Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 281

Chapter 281 Marriage In Gaoyang
The winter in the pass was colder than Xiangyang.

The officials in charge of Li You’s funeral were very good people. After nightfall, they asked Qin Mubai to go home and rest, leaving them in charge of the wake.

Qin Mubai was really tired after traveling for a thousand miles and working for another day. He left the palace on horseback and walked on the familiar Chang’an Avenue. He didn’t have the mood to enjoy the bustling night scenery and walked straight home.

The sound of the Fire Cloud Horse’s hooves was filled with exhaustion as it stepped on the stone slab in the li fang and said with a clanging sound. Passing by his own house, Qin Mubai saw that the door was tightly shut. A large lock was placed on the door, so he went straight to the Old Qin Family’s Yi Kingdom Duke’s Mansion.

The door was open, and there were people standing at the door, leaning against it.

It was his mother, Madam Liu, and his sister, Shuang’er.

“Mother, mother! Brother is back!” Shuang’er’s eyes were sharp. From afar, she saw Qin Mubai’s cavalry slowly walking towards her in the night. She jumped up excitedly and shouted loudly.

“Son, you’re back!” Mrs. Liu clapped her hands and shouted happily, tears flowing out of her eyes.

At this moment, Qin Mubai’s heart twitched.

This’er ah ‘made his heart feel sour and warm.

Er Xing Qianli’s mother was worried. No matter how old her son was, in her mother’s eyes, he was still a child.

When Imperial Concubine Yin De saw Li You’s corpse, she stroked his face and called out the same thing. At that time, how did she feel?

“Mother, Bu Xiao’er is back!” Qin Mubai dismounted from his horse and strode to his mother. He knelt on one knee and bowed down peacefully.

“My son, quickly get up, quickly get up, let mother take a good look.” Madam Liu was so excited that his voice trembled. He grabbed his elbow and helped him up. Tears flashed in his old eyes with deep fish tails.

“Mother, I’m fine.” Qin Mubai smiled very comfortably.

It feels good to be home.

“Brother, you’re back. Mother and I miss you.” Shuang’er also walked up and pounced into Qin Mubai’s arms as if she was a child.

“Be good, do you have a good filial piety towards your mother at home?”

“Yes! Brother is not at home, so of course I have to do my duty as brother and sister and respect my mother!”

‘”Good, they’re all good children. It’s good to be back, Mubai. Come in. It’s windy outside. Don’t stand at the door–come on, Young Master is back. Hurry up and serve him!” Madam Liu hurriedly left and right. The servant maids in the manor had already fallen asleep for a good while, but they were all summoned at this time. Xiang Tang took a bath and boiled water to cook. He was very busy, as if he was celebrating a festival.

Qin Mubai felt that he was now the core of the family, and everyone was circling around him. This feeling had once been felt in the army, but when they returned home, it was completely different. In the army, it was his authority and prestige that drove his subordinates to honor him; When they returned home, they were bound by strong kinship, unable to be separated from each other.

After entering the house, Qin Mubai saw a group of people standing in the courtyard. It was Yao’er and the little orphans she adopted.

“Third Brother, you’re back.” Yao’er’s absent-minded eyes were smiling sweetly at Qin Mubai. The little girls beside her, who had not seen Qin Mubai for a year, were most likely a little timid. Many of the girls had grown taller, as if Little He had already revealed a sharp point.

“Yao’er, are you all alright?” Qin Mubai stepped forward and greeted him with a smile.

“Alright, we’re all fine. It’s been a year since we last met. Yao’er misses Third Brother very much.” Yao’er said softly.

Shuang’er walked over and smiled, “Brother, you know what? Yao’er may be dry now! Meiniang went to Xiangzhou and handed the Chang’an Qin Immortal Pavilion over to Yao’er to take care of. Wu Yuanqing and Wu Yuanshuang still have to fight for Yao’er!”

“Really? Not bad!” Qin Mubai smiled.

“No, don’t listen to Shuang’er’s nonsense.” Yao’er smiled embarrassedly. “The owner trusted me and handed over the account book to me. Actually, I’m blind, and I can’t even see the account book. How can I manage it? Isn’t it because of Shuang’er’s blessing that she has always helped me?”

“Heh, I’ve been talking for a long time. So, you little girl from the Ghost Elves are bragging!” Qin Mubai laughed loudly.

“Hehe!” Shuang’er smiled proudly. “How is it, brother? Am I a little useful now?”

“You’ve always been very useful!” Qin Mubai smiled.

“Hmph, just mock me when you meet!”

“Well, children, come in and sit down and have some hot tea and roast it for warmth.” Madam Liu called from the room. The three of them smiled and walked in. They drank the newly boiled hot tea around the big stove and poured out their farewells.

In the absence of Qin Shubao, the head of the family, everyone chatted more casually. For some reason, he talked about King Wu Li Ke.

The excitement on Shuang’er’s face instantly faded. She whispered, “Brother, did you do something wrong with him in Xiangzhou? He was transferred back a few days ago, and now you’re back too?”

“Nothing. Don’t guess.” Qin Mubai secretly glared at her, indicating that she should not speak nonsense to annoy her mother. He said seriously, “There is a reason and reason for which official the Imperial Court wants to transfer.”

“Yes, Er Ya’er, the Imperial Court is a big matter. We cannot allow our women to discuss it in vain. Don’t cause trouble for your brother.” Madam Liu hurriedly scolded.

“Oh” Shuang’er nodded and remained silent.

However, Qin Mubai could tell that she must have some thoughts in her heart, but because her mother was present, it was inconvenient for her to say them out loud.

Knowing that Mo Ruomu, Liu shi also did not expect? No outsider, Qin Shubao, was there. She sighed softly and said, “Er Ya’er, you’d better obey and break this thought!” Your father doesn’t approve of your dealings with the Prince of Wu, let alone asking you to marry her. As soon as the New Year comes, you’ll be eighteen. If we don’t get married, our Qin Family will be laughed at. In recent days, there have been many matchmakers in the family, and there are quite a few outstanding young husbands and husbands. “Why don’t you listen to your brother’s opinion and think about it while your brother is back?”

“I don’t!” Shuang’er replied quickly without hesitation, “None of those young masters I like!”

“You’re such a naughty child!” Madam Liu was not angry, but said helplessly, “Marriage has always been a matter for parents.” Fortunately, your father is quite open-minded. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known where I would have married you. “My Qin Family’s prestige is now slightly better than a few years ago. If I don’t take this opportunity to choose a husband for you and let you grow older day by day, it will be harder for you to marry in the future.”

“Mother!” Shuang’er frowned dejectedly. “Give me some more time to think about it, will you? It’s so boring to say such disappointing things when Brother has just returned!”

“Alright, alright, alright. I won’t talk anymore.” Madam Liu shook his head helplessly and smiled bitterly. “Mubai, your father is not at home. You are in charge of the family matters, let alone your sister’s marriage. Please advise her and give her some advice.”

“Alright, alright.” Qin Mubai nodded without saying anything.

Later, Qin Mubai took a comfortable hot bath, ate some delicious snacks, and went back to her room to rest.

After leaving home for a year, his room still had the same furnishings as before, and it was spotlessly clean and tidy. Every inch of the familiar place made him feel attached to his family.

This night, he slept soundly. He had been busy for several months, but he had never slept so peacefully. It wasn’t until dawn that he woke up from his slumber until he was satisfied.

Sunlight shone through the window. It must be a sunny day today. It is rare to have such fine weather in winter in the cold pass.

Qin Mubai just washed up and walked out of the room. He saw Yao’er and Shuang’er sitting in a small courtyard pavilion, each holding a pipa and playing a leisurely tune. Qin Mubai did not disturb them and stopped to listen for a moment. The bullets were not bad. It could be seen that the two women had made great progress.

“Not bad!” Qin Mubai walked forward and smiled.

“Brother, you’re awake!” Shuang’er stood up and put the pipa aside with a smile. “I’ll go get some snacks for you. I made it myself in a hurry!”

“Alright.” Qin Mubai smiled and nodded. She sat beside Yao’er and said, “Yao’er, Shuang’er has something on her mind. Tell you everything, right?”

Yao’er nodded.

“Then what is she thinking now? Tell me.” Qin Mubai asked.

Yao’er smiled awkwardly, “Why don’t you ask her directly, Third Brother?”

“I won’t ask. Tell me!” Qin Mubai did not explain and insisted on asking.

“Actually, it’s nothing.” Yao’er said, “Ever since hearing the news of Princess Wu’s death, Shuang’er has been frowning and thinking about King Wu day and night.”

“Pull a long face snoot?”

“En …” Yao’er nodded, “Shuang’er said. Losing a loved one must be very painful. She said that King Wu had always been a man who valued love and righteousness. Although he didn’t say anything, he must be in extreme pain in his heart. Therefore, she wanted to be by King Wu’s side during his most painful time. However, he was afraid that he would be accused of taking advantage of the situation, so he was very distressed. When the owner went to Xiangzhou, Shuang’er originally wanted to go with him, but because of this concern, she didn’t go in the end. ”

“I see.” Qin Mubai nodded and thought to herself, Shuang’er is more sensible than before.

“Third Brother … how long will you be staying here this time?” Yao’er suddenly asked.

“What, I just came back and was looking forward to my departure?” Qin Mubai smiled.

Yao’er blushed, “Of course not. Yao’er would love for Third Brother to stay at home every day. However, as a man, you will definitely have endless things to attend to and travel back and forth.”

“I don’t know yet. There will be at least a month.” Qin Mubai said, “The Emperor told me to manage King Qi’s funeral. It will take at least a month!”

“That’s good” Yao’er muttered softly, her face flushed with joy.

Soon after, Shuang’er took the snack and Qin Mubai ate it for breakfast. He mounted his horse and headed towards the palace.

There was no big deal at the Imperial Temple anymore. It was just that the Aquatic Dojo kept doing things. There were many different kinds of royal ceremonies, but there was no need for Qin Mubai to worry about anything. All he needed to do was show his face and preside over the overall situation. There were “professional” personnel to arrange the specific matters.

At noon, Qin Mubai ate vegetarian food with the monks in the temple, and the Emperor sent someone to call him to the Penglai Hall in the harem.

Since he was a harem face saint, it wasn’t necessarily a major military and political event. When Qin Mubai arrived at this place, he saw a few cars and princesses standing outside the hall.

Qin Mubai asked a Hundred Cavalry, “Who drives?”

“General, it’s Prince Wu and His Highness Princess Gao Yang’s carriage.”

“The two of them also came to participate?”

“Right. Right now, it’s in the Imperial Study.”

Qin Mubai nodded and walked towards the Imperial Study. He thought to himself, why did the Emperor call the three of us together? This was the first time.

When they arrived at the imperial study, they saw Princess Gaoyang waiting outside the door. Just as Qin Mubai was about to ask a question, she put her finger on her lips and made a silent gesture, signaling for Qin Mubai to walk in gently.

After entering the Imperial Study Room with Princess Gaoyang, Qin Mubai saw that there were only the Emperor and Li Ke in the room. The father and son were sitting together, playing chess and killing chess.

Qin Mubai had played chess with both father and son. The chess-like Biao Feng was sharp and sharp, and he had a long-term vision to predict the victory of the enemy. The difference was that Li Shimin was accustomed to using rare weapons to lay traps. Li Ke, on the other hand, was adept at killing people head-on, making it hard for them to catch their breath.

In short, Qin Mubai was no match for them. Moreover, the father and son were too serious and devoted to playing chess. It was as if they were on a battlefield, making them nervous. Qin Mubai did not like this kind of game. He was tired.

At this time, the father and son seemed to have reached a wonderful point, and they were inextricably and wholeheartedly devoted. Even Qin Mubai and Princess Gao Yang entered, but they didn’t look at each other.

Qin Mubai smiled and quietly stood at the side with Princess Gaoyang, watching the chess game.

At this moment, the chess pieces of the father and son were evenly matched. However, Li Ke was obviously on the offensive and had the advantage. Li Shimin was on the defensive, showing some readiness. Both of them were left with only a carriage, a horse and two pawns (at this time, there were no cannons in the game), and they were killing fervently.

Li Ke’s offensive was like a tide, so Li Shimin had no choice but to bring back his main attacking force, the “chariot”, to participate in the defense, and for a moment, there was a slight change in the situation. However, Li Ke’s attack was quite swift and violent. He had already broken through Li Shimin’s biphasic state and formed an encirclement. The situation was excellent.

“Eh, is Father Emperor going to lose?” Princess Gaoyang knew a little about chess and whispered.

“Shh … Guanqi is silent, a true gentleman.” Qin Mubai said softly.

“I’m a woman!”

“…” Qin Mubai was speechless and smiled bitterly. “Anyway, don’t say anything. This chess game is very good.”

Seeing that Li Shimin was defeated like a mountain, his brows furrowed and he fell into deep thought from time to time. Li Ke, who was in power, did not lose his composure. His expression was as grim and solemn as before, and he played every move carefully and cautiously. Although he had the advantage now, he was unable to turn the advantage into a victory for the time being.

You’re really a match for me.

At this time, Li Shimin played a stinky game of chess.

In order to strengthen his defense, he could only draw back the horses that had killed across the river and block Li Ke’s “carriage” road. Moreover, there was no defense around, so it was as if he was given food in exchange for a moment of breathing.

Li Ke watched this move and pondered for a long time.

Princess Gaoyang watched anxiously from the side, “Third Brother, eat horses, eat horses!”

“Shut up, it’s a crucial step!” Qin Mubai tugged at her and signaled for her to shut up.

“What’s the point? Eating a horse doesn’t necessarily mean there’s any danger. Furthermore, even if Father’s horse is one carriage and one carriage, the moment he loses the horse, half of it will be gone. How can he not lose?” Princess Gaoyang muttered.

Li Ke pondered for a long time before finally raising his chess piece and slowly pressing it down on Li Shimin’s horse, preparing to eat.

“Hesitate.” Li Shimin suddenly said.

Li Ke shook his hand and cleanly ate the horse.

“Is it delicious?” Li Shimin suddenly raised his eyes and looked at Li Ke.

Li Ke was stunned for a moment and smiled bluntly, “Shang … Ke.”

“You lost, Ke’er.” Li Shimin suddenly smiled and clapped his hands. He heaved a long sigh of relief, “Turn the tide and turn the tide! This reminds me of Overlord Mubai of West Chu. Here he comes! Coincidentally, I especially want to hear your performance of Overlord Destroying Armor!”

“Your Majesty has a decree, I will obey it.” Qin Mubai smiled and cupped his hands. “Your Majesty’s chess skills have improved again.”

“No, it’s Ke’er who has neglected to practice and has fallen back.” Li Shimin smiled and looked at Li Ke, who was still staring blankly at the chessboard. He said, “What, you haven’t seen it clearly yet?”

Li Ke nodded his head in shock. “I’m thinking that if I don’t eat Imperial Father’s horse and turn around to defend, Imperial Father’s pawn won’t be able to sink to the bottom, so I won’t be able to block my child.”

“Guanqi is speechless. You don’t even understand the rules of playing chess without regrets?” Li Shimin smiled and said, “The chessboard is like a battlefield. There is no ifs or buts.”

“Thank you, Father Emperor, for your teachings. This child has lost so convincingly.” Li Ke stood up and bowed.

“Alright, if you have time in the future, you should practice more.” After Li Shimin finished speaking, he sat back down and said, “Sit down. Come, take the pipa! Mubai, I haven’t heard you play the pipa for a long time. I miss you very much.”

“I can play with my heart.” Qin Mubai took the pipa handed over by the waiter and played “Overlord Destroying Armor”.

Li Shimin listened very attentively. His fingers were on the table, following the rhythm of the music and lightly tapping. Although his expression was calm and natural, he closed his eyes.

It was as if he didn’t want others to read anything from his eyes.

Li Ke and Princess Gaoyang remained silent and listened quietly. They could also clearly feel that although their father was very calm and peaceful, he must be very worried, and his heart was filled with deep sorrow and depression.

After all, he had just lost a son …

After the tune was finished, Li Shimin opened his eyes and clapped his hands in praise, “Not bad, not bad. No matter how hard this palace musician tried, he was still not as good as Mubai’s pipa.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your praise.” Qin Mubai cupped her hands and replied. Li Shimin was so bored that he called the three of us to play chess and listen to the pipa, right?

“I have called the three of you here today because I have something to discuss with you.” As expected, Li Shimin spoke.

The three of them pricked up their ears and listened, feeling rather curious.

Li Shimin glanced at the three people in front of him and smiled. “There’s no need to guess. It’s about Gaoyang’s marriage.”