Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 183
Chapter 183 Jade Tent Scripture
After the ceremony was over, Li Jing happily invited the Qin Clan father and son into the main hall and sat down with the guests and served them tea.
Li Jing took out the Spirit Life Staff given by the Emperor and gave it a try. He was very satisfied. He smiled and said, “Your Majesty, you really sympathize with me. This walking stick fits my body. He has plenty of time and leisure to take care of such trivial matters. It is truly admirable!”
Qin Shubao said, “Big Brother, the Emperor’s favor to you is indeed extraordinary. In public, he also calls you brother. In fact, it makes us old ministers jealous!”
“Haha, Uncle Treasure is joking.” Li Jing laughed and sat down to treat them to tea.
Qin Mubai had been sitting quietly listening to Li Jing chatting with his father and carefully observing Li Jing. On the whole, Li Jing gave Qin Mubai a calm and approachable feeling. The more important a person was, the less arrogant they were on the other side, and the less likely they were to put on airs. If he were to walk in the streets, others would not know that he was Duke Wei, Li Jing. He, the Great Tang Army God who had swept away half of the invincible battles, looked like an amiable old man from the Lin Clan.
Li Jing’s home was also very simple. Most of the high-ranking officials and officials of the Great Tang Empire advocated thrift. The furnishings of Duke Wei’s Manor were as simple as those of the Qin Manor, but they were very clean and tidy. Just like Li Jing, he was low-key, concise and meticulous.
After chatting for a while, Qin Shubao said straightforwardly, “Big Brother, it’s been years since I last saw you. This fool has come to the Three Treasures Hall. I have something to ask of you today.”
“Uncle Treasure, how can you ask for a word? If you have something, you can say it directly.” Li Jing said with a smile.
Qin Shubao pointed at Qin Mubai and said, “My son followed in my footsteps and joined Rong Wu. Although he has learned some tricks and embroidery, he does not know anything about the art of war formation.” Big Brother, you also know that Qin Qiong and the others only know how to dance with guns and do good deeds. If it is said that they are teaching their sons the art of war, then even though they have the heart, they are lacking in strength. “That’s why I thought of bringing my son to Big Brother. Please give me some pointers.”
“This” Li Jing slightly knitted his eyebrows. His thin purple hand gently stroked his long white beard and pondered for a while before saying, “Uncle Bao, you and I have known each other for many years. You know my temperament.”
“Of course.” Qin Shubao chuckled and said, “Therefore, this fool does not dare to force others into a difficult situation. In any case, this fool only spoke with this old face. There is no need for big brother to make any trouble. Take it or leave it. This fool only relies on his elder brother’s advice and does not say anything else.”
“Uncle Bao, I also know your character. You never ask for help. Today, your honorable mouth is already open. I can’t refuse, but … I really have a hard time hiding it.” Li Jing said with a look of embarrassment on his face.
“Can you say it out loud and let this fool be your elder brother? You and I have been brothers for so many years. First, this fool will definitely not be forced to surpass you. Second, if there is any difficulty, this fool will be determined as your elder brother stabbing his saber in both ribs.” Qin Shubao said.
“Uncle Bao is still so loyal.” Li Jing glanced at Qin Mubai and smiled. “Anyway, Mubai is not an outsider, so I’ll tell him directly.” Actually, ever since the Northern Turkic Empire, I’ve always been in seclusion, not to mention accepting disciples to impart the art of war. Earlier, I accepted two disciples, one is Su Dingfang, the other is Hou Junji. The two of them are now independent gateways, and have almost cut me off. “Uncle Bao, do you know why?”
“What? Su Dingfang and Hou Junji have cut you off?” Qin Shubao’s sword-like eyebrows curled into a hint of anger. “How dare they be so disrespectful to their teachers?”
“No, no, it’s not their fault.” Li Jing frowned slightly and said, “I asked them to do so. Also, Li Yu, who had been friends with me for so long, also had a conflict with me and refused to interact with me.”
“This” Qin Shubao pondered for a moment before finally nodding. “I understand.”
Qin Mubai thought to himself. He seemed to have thought of something clearly. Li Jinggong was the only military god in the army that no one could replace. He was almost the symbol of the Tang army. Such a figure naturally had unparalleled prestige in the army. Nowadays, his disciples, Su Dingfang and Hou Junji, had become the generals in charge of military affairs. If he still openly interacted with Li Jing, what would the emperor think? At that time, as long as Li Jing was willing, he would gently wave his hand to gather thousands of soldiers and horses, perhaps he would be able to topple his Li Shimin’s dynasty!
Hence, Li Jing decided to cut off contact with Su Dingfang, Hou Junji, and others, and had a fight with Li Yu. In this way, the generals in the army would be at odds with each other, and the Emperor would be able to move and control them. If all the commanders were to cling together … then Li Shimin’s throne would probably be on pins and needles. In this way, it would be a crisis for Li Shimin, Li Jing, Li Xu, Su Dingfang, and even the entire Tang Dynasty!
Li Jing was indeed someone who could control the fate of the Great Tang!
…
“In that case, do I, Li Jing, still dare to accept disciples?” Li Jing chuckled, somewhat bitter and helpless. “Uncle Treasure, it’s not that I’m unkind, nor that I look down on Mubai. In fact, it’s … the situation forces me to do so, so I have no choice but to do so,” he said.
“Big Brother Zhi Xing and Zhong Chun, everything you do is for the sake of the Tang Kingdom and His Majesty the Emperor. This fool has nothing to say.” Qin Shubao sighed regretfully, “In that case, I can only sigh that Sanlang doesn’t have the fortune to join you!”
At this moment, Qin Mubai smiled slightly and said, “Duke Wei, father, there’s no harm in this matter. I only want to learn military techniques to serve the Great Tang and share the Emperor’s worries. However, if the Guild of Master Wei brings so many troubles and troubles, it will run counter to my wishes. Therefore, I don’t want to become a Guild Master Wei anymore.”
“Oh?” Li Jing let out a soft sigh and his old eyes swiftly and fiercely flashed across Qin Mubai’s face. He thought to himself, “This brat is quite smart. It seems that he has figured out the meaning of what I just said …” He took the opportunity to offer the Emperor’s gifts to his master and invited his father to lobby him. He seemed determined and fearless.
Li Jing thought, “The disciples of the Marquis of the Tang Dynasty want to take me as their master. However, everyone knows that I, Li Jinggong, am the Lord Gao Zhen. I am afraid that I will be suspected of causing trouble if I become close friends with him.” Was Qin Mubai the only idiot who came to learn so openly? Obviously not! He is a close minister of the emperor, how can he not know my Li Jing’s current situation? Since he had already come and opened his mouth … did that mean that he had already obtained the Emperor’s acquiescence?
Thinking of this, the corner of Li Jing’s eyes lit up. Then, a smile appeared on his face and he said, “It’s rare for you father and son to be so sympathetic to me. I’m very grateful. By the way, Uncle Bao, I have something to prove to you when we chat about home today.”
“Big brother, why don’t you tell me?” Qin Shubao said.
“Haha, I’m getting old too. I’m fine. I’m quite curious to hear some rumors.” Li Jing smiled and said, “I heard that the emperor retracted the rumor of marrying Princess Gaoyang to Fang Yiai. Is there anything about it?”
Qin Shubao’s heart lit up and he laughed loudly, “It’s time to ask my son about this!”
Qin Mubai smiled awkwardly and said, “That’s right, this is what happened.”
“Haha!” Li Jing laughed loudly, “I also heard that it was you, Qin Mubai, who invited Princess Gaoyang out of the palace and sent her to live in King Wu’s Mansion. Is there anything wrong?”
Qin Mubai continued to smile bitterly, “Yes, that’s right.”
“Haha!” Li Jing stroked his beard and smiled, “So, the Emperor wants to marry Princess Gaoyang to you. Is that true?”
“Haha! I didn’t expect Big Brother to live in seclusion in the mansion all day long and be so well-informed about the news outside.” Qin Shubao laughed loudly, “I haven’t even asked my son about this yet. Why don’t we ask Big Brother about it together today?”
At this moment, Qin Mubai thought, “Why did Li Jing suddenly ask about this’gossip ‘for no reason?” What was this old man planning? Could it be that he wants to know if I will become the Emperor’s’son-in-law ‘and find out if I have received the Emperor’s orders and recommendations to come to apprentice before deciding whether or not to accept me as his disciple?
A person like Li Jing is as wise and cautious as the sea. Regardless of what he is thinking … I’ll bet on it! Anyway, the matter between Princess Gaoyang and I is already an open secret, so there’s nothing to be ashamed of!
‘”Duke Wei, father’s words are about the marriage …” Qin Mubai revealed an embarrassed expression and said somewhat hesitantly, “I really don’t dare to hide it. Imperial Concubine Yin once mentioned it to me verbally. Everything is limited to this.”
‘”Haha! Imperial Concubine Yin is Princess Gaoyang’s biological mother. Since she has already spoken, it means that the Emperor has already instructed her. Otherwise, why would she make her own decision? In that case, I would like to congratulate you father and son. Sooner or later, the Qin Family will marry the Princess!” Li Jing laughed heartily.
“If that’s the case, then even if the Emperor’s kindness is great, our Qin Clan will be grateful to you. If it’s just rumors or jokes, then we can only laugh!” Qin Shubao also laughed loudly.
Li Jing chuckled lightly. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Qin Mubai carefully. Then, he said leisurely, “Mubai, it’s not that I don’t want to take you as my disciple. In fact … My Duke Wei’s Mansion looks peaceful on the surface, but it’s a troublesome place.” It’s rare for you to be so diligent and studious, and I can’t bear to refuse to let you cut off your path to study. How about this, this old man has written a military art with his own hands in the past two years, and only half of it has been completed. If you don’t dislike it, please take it back and copy it and read it carefully. If you don’t understand anything, you can come to my mansion every once in a while and ask me. ”
Hearing this, Qin Mubai was overjoyed. He suppressed the ecstasy in his heart and got up from the couch to bow down to Li Jing.
“Wait!” Li Jing shouted and stopped him, “Don’t bow to me!”
“Why is this?” Qin Mubai asked blankly.
Qin Shubao also stood up and walked to Qin Mubai with a long laugh. He patted his shoulder and said, “My silly son, listen to your Uncle Li!”
“In this way … this junior will kowtow to Duke Wei for the kindness of the book!” Qin Mubai still bowed down.
“Haha, alright, get up!” Li Jing stroked his beard and smiled. He nodded and said, “It’s just a broken book. There’s no need to give such a big bow. Come, you two come with me to the study. I’ll take the book from you.”
“Thank you, Duke Wei!”
The father and son followed Li Jing to the study room, but when they saw that the sweaty bull was filled with books like a mountain, they were tidied up neatly and spotlessly.
Li Jing walked to a bookshelf and asked Qin Mubai to take down a thick book from the ancient blue book box. He spread it out on the table and took out a large book half a foot thick.
There were three handwritten characters in the book-“Jade Tent Scripture”!
“This is a military book that I have been writing for the past two years. It includes the commander-in-chief, the march of the army, the formation of scouts, the weather, the formation of troops, and many prescriptions to cure the plague in the army.” Li Jing said, “For people who march all year round, these are things that are as clear as a chest. However, they are very useful for people like you who don’t have a battle formation. The upper part of this book has already been completed, so it’s temporarily over. You might as well take a copy of it and send it back to me so that I can complete the lower part.”
“Thank you, Duke Wei!” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and bowed. Then, he took off his Qilin cloak and carefully wrapped up the Military Treasure.
There was a poem in the Song Dynasty-“The Nine Earth Crouching Dragon could not breathe, and the Milky Stink Talk Soldiers were empty. Scholars did not know the Jade Tent Scripture, and they carried this picture all the time.”
The Jade Tent Scripture was a masterpiece of Li Jing’s many military art works. In the later generations, there was the Song Dynasty, and it almost became synonymous with the book of war!
Although Qin Mubai still couldn’t understand why Li Jing only gave the military book but didn’t accept disciples, it was good to have this military book!
A work of painstaking effort that had condensed the life-long experience of the ancient warlord, the Great Tang War God, was simply impossible to obtain!
“Uncle Bao, Mubai, don’t think I’m stingy and long-winded, father and son.” Li Jing said, “This old man’s military book must not be passed on to anyone else. Otherwise, the Emperor’s side …”
“Don’t worry, Duke Wei. This junior will abide by Duke Wei’s teachings and won’t let anyone else see this book.” Qin Mubai solemnly cupped his fists.
“Alright. A promise from a man is worth a thousand gold. I trust you.” Li Jing nodded with a smile.
“Two days later, this junior will return the original book!” Qin Mubai solemnly promised.
“Good! This time the day after tomorrow, this old man will be waiting for you here!”
Shortly after, the father and son bid farewell to Li Jing and left the manor to return home. Along the way, they were speechless. The father and son had their own worries as they hurried back to the Qin Manor. It was already dark and the lights were burning.
After dismounting, the two of them directly entered Qin Shubao’s room and opened the thick military book.
“That’s right, it’s indeed Li Jing’s handwriting. He wrote every word with his own hands.” Qin Shubao roughly flipped through his identification notes, closed the book, and solemnly said, “Sanlang, Li Jing is so generous, giving you all of his life’s hard work. You must cherish this opportunity and keep your promise!”
“Father, don’t worry. This child knows what to do.” Qin Mubai replied seriously.
“En, good” Qin Shubao sat down and heaved a sigh of relief. “Li Jing refused just now. I thought it was hopeless. Li Jing was like this. He had principles in everything and never exceeded the lightning pool in major matters. He was extremely cautious and careful. Just now, he suddenly changed his mind and gave you the military letter, which was somewhat unexpected to me. Mubai, have you ever wondered why Li Jing suddenly changed his mind? ”
Qin Mubai knitted her eyebrows and shook her head, “I don’t know.”
Qin Shubao chuckled, “It’s reasonable that you can’t figure it out.” Because you don’t know much about the relationship between our generation and the emperor. Actually, Li Jing had only taken the initiative to accept Su Dingfang as his disciple and taught him military strategy. Later, Hou Junji became Li Jing’s disciple under the Emperor’s strong recommendation. Just now, Li Jing asked about Princess Gaoyang. He had probably thought it through. It was the Emperor who recommended you to go. Although the Emperor did not give a strong order for Li Jing to accept his disciples, who would be able to persuade the Emperor’s face? Therefore, Li Jing has no choice but to seriously consider whether to accept you as his disciple. ”
“Then why didn’t he directly accept me as his disciple, instead, he only gave me the art of war?” Qin Mubai asked.
“This is even more learned.” Qin Shubao said, “Since the Emperor did not say that he would accept it, how could he dare to accept it?” Li Jing’s art of war was not only his book, but also the national treasure of the Great Tang Dynasty, and it was also the most precious treasure of a soldier. Soldiers were the lethal weapons of the country! If Li Jing casually accepted disciples and passed on his strategy to some Xiao juniors, wouldn’t it be a calamity for the Great Tang in the future? Therefore, Li Jing had always been extremely cautious in accepting disciples. Even if the prince’s relatives asked him to become his disciple, he would still reject them. ”
“But this time, it was the Emperor who asked you to go to Li Jing to pay your respects. The Emperor’s intentions can be said to be profound.” Qin Shubao continued, “First, let’s see if Li Jing is as cautious as the rumors say in the outside world. Second, let’s test whether Li Jing is only appointed by the Emperor. Third, deeper meaning … Perhaps the Emperor would like to see Li Jing’s art of war over the past two years!”
“What?!” Qin Mubai was stunned. “The Emperor asked me to give Li Jing such a longevity staff. Is there such a deep intention?”
“Therefore, I advised you not to underestimate the Emperor long ago. He never does anything meaningless.” Qin Shubao said, “Think about it. If Li Jing can help the Li Clan, what will his military skills mean? It’s like having a top martial artist in your mansion with a saber that can blow off hair and hair. As the Clan Head, even if you absolutely trust this expert, don’t you want to see what his saber looks like?”
“Father is wise, what you said is correct … In this way, this martial artist uses poison instead of knives, so it’s even more necessary to see. At the very least, he has to have an antidote.” Qin Mubai suddenly nodded and said, “That child, should I send this military book to His Majesty the Emperor first?”
‘”Smart. Didn’t Li Jing vaguely say’ Otherwise, the Emperor’s side ‘before we left? This old fox is hinting that you should send the letter to the Emperor first. Please go and have a look.” Qin Shubao waved his hand and said, “There’s no need to rest overnight. You should go immediately!”
“Yes!”
Looking at Qin Mubai carrying a thick book on his back as he walked out of the house, Qin Shubao stroked his long beard and laughed. He said to himself, “How is it, is Jiang still old and spicy? Brat, you still need to learn more!”
It was dusk drum time, and the palace gate was about to close. Qin Mubai directly entered the Black Tortoise Gate through the north gate and arrived at the Penglai Hall of the harem. Sure enough, he found Li Shimin. As usual, he was here for dinner with Li Zhi and Li Mingda.
After dealing with the two little fellows, the monarch and subject entered the study room. Qin Mubai directly removed the military book and placed it on Li Shimin’s desk. He said, “Your Majesty, this lowly subject went to look for Duke Wei to become his apprentice, but Duke Wei refused to accept this lowly subject as his apprentice. This lowly subject did not dare to specialize in the military book, so please hand it over to Your Majesty!”
Li Shimin chuckled and stroked the Jade Tent Scripture that still had ink fragrance. He didn’t even open it and said, “Since Duke Wei passed it on to you, then you should study it properly!”
Qin Mubai was deliberately stunned, “Your Majesty … aren’t you going to open this book?”
“No need.” Li Shimin smiled and said, “Actually, you don’t have to report such a small matter to me. This is between you and Li Jing. It doesn’t involve me, so why are you so serious?”
‘”I just feel …” Qin Mubai hesitated for a moment and said, “If it was a military letter given by His Majesty, I would be able to read it with a little peace of mind. If I were to hide it from His Majesty, I would feel like I’m bullying you.”
“Haha, your words are too heavy.” Li Shimin smiled and said, “Since you want to say that, then alright, I’ll treat this book as a gift from you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
“Keep it well. This is the most precious treasure of the Bing Clan.” Li Shimin looked at Qin Mubai and smiled meaningfully, “Take it back and read it carefully. If you have time, I might ask you for some advice.”
