Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 371

Chapter 371 The Gentleman

Fang Xuanling, who was alone in the inner hall, was slightly stunned when he heard that Princess Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang had come to visit. Recently, the court was busy, and the Fang Clan had a lot of civil servants and generals visiting them. However, Fang Xuanling was somewhat surprised that Qin Mubai would personally come at this time.

While changing his clothes, Fang Xuanling ordered his family to remove the mourning hall and clean up the main hall for the guests. Madam Fang, Madam Lu, refused to spill the beans. She heard that Qin Mubai wanted to come here and cry so much that she wanted to fight him to the death. Fang Xuanling, who rarely lost his temper once every ten years, was enraged. He forced several servants and maids to lock up his wife in the backyard and not let her go. The mourning hall was also quickly demolished.

Qin Mubai and the others patiently waited at the door. They were not in a hurry. They had to give Fang Xuanling some time and space to adapt, so as to avoid embarrassment on both sides.

The hands and feet of the Fang Clan’s people were quite agile, and they didn’t need a cup of tea to take care of them. Fang Xuanling greeted him at the door with his eldest son, Fang Yizhi, dressed in formal attire.

“Your Highness the Princess and your son-in-law have come. I hope you will forgive me for not being able to meet you from afar!”

“Husband, please get up quickly.” Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang stepped forward to help each other and greeted each other. Qin Mubai said, “We are all uninvited guests. If you dare to disturb us, please don’t meet any weirdos.”

Fang Xuanling’s slightly sickly red face showed no signs of happiness, calm and indifferent, as usual, silent and humble. He led the way to invite Qin Mubai and the others in. The etiquette was well done, making Qin Mubai feel a little uncomfortable.

After entering the main hall and sitting down, although the surroundings were cleaned up, there was still the smell of incense candles and paper money in the air. Qin Mubai cupped his hands to Fang Xuanling’s side and said, “Fang Gong has a magnanimous demeanor. I am both ashamed and admiring him. I came to your mansion today to plead guilty and admit my punishment. I have offended many times in the past, but today, at Fang Gong’s beck and call, I have absolutely no complaints.”

“Prince Consort’s words are too heavy.” Fang Xuanling seemed to have expected Qin Mubai to say this. He smiled lightly and cupped his hands in return. “Fang Xuanling’s adopted son violated the law of the country because he was unfilial. Both father and son should be guilty.” Previously, the sons of iniquity had repeatedly committed evil and killed and injured people first, so Fang Mou could understand that the son-in-law had acted in self-defense. Let bygones be bygones! Fang Mou’s family is unfortunate. Let’s pretend that we have never given birth to this son! ”

“Husband Fang … We are so ashamed of what you said!” Princess Gaoyang whispered, “Early on …”

“Your Highness, please don’t bring up the past.” Fang Xuanling waved his hand and interrupted her. He helplessly shook his head and smiled bitterly, “There is a certain number of things that will happen in the future. In the past few years, my Fang Clan has experienced many ups and downs. This old man can be considered to have seen through it.” People weren’t as good as Heavenly Calculation, so no one could be blamed. Your Highness Princess, Prince Consort, if the two of you came today just to apologize, I can say that you came for nothing. First, are you innocent? Secondly, I have never hated the two of you at all. ”

Qin Mubai shook his head in shame. He cupped his hands and sighed, “The more generous Fang Gong is, the more ashamed I and the princess will feel. If Fang Gong and your wife can beat us up, then our hearts will feel a little better.”

Fang Xuanling smiled lonely and said, “The two of them must have come here. I just heard that I, Fang Xuanling, have a powerful wife, right?” As you said, my wife has always doted on evil children, otherwise he would not have come to this point. By now, Fang Mou finally understood that he could not follow this fierce woman’s orders. Evil Child’s fate is the best example. ”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “This is a matter of the Fang family. It’s not convenient for us to ask any further. Actually, I have no intention of coming here today. First, I want to apologize to the Fang family. Second, I want to express my gratitude. Third, I have the guts to ask the Fang family for help.”

Fang Xuanling nodded his head calmly and said, “The first two things happened out of nowhere. Please tell me about the third thing.”

“Thank you, Fang Gong.” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and said, “Duke Fang has been ordered by His Majesty to dispatch troops to Lanzhou for the Battle of Lanzhou. I will be heading to Lanzhou to preside over the overall military and political situation soon. I want to know what generals the Imperial Court is going to dispatch to me so that I can make preparations. Of course, if it’s related to secrets, I’ll pretend that I didn’t ask.”

“What can’t I say?” Fang Xuanling chuckled and said, “You are the main general. I actually need to discuss this matter with you.” It’s just that time is running out and I haven’t had the chance to inform the prince’s son-in-law. During the war in Lanzhou, the Prime Minister of the Imperial Court Pavilion Department discussed with the important members of the Military Department and decided to allocate 10,000 cavalry to you to start from Chang’an. In addition, the original 30 personal guards of the prince’s son-in-law of Baiji should be increased to 100. Six thousand people are preparing for the rations. They can accompany them on their journey in the near future, “he said.

“That’s all?” Princess Gaoyang was shocked, “Military forces and money are all so scarce!”

“If the princess doesn’t understand, don’t interrupt.” Qin Mubai turned around and said to Fang Xuanling, “I know.”

Fang Xuanling cupped his hands in return and said to Princess Gaoyang, “Your Highness feels that it is only natural for military forces to be short of money.” To be honest, in such a big battle in Lanzhou, more than 10,000 soldiers and horses, 100,000 grain, were really a drop in the bucket. However, the recent turmoil in the Imperial Court was unstable, so it was understandable that it would be difficult for them to send troops. In addition, it was an important time for spring farming, and it was a time when there was a gap between green and yellow. There was not much grain stored in the imperial warehouse, and even if there was a lot of grain, it would be difficult to gather a lot of peasants for the time being. Therefore, 100,000 grain and 6,000 civilian workers are already the limits of the Imperial Court’s ability. ”

“I don’t think so, do I?” Wu Meiniang, who had been sitting at the side without interrupting, smiled and bowed to Fang Xuanling, “Husband Fang, please forgive my rudeness.”

“Miss, you have something to say, but there’s no harm in saying it.” Fang Xuanling said politely.

Wu Meiniang thanked him and said, “As far as I know, Guanzhong was very mature last year, and Jiangnan, Shannan, and Shuzhong were exceptionally mature.” The tax rations collected by the Imperial Court at the beginning of autumn and winter should have already overwhelmed Taicang. Even the most expensive rice in Chang’an has fallen by 30%. Many of my grain peddlers have lost money. In addition, King Wei had gathered funds to build the Great Compassion Temple. Before the construction started, he had already gathered more than 7,000 commoners to carry flowers, stones, grasses, and other items, such as the Golden Body of the Buddha Form. The three armies did not move the grain first, even if they did not allocate many troops to Lanzhou, they should still give more grain. After all, once war broke out, Lanzhou’s local farming and pastoral production would be greatly affected. In addition, it would be difficult to buy grain even if they were rich in the remote areas. I wonder, is the war of the empire not as important as a temple? How could the Imperial Court not be able to bring out food and recruit civilians? ”

“Mother Mei, don’t talk too much!” Qin Mubai shouted softly and said, “How can you dare to talk about military and national affairs?”

Wu Meiniang lowered her head and jaw to admit her mistake. She whispered, “Husband Fang, please forgive me. The commoner’s knowledge is shallow, so she naturally thought of something to say.”

“Haha … I’ve heard for a long time that Wu Meiniang is extremely intelligent and meticulous, but a heroic woman is indeed worthy of her reputation when she sees her today!” Fang Xuanling shook his head and smiled helplessly. “Your knowledge is not shallow at all. Your words have hit the nail on the head.” Actually, the prince’s son-in-law is also a smart person, so I don’t want to lie anymore. Taicang had grain, so it wasn’t a big problem to recruit civilians, but the Imperial Court had to prepare a large dowry for Princess Wencheng, who was about to marry Tibet. This was no easier than dealing with a war, so he couldn’t do it for a while. Secondly, since last year, Lanzhou had not asked the Imperial Court for a penny of grain, so it was entirely self-sufficient. Therefore, some people in the court insisted that since Lanzhou could be self-sufficient, there was no need for the Imperial Court to support grain for the time being. After all, transporting more than a thousand kilometers would require a tremendous amount of manpower and material resources. ”

“In other words, you clearly want to grab Lanzhou by the neck, so that we can defend it more than we can. Are we powerless during the expedition?” Qin Mubai sneered.

Fang Xuanling smiled helplessly and said, “Prince Consort, since you understand the reason, there is no need for me to say more. The difference in standpoint is not something that can be accommodated in a single sentence or two. I have already done my best to allocate 10,000 troops and 100,000 grain!”

“Hmph, is it Eldest Sun Wuji who is interfering again?” Princess Gaoyang said straightforwardly and hatefully, “Why does he have to go against Mubai and Lanzhou? This court is not his family, and this military money was not taken from his pocket. What is he panicking about? Really!”

“Alright, say less.” Qin Mubai smiled and dissuaded her. Then, she cupped her hands to Fang Xuanling. “I know that Fang Gong has always been dedicated to serving the country. Now that there is such a situation, I am truly grateful to you, regardless of whether Fang Gong needs it or not! I will definitely be easy to manage once I go to Lanzhou, and I will not waste Fang Gong’s heart for the country and the people!”

“Haha, your words are too heavy!” Fang Xuanling waved his hand and smiled. “I’m plotting something in his place. I don’t dare to be selfish.”

“Husband Fang, the maiden has something to say again.” Wu Meiniang suddenly said.

“Hehe, tell me!”

Wu Meiniang smiled and saluted, “Since the Imperial Court cannot allocate grain to recruit civilians, can the civilians organize a caravan of righteous merchants to spontaneously supply grain and rice to Lanzhou?”

“Oh?” Fang Xuanling was very surprised. “The state has something to do with righteous business sponsorship. Although this matter is not new, it is really rare for such a thing to happen to the Thousand Miles Capital Army.” Wu Meiniang, if you want to fund the imperial army in your own name, this is naturally permissible. However, Lanzhou was a thousand miles away, so there was no need to say that it was difficult to transit. There might be risks. Moreover, it would cost at least three kilograms to transport a kilogram of grain from Chang’an to Lanzhou. “Have you settled this debt?”

“No need to count.” Wu Meiniang smiled faintly and said, “Even if we lose all our wealth, Wu Zhao must do so!”

“Mother Mei, this matter is no joke. It’s better if you don’t blindly interfere.” Qin Mubai said to her in surprise, “It’s not as easy to travel from Chang’an to Lanzhou as to run Xiangyang. Many of the miles you’ve traveled have been sandstorms in the Gobi Desert, and your journey has been extremely difficult. Lanzhou is simply like a lonely place hanging overseas. How can a mere weak woman like you lead more than ten thousand civilian workers on a long journey?”

“Mubai, there’s no need for you to worry about that. Am I that reckless? As long as you and Fang Xianggong agree to let me transport food, I can do it and guarantee my safety!” Wu Meiniang smiled confidently and said, “The Imperial Court only gives you 100,000 stones of grain. Six thousand commoners, I’ll send you 500,000 stones of grain and thirty thousand commoners-how about it? You can use it for a long time, right?”

This made Fang Xuanling of the Dao of Dark Money suck in a breath of cold air. He was shocked, “This is a huge sum of money! Even if the Imperial Court wanted to branch such a thing, it would still require a huge amount of manpower and material resources. Wu Meiniang, are you really capable?”

“No problem!” Wu Meiniang smiled confidently and said, “Fang Xianggong, you can agree! Anyway, we don’t need to worry about anything at all! As long as you give a warrant, Wu Zhao will ship the grain and military resources to Lanzhou and guarantee that the soldiers won’t be hungry!”

Fang Xuanling furrowed his brows and twisted his beard as he gently shook his head. “Naturally, I am very happy … but …”

“If Fang Gong has something to hide, why not say it?” Qin Mubai asked.

Fang Xuanling nodded and smiled bitterly, “In that case, the Imperial Court will accept a great favor from the Wu Clan. How can Fang Xuanling represent the Emperor and the Imperial Court? I’ll go ask the Emperor if he agrees.”

Qin Mubai unconsciously smiled and thought to herself, ‘Fang Mou Du Duan’. Fang Xuanling is indeed resourceful and dignified, but he does lack a bit of courage in his character. Otherwise, he would be a perfect strategist. What’s the use of a’decisive ‘Du Ruhui?’

At this time, Wu Meiniang smiled and said, “Fang Xianggong, you must not tell His Majesty the Emperor!”

“Why?” Fang Xuanling said in surprise.

Wu Meiniang smiled mysteriously and whispered, “If Fang Xianggong went to tell His Majesty that the Imperial Court could not give money to the peasants and asked Wu Zhao to sponsor him privately, wouldn’t that shame His Majesty the Emperor?” Could it be that a large Tang court was not as rich as a commoner’s daughter? Of course, this was not the truth. It was also because of this that if Fang Xianggong went to tell the Emperor, he would naturally know that there were some people in the Imperial Court who deliberately harassed Qin Mubai and the Lanzhou soldiers … In this way, conflicts would have to be stirred up again, and Fang Xianggong would also lose a bad reputation for complaining. ”

“Oh? That makes sense!” Fang Xuanling was shocked. “I can’t tell that a young woman like you is proficient in the art of power planning. It’s truly amazing!” Even so, I can’t possibly have suffered hundreds of thousands of stones of grain from you just like that, right? This is a wealth that is comparable to that of a wealthy country! ”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll treat it as a gift to my man.” Wu Meiniang smiled and said, “Men march outside to fight, how can they not have food to eat?” Not only could he not be without food, but the soldiers beside him could not be hungry. Otherwise, if he didn’t have the strength to fight, what would he do if he couldn’t win on the battlefield? Fang Xianggong, be decisive. Wu Zhao is a businesswoman who never does anything without repayment. But this time, it’s really an exception-I’m doing it for my man, so there’s no other meaning! “I don’t need the Imperial Court to owe me any favors. I don’t even need the Emperor and Eldest Sun Wuji to know-just think of me as someone who sells grain to Lanzhou without permission. Just give me a white fish token to leave the seclusion!”

“Alright!” Fang Xuanling finally made up his mind and nodded affirmatively, “I will give you the medallion to leave the seclusion and write a handwriting for you in your personal name. It will be a bit convenient to pass through some checkpoints and counties along the way.”

“Thank you, husband!” Wu Meiniang bowed happily and said with a smile, “Husband Fang, there is one more thing that the maiden wishes for!”

“Hehe, tell me!” Fang Xuanling seemed to like Wu Meiniang and said with a smile. His tone and expression became much more relaxed.

“The maiden knew that Mu Bai had a senior brother who was proficient in military techniques. His name was Su Lie, and he was usually called Su Dingfang by the word pedestrians.” Wu Meiniang said, “Mu Bai has a deep relationship with him. The day before yesterday, Su Dingfang came to ask Mu Bai to bring him to Lanzhou to use the army. Mu Bai is not easy to shy away from, but he dares not openly plead with the Prime Minister. So … hehe, the maiden spoke on his behalf. Please, husband Fang must agree!”

“Haha!” Fang Xuanling laughed loudly, “You really are an eccentric and intelligent woman!” Let Fang Mou owe you a favor first, then beg me to do something … Alright! Su Lie, Su Dingfang, right? The guard corps commander was a disciple of the Duke of Wei, Apothecary Li. Although Fang Mou was not familiar with him, he knew that he was a rare talent. “It is indeed a waste of talent to put the guards in charge of the imperial city-well, let him go with Chun He to Lanzhou to make contributions to the country!”

Qin Mubai and Wu Meiniang cupped their hands together and thanked each other. Qin Mubai said, “Fang Gong, with so many generals gathered in Lanzhou, will some people worry that our own faction will not fall apart?”

“Whether they are worried or not is their business.” Fang Xuanling smiled and said, “Xing Zheng is not afraid of shadows. As long as he is not ashamed of himself, there is no need to think too much. Besides, are there any differences between you guys being together? Haha …”

“That’s right.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Right now, some people are worried about the generals leading troops outside. They wish they could recall all their troops back to Guanzhong and transfer all their generals back to the Imperial Court for his control.” But in this way, who would be stationed at the border of the Great Tang to defend against foreign enemies? The overall situation is of utmost importance, so we are too lazy to pay any attention to it! –Fortunately, there is His Majesty the Emperor up there. He has a clear mind and a clear eye, which can save us all our worries. ”

“En … it’s good to know.” Fang Xuanling nodded his head and said, “The surging winds and clouds in the court are dangerous. To be able to lead troops abroad is actually a form of relief. Prince Consort, you don’t need to think about the matters of the court for the time being when you go to Lanzhou. Fang Xuanling can concentrate on taking care of the people and doing his part. As for the money for the troops, I will do my best to support them. You can rest assured.”

“Good! With Fang Gong’s words, I really have confidence. I can rest assured that I can run around freely and boldly!” Qin Mubai clasped his fists and said, “I thank you again, Duke Xie!”

“There’s no need to be too courteous. It’s all for the sake of the country. I should do my best!”

…

Until they left the Fang Clan, the famous woman, Madam Lu, did not show up. Qin Mubai and the others heaved a sigh of relief and felt relaxed!

When the three of them talked about Fang Xuanling, they had a feeling that he was a loyal and honest old man!

Zhongzhi said honestly. These four words were easy to say, but not simple to do. Qin Mubai could imagine that if he was Fang Xuanling, no matter who killed his own son for what reason, it would be a great blessing to not only abandon all grudges with him, but also not kill his entire family to dig his ancestral grave!

“Fang Xuanling is one of the most gentlemanly people I’ve ever met!” Qin Mubai sighed, “In comparison, I am really a villain.”

“You still need to compete?” Princess Gaoyang said with a wicked smile, “You’ve already admitted it a hundred times. You’re such a villain!”

“Then it’s better than a hypocrite!” Qin Mubai said angrily.

“Yes, yes, yes.” Princess Gao Yang and Wu Meiniang laughed together, “If you’re not a villain, we won’t be used to it!”