After another busy half of the night, I finally finished copying the "Jade Account Sutra". After carefully proofreading and binding to confirm that it was correct, Qin Mubai breathed a long sigh of relief and could finally sleep peacefully.
In the morning of the next day, Qin Mubai woke up naturally from his sleep and heard that the courtyard was very lively with people coming and going. He couldn't help but be a little curious, so he got up, put on his clothes and opened the door. He saw groups of people going back and forth in the courtyard, carrying boxes and packages of various sizes to the back room.
"What are you doing?" Qin Mubai stopped a government servant and asked.
"Third Young Master, the Wu Dong family has sent a large number of New Year's goods, and we are carrying them!" the servant said happily, "Third Young Master, the Wu Dong family are really good people. She even thinks about us servants, and gives us Everyone has prepared a lot of mutton, vegetables and cloth jackets!”
"I know, let's go!" Qin Mubai couldn't help but smile: Mei Niang is really thoughtful...
At this time, Wu Meiniang and Shuang'er walked into the courtyard arm in arm. When they saw Qin Mubai from a distance, they walked towards him.
"Meiniang, what are you doing?" Qin Mubai asked first.
Wu Meiniang smiled and said: "The Chinese New Year is coming soon, the house should get organized, right? A few days ago, I sent my subordinates to prepare some New Year's goods, so I asked them to do some more and deliver them to you. It's also to save trouble, I think. You may be too busy to take care of these things.”
Qin Mubai smiled and said, "These matters are always handled by the housekeeper in the house. I'll let you take the trouble this time."
Wu Meiniang said: "Aren't you just saying that? Shouldn't I buy some New Year's goods for my family?"
"That's right!" Qin Shuang'er said with a smile, "Sister Mei is so thoughtful! When he came back to my house for the first time last time, he saw that the house hadn't even started preparing New Year's goods, so he took it to heart. As soon as he returned, he immediately Things started getting organized. You see, all these truckloads of New Year’s goods have been delivered, and the people in the house are so happy! — Hehe, Dad has always been stingy, and the house has never had so many New Year’s goods in these years. Woolen cloth!"
"Shuang'er, don't talk nonsense. If Duke Yi Guo hears it, he might pinch your face." Wu Meiniang said with a smile, "Gong Yi Guo is frugal, not stingy. On the contrary, we business travelers, There’s nothing else but money. It’s worth spending it on your own family.”
"Hee hee! Third brother, did you hear that Sister Mei said - it's my own home!" Qin Shuang'er clapped her hands and laughed.
"You're the big kid!" Qin Mubai cursed with a smile, invited the two girls into the house, and went to wash up before returning.
When I entered the house, I saw that the room had been tidied up and spotless. Qin Shuang'er was like a supervisor butler, standing at the door with a plate of snacks in her hand to eat, watching with interest as Wu Meiniang packed up books, paper, pens, ink and other items in front of several cases.
"How can you let Mei Niang do these things?" Qin Mubai asked, twisting Shuang'er's ears.
"Ouch, it hurts, let go!" Shuang'er yelled jumping on her feet. After running away, she giggled, "Don't blame me, it was Meiniang who insisted on helping you clean up this pig's nest, hehe!"
Wu Meiniang smiled in the room and said: "It is indeed like a pig's nest, messy. There are waste papers and crumbs on the floor, and the bed is also in a mess. Mubai, I'm afraid you have never made the bed or swept the floor, right?"
"Hehe, he is a general! How can a general do such things!" Qin Shuang'er dodged into the room with a smile, and joined Wu Meiniang to join in the banter.
"Shuang'er, since you know your brother's temperament, you should help him clean up more on weekdays!" Wu Meiniang said with a smile.
"Yeah, I know... Hehe, Mei Niang, you really look like a sister-in-law and a mistress!" Qin Shuang'er laughed happily.
Qin Mubai shook his head and walked into the room with a smile, and said to Wu Meiniang: "Meiniang, how are things going in the Qinxian Pavilion? I heard that you are short of money, why are you still spending so many years on goods? If you If you have any difficulties, just tell me. Although I am a poor general, I still have some land and I received a batch of rewards not long ago."
"Okay! Then you lend me a thousand taels of gold! There is no interest!" Wu Meiniang said with a smile.
"No problem." Qin Mubai agreed immediately, "I still have some cash on hand, and some gifted silk cloth, which can be worth some money if I pawn it. If it's not enough, I can use the rented millet collected this year, the newly allocated silk cloth, etc. I sold the Yongye land property certificate, how can I get this thousand taels of gold?"
"Forget it, I'm kidding you!" Wu Meiniang giggled, "I've already taken care of the Qinxian Pavilion. The two shops next door allowed me to pay them half a year's debt on credit. Half a year is enough for me to turn around. Just keep your money and spend it slowly! Shuang'er and I just went to see your house. It's really shabby and shabby. It doesn't even have any furniture, and there are very few servants and maids in the house. , The mansion doesn’t even have a few good horses or a few good weapons or saddles, how ugly is it to say that the general is going out?”
Qin Shuang'er chuckled heartlessly again: "You see, third brother, Sister Mei is really like a mistress taking charge of the house for you! You two should get married soon! Once you get married, someone will take care of everything at home. Oh, how worry-free you are!”
"You're the only one who talks too much!" Qin Mubai scolded with a smile and said, "I haven't lived in that house for a day yet. It's basically empty. Maybe... I'll have to be transferred out soon. Therefore, there's no need to add new users for the time being. Is it over?"
"External transfer?" Wu Meiniang exclaimed, "Where are you going again and how long will you be going?"
Shuang'er was also a little surprised: "Yes, Third Brother, you have only been back for a few days, are you going out on business again?"
Qin Mubai smiled and said: "I'm not sure yet, it's just an idea. If it succeeds, it may not be a short trip out on business, but a long-term stay in Yuanren Prefecture and County."
"What?" Wu Meiniang said in shock, "Why do you suddenly have such an idea?"
"Then it's a long story." Qin Mubai touched his belly and pursed his lips to Shuang'er, "I'm hungry, do you have anything to eat?"
"Yes, yes, yes. Don't you just want to distract me and whisper? I'll just go, hehe!" Shuang'er hummed happily and left, saying as she walked, "Let's chat slowly, my name is The kitchen will prepare something delicious for you, and it will be delivered in half an hour!”
"This little girl is so talkative!" Qin Mubai smiled and shook his head, asked Wu Meiniang to sit down, and said to her, "Meiniang, I haven't told you many things before, but now I can tell you. What do you think? , how about the position of Baiqi Shi?"
"Very good!" Wu Meiniang nodded with surprise, "The Emperor's closest ministers and confidants hold privileges to travel around. Although the Hundred Cavalry Envoys don't have many soldiers and horses, their status seems to have jumped to the sixth level. Above the twelve commanders, even the prime minister wouldn't dare to look down on you, the Hundred Rider, right?"
"Yes, you are right." Qin Mubai said, "But this is just a superficial phenomenon. In fact, Baiqiushi is just an empty shell. My glory and prestige are just a fake and a tiger borrowing the emperor's glory. Others The reason why I am afraid of respecting me is not because of my abilities, but because of the emperor standing behind me. I don’t like feeling like this, like a puppet who is acting as an endorsement and running errands. Besides, the imperial palace has always been the most complicated place in the world. This place is full of intrigues and intrigues, to put it mildly, it is even sinister and dark, and it was even worse around the emperor during the year I served as the Hundred Cavalry Envoy. disaster."
"Is it so serious?" Wu Meiniang said in surprise, "I have never heard you mention anything before. I always thought that you, the Hundred Cavalry Envoy, did a very good job, both majestic and relaxed. I didn't expect you to be so miserable. Tired...I am such a careless woman, I don’t even know how to care about you.”
"Don't say that." Qin Mubai smiled and said, "In fact, the greater the job, the greater the pressure and responsibility, and the greater the crisis and danger. However, because of the special nature of this position, Baiqi Shi, But I am burdened with pressure and crisis that are inconsistent with my official position. Now, because of the well-known incident of Princess Gaoyang... Even if I still want to stay in Baiqi, the emperor is not so willing. Instead of doing this, why don't I be wise and take the initiative to ask for help. External transfer?”
Wu Meiniang frowned and thought for a moment, then nodded seriously: "The idea is right. If I were you, I would do the same thing. Princess Gaoyang's incident has caused a stir in the city, and even the emperor has lost his face this time. There is Having learned from this experience, it feels like a thorn has been planted in his heart. How can he feel at ease to keep you in the harem? "
Qin Mubai laughed loudly: "Mei Niang, why do I feel weird hearing what you say? Could it be that having me in the harem is a disaster? I didn't provoke Princess Gaoyang on my own initiative."
"Humph, you are here again playing tricks and acting like a good boy when you get an advantage!" Wu Meiniang rolled her eyes in annoyance and cursed, "As the saying goes, a slap can't make a difference. If you hadn't shown off in front of Princess Gaoyang intentionally or unintentionally, How can a young girl like her fall in love with you?"
"I... show off?" Qin Mubai grinned with a wry smile that made him want to cry, "Why did I show off? If there are three thousand beauties in a large harem, why don't others take notice of me? Just Princess Gaoyang? Well, that’s just an accident, okay?”
"Hmph! If it's not accidental, then what's the point? The emperor is a man, and men are jealous too, and they are even more jealous than women! What if you seduce a woman, a princess, or a concubine again one day? The end?" Wu Meiniang said in a joking and serious tone, "So, if I were the emperor and wanted to kick you out of Baiqi, you'd better get out of here as soon as possible!"
Qin Mubai grinned in embarrassment: "This... is indeed rough and rude. Well, let's not talk about this level. Anyway, I plan to ask for an outside transfer. I will stay in some distant prefecture or county for a year or two and then come back. ”
Wu Meiniang had a look of helplessness on her face, but she finally nodded silently and said, "This is a serious matter, so I'd better think it through before making a decision. Do you have a goal now? Where do you want to go and how can you make it happen?"
"I want to go to Xiangzhou to serve as a military attache." Qin Mubai said, "My Qin family is a military sect. I started in the army and learned martial arts and military art, so I had no choice but to develop in this way. Whether it is running an army or using soldiers, I I don't have any experience. It would be beneficial to go somewhere for further study. There are many talented people gathered in the capital. When will I be able to go into battle and practice? I am an empty shell just because I have the halo of my father and the emperor, but I don’t have any real talent. I need some time to refine and enrich myself.”
"Okay, I support you." Wu Meiniang said categorically, "A man should not just talk about his ambitions, but put them into practice is the most important thing. Since you have realized your strengths and weaknesses, you should use your strengths and avoid your weaknesses to find out and fill in the gaps. You are only in your early twenties, You are much more promising than the aging generals in the imperial court. This time the emperor asked you to become a disciple of Li Jing, with the intention of cultivating and training you. There are not many outstanding generals in the Tang Dynasty. It stands out!”
"Haha!" Qin Mubai laughed, "Mei Niang, I can't believe that a female prostitute at such a young age actually knows this! Not bad, really good. If we get married in the future, you will definitely become my good wife. There will be more in the future. I’ll discuss everything with you.”
"Fuck you, stop coming!" Wu Meiniang's face turned slightly red and she smiled and said, "By the way, I told you something yesterday, how are you going to deal with it?"
Qin Mubai thought for a moment and said, "You mean the prince's invitation, right?... He only sent you a message, but didn't come to invite me, so I won't go!"
Wu Meiniang was silent for a moment and said: "I am a lowly woman from a family of traffickers and pawns. Why did he invite me when he was not clearly going for you? Mu Bai, why do I feel that you are not willing to get close to the prince? He is The crown prince of the country, the future emperor! Even if you don’t want to be courteous to him, there’s no harm in getting in touch with him, right?”
Qin Mubai smiled enigmatically and said nothing.
"Why are you laughing? Am I wrong?" Wu Meiniang said in confusion, "Originally I never thought of building a bridge with the East Palace to connect to the line. Could it be that this time the prince took the initiative to show his kindness, why did you avoid him? What? I can’t figure it out, please tell me!”
Qin Mubai shook his head and thought to himself: Do you want me to tell you that Li Chengqian, the prince, will not be able to be the prince for a few more days? Whether it is historical evidence or the current situation, it is only a matter of time that the prince Li Chengqian will be deposed. I rejected King Wei's offer before, and now I'm waiting to be sent to work with Li Ke. If I get close to the prince at this time, what will King Wei and Li Ke think? Besides... the Jiangzhou case has just been settled, and it's still in the limelight! I, the main official responsible for the Jiangzhou case, went to the East Palace for a banquet immediately after the case was concluded. Didn't this make it clear to everyone that I had secretly helped the prince and saved him from crisis? Especially if the emperor knows about it, all our previous strategies and calculations will be exposed - the emperor always hates his ministers who make secret fuss to deceive the superiors and subordinates, so am I not asking for trouble
In short, you can’t go to the East Palace now!
"Mei Niang, there are many things that I really can't explain to you at the moment." Qin Mubai said, "Anyway, you go to the East Palace! If you go, it is equivalent to me going, and even the prince will not care about it. . Moreover, he may not really want me to go to the East Palace at this time. The reason why he sent the invitation to you but not to me is also intentional. "
"What's the purpose of this move?" Wu Meiniang frowned, puzzled, "Could it be that... you are avoiding suspicion?"
"Smart, right to the point!" Qin Mubai clapped his hands and praised, "It's enough to understand this, no need to go into details. In short, you can go to the East Palace as a guest with peace of mind, that will already represent me."
"Okay, I'll go." Wu Meiniang nodded, "I listen to you on this kind of thing. You are smarter and know better than me. I will do whatever you say."
"So good!" Qin Mubai chuckled and wanted to step forward and touch her cheek. At this moment, a dry cough came from the door: "It's time to eat, it's time to eat! Hey guys, take a rest!"
"This guy..." Qin Mubai stared at Qin Shuang'er dumbfounded, sighing helplessly.
After the meal, Mei Niang stayed in the Qin Mansion to help manage and distribute the new year's goods. She comes from a business background and is the best at what she does. She distributed the New Year's goods for dozens of people in the Qin Mansion in an orderly manner, and the whole house burst into cheers.
Qin Shubao always paid no attention to such matters. After hearing what Liu said, he just smiled and said, "Businessmen value profits, of course!"
Mrs. Liu felt a little grievance for Wu Meiniang, and complained: "Uncle Bao, don't say that. Meiniang regards our house as her own, and is helping out! What are these New Year's goods worth? What if she deliberately bought them? People’s hearts or something, can’t we just bring in big boxes of money and cloth?”
"This is what makes her smart." Qin Shubao smiled slightly, "Small actions make a difference. She is indeed an outstanding and strange woman, so resourceful and wise at a young age."
"Hey, I really don't understand how someone can always target Mei Niang and criticize her. Let me tell you, this daughter-in-law is just good. I like her!" Mrs. Liu said a little angry.
"You like it, you make the decision?" Qin Shubao snorted lightly, and said with a smile but not anger, "What do you want to say when you come to me?"
"Hmph! Old stubborn!" Ms. Liu cursed angrily and walked away.
Qin Mubai went out and returned the military documents to Li Jing's house. After knocking on the door for a long time, it was still the old man Zhong who opened the door. Old man Zhong said that Li Jing had just gone to bed, so Qin Mubai consciously stopped disturbing him and did not enter the house. He left the books and left.
Seeing that it was still early, Qin Mubai stopped by Prince Wu's Mansion. First of all, I haven't seen anyone for two days. It will be difficult to deal with Princess Gaoyang if she gets angry again. Furthermore, it's time to talk to Li Ke about changing jobs and being transferred abroad.
When they arrived at Prince Wu's Mansion, Princess Gao Yang was happily chatting by the fire with several maids. When she heard Qin Mubai's arrival, she immediately jumped up and went out to greet him personally. Regardless of the number of people present, she rushed into his arms with joy.
"Thief of the military academy, you stinky man, you only come now!" Princess Gao Yang scolded him bitterly.
"Okay, there are a lot of people watching, let go." Qin Mubai finally pulled Princess Gao Yang out of his arms and laughed when he saw Li Ke standing at the door of the hall looking at them.
"Your Highness, I'm here." Qin Mubai walked up to Li Ke, "I have some important matters to discuss with you today."
"Come in and sit down, I've been waiting for you for a long time." Li Ke invited Qin Mubai and Gao Yang to sit down in the study, and according to his old habit, he set up the stove and made tea to treat each other. He asked: "Tell me, what is it?"
Qin Mubai simply told Li Ke his wishes.
Princess Gao Yang immediately screamed: "Wow, why did you suddenly leave Chang'an? No, I will go wherever you go, you have to take me with you!"
"Little sister, please stop yelling." Li Ke waved his hand, smiled unfathomably, and said, "Mu Bai, I thought you would come and tell me this as soon as you returned to Beijing. Why did you wait until now to speak?"
"What?" Qin Mubai was suddenly stunned, "Is it possible that you expected what I did?"
"Of course." Li Ke chuckled, stroking his hands.
That look was very much like that of Li Shimin, who had great planning and wisdom!
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[I have been very busy in the past few days, so there are not too many updates. Please forgive me. After a busy few days, I am going to update more! ]