Xu Shu's words suddenly made Cao Zhang suddenly realize that if he wanted to impress and win over people from different classes, hobbies, and ambitions, there was only one most effective way: to do what they like! Give him what he needs most!
The ministers of the Han Dynasty were obviously divided into two factions. A group of people headed by Shangshu Ling Xun Yu remained die-hardly loyal to the Han Dynasty.
These people only know how to show their loyalty ignorantly and do not pay attention to the changes in the current situation and the evolution of the situation.
For these people, it is actually easier to handle. As long as Cao Zhang pays attention to his sense of proportion in front of them and always maintains respect for the Han Dynasty, he will slowly win their favor.
Moreover, most of these people are Confucian scholars and have certain preferences for poetry, poetry, calligraphy, calligraphy and painting.
Although Cao Zhang's own calligraphy and painting skills were not high, he would occasionally send a few masterpieces of later generations' poems to each other, and treat each other with the courtesy of a gentleman, and it should not be difficult to slowly win their hearts.
The other group of Han Dynasty ministers were actually people who put their interests first, headed by Dong Cheng and others.
What they call "maintaining the Han Dynasty" is more about protecting their official positions and fearing that they will lose the opportunity to make money.
The same goes for all the major noble families, who are only interested in profit. They will support whoever gives them enough power, status, and interests behind them.
Even the Cao family and the Xiahou family's purpose of supporting Cao Cao was not simple. In addition to the kinship relationship between the two parties, they also attached great importance to the huge rewards that Cao Cao would bring to them after he succeeded.
For them, as long as they have enough economic benefits to win over them, they can rely on and support them.
It's just that Cao Zhang still has to think hard about what kind of benefits he should use to win over them.
The brewing business carried out in Qiao County can be profitable, mainly because of the availability of rare goods and its monopoly status.
However, if the wine-making technology or sales opportunities are given to more people, it will inevitably weaken his own income. Cao Zhang will definitely not do this when a large amount of funds are needed in the early stage.
He had to come up with other ways to make money and cooperate with Han Dynasty ministers, nobles, and clansmen.
"Yuan Zhi, your suggestion makes sense. Let me think about it carefully. Once I have a specific plan, I will negotiate with you." Cao Zhang expressed his approval of Xu Shu's suggestion, and then told the other party that he needed time to prepare.
Xu Shu nodded: "Young Master, there is no need to be impatient. We just need to proceed steadily and step by step."
Cao Zhang nodded and said to everyone: "Okay, we can discuss this matter later. It's getting late. Let's all go back to rest and prepare for tomorrow's hunt. Even if we don't compete for first place, we must behave appropriately and not let others notice. We gave up on purpose.”
Xu Huang and others bowed their hands and saluted: "Here!"
…
Early the next morning, at dawn, the North Gate of Xudu was already bustling with activity.
In the open space outside the city, the generals of the Cao family and Xiahou family, each with dozens of soldiers, lined up here.
They were all wearing helmets and armor, and they were equipped with strong bows, crossbows and enough arrows. They were holding weapons and looked majestic, waiting in line.
At the front of the clan team were the personal guards led by Cao Pi and Cao Zhi.
Today, Cao Pi put on a suit of chain armor, with tiger head shoulder pads on each shoulder, a hard bow on his shoulder, and a sword hanging on his waist, making him look heroic.
Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu were also wearing armor and each held weapons. They stood on both sides of Cao Pi. Their eyes looked fierce and murderous.
Behind them are dozens of carefully selected personal guards, all of whom are well prepared and ready to fight at any time.
Cao Zhi was wearing a white armor today, but he was thin and a little thin, far less majestic than Cao Pi.
Although the personal guards behind him were also carefully selected, because of his own lack of momentum, it seemed that his personal guards were also a bit weaker.
Cao Pi glanced sideways at Cao Zhi beside him, with a contemptuous sneer on his lips, obviously feeling that Cao Zhi was no match for him.
However, Cao Zhi didn't notice the expression of Cao Pi next to him at all. He just kept looking in the direction of the city gate and said with some worry: "Why isn't Brother Ziwen here yet? Isn't he delayed?"
Cao Pi snorted coldly: "Ziwen is very brave. In the past, we were no match for him. He must have made careful preparations today and wants to show off his skills."
"I think he was not delayed, but came a moment late on purpose to show everyone his majesty!"
After hearing Cao Pi's words, Cao Zhi didn't react much, and muttered in a low voice: "Brother Ziwen is already majestic, it's okay to show off..."
Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu looked at Cao Zhi's innocent appearance, but their faces showed unruly expressions, obviously they were not convinced by Cao Zhang.
Just as the conversation between a few people ended, they heard the sound of horse hooves coming from the city gate, and then saw the bodyguard team led by Cao Zhang walking out of the city gate.
Cao Zhang rode his horse and walked in the front. He was wearing a suit of chainmail, a hard bow on his shoulder, and a sword on his waist. The murderous aura exuding from his body was indeed far better than that of Cao Pi and Cao Zhi.
Following closely behind him was Li Jin. He was not wearing armor, only cloth clothes, with a sword hanging on his waist. He was still dressed in a way that would not attract attention at all.
Then came out several guards led by Xu Huang and Xiahou Ba.
Following Xu Shu's instructions to act as low-key as possible, Cao Zhang ordered Xu Huang and others to put away the newly made saddles and stirrups, which were still the previous equipment.
Xu Huang was strict in managing the army, and Cao Zhang originally focused on soldier training. Although Cao Zhang's guards deliberately restrained themselves, they were still formidable.
"Ziwen, look at your posture, you will definitely try your best to win today's hunt!?" Cao Pi greeted Cao Zhang with a smile.
Although Cao Zhang had made plans not to win deliberately, he did not show it on the surface. He responded with a smile: "Didn't my father say that winning will be a surprise? I really want to see what reward my father will give."
"Then let's see who can have the last laugh!" Cao Pi responded with a pun.
At this moment, the uniform sound of horse hooves and footsteps came from the city gate again.
Hundreds of Cao Cao's guards, a mixed team composed of Hu Shi and his elite cavalry unit, Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, walked out of the city gate neatly.
Afterwards, Cao Cao, escorted by Xu Chu, the leader of the tiger soldiers, and Cao Chun, the commander of the tiger and leopard cavalry, walked out of the city gate with yellow flying lightning claws on his crotch and the Yitian Sword on his waist.
Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi, and people from the Cao and Xiahou clans bowed together to salute Cao Cao.
Cao Cao nodded slightly in response and waved his hand to signal everyone to set off.
Everyone lined up and headed north of Xudu City.
After walking for about ten miles, a mountain range appeared in front, with a lush forest beneath the mountain.
Wild beasts often appear in the dense forest. This is the best hunting ground outside Xuchang City - Xutian Hunting Ground!
