Wei Ni

Xiahou Hui did not dwell on whether Xun Yi's mindset had changed.

Not only is this place and this scene unsuitable for delving into such matters, but it is also because of the same mindset as before: under the pressure of overwhelming forces, one's personal will cannot change anything.

Don't be fooled by the fact that many high-ranking officials sent their sons and nephews to help with the funeral arrangements; this was simply because it was within their power and they were willing to do so. But when it comes to matters of life, death, and fundamental interests, how many of those who would offer help in times of need would actually do so?

Therefore, he only exchanged a few pleasantries with Xun Yi before leaving him to entertain the other visitors.

"Wenxin, come with me for a walk."

After leaving the thatched cottage where guests were being received and the funeral arrangements were being made, Xiahou Hui looked at the seats that were set up in twos and threes and told Fu Gu to go and exchange pleasantries with his literary friends. As he headed towards the hills to the east, he extended an invitation to Cao Fu, who was accompanying him.

Cao Fu looked slightly taken aback, with a hint of fear in her eyes.

Unfortunately, he had never had any dealings with Xiahou Hui before.

Moreover, because of what happened in the previous generation, he and his elder brother Cao Zhen were marginalized among the sons of Xiahou and Cao, and were not the kind of people who got good opportunities. Now that Xiahou Hui had invited him to a private talk, how could he not feel uneasy?

But he didn't dare refuse.

He hurriedly followed, asking, "But, what are your orders, Commander?"

Such a respectful question caused Xiahou Hui to pause slightly. Turning back to see his cautious demeanor, she roughly guessed what was going on. As she continued forward, she slowly said, "Although Wenxin and I have never had any contact, we share a bond of kinship, and neither of our fathers ever spoke ill of each other. Wenxin, please address me by my courtesy name. Furthermore," gesturing to the crowd at the seating area, Xiahou Hui continued, "most of those who have come to pay their respects and stay for a chat are scholars and refined gentlemen. If I were to sit with them, I fear it would spoil their mood. Therefore, I thought I would simply chat with Wenxin for a few moments; I have no other intentions."

Since you know your identity is sensitive and you don't want to bother them, why don't you think that I also don't want to be bothered by you?
Upon hearing this, Cao Fu felt even more depressed.

He opened his mouth, but dared not complain and did not know what to say. In the end, he could only nod in response, "Okay, Brother Zhiquan."

"sit."

Arriving at a spot with exposed rocks, Xiahou Hui sat down and patted the empty rock beside him. "Wenxin has already come of age and married. I wonder what his plans are for the future?"

What other plans do I have?
And even if I had my own plans, how could I dare to tell you?

As soon as Cao Fu sat down, he inwardly complained again, but his gaze also became unfocused.

He understood Xiahou Hui's meaning—

Because of past events, he was unable to be granted official positions and privileges upon reaching adulthood as a member of the distant imperial clan. Since his coming-of-age ceremony, he had been associating and conversing with his brother-in-law Xun Can, hoping to make a name for himself among the literati. But now that Xun Can has passed away, it is difficult for him, with his talent, to gain a foothold in the literati community. How will he make a living from now on? Will he live a mediocre life as a carefree nobleman?

Therefore, he did not answer immediately.

He couldn't guess what Xiahou Hui's intention was in asking that question.

If Xiahou Hui had designs on him, what else in his family could he possibly have that would make people covet him?

If what you just said was just a casual chat, and that's why you asked such a well-intentioned question, then where in the world is there such a thing as unprovoked goodwill?

"I have no plans yet."

After a long silence, he shook his head. "I'm sure Brother Zhiquan knows as well, I don't know what to do either."

Indeed, that's why I thought of asking you.

Although Emperor Cao Rui restored Cao Hong's title and returned his family property after Cao Hong's demotion to commoner status upon ascending the throne, and even promoted him to General of Chariots and Cavalry, everyone knew that a broken mirror could not be mended without a crack. Since the rift had already formed, neither Cao Hong nor his son would be as zealous for the Wei dynasty as before, and Emperor Cao Rui would not believe it anyway.
"Yes, I have a general idea."

Nodding, Xiahou Hui narrowed his eyes and looked at the crowd below the hill. "I wonder if Wenxin has any ambition to join the army? If so, I can speak on her behalf before His Majesty, and there should be a 60% chance of making this happen."

Why be modest? Given the Emperor's favor towards you, you should say that you will surely be able to make this happen.
But why did you offer me a job?
Is it because of your strained relationship with Cao Zhao, Cao Shuang, and Xiahou Xian that you want to recruit me as your pawn?
Or is it that the Emperor has something in mind with you, and therefore intends to use me as a scapegoat to be discarded after my usefulness is over?

Cao Fu, wary of any hidden dangers and prone to thinking the worst, fell silent once again.

The reason he didn't refuse immediately was twofold: firstly, he didn't want Xiahou Hui to think he was ungrateful; secondly, he was only a little over twenty years old and, being from a noble family, he had dreamed of making a name for himself on the battlefield, although he knew that such a hope would never become a reality.

"I will always remember Brother Zhiquan's kindness."

He thanked him first, but finally couldn't help but ask the question, "But I can't understand why Brother Zhiquan would do this for me, given my family's situation?"

Don't worry, I don't want anything from you.

Besides, you're worthless; you're not even worth selling.

Xiahou Hui, understanding the implied meaning, chuckled inwardly.

I'm only doing this so that you won't side with the Sima family in the future and become one of their "horse bones".

The reason is that Huan Yu, who is serving in Guanzhong, wrote a letter to Xiahou He some time ago, reminiscing about old times. He mentioned that Cao Yan, who is now the garrison commander of Chang'an, still frequently praises Sima Yi's actions in Guanzhong, even now that Sima Yi has long since stepped down as the governor of Yong and Liang, and still exchanges letters with Sima Shi. Therefore, my encounter with you today, coupled with these feelings, led me to this idea.

"The reason is what I just explained: we share a bond with each other. Since it is something I can do, I will not hesitate to do it."

Without hesitation, Xiahou Hui turned his head and looked at Cao Fu with a sincere expression, saying earnestly, "I know Wenxin has some worries and finds it difficult to make a decision in a short time. How about this, Wenxin can think it over slowly or go back to discuss it with her brother before giving me an answer. As long as I am still in the court, what I say today will stand."

This time, Cao Fu had no more complaints. Instead, he felt a touch of emotion, even though he still couldn't figure out Xiahou Hui's motives and dared not answer easily.

After all, due to the changes in his family, he had witnessed too much of the coldness and warmth of human relationships since he could remember, and few people made him feel that there was still kindness in the world.

call.
He breathed a sigh of relief and tried to calm himself down. He stood up and thanked him sincerely, "Thank you for your understanding, Brother Zhiquan."

"It doesn't have to be this way."

Xiahou Hui also stood up. "Well, let's go downstairs. It looks like it's going to rain."

Uh?
He couldn't help but look up at the sky.

Only then did they realize that the previously clear sky was now filled with dark clouds that had drifted in from nowhere, turning the entire sky gray.

Midsummer weather is unpredictable, much like the ups and downs of life.

Summer rains come and go quickly, leaving behind rainbows to adorn the sky. But the rain that has been falling on my home has been falling for many years, and I've been waiting for the day when the rain will stop and the clouds will disperse for just as long. Is it finally time for things to turn around?

Cao Fu, who was catching up quickly, would occasionally glance at the horizon.

He didn't ask for much.

I just hope the rain stops; I don't want to see a rainbow.

Because the rainwater that falls on his house comes from the sky, he doesn't want to see it or add color to the "sky".

boom!
Rumble~
After a few claps of thunder, large raindrops swooped down, then gathered into rain streaks that washed over the earth.

The people who were originally sitting and chatting in the open air had now taken refuge in the simple thatched hut on one side, which was packed full. Xiahou Hui and Cao Fu, who arrived later, had to stand on the outermost edge and were occasionally splashed by water droplets flying from the side.

"Gentlemen, move closer to the inside, so that Protector Xiahou doesn't get wet."

Someone in the crowd spoke up, and a space suddenly appeared in the middle of the thatched hut that was originally full of people.

However, it's only to be expected.

Among those who came to offer their condolences, none could compare with Xiahou Hui in terms of official rank or prestige.

"No need to."

Xiahou Hui turned to the side, cupped his hands in thanks to everyone, and said, "Thank you all for your kindness. As an old soldier, I am used to getting wet in the rain and snow, so there is no need for me to avoid it."

"Xiahou, the Protector of the Army, is benevolent and virtuous."

"I have long heard that Protector Xiahou is modest and unassuming, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."

"Why does Protector Xiahou call himself an old man? I still remember when I was young, I was known for my literary talent in the capital."

Unsurprisingly, his refusal earned him much praise at the thatched cottage.

This made him feel somewhat ashamed, and also a little helpless.

He felt ashamed, of course, because he was self-aware and knew that praise such as benevolence and humility were not suitable for him.

As for the helplessness, although there had been warnings about the extravagance case, the trend of scholars and literati praising each other and seeking fame could not be stopped, and I myself had the misfortune of experiencing it once.

Fortunately, the midday showers came and went quickly.

Unable to bear the flattery, Xiahou Hui quickly nodded to everyone and left the thatched hut. He said to Cao Fu, who was still by his side, "I have other matters to attend to later, so I'll take my leave now. If Wenxin has made a decision on my proposal, she can write to me no matter how much time has passed."

"it is good."

Cao Fu thanked him again.

He watched Xiahou Hui's retreating figure as he headed to another thatched hut to find Fu Gu, and then glanced at the horizon in the direction of his gaze.

The rain stopped, but there was no rainbow.

Very good.

Fu Gu still lives in the thatched cottage beside the tomb.

Those seated with him included Sima Shi, Xiahou Xuan, He Yan, Pei Hui, Wang Guang, and Sima Zhao.

They were imitating the "donkey braying mourning the dead" that Cao Pi, the Wen Emperor of Wei, led a group of scholars to attend Wang Can's funeral, and were debating metaphysical principles in front of Xun Can's tomb.

Seeing Xiahou Hui approaching, he stood up, bowed to everyone, and took his leave.

But Xiahou Xuan, who was sitting next to him, also stood up for some unknown reason. He first pressed Fu Gu's hand, then cupped his hands to Xiahou Hui and invited him, "It's been a long time since I've seen you, Uncle. Today we were discussing talent, destiny, and metaphysics in mourning for Feng Qian, and it touched on the 'Examination and Assessment Methods for Officials' that you helped to formulate. Now that we've come together, if you have nothing else to do, Uncle, would you mind sitting with me for a moment?" (End of Chapter)