Chapter 28: The Grand Mansion of Jing Xiang (Monday's Rush to the Top, Seeking Recommendations)

  Today is Monday, rush ranking.

  Recommendations wanted, clicks wanted, collections wanted...

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  A sword, seven feet long.

  Typical Liuxu knife style, weighing about 36 catties.

  However, the "chi" here refers to a Han chi, which is about 160 cm long. The knife handle is two chi long and has a dragon and bird pattern at the end of the pommel.

  On the blade is also inscribed: Made in the 2nd year of Yanxi, July, day of Jihai, a large knife for General Huang Qiong.

  "Who is Huang Qiong?"

  Cao Peng looked at Wang Meng with a puzzled expression, then glanced at Cao Jing.

  "Oh, Huang Qiong is actually Huang Shiying, from the Jiangxia Huang clan. During Emperor Shun's reign, he served as Minister of Works, and later also held the position of Taichang. In the first year of Yanxi, he was dismissed due to a solar eclipse, but was reinstated the same year as Da Sinong. In the second year of Yanxi, he was promoted to Taiwei, and posthumously awarded the title of Chejiu Jiangjun."

  "This sword was made in the second year of Yanxi, when the Jiangxia Huang clan people celebrated Huang Qiong's reappointment as Taishi. A total of twenty were made, and except for the three kept by the Huang clan itself, this may be the only one left... It's been twelve years since then."

  "Does Uncle Wang recognize this knife?"

  Wang Meng nodded, "In those years, the great general had used this sword to conquer Nanyang County. Later, when the great general died in battle, this sword also disappeared without a trace."

  The great general in Wang Meng's mouth was Zhang Mancheng, the great general of Nanyang County during the Taiping Tao uprising.

  "If it weren't for General Zhang telling me, how would I have known so many things?"

  Cao Peng suddenly realized, "Then how did it end up here?"

  Cao Qu smiled and said, "I have to thank your brother-in-law for this. If he hadn't brought those broken weapons from the armory for me to repair, I wouldn't have discovered it. After Zhang... died, this knife might have been confiscated by the authorities. Nobody knew its origin, so they casually threw it into the armory. When I was sorting through those weapons with your Uncle Wang two days ago, I accidentally found this knife... It's been well-preserved."

  This kind of thing seems all too familiar.

  After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, it was often the case that as soon as a battle had ended and the spoils of war had not yet been counted, the enemy would launch another attack. Almost every village, town, and city in Nanyang Commandery was repeatedly contested by the rebels and government forces. Later on, weapons that could not be counted were simply thrown into the armory, and no one bothered to check them specifically. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion had been put down, it was followed by the chaos of Dong Zhuo; later, the wars between the various lords became more and more intense, so that many of the military equipment stored in the armory eventually became useless. It would have cost a lot to repair them specifically, but it would be better to buy new ones... Later on, after the war in Jingzhou had subsided, the military equipment in the armory was even less valued, and no one even bothered to check it.

  If it weren't for Kuang Zheng suddenly wanting to clean up the armory, this Dragon Sparrow Great Knife might not have been discovered either.

  In a few more years, these rusty, useless military equipment will inevitably be disposed of, either by being melted down or thrown away.

  "This dragon bird's foundation is not bad, it was originally a treasured sword."

  Your father has repaired it again and made it even sharper than before... I've discussed with your father, and we'll let you use this Dragon Bird sword."

  "What can I use?"

  Cao Peng looked at this upright, already surpassing his eyebrows, Long Que big knife, and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

  "Uncle Wang, look at me now, can I still move? It's almost as tall as my head when it stands up, how am I supposed to use it?"

  "Besides, with its weight, even if I could wield it, I'd probably be out of energy in no time and end up getting killed. It's better to let Tiger Head use it, he has the strength and is growing fast, by next year he'll probably be able to use it to kill enemies."

  Looked at Long Que's length, and then looked at Cao Peng's stature.

  Wang Meng nodded in agreement. In fact, he hoped that Wang Mai would have a handy weapon. However, since Cao Jun had repaired the knife, Wang Meng didn't dare to ask for it. Since Cao Peng voluntarily gave it up, he didn't stand on ceremony anymore.

  "Thanks a lot on behalf of Hu Tou!"

  "Uncle, you're too polite. Although we're not from the same family, we're even closer than that. Tiger Head is like an elder brother to me, who wouldn't he help?"

  "That's what I'm saying! That's what I'm saying!"

  Cao Ju smiled and said: "Don't be sad, Peng. When you grow up a bit more, Dad will make you a good sword."

  Cao Peng laughed and said: "In that case, I'll have to trouble Dad!"

  He's not in a hurry, with his current physical condition, taking up the knife would probably get him killed. Moreover, Cao Peng still has an ace up his sleeve and is not eager to reveal it. Some techniques, even if told to Cao Qu now, may not take effect immediately. After all, Cao Qu has mainly been using farm tools in recent years, and his skills in making weapons are convenient, but he still needs to improve further.

  However, Cao Quan was able to repair the Long Que and even improve its quality further, indicating that he had reached a certain level.

  At noon when eating, Cao Peng seemingly unintentionally asked a sentence, "Uncle Wang, what level do you think my dad has reached?"

  Wang Meng took a bite of his cookie and said, "Your dad's craftsmanship isn't bad, but in this small place, it's probably hard to improve."

  "Oh?"

  "Think about it, in this small county town, how many opportunities would he have to practice?"

  "This time, if it weren't for Uncle Sun, your father wouldn't have gotten this opportunity. However, it's not possible for this county to always have knife and sword repairs, if you want to advance further, your father must specialize in making knives and swords. But this kind of work, even with Uncle Sun's help, is unlikely to fall into your father's hands."

  "Why?"

  "Large-scale military equipment manufacturing has specialized workshops."

  "Moreover, since he works alone and your father doesn't have much of a reputation, who would come to find him to make swords? In a small place like Jingyang, who would pay a high price to look for someone without a reputation to make weapons? If I were to say it, your father's craftsmanship is not bad, but if he wants to improve further, he still needs to seek out opportunities."

  Cao Peng fell silent!

  What Wang Meng said is indeed reasonable, Jingyang is really too small...

  "Uncle, can my father's craftsmanship make a name for itself in Xudu?"

  Wang Meng heard this and suddenly lifted his head.

  "A Fu, your meaning is..."

  Cao Peng smiled and said, "I didn't mean anything else, I was just casually asking."

  But as you said, my father's craftsmanship can only be improved by independently forging weapons. I just don't know if my father's current skills can make a name for himself in the big city... I think that His Majesty's decree might be an opportunity?

  Wang Meng suddenly fell silent.

  Are you going downtown?

  "A Fu, we can also go to Xiangyang."

  He tentatively asked a question, but Cao Peng didn't respond.

  "By the way, your brother-in-law seems to be very busy these two days."

  Cao Peng suddenly stood up and walked in front of Cao Nan, seemingly unintentionally asking.

  Cao Nan was taken aback for a moment, "Indeed, it's been quite busy... I came back these two days and just slept, couldn't even say a word."

  "Sister, I heard that Liu Jingzhou has sent troops to Jiuyang?"

  "Dispatch troops?"

  Cao furrowed his brow, "Why are you deploying troops here? Are we going to war? Didn't Liu Jingzhou just form an alliance with General Zhang?"

  "I didn't know... it was said by Deng Fan that Jiang Xia's Bing Cao Shi is now stationed in Jiunü City."

  I think my brother-in-law has been busy with this matter recently... If a war really breaks out, I don't think it's safe here in Jiayang either.

  "Old Cao, let's go to Xudu."

  Wang Meng said in a deep voice, "Ah Fu is right. If a fight breaks out, this place in Jiyang may not be safe. Liu Xiangzhou can give up Wan City, I think he won't easily give up Jiyang... The emperor has established the capital in Xuchang, and if we go there now, it might also be a good opportunity."

  Cao Peng turned his head and glanced at Wang Meng, but saw that Wang Meng smiled at him.

  Cao Ju frowned, "Just gave birth to a child, and you want to leave already? Besides, why go to Xuchang, I think Xiangyang is not bad either."

  "Xiangyang may not be able to hold us."

  Wang Meng made a response with some profound meaning, while Cao Jiu seemed still somewhat hesitant.

  "Uncle Sun has just received the county magistrate's favor, at this time he leaves, I'm afraid he won't agree."

  Zhang seemed reluctant too and hesitantly added a sentence.

  "Why don't we wait for Shu Sun to come back and test his tone?" Cao Jin said in a low voice, "If Uncle Sun has no opinion, it's also fine if we move away."

  "Huh, I was just casually saying... damn it, at this time, why hasn't Tiger Head returned yet?"

  Wang Meng did not continue with the discussion, got up and left grumbling.

  He's a bit reckless and straightforward, but not without his wits. It's clear that now is not the time to discuss moving. Perhaps Cao Peng has such thoughts, but neither Cao Jin nor Zhang Shi, nor Cao Nan or Deng Ju are too willing to move away.

  Wang Meng was unclear about Cao Peng's thoughts, but he also guessed that Cao Peng seemed to want to leave Jiyang.

  What's the reason?

  Wang Meng was unclear, but he was willing to help Cao Peng out.

  Let's plant a seed first and wait for the opportunity to mature, it will come naturally.

  Cao Peng was very grateful to Wang Meng in his heart.

  He really wants to leave Jinyang... Since his rebirth, he seems to have been too cautious. What can be done in this small village of Deng?

  Go out, only by going out can you have a broader space.

  A great man should have achievements and fame; otherwise, he will be mediocre for his whole life!

  Cao Peng finished eating and went back to his room to read books...

  In the afternoon, Wang Mai returned.

  He had lunch with Deng Fan outside and drank a little wine.

  "A Fu, be honest with me, do you like Miss Zhang from the Zhang family?"

  Wang rushed into Cao Peng's house, plopped down on the couch, and asked vaguely: "If you really like Miss Zhang, let's snatch her away... Do you know why Miss Zhang didn't come today? Because Huang She stayed overnight at the Zhangs' yesterday."

  "Tiger head, you're drunk!"

  "I'm far from drunk, I can still drink another jar of wine."

  Wang fell onto the couch, "Ah Fu, we are good brothers. Although you seem like a different person after recovering from your illness, and you even teach me martial arts... but I still treat you as the old Ah Fu. If you really like Miss Zhang, let's go to Nieyang and take her away. What Huang Shi, I'm not afraid of him... I just don't want you to be unhappy because of this matter."

  The sound grew fainter and fainter until finally a snore came through.

  Cao Peng smiled and shook his head, walked forward, picked up the quilt and covered Wang Mai with it.

  "Hutou, you are my best brother."

  Cao Peng stood up and walked out of the room.

  The old peach tree in the courtyard, I don't know when, revealed a faint tender green, as if to announce that spring is coming.

  Cao Peng stood under the tree, looking up at the sky.

  But all he saw was the white cloud drifting lazily, changing unpredictably... Suddenly, the clouds changed and became Zhang Wan's bright smile. Cao Peng stood stupidly under the tree, unable to say a word for a long time. He found that although he had not known Zhang Wan for long, this woman had already left an impression on his heart.

  Is it really destined to be together yet never meant to be?

  Cao Peng subconsciously clenched his fists: Next time he sees her, he must express his feelings to her!

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  Neyang, in front of Zhang's gate.

  A team of cavalrymen in bright armor, lined up on both sides.

  A young general in his late teens walked out of the gate, supporting an elderly man as he stepped down from a horse-drawn carriage.

  "Good brother Zhang Jing, let's stay for a while."

  The old man smiled and nodded at the man standing at the gate, wearing a green robe with an otherworldly air, who bowed his head in farewell. "Indeed, these days have been a bother to you, causing quite some trouble. When you're free, please come visit me at White Water. I'll sweep the floor clean and await your arrival, looking forward to your esteemed presence."

  If Cao Peng were here, he might recognize that old man speaking as the one who was boxing on the other side of the river.

  The man on the steps also smiled and returned the courtesy, "Chengye brother, I was busy compiling medical books and didn't entertain you well this time. Brother, please don't mind, I'm already very happy... Brother, rest assured, when the peach blossoms are in full bloom, I will definitely go to visit you, and at that time, I will have to trouble you."

  This man was none other than Zhang Zhongjing, the famous medical sage of later generations.

  "Yueying, stop dawdling, let's go!"

  The old man shouted towards the gate, and a girl slowly walked out.

  "Dad, why are you leaving in such a hurry?"

  Before the old man could speak, the young general spoke up: "Yueying, you've been away from home for a month now, and your aunt has been worried sick.

  This time I came on official business, and Auntie specially reminded me to take you back. If you don't go back, how can I dare to visit again in the future?

  The girl hummed and said, "Then don't come back."

  "Yue Ying, how dare you speak to your brother like that? Don't you hurry up and apologize?"

  The young general waved his hand repeatedly, "Uncle, no need, no need to apologize. As long as Yueting returns, I will have made amends with Aunt."

  The girl glared at the young man and turned back to pay respects to Zhang Zhongjing.

  "Uncle, I'm counting on you for that matter, don't forget... otherwise when you come to my house, I won't give you wine to drink."

  Zhang Zhongjing burst out laughing, "I won't forget, I won't forget. Tomorrow I'll cross the river to diagnose and treat him."

  The girl smiled and nodded lightly.

  "Don't forget..."

  "Don't worry, I won't forget."

  "Uncle, Moon Ying has taken her leave."

  The girl got on the carriage while talking.

  "Huang Sha, remember what you promised me."

  "I remember, of course I remember."

  The young general smiled all over his face and nodded repeatedly.

  The girl felt relieved and bowed her head to enter the carriage...

  On the other hand, the old man also got on the bus and said goodbye to Zhang Zhongjing again.

  The young general waved his hand and beckoned a family over to him. "Be careful on the road, don't delay, and get Uncle home as soon as possible."

  "Ah!"

  The family mounted their horses and called out as the carriage moved slowly forward.

  The cavalry immediately divided into two teams, one in front and one behind, protecting the carriage as it left.

  The young general let out a sigh and suddenly stepped forward to Zhang Zhongjing, "Shishu, when I came over, the master ordered me to ask Shishu to go to Xiangyang as soon as possible. The lady has not been feeling well lately, and the doctors in the mansion can't find the cause of her illness..."

  Zhang Zhongjing nodded, "If so, I will set off as soon as possible."

  The young general bowed again, "Xiao Zhong has ordered the county of Nieyang to prepare a carriage, if Uncle Shi sets off immediately, he might still be able to make it in time for the Qingming ancestral worship."

  "In that case... I'll pack up immediately and set off right away."

  "Then let Naiyang County send the car over."

  The young general saw Zhang Zhongjing off to his residence, and suddenly a hint of gloom flashed across his face. "Go to Ji Yang, convey my military order, and summon Deng Yi to follow the army and take orders."

  Having said that, he shook the reins and urged his horse on towards Neyang County.

  Little sister, don't blame me for being nosy... You're so well-off, why did you fall in love with a man of low social status?

  Uncle is really something, actually ignoring and neglecting, letting you act willfully. If this gets out, where would the face of the Jiangxia Huang family be?

  Thinking of this, the young general gritted his teeth and made a secret decision!

  ;