Because of Cao Zheng's victory, Cao Cao specially held a family banquet. Not only did he invite his wives and concubines, but he also invited his brothers, Cao Hong, Cao Ren, Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, and others. When they heard the news, they all brought their families to the banquet. Firstly, it was to celebrate Cao Zheng's triumphant return, and secondly, it was to celebrate Dong Bai's impending labor and the Cao family's new generation.
"Congratulations, Ziyi." Cao Hong said to Cao Zheng first, then he drank with Cao Zheng.
"Ziyi, Uncle will give you a gift.”Cao Hong said in a daze.
Cao Zheng thought, What can a stingy old man like you give me?
However, Cao Hong still took out a piece of gold-inlaid jade in a daze and personally handed it to Cao Zheng.
"Ziyi, I, Cao Hong, have only admired a few people in my life. Your father is one of them, and the other is you. You forcefully turned my unfilial son, who only knew how to eat, drink, and gamble, into a fierce general.”
Cao Hong was talking about his eldest son, Cao Zhen. Because Cao Hong had followed Cao Cao for a long time, he had no time to educate his son. As a result, Cao Zhen was spoiled by his mother.
Since young, he was ignorant and incompetent and loved to cause trouble. However, after following Cao Zheng for a few months, Cao Zheng successfully changed his appearance and nurtured Cao Zhen into a commander of an army.
Cao Zhen also admired his brother very much. Otherwise, he would not have listened to Cao Zheng unconditionally.
"Thank you, uncle, but I can't just accept your gift for free. I'll give you a wonderful plan to ensure that you can earn a lot of money in the future.”
Cao Zheng said to Cao Hong after receiving the jade pendant.
"Oh, really?" When Cao Hong heard that he could earn money, he was completely awake.
"Uncle, hire a few carpenters and make a few sets of furniture according to nephew's drawings. Give a few sets to the officials and open up a market. Nephew Cao Zheng, you can count money until your hands cramp. I can also earn back the money I gave my father.”
Cao Zheng said to Cao Hong.
When Cao Hong heard that he could earn money like this, he was truly a little surprised. However, he also knew Cao Zheng's strength, so he was naturally willing to believe Cao Zheng's words.
"Alright, let's do that."
On the other side, Xiahou Yuan and Cao Hong's wife were chatting with Madam Ding." Sister, you're so lucky! To have such filial and talented sons.”
Madam Ding was very envious of the two of them.
"Yours isn't bad either! I heard that Zhong Quan and Cao Zhen fought very bravely in this expedition and should have made quite a bit of military achievements.”
Madam Ding comforted.
"I hope so."
At this moment, Cao Zheng finished toasting the elders and returned to his courtyard to accompany his children and Dong Bai.
The next morning, Cao Zheng woke up very early as usual. He was going to meet the emperor today to return the emperor's sword and the commander's seal. Although it was said to be returning to the Son of Heaven, it was actually returning to Cao Cao. After all, military power could not be separated. Even father and son would be estranged because of this matter. If there were any more villains who slandered him, it would be completely bad.
"His Majesty has decreed that Commander-in-Chief Cao Zheng of the Southern Expedition be summoned.”
The chamberlain shouted to the outside of the hall. Then, Cao Zheng respectfully entered the hall with the commander's seal and the Emperor's Sword in his hand.
"This subject, the Southern Conquest Marshal Cao Zheng greets Your Majesty. This subject has been ordered to go south and thanks to Your Majesty's great fortune, I have returned victorious. The traitor Yuan Shu fled to Huainan and the threat has been removed.”
After Cao Zheng finished speaking, an internal servant took the sword seal from Cao Zheng's hand and placed it in front of the emperor.
Liu Xie naturally wanted the commander's seal, but he knew that Cao Cao wouldn't agree. The commander's seal was just an ordinary seal.
"My dear, you have worked hard. For you to have made such a great contribution, it would not be enough to show your contribution if you were not conferred the title of Marquis. Therefore, I am conferred the title of Marquis Feiting, the title of General of the Flying Cavalry, and the title of Food City.”
Liu Xie said everything that Cao Cao had told him.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Cao Zheng thanked him and retreated to the side.
It was Cao Cao's idea to make Cao Zheng a marquis. Marquis Feiting was originally a marquis given to Cao Teng by the Spirit Monarch, and was later inherited by Cao Cao's father, Cao Song. Now that Cao Song was dead, it was natural for someone else to inherit the title.
Moreover, Cao Zheng was the most suitable candidate. Firstly, Cao Zheng had repeatedly made meritorious contributions. Secondly, Cao Zheng was Cao Song's direct descendant. Thirdly, Cao Cao had given Cao Zheng compensation to prevent the two brothers from fighting for the position of heir.
As for the position of the General of the Flying Cavalry, it was originally Zhang Ji's. However, Zhang Ji had died of illness due to his age less than two years after arriving in Xuchang. Zhang Xiu was now mourning for Zhang Ji. Therefore, if someone else took up this position, Zhang Xiu might view him with hostility. However, if Cao Zheng took up this position, Zhang Xiu would definitely not have any objections. After all, Cao Zheng was not only his junior brother, but also someone Zhang Xiu admired greatly.
Not only Cao Zheng, but Zhao Yun, Pang De, and the others were also given the title of Marquis. As for the second generation descendants of the Xiahou family and Cao family, although they had also participated in the battle, it was obvious that they had not contributed as much as the three of them. Therefore, they could not be given the title of Marquis. On the other hand, Cao Cao did not want to attract gossip. After all, if his nephew was given the title of Marquis, others would be jealous and it would attract unnecessary trouble. Dong Zhuo was the example of Dong Zhuo, so Cao Cao had to be careful.
Two months later, Dong Bai gave birth to a second child in the Prime Minister's residence.
This time, because it was the second child, it was easier than the first child, but the screams continued.
Outside the house, Cao Cao and a large group of men were waiting. Naturally, Cao Zheng's eldest son, Cao Yan, and daughter, Cao Ping, were among them. Cao Cao carried Cao Yan and played with his grandson while Cao Zheng carried his daughter, Cao Ping, and walked back and forth to coax the little guy to sleep.
Lady Ding and Cao Cao's wives and concubines were helping out in the house. Lady Ding sat beside Dong Bai and wiped her sweat from time to time. The others were helping out with the midwives and maids.
After nearly four hours of hard work, Dong Bai successfully gave birth to his second child.
Madam Ding came out excitedly and said to Cao Cao,""Ah Man, Bai 'er gave birth to a pair of twins.”
Cao Cao looked at Cao Zheng enviously after hearing that. He thought to himself, What kind of charm does this kid have? He actually gave birth to twins twice.
"Madam, come, carry your eldest grandson. I'll go in and see my youngest grandson.”
Madam Ding quickly took Cao Yan and looked at Cao Cao's back in confusion."With the small ones, the big ones won't be as fragrant.”
Previously, Cao Cao only had one grandson, Cao Yan. Therefore, Cao Cao would hug his eldest grandson the moment he came back from work. He refused to let anyone else hug him except Dong Bai, afraid that something would happen to his eldest grandson. But now, it was obvious that Cao Yan had fallen out of favor.
At this moment, Cao Zhen hurriedly ran over and said to Cao Zheng,"Brother Ziyi, something big has happened."
Then, Cao Zhen whispered something into Cao Zheng's ear. After Cao Zheng heard it, his expression changed drastically, but he also controlled his emotions.
"Mother, there are some matters in the army that I need to deal with. Please help me take care of the child.”
After saying that, Cao Zheng handed the sleeping Cao Ping to Madam Ding and then rode out of the residence to Zhang Xiu's residence.
At this moment, Madam Ding was carrying a child in each hand. However, Madam Ding was also old and could not hold on for long. However, she still carried the two children back to the room with great difficulty.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。