Chapter 9: Planning for the Future

After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, there was a scarcity of plowing oxen

Cao Peng sighed, "Father, purchasing an ox cart is not merely for the convenience of travel; it also involves a matter of face."

After proposing his idea, Cao Peng went to the side to rest

Buy a bullock cart

At the entrance of the post station, there stands a five-meter tall pole

As for Cao Peng, he closed his eyes to conserve his energy... He appeared to be quite calm.

It seems that Eastern Wu is the best

Given his current position, he can only offer advice and strategies. As for whether they will be adopted, he believes that with Wang Meng's insight, he will be able to discern the clues

Will Cao Gong really come to invite us, A Fu

After the Three Kingdoms period, there followed the chaos of the Five Hu invading China

As the setting sun descends and the evening glow paints the horizon red, a post station appears in Cao Peng's line of sight beside a grove of withering maple trees

After we enter Biyang, we will find a way to buy an ox cart... then traveling by cart will certainly be much more convenient than walking on foot.

Then it is decided

Enlistment in the military

Even the strong like Cao Ji and Wang Meng felt somewhat fatigued, let alone Zhang, a woman.

Only such individuals are capable of accomplishing great things

Some stiff words of concern made Cao Peng feel a warmth in his heart

During a break on the way, Cao Peng explained: "In fact, our route to Yangzhi Jiyang County may not necessarily take more time."

And Bi County has already come under the governance of Liu Biao

Cao Ji is not a very opinionated person; if it were just Cao Peng, he might even agree

Zhang was even more distressed for his son

There is no need to mention Cao Ji, who has lived for over thirty years without ever leaving Zhongyang Mountain. In Cao Ji's eyes, Cao Peng is inherently filial; in Wang Meng's view, he is bold yet meticulous. A thirteen-year-old child can stealthily infiltrate another's residence, take a life, and then quietly depart. This level of calmness and such meticulous intellect are certainly not qualities that an ordinary person can compare to

Wang bit his lip and, after a moment of hesitation, said: "I want to enlist in the military."

Father, I am fine

Even if Cao Cao later issued the decree to promote the worthy, without true ability, how could one possibly establish a firm foothold

The cost of this ox cart is not low, and Cao Ji naturally is reluctant to spend such unnecessary money

In reality, if it were not for the continuous military campaigns of the Eastern Wu regime against the mountain tribes, which resulted in the large-scale plundering of their population, its population base might not have been stronger than that of the Shu Kingdom

Brother Tiger, listen to my words. Let us study our skills diligently for a few more years. Once our skills are refined and our reputation grows, perhaps Lord Cao will personally come to invite us to work. Just think about it: is it better for you to pass through life unnoticed, or to be sought after by others?

However, Cao Peng knew that the future would be even more tragic than the present

He and Wang each held a piece of bread and began to eat heartily.

Wang Meng was very interested in Cao Peng and couldn't help but ask, "Afu, what do you mean by that? If we follow Yang's words, the journey will at least increase by one-third, how could it possibly not take more time?"

When it comes to the most promising figures of the future, it is undoubtedly Cao Cao. However, establishing oneself in Cao Cao's camp is not an easy task

The Three Kingdoms period, while undoubtedly an era filled with fervor and passion, also gave rise to endless calamities

Wang couldn't help but chuckle foolishly, nodding repeatedly

Even if the government of Wuyin County discovers their whereabouts, it must proceed with caution and prudence

Now is truly not a good opportunity to support Cao Cao

Wang swallowed the cake, wiped his hands on his clothes, glanced at the adults nearby who were discussing matters, and said softly: "I mean, after settling down at Sister Nan's place, what do you want to do?"

I remember reading a book in a previous life that recorded some data from the Three Kingdoms period. Before the Three Kingdoms were established, the northern population was about 4 million, with nearly 800,000 households. After the fall of Cao Wei, the north was left with only 580,000 households and over 2 million people. During this period, Bashu also had a population of around 3 to 4 million, but when the Shu state fell, it was reduced to 280,000 households and 960,000 people. The situation in Jiangdong was relatively better; before the Three Kingdoms were established, there were approximately 2 million people, and after the fall of Eastern Wu, there remained 520,000 households. Bashu also had a population of around 3 to 4 million during this period, but when the Shu state fell, it was reduced to 280,000 households and 960,000 people. The situation in Jiangdong was relatively better; before the Three Kingdoms were established, there were approximately 2 million people, and after the fall of Eastern Wu, there remained 520,000 households.

However, since even Wang Meng has said so, Cao Ji cannot afford to take it lightly. He has always respected Wang Meng, believing him to be knowledgeable and capable. ... This time, it is even more significant because he is implicated due to his own family, making Wang Meng's opinion particularly important ... ! ... Indeed, we cannot allow A Nan to be underestimated!

The cold weather, the desolate wilderness, and the heart-wrenching scenes of devastation...

The thoughts of ancient people were, in fact, much simpler than those of later generations

Unconsciously, he pressed his face against Cao Ji's back, closed his eyes, and softly said: "Father, I am really fine! Truly, do not worry."

At the very least, Cao Peng knew that soon Cao Cao would face a devastating defeat

Wang's eyes sparkled, revealing a look of excitement

It is estimated that Wuyin County will not catch up, so we need not be overly anxious... Child's mother, just put in a little more effort, and we will be able to rest up ahead

Then, traveling west from Biyang County, it would take approximately five to six days to reach Jiyang County... From a temporal perspective, it seems to require an additional two to three days; however, in terms of safety, it is undoubtedly much safer than heading directly to Jiyang County

Jiyang, Deng family

If you feel unwell, you must tell your father... do not try to endure it on your own

However, Cao Peng believed that heading west would make it too easy for them to be caught. Moreover, the two families, consisting of five people, were relying on their legs to travel; if the officials from Wuyin County were to pursue them, they would certainly be on horseback. Two legs could never compete with four. Given this, it was essential to make arrangements early.

Cao Peng set down the pancake and gazed at Wang Mai for a long time

Cao Peng suddenly shivered, instinctively gripping the collar of Cao Ji's clothing tightly

In his previous life, he lived in a "prosperous era" and had never experienced the baptism of war. Although he had seen some on television and in movies, it never felt quite real. Yet now, he was witnessing the scars of war firsthand, unable to suppress a soft sigh.

Indeed, a true man should wield the sword of murder and achieve unparalleled merit. Now that Lord Cao serves the Emperor and has established the capital in Xudu, it is precisely the time for us to dedicate ourselves to the nation

Acquire both literary and martial skills, and you shall sell goods to the imperial family

Cao Ji immediately called out upon hearing this

Afu, what are your plans for the future

Afu, you must be tired!

Even though Wang Meng once served as the commander of the canal, his nature is, in essence, not complex

However, now is not the time for you and me to enlist in the military... I believe that you and I should focus on honing our skills and becoming stronger.

However, in reality, Cao Peng's thoughts were in a constant ebb and flow

Wang Meng nodded repeatedly and praised, "Dear brother, Ah Fu has thought this through more thoroughly than we have. In my opinion, we should just buy an ox cart."

Therefore, Cao Peng suggested that they first head south, and in approximately one day's time, they would be able to reach the jurisdiction of Biyang County.

After a night of travel, Cao Peng's small face was pale and appeared extremely fatigued

In the future

Father, uncle... We have now lost the opportunity to seek refuge with our sister, but we are not fleeing from disaster

As long as we possess true skills, Lord Cao will surely come to invite us

You said ! ''

After dawn, both families had left the confines of Zhongyang Mountain

A broken lantern sways in the wind, standing out so vividly against the backdrop of the evening glow

Bi Yang is under the governance of Liu Jingzhou. Over the years, it is said to have been relatively peaceful.

More than ten years have passed since the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the first year of the Zhongping era, yet the scars left by the turmoil of that year are still faintly visible

You child are simply daydreaming... Do you know how much a bullock cart costs? We do not have much money on us, and once we reach your sister's place, settling down will also require expenses. If you buy a bullock cart, are you expecting your sister to pay for it once we arrive in Jiyang?

Peng Er has indeed received an education and is literate; her considerations are certainly more comprehensive than yours

It is good as long as there is nothing wrong, it is good!

Peng'er, what is wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?

However, if you do not perform well, you will not be able to sell the books at a good price

Wang Meng suddenly spoke, addressing Cao Ji: "Virtuous brother, I have traveled this road before. I remember that after crossing the stream ahead, there is a post station for carriages and horses. I wonder if it is still in operation... However, even if it has been abandoned, it can serve as a resting place. Shall we take a break?"

You fool, just listen to Peng'er's suggestion

He is not wrong. Although we are seeking refuge with Anan, we are not fleeing from disaster. To put it simply, for the sake of Anan's reputation, we must protect it and not allow her to be looked down upon within the clan

Historically, during this period, Cao Cao did not have an easy time

It is often said that the poor are ignored in bustling markets, while the rich have distant relatives in secluded mountains

Alright, let's take a break

Cao Peng lay on his father's back, feeling an endless desolation in his heart

Father, Mother, Uncle

Do not be misled by Cao Ji's frequent reproaches towards Cao Peng; privately, his care for Cao Peng is even stronger than that of the Zhang family.

My brother-in-law is in Jiyang, and he is a person of some standing. If we go there in a very shabby manner, even if he does not mind, it is likely that the Deng family members will not be pleased. However, if we happen to catch a bullock cart, at least on the surface, it will appear more respectable. This way, my brother-in-law will have a bit more dignity, and even if the Deng family members are dissatisfied, they will not make things too difficult for us.

After nearly a whole day of travel, it was evident that night was about to fall

This may be quite desolate

What about you

Cao Peng awoke from his thoughts, quickly forcing a smile and responding in a low voice

Wang Meng and Cao Ji are both very simple individuals

Thus, Wang Meng led the way, Cao Ji carried Cao Peng on his back, and Wang Mai assisted Zhang Shi, making their way forward with uneven steps

A thought suddenly flashed through my mind, but it was just a fleeting moment, quickly disappearing! Now is not the time to consider these matters; it is better to settle down in Jiyang first and then make plans. At the same time, I have developed a strong curiosity about my sister and brother-in-law, whom I have never met before.

Cao Ji smiled foolishly and supported Cao Peng with his hand

That was also the darkest period in the history of the Han people, with only one in ten northern Han people surviving, and they were even regarded as food by those foreign Hu people, referred to in texts as 'two-legged sheep'.

With your brother-in-law here, are you still worried that we might incur losses

Look at the heroes of the present age; who among them is not exceptionally skilled? To speak of a distant example, let us consider this county of Wuyin. A mere county magistrate has forced us to leave our homes. Do you know the reason? Our abilities are still insufficient, and our reputations are not yet great enough; otherwise, how could a small place like Chengji be so arrogant? Moreover, even if you and I were to enlist in the army now, without someone to recommend us, we would only be able to start as lowly soldiers. Charging into battle at the front lines, we would earn little merit. Over time, before you achieve success and fame, you would become a wandering soul without a master. Furthermore, even if you and I were to enlist in the army now, without someone to recommend us, we would only be able to start as lowly soldiers. Charging into battle at the front lines, we would earn little merit. Over time, before you achieve success and fame, you would become a wandering soul without a master.

I know of your great abilities and am also aware of your intentions

Father, it is just like when you visit relatives; no matter how good the relationship is, going there empty-handed is certainly different from arriving in a luxurious car. Moreover, if we go there in an ox cart, even if we decide we no longer want it later, we can sell it in Jiyang County.

Originally, it took only five days to reach Jiyang from Zhongyang Town by traveling westward

After a brief rest, the two families set off once again

Of course, simplicity does not equate to foolishness; this involves a question of dialectics. In fact, Cao Peng never understood what dialectics truly was until his death in his previous life. Sometimes, it seems that using dialectics to muddle the waters and confuse right and wrong is quite effective

Moreover, having received five guan of money from Chengji, he felt somewhat assured. Therefore, after Wang Meng expressed his stance, the Zhang family also promptly agreed.

Walking along the main road, sometimes one can travel for an entire hour without encountering a soul. In the desolate land, one can occasionally see exposed, stark white bones. The weather is growing colder; it is said that in the northern regions, such as Guanzhong, several heavy snowfalls have already occurred, and even Luoyang has welcomed its first snow.

***

He let out a light sigh and said, "Brother Tiger Head, would you be willing to hear my advice?"

In ancient times, this vehicle was akin to the automobiles of later generations. Even driving a common model like the Pusang could evoke a sense of respect in people

Wang Meng waved his hand to signal Cao Ji to stop talking, and curiously asked: "Afu, why do you speak so well with your uncle? What are the benefits of buying an ox cart?"