儒林外史 在线阅读
作者(zhe):经典名著 文(wen)章来(lai)源(yuan):文(wen)言经典
第八回 王观察穷途逢世好 娄公子故里遇贫交
话说王员外才到京销假,早见长班领报录人进来叩喜,王员外问是何喜事?报录人叩过头,呈上报单,上写道:"江抚王一本,为要地需才事;南昌知府员缺,此乃沿江重地,需才能干练之员;特本请旨,于部属内拣选一员。奉旨:南昌府知府员缺,著工部员外王惠补授。钦此。"王员外赏了报喜人酒饭,谢过恩,整理行装,去江西到任。非止一日,到了江西省城南昌府,前任蘧太守,浙江嘉兴府人,由进士出身,年老告病,已经出了衙门,印务是通判署著。王太守到任,升了公座,各属都禀见过了,便是蘧太守来拜。王惠也回拜过了,为这交接事的,彼此参商著,王太守不肯就接。
一(yi)(yi)日,蘧(qu)(qu)太(tai)守(shou)差人(ren)(ren)(ren)来(lai)禀说(shuo):"太(tai)爷(ye)年老(lao)(lao)多病(bing),耳(er)朵听话又(you)不甚(shen)明白(bai);交接的事(shi),本该自(zi)己(ji)来(lai)领王(wang)(wang)太(tai)爷(ye)的教,因是(shi)如此(ci),明日打发少(shao)爷(ye)过来(lai),当(dang)面相恳。一(yi)(yi)切事(shi)都要(yao)仗托王(wang)(wang)太(tai)爷(ye)担(dan)代(dai)。"王(wang)(wang)惠(hui)应诺了(le),衙门(men)(men)里整(zheng)治(zhi)酒饭,候(hou)蘧(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子;直到(dao)早饭过后,一(yi)(yi)乘小(xiao)轿,一(yi)(yi)副(fu)红全帖,上写'眷晚(wan)(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)蘧(qu)(qu)景玉(yu)拜。'王(wang)(wang)太(tai)守(shou)开了(le)宅门(men)(men),叫请少(shao)爷(ye)进(jin)来(lai)。王(wang)(wang)太(tai)守(shou)看那蘧(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子,翩然(ran)俊雅,举动不群。彼此(ci)施了(le)礼(li),让位坐(zuo)(zuo)下。王(wang)(wang)太(tai)守(shou)道(dao):"前晤尊公(gong)(gong)(gong)大(da)(da)(da)人(ren)(ren)(ren),幸瞻(zhan)丰(feng)采;今日却(que)(que)闻(wen)得(de)(de)略有(you)些贵恙(yang)?"蘧(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道(dao):"家(jia)君年老(lao)(lao),常(chang)(chang)患肺病(bing),不耐劳烦;兼之两耳(er)重听,多承老(lao)(lao)先(xian)(xian)(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)挂(gua)念。"王(wang)(wang)太(tai)守(shou)道(dao):"不敢。老(lao)(lao)世台今年多大(da)(da)(da)年纪了(le)?"蘧(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道(dao):"晚(wan)(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)三十七岁。"王(wang)(wang)太(tai)守(shou)道(dao):"一(yi)(yi)向总随(sui)尊大(da)(da)(da)人(ren)(ren)(ren)任所的?"蘧(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道(dao):"家(jia)居君做(zuo)(zuo)县令时(shi),晚(wan)(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)尚(shang)幼。相随(sui)敝(bi)门(men)(men)伯范(fan)老(lao)(lao)先(xian)(xian)(xian)生(sheng)(sheng),在(zai)(zai)山东督(du)学幕中读书,也(ye)(ye)帮他(ta)看看卷子。直到(dao)升任南昌,署内无人(ren)(ren)(ren)办事(shi),这数年总在(zai)(zai)这里的。"王(wang)(wang)太(tai)守(shou)道(dao):"尊大(da)(da)(da)人(ren)(ren)(ren)精(jing)神(shen)正旺(wang),何(he)以就这般急流(liu)勇退了(le)?"蘧(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道(dao):"家(jia)君常(chang)(chang)说(shuo):'宦海风(feng)波,实难久恋。'况做(zuo)(zuo)秀才的时(shi)候(hou),原有(you)几亩薄产,可供浓厚的粥;先(xian)(xian)(xian)人(ren)(ren)(ren)敝(bi)庐,可蔽风(feng)雨;就是(shi)琴樽□几,药拦(lan)花榭,都也(ye)(ye)有(you)几处,可消遣。所以在(zai)(zai)风(feng)尘(chen)劳攘的时(shi)候(hou),每怀长林(lin)丰(feng)草之思;而今却(que)(que)可偿(chang)宿愿了(le)!"王(wang)(wang)太(tai)守(shou)道(dao):"自(zi)古道(dao):'休官(guan)莫问子'看老(lao)(lao)世台这等襟(jin)怀高(gao)旷(kuang),尊大(da)(da)(da)人(ren)(ren)(ren)所以得(de)(de)畅然(ran)挂(gua)冠。"笑(xiao)著(zhu)说(shuo)道(dao):"将来(lai)不日高(gao)科鼎甲,老(lao)(lao)先(xian)(xian)(xian)生(sheng)(sheng)正好(hao)做(zuo)(zuo)封(feng)翁享(xiang)福(fu)了(le)。"蘧(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道(dao):"老(lao)(lao)先(xian)(xian)(xian)生(sheng)(sheng),人(ren)(ren)(ren)生(sheng)(sheng)贤不肖,倒也(ye)(ye)不在(zai)(zai)科名;晚(wan)(wan)生(sheng)(sheng)只愿家(jia)君早归田里,得(de)(de)以菽水承欢,这是(shi)人(ren)(ren)(ren)生(sheng)(sheng)至乐之事(shi)。"王(wang)(wang)太(tai)守(shou)道(dao):"如此(ci),更加可敬了(le)。"说(shuo)著(zhu),换了(le)三遍(bian)茶,宽去大(da)(da)(da)衣服(fu),坐(zuo)(zuo)下。
说到(dao)交接一事(shi),王(wang)太守(shou)(shou)著实为难;蘧公子(zi)道:"老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)不(bu)必过(guo)费(fei)清心(xin)。家君在此数(shu)年,布衣(yi)蔬食,不(bu)过(guo)仍(reng)旧是(shi)儒(ru)生(sheng)行径;历(li)年所积俸余,约有(you)二千余金(jin)。如(ru)此地仓谷(gu)、马(ma)匹、杂项之类(lei),有(you)什(shen)么缺少不(bu)够处,悉将(jiang)此项送与(yu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)任填补。家君知道老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)数(shu)任京(jing)官,官囊(nang)清苦,决不(bu)有(you)累。"王(wang)太守(shou)(shou)见他(ta)说得大方(fang)爽(shuang)快,满心(xin)欢(huan)喜(xi)。
须臾(yu),摆上酒来,奉席坐下(xia)。王(wang)(wang)太守(shou)慢慢问(wen)道(dao)(dao)(dao):"地(di)方人(ren)情(qing),可还有甚(shen)(shen)么(me)(me)出产?词讼里(li)可也(ye)(ye)略有些甚(shen)(shen)么(me)(me)通融?"蘧(qu)公子道(dao)(dao)(dao):"南昌人(ren)情(qing),鄙(bi)野有余,巧诈不足;若说地(di)方出产及(ji)词讼之事(shi)(shi)(shi),家(jia)君(jun)在(zai)此,准(zhun)的词讼甚(shen)(shen)少,若非纲常伦纪大(da)事(shi)(shi)(shi),其余户婚(hun)田土,都(dou)批到县(xian)里(li)去,务在(zai)安(an)定聚会,与(yu)民休息(xi)。至于处处利(li)薮,也(ye)(ye)绝不耐烦(fan)去搜剔他(ta)(ta),或(huo)者有也(ye)(ye)不可知。但只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)问(wen)著晚(wan)生,便是(shi)'问(wen)道(dao)(dao)(dao)于盲。'了(le)"王(wang)(wang)太守(shou)笑道(dao)(dao)(dao):"可见'三(san)年(nian)清知府,十(shi)万雪花银'的话,而今(jin)也(ye)(ye)不甚(shen)(shen)准(zhun)了(le)!"当下(xia)酒过数巡,蘧(qu)公子见他(ta)(ta)问(wen)的都(dou)是(shi)些鄙(bi)陋的话,因又说起:"家(jia)君(jun)在(zai)这里(li)无他(ta)(ta)好处,只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)落得(de)个讼简刑清;所以这些幕宾先生在(zai)衙门里(li),都(dou)也(ye)(ye)吟啸自若。曾记得(de)前(qian)任臬司向家(jia)君(jun)说道(dao)(dao)(dao):'闻得(de)贵付衙门里(li)有三(san)样(yang)声(sheng)(sheng)息(xi)。'"王(wang)(wang)太守(shou)道(dao)(dao)(dao):"是(shi)那三(san)样(yang)?"蘧(qu)公子道(dao)(dao)(dao):"是(shi)吟诗声(sheng)(sheng),下(xia)棋声(sheng)(sheng),唱曲(qu)声(sheng)(sheng)。"王(wang)(wang)太守(shou)大(da)笑道(dao)(dao)(dao):"这三(san)样(yang)声(sheng)(sheng)息(xi),却也(ye)(ye)有趣的紧。"蘧(qu)公子道(dao)(dao)(dao):"将来老先生一番振作,只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)怕要换三(san)样(yang)声(sheng)(sheng)息(xi)!"王(wang)(wang)太守(shou)道(dao)(dao)(dao):"是(shi)那三(san)样(yang)?"蘧(qu)公子道(dao)(dao)(dao):"是(shi)戥子声(sheng)(sheng),算盘声(sheng)(sheng),板(ban)子声(sheng)(sheng)。"王(wang)(wang)太守(shou)并(bing)不知这话是(shi)讥诮他(ta)(ta),正容答道(dao)(dao)(dao):"而今(jin)你(ni)我要替朝廷办事(shi)(shi)(shi),只(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)怕也(ye)(ye)不得(de)不如(ru)此认真。"
蘧(qu)(qu)公子(zi)十分(fen)大(da)酒量(liang),王(wang)(wang)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)(shou)也最好(hao)饮,彼此传杯换盏,直吃(chi)到(dao)(dao)日(ri)西时分(fen),将交接的(de)事当面言明(ming),王(wang)(wang)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)(shou)许定出了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)结,辞别去了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)。过(guo)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)几日(ri),蘧(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)(shou)果(guo)然(ran)送(song)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)项(xiang)(xiang)银子(zi),王(wang)(wang)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)(shou)替他(ta)出了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)结;蘧(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)(shou)带(dai)著(zhu)公子(zi)家(jia)眷,装(zhuang)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)半船行李书画,回(hui)嘉兴去了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)。王(wang)(wang)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)(shou)送(song)到(dao)(dao)城(cheng)外回(hui)来(lai),果(guo)然(ran)听了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)蘧(qu)(qu)公子(zi)的(de)话,钉(ding)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)把(ba)头号(hao)的(de)库(ku)戥,把(ba)六房书办都传进来(lai),问(wen)明(ming)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)各项(xiang)(xiang)内的(de)余利,不(bu)许欺隐,都派入官(guan),三日(ri)五(wu)日(ri)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)比。用的(de)是头号(hao)板(ban)(ban)子(zi),把(ba)两根(gen)板(ban)(ban)子(zi)拿到(dao)(dao)内衙上秤,较了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)轻一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)重(zhong),写(xie)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)暗号(hao)在上面,出来(lai)坐堂之时,吩咐叫用大(da)板(ban)(ban),早隶若取那轻的(de),就知他(ta)得(de)了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)钱了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le),就取那重(zhong)板(ban)(ban)子(zi)打(da)早隶。这些衙役百姓(xing),一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)个(ge)个(ge)被他(ta)打(da)得(de)魂(hun)飞魄散;全城(cheng)的(de)人,无一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)不(bu)知道(dao)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)(shou)的(de)利害,睡(shui)梦里(li)也是怕的(de)。因(yin)此各上司访闻(wen),都道(dao)是江(jiang)西第一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)个(ge)能员(yuan)。做到(dao)(dao)两年(nian),各处荐了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)。适值江(jiang)西宁王(wang)(wang)反乱,各路戒严(yan),朝(chao)廷就把(ba)他(ta)提(ti)升了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)南(nan)赣道(dao),催(cui)趱军需(xu)。王(wang)(wang)太(tai)(tai)守(shou)(shou)(shou)接了(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)(le)羽檄文书,星(xing)夜(ye)赴(fu)南(nan)赣到(dao)(dao)任;到(dao)(dao)任未久,即(ji)出门查(cha)台站,大(da)车驷(si)马,一(yi)(yi)(yi)(yi)路晓行夜(ye)宿。
那日(ri)到了一(yi)(yi)个地方,落(luo)在(zai)(zai)公(gong)馆(guan),公(gong)馆(guan)是个旧人家一(yi)(yi)所大(da)房子(zi)。走进去举头一(yi)(yi)看,正(zheng)厅(ting)上(shang)悬著一(yi)(yi)块匾,匾上(shang)贴著红纸,上(shang)面四(si)个大(da)字(zi)是'骅骝开道。'王道台看见(jian),吃(chi)了一(yi)(yi)惊(jing);到厅(ting)升座,属员衙役,参见(jian)过了,掩(yan)门用饭(fan)。忽(hu)见(jian)一(yi)(yi)阵大(da)风,把那片红纸吹在(zai)(zai)地下(xia),里(li)面现出绿底金字(zi),四(si)个大(da)字(zi)是'天府金龙'。王道台心里(li)不胜骇异,才晓(xiao)得关圣帝君判断(duan)的(de)话,直到今日(ri)才验。那所判'两(liang)日(ri)黄堂'便是南昌府的(de)个'昌'字(zi)。可见(jian)万事分定。一(yi)(yi)宿无话,查(cha)毕公(gong)事回衙。
次年,宁(ning)(ning)王统兵破了(le)(le)(le)(le)南赣(gan)官(guan)军(jun);百姓开(kai)了(le)(le)(le)(le)城门(men),抱(bao)头鼠窜,四(si)散乱(luan)走。王道(dao)(dao)(dao)台(tai)(tai)也抵(di)挡不(bu)(bu)住,叫(jiao)了(le)(le)(le)(le)一(yi)只(zhi)小(xiao)船(chuan),黑夜逃走;走到大江中(zhong),遇(yu)著(zhu)宁(ning)(ning)王百十只(zhi)艨艟战船(chuan),明盔亮(liang)甲。船(chuan)上(shang)有(you)千(qian)万火把(ba),照见(jian)小(xiao)船(chuan),叫(jiao)一(yi)声:"拿!"几十个(ge)兵卒跳(tiao)(tiao)上(shang)船(chuan)来(lai),走进中(zhong)舱(cang),把(ba)王道(dao)(dao)(dao)台(tai)(tai)反绑了(le)(le)(le)(le)手(shou),捉(zhuo)上(shang)大船(chuan);那些从(cong)人船(chuan)家,杀(sha)(sha)的(de)(de)杀(sha)(sha)了(le)(le)(le)(le),还有(you)怕(pa)杀(sha)(sha)的(de)(de),跳(tiao)(tiao)在(zai)水里(li)死(si)了(le)(le)(le)(le)。王道(dao)(dao)(dao)台(tai)(tai)吓得擞抖(dou)抖(dou)的(de)(de)颤,灯烛影里(li),望见(jian)宁(ning)(ning)王坐在(zai)上(shang)面,不(bu)(bu)敢抬头。宁(ning)(ning)王见(jian)了(le)(le)(le)(le),慌走下来(lai),亲(qin)手(shou)替他解(jie)了(le)(le)(le)(le)缚(fu),叫(jiao)取衣裳穿(chuan)了(le)(le)(le)(le),说(shuo)道(dao)(dao)(dao):"孤家是奉(feng)太后(hou)密旨,起(qi)兵诛君侧之奸(jian);你既是江西的(de)(de)能员(yuan),降顺(shun)了(le)(le)(le)(le)孤家,少不(bu)(bu)得封授你的(de)(de)官(guan)爵。"王道(dao)(dao)(dao)台(tai)(tai)颤抖(dou)抖(dou)的(de)(de)叩头道(dao)(dao)(dao):"情愿降顺(shun)。"宁(ning)(ning)王道(dao)(dao)(dao):"既然愿降,待(dai)孤家亲(qin)赐一(yi)杯酒(jiu)。"此时王道(dao)(dao)(dao)台(tai)(tai)被缚(fu)得心口十分疼痛,跪著(zhu)接酒(jiu)在(zai)手(shou),一(yi)饮而尽,心便(bian)不(bu)(bu)疼了(le)(le)(le)(le),又磕头谢了(le)(le)(le)(le)。王爷(ye)即赏与江西按(an)察使之职,自(zi)此随在(zai)宁(ning)(ning)王军(jun)中(zhong)。听见(jian)左右的(de)(de)人说(shuo),宁(ning)(ning)王在(zai)玉牒中(zhong)是第八(ba)个(ge)王子,方才悟了(le)(le)(le)(le)关圣帝君所判'琴瑟琵琶。'头上(shang)是八(ba)个(ge)王,竟(jing)无(wu)一(yi)句(ju)不(bu)(bu)验了(le)(le)(le)(le)。
宁王(wang)(wang)闹了(le)(le)两(liang)年,不(bu)(bu)想(xiang)被新建伯王(wang)(wang)守仁(ren),一阵杀败,束手就(jiu)擒(qin);那(nei)些伪君,杀的(de)杀,逃的(de)逃了(le)(le)。王(wang)(wang)道台在衙门,并不(bu)(bu)曾(ceng)收(shou)拾(shi)得(de)一件东西,只(zhi)取了(le)(le)一个枕箱(xiang),里(li)面(mian)几本书(shu)和(he)几两(liang)银子,换(huan)了(le)(le)青衣(yi)小帽,黑(hei)夜(ye)逃走(zou)(zou),真乃是慌不(bu)(bu)择路(lu)(lu),赶了(le)(le)几日旱路(lu)(lu),又搭船(chuan)(chuan)走(zou)(zou)。昏天黑(hei)地,一直走(zou)(zou)到了(le)(le)浙江乌镇(zhen)地方。那(nei)日住(zhu)了(le)(le)船(chuan)(chuan),客人都上去吃点心(xin),王(wang)(wang)惠也(ye)拿了(le)(le)几个钱上岸。那(nei)点心(xin)店里(li)都坐满了(le)(le),只(zhi)有(you)(you)一个少(shao)(shao)年独自据(ju)了(le)(le)一桌;王(wang)(wang)惠见(jian)那(nei)少(shao)(shao)年,彷佛有(you)(you)些认得(de),却(que)想(xiang)不(bu)(bu)起。开店的(de)道:"客人,你来(lai)同(tong)这位客人一席(xi)坐罢!"王(wang)(wang)惠便去坐在对席(xi),少(shao)(shao)年立(li)起身来(lai),同(tong)他坐下。
王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)忍不(bu)(bu)住(zhu)问(wen)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"请教客(ke)人贵(gui)处?"那(nei)少(shao)(shao)年道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"嘉兴。"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"尊(zun)姓?"那(nei)少(shao)(shao)年道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"姓蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)。"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"向日有位蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng),曾(ceng)(ceng)做过(guo)南(nan)(nan)昌太(tai)守(shou),可与(yu)足(zu)下(xia)(xia)一家?"那(nei)少(shao)(shao)年惊道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"便是(shi)(shi)(shi)家祖,老(lao)客(ke)人何以见问(wen)?"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"原来(lai)(lai)是(shi)(shi)(shi)蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)的(de)令(ling)(ling)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun),失敬(jing)了(le)(le)(le)!"那(nei)少(shao)(shao)年道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"却(que)是(shi)(shi)(shi)不(bu)(bu)曾(ceng)(ceng)拜问(wen)贵(gui)姓仙(xian)乡?"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"这里不(bu)(bu)是(shi)(shi)(shi)说(shuo)(shuo)话处,宝舟在(zai)那(nei)里?"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)?"就在(zai)岸边。"当下(xia)(xia)会了(le)(le)(le)帐(zhang),两人相(xiang)(xiang)携著下(xia)(xia)了(le)(le)(le)船(chuan),坐下(xia)(xia)。王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"当日在(zai)南(nan)(nan)昌相(xiang)(xiang)会的(de)少(shao)(shao)爷,台(tai)讳是(shi)(shi)(shi)景玉(yu),想是(shi)(shi)(shi)令(ling)(ling)叔?"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"这便是(shi)(shi)(shi)先(xian)君。"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)惊道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"原来(lai)(lai)便是(shi)(shi)(shi)尊(zun)翁,难(nan)怪(guai)面貌(mao)相(xiang)(xiang)似(si),却(que)如何这般称(cheng)呼?难(nan)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)已仙(xian)逝(shi)了(le)(le)(le)么?"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"家祖那(nei)年南(nan)(nan)昌解组,次年即不(bu)(bu)幸先(xian)君见背。"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)听(ting)罢,流下(xia)(xia)泪(lei)来(lai)(lai)说(shuo)(shuo)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"昔年在(zai)南(nan)(nan)昌,蒙尊(zun)公(gong)(gong)(gong)骨肉之谊,今不(bu)(bu)想已作故(gu)人。世兄今年贵(gui)庚多(duo)少(shao)(shao)了(le)(le)(le)?"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"虚度十七(qi)岁。到(dao)底(di)不(bu)(bu)曾(ceng)(ceng)请教贵(gui)姓仙(xian)乡?"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"盛从(cong)同船(chuan)家都(dou)不(bu)(bu)在(zai)此么?"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"他们都(dou)上岸去了(le)(le)(le)。"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)附耳低言道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"便是(shi)(shi)(shi)后(hou)任(ren)的(de)南(nan)(nan)昌知府王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)。"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)大惊道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"闻(wen)得老(lao)先(xian)生(sheng)已荣升南(nan)(nan)赣道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao),如何改装独自到(dao)此?"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"只为宁(ning)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)反叛,弟便挂印(yin)而逃;却(que)为围(wei)城(cheng)之中,不(bu)(bu)曾(ceng)(ceng)取出盘费(fei)。"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"如今却(que)将何往?"王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)惠(hui)(hui)道(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao)(dao):"穷途流落,那(nei)有定所?"就不(bu)(bu)把降顺宁(ning)王(wang)(wang)(wang)(wang)的(de)话说(shuo)(shuo)了(le)(le)(le)出来(lai)(lai)。
公孙道(dao):"老先生既(ji)边(bian)疆不(bu)(bu)守,今日却(que)不(bu)(bu)便出来(lai)自呈(cheng);只(zhi)(zhi)是(shi)(shi)茫茫四海(hai),盘费(fei)缺少(shao),如何使得?晚学生此(ci)番(fan)却(que)是(shi)(shi)奉家祖之命,在杭州舍亲(qin)处讨取(qu)(qu)一(yi)(yi)椿银子,现(xian)在舟中,今且赠与老先生以为(wei)路(lu)费(fei),去寻一(yi)(yi)个(ge)僻静所在安(an)身为(wei)妙(miao)。"说罢,即取(qu)(qu)出四封(feng)银子,递给王(wang)惠,共二百两。王(wang)惠极其(qi)称谢(xie),因说道(dao):"两边(bian)船(chuan)上都要赶路(lu),不(bu)(bu)可久延,只(zhi)(zhi)得告别;周济之情,不(bu)(bu)死当以厚报!"双膝跪了(le)(le)(le)下(xia)(xia)去,蘧公孙慌忙跪下(xia)(xia)回(hui)拜了(le)(le)(le)几拜。王(wang)惠又(you)道(dao):"我(wo)除了(le)(le)(le)行李被褥(ru)之外,一(yi)(yi)无(wu)所有(you),只(zhi)(zhi)有(you)一(yi)(yi)个(ge)枕(zhen)箱(xiang),内(nei)有(you)残书几本。此(ci)时潜踪在外,虽这一(yi)(yi)点物件(jian),也(ye)恐被人(ren)识(shi)认(ren),惹起是(shi)(shi)非(fei);如今也(ye)拿来(lai)交(jiao)给世兄,我(wo)轻身便好逃窜了(le)(le)(le)。"蘧公孙应诺。他(ta)即刻过船(chuan),取(qu)(qu)来(lai)交(jiao)待(dai),彼此(ci)酒泪(lei)分手。王(wang)惠道(dao):"敬问令祖老先生,今世不(bu)(bu)能(neng)再(zai)见。来(lai)生犬马(ma)相报便了(le)(le)(le)!"分别去后,王(wang)惠另觅(mi)了(le)(le)(le)船(chuan)只(zhi)(zhi)到太湖,自此(ci)更姓改名,削发(fa)出家为(wei)僧去了(le)(le)(le)。
蘧(qu)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙回到嘉兴,见(jian)了(le)(le)祖父(fu),说(shuo)起路上(shang)(shang)遇见(jian)王太(tai)守(shou)(shou)的(de)(de)(de)(de)话(hua),蘧(qu)太(tai)守(shou)(shou)大惊道(dao)(dao):"他是(shi)降顺了(le)(le)宁王的(de)(de)(de)(de)!"公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙道(dao)(dao):"这却不曾(ceng)说(shuo)明。只说(shuo)是(shi)挂印逃(tao)走,并(bing)不曾(ceng)带得一点(dian)盘缠。"蘧(qu)太(tai)守(shou)(shou)道(dao)(dao):"他虽犯罪朝(chao)廷,却与我(wo)是(shi)个(ge)故交(jiao),何不就(jiu)将(jiang)你(ni)讨来(lai)的(de)(de)(de)(de)银子送他作(zuo)盘费(fei)?"公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙道(dao)(dao):"已送他了(le)(le)。"蘧(qu)太(tai)守(shou)(shou)道(dao)(dao):"共是(shi)多少?"公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙道(dao)(dao):"只取得二(er)百两(liang)银子,尽数送给他了(le)(le)。"蘧(qu)太(tai)守(shou)(shou)不胜欢喜道(dao)(dao):"你(ni)真可(ke)谓汝父(fu)之肖子!"就(jiu)当日公(gong)(gong)(gong)子交(jiao)接(jie)的(de)(de)(de)(de)事,又告诉了(le)(le)一遍。公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙见(jian)过(guo)乃祖,进房(fang)去见(jian)母(mu)亲刘氏,母(mu)亲问(wen)了(le)(le)些路上(shang)(shang)的(de)(de)(de)(de)话(hua),慰劳了(le)(le)一番,进房(fang)歇(xie)息。
次(ci)日(ri),在乃祖(zu)跟前又说(shuo)道:"王太守枕(zhen)箱内还有几本(ben)(ben)书(shu)(shu)。"取出(chu)来送与乃祖(zu)看。蘧(qu)太守一一看了(le)(le)(le),都是(shi)抄本(ben)(ben);其他也(ye)还没有紧,只内有一本(ben)(ben),是(shi)高(gao)青邱(qiu)集诗话有一百多纸(zhi),就(jiu)是(shi)青邱(qiu)亲(qin)笔(bi)缮写,甚是(shi)精工。蘧(qu)太守道:"这(zhei)(zhei)本(ben)(ben)书(shu)(shu)多年(nian)藏(zang)(zang)之天子之居所,数十年(nian)来,多少(shao)才人,求见一面不(bu)能;天下并(bing)没有第二(er)本(ben)(ben),你今(jin)无心得了(le)(le)(le)此(ci)书(shu)(shu),真乃天幸。须是(shi)收藏(zang)(zang)好了(le)(le)(le),不(bu)可轻易被人看见。"蘧(qu)公孙听(ting)了(le)(le)(le),心里想道:"此(ci)书(shu)(shu)既是(shi)天下没有第二(er)本(ben)(ben),何不(bu)将他缮写成数套(tao),添了(le)(le)(le)我的名(ming)字,刊(kan)刻(ke)起来,做(zuo)这(zhei)(zhei)一番大(da)名(ming)?"主(zhu)意(yi)已定,竟去(qu)刻(ke)了(le)(le)(le)起来,把高(gao)季迪名(ming)字写在上面,下面写'嘉兴(xing)蘧(qu)来旬先(xian)夫(fu)氏补辑。'刻(ke)毕,刷(shua)印了(le)(le)(le)几百部(bu),遍送亲(qin)戚朋友;人人见了(le)(le)(le),赏玩不(bu)忍(ren)释手。
自(zi)此(ci)浙西各郡,都(dou)仰慕蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)是(shi)个(ge)少年(nian)名士(shi);蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守知(zhi)道了(le)(le),成(cheng)(cheng)事(shi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)说(shuo),也就此(ci)常教他做(zuo)些诗词,写斗方同众名士(shi)赠答。一(yi)日(ri),门上(shang)人(ren)(ren)(ren)进来(lai)禀道:"娄(lou)府两(liang)位(wei)(wei)(wei)少老爷到了(le)(le)。"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守叫(jiao)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun):"你娄(lou)家表(biao)(biao)叔到了(le)(le),快去(qu)迎请进来(lai)。"公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)领命(ming),慌出(chu)(chu)去(qu)迎。这(zhei)(zhei)二(er)(er)位(wei)(wei)(wei)乃是(shi)娄(lou)中堂的(de)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi);中堂在朝(chao)二(er)(er)十(shi)余(yu)年(nian),甍(meng)逝之(zhi)(zhi)后(hou),赐了(le)(le)祭葬,□为文(wen)恪,乃是(shi)湖州人(ren)(ren)(ren)氏。长(zhang)子(zi)(zi)(zi)现(xian)任通(tong)政司大(da)(da)(da)堂;这(zhei)(zhei)位(wei)(wei)(wei)三公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi),讳(hui)□,字(zi)(zi)玉(yu)亭(ting),是(shi)个(ge)孝廉;四公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)讳(hui)瓒,字(zi)(zi)瑟(se)亭(ting),在监(jian)读书;是(shi)蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守亲手扶起,叫(jiao)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)过(guo)来(lai)拜见(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)表(biao)(biao)叔,请坐(zuo)奉(feng)茶。二(er)(er)位(wei)(wei)(wei)娄(lou)公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)道:"自(zi)拜别姑(gu)丈大(da)(da)(da)人(ren)(ren)(ren)屈指已十(shi)二(er)(er)载;小侄(zhi)(zhi)们在京,闻知(zhi)姑(gu)丈挂(gua)冠归(gui)里(li),无(wu)人(ren)(ren)(ren)不(bu)(bu)(bu)佩服(fu)高见(jian)(jian)。今日(ri)得拜姑(gu)丈,早已须鬓(bin)皓然(ran),可见(jian)(jian)有(you)(you)司官(guan)是(shi)劳苦的(de)。"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守道:"我本无(wu)宦(huan)情;南昌待(dai)罪(zui)数(shu)年(nian),也不(bu)(bu)(bu)曾做(zuo)得一(yi)些事(shi)业(ye),虚糜朝(chao)廷爵(jue)禄(lu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)如退休(xiu)了(le)(le)好(hao)。不(bu)(bu)(bu)想(xiang)到家一(yi)载,小儿亡故了(le)(le),越觉(jue)得胸怀冰冷。仔细(xi)想(xiang)来(lai),只(zhi)怕还(hai)是(shi)做(zuo)官(guan)的(de)报应。"娄(lou)三公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)道:"表(biao)(biao)兄(xiong)天才,磊(lei)落英(ying)多,谁想(xiang)享年(nian)不(bu)(bu)(bu)久;幸(xing)得表(biao)(biao)侄(zhi)(zhi)已长(zhang)成(cheng)(cheng)人(ren)(ren)(ren),侍奉(feng)姑(gu)丈膝(xi)下,还(hai)可借(jie)此(ci)自(zi)宽。"娄(lou)四公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)道:"便是(shi)小侄(zhi)(zhi)们闻了(le)(le)表(biao)(biao)兄(xiong)讣(fu)音,思量(liang)总角(jiao)交好(hao),不(bu)(bu)(bu)想(xiang)中路分离,临终也不(bu)(bu)(bu)能一(yi)别,同三兄(xiong)悲(bei)痛过(guo)深,几乎发(fa)了(le)(le)狂疾(ji)。大(da)(da)(da)家兄(xiong)念著(zhu),也终日(ri)流涕不(bu)(bu)(bu)止。"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守道:"今兄(xiong)宦(huan)况,也还(hai)觉(jue)得高兴么?"二(er)(er)位(wei)(wei)(wei)道:"通(tong)政使是(shi)个(ge)清淡衙(ya)门,家兄(xiong)在那里(li)浮(fu)沈著(zhu),不(bu)(bu)(bu)曾有(you)(you)甚(shen)么建(jian)(jian)(jian)议;却是(shi)事(shi)也不(bu)(bu)(bu)多;所以小侄(zhi)(zhi)们在京师觉(jue)得无(wu)聊,商议不(bu)(bu)(bu)如返舍为是(shi)。"坐(zuo)了(le)(le)一(yi)会(hui),换了(le)(le)衣服(fu)。二(er)(er)位(wei)(wei)(wei)又进去(qu)拜见(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)表(biao)(biao)嫂(sao);公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)陪奉(feng)出(chu)(chu)来(lai),请在书房里(li)。面前一(yi)个(ge)小花圃(pu),琴(qin)樽□几,竹石禽鱼,萧然(ran)可爱。太(tai)(tai)守也换了(le)(le)葛巾野服(fu),拄著(zhu)天台藤(teng)杖(zhang),出(chu)(chu)来(lai)陪坐(zuo);摆出(chu)(chu)饭来(lai),用过(guo)饭,烹茗清谈(tan),说(shuo)起江(jiang)西宁(ning)(ning)(ning)王反叛的(de)话:"多亏新建(jian)(jian)(jian)伯(bo)神明(ming)独运,建(jian)(jian)(jian)了(le)(le)这(zhei)(zhei)件大(da)(da)(da)功,除了(le)(le)这(zhei)(zhei)番(fan)大(da)(da)(da)难(nan)。"娄(lou)三公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)道:"新建(jian)(jian)(jian)伯(bo)此(ci)番(fan)有(you)(you)功不(bu)(bu)(bu)居,尤(you)为难(nan)得!"四公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)道:"据小侄(zhi)(zhi)看来(lai),宁(ning)(ning)(ning)王此(ci)番(fan)举动(dong),也与(yu)成(cheng)(cheng)祖差(cha)不(bu)(bu)(bu)多;只(zhi)是(shi)成(cheng)(cheng)祖运气好(hao),到而今称(cheng)(cheng)圣称(cheng)(cheng)神;宁(ning)(ning)(ning)王运气低,就落得个(ge)为贼为虏,也要算一(yi)件不(bu)(bu)(bu)平的(de)事(shi)。"蘧(qu)(qu)(qu)太(tai)(tai)守道:"以成(cheng)(cheng)败论人(ren)(ren)(ren),固然(ran)是(shi)庸(yong)人(ren)(ren)(ren)之(zhi)(zhi)见(jian)(jian);但本朝(chao)大(da)(da)(da)事(shi),你我做(zuo)臣(chen)子(zi)(zi)(zi)的(de),说(shuo)话须要谨(jin)慎。"四公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)(zi)不(bu)(bu)(bu)敢再(zai)说(shuo)了(le)(le)。
那知(zhi)这(zhei)两位(wei)(wei)公子,因(yin)科名失势,未能(neng)早年中鼎甲,入(ru)翰(han)林。以(yi)致一(yi)(yi)(yi)肚(du)牢骚不(bu)平,常(chang)说(shuo)(shuo):"自(zi)(zi)从永乐篡位(wei)(wei)之后(hou)(hou),明朝就(jiu)(jiu)不(bu)成个(ge)(ge)天(tian)下!"每到酒(jiu)酣耳(er)热(re),更要发这(zhei)一(yi)(yi)(yi)种(zhong)议论;娄通政(zheng)也(ye)是(shi)听不(bu)过,恐怕惹出(chu)事来,所以(yi)劝他(ta)回(hui)浙江(jiang)。当下又谈了一(yi)(yi)(yi)回(hui)闲(xian)话,两位(wei)(wei)问(wen)道(dao):"表(biao)(biao)侄亲业,近年造就(jiu)(jiu)如何?却还不(bu)曾(ceng)恭喜(xi),毕过姻事?"蘧太(tai)守道(dao):"不(bu)瞒(man)二位(wei)(wei)贤(xian)侄说(shuo)(shuo),我(wo)(wo)只(zhi)这(zhei)一(yi)(yi)(yi)个(ge)(ge)孙子,自(zi)(zi)小娇养惯了;我(wo)(wo)常(chang)见这(zhei)些教书的(de)先生(sheng),也(ye)不(bu)见有(you)甚么(me)学问(wen),一(yi)(yi)(yi)味装模作样,动不(bu)动就(jiu)(jiu)是(shi)打骂。人(ren)家请先生(sheng)的(de),开口就(jiu)(jiu)说(shuo)(shuo)要严;老夫(fu)姑息的(de)紧,所以(yi)不(bu)曾(ceng)让他(ta)去拜(bai)师就(jiu)(jiu)学。你(ni)表(biao)(biao)兄在日(ri),自(zi)(zi)己教他(ta)读些经史;自(zi)(zi)你(ni)表(biao)(biao)兄去后(hou)(hou),我(wo)(wo)心里更加怜惜他(ta),已(yi)替他(ta)捐了个(ge)(ge)监生(sheng),学业也(ye)不(bu)曾(ceng)十分讲究。近年我(wo)(wo)在林下,倒常(chang)教他(ta)做几首诗,吟咏(yong)性情,要他(ta)知(zhi)道(dao)乐天(tian)知(zhi)命的(de)道(dao)理(li),在我(wo)(wo)膝下承欢就(jiu)(jiu)好了。"二位(wei)(wei)公子道(dao):"这(zhei)个(ge)(ge)便(bian)是(shi)姑丈高见。俗语说(shuo)(shuo)得好:'与其出(chu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)个(ge)(ge)伤耗元气的(de)进士(shi),不(bu)如出(chu)一(yi)(yi)(yi)个(ge)(ge)培(pei)养阴德的(de)通儒。'这(zhei)个(ge)(ge)见解对(dui)的(de)很!"蘧太(tai)守便(bian)叫公孙把(ba)平日(ri)做的(de)诗,取几首来与二位(wei)(wei)表(biao)(biao)叔看。二位(wei)(wei)看了,称(cheng)赞不(bu)已(yi)。
一连留住盘桓了四五日,二(er)位辞别要(yao)行(xing),蘧(qu)太(tai)守设(she)酒席(xi)饯别;席(xi)间说起公孙姻(yin)事:"这里大户人家,也(ye)有求著来(lai)说的;我是个穷(qiong)官,怕他们争行(xing)财下礼,所以拖(tuo)延著。贤侄(zhi)在湖州,若是老亲旧戚(qi)人家,为我留意,贫穷(qiong)些也(ye)不妨。"二(er)位应诺了,当(dang)日席(xi)终(zhong)。
次日,叫(jiao)了(le)(le)(le)船(chuan)(chuan)只(zhi),先(xian)发(fa)上(shang)行李(li)去。蘧太(tai)守(shou)叫(jiao)公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)亲送(song)上(shang)船(chuan)(chuan),自(zi)己出(chu)(chu)来厅上(shang)作别;说(shuo)到(dao):"老夫因(yin)至亲在(zai)此数日,家(jia)(jia)常相待,休怪(guai)怠慢。二(er)位贤侄回(hui)(hui)府,到(dao)令祖太(tai)保(bao)公(gong)(gong)(gong)及尊公(gong)(gong)(gong)太(tai)保(bao)文恪公(gong)(gong)(gong)墓上(shang),提(ti)著(zhu)我(wo)的名(ming)字,说(shuo)我(wo)蘧佑,年迈(mai)龙钟,不(bu)能亲自(zi)再来拜(bai)谒墓道(dao)了(le)(le)(le)!"两公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)听了(le)(le)(le),肃然(ran)起敬,拜(bai)别了(le)(le)(le)姑丈。蘧太(tai)守(shou)拉著(zhu)手送(song)出(chu)(chu)大门。公(gong)(gong)(gong)孙(sun)先(xian)在(zai)船(chuan)(chuan)上(shang),候二(er)位到(dao)时,拜(bai)别了(le)(le)(le)表(biao)叔(shu),看(kan)著(zhu)开(kai)了(le)(le)(le)船(chuan)(chuan),方才回(hui)(hui)来。两公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)坐著(zhu)一只(zhi)小船(chuan)(chuan),萧然(ran)行李(li),仍是寒若朴素;看(kan)见(jian)两岸桑(sang)(sang)荫(yin)稠密,禽鸟(niao)飞鸣(ming),不(bu)到(dao)半里多路,便(bian)是小港,里边撑(cheng)出(chu)(chu)船(chuan)(chuan)来,卖些菱藕。两弟(di)兄(xiong)(xiong)在(zai)船(chuan)(chuan)内道(dao):"我(wo)们几(ji)年京华尘土中,那(nei)得(de)见(jian)这样幽雅景(jing)色?宋人词(ci)说(shuo)得(de)好(hao):'算计只(zhi)有归(gui)来是。'果(guo)(guo)然(ran)!果(guo)(guo)然(ran)!"看(kan)看(kan)天色晚(wan)了(le)(le)(le)。到(dao)了(le)(le)(le)镇上(shang),见(jian)桑(sang)(sang)荫(yin)里射出(chu)(chu)灯火(huo)来,直到(dao)河(he)里。两公(gong)(gong)(gong)子(zi)(zi)叫(jiao)道(dao):"船(chuan)(chuan)家(jia)(jia)泊下船(chuan)(chuan)。此处有人家(jia)(jia),上(shang)面买(mai)些酒来,消此良(liang)夜,就在(zai)这里宿了(le)(le)(le)罢。"船(chuan)(chuan)家(jia)(jia)应诺,泊了(le)(le)(le)船(chuan)(chuan)。两弟(di)兄(xiong)(xiong)凭舷痛饮,谈说(shuo)古(gu)今的事。
次早,船家(jia)在船中做饭,两兄弟上(shang)岸闲步(bu),只(zhi)见屋角(jiao)走过一个人来,见了(le)二位,低头便(bian)拜下(xia)去(qu),说道:"娄(lou)少(shao)老爷,认(ren)得小人么?"只(zhi)因遇著这个人,有(you)分教:'公子好客(ke),结多(duo)少(shao)硕(shuo)彦名(ming)儒;相符(fu)开筵,常聚些布衣(yi)韦(wei)带。'
毕竟此人是谁?且(qie)听下(xia)回分解。