"Hahaha," Cao Cao chuckled and invited Yang Biao to continue walking. He raised his eyes and looked into the distance and said in a deep voice: "The reputation of the Yang family in Hongnong is not just a saying that the pure will become pure and the turbid will become turbid." Someone who can stay out of it.”
"I am also helping you. If someone in the court makes slanderous remarks based on this, what will Your Majesty think?"
"So, I want Captain Yang to do his best for me and stabilize Xudu."
With Xun Yu's power alone, once a major event happened, the nobles would gather together to seize power, and they would unite with Yuan Shao of Hebei to unite internal and external forces. The outcome was unknown.
He doesn't like this kind of hidden danger, not even a trace of it.
"Mr. Cao, I don't have this ability, and even if I have something to say, there is no evidence."
"What if there is evidence?" Cao Cao turned around and stared at him, like a tiger watching its prey.
Yang Biao's heart trembled, and the hand hidden in his sleeve clenched his fist.
He was naturally nervous. It was not that Yang Biao really had any secret dealings with Huainan Yuan Shu, but Cao Cao spoke like this, as if there was conclusive evidence to frame him as a collaborator.
This made Yang Biao puzzled, and even more frightened in his heart. Cao Sikong's methods were always calm on the surface, but in fact there were undercurrents. He might not say one day that his reputation would be ruined, which was extremely terrifying.
He was speechless, just waiting for Cao Cao to continue, because whatever he said now might be wrong.
Cao Cao stared at him for a while, then laughed loudly and slapped Yang Biao on the back. At this point, the two of them had walked the stairs on both sides of the Jinwu Guards' formation together.
They strode to the square and prepared to turn out of Chengde Gate. Without the strong and determined Jinwu Guards, the atmosphere was not so depressing.
Cao Cao just finished laughing and said relaxedly: "Just now, it was just a joke."
"Sikong, this is a matter of honor for my clan, so I don't dare to treat it as a joke."
"Well, that's it," Cao Cao said in a brisk tone, "Dezu is the chief clerk of my office. He has always fulfilled his duties and demonstrated his talents. He also keeps all the documents in order for me, which I like very much."
"So, I want to take him with me to conquer Huainan. If we can win, it will be a good experience for him. He can gain both merit and experience."
Yang Biao fell into silence again, and his mood became more complicated. There was no need to ponder whether Cao Cao's compliments were true or false.
But he wanted to take Yang Xiu to the expedition, which seemed to be a merit, but he also served as an official for many years and experienced life and death. How could he not see it.
This is to keep the eldest son of the Yang family by his side to ensure that he will not act rashly in Xu.
Moreover, Cao Cao's purpose is never that simple.
Yang Biao sighed quietly in his heart: He must have persuaded me first to agree to Yang Xiu's expedition with the army, and then followed Yang's example to take away the sons of other ministers.
In this way, Cao Cao had previously promoted these clansmen to ministers in order to seek virtuous orders. This not only gave them a favor, so that everyone could receive a fair favor, but also laid an important step for today's matter.
Of course, every young talent who is successful will work hard and have their own merits.
Taking advantage of my achievements, I can naturally take him with me, and if I don't object, they certainly won't dare to object, after all, Yang always sets an example.
You can see clearly, so you are afraid.
Cao Cao's move is equivalent to the old days when the emperor asked the princes for protons to suppress their fiefdom's rebellion. If something happened, he would first kill the protons in front of his eyes, and then tell the world that he did not care about the evil of his legitimate son.
That's it, just plant someone who is unfaithful, unkind, ruthless and unjust!
"Dezu is young and weak, making it difficult for him to walk."
"Well," Cao Cao's mouth curled up, showing no emotion or anger, "last night, your son Yang Dezu went to the Shaoqing's residence in Dali Temple late at night."
"When I came to court today, Bo Chang told me that last night Dezu and our army's advisers such as Jijiu, Chenliu, Jia Xu and other advisers were on a newly acquired military sand table to discuss the strategy of attacking Huainan."
"Among them, the march route, the amount of food and grass, how to mobilize troops, who to send generals, and even how many traps were laid in Huainan were discussed in detail."
"Dezu, I heard everything from beginning to end, and I also have some insights."
"I heard that Dezu has had a photographic memory since he was a child. During the six months in our Sikong Mansion, he has fully demonstrated his talent. Not only does he have a photographic memory, but he can also remember things he has heard, even if they are thousands of times old. The humanistic and military sentiments of the words can be recited to me word for word."
"Lieutenant, what do you think...what should we do?"
Yang Biao's hands were originally crossed and hanging in front of him, but now after listening, the back of his clothes was soaked with cold sweat, and his fingers were quietly clasped, and they were already in a mess.
No wonder……
Cao Mengde came to see me today. It turned out that he had such a handle.
Dezu, Dezu, you are really smart and think you are talented...
The more you demonstrate this ability, the more people will know about it. In addition, you were actually present to listen to the military discussion last night. If there is any trouble in marching and fighting in the future, it will be directly charged with collaborating with the enemy.
Even if there is no evidence, just rumors can make you doomed.
Why are you going to Shaoqing's Mansion? !
That place is a dragon's pond and a tiger's den. It is a custom in my clan to keep friends with famous people who come from scholarly circles.
Why are you hanging out and feasting with these people who are good at conspiracy and scheming? You don’t even know how you died...
At this time, Yang Biao's shoulders slumped, and his upper body seemed to be carrying a full sack, but now it relaxed.
His hands also parted and fell on the sides of his legs, and his sleeves and robes swayed slightly. He looked much older at this moment.
He said in a deep voice: "Sikong, to prove your innocence, he should follow you, but as a father, how can you not worry about your children?"
"As a father just now, I was worried that my only son would not be able to serve as a soldier, but... I still let me go home and ask him. If he is willing, I will go to Sikong Mansion to reply immediately. How about that?"
"Well, okay, as long as you understand," Cao Cao nodded lightly.
Yang Biao added: "Just now I was thinking about it, and I remembered another truth."
"What's the point?"
"To go on an expedition abroad is to be a hero, to serve in the palace to keep the ministers at ease is to be loyal and righteous, and Sikong is a mighty soldier of the Han Dynasty. I have little talent and virtue, so I should be like a candle to protect the tranquility of the capital for Sikong, and prevent internal troubles from disturbing the morale of the army. "
"Well," Cao Cao smiled with satisfaction, "You understand, that's great."
"Go back and tell Dezu. It's best for you to tell me this news."
"Farewell Sikong."
On this day, Yang Biao came to Chengde and in front of all the civil and military officials, he bowed and sent Cao Cao onto the carriage, and then respectfully watched him drive away.
His appearance made many people see it, and their hearts were full of thoughts. It became a trend of words and swept into the homes of many courtiers in the inner city.
One night, secret sighs, surprises, puzzlements and anger abounded in the official residences. Some of the school affairs could be glimpsed and collected and summarized in the mansion for the review of theater fans.
…
When Yang Biao returned home, Yang Xiu had just returned from Sikong Mansion.
As soon as he saw his father at home, he happily went to the main hall to say hello and talked about what he had seen at Shaoqing's residence last night.
"My father didn't know, but my son finally experienced the feeling of Emperor Guangwu. The malleable map on the sand table, as if the terrain was all in front of him, is more convenient for planning and marching than drawings."
"I'm certain that this expedition against Yuan Shu will definitely catch him off guard, because our army is advancing slowly, making camp step by step, building grain roads along the way, and choosing several rivers to transport grain and grass. It can reach hundreds of miles away in a few days. How convenient!"
"In addition, Runan, Yingchuan, and Guangling are also strategically important places——"
"Dezu," Yang Biao couldn't bear to interrupt his interest, but he still called Yang Xiu.
Because he couldn't listen anymore.
Maybe last night, the evil people present in the Shaoqing's Mansion looked at their son's arrogant words and talents with a smile, and they must have thought that he was actually extremely stupid.
"Father," Yang Xiu thought he had annoyed his father by always praising others.
Or maybe something unpleasant happened in the court today.
"I, the Yang family, have always been related to the Yuan family, and your mother is the younger sister of Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu. In fact, we should avoid suspicion and avoid being criticized by others, disrupting Sikong in the rear and conquering Yuan Shu."
"Let alone being suspected of secretly communicating with Yuan Shao and taking advantage of Sikong's trip to Yangzhou to seize the Xu capital."
"In the third year of Chuping, Sikong conquered Xuzhou. In the hinterland of Yanzhou, counselor Chen Gong and Zhang Miao, the prefect of Chenliu who was one of the eight chefs at the time, wanted to welcome Lu Bu's rebellion against Sikong. However, they were tricked and they fled in defeat."
"Precisely because there was a rebellion in the rear, although they did not suffer catastrophe, no one wanted to be betrayed. Sikong is very concerned about such things."
Yang Xiu was stunned, why did he suddenly mention this.
Yang Biao took a deep breath, forced out a smile, and said kindly: "Xiu'er, you went to Shaoqing's Mansion last night, but you didn't know that the fireplace was the favorite banquet place of Cao Sikong's advisers in the early years. There are many ingenious tricks. Strategies all come from these night conversations around the stove."
"That's why Zhang Shaoqing was the one who invited us. He offered wine, was a governor, joined the army, and even the eldest son of the Cao family was there."
"That place is not what you think, a rough gathering of white men and poor families. It is the meeting place of Cao Ying..."
"Ah!" Yang Xiu stood up as if he was electrocuted when he heard this. He thought it was just for fun!
Even taking stock of generals on the sand and talking about war on paper are just new things among counselors, just for fun!
"However, the civil and military officials last night were quite lazy, drinking, having fun, and living wildly. There was no consideration given by the counselors."
"Military information, did you hear it?"
"I heard it," Yang Xiu lowered his head, and he couldn't forget it even if he wanted to.
"When you work in Sikong Mansion on weekdays, do you often show your talents of photographic memory and superhuman intelligence to outsiders?"
Yang Xiu was silent, lowered his head and stood straight. If you look carefully, you can see that his eyes are empty and his limbs are shaking slightly, as if he is in a cold environment.
That's because the more divergent he thinks now, the more terrifying he feels.
Every step I took, from the moment I entered Sikong Mansion, I stepped into Sikong's trap.
He could take it at any time and use it to make a big fuss, but Yang Xiu thought... Sikong Mansion was peaceful and there was no danger.
This can only show that he is by no means on the same level as them.
If Yang Xiu is on the mountainside, he will not see the mountain peak when he looks up, but thick clouds and mist. He does not know how high the mountain is.
This feeling of powerlessness makes you realize your own insignificance.
"Xiu'er, think about it carefully," Yang Biao sighed sincerely. "For the sake of your children and grandchildren, you chose a name when you were young. The family invited high-ranking officials to give you a reputation. Why? It's not to make you proud and complacent. He feels that he has outstanding talents and is arrogant.”
"Rather, so that you can have a stable career in the future, you should understand from an early age that the more famous you are, the more you gain, and the farther you are than your peers, the more cautious you should be, because the more you stand out from your peers, Go out and walk alone. They can look at your path to reflect on themselves, but you have to open up your own path, and it is not accessible to those without great determination."
"Now, Duke Cao has made a point, and I understand it. Therefore, my father should work hard in the court to protect the peace of Xudu, and not to cause more chaos, so as to appease Duke Cao."
"Xiu'er, you should accompany Duke Cao in the army, study diligently and work hard, go through hardships on the battlefield, get a small amount of credit, and return safely. In this way, you can survive this disaster."
"Son, son..." Yang Xiu's body was shaken and his mind was restless. His legs softened and he knelt down in front of him. He raised his hands and said miserably: "I will obey my father's teachings."
Hearing this, Yang Xiu already understood the whole story. He knew so much military information last night, which was equivalent to being manipulated by others.
If you don't act cautiously and follow the left and right, I'm afraid Cao Gong will definitely use this to get rid of the Yang family!
By then, it will really be irreparable and your reputation will be ruined!
"Xiu'er, be careful in your words and deeds in the long run. If you can understand this truth, the loss you suffered this time will not be in vain." Yang Biao sat at home for a long time, thinking about what he was waiting for Yang Xiu. What face should I use to face him when I come back?
It is of no use to criticize him harshly, because once such a big thing is revealed, Yang Xiuben will blame himself and be ashamed, so there is no need for others to insult him.
Yang Biao has always believed in this principle. Although the disciples are strict in educating their children, they should pay attention to the little things. Those who are unruly or clever in daily life should be severely punished and taken seriously.
But when they really make a big mistake due to unintentional mistakes, they themselves want to die, so they should no longer criticize and shirk, but should bear the responsibility together.
Presumably, this way he will remember it better and not develop a character that is afraid of his parents.
What Yang Biao was afraid of was not that Yang Xiu made mistakes, or in other words, parents were not afraid of their children making mistakes. What Yang Biao was most afraid of was that their children made mistakes but did not dare to tell him, which would eventually lead to irreparable disaster.
He paused and was quiet for a long time, exhaled a breath, and then said: "You must not hate Zhang Shaoqing and Guo Jijiu."
"You should ask for advice with an open mind. As for Mr. Cao Ang, if he is really an upright gentleman with a benevolent and righteous demeanor as his reputation has spread, you should follow him and not be proud of yourself."
Yang Xiu knelt on the ground, kowtowed and said, "Son, remember this."
"My son," Yang Biao smiled kindly, stretched out his hand and patted his shoulder, and said softly: "Go wash up, don't think about anything, have a good sleep, and go ask for orders tomorrow to go out with the army. .”
"Father!" Yang Xiu's nose finally became sore. At this moment, remembering his past arrogance and arrogance, his face turned red and he felt ashamed.
He understood what his father had to pay for taking on this matter this time.
It was he who had followed the Han Emperor and assisted him for many years, and had always maintained his position without losing it.
Now, it is considered lost.
…
Under the moonlight.
After Zhang Han and Dian Wei discussed, they wiped their sweat with a cloth handkerchief and leaned casually on the steps.
Looking at the old scribe standing under the eaves, he grinned and said: "Old Jia, do you think Yang Biao will beat and scold Yang Dezu after he returns?"
"Hey, no, let me ask you this. If Yang Xiu knew about last night's fireside event and used it to force his father to take sides, would he hate me to the core?"
Zhang Han smiled kindly, but underneath this kindness, there was a sinister meaning hidden inside.
Jia Xu suddenly felt a chill running down his spine, and the demeanor of Yun Danfeng looking down upon the two fierce generals' sparring just now was gone.
Instead, there was a painfully familiar trot. He ran directly into the house, hugged the door, and peeked out half of his face.
"Junhou! Junhou, please listen to my explanation. I, I don't have such thoughts. I really do meritorious service for you!"
"The Yang family is already at the forefront of the storm. If you don't want to be eliminated, you must choose a tree to live in. Yang Biao is a smart man. He will definitely persuade Yang Xiu to make friends with the monarch and follow him."
"Your Majesty, please don't take action. If you don't believe me, how many days can you wait and see? Just a few days! There will definitely be good news."
Jia Xu's face was full of smiles, looking to the left was the fierce Dian Wei's angry eyes, and to the right was the sneering Zhang Han.
He panicked for a moment, but even if he had a hundred mouths, he couldn't explain it clearly.
The conscience of heaven and earth, I really think so! Yang Xiu would never dare to hate him, he would definitely choose to follow him, make meritorious deeds, and then remember this matter.
Their family tradition is not one of taking risks, otherwise how could it have lasted for hundreds of years? !
No, now Junhou and Dian Sima definitely don’t believe it, they just like to find reasons to torment me.
Danger.
(End of chapter)
