Cao Thief

Chapter 752
In the early morning, with the sound of street drums, the city gates of Xudu slowly opened.

Da da da!
The rapid sound of hooves came from a distance.More than a dozen guards hurriedly raised their eyes to look around, only to see the dust and smoke at the end of the official road.A group of iron cavalry came at a fast speed, the leader was wearing a moon-white embroidered satin gown with a cloak over it.He wears a golden crown with hair tied on his head and a windshield over his face.Under the crotch, a steed, lion and tiger came roaring, and arrived at the gate of the city in the blink of an eye.Behind him, a hundred horsemen scrambled to be the first, with hooves clattering like thunder.

A doorman wanted to step forward to stop him, but was dragged aside by the doorman.

"Want to die?"

"how?"

"I don't even know who it is... The Empress General, Marquis of Wuting, are you and I able to stop it? Open the city gate immediately! The Empress General returns to the capital, and something big will happen. If there is a delay, you and I will not be blamed." .”

"The latter general, the new Marquis of Wuting?"

The gatekeeper didn't react for a while, but he still obediently assisted the gatekeeper and opened the city gate.The cavalry whizzed past, only preventing the guard from opening his eyes.That kind of imposing manner rushing towards his face seemed like Mount Tai was overwhelmed.After the cavalry rushed into Xudu, the guard's heart was still pounding and his face turned pale.

"King Cao Yan?"

The doorman suddenly cried out.

In an instant, all the guards were petrified.

The title of King Cao Yan was mentioned in private, but no one dared to call it out in public.

Uncle Men didn't say anything, he stepped forward and slapped the guard on the face.

The normally kind face is now ferocious and terrifying.He gritted his teeth and cursed viciously: "You bastard, don't implicate us if you want to die. Can you and I say the word Cao Yanwang?"

The guard's face turned pale...

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The movement at the gate of Xu Capital City did not attract Cao Peng's attention.

He got the news from Bo County, and he and Xia Houshang traveled day and night without stopping.If so, it took a full ten days of effort.By the time he rushed back to Xudu, it was already early March, and the peaches and apricots were withered.

Cao Peng didn't dare to neglect, and galloped on the long street.

One of the soldiers shouted loudly: "The general later sees the emergency military situation, and the idlers get out of the way immediately!"

In the past two days, the Xudu Daily also published the Northwest Rebellion.The daily military intelligence and battle reports continue, and the common people are also prepared.After hearing the general's return, the pedestrians on the street immediately dodged to both sides and gave way to the passage.

Something big is about to happen!

Everyone knows that.

Cao Peng inspected prisons all over the world, and Xudu Daily also reported it.

In the past few months, whenever Cao Peng cracked an unjust, false or wrongly decided case, everyone in Xudu would soon know about it.Last time it was reported that Cao Peng was still in Xuzhou.Now the sudden return to Xudu must have something to do with the Northwest Rebellion.

Everyone knows that the northwest is calmed by Cao Peng.

Now that there is a war, it is impossible for him to stand by and watch.Besides, Cao Ji, the shepherd of Liangzhou, is Cao Peng's father.My father is in the midst of war, how can Cao Peng stay out of it and ignore it?

Therefore, the biggest possibility for him to return to the capital this time is to take over the Northwest War.

Under such circumstances, who would dare to block the road?I was hit to death, probably no one will feel sorry...

Cao Peng went straight to the prime minister's mansion unimpeded all the way.

Although Cao Cao was named the king of Wei, his residence has not changed much.

His king's capital is in Yecheng, which was built by skilled craftsmen.As for Xu Du, he is still the prime minister, in charge of the affairs of the DPRK and China.

Cao Peng reined in his horse outside the prime minister's mansion and jumped down.

Mending had already rushed out and took the reins.

People say, the seventh-rank official in front of the prime minister!But it also depends on who it is... For those ordinary officials, the doorman of the prime minister's mansion is unattainable.But for Cao Peng, he is no different from ordinary people.

He is in the prime minister's mansion and has the right to come and go freely, even without notification.

These servants also knew what kind of status the master in front of him had in Cao Cao's heart.If you offend this one, there is no reason to lose your head.So, when Cao Peng dismounted, how dare Mending neglect him?

"Is the prime minister in the mansion?"

"We are discussing matters in the flower hall."

Without saying a word, Cao Peng ran up the doorstep in three steps and broke into the prime minister's mansion.

In the past, when Cao Peng went in and out of the prime minister's mansion, he still kept the rules.But now, he is very anxious and wants to know the situation in the northwest, so he doesn't care too much about the rules.He is not unfamiliar with the Prime Minister's Mansion, but on the basis of the original Sikong Mansion, there have been some expansions.Overall, the structure of the government has not changed.

"Prime Minister, Prime Minister..."

Cao Peng strode straight to the flower hall.

But as soon as he entered the flower hall, Cao Peng was stunned!

In his impression, Cao Cao could not be said to be the kind of wise and powerful man.But his bearing and spirit are extremely outstanding.But now, Cao Cao looked unspeakably old and weak, he was much thinner, and his spirit seemed a little sluggish. Compared with before in Jingzhou, he was completely two people.

"Prime Minister..."

Cao Peng couldn't help but let out a soft cry.

In the flower hall, Mao Jie, Dong Zhao and others were discussing matters.

Cao Peng rushed in in a hurry, making everyone startled.Hua Xin opened his mouth to reprimand him, but Cao Cao waved his hand, "Let's stop here today, I'm a little tired, gentlemen, let's go back to rest first, and discuss it tomorrow."

Dong Zhao stretched out his hand and tugged Hua Xin.

Everyone hurriedly got up to leave, and before going out, Dong Zhao said softly: "Youxue, the prime minister is not feeling well, don't let him get too excited."

Cao Peng nodded.

"Ah Fu, when did you come back?"

"just came back."

A smile appeared on Cao Cao's face, he stood up, and said in a deep voice: "Fu Gu went out for a walk... I was in the room early in the morning, but I was a little bored. I saw peach blossoms blooming in the courtyard yesterday, and the scenery is very beautiful. Why don't we go together appreciate."

Canonized King Wei, Cao Cao also began to call himself a widow.

Cao Peng stepped forward quickly, supported Cao Cao, and walked out of the flower hall slowly.

Cao Cao is really old!

That feeling is very obvious... In the past, Cao Peng always had a sense of guard against Cao Cao, but at this moment, he clearly felt the weakness of an old man.He's only in his early fifties...In the original history, even after the defeat of Chibi, Cao Cao maintained his vigor.In the most dangerous time, they all appear very optimistic.But now, is he still the Cao Cao in history?

In Cao Peng's heart, there was an indescribable feeling.

He came to the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, assisted Cao Cao to succeed, and avoided the defeat of Chibi.

But is this good or bad?
Cao Peng couldn't tell.

"I'm fine, Afomo is worried."

Perhaps feeling the sadness in Cao Peng's heart, Cao Cao suddenly smiled and comforted him in a low voice.

The two walked slowly along the path, a group of followers, nearly fifty steps behind, not daring to approach.

Compared with the Cao Mansion, Cao Peng is definitely a very special existence.

Cao Cao's love and care for Cao Peng sometimes make people think that Cao Peng is Cao Cao's biological son.

"What's the status of this inspection?"

"Everywhere is generally calm, and there is no major turmoil."

"What's your opinion?"

Cao Peng thought for a while, and then said: "My nephew was invited by the governor of Xuzhou Xu Wei to go to Xuzhou to inspect the prison. On the way, I turned to Dongling Pavilion, but found some problems, I have to say."

"Then say it."

Cao Peng's voice was low and hoarse, but still carried a trace of irresistible majesty.

"Sun Quan ordered Lu Su to be the prefect of Danyang, Lu Meng to be the general, and Jiang Qinding to be the deputy general to station in Dantu. My nephew thought that Sun Quan had already sensed the threat of the Dongling Island navy, so he made this arrangement.

Dongling Island, hanging alone at the mouth of the sea, is located at the intersection of Wujun, Danyang and Guangling.

Zhou Jinghai can't do it alone, if he doesn't make arrangements early, it may be difficult to resist.Dongling Pavilion guards the emptiness. If I were Lu Su, I would take this as a breakthrough and occupy it, cutting off the connection between Dongling Island and Guangling, making it a lone army.If this is the case, no matter how capable Zhou Jinghai is, he may not be able to persist. "

Cao Cao frowned deeply upon hearing this.

"Chen Jiao didn't say anything about it."

Cao Peng hesitated for a moment, but he mustered up his courage and said, "Nephew doesn't want to belittle Ji Bi, but Ji Bi's talent is not suitable for Guangling today. If he is from a prefecture like Xiapi, he can Make local rule. However, the current Guangling is adjacent to Jiangdong, so it belongs to the frontier fortress. Ji Bi is good at government affairs and governance, but he is not good at military affairs. If things go on like this, it will definitely not be a good thing.”

Ji Bi is Chen Jiao.

What Cao Peng meant was that if there were no wars and Chen Jiao was allowed to govern the region, it would be able to develop rapidly.

However, Guangling is now like a frontier fortress, and war may break out at any time.Then Chen Jiao's talent is not enough to be the prefect of Guangling.He can develop the economy, govern the region, order that there will be no unjust, false or wrongly decided cases under his rule, and the punishment and prison will be clear.But in terms of military affairs, Chen Jiao's talent is slightly insufficient.

Cao Cao nodded lightly, somewhat agreeing.

After pondering for a moment, he suddenly asked: "Then do you have a suitable candidate?"

"This one……"

Cao Cao said with a smile: "Afumo is nervous, you are just chatting with Gu now, you can talk to family members, don't be restrained."

"If I recommend it, General Pang Lingming can take on the important task."

"You mean, Pound?"

Cao Cao still had an impression of Pound.

He thought for a while, then asked: "Pang De has never been alone, and has always served in the army, how can he control one side alone?"

"Pang De is bold, careful, strategic, calm and unruffled.

To govern a region, all you need is a right-hand man, but in the military, it is a general..."

"It does make sense."

Cao Cao seemed to not want to continue talking.

Cao Peng also shut up immediately, and the two walked into the garden slowly.

In the garden, there are women laughing.

From a distance, Cao Peng saw Cao Jie playing in the garden with a girl in a bun.

Seeing Cao Cao and Cao Peng, Cao Jie quickly brought the girl to greet them.

The girl is Cao Cao's youngest daughter, named Cao Hua, who is only six years old now.Cao Cao showed a kind smile on his face, rubbed the heads of the two girls, and said with a smile: "Go play elsewhere, I have something to talk to you, Brother Fu, don't disturb us."

Cao Jie quickly agreed and took Cao Hua out of the garden.

Cao Peng helped Cao Cao into the flower hall on the lake, and sat down on a stone bench with brocade cushions. Cao Cao let out a sigh of relief.

On the forehead, there are fine beads of sweat.

Cao Peng waved his hand, motioning for his subordinates to come up, picked up a cloth towel, and handed it to Cao Cao.

"old!"

Cao Cao said with a smile: "I think back then, the Taiping Road was in chaos. I was ordered to lead a trilogy, and traveled three hundred miles at night to pursue Zhang Bao. After the war, I drank with the lords and did not feel tired. Now, after walking a few steps, I feel a little tired. , I’m really getting old... Ah Fu, you sit down too. After all, our father and I have never had a chance to confided in each other since that green plum cooking wine. Every time we are in a hurry, we can’t even talk Can't tell."

Seeing Cao Cao's tired face, Cao Peng felt a little sour.

A generation of heroes, but they will eventually grow old...

Cao Peng sat aside hurriedly, "Your Majesty, Mo Yan's word 'old', I think your Majesty is like a tiger."

"Hahaha!"

Cao Cao laughed heartily after hearing this.

Only halfway through laughing, he coughed violently.

"Is the majesty of the tiger prison still there? That's a good word, Guai listens to it!"

After finishing speaking, Cao Cao showed a lonely look on his face, as if he was talking to himself: "Being alone in a weak crown and becoming an official, my lifelong wish is to write the name of Cao Dingyuan on the stone tablet in the future. However, the Han Dynasty The decline is not what Gu expected... The 22 princes asked for Dong, what Gu wished at the time, as long as Dong Zhuo can be calmed down and the Han Dynasty revived, what's the problem even if Gu is devastated? I don't know, the princes have their own thoughts...

Yuan Benchu ​​was also a chivalrous man in those days.

I thought I could accomplish great things, but I saw that his selfishness is very serious, he is indecisive when encountering problems, and he is not a person who can achieve great things.

In the battle of Guandu, with the heart of death alone, he fought against Benchu.

then...

Ah Fu, he is not alone as a hero, but he is a real hero in troubled times! "

Maybe it's been a long time since I talked to anyone like this, but Cao Cao was eloquent when he spoke.

Cao Peng listened quietly, adding water to the cup in front of Cao Cao from time to time.After a long time, Cao Cao suddenly kept silent and stared blankly at the pond.A gust of wind blew by, blowing the surface of the lake, ripples and sparkling water.

Cao Cao suddenly asked: "Ah Fu, if one day you are alone, would you be willing to take on the heavy responsibility?"

"what?"

"Zi Tun and Zi Huan died in battle, and their heart is very sad.

Among the sons who are alone, if they say that they can achieve great things, only Ziyi and Zihuan are the two.Ziwen has a strong temperament, like a raging fire.In order to be able to stand alone, but it is difficult to accomplish things... In the past few years, he likes to read history and books, and has changed a lot.However, there are still some shortcomings in order to lead the overall situation, and more training is needed.

Solitary to make it defend the frontier fortress, also has the meaning of tempering.

If there are ten years, Ziwen can become a great talent... But in the battle of Jingnan, Gu's body is...

Zijian is intelligent and talented.

His articles are gorgeous and his diction is brilliant. Given time, he can be compared to a great scholar...but if he wants to be a hero, he must first be weak and frivolous.His heart is not firm, he is easy to be swayed by others, and he is very happy to be lonely, but it is difficult to entrust important affairs.

Cang Shu is intelligent and has a resolute temperament.

Gu once paid attention to Cangshu, but later found out that this son is not cool, if it becomes a big event, everyone will die! "

When Cao Cao said this, he stared at Cao Peng.

But Cao Peng gasped, looked at Cao Cao, and was speechless for a while.

Cao Cao, this is not a heart-to-heart, it is clearly intended to support Gu.This also made Cao Peng a little uneasy, not knowing what Cao Cao was thinking.

After a long while, Cao Cao suddenly asked: "Ah Fu, do you dare to swear to the sky that the Cao family will rise?"

"what?"

"I want you to be loyal to the Cao family for the rest of your life, and not have the heart of rebellion. Can you do it?"

Cao Peng quickly stood up and crawled in front of Cao Cao.

"Your Majesty, why did you say that?"

"You are tough by nature, calm in situations, and have the air of a general.

Although sometimes not calm enough, even reckless, Gu is very happy.At the beginning, you privately indulged the Lu family members, and you were unhappy in your heart.Then I thought about it later, you dared to risk your life to save Lu Bu and you for the kindness of a drop of water, which shows that you have great affection in your heart.Later you killed Wei Duan in Liangzhou, lonely and angry...

Ah Fu, you are a loving man!

Sometimes, Gu just thinks, why aren't you my parent and child?
If so, even if I entrust all of Gu's foundation to you, I can still rest in peace under the loneliness of Jiuquan. "

"uncle!"

After hearing this, Cao Peng couldn't help crying.

Cao Cao's words were extremely emotional, which made Cao Peng feel even more sad.

"Ah Fu, get up."

"Here!"

Cao Peng stood up, then followed Cao Cao's wishes and sat down beside him.

"Can you promise Gu?"

Cao Cao took Cao Peng's hand and said softly: "In this life alone, I'd rather betray others than others betray me...Although there is Zhongde who honors Xiaowen as a great talent, but now alone, the only person who can be entrusted to him is Ah Fu. Can you promise Gu?"

Cao Peng took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "Don't worry, Uncle, but Ah Fu is still alive, and he will never fail Uncle's great trust. When the Cao family prospers, the Han Dynasty must perish. This is the truth of the cycle of heaven... Ah Fu will protect my Cao family. For the rest of my life, I will be loyal to the Cao family. If you make an oath today, you will break it in the future.

This oath is very vicious!
There was a touch of warmth in Cao Cao's eyes.

He patted Cao Peng's shoulder lightly, "With Ah Fu's words, I feel relieved!"

With that said, he stood up and walked to the pavilion.

"There was turmoil in the Northwest, and the incident happened suddenly.

The horse is brave and ferocious, and Zilian is no match for him.And the chaos of Di and Qiang must have a lot to do with Ma'er.Juan Shi governed Liangzhou, but Xiao Guicao followed him, but if he dealt with the chaos, it was still not enough.Guben wanted Yuan Rang to send troops to help, but since Yuan Rang was defeated in Zigui, he lost all vigor and might not be able to take on the important task.

Gongming can calm Guanzhong, but it is difficult to determine the northwest.

Wen Ruo suggested that you should supervise the northwest, but Zhongde would not allow it.Previously, Feng Xiao kept recruiting manpower from the northwest, and his intention was not clear. It seemed to weaken your strength, but it was actually for your sake.

You are in the court and have very good contacts.

Gu Ben hesitated whether to let you go to the northwest, but today you came here in a hurry, so Gu made up his mind.

Ah Fu, the lonely general will appoint you as a former general, Marquis of Wuxiang, and lieutenant of Sili, and envoy Chijie to supervise the Northwest Military.One year, the lonely want to be peaceful in the northwest. "

Cao Peng shuddered and stared at Cao Cao in a daze.

Lao Cao, you are so courageous!
I'm 27 years old, will you let me be a township lord, a former general, and a lieutenant of Sili?

This position is also equivalent to maximizing Cao Peng's power.The envoy and commander of the Northwest Army is also the most terrifying position in this series of official positions.Officials under two thousand shi can be killed first and played later.That is to say, Cao Peng can behead anyone below the prefect. This power is really astonishing.

One year, pacify the northwest?

Cao Peng scratched his head, cupped his hands and said, "I would like to issue a military order!"

"Very good!"

Cao Cao took a deep breath, and then said: "The horse is sitting in Wudu, it is really a confidant's trouble. If the horse is not removed, it will be difficult to sleep alone. After Ah Fu goes to the northwest, try to kill him... Once Wudu is in hand, You can decide for yourself whether to march into Hanzhong... I am lonely and tired, and I don't want to wait too long, do you understand?"

How could Cao Peng not understand!

Cao Cao's eyes may have already fixed on Xi Chuan.

"Sir, I understand."

Cao Cao laughed!

He said softly: "After you go to the northwest, it is not appropriate for Junshi to continue to serve as the Liangzhou pastor... But you don't have to worry, another person will restrain you. The lonely general ordered Jia Xu to be the governor of Liangzhou to help you calm down Northwest. I hope you don't have any worries, what to do, what to do, just let it go."

"Sir, obey."

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The news of Cao Peng's return to Xudu was known to everyone in a short time.

And he entered the prime minister's mansion at noon and did not leave until after noon.Cao Cao had been talking with Cao Peng alone, but no one knew what they were talking about.But many people have seen a clue from this incident.

Cao Cao's favor for Cao Peng has never diminished.

Even if Cao Cao canonized the king of Wei this time, but Cao Peng never appeared from the beginning to the end, it would not be able to change Cao Peng's position in Cao Cao's mind.

In the evening, it began to rain lightly.

When Cao Peng returned to Xinwuting Hou Mansion, he saw Cai Yan, Huang Yueying, Xia Houzhen, Mrs. Zhang, and Cao Nan waiting in the hall

The beginning of the Northwest War affected the minds of the Cao family.

Cao Nan, who didn't want to go back to Xudu to recuperate, immediately accompanied Mrs. Zhang back to Xudu...

Cao Peng returned to Xudu and went to the prime minister's mansion immediately.

The family waited at home and kept sending people to inquire to see when Cao Peng would come back.But Cao Peng was dragged by Cao Cao to speak, and no one knew the situation at all.This also made the family anxious.

Seeing Cao Peng coming back, the old lady burst into tears!
"Ah Fu, your father fell ill in Liangzhou, and now there is turmoil again, what should we do?"

Cao Peng waved his hand, signaling the servants serving in the hall to step back.

Then he helped his mother to sit down, and said softly: "Mother, don't worry, Dad will be back soon."

"what?"

The old lady was very pleasantly surprised.

But Cai Yan's daughters showed nervousness.

"Ah Fu, you want to go back to the northwest?"

Cao Nan asked suddenly.

After following Deng Ji for so many years, Cao Nan is no longer the village woman who knew nothing back then.In fact, the ups and downs of these years have taught her a lot, and she can see the essence more clearly from the surface.

The old lady showed nervousness again, and took Cao Peng's hand.

"Why, you are going to the northwest? How can that be possible! The northwest is in turmoil, isn't it dangerous for you to go to the northwest?"

Cao Peng, you laughed!
"No matter how dangerous it is, it will not be more dangerous than when I went to Hexi."

This sentence is equivalent to answering Cao Nan's question just now.

Cao Peng will go to the northwest to quell the chaos.

"Look at you, why are you so nervous?" Cao Peng said with a smile: "The chaos in the Northwest may seem serious, but it's just a mob. Father is old, and it's really not suitable for him to live in Liangzhou for a long time. Your Majesty has already made arrangements. This time, father After returning from Liangzhou, he will take over the post of chief minister of agriculture and stay in Xudu.

This is actually a good thing.

I am in the northwest, like a fish entering the sea, there is no danger.

On the brother-in-law's side, my sister needs to tell him that the king will send troops to Bingzhou soon... My brother-in-law is guarding Hedong, and he should guard against local naturalized Hu people.Hu people are cunning and have no faith, so you can't confide in them...

In this way, I ordered Han Sheng to go to Hedong, maybe I can help my brother-in-law, a helping hand! "

Cao Nan was grateful when he heard this.

She knew very well that when Cao Peng went to the northwest, it was time to employ people.

Although Huang Zhong is old, Cao Peng respects him very much, he must be someone with ability... There is a shortage of available people around Deng Ji.Although Jiang Ji and others are assisting, there are still some lacking generals.

In detail, apart from Feng Chao, who was brought over from Haixi, Deng Ji's subordinates no longer have any confidant generals.

This is not a good thing for Deng Ji.

At least, for him to control the army, there will be great trouble.

"how about you?"

"I?"

Cao Peng smiled slightly, showing a hint of pride, "There are only a handful of people in the world who can beat me.

Although the horse is brave, what can I do? "

(End of this chapter)