Even Qin Mu, who rarely left his home, knew that more and more people were arriving at Juyong Pass, as the Qin family's villa had become quite crowded. However, Qin Mu was focused on his studies—and, of course, mainly because Luo Cheng wasn't around, he felt insecure and didn't want to go out.
At this moment, another group of people arrived outside Juyong Pass. Judging from their travel-worn appearance, they had clearly been traveling in a hurry.
Because his birthday was approaching, Qin Yue hadn't accompanied Qin Mu to practice martial arts for several days, and instead spent his days receiving guests at the city gate.
"Second Young Master, distinguished guests have arrived." Upon seeing a large group of people approaching from afar, Wang Qi stood up and reminded them.
Qin Yue saw it too, and immediately stood up. Before they could get closer, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar, clearly indicating that several groups were heading towards Juyong Pass.
"It's quite lively today," Qin Yue said, raising an eyebrow in surprise. The birthday celebration was still five or six days away, and usually many people only arrived in the last two days.
"Be careful. Too many people mean more trouble. We can't let them cause a ruckus, or it will be our Qin family that loses face," Wang Qi warned seriously.
"I understand." Qin Yue nodded solemnly, and then they went to greet them together.
"Hey! That's Duke Qin Qiong of Yi State. I saw him once last year at the Qin King's coronation ceremony." Before they even got close, Wang Qi told Qin Yue in surprise in a low voice.
"Brother Wang, are you saying that's Brother Huaidao's father?" Qin Yue asked.
"It shouldn't be wrong, otherwise he wouldn't have come so early."
As they drew nearer, Qin Yue remained silent. He had already figured it out; Qin Qiong must have been anxious to see his son, which was why he had rushed over.
"Qin Yue (Wang Qi) greets Duke Yi." The two men put on smiles and bowed.
Qin Qiong had already dismounted. Facing the two men, he cupped his hands in return and said, "You two don't need to be so polite. Qin Qiong is here to wish Elder Qin a happy birthday. How is he in good health?"
"Thank you for your concern, Duke. My grandfather is in good health and enjoys meat every day."
"Hehe, it is a blessing for the people and for the Tang Dynasty that Old Master Qin is in good health."
"Your Excellency has come from afar, please come and rest in the city." After exchanging pleasantries, Qin Yue gestured for him to rest.
"No rush, more guests are coming. Let's wait together and see if we see any acquaintances," Qin Qiong said, waving his hand.
Although Qin Qiong was in a hurry to find his son, he did not forget his own position and wanted to see who came to celebrate the Qin family's birthday. It was impossible for everyone to have pure intentions.
Although the Qin family remained neutral, it was impossible to guarantee they wouldn't engage in some underhanded tactics. The emperors both needed to utilize them and were wary of them—this was the attitude of all emperors. However, given the Qin family's strength and the threat from the orcs beyond the Great Wall, no one dared to touch them.
Since Qin Qiong said so, Qin Yue naturally couldn't refuse, so he smiled and said, "There are more guests this year, and they are quite diverse."
Qin Yue's suggestive words surprised Qin Qiong, who paused for a moment before smiling and nodding in acceptance of the favor.
As they were talking, the people in the distance approached, then stopped and looked each other over.
Five groups of people arrived. One group consisted of a veiled woman with two nuns, two monks, two Taoist priests, and a mix of monks, Taoists, and nuns. Another group was more disorganized, consisting of twelve people, each carrying a knife and a sword. The last group was the largest, numbering nearly a hundred, and it was immediately obvious that they were all soldiers.
"Qin Qiong!" The leader of the last group of men's expression changed the moment he saw Qin Qiong, and he immediately held his lance horizontally in front of him. Not only him, but the soldiers behind him also drew their weapons, and a chorus of longswords being drawn rang out.
Qin Yue had not expected this situation to occur, and his expression changed drastically.
Fortunately, he didn't have to make things difficult for him. He heard Qin Qiong laugh loudly, "Hahaha! Liang Luoren, Xin Liao'er, what are you two afraid of? I won't kill you today!"
Seeing that everyone was staring at them, Liang Luoren and Xin Liao'er blushed. Liang Luoren said defiantly, "Hmph! I almost forgot that I came to celebrate Elder Qin's birthday. I'll let you off the hook for now."
"Who do you think you are? How dare you call yourself a prince? If it weren't for Liang Shidu's shamelessness in letting the orcs from beyond the pass into the country, how could you have survived until now!" Qin Qiong said disdainfully.
"You're spouting nonsense, Qin Shubao! You've gone too far!" Seeing that the others looked unwell, Liang Luoren became furious and shouted at Qin Qiong.
"Hmph! Liang Luoren, you've probably forgotten that Juyong Pass also belongs to the Tang Dynasty. Although I can't kill you, I'm sure Elder Qin won't mind crippling you." Qin Qiong said, his eyes sweeping over the person with hostility.
“You…” Liang Luoren then remembered that although the Qin family claimed to be neutral, that was only in relation to those who seized the throne; normally, they supported the legitimate dynasty of the Central Plains. Now, without a doubt, the Li Tang dynasty was the legitimate one.
With his birthday approaching, Juyong Pass was definitely not a suitable place for bloodshed. However, if Qin Qiong really wanted to cripple himself, the Qin family would definitely support him. Therefore, he suddenly fell silent, his lips twitching, unable to utter a word.
A person's name is like a tree's shadow; with just one glance, he frightened others into a panic, and after a few words, they dared not utter a single word. Qin Yue couldn't help but feel immense admiration.
However, guests are guests, and as the host, I can't just stand by and watch the show. At this point, I should step in and act as a peacemaker.
"Duke Yi, General Liang, you are all guests, please give the Qin family some face."
"Easy! As long as some good-for-nothings don't act arrogantly in front of me, I won't bother with them," Qin Qiong said with a slight smile.
"Thank you, Duke Yi! Gentlemen, please come in!" Qin Yue nodded gratefully, then bowed and said.
The other three groups of people, seeing that there was no excitement to watch, also stepped forward, introduced themselves, and exchanged pleasantries with Qin Yue.
Qin Qiong frowned almost imperceptibly before entering Juyong Pass.
"Young Master Qin, I wonder if General Luo Cheng has arrived yet?" Qin Qiong asked casually.
"I wouldn't dare. You can just call me Qin Yue, Duke. You want to ask about Huai Dao, right?" Qin Yue asked softly.
"Mu'er really arrived? Where is he now?" Qin Qiong asked, his body trembling slightly with excitement.
"Brother Huaidao is at the other residence. After the other guests are settled, I will take you there."
"Okay! Okay! Thank you for your trouble, Xiao Yue. I hope Mu'er didn't cause you any trouble?" Qin Qiong asked, suppressing his excitement.
"No trouble at all, Brother Huaidao is a distinguished guest of our Qin family and has done us a great favor," Qin Yue replied. Then, seeing Qin Qiong's puzzled look, he continued, "This matter is a long story. Brother Huaidao has found many methods from our ancestral home, improved farming methods, and put forward many new plans, which are enough to greatly increase the grain and income of the Three Passes region."
After hearing Qin Yue's explanation, even though it was just a few hurried words, Qin Qiong felt relieved. He had thought that the Qin family wanted to win him over.
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