Chapter 21: Old Friends of Wagon

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  The matter of Wu Mei Niang has been temporarily settled.

  Qin Mubai thought back, from the initial flirtation with Dang Tutu to today's involvement with the emperor, this matter was indeed full of twists and turns, thrilling and exciting.

  It seems that Wu Mei Niang, this beautiful rose, is not so easy to pick after all! Although she has now made an unbreakable marriage promise with herself, in reality the two are only tied together by a certain "unspoken rule". Moreover, this rule also has a dangerous side. Not only that, although they are nominally husband and wife, it's not simple for him to make their relationship real - at least, he must first eliminate the sharp blade hanging over his head.

  It's not as easy for the two of them to be together, or for Qin Mu Bai to truly get Wu Mei Niang, as it seems on the surface.

  "It's challenging, I like it."

  The next day, Qin Mubai officially started his new job at the Wu Wangfu. The Jiujiu position didn't last for even a day before it was changed to Xiaowei, which seemed to be much more interesting than Jiujiu.

  At least now he has brought with him more than 200 soldiers, which is far more than the number of people he managed when he was a ceremonial wine server in the East Pavilion, and his power is also greater.

  The entire Wu Wang Fu has 800 soldiers, divided into four battalions, led by four captains. Above them are two senior fifth-grade military commanders, who are the highest-ranking military commanders in the palace.

  The main thing that the Imperial Guards are supposed to do is to protect the princes and be in charge of the safety of the palace.

  The day before, Qin Mubai, who had just taken office as the school lieutenant, arrived early at the Wu Wangfu's subordinate official residence - the school lieutenant. Two traveling generals had already gathered their horses and were waiting for him here.

  Qin Mubai was delighted when he saw these two traveling generals. One of them was naturally Yin Yang, and the other was Yuwen Hongtai.

  This efficiency is quite high, it only took one or two days to transfer Yuwen Hongtai from Shaoling!

  Yuwen Hongtai put on a magnificent and exquisite mountain-patterned armor, with a helmet and a sword by his side. His tall stature made him look even more majestic and awe-inspiring. When he saw Qin Mubai, he was overjoyed and rushed forward to greet him: "Qin young master... no, Qin Captain, I thank you for your great kindness! My family's eighteen generations of ancestors all thank you for your great kindness and virtue!"

  "You silly thing..." Qin Mu Bai couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. Yin Yang also burst out laughing.

  "Haha!" Yuwen Hongtai grinned foolishly, clasped his fists and bowed, "Commander Qin, I'm a rough man, not good with words. From today on, you're my ancestor. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it!"

  "Alright, alright, shut up! Qin Mu Bai shook his head and smiled, "Opportunities are rare, do it well. Just don't embarrass me - Yin Yang, is everyone assembled?"

  "Everyone has gathered, waiting for Commander Qin's instructions!" Yin Yang replied with a fist bump.

  "Alright, wait for me to change." Qin Mu Bai walked into his private office and immediately saw a suit of golden armor hanging on the armor rack, shining brightly.

  Yin Yang and Yuwen Hongtai walked in, looking at this battle armor with admiration.

  "Ming Guang Jia! The most precious and finest armor of our Great Tang!"

  "Quickly put on the school uniform and try it on!"

  Qin Mubai carefully admired the armor, and his heart was also full of admiration. He had long heard of the great name "Tang Thirteen Armor", and the craftsmanship of making armor in the Tang Dynasty could be said to be unparalleled in ancient times. This Bright Light Armor was the first among the Tang Thirteen Armors, and even if it were the 21st century, it would not necessarily be possible to produce such a purely handmade masterpiece.

  Beautiful, sturdy, lightweight, the biggest feature is stunning!

  In a foreign country, many noble generals and even national heroes take pride in owning a set of Ming Guang armor.

  With the help of Yin Yang and Yuwen Hongtai, Qin Mubai put on the entire suit of Ming Guang armor. In an instant, the whole person's temperament underwent a heaven-shaking change. The previous elegant and refined young master instantly transformed into a majestic and awe-inspiring young general.

  Iron helmet, scale armor, golden light shining can reflect human shadow. Snow-slashing horizontal knife cold light piercing, apparently also a top-grade military sword.

  The outfit was quite extraordinary, Qin Mu Bai thought of the military uniforms he had seen on TV before, those cheap props couldn't bring out this kind of flavor.

  Today coincides with the handover of the Wangfu Guards' First Battalion, led by Qin Mubai, who is responsible for guarding the palace. After Qin Mubai finished dressing, he brought Yin Yang and Yu Wentong, two traveling officials, to the drill ground to review the troops.

  Two hundred imperial guardsmen have assembled and formed a neat square formation waiting for orders.

  The imperial guards, with very few opportunities to participate in battles, are mostly used for garrison and ceremonial purposes, to demonstrate the majesty of the royal family. Therefore, the quality of the soldiers is generally higher, at least they all look tall and powerful, and their armor and weapons are very beautiful and magnificent. Standing in a row, they have a certain air about them.

  Qin Mubai took office on the first day, and there was nothing to say. After a simple self-introduction, he arranged the work of the Wangfu and handed it over to Yin Yang, who was familiar with the routine, for specific adjustments.

  This task is still simple enough.

  After finishing all these things, the sky was already bright, and Yin Yang led his subordinates to hand over the shift at various sentry posts in the Wangfu. Qin Mubai followed the usual practice and went to Li Ke's place to listen to orders and do things, so he brought Wuwen Hongtai and several small soldiers to hand over the sentry post at the Qinyin Palace.

  At the third watch, Li Ke had just gotten out of bed. As soon as he saw Qin Mu Bai standing guard, his eyes lit up and he smiled: "Not bad, Mu Bai. Wearing this armor really makes you look like a big deal, very much like the Winged Nation Duke in his heyday... Hmm, come inside and talk."

  Qin Mubai naturally knew that Li Ke had a lot to say to him, and the two of them went into the inner hall together and sat down. The maidservants brought in some tea and snacks, then withdrew, leaving only the two people in the room.

  Li Ke was still a bit dazed, his heart not fully awake. After drinking half a bowl of tea, he shook his head and sighed: "Mu Bai, it seems that this time, I've done good with bad intentions?"

  "Your Highness, what are you referring to?" Qin Mu Bai naturally knew he was talking about the Wu Mei Niang incident and said, "The disaster has been averted, it's already in the past. Wu Mei Niang is still my nominal wife."

  "It's true that it seems to be safe on the surface, but...” Li Ke paused for a moment, shook his head and clicked his tongue, “Your marriage with Wu Mei Niang is probably going to be indefinitely postponed. Unless Father Emperor completely forgets about this matter, do you dare to make a move on that little girl?"

  "I understand." Qin Mubai said.

  Li Ke pouted: "The Emperor is also a man. It's not easy for a man to completely forget about such things."

  "I understand." Qin Mu Bai said with a smile.

  "You don't seem to be worried or afraid at all?" Li Ke blinked a few times, suspiciously sizing up Qin Mu Bai, and smiled, "It seems that you not only have the heart of a thief, but also remain calm in crisis, with a plan in mind, what a good thief you are."

  "The heavens are majestic and powerful, and as a subject, I am indeed afraid. But being afraid doesn't solve the problem, does it, Your Highness?" Qin Mu Bai said with a smile.

  "Ah, well said!" Li Ke nodded and smiled, "But from today on, I'll be even more low-key. Alas, originally just wanted to find some fun to pass the boring time, didn't think it would also cause trouble all the way to Father Emperor's place. And, Wing Country Duke must have also harbored resentment towards me in his heart... This time, I'm really not a good person inside and out!"

  "Your Highness, what are you talking about? My father has never complained about you, on the contrary, he is always grateful for your kindness." Qin Mu Bai said, but in his heart, he thought: It seems that Li Ke's plan to play matchmaker for our family has backfired and ended in disappointment. Originally, he wanted to do a good deed for our family, but instead, he brought trouble upon himself. Whether or not Father secretly resents Li Ke is unknown. But after this incident, Li Ke will definitely not dare to mention the marriage between him and my sister Fang Er again.

  "Never mind, I won't say anything more." Li Ke sighed twice and said, "Let Little Wang continue to indulge in his drunken and extravagant lifestyle, being a useless and indulgent young master. This way, perhaps no one will be plotting against me anymore."

  Qin Mubai didn't say a word, but in his heart, he was slightly enlightened: What did Li Ke mean by this? Could it be that he was deliberately pretending to be carefree and leisurely every day for the sake of others?... For whom, could it be that someone is always watching Wu Wangfu, monitoring his every move?

  "Your Highness, why would you say such a thing? Is it not that someone is trying to harm you?" Qin Mu Bai asked. As an officer of the Imperial Prince's mansion, being cautious about these things was part of his job.

  "The tree wants to be still, but the wind won't stop!" Li Ke chuckled and laughed, his laughter somewhat helpless. He shook his head and didn't continue speaking.

  Qin Mubai also knew the meaning and did not ask again, but in his heart he thought: Listening to Li Ke's words, it seems that he unintentionally offended others, but someone secretly wants to make things difficult for him? What kind of person would make things difficult for a prince because of what? ... I remember before I took office as an official at the Wangfu, my father had warned me not to get involved in the struggle for the throne. Could it be that Li Ke is referring to this kind of thing now?

  Forget it, I'd better not ask about the imperial family's affairs. When Li Ke wants me to understand, he will naturally tell me.

  Two people chatted for a while, Li Ke called over a team of charming and seductive dancing girls, enjoying the silk and bamboo dance. Qin Mubai accompanied him to appreciate it for a while, and then bid farewell and left.

  For ten consecutive days, Qin Mubai stayed in the King's palace to lead the troops on duty and guard, and rarely returned home. The palace was also peaceful and nothing happened.

  This life, apart from being idle is still idle, is somewhat uninteresting. Li Ke himself rarely leaves the house, only staying within the compound to listen to music, watch dance, drink and make merry; even visitors are rare in the compound, it's like a world isolated from the rest of society.

  Ten days later, Qin Mubai handed over his shift and finally could go home to rest for a few days, walking out of the Wangfu to take a breath.

  Back home, Qin Mubai saw that in the courtyard of the Qin family, which was usually deserted and had few horses, two unfamiliar carriages were parked. It was clear that there were visiting guests. He asked a servant to ask, and the servant replied that it was Qin Shubao's old friend Lu Guogong Cheng Zhijie and Yingguo Gong Li Xian who came to visit.

  Cheng Zhi Jie, isn't that Cheng Yaojin? Li Xian, nowadays the most popular military commander of the Great Tang Dynasty, second only to Li Jing - I must go and get acquainted with him!

  Qin Mubai came to the front hall, saw his father Qin Shubao sitting in the main seat, and two other men sitting in the guest seats. The three were laughing and drinking together. Seeing Qin Mubai come in, Qin Shubao pointed with a smile: "Gentlemen, look, that's my second son Liang'er!"

  "Junior Qin Liang, greetings to both seniors."

  "Haha! Good! This little brat is just like Qin Ergou's shell, very much like his style back then. I, Old Cheng, came here today specifically to take a look at you!" A man boomed with laughter at the banquet.

  This man is none other than Cheng Zhi Jie, the legendary figure of the people's stories and numerous adaptations, who wielded a large battle-axe, the demonic king Cheng Yaojin. He is now an official, Right Wuwei General, Duke of Lu State, and Governor of Pu Zhou. Although he doesn't have the appearance of the demon king from the legends, he indeed has a robust and rugged look. His physique is extremely tall and strong, although nearing fifty with some signs of aging, but not showing any signs of weakness, still vigorous and powerful, thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a large mouth, giving off an air of grandeur and openness at first glance.

  "Liang'er, this is your Uncle Cheng and Uncle Li. When you were young, they used to hold you in their arms." Qin Shubao chuckled on the side. With old friends visiting, he was clearly in a good mood.

  "Junior pays respects to Uncle Cheng and Uncle Li." Qin Mubai smiled again and bowed.

  Compared to him, Li Xuan appeared much more refined. He smiled and nodded in response, saying: "Qin Erge, your son is truly a young man of outstanding talent and has a lot of your youthful flair! When I see him, it's as if I'm seeing the heroic and spirited youth you once were."

  "Haha, I'm old now!" Qin Shubao laughed heartily, "Those were all many years ago, I myself am almost forgetting. However, no matter how bad my memory is, you several brothers who knew me in Wagang, are unforgettable. It's rare that you still remember me and come to see me together, today I'm truly delighted - come on, this Qin Xian wine was bestowed by the Emperor, let's get drunk today! Liang'er, you also sit down, accompany your two uncles for a few cups."

  "Yes, sir."

  "Come on, you little stinker! Sit next to old Cheng. Today is just like a family banquet, so don't bother with any of those outdated rules about seniority and etiquette!" Cheng Yaojin bellowed in his hoarse voice, beckoning Qin Mu Bai over.

  Qin Shubao and Li Xian both burst out laughing: "This old scoundrel Cheng, still has the same character as when he surrendered all those years ago."

  "Haha, my rough and unrefined nature can't be changed. Unlike you guys, who after a battle dismount your horse and suddenly become hypocrites. Cheng Zhijie pulled Qin Mu Bai to sit down beside him, laughing loudly, "Especially you, Li Mao Gong, you old scoundrel, always full of tricks up your sleeve. If you dare to play any tricks today while drinking, I, Old Cheng, won't let you off, and will definitely force you to drink until you're drunk!"

  "Haha!" Everyone burst out laughing together.

  Qin Mubai smiled as he poured the wine, saying to Cheng Zhijie: "Near water tower first gets moon, come, Uncle Cheng, I'll toast you a cup first! I'll drink it all for respect, and you can follow at your leisure!" After speaking, he downed the entire cup of strong liquor in one gulp.

  "Alright, alright! You little rascal has some guts, this wine is quite strong, but I, Old Cheng, can't lose to you!" After saying that, he picked up his cup and downed it in one gulp. As a result, his face turned bright red, and he started coughing violently, waving his hands and stomping his feet, which made Qin and Li burst into laughter again.

  "This old devil still loves to show off!"

  .??，！