It just gives people a somewhat unusual feeling. Compared with Huang Yueying's cheerfulness, Guo Huan's cleverness, Bu Luan's gentleness, and even Lu Lan's coquettishness with a hint of savagery, Xia Houzhen is more of a
A kind of silence. A kind of silence that cannot be explained or understood. Mrs. Wu said that she was boring, but she was not talking nonsense. In fact, being in contact with Xia Houzhen would make people feel depressed.
"Actually, the real lady is quite pitiful."
During the march, Cao Yang and Cao Peng walked side by side.
In terms of grade, Cao Yang is older than Cao Peng. However, his abilities are average and nothing outstanding. Therefore, although he is also a member of the Cao clan in Qiao County, his reputation is not very good. He is still a military prince in his twenties, but he is just like Cao Cao.
There are many other descendants of the Cao clan like Yang.
Cao Peng asked: "How do you say this?"
Looking both ways, Cao Yang lowered his voice and said, "Captain Cao, your horse should be General Xiahou's Zhaoyebai."
"yes."
"Then you should be no stranger to General Xiahou."
Shit, I've never seen Xia Houyuan!
However, Cao Peng did not comment and turned to look at Cao Yang.
Cao Yang said: "Miss Zhen is the niece of General Xiahou. General Xiahou had an older brother who passed away early, leaving only Miss Zhen and her daughter.
At that time, the situation of General Xiahou was not very good, but in order to take care of Miss Zhen and his daughter, he even gave his eldest son to others to support him... I am not talking about Xiahou Boquan. Speaking of which, Boquan should be the second son...
The eldest son doesn't even have a name, and now he doesn't know whether he is alive or dead. For this reason, Miss Zhen is under a lot of pressure, and Mrs. Xiahou has always harbored a trace of resentment towards her mother and daughter."
"I see!"
"However, General Xiahou treats Miss Zhen and her daughter very well. But the more he behaves like this, Miss Zhen..."
Cao Yang sighed and glanced at the car battle in front of him.
“Now that Miss Zhen’s mother-in-law is gone, only Miss Zhen is left, and it will definitely be even more embarrassing in the future.
Miss Zhen is a nice person, kind-hearted, and well-educated. But if things go on like this, trouble will inevitably arise, which will not last long after all."
It can be seen that Cao Yang really sympathizes with Xia Hou.
What he said was also expressed with emotion from the bottom of his heart. The reason is very simple.
In the past, Xia Houzhen had someone to rely on when she was alive; but now, her mother has passed away, and she is alone. Even if Xia Houyuan dotes on her, it is inevitable that she does not take good care of her. Moreover, Xia Houyuan is away all year round, and Xia Houzhen spends all day
The one who came into contact was Xiahou Yuan's wife, Mrs. Huan's sister. This Mrs. Xiahou was really resentful of Xiahou, how could her life be easy?
It's a pity that Cao Peng can't do anything about it...
Depart from Chen County and continue along the official road.
One day later, they bypassed Changping County, passed directly by Zheqiu City (near Xihua, Henan Province), and headed straight for Xudu.
On the third day, the chariot arrived at a place called Chenting.
It is two days' journey from Xudu. Chenting is located on the edge of Chen County. After Chenting, it is under the jurisdiction of Yingchuan County. To be precise, Chenting is already under the jurisdiction of Yingchuan County and falls under the jurisdiction of Xinji County
.But Chenting is still sixty or seventy miles away from Xinji.
It's already late!
Although the journey was smooth sailing, and after passing through Chen County, the public security improved significantly.
But Cao Peng still didn't dare to take it lightly, and instead became more and more cautious.
Traveling at night?
Even if you beat me to death, I won’t do it!
It's okay if nothing happens, but if something happens, it will be a big trouble.
What's more, there is also Cao Cao's adoptive grandmother in the team. Cao Song was killed back then, and Cao Cao slaughtered Xuzhou with blood. Now if there is trouble, his own life will not be safe.
On the surface, Cao Peng did not deliberately welcome Mrs. Wu.
Even to Cao Nan, he deliberately concealed the identity of the old lady to prevent Cao Nan from revealing anything.
Generally speaking, the old lady also valued the Cao Peng siblings very much, and she was friendly and kind to them all the way. But the more this happened, the more cautious Cao Peng became.
"Tonight, we'll stay in Chenting."
"Would you like to stay at Chenting?"
Although Xia Houen was a little dissatisfied, the old lady had already expressed her attitude before. Even if he was dissatisfied, he did not dare to act arbitrarily.
So, the team stopped at Chentingguanyi.
Gan Ning and Hao Zhao commanded their troops to set up camp, while Xia Houlan sent out scouts to explore the surrounding area.
Naturally, the old lady will not live in the military camp, but since it is an official post, there is no need to worry about not having a place to live. The head of Chenting respectfully welcomed the old lady and his party into the post to rest, and Cao Peng and Kan Ze also came together.
Lives in Tingyi and is responsible for guarding and guarding.
"Afu!"
As soon as Cao Peng arranged for the guards, he was pulled into the room by Cao Nan.
"Do you know what the old lady said to me today?"
"What did you say?"
Cao Peng looked at Cao Nan doubtfully and shook his head.
Cao Nan chuckled, "Today, I talked about our surnames with the old lady. The old lady said that maybe we and Sikong are from the same clan."
"oh?"
Cao Nan said: "But I immediately refuted the old lady."
"What did you say?"
"I said that our ancestors must not have the same ancestor as Sikong. The old lady asked me why, and I told the old lady our family tree."
"Our family's... genealogy?"
Cao Peng was startled and blurted out: "Does our family have a genealogy?"
"Nonsense, how can there be no family tree? But that family tree has always belonged to my father, so you have never seen it. When you grow up in the future and can afford a family, your father will let you know... However,
I've seen the genealogy, but hey, you haven't seen it yet."
"Have you ever seen a genealogy? You can't read."
When Cao Nan heard this, he suddenly showed a hint of anger, raised his hand and tapped Cao Peng's head lightly.
"Although I'm illiterate, don't I know how to ask?"
"Ask who?"
Cao Nan took a breath and said softly: "When you were full term, my father took me to Wuyin to ask the husband to continue the family tree and fill in your name. I was nearby and watched the husband write the name. Then
I asked my husband who was on our family tree.
How do you think sir will answer?"
Cao Peng smiled bitterly and said, "How could I have guessed this?"
"Hey, sir, our ancestor was also a very famous person back then."
"oh?"
"That's Cao Shen and Prime Minister Cao!"
Cao Peng was stunned when he heard this.
"Which one?"
"That's the Prime Minister Cao and Cao Shen who prospered the Han Dynasty."
"Our ancestor is Cao Shen?" Cao Peng couldn't help but ask: "Sister, are you right?"
"How could I remember this wrong? My husband said that my father is the 18th generation great-great-grandson of Prime Minister Cao, and you are the 19th generation... We are the descendants of Prime Minister Cao's descendants. We moved to Nanyang because of some crimes.
, to avoid disaster. Therefore, when the old lady said that we and Cao Sikong were from the same clan, I immediately expressed my disapproval and even told the old lady about our family's genealogy."
Cao Peng was stunned and looked at Cao Nan speechless for a long time.
It is understandable that Cao Nan is like this.
Even though she was Deng Ji's wife, to put it bluntly, she was still a philistine at heart.
Cao Nan knew Cao ***, but she didn't know much about Cao ***'s background. Deng Ji wouldn't tell her these things, and she wouldn't ask around.
The question is, didn’t Mr. Cao also claim to be a descendant of Cao Shen?
"What did the old lady say?"
"The old lady didn't say anything, she just smiled.
Our ancestral home is in Pei County, and Cao Sikong is from Qiao County, so how can we be from the same clan? But I think the old lady is not angry."
Cao Peng patted his forehead lightly, "As long as you're not angry."
He thought for a while and said: "Sister, after a long day's journey, I think you are tired. Let's go and rest first. We have to leave early tomorrow morning.
However, when you talk to the old lady in the future, don't talk nonsense.
We don’t know the old lady’s temper, but if she is angered, there will be trouble.”
Cao Nan disagreed, but did not refute.
After sending Cao Nan off to rest, Cao Peng held Deng Ai in his arms and inspected the military camp.
Deng Ai seemed to be very interested in everything in the military camp. His dark eyes looked left and right curiously, not laughing.
Cao Peng's mind was a little confused. What Cao Nan had just said to him made him feel a little abrupt.
He really didn't know that he had such a genealogy, let alone who his ancestor was. All along, he thought that his 'Cao' was not Cao ***'s 'Cao'. It was just an accident.
With the same surname, there should be no connection. Unexpectedly...
It turns out that his ancestral home is not Zhongyang Mountain, but Peixian County!
This was really beyond Cao Peng's expectations.
But then I thought about it, even if they are from the same clan, what can I do? If I tell you, people will think that I am attached to the dragon and the phoenix? Besides, Mr. Cao may not be willing to recognize this relative. According to Cao Nan, Cao Peng is Cao Shen's
The nineteenth generation great-great-grandson is also a branch of the descendants of Cao Shen. There is a gap of fifteen generations, at least one or two hundred years, and the family relationship no longer exists.
God knows, how many generations of Cao Shen's descendants is Mr. Cao?
Thinking of this, Cao Peng burst into laughter.
When I first heard it, I was really excited. But when I thought about it carefully, it was nothing.
Liu Bei is still a descendant of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty. What’s the result? In the end, doesn’t he make a living by selling straw sandals?
People from the same sect may not necessarily share the same mind...
So don't think about those things that are and are not. Doing your duty honestly is the most important thing. Thinking of this, Cao Peng smiled bitterly and shook his head again.
A small hand pinched Cao Peng's face.
Hmm! My hands are quite strong...
Cao Peng woke up from his deep thoughts and saw Deng Ai in his arms, with his eyes wide open and his chubby little hands stretched out, trying to pinch him.
I couldn’t help but laugh!
"Little guy, how can you learn to pinch people at such a young age?"
As he spoke, he suddenly threw Deng Ai up and then caught him.
Deng Ai giggled, seemingly not afraid at all, and opened his teeth and claws, trying to grab Cao Peng's ears.
"Pfft!"
A chuckle came from the distance.
Cao Peng raised his head and looked along the laughter.
In the corridor, Xia Houzhen covered his mouth and was laughing secretly.
"Sure lady!"
"Captain Cao."
Xia Houzhen blushed and returned the gift quickly.
Her voice was soft and pleasant to the ear. But she was very shy and her cheeks turned red before she spoke.
"Grandma invites you."
"ah?"
Cao Peng was startled and then realized that the 'grandmother' Xia Houzhen mentioned was Mrs. Wu.
"Miss Zhen, the old lady hasn't rested yet?"
"No."
"Then do you know what the old lady wants from me?"
Xia Houzhen shook his head and said, "How can a junior speculate on grandma's thoughts? If Captain Cao has nothing to do, go as soon as possible. Don't let grandma wait too long."
"Uh... after I return Xiao Ai to my sister, I will go over and pay my respects."
"kindness!"
Xia Houzhen turned around and wanted to leave.
In the night, the white dress set off her graceful posture.
Although she is young, she has a unique charm. Unlike most girls of the same age, Cao Peng can feel the trace of depression and depression in Xia Houzhen's heart.
When we first met her in Xudu, she was such a lively little girl.
It only took one year, but it turned out like this.
Cao Peng didn't know how to persuade Xia Houzhen, so he said out of nowhere: "Miss Zhen, how is that little white rabbit?"
"Um?"
Xiahou Zhen was startled, and a confused look flashed in his eyes.
"Xiao Baibai, it's gone!"
Gone?
The answer is very vague. Did he die or run away?
But Cao Peng didn't want to ask more questions. He was silent for a moment and said softly: "Miss Zhen, be happy, otherwise Xiao Baibai will be very sad."
"real?"
"kindness!"
Cao Peng said: "I believe that no matter where Xiao Baibai is now, he definitely hopes that you can be happy and not full of worries...Actually, it's not a big deal. You see, Mrs. Huan cares about you very much, and General Miaocai, I believe
He must also care about you.
It's just that sometimes, they don't express it.
The more you behave like this, the more uncomfortable and concerned they will be.
Whether it is for others or for yourself, you should relax your mind, be more happy, laugh more... If you are really bored, you might as well find someone to talk to. Sometimes, when you are upset or unhappy, find someone to talk to.
It’s pretty good for a while.”
Xia Houzhen lowered her head, and Cao Peng could vaguely see the glint in the corners of her eyes.
"Then, Brother Rabbit, are you willing to listen to me?"
"Uh... I believe he would be happy to chat with a little beauty."
This sentence sounds a bit frivolous.
Xia Houzhen blushed, turned around and trotted away.
Pooh!
Doesn’t this confirm my title of ‘Brother Rabbit’? I hate rabbits...
Cao Peng held Deng Ai with one hand and scratched his head with the other. Deng Ai accidentally grabbed his ear, which made him howl like a ghost in pain!
Return that little devil who likes to pull people's ears back to Cao Nan.
Cao Peng went directly to the old lady's residence.
After the announcement, he walked into the old lady's room.
But he saw the old lady half-leaning on the couch. There was a small cauldron on the desk, with spices from the Western Regions burning inside, and the smell was particularly fragrant.
"Captain Cao, sit down!"
Cao Peng quickly greeted him politely and sat down aside.
"I heard that Captain Cao, you had committed a crime in Xiapi before?"
"Ah...this...is indeed true."
"Then do you know you were wrong now?"
Cao Peng was stunned and couldn't help but fell silent.
He let Lu Bu's family go. Logically speaking, the crime of beheading was not an exaggeration. But if he said he regretted it, he really didn't feel...
Especially when he saw off Lu Bu's family at sea, he felt very satisfied.
Although he could not change Lu Bu's fate, he at least gave Lu Bu's family a new lease of life. Especially Diao Chan, she would not be given away like a commodity. However, how should he answer in front of the old lady?
To regret or not to regret?
After a while, Cao Peng raised his head.
He was about to answer when he saw a pretty little face peeking out from behind the screen and shaking his head at him.
It’s Xia Houzhen!
She shook her head, what did she mean?
Cao Peng thought for a while and said: "Cao Peng knows the crime, but he has no regrets..."
"oh?"
"Lü Bu has a very bad conduct.
However, he killed Dong Zhuo and contributed to the country. Not to mention other things, his martial arts are admirable. I admire Lu Bu's bravery. As people say, no harm comes to a small family. But after Lu Bu died, his family's small family
I will definitely be implicated. I really can't bear to see this happen... So, even if I could go back in time and make a choice again, I would choose to save Lu Bu's family..."
"Aren't you afraid of death?"
"I'm...scared!"
"Then you still dare to talk like that?"
"Peng believes that no matter who you are, you always have to have some persistence in your heart.
If you don't persist, what's the difference between a walking dead? Lu Bu is indeed not enough to forgive, but no matter what, he helped me when my brother-in-law and I first arrived in Haixi. No matter what his intentions were, even if he later
Attack Haixi and fight fiercely with me in Quyang. A favor is a favor. If you don't repay a favor, how are you different from an animal? I'm not talking about righteousness, I just know this is a principle of life."
The old lady's face darkened.
"Cao Peng, do you know who I am?"
"Know."
"Then you still dare to be so presumptuous?"
Cao Peng took a deep breath and suddenly smiled, "It's not that Cao Peng is impudent, it's just that he can't bear to deceive his wife."
"Do you think you can be arrogant just because you and Ah Man belong to the same clan?"
"Ah?" Cao Peng was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said: "Old madam, this saying of the same clan... Haha, to be honest, I just heard my sister mention it. But after a hundred years, how can there still be so much family affection?
Yan? Before this, I always thought that my ancestral home was Zhongyang Mountain.
If Sikong blames me, I am willing to be punished.
But even if Sikong asked me face to face, I would answer like this... This kid is just a bit savage, and it is inevitable that he will break the law sometimes."
The old lady stared at Cao Peng with burning eyes without saying a word.
After a while, she suddenly said: "The mountains are not high, if there are immortals, they will be famous; if the water is not deep, if there are dragons, there will be spirits... This is a humble house, but I am virtuous and kind."
Ah Fu, when it comes to age, you can be considered my great-grandson.
I just want to help you, so I will call you Fu. In fact, although Zi Lian didn't explain it when he was in Chen County, he seemed to want to plead for you in his words. Zi Lian is not a bad person. Although he is a bit greedy.
, but being valued by him probably has merit.
However, don't expect me to intercede for you.
I'm just a lonely old woman, I don't know anything about righteousness or morality. Besides, I never ask anything about Ah Ma's affairs."
"Boy, I understand."
"You are very good at studying. My old lady also liked that inscription on a humble house."
"It's an honor for this boy."
"But you have to understand that there are as many talented and virtuous people in this world as there are crucian carp crossing the river."
"Boy, I understand."
"It's best if you can understand this... I have seen too many people who are not worthy of their names in my life... It is a good thing that you can persevere. I only hope that you can persevere! Since you have
Once you make a choice, the road ahead will be difficult, can you persist?"
Cao Peng said loudly: "I can!"
"Okay, I've talked a lot of nonsense today, and I'm a little tired."
"Then boy quit!"
In fact, Cao Peng still didn't quite understand what Mrs. Wu said. But the old lady obviously didn't want to talk any more, and it was hard for him to ask.
Bowing and exiting the room, Cao Peng let out a sigh of relief.
"Girl."
"Grandma..."
Xia Houzhen turned out from behind the screen and half leaned on the bed.
The old lady smiled and said: "This boy is not bad."
"Um."
"It's a pity. We are already engaged. The little girl from the Huang family is not bad...otherwise, I would like to arrange a marriage for you."
"Grandma!"
Xia Houzhen's face suddenly turned red.
Although she was young, she was still in love and could understand the meaning of the old lady's words.
"Girl, you are a miserable child. Now I can still take care of you, but in the future... I have always wanted to find you someone to rely on. When the old lady is gone, you will not be alone. Unfortunately, it is so easy to find a suitable one.
Yes, but already..."
The old lady said and sighed.
For some reason, Xia Houzhen felt empty in his heart.
It has a sour, astringent taste.
He crawled on the old lady's legs, put his powder on the old lady's palm, and didn't say a word.
Actually, Brother Rabbit is really good...
Cao Peng returned to his guest room in a daze, and fell on the couch with his clothes on.
After coming out of the old lady's place, he felt that his thoughts were a little confused.
What did the old lady mean by what she said to him today? Does she want to help me? Or does she want to stand by and watch?
From the bottom of his heart, Cao Peng certainly hopes that the old lady can help him. But this kind of thing has advantages and disadvantages. Mr. Cao may be willing to reuse him because of the old lady's face. But the knot in his heart is not clear.
Come on, it will be even more troublesome after the old lady leaves.
But if the old lady doesn't speak, when will Mr. Cao be able to untie his knot?
Thinking of this, Cao Peng felt a little headache.
Before, he didn't think much about it.
Now that the old lady mentioned it, he had to seriously consider his future.
Closing his eyes, Cao Peng's head was still filled with chaos...
Before I knew it, it was almost midnight.
Cao Peng fell asleep in a daze...
Suddenly, he heard a sound of people shouting and horses neighing.
She couldn't help but tremble with excitement, quickly turned over and sat up, picked up the big knife, and rushed out of the room.
"Why is there such a commotion outside?"
"This... seems to be a conflict with someone."
"Go and find out quickly!"
After Cao Peng gave the order, he quickly ordered Kan Ze to mobilize the troops in the official post and be on guard.
He got on his horse and rushed out of the gate of the official post. He saw Xia Houlan running towards him on horseback, and then he reined in his horse and stopped in front of Cao Peng.
"Afu, something serious has happened!"
"Ziyou, why are you so alarmed?"
"A group of soldiers came outside and insisted that we give up the official post.
The man who was the leader of the soldiers was Zhang Sanheizi. Xia Houen argued with him, but he was captured on horseback with an extremely arrogant attitude.
Xingba and Zhang Sanheizi are already fighting... Bo Dao asked me to ask the young master how to deal with it."
"Zhang Sanheizi?"
Cao Peng's expression suddenly changed.
After a moment, he snorted coldly and said: "Since people are knocking on our door, if we don't fight back, wouldn't we be ridiculed for having no one under Mr. Cao's tent?"
After saying this, Cao Peng urged his horse to head towards the camp.
"I want to see how arrogant that Zhang Sanheizi can be..."