Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 199

Chapter 199 Royal Family Banquet
In the following days, Qin Mubai lived a safe and steady life. The festive atmosphere in Chang’an during the New Year was very dense. The entire city seemed to be shrouded in a layer of peaceful happiness, making people unknowingly happy for it.

Every festival, Qin Mubai naturally thought of her parents, relatives and friends in her previous life. Presumably, he would not be able to reunite with them in the future. And this life’s friends and relatives and confidantes, more need to cherish.

When he thought that he was going to leave Chang’an for a long time, a trace of unbearability arose in his heart. He had subtly taken Chang’an as his homeland. There were his beloved relatives and close friends here, and every scene and object was so familiar.

We must cherish this short period of time and spend more time with them.

Thus, during this period of time, Qin Mubai often accompanied her parents and sisters in the Qin Mansion’s old mansion. Qin Shubao went to the Imperial Palace to meet the Emperor and confirmed the news that he was about to leave the mountain again. He was quite excited. The eldest son, Qin Tong, and the second son, Qin Bin, learned that their father and third brother were about to be transferred to another place. They also brought their families back to the old mansion to reunite with their father and brother. For several days in a row, the family members gathered together and enjoyed themselves.

Wu Meiniang ran to the Qin Family even more frequently, as if she had already treated this place as her own home. Wu Meiniang was very smart and intelligent. Everyone in the Qin Family was very satisfied with her. They gradually accepted Sanlang’s wife and got along very well with her. The movements of the two families became even more frequent. Although they had not officially married, they were already like in-laws.

Qin Mubai felt quite relieved that this year had been a troublesome one. It was rare for him to be able to spend the New Year so peacefully and leisurely. During this period of time, he practiced martial arts with his father and brother in the morning, studied military manuals in the afternoon with Wu Meiniang, and tasted tea and chatted with his parents in the evening. If there was any leisure, he would ask his two elders to bring Meiniang and Xiaomei along to play in the bustling western market, or to sit in the tea house and admire the officials and children.

A small life can be considered relaxed and comfortable.

Every few days, Qin Mubai would go to Li Jing’s mansion to ask him for military strategy, and ask him to take a look at the notes he had written. From time to time, Li Jing appreciated Qin Mubai more and more. He often secretly sighed, and finally found his true successor in his rare years.

However, the second half of the Jade Tent Scripture, Li Jing, was not passed on to Qin Mubai. What he was thinking about was not simply that he had a disciple and a successor.

The martial conscription in the Wu Palace proceeded as scheduled. Although it did not shake the capital, it did cause a little commotion that attracted countless people to look sideways. In order to avoid suspicion, Qin Mubai did not go to the ceremony. He didn’t have any worries about Xue Rengui’s strength, let alone Qin Shubao, Cheng Zhijie, and Li Daozong. Actually, this type of “audition” had hidden secrets in every dynasty and every generation. Unless there was a major accident, Xue Rengui, an insider with extraordinary strength, would definitely be the winner of the championship.

Li Ke’s lips could be said to have some skill, so he really invited Yuchi Jingde over. Qin Mubai had never seen this person with his own eyes. He had only heard that he was born with a face as big as charcoal and a voice as loud as thunder and imposing as a tiger. He was a natural born tiger general. Therefore, there were rumors in later generations that Yuchi Jingde’s mother was a bear, but this person’s appearance was so tough and rough. In contrast, Qin Shubao, who was as famous as him, was a handsome and elegant Ten Thousand People fan who looked like a jade tree facing the wind. Together, the two of them went to the doors of thousands of households and became their gatekeepers. One was black, one was white, one was handsome, and one was ugly.

In the end, there was no suspense. Regardless of whether it was the martial arts competition or the strategy theory, Xue Rengui had an absolute advantage in winning the championship. Prince Li Ke publicly announced that Xue Rengui, a commoner, had been promoted to the Tent Corps of Prince Wu’s Mansion. His rank had risen from rank five to rank five, and he had become a Phoenix in a single night, while Sparrow had changed into a Phoenix.

From the fifth rank, this was a big obstacle in the Great Tang’s official ranks. Officials above the fifth rank of the capital can wear a silk robe to court every day to listen to politics. Normally, Sima, who was one of the deputy governors of the Prefecture Governor’s Manor, was also at the fifth rank, and most county magistrates were only at the fifth rank. In other words, Xue Rengui, who had not eaten much a few days ago, had become a deputy county magistrate overnight.

Apart from Xue Rengui, King Wu’s Mansion had also recruited several disciples of the official clan who had outstanding martial arts and military experience to enrich the Prince’s Palace’s Personal Armament Camp. However, most of these people were unknown people. Although Li Ke made a little noise, he did not dare to do anything bold. He did not brazenly recruit the officers of the Twelve Guards to join him. It could be seen that he still wanted to keep a low profile and be cautious.

After several days of collection and preparation, the Wu Palace, which had a lot of reinforcements, finally calmed down, and Xue Rengui also took office. Li Ke invited Qin Mubai to a banquet in the palace the year before. Apart from Xue Rengui, Yin Yang had also been promoted to one of the Divine Legion Corps. He was on par with Xue Rengui in the command of the palace troops, and Yuwen Hongtai had also been promoted to the deputy Divine Legion Corps. His status was second only to the two of them. Apart from that, the palace had added hundreds of new recruits and more than ten officers, which could be said to be a new scene.

Qin Mubai had a close personal relationship with Li Ke and had once served as a military attach é in the Wu Palace. In addition, Xue Rengui had been promoted in the Wu Palace, so he had a closer relationship with the various military academies in the Wu Palace. Even during the drill, Li Ke would invite Qin Mubai to observe the ceremony and give some advice. Although Qin Mubai did not hold a post in the Wu Palace, his prestige in the palace was growing day by day, and he was very familiar with the adjutants and generals of the palace.

Two days ago, the palace finally officially issued a decree appointing Qin Shubao as the general of Zuojin Wu Wei, granting Lanzhou Governor the position of general in charge of the march of the Star Sea Road, and the power of the Governor of Lanzhou to the River Dragon army in the Dafeichuan area; Qin Mubai Xiang Prefecture Commandant Zhechong position, led the inspection of hundreds of cavalry, plus from the third-grade Wu San Guan general Yun Hui.

In addition, Qin Mubai heard the news because he was still the “inspection” Hundred Cavalry Envoy. The current Hundred Cavalry temporarily did not have an official envoy, and used the position of deputy envoy and chief Shi Li Junxian to temporarily act as an official envoy to replace him in military affairs.

The Emperor’s action was considered to have given Qin Mubai enough face, so that outsiders would not misunderstand that Qin Mubai had been swept out by the Emperor. No, he’s gone, and Baiji hasn’t reset the messenger. Apart from that, Qin Mubai’s rank had also been upgraded to Second Grade and Half Grade, and he had leapt from Third Grade to General. Generally speaking, the Zhechong Commandants of the various military mansions were all rank four officials. Qin Mubai had added a Martial Loose Official to become a rank three official. Although his actual power did not increase, his official rank was indeed not small. This was because some of the deputy prime ministers of the Great Tang were only officials who worshipped the third rank of the Tongzhongshu Sect.

For this reason, Qin Mubai teased Wu Meiniang, “Meiniang, didn’t you say that I was only considered to marry a third-grade official? How about it? Did my words come true?”

Wu Meiniang sneered at him, “This is a rank three rank that you got by being the son-in-law of the emperor’s grandfather.” If it was only in terms of rank, my father was still a rank one Duke! There are so many Duke Hou Bo in Chang’an, when will they be waiting for you? In terms of actual work, you are still a rank four commandant, so I still don’t like you. I’ll consider marrying you when I get a rank three official. “Not to mention far away, if you want to become a rank three general from a rank four commandant in the army, you are still thousands of miles away!”

Qin Mubai retorted angrily, “When I become a rank three general, thousands of beauties under the heavens will fight to marry me. I will also let you line up!”

As a result, Wu Meiniang flipped out on the spot and Qin Mubai was beaten up.

On the 30th of the year, a royal family banquet was held in the palace. Li Shimin invited Qin Shubao and his son to the banquet. The name of the banquet was naturally “future in-laws”.

Although Qin Shubao was intimate with the Emperor, this was the first time he had participated in such a royal family banquet. He was a little flattered. He dressed up like a big girl for a long time before twisting Nini’s arm and leaving the house.

The people attending the banquet were all from the royal family. Jiang Xia King Li Daozong, Crown Prince Li Chengqian, Wu King Li Ke, Wei King Li Tai, and even the eldest grandson Wuji’s uncles, princesses, and princesses who had married far away and were officials of the prefecture, all brought their families back to the capital to attend the banquet. The royal family’s own relatives and consorts had gathered together more than a hundred people, so the scene could be said to be big enough.

At this time, Princess Gaoyang was undoubtedly the happiest. As soon as she saw the two of them appear, she greeted them cheerfully. She held Qin Mubai’s hand in front of everyone and went forward to greet the Emperor with him. Princess Gaoyang was still an eccentric spirit who was good at playing tricks, causing the entire hall to burst into laughter.

Everyone took the opportunity to tease and play tricks on Qin Mubai, saying that the new guests would have to go through the three difficulties before they could receive the New Year’s benefits prepared by the Emperor.

Which three? For a time, the emperor asked questions, his uncle and wife personally competed, and he had to cope with the troubles of the imperial concubines and sisters-in-law.

This was a joyous toss.

Princess Gaoyang’s royal sisters weren’t fuel-efficient, so they came up with many difficult problems for Qin Mubai to complete. The metaphor made this old man thread needles and embroider, and he had to stab out the words “a hundred years of peace”. If he didn’t look good, he wouldn’t be able to pass the test. Qin Mubai was about to cry, and Princess Gaoyang begged her aunt to tell her grandmother to beg for mercy before they dared to let her go.

The representative chosen by his uncle was Princess Gaoyang’s elder brother, King Qi, Li You. This brat was only twenty years old and ranked fifth among Li Shimin’s descendants. He was the king of Qi and the governor of Qi Province. It was said that he was the best at eating, drinking, and playing. He was definitely a rogue master and had a bad temper.

However, one of his greatest characteristics was his filial piety towards Concubine Yin De and his extraordinary doting on his sister Princess Gaoyang. This was almost famous. After returning to the capital, he heard that his sister had secretly promised the Qin Family’s Sanlang. He was both annoyed and happy.

What annoyed him was that some bird-man had stolen his favorite girl? To his delight, that troublesome girl of his was finally getting married!

Hence, Li You became very proud of today’s exam question. You have to give Qin Mubai a disadvantage. At the very least, let him know that Princess Gaoyang has someone from her family. Don’t bully my sister casually!

Li You asked, “Qin Mubai, I heard that you are both civil and martial. Today, I will test you on one of the most difficult problems in the world. Look over there, the emperor has an emerald green jade on his head. It is rare in the world, and it is His Majesty’s love in life.” No matter what method you use, if you can get that piece of jade, I will consider you as having passed the test.

When he said this, the entire hall was shocked. This Li You was really messing around. The joke was on the emperor’s head!

Li Shimin sat upright in the main hall but only laughed, “Goro, not only did you get Qin Mubai, you also got me! If I am reluctant to part with this beautiful jade, then Mubai will not be able to pass. If I give up this beautiful jade, I will feel heartache.”

Princess Gao Yang was annoyed and jumped up with a weak mouth, “Father, why are you reluctant to part with a piece of jade? Gao Yang’s future husband is only one, but you are willing to make things difficult for him? I don’t care, quickly take off the jade and bestow it on Mu Bai, otherwise … I will pull out your beard!”

“Haha!” Li Shimin laughed heartily. “Forget it, I’m scared of you. Someone, change your clothes!”

After saying that, Li Shimin went to the back hall and changed his head. He really took off the beautiful jade from his head and gave it to Qin Mubai. He said, “Mubai, remember, you owe me a favor!” I’m afraid you still don’t know. It’s our Li Clan’s custom to invite new guests to a royal family banquet. If it was a newcomer who couldn’t pass, this year wouldn’t be easy. If you see anyone in the imperial family, you will be treated to a meal at least thirty percent shorter than them, and you will also be teased by others. Moreover, you can’t go back to your senses today because everyone will spare no effort to get you drunk! ”

“Uh … so ruthless!” Qin Mubai was truly shocked.

“Haha!” Everyone laughed and said, “Qin Mubai, it’s fine if you’re drunk. At most, you’ll wake up tomorrow. Just this treat alone will make you poor. Don’t you see how many people are in this hall today?”

Princess Gaoyang giggled. She snatched the jade from Li Shimin’s hand and stuffed it back into Qin Mubai. She shouted to everyone, “Alright, now we’ve won. Hmph!”

Li You pretended to be angry, “You girl, turn your elbow out! If you have a husband, you don’t need a brother-in-law! I really love you for nothing!”

“Yeah!” Princess Gaoyang stuck out her tongue and made a grimace at Li You. She smiled and said, “Big brother and Mubai, I want both of them! You are all my favorite people!”

Li You laughed loudly and said, “Qin Mubai, I told you. You must treat my sister well! Otherwise, I won’t forgive you!”

“Haha, and dare, and dare!” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Don’t bother King Qi to waste your heart. Your Highness Princess Gaoyang must have cleaned me up long ago.”

“Haha, you’re quite tactful!” Li You laughed loudly, “Not bad, you’re not bad, you suit my stomach!”

Qin Mubai smiled and thought to himself, Li You is much more reckless than his brothers, not even better than Li Chengqian. Imperial Concubine Yin was so dignified and virtuous, why did she give birth to such a bastard son and such a naughty daughter? What a bitter life!

Next, it was Li Shimin’s turn to set the exam questions. As a monarch and clan head, his questions were more formal. Wen Cai’s martial arts, calligraphy and zither skills were enough to test him in four aspects.

Literary talent is nothing more than chanting poems and couplets. Li Shimin improvised a Banjue poem for Qin Mubai to continue. Qin Mubai didn’t even think about admitting defeat. He didn’t want to make a fool of himself on such a big occasion. Moreover, he couldn’t steal other people’s poems to deal with this kind of situation, so he was obediently fined three cups of water.

But in the next three exams, Qin Mubai passed with astonishing skill. Martial arts was archery, this was his strongest skill, there was no suspense; As for calligraphy, even the emperor was stunned by the skinny golden letter that had “formed its own faction”. As for quyi, it was needless to say that one hand of the pipa was about to come out, and the applause from the crowd pushed the atmosphere of the banquet to a climax.

Evidently, Li Shimin was also intentionally letting Qin Mubai pass, so he did not intend to make things difficult for Qin Mubai.

Qin Shubao smiled happily as he watched his son being tormented by the crowd. On the one hand, he could tell that the Emperor was rather fond of Qin Mubai, and Princess Gaoyang was even more devoted to him. Secondly, when Qin Mubai saw that he was able to deal with it freely, he appeared quite outstanding and gave him a big face.

There were quite a few consort-in-law present, and none of them was as talented and talented as Qin Mubai!

After the banquet was over, Princess Gao Yang pulled Qin Mubai back and brought Qin Mubai along with his brother Li You to pay his respects to Imperial Concubine Yin De in the Great Horn Temple.

Li You cried when he saw the white-haired Concubine Yin De. This filial piety came from the bottom of his heart.

Qin Mubai hurriedly greeted Concubine Yin De and did not speak much. Imperial Concubine Yin De only glanced at him in a hurry and said a few polite words. She did not talk to him anymore.

Looking at Yin De Fei, who was dressed in a cloak and daoist robe but was still stunning, Qin Mubai could only sigh with emotion in his heart, but he could not say anything about it.

After bidding farewell to Imperial Concubine Yin De, Princess Gaoyang and King Qi Li You sent Qin Mubai out of the palace together. Li You’s behavior was notoriously obedient, and his frivolous words were also obvious. He seemed rather frivolous without any pretensions or opinions. However, he had unreservedly respected and cherished Imperial Concubine Yin De and Princess Gaoyang. As for loving the house and the crow, he was also very enthusiastic and sincere towards Qin Mubai.

Yes, sincerely.

Li You was such a person. His shortcomings and flaws were very prominent and obvious, but he was also very simple and sincere. This was something that Princess Gaoyang had imagined.

Before leaving the palace, Li You said to Qin Mubai, “Mubai, I’ll leave my sister to you anyway. From now on, I only recognize you. If she gets along well, I, Li You, will be the first to thank you and treat you like a brother. I won’t refrain from stabbing you in the ribs. If you treat him wrongly, I will clench my teeth and risk my life with you!”

‘”Brother–” Princess Gaoyang was annoyed. “What did you say about dying during the Spring Festival? How annoying! Mubai loves me the most. How could he treat me badly?”

“I know, silly girl.” Li You’s expression immediately changed when he saw Princess Gaoyang. He laughed and said, “This is the ugly thing to say! Of course, Brother hopes that you will live a peaceful life together!”

Qin Mubai watched the two siblings quarrel and only smiled without saying a word. To tell the truth, it was very difficult for the royal family to see such a scene of deep love between flesh and blood. Li Ke, for example, rarely showed any kinship with his siblings. Although he was kind to Princess Gaoyang, he was not born to his mother. They were more like “friends” than family. As for Li Chengqian and Li Tai, needless to say, they treated their own brothers as enemies.

This unruly Li You was a bit stronger than his outstanding and capable brothers and valued kinship even more.

As night fell, Qin Mubai should leave. The two siblings unknowingly walked him to the Black Tortoise Sect.

Princess Gaoyang said reluctantly, “Mubai, you are leaving after the New Year. Can we meet again?”

“Silly girl, on the first day of the first lunar month, all the capital officials are going to congratulate His Majesty. Qin Mubai, the outer governor, is also going to leave after the fifth day of the first lunar month. Of course, you can see him again.” Li You said.

Qin Mubai thought of Pang Fei, but told Princess Gaoyang that he wanted to take Pang Fei and the others with him.

Princess Gao Yang agreed without hesitation and said, “Pang Fei told me about this. I was just about to tell Father Emperor. Don’t worry, I will definitely help you with this. It’s so far away from Xiang Province. It’s over a thousand miles! You won’t be back for long. How can you not have a capable person to protect you?”

“You’re right.” Li You also said, “When a capital official arrives, he must have his own trusted aides and trusted aides. Don’t underestimate the local officials. They are just like that. If you go alone, you may be isolated. Especially in the army, you must have a group of trusted aides with outstanding ability to die!”

“Alright, I’ll leave this matter to you!” Qin Mubai said to Princess Gaoyang.

“Idiot!” Princess Gaoyang scolded gently, “Isn’t your business mine? What can I do for you? Remember, you must come and see me again before you leave!”