asked her mother: What's wrong with the old man, is he sick? San Niang glared at her and said, "Old Master, it's alright, what nonsense are you talking about!" Then why don't you see me? During this time, there was chaos outside, even the capital city was lost, shops all over the place were closed and went out of business.How can the old man have time to see you?Haven't you seen how busy your father is? Rumei thought about it, and felt like this, but not like this.Chasing away two old women and two servants, punishing the coachman, and the old man refusing to see her, how many things happened to happen together?It is not uncommon to drive out servants and punish servants.What surprised Rumei was the old man's indifference.She has been a naughty woman since she was a child. What kind of trouble has she not caused?Not only did the old man never blame her, on the contrary he preferred her even more because of it.If she was well behaved and docile, would the old man spoil her so much?The turmoil outside is really worrying the old man, so he shouldn't treat her so ruthlessly.The old man is a courageous person, even if the sky falls, he will not vent his anger on her little granddaughter. There must be something going on in between. It was only then that Rumei thought carefully about her trip to Fengshan that day.After much deliberation, she seemed to understand: she probably shouldn't go to that nunnery.Before, they were not allowed to come near.Even grandpa is not happy every time he runs madly.This time, he managed to deceive the servants, ran close to it by himself, and talked to a strange old nun for a long time. But what's wrong with that? By the way, that old nun seemed to be no stranger to the Kang family, and she even asked about Master Liu. Did Liu Ye also go to that nunnery and meet this old nun? So Rumei decided to meet Liu Ye. The school opened by the Kang family for the children of the family also accepted some girls from the same family to teach them how to read and write.However, once you have reached the level of proficiency in writing and ink, and your age is approaching puberty, you have to finish your studies and return to your boudoir.Rumei was allowed to stay in the academy for two more years because she was favored by the old lady and was also masculine.So, she can really see Liu Ye often. Although Liu Ye is a generation older than Rumei, his age is similar.It's just that Liu Ye doesn't like her naughty and wild nature.The Sixth Master seemed to be even more awe-inspiring than the He Juren who taught in the academy.Therefore, Rumei can't see Liu Ye in the academy, because if she sees her, she won't listen to her gossip. She took a chance and went to Liu Ye's house to pay a serious visit.The reason for the meeting was to ask the sixth master: I heard that the imperial court lost the capital, so this autumn's rural competition can still go on as usual? These words are right on Liu Ye's sore spot, how can he give her a good face?He opened his mouth and said to her: Why, you failed in the provincial examination, are you happy? Rumei hurriedly said, "Look at what Liu Ye said, is my heart so dark?"I'm worried about Master Liu!Spring is still fine, why is it suddenly getting worse day by day, and the world is so chaotic? You ask me, who shall I ask? Liu Ye has always had a good opinion on current affairs. Whoever can foresee this step in the world is really wise! Where is Mr. He?He said all day long that he knew the capital well, and he didn't have any foresight? Then you have to ask him. So far, it's useless to ask Master He.It's okay for others, but Liu Ye is too unlucky for you, and you have a big competition just in time.After studying hard for so many years, I just waited for this year's autumn festival. If such a mess happened, who could not be anxious for Liu Ye! Don't worry, it's useless to worry! Sixth Master, you didn't go to the temple to buy incense and shake a lottery? I don't believe that. Not long ago, I went to Fengshan, and I wanted to make a wish for the sixth master in the Hall of Three Buddhas: If I can be named on the gold list in autumn, I will reshape the golden body for the Buddha.I was also afraid that I would insult Confucianism if I was a woman, so I dared not agree. I don't believe that! But I was in a nunnery in Fengshan, and I saw an old nun, and she asked about you, Master Liu. A nun asked about me?You are talking crazy again! There is such a thing!That old nun knew about our Kang family, so he asked me directly: Do you see Liu Ye often? Nonsense!I've grown up and never met a nun! I said so!Liu Ye went to offer incense and draw lots, so he wouldn't go to that nunnery, would he? Nonsense!I have never been to any temple to draw lots! The sixth master just denied that he had seen any nuns, so Rumei had no choice but to stop asking.But the suspicion in my heart is even bigger.Since Liu Ye has never met any nuns, how did the old nun know Liu Ye? After some time, Rumei accompanied her mother to burn incense in the lobby of the front yard.Occasionally, I glanced at the portraits of the four deceased old ladies hanging on the side wall, and suddenly found one who seemed familiar. How can this be? When the last old lady who passed away was alive, Rumei was still very young and had no memory at all.Besides, it was not the first time for her to come here, and she had never felt this familiar before! So, who does this old lady look like to her?There is a beautiful mole above the corner of her mouth. After much deliberation, I couldn't find an exact target.So, she didn't think about it anymore.But before he walked out of the lobby, a person jumped out suddenly: the old nun from Fengshan Nunnery!The familiar old lady, how much does she look like that old nun? Lao Ni had such a beautiful mole! 天爺，老尼姑像康家一個死去的老夫人，那天是見了鬼吧？ 汝梅越想越怕，不禁大叫一聲，失魂落魄跑出大堂。 Four 庚子年時局的突變，真把六爺給氣蒙了。 今年恩科鄉試，定在八月初八開考。六爺本來打算，七月二十就赴省府太原，駐紮下來，早做臨考準備。同時，亦可會會各地來趕考的士子。然而，一進七月，無論太原，還是太谷，義和拳都大開殺戒了。幾起教案，弄得太原血雨腥風，趕考的士子，誰還敢早去？ 到七月二十，竟正好是朝廷丟了京師的日子！六爺聽到這個消息，除了仰天長嘆，又能如何！ 十年寒窗苦讀，就等著今年八月的鄉試大比呢，誰能想到眼看考期將近了，竟出了這樣的塌天之禍！京城丟了，太后皇上帶著滿朝文武逃難去了，天下已經亂了套，誰還顧得上鄉試會試？ 何老爺說：出了這樣大的變故，朝廷會推延考期的。 可朝廷逃難逃到哪了，誰知道？ 六爺像挨了窩心腳似的，真是有苦說不出。因為在康家，幾乎就沒人關心他的科考。老太爺便是第一個不想叫他赴考求仕，更不用說別人了。新當家的三哥、四哥，誰會惦記他的科考！三哥當政後，倒是不那麼脾氣大了，可對他苦讀備考，還不是依然不聞不問？四爺是善人，也只問問寒暖而已。 學館的何老爺，當然惦記大考，可他瘋瘋癲癲的，連句知心的話也沒法跟他說。 以前，母親總在冥冥之中陪伴著他，使他不感孤單。實在說，他苦讀求仕，也完全是為了報答早逝的母親。可母親也早放下心來，離他而去：母親的英魂不再來，康宅不再鬧鬼，已有許多年。去年夏天，母親忽然又回來幾次，顯然也知道考期將近了！ 可考期將近了，厄運卻接踵而至：何老爺幾次犯病；老太爺又對他明言：能不能放棄儒業，輔助你三哥理商？更要命的，是開春後時局就急轉直下，拳亂加洋禍，一天不如一天，終於塌了天。 母親，你的英魂也不能保佑我了？我十年苦讀就這樣毀了，不能蟾宮折桂？ 今年春夏以來，每當靜夜，六爺總盼著母親再度顯靈。有時，給母親的靈位敬香後，就長跪不起，默禱良久。可是，母親再沒有顯過靈。 就在這種憂憤又孤寂的時候，汝梅跑來問起他的科考事。在康家，這要算唯一還惦記著他科考的人了。閤家上下，就這麼一個淘氣的侄女還惦記他，這使六爺更覺孤寂。所以，他也沒有給汝梅好臉看。 汝梅走後，六爺才覺得不該這樣對待她。她一個小女子，竟然比誰都關心你，總該說句叫她中聽的話吧？汝梅建議他去拜神求籤，問一個吉凶，也是好意：抽到一個好籤，他會少一些憂憤？ 至於汝梅說到的尼姑庵，六爺只當成了昏話聽。汝梅說此昏話，是想引誘他去拜佛求籤吧？ 她一向就愛這樣沒邊沒沿的昏說。 要是沒有這場拳亂，這幾日恐怕已經坐在太原的貢院了。眼看初十已過，什麼消息也沒有。 六爺真決定到寺廟去求一次籤。 鳳山龍泉寺的簽，一向很靈。可六爺不願意跑那麼遠路。想了想，決定還是進城一趟吧。在城裡，不拘南寺、東寺，求個籤看看。求完籤，還能到別處探聽到一些消息。 正做這樣的準備時，何老爺興沖沖跑來了：六爺，有消息了！朝廷已頒布詔書，暫緩今年恩科：鄉試改在明年三月初八，會試推至明年八月初八。明年的正科，以此遞推。 六爺就問：何老爺，消息真確嗎？ 何老爺就有些不高興，說：這是什麼事，我能瞎說八道！ 六爺趕忙說：何老爺在上，學生哪能不相信？我是怕現在天下大亂，朝廷還不知逃到哪了，會不會有假傳聖旨的事？ 何老爺說：我親自進城跑了一趟，尋著學宮的教諭。正是教諭大人對我說，朝廷頒了此詔書。他是衙門中人，不想活了，假傳聖旨！ 朝廷真頒了這樣的詔書，還叫人放心一些，只是頒得太遲了。 遇了這非常之亂，頒布及時，也傳不下來。我們晉省還算近水樓台呢，詔書傳來得早。 何老爺，我們怎麼算近水樓台？ 我已經得了確切的消息，太后皇上逃出京城後，是先沿了京北官道跑到宣化。離開宣化府，已改道南下，要奔山西來了。 要奔山西來了？ 六爺還是不相信我？ 我不是不相信何老爺，只是這消息太震耳了。 震什麼耳呀！京城丟了以後，什麼事你也不用大驚小怪了。還有什麼事能比丟了京城更震耳？ 是呀，朝廷丟了京城，真是塌天之禍。兩宮逃來山西，是看晉省表裡山河，還平安一些？ 我看朝廷也是再沒好地界可去了，不來山西，還能去哪兒？躲進承德離宮，洋人不愁追殺過去！逃往口外關外，兩宮能受得了那一份苦焦？不來山西，真還沒好地界去。 何老爺，你看兩宮會暫時駐鑾山西嗎？ who knows?朝廷真要駐鑾山西，明年也不用指望有鄉試會試了。 Why? 沒有國都的朝廷，還能開科取士？ 六爺聽了這話，心裡不是滋味。 叫何老爺這樣一說，那我該投筆從戎了？ 從戎又有何用！朝廷連京營大軍都不用，只用鄉間一幫拳民，你從戎有何用？ 何老爺又在說瘋癲話了吧。六爺就說：何老爺，也不用埋怨朝廷了。朝廷又豈是我們可以非議的？國都一丟，商家也更不好立身。京城字號不是都逃回來了？ 何老爺瞪了六爺一眼，說：六爺，你這是說什麼話！是朝廷守不住京城，任洋人進來燒殺掠搶，商家才難以立身！ 六爺忙說：何老爺，我們不說朝廷了。鄉試既已推延，也只好指望明年能如期開考。 六爺，我看你也不用多指望。 難道從此就沒有轉機了？大清敗亡的話，六爺沒敢說出。 何老爺卻瞪了眼說：大清就是不亡，你去入仕這樣無能的朝廷，能有什麼出息？ 六爺知道何老爺的瘋癲勁兒又上來了，不能別著勁跟他論理，你越別勁，他越要說沒遮攔的話，只好順著幾分說：何老爺，即便遭逢了末世，也不該躲避吧？一部《呂氏春秋》，傅青主激賞的只一句：天下非一人之天下也，天下人之天下也。顧亭林也有句名言：保天下者，匹夫之賤，與有責焉耳矣。 六爺，你是錯將杭州當汴州了！今之末世，實在不能與傅山、顧炎武所處末世相比。看看當今士林，都是些猥瑣、苟且之輩，哪有傅氏、顧氏那樣的偉岸人物？你縱然有拯救天下的大志，只怕也無處放置！士林太不堪了，你一人有志，又能如何？ 天下有難，與我們無關涉？ 六爺，你總算說了句明白話：朝廷也好，士林也好，就任其去敗落、腐爛，我們何必管它！ 何老爺，我可依舊不明白！ 已經無可救，你還要去救，這能叫明白？ 瘋癲的何老爺，說得毫無顧忌。可六爺想想，也真是不謬。自己真該像父親所希望的那樣，棄儒入商，改邪歸正？可母親生前的遺願怎麼交代，就這樣丟棄了？ 何老爺見六爺不言語了，就說：六爺還是信不過我吧？那我帶六爺去見一個人。聽聽此人議論，六爺就不會疑心我了。 去見誰？ 京號戴掌櫃。 戴掌櫃有高見？ 他駐京多少年了，對京師朝野瞭如指掌，我們去聽他說說，看大局還有救沒救。以前，見戴老幫不易，現在避亂在家，正好可以從容一聚。 六爺當然聽說過戴老幫，知道是能幹的掌櫃，但從未見過。以前，他也不想見這些掌櫃，能幹的掌櫃，也無非會做生意吧。現在，遇了這樣的局面，見見這位京號老幫，也許真能知道京城何以會丟失？ five 戴膺家在城東南的楊邑鎮，離康莊也不過一二十里路。何老爺當年在京號做副幫的時候，戴膺就是老幫了，所以何老爺對戴家是不生疏的。他陪了六爺去拜訪戴老幫時，也就沒有勞動別人，套了車，便直奔楊邑了。 此去一路，也是旱象撲面來。年輕的六爺，對旱像似乎也沒有太深的感觸，他只是覺得秋陽依然炎熱，田園之間也似當今時局，瀰漫了疑慮和不爽。何老爺算落魄已久，所以對田間旱象還是深感刺眼驚心。 他指點著滿目的旱象，不斷說：今年流年不利，遇了這樣的大旱，又出了這樣的大亂，真是應了閏八月的凶兆。 六爺就說：今年還有一個不一般。 何老爺問：除了大旱、大亂、閏八月，今年還有什麼不一般？ 六爺說：我不便說。 何老爺忙叫道：大野地的，有什麼不敢說！ 六爺還是說：不便說。 何老爺眼一瞪，說：怕什麼，說吧！ 六爺才說：何老爺怎樣就忘了？今年為何加恩科？ 何老爺一聽，連連叫道：是了，是了，這樣一件事，我怎麼就忘了？今年是當今皇上的三旬壽辰！ 皇上三十壽辰，竟遇了大旱、大亂、閏八月，這麼不吉利？我說呢，好不容易加了一個恩科，卻招惹來這麼大的禍害。 叫我看，這不是皇上招惹來的，倒像是上天的一種報應！ 報應什麼？ 報應那些欺負皇上的人呀！ 何老爺是說洋人？ 什麼洋人！上天報應的，是幾十年騎在皇上頭上不肯下來的那個女人。 六爺吃了一驚：何老爺是說西太后？ 見六爺這樣吃驚，何老爺笑了：咱們是在野地裡說閒話，放肆些怕什麼！ 六爺就說：我倒不怕，你可是朝廷拔出來的正經舉人老爺！ 我早就不想頂這個舉人了。大清給這個女人禍害到今天這步天地，六爺你還考她那個舉人進士做甚？她考你們，出的題目都是如何忠君報國，可她自家倒天天在那裡欺君誤國！戊戌年，皇上要變法圖強，她大不高興，居然將皇上軟禁了。讀遍聖賢書，也沒教你這樣欺負君王吧？她能耐大，連皇上都敢欺負，怎麼惹不起洋人？棄都逃難，她算是把國朝的體面都丟盡了！歷朝亡國之君，也不過如此。 何老爺，你小聲點吧。 我正盼他們定我一個忤逆之罪，摘了我這舉人帽子呢。 定你一個忤逆罪，只怕連首級也一道摘去了。 摘去就摘去，只是眼下他們可顧不上摘。六爺，今日局面，我們西幫先人早就看透了：朝野上下，官場士林，真照了儒家聖賢大義立身處世的，本也沒有幾人。官場士林中人，誰不是拿聖賢大義去謀一己私利？既圖謀利，何不來商場打自家的天下？ 何老爺越說越上勁，六爺只好不去惹他。雖說在野地裡，畢竟也說得太出格。只是，冷眼看當今局面，也真有亡國跡象。國之將亡，你棄儒入商，就可有作為了？天下不興，誰又能功德圓滿？ 何老爺此番帶他去見戴掌櫃，難道還是勸他棄儒入商？ 戴宅自然不能與康家府第相比，但它的高貴氣派還是叫六爺大吃一驚。尤其戴宅於闊綽中，似乎飄散著一種靈秀之氣，這更令六爺意外。 畢竟是駐京多年的掌櫃。 他們到達時，戴老幫正在後園伺弄菊花。一說是東家六爺來了，何老爺又不是生客，管家就慌忙將他們讓進來，一面派人去請戴掌櫃。 說話間，戴老幫已經快步跑出來。他依然還有些消瘦，特別是回晉一路給曬黑的臉面，依然如故。但戴老幫的精神已經好得多了。他一出來，就慇勤異常地說：不知道二位稀客要來，你們看，我連泥手都沒來得及洗，實在是不恭了。 六爺忙施禮說：我們不速而至，想戴掌櫃不會介意。 戴老幫忙說：我早想見見六爺了，今日幸會，高興還來不及呢！這也是沾了何老爺的光吧？ 何老爺說：我們是來沾戴掌櫃的光！ 戴掌櫃就說：我剛從京城逃難回來，晦氣尚未散盡，有什麼光可沾？ 何老爺說：六爺正是想聽你說說京都淪陷的故事。 戴掌櫃說：頭一回招待六爺，就說這樣晦氣的話，哪成！走，先去後頭園子裡，看看我的幾盆菊花。 何老爺有些不想去，但戴膺並不大管他，只招呼了六爺往園子裡走。 戴家的園子不算太大，可鋪陳別緻，氣韻靈動。尤其園中那個水池，很隨意地縮成一個葫蘆形；在中間細腰處架了一道小橋，橋為木橋，也甚為隨意，一點沒有那種精雕細琢的匠氣。 池邊一座假山，也很簡約，真像移來一截渾然天成的山巖。只有假山邊的一處六角涼亭，是極其精美的，為全園點睛處。 雖為大旱年景，園中卻沒有太重的頹象，花木扶疏，綠蔭依依。 六爺不禁感嘆道：戴掌櫃的園子，這麼品位不俗！是請江南名匠營造的吧？ 戴膺快意地笑了：我們哪像東家，能請得起江南名匠？不過是自家一處廢園，隨便點綴了點綴，遮去荒涼就是了。 何老爺說：戴掌櫃在京城常出入官宦府第，名園也見得多了。自家的園子，還能堆砌得太俗了？ 戴膺說：何老爺，我可不是仿京中名園。那些園子極盡奢華，想仿也仿不起的。我這是反其道行之，一味簡潔隨意。園子本也是消閒的地界，太奢華了，反被奢華圍困其間，哪還消閒得了？再說，在鄉間堆一處華麗的園子，家裡什麼也別做了，就日夜防賊吧！ 六爺說：我看戴掌櫃的園子，沒有一點商家氣，也無一點官宦氣，所以才喜歡。 戴掌櫃又快意地笑了：六爺真會說話，不說寒酸，倒說沒有官氣、商氣。我領情了！六爺，何老爺，你們看我這幾盆菊花有無官氣商氣？ 六爺看時，哪是幾盆，是洋洋一片！其間，有少數已破蕾怒放，只是黃、紅、紫一類艷色的不多，惟白色的成為主調。 戴膺指點著說：花竹中，我只喜歡菊花。但長年駐京理商，實在也無暇伺菊，只是由京下班回來歇假時，略過過癮罷。今年後半年，本也輪我回來歇假，他們就預先從貫家堡訂了些菊花。我不在，家裡也無人喜愛此道的。 六爺就問：戴掌櫃只喜愛白菊？ 戴膺說：六爺倒看出來了？其實也說不上是特別嗜好，只是看著白菊心靜些吧。駐京在外，終年陷於官場商界的紛亂嘈雜中，回來只想心靜一些。六爺是讀書人，何老爺是儒師，我真沒有你們那麼高雅的興致。 何老爺說：靜之兄不要提我，我現在哪有餘力伺候菊花？ 六爺見何老爺又來了，趕緊攔住說：戴掌櫃，我還真沒見過這麼多白色菊花。色同而姿態各異，有許多種吧？ 戴膺說：也沒有多少種。白菊不好伺候，稍不慎，就會串種，致使色不純淨。這是白西施，那是白牡丹，那是鄧州白，還有白疊羅、白鶴翎、白粉團、白剪絨、白臘瓣、四面鏡、玉連環、銀荔枝，都還沒有開呢。這幾株你們猜叫什麼？叫白褒姒。 何老爺打斷說：外間有塌天之禍，靜之兄倒悠閒如此！ 戴膺笑了笑，說：時局至此，朝廷也無奈，都棄京逃難去了，我一介草民，著急又有什麼用？我看二位對菊花也不大喜愛，那就回客廳喝茶吧。 六爺忙說：我還沒有看夠戴掌櫃的白菊盛景！今日秋陽這樣明麗，就在園子裡坐坐，不也很好嗎？ 戴膺就說：我本也有此意，只怕怠慢了二位。六爺既有此雅興，那就往前頭的亭子裡坐吧，我得去洗手更衣了。 六爺跟了何老爺來到那座精美的亭子前，一眼就看見了亭柱上掛著的一副破格的對聯： 行己有恥 博學於文 有些眼熟的兩句話，是誰說的呢？六爺一時想不起來，就問何老爺。 顧亭林。旁邊刻有落款，你不會去看！ 何老爺還真眼尖。這副木雕的對聯，果然有上下題款。此兩句為顧亭林所言，當然用不著驗證，經何老爺一點，六爺也記起來了。只是看了落款，才知道這副對聯為戶部尚書翁同龢書寫。 六爺在老太爺那裡見過翁大人書贈的條幅，不想在京號戴掌櫃這裡也有翁大人的賜墨！ 何老爺，你看這真是翁尚書的親筆？ 怎麼不是！翁同龢做戶部尚書年間，戴掌櫃一直做京號老幫，討這幾個字還不容易！ 翁大人賜下這幾個字，有什麼意思嗎？ 這幾個字，是應戴掌櫃之請而寫的。戴掌櫃取顧