Outside Xuanyangfang in Dongcheng, there was a commotion early in the morning.
The objects of the quarrel were the concierge of Honglu Shaoqing Cao Luo's house and a sword-wielding knight-errant.
Honglu Shaoqing is not a big official, but he is not a small person either. As the concierge of Mr. Cao's house, Cao Zhongge thought it was necessary to remind the barbarian in front of him what the rules were.
Not to mention that he was dressed in rags and smelled bad, but because of his arrogant and disrespectful attitude, I would never let him in. If others wanted to enter the mansion of their master, they would have to show off their famous thorns or put on a show.
When he asked for money, he just left it empty-handed in front of the door and said that he was Lord Cao's nephew.
Darling, look at his poor attire, and look at Mr. Cao who is dressed in gold and silver. If he had such a nephew, God would really be blind! Isn't this a toad that wants to eat swan meat?
!
Cao Zhongge glanced at the ranger with disdain, waved his hand and said, "Go, go, man, I'm busy today and I don't have time to play with you here!"
The ranger in front of him was Yan Xu. He and Yao Si galloped all the way to Chang'an City via Hedong Road, which took more than half a month. As soon as they settled down in the inn in the south of the city, Yan Xu found Hong Kong alone with his sword.
In front of the mansion of Shaoqing Lu, Cao Luo.
It must be said that he has not returned to Chang'an for many years. He vaguely remembers that the reason why he left Chang'an in the first place was because he couldn't stand the gloomy smell of decay and decay, and wanted to live a more unrestrained life. Although Chang'an City is gorgeous and prosperous, it is
It always gives people a feeling of being old, which is really frustrating!
Just like this snobbish concierge, he obviously has no status, but he bullies the good people by pretending to be powerful. Looking at the whole city, there are such wretched and shameless people, what else is there to miss in Chang'an?
But now he has to return here to report the news of General An Lushan's rebellion to the emperor. At present, the only senior civil official he can find with his connections is the Minister of Honglu Temple.
"I'll say it again, I am your Lord Cao's nephew. Now I have something important to discuss with him. If you know how to do it, you'd better not stop me."
Yan Xu's eyes were very cold. If eyes could kill, Cao Zhongge might be a corpse now.
When Cao Zhongge saw this knight-errant being so presumptuous, the anger in his heart surged up. He pointed at Yan Xu's nose and scolded: "Where did you come from, you vulgar man? Open your dog eyes and take a look. This is Hong Hong."
The mansion of Mr. Lusi is not your stinking shack. Take advantage of the man's pleasure and go back to where it came from. If you persist in your stubbornness, I will let the dog go."
Yan Xu was furious, stepped forward, grabbed Cao Zhongge's arm and sneered: "What did you say? Who do you want to tell to get out? Say it again!"
Cao Zhongge's arm was twisted into a twist by Yan Xu, and he screamed in pain.
"Young hero, have mercy on me, young hero, have mercy on me. I was just talking nonsense. Don't take it to heart. Ah!"
Yan Xu forcefully twisted Cao Zhongge, who was in pain, and roared at the top of his lungs.
"Excuse me. I was confused for a moment. Tell me what you want me to do. I'll do it right away."
Beads of sweat the size of soybeans dripped down his temples, and Cao Zhongge's cheeks were pale.
"Hmph, if you dare to do it again, I will destroy your arm immediately!" Yan Xu pushed Cao Zhongge backward and clapped his hands disdainfully. He has been walking around the world for many years, and the thing he despises most is cartilage. If
Cao Zhongge acted tougher, and maybe he would give him a good look. But he just opened his mouth and kept silent about the young man's life, and he didn't have any backbone.
Cao Zhongge was suddenly pushed away by Yan Xu and fell to the ground. But at this time, he obviously didn't care about this. While rubbing his arm that was twisted into chicken claws, he begged for mercy: "Thank you, young hero, for sparing your life, thank you, young hero!"
"
"Stop talking nonsense, take me into the house!" There was a sound, and Yan Xu's sword edge was already pressed against Cao Zhongge's throat.
Cao Zhongge had never seen such a formation in his life. He was so frightened that one Buddha was born, and two Buddhas ascended to heaven, crying: "Hey, hey, please remove the sword first."
Compared with the homes of other ministers, Cao Luo's mansion was not large.
The house with three entrances will meet the daily living needs of the family of more than 70 people. If it were not for the villa across the street from Xingqing Palace, the dignified Lord Honglu Shaoqing would not even have a place to rest.
All gone.
Like the vast majority of civil servants in the Tang Dynasty, Cao Luo was neither a capable minister nor a sycophantic minister. He did not seek merit, but sought no faults. This was Cao Luo's official rule. According to common sense, given Cao Luo's family background
It is impossible to reach the high position of Honglu Temple Minister with a background. After all, compared to wealthy families such as the Cui family of Qinghe and the Wei family of Jingzhao, the Chenliu Cao family looks like a baby that has not yet grown up.
However, Cao Luo has a secret, which is not to form factions. No matter Zhang Jiuling, Li Linfu, or even Yang Guozhong, who is now so powerful, they can't really win his support and let him follow him to death.
This strategy may seem a bit unflattering at first glance, but in fact it is the smartest choice. After all, the world of the Tang Dynasty belongs to His Majesty, and the country is His Majesty's country. In the final analysis, all the honors and favors given by the courtiers are given by His Majesty.
of.
Since Your Majesty can easily reward you with these things, you can naturally take them back easily. Cao Luo saw this, so he was impartial and loyal to the emperor.
It is precisely because of this that His Majesty, the current emperor, favors him very much.
It doesn't matter if you don't have talent or virtue. How many people in the Tang Dynasty are truly talented and virtuous? What His Majesty the Emperor really needs is loyal people. After all, only loyal people can he dare to use and know how to use.
After taking a sip of tea, Cao Luo couldn't help but frowned.
This tea has a slightly bitter taste. It must be the small leaves newly picked this year.
"Master, there is someone outside who says he is your nephew and wants to see you!"
The voice of the concierge Cao Zhongge suddenly sounded, which made Cao Luo very dissatisfied after finally getting to the tenth day off.
"What kind of nephew? There are so many people pretending to be my nephew. Which one have you seen that is genuine?"
"Master, this master is holding on to me. Why don't you go see him? It won't be too late if you don't blow him away." Cao Zhongge's voice was full of emotion, which made Cao Luo angry and laughing at the same time.
.
"Okay, bring him in to see me."
"Hey, hey, let's go right now, little one, go right now." Cao Zhongge was overjoyed, and in a blink of an eye he could no longer hear the sound.
"Xu Zi, it's been six years since we've been apart. Please let me take a good look at it, take a good look at it!"
In the study, Cao Luo smiled like a flower, staring at Yan Xu and asking questions without stopping for a moment.
Yan Xu had been traveling around the world for many years and had long been accustomed to walking in the wind and rain. Suddenly, he was so concerned about Cao Luo, and he was extremely uncomfortable for a while.
"Uncle Cao, it's my nephew's fault. My nephew should come back to see you earlier."
Although Yan Xu has a cold heart, when he meets someone who truly cares about him, his cold heart will warm up.
"Hey, good boy, it will be good to come back, it will be good to come back." Cao Luo gently stroked his beard and said slowly: "I think when you insisted on walking in the world, others were criticizing you, but I just favored you. A manly man, you can eat as much as you want.
A big bowl of meat and wine, a happy relationship! Look at it, Xu'er has become a young man now."
"Uncle, I" Yan Xu, who had always treated others coldly, turned red and hesitated, not knowing how to respond.
Cao Luo was still thoughtful. Seeing that Yan Xu was feeling unwell for a while, he coughed lightly and said, "You're not going to leave now, are you? What's the matter, do you want your uncle to find a job for you? I don't dare to say anything else. I'm under the sixth rank of the Sixth Department of Zhongzheng."
Just tell your uncle which one you choose, and he will definitely get it for you!"
"Uncle, my nephew has no intention of pursuing an official career."
"Oh, think about it. You have been unwilling to study and practice calligraphy since you were a child. Otherwise, you would not be a swordsman. How about you try joining the army? Although there are no big wars in the world now, joining the army can bring you fame.
After all, it is faster than civil service. With your family background, I believe you will be able to fill the vacancy of a school captain soon."
Cao Luo was obviously very interested in the son of his old friend. Seeing that he had no intention of pursuing an official career, he immediately raised another possibility.
"Uncle, my nephew has no intention of joining the army. In fact, my nephew returned to Chang'an this time because he has important matters to discuss with his uncle."
When Yan Xu saw that Cao Luo was recommending him to join the army, he immediately jumped out to argue.
"Oh, that's fine. What do you want to discuss with uncle?" Cao Luo was obviously a little disappointed, but he still managed a smile and asked lightly.
"My nephew came back from the land of Youyan and learned a huge secret. An Lushan is going to rebel!" Yan Xu adjusted his emotions, took a deep breath and spoke word by word.
boom!
Cao Luo's mind was suddenly shaken, and he was confused for a moment. An Lushan, but that An Lushan, the favored Jiedushi who held 200,000 troops in three towns? He wanted to rebel, he actually wanted to rebel.
!
"You, what did you just say? An Lushan, An Lushan is going to rebel?"
Cao Luo's teeth chattered and he muttered. He really couldn't understand why a county prince like An Lushan who enjoyed endless glory would risk his head to do such a loss-making thing!
"Yes, now that this guy has gained strength, I believe he will soon raise the flag of rebellion and march southward!"
Yan Xu slightly tilted his head, his face filled with determination
ps: Will Cao Luo help Yan Xu, and will Li Longji believe that An Lushan will rebel? Please read below!