Chapter 1072: A Silent Contest
When Cao Ang received the Yanzhou Thorn Shi Yin Ribbon, Sun Ce almost received the news.
Sun Ce had been mentally prepared for Yuan Shao's choice, but he was still a little lucky. It is certainly a fortunate thing that Yuan Shao did not attack when he was weakest, but what made him happier than the removal of the real threat was that he had a glimpse of Yuan Shao's inner weakness. People who are accustomed to winning without a fight will always be superstitious about their own strength, and always feel that there is still a chance, so as to avoid short-handed encounters.
From this point of view, Yuan Shao is really inferior to Yuan Tan. He's old, but he doesn't realize it yet.
The biggest threat was temporarily lifted, but Sun Ce couldn't be idle. Time is pressing, and he must be ready for a decisive battle after the fall. A few months is long or short, and he doesn't dare to relax in the slightest. Before he returned to Pingyu, he began to discuss the action plan with Guo Jia, Pang Tong and others, carried out sand table deduction, and repeatedly analyzed various possibilities.
Yuan Quan knew that Sun Ce was discussing major matters now, so she took her maid to take care of it personally, serving tea and pouring water, and preparing wine and food, so that Sun Ce could think about major matters wholeheartedly, and the civil and military who came to discuss the matter were also treated thoughtfully, and everyone could return satisfied. What makes Sun Ce feel amazing is that no matter who it is, as long as he has been here more than once, he will soon like the food prepared by Yuan Quan, and he can always find one or two things that suit his heart in a variety of delicacies, and he can always find his favorite taste in different wine syrups.
On the one hand, this is due to the rich specialties under Sun Ce's rule, and on the other hand, it is also due to Yuan Quan's observation of the face. Although she is not seated, she can always sense his preferences from a small look of the guest, and she can prepare for it next time. This is a compulsory course for aristocratic women, and to be a qualified housewife, these are all necessary skills, but few people can do it as perfectly as Yuan Quan.
In addition to taking care of Sun Ce's daily life, Yuan Quan spent a considerable part of his energy on Mrs. Ding. Although Mrs. Ding has become a prisoner, she still enjoys a comfortable life, even more comfortable than in Chenliu. Yuan Quan would go to see her every day, chat with her to relieve her boredom, talk about her parents' shortcomings, and see what she was still missing. Regardless of whether Mrs. Ding opened her mouth or not, as long as she showed a little meaning, Yuan Quan would soon be able to solve it for her.
Mrs. Ding had a sense of being a blessing in disguise. As a daughter in the Ding family and a housewife in the Cao family, she has also seen countless people, but it is the first time to see such a caring hostess as Yuan Quan. She and Yuan Quan became best friends and talked almost nothing.
When Wei Zhen rushed to negotiate on Cao Ang's orders, he couldn't help but be surprised when he saw Mrs. Ding's red face and happy mood. After learning about the relevant situation, Wei Zhen was full of admiration for Chen Gong. In addition to the fact that this person has a relatively big temper and a celebrity, he is almost perfect, and he is considered to be a hit. As long as he is given enough time, he can solve any problem.
Wei Zhen expressed Cao Ang's concern to Mrs. Ding, and told Mrs. Ding that Cao Ang was already the assassin of Yanzhou, and Dongjun Shilin had a very good impression of him, and Zhu Ling, Cheng Yu and other Yuan Tan's old departments supported him very much. He has now rushed back to Changyi to preside over Yanzhou affairs.
Mrs. Ding was delighted. She asked Wei Zhen to reply to Cao Ang, telling Cao Ang not to worry, she and Cao Ying lived well and there was no inconvenience. I hope that Cao Ang will take care of his body, and ask Wei Zhen to pay attention to see which woman is suitable, and take a concubine for Cao Ang first, so as not to have no one around to take care of him. There is no need to be too anxious to marry a wife, now that the war is in chaos, the victory or defeat is not decided, and if he chooses the wrong one, it will have a significant impact on his future.
Wei Zhen agreed.
After saying goodbye to Mrs. Ding, Wei Zhen went to see He Hao again. He Hao was locked up with Zhang Miao and Yuan Tan. Their living conditions were not as good as those of Mrs. Ding, but they were not bad, except that they could not meet guests casually, they did not suffer too much. Seeing Wei Zhen and learning that Yuan Shao appointed Cao Ang as the assassin of Yanzhou, but he himself did not move, He Hao was very disappointed and regretted it very much. His assassination of Sun Ce failed, resulting in Zhang Miao and Mrs. Ding being imprisoned by Sun Ce, Cao Ang and Zhang Chao did not dare to act rashly, and Yuan Shao could only choose to wait.
Seeing that no one was watching, Wei Zhen lowered his voice and said to He Hao: "He Gong, don't be impatient, and you will take care of your body with peace of mind." The envoy is trying to find a way to rescue you. ”
He Hao glanced at Wei Zhen. "How to save it? Sending assassins to rob prisoners? ”
The corners of Wei Zhen's mouth twitched, noncommittal. When He Hao saw it, he knew that he had guessed correctly. He assassinated Sun Ce, Sun Ce could not let him go easily, Cao Ang could only use the shady method of robbing prisoners.
"You let Zixiu give up. Sun Bofu is extremely guarded, he won't give you a chance, no matter how many people you send, you won't be able to save me, but will anger Sun Ce. ”
"He Gong, the envoys are looking for rangers with strong martial arts and outstanding skills, and some of them are still from the Luoyang Society."
He Hao pursed his lips, too lazy to pay attention to Wei Zhen. Yuan Tanqing coughed. "Don't be busy, waste money. What are the masters in the world, can you know better than He Gong? Zixiu has been a child and doesn't understand these things at all. Cao Zixiao has experience, but the people he comes into contact with are Huaisi athletes. Is there any ranger between Huaisi who is stronger than Xu Chu and Dian Wei? Those who dare to come are either ignorant and don't know who Xu Chu and Dian Wei are. Either they are shameless and have no intention of saving people at all, or they want to cheat money. ”
Wei Zhen was embarrassed, embarrassed to say more, and retreated.
When he came to Sun Ce's big ship, Wei Zhen first expressed his gratitude to Sun Ce. Sun Ce smiled, led Wei Zhen out of the cabin, and pointed to the top of his head. Wei Zhen didn't know why, looked up, and saw two figures sitting on the tall mast, both wearing tight-fitting and narrow-sleeved warrior costumes, one was red-clothed like fire, and the other was white-clothed Shengxue. The two were talking happily, and the white-clad ones erupted in laughter like silver bells from time to time.
Wei Zhen listened for a moment, and suddenly understood. "Cao Ying?"
"Well, my third brother is very close to her." Sun Ce said with a smile: "That kid has been not afraid of heaven and earth since he was a child, even my father can't cure him, but he obeys Miss Cao's words, this is probably fate." ”
Wei Zhen was caught off guard and didn't know how to answer Sun Ce. He raised his head and looked at Cao Ying, who was sitting on the high mast, shaking his legs, crying and laughing. Cao Ang and Cao Ying's personalities are just the opposite, Cao Ang is quiet and introverted, but Cao Ying is lively and outgoing, but she has always been tightly controlled by Mrs. Ding, and it is rare to have a presumptuous time. No wonder I didn't see her at Mrs. Ding's place just now. In the current situation, I am afraid that Mrs. Ding is willing to go back, and Cao Ying may not be willing.
"I have heard for a long time that General Sun is friendly to his younger brothers and sisters, and today it is believed that seeing is believing."
"At this point, I'm about the same as Cao Zixiu, right?"
Wei Zhen thought about it, felt reasonable, and nodded in agreement.
"To be honest, I have a good impression of Cao Zixiu, and I hope to fight side by side one day in the future. However, there is one thing I am not very satisfied with, and I also asked Wei Jun to convey it to Cao Zixiu. ”
"Please advise the General."
"I heard that Cao Zixiu hired some rangers at a high price and wanted to rob people." Sun Ce was still smiling, but the meaning in his eyes was incomprehensible. "Filial piety is commendable, but it's a little stupid. You have to invite some real masters, what's the point of those stinky fish and rotten shrimp, disgusting me? ”
"General, I don't understand what you're saying......"
Sun Ce tilted his head, and Xu Sheng on the side took a step forward, took out a piece of paper, and handed it to Wei Zhen. When Wei Zhen saw it, his face suddenly changed greatly.
There was a long list of at least twenty or thirty people on the paper, all of whom were rangers they had invited.