Qin Mubai chatted with Li Daozong for a while, and suddenly he heard the melodious sound of pipa and a female voice singing in the night sky from a small attic not far away.
Ethereal and graceful, like the clear singing of a nightingale.
"When will the bright moon come? Ask the sky for wine."
"I wonder what year it is today in the palace in the sky..."
Qin Mubai couldn't help but be slightly startled. Isn't this the song "When Will Tomorrow Come" that Faye Wong sang
Li Xueyan
Li Daozong stroked his beard, chuckled and licked the calf with emotion that was beyond words, and said: "Yan'er never drinks, but he drank a little today. He probably sang in the middle of the night because he was still drunk."
"Singing really well." Qin Mubai praised sincerely.
Li Xueyan's voice was originally as clear and melodious as the sound of nature, but a thousand years later, it turned out to be the voice of a naturally talented singer. Coupled with the fact that he plays the pipa so well, anyone who listens to it cannot help but be impressed.
Listening to her play and sing is a pleasure.
Qin Mubai listened intently for a moment, then suddenly sighed and said, "Your Majesty, I suddenly feel that we people are really cowards."
"Oh, how do you say that?" Li Daozong asked in surprise.
"What we think about is all about the situation, the overall situation, and interests, but sometimes we forget about some integrity and dignity." Qin Mubai said, "What I said was very unpleasant, and I overturned a boat with a stick and a bucket. , but I’m really not happy about it.”
"I understand what you mean." Li Daozong chuckled and nodded indifferently, and said, "You think that we have to give away the wild geese in exchange for fighter jets or peace in order to achieve so-called great things, right?"
"Well..." Qin Mubai nodded.
Li Daozong raised the corner of his mouth, smiled a bit strangely, and suddenly said, "Why, you can't bear it?"
"Uh..." Qin Mubai was startled and said with a smile, "Where did the prince go? The prince is very clear about Qin's habitual opinions. No matter when and where, I am opposed to marriage. Even if there are various ways to marry, There are many advantages and disadvantages to fighting, and I would rather die on the battlefield than give away our women in exchange for my own comfort. This is more uncomfortable for me than death."
"Hey, you!" Li Daozong shook his head with a wry smile, reached out to pat his shoulder, and said with some emotion and sadness, "You are just like me when I was young, hot-blooded, heroic, and like the sky is falling. He is so domineering, or rather foolish, that he is willing to marry. Is Your Majesty willing to marry? Sometimes, wars between nations and battlefields are just like doing business. Everyone wants to pay the minimum cost and earn money. More benefits. Giving away one wild goose may mean fewer deaths... Benefits, feelings are always fragile in the face of benefits."
Qin Mubai's brows gradually wrinkled, and he stared at the small carved building not far away under the moonlight, and said to himself: "How can we pursue all the interests in the world? The essence of human beings that is different from grass and trees lies in their emotions. ... I admit that sending the princess away is an extremely good deal for the Tang Dynasty, but until now, don’t say that she is the prince’s daughter. Even if she is a person who has nothing to do with me, I can’t live with myself. One level.”
"No one is more reluctant to leave Yan'er than this king." Li Daozong said softly, "Mu Bai, you shoulder a heavy responsibility and you should put the overall situation first."
"Don't worry, Your Majesty, I understand." Qin Mubai took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, frowning and said, "I will fulfill my responsibilities. If I have a choice, my attitude and stance will be quite clear!"
"The imperial court sent Liu Shan, the young minister of Honglu Temple, to come with this king and specially sent to Tubo to negotiate state affairs and discuss the matter of peace and marriage." Li Daozong said, "Tomorrow, let him take care of things before setting off. The military situation is very good, and it will be early. In one moment, many fewer people may die.”
"Do your best and obey fate." Qin Mubai replied, "Let Liu Shanyin go for a run first and then talk about it!"
Li Daozong's heart was blocked. He wanted to say something, but he didn't say it.
He could clearly see that Qin Mubai hated the "marriage grant" thing. If Liu Shanyin's trip was not as he expected in the slightest, he would definitely fall out with Tubo in an instant and fight to the death.
"After all, you are still young..." Li Daozong sighed secretly, and then thought, "When I was young like you, I also had a heart that would please me. But now, I have become so snobbish and realistic. After living in the world for many years, I have been grinding. The edge has gone and the passion has gone... What else do I have left besides sophistication and tact? Qin Mubai, Qin Mubai, I really envy you! ...You should not be frivolous when you are young. This is what you once said. It’s a pity that I seem to be really old.”
As the night progressed, Qin Mubai prepared to say goodbye and go back. It is enough for Wu Meiniang to stay alone in an empty room for one night. Is it possible to ask her to stay for two nights
Today, she actually went to the market and bought a complete set of bed and bedding!
Just as Qin Mubai was about to leave, there was suddenly a loud noise from Ruoda, which seemed to be scolding and fighting, in the courtyard in the backyard of the Governor's Mansion, which was only separated by a wall.
Qin Mubai immediately stood up solemnly: "It's chaos! What happened in the army in the middle of the night?"
"Could it be Ying Xiao?" Li Daozong, who was leading the troops on the expedition, was extremely vigilant and raised his hand decisively, "Let's go and have a look!"
The two of them hurried out and rushed to the military camp of the Governor's Mansion. As soon as I arrived at the gate of the Dudu Mansion, I bumped into a Yi Mansion general, who said in panic: "Young Marshal, you are finally here, the general is waiting to find you!"
"What's the matter?" Qin Mubai asked sharply.
"That Hou Junji!" the general said angrily and anxiously, "he broke into the military camp during his free time, provoked our brothers, and now he is causing chaos!"
"Hou Junji?" Since it wasn't Ying Xiao, Qin Mubai's anxiety and anger immediately disappeared by half. He looked at the general with surprise and suspicion, and asked, "What did he do?"
"He seems to have drunk too much. He broke into the military camp for no reason. He scolded and grabbed people and beat them." The general replied, "Brothers all know his background and have listened to the young marshal's orders. He has not interacted with anyone. He was generally knowledgeable. But the more he cursed, the louder and louder he became, and a few people couldn't restrain themselves and started to have sex with him... As a result, the whole camp was shaken and chaos broke out in the middle of the night. "
"How can it be unreasonable? This Hou Junji is so unreasonable!" Li Daozong said angrily, "How can we allow him to mess around in this important military camp?"
"Your Majesty, please calm down. Hou Junji should have his reasons for doing this." Qin Mubai stopped being angry and chuckled, "As long as it's not Ying Xiao. Come on, let's see what happens!"
After entering the military camp, Qin Mubai and others saw a large group of soldiers gathered in a circle from a distance, holding some torches, and leaving an empty space in the middle.
Among them, there was a man sitting lazily on the ground with a wine bottle and one hand on the ground, and he was talking nonsense -
"Who else wants to fight with me? Stand up! ... What kind of soldiers are you? Such a big group of people can't kill me? What are you afraid of?"
Obviously, that is Hou Junji.
Most of the sergeants who formed a circle glared at Hou Junji, wishing they could eat him alive. Several of them had bruises on their noses or faces, or had blood on their mouths and noses, obviously having been beaten.
The general said to Qin Mubai in a low voice: "Hou Junji's men are a bit tricky. He defeated several of our brothers by himself. If it weren't for military orders and human feelings, our brothers would have killed him alive. But he is still here. Howling!"
Qin Mubai waved his hand to signal him to shut up. He stood in the darkness and did not rush to show his face to see what Hou Junji wanted to do.
Hou Junji sneered while drinking wine, and loudly said: "Are you the soldiers brought out by Qin Mubai? Haha! Why didn't he go to Hongwen Hall and Taiyuan College to select some bachelors who were well-read in poetry? Wouldn't that be more serious? Is it appropriate? Seeing that you are all gnashing your teeth in hatred and none of you are coming forward to do anything to me, do you still have any blood, are you guys? Come on, pull out your swords and kill me! Say hello over here!"
He patted his chest hard, his face turned red, and he was obviously very drunk.
Several soldiers couldn't bear it anymore and wanted to rush out, but they were held back by the brothers beside them.
"You can't kill this man! The young commander has instructions!"
"Damn it! Even if I kill him and keep him alive, I can't bear it anymore!"
"Kill! Kill him!"
Hou Junji suddenly stood up, raised his head and laughed loudly: "Come on! Come on! - Kill me quickly!"
The situation was like a howling moon wolf.
Li Daozong looked at him with squinted eyes, shook his head and smiled, and said: "Hou Junji started out in the army at a young age. He has a strong and fierce spirit. Even though he has been fighting among the six departments in the court for many years, he is still the best. There is no way to get rid of it. This is both his greatest weakness and his greatest strength.”
"Same feeling." Qin Mubai nodded with a smile and said, "If he loses this gangster spirit and bloodiness, he will no longer be Hou Junji. What on earth is he going to do today? Even if he is drunk, there is no reason to run to the military camp. Are you going to make trouble? It’s so weird!”
"Why don't you go over and ask him? Don't let him continue to make trouble."
"That's fine."
As the two were about to walk over, Hou Junji suddenly threw the wine bottle in his hand to the ground, causing it to break into pieces. He said loudly: "You all should go home! Don't follow Qin Mubai into battle and die! - We are all going to get married. We sent our girls to Tubo Zanpu, what else do we need from you soldiers, let alone a bunch of cowards!"
"Hou Junji, why don't you shut up!" Li Daozong became angry. He pushed aside the soldiers and rushed in. He pointed at Hou Junji and shouted, "What nonsense are you talking about here when you are so drunk? Others dare not kill people. I don't dare to kill anyone." The king will treat you like a piece of grass!"
"Oh, drink!" Hou Junji looked sideways at Li Daozong, half-smiling with drunken eyes, and hummed, "Finally, someone with courage and momentum has come. Who is it? It turns out to be the King of Jiangxia! Sorry, disrespectful Ah ha ha!"
At this time, all the sergeants stood at attention solemnly, clasping their fists and bowing towards Li Daozong. The sergeants who had been beaten cowered and hid behind them, not daring to show their heads.
"Tie him up and throw him into the Chinese army's tent." Qin Mubai said coldly.
Several sergeants rushed forward, pushed Hou Junji to the ground and tied him up.
Hou Junji didn't say a word and let them tie him up like a dead man. Then he was carried and thrown into the Chinese army's tent, and his bones almost fell apart when he fell to the ground.
After driving away the crowd, Qin Mubai and Li Daozong entered the military tent and stood beside Hou Junji.
Hou Junji looked up at the two of them and sneered.
"Why are you laughing?" Qin Mubai asked calmly, without any trace of anger or emotion.
"I laugh at Li Daozong for being wretched and despicable and living up to his reputation as a hero; I laugh at Qin Sanlang for his lack of ambition and talent and his empty appearance and will ultimately achieve nothing; I laugh at Qin Shubao's short life and his untimely death; I laugh at the Lanzhou River and Long River that will eventually fall into the hands of others!"
Qin Mubai and Li Daozong looked at each other with mixed expressions.
"Hey", Qin Mubai pulled out the knife from his waist.
"Come on, wipe it here, it's the most enjoyable!" Hou Junji stretched his neck and laughed, "Be quick, let me try your knife skills!"
"Buzz..."
One strike of the knife was like a dragon roaring.
The rope around Hou Junji came loose.
"Get up. If you're not a turtle, don't lie on the ground." Qin Mubai sneered, walked to the tent and said, "Come here, prepare some food and drinks."
"promise!"
The pawn outside was confused and promised to leave.
Hou Junji curled his lips and climbed up, patted the dust on his body, found a seat and sat down in a dignified manner, looked at Qin Mubai and Li Daozong from side to side unscrupulously, and said, "What do you want to do?"
"Drink!" Qin Mubai clapped his hands and said, "You are not afraid of death, but you are also afraid of drinking?"
"Just drink!" Hou Junji snorted, "A man's life is nothing more than wine, sex and wealth, and wine ranks first. It has always been Hou's favorite. In the past, when I was an official, I was bound to the officialdom. This is also If it doesn't work, then it won't work either. It's better now. Since I'm an idle and reckless man, I can do whatever I want."
"Hou Junji, tell me, why did you do this today?" Li Daozong said patiently, "You don't have to show off in front of us. You are pretending to be confused. I really understand. You are a fiery person, and so do we. They are all straight-tempered, there is no need to beat around the bush.”
"Okay, let me tell you." Hou Junji smelled of alcohol and his face was red, but his eyes were bright. He pointed at Qin Mubai and said sternly, "To know a man's ability, ability and foundation, everyone has his or her own characteristics. Everyone's method. Most people pay attention to family background, family background, or official rank and experience. I, Hou Junji, never look at it."
"Then what are you looking at?" Li Daozong asked with a chuckle.
"Look at the women around him and his brothers." Hou Junji said very seriously, "The more outstanding a man will have, the more and better women he will have; what kind of friends does that man have around him?" The hands and feet determine his confidence."
Qin Mubai couldn't help but smile. Is this considered the heroes have the same views? In the past, I once said that "the better the male, the better the female."
"Then what do you think of Qin?"
Hou Junji shook his head and curled his lips and said: "I can only say that you are lucky. Other than that, you are almost useless."
"How do you say that?" Qin Mubai couldn't help but laugh.
Even Li Daozong shook his head and laughed, "How arrogant!"
Hou Junji completely turned a deaf ear to Li Daozong's words, burped and said: "Princess Gaoyang, Wu Meiniang, any of these women are worthy of the top men in the world. But you are the second best. But this It’s not that you are capable or capable, but that you are lucky. In other words, you are good at hooking up and cheating.”
"How do you know that Qin Mubai has no ability or ability?" Li Daozong asked with a smile.
"From the soldiers he led." Hou Junji turned his head, looked at Li Daozong and said, "The spirit of an army depends on its generals. The soldiers under Qin Mubai were submissive, fearful, bloodless and domineering. Yes, they abide by military disciplines and rules, just like Li Jing's soldiers. Qin Mubai probably inherited Li Jing's routine. Rules are the first in the army, so the soldiers cannot have their own personalities and courage. Among generals, Everyone is polished and has no temper. Such soldiers are only suitable for guarding the capital and patrolling the capital. If they go to the battlefield, they will die, especially in places like Helongxi Region. They are like a group of sheep. "
Li Daozong smiled and was about to say that these Yifu troops had just been recruited from the Sixteenth Guards and had not yet been trained. They were just a piece of loose sand. Qin Mubai stopped him with a look and said to Hou Junji: "In your opinion, what kind of generals and what kind of soldiers should we have to be able to gallop with ease in a place like Helong in the Western Regions?"
"Wolves!" Hou Junji said these two words loudly and loudly.
"What is a wolf pack?"
"It's a pack of wolves! A good tiger is no match for a pack of wolves!" Hou Junji said loudly, "They are wild, full of blood, arrogant and full of murderous intent. They travel thousands of miles to get food from the enemy, and fight with the enemy to the death no matter how strong or weak they are!" —Only this kind of army can make a difference in Helong, the Western Region!"
"That's right." Qin Mubai said lightly, "Then in your opinion, I, Mr. Qin, my father, and even all the generals under my command, can't train such an army of wolves?"
"No." Hou Junji shook his head without hesitation and said, "Qin Shubao is a tiger general in the world, but he is not a wolf general. He is domineering, the tiger is sitting on the dragon's plate, he is majestic, and he can destroy the city like a tiger being laid off, and no one can stop it. . But he is not ruthless enough, not wild enough, not surly enough, and more importantly, he is too aloof and arrogant, and he never disdains the "war is not tired of deceit" approach. Faced with the complicated situation in the Western Region and the capricious and vicious Hu people, he always One day, he will suffer a big loss because of his character. As for you, Qin Mubai... You know better than me that you are good at literary skills and weak at martial arts. And brothers Xue Wanche and Qi Bi are at best under the command of the fierce tiger. Xiong Yan waved flags and shouted to defend the city and charge into the battle, so he could only do these things. Xue Rengui was expected to be Qin Shubao's second, but not now. The rest of the Lanzhou Governor's Mansion was no longer worthy of my attention. Just take a look."
After hearing this, Li Daozong couldn't help but sneer and said: "Hou Junji, you have some ability, but you are too arrogant and too withdrawn. The heroes of the world are nothing but grass in your eyes. You want to say that tigers are worse than wolves, right? ?”
Hou Junji responded tit-for-tat, rapped the table in front of him with his knuckles, and said loudly: "In places like the Helongxi Region, it's just that a tyrant is worse than a cunning, and a tiger is worse than a wolf! Hou Mou left these words here today. , let’s see another day!”
"Tiger generals, wolf generals... Dominance is worse than cunning, tigers are not as good as wolves!" Qin Mubai took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and thought to himself with a deep eyebrow, "Hou Junji, these words are on point!... Li Daozong said That’s right, he is pretending to be confused but he really understands, a wise man is already confident!”