In the next few days, Qin Mubai spent most of the time in the palace. Follow officials from the Neiyuan Supervisor, the Ministry of Rites, Taichang Temple, Honglu Temple and other related yamen to familiarize themselves with and practice various wedding ceremony matters.
It is said that the emperor's daughter has no worries about getting married. Isn't it just because she has a good father? There are few royal marriages without political overtones. This kind of marriage has long gone beyond the marriage itself. It is more often a show and a political drama.
Originally, according to traditional customs, when an emperor married a daughter, at most the court ministers came to congratulate her, and it was nothing more than a big fuss and extravagance. But this time the emperor married his favorite daughter, Princess Gaoyang, and his consort was Qin Mubai, the Sanlang of the Qin family, who had been in the limelight in recent years, so there was even more drama to be done.
The important generals of the Twelve Guards Army were the first to attend, not to mention the Ministry of War and the North and South Yamen. In addition, Xiangyang, where Qin Mubai had served as an official, Jiangzhou, where he had worked, and various prefectures and counties in Lanzhou, Helong and other places all sent officials to congratulate him as an exception.
It makes sense for officials from these places to come to congratulate them, but under their leadership, many local officials also came to Chang'an to congratulate on the wedding, either to contact the capital or to get close to Qin Mubai. No matter how bad it is, you can still set up a set of feelings among colleagues. It's not easy to be an official. We all know the truth of many friends, few roads, few enemies, and few walls.
As a result, Qin Mubai's marriage gradually evolved into a "public event." Officials from various places gathered in the capital with different purposes, creating a spectacle.
Those who came to visit the Qin Mansion in the past few days had to cross the threshold.
Qin Mubai was helpless and couldn't reach out to hit the smiling man. So he simply hid in the palace for most of the day, so as not to face the overwhelming number of guests who came to visit him, and would be exhausted and thirsty.
After this, it will be ten days.
The wedding is approaching, with only five days left.
Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang were both a little tired. Getting married was like fighting a battle.
On this day of free time, Qin Mubai and Princess Gaoyang went to the Huguo Tianwang Temple in the harem, where they sought purification from Master Qingshan, made tea, and listened to her lectures on Zen. But neither of them was in the mood to listen to any profound Buddhist teachings today, and they both fell asleep after a while. Princess Gaoyang even fell asleep directly on the table.
Qin Mubai put his own cloak on her and smiled apologetically at Master Qingshan: "Master, don't blame me. I'm afraid the princess is exhausted from studying various etiquettes all day long."
"It doesn't matter. Let the princess sleep in this pure place. Qin's consort might as well send her to the Zen room."
"That's fine."
Qin Mubai picked up Princess Gaoyang and took her to a quiet meditation room. He asked two nuns to take care of her and returned to the meditation hall.
"Why did Qin's consort have the leisure to come to our temple today? Can you give me some advice?" Master Qingshan asked with a smile.
"Master, Qin has been exposed to glitz and glamor for days. His heart is exhausted and he just wants to be clean, so he came." Qin Mubai said.
"Three thousand mortals, who wouldn't be tired after being rolled over in this world?" Master Qingshan sang a Buddha's promise and said, "Empress De Fei also comes to our temple from time to time, either chanting Buddhist scriptures or meditating. It’s normal for people to have peace of mind when the world is impetuous.”
Qin Mubai frowned and said, "That's not entirely the case. I don't know why, but I've been particularly restless in recent days, and an unknown karma is always rising uncontrollably in my heart. It was a common little thing in the past. "
Master Qingshan was startled for a moment and said, "The prince-in-law is approaching a great event. He is exposed to some festive things every day. Why did he have such a dream?"
"I don't know either." Qin Mubai took a long breath and said dullly, "I have never been like this before. Even if I get to the border front line, I can sleep peacefully amid the rumbling war drums. Now that I'm back home, But my mind is in a trance and cannot be at peace.”
Master Qingshan nodded and said: "That is what the general thinks about every day and dreams about at night. The so-called lingering dream means that when you are there, you feel at ease; but if you leave, you will think about it again and again. General, yours Although I am in Chang'an, my heart is not in Chang'an."
Qin Mubai was startled, and felt a little enlightened. He nodded and said: "What the master said is true. Although I am preparing to marry the princess, the continuous ceremonial entertainment has made me tired of dealing with it, and I have lost half of it." The joy of the wedding. On the contrary, I can't worry about the city and the army in Lanzhou. I miss my father all the time. It's a pity that my son is getting married and my father is away. My father is sitting in the cold moon with his soldiers and horses in the wind, and I feel very uneasy. "
"So that's it." Master Qingshan clasped his hands and closed his eyes and chanted, "Amitabha, Qin's consort is admirable for his loyalty to the country, his filial piety and his benevolence. But that alone is not enough to disturb the consort's mind. There must be other things. ”
Qin Mubai frowned and thought for a long time, then suddenly his heart lit up: That's right! In the past few days, I have only been focusing on the wedding, and I haven't been home much. I have completely forgotten about Su Lianqing's affairs!
"Thank you, Master. Qin knows what's going on. Master, forgive me. Qin has something to take care of and will leave the palace now. Her Highness the Princess will be left in the care of Master for the time being."
"Prince-in-law, go ahead with peace of mind!"
Qin Mubai left the Huguo Tianwang Temple and asked for a horse from the Xuanwu Gate Military Prison. After riding on it, he ran straight out of the palace to Qinxian Pavilion.
Su Lianqing has been waiting in Qinxian Pavilion for almost a whole day.
"General, make it easy for me to find you!" Su Lianqing said anxiously as soon as the two of them sat down, "I've been looking for you for days, but no one is there. You go out early and come back late. There are some things I can't tell you through other people's mouths. ”
"Now, be concise and to the point." Qin Mubai said.
"Okay." Su Lianqing took a sip of tea, took a breath and said, "The Tantai sisters have successfully lurked around the King of Han. The King of Han is very fond of her two sisters and said that he would accept them as concubines. The two sisters I also used some tricks to whet his appetite, but he still refused to give in. "
"Tell the important point."
"They inquired about an important piece of news!" Su Lianqing said, "In recent days, the King of Han and Fang Yiai have been hiding in the East Palace, discussing some confidential matters with the prince day and night, and no one else can get close to them. What news? Only one time, the King of Han drank too much and ordered the Tantai sisters to dance with him. After drinking, he said nonsense, what's so great about that guy? He was so famous! Then Xiao Wang wanted to destroy his dignity in public and ruin his reputation. , sooner or later it will end in life!"
"Are you talking about me?" Qin Mubai frowned.
"Who else could it be?" Su Lianqing said sternly, "Although he didn't mention his name, the two girls didn't dare to ask more questions out of caution. But the speculations are definitely aimed at you. Are you going to get married soon? What? The news is huge and the scenery is endless. You have a feud with him. Who else can he target if it’s not you? "
"Have you asked me clearly? What exactly are they going to do to me?"
"No." Su Lianqing shook her head, "They did it very secretly, and they couldn't find out the news no matter what. But I guess they are probably trying to do something on your wedding to ruin your reputation, or even It's just something that was framed by someone else, and it spoiled your interest and ruined your face."
"Wrong. They wouldn't go to such a big fight for such a small quarrel and still work for the prince. They want to put me to death and avoid future troubles." Qin Mubai narrowed his eyes, smiled coldly, and said, " I just can’t imagine what earth-shattering thing these trash can do together to harm me?”
"General, be careful. As the saying goes, the King of Hell is very difficult to deal with. It is this kind of vicious villain that he is afraid of." Su Lianqing said, "If nothing else, if it is at the wedding ceremony, I will give you a glass of poisonous wine. You go and offer tribute to the emperor... can you afford this kind of crime?"
Qin Mubai raised his eyebrows: "If they are so courageous, it would be in vain for me to regard them as my opponents!"
"It's hard to say! The dog will jump over the wall when he is anxious!" Su Lianqing said, "Although I am not an official, I also know that the Prince of the East Palace is now desperate and the situation is critical. What else is there? What doesn’t he dare to do? The King of Han is just a bastard. He even dares to provoke the concubines left behind by his father in the harem. What else would he not dare to do that would destroy his moral integrity?”
"Well, have you found any definite evidence about the concubines in the harem?"
"There is evidence. The Tantai sisters almost saw him having sex on the bedside with their own eyes. He is really a coward. He actually got people out of the palace and locked them up in the mansion day and night to proclaim their sex." Su Lianqing said.
Qin Mubai nodded and said, "Keep staring at him."
"General, I don't understand. He can beheaded for such a crime. What are you still holding back? What are you looking for?" Su Lianqing asked.
Qin Mubai smiled and said: "This is what I want to ask Li Yuanchang. He can do such beheadings so easily, what can he rely on? This is why I came to you. In recent days, Please keep an eye on me, if there is any trouble, come and report to me at any time.”
"good."
Su Lianqing left in a hurry. Qin Mubai rested for a while and then returned to the Imperial Palace to protect the country's Tianwang Temple. Princess Gaoyang woke up after a long sleep and felt better, so she asked Qin Mubai to accompany her to the Xianju Palace to visit her mother and concubine and have dinner together.
Concubine Yin De was as beautiful and dignified as ever, and her full head of silver hair added a different kind of mystery and charm to her.
When her son-in-law arrived, Concubine Yin De naturally welcomed her warmly and invited Li Shimin to have dinner with her. Recently, Qin Mubai spent most of his time in the palace and often met with Li Shimin. It was common to have a meal together.
During the dinner, the monarch and his ministers naturally talked about Lanzhou. Li Shimin said that as time went by, the situation in Lanzhou was getting closer to tension, and the Dafeichuan front line had entered a state of combat readiness. Xue Wanjun asked Qin Shubao to increase the number of troops, and drilled day and night to increase the vigilance in case Tibet came to defend it. In addition, the silk trade route from Liangzhou to Lanzhou has also strengthened its operation and management day and night, just in case. Furthermore, after the closure of border trade, the local situation in Lanzhou became a little tense, mainly because the businessmen stranded there faced losses and were difficult to appease. In order to prevent the enemy from sneaking into troubled waters and fanning the flames of trouble, the pressure on local martial law and public security is also relatively high.
Without Qin Mubai, his right-hand man in charge of internal affairs, Governor Qin Shubao must be very busy now.
Qin Mubai felt very unhappy after hearing this, and hoped that the marriage would be concluded soon, so that he could go to Lanzhou to take care of these military and political affairs as soon as possible, so as to reduce the pressure on his father.
These are actually just small things. The real trouble is still hidden. Countries such as Gaochang on the Silk Road in the Western Regions may rebel at any time. This kind of thing is impossible to guard against. Once something happens, there seems to be no other way except sending troops to suppress it. However, Datang could not take the initiative to send troops first, otherwise the troops would be unknown and give others control. Matters in the Western Regions are dominated by force and politics, and it is definitely not as simple as fighting.
In other words, in that aspect, although Datang can be reasonable, it will always be passive. If nothing happens in Gaochang, Lanzhou will be on alert; if something happens in Gaochang, Lanzhou will send troops immediately. Otherwise, the Silk Road of the Tang Dynasty would be completely cut off, and its hegemony in the Helongxi Region would collapse. The chain reaction would be huge, and it might even spread to the pacified Mobei Turkic Grassland, triggering drastic changes there. .
In Lanzhou, a single move can affect the whole body. At a tense moment, Qin Mubai was preparing to get married here with great fanfare, which made him feel very uncomfortable.
"Father, why do you have to talk about these things over a meal?" Princess Gaoyang complained to Li Shimin when she saw Qin Mubai was unhappy.
"Haha, okay, let's stop talking." Li Shimin said with a smile, "You girl, accusing your father of the brat, is really the water thrown by the married daughter, the daughter is not allowed to stay!"
"Hehe, I am called a helper rather than a helper. Let's eat! Eat in peace!" Princess Gao Yang poured wine for Li Shimin with a smile.
Qin Mubai smiled and toasted Li Shimin, but he was muttering in his heart: If nothing happens in Lanzhou, I have to invite my father to get married. That would be great. Or, if I stagger the time to get married and take care of the affairs in Lanzhou first, it would be great to get married with peace of mind. What's annoying is that the Tubo people are taking advantage of this time to make trouble and make me upset!
Lanzhou, in the Governor's Mansion.
Qin Shubao, wearing a military uniform and a golden sword, sat on the general's chair, holding a letter in his hand and reading it carefully for a while, then smiled at Xue Rengui who was standing aside: "Rengui, I really didn't expect that Princess Gaoyang's baby I will write to you."
"Oh? This is indeed a novel thing." Xue Rengui said with a smile, "What did Her Highness the Princess say in the letter?"
Qin Shubao laughed in a cheerful mood, stood up, walked a few steps, and said: "That girl didn't have any airs of a princess in the letter. She said "daddy" on the left and "daddy" on the right, which made me feel warm in my heart. She didn't have any airs about it either. No big deal was mentioned, but Xianla talked about her wedding with Mu Bai in a casual way. She also said that they missed me very much and hoped that I would be able to attend their wedding. It was a big regret that I was not here on the wedding day. ”
"I didn't expect that Her Royal Highness, who is usually careless and careless, could be so thoughtful and well-behaved. I really congratulate the Commander-in-Chief on getting such a good daughter-in-law." Xue Rengui said.
"Haha! Among the emperor's daughters, only Princess Gaoyang is the smartest. In the past, I only heard about this, but now I have spoken out and it is true. This child is both rough and fine, and very wise but foolish! Look, Mubai After returning to Chang'an for many days, we exchanged letters, but most of them were about business matters. However, Gao Yang warmed up my heart with warm greetings, which made me feel relieved. He smiled cheerfully and said, "Even Mu Bai is not as careful as her. Where can I find such a daughter-in-law?"
"That's true." Xue Rengui said, "I really can't believe that the princess of Gaoyang, who was pampered by the emperor and nobles, actually respects and cares for the elderly so much. This kind of filial piety and carefulness is very rare. Such a filial son and a virtuous daughter-in-law, One day, when the governor takes off his armor and returns to his fields, he will surely enjoy the happiness of a family!"
"Haha!" Qin Shubao laughed loudly, "When Mu Bai returns from his wedding and has finished taking care of the affairs of the Western Regions, I will start planning to take over my duties with him and retire to the fields to enjoy the happiness of family! By then, Mu Bai will probably also add to my family. Grandson, haha!”
The two of them were chatting happily when suddenly a military officer ran in from outside - "Report!! Urgent military situation!"
Qin Shubao raised his eyebrows, and his face was filled with a smile just now, and he was instantly majestic: "Report!"
"Thirty thousand Tibetan cavalry were wandering around the Dafeichuan front line to harass them. Each had their own victory or defeat in the small battles. Both sides lost less than a hundred troops. General Xue Wanjun asked for orders to attack and expel them!"
"Have you finally arrived?" Qin Shubao sneered disdainfully and said, "I ordered Xue Wanjun back and told him not to leave. Unless the Tibetans come to attack the stronghold, they can only fight back. The pursuit must not go beyond five miles. Otherwise, military orders will severely punish you!"
"Yes -" the soldier took the order and left.
"The Commander-in-Chief is wise," Xue Rengui said, "Our army has been camped in Dafeichuan for a long time. The camp is as solid as iron. The generals are all strong and strong, and they are supported by powerful artillery. Thirty thousand Tibetan cavalry cannot shake our Dafeichuan camp. This is At that time, the Tubo people were eager for our army to take the initiative to fight with them, so they must have set up an encirclement to wait for their work. "
"That's right." Qin Shubao said, "But I'm not that stupid. I won't abandon the camp to attack the enemy's strengths with my own shortcomings. In addition, this group of troops must be suspicious soldiers, and they won't seriously come to attack the city. Forward. I believe the Tibetan people still vividly remember the remnant power of this powerful cannon.”
"So, the Tubo people must be taking action again? I just don't know what they are going to do." Xue Rengui said.
Qin Shubao stood tall, his phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, he stroking his beard and thought for a long time, and said: "Now that the suspected soldiers have appeared, it is time for the real soldiers to show up, otherwise it will be to scare the snake. I believe it won't be long before news comes. Rengui, Tell me, if you are a Tibetan, and you have sent a group of suspected soldiers to harass Dafeichuan, how should you use the other group of troops? "
"Two ways to use it." Xue Rengui said without hesitation, "One is to advance into the homeland of Tuguhun and slant behind me in Lanzhou to cut off my connection with the Central Plains, or to penetrate into the hinterland of Lanzhou and the Central Plains and carry out plunder. But this road is risky for soldiers and horses. Larger, because our army has relatively strong sentry posts and troops on that line. If our army responds immediately, they may fall into a tight siege if they go deep alone and be surrounded and annihilated by our army. "
"That's right. You are indeed resourceful and know how to use your troops well. Sanlang did not misjudge you." Qin Shubao nodded in approval, "Go on, the second one?"
"The second one is..."
"Report—"
A shout interrupted Xue Rengui's words. Another scout came and quickly ran inside to pay homage: "Report to the Commander-in-Chief, urgent report of the military situation in Liangzhou! There are nearly ten thousand Tibetan troops crossing the Qilian Mountains and breaking through the defense lines of our army's sentries along the mountain." , a sudden attack on Liangzhou overnight, the merchant army station suffered heavy losses. General Xue Wanjun, the acting governor of Liangzhou, sent an urgent message for help! At this time, the official road between Liangzhou and Lanzhou was cut off, and most of the merchant and military stations along the way had fallen to Tubo! The hand of the army!”
Qin Shubao suddenly raised his angry eyebrows: "How unreasonable! Tubo boy, so dishonest and unrighteous! A month ago, he sent people to bring beef, mutton, wine and meat to show his favor. In the next moment, he turned his back and refused to acknowledge me. He attacked me in Liangzhou and ruined my business trip. Kill our soldiers and civilians! Come and beat the drum!”
"promise!!"
Xue Rengui's expression also changed, he clasped his fists and said solemnly: "Grand Governor, the last general invites the vanguard!"
Qin Shubao frowned and said: "Rengui, the second method of using troops by the Tubo people you just mentioned is to leave the Qilian Mountains to attack Liangzhou?"
"This... I don't dare to talk nonsense, things have already happened..."
"That's you, isn't it?"
"yes!"
Qin Shubao raised his eyebrows and nodded solemnly, saying, "Then what do the Tubo people think about next?"
Xue Rengui said: "After the previous defeat, Tubo must have known that we are powerful in Lanzhou. This time, the suspected troops are greatly outnumbered by Sichuan, and the sudden attack on Liangzhou seems to be a false move by General Yimo. They are just besieging the city to reinforce and delay our army."
"This idea coincides with my intention." Qin Shubao said, "The Tubo people have always only done things like burning, killing and looting. After beating and looting, they ran away. This time, suspicious soldiers came out together. Look, Come on, they are making a big move. Their intention is either to take Lanzhou or to set up an outpost for rebellion in the Western Region, hoping to hold back our army and embolden Gaochang and other countries!"
"The Governor is wise!" Xue Rengui said, "So, please order me to lead a division to fight. There are not many soldiers, just three thousand fine iron cavalry. The general will lead this brigade of iron cavalry to assist Liangzhou. If the Tubo people fight to the death, but It proves that they are indeed besieging the city to delay our army and intend to go to the Western Region; if they flee in vain, they are moving the tiger away. They want to move my main army out of Lanzhou and then attack Lanzhou, so they ask the governor to sit in Lanzhou to prevent it. Changing things!”
"This is a wonderful plan!" Qin Shubao nodded appreciatively and said, "No wonder before Sanlang left, he specifically told me that if there was a war, he could ask Rengui. It turns out that you really know how to fight and plan well. Okay, let me follow your plan. Let's go. I order you to be the vanguard and lead three thousand troops to help Liangzhou clear the official road. If the Tubo people fight to the death, I will lead a large army to help. If the Tubo people are defeated and leave, there is no need to pursue them. They will defend Lanzhou and other areas. Just stay at the strategic military road. When the time comes, I will be waiting for work in Lanzhou!"
"The last general takes orders!!"
Not long after, all the generals and generals of the army arrived together, and the generals set up their positions in the main camp to discuss military points.
Lanzhou, which has been silent for a long time, is about to boil like a pot of water...