Ming Empire

Chapter 40 To Nanjing
(Thanks to Qingfeng Qinyuan, Bright Angels Arriving, and book friends who broke the vicissitudes of life for their rewards)
When Cao Yue arrived in Datong with 3000 troops, Wang Qiaonian, the governor of Shanxi, Chen Chunde, the governor of Shanxi, Wei Daben, the prefect of Datong, Zhang An, the eunuch and supervisor of Datong Town, and dozens of people including deputy generals, generals and guerrillas of Datong Town Come out of town to meet.

Cao Yue's second elder brother, Cao Chao, also went out of the city to greet these officials.

In the Ming Dynasty, the status of generals was low, and it was the same for being the commander-in-chief of a town.The governor and chief envoy greeted a new military commander together, of course, because the emperor looked at him differently.Without the secret decree of Emperor Chongzhen, even if Cao Yue made great contributions, it would be impossible for him to be greeted in person by the governor and chief envoy when he took office.

The names of Wang Qiaonian, Chen Chunde, and Wei Daben were a little known to Cao Yue when he read the stories of the end of Ming Dynasty in later generations, and he knew that these people were famous chaste men, so he also gave them enough respect.

Of course, Cao Yue was not surprised that he received such a warm welcome. He thought it was a normal phenomenon. It's easy to understand in particular.

Therefore, when facing Wang Qiaonian, Chen Chunde, Wei Daben and others, Cao Yue did not have any stage fright, and faced each other calmly.

Wang Qiaonian, Chen Chunde, Wei Daben and others were secretly surprised by Cao Yue's neither humbleness nor overbearing, as well as the indifference and calmness and determination expressed in his words. Only then did they understand why Hong Chengchou looked at Cao Yue differently at such a young age and strongly recommended him. How could the emperor appoint him as the chief soldier of Datong?The three also said that as long as Cao Yue needs it, they will try their best to meet it.

Zhang An, the eunuch guarding Datong, also said that he would try his best to help Cao Yue and turn the soldiers of Datong into an elite army.

Seeing that several important officials in Shanxi and Datong said so, Cao Yue was also very pleased.But he didn't say anything on the spot, he knew some things to talk to them in private, and he had to learn a little about the worldly things.

This is the current social atmosphere. If you are too old-fashioned, many things will not be easy to get done. If you say you will keep pace with the times.

Several people sat and chatted together for a while, and then dispersed.

Before leaving, Wei Daben, the magistrate of Datong, told Cao Yue that after Cao Yue returned home and rested for a few days, he would visit him personally and discuss with Cao Yue about the garrison of Datong.During this period of time, Wei Daben was worried. He knew the situation in Datong well, and he knew that a change must be made so that Datong's frontier defense could improve greatly. He hoped that Cao Yue could bring a new look.

However, Cao Yue was a little too young, and Wei Daben was a little uncertain. He planned to have a good chat with Cao Yue alone, and then make a decision after finding out the bottom line.

Zhang An, the guarding eunuch of Datong, was somewhat similar to Wei Daben in his mind, but he was more selfish.He is the supervisor of Datong Town, and all the weapons workshops in Datong are under his control. The secret decree from the imperial court asked him to assist Cao Yue in making some firearms and ordnance.

For him, it's about the benefits and his personal interests, so of course he has to be careful.

On the way to Datong, Cao Yue has been thinking about what to do when he arrives in Datong. He finally decided to go home to meet his family, have a good chat with them, and find out the situation in Datong thoroughly before deciding how to act.Of course, the people who can help me the most are my family members. My second brother Cao Chao is in Datong now. The Cao family's influence in Datong is extraordinary, so I have to rely on these.

He also met with Wang Qiaonian, Chen Chunde, Wei Daben, Zhang An and others, and after setting up his troops, Cao Yue took dozens of his own soldiers and went home with his second brother Cao Chao who was waiting in the yard of the post station. went.

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Cao Mansion is located in the east of Datong City.

The Cao family is a dignitary in Datong, their status is not comparable to that of ordinary families, and the Cao family is also quite large.

Although Cao Yue inherited part of the memory of his predecessor, he always felt strange about his home in the Ming Dynasty and faced his family members, without much intimacy and identity.When he saw his second brother Cao Chao, he still subconsciously wanted to avoid him, until the two got along in private, Cao Chao gave him a hug with tears in his eyes, and said that when his mother Wu was at home looking forward to his return, Just a little bit infected.

I am a member of the Cao family, so I must make good use of the influence of the Cao family, which Cao Yue reminded himself repeatedly.

Back home, mother Wu had already led a group of servants to welcome him out of the mansion, and when she saw him coming, she immediately rushed over calling him by his nickname, with tears in her eyes, the strange affection in Cao Yue's heart was captured by Cao Yue. Completely seduced, he respectfully saluted Mrs. Wu.

Wu grabbed Cao Yue's hand and looked it up and down several times, until she confirmed that Cao Yue had no missing arms or legs, or was injured, then she let go of her hand. "Brother Yue, I'm worried about you for my mother. How can you lead the army alone to attack Shengjing, the capital of Jiannu? If something happens, what should I do?" Mrs. Wu pulled Cao Yue, snot A handful of tears fell.

When Cao Wenzhao was defeated and died, it didn't mean that he was killed by the enemy because of his poor ability, but that when he led thousands of light cavalry to launch a surprise attack, he was surrounded by tens of thousands of rebels, and finally lost because of his absolute inferiority. Unwilling to be humiliated and committed suicide.When Mrs. Wu knew that Cao Yue led only a thousand troops to attack Shengjing, the first thing she thought of was the scene of her husband's death. She was afraid that her son would suffer the same fate. Even now that she saw her youngest son returning safely, she was still a little scared.

"Mother, am I okay? I have made great achievements and won the emperor's reward. You should be happy. My son is destined to die easily," Cao Yue smiled and took Wu's arm, comforting her After one sentence, he said to Cao Chao again, "Second brother, do you think so?"

"Third brother, after hearing that Songshan's military situation is critical, mother hasn't had a good night's sleep. She has been thinking about you all the time, and regrets letting you go to Songshan with Bianjiao." While talking, Cao Chao saw Cao Yue treat him With a look on his face, he also understood the meaning, and quickly changed the subject: "Mother, didn't the third brother come back safely and made a great contribution? You should be happy, this is the glory of our Cao family."

"Yes, yes, you should be happy, you should be happy!" Wu hurriedly wiped away tears, and smiled forcefully, "It's good to be back safely, it's good to be back, and mother is relieved. Brother Yue, Bianjiao and you have made an agreement this time." Great work, and being promoted, this is the glory of the Cao family, you will go to your father's funeral in a while, so please tell me. Your father must be very happy when he knows."

"Yes, mother!" Cao Yue hurriedly agreed, not daring to say more about his father Cao Wenzhao.

At this time, several elders of the Cao family in Datong also came over. After sighing and sighing, Cao Yue and Cao Chao, along with the elders of the Wu family, came to the coffin of their father Cao Wenzhao together, and offered their father's spiritual seat After burning incense, he told Cao Wenzhao that he led the army and won the victory.

After worshiping, Cao Yue also responded to Wu and Cao Chao's request and told them the whole process of the Songshan Battle in detail.

The battle of Songshan was very dangerous, and the process of Cao Yue leading the army to attack Shengjing was even more dangerous. Although Cao Yue stood in front of him intact, Wu, Cao Chao and others were still afraid after hearing this.Wu shi shed tears again, and kept scolding Cao Yue for being too risky. What would she do if something happened to her?She also asked Cao Yue not to take such risks in the future. Her father and eldest son were gone, and now she could only rely on Cao Chao and Cao Yue. If anything happened to them, she would die.

Cao Chao and Cao Chao naturally agreed repeatedly.

After exchanging pleasantries, several senior members of the Cao family also left one after another, and Cao Chao and Cao Chao continued to talk with Mrs. Wu.

After inquiring Wu and Cao Chao about the situation in Datong and the mansion, Cao Yue also solemnly told Wu and Cao Chao some of his thoughts: "Mother, the north is in turmoil, a few years or even dozens of years ago It is impossible to be peaceful, and the same is true for Datong. Maybe the Jiannu and the thieves will come here in a blink of an eye. There is no war in the south now, and it will not be affected by the chaos. Therefore, for the long-term consideration of the family, we should plan ahead and do something Prepare for the situation. Second brother, my younger brother thinks it’s better for you to accompany your mother and go to Nanjing.”

Hearing what Cao Yue said suddenly, both Wu Shi and Cao Chao were taken aback.

(End of this chapter)