Cao Thief

Chapter 179 Enemy?

When he was in Chenliu, Cao Peng destroyed Lei Xu's lair.

From Lei Xu's lair, he got a brocade box, which contained a pair of white silk besides the horseshoe gold.In Baijuan, a person named "Cheng" is mentioned, and the name of Xutai (that is, Xuyi, ancient Taiyin yi) Yunshan Mihang is mentioned...

When he was in Haixi, Cao Peng once thought that the 'cheng' was Wang Cheng.

But Wang Chengcheng is Xuezhou, this inference immediately becomes untenable.According to the communication habits of this era, if Wang Chengcheng was the one who wrote the white silk, his inscription should not be "Cheng", but "Zhou".Because Xue Zhou and Lei Xu did not know each other, it was impossible for Xue Zhou to use a pseudonym in their correspondence.Unless, Xue Zhou doesn't want to recruit Lei Xu, and even be wary of Lei Xu.

It's not customary!

And Wang Cheng has been in Haixi.

Haixi is now Guannan County, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province.

It is located north of the Huai River estuary and belongs to the Huaibei area; while Xuyi is located in the lower reaches of the Huai River and is located in the Huainan area.Although they are not very far apart, one belongs to Guangling County and the other belongs to Xiapi State.How did Xue Zhou appear in Huainan?He is not a businessman, nor does he have the talent of a businessman.This point can be roughly seen from Xuezhou's situation in Haixi.If it were Chen Sheng, Cao Peng might believe it.But Xuezhou...Cao Peng could never believe that he would do business in Xuyi.

Well, Xue Zhou is not the 'Cheng' in the white silk, so who is this 'Cheng'?

After the situation in Haixi calmed down, this problem began to trouble Cao Peng.

It's just that Cao Peng didn't think this "success" had much to do with him, so he didn't deliberately think about it.

Now, when Bu Zhi proposed to go to Xuyi, the name Yunshan Mihang came to his mind all of a sudden.

Or, go and see?

"Brother, shall we take a detour?"

Cao Peng asked with a smile.

Only Chen Qun can be called Cao Peng's "brother".

Among the people in this group, such as Xia Houlan and Hao Zhao, Cao Peng called them directly; while Bu Zhi added the word "Mr." after their Biaozi to show respect.As for Wang Mai, Cao Peng called him more casually and intimately, calling him by his baby name.

Chen Qun said with a smile: "I have also heard the name of Xuyi for a long time, and it will be born this spring, so we can take this opportunity to visit it.

Wenpofutang has a beautiful scenery... Ah Fu, let's just stay there for a day or two.You can also go boating in Poketang, what do you think? "

Poketang is a group of small shallow lakes located in the lower reaches of the Huaihe River.

In ancient times, Pofutang was also known as Fuling Lake.And after a thousand years, this place will be renamed Hongze Lake...

Cao Peng didn't quite know the origin of Poketang, and naturally he didn't know that Poketang would be Hongze Lake in the future.In fact, his geographical knowledge is not very good. Although he knew the name of Hongze Lake in his previous life, where is this Hongze Lake?But I don't know.

Therefore, he did not have any special reaction.

Chen Qun's feelings of literati and poets are understandable.

Although it is in the era of war, it will not affect the mood of these literati and poets.Even because of the war, they will add a lot of material.

Don't you see, most of the magnificent poems are always accompanied by turmoil.

Li Bai's poems are Xiongkui, isn't it because of his fluttering, and the Anshi Rebellion?Without these experiences, I am afraid that he may not be able to write so many magnificent poems.

"As long as you want, I dare not ask for your ears."

Cao Peng smiled slightly, and replied with Chen Qun.

Chen Qun's interest seemed to become high in an instant.

Xuyi, located in the lower reaches of the Huai River, is an ancient city.

Its terrain is high in the southwest, with many hills, and low in the northeast, with many plains.The entire terrain slopes in a stepped shape, with a difference of 220 meters in altitude.

Therefore, in later generations, there was a saying in Xuyi that "two mu of cultivated land, one mu of mountain, one mu of paddy field, and one mu of beach".

It was early spring and it was time for plowing.

Along the way, you can see the farmers working hard.

Compared with the desolation of Xiapi and other places, Xuyi is relatively peaceful.However, due to successive years of wars, Xuyi also experienced a large number of population migration.Not only Xuyi, but the population of the entire Huainan area has dropped by [-]% in just a few years, and most of them have moved to Jiangdong.

However, overall, it is not too desolate.

Xuyi has a long history. As far back as the Spring and Autumn Period, Xuyi was named 'Shandao', under the rule of Wu State, and used to be the place where the princes met.

Later, Yue destroyed Wu, and Xuyi became the territory of Yue.

Until the state of Chu invaded and expanded to Sishang, Xuyi became owned by the state of Chu again.

Qin Shihuang unified China, implemented the system of prefectures and counties, and began to build Xutai... At the turn of Chu and Han, Xutai belonged to Dongyang County in Western Chu.In June of the second year of Qin II, Xiang Liang supported Xiong Xin, the grandson of King Huai of Chu, that is, Mi Xin, as king, and still respected King Huai of Chu, and established his capital in Xutai.

During the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty established the state in Guangling, and passed through the two state titles of Jing and Wu.

In the third year of Emperor Jing's Yuan Dynasty, the Seven Kingdoms Rebellion broke out.Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty abolished Wu State and changed Xutai to Pei County.Later, it was changed to belong to Linhuai County by Emperor Wu and became the administrative seat of Linhuai County.During the Guangwu Period of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Linhuai County was merged into Donghai County.In less than 20 years, it was changed to Xiapi State.

However, due to various reasons such as the war, after the change of Tao Qian, Liu Bei, and Lu Bu, Xiapi Kingdom has no time to take care of the Huainan territory...

In short, Xutai is an ancient city that has experienced many hardships.

However, due to its geographical location, it occupies an extremely important position in the entire Lianghuai area.

When Cao Peng and his party approached Xutai, they immediately sent someone to report.Although there are only two hundred soldiers and horses, in this chaotic era, it is enough to cause riots and turmoil.Especially when Lu Bu lost his restraint on the Huainan area, turmoil became extremely frequent.Two hundred fierce soldiers... If there is a conflict, it will inevitably cause huge harm to the entire Lianghuai.

Cao Peng is very careful and cautious.

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"Haixi Cao Peng asked to cross the border?"

In the Yamen of Xutai Mansion, Director Xu stared at the doorman and asked doubtfully.

"Well, who is Cao Peng?"

"Cao Peng!"

In the flower hall, a young man got up with a huff, and a cold light flashed in his eyes.

"Zishan, what's wrong with you?"

Director Xu looked at the young man suspiciously, "Do you know this Cao Peng?"

"Of course I do... Not only do I know it, but this Cao Peng is also related to you, Yishi."

"What does it have to do with me?"

"Cao Peng is the younger brother of Hai Xiling Deng Ji... When he was in Xiapi earlier, this son joined forces with others to humiliate your uncle."

"what?"

Director Xu was furious upon hearing this.

"Are you talking about the maniac who caused trouble in Xiapi and killed my uncle who loves horses?"

"If it wasn't this person, who else could it be?"

Director Xu yelled sharply: "How can someone spare such a madman? Come, prepare your horse and carry your gun, follow me out of the city, and kill this madman."

"slow!"

"Zishan, do you want to intercede for him?"

The young man laughed loudly, "Yishi, how could I intercede for him? I don't like that kid, but he is the younger brother of Haixi Ling after all, and I heard that he was conquered by Chen Yuanlong and went to Guangling County. If you Kill him, I'm afraid Chen Yuanlong won't stop there."

"Are you going to let him go like this?"

"How can I take advantage of him?" The young man rolled his eyes, "Yishi, I have a plan. I can humiliate this man and vent my anger on your uncle."

Master Xu's spirit lifted, "Zi Shan, is the plan going out?"

The young man whispered in Master Xu's ear for a while, and Master Xu nodded repeatedly.

"If this is the case, it can also make him lose face and give me a bad breath... Someone, pass on my order that Cao Peng's troops are not allowed to enter the city, and camp outside the city. But he can let him in. It's just Keep an eye on him and let me know of his actions at any time."

"Here!"

Master Xu gritted his teeth and said, "If I don't make him look bad, how can I give up?"

After he and the young man looked at each other, they suddenly burst into laughter...

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"Don't let soldiers and horses enter the city?"

Cao Peng couldn't help frowning.

Chen Qun asked: "If that's the case, then Xutai should supply the camping materials."

Xia Houlan looked angry, "No! He sent someone to inform that it was the beginning of the spring, and the county government treasury was short of supplies. Let us solve it ourselves."

"self resolved?"

Cao Peng asked in surprise.

Logically speaking, there is indeed a saying that soldiers and horses are not allowed to enter the city when they stop at the county town.

But this rule basically depends on the situation and is completely controlled by local officials.Cao Peng didn't pay too much attention to this.

It's just that this camping and luggage can be settled by itself?
But it's too much!

This is not a march to fight, but an ordinary stop.

Generally speaking, if the local government does not allow soldiers and horses to enter the city, it will assist the other party to set up camp.

Cao Peng glanced at Chen Qun, but Chen Qun looked pensive.

"What's Master Xu's name?"

"Mr. Hui, it is said that Director Xu is newly appointed, and his name is Song Guang."

"Uh, it turned out to be him..." Chen Qun turned to look at Cao Peng, and said with a smile, "My brother, I'm afraid you're in trouble... Song Guang's uncle is Song Xian, who was in Xiapi before. , The person who was cut off by you. I guess, Song Guang wanted to take a sigh of relief for his uncle, so he deliberately made things difficult. If my guess is correct, even if you pay for it, you won’t be able to buy the baggage.”

Cao Peng raised his eyebrows and snorted heavily.

I didn't expect to encounter such troubles!

He was hesitating, but Bu Zhi said, "If not, then don't go, my lord."

"Oh?"

"I'm just visiting my aunt, and I won't be here for long. If Song Guang seeks trouble, the young master should not stay here, just bypass it.

After I finished seeing my aunt, I went to look for you.It won't be too long to delay..."

"this?"

Cao Peng lightly tapped on the saddle bridge with his hand, and shook his head after thinking for a moment.

"Song Guang is looking for faults on purpose. Since he has shown his way, if I don't accept the trick, I'm afraid he won't let it go and continue to cause trouble. Besides, if I go to Guangling, if Song Guang makes things difficult for me, It will inevitably make people laugh. So I have to accept the trick."

"That's right, if Brother Xian backs down, it will only make others more insane."

Bu Zhi couldn't help smiling wryly, glared at Chen Qun, and said in his heart: You bastard, isn't this provocative?
But thinking about it again, it seems to make sense.Guangling people have a very strong sense of xenophobia!The situation of Cao Peng being conscripted by Chen Deng was a bit special. He had no fame, and his background was ordinary, let alone famous.Not only is he an outsider, but he is still young.

Combining many conditions, Cao Peng will definitely encounter criticism when he goes to Guangling.

Among other things, those celebrities and gentry in Guangling County may not necessarily recognize Cao Peng.If Cao Peng showed a weak posture at this time, it would definitely make those people worse... But if Cao Peng was humiliated for his own affairs, Bu Zhi felt a little uneasy.

He hesitated and didn't speak again.

Cao Peng seemed to see Bu Zhi's inner thoughts, so he couldn't help laughing.

"Mr. Zishan, don't feel guilty. This kind of thing will happen sooner or later. Even if there is no Xutai, there will be Guangling County... It is a good thing to experience it now. I want to see what tricks this Song Guang can play. , How to make things difficult for me."

Bu Zhi nodded, but only had a wry smile.

"Hao Zhao!"

"Here!"

"You take people to rest outside the city for a while, Xiahou and Wang Mai, you two bring some people into the city, first go buy supplies, food and rice, and let everyone settle down first. Don't worry about the money, if it can be solved with money and silk If it's a problem, then it's not a problem...Brother, let's go to the city to have a look?"

"good!"

Chen Qun smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Young master, I will go too."

Guo Huan jumped out of the car and ran forward.

"Madam said, let me take care of you."

"This one……"

Chen Qun said: "Quan Zuo is playing, it's okay to bring her with you! Brother, you are now going to Guangling under conquest, you must always have this necessary gesture."

"Forget it, let's go together."

Guo Huan looked at Cao Peng pitifully. Although he knew it was part of acting, Cao Peng still couldn't bear to refuse.

If you think about it, nothing will happen, so go and have a look?
So Cao Peng and Chen Qun each took four of their followers, Guo Huan also rode on the horse, Bu Zhi led the way, and went straight to Xutai County.

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Walking into Xutai, you can feel a strong commercial atmosphere.

Slightly different from Haixi, because Xutai is located in the lower reaches of the Huai River, it has the function of connecting the north and the south and connecting the east and west.

If Haixi County is a primary market, then Xutai is obviously in the high-end ranks.The projects operated by Haixi County are mainly prohibited items.Jia people live in the local area, and most of the items they sell are used to supply the local area.At the same time, some goods were transported to the Huaihe River and Huaihe River through the underground channel in Haixi.But Xutai is different. The business here is more formal, not like the disorder in Haixi before.Coupled with the geographical location, the level of merchants in the past is far from what Haixi merchants can match.

"I don't know when Haixi will develop into this appearance?"

Cao Peng couldn't help expressing emotion as he rode on the horse.

Chen Qun couldn't help laughing, "Brother, I see that although you have left Haixi, your heart is still in Haixi County."

Cao Peng scratched his head, a blush appeared on his delicate face.

"I don't want to be like this either. It's just that...for the past few months, everything I've thought about is Haixi's business. I can't turn my head around suddenly. But I think Haixi's future will definitely be Being forced by Xu Tai... Brother, how about we make a bet?"

Chen Qun shook his head again and again, "I wouldn't make such a sure-lose bet with you."

At this time, Bu Zhi asked where his aunt lived, and led Cao Peng and his party to walk south along the long street.After passing through the two arches, Cao Peng reined in his horse suddenly.

"My dear brother, what's the matter?"

"Someone is following us."

As Cao Peng said, he turned his head suddenly.

I saw two men walking out from the corner of the street. Seeing Cao Peng and others stop, they couldn't help but startled, not knowing what to do.

Without saying a word, Cao Peng urged his horse to rush forward.

Zhao Yebai Shenjun is abnormal, and the speed of the short sprint is astonishing.

So much so that the two stalkers were so frightened that they stood still in place and forgot to dodge.

"Brother, don't hurt people."

Chen Qun hurriedly yelled loudly, but saw that Cao Peng had reined in his horse.

Zhao Yebai stopped in front of the two stalkers, and Cao Peng yelled sharply: "Go back and tell your master, just say what tricks you have, just use them. A man is upright, don't be sneaky, and follow the example of this chicken-crowding dog thief Because of this, Marquis Wen was ashamed."

The two stalkers could clearly feel the hot air expelled from Zhao Yebai's nasal cavity.

The lightning-like impact before made the two of them feel chills all over their bodies.After hearing Cao Peng's yell, the two nodded in fright.

Cao Peng snorted coldly and turned his horse's head.

Guo Huan couldn't help but praised: "My lord is mighty!"

"Brother, why bother?"

Chen Qun smiled wryly and said: "A bunch of little people, if you do this, don't you make it clear that you want to turn against Song Guang?"

Cao Peng laughed, "If he really dares to turn his face, I admire him.

I'm afraid he doesn't have the guts yet... Under Marquis Wen's tent, the only ones I can admire are Zhang Liao, Gao Shun and Cao Shulong, and the rest are idiots. "

Cao Peng was not polite, and Chen Qun shook his head repeatedly after what he said.

But if you think about it carefully, it seems that this is really the case.

"But if you come like this, Zishan's aunt..."

"Uh!"

Cao Peng raised his forehead and was only interested in being handsome, so he forgot about it.

Bu Zhi came here with him, and his aunt will live in Xutai in the future.After such a commotion, if Song Guang is a lowly person, how can he let Aunt Buzhi and his family go?Cao Peng couldn't help feeling a little ashamed, and looked up at Bu Zhi.

"Mr. Zishan, Cao Peng is taking the liberty!"

Bu Zhi could only smile wryly...

"Or, take your aunt to Haixi?"

"what?"

"Although Haixi is not comparable to Xutai now, she will definitely be better than Xutai in the future.

Anyway, it's our place too.If your aunt moved over, wouldn't she be able to take care of her more?Better than staying here. "

"This one……"

Bu Zhi couldn't help feeling a little excited!

What Cao Peng said was right. With [-] Haimin entering the village, the population base of Haixi County alone has far surpassed that of Xutai County.

What's more, with the promotion of farming, the rectification of the North Market, and the opening of the Salt Road...

Who dares to say that Haixi, which is located in a remote area, can't compare with today's Xutai?What is the population of Xutai!But only 3 to [-] people.

The population base of Haixi is more than twice that of Xutai.

"If that's the case, it's not too bad." Bu Zhi thought for a while and replied, "It's just that I'm worried that my aunt's homeland will be difficult to leave, so I may not be willing to go there."

"If you don't ask, how can you know?"

Bu Zhi thought for a while, then nodded in agreement.

He led the way ahead, turned left, turned right, and soon came to the gate of a house.

This place is very remote, and the houses are very simple, just three thatched huts.The courtyard wall made of rammed earth is less than a person's height. Standing outside the wall, one can have a panoramic view of the courtyard without any effort.Bu Zhi got off his horse, stepped forward, stood outside the door, and knocked on the firewood door.

"Who is it!"

There was only a soft voice coming from the hut, the door was opened, and a young girl walked out from inside...

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