Chapter 1, The Cao Family's Youngest Child

With a low sigh, Cao Anmin couldn't help but regret his indiscretion. However, when he looked at his grandfather, Cao Song, who was smiling at him from the corner of the car, it created a stark contrast to his father's anger. Therefore, Cao Anmin mustered up his courage.

At this moment, I am to go to Xuchang in the company of my grandfather and father to meet my uncle, the historically renowned villain, Cao Cao

At this moment, Cao Ping, who was sitting nearby, was once again taken aback by the conversation between the two.

"Indeed." Seeing that both individuals remained silent at this moment, Cao Xin once again performed a bow and spoke loudly: "Lastly, let us discuss the aristocratic families. What is an aristocratic family? It is the lineage and the status, and the late emperor both cherished and feared this very aristocracy the most."

At this moment, he is already eighteen years old, yet he has lived in this era for nearly 10 years.

However, in the midst of laughter, Cao Xin, who had been passionately animated, suddenly realized something. Seeing his father and grandfather staring at him in shock, Cao Xin couldn't help but curse himself for being so talkative. He then awkwardly sat back down, remaining silent.

The middle-aged man from earlier was Father Cao De. Seeing his son lost in thought, he shook his head and said, "This child is usually quite restless. If he were to break any military laws in the barracks, I wouldn't know what to do. It would be better for him to return home with me and recite some verses from the Book of Songs to calm his mind."

Indeed, at that moment, with a loud shout, the originally refined Cao De appeared like a furious general, glaring at Cao Anmin with a flushed face. Although the vehicle continued to move, the atmosphere inside the room suddenly changed.

What the father said is indeed true; it is the child who has not considered thoroughly. Upon hearing the elder's words, the middle-aged man immediately adopted a solemn expression and said seriously to the young man sitting beside him: "Xin'er, you must also remember your grandfather's words. When you go to your uncle's army, you must not act recklessly; you should study diligently."

Seeing his father say this, Cao Xin understood that his father was worried about him. Although Cao Xin understood these principles, seeing his father's concerned expression, he still agreed.

Cao Anmin, in his previous life known as Cao Xin, was originally the curator of the Historical and Cultural Museum of XX City. Unfortunately, he met his demise during a theft of cultural relics. After his death, he discovered that he had reincarnated in the body of an 8-year-old child, and inexplicably became the nephew of Cao Cao. He is, after all, the same Cao Anmin who perished alongside Cao Ang and Dian Wei during the Battle of Wancheng

Well, that's fine. Let's stay for three days this time and bring more gold, silk, and provisions. On this trip back to Huaxian, we will also pass through the territory of Xuzhou. I have heard that Tao Gongzu is a benevolent ruler, so it is only right to establish a friendship with him this time.

At this moment, there were only three people in the car. In addition to the middle-aged man who was speaking and an elderly gentleman of distinguished demeanor, there was also a young man approximately eighteen years old.

Meanwhile, Father Cao De nodded repeatedly and said: "Xiner, since you are able to express such thoughts, it clearly shows your aspirations. Although you usually lead a carefree life, I never expected that you still care about the world. As your father, I am greatly comforted by this."

Suddenly hearing his father's roar, Cao Anmin couldn't help but frown. Although Cao De was not his biological father, he had spent nearly 10 years with him. For the most learned person in the Cao family, Cao Anmin still felt a degree of sympathy.

"Well, that is good." Satisfied, Father Cao De nodded and then turned to Grandfather, saying: "Father, it seems that Anmin has grown up this time, and I can also rest assured to accompany you back to Huaxian, Taishan to teach. We should not delay any longer in Xuchang."

As for Dong Zhuo, he was also recommended to the Grand General and He Jin by the likes of Yuan Shao, which is why Dong Zhuo was able to enter the capital and disrupt the court... Haha, father, grandfather, think about it, Yuan Shao is from a prominent gentry family, and He Jin is a powerful eunuch by marriage; isn't this a case of the gentry recommending Dong Zhuo to eliminate the ten eunuchs? Subsequently, the ten eunuchs killed He Jin, and the Yuan Shao gentry exterminated the eunuchs, ultimately allowing Dong Zhuo, this old tiger, to benefit as a fisherman reaping the rewards... Hahaha, how ridiculous... How laughable.

However, remember that you must not speak such words in your uncle's army. It is acceptable for you to say this to us today, but if you are careless with your words in the military, even if you are my son, you will not escape the consequences of military law

Suddenly, a burst of laughter erupted. Just as Cao De's words were about to finish, Cao Song beside him began to laugh heartily: "Zhong Cao, Zhong Cao, no wonder Meng De often says you are a bookworm. Haha, in today's chaotic world, although Dong is dead, the two rascals Li and Guo are still causing turmoil in the capital. A man of honor should serve in the military to repay the court. Although Xin usually does nothing, he has been trained in martial arts since childhood. If he does not go to his brother to become a general, does he intend to follow your path and become a schoolteacher in the county? Hehehe."

Wait... Year 194 AD? Xuzhou?

Suddenly, a phrase slipped from Cao Xin's lips, and at that very moment, he was taken aback, as it was originally just a thought in his mind that had been spoken aloud.

The court promulgated the system of recommendation, intending to widely recruit talented individuals and promote prosperity throughout the realm, allowing capable people from various regions to encounter their mentors and serve the court. But what about now? Hehehe, these aristocratic families have turned the recommendation system into a tool of their own power, disregarding the talented individuals of the world, only selecting those loyal to their own clans, promoting some mediocre individuals as filial and incorruptible, transforming them into loyal disciples. If one is loyal to the aristocracy, they can hold an official position; if not, even the most talented will find no opportunity. Hehehe, these aristocratic families have turned the recommendation system into a tool of their own power, disregarding the talented individuals of the world, only selecting those loyal to their own clans, promoting some mediocre individuals as filial and incorruptible, transforming them into loyal disciples. If one is loyal to the aristocracy, they can hold an official position; if not, even the most talented will find no opportunity. Hmph, these aristocratic families only seek to strengthen their own lineage, with no thought of serving the country or the people. In such a world, how can there be no chaos?

With a courteous bow to the two individuals, Cao Anmin then said lightly: "Since the High Ancestor Liu Bang initiated the uprising against the White Serpent at Mangdang Mountain, establishing the Han dynasty, nearly 400 years have passed. Throughout this period, there have been numerous disruptions to the court by figures such as Wang Mang and Liang Ji. Although the foundation of the Han court is solid, it cannot withstand the control of various eunuchs and imperial relatives."

Oh... alright. Upon hearing this, the young man merely responded with a faint sound, yet he did not care much, instead gazing at the scenery outside the carriage, seemingly lost in thought

Why say this? Naturally, I need not tell you all.

Suddenly laughing a few times, Cao Xin succinctly exposed the long-standing flaws of the court with just a few words. At this moment, he was no longer the naive youth he once was; instead, he resembled a wild and unruly figure in a chaotic era, difficult to grasp.

Just like that, dramatically, the carriage suddenly fell into an extremely eerie silence, as if every person's breath could be heard clearly. Even Cao Song, a veteran official who had served in the court for decades, could not help but be astonished.

Upon hearing this, even Cao De was momentarily at a loss for words. His previously flushed face had now softened considerably, and instead, he stared at the young man before him with an expression of disbelief, as if he could not fathom that such words had come from his own son's mouth

As he gazed at the wisps of yellow smoke wafting along the road, Cao Xin's eyes were fixed on the distant barren hills. His hollow gaze seemed to be lost in confusion about his future, and his thoughts surged like a spring, disturbing his mind. Even his father's words were met with a hasty response.

Indeed. The child shall certainly remember this

At this moment, the old man, whose eyes had been slightly squinted, relaxed them a bit and looked at the somewhat cultured middle-aged man beside him. With a slight movement of his lips, he chuckled and said: "Zhongcao, this trip is meant for Xin'er to gain some experience in your brother's army. As for us, we are returning to our hometown in Huaxian, Taishan to settle down. Why must we make such a grand show? Haha, your brother has just pacified Yanzhou, and with the situation still unstable and people's hearts unsettled, wouldn't it invite some criticism if we were to mobilize such forces?"

Father's words are reasonable

In the first year of Xingping during the reign of Emperor Xian of Han, summer

The name "Xin" belongs to Cao Anmin, with "Anmin" being his courtesy name. Of course, during the Eastern Han period, one would typically receive a courtesy name only upon reaching the age of 20, which is considered the age of maturity. However, his father, Cao De, in order to allow Cao Xin to gain experience in Cao Cao's army at an earlier age, gave him the courtesy name "Anmin" ahead of time.

General Zhang Kai of Tao Qian killed Cao Song and Cao De

Speaking without paying any heed to his father's furious gaze, Cao Xin calmly stated: "During the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, the Ten Attendants held power until the Yellow Turban Rebellion. In the court, there were countless external relatives, powerful eunuchs, and aristocratic families. Eunuchs, like the Ten Attendants, flattered the emperor and ingratiated themselves with the palace, exploiting the common people. This led to all officials in the court taking pride in flattering the Ten Attendants and others, while local officials acted like sycophants and lackeys, failing to convey the imperial edicts above and failing to secure the people's hearts below. Is this not the root cause of the chaos in the Han dynasty?"

Furthermore, those powerful relatives of the imperial family are nothing but sycophants. Just as my father was about to refute, Cao Xin immediately continued: "Those so-called nobles of the palace, who consider themselves to be royal relatives, gather troops to elevate themselves and monopolize power. Take He Jin and He Sui, for instance; they were originally just butchers and dog sellers, yet due to the favor of Empress He, they became prominent generals, holding positions that rival the Three Dukes, overseeing the military forces of the realm. Ha ha, even if He Jin possesses some ability, he does not think of repaying his sovereign for the favor shown to him. Instead, he forms factions for personal gain, monopolizes power, and disregards laws and regulations. Is this not also a reason for the corruption of the Han court?

You ... ...

At a time when the Han Dynasty was engulfed in relentless turmoil, a cart was trudging along a small path leading to Xuchang, stirring up clouds of yellow dust. It seemed as if the low rumble of the wheels was lamenting the pervasive brutality of the world, conveying an overwhelming sense of heaviness

At this moment, in the distance, Cao Song's smile transformed into a hint of contemplation, as he occasionally nodded and spoke.

Scoundrel! How can you utter such rebellious words!

Moments later, it was still Cao Song who broke this tranquility. However, at this moment, he was still fixated on Cao Xin, the grandson he had originally underestimated, displaying a look of astonishment.

The young man is also the protagonist of this book, Cao Xin, Cao Anmin. He is the nephew of Emperor Wei, Cao Cao, the son of Cao De, and the grandson of Cao Song

The chaos in the world is not solely the fault of Dong Zhuo

"Alas, what my father said is indeed true." As he spoke, Cao De could not help but express his feelings: "If it were not for the chaos caused by the traitor Dong, which led to the demise of my fellow scholars and officials, how would I have fallen into this predicament? The traitor Dong has brought disaster to the country..." By the end, Cao De even shouted in anger, as if he wanted to bite Dong Zhuo to death.

The year 194 AD

Father, why did you not allow my elder brother to bring more soldiers for protection on this trip to Xuchang? Why must you go lightly and alone? Would it not be very dangerous if you were to encounter bandits or rogue soldiers?

What is the basis for this statement

As soon as these words were spoken, Cao Xin felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. What had originally been a casual remark about a movie review he had seen in the past unexpectedly left these two literary figures so shaken. Nevertheless, despite this thought, Cao Xin still respectfully responded with a "Yes".

Anmin, I did not expect that you, a mere child, could discern the essence of the current court in an instant. I truly must regard you with greater esteem.