At dawn, the Qin Mansion was busy and lively.
The head of the family, Qin Shubao, and the third young master who often stay at home set off today to go to distant prefectures and counties to serve as official officials. This is a major event that the Qin family has never encountered. Mrs. Liu almost didn't sleep all night. She took the servants and maids in the house to prepare things for their departure. From carriages and horses to salutes, to needlework, shoes and socks, everything is well prepared.
For Qin Mubai, this was destined to be a sleepless night.
It had only been more than a year since he came to Datang, but he didn't know why he had developed such a deep affection for Chang'an, this family, and many people here.
No matter how inevitable separation is, sadness is also hard to suppress.
Whenever he saw his mother's tired look and red eyes, he felt a little uneasy. I tried to persuade her to stop and rest, but I couldn't.
There is no way, my mother has such a character. I am afraid that I have contributed too little to this family, and I am afraid that I will not take good care of my husband and son in any way. Especially for Qin Mubai, the thread in the hands of a loving mother and the clothes on the body of a wanderer. Departure thick seam, meaning fear of delay in return.
My mother was never good at expressing this feeling, and always responded with simple actions.
And Shuang'er, she is not much less free than her mother, and she works all night long.
Perhaps, besides Qin Mubai, she was also reluctant to let go of Li Ke. This kind of separation was not something she could control, so she could only silently accept the situation and did not tell Qin Mubai like before.
Maybe she didn't know where to start. There is a sadness that cannot be expressed in words. Qin Mubai understands.
At dawn, Qin Mubai and his father left the room together. Both of their eyes were bloodshot, obviously they didn't sleep well last night. The eldest man Qin Tong and the second man Qin Bin also came with their families to see him off. A farewell banquet was held very early in the Qin Mansion.
The family members were sitting around, and Qin Shubao said: "Dalang Erlang, after my father and Sanlang leave, you must go home and take care of them."
"Yes, father." The two brothers agreed together.
"Our Qin family... has been silent for too long!" After saying that, Qin Shubao let out a long sigh and sighed, "Time flies by and time is not forgiving. As a father, I feel old. If I don't work hard now while I can still move, then I will We can only wait for the loess to bury it.”
"Father, I am ashamed..." Qin Tong and Qin Bin lowered their heads in shame.
"I don't blame you." Qin Shubao glanced at Qin Mubai subconsciously, smiled slightly and said: "Everyone has his own destiny, wealth and honor are in the sky. As a father, I have long been destined to have nothing to do with the military in my life. How can I still do it this year? Returning to the army to guard the frontier is a great joy in life! But you brothers must be diligent day and night and don't let yourself go. The Qin family will ultimately rely on you to flourish!"
"Yes, father!" The three brothers responded solemnly together.
"Okay!" Qin Mubai shouted and raised the wine, "After drinking this bowl of wine, you can go your own way! We will reunite one day, and my father will test the three of you one by one!"
"Father, please!"
After drinking a bowl of strong wine, Qin Shubao's face turned a little red. He turned to look at Mr. Liu who was standing next to him and said softly: "Sit down too and have a drink with me?"
"No. I've been used to standing like this for many years." Ms. Liu bit her lip and said softly.
"I tell you to sit down, so you sit down!" Qin Shubao was a little annoyed, so he stepped forward and pulled her to sit next to him.
Mrs. Liu staggered a little, but finally sat down and smiled awkwardly.
"Thanks to you for all the hard work these years." Qin Shubao raised a glass of wine and said softly: "I have been sick for a long time, and you have to take care of everything. I rely on you to support me inside and outside the family. Raising children is also a matter of responsibility. You are in charge. Now, the three sons are all good, and Shuang'er is also very good. I would like to give you a toast in the name of the ancestors of the Qin family. "
"Uncle Bao... why are you talking about this? You will be back soon, won't you?" Mrs. Liu raised a glass of wine with some trembling and said while holding back tears.
"Yes, I will come back." Qin Shubao smiled slightly, "But I don't want to hold these words in my heart anymore. Over the years, you have lived in the side room, but you have taken care of everything in the Qin family without any regrets. In fact, in our hearts, You are already the mistress of the Qin family, aren't you? Today I declare that I will uphold your integrity and become the main mistress of my Qin family!"
"No, don't!" Ms. Liu waved her hands hurriedly, "I don't care about this! You don't have to do this!"
"Mother." Qin Tong spoke on the other side, "Just accept my father's wishes! My and my second brother's biological mother has been dead for many years, and it was you who brought us up. In our hearts, you are already our Your biological mother. What your father did was just to give you a proper title, it’s not a big deal!”
"Yes, mother, just accept it!" Qin Bin smiled slightly and said teasingly, "It's rare for father to show his true feelings like this. Look at how soft his smile is now!"
"Shut up, Shuzi! You're actually making fun of your father!" Qin Shubao scolded angrily, and then smiled at Mr. Liu, "Whether you accept it or not, I have already prepared the documents anyway. Wait for me Go, just send it to the county government office and have your household registration corrected. Besides, my majestic Duke Yi and Shangzhu, my principal wife should be granted a title of imperial concubine of the third or fourth grade, right? Bin'er, you are the director of Hongwen Hall, and I will leave this matter to you."
"Yes, father!" The two brothers agreed and turned back to smile at Qin Mubai.
Qin Mubai smiled back but said nothing.
In fact, the reason why Qin Shubao suddenly decided to straighten the Liu family was probably because of Qin Mubai
Over the years, the Liu family has not changed much. She has always worked hard for the Qin family without complaint, and she has not made any special "contributions" recently. After all, mother is not more valuable than son
In the past, Qin Mubai only knew that Fei Ying Liu Ma was naughty and gambled excessively. Although Shuang'er was a well-behaved little girl, it was not enough to change the status of mother and son in the Qin family. Now Qin Mubai has suddenly become more vigorous, more confident, and even more glorious. He even used his own power to directly affect Qin Shubao's "re-employment" - how could Qin Shubao not know this
If it weren't for the restraint of the head of the family, Qin Shubao might have thanked his son in turn! Now it is only natural that his biological mother Liu should be straightened out. Although for men like Qin Mubai, this is just a formality; for a woman like Liu, who is content with the fate of a concubine, it is tantamount to an earth-shattering transformation.
For the mistress of the Duke's family, compared to a concubine with no status or protection, there is a huge difference!
Mrs. Liu shed tears and said while wiping her tears: "Uncle Bao, Dalang, Erlang, I don't know what to say... No matter what I do, I always hope that I didn't make a mistake and never expect anything in return. The mistress is also the concubine. No matter what, I do everything for the Qin family. If the trouble is serious, there is no need to bother."
"Mother, this is not troublesome, and it should be!" the eldest son Qin Tong said seriously, "You have worked hard for the Qin family for decades, and we will keep these invisible and intangible kindness and achievements in our hearts. !This is what you deserve!"
"Yes, mother, you don't have to refuse anymore!" Qin Bin quickly pulled Qin Mubai next to him, "Third brother, please say something!"
Qin Mubai smiled slightly: "Mom, my father just said this when he was leaving. It shows that he has been suppressing it in his heart for a long time. Why don't you agree and let him go to his post with peace of mind? We have been together for decades, and we have never left each other. How many people can there be in the world? My father gave you this title not because you care... but because he thinks you deserve it. "
"The third brother is still clever and can speak well." Qin Tong said hurriedly, "Mom, after all the words have been said, are you still embarrassed to refuse father's wishes?"
"In this case... then I have no choice but to suffer!" Mrs. Liu said, tears streaming down her face.
"Why are you crying, haha!" Qin Shubao laughed, reached out to wipe the tears on Mrs. Liu's face, and said with a smile, "Women are women, they always like to cry."
"I'm happy but reluctant to give up. What do you know!" Mrs. Liu smiled with tears in her eyes and rolled her eyes at Qin Shubao.
Qin Shuang'er remained silent. Qin Mubai saw it in his eyes and took it to heart, muttering to himself that he would think of a way to persuade her later. Otherwise, this silly girl might not be able to let go for three or two months.
The Qin Mansion family banquet didn't last long and ended quickly. Because a group of Qin Shubao's old friends came to see him off. Led by Li Daozong, Li Ji, Cheng Zhijie and Yuchi Jingde, more than ten people came, all of them former colleagues of Qin Shubao when he was in the army.
Qin Shubao took out the gold armor with an animal head that he had not worn for many years, held a two-stone boxwood iron bow, carried a gold gun with a tiger head, wore a scarlet robe with flowers, and had a majestic gray beard.
Everyone cheered together: "Okay! The God of War of the Tang Dynasty is back!"
"Everyone, please don't bother me to see me off, I'm going to go!" Qin Shubao shouted loudly, and the horseman stood up and said, "If we are destined to meet you one day, we will meet in the fierce wind of the yellow sand!"
"That's awesome!" Everyone clasped their fists together, "Take care along the way, Duke Yi!"
"Farewell—"
With a few horse neighs, Qin Shubao left with several veteran servants accompanying him.
Mrs. Liu covered her face and cried, holding Qin Mubai's hand tightly and said, "Son, could you not leave in such a hurry and decisively like your father, and stay with your mother for a while longer?"
"Mother..." Qin Mubai said softly, "My father has such a character. In fact... he is also afraid that a hero will be short-tempered and his children will love each other, so he will kill decisively with a knife and cut off the love. He has too much love for this family, for you, and for us. Deep feelings and too much nostalgia, but they are rarely expressed.”
Qin Shuang'er's eyes were also red, and she said softly: "Mom, third brother is right... The more times like this, the less we can shed tears, lest father and third brother will not feel at ease. Third brother, go quickly, Isn’t there a group of people in Prince Wu’s Mansion waiting for you to set off together?”
"Well..." Qin Mubai nodded, with his eyes signaling Shuang'er to go aside with him, and said to her, "Shuang'er, we are all gone, you must be sad. But... you can date Wu Meiniang and go to Xiangzhou to see her. Us!"
"Is it really... okay?" Shuang'er said overjoyed.
"Why not?" Qin Mubai smiled slightly, "You can discuss the specific matters with Wu Meiniang. Now that your father is not at home, no one will impose control on you. But you must obtain your mother's approval, don't let She is anxious."
"Yeah, I know!"
"Okay, brother, let's go too!"
Qin Mubai, who was also wearing a military uniform, turned over and rode on Huoyun.
Li Daozong and others escorted Qin Shubao out of the Qin Mansion. On the street, they saw Qin Mubai riding out on horseback. They couldn't help laughing together: "Look, an old-fashioned Qin Shubao just left, and a young and handsome Qin Shubao came out immediately. ! It’s like the father and son were cut from the same mold, haha! ”
Qin Mubai dismounted and saluted everyone and said goodbye.
Li Daozong took a step forward, patted his shoulder armor and pulled him aside, saying, "Boy, your sword is still kept by me. When will you take it?"
"Haha, if the prince doesn't tell me, I will forget it! It is inconvenient to use swords and swords during the Chinese New Year. If we can meet again one day, I will ask the prince for advice! Such a precious sword is hard to come by, and I am determined to get it!" Qin Mubai said with a smile! .
"Okay! The boy is a bit crazy, I like it!" Li Daozong patted Qin Mubai's breastplate again and laughed loudly, "Go! Go boldly and bravely, don't lose to you. The old father, whose beard is about to turn gray, will definitely strive to outdo him!"
"Thank you for your encouragement, Your Majesty!" Qin Mubai replied with a heavy fist.
"You brat, come here." The old goblin Cheng Zhijie on the other side waved to him, and then laughed at him and said, "You can do it, old Cheng. I have only been away from Chang'an for less than a year, and you have made a lot of noise. , and even hooked up with a princess." After that, Cheng Zhijie laughed at Li Ji and others: "How about it, the disciple trained by me, Old Cheng, is not bad!"
"You old man, you are so shameless! That's because Qin Sanlang has grown up on his own, it's none of your business!" Yuchi Jingde roared angrily, "Qin Sanlang, I told my unsatisfactory son. Let him practice martial arts hard day and night, and he will surpass you sooner or later. You should be careful, don't let him go to the local prefectures and counties, and don't want to make progress. If you are bullied by Quanzi Baoyun, don't come to me and cry. Complain!"
"Haha! Uncle Cheng, Uncle Yuchi, don't worry, my nephew will work hard every day and won't dare to slack off!" Qin Mubai clasped his fists and laughed.
"Well..." Cheng Zhijie took a rare serious turn and said earnestly, "We old guys can't fight for much longer. In less than ten or twenty years, the Tang Dynasty will be your world. Qin Mubai, uncle is optimistic about you. Fake With time, you will be able to soar into the sky and surpass us old guys, so don’t let your uncle down!”
"Um!"
"Go on, stop blabbing!" Yuchi Jingde shouted, "It's not about separation between life and death, there's so much nonsense!"
"You old nigger, you really can't spit out ivory from your dog's mouth!" Cheng Zhijie scolded angrily.
"If you can, spit one out and show me, Lao Hei?" Yuchi Jingde sneered at Mai Mang.
The people next to them laughed bitterly together - well, these old enemies are fighting again, regardless of the occasion!
Li Ji took a step forward, fisted Qin Mubai first, and said: "Mubai, don't underestimate Xiangzhou. It was a battleground for military strategists in ancient times, and it was also the waterway hub of our Tang Dynasty across the north and south. Went there , it’s not as easy as staying in Chang’an. The key to running the army in local prefectures and counties is three words—harmony, generosity, and economy.”
"May I ask the British Lord, what is the explanation for these three words?" Qin Mubai hurriedly asked for advice. Li Ji has served as a senior military officer in the prefectures and counties in Shandong for many years. He has richer experience in this field than anyone else, not even Qin Shubao.
Li Ji smiled slightly and said: "Harmony means harmony is the most precious thing. Whether it is with your colleagues, the officials of the state, or the common people and squires, you must live in harmony. The army is like fish and the people are like water, and the local army is like fish and water. If someone in the government offends the provincial governor or makes the people hate him, he will definitely be in trouble; being tolerant is the art of governing people. When officials in the capital like us come to a place, we must not think that we are superior to others, treat others with a different attitude, and treat others with kindness. Only then can people support you. Put yourself in the shoes of your soldiers, and in time, they will treat you like a family member. As a general, you should love your soldiers like your own son and win the hearts of the people."
"Thank you, Mr. British, for your advice. I will remember it for the younger generation!" Qin Mubai clasped his fists gratefully, "What about this 'Ji'?"
"A merciful person combines hardness and softness." Li Ji said with a smile, "Being kind to soldiers is not the same as being weak and giving in. Military orders are like mountains and cannot be disobeyed. As a general, rewards and punishments should be clearly defined and the law should be enforced impartially, not selfish and not giving in, and only by establishing favor and authority can orders and prohibitions be implemented. At first glance, it sounds contradictory to "Kuan", but in fact it complements each other. As for the mystery, you have to grasp it carefully. "
"Well, this junior will remember it!"
"Okay, come on, come on, it's so long-winded!" Yuchi Jingde waved his hand, "It's rare for us to get together again, so don't delay our drinking time!"
"Haha!" Qin Mubai laughed and got on his horse, "Juniors are going, uncles, take care of yourself!"
Riding on the snow, Qin Mubai's figure quickly disappeared into the streets of Lifang.
In the backyard of the Qin Mansion, the melodious sound of the pipa had been ringing for a long time, but suddenly it stopped.
"Shuang'er, has he left already?"
"Let's go." Qin Shuang'er sat beside her and said softly.
"Did he hear the sound of the pipa I played to see him off?"
"I don't know... Third brother, I haven't stopped for a moment since I got up today, but he still asked about you. You too, why do you insist on not coming to the main hall for a banquet to give them a treat?" Qin Shuang'er said.
"I don't dare to go..." Yao'er said softly, stroking the strings.
"Are you afraid of facing separation?" Shuang'er frowned slightly, "Is this why Third Brother didn't come to say goodbye to you?"
"He... knows my nature."
Qin Mubai arrived at Prince Wu's Mansion and saw that Li Ke and the others were ready and just waiting to set off. The thirty hundred cavalry soldiers under Pang Fei's command are also ready to go and are waiting here.
"Let's go!" Li Ke waved his hand, got on the horse first, and smiled at Qin Mubai, "Mubai, today the king will ride with you!"
"Haha, if you don't ride in a comfortable car, why are you riding a horse?" Qin Mubai said with a smile.
"After leaving Chang'an, a gentle and affectionate place, if no one chats with you along the way, wouldn't you be lonely and boring?" Li Ke joked with a smile.
"Nowhere, I will definitely not be lonely." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "Because, loneliness will accompany me."
“Haha—let’s go!”
A group of nearly a thousand people marched out of Prince Wu's Mansion and out of Chang'an City.
A few hours later, Qin Mubai and Li Ke stood on a slope, looking back at Chang'an.
"Mu Bai, tell me, what will the situation be like when we come back next time?" Li Ke asked.
"Who knows?" Qin Mubai smiled slightly, "I only know that I will definitely come back!"
"Okay! Say goodbye to Chang'an!" Li Ke raised his fist in the direction of Chang'an, "Goodbye Chang'an, we will definitely come back!"