Chapter 10: Sophistry
"Hi, why do you scholars always speak so hesitantly? If you have something to say, just say it directly," Xiong Hu couldn't help but say.
Uh... The expression on Xiong Hu's face turned awkward. If it had been Cao Chan speaking, a figure capable of bringing them hope, he would have probably already struck with a knife.
Subsequently, Liao Hua and Xiong Hu engaged in light-hearted conversation with Cao Chan, who had seemingly become the strategist of this small group, leaving people astonished
In that case, may the three leaders send someone to escort us back to the village. Tomorrow at this time, we will meet at the same place where we encountered each other today. Cao Chan finally breathed a sigh of relief, a hint of a smile appearing on his face as he raised his fist towards Pei Pao.
Cao Chan calmly said, "If the three of you have ample wealth, there is no need to come out and rob others for food. If you give me some, I can purchase ready-made provisions, or even horses."
Rebellions are occurring everywhere. It is only a matter of time before the emperor loses control of the situation. These matters do not require explanation; if you believe me, just wait. When the time comes, heroes will rise, and naturally, there will be more paths to choose from. Cao Chan spoke with conviction, yet a flicker of fear passed through Chen Wan's eyes. The way Cao Chan directly referred to the emperor was truly difficult for him to comprehend. The imperial authority is supreme. However, a flicker of fear still crossed Chen Wan's eyes. The way Cao Chan directly referred to the emperor was truly difficult for him to comprehend. The imperial authority is supreme.
Yes. The Yellow Turban bandits who were pointed out immediately set off after responding.
We haven't considered this issue, nor have we experienced it. However, as my brother mentioned, it does seem feasible. But how can my brother guarantee that he won't run off with our gold?
About a quarter of an hour later, the Yellow Turban bandit who was called to fetch the gold quickly ran down the mountain, holding a package wrapped in white cloth. As he sprinted, a series of crisp sounds echoed.
"None of my ancestors were anything but virtuous; we were once a family of wealth. Why is it not permissible to allocate some resources to acquire a modest amount of grain, a few warhorses, or even weapons?" Cao Chan retorted
Everyone, please rest assured. Cao Chan naturally returned the gesture and spoke with great seriousness
Then, Cao Chan asked another question, "I wonder how much wealth the leaders possess?"
Indeed, individuals differ in their insights, knowledge, and backgrounds. However, as long as one seizes opportunities, even a debauched son like Cao Chan, who is scorned by thousands and comes from a fallen family, can have the chance to turn his life around.
Only Chen Wan quietly watched Cao Chan and Liao Hua greet each other, occasionally breaking into a few coarse remarks, which made the three of them laugh heartily, just to match their temperament
I believe you. What about you, brother?" Liao Hua, hearing Cao Chan's lack of flowery promises that he would definitely not escape, instead trusted Cao Chan's character even more, and could not help but turn back to ask Pei Pao.
However, Cao Chan's direct address to the emperor was quite agreeable to Liao Hua and others. After all, they were the Yellow Turbans.
"The Yellow Turban Rebellion has ended; how can the world still be in chaos?" Among the three, Liao Hua had clearly become the leader, frowning as he spoke
Follow him, follow him. Watching Cao Chan navigate effortlessly among the three, chatting and laughing, an uncontrollable thought emerged prominently in Chen Wan's mind, emerging.
Cao Chan's words were plain, yet to Liao Hua and the other two, they were undoubtedly like a bolt from the blue. A flash of brilliance sparkled in their eyes as Liao Hua shouted, "Is this true?" Pei and Po, who were a step slower, also stared at Cao Chan without blinking. ... If what Cao Chan said is true, then for the three of them... horses.
"What do you want to do?" As soon as the topic of wealth was mentioned, both Xiong Hu and Pei Pao's expressions became extremely vigilant, and they spoke almost simultaneously.
I must not hide it from the leader; two years ago, my family was still a wealthy household. However, at that time, I was young and ignorant, lacking the understanding of management. Now, our family has fallen into decline, and it is indeed difficult. I thank the leader for the books. Nevertheless, Cao Chan still expressed his gratitude to Pei Pao in the most proper manner.
"I beg you. In order to survive, at this moment, the three tigers roaring in the mountains, unafraid of the Yellow Turban bandits of the government, deeply bowed to Cao Chan, their expressions earnest.
Receiving the package from the hands of this Yellow Turban bandit, Pei Pao solemnly handed it over to Cao Chan, and then, cupping his fist in salute to Cao Chan, said: "I entrust everything to you, brother"
However, one cannot simply wait idly. If the three leaders continue their plundering in this manner, they may very well be eliminated before the opportunity arises. While Cao Chan expanded the horizons for the three, he also delivered a sharp reprimand.
The reason the Yellow Turbans lacked cavalry was that they were like rats crossing the street, with no one willing to take the lead for them. They possessed wealth, yet the more they had, the poorer they became, with many even starving to death in droves. Cao Shan volunteered to procure grain for the three of them, unafraid of their refusal.
"Good." After Pei Shao spoke, the echo directed towards a Yellow Turban bandit behind him: "Go to the mountain and bring back ten gold ingots." These ten gold ingots not only shocked Chen Wan, but also Cao Chan. The Cao family had been considered a prominent household in the vicinity a year ago, yet their wealth was likely only in the thousands of gold. Unexpectedly, Pei Shao opened his mouth to demand ten gold. From this, one can imagine just how wealthy Pei Shao and his group of Yellow Turban bandits were, and how many people they had plundered.
Poor solicitation. The highest means of solicitation is to appeal to emotions and reason. A moderate estimate involves fame and fortune. The lowest form is this seemingly generous increase in wealth.
Hehe, seeing that my brother is dressed simply, I fear that life at home is not easy. The ten gold coins can be used to buy some rice, and the rest will be given to my brother. The matter has finally been settled. Pei Shao, as the leader, has also shown the demeanor of a leader, trying to get closer to Cao Chan. The intention to win him over is evident.
"Hahaha, as the saying goes, one must break before they can stand anew. If there had been no decline, how could my brothers possess this demeanor today?" Pei Shao, however, modestly returned a compliment.
"Follow him." At this moment, Chen Wan seemed to hear the voice of his heart roaring madly. Wealth and power are the ambitions of a man; Chen Wan was exceptionally bold, and in a moment of thought, it could lead to great fortune, but for now, he still lacked the opportunity
I am deeply impressed; what was originally an unavoidable calamity has been resolutely resolved by this young brother. Moreover, he has gained such a significant benefit. Ten gold pieces! He could never earn that in his lifetime
Bang bang bang. Chen Wan only felt his heart racing, very fast. It seemed as if it was about to leap out of his chest.
If we don't elaborate, if we don't pretend to be profound, can you believe it? Cao Chan felt unconvinced in his heart, but he appeared agreeable on the surface. He asked Xiong Hu, "I noticed that the leader was just gazing intently at the two horses in front of the Wang family's carriage, and it seems that life might not be easy, right?" Cao Chan's observational skills were quite good, as he had noticed Xiong Hu's intense focus on those two horses earlier.
You are willing, and so am I. I do not merely make promises with words, nor can I offer anything as collateral. However, I can inform you that I reside in Qinghe Village, which is several miles away, while this individual lives in Chenjia Village. In a moment, you may send someone to follow us back. The villagers are all from the same locality, and they cannot escape. I will not run away and implicate them either. " Cao Chan pointed at Chen Wan and raised his fist.
I believe so as well. However, for the first time, we cannot give too much gold and silver. Pei Shao thought for a moment and said. Beside him, Xiong Hu nodded vigorously, looking so pained that he did not resemble a carefree bandit from the Yellow Turban.
Three people joined forces to engage in the Yellow Turban Rebellion and came together to commit robbery, yet in the end, only Liao Hua was recognized as a meritorious minister and granted the title of marquis. They are all a bunch of fools. Cao Shan shook his head in disapproval. Liao Hua's expression was also not very pleasant. The instinctive reaction of his companions was truly beneath the dignity of the situation
Upon seeing Cao Chan, he recognized an opportunity