Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 55

Chapter 55 Will Be Filled with Wine
Li Tai personally pulled Qin Mubai and kept urging Qin Bin to bring the two of them to the first corner of the stream-usually where King Wei sat with the closest and most poetic people.

“Brother Mubai, let me introduce you to a few people.” When Li Tai pulled Qin Mubai over, the other people who were sitting had already stood up.

Qin Mubai rolled his eyes and found an acquaintance among them-Changsun Huan was also there. He sat down at the same table as a young man, and their faces were quite similar.

“This person is Imperial Consort Du Lieutenant Changsun Chong.” Li Tai first introduced the young man to Qin Mubai. As expected, it was really Eldest Sun Huan’s eldest brother, Eldest Sun Chong, the eldest son of the Eldest Sun Clan, who married Princess Changle’s number one son-in-law.

Princess Li Lizhi of Chang’an is the eldest daughter of Empress Zhangsun, the eldest princess of Zhenguan Dynasty, the eldest sister of Crown Prince Li Chengqian and King Wei Li Tai. Li Lizhi was dignified, virtuous, and had the demeanor of the eldest grandson empress. She was the most loved by Li Shimin since she was young and praised him as a model for the princes and emperors. Li Shimin married her to Eldest Sun Chong, which was enough to see his favor for the Eldest Sun Clan.

According to the habits of this dynasty, it was generally “the eldest son, the second son, is the lord”. As for Eldest Sun Chong, he was originally the eldest son of Eldest Sun Wuji, the number one official of the current dynasty. This made an exception and married the Eldest Princess, which showed his popularity in the current dynasty. However, this Eldest Sun Chong did not seem to be as influential as his younger brother, Eldest Sun Huan, who liked to be in the limelight. He was as low-key and cautious as his father, and usually lived in seclusion. Therefore, his influence in the circle of Second Generation Ancestors was not very great.

Qin Mubai looked at the eldest Sun Chong, and at first glance, he seemed to be a modest and polite young master. The two of them greeted each other as if they had met each other.

“There’s no need for Little Wang to introduce this person. You guys are very familiar with each other. Haha!” Li Tai pointed at Changsun Huan and smiled.

“Brother Qin is hiding it from me. So he is also a refined genius!” Changsun Hua cupped his lips and smiled as he cupped his hands, revealing the sarcasm in his words.

Qin Mubai cupped his hands and smiled casually, “I’m just a martial artist. Yu Shici is really a fool outside the sect. It’s just that King Wei didn’t use me as a fool to call for a drink to broaden his horizons.”

“Brother Qin, you don’t have to be too modest.” Changsun Hua had a kind smile on his face, but he snorted coldly and sat down.

On the side, Eldest Sun Chong knitted his eyebrows and scolded in a low voice, “King Wei is here, yet you are so rude?”

Changsun Huan’s expression changed slightly as he lowered his head awkwardly, “Little brother knows his mistake.”

Li Tai and Qin Mubai pretended not to hear him and smiled as they greeted the others.

There were quite a few great Second Generation Patriarchs who came today. Du Ruhui’s son Du He, Xiao Yu’s son Xiao Rui, Chai Shao’s son Chai Lingwu, Wang Jingzhi’s son Wang Gui, Fang Xuanling’s son Fang Yizhi and Fang Yiai … Many of them married the princess’ son-in-law. What interested Qin Mubai the most was the famous Green Hat King in history, Fang Yiai. This brat was only fifteen or sixteen years old and hadn’t married a princess yet. He was born into a rather reckless posture. It was said that his four limbs were well developed, and his ability to ride a horse with a bow was not bad. During the conversation, he heard that Changsun Huan had invited him to run for Baiji, but Fang Er said that it was too hard for the army to be without Mei Ji as a soldier. It was better to wait for the princess to marry and ensure that he would be prosperous and carefree for the rest of his life. There was no need for him to go to the army to dance with guns and play basketball.

He was truly far-sighted and ambitious!

Qin Mubai paid close attention. There was no sign of Wei Zheng’s son here. It was said that Wei Zheng’s tutelage was extremely strict, so strict that it was a little lonely as if he was suffering from depression. Normally, his family would always shut the door and refuse to walk with anyone, and his family’s children and nephews would also be strictly forbidden from interacting with anyone. Therefore, there was no one from the Wei Clan in the circle of Chang’an Second Ancestor.

Li Tai finally introduced Qin Mubai, the newcomer, to everyone. After meeting one by one, it took quite a bit of time. The officials below were a bit impatient. Many people were bored and had already started chatting in twos and threes.

“The Crooked Water Source will begin now!”

Everyone cheered and began their preparations. On the upper reaches of the stream, there were also people who were preparing to put wine glasses.

Li Tai said, “Today’s wine is extraordinary and good. It was bestowed on me by His Majesty the Emperor. It was specially made by this Third Young Master Qin to hold this Qushui Liuyu Wine!” “Nah, it was made by this Third Young Master Qin!”

Li Tai pointed at Qin Mubai, causing everyone to look sideways. Whether it was out of sincerity, Li Tai, or giving Qin Mubai some face, many people clapped and booed in shock.

Qin Mubai helplessly shook his head and smiled bitterly, “Your Highness, it’s best to start quickly. Everyone can’t wait any longer.”

“Alright, let’s begin!” Li Tai chuckled. He smiled honestly. With a wave of his hand, he changed the music he played, and someone started to put wine glasses upstream.

For the first time, there were three wooden wine glasses, each containing half a glass of wine. They stumbled down the curved stone path along the stream’s edge. At the first corner, it was blocked by a stream stone, and applause erupted from the scene.

“Alright, Your Highness has taken the lead!”

“Your Highness, please!”

The first cup of wine landed in front of Li Tai. The other two cups slowly flowed down and were taken away by the other two geniuses.

“Haha, then Xiao Wang will make a fool of himself first.” Li Tai bent down and picked up the wine cup from the stream. He drank it all in one gulp, and his face immediately turned red. “Qin Xianyu’s wine is really good wine, good wine!” He sighed deeply. “Little Wang chanted a poem with the meaning of ‘Immortal’!”

After saying that, Li Tai casually recited a poem, causing the audience to cheer and cheer, and the banquet instantly reached a climax.

Qin Mubai secretly praised, “I have to say, this fatty is very talented. In this respect, I am far inferior to him.”

The other two officials also chanted their poems one after another, and they were similarly applauded. There was a palace recording room at the scene, recording all of these poems. Later on, he would select the best poems from all the poems, or carve them into tablets and erect them in the back garden of the palace, or compile them into poetry anthologies and circulate them in the present world.

The water continued to flow. The cups filled with wine kept falling from the upper reaches. Many poem editors appeared. Of course, there were also those who were stuck and unable to recite poems, so they were punished with three cups of wine and laughed out loud by the crowd.

Qin Mubai was purely here to join in the fun of the private arena, but he didn’t want to go over to the stream and make a fool of himself by fishing for cups. Actually, everyone was sitting very close. Whoever was allowed to chant the poem had to do so either because of their interest or because of the face of others.

Sitting next to Qin Mubai was Qin Bin, and beside him were Li Tai and the eldest grandson brothers. The two brothers seemed to be extremely interested in this song. Changsun Huan even volunteered to pick up a cup from the stream and recite a love poem in front of everyone, causing everyone to laugh and cheer.

Young and romantic, everyone here likes this smell.

Another round of water flowed down.

Qin Mubai and Qin Bin were chatting with each other in a sullen manner when the entire arena suddenly quieted down. He raised his head in shock and saw Changsun Huan standing in front of him with a cup that was dripping with water, with a malicious smile on his face.

“Brother Qin, why are you only focused on chatting? Since you’re here, shouldn’t you show your hand?” After saying that, Changsun Huan placed the cup on Qin Mubai’s table.

“This … I’m the next martial artist. I’m really not good at poetry.” Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Brother Chang Sun, since you picked up the cup, it’s better for you to do it. Those who can do it will have to work harder!”

The surroundings were filled with hisses. Obviously, many people were laughing at Qin Mubai as a “martial artist”.

“Since Young Master Changsun is so kind, we are not courteous. Third Brother can’t chant poetry. I am willing to help you.” Qin Bin stood up and was about to reach for the cup when Changsun Huan suddenly raised his hand and stopped him, “Wait! Second Brother Qin, I specially brought this wine for Third Brother Qin.”

Qin Mubai’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, “This bastard is still going against me. Do you really want me to make a fool of myself in public?”

For a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat tense.

Li Tai hurriedly stood up and laughed, “It’s alright if you don’t chant poetry. It’s completely alright! Brother Mubai, you should be fined three cups of water. You’re not the only one who was fined today, so there’s no harm in it.”

Changsun Huan looked at Qin Mubai and sneered, “King Wei is right. It’s just a fine of three cups of water. With Brother Qin’s magnanimity, there’s no problem at all.”

At this time, Qin Bin whispered, “Third Brother, let’s fine three cups of water.”

“Three glasses? My alcohol capacity is limited. I made this wine myself, so I naturally know how powerful it is. If I get drunk for a while, wouldn’t it ruin the atmosphere of today’s Elegant Gathering?” Qin Mubai stood up and looked straight into Changsun Huan’s eyes. Suddenly, she smiled coldly and reached out to pick up the cup.

“Although I am ignorant and almost an illiterate fool compared to all the scholars here, chanting poems … I will occasionally have fun.” After saying that, Qin Mubai raised his neck and drank a medium glass of wine, stopping it on the table.

Changsun Huan was slightly stunned as he stared at Qin Mubai with his eyes wide open. He thought to himself, “What kind of mystery is this brat trying to create?” When did I ever see a martial artist like you recite half a verse after spending months in the army? The books I read were all books of war, books of battle strategy, and essays, not the slightest bit related to elegance-I’d like to see how you would step down from the stage!

Li Tai, on the other hand, took the lead and applauded, “Alright, alright! As for Qu Shuiliufang, it is also your participation, but you can enjoy it easily. Whether the poems that Brother Mubai chanted today are good or bad, this spirit is worthy of praise.” After saying that, he paved a downhill path for Qin Mubai first, so that he wouldn’t be unable to get off the stage if he chanted a broken poem later.

Since King Wei said so, everyone could only agree, “Yes, yes, you are participating. We will listen to Young Master Qin’s masterpiece.”

Qin Mubai smiled casually. He held the wine cup in one hand and took a step back with the back of his other hand cut off. He acted as if he was meditating, and occasionally scratched his head in embarrassment.

Li Tai hurriedly asked his servant to pour wine into his glass.

Qin Mubai immediately laughed out loud, “Thank you for the wine, Your Highness Prince Wei. I … have it!”

“In the name of this wine, I will write a song called ‘Wine Will Come’. It’s a joke.”

“Alright, let’s drink! Everyone, pour the wine in your glasses!” Li Tai shouted.

Qin Mubai wanted to laugh.

Li Bai, Li Bai, don’t blame me for your piracy. There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m being forced by Grandson Turtle!

“No, the water of the Yellow River rises in the sky and flows to the sea, never to return! No, the mirror of the high hall is full of grief and white hair. It is like a green silk that turns into snow at dusk! You must be happy in your life, don’t empty the golden bottle against the moon. Naturally, our materials will be useful, and all our wealth will be restored.”

Qin Mubai was a general, and he had long since trained his voice to be loud and clear in the army. When he started chanting poetry, he had a generous and majestic aura. After these first few words were spoken, many people were instantly stunned, and the scene suddenly became a little silent.

Even Li Tai couldn’t help but widen his eyes and suddenly shout, “Alright! You must have fun in your life. Don’t let the golden bottle go empty against the moon. You are born to be useful, and all your money will come back.” This is a top-grade poem!

‘”Good–” The crowd cheered loudly and applauded like thunder.

The corners of Changsun Huan’s eyes were already twitching, and his face involuntarily turned slightly pale. Ever since he met Qin Mubai, he realized that his face would always turn pale and his heart would become even more annoyed.

Qin Mubai laughed out loud, drank all the wine in the cup, and raised his wine cup high to chant–

“Cook a sheep, kill a cow, whet the appetite, and make me, of three hundred bowls, one long drink!”

“Don’t stop drinking. Sing a song with Jun Ge. Please listen to it for me.”

“Okay–”

The atmosphere of the reception instantly reached its peak. Many officials could not help but slap their hands and raise their glasses to drink. Today, everyone present was a great expert who had read a lot of poems and books. Li Bai’s song “Wine Will Come” was a peerless masterpiece that praised the ages. How could they not be excited?

“Wuhua Ma, Qianjin Qiu, Hu’er will trade for fine wine and sell it with you for Wangu Chou.”

After chanting the poem, Qin Mubai laughed out loud as if he was drunk. He waved the empty wine cup in his hand and said, “Gentlemen, please drink this cup to the brim and share the worry of eternity!”

Li Tai took a deep breath and waved his hand, “Serve wine!!! For Brother Mubai’s excellent work, drink a full cup!”

Everyone poured their wine and stood up, saying in unison, “King Wei, please, Brother Mubai, please!”

‘”Please–” Qin Mubai’s heroic aura burst out and he drank all the strong liquor in his cup.

After three consecutive glasses of wine, Qin Mubai was really a little dizzy. In the blink of an eye, he looked at Changsun Huan like an injured mouse, obediently hiding in front of his desk, not even looking straight at Qin Mubai.

Qin Mubai pretended to be drunk and swayed back to his seat. Li Tai also sat down and turned to his side, joyfully saying, “Brother Mubai really does not reveal his peerless literary talent. Little Wang loves your article ‘Will Come to Wine’ very much. Little Wang would like to invite Mr. Yu Shinan to write this as the first stroke of the dynasty, and then inscribe it into an inscription that will be erected in this mansion and read day and night. May I know if Brother Mubai would mind?”

“Your Highness, if you don’t dislike the rudeness of my poems, please feel free to do as you please.” Qin Mubai replied with a smile.

“So good, so good.” Li Tai laughed twice, signaling for the music to continue. However, there was an excited discussion in the surroundings, and many people were immersed in the passion of “entering the wine”, chanting the words “entering the wine” endlessly.

Qin Mubai glanced at Changsun Huan and couldn’t help but laugh. Strange, this kid’s face is going to turn green again?