Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 186

Chapter 186 Make Up One’s Mind and Move on
After busily working for half the night, he finally finished copying the Jade Tent Scripture. After carefully proofreading and confirming that the binding was correct, Qin Mubai heaved a long sigh of relief and was finally able to sleep peacefully.

The next morning, Qin Mubai woke up from her sleep. She heard that the courtyard was bustling with people. He couldn’t help but feel a little curious, so he got up and put on his clothes and opened the door. He saw teams of people shuttling back and forth in the courtyard, carrying large and small boxes into the inner room.

“What are you doing?” Qin Mubai stopped a government servant and asked.

“Third Young Master, the Wu Dong Clan has sent a large number of New Year’s goods. We are currently transporting them!” “Third Young Master, Wu Dong Clan is really a good person. She even cares about us servants and servants. She has prepared a lot of mutton, vegetables and cloth jackets for each of us!”

“I see. Go!” Qin Mubai couldn’t help but laugh, “Mother Mei is really considerate …”

At this time, Wu Meiniang and Shuang’er walked into the courtyard hand in hand. When they saw Qin Mubai from afar, they walked towards him.

“Mother Mei, what are you doing?” Qin Mubai asked first.

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, “It’s almost New Year’s Day. Shouldn’t the manor be busy? A few days ago, I sent my subordinates to take care of some New Year goods, so I asked them to do some more and deliver them to you. It’s also to save you a lot of trouble. I think you might not have the time to take care of these things.”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “These things have always been arranged by the housekeeper in the manor. I have to trouble you this time.”

Wu Meiniang said, “Aren’t you just saying that to be an outsider? Shouldn’t I be buying something for my family?”

“That’s right!” Qin Shuang’er smiled and said, “Sister Mei, how thoughtful!” The last time he came to my house as a guest, he remembered that the manor hadn’t even started preparing for the New Year. As soon as they returned, they immediately began to gather their resources. Look, this new year’s cargo has been shipped over. The people in the mansion are very happy! –Hehe, Grandpa is used to being stingy. In all these years, the manor has never run so many new year’s goods! ”

“Shuang’er, don’t talk nonsense. If Duke Yi heard it, he might pinch your face.” Wu Meiniang smiled and said, “Duke Yi, this is frugality, not pettiness. On the contrary, we are business travelers. There is nothing else but money. Money is spent when you earn it. It is most worthwhile to spend it on your own family.”

“Hehe! Third Brother, did you hear that? Sister Mei said-her own home!” Qin Shuang’er clapped her hands and laughed.

“You’re the only one who’s big!” Qin Mubai scolded and invited the two ladies into the room. He just went to wash himself before coming back.

Upon entering the room, he saw that the room was tidied up and spotless. Qin Shuang’er was like a supervisor butler, holding a plate of snacks in her hand as she stood at the door to eat. She watched with interest as Wu Meiniang packed up the books, paper, ink, and other things a few days ago.

“You bastard, how can you let Mama Mei do these things?” Qin Mubai asked while twisting Shuang’er’s ear.

“Aiyo, it hurts, let go!” Shuang’er shouted as she ran away and laughed, “Don’t blame me, it was Mama Mei who insisted on helping you clean up this pig nest, hehe!”

Wu Meiniang smiled in her room and said, “It is indeed like a pig’s nest. It is in a mess. The floor is littered with waste paper and the beds are also in a mess. Mubai, I’m afraid you never make a bed or sweep the floor, right?”

“Hehe, he’s a general! How could a general do such a thing!” Qin Shuang’er laughed and dodged into the room, joking with Wu Meiniang.

“Shuang’er, since you know that your brother has this temperament, you should help him deal with it on a daily basis!” Wu Meiniang said with a smile.

“Mm-hmm, I see … Hehe, Mother Mei, you really have the taste of sister-in-law and mistress!” Qin Shuang’er laughed heartily.

Qin Mubai shook her head and smiled as she walked into the room. She said to Wu Meiniang, “Meiniang, how are things going in the Qin Immortal Pavilion? I heard that you are short of money, so why are you running so many new year goods to pay for it? If you have any difficulties, just let me know. Although I am a poor general, I still have some land in my hands, and I received some rewards not long ago.”

“Alright! Then lend me a thousand gold taels! There’s no interest!” Wu Meiniang said with a smile.

“No problem.” Qin Mubai agreed, “I still have some cash in hand, and some rewarded silk cloth to pawn. If it’s not enough, the rent corn I collected this year will be sold to my new Yong Ye estate pawn. How can I collect this thousand gold taels?”

“Forget it, I’m just joking with you!” Wu Meiniang giggled and said, “I’ve already taken care of the Qin Immortal Pavilion.” The two shops next door allowed me to owe them half a year on credit. Half a year’s time is enough for me to turn around. Keep your money and spend it slowly! Shuang’er and I went to your mansion to have a look just now. It’s really shabby and crude. We don’t even need any furniture. The servant maids in your mansion are also rare. Besides, you, a general, don’t even have a few good horses or a few good weapons in the manor. How unpleasant is it for a general to go out? ”

Qin Shuang’er giggled heartlessly again, “You see, Third Brother, Sister Mei really looks like a mistress running the house for you! You guys should get married soon! You’re married, there’s someone taking care of everything in the family, how easy it is for you!”

“You’re the only one who speaks!” Qin Mubai scolded with a smile and said, “I haven’t lived in that house for a day. It’s basically empty. Perhaps it won’t be long before I have to move out. Therefore, I don’t need to use it for the time being, right?”

“Outside?” Wu Meiniang exclaimed, “Where are you going? How long have you been gone?”

Shuang’er was also a little surprised, “Yes, Third Brother, you’ve only been back for a few days now. Are you going out to do some work again?”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “I’m not sure yet. It’s just an idea. If I succeed, it might not be a short-term trip, but a long-term stay in Yuanren Prefecture and County.”

“What?” Wu Meiniang was stunned, “Why do you suddenly have such an idea?”

“Then it will be a long story.” Qin Mubai touched her stomach and nodded at Shuang’er, “I’m hungry. Do you have anything to eat?”

“Yes, yes, yes. Didn’t you just want to get rid of me and whisper to me? I’ll just go, hehe!” Shuang’er snorted happily as she walked away. “Let’s talk slowly. I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare delicious food for you. It’ll be delivered in half an hour!”

“This lively girl is really talkative!” Qin Mubai smiled and shook his head. He invited Wu Meiniang to sit down and said to her, “Meiniang, I haven’t told you many things before. Now I can tell you. What do you think of Baiji’s position?”

“Very good!” Wu Meiniang nodded her head in surprise. “The Son of Heaven is close to the emperor’s confidantes and has privileges. Although the Hundred Cavalry Messenger doesn’t have many horses in his hands, his status has already leapt above the commander-in-chief of six to twelve. Even the prime minister doesn’t dare to look down on you, right?”

“Yes, you’re right.” Qin Mubai said, “But this is only a superficial phenomenon.” In fact, Baiji is just an empty shell. My scenery and prestige are nothing more than a fox pretending to be a tiger and borrowing the Emperor’s face. Others are afraid that I will respect me, not because of what I, Qin Mubai, am capable of, but because I have the Emperor standing behind me. I really don’t like the feeling, like a endorsement and errand boy puppet. Moreover, the Imperial Palace had always been the most complicated place in the world. They were plotting against each other, and it sounded a little dangerous and dark to say the least. Moreover, it was even more so by the Emperor’s side. During my one year in Baiji, I have never stopped. I have been treading on thin ice, feeling uneasy, and have faced several killings. ”

“Is it that serious?” Wu Meiniang said in surprise, “I really haven’t heard anything from you before. I always thought that you, Baiji, did a good job. You’re both dignified and relaxed. I didn’t expect you to be so tired … I’m such a careless woman. I don’t even know how to care about you.”

“Don’t say that.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Actually, the greater the control, the greater the pressure and responsibility, and the greater the danger.” However, because of the particularity of this position, Baiji was bearing the pressure and crisis that was incompatible with his official position. Now, because of the well-known incident with Princess Gaoyang … even if I still want to stay in Baiji, the Emperor is not so happy. “Rather than that, why don’t I be more tactful and take the initiative to ask for an outside transfer?”

Wu Meiniang knitted her beautiful eyebrows and pondered for a moment before nodding seriously, “Your idea is very correct. If I were you, I would do the same. Princess Gaoyang’s matter has caused a stir in the city, and even the Emperor’s face has been lost. With this lesson from the past, he felt like a thorn had been planted in his heart. How could he let you stay in the harem in peace?”

Qin Mubai laughed loudly, “Mother Mei, why do I hear you say this so strange? Could it be that with me in the harem, it’s a disaster? I didn’t provoke Princess Gaoyang on my own initiative.”

“Hmph, you’re playing tricks here again. If you get cheap, you’ll be good!” Wu Meiniang rolled her eyes sullenly and scolded, “As the saying goes, a slap won’t make a sound. If it weren’t for you intentionally or unintentionally showing off in front of Princess Gaoyang, would she, a young girl with an unopened heart, have fallen in love with you?”

“I… Show off?” Qin Mubai grinned bitterly, wanting to cry but not cry. “Why am I showing off? If a harem is big and three thousand beautiful women are like clouds, why is it that other people don’t like me and are just a princess Gao Yang? Then, that’s just an accident, okay?”

‘”Hmph! If it’s not a coincidence, then that would be great. The emperor is a man, and men are jealous. Moreover, they are more jealous than women! What if you seduce another woman, or a princess or concubine, one day?” Wu Meiniang said seriously as if she was joking, “So, if the Emperor hates to kick you out of Baiji, then get lost as soon as possible!”

Qin Mubai awkwardly grinned, “This … is indeed not rough language. Forget it, let’s not talk about this level. Anyway, I plan to ask for an outsider to come back after a year or two in any distant prefecture or county.”

Wu Meiniang revealed a helpless expression and nodded her head in silence. She said, “This matter is very big, so let’s make a decision. Do you have a goal now, where do you want to go, and how do you make it?”

“I want to go to Xiangzhou as a military attach é.” Qin Mubai said, “My Qin Family’s Martial Arts Gate. I got up in the military and learned martial arts and military arts. I have no choice but to develop in this direction.” Whether it’s running the army or using troops, I don’t have any experience at all. It’s good to go somewhere to study. In the capital, there are many great generals gathered here, when will I be able to use my troops to practice? Even though I’m a little famous now, I’m just an empty shell. It’s only because I don’t have the slightest bit of real talent and practical knowledge because I’m wearing the halo of my father and the emperor on my head. I need some time to refine and enrich myself. ”

“Alright, I support you.” Wu Meiniang said firmly, “Men are determined not to talk empty talk, put into practice is the most important.” Since you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you should make the best use of your strengths and circumvent your weaknesses to make up for your shortcomings. You are only in your early twenties, and you have much more prospects than those old generals in the Imperial Court. This time, the emperor wanted you to learn from Li Jing, and he also had the intention to nurture you. Not many young generals of the Great Tang are outstanding. You can stand out! ”

“Haha!” Qin Mubai smiled. “Mother Mei, I didn’t expect a young woman to understand this! Not bad, not bad. If we get married in the future, you will definitely become my sage. I will discuss anything with you in the future.”

“Screw you! Stop!” Wu Meiniang blushed slightly and smiled. “Oh right, there’s something I told you yesterday. What do you plan to do?”

Qin Mubai thought for a moment and said, “You mean about the Crown Prince’s invitation? He only posted a note for you, but he didn’t invite me, so I’m not going!”

Wu Meiniang was silent for a moment and said, “I am a lowly woman from a merchant’s house. Why did he invite me? Why didn’t he come for you? Mubai, why do I feel that you are unwilling to get close to the Crown Prince? He is the Crown Prince, the future Emperor! Even if you don’t curry favor with him, it won’t hurt to have a little contact with him, right?”

Qin Mubai smiled unfathomably without saying a word.

“What are you laughing at? Am I wrong?” Wu Meiniang asked in confusion, “Originally, I never thought of connecting with the Eastern Palace. Could it be that the Crown Prince took the initiative to show his goodwill this time? Why did you avoid him? I can’t figure it out, quickly tell me!”

Qin Mubai shook her head and thought to herself, Do you want me to tell you that Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince, is not going to be a long time? Whether it was history or the current situation, it was only a matter of time before Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince, was crippled. Previously, I rejected the rope-in of King Wei, and now I’m waiting to be released to work with Li Ke. If I get close to the Crown Prince at this time, what do King Wei and Li Ke think? Furthermore … the Jiangzhou case had just subsided and was still in the limelight! As a principal official in charge of the Jiangzhou case, I immediately went to the Eastern Palace to attend a banquet after the case was concluded. Isn’t this to show that I secretly helped the Crown Prince and saved him from danger? Especially after letting the emperor know, our previous schemes and schemes will be exposed–the emperor has always hated the subordinates for secretly deceiving their superiors and concealing their subordinates, so I’m not asking for trouble?

In short, this Eastern Palace couldn’t be visited now!

“Mother Mei, there are many things that I really can’t explain to you.” Qin Mubai said, “Anyway, you can go to the Eastern Palace! If you go, it’s equivalent to me going. Even the Crown Prince won’t mind. Furthermore, he may not really want me to go to the Eastern Palace at this time. The reason he sent you an invitation instead of me was on purpose.”

“What does this mean?” Wu Meiniang frowned, puzzled, “Could it be that you are avoiding suspicion?”

“Smart, that’s right!” Qin Mubai clapped his hands and praised, “You just need to understand this point. There’s no need to delve deeper. In short, you can go to the Eastern Palace alone with peace of mind. That already represents me.”

“Alright, I’ll go.” Wu Meiniang nodded, “I’ll listen to you for this kind of thing. You’re smarter than me and you know more than me. I’ll do whatever you say.”

“So obedient!” Qin Mubai chuckled as she stepped forward to touch her face. Just then, a dry cough came from the door, “Dinner, dinner! Sweet fellows, take a rest!”

“This fellow” Qin Mubai glared at Qin Shuang’er, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, and sighed helplessly.

After dinner, Mei Niang still stayed in the Qin Manor to help distribute the New Year’s goods. She came from a business background, so she was the best at it. The New Year goods of dozens of people from the Qin Manor were distributed in an orderly manner by her, and the entire manor was filled with cheers and cheers.

Qin Shubao had always ignored such matters. After hearing what Madam Liu said, he only smiled and said, “Merchants value benefits, but so do they!”

Mrs. Liu complained about Wu Meiniang and said, “Uncle Bao, don’t say that. Mother Mei treats our family as her own home and is helping us up and down! What are these New Year goods worth? If she wants to bribe people or something, just bring over a large box of money and cloth.”

“This is precisely where she is smart.” Qin Shubao smiled and said, “Little actions are silent. She is indeed an outstanding woman. She is so resourceful and resourceful at such a young age.”

“Ah, I really can’t understand why I keep picking on Mother Mei. If you want me to say it, this daughter-in-law is good, I like her!” Madam Liu said angrily.

“Do you like it? Are you in charge?” Qin Shubao snorted and said with a smile but not anger, “What are you saying to me?”

“Humph! Old stubborn!” Madam Liu cursed angrily and shook his hand.

Qin Mubai went out and returned the letter to Li Jing Manor. After knocking on the door for a long time, it was still the old man Zhong. Old man Zhong said that Li Jing had just fallen asleep, so Qin Mubai did not disturb him anymore. He did not enter the manor and left behind the books.

Seeing that it was still early, Qin Mubai took a side trip to King Wu’s Mansion. First of all, it had been two days since they had seen each other. If Princess Gaoyang were to get angry again, it would be hard to deal with. Moreover, it was time to talk to Li Ke about the job-hopping transfer.

When she arrived in King Wu’s Mansion, Princess Gaoyang was enjoying herself and chatting with a few maids. Hearing Qin Mubai’s arrival, she immediately jumped up and went out to welcome him. Regardless of the large number of people present, they cheered and jumped into his embrace.

“Thief Military Academy, stinking man, this is the time to come!” Princess Gaoyang cursed hatefully.

“Alright, many people are watching. Quickly let go.” Qin Mubai finally pulled Princess Gaoyang out of her arms and saw Li Ke standing at the entrance of the hall and laughing at them.

“Your Highness, I’m here.” Qin Mubai walked up to Li Ke and said, “I have something important to discuss with you today.”

“Come in and have a seat. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” Li Ke invited Qin Mubai and Gao Yang into the study room and sat down. According to his old habit, he set up a stove to make tea for them. “Speak,” he asked. “What is it?”

Qin Mubai simply told Li Ke what he wanted.

Princess Gaoyang immediately cried out in alarm, “Wow, why did you suddenly leave Chang’an? No, I will go wherever you go. You have to bring me along!”

“Little sister, don’t shout yet.” Li Ke waved his hand and smiled unfathomably. “Mubai, I thought you would come back to the capital to talk to me about this. Why did you wait until this time to speak?”

“What?” Qin Mubai was immediately stunned. “Could it be that my actions were within your expectations?”

“Of course.” Li Ke clapped his hands and laughed.

That expression was extremely similar to Li Shimin, who was using the Chest Intelligence Pearl in his hand!

.

I have been very busy these past few days. Please forgive me for not updating too much. After a few busy days, I erupted! ]