Xu Du, just like the old look.

Left at the beginning of the year and returned in mid-autumn, half a year has passed in a blink of an eye, but Xu Du seems to have not changed much.

The population seems to have increased, and the houses in Dongli Xu seem to be denser.

The road is still the same road, but it looks a little more crowded. Even Cao Ying's vigorous promotion of Cao buses has alleviated the drought in many places. But manpower is limited after all, and in the face of natural disasters, everything is done is just doing its best. Fortunately, Xudu Tuntian had another bumper harvest, with 1.7 million grains of rice, which gave Cao Ying a lot of confidence. Inevitably, there were no large-scale riots. Even if problems of one kind or another arise in some places, they quickly subside.

According to the document played by Xu Xuan in July, it is expected that Xuzhou can store 300 groups of grain, about one million hu. It sounds like it's less than last year's production. Last year, in Haixi alone, there were millions of grain deposits, but now the area of Tuntian has tripled, why is it still one million? The reason is very simple, Haixi tuntian last year, only one Haixi was supplied; This year, although the area of Haixi Tuntian has increased by as much as three times, most of Xuzhou needs to be supplied...... At the beginning of the year, Sun Ce crossed the river to attack Guangling, causing Guangling to miss the best cultivation season, so that there was a food shortage in Guangling County.

If it weren't for the support of Haixi, Quang Ling County would have been in turmoil.

In addition, the recuperation of Zang Ba of Taishan County, Zhu Ling of Peiguo, and Xiapi will inevitably consume a large amount of grain and grass.

It is not easy for Xuzhou to be able to save millions of Hu. In other words, Xuzhou has passed the most difficult stage, and if everything goes well in the coming year, it will definitely regain its vitality. However, Cao Ying then ordered Haixi to allocate 300,000 Hu grain and grass to Qian County, and 100,000 Hu grain and rice to Shansang to prevent trouble. If Runan is conquered, there is a high probability of famine, and it is necessary to be prepared.

After Liu Bei occupied Runan, it coincided with the great drought in Yuzhou, and the disaster in Runan was very serious.

He didn't have a Cao bus in his hand, so he could only rely on digging ditches and dredging rivers. Most of the water sources in Runan come from Huaishui. However, due to its high terrain, it is difficult for Huaishui to irrigate the Runan area. And Liu Bei tried his best to recruit troops, and did not invest too much in internal affairs.

As a result, the disaster in Runan was severe.

Cao Ying was determined to eliminate Liu Bei, but he had to be prepared for the inevitable famine after the occupation of Runan.

If the impact of this famine cannot be quelled, then even the occupation of Runan may deal a huge blow to Cao Ying.

If it weren't for the success of Haixi Tuntian, the famine in Runan alone would have caused the capital to run out of grain.

—————————————————————————— "Mother, aren't you going into the city?" ”

Cao Peng looked surprised, looked at Zhang and asked.

Seeing that he was about to arrive in Xudu, Zhang suddenly said that he didn't want to enter the city. This made Cao Peng feel very puzzled, and he couldn't figure out Zhang's thoughts.

"It's harvest time, and I'll go back to the Grange and keep an eye on it."

"Grange?"

Zhang smiled and patted Cao Peng's head lightly, "You forgot?" I told you before...... Your father is now worshipping Chehou, and although he has no food, he has a grange, which is at the foot of Longshan, next to the grange of your uncle's family...... Your aunt has returned, and now lives in the dock fort. At this time, the grain is being harvested, and the mother always has to go over to take a look. ”

Cao Peng then remembered that there seemed to be such a thing.

At the beginning of Zhang's arrival in Luoyang, he told him that Cao Ying gave Cao Ji a piece of 80 acres of grange. This grange is also in the category of Tuntian. The Tuntian Law stipulates that those who need to use official cattle and other production tools provided by the government shall be given six official and four civil rights; If you use private cattle and prepare your own farm tools, you will divide the account fifty-fifty. Land such as Cao Ji's private grange, but which belongs to the scope of tuntian, will be divided for the second time, and the right will be a kind of welfare. Cao Ji can redistribute it with the government and obtain a certain amount of income...... Don't underestimate the income of this two divisions, eighty hectares of land, almost ten thousand grains of rice.

For a small-scale family like Cao Ji, Wanhu grain and rice are enough to make them live happily and carefree.

The harvest season is also the happiest time.

The Zhang family wants to live in the grange, more to enjoy this joy.

Cao Peng can also understand this.

So he ordered Hao Zhao to lead 300 black eyes, escort the 500 Buddha statues, and accompany the Zhang family to the Grange.

With his own grange, Hei Wei no longer needs to borrow the place of Dian Wei's family. For Cao Peng, it is also a good thing.

Cao Peng took Kan Ze and Li Ru, under the escort of Gan Ning and Xiahou Lan, and led a hundred horsemen to go straight to Xudu.

Huang Yueying went to the Grange with Zhang, and Guo Huan also went with her.

The reason is very simple.

Guo Huan's mother and siblings now live in the Grange and are responsible for taking care of the Grange.

Counting the time, Guo Huan has not seen his mother for half a year...... As soon as he approached Xu Du, Cao Peng felt a tense atmosphere.

Looking at the long queue inside and outside the city gate, as well as the strict inspection of the guards under the city gate, people suddenly felt depressed.

Xu Du, it looks like it's going to be an eventful time.

"Ah Fu!"

Just as Cao Peng and the others were about to enter the city, they suddenly saw a team of cavalry marching up.

The young general on the horse is none other than Xu Yi.

Cao Peng was stunned when he looked at his outfit.

Isn't Xu Yi a member of the Tiger Army? Why did you change your outfit?

Cao Peng waved his hand to signal Gan Ning and the others to stop, urging the horse to meet Xu Yi.

"Second brother, what's wrong with you?"

"What's wrong?"

"Why is it dressed like this? Could it be that he committed a crime and was degraded? ”

"Phew!" Xu Yi was extremely angry, "You guy, can't you say a few good words when you meet?" What do you mean I've done something...... The third child and I have been transferred out of the Tiger Army. I am now a Tunqi Sima, responsible for guarding the capital and inspecting the four gates; The third infantry Sima is almost the same as me. By the way, are you going to enter the city? Let's go, come with me, let's talk as we go. ”

Transferred out of the Tiger Army?

Cao Peng was really surprised...... But think about it, although Hu Benlang is glorious, he actually doesn't have much power.

Whether it is Xu Yi or Dianman, they are all less than twenty years old. Let the two of them stay as guards, and indeed make it difficult for them...... And jumping out of the Tiger Ben Army, it doesn't sound as glorious as Hu Benlang, but the power in his hands is much greater than that of Hu Benlang. Sima, the captain of the fifth battalion, can command at least 700 people in his hands, and Yu Lu is about the same as Hu Benlang, 600 stones, but it is easier to establish meritorious deeds.

After all, the chances of the Tiger Ben Army attacking are far less than the opportunities for the five battalion guards to attack.

Looking at Xu Yi's appearance, he was not discouraged at all, but very happy.

Cao Peng couldn't help asking, "Second brother, why did you leave Huben?" ”

Xu Yi ordered someone to go through the formalities under the city gate and walked with Cao Peng.

"It's not that I want to be transferred, it's that the lord ordered me and the third child to be transferred out of the Tiger Army.

By the way, Uncle Wang was also transferred out of Huben, and he is now Sima of the city gate, with 1,500 people under his command, which is very powerful. However, he is not on Xiuchunmen's side, otherwise he may still see him. Speaking of which, personnel transfers are quite frequent during this time, and I don't know what the lord's intentions are. When you come back this time, it is very likely that you will stay, but I can't say exactly what your position is...... Also, the sixth child also returned, and was appointed as the Yue Qi Sima ten days ago. ”

"Yan Fa is back too?"

"Well, I came back with Cao Duhu before, and then I stayed in Xudu."

The more Cao Peng listened, the more strange he felt.

Cao Ying's arrangement was equivalent to completely disrupting the grassroots officers of the Gyeonggi Su Guard.

"I still have to patrol duty, so I won't accompany you...... Fengchehou went to Yingchuan two days ago, and there is no one in your family now. After I handed over in the evening, I and the third child went to look for you. By the way, the main bus has taken over, and after you come back, go directly to Sikong Mansion, he wants to see you......"

"I see."

Cao Peng was confused, and he couldn't figure out what kind of medicine was sold in Cao Ying's gourd.

Walking along the street towards home, Cao Peng suddenly turned his head and asked, "Wencheng, what do you think?" ”

After Li Ru agreed to join Cao Peng, he was very silent.

On the way to Xudu, he was apprehensive. However, he was calm again, as if he had been thinking about something.

Hearing Cao Peng's question, Li Ru said softly: "In my opinion, it is best for Gongzi to go to Sikong Mansion now." ”

"Oh?"

Meng De's arrangement has a deep meaning.

As far as I can tell, he will soon make a big move. After the prince went to Sikong Mansion, no matter what Meng De asked, don't hesitate, be sure to respond immediately. In the past of this relationship, I guess that the reason why Meng De met you was because of important arrangements. ”

Cao Peng thought for a moment and nodded slightly.

"In that case, Brother Kan, Brother Gan, you accompany Wen Cheng to go back first.

Ziyou took ten people and went to Sikong Mansion with me. When you return to your house, unless I come back, you must not take half a step out of the house. ”

"Whoa!"

Gan Ning and Kan Ze surrendered their orders and accompanied Li Ru to Cao's mansion.

Cao Peng took Xiahoulan and went straight to Sikong Mansion.

Outside Sikong Mansion, there is a lot of traffic, and it seems to be very lively. Many people lined up outside the door, waiting for Cao Ying's reception...... Cao Peng dismounted outside the gate of the mansion and stepped up.

"Someone."

"Humble Cao Peng, who is the captain of the northern part of Luoyang, returns in the name of Sikong, and is here to restore his life."

When the doorman heard this, he immediately smiled.

He looked at the car parked outside the door and said softly, "It's ...... in the car."

"The stolen goods that Nai Beizhi searched for in Luoyang were also brought back by Sikong's order."

"In this way, please enter from the side door, Cao Beibei and the guards only need to enter, today it is Dian Zhonglang on duty, and the north can report directly to Dian Zhonglang."

"Thank you!"

Cao Peng arched his hand, and when he staggered into the door, he stuffed a bag into the doorman's hand.

It's quite heavy to start with, and it's estimated that there is consistency.

The doorman suddenly felt happy in his heart, and said secretly: This Cao Beibei is really refreshing.

Like him, his rank is not high.

When you meet a generous person, you will naturally have some extra money, but it is also possible to meet but not to seek. His Majesty Cao Ying was very strict, and generally did not allow bribes to be accepted. But everyone knows this kind of thing, and it is unlikely that it will be eradicated. So Cao Ying also opened one eye and closed one eye.

"Dare to ask, why did that person enter directly just now?"

A small official outside the door stepped forward and asked.

They waited here for a long time, but they couldn't see Cao Ying.

Mending sneered: "Just now it was the Sikong family, the son of the Marquis of Fengche, the northern lieutenant of Luoyang, the captain of the cavalry Cao Peng Cao Gongzi, and the famous Cao Babai. Sikong has a fate, Cao Gongzi can enter and exit Sikong Mansion freely, and there is no need to pass the ...... Hehe, if you are dissatisfied, if you see Sikong later, you can tell him. ”

"This ......" the little official flushed and stepped aside.

"It turns out that the young man just now is Cao Babai? Sure enough, the appearance is extraordinary. ”

"I heard that he is the Sikong family, and he was exiled in the early years, and he will soon return to the sect......

"Yes, I have heard for a long time that Fengchehou has an extraordinary son, and now I see it, and the name is well deserved!"

The Cao family is very different from the situation when they first came to Xudu. At that time, regardless of Cao Ji, Deng Ji or Cao Peng, they were all unknown; But now, Cao Ji has the ability to make knives, so he can hide the ink giant, make Cao Gong plows, and create Cao Gong cars, which can be described as having a great reputation; And Deng Ji presided over Haixi Tuntian, which had a bumper harvest for two consecutive years. Although his official position is not too high, his authority is very heavy; Cao Peng also created the Jinlan spectrum, and Cao Zhendian was full of Xu Yi's righteousness, and the number was small and eighty; A Burrow inscription, an Ai Lian said, was praised as a peerless festival.

The book "Eight Hundred Character Text", apprenticed to Hu Zhao.

After serving as the lieutenant of northern Luoyang, he cracked a major case, which can be called famous.

What's more, Cao Peng's 'Cao' and Cao Ying's 'Cao' inadvertently become one.

Everyone knows that Cao Ying attaches great importance to his family, and most of the children surnamed Cao will be reused. Cao Peng's future can also be seen...... The whispers of the people outside the gate of Sikong Mansion have nothing to do with Cao Peng.

After he entered the Sikong Mansion, he asked Xiahoulan and the others to wait in the gatehouse on the side, and then went straight to the public house outside the middle cabinet.

Dian Wei had just finished his inspection and returned to the public house.

Seeing Cao Peng, he was also very surprised, and stepped forward to pick Cao Peng up, "Ah Fu, you guy, do big things." ”

"Uncle, you are ......"

"Hehe, you kid, you can really toss."

Dian Wei pulled Cao Peng with a smile and sat down in the room.

"I've heard everything you did in Luoyang. Well done! I knew that Ah Fu would come out of the horse, and he would definitely come out of the blue...... My lord told me yesterday that you kid is doing a good job. ”

"By the way, the lord is looking for me......"

"Oh, I might be asking you about Luoyang. But you wait here first, and the Lord will consult with the wonderful talents justly......"

"General Xiahou is back?"

"Yes, when I came back early this morning, I was called by the lord to discuss the matter."

Cao Peng's heart moved: Xiahou Yuanxi was too guarded by Chen, in charge of Yanzhou's defense, and had a great responsibility.

When he suddenly returned to Xudu, something big must have happened...... Could it be that Yuan Shao has a change? Is the Battle of Guandu about to break out?

Thinking of the battle of Guandu, Cao Peng couldn't help but feel his blood boiling.

This, but the key battle that decided Cao Wei's fate, Cao Ying recalled me, could it be for this matter? It's just that now the situation has changed, and Cao Peng can't say what the situation is. Historically, Liu Bei should have occupied Xuzhou at this time. However, due to the appearance of Cao Peng, Liu Bei ultimately failed to get Xuzhou, but occupied Runan in advance...... Liu Bei?

Cao Peng was taken aback.

He seemed to sense something, could he have ...... Cao Ying wants to use troops against Runan?

Liu Bei stole weapons and baggage through Xu Du's royalists, and his intentions have been fully revealed.

Cao Ying's use of troops against Liu Bei was also reasonable, and it was not unexpected by Cao Peng. In fact, Liu Bei's occupation of Runan and his back to Jingxiang have always been a big trouble for Cao Ying. If Liu Bei cannot be resolved as soon as possible, then the battle of Guandu in the future will inevitably be dangerous.

But why should I be allowed to come back?

Could it be that Cao Ying wants me to fight Liu Bei?

Well, it's possible, it's possible...... Li Ru said, no matter what Cao Ying asked, don't hesitate, you must agree.

That's it.

At the thought of fighting Liu Bei, Cao Peng couldn't help but feel a little excited.

At the same time, he also felt faintly nervous in his heart, because Liu Bei now is not only Guan Zhang and the two in his hands, but also Zhao Yun.

Cao Peng couldn't remember when Zhao Yun belonged to Liu Bei.

But apparently not at this time...... Second Brother Guan, I haven't ridden thousands of miles yet!

Guan Zhang Zhao Yun...... Tut-tut, no matter which one comes out, it's not easy to deal with.

Cao Peng now has only one Gan Ning left in his hands, but fortunately, even if he really confronts Liu Bei, there are many generals in Cao Ying's camp to assist.

Ha, I want to see Guan Zhang's skills.

When Cao Peng thought of this, he only felt that his blood was full of blood. He and Dian Wei were chatting and talking, and before they knew it, an hour had passed.

Seeing that it was getting late, Cao Peng couldn't help but be a little anxious.

At this time, someone came to report, saying that Cao Ying asked Cao Peng to pass.

Cao Peng hurriedly dressed up and walked out of the public room with Dian Wei. Passing through the middle pavilion and walking along the path, I saw two people coming.

"Miaocai, Zhongde, have you discussed it with the lord?"

"Yes!"

Dian Wei greeted the two.

The middle-aged man led by nodded his head, but his eyes fell on Cao Peng.

"You are the Cao Youxue who didn't give me face at the beginning?"

"Huh?"

"Ahh

"The last general has seen General Xiahou."

"Humph!"

Xiahou Yuan snorted coldly, but he didn't have much anger.

"Okay, Miaocai, don't scare him. Youxue did a good job, and he did a lot of great things soon after he took office, didn't you praise the lord just now? ”

The man beside Xiahou Yuan couldn't help laughing.

Dian Wei said: "Ah Fu, this is Henan Yin, Cheng Fu Yin." ”

Cheng Yu!

Cao Peng hurriedly saluted again, and Cheng Yu waved his hand again and again.

"Youxue, hurry up, the lord is waiting for you."

Cao Peng confessed and walked in with Dian Wei.

Dian Wei smiled: "Zhongde has always been rigorous, and he rarely has a pleasant face. Ah Fu, it looks like he's quite happy with you, otherwise it wouldn't be that expression. ”

Cao Peng scratched his head and glanced back, only to see the backs of Cheng Yu and Xiahou Yuan, who had not entered the middle pavilion.

Xiahou Yuan is here!

Cheng Yu is also back...... It's not a small thing to explain this.

Cao Peng was thinking about it, Dian Wei suddenly stopped, "Ah Fu, the lord is in the flower hall, I won't go, you can go by yourself." ”

"Ah...... All right. ”

Cao Peng looked up and saw an arch in front of him.

After taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and said outside the arch: "Cao Peng, the northern lieutenant of Luoyang, has come to report on the orders of Sikong. ”

(To be continued)