After dinner, Qin Mubai and his family relaxed for a while, and then went to visit Qin Mubai's new "Consort's Mansion" together. At this time, the wedding is about to be completed and the project is coming to an end, and the overall picture can be seen at a glance.
Originally, Qin Mubai's house was not very spacious, but it was considered rare and precious in the city of Chang'an where every inch of land was precious. Now that the new Prince Consort's Mansion will be used for Princess Gaoyang's wedding, it has been expanded to include more than ten acres of land, and all the neighbors' houses have been included on the first floor. Naturally, it has cost a lot of money. The expanded area is mainly the back house. Originally there was only a simple polo field, which Qin Mubai used to practice horse riding and martial arts on weekdays. Now it is divided into two areas. One is the "Spring and Autumn Garden", with pavilions and garden planting. Hundreds of flowers and exotic herbs are used by the princess and the prince-in-law to relax and escape from the summer heat. The value of one of the exotic flowers from India, the "Moshenati", is enough to cover an average family's annual expenses. On weekdays, it is only slightly planted in Li Shimin's favorite Penglai Palace Garden. Daqing was transplanted directly from Li Shimin's thumb because Princess Gaoyang loved this flower very much.
This garden alone seems to be made of mountains of gold and silver. After the entire villa was expanded, the large tiled house with dougong in the front house was replaced with the twelve-story stone steps commonly used by the royal family, with an eight-legged Suan Ni incense burner squatting on the large stone platform, and the main room was also replaced with a three-story building with magnificent dragons and phoenixes. The Feidiao Tower is supported by twelve large flying phoenix pillars. The golden light is shining and the red clouds reflect the color. The furnishings in the house are even more gorgeous and not inferior to Gong Ya...
I don’t know how much it costs!
Princess Gaoyang, who didn't know how expensive food, rice, oil and salt were, was naturally happy to see her, but Qin Mubai and his family were stunned. Although the Qin family has been wealthy for many years, they have never been used to luxury. If Qin Shubao, who had always been low-key and frugal, saw this, he would definitely not accept the house. The Zhenguan Tang Dynasty always advocated frugality. For an honest minister like Wei Zheng, weeds could grow in the house, and the furnishings in his home were not as good as a small business trip with food and clothing.
This time, the emperor is making a big deal out of Princess Gaoyang's marriage, which may lead to some accusations and criticisms.
However, these issues are not for Qin Mubai to consider. He never made any demands. If the emperor insists on such an arrangement, all Qin Mubai sees is the emperor's preference for his daughter and his respect for his consort. This is a favor, even if you have no intention of showing off or being high-profile, you must accept it. Otherwise, it will inevitably embarrass the emperor who is not human.
After visiting the house, Qin Mubai prepared to send Princess Gaoyang back to the palace, first to return to the capital to answer her orders, and secondly to express her gratitude for the family house. Princess Gaoyang stubbornly said that if she was tired today, why not rest for one night and then go tomorrow? Qin Mubai couldn't help her this time, saying that he had just returned to the capital and there were people staring at him everywhere. It was better to take into account the royal decency. It would be better for the princess to go back to the palace to rest tonight.
Princess Gaoyang had no choice but to obey. The two packed up their carriages, horses and other belongings, took some gifts from Xiangyang, and entered the palace.
It's nighttime, and the city of Chang'an, which is rich in nightlife, is bustling with activity. Cars and horses passed by the West Market and entered from the Xuanwu Gate of the Daming Palace to the Harem. I asked the eunuch on duty and said that His Majesty the Emperor had not returned to the harem and was still discussing matters in Wude Hall. The two of them dismissed the palace maids, eunuchs and other servants and went to move the clothes first, salute and register with Concubine Yin De, and then went to Wude Hall to see the emperor.
Far away from Wude Hall, you can see Lin Lijia, who is holding a torch. The emperor is still here, but he stopped at the Hongwen Pavilion. It seems that he is still holding an important meeting. Generally speaking, if it is an ordinary discussion, it will be in the study room of Wude Palace. If it is an important meeting, a formal notice will be issued and an "imperial meeting" will be held in Hongwen Hall. Most of the participants will be the prime ministers of the three provinces and responsible officials from relevant government agencies.
The Baiqi officer on duty here today is really Qin Mubai's eldest brother Qin Tong. The two brothers saw him from a distance and greeted each other eagerly. Due to their official duties, the two of them did not have much chat. Qin Mubai only listened to Qin Tong say that today's imperial meeting has been held for more than two hours. All the prime ministers and important ministers in Beijing are here, including those who are seriously ill in bed. Wei Zheng also asked people to carry it up, and also invited Li Jing. When asked about the content of the meeting, Qin Tong didn't know. It's just that Congwen's Hundred Cavalry Commander Shi Qinbin was in charge of the emperor's guards, so he might know when the time comes.
Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang had to wait patiently. After nearly half an hour, when the night was deep, the door of Hongwen Hall opened, and a group of ministers walked out one after another. Under the light of the fire, Qin Mubai, who was standing in the dark, could clearly see Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling and other prime ministers. As expected, Wei Zheng was carried out in a sedan chair, and Li Jing, who was tall and tall and had a sharp beard. The cane is also particularly eye-catching.
Qin Mubai frowned and wondered what a big deal it was. He invited semi-retired Wei Zheng and retired Li Jing to discuss it so late at night
Princess Gao Yang was waiting impatiently while sitting in the car. When the ministers were almost gone, she shouted: "Mubai, can you go in? The meeting is over!"
"Well, let's go!" Qin Mubai opened the curtain of the carriage and asked Princess Gaoyang to get off.
At this time, a man walked out of the Hongwen Hall, not wearing an official robe but wearing a white crane cloak. He seemed to be floating leisurely and vaguely like a god in the night wind.
The man in the white robe seemed to have sharp eyes and ears. Hearing Princess Gaoyang's call of "Mu Bai" from a distance, he stopped his feet and looked sideways at this dark corner, and walked straight over.
Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang also noticed this person and were curious about him. Only when she got closer did Princess Gao Yang recognize her and said hurriedly: "Ah, it's Li Banxian!"
"Li Banxian?" Qin Mubai was slightly shocked: Could it be "Li Chunfeng"? !
Just when they were hesitating, the man in white robe walked up to the two of them, bowed his hands and said loudly: "Li Chunfeng, who holds a humble position, has met Her Royal Highness the Princess and General Qin."
It is indeed Li Chunfeng!
Regarding Li Chunfeng, Qin Mubai, like many Chinese, heard many legends about him before coming to the Tang Dynasty. Like Yuan Tiangang, he is a famous "magic stick" in this era.
This magic stick is not derogatory, because it is obviously an exaggeration to say that he is a god, so I have to condescend to the "magic stick".
Regardless of the many miraculous legends the two left in history, just one "*" is enough to establish the two's reputation as the magic sticks of the tripod. The magical thing about "Tui Tu Bei" is that it was born in this era, but it deduced important events such as the founding of the Song Dynasty, the entry of Qing troops into the customs, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and Japan's invasion of China. It can be called a sacred book.
In addition, the two of them studied mathematics, astronomy, geography, and physiognomy. The current calendar of the Tang Dynasty was formulated by Taishi Ling Li Chunfeng. Yuan Tiangang is more proficient in physiognomy, and his fortune-telling predictions are accurate. He can tell a person's life, death, wealth, and age from just one face.
Therefore, Qin Mubai has always been curious about Yuan Tiangang and Li Chunfeng. It is said that Yuan Tiangang read Wu Meiniang's fortune when she was very young, telling her that if she was born a boy, it would be the destiny of the emperor. This statement is recorded in the annals of history, but it was not fabricated by Wu Zetian who later ascended the throne, because Qin Mubai personally verified it with Wu Meiniang, and the answer he got was quite certain.
These things really cannot be explained by science.
But there are many things that science cannot explain, just like how many years ago people did not believe that the earth was round and refuted science as the devil's fallacy. Maybe one day, many of the ancient traditions studied by ancient Chinese people will come into play
Now, Li Chunfeng, a half-immortal, was standing in front of him, and he took the initiative to come forward. Qin Mubai became more and more curious.
"Li Taishi is exempt from the gift." Princess Gaoyang spoke up first and said with a smile, "Half-immortal Taishi, what kind of good things have you done to take care of this princess and your consort today? We are about to get married, are you here to send us good luck? ?”
"Haha!" Li Chunfeng twirled his three-foot-long beard with his hand and said with a long and relaxed smile, "Her Royal Highness the Princess and General Qin are in love. They are a match made in heaven and earth. This is the greatest auspiciousness. In the future, they will surely live a long and prosperous life with countless descendants, so why bother? I am presumptuous in my humble position. I have something to say to General Qin."
"Oh, it's none of my business?" Princess Gao Yang curled her lips, "That's it, you guys talk about it, I'm going in to find my father."
After saying that, Princess Gaoyang left. Qin Mubai smiled, cupped his hands to Li Chunfeng and said, "Don't be surprised, Taishi Li. Your Highness the Princess has such a straightforward temper."
"It's okay. We are already familiar with Princess Gaoyang. General Qin, please take a moment to speak." Li Chunfeng cupped his hands and said.
The two of them walked to a quiet place. Qin Mubai asked Tai Shigong if he had any advice.
Li Chunfeng was only in his early thirties, but his eyes were as old as stars and as bright as stars. He stared at Qin Mubai without flinching and looked him up and down three times. He frowned in confusion, and twirled his beard three times. : "Weird! Weird! Weird!"
Now Qin Mubai was curious and asked with a smile: "Why did Li Taishi say three times in a row that it was weird? Could it be that someone from Qin is facing a great disaster in his hometown?"
"No, that's not the case." Li Chunfeng smiled slightly embarrassingly at himself, handed over his hand to apologize, and said, "Although he and the general once served in the palace together, he was deeply involved in observing the sky and arranging the calendar in the Taishi Bureau, and rarely worked with him. The general met. But I remember that a few years ago, Senior Brother Yuan (referred to as Yuan Tiangang) had touched the bones of your Majesty and the General, and said that your Majesty would die young if he was not more than fifty years old, so he stayed in the Qin family. General Qin can understand this meaning that he will not keep any concubine, but he will be rich and honorable for the rest of his life.
"Of course." Qin Mubai frowned, looked directly at Li Chunfeng and said, "It means that my father will definitely not live to be fifty years old. Among his three sons, only I am a concubine, which means that I will also die after my father's death. He died young. Moreover, our Qin family has been in a state of decline since my father passed away. We can only hold on to some wealth and not fall into poverty."
"Exactly." Li Chunfeng's expression became more solemn, and he stared at Qin Mubai's eyes and eyebrows repeatedly. His expression became more and more strange, and he couldn't help but smile and said, "It's really strange! Senior Brother Yuan himself After debuting, he never takes action easily, but every time he tries to tell someone, it always works, but he is the only one who doesn't like the fate of the Qin family? "
Qin Mubai's heart moved: Could it be that I came through time and changed all these fates? !
Are there really figurines made by gods in the dark? !
"Oh, I am just out of curiosity. If there is any offence, I hope General Qin will forgive him!" Li Chunfeng saw that Qin Mubai also fell into silence and hesitation, and hurriedly bowed and apologized.
"It doesn't matter." Qin Mubai smiled magnanimously and waved his hand. "However, this is the first time I have heard of this matter. Is it true that Mr. Yuan gave my father a meeting with me?"
"Seriously." Li Chunfeng smiled slightly, and said with an air of immortality, "His Majesty the Emperor knows very well about this matter. At a banquet in the early years, Senior Brother Yuan and I, under His Majesty's orders, examined the bones of many founding officials. But the refutations were not told to the senior ministers, only Your Majesty knows. If General Qin doesn't believe it, he can go to His Majesty for evidence."
"Oh, that's not necessary. I believe that Li Taishi is the one." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "Then Li Taishi has calculated, why has the fate of my Qin family changed?"
"No." Li Chunfeng smiled slightly, but he did not pretend to be mysterious, and said, "Senior Brother Yuan has been away from the court for many days since he traveled around Jiuzhou. This art of fortune telling is not what I am good at. However, if General Qin is also interested, he might as well tell his birth date and horoscope. Let Li know about it, and he can make a detailed calculation after he returns."
"Okay!" Qin Mubai smiled generously and told him his birth date.
After hearing this, Li Chunfeng made a rough calculation with his fingers, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.
"The calculation is clear? How?" Qin Mubai asked curiously.
Li Chunfeng's eyes revealed a trace of horror and even anger.
Qin Mubai frowned: "Why is Mr. Taishi doing this? Is there something I did wrong that offended Mr. Taishi?"
Li Chunfeng frowned and said in a deep voice: "General Qin, please forgive me for being rude. It's just that physiognomists like us have a lot of taboos. The life of this dead person must not be counted, otherwise the merit and longevity will be damaged. I just humbled myself and listened to Qin When the general reported his birth date, a cloud of doubt arose in his mind. With a little calculation, he could easily figure out that this was the birth date of a dead person! "
Qin Mubai couldn't help but feel a chill on his neck, and he broke out in a cold sweat!
My dear, awesome!
In this way, the "Qin Mubai" of the Tang Dynasty really should have died long ago? If I hadn't traveled through my consort's soul, would he have turned into dust by now
Qin Mubai hurriedly changed his expression, patted his forehead vigorously, and said hurriedly: "Taishi, don't blame me, don't blame me! I was confused for a moment and reported the wrong day of birth! It's just that the month, year and time were correct, but the day was wrong." Not on the 5th, but on the 15th!”
This is his birthday in the 21st century in his previous life. It was indeed a coincidence, but the year and day of birth were different, and the month and hour were the same.
Li Chunfeng took a deep breath and nodded slowly, pinched his fingers again, his expression became a little more relaxed, and he said with a slight smile: "That's right. After I return from my humble post, I will calculate and see how the general's fate is. However, this After all, it is not a humble duty, and general power can be treated as a joke, and it does not need to be taken completely seriously. "
"Of course." Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Li Taishi doesn't have to worry about it. If you have anything to say, you can speak up."
"Okay. I'll take my humble post and resign first. I'll pay you a visit later."
The two said goodbye, and Qin Mubai walked into the Hongwen Pavilion. He saw Princess Gaoyang holding Li Shimin's arm and walking out together. The father and daughter were talking happily.
Qin Mubai came forward to greet him, and Li Shimin smiled and said, "Mubai, are you back? I heard that you and your party in Xiangyang had a lot of fun, so that's good. Come back and rest for a while, and in half a month we will start some rituals one after another. It’s time to go to the ceremony and get busy before that. Let’s gather some energy.”
"Yes, Your Majesty." Qin Mubai smiled and cupped his hands, and then thanked him for a while. While chatting, the monarch and his ministers went to the harem under the protection of Baiqi.
In front of the gate of the Daming Palace, Qin Mubai stopped, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, I have stopped here. The night is deep, your Majesty can take a rest early from working on state affairs."
Li Shimin nodded and seemed to have something to say to Qin Mubai. Princess Gao Yang, Bai Qi and others also understood the idea and stopped moving forward obediently. The monarch and his ministers took a few steps forward and were alone in a corner.
Li Shimin cut his hands behind his back, frowned a little, and said: "Mubai, you just returned to Beijing. I shouldn't have talked to you about these important things. But since you bumped into today's imperial meeting at Hongwen Hall, I might as well talk to you. Let’s talk about it. What’s being discussed at today’s meeting is about Lanzhou.”
"Oh?" Qin Mubai became excited, "Is there a war in Lanzhou?"
Li Shimin frowned and nodded: "It can be said that for a while, the war has not started. To put it simply, the things are like this. Remember when you just came back from Lanzhou, I told you about Tubo Is it about asking for marriage? "
"Of course I remember." Qin Mubai said, "The Tubo people are so rude. They know that Your Majesty has already given me a marriage, but they still ask Her Highness Princess Gaoyang to give me a hand in marriage!"
"Keep your voice down, don't say anything that Ling'er will hear." Li Shimin glanced at Princess Gaoyang not far away and said, "Of course I can't agree to this matter. At that time, he told the Tibetan envoy that Princess Gaoyang would never change her gift. The Tubo envoy was naturally displeased with the possibility of granting the marriage, but he did not dare to make any mistakes, so he stayed in Chang'an and asked me about it from time to time. I was annoyed, so I said that I would marry another princess to Tubo. The Tubo people were overjoyed. At the end of the year, I summoned the royal family and planned to select a young unmarried girl from among the royal family members to be married to Zanpu of Tubo. Just when the discussion was about to come to a conclusion, the Tibetan envoy heard the news from nowhere and blamed me for not giving the gift of my own daughter, showing disrespect to Tubo and not sincerely marrying and making peace, and actually left without saying goodbye!"
"So unreasonable!" Qin Mubai suddenly became angry, "Why are the Tubo people so picky? They were already defeated. The 60,000-strong army was beaten by 200 of me in Dafeichuan. They abandoned their helmets and fled to the wind. How could they have any dignity? How can I, Chang'an Feiyang, be so domineering?"
"Calm down your anger, how can you be more angry than me?" Li Shimin couldn't help laughing, shook his head and patted Qin Mubai on the shoulder, saying, "Of course I am also very angry. The Tubo barbarians just don't understand the law and respect. Sorry, these principles don't make sense with their stupidity. Originally, I wanted to end the war with less bloodshed and help the people and the army. However, they may not take themselves too seriously and think that I am serious. I'm afraid of those barbarians. Just leave. If they attack again, don't I still have Qin Mubai?"
After a few words, Qin Mubai's blood boiled!
Holding his fist heavily, he said: "Your Majesty, as long as you give an order, Qin Mubai will jump on his horse and cross his spear to attack the snow-covered plateau of Tibet!!!"
"Haha, okay! I just like your wildness and madness, it's just like when I was young!" Li Shimin laughed heartily, "I know that you are a staunch fighter. If I have you in these two days In Chang'an, the imperial meeting does not need to be so chaotic."
Qin Mubai frowned slightly and said in a low voice: "There are still many people in the court who oppose war with Tubo?"
Li Shimin showed a trace of embarrassment on his face, sighed and nodded, and said: "It's no wonder them. In fact, not fighting is indeed better than fighting. Fighting means loss and bloodshed. Killing one thousand enemies will cost you eight hundred. , has been true since ancient times. This is indeed a great opportunity to negotiate peace with Tubo, but it is a pity that we were delayed in deciding who to marry. You must know that we, the Tang Dynasty, have been fighting against Tibet in the past few years. The human, material and financial resources invested in the war were enough to drain the national treasury in three to five years, not counting the loss of men and people, as well as the people and property that will continue to be consumed. "
"Your Majesty, the accounts cannot be settled like this." Qin Mubai rarely gave Li Shimin face and did not follow his wishes.
As expected, Li Shimin raised his eyebrows, and the topic was actually brought up. He seemed to be extremely interested in continuing the conversation, and actually turned around and told Princess Gaoyang that she should go back to the harem to accompany his mother and concubine first, while he wanted to return to the harem with Qin Mubai. In the imperial study of Wude Palace, we stayed up late at night to talk.
Playing right into Qin Mubai's heart!
So the monarch and his ministers returned to the imperial study in Wude Hall, made tea and sat down with candles.
Li Shimin said: "Just now you said that the account cannot be settled like this. Tell me, how should it be settled?"
"Your Majesty, Wei Chen is not refuting His Majesty's words and majesty. This is what Wei Chen thinks in his heart." Qin Mubai did not avoid it and said directly, "From the current position, it is indeed impossible to fight. In fact, war is not allowed. , War is not a good thing in any era or from any standpoint.”
"Isn't that right?" Li Shimin smiled and asked, "Then why do you refute me?"
"The reason why the minister retorted was precisely for this reason, Your Majesty!" Qin Mubai clasped his fists and said seriously, "Your Majesty clearly knows that there will be wars in any era and from any standpoint. From the perspective of history and the times, We should reduce the number of wars for future generations! If our country, the Tang Dynasty, has a strong army and strong power, and the world is in a state of subjugation - without using force at this time, how long will it take for the ministers to say that they should be killed? The truth is that every king and every dynasty hopes that they can live forever and be passed down for generations, but are there really such emperors and dynasties?”
Li Shimin's expression became more solemn and he nodded: "This is indeed a big truth, indeed it is not."
"The rise and fall are determined by nature, and victory or defeat depends on it! When the Tang Dynasty was at its peak, if we did not forcefully conquer the barbarians to pacify the barbarians, how could we wait?" Qin Mubai said in a deep voice, "From the standpoint of the 14th year of Zhenguan, It is indeed difficult for us to go to war, because if we go to war, this year's wealth may be lost in the flash of swords. However, considering the time of ten, twenty, or even a hundred years, we should go to war at this time. ! Now we can save the cost and sacrifice of ten battles for future generations! - Your Majesty! Isn't this more important than the 14th year of Zhenguan? Are the ten years of the Tang Dynasty important and the millennium inheritance of China important? "
Li Shimin narrowed his eyes slightly, but his expression remained unchanged, and he wrote lightly: "Everything is important. However, if war is really necessary, I will never avoid it. This is my attitude at any time."
"War is absolutely inevitable between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo. Even if Your Majesty marries Princess Gaoyang to Tubo, you may be able to get ten, twenty, or even thirty years of false peace, but the contradictions and conflicts will continue to accumulate until the real It may be even more terrifying when it breaks out. If you want to fundamentally prevent the war of annihilation, unless one side really falls, there is probably no possibility of Tibet defeating the Tang Dynasty in your majesty's time, but your majesty, you can guarantee that it will happen in a hundred years. , Will Tubo be able to defeat the Tang Dynasty in two hundred years? Moreover, in these two hundred years, how many times will the conflicts and frictions between Tubo and the Tang Dynasty take away the wealth and income of the 14th year of Zhenguan? " Qin Mubai once again made a shocking statement.
After hearing this, Li Shimin said nothing, but stood up and stood with his hands behind his back, walked to the window, and looked up at the moon.
"I have thought of what you said. These are just some general principles. Anyone in the court who has a little knowledge may be able to understand."
"Indeed." Qin Mubai came over and said, "Wei Chen thinks that he is not particularly clever. What is different is that in addition to sharing your Majesty's worries and solving problems for the Tang Dynasty, Wei Chen also hopes that our descendants will , can live a better life.”
Li Shimin's expression froze slightly, and he turned to look at Qin Mubai and said: "This sentence comes from my heart - I hope that our descendants can live a better life. I am not a god and cannot predict Tens of years and a hundred years later. Everything I have done since I came to the throne is to hope that my descendants and all the people of the Tang Dynasty can live a better life. It is because of this thought and idea. I have the power to support all the new policies you implement in Lanzhou. From a short-term perspective, your measures are definitely a waste of money and people, but from a historical perspective and a century-old long-term benefit, this is a good move between the government and the government. Many ministers are more concerned about how they can win a reputation as a good person or leave a name in history. If they achieve success in a short time, they will be happy to know that they can think of such a century-old plan. The beauty of it is that it goes against their current goals and interests, so I do not hesitate to oppose it. To be honest, I am indeed a little disappointed with some people, but from their own perspective, they are not. That's right, they are all fulfilling their duties. The only explanation is... they don't have the same sense of historical responsibility as you do, Mu Bai."
"Wei Chen is really happy to receive such praise from His Majesty!" Qin Mubai smiled sincerely and said, "In fact, although Wei Chen is only three years old, he is still satisfied. He is a very famous minister and is famous all over the world. , married his Majesty's favorite princess, and was in dazzling glory, but the only and most important reason was that the Tang Dynasty could be better, stand at a higher historical height, and serve future generations. Do more things! Your Majesty is still in his prime, and Weichen is also very young. When he thinks that Weichen will be able to accompany His Majesty in doing many great things in the future, Weichen is very excited!"
Li Shimin smiled for the first time today. Although the smile was a bit tired, it was full of relief. He patted Qin Mubai's shoulders with both hands and said: "Mubai, regardless of our status as monarchs, ministers, and son-in-law, you and I have known each other for a long time. Ambition, ambition, these four words have always been the same in ancient times and this year. I don’t know if it has been said thousands of times, but in my eyes, the only one who can really understand it and implement it is Qin Shihuang. The martial arts of the Han Dynasty were good, but the martial arts of the Han Dynasty was insufficient, so I had the Three Kingdoms. I hope that the Tang Dynasty created by me, my ancestors and you famous ministers and generals will achieve a new glory."
Qin Mubai nodded lightly and said:
"Wei Chen believes that the Tang Dynasty... is unprecedented, if not unprecedented!"