Mr. Cao was sitting leisurely in the flower hall, smiling, listening to Xun You's report.
In the second year of Jian'an, there were no good memories for Mr. Cao. Especially at the beginning of the year, he lost his eldest son, Cao Ang, to his disastrous defeat at Wancheng, which also caused him to turn against his old wife, Mrs. Ding, who had been with him for many years. Mrs. Ding
He returned to his hometown in anger, and Mr. Cao still feels heartbroken to this day.
At the end of the year, Cao Cao attacked Nanyang again, recaptured Wuyin Bowang and other places, and drove Zhang Xiu to Rang County.
Just because he heard that Liu Biao wanted to raise troops, Cao Cao temporarily stopped attacking Rang County and ordered his younger brother Cao Hong to serve as the governor of Nanyang and garrison Wancheng.
With joy, Mr. Cao returned to Xudu, hoping to reconcile with Mrs. Ding.
Who knew...
Since the beginning of spring, everything has been complicated.
Mr. Cao's mood could not be said to be very good, but on the surface, he had to act calm and calm so as not to make his subordinates worried.
"After Sun Bofu separated from Yuan Shu, he led his troops to the south and occupied Kuaiji. He slaughtered Dongye and broke the strict rule. He took charge of himself as the prefect of Kuaiji. He made his uncle Wu Jing the prefect of Danyang and his brother Sun Bi as the prefect of Yu.
Zhang Taishou, his younger brother Sun Nan is Lujiang Taishou, and Danyang Zhu Zhi is Wu County Taishou, and their power is becoming more and more powerful. Sun Ce, this son, is not comparable to Sun Jian, and he knows how to win over people's hearts. Now Zhang Zhao of Pengcheng and Zhang Hong of Guangling are his masterminds.
He also had the help of Qin Song, Chen Duan and others, plus the tribes left by his father Sun Jian, Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Han Dang and others, who were also the tiger ministers in the east of the Yangtze. This man's heart is very big, and it is not comparable to that of Sun Jian. In addition, there are ten thousand people who can't stop him.
You are brave and have a great reputation in Jiangdong, so you must be on your guard."
Cao *** breathed out a heavy breath.
"It's hard to compete with this lion."
Now that Lu Bu has not been eliminated, Yuan Shao from Hebei is eyeing him, Yuan Shu from Huainan is ready to make a move, and Liu Biao and Zhang Xiu have become a thorn in his side.
On the surface, Cao Cao's journey looks very beautiful, but in fact every step is difficult and dangerous.
"Why do you think we can control this lion?"
Mr. Cao looked around at the people in the flower hall with burning eyes.
Finally, he set his sights on Guo Jia, with a smile on his face.
Because he saw that Guo Jia looked relaxed and seemed not to take Sun Ce's matter to heart at all.
However, Mr. Cao was not in a hurry to ask, but turned his attention to other people, wanting to hear everyone's ideas.
"Sun Ce gained the influence of his father, settled in the east of the Yangtze River, and became known as Sun Lang.
Although its power is great, it is not a threat to the lord. I think that I should make good friends with Sun Ce and make him use it for my lord. At the same time, I must get rid of Yuan Shu and Lu Bu as soon as possible, seize the land of Xuzhou and Huainan, and advance to Keke.
Attack Liu Biao and Sun Ce, and retreat to defend the land in Runan. This is the best strategy."
Dong Zhao stood up and answered with his hands raised.
"What Gongren said is exactly what I think.
However, when Sun Ce is young and in the prime of his life, how can I make him surrender and be used by me? Hearing that this son has a proud temperament, he will not give in easily."
"I have a plan for my humble position, but I don't know whether I should tell it or not."
"But it doesn't matter."
Mr. Cao picked up a copper jute and took a sip of wine.
Dong Zhao thought for a moment and said softly: "Sun Bofu wanted to restore his father's glory. Back then, Sun Jian had always hoped to be canonized as a Marquis of Wu. My lord can just issue an imperial edict to make him a Marquis of Wu. And marry him...
I think that although Sun Bofu is proud, he is not ignorant of good and evil. His father's revenge has not yet been avenged, and Liu Biao's occupation of Jiangxia is also a problem for him. I must be grateful for your kindness, my lord."
Wu Hou?
Cao *** fell into deep thought.
He was not stingy about the title, but he was worried that if Sun Ce got the title of Marquis of Wu, he would be able to attack various places in Jiangdong justifiably.
Once he unifies Jiangdong, I'm afraid it won't be easy if he wants to conquer again.
His gaze inadvertently glanced at Guo Jia again, and seeing that Guo Jia still had a relaxed look on his face, Mr. Cao felt more or less at ease.
"How to get married to him?"
"I heard that Sun Ce had a brother, Sun Bi, the governor of Yuzhang.
This man was highly trusted by Sun Ce and could be called Sun Ce's confidant. Sun Ce had two people under his command, one was Zhou Yu and Zhou Gongjin, and the other was Sun Bi. Sun Bi had a daughter named Sun Xi who was thirteen years old.
My lord can order Sun Ben to marry his daughter to the third son, but Sun Ce will never refuse."
"Sun Boyang?"
Mr. Cao clicked his tongue and nodded slightly.
"It's just that I'm a little older than my Huang Xu'er."
Huang Xuer's name is Cao Zhang, the third son of Mr. Cao.
Mr. Cao now has eight sons. The eldest son, Cao Ang, died in Wancheng in the battle. The second son, Cao Pi, is eleven years old and is extremely smart. He is the daughter of Mrs. Bian and is very loved by Mr. Cao. The third son is Cao Pi.
This is Cao Zhang, who is eight years old. His fourth son, Cao Zhi, is five years old. These four are all favored by Mr. Cao. His fifth son, Cao Xiong, is four years old, but he is weak and sickly. His sixth son, Cao Shuo, is the same age as Cao Xiong, but only
He was only a few months younger. The seventh son, Cao Zhi, was born in the first year of Jian'an and was only two years old, but he still didn't know how to speak. The eighth son, Cao Ju, was born in the second year of Jian'an and was still a baby.
Cao Pi, I'm afraid it's not appropriate.
After all, he is Cao Cao's successor. Even if Cao Cao doesn't have this intention now, when Cao Ang dies, Cao Pi will become the eldest son.
There is only Cao Zhang!
Mr. Cao thought for a while and said in a deep voice: "Let me think twice at this time."
He raised his head, scanned the crowd and said, "Do you have anything else to say, gentlemen?"
"Reporting to Duke Cao, I still have something to report."
Mr. Cao looked over and the smile on his face became stronger: "Wen Ruo, what's the matter?"
"It's about Guangling County."
"oh?"
"Sikong Ke, do you remember Haixi County?"
Mr. Cao was startled, thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Of course I remember.
Isn't the Haixi County Magistrate the same one-armed soldier who joined the army before? I remember that you and Fengxiao strongly opposed this person at that time, including Gongda and Boning, and they were full of praise for this person. However, there are many things going on recently.
I didn't pay attention. What, something happened to Haixi?"
"Exactly."
"What's the matter?"
Cao *** straightened up with a sigh, looking slightly nervous.
Haixi was a nail stuck between Cao Cao and Huaihe River. Hearing that something happened to Haixi, he was naturally very nervous.
Xun Yu laughed!
Not only Xun Yu laughed, but also Xun You, Guo Jia and others.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Lord, something happened in Haixi, but it was not a bad thing, but a good thing. After Deng Shusun arrived in Haixi, he eliminated the bullies, destroyed the pirates, killed Xuezhou, rectified the merchant market, and destroyed the salt road. At the same time,
, Deng Ji also moved 30,000 Hainan people to Haixi and decided to establish farming.
Previously, the two sons Junming and Zhongkang had returned to Xudu, saying that Deng Shusun had taken control of Haixi and had established a firm foothold."
"Relocate the people to the sea and settle the fields?"
Mr. Cao looked surprised, and after a while he suddenly became furious.
"Joining the army with one arm means you don't know what's going on. Such a reckless behavior is really unforgivable.
Wen Ruo, please immediately write a handwritten letter and send it to Haixi on the same day, severely reprimand Deng Shusun, and order him not to cause trouble again in Haixi."
Everyone in the flower hall couldn't help but be startled by Mr. Cao's sudden change of expression.
Since Mr. Cao has turned his back, there is no need to continue the discussion, so everyone just kept silent.
After discussing for a while, everyone dispersed.
However, Mr. Cao called Guo Jia and Dong Zhao and led them to the garden.
"Do you know why I was angry just now?"
Dong Zhao shook his head, saying he didn't quite understand.
But Guo Jia smiled and said: "My lord, what are you doing?"
"Fengxiao really knows me."
Mr. Cao swept away the cold and stern look he had shown in the flower hall before and burst into laughter.
"Gongren, please tell me in detail about this Haixi matter."
As Sikong Jijiu, Dong Zhao was equivalent to the role of secretary-general. He knew all the past official documents by heart, and was not unfamiliar with the affairs of Haixi. So, he told Cao Cao in detail about all the things that happened in Haixi.
***. Unexpectedly, Cao *** frowned.
"There seems to be someone planning for Deng Shusun."
"oh?"
"Listening to what Wen Ruo and Feng Xiao said before, although Deng Ji is talented and learned, he was born as a small official, so his situation is a bit narrow. I originally thought that if he could stand firmly in Haixi, it would take at least half a year. But it was short.
In just a few months, he not only gained a firm foothold, but also controlled Haixi. This was beyond his power... If he really had such a great talent, I'm afraid Wen Ruo and Feng Xiao would have wanted to have sex with me a long time ago, that's right.
no?"
"this……"
Mr. Cao smiled and said, "Who is accompanying Deng Ji?"
"At the beginning, only Chen left Pu Yangkai as his assistant...Other than that, he seemed to have only one brother-in-law accompanying him."
"Brother-in-law?"
"He is the son of Cao Junshi, the supervisor of Heyi Workshop, named Cao Peng.
It is said that this son was quite talented and learned. In his early years, he was favored by Pang Degong of Lumen Mountain. However, he offended Huang She and his family fled, so he did not worship him in Lumen Mountain. Oh, this Cao Peng is Xiao Bayi's
The initiator is also the youngest among Xiao Ba Yi... But the Golden Orchid Genealogy came from his handwriting. I heard that this son is not only familiar with Zi Lian, but also admires his talents very much."
"Yeah?"
After hearing this, Mr. Cao immediately became interested.
Guo Jia said with a smile: "On his way to his post, my uncle-sun helped General Miaocai annihilate a group of bandits.
It is said that it was Cao Peng who led his men into the den of thieves and annihilated them all. When Miaocai invited him to a banquet, the boy left without saying goodbye, leaving only a five-character poem. I loved his heroic poetry, so I remember it too.
Content. If my lord has some spare time, please try to memorize it..."
"Zhao Keman and Hu Ying, Wu Gou Shuang and Xueming..."
Guo Jia put his hands behind his hands and chanted in front of Mr. Cao. A group of knights walked around and chanted to themselves.
Mr. Cao listened quietly, his face as usual.
After Guo Jia finished reciting it, he walked into the pavilion in the garden and sat down without saying a word.
"He is indeed the son of Yin Mo."
He suddenly smiled and made no comment.
But with just this sentence, Guo Jia understood what Mr. Cao was thinking.
"So, is it that young Cao Peng who was the one behind Deng Shusun's plan?"
Dong Zhao scratched his head and said softly: "I never thought that Cao Junshi would have a son, Ruosixie?
My lord, I heard that this young Cao Peng is very skilled in martial arts. When we were in Xiapi, he once single-handedly fought against Song Xian, one of Lu Bu's eight strong generals."
"oh?"
Cao *** suddenly became interested again.
From September onwards, he first practiced Yuan Shu and then Zhang Xiu.
There was almost no rest, so the information was not very well-informed. No one would report specifically on matters like Cao Peng's confrontation with others. After all, this matter was too small, and it was impossible for little Mr. Cao to pay attention to it.
Guo Jia said: "I have also heard people talk about this... and I also heard that he fought against Lu Bu?"
Dong Zhao couldn't help but laugh, "If he really had such ability, how could he have been forced to escape by Huang She? I'm afraid Liu Biao wouldn't agree.
However, he did fight against Lu Bu, but not by himself, but together with Noriman and Xu Yi."
Mr. Cao asked with great interest: "How much support do they have?"
"This... couldn't even last a round. It is said that if Lu Bu had not shown mercy, the three of them would have lost their lives by now. Jun Ming and Zhong Kang were so angry that they recalled Dian Man and Xu Yi urgently and gave them strict orders.
People are not allowed to go out and practice martial arts hard at home."
"I couldn't survive even one move..."
Mr. Cao's interest suddenly disappeared a lot.
He scratched his nose and suddenly changed the topic, "What does Fengxiao think of the strategy Gongren just mentioned?"
"I thought it was very good."
"But……"
"I know that your lord is worried, but in my opinion, it is not a cause for concern."
"You mean..."
"The lion's bravery is hard to compete with. But his temperament is fierce and upright, and he often follows his father.
Since the conquest of Jiangdong, Sun Bofu and the Jiangdong nobles have been quite nasty. Most of the local clan commanders had to bow their heads due to his lustful power.
I have a plan that will kill the lion."
"oh?"
“Yes, this matter cannot be accomplished overnight and requires careful planning.
If your lord trusts me, you can leave this matter to Jia for planning. In less than three years, Jia will order Shi'er to die in Jiuquan to eliminate this trouble for your lord."
Mr. Cao's eyes narrowed to a slit.
His eyes flickered, he stared at Guo Jia for a long time, and suddenly he laughed.
"Lion, your life is long gone."
He stood up and said, "I'll leave this matter to Fengxiao. I hope I can hear the good news one day soon."
"Jia will live up to his trust."
Guo Jia bowed and accepted the order. Dong Zhao was also beside him, nodding lightly.
He began to feel sad for Sun Ce!
Even if a tree is beautiful in the forest, the wind will destroy it... Sun Bofu is too sharp, and now he is being targeted by Guo Fengxiao. I am afraid that his life will be short-lived!
Pity!
In early spring, all things sprout.
On the third day of Banchun day, Cao Peng and his party bid farewell to Deng Ji in tears and left Haixi.
Originally, Lu Lan wanted to follow Cao Peng to Guangling County, but Qi'er blocked her. What a joke, she is Lu Bu's daughter!
If we really go to Guangling, I don’t know what trouble we might cause.
Besides, it's better to stay in Haixi, but Guangling is a bit far from Xiapi.
Don't say Lu Bu won't agree, I'm afraid Diao Chan won't agree either.
In desperation, Lu Lan had to stay in Haixi. However, when she parted with Cao Peng, she still pulled Cao Peng with a smile and asked Cao Peng to go to Xiapi to find her when he came back and tell her interesting things about Guangling.
.Cao Peng was speechless and could only prevaricate and agree.
I don’t know if we can see each other again now that we are gone.
At least Cao Peng had no idea!
He knew that Cao Cao would never let Lu Bu go.
If Cao Cao had some love for Lu Bu's talents before, now... he just defeated Yuan Shu, and he and Yuan Shu attacked Liu Bei again. Cao Cao would not let go of someone who has been doing this repeatedly.
He and even Cao Peng felt that Lu Bu's behavior was indeed a bit stupid.
That's not to say you can't defeat Liu Bei. The key is how can you join forces with Yuan Shu?
That's a rebel!
Even though Yuan Shu was born in the fourth generation and the Three Dukes, a rebel is a rebel. Didn't you see that even Yuan Shao was rushing to draw a clear line with Yuan Shu? You finally got out, but you jumped in again. If Cao didn't beat you
Lu Bu, how can he serve the emperor and command the princes?
Alas, this brainless Lu Fengxian!
Cao Peng could only think about these words in his heart, but could not say them out.
After leaving Haixi, Cao Peng and others went south along the river, stayed in Huaipu for a day, and waited until they arrived at Chen Qun.
Cao Peng also made preparations for his trip to Guangling this time. In addition to King Xiahou Lan, Bu Zhi and Hao Zhao were also accompanying him. At the same time, at Cao Nan's repeated request, Cao Peng also brought a woman with him this time.
It was Guo Huan who came to Haixi with Cao Nan.
Cao Nan's reason is very good: when you are out alone, you always need someone to take care of you.
She doesn't trust anyone else! Guo Huan's family is all in the Cao family, so he is naturally the most suitable candidate. If you don't agree, I will go to Guangling with you!
Just kidding, how could Cao Peng let Cao Nan accompany him?
If that were the case, the first person to fall out with him would definitely be Deng Ji.
There was no other way, so Cao Peng had no choice but to take Guo Huan with him.
But he must also admit that Guo Huan is indeed a sensible girl. At least she didn't cause any trouble after leaving for this whole day.
In fact, Guo Huan is quite capable of enduring hardship.
When she was in Tongtian, she was like a family giving birth to a child.
Guo Yong has been a retainer of the Hou family for generations, so Guo Huan has suffered a lot and knows how to observe words and emotions.
She could see that Cao Peng didn't seem to want to take her there. But since she followed Cao Peng, she had to understand Cao Peng's habits.
Along the way, Guo Huan sat on the carriage and took care of the box of books that Pu Yangkai gave to Cao Peng, meticulously.
After meeting up with Chen Qun in Huaipu, they crossed the Huai River the next day and entered Huainan.
The terrain of Huainan is very different from that of Haixi. It is densely covered with hills, one after another, crisscrossed by waterways, and complex river routes.
Fortunately, Bu Zhi was a native of Huainan, so there were no detours along the way. In addition, there were a large number of people in Cao Peng's group, and Hao Zhao and his two hundred steps showed a fierce temperament. Some bandits
Bandits will stay away if they see them.
"Youxue!"
After crossing the Huai River, Bu Zhi suddenly grabbed Cao Peng.
"I have something to discuss with you."
"What's up?"
"I...want to go to Xutai."
"Xutai?"
Cao Peng couldn't help but be a little confused, so he asked: "Why did Mr. Zishan go to Xutai?"
"This..." Bu Zhi hesitated for a moment and said softly: "Youxue, you don't know something. There is no one in my family, and my parents passed away early. When I was a child, it was thanks to the care of an aunt in my clan that I am what I am today.
.In the past, I didn’t have any conditions, so I couldn’t help. Now... I want to visit my aunt, and leave her some money and silk, which can be regarded as repaying the kindness of the past. "
"Isn't your hometown in Huaiyin?"
"It was originally in Huaiyin, but Huaiyin was in turmoil in the past few years, and my uncle died of illness, so my aunt took her daughter and returned to her hometown in Xutai."
"In that case, let's go together."
Cao Peng laughed, and then said to Chen Qun: "Brother, if you arrive in Guangling a day or two late, the prefect will not punish you."
"Ha, how can there be any punishment? But it doesn't matter if you go."
"Xutai!" Cao Peng shouted to Xiahou Lan: "Xiahou, let's change the route and go to Xutai..."
Wait...
When the word "Xutai" came out of his mouth, Cao Peng's heart suddenly moved.
He suddenly turned his head, looked at Bu Zhao and asked: "Mr. Zishan, I want to ask about something... Do you know that there is a Yunshan Rice Shop in Xutai?"
Bu Zhao shook his head blankly, "Yunshan Mihang? I don't know! I'm not very familiar with Xutai. Why do you suddenly ask about this?"
