Chapter 5, The Prodigy of Luoyang

At that moment, the young man shouted loudly

Cao Cao furrowed his brow slightly, and then turned to look at the person beside him

Unfortunately, not everyone pays attention to such matters, and passersby shake their heads one by one

Wei Tao, with a smile that was inexplicably amused, stopped Ma San.

However, Wei Tao on the side was somewhat stunned. This young man is Zhou Yu, the future Grand Commander of Jiangdong, Zhou Gongjin

You

This is quite understandable, as Cao Cao is already approaching the age of thirty, and naturally would not casually commend a young man.

Cao Cao and Wei Tao were both somewhat curious, and immediately stepped forward to part the crowd and walk inside

The old man's narration was indeed consistent with that of the youth

This is Luoyang, and those who have lived in Luoyang can naturally discern that Cao Cao is a person of official standing

Nonsense! Nonsense!

But at that moment, a figure blocked his path

Hehe ... indeed, this is Luoyang, the very center of our Han Dynasty

Ziyu, this is the name given to me by my father before Weitao prepared to come to Luoyang, as he passed by our home.

Cao Cao paused slightly and nodded, saying that compared to his initial treatment of Wei Tao, it was indeed much less.

What happened here

Although Cao Cao can be considered a descendant of eunuchs, after offending the eunuchs several times, while the eunuchs in the court did not specifically target him, it was not difficult for them to ignore him.

Although many people were also employed, it is evident that at this time, the only person around Cao Cao who could be considered a trusted confidant was Wei Tao. Therefore, Wei Tao directly took over the responsibilities of managing affairs

After pacing back and forth a few steps in the room, Cao Cao let out a long sigh and turned to look at Wei Tao

That man was the most perceptive regarding the *illustrated* book, taking the initiative to speak first

Wei Tao was certainly not truly unaware, but upon hearing the phrase 'questioning one's conscience without guilt,' Cao Cao couldn't help but be slightly taken aback, followed by a smile.

At that time, the affinity with Wei Tao was also due to the alignment of their ambitions. The Wei family had a good relationship with the Cao family, which particularly drew Cao Cao's attention to Wei Tao

This Ma San is merely a rogue character from the streets, driven to desperation, yet his words left Cao Cao, the future unparalleled hero, momentarily at a loss for how to respond

However, even without mentioning that both individuals are cautious, the mere fact that so many common people have gathered around necessitates an explanation

I do not care whether you are a prodigy or a youth, you shall not slander me! I have urgent matters to attend to, so I will not accompany you any longer

Stepping into it, Luoyang truly lives up to its reputation as the capital of the Han Dynasty. The crowds are bustling, and everyone is dressed in splendid attire, exuding a confidence that is unparalleled elsewhere. In comparison, Chenliu is merely a dilapidated small county.

The position of the advisor is to provide counsel, without the need for rotating duties or serving as a guard at the gates, but Wei Tao is also aware that for more than two months, Cao Cao has seemed more like a mere ornament

Brother, what is the matter?

Luoyang is bustling with numerous vendors of all kinds, yet whether it is Cao Cao or Wei Tao, both are well-informed and experienced individuals, and naturally, they would not be captivated by it.

More importantly, Cao Cao returned from court without changing his attire.

Wei Tao directly inquired, and although he was young and dressed in casual attire, his imposing demeanor made it clear that he should not be underestimated at first glance

You are talking nonsense

This matter is unresolved, how can we proceed

The man known as Ma San became immediately irritated upon seeing others shaking their heads.

Wei Tao also smiled, indeed Cao Cao does not need anyone to advise him

"Son of the Luoyang Magistrate? Could it be that you are the prodigy of Luoyang, Zhou Yu? Just a couple of days ago, I heard your name mentioned at a gathering, and I did not expect to meet you today. You are indeed extraordinary"

In the circle, there is an elderly man sitting on the ground, a boy around five or six years old, and a man merely holding a bundle.

To have a clear conscience is not enough; I, Cao Mengde, hope to restore the prestige of the Han Dynasty and receive congratulations from all directions

Upon hearing that Zhou Yu had signed up, Ma San felt a sudden panic in his heart and immediately thought of leaving

Given the capabilities of the Cao and Wei families, they naturally established their enterprises in Luoyang quite early on. Therefore, with Cao Cao's downfall, Wei Tao directly moved in.

Although Ma San was ensnared by words, he was acutely aware of the disparity in status between the two parties and immediately turned to flee

Luoyang, I Cao Mengde have returned again

In fact, Cao Cao understood that such a person could be made to reveal the truth with just a slight application of torture, but if he were allowed to leave now, it would be difficult to find him again.

In the blink of an eye, more than two months have passed again

Wei Tao could not help but marvel at the wisdom of the Chinese nation. Standing before this city gate, Wei Tao felt a profound sense of his own insignificance

Especially Cao Cao, although he had resolved his inner turmoil, still walked with a slight frown, clearly still contemplating matters of the court

A towering city wall rises majestically, and the enormous city gate, wide enough to accommodate three horse-drawn carriages side by side, is enough to leave Wei Tao in astonishment

One can only say that he truly lives up to his reputation as Cao Cao

Can one trust the words of a mere brat and a book?

Ziyu, do you think it was a mistake for me to return to Luoyang this time

I, Ma San, am also a person of some renown in this city of Luoyang. How could I possibly be subjected to such slander from you? The items in question are originally mine. Do you really believe the nonsense spouted by this wild child who has appeared from nowhere?

Despite being subjected to such sarcasm, the young man was still able to maintain his composure after taking two deep breaths

I had never met this old man before; I only saw that man looking around while walking on the road just now. Upon seeing the old man, he deliberately bumped into him, causing the old man's bundle to fall from his arms. After helping the old man up, he directly took the bundle into his own arms. In a moment of anger, I stepped forward to stop him.

This is Luoyang

This young man possesses both striking beauty and exceptional demeanor, instantly evoking a sense of admiration upon first sight, clearly indicating that he is at least the son of a prominent family

This is very good

In such circumstances, Cao Cao was naturally extremely troubled, returning from court almost every time with varying degrees of frustration

Cao Cao slammed the table fiercely, shouting angrily for a few moments in his study, and suddenly threw the bamboo slip in his hand.

Esteemed Sir, I am Zhou Yi, the son of the Prefect of Luoyang. I guarantee this in my father's name. This bundle belongs to the elderly gentleman. This matter requires careful investigation, and I hope you will conduct a thorough verification.

At that moment, the young man once again bowed to Cao Cao.

Haha, I have urgent matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first

The Huai River region is experiencing flooding, and it should be managed properly. However, the result has been reports of a bountiful harvest along the banks of the Huai River this year, suggesting that the water management efforts have been successful. I submitted my views, but they were met with the response, 'How can one know without having seen it personally?' The journey from He to the Huai River is not short, and this statement seems to hold some truth. Yet, regarding this year's flooding in the Huai River, you and I witnessed it not long ago. What a pity! How lamentable!

On the surface, Cao Cao and Wei Tao are naturally more inclined to the words of the youth

Elder brother, the weather is exceptionally fine today; shall we go out for a stroll?

This esteemed person, in the absence of evidence, how can one slander another in such a public place, beneath the feet of the Emperor? Although I am but a commoner, I am aware that our great Han has its own laws. I am innocent; how can this be so?

It is indeed Zhou Yu, a name I do not dare to claim as a prodigy. However, Yu has been raised in a strict family environment since childhood and does not dare to deceive with words. I hope that the esteemed person will see this clearly.

Esteemed Sir, please adjudicate this matter. Previously, I was walking along this road when, unexpectedly, this old man collided with me. Out of kindness, I helped him up, but suddenly this young man rushed out and accused me of taking my belongings from the old man. Is this not an injustice

Although Wei Tao was aware that the cities during the time of Chen Liu and Qiao were quite magnificent, he was even more astonished when he saw the location of Luoyang

Just after passing through the city gate, upon witnessing such a bustling scene, Cao Cao paused slightly and, feeling somewhat excited, whispered a remark.

Ziyu, let's go. Here you still have enough time to watch slowly

Please wait a moment, I have more to say

Historical records describe Zhou Yu as having a broad and magnanimous character; even now, this young boy has already begun to exhibit such demeanor

Yes, it is excitement, not exclamation, more like saying to oneself: Since I have returned, I must accomplish something great

Cao Cao's expression turned serious; in fact, one could discern the truth from the words of the two. However, in such a public setting, it was still necessary to present some clear evidence to mediate the situation.

However, there has never been a day quite like today.

In the past two months, Wei Tao has not spent much time sightseeing in Luoyang; rather, he has been more focused on studying literature and practicing martial arts within the confines of his residence

As a gentleman, holding a rank equivalent to six hundred stones, one must be a person of virtue and integrity to be appointed to such a position. This is considered a significant official post within the Han Dynasty.

This bundle contains items that I prepared to exchange for some silver coins in the shop; how could it possibly belong to that old man? It is clearly an attempt to extort me!

Cao Cao smiled faintly, and there was a certain pride in his words

Cao Cao was exceptionally capable in proposing excellent suggestions for various matters; however, it is a pity that although he made these suggestions, there was no observable effect in their implementation

Cao Cao, having vented his frustrations, had evidently calmed down. In the end, he let out a long sigh, but Wei Tao could see that he had already regained his composure

Hey, why are you pulling me? I have already said that this burden is mine. If you insist on accusing me of stealing, be careful that I won't be polite to you. Don't think that just because you are a child, I won't hit you

Zhou Yu was indeed precocious, and he quickly grasped the reasoning behind it, feeling both angry and anxious at once

Although he had alleviated the frustration in his heart, Cao Cao was also disinclined to manage affairs and immediately agreed to it

However, surprisingly, even at this moment, the young man did not show any signs of anxiety. He first performed a cupped-hand salute to Cao Cao and the others before speaking.

Were there still witnesses to the events at that time

Indeed, upon closer examination, one can still discern Cao Cao's appreciation for Zhou Yu's abilities

Elder brother, I do not know much either; I only know that I should have a clear conscience

At this moment, a cacophony of noise came from ahead, and upon closer inspection, it was evident that a considerable number of people had gathered both inside and outside.