Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 190

Chapter 190 Blood Is Thicker Than Water
Qin Mubai came to the harem and found Li Zhi and Li Mingda in Penglai Palace. The two little princes were naturally extremely happy to see Qin Mubai, and they were even more overjoyed to hear that they were taking them out of the palace. Qin Mubai ordered the carriages and horses to be arranged, and immediately prepared to set off for the Jiangxia Palace.

Just as the palace servants were about to prepare their carriages and horses, Qin Mubai stood by the palace platform and casually watched as a group of people passed by. The eunuchs at the front of the row followed by several palace maids were surrounded by a woman wearing a gauze hat.

Her long milky white hat hung down, making it hard to see her face, but Qin Mubai felt that this person looked familiar. Just as a breeze blew, the woman raised a corner of her gong sha hat intentionally or unintentionally. She turned her head slightly and looked up at Qin Mubai.

Jing Hong shot a glance and seemed to have known each other before.

Imperial Concubine Yin De!

Even though they were separated by a long distance, Qin Mubai could clearly see that Imperial Concubine Yin De smiled sweetly at him. Then, she put down her palace veil without revealing her appearance and continued to walk forward.

That smile and gaze contained many meanings that Qin Mubai couldn’t comprehend for a moment. It was just that she felt very relieved and calm, as if she had seen through everything without contending with the world. She was like a parasol tree leaf falling in late autumn, sad and melancholy, with relief, no regrets, no worries.

The group of people quickly disappeared into the corner of the palace, heading towards the north of the Great Ming Palace. Qin Mubai casually called a palace maid to ask where the group had gone?

The palace maid replied that it was probably Imperial Concubine Yin De, in a newly built Taoist temple called the Great Horn Temple in the Great Ming Palace.

“Taoist temple?” Qin Mubai chanted, “When did you build such a temple after leaving the palace for a few months?”

“Oh, that was specially built by His Majesty the Emperor for Concubine Yin De.” The palace maid replied, “Imperial Concubine Yin believes in the Dao Sovereign and enters Taoism. Every day, she participates in the Dao Monastery to comprehend the Dao and becomes a disciple of the Dao Sect.”

“What?” Qin Mubai was secretly surprised and thought to himself, Concubine Yin De … has become a Taoist nun? Isn’t that not far from becoming a monk?

The palace maid didn’t know much, and Qin Mubai didn’t ask any further. After the carriage was ready, Qin Mubai accompanied the Li siblings to the Jiang Xia Palace. Along the way, Qin Mubai remembered the look in Concubine Yin De’s eyes and couldn’t help but feel mixed feelings in his heart.

“If you have time, you should take Princess Gaoyang to visit Concubine Yin De.” Qin Mubai thought.

When they arrived at the Jiang Xia Palace, the banquet began. With the addition of two innocent and lively princes, the atmosphere became even more lively and relaxed.

Princess Gaoyang, regardless of who was present, insisted on squeezing into the same dining room as Qin Mubai. Including Li Shimin, everyone was probably accustomed to Princess Gaoyang’s actions, so they were accustomed to turning a blind eye.

“Mubai, after you left just now, Father Emperor and Third Brother discussed with each other about transferring you to Xiang Prefecture as Commandant Zhechong!” Princess Gaoyang whispered vigilantly like a snitch.

“What’s the result?” Qin Mubai only asked.

“As a result … Father Emperor was originally prepared to entrust you with the position of Commander-in-Chief of Jingzhou. It was all because of that royal uncle and the little old man who was troublesome. He said that it was better to let you be the Commandant-in-Chief of Zhechong. As soon as he opened his mouth, Father Emperor agreed!” Princess Gaoyang curled her lips, “But I refuse! I say, if you want to leave, you must take me away!”

“Heh!” Qin Mubai smiled. “Aren’t you adding to the chaos? How could His Majesty agree to such a thing?”

“Hmph, all of you are right, but you don’t take care of my feelings!” Princess Gaoyang said angrily, “I know what you want to say. Another pile of great principles has been brought out, suppressing me so much that I have nothing to say, right? Save it, I don’t want to hear it!”

“Then … are you really planning to elope with me?”

“Father, if you can’t come up with a good compromise, I’ll really elope!”

Qin Mubai’s face trembled and he smiled bitterly. “It doesn’t matter if you elope … but have you thought about it? What about your mother?”

“Mother Concubine?” Princess Gaoyang’s expression changed slightly. “What … what happened to her?”

Qin Mubai sighed and briefly told Princess Gao Yang about Imperial Concubine Yin De hanging herself and entering the Dao Sect.

“What? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Princess Gaoyang’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Hey, your mental state was so bad at that time. If I told you to provoke you, wouldn’t it be a bad thing?” Qin Mubai shook her head and sighed, “Actually, your mother is much more pitiful than you are. If you run away with me recklessly, wouldn’t it make things worse for her? You can be persistent, but you can’t be selfish. If you want to be happy and don’t care about your parents’ lives, it would be a waste of time. What do you think?”

Princess Gao Yang bit her lips and nodded in shame, “I was too careless. I really never considered the feelings and circumstances of mother imperial concubine … Mubai, please accompany me to the palace and visit mother imperial concubine, okay?”

“Then there’s no need to say?”

…

Halfway through the banquet, Qin Mubai followed Li Daozong and Li Ke and bowed to Li Shimin. Li Shimin chuckled as he drank and waved his hand, “Come, change clothes with me.”

Qin Mubai put down his wine glass and followed Li Shimin out of the banquet hall. He knew that he must have a lot to talk to him privately.

The two of them first went to the toilet for a bit of convenience, and then slowly walked back. Li Shimin cut his back and said leisurely, “Mubai, what do you think of my treatment of you?”

“Recreate your kindness.” Qin Mubai said briefly.

Li Shimin nodded lightly and said, “Your father and I have been bathed in blood for more than ten years, and we are as close as brothers as Jin Jian. I once treated you like a biological nephew. Actually, I am not foolish. Didn’t I know that you are a hundred times stronger than that Fang Yi Ai? However, I am also very helpless because of the secrets and difficulties in your actions. Have you ever known about this?”

“This lowly official can appreciate His Majesty’s painstaking efforts and difficulties.” Qin Mubai said.

“I also believe that you are a reasonable person, so there is no need for you to say anything.” After Li Shimin finished speaking, he sighed softly and said, “Gaoyang is my beloved daughter. She has been cherished by Ruo Rui since childhood.” I used to think that if I let her marry a good family, I would let her live a peaceful and precious life. But I was wrong. Her personality is very similar to mine. She would rather be broken than destroyed. As long as she has her own thoughts and thoughts, then the nine cows will not be able to pull back. This year, I have broken my heart, and Gaoyang is covered in bruises. To me, it is easy to rule a country, but difficult to treat a woman! ”

Qin Mubai had probably guessed what Li Shimin wanted to say, so he took the initiative to say, “Your Majesty, this lowly official also spoke from the bottom of my heart today. From the beginning, this lowly official indeed did not have any ill intentions towards Her Highness Princess Gaoyang. If these words were false, the heavens would thunder! But afterwards … this lowly official was truly moved by her persistence and sincerity. With a wife like this, what can I ask for?”

Li Shimin’s footsteps stopped and his expression froze. He turned to look at Qin Mubai and muttered, “If there is a woman like this, what can I ask for … Is this your truth?”

“Absolutely true.” Qin Mubai said resolutely.

“Good. “In that case, Gaoyang is not someone to be entrusted with” Li Shimin raised his head and sighed. “Actually, the thing I want to do the most is, like many fathers under the heavens, to keep Gaoyang by my side forever and not leave at all. But I cannot be so selfish. That would be too unfair to Gaoyang. She was destined to have her own husband and family, as well as her own independent life. I trust you, so … I intend to formally entrust Gaoyang to you. ”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Qin Mubai solemnly cupped his fists and replied.

“Wait.” Li Shimin suddenly interrupted him and said, “Do you know why I didn’t publicly announce it?”

“This” Qin Mubai pondered for a moment and nodded. “This lowly subject understands that this is indeed not the time. At least, at the same time as Fang Xianggong …”

“That’s right. Even if I don’t want the dignity of the royal family, I should at least take care of Fang Xuanling, the prime minister of the current dynasty, right?” Li Shimin said, “Therefore, you and Ling’er, I will allow you to be together, but it is impossible for you to get married in the near future. You must also promise me that Ling’er will not cause any trouble in the future.”

“Yes, I promise!” Qin Mubai nodded in agreement.

“Sigh” Li Shimin sighed helplessly and then laughed, “Haha, I’m afraid you’re the only one in this world who can do anything to her. Even I, the current son of heaven, who is still a father, have no way to do anything to her.”

“Your Majesty is joking. Actually, Your Highness … still respects Your Majesty very much in her heart. However, once her childish temper breaks out, she will not care about anything. Your Majesty must not take it to heart.” Qin Mubai smiled.

“Haha, you know how to defend her before she gets married?” Li Shimin smiled and patted his shoulder affectionately. He stared at him affectionately and said, “Son-in-law is half a son. Mubai, from now on, you and I will be considered as one family. You are my trusted aide and close aide, so I have no choice but to speak to you.”

“Your Majesty, if you have anything, please tell me!” Qin Mubai said.

Li Shimin nodded and said with a smile, “I’ll be honest with you! Li Ke has written to ask me to give you up and accompany him to Xiangzhou. At first, I wasn’t willing, but after careful consideration, Li Ke’s actions were quite appropriate. What do you think?”

Qin Mubai nodded his head silently, “Actually … even if His Highness King Wu did not propose it, I would still take the initiative to ask His Majesty for orders. I do not wish to make things difficult for His Majesty!”

“Yes, I know you’ve always been smart, but I have absolutely no intention of driving you away from Baiji.” Li Shimin said, “Everyone knows that the matter between you and Princess Gaoyang has been going on again and again. Everything in the city has been known for a long time. Even if I am the master of the world, I have no choice but to be afraid of people’s words!”

“I can understand His Majesty’s feelings.” Qin Mubai nodded and said, “Everyone is talking about gold. I have to guard against it. Since this lowly official staying in Baiji will make His Majesty feel so embarrassed, why don’t we change the environment? This makes His Majesty feel relieved, but this lowly official can also be considered … relieved!”

“Haha, I am very gratified that you think so. Originally, I was worried that you would feel unhappy and resent me!” Li Shimin laughed.

“Your Majesty, don’t worry. Although this lowly official’s intelligence is shallow, he is definitely not an ungrateful person who doesn’t know right from wrong!” Qin Mubai said.

“In this way, I will have a heart attack. Very good.” Li Shimin said, “I’ve thought it over and over again. I’ve just asked the King of Jiangxia and Li Ke for their opinions and decided to entrust you with the position of Commandant in Xiang Prefecture. The position is not big, and of course it’s not as glorious and dignified as Baiji. However, it’s a practical position. It’s not so easy to manage over 2,000 people. Mubai, are you confident that you can do this job well?”

“Your Majesty, don’t worry. I have long been looking forward to going to the army to practice and temper myself. I will definitely cherish this opportunity to govern the Xiang Prefecture’s military manor!” Qin Mubai said.

“Yes, I believe in your ability.” Li Shimin patted Qin Mubai on the shoulder and smiled, “Besides, there is another reason why I agreed to let you transfer with Ke’er.” Ke’er is like a father, but he has a bad habit of being frivolous and arrogant. In addition, he has some disrespectful thoughts. I have already sent the imperial historian Quan Wanji, who is famous for his strict discipline, to restrain him. Although it has worked, it cannot eradicate these evil habits of his. This time, when you and Ke’er went to Jiangzhou to do business together, I discovered that he has changed quite a bit, causing my eyes to brighten up. This counts, you should have had a good influence on him. I went to Xiangzhou this time. You and Ke’er will help each other and govern the place together. At the same time, the two of you are also good friends. I hope that you can give him more advice and guide him to be good, diligent, loving the people, and strict with yourself. Only in this way can I have no worries in my heart! ”

“This … His Highness King Wu is exceptionally intelligent and knowledgeable. Compared to him, this lowly subject is still young, so I can only learn from him.” Qin Mubai said.

“Haha, there’s no need to be modest.” Li Shimin smiled and said, “In the past, Emperor Da Yu was able to control the water with sparse water instead of blocking it. I used Quan Wanji to strictly restrain Li Ke, and you to guide Li Ke. Now that I have sent the two of you to his side, it is a combination of sparse water and blocking. I only hope that he can change his bad habits and obey the flow of good and not lose the hope of others.”

“Your Majesty has really put in a lot of effort.” Qin Mubai said.

“Haha! The smarter a child is, the more worrying it is for his parents. Look at Gaoyang, Li Ke, which one isn’t? My concubines have so many children, it really breaks my heart!” Li Shimin smiled self-deprecatingly. “But there is one interesting thing. Several of my children, such as Li Ke, Li Ke, Gaoyang and the previous son, have a lot to do with you. Even if I don’t accept you as my son-in-law, it would be hard not to treat you as a family!”

“Haha, Your Majesty is joking! Perhaps this is also fate!”

“Well said, it’s fate!”

The monarch and his subjects chatted happily along the way. Li Shimin took Qin Mubai’s shoulder and walked into the banquet hall. Everyone’s eyes couldn’t help but shine.

The banquet continued. As an emperor, Li Shimin did not usually put on any airs. He was easy-going and unrestrained. Even the youngest son of the Li Dao Sect could climb onto his lap and pull out his beard. It was a banquet, but it was also enjoyable. Qin Mubai’s son-in-law didn’t seem like an outsider. Most likely, some of the people present had a lot to do with him.

Princess Gaoyang secretly glanced at Li Shimin, who was teasing a few children. She tugged at Qin Mu’s white robe and whispered, “You’ve been away with Father Emperor for so long, but you came back laughing. Why are you chatting so enthusiastically?”

“It’s nothing much. I’ll talk to you later. After the banquet is over, I’ll accompany you to the harem to visit your mother and imperial concubine.”

“Oh … Alright!”

After a long time, the banquet had just dissipated. Li Shimin was already half drunk and prepared to return to the palace. Everyone bowed to the entrance of the Jiang Xia Prince’s Mansion. Li Shimin boarded the carriage and looked back at Princess Mubai, who was holding Qin Gaoyang’s elbow. He laughed and said, “What a woman!”

“What?” Princess Gaoyang blushed and stuck out her tongue to make a ghost face, holding onto Qin Mubai’s elbow.

“If it were in the past, you would have jumped into my carriage and sat on my lap to act mischievous and spoiled, right?” Li Shimin chuckled and said, “Ling’er, if you have time, you might as well go back to the palace and visit your mother–alright, let’s go!”

“Get up and drive back to the palace!”

“Send Your Majesty respectfully–”

Princess Gaoyang stared blankly at the disappearing Emperor Luanjia for a long time before muttering, “Mubai, am I … really going too far?”

“Do you mean to treat your father?”

“That’s right! I suddenly … felt a little sour in my heart! I feel that my father is also very aggrieved.” Princess Gaoyang wiped her nose and her face collapsed, as if she was about to cry.

“Looks like you’re about to understand.” Qin Mubai chuckled.

“What? Are you saying that I’m not sensible anymore?” Princess Gaoyang instantly regained her Little Demon form and said angrily, waving her teeth and claws.

Li Daozong and Li Ke both burst into laughter.

Princess Gao Yang’s lips twitched as she muttered, “What are you laughing at? Really! You always like a group of people making fun of me, making me look like a living treasure …”

“Li Ke, let’s go! This little girl is not someone ordinary people can afford to provoke!” Li Daozong laughed heartily and pulled Li Ke into the manor.

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “It’s rare for your conscience to discover that everyone is actually admiring you!”

“Bah, you really don’t know how to speak. Am I heartless in the past?” Princess Gaoyang scolded angrily.

“Yes, yes, but I didn’t’discover ‘it!” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Alright, stop waving your claws at the gate. Didn’t you say that you wanted me to accompany you to the harem to visit your mother? Are you leaving?”

“Let’s go! But I want to go back to King Wu’s Mansion to pack my bags before leaving.” Princess Gaoyang said.

“Why are you packing?”

“Because I want to return to the palace for a few days and accompany my Imperial Father and Imperial Concubine Mother!”

Qin Mubai nodded in satisfaction, “Well, it seems that you are indeed mature, grown up, and sensible!”

“Fuck you, stinking man!”

The two of them did not call Li Ke. They first went to the Wu Palace and called for Princess Gao Yang’s maids to pack their bags and set out for the Imperial Palace. Qin Mubai was still riding his horse, accompanying Princess Gao Yang by the carriage.

Princess Gaoyang stretched her head to the window and stared at the familiar imperial city for a long time. She said emotionally, “When I left this place, I thought more than once that I would never come back again. I didn’t expect that in a few days, I would come back willingly.”

“That’s because blood is finally thicker than water. You were born here to nurture you. How can you give up just like that?” Qin Mubai said.

“Mm” Princess Gaoyang bit her lips and nodded. “But I’m still a little reluctant to go back to the palace …”

Qin Mubai looked at her and laughed, “Silly. I can’t fly again.”

‘”But it won’t be long before you leave Chang’an” Princess Gaoyang curled her lips and muttered in a sad voice, “I really can’t bear to let you go. I really want to accompany you anywhere. But … I also know now that I can’t be so selfish. What should I do? I’m so conflicted!”

“Didn’t I have to leave after the New Year? There’s still time. I believe I can help you untie this knot.” Qin Mubai said with a smile.

Princess Gaoyang smiled sweetly, “I believe you!”