Luoyang, the capital of Wei, is the residence of the general.
Cao Shuang met with several casual knights, ministers, and ministers in the main hall. After dealing with some trivial matters inside and outside the court, everyone went to deal with the affairs at hand.
At this moment, Cao Shuang was holding a wolf brush in his hand, unfolding the papyrus, and planning to write a personal letter and send it to Wen Qin of Lujiang County in Yangzhou.
After hearing about Zhuge Dan's actions in Yangzhou, Cao Shuang did not feel angry, but admired Zhuge Dan's actions very much.
Although he likes Wen Qin very much, it does not mean that he is completely tolerant of Wen Qin's arrogant and criminal character. However, Wen Qin and himself are from the same hometown and have a good relationship, and Wen Qin is unstoppable. That's why Cao Shuang paid close attention to him personally. If Wen Qin could restrain his personality, Cao Shuang would naturally be more satisfied.
But now Zhuge Dan is fighting with Wen Qin in a battle of wits and courage, and has completely subdued Wen Qin, which is naturally beneficial to his rule in Yangzhou.
But Cao Shuang was also worried that the rude Wen Qin would hold a grudge against Zhuge Dan because of this incident. Therefore, Cao Shuang wrote a personal letter to warn and appease Wen Qin.
After a while, Cao Shuang wrote the letter and delivered it to his cronies.
In addition, Zhuge Dan repeatedly told him about the ineffectiveness of Yangzhou school affairs, so Cao Shuang naturally did not dare to be careless. Since the time of his grandfather, Emperor Wu, Cao Cao, school officials have not only had high power, but also have very reliable ability to do things. I have never encountered problems like the ones that have appeared one after another in Yangzhou. Therefore, Cao Shuang planned to call He Zeng, the servant who was also in charge of the Fujun School, to talk to him personally.
Not long after, He Zeng received the summons from the General and immediately rushed from Shizhong Temple to the General's Mansion.
As soon as they met, Cao Shuang enthusiastically took He Zeng's hand and exchanged warm greetings:
"Yingkao, Gu Ke has finally met you. We are both busy with official duties, so we haven't seen each other for almost a month, right?"
He Zeng smiled and said:
"The General has a very good memory. Since the last time I said goodbye to him, I haven't visited the General's residence for more than a month."
Cao Shuang pulled He Zeng into the hall and said with a smile:
"Yingkao, you haven't had breakfast yet. I know you are particular about your diet. This is the camel's hoof soup specially prepared by Gu Te. You might as well try it."
Although He Zeng had the reputation of pure filial piety, he was extravagant in his daily diet. Although this camel hoof soup was extremely precious and could be eaten by several people in Luoyang, He Zeng was already used to it, so he didn't actually have the slightest trace of it at this time. appetite.
It's just that this is a banquet arranged by the general himself, so he never dared to reveal his true thoughts. Moreover, the general was eating with gusto at this time. If he showed a dissatisfied look, wouldn't he have offended the other party?
Therefore, He Zeng could only praise and eat at the same time.
Not long after, the two of them finished their breakfast. After Cao Shuang ordered his servants to clear the banquet, he started talking about business:
"Yingkao, actually I called you here today because I really want to ask you something."
He Zeng immediately bowed his head and said:
"I don't know what the general asked me about, but Zeng must have told me everything he knew."
Cao Shuang nodded and said:
"Yingkao, Lord of Zhuge Mansion in Yangzhou, has been in office for a while. In order to facilitate his affairs, Gu Qian specifically ordered you, Yingkao, to arrange a few capable school officials for him. Do you still remember this?"
He Zeng's face changed slightly when he heard this, but he immediately returned to normal and bowed his head and said:
"Reporting to the general, it is true that this matter has happened, and I have not forgotten it because of my humble position. How come there was something wrong with those school officials?"
Cao Shuang did not reply, but nodded and continued to look at He Zeng. However, at this time, Cao Shuang's eyes were obviously less enthusiastic and more cold.
He Zeng was extremely nervous at this moment. He immediately replied and explained:
"Reporting to the general, I work at Shizhong Temple every day. Business is really very busy. I know that the general trusts me, so he handed over the school affairs office to me. However, there is already a problem down there. Naturally, someone with a humble position would not dare to forcefully occupy the important position of Fujun School..."
In Cao Shuang's heart, he now understood a very dangerous fact. Either He Zeng was really busy and was unable to do his best, which is why something went wrong. Either he had already had an affair with the Sima family, so he would use school affairs to secretly restrain Zhuge Dan.
Cao Shuang understood that now was not the time to conduct a thorough investigation, so he chose to believe He Zeng for the last time.
After all, they were all brothers who had been fighting together in the East Palace, accompanying the late emperor. Cao Shuang did not want to lose He Zeng just like this.
After understanding He Zeng's thoughts, Cao Shuang could only acquiesce to He Zeng's suggestion.
During this period, Cao Shuang took matters into his own hands and felt quite tired after handling many trivial government affairs, so he directly handed over a large number of documents and orders to He Yan, Deng Yang, Ding Mi, and his staff to handle. I am only responsible for making some major decisions.
Therefore, Cao Shuang had nothing to do today, so he held a banquet in the back garden, intending to have a banquet with his brothers and all the soldiers, chief historians, and retainers.
By the way, Cao Shuang also wanted to ask everyone if there is a suitable candidate to take up the position of Fujun School Secretary.
Not long after, everyone at the table had arrived. After three drinks, just when everyone was in the mood, a soldier from the family came to the back garden.
"Reporting to the general, the Marquis of Changling asks for an audience."
"Oh? Taichu?" Cao Shuang was slightly drunk at this time, his cheeks were red. He held up the wine bottle and laughed: "He came just in time. Please ask him to join us and have a drink with us!"
"Reporting to the general, the Marquis of Changling said that he has something to discuss with the general alone."
"Go and tell Taichu that everyone here is one of our own. If anything happens, just let him come in and tell him. It doesn't matter!"
"Wei." The soldiers took the order and left the garden to spread the message.
After a while, everyone saw Xia Houxuan, dressed in white and striding like lightning, coming to the back garden. He seemed to have a trace of anger in his sonorous steps, so that the jade pendants and rings hanging on his body kept colliding with each other, making a pleasant "ding dong" sound. Voices.
"General, I have something important to discuss with the general in detail. I hope you will be able to retreat!"
Cao Shuang couldn't help but be startled when he saw Xia Houxuan's expression. He felt that Xia Houxuan was a little excited. He was afraid that there would be a dispute and lose face in front of outsiders, so he expelled the army chief Shi and others, leaving only a few younger brothers.
"What's going on in Taichu?" Cao Shuang was full of suspicion and couldn't help but frown and asked.
"General, Xuan boldly asks, was it the general who personally appointed someone to handle the matter of setting up a military camp in Chenliu County in Yanzhou and moving people to Wei County in Jizhou a few years ago?"
Xia Houxuan was full of anger at the moment. After his cousin Cao Shuang came to power, Xia Houxuan had no intention of participating in the party struggle. However, he could not bring down the Sima family and avenge his dead relatives and friends on his own, so he could only rely on Cao Shuang. However, Nowadays, what Cao Shuang does seems to completely ignore people's livelihood and just blindly fight for power and profit. How can I not be disappointed with this cousin?
Cao Shuang saw that the other party was really rude and it was a bit too much. He snorted coldly and replied arrogantly:
"So what if it was done by Gu? Could it be that I offended you in some way?"
"General, does he know that thousands of families in Chenliu County moved to Wei County and were displaced? The general did not offer any compensation. He suffered an earthquake a few months ago, but he was indifferent and allowed the victims to wander around. Why?!"
No matter how arrogant Cao Shuang is, facing Xia Houxuan's righteousness at this moment, he can't help but feel deeply ashamed. At first, he just followed Deng Yang and Ding Mi's plan and planned to occupy Chenliu for profit. Who would have thought that there would be so many changes.
There was no one around him at this moment, so he thought to himself, it would be better to surrender to his cousin and admit his mistake, and then send people to Chenliuhaha to appease the victims, and the matter would be over.
After all, Xia Houxuan's talent was extraordinary, and he couldn't just break up with him.
Just when Cao Shuang was about to offer some words of comfort, Xia Houxuan lost control of his emotions. Xia Houxuan said sharply:
"The people of the world originally had high hopes for the general, but they did not expect that the monarch would do such an immoral thing. It really chills the hearts of the people of the world!"
Cao Shuang was already a little drunk. When he heard that Xia Houxuan said that he was an "immoral" person, he couldn't help but feel angry and furious. He picked up a wine bottle on the table and threw it at Xia Houxuan. Fortunately, This hit was poorly aimed and did not hurt Xia Houxuan. He shouted hysterically at Xia Houxuan:
"Xiahou Taichu, don't think that just because you are famous, you are great. Don't take my cousin seriously! Don't forget that you are the great general!"
Xia Houxuan did not expect that Cao Shuang would not repent, and was very angry. He threw the bamboo slips of advice he wrote on the ground, rolled up his sleeves, and turned around to leave.
Seeing that Xia Houxuan was out of control, Cao Xi was afraid that he would have a rift with his eldest brother, so he hurriedly chased him out, intending to explain and comfort him.
When Xia Houxuan arrived in the front yard, he saw Deng Yang and Ding Mi whispering to each other. He said to them righteously: "Deng Xuanmao and Ding Yanjing, I hope that in the future you will do things less for personal gain, and don't let your greed get the better of you." He made a mistake and trapped the general in an unjust place!"
Deng and Ding were confused at this moment and couldn't help but look at each other in silence.
After a while, Cao Shuang's anger was mostly gone. Among his brothers, his cousin Xiahou from his uncle's family had the most stubborn temper.
Moreover, my cousin is well-known in the court, the army, and among the scholars. Even the ministers of the Taifu Party praise my cousin quite a lot.
What's more, what Xia Houxuan said was indeed his fault, and he should listen to his advice.
Regardless of whether it was for public or private reasons, Cao Shuang felt that he should send someone to admit his mistake to his cousin.
He sighed and bent down to pick up the scrolls that Xia Houxuan had dropped to the ground and scattered into bamboo slips.
"This boy's literary talent is getting better and better." Cao Shuang read Xia Houxuan's memorial letter and his anger was completely gone.
"Someone is coming."
"I'm in a humble position, what are your orders, General?"
Yang Zong, the chief clerk, came to the pavilion in the back garden.
"Yang Zong, go and give an order to Deng Yang and Ding Mi. Tell them to transfer money and food from the treasury and go to Weijun in Jizhou and Chenliu in Yanzhou to relieve the disaster and appease the victims. If they don't do it well, they will be severely punished. "
"promise."
"Also, you should send someone to tell Gu's third brother again and ask him to go and apologize to the Marquis of Changling on Gu's behalf."
"I understand."
After Yang Zong, the chief clerk, bowed and saluted, he was about to exit the back garden. Cao Shuang suddenly remembered something at this moment, so he immediately stopped him:
"Wait a minute! Yang Zong, when you meet your third brother later, don't forget to ask him one more thing. Ask him to ask the Marquis of Changling if he has any suitable candidates for the position of Fujun School Officer?"
―――
In the Marquis of Changling's Mansion, Xia Houxuan was still angry. He was sitting in front of the case in trance, frowning in a daze.
"Husband, calm down." Li Huigu served her husband a cup of tea.
Brother and sister Lu Zhongxiong and Lu Yan also understood that the reason for Xia Houxuan's argument with General Cao Shuang today was closely related to them.
"Taichu, I'm sorry. It was our brothers and sisters who caused you to fall out with the general. Zhongxiong is here to apologize to Taichu." The more Lu Zhongxiong thought about it, the more ashamed he felt, and he knelt down directly towards Xia Houxuan.
"Brother Lu, get up quickly, what are you doing!" Xia Houxuan was startled and hurriedly helped Lu Zhongxiong: "The reason why I went to admonish the general today is not all because of the two of you, who are in public and private affairs. For me, I will take care of this matter.”
"Your Majesty, Marquis Anxiang would like to see you." Gu Ting entered the room and said.
"Uncle Zhao? Please come quickly." As soon as Xiahou Xuan heard that Cao Xi was coming, he helped Lu Zhongxiong up and immediately went out to greet him.
"Taichu." Cao Xi smiled at Xiahou Xuan and said: "What Taichu said today was indeed my eldest brother's fault. Therefore, the eldest brother has ordered people to take charge of disaster relief matters, and he also specially asked me to come and give you Make amends."
After hearing this, Xia Houxuan's remaining anger disappeared without a trace.
"It's really gratifying that the general can correct his mistakes after he realizes them." Xia Houxuan said with a smile: "Uncle Zhao, come, your sister-in-law will cook in person today, and we brothers will have a good drink."
"Okay!" Cao Xi agreed happily.
During the dinner, Cao Xi noticed Lu Zhongxiong who was living in the house. He seemed to suddenly think of something. He said: "Taichu, my eldest brother asked me to ask you something today. Why did you resign from Fujun School today?" There is no one in charge of the school affairs officer position. Big brother would like to ask if there is a suitable candidate in Taichu?"
Xia Houxuan frowned slightly after hearing this. After thinking carefully for a long time, he answered Cao Xi:
"There is a candidate, but although this person is neat in doing things, he is a bit stubborn and domineering. I am afraid that after assuming this important position, he will be too cruel. Uncle Zhao must remember that the general must use this person carefully!"
Cao Xi asked:
"But you don't know who this person is?"
Xia Houxuan replied:
"This man's surname is Yin, and his name is the same as Mo. I heard that he has a brother named Yin Damu. He is a very generous man. I heard that he is now serving as the governor of a hundred soldiers in the general's house. Maybe the general knows about him."
Cao Xi nodded and silently wrote this person down. He turned to look at Lu Zhongxiong again, smiled and said to Xia Houxuan:
"Brother Lu has come all the way to join Taichu. Why doesn't Taichu make arrangements for Brother Lu?"
Xia Houxuan looked at Lu Zhongxiong and said with a smile:
"Brother Lu is born with supernatural powers. If you join the army, you will definitely be able to accomplish something. However, you are too loyal and upright, and it seems that you are not suitable for officialdom. Well, I have three hundred soldiers and two hundred Xuanjia guards in my house. It was originally Uncle Gu rules alone, but he has grown old these years, and I'm afraid his health won't be able to bear it. If Brother Lu doesn't mind, how about staying in my house and taking charge of these five hundred soldiers?"
After hearing this, Lu Zhongxiong was refreshed and asked excitedly:
"Does Taichu really mean what he said?"
Xia Houxuan smiled and said:
"Of course I take it seriously. Since Brother Lu agrees, it's settled!"
Cao Xi smiled, raised the wine bottle and said, "Come, Taichu, for brother Zhongxiong's promotion to the commander-in-chief of the Changling Marquis Mansion, drink to your heart's content!"
"Okay, let's do it!" Xia Houxuan and Lu Zhongxiong also raised their bottles and drank together with Cao Xi.
