After the ceremony, Li Jingle invited the Qin father and son into the main hall, sat down as guests and hosts, and treated each other with tea.

Li Jing took out the spiritual longevity staff given by the emperor and tried it, he was very satisfied, and said with a smile: "Your Majesty the Emperor is really sympathetic to your subordinates, this cane fits my body shape." It's really admirable that he has a lot of time to take care of such small things every day and has the leisure to take care of such small things! ”

Qin Shubao said: "Big brother, His Majesty the Emperor's favor to you is indeed extraordinary. He also called you a brother and a brother in public, which actually made us old ministers jealous! ”

"Haha, Uncle Bao laughed." Li Jing sat down laughing and invited their father and son to tea.

Qin Mubai has been sitting quietly listening to Li Jing chatting with his father, observing Li Jing carefully. In general, Li Jing gave Qin Mubai a very calm and approachable feeling. The more really big the person, the less shelf the negative side is, the less pretentious. If you walk in the market, others don't know that he is Li Jing, the Duke of Wei, and he, the invincible god of the Tang Dynasty who swept away half of the country, looks like an amiable old man.

Li Jing's home is also very simple, most of the high-ranking officials and eunuchs of the Tang Dynasty advocate frugality, this Wei Mansion and Qin Mansion are as simple as the furnishings, but very clean and tidy. Just like Li Jing's personality, he is low-key and simple, meticulous.

After chatting a few words, Qin Shubao said bluntly: "Big brother, I haven't seen you for a few years, but the foolish brother has nothing to do but go to the Three Treasures Palace. Come today and I will ask you something. ”

"Uncle Bao, what do you say? If you have something, you might as well speak up. Li Jing said with a smile.

Qin Shubao pointed at Qin Mubai and said, "The dog followed in my footsteps and joined the martial arts, although he learned some flower boxing and embroidered legs, but he didn't know anything about the art of war in the battle formation. Big brother, you also know, Qin Qiong only knows how to dance with guns and sticks, if you teach and learn the art of war, although you have more than enough heart, you don't have enough strength. Therefore, the foolish brother thought of bringing the dog to Big Brother, please order one or two. ”

"This ......" Li Jing twisted his brows slightly, his thin purple hand caressed his long white beard, and he groaned for a long time, and said, "Shubao, you and I have been friends for many years, and you know my temperament." ”

"Of course." Qin Shubao said with a smile, "Therefore, the foolish brother will never dare to make it difficult for others." Anyway, the foolish brother just opened his mouth with this old face, and the big brother didn't have to be embarrassed. Collect it, don't collect it. The foolish brother relied on his brother's opinion, and he never said much. ”

"Uncle Bao, I also know who you are, and you never ask for help. Today you have opened your mouth, and I can't refuse, but I ...... I really have something to hide. Li Jing said with an embarrassed face.

"Can you say it, so that the foolish brother can refer to it for the elder brother? You and I have been brothers for so many years, one foolish brother will never force you, and second, if there is difficulty, the foolish brother will stick a knife in the ribs of the elder brother and never give up. Qin Shubao said.

"Uncle Bao is still so righteous." Li Jing glanced at Qin Mubai, smiled slightly, and said, "Anyway, Mubai is not an outsider, so I will tell you bluntly." In fact, since the Northern Ding Turks, I have always been closed doors, not to mention accepting apprentices to teach the art of war. Previously, I accepted two protégés, one Su Dingfang and the other Hou Junji. Both of them are now independent, and they have all but cut off contact with me. Uncle Bao, do you know why? ”

"What? Su Dingfang and Hou Junji cut off contact with you? Uncle Qin's sword eyebrows stood up, revealing a hint of anger, "How dare they be so disrespectful?" ”

"No, no, no, it's not their fault." Li Jing frowned slightly, and said, "I asked them to do this." and Li Tao, who had been friends with me before, also had a conflict with me, and they didn't get along with each other. ”

"This ......" Qin Shubao was slightly stunned and groaned for a moment, and finally nodded, "I understand." ”

Qin Mubai secretly thought in his heart, and seemed to have thought through some things clearly: Li Jinggong is the only military god in the army that no one can replace, and he is almost a symbol of the Tang army. The prestige of such a figure in the army is naturally unparalleled. Now, his apprentices Su Dingfang and Hou Junji have become generals in charge of the military and the ruling side. If he still openly has close contacts with Li Jing and is firmly hugged, what does the emperor think? At that time, I am afraid that as long as he Li Jing is willing, with a gentle wave of his hand, thousands of troops will gather, and he may be able to overthrow his Li Shimin's dynasty!

Therefore, Li Jing made this decision, cut off contacts with Su Dingfang, Hou Junji and others, and had a lot of trouble with Li Tao. In this way, the generals in the army are not on good terms with each other, and the emperor can adjust and control them. If all the generals in charge were firmly in a group...... Then I'm afraid that Li Shimin's throne will be like sitting on pins and needles. In this way, it is not only the crisis of Li Shimin, but also the crisis of Li Jing, Li Tao, Su Dingfang and others, and even the crisis of the entire Tang Dynasty!

Li Jing is indeed a person who can control the fate of the current Tang Dynasty!

……

"In this way, do I, Li Jing, still dare to accept apprentices?" Li Jing's smile revealed a little bitterness and helplessness, and he said, "Shubao, it's not that I'm unkind, and it's not that I look down on Mu Bai. Actually...... The situation forced it to be so. ”

"Big brother is wise and loyal, everything he does is for the sake of the Tang Dynasty and His Majesty the Emperor, and the foolish brother has nothing to say." Qin Shubao sighed regretfully, "In this way, I can only sigh that San Lang didn't have the blessing to worship under your door!" ”

At this time, Qin Mubai smiled slightly and said, "Gong Wei, father, this matter is fine. I want to learn the art of war, but it is just to serve the Tang Dynasty and share the emperor's worries. But if the Apprenticeship Guild brings a lot of trouble and trouble, it is contrary to my wishes. Therefore, I don't want to apprentice to Wei Gong now. ”

"Oh?" Li Jing sighed lightly, a pair of old eyes swept across Qin Mubai's face sharply and quickly, and said secretly in his heart: This kid is smart, it seems that he has figured out the meaning of what I said just now...... He took the opportunity to come to offer the things given by the emperor to talk about apprenticeship, and invited his father to lobby together, as if he was determined to win, and he had no fear.

Li Jing thought: The children of the martial arts family of the Tang Dynasty, I don't know how many people want to worship me as a teacher, but everyone knows that I, Li Jinggong, am a master of high shock, and I am afraid that I will be suspicious and get into trouble after making a close relationship with me. Only Qin Mubai came to apprentice so grandly, is he an idiot? Apparently not! He is a close minister of the emperor, how can he not know the current situation of my Li Jing. Now that he has come and opened his mouth...... Does that mean that he has the acquiescence of the emperor?

Thinking of this, Li Jing couldn't help but light up the corners of his eyes, and then a smile appeared on his face, and said, "It's rare that your father and son are so considerate of me, I am very grateful. By the way, Shubao, I have something I want to verify from you today. ”

"Big Brother might as well tell me about it." Qin Shubao said.

"Hehe, it's also an old person, and I have nothing to do, and I'm quite curious when I hear some rumors." Li Jing said with a smile, "I heard earlier that the emperor withdrew his order and revoked the rumor that he would marry Princess Gaoyang and give Fang Yuai, but is there such a thing?" ”

Qin Shubao's heart lit up slightly, and then he laughed and said, "This matter, you should ask the dog!" ”

Qin Mubai smiled bitterly with embarrassment on his face, and said, "Yes, this is the case. ”

"Haha!" Li Jing laughed, "I also heard that it was you, Qin Mubai, who invited Princess Gaoyang out of the palace and sent her to live in King Wu's mansion, but is there such a thing?" ”

Qin Mubai continued to smile bitterly: "Yes, that's exactly the case. ”

"Huh!" Li Jing stroked his hair and smiled, "In this way, the emperor intends to marry Princess Gaoyang to you, is it true?" ”

"Haha! I didn't expect Big Brother to live in seclusion in the house all day long, and he was still so well-informed about the news outside. Qin Shubao laughed, "I haven't even asked the dog about this matter, so I might as well join Big Brother today and ask clearly." ”

At this time, Qin Mubai's heart was thinking: for no reason, why did Li Jing suddenly ask about this "gossip"? What is this old man's plan? Does he want to ask whether I will become the emperor's 'son-in-law', find out whether I have been ordered and recommended by the emperor to come to apprentice, and then decide whether to accept me as an apprentice?

A person like Li Jing is as deep as the sea and cautious, no matter what he is thinking in his heart now...... I'll just take a gamble! Anyway, the matter between me and Princess Gaoyang is already an open secret, and there is nothing to be ashamed of saying it!

"Back to Duke Wei and my father's words, about the matter of marriage...... Qin Mubai looked embarrassed, and said with some confusion, "I really don't dare to hide it, Concubine Yin has mentioned it to me verbally." Everything, and only that. ”

"Huh! Concubine Yin is the biological mother of Princess Gaoyang, since she has already opened her mouth, it means that the emperor has already instructed her, otherwise how could she make her own opinions? In this way, the old man wants to congratulate your father and son, the Qin family marries the princess, it will be a matter of time! Li Jing said with a laugh.

"If this is the case, it is the emperor's grace, and my Qin family is grateful. If it's just a rumor or a joke, then you can only laugh at it! Qin Shubao also laughed.

Li Jing looked at Qin Mubai carefully with slightly, slightly squinted eyes, and then said leisurely: "Mubai, it's not that I don't want to accept you as an apprentice, but in fact, it's ...... My Wei Gongfu seems to be as peaceful as water on the surface, but it is an eventful place. It's rare that you are so diligent and studious, and the old man can't bear to refuse you and cut off your way to study. In this way, the old man has a handwritten art of war in the past two years, and he is only half complete. If you don't dislike it, take it back and copy a copy and study it carefully. If you don't understand something, you can come to my house and ask me every once in a while. ”

When Qin Mubai heard this, he was immediately overjoyed. He suppressed the ecstasy in his heart, got up from the couch and was about to bow down to Li Jing.

"Wait!" Li Jing stopped him with a low shout, "Don't bow to me!" ”

"This ...... Why? Qin Mubai asked a little blankly.

Qin Shubao also got up, walked to Qin Mubai's side with a long smile, patted him on the shoulder and said, "My stupid son, just listen to your Uncle Li!" ”

"So...... The younger generation will thank Wei Gong for the grace of the book! Qin Mubai still bowed down.

"Hehe, okay, get up!" Li Jing stroked his beard and smiled, nodded and said, "It's just a broken book, so there's no need to make such a big gift." Come, you father and son come with me to the study, and I will take the book from you. ”

"Xie Weigong!"

The father and son followed Li Jing to the study, but saw that the room was full of sweaty cows and books, but it was quite neat and spotless.

Li Jing walked to a bookshelf and asked Qin Mubai to remove a thick book loaded in an ancient blue bookbox from it, put it on the table and spread it out, and took out a half-foot-thick book from it.

In the title of the book, there are three handwritten words of dragon flying and phoenix dancing - "Jade Tent Sutra"!

"This is a military book that the old man began to write in the past two years, which includes the punishment of generals, marching and fighting, camping and scouting, the time and water, the arrangement of troops and many ways to cure the epidemic in the army." Li Jing said, "For people who have been marching and fighting all year round, these are things that are clear to their chests. But it is very suitable for you, who have not been in battle. The book has been completed and has come to an end. You might as well take a copy and send it back to me so I can finish the next part. ”

"Thank you Wei Gong!" Qin Mubai bowed his hand, then took off the unicorn cloak on his body, and carefully wrapped up this treasure of the soldier's family.

There was a poem in the Song Dynasty - "Jiuyang Wolong can't be called, and the milky talk is empty." The scholar did not know the Jade Tent Sutra, and held this picture to the end. ”

"The Jade Tent Sutra" is a masterpiece of Li Jing's many works on the art of war, and it has almost become synonymous with military books in the Song generation in later generations!

Although Qin Mubai couldn't understand for a while, why Li Jing only gave military books and didn't accept apprentices, but it was also very good to have this military book!

A painstaking work that condenses the lifelong experience of the Tang Dynasty God of War, a soldier through the ages, is simply hard to find!

"Uncle Bao, Mu Bai, don't think the old man is stingy." Li Jing said, "The old man's military book, you must not pass it on to anyone. Otherwise, His Majesty the Emperor ......"

"Wei Gong rest assured, the younger generation will abide by Wei Gong's teachings and will not let anyone else see this book." Qin Mubai solemnly hugged his fists.

"Good. A boy is worth more than a thousand gold. The old man believes in you. Li Jing nodded with a smile.

"Two days later, the younger generation will return the original book!" Qin Mubai solemnly promised.

"Good! At this time the day after tomorrow, the old man is waiting for you here! ”

Soon after, the father and son said goodbye to Li Jing and left the house and returned home. There was nothing to say all the way, and the father and son quickly returned to the Qin Mansion with their own thoughts, and it was already dark and the lights of thousands of homes were on.

After dismounting, the two went directly into Qin Shubao's room and opened the heavy military book.

"Yes, it is indeed Li Jing's handwriting, and every word is written by him." Qin Shubao roughly flipped through the notes, closed the book again, and said solemnly, "San Lang, Li Jing is so generous and generous, he has given you all his life's work, you must cherish the opportunity and keep your promise!" ”

"The father can rest assured that the child knows what to do." Qin Mubai also responded with a straight face.

"Well, it's a good ......" Qin Shubao sat down and breathed a sigh of relief, "Li Jing refused, I thought this matter was hopeless." Li Jing is like this, he is very principled in everything, and he never exceeds Lei Chi by half a step in major matters, and he is extremely cautious and cautious. Just now he suddenly changed his mind and gave you the war book, which was a bit unexpected for a while. Mu Bai, have you ever wondered why Li Jing suddenly changed his mind? ”

Qin Mubai wrinkled his eyebrows in contemplation, and shook his head: "The child doesn't know very well. ”

Qin Shubao smiled: "You can't think clearly, it's also a reasonable thing." Because you don't know much about what happened between our generation and the emperor. In fact, in his life, Li Jing only took the initiative to accept Su Dingfang, an apprentice, and taught him the art of war. Later, Hou Junji became Li Jing's protégé under the emperor's strong recommendation. Just now, Li Jing asked about Princess Gaoyang, and he probably thought it through, and the emperor recommended you to go. Although this time the emperor did not give a strong order for Li Jing to accept the apprentices, who can save the emperor's face? As a result, Li Jing had to carefully consider whether to accept you as an apprentice. ”

"Then why didn't he directly take me as an apprentice, but only gave me the art of war?" Qin Mubai asked.

"It's even more knowledgeable." Qin Shubao said, "Since the emperor didn't explicitly say that he would accept it, how could he dare to accept it without making a claim?" Li Jing's art of war is not only his books and works, but also the national treasure of the Tang Dynasty and the treasure of the soldiers. Soldiers, weapons of the country! If Li Jing accepts apprentices casually and passes on the art of war to some Xiao juniors, and uses it to harm the society in the future, wouldn't it be a disaster for the Tang Dynasty? Therefore, Li Jing has always been extremely cautious in the matter of accepting apprentices. Even if the prince and his relatives asked him to apprentice, he sternly refused. ”

"But this time, it was the emperor who asked you to go to Li Jing to apprentice, and the emperor's intentions can also be described as profound." Qin Shubao continued, "First, let's see if he, Li Jing, is as rumored by the outside world to be extremely cautious in accepting disciples; Second, it also tests whether he Li Jing obeys the emperor's orders. Third, the deeper intention...... Perhaps, the emperor also wants to see the art of war written by Li Jing in the past two years! ”

"What?!" Qin Mubai was stunned, "The emperor asked me to send Li Jing such a spiritual longevity staff, has such a deep intention?" ”

"So, I have long advised you to underestimate the emperor, he never does anything meaningless." Qin Shubao said, "Think about it, if Li Jing can lay down this half of the country for the Li family, what will his art of war mean?" It's like raising a top martial arts master in your mansion and owning a treasure knife that blows hair and breaks your hair. As the head of the family, even if you have absolute trust in this master, don't you want to see what his knife looks like? ”

"My father was wise, and he was right...... In this way, this martial arts master uses poison instead of a knife, so it is even more necessary to take a look, and at least, he must have the antidote. Qin Mubai nodded suddenly and said, "That kid now, should I send this military book to His Majesty the Emperor for inspection?" ”

"Clever. Just when we were leaving, didn't Li Jing vaguely mention 'Otherwise, the emperor's side'? This old fox is hinting at letting you send the military book to the emperor first, please go to the imperial review. Qin Shubao waved his hand, "Without further ado, you don't have to stop overnight, you will go right away!" ”

"Yes!"

Seeing Qin Mubai leaving the house with a thick military book on his back, Qin Shubao stroked his long hair and laughed, and said to himself: "How is it, Jiang is still old and spicy, right?" Stinky boy, you still have to learn a little more! ”

It was dusk and the palace gate was about to close. Qin Mubai entered directly from the Xuanwu Gate of the North Gate and came to the Penglai Hall of the harem, and sure enough, he found Li Shimin, who had dinner with Li Zhi and Li Mingda here as usual.

After dealing with the two little guys, the two of them entered the study, Qin Mubai directly unloaded the military book and placed it on Li Shimin's desk, and said: "Your Majesty, Wei Chen went to Wei Gong to apprentice, but Wei Gong refused to accept Wei Chen as an apprentice, and only passed on this half of the military book. Weichen didn't dare to be self-dictatorated, so he brought the military book and asked His Majesty to decide! ”

Li Shimin smiled, stretched out his hand to stroke the "Jade Tent Sutra" that still existed in the ink fragrance, did not stretch out his hand to open it, and said: "Since Wei Gong passed it on to you, then you should study it!" ”

Qin Mubai was deliberately stunned: "Your Majesty...... Why don't you open it and read this book? ”

"No need." Li Shimin smiled and said, "You don't have to repay me for such a trivial matter. This is a matter between you and Li Jing, and it doesn't involve me, so why should you be so serious? ”

"Wechen just thinks it......" Qin Mubai swallowed for a moment and said, "If it is a military book given by His Majesty, Wechen will read it with a little more peace of mind." If you hide from Your Majesty and dictate yourself, Weichen will feel like a bully. ”

"Hehe, that's serious." Li Shimin smiled lightly, "Since you want to say so, then okay, this military book should be given to you by me." ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Put it away, this is a treasure." Li Shimin looked at Qin Mubai and smiled meaningfully, "You take it back and read it carefully, if you have time, I may still ask you for a lesson or two." ”