Ten days passed quickly, and it was the day for Cao Zhang to go on an expedition.
According to Cao Zhang's arrangement, Xu Huang, Xiahou Ba and others publicized the news of his expedition, which spread throughout the city.
The streets and alleys of Xudu were crowded with onlookers, all wanting to catch a glimpse of the heroic figure of the young master of the Cao family, who had made a great success in the Moon Festival, when he put on his armor.
Naturally, there are many girls who admire him, and they are all looking forward to Cao Zhang's appearance.
With the sound of the horn, Cao Zhang's army lined up through the streets of Xudu and marched toward the west gate of Xudu.
"Master Ziwen is here!" Along with a girl's scream, the crowd of onlookers became restless.
Cao Zhang came from a distance under the escort of a hundred-man personal guard led by Li Jin. He was wearing a brand-new armor and a sword across his waist, looking majestic. The war horse under his crotch has also been changed. It is tall and strong, matching Cao Zhang, making him appear more heroic.
Behind him, a flag-bearer held high a deliberately made banner with the four characters "Defeat the Enemy and Win" written on it.
Walking through the streets and alleys under such a battle, Cao Zhang immediately became the focus of everyone's eyes.
"So majestic!" "Young hero!" The crowd kept shouting in admiration.
Cao Zhang took it calmly, smiling and nodding to the onlookers from time to time. Wherever he looked, there would be bursts of screams and cheers.
Not far behind Cao Zhang were Xiahou Ba, Xu Huang and Xu Shu.
Xiahou Ba admired enviously: "It would be great if I could have such prestige sometime."
"General Xiahou is a young and talented man. As long as he follows Master Ziwen, he will surely be granted the title of lord and general and be admired by thousands of people in the future." Xu Shu comforted him with a smile.
Xiahou Ba was coaxed into laughing: "If I can be granted the title of marquis and general, Mr. Yuan Zhi and General Gongming will definitely be in high positions."
The three of them laughed easily together, obviously full of confidence in winning this expedition.
Xia Houshang and Xia Houru were wearing armor and riding horses with their own soldiers and followed the three of them slowly. Listening to their jokes, they looked at each other. Apparently in their hearts, they thought Xu Shu and others were too childish and arrogant. .
The army moved forward slowly and arrived at the west gate of Xudu.
Cao Cao, escorted by Hu soldiers led by Xu Chu, was already waiting here to see him off. Cao Pi and Cao Zhi, accompanied by their respective ministers, also followed.
Cao Zhang and others rode their horses out of the city gate. Cao Cao led the first horse to greet him: "Ziwen!"
Cao Zhang hurriedly raised his hands on his horse and saluted: "Father, please forgive me for being in armor and unable to salute!"
"Okay, no need to be polite. Today you are leading an army for the first time. My father is here to see you off. I hope you will be careful. I am waiting for you to come back victorious." Cao Cao said to Cao Zhang with a loving look on his face.
"Thank you, father! I will definitely live up to my father's high expectations." Cao Zhang responded.
Cao Cao approached Cao Zhang and said in a low voice: "Today, I have another news for you. Yuan Shao replied to my letter and agreed to my request. It was agreed that within one year, he would build the palace, and I would nurse the emperor back to health. Send the emperor to Yecheng!"
After hearing this, Cao Zhang showed a relaxed smile on his face: "This Yuan Shao is indeed headstrong and arrogant. A few words of weakness from his father made him lose himself."
"In just one year, our sales of Cao Gong Paper and "Thousand Character Classic" have reached a large scale, and we can accumulate a large amount of military supplies."
"Father can also take advantage of the time when Yuan Shao is fully engaged in dealing with Gongsun Zan and stabilize the princes in the southwest first. One year later will be the day when we and Yuan Shao will officially fight!"
Cao Cao nodded with satisfaction: "Thanks to your strategy this time, we were able to gain valuable time this year. Ziwen, you are really good at reading people, and you caught Yuan Shao's fate in one go."
"Father, thank you very much. Please rest assured, father. I will wipe out Li Jue as soon as possible and pacify the northwest. Then I will come back to help my father stabilize the southwest as soon as possible and prepare for the decisive battle with Yuan Shao!" Cao Zhang said solemnly.
"Okay, it is indeed my Huang Xu'er. You are so heroic and courageous. My father did not misjudge you." Cao Cao laughed happily.
Cao Pi and Cao Zhi did not get close to the two of them and could not hear the content of their conversation. Cao Pi still felt a little sour and uncomfortable when he saw Cao Cao's happy look from a distance.
Cao Pice immediately stepped forward and came to Cao Zhang: "Ziwen, today you are going on an expedition. This cloak is given to you. I hope you will be invincible and invincible!"
After Cao Pi finished speaking, he waved his hand. A soldier had already walked up to Cao Zhang carrying a tray. In the tray was a folded red cloak.
"Thank you, brother!" Cao Zhang knew that Cao Pi's purpose was to sell well in front of Cao Cao, and also to invite people's hearts, but he did not betray him. Instead, he bowed respectfully and thanked him, and bent down to take the cloak.
He unfolded the cloak directly on the horse and put it on his body. The bright red cloak became more vivid under the sunlight and swayed gently in the breeze, adding to Cao Zhang's domineering appearance.
Cao Cao looked at the "close" appearance of the two brothers and just smiled and nodded without saying a word.
Cao Zhi on the side watched Cao Cao and Cao Pi say goodbye to Cao Zhang one after another, but he just froze in place, smiling simply without any expression.
Yang Xiu beside him couldn't help but urged in a low voice: "Master Zijian, where is the farewell gift I asked you to prepare last night, why don't you send it over?"
Cao Zhi slapped his head in embarrassment: "Oh, I was so busy reciting poetry and drinking last night that I forgot about the gift."
Yang Xiu was anxious at that time: "Master, how could you forget such an important thing? This is a great opportunity to show off in front of Sikong and the world. Look, the limelight has been stolen by these two young masters. ”
Cao Zhi looked at Yang Xiu helplessly: "I, I didn't mean it..."
Yang Xiu rolled his eyes and immediately had an idea: "Quickly, compose a poem for Prince Ziwen!"
"Is this okay?" Cao Zhi hesitated.
"It will definitely work. Think quickly, it will be too late." Yang Xiu urged Cao Zhi.
After all, Cao Zhi was a talented man of the generation. After calming down and thinking for a while, he already had the content. He looked at Yang Xiu and nodded, then rode his horse forward and said to Cao Zhang: "Brother is going on an expedition today. I will compose a poem for you!"
Cao Zhang had long noticed the low-pitched conversation between Cao Zhi and Yang Xiu. Although he couldn't hear what they said, he knew that Yang Xiu must have asked Cao Zhi to come forward and show off.
Judging from Cao Zhi's state, it was obvious that this poem was improvised. He could complete it in such a short time, so he was really talented.
"Thank you dear brother, I am all ears!" Cao Zhang responded with his hands in thanks.
"The white horse is decorated with golden fetters, galloping northwest. May I ask who's son, You and the knight-errant..." Cao Zhi began to recite impassionedly, and what he wrote was the famous work "The White Horse" that was passed down to later generations.
