Chapter 24 Chapter 23
one
On the eighth day of March, the sixth master must never forget: last year, due to the capture of foreigners in Beijing, the court postponed the Enke Township Examination, which was delayed, to this day this year.
When the imperial court issued this imperial decree, they were still fleeing on the North Shanxi Road, so they thought it would rain and clear in March this year?March is here, but the court is still taking refuge in Xi'an.After suffering all kinds of humiliation, the negotiation still failed.The German, French and foreign troops broke through the Dongtian Gate of Jin Province and killed them.Needless to say, Nkobi tried again.
When Liu Ye heard the news that the military disaster was approaching, the first thing he thought of was the fate of the current emperor, it was too bad.Thirty is the year of standing.The Enke opened on the emperor's thirtieth birthday is actually so catastrophic!It seems that someone who is as honorable as the emperor has a hard life; he cannot escape the catastrophe he deserves.When you meet such an emperor, you can only admit that your life is miserable.
Originally, it was said that the prefectures and counties where the boxing chaos occurred would ban the exam for five years, Liu Ye had given up thinking about it, and thought he was unlucky and his life was miserable.When I can't think about it, I secretly take a few mouthfuls of noodles, fluttering, and fly away from the sea of bitterness.Unexpectedly, news came from Xi'an a few years later, saying that the prohibition clause was only for foreigners, and the imperial court had a flexible strategy: students from prefectures and counties were banned from taking the test, and they could borrow from other places for reference.Shanxi is a province where exams are banned, and the township exam will be moved to Zaiwei, Shaanxi.The capital is also on the list of banned examinations, and the examinations will be moved to Kaifeng Prefecture, Henan Province.
Who came up with the good idea of taking advantage of scientific research?
Sixth Master quickly cheered up, the first thing was the same, that is, he decided to quit smoking, and he could no longer smoke noodles.After smoking opium, he knew what the addiction was.Entering the examination room, once the addiction to smoking breaks out, how can you still do beautiful essays?In the majestic examination shed, it is probably not allowed to bring in bong noodles.
It's just that quitting smoking is so easy!When the addiction comes, if you don’t take two puffs, you will lose your soul. Except for two puffs, there is only one thing left: want to die.
Master He, didn't you hurt me?
Of course, He Juren did not expect that the imperial court would still have the ability to borrow scientific research.But the fate of the country is in such a decline, so if you bear the humiliation and excuse yourself, you will be able to choose the virtuous?The imperial court is incompetent, so what if a virtuous official becomes an official?Therefore, Mr. He doesn't care about Liu Ye's censure.Being addicted to opium, it is a bit of a hindrance to take the exam, but if you abandon Confucianism and enter business, Liu Ye, then you will not delay anything.Of course Liu Ye didn't like to hear this kind of words.
Master He just comforted Liu Ye, saying that he should not be too anxious to quit smoking.You have only smoked for a few days, and the addiction is far from deep into the bone marrow. You can quit, but you can’t be in a hurry.Quitting smoking is also like curing a disease, and the disease is gone like silk.
The sixth master was even more anxious after hearing this: I want to take my time and quit smoking, but can the imperial court wait for you in a leisurely manner?The eighth day of March is here in a blink of an eye, am I not in a hurry?
It was the first month at that time, and it was not far from March.
He Juren smiled and said: Just because the eighth day of March is not far away, there is no need to worry.
The sixth master thought why the master was angry with him on purpose, so he said: It's useless to worry, anyway, it's too late to quit?Does Mr. He have any magical method to bring the noodles of smoking utensils into the examination room?
Master He said: Sixth Master, if the exam can start as scheduled on the eighth day of March, we really don't have to worry about bringing in cigarettes and smoke.The bong can be made into a pen shape, and the smoke and soil don’t take up much space. Isn’t it cheap to stuff it?
The sixth master said: Master He brought it like this back then?
At that time, the shopkeeper was enjoying the spring breeze, what a big smoke!I became addicted to smoking, just like Liu Ye, all because I cut off my bright future.After winning the exam, the vice gang of Beijing can't do it, what else can they do?Just smoke.
Master He, you are here again!Don't you worry me, do you really want to smoke enough opium before taking the exam paper?
Sixth Master, I advise you not to worry, because the exam will definitely not be held until the eighth day of March!This year's Enke Township Examination will definitely have to be postponed.
What news did Master He get?
If there is news, if there is no news, it must be postponed.In a blink of an eye, March is here, and nothing has happened yet.The peace has not been negotiated yet, so what to talk about?
Sixth Master thought about it, although he felt that Master He's deduction was reasonable, but he still had to quit smoking: no matter when the exam is postponed, there is always hope to participate.
So in the second month of the first lunar month, Master Liu made his family miserable.When the addiction kicked in, I bumped into the wall, rolled into the ground, and pulled my hair out. Unfortunately, no matter how cruel I was, I couldn't avoid taking two puffs and finally fell down.It wasn't until Mrs. Du became seriously ill that Liu Ye's smoking cessation was effective.
The old lady suddenly became seriously ill, which shocked Liu Ye inexplicably.Shocked, he often forgot his cigarette addiction.Especially after visiting the old lady, I have been depressed for several days: I have no craving for cigarettes these days.
On February 17th, the old lady really let go.From this day until the old lady's funeral on the seventh day of March, during the three to seven twenty-one days, Liu Ye never had a cigarette addiction!Apart from the busy memorial service, vigil, and hospitality, he was also overwhelmed with grief.Madam Du's death naturally reminded him of his biological mother's death.But what made him feel lost in his heart was another layer: he had just understood this stepmother, how could he die when he died?He just understood what a woman is, what is a woman's natural beauty, what is a woman's elegance and enlightenment, and what is a woman's depression. Suddenly died.
She just showed her real body when she suddenly died!
In this unresolved grief, Liu Ye completely forgot about Da Yantu.Because he is willing to enjoy this sadness, no matter how thick and heavy it is, he does not want to escape.
After the seventh day of March, Liu Ye suddenly remembered what day the eighth day of March was.His addiction to cigarettes was gone, but the postponed township examination did not come as scheduled, as the master had expected.The current situation did not ease further, but became tense again.Dongtianmen fell, war disaster was approaching, and the news was not good.
A few days later, Liu Ye followed Master He and fled to the mountains to take refuge in the darkness of night.
It was a small villa called Baibi, with not many residents, but the mountains and forests around Zhuangzi could not be seen far away.There are mostly green pines in the forest, with a touch of green.It was the first time for Liu Ye to see such a vast and majestic mountain forest, and it was extremely rare.Especially when the wind blows at night, Lin Tao roars, the earth shakes and the mountains shake. Liu Ye is both terrified and fascinated when he wakes up: Lin Tao, who seems close but far away, clearly exudes a kind of mystery and profundity, making you wonder where you are.
Mr. He is not interested in this at all.He blindly persuaded Liu Ye that it would be better to go to Xi'an instead of hiding in this kind of mountains.At present, the imperial court is stationed in Luan Xi'an, which is the most suitable place to take refuge.Xi'an is not far from Taigu!
Go to Xi'an for refuge?Mr. He is really fond of fantasy.The sixth master didn't pay much attention to it, he just said: I don't want to go to Xi'an, I just want to stay in this secluded villa for a few more days.How often has Master He seen such a magnificent forest?
Sixth Master, you really don't have much courage.Take refuge with the imperial court, don't you want to see it?
Avoiding the same city as the imperial court?
Since you are determined to enter an official career, you should hurry to Xi'an to have a look.
What are you looking at?
Look at the court!The entire imperial court has moved to Xi'an, and it is temporarily stationed in Luan, which is the easiest to see clearly!The imperial court in Beijing is hidden in the Forbidden Palace, separated from the vulgar city like a sea.Abandoned the capital of Xi'an, how can there be many forbidden places for the court to hide?So now is the easiest time to see the true face of the imperial court!
Master He, now is the most unlucky time for the court.Are you asking me to see the ruined portrait of the imperial court?
You can't easily see the defeat of the imperial court, right?
I understand what it means to push me to see Baixiang!
What is my intention?
Didn't you want to spoil my interest in becoming an official through the imperial examination!
Sixth Master, you have wronged Master Ben this time.I urged you to go to Xi'an for only one purpose: to take advantage of Liu Ye and accompany you to Xi'an.Whether the imperial court is stationed in Luan Xi'an, whether it is defeated or prosperous, it is worth visiting after all.After the Han and Tang Dynasties, there was no imperial court in Xi'an, which is a rare occasion!
When Master He said this, Master Liu believed him.However, what's the fun of traveling in Xi'an with a lunatic like Master He?Therefore, he did not let go:
Xi'an is really worth going to, but you can't go now, right?We are fleeing, how can we have the mind to travel?Besides, the old lady is mourning for the first time, so it is not appropriate to leave the old lady and go on a long journey.
Master Liu, will the imperial court still be in Xi'an when there are no disasters or disasters?
Mr. He still tried his best to persuade him, but Mr. Liu did not agree in the end.But when the imperial court was stationed in Luan, a trip to Xi'an really aroused Liu Ye's interest.Anyway, the exam period has been postponed, and the addiction to smoking has been eliminated, so I can travel.In the future, the exam will be held in Xi'an, and if you go one step earlier, you may be able to grab some auspicious points.
It's just that, no matter what, I don't want to go with Master He.It's too disappointing to have him by my side.But besides Master He, who else could he travel with?
Liu Ye didn't think much about it, and a person jumped out and appeared in front of his eyes: this person was Miss Sun Er, the young girl who was engaged to him.
Was it just a whim on his mind that he wanted to travel with his fiancée?At that time, it was taboo for engaged couples to meet in private, let alone travel together, before getting married.After getting engaged, Liu Ye rarely thought of Miss Sun.Under the arrangement of the old lady, he secretly looked at each other, and he couldn't see anything wrong, but it was not unforgettable.
But after the old lady became seriously ill, he began to think of Miss Sun from time to time: she was the woman the old lady found for him.That time at the back door of Huaqing Pool, maybe I didn't see it very clearly.It's winter again, and the wrapping is too tight.It's not very outstanding, can the old lady appreciate it?Liu Ye has already given birth to a strong desire: it would be great to see Miss Sun again.But besides the old lady, who would make such a thing for him?The old lady, who was seriously ill, would never play tricks like this with him again.That mischief really made him feel warm and abnormal.
As long as he thinks about it, Liu Ye will feel very sad.
After the old lady passed away, Liu Ye missed this Miss Sun even more: she was the woman left by the old lady.I remember that she is also very beautiful, she is also very talented, and she also likes to take baths, so she should be very enlightened.Will she not stick to the rules, go out of her way quietly, and play tricks once?
During the funeral for the old lady, Liu Ye couldn't help thinking like this often.At that time, his fantasy was to guard the spirit of the old lady for one night together with Miss Sun.Under the ever-burning lamp, facing the portrait of the old lady with the same voice and appearance, there are only the two of them, and no one else. Of course, that can only be imagined.No one would do this for him.
Now, when it comes to traveling in Xi'an, Liu Ye can't help but think of Ms. Sun again.Going out with Ms. Sun is an even more difficult incident.But once he fantasizes, who can control it!
Ms. Sun is very talented, and it is very convenient to travel.She is also enlightened and will not be afraid to meet people.She can even dress up as a woman and a Confucian student rushing for the exam, so they can travel together in Xi'an.She dressed up as a Confucian scholar, she would be too handsome.
Such fantasies fascinated Liu Ye who was fleeing.Sometimes, in order to avoid Mr. He's nagging, he took only his servants and sneaked into the pine forest outside the village.The depths of the woods are quiet and mysterious, so it is more suitable for fantasies.
two
After fleeing from Baibi, the situation has greatly eased, but there is no news about the rural examination.Master He continued to tease: If you go to Xi'an, what news can't you hear?
Having just experienced the old lady's new funeral and going out to seek refuge, Liu Ye felt really depressed and unbearable staying at home.So, I really asked the old man for instructions: I heard that I will take a scientific examination in Xi'an, so I want to go to Xi'an to see it earlier.While the imperial court is stationed in Luan Xi'an, if you go, you can also open your eyes.
The old man actually asked: Is this Master He's idea?
The sixth master understood as soon as he heard it: this master He, he yelled in front of the old master first!Probably because he was not approved, he was urged to come forward again.So he said: I want to go, and I don't want to do Mr. He's business.
Unexpectedly, the old man said happily: It's your own idea, that's even better!Lao Liu, you should have gone to Xi'an to see it long ago.You should have gone to see what it was like when the imperial court was in trouble!This is also a once in a thousand years, Xi'an is so close, it's a pity not to go.If you want to go, go quickly!
What the old man said was exactly the same as what the old man said.Did the old man listen to the strange theory of the old man, or did the old man secretly accept the old man's will?No matter what, Liu Ye's interest dropped greatly.They drove him to Xi'an, just to let him see the failure of the imperial court in person, so that he could give up the imperial examination and become an official.If he had known this, he wouldn't have been fooled.Now I can't go back on my word, so I have to promise to leave as soon as possible.
The old man reminded: When you arrive in Xi'an, live in the Tianchengyuan cabinet and listen to the shopkeeper Qiu more.Shopkeeper Qiu's hands and eyes are open to the sky, and he knows everything.
Their intentions became clearer.Master Liu agreed, but he thought in his heart: He doesn't want to listen to shopkeepers reading business scriptures, he just wants to play.Besides, people are outside, and I don't know what will happen.
There is no obstacle to go to Xi'an, but those who are traveling together, indeed appointed Master He.Mr. Liu lost interest for a while, but after thinking about it, he thought it was all right: Mr. He is interested in business affairs, and when he arrived in Xi'an, he would plunge into the shop and discuss politics with the shopkeeper Qiu.
Liu Ye can play alone as much as he likes, I'm afraid he is much more free than at home.
That being the case, Liu Ye's fantasy came out again: what would it be like to invite Miss Sun's family to visit Xi'an together?
If in the past, Liu Ye would not have such outrageous thoughts of indecentness, but now it is different.In the past two years, there have been great changes, and people have been frustrated and frustrated. He doesn't care much about benevolence, righteousness and integrity.Coupled with the youth consciousness awakened in his heart by Mrs. Du, he could no longer hold back.So he is eager to go out of line instead!
Without thinking too much, Liu Ye wrote a letter to Miss Sun's family.The letter said that the death of the old lady made him feel so much pain that he couldn't bear to live, and he was even more hurt when he was trapped at home.Recently, he has been allowed to travel to Xi'an. While relaxing, he can also admire the weather of the imperial court.I only mentioned one thing at the end, you admire the old lady, you seem to have a great spirit of reform, and you will not be afraid to travel.I think I have already traveled to Xi'an, can you point out some places of interest?
After the letter is written, how to deliver it?
Liu Ye thought of the place where he first met Miss Sun: the back door of Huaqing Pool in the city.Ms. Sun often goes to take a bath, so that should be a good place to send letters.He called Gui'er, his confidant servant, and told him to wait at the back door of Huaqing Pool, trying to deliver the letter to Miss Sun's family.Be secretive and clever.
Gui'er went as ordered, and ran back to report that day: the letter has been delivered.
The sixth master hurriedly asked: Who did you give it to?
Gui'er said: Of course it was given to the person in front of Miss Sun's family.
Did you pick it up?
Hearing that it was a letter from Liu Ye, how dare he not accept it!
What did you say?
Ms. Sun hasn't come out of the bath yet, what can she say as a servant?Just say it must be forwarded.
The letter to Miss Sun was originally impulsive, and after sending Gui'er away, Liu Ye felt a little scared.It's too reckless. Is Miss Sun so enlightened? I don't want to talk about it!Wouldn't it be troublesome if people didn't like this and turned their faces and blamed them?At that time, he thought it would be good for Gui'er to rush to nothing, but he regretted that it was too late.Ms. Sun doesn't know how to take a bath every day, how could it be such a coincidence that she bumped into her when she first went there?
God, it really hit it!
Now that the shot has been taken, what the result will be, we have to resign ourselves to fate.Thinking so, my heart is not at ease.After all, Liu Ye is a responsible person who has learned Confucianism since he was a child, and he is new to dating between men and women, so of course he can't be sure.
He told Gui'er to go to Huaqing Pool more often and see what Miss Sun had to say.
Unexpectedly, before Gui'er could run to the city, the Sun family sent someone.
It was the second day after the letter was delivered, Liu Ye urged Gui'er to go to the city, but Gui'er refused to go, saying that it was a waste of time, how could she go to take a bath every day!The sixth master couldn't be bothered to urge him anymore, his heart was in a state of turmoil, he couldn't sit still, and he didn't want to move.At this moment, the housekeeper Lao Xia brought in a stranger, saying that the Sun family sent someone to meet Liu Ye.
Liu Ye panicked when he heard this, he thought there was a real trouble, and hurriedly said to Lao Xia: Just ask the subordinates to lure him in, so why do you ask Lao Xia to do it yourself?
Lao Xia smiled and said: People from the Sun family, how dare you neglect them!
Liu Ye tried his best to pretend to be normal, and said: He is just an errand runner, you don't have to worry too much, Lao Xia, if there is anything, ask him to tell me later.Would you like to sit down and drink some tea first?
No, Sixth Master, hurry up and greet others. If you have orders, call Guier to sue me.
Lao Xia left, and seeing the servant sent by the Sun family, he was also calm, Liu Ye felt relieved.Then he asked: Who sent you from the Sun family?
The man whispered: Our lady.
Miss of their family?
What sent you here?
Send a letter, face Liu Ye.While speaking, he took out a letter from his pocket and presented it.
Sixth Master caught it, tried his best to remain calm, and said: That's all?
That's it.Sixth Master picked it up with his own hands, so I can go back and explain.
Liu Ye ordered Gui'er to send the Sun family to send someone out.As soon as the two left, they quickly took out the letter to read: God, why is she exactly like what I imagined!The letter said that after receiving the private letter, she was so pleasantly surprised that she couldn't believe it was true; after Mrs. Du passed away, she missed you even more; it was her long-cherished wish to travel to foreign places and places of interest; she had already done it before traveling with her husband. It's such a dream; it's really the right time to visit Xi'an today; I would like to walk with my husband, please don't abandon each other; in order to avoid the eyes and ears of the world, she can disguise herself as a man
This is more than enlightenment, it is full of flames!
Such a letter, actually sent someone to deliver it directly to the door in a big way!
Although Miss Sun's level of enlightenment shocked Liu Ye greatly, he still felt like he had smoked noodles, and his spirits suddenly lifted.
What would Miss Sun look like when she was disguised as a man?More romantic and handsome, or bolder?
Seeing that his wild thoughts are about to come true, Liu Ye can't wait to leave for Shaanxi immediately.Rushing to discuss the travel date with Mr. He, this old gentleman is lying on the kang couch.When I asked, I found out that I had contracted the wind and cold, and I felt very uncomfortable. My whole body seemed to be cramped, and the cotton was soft.
What is this called!I don't see you getting sick on weekdays, but when it comes to such a deadly joint, what kind of disease do you get?Since you want to get sick, Mr. He, you should be sure to get sick. I won't force you anymore, so I have to go ahead.All the way to Shaanxi, it was a lot of hard work, and when you recover from your illness, you will not be delayed when you come to Xi'an.
Maybe it was God's will, especially to send Master He away early so that he wouldn't get in the way?
The sixth master tried his best to persuade him: "Master He, you are getting old, you should take care of your body."Take care of your illness first, even if it is a big thing, you don't have to worry too much.It's time for the students to be more promising. Why don't they have to be led by a teacher when they go to Xi'an?Even if it is out of the way, it is time for the students to experience it alone.Since ancient times, the students who have traveled far away to rush for the exam have not been accompanied by a teacher, have they?Mr. He, you take your time to recuperate from illness, the students will go ahead and wait for the teacher to arrive in Xi'an afterward.
When Master He heard this, he became anxious, rolled over and rolled off the sick bed, stood upright, and said: "Master Liu, I don't have any illnesses!"Just now, it was just a joke to scare you.Even if I leave tomorrow, it will be cheaper here.
The sixth master looked at Master He's situation, but he clearly looked sick. Although he tried his best to stand upright, his body was still visibly shaking.
He hurriedly helped Mr. He to lie down, but the old man refused to move, and said, "I'm not sick, I'm not sick, it's cheaper to leave anytime!"
Isn't the old man insane again?
After pestering for a long time, Master Liu finally understood: Master He is really afraid of losing this opportunity to travel abroad!Ever since he got the unlucky fame of Master Juren and left Beijing, he hasn't been out again, let alone the big wharf.Going back to Xi'an this time, no matter what, he must be fulfilled!It's just an occasional cold, nothing serious.Sixth Master, you must never tell the old man about this minor ailment, never mind, never mind.
Once the old man knows, will Mr. He go to Xi'an?This is also a move to get rid of this crazy man.But looking at his pitiful appearance, Liu Ye really couldn't bear it.After all, he is a teacher!
No choice but to wait for him for a few days.
Master Liu agreed to wait, but Master He just didn't believe it, and still pestered him and said: Don't leave him, don't let others know that he is sick.You can't tell the old man, let alone Lao Xia!Lao Xia has always been uneasy and kind to him
Liu Ye couldn't help but get really angry, and lost a word: If you don't trust me, you can go to Xi'an by yourself!No matter how anxious Master He was, he left alone.
The passion that Miss Sun brought to Master Liu turned into a bit of an unknown fire after Mr. He stirred it up like this.After I came back and calmed down for a while, I remembered that I should send Miss Sun a reply.He is in flames, but you only care about being angry with this crazy lord!
When Liu Ye Zhan Jian wrote the reply letter, he felt that he had also become a ball of flames, and he wrote down with great speed, all scruples were thrown aside.
Soon, I received a reply from Ms. Sun, still full of enthusiasm.
Coming and going like this, I don't care about getting angry anymore.Five days later, Liu Ye set off first.Based on his wish, of course he wants to go with the Sun family!What will it be like to go on this long journey with her?He couldn't imagine.But Ms. Sun said that after all, it is too inconvenient to be in the local area, so it is better to go to Shaanxi separately.The implication is that when you arrive in Xi'an, can you have no scruples?So it was agreed that Liu Ye would go first, and Ms. Sun would leave later.
When the sixth master set off, he naturally took Master He with him.He said that the minor ailment has recovered, who knows?
It was mid-April and the weather was getting hotter.From Taigu to Xi'an, it has been going south again.The weather is getting hotter every day, and the boundaries along the way are also hotter than the other. The two heats add up to one pile, and the journey is not easy.
Liu Ye still had a fever in his heart: that ball of flames thrown by Miss Sun.Encouraged by the heat, he didn't care about the fatigue of the journey.It's just that Mr. He kept talking about how his family was not afraid of trekking thousands of miles back then, and also said that it was very hot when the old man was on his southern tour the year before last.It seems that everyone else is afraid of heat and tiredness, and is unbearably limp, but he has the heroic spirit he has cultivated back then.
But after walking for five or six days and arriving at Hongdong, Master He fell ill first.This time I was suffering from a seasonal illness, and my diarrhea continued, and I became soft like a cotton ball again.
The sixth master had no choice but to stop in this Hongdong, and asked the doctor to see and take medicine for the master.Just about to get angry in my heart, I suddenly changed my mind and said yes secretly: Wait a few more days in this land, won't I just wait for Miss Sun?
He tried his best to remain calm, and comforted Mr. He not to get angry in a hurry, it was urgent to stop the diarrhea, and everyone was tired from walking, so they could take the opportunity to breathe for a few days.In the dark, Guier was sent to keep an eye out for the movement of Sun's family horses.
There are also several places of interest in Hongdong. Apart from the well-known pagoda tree, Huoshan Guangsheng Temple is an ancient temple worth visiting.But how could Liu Ye have such thoughts!
After waiting for four or five days, Master He's illness has gradually recovered, but Gui'er has not found any news.
You little monkey ghost!Didn't work hard to find out?The sixth master waited so upset: It's been four or five days, and the Sun family still hasn't left?
Gui'er was unambiguous, and said: "How big is Hongdong?"How many decent inns are there?I've already made arrangements. As soon as the Sun family arrives, they will send us a letter!Unless they are not at the boundary of Hongdong.
The sixth master hurriedly asked: Is it okay not to be a top player in Hongdong?
Don't fight for the top in Hongdong, unless the Sun family horses are rushing to Xi'an day and night.How could they make Miss Sun suffer like this?
Ms. Sun has to travel day and night, the people below can't stop her, right?
Ms. Sun will take advantage of this?
We are also walking too slowly!
Gui'er just said this casually, but Liu Ye took it seriously when he heard it, and didn't dare to delay any longer, and immediately urged him to set off on his way.Young masters who fall in love are probably like this, sensitive and restless, and easy to trust.It's just that Liu Ye still doesn't realize that he is deeply in love: he can't think about anything anymore.There was one thing I thought about along the way. I arrived in Xi'an one day earlier and met Miss Sun who was disguised as a man.
three
As soon as he entered Tianchengyuan's shop in Xi'an, Master He's spirit changed a lot. The fatigue of the long journey was almost wiped out, and even the thought of taking a few mouthfuls of opium receded.
In these years, his biggest thought is in this foreign shop!
Cheng Laobang and Qiu Taiji of Xihao knew that Liu Ye and his party were coming to Shaanxi, but they didn't expect that there would be Master He accompanying him: Lao Hao didn't mention it in the letter.However, Qiu Taiji was still a little overjoyed by Master He's presence.He knew that the deputy gangster of the Beijing name had real skills, and he admired him very much before, but it was a pity that he never worked together.Now that he suddenly met Xi'an, he didn't dare to neglect him, and his respect was not inferior to that of the sixth master.
To be honest, Qiu Taiji was more worried than happy when Liu Ye came to Shaanxi at this time.The first thing he thought of was the accident that happened to Wu Ye and Wu Niang in Tianjin the year before last.This year's situation is even worse than the previous year, and there is a lot of chaos. It's not a good time to travel!It is not easy to even find a decent inn. The secluded courtyard that I rented to the third master last winter is hard to find.Xi'an has become a temporary capital, and more and more dignitaries from official circles are gathering here, but the good houses are not enough for them to grab.
Qiu Taiji tried his best to persuade Master Liu and Master He to live in his own house after some grievances. It's not enough ostentation, but his friends can serve them wholeheartedly.Unexpectedly, Master Liu would not live in the cabinet even if he said anything!It's all right to live in a low-level inn or a big shop, but I don't want to live in a cabinet.
Qiu Taiji asked Mr. He to persuade him, but Mr. He didn't persuade him, so he said: Master Liu has studied Confucianism since he was a child, and if he doesn't want to get involved in Shang characters, there is no need to force him.It just so happens that my master doesn't want to live outside, so I will take care of you on behalf of the sixth master and live on the cabinet.The two shopkeepers, you don't have to be polite, let us each get what we want.
Qiu Taiji hurriedly pulled Master He out of the account room, and whispered his worries.
Master He still said in a decisive tone: worry too much, worry too much!The imperial court is in Xi'an, and the streets are full of wealthy people, how can it be our turn to tie up our votes?
Qiu Taiji said: The rich and powerful in the officialdom don't dare to mess with them, they just bully our businessmen!
Master He's tone remained unchanged: Shopkeeper Qiu, you heard me right!With the imperial court here, who would be so naive as to kidnap someone under the imperial court's nose?I know the market in the capital!
Mr. He, Xi'an is no better than the capital.What is the current situation in Xi'an?The world is in chaos!
Now Xi'an is Kyoto, listen to me right!
Master He couldn't listen to what he said, so Qiu Taiji had no choice but to stop persuading him.Hurry up and ask Mr. Cheng to help you set up a banquet and welcome the two of you.As for him, he personally ran out to find an inn for Master Liu.
After running a few places, I was not satisfied, so I thought of Xiang Jiuxiao.Being favored by the Empress Dowager West, Xiang Jiuxiao became more and more popular in Xi'an.Officials begged him to let him go, and there was an endless stream. Is such a trivial matter worth asking?However, Qiu Taiji had another idea: to borrow a few houses from Xiangjiuxiao to live in, in order that no one would dare to bully him.This is safer than hiring a master escort.In Xi'an, Xiang Jiuxiao is a figure in heaven, who dares to provoke him?
Qiu Taiji came to the door in person, Xiang Jiuxiao really gave face, and agreed immediately.Qiu Taiji also said it bluntly: he wanted to take advantage of Boss Guo's prestige to bring good luck to the Young Master's family.After all, he was born as an actor, and seeing Qiu Taiji, a big-time veteran, also bowed his head to beg him, he was quite satisfied.In the past, he was the one who begged Shopkeeper Qiu like this!
What I borrowed was naturally a ostentatious yard.Qiu Taiji persuaded Mr. He to live there too, but Mr. He also came to live and die!However, Mr. He made it clear: He has been away from the name for many years, and he misses it very much. It is not uncommon to give him the Golden Temple, but he is only greedy for our name.
Having said that, can you still force it?
After the sixth master was settled, Master He pestered him to ask about the court's movements and Xihao's business.Qiu Taiji also wanted to have a family member who could speak, and planned many important affairs.Mr. Cheng of Xihao didn't suppress him, but his knowledge and talent were much inferior after all. Whatever he said, he would blindly agree with him, and it was difficult to conspire with him.Although Master He has been away for many years, he is a seasoned and talented veteran after all, and he can always talk about things.
Mr. He was anxious to inquire first, of course it was the current situation: Shopkeeper Qiu, has the peace talks with the imperial court come to an end?Before we came to Shanxi, Shanxi seemed to be in danger. It was rumored all over the world that foreigners had broken into Dongtianmen, and our Qitaiping area also flocked to flee.Sixth Master and I also fled to Nanshan to escape for ten days.Then, suddenly everything was calm again.Why is it so ups and downs?There is a legend in Taigu City: The foreigners were ambushed by our officers and soldiers at Dongtianmen, suffered heavy casualties, and retreated in defeat.If the officers and soldiers of the imperial court were really so powerful, how could the capital be lost?
Qiu Taiji said: Now that the situation has calmed down, it means that a draw has been agreed.The siege of Shanxi by the foreign army was just to force the court to pay more compensation, and it didn't really want to invade.
A draw has been agreed?How much did you lose to the foreigners?
I heard that the amount of indemnities increased to 450 million taels, and the foreigners were satisfied, and agreed to withdraw the coalition forces from Zhili, Beijing and Tianjin, and asked the court to return to Luan.
Forty-five million?Mr. He has been the vice gang of Beijing for many years, and he understands what kind of amount it is!In the prosperous years of the Qianjia Dynasty, the annual revenue of the Qing Dynasty was only 30 to 40 million taels of silver.Afterwards, the situation of the country turned to decline, external disasters and internal strife continued, and it became common for the treasury to be stretched out. Lijin, new taxes, and donations were used to collect money. However, the current annual revenue of the Ministry of Households is only 45,000. A fraction of that!
It is said that this is the number, if it is less, the foreigners will not withdraw their troops.They have taken over the capital, and you can redeem it without asking for a big price?The imperial court has no ability, so it can only spend money and avoid disasters like this.
If you lose money, you have to have money to lose!Shopkeeper Qiu, we are in the money business. We probably have an estimate of how much money the household department can bring in every year, how much money the Qing treasury can have in total, and how much money the whole world can have today.Now the imperial court's annual revenue, recorded in the accounts of the Ministry of Households, is only 70 to 80 million, and it is afraid that less than half of it will be collected in the end.Based on the book value, 450 million, this is the annual income of the Qing Dynasty in five or six years!According to the current market, even if the court is sold five or six times, I'm afraid it won't be able to exchange so much money!
Who said no?The defeat in the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1995 resulted in the loss of 20 million yuan to Japan in the East and the collapse of the imperial court, and the heavy debts owed to the four countries in the West and the West. How can the treasury have a bottom?Just to save some money for daily use, this time I lost the capital, and I didn't bring out one or two.Ordinarily, the imperial court owed its debts, and we grassroots people should not worry about it.But all the money in the world has been scraped away by foreigners. Not to mention the decline of the country and the decline of people's livelihood, even if the market suddenly loses money flow, it will be difficult for us to do financial business!
How could the imperial court know how to worry?The 450 million foreign debts are nothing more than apportioned to the provinces, and the provinces are apportioned to the prefectures and counties, and they are strictly ordered to pay them within a time limit.
Spread to the prefectures and counties, and the prefectures and counties are nothing more than searching for it from the people.However, in recent years, there have been frequent disasters among the people, severe droughts and wars, and it is difficult to survive. If this monstrous amount is suppressed, will they not be afraid of stirring up civil uprisings?It is said that this time it is also following the example of the Sino-Japanese War indemnity, turning the indemnity into foreign debts first, then paying the capital and raising interest rates, and paying it off in several years.
God, 450,000,000 has been turned into a foreign debt, and it has to be paid off within 20 years. It's just compound interest, which is another monstrous amount!Foreigners' eye for money business is really vicious!
I heard that the 450 million indemnity was agreed to be paid off in 39 years, with an annual interest of 4%!When the principal and interest are converted, the total is ninety-eight million taels!
God, ninety-eight million?When the indemnity is paid off, there will be no more silver in the market in the Qing Dynasty!
I heard that Rong Lu, Minister of Military Aircraft, also exclaimed: "Foreigners occupy my financial resources so much, China will become a consumptive ghost who can't move!"But he is a big military plane, so it doesn't seem to have anything to do with him?
The contract of sale, the contract of sale, this is the contract of sale written by the imperial court!Such an imperial court, the sixth master still wants to devote himself to allegiance, isn't it stupid?
Mr. He, I have long understood that no matter whether it is the West or the East, not only the ships are strong and the guns are strong, but those high-ranking officials and generals, princes and commanders are all good businessmen!Foreigners do not take business lightly.Whenever you bully us, you don't first use heavy troops to give you a bad start, and then set up a business maze to slowly plot against you!Look at the indemnity of the Sino-Japanese War, the Orientals won the naval battle and asked you to pay for the arms, and after calculation, they calculated a monstrous number of 20 million!Are the guns of his Japanese devils' ships made of gold and silver?Such a monstrous number was calculated in order to make you unable to pay back the Qing Dynasty.If you can't afford it, the four western countries took advantage of the situation to intervene:
We can lend you money.Can borrowing money be borrowed in vain?The interest written by Westerners is even more ruthless!Look, the 20,000,120,000,000,000 and 1,000,000 taels for the Orientals is not a lot, but the Westerners got a huge amount of interest for nothing!This time Gengzi pays even more, it is amazing to calculate a 40 million, and write such a high annual interest rate to others, rolling down to 980 million!It’s so profitable, why don’t foreigners bully us out of addiction?Let me see, those princes and ministers supported by the imperial court, those who are martial arts can't fight, those who are literary can't settle accounts, and what are you waiting for if they are not bullied by others!
Shopkeeper Qiu, tell Master Liu more about this kind of talk!The old man sent the sixth master to Xi'an because he wanted to show him the incompetence of the imperial court and lose his dream of becoming an official through scientific examinations.This sixth master is both intelligent and determined, but he just doesn't want to touch the edge of the business word, is he stupid?
Is it not easy for me to say a few words?I'm afraid Liu Ye won't like to hear it.
After spending a few days in Xi'an, I saw with my own eyes the sloppy and desolate officialdom in the capital, and I loved hearing about him.
Master He, if you go around for two days, you will understand that the gang of dignitaries in Beijing who gathered in Xi'an are not so careless and desolate!
Isn't it loose and desolate, is it still moist and radiant?
Anyway, the harvest is not bad.
Taking refuge in Xi'an, where will the harvest come from?
Mr. He, you have been the shopkeeper of the Jinghao for many years, which is ingenious, think about it, can't you figure it out?
But after all, Xi'an is no better than the capital, so how much oil and water can there be?
The imperial court issued edicts one after another, and Beijing's payment and rice payment were gradually released from all over the country.But because he was fleeing from a disaster, he didn't have to abide by the rules of paying money in Beijing. If he found a name for emergency, he could do whatever he wanted?再者，臨時屈居西安，門戶洞開，出外搜刮也方便得很。
你這一點撥，我就清楚了。生疏了，生疏了，畢竟離京太久了！
人年輕時練就的本事，輕易丟不了的。何老爺，櫃上正有件事，想請你指點。
邱掌櫃不用客氣！
這和局一定，朝廷也該迴鑾了。隨扈的那班權貴，逃出京時孤身一個，別無長物，現在要返京了，可是輜重壓身，不便動彈。
輜重壓身？
要不說一個個收成都不差呢！他們收納的物件，再金貴，在西安也不好變現，就都想帶走。可跟著兩宮隨扈上路，哪敢陣勢太張揚了？所以，就想把收成中的銀錢，交我們票莊兌回京城。銀錠多了，太佔地方。
想兌，就給他們兌吧！這也是咱們常做的生意。
擱平常，這還不是例行生意嗎？可現今，他們是只探問，不出手。
Why?
咱們的京號遭劫被搶，人家能不知道？現在京號還沒復業，銀錢能匯兌到？
邱掌櫃，硬硬地給他們說：西幫哪能沒京號？朝廷迴鑾之日，必定是我京號劫後開張之時！
何老爺，老號要有這種硬口氣，那倒好辦了。那些權貴們雖是派底下的走卒來打探，我們也不敢大意，但只能含糊應承：大人信得過敝號，我們哪會拒匯？洋人一撤，京號開張，我們立馬收匯。人家也不傻，一聽是活話口，就逼著問準信兒：你們的京號到底何時開張？到底何時能收匯？我哪有準信兒告人家？也只好說：朝廷迴鑾的吉日定了，我們也就有準信兒了。人家說，到那時節，哪還趕得上呀？Too.我們趕緊發了電報，請示老號。老號回電只四字：靜觀勿動。
老號是不大知曉西安近況吧？
我們三天兩頭給老號發信報，該報的都隨時報了。朝廷在這裡，我們哪敢怠慢？可就回了這麼四個字，何老爺，你說叫我們如何是好？
邱掌櫃，你沒聽說吧？孫大掌櫃正鬧著要告老卸任呢，只是老太爺不允。叫我說，孫大掌櫃也真老朽了，放他告老還鄉，天成元也塌不了！
見何老爺說得放肆，邱泰基忙岔開說：老號的事，我們也不便聞聽。何老爺，只求你一解這靜觀勿動的用意，教我們如何張羅？
何老爺又斷然說：邱掌櫃，我看你也別無選擇，就聽我的，硬硬地應承下來！老號叫靜觀勿動，你們也不能回絕人家吧？既不能回絕，那就得應承；既應承，就痛快應承。京城官場這些大爺，你哪敢模稜兩可的伺候？何況這又是他們搜刮的私囊，你不給個痛快話，他哪能放心？
我豈不想如此？可老號不放話，我這裡就放手收了，到時京號不認，或是支付不起，那我們罪過就大了：這不是叫我們砸天成元的牌子嗎？
可你們不應承，也是砸天成元的牌子！這都是些什麼主兒？京城官場的王公大臣，部院權貴！在這非常年頭，想指靠西幫一把，卻指靠不上，想想，以後還能有我們的好果子吃？
何老爺，這其中利害，我能不知道？只是，我們一間駐外分號，哪能做得了這樣大的主？近日，人家都在問：到底何時可開京陝匯兌？老號不發話，我們怎麼回答？
就照我說的，朝廷迴鑾之日，即我天成元京號開張之時！
何老爺，日前我們聽說，朝廷已議定在五月二十一日，起蹕迴鑾。眼看就進五月了，我們也不便再含糊其辭吧？
已議定了五月二十一日迴鑾返京？
這還是聽響九霄說的，禁中消息，他可靈通得很。
何老爺愣住，想了想，忽然擊掌說：邱掌櫃，有好生意做了！
什麼好生意？
Four
那天說到關節處，何老爺忽然來了煙癮，哈欠打起來沒完，身上也軟了，什麼話也不想再說。
邱掌櫃是交際場中高手，一看就明白了。以前櫃上也備有煙槍煙土，招待貴客。只是這次返陝後，因西安權貴太多，一個個又似餓狼，就盡力裝窮，不敢招惹。尤其是給西太后底下的崔玉桂，串通響九霄，敲去一筆巨款後，更是乘勢趴下，裝成一蹶不振的氣象。來客不用說大煙招待了，就是茶葉，也不敢上好的。現在何老爺來了煙癮，他還真拿不出救急的東西來。
何老爺，我們真不知你還有此一風雅。怕惹是非，櫃上久未備煙土了，實在不敬得很
什麼風雅？我這是自戕，是自辱，自辱本老爺頭頂的這個無用的功名！
何老爺，叫伙友出去給你張羅些回來？
不連累你們了，本老爺自帶糧草呢。請少候，少候。
邱泰基忙叫伙友扶何老爺進去了，心裡就想，這麼一位商界高手，當日何以要參加朝廷科考？
不由得想到了六爺。何老爺叫開導六爺，可他和這位少東家沒交往過，性情，脾氣，一些兒不摸底，說深了，說淺了，都不好。所以，他也不敢多兜攬，只求六爺在西安平平安安，不出什麼意外就得了。六爺要想拜見官場人物，倒可求響九霄居間引見的。
為盡到禮數，邱泰基派了櫃上一個精幹的伙友，過去伺候六爺。萬一有個意外，也便於照應。可這個伙友跟過去沒多久，就給攆回來了：六爺高低不叫他在跟前伺候。還嫌不夠精幹機靈？六爺說是老太爺有交代，不能太麻煩櫃上。這是託辭吧？何老爺依舊斷然說，人家是不想沾商字的邊兒，就由他吧。
邱泰基還是放心不下：巴結不上倒在其次，為首是怕出意外。住的地界雖然保險，但六爺也不會鑽在那宅子裡不出來。外出遊玩，誰還給他留面子！派個伙友暗暗跟著？
何老爺已經精神煥發地出來了。
邱掌櫃，好生意來了！
什麼好生意？願聽何老爺指點。
這是放在明處的生意，邱掌櫃哪能看不見？
真是看不見，何老爺就給點明了吧！
只要朝廷迴鑾的吉日定了，那我們就有好生意可做！
what business?
邱掌櫃，朝廷迴鑾雖說不上是得勝凱旋，也不會像去年逃出京師時那樣狼狽了。皇家的排場，總是要做足的。這是天下第一大排場，那花銷會小了嗎？官府為辦這份迴鑾大差，必定四處籌措銀子。所以，從迴鑾吉日確定，至兩宮起蹕，這段時日西安的銀根必定會異常吃緊，不正是我們放貸的良機？
良機是良機，可我們拿什麼放貸？西號本來也不是大莊口，架本就不厚，這一向怕再惹禍，儘量趴著不敢動。暗中做了些生意，也撐不起大場面的。尤其老號也不支持，三爺出面都未求來援手。就真是千載難逢的良機，也只好乾瞪眼，動不得。
邱掌櫃，你聽我說！我只說了放貸良機，還未說收存的良機呢！
收存的良機？
邱掌櫃你剛才不是說了嗎？京中權貴正想將私囊中的現銀，交我們匯往京師，這不是小數目，還用發愁無銀放貸？迴鑾花費那是動用京餉官款，權貴們誰捨得動自家的私囊！迴鑾之日越近，他們越著急匯出私銀。我們一手收匯，一手放貸，豈不是好生意！
邱泰基一聽，眼也亮了，說：何老爺，真不愧是京號老手！我們真是給懵懂住了，看西安就只是滿目亂象，卻瞅不出如此良機！
何老爺真是得意，說：邱掌櫃，做票號這一行，你不住一回京號，終是修煉不到家！
這誰不知道？但才具不夠，老號也不會挑你去。不說這種不該說的話了。只是收匯，老號不發話，我們到底不便自作主張吧？京號何日能開張，也須老號做主。聽說京號被糟蹋得片紙不存，底賬也都被搶走了，一時怕也難以恢復吧？
邱掌櫃，你就放心預備做這番好生意吧！老號那邊，本老爺給你張羅！孫大掌櫃聽不進話去，還有康老太爺呢！天成元只要不想關門大吉，就不能不設京號！如今開票號，哪有不設京號的？叫我說，京號實在比老號還要緊。
何老爺既這樣深明大義，我們西號也有救了！還望何老爺能及時說動老號，眼前良機實在是不容遲疑了！
我豈能不知？邱掌櫃你就放心吧。
邱泰基雖未住過京號，但對眼前這一難逢的商機，也已看出來了。只是，老號對西號似乎已有成見，報去的稟帖，再緊急，再利好，也是平淡處理。所以，他才這樣故意裝出懵懂，激起何老爺的興頭，代為說動。何老爺寂寞多年，對商事的激情實在也叫人感嘆。
只是，以何老爺今日之身分，能說動老號嗎？
何老爺知道老號的孫大掌櫃不會買他的賬，就徑直給康老太爺寫了一封信。信走的是天成元的例行郵路，即交付寧波幫的私信局緊急送達。所以，信報還是先到天成元老號，再轉往康莊。
按規矩，外埠莊口寫給東家的信報，老號是要先拆閱的，凡認為不妥的，有權扣押下來。何老爺正是要利用這個規矩，叫老號先拆閱他的信報。因此，他特別囑咐了邱泰基，信皮要與西號慣常信報一般無二，不可露出是他何某人上呈老東家的。
邱泰基就問：這樣經老號過一道手，就不怕給扣押下來？
何老爺說：諒他們也不敢。孫大掌櫃只要讀過我的這道信，他就知道事關重大，絕不敢耽誤；他更會猜想到，老東家見到此信，不會不理睬。這樣一來，他孫大掌櫃對此事也不敢等閒視之了。
邱泰基笑了：何老爺到底手段好，想一箭雙鵰？
何老爺也得意地笑了：實在說，我這信報主要還是寫給孫大掌櫃的，可不把老東家抬出來，他哪會理睬？
邱泰基有意又誇了一句：何老爺真是好手段！
告急的信報就這樣發走了，回音還沒等到，櫃上就來了犯難的事。
這天，邱泰基和何老爺正在後頭賬房議事，忽然就見程老幫跑進來說：響九霄派底下人來了，言明有要事求見邱掌櫃。你快出去招呼吧！
邱泰基沒急著出去，只是說：看這響九霄，排場越發大了！既有要事，怎麼不親自來？只是打劫我們，才肯親自打頭陣？
何老爺倒慌忙說：邱掌櫃，你不想出面，那本老爺出去替你們應付一回！
邱泰基趕緊拉住，說：一個伶人派來的走卒，哪能勞動何老爺！
說著，才出去了。
響九霄底下的這個走卒，居然也派頭不小，見面連個禮也不行，仰臉張口就問：你就是邱掌櫃？
邱泰基心裡有氣，面兒上不動聲色，忙行了一個禮，說：不知是公公駕到，失敬了，失敬！
那走卒見此情形，忙說：邱掌櫃認錯人了，我是郭老闆打發來的
邱泰基才故意問：郭老闆？就是唱戲的郭老闆？
right.
小子，你把我嚇了一跳！去年，西太后跟前的二總管崔公公，親臨敝號，還沒你小子這派頭大呢！人家也還講個禮數，更沒這麼仰臉吊脖子的跟人說話。你這副派頭，我還以為是太后跟前的大總管李公公來了！
那走卒聽不出是罵他，倒呵呵笑了。
邱泰基拉下臉，厲聲說：小子，你聽著！我跟你家郭老闆可是老交情了。以前我沒低看他，如今他也沒低看我。今日就是他親自上門，也不會像你小子這麼放肆！郭老闆現在身價高了，你們這些走卒也得學些場面上的規矩，還生瓜蛋似的，那不是給你們主子丟人現眼嗎？等見著郭老闆，我得跟他當真說說！
那走卒這才軟了，忙跪下說：邱掌櫃在上，小人不懂規矩，千萬得高抬貴手，別說給郭老闆知道！
怎麼，你們郭老闆也長脾氣了？
No!邱掌櫃要把剛才的話，說給我們班主聽，那小人就得倒灶了
我還當你小子膽子多大呢！郭老闆派你來做甚，起來說吧。
小人有罪，就跪著說吧。我們班主交給我一張銀票，叫面呈邱掌櫃，看能不能兌成現銀？說時，就從懷中摸出那張銀票，雙手舉著，遞給了邱泰基。
邱泰基接過來細看，是天成元京號發的小額銀票，面額為五百兩銀子。京中這種小票，其實也是一種存款的憑證，只是因數額少，就寫成便條樣式，隨存隨取，也不記存戶姓名。不想，這倒十分便於流通，幾近於現代的紙幣了，在京中極受歡迎。但這種小票也只是在京城流通，京外是不認的。響九霄在西安土生土長，他哪來的這種小票？是哪位權貴賞他的吧？
邱泰基就問：這張銀票，是誰賞你們郭老闆的？
那走卒說：銀票不是我們班主的，聽說是位王爺託班主打聽，看這種銀票在西安管用不管用？
知道是哪位王爺嗎？
班主沒交代，小人哪能知道？
那你記清了：這種票是我們天成元寫出的，不假。可它是銀票，不是匯票。我們票莊有規矩：只收外埠的匯票，不收外埠的銀票。
邱掌櫃是說，這種銀票不管用了？
這張銀票是我們京號寫的，在京城管用，在西安不管用。不是我們寫的票，辨不出真偽，不敢認。你回去告訴郭老闆，這銀票廢不了，妥為保管吧，等回到京城，隨時能兌銀子。記清了吧？
記清了！
這時，何老爺走了出來，說：拿銀票來我瞅瞅。
邱泰基把銀票遞了過去，說：你看是咱京號的小票吧？
何老爺只看了一眼，就說：沒錯，可惜是光緒二十二年寫的票，那時本掌櫃已離開京號了。
邱泰基說：誰呀，逃難還把這種小票帶身上？
何老爺說：人家不是圖便當嗎？總比銀子好帶。說著，就轉臉對那走卒放出斷然的話來：回去跟你們主子說，銀票我們認，想兌銀子就來兌！
邱泰基一臉驚異，正要說什麼，何老爺止住，搶著繼續說：按規矩，我們西號不能收京號的銀票，可遇了這非常之變，敝號也得暫破規矩，為老主顧著想。既然朝廷落腳西安，我們西號就代行京號之職，凡京號寫的票，不拘銀票匯票，我們都認！聽清了吧？
那走卒也是一頭霧水，瞅住邱泰基說：聽是聽清了，這位掌櫃是
何老爺又搶先說：本掌櫃是從天成元老號來的，姓何，早年就在京號當掌櫃！小客官，要不把這五百兩銀票給你兌成銀錠？背了現銀回去，也省得你家主子不信我們，又疑心你！
那走卒忙說：班主只叫來問問銀票管用不管用，沒讓兌銀子。
何老爺緊跟住就說：那你還不趕緊去回話！
那走卒慌忙收起銀票，行過禮，出門走了。
邱泰基早忍不住了，跺了跺腳，說：何老爺，你不是害我們呀！
何老爺一笑，說：天大的事，咱們也得到後頭賬房說去，哪能在鋪面吵？
來到後頭，何老爺立刻一臉正經，厲色說：
邱掌櫃，我可不是擅奪你們的事權，此事是非這樣處置不可！這張銀票，事關重大！
邱泰基有些不解：區區一張小票，有什麼了得？
邱掌櫃，你忘了眼下是非常之時？
非常之時又如何？
就我剛才那句話：現在你們西號，就是平素的京號！
我們哪能擔待得起？再說，老號也沒把我們當回事。
邱掌櫃，調你回西安，為了什麼？還不是西安莊口非同尋常嗎？
這我知道，我也想將功補過。
我告你，眼下就是一大關節處！稍有閃失，就