While in Chenliu, Cao Peng destroyed Lei Xu's lair.
From Lei Xu's lair, he got a brocade box. In addition to the gold horseshoe, there was also a pair of white silk. In the white silk, a person named 'Cheng' was mentioned, and Xutai (i.e.
Xuyi, the ancient Taiwanese pronunciation yi) the name Yunshan Mihang...
When he was in Haixi, Cao Peng once thought that "Cheng" was Wang Cheng.
But Wang Chengcheng was Xue Zhou, and this inference soon became untenable. According to the communication habits of this era, if Wang Chengcheng was the person who wrote on white silk, then his signature should not be 'Cheng', but 'zhou'
.Because Xuezhou and Lei Xu are not strangers, it is impossible for Xuezhou to use a pseudonym in their correspondence. Unless, Xuezhou does not want to recruit Lei Xu, or is even wary of Lei Xu.
This is not customary!
And Wang Cheng has been in Haixi.
Haixi is now Guannan County, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province.
It is located north of the estuary of the Huai River and belongs to the Huaibei region; while Xuyi is located downstream of the Huai River and is located in the Huainan region. Although the distance is not particularly far, one belongs to Guangling County and the other belongs to Xiapi State. How did Xuezhou appear in
Huainan? He is not a businessman, nor does he have any business talent. This can be roughly seen from Xuezhou's situation in Haixi. If it were Chen Sheng, Cao Peng might believe it. But Xuezhou
...Cao Peng absolutely could not believe that he would do business in Xuyi.
Well, Xue Zhou is not the ‘Cheng’ in Baijuan, so who is this ‘Cheng’?
After the situation in Haixi was calmed down, this problem began to trouble Cao Peng.
However, Cao Peng thought that this "success" had little to do with him, so he did not deliberately consider or ponder it.
Now, when Bu Zhi mentioned that he wanted to go to Xuyi, the name Yunshan Mihang suddenly appeared in his mind.
How about going and taking a look?
"Brother, shall we take a detour?"
Cao Peng asked with a smile.
The only person who can be called Cao Peng's "brother" is Chen Qun.
Among this group of people, such as Xia Houlan and Hao Zhao, Cao Peng called them by their names; as for Bu Zhi, he added the word "Mr." after their nickname to show respect. As for Wang Mai, Cao Peng called them "Mr."
His titles were more casual and intimate, and he was always called Wangmai by his nickname.
Chen Qun smiled and said: "I have heard the name of Xuyi for a long time, and it is just coming this spring. We can take this opportunity to go there."
I heard that the scenery of Pofutang is beautiful... Ah Fu, let's just stay there for a day or two. We can also go boating on Pofutang, what do you think?"
Pofutang is a group of small shallow lakes located in the lower reaches of the Huai River.
In ancient times, Pofutang was also known as Fuling Lake. In a thousand years, it will be renamed Hongze Lake...
Cao Peng didn't know much about the origin of Pofutang, and naturally he didn't know that Pofutang would be Hongze Lake in the future. In fact, his geographical knowledge was not very good. Although he knew the name of Hongze Lake in his previous life, he could
Where exactly is Hongze Lake? I don’t know.
Therefore, he didn't have any special reaction.
The feelings of a literati and poet like Chen Qun are understandable.
Although we are in a time of war, it will not affect the mood of these literati and poets. In fact, the war will even add a lot of material to them.
You may not have noticed that most beautiful poems are always accompanied by turmoil.
Isn't it that Li Bai's poetry is so majestic because he wandered around and encountered the Anshi Rebellion? Without these experiences, I'm afraid he might not have been able to write so many magnificent poems.
"It's my wish, but I don't dare to ask my ears."
Cao Peng smiled slightly and replied to Chen Qun.
Chen Qun's interest seemed to rise in an instant.
Xuyi, located on the lower reaches of the Huai River, is an ancient city.
Its terrain is high in the southwest, with many hills, and low in the northeast, with many plains. The entire terrain slopes in a stepped manner, with an altitude difference of 220 meters.
Therefore, in later generations, there is a saying in Xuyi that "two acres of cultivated land means one mu of mountains, one mu of paddy fields and one mu of beach".
It is early spring, the time for farming.
Along the way, you can see farmers hard at work.
Compared with the desolation of Xiapi and other places, Xuyi is relatively peaceful. However, due to successive years of war, Xuyi has also seen a large number of population migrations. Not only Xuyi, but the population of the entire Huainan region has sharply increased in just a few years.
It was reduced by 30% and most of the capital was moved to Jiangdong.
However, overall, it is not too desolate.
Xuyi has a long history. As far back as the Spring and Autumn Period, Xuyi was known as "Shan Dao" and was under the rule of the Wu State. It was once a place where princes gathered for alliance.
Later, Yue destroyed Wu, and Xuyi became the territory of Yue again.
Until the Chu State invaded eastward and expanded its territory to Sishang, Xuyi became the property of the Chu State again.
Qin Shihuang unified China, implemented the system of prefectures and counties, and began to build Xutai... At the turn of Chu and Han, Xutai belonged to Dongyang County of Western Chu. In June of the second year of Qin II, Xiang Liang supported Xiong Xin, the grandson of King Huai of Chu, also known as Mi Xin
As king, he still respected King Huai of Chu and established his capital in Xutai.
During the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty established a kingdom in Guangling, which went through two kingdoms: Jing and Wu.
In the third year of Emperor Jing's reign, the Seven Kingdoms Rebellion broke out. Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty abolished the Kingdom of Wu and changed Xutai to Pei County. Later, Emperor Wu changed it to Linhuai County and became the administrative seat of Linhuai County. During the Guangwu period of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Linhuai
The county was merged into Donghai County. Within twenty years, it was changed to Xiapi State.
However, due to various reasons such as wars, the Xiapi Kingdom had no time to take care of its territory in Huainan after Tao Qian, Liu Bei, and Lu Bu...
In short, Xutai is an ancient city that has experienced many hardships.
However, due to its geographical location, it occupies an extremely important position in the entire Lianghuai region.
After Cao Peng and his party approached Xutai, they immediately sent someone to report. Although there were only two hundred soldiers and horses, in this chaotic era, it was enough to cause riots and unrest. Especially when Lu Bu lost his control over the Huainan region
, turbulence has become particularly frequent. Two hundred warriors... If a conflict really breaks out, it will inevitably cause huge harm to the entire Lianghuai River.
Cao Peng was very careful and cautious.
"Haixi Cao Peng requested to transit?"
In the yamen of Xutai Mansion, Chief Xutai stared at the doorman and asked doubtfully.
"Um, who is Cao Peng?"
"Cao Peng!"
In the flower hall, a young man stood up with a cry, a cold light suddenly flashed in his eyes.
"Zishan, what's wrong with you?"
Director Xu looked at the young man doubtfully, "Do you know this Cao Peng?"
"Of course I recognize him... Not only do I recognize him, but Cao Peng is also related to you, Yi Shi."
"What does it have to do with me?"
"Cao Peng is the brother-in-law of Haixi Ling Deng Ji... When we were in Xiapi before, this son joined forces with others to humiliate your uncle."
"ah?"
Chief Xutai heard this and became furious.
"Are you talking about the madman who killed my uncle's horse lover in Xiapi?"
"Who else could it be but this person?"
Chief Xu Tai shouted sternly: "How can such a madman be spared? Come here, prepare your horse and carry your gun, follow me out of the city and kill this madman."
"slow!"
"Zishan, do you want to plead for him?"
The young man laughed loudly, "Yishi, how could I plead for him? I don't think that boy can do anything, but he is Haixi Ling's brother-in-law after all, and I heard that he was conquered by Chen Yuanlong and went to Guangling County. If you
Kill him, I'm afraid Chen Yuanlong won't let it go."
"Are we going to let him go just like that?"
"How can I give him an advantage?" The young man rolled his eyes and said, "Yi Shi, I have a plan to humiliate this man and vent his anger on your uncle."
Director Xu Tai became energetic and said, "Zishan, what's the plan?"
The young man whispered softly into Chief Xu's ear for a while, and Master Xu nodded repeatedly.
"If this is the case, it will make him lose face and bring out the bad breath in my chest... Come here, tell me my order. Cao Peng's troops are not allowed to enter the city and camp outside the city. But for him, you can let him in. It's just that
Keep an eye on me and inform me of his actions at any time."
"Here!"
Director Xu Tai gritted his teeth and said, "If I don't make him look bad, how can I stop?"
After he and the young man looked at each other, they suddenly laughed...
"Don't let the troops enter the city?"
Cao Peng couldn't help but frown.
Chen Qun asked: "If this is the case, then the camping materials should be provided by his Xutai."
Xia Houlan looked angry and said, "No! He sent someone to tell us that it was the beginning of spring and there was a shortage of supplies in the county government treasury, so we could handle it ourselves."
"self resolved?"
Cao Peng asked in surprise.
Logically speaking, when soldiers and horses stop in counties and towns, they are indeed prohibited from entering the city.
But this rule basically depends on the situation and is completely controlled by local officials. Cao Peng didn't pay too much attention to this.
Is it just a matter of setting up camp and taking care of the baggage on its own?
But it’s a bit too much!
This is not a march to a battle, but an ordinary stopover.
Generally speaking, if the local government does not allow troops to enter the city, they will help the other party set up camp.
Cao Peng glanced at Chen Qun, who looked thoughtful.
"What's the name of Director Xu?"
"Sir, it is said that Director Xu is newly appointed and his name is Song Guang."
"Well, it turns out it's him..." Chen Qun turned to look at Cao Peng and said with a smile: "Brother Xian, I'm afraid you might be in trouble... This Song Guang's uncle is Song Xian, who was in Xiapi before.
, the person who was betrayed by you. I guess Song Guang wanted to save his uncle, so he deliberately made things difficult. If my guess is correct, even if you pay, you won't be able to buy the luggage."
Cao Peng raised his eyebrows and snorted heavily.
I didn't expect to encounter such trouble!
While he was hesitating, Bu Zhao said, "If not, Master, please don't go."
"oh?"
"I'm just visiting my aunt, I won't be able to stay long. If Song Guang is looking for trouble, Master, don't stay here, just go around.
After I saw my aunt, I went to look for you. I won’t be too long..."
"this?"
Cao Peng tapped the saddle bridge gently with his hand. After thinking for a moment, he shook his head.
"Song Guang is deliberately looking for trouble. Since he has set a clear path, if I don't take the initiative, I'm afraid he won't let it go and will continue to cause trouble. Moreover, when I go to Guangling, if Song Guang makes things difficult for me like this,
It will definitely make people laugh. So I have to accept it."
"That's right, if my dear brother gives in, it will only make others more arrogant."
Bu Zhi couldn't help but smile bitterly, glared at Chen Qun, and thought to himself: You guy, aren't you provoking trouble?
But after thinking about it again, I think it makes sense. The people of Guangling have a very strong sense of xenophobia! The situation when Cao Peng was conquered by Chen Deng was a bit special. He had no fame, an ordinary background, and no fame. Not only was he an outsider, he was
Still young.
With many conditions combined, Cao Peng was bound to encounter criticism when he went to Guangling.
Not to mention anything else, the celebrities and gentry in Guangling County may not recognize Cao Peng. If Cao Peng shows weakness at this time, it will definitely make those people worse... But for his own sake, if Cao Peng is humiliated,
Bu Zhao felt a little uneasy again.
He hesitated and didn't speak again.
Cao Peng seemed to see Bu Zheng's inner thoughts and couldn't help but laugh.
"Mr. Zishan, there is no need to feel guilty. This kind of thing will happen sooner or later. Even if there is no Xutai, there will be Guangling County... Now it is a good thing to experience it first. I would like to see what tricks Song Guang can do
, how on earth are you going to make things difficult for me?"
Bu Zhi nodded and only smiled bitterly.
"Hao Zhao!"
"Here!"
"You take the people to rest outside the city for a while. Xiahou and Wang Mai, you two take some people into the city. First go and buy food and rice so that everyone can settle down first. Don't worry about money and silk. If you use money and silk, you can solve the problem.
Problem, then it’s not a problem...Brother, let’s go into the city and have a look?”
"good!"
Chen Qun smiled slightly and nodded in agreement.
"Sir, I'm going too."
Guo Huan jumped out of the car and ran forward.
"The lady said, let me take good care of you."
"this……"
Chen Qun said: "It's okay to take her with you for fun! Brother, you are now going to Guangling under the conquest. You must always have this necessary posture."
"Forget it, let's go together."
Guo Huan looked at Cao Peng pitifully. Although he knew it was a show, Cao Peng still couldn't bear to refuse.
I don't think anything will happen, so why don't we go over and take a look?
So Cao Peng and Chen Qun each took four personal followers, and Guo Huan also mounted his horse and led the way on foot, heading straight for Xutai County.
When you walk into Xutai, you can feel the strong commercial atmosphere.
Slightly different from Haixi, Xutai is located in the lower reaches of the Huai River, and has the function of connecting north and south, and connecting east and west.
If Haixi County is a primary market, then Xutai is obviously in the high-end ranks. The projects operated in Haixi County are mainly prohibited items. The Jia people live there, and most of the items they sell are used for supply.
Locally. At the same time, some goods are transported to the Huaihe River through the underground channels in Haixi. Xutai is different. The business here seems more formal, unlike the disorder before Haixi. Coupled with the geographical location, passing merchants
The grade is far beyond what Haixi merchants can match.
"I wonder when Haixi will develop into this kind of situation?"
Cao Peng was riding on the horse and couldn't help but sigh.
Chen Qun couldn't help but laugh, "Brother Xian, I see that although you have left Haixi, your heart still remains in Haixi County."
Cao Peng scratched his head, a blush appearing on his delicate face.
"I don't want to be like this, but...in the past few months, all I have been thinking about is Haixi. Leaving suddenly, my head is still a little hard to turn around. But I think Haixi's future will definitely be
Being raped by Xu Tai...Brother, how about we make a bet?"
Chen Qun shook his head repeatedly, "I won't make such a losing bet with you."
At this time, Bu Zhao inquired about his aunt's residence, led Cao Peng and his party, and walked south along the long street. After passing through two arches, Cao Peng suddenly reined in his horse.
"Brother Xian, what's wrong?"
"Someone is following us."
Cao Peng said and suddenly turned his head.
I saw two men walking out from the corner of the street. When I saw Cao Peng and others stopping, I couldn't help but be startled, not knowing what to do.
Without saying a word, Cao Peng urged his horse and rushed forward.
Teruye Baishenjun is unusual, and its short-range attack is even more astonishing.
So much so that the two stalkers were so frightened that they stood still and forgot to dodge.
"Dear brother, don't hurt anyone."
Chen Qun quickly shouted loudly, but saw that Cao Peng had reined in his horse.
Zhao Yebai stopped in front of the two stalkers, and Cao Peng shouted sternly: "Go back and tell your master, just tell me what tricks you have, just use them. I am a man of integrity, don't be sneaky and imitate these robbers.
What you did has embarrassed Marquis Wen."
The two stalkers could clearly feel the hot air blowing out of Zhao Yebai's nose.
The lightning-like impact from before made the two of them feel cold all over. After hearing Cao Peng's shouts, the two of them nodded in fear.
Cao Peng snorted coldly and turned his horse's head.
Guo Huan couldn't help but praise: "Young Master is mighty!"
"Brother, why bother?"
Chen Qun smiled bitterly and said: "You are a bunch of little people. By doing this, aren't you making it clear that you are going to fall out with Song Guang?"
Cao Peng smiled, "If he really dares to fall out, I admire him.
I'm afraid he doesn't have the courage yet... The only people in Marquis Wen's tent that I can admire are Zhang Liao, Gao Shun and Cao Shulong, the rest are like rats."
Cao Peng was not polite, and Chen Qun shook his head after what he said.
But if you think about it carefully, it seems that this is really the case.
"But if you do this, Zishan's aunt..."
"Well!"
Cao Peng was so angry that he only cared about looking cool and actually forgot about this matter.
Bu Zhi came with him, and his aunt would live in Xutai in the future. If Song Guang was a scoundrel, how could he let Bu Zhi's aunt and family go? Cao Peng couldn't help but feel a little ashamed, and looked up at Bu Zhi.
past.
"Mr. Zishan, it was Cao Peng who took the liberty!"
Bu Zhi could only smile bitterly...
"Otherwise, take your aunt to Haixi?"
"ah?"
“Although Haixi is not as good as Xutai now, it will definitely be stronger than Xutai in the future.
In any case, that’s our territory too. If your aunt moves there, wouldn’t she be able to take more care of her? It’s better than staying here.”
"this……"
Bu Zhi couldn't help but feel a little excited!
Cao Peng is right. With 30,000 Hainan immigrants entering the settlement, the population base of Haixi County alone has far exceeded that of Xutai County.
Moreover, with the promotion of farming, the rectification of the North Market, and the opening of the Salt Road...
Who dares to say that Haixi, which is located in a remote area, cannot compare with Xutai today? Xutai only has a population of only twenty to thirty thousand people.
The population base of Haixi is more than twice that of Xutai.
"If that's the case, that's not bad." Bu Zhao thought for a while and replied, "It's just that I'm worried that my aunt will have a hard time leaving her homeland, so she may not be willing to go there."
"How can you know if you don't ask?"
Bu Zhi thought for a while and nodded in agreement.
He led the way, turned left, turned right, and soon arrived in front of a house.
This place is very lonely, and the houses are very simple. There are only three thatched huts. The courtyard wall made of rammed earth is less than a person's height. Standing outside the wall, you can have an unobstructed view of the courtyard without any effort. Bu Zhao got off his horse and walked away
Go forward, stand outside the door, and knock on the firewood door.
"Who!"
I heard a soft voice coming from the hut, the door was opened, and a young girl walked out from inside...
