Qin Mubai became even more drunk after riding a horse to see Wu Meiniang at the door of his house. He received a deep kiss from her. Wu Meiniang dismounted, giggled and retreated towards the door, her face flushed, and the love|desire in her bright eyes was igniting, which ignited a fire of ignorance in Qin Mubai's heart.
At this moment, a gust of wind blew, and snowflakes actually floated in the sky.
"Wow, it's snowing!" Wu Meiniang just walked back a few steps, then ran excitedly to the street, held out the snowflakes with both hands, and giggled, "I haven't seen much snow in the south for several years! "
"It's snowing and it's cold." Qin Mubai said seriously, "Miss Wu, do you need someone to warm the bed?"
"Fuck you!" Wu Meiniang blushed and hurriedly ran home. Halfway through, she seemed to have thought of something and suddenly stopped. She turned around and ran to Qin Mubai, kissed him on the face, and murmured in a low voice, "Mubai, I will be yours sooner or later. But … I want to keep that moment in our wedding ceremony, okay?”
"That's right." Qin Mubai chuckled, took her into his arms and hugged her tightly, and said, "Go back quickly. It's getting cold. Remember to add a quilt and heat up the kang."
"I know, you're a grown man, so long-winded." Wu Meiniang muttered in a low voice with her eyes closed. She buried her head in Qin Mubai's arms but refused to lift it up. She closed her eyes and her face was filled with happiness. and warmth.
The snow was falling harder and harder, and the two of them couldn't help but feel a layer of snow falling on their heads and shoulders as they stood on the street. Qin Mubai released her and patted the snowflakes on her brocade robe and hair, but found that a piece of snow had fallen on her long eyelashes. He couldn't help but smile and said, "Look at you, you are staring at me without blinking." ”
"Giggle!" Wu Meiniang covered her mouth with a smile, looked up at the gloomy sky, and said, "You should go back quickly, the snow is really heavy today, and the street may be blocked by heavy snow soon. Also, what did you just do? You drank a lot, but don’t get buried in the snow on the street drunk!”
"Okay, let's go!" Qin Mubai laughed and got on his horse, waving to Wu Meiniang, "Go back quickly, your mother may be impatient."
"Well..." Wu Meiniang took a few steps back and stood under the eaves. She didn't enter the house until she watched Qin Mubai's figure disappear into the snowy night.
It was late at night, and Qin Mubai didn't want to go back and wake up his family, so he returned to his mansion. This was the first time he rested in his own home. The bedding and other items were all brand new and quite warm. Qin Mubai lay down and snored loudly, sleeping comfortably until dawn without any dreams.
If it hadn't been for that crisp and sweet sound, Qin Mubai wouldn't know how long he would sleep. When I opened my eyes, the window was blindingly white. It turned out that I had forgotten to close the window when I went to sleep last night.
The cold wind made the windows bang, and there were several long strings of ice pomegranate seeds on the window eaves.
"Well, is it the sound of the piano?" Qin Mubai was too lazy to get up from his bed, yawned a few times, rested his head on his arms, and listened quietly.
Obviously, the skill of the person playing the piano is still quite unfamiliar. He can't make the tune right, and he is still trying to imitate it. Originally, the piano was not that well-made. It seemed to Qin Mubai that the sound quality was poor and the scale was not very accurate. In addition, the piano player was unfamiliar, which made him feel embarrassed after listening to it.
However, the person who played the music was quite patient. Although he obviously didn't play well at all, he persisted in playing like this for an hour. Qin Mubai was a little tired of sleeping in bed, so he got up and dressed, called the servant to provide hot water for washing, and asked casually: "Who is playing the piano here?"
"Don't you know, Master? She is Miss Yao'er. She must start practicing music at the second quarter of the morning every day and not stop until the end of the hour." The servant replied.
"Oh? It's her." Qin Mubai nodded and smiled, "This is my first time sleeping at home. I really don't know."
Just wash up, and when I went down to the living room, I saw the meal brought by the servant. Because it was Qin Mubai's first time coming home to stay, the usually idle servants were extra diligent today, preparing a sumptuous banquet early for him. For breakfast, a plate full of delicacies was served, which made Qin Mubai's index finger move.
"How can I eat so much by myself, where is Miss Yao'er?" Qin Mubai asked.
The servant replied: "Miss Yao'er and the orphans live in the back courtyard. They come in and out through the back door of the mansion. They rarely come to the front yard on weekdays."
Qin Mubai smiled, stood up and said, "Pack up the breakfast box and bring it to the back yard."
"Yes, sir."
Qin Mubai Taxue came to the back courtyard with a few servants and several boxes of delicious food. The courtyard was completely covered with snow, and all the leaves on the shrubs were gone. Only two plum blossoms were in full bloom, with a pleasant fragrance.
"Although Yao'er is blind, he is really a person with good taste. Planting two Aoxue Hanmei in this empty yard is really interesting." Qin Mubai admired it alone for a while, and the servant had already gone to call him. Opened the ajar door.
The two little girls adopted by Yao'er rushed out and shouted excitedly: "Yeah! General Qin is here, General Qin is here!"
"Haha!" Qin Mubai hugged the little girl, who was only six or seven years old, caressing their cold and red faces, and asked, "Why is it so cold? Isn't there a fire in the room to keep warm?"
"No, there's no charcoal!" the little girl answered casually.
At this time, Yao'er had already walked to the door and said in surprise: "Teacher, you are here!"
"Silly girl, you still call me your mentor?" Qin Mubai walked forward with a smile, "Don't you all worship my father as your adopted daughter, sister Xue'er?"
"Giggle, yes... Third brother!" Yao'er covered her mouth and smiled, her happiness was beyond words and her face turned a little red.
"It's such a cold snowy day, why is there no fire in the room?" Qin Mubai waved his hand, "Come here, get the charcoal basin and stove to start the fire. By the way, I'll bring you three to five hundred kilograms of charcoal."
The servant accepted the promise and hurriedly went to do it.
"Thank you, Third Brother." Yao'er said a little shyly, "I accidentally forgot to purchase charcoal. I was planning to go out to invite someone today..."
"Who are you going to invite? Why don't you use the many servants in this house?" Qin Mubai stepped forward and patted her shoulder to signal her to enter the house, and said, "You are already a member of the Qin family and the master. There's no need to be polite. Besides, why do you live in this side courtyard? There are six or seven empty rooms in the front house!"
"I'm afraid... we'll disturb the third brother!" Yao'er said with a smile.
The food box was opened, and a plate full of delicacies was placed on the table. The little girls all cheered.
"Come, let's eat together!" Qin Mubai laughed loudly, "I'm worried that eating alone is boring, let's all eat together!"
Several little girls licked their lips and stared at the food without blinking, but no one took action and asked Yao'er: "Sister Yao'er, can it really be eaten?"
"Eat it!" Yao'er said with a smile, "This is what General Qin gave us."
"It's not a 'gift'. Because we are a family, we should share the blessings." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "I usually don't stay at home, so you should regard yourselves as the masters here."
"Oh, we are all masters! Let's eat - there are so many delicious things, I have never eaten them before!" The little girls cheered loudly, huddled together and started grabbing food.
Qin Mubai laughed loudly, squeezed in and took out two chicken legs, and handed one to Yao'er, saying: "Eat quickly, everyone is rushing to eat, this is fun!"
Yao'er pulled the chicken leg and said with a smile: "I didn't expect that the third brother still has such a childish heart."
"It's not bad." Qin Mubai said vaguely while biting the chicken leg without any sign of eating, "It's so tiring to be old and arrogant all day long! Life is not easy for people. Be happy when you are happy!"
"That's so well said!" Yao'er chuckled, and took a bite of the chicken leg, put it in his mouth and chewed it slowly, with a happy smile on his face.
The whole room was having a lively meal, and Qin Mubai was still shouting that it would be tasteless without wine, so he sent someone to get wine. Just then, there was a crunching sound of snow in the yard, and a clear female voice was heard shouting: "Hey, you won't wait for me even if you have delicious food. It's not fun!"
"Haha, why is Shuang'er here!" Qin Mubai laughed.
Yao'er said: "Shuang'er comes here at this time every day to practice piano with me."
At this time, Yao'er had already left the house. When he saw the scene in front of him, he couldn't help but clapped his hands and laughed: "Okay, a bunch of old gourmets and little gourmets are secretly hiding here to eat and drink! - Third brother, you stayed out all night yesterday. It turns out you stayed here." You’re here! There’s a visitor looking for you!”
Behind her were several servants carrying braziers, and there was another person who was an acquaintance of Qin Mubai's, Prince Wu's Military Academy, Yin Yang.
Yin Yang walked in with a smile, cupped his fists and saluted: "General Qin, I'm sorry to bother you."
"Well, brother Yin Yang, sit down quickly. What's wrong?" Qin Mubai said.
The brazier was placed, and everyone sat around to warm themselves up by the fire. Yin Yang then said: "The King of Wu has sent me here to invite the general to come over and have a small gathering to enjoy tea and enjoy the snow."
"Nothing else to do?" Qin Mubai asked.
"This... the general is not very clear." Yin Yang said, "Maybe something happened, otherwise King Wu would not send the general to disturb the general in such cold weather. The general heard that there seemed to be something in the palace of King Wu What kind of "military recruitment list" should be issued to recruit generals to serve in the palace in Chang'an
"Oh, it must be because of this." Qin Mubai nodded, thinking of Xue Rengui. Indeed, he had discussed this matter with Li Ke earlier. Now that Qin Mubai's own external transfer has been implemented, it is time to recruit additional manpower. Xue Rengui is of course the main candidate.
The fire was rising and it was warm. Qin Mubai was enjoying his meal and was comfortable here, but he didn't want to brave the heavy snow and run to Prince Wu's Mansion. After thinking about it for a while, Qin Mubai smiled and said: "Well, brother Yin Yang, please go and reply to His Highness King Wu and say that in my house there is not only good snow and tea, but also good wine and the first blooming snow plums." "Besides, he should come to join in the fun of my housewarming, right? Just tell him that I won't go there today and invite him to come to my house to enjoy the snow and wine, and I'll treat him to a table." Qin Mu said. Bai also intentionally nuzzled at Qin Shuang'er.
Yin Yang was a meticulous and intelligent man. He immediately raised his hands with a knowing smile and said, "The general will definitely bring the words to you."
"Come, have a drink with me before you go, warm yourself up!"
"Authentic Qin Xianjiu, you can't do it without drinking it!"
"Let His Highness call Yuwen Hongtai here later. I haven't had a drink with him for a few days, and I really miss that broken wine jar that can't drink three bowls of muddy wine!"
"no problem!"
Soon after Yin Yang left, Qin Mubai called the servants in the mansion and ordered them to hold a banquet in the mansion to entertain guests today.
Qin Shuang'er chuckled and said: "Third brother, this house has been busy for some time, but it has never been lively. Let's consider it a lucky break today! We are also here to congratulate you on your housewarming - but, how can this housewarming not be without a girl?" Where is the master? I have to call Wu Meiniang, hehe!"
"Yes, it's time to invite Wu Dong's family." Yao'er also smiled.
"Haha -" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "You two are having a great time drinking and getting together. Forget it, Shuang'er, just go for a run!"
"Giggle, just run away, it won't do any good, it's snowing so heavily!" Qin Shuang'er said with a mischievous smile.
"Hey, have you learned how to blackmail?" Qin Mubai pretended to pinch her face.
Qin Shuang'er ducked away with a smile, while shouting: "I don't want anything else - starting from tomorrow, you teach me and sister Yao'er to play the piano for three consecutive days!"
"That's no problem!" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "I heard Yao'er practicing the piano in the morning, and I was here to teach you."
Yao'er blushed: "Yao'er didn't know that Third Brother slept here yesterday, and I woke him up in the morning. It's really a sin... Yao'er's skills are crude and haven't made any progress for many days. I'm really ashamed."
"There is nothing to be ashamed of." Qin Mubai said, "This thing has only been practiced for three to five years, and it really can't be done well. I will teach you more while I am free at home during this period."
"Okay...thank you, third brother." Yao'er said softly in a low voice, with patches of red glow on his face. It seemed like shame, it seemed like surprise, and there was also a bit of relief that one's wishes had come true.
"Hehe!" Qin Shuang'er was standing by, grinning slyly.
Soon, Shuang'er also got on a carriage in the mansion and went to invite Wu Meiniang. At first, Qin Mubai wanted to invite Xue Rengui and his wife to have a party together, but after thinking about it, Xue Liu was pregnant and about to give birth and had difficulty moving, so it was better not to disturb them. After negotiating with Li Ke about the "Martial Conquest List", if you have free time in the past few days, it won't be too late to take the initiative to visit him at his home.
After breakfast, the heavy snow stopped for a while, and the snow was very thick in the courtyard. The servants were ready to sweep, but Qin Mubai told them to just go ahead and enjoy the intact snow scene, which would be a wonderful thing. The lively little girls all rushed into the yard to build snowmen for fun. Qin Mubai also came to join in, waving a shovel to help them build a large snowman, and even painted facial features and put it on. If you don't wear a hat, you'll have a lot of fun.
Yao'er stood in front of the door and listened quietly, with a warm smile on his face.
After working hard on the snowman for a while, Qin Mubai was panting and sweating, but he felt more relaxed and comfortable than ever before. While they were having fun, they heard the voices of several men coming from the entrance of the courtyard. They were all people familiar to Qin Mubai, Li Ke, Yuwen Hongtai and Yin Yang.
"Haha, His Highness King Wu, you are here!" Qin Mubai walked up to them with a shovel and greeted them with a big smile.
Li Ke and others burst out laughing when they saw Qin Mubai's appearance: "The general also makes a snowman to play with!"
"Who stipulates that generals are not allowed to build snowmen?" Qin Mubai laughed loudly, "It was really fun, do you want to join in?"
Yuwen Hongtai opened his mouth and smiled: "We are not that careless. In this world of ice and snow, the most comfortable thing is to hug a woman and squeeze her onto the kang to roll around!"
"You idiot, you talk so freely, you should be beaten!" Qin Mubai and others pointed at him and yelled, and a group of little girls ran away shyly.
"Well, Miss Yao'er is here too?" Li Ke glanced behind him and smiled maliciously, "The beauty is hidden in the golden house, Mu Bai."
"Don't talk nonsense! She is now my adopted sister, the goddaughter that my father adopted personally!" Qin Mubai let out a low voice, then laughed and said, "It's not easy to entertain guests in the side courtyard, so let's go to the main hall! - Demon Son, come together!"
"Third brother, aren't we going?" Yao'er said with a troubled face, "There are so many distinguished guests, and we women and children..."
"It doesn't matter, come on." Li Ke said, "Today there is no distinction between men, women and children, old and young, we just want to have fun together!"
"King Wu is right, it's rare to have good snow, good scenery and a good mood today, but I just want to have fun!" Qin Mubai laughed heartily, "Come all, come all!"
"Then Yao'er has no choice but to be respectful and obey orders!"
The four men laughed and ran towards the front yard through the snow. When the mood strikes, we can occasionally pick up a few snowballs and throw them far away, or play with each other, which is quite fun.
It seems that everyone has returned to their childhood at this time, enjoying the long-lost childlike fun.
When we first arrived at the main house, a carriage drove through the front door. Shuang'er and Wu Meiniang got out of the car.
Yuwen Hongtai's mouth opened wide and his eyes widened: "Hoho, two of the most outstanding beauties in the world are here at once!"
Everyone was made to laugh. Wu Meiniang came forward with a smile and greeted Li Ke first, then said: "What a good day it is today. How lively is the house?"
"Isn't this your house? Why are you asking us?" Li Ke said with a smile, "Mubai called us here. We all thought it was your good day. I even sent someone to prepare gifts."
"Yes, a congratulatory gift, a congratulatory gift!" Qin Mubai said seriously, "Yes, Your Highness, your congratulatory gift has been prepared for so long, why haven't you received it yet?"
Li Ke was stunned for a moment, then laughed loudly: "Look at this guy, he is really a monkey spirit. He will knock the bamboo pole if he catches the conversation!"
"As a gentleman, it's hard to chase a horse!" Qin Mubai laughed and said, "Today's banquet is mine. With such guests here, especially there are many small guests, it is necessary to distribute red envelopes - Your Highness, I also I don’t want you to give me gifts, just give me more gifts!”
"Haha, yes, yes." Everyone started cheering together.
Li Ke also laughed: "Forget it, who told me to accidentally make friends and board a pirate ship today? I admit defeat!"
Everyone happily crowded into the hall. Li Ke and Qin Mubai suddenly thought of it and arranged all the couches in a circle around the two large stoves. Everyone sat together regardless of their order of priority. The door was closed to block out the wind, snow and cold, and the good wine and food were brought in for everyone to enjoy the feast together. If you want to enjoy the snow and plum blossoms, wait until the banquet is over and meet for a walk in the backyard.
This was probably the most lively and happiest day Qin Mubai had ever had since he came to Datang.
More than a dozen people were crowded together, enjoying wine and meat, laughing and chatting. Li Ke and Qin Mubai are both good at humor and made the atmosphere just right comfortable and relaxed. When he became more interested, Qin Mubai showed off his skills by playing the pipa, which won applause from the whole audience.
Wu Meiniang sat next to Qin Mubai, holding a bowl of wine and slowly sipping it, and said to him: "Mubai, I'm afraid I haven't been as relaxed and happy as today for many years. It turns out that Li Ke really doesn't have any airs. No, just like ordinary friends. I think you two get along very well and are as close as brothers."
"How does it compare to the prince?" Qin Mubai asked with a smile.
"There's no comparison." Wu Meiniang smiled sweetly, "How can a deer badger and a unicorn be compared?"
Qin Mubai smiled knowingly and thought to himself: Although Wu Meiniang is young, she is a traveling businessman and has a good eye for recognizing people. Although I have never had any formal contact with the prince, but based on her words... that notorious prince may really be a bad person.
Everyone was having a great time in the hall, Qin Mubai and a few other men started drinking, the fire was burning at its peak, and the hall felt as warm as spring. The mansion within the mansion
At this moment, a loud laugh suddenly came from outside the door: "It seems that I have come to the right time today!"
Then there was another crisp and excited shout: "Mu Bai, I'm here! Where are you?"
Everyone was uniformly stunned: Emperor? —With Princess Gaoyang? !
Why are they here!