Chapter 0010: The Grand Strategy of Zhengda

After listening to Cao Song, Cao Ding was already left dumbfounded.

The chubby boy widened his eyes, swallowed hard, and asked again: "Is there another brother named Cheng?"

This matter is merely a servant deceiving a young master, what crime is there? That Yuan Ciyang is acting intentionally, and his target is not to relieve the Duke of Duting, but rather..." Cao Song said, pointing to the sky. Cao Ding was greatly shocked, quickly rising to his feet and bowing in a gesture of attentive listening. Cao Song waved his hand and said, "There is much between us, no need for such formality. The Duke is a close relative of the Emperor, and Yuan Kui's actions this time are making a mountain out of a molehill, I fear he has ulterior motives."

Dong slowly entered, looking extremely haggard. She had not closed her eyes for several days, first due to Dong Chong, and now because of Yuan Kui. She bowed and said: "This foolish woman is incompetent and has offended you, Sir, in the past. I am unaware of the reason. May I have the honor of conversing with you, Sir?"

The next day, as usual, He Gong studied the Gongyang Zhuan. The great Confucians of this era mostly focused solely on the classics, dedicating their entire lives to research. He Gong's understanding of the Gongyang Zhuan reached an unparalleled level among his contemporaries; throughout the Han Dynasty, there were fewer than ten who could surpass him. The chubby boy had something on his mind and could not hold it in. After the teacher finished, he stared wide-eyed at He Gong, unsure whether he should ask.

Shouting about avenging the grudge of the ninth generation, who sees whom to strike down

Foolishness! Revenge is also categorized in levels: the highest is national enmity, followed by enmity towards one's parents, then that of teachers and friends. The enmity towards one's parents takes precedence; killing a teacher is deemed immoral, while insulting a mother warrants the killing of the teacher, and then one must act immorally towards oneself!

At this moment, Minister of Personnel Cao Ding is reading memorials in his residence. These memorials need to be presented to the Emperor by the Ministry of Personnel. Looking at the memorial, Cao Ding feels a bit of a headache, as it is filled with Yuan Kui's lamentations. He complains about the rudeness of the local officials, the assassination attempts on the provincial governor, and how, as a minister of the state, he is unable to command respect, being bullied by a mere arrogant youth. The target of this complaint is the local official Liu Hong, but Liu Hong is a close relative of His Majesty. Should this be reported?

At this time, Yuan Kui's memorial had already arrived at the Ministry of Personnel.

Elder brother Cao Song, despite the external perception of him as incompetent, is the one who decides all matters, big and small, within the clan, earning deep respect from the family. The carriage was prepared, and they hurriedly arrived at Cao Song's residence, where the servants quickly came to pay their respects and welcome them. Upon entering the estate, they saw a half-grown boy, accompanied by many household servants, riding on a wooden pole, engaged in a playful game of military drills.

Liu Hong was certainly unaware of these matters. At this moment, the chubby boy was in the attic, holding that thick tome, reading it from the beginning once again. This time, he was no longer as naive and ignorant as before. He vaguely sensed that this book of destiny seemed to determine the fates of many. Would Yuan Wei, in the future, become one of the Three Dukes? And would there be a nephew named Yuan Benchu who openly defies the court?

One can only compromise with him, and where one can compromise... Cao Song thought for a moment and suddenly said: "This year, Cheng Yan and Liu Zhi have been imprisoned, likely to rescue these two scoundrels, thus staging this act! However, I did not expect that Yuan Kui would be so ruthless, sacrificing his own right leg for the success of his scheme. This person should not be underestimated..."

Who is this gentleman? At a glance, it is evident he is a chubby fellow. Still puzzled, he stroked his beard and inquired, "Do you have any doubts?" The chubby fellow nodded and asked, "Master, does this Yuan Kui have an elder brother named Yuan Feng?"

"Master Jun?" the little fat boy suddenly exclaimed

Seeing that these two were actually discussing such matters, Dong's face turned pale with fear; indeed, those who treat the public sheep transmission are all madmen

"Zhongde has arrived, please take a seat, take a seat"

What are referred to as eunuchs are, in fact, merely the slaves of the emperor, and the authority exercised by the eunuchs is precisely the will of the emperor. However, the power of the aristocratic families has been expanding day by day; they have gained control over knowledge, officials, and public opinion. They are not content; they seek to grasp even greater power. Although, a hundred years later, they succeeded in establishing an era of "Kings and Horses, Sharing the World," they are still not deemed worthy in the present day. They are not satisfied; they desire to control even greater things. Although, a hundred years later, they succeeded in establishing an era of "Kings and Horses, Sharing the World," they are still not deemed worthy in the present day.

The Cao family does not have a good reputation among the aristocracy, but they live safely. The obstacles posed by the aristocracy are certainly preferable to the wrath of the emperor, are they not

She did not know whether she should reveal the secret of the goldfish and the heavenly book to this esteemed elder. If she did, would he assist Liu Hong in his grand ambitions, or would he report it to the court? Although the emperor and Hong'er were close relatives, the auspicious omen was still too significant. In the end, the Dong family did not dare to disclose it, as she was unwilling to gamble with Liu Hong's life.

This person works alongside Chen Taifu, and you need not worry. He is known for his generosity and sincerity, and he will not trouble you like a child.

The two individuals knelt and sat, exchanged greetings for a moment, and then Cao Dingcai slowly recounted the matter. After finishing, he awaited his elder brother's advice. Cao Song was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said: "If you do not report this, I fear the Minister of State will be replaced by someone else"

After pondering for half a day, Cao Ding became somewhat agitated. During the late Han dynasty, the conflict between the aristocratic families and the eunuchs was intense. However, not all aristocratic families opposed the eunuchs. The Cao family of Qiao County has consistently stood firmly on the side of the eunuchs. In fact, among them, there were even younger members who entered the palace, such as the currently renowned Grand Eunuch Cao Teng, also known as the Chief of the Central Secretariat, or those who have always relied on the eunuchs, like Cao Song, Cao Ding, and Cao Chi.

Thank you, elder brother, for your clarification

Suddenly, Liu Hong was very curious to know whether he really had a nephew named Yuan Shao

"What does my elder brother mean?" Cao Ding was taken aback and hurriedly stood up to ask.

Whether it is a notorious reputation or a good name depends on who contributes more effort, the Yuan family or the Son of Heaven

He lowered his head to look at him, and after a moment of contemplation, the chubby boy said: "Master has insulted my mother. The Gongyang Commentary states that one should seek revenge. However, Master is my teacher, and the rites say to respect one's teacher. The Gongyang also states that a student should repay the enmity of his teacher. I do not know what to do in this situation"

There is nothing much to discuss with a foolish woman, you may leave on your own." He did not give her any face at all, directly waving his hand and said.

As he turned to leave, Dong sighed helplessly and said, "Lord He, please stay a moment. There is indeed an important matter that I must inform you of. I hope to have a discussion with you!" He bowed again, and He Xiu, feeling helpless, raised his head arrogantly, not looking at Dong, and asked, "Speak then, what is it?" Dong instructed the chubby boy to go out, invited Lord He to take the higher seat, and said, "You are a renowned scholar in the world, how could my foolish son possibly catch your eye?"

Elder brother

If it weren't for being short, I would have already gained fame throughout the world for killing the elder of the state of Zhao!

This young man, ever since he caused some auspicious event not long ago, has shown some changes in his temperament. Previously, he struggled to memorize scriptures overnight, but now he can recite them fluently, without missing a word. That aside, his comprehension has also become increasingly swift. I merely asked, "Is it still possible to avenge a grudge from nine lifetimes ago?" and he instantly understood, drawing his sword to kill.

Ah, this matter has nothing to do with us. Next time during the court discussion, you may directly submit the memorial to the Emperor. If you keep it to yourself, they will only be more pleased. At that time, they will say that the eunuchs hold power over the court and the Emperor is unaware of the affairs of the people. How can that be acceptable

Cao Ding thought for a long time but could not come up with a solution. In the end, he decided to seek his elder brother's advice for a way out.

"Ah Man!" Cao Ding called out angrily. The young man, upon seeing his uncle, showed no fear and did not pay his respects. Instead, he shouted to the surrounding servants, "The enemy is numerous! Withdraw with me!" After saying this, he dashed away in a flash. Cao Ding was both amused and exasperated, and helplessly sent someone to inform Cao Song. A servant entered to deliver the message, and immediately brought Cao Ding into the study. Upon entering the study, they saw Cao Song reading a book.

He Xiu looked at him with suspicion, and the chubby boy became flustered, not daring to lie to the teacher. He anxiously glanced around but could not utter a word. At that moment, a knock was heard at the door. He Xiu turned around and called out: "Come in"

"Alang, you must not be rude! Silence!" Dong shouted anxiously, genuinely fearing that the old man and the young boy might start fighting over some ridiculous revenge. The chubby boy, still intimidated by his mother, immediately fell silent, lowering his head and not uttering a word. As for He Xiu, although he was displeased at being interrupted during the discussion of the classics, he recognized that this was a mother educating her son, which was entirely justifiable, and thus he refrained from saying anything.

What should the emperor do then

"Yuan Wenkai passed away at a young age, and very few people are aware of him. How do you know about him?" At this point, He Xiu was also somewhat perplexed. Yuan Feng was well-known and had been associated with the Grand Tutor, so it was not surprising that Liu Hong knew of him. However, Yuan Cheng had died over ten years ago, and before his death, he had only held the position of Left Zhonglangjiang, which did not elevate him to the status of a renowned minister. Where did this young man acquire this knowledge?

Then, elder brother, how should I proceed with this matter

Dong hesitated for a long time, but ultimately did not speak. After another bow, he sent the elder on his way

What do you think of that matter regarding the servant? Even if we discuss the crime, it would only result in a fine. This time, Yuan Ciyang has angered the Tinghou, which has led to the Tinghou being injured. I fear he intends to bring this matter before the Emperor. How could the Emperor deal with the Tinghou? After all, he is the Emperor's only close relative. If the Emperor does not permit it, ha, then it could be said that the Emperor is being partial, favoring eunuchs and the like. Who knows, the Grand General might once again lead a group of students through the city.

"It is merely an agreement with your ancestors..." He Xiu seemed to recall something and gently closed his eyes