Chapter 23 Chapter 23.big assassination
Conspiring to assassinate the dead man Zhang Erhuaxie in the county seat, in terms of situation, is actually more difficult and lonely than Xiaowonton in Wanjialou.Although Little Wonton is a weak woman, at least she has Wan Cai, an old carpenter, to rely on, while Zhang Erhua Shoes not only has nothing to rely on, but also has two more stumbling guys, Brother Wan Zhenquan.
Although Zhang Erhuaxie is a chivalrous man skilled in martial arts, he has practiced boxing and kicking for many years, but he has never killed anyone. As for Wan Zhenquan and brothers, he has judged them clearly and knows that they are afraid of evil forces, greedy for money, and want to cut people. Going to the eyes of Guan Baye is true. At this critical juncture, it is not a good thing to entrap Guan Baye, that is, to entrap the people guarding Yanshi and ruin their chances of survival. No matter how you look at it, these two evil The skin cannot be left alone!Even at this stage, when he thought of getting rid of these two people, he still couldn't bear it, so he hesitated again and again, until the mustache brigade withdrew to the county seat, the militiamen crossed the north, and the battle clouds in the north were dense, and the wind in the county town became tighter. It was only then that he made up his mind to get rid of these two people, because keeping them by his side was like keeping two wolves, and plotting to assassinate Snub Nose himself was of great importance, and they were not allowed to be corrupted!
The night before he killed them, he closed the door alone, put the murder dagger in the middle of the long case, burned incense and knelt down, performed the saber salute, and at the same time raised his face to the sky, muttering prayers: Huanyu, the heaven that shepherds all people and has the virtue of good life!Zhang Erhuaxie has devoted himself to learning arts since he was a child, obeying the orders of his teachers, abiding by the precepts, thinking of being a chivalrous man, showing the way of heaven, and advocating propriety, morality, respect for filial piety, and compassion for the poor. Violence, treachery run rampant, darkness is like ghost land, benevolent people are like Guandong Mountain, and they are still abused by traitors, please forgive me Zhang Erhuaxie Ming Dynasty will break the precept with this knife!
To kill them, you have to choose a remote place, tell all the reasons to your face, and ask them to be willing to confess their crimes and admit death with their chests. There should be no complaints, because this is not man killing him, but God killing him.
He once thought carefully that there is a way of heaven in the sky, and there is a law of kings in the world.The laws of kings in this world were originally done in accordance with the way of heaven. Unfortunately, in the past dynasties, those who held power and power could not embody the virtues of heaven, take the sun and the moon as their heart, uphold righteousness and practice benevolence, but just abused it based on their blood. Authority; people's desires are like black smoke and black mist. Some are slaves like dogs and horses. The people have to go to war, and the people are in dire straits; some are corrupt and accept bribes, shelter the evil, fear the power, and abuse the good, turning the court hall with the majestic plaques into a hell on earth. Judiciary has become a way of playing, so there are eight-character yamen open to the south to express public grievances. Don't come in if you have a reason but no money.Especially in this kind of troubled times, Beiyang generals have long ignored the law, causing evil spirits to arise. If people don't directly follow the way of heaven to punish rape and eliminate evil, then they don't know Yiyuhudi?
He thought of the Yuwangtai in the west of the city, and of the chivalrous girl Xiaojuhua who was buried beside the Yuwangtai after being killed by Shui Bikeng. , secretly assisting Yanshi; now she is buried in the wilderness, after going through the bitter wind and rain, I am afraid it will be difficult to find her burial place in a sprawling autumn grass mountain; , It is time to find a place to bury it.
He must finish these things as soon as possible, because from various signs, it is inferred from various signs that Big Nose's plot to attack Yanshi Beidun is becoming more and more obvious, and the time limit is imminent. He must assassinate Big Nose before he attacks Yanshi, so the available Time is also extremely limited.Let's take these two evil things to try and draw the lottery. On the one hand, we want to have auspiciousness, and on the other hand, we can talk about paying homage to the souls of the dead!
Yuwangtai is located five miles west of the city, in the bend of the Laohuai River, facing a shallow swamp full of wild smoke. People in the county call it Yebutang.The Yuwang Terrace itself is just a large mound about ten feet high. Although this mound is not considered high, it is strangely pulled up on a plain, and its shape looks like a giant dragon about to fly.One side of the mound is full of broken walls standing in the shape of a cliff. The walls show soil layers of different colors, and no grass grows, making it even more spectacular. People compare this broken wall to Jackie Chan's mouth. When controlling the floods in the world, this dragon was once enlisted to open its huge mouth and swallow the flood peaks on the Huai River.On this mound is the Yuwang Terrace, a bluestone square altar, and a huge stele on the altar, which records the deeds of Dayu King's water control in ancient seals; half a mile south of the Yuwang Terrace, there is a Taoist temple full of iron trees. , called Iron Tree View.
Because Tieshuguan is a place of incense and incense, and Yuwangtai is a famous historical site, it has attracted many tourists in the peaceful years of the past. Later, the Beiyang Army occupied the county and built a school field in the west of the city. The camp also regarded the foot of Yuwangtai as a place where prisoners were shot and killed. For a while, the ground was covered with blood and resentment, which eclipsed the beautiful scenery of Yuwangtai. Gradually, it became a sparsely populated and haunted execution ground.
As the sun slanted to the west, Zhang Erhuaxie waved a white rattan sanitary stick, and walked westward along the embankment under the city wall. Brother Wan Zhenquan, who was wearing a new military uniform and whose neck seemed to have been starched, was a substitute Zhang Erhua was leading the horse, and the other was carrying a bag, which contained some cups, plates, chopsticks, and sundries for sacrifices. Master Tuanfu had said that he was going to pay homage to a deceased friend at Yuwangtai.
Although Wan Zhenquan is a savage guy, once he meets Zhang Erhuaxie, he can't help being disobedient; the country bumpkins are afraid of meeting officials, which is certainly one of the reasons, but the main reason is that Zhang Erhuaxie deals with these evil spirits. Goods, has its own set of clever means.Zhang Erhuaxie deeply understood each other's psychology, and knew that they were able to catch Guan Baye's eyes, not because of the courage and courage of these two guys, but because of many factors.
He knew that this kind of local snake-like characters usually think they are big and strong only in their own territory in the small place of their hometown, and they can be fierce and violent, but in fact they are all As timid as a mouse, he bullies the good and fears the evil. If Ba Ye is not alone, if he does not have a gunshot wound, they will never dare to touch him; if there is no huge bonus to arouse their greed, they will not As for trying to stand up and take risks in a vicious way, don't watch these two people do such a thing, but as soon as they leave the nest and come to the county town, they have nowhere to go.
One thing is born and one thing descends, and the wicked are only afraid of the wicked descending.To deal with this kind of guy, you must not have a kind face for him. From the very beginning, Zhang Erhuaxie made a wicked face that is extremely difficult to serve. I can't figure out myself, and scold them around, taking them for granted as slaves.The more this is the case, in the eyes of Wan Zhenquan, the more he regards this rich and powerful tuanfu lord as someone who does not know how big he is.
Zhang Erhuaxi walked leisurely, but he didn't have a moment of idleness in his heart. The county seat occupied by the Beiyang army was originally a large city, and the more oppressed the nose was, the more the dark news spread.He already knew that the army for the Northern Expedition far away on the south bank of the great river had been assembled properly, and with a single order, they could cross the river and march northward.The remnants of troops captured by Commander Snub Nose are nothing more than a mist that blinds people's eyes before the sun rises!In fact, this poisonous smog that is about to dissipate also has its power. At least the thousands of lives in Yanshi are closely related to it.
People's hearts are always made of flesh. Who doesn't look forward to it day and night, hoping that one day the fighting will subside, the four fields will be full of songs, and the world will be peaceful from now on? !I always think that Mr. Dai is getting old. Although he has lived incognito for many years, he still can't let go of his heavy worries. Once life is peaceful, he should live better; With the development of guns, traditional Chinese martial arts have gradually declined, and they generally hold the purpose of keeping secrets. It is a pity that they cannot be popularized among the people as the foundation for strengthening the body.If the Northern Expedition can unify the country in a short period of time, the brothers and sisters plan to go to the martial arts school to teach Chinese martial arts, so as to popularize the martial arts.
But this is just a distant dream.The swollen autumn river is flowing in front of my eyes, but now I hope that the next generation of caring people can pick up their lost dreams.The fact is that nothing can be changed. Although the masters and apprentices dare not say that they are benevolent people who worry about the world, they cannot stay out of the situation until the Beiyang River Defense Army is eliminated. Looking at the situation, there are nine out of ten that they will face this catastrophe , Although I thought of peace in my heart, I couldn't see peace in my eyes.
It is reasonable to say that the generals and schools of the defeated army should be called together to discuss together. I have waited for this kind of opportunity. In this way, I, a fake regiment, can sneak in and assassinate at the meeting He, the facts are obvious, once Snout dies, he is not afraid that this group of remnants will disperse, and they will no longer have the courage to break through the Yanshi.But the flat nose is also cruel enough. Although he recruited defeated soldiers and trained them, he appointed officers and assistants from the Jiang Fang Army to directly tie the ties, and ignored the generals of the defeated army. His intention seemed to be to say: as long as I broke through Yanshi and retreated northward, I'm not afraid that you broken bottles and rotten jars will go away if you don't follow me!Therefore, all the actions related to the deployment of the attack on Yanshi were kept secret, and they were carried out in secret. Even if I tried my best to inquire, I couldn't figure it out for a while.
As for Flat Nose himself, it seemed that someone would assassinate him at this time. Not only was the security around Hehuachi Lane heavily guarded, but where was he hiding now?It is also confusing.I am not worried about selling my life, but I am worried that I will not be able to stab him after selling my life, then I have failed Wanmin's expectations and great trust.
The merlon moved backward in slow steps, and after an hour, he had already passed the foot of the city and reached the fork in the outskirts of the city.There are two roads at Chadaokou, one runs west along the river and leads to Yuwangtai, and the other runs obliquely to the south and leads directly to Xidaying.When Zhang Erhuaxie passed the fork in the road, he found that the road to Daxi Daying had been blocked by many horses. The muzzle of the gun was facing outwards, apparently to guard against changes in the outside world, and the muzzle of the gun was pointed at the camp on the other side of the school grounds, as if to prevent stragglers from going out.
The west slanting sun pierced through the thin clouds, and the sun shone on the grass in the distance. He heard the trumpet sounding, and countless soldiers, as small as black ants, formed a square formation. What were they listening there for?Because they are too far apart and facing the sun, the thorns of light shine on the human eye, making it difficult to see clearly for a while.
He walked over as if nothing had happened.
But the two guys behind him began to chatter.
They must be attacking Yanshi again, look at this situation!
Master Tuanfu must know.
This fire is the fattest fire.The brother changed his pocket to the other hand, and said in a low voice, greedily: "In terms of oil and water, the salt market is the most popular in the towns and cities in Beidi."
No, Wan Zhen, who was leading the horse, was all moved: Don't talk about other things, just talk about the floating wealth of the eighteen salt stores. People say that gold and silver treasures are really good.Have you ever heard of the old innkeeper of Fuchang Inn back then who loaded Yinyang with an ox cart into the county to entertain guests?It is said that the sack opened its mouth halfway through the car, and Yinyang slid all the way down. When the driver saw him, he wanted to rein in the animals and pack the sack.You can't spread much, don't delay my banquet, no matter it's true or not, from this matter alone, you should figure out their wealth!
That listened, his throat twitched, and he just swallowed and spit into his belly.
I said, Brother Zhenquan, the other said: If this time the salt market is opened, counting the number of people, each person will have a lot of money in turn!We only need to serve Master Tuanfu attentively, and when he is happy, he may put an official in charge of us, then we will be proud.
Don't you just drowsy there dreaming big head dream!Wan Zhenquan said: We didn't have that life. If we do well, maybe we can get a squad leader or something, with a few guns, and there are five people and six people in decent shape. official.
ah!You said that sesame mung bean, I will not do it!That one said: In terms of salary, it's really not much more, but when a fire starts, you have to lead the way and work hard. I don't know how much more risk you have to bear.
I said you are an idiot, you really are an idiot, Wan Zhenquan said: What good is being a horse?Master Tuanfu sits down and stretches his legs, you have to rush over to wipe your boots on your knees; Master Tuanfu sits up with him, you have to see him and hand him his cloak, military cap, and sanitary stick!Master Tuanfu lay down on the cigarette shop, you have to take off his boots in a hurry, serve him a purple sand pot, serve him cigarettes in the hall, boil clay to boil the bubbles, even pour water for washing feet, and rinse the chamber pot It's all your fault, if you don't do it well, your butt will turn into a ball and attach to the master's footstool, kicking you sore and sore, you can't even sleep with your face up.Tell me, what is so good about this kind of business?
Hey, you still call me an idiot!That one said: You are just a saying that you only know one thing!As the saying goes: one person is blessed, and the house is full, and the master of the group is just lucky, spend money on activities, and he will be the head of the group as soon as he is released!In the battle between the two armies, you only hear about dead soldiers. How many times have you heard about dead regiment commanders?He is a man with a big life, a big life protects a small life, he has a lot of oil and water, we stick to the edge, he has a small oil and water, we can also get close to the door, let alone eat oil and water, just talk about the smell of oil, It's also much better than the squad leader's scoop.
Don't look down on the squad leader, Wan Zhenquan said: Although the squad leader is small, he is a king of soldiers.You think I don't understand?The squad leader is in charge of veterans, veterans are in charge of Xinyong, and Xinyong is in charge of charcoal balls (in the Beiyang Army, soldiers and braves have young boys who are employed as miscellaneous laborers. They are not named, and they have no food and pay. They are commonly known as charcoal ball soldiers.), and charcoal balls are also in charge. What about the folks!
The corner of the city is far away, the road ahead is getting more and more deserted, and the Yuwangtai in the distance is on the eyebrows of people.On the hillside in front of Yuwangtai, there are many strange old trees planted. The tree ends are towering, and they are full of ancient meaning. Due to the background of the setting sun, the shadows of the trees with various postures are very clearly outlined, but where the shadows overlap , showing a deep blackness, enveloping a vastness.
It was almost dusk, and the wind was blowing on people, making them a bit chilly.
The two of them were blown by the night wind blowing on the river, and they all woke up from the dream of greed, feeling a little bit lost, temporarily silent, and looked around.
Over there is Yuwang Terrace!Wan Zhenquan pointed and said.
Not very far from the city, the man turned his head, looked at the sun-drenched city teeth in the distance and said: Look, you can still see the city wall over there!But why such a desolate way!
Wan Zhenquan didn't answer, but for some reason, ever since he cut Guan Baye's eyes alive, he has been restless.In the ancestral hall of Wanjialou, on the day of accepting Gu Ye’s instigation, I drank the wine of courage before doing it. At that time, I was full of arrogance and did not feel a trace of timidity. Even when I looked down at the wine cup, my heart was shaking. Ocean money in block illusion!But when things are done in a daze, I feel guilty in the dark room, and my back is always chilly, as if something is following behind me? !
At the beginning, he was deeply troubled by his timidity, and often said half-self-consolation, half-self-mocking: Wan Zhenquan, Wan Zhenquan!You don't have to be suspicious, it's just a guilty conscience and timidity!Where is there really something after you? !I changed my mind again!Maybe things will get better after a while.isn't it?The county is so big and densely populated, who would really chase and step on me for that matter?Are you still afraid that the blind will come to take revenge? !Even if someone chased them all the way, it should be known that today's Wan Zhenquan brothers are no longer isolated and weak desperadoes, but Master Zhang's close companions!Who can help themselves? !
Relief Despite being relieved, my timid heart became more and more uneasy. Unreasonable terror often invaded me suddenly, and shot into my bones like cold and arrowheads.Often daydreaming with eyes wide open, dreaming of many unlucky visions, dreaming of mazes of empty houses, of cobweb-like passages leading in all directions, of doors and portals, alone, trapped in In the spider web, front and back, left and right, are all talking skulls, shouting their names like beating drums, jumping and throwing, spinning like dice, spinning out the sound of "hey hey hey". weird laugh
In his dream at night, he dreamed of a tree of burning red flowers. When he passed by, thousands of flowers fell from the branches one after another, turning into many blood-stained grimaces, pressing him down.Occasionally, he dreamed that he stumbled and fell into a dark dry well. With the help of a little light from the sky projected from the mouth of the well, he saw that there were piles of shiny foreign money piled up under him, and he got so many silver coins out of thin air. , should it be joy from the sky?The strange thing is that when I reached out to touch it, what I touched was not silver oceans, but strips of cold, greasy things!Look again, my God!That's a snake, that's all a snake!One by one twisted, tangled, coiled, once alarmed, raised their heads from all directions, let out a hissing sound, spit out fire letters like flashes, and pierced straight to their seven orifices, as if the soul had left the body , fluttering out of the dry well like a snake's nest, swimming close to the ground like smoke, the sky is dark, the cold rain hits the body, and the pain is like burning!
Waking up from the dream, I can't tell if it's suspicion, fear, or regret, I just feel that the back of my spine is empty, without a trace of protection, as if a throwing knife is thrown at any time, the blade pierces my heart, making me breathless .
Slowly, the realm of nightmare spread, no matter where you think, you can't get out, you can't break through it, it is a soft and dense net, it is a dark house without a door, it is a trap. In the daytime, in the noisy streets of the crowd, sometimes I still don’t feel anything, or in the Liansheng Inn, when I gather with those teahouses to drink and gamble, I still can’t remember, what I’m most afraid of is seeing the darkness , the mouth is silent, and when he is stunned, he will fall into a nightmare and suffer unspeakably.
what's on your mind?Brother Zhenquan?that asked.
Wan Zhenquan shivered.
It's really fortunate that the other party asked this question, which pulled him back from the edge of the trap-like nightmare.
It's getting late.He was talking in his sleep.
Um.That answer also seemed a little absent-minded.
He said again that the sunset glow was on fire.
Um.That voice had a somewhat gloomy taste.
A transparent fear word was written between the two of them, and daydreams were beckoning in front of their eyelids, but neither of them wanted to break it out.Both of them hoped that Master Tuanfu could go faster and go to the stage of King Yu earlier, burn paper and foil, and pay homage to his friend who didn't know he was Zhang Wang Li Zhao, so that he could return to the city in the evening light. go.
In the eyes of both of them, the river was desolate enough.
The embankment is empty, the unobstructed evening wind is fierce, constantly shaking people's clothes, and the clouds fall on the flowing water, burning from the sky to the ground, some embers that are getting darker and darker, some gradually Dried blood, some weird sunset glows that people can't help but associate with, and crows crying head-on.It was gradually getting late.
There is a kind of haze that looks like smoke but not smoke, like fog but not fog, and it is pulled into an extremely thin and light net curtain, covering the river surface. The setting sun seems to be falling downwards, almost falling behind the forest teeth of Yuwangtai. up.
But the Tuanfu master in front actually walked slower and slower.
Although the two guys were anxious, they didn't dare to urge this extremely difficult master, and they didn't dare to complain aloud. They could only walk forward with the word "fear". Unknowingly, they bumped into Zhang Erhua shoe came behind.
Although Zhang Erhua Xie walked in front, he knew everything about the words and actions of the two people behind him. He deliberately arranged this way to arouse their fear.When those two people had nothing to say, and they walked closer and closer to him, he knew that his arrangement had gradually paid off; he just pretended not to know, and still walked slowly.
He needs to know, what are these two people thinking about?
The two of them came out with Master Tuanfu to pay homage to the undead. At that time, they only said it was the western suburb of the city, but they didn't expect that Yuwangtai in the western suburb of the city was so far away? !Master Tuanfu is also really a little nervous. He doesn't ride a horse, he prefers to be led. It seems that he would rather walk. If you want to walk, you can walk faster, but he doesn't walk like a walk. I wandered around, and spent half the afternoon.
The two felt hairy, and the situation was embarrassing enough.The most embarrassing thing is to find something to say when you have nothing to say. If you don’t say anything, silence locks you like an iron chain in the hands of a ghost soldier.
Yuwang Terrace is coming soon!That one changed the pocket again, and found a word to say.
Wang Shan ran down the horse!It's still early.said another.It doesn't make sense to talk about self-consciousness.But as soon as he stopped talking, the silence was heavy again, and Mount Tai seemed to be overwhelmed.Fear is hidden in the silence, as soon as the two of them shut up, it will fall into people's hearts. This fear without reason can drive people crazy. Finally, Wan Zhenquan couldn't help it.
I said, Master Tuanfu, where are you going to pay homage to your deceased friend?
Talk to me and don't forget to add a report!Zhang Erhua Xie said: Say it again, what did you say?
report!I said that Mr. Tuanfu bit the bullet and said something.
Well, this looks like Ma Bian talking to Shangguan!Zhang Erhuaxie waved his cane, pointed at the front casually and said: "It's right in front."In front of the execution ground dedicated to killing people.
Do you mean execution ground?master?
Report.Zhang Erhuaxie corrected.
Yes, yes, tell the master, then we should hurry up.Wan Zhenquan said almost pleadingly.
What are you in a hurry for?Zhang Erhua shoes deliberately asked back.
Me, me, Wan Zhenquan was a little hesitant: I'm not in a hurry, I'm just afraid!
Afraid? !Zhang Erhua Xie then turned his face away and frowned slightly: Is this strange?You are fine, you are a tall and tall person, what are you afraid of?Yuwangtai is not a deep mountain, and there are no wolves, tigers and leopards to eat people.
According to the report, he is afraid of ghosts.Another interface said: Master, you must have heard rumors that people kill people all day long in this execution ground, and there are many evil spirits and ghosts.It's okay during the day, but now, the sky is turning dark
Oh, it turned out to be like this.Zhang Erhuaxie said: As the saying goes, people are not guilty and fear ghosts and gods. You two are afraid of ghosts when you do something wrong. Like me, why am I not afraid of ghosts?
You are a big blessing, a high flame, that Daguan Mitang said: You are in luck again, and the official star shines brightly!Master of the reporting group, of course you don’t have to be afraid of ghosts!
Maybe even ghosts are avoiding you!Report, I say.
That's it!Zhang Erhuaxie said: If you two are telling the truth, what are you afraid of?Everything has me too!Since you are my followers, even if there are evil spirits and ghosts, I will never find you.
Those two cautiously talked in circles, originally wanted to say that Master Dong Tuanfu should leave quickly, but the other party wrapped up the conversation between the two of them lightly, and put themselves on it instead, helplessly smiled wryly at each other, and said back One is words.And this Tuanfu master who didn't speak a word along the way, once aroused the interest of talking, he found himself chatting instead.
You two guys don't talk about ghosts, but I can't think of them. When you mention them, I can think of them.Zhang Erhuaxie said: In the early years, Yuwangtai was indeed a scenic spot and a good place for tourists. Unfortunately, in the past few years, thousands of people have been killed, which really turned this area into a haunted place.
Yes, yes, sir.Wan Zhenquan bit the bullet and answered.
You see, Zhang Erhuaxie pointed to the southwest and said: "Under the slope over there, there are all messy mounds without a roof. After a while, we will pass through those messy mounds. Pity those wild graves. No one has added soil. They can't stand it." The rain and the wind blow, and everything collapses.Some were dug open by wild dogs and dragged away; some were full of large and small fox dens and mouse dens; Heap, how can there be no reason not to cause trouble? !It's better if you meet upright people, but if you meet the thugs in the world, it would be strange if you don't surround them fiercely and kill their souls!
When the two listened, they both shivered.
In the vast twilight, the road is like a white river, winding into the pile of mounds; the Yebutang, located in the northwest corner, is dyed bright red by the sunset, and half of the wall is covered. The melancholy of the sunset in the western sky is reflected.
A wild dog was scurrying around the tomb, with its tail between its legs in a fit of distemper, like a wild wolf hunting for food in a deserted lake.
The flames on the blades of grass are also faintly glowing!
The three of them walked to the foot of King Yu's Terrace. The thick shade of the big tree covered them, making them look more and more dark. Only a faint remnant glow of the sun was faintly hanging on the tall treetops.
Hitch the horse here for me.Zhang Erhua Xie ordered.
Wan Zhenquan tied the horse.
My dead friend has been dead for a long time, I have to go to the Iron Tree Temple and ask the old Taoist priest to find out where her bones are buried?You two come with me!
As he spoke, he walked ahead and climbed up the mound along the stone steps.After they climbed to the top of the hill, they walked south along the forest road full of fallen leaves. After several twists and turns, the forest suddenly opened up, and they had already arrived at the gate of Iron Tree View.
Tieshu Temple was originally a well-known avenue temple. No matter the scale and momentum of the building, it is extremely grand and magnificent. On the stone altar in the temple, there is a huge iron tree. It is said that it was planted in the Northern Song Dynasty, and it has been around for nearly a thousand years. In history, in the legends of people in the Huai River area, it is widely rumored that the iron tree has repeatedly shown supernatural powers, and they all worship it as a god in their hearts. In the year of Zhao, it once bloomed a tree of golden flowers. In the spring of the previous year, Premier Sun died of illness in Beijing, but it bloomed a tree of white flowers, as if in mourning.
In addition to this miraculous iron tree, there is also an old Taoist wearing an iron crown in the Iron Tree Temple. He calls himself the Iron Crown Taoist. , this old Taoist in charge is still alive, only know that he is indifferent to the questions of ordinary tourists who are contemplative.
Zhang Erhuaxi still remembers swimming in the Tieshu Temple back then. At that time, the incense in the Tieshu Temple was still alive, the palace decorations were brilliant, and the western suburbs of the county town were full of traffic. It was not as cold and depressed as it is today. In the shadow of the ecstasy of the sunset, amidst the rustling autumn wind and creeping grass, it is obvious that he has become decadent like an old man.There is no grand occasion like that of tourists and cigarettes in the past, no one cares about those five-color palace decorations, and let them bathe in the rain and wind.Grass has grown in the gaps between the stone steps in front of the temple, and even the paint on the temple gate is peeling off.
He stepped closer to Guan Nei, and in the darkness, he didn't see any little Taoist priests coming to welcome the guests. He could only see a faint glimmer of light from behind the screen wall, and at the same time, he smelled something strange in the evening wind. scent.
Turning around the screen wall, I saw from a distance the white-browed and white-haired Taoist man with the iron crown standing beside the stone altar with fluttering robes and sleeves, surrounded by two or three little Taoist boys in buns, one of them was holding a lantern , What are you looking after with that cycad tree?The iron tree is blooming!
Yes, the cycads are blooming!
This thousand-year-old iron tree standing on the stone altar covers an area of several feet. The height of the tree is about ten feet. In the heart of the tree, there are thousands of golden long spikes growing out. The long spikes on the outer edge, like some swaying necklaces, hang down from the sword leaves, swaying with the wind, and the flower spikes on the inner edge are clustered The tufts, embracing each other, protrude toward the sky, as if they are still struggling to breathe out, just like a vigorous, transparent golden firework, which is even more golden and dazzling when illuminated by the light. eyes.
For many years, I have traveled from south to north and visited many places, and I have seen many novel things, but I have never seen an iron tree blooming in the north, let alone a thousand-year-old iron tree!This fluffy flower spike blooms in the first night, which is really a rare spectacle in life. Its flower spikes are so dense, so beautiful, so magical, and so bright!It blooms in remote Taoist temples, it blooms in the first night, it seems to be the endorsement of the people on the suffering land, with the flowers that come from life, declaring countless common prayers, countless common wishes!Thinking of the legend that the golden flower symbolizes the great auspiciousness of the nation, Zhang Er Huaxie felt that at this moment, his own life, death, honor and disgrace were just a puff of smoke.
He held his breath, and stood solemnly in the corridor of the front hall, staring at the blossoming iron tree without blinking, his heart seemed to have been ignited by the golden flames sprayed from the heart of the tree, full of fanaticism, Full of passion, full of warmth, full of light!He can't help but believe in this legend, the iron tree is rooted in the older earth, just like the people of China depend on the earth, and the earth is always silent, showing its prophet in silence!As soon as he saw the flower spikes blooming in the heart of the cycad tree, he already knew what it symbolized.
But the Wan Zhenquan brothers behind him were chattering.
Hey, brother Zhenquan!The iron tree is blooming!The brother exclaimed in a low voice: "The iron tree blooms, there are all kinds of strange things!"
Strange what?This is our good pick!
Our Tuanfu master will be promoted to the head of the regiment immediately when such auspicious event happens!
We will also break through the salt market and embrace Yinyang!
Although Zhang Erhua Xie turned around and glared angrily, the voice of the two had already startled Xiao Daotong; when Xiao Daotong saw Zhang Erhua Xie's attire as a Beiyang Army officer, he immediately became a little panicked. I can't figure out why this master officer of the Beiyang Army rushed to the iron tree view on the outskirts of the city at night?Just at the moment when they were secretly rejoicing for the iron tree to put flowers, the officer was followed by two monkey-headed horses, would they cause any trouble for Guan Li?
At this moment, Zhang Erhua's shoes had already stepped on the stone steps and walked over slowly.
The old Taoist with the iron crown still walked around the altar slowly, staring at the golden flower of a tree, and ignored the person who came, as if in his eyes, he didn't look at the person who came.But when Zhang Erhua Xie approached, he spoke first.
The benefactor came to Huangguan, lost welcome, lost welcome!He didn't turn his face back, but said coldly in an old voice: Please sit in the hall.
The Taoist boy with the lantern heard what he said, he hurriedly turned the lantern around to lead the way, and invited Zhang Erhua's shoe to go into the main hall. The two Wan Zhenquan brothers took off their posture and surrounded Zhang Erhua's shoe from left to right. It's like Ma Bian who has become the master of the regiment.
After entering the main hall, Dao Tongyang asked Zhang Erhua Xie to take a seat beside the guests at the side of the hall, and served tea like flowing water. The old Taoist man with the iron crown just walked in from outside the hall, holding a wooden tray in his hand, There is a flower spike of a cycad tree.
Donor, are you here to ask about good and bad luck?He said that although the voice was still full of indifference, it was filled with some compassionate coldness.
Zhang Erhuaxie shook his head.
The ancients said that a gentleman does not care about rest or blame. He smiled lightly and said: Although I dare not consider myself a gentleman, I have never cared about my own destiny. I already knew my destination.I'm not here tonight for that.But something else bothers Daoye
oh.Tieguan Taoist suddenly opened his eyes, his eyes shot through his long snow-white eyebrows, and shot at Zhang Erhuaxie's face. , I can tell at a glance that you are not a Beiyang person.You don't ask about good and bad luck, what else is there to come to me?
I'm here to inquire about someone.Zhang Erhua Xie said: I think Master Dao might know.He turned to Brother Wan Zhenquan and said: You have the right to step back, I have something to talk to the Daoist quietly for a while.
'Yes, my lord.
The two got the order and hurriedly retreated.
Our Tuanfu master is really weird, Wan Zhenquan said: He came to pay homage to the souls of the dead, didn't he burn paper and foil earlier, and rush back to the city earlier, but he was willing to be hungry and gossip with this old coffin?This old man is so sour, what can he talk about? !
Never mind!We are not like Master Tuanfu, who don't care about good and bad fortune. When we encounter such a good fortune as a cycad tree blooming, why don't we go to cast divination together and ask for luck.
Who do you want to know?After the two retreated, the old Taoist Iron Crown asked.
A woman killed by Jiang Fangjun.Zhang Erhua said.
The old Taoist shook his head, smiled wryly, and looked helpless.
You should know, in the past few years, how many people have been murdered by Jiang Fangjun on the execution ground under King Yu's platform? !Men, women, old and young, most of them are unknown people. At first, the charity hall in the county town donated coffins for burials, but later they could only donate reed mats. At the foot of Yuwangtai, there were incense sticks from Taoist temples. Tian, too, was donated to the cemetery. At my age, my memory is poor. If you ask about the people in the cemetery, I really can’t remember.
If I mentioned it, Master Dao might remember Zhang Erhuaxie and said: When her case happened, it caused a sensation in the entire county.
ah!ah!那不同，鐵冠老道人說：她葬在禹王臺頂北端，土丘的丘頂上，臨著崖塹，祗有那一座孤墳。她是個俠女，她的棺木是縣城裏的萬家錢買的，我記得她。
謝謝道爺的指點，張二花鞋站起身，告辭說：也祗這一件事打擾您，我不再久留了。
對方望著他，神色有些慘澹，捧過那隻托盤說：施主，恕我直言，這鐵樹迸放金花，原是瑞兆，但金色的花穗當中，卻夾有些白色花穗，也就在施主入觀時，一莖白色花穗，無風自落。你得多多珍重。
我知道，道爺。張二花鞋說：既是天數，珍重無益，我祗求個死得其所，也就安心了。他說著，伸手從托盤中拈起那莖花穗，撚弄著，凝視著，然後，仍把它放回托盤裏，轉身走了出去。
正當他要招呼萬振全兄弟時，那兩個傢伙卻先自正殿另一側的籤房裏跑出來，每人手上抓著一紙籤語，顯出興致勃勃的樣子，央求團附老爺把籤上的詞句唸給他們聽聽。張二花鞋接過他們送上來的籤語，心想這兩個死到臨頭的邪貨，馬上就要挨刀了，還不自知，要在這兒求籤擲卜，你們當初要不負義貪財，剮去八爺的兩眼，今天何用求籤？ !即使求了籤，擲了卜，神也不會庇護你們的了！
央煩團附老爺解一解，我們兩個，全是睜眼大瞎子，認不得字的。
你們問的是什麼？張二花鞋沒看籤語時，先自問說。
報告，老爺，我們問的是命運。
是的，還有財運。他兄弟跟著說。
張二花鞋淡淡的笑了笑說：好罷，我跟你們唸唸，也許籤語很靈，那就看你們求籤時，一顆心誠與不誠了！誠心則靈，你先聽著。
他指了指萬振全，回身迎向殿頂垂懸的燈火，打開上面那紙籤來，唸說：這支籤是戍午籤，是支下下籤。四句詩是：鏡花水月枉圖謀，貪義貪財困厄多，禹王臺前神不祐，今宵即將見閻羅。解起來簡直是明明白白，這第一句是鏡花水月枉圖謀，指你曾挖空心眼兒，要圖謀別人，孰不知圖謀的結果，算盤不按算盤來，全都像鏡中的花，水中的月都是空的。這第二句是負義貪財困厄多，指你幹了那宗事，既負義，又貪財，是一宗天怒人怨的缺德事兒，不但圖謀落空，還要受些折磨。
晦氣，晦氣！萬振全啐了一口，好像要把釘在身上的霉運吐掉似的，接著問說：但不知那後兩句怎麼解法兒？什麼神保祐？ （神不祐）金少？ （今宵）什麼現錢多？ ! （見閻羅）嘿嘿！我說，報告，老爺，我這個人還算不錯，可不是？神看我誠心，一保祐，就要轉好運了，這回再不貪心，金子少點不要緊，既然是現錢多嘿嘿，祗要現錢多就好！
你弄岔了，張二花鞋說：你抽的這支籤，是支下下籤，下下籤從來沒有這麼好的籤語。
弄岔了？ !master.那個一臉灰敗的說。
弄岔了！張二花鞋說：待我逐句解給你聽聽。這第三句原文是禹王臺前神不祐，指你幹下虧心事之後，仍然不知悔悟，一心貪求錢財，到禹王臺上來求神保祐你轉運發財，神瞧著你這人空自披一身人皮，心裏卻比禽獸更骯髒，業已到了十惡不赦的程度，兩眼一閉，不肯保祐你了。籤上明明寫著不祐，可不是保祐，你可要聽清楚了。
其實祐與不祐都不要緊，萬振全說：錢能通神，但望那句現錢多沒弄錯，也就罷了！
更錯得離了譜兒啦，張二花鞋說：這句裏的今宵，不是金少，今宵的意思，就指今天晚上，即將就是馬上，見閻羅，不是現錢多！這句話的全意是：就在今天晚上，你馬上就要見閻王老爺去了！
Wow!my God!萬振全絕望的叫說：這是怎樣一支倒楣的籤，最倒楣的就是今天晚上，我說，報告團附老爺，這今天晚上，可不就是現在麼？ !
一點兒也不錯！張二花鞋說：不過也許你還能多活一兩個時辰。神既明明白白的要你死，你難道還想賴著活？那樣，你的罪就更大了。
要是世上真有神，我要說這鐵樹觀裏的神是個騙子，鐵樹開金花，明明主祥瑞，他偏偏咒我今晚上就要死。萬振全怨毒的說：我要是今晚不死，團附老爺您做個證人，我要拿著這支籤，放把火，燒掉這個道觀，讓這些牛鼻子討飯去。
這話你該留到明天說，張二花鞋冷峻的望了他一眼：今天說，未免太早。你怎知你還能活到明天？ !跟著，他換看第二紙籤語，不聲不響的皺起眉頭：瞧著他這麼一皺眉，那個就跟著發了慌了。
團附老爺，我的籤上怎麼說？
這就奇了？ !張二花鞋也自驚詫著，忽又嘆息說：你們兩人在世上，一狼一狽，求的竟是同一支籤！我想無須我再費一番唇舌了走罷！
他領著那兩個邪貨走出鐵樹觀時，天已經完全落黑了，古樹的黑影在星光下狀至猙獰，像一些作勢攫人的魔怪，伸出鉤曲的巨指罩著人頭。
尖而冷的風在樹枝間吟嘯著。
兩個傢伙再是凶頑成性，也禁不得籤語這般恫嚇，假如一支籤如此，也還好些，偏生兩人一前一後，竟抽出同一支籤來，而且籤語說得明明白白，一絲也不含混，若說是因緣湊巧，世上哪有這等湊巧的事？信與不信，業已由不得自己了。
張二花鞋也正在一路上默默的尋思著，尋思著這樣靈異的籤語；他跟八爺的性格不同，對於這世上的邪人邪勢，他力主懲罰，不主寬容，按照人間律例，剮人兩眼，罪不至死，但得弄清他們害的是誰？他們雖沒置關八爺於死，卻因此斷了鹽市的援兵，間接坑害了鹽市上若干人的性命，這種人若再寬容，天道何存？ !
繞過禹王臺的巨碑，他已經走到土丘的一端，正如鐵冠老道人所說的，藉著微弱的星光，他找到了那座孤獨的、沒立碑石的墳墓。
good.他說：就是在這兒了！把口袋打開罷，先打火把馬燈點上。
兩個傢伙蹲下身，打開袋口，取出馬燈來，圍著點火；土丘頂端面臨深峭的斷璧，斷壁下就是打彎兒奔流的河水，風勢沒有遮攔，更顯得猛烈，黑裏仍聽得見河上波濤的嗚咽，以及擊打崖壁的聲音好不容易點燃燈，掛在一枝老松樹的橫枝上，一盞晃動不停的小號馬燈，搖出些暈黯的碎光，簡直照不亮什麼，奇幻的人影和樹影重疊著，在黑夜當中，給人一種異樣的感覺。
張二花鞋吩咐他們取出香燭紙馬，各式祭品，使短柄鏟兒挖出個紙箔坑，把祭品一一擺妥，又把石灰袋兒擲給萬振全說：你在墳旁再挖個坑，把這個一併埋妥。這就是你們剮來的，關八爺的眼珠。
老爺，您您張二花鞋這一開口，一絲不幸的感覺立即鑽到萬振全的心裏來了。
我說把它埋掉，你這個執迷不悟的傢伙！張二花鞋叱斥說：姑不論關東山怎樣，至少他對他們萬家樓不薄，你們為了貪得錢財，不怕傷天害理，幹出這種事來，不把它埋掉，你們難道還想用它去換錢不成？ !
您說的是！您說的是，老爺。做兄弟的趕急接口說：這雙眼珠實在不吉利，要不是為它受累，籤語就不會那樣不吉利了。
萬振全猶疑的望了張二花鞋一眼，提了短柄鏟子，趕過去刨坑。他兄弟按照張二花鞋的吩咐，在墳前燃起紙箔來，空氣裏泛起一種死沉沉的味道。
萬振全拍平新土，埋妥了那對眼珠，張二花鞋便面對著祭物，臨風跪下了；風頭刷打著他的衣裳，顯出他瘦削的挺直的身形，一朵朵帶著紅火焰的紙箔被風吹起，紅燈籠般的凌空滾旋而去，消失在遠處的黑裏。
在這一剎，張二花鞋的心空著，納入萬古的悲情，他喃喃默禱說：遭奸人陷害，被剮去雙眼，生死不明的關東山八爺，我師徒蒙八爺重託，力揹這一方的亂局，總期竭盡心力，灑血拋頭，不負所期，百年難得一相知，張二花鞋在這兒拜您了，八爺若死，我張二花鞋權算奠祭，八爺若生，我張二花鞋在這兒先行拜別了。
他默禱完了，納頭便拜下去。拜完了，起身略整衣裳，又轉朝小菊花的墳墓跪下，照前默祝說：小菊花姑娘，你雖年事較輕，但先死為大，你含悲事敵，一心不忘殺國賊，拯民命，事雖不成，已足千古流芳，使我們後死的深覺羞愧，更感悲淒，但願有一天，普天康泰了，民間能有有心人為你修墳葺墓，容你泉下相安，更有人將你的事蹟刊傳，留布萬方請受我張二花鞋一拜！
拜畢後，退在一邊，加添了一些紙箔，傾了些酒在紙箔上，使紅火在閃搖中明亮起來。
你兩個也甭像木頭似的，在那兒楞著。他揮手說：替我過來叩頭禱告罷！
yes sir.
報告，團附老爺，這頭麼，我們是該叩的，但我們跟您這位亡友，素不相識，該怎麼禱告呢？
容我告訴你們罷，張二花鞋說：這座墳裏，葬著的是一個俠女，她是因為替鹽市通消息，在藥劑裏摻巴豆，使塌鼻子師長離不了病床的罪名，被江防軍槍殺在這兒的。那邊是關八爺的兩隻眼珠，你兩人親手剮下來的，面對著它，你們該怎麼禱告法兒？你們剛才抽的籤靈驗了，這兒正是你們的死地！
張二花鞋的話，冷冰冰像塊凍鐵似的，把兩個傢伙從迷糊中敲醒了，兩人這才明白，他們的衣食飯碗，未來依靠的團附老爺，原來正是個追魂索命的神；張二花鞋的身手，在他們初來的那夜就已經領略過了，莫講自己祗是兩個人，就是十個八個，也未必是他的對手，兩人既抱著同樣的想法，臉一長，就碰通一聲，齊齊的做了矮人。
團附老爺您您手下留情萬振全額頭碰得咚咚響，哀告著。
您不會真的見罪我們的那個更甩，竟然一把鼻涕一把淚的哭出聲來了。
我討厭哀求，張二花鞋緩緩的摘出那柄匕首，放在掌心閒閒的掂動說：大凡人的生死哀榮，都由自擇，也都早定在一念初起的時辰，你兩人這個死字，是在你們剮取關八爺兩眼時就已經注定了的，即使不落在我張二花鞋手裏，也有人來收拾你們，啼哭哀求，滿把熊人淚，救不得你們的命，報應臨頭，絕無僥倖你們還有什麼話好講？ !
兩人活簌簌的抖索著，牙齒碰著牙齒，非但面無人色，竟連半句話也吐不出來了。
是漢子，一人作事一人當，死也該死得爽快些，張二花鞋說：橫豎也不過是一刀之苦，你們若真是心慌膽怯，把那些祭品給吃了，酒給喝了罷但得要放快些兒，我沒有那麼多的工夫等候你們。
到了這種辰光，萬振全成了一泡牛屎，他兄弟化成了一灘爛泥，當初使軟索拖倒關八爺時的那種心機，用竹筒剮眼時的那股子狠勁，全不知扔到哪兒去了？ !說死也不肯起來，賴在地上抱頭哀哭，聽說要他們吃祭品，哭得更凶了，還是張二花鞋彎下身，把錫酒壺塞到萬振全手裏，他才嗚嗚咽咽的喝起酒來。
菜也吃點兒罷，張二花鞋說：做個飽死鬼，總比餓死鬼要強些。
我我怕老爺。
甭怕，張二花鞋說：人生難免這一遭，一筆寫不出兩個死字，你們如今該知道，像小菊花這樣的弱女，臨死反比你們有氣概、有威風，因為她樂死，那死，是她自己選的。古往今來的那些仁人志士，平素都沒見恃強把橫，到死時才顯出英雄本色來。而你們兩個傢伙，平素潑皮，臨死卻都是虎頭蛇尾，快刀還沒加頸，小腿就轉了筋，這算得什麼？ !祗因為你們心裏沒有仗恃，那股邪氣一離身，你們就祗落下一個怕字，實在不成，那祗有多喝點兒酒罷！
我說，老爺，您甭再在那兒狠著心說風涼話了！咱們的皮肉不是長在您身上
振全哥，全是你坑的我！那個這才想起抱怨來：剮八爺的兩眼，原是你慫恿我，我才幹的，如今你該死，卻不該拖上我
你還怨我呢？ !我該怨誰去？沒有牯爺逼著我，我會存心幹那事？ !最該死的，還是牯爺。
也甭叫嚷，傷了你們兄弟倆的和氣，張二花鞋說：黃泉路上陰風慘慘的，你們要做伴呢！關八爺兩眼是你們剮的，合該一個死字，至於你們之間誰的罪大罪小，到閻羅殿上分辯去吧。我殺人最是爽快，不會讓你們多受苦的。
一陣急風起處，原已搖曳著的馬燈，更的溜溜的打起旋來；一隻夜遊的梟鳥發出哇哇的怪噪，擊著翅飛過去了。
起來罷，你們領死的時刻到了！
我我說，當真沒轉圜了麼，老爺？萬振全淚痕滿面的挫著牙說。
No!張二花鞋說：明年今天就是你們兩人的週忌起來罷！
萬振全確是先站起來了，當他起身前的那一剎，他先擲出那把酒壺，隨後他充滿恨意的發出一聲長長的非人的怪吼，抄起他挖坑時所用的短柄鐵鏟，拿出一個人在狗急跳牆時的所有能耐，雙臂一擰，把鐵鏟端平，鏟刃橫指向張二花鞋的心窩，同時他那個兄弟也骨碌爬起，一時抓不著得心應手的物件，又不願錯過這剎間即逝的活命的機會，便大張雙臂，一蹬兩腳，把整個身子憑空躍起，朝張二花鞋的下三路橫撲過去，指望藉這一撲，抱牢張二花鞋的兩腿，讓萬振全的鐵鏟，在對方無可躲避的情況下，鏟中對方的心窩
這一著絕招兒，是他們在相互傳壺遞酒時，彼此使眼色，挖手心決定了的，兩人的心性原極兇暴，祗不過暫時被張二花鞋的身手、氣度、威儀懾服而已，到了真要取他們性命的最後一剎，他們凶性勃發，不動則已，一動就聯成一氣，反要奪取對方的性命了。
而張二花鞋半晌猶疑，遲遲不肯動手，就是想藉著各種言語，激起他們這一著兒。
他想過，他們若不來上這一著兒，他是否能下得了手還成問題。
自己雖然是堂堂正正的本良知，行天道，懲處奸邪，但自己並非是以殺人為業的劊子手，難辦的不是殺不殺他們，而是要在怎樣的情形下才動得了手？假如自己當面揭數出他們的罪狀後，他們誠心認罪，馴如羔羊，引頸就戮，那準會使人無法下手，也不忍下手的。
按照江湖上一般的規矩，除非是有著殺父之仇、奪妻之恨，或是對付欺師滅祖之徒，否則，對方祗要俯首認罪，空著兩手不加反抗，你就無法把他們置於死地，如今這兩個坑害八爺的凶徒，即使罪大惡極，想著萬無可恕了，他們若光是跪地哀泣，你也不能把他們像牽牲口似的牽過來開膛破腹，那樣做，未免太殘忍些了。
所以，他故意用種種冷酷的言語來試煉這兩個邪貨，同時也擲給他們一線不可自見的生機，他曾暗暗決定，如果這兩人在心裏認死在先，能夠痛心悔改，他就留下他們一命，祗取下他們的雙眼，卻把天道好還放在他們心裏。如果他們仍然貪生，不在心上認罪，必然會俟機而動，那麼，自己就可以趁機除惡了。
如今，他等待著的畢竟來臨了！
這兩個凶徒雖沒專練過拳腳，但也都是身強力壯、孔武有力的傢伙，平時還不怎樣，一到要命的時辰，他們橫著心發起潑來，那威勢確實夠瞧的，甚至連張二花鞋本身，也並沒料到他們的來勢竟會這樣的兇猛，這樣的快速，這樣的上下交攻，使人難以應付。
萬振全端平鐵鏟撲出時，張二花鞋正站在土丘頂端的峭壁之前，離開峭壁邊緣不過三五步地，背後是一棵臨崖生長的老松樹，馬燈也正掛在那株樹的橫枝上面。
雙方的距離是這樣貼近法兒，飛擲的酒壺，橫胸的短柄鐵鏟，鐵箍般撲來的臂膀，正好把上、中、下，三路都佔全了，而且幾乎是同時撲到，若說是後退罷，可以說是身後已無退路，若說是閃避罷，兩邊又都有橫枝把人擋著，真正是危險萬狀的一個地形，虧得受襲的是張二花鞋，若換旁人，即算不死，也會傷在這樣突發的暗算中，而讓對方從容的逃遁了。
說他們快，張二花鞋卻比他們更快。
當他發現一宗黑乎乎的東西迎面飛來時，他立即偏頭蹲身，閃讓過去，就聽那把酒壺先撞著樹身，再落地飛滾，砰的一聲落進十丈之下的河心去了。緊跟著，萬振全的短柄鐵鏟和他兄弟的雙臂同時撲到，他卻正好借適才蹲身之勢朝上一竄，一手捏著高處的松枝，另一手使攮子作了比閃電還快的反擊，然後落回原地。
任誰也分不清他做了些什麼，也就在這一縱一落間，情勢卻完全變了樣兒了。最先是萬振全的那一聲長長的怪吼，中途卻變成哀切的長號，其次是他飄身下落時，恰恰把一隻腳踏在萬振全那個兄弟的脊背上。
馬燈又轉了一個圈兒，微微跳動著。
萬振全也許撲殺的來勢太猛，一時仍收不住腳步，帶著他那變了音的長號，踉踉蹌蹌端著那柄鐵鏟，一直撞落到崖下去了。
長號聲突然寂滅。
河面上傳來一聲重物破水的聲音。清清楚楚的一聲砰通！
回音從各處跟著傳來。
嘭通！嘭通！嘭通！
那些連接著的、巨大而空幻的音響，就是萬振全生命結束的訊號。
而另一個的哀求比方才更哀慘了。
我的老爺我該死！
張二花鞋這才有空就著燈光撿視他的匕首，鮮血不沾那光滑的刃面，一綹綹露珠般的鮮紅的血滴，正朝下垂的匕尖滑動，彙成一條細細的血線，朝下滴落，落下他腳下那個凶徒的頸子上。
我的天爺，您已經把把他給殺了？那個扭歪著臉，哀呼說。
何止是殺了他？ !張二花鞋腕子一揚說：看罷，這是他的狼心！你瞧瞧是什麼顏色！
也就在他的匕首閃電一吐的當口，他祗消一擰腕子，已經把萬振全的那顆血淋淋的、活蹦活跳的心，連筋帶肉的給挑了出來，繞釘在攮柄上面了；他兄弟這才知道萬振全長吼變成長號的原因他撲過張二花鞋之後，雖然步履踉蹌的端著鐵鏟，嚎著朝前奔，但那已經不是活人，祗是一具沒了心的屍體罷了！
他活在荒曠蠻野的萬家樓，自幼也曾常聽各種傳說裏的殺人的故事，想像過各種人物在殺人時的動作和情境，包括江湖人物殺人、兇犯殺人、前朝披紅衫的劊子手殺人、土匪殺人、馬賊殺人、官兵殺人、鹽梟殺人等等，聽過首懸高竿，曝屍示眾，聽過人頭落地，還會讚嘆劊子手好快刀，聽過古時腰斬棄市的人，死前還蘸著自己的鮮血，在地上歪歪斜斜一連寫了七個慘字，聽過更多更多但沒有像今夜目擊的情形更使人驚絕，眨眼的功夫，他竟能在閃避來襲的同時挖出人心。
你還是起來的好，張二花鞋說：你儘可再撲上來，我會讓你嘗嘗這種味道在你覺得疼痛之前，你已經死了。他在鞋底上擦抹著攮子。
ah!no no!我認命！那個絕望的叫說：我是祗求投河自盡，求您留給我一具全屍！我不是在哀求，您必得要看在首從的份上，留給我一顆還沒黑透的良心！我祗是一時被錢財蒙住兩眼，才糊裏糊塗作上幫凶的，您留我一具全屍，不為過份罷？
張二花鞋捧著從萬振全腔子裏挑出的人心，癡癡的凝視著，在燈光之下，那顆心仍在突突的跳動著，它並不是黑的，它跟所有的人心一樣的鮮紅，一樣的沒有什麼明顯的罪惡的標記，它祗是人心而已。
他望著，望著，雖然臉上凝固著一種笑容，但他的兩眼卻滿含著明亮的濕潤。忽然他放鬆腳下踩著的人，朝河心扔去那顆心和那柄匕首，向腳下那人說：起來罷，我不殺你了！我想起另一種救你的法子，用來成全你。你可願意？
我我的命在您手裏！master.那個仍然兢戰著，不能相信張二花鞋真的會饒過他。
我既不打算殺你，就對你實說了罷。張二花鞋退開一步，語調緩和的說：你們帶著關八爺的兩眼進縣城，旁人沒遇上，偏偏撞在我的手裏，我不是什麼團附，我卻是八爺最要好的朋友，這不能不說是天網恢恢！我一直打算殺你們兩人，如今突然覺得你還有一分可原之處，臨時決定不殺你，你這條命是在刀口上撿來的不必謝我，你謝上蒼罷！
我沒沒打算再活，團噢；不不張老爺！那人這才抬起上半個身子說：您該怎麼懲處我，您就怎麼懲處我罷。
我說，你受人利誘，幫著人剮掉八爺的兩眼，無論你怎樣圓說，你業已犯了幫兇的罪了！跟我說實話，你剮掉八爺兩眼後，暗地裏，不覺得負疚麼？
some.那個看出張二花鞋真沒有再殺他的意思，神色才緩緩的改變過來：但事情既已做出來了，好像騎著老虎走山脊，路再窄也得走。每當我覺得疚歉時，我就想著錢財來打岔。
錢財祗是麻藥，救不得你的心病。張二花鞋說：要是我換一帖藥方兒治你，也許你會安心瞑目。不過，這得要你自願才行，你若是不願意，我不打算逼你去做，那樣仍舊治不得你。
您說罷，張老爺！那個埋頭伏地說。
說來你也許會大失所望的，張二花鞋背起手，仰臉望著高高遠遠的星空，緩緩踱