newbobooks Chapter 223 Persuading Cao Can
Chapter 223 Persuading Cao Can
Zheng Zhong had been serving as Cao Can's coachman for over a month. Cao Can was a man of strict self-discipline, inspiring awe in all who saw him. Zheng Zhong noticed that Cao Can had a particular fondness for the law, often keeping legal texts in his carriage and studying them diligently in his spare time.
That day, Zheng Zhong, as usual, drove the carriage, taking Cao Shen to a meeting. Inside the carriage, Cao Shen was engrossed in reading a book of laws, while Zheng Zhong, driving the carriage, was bored and, making conversation, asked, "Young master is so fascinated by the law, you must love it very much, right?"
The sudden question startled Cao Can, who was deep in thought. He put down the book in his hand, stroked his beard, and asked with slight surprise, "Oh? You also know about the law?"
Zheng Zhong hurriedly shook his head and waved his hands, saying, "How could I possibly know such profound knowledge? I have only heard that the Qin state governs by law with remarkable results, hence my question. Since you are so fond of the law, why not go to the Qin state and realize your ambitions?"
Upon hearing this, Cao Shen remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly through the curtain and said, "Alas, as the saying goes, 'While parents are alive, one should not travel far,' how can I abandon my parents and travel alone?"
Zheng Zhong listened attentively to Cao Can's reply, secretly pondering that he could sense from Cao Can's tone that Cao Can was not entirely opposed to going to Qin. Therefore, he boldly continued, "In my humble opinion, this matter is not difficult to resolve. Young Master, you can certainly travel to Qin with your master and mistress!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Shen couldn't help but ask, "Why do you want me to go to the Qin state?"
Zheng Zhong thought to himself that Cao Can was surprisingly perceptive. He composed himself and quickly explained, "I had no ill intentions whatsoever! It's just that I see your passion and love for the law, and Qin has always been known for its rule of law. If you could go to Qin, you would surely have a wider scope for development and better opportunities for advancement."
However, Cao Shen responded seemingly casually, "Oh? Is that so? But why do I feel like you're from Qin?"
This sudden remark struck Zheng Zhong like a thunderbolt, instantly exploding in his heart. Although his mind was in turmoil, as a seasoned soldier of the Imperial Guard, he possessed extraordinary courage and insight, far surpassing that of ordinary people. Therefore, he maintained his simple and honest demeanor and quickly replied, "Young master, you are joking. I am from the State of Zhao, how could I be from the State of Qin?"
At this moment, Cao Can narrowed his eyes slightly, staring intently at the retreating figure, and continued to press, "Since you are from Zhao, why did you persuade me to go to Qin? Aren't you worried that your enemies will grow stronger as a result?"
Faced with this sharp question, Zheng Zhong couldn't help but sigh softly and slowly said, "Young Master, the strength of the Qin Kingdom is now a well-known and irreversible fact. Even ordinary people like me understand this simple truth. Even if you don't go to Qin, will Qin weaken on its own? Moreover, even if Qin does become weaker, it might not be a good thing for the whole world." After saying this, a complex look appeared in Zheng Zhong's eyes, seemingly containing deep worry and helplessness.
Cao Can stared in astonishment at the unassuming coachman's retreating figure, pondering to himself: How could this seemingly ordinary man possess such unique insights? He couldn't help but ask, "Oh? What do you mean?"
Zheng Zhong's lips curled slightly as he slowly said, "My lord, you may not know this, but I once overheard some things about the Qin state. It is said that the people of Qin often mention that the King of Qin was a great ruler who used war to end war. Although I am dull-witted and do not fully understand the meaning of 'using war to end war,' I can still imagine that the fragmentation of the country among the feudal lords has lasted for hundreds of years, with frequent wars and endless flames of conflict, causing immense suffering to the people! If a powerful and unified nation could emerge and end this chaotic situation, it would surely be a great blessing for all the people!"
After hearing these words, Cao Shen remained silent for a long time, unable to respond. Meanwhile, Zheng Zhong continued to drive the carriage steadily, the crisp, rhythmic sound of the horses' hooves echoing across the road. Before long, the carriage slowly came to a stop before Cao Shen's destination.
Cao Can lifted the carriage curtain, stepped down, and turned to Zheng Zhong, instructing, "Wait here for a moment, I'll be right back."
Zheng Zhong looked surprised upon hearing this. In the past, their gatherings would often take several hours. Why was it so rushed today? However, he knew very well that he was just a lowly coachman, so he quickly bowed respectfully and replied, "Yes, sir."
Cao Shen strode into the mansion with steady steps, followed by the servant leading the way, and slowly headed towards the gathering place. Zheng Zhong, on the other hand, sought refuge in the servants' usual resting place to escape the cold.
Along the way, Cao Can kept his eyes straight ahead, his feet barely touching the ground as he strode through the winding corridors. A delicate fragrance wafted over, and he looked up to see several figures standing leisurely in the courtyard, admiring the plum blossoms in full bloom.
It was the dead of winter, and the plum blossoms, defying the snow and frost, stood tall against the wind, like exquisitely carved fairies—a truly breathtaking sight. Today, this mansion was hosting a grand feast themed around appreciating plum blossoms.
However, Cao Can had never been particularly interested in such gatherings. If it were up to his usual nature, he probably wouldn't have bothered to join in the fun. But now, he knew that if he wanted to truly integrate into the world and achieve something, he had to participate in such social activities to build a wide network of connections.
However, today, Zheng Zhong's words to him were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples in Cao Can's heart and causing his originally firm ideas to begin to waver.
After exchanging greetings with the others, Cao Can soon bowed to them, explaining earnestly that he had important matters to attend to and needed to take his leave. Although the others looked surprised, they knew each other only briefly and that Cao Can was known for his rigid and unapproachable nature; therefore, no one insisted on keeping him.
Before long, Cao Shen had already walked out of the mansion. He had only taken a few steps out of the gate when he heard a light footstep. He turned around and saw that Zheng Zhong was also hurrying out of the servant's room.
The two boarded the carriage one after the other. The atmosphere inside was heavy. Cao Can remained silent after getting in, his gaze fixed on the receding street scene outside the window, as if lost in deep thought. Zheng Zhong, on the other hand, did not utter a word, concentrating intently on wielding his whip and steering the carriage smoothly forward.