Princess Gaoyang and Chu Suiliang set off from Chang'an to Lanzhou.
Before leaving, Princess Gaoyang did not even say goodbye to Li Shimin. Although she was very reluctant to let go of her father, for some reason, there was still a trace of hatred that lingered.
Although she was worried and sad when Li Shimin fainted, the heartfelt words he said when he regained consciousness moved Princess Gaoyang to tears. However, due to all the past events, in her mind, Li Shimin was no longer the loving father who pampered her in every possible way in his early years. Especially this time, his attitude towards Qin Mubai indirectly "forced" Qin Mubai to resign and leave. It was like planting a thorn in Princess Gaoyang that could not be pulled out no matter what.
"Father, I know that you want to be a good emperor who will be famous throughout the ages, and you also want to be a good father respected by your children. But when the two conflict, you always choose to take care of your hegemony and give up your Family love." Princess Gaoyang sighed in her heart, "As an emperor, your choice is undoubtedly correct. You are destined to go down in history and be praised by future generations; but as a father, you are so disappointing... In comparison, I am better than my brother and I! The prince, the king of Wei, and even the king of Wu are all lucky! Fortunately, I was not born as a boy. Otherwise, my fate would have been more miserable than them! Therefore, as a subject of the Tang Dynasty, I am lucky and happy; But being your children is sad and unfortunate!”
As the carriages and horses gradually headed westward, Princess Gaoyang felt a mixture of emotions that could not be expressed. Firstly, she was reluctant to leave her mother and her hometown where she had lived for so many years. Secondly, she was looking forward to meeting and staying with Qin Mubai again.
"Why can't we take care of both at the same time?" Princess Gaoyang was unhappy, "I still haven't figured out why Mu Bai resigned? Is my father really planning to attack him?... When we meet, I will definitely ask It’s clear!”
A few days later, Princess Gaoyang and Chu Suiliang finally arrived in Lanzhou. However, Qin Mubai has been gone for many days, and Qiongyu Villa is empty.
Princess Gaoyang was so angry that Chu Suiliang was also shocked. After calling in the governor Xiao Liang for questioning, they found out that Qin Mubai had already moved his family north to the northern grasslands, saying that he was going to hold a wedding with Princess Ashina!
"You thieves military academy, you stinky man, you didn't even wait for me!" Princess Gao Yang was furious, stamping her feet and scolding her, and then decided - "I'm going to the grassland to find him!"
Chu Suiliang and others were in trouble. They came under the emperor's order to grant a marriage, and at the same time they brought the emperor's bestowal to Qin Mubai, intending to use a two-pronged approach to persuade Qin Mubai to return to the court.
But now there is no sound, what should I do? Is it possible to go north to search with Princess Gaoyang? What if you miss it again? After traveling thousands of miles north and traveling for several months, the court is still waiting for a response!
While everyone was hesitating, someone came to see Princess Gaoyang. It turned out that he was one of the shopkeepers of Wu's trading house, and he still stays in Lanzhou today. He brought two letters left by Qin Mubai.
One of the letters was left by Qin Mubai to Princess Gaoyang; the other was written by Qin Shuang'er and forwarded to King Wu.
Princess Gaoyang hurriedly opened the letter and read it. The letter wrote that Qin Mubai asked Princess Gaoyang to go directly west without going north to the grassland after arriving in Lanzhou, and meet in Gaochang. At the same time, he told Princess Gaoyang that if Li Ke came to ask for Qin Shuang'er's marriage, ask her to pass the letter left by Shuang'er to Li Ke, and he would naturally understand.
"This guy expected me to come back and didn't wait for me? How disgusting!" Princess Gao Yang felt much more at ease after reading the letter. Although she was still muttering curses, she did as Qin Mubai said and handed Qin Shuang'er's letter to Chu Suiliang and asked him to take it back to Chang'an for delivery.
Chu Suiliang was in a dilemma when he took the letter. He couldn't find the emperor's messenger, but he only brought back a letter. What should he do
Anyone with a discerning eye knows that this marriage is more than just a marriage between children. Under the current situation, it can be said to be a political marriage that affects the overall situation. The emperor's intention was very obvious, which was to make Qin Mubai become the military leader, stand behind Li Ke and fully support him to secure the East Palace, and take over the Tang Dynasty in the future.
Chu Sui thought to himself that with Qin Mubai's wisdom, it was not difficult to think of this level. But he happened to run away before the emperor granted him a reward and a marriage. It was obvious that he was escaping because he had other ideas in mind.
The emperor and Qin Mubai were playing a game. What were their thoughts? How could the people who were chess pieces guess so clearly? If one's own actions spoil the chess game, no one can afford it.
In desperation, Chu Suiliang had no choice but to take this piece of letter and immediately return to Chang'an to deliver a message to the emperor.
Princess Gaoyang was so happy - she was finally completely free!
She no longer stopped for a moment, urged her escort car, and immediately headed west, out of Yumen Pass, to Gaochang to meet Qin Mubai. Although Princess Gaoyang was always accompanied by a hundred cavalry guards given to her by the emperor in the early years, the governor Xiao Liang did not dare to neglect in the slightest, and still sent more than a thousand Kansai soldiers and horses to escort her along the way.
A group of people and horses marched westward in a mighty manner.
At the same time, Qin Mubai and his party went north along the Yellow River, followed the Helan Mountains, crossed the Yellow River, and crossed the Yin Mountains. They had arrived at the Mobei Grassland and arrived at the foot of Dujin Mountain, the former habitat of the Ashina tribe.
It was a long journey along the way, but fortunately I was traveling with my family and treated it as a sightseeing trip. After walking and stopping all the way to the mountains and rivers, I didn't feel tired at all, but felt very happy and relaxed.
Since Li Ji led the army to quell Xue Yantuo's rebellion, he established a new Shanyu Jiandu Governor's Office in Jinshan, the old place of the Turkic Yazhang, and opened a government office to garrison troops and manage the prairie. The Uighurs who had contributed to the rebellion surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, and the Tang Dynasty also established the Hanhai Dudufu in their territory, which was under the rule of the Shanyu Dudufu. The original leader of the Uighur tribe, Ashina Xuelian's uncle Tumidu, was granted the title of the first governor of Hanhai by the Tang Dynasty, and became the official of the Tang Dynasty.
When Qin Mubai and others arrived at Yudu Jinshan, someone had already informed Li Ji about it. Li Ji personally led troops to greet him and took Qin Mubai and his party to the governor's mansion of Shan Yu. After hearing Qin Mubai's intention to come, Li Ji readily agreed to host Qin Mubai and Xuelian's wedding, and sent people to Hanhai to pick up Xuelian's uncle Tumidu and her sister Xiyan. Come to Jinshan in the capital.
"Mubai, although I am far away in Mobei, I have heard a lot about you." Li Ji said to Qin Mubai, "I have thought about it and found that His Majesty the Emperor and the Tang Dynasty did not do anything special to you. If something goes too far, why do you want to resign and run away? "
"Uncle Shi, this is a long story." Qin Mubai said, "Your Majesty and the court have always treated me well, I know this. Although some unpleasant things happened before, those were not the reasons for my resignation. All reasons. I, Qin, am not so narrow-minded."
"Then why did you resign? Just because you were worried that your achievements would overwhelm your master, so you wanted to avoid disaster and go away to be alone?" Li Ji said, "If that's the case, then you really think too much. I and other veterans have been following His Majesty for many years, and none of them have been. I have merit, but I have never been as afraid as you!"
"No." Qin Mubai smiled calmly and said, "I know that His Majesty the Emperor has no harm in my heart. He has repeatedly tested me, but he just wants to entrust me with important tasks in the future. If I return to the court, I will definitely become a general. Assist the new prince to take over the East Palace."
"Isn't this great?" Li Ji said in confusion, "You and I, military men, have been fighting to the death for so many years just to wait for this day?"
"I've never seen it." Qin Mubai shook his head and said, "In the past, the civil servants were strong but the military was weak, and Changsun Wuji and others were in charge of the court. But now, as long as I lead the Guanxi Army back to the court, with my friendship with the King of Wu Due to my relationship, my previous military exploits and the support of many generals under my command, I will surely rise above Changsun Wuji sooner or later. In this way, the balance in the court will be broken again, and it will become a situation where the military is strong and the civilized are weak. When the time comes, what will His Majesty do?"
Li Ji suddenly understood and nodded, but did not explain what he said. He just said: "It turns out that you care about the overall situation... Yes, you have made great achievements in destroying Tubo and pacifying the Western Regions. The Guanxi Army is invincible in every battle and has a huge momentum. There are many good generals. After these soldiers return to the court, they will definitely be rewarded. When the time comes, you will be able to become a disciple and become an official all over the world. It is said that it is not difficult to surpass Changsun Wuji. !”
"But the Tang Dynasty does not need powerful officials." Qin Mubai smiled slightly and said, "And I, Qin, am very self-aware. When it comes to running the country and ensuring peace, I am far inferior to Changsun Wuji, Chu Suiliang, and Fang Xuanling. These people. In the next few decades, the Tang Dynasty must practice martial arts and cultivate literature. I don't want to return to the court to take charge of power but remain inactive, becoming an obstacle to Changsun Wuji and others, and a stumbling block to the literary governance of the Tang Dynasty, thus causing many unnecessary problems. Fighting and internal strife. Moreover, everything is reversed. Today, I, Qin, have climbed to the top, and I am just waiting to fall. As the saying goes, the higher you climb, the harder you will fall. , I might as well retreat bravely and hand over my power and responsibilities to those who come after me, so that they can also make contributions to the Tang Dynasty."
Li Ji then nodded with pleasure and approval, and said, "Mu Bai, it's rare for you to be so clear-minded. Everyone who is trapped in the vanity fair just wants to sharpen their heads and climb up, but you can think clearly. Understanding the overall situation and situation and making such a decision requires great wisdom.”
"Haha, Uncle Shi deserves the award." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "Actually, I don't have much, but I'm tired of being an official. And the most important thing is that the Tang Dynasty has no shortage of talents. Without me, Qin Mubai, There will be Zhang Mubai, Li Mubai, etc. Therefore, no one can do everything! - When I understand this, I feel relieved!
Li Ji nodded with a smile: "No one is indispensable, no one can do everything - that's right! You are rare, because not everyone can have such an awareness, especially some leaders Whenever people have power, their selfish desires and ambitions will expand, and they will eventually become slaves to fame and fortune, and they will lose themselves or even ruin themselves.”
"Yes!" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "I was just afraid that I would forget everything after returning to the court, so I took the initiative to retreat early."
Li Ji smiled and said: "I don't think you can. You have seen through fame and fortune and are tired of the power struggle. Whether you resign or return to the court, I think you can do it with ease."
Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Why does Uncle Shi's words sound like he is lobbying my nephew?"
"Haha!" Li Ji clapped his legs and laughed, "To be honest, I don't want you to just walk away. It took a lot of effort in the Tang Dynasty to produce Qin Mubai. If nothing else, as long as you are here, everything will be better in the future." At least no one dared to invade the Tang Dynasty for decades. How long can our generation survive? Sooner or later, you will have to assist the Tang Dynasty!"
"Uncle Shi, I just said that the most indispensable thing in the Tang Dynasty is talents." Qin Mubai said with a smile, "One of the reasons why I went north this time was to fulfill my promise to marry Xuelian. The other motive was to get a Man, I entrust you with my own hands.”
"who?"
"Xue Rengui!"
Li Ji was surprised at first, then overjoyed: "Is what you said true?"
Qin Mubai smiled and said: "Everyone has his own ambitions. Even though Mr. Qin is indifferent to fame and wealth and tired of officialdom, he won't let all his brothers follow me, right? Rengui is a talent, and he has both talent and virtue. There is a saying Well done, gold will always shine. People like Rengui can exert extremely great value no matter which dynasty or generation they are in, no matter what environment they are in. Although he has made many contributions before. "
"Okay, okay!" Li Ji smiled happily and gratifiedly, stroking his beard and nodded, "To be honest with you, I have coveted Xue Rengui for a long time, haha! - A good minister and general like him is really rare to see in a hundred years! Don't worry , I must focus on cultivating him!”
Qin Mubai smiled and said: "Among the generals of the Guanxi Army, Xue Rengui has the greatest ability, but his moral character is the most humble. People like him are different from me. I am too frivolous and arrogant, which will inevitably make the king jealous. But , Even if Rengui sits in my position one day, he can still make the king feel at ease. Therefore, I will confidently and boldly hand him over to Uncle Shi, and let him follow Uncle Shi to achieve unparalleled achievements!"
"Listening to what you said, I seem to understand why you resigned." Li Ji said, "With your departure, the Kansai Army will be leaderless, and the court will not have to worry about the excessive expansion of the military's power and upsetting the balance, and then turning to suppress the army. That’s right. On the one hand, you want to take care of the overall stability of the imperial court, and on the other hand, you also want to protect the heroes and generals of the Kansai Army, right?”
"The one who knows me is my uncle!" Qin Mubai took a long breath and smiled, "Actually, a man with ambitions in all directions should be a great man. Who really wants to be mediocre and die unknown? Fighting through life and death. After so many years, I just throw away the achievements I have obtained. It would be a lie to say that I have no regrets at all. However, after fighting for so many years, I have seen too much life and death, so I cherish life even more. Whatever I have achieved today is the result of tens of thousands of people's bones. From now on, I don't want to dye my official robes red with the blood of others, especially... my brothers who have been with me through life and death!"
"I can hear that this is what you say from the bottom of your heart." Li Ji sighed and said, "Mu Bai, since ancient times it has been difficult to have both loyalty and justice. It is not easy for you to do what you are today. Everyone has his own ambitions, and you can't force it. Although I really want you to stay and continue to fight side by side with me to make contributions to the Tang Dynasty, but what you said makes sense. If I were you, I might do the same thing. The country needs you, will you... still be willing to come back and continue to serve Datang? "
Qin Mubai smiled and replied: "I have seen through fame and fortune and am tired of officialdom. It is unlikely that I will come back to serve as an official. But even if I retire to the Western Regions, I can still benefit the Tang Dynasty, right? Don't forget, When the Western Region of the Tang Dynasty was initially established, there was also an important neighbor, Zhaowu State.”
"That's right. It seems that your choice to retreat to the Western Regions is not all for yourself. As long as you are here, there will be no chaos in the Western Regions; Dashi will not dare to invade easily; Zhaowu Kingdom will always be a friendly neighbor of the Tang Dynasty!" Li Ji nodded in approval, and then sighed, "Mu Bai, you have good intentions. I will definitely convey these words to Your Majesty and the King of Wu in the future."
"No need." Qin Mubai smiled slightly and said, "Just ask Uncle Shi to convey a message to His Majesty and King Wu - Qin, he was born as a Tang man and died as a Tang ghost!"