A sparrow turned into a phoenix overnight. Qin Mubai was promoted from a small seventh-grade captain of the prince's palace to a fifth-grade envoy of hundreds of cavalry on the emperor's side. The whole Qin family was naturally very happy.
At noon, brothers Qin Tong and Qin Bin went home specially to congratulate their third brother. The Qin family held a family banquet, and the family, including the Cheng family and his son, had a great time drinking and talking.
The happiest people are naturally Liu and Qin Shuang'er. The two of them have always regarded Qin Mubai as the core of their lives. Now that he has made a difference, the two of them feel proud and have something to rely on.
In the evening, the Qin family calmed down after a noisy day. Qin Mubai went to the backyard to practice marksmanship and archery as usual, and did not get carried away because of his sudden victory.
Qin Shubao watched and gave instructions from the sidelines. After practicing for two hours, it was already the moon star and thin nectar fell, and Qin Shubao asked him to stop.
"Sanlang, you will be on duty at the palace tomorrow. Please take some time to go and say something to King Wu first." Qin Shubao said, "Although the emperor's will is greater than heaven, there is no need to ask for King Wu's consent, but there are many people who are polite." No wonder, it’s always a good thing for you to explain it. That’s how a man should behave.”
"I understand, kid. I'll change my clothes later and go right away." Qin Mubai cupped his hands and said.
"Also. When serving as an errand around the emperor, you must keep two principles in mind." Qin Shubao raised two fingers and said seriously, "First, listen more and talk less; second, do more and talk less."
"Yes." Qin Mubai cupped his hands, "My child naturally understands the principle that talking too much will lead to mistakes. When you work beside the emperor, you will have more opportunities to be promoted. But accompanying the emperor is like accompanying a tiger, so be careful. Ten Thousand Years Ship."
Qin Shubao's eyes flashed with light, he stroked his beard and nodded: "Very good... It seems that your knowledge has surpassed that of some people of your age, but you are worrying too much about your father."
Qin Mubai's heart tightened a little, and he raised his hands without replying. He thought to himself: I know my son Mo Ruofu, so many earth-shaking changes have taken place when I came back this time. My father has always seen it but never questioned it... Although he is a martial artist, He is also very thoughtful!
After practicing martial arts, Qin Mubai changed his clothes and went to Prince Wu's Mansion. It was Yuwen Hongtai who was on duty at the gate of the palace, and he danced with joy when he saw Qin Mubai. It turned out that the news that Qin Mubai had been granted the title of Hundred Cavalry Envoy had already spread like wildfire to Prince Wu's Mansion.
Qin Mubai, Yuwen Hongtai and other brothers chatted for a while, and then went into the mansion to see the King of Wu. Today, Li Ke neither enjoyed the singing and dancing nor hid in his room early to have fun with his concubine. Instead, he was sitting in the lobby, as if he was waiting for Qin Mubai.
"Mubai, I knew you would come." Seeing Qin Mubai coming, Li Ke stood up with a smile, stepped forward and grinned at him, "As expected, you are really capable! The highest ranking member of the emperor's personal guard Sir Baiqi Shi... That's your majesty's favorite man. Congratulations, Mu Bai!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Qin Mubai bowed his hands and said, "I am here today only because of His Highness's support and blessing, so I came here specifically to express my gratitude."
"There's no need to thank you. Brothers and I, do you still need to be so polite?" Li Ke laughed and reached out to pat Qin Mubai on the back, "Let's go!"
"Where to go?"
"You'll know when you're here!" Li Ke smiled mysteriously, waved his sleeves and strode outside. Qin Mubai had no choice but to follow.
Under the moonlight, the two walked to the stables in the backyard of Prince Wu's Mansion.
"Come here, bring the bloody horse!" Li Ke ordered, and a groom took Nuo and pulled out a majestic horse covered in coals from the stable.
Qin Mubai's eyes were attracted immediately. I have been in Datang for a long time, and I have never seen such a tall and muscular BMW!
Li Ke stepped forward, smiled and stroked the horse's neck, and said: "How is it, Mu Bai? This is the most valuable treasure in my palace. His Majesty the Emperor conquered the world and once rode six horses, known as 'Six Horses'. One of them, named 'Shivachi', is a red horse with a body like flames."
"Could this be Shivachi?" Qin Mubai asked in shock. Can the horse that the emperor rides also be rewarded to the King of Wu
"Of course not." Li Ke smiled, "Your Majesty loves horses very much. He is also a great expert in looking at horses. He even wrote poems about the six horses. 'The bones of the horses drink from Changjing, and the flowing water spreads the tassels. The fine lines are sprayed together, and they are messy. The water is shining on the saddle, and the horse's shadow is flying across the sky. It looks like a dragon is growing in the Tianchi. How could the dragon horse your Majesty ride fall here? A few years after he ascended the throne, he died of old age. This horse was the offspring of a cross between Shivachi and an authentic sweat horse. "
"No wonder it's so majestic!" Qin Mubai exclaimed. Xiangma, he once heard Qin Shubao say something about it. A horse with ears like bamboo, eyes like a bird, a long neck and a strong body is probably a good horse. The horse in front of me is much taller and stronger than ordinary horses, and there are some thin stripes on the rear hip - this is the symbol of a pure-blooded wild horse from the Western Regions!
In an era like the Tang Dynasty, horses were like vehicles in modern society. The value of such a pure-blooded BMW is almost equivalent to a limited edition Bugatti Veyron!
Moreover, even if you have money, you may not be able to buy it!
For generals, horses are of great significance. During the Three Kingdoms period, Lu Bu betrayed Ding Yuan for a red rabbit horse, which is one of the best proofs.
"The BMW is a gift to a hero. It is a pity that it is kept in captivity in my lifeless palace." Li Ke patted the horse's neck and turned around with a smile, "It is yours, Mu Bai."
"What?" Qin Mubai was slightly surprised, "Your Highness, I don't dare to accept such an expensive gift!"
"Why, you dislike me?" Li Ke said with a smile, "When I return to Beijing this time, everyone else is staying away from me. You want to have nothing to do with me, and you don't even want to accept the gifts I give you?"
"No... That's not what I meant." Qin Mubai frowned and said, "But since His Majesty the Emperor gave you this horse, how can I ride it? Isn't this an act of transgression?"
"This is not something the emperor took the initiative to reward." Li Ke smiled and said casually, "Two years ago, I was ordered to quell a civil unrest caused by a food shortage in a county in Yongzhou. Your Majesty wanted to reward me and give the city money and grain. I I was afraid that my fiefship would be more than that of other kings and would arouse jealousy, so I declined and took the initiative to ask for the horse in exchange for the reward. After two years, I am afraid that even the emperor would not remember such a trivial matter. Therefore, I want to do it. It doesn’t matter who you give it to.”
"Your Highness is wise." Qin Mubai bowed his hands and said to himself: Big trees often attract wind, so it is a good idea to keep a low profile. Asking for rewards for meritorious service will not cause the emperor to have any other doubts about Li Ke's intentions. Li Ke was indeed working hard to hide his capabilities and bide his time.
"Now that I am an idle prince, such a good horse is of no use and I can only let it die in the stable in my backyard. Isn't it a pity?" Li Ke smiled and said, "I have heard about today's competition. At that time, Changsun Huan almost took the credit away from you because of his horse speed. Isn't that annoying? From now on, you will be the envoy of hundreds of horses. How can your horse be worse than that of your subordinate Changsun Huan? Come on, don’t refuse.”
"Then... thank you, His Highness King Wu." Qin Mubai had no choice but to accept it.
"This horse is very human, and its name is 'Fire Cloud'." Li Ke touched the tassel-like fiery brown hair on the horse's neck, and threw the reins to Qin Mubai, "From today on, you are its owner. . Get on the horse and ride for me!”
Qin Mubai took the reins, picked up the whip, turned over and mounted the horse. The horse moved back and forth impatiently, snoring, and kept rubbing its head and neck against Li Ke, seemingly uneasy and reluctant.
"Haha, I have raised this horse for two years, and I have a very close relationship. Mu Bai, you see, it knows that I gave it to you, and it is a little reluctant to leave and is about to cry!" Li Ke held the horse's head and stroked it gently. Touching its cheek, he whispered, "Go, Huo Yun, a BMW and a hero, he is your best master!"
Huo Yun raised his head brazenly, exerted his strength fiercely, and let out a long neighing sound.
Qin Mubai was unexpectedly startled, but fortunately he reacted quickly enough not to be thrown off his horse.
"Your Highness, this horse has such a deep relationship with you, I really can't bear to take away someone's love!" Qin Mubai was about to jump off the horse.
"No. It belongs to you." Li Ke waved his hand fiercely and said resolutely, "It is precisely because it is humane and affectionate that it is a truly good horse. If you care about our friendship, treat this horse kindly, and Let’s write your own legend side by side!”
After saying that, Li Ke suddenly waved his hand and slapped Huo Yun on the horse's butt.
Huoyun Chang hissed and ran away.
As fast as a shooting star, as fierce as thunder!
"What a good horse!" Qin Mubai's heart trembled, and he concentrated on controlling the horse.
"It's getting late, you don't need to get off your horse and just run out of the palace and go home!" Li Ke said with a laugh.
"Thank you, Your Highness—"
There was a lingering sound, and Qin Mubai disappeared into the backyard of the palace like the wind.
Li Ke put his hands on his back and paced slightly, looked up at the moon and raised the corner of his mouth with a slight smile: "BMW presents heroes, Huo Yun, Huo Yun, you have finally met the most suitable master... But Mu Bai, you have found your truest Are you happy?"
The next day, dawn.
Qin Mubai got up half an hour earlier than usual. He struggled in the room for a long time before putting on his armor and uniform. Then he hurriedly ate some breakfast prepared by the servants in advance, went to the stables, took Huo Yun in hand, and prepared to go to the palace for his first day of work.
Qin Shubao also got up very early and did Tai Chi for a while in the garden of the front house. When he saw Qin Mubai leading the horse out, he caressed his beard and narrowed his eyes and said, "Is this a gift from Li Ke?"
"Yes..." Qin Shubao saw through it at a glance, and Qin Mubai had no choice but to admit it.
"Well... let's go, it's getting late." Qin Shubao nodded and said.
"Goodbye, kid." Qin Mubai led the horse out of the door. Qin Shubao's eyes kept falling on the horse, as if he was thoughtful.
The emperor explained yesterday that although Qin Mubai can officially take office as the Hundred Cavalry Envoy, he will basically not be needed as a punctual personal guard in the past month or two. What he has to do during this time is to train troops.
The newly recruited 600 Hundred Cavalry Sergeants are still pieces of rough jade that need to be carved. And now, the other Baiqi officers have not yet been confirmed. Qin Mubai entered the palace today just to listen to some explanations before the emperor's arrival.
When the horse reached the Suzaku Gate of the Imperial City, Qin Mubai turned over and dismounted. I saw many officials' horses and official sedans parked here. They showed their palace certificates to the gatekeepers one after another before they could enter the palace one after another.
There were also some officials, who were obviously known to the gatekeepers or had great connections, so they went in directly without asking the official to tell them who they were. However, no one came in in a sedan or on horseback.
Qin Mubai lined up and walked over to show his official certificate. The soldier first looked at Qin Mubai, obviously feeling unfamiliar. After checking his official credentials, he suddenly became awe-struck and changed his expression: "It turns out to be General Qin - His Majesty has issued an imperial edict that all cavalry officers are not subject to any military control and can freely enter and leave the imperial city on horseback and in sedan chairs. General Qin, please !”
Some other officials on the left and right made low boos, turning their heads and sideways to look at Qin Mubai.
"Is he Qin Mubai? The one who was awarded the title of Hundred Cavalry Envoy by the emperor yesterday?"
"I heard that he is Qin Shubao's third son, but he is still so young? What a heroic young man!"
"Tsk tsk, the future is bright!"
The official status of a Beijing official who can enter the palace to handle errands is not low. Such discussions made Qin Mubai feel a little embarrassed. After taking back his official certificate, he led the horse into the imperial city. Without thinking too much, he got on the horse and headed directly towards the Tai Chi Palace in the imperial city.
The Imperial Palace of the Tang Dynasty, with Taiji Palace as the main body. After entering the Zhuque Gate of the Imperial City, there is Chengtianmen Street leading to Taiji Palace. To the left and right of the street are the various government offices of the "Fu Tai Jian Temple" such as the Twelve Guards Army Guards Station, Shangshu Province, Taichang Temple, Yushitai, and Jiang Zuojian.
At the end of Chengtianmen Street is the entrance to Taiji Palace, Chengtianmen. Taiji Palace is the political center of the Tang Dynasty today. There are Taiji Palace and Wude Hall, the palaces where the emperor discussed politics, as well as institutions such as Menxia Sheng and Zhongshu Sheng where the prime ministers worked, as well as the Hongwen Hall where the emperor's think tank compiled books and discussed politics, and provided reserve talents and intellectual support for the central institutions of the Tang Dynasty. Sherenyuan and so on.
This place is equivalent to the brain of the entire Tang Dynasty.
The duty of Qin Mubai, the envoy of Baiqi, is to protect the emperor at all times. From now on, if the emperor comes to the Taiji Palace to discuss affairs in the morning, he will lead a hundred cavalry to protect him. In the past, the emperor was protected by the Jinwu guards when he went to court; when he was in other places in the imperial city (for example, playing in Houwan), he was protected by the prison guards; if he traveled far away, he was protected by the left and right guards. Now, the emperor has a personal bodyguard force - Baiqi.
Today's morning court has ended, and the emperor asked Qin Mubai to have an audience at the Hanyuan Hall of the Daming Palace at the end of Chenshi.
Daming Palace was also called Yong'an Palace a few years ago. It was built by Li Shimin specifically for Li Yuan's retirement. After Li Yuan passed away two years ago, this huge and gorgeous palace became a place for Li Shimin to rest and was not used as a political palace for discussing politics.
In other words, the current Daming Palace is Li Shimin's harem. Except for some eunuchs and maids, only people like Qin Mubai could enter.
Standing in front of the Danfeng Gate of the Daming Palace, Qin Mubai couldn't help but smile: I will stay in the Daming Palace for a long time to protect the emperor... and the beauties in the harem.
The beauty of three thousand pink daisies is boundless. For a vigorous man like me, it is really a great test!