Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 140

Chapter 140 His Highness’s Invitation
Qin Mubai returned to the barracks and began to take care of some military affairs. Previously, the Wang tent left behind by Li Ke had become the handsome tent for his office. The original Jiangzhou Prefecture’s subordinates, two Guoyi Commandants, Changshi, Sima, Brigade Commander, and Cao Junjun were all waiting for him to approve some compromises. Only then did the day’s matter come to an end.

Strong dragons never suppressed earth snakes, but having power in their hands was easy. Qin Mubai, the great figure sent by the Emperor, had already “cleaned up” Ma Kun before he could make a move. Naturally, these people under him were a little scared and didn’t dare to make a move. Not to mention treating Qin Mubai, even one of the hundred ordinary Baiji soldiers, these Jiangzhou Prefecture generals were also waiting on him like uncles, not daring to neglect him in the slightest.

Disaster relief and dam construction were still going on. The amount of money and grain that entered and exited the army every day was worth tens of thousands of dollars. Qin Mubai waved the pen rod in his hand, which could affect the income and expenditure of tens of thousands of dollars. The soldiers in the manor were all ordinary farmers, without salaries. Who wouldn’t wish for some benefits if they worked so hard to fight the floods? There were also officials and generals in these places who would occasionally divert some military supplies, and it was also common for them to lose a little bit of their public and private wealth. Qin Mubai understood what these people were thinking, so he didn’t take many unimportant things seriously. He naturally made them feel both convinced and happy to leave a little convenience for them.

As a result, these officials were both fearful, respectful, and somewhat grateful to Qin Mubai, so they got along fairly well.

Handling military affairs took more than half an hour. After that, all the generals paid their respects and went back to their tents to rest. Qin Mubai estimated that the people who went to the county to buy wine and vegetables for Li Ke and Gaoyang should also come back, so he should accompany them to have a drink.

‘”No matter what, Princess Gaoyang came because of me. I shouldn’t have avoided her out of courtesy. Moreover, I do have some responsibility for her current situation. I can’t let her go when she is in the most critical situation and needs me the most …”

Thinking of this, Qin Mubai was stunned. Could it be that I have to be “responsible” for her? Nothing seems to have developed between us, right? She is only a playful child at most … Forget it, let’s not think about this. Solving the problem before us is our top priority.

Because of his special status, Qin Mubai was completely free to enter and exit the military camp, unrestricted by the military rules of the local government. Just as they were about to leave the military camp, a Baiji soldier came to report that there was a visitor. The man claimed to be a government official in the Jiang Xia King’s Mansion.

“Please.” Qin Mubai thought to himself, What did the King of Jiangxia send people to do? After a few days, he should have been to Chang’an and returned. I wonder what the result will be if he goes to the Emperor …

A middle-aged man entered the handsome tent and bowed politely. He held an apricot-yellow invitation for the royal family in his hand and said, “General Qin, this is an invitation sent by my prince. The prince’s birthday is on the 16th of this month. The general is invited to the manor for a banquet. Please take time out of your busy schedule and don’t decline.”

Qin Mubai stepped forward to take a look at the invitation and said, “May I know who else His Highness invited?”

The man replied, “Back to General Qin, Jin, Bing, Jiang, Pu four prefectures, all officials above the sixth rank, His Highness has sent invitations. His Highness has said that this birthday is actually a celebration with all his colleagues, no gift, no banquet, just like a family banquet. His Highness has repeatedly instructed this lowly position, please do not decline. General Qin!”

“Alright, I understand.” Qin Mubai nodded and smiled, “Your Highness is magnanimous. I have always respected Your Highness. Fortunately, I am still in Jiangzhou, so I have such a rare opportunity to pay my respects. How can I refuse? Don’t worry, I will definitely attend the banquet on time!”

“Thank you, General!” The man bowed gratefully and said, “The general is busy. I dare not disturb him. Please take your leave.”

“Delivery.”

After pondering over the well-made invitation card for a moment, Qin Mubai couldn’t help but smile. He thought to himself, “Dao Sect Li is interesting. He took advantage of his birthday banquet to declare that the four prefectural generals didn’t accept any congratulatory gifts.” Does this mean that he is going to “change his mind and start anew”? It seemed that he was also frightened by the corruption case this time. He began to restrain his old habits of greed for money and wanted to take the opportunity to declare that he was not accepting bribes. Seeing him treat him so openly, it was likely that the Emperor had not given him any severe punishment, otherwise, how could he dare to act in such a high-profile manner?

It seemed that the outcome of the matter wasn’t too bad. At the very least, the Emperor didn’t have a fight with Li Daozong. This is undoubtedly good news.

Thinking about it, Qin Mubai’s mood relaxed a lot, so he left for the wooden cabin in the woods. If he told Li Ke the news, he would be happy.

Qin Mubai left the military camp with his trusted aide Baiji, so naturally no one dared to ask further. When they reached the edge of the forest, a figure suddenly jumped down from a tree beside them.

Chen Yan.

“I knew you would come.” Chen Yan looked at Qin Mubai with a faint smile, as if she had something to say. The few pawns tactfully dodged far away, not daring to eavesdrop on her and Qin Mubai’s “whispers”.

“Didn’t you go to commemorate Zhu Chengwen and didn’t leave?” Qin Mubai said, “Looks like you’re looking for me for something.”

“Nothing big.” Chen Yan’s expression was calm, but there was a hint of mockery in her eyes. “I’m just a little curious. You and that crafty little princess … seem to have a very special relationship?”

“It’s just a friend.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “You are waiting for me here just to inquire about this? Then I will be a bit surprised. This is not your usual style.”

“Nothing strange. That’s because you don’t know me.” Chen Yan said, “I will care more about my relatives and friends than anyone else, and even chase after myself.” I don’t know what you think of me, but at the moment I think of you as my friend. I just want to remind you that that little princess is not suitable for you. I can see that she’s a troublemaker. You’ll get into trouble sooner or later if you get too close to her. That’s all I have to say. Just think about it yourself. ”

“Thank you.” Qin Mubai didn’t want to say anything else. Chen Yan was indeed a person who kept her word and was clearly distinguished between love and hatred. She never directly revealed her feelings. Her emotions were deeper and she always gave people a sense of reason to coldness. However, if she were to be emotional once in a while, she would be very charming.

Just like now. When Qin Mubai heard her say, “I already treat you as my friend,” she felt great. He was thinking that if this ice-cold woman became gentle, she would definitely be even more deadly than her sword.

“There’s one more thing.” Chen Yan said, “Jiang Xia King’s birthday is coming in a few days. I will go to his mansion to celebrate his birthday. I want to ask you if you intend to go with me? I have no other intentions. I can tell that Jiang Xia King is very interested in you and thinks highly of you. The two of you are like the same kind of people. You should be able to be like each other. It’s not a bad thing to have more friends.”

“Coincidentally, I just received an invitation from His Highness. I will go.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “How about we go together?”

“Goodbye to the palace.” Chen Yan did not refuse. She only smiled and clasped her fists and swords. “Goodbye first.”

“It’s already late, why are you in such a hurry to leave?” Qin Mubai said, “The cabin is filled with wine and vegetables. Why don’t you have a drink? I’ll send a carriage and horse to deliver you later.”

“No need, I’m not that noble.” Chen Yan smiled slightly, “Li Ke, Little Princess, I’m not on the same side as them. If we don’t talk too much, I won’t ruin your fun. You can go. See you at our palace.”

“Alright, see you later.”

Chen Yan walked away, unrestrained and carefree as she strode forward without turning her head. Soon, she disappeared into the forest filled with darkness.

Qin Mubai shook her head and smiled, “A woman with a strong exterior and a soft interior … What a heroine with personality! Interesting!”

In the wooden cabin, the little soldier who went to the county to buy wine and vegetables had already returned. He even tidied up the wooden cabin and was barely able to live in it.

Princess Gaoyang was restless as she walked around the room. Occasionally, she would stand on tiptoe and look at the edge of the forest. She mumbled, “The food is really cold, but it still hasn’t come … Hey, you guys go and urge your general!”

“Forget it, little sister!” Li Ke smiled and said, “It’s only been a while since we’ve seen each other. You’re in such a hurry. Qin Mubai is a person who knows his priorities and will do what he says. The reason why he hasn’t come is because he has something important to do. Since he said he will come, he will definitely come.”

“I know!” Princess Gaoyang curled her lips and glared at Li Ke, muttering in a low voice, “I just … see that the food is going to be cold, if I eat it, my stomach will go bad!”

“Haha! Good excuse, good excuse!” Li Ke laughed loudly.

“Third Brother, you bastard!”

Just as the siblings were bickering, Qin Mubai’s voice suddenly rang out from outside the door, “What, it seems like someone is saying bad things about me behind my back?”

“Look, it’s coming!” Li Ke smiled and said, “No one said anything bad. Only people are not in a hurry and scolded you a few times.”

“Sorry, there are many military affairs and we can’t afford to be absent. I’m late.” Qin Mubai smiled apologetically and said, “Your Highness, do you mind the poor food in this remote place?”

Princess Gao Yang chuckled, “I’m hungry! Everything tastes good when I’m hungry! Besides, Third Brother can eat you, so why can’t I eat?”

“Then don’t compete with us.” Li Ke smiled and said, “Mubai and I ate and slept here for two to three months, just like those ordinary soldiers. We have long gotten used to this kind of life. Don’t underestimate the white-cut chicken, steamed fish and stewed belly on the table today. This is already a grand feast for us!”

“Ah, do you guys have to suffer so much?” Princess Gaoyang, who had been well-nourished since childhood, looked at Li Ke and Qin Mubai in astonishment. Finally, she fixed her gaze on Qin Mubai’s face and said heartache, “I’m really thin. It’s still dark! Hurry up, sit down and eat more! When you get back to Chang’an, I’ll ask Imperial Chef to cook the best and most tonic food for you every day!”

“Uh … Alright.” Qin Mubai looked at Li Ke and sat down with an awkward smile.

Li Ke sighed and said, “Sad! Sad! I’ve been someone’s older brother for more than ten years, and it seems like I’ve never been cared about like this by her! This older brother is just worthless!”

“Third Brother, you scoundrel!!” Princess Gaoyang scolded shyly and put a large piece of fish into Li Ke’s bowl. “Is that okay now? Eat quickly! Third Brother is really skinny, so you should eat more. Only when your complexion is better will you be more handsome!”

Qin Mubai and Li Ke laughed loudly together. Princess Gaoyang waved her hand in embarrassment and shouted, “Don’t laugh! Don’t laugh! Where are you eating? What are you laughing at! Why are you two grown men acting like children?”

“Good, good, eat!”

At this moment, Qin Mubai and Li Ke were laughing so hard that tears were about to come out of their eyes.