Chapter 6 First estrangement

Cao Cao looked up at the tall gate of Yuan Feng's family, the Duke's family is really magnificent!There was excitement in his heart—Yuan Shao finally came back to keep filial piety for his mother. I have not been to Yuan Mansion once or twice, but what I see every time I come is not the same.This time, the Yuan family has remodeled the courtyard again, using high-quality pine wood as the material, carved beams and painted buildings, and white marble stone steps on the ground floor, making it look more luxurious and elegant.Take a closer look, even the black cloth robes worn by the second-class gatekeepers are made of satin, this kind of wealth is unparalleled in the court.

In all fairness, Yuan Feng can't be regarded as a person with extraordinary talents.But he is proficient in Yi learning, and he became an official early in the name of his father and grandfather. He has been in the officialdom for decades, so he is old, and he is respected by all civil and military officials and even the emperor.Especially when Chen Fan was murdered, Hu Guang passed away, Qiao Xuan was old, and cinnabar was not as valuable as red soil, Yuan Feng seemed even more mature and prudent.Compared with him, Yang Ci is upright and staunch, and the emperor hates him; Liu Kuan is elegant and noble but too humble; Chen Dan is shrewd and powerful but withdrawn; trust.Therefore, Liu Hongjing regards him as the Three Elders, and he is rewarded with many royal treasures every year.

When Cao Cao learned that Yuan Shao was returning to Beijing, he deliberately asked Ma Riken for leave, went to visit Yuan's house, handed him a famous assassin, and introduced him to the mansion. I used to walk around a lot in the past, and I didn't need someone to report to him. When I walked into Yuan Shao's study lightly, Yuan Shao and the guest were chatting happily.Cao Cao was taken aback. It turned out that it was Xu You and Cui Jun. He was quite unhappy when he was surprised: Xu You left Qiaoxuan without even saying hello when he left. He didn't come to see me; Cui Jun was even more wrong, his father Cui Lie was very friendly with my father, he could be called a family friend after all, it is said that he was transferred back to Beijing, why didn't even my father come if he didn't come to date me visit?

"Meng De, you are here!" Cui Jun was the first to stand up. "Brother Ah Man!" Xu You still used Cao Cao's nickname when he spoke, "I haven't met for many years, how have you always been?" "Okay, okay." Cao Cao nodded, "I heard that brother Benchu ​​is coming back to Beijing, and I plan to come and have a look and have a drink some other day. I didn't expect you to go back to Beijing, let's go together." Cui Jun and Xu You knew that they were not polite, so they were a little embarrassed, they just cupped their hands and said, "We also just came back, and we said we would visit another day, so I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

"Hahaha..." Yuan Shao smiled and stood up, "Meng De, I haven't seen Brother Yu in three years!" Although he is not filial, his clothes are still plain, his beard and hair have been delicately groomed, His fair and straight face became more and more visible. What an enviable appearance this is!Cao Cao thought to himself.After the two bowed to each other, Cao Cao couldn't wait to grab Yuan Shao's hand, with tears in his eyes: "At the beginning, my Cao family almost turned upside down in the past three years, and I wanted to tell my brother about my sorrows."

"Sit down and talk! Sit down and talk!" Seeing that he was moved, the three of them took the couch and the water.Since Cao Cao offended his favorite minister and was transferred to Dunqiu Ling, he has seen very few old friends from the past, and he has long held his stomach to talk.So he poured out all his hardships such as going out of Beijing in winter, being in danger on the Yellow River, being in Ren Kangzhao, and burying sages in the mulberry garden. All three of them sighed, and Xu You said: "It's unexpected that Meng De has encountered so many hardships in just three years." Cao Cao wiped away his tears: "Ah... Thanks to the help of Mr. Qiao, I was able to return to the official position. Ziyuan , How is Mr. Qiao?"

Xu You blushed.Since he left without saying goodbye, he has never seen his master Qiao Xuan again, and he is so busy wandering around every day, he didn't even think of writing a letter to the old man.Cao Cao's question was really embarrassing.Cao Cao understood at a glance, just sighed, and didn't have the nerve to ask any more questions. Yuan Shao patted his hand: "Don't be sad, it's all over. It's not necessarily a bad thing to go through more hardships, on the contrary, the foolish brother who kept his filial piety at home has now become a frog at the bottom of the well. I'm not as good as you."

Cao Cao was a little cold-hearted, he thought Yuan Shao would be able to say a few words of comfort from the bottom of his heart, but who would have thought that he would have said such a word, even though he had a smile on his face.But it's obviously teasing and prevarication, and they are indifferent to these things. "I heard that He has been in your house?" Yuan Shao is now concerned about this matter. "Well, I went a few times a few months ago to visit my father, but I won't come these days." "Did you meet him when he went?" "I saw it once, and I didn't say a few words."

"Meng De, this is your fault." "Oh?" "He Jin came to your house not to visit your father, but to see you!" "That's the case?" Cao Cao didn't believe it. Yuan Shao didn't speak, but Cui Jun took up the conversation: "It seems that this He Suigao has no backbone at all, not only Meng De's, but also my father's. It is said that he also visited Liu Kuan, Chen Dan, and Confucius. Rong, Wang Yun, Liu Tao, he has visited all the prefectures." As soon as Cao Cao heard it, he understood that although these people were old and young and had different official positions, they all had one thing in common with him, they all advocated restricting eunuchs and lifting the ban for party members.Only then did he figure out that He went into his house to find him under the guise of visiting his father, and he must have made up his mind to run for the party members.

Yuan Shao shook his head helplessly: "We, a half-stupid but not stupid uncle of the big country, are holding the word 'dang' in his hand and turning around Luoyang. It's really troublesome to be so hesitant to do something." Cao Cao heard that his son Chou Yinmao was coming : I suspected that someone was pushing He Jin, but it turned out that Yuan Shao was behind the scenes.Cao Cao tentatively said with a smile: "I think you are stupid. How can someone like him do such a big thing as overturning the verdict? He Jin can't do it, and He Miao, this person is also smart, you can find him."

Yuan Shao sneered: "He's shrewd, but he's too shrewd. If the party is successful, he will be the savior of all talented people in the world. He Miaoben has nothing to do with the queen. A rogue in the market can get to this point Is the field an easy thing to do? Think about it, even if he is not an uncle of the country, this man's shrewdness is outstanding. If He Miao really accomplishes this great event, he will be worth a hundred times immediately, and he will not be praised by others. At that time, if one person is under ten million people, won’t he repeat the mistakes of Dou, Deng, Yan, and Liang’s relatives?” It’s a waste of words, Yuan Shao unconsciously admitted that it was his idea. Cao Cao immediately restrained his smile: "At the beginning, although your intentions were good, but Mr. He is engaged in private affairs of the royal family, so it may not be appropriate to join forces with him." "Meng De, you are too cautious. Although He Jin is innocent, he is still very serious in handling things. He is simple and honest, and he is very righteous. There will be no trouble." Xu You quickly blinked his small eyes and agreed: "The two are the lesser. I would rather provoke He Jin to fight to the death, and not let the opportunity pass. In the final analysis, it is still the current Wansui who cannot cheer up. Emperor Zong’s words, “Heaven cannot be strong, if it is not strong, the three lights will not be clear; the king must not be strong, if it is not strong, then the ruler and animal husbandry will be free” is really a famous saying.” Yuan Shao interrupted him: "Ziyuan, you are being pedantic. What Ding Hong said is not suitable for today's Wansui." "In your opinion?" "Long live today is not not strong, but his steel is useless on the blade. Speaking of it, entering the palace alone at the age of twelve has undergone major changes. The family destroyed King Bohai, killed the Song family, and quietly eradicated Quan Yu Wangfu. He also knows poetry, calligraphy and painting, and is familiar with the classics of the past dynasties. What kind of things has he not experienced? What kind of truths can he not understand? Xu You and Cui Jun looked at each other, but they had to admit that these were real facts. Cao Cao took up the conversation: "But his mind is all on whitewashing the peace. He is building a large palace and expedition to Xianbei, so he doesn't think about the consequences of such a waste of money and money. He doesn't listen to good words, and he doesn't want the minister's advice. Ji, Liang Hu, and others are people who never talk too much. Although he is smart, he insists on going his own way and sees ruling the world as too simple..." "That's because the officials in office are too indulgent to the emperor!" Yuan Shao said indifferently. Cao Cao's words hurt his heart!What time of day is it?Although one term as an official cannot restore the state, it can at least benefit the common people. What good is it like Yuan Shao now only accepts old accounts and ignores the sufferings of the people?He forced himself to be patient, and said: "Most people in the world are running around with smiles on their faces, but who doesn't feel sad in their hearts? Who really only thinks that they have no patriotism? But under the world style, what can be done? It is difficult for the common people to take care of their own lives. Who can unrealistically sacrifice their lives to rise up for the country? Besides, the high-ranking and widowed will not be recognized in the end, but will be ridiculed by secular dignitaries. The world is like autumn, and human nature is like straw. The autumn air kills the grains and grasses, and the grains and grasses don’t let go, they wither and die.” But these few words from his heart did not arouse any resonance. Cui Jun was silent for a while, and then said: "Reversing the verdict for the party members now seems to be nothing more than empty talk. He Jin is a fool, but he can't put his own safety at risk. Brother Boqiu brought news that most of the party members Heroes still dare not expect extravagant expectations of the He family. It seems that the hearts of both parties are cold, and only we are the only ones who are hot." Cao Cao was surprised when he heard the words "Brother Boqiu" all of a sudden: "Has Brother Boqiu come to Beijing?" Before Cui Jun could reply, Yuan Shao spoke first: "No! He is still living in Zhang Miao. There is a message from Brother Tuo Ziyuan." Xu You was stunned, and nodded quickly: "Yes, yes, I went to Runan to see him a few days ago." Cao Cao's eyes are so sharp, and he can see that they are deliberately hiding it from him, and Zhang Miao doesn't live in Ru'nan. Nan, the three of them didn't even make up nonsense. Xu You also knew that he lost his words in a hurry, so he quickly changed the subject: "Brother Cui, what official do you want to be in Beijing this time?" "I'm going to join the Guanglu Office, and I'm protecting the emperor's home." Cui Jun didn't allow Cao Cao to intervene, and said to Yuan Shao, "Brother Benchu, you should find an official as well." Yuan Shao shook his head and said, "Forget it. A few days ago, Chen Dan wanted to enlist me as a vassal, but I respectfully refuted it. Back then when I was chatting with Wang Jun, he said that it would be better to retire to Nanshan when we encounter a filthy world. I think His words are not false at all." Cao Cao became more and more annoyed, what happened to everyone?You actually guarded me like a thief... Listen to what you said again!How can you, Yuan Benchu, be compared with Wang Ziwen!Wang Jun is a child of a poor family, and he fell into Qiaoxuanmen after untold hardships; but you, Yuan Shao, were born with the aura of the Sangong family, even if you sit at home and wait, you can wait for a high-ranking official, you don’t know your blessings.It is really unreasonable to compare yourself to Wang Jun like this, besides, you also know the filthy world, let alone the disrespect to me and Cui Jun's father, wouldn't it mean that the two uncles who raised you are also included in the filth? Cao Cao wanted to refute a few words, but held back his anger again, but he heard Yuan Shao continue: "I was reading Wang Chong's "Lunheng" recently, which said, 'There are always virtuous people in conduct, and there are always virtuous officials. It’s time to meet or not. If you are talented and clean, you can’t guarantee that you will be honorable; if you can be turbid, you can’t guarantee that you will be humble. If you are talented and clean, you will not retreat to the lowly; To obtain scholars, scholars can also advance.' I don't want to learn from Liang Hu and others, so I can calm down and cultivate my character! Wang Chong also said, 'Advancement is met, retreat is not met. People are respected and prominent, not necessarily virtuous. I am not necessarily foolish, not to meet. Therefore, to meet, or to practice, to respect the dynasty of Jie; Great talent comes from small talent; or both have great talent, and the way is turbid; or have no morality, but use skills; or have no skills, just look at sex.' So today's court officials are nothing more than..." Cao Cao really didn't have the heart to read books with him. Today's meeting was terrible.Taking advantage of his words, he quickly got up: "Ben Chu and Yuan Chang, brother Zi Yuan, I still have important things to do, so I will take my leave first." "What are you busy with?" Cui Jun pulled him, "You must stay, let's have a drink later." "I shouldn't have refused. But my father ordered me to do some things yesterday, and I still have some business in Dongguanli. I still want to find a chance to pay a visit to Zhu Jun." "Zhu Jun? I seemed to see him when I entered the mansion just now. I'm afraid he came to pay a visit to Duke Yuan." Xu You mentioned inadvertently. Cao Cao's eyes lit up, and he turned to sweep away the haze, and he was overjoyed: I met Zhu Jun once, and it would be abrupt if I went to the house to visit, but if I could "meet by chance" here, wouldn't it be more natural? "Let's stay for a while, maybe some friends will come later?" Xu You still insisted on keeping him. "Don't bother me, I'm busy!" Yuan Shao and Cui Jun looked at each other and said: "Well, since the elders have something to order, then I won't stay, and I will definitely come some other day when I have time." "It should be like this, stay...stay..." Cao Cao saluted and went out, ignoring any etiquette and dignified, he jumped and ran out.In an instant, he came to the second gate and called the gatekeeper: "Master Zhu Jun, has Mr. Zhu ever left?" The gatekeeper bowed his head and said, "As you said, he hasn't left yet." Cao Cao rolled his eyes, took out two coins from his pocket, and said, "I'm hiding behind the door, watch out for me, and if you see Master Zhu coming, tell me quickly." The servant looked at the money: "I said, my lord, what are you going to do? Don't stay in our house if you seek revenge and hate, you can't bear it!" "Cough! Where are you thinking? I just want to find a chance to meet Master Zhu." Cao Cao said and stuffed the money into his hand.The wine is famous, and the wealth is touching. Seeing that no one is around, the servant hurriedly put the money into his arms, and ignored the rules of the government: "You are wronged, you'd better squat behind the door. There is no way to hide outside." Besides, if the housekeeper sees it, the little one will be in trouble." "Okay, okay." Cao Cao was willing to listen to him, he took the end of his robe and squatted behind the door, hiding behind the gatekeeper.The servant looked back at him from time to time, and then said with a smile: "My little eyesight is clumsy, so I figured it out, you are Cao Yilang, right?" "Oh! Boy, do you recognize me?" "If you don't know anyone, you have to know you! When you broke into the mansion, you gave me a slap at the gate, which made my teeth loose." "Hahaha..." Cao Cao didn't expect it to be this kid, "Last time I was heavy handed, I'll give you a few more pennies later." "I dare not, I will give you back these two hangers in a while." "Take it away, and let it be my apology." The servant was also humorous, he held back his laughter and didn't turn his head back, muttering: "Your Excellency, you are fighting with bricks, you are really good at it! Last time you barged in with your slap, this time it was Yilang who was squatting behind the Sangong Gate, What kind of idea is this?" "I can't help it. I'm not comfortable being an official, so I was forced out." Cao Cao had nothing to say to make friends with him, "It's been a long time since you broke into the mansion last time. You are not very old, but you have been on duty for a long time! I'm afraid it's not a small sight here, right?" "That's natural." When the family Ding heard Cao Cao flattering him, he became more talkative, "I am the son of Yuan's family. I have been helping the cook since I was six years old. Leading the horse, serving tea and water for the eldest wife at the age of nine, and pouring the night pot for the master! I stood at the gate first, and then stood at the second gate. I was promoted because of my good memory. Otherwise, how would I recognize you? It’s not a petty boast, don’t look at my young age, there are not many servants in this mansion who are older than me…” He moved his leg away while talking, “Look at that old man who is holding something , Don’t look at how old you are, you’re a newcomer! You have to obey my orders.” Cao Cao really raised his head, if he didn't look at it, he was surprised when he saw it - isn't that He Yong?There's nothing wrong with that figure and appearance... Oh, more than half of Brother Boqiu's hair is white!Deliberately stop and recognize each other, but can't let the gatekeeper know his identity.In a blink of an eye, He Yong walked in through the second door with a package in his arms, not paying attention to someone squatting behind the door. Cao Cao was furious for a while, Ming Boqiu had gone to Beijing in disguise and hid in the mansion, why did Yuan Shao and the others lie to him.Even if I am the son of Cao Song and a relic of the eunuch, but after all I have saved brother Boqiu and exchanged hearts with him, won't this win you, Yuan Benchu's trust?It seems that in your eyes, I am still just an ugly eunuch... It was from that moment that the first crack appeared in Cao Cao's friendship with Yuan Shao. "Come on! Come on!" the servant muttered in a low voice. Cao Cao was overjoyed. He stood up and adjusted his crown and clothes. He coughed and pretended to stroll out from behind the door. He greeted Zhu Jun and said, "Oh! Isn't this Mr. Zhu? The late student saluted you." Seeing that it was Cao Cao, Zhu Jun raised his mustache happily: "Isn't this the Cao family boy? You also come to Yuan's mansion." "Yes, what a coincidence! I met you again." "That's true." Seeing Zhu Jun walking out with his hands behind his back, Cao Cao followed.He is not tall, Zhu Jun is half a head shorter than him, Cao Cao had to bend down and look up to look respectful: "Master Zhu, I was taught by you that day." "Oh?" Zhu Jun was taken aback, "What did I teach you?" "You said Hu Guang's old lady Fu Ying is full of spirit, so I understand." Cao Cao has already made up a set of rhetoric, "Although his old man is innocent, the chaos of Liang Ji and the evil of Wang Fu have caused the chaos in the court. If it weren't for his old man If we maintain the moderation to act as the agent of state affairs, won’t there be no one in charge of the huge imperial court?” "Yup." "Actually, the courtiers sometimes have some criticisms, but they are forced to do so. But why care about their actions if they can benefit the country?" Cao Cao deliberately said this sentence loudly.In fact, ever since he met Zhu Jun that day, he had been secretly inquiring about Zhu Jun's past experience.Knowing that Zhu Jun has a shortcoming, he worked in Kuaiji in his early years. At that time, the famous general Yin Duan was the prefect. When Xu Shao rebelled, Yin Duan was convicted and sentenced to death for his ineffectiveness in suppressing Xu Shao. In fact, it was the fault of the imperial court, not the old general's fault. In order to save people, Zhu Jun used heavy bribes to move up and down, bribed the eunuchs, and supervised the post to calm the matter.The man was saved, but he was criticized by his colleagues because of inappropriate means, which became the biggest stain in his life.Cao Cao took advantage of this, made up this speech at home, and secretly rehearsed it many times earlier. On the surface, he was talking about Hu Guang, but in fact he wanted to flatter him. Zhu Jun was overjoyed when he heard this, and stroked his mustache with seven upwards and eight downwards: "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes! You are very knowledgeable, and these words touched my heart, didn't they!" While speaking, Cao Cao had already left the Yuan Mansion, and Cao Cao came on horseback. Seeing Zhu Jun getting into the carriage, he didn't care about getting on his own horse, so he rushed forward to lift the curtain for him. "Oh, you are so thoughtful." Zhu Jun happily got into the car, and turned around, "You are very angry with me, come to my house when you have time, let's have a chat." What Cao Cao wanted was his words, and he quickly agreed: "I will definitely go. I will ask you how to use soldiers when I am a late student." Zhu Jun waved his hand: "There is no priority in learning, and those who have mastered are teachers. I will not ask you to teach me two words." Dare to do it." "You are humble." Cao Cao continued to flatter. "Stop talking, I have to leave quickly! Mr. Yang just had a grandson named Yang Xiu. He told me to go over to have a wedding drink! You must come some other day when you are free, and we can have a good chat." After Zhu Jun finished speaking, he signaled the coachman to leave quickly. "Respectfully send off Master Zhu." Cao Cao sent him off with a bow. These few words really made Zhu Jun beautiful. After driving a long way, he even stretched out his hand to say goodbye to Cao Cao.It wasn't until the carriage turned a corner that Cao Cao straightened up, untied his mount from the stakes, and happily got on the horse.The scheme succeeded, everything went smoothly, and with just a few words, he had a hard relationship with Zhu Jun. It seems that he still has to fight for the opportunity himself!But not long after he left, he remembered what happened to He Yong, and felt a sense of loss again. As the saying goes, don't bow your head when you are frustrated, Cao Cao trusts the horse and walks forward with his head down. Coincidentally, there happened to be a pedestrian on the opposite side who was holding bamboo slips and lowered his head as if in a daze.The two walked towards each other, but no one noticed each other, and they bumped into each other.Cao Cao and the man apologized to each other and left.I'm afraid Cao Cao didn't expect that the person who collided with him was the instigator of the chaos in the world. His name is Tang Zhou, and the bamboo in his arms is a whistle-blowing document to report rebellion in Taipingdao.Although Yang Ci, Liu Tao and other ministers have made efforts to take precautions, but the faint king Liu Hong does not accept the faithful advice. In February of the seventh year of Guanghe (AD 184), the Yellow Turban Rebellion kicked off.