Finally returning to Lanzhou, where he had been away for a long time, Qin Mubai felt more relaxed.
Under Chen Yan's patient persuasion and Qin Mubai's hard work, the proud Turkic princess Ashina Blood Lotus finally gave in and "returned" to the Qin family. In fact, she may not really be unwilling to marry Qin Mubai, but out of a woman's reserve and the pride of a princess, it is a bit difficult to accept such a thing as "marrying with a son." Chen Yan figured out what she was thinking, and while persuading her, she asked Qin Mubai to promise to give her a sufficient step, that is, hold a wedding that matches her status!
Moreover, this wedding must be held on the grassland and according to the customs of the grassland.
Chen Yan said to Qin Mubai, for a man like you, having an extra wife is like adding an extra piece of clothing; and no matter what kind of woman you want to marry, it is a matter of determining your life's destiny. It is worth doing this out of respect for the prairie princess.
Qin Mubai agreed without saying a word. He also made an additional promise that he would formally hire Xuelian's uncle, Tumidu, the leader of Huihe (Xue Lian's parents have died and no elders in the clan survived), and personally go to the northern grassland to hold a formal and grand ceremony with her. Wedding ceremony, and going to Jinshan, the holy land of the Turks, to receive the recognition and blessings from the gods. In addition, Qin Mubai would also submit a letter to the Tang Dynasty court, explaining the fact that Xuelian was the only direct descendant of the Ashina nobles and explaining her great contribution in the battle of Pingbo, requesting the court to reward her.
Qin Mubai knew that Xue Lian's grandfather was once the Turkic Khan of the Turks. He made great contributions to the rule of the Turks in the Northern Tang Dynasty and was named the Prince of Beiping. Later, Xue Lian's father, Ashina Heluo'u, succeeded him. He received the title of nobility and served as the governor and people-friendly officer in the northern grassland.
All in all, Blood Lotus not only has a noble bloodline and origin in the eyes of the Turks, but in the Tang Dynasty, she should also be a "royal family". The father of Xue Lian, who now holds the title of nobility, has been killed by the Xueyantuo people. His Ashina family only left two daughters, Xue Lian and Xi Yan; and considering the delicate situation on all sides due to the stubbornness of Huihe in the north, As well as Xuelian's "special relationship" with the great hero Qin Mubai, it would not be an exaggeration if the people in the court were not crazy and made her a "princess" in name only.
Qin Mubai knew that Xuelian didn't care about the title of princess, she just wanted to be respected and recognized. Going to the grassland to formally appoint and hold the wedding was Qin Mubai's respect for her; the Tang court's bestowal on her was recognition of the Ashina family's efforts to help the Tang Dynasty with her.
Qin Mubai and Chen Yan did enough homework together and showed enough sincerity, and finally convinced Xue Lian. On the day she returned home for the first time, even though Princess Gaoyang was cursing in her heart that "that stinky man is flirting with women outside again", she showed her heart as the "Mother of the Qin Family" and treated her with enthusiasm and kindness. In addition, Xue Lian was already pregnant with Qin Mubai's flesh and blood, and her worth had increased. Everyone in the Qin family regarded her as a treasure.
Xue Lian, who was treated kindly and courteously, finally swept away the last trace of haze in her heart and settled in the Qin family with peace of mind.
Qin Mubai was naturally secretly happy. Although his relationship with Blood Lotus was short-lived, after all, she was always by his side during his most difficult times. Between the two of them, there is not only a love between a man and a woman who share the same adversity, but also a battlefield friendship as a comrade-in-arms. And in fact, Xue Lian has never asked Qin Mubai to give her anything. From the distant northern grasslands to helping each other all the way to Luoxu City, Xue Lian has been paying for Qin Mubai.
From being strangers to being pregnant, Xue Lian never asked Qin Mubai for even one thing. And what she gave Qin Mubai was not only a fiery, persistent and unrequited love, but also tens of thousands of Huihe cavalry. It was these tens of thousands of cavalry that helped Xue Rengui create a military myth, and also enabled Qin Mubai to turn the tide. Therefore, in a sense, the Blood Lotus first achieved Xue Rengui, then Qin Mubai, and then achieved the Tang Dynasty's victory over Tubo!
"With a wife like this, what can I ask for?" Qin Mubai said to Xue Lian himself, "Xue Lian, I, Qin, may have been blessed by me in my previous life, and I can only win your favor in this life. I admit that I am not a good person. Man, I’m a playboy, I’m lustful, and there’s never a shortage of women around me. But please believe that I will treat you well in this life, because... if I betray you, God will not allow it!”
The slightly fat Xue Lian gently held her bulging belly, smiled, and said, "I don't want to hear a word of sweet talk. Do you dare to promise me something?"
"you say."
"In the future, no matter whether the child I give birth to is a boy or a girl, do you dare to give him the surname Ashina?"
"Okay." Qin Mubai smiled calmly, "Just think of it as... my gift of thanks to my father-in-law and mother-in-law, who I have never met. Thank them for giving birth to such a good daughter like you and giving you to me. No matter in the future, Whether the child you give birth to is a boy or a girl, I will give him the surname Ashina, so that the most noble Ashina family on the grassland will have a successor!"
Blood Lotus's eyelids drooped, she bit her lip gently and nodded slightly.
"Thanks."
This is Xue Lian, the first time she said these two words to Qin Mubai.
Because she knew that in the Central Plains, a country where etiquette and bloodline were the most important, bloodline must always follow the father's, and children never bear the mother's surname. Otherwise, it will be a violation of ordinary etiquette and will be criticized and ridiculed by the world.
What she just said was just a slightly provocative joke—unexpectedly, Qin Mubai actually agreed!
"Mu Bai, you are indeed different from any other man I know." Xue Lian said softly, "Although I am pregnant with your flesh and blood, I feel that I don't know you very well yet."
"It doesn't matter, we still have a lifetime." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "You can be my wife and the mother of your child while... falling in love with me!"
Blood Lotus burst out laughing, "Absurd!"
By coincidence, Princess Gaoyang heard her coming. She suddenly said angrily: "Okay, you Qin Mubai, you are so kind to one and not the other!"
"How dare I!" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "The back of the hand and the palm of the hand are all flesh, the same, the same."
"Then why didn't you say... let me continue to fall in love with you? - Love, this word is so disgusting, haha!" Princess Gaoyang laughed so heartlessly that even Xuelian was amused.
Seeing Xuelian smiling, Qin Mubai felt a little more relaxed.
The war is over, and it's time to enjoy the warmth of family. Qin Mubai thought that now that the war was over and Lanzhou was in peace, it was time to go to Chang'an to take his mother and sister over. In addition, Mei Niang's family also lives in Qiongyu Villa, and the family will be really prosperous and lively by then. Mother will definitely be happy when she sees Xiao Lou'er, Ying'er, and Di'er.
"Since my father's death, so many things have happened one after another. It's time to let her live a good life for two days." Qin Mubai thought that he would just do it, and immediately sent out several capable and trustworthy Baiqi guards. They went to Chang'an.
In addition, Qin Mubai heard that Wei Zheng had passed away not long ago, and ordered them to go to pay homage and express their feelings on his behalf. Moreover, Princess Gaoyang has given birth to Lin'er in Lanzhou, so she should give the good news to her father-in-law's family. Therefore, Qin Mubai sent another "family letter" to Emperor Li Shimin, a family letter from Princess Gaoyang to her mother, and Qin Di'er's portrait.
Of course, this family letter written by Qin Mubai is actually a "secret memorial". What is said in the letter is certainly not enough for outsiders to tell. This includes the affairs of Hou Junji, the affairs of Changsun Huan, and the discussion of the "plan for the Western Regions."
Long before Qin Mubai came to Lanzhou, he and Li Shimin, the two monarchs, had a grand plan for Tubo and the Western Regions. The pacification of Tibet was actually just part of the blueprint. Now that the war against Tubo is over, Qin Mubai will of course ask Li Shimin, the "chief engineer", what to do next.
Now Su Dingfang has become famous in the Western Regions, but there is still a long way to go to dominate the Western Regions. Previously, in order to give up the credit for his achievements, Qin Mubai publicly asked the court to change Su Dingfang's title to the title of Protector of Anxi in his report of victory. As expected, the court has yet to give its approval.
This also means that Li Shimin has not forgotten the blueprint in his heart. Now, it's time for Qin Mubai to ask privately, so that they can appear to have a tacit understanding.
The messenger is gone. Qin Mubai started a new round of expectations.
Looking forward to the arrival of my mother and the time to implement the last big wish in my heart.
At the same time, Qin Mubai also began to think about and worry about Wu Meiniang, who was far away in the Western Regions at the moment, wondering where she was and whether she was safe. Although she is very capable, a woman wandering around in a war-torn place is always in danger. In addition, her trip was not just about doing business to make money, but also had other important purposes that even Qin Mubai didn't know about - it would be like pulling chestnuts from the fire, and it would be even more dangerous!
The scene in front of us can be described as "every dogwood tree planted everywhere but one person missing". Without Wu Meiniang, this family seemed less complete. While Qin Mubai was enjoying the happiness and warmth of his family, he was worried about Wu Meiniang. He wished he could give birth to twins immediately and go to the Western Regions to bring Wu Meiniang back.
At this moment, the special banquet was taking place in the back hall of King Kang's palace.
"Miss Wu, after resting in the palace for one night, you can leave!" The old King Hayamanno said with an apologetic smile, "It's not that I am unkind and want to issue this rude expulsion order, it's really... "
Wu Meiniang was a little shocked when she heard this and asked: "Your Majesty, the King, if you have something to say, you might as well say it directly."
Hayamanno's expression seemed a little helpless, he shook his head and sighed, and said: "To be honest, there are envoys from Dashi and Beiting living in the king's palace. It is also because of the forced Because of their combined pressure, I had to order the arrest of the Han merchants and Han people in Samajian City. But please rest assured that I will never harm them! I will release them again as soon as the storm is over. , and return everything that belongs to them!”
"Why do they force you to do this?" Wu Meiniang's heart sank, and she was surprised: There is actually a big food country! This was beyond my expectation. It seems that things are much more complicated than I thought!
"Miss Wu, after all, you are not a real envoy of the Tang Dynasty or an official. Let me tell you, you may not understand." Hayamanno said, "In fact, our Kangju country has always been rich and powerful, even though it is the best in the world. , but have never been independent. From hundreds of years ago, we, the native Sogdians, first surrendered to the Dayue clan who moved westward and were integrated into the nine surnames of Zhaowu; and then had to be forced by the forces of Beiting. As their vassal state, we have also surrendered to the Sui Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty, which are thousands of miles away; and the powerful Food Empire in the West has also made us rich and has been interfering in everything we do! The king of Kang Ju has very little control. There are powerful countries outside, and there are three life-seeking ministers who hold the real power. Therefore, the only thing I can do now is to ensure your safe departure!"
Wu Meiniang's face changed slightly, and she whispered: "Your Majesty the King, according to you, if I don't leave, my life will be in danger?"
"Hey... you'd better not ask any more questions! After the dinner, you should rest early. Tomorrow morning, I will ask the Crescent Princess to take you out of the palace in person. Then you go all the way east without looking back, until you reach a safe place! Hayamanno said helplessly, "That's all I can do. I hope you won't ask any more questions and don't reject my proposal."
"Okay... thank you, His Majesty the King!" Wu Meiniang was a little disappointed, so she had to agree first. .
Originally, Wu Meiniang wanted to learn more from the old king, but although Hayamanno was old, he was not confused at all. He obviously did not intend to discuss any national affairs with a "fake" envoy. Being able to treat her so courteously and promise to ensure her safe departure, Hayamanno had given enough face to Datang and the Qin family.
Hayamanno smiled helplessly and ashamedly, and said: "Actually, if it were not for the war, Kangju Kingdom and Samajian would always be a paradise for merchants. The king and his subjects also very much welcome guests from the Eastern Tang Dynasty. , not to mention that Miss Wu is the daughter of the true god. This time, I will treat Kang Juguo as a landlord and I will make up for it even more!"
Wu Meiniang smiled indifferently, glanced sideways at the Crescent Princess who was sitting quietly and silently next to her, and said: "Her Royal Highness's appearance is quite similar to that of an old friend of mine. I have a heartfelt request. After the banquet, could your Highness the Princess please stay a moment and chat with me for a while?”
"Of course." Hayamanno agreed readily, "Princess, please stay here so that you can greet the distinguished guests of the Tang Dynasty!"
Wu Meiniang smiled meaningfully, "Then thank you, His Majesty the King!"