Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 146

Chapter 146 Factional Position
The next day was Li Daozong’s birthday. Sure enough, many officials from the four continents had come from all directions to celebrate his birthday since dawn. Chariots and horses flowed endlessly like flowing water. Roughly speaking, there were at least a hundred or eighty people. When the banquet was held at noon, there was a big circle from the main hall to the third floor of the outer hall. It was really bustling.

It was noteworthy that none of the officials had brought any congratulatory gifts. It was obvious that Li Daozong had repeatedly warned them.

Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang could not refuse, so they were treated as distinguished guests and sat at the same table as Li Daozong, making them very eye-catching. Everyone present knew that Qin and Chu were close officials of the Emperor, so there was nothing to be jealous of when they received such a courtesy. Moreover, these local officials also intended to leave a good impression in front of the imperial commissioner, and it would be great if they could make friends with each other. There were people in the capital who were easy to be officials, and everyone understood this reasoning.

A banquet lasted for a long time. Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang were toasted by the officials, and they were somewhat drunk. When the wine was halfway through, Li Daozong walked into the hall with a glass of wine. Everyone assumed that he was coming to persuade or order wine, so they all stood up and raised their glasses.

“This prince is lowly Chen. I am not very grateful to all my colleagues for coming here to congratulate me.” “Actually, this king knows that many of our colleagues are puzzled by a single question,” Li Daozong said with a faint smile on his face. That is why this king has repeatedly reiterated that he will not accept any congratulatory gifts today. Everyone also knows that this king has no other love in his life, he loves money. And not for extravagance or enjoyment, but only for the sake of their children, so that they will not be ill-run in the future and have no means of food or clothing on the streets. ”

After listening to Li Daozong’s opening remarks, everyone became a little more spirited: Let’s get down to business. What he wanted to say next was probably the theme of his birthday banquet today!

“I came to the capital a few days ago and talked to His Majesty the Emperor. After listening to His Majesty’s teachings, I came to my senses.” Dao Sect Li raised his wine cup and bowed to the north. “The Emperor said,” Life or death, bring what is outside of money. ” Adopted son surpasses me, what’s the use of money? Adopted son is unworthy, so what’s the use of asking for money? I was so enlightened that I instantly understood it. His Majesty was indeed worthy of being called the Eternal Saint Sovereign. Thinking about what this king has done over the years, it is indeed extremely ridiculous and ignorant. Your Majesty is right, if this king’s nephew surpasses me, he will be able to run his own business, and it is not up to him to eat his ancestral heritage for a living. If this king’s descendants were all unfilial playboys, giving him the Golden Mountain and Silver Mountain would also be able to wipe out his family’s wealth, and he would also use his power to bully and harm the people of the country. Therefore, this king took advantage of today’s birthday banquet to gather all his colleagues to announce that this king has decided to scatter all his family resources to help the flood victims in Jiangzhou. Rather than leaving these gold and silver to corrode my descendants, it is better to donate them to do something for the country! What do you think? ”

“Dashan!” Immediately, countless people clapped their hands and applauded.

Qin Mubai smiled and remained silent. He thought to himself, “Dao Sect Li has done a good job in this show.” It seemed that he had a good talk with the Emperor. At least, he had neither been held accountable nor had he sunk into depression. He had only made a new posture. It is indeed a very effective way to scatter all the family resources to help the victims. On the one hand, he showed the emperor that he would no longer be greedy for money, and on the other hand, he had the intention of making up for his mistakes. After all, the Jiangzhou case was more or less related to him. If it weren’t for him helping Zhang Tianci and the others carry the banner, how could they act so conveniently?

“Your Highness is so broad-minded and generous. We are all grateful for your kindness to the victims of the Jiangzhou disaster. Although our official positions are not well paid, we are willing to follow Your Highness’s example and do our utmost for the victims of the Jiangzhou disaster!” Many people said in front of the wind. Obviously, they had come to an agreement.

Many of the officials who had come to the banquet today were close to Zhang Tianci, Cheng Songnian, and the others. It would be wise to take this opportunity to follow Jiang Xia King, Li Daozong, to “clean up the mess” and “mend the mess”.

Qin Mubai picked up the corner of his mouth and laughed in his heart, “They are all old and cunning fellows.” After the Jiangzhou case broke out, the emperor adopted a policy of “forgiving the past”. However, there were still some people who were worried that the emperor would write down a bill for them to settle in the future. With the blame in other people’s hands, it was rare for them to have a good night’s sleep. Now that he could repent and rehabilitate with the Jiang Xia King, it would be much more comfortable for someone to take the lead and just drift along with the current.

Li Daozong laughed loudly, “This prince joined the army in his teens, killing people like numb blood. I have never saved anyone in my life. This time, I will do a good deed for my descendants. My fellow colleagues, this prince has no intention of persuading you to join us in donating money for disaster relief. Everyone will do it according to their own will!”

“I will obey!” Everyone cupped their hands and bowed.

Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang exchanged glances and smiled. I didn’t expect a birthday party to turn into a charity donation party.

“The current imperial envoy in charge of the military and political affairs of Jiangzhou is here. My colleagues might as well write down the money and hand it over to the two imperial envoys. After returning to the manor, I can send a code to the manor of Jiangzhou.” Dao Sect Li invited Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang out and introduced them to the crowd.

Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang both knew that today’s birthday banquet was originally a political show of the Li Daoist Sect. The two of them were specially invited to be witnesses. Now, it was better to do a favor to help him complete this matter.

Thus, Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang praised the Li Daoist Sect and accepted the “white slips” written by many officials, large and small, as proof of donation of money, food and clothing.

Everyone had been speculating about Li Daozong’s intention to hold a birthday banquet, but now they finally understood. In the future, no one would give money to the Li Dao Sect, because he had already told the world that he was no longer greedy for money!

Dao Sect Li’s goal was achieved.

Qin Mubai knew that he had finally completed his mission to Jiangzhou. On the surface, the important task of this mission was to relieve the calamity and appease the people, but secretly, it carried the important political mission entrusted to it by the Emperor-the contest between the Emperor and Li Daozong.

Now, it seemed that the outcome was not bad. At least the Emperor and Li Daozong did not get into a fight. Li Daozong did not suffer a great calamity because of this. In the future, he would still be able to be his Prince Taiping. He would still be the respected founding father of the Great Tang Empire. The Emperor also received benefits. At the very least, the Mountain Tapping Tiger had completely suppressed the Li Dao Sect, and he would not dare to act recklessly in the future. Moreover, most of the officials and generals of the Jiang and Jin and Pu Continents were granted amnesty by the Emperor. From now on, they would definitely feel the Emperor’s dignity and grace. They did not dare to pull mountains and set up gangs like before. They would become a country that would never fall apart.

This seems to be a happy situation for all.

Only one person found it difficult to be happy, and that person was Chen Yan.

After the banquet ended, Qin Mubai and Chu Suiliang, who were on the verge of being “drunk”, were sent to their guest rooms to rest. Li Daozong still stayed in the front hall to greet his relatives and friends one by one.

Chen Yan did not attend the banquet and sat in Qin Mubai’s room waiting for him to return.

Qin Mubai sat down at the table and handed over a bowl of sober-up soup. Chen Yan remained silent, seemingly feeling a little depressed.

“What’s wrong? Are you unhappy?” Qin Mubai took a sip of the sober-up soup and said, “I didn’t see you at the birthday banquet just now. What were you thinking?”

“The people attending the banquet are all officials and generals. Why should I join in the fun? Although I am the adopted daughter of the King of Jiangxia, there are not many people who know about it. Neither the Prince nor I have any intention of spreading the news. From now on, he will still be the Prince, and I will continue to walk in my Jianghu.” Chen Yan said calmly.

Qin Mubai was silent for a moment and said, “You remember Zhu Chengwen, don’t you?”

Chen Yan raised her eyelids slightly and nodded with a sigh, “I was wondering, if he was still alive, would there be him at today’s banquet?” A huge storm that was raging undercurrents had subsided. Apart from Zhang Tianci, who was the culprit, everyone seemed to be safe and sound, except for him. “If he was still alive, what would it be like to have an interview with His Highness now?”

“The deceased is over, don’t think too much.” Qin Mubai smiled and comforted, “The emperor sent an official to investigate the Jiangzhou case and found out the cause of Zhu Chengwen’s death. He erected a tablet of kindness in front of the Jishan County government and chased him down as a male. His descendants will be taken care of by the Imperial Court and will have no worries for food and clothing for the rest of their lives.”

“What’s the use? Everyone is dead …” Chen Yan whispered. “If possible, I’m willing to use the current switch to bring him back to life.”

‘”Don’t be stupid. You forgot what you said back then. Zhu Chengwen’s death is not a relief for him. However, seeing today’s’everyone is happy’ situation, you feel that his death is not worth it, do you? You think that all of us have benefited from his death, and he sacrificed himself for us, right?” Qin Mubai said.

Chen Yan was slightly stunned. She sighed softly, “You’re quite smart. You can see through other people’s thoughts. That’s right, I just think Zhu Chengwen is a victim. In exchange, many people are safe. Actually, many of the people who came to the banquet today are guilty? Why didn’t they die, but Zhu Chengwen died … I don’t understand, so I’m depressed.”

“There’s nothing you can’t figure out.” Qin Mubai said, “There is no such thing as fairness in this world. Official circles were different from Jianghu. In Jianghu, a single word of discord splashed out, and blood splattered with joy and enmity. There were too many things that confused the Cuo Sect in the official circles, affecting their entire bodies. Killing an official would involve three to five people. “Kill these three or five officials, and there are more … all the officials have been killed, who will help manage the people?”

“It’s fine to kill an unconscious official, a corrupt official, or an evil official!” Chen Yan scolded in a low voice.

“Officials are often very complicated. They can’t be judged simply by a good official or a bad official.” Qin Mubai said, “For example, the King of Jiangxia, he was famous for his heroic deeds, but he also had the bad habit of greedy money and accepting bribes. Did you judge him as a corrupt official?”

Chen Yan was silent and speechless. After a long while, she said, “I really don’t understand what happened in the official circles. As for Zhu Chengwen, it’s just that I can’t untie my knot for a moment. I’ll be fine in a few days. You don’t have to say anything else.”

‘”Alright” Qin Mubai smiled slightly. “Relax. If Zhu Chengwen knew, he would definitely want you to live happily. Don’t worry too much about his departure. Didn’t you say that? If you really like someone, you don’t have to have him. It’s enough to make him live a better life. I suppose Zhu Chengwen thinks the same way, right?”

“Alright … I know.” Chen Yan nodded gently, and a smile finally appeared on her face.

At this moment, the door was knocked.

“Is General Qin asleep?” It was Dao Sect Li’s voice.

Qin Mubai hurriedly opened the door. Li Daozong looked inside and laughed, “Looks like this king has disturbed you. Alright, I’ll go. I’ll come back later.”

“Your Highness, don’t leave.” Chen Yan hurriedly stepped forward to stop him. “I’m fine. I’ll go back to my room and rest first. You guys can talk.” After saying that, he turned around and left.

“Haha” Dao Sect Li looked at Chen Yan’s back and smiled meaningfully.

Qin Mubai invited him into the room to pour some tea and said, “Your Highness is busy, why are you here?”

“Not busy! The banquet is over and the guests have already left.” Li Daozong sat down with his golden saber. His pair of bright tiger eyes sized Qin Mubai up and down. He laughed loudly, “This king saw you clearly from head to toe. Not bad, you are indeed a charming and elegant husband. No wonder you are so attractive to women.”

“Your Highness, don’t make fun of me.” Qin Mubai smiled awkwardly.

“Haha, what is there to make fun of? When I was young, I was just like you!” Dao Sect Li laughed loudly, “There is nothing wrong with a young man who is not romantic and unfaithful.” Actually, women are also lecherous. Which one doesn’t like handsome men, which one doesn’t like elegant young masters, and which one doesn’t like famous heroes. “Men have worked hard all their lives to build their careers. It sounds good for the sake of the country and the people. All they have in their hearts is the idea of drinking and having money.”

“Haha! Your Highness is indeed a straightforward person. What you said is the truth.” Qin Mubai laughed loudly. “All the sages scoff at wine and wealth, but they don’t dislike it. Without money, it’s hard to walk. Everyone has a love for beauty. It’s only natural.”

“Haha, well said!” Dao Sect Li clapped his hands and laughed loudly, “This king knows that I can be like you the moment I see you.” Because we are all honest people, we don’t like those hypocritical politeness! I don’t like Chu Suiliang very much. This scholarly genius is elegant but not straightforward enough. He is always scheming when he is too scheming. “Qin Mubai, let me ask you, did you mean it or did Li Ke mean it the last time you came to my mansion to report to me?”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “I think Chen Yan should have told His Highness.”

“No, she didn’t say anything.” Li Daozong said, “I didn’t ask her either. I was just waiting for you to tell me.”

“That can only be said that it is both the Prince of Wu’s intention and mine. I happen to coincide with the Prince of Wu.” Qin Mubai said truthfully.

Li Daozong’s bright eyes stared straight into Qin Mubai’s eyes. At this moment, he laughed loudly, “I believe you’re not lying!” If I had known this, I wouldn’t have been so rude to you and sent you away that day. “At that time, I was worried that you would come to probe my background, or that you and Li Ke would have different opinions, so I deliberately prevaricated with you, so that you wouldn’t find it difficult to reply in front of Li Ke and bear the guilt of leaking the secret.”

“Your Highness has worked hard, I understand.” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and smiled.

“I can tell at a glance that you are a broad-minded person and won’t argue with this king.” Li Daozong chuckled and said, “Actually, this king and your father were close friends. In the early years of the Southern and Northern War, we were bathed in blood side by side. However, because of various reasons, we parted ways these past few years, so we didn’t have much contact with each other. I didn’t expect that Uncle Bao would give birth to such a talented and intelligent son like you. It’s truly a blessing to the Qin Family!”

“Your Highness is overestimating me!” Qin Mubai smiled.

“This king is safe this time, thanks to you.” Dao Sect Li nodded and smiled sincerely. “This king loves and hates you all his life. If there is kindness, there is vengeance. If this king owes you a favor, I will definitely repay it.” On that day, when Chu Suiliang was present, this king did not say anything. He simply mentioned the matter of recommending you to Li Jing’s sect, and also wanted to test Chu Suiliang’s words. At that time, he did not say much, but this king can see that he does not agree with it very much. Although he was only a small living man, he was a close official of the emperor, and his words and deeds were consistent with those of the emperor. Therefore, this king feels that if I really want to recommend you to Li Jing’s sect, I have to go through the Emperor’s trial first. I wonder what you think? ”

Qin Mubai knitted his brows and said seriously, “To tell you the truth, I have always yearned for Li Jing’s art of war after listening to my Meng family’s father’s teachings.” If he could learn a thing or two from his disciples, then he would be able to fulfill his long-cherished wish. However … if there were more inconveniences, His Highness would not have to mention it. “I also don’t remember when and where I gave you any kindness. There’s no way I can mention repaying your kindness!”

“Haha, don’t forget to repay your kindness. What a virtue!” Dao Sect Li laughed loudly, “This king never agrees to anything easily, but as long as I open my mouth, I will definitely do my best.” Now that I know what you mean, I can rest assured that I will fulfill my promise. Right now, I want to warn you that after returning to the court, you will have a good life as an official. Don’t let the emperor alienate you, that’s enough. As for the matter of apprenticing Li Jing, I’ll take care of it! ”

“Thank you, Your Highness!” Qin Mubai bowed gratefully.

“There’s no need to thank me. Actually, if you can join Li Jing’s sect, it will be beneficial to both the public and private kings. There’s no need to hide this from you.” Li Daozong laughed profoundly and said, “First of all, this king thinks highly of you as a talent to be carved. If you can succeed, then in the future, there will be an additional general of the Great Tang Dynasty, and this king will also have a companion robe to fight side by side. Isn’t that a good thing?” Secondly, over the past few years, the world had gradually become peaceful. Some of the founding fathers of the Imperial Court, who had been rewarded for their military merits, had a tendency to gradually be forgotten. Only the eldest Sun Wuji and Fang Xuanling, who were civil servants, appeared frequently. If a country does not attach importance to martial arts, it is bound to decline. It was time to train more generals for the Great Tang. Nowadays, among the younger generals, there was hardly anything particularly outstanding. It’s the same people from before. “What if we all become ancient? What will happen to the Great Tang Country?”

“Your Highness is wrong!” Qin Mubai said, “Your Highness, you are only forty years old this year. You are still Li Maogong and the others. You are also in your prime!”

“You’re only in your early twenties. Can we survive you?” Li Daozong laughed, “Actually, this king means that the Great Tang has a bit of a decadent posture now. It is necessary to increase its strength in the military, especially for a rising star like you. Do you understand this king’s intentions?”

“I understand.” Qin Mubai nodded and thought to herself, “So what Li Daoist Sect means is that the military general camp is slightly weak, and the power of the court has basically fallen into the hands of Eldest Sun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, and the others.” It was indeed not a good thing that civil and military strength were uneven. He was clearly trying to pull me in and join his camp!

Join me. I originally came from the General Sect, but now I’m in the military. Furthermore, I have some conflicts with Fang Yiai and Changsun Chong, so it is unlikely that I will get along well with Changsun Wuji and Fang Xuanling. Standing in line is sooner or later, wanting to step on two boats with exquisite footsteps is simply unrealistic. At that time, only two groups of people will dislike this undetermined fellow like me.

Rather than that, I might as well choose the military!

Because, I definitely can’t compare to the eldest Sun Wuji and the others who have immersed themselves in writing and writing for most of their lives. With such a natural advantage as my father, my own background as a Rong Wu, and now the introduction of the Li Dao Sect-unless my brain is broken, I will choose to be a civil servant who plays tricks on others all day long!