Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 392

Chapter 392 Serve The Wine

Late at night, there were still candles lit in the study of the Governor’s Mansion, and there were plenty of figures.

Qin Mubai stood alone in front of the map with a palm light and a back cut, staring at it for a long time.

Lanzhou was facing an enormous calamity that swept through the heavens and earth. Da Feichuan, a great battle is imminent. Although Gal Qin Ling is a barbarian, he is still a famous general for a time. He has used the veteran Dao City to fight far-reaching battles and is a formidable opponent. The two hundred thousand plateau cavalry under his command could not be underestimated. At the same time, Lanzhou’s Yuan Qi had not been fully recovered, and its military and people’s livelihoods were full of ruins, so its strength was not strong. Right now, apart from Da Feichuan’s 50,000 troops, only the 30,000 to 40,000 Zuo Wei Wei Guard Field Army led by Hou Junji outside Lanzhou City remained in Qin Mubai’s hands. There are less than 100,000 people in total, and less than half of them are recruits …

Qin Mubai frowned deeply.

If it was just a difference in strength, it would be fine. Gao Chang, Pu Changhai, and Yuyang Pass had detained a total of 50,000 elite Lanzhou masters. Now, they were passively trapped in a huge trap. It was hard to predict whether they would survive or die. If this brigade were to be transferred back to Lanzhou, Qin Mubai would have full confidence and confidence in letting go of Gaer Qinling.

However, Gaer Qinling deliberately tried to lure the enemy into splitting up the main forces of Lanzhou, so how could he let go so easily? He borrowed the knife to kill, used Western Turkic and Gaochang and other Western countries to restrain Qin Shubao’s troops, and then set fire to the backyard to rob them … It had to be admitted that Gal Qinling’s move was extremely beautiful, enough to show his good overall view and exquisite strategic deployment ability.

This war was no longer purely a battle between soldiers and horses. This is related to the overall situation of Helong and the Western Regions and the game of international power.

Originally, these major events should have been resolved by the Great Tang Imperial Court. But now, all of them were pressing down on Qin Mubai’s shoulders. At the same time, it was hard to say whether the imperial court leader would accept Qin Mubai’s favor. In the end, it was estimated that they would punish him.

Qin Mubai’s lips curled into an indifferent smile as he involuntarily chanted, “Only when the ocean is overflowing can you show your true heroism! It’s been many years since you’ve done anything out of line. It’s so tiring to live in such a state of obedience! Garqinling, I’m ready. Come and fight me!”

“What a truly heroic person!”

The door was suddenly pushed open and Hou Junji walked in.

“I finally saw your ambition and arrogance.” Hou Junji looked at Qin Mubai with a smile that wasn’t a smile, and his eyes were sharp.

Qin Mubai put down the lamp and smiled indifferently. “A man without ambition and retribution is no different from a walking corpse.”

“You don’t need to sophistry.” Hou Junji walked to a large chair beside Qin Mubai and sat down. He crossed his chest and looked at him with interest. “Tell me the truth, do you want to stand on your own feet?”

“Nonsense.” Qin Mubai sneered and did not reply.

“Don’t be naive.” Hou Junji said, “At this point, even if you do not separate from the regime and stand on your own, you must still support your troops and respect yourself. Otherwise, you will die.”

“Are you saying that I will not let go of my military power?”

“Of course.” Hou Junji said, “I don’t like to talk nonsense. I admire your courage and dominance in deciding to fight to the death with Gaer Qinling. But I also want to advise you not to let go. If you really lose completely, you will be at the end of the road.”

“What do you think?” Qin Mubai narrowed her eyes and stared at him.

Hou Junji grinned and said with a strange smile, “Marshal of the feudal official town, all of you keep yourself fat. Everyone knows how to cook crafty rabbits. If you really kill Gaer Qinling in this battle, your path will end. Similarly, if you lose, you’ll be even more doomed.”

‘”Ha!” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Thank you for your kind reminder. However, if I want to tolerate adultery or hold back, there is no need for me to act so recklessly as I am now. I just need to send a piece of paper to Chang’an to listen to all the arrangements. Why bother asking for trouble like this?”

“Qin Mubai, you’re really overestimating yourself.” Hou Junji sneered, “Do you think you can defeat a Tibetan dynasty and dozens of countries in the Western Regions on your own? Don’t be stupid!”-You must understand that the imperial court has already treated us as deserters by leaving us in Lanzhou. No matter who comes to Lanzhou, they will seek nothing but nothing. ”

“I understand, but I’m not the’whoever ‘.” Qin Mubai said, “Actually, this is not the Emperor’s original intention. The civil and military conflicts in the court are fierce, and the civil servants are in charge of the mouthpiece of the court. In order not to stir up the conflict between the two sects, His Majesty had no choice but to temporarily slow down the implementation of Lanzhou’s grand military plan.”

“Your Majesty alone cannot solve all the problems.” Hou Junji suddenly interrupted Qin Mubai and said, “You’re not at the center. You don’t understand the subtleties.” Think about it. If His Majesty can decide on anything, where will there be so many disputes and disturbances? For example, His Majesty did not know how much he wanted to cripple the Crown Prince and establish the Wei King, but what was the result? Could it be that His Majesty does not know that King Jin Li Zhi’s innate cowardice and aptitude are too shallow to bear the responsibility, but the result is that it is King Jin who is currently the director of the Imperial Court. What did this mean? In the face of the overall situation, even His Majesty the Emperor was powerless. There is only one thing I have to say to you-don’t take your father-in-law, the emperor, too naively as an immunity talisman. Zhuge Liang is still waving his tears to slay Ma Su, what do you think you are? ”

“Don’t worry, I’m not naive enough.” Qin Mubai looked sideways, her eyes shining brightly at Hou Junji and said, “What do you want to say to me when you come today?”

Hou Junji stood up and stood in front of Qin Mubai with his hands behind his back. “Have you thought of the consequences? Are you really going to turn the tide and fight against the heavens?” He said.

“Of course.” Qin Mubai looked at him without any hesitation, “Go on.”

The corners of Hou Junji’s mouth rose slightly, revealing a rare smile of goodwill. “Then, I will follow you without worry.”

“Thank you.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “With your help, great things can be accomplished.”

“Is that so? However, you don’t trust me completely.” Hou Junji shook his head.

“How can I see it?”

“Su Dingfang led the Yi Manor troops out of the city. I don’t know what he’s doing, but why isn’t it me?” Hou Junji said, “You gave me the command of the 40,000 field troops in Lanzhou. However, the elites of the Yi Manor have been firmly in their hands and refused to let go. When it comes to urgent military affairs, the first one to be sent is still Su Dingfang. Qin Mubai, there’s no need to doubt that you don’t trust me, so why do I have to put my face on your cold butt?”

Qin Mubai shook his head and turned to look at the military map. He remained silent.

“Don’t you have anything else to say?”

Qin Mubai still smiled and remained silent.

“Qin Mubai, if we can’t work together at such a critical juncture, it will be difficult to accomplish.” Hou Junji said, “Hou Junji is not unreasonable. If you don’t trust me, I’m not willing to risk my life to make things difficult for you.”

“Hou Junji.” Qin Mubai said, “I sent Su Dingfang and his troops out of the city to send orders to Pu Changhai and receive my father’s return.”

“So what?”

Qin Mubai remained silent for a while and said, “No one can guarantee that my father will be able to return safely. If anything happens, I, Qin Mubai, will not blame you. However, how do the soldiers and civilians of Lanzhou view you?”

Hou Junji’s expression suddenly changed and he was dumbfounded.

“You don’t need to say anything to understand. In the eyes of the Lanzhou army and people, you are an outsider. Sooner or later, you are still being squeezed out. Although you are a veteran general in the battlefield, your popularity and prestige in the Lanzhou army are not very good for the time being.” Qin Mubai said, “How can I leave such a task to you? If you are anxious to make a contribution, sooner or later you will have a place to use your strength. You can save up enough energy for me and prepare to take a risk. Why are you so suspicious?”

Hou Junji took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He nodded slightly and said softly, “Thank you.”

These two words were easy to utter in anyone’s mouth. Only Hou Junji was difficult.

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “I’ll leave the field troops of the Zuo Wei Wei Guard in Lanzhou to you. This is the only main force left in my hands. It’s fine if you don’t disappoint me.”

“Don’t worry. Regardless of whether it’s Gaer Qinling or the barbarians of the Western Turks, I, Hou Junji, still don’t take them seriously!” Hou Junji sighed heavily and cupped his hands. “From now on, I can rest assured that I will follow you boldly. I will gallop across the battlefield and laugh proudly! No matter what the outcome is, it will be a pleasant one!”

“This is exactly what I want.”

“Goodbye!”

Just as Hou Junji left, a servant of Wu Meiniang found the study room and said that the night was already dark. The princess and her owner invited him back to Qiongyu Villa to rest.

After Princess Gaoyang came to Lanzhou, she landed in Qiongyu Villa. She was always together with Wu Meiniang and enjoyed herself. She did not come to the Governor’s Mansion to cause trouble for Qin Mubai.

“Reporting to your madams, just say that I am busy with military affairs today and will rest in the Governor’s Mansion. Please go to bed early and don’t wait for me.” Qin Mubai said.

“Actually, the princess and the owner know that you are not going back tonight, so they sent their maidservant to deliver the night clothes and porridge soup to protect you from the cold. Please take care of yourself, young marshal.” The maidservant agreed and walked forward instead of leaving, handing over a collar of clothes and a food box.

“I know …”

Qin Mubai took a few mouthfuls of warm-smelling porridge and couldn’t help but smile. Her tense mood relaxed slightly and her spirits improved a lot.

A great war was imminent, and he had to personally decide on all military arrangements and the formulation of strategies and tactics. Gaer Qinling was a tricky opponent, and Qin Mubai did not dare to let down his guard, let alone his own side, which was still at a disadvantage.

The night was already very late, and the surroundings were completely silent. Occasionally, Qin Mubai heard owls and dogs howling. Finally, he couldn’t resist sleepiness and fell asleep on the desk.

At some unknown time, the robe he wore fell to the ground, but someone gently lifted him up and draped him over again.

Qin Mubai woke up from his sleep and saw a person adding oil to the lamp and gently tapping the lamp wick.

Her jade face was hazy, and her smile was like a flower.

“Your Highness?” Qin Mubai hurriedly stood up and said, “The night is already deep. How did we get to the Wei Chen study?”

The person who came was actually Princess Wencheng, Li Xueyan.

“General, why do you need to be involved?” Princess Wencheng pulled the lamp wick and put down the forceps. She smiled and said, “Isn’t it as bad as before?”

Qin Mubai smiled and nodded, “Princess, please sit down.”

Li Xueyan did not restrain herself. She sat down in front of Qin Mubai generously and said, “It’s already late. Why don’t you rest early, General? A great battle is imminent, and your body is important.”

“It’s fine, I’m used to it.” Qin Mubai said, “The princess needs to rest early. The water and soil in Lanzhou are not very good. If the princess doesn’t pay attention to her health from afar, she will easily get sick.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not as fragile as you think.” Li Xueyan smiled and said, “Mubai … hmm, can I call you that?”

“Of course. This is actually my word. It’s already a very polite address.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “My real name is Qin Liang.”

“Mubai, I’ve always wanted to ask … what did you do all this for?”

“What do you mean?”

“If we talk about things as they are, then we are going to start a war with the Garqin Mausoleum!”

“Did the princess think that I was doing this for you?” Qin Mubai smiled and said. He regretted it after he finished speaking. He thought to himself, “I’ve made an old mistake. Why would I’harass’ her like this when I have nothing else to do?”

Li Xueyan’s face was indeed slightly red as she said, “Naturally, I would not be so self-absorbed.” I just don’t understand. Mubai, since you are a descendant of the Xun Sect and also a relative of the royal family, everything will depend on the will of His Majesty and the Imperial Court. “However, after you arrived in Lanzhou, I treated the Imperial Court as if nothing had happened and acted recklessly … This is really not like you before.”

“Does the princess think that I’m right or wrong to do this?”

“It’s not a simple’right or wrong ‘that can be determined.” Li Xueyan said, “In the eyes of many people in the Imperial Court, you are simply an unsubordinate official. In the eyes of the army and people of Lanzhou, you are the supreme divine whetstone. In the eyes of the Tibetan enemies, you are a poisonous thorn that must be pulled out. In my eyes, Li Xueyan …”

“How is it?”

“The current you is the real you.”

“Haha!” Qin Mubai laughed and laughed loudly. He said, “The princess and I don’t even know each other very well. How do you know me?”

“It may take a lifetime to get to know someone, but sometimes it doesn’t take much time or effort.” Li Xueyan pursed her lips and smiled. “Mubai, I actually heard your voice from the notes on your fingertips when we first met. You are like an eagle in a cage, always looking forward to the day when you spread your wings and soar. For this reason, you did not hesitate to play the role of a bird, lowered your eyebrows and endured self-restraint in the cage. Your chest is full of retribution and deep emotions, but you always put cynicism and carelessness on your face. ”

Qin Mubai put her hands on her abdomen and tilted her head. The’cynical ‘smile Li Xueyan had said appeared on her face as she looked at her, smiling without saying a word.

“What? Am I wrong?” Li Xueyan’s agile eyes blinked for a few moments and asked.

Qin Mubai smiled and answered the wrong question, “Princess, what exactly do you want to say to me?”

“I have failed in my marriage. A battle is imminent. As a so-called princess, I have become an unnecessary and embarrassing person.” Li Xueyan shook her head and laughed bitterly at herself, “If I had known this, I would have trusted you back then.”

“Trust me for what?”

“Believe in the heroic words you said at my house that day.” Li Xueyan said, “Don’t you remember? You said that the problem of Tibet can only be solved by force. One day, you will capture Zan Pu alive on the plateau and completely integrate Tibet into the Chinese nation.”

“So you didn’t believe me back then.” Qin Mubai chuckled.

“Yes. After all, that’s too arrogant. How can I believe it?” Li Xueyan shook her head and sighed, “I thought I was already great.” I would like to leave my hometown and marry to the plateau, so that I can preach the king’s dao on the plateau and calm down the flames of war between the two countries for the benefit of the people. But now … I’m really disappointed! War was still unstoppable! “Reality is like a ruthless reckless man, giving me a hard slap as a self-affectionate foolish woman!”

“Princess, it’s not your fault.” Qin Mubai said, “The dispute between the two countries and the course of history is not something anyone can control and resolve. We are just insignificant pawns, and our destiny is not under our control.”

“Then what are we living for?” Li Xueyan raised her head and looked at Qin Mubai with wide eyes, waiting for his answer eagerly.

“For survival and ideals? I don’t know.” Qin Mubai smiled self-deprecatingly and said, “It seems like I’ve been doing something that I can’t choose to avoid. I’m like an uncontrollable puppet, living a bitter and boring life.” This time, I can finally let go of my hands and feet and do something I want to do … This feeling, “It’s like a wild beast in a cage for many years and then suddenly comes back to the forest to gain its freedom. Even if it knows that it’s going to be hunted by hunters or eaten by other wild beasts, I can still face my destiny calmly instead of going back to that cage.”

“My father once said that when a man is young, he should not be so frivolous. In his entire life, a man must do something he wants to do before he will be happy and have no regrets.” Li Xueyan stared at Qin Mubai and said, “Mubai, I really envy you!” At this moment, you are so frank and calm, living a wonderful and generous life. “I’ve always thought that only a man as honest and frank as my father is the most lovable and dear … If time could flow back, I would like to meet you, a man as great and straightforward as my father, when I was the youngest and ignorant.”

“Why?” Qin Mubai asked with a smile.

“That way, I can stick to your side righteously, and act wildly like a child until I grow up.” After Li Xueyan finished speaking, she stood up and smiled sweetly, “I really envy Sister Huang … Really! … She once said something to me that deeply touched me.”

“Which one?” Qin Mubai scratched her head awkwardly and asked politely. He knew in his heart that Li Xueyan in front of him had obviously opened her heart to him. If it weren’t for their identities and the delicate situation before her, she would have openly “launched an attack” … This was truly a sin!

“Sister Huang told me that when you two first met, you once said a half-truthful and half-fake joke to her, but it deeply touched her heart.” Li Xueyan said, “At that time, you were in Jiangzhou. Imperial Sister suddenly ran to find you … You once said to her,” If you act wild, I’ll serve you wine! ”

“…” Qin Mubai was stunned. “Sorry, I might have forgotten myself.”

“From now on, Royal Sister will always be at ease and act recklessly. You, on the other hand, have been quietly waiting by her side like a heavenly deity. Whether you succeed or fail, you will be happy to accompany her with your wine.” Li Xueyan smiled and said, “The two of you are truly a match made in heaven. You have lived so brilliantly and freely!”

‘”Is that so” Qin Mubai smiled, not knowing what to say. When a woman is sensitive to you, it’s best to be cautious. Because from now on, she either trusts you very much even loves you, or she hates you very much even hates you.

“If you act wildly, I’ll treat you to wine … There’s no woman who doesn’t have a deep attachment to such a man.” Li Xueyan pursed her lips and revealed a bitter smile. “Unfortunately, Xue Yan’s life is thin. Even if there is wine, no one can hold the cup …”