Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 411

Chapter 411 For

In the middle of the night, the Great Afrikawa Army Camp, which had been soaring for a whole day, gradually returned to peace. The entire army numbered around a hundred thousand troops, with barracks barricading in and out of the houses, and strict military regulations.

He had only been in Da Fei Chuan for three days, and even Hou Jun Ji, who had always been silent and aloof, had to admit publicly, “General, the soul of the army. Don’t you say how brilliantly this barracks was set up? Just Qin Mubai, the entire Da Fei Chuan’s vitality has completely changed. This brat has indeed obtained some Li Jing’s true legacy.”

In the back of the handsome tent, Qin Mubai was half lying on the military couch, holding a copy of the Jade Tent Scripture in his hand. The sound of copper kettles dripping could be heard beside him, and the flickering candlelight was vivid.

Above the shrine, there were two large bronze urns scattered high and low. On each side, there was a spirit tablet. They were the ashes of Qin Shubao and Yao’er.

The curfew on Diao Dou had already sounded too loud, but Qin Mubai was not sleepy at all today. In the past year or two, he had experienced a lot of storms. Even though he had already refined his heart to the level of a Mahayana where the sky wouldn’t collapse, he was at least very calm.

But today, he felt a little distracted.

After all, there were some things that could deceive everyone, and they could not deceive themselves.

Qin Mubai judged the situation in front of him. If he didn’t use some “extraordinary methods”, he wouldn’t even have a 30% chance of winning.

However, what kind of “extraordinary methods” could be used?

Of the 100,000 troops he had, half of them were recruits who had enlisted solely on the basis of their blood energy. Such a newborn calf was not afraid of tigers. Just relying on their blood energy to charge at them without fear of death for a while might create some miracles. However, this kind of army that lacked actual combat smelting was also the easiest to crush a thousand li of armor.

In addition, he was not facing an ordinary person, so Gaer Qinling was a famous general for a time, and he almost represented the Tibetan Empire’s overwhelming power.

Nearly 300,000 Kunlun cavalry, among other things, just 300,000 horses rushing over could kill half of Da Feichuan’s people.

It was almost impossible to kill the old master with just a single punch from the courage of blood energy. If miracles happen so easily, then they are no longer called miracles.

“Horn!”

The Jade Tent Scripture was thrown onto the table by Qin Mubai with one hand, causing a sudden rumble.

Qin Mubai heaved a sigh of relief and walked over to the two bronze urns. He lit two incense sticks and respected them.

“Father, you are capable in heaven. How should Sanlang fight this battle?” Qin Mubai’s brows furrowed as he muttered, “Half of the 100 thousand Tang army recruits are short of food and armor. Facing the 300 thousand Tibetan Kunlun cavalry, this situation is like a mantis. But I still have to block this carriage. Do you know that you can’t do it? Is Sanlang stupid to the bone marrow, or has he gone crazy long ago?”

He closed his eyes and concentrated, and the scene before Yao’er’s death was naturally reflected in his mind. She clearly remembered that at that time, Yao’er, who had been blind for several years, was suddenly able to see. On her deathbed, she said that in her next life, if Qin Mubai encountered a stupid woman who could only play the pipa and could not do anything, it would be her …

Listen to the wind in the Western Regions and smell the East China Sea …

“When Master Qingshan talked about the spider web, the dew and the grass, I was still able to tell the truth from the bystanders … but I was really caught in a trap, and I couldn’t help but feel like this.” Qin Mubai gently stroked Yao’er’s urn and sighed, “It turns out that only when we lose it will we know what it means to cherish!”

“Newspaper–”

The guard shouted, interrupting Qin Mubai’s contemplation.

“Speak.”

“The patrolling soldiers outside the stronghold have captured three suspected spies!”

“Spies, or women? Are they Tibetans?” Qin Mubai said.

“No … This subordinate is questioning you a little. The person here refuses to give you his name, only calling him an old friend of Major Marshal. He has come to pay a visit for something important! This subordinate does not dare to make a decision and report it to you because of this.”

Qin Mubai knitted his brows and thought, Three women, my old friend? Could it be Wu Meiniang, Chen Yan, and Princess Gao Yang? Impossible! How could my guard not recognize them? Besides, Princess Gao Yang might even barge in here confusedly. Wu Meiniang and Chen Yan definitely wouldn’t do such a stupid thing. Besides, if Gao Yang brought two maids, how could she be polite with her personality? He must have barged into the camp to find me without any hesitation.

Who could it be?

“Bring them here. Be careful not to alert too many people.”

“Yes!”

Not long after, the soldier brought over three women, all dressed as night travelers. The black cloak covered his head and face, making him look rather mysterious. Qin Mubai was shocked when the first woman walked in and looked around. She gently put down her cloak to reveal half of her face.

“Get out!” Qin Mubai shouted to the little soldier, “No one is allowed to stay within thirty feet of the handsome tent!”

“Yes!” The little soldier was also shocked. He didn’t know why Major Marshal was so nervous and hurriedly agreed to leave.

The three women took off their cloaks. The weather was still scorching hot, and the three of them were sweating profusely and their temples were wet.

“Greetings, Your Highness.” Qin Mubai endured his temper and stepped forward to pay his respects, but his eyes were unable to conceal his anger. He fiercely gouged out the two women behind him.

It was actually Princess Wencheng, Li Xueyan!

The other two women who came with him were the only two female officers among the hundred cavalry, the Tantai sisters!

When the Tantai sisters were glared at by Qin Mubai, they immediately panicked and hurriedly knelt down to beg for forgiveness, “Major Marshal, forgive me!”

“Mubai, please calm down. Everything is my fault. I forced them to escort me all the way here.” Li Xueyan hurriedly stood between Qin Mubai and the two women and whispered.

Qin Mubai let out a long muffled snort. He really couldn’t contain his anger anymore!

He turned around and sat on the handsome chair. He slapped the armrest of the chair heavily with both of his hands, “How can I calm my anger!!”

The Tantai sisters trembled and knelt with their heads against the ground, not daring to get up. Li Xueyan’s face was also a little pale. She had never seen Qin Mubai so angry in front of her!

“Your Highness, you won’t tell me that the Imperial Court sent you here, or that His Highness sent you here, right?” Qin Mubai frowned and said in a deep voice.

“No.” Li Xueyan was also calm. She pursed her lips and looked at Qin Mubai. “I secretly ran over. My father didn’t even know about it. Before leaving, I only told my royal sister Princess Gaoyang that she sent the Tantai sisters to escort me all the way here.”

“Gaoyang, you’re still so reckless and ignorant! It’s not enough for you to fool around, I’m still helping you fool around!” Qin Mubai was furious and slapped the armrest heavily again.

“Mubai, don’t be angry. I know that war is no joke. This place is extremely dangerous, and I will give you a lot of trouble. But please listen to me and make a decision.” Li Xueyan remained calm and said softly.

Qin Mubai pondered for a moment and managed to suppress his anger. He glanced at the Tantai sisters who were still kneeling on the ground and said, “Stand up!-Princess, if you have something to say, please speak. After that, I will immediately send someone to send you back to Lanzhou. There won’t be a lot of time left for you.”

“If Major Marshal insists on sending me back to Lanzhou after listening to me, then I definitely have nothing to resist and nothing to say.” Li Xueyan said indifferently.

Qin Mubai raised his eyelids and nodded, “Then please sit down and explain in detail. First of all, the barracks is not more ruthless than anywhere else. Even if a royal relative comes to the barracks, he must obey the commander’s orders. If you offend me, I hope the princess will forgive me.”

Li Xueyan stared at Qin Mubai with surprise and disappointment. “Mubai, you’re saying this to be an outsider to me …” Hearing these official words, Li Xueyan looked at Qin Mubai with her gaze.

“Your Highness, unless you are in the military camp, I am a very easy-going person to talk to and get along with at all times. I have no other intentions when it comes to my duties!” Qin Mubai said calmly.

“Alright, I understand” Li Xueyan slowly sat down in the guest seat, her eyebrows furrowed as she combed her emotions.

“What does the princess intend to do when she comes to the front line of Dafeichuan?” Qin Mubai bluntly said.

“I want to see Qizong Nongzan or Garqin Mausoleum.” Li Xueyan replied.

“Impossible!” Qin Mubai said resolutely, “If that’s the purpose, you can leave now.”

“Mubai” Li Xueyan frowned and called out in a low voice.

Qin Mu’s face was as ice-cold as ice, and she shook her head with a nonnegotiable expression.

“Alright, Qin Major Marshal!” Li Xueyan took a deep breath and said, “I know you think I’m very unreasonable and even hate me. But I’m willing to beg you to listen to my next words.”

“I’m listening.”

“Actually, I’ve always wanted to ask Major Marshal a question–what have you been insisting on all these years, what exactly are you doing for?” Li Xueyan asked.

“What … Why?” Qin Mubai was a little confused.

‘”For example, in this war in the vast world, the strength of the enemy and us is so different. You are in such a difficult situation, why do you have to face the difficulties without regrets? Originally, you could have enjoyed your consort’s life in Chang’an and lived a carefree and peaceful life. What are you doing?” Li Xueyan said.

Qin Mubai remained silent for a moment, speechless.

What for?

He had asked himself this question more than once. From the day he stepped into the official career, he had been asking himself what his pursuit was and what the purpose of doing everything was … It was as if all of his actions were always involuntary, and he was often forced by the situation to move forward step by step, walking with difficulty and confusion.

However, after hearing the bad news from his father, Qin Mubai finally understood what he needed, what he wanted to do, and what he was persisting in!

Two very common words-ideal!

For the sake of world peace, for the sake of human progress?

Qin Mubai’s ideal was definitely not so vague and “majestic”. His ideal was superficial and concrete-to defeat Garqin Mausoleum, to flatten Tibet and sweep across the Western Regions, to achieve his father’s long-cherished wish, but his father’s regret for his entire life!

This was not only the ideal of the deceased Qin Shubao, but also the ideal of Qin Mubai, the son of Qin Shubao, who was still alive!

What history, loyalty to the emperor, glorious door lintel, praised by future generations, are all empty words like floating clouds!

Seeing that Qin Mubai didn’t say anything, Li Xueyan bit her lips and said, “Major Marshal, we can deceive anyone, but we can’t deceive ourselves.” Everyone had their own perseverance and ideals. For this reason, he would pay any price. Your father, Lord Qin Shubao, is not only the model of a hot-blooded man in the world, but also my idol, Li Xueyan. It was precisely because he had sacrificed his life for his own ideals and retribution without any regrets. To put it bluntly, in Xue Yan’s heart, Major Marshal has always been a heroic man who stands tall in the heavens and earth, and is the object of my admiration. When your father passed away and you shouldered the heavy burden of Lanzhou, your status in my heart was even more unparalleled, as if you were about to surpass my father’s. The reason is that Major Marshal dares to persist and pursue his own ideals. Only such a person is worthy of admiration! ”

“What exactly does Your Highness want to say?” Qin Mubai asked.

“Major Marshal should know that Xue Yan has always been unkind to compliment her. What she said was what she thought.” Li Xueyan said, “Could it be that in this world, only men are allowed to be talented and women are not allowed to have ambitions?”

“Princess, are you trying to say that your ideal is to educate the Hu people before marrying Tibet, so as to resolve the conflict between the two kingdoms?” Qin Mubai smiled coldly, and there was no lack of mockery.

Li Xueyan felt her heart tighten, as if she had been stabbed by an ice-cold sharp dagger.

“Major Marshal … don’t mock me.” Li Xueyan took a deep breath and forced herself to calm down, saying, “As the saying goes, each Daoist has his own aspirations. Since Xueyan can respect the aspirations of you and Lord Linghun, why should Major Marshal look down on me so much?”

“I didn’t mean that.” Qin Mubai said with a cold heart, “I just want to remind the princess that people can have ideals, but they can’t be ignorant of the times. Do you think there is still room and opportunity for your so-called ideals and aspirations to be unleashed in this situation?”

“I might not succeed, but I definitely won’t have a chance if I don’t try!” Li Xueyan knitted her eyebrows tightly and said word by word, “I will not give up! Just like that, Major Marshal will definitely not withdraw its troops from Dafeichuan!”

“I’m sorry! I won’t withdraw because no one can stop me. But just because you don’t give up doesn’t mean no one can stop you.” Qin Mubai turned around and no longer looked at Princess Wencheng. He clapped his hands and said, “Someone!”

He had to prepare to capture Princess Wencheng and forcefully send her back to Lanzhou!

“Wait!” Suddenly, Princess Wen Cheng suddenly stood up, her sleeves lit up, and a dagger reached her neck!

‘”Ah–” This scene happened so suddenly that even the Tantai sisters were somewhat surprised and cried out in alarm.

Qin Mubai also widened his eyes in shock. He saw that the dagger had already cut out a bloody mark on Li Xueyan’s neck. A thin blood stain slowly flowed down the blade.

“What are you doing?” Qin Mubai said calmly.

“Major Marshal, I know that I’m weak and I don’t have the words to kill invisible people. But no one can stop me from killing myself, right?” Li Xueyan’s always gentle and watery eyes had never been so resolute, and even a bit decisive.

“Yes.” Qin Mubai said, “But is it meaningful for you to do this?”

“Yes.” Li Xueyan said firmly, “Since ancient times, there have been many people who have died with their bodies. There is no shortage of Xue Yan.”

“Your so-called’dao ‘is a crooked path. It doesn’t matter if you don’t die … Come over here and slowly put down your saber. If you have something to say, say it properly.”

“Stop!!” Li Xueyan suddenly scolded and tightened her grip again, and the bloodstains on her neck deepened and blood gushed out.

“Princess, be careful!” The Tantai sisters were all scared out of their wits.

“Alright, speak properly … I won’t go forward.” Qin Mubai was somewhat sceptical. This woman in front of him had always been gentle and obedient, but she didn’t expect her heart to be so stubborn and strong … Typical outer softness and inner hardness! Once such a person made up his mind, he would be able to do anything.

“If Major Marshal wants to say that the’dao ‘I insist on is a crooked path, I’m not convinced.” Li Xueyan said, “Major Marshal destroys the village and kills people, but it is a righteous path. Xue Yan only wants to see a few fewer deaths in the world and fewer sorrowful orphans and widows. How can this be considered a crooked path?”

Qin Mubai was momentarily dumbfounded!

“Xue Yan has said more than once, in my eyes, the tang dynasty is good tibetan people, also is the life of mother and father, have parents, wife and children of the old and young. Who would really be willing to leave their hometown far from their parents’ knees to marry Tibet? My ideal is to have fewer wars, fewer deaths, and more creatures who enjoy peace and civilization. “Where is Xue Yan wrong?” Li Xue Yan stared at Qin Mubai with her saber on her neck.

“Your ideals weren’t wrong.” Qin Mubai turned around with her hands behind her back and said in a deep voice, “But right now, it’s not appropriate.”

“If you want me to say it, it’s just right!” Li Xueyan insisted, “There are only three reasons why Tibet brazenly fought against the Tang Empyrean Empyrean. First, it was to fight for the hegemony of the Western Regions; second, it was to snatch back the Great Feichuan and avenge its previous defeat; third, it was to use the excuse that the Tang Empyrean Empyrean Empyrean Empyrean did not have the sincerity to bestow marriage.”

“Since you know, why bother talking about it?” Qin Mubai said, “The conflict between the Great Tang and Tibet is irreconcilable. It must be resolved through war. The matter of bestowing marriage was once an excuse, but now it is a painting.”

“No, not necessarily.” Li Xueyan said, “The current situation is that after the defeat of Gaochang, the Great Tang has already withdrawn from the hegemony struggle in the Western Regions. Isn’t Major Marshal just sitting on the sidelines and letting the Tibetans and Turks fight to the death?” Moreover, Da Fei Chuan was originally Tuyu Hun’s territory, neither belonging to Tibet nor to the Great Tang, so there was no reason for the two clans to fight each other. Since there was still a prerequisite for peace, why not temporarily return Da Feichuan to Tuyu Hun, Tibet, and Great Tang and strike? “If we can do it, we can bring up the matter of marriage again, and both sides can stop fighting.”

“You’re too naive!” Qin Mubai shook his head and sighed, “Your Highness, the matter of the military kingdom is far from as simple as you think!”

“I know!” Li Xueyan still didn’t put down her dagger and continued, “But why don’t you let me go see Qizong Nongzan or Gaer Qinling and tell them the rest of my story? Even if it’s a delay! Major Marshal, you must know better than me how fragile Lanzhou is right now! If this battle goes on … what are your chances of winning?”

“There’s no need to slow down. It’s impossible for such a strategy to succeed in dealing with a fierce man like Qizong Nongzan and Gaer Qinling.” Qin Mubai gritted his teeth and said, “Right now, I only have one path left-to fight with my boat burned. There’s no need to mention anything else.”

“Major Marshal, if you try, you may not succeed. If you don’t try, you definitely won’t have a chance … Please think twice!” The dagger in Li Xueyan’s hand sank two more points, and a dazzling bloody scar appeared on her pink neck.

“Major Marshal, please agree to the princess first! If you cut down two more points, something big will happen!” The Tantai sisters cried out in shock.

“No! If he agrees, then he is sincerely agreeing. No perfunctoriness is allowed!”

“Even if I agree, it’s still the result of your threat. Why?” Qin Mubai frowned.

Li Xueyan lowered her eyebrows, closed her eyes, and bit her lips. She whispered, “Sorry, Mubai … I don’t want to be so willful and unreasonable in front of you.” It’s just like when an imperial edict suddenly came down asking you to withdraw, and you won’t retreat … I remember that you once said to Gao Yang Huang Jie, “If you act wildly, I’ll treat you to wine.” Xue Yan is willing to beg you. Please let me go wild this time, just once, okay? ”

The Tantai sisters’ voices were about to change. “Major Marshal, hurry up and agree … this knife, this knife!”

Qin Mubai turned around and helplessly shook his head and sighed, “This is the only time!”

“Thank you, Major Marshal!”

Li Xueyan threw away the dagger and knelt down to thank him. The Tantai sisters hurriedly stepped forward to help.

“Princess, please go down to rest and take good care of your injuries … I need to carefully arrange for the meeting with the enemy. Princess, don’t rush or threaten me anymore.” Qin Mubai said with his back to Princess Wencheng.

“Mm … Xue Yan knows the current situation. At the same time, she believes in Major Marshal even more. She is a man of her word and will never go back on her word.”

“Princess please” Qin Mubai let out a long sigh of relief, feeling helpless.

Li Xueyan and the Tantai sisters left, leaving behind a trace of bright red blood in the room that was still dazzling.

“What sin did I commit?” Qin Mubai shook her head in frustration and said to herself, “Li Xueyan, are you really only doing this for the sake of … world peace, human happiness? Ideal? You actually talked to me about ideals? I’ve already given up!”

“I have to think of a way to send this stinger back to Lanzhou. Now she’s even more troublesome than ten Gaoyang combined!”