Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 185

Chapter 185 Difficult To Choose
Qin Mubai slept soundly from dawn to noon. Just as he was about to wake up from his daze, he felt an itch in his nose. He couldn’t help but sneeze and immediately woke up.

“Keke!” Someone in the room let out a string of delicate smiles. Qin Mubai turned around and saw that it was Shuang’er and Mei Niang.

“You two!” Qin Mubai bowed and crawled out of the quilt. She leaned against the pillow and yawned a few times before asking, “What time is it now?”

“It’s time for lunch. Mother told me to wake you up.” Shuang’er smiled and said, “Mother Mei has been here for more than half an hour, and you are not allowed to be woken up by me. She is too spoiled for you!”

Qin Mubai chuckled, “Apologize, Mother Mei, I’ve kept you waiting. By the way, how is your ‘Qin Immortal Pavilion’ cooking? Apologize, I’ve been too busy these past two days to come over and help you.”

“It doesn’t matter. I have enough help to get over here.” Wu Meiniang smiled as she walked to Qin Mubai’s bed and sat down. “Didn’t you see that I had enough free time to come to your house to play?”

Qin Shuang’er stuck out her tongue and made a face at Qin Mubai behind Wu Meiniang. There was no need to guess, this girl must have “kidnapped” Wu Meiniang.

“Right, I have something to tell you.” As Wu Meiniang spoke, she took out an invitation and handed it to Qin Mubai. “How strange. It has been a year since the opening of the number one wine in the world. Only King Wei and King Wu have gone to support it, but the Crown Prince rarely has anything to do with us. Previously, Han King Li Yuanchang, who was very close to the Crown Prince, even made things unpleasant for us.” However, this time, the Crown Prince took the initiative to help me. Before the new xiu of the shop was completed, he sent someone to send a congratulatory gift and invited me to the Eastern Palace for a banquet on the third day, saying that it was the Crown Princess’ birthday. ”

“Mm, is there such a thing?” Qin Mubai looked at the invitation in surprise.

“Obviously, this invitation is for you.” Wu Meiniang said, “I have never had any dealings with anyone from the Eastern Palace.”

“Yes, I know.” Qin Mubai nodded and asked, “What did you say the Crown Prince did for you?”

“Helped me with two things.” Wu Meiniang said, “A few days ago, Chu Suiliang and a few of his aides came to my shop for a drink, so I personally went out to receive them.” Chu Suiliang told me that he had already handed me a folding book and asked the Emperor for instructions to obtain a title of ‘Great Tang Righteous Merchant’, but he had never found it. At that time, I did not think so either. I thought that if there was one, then there was none. I could not force it. Later on, Chu Suiliang’s words vaguely revealed that this matter had not been approved by the Emperor, but had fallen into the hands of the King of Wei.

“The Emperor will not interfere in such a trivial matter.” Qin Mubai said, “It is normal for the emperor to leave many trivial matters to King Wei. King Wei is quite favored by the emperor and is allowed to live in the Martial Hall. He often attends to the emperor’s affairs and helps the emperor deal with some government affairs.”

“Although Chu Suiliang did not say it clearly, I suspect that King Wei was unwilling to approve of giving me the title of the Great Tang’s righteous merchant.” Wu Meiniang said, “I had already given up on this idea. Who would have thought that after just one day, Chu Suiliang would personally send over a plaque of the Great Tang’s Righteous Merchant that was personally sealed by the Imperial Book. The letter was the Fei Bai Book, which was personally written by His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Oh?” Qin Mubai frowned in surprise, “I entered the palace yesterday, and the Emperor did not mention this matter to me.”

“Chu Suiliang told me that Prince Wei didn’t tell the Emperor about the memorial, but the Crown Prince took a batch of memorials from the King of Wei’s book to read. He found the memorial and immediately notified the Emperor. Without another word, the Emperor directly approved it.” Wu Meiniang smiled and said, “Looks like the Crown Prince and the King of Wei are really in a fierce battle!”

Qin Mubai chuckled and said, “This is a fight between their princes. It has nothing to do with us. The Crown Prince is the Crown Prince of a country, and he has the right to participate in government and military affairs. Strictly speaking, King Wei has gone overboard. All of this is because of the Emperor’s preference for him.”

“That’s right, but the Crown Prince is also trying to be nice to you, right?” Wu Meiniang said, “If the Crown Prince wanted to fight against King Wei, then he took the initiative to help me set down the two shops next to Number One Wine in the world, so his intentions are even more obvious.” I think the two shops have been in business for a long time, but they have been operating in Chang’an for many years, and both of them have strong backgrounds. One of them is owned by a relative of the Crown Prince’s Eastern Palace. Although I have tried my best, I was unable to get along with them before. Instead, they want to swallow my shop! However, if the Crown Prince were to casually release them, the two shops would obediently abdicate their positions and give way to their idleness. ”

Qin Mubai smiled, “It’s not to show goodwill, it’s to repay your kindness.”

“What do you mean?”

“Then it’s going to be a long story!” Qin Mubai yawned and stretched, “I’ll get up and wash up first. Aren’t you disgusted by my shit?”

“Eh? How disgusting!” Wu Meiniang scolded and dodged.

Qin Shuang’er giggled as she took out the hot water and other things. “You two are really strange. I have never seen a pair of people romanticizing like you. It’s really a scenery that they are either doing business or doing state affairs.”

“You’re the only one with a poor mouth!” Qin Mubai twisted Qin Shuang’er’s face and got up to wash and change her clothes.

Lunch was already cooked, and this was the first time Wu Meiniang had participated in the Qin Family’s banquet.

Although the Qin Clan was strict, Qin Shubao was not one of those pedantic old sour scholar. He was naturally carefree and magnanimous. He seemed to be very easy-going during family banquets like this. There were no strict rules. Even concubines and women could eat together with the Clan Head.

Wu Meiniang was also a rather obedient and agile person. She only appeared gentle in the meal and did not have the restraint and timidity of her daughter-in-law. Instead, she took the initiative to propose a toast to Qin Shubao and Madam Liu and behaved appropriately.

Mrs. Liu’s face smiled like a blooming old chrysanthemum. Obviously, she was quite satisfied with Wu Meiniang’s obedient and capable daughter-in-law. Even Qin Shubao was often coaxed into laughter by Wu Meiniang’s witty words and enjoyed a family feast.

Qin Mubai laughed in his heart and thought to himself, “Mother Mei is really smart.” Ever since the last time she met Princess Gaoyang, she had definitely felt a sense of danger. However, she had never taken the initiative to mention it. Instead, she had used her actions to consolidate her “status.” She used the name of Qin Xianjiu to rebuild the business and took the initiative to come to my house to get close to my family. These were all very effective initiatives. In contrast, the innocent and straightforward Princess Gaoyang did not know how to operate like this.

The two of them were two completely different types of women. Wu Meiniang is clever and clever, Princess Gaoyang is persistent and straightforward … It’s really hard for people to choose!

After dinner, Qin Mubai went back to his room to continue reading. Shuang’er stuffed Wu Meiniang into his room, but she slipped away.

Qin Mubai sat on the side and read without saying a word while Wu Meiniang quietly grinded the ink and added charcoal to his tea from time to time.

An hour or two later, Qin Mubai was also a little tired. He put down his pen and smiled at Wu Meiniang, “Meiniang, if you feel bored or tired, you can go take a nap.”

“No need. It’s good to be by your side.” Wu Meiniang smiled sweetly and said, “Sitting quietly like this, my heart is especially peaceful. There is no need to talk and chat, it is quite comfortable.”

“Is that so?” Qin Mubai chuckled, “With you accompanying me, I feel like time has passed very quickly.”

“What did you copy? When did you get such a thick book? Do you want me to help you?” Wu Meiniang leaned closer and asked.

Qin Mubai thought for a moment and nodded, “That’s good. This is Li Jing’s military manual. I promised him that I would never spread it out.”

“Then I won’t help you.” Wu Meiniang smiled and said, “Don’t make things difficult for you.”

“No problem, I believe you.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “If you don’t believe me, who else can I trust?”

“Alright, I’ll sit with you. Send me some copies.” Wu Meiniang smiled and walked to his side to sit down.

Qin Mubai temporarily split the thick book apart and handed a stack to Wu Meiniang. He also handed her a processed quill.

Wu Meiniang looked at the quill for a while and couldn’t help but laugh, “I just wanted to ask you, can you write this?”

“Of course, you can try. Come, I’ll tell you to hold the pen.” Qin Mubai held her small hands and taught her how to write with a pen.

Wu Meiniang’s face turned slightly red. After writing a few words, she couldn’t help but laugh in surprise, “It’s really useful! Although it’s still a bit awkward, I believe that it can be written very well after practicing it. It’s better than writing brushes, and it can be written faster!”

“There’s no need to say that!” Qin Mubai laughed heartily.

Wu Meiniang rolled her eyes and giggled, “Mubai, you say … if I sell this pen as a commodity, can I make a lot of money?”

“Haha! Meiniang! Meiniang, you really are a genius in business!” Qin Mubai laughed loudly, “Of course, what’s not allowed? The production and processing of this kind of pen is very simple. Actually, I can teach you how to make pens. However, time is limited now, so I can only think about it slowly in the future.”

“A pen?”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “That is a kind of pen that is more convenient and useful than a quill. Alright, let’s not talk about it now. It’s important to copy books. Tomorrow, I will take this book back to Li Jing!”

“Alright, I’ll help you!”

The two of them began to copy books together. Qin Mubai wrote while paying attention to Wu Meiniang.

This strange woman was truly smart. Qin Mubai had only taught her once, and she could already use the quill very skillfully with just a little thought. Not only that, but her handwriting was also quite beautiful. It had the demeanor of a great calligrapher, making Qin Mubai gasp in admiration.

“Keep it hidden, Mother Mei! Your handwriting is too beautiful!” Qin Mubai praised.

“Keke, underestimate me!” Wu Meiniang smiled proudly and said, “I have been studying and practicing calligraphy with my mother since I was three or four years old!”

“Haha!” Qin Mubai laughed loudly, “Tell me, what else do you have?”

“Hehe!” Wu Meiniang smiled proudly for a while and recited in a proper tone, “The last season of the Nine Springs, the Thousand Gates of the Night are open. The orchid lamp spits out new flames, and the Gui Soul is bright and round. The wine delivery must be full, and the glass should not be thin. Make sure that the lava is bright, and then you can return.”

“The poem you wrote?” Qin Mubai couldn’t help but grin, “Plagiarize, it’s obviously winter now!”

“I was the one who did it!” Wu Meiniang pinched Qin Mubai angrily and said, “It was done when our family visited Luoshui Lantern Festival in Luoyang not long after we returned to Guanzhong this spring!”

“Just blow it!” Qin Mubai laughed wickedly, “I don’t believe it even if I’m beaten to death! I can’t even write poetry, and you can!”

“Hmph! Why can’t you? I’m not allowed to? Look at your dumb look, you really should read more!” Wu Meiniang laughed and scolded for a while, then suddenly closed the book she was copying and said, “Now listen carefully-the military camp has a plan, so that the soldiers will know where to go and know the golden drum.” The enemy formation can not be preformed, so its victory is no longer reversed, but should be infinite. The image of a soldier is water. The water is shaped by the ground. The soldier wins because of the enemy. Those who can change with the enemy and win are called gods. Then its battle formation without diagram, Ming Yi. Wasn’t it also ridiculous for the Yong General to use the Teaching Formation as the enemy formation? ”

“I… fuck!” This time, Qin Mubai had no choice but to exclaim loudly, “You–never forget?!”

“Do you want to hear another paragraph?” Wu Meiniang giggled, “The Heavenly Formation Residence is the Heavenly Gate, the Earth Formation Residence is the Earth Gate, the Wind Formation Residence is the Wind Gate, the Cloud Formation Residence is the Cloud Gate, the Flying Dragon Residence is the Flying Dragon Gate, and the Tiger Winged Residence is the Tiger Winged Sect”

“Stop, stop!” Qin Mubai shouted, “I believe it, I believe it! You really remember it! A genius!”

“Keke!” Wu Meiniang laughed loudly, “What is this? I’ve already copied it. Of course I remember it. If I put a little effort into it, I’ll remember it very well after reading it once. I won’t forget it for many years.”

Qin Mubai shook his head and sighed, “Forget it, I’m not going to inquire about your specialty anymore. It hurts my pride to ask and ask about it-copy books!”

“Hehe, copy the book! From now on, one hour. Let’s see who copies more and better. The one who loses will pinch his leg if he wins!” Wu Meiniang giggled.

“Let’s change the bet.” Qin Mubai smiled evilly and said, “If I win, I’ll kiss you as I please. If you win, you can kiss me as you please.”

“Bad guy, lackey!”

…

Mrs. Liu accompanied Qin Shubao for a walk in the Qin Clan’s courtyard. Ever since his health, Qin Shubao’s mood had also become very cheerful. He often walked and chatted with Mrs. Liu or went out to the parade market together. The singer was quite a little like a young couple.

“Uncle Treasure, look, Mama Mei is really not bad, right?” Madam Liu said, “Not only is she smart and capable, she is also very filial and respectful. In the future, she will definitely become Liang’er’s good wife.”

“I don’t doubt that. I never said I hated her.” Qin Shubao said, “However, why would Wu Meiniang be embarrassed to leave Princess Gaoyang there?” This woman is very clever and clever. Seeing that Princess Gaoyang and Sanlang were getting closer, she took the initiative to approach us and let us accept her first. If her thoughts and ingenuity were used on the right path, there would be endless wonders. “If it is used to walk a crooked path, then it will definitely be a great loss.”

“Look at you. Where did you think you were?” Mrs. Liu said, “If you follow Liang’er, can she still become bad? Didn’t you often say that a swordsman with two blades will injure his enemies as well? But why do all of you martial practitioners like divine weapons and don’t use blunt blades and rusty swords? Just because Mama Mei is too clever and clever, you despise her. Isn’t this giving up on her because of choking? Isn’t it too unfair to her to Liang’er?”

Qin Shubao was speechless. After a long silence, he said, “Then it depends on whether she is willing to submit to the side room.”

‘”Ah” Mrs. Liu shook her head and sighed a few times. “Let’s look at Liang’er’s own district. Let’s not make things difficult for him. I believe that Liang’er can handle these matters well.”

“Heh, you have confidence in your son who is full of flowers and hearts!” Qin Shubao couldn’t help but laugh, “Now I don’t have to worry about getting a daughter-in-law. However, each of these daughters-in-law is bigger and harder to deal with. It’s really annoying!”

“So you’re starting to accept Mama Mei?” Madam Liu asked in surprise.

“I didn’t say anything!”

…

All afternoon, Qin Mubai and Meiniang copied books in the room and did not leave the room. With Mother Mei’s help, it would be twice the result with half the effort. Moreover, Qin Mubai’s efficiency was greatly improved when he worked with a man and a woman like this. In just half a day, he had actually copied the rest of the books. At most, with half a night shift, he would be able to finish the copy.

After dinner, Wu Meiniang bid farewell and left. Xing Qianding sincerely invited the Qin Clan to her house. Qin Shubao also agreed with a smile.

After Wu Meiniang left, Qin Shuang’er ran to Qin Mubai’s room and said to him, “Third Brother, I still think Meiniang is better!”

“What do you mean?” Qin Mubai said.

“That’s right … if you marry Mother Mei as your main wife, it would be more appropriate!” Qin Shuang’er said, “Princess Gaoyang is not bad. She is also pretty from a noble background, and she has always been obsessed with you without regrets.” But … she was like an ignorant child now, and she liked to play around wilfully. How could she compare to Mother Mei, who was so generous, intelligent, and obedient when it came to courtesy? As for the wife and mistress, they had to manage their household affairs well and be a good helper. How nice is Mother Mei! ”

Qin Mubai smiled, “Why did you suddenly tell me this for no reason?”

“Haven’t you considered such a big matter?” Qin Shuang’er asked in surprise.

“Not yet.” Qin Mubai heaved a sigh of relief and said, “Think about it at least a year from now! Right now, I’m very busy. Men start a business before they start a family. Why would a man have no wife? There’s no need to worry about such a thing.”

“Hmph, Third Brother, pretend! Actually, you’re more conflicted than anyone else!” Qin Shuang’er said, “It’s all your fault! You’re so romantic and unruly, yet you’ve provoked so many women to fall in love with you before you even got married.”

“A lot?”

“Not yet?” Qin Shuang’er blurted out, “I know three of them!”

“Three?” Qin Mubai frowned, “Why is there another one?”

“Uh, this” Shuang’er stammered for a while, knowing that she had spilled the beans, she hurriedly waved her hand, “Two, two! I was wrong.”

Qin Mubai blinked a few times and smiled indifferently, “Go on, stop bothering me. I’m busy!”

“Hmph, just go! Don’t ask me to add charcoal to the tea later!”

“Then why are you yelling? Haha!”

“I’ll ignore you!” Qin Shuang’er put on an angry posture and left angrily.

After Shuang’er left, Qin Mubai couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, “I really am destined to commit a peach blossom!” Shuang’er, this little girl, how could she lie? Just now, her expression clearly betrayed her. She and Yao’er were best friends with each other, so they would always exchange thoughts together. Looking at her expression just now … I’m sure she wants to say that Miss Yao’er has fallen in love with me as well.

What a sin!

Wu Meiniang and Princess Gao Yang are enough to give people a headache. Beside them, there is a gentle demon that is as gentle as water secretly promising to me! …