Phi-Fic Chapter 225 Persuading Cao Can 3
Chapter 225 Persuading Cao Can 3
Hearing his son's stubborn words, Cao's father was overwhelmed with mixed emotions, a bittersweet feeling welling up inside him. He sighed deeply and said earnestly to Cao Can, "Chen'er, why are you doing this? I'm already an old man, with only a few good years left. My only wish is for you to go to Qin and fully display your talents and ambitions. If we were to hold you back, I wouldn't be able to rest in peace even in the afterlife!"
Cao Can looked intently at his father and replied resolutely, "Father, please don't say that! A family should support each other and share weal and woe. How can a son be left to wander alone while his parents are abandoned? I have thought this through very clearly, and we will set off in two days. As for the travel permit, someone will find a way to get it."
Seeing his son's resolute attitude, Cao's father shook his head helplessly, sighed heavily, and said, "Alright, alright, since you've made up your mind, you should go and discuss this matter with your wife first."
Cao Can nodded slightly and replied softly, "Alright, Father, please rest assured."
After saying that, he slowly turned his head and looked at his mother with tender eyes. He said softly, "Mother, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to tidy up and organize everything in the house these next few days."
Cao's mother smiled and nodded gently, replying softly, "Yes, Mother understands."
Seeing this, Cao Shen nodded respectfully to his parents again, then turned and left. Before long, he returned to his own courtyard.
Upon entering the house, the first thing that caught Cao Shen's eye was his wife, Li Qiu, who was resting on the couch. Cao Shen had not been married to this woman for long, and she had been carefully chosen by his mother. The two had never met before, but Cao Shen had vividly remembered Li Qiu's meticulous care for her parents-in-law since she married into the Cao family. Therefore, Cao Shen was very satisfied with his virtuous daughter-in-law.
At this moment, gazing at his beloved sleeping peacefully on the bed, Cao Can tiptoed forward, carefully picked up the bedding beside him, and gently covered her delicate body. Perhaps feeling the added weight, Cao Can's wife, who had been immersed in her dream, slowly awoke. With sleepy eyes, she immediately saw Cao Can standing close by. She hurriedly sat up, her face showing concern, and asked anxiously, "Husband, you've returned. Have you eaten? I'll send someone to prepare something."
Cao Can swiftly grabbed his wife, who was about to leave in a panic. A reassuring smile appeared on his lips as he softly said, "Madam, please don't be in such a hurry. Please stop and listen to me for a moment."
Seeing this, Li Qiu obediently sat down slowly, her beautiful eyes gazing at her husband, and softly replied, "Husband, please speak freely."
Cao Can looked at his beloved wife with a serious and earnest expression and said slowly, "My lady, Princess Jiayang of Qin recently sent someone to invite me to Qin to take up an official position."
Before she finished speaking, Li Qiu, who had been sitting upright in her chair, suddenly showed a look of surprise and joy. However, this joy was fleeting, replaced by worry and sadness. She sighed softly and said in a low voice, "This is truly a wonderful thing! My husband has always had great ambitions, and now he finally has the opportunity to realize his grand aspirations. I am genuinely happy for him. However... I am not yet pregnant. If my husband were to leave like this, I truly do not know when we will meet again!"
Upon hearing this, Cao Can burst into laughter. He reached out and grasped his wife's slightly cold hands, comforting her, "My dear wife, you worry too much! Since I've decided to go, I will naturally take you with me. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we were inseparable?"
Li Qiu could hardly believe her ears. She was stunned for a moment, and it took her a while to come to her senses. She was so excited that she couldn't speak coherently: "Really...really? My husband really wants to take me with him?"
After calming down a bit, she suddenly seemed to remember something, her brows furrowed slightly, and she asked with concern, "But what about my parents who still need care? What will become of them?"
Cao Shen replied confidently, "Don't worry, my lady. I have already thought it through. I will bring my parents along, and our whole family will go to Qin together. In this way, we can be reunited as a family and enjoy family happiness, without delaying my career. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?"
Upon hearing these words, Li Qiu finally felt relieved, and a bright smile immediately bloomed on her face. She excitedly said, "That's wonderful! If it can really be like that, then that would be perfect. However, I am still a little worried about my father's health. After all, the journey is long and arduous. I wonder if he can withstand such a journey?"
Cao Can smiled at his wife and said slowly, "Madam, you don't need to worry too much about this matter. I will arrange and coordinate everything, and it will be handled properly. In the next two days, I would like to trouble you to pack and organize the items we need to take. It is very likely that we will not be able to return here after this trip." After saying this, he sighed softly.
Li Qiu nodded slightly, indicating that she understood her husband's meaning, and replied softly, "Okay, don't worry, husband." Then, the couple sat facing each other and chatted for a long time, their words full of care for each other and expectations for their future life.
Meanwhile, Zheng Zhong, overjoyed to receive Cao Can's definitive reply, immediately went to find Lin Qi. When Lin Qi heard that Cao Can had been successfully persuaded, a joyful smile immediately spread across his face, and he felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders. After all, Xiao He had already set off, and now that Cao Can's situation was settled, all that remained was to properly arrange the related matters.
After careful consideration, Lin Qi decided to leave a few men to garrison Pei County to assist Lin Xi in handling subsequent matters. This way, the rest could return to Da Qin to celebrate the New Year with peace of mind. How could Lin Qi not be delighted? Therefore, he swiftly began arranging the specific tasks, first ordering the rapid preparation of necessary documents such as travel permits; then, he meticulously planned the deployment of accompanying guards.
Unlike Xiao He's previous trip, this time the entourage was much larger. Furthermore, Cao Can's parents were elderly and in poor health, so the entire journey would inevitably take longer than before. Faced with this situation, Lin Qi dared not be negligent in the slightest, ensuring that every step was flawless.
Lin Qi's men were indeed highly efficient; within just one day, the travel permits and brand-new identity documents were properly prepared. With everything ready, Lin Qi began methodically packing his belongings. He meticulously checked and packed each necessary item into his bag, ensuring nothing was forgotten.
After packing their luggage, night had fallen. Lin Qi rested briefly before going to find Lin Xi. The two met in a quiet room, lit candles, and began a long talk that lasted all night. They discussed in detail the various details Lin Xi needed to pay attention to while staying in Pei County, as well as the various situations she might encounter, and formulated corresponding coping strategies.
Time flew by, and two days passed in the blink of an eye. That morning, before the sky had even begun to lighten, the entire Pei County was still immersed in peaceful slumber. However, the city gates slowly opened on time. Lin Qi and his men were already waiting there, his expression solemn, his gaze fixed firmly ahead. Behind him, Cao Can and his family were also fully prepared, each with a mixture of tension and anticipation on their faces.
As the city gates swung open, Lin Qi waved his hand and shouted, "Let's go!" The group then embarked on their long journey to Xianyang. The wheels rolled, the horses' hooves echoed through the silent streets, raising clouds of dust. The pre-dawn light shone on them, casting long shadows, as if foreshadowing a journey filled with unknowns and challenges.