Love Affairs in Chang'an - Chapter 8

Chapter 8 Prince Li Ke of Wu
A few days later, the fist composition was completed. Qin Mubai gave it to her father.

Qin Shubao took the boxing manual and casually flipped through two pages. He frowned and looked at Qin Mubai sharply, “Did you write this?!”

“Yes.”

Qin Shubao took a deep breath and concealed his thoughts for a long time. He waved his hand and said, “You should leave now.”

“Child, please leave.”

Seeing his son walk out of the room and close the door, the hesitation on Qin Shubao’s face became even more intense. He muttered to himself, “It’s really unimaginable. It’s only been three years since we last met. I actually don’t recognize my son anymore.” When did he learn such a novel calligraphy style? Could it be that Zhang Sanfeng was also the one who taught him it? … Strange, strange!

After returning to his courtyard, Qin Mubai did not stop for a moment. He called a subordinate from the manor and asked him to invite a few skilled blacksmiths and carpenters outside.

Young Master had ordered the servants not to disobey, and not long after, the blacksmiths and carpenters were invited. Qin Mubai handed a blueprint to the craftsmen to create a steamer for steaming wine.

He had never eaten pork before, but in the end, he saw pigs running away. Qin Mubai was not an expert in wine making, but he had at least studied chemistry. In the 21st century, he also knew some friends who made sprinkling wine. He could be considered a knowledgeable person. Designing the simplest and most primitive steamer for distilling liquor is no small matter.

The craftsmen did not understand what use this Qin Clan’s young master had in forging this steamer, but collecting money was always their purpose. In less than two days, the steamer was ready.

After many experiments, Qin Mubai successfully steamed out more than ten kilograms of liquor at fifty to sixty degrees Celsius with more than a hundred kilograms of liquor. She asked her mother to invite a famous physician from Chang’an to prescribe a recipe for rheumatism, including a rare medicinal ingredient like tiger bones that could not be easily obtained in the 21st century.

Soak in medicinal liquor by hot soaking.

Medicinal wine was a precious crown with the length of a hundred medicines. Qin Shubao was only fifty years old when he was in his prime. It was only because he had suffered too many injuries in his early years, his qi and blood were blocked, and his muscles and veins were blocked, coupled with wind, cold, and rheumatism, that he was now in a state of illness. This set of medicinal wine could be said to be the right medicine for the case.

Although he didn’t dare to say that the medicine would cure his illness, Qin Mubai was confident that it would be of great help to his illness.

A few days later.

During this period of time, Qin Shubao Scripture had become even more “mansion” in the past, avoiding Qin Mubai’s greeting sooner or later. Even Mrs. Liu rarely saw her, and she rarely went out in her room like she was in seclusion.

Qin Mubai guessed that he was probably studying Taijiquan.

Qin Mubai poured out a small cup of wine and personally delivered it to Qin Shubao.

Outside his father’s door, Qin Mubai knocked on the door.

“Didn’t I say that no one will be seen? What’s the matter?” Qin Shubao’s voice came from inside.

“Father, I have something important to ask for.” Qin Mubai said.

“It’s Sanlang? Then come in!” Evidently, Qin Shubao had already treated his third son differently.

Qin Mubai pushed open the door and entered. He saw Qin Shubao sitting on the couch, no different from before. He offered the medicinal wine with both hands and said, “Father, this is a medicinal wine made by a child. I am here to offer my tribute.”

“Medicinal wine?” Qin Shubao nodded casually, “Put it down.”

“Father, why don’t you try it? This medicinal wine is different from ordinary medicinal wine … It was brewed by a secret technique that my master obtained from a successful senior fellow cultivator.” Qin Mubai said casually.

“Is that so?” Qin Shubao raised his eyebrows in astonishment. He picked up the wine cup and sniffed it. He immediately said, “Indeed, it is exceptionally fragrant. Father, let’s try it.”

After saying that, he took a sip.

In an instant, his face turned red. He widened his dan feng’s long eyes with an inexplicable expression of shock. He smacked his lips a few times and took a deep breath before coughing a few times. “This wine … Why is it so strong? Cough!”

“Father, drink slowly!” Qin Mubai hurriedly advised, suppressing his laughter as he thought to himself, “People in the Tang Dynasty drink at most ten degrees of alcohol.” Even a massive amount of bloody men like his father would definitely not be able to adapt to this 50-degree liquor!

“Truly … Taoist immortal wine, immortal wine!” Qin Shubao coughed a few times and put down the cup. He heaved a sigh of relief and said, “I’ve been drinking wine for more than 30 years. I’ve never seen such strong liquor before. It’s really not simple!”

Qin Mubai smiled and said, “Father drinks a small cup of medicinal wine every day and concentrates on cultivating this Taichi Fist. I believe it won’t be long before his body recovers.”

“Mm … Father has also studied this boxing manual carefully these past few days.” Qin Shubao stroked his long and slender beard and said thoughtfully, “This set of Internal Fist Technique called ‘Tai Chi’ focuses on cultivation. It has some similarities with the Taoist’s health preserving cultivation and is also able to integrate with the horse spear technique. For martial artists, it can be considered a treasure. Father should study it carefully to see if he can really create a new spear technique school.”

“Father will definitely do it.” Qin Mubai nodded happily and smiled.

Actually, Qin Shubao’s illness was partly due to his body and partly due to his temperament. With his aloof and arrogant personality, he was a hero who had been invincible under the heavens in his early years. Now that he was idle due to illness, he must feel very disappointed. It was rare for him to be in a good mood. If he went to study Taijiquan every day and tried to create a new spear technique, he would be more than half better off if he had something to do with interest and a sense of accomplishment. It would also be extremely helpful to his illness.

Qin Mubai thought to himself, with the medicinal wine, Taiji, and the cure of his heart disease, his father’s health should gradually improve.

The father and son chatted speculatively for the first time. Qin Shubao’s attitude towards Qin Mubai had obviously changed 180 degrees, becoming much closer and more trustworthy.

When the two of them talked about the excitement of fist, gun and martial arts, someone came out of the door and said inappropriately, “Patriarch, there is a visitor.”

“Who?” Qin Shubao couldn’t help but frown. He thought to himself, “My Qin Family has always been close to each other for years. Which guest would come uninvited?”

Qin Mubai was also quite surprised. Although his father was a distinguished general of the Xun Sect, he had already faded out of the court for a few years. During this period of time, not a single guest had visited him.

“Someone calls himself King Wu!”

“What, King Wu is here?” Qin Shubao frowned in surprise. “Didn’t he leave for Anzhou to be the governor? Why did he suddenly come to visit me, an old official who didn’t ask about mundane matters? … Sanlang, follow me to welcome guests!”

“Yes, father!” Qin Mubai cupped his hands and thought to himself, Which King Wu? I’ve seen some TV dramas related to the Zhenguan Dynasty before. I only remember that Li Shimin had a son named ‘Li Ke’ who was named King Wu. Could it be him?

King Wu Li Ke, Li Shimin’s third son, was born to Yang De Fei, the daughter of the former Emperor of Sui Dynasty. In this way, Li Ke had two dynasties of royal bloodline. In the Great Tang, who respected bloodline, it was indescribably expensive.

It was Li Ke!

“Master is here, receive a bow from my disciple.” Seeing Qin Shubao, Li Ke, who wore a brocade robe and a jade belt with a golden crown, bent down and bowed with both hands. He pushed his hands towards Qin Shubao and bowed his hands towards Qin Shubao.

Qin Shubao hurriedly stepped forward and bowed back, “Isn’t His Highness Prince Wu going to break his fiendish subordinates? Quickly, there’s no need for him to bow down.”

Qin Mubai stood at the side and looked at Li Ke with his hands lowered. He was secretly surprised in his heart: It seemed that he had seen a handsome guy play King Wu Li Ke in a TV drama in the past, causing countless fanatics to worry about him and dream about him. The Li Ke in front of him was not even twenty years old … He was obviously even more handsome and elegant than the King of Wu in the movie!

“Once a master is my father for the rest of my life, I should receive a solemn bow from my disciple.” Li Ke smiled and said, “This disciple came back from An Zhou and specially brought some special products and medicinal ingredients to pay respects to Master.”

Li Ke clapped his hands. Two servants came in and brought in two boxes. They lifted the lid of the boxes and found some colorful silk satin and ginseng herbs.

Qin Shubao hurriedly cupped his hands and said, “Your Highness is such a generous gift. How dare this subject? Back then, this subject only taught Your Highness how to play with bows and arrows for a few days. This title of master and disciple would never dare to climb over.”

“Master said this. Could it be that you despise this unworthy disciple of mine?” Li Ke chuckled. He didn’t have the air of a prince and said casually, “However, since Master isn’t used to such formalities, I won’t repeat them again. However, please accept these two boxes of gifts.”

“Alright then …” Qin Shubao shook his head helplessly and smiled. “Your Highness, you can’t call me master and disciple like this again in the future.”

“I obey, Duke Yi.” Li Ke laughed and turned to look at Qin Mubai. “Isn’t this Third Brother Qin?”

“Greetings, Your Highness, King Wu.” Qin Mubai cupped his hands in salute.

“No need for courtesy.” Li Ke smiled meaningfully and nodded at Qin Mubai. He turned around and chatted with Qin Shubao, mostly about such things as sympathy for his illness, seeking advice on archery, and chatting leisurely with Qin Shubao.

However, Qin Mubai thought to himself, “Judging from this situation, Li Ke and my Qin Family have some friendship, and he is quite familiar with me from before.”

“Duke Yi is not well, so Little Wang won’t disturb you any more. Little Wang will go chat with Third Brother Qin and compare notes on archery, so he won’t have to trouble Duke Yi at public expense.” After chatting for a while, Li Ke said.

“Your Highness, please be my guest. Your Majesty, please leave first.” Qin Shubao nodded and smiled.

Qin Mubai was about to cupped his hands when he saw Li Ke walking to his side. Li Ke chuckled, “No, no, no. Do you still need to be so courteous between us? Let’s go!”

“Where to?”

“You still need to ask?” With that, Li Ke waved his hand and left the house, as if he was in his own house.

Nonsense, how would I know if I didn’t ask?

Qin Mubai followed him doubtfully.

The handsome Li Ke strode forward. He was obviously familiar with the Qin Manor through the corridor. Not long after, he stopped at the western courtyard. He coughed dryly and said, “Mubai, why don’t you go see if Fourth Sister is at home?”

“Fourth sister?” Qin Mubai was slightly surprised. Could this fellow be targeting my Siya’er? Between them …