At the end of the Han Dynasty: a stingy husband from his hometown

Chapter 344 Why teach me

On the outskirts of the city, next to the tiger's corpse.

Xia Hou said he tied his horse to a tree and found a cool place to lie on the ground with his legs crossed and a piece of grass in his mouth.

This is the territory of tigers, and other carnivorous beasts dare not come. Xia Hou said he was not worried about being attacked.

I don't know how long it took, but when Xia Houcheng was already feeling a little sleepy, he vaguely heard someone calling his name.

The words are divided into two parts.

But Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Ba took two hundred cavalry and asked the children to lead the way, and hurried towards the outskirts of the city where tigers were infested.

Originally, Xiahou Ba still had extravagant hopes in his heart to meet Xiahou Cheng on the road.

However, when everyone arrived at the mountain forest where tigers roamed, but no trace of Xia Houcheng was seen, Xia Houba's heart sank to the bottom.

"Third brother, don't let anything happen to you."

Among Xia Houyuan's many sons, the eldest son Xia Houheng was raised as the head of the family and has a relatively balanced talent in all aspects.

Balance also represents mediocrity.

You can take care of family affairs, but if you want to grow the family, you need talents who are outstanding in certain aspects.

As the second brother, Xiahou Ba is better at military strategy. Although his martial arts skills are also quite good, there is still a big gap compared with his third brother Xiahou Cheng.

Xiahou Ba believed that as long as his third brother could grow up and rely on his unique talents, he would definitely become a leader in the Xiahou family and even the second generation of the Cao family.

This is true.

Historically, Xiahou said that he hunted a tiger with one arrow at the age of sixteen. Since then, he has been favored by Cao Cao and had a close relationship with Cao Pi.

Both the Cao family and the Xiahou family had high hopes for Xiahoucheng. Even celebrities in Cao Wei saw that Xiahoucheng had a bright future and were willing to make friends with him.

Xiahou said that in addition to his bravery, he also often had many fantastic ideas, which astonished everyone at every banquet.

It is a pity that God was jealous of talents. Xia Hou said that he became famous for hunting tigers at the age of sixteen, but unfortunately died at the age of eighteen.

Xiahou Cheng's death was not only a loss to Xiahou's family, but also a huge loss to Cao Wei.

If Xiahou Cheng was still there, with his bravery and reputation, and having him in the army, Sima Yi might not have the chance to usurp power.

The most important thing is that the reason why Cao Wei was usurped by Sima Yi was that almost all those who supported Cao Pi were aristocratic families. Therefore, after Cao Pi succeeded to the throne, he began to use aristocratic families to suppress the clan.

Both the Cao family and the Xiahou family were within the scope of suppression.

Although Cao Pi's move could avoid the clan's self-respecting situation, it also brought extremely serious consequences, that is, when Sima Yi usurped power, no one could stop him.

If Xia Houcheng were alive, Cao Pi and Xiahou Cheng would definitely become an independent and important minister in the future due to the close relationship between them.

In this case, what happened to Sima Yi?

Maybe this is destiny.

Cao Cao's most trusted son, Cao Chong, died young, leaving Cao Cao to have to re-select his successor.

Xiahou Yuan's bravest son died young, and the Xiahou family and the Cao family lost a future general.

In this time and space, the appearance of Zhou Qi may not change Xia Houcheng's fate.

On the outskirts of the city, two hundred horses came galloping.

"General, we heard the roar of tigers here, and then we ran back to the city, and it was here that we separated from Ah Cheng."

The child leading the way pointed forward and said worriedly.

The sky was blue and clear, and even the wind blowing was hot, but Xia Houyuan and Xiahou Ba felt cold in their hearts.

"A team of twenty people will spread out to search for Xia Houcheng. During this period, be sure to be more vigilant to avoid being attacked by a tiger!"

Xiahou Dun still refused to give up and ordered his soldiers to scatter in search of Xiahou Cheng's traces.

They shouted loudly while searching. There were two benefits to doing so.

If the tiger is still there, shouting will scare it away.

If Xiahou Cheng is still there, the shout will also reach the other party's ears, which can help everyone find Xiahou Cheng faster.

"Second brother, why are you here too?"

Just when Xiahouba and twenty soldiers were anxiously looking for Xiahoucheng, they were surprised to hear that familiar voice.

He hurriedly looked up, and after seeing clearly that Xia Houcheng was safe and sound, he rushed over and said somewhat thankfully: "Fortunately, the tiger didn't hurt you, otherwise how could I explain to my elder brother and father?"

Xia Houchen heard this, but his face was full of displeasure, and he said: "Others don't believe that I can hunt tigers, and my second brother doesn't believe it either?"

However, Xiahou Ba had a serious expression on his face and said: "How can tigers be easy-going people? As a descendant of Xiahou, you should cherish your life rather than take risks!"

Xiahou said that he did not dare to argue with his second brother, so he rolled his eyes secretly, and then pulled Xiahou Ba towards the forest.

Xiahou Ba was puzzled, but he hurriedly ordered someone to blow the horn.

Everyone had made an agreement before that if they found Xia Houcheng or encountered a tiger, they would blow the trumpet to notify everyone.

When Xiahou Ba came to the woods and saw the tiger lying in a pool of blood, he couldn't help but open his mouth in surprise.

He pointed at the tiger and said with some stuttering: "This, this, this tiger was shot by you?"

When Xia Houcheng saw his second brother's appearance, he couldn't help but look happy. He pointed at the arrow that shot into the tiger's eye and said, "If you don't believe it, go and see that arrow."

"My arrows have names engraved on them."

Xiahou Ba hurriedly stepped forward, and sure enough he saw the three words "Xiahou Cheng" engraved on the end of the arrow.

At this time, not only Xiahou Ba was extremely shocked, but the twenty cavalrymen also opened their mouths in shock. They did not expect that a fifteen or sixteen year old boy would have such courage and courage.

Not long after, Xiahou Dun and others also hurried over.

But when they saw the tiger lying in a pool of blood, they were all shocked.

Xiahou Dun picked up Xiahou Cheng's strong bow hanging on his horse and pulled it hard. He almost cut his finger because he didn't wear a ring.

He put back his strong bow, walked up to Xia Houchen, patted his shoulder hard, and praised: "I only knew about your innate supernatural power before, but I didn't expect that you are so terrifying that you can actually pull away the five-stone strong man." bow!"

"You guys are truly worthy of being a descendant of my Xiahou family!"

Xia Hou praised: "Thank you for the compliment, uncle. If I don't practice martial arts diligently, how will I go into battle to kill the enemy and avenge my father?"

When Xiahou Dun heard this, he slapped Xia Houchen and said, "What revenge? Your father is doing well in Xiangyang and will return to Chang'an soon."

Xiahou said he was shocked when he heard this, and asked: "What on earth is going on?" Xiahou Dun said: "Your father and Uncle Cao have agreed to marry Min'er to Zhou Ji, the eldest son of the King of Chu. After the two get married, you will Zhou Ji’s brother-in-law, do you still need to shout about beating him and killing him?”

Chang'an, the residence of King Qin.

When Cao Cao heard about Xia Houcheng's deeds of shooting a tiger alone, he couldn't help but be filled with surprise, clasping his hands and laughing: "It's really my horse that's thousands of miles away!"

Cao Cao had an unusual preference for strong generals. Whether it was Dian Wei, Xu Chu, or his own son Cao Zhang in history, Cao Cao favored them all.

Xiahou said that as a descendant of Xiahou, he could almost be regarded as a clan member of the Cao family. He was so brave at the age of fifteen or sixteen. How could Cao Cao not be happy?

On the battlefield in Hanzhong, Cao Cao suffered from the lack of strong generals and was killed by Xu Chu. He cut off his beard and discarded his robe.

If he had strong generals around him who could compete with Xu Chu, he wouldn't have suffered such a miserable defeat.

Therefore, he sincerely likes Xia Housheng, and hopes that he can grow up soon and take on important responsibilities in the army.

Cao Cao personally met with Xia Houcheng, and he did not hesitate to praise Xiahou Cheng. Finally, he even said: "If you have any requests for Xiahou Cheng, feel free to ask. As long as my uncle can do it, I will definitely satisfy you."

Xia Houchen thought for a long time, and then said solemnly: "I want to go to Xiangyang with my brother to see what is so extraordinary about the King of Chu who even my uncle and aunt are full of praise for."

When Cao Cao heard this, he felt a little embarrassed. Apparently he was reluctant to leave Xia Houchen.

In this era, sixteen-year-olds are no longer considered children. Huo Qubing was named a lieutenant at the age of seventeen, followed General Wei Qingbei to attack the Huns, and was named a champion marquis at the age of eighteen.

Xia Houcheng was so brave, and now that Cao Cao lacked strong generals, he planned to recruit him to his side to train him, so that in a few years Xiahou Cheng would be able to stand alone.

Cao Cao sent this talented and beautiful jade to Xiangyang. Based on Cao Cao's understanding of Zhou Qi's servant, he was worried that Xia Houchen would not be allowed to leave.

However, out of trust in Xia Houcheng, Cao Cao finally decided to respect the other party's ideas.

It is not a bad thing for young people to go out and see the world.

Now that he had a plan in mind, Cao Cao immediately said: "Cheng'er wants to go to Xiangyang. Of course, my uncle will not stop him, but he is not allowed to stay there for a long time."

"My uncle is very optimistic about you. After you return from Xiangyang, you will first serve as the captain of the cavalry school by my side."

Xia Hou said he was overjoyed after hearing this and hurriedly thanked Cao Cao.

Jingzhou, Xiangyang.

When the brothers Xia Houheng and Xia Houchen arrived, the Chu army was still fighting Yuan Shao in Fancheng.

If it had not been for the arrival of Yizhou reinforcements, even if Fancheng could barely hold on, Deng County would have been lost.

Despite this, the battle situation was still in a stalemate, with both sides losing a lot of troops every day.

When Zhou Qi received Cao Cao's letter and read the other party's request, he couldn't help but laugh and said: "Well, Cao Mengde, you are really not the one who suffered the loss!"

Although he said so, Zhou Qi thought about it and finally decided to agree to Cao Cao's request.

With Yuan Shao's current offensive, even if Zhou Qi can finally defend Xiangyang, his vitality will inevitably be severely damaged.

If he can marry Cao Cao and use Cao Cao to contain some of Yuan Shao's troops, then Zhou Qi's room for maneuver will be much larger.

He looked at Xia Houyuan and said, "The war is urgent, so I will not participate in my stepson's wedding."

"Trouble Miaocai with Min'er to Yizhou to marry her step-son, and then take away the prisoners who were being held in custody."

The matter is urgent, and Zhou Ji's wedding can only be handled simply and put things into practice first.

Xia Houyuan was overjoyed when he saw that Zhou Qi actually agreed to Cao Cao's harsh request. He immediately asked his eldest son Xia Houheng to return to Chang'an with his letter, and then led troops to escort Xia Homin to Chengdu to marry Zhou Ji.

However, Xia Houyuan also planned to get up and go to Chang'an to discuss the details of the marriage with Zhou Ji first.

Without thinking, Xia Houcheng said: "Ah Weng, it will take some time for my brother to return to Chang'an and then escort his sister to Chengdu. There is no need for you to rush to Chengdu in such a hurry."

"I finally came to Xiangyang. I would like to stay here for two days to gain some experience. Is that okay?"

When Xia Houyuan heard this, he hesitated a little.

To be honest, it would not be a bad thing if this son, who he had high hopes for, could have a long experience in Xiangyang and get to know the young talents of Chu State.

As long as Zhou Ji and Xiahou Min get married, the Xiahou family and the Zhou family will become in-laws. It would be good for their son to take the opportunity to get closer to the Chu State.

However, this marriage is of great importance. Even if Zhou Qi is temporarily unable to escape, Xia Houyuan will make the wedding beautiful after arriving in Chengdu.

He was also worried that staying in Xiangyang would delay things.

Even though Zhou Qi was familiar with history in his previous life, he had no impression of Xia Houyuan, his third son who died young.

In addition, the news about Xia Houcheng hunting tigers alone has not yet reached Xiangyang, so Zhou Qi did not pay much attention to Xiahoucheng.

However, as Xia Houyuan's son, since the other party wanted to stay in Xiangyang for a few days, Zhou Qi would naturally not disagree.

He also knew what Xia Houyuan was worried about, so he immediately said with a smile: "Miaocai does not need to worry about the marriage between his step son and Min'er, just leave this matter to Zong Zheng."

"Since Cheng'er wants to stay here for two days, just satisfy him!"

When Xiahou Yuan heard this, he immediately took Xiahou to thank Zhou Qi.

Zhou Qi, however, personally went to Zhou Mansion to visit Zhou Yi and asked, "Is brother feeling better?"

Zhou Yi smiled and said: "Thank you for your concern, my lord. Since the news of the good news from Yizhou came back, my health has been fine. I have been cultivating for so long and I have fully recovered."

Zhou Qi then said: "I want to marry the Xiahou family and let my stepson marry Xiahou Min, Xiahou Miaocai's niece. My brother is Zongzheng. Can you go to Chengdu on my behalf to help my stepson arrange the marriage?"

When Zhou Yi heard this, he frowned slightly, and then said hesitantly: "It is my duty to be able to arrange the marriage for the young master, and it is natural."

"But have you ever thought about what the Cai family in Xiangyang would think if you marry the Xiahou family?"

Zhou Qi also frowned slightly.

To be honest, Zhou Qi might not have been willing to make such a promise if he had no other choice but to capture Xiangyang as soon as possible and then occupy the entire Jingzhou.

Now that things have happened, since the daughter responsible for the marriage to Cai Mao unfortunately died in infancy, and Zhou Qi has now firmly established himself in Xiangyang, he naturally does not want to continue the marriage with Cai.

It's just that there was a promise before, and it would indeed be troublesome if the promise was broken.

He pondered for a long time, and then asked: "It is imperative to marry the Xiahou family. As for how to appease the Cai family, I wonder if my brother can teach me?"

Zhou Yinai is a child of a well-established family, and may be more comfortable than Zhou Qi in how to deal with the relationship with the family.

If Zhou Yi could give a good suggestion to help Zhou Qi solve this matter, Zhou Qi wouldn't have to think of a solution on his own.

Now he has to worry about the battle with Yuan Shao, and he really has no time to deal with Cai's affairs.

(End of this chapter)