Chapter 51: Unyielding Ambition

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  Update added, thank you!!!!

  Qin Bin smiled and introduced the middle-aged man to Qin Mu Bai: "Second brother, this is Tou Shu Ling, the Left Commander of the Arsenal, an old friend of Father's."

  "Have met Lord Tu." Qin Mu Bai smiled and bowed his hands in greeting.

  "I don't dare, I don't dare!" Tu Shu hastily stood up and bowed down to return the courtesy. "General Qin is a superior officer, while I am just a humble seventh-rank official, how could I possibly accept your courtesy?"

  "As he is an old friend of Father's, then he is a senior, it should be so." Qin Mubai took his seat and asked the Second Brother, "How do you two brothers have time today to come here and relax?"

  Qin said straightforwardly: "To be honest with you, third brother, we two were entrusted by our father to bring the summons and have a request to make of you."

  "What's wrong?"

  "It's like this," said Qin Tong, "Father's body is gradually recovering and has a good chance of healing. Now he practices martial arts at home every day and has come up with a set of 'Tai Chi Qin Gun', which is truly exquisite. After his strength gradually recovered, he missed the 80-jin heavy iron gun he used to use, so he asked us to invite Master Tu to refer to the iron gun he used in those years and re-cast one according to the sample."

  Qin Bin smiled and added, "Third brother, you must have heard of it. The iron spear used by Father when he conquered the world was called 'Tiger Head Golden Spear'. Not only was it heavy and powerful, but its craftsmanship was also extremely exquisite, not something that ordinary craftsmen could produce. Nowadays, Father's golden inlaid spear is stored in the imperial palace, and every time there is an important court meeting, it is taken out for display. Of course, Father cannot ask the Emperor to return it. Therefore, he specially invited the Left Commander of the Arsenal, Tu Shu Ling, to re-cast it."

  The Zuo Shi Fang was a department of the imperial court of the Tang Dynasty responsible for the construction of palaces, gardens and water conservancy projects. The Left School Office under it was responsible for making special "limited edition" gold and silver jewelry, precious objects, weapons and armor.

  Qin Mubai nodded and bowed his hands to Tu Shu Ling: "In that case, it's really going to be a lot of trouble for you, Commander."

  Du Shu Ling was slightly taken aback: "It's just a small matter, there's no need for the two young masters to come in person, sending someone with a letter would be enough. But since the two young masters are so courteous, how could this humble official not do his best? Now that the third young master has also appeared, I dare not hold back my efforts."

  Qin Tong and Qin Bin exchanged a glance, each smiling to themselves. From the expression of this former commander, it can be seen that at present, Qin Mu Bai's reputation and prestige are greater than theirs. It's not surprising, although Qin Tong has been in the army for many years and is now a fifth-grade middle general, he is just a gatekeeper of the imperial palace. This position is important, but after all, it's a small monk in a big temple, with face but no endurance. As for Qin Bin, he is currently only a proofreader at the Hongwen Academy, although he is a member of the emperor's think tank, he is now just an insignificant and nameless small soldier.

  Compared with him, Qin Mubai, the emperor's confidant and favorite general, the commander of the imperial guards, and a current celebrity, has a much more impressive background!

  Qin Tong said: "Third brother, you haven't been home for many days. Today we meet by chance. Why don't the three of us brothers go back home together to visit our father?"

  "My younger brother has this intention."

  Qin Tong smiled and said, "Third brother, if you see Father again, don't be surprised. In the past half year or so, Father has changed completely, just like he's been reborn. The Father who used to look down on everyone and was invincible in the world seems to have returned. His new gun technique is also several times stronger than before - right, we three brothers learned spear, fist, and gun respectively, so this gun technique should be passed down to you by Father?"

  Qin Mubai nodded and smiled: "Not to deceive Big Brother, it's indeed been passed down. Otherwise, how could my martial arts improve so rapidly in a short period of time, and I was able to take the position of Hundred Riders Messenger?"

  "Alas, I'm so envious!" Qin Tong exclaimed, clenching his fist. "If only I had learned archery back then, instead of the guandao! But to think about it, if I weren't already an officer in the Imperial Guard, I would have wanted to participate in the selection for the Hundred Riders too!"

  "Haha, what are you talking about, big brother!" Qin Bin laughed and said, "The Qin family's spear technique is a unique secret art, only passed down to the eldest son. This spear technique is my father's life's work, it can be called the best in the world. How many people who practice martial arts don't know how many people envy the spear technique you learned, and now you're still jealous of third brother's gun technique?"

  "Haha, the more the merrier! " Qin Tong's bright laughter suddenly turned into a thoughtful expression, and he said, "Right, Third Brother, since you've inherited Father's shooting skills, why not ask Tou Shu to make a golden gun for you too? Father said you're incredibly strong, no less than him in his youth, I'm sure it'll feel great in your hands."

  "Oh, this..." Qin Mubai was deep in thought for a moment, while on the other side, Tu Shu Ling hastily cupped his hands and said: "Third Master, if you have any needs, just speak up, I will definitely do my best to assist!"

  The three brothers laughed together. This order was truly self-aware.

  "Alright, then I'll trouble you with an order."

  Three brothers and Tou Shu made a deal after drinking for a while, then left the wine shop to prepare to go home. When leaving the seat, Wu Meiniang specially came to greet them again, gave two elder brothers a courtesy, exempted their wine money, and said that in the future they would not charge any money as long as they came here. The female owner of the world's first wine with a reputation far and wide suddenly appeared in the hall, causing a big stir and onlookers.

  Qin Tong and Qin Bin were shocked by this sister-in-law, secretly praising her non-stop. On the one hand, they admired her beauty and intelligence, on the other hand, they were also very satisfied with this sister-in-law who knew etiquette and was elegant and generous.

  Qin Mubai smiled in his heart, thinking that this Meiniang usually only knew how to tease him privately, but actually she was also a person who understood the situation. What was annoying was that from now on, the two older brothers would be free, but he, as the husband, would have to pay several times or even dozens of times more in expenses... This little wife of his, wouldn't let him save a single penny of private money!

  The three brothers, Qin Mu Bai and his two elder brothers, rode their horses side by side as they headed home. Along the way, they discussed martial arts, military tactics, and some trivial matters of court politics, chatting with great pleasure. Qin Mu Bai had always gotten along well with his two elder brothers and had learned many things from them. Especially his second brother, Qin Bin, who worked at the Imperial Academy, where he came into contact with high-ranking officials every day, discussing state affairs with the emperor. Over the years, he had gained extraordinary insight and knew many secrets that others did not. For example, which prime minister had which disciples or former subordinates, and which ministers' policies the emperor had opposed or supported.

  The inner circle of core officials in the Tang Dynasty was still unfamiliar to Qin Mubai. From Qin Bin's mouth, Qin Mubai learned that the emperor trusted Longsun Wuji the most, valued and relied on Fang Xuanling, but had a complex feeling towards Wei Zheng - both respectful and fearful, hateful and loving. There were also Chu Suiliang, Ma Zhou and other rising stars who increasingly gained the emperor's favor and appreciation, and their future prospects would be boundless.

  Listening to Qin Bin's words, Qin Mu felt that it was better than reading books for ten years. He silently remembered all of this in his heart, which would be extremely beneficial for him in his future dealings with others.

  Three brothers returned home together, which made the Qin family overjoyed. Even Qin Shubo, who usually didn't smile or talk much, couldn't help but laugh. A family banquet was set up, and the three brothers toasted to Qin Shubo's health, congratulating him on his recovery, bringing new hope to the Qin family.

  After more than three months, Qin Mubai saw his father again and found that he was indeed greatly different from before. The current Qin Shubao had a ruddy complexion, full muscles, stood upright and walked with the wind, constantly emitting an aura of a peak warrior's heroic dominance!

  "In these six months, Father's body has greatly recovered and his illness is almost gone. It's time to return to the army." Qin Shubao stroked his beard and said calmly.

  "What? Father is going to make a comeback?" The three brothers exclaimed in surprise at the same time.

  "What's wrong?" Qin Shubao stroked his beard and smiled, "I'm not even 50 years old, in my prime. If it weren't for the fact that I've been plagued by illness all these years, would I have willingly retreated to a supporting role? After the great Tang dynasty pacified the northern Turks, I haven't had any military experience as a father. In recent years, Li Jing, Hou Junji, and Wei Zheng have fought south and north, achieving great victories and creating an unparalleled reputation, but my name, Qin Qiong, is not among them! As a father, I may not be as good as Li Jing, but at least I won't be worse than Hou Junji and Wei Zheng! Just wait for the right moment, and I will go to see the emperor, request to return to service, take up arms again, and return to the army!"

  "Good, great!" Qin Tong and Qin Bin exclaimed excitedly in loud voices, "If Father returns to power, the Tang Dynasty will gain another good minister and general. Our Qin family's fortunes will surely be revived!"

  Qin Mubai didn't rush to praise, slightly furrowing his brow, silent and unspoken.

  Qin Shu Bao had already noticed Qin Mu Bai's expression and asked: "Third Brother, what do you think?"

  Qin Mubai cupped his hands and said, "Father's recovery from illness is a great joy, and the eagerness to return to work is something I also understand. However, Father rushing to find His Majesty to 'ask for an official position' in such a hasty manner is not entirely proper."

  "Third brother, what are you talking about?" Qin Tong retorted, "Father is the pillar country, and the position of Left Dragon Martial Guard General has always been held by Father. What 'asking for official positions' are you referring to?"

  Qin Shu Bao slightly furrowed his brow and waved his hand: "Don't be impatient, Third Brother. Let him explain slowly. He must have his own reasons and insights."

  "Yes, father." Qin Mu Bai said, "Father is still a third-rank Left Dragon Martial Guard General, that's correct. But I ask you - where is the Left Dragon Martial Guard army now, and where are their barracks?"

  "Hmm, this...” Qin Tong was stunned for a moment, let out a long sigh and said, “Third brother is right. Two years ago, the Emperor reorganized the Imperial Guards, changing the Left and Right Dragon-Tiger Guard that used to guard the Imperial City into the Left and Right Feathered Forest Guard and the Left and Right Thousand Bull Guard, with generals in charge of each division. Adding to the original Left and Right Golden Rooster Guard and the Left and Right Gate Guard, all the soldiers and officers of the Imperial City's Imperial Guards were replaced, with military power directly in the Emperor's hands. The former Left Dragon-Tiger Guard Imperial Guards no longer exist. Father's position as a great general is now just an empty title.”

  "Not bad," said Qin Mu Bai, "My father was once the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Forest Army. If he were to go to the Emperor now and ask to be reinstated, it would be equivalent to asking the Emperor for military power. This would inevitably put the Emperor, who is accustomed to holding military power in his own hands, in a difficult position. Even if my father were to be appointed to one of the Imperial Guard units, such as the Left or Right Imperial Guard or the Left or Right Weiwei Army, it wouldn't be easy. In recent years, Li Jing, Li Xian, and Wei Zheng have successively held military power, so how could the Emperor possibly find a place for my father? Moreover, even if he were to be reinstated, wouldn't that mean taking away some of Li Xian's military power and offending others, causing more conflicts?"

  .??，！