Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 172

Chapter 172 Feng Yuan Everywhere
After a dinner at Li Ke’s house, Yuwen Hongtai and Yin Yang, who hadn’t seen each other for a long time, also entered the banquet. The two of them did not follow Li Ke to Jiangzhou to do business, but stayed in Chang’an to guard the palace. After hearing about the Jiangzhou case, they regretted it and hated not being able to participate in the addiction once.

Qin Mubai did not dare to stay any longer after the banquet, because the Emperor was still waiting for him to deliver his decree! After returning to the palace, he was immediately busy with Princess Gaoyang’s matters, and his official duties were temporarily delayed.

Hence, Qin Mubai bid farewell to Li Ke and the others and left the palace reluctantly under Princess Gaoyang’s reluctant farewell.

At this time, Li Shimin was enjoying a love dinner with Li Zhi and Li Mingda in the harem. It had been a long time since he had seen those two lovely and considerate little princes. Qin Mubai really missed them a little, so he went straight to Penglai Palace. Along the way, he thought to himself, “How strange. Why do I have such a close relationship with Li Shimin’s sons and daughters?”

Li Shimin was indeed in Penglai Hall, as if he was waiting for Qin Mubai to arrive. When Li Zhi and Li Mingda saw Qin Mubai, they shouted in surprise and rushed over, “Wow, Village Chief! Village Chief is back!”

“Haha! King Jin, Your Highness Princess, how are you?” Qin Mubai was also happy as he picked them up left and right. The two babies were like calves who had been separated from their mothers for a long time. They refused to come down from Qin Mubai’s body, and their little faces blossomed with laughter.

Li Shimin laughed from the side and allowed them to play for a while before letting the wet nurse take them away.

Monarchs and officials sat down at the table, drank a cup of tea, and played a game of chess.

Qin Mubai had once played chess with Li Ke and was no match for him. This time, he felt even more powerless against Li Shimin. This father and son were really alike. When it came to chess, as long as the game started, they would put in quite a bit of effort. Without regrets, they would not give way. It was as if they were fighting on a battlefield. There were hundreds of exquisite and strange moves in their plans. True swords and spears would attract blood.

Qin Mubai lost three consecutive rounds and was willing to lose. Originally, his chess skills were very ordinary, which was not his specialty.

During the chess game, Li Shimin did not talk about any official or private matters. He only focused on playing chess. “Mubai, your chess skills are not good. You have to practice more. This game of chess is like using a war, and there are many reasons for it. I will see how many books you have not read before. It is not good for a general to do this!” Mubai laughed loudly at this moment.

“Your Majesty’s eyes are as sharp as torches. I have indeed not read any military books seriously.” Qin Mubai followed his lead and continued. At this moment, he thought to himself, why did Li Shimin bring up the art of war for no reason? Playing chess was related to the art of war. This was clearly an excuse to open the topic.

“Haha, your aptitude is not bad. If you learn military techniques, you will definitely achieve great success.” Li Shimin said casually as if he was chatting with his family, “I joined the army at the age of sixteen and have fought for more than ten years under the heavens. I have read countless books of war and accumulated experience from thousands of wars. I have gained some insights into this field.” For the general, courage is courage, or learn some art of war. The so-called art of war was the way to defeat the enemy. Soldiers are not many, but fine, will not be courageous and in the use of force. If he was a good soldier, even though he was fearless with a single strike, he would still be able to defeat the crowd by a small margin. To the vulgar and mediocre who didn’t know their weapons, even though they held thousands of troops and horses in their hands, they were like a plate of loose sand, like chickens and tiled dogs being slaughtered by others. Although the world is peaceful and peaceful now, I, the monarchs and officials of the Great Tang, must always be prepared for danger and never forget martial matters. At all times, as a general, you must know how courageous the soldier is. Learning the art of war is the most important thing. ”

“Your Majesty has earnestly taught me. I will remember it in my heart.” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and bowed. “This lowly official once wanted to learn more about military arts, but it’s better to study without a book. The words in the book are mostly illusory and unpredictable, making this lowly official feel as if he was talking on paper. Even if he had memorized all the words in the book, he is still a useless general who doesn’t know his weapon.”

“Well said.” Li Shimin chuckled, “It’s better to study without a book than to study without a book.” Those who talk on paper can’t be generals. However, the young generals of your generation are indeed lacking many opportunities to participate in battle practice. However, if you have a teacher who has experienced hundreds of battles as a guide, it would be very different. First, he began to learn, then went on to practice and consolidate his knowledge. The two complement each other for the benefit of the great good. ”

Qin Mubai’s heart lit up, “Li Shimin is not talking about … letting me learn military techniques, right?” The King of Jiangxia once promised me that I would follow Li Jing. Could it be that he had already persuaded the Emperor to mention this matter now? Since the emperor has already started this, why don’t I be tactful and take the initiative to volunteer?

“Your Majesty has taught me very well. Actually, I have also asked my father for a lot of military arts. But my father told me that he also had a rough knowledge of military arts, but he is not proficient in them. My father said that inferior teachers cannot produce good disciples, so he is rarely willing to give me guidance.” Qin Mubai said, “In this way, a good teacher is hard to find, and this lowly official is helpless.”

“Haha, this dynasty’s famous general is unparalleled in the world, and there are countless rare generals in the past and present. What is a good teacher that is hard to find?” Li Shimin laughed loudly.

Qin Mubai hurriedly clasped his fists and said, “This lowly official is bold. Please hire a teacher for this lowly official. Please learn military techniques!”

“Haha, a child can be taught.” Li Shimin nodded and smiled, “Mubai, I ask you, who is the most outstanding general in your eyes?”

Qin Mubai pondered for a moment and said, “This lowly official has just entered the Rong Martial Arts. He has little experience and knowledge, so he dares not speak rashly. However, I have heard from my father and the others that if it is said that the use of war is wonderful, there are two people in this dynasty who can be called outstanding.”

“Which two?”

“It’s you, Your Majesty, and Apothecary Li, Duke of Wei.”

“Haha, Uncle Treasure has overestimated me too much. How can this crude trick of mine be compared to Duke Wei?” Li Shimin smiled and said, “In that case, do you want to become my teacher?”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Your Majesty, don’t make fun of me. Your Majesty has no avatar. How dare I disturb Your Majesty? Duke Wei is already idle at home to take care of his old age, and I don’t dare to disturb you.”

“Haha, I really don’t have time to accept any disciples to teach me any military arts. I’m sure that I won’t be able to teach them well either.” Li Shimin said, “However, there is no harm in Medicine Master Li’s side. Although he has always been cautious and never randomly accepted disciples, as long as I speak, he will definitely not refuse.”

Qin Mubai was overjoyed and immediately bowed, “This lowly official thanks His Majesty for his kindness!”

“Haha! Looks like you’re also thirsty for knowledge!” Li Shimin laughed loudly, “Stand up. This matter is easy. I will write an order for you to visit Apothecary Li, Duke Wei of the Kingdom of Wei in my stead.” The rest is up to you. Although I intend to recommend you to the Gate of Medicine to learn the art of war, I do not wish to make things difficult for you. Whether he was willing to accept disciples or not depended on his opinion. It depends on whether you have the ability to make him accept you willingly. Do you understand what I mean? ”

“I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty!” Qin Mubai thanked him happily. He thought to himself, Dao Sect Li has really given me a big favor this time! This can be considered a reward from Li Shimin!

“Someone, bring that sandalwood staff over.” Li Shimin summoned a eunuch to give him an order. After a while, the eunuch took out a sandalwood staff from a tiger-patterned box and handed it to the Emperor.

Li Shimin opened the box and took out a bright purple sandalwood cane. He said to Qin Mubai, “Mubai, take this and pay your respects to Duke Wei!” After calming down Tuyu Hun and returning, Medicine Master’s leg hurts and it is very inconvenient to walk. I specially sent someone to customize this cane for him. Originally, I had ordered two of them, one for Duke Wei and one for your father. “But I heard that your father’s condition has greatly improved. He no longer needs a walking stick. Is there anything wrong?”

Qin Mubai’s heart skipped a beat as he cupped his hands and said, “Just as His Majesty said, this is what happened. Thanks to the blessing of the heavens, my father’s condition has greatly improved. Now, not only does he not need a walking stick, he is also as if he has returned to his childhood. He has opened a two-stone bow, a rice bowl, and immediately fights with archers. I am no match for his old man.”

“Oh, really?” Li Shimin was a little surprised. “This is really a great thing! Alright, I will pay a visit to your Qin family one day to find out about Uncle Treasure’s illness. If it’s really as you said, wouldn’t it be that the War God of the Great Tang has returned? Haha! I’m very relieved!”

Qin Mubai was secretly happy, thinking, Li Shimin must have known about this news long ago. But when he spoke to me at this moment, he meant to reopen the door for my father. Looks like after this trip to Jiangzhou, I made a great contribution and added glory to the Qin Family. In this way, my father also got a lot of convenience. Furthermore, perhaps it has something to do with the Emperor’s intention to grant me Princess Gaoyang’s marriage. After all, it was possible that they would be “in-laws” in the future, so it was only natural for Li Shimin to take care of and help the Qin Family. When the time comes for our Qin Clan to regain its glory, Princess Gaoyang will be much more glorious if she marries into the Qin Clan.

This really complied with Li Ke’s words.

“This lowly official obeys the decree.” Qin Mubai took the cane with both hands and carefully placed it beside him.

“Jiang Zhou and his entourage, you and Quan Wanji have helped Li Ke to patrol and relieve the calamity on behalf of me. You have done a great job.” Li Shimin smiled and nodded, “You have lived up to my trust and handled everything I told you perfectly. There has been no uprising or plague or famine so far, and the victims have rebuilt their homes safely through the winter. Although I have issued an order to grant you good fields of gold and silver, it is still not enough to show your merits. Tell me, what do you want?”

“This lowly official has nothing else to ask for.” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and said, “Moreover, His Majesty has just bestowed me a great gift. I am already very satisfied!”

The implication was naturally that Li Shimin had recommended him to enter the Gate of Medicine to learn the art of war.

“Haha!” Li Shimin laughed loudly, “Good! Those who are eager to learn, use their insights and wisdom as wealth. I recommend you to be a good teacher, rather than rewarding you with thousands of gold and silver. Mubai, I hope that you will have great prospects in the future, inherit your father’s mantle, and become a famous general of our Great Tang Dynasty.”

“I will do my best!” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and bowed.

The case of Jiang Zhou, which was riddled with complicated insider stories, was easily swept by Li Shimin. After that, the two of them did not say anything about Jiangzhou, nor did they talk about Princess Gaoyang for the time being.

Qin Mubai also knew that letting Princess Gaoyang go free was definitely Li Shimin’s instructions or acquiescence. Why did he deliberately poke through this window paper at such a time and make him embarrassed?

This confrontation between Princess Gaoyang and Li Shimin ended with Princess Gaoyang’s final victory. In the end, it was Li Shimin’s “Father’s Heart” that defeated “Lord’s Heart”.

“By the way, the last time you were on vacation, I sent you to Jiangzhou. I owe you quite a bit of vacation.” Li Shimin chuckled and said, “The New Year is coming. It’s been a hard trip for you. Take a vacation and go back to rest for a while. You can come back to your post after the New Year!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Qin Mubai was secretly delighted, “Alright, let’s have a long vacation!” Recently, he had been really busy and exhausted, so he had to rest for a good period of time. Li Shimin also intentionally asked me to accompany Princess Gaoyang more, and then gave me enough time to find Li Jing’s apprentice, right?

No matter what, this was definitely a good vacation!