Cao Zhang was very surprised by Guo Zhao's appearance. He didn't expect to see her in such a short time.
Judging from the look in her eyes at this moment, it was obvious that the two poems he showed and the final comment that dominated the audience had deeply moved her.
What surprised Cao Zhang even more was that the old man standing next to Guo Zhao was none other than Jingzhao Yin Sima Fang.
Beside Sima Fang, there were eight young people standing, all of whom were in high spirits and high spirits.
Sima Bada!
A title immediately flashed in Cao Zhang's mind.
Just because each of Sima Fang's eight sons has the character "da" in his name, people call him "Bada". The most famous among the eight is Sima Yi.
When Cao Zhang was first selecting counselors, he also thought of Sima Yi. He was known as the "Tomb Tiger" and was a top counselor who had not fallen behind in confrontation with Zhuge Liang for many years.
More importantly, in history, Cao Pi finally defeated Cao Zhi and won the throne with Sima Yi's help and advice.
Now that he was competing with Cao Pi for the position of heir apparent, he naturally couldn't let Sima Yi fall into his hands again, so he had to cut off Hu first and make him his vassal.
Thinking of this, Cao Zhang hurriedly said to Cao Pi, Cao Zhen and others beside him: "Brother Zihuan, Brother Zidan, I saw a friend and went over to say hello. You go back first. I will go to the house to find you in a while."
Cao Zhen agreed: "We agreed to drink together, can't you find a reason to run away?!"
Cao Zhang responded with a smile: "Don't worry, brother, I'll be there later!"
Cao Pi and others did not have too much doubt and left first.
Cao Zhang then walked towards Sima Fang, Guo Zhao and others together with the Xia Hou brothers and sisters.
"Mr. Sima, Cao Zhang is polite." Cao Zhang walked up to Sima Fang and bowed respectfully.
Sima Fang and others quickly returned the gift.
Cao Zhang greeted Guo Zhao with a smile: "Miss Guo, we meet again so soon? The old friend of my father you mentioned turns out to be Mr. Sima."
Guo Zhao hurriedly bowed and saluted: "Yes, the daughter of the people pays her respects to the young master."
Xia Houjuan saw Cao Zhang and Guo Zhao greeting each other and turned to look at them doubtfully.
Sima Fang looked at Guo Zhao in confusion: "A Zhao, do you know Mr. Ziwen?"
"Shibo, didn't I tell you that I was almost killed by bullies on Changshe Road, but Master Cao saved me?" Guo Zhao explained to Sima Fang.
"It turns out that Mr. Ziwen saved my old friend's daughter. I would like to express my gratitude!" Sima Fang said and was about to salute Cao Zhang.
Cao Zhang hurriedly stretched out his hand to stop him: "Sima Gong must not be too polite. It's just a simple effort for me, and it's not worth mentioning."
"You are a veteran minister of the imperial court. As a junior, Cao Zhang respects you very much."
"Sima Gong recommended my father to the late emperor several times. He was a great favor to my Cao family. Cao Zhang also kept it in mind and reminded himself all the time." Cao Zhang expressed his respect to Sima Fang.
"Young Master is so polite." Sima Fang greeted his sons behind him, "Boda, please bring your brothers to meet the Young Master."
Sima Fang's eldest son Sima Lang and his younger brothers saluted Cao Zhang: "Meet the young master."
After returning the gift, Cao Zhang smiled and said: "I have heard of Sima Bada's name a long time ago. When I saw him today, he is indeed very impressive and high-spirited!"
"The world praises you too much, but I am laughing at you." Sima Lang and others responded modestly.
"I wonder if any of the young gentlemen came on stage today to accept Mr. Zheng's comments?" Cao Zhang asked.
Sima Lang responded: "I boldly asked Mr. Zheng to comment on an article, and I was lucky enough to be rated second class!"
"I heard that Sima Gong's second son, Zhongda, is quick-thinking and extremely intelligent. I have long wanted to get acquainted with him. I wonder who he is?" Cao Zhang took the initiative to ask Sima Yi.
A young man next to Sima Lang hurriedly stepped forward: "Sima Yi pays homage to the young master!"
Cao Zhang looked Sima Yi up and down carefully. He was a handsome man with bright eyes.
Although he lowered his head and had a humble attitude, the wisdom revealed in his eyes could not be concealed at all.
The look of an eagle watching a wolf is indeed extraordinary. Cao Zhang admired in his heart.
"I wonder how many comments Brother Zhongda received today?" Cao Zhang asked.
Sima Yi bowed his head and responded: "Yi is still young. He just wants to study in peace, take care of his father at home, and discipline his younger brother. He has no intention of becoming an official, so he did not go on stage to receive comments today."
Cao Zhang knew in his heart that these were just Sima Yi's excuses.
At this time, the situation in the world was unclear, and it was difficult to judge who should be chosen to assist him. This was the reason why he refused to become an official.
"That's such a pity. Originally, I had the heart to invite Brother Zhongda to come to my side to help me." Cao Zhang directly expressed his invitation to Sima Yi.
"Thank you for your kindness, Sir. Sima Yi is not very talented and has little knowledge. I may not be able to fulfill the great trust of the young master." Sima Yi remained unmoved and continued to refuse.
In real history, when Cao Cao conquered Sima Yi, he also excused himself because of his illness, so Cao Zhang was not surprised by his rejection.
"Everyone has his own ambitions, and you can't force him. Brother Shi has no intention of becoming an official, so I won't force him. But if I encounter something I don't understand in the future, I hope Brother Shi can give me some advice." Cao Zhang did not force Sima Yi too much.
Sima Yi declined again: "Young Master is far superior to Sima Yi in talent and learning. He will definitely become famous all over the world after being judged on the first day of the month today. I can only look up to the young master's back, and how can I have the ability to guide him."
Cao Zhang slowly walked into Sima Yi, lowered his voice, and gave Sima Yi the words Cao Cao once warned him: "Brother Zhongda, excessive modesty is hypocrisy."
"Then help me as a senior brother and give me a chance to get close to Miss Guo."
"Unless you think that I, Cao Zhang, am not worthy of being your friend, and I am not even qualified to discuss poetry and poetry with you." After Cao Zhang finished speaking, he winked at Sima Yi.
When Sima Yi heard Cao Zhang's words, he was startled at first. Then he saw Cao Zhang's hint, and out of the corner of his eye he saw Guo Zhao looking at Cao Zhang with admiration. He suddenly understood and hurriedly bowed and saluted: "The common people obey."
Cao Zhang nodded with satisfaction and said in a low voice: "Thank you so much, brother!"
After Cao Zhang finished speaking, he took a step back and saluted Sima Fang: "Mr. Sima, I have something to do, so I'll take my leave now. I'll visit you at my house another day."
Sima Fang bowed and returned the courtesy: "I'm waiting for you at any time."
Cao Zhang turned to Guo Zhao: "Miss Guo, I'll see you at Mr. Sima's house another day."
Guo Zhao's face showed joy, and he bowed and saluted: "The daughter of the people sends your son off to you!"
Cao Zhang left with his brother and sister Xiahou.
Guo Zhao looked at Cao Zhang's back, showing a little reluctance.
Sima Yi looked at Guo Zhao next to him, then at Cao Zhang who was walking away, and nodded lightly meaningfully, as if he had noticed something...
"Brother Ziwen, please tell me clearly what your relationship is with that girl Guo. I don't think you are going to Sima's house to discuss knowledge at all. You are clearly a drunkard who doesn't care about drinking!"
After walking out of the crowd, Xia Houjuan could no longer hold back and asked Cao Zhang jealously...
