Chapter 690 (Shouting for Geng at the end of the month)
.In the early morning, accompanied by the sound of street drums, the city gate of Xudu slowly opened.
Da da da!
The sound of rapid horse hoofbeats came from a distance. A dozen guards hurriedly looked up and saw the end of the official road, filled with dust and smoke. A team of iron cavalry came at a gallop, led by a man wearing a moon-white embroidered satin robe and a shawl.
He was dressed in clothes, wearing a golden crown with hair tied on his head, and a wind scarf covering his face. A divine horse, a lion, a tiger, a tiger, roared towards him, and arrived at the gate of the city in the blink of an eye. Behind him, hundreds of horses were vying for the lead, with the sound of hoofbeats like thunder.
A doorman wanted to step forward to stop him, but was pulled aside by the doorman.
"Want to die?"
"how?"
"I can't see clearly who that is... General Hou, Marquis Xin Wu Ting, can you and I stop him? Open the city gate immediately! If General Hou returns to the capital, something big will happen. If you delay, you and I can't afford to suffer."
."
"General Hou, Marquis Xinwu Ting?"
The gatekeeper didn't react for a moment, but he still obediently assisted the gatekeeper and opened the city gate. The iron cavalry whizzed past, leaving the gatekeeper unable to even open his eyes. The overwhelming momentum was like the weight of Mount Tai.
.When the cavalry rushed into Xudu, the guard's heart was still pounding and his face turned pale.
"King Cao of Hell?"
The doorman suddenly cried out.
In an instant, all the guards were stunned.
This title of King of Hell is said in private, but no one dares to shout it out in public.
Without saying a word, the doorman stepped forward and slapped the doorman on the face.
His usually kind-hearted face is now ferocious and terrifying. He gritted his teeth and cursed viciously: "You bastard, don't bother us if you want to die. Can you and I say the words Cao Hell King?"
The gatekeeper's face turned pale...
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The movement at the gate of Xudu City did not attract Cao Peng's attention.
He got the news from Bo County, and he and Xia Houshang traveled non-stop, day and night. Even so, it took ten days. By the time he rushed back to Xudu, it was already early March, and the peaches and apricots were withering.
Cao Peng did not dare to neglect and galloped down the long street.
One of the soldiers shouted loudly: "The general is here to see the military situation urgently. The rest of the people are getting out of the way immediately!"
In the past two days, Xudu Daily also published reports on the Northwest Rebellion. Daily military intelligence reports continued, and the people were also prepared. After hearing that the general returned to the capital, pedestrians on the street immediately ducked to both sides to make way for the passage.
Something big is going to happen!
Everyone knows it.
Cao Peng visited prisons all over the country, and Xudu Daily also reported on it.
In the past few months, whenever Cao Peng solved an unjust, false or wrong case, the people of Xudu would soon know about it. The last report said that Cao Peng was still in Xuzhou. Now he suddenly returned to Xudu, which must be related to the Northwest Rebellion.
.
Everyone knows that Cao Peng maintains peace in the northwest.
Now that there is a war, he cannot stand by and watch. Besides, Cao Ji, the shepherd of Liangzhou, is Cao Peng's father. His father is in the middle of a war, how can Cao Peng stay away from it and ignore it?
Therefore, the most likely way for him to return to the capital this time is to take over the northwest war.
In this case, who dares to block the road? If you are hit and killed, no one will probably feel sad...
Cao Peng had an unobstructed journey and went straight to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
Although Cao Cao was granted the title of King of Wei, his residence did not change much.
His royal capital was in Yecheng, which was built by skilled craftsmen. In Xudu, he was still the prime minister and was in charge of the affairs of the court.
Cao Peng reined in his horse and jumped down outside the Prime Minister's Mansion.
A servant had already rushed out and took over the reins.
People say that there are seven-rank officials in front of the Prime Minister! But it also depends on who he is... To those ordinary officials, this servant of the Prime Minister's Mansion was unattainable. But to Cao Peng, he was no different from ordinary people.
He has the right to come and go freely in the Prime Minister's Mansion without even having to notify him.
These servants also know what kind of status this man in front of him holds in Cao Cao's heart. If he offends this man, he will lose his head and there is no way to deal with it. So, when Cao Peng dismounts, how can the servants dare to neglect him?
"Can the Prime Minister be in the mansion?"
"We are discussing matters in the flower hall."
Without saying a word, Cao Peng ran up the doorstep in three steps and rushed into the prime minister's house.
In the past, Cao Peng followed the rules when entering and exiting the Prime Minister's Mansion. But now, he is anxious and wants to know the situation in the northwest, so he doesn't care about too many rules. He is not unfamiliar with the Prime Minister's Mansion, but on the basis of the original Sikong Mansion,
There have been some expansions. Overall, the layout of the mansion has not changed.
"Prime Minister, Prime Minister..."
Cao Peng strode straight to the flower hall.
But as soon as he entered the flower hall, Cao Peng was stunned!
In his impression, Cao Cao could not be said to be the kind of wise, mighty, and majestic man. But his bearing and spirit were extremely outstanding. But now, Cao Cao looked indescribably old and frail. He was much thinner, and his energy was also poor.
A little sluggish, compared to the previous time in Jingzhou, he was a completely different person.
"Prime Minister..."
Cao Peng couldn't help but sigh softly.
In the flower hall, Mao Jie, Dong Zhao and others were discussing matters.
Cao Peng barged in so violently that everyone was startled. Hua Xin opened his mouth to scold him, but Cao Cao waved his hand, "That's it for today. I'm a little tired. Please go back and rest first, and we'll discuss it tomorrow."
Dong Zhao reached out and pulled Hua Xin.
Everyone hurriedly got up and left. Before leaving, Dong Zhao said softly: "Youxue, the prime minister is not feeling well. Don't let him get too excited."
Cao Peng nodded.
"Afu, when did you come back?"
"just came back."
A smile appeared on Cao Cao's face, he stood up and said in a deep voice: "Fu Gu went out for a walk... I was in the house so early in the morning, but I felt a little depressed. Yesterday Gu saw the peach blossoms blooming in the courtyard. The scenery was so beautiful, why not come together?
appreciate."
After being conferred the title of King of Wei, Cao Cao also began to be called a loner.
Cao Peng quickly stepped forward, supported Cao Cao, and slowly walked out of the flower hall.
Cao Cao is really aging!
The feeling was very obvious... In the past, Cao Peng had always been wary of Cao Cao, but at this moment, he clearly felt the weakness of an old man. He was only in his early fifties... In the original history,
Even after the defeat in Chibi, Cao Cao maintained his high energy. Even in the most dangerous times, he seemed very optimistic. But now, is he still the same Cao Cao in history?
Cao Peng felt an indescribable feeling in his heart.
He came to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty and assisted Cao Cao in achieving success, and also avoided the defeat of Chibi.
But is this good or bad?
Cao Peng couldn't tell clearly.
"It's okay to be alone, Afumo is worried."
Perhaps feeling the sadness in Cao Peng's heart, Cao Cao suddenly smiled and comforted him in a low voice.
The two walked slowly along the path, followed by a group of retinues, nearly fifty steps behind, not daring to get close.
As far as the Cao Mansion is concerned, Cao Peng is definitely a very special being.
Cao Cao's love and care for Cao Peng sometimes make people feel that Cao Peng is Cao Cao's biological son.
"How was the situation during this inspection?"
"Everywhere is generally peaceful and there is no major turmoil."
"What do you want to see?"
Cao Peng thought for a while and then said: "My nephew was invited by Xu Zhou, the governor of Xuzhou, to inspect the prisons in Xuzhou. On the way, he went to Dongling Pavilion and found some problems. I have to say."
"Then say it."
Cao Peng's voice was low and hoarse, but still carried a trace of irresistible majesty.
"Sun Quan appointed Lu Su as the governor of Danyang, with Lu Meng as the general, and Jiang Qinding as the deputy general, stationed at Dantu. My nephew thought that Sun Quan had sensed the threat of the Dongling Island navy, so he made this arrangement.
Dongling Island, isolated at the mouth of the sea, is located at the intersection of Wujun, Danyang and Guangling.
Zhou Jinghai can't stand alone. If he doesn't make arrangements early, he may be difficult to resist. The guard of Dongling Pavilion is empty. If I were Lu Su, I would use this as a breakthrough and occupy it. Then the connection between Dongling Island and Guangling would be cut off, leaving it alone.
.If this is true, even if Zhou Jinghai is capable, he may not be able to persist."
When Cao Cao heard this, he frowned deeply.
"Chen Jiao never said anything about this."
Cao Peng hesitated for a moment, then mustered up the courage to say: "My nephew does not want to belittle Ji Bi, but Ji Bi's talents are indeed not suitable for today's Guangling. If he were a prefecture or county like Xiapi, he could
The local government was ordered to achieve great governance. However, Guangling is now adjacent to Jiangdong and belongs to the frontier fortress. Ji Bi was good at government affairs and good at governance, but military affairs were not his specialty. If things go on like this, it will definitely not be a good thing."
Ji Bi is Chen Jiao.
Cao Peng meant that if there was no war and Chen Jiao was allowed to govern the place, it would develop rapidly.
However, Guangling is now like a frontier fortress, and war may break out at any time. Then Chen Jiao's talents are not enough to serve as the governor of Guangling. He can develop the economy and govern the place, so that there will be no unjust, false and wrong cases under his rule, and the prisons will be clean.
But in terms of military affairs, Chen Jiao's talents were slightly lacking.
Cao Cao nodded slightly, quite agreeing with it.
After pondering for a moment, he suddenly asked: "Do you have a suitable candidate?"
"this……"
Cao Cao smiled and said: "Afumo is nervous. You are just chatting with me now. You have the right to speak to your family. There is no need to be restrained."
"If I recommend, General Pang Lingming can take on the important task."
"You mean, Pound?"
Cao Cao was quite impressed with Pound.
He thought for a while and then asked: "Pound has never been alone and has always served in the army. How can he control an army alone?"
“Pound was bold, careful, and strategic, and he was calm and calm when faced with difficulties.
To govern a place, you only need a capable assistant, but in the military, it is a general..."
"It does make some sense."
Cao Cao seemed not to want to talk any more.
Cao Peng also immediately shut up, and the two slowly walked into the garden.
In the garden, a woman was laughing and playing.
From a distance, Cao Peng saw Cao Jie playing in the garden with a girl wearing a double-crow bun.
Seeing Cao Cao and Cao Peng, Cao Jie hurriedly brought the girl forward to say hello.
That girl was Cao Cao's youngest daughter, named Cao Hua, who was only six years old now. Cao Cao showed a kind smile on his face, rubbed the heads of the two girls, and said with a smile: "Go play somewhere else, I will be alone with you."
Brother Ah Fu has something to talk about, so please don’t disturb us."
Cao Jie quickly agreed and took Cao Hua out of the garden.
Cao Peng helped Cao Cao into the flower hall on the lake and sat down on a stone bench with brocade cushions. Cao Cao let out a sigh of relief.
There are fine beads of sweat on the forehead.
Cao Peng waved his hand to signal his subordinates to come up, picked up a cloth and handed it to Cao Cao.
"old!"
Cao Cao smiled and said: "I think back then, there was a rebellion on Taiping Road. Gu was ordered to lead his troops and marched three hundred miles at night to pursue Zhang Bao. After the war, he drank heavily with everyone and did not feel tired. Now I feel a little tired after walking a few steps.
, I'm really a bit old... Ah Fu, please sit down too. After all, we have never had the chance to talk to each other since that time when we made wine with green plums. We were all in a hurry every time, and we couldn't even say a single word.
I can’t tell.”
Seeing Cao Cao's tired face, Cao Peng felt a little sad.
A generation of heroes will eventually grow old...
Cao Peng hurriedly sat aside and said, "Your Majesty, please don't say the word 'old'. I think your Majesty is a tiger and old man."
"Hahaha!"
Cao Cao heard this and laughed heartily.
Only halfway through laughing, he started coughing violently.
"Is Hulao Xiongfeng here? That's a good saying, Gu Ai listens!"
After finishing speaking, Cao Cao showed a look of loneliness on his face, as if he was talking to himself: "I entered the official position with a weak title, and my lifelong wish is just to write the name of Cao Dingyuan on the stone tablet in the future. However, the Han Dynasty
The decline was not expected by Gu... Twenty-two princes came to attack Dong. What I wanted at the time was that as long as Dong Zhuo could be pacified and the Han Dynasty restored, what would it matter if I was wiped out? Who knows, the princes all have their own thoughts...
Yuan Benchu also served as a knight in his time.
I thought I could achieve great things, but I saw that he was very selfish and indecisive when faced with problems. He was not a person who could achieve great things.
In the battle of Guandu, he was determined to die alone and had a decisive battle with Benchu.
But...
Ah Fu, he is not a hero alone, he is actually a hero in troubled times!"
Perhaps it had been a long time since he had talked to anyone like this, but Cao Cao talked endlessly.
Cao Peng listened quietly and added water to the cup in front of Cao Cao from time to time. For a long time, Cao Cao suddenly remained silent and stared blankly at the pond. A gust of wind blew by, stirring the lake surface, causing ripples and sparkling water.
Cao Cao suddenly asked: "Ah Fu, if you are alone one day, are you willing to take on the important responsibility?"
"ah?"
"Zitun and Zihuan died in battle, and their hearts were filled with sorrow.
Among the disciples who are alone, if they say they can achieve great things, they are only Zidun and Zihuan. Ziwen has a strong temperament, like a burning fire. As a general, he can act alone, but it is difficult to achieve great things... In recent years, he has been fond of reading history and books.
, there have been many changes. But if you want to lead the overall situation, there are still some shortcomings and more training is needed.
Letting him guard the border fortress alone also has the meaning of training.
If given ten years, Ziwen would have become a great talent... But during the battle in Jingnan, Gu's body was...
Zijian was intelligent and talented.
His articles are gorgeous and his words are dazzling. In time, he will be compared to a great scholar... But if he wants to be a hero, he must be weak and frivolous at first. His heart is not strong, he is easy to be manipulated by others, he is very happy to be alone, but it is difficult to entrust him with big things.
Cangshu is intelligent and has a resolute temperament.
I once had my heart set on Cangshu, but later I discovered that he is a cold-blooded person, and if he succeeds in a big event, all of you will be defeated!"
When Cao Cao said this, he stared at Cao Peng.
Cao Peng took a deep breath, looked at Cao Cao, and was speechless for a long time.
Cao Cao, this is not a confession, it is clearly intended to support an orphan. This also made Cao Peng a little uneasy, wondering what Cao Cao had in mind.
After a long while, Cao Cao suddenly asked: "Ah Fu, do you dare to swear to God to make the Cao family rise?"
"ah?"
"I want you to be loyal to the Cao family for the rest of your life and not have any rebellious intentions. Can you do it?"
Cao Peng quickly stood up and crawled in front of Cao Cao.
"Your Majesty, why do you say this?"
"You are tough by nature, calm in situations, and have the air of a general.
Although sometimes he is not calm enough, even reckless, but Gu is very happy. At first, you indulged the Lu family, and Gu was unhappy. However, when he thought about it later, Lu Bu and you were so kind, and you dared to risk your life to save him, which shows that
You place great importance on friendship. Later, you killed Wei Duan in Liangzhou. You were lonely, angry and happy...
Ah Fu, you are a loving man!
Sometimes, I just wonder, why are you not my biological child?
If so, even if I hand over all my inheritance to you, I can still rest in peace even if I live alone under the Nine Springs."
"uncle!"
After hearing this, Cao Peng couldn't help but burst into tears.
Cao Cao's words were extremely emotional, which made Cao Peng feel even more sad.
"Afu, get up."
"Here!"
Cao Peng stood up and followed Cao Cao's wishes and sat down beside him.
"Can you promise me?"
Cao Cao took Cao Peng's hand and said softly: "In this life, I would rather betray others than others betray me...Although there are Zhongde, Xiaowen, and great talents, but now I am alone, the one I can entrust to you is Ah Fu."
Can you promise me?"
Cao Peng took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "Uncle, don't worry, but Ah Fu is still alive, and he will never let down his great trust. When the Cao family is prosperous, the Han Dynasty must perish. This is the right principle of the cycle of heaven... Ah Fu will protect me and the Cao family will prosper.
I will be loyal to the Cao family for the rest of my life. If I swear this oath today, if I violate it tomorrow, I will cut off my descendants and never be a human being again."
This oath is very vicious!
There was a touch of warmth in Cao Cao's eyes.
He patted Cao Peng's shoulder lightly and said, "With Ah Fu's words, I can rest assured!"
With that said, he stood up and walked to the pavilion.
"The northwest is in turmoil and things happened suddenly.
Horses are brave and brave, and no one can defeat them but Zi Lian. And the chaos of Di and Qiang must have a lot to do with horses. Junshi governs Liangzhou, but Xiao rules and Cao follows, but he still has some shortcomings in dealing with the chaos. Solitary book
Yuan Rang wanted to send troops to help, but since Yuan Rang was defeated in Zigui, he had lost all his energy and might not be able to shoulder the important task.
Gongming can calm Guanzhong, but it is difficult to determine the northwest.
Wen Ruo suggested that you should be the governor of the northwest, but Zhongde did not allow it. Previously, Fengxiao had been constantly transferring people from the northwest. His intention was not unclear. It seemed to weaken your power, but in fact it was also for your benefit.
You are well connected in the court.
I was hesitant to let you go to the northwest, but today you came here with a lot of travel, so I made up my mind.
Ah Fu, I will appoint you as a former general, Marquis of Wuxiang, Sili Xiaowei, and envoy Chijie to supervise the northwest military. If an official with a weight of less than two thousand dan violates taboos, he can be killed first and then punished. In one year, I want the northwest to be peaceful."
Cao Peng shivered in excitement and looked at Cao Cao blankly.
Lao Cao, you are so courageous!
I am only twenty-seven years old, do you want me to be a Marquis of the country, a former general, and a lieutenant?
This position is equivalent to maximizing Cao Peng's power. The envoy Chijie, who is the governor of the Northwest Army, is also the most terrifying position in this series of official positions. He can kill officials with less than 2,000 stones first and then punish them. In other words, the governor
Below, Cao Peng can kill everyone, this power is really amazing.
One year to pacify the northwest?
Cao Peng scratched his head, cupped his hands and said, "I would like to issue a military order!"
"Very good!"
Cao Cao took a deep breath and continued: "The horse sitting in Wudu is really a nuisance to his heart. If the horse is not eliminated, it will be hard to sleep alone. After Ah Fu goes to the northwest, he should be killed... Once Wudu is obtained,
You can make your own decision whether to march into Hanzhong... I'm tired of being alone and don't want to wait too long, do you understand?"
How could Cao Peng not understand!
Cao Cao's eyes may have been fixed on Xichuan.
"My lord, I understand."
Cao Cao laughed!
He said softly: "After you go to the northwest, it is not suitable for Juan Shi to continue to serve as the pastor of Liangzhou... However, you don't have to worry, another person will restrain you. The lonely general ordered Jia Xu to be the governor of Liangzhou to help you achieve peace.
Northwest. I hope you don’t have any worries, just do whatever you want, just take care of yourself and let it go.”
"My lord, I obey."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The news of Cao Peng's return to Xu Du was known to everyone in a short period of time.
And he entered the prime minister's house at noon and did not leave until after noon. Cao Cao and Cao Peng had been talking alone. No one knew what they said. But many people saw a clue from this matter.
Cao Cao's favor and trust in Cao Peng never diminished.
Even if Cao Cao conferred the title of King of Wei this time, but Cao Peng never appeared from beginning to end, it would not change Cao Peng's status in Cao Cao's mind.
In the evening, it started to rain lightly.
When Cao Peng returned to Xinwutinghou Mansion, he saw Cai Yan, Huang Yueying, Xia Houzhen, Mrs. Zhang, and Cao Nan waiting in the hall.
The outbreak of war in the northwest affected the hearts and minds of the Cao family.
Cao Nan, who originally did not want to return to Xudu to recuperate, immediately accompanied Mrs. Zhang back to Xudu...
When Cao Peng returned to Xudu, he immediately went to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
The family waited at home and kept sending people to find out when Cao Peng would come back. However, Cao Peng was dragged into talking by Cao Cao, and no one knew the situation at all. This also made the family anxious.
When Cao Peng came back, the old lady burst into tears!
"Ah Fu, your father fell ill in Liangzhou, and now there is turmoil. What should we do?"
Cao Peng waved his hand to signal the slaves serving in the hall to leave.
Then he helped his mother sit down and said softly: "Mom, don't worry, dad will be back soon."
"ah?"
The old lady was very surprised.
But Cai Yan and the other girls showed nervous expressions.
"Afu, do you want to go back to the northwest?"
Cao Nan suddenly asked.
After following Deng Ji for so many years, Cao Nan is no longer the ignorant village woman she once was. In fact, the ups and downs over the years have taught her a lot, and she can see the essence clearly from the surface.
The old lady looked nervous again and held Cao Peng's hand.
"Why, you are going to the northwest? How is that possible? The northwest is in turmoil. Isn't it dangerous for you to go to the northwest?"
Cao Peng, laughed!
"No matter how dangerous it is, it won't be as dangerous as when I went to Hexi."
This sentence is equivalent to answering Cao Nan's question just now.
Cao Peng will go to the northwest to quell the chaos.
"Look, why are you so nervous?" Cao Peng said with a smile: "The rebellion in the northwest may seem serious, but in fact it is just a group of rabble. My father is old and is not suitable for living in Liangzhou for a long time. Your Majesty has made arrangements for my father this time
After returning from Liangzhou, he will take over the post of Chief Agriculture Officer and stay in Xudu.
This is actually a good thing.
I am in the northwest, like a fish entering the sea, without any danger.
On the brother-in-law's side, my sister needs to tell him that the king will not send troops to Bingzhou... My brother-in-law is guarding Hedong and should guard against naturalized Hu people in the area. The Hu people are cunning and unfaithful and cannot be confided in with them...
In this way, I ordered Han Sheng to go to Hedong, saying that I could not help my brother-in-law!"
When Cao Nan heard this, he looked grateful.
She knew very well that when Cao Peng went to the northwest, it was time to hire people.
Although Huang Zhong is old, Cao Peng highly respects him. He must be a capable person... There is a lack of available people around Deng Ji. Although there are Jiang Ji and others to help him, there are still some lack of generals.
To break it down, except for Feng Chao, who was brought over from Haixi, Deng Ji had no trusted generals.
This is not a good thing for Deng Ji.
At the very least, it would be a big problem for him to control the army.
"how about you?"
"I?"
Cao Peng smiled slightly, showing a hint of pride, "There are only a handful of people in the world who can defeat me.
Although the horse is brave, what can it do to me?"
