Compared with Cao Zhang's tenderness and sweetness, Cao Cao's mood in the study room of Sikong Mansion seemed particularly complicated at this time.
Cao Ren recommended Cao Zhang, and Cao Pi, Cao Zhen, and Cao Xiu added fuel to the fire. Cao Cao knew the thoughts contained in this, but he just didn't want to expose it.
As for why Cao Zhang took the initiative to ask for a fight, Cao Cao also understood it very well.
On the first day of the month, he reviewed the best poems and essays; he sacrificed his life to protect his father and fought fierce tigers in the hunting field; now he has made Cao Gong paper and published the "Thousand Character Essay" to help him solve the problem of military expenditure, all of which reveal Cao Zhang's ability, scheming and his ambition.
Cao Zhang had unknowingly accumulated reputation, expressed his filial piety, and won over Han courtiers including Xun Yu.
In this battle, if he can really complete the military order with such harsh conditions, kill Li Jue, and regain Chang'an, Cao Zhang will have created another miracle. He will also be able to establish a strong prestige in the army, and even form a certain deterrent to everyone in the four directions. .
The purpose of Cao Zhang's doing this is undoubtedly to convey a message: I am your strongest son, Cao Cao, please pass on the title of heir apparent to me!
It was because Cao Cao felt Cao Zhang's strong desire for victory that he finally agreed to his request for a battle. However, he also knew in his heart that it would not be easy to attack Li Jue. Cao Cao was not sure how sure he was.
The more Cao Cao thought about it, the more anxious he became. He only felt a headache, which became more and more serious, and finally reached the point of splitting headache.
Cao Cao stretched out his hand and slapped his forehead repeatedly, but it did not relieve his pain at all. As he continued to slap, he shouted loudly: "Someone, come quickly!"
Mrs. Bian heard Cao Cao's shouting and rushed from the back hall. Seeing Cao Cao's painful look, she hurried forward and asked: "Ah Mao, what's wrong with you?"
Cao Cao pointed to his head and kept shouting: "Headache, headache!"
Mrs. Bian hurried forward and kneaded Cao Cao's temples with her hands.
After a while, Cao Cao's headache slowly eased and calmed down.
"Ah Ma, what's wrong with you? Do you want the medical officer to come and take a look?" Mrs. Bian asked with concern.
Cao Cao shook his head helplessly: "I have a heart disease that doctors can't cure!"
A servant from Sikong Mansion came in and reported: "Sikong, Xun Lingjun and Military Advisor Guo are here, waiting outside the door!"
"The person who can cure my heart disease is here, please come quickly!" Cao Cao said to Mrs. Bian.
It was precisely because he was unsure that he sent people to ask Xun Yu and Guo Jia to listen to their opinions.
Mrs. Bian stood behind Cao Cao and continued to rub his head to relieve his pain.
Xun Yu and Guo Jia walked in and bowed to Cao Cao and Madam Bian: "Greetings to Sikong! Greetings to Madam!"
Cao Cao waved his robe sleeves, indicating that the two of them did not need to be polite, and asked directly: "Wen Ruo, Feng Xiao, what do you think is the chance of Ziwen winning this time when he goes to attack Li Jue?"
He has worked with the two for many years and is very familiar with each other's personalities. He went straight to the topic without any nonsense.
Xun Yu and Guo Jia looked at each other, and then spoke first: "I believe that Master Ziwen's chance of winning should be 50-50!"
"Based on many factors such as the number of troops, experience in facing the enemy, and the prescribed time to defeat the enemy, Young Master Ziwen does not have the advantage."
Cao Cao nodded slightly after hearing Xun Yu's words. In fact, his inner thoughts were very close to Xun Yu's, and he was not optimistic about Cao Zhang, so he was so uneasy.
Cao Cao turned to Guo Jia and asked, "Fengxiao, what do you think?"
Guo Jia also echoed Xun Yu's opinion: "Lingjun and I have the same idea, and we also believe that the odds of victory and defeat are equal."
"Then do you think it was a wrong decision for me to agree to Ziwen to lead the troops in the battle?" Cao Cao was already unsure, and the two think tanks also expressed their lack of confidence in Cao Zhang's victory, which made him even more worried.
"My lord, although the young master has many disadvantages, the young master's overall view and vision are extremely high, and he is calm in dealing with things. These are the places where he is far better than Li Jue. As long as he responds calmly and is not eager for success, there should not be any big problems. "My lord, don't worry too much." Xun Yu quickly comforted Cao Cao.
"Yes, the young master can compile a military strategy such as "Thirty-six Strategies", which is far beyond the comparison of Li Jue. If the young master can make good use of strategies, it will not be difficult to defeat the large with the small and the strong with the weak." Guo Jia also echoed Xun Yu.
"Changing generals before the battle will greatly damage morale. Since the lord has chosen to trust Mr. Ziwen, he should be trustworthy in employing people and insist on letting him lead the troops in battle. Otherwise, it will be a huge blow to his future growth." Xun Yu. Reminding Cao Cao.
"If my lord is really worried, you can arrange for Yu Jin to bring five thousand troops and station them fifty miles west of Xudu City. If Master Ziwen is in trouble, he can respond at any time." Guo Jia proposed remedial measures to Cao Cao.
Seeing that his two most trusted advisers had chosen to support Cao Zhang in continuing to lead his troops into battle, Cao Cao felt a little more at ease.
"Okay, since both Wenruo and Fengxiao believe that Ziwen should continue to lead the troops into battle, I will not change my original intention. I think Fengxiao's suggestion just now is extremely necessary and can be arranged."
"Let Yu Jin lead five thousand soldiers, and at the same time arrange for Cao Chun's Tiger and Leopard Cavalry to be ready to respond at any time." Cao Cao explained to the two men.
After all, he is his own son, and he has performed well recently. Cao Cao also hopes to do his best to ensure his safety.
Xun Yu and Guo Jia were slightly shocked when they heard that Cao Cao did not hesitate to send all the tiger and leopard cavalry out to support Cao Zhang. They could see that Cao Cao really cared about Cao Zhang.
"When I understand, I will arrange it immediately." Xun Yu and Guo Jia agreed repeatedly.
"Remember, it must be kept secret. Don't let Ziwen know in advance." Cao Cao specifically warned him. He didn't want Cao Zhang to feel that he was not at ease with him.
At this time, Cao Cao was not only a Sikong, but also a loving father who wanted to let his son fly high, but was worried about it and was even more afraid of hurting his self-esteem.
"I understand, I will leave!" Xun Yu and Guo Jia agreed and exited Cao Cao's study.
After everything was arranged, Cao Cao felt at ease and his headache was completely gone. He waved his hand to indicate to Mrs. Bian that she didn't need to rub it anymore.
Mrs. Bian looked at Cao Cao worriedly: "Ah Ma, do you really insist on letting Ziwen go to conquer Li Jue?"
"Didn't you listen to what Wen Ruo and Feng Xiao said just now? The arrow is on the string at this time and has to be let go!" Cao Cao answered.
"Ziwen is only sixteen years old, can you really rest assured? What if something happens to him?" Mrs. Bian said distressedly.
"We have made appropriate arrangements to ensure that Ziwen is fine." Cao Cao comforted Mrs. Bian, then stood up and continued, "Ziwen is different now. Even I dare not say that I can completely see through him. You really don’t need to worry too much.”
At this point, Cao Cao sighed: "It's just a pity that Ziwen is not Zijian, and he also has Zihuan above him."
Mrs. Bian heard the hidden meaning in Cao Cao's words and raised her head to look at Cao Cao in shock, "Ah Mao, what are you..."
Cao Cao stopped talking and interrupted her with a wave of his hand: "It's late, go to bed!"
Cao Cao took the lead and walked to the back hall. Mrs. Bian looked at his back and did not dare to say anything more. She could only lower her head and follow Cao Cao to the back hall...
The Sima family's papermaking workshop is located in a small village on the outskirts of Xu County.
The early morning sunshine shines on the earth through sparse clouds, making it appear warm and peaceful.
Birds are flying in the sky, and their cheerful chirping echoes in the air.
The rippling water on the lake in the distance contrasts beautifully with the red walls and green tiles of the workshop.
Although it was just dawn, the Sima family's papermaking workshop was already extremely busy, and the craftsmen had already started working intensively.
They cooperated with each other, some chopped bamboo, some boiled juice, and some prepared filter paper.
Everyone devoted themselves wholeheartedly to their work, because they had all received rewards from Cao Zhang and knew that they would produce large quantities of Cao Gong paper in the future, so they were all very motivated.
Among this group of craftsmen, there is a girl who is particularly eye-catching. She is Guo Zhao.
Guo Zhao once learned the papermaking technology from her mother. She lived as a guest at Sima's house and learned that Cao Zhang had told her about papermaking, so she took the initiative to come to the papermaking workshop every day to help with the work.
Despite her young age, she has more experience and skillful skills than many craftsmen.
Guo Zhao concentrated on holding a pair of small bamboo chopsticks and gently stirring the pulp, his eyes full of persistence and love for paper.
She understands that every step is crucial and requires constant concentration to ensure the consistency and texture of the pulp are optimal.
Guo Zhao's fingers dexterously stirred the pulp, watching the formation process of the paper. Only when her request was met, she would stop and pour the pulp onto the thin bamboo strips.
Gradually, the bamboo strip in Guo Zhao's hand became heavier and heavier, and the pulp slowly solidified on the bamboo strip, forming a flawless piece of paper.
She carefully removed it from the bamboo strips and set it aside to dry with a smile.
Then, she quickly looked around to see if anyone else needed her help.
"A Zhao!" A shout came from afar.
Guo Zhao turned around and saw Sima Lang and Sima Yi coming from a distance.
"Big brother, second brother!" Guo Zhao hurriedly stepped forward to greet him.
"Why did you come to the workshop so early and don't want to sleep a little longer?" Sima Yi asked with concern.
"I couldn't sleep anyway, so I came over early to help. Big brother and second brother, didn't you guys also come early?" Guo Zhao responded with a simple smile.
"I'm different from you. Mr. Zhang is about to lead the army into battle. The production of Cao's official paper and the printing and sale of "Thousand Character Classic" have been handed over to our family. I don't dare to neglect it at all. .”
"Originally, this was a great opportunity to show off to Mr. Zhang, but your second brother and third brother were unwilling to join the officialdom. I was just trying to convince you that your second brother agreed to help me in the workshop. If it hadn't been for your help before , I'm really exhausted." Sima Lang replied to Guo Zhao's words, while pointing at Sima Yi next to him and complaining helplessly.
"Second brother and third brother just want to study hard. Brother, please don't embarrass them. Just tell me if you have anything to do in the future." Guo Zhao advised Sima Lang on behalf of Sima Yi.
Sima Lang did not calm down, and continued to accuse Sima Yi: "If you don't want to become an official, we can talk about it later. But making new paper and printing the "Thousand Character Classic" can both make money and fame for the Sima family. He still resisted doing things that would benefit all people, and if my father hadn't spoken out in the end, he wouldn't have come."
Sima Yi respectfully explained to Sima Lang: "Brother, it's not that I don't want to help, but once you step in, you can never get out again. Brother, you actually know better than me how deep the water is here."
Sima Lang was about to speak when he heard a noise coming from the door of the workshop: "You can't go in, you can't go in!"
Brother Sima and Guo Zhao were both stunned. They turned to look at the door, only to see that Cao Pi, accompanied by Cao Zhen and Cao Xiu, had already broken in after pushing aside the obstruction of several craftsmen.
"Master Cao Pi, what is he here for?" Sima Lang murmured in confusion, but he did not dare to show any signs of neglect and hurried forward to greet him.
Sima Yi looked at Cao Pi in the distance and his elder brother who came forward, and muttered helplessly: "Look, I just said the water is deep, the trouble is already here." Then he could only follow helplessly.
Guo Zhao was worried about Brother Sima and hurriedly followed him.
Sima Lang quickly walked up to Cao Pi and others and ordered the craftsmen: "Don't be rude!"
The craftsmen retreated after receiving his instructions.
Sima Lang respectfully saluted Cao Pi and the others: "Greetings to the three young masters! I wonder what the three young masters are doing here?"
Cao Pi pretended to be calm and said: "Boda, isn't your family responsible for manufacturing Cao Gong paper and printing the Thousand Character Classic? The three of us also want to buy a batch of Cao Gong paper and a few copies of The Thousand Character Classic." , but it seems like your family doesn’t welcome us.”
Sima Yi hurriedly stepped forward and said: "Young Master has misunderstood. You are here to buy Cao Gong Paper and the Thousand-Character Classic. Naturally, we welcome you. However, this is a paper-making workshop, not a book shop. Please move the three young masters. Go to the bookstore and we will immediately deliver papers and books to the young masters for you to choose from."
Cao Pi pretended to be stunned: "Oh, that's it. I'm too lazy to leave, so I'll just take a look here. Zi Dan and Wen Lie, you go to the book store with the two Sima Masters to choose. Remember, you must Choose carefully."
Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen understood and immediately urged Sima Lang and Sima Yi: "Let's go, take us to choose."
Sima Lang said anxiously: "Sir, this is a paper-making workshop. It is a top-secret place. Outsiders are not allowed to enter and watch..."
Cao Zhen said dissatisfied: "What did you just say? Outsiders? Let me ask you, do the Cao Gong Paper and "Thousand Character Classic" you sell belong to our Cao family? Then tell me, are we considered outsiders?"
Sima Lang, who was generally eloquent, was speechless when asked by Cao Zhen, and was so embarrassed that he didn't know how to respond.
Sima Yi reacted quickly and wanted to defend himself, but Cao Xiu and Cao Zhen never gave him a chance to talk to Sima Lang, so they set up a fight with the two brothers and left.
The two Cao Cao were both military generals, and the Sima brothers were both weak scholars. Wherever they were stronger, they would just carry them away.
Cao Pi watched them leave, smiled and turned to look at Guo Zhao who was standing aside: "Miss Guo, can you show me around?"
However, Guo Zhao was very rude to Cao Pi and said with a cold face: "Master, the paper making and printing of "Thousand Character Classic" are the responsibility of Master Ziwen to the Sima family, and they are strictly kept secret. Although you are also a member of the Cao Pi family, I can't let you Feel free to move around here.”
Cao Pi didn't care at all, and said with a smile: "Miss Guo, I don't understand the technology of papermaking, so what can I do if I just look at it?"
As Cao Pi said this, he wanted to step forward and take the opportunity to hold Guo Zhao's hand.
Guo Zhao ducked out of the way anxiously and opened his stance to stop Cao Pi: "Sir, if you force your way in again, I'm going to take action."
Cao Pi didn't care at all, but said with a bit of joking: "Do it? Okay, I want to see how you can stop me. Not to mention you, even if Ziwen comes, he can't stop me as a brother. Let’s take a look at the paper mill!”
As soon as Cao Pi finished speaking, a cold response came from the door of the paper mill: "Who said I wouldn't stop it?!"
Cao Pi was startled when he heard the voice, and quickly turned his head to look, only to see Cao Zhang striding into the papermaking workshop.
What surprised Cao Pi even more was that those who walked in with Cao Zhang were several school officials from the school affairs office headed by Zhao Da. They all drew their swords from their sheaths and quickly surrounded Cao Pi...
