Xia Houzhen covered his mouth, turned sideways, and tried not to laugh out loud.
Cao Pi looked surprised, looked at Cao Peng and thought to himself: With such appropriate words, this guy can actually speak so smoothly, it's really amazing!
As for Cao Zhen, he glared at Cao Peng.
How can you say such shameless words?
Cao Peng smiled slightly and replied with his eyes: If you have the guts, would you stand up and refute?
Cao Zhen, defeated...
Cao Cao laughed loudly, obviously agreeing with Cao Peng's words.
He would not be coy, otherwise he would not have laughed and left after Xu Zijiang commented on him in the early years as "a capable minister in the world and a traitor in troubled times."
Cao Cao will never pretend to retreat when it's his turn.
Even if he doesn't deserve it, he will work hard for it.
Later generations often evaluated Cao Cao as a traitor. However, Cao Peng thought that Cao Cao was really not a "traitor". At least for the entirety of his life, Cao Cao had power over the ruling and opposition parties and never usurped the Han Dynasty. Historical records record that Cao Cao's only wish in his life was to die.
Later, being able to write on the tombstone the words "The former General of the Western Conquest Cao Hou" was "a lifetime wish is enough". Therefore, Cao Peng always believed that Cao Cao was a true hero.
In other words, what a villain?
Although Cao Peng was suspected of flattering others, he did so from the bottom of his heart.
At the same time, it is impossible for him to mention the names of various princes like Liu Bei did.
Cao Cao stopped laughing and looked at Cao Peng with interest, "Why don't you learn from others?"
"Who can be a candidate?"
Who can be called a ‘hero’?
Cao Cao turned around and sat down, "How about Huainan Yuan Shu?"
"The ears of bones in the grave."
"Then Yuan Shao of Hebei Province, the fourth generation and the third Duke, has many old officials, and is in Jizhou. He has many capable subordinates, so why can't he be given the word 'hero'?"
Cao Peng said: "Yuan Benchu is fierce and timid, with unstoppable plots. He cherishes his own life when doing big things, and forgets his life when he sees small gains. I once heard from my brother that Yuan Benchu will be defeated by his master sooner or later. If such a person is a hero, how can he be a hero?
Didn't you slander the word 'hero'? You can't deserve it, you can't deserve it!"
Cao Cao fell into deep thought.
In fact, what Cao Cao asked Cao Peng was not unreasonable.
Yuan Shao has now defeated Gongsun Zan, and there will be a battle with Cao Cao sooner or later, which is irreversible.
He dominates Jizhou, has abundant money and food, has over a thousand generals under his command, and has many advisers. To be honest, even today, Cao Cao is still a little afraid of him.
After all, this Yuan Shao is not comparable to Yuan Shu.
Cao Peng's words touched Cao Cao's heart.
It also made Cao Cao more determined to fight Yuan Shao...
Cao Zhen suddenly asked: "Liu Jingsheng of Jingzhou is known as one of the eight heroes, and he is so powerful in all nine states. How is that?"
Cao Peng scratched his head and sneered, "Liu Jingsheng's guarding dog is nothing to worry about. If he dies, it will be the day when my uncle takes over Jingzhou."
Cao Cao was startled and suddenly laughed.
"The house-guarding dog... Afu, if Liu Jingsheng hears this, he will be furious... There is no way he will cause trouble for you."
Cao Peng also smiled, "Okay, let him come."
"Well……"
Cao Cao was speechless.
Since he is a guarding dog, how can he leave home? If Liu Jingsheng had the courage, why would he still be hiding in Jingxiang like he is today? You know, when he first attacked Dong Zhuo, Liu Biao had already established a foothold in Jingzhou. At that time, Cao Cao
There is not even a place to stay. But now? Cao Cao dominates Yanzhou and Yuzhou, controls Guanzhong, pacifies Xuzhou, and occupies most of Qingzhou, but Liu Biao is still just a Jingzhou.
The house-keeping dog is really an image!
Cao Cao had a look of ridicule on his face.
Cao Zhen thought for a moment and asked: "There is a man of great strength, leader Jiangdong, what about Sun Ce?"
Cao Peng scratched his nose and said, "Sun Bofu is brave enough to conquer the three armies, but his strength is easily broken and he will not die easily... He may be a hero, but he is not a hero."
"Then, what is a hero?"
"A hero has great ambitions, a good plan, the opportunity to contain the universe, and the ambition to swallow up the world. When I look at this world, I have no other choice but Sikong."
After hearing these words, Cao Cao should have been happy.
However, he did not show a smile and remained silent.
At this time, it was raining heavily and thundering loudly.
A bolt of lightning tore through the sky, illuminating the garden palely...
"Liu Xuande, what's going on?"
"ah?"
Cao Cao raised his head and said softly: "Ah Fu, do you think Liu Bei can be a hero?"
Cao Peng couldn't help but fell silent!
"Liu Bei is like a lost dog. He can be wiped out with just one elite soldier. Father, why should you be worried about Liu Bei?"
Cao Pi spoke, but Cao Cao ignored him.
After a long time, Cao Peng said softly: "If Liu Bei is not killed, this man will be in great trouble."
"Well?"
"Although he is like a lost dog now, his ambition is still there. Although he has been defeated in hundreds of battles, he is not discouraged, which shows his tenacity. The Fang Shi who taught me how to read when I was young said: Is the golden lin just a thing in the pond?
The wind and cloud will turn into a dragon. Liu Bei is now like a mayfly in his wings. He looks weak, but in fact he is not. If he encounters the wind and cloud, he can transform into a dragon and rise... It is best for my uncle to eradicate him before he encounters the wind and cloud."
"Isn't the golden lin just a thing in the pond? It turns into a dragon when it encounters a storm!"
Cao Cao stood up and leaned on the railing with his hands behind his back.
"Afu, it's over!"
Cao Zhen whispered to Cao Peng.
But Cao Peng shook his head and said, "Brother, just watch. If Liu Bei cannot be eradicated, sooner or later he will become my uncle's biggest enemy."
"Call Zi He Lai."
Cao Cao suddenly spoke, making Cao Zhen and Cao Pi startled.
Zihe is Cao Chun, the current commander of the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry.
Cao Cao found him at this time, could it be...
Everyone was silent, and Xia Houzhen didn't say anything, just silently adding wine to them. After about a stick of incense, Cao Chun hurried over in the heavy rain.
"Immediately lead the tiger and leopard cavalry to pursue Liu Bei.
Regardless of life or death, if you see him, you will kill him immediately."
"Here!"
Although Cao Chun didn't understand what happened and why Cao Cao used tiger and leopard cavalry to chase Liu Bei.
But the military orders were overwhelming, and Cao Chun would never ask why.
"Zidan, you go out together."
When Cao Zhen heard this, he stood up quickly and accepted the order with his hands raised.
Cao Peng's words finally made Cao Cao determined to kill Liu Bei. If he was still hesitant before, then Cao Peng's words "Isn't the golden Lin a thing in the pond? It will turn into a dragon when it encounters the storm."
Cao Cao suddenly felt a sense of crisis in his heart.
Raising tigers brings disaster!
"Ah Fu, you made great contributions during the Battle of Xuzhou.
But I haven't given you a reward, how can you feel resentful?"
"Don't complain!"
"really?"
Cao Peng nodded vigorously, "My nephew let go of Lu Bu's family without distinguishing between public and private affairs. This is a crime of beheading. My uncle never asked me about the crime, but instead appointed me as the captain of the cavalry. My nephew is indescribably grateful. Merits will be rewarded, and those who have merit will be rewarded."
If you go too far, you will be punished. This is the basis of our foundation. According to me, it is really unfair for my uncle to only reward but not punish."
Xia Hou was so anxious that he winked repeatedly.
Where is such a person?
I have only heard of asking for credit and reward, how can anyone ask for punishment on their own?
Cao Pi looked at Cao Peng blankly, and suddenly felt a sense of respect in his heart.
Cao Cao came to his senses and patted Cao Peng on the shoulder.
"Afu, you said it well... Those who have made merit must be rewarded, and those who have made mistakes must be punished. This is the basis. In fact, I have already punished you, but you don't know it. Originally, I was planning to make you the captain of Guangling Nong, but
Because of this incident, I changed my mind and gave you a false position... You are very good! Ah Fu, you are really very good... If I had more people like you under my command, why would the world be so worried?"
Thunderstorms come and go quickly.
In the blink of an eye, the clouds cleared and the fog dispersed, and the sky cleared up.
The stone in Cao Peng's heart finally fell.
After the Battle of Xuzhou, Cao Cao said nothing, which made Cao Peng even more uneasy.
Now it seems that Cao Cao did not blame him...
"Ada, it's time to review your lessons."
"Ah, let's go right away, kid."
Cao Pi quickly agreed, then greeted Cao Peng and left in a hurry.
"Azhen, you can go down too."
"yes!"
Xia Houzhen stood up, gave a slight blessing, and quietly exited the pavilion.
"Afu, someone recommended you to me as Captain White Horse before... Oh, you don't have to guess, it was Wen Yuan who recommended you.
I've been hesitating.
But now, I can make a decision."
"I would like to make arrangements with my uncle."
"You should stay in Xudu for now..."
"ah?"
Cao Peng originally thought that Cao Cao would let him serve as the White Horse Captain.
But I didn’t expect that he would actually make such a decision? Could it be that he still doesn’t believe me? Or maybe he has other arrangements?
"Walk with me."
Cao Cao lifted up his clothes and walked out of the pavilion.
Cao Peng did not dare to neglect and quickly followed Cao Cao.
The two of them were walking in the garden one after another. Cao Cao said: "Before, Xiuruo had intended for you to become a disciple of Xun Zhongyu, but I did not agree."
Xun Zhongyu?
Cao Peng was stunned for a moment and did not speak.
"Are you unhappy?"
"Ah, no!"
Cao Cao stopped and turned to look at Cao Peng, "Why? Anyone would feel unhappy if this kind of thing happened to them. Why are you?"
Cao Peng scratched his head and showed an honest smile.
"Mr. Zhongyu is a great talent. I have also heard of his name. First of all, he may not have time to compile "Han Ji"; secondly, he is a member of the Xun clan in Yingchuan, so he may not be able to like me.
.Even if Mr. Xiuruo recommends me and Mr. Zhongyu accepts me, he may not be happy; the third thing..."
"Um?"
"Actually, when I was still in Jiyang, I once admired a person and hoped to become my teacher."
"who?"
Cao Peng couldn't help but hesitate, lowered his head, hesitated, and refused to speak out.
Cao Cao laughed and scolded: "If you are a real man, why should you imitate that little daughter? Tell me, who is he? I won't be angry."
"Jia Xu!"
Cao Cao suddenly coughed violently.
He did guess that the person Cao Peng was talking about might have a grudge against him.
But he didn't expect that Cao Peng would actually say the name Jia Xu.
"Jia Xu? Jia Wenhe?"
"kindness!"
"That's Zhang Xiu's military advisor, Jia Wenhe?"
Cao Peng nodded again.
"But I can't help you... Could it be that I had someone kidnap Jia Xu and ask you to become your disciple? However, there are countless famous people in Xudu City in this world. Why didn't you choose, but you chose Jia Xu?
"
"Although there are many famous people in Xudu City, I can like them, but they don't like me; I can't like the people who like me, but I don't like them..."
"for example?"
"Hmm...Kong Wenju?"
Cao Cao thought it was really interesting!
Cao Peng had always given him the feeling that he was very lawful. But now, he felt that the person in front of him was clearly still a child.
"Actually, he doesn't like me either."
Cao Cao pretended to be mysterious and lowered his voice: "However, I don't like him either... This is a secret. You are not allowed to tell anyone."
That innocent look made Cao Peng couldn't help but laugh.
At this time, a beautiful woman walked up from the wet path, holding a little child in her arms. The little boy... was probably about two or three years old. He was pink and jade-like, and extremely cute.
When he saw Cao Cao from a distance, the child immediately opened his arms excitedly, desperately trying to break free from the beautiful woman's arms, and shouted vaguely: "Dad!"
"Cangshu!"
When Cao Cao saw the child, the smile on his face became even brighter.
The beautiful woman put the child down with a helpless look on her face. Cao Cao squatted down and opened his arms. He saw the child swaying step by step, stumbling, and staggering towards Cao Cao. He looked at the child who might fall at any time.
The fallen look made Cao Peng feel anxious.
Just as he was thinking about it, the child stumbled and fell to the ground.
Cao Peng ran over quickly and helped the child up before he could cry.
"Cang Shu, you didn't fall, did you?"
Cao Cao and the beautiful woman ran forward, only to see the child looking at Cao Peng curiously with his dark eyes. He put a finger into his mouth, then grinned. Cao Peng couldn't help but stretched out his hand,
Gently wipe away the marks on his face. At this time, Cao Cao came over. He quickly stood up and was about to retreat, but unexpectedly, the child's little hand grabbed his sleeve tightly.
"Hey, Cang Shu is very affectionate to you."
This child's name is Cang Shu?
Isn't that the famous Cao Xiaoxiang and Cao Chong in later generations? Cao Peng looked at Cao Cao with some embarrassment, not knowing how to explain it.
The beautiful woman smiled and said: "Cangshu never wants to get close to others. Except for Sikong, Xiaozhen and I are closer. Even his brothers are not very affectionate. I didn't expect that he and the young master are.
It’s a good match. General, who is this young master?”
Cao Peng recognized this beautiful woman as the one who boarded the car outside Huben Mansion.
But it was obvious that the beautiful woman no longer recognized him.
Cao Peng hurriedly said: "I'm humble, Cao Peng."
"Ah, are you the Cao Peng who beat Zhang Fei and took away his mount?"
Who, who is ruining my reputation in front of Mrs. Huan? Why do you think I am like a bandit bully? What does it mean to steal Zhang Fei's mount?
Come on, that's obviously a trophy, okay?
Looking up, I saw Xia Houzhen following Mrs. Huan, snickering with her lips pursed.
Cao Peng understood immediately...
"Madam, it's not a robbery, it's a trophy."
Cao Cao looked at Cao Peng's embarrassed look and couldn't help laughing.
He knelt down and stretched out his hand, "Cang Shu, come here."
Cao Xiaoxiang looked at Cao Peng and then at Cao Cao. He put his fingers in his mouth and his eyes rolled. After a while, he stumbled towards Cao Cao and shouted vaguely: "Dad...
"
This made Cao Cao laugh happily again.
"By the way, I heard that your martial arts skills are not bad?"
"Oh, it's okay."
"Is it still okay?" Cao Cao said with a smile: "Jun Ming said that you are good at martial arts, and you have a general under your command who can fight Zhang Fei on a par with him."
"Oh... uncle said it, but Gan Ning?"
Cao Cao chuckled and said: "It seems that what Jun Ming said is true... Well, since you have good martial arts skills, I can give you a gift."
