Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 184

Chapter 184 A Little More Ruthless
After bidding farewell to the Emperor and leaving Penglai Hall, Qin Mubai slowly walked around the Imperial City with his horse in hand. After thinking carefully, he couldn’t help but secretly shake his head.

He remembered that Qin Baiji had heard his father’s reminder when he first took up the post of Mubai. Never ignore the emperor, he is the ruler and decider of all; The Emperor’s side had always been the most complicated, and nothing could be considered simple.

Looking back, Qin Mubai felt that his father’s words were utterly reasonable. In just a short year, Qin Mubai had been working beside the Emperor. His entire body seemed to have shed a layer of tender skin. He had also learned the world and was also tactful. When things happened, he would ask a few more questions over and over again, and he would always involuntarily go to the Emperor’s side to think about it.

On the surface, the events of the past year seemed to have nothing to do with the Emperor, but in fact, they all originated from the Emperor. It was a metaphor for the conflict between him and Changsun Huan.In the end, the emperor fired Changsun Huan.He maintained the prestige of Baiji. Later, when Princess Gaoyang approached, the ambiguity and even the matter had evolved to this point, the indirect pusher behind the scenes was also the Emperor. Later on, in the Jiangzhou case, which of them had nothing to do with the emperor when they were apprenticed to Li Jing?

Qin Mubai sighed inwardly. Being mixed up in a complex and dangerous place like the Emperor, and being with a group of senior expert politicians like Li Shimin, life was really hard and scary.

One word, tired!

I need to decompress, I need to relax, I need to change the environment to recharge.

In Qin Mubai’s heart, the idea of job hopping became even more resolute.

Walking through the familiar imperial city, Qin Mubai could not help but sigh in his heart when he saw the barracks of the Hundred Cavalry from afar. Perhaps I would never enter this barracks again. This barracks that I personally built, the army that I personally built, is about to hand over to others.

Forget it, there are gains and losses in everything, there are gains and losses, where do you get the beauty of both? Even if I really leave Baiji, I’m afraid that I, someone Qin, will forever be branded in this powerful army. After all, I am their creator and the first commander in chief! Perhaps one of the Heavenly Mountains doesn’t spin, and I’m back?

After leaving the Imperial City, Qin Mubai rode his horse and whipped wildly. The cold winter breeze blew across his face, and there was a bone-chilling chill. At the same time, a trace of parting sadness and unwilling to part with him arose in his heart.

“So, I actually have feelings for this imperial city …”

When they got home, the whole family was still waiting for him to eat. Yao’er also came back early today, saying that the number one wine in the world was closed for a few days, expanding her appearance and redecorating it. It turned out that the number one wine in the world had bought off all the shops on the left and right. Wu Meiniang waved her hands and feet, demolishing all three houses and rebuilding them. She swore that she would build the number one “entertainment place” in the world. The restaurant was renamed Qin Xian Pavilion.

Wu Meiniang’s actions could be said to be quite intentional, directly using the name of Imperial Wine “Qin Xianjiu” to name her new wine restaurant. On the one hand, she was probably announcing to her peers that she was the only one who used genuine Qin Xian Wine. Furthermore, she dared to use the name of Imperial Wine to name her restaurant. This privilege was not something any other merchant could possess. Secondly, she had the intention to announce to the public that her marriage with Qin Mubai was certain. She was running a wine shop in the name of Qin Family’s daughter-in-law.

Yao’er said that Wu Dongjia had used all his money to build this new wine shop. It was said that she had pawned five hectares of land left behind by her father because she did not have enough money.

Qin Mubai guessed that there must be a special reason why Wu Meiniang had suddenly expanded and rebuilt so drastically-could it be that the Imperial Court had already awarded her the title of “Great Tang Righteous Merchant”? Otherwise, how would she dare to use words like “Qin Xian” as her shop name?

Very likely!

Thinking back carefully, Wu Meiniang had never bothered herself with all these things. She hadn’t even said a word about it. She was silently doing it by herself. Apart from sighing at her ability, Qin Mubai was also somewhat ashamed. As a grown man, he didn’t take the initiative to help her at all.

After dinner, Qin Mubai and his family took a walk in the courtyard for a while, then hid in the room and began to copy the Jade Tent Scripture. Qin Shubao knew that he had an urgent matter to attend to, so he didn’t ask him to come and practice martial arts.

In a battle room, the lights were as yellow as beans. Qin Mubai sat down at his desk and wrote hard.

It was almost midnight, and the fire in the room was about to go out. It was freezing cold, and he couldn’t help but feel his hands and feet stiff from the cold. Just as she was about to fetch some charcoal to refill, little sister Shuang’er came over with a basin of fire in her hand and smiled.

“Third Brother, let me be considerate of you, right? The weather is cold and I know you’re busy, so I’ve added charcoal for you!”

“It’s really my good Shuang’er. Hurry up and put it down.”

Qin Mubai invited Shuang’er into the room. The siblings roasted their hands and feet on the charcoal fire and heard the owl’s cry outside.

“Yi, what a nuisance! I hate hearing this noise the most in the big night!” Shuang’er complained.

Qin Mubai couldn’t help but feel moved. He smiled and said, “Wait a moment, I’ll go take care of it!”

Without any explanation, Qin Mubai carried the bow and arrow hanging on the wall and walked out the door. After searching the courtyard for a while, he found an adult owl. With an arrow, he was able to catch it.

Shuang’er was shocked when she carried the owl into the room. “Brother, if you kill it, you kill it. Why did you bring it back?”

“You don’t know that this bird’s feathers are of great use.” Qin Mubai pulled out a few long-winged feathers and used a knife to cut them for a while. He smiled and said, “Haha, good pen, good pen! This is much faster than that wolf-hair hose!”

“Eh, can this also be used as a pen?”

“Of course!” Qin Mubai smiled as she walked to the desk and immediately wrote with ink stained on her feathers. Although there is no defatting and no hardening, but also can be used. Writing books is much smaller and more flexible. It is several times faster and saves more paper.

“Hehe, Third Brother, you’re so smart!”

“Tomorrow, we’ll process it again, and this one will be even more useful.” Qin Mubai covered Shuang’er’s blushed face and smiled, “My dear sister, did you come to find me in the middle of the night?”

“No, clearly not, hehe!” Shuang’er smiled, her face turning even redder.

Qin Mubai knew what she was thinking and smiled. “I have to be busy reading books at home these two days and have no time to go out. Can you do two things for me?” She said.

“En, Third Brother, just give me your instructions.”

‘”First, go to Mother Mei’s place for me and ask if there is anything I can do for you. If you have free time, you can stay there and take care of her. By the way, tell her that I will be busy these two days and that I may not have time to accompany her. Please forgive me.” Qin Mubai said.

“Hehe, Third Brother, you really care about Mama Mei!” Shuang’er smiled and said, “Don’t worry! I like this sister-in-law very much. I’ll run to her more in the next two days. Even if I can’t help her, it’s only right to say something nice in front of her for Third Brother.”

“So good.” Qin Mubai gently pinched her cheek and continued, “The other thing is, after breakfast tomorrow, you should go to Prince Wu’s Mansion.”

“Uh …” Shuang’er was stunned for a moment, her face turning even redder. “What are you doing there?”

“Isn’t it because of Princess Gao Yang?” Qin Mubai smiled bitterly. “This girl, she hasn’t seen me for a long time and is going to make a fuss. Today, you saw her. I didn’t go to Prince Wu’s Mansion to see her, so she took the initiative to come to our house. You go to Prince Wu’s Mansion to stabilize her. Don’t let her disturb my business these two days.”

“Yes, I know” Shuang’er’s face flushed red as she nodded.

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Alright, don’t be so embarrassed. Go back and rest as soon as possible. If your father asks you about it when you leave this morning, tell him that you made an appointment yesterday to go and play with Princess Gao Yang. Father will definitely not stop you.”

“Hehe, I know! Father seems to like Princess Gaoyang quite a bit.” Qin Shuang’er laughed happily and said a little shyly, “Then I’m leaving, Third Brother. You should rest early, don’t be too late.”

“Mm, remember to tell your family not to call me tomorrow morning.” Qin Mubai sent her sister away and sat down to continue reading.

Unconsciously, it was already dawn. Qin Mubai copied a thick stack of books, but there was still a long way to go. While copying the book, he also memorized and comprehended it once. He couldn’t help but admire Li Jing greatly in his heart.

Many things seemed to be easier said than done. Qin Mubai was originally a student of the National Defense University of Science and Technology. He believed that he had learned a lot of modern military theories and didn’t care much about the military thoughts of the ancients. However, after copying the book all night, Qin Mubai really felt that he was only a “theoretician” in this aspect. If he practiced it, his eyes would definitely be darkened.

War in the cold weapon era and war in the modern era are two completely different things. Qin Mubai learned more details from this art of war. For example, the sacrifices and rituals that had been established during the expedition, the appointments of generals and the distribution of sergeants in the seven armies, the assignment and management of grain farmers, and even the distribution of horses and ordnance, as well as the main points of the scouts setting up camp, were completely unfamiliar to Qin Mubai. This is just preparation before the war. If we really want to start a war, the weather, hydrology, yin and yang, enemy reconnaissance and formation, siege, fire and water facilities, prevention and control of human outbreaks, and the timing of Zhengqi’s use of troops …

What a profound knowledge!

The first volume of the Jade Tent Scripture was all about the “basic skills” of these marching troops. It could be said that it was a compulsory course for any Great Tang general. Qin Mubai felt that he was now like a preschool student who needed to be mended!

…

At dawn, Qin Mubai summoned his servant to bring some hot water to wash up. He ate some porridge soup wrapped around his stomach and lay down to rest.

At this time, in King Wu’s Mansion.

Princess Gaoyang got up early in the morning, dressed up for a long time in front of the bronze mirror, and walked out of the room under Li Ke’s countless calls.

Li Ke’s eyes couldn’t help but shine, “Oh, I didn’t expect little sister to dress so beautifully!”

“Hmph, then you mean that I didn’t look good before!” Princess Gaoyang curled her lips and wrinkled her nose.

“Haha! Dressed so beautifully, where are you going?” Li Ke asked jokingly.

“Hehe, Mubai promised me yesterday that he would take me out to play today!” Princess Gaoyang said happily.

Li Ke smiled evilly and said, “What if … he is like yesterday?”

“Then I must strangle him to death!” Princess Gaoyang hatefully shouted.

“Are you willing?” Li Ke laughed loudly, “I think you’re going to go crazy right now. Why are you doing this for him? Did you only dream about him in the middle of the night?”

“I want you to take care of it!” Princess Gao Yang pretended to be a ghost and touched her stomach, “Hurry up, eat! I’m hungry, so I can go out with Mu Bai when I’m full! But I have to hurry up, I can’t be robbed by others first.”

“Who took the lead? Wu Meiniang?” Li Ke laughed loudly.

‘”Ah!” Princess Gaoyang was stunned. She realized that she had accidentally spilled the beans. She rolled her eyes and pouted embarrassedly, “Third Brother, do you think … how could Wu Meiniang be so beautiful?”

“Is it wrong for a parent to be more beautiful?” Li Ke said amusedly.

“It just shouldn’t be!” Princess Gao Yang sat down and was still in high spirits. She was a little flabbergasted. She snorted and said, “Not only is she beautiful, she’s also so capable. She was with Mu Bai earlier than me. Moreover, she is more mature and sensible than me. She has managed such a large family business at such a young age. She really can’t afford it. Compared to her … I’m simply useless!”

“What, do you feel the danger?” Li Ke smiled and patted Princess Gao Yang’s shoulder. “My stupid sister, emotions don’t rely on comparison. It’s not that you are stronger than her, so you are more confident in capturing Mu Bai’s heart.”

“Then what are you relying on?” Princess Gaoyang curled her lips and said, “I thought about it in the middle of the night when I came back yesterday. I don’t seem to be worth mentioning except for the name of a princess … In the past, Mubai hated me very much!” I also know that I used to be so arrogant and domineering that I didn’t know what to do. I only know how to make trouble and don’t know what to do. Compared to Wu Meiniang, this was simply a far cry from the heavens! Third Brother, I’m really afraid that Mubai will only pamper Mama Mei and not me … ”

“I’m not afraid! If he dares to abandon him, Third Brother will cripple him for you!” Li Ke said with a stiff face.

“You dare! No!” Princess Gaoyang immediately became anxious and shouted loudly.

“Haha! You’re really a woman! You’re eating inside and stealing outside!” Li Ke helplessly shook his head and smiled, “I’m just kidding. How can I turn against Mu Baiqing and become enemies?” But little sister, you really don’t need to think so much. Emotional matters depended on fate and management. Your persistence and simplicity are very enjoyable. People are different. You don’t have to compare with Wu Meiniang. You are two completely different types of people. ”

“Is that so?” Princess Gaoyang blinked her big watery eyes and said, “Then what do you think Mubai likes about me?”

“I’m not him. How would I know? There’s no reason for emotions. Like is like, don’t like is don’t like.” Li Ke smiled and said, “If there are so many conditions to talk about emotions, then it is not true emotions. It is trading and buying.”

“Eh … Third Brother’s words are reasonable.” Princess Gaoyang felt a little enlightened and said, “Just like how I liked Qin Mubai back then, there was no reason for me to unknowingly fall in love with him. I was willing to do anything for him and give everything for him.” Thinking carefully, I don’t know what I like about him. Actually, he’s bad. He’s been bullying me all this time! There are many people who treat me well and curry favor with me as if I were a precious treasure, but I don’t like any of them. ”

‘”So, so” Li Ke strolled back and forth with his hands cut off, and said seriously, “Everyone has a fiend star in their lives. If they meet, they will be stupid. They will do anything for him, even if it’s a moth that puts out a fire. Obviously, Qin Mubai is the devil star in your life!”

Just as he was speaking, the manor official came to report that someone had asked to see him at the door. The person who came was a woman who claimed to be surnamed Qin.

“Hehe, it must be Qin Shuang’er! Third Brother, the Demon Star in your life is also here!” Princess Gaoyang jumped up excitedly and asked the manor official, “Did they come together?”

Li Ke’s face twitched slightly as he thought to himself, “Gaoyang is going to be disappointed … If Qin Mubai came with Qin Shuang’er, would there be a need to report Shuang’er’s name?” Shuang’er … but it’s been a few years since she came to my mansion!

On the other side, Princess Gaoyang finished listening to the official’s report and curled her face unhappily. “How could this be? Shuang’er came, but Mubai didn’t? Hmph! What kind of trick is this guy trying to play? What excuse did he find to hide from me? I’m so angry!”

“Cough … invite her in.” Li Ke put on a display to send the manor officials away first.

Princess Gaoyang bites her lips gloomily for a while, then suddenly comes back to her senses. Gu Ling leans over to Li Ke strangely and asks, “Third Brother, I’m very curious. Why do you have such deep feelings for Shuang’er?” The beautiful woman beside you is really a sea of people. She is better than Shuang’er, and even more talented and skilled. “Why do you have a crush on her?”

“It’s none of your business. Stop asking around!” Li Ke angrily propped up her face, wanting to push her away.

“No, no, I won’t do it!” Princess Gaoyang’s face was squeezed flat. She still stubbornly raised her neck and grabbed Li Ke’s wrist with both hands. She giggled and said, “If you don’t tell me, I’ll talk nonsense in front of Qin Shuang’er in a moment!”

“Alright, I’m afraid of you!” Li Ke could only let go and nervously glanced outside. From afar, he saw Qin Shuang’er walking towards the corner of the flower garden. He hurriedly said, “Because Shuang’er is my … first love. Do you know now?”

“First … love?” Princess Gaoyang blinked her eyes and muttered, “Mubai is also the first man I like! But I’m not the first woman she likes. What should I do?”

“Salad! Cut the crap, she’s coming!”

Princess Gaoyang sat to the side with a bitter face. She supported her chin with both hands and muttered to herself, “There’s no need to guess, Mubai definitely won’t be able to come today. Let Shuang’er deliver a message. Ah … what do I need to do to catch Mubai’s heart? Wu Meiniang, such an outstanding woman …”

“I told you to stop nagging!” Li Ke waved his hand anxiously and hurriedly said, “There are only two ways for a woman to catch a man’s heart!”

“Which two methods?”

Li Ke’s fingers were as serious as a sermon, “First, love him; second, love him with all his might!”

Princess Gaoyang was speechless for a while and said embarrassedly, “Do you think I still have anything left?”

“Idiot! You’ve already caught his heart, but you don’t have confidence in yourself!” Li Ke said, “Although Wu Meiniang is preconceived, I can guarantee that you love Mu Bai even more than she does … You can catch Mu Bai’s heart even more than her!”

Princess Gaoyang was stunned and suddenly smiled happily, “Then I will love you harder in the future!”