Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 202

Chapter 202 Goodbye, Chang’an
At dawn, the Qin Mansion was busy and lively.

Patriarch Qin Shubao and Third Young Master, who often stayed at home, set off today to go to the distant prefecture and county to serve as officials. This was a major event that the Qin Family had never encountered before. Madam Liu stayed up all night, bringing the servants and maids in the manor to prepare what they were going to use. Everything from chariots and horses to sewing shoes and stockings was well prepared.

To Qin Mubai, this was destined to be a sleepless night.

He had only been in the Great Tang for more than a year, and he didn’t know why he had such deep feelings for Chang’an, for this family, and for many people here.

Separation was unavoidable, and sadness was also uncontrollable.

Every time he saw his mother’s tired expression and red eyes, he felt a little uneasy in his heart. She wanted to persuade her to stop and rest, but she couldn’t.

There was nothing she could do. This was her mother’s personality. He was afraid that he would pay too little for the family and that he would not take good care of his husband and son. Especially towards Qin Mubai, the thread in his mother’s hand and the roaming son’s clothes. For fear of my belated return, before my leave they were closely woven.

Mother has never been good at expressing such feelings and always takes simple actions.

There was also Shuang’er, who wasn’t much idler than her mother, who was busy all night.

Perhaps, besides Qin Mubai, Li Ke was also reluctant to part with her. This kind of separation was not something she could control, so she could only silently accept the current situation and did not tell Qin Mubai about it as usual.

Maybe she didn’t know where to start. There was an indescribable sorrow. Qin Mubai understood.

At dawn, Qin Mubai left the room with her father. Both of their eyes were bloodshot. It was obvious that they had not slept well last night. Big Lang Qin Tong and Second Lang Qin Bin also brought their families to see them off. A farewell banquet was held in the Qin Manor very early.

Qin Shubao sat around his family and said, “Big Lang Erlang, after father and Sanlang leave, you have to go home and take care of them.”

“Yes, father.” The two brothers agreed together.

“Our Qin Family has been quiet for too long!” After saying that, Qin Shubao let out a long sigh and said, “Time flies and I feel old. If I don’t take advantage of the fact that I can still move and fight, I can only wait for the loess to be buried.”

Qin Tong and Qin Bin lowered their heads in shame, “Lord Father, this child is ashamed …”

“I don’t blame you.” Qin Shubao subconsciously looked at Qin Mubai and smiled, “Everyone has their own destiny, wealth and honor reside in the heavens.” Father had long been destined to have something to do with the army and horses. Now that he was able to return to the military town and guard the frontier in his later years, it would be a great pleasure for him! You brothers, on the other hand, must be diligent day and night and must not indulge yourself. In the end, the Qin Clan will still rely on you to flourish! ”

“Yes, father!” The three brothers replied in a deep voice.

“Alright!” Qin Mubai shouted loudly and raised his wine. “After drinking this bowl of wine, you can go your separate ways! When we reunite one day, Father will test you three one by one!”

“Father, please!”

After drinking a bowl of strong liquor, Qin Shubao’s face turned a little red. He turned to look at Madam Liu, who was standing beside him, and said softly, “Sit down, and drink a cup with me.”

“No. How many years have I been accustomed to standing like this?” Madam Liu bit his lips and whispered.

“I’ll let you sit, you sit!” Qin Shubao was a little annoyed, so he stepped forward and pulled her to sit beside him.

Mrs. Liu staggered a little and finally sat down, smiling awkwardly.

“I’ve worked hard for you all these years.” Qin Shubao raised a glass of wine and whispered, “I have been ill for a long time, so I need you to take care of everything. You are the one who supports my family, inside and outside. You are also the one who controls the raising of children. Now, my three sons are good, and Shuang’er is also very obedient. I would like to propose a toast to you in the name of the ancestors of the Qin Clan.”

“Uncle Bao … why are you talking about this? You will be back soon, won’t you?” Madam Liu raised a glass of wine with some trembling and said while holding back his tears.

“Yes, I will.” Qin Shubao smiled slightly, “But I don’t want to hold back these words in my heart. You’ve been living in the side room for all these years, but you’ve taken care of the Qin Family without any regrets. In our hearts, you’re already the head wife of the Qin Family, aren’t you? Today, I will announce that I will hold you in place and be the head wife of the Qin Family!”

“No, no!” Mrs. Liu hurriedly waved her hand, “I don’t care about this! You don’t have to be like this!”

“Mother.” On the other side, Qin Tong said, “Just accept Father’s kindness! Second Brother’s biological mother and I have been dead for many years, and you brought us up. In our hearts, you are already our biological mother. Father’s actions are merely giving you a proper title, and it’s not a big deal!”

“Yes, Mother, just accept it!” Qin Bin smiled slightly and teased, “It’s rare for father to reveal his true feelings. Look at how gentle his smile is at this moment!”

“Shut up! You’re teasing your father!” Qin Shubao scolded angrily and laughed at Madam Liu, “Whether you accept it or not, I have already prepared the documents.” Once I’m gone, I’ll have Tong’er deliver it to the county government and correct your household registration. Furthermore, my dignified Duke Yi, Shangzhu Kingdom, my main room should be given a third or fourth grade Imperial Mandate Lady, right? “Bin’er, you’re in Hongwen Library. I’ll leave this matter to you.”

“Yes, father!” The two brothers agreed and smiled at Qin Mubai.

Qin Mubai replied with a smile, but did not say anything.

Actually, the reason why Qin Shubao suddenly decided to straighten Madam Liu out was mostly because of Qin Mubai.

For so many years, Mrs. Liu has not changed much. She has always worked hard for the Qin Family, and recently, she has not made any special “contributions”. In the end, isn’t it because the mother is precious to the child?

In the past, Qin Mubai only knew that Flying Eagle Pacing Horse was a stubborn gambler. Although Shuang’er was an obedient little girl, she was not enough to change the status of the mother and son in the Qin Family. Now that Qin Mubai had suddenly become stronger, more energetic, and even more brilliant, he even used his own strength to directly affect Qin Shubao’s “re-employment”-how could Qin Shubao not know?

If it weren’t for the reserved attitude of the head of the family, Qin Shubao would have thanked his son in return! It was only natural that his birth mother, Madam Liu, should be straightened out now. Even though it was just a passing moment for Qin Mubai and the rest of the men. For a woman like Madam Liu, who was content with her concubine’s life, it was like turning over in a heaven-shaking manner.

Compared to a concubine who had no status or protection, the matriarch of the Duke of the Nation’s family was simply a difference between clouds and mud!

Madam Liu burst into tears and wiped away his tears. “Uncle Treasure, Big Lang, Second Lang, I don’t know what to say … No matter what I do, I always hope that I haven’t made any mistakes. I never expect anything in return. Whether it’s my mistress or my sidekick, I do everything for the Qin Family. If it’s troublesome, there’s no need to bother.”

“Mother, this isn’t troublesome, it should be!” The eldest son, Qin Tong, said seriously, “You’ve worked so hard for the Qin Clan for decades, and you’ve suffered so much for so many years. We’ve all remembered your intangible kindness and achievements! You deserve it!”

“Yes, mother, you don’t have to refuse anymore!” Qin Bin hurriedly pulled Qin Mubai, who was beside him, “Third Brother, say something!”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Mother, father only said this before he left. It can be seen that he has been suppressed in his heart for a long time.” Why don’t you agree and let him go to his post in peace? How many people could there be in this world if they had stayed together for decades and never abandoned each other? Father didn’t give you this title because you cared … but because he felt that you were worth it. Just because you don’t care doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. ”

“Third Brother is smart enough to speak.” Qin Tong hurriedly said, “Mother, you’ve already said that. Do you still have the nerve to reject my father’s offer?”

“Since that’s the case … then I have no choice but to accept it!” Madam Liu said, tears streaming down his face.

“What are you crying for, haha!” Qin Shubao laughed loudly and reached out to wipe the tears off Madam Liu’s face. “A woman is a woman. She always likes to cry.”

“I’m both happy and reluctant. What do you know?” Madam Liu smiled in tears and rolled his eyes at Qin Shubao.

Qin Shuang’er remained silent. Seeing this, Qin Mubai remembered it in his heart and muttered to himself, “I’ll think of a way to persuade her later.” Otherwise, this silly girl might not be able to let go for three or two months.

The Qin Manor family banquet did not last long and ended very quickly. Because a group of Qin Shubao’s old friends came to see him off. Li Daozong, Li Ji, Cheng Zhijie, and Yuchi Jingde led the group of more than ten people, all of whom were former colleagues of Qin Shubao when he was in the army.

Qin Shubao took out the Golden Beast Head Armor that he hadn’t worn for many years. He held a two-stone boxwood iron fetal bow, held a tiger-headed golden spear in his hand, and wore the red robe of a flower ape. His gray beard fluttered coldly. It was not impressive for a horse to carry a spear.

Everyone cheered together, “Good! My Great Tang’s War God is back!”

“Everyone, don’t bother sending me off. I’ll go as well!” Qin Shubao shouted, and the horse-reining man stood up and said, “Someday, fate will befall us in the sandstorm!”

“Strong!” Everyone clasped their fists and said, “Take care of yourself, Duke Yi!”

“Goodbye–”

With a few horse hisses, Qin Shubao brought along several veterans and servants and left.

Mrs. Liu covered her face and cried. She tightly held onto Qin Mubai’s hand and said, “Son, can you not leave in such a hurry and decisive manner like your father and spend more time with your mother?”

“Mother” Qin Mubai said softly, “Father is such a character. Actually … he is also afraid that heroes will be short-tempered, so he decisively slashes away his love. He has too much affection for this family, for you, and for us. It’s just that he rarely expresses it.”

Qin Shuang’er’s eyes were also red as she whispered, “Mother, Third Brother is right … The more this time, the more we can’t shed tears, lest father and Third Brother feel uneasy. Third Brother, hurry up and go. Isn’t there a group of people in King Wu’s Mansion waiting for you to leave together?”

‘”En” Qin Mubai nodded, her gaze signaling Shuang’er to walk to the side with him and said to her, “Shuang’er, we’re all gone, you must be sad. But … you can date Wu Meiniang and go to Xiang Zhou to see us together!”

“Really … is that okay?” Shuang’er said with joy.

“Why not?” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “You can discuss specific matters with Wu Meiniang. Now that your father is no longer at home, no one will impose any restrictions on you. However, you must obtain mother’s approval. Don’t make her anxious.”

“Yes, I know!”

“Alright, then Brother will also be there!”

Qin Mubai, who was also dressed in military uniform, turned around and rode on the Fire Cloud.

Li Daozong and the others escorted Qin Shubao out of the Qin Mansion. They were on the street when they saw Qin Mubai riding his horse. They couldn’t help but laugh out loud, “Look, just after an old Qin Shubao left, another young and handsome Qin Shubao immediately appeared! The father and son are just like carved from the same mold, haha!”

Qin Mubai dismounted from his horse and bowed to the crowd, saying goodbye.

Li Daozong took a step forward, patted his shoulder armor and pulled him aside, saying, “Brat, your precious saber is still in this king’s custody. When will you take it?”

“Haha, if Your Highness doesn’t say anything, I will forget! It is inconvenient to dance with a sword during the New Year. If we can meet again in the future, we will definitely ask Your Highness for advice! We can’t ask for such a treasured saber, I am determined to obtain it!” Qin Mubai smiled.

“Good! Kid has a bit of madness. This king likes it!” Li Daozong patted Qin Mubai’s chest a few more times and laughed loudly, “Go! Don’t worry about daring to rush around. Don’t lose to your old father, whose beard is almost white. You must make a breakthrough to defeat him!”

“Thank you, Your Highness, for your encouragement!” Qin Mubai clasped his fists and replied.

“Brat, come here.” On the other side, Old Demon Cheng Zhijie waved his hand at him and laughed at him, “You can do it, brat. My Old Cheng has only been away from Chang’an for less than a year. You’ve made a rumor and even hooked up with a princess.” After saying that, Cheng Zhijie laughed loudly at Li Ji and the others, “How is it? The disciple that I, Old Cheng, trained is not bad, right?”

“Damn old bastard, I really don’t know how to be ashamed! That’s Qin Sanlang’s strength, so it’s none of your business!” ‘”Qin Sanlang, I told my disappointing son that he will surpass you sooner or later if he practices martial arts day and night. Be careful not to neglect your progress when you arrive at the local counties. If you are bullied by your son Baoyun, you are not allowed to come and complain to me!” Yuchi Jingde shouted angrily.

“Haha! Uncle Cheng, Uncle Yuchi, don’t worry. Little Nephew will definitely be diligent every day and won’t dare to slack off in the slightest!” Qin Mubai clasped his fists and smiled.

‘”Mm” Cheng Zhijie said earnestly, “We old bastards won’t be able to flutter for long. In less than ten or twenty years, the Great Tang will be your world. Qin Mubai, uncle, look after you. In time, you will definitely soar to the sky and surpass us old bastards. Don’t let your uncle down!”

“En!”

“Go, stop talking!” Yuchi Jingde roared, “It’s not like we’re parting ways. There’s too much nonsense!”

“You old black bastard, you really can’t spit out ivory from a dog’s mouth!” Cheng Zhijie angrily scolded.

“Do you have the ability to spit one out for my old black to see?” Yuchi Jingde sneered.

The people beside them all laughed bitterly-well, the old enemies were fighting again, no matter the occasion!

Li Ji took a step forward and clasped his fist at Qin Mubai, saying, “Mubai, don’t underestimate Xiangzhou. It is a place where ancient warriors have to contend. It is also the waterway hub of our Great Tang that runs north and south. Going there is no easier than staying in Chang’an. The key to running the army in the local counties and prefectures is three words-peace, leniency, and economy.”

“May I ask Duke of England, what is the meaning of these three words?” Qin Mubai hurriedly asked. Li Ji has been serving as a senior military officer in the prefectures and counties of Shandong Province all year round. He has more experience in this field than anyone else, and even Qin Shubao is incomparable.

Li Ji smiled and said, “Harmony is the most precious thing.” Be it under the command of your own colleagues, the officials of the state government, or the peasants and squire, you must get along well with each other. The army was like fish and the people were like water, the people of the local military manor offended the governor or made the people hate them, so it was inevitable that they would find it difficult to move forward. Width was a subduing technique. When capital officials like us arrive at a place, we must not think that we are superior and treat others with contempt. Only by leniently treating the soldiers with compassion will they be able to support you. Put yourself in your shoes for the sake of your subordinates. In time, they will treat you like a relative. For a general to be handsome, he should love his soldiers as if they were sons and win the hearts of the people. ”

“Thank you for your advice. This junior will remember it!” Qin Mubai cupped his fists gratefully and said, “Then what about this’ Ji ‘?”

“Benefactor, help each other with strength and softness.” Li Xuan smiled and said, “Treating soldiers leniently is not the same as giving way weakly. Military orders are like a mountain that cannot be disobeyed. For generals, you should be fair in administering justice and not give way to selfishness. Only by establishing a benevolence can you order and prohibit them. It sounds contradictory to’leniency ‘, but in fact it complements each other. As for the mysteries, you have to grasp them carefully.”

“Yes, this junior will remember!”

“Alright, let’s go, let’s go, it’s really long-winded!” Yuchi Jingde waved his hand and said, “It’s rare for us to reunite. Don’t waste our time drinking!”

“Haha!” Qin Mubai laughed and got on his horse. “Junior, take care, uncles!”

After riding on the snow, Qin Mubai’s figure quickly disappeared from the streets of Li Fang.

In the backyard of the Qin Mansion, the melodious sound of the pipa had been heard for a long time, but suddenly stopped.

“Shuang’er, has he already left?”

“Let’s go.” Qin Shuang’er sat beside her and said softly.

“Did he hear the pipa that I sent him off?”

“I don’t know … Third Brother, I haven’t stopped for a moment since I woke up today, but he still asked about you. So have you. Why are you insisting on not coming to the main hall for a banquet and sending them off?” Qin Shuang’er said.

“I don’t dare to go” Yao’er stroked the strings and said softly.

“Are you afraid of separation?” Shuang’er frowned slightly. “Is that why Third Brother didn’t come to bid you farewell?”

“He … knows my temperament.”

When Qin Mubai arrived at the Wu Palace, he saw that Li Ke and the others had already made preparations and were only waiting for their departure. The thirty Hundred Cavalry soldiers under Pang Fei’s command were also ready to leave, waiting here quietly.

“Let’s go!” Li Ke waved his hand and got on the horse first. He smiled at Qin Mubai and said, “Mubai, this king will ride with you today!”

“Heh, if you don’t sit in a comfortable carriage, why are you riding a horse?” Qin Mubai smiled.

“Leaving this gentle and affectionate hometown of Chang’an, if no one chats with you along the way, wouldn’t you be very lonely and boring?” Li Ke laughed teasingly.

“No, I definitely won’t be lonely.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Because I have loneliness to accompany me.”

“Haha-let’s go!”

A group of nearly a thousand people left the Wu Palace and Chang’an City.

After a while, Qin Mubai and Li Ke stood on a slope and looked back at Chang’an.

“Mubai, what do you think will happen next time we come back?” Li Ke asked.

“Who knows?” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “I only know that I will definitely come back!”

“Alright! Farewell to Chang’an!” Li Ke cupped his fists in the direction of Chang’an and said, “Goodbye, Chang’an. We will definitely come back!”