In the following days, Qin Mubai lived a safe and calm life. The festive atmosphere of Chang'an during the New Year is very strong, and the entire huge city seems to be shrouded in a layer of peaceful joy, which makes people unconsciously happy.

Every festive season, Qin Mubai naturally thought of his parents, relatives and friends in his previous life. Presumably, I will not be able to meet them again in the future. And the relatives, friends and confidants in this life need to be cherished even more.

As soon as he thought that he was going to leave Chang'an for a long time, a trace of unbearability rose in his heart. Subtly, he has regarded Chang'an as his homeland, where his beloved relatives and confidants and friends are so familiar.

We must cherish this little time and spend more time with them.

So during this time, Qin Mubai often accompanied his parents and sisters in the old mansion of Qinfu. Qin Shubao went to the palace to meet the emperor and confirmed the news that he was about to return to the mountain, and he was quite excited. The eldest son Qin Tong and the second son Qin Bin learned that their father and third brother were about to be transferred to work, and they also returned to the old house with their families to reunite with their father and brother. For several days, the family got together and had a good time.

Wu Meiniang ran more diligently to the Qin family, as if she had regarded this place as her home. Wu Meiniang is smart and clever, and everyone in the Qin family is very satisfied with her, and they have gradually accepted this San Lang's daughter-in-law and get along with her very well. The two families have become more and more diligent in their movements, and although they have not officially completed their marriage, they have become like in-laws.

This year is enough toss, it is rare to be able to be so peaceful and leisurely during the New Year, Qin Mubai is quite relaxed. During this period, he practiced martial arts with his father and brother in the morning, studied military books in the afternoon accompanied by Wu Meiniang, and accompanied his parents to drink tea and talk in front of his knees in the evening.

The small life can be regarded as easy and comfortable.

Every few days, Qin Mubai would go to Li Jing's mansion to ask him about the art of war, and ask him to review and comment on the reading notes he had written. After coming and going, Li Jing appreciated Qin Mubai more and more, and often sighed secretly, and finally found his true heir to the mantle in his ancient years.

But the second half of the "Jade Tent Sutra" Li Jing has not been passed on to Qin Mubai for a long time. What he was thinking about was not just as simple as taking in an apprentice and having a successor.

The conquest of Wu Wangfu was carried out as scheduled, although there was no fanfare to shake the Beijing Division, but it also made a little noise, attracting countless people to look sideways. In order to avoid suspicion, Qin Mubai did not go to watch the ceremony. He didn't have any worries about Xue Rengui's strength at all, not to mention that there were also Qin Shubao, Cheng Zhijie and Li Daozong in the review. In fact, this kind of "audition" has an insider secret box in the He Dynasty and any dynasty, unless there is a major accident, Xue Rengui, an internal player with extraordinary strength, must be the first person to win the championship.

Li Ke's mouth can be regarded as some kung fu, and he really invited Wei Chi Jingde. Qin Mubai has never seen this person with his own eyes, but he heard that he was born with a cow and a horse, a big face like black charcoal, a sound like thunder, and a tiger momentum, so he is a natural tiger general. Therefore, there are rumors in later generations that Wei Chi Jingde's mother is a bear man, but this person has a fierce and rugged appearance. In contrast, Qin Shubao, the fierce general with the same name, is a handsome and chic heartthrob with a jade tree in the wind. The two of them went to the gate of thousands of households together and became door gods, one black, one white, one handsome and one ugly, which can be regarded as a contrast to each other.

There was no suspense in the result, whether it was a martial arts competition or a theory of the art of war, Xue Rengui won the championship with an absolute advantage. Li Ke, the king of Wu, announced in public that he had promoted Xue Rengui, a commoner, to be the commander of the army in the palace of King Wu, and his official position was from the fifth grade, and he rose to prominence overnight, and the sparrow turned into a phoenix.

From the five grades, this is a big hurdle in the official rank of the Tang Dynasty. Beijing officials above the fifth grade can wear a scarlet robe and go to the court every day to listen to the government. Generally, Sima is one of the left and right deputies of the Prefecture Assassin Mansion, and he is also from the fifth grade, and the general county order is only the fifth grade. In other words, Xue Rengui, who couldn't eat enough to sell halberds on the street a few days ago, became a deputy county magistrate-level figure overnight.

In addition to Xue Rengui, Wu Wangfu also recruited several sons of the Shi clan who were outstanding in martial arts, knew the art of war, and had military experience to enrich the camp of the prince's pro-soldiers. It's just that most of these people are little-known people, although Li Ke made a little noise, he didn't dare to do it boldly, and he didn't blatantly win over those officers of the Twelve Guards to take refuge, so it can be seen that he is still low-key and cautious.

After several days of planning and preparation, the Wu Wangfu, which had a lot of Additions, finally calmed down, and Xue Rengui also took office. At the previous banquet in the palace, Li Ke invited Qin Mubai to go. In addition to the new entry to Xue Rengui, Yin Yang was also promoted to one of the pawn army, and Xue Rengui went hand in hand with the soldiers and horses of the palace, and Yuwen Hongtai was also promoted to the deputy pawn army, second only to the two. In addition, hundreds of new recruits and more than a dozen officers have been added to the palace, which can be described as a new atmosphere.

Qin Mubai had a very close personal relationship with Li Ke and served as a military attache in Wu Wangfu, and now Xue Rengui has been promoted, so his relationship with the military academies in Wu Wangfu is even closer. Even, when the soldiers and horses of the Wu Wangfu were drilling, Li Ke would invite Qin Mubai to watch the ceremony and make a point. In this way, although Qin Mubai did not serve in the Wu Palace, he was prestigious in the palace, and he was very familiar with the adjutants and generals in the palace.

Two days before the Chinese New Year, the palace finally made an official decree, appointing Qin Shubao as the general of Zuojin Wuwei, and conferring the post of governor of Lanzhou as the head of the Xinghai Road march, and the governor of Lanzhou to the Dafeichuan area of Helong soldiers and horses; He was transferred to Qin Mubai Xiangzhou Mansion and the post of Commander of Zhichong, led the inspection school hundred cavalry envoys, and added General Yunlu, a military officer from the third grade.

In addition, Qin Mubai heard the news, because he was still the "inspection school" hundred cavalry envoys, and the current hundred cavalry did not have a chief envoy for the time being, and the deputy envoy and chief Shi Li Junxian temporarily took the post of chief envoy and acted as the military officer.

The emperor's move can be regarded as giving Qin Mubai enough face, and will not let outsiders misunderstand that Qin Mubai was swept out of the door by the emperor. No, the others are gone, and the hundred horsemen have not reset the envoy. In addition, Qin Mubai's rank was also raised to the second and a half ranks, and he became a general from the third rank. Generally speaking, the commanders of the military governments in various places are all fourth-rank officials, and Qin Mubai has added a military officer to become a third-rank official, although the real power has not increased, but the official quality is indeed not small. Because some of the deputy prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty are just officials who worship the "three products under the door of the same book".

For this reason, Qin Mubai joked to Wu Meiniang: "Meiniang, didn't you say that I only considered marrying me when I was in the third grade?" Well, my original words have come true! ”

Wu Meiniang sarcastically mocked him: "You are a third-rank rank mixed up by being a son-in-law for the emperor's old man." If you only talk about rank, my father was still a first-class national prince back then! This prince and prince of Chang'an are going to have a lot of them, when will you be in line? In terms of actual ministry, you are still a fourth-rank lieutenant, so I still don't look down on you. When I find a third-grade minister, I will consider marrying you again. Not to mention, if you want to mix from a four-rank lieutenant to a third-rank general in the army, it is still thousands of miles away! ”

Qin Mubai shot back angrily: "When I become a third-grade general, thousands of beauties in the world are vying to marry me, and I will let you line up!" ”

So Wu Meiniang turned her face on the spot, and Qin Mubai was beaten up for a long time.

In the Chinese New Year's Eve, a royal family banquet was held in the palace, and Li Shimin invited Qin Shubao's father and son, of course, in the name of "future in-laws".

Although Qin Shubao was close to the emperor, it was the first time he participated in such a royal family banquet, and he was a little flattered, and he dressed up at home like a big girl for a while before he went out.

The family banquet was attended by all the people of the royal family, Li Daozong, the king of Jiangxia, Li Chengqian, the crown prince, Li Ke, the king of Wu, Li Tai, the king of Wei, and even the eldest grandson Wuji, the princess who was married, and the princes and princes who were distant governors, all returned to Beijing with their families to participate. There are more than 100 people in the royal family plus relatives, and the scene is big enough.

The happiest person at this time is undoubtedly Princess Gaoyang. As soon as she saw the two Qin family members appear, she greeted them with joy, took Qin Mubai's hand in public, and stepped forward with him to greet the emperor. Princess Gaoyang is still so eccentric and good at being funny, and she often laughs when the hall is full.

Everyone also took advantage of the situation to make fun of and tease Qin Mubai, saying that there were three difficulties for new guests to enter the door, and they had to go through them one by one in order to receive the New Year's benefits prepared by the emperor.

Which three? For a while, the emperor came out with questions to take the test, the second was the personal competition of his wife and uncle, and the third was to deal with the difficulties of the royal family's eldest sister-in-law and sister-in-law.

It's a fun toss.

Princess Gaoyang's royal sisters are not fuel-efficient lamps, and they have come up with many problems for Qin Mubai to complete. The metaphor made him, a big man, wear needles and embroidery, and he had to prick out the words "a hundred years of reconciliation", and he was not allowed to pass the test if it was not good-looking. made Qin Mubai cry, and Princess Gaoyang also begged her aunt to beg her grandmother for mercy, so they dared to let it go.

The representative elected by the eldest brother is Princess Gaoyang's own brother, Li You, the king of Qi. This kid is only twenty years old, ranking fifth among Li Shimin's heirs, and he is the king of Qi and the governor of Qizhou. It is said that he is the best at eating, drinking, and having fun, and is definitely a profligate lord, and his temper is still very bad.

However, one of his biggest characteristics is that he is quite filial to Concubine Yin De, and he is extremely doting on his sister-in-law, Princess Gaoyang, which is almost famous. After returning to Beijing, I heard that my sister-in-law had secretly promised Qin Jia Saburo, and he was both annoyed and happy.

Annoyed by what birdman snatched his favorite girl? Happily, the troublesome girl in her own family is finally getting married!

So today's exam questions, Li Youke was angry. I have to give Qin Mubai a dismount, at least let him know that there is someone in Princess Gaoyang's mother's family, don't bully my sister casually!

Li You's question is: Qin Mubai, I heard that you are both civil and military, and today my brother will test you for the most difficult problem in the world - look at it, there is an emerald green jade on the head of His Majesty's body, which is rare in the world, and it is His Majesty's favorite in life. No matter what method you use, if you can get that piece of famous jade, brother will pass the test.

As soon as these words came out, the whole hall was shocked: this Li You is really messing around, and the jokes are all on the emperor's head!

Li Shimin sat upright in the main hall but only smiled: "Wulang, you have not only been admitted to Qin Mubai, but also to me!" If I can't bear this beautiful jade, then Mu Bai won't be able to pass it; If I give up this piece of jade, I will feel distressed. ”

Princess Gaoyang was annoyed, and jumped up with her mouth open: "Father! Why are you reluctant to sit on a piece of jade in the world? Gao Yang's future husband is only one, are you willing to embarrass him? I don't care, you quickly take down the beautiful jade and give it to Mu Bai, otherwise, otherwise...... I'll pluck your beard! ”

"Haha!" The hall laughed, and Li Shimin was also happy, "That's it, I'm afraid of you." Come on, change clothes! ”

After that, Li Shimin went to the back hall to change his head, and really took off the beautiful jade on his head before and gave it to Qin Mubai, and said: "Mubai, remember, you owe me a favor!" I'm afraid you don't know yet, the royal family banquet is a new guest, that is the custom of our old Li family. If you are a new customer who can't pass the test, this year will not be easy. If you see any member of the royal family, you have to be three points shorter to invite guests to dinner, and you will be made fun of. Besides, you don't want to go back to this banquet today, because everyone will spare no effort to get you drunk! ”

"Uh...... So ruthless! Qin Mubai was really shocked.

"Haha!" The whole hall laughed together and said, "Qin Mubai, this drunkenness is enough, at most I will wake up tomorrow." Just this dinner will eat you. You don't look at how many people are in this congregation today! ”

Princess Gaoyang giggled, snatched the beautiful jade from Li Shimin's hand and took it back and stuffed it to Qin Mubai, and shouted to everyone: "Okay, now we have won, hum!" ”

Li You pretended to be annoyed: "You girl, turn your elbow out!" If you have a husband, you don't want a brother! I really hurt you for nothing! ”

"Yay!" Princess Gaoyang stuck out her tongue at Li You and made a grimace, and said with a smile, "I want both brother and Mu Bai!" You're all my favorite! ”

Li You laughed a few times and said, "Qin Mubai, I can tell you." You must treat my sister well! Otherwise, I won't spare you! ”

"Haha, dare, dare!" Qin Mubai said with a smile, "If you don't work for King Qi, Her Royal Highness Princess Gaoyang must have cleaned me up long before this." ”

"Haha, you're interesting!" Li You laughed, "Yes, you are a good person, you fit my spleen and stomach!" ”

Qin Mubai smiled, and secretly said in his heart: Li You, this guy, is much more reckless than his elder brothers, and inferior to Li Chengqian. Concubine Yin is so dignified and virtuous, how can she give birth to a son so hasty and a daughter so naughty? It's a terrible life!

Next, it will be Li Shimin's turn to take the exam. As a king and head of the family, his questions were relatively formal. Literary talents, martial arts, calligraphy and piano skills, enough to test him in four items.

Literary talent is nothing more than a poetic couplet. Li Shimin improvised a half-contempt poem for Qin Mubai to continue. Qin Mubai didn't even want to admit defeat directly, on such a big occasion, he didn't want to make a fool of himself, and besides, this kind of poetry couldn't be plagiarized from other people's poems to deal with, so he was obediently fined three cups of water.

But in the next three exams, Qin Mubai passed with astonishment. Martial arts is archery, which is his strongest point, and there is no suspense; As for calligraphy, the "self-contained" thin gold block even amazed the emperor; As for Quyi, not to mention, a pipa will come out with one hand, and the full applause will push the atmosphere of the banquet to a climax.

Obviously, it is easy to see that Li Shimin also intended to let Qin Mubai pass the test, and he had no intention of embarrassing him.

Qin Shubao watched his son being tossed around by everyone, and his old face was smiling happily. As soon as he came, he could see that the emperor was quite partial to Qin Mubai, and Princess Gaoyang was even more desperate for him; Second, Qin Mubai saw that he was able to deal with the moves, and he looked quite brilliant, and he also greatly grew his face.

There are a lot of horses here, and there is no one who can be as holy and talented as Qin Mubai!

After the family banquet, Princess Gaoyang dragged Qin Mubai and did not let him go, and together with his brother Li You, she took Qin Mubai to visit Concubine Yin De in the Big Horn Temple.

Li You cried when he saw the white-haired Yin Defei Tao, so he was not sad. This piece of filial piety comes from the bottom of my heart.

Qin Mubai only hurriedly met Concubine Yin De, and did not communicate much. Concubine Yin De only glanced at him hurriedly and said a few polite words, and did not talk to him more.

Looking at Concubine Yin De, who was dressed in a big Dao robe with a plain face but was still stunning and moving, Qin Mubai could only sigh with emotion in his heart, but he couldn't talk about it.

Bidding farewell to Concubine Yin De, Princess Gaoyang and Li You, the king of Qi, sent Qin Mubai out of the palace together. Li You's behavior is notoriously perverse, and his frivolous speech is also obvious, and he seems quite frivolous and has no city government and opinions. But he also has unreserved love and affection for Concubine Yin De and Princess Gaoyang, and even loves Wu and Wu, and he is also very enthusiastic and sincere towards Qin Mubai.

Yes, sincerely.

Li You is such a person, his shortcomings and problems are very prominent and obvious, but he is very simple and sincere. This point is very much in line with Princess Gaoyang's imagination.

When he was about to leave the palace, Li You said to Qin Mubai: "Mubai, anyway, my sister-in-law will be handed over to you." In the future, whether she is good or not, I only recognize you. If she is doing well, I Li You will be the first to thank you, treat you as a brother, and stick a knife in your ribs again; If you treat him badly, I will grit my teeth and fight with you! ”

"Brother-" Princess Gaoyang was annoyed, "It's the New Year, what are you talking about?" It's annoying! Mu Bai loves me the most, how can he treat me badly? ”

"I know, silly girl." As soon as Li You saw Princess Gaoyang, he was furious, and his face changed instantly, and he laughed with a smile, "I'm talking ugly ahead!" Of course, brother hopes that you will grow old together in peace for the rest of your life! ”

Qin Mubai looked at the pair of brothers and sisters who were noisy, but just laughed and didn't say anything. To be honest, it is difficult to see such a scene of flesh and blood in the royal family. For example, Li Ke, there is rarely any family affection between him and his brothers and sisters. Although he is kind to Princess Gaoyang, he was not born to the same mother after all, and they are more like "friendship" than family affection. As for Li Chengqian and Li Tai, not to mention, they both treat their brothers as enemies.

This unruly and inaccurate Li You is a little stronger than his outstanding and capable brothers, and he attaches more importance to family affection.

As night fell, it was time for Qin Mubai to go. The brother and sister unconsciously walked him to the Xuanwu Gate.

Princess Gaoyang reluctantly said: "Mu Bai, you are leaving after the Chinese New Year, can we meet again?" ”

"Silly girl, on the first day of the first month, all the Beijing officials will go to the palace to congratulate His Majesty, and Qin Mubai, the foreign governor, will also leave after the fifth day of the first month, of course you can see him again." Li You said.

Qin Mubai remembered Pang Fei's incident, but told Princess Gaoyang that he wanted to take Pang Fei and the others with him.

Princess Gaoyang agreed without thinking about it, and said, "Pang Fei also told me about this, and I was about to tell my father." Don't worry, I'll help you get this done. Xiangzhou is so far away, more than a thousand miles! You don't know how long it will take you to come back. If you don't have someone around you to protect you, how can you do it? ”

"That's right." Li You also said, "When the Beijing official arrives at the local government, he must have his own henchmen and helpers." Don't underestimate those magistrates, they have one thing in front of them and one thing in the background, if you go alone, you may be isolated. Especially in the military, then you must have a group of capable henchmen diehards! ”

"Okay, I'll leave this matter to you!" Qin Mubai said to Princess Gaoyang.

"Fool!" Princess Gaoyang smiled softly and scolded: "Isn't your business my business, what is there to ask for?" Remember, be sure to come see me again before you leave! ”