Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 16

Chapter 16 A Marriage Contract
Half an hour later.

On the polo field of the Wu Clan, there were songs and dancing smiles, and from time to time, there was a joyous cry of surprise.

Qin Mubai’s methods of coaxing a girl to be happy were never bad.

“Alright! Second Lady scored another goal! Commandant Qin, you need to do your best!” A group of women clapped their hands and shouted.

Qin Mubai and Wu Zhao had already become the core of this group of people.

In the Tang Dynasty, people used to address women as’mother ‘or’wife’, regardless of whether they were married or not. It was the same as calling a man ‘Lang’, casually carrying a hint of respect. Anything like “miss” was meant for prostitutes.

Wu Zhao clapped his hands, crossed his waist and pouted. He turned his head to look at Qin Mubai provocatively and giggled, “Captain Qin, don’t lose to me!”

“Why?” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Could it be that I lost and was able to make a promise? There seems to be no such thing in the bet.”

“Hehe!” A group of women covered their mouths and laughed, secretly whispering, “This Qin Mubai really has a good mouth. Although his words are slightly frivolous, they only have the smell of romance from his mouth, and he can make others happy with them.”

Fortunately, Qin Mubai’s words and actions weren’t too outrageous.

“Hmph! If you agree, I don’t want it!” Wu Zhao stomped his feet and argued with a blush, “Unless you!”

At this point, she felt speechless and stuck out her tongue to stop.

Just as Qin Mubai was about to play football, she deliberately stopped moving. She smiled and looked at her, “Unless I’m okay with it.”

“Hehe, Second Wife, hurry up and say it!” A group of women surrounded Wu Zhao and laughed jokingly. Wu Zhao’s pink cheeks turned red.

“You’re so annoying! Why are you all turning your elbows out!” Wu Zhao shyly started to fight with the crowd.

Only the female eldest sister of the Martial Family appeared much more dignified and steady. She smiled meaningfully and gently walked to Qin Mubai’s side, saying, “Young Master Qin, don’t take it seriously. Second sister has always been accustomed to spouting nonsense without restraint.”

“What if I accidentally take it seriously?” Qin Mubai laughed strangely. Wasn’t this obvious? Did this Wu Clan’s eldest sister have something to say? Of course, he had to give her face and go deeper into the topic.

Eldest Sister Wu smiled faintly. She clearly understood what was happening and said, “Young Master Qin is carrying a person who is as meticulous and lovable as a hair.” To be honest, my second sister has been a lively and arrogant person since childhood. Although she is a daughter, she is like a man. This year, he was fourteen years old and was still waiting for words. Her mother and elder brother asked about her marriage. If it were us, we would definitely be ashamed and not daring to say anything, but she said that we would not marry unless it was a prominent family or a heroic romantic figure. ”

“Noble clans, heroic and elegant. Interesting.” Qin Mubai smiled and skillfully stopped the conversation.

If you want to capture him, you can’t do anything good in a hurry.

“Does Young Master Qin have any intentions?” Eldest Sister Wu didn’t want to let him off so easily, so she waited for an opportunity to ask.

“According to Eldest Sister’s meaning, this lowly one meets her standards?” Qin Mubai couldn’t help but laugh.

From the bottom of his heart, a gorgeous and precocious girl like Wu Zhao, with a few childish children, would be tempted when a man saw her. However, it was a bit ridiculous for Qin Mubai to talk about marriage at first sight.

This was like eating a ginseng fruit. Qin Mubai didn’t taste it at all like a pig, which was obviously not Qin Mubai’s usual style.

“Does Young Master Qin really think that this lowly concubine doesn’t recognize you?” The eldest sister of the Wu Clan smiled and whispered, “Right now, your name has already resounded throughout Chang’an City. You play an excellent pipa. Even the Emperor praises you endlessly. Calling you ‘Grandmaster of the First Generation’ is now a household name for a famous person.” Third Young Master of the Qin Clan, a distinguished family, a heroic young romantic figure, isn’t that just right? Moreover, during my father’s lifetime, I had some friendship with Lord Linghun. “Isn’t this a good thing?”

‘No wonder she called me Young Master.’ Qin Mubai looked at her in astonishment and thought.

Intermarriage between prominent families was extremely normal in the Great Tang Dynasty. Although the Wu Clan had fallen, it was still a prominent clan in the early Tang Dynasty. Moreover, the mother of the Wu Clan sisters was the Yang Clan, the daughter of the former Sui Imperial Clan. Their clan was not much inferior to the Qin Clan.

However, why was this eldest sister of the Wu Clan, who had already married the Helan Clan, so anxious to marry a younger sister?

After some thought, Qin Mubai thought of something. The Wu Clan had left Chang’an for a long time and their clan had fallen into despair, so they had lost any foundation in Chang’an. If he could get married to a wealthy family in a short period of time after returning to Chang’an, it would naturally be a good thing for the Wu family to have an in-laws like the Qin family to take care of him. Not to mention the comeback of Feng Yun, he could at least survive on a better footing.

Wu Zhao was only the daughter of his stepmother and was not worth much to the Wu Clan. Using her to exchange for these benefits was obviously a good thing.

Indeed, there was no free lunch in this world. Every inch of land between wealthy families was filled with benefits!

“Sister, what are you guys hiding for? Brother Qin, hurry up and play football! Could it be that you’re really afraid of losing?” Wu Zhao’s voice sounded like a hundred spirits. Qin Mubai and the Wu Clan’s eldest sister had no choice but to temporarily stop their discussion.

“Young Master Qin, if you want to, why don’t you talk to my brother and mother in detail?” The Wu Clan’s eldest sister left this sentence and walked away with a meaningful smile.

“Am I really destined to commit a peach blossom? This has already passed through reincarnation. As long as I touch a woman’s side, I can tell a story.” Qin Mubai blinked a few times and picked up the ball and kicked it away.

The prestigious reputation of Chinese men’s football did not scare men like Qin Mubai. Normally, they would play a few kicks when they were free. Although the level is not good, penalty kicks are always strong.

But Qin Mubai lost.

A group of girls led by Wu Zhao won a high-quality colored silk from the palace. Adding on Qin Mubai’s beautiful mouth, they all smiled happily and contentedly. On the polo field, the colorful balls danced with the clouds, and the spring scenery was endless.

A man and a woman, the man was handsome and romantic. Qin Mubai was clearly like a moon in the stars amongst these women.

Just as he was having a good time, Wu Yuanqing arrived.

When the three women of the Wu Clan saw this eldest brother, they all calmed down. Wu Zhao’s face grew longer as he turned away with a muffled snort.

The warrior had already passed away. There was a saying that his eldest brother was like a father. Naturally, Wu Yuanqing was in charge of this Wu Clan. Obviously, the relationship between these three concubine daughters and their eldest brothers was not very wonderful.

“Young Master Qin, His Highness sent me to invite you over.” Wu Yuanqing did not dare to neglect Qin Mubai as he bowed down and bowed to Qin Mubai.

Wu Zhao’s eyes immediately lit up, and he curled his lips as if he was relieved of his hatred. He smiled evilly and complacently.

“I’ll be right there.” Qin Mubai nodded and signaled for him to leave first. He still wanted to say goodbye to these beauties.

“Then I’ll take my leave. I’ll go to King Wu to reply first.” Wu Yuanqing cupped his hands and bowed. He gave Wu Zhao a few meaningful glances, then turned around and quickly left.

“Hehe! Seeing this fellow’s servant-like demeanor, my heart is filled with joy!” Wu Yuanqing didn’t take a few steps further when Wu Zhao spoke.

“Sister, stop talking nonsense.” Eldest Sister hurriedly said to seal her mouth, saying that she couldn’t reveal her family’s shame.

“What can’t I say? Hmph!” Wu Zhao curled his lips and said with disdain and hatred, “He would bully women like us and mother. He even told us to stay in the backyard and not go to the main residence. Didn’t he say yesterday that he would drive us back to our hometown and not allow us to stay in Chang’an?” If you don’t even give us a single cent of the land, you clearly want to starve us to death! “Mother cried all night. I hate him to death!”

“Sigh, little sister is straightforward. We can discuss these things on any occasion.” Eldest Sister Wu shook her head helplessly and smiled bitterly. She said to Qin Mubai, “Young Master Qin is laughing at the trivial scandals in the family.”

“It doesn’t matter. I feel that the Second Lady is a little brave and heroic.” Qin Mubai smiled and looked at Wu Zhao for a few moments before turning around and leaving.

Not long after Qin Mubai walked, the group of girls behind him began to discuss.

“Hehe, this Qin Mubai really knows how to speak and is not bad looking. He is a wonderful person!”

“Second Wife, could it be that you’ve fallen in love with him?”

“Nonsense, begging for a beating! He’s just a rank seven lieutenant. He’s just a little talkative. How could I …”

“Hehe, your face is blushing, your face is blushing!”

…

Qin Mubai came to the front hall of the Wu Clan. Li Ke sat there with a golden saber. Several guards were waiting outside the hall. Beside him were the two brothers of the Wu Clan and a half-old Xu Niang.

It must be the mother of the Wu Zhao sisters and the others, the Yang family. Including her age, she was already around sixty, but she was still well-maintained and radiant. From her body, one could vaguely see some shadows of a martial artist. One could imagine how beautiful it was back then.

“Concubine Yang greets Captain Qin.” The Yang Clan came from a noble family, and they kept a low profile and endured it. As a third-grade madam, they now bowed to Qin Mubai first.

“I don’t dare. This junior greets Madam Yang.” Qin Mubai bowed and Li Ke beckoned him over.

“Come, Brother Mubai, sit beside this king. Madam Yang, please sit down as well. There’s no need to be formal.” Li Ke obviously had ulterior motives, intentionally raising Qin Mubai’s status. He laughed strangely, not knowing what kind of medicine he was selling in his gourd.

Qin Mubai sat down, looked at Li Ke suspiciously, and asked him the meaning of his behavior with his eyes.

“Mubai, it’s like this.” Li Ke cleared his throat and said solemnly, “You and I grew up together like brothers. You are not young, so it’s time to talk about marriage, right?”

“Huh?” Qin Mubai was slightly stunned. “Why did His Highness suddenly mention this?”

“What? Did this king say something wrong?” Li Ke smiled strangely and said, “Isn’t it human righteousness for a man to marry a woman? What do you think, Madam Yang?”

“Your Highness is well-versed in righteousness, so what you said is naturally correct.” Mrs. Yang replied.

Qin Mubai understood that the two of them were singing together.

“I brought you to Duke Ying’s Mansion today for a serious matter.” Li Ke’s face darkened slightly and he said very formally, “This prince is a matchmaker. How about you marry Mrs. Yang and her daughter Wu Zhao?”

“What?” Qin Mubai would have jumped up if it weren’t for his extraordinary calmness.

Isn’t this too much of a joke? !

“Didn’t you hear clearly? Or did you object?” Li Ke said seriously, “Duke Ying is one of the eight prime ministers of the Martial Dynasties, one of the founding fathers of the Dragon Meritorious Minister, a rank one Duke, and a Minister of Rites conferred by the present Sacred Shi.” In terms of family background and bloodline, Wu Zhao is worthy of you. As for the characters … you must have seen them just now. As expected, no man in the world would be dissatisfied with her. Am I right? ”

“Indeed, it’s not bad.” Qin Mubai could only smile bitterly when she saw Li Ke speak righteously like a prince. She could not slap Li Ke in the face in front of Madam Yang and reject him sternly.

This Li Ke was really capable of acting tough.

Speaking of which, Wu Zhao was indeed a top-grade woman. It was either hypocrisy or eunuchs to say that a man was unmoved when he saw her.

“Then it’s settled.” Li Ke laughed heartily and patted his thigh with one hand, “A gentleman is beautiful. I think I must have done a great thing today.”

“Your Highness, wait!” Qin Mubai said, “Marriage is a big matter. The matchmaker ordered by my parents should at least consult Mrs. Yang and my father.”

This was the last excuse Qin Mubai could come up with. Although he had a good impression of the martial photos, this kind of thing about getting married as soon as they met was indeed a terrible sight to him. It was just like how Pig Bajie ate ginseng fruit. He lost his stomach without even tasting the taste of it. Moreover, if you like milk, do you have to raise a cow?

“Don’t worry, this prince is the kind of person who handles matters recklessly and rashly?” Li Ke laughed loudly, “Mrs. Yang is here. Isn’t it obvious what her opinion is? Otherwise, can this king force her? Also, when you were playing Cuju with the Wu sisters and the others in the backyard, this king went to your mansion and told the Duke and Duchess of Yi Kingdom about this marriage.”

“What?” Qin Mubai couldn’t help but be dumbfounded. This Li Ke’s efficiency was also a little higher … Was this a whim, or was it a premeditation? Or, both?

A gentleman is a beauty. He has accomplished my good deeds. Does our Qin Family owe him a favor? Is it going to become his good deeds? … You’re doing a good job with your calculations!

“There’s no need to make a fuss. Actually, your father and your mother have been thinking about your marriage.” Li Ke smiled strangely and said, “There’s no need to be picky with a woman like her. Your mother doesn’t need to say anything. She can’t wait to marry a beautiful woman today. Even your father, who has always been as motionless as a mountain, shows some joy.”

Qin Mubai was speechless.

In this situation, it seemed that he had stretched out his neck to slash, while he had also shrunk his neck to slash. Then … reluctantly make things difficult!

“Looks like Brother Mubai has no objections, alright!” Li Ke clapped his hands and said, “You two are engaged today. Mrs. Yang, what do you think?”

“This concubine is a maiden. She is completely at His Highness’ disposal.” Mrs. Yang looked deeply at Qin Mubai and nodded and smiled with satisfaction. Obviously, her mother-in-law was quite satisfied with Qin Mubai’s second son-in-law.

Very quickly, Li Ke pulled out a piece of paper from his bosom like a magic trick. It was actually a marriage contract. Sure enough, there were already the signatures of Wu Yuanqing and Qin Shubao and the handprints of his mother, Madam Liu.

“This Li Ke is truly amazing!” Qin Mubai didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Sign your mother and son-in-law, and this engagement deed will be considered complete.” Li Ke said, “I, the big matchmaker, am here to discuss other matters with you.”