After spending three days in Dafeichuan, Qin Mubai inspected the army here and inspected the defense. He was very satisfied.
Dafeichuan is Helong's first line of defense against Tibet, and it is also the great barrier on the Western Front. No mistakes are allowed here at any time. This was true when Qin Mubai and Qin Shubao were in power. Do the most important things. Xue Wanjun, a veteran on the battlefield, naturally understands the meaning, so he does his best when doing things. The previous emperor commended all the generals in Lanzhou. Qin Mubai pushed Xue Wanjun out for the first time and got a lot of rewards from him being promoted to a higher rank. Qin Mubai received ten more rewards than Qin Mubai who only received intangible assets from marrying the princess. times. From then on, Xue Wanjun became more motivated, and Qin Mubai became more worry-free.
You can rest assured here in Dafeichuan. Qin Mubai can now run Lanzhou's internal affairs freely, and slowly shift his strategic focus to Yuyang, Loulan and Gaochang, where his father is in charge.
On this day, the Governor's Office in Lanzhou sent a Kuai Ma messenger, saying that Su Dingfang's envoy sent a letter to inform that the Jiangxia king and his daughter were about to arrive in Lanzhou, and that a large amount of grain and grass shipped by the Wu family of Yishang was about to arrive, and the Governor was invited to return to the mansion to take charge of the overall situation. Qin Mubai left Dafeichuan and returned to Lanzhou.
During the few days I stayed in Dafichuan, there was something interesting. Hou Junji, who had always pretended not to care about anything, wandered to the military camp fort from time to time. Qin Mubai knew that he wanted to see the red cannon with his own eyes, but he didn't say that out of reservation. The soldiers guarding the fort were all "inhumane" and strictly guarded, keeping strangers away, so Hou Junji was panicked.
Qin Mubai pretended not to know, just not letting him open his eyes, and had to wait for him to ask for help. Hou Junji also became more energetic, thinking that if he didn't want to look at it, he wouldn't look at it. What a shabby thing he had hidden away!
However, the more he endured and competed like this, the more curious Hou Junji became, having seen the power of the red cannon. Only he can understand the feeling. Qin Mubai and Xue Wanjun just laughed secretly and did not point it out.
When she returned to the city of Lanzhou, she happened to meet Wu Meiniang and the governor Xiao Liang returning with grain. The situation is not too bad. There were more than 500,000 shi of food and grass at the time of departure, but at this time, there were still nearly 300,000 shi. Due to the war in Spring, Lanzhou's local agriculture was greatly damaged and could no longer support the huge military expenditure. These 300,000 stones of food and grass were like a timely help, and the soldiers and civilians of Lanzhou rejoiced.
When he saw Wu Meiniang again, Qin Mubai felt heartbroken. A naturally beautiful woman, she may not have had a bath for a few days. In addition, due to the long and difficult journey, she has lost a lot of weight, her body is even messier, and her former radiance has dimmed a lot. If it weren't for the stunning and exciting look in her eyes, Qin Mubai would have suspected that she was seriously ill.
At this time, Su Dingfang's fast-horse messenger came again to deliver a message, saying that the king and daughter of Jiangxia would arrive in Lanzhou City tomorrow and asked the governor to come out to welcome them. Qin Mubai asked his subordinates to arrange these complicated matters, and held a banquet in the Governor's Mansion to entertain Hou Junji and Xiao Liang and other officials who had returned from work. While drinking wine and eating meat, he was even more anxious to accompany Wu Meiniang.
The grain and grass had been delivered to the military for storage. Wu Meiniang felt light all over and suddenly felt boundless sleepiness. Originally, she quietly moved into the Governor's Mansion, waiting for Qin Mubai, who was out socializing, to come back for dinner and enjoy some sweet time together. But he couldn't stand it any longer, so he fell asleep in the bath, was helped into the room by his maid, and fell asleep without eating.
When Qin Mubai came back, the breeze was blowing, the moon was bright and the stars were scattered, and there was silence in the Governor's Mansion.
There were still three or five officials following Qin Mubai, discussing matters in low voices.
"Young Marshal, how will Hou Junji... arrange it?"
Qin Mubai thought for a while and said, "I don't treat you as one of your own, nor as a guest. That's the arrangement."
The subordinate was a little confused and asked: "I am ignorant, young commander, please make it clear..."
Qin Mubai smiled and said: "Good wine, good meat, a good house, provide him with accommodation; beautiful women, quick soldiers, pick ten of each kind for him to use. Give him whatever he wants, and let him do whatever he wants." Whatever he wants, let him go wherever he wants. There is no need to restrict him by the rules of the governor's office, as long as he does not commit murder, arson, or crime. However, no one of you is allowed to get close to him, nor are you allowed to reveal any military and political secrets to him. understand?"
"My subordinate understands...that is, you are completely polite, but you are not close, right?"
"Yes." Qin Mubai smiled and said, "He has a withdrawn personality, so I will let him be withdrawn enough. When he can't hold it in anymore, he will naturally take the initiative to get close to us. Let's do it like this!"
"yes."
"In addition, there are also reports from the governor of Shanzhou to urge for food supplies, and they are waiting for the young commander's approval. More than half of the military and commercial posts on the line from Liangzhou to Lanzhou were destroyed by the military disaster. If they are to be repaired, manpower, money and food will be allocated..."
In the courtyard of the Governor's Mansion, Qin Mubai was busy for nearly an hour, and finally he took a long breath after finally handling the important government affairs accumulated in recent days.
At this time, it was already the zenith of the moon.
Thinking that Wu Meiniang was sleeping in his room at the moment, Qin Mubai's heart was like a deer, or rather, his blood was boiling.
When they came to the bedroom, they saw Wu Meiniang's two personal maids lying on the chairs in front of the room and falling asleep. The sleeping posture looked very inelegant, and he was obviously exhausted.
Qin Mubai went over to wake them up and asked, "Has your boss fallen asleep?"
"Ah... the general's uncle is back? My boss has been waiting for you to have a meal for a long time, so I couldn't bear to go to bed first. My boss told her to wake her up when you come back, and we can eat together before going to bed."
"No need." Qin Mubai said, "She must be tired, just let her sleep! You can also go back and rest, there is no need to stay here."
"Yes..." The two little girls looked at each other with strange smiles and walked away happily.
Touching the door handle, Qin Mubai's heart was beating helplessly.
"Have you never seen a woman's virginity?" He couldn't help laughing at himself, and licked his lips evilly, "Yes, I am still a virgin today."
Carefully pushing the door open, the room was dark. His room was naturally familiar. He walked in quietly and lit the oil lamp. He heard slightly heavy breathing coming from the bed. As soon as he heard the sound, he knew that the sleeping person must be extremely sleepy.
The orange oil lamp light reflected on Wu Meiniang's stunning face, a hint of temptation and a touch of warmth.
Wu Meiniang was sleeping on her side facing the door. Half of her arms were stretched out of the quilt, and her other hand was stroking her cheek. Her brows were lightly knitted. She was obviously sleeping very deeply.
Qin Mubai walked to the bed and vaguely smelled her unique and faint body fragrance. A soft and smooth silk satin quilt covers Wu Meiniang's body. Her whole body has graceful curves and is coated with the halo of the oil lamp, making her as dazzling as a work of art.
Sleeping Beauty is guaranteed to be genuine.
At this moment, it would be an absolute lie to say that Qin Mubai didn't want to take off his clothes and rush to bed.
After leaving Chang'an, he had not been with women for more than a month.
But at this moment, seeing Wu Meiniang sleeping so deeply, she seemed extremely tired. If he climbed onto the bed and tortured her again, wouldn't he be worse than a beast
The marriage of the bridal chamber is not allowed to be so hasty.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Qin Mubai paid homage to Wu Meiniang's alluring face, smiled slightly, stretched out his hand to smooth away a few locks of hair on her forehead, gently smoothed her slightly frowning eyebrows, and then gently touched her forehead. A kiss.
"Good night, Mei Niang."
With a lamp, a cup of tea, and a book on war, Qin Mubai sat at the table in front of the bed and stayed up all night.
During this period, he tucked Wu Meiniang into bed six times and kissed her forehead six times.
When the first bright sunshine came into the window, Wu Meiniang slowly opened her eyes and looked at the man sitting at the table reading a book with his back upright. She smiled sweetly, charmingly and warmly.
"Are you awake?" Qin Mubai put down the book, turned around and smiled, "Did you sleep well?"
"Aren't you sleepy?" Wu Meiniang said with a charming smile, wrapping the quilt tightly with only her head exposed.
"It's okay." Qin Mubai came forward with a smile, sat down beside her bed, and said, "Having come thousands of miles away, are you acclimated to the climate? I'll ask the doctor to prepare medicine for you. You need to rest after a long journey. It will take a few days to recover."
"Well, I'll listen to you..." Wu Meiniang pursed her lips and smiled, staring at Qin Mubai, her eyes full of warmth and satisfaction.
"When did you become so good? It's not like you." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "How about my bed? Is it comfortable?"
"In general, it's a little too hard." Wu Meiniang giggled and said, "I went to the market today and changed this army bed first. It's hard to tie it up and it's not comfortable at all."
Qin Mubai immediately smiled, his smile was extremely warm and a little proud and evil, and said: "Oh, are you finally ready to have sex with me?"
"Nonsense!" Wu Meiniang's cheeks filled with joy.
"Then why did you change my bed?"
"..." Wu Meiniang suddenly became confused and pulled the quilt to cover her head and face, "You go out, I have to get up and change clothes!"
"Haha, okay, you must be hungry. I will ask someone to prepare breakfast to enjoy with you, and then we will go out together to meet the King of Jiangxia!"
After that, Qin Mubai opened the door and went out, calling Wu Meiniang's maid to help her wash up.
Wu Meiniang emerged from the quilt and let out a sigh of relief, her face burning.
"What a fool... he tucked me in all night long and kissed me secretly... But, I like it! This is the man I want!"
After a while, two little maidservants ran in with smiles on their faces, each looking at Wu Mei Niang with ambiguous looks on her face and giggling coquettishly.
"Why are you laughing?" Wu Meiniang used anger to cover up her embarrassment and said sternly, "My uncle, the general, read all night long by candlelight!"
"Hehe, my boss didn't bring it upon himself!"
"How is this possible, hee hee! He is a strong and vigorous man!"
Wu Meiniang shook her head and smiled, with a look of pride on her face unconsciously, and said leisurely: "If he really climbed into this bed last night, he would not be the man that Wu Meiniang loves with all her heart. You guys won't understand. "
The two little maids were confused for a while, and then murmured: "Does the master want to say that the general's uncle is a true gentleman and a great husband who can sit still in his arms?"
"On the contrary, not only is he not as great as you say, he is also completely bad." Wu Meiniang smiled lightly, pursed her lips in a playful smile, and said softly with longing eyes, "He is just a little bit caring, and knows a little respect and respect. It's just pity. Even if his mind that doesn't think about good things is filled with desire, he will never forget it. "
After a pause, Wu Meiniang chuckled and said, "Only such a man deserves to be loved deeply, and for a lifetime."
It's close to noon, thirty miles outside Lanzhou City.
Three thousand armored soldiers formed a military formation, with flags, gongs and drums standing everywhere, and the formation was extraordinary.
Qin Mubai's military uniform was fluttering, and he put his hand on the edge and looked forward. The corners of his mouth raised and he smiled softly: "Here he comes."
Ahead, smoke and dust billowed, and a large group of people appeared.
A cavalry of knights came running quickly, "Report to the young marshal, King Jiangxia and Princess Wencheng are arriving in their carriages!"
"Come forward to greet me."
Qin Mubai waved his hand and led his subordinates to ride forward.
Military music and colorful flags were flying, and the welcoming ceremony was quite large. Li Daozong rode a horse, Li Xueyan rode a chariot, and Su Dingfang escorted them in armor. The group came slowly.
Lanzhou Military Town rarely puts on such a pomp to welcome anyone. This time, the main reason was that the King of Jiangxia came to negotiate with Tubo and grant a marriage, which was related to the social order and military affairs and could not be slacked off. Putting up such a battle was actually mainly for the people and people from the Tibetan states to see, to show that the Tang Dynasty attached great importance to this matter.
On the contrary, the authorities don't pay much attention to these red tapes. Everyone is just acting together.
"Qin Mubai, who holds the humble position of Governor of Lanzhou, leads the officers and generals of the Governor's Mansion to greet His Royal Highness Princess Wencheng and His Royal Highness the King of Jiangxia!" Qin Mubai stood on his horse, clasping his fists on his side in a military salute, and said, "Princess and Your Majesty, please forgive me for wearing my armor. Can’t do it all.”
The armored military formations shouted slogans such as "Welcome the prince and princess" with great momentum.
Li Daozong was dressed in royal robes and rode on his horse. He looked Qin Mubai up and down, then looked around at the sergeants, and said with a smile: "I haven't seen you for a few days, and you have transformed into a second-grade official and a frontier official. It's amazing. , Mu Bai!”
Qin Mubai laughed loudly: "The prince is making fun of you!"
Li Daozong clapped his horse and stepped forward, saying in a low voice: "I guess Changsun Wuji is going to be furious? Haha! Not only did he not clean you off, he even made you fly to heaven!"
"Not necessarily!" Qin Mubai smiled playfully and whispered, "This Grand Governor of Lanzhou was conferred on me by Changsun Wuji himself."
"Oh, there is still this matter?" Li Daozong's face suddenly showed suspicion, "How is it possible?"
"This matter will be discussed later." Qin Mubai smiled slightly and cupped his hands and said, "The prince and princess have come a long way and have a hard time. Please come to the city and stay in the camp. Everything has been arranged by my humble duty."
"That's fine." Li Daozong nodded and said, "You come together. I just have a lot to say to you."
"You should obey your orders."
After receiving the king and daughter of Jiangxia, the large group of people drove towards Lanzhou. Princess Wencheng Li Xueyan naturally sat in the carriage without showing her head. Qin Mubai chatted with Li Daozong, Su Dingfang and others along the way, and soon entered Lanzhou. After the soldiers and horses were stationed and arranged for their journey, everyone dispersed to allow Prince Jiangxia and his daughter to rest for half a day. In the evening, they held a feast to welcome the wind and cleanse the dust in the governor's mansion.
Qin Mubai and Wu Meiniang were invited by the King of Jiangxia to go to the princess's palace together.
Seeing the two of them walking in hand in hand, Li Daozong chuckled and said, "It seems that you and other such a perfectly matched pair of beauties are not afraid of making others envious."
Li Xueyan took off her ceremonious princess outfit and sat aside. At this time, her eyes showed a stunning look, and she thought to herself: Is this the long-famous Wu Meiniang? She is indeed so charming that she will captivate the whole country!
"Your Majesty knows how to make fun of Qin." Qin Mubai responded with a smile. After greeting Wu Meiniang separately, they sat down together without formalities.
Li Daozong ordered people to serve tea to each other and said that the arrangements for the trip were very appropriate and satisfactory.
After chatting for a few words, Li Daozong said: "This time, my father and daughter are here. But the matter of the marriage needs to be discussed in detail. Your father just won the battle in Puchanghai and pacified Gaochang. This is better than what he did at the beginning. When the decision to grant the marriage was made, the situation changed. It was only because important matters of the court could not be changed overnight, so we came here to show our sincerity. The key is to see whether the Tubo people are sincere in making peace. Otherwise, I will. No matter how worthless Li Daozong's daughter is, she can't just send it to the plateau!"
Li Xueyan's face turned red and white, and she opened her mouth to say something, but she held it back.
Qin Mubai secretly admired her, her self-cultivation was indeed beyond the reach of ordinary women.
"The first thing the prince said when he arrived in Lanzhou was this matter, and Qin understood it in his heart." Qin Mubai nodded solemnly and said, "Making peace and granting marriage is not only a major matter for the country, but also a private matter for the prince. In public and private matters, Mr. Qin will handle it carefully. Prince, please rest assured. If the Tubo people are sincere in making peace, it will be a blessing for the two countries. Mr. Qin will make the decision and let the princess marry the Tubo in a glorious manner without any grievance. . On the other hand, if he is not sincere, let him taste the power of a Tibetan barbarian and a hundred thousand troops from Lanzhou!"
Li Daozong narrowed his eyes, his eyes were extremely sharp, "What a powerful method?"
Qin Mubai smiled slightly, put down his tea cup, hugged Li Daozong and Li Xueyan, and wrote lightly: "Qin then stepped on the plateau, captured the Tubo Zanpu abandoned Zong Nongzan alive, and asked him a question in front of Her Royal Highness the Princess. "If you have a girl like this, what do you want from me? Did you abandon Zong Nongzan and eat too much meat to blind your mind, so you would rather be a prisoner than marry the pretty princess?"
"Okay! I just like your madness!" Li Daozong slapped the table and laughed heartily, "If you don't marry Princess Qiao, let her be a prisoner! - Qin Mubai, this sentence means the same thing for me. I’ll keep it in mind for you!”
Li Xueyan, who was as calm as a lotus, quietly sat aside, bit her lip gently, glanced at Wu Meiniang first, and then fixed her eyes on Qin Mubai, with a look in her eyes that no one could understand, and said softly: " I remember it too."
Wu Meiniang glanced at Li Xueyan quickly, sipped her tea, smiled, and shook her head gently.