Now is a formal occasion for diplomatic relations between the two countries, and Qin Mubai doesn't have much thought to spy on the queen's appearance. At the moment, he held the envoy Jie Cheng in his hand, and on his left and right were Zhu Bancheng and Xiao Xuanwu who presented their credentials and marshal's name stickers. The other two auxiliary ministers of Kang State received the credentials and name stickers respectively and returned the gift.
The Queen of Kang State has been sitting on the throne. She only said at the beginning, "Young Marshal Qin led the royal army of the Celestial Dynasty to come to rescue our little Mongolian country out of righteousness. The whole country is deeply moved." There was no other words. Yes, the ministers have been presiding over this diplomatic ceremony.
But with just these words, Mu Ran made Qin Mubai's heart agitate... He didn't expect that the queen of Kang State could speak such authentic and fluent Chinese, and this voice was so familiar!
Although it came through a veil, every note she spoke seemed to have the magic power to penetrate people's hearts, touching the heartstrings in Qin Mubai's heart that had not been touched for a long time.
Inadvertently, the image of Yao'er appeared in Qin Mubai's mind. That poor woman who once gave him the most selfless tenderness and the most profound grief!
With his heart moved, Qin Mubai couldn't help but raise his head and look at the queen on the throne.
As if they had a tacit understanding, the queen also looked at Qin Mubai.
The two people's eyes met, and their hearts trembled in unison!
Although the queen only showed a pair of eyes, her eyes could not hide the fact that she told Qin Mubai that her mind was also trembling with anxiety.
On such an occasion, the two of them suddenly lost their minds together.
Qin Mubai couldn't help but open his eyes wide, with a look of surprise on his face, and couldn't help but murmured - "Yao'er?!"
Yes, he had seen this look before. Although he had only seen it once, it was still a brief moment, which was destined to be unforgettable for his whole life - that was when Yao'er looked back at the light when he was dying, and his eyes that had been blind for many years suddenly regained sight!
That look was like an awl, carving Yao'er's name into the bones of Qin Mubai's heart. It will never be erased in this life!
Now, in Kang Ju Kingdom again, I can read Yao'er's eyes from the queen's eyes!
"Young Marshal... Young Marshal!" Xiao Xuanwu called in a low voice, "Minister Kang, please stamp your Marshal's seal on their credential reply..."
"Oh..." Qin Mubai suddenly came to his senses, smiled a little awkwardly, took out the handsome seal and stamped it.
It was just a ceremony. Minister Kang invited Xiao Xuanwu and other Tang generals to host a banquet at Qilin Terrace; but he told Qin Mubai that Her Majesty the Queen would personally host a banquet in the harem to entertain the marshal of the Celestial Dynasty, and invited Qin Mubai to the harem for a banquet.
"Just right!" Qin Mubai happily agreed.
The queen stood up from the throne, nodded gently to Qin Mubai, smiled, and drifted away.
Qin Mubai's heart suddenly palpitated again, and even he was a little surprised: the look on her face when she smiled at me, and the back when she walked, seemed so familiar. Could it be that we have really seen each other before? Strange! I haven't even seen this woman's face yet, so why am I so restless today? Could it be that this woman has some special power that can enchant people's souls
At this time, Su Lianqing came up, chuckled twice, and said, "How about it, Marshal Qin, can't you control it anymore?"
"What nonsense!" Qin Mubai glared at her.
"You know it yourself, don't you?" Su Lianqing continued to smile evilly and said, "When we have a banquet in the harem later, don't fool around with alcohol! - Let me tell you, although Kang State is a small country, they have Religious beliefs are very pious! The queen is the widow of the former king, so she must observe the law, so don’t..."
"Shut up! You talk too much. Who do you think I am?" Qin Mubai scolded angrily.
"Hehe!" Su Lianqing smiled more and more weirdly, "Okay, I won't talk nonsense. I only convey a message left by Wu Dong's family, that is - don't be greedy and delay, come to the Sam River as soon as possible!"
"Do you still need your instructions?" Qin Mubai sneered, "We'll just have a state banquet later to complete the diplomatic etiquette. I will immediately send troops north to the Sam River! Greed? Greed for what! You must have made this up. How could she say it? Come on like this!"
"Haha, you will know later whether it was Wu Meiniang who said it - come with me quickly, Her Majesty the Queen is waiting for you in the harem!" Su Lianqing led the way mysteriously and triumphantly.
Qin Mubai shook his head and smiled, and thought to himself, what is so great about this queen? Could it be that she can make me forget about Wu Meiniang and military affairs? - What nonsense! !
Along the way through the corridor to transfer the property, the exotic buildings and luxurious decorations along the way made Qin Mubai, who had seen so much of the world, a bit overwhelmed.
It seems that the rumors from the outside world are correct. The royal palace of Kang State is indeed a "golden palace". Take out a piece of agate from the wall here. It is priceless and can make people rich overnight.
The queen stood in a well and statue garden in the harem, with only two maids beside her. Looking at the situation, it didn't look like they were preparing to entertain foreign guests, but more like they were waiting for their lover.
Su Lianqing led Qin Mubai to the garden, laughed a few times and slipped away. Seeing Qin Mubai come in, the queen also dismissed the only two maids around her.
The white jade well pond has gurgling clear water; the rockery statues are shaded by lush greenery. Birds are singing and flowers are fragrant around you, and clouds are flowing in the blue sky above your head.
Qin Mubai walked up to the queen, and the two stared into each other's eyes, forgetting to say hello for a moment.
The more Qin Mubai looked at it, the more he felt that the woman in front of him was too familiar!
"Your Majesty, please forgive me for taking the liberty... I would like to ask, have we met somewhere before?" Qin Mubai couldn't help but speak.
The Queen couldn't help covering her veil with her hands and smiled sweetly, "No."
"That's strange..." Qin Mubai frowned and stared at the queen's veil.
The veil was hazy, and although her appearance couldn't be clearly seen, one could vaguely see the outline of her facial features.
The Queen blushed a little when she was stared at and turned her head away, "Why is Marshal Qin staring at me like this?"
"Sorry, I'm rude." Qin Mubai came back to his senses, cupped his hands and said, "I really think... Your Majesty looks very familiar."
"That's true..." The Queen hesitated and said, "It's not surprising."
"Isn't this strange?" Qin Mubai was a little surprised, "This is my first time in Kangguo. Logically speaking, it is impossible to meet Her Majesty the Queen, but why?... "
"You will know later." The queen smiled mysteriously and said to Qin Mubai, "Young Marshal Qin, the banquet is ready. When are you going to join the banquet?"
"Anytime. It all depends on the Queen's arrangement."
"Then please!"
The two of them walked one behind the other towards a palace gate.
Qin Mubai followed her two steps behind, looking at her back. This simple yet luxurious gold-patterned moon robe outlines the queen's back somewhat hazy. Qin Mubai looked left and right, clearly feeling that he had seen this woman somewhere before.
He also had another feeling that this queen, who was supposed to be aloof, did not have the domineering aura of a king. On the contrary, she is very approachable and approachable, just like the little girl from the Lin family. Especially the way she looked at Qin Mubai, although there was a hint of strangeness and shyness unique to women, it was more of warmth and longing, just like gazing at a relative or close friend reunited after a long separation.
"It's so similar!" Qin Mubai couldn't help but say out loud.
"What's it like?" The queen stopped and asked in turn.
"Your Majesty the Queen, you look very much like one of my... old friends." Qin Mubai said with a smile.
The queen smiled and said nothing, walked forward slowly holding the half-moon scepter, and walked straight into the dining hall.
There was a bead curtain seat by the window in the north of the palace. The queen walked behind the bead curtain and sat down, inviting Qin Mubai to sit at the guest seat. Just as he sat down, a row of graceful palace concubines came in and out of the hall, presenting more than thirty gold plates and golden tripods, and food was also presented one after another.
Qin Mubai didn't pay attention at first, but later he realized that these foods were all his favorites. Among them are not only famous palace dishes of the Tang Dynasty, but also Chang'an snacks, and even Jiangnan-style lotus root soup.
"The queen is really thoughtful." Qin Mubai smiled gratefully, "It's hard to find these ingredients in the Western Region."
"I heard earlier that the young marshal might come to Kang State, so I sent many palace chefs to learn their skills and prepare delicious meals for the young marshal Qin. Of course, only Wu Meiniang knows that you like Jiangnan's lotus root soup." The Queen spoke softly, "Young Marshal Qin must be very miserable when he is often out on the march, and often has a simple diet. Now that you have come to the palace, you treat this place as your own home, so you might as well stay for a few more days."
"Well..." Qin Mubai smiled, changed the topic and picked up the wine glass, "I'd like to propose a toast to Her Majesty the Queen!"
"Young Marshal, please." Behind the bead curtain, the queen slowly took off the white gauze on her face.
Qin Mubai tried his best to open his eyes wide, but he still couldn't see clearly the face of the person behind the curtain, and he couldn't help but feel regret in his heart.
The two of them drank together. Qin Mubai was about to take a sip, but he didn't expect that the wine was so strong that it was actually "Qin Xianjiu"!
Qin Mubai accidentally choked on his mouth and said with a self-deprecating smile: "I forgot, Mei Niang's caravan has come to Kang State, and it must be accompanied by Qin Xianjiu!"
"Young Marshal and Mei Niang... what an enviable couple!" A faint sigh came from behind the bead curtain.
Qin Mubai smiled and said: "It's really a coincidence. When Mei Niang came to Kang State, she suddenly transformed into the chief minister before Her Majesty the Queen. If it weren't for the fact before me, I really couldn't believe it. ”
"To be honest, I have no intention of sitting on this throne, and I have always known that I have no ability to govern a country and serve others. Meiniang and I hit it off as soon as we met, and at first I wanted to give up the throne to Meiniang, but she refused. "I have always been on the throne, and that's right." The queen said, "If it were better, if the young commander's army was here to help Kang Guo resist foreign enemies, it would be more logical for me to give up the throne to the young commander!" After arriving at Mei Niang, please persuade her to accept my Zen position!"
Qin Mubai couldn't help but be a little surprised, and said hurriedly: "Then we are occupying the magpie's nest and usurping the host? This is absolutely not allowed!"
"Haha, why do the young marshal and Mei Niang say the same thing when declining?" The queen smiled, "Okay, the young marshal is new here, so let's not talk about these things, so as not to spoil the young marshal's drinking habit."
"I respect your Majesty again!"
"Young Marshal, please drink more. I am too drunk to drink, so I can only give up my strength to accompany you."
After three rounds of drinking, Qin Mubai couldn't help but feel slightly tipsy.
The queen behind the bead curtain said: "I have heard for a long time that the banquets in the Tang Dynasty were accompanied by music and dance. The young marshal is an elegant man and has the reputation of being the best musician in the Tang Dynasty. Today I will personally show my shame in front of the young marshal. How about playing a harp instrument that we Kang people are good at?”
"Then Qin is really flattered!" Qin Mubai naturally agreed.
The two palace concubines took the harp and musical instruments and closed the palace door behind them when they went out. They were the only two people left in the gorgeous palace illuminated by the night pearl.
"I will play a song first and ask the young marshal to teach me."
"I don't dare to take it seriously. Your Majesty, please."
The queen then played a piece of music with a strong Arabic feel. The harp was originally introduced to Kang from Persia and is a characteristic musical instrument in Arabia. Qin Mubai felt quite refreshed after hearing this and couldn't help but applaud.
"Young Marshal is overrated." The queen said with a hint of joy in her voice, "I have heard for a long time that Young Marshal is elegant and a pipa master of a generation. I wonder if..."
"Sorry, Your Majesty." Qin Mubai smiled apologetically, "I once swore that I would never play music again in this life."
"Except when paying homage to her, right?" the Queen said suddenly.
Qin Mubai was stunned for a moment, then thought that Wu Meiniang might have told her this, so she nodded silently.
"Then I won't force you to do anything, Marshal. Please listen to my next song, Marshal."
"good."
The ethereal and melodious music sounded. As soon as he heard the first melody, Qin Mubai couldn't help but be a little stunned - it was actually the song "May People Live Longer"!
Qin Mubai had only played this piece of music in private, and only Wu Meiniang had heard it. And she never forgot it and started singing on the spot.
This was originally a private matter between Wu Meiniang and Qin Mubai. Unexpectedly, she actually taught the song to Queen Kang. So, aren't Wu Meiniang and the Queen quite close
It was just a song. Qin Mubai was still deep in thought and forgot to cheer.
"The young marshal is laughing, it must be because I don't play well..."
"No. Your Majesty plays the music quite well." Qin Mubai said hurriedly, "I just suddenly heard this familiar music in a foreign land, and I couldn't help but think of many past events. I am temporarily distracted, so please forgive me."
"Why should the Young Marshal be so polite?" the queen said, "This song was originally created by the Young Marshal, right? Very few people know about it. I once heard Wu Meiniang hum it, and I liked it for a while, but I couldn't get enough of it. She taught me this without the young commander’s permission, so please forgive me!”
"Haha! Since it is a good thing, you should take it out and share it with your friends, and ask for permission or not!" Qin Mubai said with a smile.
"So, you and I are already friends?"
"certainly."
"The man who can make Wu Mei Niang fall deeply in love is indeed not bad. Marshal Qin is really a straightforward and upright good man, worthy of friendship." The Queen smiled happily, "Today's third song, I hope the young marshal listens to it... not too much consider."
"Where do you start talking about this?" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "It is Qin's blessing to enjoy the music played by Her Majesty the Queen herself - Your Majesty, please give me music!"
"Dong-"
There was a sound, and Qin Mubai's hand, which was about to take the wine glass, stopped in surprise.
"Lanzhou Hong?!"
The music is lingering, sad and desolate; but there is a hint of pride in the melancholy, just like a man of iron blood and a spring lady sending her lovesickness!
It was the song Yao'er created during his lifetime that later became popular in Chang'an and even the entire Tang Dynasty - "Lanzhou Hong"!
With a "bah" sound, the chopsticks in Qin Mubai's hand actually fell to the table.
Because, apart from Yao'er, Qin Mubai has never heard anyone play the song "Lanzhou Hong" so poignantly and touchingly, which hurts his heart!
Perhaps because he was drunk and lost his sense of control, an irresistible impulse suddenly appeared in Qin Mubai's heart!
He suddenly stepped forward and opened the beaded curtain between the two of them, "Who on earth are you?!"
"Ah!" The queen, who was concentrating on playing, was frightened and her face turned pale.
Qin Mubai also widened his eyes and stood stunned on the spot - "Yao'er! - It's really you!!!"
Without any reason, Qin Mubai stepped forward and hugged her tightly in his arms!
"I will never let you leave me again! Never!!"