Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 232
Chapter 232 The Beauty Of Adulthood
In the middle of the night, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed. It was still sunny at noon, but at this moment, a thunderstorm came unexpectedly.
The stream rose, and the small building was filled with the wind that carried the scent of water and grass. A Thousand Paper Crane tied with hair flew on the edge of the window. A few drops of rain were swept into the bedroom by the strong wind.
Qin Mubai hugged Chen Yan in her arms, pulled a thin silk over her naked body, kissed her forehead, and asked, “Is it cold?”
“Still sweating.” Chen Yan’s face was flushed red, her charming eyes were like silk, and her mouth was still gasping for breath.
Little Bie was the newlyweds and had just staged a firewood fight. At this moment, both of them were a little tired. Hence, they slept together and listened to the wind and rain quietly.
“Everything is settled?” After a long time, Chen Yan asked softly.
“It’s still early.” Qin Mubai said, “These past few days, Li Ke and Quan Wanji have been thoroughly investigating the Water Ghost’s accomplices with the officials of the Secretariat Manor.” Picking a gourd and pulling out a bunch of vines implicated too many people. Regardless of whether it was the military manor or the secretariat manor, including the local gentry and merchants, apart from the small potato, there were a lot of important people involved. If all of them were captured and killed, Xiangzhou would probably be thrown into an uproar, and the army would not be able to suppress them. Therefore, the case has been solved, but how to deal with the aftermath is really troublesome. ”
Chen Yan remained silent for a while and said, “I don’t understand what’s going on in the officialdom. I only know that it’s the matter of the secretariat office to try and bring charges. Don’t interfere too much. It’s easy to dodge hidden arrows with open guns. If there are too many enemies, it won’t be good for you.”
“I know.” Qin Mubai smiled and gently patted her back, saying, “Why don’t you come with me to the secretariat’s banquet tomorrow?”
“It’s not like you don’t know. I don’t like that kind of occasion.”
“It’s just that the princess wants to thank you specially, and she doesn’t want you to get mixed up with us men. Why don’t you go? No matter what, you are her mother’s and daughter’s savior.”
“Shouldn’t she thank you?” Chen Yan smiled and said, “I just ran errands for you. You didn’t arrange everything, did you?”
“Alright, stop bargaining. It’s just a meal.”
“Then what about the one next door?” Chen Yan smiled warmly.
“You’re talking about Lady Hua … Haha!” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “She’s already mixed up with you now. You can arrange it!”
“Didn’t you promise her that you would recommend her to King Wu’s Mansion?” Chen Yan asked.
“What, do you agree?” Qin Mubai asked, “Didn’t you always hate her the most?”
Chen Yan paused for a moment and smiled miserably, “I do hate her. However, there is no reason to hate her. Although she is not a good person, it would be a good thing if she truly repented and wanted to live a new life. No matter what, she has helped you a little this time.”
“You already said that. Am I embarrassed not to agree?” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “I’m just worried that Li Ke has always been lecherous and Hua Niangzi is incomparably coquettish. If the two of them get mixed up, it won’t be good if something happens.”
“Worry blindly.” Chen Yan scolded and smiled, “She should know this little bit of discretion and self-knowledge.”
“Eh? Why are you always trying to put in a good word for her? This isn’t like you.”
“Nothing much. It’s just that a rabbit’s death and a fox’s misery are sympathetic to one’s life Chen Yan said indifferently.
“Haha!” Qin Mubai laughed loudly, “I think you’re just being hard-mouthed and soft-hearted!”
The next day, Qin Mubai led the horse and walked in front. Chen Yan and Hua Niangzi followed behind them unhurriedly. The three of them left the building together and headed towards the secretariat’s mansion.
I heard that Lady Hua deliberately dressed up for the banquet at the secretariat’s mansion. However, she was no longer in the shape of an exposed chest. Instead, she was dressed in a strong suit. Her tightly wrapped hair also looked at Chen Yan. She tied it up high and looked rather capable. However, when she looked at Qin Mubai, she was still a little angry, as if he owed her millions.
“Your surname is Qin, you’re really unkind!” After walking for a few steps, Hua Niangzi couldn’t help but say, “That night, I brought Pang Fei here. You actually ran away first!”
“I’ve already said it a hundred times. Are you tired of it?” Qin Mubai said slowly, “As the saying goes, guard against others is indispensable. Am I right to be careful? Furthermore, I have already arranged to meet King Qi and King Wu at the official post of Xinye County early in the morning. Missing the hour would be a big mistake.”
“Humph!” Hua Niangzi spat hatefully, “In the end, aren’t you still unable to trust me?”
Qin Mubai curled her lips and said, “I didn’t say anything.”
“What are you arguing about?” Chen Yan said indifferently, “Didn’t I bring you to the Secretariat Manor to fulfill my promise?”
Hua Niangzi immediately changed colors and smiled, “I know, it was you who helped me intercede that he agreed. Otherwise, he would definitely go back on his word!”
“Don’t get too close.” Chen Yan said coldly, “If you still have the same virtue as before, I will be the first to not forgive you.”
“Aiyo, how could it be?” “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be reborn. How can I not cherish it? Don’t worry, although I am a rogue, I have always been very self-aware.”
“That’s good.” Chen Yan glanced at her and remained silent.
“Hehe, sister, you’re just cold-hearted and soft-hearted.” Hua Niangzi giggled. “Sister, I know your good intentions. In the future, I will definitely change my mind and start over. My biggest wish now is to find a good man like you who can be relied on and live the rest of my life in peace. I will never bother again.”
Chen Yan did not respond and allowed her to sigh and chatter all the way. The three of them walked slowly and arrived at Xiangyang County. Qin Mubai suddenly thought of something and said, “Go to the Hua Niangzi residence.”
“Alright! I also want to visit the same place, hehe!” Hua Niangzi smiled and said, “Oh right, I am not the real Hua Niangzi, and I will not be the Lady Yao Xie in the future. My real name is Su Lianqing.”
“Su Lianqing? A very gentle and tactful name.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “However, she is so coquettish and unruly.”
“Humph!” Su Lianqing glared at Qin Mubai angrily, “That’s all from the past. I only hope to quickly forget it, and you are not allowed to mention it again!”
“Yes, yes, yes, Maid Su!”
The three of them walked to Lady Hua’s mansion. One of them leaned against the door and looked forward to welcoming them from afar, pleasantly surprised, “Master!”
It’s Ponfey.
Qin Mubai slapped him on the shoulder and smiled, “What, did you become his son-in-law?”
Chen Yan and Su Lianqing laughed. Pang Fei blushed and scratched his cheeks as he stuttered, “No, no!”
“Then do you stand in front of the door early in the morning and stand guard for the grand Fifth Grade General?” Qin Mubai looked at him with great interest.
“Cough, cough …” Pang Fei awkwardly coughed and said, “I don’t dare to disturb you. I can only wait here for Master to report something.”
“What the hell do you need to report? Tell me if you need anything.” Qin Mubai smiled.
Pang Fei stuttered, occasionally glancing at Su Lianqing, his face flushed red. “I, I want … that …”
Su Lianqing giggled and walked forward, “Let me say it! This little man and Lady Hua, that little widow, were detained by me. They dared to see the truth when they were in trouble, and they had decided to do so privately for the rest of their lives, right?”
“Eh!” Pang Fei laughed awkwardly. “You can say that too!”
Qin Mubai laughed heartily, “Pang Fei, Pang Fei, that’s all you have!”
“No, no!” Pang Fei hurriedly waved his hand and explained, “Xu Liang shi is not the kind of person that Master imagined! She is really a good woman, I won’t lie to you!”
“Then don’t you mind if she’s a little widow and even half-closed the door?” Qin Mubai asked in a low voice.
“I don’t mind!” Pang Fei replied firmly.
Qin Mubai shrugged, “Then I don’t mind. Tell me, do you still want me to help you decide on this palm marriage?”
“Yes!” Pang Fei smiled happily and said, “My parents died early, and there are no relatives in Xiangzhou. My master is my only elder, so of course I will ask you to make the decision!”
Qin Mubai laughed heartily and took a few steps forward on his shoulder. “Pang Fei, who do you like is your freedom? If you think it’s worth it, then fight for it. If you really have such a big heart and don’t blame her past, then of course it will help you.”
“Really, really?” Pang Fei said in surprise, “I thought that Master would object to me marrying a widow!”
“Do I look like an old fogey?” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “As long as you like men and women, it’s fine. Just like how these shoes fit on your feet, only you know if they’re comfortable or not. Go into the hospital and call the Xu Liang Clan out. Let me see.”
“Yes!” Pang Fei was overjoyed and sprinted into the courtyard.
The three of them also walked in laughing. Not long after, Pang Fei held a woman’s hand and walked closer. Without any explanation, he bowed to Qin Mubai’s head and fell to the ground.
“Mistress Xu Liang greets General Qin.” The Xu Liang Clan was a typical small family jade in the south of the Yangtze River. Her red lips and white teeth were soft and tender, and her voice was gentle and elegant, as gentle as water.
“Get up!” Qin Mubai chuckled. He sized up Xu Liang Clan and nodded, “Not bad, worthy of this stupid boy Pang Fei. Pang Fei, in fact, you are only one or two years younger than me. Since you respect me as your teacher, I will make the decision for you and promise this brown marriage.”
“Quick, thank you, Master!” Pang Fei was so excited that he pulled Madam Xu Liang to kneel down again.
“This can be considered a miraculous fate. The beauty of adulthood is quite good.” Qin Mubai stepped forward and helped the two of them up. He pulled their hands together and said, “In the future, your lives will change. However, no matter how things change, people who truly love each other will always be the same. I don’t have anything for you. I can only give Pang Fei a month’s vacation. I’ll treat it as … a honeymoon!”
“Honeymoon? What an apt and interesting word!” Xu Liang shi smiled and bowed to Qin Mubai. She said seriously, “This lowly concubine thanks General Qin for his great kindness. The parents who gave birth to me will remake me, General Qin. In this life, this lowly concubine will follow my husband and serve the general like a father. The heavens will not bless me if I say more than that!”
“Alright, don’t be so serious!” Qin Mubai laughed loudly. “Now, I want to lend your husband a hand and take him to the secretariat’s mansion to do some things and eat some wine and meat. Do you have any objections?”
Mrs. Liang chuckled, “How dare this lowly concubine? It’s just that there’s no flower wine.”
“Haha! Those who are going to get married are different!” Qin Mubai and the others laughed loudly and left Hua Niangzi’s house.
The customs of the Tang Dynasty were open, and the concept of chastity was not very strong. It was also very tolerant to remarry and remarry. It was definitely not as severe as the restriction of religious principles after the Song Dynasty. Officials like rich children, to romance as the fashion, brothel this kind of thing is like us now singing karaoke so common.
At the same time, it was not uncommon for a famous scholar to marry a famous kabuki to advocate excellence. Not only was the world not laughing, it was also filled with jealousy and envy. Hence, Pang Fei’s marriage to a half-hidden widow was not a shocking event. However, there were very few’high-ranking officials’ like him who didn’t care about other people’s background. There was no lack of famous kabuki who advocated marrying a good family, but they were still unable to get rid of the fate of becoming concubines and playthings. There were very few people who truly had feelings and sought happiness.
“Pang Fei, you’re still a kind person.” Along the way, Qin Mubai patted his shoulder and smiled, “Mrs. Liang, it’s her fortune to follow you.”
“It’s my good fortune, hehe!” Pang Fei smiled embarrassedly, “Actually … she is a good woman!”
“Alright, it’s good. Just cherish it. Don’t let it down.” Qin Mubai nodded and smiled.
“En!” Pang Fei nodded heavily.
‘”Ah–” Su Lianqing sighed from behind the two of them. “Mother, I’m jealous!! If I had known earlier, I would have separated you two. At most, it would have been a little troublesome. Then I would have taken down this little man myself. After today, wouldn’t I be the one who turned into the general’s wife?”
Everyone laughed out loud.
The corner of Qin Mubai’s mouth curled into a smile and he said, “Don’t tell me, it’s all thanks to you. Why don’t you be their matchmaker?”
Su Lianqing was so angry that her teeth itched. She spat and said coldly, “I’m not married yet. The matchmakers are all those old women who are 70 or 80 years old. I’m not going to do it!”
Along the way, everyone had already arrived in front of the secretariat’s mansion.
The Prefecture of Governors has been bustling with activity these past few days. The lights stayed on day and night, and people didn’t remove their armor or saddles. They had been busy dealing with the water ghost case. The prison was overcrowded, and many prisons had been temporarily opened.
The case was coming to an end, and the trial and questioning were all matters of the Secretariat. Li Ke was very busy, so how could Qin Mubai be so relaxed and at ease? It was not easy to steal some leisure time. In addition, King Qi, Li You, also came to Xiang Zhou from Jingzhou to deal with the aftermath. Thus, he set up a banquet and invited Qin Mubai and the others over.
The guard at the gate was Yuwen Hongtai. A few days ago, he slaughtered on the bank of the Jingzhou River happily. This fellow’s aura was so powerful that he killed people like a numb feather. It really made the soldiers in the palace admire him and praise him endlessly for his courage. In the air, he was now walking with his head held high, and he always regarded himself as a hero.
“Haha, Third Brother Qin is here! Oh, as well as Heroine Chen, rare guests, rare guests! … How should I address this person?” Yuwen Hongtai strode forward and sounded like a bell.
“Yi, what a reckless man!” Su Lianqing frowned and looked up and down. Tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk, tsk.
“What are you talking about?” Yuwen Hongtai glared at him, “What am I … called that? ‘rough’, ‘heroic’, all men are like this! Everyone in the manor says that I’m a good man who stands tall! You’re the only one who doesn’t know what to do!”
“Oh, it’s been a while since I’ve heard someone call me ‘Little Lady’.” Su Lianqing circled around Yuwen Hongtai with interest and nudged him with her elbow. “Good man, what are you doing in King Wu’s Mansion? Is your official big?”
Qin Mubai and Chen Yan looked at each other and smiled. They shook their heads together, ignoring the two of them and headed straight for the manor with Pang Fei.
When Su Lianqing saw Qin Mubai and the others leave, she hurriedly followed them. She rolled her eyes and said in a charming voice, “Good man, I’ll have a good chat with you when I’m free!”
Yuwen Hongtai’s entire body trembled. When he came back to his senses, Su Lianqing had already trotted after Qin Mubai. He swallowed a mouthful of saliva and muttered, “Third Brother Qin, how can such a beautiful little woman always appear beside him? This is especially coquettish. Woo … This daddy doesn’t have this blessing!”
When they entered the palace, there were a lot of servants and soldiers inside and outside the palace, making them seem extremely busy. However, Li Ke personally came out and laughed loudly from afar, “Haha! Our great heroes have finally arrived!”
Qin Mubai greeted him with a smile.
The people in the mansion looked at the scene in front of them and were all confused. A few days ago, didn’t the two of them turn hostile and almost drew their knives to chop each other? Today, it was like a pair of brothers.
After chatting with Qin Mubai for a while, Li Ke looked at Chen Yan gratefully and nodded, “Maiden Chen, this prince wishes to thank you solemnly for your kindness.”
“Your Highness is too serious.” Chen Yan smiled and said, “I’m just running errands. It’s all planned and arranged by Mubai. You should thank him.”
“Heh, you really look at him everywhere!” Li Ke laughed loudly, looked at Su Lianqing again, and said to Qin Mubai, “Is this Hua Niangzi?”
“To be more specific, it’s a counterfeit Hua Niangzi. Jianghu people call her Lady Yao Xie, her real name is Su Lianqing.” Qin Mubai introduced.
“The criminal woman greets His Highness Prince Wu!” Su Lianqing was still a little nervous and hurriedly bowed down.
“Stand up. No one has convicted you. You are not a criminal woman. Furthermore, you have great merits.” Li Ke smiled.
“I … have great merits?” Su Lianqing was stunned for a moment.
“Of course.” Qin Mubai smiled mysteriously.
“Just because I released Pang Fei and Lady Hua?” Su Lianqing asked.
“Not only that.” Qin Mubai smiled. “If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to determine who the real Cao Master Song was. Don’t you think this is a great achievement?”
“Even I don’t know who Cao Master Song is. When did I help you?” Su Lianqing was confused.
Qin Mubai and Li Ke laughed at the same time. Li Ke said, “Come in and sit down. Have a sip of tea while chatting. King Qi just went out for a stroll and will be back soon. When he comes back, we will hold a banquet!”
“Alright!”
When the group entered the hall, Li Ke followed his old habit of setting up a stove to make tea, and there was no shortage of silk and bamboo music.
“Hey, quickly tell me, how did I help you find the real Cao Master Song?” Su Lianqing was puzzled and asked Qin Mubai.
“Very simple. Because of some of your actions, I saw their biggest flaw.” Qin Mubai smiled.
“What flaw?”
“Didn’t Pang Fei and Zhao Chong arrive at Xiangyang County that day and then go to the Hua Niangzi Family together?” Qin Mubai said.
“Exactly.” Pang Fei replied from the side.
Qin Mubai smiled and said, “This is the biggest flaw. If Zhao Chong wasn’t from the Water Ghost, why would he bring Pang Fei to Hua Niangzi? Su Lianqing, why did you set up an ambush there in advance and wait to capture him? Afterwards, Pang Fei and the real Hua Niangzi fell into your hands. However, Zhao Chong also disappeared. Isn’t that a cover-up?”
“What do you mean? I don’t understand.” Su Lianqing and the others shook their heads in confusion.
Li Ke smiled and said, “First of all, Zhao Chong brought Pang Fei into the trap that the water ghost had already set up. It was enough to confirm that he was a member of the water ghost.” At this time, in order to conceal the location of Pang Fei’s disappearance, he also disappeared, creating an illusion of being kidnapped at the same time. “Later, you, Su Lianqing, told Qin Mubai that you only captured Pang Fei and Hua Niangzi. This is equivalent to making Qin Mubai clear that Zhao Chong is actually a member of the Water Ghost.”
“Let me really be sure that Zhao Chong is Cao Zhou Song’s. There are other flaws.” Qin Mubai said, “That is, when I returned to the military manor to arrange matters and reselect Du Chengyuan’s trusted aide to take over the commander of the navy, the water ghost released Zhao Chong strangely.” Heh, the reason why Zhao Chong disappeared was to conceal the fact that Pang Fei’s kidnapping was related to him, and to make it easier for him to control everything behind the scenes so that he could leave my line of sight. However, he was worried about how he would clear his suspicions in front of me after we completed the deal and released him. Thus, he made a false appearance of a water ghost releasing people to deceive me. “At the same time, it will also be convenient for him to return to the barracks and personally command the navy to participate in the grain trade.”
“So, Zhao Chong is Cao Master Song?!” Many people cried out in alarm.
“Of course.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “From the beginning, he was very close to us. It even made me think that he was someone I could win over. He clearly saw through my intentions as well, so he deliberately co-starred with Du Chengyuan in a good show of fake separation, making me work harder to win him over. Thus, he completely believed in him. Chen Yan, do you still remember what I told you before? I’m already suspicious of the two people that I didn’t suspect before? ”
Chen Yan nodded, “One is the head of the yamen, Zhou Laojiu, and the other is Zhao Chong, right?”
“Right.” Qin Mubai nodded, “Since then, I have suspected that one of these two people must be Master Song Cao.” Because from the beginning, they were closest to me. As the saying goes, the darkest and most dangerous place under the oil lamp is the safest. They were quite courageous, and they were indeed very smart. At first, I was really tricked by them. However, there was no such thing as a seamless heavenly robe in this world. No matter how exquisite a plan was, there were always flaws. From Su Lianqing, I have at least made two things clear. One is that Zhou Laojiu is a member of the Water Ghost Party, and the other is that Zhao Chong is most likely the real Cao Master Song. That’s why she made a great contribution. ”
Su Lianqing took a deep breath and shook her head, “You are too scary! You can’t escape your eyes without revealing your mountains and water, and everything is clear in your heart! Fortunately, I truly regret coming to surrender. If I were only trying to deceive you, wouldn’t I die miserably now?”
Li Ke smiled strangely and said, “Therefore, even this king does not play tricks on him. He always obeys his orders.”
“Is that so?” Su Lianqing’s eyes lit up as she slapped the snake and said, “Then did General Qin mention to His Highness that he would recommend me to King Wu’s Mansion for a job and abandon evil for good?”
Li Ke immediately laughed out loud, “Yes, I did. However, the manor does not need female officials, nor does it need female soldiers. This makes this king feel very embarrassed.”
Su Lianqing was instantly disappointed, and her eyes dimmed a little.
“However.” Li Ke changed the topic and smiled, “After this, I feel that there is no one to take care of the princess, especially a woman with high martial arts skills. Su Lianqing, if you are willing, you can be a personal maid of the princess!”
‘”Ah!” Su Lianqing was instantly overjoyed and immediately bowed down. “Thank you, Your Highness, for your forgiveness! Thank you, General Qin, for your kindness! In this life, Su Lianqing will never forget, forge the Ouroboros Ring, and repay life and death!”
Qin Mubai grinned and thought to himself, “So it turns out that the beauty of adulthood is quite pleasant.” It was just a simple effort, but it was even a little more enjoyable than a saber-knife murderer!
