Chapter 16: A Marriage Contract

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  Half an hour later.

  On the martial arts polo field, a scene of joy and laughter filled the air, with occasional bursts of excited cheers.

  Qin Mubai's methods of coaxing girls into happiness had always been unparalleled.

  "Hurray! Second daughter kicked another goal! Qin Xiao Wei, you have to work harder!" A group of women clapped and shouted.

  Qin Mubai and Wu Zhao had already become the core of this group.

  During the Tang Dynasty, people were accustomed to calling women 'niang' or 'niangzi', regardless of whether they were married or not. It was like calling men 'lang', casual but with a hint of respect. However, terms like "young lady" were specifically used to refer to prostitutes.

  Wu Zhaopao clapped his hands, put his hands on his waist, pouted and looked at Qin Mubai with a provocative smile: "Commander Qin, you mustn't lose to me!"

  "Why?" Qin Mu Bai smiled slightly, "Could it be that if I lose, I have to offer my body as compensation? There doesn't seem to be such a clause in the wager."

  "Hehe!" A group of women covered their mouths and giggled, whispering to each other: "This Qin Mu Bai is indeed a smooth talker. Although his words are slightly frivolous, when he says them, they only have a romantic flavor, really able to make people happy."

  Fortunately, during the Tang Dynasty, the social atmosphere was open-minded, and Qin Mu Bai's words and actions were not considered too out of line, but rather could win over the young lady.

  "Hmph! If you agree, I won't even want it!" Wu Zhao stomped her foot and argued with a slightly red face, "Unless it's you...…"

  She suddenly became speechless and swallowed hard, her tongue momentarily stuck.

  Qin Mubai was just about to kick the ball when he intentionally paused his action, smiled and looked at her: "Unless you can do better?"

  "Hehe, Second Daughter, speak up quickly!" A group of women surrounded Wu Zhao, teasing and laughing, Wu Zhao's peachy cheeks turned bright red.

  "Ugh! Why are you all always elbowing each other out of the way!" Wu Zhao blushed and started play-fighting with everyone.

  Only the eldest daughter of the Wu family, Big Sister, looked dignified and serious, with a meaningful smile, she walked lightly to Qin Mu Bai's side and said: "Young Master Qin, don't take it to heart, Second Sister has always been one to speak without reserve and talk nonsense."

  "What if I wasn't joking?" Qin Mu Bai smiled strangely. This was obvious, this big sister from the Wu family came over to say something, of course she had to be given face and the topic would have to be thoroughly discussed.

  The Wu family's elder sister smiled slightly and said, "Young Master Qin is indeed a meticulous and sentimental person. To be honest, my second sister has been lively and proud since childhood, with a personality like that of a boy. She is now 14 years old and still waiting to be married. When our mother and brother asked her about marriage, we would definitely be shy and dare not speak, but she said that unless it's a noble family or a heroic and elegant person, she won't marry."

  "A noble family with a heroic spirit, it's meaningful." Qin Mubai smiled and stopped talking, skillfully ending the conversation.

  Loose him in order to catch him later; a monkey in a hurry can't accomplish anything good.

  "Does Duke Qin have any intentions?" The eldest sister of the Wu family didn't think of letting him off easily, and asked with a hint of inquiry.

  "According to Big Sister's meaning, is it just meeting her standards?" Qin Mu Bai couldn't help but laugh.

  To be honest, a beautiful and mature girl like Wu Zhao who is also young and innocent would make any man's heart move. However, talking about marriage on the first meeting is a bit too absurd for Qin Mu Bai.

  It's like eating ginseng fruit, you have to savor it slowly. Like Zhu Bajie, if you swallow it in one bite, you won't even taste the flavor, which is clearly not Qin Mu Bai's style.

  "Does the young master of the Qin family really think that a lowly concubine wouldn't recognize you?" The eldest sister of the Wu family smiled lightly and said in a low voice, "Now your great name has spread throughout Chang'an City, playing an absolutely wonderful pipa, even the emperor can't help but praise you, calling you 'the master of a generation'. You're currently a household name. The third young master of the Qin family, from a noble and prestigious family, a heroic and elegant young man, isn't this exactly suitable? Moreover, my father had some dealings with your respected father when he was alive. Isn't this also a good opportunity for an alliance through marriage?"

  "No wonder she changed her tune and started calling me 'young master'. Qin Mu Bai gave her a surprised look, and his mind began to turn."

  Intermarriage between noble families, door to door, is nothing unusual in the Tang Dynasty. The Wu family, although declining, was still a prominent family in the early Tang Dynasty, and the mother of the Wu sisters was Yang, a princess of the Sui Dynasty, so their social status was not much inferior to that of the Qin family.

  But why is Wu's elder sister, who has already married into the He family, in such a hurry to marry off her younger sister?

  After some thought, Qin Mubai seemed to have come up with something. The Wu family had been away from Chang'an for a long time and their family had declined, so they no longer had any foundation in Chang'an. If they could establish a marriage relationship with a wealthy and powerful family after returning to Chang'an, having another family like the Qin's as relatives would naturally be a very good thing for the Wu family. Not to mention making a comeback, at least they could better establish themselves and survive.

  Wu Zhaoyin was just a concubine-born daughter of the Wu family, and she wasn't worth much to them. Using her to gain these benefits would be a highly profitable deal.

  Indeed, there is no free lunch in this world. Every inch of the aristocratic families' territory is permeated with interests and connections!

  "Sister, what are you whispering about! Qin's Junge, hurry up and kick the ball! Are you really afraid of losing?" Wu Zhaobai's voice rang out, and Qin Mubai and Wu's eldest sister had to temporarily stop this discussion.

  "If Duke Qin has any intentions, he might as well have a detailed discussion with my brother and mother." The eldest sister of the Wu family threw out this sentence, smiling with profound meaning as she walked away.

  "Am I really cursed with peach blossoms? After transmigrating and reincarnating, as long as I come into contact with a woman, I can create a story." Qin Mu Bai blinked several times, picked up the ball and kicked it away.

  The great reputation of the Chinese men's football team did not scare off a man like Qin Mubai, who would often go kick a ball when he had nothing to do. Although his skills were not that good, taking penalty kicks was always his strong point.

  But Qin Mubai lost.

  A group of girls led by Wu Zhao won a fine silk awarded by the royal family, and with Qin Mu Bai's clever mouth that always made people feel carefree, they all laughed heartily and comfortably. The colored balls danced with the rosy clothes on the polo field, and the spring scenery was boundless with the wind and moon.

  One man and many women, the man is handsome and elegant, Qin Mu Bai among these women, is obviously like a moon surrounded by stars.

  Just as they were having fun, Wu Yuanqing arrived.

  The three sisters of the Wu family all fell silent at the sight of their elder brother, and Wu Zhao even pulled a long face and turned away with a grunt.

  The warrior has passed away, and as the saying goes, an elder brother is like a father. Naturally, Wu Yuanqing took charge of the Wu family. It was clear that the relationship between these three daughters and their eldest brother was not very harmonious.

  "Prince Qin, His Highness has sent me to invite you over." Wu Yuanqing didn't dare to be slow and bowed down to pay his respects to Qin Mu Bai.

  Wu Zhaodong's eyes lit up instantly, and he couldn't help but curve the corners of his mouth into a smile that was somewhat evil and self-satisfied.

  "I'll be right down." Qin Mu Bai nodded and indicated for him to go first, as he still needed to bid farewell to these beauties.

  "That's all for now, I'll go to the Wu King's place to report back." Wu Yuanqing cupped his hands and bowed, casting a meaningful glance at Wu Zhao before turning around and leaving quickly.

  "Haha! Seeing this guy with a flattering and fawning expression, I'm delighted!" Wu Yuanqing hadn't walked far when Wu Zhao spoke up.

  "Sister, don't talk nonsense." The elder sister hastily spoke out to shut her up. As the saying goes, family shame must not be made public.

  "What can't be said, huh!" Wu Zhao snorted in disdain and hatred, "He's always bullying us and Mother, making us live in the back house and not allowing us to enter the main mansion. Yesterday, didn't he say that he wants to drive us back to our hometown and not let us stay in Chang'an? He doesn't even give us half of the property, clearly wanting to starve us to death! Mother cried all night, I hate him to death!"

  "Ah, little sister is indeed straightforward and outspoken, not considering the occasion when discussing these matters." The eldest daughter of the Wu family shook her head with a bitter smile and said to Qin Mu Bai, "Some trivial and ugly things at home have made you laugh, young master Qin."

  "It doesn't matter. But I think the second daughter-in-law has a rather heroic and refreshing demeanor, not letting her eyebrows be overshadowed." Qin Mubai smiled slightly, furrowed his brow to examine Wu Zhao for a few moments, then turned around and left.

  Qin Mubai hadn't gone far when a group of girls behind him started discussing.

  "Hehe, this Qin Mu Bai is really good at talking and getting along with people, and he's not bad-looking either, what a great guy!"

  "Second daughter, aren't you infatuated with him?"

  "Nonsense! He's just a seventh-grade junior officer, all he has is a sharp tongue, how could I..."

  "Hehe, blushing, blushing!"

  ……

  Qin Mubai arrived at the front hall of the Wu family, where Li Ke sat with his large horse and golden sword. Several guards were waiting outside the hall, while beside him stood the two brothers of the Wu family and a middle-aged woman.

  She must be the mother of Wu Zhaoshi and others, Yang. Calculating her age, she is actually a woman in her sixties, but she has taken good care of herself and still looks radiant and youthful. From her, one can vaguely see a few shadows of Wu Zhaoshi. It's imaginable how beautiful and stunning she was in her youth.

  "I, Yang Shi, have met Commander Qin before." As a member of the noble and aristocratic Yang family, she was known for being low-key and enduring. Now, as the third-rank lady, she had to pay her respects to Qin Mubai first.

  "I don't dare, junior has met Mrs. Yang." Qin Mu Bai bowed and Li Ke beckoned him to come over.

  "Come, Mu Bai brother, sit next to me. Lady Yang also invites you to sit down, no need for formalities." Li Ke seemed to have ulterior motives, intentionally raising Qin Mu Bai's value. His smile was also strange, and it was unknown what kind of medicine he was selling in his gourd.

  Qin Mubai sat down steadily and looked at Li Ke with a suspicious gaze, inquiring about the meaning of this behavior with his eyes.

  "Mu Bai, it's like this." Li Ke cleared his throat and began to speak seriously, "You and I have grown up together since childhood, just like our own brothers. You're not young anymore, it's time to talk about marriage, right?"

  "Huh?" Qin Mu Bai's expression slightly froze, "Your Highness, why did you suddenly mention this?"

  "What's wrong? Did I say something incorrect?" Li Xie asked with a sly smile, "A man should get married when he comes of age and a woman should get married when she grows up, isn't this the proper principle of human relationships? What do you think, Mrs. Yang?"

  "Your Highness has made it clear what is right and wrong," replied Mrs. Yang.

  Qin Mubai understood in his heart that these two people were a perfect match.

  "Today, I brought you to the Yingguo Gongfu, actually for a serious matter." Li Ke's face was slightly solemn, and he said very formally, "I, the king, will act as matchmaker, and let you marry Yang Furen's second daughter Wu Zhao as your wife. What do you think?"

  "What?" If it weren't for his extraordinary composure, Qin Mu Bai was almost about to jump up.

  Isn't this too ridiculous?!

  "Didn't you hear clearly? Or are you opposing?" Li Ke said sternly, "Ying Guo Gong is one of the founding meritorious officials of the Dragon's Work, one of the eight prime ministers of the Wu De Dynasty, and a first-class national duke. He was posthumously conferred as the Minister of Rites by the current emperor. In terms of family background, birth, and bloodline, Wu Zhao is worthy of you. As for her character...you must have seen it just now. As expected, there's no man in the world who would be dissatisfied with her. Am I right?"

  "It's not bad." Seeing Li Ke take out the prince's token, Qin Mu Bai could only smile wryly. He couldn't very well slap Li Ke in the face and sternly refuse him in front of Madame Yang.

  This Li Ke is really good at pretending to be cool.

  To tell you the truth, Wu Zhaoyin is indeed a unique woman. If there's any man who wouldn't be moved by her, he's either a hypocrite or a eunuch.

  "It's settled then." Li Ke burst out laughing, slapping his thigh with one hand, "A gentleman helps others to do good deeds, I must have done something great today."

  "Wait a minute!" Qin Mu Bai spoke up, "A marriage is a big deal, it's the parents' orders and the matchmaker's words, at least, shouldn't we ask for Yang Furen and Father's opinions?"

  This was the last excuse Qin Mubai could think of. Although he had a good feeling about Wu Zhao, this kind of thing where they settled on marriage as soon as they met was really unromantic in his opinion, just like Zhu Bajie eating ginseng fruit - before he even got to taste it, it went straight into his stomach. And besides, just because you like drinking milk doesn't mean you have to raise a head of cattle?

  "Don't worry, do you think I'm the kind of person who handles things carelessly and abruptly?" Li Ke laughed, "Yang's wife is here herself, what does she think? Isn't it obvious? Otherwise, would I still be able to force her into this? Besides, when you were playing cuju with the Wu sisters in the backyard just now, I went to your residence and discussed this marriage with Duke Qin Shubao and his wife."

  "What?" Qin Mu Bai couldn't help but be stunned: This Li Ke, his efficiency in handling matters was also a bit too high... Was this a sudden impulse or had he planned it out beforehand? Or perhaps, both?

  A gentleman helps others to complete their good deeds. He has helped me with my beautiful affair, so isn't it our Qin family's turn to repay him and help him with his own beautiful affair? ... The abacus of fate is being calculated quite well!

  "There's nothing to be surprised about. Your parents have been thinking about your marriage all along." Li Ke smiled slyly and said, "The door is matched with the household, there is a wife like a mirror, what else can be picked at? Your mother doesn't need to be mentioned, she's overjoyed and wishes that the bride could be brought home today. Even your father, who is usually as still as a mountain, showed a few hints of joy."

  Qin Mubai was speechless.

  It seems like either way is a dead end. In that case... I'll just have to grit my teeth and do it!

  "It seems that Brother Mu Bai has no opinion either. Well!" Li Ke clapped his hands, "You two will set the engagement today. Mrs. Yang, what's your opinion?"

  "I'm just a weak woman, I completely agree with your proposal, King Wu." Mrs. Yang looked at Qin Mu Bai for a few moments, nodded in satisfaction and smiled. Apparently, this mother-in-law was quite satisfied with Qin Mu Bai as her second son-in-law.

  Soon, Li Ke pulled out a paper deed from his bosom, and it was actually the marriage contract. On it were indeed the signatures of Wu Yuanqing and Qin Shubao, as well as the handprint of Liu Shi, their mother.

  "This Li Ke is really amazing!" Qin Mu Bai had a feeling of being both amused and annoyed.

  "You two sign and stamp your names on this engagement contract, and it will be complete," said Li Ke. "As the matchmaker, I'll discuss other matters with you."

  .??，！