"Why are you still stunned? Go quickly!" Li Ke coughed dryly, pretending to be serious and said with a bit of embarrassment.
"Okay..." Qin Mubai responded and entered the West Cross Courtyard, came to the little sister's room and knocked on the door. Qin Shuang'er was indeed at home and opened the door: "Is something wrong, third brother?"
"Come inside and talk."
"Why are you so mysterious?" Qin Shuang'er sat next to Qin Mubai in confusion and asked.
Qin Mubai rolled his eyes and smiled with a slightly weird and ambiguous expression: "The King of Wu is here."
"What, he's here?" Qin Shuang'er opened her beautiful eyes in surprise, and her face turned slightly red. She smiled shyly and said to herself, "Didn't he go to Anzhou to be the governor? What? Did you come back soon?"
"You'd better ask him this kind of question face to face. I'm not interested in being your mouthpiece." Qin Mubai smiled.
"What a microphone, it's really..." Qin Shuang'er's face turned even redder, she pulled Qin Mubai's sleeve, and said timidly, "Third brother, does daddy know that he is coming to our house?"
"Of course I know. King Wu made a special trip to visit my father and gave him two boxes of gifts brought from Anzhou."
"That's it..." Qin Shuang'er blinked her big eyes a few times and shook her head hesitantly, "Then you go and tell King Wu... just say, I'm not at home."
"Huh?" Qin Mubai frowned suspiciously, and he was somewhat aware of what was going on between them.
If the estimate is correct, there is somewhat of a friendship between Li Ke and the fourth sister, but his father Qin Shubao does not agree so much.
"Let's go!" Qin Shuang'er pulled Qin Mubai out and said with a happy and shy expression, "Just tell him... If it's convenient, we can meet up with him to go out for fun in two days."
"Sure enough." Qin Mubai shook his head and smiled, patting the little girl's head gently, "I know, silly girl."
After leaving the room and walking outside the courtyard, Li Ke asked anxiously: "Where is sister Shuang'er?"
"She said she's not at home." Qin Mubai said with a smile.
"Uh..." Li Ke was startled, then smiled bitterly, "Okay, okay, I understand. Then let's go and compete in archery!"
"Happy to accompany you."
With arrows on their bows and arrows on their backs, the two of them went to the shooting range in the backyard. Before he could draw his bow, Li Ke suddenly sighed, with a melancholy look on his face.
"What's wrong, Your Highness?" Qin Mubai asked.
"It's nothing." Li Ke curled the corners of his mouth slightly and shook his head with a worried look.
"Is it because of Fourth Sister?" Qin Mubai asked with a smile.
"Of course not. Is this all I have to offer?" Li Ke glared at Qin Mubai angrily, sighed, and said with a self-deprecating smile, "Tell me, what else in this world can make me, Li Ke, so worried? ?”
Qin Mubai's heart suddenly brightened: Li Ke, a prince of noble blood, besides royal affairs, what else could make him so depressed? … But it’s a matter of royal family matters, so it’s better not to get involved easily.
"Your Highness, don't think too much, just concentrate on your archery skills!" Qin Mubai deliberately changed the subject.
"Hey, this is not like you before!" Li Ke turned his handsome face suspiciously, squinting at Qin Mubai with dragon eyes and phoenix eyes, and said, "I have been here for so long, why have you never asked me a question? —Why did I come back from Anzhou?"
"Haha, it's not too late to ask now, right?" Qin Mubai smiled casually. There was a rule in the Zhenguan Dynasty that all princes who came of age had to go to other places to become officials. They were not allowed to return to Beijing unless under special circumstances or summoned by the court. So, why did Li Ke suddenly return to Beijing now
"I was impeached by the imperial censor and demoted back." Li Ke took a long breath, frowned and said gloomily, "I just got scolded by my father and returned home. In a depressed mood, I thought of Come to your house to chat and relax. Perhaps the only place in Chang'an that is clean and dust-free."
Qin Mubai nodded, thinking that his father had been ill and bedridden in the past few years. Although he still held the official position of General Zuo Wuwei, he basically ignored any government and military affairs and stayed out of the disputes between the government and the opposition.
"A pure place does not stir up dust." Li Ke's words revealed some helplessness.
"Then why was His Highness demoted?" Qin Mubai asked.
With a "swipe" sound, Li Ke drew his bow and shot an arrow quickly. The "click" sound hit the red heart. The arrow passed through the target, and the tail of the arrow trembled and buzzed.
"Huh..." Perhaps venting some grievances, Li Ke took a long breath and said: "The censor's impeachment rhetoric is - excessive hunting, riding horses in the fields, extravagant enjoyment, and excessive gambling habits."
"Because of this?" Qin Mubai couldn't help but be dumbfounded.
"Then what else do you think you can do, murder and arson to commit rebellion and treason? This alone has removed me from the post of governor and deprived 300 households of the city. That's all. My father called me back to the palace. The scolding was so bloody that it was really uncomfortable." Li Ke's face became even more ugly.
"Such a severe punishment?" Qin Mubai couldn't help but shook his head.
It seems that the laws of the Tang Dynasty are really strict, and Li Shimin's requirements for his children are also very strict - the prince who breaks the law is the same as the common people.
Li Ke, a dignified prince and the emperor's son, probably had a tendency to be overly luxurious and like to gamble. Then he went out hunting and trampled on farmland, so he was punished so severely. What would happen if he drove 70 yards and killed several people
Also, why don’t the officials of the Zhenguan Dynasty know how to “behave”
According to "reason", if the prince commits such a trivial matter to help Zangzang Yeye, it will be over. Who would risk offending the prince by making a report, let alone someone who would take the initiative to report or even impeach.
"It seems that the official atmosphere of the Zhenguan Tang Dynasty is indeed somewhat unique..." Qin Mubai thought.
Royal family affairs were often at the center of the political whirlpool. Qin Mubai didn't want to inquire too much, so he changed the topic and persuaded Li Ke for a while, which finally made him let go of these unpleasant things for the time being and shoot a bunch of arrows.
"You have great strength, Mu Bai." Li Ke said in amazement, "I am so impressed after three days apart. I didn't expect that your archery skills have improved to such an extent. Wow, did Duke Yi Guo give you some advice in private? Are you many?"
"Of course." Qin Mubai, who shot a few arrows casually, smiled and said, "With my dull qualifications, if my father hadn't used a whip to force me to practice hard every day, how could I have practiced to this level? However, look around. Your Highness’s archery skills are still superior.”
"Haha, you have really changed. Didn't you fight for the limelight before? Now you are low-key and cautious, and you have learned to flatter." Li Ke laughed, "However, this flattery is good, I like it ”
"Haha!" Qin Mubai also laughed a few times.
This Li Ke didn't have the arrogance and domineering attitude that was unique to the royal family. Instead, he was a bit approachable and approachable like a Lin family brother. When we get along with each other, we feel pretty good.
"Hey, if you have time another day, come to my house with Shuang'er for a little gathering?" Li Ke laughed softly, "Although I was relegated back to Beijing, I didn't forget to bring some good things with me. The specialty tea is back. Shuang’er always likes to drink tea and have snacks. She will be happy.”
"Why don't you ask me what I like best? It's no good, no work." Qin Mubai said with a smile.
"You..." Li Ke raised his eyebrows with a playful smirk, "I arranged for two beautiful girls to take a bath for you to see, with a thin veil between them. Enjoying the spring scenery in the hazy place is one of the great enjoyments in life! How about it? ?”
"..." Qin Mubai shook his head with a depressed smile and was speechless. It seems that that glorious deed that I can’t even remember clearly has become so deeply rooted in people’s hearts.
The two of them were having a lively chat all over the world, when a servant from the palace hurriedly came to pay homage: "Your Highness, please forgive me for being rude... Third Young Master, I want you to go to the front mansion quickly and get ready to welcome him."
"Welcome?" Qin Mubai and Li Ke were surprised at the same time.
"Yes!" the servant said quickly, "His Majesty the Emperor is here in person. He has arrived at the house and wants to see the third young master by name!"
"What, is the emperor really here?" Qin Mubai and Li Ke were surprised and looked at each other.
"Your Highness, would you like to avoid it?" Qin Mubai said.
"I came to visit my mentor openly, why should I hide and be ashamed to see others?" Li Ke's thick eyebrows slightly twisted and he waved his hand, "Let's go, I will go with you to meet him."
The two put down their bows and arrows, packed up their clothes, and came to the front hall.
There were already two rows of Imperial Guards at the entrance to the front yard, showing their imposing presence. In the front hall, there were actually two people sitting opposite each other in the main seat. One of them is naturally Qin Shubao.
The other person, Qin Mubai, didn't quite recognize him, but his facial features were somewhat similar to Li Ke's. He was dressed in black gauze, gold and white brocade clothes, jade belts, boots, and cloud-patterned embroidered robes. Revealing Yongrong's nobility and infinite majesty.
In contrast, the head of the family, Qin Shubao, who was usually calm and majestic, now also calmed down and acted a little more reserved. Even his sitting posture was not the same as before.
"Looking at this posture, this stranger must be Li Shimin, the emperor of Zhenguan Tang Dynasty, right? I have long heard that Li Shimin treated his ministers like family members, which was different from the emperors in previous dynasties. Now he is actually on an equal footing with my father. , It seems that he is indeed a polite corporal." When Qin Mubai thought to himself, Li Ke had already walked over, shook his front robe and bowed to the ground: "My dear father, long live long live!"
After Li Ke's ceremony was completed, Qin Mubai also went over to see the ceremony.
Li Shimin exempted the two of them from the ceremony, looked at Li Ke with an expressionless but majestic face and said, "Ke'er, if you don't reflect on yourself in the mansion, why did you come to the Qin mansion to cause trouble?"
Li Ke stood aside with his hands clasped, looking at his nose and heart, bowed his head and respectfully replied: "Father, you are so kind. I know that my sins are serious and I feel sorry for myself all the time. Today I came here specifically to pay a visit to Duke Yi Guo, just for a brief moment. Master and disciple follow filial piety and listen to Meng's teachings. Although Duke Yi and his subjects are not called masters and disciples, they are actually masters and disciples. They taught him archery in their early years, so..."
"Well, it's not your fault to respect your teachers. Mr. Yi Guo is a noble man, and there are indeed many things worth learning from you humbly." Li Shimin waved his hand, "Since you are here, come and do it with me. Come on. This Qin Mansion’s wine is not easy to drink.”
"Haha, Your Majesty is the lord of the world, so why do you talk about 'being a guest'? Isn't this just making fun of the petty minister?" Qin Shubao said with a chuckle, "It's a coincidence that Your Majesty is here. Recently, the minister got a cure. The medicinal wine that makes your legs cold has an unusually strong aroma. If you dare, take it and offer it to your Majesty for a drink."
"Haha, with Uncle Bao's knowledge he can praise such a good wine, it must be good. Then we, father and son, are going to have a real treat today." Li Shimin said with a relaxed smile, "After decades of marching and fighting since the founding of the country, who can If I don’t have any cold or dampness, I’m going to get a big deal today.”
"What are you talking about, Your Majesty? We should put the ugly words to the front: Your Majesty is used to drinking the world's most precious palace brews in the palace, so don't let the bitter village mash in Wei Chen's mansion spoil your appetite." Qin Shubao laughed. He said, "Liang'er, why don't you go get some wine?"
"Yes." Qin Mubai responded with cupped hands and went out to get the wine. I couldn't help but smile in my heart: Dad is really interesting. He wants to show off the medicinal wine I brewed in front of the emperor.
After Qin Mubai left, Li Shimin stroked the black beard under his chin and said with a smile: "Tiger father has no dogs. Uncle Bao, this San Lang of yours is a rare talent!"
"Why did your majesty say this?" Qin Shubao couldn't help but be a little surprised, "Quinzi Liang'er has been naughty and unwilling to listen to education since he was a child. He has only been criticized for being lazy and playboy. We have always believed that shame and hatred cannot make steel."
"Haha, this is why you, a father, don't understand your son so well." Li Shimin smiled heartily, "To tell you the truth, I came to your house today for two purposes. Of course I am here. I’m here to check on your condition and reminisce about old times; secondly, I’m here just for your San Lang!”
"What?" Qin Shubao couldn't help but feel a little shocked, and said seriously, "Your Majesty, what mistake did this unscrupulous son commit outside? If Your Majesty didn't bother to speak, I would kill him in an instant!"
"Shu Bao, what are you doing?" Li Shimin's expression remained unchanged and he was still smiling. He also reached out and patted Qin Shubao on the shoulder, "Relax, my second brother Qin. We will live and die together through blood and fire. For decades, I have been a king and a minister, and I have been a brother to you. Could it be that your son is my nephew? Don’t worry, I am not here to punish you. On the contrary, I am here to be your disciple. Academic."
"What?!" Qin Shubao was suddenly stunned. Danfeng's eyes were wide open and he looked at Li Shimin in confusion. He seemed to be in a daze.
Li Ke, who was sitting down, was also stunned and stunned, confused.
"Haha, just let me keep it secret, you will know later! - Ke'er, you also take a seat, today I will open your eyes!" Li Shimin said with a happy smile.
"Thank you, Father." Li Ke walked to the next seat, knelt down on the couch, and thought with wonder in his heart: It's strange that Father actually wants to learn from Qin Mubai. art. What to study? Could it be that he climbed the wall and watched the girl bathing... What a sin, how could I think so