Zhongshan, Hebei Province. It was June in Zhongshan, and the sun was scorching. Although Jizhou was known as the granary of the Han Dynasty, it was a chaotic time. Even large cities like Ye City and Xu Capital would have beggars and refugees, let alone this small Zhongshan.
However, compared to other places, Zhongshan had a treasured place for refugees to eat. It was the Hebei Zhen family that distributed food at the beginning of each month to help the poor.
The Zhen family was the descendant of an official. The original head of the family was quite famous. He was the Shangcai magistrate, Zhen Yi. Unfortunately, he had passed away thirteen years ago. The Zhen family was a wealthy family in Hebei Province. Now, they were managed by the female protagonist Zhang. They were in good order. Before Zhen Yi died, he left behind three boys and five girls. The most famous one was the youngest daughter of the Zhen family, Zhen Mi. It was said that this girl had been insightful since she was young. When she was ten years old, she persuaded her mother to use the family's grain to relieve her relatives and neighbors. Zhen Mi was also the one who made the Zhen Family open their doors to the public at the beginning of each month.
Today was the beginning of the month, and it was also the day of the Zhen family's food relief. The neighbors and villagers had gathered at the entrance of the Zhen family's residence early in the morning, waiting for the distribution of food. Soon, the door of the residence was opened. A group of guards carried big bags and baskets filled with yellow and white rice. The scene was thunderous. The people came forward to take the rice. For a time, the entrance of the Zhen family was very lively.
A skinny old man with skin as dry as old tree bark and a white beard slowly walked to the front of the Zhen residence with a cane in his hand. His face was covered with pockmarks as big as beans, his ears were big, his nose was big, and his eyes were swollen. He looked ugly, but his expression was quite honest.
This old man was Tong Yuan, the great spear master that Cao Ang had asked Xi Lu to help find. He was nearly seventy years old, and he had come to Zhongshan from Dongping just to see someone.
The person he wanted to see was helping the servants distribute the rice in front of the Zhen residence. It was a woman in a light green robe. The weather was hot and humid, but for some reason, she wore a small hat on her head. One could vaguely see her hair bun. Under the brim of the hat, a strand of soft hair fluttered gently, and the sweat seemed to drip on her long eyelashes, making her look even more delicate and elegant. Curiously, she covered half of her face with a light pink silk veil, making people want to open it, but it was difficult to do so. Other than that, there were no other unnecessary accessories.
This woman was Zhen Mi, the youngest daughter of the Zhen family. Tong Yuan walked shakily to the side of the Zhen family's main gate, but he did not disturb her. He just quietly watched her and the servants distribute the rice. After the crowd gradually dispersed, Zhen Mi, who was wearing a veil, wiped the sweat from her eyes. Her bright and dark eyes were covered with a layer of mist, perhaps because of the hot weather. They were like stars in the night, shining with a gentle and peaceful light.
"Grandpa Tong!" Zhen Mi finally saw Tong Yuan, who had been standing guard at the side of the manor. She quickly stepped forward. Her movements were gentle and experienced, and her eyes were full of naturalness and mischief. Tong Yuan kindly looked at the sweat on her forehead and nodded.""Alright."
Tong Yuan was not good with words, and he was a man of few words. Usually, every sentence he spoke would rarely exceed three to five words. His late wife, Lady Yan, was once a young lady of the Yan family in Hebei Province. She was very close to the Zhen family. However, she was defeated later, and Tong Yuan was reduced to a commoner. In the past, he had accepted the invitation of the Zhang family and taught some self-defense martial arts to the children of the Zhen family. At the same time, he became friends with the young Zhen Mi.
Zhen Mi was already used to Old Master Tong's reclusive personality and knew that he was praising her for her kindness in opening the granary to help the people. She smiled and asked,""Grandpa Tong, what brings you to Zhongshan today?”His voice was like a flute, elegant and calm, yet lively. Tong Yuan was silent for a long time. Finally, he said,""Farewell."
"Farewell?" Zhen Mi was taken aback by his words, but she immediately guessed that things were not as simple as they seemed. She frowned and said,""Grandpa Tong, are you leaving? Where are we going?" "Xu Capital," Tong Yuan said lightly.
Zhen Mi gently held her forehead. Her movements were elegant and graceful, as if she had combined the most agile gentleness and charm into one. After a while, she frowned and said,"It's just a place to live. Is the capital really that good?"”
"No." Tong Yuan shook his head. After a moment of silence, he continued,"The Cao family is looking for me."”Zhen Mi was slightly taken aback. Apparently, she didn't expect the person who wanted to take Tong Yuan away to be Lady Cao of Xu City. "Grandpa Tong, why don't... Mi 'er begs Mother to ask the Great General to help you stop the people from Xudu…"
"Impossible." Tong Yuan shook his head.”At that time, Tong Yuan was just a commoner. Even if Yuan Shao intended to marry into the Zhen family, he would not have a dispute with the people of Xudu over a civilian spear master.
Looking at Zhen Mi's lonely eyes, Tong Yuan said,""You're too beautiful. Don't take off your veil casually.”" Don't worry, Grandpa Tong," Zhen Mi said bitterly." Mi 'er is no longer a little girl. How could she be scared by those lecherous men?"”
"Alright, then, I'll be leaving…Take care." Tong Yuan did not turn back after he finished speaking. He turned around and staggered into the distance. Looking at Tong Yuan's figure gradually disappearing into the distance, Zhen Mi's heart could not help but tremble when she thought about the loneliness of this old man who had taught her swordsmanship for several years and had a good relationship with him. She felt a little bitter and desolate…While she was deep in thought under the scorching sun, she suddenly had a bold idea. That idea lingered in her mind and instantly surged into her mind.
"Men, bring me the accounts. How much is the grain and rice in Xudu this year? The price of cloth, silk, and utensils must be carefully checked to see if they can buy me a property in Xudu.”
——————
"What did you say? My subordinates are not under my control!”Gan Ning's vicious howl echoed through the hall of the General's Mansion. Cao Ang patted the table helplessly and said,"Brother Xing Ba, don't be anxious. Actually, if you think about it carefully, my father's actions are also helpless…And it's quite meaningful."
"That's bullsh * t!" Gan Ning said through gritted teeth.”Cao Ang frowned and said in a deep voice,""Brother Xing Ba, although you and I are friends through life and death, ever since you entered the Xuxu realm, you have become a general of my General Manor. I hope you will respect my father in the future!”
"You…!" Gan Ning was about to retort when he saw Cao Ang's stern eyes. He was a far cry from his usual easygoing self, so he didn't finish his sentence. After a while, he said resentfully,"Yes!"
Cao Ang sighed in his heart. When a tiger comes out of its cage, it needs to be shackled. If he doesn't kill his spirit appropriately, how can he make him bow down and listen to orders in the future? After careful consideration, Cao Ang sighed and said,""Brother Xingba, you have to understand that my father's authority is overwhelming and has awed the world. Although I seem to have boundless glory on the surface, I also have my own difficulties and difficulties. Sometimes, even if it was the person closest to him, he couldn't trust them too much. The only way was to divide them and balance them. Especially now, when there were strong enemies outside and internal worries. Moreover, your eight hundred brothers have reached the heavens in a single bound. My uncle Cao Chun is the best at riding horses, and the Tiger Leopard Cavalry was trained by him. General Xu Chu is brave and strong, and he is good at training soldiers to fight in groups. One battle hero and one horse hero, training the Back Wei Army together, it was enough to show how much hope my father had for the Back Wei Army!”
Gan Ning felt relieved. Cao Ang smiled and said,"There is no need for you to be anxious. If there is a good opportunity in the future, this Bei Wei Army might return to your command. The most important thing now is for you to make a contribution as a guarantee. I expect that in at most two months, my father will attack Lu Bu. He is the best flying general in the world and has the courage of ten thousand men. Chen Gong, Gao Shun, and the eight generals led by Zhang Liao are all heroes who have experienced hundreds of battles. They will definitely give Brother Xingba a chance to make great contributions!”
Just as the two of them were talking, Sima Yi slowly walked in from outside the hall and whispered something into Cao Ang's ear. Cao Ang hurriedly stood up and said excitedly,""What did you say? Spear Master Tong Yuan is here. Where is he?”
Tong Yuan was standing at the entrance of the General's Residence with an indifferent expression when he saw Cao Ang laughing loudly as he led Sima Yi and Gan Ning over. He grabbed Tong Yuan's hand and said warmly,""Mister Tong, haha, I've heard so much about you.”Then, he said to the soldier who came with Tong Yuan,"Go back and thank Doctor Xi on my behalf. Tell him that I will pay him a visit in the future.”
Then, he held Tong Yuan's hand and went to the main hall. He ordered people to serve tea and water. He smiled at Tong Yuan and said," Mister Tong, someone once said that Mister Tong and Wang Yue are both famous swordsmen in the world. Wang Yue was once the Emperor's teacher and his reputation resounded throughout the world. It's a pity that Mister Tong accidentally fell into the mud path and lived in the wilderness…" I've heard of your great name for a long time. Now that I've met you, I hope you won't hesitate to enlighten me!”
Tong Yuan was unmoved by his words and said softly,""You flatter me." Cao Ang was stunned for a moment before he smiled and said,"Mister, this Cao has invited Mister to join us because I have heard of Mister's name for a long time and want to treat you as a teacher.”
After Cao Ang finished speaking, he felt his heart skip a beat. Tong Yuan was Zhao Yun's master. It would be a great thing if he could get Tong Yuan to teach him how to use the spear. He wondered if this old man would agree to his request. Tong Yuan looked up at the roof and said in a deep voice,""Up to you."
It wasn't just Cao Ang. Even Sima Yi and Gan Ning were stunned. Cao Ang was stunned for a moment before he understood what Tong Yuan meant. No matter what, his answer was a yes.
"Since that's the case, I'll take the liberty to address you as Master." Cao Ang continued with a smile.”"Alright." Tong Yuan nodded.”Cao Ang was secretly delighted, and then he hurriedly said,"Men, hurry up and arrange a good room for my teacher in the Autumn Breeze House. Those who neglect will be severely punished! Then... Teacher, what do you need to teach your disciple? Disciple will get someone to buy it now.”
"Copper, iron, chisel, brush, ink, and books," Tong Yuan said softly.”"Ah?" Cao Ang was stunned when he heard this. After a while, he said hesitantly,""Zhong Da, didn't you hear me? Quickly accept the order and send people out to buy it!”
November Book Group
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]