Chapter 15 Chapter fifteen.storm
On this morning, Guan Baye struggled to get up under the support of the old accountant, sitting on the golden lacquered armchair under the corridor, meditating on many entangled things lonely, he felt that he had never felt such pain in his life Passed, lonely and hopeless.
In the early days, although he never imagined what kind of hero he was, at least he was an unknown brave man, but now he realized that the strength of a person of flesh and blood is pitifully weak after all; Life and death are regarded as a puff of smoke by the side of a fierce man, and he is only dragging a wounded leg that is festering and festering. !
Seeing that Yanshi in the distance will suffer catastrophe, seeing Lord Ye cover his face with loess at such an urgent time, and seeing Lord Young Guy pull a gun to surround Yangjiao Town, causing people on the road to bleed in vain. Apart from entrusting the old accountant Cheng Qingyun to spread the word, there is no other way to think of it? !
Aigu was wearing a black dress, like a black butterfly silently landed in the hallway, she raised her skirt and squatted in front of the medicine stove, fanning the fire lightly. The old accountant Cheng Qingyun was holding a hookah, pacing back and forth, his steps were slow and heavy, fully revealing his thoughts, he was suffering the same torment as Guan Baye.
I said Ba Ye, it's not that my old mouth is so trifling, really, he breathed out the smoke sullenly and said: Really, I feel your grievance, your pain, it's really too deep!When you came to ask for Wanjialou to save people, the family surnamed Wan shouldn’t have neglected you like this. I, a person with a foreign surname, served Wanjia’s bowls for half my life, and spoke lightly without weighing the scales. Master Zhen should have said those words That said, it's a pity he's not in town anymore!
Even if Aunt Hanying was in the town, I believe she would say the same thing, Aigu said in a low voice, resentful, with a slightly stiff ending drifting in the hallway, like smoke, like a dream
She is a person with right and wrong in Wanjialou. If she was there, at least Lao Qifang would listen to her.
I don't mind the snub.Guan Baye sighed and said: I am only worried about Yanshi and Guye. He refused to believe me and insisted on leading a team of guns to attack Yangjiao Town. This is too unreasonable.Personal grudges are ready at any time, not to mention that those people in Yangjiao Town and Wanjialou can't talk about hatred? !The various ethnic groups in the northern region did not join forces to help Yanshi. Once the Yanshi was over, there was another sea of bitterness. When the Northern Expeditionary Army came, who knew how long it would take?Could it be that Wanjialou only seeks to protect itself, regardless of the Beiyang army riding on Wanmin's head?Master Gu shouldn't be so shallow!
Wanjialou has changed, Ba Ye.The old accountant said: I always have such an ominous omen, feeling that every time the patriarch changes, the situation will be a bit bleak.Gu Ye is narrow-minded, he only recognizes the surname Wan in his eyes, and his heart is even narrower so that he can only tolerate his second wife. You get along with the eldest and seventh families speculatively.I thought that his revenge with Lord Ye was all a cover. He didn't want to extend a helping hand to Yanshi, fearing that there would be trouble after Yanshi's defeat, so he went to attack Yangjiao Town. I said Baye, if he eats That kind of person, maybe he will turn against you, you are too lonely
Guan Baye shook his head: Don't worry about me, master.I'm confident that I can't lose to others, and I never think about it for myself.
The old accountant fell silent, and the sound of footsteps became deeper and slower.
Guan Baye suddenly remembered something from the old accountant's words, and frowned, thinking silently.The bright and sometimes dark sunshine is like golden rain, splashing in bursts in the side yard paved with square bricks outside the promenade. Spring dances on the green leaves of many bonsai, and many fine spring auras fall on the medicine pots. Sing softly.
It seems that there is a misty feeling like smoke, what a beautiful spring is in front of me!I have never sat on such a quiet porch looking at spring, and when I feel spring, it is already the time when I want to grow old.Maybe I don't have a moment of leisure to stir up the spring and enjoy the spring in my eight lives.But more people should have such a spring!they should have such a spring
The smell of boiled medicine floated over, and the hot mist lingered on the roof of the corridor. The smell of medicine was very fragrant, but my heart was very bitter.Turning slightly to look at Ai Gu, her body wrapped in a black shirt is so plump and plump, her face is so young, she is a spring flower, but he plucks her leaves in the rain and let fate dictate , let the villains bully, how far away is this spring from the worried eyebrows?
His erratic thoughts drifted away in the lament in his heart, leading to the matter of Lord Ye being murdered. When thinking of Lord Ye, he had to think of Lord Bao, the boss of Shuangqiangluo and the group of brothers who died tragically in the Lao Liuhe Gang, because All these things happened in Wanjialou.Among the seven house families, judging from the rumors and facts from all sides, there are signs of disharmony. The traitor of the black mule, Master Ye was assassinated, and even Wan's own people did it. All these doubts have become a mysterious fog, which can't help but make people suspect Gu Ye.
Power and money are indeed the biggest curses, they often pollute and blacken innocent hearts!I am familiar with the situation in the Wanjialou family. The head of the house has been the head of the house for a long time, which will inevitably cause complaints from other house families. Among the few young elders, Master Zhen is a laid-back and indifferent person. Ambition, it is unlikely that others will harm the Baoye, and the Yeye will be harmed, only the Guye can make a profit; besides, buying and killing the Baoye with five thousand silver can only be done by those who seek power and profit.If Master Gu didn't do these things, that's okay, but if Master Gu did it, with such a cruel and vicious heart, why would he pull a gun to help Yanshi? !If he succeeds in besieging Yangjiao Town, he should be the one to deal with when he turns around!
If you want to find out this matter, you have to hide it in your heart for the time being, keep your face on the surface, wait for the opportunity to test slowly, use words that are not too deep and not too shallow to move him, observe the color, act according to the opportunity, maybe Master is not as good as you think? !These troubling thoughts made Guan Baye feel extremely heavy in his heart, and also made him feel extremely tired.He sighed deeply and closed his eyes leisurely.
Tired, yes.Iron-clad King Kong can't stand the kindness and resentment and endless wind and frost on the rivers and lakes for many years. Fatigue makes people want to get out of these whirlpools of fire and blood, life and death, but love draws people back into it. , the more twists and turns, the deeper, who would like to shed blood with both palms all year round, and hang the fire on the eyebrows?Who doesn't stretch his neck and look forward to the peace in his dream? !But that was far away, and Taiping's shadow swayed on the side of the fire and blood.
The old accountant Cheng Qingyun smoked a bag of hookah, looked at Guan Baye, and whispered to Aigu: "Baye has fallen asleep, don't disturb him, I'll go to the north gate to check and see if there is a gun." team news
I know.Ai Gu said.
The old accountant retreated, and the whole side yard was left with sunshine and flowers, only deep silence, only myself and Baye.Many years ago, in North Xuzhou, I once dreamed of such a situation. I dreamed that Ba Ye retreated bravely from the dangerous rivers and lakes. The mossy courtyard wall is full of twining vines, and on the vines with dark purple flowers is the spring awakened by the sound of birds.
This kind of spring scene fell in the eyes of Guan Baye, and many sad situations were hit in a chain. Although those difficult situations have been gone in the passing time, and because of the time, they have become deep in my heart. It was gray and blurred, but he was sure that he would never forget those situations and brand them in his heart.
For many years, on the risky rivers and lakes, I have always been on the two boats of life and death. I not only have to protect myself, but also shoulder the safety of my brothers who follow me. Whether it is day or night, even It is very difficult to obtain the time for meditation, so that those precious situations are like the face of a long-distance wanderer, covered with dust. At that moment, even if you are in danger; Calm down, look back at the past, and think about the common people, but feel that the world is empty, there is nothing left in the body, and every emotion and scene is touching.
It's another year of spring, he murmured in his heart.Who in the world has the heart to appreciate the scenery and welcome the spring?Especially in the north, where the war is full of troubles, the eyes are full of spring grass burying bones, spring flowers stained with blood, and the annual long spring famine makes people's eyes turn blue and black from starvation. He also turned a blind eye to extorting surplus food from the people.
Chun was buried in a dark, moldy prison, and now Chun was naked, with bruises and purple bloodstains on the spine of a taxpayer who had been whipped naked.From the Kanto Snow Fields all the way to the far south, which place is free from wars, plagues, floods, droughts and famines?People have no plans to hide, making the great spring a death trap, wiping away the dust in the long-term memory with recollection, those scenes mixed with blood and tears are vivid in front of our eyes; those scenes have replaced spring
In the big prison in North Xuzhou, I was wounded all over my body, curled up on a pool of moldy straw day and night, and thought about it in a coma, only the dark arches could be seen through the cold iron lattice The tooth-shaped cornice of the corridor and a high gray wall, the only greenery hangs on a rootless grass swaying in the wind.That high-hanging rootless grass seems to be tied to the fate of thousands of people.In any case, they should have a little bit of spring, a little bit of whole grain, a little bit of seed, but they have nothing of any kind.
I have personally seen brave soldiers urging food and taxes, waving their whips viciously, escorting a group of villagers who owe food and taxes. Among those people, there are old people with white beards and women with disheveled hair and feet. , there are immature children, they are all tied with long ropes on the back of their hands, like a herd of livestock about to be sent to the slaughterhouse, they are abused, tortured, and imprisoned in countless places and in prisons Even a rough meal has to be converted into money and added to the tax bill. Who has the power to save the suffering?If I don't die one day, I won't be able to get rid of this torment for a moment.
Aigu in black filial piety boiled the medicine, opened the lid of the jar, carefully placed a tooth chopstick in the middle of the mouth of the jar, then flattened a piece of medical paper to seal the mouth of the jar, wrapped the ear of the jar with a wet towel, and took the medicine away from the mouth. Charcoal stove, walked over quietly, and poured the boiled medicine juice into the medicine bowl in the center of the short table next to Guan Baye's reclining chair. The gunshot wound in her heart will heal soon, and now, this is the one she anxiously remembers day and night.
For a long time, Guan Baye has been a respectable god in her heart. In the years when she didn't understand it well, she often heard the legends about him that her father brought back from various places. According to the description of the legends, he It is comparable to the heroes in history that are sung in many song books.Ever since I saw him for the first time in the gloomy prison, I have filled my heart with many silly fantasies, fantasizing that one day, he can use supernatural power to level this cruel prison in the world, and one day he can bring his father and himself together. Get out of this muddy pool of blood.
Fantasy is always empty, in the mottled and fragmented light of the lantern at night, in his half-awake and half-asleep moaning and raving, father stripped off his blood-stained clothes for him, soaked cotton with wound medicine to smear When he was wounded, he couldn't help clenching his teeth, and felt heart-wrenching shudders.Even if he was born from the stars, in the human world, he would have to suffer twice as much as ordinary people. He is not a god after all, he has a body of flesh and blood that is no different from ordinary people.
He is not a god. On the night when she was raped by Bian San and Mao Liu, she cried and called his name in despair. Nothing could cover the humiliation she suffered. What she lost that night was the protection of the weak in the world, not just her own chastity.
Later, when she was sold into a prostitute, she had called him countless times, before the banquet where the silk strings were played and sang, on the pillow soaked with tears, in the arms of the greedy sopranos, on the street ridiculed by the children, in the When she was crying sadly, she had hoped to be rescued from him, because that day was not what she wanted to live, and the violence teased her like that, always throwing her a destiny that had no choice.
As the days flowed by, the red-hot furnace of fate cast her into the same mold as other women, the mold of a coquettish whore, the world and her breath were a compulsion to her, forcing her to use this Mode to survive.
No one can save her, anyone can only save her battered body, but cannot wash away the scars left in her heart, she no longer yearns for Guan Baye, she has to rely on herself, but no one I still think about Kanto at the time, I don’t know how far it is, I only know that it is a wasteland full of ice and snow, and there is a dream of her tears in the wasteland, sometimes she forgets what she has suffered, Caring and focusing on staying in the dream, worrying about her elderly father and the homeless man, she never complained that he didn't come to rescue her, because he was not the god imagined in her innocent heart back then.
He is not a god, and now catastrophe falls on him like a catastrophe. The men who followed him across the rivers and lakes are all separated, and the festering gunshot wounds make it difficult for him to move. However, he could no longer go to the rescue with his own guns.
The hot mist on the medicine bowl floated up like strands of incense seals, and swam across his stone-like contemplative face. There was a lot of hesitation between his brows, and he no longer had the heroic spirit of the past. Who would know the world? How many heroes have been wiped out by the endless wind and frost in the world?The ever-changing world is often beyond people's expectations. Who would have thought that one day, I would serve him the decoction with my own hands?Instead share his suffering?
Your medicine, Ba Ye.After a while, she said leisurely.
Oh, Guan Baye seems to have just woken up from deep contemplation, looking at Aigu apologetically, because he escaped from prison and went to Kanto with her old father, which caused her to fall into a tragic fate. The time of help made her worry about her sick body, it was really embarrassing pain, she was so full of words that she couldn't vomit for a while.
Aigu served the medicine bowl with both hands, Guan Baye was about to reach out to pick it up, there was a sound of horseshoes outside the Wanliang shop, a shop assistant appeared outside the round door of the small courtyard, and called the old accountant: Master Cheng, Master Cheng , Young Master Gu tied up his horse in front of the street porch, and is about to see Eighth Master!
Gu Ye alone?The old accountant asked.
No, the clerk said: There are quite a few horses in total, some of them seem to be from Yangjiao Town.
Guan Baye pushed back the medicine bowl, supported his body with his hands behind his back, he lifted his spirits and said, "please invite Gu Ye in, I'll be waiting to see him sooner or later."Pain in the body, forgive me for not being able to welcome you.
Before the clerk came to invite him, a group of men in short boots walked in stepping through the stone passage. The young man in a soap shirt looked a bit embarrassed, and walked away with a short rattan whip bent in his hand. In the front, his tight-breasted black jacket was torn in several places by branches, exposing copper-colored chest muscles and protruding forearms. There were many weeds stuck to the top of his boots, and his eyes were slightly blurred. He was flushed, but he was still full of energy, but there was a hint of distress on his face.
He was guarded by two gunners with rifles in their backs.
Followed by the stern-faced little Xie'er, and a few men with guns on their backs, when they saw Guan Baye, their faces softened.
I don't know how to explain this misunderstanding, Ba Ye.Young Master Gu put his hands behind his back, paced back and forth in front of Guan Ba Ye, and said: I am Zhang Fei who sells meat, and I have a temperament that counts for a catty, and I have a temper that counts for a tael, Ba Ye, please don't blame me first.When you came, something happened to Mr. Ye. According to the inference, Judge Zhu and his gang did it. Mr. Zhen happened to be not in the house. fight, who knows
I should tell you, Gu Ye.Guan Baye said: "He died a long time ago. It's only my fault that I couldn't see you with a gunshot wound."
No, Little Guy said: It's no wonder Ba Ye, it's only my fault that I was too eager for revenge and didn't come to visit you first.When someone found the sentry horse released by Yangjiao Town in Sanliwan, not only me, but the whole Wanjialou thought that Mr. Ye died in the hands of the gang in Yangjiao Town, so I pulled the gun team out and planned to rush to Yangjiao Town , Who knows that he bumped into them halfway, and he did it in a daze.As soon as the gun fired, I fell on both sides, and the crime fell on me!
Eighth Master, you are fine, we can be relieved.Xiao Xie'er came over and leaned over and said: In the past few days, there has been a lot of wind in Yanshi, and the Jiangfang Army has already launched an attack in the rain.How Ye Ye died has nothing to do with us. The scriptures have made it clear that now we just wait for your order, and we will be fine.
In this case, Guan Baye pondered for a moment and said: "Then you should hurry up and take the human guns to the aid first. I will discuss how many guns the major families in the Northland can gather. I will discuss it with Gu Ye. I will draw a note and you will take it with you." Yanshi, present it to Mr. Fang Dexian, how he uses this group of people, he will have an arrangement, if you see Mr. Fang, please tell him, just say I will do my best here, how many people can be gathered How much is the gun, if I can't leave at that time, I can be carried to Yanshi by someone, and I just want to meet with them alive and well!
After Guan Baye struggled to finish these words, Xiao Xie'er's eyes became desolately wet: We will act according to Baye's orders.You don't need two people to wait here?
I don't think so.Guan Baye said: "You don't have to worry about me. Although my leg has pus, I think it's not a big deal. Mr. Cheng, just take a pen and paper."
Xiao Xie'er moved over the short feet, and Guan Baye took the pen and paper from the old accountant's hand, twisted his body with difficulty, and started writing with the pen under the support of the old accountant; Xu's pain in the wound and his heavy heart made his arm Trembling slightly, a piece of paper has not been completed, sweat is already rolling on his forehead.After finishing writing the letter, he sent away little Xie'er. Seeing that the young master was still hooking his head and hands behind his back, pacing on the square brick floor in front of the porch with his horsewhip, he said gently: "Master Gu, please sit down. Legs hurt people, it's too easy to treat you, really
The old accountant moved another back chair, but the young master did not take a seat, he spread his hands and said with a wry smile: "Baye, the reason for your visit, Lao Cheng, he has already told me!"When Wanjialou was in distress, it is true that you drew your sword to help. The Wanjia and other families have never dared to forget your gratitude.However, when you came, there was an accident with the clan’s main business owner. I had to deal with all internal and external affairs. I neglected you for a while. If you don’t care about these things, the people of Wanjialou will be grateful
I was asking for help for the innocent people in Yanshi. Guan Baye slightly raised his face, looked at Little Guy earnestly and said: The Beiyang Army abused the people and committed violence, which has long made people unable to survive. Protecting salt and protecting dams, resisting donations and taxes and pulling guns to protect themselves, the momentum has resounded across the sky. Now that the Beiyang River Defense Army is suppressing the border, no matter how strong the people's guns are, and no matter how popular the people's hearts are, Yanshi is just an isolated city. The mouths and teeth of all parts of the Northland are connected. Whether it can hold it depends on whether it can respond in time. Therefore, I am closed eight times and headed north. Regardless of the gunshot wounds, I came to Wanjialou to appeal for help. Guy, do you want to come I can see clearly.
Guan Baye panted slightly after saying this, and coughed while frowning his brows; Aigu, who was standing silently behind the corridor pillar, turned around, brought up a medicine bowl and said: "Baye, don't bother talking, you The medicine is almost cold.
You sit down and talk, Gu Ye.Guan Baye took the medicine bowl and drank it before he was ready, but he said to the little Guye: I was in a hurry, afraid that you would blame Yeye's death on those people in Yangjiao Town, I heard that you were holding a gun I was really afraid that the two sides would misunderstand each other. At this critical time, when Xiao Xieer came, I was very surprised, but the misunderstanding was cleared up? !
To tell you the truth, I brought them to see you because I was forced.Little Guy said in great frustration: I have led the Wanjialou gun team for several years, but I don't know that they are all useless idiots? !In Hanhongxi, I ran into them in the middle of the night. As soon as the two sides caught fire, my men became a mess. Some fled, some scattered, some died, some died, and many captives waited for me. Retreating to the high ground at Sanliwan, only two hundred men were within reach. Wanjialou had never suffered such a miserable defeat at the hands of bandits.Just in time, Xiao Xie'er came forward to say hello, and I was convinced that Judge Zhu Si lay dead at your feet. They threatened me to see Lord Ba, so they saw it!I said Ba Ye, if it wasn't for your name, I would never be friendly with them!
I dare to guarantee my life, Guan Baye suddenly opened his eyes and looked directly at the face of the young Guye, his eyes burst out with sharp power, and said solemnly: "I dare to guarantee that Brother Yeye's untimely death is the same as that of Judge Zhu Si!" It has nothing to do with the partner, if you can trust Gu Ye, one day, I will dig to the bottom and find the real culprit in Wanjialou!
As soon as Guan Baye said this, the old accountant Cheng Qingyun raised his face in surprise, his eyes were wide open, and he couldn't keep his mouth shut for a long time.Ai Gu on the side still furrowed her brows slightly, her eyes quickly swept over the discolored face of Young Master Gu.
The moment his face turned serious, he broke the cane whip in his hand, but his face changed extremely quickly, and in the blink of an eye, he changed into a hesitant and greatly confused expression, and said in a slightly stiff voice. In other words: Baye Baye, I am a straight person, but I really can't break your boring gourd, you mean?You mean Wanjialou? !Mr. Ye, it is still an unresolved unresolved case, but Mr. Bao, he was obviously shot and killed by Judge Zhu Fourth. Besides, you and Sister Hanying were only by your side at that time, so you should be a living witness.
well!Guan Baye suddenly closed his eyes again, and shook his head: Logically, it's not my turn to say this, I'm a person with a foreign surname after all.Every time I pass by seven willow trees, looking at the seven intertwined trees, looking at the ridge top of the ancestral hall where the pigeons fly around, I, a foreigner, feel full of emotion in my heart!I always feel that if the head of the house manages the family affairs for too long, it will inevitably arouse the resentment of other house families. Today's Wanjialou is no longer what it used to be
Perhaps the bystanders are clear, and the authorities are confused.Gu Ye reluctantly smiled and said: Wanjialou Qifang clan worships the ancestral hall together, at four o'clock and eight festivals, all ethnic groups gather in the ancestral hall to worship their ancestors. All the houses are built together according to the legacy of the ancestors, and no one has the right to make decisions. I don't know why the eighth master said the word "dislike and resentment".Even if the Fang family has slight grievances, they fight for it according to reason, and accuse each other when entering the temple, in any case, it is not a conspiracy to murder, the words of the eighth master are really puzzling!
This matter should be counted from the annihilation of the old Liuhe gang. Guan Baye said: "Shuangqiang Luo boss and the long house have a deep friendship. Mr. Wan is in Japan, and the Wanjia building is so magnificent. The private sector will never dare to be on the ground of Wanjia." To cause trouble, when Mr. Wan falls down, if there is no traitor who tipped off, Seven Willows would never have caused that bloody murder, Mr. Gu. I wonder what you think?
Although what Ba Ye said is reasonable, but it is only an inference, Little Guy's throat twitched, and he said stiffly: Maybe it's just a coincidence, well, a coincidence; there are too many coincidences in this world!If the inference is reversed, what good will it do him to ruin Boss Luo?
Aspiring to fight for power!Guan Baye said categorically: "That man is so cunning, I have never seen it in all the rivers and lakes I have been in for many years."Of course, as you said, Gu Ye, I am only speculating.
As soon as Guan Baye said this, the young Guye who had not long been seated stood up holding the broken rattan whip, locked his two thick black eyebrows, and lowered his head on the square brick floor in front of the porch. Walk up and down.The old accountant, Cheng Qingyun, was holding the hookah in his hand in a daze, and didn't smoke it, letting the shredded tobacco ignite spontaneously.Ai Gu, who was silent, retreated to the back of the colonnade, holding the cold stone railing in the corridor with emotion.A dead silence enveloped this corner of the courtyard, only the sound of Little Guy's boots could be heard.
Even if the other party uttered the words unintentionally, it would be considered intentional in the ears of Little Guy. If Guan Ba's tone is like this, nine out of ten he has already become suspicious of himself. I have already made myself sweat a cold sweat. Although he has a gunshot wound, he is still a sick tiger, not a sheep without horns. If it is someone else, it is not difficult to get rid of him. People of all ethnic groups have the reputation of his immortality in their hearts. If they want to get rid of him for nothing, it will be extremely difficult.Then again, if I don't get rid of Guan Ba first today, Guan Ba will definitely find me in the future. As far as the Old Liuhe Gang was wiped out, Guan Ba has been chanting revenge more than once.
The inner shady character made Little Guy show no emotion on the surface, while thinking about how to deal with Guan Ba Ye, he walked around and said: "If Ba Ye's deduction is correct, I can't tolerate this kind of traitor. , we have to get some supporting evidence, and those who can't catch wind and shadow will be framed. I don't know what do you think, Ba Ye?
I have already advised Lord Ye to be more careful.Guan Baye drank the decoction, put down the medicine bowl and said: Gu Ye must still remember that when Judge Zhu Si went to Wanjia Building at night last time, they entered Weigang by secret road.There was a guy riding a white cross and a black walking mule. He had met with the five hell kings under the four judges beforehand, and he promised to give five thousand to the ocean after killing Baoye!Just when the bandits killed Bao Ye, in the stone alley behind the ancestral hall, Wu Yanwang collected the huge sum of money.So Baoye didn't die at the gunpoint of the bandits, but actually died on the five thousand oceans. I dare say that the five thousand oceans belonged to the Wan family.
Oh, the black face of Young Master Gu turned blue and white in an instant. I don't know whether it was fear or anger, which made him let out a deep growl, like an enraged black panther, showing two rows of white teeth standing upright: I don't know what's going on behind the scenes? !Baye, did you hear the legend?still? !
Judge Zhu Si told me personally before his death.
ah!Ba Ye, so Wan Liang, he is also the Ai Gu who was standing behind the pillar, suddenly turned her face, crying out the sorrow deep in her heart, she knew that none of the words that came out of Guan Ba Ye's mouth was superficial , She thought of Wan Liang who was shot to death that night, her internal organs were churning, and she felt a pain like frying oil in her heart.
She always thought that Wan Liang was an honest and honest person, and he shouldn't have fallen into the fate of Guo Tie (it is commonly known as Guo Tie for killing with swords, spears and guns). If Wan Liang was killed by bandits, then she could only blame God. Open your eyes, but Wan Liang and Bao Ye were bought by the traitors of the Wanjiafang clan with their lives!She had never thought of this level, never thought that Wan Liang died so unjustly, a sudden surge of dizziness hit her forehead, causing her to reach out to embrace a pillar, and slowly kneel down Going down, she slowly closed her eyes, with crystal clear teardrops coagulating between her eyelashes.
what's wrong with youCheng Qingyun rushed over anxiously.
Young Master Gu cast a glance at Ai Gu, with hatred in his eyes.
Wanliang is just accompanying Baoye to the funeral for nothing, girl.Guan Baye said: Although I failed to do anything for the girl as soon as possible because of father Qin's entrustment, but Wan Liang was wronged to die. Just hold back your sorrow and wait, this day won't be too long!
Little Guy touched the handle of the trigger gun with one hand. In a moment of panic and excitement, he really wanted to draw his gun and kill Guan Baye, but he immediately turned to Guan Baye with a smile and said: Lord, in my opinion, this matter is very easy to deal with, as long as you find the five hell kings to get to the bottom of it, it will not be difficult to find the real culprit!
If the Five Kings of Hades were in the world, I would look for him and find out about this matter.Guan Baye said: I don't need to intervene in the matter of Baoye and Yeye. The Wanjialou clan can make their own decisions, and the blood debt of the Lao Liuhe Gang and Wanliang's death cannot be ignored by me. It's a pity. It is the five Hades who are dead!It takes a lot of energy to find out the truth.However, I have to put this account aside for the time being. At present, what I am begging to Master Gu is still how to pull the gun and save Yanshi?It was for this reason that I came to Wanjialou with injuries.
I'm not trying to shirk, Ba Ye.Little Guy stopped, and said slowly: "I know this is a major matter that concerns the success or failure of the whole clan, so I won't be able to decide on my own, even if I take the gun team to attack Yangjiao Town this time, on the way, there will be a battle." After the fire, more than ten lives were put down, which is busy enough.Pulling guns to aid Yanshi and resisting the Beiyang army, not to mention the casualties on the battlefield of the two armies, if Yanshi is not protected, the Jiangfang army will go straight to the north, and the whole family of Wanjialou will not be able to escape the charge of rebellion. , who can save the fait catastrophe? !
Ordinary people have to look at what should be done and what should be done. Guan Baye sighed and said: I think not only Chaijiabao, not only Wanjialou, but all conscientious and bloody people can't bear to sit and watch the salt market fall. Listening to Jiang Fang's killing of good people, if everyone doesn't retreat and seek self-protection first, how can the Beiyang factions be allowed to run rampant and bloody on the ground thousands of miles to the north? !
I understand this truth, Ba Ye.Little Guy then sat down again, approached Guan Ba Ye and said: I said that I didn't mean to shirk, I just asked Ba Ye to stay for a few days to heal his wounds, and allow me to open the ancestral hall, gather public discussions, and settle the matter. Spread it on the table, everyone needs to discuss it carefully, this matter can't be forced, I can only convey your intentions to Ba Ye, whoever is willing to save the Yanshi, count as much, and I will come to talk to you after there is a result Just call back.
Judging by the situation, we can only follow Gu Ye's way, Ba Ye.The old accountant interjected and said: Masters of the gun team are usually dragged down by family members. If you talk about guarding the hillocks and resisting bandits, that's easy. .
The gunshot wound entangled me, Guan Baye had a sad look on his brows, and sighed: I have to sit here and listen to Gu Ye's reply.I hope Gu Ye will take some time to go to Chaijiabao, talk about my thoughts, and see what the meaning is there?In short, the more human guns you collect, the better.
I tried my best to do so, and the young master replied bluntly: "Ba Ye, the gun team outside has withdrawn, and the dead are waiting for me to take care of them. I can't delay for a long time, so I will take my leave first!"
Watching the back of Little Guy walking away through the round gate, Guan Baye shook his head slowly, with a look of loneliness and sadness on his face, he couldn't express the complicated feelings in his heart for a while, only felt weak and empty.
For the past few days, he was lying on the sickbed, yearning to meet Gu Ye all the time, hoping to have the opportunity to tell Dayi directly, so that the rescue of Yanshi would have a result at that time. If they kept saying to avenge Lord Ye, if Xiao Xie'er didn't give some explanation, they would inevitably end up in a situation where both sides would be hurt. If Xiao Xie'er's group could be dragged to help Yanshi in time, why not Wanjialou? !I didn't dare to say that Little Guy wanted to avoid it, at least he put on a reluctant face about pulling a gun to help, and he said that he didn't implement the activities.When he opened the gate of the ancestral hall and convened the clan to discuss and discuss again, maybe the Yanshi city would be captured by the Jiang defense army without any guns.
This reminds people of the past, if Baoye and Yeye were still alive, they would never be so hesitant. It's not a big deal for him to be neglected, and the danger of Yanshi is incomprehensible, which really makes people feel uneasy!Now I am softly trapped in this corner of the courtyard, facing the spring that I can't bear to look at.
Young Master Gu didn't seem to be quite right today, so the old accountant started puffing on the hookah: he doesn't usually have this temper.
Is he still as irritable as ever? !Ai Gu said: It's just that in front of Ba Ye, no matter how irritable he is, he can't resist it, it's not easy to explode!It can be seen that he seems a little displeased with Ba Ye.
Maybe he blamed me for being too nosy?Guan Baye let out a deep sigh: If he regards the siege of Yanshi as something outside of him, then he is wrong!
Although he felt the chaos inside Wanjialou and the difficulty of his own situation, he still firmly believed that his sincerity could dispel prejudice, and the news of Yanshi's independent resistance against the Jiang Defense Army would gradually spread throughout the north. Wanjialou is in a secluded corner and only seeks self-protection, but this monstrous storm may make them realize that it is impossible to seek self-protection alone.
And he is not used to lying in bed waiting, he must recover quickly.
The storm in Yanshi really rolled towards the countryside in the Northland.
For many years, this desolate wilderness was only infested by gangsters, officers and soldiers tortured and massacred civilians, countless lives were lost on the muzzles and knives of gangsters, and countless lives were ruined in the rain of blood For example, in the prisons set up by Qian Ditu, although there are merchant militias in some larger market towns, and although there are earthen fortresses and watchtowers in the larger villages, they are only formal. Occasionally resisting small groups of bandits, I have never heard of any place that dared to fight against the Beiyang army with the strength of one city and one place; Those who heard the news were all sweating secretly, always worrying that once the defense troops came out, Yanshi would suffer a bloody massacre.
It wasn't until the Yadantou army collapsed that people took a breath.When the Jiangfang army was transferred to the north, the slightly slack hearts were tightened again. Everyone knew that the Jiangfang army was a hard card in Sun Chuanfang's hand. Since he played this card, it showed that he was determined to solve the Yanshi market and cut off the life force. The rotten sores on his back made him concentrate on dealing with the war in the south, otherwise, he wouldn't have made such a fuss and transferred the elite heavy troops to the north.It was not until the Jiangfang army attacked Yanshi and launched a world-shattering battle that people realized that the strength of Yanshi should not be underestimated. flutter.
This fact has greatly encouraged the hearts of the people in the opposition; due to the concept passed down through the ages, people are used to thinking that the government is the sky, which makes the warlords of various factions in Beiyang who hold military power run rampant. This notion was shattered by Yanshi's magnificent act of fighting against violence alone. The inspired people's hearts are like weeds that have been blown by the spring breeze and moistened by spring rain.江防軍根本無力剷除的。
圍繞著鹽市進行的激烈戰事，像一股大旋風，牽動了近百里的地面，人們懷著激動、興奮的心情，把聽來的關於鹽市的戰訊輾轉播傳著，說起張二花鞋怎樣智賺毛六，窩心腿方勝怎樣取得鉅款，說起鐵扇子湯六刮的豪勇和機智，石二矮子如何伏擊江防軍團長，最後總把傳說的重心放在豪士關八爺的身上。
關八爺的名字經常掛在人的嘴邊，關八爺勇義的行為像撒種般的落在人們的心上，在許許多多鄉野的傳說當中，人們直把他當成活佛，就差焚香上供，頂禮膜拜了。人們總直感的近乎迷信的認為江防軍之所以破不了鹽市，是因為關八爺統領著一干俠義的人物，在鹽市上奮力抗爭的緣故，因為人們仍固執的相信著祗有俠士才能抗得了官兵，而像關八爺這種樣的俠士是上應天星的。
天要倒孫傳芳，鹽市才顯出關八爺來的！
八爺是條神龍，遇江必活，孫傳芳偏偏調來江防軍，這也是因緣氣數，合該如此，江防軍永遠是捉不住關八爺的！
在久遠的歷史進程中，民間流布的傳說就已經具有了這樣一種特性，部份平樸的事實僅是它的核子。當它開始流布的同時，就好像在雪地上滾球一樣，加添了多種神秘的、誇張的、想像的描述。到後來，每個轉述那些傳說的人，都自由的加上了他們內心潛藏著的希望，使那些傳說中充溢著廣大民間神秘的願望，也代表了民間潛在的反暴力的精神雪球愈滾愈大，那些後來加添的附麗的描述，反而掩蓋了原有的事實，使事實降為次要的了。
這樣一隻神秘的魔性的雪球，無休無止的日夜滾動著；在城市的茶樓、酒肆、街頭或書場上，在鄉野的行林邊，麥場前，在婦女們浣洗衣物的青石跳板上，它滾動著，在人們的工作中，交易時，起床後或入睡前，在耳語裏，煙霧裏，披上人們的亢奮和歎息
這雪球一樣毫無阻擋的滾進江防軍兵勇們的耳朵，再由他們嘴裏吐出來，使那些背井離鄉為幾塊大洋兵餉賣命的漢子們預感到攻撲鹽市是逆天行事，使他們眉尖上鎖住不吉不祥的兆示。不知是誰傳出來的，說鹽市舉槍前，孫大帥就患了心疼病，不惜重金請到一位術士替他卜算命運，那術士算出心應心，大帥患心疼。正主後方起變，而這變亂正應在鹽市上。
連塌鼻子師長也被這些謠言纏困著，他明知這些傳說對他極為不利，但他根本無法阻遏它們的流布，他也曾以各種不同的嚴苛手段鎮壓過，甚且抓過一些流布這類傳說的兵勇，在陣前就地槍決，割了頭掛在木杆上示眾，同時張貼過很多妖言惑眾，殺無赦！之類的告示，但那仍然是於事無補。
也就在傳說紛紜的時刻，北地的許多村鎮墟集上，都出現了頭戴白色細草帽，無論長衫短褂，都僅扣三粒鈕扣的士紳（這些均為暗受革命薰陶的革命黨人），到處數說著孫傳芳的劣跡和崇洋禍國的野心，慫恿人們繼關八爺統領鹽市舉槍抗暴之後，也拉起槍結起隊來，抗稅抗捐，不再向北洋官府繳納田糧，更呼籲人們拒抽丁，拒拉伕，寧願餓死在荒年也不應北洋軍的募勇。
這些鼓動，這些呼籲，正一針見血的刺在北洋暴政的要害上，因為北洋各系軍閥頭子們大多是抱著憑藉槍桿兒打天下，以軍為政的夯貨，哪兒懂得修明政治，解民危，紓民困，探求民隱，收攬天下民心？ !他們終日淫奢醉飽之餘，為想爭更大的權，占更大的地，摟更多的錢，享更多的福，就不管三七二十一的任意開徵，儘量搜刮民脂民膏，供其添槍購火，擴充軍備。
這樣無視民間荒旱饑饉，一味嚴苛榨稅的行為，最惹民怨，那些虎狼般蠻橫的差役，以及各地防軍遣出的催捐隊，經常出現在街口村頭，挨宅挨戶的擂門逼稅，死下人來可以不收殮，欠捐欠稅是非繳不可，眾多無力繳納的，當場就繩拴鍊鎖，牽牽結結像驅趕一群牲畜，鞭子抽，棍子劈，槍托搗，送進那些土設的囚獄去當押頭，非等清了捐完了稅不放人。
開初人們是那樣含淚苦忍著，哭地呼天，問老天怎不幫助他們，使每畝田地每季多產斗把糧？使他們得能免受這種非人的苦痛。但總是呼天天不應，喚地地不靈，彷彿天和地也都離棄了這群哀哀無告的蒼生，讓他們赤裸裸的承受一切人間的苦難，上天無路，入地無門！到後來，常有人被非刑打死在土牢裏，也有怕催捐隊抓人，當門上吊的，也有些離鄉背井逃離故宅的，怨氣結升天頂，使太陽全變了顏色。
任意開徵僅是暴政的毒害之一，其苛虐的程度尚遠不及抓勇抽丁，北洋地面上，根本無役政可言，前朝留下的徵丁制仍然保留著，實際並沒按制施行，由於戶政不修，抽丁制事實上無法施行，但北洋將軍們亟需兵勇去流血賣命，祗好兼採招兵募勇和胡亂抓兵兩種辦法，雙管齊下的殺伐本元。
他們招兵募勇，多半趁著荒旱年景，當人們忍饑受餓，鬻妻賣子，走投無路時，大張募兵帖子，誘人入去吃糧賣命，比較起來，暫能捱得活命總比餓死道旁要強些，所以咬著牙頂花名去了。這類的兵勇兩眼漆黑的朝前捱日月，哪還有什麼前程功名之想？ !每經一場火，能保得腦袋不挨槍就是好的了。
至於胡亂抓兵，那更是苛虐到極點。北洋的官府和散佈在各地的爪牙們，始終不放過那些成年的漢子或初具壯丁模樣的少年，若是富戶，他們就藉機敲索錢財，若是貧戶，他們就動手抓人了。多少人家有過那樣痛傷的記憶，像火燒的烙痕般的印在人霉濕的心上；更深寒夜裏，一家人和衣睡在麥草鋪上，雖說祗擁著一床多虱蟲的破絮，夢裏也有著遠遙的希望的溫柔，忽然傳出槍托搗門聲，乒乒乓乓像擂著急鼓，方從夢中驚醒，虎狼惡吏業已破門而入了。
在數盞搖曳的燈籠光下，婦女們掩面觳觫著，眼睜睜的看著她們的夫兒在掙扎中被繫上鐵鍊，牽猴般的叮叮噹噹拖走了，一直等到沉重的鐵鍊聲消失在夜暗裏，一直等到她們從渾噩的魘境中醒轉，明白那是抓兵時，她們已經失去一切了。多年戰亂所造成的冷冰冰的事實告訴她們，遭北洋官府抓去充當兵勇的人，千百人裏難得有幾個能活著還鄉蹬足捶胸的嚎哭罷，即使眼淚裏裹著血絲，即使哭啞了喉嚨，將含血的淚彙成滂沱大雨，也救不得心上肉上的親人了！
在這些傷心人的眼裏，明天的太陽將是黑的，明天的日子就是沉淵，而她們必得頂著變黑的太陽，跌進深黑無底的明天的沉淵。荒涼的野地上，多的是巴根野草，她們和無人過問的野草是同一命運！她們得默默的忍受乾旱，忍受水澇，忍受寒風冷雨和霜雪，沒有人關心這些遍野的悲劇正如沒有人能顧及荒原間連天野草的枯榮。
至於被鐵鍊鎖走的漢子們，他們被安排妥了的命運更加淒慘，遇上較好的役官，算是他們走運，照例是加了一付單銬，脫光身子從上至下詳細受檢，權算驗明正身，然後每人領取一件滿是灰污血漬的棉大衣，套在精赤的身體上，用牛馬般的苦活換取兩餐鹽水飯，等候各處接新勇的差人來，好分批撥補。
假如遇上較差的役官，名堂花式之多，連地獄也將為之失色。一送進來，就得打指模，印腳模，狠敲一頓，再來個背銬，然後像烙印牲畜一樣，在脊背上使燒紅的烙鐵列印，除了一套棉大衣外，精赤的身體不准加一根布紗，以防趁機逃遁，連睡覺翻翻身都得要奉准，那身強體壯的，怕他們弄脫鐐銬，一律是使尖刀挑穿琵琶骨間的鎖洞，串以粗鐵鍊，杜絕他們潛逃的念頭。
有些嚴苛的役官採用連坐的方法，那就是一人潛逃，責打全營，倒吊、灌水、皮鞭、跪稜石種種花樣從頭到尾玩遍，非弄到鬼哭狼嚎不舒心暢氣。可憐那些丁勇們悲屈的泳過這些非刑的鼎鑊，悲慘的歲月更是悠長；一紙發配單把他們提走了，使他們遠離根生之土歸向長途，誰知道今夜在哪兒停？明朝在哪兒歇？ !誰敢問這一遭是發配到福建還是江西？ !
他們不算什麼，他們祗是一些枯敗的滿是傷痕的葉子，飄在歷史之外的黑暗的風中，他們是一群無名無姓的非人
說不上什麼樣的悲慘了，悲慘總是不自覺的，悲慘總飄搖在他們身後的煙裏和雲裏。用酸切切的緬懷去描摹往昔，描摹幾張熟悉的人臉，想在久已乾涸的眼中喚回一絲絲人性的悲懷和濕潤。即使忍受悲酸，也比面對著遙遠的空茫要好些。因為在往日，他們總有些人的生活，人的記憶。
與妻子共守的寒夜中的一盆爐火，談說新歲之初南天門大開的故事，雖不敢企望神仙賜下財富，總巴望明春略有豐足的收成。餘糧豐足時，雙簷及地的矮茅屋裏，同樣洋溢著無憂的笑聲，依稀可憶的春聯，寫的是鬥酒隻雞談笑樂，五風十雨樂豐年。但那些那些，從被抓那夜起始，就永遠的失落了。
從清早跋涉到夕暮時。瘦影連著瘦影復連著瘦影，發配前幾個月非人的生活已磨蝕了他們的血肉，使他們裹在棉大衣裏的身體變成包著青筋和瘦骨的活骷髏。
他們當中，有一些生著爛瘡，有一些鬧著痢疾，有一些帶著新近被毒打的較重的棒傷，走路一跛一拐的，比爬山更為艱難。在刀刺、槍托和皮鞭之前，他們走也得走著，爬也得爬著。明白了呻吟、號泣、哀呼和央懇是沒有用的，在沉默的長路上，他們學會了比長路更為沉默，長路曾馱負過無數朝代中這樣的非人，而他們幾幾乎馱負了整個東方的苦難的歷史，他們的存活就是暴力存在的象徵。
鄉野上的人們都曾眼見過這些非人在路上，細弱的長頸上豎著骷髏樣的青白色的頭顱，他們臉容總是同樣灰敗，同樣木無生氣，深陷在眼窩中的眼茫然的大睜著，眼神分散，顯出一股魯鈍、呆滯的意味，瞳仁深處，偶露出一股鬼氣的幽光；他們從破袖中露出的手臂，像剝了皮的柳枝般的細弱，使人擔心風也會把它們吹折；他們的腕間留著深深的被細麻索緊捆的紫痕，由於被捆太久，整個手背都呈血瘀，變成青黑顏色；他們的腳步軟弱無力，裸露的小腿骨外，盡是條條鞭痕，就那樣顛躓的又有點兒機械的聳起肩胛，朝前挪走著，在比他們生命更長的路上。他們必須迸出全身所有的力氣征服腳下的道路，否則便會被活活的扔棄在那裏死去。
驢操的笨胚！走不動，老子當場叫你啃草根！
很多人聽過押解壯丁的兵勇們這樣叱罵同時鞭打那些非人。人們不會忘記這些，別人的親人這樣被烙於他們的眼，使他們追想起被發配到遠處的父兄，怒火曾燒紅他們的眼瞳。這些久久潛藏在人心深處的怒火一經點燃，便以燎原之勢狂燒起來，而關八爺就是第一個在廣大民間點火的人。
躺在安樂椅上的塌鼻子師長卻一點兒沒有想到這些，這些雞毛蒜皮是不屑一想的，他想的是大帥的心理。幹穩這個師長秘訣不需要旁的，但得要揣摸清楚大帥的脾氣，瞭解他最近的情緒。
最近南方的戰事節節失利，大帥想來準是不開心，盤算著找幾個人斃一斃。攻破鹽市的限期已經過了，發力總攻也攻不下它，反弄得滿城都是抬回來的傷兵；假如這種情形再繼續下去，說不定大帥點卯正點在自己的頭上了。所以除了先拍一通：本軍奉令攻撲鹽市，初次施擊即獲大勝，擄得叛匪多人，斬獲頗豐，為求早日破敵，全軍正冒雨激戰中的告捷電報外，還得要想辦法早點攻破鹽市才行。
我說師座，這份告捷電祗是緩兵之計。參謀長說：既在激戰中，大帥他就惱火，一時也奈何不得您，兩軍陣前，照例是撤不得主將的！假如跟著就把鹽市攻下來，就是誤了限期，大帥一樂，必定不罰，不過，要是鹽市久久不破，這玩意就不容易騙過他了！
攻！攻！攻！塌鼻子光火說：我他娘說攻就攻，一再攻！攻到底了！
既然要不顧一切的攻鹽市，就得要到北地的鄉野去徵軍糧，徵軍草，搜馬料，掠牲畜，這一來，鹽市以北近百里的地面都受到了波及。
如果在往常，習慣被防軍敲索壓逼的老民總是逆來順受的。最多是敢怒而不敢言罷了！但這一回可不同了，各鄉各鎮竟然拉槍集銃，打起抗稅團、抗捐隊、保鄉隊、自衛團等等的地方旗號，公開拒繳軍糧軍草，有些集鎮，如臨大敵的封起四門，擊殺江防軍遣出的督糧官，有些村落的刀會，在曠野和督糧隊逼近搏殺，把已經被逼出的糧草重又劫了回來。
這些消息由殘兵逃回來稟告，輾轉傳進塌鼻子師長的耳朵裏，氣得暴叫如雷，大吼著：分兵出去；分兵出去擊殺這些不知死活的叛民！
但他並不知道，整個江防軍也像他本人一樣，患了欲舉無力的毛病，三個團都被鹽市吸住，根本無法分兵了！即使這樣，善拍馬的參謀長還是吩咐各團抽調小股兵力，開到北地去濫殺，弄得難民遍野，殊不知這樣一來，好比使杯水去潑旺火，結果是愈潑火頭愈高了！
單就小蠍兒領著的這一股人，打起救援鹽市的旗號一路朝南，沿途各處都有聞風推糧送草的鄉民，有帶著三五桿零星槍枝，自願投效的鄉勇，有從更遠處趕來匯合的刀會，有無力臨陣赴死，但卻在路旁焚香祝禱的老婦人。
其中更有自稱姓阮的剃頭匠，剛從鹽市北面不遠，一座被江防軍焚毀的小村落裏逃難出來，一支毛竹扁擔挑著兩個筐籮，一頭挑的是瓢盆鍋碗，另一頭挑的是兩個孩子；他老婆赤著一雙大腳板，聳著一對大奶盤，躬著個牛腰粗的包袱卷兒，跟著他的擔兒走，走到半路上，遇著大陣人槍踩荒南走，就歇下擔子揚聲問說：噯，諸位扛槍的爺們，你們可是開下去打江防軍的？
你猜中了！咱們正要去砸那幫雜種的鍋！
那個聽了話，猛可的跳起來，順手抹下擔子上的毛竹扁擔，跟老婆說：這個擔兒你權且照管著，我跟他們回頭去打那些龜孫去！我雖姓阮（與軟字諧音），可也不能軟不叮噹活一輩子，你就容我去硬一硬罷！說著，也不管老婆怎麼樣，拖著扁擔就一路踩荒跟下來了。
從南向北逃的成千累萬的難民群裏，有不少抄起單刀木棒，加入小蠍兒這一群的。一路上，他們談論著鹽市的情況，也談著關八爺所創的種種事跡；姑不論日後鹽市是否守得住？姑不論北地日後的遭遇如何？關東山這名字已經像一條橫過苦難沉淵掠起的大閃，照亮了他們悲慘屈辱的面顏，現在他們醒著，他們要自己掌握住自己的命運！
從鹽市中撤出的婦孺老弱，以及遭受波及的鹽市附近鄉莊上的難民群，像一陣悽惶的鳥雀，在春天的繁華背景中隨處飛著，在無意之中，把傳說的種子播撒下去，他們之中的大部份都逃到四十里大荒蕩南端的沙河口田莊。
他們一樣把沿途銜來的傳說的種子播撒在這裏
萬家樓剛把業爺的死訊帶到珍爺的耳裏，驚愕的珍爺也想不透業爺的死因，在妹妹菡英面前，他亟力隱忍著，把這不幸的消息瞞了下來，祗藉口說是宗祠的祀期近了，打算在近期回去一次；他知道菡英的病情很重，受不得意外的刺激，他不能再讓她承擔業爺慘遭暗殺的悲痛了。但還沒等他成行，成千的難民群就湧進了田莊。
從珍爺的田莊起步朝南，是一片約有二里寬的緩斜坡，斜坡上大塊肥沃的青沙田旺生著各類稼禾，斜坡的最低處，就是碧汪汪的沙河的流水，從七里灘轉注入浩蕩的鹽河去。從田莊的宅子裏任何朝南的窗口，越過短牆和村外的護籬，都望得見閃光的沙河和白沙的河岸，遇上晴和的日子，更能望得見遙懸在天際的鹽河上緩緩移動的帆檣。從移住到沙河口之後，病裏的萬菡英就愛憑窗遠眺在天際遊移的帆影，所以她擇居在有著敞窗的南樓。
幼年時她在這塊田莊上住過很多時日，有很多小小的童稚的記憶埋在這片閃著金色碎光的沙土上，老年的農婦們為她講述過很多故事，講她的遠祖七太爺是怎樣買下沙河口的，講夜來歇泊在河口的東下的運鹽船，她喜歡聽這些故事，故事裏所蘊含的新奇曠邈的韻味尤其令她心醉。
較大一些的時候，她會坐著佃戶們放下田去裝禾的牛車到河口附近的沙岸邊去，看農戶在生著水蘆的沙渚間逐兔，看在近水處結屋而居的漁人在河口的迴漩間張網，逢著春秋水漲，鹽河總那樣忙碌著，終日流走著各式的貨船和鹽船，順風的船隻滿張起飽飽的帆篷，每一節帆都被風兜得鼓鼓的，從遠遠的天邊飛移過來，初時像一片蝶翼，轉眼間就暴長起來，擋住眼前的一角天空。
她曾驚奇的仰視過那些高聳的巨大的桅杆，以及像傳說中城堡一般的帆面，但祗是一剎的印象，轉瞬間，長風和流水就會把它們推送到遠處，消失在另一面的天邊。逆風和逆水的船隻駛得那樣緩慢那樣艱難，彷彿除了船伕，除了貨物，那上面還載負著另一些什麼也許是漂泊的愁情罷了！
櫓手們赤著膊，凸露出泛油光的紅銅帶褐的肌膚，費力的撥動櫓柄，身體隨著咿呀的櫓聲的節拍起伏著，一面總有意無意，時斷時續的哼著櫓歌，有一股不可解的沉愴從那樣斷續的歌聲中迸出來，落在水花飛濺的河面上，浪花平息時，他們去了，去換占另一塊地方的另一角天空。
有時候逆風不能單靠櫓催船，精壯的船伕們就拋索拉縴，水漉漉的縴繩橫過脊梁，纏繞在他們臂腕間，他們拚力朝前傾側著身體，赤著雙足，在河岸上跋涉著，讓微藍的天光描出他們雕塑般的影子，配合著齊一的發力的腳步，他們唱著蒼涼而雄渾的縴歌，歌聲散入無邊的大野，歌聲在水面上波流，彷彿融入蒼穹化為天籟，但他們仍然遠去了，在河面上再難覓得船身划過的浪痕。而這些這些，都沉澱在心裏，變成沉沉的默想。
即使關在萬家樓的深宅大院裏，即使餐餐佳肴美食，衣衣緞疋綾羅，但她不能或忘幼年感受的河上的光景，她捧讀民間的唱本，捧讀歷史上的詩章，彷彿就有悲涼的弦音劃過耳際，散向寂寂的虛空。
很早就這樣想過：時間就是一條不知所來不知所去的長河，人生就是河上的船，順風順水的風帆，逆風逆水的櫓和縴，也正像人生的順境和逆境一般，無論是處在順境逆境，無論是輕閒、忙碌、歡笑或是悲愁，都那樣匆忙的逝去，了無痕跡。
史頁上有多少志士多少豪雄，墨跡斑斑的一生也祗換得後世人煙雲一歎。她不願常被這份不相干的閨閣外的愁情纏繞著，她也無法親身去體會江湖道上真真實實的淒涼，她總朦朧的覺得，人生似乎不必要那樣翻雲覆雨，過份講求功名利祿，也不必要過份傻傻的欲與天爭，糾結起數不盡的血淚恩仇；她不願去揭示這份朦朧，為了擺脫愁情，她儘量避免獨坐沉思，讓滿心滿眼都是空虛的夢幻。她專心的學著刺繡描紅，有時到郊原去踏青訪勝，有時在賽會時一顯她的巧思，有時她畜鷹試獵，有時她也學著馳馬，在沒遇上關東山之前，她是明媚快樂的，她用那份快樂掩蓋了一份朦朧邈遠的輕愁。
關東山掌心握著的，是一個完全與她人生情境相反的，槍和火，死亡和鮮血，信與義，誠與勇，恩與仇交叉重疊，綿延無盡的世界，他並不癡，也不傻，他不逞血氣，不顯英雄，他根本沒向那世界要求什麼或欲取得什麼，但那世界的整體重量卻都卸落在他的肩上。
她愛著他，即使他推拒了婚事，她心裏仍然滿是他的影子，為了關心他，她不得探究早先她所懷有的朦朧感受，她要從那裏起始，學著進入他所懷有的人生境界，體驗他的痛苦和他的悲涼。
她覺得關東山的影子正像她童年所見的風帆的影子一樣，巨大而神奇一剎間留於她的仰視，但和蒼穹比映時，他又顯得不勝落寞，不勝孤單。她曾癡情的想著，用她深切的愛挽住他不再浪跡天涯，她願和他共守著一個小小黯黯的窩巢，她旋即明白那是不可能的。他的世界不在巢中，他是忘我疾翔的蒼鷹，他高出人間，高過山嶽，他穿過層雲和暴雨，他祗屬於千萬代生靈仰望的無字的蒼穹！
儘管這樣，她仍然時時想念著他，在夢裏聽見風嘯和馬鳴。她也曾無數默祝過，盼望遙遙遠遠的未來，有那麼一天，在人間，在世上能夠眼見一場真的太平。因為那日子方是他停翅歸巢的時候。
她病著。她小小的磁罐裏裝的是嘔出的血，一絲絲彩線似的鮮紅。但她躺椅邊的小案上，總放著一隻雕有銅獸的古香爐，終天燃著小塊的沉檀，淡色的檀煙成篆形，上面寫著她鮮為人知的夢境。
在長長的春日的白晝，陽光瀉進敞窗，鳥雀在附近看不見的林叢中喧語，她總愛遠眺著鹽河上游動的風帆，風帆上有著她過往的記憶，也有著關東山的影子無論如何，她覺得真實的人生在亂世，真是說多麼蒼涼有多麼蒼涼。
由於沙河口靠近鹽河，離鹽市也不過