The first year of Taiping, that is, the autumn of 213 AD.
Cao Ren and the Soochow soldiers and horses fought again at Ruxukou. General Zang Ba was ordered to detour and sneak attack on the flank of the Soochow army. Not wanting to encounter heavy rain, the river surged and washed away the embankment. More than 5,000 people under Zang Ba's command were lost in the torrential flood.
In the middle, Zang Ba even died in this disaster...[]
It sounds a bit fantasy.
Those who were great generals in ancient times knew everything about astronomy and geography.
A general like Zang Ba is even more experienced. It is more or less puzzling that such an experienced general died in a flood. However, this is indeed an accident! Hefei has had good weather for many years.
There is rarely heavy rain in this season. Even if it does, it is just light rain, which is not harmful. But this year, the rain came suddenly, without any warning, and the rain was so fierce that Zang Ba had no precautions.
Only then did I encounter this misfortune.
And such an accident brought huge trouble to Cao Ren.
The river surged, ruining his plan.
Zang Ba's death made Cao Ren feel caught off guard. Fortunately, Yu Jin and Li Tong provided timely reinforcements, otherwise Cao Ren might have faced a disastrous defeat. However, after this battle, Cao Ren also fell ill and fell ill. After treatment by military doctors, he
It was no longer possible to continue to stay in Hefei... As a last resort, Cao Zhang ordered Cao Zhen to succeed Cao Ren as the governor of Hefei and the governor of Huainan. Cao Ren was sent back to Luoyang for treatment.
Cao Erdai has fully stepped onto the stage!
After Cao Zhen became the governor of Huainan, Xiahou Shang and Xiahou Ba successively became officials and served as the governor of Zhangling and the governor of Xiangyang.
Subsequently, Cao Zhang made a series of adjustments.
Xia Houyuan transferred him to Yizhou General, and transferred Shi Tao, the former governor of Yizhou, to Luoyang as Henan Yin.
The governor of Bingzhou was appointed by Cao Hong.
He abolished the Protectorate of the Five Armies and dismissed the post of Protector of the Five Armies of Zhang Liao. He was appointed as the Governor of Jingzhou and commander-in-chief of the military affairs of the nine counties of Jingzhou and Xiangzhou.
Change Caozhou to Lingzhou.
He dismissed Liang Xi from Lingzhou and was appointed as the Governor of Liangzhou.
Xia Houlan, the governor of Lingzhou, was dismissed and appointed as the Central Protector and Right General.
With the end of a round of adjustments, time has entered the second year of peace.
After Cao Zhang stabilized the situation in the DPRK, he formally worshiped Cao Peng as Taifu, General, and Jing Zhaoyin.
Cao Peng was granted the title of Duke Wu Xingong and was granted the title of Duke of Wu Xing, and he was granted the title of his official residence in Xincheng, Lingzhou.
This Xincheng is the former Zhangcheng County where Caozhou was governed. After Cao Zhang succeeded to the throne, he changed Zhangcheng County to Xincheng County. There is also a layer of meaning in it: I always trust you, please continue to help me!
The person targeted by this meaning is Cao Peng.
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After Cao Cao's death, Cao Peng was left alone by Cao Cao, but he behaved extremely low-key.
After welcoming Cao Zhang to the throne, he disappeared from everyone's sight. Even when Cao Cao's coffin was placed in the mausoleum, Cao Peng did not appear. This caused a lot of speculation! However, Cao Zhang, Xun Yu, and Mrs. Bian did not appear.
I know where Cao Peng went. In his hand, there is a secret edict from Cao Cao.
During his lifetime, Cao Cao's greatest wish was to write the title of Marquis Anyuan on his tombstone after his death.
Unfortunately, in the end he was unable to achieve this goal.
Before he died, Cao Cao secretly ordered Cao Peng that the bones should not be buried in the coffin. After they were burned, they would be scattered on the mountain with roosters singing.
Jiming Mountain was the place where Qin Shihuang granted Zen status after he unified the six kingdoms.
From Jiming Mountain, we look to the Hexi Corridor to the west and Mobei to the north.
Cao Cao hoped that after his death, he could continue to guard the border and become a true Anyuanhou. Therefore, the corpse in the mausoleum was just a golden body made by Cao Cao secretly. And his corpse had already been buried when he was buried.
It was scattered on Jiming Mountain. Cao Peng ordered people to erect a stone tablet on Jiming Mountain.
Anyanyong Town!
He didn't say who this Anyuan was, he just wrote down the name.
Many years later, someone excavated this stone tablet from Jiming Mountain, and Anyuanhou suddenly became a warrior named Anyuan, who died fighting against the Qiang, Di and Hurus here. As a result, the beauty was passed down.
Touching legend...the town at the foot of Jiming Mountain was renamed 'Anyuan Town'.
But in fact, this small town was a secret training base built by Cao Peng when he buried Cao Cao.
However, there is no record in the history books.
In the second spring of the second year of Taiping, Emperor Zhaowu of Wei, Cao Zhang, formally issued an edict to start war against Jiangdong.
Cao Wei's naval forces gathered at Sanjiangkou, and tens of thousands of troops were stationed in Jingnan, watching with eager eyes. The war was about to break out.
Cao Peng, who was the general at the time, was not ordered to take command.
Cao Zhang overcame the opposition of the ministers in the court and decided to lead the expedition himself.
He mobilized three groups of soldiers and horses to attack Jingnan, Guangling and Hefei at the same time towards Jiangdong.
Sun Shao, the young governor of Daxing Prefecture in Jingnan, was the vanguard and led his troops to attack Changsha County.
Taishi Ci, the governor of Changsha County, under Sun Quan's strict order, raised troops to fight. The two sides faced off on the bank of the Boluo River and launched a series of bloody battles.
At the same time, Cao Zhen, the governor of Hefei and the governor of Huainan, assembled 30,000 troops from Huainan to garrison at Ruxukou. He ordered Guo Huai to be the vanguard, Deng Ai to join the army, and brothers Niu Jinniu and Yin to be deputy generals to launch a fierce attack on the Soochow army.
Sun Quan urgently ordered Zhuge Jin to join the battle, and even sent two generals, Jiang Qin and Xu Sheng, to assist.
But before the battle at Ruxukou could begin, Pang De, the prefect of Guangling, launched a sneak attack on Dantu. Lü Meng, the Dantu guard, was captured by Pang De. Lu Su urgently ordered General Dong to attack for rescue, but was ambushed by Zhou Cang.
General Ding Feng was shot dead by the Eight Ox Crossbow and died tragically on the warship.
Dong Xi was seriously injured and led the remaining troops to retreat.
When Lu Su learned about it, he was shocked.
He ordered General Zhou Tai to come to the rescue and at the same time begged Sun Quan for reinforcements.
But he didn't want that at this time, Shanyue in Kuaiji County would be in trouble. Originally, Shanyue in Kuaiji County, with He Qi in charge, frightened Shanyue into not daring to act rashly. However, he didn't want Sun Quan to abandon his martial arts and depose He Qi. Without He Qi's deterrence, Shanyue would no longer be the same as before.
Fear. So with the help of local powerful men, nearly 50,000 Shanyue troops rose up in rebellion, attacked the county town, robbed the population, and robbed wealth, causing great harm.
The entire Jiangdong seemed to be in chaos in an instant.
Zhang Zhao and others suggested negotiating peace with Cao Wei.
However, Madalusu and others were firmly opposed...
When the two sides were arguing, Sun Quan suddenly went crazy and killed Xue Zong and Xue Jingwen, the generals of the five sense organs.
Although after regaining consciousness, Sun Quan regretted it endlessly and ordered a grand burial.
But this man is already dead, and the haze he has brought to Jiangdong's ministers cannot be dissipated for a long time...
"Zi Bu, now my lord is stubborn and refuses to listen to advice, and even has Xue Jingwen beheaded. What should we do?"
In late spring, it rains heavily in Jiangdong.
A thin drizzle enveloped Jiankang, which made people feel even more depressed.
Zhang Zhao is already old and no longer has the vigorous energy of the past.
Sun Quan beheaded Xue Zong in the court, which frightened Zhang Zhao so much that he fell ill on his bed after returning home and never recovered. He lay on the bed and looked at the people kneeling in front of the bed, feeling extremely bitter in his heart.
.
Yu Fan, Yan Zhen, Cheng Deshu, Zhang Wen, and Luo Tong were all important officials of Soochow.
But looking at these people, every one of them has a worried look on their face.
Yu Fan said softly: "I just received a message from Ziyi. The son of King Heng is now leading troops to garrison the Poluo River. The offensive is extremely fierce. Ziyi has fought with him several times, but failed to win. Bowen has grown up, and his martial arts skills have improved.
This is impressive. Although Ziyi was good at fighting, he could not win immediately... However, the lord sent people to Changsha several times to question Ziyi regardless of the reason, and ordered Xu Sheng to supervise the battle, which made Ziyi extremely dissatisfied.
If this goes on for a long time, I'm afraid Ziyi may not be able to persist.
He has always been friendly with Bowen, and if he is pushed too hard, he will join Bowen if he can't help it, and Changsha will be in danger."
Everyone present nodded their heads.
Zhang Zhao opened his turbid old eyes, looked at Yu Fan, and suddenly asked: "What do you think Zhong Xiang should do?"
Yu Fan sighed, "It is urgent, sir, and we must make plans in advance.
The current lord is no longer the former Wu Hou. Bowen's incident caused great chaos... and the execution of Xue Jingwen made the situation even more complicated. I heard people say that the people crossing south are all panic-stricken.
"
Xue Zong is not a serious Jiangdong person.
He was originally from Zhuyi, Pei County. When Cao Cao conquered Tao Qian of Xuzhou, his family moved to Jiangdong.
This Xue Zong was a great Confucian of the time. He wrote tens of thousands of poems and poems, and his works such as "Er Jing Jie" and "Five Sects Illustrated" have been circulated. It can be said that Xue Zong, to a large extent, represents Nandu.
The interests of scholars.
Sun Quan killed Xue Zong, which made many people feel cold.
Zhang Zhao was also a Nandu scholar.
His cheek twitched slightly, and after a while he said softly: "Only everyone here knows this. Zhong Xiang needs to be careful when he speaks. Let's take a look! The motor navy has not yet been dispatched, and the situation is not irreversible.
Let’s take another look and make plans.”
Yu Fan and others looked at each other and immediately nodded in agreement.
However, as soon as Yu Fan left, Zhang Zhao immediately recruited his second son Zhang Xiu.
"Uncle Si, take my name, go to Wuxian County immediately, pay a visit to Gu Yuantan, and ask him to take care of me."
"ah?"
Zhang Xiu couldn't understand Zhang Zhao's words and couldn't help but look confused.
However, Zhang Zhao refused to explain clearly to him and only asked him to set off immediately.
At the end of the first year of Xinglong, Gu Yong resigned from his job due to physical discomfort and recuperated at home. For more than a year, he did not appear again and faded out of the public eye. However, Zhang Zhao vaguely guessed why Gu Yong resigned. Maybe
Sun Quan didn't know, but Zhang Zhao knew that Gu Yongke was a disciple of Cai Yong.
As for Cai Yong's two daughters, one married Cao Peng and was now granted the title of First-grade Lady of Xinguo; while the other married Yang Di. That Yang Di is now the prefect of Xiapi, the Marquis of Louting, and worships Xuzhou.
Sima.
In other words, Yang Di is now acting as Pound's deputy.
As soon as Cao's army in Guangling responded to the baggage, it was all sent by Yang Chu...
How could Gu Yong ignore such a relationship? He must have already been in contact with Cao Wei, but he was just waiting for the opportunity. Gu Yong is a veteran Jiangdong noble family, and has an influence that even Zhang Zhao cannot match. Don't look at it
He is keeping silent now. Once the time is right, if he stands up and raises his arms, the whole Jiangdong will probably be in chaos... Zhang Zhao and Gu Yong can be considered old friends! How can he not understand Gu Yong's nature? Now
You look at Gu Yong as if nothing has happened, but if he has no plans in his heart, how can he sit firmly on the Diaoyutai? I don't know if I will ask Gu Yong in the future.
Sending Zhang Xiu there won't attract anyone's attention.
Zhang Zhao also believed that Gu Yong must understand what he meant...
After Zhang Xiu set off, Zhang Zhao leaned on the couch. He closed his eyes and let out a faint sigh.
Jiangdong, the situation is over!
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Chang'an, Duke Wu Xin's Mansion.
Cao Peng squinted his eyes and watched Jiang Wei and Cao Yang competing in the martial arts arena.
Both children have grown up!
Cao Yang is eleven years old this year, and Jiang Wei is already twelve.
One of them worshiped Huang Zhong, and the other studied martial arts with Zhao Yun. Huang Zhong's wind and thunder sword skills, as well as Zhao Yun's Seven Snake Detectives, were both authentic. Sitting on the sidelines, watching the two boys dance with swords and guns, Cao Peng was
Feel good.
On the side, Zhuge Liang and Fazheng were also commenting with gusto.
Cao Zhang lived up to Cao Peng's expectations and was a generous man. He had a forthright temperament and great magnanimity.
Here, there is a great connection between Cao Peng and his explanation of the vastness of the world.
After Cao Zhang succeeded to the throne, on the one hand, he reused Xun Yu and other old officials, and on the other hand, he vigorously promoted newcomers such as Pang Tong, Huang Quan, Liu Ba, etc. The prosperity of the DPRK also made many people feel relieved.
The only thing that dissatisfied Cao Peng was Cao Zhang's attitude towards Cao Chong.
He did not kill Cao Chong or imprison him, but after reprimanding him, he gave Cao Chong the title of Yehou and allowed him to stay in Yecheng. This was also the decision Cao Zhang made after Mrs. Huan's plea.
According to Cao Peng's idea, even if Cao Chong is not killed, he should at least be imprisoned.
But Cao Zhang did not accept it, and instead scolded Cao Peng.
This was also the first time that Cao Zhang opposed Cao Peng's opinion. Cao Peng was both happy and worried about this. He was happy that Cao Zhang finally had the consciousness of an emperor and knew that the world was arbitrary; but what was worrying was that he was so indecisive.
, after all, it is not a common thing. If things go on for a long time, it cannot be said that raising tigers will cause trouble.
But this is a family matter, and Cao Peng cannot get involved too much.
"Prince, Prince Rui is here!"
While Cao Peng was deep in thought, he suddenly heard a report from a retainer.
Cao Peng hurriedly sat up and turned around to look. He saw Cao Rui jumping up and down the path, running all the way.
"Dad... Duke!"
Cao Rui shouted joyfully from a long distance away.
Although they had been adopted for nearly four years, when Cao Rui saw Cao Peng, he still couldn't help but want to call him 'daddy'.
Cao Peng glanced left and right, while Fazheng and Zhuge Liang hurriedly stood up and retreated.
Behind Cao Rui, Wu Yan was also following.
With a look of loyalty, he stopped when he was about a hundred paces away.
"I...how is the prince doing lately?"
"I... I'm fine. I just miss the prince... the queen is so strict and always makes trouble for me. Mom said she asked me to be patient, but I really don't want to endure it anymore. Daddy, I want to go home... okay?
?”
The child's tender voice touched the softest place in Cao Peng's heart.
He hugged Cao Rui and said in a voice that only his father and son could hear: "Xiao Rui, don't worry... When the time is right, dad will let you come back. But before that, you have to be patient.
In a few days, I will send someone to accompany you. If Xiao Rui misses his father, let Wu Can tell me."
"Um!"
In the garden, only Cao Peng and his son were left...
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"Sir, it's not easy to live in Chang'an!"
After sending Cao Rui away, Zhuge Liang and Fazheng stepped forward.
"how do I say this?"
Zhuge Liang glanced at Fazheng and said softly: "Your Majesty went on this expedition, but he did not let the young master lead the troops. If he said that he had no fear in his heart, Liang would not believe it. Of course, your majesty still trusts the young master. This point
, it can be seen from the fact that he appointed the young master as a general, a highly respected minister, and sat in Chang'an. But how long can this trust last? Liang has some doubts... Now, in addition to the young master's outstanding achievements, there is also Rui.
The prince is involved. As time goes by, there is no guarantee that His Majesty will not become suspicious."
Cao Peng's cheek twitched twice.
He took a deep breath and said softly: "Then what does Kong Ming think I should do?"
"If the young master stays in Chang'an for one more day, Prince Yu Rui will be at a disadvantage, and Your Majesty will be more suspicious.
The young master is a general, but what is the difference between a general without soldiers and the fish and meat waiting to be slaughtered on the chopping board? The young master wants to think about Prince Rui and plans for the future. Just rely on the iron certificate passed down by the late emperor to avoid death.
It's useless. Liang thinks that if you live in Chang'an, you will die, but if you lead troops outside, you will survive. Please think twice, sir."
After Cao Peng pondered, he nodded slightly.
But the question is, how can we get out?
Fazheng smiled slightly and said, "I heard from people that Kebineng has been quite uneasy lately.
He is deeply involved with Ding Linghujie and the Mobei Xiongnu. If he doesn't get it right, he will send troops to attack Lingzhou...
When the time comes, Xianbei King Suli will send someone to ask for help.
Why don't you, Master, take advantage of this opportunity to send troops to help us and garrison Lingzhou? When the time comes, everything will fall into place."
Xianbei Wang Suli is just a puppet.
Now the person who really calls the shots in Xianbei is Hongdu.
This Hongdu had a very close relationship with Cao Peng. Cao Peng once saved his life and single-handedly helped Hongdu to become the leader of the tribe. In other words, Hongdu was Cao Peng's man, but not many people knew about it.
Cao Peng's heart moved and he was silent.
After a moment, he whispered: "I have my own opinion on this matter. You two should not mention it to others. By the way, Kong Ming... I heard that your brother is in poor health. Should I ask him to come back to Chang'an?"
?He is very knowledgeable and has experience in governance. I think he can get a position in the Imperial College. Prince Rui is not young anymore, so he should start studying... I still hope that there will be an understanding person who can teach him knowledge."
Cao Peng was talking about Zhuge Jun.
However, at this time, Zhuge Jun was still known as Ge Jun to the outside world.
Originally, after Zhuge Liang surrendered, Cao Peng wanted Zhuge Jun to change his name back to his original name, but Zhuge Liang refused.
Now it seems that Zhuge Liang still had foresight.
Not many people know Zhuge Jun's identity. Apart from a few close confidants, only Sima Hui knows.
However, Sima Hui passed away last year.
As a result, even fewer people know Zhuge Jun's identity.
Even Hu Ban, the current governor of Hexi County, who is so close to the Cao family, does not know the origin of Zhuge Jun.
Zhuge Jun was knowledgeable and resourceful.
Coupled with the secret help from Wu Can, Wu Yan and others, as well as the Zhen clan members, it was enough for Cao Rui to sit back and relax.
Zhuge Liang was overjoyed!
Transferring Zhuge Jun back means that the interests of the Zhuge family will be guaranteed.
He quickly thanked Cao Peng, "My brother is naturally suitable."
"That's it...that's it.
I'm going to visit my brother-in-law at his home soon. He likes to be serious too much... I thought it would be easier to be the minister of Dali Temple, but now it seems that it is much harder than being the governor of Bingzhou.
My sister has said in private several times that if I don’t go to visit, I will inevitably be reprimanded again.”
Zhuge Liang and Fazheng smiled slightly and said, "Young master, just go ahead. Several young masters will also have classes soon."
Cao Peng nodded, took Wang Shuang, left Wu Xin Gong's Mansion, and went straight to Dali Temple...
