The weather in September is crisp and clear.
On the official road leading to Shu County, Cao Ang led a group of people on the road.
This time Cao Xian was sent to marry Lu Xuan. Cao Ang took the initiative to send Cao Xian to Shu County in person. In his heart, Cao Ang was opposed to this marriage with the Lu family. It was not that he looked down on Lu Xuan, nor that he thought Lu Xuan was weak, nor that he felt that Lu Xuan was not worthy of his younger sister.
He valued family ties and simply felt that his younger sister should not be sacrificed to win over Lu Xuan. Moreover, Cao Ang was not happy for a woman from the Cao family to marry Lu Xuan as a concubine.
For this reason, Cao Ang specifically approached Cao Cao.
Cao Ang said in front of Cao Cao that the marriage was of no use. If there was a conflict between Cao Cao and Lu Xuan in the future, they would continue to fight. There would not be any changes because of the marriage between the two parties. He hoped that Cao Cao would refuse the marriage.
Cao Cao directly denied it and severely criticized Cao Ang.
Even though Cao Cao's words made sense, Cao Ang was still unconvinced. He didn't want his younger sister to marry far away, but he couldn't stop it, so he suppressed his anger in his heart.
Near noon, the procession of seeing off the bride stopped and rested on the spot.
There were more than a hundred people in the escorting team. When they passed through Jiujiang, they were traveling disguised as business travelers, and a large number of soldiers were hidden in secret, so they entered Lujiang County smoothly. After arriving in Lujiang County, he took up the banner of the Cao family and headed south openly.
While the soldiers were eating dry food, Cao Ang came to Cao Xian's carriage and said softly: "Little sister, you have been riding in the carriage for half a morning. Come out and get some fresh air."
Cao Xian came out wearing a long skirt and saluted: "Brother."
Cao Ang handed over a piece of baked noodles and said dotingly: "We are still on the way, so let's have a quick bite. When we get to Shu County, we will have a good meal. Thank you for your hard work."
Cao Xian shook his head and said, "Thank you, brother. This is already very good. It's not worth it for me to have a conflict with my father because of me."
"not worth it."
Cao Ang nodded firmly.
He is the eldest son in the family, and he was personally raised by Cao Cao's first wife, Mrs. Ding. He is considered the eldest son.
He is the oldest, far older than Cao Pi, Cao Zhi and others, and Cao Ang has a kind-hearted temperament, good both in civil and military affairs, and is highly valued by Cao Cao.
Cao Ang looked a little depressed and urged: "Your marriage is already a done deal and a foregone conclusion. Therefore, you should not have any burdens or conflicts, because when you arrive in Shu County, you will live by yourself and live a good life. Of course. Don’t be afraid, big brother will support you and won’t let Lu Xuan bully you.”
Cao Xian smiled sweetly, with a hint of gratitude on his quiet face.
The eldest brother is the backbone of all the brothers and sisters in the family, and everyone grew up under his watch.
That's why Cao Ang said this.
Cao Xian replied: "Brother, don't worry, I know what to do. What's more, I am a member of the Cao family, who dares to bully me? What's more, I also asked about Lu Xuan, and I heard that Lu Xuan is not a playboy. My son is not a vicious person. Generally speaking, he is doing well, so don’t worry, brother."
Cao Ang's handsome face showed a hint of relief, but also a little helpless. He rubbed Cao Xian's head and said comfortingly: "It's good that you understand."
The brother and sister chatted and had lunch. After resting for a while, the team continued on their way.
Because they were close to Shu County, Cao Ang and his party arrived at the north gate of Shu County in the afternoon.
Zhang Zhao received the news about Cao Ang early and led his people to greet him at the city gate. When he saw Cao Ang and his entourage, he strode up to greet them and said, "I, Zhang Zhao, have come to greet the Cao family delegation under the order of my lord. Thank you for your hard work, everyone has come a long way."
Cao Ang's face turned cold.
He was already angry with Lu Xuan, thinking that his little sister was wronged by being a concubine, but now that Lu Xuan didn't come in person, he didn't take it seriously.
Cao Ang showed an undisguised expression of anger, flicked his sleeves, and said in a deep voice: "I am Cao Ang, the eldest son of Cao Cao, the shepherd of Yanzhou. I sent my younger sister to get married on my father's order. I come with sincerity, why doesn't Lu Xuan come in person? How about the welcome?"
"Because of the rules!"
Zhang Zhao replied calmly.
Cao Ang had a good attitude, so Zhang Zhao naturally responded with a smile. However, Cao Ang had a tough attitude and choked people whenever he spoke, so Zhang Zhao naturally would not give in.
He now represents the face of Lujiang County. If he steps back, it will be a slap in Lu Xuan's face.
When Cao Ang heard Zhang Zhao's words, he said in a deep voice: "I have never heard of such a rule. Lu Xuan did not greet him in person and was not sincere. He still followed the rules. It is a big joke."
Zhang Zhao's eyes were sharp, he refused to give in, and said loudly: "My lord Lu Xuan is in charge of a feudal lord. Your Majesty, Cao Cao, is also a lord. If Cao Zhou Mu personally sends the bride off, the lord will naturally greet him. This is a basic etiquette and a basic rule. rule."
"Now, Your Excellency is here to see you off as your elder brother. You have no official status, and you are not here personally from Cao Cao. As the head of the civil servants under your lord, I personally lead people to welcome you. This is already a high standard. What's wrong with that?"
Zhang Zhao was aggressive and said forcefully: "Do you think that your status is equal to that of my lord?"
brush!
Cao Ang's expression changed slightly.
Even though Lu Xuan is only the governor of one side, when it comes to the relationship of equality, Lu Xuan and Cao Cao are equal.
According to Zhang Zhao's words, there is nothing wrong.
After all, Cao Ang was younger and not thick-skinned enough to deal with Zhang Zhao calmly. If it were Cao Cao, even if this situation didn't make sense, he could still make three points of it.
Of course, so does someone.
Zhang Zhao snorted and did not continue to pester. He waved his hand and said: "Master Cao, please come with me."
"please!"
Cao Ang nodded and said.
The group continued into the city and sent Cao Xian to the prefect's mansion, and directly into the wedding room prepared in the mansion. Cao Xian's married man did not go to Shu County to live there first and wait for a good time like Mi Huan. It is impossible for Cao Ang to stay. If he is sent here, he will be married.
Cao Xian was sent to a separate courtyard. Lu Xuan held a special banquet and summoned his civil and military officials, including Zhou Tai, Zhou Yu, Zhao Gui, Li Qian and others, as well as some clan relatives to attend the banquet.
On the one hand, it is to welcome Cao Ang and wash away the dust, on the other hand, it is also regarded as a ceremony to welcome Cao Ang.
At the banquet, Cao Ang and the main personnel attending the wedding were present.
After three rounds of wine and five flavors of food, the atmosphere was good.
Cao Ang stood up, looked at Lu Xuan on the throne, his eyes were sharp, and he said loudly: "Prefect Lu, my little sister married you, even though she is a concubine, she is also a member of my Cao family, and she is my sister Cao Ang. I hope Governor Lu can treat him well."
"If Governor Lu treated my little sister harshly and treated me badly, and the news reached Yanzhou and reached my ears, I would definitely not give up. My Cao family will not give up either."
In the hall, the atmosphere suddenly became stagnant.
The atmosphere is serious.
No one expected that Cao Ang would say such words in front of everyone.
Lu Xuan looked at Cao Ang, his expression unchanged, and asked: "Can your words represent my father-in-law?"
Cao Ang was stunned for a moment, then raised his head and said, "Why can't I represent my father?"
Lu Xuan smiled softly.
Cao Ang is too young.
At this time, Cao Ang was only twenty years old. Although he had practiced with Cao Cao, Cao Ang's personality was different from Cao Cao's, and Cao Ang was far from being tempered, and he had not received the true inheritance of Cao Cao.
There are still some problems with Cao Ang's attitude and way of speaking.
Lu Xuan could also see that Cao Ang spoke so irritably because he cared about his sister and valued family ties.
Cao Ang looked at Lu Xuan's appearance and said anxiously: "Why are you laughing?"
Lu Xuan said: "The reason why I laugh is because if it were Cao Cao who had to deal with it, he would not say such disgusting words. When Cao Cao arrived at the city gate, he would not directly conflict with Zhang Zhao. Cao Cao would definitely choke Zhang Zhao. Be true to your words.”
"Cao Cao would even say angrily, is it because Lu Xuan is sick and can't come? Is he too sick to get out of bed?"
"This is Cao Cao."
"When you asked me just now, Cao Cao wouldn't be vague and say why he can't be a representative. He would definitely say that this is his father's request and a gesture of conveying the news. I can see the clues at a glance."
brush!
Cao Ang's expression changed again and again.
He didn't expect that Lu Xuan could say such words, and it was indeed his father's speaking style.
Cao Ang said: "Lu Xuan, even if my father doesn't ask me, my words are still valid."
Lu Xuan continued: "Cao Ang, I am in Shu County and you are in Changyi, Yanzhou. We are far apart. Do you know how Cao Xian is doing? If you are a smart person, you should talk to me properly. , have a more correct attitude and be less emotional."
"You should say that it is not easy for Cao Xian to marry from afar; you should say that Cao Xian has no relatives in Shu County and can only rely on me and hopes that I will treat him well. This is the real way of speaking."
"Everyone likes to hear good things."
"me too."
"Imagine it, if I hear what you say, I will give you three points of noodles no matter what. But if you do this, you are not afraid of backlash. I ignore your Cao family, just to leave Cao Xian alone?"
Cao Ang's heart skipped a beat when he heard this.
Lu Xuan's words make sense.
Cao Ang looked at Lu Xuan and felt a little confused in his heart, but thinking of his little sister's happiness, he compromised directly.
Cao Ang clasped his hands together, bowed and said: "Prefect Lu, it was my fault just now, please forgive me. In addition, it is indeed difficult for my little sister. She has a quiet personality, does not fight or fight, and is easy to arrange. Previously I Please forgive me for my words, tone, and offense. I hope you will be kind to my little sister."
Lu Xuan was stunned for a moment.
He did not expect that Cao Ang would directly apologize for Cao Xian, and he would apologize in front of everyone at the banquet.
This takes courage.
Unexpectedly, Cao Cao, who had a thick face and a dark heart, actually gave birth to a son who was sincere and honest, just like a gentleman.
Of course, historically speaking, Cao Ang was also good at both civil and military skills and was trained by Cao Cao early on. Otherwise, Cao Pi would not lament that if Cao Ang was here, Cao Pi would not have any chance.
But such people are easier to deal with.
You can't fool Cao Cao.
However, Cao Ang can.
Lu Xuan's thoughts changed rapidly, his face became serious, and he said: "Before Cao Xian married me, he had nothing to do with me. Now that she has married me, she has become my Lu Xuan's woman. Whether she is my wife or my concubine, I I will take care of her all her life and keep her warm in winter and not cold in spring. This is a man's bottom line, please rest assured."
When Cao Ang heard this, a smile appeared on his face, and he cupped his hands and said, "I believe you."
At this moment, Cao Ang's impression of Lu Xuan changed. Although he had preconceived hostility towards Lu Xuan before and felt that Lu Xuan was being arrogant, Cao Ang admired Lu Xuan's attitude towards Cao Xian.
that's enough.
Others, it doesn't matter.
Lu Xuan picked up the wine bottle and toasted: "Please."
"please!"
Cao Ang nodded in reply.
He held the wine bottle and drank it in one gulp.
The banquet continued, but Cao Ang drank very restrainedly. Even though Zhang Zhao, Mi Fang and others kept toasting, Cao Ang still restrained himself and was not affected in the slightest, and remained sober from beginning to end.
The banquet was over and all the guests dispersed.
Cao Ang's eyes were clear and he was not drunk at all. He stood up and said, "Prefect Lu, the people have been delivered and the wine has been drunk. It's time for me to leave."
Lu Xuan said: "Yanzhou is busy with affairs, so I won't keep you. But there is one thing you have to pay attention to. After you entered Lujiang County, you rushed on with great fanfare. Yuan Shu must have news. Yuan Shu was angry that his father-in-law married my Lu family, and he was extremely angry. They may rob and kill you, so be careful."
"It doesn't matter."
Cao Ang shook his head and said confidently: "The personal guards I brought are all elite and brave soldiers. They are not afraid of a battle. What's more, Yuan Shu may not dare to take action."
Seeing Cao Ang's confident look, Lu Xuan didn't say anything more and let Cao Ang leave.
Zhou Yu said solemnly: "My lord, Cao Ang's character is quite emotional and sincere. His survival is quite beneficial to us. This time Yuan Shu gets the news and will definitely deal with Cao Ang."
"Although my lord has mentioned it, he is very confident. Judging from his attitude, he doesn't take it to heart. In my opinion, we still need to make arrangements and send people to protect Cao Ang. Keeping Cao Ang will be of great benefit to us."
Zhou Yu said with a smile: "This man is not a veteran like Cao Cao. He is more honest and kind, and he is also easier to fool."
Lu Xuan laughed and agreed: "Gong Jin is right, Cao Ang is indeed useful. Inform Taishi Ci in Hefei and ask him to lead an elite force to quietly enter the area where Cao Ang goes north and rush to help at any time. Give Cao Ang a big favor. It will help us. In addition, tell Xu Shao our arrangements so that Xu Shao can make his own arrangements."
"I humble my duty and obey my orders."
Zhou Yu nodded and agreed.
He did not stay any longer and went to make arrangements quickly. After all, Cao Ang would go north very quickly, and Zhou Yu needed to arrange people to move early.
Lu Xuan went to the backyard.
After all, it’s getting late!
Lu Xuan went to prepare some food before coming to Cao Xian's yard.
The entourage opened the door and Lu Xuan entered the room.
The fiery red candle burned, dispersing the darkness in the room. When the eyes came into view, a very delicate-looking, quiet and elegant woman wearing a red wedding robe sat quietly on the bed.
This is Cao Xian.
Her slender hands rested on her belly, pinching the hem of her skirt. The white face showed a little anxiety and uneasiness. But his eyes were still calm, looking at everything in the room.
She was like a white lotus, emerging from the mud but unstained. She just sat beside the bed, as if she was out of tune with the environment.
It's even so peaceful that it makes people feel a little distressed.
