Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 267

Chapter 267 Gaoyang’s Choices
The golden autumn river breeze was as clear as the unpolluted river water in front of him. It carried a trace of the fishy smell of water grass that was peculiar to the waterfront, causing tiny white bubbles to stir up on the river bank.

Princess Gaoyang sat on a rock on the bank of the river. She used her pair of delicate feet carved with pink jade to provoke the cool water of the river. She lowered her head and quietly listened to Qin Mubai finish what had happened in the past two days.

“Simply put, my brother intends to murder the Crown Prince and frame Fourth Brother. He even wants to rebel, right?” After listening, Princess Gaoyang frowned and whispered.

“Whether he wants to rebel or not, I think he may not be very clear about it.” Qin Mubai sat beside her and held a blade of grass in his mouth. He said calmly, “He just wants to remove the obstacles. The Crown Prince and King Wei are the enemies in his eyes.”

“So brother also has ambitions.” At this moment, Princess Gaoyang was completely different from her usual naughty image. With a faint sadness and puzzlement on her face, she asked, “Then why did he detain you in advance?”

Qin Mubai smiled and turned the grass leaves in his mouth. “Perhaps it’s because I’m the one who arranged the security guards for the Crown Prince Xingyuan and Emperor Yang’s mausoleum. They’re worried that I’ll ruin their affairs!” He said.

“Mubai, you don’t have to cover up for my brother.” Princess Gaoyang’s voice was filled with sadness. He hugged Qin Mubai’s arm and leaned his head gently against it. He said, “He grabbed you first because he was afraid that you wouldn’t be able to escape after things get out of hand, right?” The troops in Xiangzhou are all under your command. With you in hand, he and his uncle will have a greater chance of escaping. Moreover, if they detain you before the incident, they can frame you and accuse you of complicity. In this way, if they lose, they will still have a helper like you in the end. My brother is just a newly appointed Governor of Dengzhou, and he doesn’t have much military strength. But you are different. You have complete control over the Xiang Province’s military forces, and your ability is very strong. Your connections are also very wide. Even my Father Emperor values you very much. When the time comes, whether they are using you as a helper or using you as a threat, it will be worth it … ”

At this point, Princess Gaoyang closed her eyes in pain and muttered, “Mubai, am I right?”

For a moment, Qin Mubai was speechless. He hadn’t expected that Princess Gaoyang, who had never asked about the current affairs of the military, would be able to see such a complicated question clearly.

As expected of a child born in the royal family and raised in the bitter waters of politics! Even if she wasn’t interested in military and political matters and wasn’t good at diamonds, she still possessed an innately superior level of knowledge and eyesight.

Seeing that Qin Mubai did not say anything, Princess Gaoyang’s expression became even more painful. Her lips trembled, and her voice seemed to contain a hint of sobbing, “Brother, uncle, why are you so ruthless to drag my Mubai into the water?”

“Don’t think too much, Ling’er.” Qin Mubai hurriedly held her in his arms, patted her back and comforted her softly, “No matter what, their plan was killed in advance.” Fortunately, with someone as shrewd as your Royal Uncle of Jiangxia and Third Brother King Wu, they had already discovered the situation and made arrangements to crush the plot of King Qi and the others. Now, things had not yet reached an irreparable stage. We are all trying our best to minimise the impact of this incident. ”

“There is no impervious wall. There are quite a few people who know about such a big matter. How can they hide it?” Princess Gaoyang knitted her brows and said worriedly, “Actually, I think it’s better for my brother to openly admit his mistake and go to Father Emperor to sincerely repent instead of hiding and hiding.” I know my father’s character, so it’s best not to play tricks on him. It is best to admit your mistakes honestly. It was simply impossible to conceal the truth. If he had discovered it on his own initiative, the consequences would have been even more severe! ”

Qin Mubai shook his head awkwardly. “I don’t know, I should have acted like this. But the problem is, your brother is still stubborn. He keeps saying that he doesn’t regret it and that he doesn’t want to betray your uncle. Ah! It’s useless for me and your third brother to persuade him. It’s a headache now!”

“Let me go!” Princess Gaoyang said softly but firmly.

Qin Mubai was silent for a moment. He thought to himself, Li You is a man who refuses to eat rice or water. The only weakness in his heart is his mother and sister. Perhaps Princess Gaoyang’s persuasion would be useful. Now that things had come to this point, it was impossible for Li You to be exonerated. The best result was that Li You sincerely repented and pushed the blame onto Yin Hongzhi. In that case, he still had a chance to survive. Li Shimin was indeed as Princess Gaoyang had said. Monarchs were dignified and could allow others to make mistakes, but they could not tolerate others to deceive and conceal themselves. If Li You could take the initiative to admit his mistake, there might be a chance for him to survive.

“Alright, I’ll let you try.” Qin Mubai said, “But you have to promise me that you will act according to your strength and not do anything stupid.”

“What kind of foolish thing can I do?” Princess Gaoyang murmured, “My heart is about to break. My brother, who was standing on the edge of the cliff, and who tried to drag you into the water, I really don’t know if I feel pain or resentment towards him. Mubai, do you know how sad I am now? I want to cry, but I can’t.”

‘”Ah …” The ones who are hurt the most are you and Imperial Concubine Yin De. Remember, don’t let your mother know about this, otherwise … ”

“I know.” Princess Gaoyang’s mood became exceptionally depressed. She nodded and said, “Let’s go back now. Where is my brother now?”

“It’s in your third brother’s mansion. Let’s go!”

The two of them returned to the carriage and headed towards the secretariat’s mansion. Along the way, Princess Gao Yang remained silent. She was like a wounded bird that was tightly nestled in Qin Mubai’s embrace, motionless.

When they got out of the carriage, Princess Gao Yang looked at the tall lintel and took a deep breath. She seemed to have gathered enough courage and said, “Let’s go, let’s go in!”

Qin Mubai embraced her waist and walked in side by side with her. At this moment, he had a feeling that this young and weak little girl had an incomparable strength and resilience in her heart. Perhaps it was inherited from her mother, or perhaps the experience of the past two years had allowed him to mature beyond his age.

All in all, in a short day, Qin Mubai looked at her differently. In his eyes, Princess Gaoyang was no longer the naughty little girl from before. Her wisdom and courage were buried deep in her heart, not easy to discover, but she was not much inferior to Wu Meiniang.

Li Ke was having dinner when he saw Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang walking towards him side by side. He was stunned when he took a mouthful of rice and almost forgot to chew.

The reason for that was because he saw Princess Gao Yang’s “strange” expression. The difference between them was too great. He vaguely realized that this girl might already know!

“You guys are here! Coincidentally, let’s have dinner together!” Li Ke said enthusiastically.

“Alright, I happen to be hungry.” Qin Mubai laughed and said, “Gaoyang, let’s eat first.”

“My brother should be eating now, right?” Princess Gao Yang smiled and said, “I know him. If there’s something wrong with him, he won’t be able to eat. That’s why he has always been very thin. Mubai, accompany Third Brother to dinner. How about I accompany my brother to dinner?”

“Gao Yang, you already know?” Li Ke’s expression changed.

“Yes!” Princess Gaoyang nodded and sincerely said, “Third brother, please allow me to see my brother, okay?”

Li Ke glanced at Qin Mubai and sighed softly, “Since he has already brought you here, can I still refuse? I’ll send a maid to guide you. You can go!”

“Thank you Third Brother!” Princess Gaoyang bowed and quietly walked out with a maid.

“Mubai, what’s wrong? How can you let her know?” As soon as Princess Gaoyang left, Li Ke said angrily.

Qin Mubai sat down, sighed deeply, and shook his head. “We seem to have underestimated her. I’m not that stupid. I would want to tell her these things on my own initiative.”

Li Ke shook his head helplessly and said, “That’s right. This girl is big and smart! If she smells something, she has a way to get to the bottom of it. Forget it, I don’t blame you. Actually … maybe she really can persuade Li You?”

“At this point in time, I can only hope so extravagantly …”

“Forget it, let’s not talk. Let’s eat first. The two of us will go over later to see what will happen.”

After dinner, Qin Mubai and Li Ke arrived at Li You’s house under house arrest. Princess Gaoyang still did not come out. The two of them leaned against the door and listened for a moment, but their low voices could not be heard clearly. Thus, they patiently waited outside.

After a long time, it was dark and Princess Gaoyang opened the door and walked out.

Her expression was exceptionally haggard, as if she had fallen seriously ill. Qin Mubai walked over to her shoulders and asked with concern, “Are you alright?”

“It’s fine” Princess Gaoyang’s face turned pale as she smiled with a hint of joy and said, “I’ve convinced my brother!”

“Really?” Qin Mubai and Li Ke were overjoyed.

“Yes.” Princess Gaoyang gently nodded her head, signaling for the two of them to go further before saying, “Actually, my brother is also hard-mouthed and soft-hearted. He is actually still worried about my uncle’s safety even now.” I told him that if you repented and pleaded with your father to let him off lightly, perhaps everyone’s results would be better. If he stubbornly stubborn like this, he and his uncle will both die, and it will also implicate me and mother. That’s it, he agreed. ”

Li Ke nodded and asked, “How did he agree?”

“I said, I will accompany him to the capital and apologize to Father Emperor. He is willing.” Princess Gaoyang said.

Qin Mubai frowned, “But your uncle is still nowhere to be found. Just your brother apologizing … I’m afraid not. Unless we can capture Yin Hongzhi as soon as possible!”

‘”No need” Princess Gaoyang’s face turned even more pale, her lips trembling as she murmured, “Such a big matter is certain to kill people … If I have to choose, I hope that I will die less. After all, they are all my close relatives!”

Qin Mubai and Li Ke’s hearts trembled involuntarily as soon as these words were spoken. The meaning behind Princess Gao Yang’s words was that she had already figured out that she wanted her uncle to shoulder all the blame so as to alleviate Li You’s fault … All along, Princess Gao Yang and her uncle Yin Hongzhi had a very good relationship. From childhood to childhood, she would spend a long time in Bing Zhou’s Yin Hongzhi’s home every year, even living in Chang’an.

Now that she had made this decision, no matter how tragic and solemn it was!

Qin Mubai gently patted Princess Gaoyang’s shoulder, not knowing what to say. She shook her head and smiled, “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” Actually, my brother also understands in his heart, but he is unwilling to accept this fact. No matter what he did, there were only two. One is the death of my uncle, he was born, mother and I were implicated in small; The other is that when he and my uncle die together, my mother and I will only suffer for the rest of our lives. In contrast, he chose the former. “It’s not because he’s afraid of death, or because he’s heartless, but … in reality, there’s no other choice.”

Li Ke looked at Princess Gaoyang in surprise and nodded, “Gaoyang, you really have grown up.”

Princess Gaoyang looked up at the gloomy and gray sky and muttered, “Actually, I’ve grown up a long time ago. It’s just that you didn’t pay attention. Now, I just hope that I don’t get old like my mother …”

Qin Mubai had never faced such a decision-at least one of his loved ones must die.

Actually, everyone knew how to choose, and that was, it would be best if one died less.

However, at this moment, how could his heart, which was like a knife, cool down and calm down? How could the pain left behind be healed?

And this matter was happening to the weak and young Princess Gaoyang.

At this moment, she actually didn’t cry. Perhaps it was because of that sentence that his sorrow was greater than his heartache. How would her tender heart endure this inhumane torture?

Qin Mubai and Li Ke fell into silence. Her gaze towards Princess Gaoyang was filled with pity and sadness.

Instead, Princess Gaoyang smiled calmly and said, “What’s wrong with you? You are all grown men. Are you not as rational and strong as me? Things have come to this point, so there is no other choice. That’s it. You guys make proper arrangements for me. I want to leave as soon as possible and accompany my brother to Chang’an!”

“I’ll accompany you.” Qin Mubai said firmly.

“No.” Princess Gaoyang refused and said, “Xiangyang is holding a sacrifice ceremony. You have a heavy responsibility. How can you leave? Likewise, Third Brother can’t. Send some capable people to escort you. Trust me, there will be no problem.”

Qin Mubai and Li Ke exchanged glances and nodded helplessly.

“We’ll arrange it for you.”

Later, Qin Mubai sent Princess Gaoyang back to Jiangxia King Xingyuan. Along the way, Princess Gaoyang remained silent, as if she was extremely tired. She actually fell asleep in Qin Mubai’s arms.

After arriving at Jiang Xia Wang Xingyuan, Qin Mubai sent Princess Gaoyang inside. She did not say anything else, but said goodbye to Qin Mubai, greeted Li Daozong, and went back to her room to rest early.

Li Daozong’s eyes could be said to be old and fierce. Before Qin Mubai could say anything, he said, “Ling’er already knows?”

“Mm” Qin Mubai nodded and told the Li Dao Sect the cause and effect of what had just happened.

“Ah … there is no escape for those who should have come. If the will of heaven is like this, what can a person do?” Li Daozong sighed and slowly said, “Ling’er is actually much smarter and more mature than she looks.” In contrast, Li You’s unworthy elder brother was not as good as his sister’s. Actually, this king had thought that only Ling’er could persuade Li You to admit his mistake obediently. That way, the situation would still have room for improvement. At most, that damned Yin Hongzhi would die and eliminate this calamity. But doing so … would be too cruel for Ling’er. ”

“That’s right! Actually, everyone knows that Yin Hongzhi will die without a doubt. Li You will not die, but we still have to discuss it.” Qin Mubai said, “Regardless of the outcome, the ones who will be most injured will be Princess Gaoyang and Concubine Yin De.”

Li Daozong sighed helplessly and shook his head. “Poor mother and daughter, hey …” He whispered, “Mubai, treat Ling’er well in the future.”

“I will.” Qin Mubai nodded, her heart heavy.

“Right. We must make proper and careful arrangements for going to the capital.” Li Daozong said, “Yin Hongzhi has always been at large. This old fox is not that incompetent.” Moreover, don’t ignore his ability to influence Li You and Gaoyang. Actually, the siblings had spent most of their childhood with Yin Hongzhi. It was not an exaggeration to say that they had been raised by Yin Hongzhi from a young age. As the saying goes, Yin Hongzhi’s status in the hearts of the two siblings is extraordinary. ”

“Yes, I understand.” Qin Mubai nodded and said, “Your Highness, are you worried that Yin Hongzhi will appear halfway and that the demons will cause trouble?”

“Of course, it is best to prevent the flames from burning.” Li Daozong said, “Actually, it’s safest to have you escort Ling’er. However, at this critical moment, you can’t escape. You can only choose some of the most capable people to escort her along the way.”

“Alright. I will handle this matter carefully.” Qin Mubai nodded solemnly.

“The Emperor has always hated the discord between his next generation of brothers the most … Li You, Li You, you’re really obsessed! You died without pity, so why did you drag these poor people down with you?” Li Daozong’s brows furrowed as he said leisurely, “Your Majesty has always hated the discord between his next generation of brothers.”

Qin Mubai’s heart couldn’t help but tighten. He remembered that his father Qin Shubao had said something similar to him in the past. After the Black Warrior Sect’s change, the words’flesh and bones being torn apart ‘had become a dark shadow and taboo in Li Shimin’s heart. From now on, he was extremely worried and hated that his children would follow the example of the Black Warrior Sect …

Does that also mean that Li You’s trip to Chang’an this time is not optimistic?