Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 252

Chapter 252 Reunion Of Old Friends
Princess Gaoyang could not help but drag Qin Mubai out of the hall and into the courtyard. Her face was red with excitement. She immediately threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.

Qin Mubai looked around. There were many guards nearby. These people were awkwardly turning around and pretending to be blind.

“Hey, there are a lot of people!”

“You won’t tell them to leave, will you?” Princess Gaoyang ignored all of this and hugged her even tighter. She even pressed her cheeks against Qin Mubai’s chest.

Without needing Qin Mubai to speak, the guards all dodged tactfully.

“There’s no need for this, right?” Qin Mubai patted her on the back and smiled, “You pulled me out the moment I entered the room. I have never seen the King of Jiangxia before.”

“It’s not like you don’t know that little old man. What’s there to see?” Princess Gaoyang smiled and raised her head. She looked at Qin Mubai affectionately and asked, “Stinking Military Academy, thief man, tell me honestly, did you miss me?”

“What do you say?” Qin Mubai laughed and patted her shoulder, “Alright, let go. The King of Jiangxia and Xiao Yu must be laughing at us in the room!”

Princess Gaoyang loosened her grip, but she refused to let go. She held Qin Mubai’s hand and said excitedly, “Mubai, I’m finally free! I left Chang’an and came to Xiangzhou. Finally, there is a peaceful and free space for me to get along with you. Do you know that all of this is what I dream of?”

Qin Mubai smiled and gently pinched her nose. “That means we will have a lot of time together. Shouldn’t we go in and let me perform my duties first?” She said.

“Alright, of course!” Princess Gao Yang smiled and happily replied. She pulled Qin Mubai’s hand and walked inside, completely unaware of any taboo.

Qin Mubai shook her head and smiled.

In the past, in the palace, under Li Shimin’s eyes, she was still accustomed to this. Now that she was in Xiang Zhou, what other scruples could she have?

When the two of them entered the room, Xiao Yu and Li Daozong’s bright and exquisite eyes first noticed that their hands were connected, but they immediately turned their eyes away and pretended to be blind.

“Elder Xiao Ge, Mubai is here now! If you have anything good or bad to say, just say it in front of him!” Princess Gaoyang snorted calmly. “I hate people who gossip on their backs the most. If it’s an old woman in the market, then it’s fine. But she’s still a high-ranking official. It’s really boring!”

Xiao Yu was afraid that he would be scolded by a dog’s blood shower again. How could he dare to retort? He could only carefully answer, “Yes, Your Highness, what the princess taught me is that this old minister is indeed confused.”

“You’re not confused. You said that on purpose.” Princess Gaoyang was unyielding and continued, “Didn’t you just want to sue him in front of the Royal Uncle of Jiangxia and wash away your suspicions first?” If you don’t mention the words’left behind by the prisoner ‘, why don’t you emphasize it? Then he hurriedly said that this was not your intention and pushed all of his thoughts onto Mubai. I think you are irresponsible. “You should be in charge of all the matters of the sacrifice ceremony. If you have trouble, you can push it on your subordinates. What is the reason for that?”

“Your Highness, you shouldn’t have said that.” Qin Mubai also tried to give Xiao Yu some face and said, “I heard a few words from Elder Xiao just now.” Actually, he didn’t say anything excessive. He was just stating the facts. “In advance, I was indeed the one who insisted on using the private residence to transform Xingyuan. Furthermore, I promised that if His Highness the Crown Prince and the King of Jiangxia blamed me, I would bear the responsibility. Elder Xiao Pavilion did not fabricate anything.”

“Yes, Gaoyang.” Dao Sect Li laughed and said, “It’s just a small misunderstanding. There’s no need to make such a fuss, is there? Look at him, Elder Xiao Ge is a famous elder of the Three Dynasties. Besides, he is also quite old. You should at least care about his face!”

Xiao Yu smiled bitterly from the side. He felt like a child who had been bullied. It was up to Qin Mubai and Li Daozong to come out and ask for his protection.

“Royal Uncle Jiang Xia, this is a small matter for you, but a big matter for you!” Princess Gaoyang did not continue to get angry. Instead, she said half-jokingly and half-seriously, “I don’t care who it is. I can’t slander Mubai in person or in secret! Otherwise, I will definitely not let him off!”

“Elder Xiao Ge, did you hear everything?” Dao Sect Li couldn’t help but laugh, “This time, you’ve provoked someone you shouldn’t have provoked!”

Qin Mubai smiled apologetically and said, “Elder Xiao, don’t listen to the princess’s nonsense. She just wants to be happy and not have a bad heart.”

“This veteran understands, this veteran understands.” Xiao Yu squeezed out a dry smile and nodded his head repeatedly. However, bursts of cold sweat oozed out from his temples.

“Hmph, the three of you together are bullying me. I won’t play with you anymore!” Princess Gaoyang jumped up from her seat and giggled, “You’re going to get down to business, aren’t you? I’m going out for a stroll! Don’t worry about me, you guys talk!”

“Where is Your Highness going?” The three men asked in unison.

“Wow, why are you so nervous?” Princess Gaoyang shouted, “I’m not a child. What’s the point of going out for a walk? Besides, I have Baiji Guards with me! Besides, this is the territory of Mubai in Xiang Zhou. What am I afraid of? Don’t worry, I’ll go out for a stroll and come back immediately!”

After saying that, Princess Gaoyang jumped out and summoned a few Baiji, swaggered towards the outside of the relay hall.

The three men watched Princess Gaoyang leave and shook their heads at the same time. Then, they heaved a sigh of relief.

Xiao Yu wiped away his cold sweat and said, “Amazing, awesome! This old man has finally experienced it! I haven’t seen Princess Gao Yang for many days, and she is even more awesome than before!”

Li Daozong was obviously used to it. He only smiled calmly and said, “Don’t worry, Mu. She will be fine. The Baiji soldiers you sent to escort Li Ke to the capital came with us. They are responsible for protecting Gaoyang along the way. With them around, there is no harm in them.”

Qin Mubai smiled bitterly and said, “Your Highness is worrying too much. Do you think I’m worried about Her Highness the Princess? I’m worried that if she goes out this time, she might cause trouble outside or harm others.”

“Haha, your worries are reasonable!” Li Daozong laughed loudly. “In the capital, she still has some misgivings. Now that we’re in Xiang Zhou, especially Xiang Zhou is still Mubai’s territory, she must be lawless. Mubai, you better discipline her properly. On the way here, I’ve been tormented by her. How naughty!”

Qin Mubai smiled slightly and changed the subject, “Why did Your Highness come to Xiang Zhou half a month in advance and not notify me in advance, so that I can go greet him. Such a sudden arrival caught us off guard and made us lose our manners.”

“It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter. This king has always been unaccustomed to the vulgar rituals of red tape. Instead, he quietly comes here and is quiet.” Dao Sect Li sat down, picked up a cup of tea and took a sip, signaling for Xiao Yu and Qin Mubai to sit down as well. He said, “This king knows that as long as I come to Xiang Zhou, all of you will be busy for a while. But if it wasn’t for that girl Gaoyang who insisted that I bring her here in advance, why would I have thought of disturbing you in advance?”

With Xiao Yu present, there were some things he couldn’t ask. Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Since Your Highness has come, you should have fun and rest. Although Xiang Zhou is not as bustling and lively as the capital, it has its own characteristics and interests. After Your Highness has relieved himself of the fatigue of the journey for two days, Your Highness will arrange some good places for you to visit.”

“Alright.” Li Daozong nodded and laughed heartily, “This king owes it all to His Majesty’s good fortune to take care of me, an idle old official, and give me a relaxed and fun job. Since I’m here, I’ll open my heart and have a good time. Mubai, Gaoyang said that this is your territory, so this king will rely on your arrangements!”

“Your Highness is joking.” Qin Mubai smiled.

Xiao Yu was stunned to the side, as if he was still lying in bed amidst Princess Gaoyang’s lingering might and hadn’t regained his senses. Seeing Li Daozong and Qin Mubai chatting so speculatively, it was obvious that the two of them had known each other for a long time, and they were very close. He immediately cried out bitterly in his heart, “Damn it!” Judging from this situation, Li Daozong’s friendship with him is much deeper than mine! Why would I think of talking nonsense to Qin Mubai in front of Li Daozong? … Ah, this time, my old face is really embarrassed! I really didn’t expect that this young, greasy-faced kid who had just entered the official career would have such a broad friendship. It was fine to climb the stubborn stubble of Princess Gaoyang. He had a deep friendship with Li Ke, and he also had a good relationship with the King of Jiangxia!

“Really terrifying!”

Next, Li Daozong asked about the mausoleum and sacrifice ceremony, but they only talked about it in a few words. He did not delve deeper, nor did he care about the details. Firstly, he was here to go through the motions. He was only responsible for appearing at the sacrificial ceremony and everything would be fine. Therefore, he didn’t need to pay too much attention to it. Secondly, the Li Dao Sect also had an aura that Xiao Yu did not possess. Since Qin Mubai was already in charge of the matter, he could only ask for the results at that time. He didn’t need to worry about what was going on between him.

On this point, Li Daozong and Li Shimin had some similarities. They can all show respect and trust to their subordinates, so they don’t need to be unsuspecting to be used by their subordinates, so their subordinates can only be used by their subordinates. Because of this, when Li Shimin was ruling the world, his subordinates were always able to come out in large numbers. It was precisely because those people who followed him would be able to fully display their skills. Xiao Yu had a strong and upright personality, and he was too demanding of perfection. His style of being penny-pinching could be considered an advantage in some respects at times. However, it would appear that he lacked a bit of tolerance. Thus, he was destined to be unable to become an outstanding handsome genius like Li Daozong.

The three of them will definitely have my master. One Xiao Yu and the other Li Dao Sect had learned a lot from the two of them, both positive and negative.

After chatting for a while, Li Daozong said that he was tired and wanted to go back to Xingyuan to rest. Qin Mubai prepared to personally send them off. Xiao Yu saw that the two of them had a deep understanding and were chatting speculatively, so he appeared to be redundant, so he tactfully didn’t follow him.

Dao Sect Li wasn’t willing to ride in a carriage, but instead rode along with Qin Mubai on a horse and chariot, enjoying the local customs of Xiangyang on the way.

“Xiangzhou is really a good place. Let’s not talk about anything else, fish is good!” Li Daozong smiled and said, “Mubai, do you remember my manor in Jinzhou? I dug a small lake in the backyard, raised a lot of fish, and often went fishing.”

“I remember.” Qin Mubai said, “Isn’t fishing one of His Highness’s greatest hobbies?”

“Yes!” Li Daozong smiled and said, “Unfortunately, fishing in Chang’an is not so convenient. The Wei River is too far, and the Taiye Pool in the Imperial Palace is not a place for me to fish. The other small pools and ponds can’t catch any smell. It’s easy for you to entertain me. Find me a comfortable place to fish and I’ll catch him for a few days!”

“No problem.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “No matter how you fish, you can either fish by the green grass, under wild willow trees, or drift along the river.”

“When it comes to fishing, I think of my Yan’er.” Li Daozong inadvertently said, “It has been almost a year since we parted in Jin Zhou. I wonder where she is now and how she is doing. Mubai, have you seen her since?”

Qin Mubai was stunned for a moment before shaking his head, “No.”

Li Daozong’s sharp gaze swept past Qin Mubai’s face. He smiled knowingly and didn’t probe further. He only said meaningfully, “Mubai, you are truly a romantic and affectionate person.”

“How can it compare to His Highness sweeping the world?” Qin Mubai smiled.

“Haha, I’m old!” Dao Sect Li sighed and smiled, “Do you know why I have such an eye for you? Because the moment I see you, it’s as if I saw me from twenty years ago.”

“What did Your Highness say? Forty years old, it’s the time for you to be in your prime. This is the most attractive time for a man.” Qin Mubai said, “I am only a young child compared to His Highness. If I can have His Highness’s accomplishments and elegance at His Highness’s age, then it would not be a waste of my life.”

“Haha, this flattery is really comfortable.” Li Daozong laughed heartily and patted Qin Mubai on the shoulder. He nodded with some admiration and smiled, “Not many young people have such perception and humility like you.” Qin Mubai, you have extraordinary intelligence and talent. You are indeed a rare piece of fine jade. No wonder His Majesty wanted to nurture you with his heart. His eyes have always been so poisonous. ”

“I’m also relying on luck.” Qin Mubai smiled humbly.

“That’s right. In this lifetime, a person really needs a lot of luck. It’s not too much to say 90%. But the remaining 10% is what really determines the success or failure of a person’s life.” Li Daozong said, “In other words, those who have truly achieved great things are not bad luck. However, those who have good luck may not necessarily achieve great things. Mubai, your luck is pretty good. You need to grasp the rest of it yourself.”

“Yes, I know. Thank you for your inculcation, Your Highness.” Qin Mubai cupped his hands in thanks.

“I’m afraid this king hasn’t talked so much nonsense to anyone in years.” Li Daozong laughed and said, “Qin Mubai, you really are quite to this king’s liking. Otherwise, no matter how much Ling’er pleads, why would I be willing to spend half a month with you? You have to stay with me and Ling’er for half a month, eat, drink, and have fun. You can’t miss your business. What do you think? Are you confident?”

“Yes!” Qin Mubai shouted with a smile.

“Haha, good boy, not bad!” Dao Sect Li patted Qin Mubai on the shoulder a few times, waved his horse whip and rushed forward, and shouted, “Hurry up and leave. Take me to see my Xiangzhou Xingyuan!”

“Alright!”

When Xingyuan arrived, Li Daozong casually glanced around and nodded in satisfaction.

Qin Mubai said, “This is the old house left behind by the criminal. Do you really not mind?”

Li Daozong smiled and said, “Let me tell you this. If it was arranged by Xiao Yu, this king would definitely mind. If it was your idea, then there is no problem. I support your move. Even if the Crown Prince has an objection, I can help you convince him.”

“Your Highness, you are truly interesting!” Qin Mubai smiled happily.

“Don’t tell me you only know?” Li Daozong also smiled comprehensively and said, “In half a month, the Crown Prince will head south with King Wu. In other words, you will have to continue working for another half a month. If you have something to do, don’t fight alone. Xiao Yu is here to handle it. If you can leave it to him, give it to him. Otherwise, if he is idle, he will have other objections.”

“Your Highness is right. Previously, I had taken care of everything by myself. It was bitter and tiring. He was so relaxed that he even picked on me.” Qin Mubai said, “Only after listening to His Highness’s words did I feel enlightened. If I were Xiao Yu, I would have left everything to my subordinates and let him decide. I would definitely not be happy in my heart.”

“Smart, perceptive!” Li Daozong raised his hand and praised seriously, “Anytime you get along with anyone, you can imagine yourself as the other party. That’s right.” Even in war, you have to learn to think of yourself as your enemy. For example, if you make a military plan, how will the other party crack it? Prepare for the worst, that is, your enemy is yourself, you have a clear grasp of your intentions. If you still have a way to deal with this situation, then you are at least in an invincible position! ”

“Wonderful!” Qin Mubai clapped his hands and praised, “Your Highness, you are truly amazing to be able to put the art of war into everyday trivial matters. These are all insights that come from practice! Your Highness, why don’t you consider writing down the military manual and passing it on to your descendants as well?”

“What the hell!” Li Daozong laughed loudly, “I never read military books myself. How can I write military books? Some of my things were learned on the battlefield on an impromptu basis. Only Li Jing is an orthodox military master. Follow him and study hard. Sooner or later, you will become a great weapon!”

“I feel that I can learn a lot from your highness, and I can always accept it easily.” Qin Mubai smiled.

“This is called luck, brat.” Li Daozong patted Qin Mubai’s arm with a smile and said, “Go back. There’s nothing else for you here.” By the way, when Gaoyang is tired of playing, he will return to the post. Go and bring that wild girl here. Little brat, listen carefully. Your Majesty has handed her over to me. Then I am equivalent to her father now. I don’t care how you two get along and play around, but you have to hand her over to me tonight. ”

Qin Mubai couldn’t help but smile and nod, “Yes!”

“Hurry up and go!” Li Daozong chuckled and said, “If she comes back early in the future, come and have dinner with me! I’ve brought a chef from Chang’an. He’s very good at cooking.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. Then I’ll go find her now!” Qin Mubai licked his lips and smiled, “I really miss Chang’an’s hometown food!”