Three Kingdoms: Cao Cao is stunned when he reveals his time-traveling identity.

The following day, at the Sikong Mansion.

Early in the morning, Su Chen was summoned here by a servant from the Sikong Mansion.

It is said that someone needs to speak with me about something important.

As soon as I entered, I saw Cao Cao practicing Tai Chi in a very serious manner.

They played until they were covered in sweat, having a great time.

Only when he saw Su Chen arrive did he slowly stop his attack.

Upon seeing this, a maidservant hurriedly stepped forward and wiped the sweat from Cao Cao's forehead.

"Is Sikong looking for me?"

Su Chen bowed slightly and spoke calmly.

"Jingming, you don't need to go through these tedious formalities."

"It's not like it's your first time here, why be so reserved?"

Cao Cao raised an eyebrow slightly and asked in confusion.

Su Chen truly became more skilled with practice.

Being at the Sikong Mansion felt just like being at home.

Why are you suddenly being so polite today?

"I have come here to apologize to the Minister of Works."

Su Chen, however, kept his head slightly lowered and said in a deep voice.

Cao Cao chuckled immediately:

"Apologize? What crime have you committed?"

Su Chen slowly opened his mouth:

"Does the Grand Commandant still remember Xu Chu of Qiao County, whom I mentioned earlier?"

"This person also came to the city today, and I have already met with him."

Xu Chu originally planned to enlist in the army with his clansmen.

"But it would be somewhat inappropriate for such a talented person to only serve as a general in the military."

"I advised him to come and serve as the Minister's personal bodyguard."

"Unfortunately, despite all our efforts to dissuade him, he still refused to change his mind."

As he spoke, Su Chen sighed without batting an eye.

Earlier, Cao Cao had even suggested that he should not meet with Su Chen for the time being.

We will meet again after the turmoil among the scholars has subsided.

However, today they are calling me here in such a hurry.

After much thought, it was clear that only this one thing could make Cao Cao so anxious.

However, Su Chen had already prepared this explanation.

Xu Chu is far too important to Su Chen.

If we don't capture him, we might encounter some strange dangers in Xudu later.

Cao Cao's expression turned extremely surprised.

It's impossible to tell whether he actually knew or not.

He asked in confusion:

"Why would you rather be an ordinary general in the camp than serve as my bodyguard?"

Su Chen sighed helplessly and said:

"Isn't it because he has a family to support?"

"The Xu family of Qiao County has several hundred members. If they were to come and serve as guards, there would be no way to accommodate them all."

"Moreover, he heard that General Dian was present, so..."

You don't have to say everything; leave half of what you've said unsaid.

Two tigers cannot share one mountain, and the same applies to personal bodyguards.

It's impossible that Cao Cao was unaware of these things.

As expected, Cao Cao frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said:

"Indeed."

"But I would be heartbroken to lose such a valiant general because of this."

Su Chen cupped his hands and said:

"This is why I apologize to Sikong!"

"Therefore, I have taken the liberty of letting him and the Xu family follow me for the time being."

"I will help settle the Xu clan members properly, so that Xu Chu can follow Sikong with peace of mind!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Cao's expression changed slightly.

But soon, he burst into laughter:

"What a beautiful scene! What a beautiful scene!"

"What's there to apologize for?"

"I'm so grateful that you're doing this for my sake, how could I possibly blame you?"

Having said that, he stood up and said with a smile:

"Jingming, do you know why I urgently summoned you here?"

"Soon afterward, the mother of Qinghe arrived."

"I'm thinking of taking this opportunity to hold your wedding!"

"You and Qinghe are a perfect match, and you're deeply in love. How could I not help you find happiness?"

These words truly left Su Chen completely bewildered.

What? Isn't it because of Xu Chu?

Or is it forced marriage?!

Cao Cao waved his hand and said:

"Therefore, it's most suitable for this tiger to keep you safe for me!"

"I only need Dian Wei by my side right now."

"It was because of your discerning eye that I recognized such a valiant general."

"In that case, let him follow you!"

"From now on, you will be part of the Cao family. How dare you speak of these two families again?"

Good guy!

Su Chen thought to himself, "Wow!"

Does this sound like something Boss Cao would say?

But judging from Cao Cao's expression, he was clearly not being sarcastic.

He seemed to completely disregard Xu Chu.

Instead, they were more concerned about Su Chen and Qing He's marriage.

"Does Sikong truly not blame me?"

Su Chen said with considerable surprise.

"Why blame them?"

Instead of all that, you should use this time to take care of yourself.

"Qinghe's mother is not someone easy to get along with."

Cao Cao waved his hand dismissively, showing no concern.

These words reminded Su Chen.

Who is Qinghe's mother?

It's the Ding family!

Although Ding was not Cao Ang and Qinghe's biological mother, she treated them as her own children.

Moreover, Lady Ding was known for her strong and unyielding nature; it is said that even Cao Cao sometimes had no way to deal with her.

According to records, Cao Ang died in the Battle of Wancheng.

Lady Ding was heartbroken and broke with Cao Cao, returning to her hometown.

Cao Cao even went to invite Lady Ding back several times later.

Madam Ding still refused to comply, even at the cost of her life.

Cao Cao could not forget Cao Ang's death until his deathbed, partly because of Lady Ding.

Now, after hearing Cao Cao say this, he realized that his future mother-in-law was indeed no pushover.

"Jingming, besides that, there's one more thing."

"Do you have any ideas?"

Cao Cao suddenly sighed softly, and said with a solemn expression:

"The renovation of the palace is not yet properly completed."

"Recruiting soldiers and buying horses also requires a lot of money."

"I intend to employ the tomb raiders; what do you think?"

This matter truly troubled Cao Cao.

The so-called "tomb raiders" were, to put it bluntly, the tomb robbers he had previously kept.

However, if the tomb raiders are employed, they will inevitably target the ancestral tombs of powerful and wealthy families in Yanzhou.

If this matter is not handled properly, it could very likely provoke strong dissatisfaction among the gentry of Yanzhou.

This is something that's hard to talk about with others, but right now Su Chen is practically a member of the Cao family.

He then wanted to ask Su Chen for his opinion.

"This method is probably not appropriate."

"But I do have a plan, though I don't know if you will agree."

Upon hearing this, Su Chen raised an eyebrow slightly, as if he had thought of something, and spoke calmly.

"Speak freely!"

When Cao Cao heard that there was a solution, his eyes lit up.

Su Chen then spoke:

"The salt and sugar production technology in our camp is now mature."

"I am willing to assist the Minister of Works in exercising the right to sell salt and sugar in Yanzhou."

"The previous monopoly on salt and sugar will be transformed into a system where the government sells them to the people."

"If you can get the right price, you can make a lot of money."

make money!

Upon hearing the word "making money," Cao Cao immediately woke up.

Yes, salt and sugar make money!

Salt and sugar are both scarce resources!

As long as these two items can be sold.

Even if the price is driven down, they can still make money quickly!

Cao Cao immediately beamed with joy:

"Okay, okay, okay!"

"Jingming's method is wonderful, truly wonderful!"

"You invented the method for making this salt and sugar."

"This matter is naturally entrusted to you!"

……