About Cao Cao's reincarnation as the emperor's uncle

Chapter 17 If you will not abandon me, I am willing...

Qiao Xuan looked up and saw a young man with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, tall and straight. Although he was dressed in a plain robe, his heroic spirit was still evident.

When his gaze met that of the boy, his heart skipped a beat, as if he had been hit hard by something.

Qiao Xuan had three sons, but he valued his eldest son the most. The eldest son had accompanied him to guard the frontier since childhood and was skilled in archery and horsemanship, and had the world in his heart.

But in that battle against the Xianbei, the eldest son fell to the iron cavalry while protecting him.

Since then, Qiao Xuan has been left with a scar that is difficult to heal, and every time he thinks of it, he feels heartbroken.

Perhaps in his eyes, Cao Mengde from his previous life was like his eldest son.

During this period, although Qiao Xuan had met "Cao Cao", their relationship was very superficial and remained at the stage of admiration.

And at this moment, looking at Liu Fang in front of him...

He was about the same age as his eldest son when he passed away, and had the same heroic and handsome appearance. In particular, the burning light in his eyes made him feel a little dazed for a moment.

The image of the eldest son in my memory gradually overlapped with the boy in front of me.

Looking at the white hair at Qiao Xuan's temples and the emotion and nostalgia in his eyes, Liu Fang felt a lump in his throat and his eyes gradually welled up with tears.

Seeing the tears welling up in his eyes, Qiao Xuan couldn't help but step forward and gently wipe them away with her calloused hands.

The moment Qiao Xuan raised his sleeve, Liu Fang could no longer hold back; tears welled up in his eyes, and his whole body trembled uncontrollably.

Qiao Gong... that's how he treated Cao Mengde back then...

Qiao Xuan paused slightly, looking at Liu Fang's trembling shoulders, as if he could see his eldest son crying in his arms when he was a child and had been wronged.

"Child...don't cry..."

He spoke softly, with an imperceptible tremor in his voice.

That one word, "son," was like a key, unlocking the floodgates in Liu Fang's heart.

Although Cao Song had given him life and raised him, there was always a barrier between them. The reasons were too complicated, and Qiao Xuan was more like his father.

Upon hearing this, Liu Fang immediately knelt down and kowtowed.

Everyone was surprised to see this, but only the woman's eyes flashed with a trace of sorrow, and she sighed softly.

She knew her father missed his eldest brother and understood the emotions he felt at that moment.

Although Huangfu Jie was a little slow to react, he quickly realized what was happening.

Back then, he witnessed Qiao Xuan's eldest son die for his father.

He had just heard about Liu Fang's experience of losing his father at a young age.

People believe in cause and effect and fate. Perhaps it is destiny that brought these two people together at this moment.

Seeing the two of them like this, everyone was at a loss for what to do.

Just as the atmosphere froze slightly, the woman turned slightly to the side and bowed to the crowd, saying:
"My name is Qiaolan. I have come with my father to inquire about his health. I would like to greet you all."

Huangfu Jie then took the opportunity to introduce Qiao Xuan:

"This is Emperor Huan's younger brother, the Emperor's uncle, Duke Liu Yuanyi. Today, my brother, like our ancestor, regrets not having met Duke Yuanyi sooner..."

At this moment, Liu Fang also came to his senses, thanks to the two people's words:

"Upon seeing Mr. Qiao's face, I was suddenly reminded of my late father. I was momentarily rude and hope you will forgive me."

Qiao Xuan took a deep breath, gripped Liu Fang's arms tightly with both hands, and lifted Liu Fang up from the ground:
“Lord Yuanyi, what a coincidence… I had a son who looked remarkably like you, but sadly he died young. Just now, I seemed to see him…”

Huangfu Jie walked between the two men, grabbing one of them with each hand:
"My ancestor's reputation is renowned throughout the land, and although Yuanyi is young, he is comparable to Wei Qing and Huo Qubing. I know that both of you are men of deep affection, and that we share such a connection..."

"But let's not linger here. Today's family dinner is simple. I hope you two won't mind and can continue our conversation over the meal."

……

Amidst laughter and conversation, everyone moved together to the banquet area.

The crackling charcoal fire in the hall banished the winter chill. On the jade table, delicacies were laid out, the rising steam carrying the aroma of meat and wine, lingering among the sandalwood beams and pillars.

As the host, Huangfu Jie, recounted his story, Qiao Xuan learned that Huangfu Gui was accepting Liu Fang as his disciple on behalf of his master, and also gained an understanding of Liu Fang's past experiences and aspirations.

Qiao Xuan and Liu Fang sat facing each other, the wine in their cups swirling, reflecting their similar yet unspoken thoughts.

“My eldest son was just as valiant and had the world in his heart back then.”

Qiao Xuan held the wine cup, his gaze gentle yet filled with reminiscence.

“He served alongside me on the frontier since childhood, but… to protect me, he fell to a hail of arrows from the Xianbei…”

He took a small sip of wine, his Adam's apple bobbing as if he were trying to suppress the emotions surging within him.

Before he could finish speaking, a long sigh escaped his lips. "Since then, I have often wondered what he would be like if he were still here."

Liu Fang lowered his eyes and stared at the rim of the cup, his thoughts surging like a tide.

In his past life, he failed to take good care of Qiao Xuan's family, and he knew that Qiao Xuan had a quick temper and poor health, so in this life...

His fingertips traced the cool glass, sensing the sorrow in Qiao Xuan's words. He suddenly stood up, the wine cups clinking together with a crisp sound.

“Master Qiao, I lost my father at a young age and have been wandering ever since… Meeting you today and hearing your words feels like a lifetime ago.”

"If you do not despise me, I am willing to fulfill my filial duties on behalf of your son, protect the safety of the bridge, and carry on the legacy of the bridge master to safeguard the land of the Han Dynasty!"

Having said that, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup, his eyes filled with determination and passion.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xuan's eyes flashed with shock, and then her eyes reddened.

He rose shakily, his hands gripping Liu Fang tightly:

“Good! Good! I am satisfied with Lord Yuanyi’s intentions. Although I am older, I dare not presume to presume before your great righteousness…”

"But if you need anything in the future, I will do my best to help you!"

As he spoke, a few hot tears soaked his mottled beard.

Just as the two were deep in conversation, a figure in moon-white gracefully approached.

Qiao Lan wore a plain gauze dress with silver plum blossoms embroidered on the hem, and a jade hairpin was used to adorn her hair.

As she bowed with her eyes lowered, her butterfly-like eyelashes cast shadows beneath her eyes, and the golden bell on her wrist trembled slightly, filling the room with a subtle fragrance.

"Why does Lord Yuanyi look so troubled? Could it be that what I said was incorrect?"

Qiao Xuan's concerned words interrupted Liu Fang's thoughts.

He suppressed the surging guilt in his heart, picked up his wine cup, and smiled:

"Master Qiao is overthinking it; I've just been a bit stressed lately."

Out of the corner of his eye, he couldn't help but look at Qiaolan, who was tiptoeing to pour wine for her father. Her fair wrists were like snow lotus roots, and her movements were gentle and elegant.

After several rounds of drinks, the group began discussing the border wars.

Liu Fang's words were sharp and his analysis of the situation was insightful, which drew frequent nods of approval from the crowd.

Qiao Lan's eyes flickered as she secretly sized up this royal uncle.

When Liu Fang mentioned the weaknesses of the Xianbei cavalry, she couldn't help but ask him about them.

After saying a few simple words, he tilted his head back and drank the strong liquor in one gulp, the burning heat unable to suppress the surging sourness.

Qiao Lan seemed lost in thought, then gently lifted a wine cup filled with her slender hand and moved it in front of Liu Fang:
"Lord Yuanyi's insight is profound. I offer this cup to you in respect, wishing the borders of the Han Dynasty to be forever secure."

As she handed over the wine glass, her wide sleeves slipped down, revealing a section of smooth, jade-like fabric.

Liu Fang took a deep breath, his hands trembling as he accepted the wine cup, his fingertips touching her slightly cool skin...

He was taken aback when he met Qiao Lan's clear eyes, but thinking of his past life, he hurriedly looked away.

(End of this chapter)