Cao Zhang frowned and thought hard, saying nothing.
Mrs. Bian stood aside and looked at the frowning Cao Zhang, thinking that her words had already moved him, so she was not in a hurry to persuade him anymore, and quietly waited for Cao Zhang to make a decision.
She also knew in her heart that only if Cao Zhang opened his heart, could this matter have a proper outcome. If you push yourself too hard, it will only make Cao Zhang hate Cao Pi even more, but it will backfire and fail to achieve good results.
While Cao Zhang was thinking hard, there was a rapid sound of horse hooves in the distance. It seemed that several fast horses were galloping and stopped in front of the gate of the mansion.
A moment later, Xiahou Ba's shout came from outside: "Ziwen, I'm back!"
When Cao Zhang heard the shouting, he had a look of joy on his face. He was worried that he could not solve it, so Xiahou Ba came back. It was really timely.
Mrs. Bian heard Xiahou Ba's voice and knew that he had returned with the search results. She was also very surprised and said to Cao Zhang: "Ziwen, get up quickly, it's Zhong Quan who is back!"
Cao Zhang got up from the ground and turned to look in the direction of the door. Xia Houba, Xia Hojuan, and Ma Yunlu walked in from the outside.
Xiahou Ba was about to speak to Cao Zhang, but he found Mrs. Bian standing in the room. He hurriedly stepped forward and knelt down to salute: "Xiahou Ba, meet Madam!"
When Xia Houjuan saw Mrs. Bian, he also hurriedly saluted: "Juan'er, hello to Mrs. Bian!"
Then, she gently stretched out her hand and pulled Ma Yunlu, indicating that she should also salute quickly.
Ma Yunlu reacted and quickly bowed and saluted Madam Bian: "Country girl Ma Yunlu pays homage to Madam!"
Mrs. Bian smiled and stepped forward to help Xiahou Ba and Xiahou Juan: "Get up, Zhong Quan and Juan'er, you brothers and sisters have worked hard."
She saw Ma Yunlu and asked doubtfully: "Who is this girl? I looked at her, but I didn't seem to have seen her before."
Cao Zhang hurriedly introduced to Mrs. Bian: "Mother, this is Ma Yunlu, the daughter of Ma Teng, the new governor of Yongzhou. Her eldest brother is my sworn brother Ma Chao and Ma Mengqi. She is also my... confidante."
At the end, Cao Zhang felt it was necessary to express his relationship with Ma Yunlu, so he directly said the words "confidante".
When Mrs. Bian heard Cao Zhang's introduction, she showed a look of surprise on her face, and turned her head to look at Ma Yunlu carefully.
Ma Yunlu acted calmly and generously, just lowering his head slightly and letting Mrs. Bian look at him.
"She is worthy of being the daughter of a famous general from Xiliang. She is so handsome and beautiful. Ziwen, I only know that you and Juan'er were childhood sweethearts. Did you get to know this girl during your expedition to Chang'an?" Mrs. Bian looked at Ma Yunlu sincerely. The ground exclaimed in admiration.
"Yes, mother, we were able to capture Chang'an this time. Thanks to Yunlu who helped me think of the water attack strategy. She and I also had a similar affection, so we brought her back to Xudu together. Zhongquan went to Chang'an to investigate the case, and Juan'er She has never been to the northwest, so I asked Yunlu to accompany her to experience some of the northwest scenery!" Cao Zhang introduced to Mrs. Bian.
Xia Houjuan also immediately raised his head and added: "Yes, this time I went to Chang'an. Sister Yunlu took good care of me all the way and took me to see many interesting places. She was very kind to me."
Mrs. Bian looked at the two girls with relief and nodded: "It's rare that you two sisters have such a deep love for each other and get along so harmoniously. Ziwen is lucky to have you two virtuous wives."
Mrs. Bian took off a gold hairpin from her head and handed it to Ma Yunlu's hand: "I came to Ziwen's house in a hurry today. I didn't know that you would come back today without making any preparations, so I gave you this gold hairpin first. As a meeting gift. When you and Ziwen get married in the future, I will have a generous gift for you."
Mrs. Bian's words undoubtedly recognized Ma Yunlu's identity, and she hurriedly bowed to Mrs. Bian to thank her.
After Mrs. Bian comforted Ma Yunlu, she did not forget the purpose of her trip, and asked Xiahou Ba with concern: "Zhong Quan, you went to Chang'an to investigate clues, have you found any evidence?"
Xiahou Ba responded with an apologetic look: "Back to Madam, I searched carefully at Li Jue's residence in Chang'an and found no letters indicating that he was colluding with others in military affairs. We also searched everywhere carefully and found nothing."
"On the way back, we also went to Hangu Pass and Luoyang to look for the places where Li Jue once camped, but we couldn't find them." Ma Yunlu added.
Cao Zhang knew that Ma Yunlu's addition was actually to explain why they had been gone for so long, and he appreciated her reaction in his heart.
It's just that Xiahou Ba went here and found no evidence, which still made him feel a little disappointed. After all, he still lost a perfect opportunity to punish Cao Pi.
After listening to Xiahou Ba's report, Mrs. Bian showed a faint smile on her face. She turned to Cao Zhang and said, "Ziwen, look, Zhong Quan also checked and found no evidence. This proves that I just told you What you said makes sense. Since we can’t find any clues and the matter can’t be dragged on like this, you’d better release Zihuan first.”
When Xiahou Ba heard Mrs. Bian persuading Cao Zhang to release Cao Pi, he was a little anxious and wanted to speak, but Cao Zhang had already noticed it and kicked him lightly at his feet to signal him to shut up.
Although Xiahou Ba was unwilling to accept it, he knew that Cao Zhang had other plans and did not dare to say anything more.
Cao Zhang respectfully said to Mrs. Bian: "My mother is right. We can't find any concrete evidence now, so it's really not appropriate to delay it any longer. I'm going to see my father now, truthfully report the situation I have now, and ask my father to release Zi Huan." Brother."
When Mrs. Bian heard that Cao Zhang was willing to see Cao Cao and release Cao Pi, she smiled happily: "That's right. Okay, I won't be staying with you for a short time, and I'm ready to go back. Why don't you just follow me?" Let's go together, it just so happens that we can talk again."
Cao Zhang understood that Mrs. Bian still had something to say to him, but did not want to do it in front of the Xiahou brothers and Ma Yunlu, so he immediately agreed knowingly: "Yes, I will send my mother back."
Cao Zhang turned to Xia Houba and the others: "Zhong Quan, you have worked hard all the way. Take a good rest. I will send my mother back to Sikong Mansion first. If you have anything to say, wait until I come back."
After Cao Zhang finished speaking, he stepped forward to help Mrs. Bian and walked out together.
Xiahou Ba and the other three hurriedly saluted respectfully and sent Mrs. Bian and Cao Zhang off.
Xiahou Ba looked at the mother and son leaving, and said with some reluctance: "Did we come back at the wrong time? If I had known, we would have delayed our return for a few more days."
"The pawnshops, banks, and escort agencies in Chang'an and Yongliang Prefectures have all opened, and the business is running normally, which means that everything that brother Ziwen wants to arrange is almost arranged. It should be a good time for us to come back now. Brother Zhongquan, you Stop thinking blindly, listen to brother Ziwen and go rest first." Ma Yunlu comforted Xia Houba.
Xia Houjuan also echoed: "Yes, brother, sister Yunlu is so smart, she can definitely guess what brother Ziwen is up to, just listen to her."
When Xiahouba saw that the two girls said this, he no longer hesitated and nodded: "Okay, I am indeed exhausted from running all the way. I have to take a good bath first, relax and eat something good at night." It’s been replenished.”
On the streets of Xudu.
The carriage that Mrs. Bian and Cao Zhang were riding in moved slowly.
In order to make it easier to talk to Mrs. Bian, Cao Zhang did not ride alone but also sat in the carriage of the carriage.
"Ziwen, if you listen to your mother's advice and come with me to see your father, you will no longer embarrass Zihuan. He is a good and sensible boy. My mother is very happy." Mrs. Bian took Cao Zhang's hand and said happily.
Cao Zhang looked at Mrs. Bian who was hesitant to speak. Mrs. Bian saw it and said, "Ziwen, mother knows that you must still feel uncomfortable. If you have anything to say, just say it. Mother will make the decision for you."
Cao Zhang then said: "Mother, let me tell you the truth. I admit that I did deliberately keep brother Zihuan in prison, but I did not do it to compete for the position of the heir apparent, but because of another matter."
"Another thing?" Mrs. Bian looked at Cao Zhang doubtfully.
"Mother, you should know that brother Zihuan once went to Sima's house to propose marriage to a girl Guo, right?" Cao Zhang directed the topic to Guo Zhao.
Mrs. Bian nodded: "Of course I know. It was Zihuan who came to beg me to intercede with your father, and your father arranged for Zixiao, Wenlie, and Zidan to propose marriage together. But I didn't expect that Miss Guo would marry me." Because of the plague, this marriage was abandoned. What's wrong, does this matter have anything to do with you Guan Zihuan? "
"Yes. Mother, let me tell you the truth, Miss Guo is also my confidante. The successful development of Cao Gongzhi is all thanks to Miss Guo. My son was in love with her before he went to war, and they made a lifelong commitment to each other. ." Cao Zhang told Mrs. Bian about his relationship with Guo Zhao.
After hearing this, Mrs. Bian was shocked: "You said Miss Guo is your confidante? Isn't that Zihuan..."
"That's right, he just wanted to steal my love while I was away in Xudu. After I returned to Xudu, I was very angry when I learned about this. I did hate him a little."
"Miss Guo's life and death have been uncertain. I was afraid that brother Zihuan would continue to harass her and affect her recovery, so I took this step and kept him in prison. But in fact, I never thought about what to do to him. Just wanted to teach him a lesson."
"Now I have invited the famous doctor Zhang Zhongjing from Jingzhou to diagnose and treat Miss Guo. He said that Miss Guo can be cured. My anger has gone away. In fact, even if you don't come to me today, as long as Zhongquan comes back, he will not find Brother Zihuan's collaborator. If there is any evidence, I will report it to my father immediately and ask him to release brother Zihuan." Cao Zhang made a sincere look and told Mrs. Bian his grievances.
Before Xiahou Ba came back, he had already thought of a way to deal with Cao Pi, which was to release him.
After all, the business he wanted to do had already started smoothly, and there was no possibility of Cao Pi sabotaging it; and it was indeed impossible for him to find the letter to convict Cao Pi. Then there is no need to be a villain and help Cao Zhi. It is better to let Cao Pi out and still maintain the posture of the three of them.
No matter Cao Cao or the civil and military officials, they can no longer say that they use power for personal gain. Instead, they must praise themselves for being magnanimous and impartial in enforcing the law. In this way, it is equivalent to improving one's reputation and favorability in Cao Cao's heart. This is the best result.
Since he had decided to release Cao Pi, he naturally wanted to find a reason to keep Cao Pi in prison. Cao Zhang immediately thought of Guo Zhao, so he deliberately concealed himself in front of Mrs. Bian as if he was "jealous" and had been wronged.
This sounds reasonable and reasonable, but in fact it also gives Cao Pi eye medicine and he will not suffer any loss.
Sure enough, after hearing this, Mrs. Bian showed a trace of anger on her face and complained: "This Zihuan, this is indeed too much. No wonder you are angry with him. You are right, how much jail time should he have?" God, teach him a lesson."
Later, Mrs. Bian said very apologetically: "Ziwen, at that time, my mother really didn't know about your relationship with Miss Guo, let alone that Zihuan was taking advantage of your absence to take away your love. In the end, I helped him Intercessing with your father led to this result and this incident. I am also responsible and I apologize to you."
"Mom, please don't say that. Even if brother Zihuan is wrong, he is the brother after all. I should communicate with him about this matter. If it doesn't work, I should report it to my father and mother and ask you to mediate. I shouldn't do it myself." He is petty and abusing his power for personal gain, so I imprison him as revenge."
"Thankfully, my mother came here today and gave me a heads-up to wake me up, so I didn't make a big mistake. From now on, I will definitely get back together with brother Zihuan. I will always think about my brotherhood and be filial to my mother together. I will never let my mother do anything for us again." Brother's affairs are tiring and troublesome." Cao Zhang said to Mrs. Bian sincerely.
Mrs. Bian's eyes moistened with joy, and she clapped Cao Zhang's hand with joy: "That's right, this is your mother's good son!"
Mrs. Bian wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her hands, suddenly remembered something, and said to Cao Zhang with a smile: "Ziwen, you and Juan'er were childhood sweethearts. Just now you had another girl Ma in your house, and now you have a confidante like Miss Guo. It seems that you have the true inheritance from your father when it comes to matters between men and women."
When Mrs. Bian said this, Cao Zhang lowered his head and laughed in embarrassment.
The embarrassment and estrangement between mother and son are also completely resolved in this joke.
The carriage continued to move slowly towards Sikong Mansion...
