Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 374
Chapter 374 The Old Soldier Didn’t Die
The next day, at dawn, Qin Mubai crawled out of the good quilt of Gentle Village. Normally, Princess Gao Yang, who loved to be spoiled and wild, did not make any mistakes. Instead, she personally fetched Qin Mubai’s face washing water for the first time in her life and carefully tidied up his armor and robes.
Qin Mubai’s heart skipped a beat as he picked up the Sacred Beast’s Exquisite Twin Feather Crown that was stored in the cabinet and put it on. Seeing this, Princess Gao Yang was surprised. She smiled and said, “Mubai, when did you like to play with this kind of thing? What a pair of long peacock tails. You can walk with a wave of them, but they are pretty good looking. They are worthy of you.”
Qin Mubai smiled and said, “I want the school oath master to order troops later. As the commander-in-chief, it’s nothing conspicuous. You haven’t seen it before, have you? Normally, the commander-in-chief only wears it when he’s on the oath master. He definitely won’t wear it when he’s on the battlefield. He wears armor.”
‘”Oh” Princess Gaoyang nodded her head in confusion. She thought to herself that it would not be easy for a commander-in-chief to show his peculiarity amongst thousands of people. Perhaps this was the reason why she wore such a tall hat with long plumes on it!
Qin Mubai looked at himself in the mirror and actually felt that it was quite funny. This was a bit like the Three Kingdoms Lyu3 bu4 in the drama.
Actually, he accidentally thought of Chen Yan, whom he hadn’t seen for a long time.
After Yao’er’s death, Qin Mubai cherished his family, friends, and confidantes. Now that he was about to go out to battle, with his mother, sister, and brothers present, Princess Gaoyang and Wu Meiniang would definitely send him off as well. He would also be able to see his father when he went to Lanzhou, except for Chen Yan, who had never heard from him.
Thus, she wore the pair of plume crowns that she had gifted her, and it could be considered as a reminder!
Not long after, a hundred Hundred Cavalry Guards, Su Dingfang, Qin Tong, Brother Qin Bin, and Wu Meiniang arrived. Qin Mubai had also eaten the breakfast prepared by her mother and was ready to leave.
Er Xing’s mother was worried. Before she left, Mother Qin couldn’t help but cry. She told Qin Mubai to take care of his health and entrust him to take good care of his aged father. She told him not to be brave. Qin Mubai comforted her for a while and finally stopped her mother from crying.
Qin Mubai had followed his father on an expedition with his two brothers. He had to entrust his two brothers with the care of his family. The two of them agreed to the contract. Eldest Brother Qin Tong also said, “Third Brother, you can go out safely.” When they arrived in Lanzhou, they would serve their father well. You don’t need to worry about anything here in Chang’an. If you don’t die in this calamity, my Qin Family will definitely be blessed. After the princess said something to me that day, I came to my senses. From today onwards, your eldest brother will save his life and preserve the safety and glory of our Qin Clan. “Today, Big Brother will swear a poisonous oath in front of your mother and the princesses. After you leave, if anything happens to the Old Qin Family, Qin Tong will commit suicide to apologize!”
“Big brother, there’s no need to be so serious.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “What did the princess say to you that made you feel this way?”
However, Qin Tong’s expression was very serious. He bowed to Princess Gao Yang and said, “When the Princess went down to see you, I stopped her from entering. She said to me, ‘I, Li Ling’er, can give up this princess for Qin Sanlang and don’t want to die. Are you still reluctant to give up the position of deputy commissioner of the Hundred Cavalry?”
The moment these words were spoken, the entire audience fell silent and looked at Princess Gaoyang.
Princess Gao Yang’s face instantly turned red. She smiled awkwardly and said, “Big brother, don’t take it to heart. I was just … angry for a moment and said nonsense.”
“No, you’re right.” Qin Tong said, “Since you’re a family, you have to stick together.” A bundle of chopsticks is not so easy as a broken one. As a big brother, I should be very ashamed. It’s fine that I haven’t added glory to the Qin Clan for so many years. In the face of danger, I only think about my own life and death, the honor and disgrace of my family, my wife and children. I fear life and death with my hands and feet. My parents gave me this dignified and awe-inspiring body, but I am inferior to a weak little girl. Ah … I’m ashamed! Sanlang, you can go to Lanzhou safely! After that, the Qin family entrusted me and your second brother to take care of them. “The two of us don’t have any other abilities as brothers. It’s fine to be a dog!”
“Big brother’s words are too heavy!” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and replied, “With Big Brother and Second Brother taking care of the family in Chang’an, I can safely follow my father to the battlefield. Alright, stop gossiping. I should go now.”
As soon as Qin Mubai said the last four words, Mother Qin, Shuang’er, and Princess Gaoyang’s eyes unconsciously turned red. Princess Gaoyang grabbed Qin Mubai’s elbow, bit his lips, and said hatefully in his ear, “Mubai, listen carefully. You must return triumphantly. If you lose a hair, neither I nor the child in my stomach will spare you!”
“What? Are you pregnant?” Qin Mubai was shocked for a moment and immediately asked in surprise, “When did this happen?”
Around them were Mother Qin, Shuang’er, and many others. Everyone looked at Princess Gaoyang in surprise and joy.
Princess Gaoyang’s face turned red to the root of her neck. She lowered her head and muttered, “Why are you so loud? … I don’t know! Didn’t we do that yesterday? We should be able to get pregnant, right?”
Qin Mubai and the people beside him didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Qin Mubai coughed dryly twice and smiled, “Alright, I promise you, I will definitely return safely with not a single strand of hair!”
“Also, you are not allowed to play around outside!”
“What are you talking about!” Qin Mubai’s face turned stiff as he said, “I’m going out to fight, not to travel or be an official. Really! There are only five big and three thick men in the barracks!”
“Hehe!” Princess Gaoyang snickered.
Qin Mubai said to Su Dingfang and Wu Meiniang, “Senior Brother, Meiniang, you should also hurry up and prepare.” I see that the matter of the Imperial Court preparing the dowry for Princess Wencheng is proceeding very quickly, so don’t forget about it. Senior Brother, I will give you half of the Baiji Guards. They are specially used to protect the father and daughter of the King of Jiangxia. In addition, there were three thousand cavalry escorts. “Mother Mei, you must hurry up and prepare the grain.”
“Don’t worry.” The two of them agreed together. Wu Meiniang said, “This time, the Zheng Clan has also mobilized their full strength. The branches of the various prefectures and counties are gathering their grain. All the private workers in the two capital areas are gathered, and the carriages and horses are almost ready. With the Zheng Clan as a solid backing, you don’t need to worry about anything.”
Qin Mubai thought for a moment and nodded, “I’m not worried about their financial resources and manpower. But I have one request, you have to comply with me.”
“Tell me.”
Qin Mubai said, “When the time comes, you don’t have to personally transport the grain.”
Wu Meiniang’s eyes widened slightly, and some displeasure flashed across them. She knitted her brows and said, “When the time comes, it will depend on the situation. I can’t agree to it now.”
Qin Mubai opened her mouth and was about to say something. Seeing that there were many people present, she could only restrain herself and nod her head. “That’s good. You can save yourself time and effort. I won’t force you. Alright, that’s it. Everyone, I’m going to take my leave now!”
“Alright, let’s go!”
“Take care!”
“Remember to come back early!”
…
Qin Mubai stepped onto the Fire Cloud Battle Horse and left behind this string of reminders and worries. He led fifty Hundred Cavalry Guards out of Chang’an City and headed straight for the barracks.
Ten thousand armored elite cavalry had been assembled, and the general platform and sacrificial altar had been set up on the field. With the assistance of Chu Suiliang, the king of Jian Kingdom, Jin, presided over the sacrificial ceremony. Even Fang Xuanling, Li Xu, Yuchi Jingde, Cheng Zhijie, and other important civil and military officials had come.
Qin Mubai took a look, but Eldest Sun Wuji didn’t come.
After the sacrifice, Chu Suiliang read out a copy of the emperor’s letter and bestowed the flag on Qin Mubai Jiecheng. One was to give authority to the commander-in-chief in public, and the other was to boost the morale of the armed forces.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Qin Mubai whispered to Li Zhi, the Prince of Jin, “Prince Jin, I have a small matter to ask you.”
“Master, please speak.” Li Zhi said politely.
“At the most critical moment of the meeting, Fang Xuanling suddenly appeared and supported our main faction, which helped us greatly. I remember that he told a story about a scholar studying outside to compare the war and peace in Lanzhou.” Qin Mubai asked, “At that time, he said that he heard the story with the Emperor. I’m curious, who told them this story? Before the Emperor’s bed, there weren’t many people who could enter, right? It wasn’t Chu Suiliang?” Fang Xuanling said, “None of us can guess who told this story. Can you guess?”
“I don’t need to guess, because I know!” Li Zhi smiled honestly and said, “It’s a son of a bitch!”
“Ah, Princess Jin Yang?” Qin Mubai was shocked. “No one can guess!”-Strange, Princess Jin Yang is so young, how could she tell such a story? No, someone must have told her first! ”
“Hehe, Master is so smart. Someone told her this story first.” Li Jin looked around vigilantly and lowered his voice. “This person, then no one can guess. Absolutely not.”
Qin Mubai knitted his brows and whispered, “Could it be … Master Qingshan from the Guardian Heavenly Kingdom Temple?”
“Ah!” Li Zhi cried out in surprise, “Master … how did you know?”
“I guessed.” Qin Mubai smiled and said indifferently.
Li Zhi stared at Qin Mubai with wide eyes and muttered, “This is inconceivable!” How could you have guessed? … That day, Young Master Shi and I came to the backyard for a boring stroll, and we met Concubine Yin De. She invited the two of us to take a walk in the Protector’s Heavenly King Temple, and we went. Afterwards, Master Qingshan from the Heavenly Kingdom Temple told us a story. Imperial concubine Yin De and Master Qing Shan praised him for his intelligence, good memory, and earnest listening. Afterwards, after returning, Ye Zi happily said that she wanted to go back and tell this story to Father Emperor. I didn’t care, so she said it. That’s what happened. ”
“Oh, I see.” Qin Mubai smiled lightly and nodded. He thought to himself, “It turned out that it was Concubine Yin De who secretly helped me … Why didn’t I say goodbye to her before I left?”
“King Jin, can I entrust you with something?” Qin Mubai said.
“Master, don’t hesitate to give orders.”
Qin Mubai smiled and said, “It’s not a big deal. Master Qing Shan and I have always had a thin relationship. We promised her that we would gild the Buddha statue of the Heavenly King Temple. Now that I’m about to leave Chang’an, I’m afraid that I’ll forget about it. Help me handle it. How much is it? Go find Wu Meiniang.”
“Master, you’re saying that is an exception. The Heavenly Monarch Protector’s Temple is the imperial family’s temple garden, how can I ask you to pay for it?” ‘”Don’t worry, I’ll do it when I get back. I won’t use the treasury of the Imperial Court, so I’ll pay for it from my own pocket. I’ll tell Master Qingshan that I did it in the name of my master.” Li Zhi replied with a straight face, “Don’t worry. I’ll do it as soon as I return. I don’t need to use the treasury of the Imperial Court.”
“Mm, then thank you.” Qin Mubai didn’t bother to decline and smiled as he thanked him. Imperial Concubine Yin De and Master Qing Shan should also know how grateful I am to them … That little girl is covered in spiritual energy. She is truly lovely. Li Shimin was right. If he had been born as a son before, he would probably not have had anything to do with Li Zhi and Li Tai.
The sacrifice ceremony, the Zhuang army, and other ceremonies lasted for about two hours. It was already dawn and auspicious, and the army had finally begun to move out.
Just as Qin Mubai was about to ride his horse and leave, a courier rushed in from Yuanmen with a military report in hand. Chu Suiliang stepped forward and caught it. He immediately revealed a happy expression. He took it out with King Jin Li Zhi, and then the two of them walked to Qin Mubai’s horse and said, “General Qin, good luck! When the army goes out to battle, they will receive a good reward. What a good fortune!”
“What victory?” Qin Mubai asked.
“Lord Linghun has led twenty thousand cavalry to the west. The sixteen victories of Lianzhan have already left the Yangguan Pass to recover the Jade Gate, and their weapons have reached Pu Changhai. I believe that at the same time we received this victory, he has already taken down Gu Loulan and sent his horsemen out of Gaochang!”
“Mighty! Mighty! Commander Qin is mighty!” The soldiers of the three armies were excited and cheered loudly when they heard the news of victory.
Qin Mubai took the newspaper from Chu Suiliang and looked at it. He was both happy and worried. Happiness did not need to be said. Old Ji Fu Li had a thousand miles of ambition, and the martyrs were extremely ambitious in their twilight years. His father Qin Shubao’s prestige had not diminished. In the past, Lian Zhan’s sixteen victories had unleashed the national prestige of the Great Tang Dynasty and had also unleashed the sharpness of the Qin Clan. What he was worried about was that this ten-odd battle formation was already exhausted. Father was already older, could his body endure it? Moreover, a brigade of cavalry into the hinterland of GaoChang alone, if the belly of the enemy such as what to do?
Chu Suiliang’s heart was as careful as a hair, and he could clearly see through Qin Mubai’s thoughts. He turned to look at the soldiers who were greatly encouraged and whispered, “General Qin, there is no need to worry. Duke Yi Guo’s power is the same as before, and he also has Xue Rengui and Yuwen Hongtai as his auxiliary wings. It is also possible. Now that Yangguan and Yumen Pass are under the control of the Governor’s Mansion of Lanzhou, as long as the reinforcements and supplies are in time, they can not be lost.”
“Yes.” Qin Mubai nodded. She also admired Chu Suiliang’s calmness and wisdom. She said to him, “Of course, the victory of the former army is the best news. I’m just worried that my father’s body will be able to take it.” Moreover, the Lanzhou Governor-General’s Manor had a vast frontline. Although the Governor-General’s Manor had a hundred thousand troops, if Tibet disturbed them again and again, the Lanzhou troops would catch Jing Jianzhe. Furthermore, my father had no lord in the outer Lanzhou expedition. Although Xue Wanjun was a member of the battlefield, the overall situation was not good, and I was not optimistic about the ability to mobilize troops and scouts. Whether he can mobilize all the troops in Lanzhou in time to defend against my father’s former army is still unclear. ”
“General Qin is very worried.” Chu Suiliang gently stroked his beard. His eyes lit up and he said, “Since the general is worried, why not think of a way?”
“That makes sense!” Qin Mubai was woken up by this. Seeing King Jin standing at the side, he dismounted from his horse and said to him, “King Jin, I want to ask you for an important military and national matter!”
“Take leave.” Li Zhi said seriously.
Qin Mubai cupped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, please let King Jin return to the court and issue an amnesty decree. Eight hundred li will be rushed to the Governor’s Mansion of Lanzhou. Acting Governor Xue Wanche will dispatch troops to guard Yangguan, Yumen Pass and Pu Changhai. The original Shan City, Liangzhou and Kunlun Mountain pass sentry posts can temporarily reduce their strength.” In other words, let him abandon the original military town stronghold to expand the Lanzhou defense line, to Yangguan, Yumen Pass, Pu Changhai and the original Dafeichuan Military Region.
Li Zhi blinked his eyes and asked Chu Suiliang anxiously, “Chu Zhongshu, did you hear it clearly and remember it completely?”
“Your Majesty has heard it clearly. Remember it clearly.” Chu Suiliang smiled and cupped his hands.
Qin Mubai smiled bitterly in his heart, “This Li Zhi is indeed a bit stupid!”
“Alright then, Master, don’t worry. After Xiao Wang returns to the court, he immediately draws up a decree from Chu Zhongshu and rushes 800 miles to Lanzhou, so that Xue Wanche can execute it without any mistakes!” Li Zhi said formally.
“Thank you, Prince Jin!” Qin Mubai heaved a sigh of relief, cupped his fists and thanked him for getting on the horse again.
Li Zhi, Chu Suiliang, and the other civil and military officials would stand on the dianjiang platform and watch the army leave from afar.
Li Zhi asked Chu Suiliang beside him and whispered, “Chu Zhongshu, is this decree to be decided by my father or by my uncle and husband?”
Chu Suiliang knitted his brows and said, “Your Highness King Jin, please forgive me for saying something disobedient. Since you are the imperial prince, you can make your own decision on such a trivial matter. You must respect the emperor and Situ, but you don’t have to bother them at all times. Otherwise, why would they let you come to the imperial country?”
“Yes, yes” Li Zhi smiled awkwardly and ashamed. “One more thing is better than one less thing. This matter … This king, it’s up to you!”
“Your Highness is wise.” Chu Suiliang cupped his hands, but secretly shook his head and smiled bitterly.
Qin Mubai had led the army for three or four days. That night, the army set up camp and prepared to take a break. A scout arrived in front of them, holding a military intelligence bulletin and rushing straight to the Central Army, saying that they wanted to swap horses.
Qin Mubai asked what kind of military intelligence the scout was, but was it the military report of the Commander-in-Chief Qin in front of him? Naturally, the scout recognized Qin Mubai from the Lanzhou Military Academy. He hurriedly answered yes and even took the military report to Qin Mubai to read.
Qin Mubai’s heart skipped a beat when he saw this military report!
Originally, Qin Shubao led twenty thousand elite cavalry troops to the west after sixteen consecutive victories, the tip of the army reached Loulan Ancient Kingdom. Here, they encountered strong resistance from the Tibetan and Gaochang Alliance Army. A tragic battle began. Pioneer Xue Rengui had only led three thousand iron armor into more than twenty thousand allied troops. After two hours of bitter battle, the three thousand pioneers had almost lost all but a hundred of their guards. Xue Rengui was still fighting tenaciously, relying on his peerless martial courage to kill a few people in the enemy’s jungle and slay more than ten enemy generals, causing the hearts of all the soldiers of the enemy to be shocked and no one dared to show their sharpness. Just as Xue Rengui’s blood-robed warhorse was dying in the formation, Old Marshal Qin Mubai personally led his army of life force to defeat the enemy’s alliance army and chase after them for more than sixty kilometers to slay the enemy’s head by more than four thousand!
In this battle, Xue Rengui fought against more than 20,000 enemy soldiers with 3,000 exhausted soldiers. He fought bitterly for more than two hours, giving Qin Shubao’s main army an excellent time to rest and recuperate. After the war, the Tang army lost about 4,000 soldiers, the enemy alliance army lost more than half of their lives, lost more than ten generals, and Gao Changguo lost the commander-in-chief and a prince.
After this battle, the Tibetan troops in Gaochang and Helong area completely collapsed; Gao Changguo Yuan Qi was seriously injured, Gao Changwang Qu Wen Tai was shocked to hear that he was bedridden, and his son Qu Zhi Sheng was in charge of the country. Qu Zhisheng was afraid of Qin Shubao’s might and the Tibetans lost their reinforcements in a panic, so he went to the Tang army camp to bow down to Qin Shubao and admit defeat.
Qin Shubao’s army was hundreds of miles away from Gao Chang, and Gao Chang was already at peace!
Along with the news of victory, Gao Chang sent to Chang’an a letter of request for surrender from King Qu Wen Tai of Gao Chang, as well as a register of cattle and sheep and other items to show that Gao Chang would be attached to the Great Tang from now on.
…
After Qin Mubai finished reading these things, he gently put them away. He lightly knitted his brows and let out a long sigh. He secretly said, “Father is mighty!” Rengui is mighty! In the battle of Loulan, Gao Chang’s overall situation had been decided. It is a great pity that I was unable to personally participate in this war and witness the tragic and heroic scene at that time …
Tang Qin Qiong, the veteran will not die!
