The greater Cao Zhang's advantage, the happier Cao Peng is.
At first, Cao Peng hoped to use Cao Chong's help to realize his ideal. But later, he found that although Cao Chong was smart, he was only a little smart and not a big deal. In comparison, Cao Zhang had many shortcomings.
He has a fiery nature and is prone to anger; he likes to fight and fight, and he doesn't like to study. Moreover, Cao Zhang is not as smart as Cao Chong, and he does not have Cao Chong's ability to make three moves in one step. But he is generous, ambitious, generous and tolerant.
Although he is not as smart as Cao Chong, he knows how to make progress and can ask for advice humbly. The most important thing is that he values family affection... At this point, Cao Zhang inherited Cao Cao's temperament. He is very good to his brothers and clansmen, unless he offends them.
His bottom line can be laughed off.
Only such people can realize Cao Peng's ideal.
More importantly, Cao Peng and Cao Zhang were inseparable as early as when he followed Cao Peng back home from the northwest. Cao Zhang's concubine was the sister of Cao Peng's concubine Zhen Mi. With such a relationship, it was enough
Guarantee Cao Peng's interests... The more hopeful Cao Zhang is, the more beneficial it is to Cao Peng. Years of experience have given Cao Zhang enough political capital. He made sufficient military exploits during the Northern Expedition to Karasuma, defeated the Huns.
Moreover, now that he is apprenticed to Xun Yue, he has strong family support.
The Sima family in Wen County has a very good relationship with Mrs. Bian. At the end of last year, Sima Fang, the father of Sima Lang and Sima Yi, came to Yecheng and attended the banquet hosted by Cao Cao. According to Cao Zhang's own account, he
He went to Jingnan to serve as the governor of Daxing Prefecture, and his team included Sima Lang and Xun Shi.
Sima Lang needs no introduction, he is Sima Yi’s elder brother.
Xun Shi was the second son of Xun You.
Xun You's eldest son Xun Ji died in the early years of Jian'an. Now that Xun Shi was an adult, he naturally had to make arrangements.
With these two people, plus Xu You, Cao Zhang's team has begun to take shape.
As long as he doesn't have any major problems in the future, he is most likely to be the successor... However, Cao Zhang is not resting easy. There is still a very serious problem: Cao Zhang still has no heirs.
He has been married for many years, and his eldest wife is the daughter of Sun He. It is a political marriage.
But Cao Zhang found the concubine himself, that is, Zhen Mi's sister. The two have been married for five years, but Cao Zhang now only has two daughters and no sons. There is a continuity in the issue of the heir.
.In other words, the issue of heirs is very critical... There are not a few people in later generations who will have trouble on this issue. Fortunately, Cao Zhang is still young, so there is no need to rush...
That night, Cao Peng stayed in Zhen Mi's room.
Zhen Mi, who is nearly thirty years old, still maintains her charming charm.
She has a delicate and delicate figure, with well-proportioned curves.
The small waist is full and soft... Cao Peng can get extremely pleasure from Zhen Mi every time. This night is naturally no exception. The two of them are in love with each other until the clouds and rain stop.
Zhen Mi was like a kitten, curled up in Cao Peng's arms, using her slender jade fingers to draw circles on Cao Peng's chest.
She is already a mother of two children, but whenever Zhen Mi does this, she always looks like a young girl who has just gone through life.
Cao Peng was half leaning on the bedside, feeling a little tired.
But he heard Zhen Mi suddenly say: "Your Majesty, today my little sister is also coming with the prince."
"Ok, I know."
When Cao Zhang and his wife came, Cao Peng naturally knew about it.
This is normal. When Zhen Mi's sister comes over, she will naturally look for Zhen Mi. However, when Zhen Mi suddenly mentioned it, something must have happened. So Cao Peng asked curiously: "What, what did the little sister say?"
"She was very depressed and said she had no children."
"What does this mean? Ziwen is only as old as he is. He can always be born, so why worry about it."
"But……"
"What's wrong?"
Zhen Mi hesitated for a moment, then summoned up the courage to say, "My little sister is worried that if she keeps doing this, an accident will happen.
Yesterday my wife called her and talked about this matter.
According to Madam, she wants to add a few more houses to the Crown Prince. The younger sister is a little worried, fearing that she will lose the Crown Prince's favor. The Crown Prince doesn't have any ideas, but the younger sister... she always feels uneasy. "
Madam, she is Madam Bian.
It seems that Mrs. Bian was also aware of Cao Zhang's problem, so she wanted to take a concubine for Cao Zhang.
Cao Peng scratched his head, put on his clothes and got out of bed.
He sat down on the brocade stool nearby, got a water glass, and drank some water.
"Little sister, what do you mean?"
"My little sister wants to adopt one."
"ah?"
Cao Peng was taken aback and looked at Zhen Mi in surprise, "My sister and Ziwen are still young and have plenty of time to have children and raise children, so why are they so anxious? She can't adopt you because she wants to adopt Xiao Rui..."
Zhen Mi has a son and a daughter at her knees.
Zhen Rong had two daughters of his own, so it was naturally impossible for him to adopt a stepdaughter, and he could only adopt Cao Rui.
Cao Rui will be five years old now.
He is indeed a very smart child and very healthy.
Cao Peng also liked the child very much, including Cao Ji and his wife, as well as Cao Nan, who also loved Cao Rui.
Zhen Rong could not adopt anyone else's child, he could only find Zhen Mi.
However, Cao Peng didn't quite understand why Zhen Rong was so anxious and nervous.
Zhen Mi also sat up and draped a robe on her petite and exquisite body. Those two plump lumps were looming.
"It's the king's body..."
"Does the king's body have anything to do with this?"
"My little sister said that the king's health is getting worse day by day, and he seems to be much worse than before. The little sister thinks that maybe in the next two years, the king will definitely decide on the candidate for the heir apparent. Ziwen is the most promising, but if not
If you have children around you earlier, you will inevitably lose your advantage. That’s why my little sister..."
Cao Peng closed his eyes.
Historically, Cao Cao should have ten years left to live.
But looking at it now, it seems that his health is indeed a little weak. If it is true as Zhen Rong said, then it is indeed very possible for Cao Cao to establish a successor in the next few years. And Cao Zhang does have an advantage at the moment. First of all,
He is a general with five sense organs, and has been included in the central committee; secondly, he is a general in Zhennan and the governor of Daxing Mansion, which can be said to have great authority. With Cao Zhang's prestige, it is indeed possible.
But if Cao Zhang had no heirs, he would inevitably be criticized.
"What do you think?
Also, if Ziwen has a child in the future, what will Xiao Rui do? It’s impossible, let’s come back.”
Zhen Mi couldn't help but fell silent!
This is indeed a problem and one that must be considered.
After a while, she whispered: "My little sister said that if this happens in the future, she guarantees that Xiao Rui will have a future as a prince. Besides, it is impossible for the prince to treat Xiao Rui badly. There is still a prince..."
Cao Zhang will indeed not treat Cao Rui badly, and will even cherish him even more.
But the key point is that Cao Peng is reluctant to let go, very reluctant!
Even if he is adopted by Cao Zhang and his surname is Cao, he will still feel a little reluctant to let go. After all, it is his own flesh and blood, how could he... But judging from Zhen Mi's intentions, it seems that he intends to help, otherwise he would not discuss it with him.
He sat down by the bed and held Zhen Mi in his arms.
"Are you really willing to give up?"
"Of course I don't want to give up... But my little sister begged so hard, I really can't bear to see her lose my favor."
"I will consider this matter myself.
Moreover, this matter is not something we can decide. We need your Majesty’s permission before we can proceed. Let’s discuss this with my little sister in private and don’t be too ostentatious. From tomorrow on, let Xiao Rui study with me.”
"Um!"
Zhen Mi fell asleep.
But Cao Peng was not tired at all.
He walked out of the room, stood on the porch, looked at the blooming flowers in the courtyard, and suddenly burst into laughter.
Is it possible for Cao Rui to become the heir of Cao Wei?
Historically, Cao Pi's son was named Cao Rui, and he became an emperor. Could it be that his son, the reincarnation of Cao Rui, was destined to become an emperor? Thinking about it, I thought it was unlikely, but I asked Cao Peng,
There is a bit more expectation. If this is the case, we must protect Cao Rui's growth no matter what.
Thinking about it carefully, I seem to be becoming...more and more shameless!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The next day, Cao Peng woke up.
As if nothing was wrong, he asked someone to find Cao Rui.
He hugged Cao Rui and played in the garden. Cao Rui was so happy that he kept laughing happily all day long. He held Cao Peng's hand and kept calling "Daddy, Daddy" in a sweet voice. Cao Peng
There is an impulse to refuse Zhen Rong's request. This is his own son. If he is really adopted, wouldn't he have to call someone else his father?
This also made Cao Peng even more reluctant to give up.
"Young Master, there are two father and son outside the house. They say they are entrusted by an old friend of the Young Master, and they have come to see you."
"Old friend?"
Cao Peng was holding Cao Rui and reading in the study.
After playing for a long time, Cao Rui also felt sleepy and fell asleep in Cao Peng's arms.
Hearing that someone was asking to see them, Cao Peng was stunned for a moment, hugged Cao Rui and said, "Please let them rest in the living room. I will go there immediately."
"Here!"
Cao Peng immediately carried Cao Rui to the bedroom, put him on the bed, and covered him with a quilt.
Tell your maid to take good care of him.
Then he changed his clothes and went straight to the living room.
"I am a humble man, I would like to pay my respects to the young master."
The person who came here is about 180cm tall, with a tall and majestic build and a dignified appearance.
Judging from his age, he was about thirty, and there was a child beside him, about eight or nine years old, with a head like a tiger's head, like a little tiger, and a pair of big black eyes, looking around curiously.
Judging from the clothes, he does not come from a wealthy family.
Cao Peng felt that these two people were very strange, so he raised his hands and said, "Who is entrusting you to come here?"
Wu Chan carefully took out the letter from his arms and presented it with both hands.
Cao Peng took the letter and saw that besides the five words "Xinwu Township Hou Cao" written on it, there was also the word "Xun" written in the corner.
Lu Xun?
Cao Peng was moved in his heart and hurriedly opened it and read it carefully.
Over the years, the contact between Cao Peng and Lu Xun has never been interrupted. However, Lu Mao was often used as the hub and they never contacted directly. Lu Mao served for Cao Wei, and not many people knew about it. Lu Xun claimed to the outside world that he was Lu Mao.
He studied abroad and had not returned home for many years. Therefore, people knew that Lu Mao was outside, but they didn't think much about it. But this was the first time that Lu Xun contacted Cao Peng directly.
It starts with a few polite words.
And that's the key point... This Wu Can was from Wucheng, Wu County. He was brave and good at reading, but he was born in a poor family and was never taken seriously by others. Originally, Lu Xun and Wu Can didn't have much contact, but Sun He discovered it first.
During a casual chat, Sun He and Gu Yong, the governor of Wu County at that time, talked about Wu Can, which immediately attracted Gu Yong's attention. After repeated thinking, Gu Yong introduced Wu Can to Lu Xun.
But Lu Xun thought that if Wu Can stayed in Jiangdong, it would be difficult for him to achieve anything.
reason?
Very simple!
Wu Can has a loyal and upright character.
It was precisely this character that made him only thirty years old and still a petty official. Even his wife was unwilling to follow him in the end and abandoned him and ran away... Wu Can has no backing and no background.
If Lu Xun wanted to use it, he would inevitably be subject to many restrictions.
So Lu Xun thought of Cao Peng, and after discussing with Wu Can, decided to recommend Wu Can to Cao Peng's sect. Wu Can also knew that he had no foundation in Jiangdong, and it would not be easy to rise.
As for Sun He...
Neither Gu Yong nor Lu Xun would tell Wu Can.
After thinking twice, Wu Can decided to go north to join Cao Peng. He had heard of Cao Peng's name a long time ago, and also knew that Cao Peng never sticks to trivial matters in employing people, and he might be able to accomplish something. So he took his son and set off all the way.
Originally, he wanted to go to Chang'an to seek refuge, but when he arrived in Chang'an, he realized that Cao Peng had already returned to Yecheng.
So, we came all the way from Chang'an again.
Fortunately, he said he wanted to find Cao Peng on the way, so he received a lot of care.
At least when I was in Chang'an, I heard that Wu Can was going to find Cao Peng. Chen Qun didn't say anything and offered to support Wu Can with 10,000 yuan, which is ten guans, on his journey. Some people may say that Chen Qun gave him too much... There was nothing he could do.
, Chen Qun and Cao Peng have a close relationship, not to mention that the two families have business cooperation. If they are given less, they will inevitably be ridiculed when they see Cao Peng in the future. Chen Qun still has to take care of this face.
But this twist and turn lasted half a year.
Wucan set out from Wujun, first to Guiyang, then to Chang'an, and finally to Yecheng, which was also full of travel.
My charm?
Cao Peng couldn't remember whether this person was mentioned in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Anyway, he didn't have the slightest impression in his memory. But this was someone recommended by Lu Xun... Do you think Lu Xun would recommend a useless person? After reading the letter, he threw it into the brazier nearby.
"Sir, what are you..."
Wu Chan suddenly felt desperate in his heart.
Could it be that Mr. Cao is unwilling to take in my father and son?
"Kong Xiu, since you are here, please stay here with peace of mind.
You came all the way to find me, so I won't treat you badly. However, you have to remember that you came here on your own, without anyone's recommendation."
I was stunned for a moment and then understood.
Cao Peng, this is because he doesn't want anyone to know about his relationship with Lu Xun.
Doesn’t it mean that you have found your place?
He was overjoyed and quickly held his hands in his hands and said, "You know, I know."
"Kong Xiu, my Wuxiang Marquis Mansion doesn't have any big rules.
As long as you remember, work with peace of mind, I will not treat anyone badly... In this way, you will first live in the Marquis Mansion and start working as a middleman. As for the monthly salary, I will temporarily receive thirty dendrobium. If it is not enough, let me know.
I'll have someone measure you in a moment so that I can make some appropriate clothes.
Just stay in peace and get familiar with the situation first. It's a pity that Brother Derun is not here, otherwise you can have a fellow countryman and someone you can talk to. So, get familiar with the accent here as soon as possible to avoid deviations in the future.
By the way, is this your son? What is his name and how old is he?"
Cao Peng looked curiously at the boy who was standing behind Wu Can, staring at him curiously with his big black eyes.
Wu Can heard this and quickly replied: "This is the dog, his name is Wu Yan, he is only seven years old this year!"
Only seven years old!
But it looks very mighty.
Cao Peng couldn't help but laugh, squatted down and stretched out his hand towards Wu Yan, "Come to uncle's side."
Wu Yan seemed a little shy and looked up at his father, Wu Can.
"Go, the young master calls you over."
Wu Yan then timidly walked to Cao Peng's side, only to see Cao Peng stretch out his hand and rub his head.
"Are you hungry?"
"Um!"
Wu Yan nodded vigorously.
"Okay, I'll take you to eat delicious food later."
Cao Peng stood up and said to Wu Can: "Your Majesty is seven years old and is about the same age as my son. How about letting him follow my son from now on?"
This is another happy event!
I was so excited that I didn't know what to do.
However, he misunderstood one thing. It was not Cao Yang who wanted Wu Yan to follow him, but Cao Peng wanted him to follow Cao Rui.
This guy looks like a smart guy.
If Cao Rui really wants to adopt Cao Zhang in the future, he must have a partner by his side. Cao Peng has already thought of letting Fu Qian go with him. But Fu Qian is about the same age as Cao Rui, so there must be someone who can protect him.
In comparison, Jiang Wei is obviously not suitable.
But I didn't expect Wu Yan to appear...
Let him stay and check first. If he is really reliable, let him follow Cao Rui to protect Cao Rui's safety. At the same time, it will also allow Wu Chan to work with more peace of mind. In short, from now on, we must prepare for Cao Rui.
Anyway, we must not let him be wronged in the slightest.
Wu Can left happily, but Cao Peng was still worried.
"Shiyuan... I remember Han De's four children, they are a bit old now."
Han De is now serving as Zhonglang General in Hexi County, and he has achieved great success. Hearing Cao Peng's question, Pang Tong thought for a while and replied: "Zishan's eldest son Han Ying will be nine years old today, and his second son Han Yao will also be eight years old."
...The third son Han Qiong and the youngest son Han Qi were born from the same compatriots and were only six years old. Now the family has settled in Hongshui County."
"Tell Zishan to send some of his sons over to keep my son company."
Pang Tong was stunned immediately!
He didn't understand why Cao Peng made such an arrangement.
But since Cao Peng gave the order, he naturally acted accordingly. So he nodded, turned and left.
Back in the bedroom, Cao Rui was still asleep.
Cao Peng sat down next to him and gently brushed his face with his hand.
Baby, no matter what happens in the future, I will always be your father! Therefore, I will make your life happy no matter what, and I will never let you suffer any injustice.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Cao Zhang left Yecheng and went to Wuling to take up his post.
The adoption was also carried out quietly, and Cao Zhang had no objections to it.
As for Mrs. Bian, she also agreed to this matter. However, she had to find a suitable opportunity to explain it to Cao Cao.
Cao Rui is still happily growing up in the Marquis Mansion of Wuxiang.
But beside him, he has another companion, Wu Can's son, Wu Yan.
Time passes quietly.
In the blink of an eye, it was already March, and Cao Cao issued an edict to open the Fifth Army Protectorate in Zhuo County to supervise the implementation of the military system.
The Five Army Protector's Mansion is directly under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister's Mansion and does not obey anyone except Cao Cao.
Its status is above that of the Grand Governor and on the same level as that of the Governor. However, the Five Military Governors are only responsible for the military and are not allowed to interfere in local affairs. This was also a decision made by Cao Cao after discussing with the Governors of various states.
At the same time, the government army system was officially implemented in Bingzhou, Youzhou, and Caozhou.
Within two years, 400 military mansions need to be established in the three prefectures. While promoting the military mansion, efforts will also be made to reduce redundant local troops to strengthen local production.
Although he cannot interfere in local affairs, the Five Army Protectorate represents Cao Cao's interests.
For a time, countless people hoped to take over the Fifth Army Protectorate, but on the tenth day of March, Cao Cao once again issued an edict: Cao Peng, the Marquis of Xinwu Township, who has made great contributions to the northwest, would like to worship the general of chariots and cavalry as the Commander-in-Chief of the Five Army Protectorate.
Set off today to take up a post in Zhuo County.
As soon as the news came out, it immediately caused an uproar...
This appointment was unexpected, yet seemed to be reasonable.
He was appointed as a general of cavalry at the age of less than thirty, ranking above the Nine Qings and below the Three Dukes. Since the beginning of the Han Dynasty, probably only Huo Qubing, the general of cavalry, could do this. At the beginning, everyone was guessing.
Who will serve as the first Grand Protector of the Fifth Army Protectorate? Some people thought of Cao Peng, but they also felt that although Cao Peng had outstanding achievements and a sufficient reputation, he was still a little too young after all.
But besides Cao Peng, who else is qualified to take over the Protectorate of the Five Armies?
I am afraid that including Cao Hong, Xia Houdun, Cao Ren, Xia Houyuan, and even Cao Chun, none of them can convince people.
The government army system was first proposed by Cao Peng and implemented in Hexi County with remarkable results.
And Cao Peng himself had close ties with various families in the court. Not to mention military affairs, they all had interests more or less involved. At least when Cao Cao decided to appoint Cao Peng as the Protector of the Five Armies, there were no generals in the Cao Wei Group.
One person stood up to express his opposition, and many people even raised their hands to express their approval.
As for the civil servants, they did not jump out to criticize.
There is also Cao Peng’s ‘project contracting’ factor in this.
After Cao Hong proposed to Cao Cao to contract for the Chang'an expansion project, Xiahou Dun and Xia Houyuan also expressed their willingness to contract for the huge project of repairing three official roads from Yuzhou to Jingzhou. Xun Yu asked his own children to gather refugees, and he also competed with Zhong Yao, Chen Qun and Hedong Wei.
The four families joined forces and took over the renovation project of Luoyang.
The profits generated by each project amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars.
And the initiator of all projects is Cao Peng...
Such huge benefits were enough to make many people give up their grudges. For Cao Cao, starting several projects at the same time not only did not delay the farming season, but also added hundreds of thousands of people to his registration register.
It also has extraordinary significance!
In short, Cao Peng's appointment as the Commander-in-Chief of the Five Armies was almost unanimously approved.
When the edict was issued, the Wuxiang Hou Mansion immediately took action... Huang Yueying, Sun Shangxiang and Cai Yan were all pregnant one after another and wanted to return to Xingyang to recuperate. Therefore, after discussion, it was decided that Guo Huan and Zhen Mi would accompany Cao Peng.
Go to Zhuojun and be responsible for taking care of Cao Peng's life. At the same time, Cao Yang and Jiang Wei will also go to Zhuojun for training. However, in September, they will return to Xingyang and start their studies.
Cao Rui will also accompany Cao Peng to Zhuo County because Cao Peng hopes to stay with his son for a longer time.
In this way, the envy of Cao Wan and Cao Yun's children was ruined.
But one was a daughter and the other was too young, so she had no choice but to reluctantly leave her and follow her mother to Xingyang.
As a result, the Wuxiang Marquis Mansion was freed, and Cao Ji sent people to take care of it.
After everything was arranged, Cao Peng was ready to set off.
Just three days before his departure, Cao Cao suddenly sent Yue Ban, "The king took his slaves and asked the prince, how is the matter going?"
"What's up?"
Yue Ban, with a mysterious smile on his face, handed a letter to Cao Peng.
In the letter, there are only seven words: 'When will the purdah lock Da Qiao'?
"this……"
Cao Peng was stunned!
Lao Cao's worries are too much.
"The king said that Mr. Sun always needs someone to take care of him when he goes out alone.
Therefore, the king's intention is to invite Mrs. Qiao to accompany him, so that he can also take good care of Mr. Sun.
If the young master is reluctant to speak, the king can send someone to discuss with Mrs. Qiao."
Damn it, keep pressing forward step by step!
It seemed that Lao Cao was determined to bring Cao Peng and Da Qiao together. I don't know what he thought. But after hearing what Yue Ban said, Cao Peng couldn't help but smile bitterly and nodded helplessly.
