Cao Thief

Chapter 381

Yi Ji returned home excitedly, and went straight to the back house, ignoring the greetings from the door servants.

He walked into a courtyard, took off his boots, stepped up to the porch, then knocked on the door, pulled the door and walked into the room.In the room, a middle-aged man in his forties was leaning halfway on the desk, holding a volume of books in his hands, and flipping through them with gusto... He stood about seven feet six inches tall, The physique is not very burly, the face is stern, with sharp edges and corners, like a knife and an axe, revealing the beauty of masculinity.Sword eyebrows and bright eyes, and a beautiful beard under his jaw, made him look more luxurious.

Seeing Yi Ji coming in, the man put down the scroll in his hand.

"Youruo, it's done!"

Yiji smiled and sat down beside the man, "Fortunately, Liu Jingzhou agreed!"

Hearing this, the middle-aged man couldn't help heaving a sigh of relief, nodded slightly, showing relief, "That's it, thank you Uncle Ji for your help."

His name is Xun Chen, his style name is Youruo, and he is from Yingchuan.

In later generations, Xun Chen's reputation was not particularly loud, and many people didn't even know who he was.

But in the Three Kingdoms, Xun Chen's name can be said to resound throughout the north and south.He has a younger brother, the famous Xun Yu and Xun Wenruo...

Xun Chen was initially an adviser to Han Fu, the governor of Jizhou. Later, when Yuan Shao entered Hebei, Xun Chen became one of Yuan Shao's advisers.

The Xun family has three ruo, each with a different temperament.

Xun Yan is very cosmopolitan and bold; Xun Yu is gentle and gentle, with a little emotion and anger; while Xun Chen is extremely upright, good at military affairs, and doesn't like to be false and submissive.The three brothers have different personalities, so they take different paths.After Xun Chen defected to Yuan Shao, he was valued by Yuan Shao for a time.But with the emergence of factions under Yuan Shao, Xun Chen was gradually excluded from the core and became a marginalized figure.

In the fourth year of Jian'an, it was the year when Cao Cao attacked Liu Bei in Runan.

Xun Chen, Tian Feng, and Jushou jointly requested Yuan Shao to send troops to rescue Liu Bei, but Yuan Shao finally denied it.

Tian Feng and Jushou were better off, they belonged to local rich families.However, due to various reasons, Xun Chen was driven to Pingyuan County to assist Yuan Tan.

After Liu Bei made a detour for thousands of miles, he was led by Xun Chen after he defected to Yuan Tan from Runan.

It has to be said that Liu Bei's personal charm is extremely strong.

With Xun Chen's ability, he was also attracted by Liu Bei and was deeply impressed.Even after Liu Bei defected to Donghai County, he asked Yuan Tan for help.Xun Chen volunteered and went to the East China Sea to assist Liu Bei.It's a pity that Donghai County is indeed not a good place... It looks like a vast area, but it is actually sparsely populated and poor in products.In addition to being attacked on three sides, even if Xun Chen has the ability to reach the sky, there is nothing he can do.

So Xun Chen simply abandoned Yuan Tan and broke out with Liu Bei.

In history, Xun Chen also had many fates.After the Battle of Guandu, with Yuan Shao's demise, he disappeared and his whereabouts are unknown.

Now, due to various reasons, Xun Chen followed Liu Bei.

Of course, not many people knew about it, at least Yuan Shao and Cao Cao thought Xun Chen was dead.

Xun Chen doesn't need to worry about the safety of his family, no matter whether Yuan Shao or Cao Cao wins the final victory, his family will not be treated badly.

Yuan Shao, there is no reason to embarrass his family; Cao Cao, it is even more impossible to embarrass him.

Xun Chen's two brothers are now serving under Cao Cao, how could Cao Cao threaten his family?
After fleeing Donghai County and hiding in Runan, Liu Bei and Xun Chen have been paying attention to the development trend of the Guandu War.From Yuan Shao's absolute advantage at the beginning, and then gradually equalized, Xun Chen could see that Yuan Shao must not be Cao Cao's opponent in the end.

What if Yuan Shao dies?
Xun Chen discussed with Liu Bei and decided to temporarily attach himself to Liu Biao.

Under Liu Bei's command, Xun Chen can get enough attention to display his talents; but what about Liu Bei?After experiencing a series of disastrous defeats in Runan, Puyang, and Donghai, he also discovered his biggest weakness.Before Liu Bei conquered the world, he relied on his bravery and strategy; but military alone was far from enough to gain a firm foothold.He used to have several counselors under his command, but now, Jian Yongsungan, one died in battle and the other was captured. His life and death are unknown. Liu Bei urgently needs someone to help.But at this time, Xun Chen's arrival undoubtedly made Liu Bei even more powerful.He treated Xun Chen as if he were a guest of honor. It can be said that he obeyed his words and showed enough respect.

"Liu Jingsheng, you may not be willing to tolerate me."

"Minggong don't need to worry, Liu Jingsheng has a false name, so there is nothing to worry about.

Now Jingzhou seems to be calm, but in fact, there is a dark current.No matter what Liu Biao said, he was not from Jingzhou after all.The gentry in Jingzhou might be able to accept Liu Biao, but they might not be willing to accept those who came with Liu Biao.Under the rule of Jingzhou, the conflict was fierce.Liu Biao has Sun Quan's danger in the east, and Liu Zhang is eyeing him in the west.Cao Cao's victory this time will inevitably bring great pressure to Liu Biao. Liu Biao will definitely accept Minggong's departure... After Minggong enters Jingzhou, he can make false claims in the open, and Chen Zi will help in secret, rest and recuperate. decisive battle. "

After hearing this, Liu Bei was overjoyed, and immediately asked Xun Chen to go to Weizi Township first, and secretly contacted the Mizhu brothers.

Then, through the Mizhu brothers, they found out the reality of Jingzhou, and finally chose Yiji as the breakthrough point.Yiji was originally a famous scholar in the Central Plains, and the name of the Xun family was enough to make Yiji try his best to help.As soon as Xun Chen arrived in Xiangyang, he got in touch with Yi Ji, and asked Yi Ji to come forward and speak on his behalf... Sure enough, as Xun Chen had expected, Liu Biao easily agreed under Yi Ji's persuasion.

"You Ruo, I wonder if Duke Xuande is suitable for entering Jingzhou?"

Xun Chen smiled slightly, "Don't worry, if Duke Xuande comes too early, I'm afraid it will be unfavorable to Uncle Ji. I will return to Weizi Township tomorrow, and Duke Xuande will definitely arrive in Jingzhou in the middle of the next year at the latest. By then, I also hope Uncle Ji can take care of him a lot.”

"That's nature, that's nature!"

Yi Ji nodded repeatedly, and at the same time admired Xun Chen's meticulous thinking.

That's right, if Liu Bei came too soon, I'm afraid Liu Biao would have doubts: I just agreed, then Liu Xuande will arrive?Did Liu Xuande and Yiji have reached some kind of agreement?If so, wouldn't it be leading wolves into the house?
If this happens, even Yiji will be in trouble.

At the same time, Yiji also needs time to prepare to create enough momentum for Liu Bei to come. Otherwise, Yiji alone will not be able to support Liu Bei when he comes.Therefore, Xun Chen didn't want to come too early, and Yi Ji readily agreed to contact more people so that Liu Bei could give him more help when he arrived.

Just as Yi Ji left Liu Biao's mansion, a servant hurriedly walked through the middle pavilion and came to the flower hall in the back hall.

In the flower hall, the charcoal fire in the brazier made the room extremely warm.

A beautiful woman in light blue fur with tall temples was talking to several women.

A little maid walked into the flower hall and whispered something in the beautiful woman's ear.

The glamorous woman's complexion immediately changed upon hearing this.

She confessed to those women and hurried out of the flower hall.

At the corner of the corridor, I saw the servant, and asked in a deep voice: "Can you hear clearly, Shi Jun really agrees to Liu Xuande's entry into Jingzhou?"

"Yes, the villain can hear clearly."

"Then listen clearly, is Liu Bei coming?"

"This, Shi Jun and Yi Ji didn't explain..."

"Tweety, take him down and reward him ten pennies."

The little maid led the servants away, and the beautiful woman supported the pillar with her hands, her beautiful eyes flickering.

I'm afraid it's not that simple to invite Liu Xuande to come at this time... No, we must inform others as soon as possible, and we must prevent Liu Bei from entering Jingzhou.

"Tui Er!"

"The servant is here."

As soon as the little maid came back, the beautiful woman stopped her, "You have to work hard, let Cai Zhong come to see me immediately, and tell him that I have something important to do with him."

"Here!"

The little maid took orders and went away again.

The beautiful woman was standing on the corridor, looking at the winter plum blossoms under the corridor, and suddenly smiled grimly, with murderous intent in her eyes...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++
Yingchuan, heavy snow.

In the middle of winter in December, it is the severe cold.

Although it can't be compared with the severe cold of Xiliang in northern Xinjiang, it is still enough to make people feel cold.In the early morning, goose feathers and heavy snow fell one after another.

Soon, the sky was full of wind and snow, making the road difficult.

When Cao Peng and his party traveled halfway, they encountered this snowstorm.

Originally, it was only a day's journey from Dao Yingyin to Xudu.But because of the heavy snow, the speed of Cao Peng and others was greatly reduced.After nightfall, everyone had to spend the night in a dilapidated earth temple to escape the severe cold of the blizzard.Of course, they can choose to move on.However, the road was slippery and icy appeared in many places, forcing Cao Peng to finally choose to stop.

When he went out this time, he brought a hundred flying dragons with him.

Xia Houlan and Hande accompanied them, including Pang Tong, a total of 104 people.

Hao Zhao originally wanted to come with him, but at the end of the year and various sacrificial activities began, Xu must strengthen law and order.Cao Ji temporarily transferred Hao Zhao there, and reported it to Jia Xu, the governor of Jinwu, and gave Hao Zhao the post of head of the capital, leading Tiqi to patrol the streets of Xudu.

For this, Hao Zhao was very unhappy.

"Let Ziyou accompany you every time, and always let me stay behind."

But this is also a helpless move. Hao Zhao is the most suitable candidate to lead the black man.

In addition, this is not a war. Even if there is a conflict, it will be a small-scale conflict at most. Xia Houlan and Hande seem to be more professional.

Cao Peng also kindly comforted Hao Zhao, and finally made Hao Zhao nod.

Unexpectedly, as soon as I went out...

Several piles of bonfires were lit in the ancestral hall, illuminating the gloomy and dark ancestral hall thoroughly.

After Xia Houlan arranged the vigilance candidates, she and Han De walked to Cao Peng's side.

"Sit down and warm up."

Cao Peng looked at the blizzard outside and said to Xia Houlan: "Let everyone get some more firewood later. It must be very cold tonight, so the bonfire in the house cannot be extinguished. Let everyone keep warm, don't catch a cold...Damn it Yes, I thought the journey would be smooth, but I didn't expect to encounter this kind of weather. When we arrive at Yingyin, I will invite everyone to drink. But tonight, I have to feel wronged first."

"My lord, this is quite a grievance."

Xia Houlan replied with a smile.

Compared with the fight in Xiaotan back then, although the conditions are not good, it is also a kind of luck.

The two sat down on the other side of the bonfire, and Xia Houlan was in charge of preparing the meals.The meal is very simple, in fact, it is porridge water made of flour bread, adding some dogwood, the taste is a bit spicy, but in this weather, with a mouthful of such porridge water, it is better than big fish and meat...

"Ah Fu, do you want to recommend Yuanzhi?"

"Ok?"

"You are going to Yingyin with me this time, do you want to recruit Yuanzhi?"

Cao Peng couldn't help laughing when he heard this.

"Shi Yuan, do you think Yuan Zhi is willing to follow me?"

"This one……"

"I still have some self-knowledge, with Yuan Zhi's talent, he may not be able to appreciate me.

I just heard that his old mother is very assertive and very strong.So I thought I'd pay a visit and see if I could help out.

If it is possible in the future, it is impossible to be colleagues with Yuan Zhi, to have more affection and care for each other. "

Pang Tong smiled, "Yuanzhi is very high-minded."

"kindness!"

"But this person is also extremely filial."

Pang Tong raised his head, looked at Cao Peng, and said softly: "If the old lady asks him to help you, he will definitely obey."

Cao Peng was startled, and after a while he said softly: "Shi Yuan, can we be simpler? I don't have any other intentions, I just want to visit. Speaking of which, you and I are also from the same family. If it wasn't a coincidence, Maybe I'm also studying under Mr. Shui Jing. I value the word "filial piety" the most in my life, and I hate it when people use "filial piety" to make a fuss.

If you think I really have ulterior motives, I will go back after dawn..."

Pang Tong looked straight, and quickly waved his hands, "Ah Fu, don't blame... I didn't mean that, I just thought it was a little strange.

To be honest, your reputation is a hundred times greater than Yuan Zhi's, and your talent and learning may not be inferior to Yuan Zhi's.So caring, so... Ah Fu, please forgive me. "

When Cao Peng heard this, he couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.

To be honest, at first he was utilitarian, but later...

Maybe it's because I've been in this era for a long time, and my temperament will inevitably be contaminated with some ancient ideas.

The word "filial piety" is the way of human relations, if it is mixed with utilitarianism, it will make people laugh.Besides, with Cao Peng's current situation, how can he help Xu Shu?The reason why he came here was because he heard Pang Tong mention some past events of Xu Shu's mother, so he respected him deeply.

According to Pang Tong, when Xu Shu avenged his friends and killed people, he became a prisoner.

Later Shi Tao and others tried to rescue him, Xu Shu went home overnight, but saw the old lady waiting in the house holding a cane...

The old lady reprimanded Xu Shu severely, and beat Xu Shu twenty times with a cane, which made Xu Shu repent.What Pang Tong said was very simple, but Cao Peng believed that it was by no means as simple as twenty rattan sticks.The old lady can turn a brave and ruthless knight-errant into a student, there must be an unknown story.Xu Shu was studying abroad, and the old lady guarded her home alone, so she didn't burden Xu Shu in any way... Cao Peng really admired this kind of desire for his son to become a dragon.

Therefore, when Pang Tong asked, Cao Peng couldn't help expressing his feelings.

"Actually, I would rather, Shi Yuan, you can stay and help me."

"what?"

After being silent for a while, Cao Peng suddenly spoke.

Holding the porridge bowl, Pang Tong raised his head in astonishment, and looked at Cao Peng.

Cao Peng said seriously: "I hope Shi Yuan can stay by my side and help me."

"This one……"

"Brother, don't rush to refuse, just listen to me.

Humanity is that it is better to travel thousands of miles than to read thousands of books.To be honest, it is a good thing for my brother to travel around the world.But the problem is, brother, your status is destined to make it impossible for you to really contact those ordinary people.You are the descendant of Pang Gong of Lumen Mountain, the name of Da Pang and Xiao Pang Shangshu, which is well known to the world.No matter where you go, it can only be superficial. How much can you feel the real suffering of the people?

Insight into the world is knowledge, and understanding of human feelings is the article.

Brother, think about how talented Xun Wenruo was, and how much he benefited from traveling around the world?
On the contrary, after being in his position, his ability has been continuously improved, and now he is able to be the Minister of the Book, and he is alone.My elder brother is at home and can't learn much.You might as well stay here and help me out.I dare not say how noble I am, but I believe that it is better than wandering around and watching flowers on horseback... At the beginning, when I was apprenticed to a teacher, my teacher, Mr. Kong Ming, asked me what my ambition was.

Brother, you know, how do I answer? "

Pang Tong hesitated for a moment, shook his head and said, "I would like to hear the details."

"I told my mentor, my ambition: to establish a heart for the world, to establish a life for the people, to inherit the knowledge of the past, and to create peace for all generations."

Hearing this, Pang Tong could not help but tremble.

He raised his head, looked at Cao Peng, and was about to speak, but was stopped by Cao Peng.

"Brother, listen to me.

I know, my ambition is very arrogant.At that time, the teacher once said that I chose a very difficult path...but I don't regret it.

This road will be very long, I don't even know how to move forward, I can only grope in secret.

The teacher said, I would be lonely...but I don't think so.I believe that there will always be someone who will accompany me along this road!After getting acquainted with my brother, I know that my brother is also a person with big ambitions.So I ask my elder brother to go with me, so that we can rely on each other in times of difficulty.

The Master said: It's hard to say that there are friends coming from afar.

I wish to be friends with my elder brother, but I don't know if my younger brother can have this honor? "

Pang Tong was a little dizzy!
Cao Peng's words really caught him off guard.

He left home this time because he really wanted to travel around the world and increase his knowledge.To be honest, if Cao Peng didn't talk about it, he might not be willing to stay.After all, Pang Tong has Pang Tong's pride.The food that comes here is not what he wants, even he is quite close to Cao Peng.

But now, Cao Peng has spoken...

Pang Tong didn't know how to refuse.

Because of his ugly appearance, he has never had many friends.

The so-called classmates in Shuijing Villa, on the surface, seem to respect him, but in fact they respect his parents, not him.Behind the scenes, I don't know how to ridicule... Even if they are friends with Zhuge Liang, Xu Shu, Shitao and others, how much love is there?
People with high self-esteem tend to have low self-esteem.

Cao Peng's words touched a string in Pang Tong's heart.

For 22 years, Pang Tong's desire for friendship is far greater than that of ordinary people.

After Cao Peng finished speaking, he didn't say any more.He knew that Pang Tong had to think about it carefully.

"Taoist Wuna, I have already said that this place has been occupied, and I asked you to rest elsewhere. Why are you still here?"

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the ancestral hall.

Immediately afterwards, I heard a familiar voice say: "It's not that I'm entangled, but that this temple has a radius of hundreds of miles... I only have two people here, and it can't take up too much space. This man, why don't you accommodate me a little bit?" , let us avoid the wind and snow, and will never cause you any trouble."

Cao Peng got up and walked out.

Xia Houlan and Hande also followed him to the entrance of the ancestral hall.

"Xianghu, why are you making so much noise?"

(End of this chapter)