nycdaug Chapter 224 Persuading Cao Can 2
Chapter 224 Persuading Cao Can 2
The wheels rolled and the horses' hooves pounded, and before long the carriage arrived at the gate of the Cao residence. Once the carriage had come to a stop, Cao Can alighted first, turned to Zheng Zhong, and said in a deep voice, "Come with me to the study." With that, he turned and walked towards the study.
He solemnly handed the carriage reins to the servant, then followed Cao Can steadily toward his study. As soon as he stepped into the study, he was greeted by a mountain of bamboo slips, densely packed together, like a small hill built of knowledge.
Cao Can casually waved his hand, gesturing for Zheng Zhong to sit down in front of him. His tone was calm yet carried an undeniable authority as he said, "Sit down!" Zheng Zhong dared not be negligent in the slightest and quickly and respectfully sat down opposite Cao Can.
Cao Can's deep, sharp eyes were fixed on Zheng Zhong as he slowly spoke, "You are a Qin person!" This time, his words carried no doubt, but rather an unequivocal affirmation. Zheng Zhong met Cao Can's gaze, remained silent for a moment, and finally nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
Seeing Zheng nodded solemnly, Cao Can pressed on, "Why did you persuade me to go to Qin?"
Zheng Zhong took a deep breath, composed himself, and replied, "I have come here specifically to find you on the orders of Princess Jiayang, and to invite you to Xianyang. The princess has promised that as long as you are willing to go, you can choose and use whatever you desire, whether it be high-ranking official positions, generous salaries, or gold and silver treasures."
Upon hearing this, Cao Can narrowed his eyes slightly, thoughtfully stroking the sparse tuft of newly grown beard on his chin, and murmured to himself, "Princess Jiayang... I have heard of that name before. But I wonder why this princess would seek me out?"
Zheng Zhong shook his head slightly and replied truthfully, "I really don't know the reason behind this matter. But the princess values you highly. She once praised you personally, saying that you are a rare talent."
Over the years, Cao Can had a thought that occasionally surfaced deep within him—to venture into the Qin state and make his fortune. However, his elderly and frail parents at home became an unbearable burden, preventing him from cruelly leaving them. After all, filial piety comes first; how could a child neglect his parents?
Unexpectedly, one day someone recognized Cao Shen's hidden talent and sent an envoy to persuade him to serve in the Qin state. Not only that, the envoy also made an enticing promise of high office and generous salary. This undoubtedly threw a boulder into Cao Shen's originally calm heart, instantly creating ripples and filling his heart with anticipation and longing.
However, when his thoughts returned to reality, Cao Shen couldn't help but worry about his parents' health. Could the two elderly people endure such a long and arduous journey? What if something unexpected happened along the way...? Whenever he thought of this, Cao Shen felt as if his heart was being torn apart, and he was filled with immense pain.
On the other hand, if he missed this rare opportunity, would he ever have another chance to realize his ambitions and achieve great things? This question struck Cao Can's heart like a heavy hammer, leaving him torn and hesitant.
Just then, Zheng Zhong, who had been silently observing Cao Can, broke the silence. He looked at Cao Can with sincerity and said slowly, "Young master, please rest assured. The princess specifically instructed that your parents must be brought along. We will make proper arrangements for everything along the way to ensure that you and your wife will not feel any discomfort due to the journey."
Hearing this, Cao Shen felt somewhat relieved, but some concerns remained. After a fierce internal struggle, his desire for fame and fortune ultimately triumphed over his worry for his parents' health. So, he gritted his teeth, nodded firmly, and said, "Alright, in that case, I agree!"
Seeing that Cao Can had finally agreed, Zheng Zhong was overjoyed, his excitement overflowing. He quickly pressed his advantage, saying, "That's wonderful! Then, young master, please pack your things as soon as possible. How about we set off in two days?"
Cao Can pondered for a moment, then shook his head and replied, "If we set off now, we might not be able to reach Xianyang before the end of the year. In my opinion, it would be better to wait until after the New Year to set off, so that we have more time and are not in too much of a rush."
With less than two weeks left until the Lunar New Year, Zheng carefully calculated the days, secretly thinking that every extra day spent here could lead to unexpected changes. After much deliberation, he finally spoke, "Many sections of the roads within Qin have now been paved with smooth and sturdy cement roads, which will shorten our journey compared to our original estimates. Therefore, if we set off now, we should still have plenty of time."
After listening to Zheng Zhong's analysis, Cao Can lowered his head and pondered for a moment. Then he raised his head and replied, "Yes, that's indeed the case. Let's decide on that then!" In this way, Cao Can and Zheng Zhong successfully reached a consensus.
After making his decision, Cao Shen did not immediately set off for Qin, but instead returned home to visit his parents. Upon entering his house, he immediately saw his father, who was bedridden, and his mother, who appeared to be in relatively good health. Seeing her son return, Cao's mother quickly went to help his father sit up. Seeing this, Cao Shen hurried forward to help his mother lift his father as well.
After his father was seated, Cao Can took a deep breath and slowly said to the two elders, "Father, Mother, I have an idea in my mind—I want to go to the Qin Kingdom to make my way in the world."
As soon as he finished speaking, a hint of surprise flashed across Cao's father's smiling face, but he quickly regained his composure. He nodded slightly and said to Cao Can with a smile, "My child, all these years I have been a burden to you. Since you are determined to go out and make your way in the world, then go! Don't worry about home. With your mother and wife taking good care of things, everything at home will be fine."
However, Cao Can shook his head and said resolutely, "No, Father, this time I plan to take you and Mother with me to Qin. I can't bear to see you suffer at home, and it would be more reassuring for us to be together as a family." After saying this, he looked at his parents with deep affection, his eyes revealing unwavering determination and persistence.
Upon hearing this, Cao's father frowned deeply and hurriedly waved his hands, saying, "No, no, how can a family's travel permit be obtained so easily! We are currently in the land of Chu, and it is absolutely impossible for us to go to Qin on our own! Besides, given our family's situation, your mother and I have never been in good health. We are on a long journey, and who knows how many hardships and dangers we will encounter! This will definitely delay your future."
Cao Shen listened to his father's words, but shook his head with unusual firmness and said without hesitation, "If you don't want to go, then I won't go either."