Princess Gao Yang dragged Qin Mubai out of the hall and into the courtyard without any explanation. Her face was flushed with excitement, and she immediately threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.
Qin Mubai looked around and saw that there were many guard soldiers nearby. These people were turning around in embarrassment and pretending to turn a blind eye.
"Hey, there are so many people here!"
"You won't tell them to step back, really?" Princess Gao Yang didn't care about this. She hugged her even tighter and pressed her face tightly against Qin Mubai's chest.
Qin Mubai didn't need to speak, the guards were all enlightened.
"You don't have to be like this, right?" Qin Mubai patted her back gently and said with a smile, "You pulled me out as soon as I entered the house. I have never seen King Jiang Xia."
"It's not like you don't know that little old man, what's there to show?" Princess Gao Yang raised her head with a smile, looked at Qin Mubai affectionately with her beautiful eyes, and asked, "Stinky military academy, thief of men, honest Tell me, did you miss me?"
"What do you think?" Qin Mubai laughed, patted her shoulder and said, "Okay, let go. King Jiang Xia and Xiao Yu must be laughing at us in the room!"
Princess Gao Yang relaxed, but refused to let go. She took Qin Mubai's hand and said excitedly: "Mubai, I'm finally free! I left Chang'an and came to Xiangzhou. I finally have a life." Create a space of peace and freedom for me to get along well with you, you know, this is what I dream of!”
Qin Mubai smiled happily, reached out and pinched her nose gently, and said: "That means we will have a lot of time together. Now, should we go inside and let me perform my official duties first? ?”
"Okay, of course!" Princess Gao Yang happily responded with a smile, took Qin Mubai's hand and walked inside without any hesitation.
Qin Mubai shook his head and smiled, letting her go.
In the past, she was used to this under the eyes of Li Shimin in the palace; now in Xiangzhou, what scruples does she have
When the two of them walked into the room, Xiao Yu and Li Daozong's bright eyes first noticed that their hands were connected, but they immediately turned away and pretended to turn a blind eye.
"Mr. Xiao Ge, Mu Bai is here now! If you have any good or bad words, say them in front of him!" Princess Gao Yang snorted lukewarmly, "I hate people who gossip behind their backs the most. If you are a businessman, It’s nothing more than an old woman, but she’s still a high-ranking official, so that’s really boring!”
Xiao Yu was afraid of being scolded again and dared to talk back, so Weiwei responded cautiously: "Yes, what Her Royal Highness the Princess taught you is that the old minister is indeed confused."
"You're not confused, you said that on purpose." Princess Gaoyang was unyielding and continued, "Don't you just want to sue him in front of Uncle Wang Huang of Jiangxia, and you have to clear up your own suspicions first?" As far as private houses are concerned, why don't you mention the words "left by the prisoner" and emphasize it? Then you hurriedly said that this was not your intention, and blamed it all on Mu Bai. I think you are just irresponsible. You should be the one to make the decision on all matters related to the ceremony, but you blame your subordinates for trouble. What's the point?"
"Your Highness, you shouldn't say that." In order to save some face for Xiao Yu, Qin Mubai smoothed things over and said, "I heard a bit of what Mr. Xiao Ge said just now. In fact, he didn't say anything. I am just stating the facts. In advance, I was indeed the one who insisted on using private houses to renovate the palace, and I had promised in advance that if His Highness the Crown Prince and the King of Jiangxia were to blame, I would bear the responsibility. Mr. Xiao Ge did not Make up half a point.”
"Yes, Gao Yang." Li Daozong also said with a smile, "It's just a small misunderstanding. There's no need to make such a fuss about it, right? You see, Mr. Xiao Ge is a famous official in the world, a veteran of three dynasties, and he's already very old. You can do it anyway. You should worry about other people’s face!”
Xiao Yu smiled bitterly on the side, feeling like a child who was bullied, and Qin Mubai and Li Daozong had to come forward to bail him out.
"Uncle Wang Huang of Jiangxia, this is a small matter to you, but it is a big deal to me!" Princess Gao Yang did not continue to get angry, but said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "I don't care who it is, in person or behind your back. No matter what, you just can’t slander Mu Bai! Otherwise, I won’t let him go!”
"Mr. Xiao Ge, have you heard everything?" Li Daozong couldn't help laughing, "This time, you have provoked someone you shouldn't have provoked!"
Qin Mubai smiled a little apologetically and said: "Mr. Xiao Ge, don't listen to Her Highness the Princess's nonsense. She is just trying to keep her mouth happy and has no bad intentions."
"This veteran understands, this veteran understands." Xiao Yu squeezed out a dry smile and nodded repeatedly, but there were waves of cold sweat oozing out from his temples.
"Humph, the three of you bullied me together. I won't play with you anymore!" Princess Gao Yang sat up from her seat and smiled. "You guys want to talk about business, right? I'll go out for a walk! Don't worry about it! Me, let’s talk!”
"Where are you going, Your Highness the Princess?" the three men asked in unison.
"Wow, why are you so nervous?" Princess Gaoyang shouted, "I'm not a child, what's the point of going out for a walk? Besides, I have a hundred cavalry guards with me! Moreover, here in Xiangzhou is 'Mu' Bai’s territory, what am I afraid of? Don’t worry, I’ll go out for a walk and be back soon!”
After saying that, Princess Gaoyang jumped out, summoned several hundred riders, and walked out of the post house in a swaggering manner.
The three men watched Princess Gaoyang leave, shook their heads in unison, and then heaved a sigh of relief.
Xiao Yu stretched out his hand to wipe the cold sweat, and said with a click of his tongue: "Awesome, awesome! I have learned a lesson! I haven't seen you for many days, and Princess Gaoyang is even more powerful than before!"
Li Daozong was obviously used to it, so he just smiled indifferently and said, "Don't worry, Mu Ba, she will be fine. The Baiqi soldiers you sent to escort Li Ke to Beijing came with us, and they were responsible for protecting Gao Yang along the way. . With them here, it doesn’t hurt.”
Qin Mubai gave a bitter smile and said, "Your Majesty, you are worrying too much. Are you saying that I am worried about Your Highness the Princess? I am worried that if she goes out this time, she may cause some trouble outside or harm others. ”
"Haha, it's reasonable to worry!" Li Daozong laughed. "In the capital, she still had some scruples. Now in Xiangzhou, especially when Xiangzhou is still 'Mubai's territory', she will definitely be lawless. Mubai Yeah, you have to be disciplined and disciplined. This little old man has been so naughty by her."
Qin Mubai smiled slightly and changed the subject: "Why did the prince come to Xiangzhou half a month in advance without informing him in advance so that his ministers could go and greet him? Such a sudden arrival caught us off guard, and Lost etiquette."
"It's okay, it's okay. I'm not used to those red tape customs. It's quieter to come quietly." Li Daozong sat down, picked up a cup of tea and took a sip, indicating that Xiao Yu and Qin Mubai also sat down. He said: "I know that as long as I come to Xiangzhou, you will be busy for a while. But if that girl Gao Yang hadn't insisted on me bringing her here in advance, how could I have thought of disturbing you in advance? ?”
Although Xiao Yu was present, there were some things I couldn't ask. Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Since the prince is here, it's time to have fun and rest for a while. Although Xiangzhou is not as prosperous and lively as Kyoto in the pass, it also has the characteristics and interest of a water town. After the prince has a rest for two days, he will unload. Now that you have refreshed yourself from the fatigue of the journey, I will arrange some beautiful places for you to go and have fun.”
"Okay." Li Daozong nodded cheerfully and laughed. "This time, I owe it all to His Majesty's great blessing. He took care of me, an idle veteran, and gave me a relaxing and fun job. Now that I'm here, I Just open your mind and have fun. Mu Bai, Gao Yang said this is your territory, so I will rely on your arrangements for everything!"
"The prince is joking." Qin Mubai said with a smile.
Xiao Yu stood aside, as if he was still sleeping in the lingering power of Princess Gaoyang and had not recovered. Seeing Li Daozong and Qin Mubai chatting so speculatively, it was obvious that the two were old acquaintances and had a close friendship before, and he felt bitter and regretful in his heart - Damn it! Looking at this situation, Li Daozong's friendship with him is much deeper than his friendship with me! How could I think of making irresponsible remarks to Qin Mubai in front of Li Daozong? ... Hey, this time, my old face has been completely lost! I really didn’t expect that this young, oily-headed, pink-faced boy who was just entering the official career would have such a wide range of friendships. It’s just a tough thing to get on board with Princess Gaoyang. She is a sworn friend of Li Ke, and she also has a good relationship with the King of Jiangxia!
"What a terrifying life!"
Next, Li Daozong asked some questions about the mausoleum and rituals, but he only mentioned them in a few words without going into more details, and he didn't care about the details. On the one hand, he is just here to go through the motions, and is only responsible for making a show at the ceremony and everything will be fine, so there is no need to pay too much attention to it. Secondly, Li Daozong also has an atmosphere that Xiao Yu does not have. Now that everything has been handed over to Qin Mubai, just ask about the result when the time comes, and don't worry about what he did in the middle.
At this point, Li Daozong and Li Shimin have some similarities. They can show respect and trust to their subordinates. Only when they trust their subordinates can they be used appropriately. Because of this, when Li Shimin conquered the country and ruled the world, he always had many capable subordinates. It's because those people can give full play to their skills by following him. A person like Xiao Yu, who has a strong and upright personality and excessive demands for perfection, and a style of making every effort, can be considered an advantage in some aspects at certain times, but it will appear to lack a little tolerance for others, and he is destined not to become as outstanding as Li Daozong. of handsome talent.
Three people go together there must be my teacher. One is Xiao Yu and the other is Li Daozong. Qin Mubai has learned a lot from both of them, whether positive or negative.
After chatting for a while, Li Daozong said he was a little tired and wanted to go back to the camp to rest. Qin Mubai prepared carriages and horses to see him off in person. Xiao Yu saw that the two of them had a good rapport and were chatting happily, and he seemed redundant, so he did not follow him.
Li Daozong was not willing to ride in a car, but rode a chariot with Qin Mubai, admiring the local customs of Xiangyang along the way.
"Xiangzhou is really a good place. If nothing else, the fish is good!" Li Daozong said with a smile, "Mu Bai, do you still remember my mansion in Jinzhou? I dug a small lake in the backyard and raised a lot of fish. Fish, always fishing.”
"Remember," Qin Mubai said, "Isn't one of the prince's biggest hobbies in his life fishing?"
"Yes!" Li Daozong laughed, "Unfortunately, fishing in Chang'an is not so convenient. The Wei River is too far away, and the Taiye Pond in the palace is not a place for me to fish. I can't catch anything in other small ponds. Come on. It’s easy for you to entertain me. Find me a comfortable place to fish, and I’ll fish for him for a few days!”
"No problem." Qin Mubai smiled slightly and said, "You can fish by the green grass, under the wild willow trees, or drifting along the river. You can fish whatever you want."
"When it comes to fishing, I think of my Yan'er." Li Daozong said casually, "It's been nearly a year since we left Jinzhou. I don't know where she is now and how she is doing. Mu Bai, you Did you see her again later?"
Qin Mubai was stunned for a moment, then shook his head: "No."
Li Daozong's sharp eyes glanced at Qin Mubai's face, and he smiled knowingly. He didn't go into details, but said meaningfully: "Mubai, you are such a romantic person."
"How can he be as popular as the prince?" Qin Mubai said with a smile.
"Haha, I'm old!" Li Daozong sighed and said, "Do you know why I have such a crush on you? Because when I see you, I seem to see myself twenty years ago."
"What did the prince say? Forty years old is the prime of life. This is the time when a man is most attractive." Qin Mubai said, "Compared with the prince, I am just a young boy. If I get to the prince, If you are of such an age and have such achievements and grace as the prince, then your life will not be in vain.”
"Haha, this flattery feels so good." Li Daozong laughed heartily, reached out and patted Qin Mubai's shoulder, nodded with appreciation and smiled, "Among young people, you are so understanding and humble. There are really not many virtuous people. Qin Mubai, you have extraordinary wisdom and qualifications. You are indeed a rare piece of fine jade. No wonder His Majesty has always been so vicious in his eyes. ”
"I rely on luck 90%." Qin Mubai smiled modestly.
"That's right. A person does need a lot of luck in his life. It's not an exaggeration to say 90%. But the remaining 10% is what really determines the success of a life." Li Daozong said, "In other words, people who have really achieved great achievements have good luck; but people who are lucky may not be able to achieve great achievements. Mu Bai, you have good luck. The rest needs to be grasped by yourself. ”
"Yes, I know. Thank you, Your Majesty, for your teachings." Qin Mubai cupped his hands in thanks.
"I'm afraid I haven't said so much nonsense to others in some years." Li Daozong chuckled and said, "Qin Mubai, you really have an appetite for me. Otherwise, no matter what the little girl Ling'er does, Please, why am I willing to come to your place and spend half a month? During this half month, you have to accompany me and Ling'er to eat, drink and have fun. You can't miss your business. I'm sure. ?"
"Yes!" Qin Mubai shouted with a smile on his face.
"Haha, good boy, that's great!" Li Daozong patted Qin Mubai's shoulder hard several times, waved his riding whip and ran forward, shouting, "Come on, take me to see my Xiangzhou palace!"
"good!"
When the carriage arrived, Li Daozong took a casual look around and nodded satisfied.
Qin Mubai said, this is the old house left by the criminal, do you really not mind
Li Daozong smiled and said: "Let me tell you this. If it is arranged by Xiao Yu, I will definitely mind; if it is your idea, then there is no problem. I support your move. Even if the prince has objections, I will Can help you convince him."
"My lord, you are so interesting!" Qin Mubai smiled happily.
"Did you just know that?" Li Daozong also smiled knowingly and said, "In half a month, the prince will go south with King Wu. In other words, you have to continue to be busy for this half month. Don't fight alone if something happens, Xiao Yu is also here to do things. If you can leave it to him, let him do it. Otherwise, he will still have opinions."
"Your Majesty is right. Before, I took care of everything by myself, which was hard and tiring. He was so idle that he still looked at me with suspicion." Qin Mubai said, "I just listened to Your Majesty's words. I felt like I was enlightened. If I were Xiao Yu and all the work was taken over by my subordinates, and all the decisions were made by him, I would definitely not be happy."
"Smart and perceptive!" Li Daozong raised his hand and praised seriously, "Whenever you get along with anyone, if you can imagine yourself as the other person, that's right. Even when fighting, you must also learn Think of you as your enemy. For example: you have made a military plan, and you have to be prepared for the worst, that is, your enemy is yourself and has already grasped your intentions. It must be clear. If you still have a way to deal with this situation, then you are at least invincible!"
"Wonderful!" Qin Mubai applauded, stroking his palms, "Your Majesty is so superb at incorporating the art of war into everyday little things. This is all true knowledge and insights from practice! Your Majesty, why don't you also consider writing a book of war and pass it on to future generations? people?"
"Writing nonsense!" Li Daozong laughed loudly, "I have never read military books myself, how can I write military books? Some of my things were temporarily learned on the battlefield and are not decent. Only Li Jing is orthodox. He is a great military strategist. If you follow him, you must study hard, and you will become a great master sooner or later!"
"I think I can learn a lot from following the prince, and I can always accept it easily." Qin Mubai said with a smile.
"This is called luck, brat." Li Daozong smiled and patted Qin Mubai's arm and said, "Go back, you have nothing to do here. By the way, Gao Yang will return to Guanyi when he is tired from playing in a while. You Go get that wild girl here. Listen, my Majesty, you have given her to me. Now I am her father. I don’t care how you two get along, but at night, you must Leave her to me."
Qin Mubai couldn't help laughing and nodded: "Yes!"
"Go quickly!" Li Daozong laughed and said, "If she comes back early, come to my place for dinner together! I brought a cook from Chang'an, and his skills are very good."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, I will go look for her now!" Qin Mubai licked his lips and said with a smile, "I really miss Chang'an's hometown cuisine!"