Chapter 10, Civil War and Foreign War

The crowd laughed in unison

Zhou Ying had never read this poem, so how could he know when Cao Cao wrote it? He turned his face away and snorted, looking down on it: "No matter when it was written, you should not hold such respect for this old scoundrel."

In the twelfth year of Jian'an, Cao Gong launched a northern expedition against the Wuhuan, advancing rapidly for two hundred miles in light armor, and engaged in battle with Tadan at the foot of Mount Bailang. The generals fought bravely at the forefront, advancing without hindrance, and decapitated more than ten notable kings under Tadan. A total of two hundred thousand Hu and Han surrendered. As a result of this campaign, the Hu invaders were terrified, and the barbarian tribes were shaken. This directly contributed to the remarkable achievements of Wei and Huo in securing the northern desert. With one battle, the Wuhuan were pacified, driven back by our Han dynasty. I ask, in the past hundred years, which Han general has achieved such a great victory over the barbarians? I believe that only the battle of Duan Gong against the Eastern Qiang is somewhat comparable. Sun Shao greatly admired Cao Cao among the figures of the Three Kingdoms. He not only recited Cao Cao's poetry fluently but also had a thorough understanding of the historical facts regarding his campaign against the Wuhuan. At that moment, he spoke eloquently, recounting the background of Cao Cao's "Viewing the Vast Sea" in detail. Not only did the Zhou Xun brothers listen with great excitement, but even those who were not unfamiliar with this historical event, such as Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, were captivated. It is important to note that the North and South were isolated; although they were somewhat attentive and knew some general information about Cao Cao's campaign against the Wuhuan, it was far less detailed and vivid than what Sun Shao described.

Zhou Yin was left speechless. Cao Cao and their great-uncle Zhou Yi were once colleagues, as were their grandfathers. Although their father Zhou Yu was an enemy of Cao Cao, he greatly admired Cao Cao's military capabilities. The situation of the Sun family was quite similar. In the past, Sun Jian, like Cao Cao, was one of the few passionate figures among the warlords of the East who resolutely fought against Dong Zhuo. Although the brothers Sun Ce and Sun Quan were adversaries of Cao Cao, they were still nominally subjects of the Han dynasty. Sun Ce held the title of General Against Rebellion, and Sun Quan held the title of General Against Bandits, both conferred by Cao Cao. Although the Sun family’s desire for independence was clear, as long as the Han emperor remained, they were still Han subjects. Even if they fought fiercely, they still maintained a final layer of modesty. Therefore, although Sun Shao's words were somewhat unreasonable, they found it difficult to refute him. Moreover, Sun Shao praised Cao Cao from the perspective of the distinction between the Chinese and the barbarians, making it impossible for them to counter his argument.

The small bridge smiled as she watched several children amusing themselves, then turned to the big bridge and said: "Sister, your teaching methods are quite effective; A-Man has made significant progress."

Looking at the Zhou siblings who were exchanging glances, Daqiao felt a surge of joy in his heart, yet he reprimanded, "Aman, fortunately, these are all close relatives, so you can speak a bit more freely here, and it won't spread outside. However, in front of outsiders, you must not say such things to avoid causing gossip"

Xiao Qiao listened, put down the utensils in her hand, and looked unexpectedly at Sun Shao, who was devouring his food. Although it was somewhat awkward, she still said: "We are sisters, so there is no need to stand on ceremony. Since there is delicious porridge, why not quickly bring it over"

Sun Shao spoke passionately, his voice resonating like a great bell: "Today, the Han dynasty is in decline, and various heroes are rising, each vying to continue the legitimate lineage of the Han. However, these are merely internal conflicts among the Han people. On the other hand, Cao Gong's campaign against the Wuhuan is a conquest of foreign tribes by our Huaxia. I sincerely believe that although Cao Gong is a traitor to the state, he is nonetheless a hero of the Han people. A true man should be like this. Although Shao belongs to the Jiangdong clan, he believes that respect should be given to such heroic predecessors. I think that even if my grandfather, my great-uncle, or the supreme ruler were present, they would not voice any objections. " Although Shao belongs to the Jiangdong clan, he believes that respect should be given to such heroic predecessors. I think that even if my grandfather, my great-uncle, or the supreme ruler were present, they would not voice any objections.

"Sister is being modest," Xiao Qiao said with a smile. "Aman, don't you think so?"

Qiao Ying responded with a sound, waving to Qiao Yue who was standing aside. Qiao Yue quickly stepped out, fetched a pot of porridge that had been kept warm from her own car, filled a bowl to the brim for Da Qiao, and also prepared a plate of the ready-made green bean noodles. The fragrant porridge immediately whetted Da Qiao's appetite; she picked up the bowl and started drinking. Seeing this, Xiao Qiao felt a bit envious. She took a breath and exclaimed, "This porridge is excellent, with color, aroma, and flavor all in harmony. No wonder my sister has no mood to even taste the hometown dishes I prepared. Just looking at it makes my mouth water. Xiao Yue, quickly serve me a bowl too."

Sun Shao nodded earnestly and said, "What my aunt said is true. Without my mother's teachings, how could this stubborn stone sit together with several brothers and share laughter?"

The awkward smile from the bridge was met with silence. Qiao Ying performed a bow and respectfully said: "I dare to inform Madam Zhou that she has a poor appetite. Although there are delicacies before her, they are difficult to swallow. We have brought some porridge prepared for the young master, which is quite suitable for Madam's taste. I thought of going to fetch the porridge, but Madam was concerned that you might feel uncomfortable, hence her hesitation."

Sun Shaolian nodded repeatedly: "To receive the favor of my younger sister, I am overwhelmed with joy and cannot refuse your command"

Sun Shao smiled and said: "Sister Yu possesses a virtuous nature and a heart as delicate as an orchid, akin to a flower that understands language; she naturally does not require the foolish elder brother's guidance."

Zhou Yu pouted and said with a hint of sourness: "Elder brother, do you only have eyes for your two elder brothers, and not for your little sister?"

Zhou Yu laughed lightly and inclined her body, saying, "Well then, I shall consider this as having taken on a master."

The elder bridge smiled and glanced at the younger bridge: "My sister said it was a joke, this is his own progress, but it has nothing to do with me"

Not long after, Xiao Qiao instructed to start the meal, and the servants brought out dish after dish, placing one in front of each person. Sun Shao glanced at the food table before him, secretly astonished. Although the number of dishes was not large, each was of relatively high quality, with no shortage of signature dishes like perch and beef. Even the rice was made from carved Hu rice, with each grain glistening like jade, making it a delight to behold. The tableware was also of a higher grade than that of the Sun family, all featuring silver-edged utensils, and even the chopsticks were ivory with silver inlays, unmistakably exuding wealth. Each grain of rice glistened like jade, making it a delight to behold. The tableware was also of a higher grade than that of the Sun family, all featuring silver-edged utensils, and even the chopsticks were ivory with silver inlays, unmistakably exuding wealth.

Sun Shao bowed and said: "What my mother taught is indeed true. Esteemed brothers, I, Sun Shao, am merely a man of martial prowess, lacking in literary knowledge, and with a clumsy tongue. If I say anything inappropriate, I hope you will kindly overlook it."

"The flower that understands language?" Zhou Yu's eyes turned, and although she did not know the origin of this phrase, it clearly did not sound like a bad term. Instantly, her brows lifted in delight: "Elder brother, you flatter me. Elder brother, would you be willing to impart to me a thing or two about the art of writing?"

"Otherwise," Sun Shaoyi waved his hand, calm and composed. When Daqiao saw his demeanor, she suddenly felt an unusual sensation. The Sun Shao before her exuded a steady grace, completely unlike the impulsive and frivolous person he had been in the past, which instinctively inspired confidence in him. Moreover, he was now discussing her long-admired hero, Cao Cao, which naturally piqued her interest even more. She was well aware that this poem was composed by Cao Cao during his campaign against the Wuhuan, and she had vaguely guessed some of Sun Shao's reasons. That reason seemed to be precisely what she wanted to explain to Xiaoqiao, but when it came from Sun Shao's lips, it carried much more weight.

Daqiao took a few bites and then put down her chopsticks. Although the hometown dishes prepared by Xiaoqiao were nostalgic, they were still a bit greasy for her. Qiao Ying, who was serving her, leaned in and whispered a few words in her ear. Daqiao glanced at Xiaoqiao with some difficulty, and Xiaoqiao quickly said: "Sister, if you have something to say, please feel free to speak directly. Is it that my cooking skills have become rusty and do not suit your taste?"

Zhou Xun and Zhou Yin let out a bitter laugh, saying, "With your sharp tongue and quick wit, how can you still be so clumsy with your words? Are we still going to get by like this?"

Xiao Qiao was aware that Da Qiao had a poor appetite, so he specially prepared some hometown dishes. Da Qiao, feeling sentimental upon seeing the food, indeed took a few bites. However, Sun Shao paid no mind to that; he picked up the ivory chopsticks and ate heartily. After all, even if he could write excellent calligraphy, it would not make them regard him as a refined person immediately, so there was no need for false politeness. He dug in vigorously, making quite a mess with the soup. In contrast to his boisterousness, the three Zhou siblings across the table were much more refined, each eating quietly and elegantly, without making a sound.