Half a month later.

It is located outside the east gate of Zhuxu County.

Cao Ang and a group of hundreds of people were saying goodbye to Kong Rong, the prime minister of the Beihai Kingdom, as well as the new Qingzhou Assassin Shi Xiahoudun and others.

That's right.

The person Cao Ang finally selected to serve as the assassin of Qingzhou was the person in the Cao family's power camp, in addition to Cao Cao's father and son, the highest status and most trusted person in the Xiahou Cao Nei, and also the closest person to the center of power.

That's Xiahoudun.

This is different from the previous remote collar and fictitious official position, if you don't grasp the actual territory, it doesn't matter how big or small, as long as the rank sequence does not disgrace no one.

But at present, the place of Qingzhou has been truly incorporated into the Cao family's forces, and this is already a territory that can be seen and touched.

Then send someone to be the leader.

You have to be the most trusted member of the clan.

can only be selected from the people surnamed Xiahou or Cao, and the rest of the generals such as Zhang Liao, no matter how high the meritorious service and how strong the combat ability of leading the troops are, they can only be considered in the back.

When the Cao family's territory expands again, and the official vacancies are surplus, can these non-clan generals be considered in one round after another.

And after taking into account all the above situations.

Xiahoudun became the most suitable candidate.

This is not only a member of the clan, but also perfectly meets the conditions of being trusted, and the basic ability is sufficient.

History proves that although Xiahoudun is not good at fighting, he is definitely a good hand at managing logistics and managing places, and it is definitely a wonderful choice for him to govern a state and stay on Qingzhou's side for the time being.

…………

And at the moment outside the county seat.

Cao Ang first bowed slightly to Kong Rong and arched his hands forward to show his greetings.

"Wen Jugong, this trip is going to Gaomi, whether it will be successful or not, it is still unknown, I can only say that I will do my best, I hope it can be done."

"I can't take care of this matter for the time being, so I can only bother you to bother a little more, settle this matter as soon as possible, and I will return to Yanzhou as soon as possible."

When Kong Rong heard this, he first stroked his beard.

And the back with a smile in return.

"Don't worry, Zixuan, you can go by yourself, and I will take care of everything in the state."

"In fact, according to the information I received, the Taishou ministers of the other five counties in Qingzhou are already on their way at this time, and they will arrive in Zhuxu County in a few days."

"After they arrive together, I will make a declaration on my behalf, clearly stating that I will replace Jiao He with Xiahou Thorn History, and from now on I will be the head of Qingzhou."

"These ministers who are too conservative are all sensible and righteous people, presumably they will understand the twists and turns, and then readily agree and obey the orders."

Cao Ang smiled and paused.

In fact, he has nothing to worry about about it.

First of all, Qi State, Le'an County, Jinan Country and other places, he has already sent troops to go and plough the court to sweep the holes.

Those who disobey have already been killed by him.

The rest are seen by eyesight.

This time he was called to come, could it be that he dared to go against the tune and jump out against Xiahoudun as the assassin?

If there are really such people who "don't know the reason and don't know the righteousness", then they can only smash the cup as a number, serve them with a knife and axe, and say a few words to them.

…………

After the two said goodbye to each other.

Kong Rongdang turned around and prepared to return to the city.

Just before you take a step.

But he couldn't help but glance back at Tai Shici, who was respectfully staying by Cao Ang's side.

Then he couldn't help but sigh.

"Ziyi, I won't tell you, I originally planned to keep Ziyi by my side after the war, and find an errand for him to some extent, any official position, so that I will have brave generals under my hands."

"It's a pity that Ziyi's movements are still too fast, and before I can say this, I have already thrown myself into your command, which is really regrettable."

Speaking of which.

Before Cao Ang could respond.

Kong Rong continued to take care of himself: "But it's okay to do this, the birds who choose the wood, you have to meet the good wood, and the ministers who choose the lord have to meet the master." ”

"If Ziyi follows me, although he can also have a future, his income is limited after all, and he may be able to be an official in the future, and that's all."

"Now that he can be used by you, this can be regarded as his luck, as long as you do your best under your hands, you may not be able to seal your wife and son, and bless your descendants."

Kong Rong didn't dwell too much on this issue.

Although he admired Tai Shi Ci very much.

But after all, this is just a talent, with him, he will not fly, without him, there seems to be no loss.

Compared with the close relationship with Cao Ang and the strong alliance, it really seems insignificant.

……

As Tai Shici came out, he saluted Kong Rong respectfully, and thanked him for his kindness in supporting his old mother.

Kong Rong didn't stay here for long.

When even casually made an excuse, he took the lead in returning to the city, leaving a separate space for Cao Ang to talk with his own family and horses.

Wait until everyone else leaves.

Xiahoudun, who had been standing quietly on the side and hadn't spoken much, suddenly stepped forward and came to Cao Ang.

Then he lowered his voice and whispered to Cao Ang: "Zixuan, is this Kong Wenju credible?" ”

After all, Xiahoudun has only been here for a few days.

He didn't know about Cao Ang and Kong Rong's private discussions and agreements, so it was normal to have this question.

And Cao Ang heard this.

When he nodded, he answered Xiahoudun's question positively in a rather affirmative tone.

"Uncle rest assured, this Kong Wenju is a credible person, at least at this time, he is firmly on our side and is definitely trustworthy."

"I'm not in Zhuxu County next, and a lot of things need you, uncle, to discuss with this Kong Wenju, try to cooperate with each other, and it is naturally good to be able to reach a consensus."

When it comes to this.

Cao Ang suddenly thought of something again.

As soon as the words changed, he added with a serious expression: "But there are no absolutes, and there are no absolutes in people, it is difficult to ensure that Kong Rong is loyal to our Cao family at the same time, but he also has some thoughts and ideas of his own." ”

"So there are some things that you have to judge for yourself, uncle, everything is given priority to controlling Qingzhou, and anything that goes against this purpose and clashes, you can decisively call it a halt, or refute it."

"It's still the same sentence, you have a lot of soldiers and horses on hand, and there are our people in several counties in the north of Qingzhou, these are your reliance and confidence, so when do you think you should do something, then make a decisive move, don't worry so much!"

…………

Cao Ang's words were categorical.

undoubtedly injected a shot in the arm for Xiahoudun.

Respectfully said that he understood.

It's just that after agreeing, Xiahoudun suddenly put away his serious expression, replaced it with a smile, and pointed to the east with his finger.

"In fact, not only the northern part of Qingzhou has our people, but now even the southern part of Qingzhou is basically our people, after all, with the marching speed of Miaocai, I am afraid that it has already entered the territory of Donglai County by now."

"Now the entire six counties of Qingzhou, up and down, are completely controlled by us!"

The wonderful talent is Xiahou Yuan.

And Cao Ang couldn't help grinning when he heard Xiahoudun say this, and smiled heartily in his voice.

"Uncle Miaocai has always led the troops to march like flying, and these days are indeed enough for him to enter Donglai County, I hope he can firmly hold the entire Donglai County before I persuade Kang Chenggong!"

Before, when I was in Sanyang County.

Cao Ang once told Xiahou Yuan, who led Tai Shici to report the news, and asked him to convey his words to his father Cao Cao.

It is necessary to transfer the troops and horses of the headquarters as quickly as possible, follow in his footsteps into the territory of Qingzhou, and then begin to lay out in the prefecture and county.

Cao Cao apparently followed Cao Ang's advice.

Not only did he dispatch a large army, but even this army was led by the top two generals under him, that is, the Xiahou brothers.

It's just before arriving in Zhuxu County.

The two brothers parted ways, Xiahoudun was ordered to lead the troops into the city, while Xiahouyuan led the large army to Donglai County.

After all, Donglai County has the most extensive coastal area in Qingzhou, and almost all the county towns under its rule are built along the coast.

More than seventy percent of the salt farms in Qingzhou are distributed in Donglai County, so Cao Ang will specially send Xiahou Yuan to take a trip.

So as to ensure that their money bags in the future can be stable and not chaotic.

…………

From Zhuxu County to Gaomi County.

The distance between the two places is about 150 miles.

Because Cao Ang was lightly armed, there were only a few hundred people in total, and they were all highly motorized cavalry troops, so it was in the morning of the third day.

has arrived in the south of Gaomi County.

And located not far from the south of the city, at the foot of a mountain called Qichiyan, stands a stone house with simple materials, random construction, although simple but spacious area.

At this moment, it is located in the central hall of the stone house.

Zheng Xuan, who is known as the great Confucian of the time, famous all over the world, and well-known all over the world, is wearing a linen shirt, crouching in front of the desk, facing a few volumes of books, studying and thinking attentively.

From time to time, he would use a pen to record lines of text on the blank bamboo slips, which seemed to be his thoughts and thoughts, and sometimes he would leave corresponding quotations and comments on the original scrolls of the slips.

However, when it comes to the corresponding difficulties.

Zheng Xuan also frowned slightly, sat in place, and thought quietly for a while before continuing to write.

……

And beside Zheng Xuan.

There has always been a man in his mid-twenties, about thirty years old, also dressed in a wide coat and belt, but handsome in appearance and strong in physique.

This person is Cui Yan, a student of Zheng Xuan.

At this moment, Cui Yan looked at his teacher's appearance of studying at the desk and studying hard, and he could be said to be in admiration, and his sense of respect arose spontaneously.

The teacher is also in his sixties this year, and ordinary people have basically exhausted their energy at this age, and they lie at home all day to recuperate.

However, the teacher still adhered to his decades-old habit, and every day when the sky was bright, he resolutely got up and freshened up, without the slightest delay or delay.

Just to be able to make better use of the morning time and study more articles and classics, after all, in the afternoon, it is time for them to teach students, and there is no time for self-study.

And whenever I devote myself to the classics.

Often, two or three hours have passed in a row, and unless there is movement outside that the river and the sea are overturned, ordinary things cannot attract his attention.

If it weren't for the students standing by all the time, I am afraid that the daily meals may not be eaten on time.

Let's be honest.

Studying with such a teacher, Cui Yan feels that he is very honored and will definitely be able to learn real things.

And just when the master and apprentice were busy with their respective work.

Suddenly there was a sound of footsteps outside the stone house, and then another disciple came to report it.

"Teacher, someone outside handed me a famous thorn, saying that he is the son of Yanzhou Mu Cao Mengde, and the current Yuzhou Mu Cao Ang, who came to visit you and ask for advice!"

After the student shouted at the top of his voice.

Zheng Xuan woke up from the book.

…………

Half an hour later.

Inside the stone house.

Cao Ang met the legendary figure.

At first sight, I couldn't help but be secretly surprised in my heart, and my head moved slightly.

I saw that Zheng Xuan's beard was white, his hair was full of silver threads, and his face was even more furrowed, covered with wrinkles that showed his age, and at the same time the back of his hands and arms were gathered in the chest and abdomen, and his dryness and thinness could also highlight the state of this old comrade.

However, contrary to the characteristics that show that he is dying, Zheng Xuan's eyes are particularly bright, and his eyes do not have any sense of cloudiness at all.

On the contrary, it is blazing, full of spirit, and has a warm and powerful feeling.

And after looking at Zheng Xuan himself.

Cao Ang was at great speed again.

Glance at the inside of the house, and take in the display and decoration of the room.

To say that it is a decoration is actually an exaggeration.

Because this is just a simple stone house, in addition to stacking all kinds of books, bamboo shelves, the most delicate and sturdy made.

The rest of the display furniture, such as beds and tables, are just ordinary and old.

This is the case.

It made Cao Ang nod again and again.

As rumored by the outside world, this is a master who does not like external things and does not move because of profit.

…………

"The house is simple, and there is nothing to entertain distinguished guests, I am ashamed of the old decay, and I hope that your guests are Haihan!"

Old but powerful voice.

It immediately interrupted Cao Ang's thoughts and woke him up from observation and thought.

Turning his head to look, he saw Zheng Xuan smiling gently at him, obviously discovering his action of looking at the display in the house.

was discovered by his own small movements.

Cao Ang didn't feel embarrassed either.

Instead, he bowed his hand and responded calmly.

"The mountain is not high, there are immortals, the water is not deep, and the dragon is spiritual."

"Although this is a humble house, its owner is a rare person in the world who has both ability and integrity, and in it, you can only feel the meaning of noble character."

"What's so ugly?"

As soon as the words fell.

Zheng Xuan's complexion changed slightly.

There seemed to be a light in his eyes, and then he muttered to himself, and his whole body tilted slightly, as if chewing Fang Cai's words.

So little after a few moments.

Zheng Xuancai nodded gently.

"A good mountain is not high, there is a fairy is famous, the water is not deep, there is a dragon is spiritual, although the sentence is simple, but the truth is quite deep, so it is also a good sentence!"

"It's just that the old man is an old man, and he was lucky enough to read a few more books and study more knowledge, and he didn't dare to claim to be a rare person in the world with both ability and political integrity, and the general was a false praise."

…………

Zheng Xuan's title to Cao Ang has changed from a distinguished guest to a general, although he is still polite and distant, but he has improved a point.

This is good news for Cao Ang.

And that's why it is.

It was not because Cao Ang praised Zheng Xuan that he was overjoyed, but because Cao Ang said a few words that made Zheng Xuan think that he was a knowledgeable young man.

For the younger generations who are literate and knowledgeable, Zheng Xuan is still happy to communicate.

And after having a good start.

Cao Ang immediately struck while the iron was hot, seized this fleeting opportunity, and continued to push the relationship downward.

After taking the initiative to scoop a bowl of tea soup for Zheng Xuan.

Cao Ang pretended to show a "restrained" smile, and then reported to his home.

"If you are not a person with both ability and political integrity and noble character, who in the world can afford this evaluation?"

"To tell you the truth, I have heard Mr. Zigan mention you many times in the past, saying that among the original fellow brothers, the person he admired and admired the most was you, and your rigorous study and dedicated attitude were the worst among the fellow brothers."

"Before I left Yanzhou East County, Mr. Zigan learned that my destination was Qingzhou, and he told me that I must come to visit you and greet you on his behalf."

…………

After hearing the word "Zigan".

Zheng Xuan's expression changed a little again.

He and Lu Zhi both studied under the great Confucian Ma Rong at the beginning, and although Lu Zhi was younger, he was Zheng Xuan's senior brother according to his generation.

Between the two, although because of their own class differences and the opposite life experiences, there is not much contact with each other.

But there are only so many people who exist in the world and are famous all over the world, and can be called Confucianism.

No matter how close the relationship is, it is not close.

will also care about each other's situation and understand a little bit, and Zheng Xuan is in such a situation right now.

After taking the tea soup that Cao Ang served for him, he took a sip slightly, and then asked with some curiosity.

"You are talking about Zigan, but my senior brother is like Zigan, he is now in Dongjun, but how do I remember that he seemed to be living in seclusion in the Youzhou area before?"

The most important thing to chat with this kind of big guy is to have something to talk about, or say that your own existence can arouse the curiosity and concern of others.

So that it can continue.

And after Zheng Xuan asked.

Cao Ang nodded hurriedly and said: "As Zheng Gong said, Mr. Zigan did live in seclusion in Shanggu County in Youzhou before, and it was I who traveled thousands of miles to Jundu Mountain to invite his old man to settle in Puyang County, East County. ”

"During this period of time, I have been listening to his teachings by his old man's side, and I have really learned a lot of things, not only limited to scriptures and articles, but also the principles of living in the world, I just feel infinitely useful!"

Cao Ang is actually making things up.

How could he have the spare time to go to Lu Zhi, an old comrade, to ask for advice on how to deal with people.

Big Boss Lu invited him to be a teacher for the Son of Heaven, and by the way, he bought one and got one free, bringing a large number of protégés and disciples to provide talents for Yanzhou and other places.

Cao Ang didn't study with him for a day.

But now it's just to get closer to the relationship with Zheng Xuan, it's just a close, it doesn't matter if it's true or not.

…………

Things were just as Cao Ang had predicted.

After hearing that Lu Zhi was personally invited by Cao Ang to Dongjun, and often followed him to study.

Zheng Xuan's face softened a little.

couldn't help but look Cao Ang up and down a few times.

Then he said with a tone full of approval: "Senior Brother Zigan, he is very knowledgeable, what he knows and hears is as vast as a sea of smoke, and he has risen and fallen several times between the government and the opposition, and his vision is by no means comparable to ordinary people. ”

"You can indeed learn a lot by following him, and I hope you will cherish the opportunity!"

After sighing for a while.

Zheng Xuan paused slightly, and then asked with some hesitation: "I don't know what Senior Brother Zigan's condition is now, is he still healthy?" ”

Listen to Zheng Xuan mention this matter.

Cao Ang hurriedly worked hard to make his face darken, and his original smile was reduced a little, and then he sighed and smiled helplessly.

"Mr. Zigan's health is not good, maybe it is the ups and downs of the past few years, and he has witnessed the decline of the Han family to this point, and the national thieves are reckless and unable to get rid of them, so his body and bones are getting worse."

"When I saw his old man in Jundu Mountain, he was already dying and old, and he was depressed, so after moving to Puyang County, he recuperated for a period of time before his situation stabilized."

"If it weren't for that, I would have led my troops to Qingzhou this time, and Mr. Zigan would probably have come with me to renew the brotherhood with Zheng Gong."

…………

Cao Ang didn't tell much of a lie.

It's nothing more than a little exaggerated.

And Zheng Xuan after learning about the situation.

also showed a dark expression that was the same as Cao Ang's, and he sighed a little embarrassed.

"Time is ruthless, in front of heaven and earth, people are just as small as floating dust, how powerless, how fragile."

"All my life, I have sorted out all kinds of classics and commented on the scriptures and articles, just to make something in this short life, and then leave something."

Perhaps he was touched by Cao Ang's words.

In this moment.

Zheng Xuan had some thoughts.

However, as far as his 60-year-old Qi cultivation kung fu is concerned, he quickly restrained his emotions.

turned to Cao Ang and raised his hand to signal: "Zixuan, don't sit still, and use tea soup, although you don't use any precious materials, but you can also clear your heart and quench your thirst." ”

…………

Zheng Xuan's change is extremely obvious.

The title of Cao Ang was upgraded again.

From the original "general", it has directly changed to the word called Cao Ang, and the two are obviously a little closer to each other, and the strange sense of alienation has also diluted a lot.

This plays the biggest role.

Of course, it is Lu Zhi's relationship.

Cao Ang was able to invite Lu Zhi from his seclusion to live in Puyang County, which proved that Lu Zhi recognized Cao Ang, and with his senior brother's temperament, the character of the person he recognized would not be bad.

In addition, Cao Angqi said that he often followed Lu Zhi and asked him for advice and life principles.

Isn't this what an alternative mentor and apprentice mean?

Therefore, in Zheng Xuan's view, Cao Ang is already equivalent to his junior nephew, and it is reasonable to call the table to show closeness.

And after Cao Ang picked up the tea bowl and took a sip.

Zheng Xuan brought the topic to the right track.

"Zixuan, you came to visit today, presumably not only to say hello to me on behalf of Senior Brother Zigan, but also to visit me."

"I don't know what the important thing is, if I can help, you just ask, I don't have to be rare with this old bone, try my best to help you."

It's beautifully said.

But can things go smoothly?

Cao Ang didn't dare to pat his chest and say 100%, so he could only do his best and say to Zheng Xuan.

"Don't hide it from Gong Zheng, Ang wants to ask you to go out of the mountain to help!"

As soon as these words came out, Zheng Xuan was taken aback.

…………

Recommended commuter passes

ps. The update is not very good in the past two or three days, but today it will be increased to 6200, and I will make up for it

(End of chapter)