Half a month later.
Located outside the Dongcheng Gate of Zhuxu County.
Cao Ang and other hundreds of people were bidding farewell to Beihai Prime Minister Kong Rong, as well as the newly appointed Qingzhou Governor Xiahou Dun and others.
That's right.
The person Cao Ang finally selected to serve as the governor of Qingzhou was the person in the Cao family's power camp. Apart from Cao Cao and his son, the Xia princes Cao Nei had the highest status and the most trust, and he was also the person closest to the center of power.
That is Xiahou Dun.
This is different from the previous remote and false official positions. If you don't control the actual territory, it doesn't matter the size, as long as the rank sequence does not humiliate anyone.
But now the area of Qingzhou has been truly integrated into the Cao family's influence, and it is already a visible and tangible territory.
Then send someone to be the leader.
He must be the most trusted clan member.
They could only be selected from people named Xiahou or Cao. Other generals such as Zhang Liao, no matter how high their merits and ability in leading troops, could only be considered at the back.
When will the Cao family's territory expand again and there will be more official vacancies, then they will be able to consider these non-clan generals again.
And after taking into account all the above situations.
Xiahou Dun became the most suitable candidate.
This person is not only a member of the clan, but also perfectly meets various conditions such as being trusted and having sufficient basic abilities.
History has proved that although Xiahou Dun was not good at fighting, he was definitely a good hand at managing logistics and managing the place. Letting him govern a state and stay in Qingzhou for the time being was definitely an excellent choice.
…………
But now outside the county seat.
Cao Ang first nodded slightly to Kong Rong and arched his hands forward to express his greetings.
"Mr. Wen Ju, I am going to Gaomi this time. Whether it will come true or not is still unknown. I can only say that I will try my best and hope it can come true."
"I can't take care of things here for the time being. I can only ask you to take more trouble to settle this matter as soon as possible, and I will return to Yanzhou as soon as possible."
When Kong Rong heard this, he stroked his beard first.
The latter returned the favor with a smile.
"Don't worry, Zixiu. You can just go on your own. I will take care of everything in the state."
"In fact, according to the news I have received, the governors and prime ministers of the remaining five counties in Qingzhou are already on their way and will arrive in Zhuxu County in the near future."
"When they all arrive together, I will make an announcement on my behalf and make it clear that Jiao He will be replaced by the governor of Xiahou, and he will be the head of Qingzhou from now on."
"These prefects and ministers are all sensible people who understand justice. I believe they will understand the twists and turns, and then readily agree and obey orders."
Cao Ang smiled and paused.
In fact, he had nothing to worry about.
First of all, he had sent troops to Qi State, Le'an County, Jinan State and other places to plow the courtyard and sweep holes.
Anyone who disobeyed would have been killed by him long ago.
The rest is discerning.
Now that he has been called upon to do so, is it possible that he still dares to sing a different tune and oppose Xiahou Dun's appointment as governor?
If there really are such people who are "ignorant of reason and justice", then we can only break the glass as a sign, serve them with swords and axes, and say a few heartfelt words to them.
…………
After the two said goodbye to each other.
Kong Rong immediately turned around and prepared to return to the city.
Just before taking a step.
But he couldn't help but look back at Tai Shi Ci, who was respectfully staying beside Cao Ang.
Then he couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
"Zixiu, to tell you the truth, I originally planned to keep Ziyi by my side after the war was over, and find some sort of job or official position for him, so that I would have brave generals under my command."
"It's a pity that Ziyi's actions were too fast. Before I could say anything about it, he was already under your command. It's really regrettable."
Speaking of which.
Before Cao Ang could respond.
Kong Rong continued, minding his own business, "But this is fine. Birds that choose wood must meet good trees; ministers who choose their masters must meet a wise master."
"If Ziyi stays with me, although he can have a bright future, his income will be limited after all. He may become an official in the future, but that's it."
"Now that he can be used by you, this can be regarded as his luck. As long as he works hard under your hands, he may be able to have a wife and a son, and a blessing for his descendants."
Kong Rong did not dwell too much on this issue.
Although he admired Taishi Ci very much.
But after all, he is just a talent. With him, he will not be able to fly. Without him, there seems to be no loss.
Compared with the close relationship and strong alliance with Cao Ang, it really seems insignificant.
…
As Taishi Ci came out of the procession, he bowed respectfully to Kong Rong and thanked him for his kindness in supporting his mother.
Kong Rong did not intend to stay here long.
Dang even made a casual excuse and returned to the city first, leaving a separate space for Cao Ang to talk with his family.
Wait until everyone else has left.
Xiahou Dun, who had been standing quietly aside without saying much, suddenly took a step forward and came to Cao Ang.
Then he lowered his voice and asked Cao Ang in a low voice: "Zixiu, is this Kong Wenju trustworthy?"
After all, Xiahou Dun had only been here a few days.
He also didn't know the private discussions and agreements between Cao Ang and Kong Rong, so it was normal for him to ask this question.
After hearing this, Cao Ang.
Dangzhi nodded and answered Xiahou Dun's question head-on in a rather affirmative tone.
"Uncle, don't worry, this Kong Wenju is a trustworthy person. At least at this moment, he is firmly on our side and absolutely trustworthy."
"Since I'm not in Zhuxu County, uncle, I need to discuss many things with you and Kong Wenju. Try to cooperate with each other and reach a consensus. It would be great."
When talking about this.
Cao Ang suddenly thought of something again.
As soon as the topic changed, he added seriously: "However, there are no absolutes in things, and there are no absolutes in people. There is no guarantee that Kong Rong will have his own thoughts and ideas while being loyal to our Cao family."
"Therefore, uncle, you have to make your own judgment on some matters. The priority is to control Qingzhou. If anything goes against or conflicts with this purpose, you can decisively stop it or refute it."
"Again, you have a large number of troops on hand. We have our people in several counties in northern Qingzhou. These are your support and confidence. So when you think you should do something, take action decisively. No need to So many worries!”
…………
Cao Ang's decisive words.
Undoubtedly, it gave Xiahou Dun a shot in the arm.
Immediately, he respectfully expressed his understanding.
However, after agreeing, Xiahou Dun suddenly put away his serious expression, replaced it with a smile, and pointed to the east with his finger.
"In fact, not only are our people in the northern part of Qingzhou, but now even the southern part of Qingzhou is basically our people. After all, with Miaocai's marching speed, I am afraid that they have already entered Donglai County."
"Now the entire six counties of Qingzhou are completely under our control!"
The genius is Xia Houyuan.
When Cao Ang heard Xiahou Dun say this, he couldn't help but grinned and smiled heartily.
"Uncle Miaocai has always led troops to march as fast as they can. These days are indeed enough for him to enter Donglai County. I hope he can firmly hold the entire Donglai County before I convince Duke Kang Cheng!"
When I was in Shanyang County and County.
Cao Ang once told Xia Houyuan, who led Tai Shici to report the news, that he must convey his words to his father Cao Cao.
They must mobilize their troops and horses as quickly as possible, follow their own footsteps into Qingzhou territory, and then start laying out their plans in the prefectures and counties.
Cao Cao obviously listened to Cao Ang's advice.
Not only did he deploy a large army, but this army was personally led by his top two generals, the Xiahou brothers.
But before arriving in Zhuxu County.
The two brothers separated, Xiahou Dun was ordered to lead the troops into the city, while Xiahou Yuan led the large troops to Donglai County.
After all, Donglai County has the most extensive coastal area in Qingzhou, and almost all the counties under its jurisdiction are built along the coast.
More than 70% of the salt fields in Qingzhou are located in Donglai County, so Cao Ang specially sent Xia Houyuan to make a trip.
This will ensure that your money bag will be stable in the future.
…………
From Zhuxu County to Gaomi County.
The distance between the two places is about 150 miles.
Since Cao Ang was lightly armed and only had a few hundred men in total, and they were all highly mobile cavalry, in the morning of the third day.
We have arrived at the south of Gaomi County.
Not far from the south of the city, at the foot of a mountain called Qichiyan, stands a simple but spacious stone house made of simple materials and casually built.
It is currently located in the central hall of the stone house.
Zheng Xuan and Zheng Kangcheng, who are known as the great Confucians of the time, are famous all over the world, are wearing linen clothes, bending in front of the desk, reading and thinking attentively in front of several volumes of slips.
From time to time, he would use a pen to record lines of text on blank bamboo slips, which seemed to be his experiences and thoughts. Sometimes, he would also leave corresponding citations and comments on the original scrolls.
But when encountering corresponding problems.
Zheng Xuan would also frown slightly, sit still and think quietly for a while before continuing to write.
…
And beside Zheng Xuan.
There was always standing a strong man about thirty years old, who was also dressed in loose clothes, but had a handsome appearance and a strong physique.
This person is Cui Yan, a student of Zheng Xuan.
At this moment, Cui Yan looked at his teacher studying hard at his desk, studying and thinking hard. He felt admiration and respect in his heart.
The teacher is also in his sixties this year. At this age, ordinary people are basically exhausted and lie at home all day long.
However, the teacher still adheres to his decades-long habit. When the sky is dark every day, he resolutely gets up and washes himself without any delay or delay.
Just to be able to make better use of the time in the morning and study more classic articles. After all, in the afternoon, it is time to teach students like them, and there is no time for self-study.
And every time you devote yourself to the classics.
Often two or three consecutive hours would pass by, and unless there was a huge commotion outside, ordinary things would not attract his attention.
If there weren't students standing by all the time, I might not be able to eat on time every day.
to be honest.
Cui Yan feels very honored to study with such a teacher and will definitely learn something real.
While the master and apprentice were busy working on their own.
Suddenly there was a sound of footsteps outside the stone house, and then another disciple came to report.
"Teacher, someone outside handed me a famous assassin, saying that he is the son of Mengde, the shepherd of Yanzhou, and Cao Ang, the current shepherd of Yuzhou. He came to visit you and ask for your advice!"
After the students shouted at the top of their lungs.
Zheng Xuan just woke up from the book.
…………
After a while.
Inside the stone house.
Cao Ang met this legendary figure.
When I first saw it, I couldn't help but secretly marvel in my heart, and my head moved slightly.
Zheng Xuan's beard and hair are all white, and his head is covered with silver threads. His face is criss-crossed with wrinkles that show his age. At the same time, the backs of his hands and arms, which are gathered together on the chest and abdomen, are dry and thin, which also highlights his age. The state of an old comrade.
However, contrary to the features that indicated his age, Zheng Xuan's eyes were particularly bright, and there was no sense of turbidity in his eyes at all.
On the contrary, it is bright and full of energy, with a warm and powerful feeling.
And after sizing up Zheng Xuan himself.
Cao Ang moved at extremely fast speed again.
His eyes swept across the room, taking in all the displays and decorations in the room.
To say it is decoration is actually a bit exaggerated.
Because this is just a simple stone house. In addition to stacking all kinds of books and bamboo slips, the house is made of the most exquisite and sturdy shelves.
The rest of the display furniture, such as beds, tables and desks, are just ordinary and old.
Such a situation.
Cao Ang couldn't help but nod his head.
It is true as the rumors outside say, this is an expert who does not take pleasure in external things and is not moved by wealth and wealth.
…………
"The house is simple and shabby, and there is nothing to entertain the distinguished guests. I feel ashamed, but I still hope that the distinguished guests will be honest!"
An old but powerful voice.
Cao Ang's thoughts were suddenly interrupted, waking him up from observation and thinking.
Turning his head, he saw Zheng Xuan smiling gently at him, apparently noticing his actions when he was looking at the displays in the room.
Someone discovered his little move.
Cao Ang didn't feel embarrassed either.
Instead, he bowed his hands in salute and responded calmly.
"The mountains are not high, if there are immortals, they are famous; if the water is not deep, if there are dragons, they are spiritual."
"Although this is a shabby house, its owner is a rare person in the world who has both ability and political integrity. When you are in it, you can only feel the meaning of noble character."
"So, how can it be so shameless?"
The words just fell.
Zheng Xuan's expression changed slightly.
His eyes seemed to light up, and then he began to murmur to himself. His whole body tilted slightly, as if he was chewing on what he just said.
After such a small moment.
Zheng Xuancai nodded gently.
"A mountain is not high, it is famous if it has immortals. If the water is not deep, it is spiritual. If there is a dragon, it is spiritual. Although the sentence structure is simple, the truth is profound. This is also a good sentence!"
"It's just that I am an old man who luckily read a few more books and delved into more knowledge. I dare not claim to be a rare person in the world who has both ability and political integrity. General, this is a ridiculous compliment."
…………
Zheng Xuan's address to Cao Ang changed from a distinguished guest to a general. Although he was still polite and distant, he had gone a step further.
This is good news for Cao Ang.
And the reason why is so.
It was not because Cao Ang praised Zheng Xuan that made him happy, but because Cao Ang said a few words that made Zheng Xuan think that he was a learned young man.
Zheng Xuan is still happy to communicate with educated and knowledgeable juniors.
And after a good start.
Cao Ang immediately struck while the iron was hot, seized this fleeting opportunity, and continued to advance the relationship.
After taking the initiative to ladle a bowl of tea soup for Zheng Xuan.
Cao Ang pretended to show a "reserved" smile, and then reported his family background.
"If you are not a person with both political integrity and talent, and a noble character, who in the world can be worthy of this evaluation?"
"To tell you the truth, I have heard Mr. Ziqian mention you many times in the past, saying that among the fellow disciples at that time, you were the one he admired and admired the most. Among the brothers, he is the worst."
"Before I left Yanzhou East County, Mr. Ziqian learned that my destination was Qingzhou, and he told me that I must come to visit you and say hello to you on his behalf."
…………
After hearing the word "Ziqian".
Zheng Xuan's expression changed a bit again.
He and Lu Zhi both studied under the great scholar Ma Rong, and although Lu Zhi was younger, he was Zheng Xuan's senior brother according to his seniority.
Although the two have little contact with each other due to their class differences and completely opposite life experiences.
But there are only a few individuals alive in the world who are famous all over the world and can be called great Confucians.
The relationship is not close at all.
They would also care about and understand each other's situation to a certain extent. This is Zheng Xuan's current situation.
After taking the tea soup that Cao Ang served for him, he took a sip and then asked curiously.
"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 Youzhou before?"
The most important thing when chatting with such a big guy is that you have something to talk about, or that your existence can arouse others' curiosity and concern.
This will keep things going.
And after Zheng Xuan asked.
Cao Ang nodded hurriedly and said: "As Mr. Zheng said, Mr. Ziqian did live in seclusion in Shanggu County, Youzhou. It was I who traveled all the way to Jundu Mountain to invite him to settle in Puyang County, Dongjun."
"For this period of time, I have been listening to his teachings by his side, and I have really learned a lot, not only limited to classics and meanings, but also principles of human conduct. I feel that the benefits are endless!"
Cao Ang is actually making things up.
How could he have the spare time to ask old comrade Lu Zhi for advice on how to behave?
Mr. Lu was invited to be a teacher for the emperor, and by the way, he bought one and got one free. He brought a large number of disciples and disciples to provide talents for Yanzhou and other places.
Cao Ang never learned from him for a day.
However, the reason for speaking out now is to close the relationship with Zheng Xuan and to get closer. Whether it is true or false is not important.
…………
Things were just as Cao Ang expected.
After hearing that Cao Ang personally invited Lu Zhi to Dongjun, and often followed him to study.
Zheng Xuan's expression became a little softer.
He couldn't help but look Cao Ang up and down.
Then he said with a tone full of approval: "Senior Brother Ziqian is very knowledgeable and knows a vast amount of things. He has been ups and downs between the government and the public. His vision is beyond the comparison of ordinary people."
"You can indeed learn a lot by following him. I hope you will cherish the opportunity!"
After sighing for a while.
Zheng Xuan paused for a moment, then asked hesitantly: "I wonder how Senior Brother Zigan is doing now. Is he still in good health?"
I heard Zheng Xuan mention this matter.
Cao Ang hurriedly tried his best to make his face darken. His original smile faded a bit, and then he sighed and said with a helpless smile.
"Mr. Ziqian's health is not good. Perhaps it is due to the ups and downs in the past few years, and he has witnessed the decline of the Han Dynasty. The national thieves are trying to do evil but are unable to get rid of them, so his body and bones are getting worse and worse."
"When I met his old man in Jundu Mountain, he was already very old and depressed. After moving to Puyang County, he spent some time recuperating before his situation stabilized."
"If not, this time when I lead my troops to Qingzhou, Mr. Ziqian will probably come with me to renew our brotherhood with you, Mr. Zheng."
…………
Cao Ang didn't tell many lies.
Nothing more than a slight exaggeration.
After Zheng Xuan learned of the situation.
There was also a gloomy expression on his face that was the same as Cao Ang's, and he was rather sighing.
"Time is ruthless. In front of heaven and earth, people are just as insignificant as floating dust, so powerless and fragile."
"I spend my whole life organizing various classics and commenting on classics and meanings, just to make something and leave something behind in this short life."
Perhaps he was touched by Cao Ang's words.
At this moment.
Zheng Xuan showed some thoughts.
However, considering his sixty-year-old Qi-nurturing skills, he quickly calmed down his emotions.
Turning to Cao Ang, he raised his hand and said, "Zixiu, don't just sit there. Use tea soup. Although it doesn't use any expensive ingredients, it can clear your mind and quench your thirst."
…………
Zheng Xuan's change is extremely obvious.
The title given to Cao Ang was upgraded again.
From the original "general", it directly became a nickname for Cao Ang. The two of them were obviously closer, and the strange feeling of alienation was diluted a lot.
This plays the biggest role.
Of course it’s Lu Zhi’s relationship.
Cao Ang was able to invite Lu Zhi from seclusion to live in Puyang County, which proved that Lu Zhi recognized Cao Ang, and with the temperament of his senior brother, the character of the person he recognized would not be bad no matter what.
In addition, Cao Angqi said that he often followed Lu Zhi and asked him for advice and life principles.
Isn't this a different kind of master-disciple meaning?
Therefore, in Zheng Xuan's view, Cao Ang is already equivalent to his junior nephew, and it is reasonable and reasonable to call him by his first name to show his closeness.
And after Cao Ang picked up the tea bowl and took a sip.
Zheng Xuan brought the topic to the right track.
"Zixiu, you came to visit me today. You must not only be saying hello to me for Senior Brother Ziqian, but you are not just here to visit me."
"I don't know if there is something important. If I can help you, just ask. I don't care about this old bone. I will try my best to help you."
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 said to Zheng Xuan.
"To be honest, Mr. Zheng, I would like to ask you to help me!"
As soon as these words came out, Zheng Xuan was shocked.
…………
Monthly ticket recommendation ticket
ps. The update has not been very good in the past two or three days. I increased it to 6200 today, just to make up for it.
(End of chapter)
