Watching Cao Yi and others leave, Shen Yan looked full of doubts and said to the followers beside him: "Do you think the person named Cao is just pretending to have amnesia or does he really have amnesia? Is it true that he is not pretending? Right! But looking at what he did after he recovered from his illness, he does look like a fool, so it can’t be fake, right?”

He originally deliberately teased and disgusted Cao Yi, and even deliberately said, "I heard that Cao's envoys were very righteous, and their monthly salary was sometimes spent on the loyalty and martyrs' pensions, and very few were sent home." "Qingfeng Tower earns a thousand taels of silver every day. If there is any difficulty in Brother Cao's family, be sure to inform the younger brother. The younger brother will be given a thousand taels of silver, which is only nine niu and one cent for the Shen family." Such words were just to make the other party angry. Who knew that Cao Yi's words were sincere and calm, and there was no reaction at all. There was no complex expression showing that he was holding on, he just punched the empty space. Apart from confusion, he felt that he had been acting as the protagonist for so long but he didn't have the expected reaction at all. Instead, he was made extremely uncomfortable. ! Just like sometimes you really want to quarrel with someone, but the other person doesn't give you a chance. The more you think about it afterwards, the more angry you become. Not to mention that you don't perform well, you don't even have a chance to perform.

At this time, in the carriage of the Cao family that had left, Hong Xiu also looked at Cao Yi opposite with a somewhat puzzled expression. His expression was a bit hesitant, as if he wanted to say something but didn't know how to say it. Cao Yi looked at Hong Xiu's micro-expression and felt It was so funny that he had the idea of ​​​​teasing Hong Xiu. He pretended not to notice Hong Xiu's anxious posture, leaned back on the soft cushion, closed his eyes and rested, and only occasionally observed Hong Xiu with slightly opened eyes.

I saw Hongxiu pursed her lips, and then clenched her fists in front of her chest with both hands, as if to cheer herself up. She mustered up the courage and was about to say something to Cao Yi. Cao Yi suddenly opened his eyes, looked at Hongxiu and said with a smile: "Hongxiu, just say what you want to say. Is it possible that you are still afraid of the young master?"

Hong Xiu was frightened by Cao Yi's sudden opening of his eyes and mouth. He let out a cry, then opened his mouth and looked at Cao Yi blankly. His expression was a bit confused and very cute. After a moment, he realized what he was doing. , only to hear Hongxiu ask in a low voice: "Young master...have you really forgotten that Shen Yan?"

Cao Yi nodded: "I really don't remember, but it seems like this person had a problem with me before."

Hongxiu looked at Cao Yi with a strange expression, as if hesitating whether to say something or not, or thinking about how to say it. Seeing this, Cao Yi touched Hongxiu's head, and Hongxiu's little face turned red instantly, and said coquettishly: "Master Bullying again!"

Then he relaxed and said softly: "Young Master and Shen Yan were both scholars who attended a private school together. At first, the relationship was good, and the head of the family even recommended them to become imperial merchants. The two families were considered family friends, and later... later... "

Hongxiu came back for a long time but did not see him say the following words. Cao Yi quickly said, "Hongxiu, it's okay for you to say it. Master, listen!"

Even so, Hong Xiu had to be obedient for a long time before she said it, "Later, the young master had a conflict with Shen Yan in the Jinfeng Tower over Yu Xuanji, and there was a gap from then on..." After saying that, he lowered his head and said, Don't dare to look at Cao Yi if you do something wrong.

However, Cao Yi's expression remained the same as before, and he laughed self-deprecatingly: "It seems that I was also a dandy before. It seems that there have been many dandies since ancient times. This is a truth that has not changed for thousands of years."

When the carriage was about to arrive at Cao's Mansion, Hongxiu raised her head and said, "Sir...will you be going to the Mid-Autumn Festival Jinling Poetry Festival?"

"In previous years, would I have gone?"

"I'm going, but the young master would prepare poems in advance, and then go over to watch the performances and enjoy the lanterns..."

"It's about preparation, but it's not poetry..." Cao Yi didn't know what he was thinking, with a mysterious smile on his face.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is only ten days away. According to Hongxiu's information, many talented people will prepare poems in advance. Many talented people who seek fame have always flocked to participate. In addition to the top aristocratic family members in Jiangcheng Mansion, as well as talented people who have already become famous.

If they can get an invitation, other scholars will go to He Mansion to submit famous invitations and their own poems at this time in order to win the favor of scholars and celebrities. In addition, every year many famous prostitutes in brothels also

I am proud to be invited by the Jinling Poetry Society. Like Yu Xuanji Yu, whom Hongxiu mentioned before, we all receive invitations every year.

…

In the early morning of autumn, the weather in the east has just revealed its warm light. As usual, Cao Yi went for a run and practiced martial arts with Liu Baiqing after a simple wash. The past year of consistent exercise has made Cao Yi's body stronger. In the past few days, Cao Yi

Yidu was working hard. After breakfast, Cao Yi took Hong Xiu and Liu Baiqing out again. It felt like the second generation of unscrupulous ancestors in ancient times went out to have fun.

I said I was just wandering around, but in fact I was choosing a location for the subsequent sale of Taibaizui and Qinglian restaurants. However, after looking at it, I found that either the location and conditions were too good and the price was too expensive to sell, or the location was not very good and a bit...

It's useless. I just watched it all morning. When I was tired, I just found a teahouse to sit and eat some snacks. But every time I saw Hong Xiu take out her delicate little purse from her clothes and pay with broken silver or copper coins,

Cao Yi always had the illusion of scanning the QR code to pay in modern times. There is also no need to bring anything with you when going out, but the difference is that now someone pays for you.

In the afternoon, Cao Yi continued to watch in the city, but his interest and motivation were not very strong at this time. Cao Yi thought that if there was no suitable restaurant for him to open, he would promote the wine during the Mid-Autumn Festival Jinling Poetry Festival.

Get out.

I happened to pass by the Confucius Temple and Jiangning Fuxue, and I found it quite interesting to see the talented people of this era reading poems and books one by one and talking about them all. I thought that students in modern times are the best place to make money, and I don’t know how students in this era can do it.

Sample.

There was a crooked-necked tree at the entrance of the alley leading to the Qinhuai River from the Confucius Temple. When Cao Yi passed by, he saw two old men playing chess there. There was a tea stall next to it. He had nothing to do and sat down.

While drinking tea, he took a casual look, and he was pleasantly surprised. The two old men playing chess were both very skilled. He thought that it was indeed ancient times. He saw two old men with such high skills, just like

The old men in modern Chinese communities play table tennis with the same quality. I couldn't help but smile when I thought about this. However, Cao Yi's smile happened to be seen by one of the old people facing him, who looked thoughtful.

After about a while, I saw a boy walking over and saying a few words to an old man. The old man nodded and said to the other in embarrassment: "Mr. Lu, there is something urgent at home. This chess game...

…”

"If you are blind and the outcome is still unclear, how about calculating a draw?"

"So good..."

The two of them said a few words, and then one old man said goodbye and left, and the other started to collect his chess pieces. Cao Yi finished drinking the tea in his mouth and was about to leave, but the old man spoke: "This young master just watched chess.

I have always shown a smile, and I have always had a lot of experience in this matter. Now if you have nothing to do, Master, would you be willing to have a chat with me?"

Okay, I have no opponent, so I just grabbed someone.

"Uh..." Cao Yi was stunned for a moment, then looked at the sky, bowed and said, "Then it's better to be respectful than to obey."

Naturally, he had a lot of exchanges when he sat down opposite the old man and helped clear up the chess pieces together. When asking questions like "Who is the young master?", Cao Yi only gave a simple answer. His surname was Cao, his given name was Yi, and his courtesy name was Zhaozheng. He had not yet been admitted to Jiangning Mansion School.

After collecting the chess pieces, the old man asked Cao Yi to play black first because Cao Yi was still young. Cao Yi was not polite and put the chess pieces on with a snap.

"Tian Yuan first!? This is the beginning..." The old man raised his head and glanced at Cao Yi, then frowned and started playing chess pieces. In this way, you and I played dozens of moves. The old man's brows furrowed deeper and deeper. Cao Yi's

In the last few moves, Fei Tiao Guan rushes, and the chess style is fierce. There is no concern about the "greedy can't win", "entering the boundary slowly", and "attacking the enemy but looking at me" moves. They are completely open and closed, and you can't attack only.

Shou's chess style was such that he could kill the old master with a single punch. The old man said: "Young master, who did you learn your chess skills from?"

"I figured it out by myself after reading the chess records."

"Oh, no wonder..."

After saying this, the old man stopped talking. The two of them played chess in silence. The black stones on the chessboard gradually became more powerful, while the white stones were killed in pieces. After about a stick of incense, the old man surrendered. Then he raised his head seriously.

He looked at Cao Yi for a moment: "Young master's chess skills are indeed superb, but it's just his method of playing chess..." The old man considered his words.

Cao Yi put away the chess pieces and smiled and said: "One chess move is not enough to show wisdom..."

The old man was stunned for a moment, pondered for a moment, and then shook his head and smiled: "Young Master is right, it's because I'm obsessed with my appearance."

In the second set, the old man held black and played steadily, but Cao Yi made his moves very quickly, without considering the overall situation at all, so as not to worry about losing big because of small things.

Neither of them wanted to take it. They would rather have a brutal pair of pieces than give up the gains and losses. In addition, the old man's chess style was very measured, and he would not stalk and lose his grace. However, Cao Yi was not like that, one after another.

Using small tricks and aggressive moves, Heizi was gradually defeated and defeated. The old man still lost the second game. However, the sky was about to get dark at this time. After finishing the chess game, Cao Yi behaved politely and left.

On the way back, Hongxiu looked at Cao Yi from time to time, with bright eyes. Cao Yi touched Hongxiu's head and said, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like this, sir?"

"Young master, you are really amazing. You can do everything so well!" After saying this, he nodded as if to acknowledge himself.

…

The next day, Cao Yi did not visit Jiangning City anymore, but went straight to the place where he played chess yesterday. As expected, he saw the old man named Lu playing chess with someone yesterday. The old man noticed Cao Yi and said hello.

Not long after, the old man finished playing a game with his friend. He smiled and waved to Cao Yi, who was watching the game. First, he introduced him and the friend he was playing against, and then naturally, Cao Yi and that person greeted each other. The basics

After the etiquette was over, Cao Yi was asked to briefly talk about his thoughts on the chess game just now. People in this era have a lot of time every day, so basically after every game of chess, it is okay for friends to review the game or show off.

It is necessary. If you explain clearly where to win and where to lose, your chess skills will naturally improve.

For Cao Yi, who was bored and played music scores in his previous life, he was very familiar with doing this kind of thing. He even added a few words, "If this is the case, you will not lose... If this step is taken like this, the opponent has several possible ways to deal with it..." Cao Yi

Yixing hadn't played chess with anyone for a long time. When he got excited, he talked about the time of a few sticks of incense and deduced all the possibilities of the previous game. There were a lot of wonderful foreshadowings in it, which were subtle at first glance.

After using it a few times, it becomes more and more thought-provoking.

A fifteen-year-old boy was giving instructions on chess skills to two old men in their fifties. The two old men nodded frequently. Hongxiu couldn't help but find it funny when he saw this scene. He burst out laughing and quickly covered his mouth in fright.

, nodding to apologize to the two old men.

Although Mr. Lu blushed, he also acted magnanimously, "In the past, Mr. Changli once said, 'There is a priority in learning, and there is a specialization in skills.' Talking hand in hand, little friend Zhaozheng has really benefited us a lot."

Then he asked Cao Yi if he would be interested in playing a few games with them. Cao Yi naturally smiled and nodded. Cao Yi naturally won more and lost less, and he changed his style every time he played a game. After all, in modern times, he has detailed knowledge of various chess games.

Cao Yi himself was fond of this method, and spent a lot of time writing scores at that time, so when he was placed in the Yan Dynasty, he had a bad taste and satisfaction in bullying the ancients.

For about the next four or five days, Cao Yi came over every day to watch or play chess, and became familiar with a few old people playing chess by the Qinhuai River in Confucius Temple. The old man surnamed Lu must have a good family background, and he is really knowledgeable.

A person is well-informed and has a deep understanding of Confucius and Mencius, as well as Confucianism and Taoism. However, he will never talk too much, nor will he always talk about what the saints say. He speaks and sees things very philosophically.

Cao Yi also liked talking to this old man. Firstly, he didn't know him too well, so he didn't have to worry too much. Secondly, the old man was very knowledgeable and probably had been a high official before, so he had unique views on some things and could stand at a high level.

View issues from a perspective, and are highly receptive to new things and opinions.

Most of the people who play chess with the old people have similar identities. They are all educated people. Some are from well-off families, while others are a little poorer. Cao Yi has been sitting next to them these days to watch them play chess and chat. Sometimes he can

He jumped in and chatted for a few words. Of course, some more pedantic and stubborn old scholars would also make some criticisms of his statement. Cao Yi often laughed it off. After all, times are different, and it is normal for some opinions to be different.

It was already August 13th, and the Mid-Autumn Festival would be in two days. When Cao Yi was playing chess with Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu asked him if he wanted to participate in the Jinling Poetry Festival. Of course Mr. Lu had a way to do so.

Get him an invitation. Maybe Cao Yi likes him and has the idea of ​​​​helping him out. It’s not to say that he is a supporter. He just wants Cao Yi to see more. The intention is naturally good. When Cao Yi said that he already had an invitation

At that time, Mr. Lu just nodded with an "Oh". After all, Cao Yi walked around with his maids as guards every day, so his family background must not be much different. Moreover, in daily communication, Cao Yi treated people with extraordinary magnanimity.

You can also tell that he is neither humble nor arrogant in his words and deeds. Although the things he occasionally says are a bit unconventional, when you think about it carefully, it makes sense.

Like the king of heaven and earth, Cao Yi naturally recognized it, but when the topic started, he put forward the view that the people are the most important, the country is second, and the king is the least important. "Mencius: Chapter 2 of the Heart" put forward this concept early,

But in the center of thousands of years of feudal society, the degree of recognition depends on the individual. Judging from his daily communication, Cao Yi seems to not only think so, but also do so.
Chapter completed!