Outside Hongshui County, Zhen Yao got out of the car with a red face.
The shouts of the two tribesmen made him feel very humiliated and even a little embarrassed. When would his Zhen family rely on other people's names to establish themselves? But there is no way. Today's Zhen family is just a phoenix in trouble, not even as good as a chicken.
.
I don’t know how many hardships I encountered all the way down from Zhongshan Kingdom.
Due to the hasty evacuation, Zhen Yao did not bring many assets or many escorts.
They often encountered bandits on the way, so that when they fled Jizhou, they suffered heavy losses. The guards died and scattered, and only dozens of old retainers were left to protect them. As for their property, they also lost a lot. Among them were
Many of them were kidnapped by the guards when they dispersed. Zhen Yao wanted to stop them, but he was powerless.
It wasn't until we entered Hedong that the situation got better.
However, they still encountered some situations when crossing the river. Since they did not carry any certificates, they were almost arrested as refugees by Cao Jun at the Yellow River crossing. The population loss in the east of the river made Cao Ren feel helpless. He could not blame Cao Peng, so
We can only try to control this situation. If you don’t bring proof, you will be subject to strict interrogation.
In addition, Zhen Yao and his party spoke with Hedong accents, which made Cao Jun very cautious.
In desperation, the old lady came up with an idea and asked Zhen Yao to bear the banner of Cao Peng, the governor of Hexi County and the general of Beizhong Lang.
It was a coincidence that the general of Cao's army stationed at Longmen Mountain turned out to be Gan Ning and Gan Xingba who had just retreated from Huoda Mountain. Hearing that Cao Peng's family members wanted to cross the river, Gan Ning was also very surprised and thought it was Cao Peng.
family, so they came to visit. Unexpectedly... the old lady took out a letter with the seal of Hexi County on it to prove that she was not Yuan Shao's spy. Gan Ning saw the Hexi seal on the envelope and
Believe it or not.
Although it was unclear when Cao Peng contacted the Zhen family, Gan Ning did not have too many doubts when thinking about Su Shuang's previous trip to Hedong. However, he still sent someone to escort the Zhen family to Fuping Ferry to ensure that they were safe.
Gan Ning crossed the river in order to prevent the Zhen family from causing trouble; but little did they know that this move played into the Zhen family's plans. So many retainers believed that Zhen Mi and Cao Peng must have an extremely close and special relationship.
"Are you members of the prefect's family?"
The guards in Hongshui County showed doubts.
At this moment, Cao Peng and his men came forward, stretched out his hand and said, "Bring me the road guide and let me take a look."
When the gatekeeper saw him, he quickly saluted and showed him the way Gan Ning had left.
"Are you Cao Peng's family?"
"Exactly!" A retainer shouted loudly: "My young lady, Naer, is waiting for the prefect's inner chamber, so quickly get out of the way."
Cao Peng's face suddenly sank.
My inner room?
Doesn't that mean she is my wife?
Who is your young lady...why is she so shameless?
He opened the road guide and glanced at it, his face suddenly became strange.
Zhen family in Wuji County, Zhongshan State?
Cao Peng scratched his head, seeming to understand the mystery behind this, and couldn't help feeling a little embarrassed.
Yes, Zhen Mi was kidnapped without his instruction, and it had nothing to do with him. But no matter what, Zhen Mi is indeed in Hexi, in Hongshui County, and lives in that county. Cai Yan
After the mother and daughter came to Hongshui County, Cao Peng was worried that Cai Yan would live a miserable life, so he simply let her live in the county house. He also followed the pattern of Sikong Mansion and Dian Mansion and set up two gates. It looked like two houses, but in fact
It's just divided from the county...
This is for convenience.
If Cai Yan has anything to do, he can report it quickly; Bu Luan and Guo Huan can also have someone to talk to to relieve their boredom.
But the problem is, I can't explain this clearly.
He also saw Zhen Mi naked, and even more...
Zhen Mi is still a little scared when she sees Cao Peng now, and often hides behind Cai Yan. Although she is not as scared as she was at the beginning, she is somewhat panicked. Similarly, every time Cao Peng sees Zhen Mi, the thought in his mind
That graceful body like mutton-fat white jade will also emerge... Therefore, Cao Peng also tried not to be alone with Zhen Mi.
Now, his family is here!
He scratched his head and put the guide away.
"Let them in."
"Hey, give us the road guide."
When the retainers saw that Cao Peng had confiscated the road, they immediately became anxious.
Along the way, especially after entering Hexi County, this road guide played a big role, so I didn't dare to lose it.
Cao Peng frowned and said sternly: "Stop making any noise! I'll take back the road guide... You go into the city. Someone will take you to your residence. Don't cause trouble on the way. If you break the law, who will
I can't protect you... Zishan, find someone to take them to the Cai family's house, just say they are Miss Zhen's family, don't neglect them."
The young man who had just walked down from the top of the city couldn't help but be startled when he heard this.
Immediately, a strange smile appeared on his face, making Cao Peng blush immediately.
Cao Peng did not hesitate here, got on his horse, and left the city gate with Pang De brothers.
Bu Zhao stepped forward, looked at the two carriages at the door, and saw Zhen Yao walking over quickly, ordering the retainers to leave.
"I'm Zhen Yao, I don't know..."
"Third Young Master, please come with me. I will take you to see your sister."
Bu Zhi and Cao Peng were both wearing casual clothes, so there was nothing surprising about them.
He didn't want to say any more, so he got on his horse and led the way. Zhen Yao, on the other hand, was confused, got on the carriage, and followed the horse into Hongshui County.
This Hongshui County has not yet been fully constructed.
But the layout of the entire county has begun to take shape, making it clear at a glance.
The county is divided into four regions: east, west, north and south. The west is the school and the east is the market. The north and south are households respectively. Hexi County and Hongshui County are connected together and are located in the center of the county. Among them, County is close to the school.
The county seat is close to the market. The main project of the county seat has been completed, but the interior of the city is still under construction.
The streets are very neat, but some are still unfinished.
Sitting in the carriage, Zhen Yao could see the construction scene...
A group of people dressed as prisoners carried baskets of gravel and sprinkled it on the road. Then strong bulls pulled heavy stone rollers and pressed them over and over again on the road, making the ground very smooth. There were no guards to monitor it.
I didn't see any soldiers supervising the work. But the prisoners were extremely serious and showed no signs of laziness.
This Hexi governor has some tricks up his sleeve!
Zhen Yao secretly claimed to be strange and nodded repeatedly.
In fact, this was not the first time he had seen such a scene.
When he first arrived in Hexi, he was extremely shocked by the roads in Hexi County. Compared with the official roads in Hebei, the roads in the wild land of Hexi were obviously more prosperous. They were smooth and spacious, and trees were planted on both sides of the roads, making the scenery extremely beautiful. Quickly
Horses galloping on the official road do not need to worry about the smoothness of the road. Carriage driving on it rarely feels bumpy. Along the river, official plants are also planted on the river embankments. It is said that they were ordered by the Hexi prefect.
"Why are those slaves so busy and yet no one is watching them?"
At that time Zhen Yao curiously asked the locals.
"The guests will know that they are from outside at first glance... Our prefect has an order that as long as all slaves complete one hundred work points, they can be separated from the slaves and become civilians. At that time, they can report to the government and set up industries to open up wasteland for the common people, but
Earn five points of profit. Each section of the road is divided. Each section of the road is a work point. If you complete it quickly and early, you can get a civilian status after collecting 100 work points. Who is willing to be lazy?
"
Similar to the contracting system of later generations, it maximized the enthusiasm of slaves.
As the number of slaves in Hexi increases day by day, the process of civilianization must also speed up...
Therefore, Cao Peng came up with the method of exchanging work points for household registration, encouraging slaves to work in exchange for enough work points.
And slaves have hope, so naturally they are not willing to be lazy.
You must know that every project means that they will be one step closer to the common people...
There is a law in Hexi County that all escaped slaves will be killed regardless of the reason. At the same time, Cao Peng continued to improve the living conditions of the slaves so that they could avoid the difficulties of life. On one side is the butcher's knife, on the other is hope... Most of the slaves
, willing to choose hope instead of death. After giving enough material guarantees, Cao Peng used the method of continuous imprisonment. If a slave escapes, ten people will be imprisoned; if a slave escapes, a hundred people will be imprisoned... so that slaves can monitor each other.
"Mother, in my opinion, in less than ten years from this Hexi region, we will definitely surpass Zhongshan."
The old lady was a little tired. After hearing Zhen Yao's words, she nodded, "This Cao Sanpian does have some abilities."
Unknowingly, the car arrived outside the door of a mansion.
Bu Zhao sent someone to inform Zhen Yao and others, and then left without saying goodbye to Zhen Yao and others.
"Mother, that person is so rude."
The pretty little girl who was huddled in the old lady's arms suddenly said to the old lady.
This little girl is Zhen Yao's youngest sister, Zhen Rong.
"Good girl, don't talk nonsense... That gentleman behaves in a dignified manner, has an official position, and is of extraordinary bearing. He is not just waiting for others. He can personally lead the way, which is already a great care. How can he say something wrong about others? This is not Wuji County.
It’s not our Zhen family’s old house either. In the future, we have to be more careful when speaking, and don’t let others look down upon us and say that our upbringing is not strict.”
The old lady had a gentle demeanor, but her words contained a warning.
Zhen Rong pouted. Although he was reluctant, he nodded and said softly: "My daughter has taken note of it!"
"Mother!"
Just when everyone was whispering, Zhen Mi ran out of the mansion like a lark. She stood on the steps and saw the old lady and everyone. She couldn't help but burst into tears. She rushed down the steps with a cry and threw herself into the house.
into the arms of the old lady.
"My son, I have suffered a lot from you!"
The old lady hugged Zhen Mi and also cried out in grief.
Cai Yan took Ameiguai and walked out of the house. Seeing this scene, a smile appeared on her face and she nodded gently.
"Why does it say Cai Mansion here?"
"Mom, this is Sister Cai's house... Oh, I haven't introduced you to mother yet, but this is Sister Cai, the daughter of Uncle Cai Yong, Cai Yan and Cai Cai."
Cai Yong’s daughter?
The old lady was startled and hurriedly came forward to pay her respects.
Although the Zhen family has some status, it is not as famous as Cai Yong.
Cai Yan is famous all over the world for her talent and learning. She has been known as a talented woman since she was a child, and she cannot allow the old lady to dare to neglect her.
I have some doubts in my heart, why does my daughter live in Cai Yan's house?
"Little sister, who was the person who led us here just now?"
"The person who brought you here?"
Zhen Mi was startled and looked at the servant.
The servant hurriedly said: "It's Bujun Cheng, Buzishan, here in person."
"ah?"
Zhen Mi was startled, "How come Mr. Labor Bu is so powerful?"
The person who sent us here is the Prime Minister of Hexi County? He is the second-largest man in Hexi. He holds financial power and is Cao Peng's confidant. I heard that he is also a relative of Cao Peng, and his cousin is Cao Peng's best friend.
Favored concubine... No wonder, that person doesn't have a good look towards us. It is indeed for this reason... But, something doesn't seem right!
Bu Zhao is the second most powerful person in Hexi County, so someone who can command him...
Zhen Mi suddenly remembered the scene she saw at the city gate. Bu Zhao seemed to have been instructed by a young man to lead the way.
In the entire Hexi County, the only people who can give orders are...
"Little sister, Mr. Cao, how are you born?"
Zhen Mi was startled, and her face suddenly turned red.
"Which Mr. Cao is it that my brother is talking about?"
"How many Mr. Cao can there be in Hexi County?"
"Well, there is also the Third Young Master of Sikong, Ziwen, who is a student of General Cao and also Young Master Cao."
"Of course I'm talking about General Cao..."
"General Cao gave birth to..."
Zhen Mi really didn't know how to answer.
That day, in a trance, he saw a naked man, who was particularly terrifying. Later, because of panic and unstable mind, he did not pay attention to his appearance. Later, Cao Peng began to conquer Wuwei, and Zhen Mi rarely saw Cao Peng.
Although I have met my friend several times recently, every time, she dared not look directly at him and was always a little nervous.
How about appearance?
General Cao seems to be quite powerful, but also very ordinary.
It's just that kind of magnanimity and power that is impressive...
Zhen Mi didn't know how to answer, but Zhen Yao felt something was wrong.
"Little sister, you and General Cao..."
"What my brother said, I have nothing to do with General Cao. He has always treated me with respect and asked me to help Cao write scriptures."
As she spoke, Zhen Mi opened her watery, soft eyes and said, "Brother, why are you asking like this?"
It’s broken, something seems to have gone wrong!
Zhen Yao's face changed and he secretly screamed something bad.
At the same time, he vaguely guessed the identity of the young general who appeared at the city gate.
How could this happen? My sister has nothing to do with General Cao. Wouldn’t it be presumptuous to say that my family came to Hexi?
Without the support of General Cao, how could our Zhen family gain a foothold in Hexi!
Zhen Yao's eyes were rolling, and he was complaining secretly. Things were not what he and the old lady thought, and Cao Sanpian didn't seem to have any plans for his sister. But now that he was in Hexi, he had to come up with an idea.
Yes. Zhen Yao can no longer make the decision in this matter. Along the way, they all used the name of Cao Peng's family members. Now they know that the girl has nothing to do with Cao Peng. If Cao Peng pursues the case, wouldn't it be a disaster?
On the steps, the old lady and Cai Yan were chatting and laughing happily.
Zhen Yao frowned. After thinking for a long time, he suddenly said: "Little sister, please tell me about General Cao later. There are also various situations in Hexi... This matter will affect our Zhen family.