[Three Kingdoms] Carnival

Chapter 167

"Father, please forgive me for not agreeing."

Without waiting for Cao Cao's reaction, he continued: "Zhi is very happy to be praised by his father today. But Zhi knows very well that Zhi can't do it."

"You don't have to doubt your talents."

"It's not just about talent." Cao Zhi lowered his head slightly, even though he had already made up his mind, thinking of Cao Pi's intention to kill him still made his heart ache, "Zhi knows that his father is angry and disappointed with the plan of the second brother and Sima Yi, but this also proves that , in order to achieve the ultimate goal, the second brother's tenacity is far better than that of Zhi. The same is true now, as an aide, Zhi chased Xu Du regardless of the overall situation, but the second brother can hold his breath, not as willful as Zhi. sex".

Everyone in the world sees his father's high position and power, but they don't see the day and night scheming behind it, walking on thin ice.If you want to be your father's heir, you must be as tough as your father, which is much more important than literary talent and martial arts.And in this regard, among all the brothers, only the second brother is the one who is most like his father. "

Cao Cao listened silently, as if he was thinking about something.

"Besides, Zhi still has a little selfishness." After a while, Cao Zhi had sorted out his emotions.He raised his head again and looked at Cao Cao, "If Zhi becomes the heir, he will have to take on the heavy responsibility that comes with it. Zhi is willing to serve the royal family and protect the common people, but he doesn't want to be helped by Sheji Jiangshan." Stay. If the father really loves his son, then he will fulfill Zhi's wish and leave those troublesome things to the second brother, okay?" At the end, he unconsciously took on a coquettish tone, which attracted Cao Cao The cold face can no longer be stretched.

"Aren't you afraid that you will regret it in the future?"

"Not afraid." Cao Zhi replied decisively, "Zhi knows exactly what he wants. So even if others think Zhi is stupid, Zhi himself will never regret it."

"...That's all." Finally, Cao Cao let go, "As you wish."

Yang Xiu hurriedly asked: "Father, then Yang Xiu..."

"Watch him carefully." Cao Cao said, "If something like Jingzhou happens again, I will never let him go."

This is to let Yang Xiu go!

Cao Zhi looked happy, and couldn't wait to go to prison to welcome Yang Xiu out.Cao Cao seemed to have seen Cao Zhi's thoughts, so he didn't stay any longer, and waved Cao Zhi back out.

"Come out." When Cao Zhi's figure disappeared completely, Cao Cao turned his head to look at the plain screen, "You must have heard what Zijian said just now."

Cao Pi walked out from behind the screen with his head down, and stood in front of Cao Cao.It turned out that everything was a game designed by my father.He tried his best to please Cao Cao and guard against Cao Zhi, but he didn't spend any energy to think deeply about why Cao Zhi, who has never been keen on power, suddenly changed his temperament.Or maybe he didn't believe it before, but after all, it was not as good as the suspicion caused by the huge temptation brought by power.

He just listened to Cao Zhi's words, and many old scenes unconsciously appeared in his mind.They rode horses and hunted together, drinking and composing poems. The drunk Cao Zhi dazedly grabbed his collar and said that he would make contributions with him and leave his name in history.

The drunk young man raised his red face, and his speech was full of inarticulate alcohol:

"Second brother, if you want to be the king of the world, then I will be your minister of the world!"

Obviously at the beginning, Cao Zhi told him everything.

Why didn't he believe him?

How long has it been since he let down his guard and got completely drunk with Zijian?

"Since ancient times, the Tian family has been ruthless, brother-in-law, and disasters have been seen in the history books. Although the Cao family is not an imperial family, it is inevitable under such circumstances." Cao Cao said slowly, "I will not tell you to treat me kindly. Sibling words. Even if you think it is necessary to kill Zijian someday in the future, Gu will not blame you."

"I do not know!"

"Following the queen, the princes, the two governments, and the two countries are the root of "chaos". Since ancient times, the country has been ruined, and you have spoken clearly in front of Gu. In the future... If there is a day, don't let your mother be too sad. But you don’t have to be afraid of your mother’s sadness, and you don’t have to be afraid.”

Cao Pi was shocked.As Cao Cao said, they are not a family of heaven, but they are better than a family of heaven. Just now, Cao Cao said this to Cao Zhi lovingly like all fathers, but now he is reminding his eldest son that if one day he wants to fight for the stability of the political situation , Let the mother be heartbroken, even if the brothers kill each other, they must not be soft.

"Pi took his father's teachings to heart, but on this matter, Pi has a different view."

Cao Cao was slightly surprised, this was one of the few times that Cao Pi calmly put forward different opinions in front of him.Still on such a sensitive matter.

Sensing Cao Cao's tacit consent, Cao Pi's heart was lifted, and he calmed down and said loudly: "The great ancestor established the Han Dynasty, and widely sealed the clan to secure the world, but things went against his wishes and led to the "chaos" of the Seven Kingdoms. Since then, the emperors of all dynasties If you want the stability of the country, you must take the suppression of the clan as the top priority, so as to prevent some people in the clan from committing "rebellion" by relying on the blood of the royal family.

But Pi thinks that the present is different from the old days.

Although my father started his family by conquest, the world is not content with his immediate achievements. He must rely on his family to help the country and educate people.And since the Guangwu Zhongxing, there have been a lot of rich families, the same family, the same family, the interests are at stake, and life and death are shared.Scholars are indispensable for governing the world, but if the family is all in the same clan, and my brothers in the Cao family are the only ones fighting among themselves, I am worried that in the future I may be troubled by other surnames.

Ziwen is brave and good at fighting, and Zijian is good at government affairs. As for the other brothers, they all have extraordinary talents, and they are Pi's closest relatives.Rather than guarding against the clan, it is more important to guard against the clan. Pi thinks that it is better to enfeoff the clan and build fences to ensure safety. "

Following Cao Pi's words, Cao Cao's eyes became deeper and deeper, and after a few words, the smile on Cao Cao's face was completely gone.Cao Pi's words cannot be said to be without loopholes. In fact, Cao Cao can hear it as soon as he hears it. Cao Pi has just begun to brew these words.But the flaws do not hide the strengths. Even though there are many problems in the details, the key core has not changed: the world today is gradually not a family.

The world is ruled by one surname, but the world is ruled by the family.

"Zihuan, do you want to be emperor?"

Cao Pi's heart skipped a beat.

"Then father, do you want to be emperor?"

After a long silence, he raised his head and asked back.Before Cao Cao could answer, he said again, "Only the virtuous can live in the world."

But I don't know whether he is answering Cao Cao's question or answering on behalf of Cao Cao.

It was the first time Cao Cao looked at his son so seriously and seriously.His eyebrows are as sharp as Cao Cao's, but his eyes are like his mother's, with a bit of nobility.At this time, he raised his head slightly, high-spirited, and looked back at Cao Cao with blazing eyes. In those phoenix eyes that were exactly the same as his own, Cao Cao saw the look of disdain hidden in the deepest part.

For a long time, he has seen everything that Cao Pi has done to gain his affirmation, but he seldom praises anything. He can be a loving father in front of any child, but he cannot be kind to Cao Pi. Only in this way can he cultivate, or in other words, "force" him personally to produce an heir who can face any difficulties.But today, he can finally be sure that Cao Pi has grown to the height he hoped for.No, it was even more "excellent" than he expected, which really surprised him, surprised him, and comforted him.

"You have ambitions, but you also know that the family may become a big problem one day." Now, there is only one thing that Cao Cao can't rest assured about, "Sima Yi, do you still want to keep it?"

"Yes." Cao Pi replied without thinking, "Pi needs his assistance."

"I can only ask Zijian to keep Yang Xiu. One is to give Yang Biao an explanation, and the other is to rely on Yang Xiu's character, so it won't be a big deal. But Sima Yi is different." Cao Cao said in a deep voice, "He is mercenary. , with a deep scheming mind and a rich family background, one day he will become a serious threat to his confidant."

"What happens to Sima Yi is his business. But whether he can control him is up to Pi." Even so, Cao Pi felt a little uneasy in his heart.Although Cao Cao's voice at this time was as slow as when he spoke to Cao Zhi before, he could tell which one was probing and which one had real killing intent.He tried his best to continue calmly, "Just like Mr. Guo, he is very resourceful, and he holds a weed in his hands that can defeat one hundred. No prince in the world can tolerate him. Only my father has such a Bravery and courage. Although Pi is not as good as his father, he still wants to bet like his father and bet this time."

Cao Cao couldn't help laughing, this kid is smart, he knew how to use Guo Jia as an example to persuade him: "You only saw Guo Jia with Gu's face, but have you ever seen what he did to make Gu feel at ease? He always No family property, no friends, even the only son was sent to the orphan's house for foster care, and he was born and died for the orphan several times. Which of these things can Sima Yi do?"

Cao Pi was startled, and then said after a while, "Sima Yi saved Pi's life." And more than once.

"That's because he knows that if you lose your life, Gu will not let him go lightly."

"..." Cao Pi secretly clenched his sleeves tightly.Family property, cronies, and heirs, Sima Yi did not do anything like Guo Jia, and Cao Pi never thought of letting Sima Yi express his loyalty in this way.Although he and Sima Yi got acquainted because they took advantage of each other, although they once suspected each other and plotted against each other, but——

"Pi trusts him." Cao Pi said slowly but firmly, "He doesn't need to do anything, because Pi trusts him. Just like my father's trust in Mr. Guo, it was never because of those things."

A trace of surprise appeared on Cao Cao's face, but he seemed to have expected Cao Pi's words.

Before Cao Cao could say anything, Cao Pi suddenly knelt down on the ground.His spine was straight, and his eyes were full of determination that could not be changed.Just listen to him word by word:

"Father, Pi is willing to spend half his life as a guarantee for Sima Yi. Throughout his life, he will be loyal to Pi and the Cao family."

After finishing speaking, he bowed deeply to Cao Cao,

"I also ask my father to trust Pi once, and leave Sima Yi to Pi."

Just like Cao Zhi just now, now Cao Pi also knelt down in front of Cao Cao, and even said "half his life to save him", but just to keep Sima Yi behind.

Perhaps, as Feng Xiao said, the Cao family all seem to be shrewd, but in fact that stubbornness is all written in their bones.Everyone in the world thinks it is worthless, but they are willing to do it, and they will never regret it. Cao Pi is like this, Cao Zhi is like this, and he is like this.

Thinking of this, he had no reason to persist.

"You go to the prison and get Sima Yi out."

Cao Pi hurriedly bowed again: "Thank you father for your kindness."

"Gu only has one request. Tell Sima Yi exactly what you said in front of Gu today." Cao Cao sighed deeply when he saw the unconcealable joy in Cao Pi's eyes, " I hope he can do what you wish, throughout his life, and will not disappoint your trust."

Cao Pi agreed in a deep voice, and after Cao Cao showed exhaustion, he pleaded guilty and withdrew.After tidying up his shoes, he hurriedly asked someone to prepare the carriage, and went to the prison non-stop, so that when he arrived, Cao Zhi, who had come to pick up Yang Xiu before, hadn't left with Yang Xiu.

"Second brother?" Seeing Cao Pi, Cao Zhi was taken aback, "When did you..."

"Just now, Zijian made a mistake in saying something." Cao Pi laughed, "In this matter, being a brother is no less willful than Zijian."

Cao Zhi was even more confused, and it took him a while to realize that Cao Pi was also in the hall just now?Didn't the second brother hear everything he said to his father?

For some reason, his face couldn't help but feel a little hot.

"You send Yang Xiu back first. When Pi sends Zhongda home, I'll go find you. You and my brother will have to get drunk tonight." After finishing speaking, Cao Pi said half jokingly and half seriously, " Zijian, don't think of throwing everything to Brother Wei. There are a lot of troubles in the world, and you and I have to face them together."

brother……

Cao Zhi hadn't heard Cao Pi speak to him in such an intimate and familiar tone for more than a year. Cao Zhi inexplicably felt his nose sour. He was still calm in front of Cao Cao, but now he almost shed tears.He bit his lip to force back the tears, and returned Cao Pi with a bright smile: "Okay, no matter how late, Zhi will wait for the second brother."

They are brothers, so no matter how many misunderstandings and resentments there have been, they can be healed.

After finishing speaking, Cao Zhi walked to the carriage not far away, Cao Pi also turned around and entered the prison with the token Cao Cao gave him, and found Sima Yi after a while.Although he was imprisoned for a few days, no torture was used, so Sima Yi only looked a little unhappy, and didn't look too embarrassed.

When Yang Xiu left just now, he had already learned that Cao Zhi had given up his position as heir, but he gritted his teeth but had no choice but to vent his unhappiness by mocking Sima Yi.Sima Yi naturally disdained Yang Xiu's words, but when Cao Pi really came here to take him out of the prison in person, he froze for a few seconds, and suddenly threw away Cao Pi's hand.

"Zhongda, what's wrong with you?" Cao Pi looked at his thrown hand inexplicably, not knowing what happened.

"You were able to save me, but what stupid thing did you do?" Thinking of the price Cao Zhi paid for saving Yang Xiu, Sima Yi frowned, "Sir..."

"Don't worry." Cao Pi, who had heard all the conversations between Cao Zhi and Cao Cao, instantly understood what Sima Yi was worried about. "Father said that Pi is the only candidate for the heir from the beginning to the end."

Sure enough.

Sima Yi heaved a sigh of relief.If it is said that Cao Cao's indifference to Cao Pi in Jingzhou was due to hesitation between Cao Zhi and Cao Pi, then Cao Cao's partiality in various things that happened after returning to Yecheng was too deliberate.It's just that he has never had the opportunity to investigate further, so he is not sure what Cao Cao's purpose is.

But in the next second, Sima Yi's face turned pale again: "The Prime Minister will never let me go so easily. Zihuan, what have you done?!"

From the moment he was imprisoned, Sima Yi knew that Cao Cao really wanted to put him to death, and there must be Guo Jia's acquiescence and even fueling behind this.Once these two people have murderous intentions, no one can escape.Unless, Cao Pi did something to make a decisive person like Cao Cao change his mind.

Cao Pi's expression froze.Fortunately, they had already boarded the carriage at this time, and through the curtain of the carriage, no one could hear them except the two of them: "Pi... I just told my father that Pi trusts you just like my father trusts Mr. Guo .”

"anything else?"

"What else can there be?" Cao Pi pretended to be relaxed, "Zhongda also knows that Mr. Guo is the deathbed of his father. As long as Pi uses him as an analogy, of course my father will not pursue it anymore."

The suspicion in Sima Yi's heart didn't diminish at all, but he knew that since Cao Pi answered like this, he must not want to tell the truth, so he didn't continue to ask.He was also afraid that if Cao Pizhen told the truth, it would cause an uproar in his heart.

But why is he afraid?

After a while, the carriage arrived at Sima's house in Xudu. Cao Pi said a few words to comfort him, and went to drink with Cao Zhi just as he said before.Sima Yi wandered back to the house restlessly, almost bumping into the oncoming person.

"Since you can come back safely," the woman's soft and charming voice brought back Sima Yi's thoughts, "So, it's done?"

Sima Yi raised his eyes, and Zhang Chunhua was looking at her with a slight smile, with a hint of joy on his pretty face.As a wife who "has no doubts about her love and affection", Sima Yi was escorted to the speed, so she naturally had to chase after her regardless of her own safety.But only she and Sima Yi knew that all this was just a bureau from the beginning.

Sima Yi realized early on that Cao Cao's favor for Kong Gui had other secrets.So if he was planning for Cao Pi wholeheartedly, he should have done nothing, quietly dormant until the dust settled.But at the same time, he also noticed a more terrifying thing:

Cao Cao wanted to kill him.

When he realized this, Cao Cao hadn't done anything yet, but there seemed to be no killing intent, which haunted him like a nightmare every time he dreamed back at midnight.He didn't know exactly why Cao Cao wanted to kill him. After all, Cao Cao had too many reasons to kill him.Rather than waiting to be captured one day in the future, it is better to die and live later. He took the initiative to approach Kong Gui under the banner of being Cao Pi, and gave Cao Cao an excuse to kill him. At this point, relying on the power of the Sima family, he is also confident that he can at least save his life.

But in fact, the real retreat he left for himself was not the Sima family, but Cao Pi.He was betting whether Cao Pi would still intercede for himself under such unfavorable circumstances.Once Cao Pi goes, it means that from that moment on, he has won all the trust of Cao Pi. As long as he can last until the day when Cao Pi is in charge of the great cause, he will surely be able to have power in the government and the flying dragon in the sky.This is the real death and survival.

Now, he won the bet.

But why is he not a little excited?

He couldn't express the feeling in his heart at this moment, and there was a strange sourness in the dullness.Zhang Chunhua was talking to him about his plans for the next step, but he couldn't listen to anything, and even got tired of the sparkle in her eyes, thinking that because of this joy, Zhang Chunhua's delicate and beautiful face became even more hideous.

"Stop talking!" he growled.

Zhang Chunhua was stunned for a moment, and then a little anger flashed in his eyes: "What's wrong with you? This is what you want to do, and now it's successful, why are you angry at me?"

Hearing this, Sima Yi's eyes also showed a moment of bewilderment.Yeah, what the hell happened to him?To assist Cao Pi, give power to the government, and stand above ten thousand people, isn't this his long-standing ambition?Obviously everything is back on the best track now, and the obstacles to the peak of power have been cleared away, why is he still complaining?

He suddenly couldn't blame Zhang Chunhua anymore.His marriage with Zhang Chunhua was a transaction from the very beginning, Zhang Chunhua tried his best to advise him, and had the right to ask him for the power and honor promised at the beginning.He was not losing his temper with Zhang Chunhua, he was just venting his anger.The person he really dislikes is clearly himself.

"Yi's going back to the house first."

After speaking, regardless of Zhang Chunhua's reaction, Sima Yi went straight back to the study and closed the door tightly.Looking at the newly sent intelligence and secret letters on the case, he felt more and more irritable in his heart, and before reading a few lines, he was angrily thrown aside.

What exactly did Cao Pi say to Cao Cao?