Today, the happiest person is Qin Shubao.
It has been more than a year since he came to Datang, and Qin Mubai has never seen his father laugh and be as high-spirited as he is today. It was as if the God of War of the Tang Dynasty, who had defeated thousands of armies and marched on horseback to sing songs, had returned.
War horses, spears, and the setting sun shining alone, standing proudly in the bloody yellow sand. This is probably the first impression that the world and future generations have on iron-blooded heroes like Qin Shubao. In fact, Qin Shubao is also a very ordinary man in life. He is strong, self-reliant, stubborn, aloof, and has some common habits common to ordinary people in the city. Metaphorically speaking, he is like the officials of the Tang Dynasty. Although he does not admit it verbally, he has the lingering family plot in his mind. Unconsciously, he liked Princess Gaoyang more, but never liked Wu Meiniang.
But from beginning to end, Qin Shubao did not express a tough attitude towards Qin Mubai's marriage, he was just expressing his personal preferences. All in all, Qin Shubao, the head of the family, was much more enlightened than most heads of gentry families in the Tang Dynasty.
Qin Mubai often thinks that this is probably an important reason why the Qin family is in harmony. There are absolutely no common internal fighting incidents in big houses, and the concept of family affection is quite strong. Blood is thicker than water.
Qin Mubai enjoyed this very much. Originally, Qin Shubao and Liu looked exactly like his parents in his previous life, so he had long unconsciously treated them as his biological parents. Coupled with the past year of getting along with each other, Qin Mubai likes the taste of this home even more. Strong family ties, strict father, loving mother, filial brothers, and a lively and lovely younger sister. A family hugs each other tightly, like a ball of iron and steel, never to be separated.
Qin Mubai had no doubt that even if he was far away from his relatives at home, the distance between their hearts would always be close at hand.
It feels like home, so good!
Probably because he felt that his son's marriage was approaching, and that he was about to embark on a military career again and enter an official career, Qin Shubao was in an extremely cheerful mood, and even walked three minutes faster. The sharp-edged face, as sharp as a knife or an axe, lost a lot of the coldness and majesty of the past, and added a lot of gentleness and kindness. Regardless of whether he was treating Princess Gaoyang or Wu Meiniang, Qin Shubao hardly said a word to them except for the courtesy on the scene.
But anyone with a discerning eye could see that Qin Shubao already regarded these two women as his daughters-in-law. The ambiguous banter with the emperor and the special look in his eyes when he looked at Wu Meiniang all showed this.
Everyone is guessing that the most happy and annoying person now is probably Qin Shubao. Firstly, his youngest son finally has no worries about not being able to marry a wife, which is a dream come true; secondly... who should be the main wife
As we all know, Wu Meiniang was given a marriage by the emperor and had the first idea; Princess Gaoyang was a princess, and she had no chance of becoming a concubine. But if Princess Gaoyang is corrected, wouldn't the emperor be shooting himself in the foot and destroying his previous edict? Furthermore, people will laugh when rumors spread - they say that the emperor's daughter has no worries about getting married, but you, Li Shimin, used your royal power to usurp the position of Wu Meiniang's head wife. How unbecoming is it? Moreover, the position of the head wife was conferred by your emperor himself before. How can you convince the public by contradicting yourself with such changes every day
Based on this calculation, Li Shimin is the one who has the biggest headache! The marriage of Princess Gaoyang, this precious little girl, had broken his heart and embarrassed him. Now that the rumors about the father and daughter finally getting back together have gradually ceased, Princess Gaoyang's marriage is still not settled. Even if he is the emperor who rules the world, not everything can be done smoothly and logically. The emperor also has the emperor's troubles.
Not to mention Wu Meiniang and Princess Gaoyang, their troubles and happiness are all written on their faces, more directly and clearly than anyone else.
…
What these people were thinking all pointed to Qin Mubai. In contrast, Qin Mubai seemed much calmer. He is like a heartless pig that has nothing to do but waits for sleep. No matter how troubled others are, it seems to have nothing to do with him, and he is still happy.
Because Qin Mubai feels that these are the troubles of happiness and are inevitable!
"Why are you so affectionate this winter?" Qin Mubai licked his lips, as if tasting the sweetness of human affection from the strong Qinxian wine.
…
In the evening, a cold wind blew, and the tree branches in the courtyard whined. The weather suddenly became gloomy, and heavy snow fell. The cold wind made the window paper crackle, and Li Shimin woke up and said hurriedly: "Oh, it's going to snow heavily again, I have to go back to the palace!"
"Father, why are you leaving in such a hurry?" Princess Gao Yang said softly.
"Haha, it seems that like my father, you are a little too happy to miss Shu?" Li Shimin laughed, stood up and said, "It's time for me to go! Thank you all, thank you Mu Bai, for letting me spend such a relaxing and happy time. Day, I will never forget it for the rest of my life!”
"Your Majesty is serious!" Qin Mubai cupped his hands and said, "If your Majesty likes it, you can come to Humble House often."
"Haha, okay. I will come here often when I have time." Li Shimin said with a smile, "Actually, I have always had the habit of walking around with my ministers, but in the past two years, people have become lazy and we move around less. Uncle Baby, it seems that we will have to move around more in the future, especially for us old brothers who have been born and died for so many years, it is really a great joy in life to be able to sit together and have a chat! "
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Qin Shubao said with a hearty smile, "I'm afraid I haven't been as happy as I am today for many years!"
Li Shimin nodded, walked to Qin Shubao, patted his arm twice with a smile, and said in a soft voice: "I have really wronged you over the years, my second brother. Come find me tomorrow."
"I obey the decree!" Qin Shubao agreed with his hand.
"Remember to bring two bottles of good wine, haha!" Li Shimin laughed loudly and waved to everyone, "Okay, it's time for me to go! You can continue to have fun! Such good scenery, snow, good people and good seasons are rare. ah!"
"Father... the emperor..." Princess Gaoyang clasped her lips and pulled Li Shimin's hand back and forth, muttering softly, "How about you go back to the palace first and let the emperor play for a while before going back, okay?"
"You girl!" Li Shimin stretched out his hand and lightly scratched her nose, "In that moment, ask Mu Bai to send a car to take you back to the palace. Remember, don't miss the time when the palace door closes."
"Thank you, Father! Yeah! Long live Father!!" Princess Gao Yang immediately jumped up for joy and said coquettishly, "Father, please lower yourself a little!"
"What are you doing?" Li Shimin smiled and bent down like Yan.
Princess Gao Yang smiled and stretched out her hands to hold Li Shimin's face, kissed him three times on the cheek, and giggled: "Father, you are the best father in the world!"
"Haha!" The whole hall burst into laughter.
Li Shimin didn't laugh, he just nodded with a smile, looked at Gao Yang, and said softly: "You are also the naughtiest daughter in the world."
"Hehe..." Princess Gaoyang snickered embarrassedly but happily.
Everyone couldn't help but sigh. At this moment, the emperor's face was really filled with relief and kindness. Perhaps it was because of Sali's attack that his emotions were not as hidden as usual. At this time, his eyes seemed to be a little moist.
Qin Mubai thought that maybe at this time, Li Shimin was recalling the moment when Princess Gaoyang scolded him as a devil in the Huanyi Bureau in the harem of Xianju Palace...
The royal guards entered the courtyard, the emperor set up his carriage and was about to drive back to the palace. Everyone went out to see him off.
"With such heavy snow, you don't need to be polite, go back to your house!" Li Shimin waved to everyone in the carriage and said with a smile, "We will meet again if we are destined!"
"Congratulations to Your Majesty—"
After Li Shimin left, Qin Shubao was very sensible and smiled at Qin Mubai and others: "I won't stay here and disturb the enjoyment of you young people. Mubai, your mother and I have gone back. You must remember , Her Royal Highness Princess Gaoyang will be escorted back to the palace in a short while."
"Yes, father." Qin Mubai promised with his hands raised.
Princess Gaoyang smiled and said: "Mr. Yi Guo, you are so old and strong! I have only seen your portrait of the door god on the door of every house before, and heard about your majestic and heroic deeds. In fact, you are better than The portrait looks much more handsome, and the horsemanship is also very cool!”
"Haha!" Qin Shubao couldn't help laughing, his face turned red with laughter, and he said hurriedly: "I am so honored to receive the compliment from Her Royal Highness the Princess!"
Everyone also burst out laughing, and Princess Gaoyang became embarrassed and hurriedly argued: "Why are you laughing? What I said is true!"
"It's really true. Everyone knows that you are telling the truth." Qin Mubai chuckled, "It's just that the truth is more funny. You are allowed to say it, but you are not allowed to laugh?"
"Oh... Then just laugh if you want, hehe!" Princess Gaoyang herself laughed a few times, imitating a military general, cupped her hands to Qin Shubao and his wife, and said in a deep voice, "Congratulations to General Qin and Mrs. Qin! "
"Haha! Your Highness is so cute!" Qin Shubao nodded and smiled heartily, and said to everyone, "Okay, I'm leaving. You can continue to stay and have fun here in Mubai. You must eat well and have fun, and come back to your heart's content. ! Mubai, what a treat!”
"Send farewell to Duke Yi!" Everyone came to see him out of the house politely.
Li Ke, who had been silent for a long time, finally breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile: "Oh, today is really unexpected. I was waiting for a small gathering, and suddenly so many big shots came."
"Hey, third brother!" Princess Gao Yang said with a smile, "Why do you feel like a mouse meeting a cat when you see your father?"
"Nonsense!" Li Ke pretended to be angry and scolded, "If you can't speak, just say a few words. If you dare to fall in love with this royal family, is it either a mouse or a cat?"
"Haha, I was just making an analogy!" Princess Gao Yang laughed, and couldn't help running to Qin Mubai's side as usual. She stretched out her hand and naturally took his elbow.
Li Ke hurriedly glanced at her and pursed his lips towards Wu Meiniang.
"Oh!" Princess Gao Yang came to her senses instantly and hurriedly let go of her hand.
Wu Meiniang, who was standing not far away, couldn't help but smile sweetly and said to Qin Shuang'er beside her: "This princess is still a straightforward and unrestrained person, with the nature of a child."
"Well, if you don't have a close relationship, I'm afraid you will be disgusted with her arrogance and arrogance. In fact, she is a straightforward and honest person." Qin Shuang'er whispered, "Now I know why the third brother was disgusted with her at first. Later, But he accepted her."
"Why?" Wu Meiniang asked.
Qin Shuang'er said: "Because Princess Gaoyang is so sincere, free and straightforward! As long as she sees something for sure, she will do it without hesitation; as long as she falls in love with someone, she will only have him in her eyes and do it for him. She gives her all at all costs. Even if she has a heart of stone, is there any man in the world who is not moved by her? In fact, sometimes... I do admire her. "
"That's right..." Wu Meiniang nodded lightly, secretly took a long breath, and slowly exhaled it. She stared at Princess Gaoyang not far away and whispered to herself, "In the world, which man can't do this?" How do you like a woman like this? Her love comes so vigorously and without reservation!"
…
"Okay, let's go back and continue playing!" Li Ke laughed loudly and waved his hand in an airy manner, "There are still good things that we haven't played with today! Mubai, call the servants in your house quickly. Clean up the hall and unload all the leftover tea and food. Yin Yang, you have made a hard trip back to the palace and asked the cooks to bring some good refreshments. Remember to get that bag of Birunmingyue's good tea! "
"Hey, your highness, what are you doing?" Qin Mubai asked curiously, "It's just making tea, there's no need to work so hard, right?"
"Haha, don't you know? Wait a minute, something mysterious will appear!" Li Ke touched his palm and laughed in a disinterested manner. He walked to Yin Yang and whispered a few words to him. Yin Yang smiled knowingly and walked quickly. And go.
"Mysterious, third brother, what are you playing at?" Princess Gao Yang asked.
"You're going to bite me if I don't tell you?" Li Ke laughed, feeling very proud.
"Bad guy!" Princess Gaoyang used her signature move again, sticking out her tongue, wrinkled her nose, and made a face. Moreover, a hand unconsciously wrapped around Qin Mubai's elbow.
Li Ke shook his head and tutted: "You guy... that's all! If Wu Meiniang gets angry and asks you to fight with a weapon, don't ask me to stand in her way. It is said that Wu Meiniang is skilled in bow and horse and martial arts!"
"Ah? Really?!" Princess Gao Yang was stunned, and hurriedly let go of her hand. She glanced at Wu Meiniang from a distance, with a hint of surprise, and murmured, "You can't be as powerful as that Chen Yan, right? ? I can’t see it…”
"Haha!" Li Ke laughed loudly and walked towards the hall.
A casual remark reminded Qin Mubai of Chen Yan. We haven't seen each other for several months, and I don't know where she is now. Can we meet again in this life
…
Everyone returned to the well-organized hall one by one. Qin Mubai also asked Shuang'er to invite Yao'er and others back. Everyone was still sitting around the stove.
Princess Gao Yang wanted to sit down next to Qin Mubai, but when she saw Wu Meiniang sitting opposite, her buttocks had just touched the couch, she hurriedly got up again, walked to Wu Meiniang's side with a smile, and sat down.
This move was beyond the expectations of Qin Mubai and others, and everyone couldn't help but stare at her.
Wu Meiniang was indifferent, with a smile on her face, as if she was waiting for Princess Gaoyang to make a move.
"Hey, Mei Niang, are you good at martial arts?" Princess Gao Yang asked with a smile.
"I know a little bit, I just know how to ride a horse and shoot an arrow." Wu Meiniang replied with a smile.
"Wow, you are so awesome!" Princess Gao Yang exclaimed, "You can ride a horse and shoot an arrow? I can't even ride a horse well, but Mu Bai has to hug me... ugh!"
"Will I carry you on your horse? Haha!" Wu Meiniang smiled.
Everyone also laughed.
Princess Gao Yang blushed, and she laughed a few times in response, and asked again: "Did Mu Bai teach you your archery skills?"
"No. I have been learning martial arts with my two brothers since I was a child, following my father and the martial arts master at home." Wu Meiniang said, "Actually, I only learned a little bit about it. It is incomparable to the powerful generals like Mu Bai and others. You can’t get on the stage.”
"That's pretty good! I... I really want to learn martial arts!" Princess Gaoyang licked her lips and muttered, "I want to learn a lot of things, but I can't seem to know anything. What a failure! I want to learn martial arts. , no one teaches me, and I can’t bear the hardship even if someone teaches me; I want to learn pipa, but Mu Bai taught me for a long time, but I’m still a half-trick; I want to learn cooking from Yao’er, let alone this, I I can’t even raise a fire! Oh, I’m so angry!”
"Haha, princess, why do you want to learn these things?" Wu Meiniang couldn't help but asked with a smile.
"But I don't know anything, how embarrassing is it?" Princess Gao Yang whispered, "You know everything, but I know nothing... God, it's so unfair!"
"Haha!" Everyone heard it and couldn't help laughing again.
Princess Gao Yang herself came to her senses, her face turned bitter, and she stuck out her tongue: "Ugh, I said the wrong thing again, so embarrassing!"
"Gao Yang, you'd better sit here with me!" Li Ke smiled and waved to her, "In just a short while, you have already lost seven or eight points of royal dignity!"
"Hmph, I won't go there!" Princess Gao Yang raised her face and said proudly, "Even if I have to throw away, I will only throw away what's mine, what's my father's, not what's your third brother's. Can you care?"
"Hahaha—" Everyone burst into laughter again.
"This Princess Gaoyang is really a pistachio!" Everyone thought of this in unison.
Wu Meiniang couldn't help but smile and said: "Your Highness, you are so cute. If I were a man, I would definitely like you."
"Really?" Princess Gao Yang said with a smile, "I thought I was always annoying! In fact, if I were a man, I would definitely like you. Because you are so beautiful and capable. Compared with you … I, the princess, am as miserable as a sparrow facing a phoenix!”
Qin Mubai and Li Ke couldn't help but look at each other, and said almost in unison: "This girl is so outspoken and unobstructed, she won't say anything to others!"
Wu Meiniang smiled and said: "His Highness is contrary to what he said. I should be the one to make this analogy."
"No way!" Princess Gao Yang said, "Mu Bai likes you! I know that in his heart, you are his true love. Well... I..." Princess Gao Yang said halfway, and turned to Qin Mu Bai glanced at it for a few times and smiled: "I won't say any more!"
"Haha!" Wu Meiniang laughed, "Mu Bai also likes you very much."
"real?"
"Yes, he told me personally." Wu Meiniang nodded affirmatively.
"Wow, he told you everything?" Princess Gao Yang widened her eyes, looked at Wu Meiniang with some surprise and jealousy, and said softly, "He rarely mentions you to me! - But I know it without him having to say it. , Mei Niang is so beautiful and capable! There is probably no man in the world who doesn’t like Mei Niang!”
Wu Meiniang smiled and said: "By the way, I have always forgotten, and I have to thank you, Princess."
"Why are you thanking me?" Princess Gao Yang asked in confusion.
"Last time, the incident involving the King of Han..."
"Oh, it's a trivial matter!" Princess Gaoyang chuckled, "But having said that, if it hadn't been for that incident, Mu Bai might never have taken the initiative to talk to me, let alone owe me any favors, or I will gradually get to where I am today... To say the least, I am a blessing to this incident, hehe! "
Li Ke laughed so hard that his face almost cramped. He grinned bitterly and said, "This stupid girl is such a treasure. She didn't even say a clear word! All these idiotic truths were spoken out in public. It's really It’s so funny!”
"What does it have to do with you when we chat?" Princess Gaoyang couldn't help but said angrily, "When we chat at home, a grown man like you has to prick up your ears and eavesdrop, and in the end you have to teach others a lesson. It's really annoying!"
"Haha!" Another burst of laughter.
Li Ke smiled bitterly and shook his head: "Okay, everyone, hurry up and cover your ears together. Her Royal Highness Princess Gaoyang is going to start chatting again!"
"How annoying!" Princess Gao Yang laughed to herself, rolled her eyes, pulled Wu Meiniang and said, "Meiniang, can we go somewhere else for a walk? Let's chat quietly without letting these bad guys listen!"
"Okay, I'm happy to accompany you." Wu Meiniang smiled. When she stood up, she glanced at Qin Mubai with a smile, and walked away arm in arm with Princess Gao Yang.
Li Ke smiled and said: "Mu Bai, what do you think the two of them will talk about?"
"If Your Highness is interested, you may wish to follow and eavesdrop. Remember to keep your ears open!" Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will definitely not betray you."
"All the same stuff!" Li Ke couldn't help but feel angry, "You and Gao Yang, this living treasure, are really a perfect match! You're not even married yet, and you're just venting your anger through one nostril!"
Everyone was laughing and having fun in the room when Yin Yang came back. Along with it came a carriage loaded with silk cloth. Li Ke called everyone over and said with a smile: "Come on, come on, Xiao Wang is true to his word and is handing out New Year's gifts! This is Xiao Wang's new reward, the best Huzhou silk brocade - New Year, good luck and good luck. It’s prosperous and everyone here has a share!”
Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Even these little girls and the servants in my house have a share?"
"Of course!" Li Ke said with a smile, "I have told you a long time ago that there is no distinction between elder and younger today, everyone who sees it has a share!"
"Oh-yeah! Haha! Thank you, Your Highness!" Everyone cheered together.
In the Tang Dynasty, copper coins were the main currency in circulation. In addition, gold, silver, hemp, silk, grain, and salt could also be converted into currencies and exchanged with each other. The salaries of officials in the Tang Dynasty were often paid with silk and linen.
Li Ke's move this time was considered generous. Not everyone can afford this fine lake silk. Tailored into clothes, it is high-end "fashion"; exchanged into money and goods, it is a huge income for the servants.
As a result, everyone started "sitting on the ground and dividing the spoils" and had a great time.
Yin Yang walked up to Ke carrying two rather heavy boxes and said with a smile: "Your Highness, I have brought what you asked for!"
"Okay, very good, move it here!" Li Ke laughed and pulled Qin Mubai into the hall, asked Yin Yang to open the box, took out a square, crystal clear thing, and showed it in front of Qin Mubai's eyes. Wandering around: "Look, what is this?"
"I... Damn it!" Qin Mubai couldn't help but exclaimed, "Mahjong? It's actually mahjong! Your Highness, you are so talented!"
Li Ke was playful and a bit fond of gambling. When he was impeached, he was accused of "excessive gambling". After returning to Beijing, he restrained himself a lot, but he was still addicted to poker. When Qin Mubai was still on duty in Prince Wu's Mansion, he once secretly called Qin Mubai and hid secretly to play a card game called "Ai Pu" with him.
Aipu is a kind of wooden throwing tool, which comes in groups of five, with black and white on the front and back, so it is also called the Five Woods Game, or simply the Five Woods. To put it simply, it's like flipping a coin or playing Ludo. Five chess pieces are thrown at the same time. If they are all black or all white, it is a high card. Other various black and white numbers or overlapping shapes have their own interpretations and theories of size.
This kind of tiles can be said to be the ancestor of Mahjong and was quite popular in the Tang Dynasty. From the royal family to the common people, there are many people who like this kind of card gambling.
Qin Mubai played with Li Ke several times and found it boring because it was too simple. Also on a whim, Qin Mubai told Li Ke about "Mahjong". At that time, I just briefly talked about it and drew the card pattern on the paper. Unexpectedly, Li Ke was so interested that he secretly asked someone to make two such pairs of mahjong out of fine horns. He had prepared them early without knowing when!
"Haha!" Li Ke laughed triumphantly, a bit like a villain, and said, "Come on! Teach me how to play mahjong! I have been holding it back for more than a year. It is rare that I am so relaxed and happy today. If I don't I bet that the sky is dark and the earth is dark, and I vow not to return home!"
The corners of Qin Mubai's mouth twitched: "Okay... My house will become a gambling house today!"
"You're pedantic!" Li Ke scolded him twice and said, "How many times can we get together like today in our lifetime? Maybe when we grow old in a few decades, we will all miss today - what are you waiting for? Call someone here. ! Ask everyone to learn mahjong with you and start gambling early. I promise to have a lot of fun tonight!"