Chapter 12: Literary Talent and Martial Virtue

  Qin Shuang'er's face was red and puffy, her head lowered, fiddling with the hem of her clothes, a bashful expression that seemed to say she wanted to speak but hesitated. She whispered: "Third brother, you already know everything, why ask again..."

  Qin Mubai smiled: "Third brother, isn't it three years since you left home? How much can you still remember, and who knows what happened between you two afterwards. Speak up, is there anything else to hide in front of your brother?"

  Qin Shuang'er blinked her big eyes and smiled shyly, nodding her head and explaining the whole thing.

  Originally, because Qin Shubao was a former minister of Li Shimin's Qinwangfu, the children of the Qin family had been close to Li Shimin's children since they were young. As a result, Qin Shuang'er and Li Ke became bosom friends. Later, when they grew up, Li Ke had feelings for Shuang'er, and she had feelings for him too, with hopes of getting married. However, obstacles appeared in their path to marriage.

  The biggest obstacle is the concept of door and window. Qin Shubao, although he was a high-ranking official as the Left Wuwei General and Wing State Duke, came from a humble background and rose to prominence through his own efforts. The Li family, on the other hand, was an old aristocratic family from Guanzhong, and even more so, a royal family. According to worldly notions, the two families were not of equal social status. Qin Shuang'er was also a concubine's daughter, which made her much lower in status compared to Li Ke, who was a prince of noble blood.

  Another obstacle was Qin Shubao. For some reason, although Qin Shubao had no objection to Li Ke, he opposed the marriage between his daughter and the King of Wu.

  In the Tang Dynasty of today, the concept of door and window is deeply rooted in people's minds. Although it cannot be seen or touched, it is a chasm that lies across people's hearts and cannot be crossed. Just like the Qin family, which rose from humble beginnings to become a new aristocratic family, no matter how high their official positions are now, they are still considered inferior to the old aristocratic families in terms of bloodline nobility. Moreover, when it comes to marriage, parents' orders and matchmakers' words are absolute. Since Qin Qiong had opposed it, even if Li Ke were a prince of the Tang Dynasty, he would not dare force it.

  Thus, Li Ke and Qing Xue became a pair of star-crossed lovers. Two years ago, 17-year-old Li Ke married the daughter of Yang, a noble from the former Sui imperial family, as his wife. Qin Xue was heartbroken and almost gave up on marriage - no matter what, with Qin Shubao's personality, he would never allow her to become someone's concubine.

  However, the bond between them since childhood is hard to erase. Therefore, whether it was Li Ke or Qin Shuang'er, they could only secretly harbor their feelings and meet in private, but did not dare to take a step further.

  After hearing this, Qin Mu Bai shook his head, never expecting that there would be such emotional entanglements between Fourth Sister and Wu Wang.

  "Third brother, why are you just shaking your head... Tell me, what should I do?" Qin Shuang'er said pitifully, looking at Qin Mu Bai with big, round eyes.

  Qin Mubai smiled and said, "Silly girl, the King of Wu has already married his wife. Even if your father agreed, would you be willing to marry him as a concubine?"

  Like the Tang Dynasty and many other feudal dynasties, concubines had no status or respect to speak of. No matter how noble their birth was, once they became a concubine, they were treated like livestock in the master's household, subject to beating, scolding, driving out, and even buying and selling. Among the Tang nobility, there was also the custom of exchanging minor concubines for entertainment purposes, and even the concubines of princes were not exempt.

  The Tang Code even explicitly stipulates that if the head of a household and his legitimate wife kill their concubine, they can atone for their crime by paying a fine. Moreover, generally speaking, a concubine cannot be promoted to the status of a legitimate wife. If the master dares to abandon his wife and promote his concubine, he will be sentenced to exile for one and a half years.

  Although the Tang Dynasty had a relatively open culture and women's status was relatively high, it was precisely this environment that led to the emergence of the only female emperor in history. However, this could not change the nature of this patriarchal society - concubines were playthings, and reality was cruelly so.

  Qin Shuang'er's face indeed changed, dejectedly lowering her head, with what seemed to be tears in her eyes, murmuring: "But I really only like him... If I can't marry him, I'm willing to live alone for the rest of my life or become a nun."

  At this scene, Qin Mubai's heart ached slightly.

  In the 21st century, free love is nothing unusual, and Little Sister's feelings for Li Ke are deep. However, the feudal customs that stand in their way are like an insurmountable mountain.

  "Don't be sad, little sister. It's up to us to make things happen, Third Brother will definitely think of a way to help you." Qin Mu Bai pinched Fourth Sister's small hand in his palm and patted it lightly, nodding affirmatively.

  "Hmm! ... Still, Third Brother is the one who loves me the most!" Two lines of clear tears flowed down from Qin Shuang'er's lively eyes. Qin Mu Bai reached out to wipe them away for her, and Qin Shuang'er immediately turned her sobs into laughter, bashfully turning her face aside to wipe away her tears.

  The two siblings chatted for a while longer before Qin Shuang returned to her room.

  "But what can be done to solve this problem for Little Sister?" Qin Mu Bai lay on the bed, thinking to herself: The biggest obstacle between Little Sister and Li Ke is naturally the difference in their family backgrounds. My mother was a concubine, and if one day Uncle Qin passes away, it's uncertain whether she can continue living in the Qin Manor, depending on whether my two elder brothers are kind-hearted or not.

  My sister and I are both illegitimate children of the Qin family, with no titles or inheritance rights, at most slightly higher than ordinary people's status. In the eyes of the nobility, we are not even worthy of attention. Unless... unless I can become a true high-ranking official and stand out from the crowd, there is no way to change this situation!

  "Hmph, it seems that my own fate, mother's fate, and little sister's fate all depend on me. Looks like I really have no choice but to work hard!"

  ……

  Inside the pass, winter is harsh and cold. At dawn, dark clouds press down, splashing water into ice.

  In the backyard polo field of the Qin family, a string of crisp horseshoes sounded. Qin Mubai wore thin Hu attire and rode a white horse with a blaze on its forehead, practicing riding, shooting, and spear techniques.

  A day's plan is made in the morning. The ancients heard the rooster crow and got up to practice swordplay. Qin Mu Bai cannot afford to be lazy or slack off.

  The Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty was an era of vigorous progress, "striving upwards with unrelenting self-strengthening" was the main melody of this era, and also one of the essences of the "Han-Tang spirit" that is renowned in later generations.

  Now, Qin Mubai is grateful that the prankster fate gave him a buffer period. After arriving in the prosperous Tang Dynasty, he had a relatively ample time to adapt to this era and a better environment to improve his adaptability. Rather than being suddenly thrown into the torrent of this era at the beginning, he was overwhelmed in an instant in the magnificent historical river.

  Qin Shubao's casual remark had a profound impact on Qin Mubai - "Ambitious, good! But I hope this isn't just empty talk."

  Having a goal and confidence doesn't mean that even with hard work, success is guaranteed. The most important thing is to have sufficient ability.

  To establish oneself in the prosperous Tang Dynasty of the Zhenguan era, relying solely on some clever tricks or the shelter of one's family background is far from enough - both literary talent and martial virtue are indispensable, these are the most fundamental and useful things.

  Qin Mubai deeply believes that opportunities always favor those who are prepared. No matter in which era, opportunity and luck are the same thing, forever being a little more diligent than others, walking a little faster, this is the foundation of success.

  "Hah! Hah!" The angry shouts echoed across the polo field.

  Today's gun practice was even more skilled, and horseback riding was also much more familiar and accurate than last time. I have a deeper understanding of martial arts. Qin Mubai is very satisfied. Don't seek to go a thousand miles in one day, but seek to make progress every day, accumulate small steps to reach a thousand miles, that's enough.

  When he returned home drenched in sweat, the servants and attendants in the mansion were just getting out of bed. Qin Mubai himself ran to the kitchen to boil a pot of water and took a bath. The servants were shocked and ashamed, this third young master was completely different from his usual self, not only had he lost his former arrogant and pampered air, but he had also become so low-key and diligent.

  "Third Master, from now on, I'll get up an hour earlier every day and boil hot water for you first."

  After hastily finishing breakfast, Qin Mu Bai went to pay his respects to his uncle and mother separately. In the Great Tang Dynasty, filial piety was a key virtue for governing the country, and children were expected to visit their parents morning and evening to show respect and serve them. In his father's room, the two of them discussed archery and martial arts for a while. As he was about to leave, Qin Mu Bai said: "Third Son, seeing you so diligent makes your father very pleased. You will soon become a seventh-rank official, serving alongside your father in the imperial court. Your father has some words to entrust to you."

  "Please show it to your father."

  Qin Shubao nodded and said, "How to be an official and how to be a person, you will learn these things slowly by yourself. Your father only reminds you of one thing: no matter where you are as an official, don't get involved in a whirlpool."

  "What whirlpool?"

  "The struggle for the throne among the princes." Qin Shubao's voice was slightly low and he spoke slowly.

  Qin Mubai's heart skipped a beat, and he cupped his hands together in respect: "Your child has taken note."

  "That's all I have to say as your father, and I'm sure you understand without me saying more. Just remember it."

  "Remember, child."

  Back in her own room, Qin Mubai began practicing calligraphy and reading books.

  So-called literary and military strategies are the capital for survival and development in this environment, as well as the funds for struggling upwards. Since we have come to the Tang Dynasty of Zhenguan, which governs the country with Confucianism, it is necessary to understand some of the classic theories and historical documents of Confucianism.

  It takes more than one cold day to freeze three feet of ice, and it is unlikely that he will be able to cultivate a giant scholar in a short period of time. Therefore, Qin Mubai set his sights on the laws and regulations, political systems, and historical data of this dynasty. These, for him now, may be more practical and can improve his adaptability.

  Then Qin Mubai found many books on law, military system, official system and other aspects of traditional culture to read. Fortunately, he was not very unfamiliar with classical culture and had some cultural foundation, so it was not difficult to learn and understand. He thought that his father taught him martial arts, and later he would find a knowledgeable teacher to teach him cultural courses.

  Seated at a desk, with one book and one brush, surrounded by the warmth of the stove and the fragrance of sandalwood, Qin Mu Bai merges with this ancient study, exuding an air of refined elegance.

  "Hehe, Third Brother is actually reading a book!" A string of silvery laughter echoed from outside the window, Fourth Sister had arrived.

  "Ah Niang, you know Third Brother is studying, why are you disturbing him? Hurry up and go inside, it's cold outside." Qin Mu Bai put down his book and got up to open the door.

  "Brrr, it's really cold!" Qin Shuang'er jumped in through the door, rubbing her hands and stomping her feet, and ran to sit down by the stove. She smiled and said: "Third Brother, Mother just told me today that you've been granted an official position by the Emperor! I came especially to congratulate you! It's great, from now on Third Brother will also be a government official! Hehe!"

  "Silly girl." Qin Mu Bai smiled and rubbed her frozen red face a few times, saying, "Speak up, what brings you to find me?"

  Qin Shuang'er's face turned red and she smiled slyly: "Third Brother, from now on you'll be an official in the Wu King's mansion, so you can see him every day!"

  "Hmm, I know what you want to say." Qin Mu Bai smiled and said, "Don't worry, Third Brother will always keep your matter in mind. If it's convenient, he can also take you to his mansion for a visit."

  "Hehe……" Qin Shuang'er lowered her head and giggled, her face flushing red as she said: "Just now Mother was chatting with me and mentioned that you're not young anymore, it's time to get engaged. Settling down and starting a career, after all, a man without a wife is like a tree without bark."

  "We'll talk about this later, I don't have such plans for now." Qin Mu Bai smiled.

  "But his daughter seemed quite worried and anxious."

  "I'll make it clear to her. A real man doesn't worry about having no wife, what do you think, little sister?"

  "Hehe, Third Brother has really changed, diligent and confident! Not bad, not bad, this is a good young man! If I were a girl from another family, I would definitely like a man like Third Brother."

  "So you don't like your third brother at home now?"

  "Haha! That's different!"

  The two siblings were chatting happily when a servant from the mansion outside said: "Third Master, there is a guest visiting."

  "Who's here?" The two siblings exchanged a glance involuntarily, thinking in unison: Could it be the King of Wu?

  "In response to Third Master's words, the guest introduced himself as Zeng, the Commander of the Taichang Temple's Taile Bureau, who had come specifically to pay his respects to Third Master."

  "Oh, come learn the pipa!" The two siblings chimed in unison. Qin Shuang'er's eyes lit up and she smiled: "I had forgotten, Third Brother seems to have mastered a wonderful pipa skill, even the Emperor has praised it highly. You teach others, but why not teach your little sister first?"

  "Of course, no problem." Qin Mu Bai stood up, "But now, I want to go see that Zeng Shu Ling first."

  Tailei Office is one of the subordinate institutions of Taichang Temple, specializing in providing court music. The Tailei Officer is from the seventh rank down, half a level lower than Qin Mubai, the Duke of the Eastern Pavilion of the Prince's Palace.

  Therefore, Zeng Shu had entered the mansion of General Qin Qiong, the pillar country, and did not dare to ask for an audience with Qin Shubao. In the living room, he knelt down properly and waited for Qin Mubai to arrive, his eyes fixed on the ground, trembling with fear.

  "Sorry to keep you waiting for so long, I'm afraid I've been rude." Qin Mu Bai smiled as he sat down in his seat.

  "Your subordinate has met Qin Jiu before." The Taile Bureau Director, who was over 40 years old, straightened his waist, cupped his hands and bowed respectfully, saying with a humble expression.

  "Zeng Shu Ling needn't be so polite, I'm the younger one." Qin Mu Bai returned the courtesy with a bow and said, "I don't know why Commander Zeng has come to visit me, what's the purpose?"

  "I, a humble official, have come to pay respects and seek instruction in the art of playing the pipa, as decreed by Your Majesty." With that, Zeng Hongyou stood up, smoothed out his front robe, and was about to kowtow to Qin Mu Bai.

  "Hold on!" Qin Mu Bai was not used to all this bowing and scraping, let alone an old man coming to pay his respects to him. He called out to stop him and said, "I've already said it, I'm the junior, how can I accept such a grand ceremony? Since it's the emperor's order, as a minister, one should follow orders and take action. Let's just forget about the bowing ceremony for now!"

  Zeng Hongyou was taken aback for a moment, and only then did he raise his eyes to clearly see Qin Mubai. He couldn't help but feel doubtful in his heart: I heard that the third son of the Qin family has an extraordinary skill with the pipa that is stunning, unparalleled in our dynasty, making me humble and respectful towards him, not daring to be rude or presumptuous. If it weren't for the emperor's words, no one would believe it. Because Qin Shubao's third young master had always been known as a prodigal son. But now, he seems wise, knowledgeable, and courteous, which is different from what I've heard? Strange...

  .??，！