Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 363

Chapter 363 An Uncertain War

Although Qin Mubai had the bones of a playboy and unruly person, he rarely acted absurdly and didn’t do anything that was out of line and uncertain. In his previous life, when he was an official second generation and a rich second generation, he had occasionally acted arrogantly, but he never went beyond the system. He even knew that no matter how powerful a person was, he could not defeat the state apparatus. In this life, he had become the son of Qin Shubao, and now that his son-in-law had become a influential figure standing at the forefront of the storm, he was still well aware of this.

No one can stop the wheel of history from doing what you want–before you become the driver of this shitty car of history.

But now, Qin Mubai had no choice but to fight an uncertain war. He had no choice but to blindfold his eyes and guess the trajectory of history and the future. He had to gamble his life and the rise and fall of his family!

For two days, he stayed at home with the door shut. Originally, he really wanted to brazenly visit Cheng Zhijie, Yuchi Jingde, Duan Zhixuan, and the others. But he endured it.

The words Li Jing told Su Dingfang to tell him gave him a sense of enlightenment.

Rather than running around like this, it would be better to wait and see what happens.

Just imagine, if Qin Mubai, Li Ji, and Li Daozong were still unable to change the outcome, plus Cheng Zhijie, Yuchi Jingde, and Duan Zhixuan, what would be the use? He was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot as he was looking for help from a doctor, and he lost his composure and bearing in the first place. Secondly, this was the most sensitive and busy time, and countless pairs of eyes were staring at Qin Mubai. If the news of him running around and lobbying reached the palace, he would not be able to escape the suspicion of raising a banner and raising a party.

This was undoubtedly the biggest taboo right now!

Li Jing said that everything was natural and calm. Apart from advising Qin Mubai not to act too hastily, there might also be another meaning-he was probably trying to say that there was a public opinion about right and wrong. This was an important matter concerning the future of the dynasty and its plans for a hundred years. The Emperor could not just ignore it, he must have already planned it.

Therefore, no matter how much effort Qin Mubai and Changsun Wuji put into their business, it would be in vain!

It was like a group of people gathered together to gamble on dice. No matter how fiercely they shouted, the number of points covered in the dice cup was already doomed. All the gamblers had to do was place their bets and wait for the dice cup to open.

Apart from Li Shimin, who was the one who rolled the dice cup, the rest of them were gamblers. No matter how extravagant and wealthy a gambler you are, no matter how shocking your chips are, they will not change the outcome. Even if you are just the most inconspicuous gambler who bet only one coin and just happened to win points, you are still the biggest winner.

Right now, Qin Mubai was facing such a gamble.

What he was facing was a war that he was not confident about.

Perhaps, Li Shimin was the only person in the whole situation who was watching these people’s performances with a cold gaze while Zhizhu was in her grasp. He was like the scheming dealer who controlled everything on the gambling table with the dice cup in his hand. He could easily change the number of points on the dice. He looked at the gamblers’ bets, big or small, and sneered in his heart without changing his expression.

At noon, the Hong Wen Museum sent a bachelor to inform Qin Mubai to attend the meeting of the pavilion at the end of the morning.

Hearing this news, Qin Mubai, whose face was as heavy as water, broke out into a layer of cold sweat.

Alright, tomorrow at the end of Sihu hour, the dice cup will be uncovered. Everyone knew who was going to win.

Qin Mubai raised his head and looked at the top of Zhongnan Mountain. The prototype of Yao’er’s statue was under construction. He took a deep breath and said to himself, “Yao’er, perhaps it was because of your death that this battle that was originally lurking underwater was triggered to the surface of the stage.” Tomorrow, life and death will be decided. If I win, a grand blueprint will be at my feet. From now on, I will bring along your ashes and sketch this blueprint in detail. Perhaps I will not be in Chang’an for a long time. I will take you to the Western Regions to listen to the wind, the howls of war horses and the roars of the battlefield. If I lose, I will abandon the official and go into seclusion on Mount Zhongnan to form a house. No matter how the spring breeze rises or the frost-cold mountains and rivers rise, I will play the pipa and accompany you. In tomorrow’s battle, even though there were no saber soldiers or armor sticks, they would not lose a battle against a hundred thousand troops. If you are alive in heaven, bless me with triumph! ”

Boiling a pot of tea and burning a furnace of incense, Qin Mubai sat in the stream pavilion in the backyard, holding the Jade Tent Scripture in his hand and observing it.

None of the family came to disturb him.

It was as calm as a mountain and heavy as water in the face of a great battle. This was what Li Jing had said, and it was the demeanor of a general.

Two hours passed, and it was almost evening.

Qin Mubai poured out the last cup of Bi Run Mingyue in the teapot and found that the charcoal fire in the furnace was already cold. Just as he was about to get up and leave, he noticed two familiar figures outside the garden gate.

Wu Meiniang and Princess Gaoyang.

The two women stood side by side without saying a word. They stood in the distance and quietly looked at Qin Mubai.

Qin Mubai couldn’t help but laugh. She stood up and walked towards them, saying, “When did you come, don’t you call me?”

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, “I don’t want to disturb you when I read your quiet book.”

Princess Gaoyang’s expression was exceptionally calm and tranquil. She smiled and said, “Mother Mei is right.”

Qin Mubai looked at the two of them and couldn’t help but smile. “It’s rare for the two of you to have such a tacit understanding. Come, sit down and drink tea with me.”

“Alright.”

Returning to the pavilion, the three of them sat opposite each other, adding a fire to the pavilion and placing new tea on it.

“Mubai, are you still studying the Jade Tent Scripture? Aren’t you already familiar with this book?” Wu Meiniang picked up the military book and flipped through two pages. She saw the dense commentary on it and said.

‘”The art of war is not something that you can understand after remembering it. It is not something that you can use flexibly after understanding it. Otherwise, it would be too worthless, and it would not take a thousand years for Apothecary Li to appear.” Qin Mubai smiled while pouring tea.

Princess Gaoyang said, “I don’t understand the art of war. I’ve only heard one sentence. It’s called the common affairs of victorious and defeated soldiers. There’s no need to worry too much about it.”

“Haha, Ling’er, are you trying to persuade me to relax?” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’m in a good mood now. First, I’m ready to lose the battle. Then, I’ll try my best to win when I go to the battlefield.”

“Prepare for the worst. Try your best. That’s right, that’s what it should be. It seems like we’re worried too much.” Wu Meiniang said, “Mubai, ever since you joined the official profession, everything has been smooth sailing. Although there are occasional setbacks, all of them can be easily resolved. But this time, even we know that you are facing a war that you are not confident of and cannot afford to lose. Your opponent is … too powerful!”

“Is that so?” Qin Mubai smiled faintly and said, “You mean Eldest Sun Wuji?”

“Isn’t that so?” Princess Gaoyang said, “I’ve talked a lot with Mama Mei just now. Although we don’t know everything about the court, the more outsiders see it, the more they can see it clearly.” A single Eldest Sun Wuji is no longer a match for you. Furthermore, in fact, Changsun Wuji represents my father, the Emperor. If my Royal Father has already made a decision and you want to go against it, wouldn’t that be shaking the tree? “Mubai, don’t tell me you didn’t expect that your opponent this time would be my father?”

Qin Mubai’s hand that was holding the teacup paused for a moment. He knitted his brows and thought, “Truth be told, I’ve thought of it, but I don’t want to think about it. The thing I’m most reluctant to do is go against your father’s wishes. If the opponent I’m facing this time is the Emperor, then it’s proof that … the Emperor betrayed me and he broke his promise.”

Princess Gao Yang’s expression was already hard to see to a certain extent. She said worriedly, “Mubai, since you know, why do you still …”

“Ling’er, this is just a guess.” Qin Mubai heaved a sigh of relief and said, “Right now, perhaps even the Emperor is hesitating. We are all betting that we can’t give up until we see the end. Indeed, your father is the dealer of the village and he can decide our victory. But this bet has already begun. How can I retreat halfway?”

Princess Gao Yang bit her lips and gently nodded, “I understand.”

“What do you understand?” Qin Mubai asked.

“I want to see my father and let him … let you win!” Princess Gaoyang suddenly said.

“No.” Qin Mubai’s expression changed and he suddenly said sternly, “You can’t decide the outcome of this bet by relying on your father and daughter’s affection. Otherwise, there’s no need for such a big fight. Ling’er, you should obediently be a bystander. If I win, everything will be fine. If I lose, I don’t care what you ask your father to do.”

“Mubai, tell me the truth … If you lose, will your life be in danger?” Princess Gaoyang said worriedly.

Qin Mubai frowned slightly and shook his head, “I don’t know. With good luck, I can still stay in Chang’an and be a glorious but idle prince-in-law for a lifetime. If my luck is bad, perhaps the Crown Prince and Hou Junji are my role models. If my luck is bad …”

“Alright, you don’t have to say anything.” Princess Gaoyang suddenly waved her hand and interrupted Qin Mubai. She said resolutely, “The last situation will never happen! If Eldest Sun Wuji really dares to ruthlessly wipe out the roots, I would dare to personally kill him with a treasured sword in my hand, and then let my father personally execute me!”

Qin Mubai’s expression froze for a moment before he tried to persuade Princess Gaoyang. In the end, he endured his words and nodded, “Don’t worry, it won’t happen.”

Wu Meiniang sighed softly and said, “Mubai, Princess, perhaps things are not as heavy and complicated as we thought.” Take it easy, as the saying goes, leaving the green mountains alive is not afraid of not burning firewood. Even if he was defeated this time, there was no need for him to pout and give up on himself. Without experiencing a few ups and downs, without failing several attempts, where did he get his full of fighting spirit and domineering arrogance? Only if you can afford to lose will you be able to win! ”

Qin Mubai couldn’t help but smile and said, “Mother Mei, have you seen my big brother and second brother?”

Wu Meiniang was stunned, “How did you know?”

“That sounds familiar! My two brothers said that they would use the life and death of dozens of Qin Clan members to nourish my arrogance.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “What, are you two still attached?”

“What do you say?” The two women spoke in unison, then looked at each other and smiled tacitly.

Qin Mubai narrowed her eyes and looked at the two most important women in her life. She smiled and said, “Even if I lose this war, I will already win!”

“Even we can tell that you are not confident. Why do you still say that?” Wu Meiniang asked.

“No reason.” Qin Mubai smiled faintly and said, “You’re right. You can afford to lose before you win. Just say that to Ling’er and say that you’re going to slash down Eldest Sun Wuji with your sword. I’ve already won!”

The next day, at dawn, the bedroom was still pitch black. Qin Mubai opened her eyes and woke up.

Just as she was about to get up, a pink arm wrapped around his neck, Princess Gaoyang whispered in her ear, “Mubai, can you hold me and leave?”

“You didn’t sleep all night?”

“En …”

Qin Mubai hugged her tightly in her arms and caressed her back in distress. She lightly kissed her forehead and said, “Silly girl, didn’t you sleep best with me in the past, especially after being warm?”

“I don’t know …” Princess Gaoyang didn’t have the mood to joke. “I’m so nervous. I’ve been thinking, if you really lose this time and there’s no war in Lanzhou, what kind of foothold do you have in the future if you marry Tibet and the Alliance? Also, your father will most likely be transferred back from Lanzhou and take back his military power and stay at home again.”

“So what? At most, we’ll start from scratch. No one will die.” Qin Mubai patted her back and said with a relaxed smile.

“Mubai, don’t deceive yourself.” Princess Gaoyang whispered, “Your heart is higher than the heavens, and you absolutely cannot stand that kind of idle and boring life. Needless to say, your father is arrogant, how can he withstand such a blow? I really can’t imagine how depressed and dull your father and son would be if they were idle at home at the same time!”

“You’re overthinking it, Ling’er.” Qin Mubai smiled lightly and said, “Mama Mei’s words are good. If you can afford to lose, then you can win. If you don’t even have that kind of mind, how can you accomplish great things? Alright, it’s time for the court. I have to get up.”

“Alright, you go!” Princess Gao Yang loosened her arms and pursed her red lips for a moment before saying, “I’ll just lie here and wait for you to come back. Carry me to get up.”

Qin Mubai couldn’t help but laugh. “Isn’t that too lazy? You’re already the Qin Family’s daughter-in-law now. I’m not at home, so you have to do your duty as a daughter-in-law until dawn and dusk. Get up and go to the Qin Family early to greet my mother!”

“Yes, Lord Husband, hehe!” Princess Gaoyang immediately got out of the quilt and jumped naked onto Qin Mubai’s body, wrapping him around him like a tree. The thief laughed and said, “Give me a hug, just for a moment … ah! Don’t pinch my butt!”

Qin Mubai put on the rarely-worn royal uniform and rode out on horseback until he reached the Vermillion Bird Gate of the Imperial City.

Here, the civil servants dismounted from their horses and walked into the palace. Although Qin Mubai had been an official for a few years, he had previously served as Baiji’s maid in the harem, and then moved to Xiangyang and Lanzhou to serve as local officials. He rarely participated in court meetings like this. The civil and military officials looked at him with a look of surprise in their eyes.

The bell rang in Taiji Palace’s Bell Drum Tower. Civil and military officials filed out from the east and west halls, lined up in two and walked up to the Dragon Tail Road.

Just now, Qin Mubai saw Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie, and the others in the General Hall of the West Court. However, they only met each other and nodded in greeting. They did not talk to each other. When Qin Mubai walked out of the West Palace Hall, he saw King Wei Li Tai and King Jiang Xia Li Daozong in the civil service class, but he didn’t see Wei Zheng and Fang Xuanling, nor did he see Eldest Sun Wuji and Chu Suiliang.

After the civil and military officials entered the main hall of the Martial Hall, Qin Mubai saw the eldest Sun Wuji, King Jin Li Zhi, and Chu Suiliang enter through the side door of the hall. Li Zhi sat on the dragon chair that did not fit his body. On the left was the Prime Minister’s Eldest Sun Wuji, and on the right was Chu Suiliang from the Chao Bing Note Room. He was like two teachers and two bodyguards.

Compared to when he sat on the dragon chair earlier, Li Zhi had obviously calmed down a lot, and his gaze was even a little cold. He habitually swept his gaze down the hall, and his eyes suddenly flashed with joy and passion, because he saw Qin Mubai.

Eldest Sun Wuji and Chu Suiliang followed Li Zhi’s gaze and looked at Qin Mubai unnaturally. A faint smile appeared on their faces. Eldest Sun Wuji said, “Today’s court meeting will be played this morning, and I will retreat.”

Chu Suiliang added, “His Highness Prince King Jin occasionally feels cold and unwell.”

All the officials heard a little bit of news, knowing that there was an important pavilion meeting to be held later, the thoughts of Eldest Sun Wuji and the others had long since disappeared from the Imperial Court. No one would be ignorant of the current situation and take out trivial matters at this time, delaying another hour.

As a result, the voice of “I don’t have anything else to play” rang out.

“Alright then, let’s retreat!”

The civil and military officials walked into the main hall of Martial Virtue and immediately retreated. However, many of the people who had received the notice of the meeting had tacitly stayed in the waiting hall of the Eastern and Western Imperial Halls and hadn’t left.

Apart from Qin Shubao and the others who were leading the troops on the frontlines, more than half of the sixteen guard generals and general-level Mortal Third Grade and above had arrived in the Marquis Hall of the Western Imperial Court, helping dozens of people. Duan Zhixuan, Li Junxian, and the others gathered together and discussed in a low voice. Yuchi Jingde and Cheng Zhijie were not withered in their hearts as they talked about the military past. Only Qin Mubai sat alone in a corner and quietly drank tea.

In terms of rank and seniority, any of the people present were Qin Mubai’s officers and seniors. However, the generals all cast their gazes towards Qin Mubai, intentionally or unintentionally, paying attention to his every move.

However, after watching for a long time, Qin Mubai only occasionally picked up a cup of tea and drank two mouthfuls of tea. He did not make any other unnecessary movements, nor did he even have a messy expression in his eyes.

The crowd was secretly shocked, “Good boy, Mount Tai is about to crush you, yet you can still hold your breath so calmly!”

At this time, a small official of the Hongwen Pavilion walked into the waiting hall of the West Court Hall and bowed to the generals, “General, please go to the main hall of the Hongwen Pavilion to discuss the matter!”

“Alright, let’s go!” Yuchi Jingde roared like thunder as he stood up. It was as if a war had begun, and his horse was the first to charge out.

Cheng Zhijie chuckled, “Old Black, what are you so anxious about? The main character hasn’t even left yet!”

Yuchi Jingde turned his head to look at Qin Mubai, who was sitting beside him. He stared at Qin Mubai with his tiger eyes and pulled him forward, “Silly boy, are you scared silly? Get up and go to the Hong Wen Pavilion!”

Qin Mubai laughed and stood up. He brushed his wrinkled clothes and said, “Everyone is my Shangguan. Senior, how can I be rude? General, please go first!”

“Haha!” Cheng Zhijie laughed loudly, “Don’t panic in the face of battle, don’t panic in the face of chaos. Mubai, you’ve got some direct legacies of your father and Li Jing!”

Yuchi Jingde looked at Qin Mubai from head to toe and nodded his head seriously. “Fool, you have a bit of general demeanor-today, Old Black wants you, Qin Mubai, to go first. Why don’t you give me this face?”

The generals laughed heartily. Yuchi Jingde was like this, and they were used to it.

“In that case, this junior is better respectful than obedient!” Qin Mubai bowed to the crowd and said loudly, “Please!”

“General Qin, please!”

The messenger Hongwen Library couldn’t help but be a little dumbfounded. He watched as the generals above the 16th Guard and 3rd Stage followed the mere 4th Stage corps commander Qin Mubai out of the West Court Hall and headed towards Hongwen Library.

On the other side, in the civil servants’ waiting hall of the Eastern Imperial Court, a group of civil servants walked out of Li Tai’s front row and headed towards the Hongwen Pavilion one after another.

Qin Mubai saw that the Jiang Xia King, Li Daozong, who had never participated in a meeting like this to discuss the affairs of the pavilion, was shocked!

Inside the Hongwen Museum, Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang stood side by side by a window. They watched as dozens of people from the two groups filed over. They looked at each other and were speechless.

“Situ, looking at this situation, why do we feel like they are here to fight?” Chu Suiliang said.

Eldest Sun Wuji smiled and twisted his beard. “Even if we are here to fight, we will definitely win this battle. What are you afraid of?”

Chu Suiliang slightly knitted his eyebrows and did not respond. He turned around and looked up in surprise, “Situ, please take a look-who is that sedan chair over there?”

“Could it be Wei Zheng? Did he really come?” Zhang Sun Wuji looked at his finger and revealed a trace of astonishment.

Chu Suiliang smiled and said meaningfully, “Even Li Daozong, who has never participated in such a meeting, has come. How can he not come?”

Eldest Sun Wuji blinked his eyes and looked thoughtfully at Chu Suiliang, asking, “Then do you think … Wei Zheng is an enemy or a friend?”

Chu Suiliang shook his head, “Who knows? Very often, even His Majesty the Emperor doesn’t know whether Wei Zheng is an enemy or a friend … He is always right and wrong.”

After pondering for a moment, Changsun Wuji nodded and said, “Alright, even if he is the enemy … In the past, Wei Zheng could even reverse the Emperor’s will. But this time, even ten Wei Zheng would not be able to change anything!”

‘”Is that so?” Chu Suiliang replied softly, as if he wasn’t laughing.