This was the first time Cao Ang had seen an ancient city. Although he had prepared for it, his emotions were still palpitating. The wooden beams and tiled houses were arranged in a well-proportioned manner. The houses and pavilions were clustered in groups, arranged in an orderly manner under the connection of the polished bluestone streets. However, the people on the streets were obviously very anxious. Every one of them had a bitter expression. Occasionally, they could hear the cries and shouts coming from the civilian houses.
When they arrived at the prefect's residence in Wan City, they saw two neat squads of soldiers standing on both sides of the residence. There were at least a hundred people, and the squads were quite orderly. Each of these soldiers held a two-foot-long podao in their hands, looking cold and desolate. Even a fool could tell that Zhang Xiu did it on purpose.
Two soldiers strode up to Cao Ang. One of them bowed and said,""Sir, my general has invited you." After he finished speaking, he didn't say anything and turned around to lead Cao Ang into the mansion. Cao Ang couldn't help but laugh in his heart,"This is called raising the price on the spot. Although it's a surrender, it still has to show enough face."”
When they arrived at the main hall, the soldier stood to the side and nodded to Cao Ang."Please." Cao Ang smiled at him kindly and then walked into the hall.
In the main hall, there was a person sitting at the head of the table. He was tall and sturdy, and his appearance was rather rough. It was obvious that he was not a native of Wanyu. Who else could he be but Zhang Xiu? Other than Zhang Xiu, there was a black-faced scholar sitting on the side of the hall. His eyes were half-closed and half-open as if he had not woken up. His expression was indifferent. It was Jia Xu. Cao Ang carefully sized up Zhang Xiu for a while, then cupped his fists and said softly,"Qiao County's Cao Ang is here on my father's orders to visit General Zhang in Wan City.”
"Cao Ang?" Zhang Xiu was stunned when he heard this, while Jia Xu, who had his eyes half-closed, had a thought. He silently glanced at Cao Ang. Clearly, even with his intelligence as a Poison Warrior, he did not expect Cao Cao to send his eldest son, who was only twenty years old, as an envoy. What was his intention?
Jia Xu was puzzled, and Zhang Xiu was even more surprised. After a long time, Cao Ang heard Zhang Xiu, who was sitting at the head of the table, laugh and answer,"So you are Young Master Cao. Not only are you handsome at such a young age, but you have also done things that others would not dare to do. As expected of the son of Lord Sikong! Young Master Cao, please take a seat!"
Cao Ang raised his head and smiled politely at Zhang Xiu. Then, he made a joke at Zhang Xiu in an unpracticed manner. Then, he moved to a side seat and knelt down. Cao Ang nodded with a smile while cursing the people of the Han Dynasty in his heart. He wondered if there was something wrong with their heads. It was more comfortable to kneel than to stand. When he settled down in the future, he must think of a way to get a few chairs. Otherwise, he, Cao Ang, would suffer from rheumatism in a few years.
After Cao Ang took his seat, Zhang Xiu called for the people around him to serve him tea. Then, he exchanged a few words with Cao Ang. Seeing Zhang Xiu putting on airs, Cao Ang couldn't help but laugh in his heart. He immediately cut to the chase and said to Zhang Xiu,"General, this time Cao Ang came under my father's orders to convey a few words to you. Before Cao Ang left, my father said that the crime of defecting this time is not on you. If you can lead the army back again, not only will my father not punish you, but he will also report to the emperor to confer you the title of Marquis of Ding Xi. At the same time, he was awarded the posthumous title of Uncle Zhang Ji as Pingxi General, commending him for his contribution to the crusade against thieves and protecting the Han Dynasty.”(Zhang Ji was killed by Li Jue and Guo Si, but he didn't have the credit of protecting the Han Dynasty. The main character here is trying to win Zhang Xiu over.)
These words were indeed what Cao Cao had ordered Xiahou Dun to say before Cao Ang left. After all, the relationship between Zhang Xiu and Cao Cao was still rather sensitive. In order for Zhang Xiu to surrender with peace of mind, Cao Cao naturally had to offer generous conditions.
Hearing Cao Ang's promise to make him a marquis, Zhang Xiu was overjoyed. After all, making him a marquis was the highest treatment for officials in the Han Dynasty. Seeing Zhang Xiu's happy face, he was about to answer when he heard a soft cough coming from the corner. The sound was not loud but it was extremely clear in the empty main hall.
Zhang Xiu's body trembled slightly. He then suppressed his thoughts and replied to Cao Ang with a doubtful look,"Lord Cao is magnanimous and forgives past grudges. I admire you very much. I am grateful that you have taken me in. I have nothing to repay you for, but I am willing to guard the south side of the border for you.”
Cao Ang suddenly understood and said,'So Zhang Xiu is going to continue to lead troops to guard Wan City. It's also difficult. He just rebelled the night before, and now Cao Cao wants to take him in. If I were him, I wouldn't easily lead my troops into Xudu. This is understandable."
Thinking of this, Cao Ang pondered for a moment before nodding his head lightly."With General Zhang guarding Wan City, Father is naturally at ease. I heard that you have a famous spring under your knees. Now that the Great Han Dynasty has been through many changes and we are lacking in talent, why don't you send your son to guard Wan City? In the future, you can help the Great Han Dynasty expand and show off its strength.”
Zhang Xiushi laughed loudly and said,""Young Master has killed Zhang Xiu. My son is only a mere ten miles of talent. How can he be worthy of being an official in the capital? The emperor has such good ministers as Cao Gong and his son to assist him. In the future, he can naturally revive the Han Dynasty and accept the nine states to shake the national order of the Han Dynasty. Why would I need someone else to save it?"
Cao Ang was stunned for a while, and a flame of anger rose in his heart. Zhang Xiu, I took your feelings into consideration and risked being punished by that old man Cao Cao to promise you to guard Wan City, but you are good! He was stepping on his nose! He didn't even want to send a hostage? All the good things in the world have benefited you, Zhang!
Seeing Cao Ang's displeased expression, Jia Xu suddenly opened his eyes and said softly,"Young Master Cao, it's not that my family's general is unwilling to send his son into the court, but my family's young master is still young and cannot leave his parents. After a few years, when young master becomes an adult, my family's general will personally bring his son to the capital to apologize to the Sage. I think Sir Sikong is broad-minded and will understand my general's difficulties.”
Cao Ang couldn't help but turn his head to size up Jia Xu for a moment. Although this scholar had an ordinary appearance and looked ordinary, he spoke with a sense of propriety, making it impossible for others to find any fault with him. He was truly amazing! "May I know your name, sir?" Cao Ang asked curiously.”Jia Xu cupped his fists and bowed." I dare not, I dare not. I am Jia Xu. Greetings, Young Master Cao."”
"Jia Xu?" Cao Ang's heart couldn't help but beat wildly when he saw the man in front of him who was thrown onto the street. He looked honest and had the demeanor of an elder. Who would have thought that he was the most wise and self-preservation person in the Three Kingdoms? Moreover, he didn't use any tricks. Once he made a move, he would strike to the end, making it difficult for people to turn the tables around. He was the Poison Warrior Jia Xu!
Cao Ang suppressed his surprise and sized up the seemingly generous Jia Xu while carefully planning countermeasures in his heart. Soon, a rough plan gradually took shape in his heart.
"Fine." Cao Ang suddenly smiled and turned to Zhang Xiu,"Since General has such difficulties, I will return and report to Father. I believe that with Father's wisdom, he will not pursue the matter too much.”
"If that's the case, I'll thank you for your kindness!" Zhang Xiu said happily.”Cao Ang waved his hand and said with a smile,""Alright, since this is the case, this matter is settled. Other than these, I believe that General Zhang has no other objections to submitting, right?”
Zhang Xiu was really happy. He raised his head and laughed."Since Zhang Xiu has submitted to Cao Gong, he should be the leader of Cao Gong. I have my own difficulties in what I said just now. As for other matters, if Cao Gong orders me, I will definitely die!”Hearing this, Cao Ang's eyes flashed and he quickly nodded."Good! Cao Ang deeply admired the general for being straightforward. Now, my father has something to trouble you with.”Little brat, I don't believe you won't fall for it this time.
Zhang Xiu hurriedly nodded when he heard that.""Of course, of course. If Lord Cao has any orders, Zhang Xiu will naturally obey.”Cao Ang raised his eyebrows slightly, and a faint smile flashed across the corner of his mouth. He said in a clear voice,"My father has long heard of Jia Xu's great name in Wuwei, but he regrets not having the chance to meet him. After the emperor entered Xudu in the past, he has long remembered Jia Xu's kindness in helping him. Since Jia Gong is here today, he should go to Xudu to see the emperor and repay his father's favor.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the smile on Zhang Xiu's face suddenly stiffened. He stood rooted to the ground, his eyes filled with speechlessness. On the other side, Jia Xu also did not expect Cao Ang to say such a thing. His half-closed eyes were completely opened at this time. He began to seriously size up Cao Ang for the first time. Looking at this young man with a kind smile, even the experienced Jia Xu felt his heart skip a beat and waves of emotions rose.
Right now, Zhang Xiu could be said to be suffering in silence. Just now, Cao Ang had agreed to all of his conditions, causing him to underestimate this young man. Step by step, he had walked into this brat's trap. Just now, he had already said everything he wanted. How could he go back on his words now? Moreover, when this brat asked for Jia Xu, he actually added a powerful medicine, the will of the emperor! Even though the current emperor of the Great Han Dynasty was only in name, now that the words were pointed at him, how could he, Zhang Xiu, openly disobey? But if he really let Jia Xu enter Xudu, he was absolutely reluctant.
After a moment of silence, Zhang Xiu suddenly said slowly,"Young Master, this matter…Can we discuss this matter further?" This time, Cao Ang did not pretend to be a good person. He stood up with a cold smile and said faintly,"General Zhang, we treat each other sincerely, but you keep making excuses. If it were anyone else, who would allow you to raise the price so easily? I thought that my father appreciated your talent and agreed to this matter for you. Now I just want to invite a guest under your account to the capital to see you. Who knew that you would be so stingy! Forget it, Cao Ang will bid farewell here!"
After saying that, Cao Ang stood up and pretended to walk out of the hall. This time, Zhang Xiu was really anxious. However, he did not have the courage to detain Cao Ang. Just as he was hesitating, Jia Xu suddenly stood up and bowed to Cao Ang from afar."Jia Xu is willing to follow Young Master into the capital to meet the Emperor.”
Cao Ang suddenly stopped in his tracks when he heard this. After a long while, he slowly turned around. The corners of his mouth slightly flashed, but his mouth remained cold as he said,"If Mister Jia is unwilling, there is no need to force it.”Jia Xu shook his head indifferently and said softly,""Meeting the emperor is such an honor, how could Jia Xu force it? Moreover, Jia Xu was appreciated by Lord Sikong, so he should feel honored. The young master rested at the inn for a while. Jia Xu packed up for a while and then followed the young master back to the camp to meet Cao Cao.”
Hearing this, Cao Ang finally felt relieved. Hehe, Zhang Xiu, others may not know your background, but I do! If you want to guard Wan City, you can either take control of the army or not send hostages. As long as Yours Truly took Jia Xu away, even ten Zhang Xiu would not be able to stir up much trouble. With a smile on his face, Cao Ang bowed slightly to Jia Xu and said,""In that case, Cao Ang will go to the posthouse first and wait for Mister's news.”After saying that, he cupped his hands at the two of them and tidied up his clothes slightly before slowly walking out of the hall.
"Wenhe!" When Cao Ang had just disappeared from the manor, Zhang Xiu hurriedly stood up and grabbed Jia Xu. His eyes were full of reluctance and panic." You really want to go to Xu Capital?" Then... Then what should I do?"
Jia Xu let out a long sigh and turned to bow to Zhang Xiu. His expression was neither happy nor angry as he slowly said,"General, I'm afraid that it will be difficult for us to continue our relationship as master and disciple from today onwards.”When Zhang Xiu heard this, his body could not help but tremble violently. The hand that grabbed Jia Xu could not help but tighten a little."Why? Wenhe, Zhang Xiu has never treated you unfairly.”
Jia Xu heaved a long sigh." General, I am aware of your kindness. It is precisely because of this that I left you to repay your kindness." General, the Cao father and son are not ordinary people. They will definitely become a tyrant in the future. As long as you guard Wan City, I believe Cao Cao will not mistreat you. Jia Xu will always be paying attention to Wan City in Xu City. Please rest assured.”
"Cao father and son?" Zhang Xiu was stunned for a long time, and the hand that was holding Jia Xu slowly loosened. After a long time, he said softly,"You mean... That Cao Ang?" At this moment, Jia Xu's eyes slowly appeared to be in a half-closed and half-open state again. His brows relaxed, and he seemed to be talking to himself as he said softly,"He's only twenty years old, but he can already see through the other party's vital points. How can ordinary people compare? Father and son are both capable, how many are there in the world? General, this is the will of the heavens. We can't force it."
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