Cao Nan held Lu Lan's hand, sat in the garden, and talked softly.
In the open space in the distance, Cao Peng was joining hands with Deng Fan. As he made up his mind to go to Guangling, he began to reduce Deng Fan's time in Cao's office. In comparison, Deng Fan's skills were not outstanding.
Color, compared to Wangmai, is always one level behind.
Deng Fan has only been practicing martial arts for a short time, and his foundation is not as solid as Wang Mai's.
Although his physical fitness is similar to that of Wang Mai, Jinjing has never been able to catch up with Wang Mai.
In the future, he will stay in Haixi to help Deng Ji. There is no shortage of masters in Haixi. For example, Zhou Cang and Pan Zhang are rare masters, and Feng Chao is even more outstanding in archery, although his skill is not as good as Zhou Cang and Pan Zhang.
and others, but still slightly higher than Deng Fan.
Deng Fan and Cao Peng were sworn brothers.
Cao Peng also hoped that Deng Fan could stand alone in the future.
But his skills...
There are only so many things in Cao's office. If they are not necessary, ordinary Cao officials can handle them, and Deng Fan does not need to come forward. As for things like accounts, Deng Ji has sent scribes to help. Deng Fan needs it.
What we do is to ensure the smooth operation of Beiji Market.
This was something he and Wangmai had done very well before.
But in the future, he cannot always be Cao Peng. As Cao Peng and others continue to move forward, Deng Fan is bound to keep up.
Otherwise, Xiao Bayi will remove him sooner or later. Even if Cao Peng and others don't speak, Deng Fan will definitely feel ashamed.
Therefore, Cao Peng had no choice but to teach Deng Fan the martial arts skills he had learned as much as possible.
When Cao Peng went to Guangling in the future, Deng Fan's homework would not be left behind. Of course, Zhou Cang and Pan Zhang would supervise him.
Qi'er stood by with great interest, watching Cao Peng and Deng Fan exchange hands.
Deng Fan used Bajiquan, while Cao Peng used Taichi. Although Cao Peng's movements were slow and seemed weak, he restrained Deng Fan's Bajiquan tightly, leaving him with nowhere to put his effort. Qi'er
Having practiced martial arts with Lu Bu since she was a child, her eyesight was naturally different from that of ordinary people. She could see that Cao Peng's slow, soft fists and feet contained strange power, and she couldn't help but become curious.
Lu Lan couldn't help but ask: "Sister Anan, what kind of fists and kicks does Ah Fu practice?"
"He said it was Tai Chi, but I really didn't understand it."
"Then who did he learn boxing from?"
"This... it sounds strange. Ah Fu met an alchemist when he was a child and studied with that alchemist for a year. But I remember that at that time he only learned to read and did not learn anything else. His body was always in poor condition.
... Later, I don’t know why, but he suddenly became powerful! My mother said that Ah Fu had learned the magic of immortality. Presumably, all these things he had came from the alchemist?
Haha, I really can’t explain this kind of thing clearly.
I've asked him before, but his answers every time were vague and I couldn't quite understand him. Then I simply stopped asking... No matter what he studied, he was still my brother. Ah Fu is still Ah Fu, it doesn't matter.
Maybe after learning magic, you can become a cat or a dog."
Lu Lan chuckled!
Looking at Lu Lan who was smiling innocently, Cao Nan was also quite moved.
How could such a good daughter have such an unhappy father?
Having been in Haixi for several days, Cao Nan finally found out about Lu Bu. In his heart, he didn't have much resentment towards Lu Bu. He just felt that Lu Bu's character was not very good. At the same time, because of Lu Bu's relationship,
Deng Ji was not very enthusiastic about Lu Lan either.
Even Chen Qun, who usually likes to visit the county government office, does not come often because of Lu Lan's relationship.
Yesterday, Chen Qun returned to Xiapi.
The new year is approaching and he wants to go back to accompany his father.
But before leaving, Chen Qun made an appointment with Cao Peng. He would come over fifteen days later, and then he and Cao Peng would go to Guangling to find Chen Deng.
Cao Peng did not try to persuade him to stay. After all, reuniting with his family was also an important matter.
I think Chen Qun travels here and there all day long, so he may not stay at home for too long at the end of the year. It is normal for him to spend time with his father when the New Year is over.
So, after Cao Peng sent Chen Qun away, he began to train Deng Fan intensively.
Little Deng Ai is very sleepy!
But after waking up, his eyes would widen and he would curiously watch his uncle and uncle practicing martial arts.
At the same time, he would sit on the tiger skin mat and make babbling gestures, as if he was imitating Cao Peng's movements.
Lu Lan could only be seen giggling, and her eyes turned into a pair of crescent moons, which was really beautiful.
"Afu, what do you think of Miss Lu?"
After dinner, Deng Ji had not come back yet.
Cao Nan took Cao Peng's hand and asked with a smile.
"Miss Lu?" Cao Peng was stunned for a moment, then frowned and pondered for a moment, "That's pretty good."
"Yeah?"
Cao Nan suddenly said: "Ah Fu, you are not young anymore, it is time to prepare for the marriage."
"Marriage?"
"Yes, before I came here this time, my mother discussed with me that I wanted to arrange a marriage for you."
Cao Peng was stunned when he heard this!
I'm only fourteen. Even though I'm going to be fifteen soon, I won't get married so early...
"Sister, this is a bit too early."
"Where is it early? In my opinion, it's not early at all.
The conditions of our family are now better, and your parents are very happy to see your future. Their expectation now is that you get married early so that they can have grandchildren. You also know that our family is young, and you are the only one in our family.
With this bloodline, if you get married, your parents will have something to worry about. Of course, my mother is not saying that you will get married right away. If there is a suitable one, you can make an appointment first."
Under the light, Cao Nan held Cao Peng's hand and patiently guided him.
"What does this have to do with Miss Lu?"
"I think Ms. Lu is quite nice...it's her father..."
"Sister, don't worry!"
Cao Peng waved his hand quickly.
Unexpectedly, my elder sister actually had her thoughts on Lu Lan. Who was Lu Lan? Her father was Lu Bu! Not to mention, Cao Peng didn't have that kind of thoughts. Even if he had, he was still afraid that Lu Bu would cause trouble for him.
Lu Bu... Cao Peng can't say he has a bad opinion of this person, nor can he say he has a good impression of him. Cao Peng praised his temperament very much, but his character? It's not a matter of being a slave with the three surnames of Lu Bu, but something like that.
It's because Lu Bu was too utilitarian and realistic. As soon as he started fighting Yuan Shu, he got married to Yuan Shu. This guy...
He's a nice guy, but he wants to do some shit.
All his martial arts skills were in vain!
Cao Peng scratched his head, "Sister, please don't talk nonsense. Miss Lu has already been engaged..."
"That's a pity!" Cao Nan sighed, "That girl feels good to me. But I heard that she helped you?"
"Well, it does happen."
"A real man wants to repay his kindness. If you can help her in the future, please help her."
"Uh...I took note of it."
In fact, Cao Peng would remember it without Cao Nan telling him.
He not only owed Lu Lan's favor, but also owed Diao Chan's favor.
In the future, Baimenlou... what will happen to Lu Lan? The novel only mentions that Lu Bu was killed in Baimenlou, but does not mention his family. What will be the fate of Lu Lan? Cao Peng really doesn't know. But roughly
, he can guess a clue... I'm afraid it won't be too good.
How can I help them?
To save Lu Bu, or...
Cao Peng couldn't help but smile bitterly.
Lu Bu? What kind of character is that!
The most serious master in the world, which turn should he save?
Even if he has this ability, how can he convince Lu Bu? Moreover, Lu Bu's opponent is Cao Peng! Cao Peng really doesn't have that ability.
Can you just watch Lu Lan and Diao Chan suffer?
"Afu!"
"ah?"
Cao Peng thought about his origin and did not hear Cao Nan's call.
It wasn't until Cao Nan pushed him that Cao Peng finally came to his senses.
"Sister, what did you just say?"
"You guy, I'm talking to you so well, why are you so dumbfounded?" Cao Nan shook his head and said with some annoyance.
Cao Peng smiled awkwardly, "Sister, what did you just say?"
"I mean, what do you think of that girl Guo Huan?"
"Guo Huan?"
An extremely delicate face appeared in Cao Peng's mind. It is undeniable that Guo Huan is very beautiful and attractive! But I always feel that this little girl is very scheming. Sometimes she seems deliberate when she speaks and acts.
It seems artificial and unreal.
Cao Nan said: "I heard that I like her."
Cao Peng immediately became alert and said, "What's wrong?"
"Hehe, my mother's idea is that if you think that girl is good, then marry her."
"Sister, what did you say!"
Cao Peng suddenly blushed and said softly: "She and I are not familiar with each other, and we didn't say a few words from beginning to end, so why..."
"Why do you want to be so familiar? It's good to have a family and live a happy life." Cao Nan said with a smile, "But, that girl's background is not good. She will definitely not be able to be the first wife... Marrying her back and being a concubine is not bad.
.And that girl is very smart and sensible. If you like her, I'll let my mother talk about it. Uncle Guo is following my father now and doing a pretty good job, so I think you guys are suitable for her."
"As long as it's a woman, you think it's suitable."
Cao Peng muttered angrily.
The ancients were really ***!
This wife is not married yet, but she is thinking about having a concubine?
What's more, I'm still young...
"Sister, it's getting late, I have to go back and read."
Cao Peng knew that there was no way to continue the conversation.
Looking at Cao Nan like this, maybe something will happen if the conversation continues. In the blink of an eye, two women appeared!
Moreover, you still can't reason with her.
This is the custom in these days, and it is common to get married at the age of fourteen or fifteen.
Cao Peng said goodbye in embarrassment and walked out of the room. When he faced him, he saw Guo Huan walking towards him. When the little girl saw him, her face turned red and her head lowered, which was quite charming.
How old is this girl? She is so charming!
Cao Peng greeted Guo Huan awkwardly and left the county office in embarrassment.
Due to the arrival of Lu Lan and others, Cao Peng gave up the courtyard where he lived and moved to Cao Peng's Office to live with Wang Mai and Deng Fan.
Along the way, Cao Peng's thoughts were a little confused.
He kept shaking his head and smiling bitterly, feeling quite helpless about the things Cao Nan mentioned just now.
I thought this matter would end here.
Unexpectedly, early the next morning, Deng Ji sent Hu Ban over and called Cao Peng over.
"Let's go to Duigouji."
"what?"
"Go over there and take a look. Today is the 29th, and the last batch of sea people have entered the settlement. Tomorrow will be the 30th, and things will finally be over."
It is also a huge project to bring 30,000 seafarers into the settlement.
In just over a month, it was settled properly, which is not a big miracle.
Cao Peng did not intervene in this matter, and Deng Ji was entirely responsible. Now that he heard that all the people in the village were about to be resettled, he immediately became curious and wanted to take a look at the resettlement situation of the sea people. After all, All this can be regarded as the result of his own work. Although Cao Peng did not interfere in the final stage, after everything was arranged, he still wanted to see the result.
So Cao Peng and Deng Ji sat astride their horses and headed towards Duigouji.
Duigouji is located in the east of Haixi County, adjacent to the sea. Due to its topography, Duigouji has become a natural harbor.
The sea breeze blows, which is quite refreshing.
Cao Peng and Deng Ji rode up to a hillock, where they could have a bird's eye view of the entire Duigouji.
The empty harbor was crowded with many simple huts. Dai Qian was seen leading a group of servants to arrange for the seafarers to leave the harbor in an orderly manner.
Outside the harbor, Feng Chao and Pan Zhang each led a team of troops, responsible for sending the seafarers to camp.
In the harbor, Zhou Cang also led a group of people to take charge of the security of the harbor...
Eight sea-going ships were moored in the harbor, which looked very eye-catching. The ships were not small in size, and each ship could accommodate about two hundred people.
"Brother-in-law, how do you plan to arrange these ships?"
Deng Ji shook his head, "I haven't come up with an idea yet... These ships are all Xuezhou's ships, and they have not been registered. I keep these things, and they are not of great use. So I am considering waiting for the sea people to settle them properly. Then, burn them all.”
"Wait!"
Cao Peng quickly stopped him.
He thought for a while and said softly: "How about giving these ships to Uncle Zhou to take care of first?"
"oh?"
Deng Ji looked at Cao Peng in confusion and asked strangely: "What are these ships for?"
"Being prepared is better than nothing... Anyway, it doesn't cost much to maintain these ships, so let's keep them for now."
"But no one is doing it."
"What's the problem? Let Uncle Zhou recruit some people from the sea people.
Some of these sea dwellers are capable of sailing. If we gather them together, won’t there be someone who can do it?”
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, people did not have much awareness of sea power. Moreover, ships of this era could not carry out any ocean voyages, and they were mainly concentrated in the inland sea areas. Cao Peng did not know how to build ships, and he did not even know the shipbuilding industry of this era. I understand it very well. But subconsciously, I still hope to keep these ships. As for what use they can be put to, I can't say for a while.
Deng Ji scratched his head, "But mooring so many ships here will inevitably attract people's attention."
"Where is Yuzhou Mountain?"
"What happened to Yuzhou Mountain..."
Cao Peng thought for a while and said softly: "Speaking of which, Yuzhou Mountain should be vacant now."
Deng Ji nodded, "Yes, after the 30,000 Hainan people moved to Shehaixi, Yuzhou Mountain has been basically vacant, and there are not many people left. Donghai County has no interest in Yuzhou Mountain. It is said that Wei Mi does not want to send troops to garrison. So it’s an empty island over there now.”
"Moor the sea ship to Yuzhou Mountain."
"ah?"
Cao Peng pondered for a moment and said softly: "Yuzhou Mountain connects the three counties of Langya, Donghai and Guangling. We can use Yuzhou Mountain as a hub, and maybe there will be unexpected gains. Anyway, I think if Yuzhou Mountain is just abandoned like this
, it’s a bit of a pity.”
Deng Ji never bothered to think about Cao Peng's ideas.
Since Cao Peng wants to occupy Yuzhou Mountain, and now Yuzhou Mountain is a deserted island that no one cares about, just keep it.
He quickly made a calculation in his mind, how to arrange the eight sea ships, and how much would it cost?
"In that case, I will let Uncle Zhou build a camp in Yuzhou Mountain first."
"Um!"
Cao Peng nodded, "Brother-in-law, let's go over and have a look, and then discuss this matter with Uncle Zhou."