In the blink of an eye, Tao Ying had returned to Xuzhou for three days. During these three days, Tao Ying and Cao Hong teamed up to secretly investigate the cause of Tao Qian's sudden worsening of illness, but they still found nothing and no clues were found, which made Tao confused.

Ying himself had some doubts that he was too suspicious. Tao Qian was just old and frail, which was why his illness recurred, and it had nothing to do with other people.

If Tao Qian's pulse record had not exposed the mystery, Tao Ying might have really given up the investigation. Although Tao Ying did not understand the pulse record of traditional Chinese medicine, for the sake of caution, Tao Ying took the time to find a folk doctor to interpret Tao for himself.

Qian's pulse case, Tao Ying unexpectedly discovered that Tao Qian's pulse case record showed that Tao Qian's condition worsened in two stages. The first stage was in the early stages of his southern expedition to Zuorong, before the good news was delivered.

Before Xuzhou, Tao Qian's condition began to gradually worsen. However, after the news of Junzi Junqiu's miraculous defeat in the battle was sent back to Xuzhou, Tao Qian's condition immediately improved, and his pulse showed signs of recovery.

Then when Tao Ying had to send the news of Sun Ce's westward march to Xuzhou, Tao Qian's condition worsened immediately. During this period, when he sent the news of Sun Ce's defeat to Xuzhou, Tao Qian's condition not only did not improve, but worsened.

The situation worsened, and it was not until he sent the news that he had successfully sued Yuan Shu for peace to Xuzhou that Tao Qian's pulse condition began to improve, and it has continued to improve until now.

After understanding this case, Tao Ying came to two conclusions. First, Tao Qian's condition may have been affected by the situation on the Guangling battlefield. When the situation was good, Tao Qian's condition improved, and when the situation was critical, Tao Qian's condition worsened.

Second, Tao Ying suspected that someone was secretly manipulating Tao Qian's condition and aggravating Tao Qian's condition when the situation in Guangling was critical. In this way, as long as he accidentally lost the battle and killed Tao Qian, he would be guilty.

He, an unfilial son who was talking about war on paper, had to bear it. But when the situation on the battlefield in Guangling improved, the possible culprit behind the scenes did not dare to take action - because he had won consecutive battles, his reputation had greatly increased, and he could leave and go north at any time.

If Tao Qian suddenly dies of illness, the biggest beneficiary may be Tao Ying himself.

Although the second conclusion is just a suspicion and there is no real evidence to prove that Tao Qian's condition is controlled by others, Tao Ying believes that if the second conclusion is possible, then there are only three direct executors who can control Tao Qian's condition.

Cao Hong who protected Tao Qian's safety, Tao Shang, the filial son who personally served Tao Qian's decoctions, medicines and meals, and Zhang Hang, the most trusted medical officer of the Governor's Office in the Tao family!

After analyzing the three most likely murderers, our honest and broad-minded Deputy Director Tao naturally had to spend some time and arrange some direct and indirect investigations and troubleshooting. However, the investigation and troubleshooting, which is destined to be time-consuming and labor-intensive, has just begun.

At that time, on the morning of the fourth day, the rear army led by Zang Ba also returned to the outside of Xuzhou City. Tao Qian, who felt a little sorry, ignored the serious illness and the opposition of his son, and personally led Tao Shang, Tao Ying brothers and Xuzhou civil and military officials out of the city.

Go outside the city to meet Zang Ba's army.

Seeing Tao Qian coming to greet him despite being sick, Zang Ba, who had a strong self-esteem, was naturally excited and moved. He dismounted from a distance and went to Tao Qian to apologize. He was deeply ashamed that he had not done anything to reinforce Tao Ying this time.

Qian opposed this statement, believing that the key to why Tao Ying was able to sue Yuan Shu for peace this time was that Zang Ba's army frightened Yuan Shu, so that Yuan Shu did not dare to launch a full-scale war against Xuzhou, and was forced to agree to sue for peace, just like his honest son.

, forcibly put the military exploits of forcing Ji Ling back on Zang Ba's head, and heavily rewarded Zang Ba and his soldiers in order to win people's hearts.

Finally, out of breath, Tao Qian handed over the task of receiving Zang Ba's team to Tao Ying and asked Tao Ying to do his best to receive and arrange Zang Ba's team. Tao Ying accepted the order and agreed. Then Tao Ying went to Cao Bao to discuss and asked Cao Bao to

Cao Bao did not refuse to free up part of the barracks to accommodate Zang Ba's troops. Without saying a word, he ordered the east camp to be vacated for Zang Ba's army to be stationed. According to Tao Ying's request, he sent people to send a batch of wine and meat to Zang Ba's army to reward the three armies.

But after all these arrangements were made, when Tao Ying was about to leave to give Zang Ba a clean slate, Cao Bao stopped Tao Ying again and pulled Tao Ying aside for a secret conversation.

"Sir, there is a saying that I don't know whether to say or not." Cao Bao looked a little hesitant and whispered: "Zang Ba's team is mostly Taishan thieves, they are brave and fierce, unruly and difficult to control.

, so according to the last general’s opinion, it’s better for the young master to reorganize Zang Ba’s troops and place Xuzhou generals in place to facilitate control.”

"Reorganize Zang Bajun?" Tao Ying glanced at Cao Bao suspiciously and asked in a low voice: "Uncle, did you come up with this idea yourself? Or did someone else tell me about it through your mouth?"

"The general came up with it himself." Cao Bao answered truthfully, and then quickly added: "But the general is not the only one who wants to do this. Most of the Xuzhou civil and military colleagues who accompanied the lord out of the city to greet him today are also worried about Zang Ba's intentions.

If he is not good, his team is difficult to control and is destined to be stationed outside Xuzhou City. Once there is a change, the consequences will be disastrous."

"Someone is trying to sow discord among them, trying to drive a wedge between our Tao family and Zang Ba's newly eased relationship." Tao Ying glanced at the crowd of civil and military officials in Xuzhou in the distance, then turned to Cao Bao and sighed: "Uncle, although your worries are very reasonable.

But have you considered what people like Zang Ba and Sun Guan would think about reorganizing the Langya army at this time? This matter cannot be done for the time being and can only be postponed."

Cao Bao is not a fool. Of course, he understands that reorganizing the Langya army at this time will definitely cause dissatisfaction with Zang Ba and others, so he nodded and said: "The general also knows that this matter cannot be done immediately, but his colleagues are talking about it, and they are worried that the young master will not notice it.

, so I reminded the young master, I hope you will pay attention."

Tao Ying thanked Cao Bao for the reminder, and told Cao Bao to be careful to restrain his generals and not to allow Xuzhou soldiers to conflict with Zang Ba's soldiers, and definitely not to let Xuzhou soldiers bully Zang Ba's army. Cao Bao also honestly agreed. Then when Tao Ying was about to leave,

But he suddenly smiled at Cao Bao and said: "Uncle Cao, I wonder if I still have a treasure of that good wine you invited me to drink at home? My nephew is greedy and wants to visit my uncle's house someday and talk about it by the way.

I wonder if uncle can accept what happened last time?"

Cao Bao was stunned at first, then quickly remembered his last marriage proposal, and his face flushed with excitement. He nodded repeatedly and replied: "Yes, yes, no matter when the young master comes, the generals will walk down to greet him."

Tao Ying thanked him and smiled evilly in his heart: "Little girl, let's see how you run away this time. You almost cheated me last time. If you hadn't said you had a brother who died for Xuzhou, I really wouldn't have found out that you were the one."

That ugly monster owes me his military stick, and I am doubly prepared to do so."

The Xuzhou army, which was severely wounded by Cao Jun, was far from returning to its peak state. There were empty barracks everywhere in Cao Bao's camp, so the work of settling Zang Ba's troops went very smoothly, and only half of the left camp was freed up.

Zang Ba's army was settled in. However, Tao Ying and Cao Bao had to go to the lobby of the Governor's Mansion to attend a banquet to welcome Zang Ba. Therefore, Tao Ying did not have time to visit Cao Bao's home that day, let alone discuss the last time with Cao Bao.

Nothing was agreed upon.

Tao Ying was really impressed by Lin Qing's little girl. Not to mention that this little girl was in no way inferior to Tao Ying's other sweetheart Mi Zhen in terms of appearance and beauty. Just because this little girl disguised herself as a man and accompanied him on his southern expedition.

Regarding Guang Ling, Tao Ying felt that this little girl actually cared and cared about him more than Mi Zhen. However, this little girl's arrogant character really didn't deserve compliments. She clearly had a deep love for Tao Ying - at least Tao Ying

I think so, but I refuse to say a soft word, and I never have a good look towards Tao Ying.

For other men of this era, little girl Lin Qing's unruly character might be unacceptable, but for Deputy Director Tao, the little girl's little temper is of little concern and is completely acceptable, so in

Unconsciously, the weight of this little girl in Deputy Director Tao's heart gradually surpassed that of the gentle and considerate but elusive Mi Zhen. In addition, he vaguely guessed the little girl's true identity, and the Danyang soldier boss Cao Bao...

The idea of ​​a marriage to get the best of both worlds gradually took shape in Deputy Director Tao's mind.

As for poor Mi Zhen, Deputy Director Tao really doesn't know what to do. Brother Mi Zhu is in the same boat as Deputy Director Tao, and they are in secret collusion with Liu Bei. They are almost semi-openly siding with Liu Bei. It's absolutely impossible.

He agreed to Tao Ying's marriage proposal, so even though he knew that Mi Zhen was deeply affectionate for him, Tao Ying didn't know how to marry her home. So after returning to Xuzhou, Tao Ying didn't find a way to visit Mi Zhen once, but tried hard

He wanted to stop himself from missing Mi Zhen, to muddle along with the idea of ​​taking one step at a time, and not to think about things until they came to his door.

Because of this, for the sake of the stability of the Xuzhou army and his own lifelong sexual happiness, on the afternoon of the next day, he helped Tao Qian take care of his civil and military affairs. Tao Ying dressed up carefully and led a few soldiers.

, finally came to the door of Cao Bao's house to ask for a meeting, but unfortunately, another fight broke out between soldiers in the Xuzhou military camp. Cao Bao went to the military camp to put out the fire, but happened to not be at home.

After confirming from the guards of the Cao Mansion that it was not a fight between Xuzhou soldiers and Langya soldiers, Tao Ying felt relieved and decided to wait for Cao Bao to come back in the Cao Mansion. The housekeeper of the Cao Mansion did not wish for it and hurriedly invited Tao Ying to the hall to serve tea. Tao Ying also took the opportunity to ask

The housekeeper of the Cao Mansion asked: "Is Miss Cao Lingcao, General Cao's daughter, here?"

"Yes." The housekeeper nodded hurriedly and replied honestly: "My master's daughter-in-law is pruning the plum blossoms in the back garden. My daughter-in-law loves plum blossoms the most. The weather is getting colder day by day and it will snow soon. The flowers will bloom. The daughter-in-law is pruning the plum blossoms with her own hands.

The dead branches are said to bloom more beautifully after the snow falls."

Tao Ying smiled. He really couldn't imagine what that unruly little girl would look like when she was serving flowers and flowers. Over there, the housekeeper of the Cao Mansion couldn't wait to ask: "Master, do you want me to inform the madam and the young master and invite them to come and give me the gift?"

Master, please accompany me?"

"No need." Tao Ying refused with a smile, intending to give the little girl a surprise. The housekeeper of the Cao Mansion had no choice but to leave honestly, while Tao Ying sipped the fragrant tea and waited patiently for Cao Bao to come back. However, Tao Ying did not wait for Cao Bao, but

A very beautiful maid waited and saluted Tao Ying and said, "Master, my daughter-in-law heard that the master was coming and wanted to invite him to the garden for a while."

"This...isn't it good?" Tao Ying was hypocritically modest, but in his heart he scolded the servants of the Cao family for talking too much. He couldn't give a little girl a surprise this time.

The beautiful maid showed a naughty smile and said: "Master, our female master said that if you don't go to the back garden, you won't be able to see her today."

Tao Ying knew Lin Qing's little girl's bad character better than anyone, so Tao Ying didn't dare to be polite. He got up obediently, put on his shoes, and followed the beautiful maid to the back garden to meet his future wife. He was filled with hatred in his heart.

Teeth itching, "Little girl, if you dare to threaten your husband, wait until you pass the door and see how I deal with you!"

It was late autumn, and everything was withered. Except for the chrysanthemums in full bloom, there were no other flowers in the back garden of Nuo Da. Most of the trees and flowers were withered. The garden was golden. Because of this, Tao Ying saw it as soon as he entered the garden.

A long-haired girl in a green dress, leading several maids, was pruning wintersweet branches next to a rockery. Tao Ying chuckled secretly, waved his hand to the leading maid to silence, quietly walked behind the girl in green, and tried his best to pose.

Putting on his most chic look, he bowed to the girl and said loudly: "I, Tao Ying, have met Miss Cao Ling."

There was no unexpected exclamation as expected, nor the arrogant snort as he was accustomed to, only a voice that was as coarse and unpleasant as a drake's throat, "Young master, you don't need to be polite. My daughter, Cao Ling, has met you before."

"Why is the voice so unpleasant?" Tao Ying raised his head in surprise, only to catch a glimpse of it. Deputy Director Tao, who was still in a state of excitement just now, almost became impotent from fright. It turned out that the girl in green shirt who had turned around was none other than someone else.

It was the ugly girl who frightened Deputy Director Tao so much that he refused Cao Bao's proposal of marriage last time - a toad mouth with mung bean eyes, paint-like skin, a flat nose and chicken breasts, yellow and thin hair, and thick and black eyebrows, she looked so real

A female version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame!

"The little girl is playing tricks on me again?" After the shock, Tao Ying's first reaction was that the little girl Lin Qing was playing tricks on me again. Looking around, there was no other figure. Tao Ying couldn't help but panic - did he know the identity of the little girl Lin Qing?

Is the analysis wrong?

The ugly girl took a step forward, a smell of onion and garlic hit her face. She smiled sweetly at Tao Ying, showing her yellow teeth that could never be faked in this era, and asked in a rough voice: "Master, are you looking for

What?"

"You...are you Miss Cao Lingcao?" Tao Ying asked tremblingly.

"I am Cao Ling. I have met the young master once. Did the young master forget?" The ugly girl Cao Ling's surprised question made Deputy Director Tao completely despair. Several maids and maids nearby also testified.

Said: "Sir, yes, she is our master's daughter."

Holding on to the last glimmer of hope, Tao Ying carefully looked at the ugly girl in front of him to check if there were any traces of makeup. However, what made Deputy Director Tao sad was that the ugly girl in front of him did have traces of makeup on her face, but it was not there again.

White powder and red rouge were applied to the dark and rough skin, lipstick was applied to the mouth that smelled of garlic, and freshly picked chrysanthemums were inserted into the yellow and thin hair. With that little girl Lin Qing

No matter how much makeup you put on, you can't look like this!

"Sir, please don't look at anything inappropriate." Seeing Tao Ying looking at herself carefully, the ugly girl shyly lowered her face to remind Tao Ying, which also made Tao Ying notice that her breasts were definitely not stuffed with pillows.

"It's over, the joke is too big this time." Tao Ying finally understood that he had made a big mistake. As the saying goes, a wise man will make a mistake after thinking a lot. How could he have misjudged the identity of Lin Qing's little girl? The result is now

Okay, now that I’ve hinted at my plans to marry Cao Bao, do I want to marry this ugly guy back into my family to scare people?

"Sir." Seeing that Tao Ying didn't speak, the ugly girl Cao Ling had to take the initiative to speak. She lowered her head and said shyly: "When my father came back last night, he already told the little girl about our affairs. The little girl is really happy.

,Young master, you are so handsome, and so young and promising..., my daughter...is very willing."

Saying shyly, Cao Ling took the initiative to approach Tao Ying with the smell of garlic all over his body. The maids and maids around him pursed their lips and smiled, and walked away on their own initiative, giving Tao Ying and Cao Ling a private space to talk affectionately.

.As a result, Tao Ying couldn't help but feel goosebumps all over the floor, and suddenly shouted, "Ah!"

"Sir, what's wrong?" Cao Ling was startled by Tao Ying's shouting, and finally stopped actively snuggling into Tao Ying's arms.
To be continued...