Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Literary Talent and Martial Morality
Qin Shuang’er’s face was flushed red. She lowered her head and twisted the corner of her clothes. She had a bashful expression as if she wanted to say something. She whispered, “Didn’t you know all about it, Third Brother? What else do you need to ask?”

Qin Mubai smiled, “Didn’t Third Brother leave home three years ago? How much do you remember? I wonder what happened between you two afterwards. Tell me, what else can I hide in front of Big Brother?”

Qin Shuang’er smiled shyly with her big eyes flashing. She nodded and told the whole story.

Originally, because Qin Shubao was an old official of Li Shimin’s Qin Palace, the children of the Qin Family had been closer to Li Shimin’s children as early as childhood. After a while, Qin Shuang’er and Li Ke became childhood friends. Later on, when Li Ke grew up, he had the intention of marrying Shuang’er, but there was a barrier between their marriages.

One of the biggest obstacles was the concept of family. Although Qin Shubao was a noble general of Shangzhu Kingdom, Zuo Wuwei Kingdom and Duke Yi Kingdom, he was born in a humble background. The Li Clan originated from a veteran Guanlong noble, and was also an imperial clan. According to the secular concept, it was wrong for the two clans to be inappropriate. Qin Shuang’er was the daughter of a concubine. Compared to the noble prince Li Ke, her body was extremely low.

Another obstacle was Qin Shubao. For some reason, although Qin Shubao did not dislike Li Ke, he was opposed to his daughter’s marriage to King Wu.

In today’s Zhenguan Dynasty, the concept of family was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Although they couldn’t see or touch it, it was an insurmountable gap in people’s hearts. Just like how the Qin Clan had stood up in a poor and rising clan, no matter how powerful their officials were, they were still not as noble as the old clans in the eyes of the world. Moreover, with Qin Shubao’s opposition, even if Li Ke was the dignified Prince of the Tang Dynasty, he wouldn’t dare to force the matchmaker’s words.

In this way, Li Ke and Shuang’er became a pair of unfated bitter mandarin ducks. Two years ago, at the age of 17, Li Ke married the daughter of the Yang family, a former Sui royal noble. Qin Shuang’er was so sad that she almost cut off the idea of marriage-no matter what, Qin Shu Bao’s personality would never allow her to marry as a concubine.

However, the friendship that the two of them had formed since they were young was hard to erase. Therefore, Li Ke and Qin Shuang’er could only secretly interact with each other with hidden feelings, but did not dare to cross the lightning pond in the slightest.

After hearing this, Qin Mubai shook his head. He didn’t expect that there would be such an emotional conflict between his fourth sister and King Wu.

“Third Brother, why are you only shaking your head … Tell me, what should I do?” Qin Shuang’er shouted and looked at Qin Mubai pitifully.

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Silly girl, King Wu has already married. Even if your father agrees, are you willing to marry him as a concubine?”

In the Tang Dynasty, as in many feudal dynasties, concubines had no status or respect. No matter how noble your background was, if you married into a concubine, you would still be like a male host’s livestock. You could freely beat, scold, drive, or even trade. There was also the custom of exchanging concubines for fun among the aristocratic families of the Tang Dynasty, even among the concubines of the Prince.

The Tang law even stipulated that if the head of the family and his wife killed their concubine, they could compensate for their sins by paying a fine. Moreover, in general, concubines are not allowed to be straightened out. If the male owner dared to cripple his wife and form a concubine, he would be sentenced to one and a half years in exile.

Although the folk customs of the Great Tang Dynasty were relatively open and the status of women was relatively high, and it was precisely this kind of environment that led to the emergence of the unique female emperor in history, it was still unable to change the nature of this male-dominated society-concubine was a plaything, and reality was so cruel.

Qin Shuang’er’s expression changed as expected. She lowered her head dejectedly, tears appearing in her eyes as she murmured, “But, I really only like him … If I can’t marry him, I’m willing to die alone or become a monk.”

Seeing this scene, Qin Mubai felt a slight pain in his heart.

In his view of the 21st century, free love is too normal, little sister can be said to be deeply attached to Li Ke. But now, the old feudal customs in front of them were simply insurmountable mountains.

“Don’t be sad, little sister. It depends on people. Third brother will definitely find a way to help you.” Qin Mubai held Fourth Sister’s small hand in his palm and gently patted it, nodding affirmatively.

“En! … Third Brother still loves me the most!” Two lines of clear tears rolled down Qin Shuang’er’s lively eyes. Qin Mubai reached out her hand to wipe it away. Qin Shuang’er immediately broke into laughter and turned her face away to wipe away her tears in embarrassment.

The siblings chatted for a while before Qin Shuang’er returned to her room.

“But, what can we do to solve this little sister’s problem?” Qin Mubai lay on the bed and thought to herself, “The biggest obstacle between Little Sister and Li Ke is naturally the difference in family background.” My mother is my stepmother. If Qin Shubao is eternal, it is hard to say whether she, the concubine mother, can continue to live in the Qin Manor. This depends on the kindness of the two eldest brothers.

Little sister and I are both sons of the Qin Family. We don’t have any title or right of inheritance. At most, we are slightly higher than ordinary people. In the eyes of the aristocratic families, we are not welcomed at all. Unless … unless I can become a true high-ranking official and noble, I can only change this situation!

“Heh, my own destiny, mother’s destiny, and little sister’s destiny all depend on me. It seems like I really can’t help but struggle!”

…

In the winter of the pass, the cold air was cold. At dawn, the dark clouds crushed the water and turned it into ice.

In the Qin Clan’s backyard polo court, a series of clanging hooves sounded. Qin Mubai was wearing a thin hu uniform and riding a white horse with a white flower. He was practicing riding, shooting and spear arts.

The trick of the day was in the morning. When the ancients heard the chickens dance, Qin Mubai did not want to be lazy.

The Great Tang of Zhenguan is an active and enterprising era, “strive to improve” is the main melody of this era, but also one of the profundity of the famous “spirit of the Han and Tang Dynasties” in later generations.

Now, Qin Mubai was very grateful that the fate of the prank had given him a buffer period. After arriving at the Great Tang of Zhenguan, he had plenty of time to adapt to this era and had a better environment to improve his adaptability. Instead of being caught off guard at the beginning, he was thrown into the great flood of this era and instantly drowned in the magnificent river of history.

Qin Shubao’s inadvertent words had an enlightening effect on Qin Mubai-“Great ambition, good! I hope this isn’t just an exaggeration.”

Having a goal, having confidence, even if you put in more effort, it doesn’t mean that you will definitely succeed. Most importantly, you still have considerable ability.

In order to survive in the era of the Great Tang of Zhenguan, it was far from enough to rely solely on the lecherous tricks of prostitutes, or the shade of the ancestral courtyard-literate talents and martial virtues were indispensable. This was the most fundamental and useful thing.

Qin Mubai was convinced that opportunities were only for those who were prepared. In any era, luck and opportunity are the same thing. Always work harder and walk faster than others. This is the foundation of success.

“Hehe!” Angry reprimands rang out on the polo field.

Today, Qin Mubai was even more proficient in spear drills and riding and shooting. He was obviously much more proficient and accurate than last time. He was very satisfied with the fact that he had gained more experience in martial arts. Don’t ask for a thousand li a day, but ask for every day to improve, accumulate a small step to a thousand li, this is enough.

The servants in the mansion only woke up one after another when they returned to their mansion drenched in sweat. Qin Mubai ran to the kitchen to boil a pot of water and take a bath. The servants were both shocked and ashamed. This Third Young Master’s temperament was no longer the same as before. Not only did he lose his previous playboy aura, he also became so low-key and diligent.

“Third Young Master, I’ll wake up an hour early every day in the future. I’ll boil the hot water for you first.”

After a quick breakfast, Qin Mubai went to greet Qin Shubao and his mother. In the Great Tang Dynasty, filial piety governed the country, so it was necessary for the children at home to settle down at dawn and pay respects to the people in the province. In his father’s room, the father and son discussed gun and arrow martial arts for a while. Before they left, Qin Shubao said, “Sanlang, it’s very gratifying to see you being such a diligent father. You’re about to become a rank seven official, and you’re going to be a minister in the same hall as father. Father has something to tell you.”

“Father, please show me.”

Qin Shubao nodded and said, “Take your time to learn how to be an official and how to be a person. My father only told you one thing: No matter where you are an official, don’t get involved in a whirlpool.”

“What vortex?”

“The duel between the princes for the position of first wife.” Qin Shubao’s voice was slightly heavy as he said word by word.

Qin Mubai’s heart skipped a beat as he bowed and said, “My child, remember.”

“As father, I believe you don’t have to say anything else. Just remember it.”

“Child, remember.”

Returning to his room, Qin Mubai began to practice calligraphy and read books.

The so-called military strategy was the capital to survive in the current environment, and it was also the capital to climb up the ladder. Since we have come to the Great Tang Dynasty of Zhenguan, we must have some understanding of Confucian classics and literary and historical classics.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it was impossible for him to cultivate into a gigantic scholar in a short period of time. Therefore, Qin Mubai targeted the dynasty’s laws, regulations, political system, and historical materials. All of this might be more practical for him now, and it could also improve his adaptability.

Hence, Qin Mubai thought of a way to find many books and unofficial history notes on the rule of law, military system, and official system. Fortunately, he was not very unfamiliar with classical culture. He could be considered to have a bit of cultural foundation, so it was not difficult to learn and understand. He thought that with his father’s guidance on martial arts, he would have to find a good teacher to teach cultural lessons in the future.

A table, a book, and a brush were roasted, burning sandalwood. Qin Mubai merged with the ancient table, giving off a refined demeanor.

“Hehe, Third Brother is actually studying!” A series of silver-bell-like laughter rang out from outside the window, and Fourth Sister came.

“Little girl, you came to disturb Third Brother even though you knew he was reading? Hurry up and enter the room. It’s cold outside.” Qin Mubai put down the book and opened the door.

“Whoosh, whoosh! It’s so cold.” Qin Shuang’er jumped into the door and rubbed her hands and stomped her feet. She ran to the fire and sat down. She smiled and said, “Third Brother, mother just told me that you were promised an official by the Emperor today. I came here to congratulate you! Great, third brother will also be an official in the future! Hehe!”

“Silly girl.” Qin Mubai smiled and rubbed her blushed face a few times. “Tell me, why are you looking for me?” He said.

Qin Shuang’er blushed and chuckled, “Third Brother, you will be an official in King Wu’s Mansion in the future. You can see him every day!”

“Yes, I know what you want to say.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Don’t worry, Third Brother will always take your matters to heart. If it’s convenient, I can also take you to his mansion.”

‘”Hehe” Qin Shuang’er lowered her head and snickered, her face flushed red. “When mother and I were chatting just now, you were not young either. It’s time to make a marriage. To start a family, a man without a wife is like a tree without bark.”

“Let’s talk about this. I don’t have any plans right now.” Qin Mubai smiled.

“Mother seems to be rather anxious.”

“I will explain it to her clearly. Why does a man have no wife? What do you think, little sister?”

“Hehe, Third Brother really has changed. He is diligent and confident! Not bad, not bad, this is a good man! If I were a girl from another family, I would definitely like a man like Third Brother.”

“Does that mean that you don’t like your third brother anymore?”

“Hehe! That’s different!”

The siblings were chatting happily when a servant outside said, “Third Young Master, there’s a guest visiting.”

“Who’s here?” The siblings couldn’t help but glance at each other and thought in their hearts, Could it be King Wu?

“In reply to Third Young Master’s question, the visitor claims to be the director of the TaiLe Department of the TaiChang Temple. His surname is Zeng. He came here to pay a visit to Third Young Master.”

“Oh, I’m here to learn the pipa!” The siblings said in unison. Qin Shuang’er’s eyes lit up and she smiled. “I forgot. Third Brother, you seem to have learned a wonderful pipa. Even the Emperor praised you endlessly. You are also teaching others. Why don’t you teach your little sister first?”

“Of course not.” Qin Mubai stood up, “But now, I want to see that Zeng Sign Order first.”

The Tai Lok Department is one of the subordinate organizations of the Tai Chang Temple. It specializes in the provision of court music. The Tai Le Department’s decree was half a grade lower than Qin Mubai, the seventh grade Prince’s Mansion’s East Pavilion Sacrificial Wine.

As a result, Ceng Shu had ordered Qin Qiong to enter Shangzhu Country’s Great General Qin Qiong’s mansion. He did not dare to ask to see Qin Shu Bao. He also knelt upright in the living room and waited for Qin Mubai’s arrival with trembling eyes.

“I’ve made Zeng Shu order you to wait for a long time. I’m rude.” Qin Mubai sat opposite him and smiled.

“Friend Xiaguan Zeng Hong greets Qin Zhijiu.” The Tai Lok Department decree, who was over forty years old, straightened his waist and bowed, lowering his eyebrows as he spoke.

“There’s no need to be so courteous. I’m a junior.” Qin Mubai cupped his hands in return and said, “May I know what is the matter with the condescending edict?”

“As His Majesty has instructed, Xiaoguan is here to learn how to play the pipa.” After saying that, Friend Zeng Hong stood up and bowed down in front of Qin Mubai. He was about to pay his respects to Qin Mubai.

“Wait!” Qin Mubai was not accustomed to this kind of worship, let alone an old man who came and bowed back to him. He stopped him and said, “I told you, I am a junior, how can I receive a great gift? Since His Majesty has a decree, I will obey your orders, so I will not teach you the pipa.”

Friend Zeng Hong was stunned for a moment before raising his eyes to see Qin Mubai clearly. He couldn’t help but hesitate in his heart. Hearing His Majesty say that the Qin Family’s Sanlang’s unique lute skill is amazing. It is unique in our court. Let me treat him humbly and respectfully. Don’t be rude or rely on the old man. If it weren’t for His Majesty’s words, no one would have believed Jun Wu’s jokes. Because the Qin Shubao Clan’s Third Young Master had always been known only as a playboy. Now, however, he felt that his wisdom and courtesy were not the same as the rumors. Strange …