Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 343

Chapter 343 War In Lanzhou
Over the next few days, Qin Mubai spent most of his time in the palace. Following the officials of the Inner Court Supervisor, the Ministry of Rites, the Taichang Temple, the Honglu Temple, and a number of other relevant yamens, they familiarized themselves with and practiced various wedding rituals.

It was said that the emperor’s daughter was not worried about getting married. Wasn’t it just because she had a good father? Very few royal marriages are politically neutral. This kind of marriage had long since surpassed the marriage itself, and it was more often a show and a political play.

Originally, according to traditional customs, when an emperor married a daughter, it was at most the officials of the Imperial Court who came to congratulate him. But this time, the emperor married his favorite daughter, Princess Gao Yang, and his son-in-law was Qin Mubai, the third son-in-law of the Qin Clan, who had flourished in the military in recent years, so there was even more to be done.

The important generals of the Twelve Guards Army were the first to attend. There was also the Military Ministry, so there was no need to mention the north and south officials. In addition, Qin Mubai sent officials to congratulate Xiangyang, Jiangzhou, Lanzhou, Helong, and other counties.

It was reasonable for officials from these places to come to congratulate him, but under their leadership, many local officials also followed the trend and came to Chang’an. They used the reason of congratulating him on his wedding, came to contact the capital, or came to get close to Qin Mubai. No matter how bad they were, they could still form a relationship between their colleagues. Being an official wasn’t easy. He knew how many paths he had more friends, how few enemies he had, and how few walls he had.

As a result, Qin Mubai’s marriage gradually turned into a “grand public gathering.” Officials gathered in the capital for different purposes, and it was a spectacular sight.

Those who came to pay their respects to Qin Manor in the past few days were about to break through the threshold.

Qin Mubai was helpless and could not reach out to hit the smiling man. Thus, he simply hid in the palace for most of the day, lest he should be anxious and dry-mouthed in the face of those guests who were overwhelmed with visitors.

After this, it would be ten days.

The wedding date was already within reach, with only five days left.

Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang were both a little tired, getting married was like fighting a war.

On this day, when they were free, Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang went to the Imperial Palace Protector’s Heavenly King Temple together to get some peace from Master Qing Shan. They made tea and listened to her lecture on Zen. However, the two of them didn’t have the mood to listen to any profound Buddhist doctrines today, and they were both drowsy after a while. Princess Gaoyang even fell asleep on the table.

Qin Mubai put on her cloak and smiled apologetically at Master Qing Shan, “Master, don’t blame me. The princess is probably exhausted from studying all kinds of etiquette on the same day.”

“It doesn’t matter. Let Her Highness the Princess sleep in this quiet place. Prince Consort Qin might as well send her to the Buddhist temple.”

“That’s good too.”

Qin Mubai picked up Princess Gaoyang and sent her to a secluded dhyana room. He entrusted two nuns to take care of her and returned to the dhyana hall.

“Prince Consort Qin, why are you free to come to our temple today? Do you have any advice?” Master Qingshan asked with a smile.

“Master, I’ve been trying to be flashy all day. I’m tired. I just want to be clean, so I’m here.” Qin Mubai said.

“Three thousand Worldly Dust, who wouldn’t be tired if they rolled down?” Master Qingshan sang a Buddhist nod and said, “Imperial Concubine De also comes to our temple at three or five o’clock. She chants Buddhist scriptures or meditates. It is common for people to be impulsive and calm in this world.”

Qin Mubai knitted his brows and said, “Not exactly.” I don’t know why, but recently, I have been feeling particularly impetuous. A nameless karmic fire has always been rising in my heart uncontrollably. A trivial matter that used to be common in the past can also stir my heart. When he fell asleep at night, he couldn’t sleep peacefully either. Occasionally, I have nightmares or dreams of the Golden Gothic Iron Horse conquering the battlefield, and I’m bleeding thousands of miles. ”

Master Qingshan was stunned for a moment and said, “Prince Consort is very happy. Why do you have such a dream when you come into contact with some festive objects every day?”

“I don’t know either.” Qin Mubai let out a long sigh and said depressingly, “I’ve never been like this before. Even if I really reach the frontier, I can still sleep peacefully in the rumbling war drums. Now that I’m home, I’m in a trance.”

Master Qingshan nodded his head and said, “That is, the general has his thoughts every day and dreams every night. The so-called soul is entangled in his dreams, and he is at ease there. However, if he leaves, he is thinking about it over and over again. General, although your people are in Chang’an, your heart is not in Chang’an.”

Qin Mubai was stunned and felt a little enlightened. He nodded and said, “What the master said is true.” Although I was preparing to get married to the princess, I was already tired of the ritual entertainment and didn’t have the slightest joy of getting married. On the contrary, I am worried about the city and army of Lanzhou and miss my father all the time. It was a pity that her son would get married while her father was away. “Now that the border is busy, I’m having fun at home at the wedding banquet while my father is at the Cold Moon Border Pass. I’m very uneasy in my heart.”

“That’s why.” Master Qingshan put his hands together and closed his eyes as he said, “Amitabha, Prince Consort Qin is loyal to the kingdom and filial piety. It is admirable. However, this alone is not enough to disturb Prince Consort Qin’s mind. There must be something else.”

Qin Mubai’s eyebrows furrowed as he pondered for a while before his heart suddenly lit up. In the past few days, I only cared about the wedding and didn’t return home. I forgot about Su Lianqing!

“Thank you, Master. I know what’s going on. Please forgive me, Master. I have something to take care of. I’m leaving the palace now. Your Highness will entrust it to Master for now.”

“Prince Consort, don’t worry!”

Qin Mubai left the Guardian Heavenly King Temple and got a horse from the Black Warrior Sect’s military supervisor. After riding on it, he immediately rushed out of the palace and arrived at the Qin Immortal Pavilion.

Su Lianqing had been waiting in the Qin Immortal Pavilion for almost an entire day.

“General, make it easy for me to find you!” Just as the two of them sat down, Su Lianqing said anxiously, “I’ve been looking for you for days, but I haven’t seen anyone. If you leave early and return late, there are some things that I won’t be better off and entrust others to tell you.”

“Now, be brief and to the point.” Qin Mubai said.

“Alright.” Su Lianqing took a sip of tea and took a deep breath. “The Tantai sisters have successfully lurked beside Hanwang. Hanwang likes the two of them very much and even says that he wants them to be his children. The two sisters also used some methods to keep his appetite high, but they refused to submit.”

“Get to the point.”

“They got an important piece of news!” Su Lianqing said, “In recent days, the han king and Fang Yiai are hiding in the east palace, day and night to discuss some confidential matters with the crown prince, no one else can get any information close.” Only once did Hanwang drink a little more, life Tantai sisters dance accompaniment, drunk nonsense said, that fellow what’s so great, so scenery! “Little Wang is going to destroy his prestige in public, disgrace his reputation, and sooner or later end his life!”

“You mean me?” Qin Mubai frowned.

“Who else can it be?” Su Lianqing said with a serious expression, “Even though he didn’t name his surname, the two women didn’t dare to ask more out of caution. However, their left and right speculations must be directed at you. Aren’t you going to get married recently? The commotion is quite big and the scenery is endless. If you have enmity with him, then who else can you target?”

“Have you asked clearly? What exactly are they going to do to me?”

“No.” Su Lianqing shook her head. “They’ve done quite a strange job. No matter what, they won’t be able to get any information. But I guess it’s most likely because they want to do something to your wedding, ruin your reputation, or even frame you with stolen plants. It’ll ruin your mood and disgrace your face.” ”

“Wrong. They don’t want to make such a big fuss and work for the Crown Prince. They, they want to kill me and never come back.” Qin Mubai narrowed her eyes and smiled coldly. “I just can’t think of anything that these trash can do to me when they come together. What kind of earth-shattering things can they do to me?”

“General, be careful. As the saying goes, the King of Hell is so troublesome to little ghosts. What he is afraid of is such a sinister villain.” Su Lianqing said, “Let’s not talk about anything else. If I were to exchange a glass of poisonous wine for you to offer the Emperor at the wedding ceremony … can you afford such a crime?”

Qin Mubai raised his eyebrows and said, “If they have such courage, I won’t waste my time treating them as opponents!”

“It’s hard to say! Dog is so anxious that he has to jump off the wall!” Su Lianqing said, “Although I’m not an official, I know that the Eastern Palace Crown Prince is already in a hurry. The situation is dangerous. What else does he not dare to do? That fellow Han Wang is a pure bastard. He even dares to provoke those imperial concubines left behind by his father in the harem. What other things do he not dare to do?”

“En, have you found any definite evidence about the harem imperial concubine Qiang?”

“There’s evidence. The Tantai sisters have almost witnessed him having sex at the bedside. He’s really daring. He actually managed to get people out of the palace and lock them up in the manor day and night to prostitute himself.” Su Lianqing said.

Qin Mubai nodded and said, “Keep staring at him.”

“General, I don’t understand. I can kill his head for such a crime. What are you still enduring? What are you looking for?” Su Lianqing asked.

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “This is also what I want to ask Li Yuanchang. He has done such a simple job of killing his head. What reliance does he have? This is also the reason why I called you here. Keep an eye on you in the past few days. If there is any news, report it to me at any time.”

“Alright.”

Su Lianqing hurriedly left. Qin Mubai rested for a while before returning to the Imperial Palace Protector’s Heavenly King Temple. Princess Gaoyang woke up from her sleep and felt better. She shouted for Qin Mubai to accompany her to the Immortal Palace Hall to visit her mother and have dinner with her.

Imperial Concubine Yin De was still as beautiful and dignified as ever. Her silver hair gave her a different kind of mystery and charm.

When his son-in-law arrived, Yin De Fei naturally welcomed him warmly and invited Li Shimin over for dinner. Recently, Qin Mubai spent most of her time in the palace and often met Li Shimin. It was already a normal thing to eat together.

During the banquet, the duo naturally chatted about Lanzhou. Li Shimin said: With the passage of time, the situation in Lanzhou has become tense. The Dafeichuan frontline has already entered a state of readiness. Xue Wanjun requested Qin Shubao to deploy more troops and exercise vigilance day and night. In the past, Tibet had come to guard against them. In addition, the silk trade routes from Liangzhou to Lanzhou also strengthened day and night, just in case. Moreover, after the closure of border trade, the situation in Lanzhou was slightly tense. The main reason was that the merchants staying there were facing losses, so it was difficult to appease them. In order to prevent the enemy from sneaking into the troubled waters and fanning the flames, the pressure of local martial law and order was also greater.

Without Qin Mubai, who was in charge of internal affairs, the Great Governor, Qin Shubao, must be very busy right now.

Qin Mubai didn’t feel good after hearing this. She hoped that the marriage would be concluded soon and that she would go to Lanzhou to take care of these military and administrative affairs as soon as possible to relieve her father’s pressure.

These are actually just small matters. The real trouble was still hidden. Gao Chang and the others on the Silk Road of the Western Regions could rebel at any time. This kind of thing could not be prevented. Once this really happened, there seemed to be no other way but to send troops to suppress it. However, the Great Tang could not take the initiative to send troops first, otherwise, they would be taught a lesson by a nameless master. In the Western Regions, martial power was supplemented by politics, so it was definitely not as simple as fighting a war.

In other words, although the Great Tang could be reasonable in that aspect, it would always be passive. As long as Gao Chang was fine, Lanzhou would be on guard. Once Gao Chang’s incident happened, Lanzhou would immediately send troops. Otherwise, the Great Tang’s Silk Road would have been completely severed, and its hegemonic position in the Western Region of Helong would have collapsed instantly. As a result, the chain reaction would surely be enormous, and it might even affect the already pacified Turkic prairie of Mobei, triggering a drastic change there.

In Lanzhou, it affected his entire body. Just as he was nervous, Qin Mubai was preparing to get married in front of everyone. This made him feel very uncomfortable.

“Royal Father, why are you guys talking about this after dinner?” Seeing that Qin Mubai was unhappy, Princess Gao Yang complained to Li Shimin.

“Haha, good, let’s not talk anymore.” Li Shimin smiled and said, “Little girl, you scolded your royal father for being stinky. You really spilled water on your married daughter. How dare you keep her!”

“Hehe, I’m not helping you, eat! Eat peacefully!” Princess Gaoyang smiled and poured wine for Li Shimin.

Qin Mubai smiled and toasted Li Shimin. However, she muttered in her heart, “If nothing happens in Lanzhou, I will have to invite my father to get married. That would be great.” Or perhaps, I staggered a time to get married and settled the affairs of Lanzhou first, so it would be nice to get married peacefully. Annoyed, the Tibetans just take advantage of this time to stir up trouble and annoy me!

In the Governor’s Mansion in Lanzhou.

Qin Shubao sat on the armchair in military uniform and read a letter carefully. He smiled at Xue Rengui and said, “Rengui, I really didn’t expect Princess Gaoyang to write to me.”

“Oh? This is indeed a novel thing.” Xue Rengui smiled and said, “What did Her Highness the Princess say in her letter?”

Qin Shubao laughed heartily. He stood up and paced a few steps, saying, “That child does not have the airs of a princess in the letter. The words’father ‘on the left and’father’ on the right make this old man’s heart warm.” She didn’t mention anything important, but she just talked about her wedding with Mubai. They also said that they miss me very much and hope that I can attend their wedding. It’s a great pity that I’m not here on the wedding day. ”

“I didn’t expect Your Highness to be so careless and heartless. She actually has such an exquisite and obedient mind. At the end of the day, I really congratulate the Commander-in-Chief for accepting such a good daughter-in-law.” Xue Rengui said.

“Haha! Amongst the Emperor’s daughters, Princess Gaoyang was the smartest. In the past, this old man only heard of it, but now that he has revealed himself, it is indeed true. This child is thick and thin, wise as a fool! Look, Mubai has been back to Chang’an for many days. Although there are also letters, most of them talk about business. This Gaoyang, however, coaxed this old man into warmth. “This regret of not having his son’s wedding wine has been swept away for the most part.” Qin Shubao laughed happily. “Even Mubai is not as careful as her. “Where can I find such a daughter-in-law?”

“That’s true.” Xue Rengui said, “I really can’t see that Princess Gaoyang is spoiled by the emperor and his nobles. He actually respects and sympathizes with the elders so much. Just this filial piety and care is extremely rare. Such a filial son and daughter-in-law will definitely enjoy the joy of family when the Great Governor returns to the field one day!”

“Haha!” Qin Shubao laughed loudly, “When Mubai returns from the wedding and finishes taking care of the matters in the Western Regions, I will begin to plan to change shifts with him and retire to the fields to enjoy the happiness of family! At that time, Mubai will probably also give me a grandson, haha!”

Just as the two of them were chatting happily, a military academy suddenly flew in from outside-“Report!! Emergency military intelligence!”

Qin Shubao’s eyebrows trembled as he smiled brightly. Instantly, his tiger aura turned cold, “Report!”

“Tibet’s 30,000 cavalry are hovering around the Dafeichuan frontline. Small clashes have their victories and losses. Both sides have lost no more than a hundred troops. General Xue Wanjun, please send out your orders to expel them!”

“Are you finally here?” Qin Shubao sneered disdainfully and said, “Reply to Xue Wanjun, order him not to defend. Unless Tibetans come to attack the stronghold, they can only retaliate, and the pursuit cannot exceed five miles. Otherwise, the military order will severely punish them!”

‘”Yes–” The messenger accepted the order and left.

“Great Commander is wise.” Xue Rengui said, “Our army has been operating in Dafeichuan for a long time. The barracks are like iron, and the soldiers are all strong. With the help of the Divine Martial Artillery, 30,000 Tibetan cavalry can’t shake our camp. At this moment, the Tibetans are eager for our army to take the initiative to fight against them. They must have set up a siege to wait.”

“That’s right.” Qin Shubao said, “But this old man is not so stupid. I will not abandon the camp and attack the enemy for my own shortcomings. In addition, the troops will definitely be suspicious all the way. They will not really come to attack the city and pull out the stronghold. I believe that the Tibetans still remember the aftermath of the Divine Martial Cannons from the previous time.”

“In that case, the Tibetans must have made another move? I just don’t know what they are going to do.” Xue Rengui said.

Qin Shubao narrowed his phoenix eyes as he stroked his beard and pondered for a long time. He said, “Since the suspected soldiers have left, it is time for the main troops to show themselves. Otherwise, they will alert the enemy. I believe that news will arrive soon. Rengui, tell me, if you are a Tibetan, since you have sent some suspected soldiers to disturb Da Feichuan, what should we do with the other troops?”

“Two uses.” Xue Rengui said without hesitation, “One is to push into Tuyuhun’s old land and cut off my connection with the Central Plains, or to infiltrate the hinterland of Lanzhou and the Central Plains to plunder.” “However, this route is risky, because our troops are deployed on that route. If our troops react immediately, they will be surrounded and annihilated by our troops if they go deeper alone.”

“That’s right. Sure enough, you are resourceful and know how to make good use of your weapons. Saburo is not mistaken about you.” Qin Shubao nodded and praised, “Go on, the second type?”

“The second is …”

“Newspaper–”

A shout interrupted Xue Rengui’s words. Another scout came and quickly ran inside to worship him, “Report to the Great Commander, Liangzhou Military Intelligence Report!” Almost ten thousand Tibetan soldiers crossed the Qilian Mountains and broke through our sentry line along the mountain roads. They attacked Liangzhou overnight, causing serious losses to the commercial brigade station. General Xue Wanjun, the deputy governor of Liangzhou, sent a distress letter asking for help! “At this time, the official road between Liangzhou and Lanzhou is cut off, and most of the merchant and soldier posts along the way have fallen into the hands of the Tibetan army!”

Qin Shubao’s eyebrows furiously raised, “How dare you! Tibetan children are so untrustworthy! A month ago, they sent people over beef, mutton, wine, and meat to curry favor with me. In the blink of an eye, they turned against me and attacked my Liangzhou City weakly. They ruined my business army and killed my soldiers and civilians!”

“No!!”

Xue Rengui’s expression also changed. He clasped his fists and said in a deep voice, “Commander-in-Chief, I will invite the vanguard to battle at the end!”

Qin Shubao knitted his brows and said, “Rengui, did the Tibetans’ second method of using troops you mentioned just now come from the Qilian Mountains to attack Liangzhou?”

“This … general doesn’t dare to speak nonsense. This has already happened …”

“You are, aren’t you!”

“Yes!”

Qin Shubao nodded solemnly, “Then what do you think the Tibetans will do next?”

Xue Rengui said, “The Tibetans must have known that our Lanzhou is formidable after their successive defeats. This time, the suspected soldiers, Da Feichuan, attacked Liangzhou in a flurry. From the looks of it, they are all empty moves. They are merely besieging the city to help delay our army.”

“This intention coincides with mine.” Qin Shubao said, “The Tibetans have always only done the burning and looting. After fighting and robbing, they will run away. This time, it seems that they are carrying out a large-scale operation. Their intention is either to capture Lanzhou or to send out an outpost for the rebellion in the Western Regions in the hope of stalling our army and bolstering the country!”

“Great Commander is wise!” Xue Rengui said, “Therefore, please order the general at the end of the first division to fight, there are no more soldiers, three thousand refined iron more cavalry.” At the end of the rate of this brigade cavalry before aid liangzhou, tibetans if death battle, but proved that they are indeed in siege to delay our army, intended to the western regions; If you flee in a virtual battle, then you will have to divert the tiger and leave, wanting to divert my main force out of Lanzhou and then seize Lanzhou. I ask the Great Governor to take charge of Lanzhou, so that we can cope with all changes without any change! ”

“This plan is very good!” Qin Shubao nodded admiringly and said, “No wonder when Sanlang left, he specifically told me that if there is a war, can you ask Rengui? So you really know how to plan.” Alright, I’ll do as you say. Life you as the vanguard, rate three thousand ZhongJun more ride to help liangzhou clear the road. Tibetans if death battle, I since rate army to aid; If the Tibetans were defeated, there was no need to chase after them. They could just defend Lanzhou and other important military routes. At that time, I will be waiting for you in Lanzhou! ”

“I accept your orders!!”

Not long after, the army will be together, the field set up a formation to talk about the martial point will.

Lanzhou, which had been quiet for a long time, was like a pot of boiling water, about to churn …