A palace chariot with green gauze curtains hanging down, guarded by more than ten eunuchs and imperial guards, hurried out of the Tai Chi Palace.Pass through the wide and straight Zhuque Street, exit the Zhuque Gate, turn west, and drive towards Ganye Temple.Chang'an, the capital of Tang Dynasty.At noon in midsummer, the sun is hot and windy, and stones flow like gold.The irregular curved lines stretched out from the sky, the greedy and indulgent appearance, as if wanting to embrace the earth as a mistress.The day was insanely hot, the wind howled like a hawk, the roads were dusty, the air was filled with the burning smell, and the scorching heat swirled.The sound of rattling wheels broke the lazy and dull silence.The eunuchs and guards on horseback were sweating profusely, breathing heavily, unable to breathe.Although the nobles in Chengyu loosened their belts, opened their skirts, and shook their feather fans, they couldn't stop their sweat.The internal warden Gao Yansi rode his horse close to the car window, lowered his voice and asked in a sharp voice: "Your Majesty, are you tired? There is a forest ahead, do you want to stop and rest for a while?" No rest, no rest: Oh!The person sitting in the chariot turned out to be Li Zhi, Emperor Gaozong of Tang Dynasty.May 26th is the first anniversary of the death of his father, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin.From the 23rd to the 29th, it was a busy seven days before and after, and under the support of the ministers, the sacrificial ceremony was completed.Not long after he drove back to the palace, he went out of the city to offer incense under the pretext of being bored, and quietly left the inner court by car.After Li Zhi ascended the throne, he ordered his uncle, grandson Wuji, to serve as the Taiwei and the third rank of Tongzhong Shumen, promoted Li Ji to be the third division of Kaifu Yitong, and the third rank of Tongzhongshumen.In the second year, Yuan Yonghui was changed, and the Wang family was established as the queen, the father-in-law Wang Renyou was named the Duke of Wei, and the mother-in-law Liu was the wife of the Wei State.When Li Zhi summoned the court envoys from various prefectures, he humbly said to them: "I have just ascended the throne. If there is anything that is inconvenient to the people, you should all report it. If you have something to say, you can write it up."

From then on, he introduced ten assassins every day to inquire about the sufferings of the people and the measures for their political career.Li Hongtai, a native of Luoyang, reported that his eldest grandson Wuji had conspired against him. Li Zhi was furious and ordered him to be executed immediately without trial.Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang were ministers of the late emperor Tuogu. They assisted them wholeheartedly, and Li Zhi also treated them with respect and courtesy.The Tang Dynasty maintained a strong national strength, a stable political situation, and the people enjoyed their work in peace and contentment. It was praised by the government and the public, and inherited the legacy of the Zhenguan Dynasty.During this period, it can be said that the country is prosperous and the people are safe, and everything goes smoothly.However, the fly in the ointment is that a scramble for who to be the crown prince has set off in the harem, and it has turned from darkness to light, and the noise has become more and more fierce.Li Zhi has four sons and two daughters.In April of the seventeenth year of Zhenguan, when he was established as the crown prince, the court lady Liu gave birth to Chen Wangzhong with him; later Zheng gave birth to the second son Yuan Wangxiao; Yang gave birth to the third son Qi Wang Shangjin; Ziyong Wang Sujie, the eldest daughter Princess Yiyang, and the second daughter Princess Xuancheng.The queen has never had a child, and there is no hope of establishing a son. Concubine Xiao Shu takes advantage of the emptiness and asks Li Zhi to be the crown prince.Sujie is clever and smart. He started to learn ancient poetry when he was only five years old. Li Zhi also admired his son very much.However, concubine Shu and the queen have never been at odds with each other.As early as when Wang was the crown princess, the well-behaved and pretty Xiao Liangdi won the favor of Prince Zhi, so Wang often stayed alone in the vacant room.If Sujie becomes the crown prince, then she will seize the queen's throne in the next step.Queen Wang took emergency measures.Her uncle Liu Xun became the assistant minister of Zhongshu, the third rank under Tong Zhongshu, and joined the prime minister's team.The queen called Liu Shi and his parents into the palace to discuss, accept Chen Wangzhong as an adopted son, and strive for Lizhong to be the prince.The eldest grandson Wuji, who is authoritarian in the government, is also inclined to this plan.Because Zhong's biological mother came from a humble background, whether he was a prince or an emperor, it was easy to deal with, and it would be more beneficial to him than disadvantageous.The scales have clearly shifted.Concubine Xiao Shu, who is isolated and helpless, has no choice but to cling to Li Zhi tightly.Li Zhi was upset at first, so he returned to the harem after finishing the sacrifice, and the maid served him to take off the crown and put on casual clothes.As soon as she was seated, Concubine Shu frowned and pleaded: "I beg you on behalf of your beloved son Sujie, Your Majesty, the night is long and dreamy, quickly issue the edict to enshrine the crown prince."

"Are you forcing me, or are you begging me?" The veins on Li Zhi's forehead swelled and swelled with his breath, "You promised it yourself, how can you say that I forced you?" "Haste makes waste. I said this can only be done slowly." "You, everything is good, but you lack assertiveness. You are not as decisive as your father, who just does what you say." "I was not expected to be an emperor. It was my uncle who helped me up." "Hey, so you hand over all the government affairs to him, and you are willing to be a puppet emperor."

"Presumptuous!" Li Zhi's throat was dry and his mouth was dry. He picked up the teacup served by the maid on the table and wanted to drink tea. With a shake of his hand, the spilled tea wet his sleeves.Concubine Xiao Shu is going to call Su Jie in to beg him together.Li Zhi glanced at her wearily, then stepped over the threshold with a hesitation.Walking out of Concubine Shu's bedroom, he hesitated for a moment: "Where are we going?" "Your Majesty, your complexion is not good, go sit with the queen first." Gao Yansi persuaded. "It's more annoying there, it's better to go out and walk around."

"According to this old slave, visiting temples is better than visiting mountains." "Yes, go to Ganye Temple." "Go to that nunnery?" "That's right. I've wanted to go there for a long time, but it's a pity that I haven't been able to get out. Eunuch Gao, get ready and leave immediately. Uh, there's no need for a guard of honor, and beware of leaking secrets." The farce of fighting for favor and crown prince became more and more intense, and the huge harem became a battlefield of intrigue and intrigue.Li Zhi has been weak since he was a child, and he is also a passionate seed, and also suffers from dizziness.Now there is no peace in the harem, he is dizzy, as if he is about to explode, he just wants to find a quiet place to refresh his energy.After Gao Yanlan gave a brief reminder, he quickly remembered Wu Zhao in Ganye Temple.Wu Zhao is his former lover.The first time Li Zhi saw her was after he became a prince at the age of fifteen and participated in the early court of the Tai Chi Hall. He followed his father into the Liangyi Hall and found a pair of beautiful and affectionate red phoenix eyes looking at him. , All of a sudden attracted him.While his father, Changsun Wuji and other close ministers were discussing matters, he secretly looked at the maid.I saw her with a broad forehead and a square face, her pink face was full of spring, her body was strong and slender, she was graceful, curly and graceful, and her whole body was full of the youthful vitality of a mature woman of eighteen or nineteen years old.When the eyes of the two people met, the prince felt as if he was bathed in the warm sunshine, and every blood vessel was filled with warmth.Wu Zhao quickly lowered her head, although against her wish—she only wanted to consolidate the prince's love through eye contact—but in front of Li Shimin, who was aware of the details, the sincere and fearful Wu Zhao had to restrain himself and be cautious.This wonderful sense of connection unknowingly turned into a sense of intimacy, and the two were particularly excited as if they had been reborn.Li Zhi is like a bee in love with a flower, his heart is swaying, and he longs to breathe the fragrance of love day and night.From then on, he took the initiative to stay with his father, listen to the teachings, learn how to deal with government affairs, and take this opportunity to look at more fascinating martial arts photos.Li Shimin felt relieved that the prince accompanied him for some other reason, thinking that he was purely enthusiastic about government affairs.The relationship between father and son became more and more harmonious.Li Zhi learned that his brother Chengqian Hetai, who was imprisoned in order to compete for the crown prince, lived in a harsh environment and had a difficult life.He sincerely asked: "Chengqian and Tai are too poor in food and clothing, which is not conducive to reforming themselves. I implore Father to improve their treatment."

"Prince, don't worry," Li Shimin said happily, "I will make their life easier." After thanking his father, Li Zhi raised his head and saw Wu Zhao's approving eyes, his heart was full of joy: "It's rare to have a confidant in life, if I live with her, it will be great!" The eventful and tragic seventeen years of Zhenguan are about to pass.This year, due to the successive occurrences of Qi Wangyou's rebellion and Prince Chengqian's attempted rebellion, Li Shimin's physical and mental health were seriously damaged.He was extremely nervous, and was always troubled by nightmares at night, unable to sleep.In December, frustrated and exhausted, Li Shimin traveled to Lishan Hot Spring to avoid the cold.Lishan Mountain is located in Lintong County, east of Chang'an City, forty-seven miles away from the city, with an elevation of more than 600 meters.It is a rocky mountain covered with layers of weathered loess and covered with dense forests.The hot springs at the northeast foothills have a suitable temperature and clear spring water, and the recuperation effect is quite ideal.After living in the palace on the mountain, Li Shimin got rid of many complicated government affairs and soaked in the hot spring for a long time, letting the flowing spring water wash away the stagnation in his chest and heal the wounds in his heart.The son of heaven traveled to the mountains, and the imperial court and the harem accompanied him. Only the officials and guards were left behind in the capital.Prince Zhizhi and Cairen Wuzhao, who followed up the mountain, lived in a palace much smaller than the Taiji Palace, which naturally increased the chances of contact.This pair of young men and women who are connected with each other, with their flirtatious eyebrows, coupled with the influence of mountains and rivers, a strong desire arises in their hearts, and they all want to let the newly sprouted feelings take root like seeds, blossom and bear fruit.Accompanying the emperor's side all day is boring and boring for the young and passionate prince, how much he should look forward to the stimulation of that kind of fiery love!Wuzhao of the elf lost no time in mobilizing her unique beauty and charming warm fragrance to open her love net to capture the prince.The prince came out of the toilet and went back to the bedroom to rest.Wu Zhao hurriedly followed, carrying a golden basin filled with water, walked into the Prince's bedroom, and put it on the table: "His Royal Highness, please wash your hands."

"Oh, oh." Li Zhi raised his eyes, and a face like an apricot blossom bloomed in front of him, like a spring breeze blowing, and a burst of intoxicating pleasure soaked his heart.He subconsciously flicked two drops of water on Wu Zhao's face with his fingers, and sighed in a chanting tone: Poor Wushan's dream, Qiongtai Road has nowhere to go. ——Blooming red clouds flew up to their cheeks, Wu Zhao half-hid his shameful face, and smiled sweetly when he looked back: Before going to Yaochi Fengyun, I will first receive the favor of the royal rain.Li Zhi washed his hands, and she quickly wiped off the water on his hands with a wrung hot towel, her movements were as gentle and gentle as a caress.He felt comfortable and refreshed, and every sense organ and every nerve in his body was activated.Wu Zhao smiled submissively, his winking eyes gleamed with sweet waves, just like buds that were just beginning to bloom under the radiance of the sun, or like the flowing water of a clear stream that twists and turns through the stone stream, making people's hearts flutter.Her milky white skin was like coagulated suet, rosy in white, icy and jade-like, smooth and shiny.The white face is as bright and clean as a shy tenderness, which is extraordinarily charming and moving.The eyebrows are like spring mountains, the bridge of the nose is straight, the black jade-colored hair is combed into a cloud-shaped bun, and the forehead hair is also made into a cloud shape.The step shaker worn between the hair on the temples, and the string of beads held in the mouth of the gourd, swayed and trembled with the vibration of the human body.She was wearing a lotus-colored satin jacket, decorated with colorful embroidered lace, and a bright pleated pomegranate skirt around her waist. Her figure was like a crabapple, dignified and elegant, plump yet slim.The chest provocatively reveals a pair of plump and round breasts, slender waist, fat buttocks, soft and healthy shoulders, charming and elastic.He was fascinated, and couldn't help stroking her cheeks and fair and smooth neck, and put an arm around her waist to hug her.She clung to him obediently, her chest heaving, her breathing quickened, her knees and thighs clamped tightly, feeling overwhelmed by the intense erotic attack.It is very pleasant to embrace her like this, what a fresh body he has touched!It was a world of dreamlike beauty and a living reality, beautiful and natural, like the shining stars in the night sky.Ever since he went up the mountain to serve his father, Li Zhi has never been tainted with women. He is like a leopard that has accumulated enough energy, containing a subtle and powerful vigor like conquering.This contact filled the whole body with unspeakable pleasure, and the sexual desire was agitated, wishing to melt into the other person's body and become one with her.He kissed her, and the slightly opened mouth did not refuse.She likes to kiss affectionately, and then automatically meet his lips.He intensified the strength of the kiss, his body leaned forward, and driven by his emotions, he tilted down and pressed down, trying to overwhelm her and crush her.She shuddered, her hips stepped aside, and she broke free of the kinked bond between the two of them.

"No, someone will come." "This is my bedroom." While emboldening her, Li Zhi continued to make out, and at the same time groped the soft and delicate parts of her body.At this time, he was burning with desire, ecstatic, and almost lost control of his spirit. "No, no." She pulled herself out of his arms suddenly, "Aren't you afraid of the emperor...calling?!" When the word "emperor" was mentioned, it was like pouring cold water on a red-hot iron plate, and the prince suddenly extinguished Get angry, calm down.Now is the most critical moment in his life, and he must be careful in everything, so as not to make his father angry and have a bad opinion of him.Wu Zhao, like his sister, wiped off the traces of lipstick on his face with a towel.

"I'll go ahead." she says. "Let's go? Are you still coming?" "Today is the moon." Wu Zhao stretched out a bud-like finger and pointed out the window, "you wait for me under the oak tree on the side of the mountain in the evening." Li Zhi held her by the shoulder: "Don't break your promise." Wu Zhao nodded.He pulled her to his side, and the two hugged each other again, approaching the level of intimacy before, and the strong lust came up again.Trying to suppress her feelings, she pushed him away, turned around, and moved.Fifty-three-year-old Li Shimin's body has completely collapsed.The 23rd year of Zhenguan seems... On April 1st, he died at Cuiwei Palace in Nanshan to recuperate.The sleeping hall and Hanfeng Hall exude a strong smell of medicine and benzoin used for deodorization as tribute from foreign countries, as well as the smell of the maid's powder, and the smell of sweat from people, mixing into a strange smell, just like the bonfire that comes out when the bonfire is extinguished. It smells like smoke.The imperial doctors repeatedly considered the prescriptions in the side hall, the eunuchs walked around, and the maids and eunuchs cooked medicine and soup in the imperial tea room.The decocted medicine was brought by Wu Zhao and passed to Prince Li Zhi. After the prince tasted it himself, he slowly fed the medicine into his father's mouth with a spoon.Li Shimin was terminally ill and died soon.After his death, all the concubines who had been fortunate enough to have no children will be sent to the nunnery, and their hair will be shaved to become nuns, to show their cleanliness and self-reliance, and to keep festivals for the monarch. end of life.Thinking of the tragic experience that is about to come, the concubines are discouraged, complaining, and have no mind to do things.Only Wu Zhaoyi, a strange woman, seemed unusually calm and calm, coping with the errands with care.

In fact, her heart was not peaceful, and she tossed more than anyone else, cursing the god of fate who played tricks on people.In Wu Zhao, who was doomed, all internal organs were burned, and he was unwilling to bury his young life like this.The darker the storm, the more concentrated her energy will be, she will not panic in the face of major events, and her position will not be chaotic.She gritted her teeth, tried to get out of the predicament, and sought a new way out: "It's better to take risks than to sit and wait for death!" She sneaked a glance at the dying Li Shimin, shrugged her shoulders, and resolutely shifted her gaze to the prince.Li Shimin's illness became more and more serious day by day, and he entered a dying state in late May, and death approached him step by step.But his vitality is quite tenacious, and his mind is still sober, so he specially summoned Chu Suiliang and Changsun Wuji, the elder brother of Empress Changsun.When the virtuous eldest grandson queen was alive, she was afraid that her relatives would take power, so she insisted on not appointing high officials to Wuji. She died of illness at the age of 36 in the tenth year of Zhenguan, and Wuji was promoted to the chief minister.Chu Suiliang is a direct minister and a great calligrapher.Li Shimin regards him as a brother and was promoted to Zhongshu Ling last September.The emperor specially summoned him to carry out his will. This is a great honor and a heavy responsibility.When Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang entered Hanfeng Hall, Prince Li Zhi and Crown Princess Wang Shi were already waiting in the hall.Li Shimin stretched out his skinny hand, touched the two ministers kneeling in front of the imperial couch, and ordered them to stand up: "Now I entrust all the funeral affairs to the two lovers. You all know that the prince is kind and filial. , hope that goodness will be your assistant, seek good luck and avoid evil, and protect the clan forever."

The eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang were entrusted by Li Shimin to be orphans, and they were ministers of Gu Ming, and they were uncles to the young master. Besides, Wuji was originally Li Zhi's direct uncle.Difficult to breathe, Li Shimin ordered his son and daughter-in-law to kneel down to accept the will, and comforted the prince, saying: "With Wuji and Suiliang here, you don't have to worry about the world." Chu Suiliang was ordered to write down the will.After finishing writing, Li Shimin looked at Chu Suiliang affectionately, and said in a slightly trembling voice: "Since the rise of the army in Jinyang, Wuji has always been like the left and right hand alone. Do your best with Wuji, and don't let villains slander Wuji." He had difficulty breathing, leaned on the back cushion for a while, opened his eyes again, pointed to Li Zhi and the princess and said to his eldest grandson Wuji, "I have entrusted my son and daughter-in-law to you." He seemed to want to show his kindness and strength again, but his tense face didn't obey, he just shrunk his nose, and two muddy teardrops hung from the corners of his eyes.On May 26, Li Shimin died.Li Zhi stared at his father's remains, his heart pierced like a knife.He swayed from side to side, lost his mind, hugged Wuji and cried bitterly.Li Shimin has fourteen sons in total, and he is the ninth, the youngest of the three sons born to Empress Changsun. I'm afraid it won't work.Cuiwei Palace was in a hurry, adding another layer of sad atmosphere.That night, after washing with perfume, Li Shimin's body was still placed on the dragon bed.The huge plain candles in the hall were burning high, and the famous incense from Chenla tribute was curling up.Li Zhi, Wuji, Chu Suiliang and other ministers kept watch.Facing his father's body, the tear-stained prince showed a tired and exhausted appearance.Wuji said with concern: "Your Highness, you go back to Tai Chi Palace first, go to rest now, and leave early tomorrow. Well, Wu Zhao, serve the crown prince." Wu Zhao saluted, helped Li Zhi up, and sent him into the bedroom.During their relationship with Cuiwei Palace in Zhongnanshan, the relationship between Li Zhi and Wu Zhao has reached a new level.They put the moral norms behind them, not only had physical contact, but also vowed to each other for life.The two are so integrated that neither can live without the other.Wu Zhao's flattery to the prince in exchange for his favor may be more of a deal about his own destiny.In ancient times, women were bound by the three cardinal principles and five constant principles of Confucianism, and women had no social status, as if they were men's vassals.She entered the palace at the age of fourteen, and soon after Li Shimin passed away, there were rumors that "the three dynasties of the Tang Dynasty, the heroine is prosperous".As soon as the disaster fell on her head, she was demoted from a talented person to a court lady, and she might be executed at any time.Accompanying you is like accompanying a tiger.She had to be cautious, cautious, and live her life with trepidation.It's really not easy to survive and behave like a decent person. Now the two of them have another chance to meet alone, which can also be said to be a farewell before entering the Ganye Temple.The opportunity is rare, and Wu Zhao cannot stay for a long time, time is running out.She waited for Li Zhi to wash and wash, changed his pajamas, went to bed, then bent down and said tenderly and considerately: "Your Highness, please take care of your body. It is important to take care of the dragon's body." Li Zhi, who was in great grief and feeling empty, was in need of comfort, and he summoned her to his side with emotion.But Wu Zhao knelt down on the spot, kowtowed and congratulated, "His Royal Highness is about to be crowned the Great Treasure, and this maidservant wished the Crown Prince the third generation of the Holy Son of Heaven in the Tang Dynasty." "What's wrong with you? Get up, Wu Zhao, come here, come here, speak slowly if you have something to say." Wu Zhao knelt and moved in front of the prince, tears rolling down in streams: "For the sake of our love, pity me, poor palace lady, after you ascend the throne, you have to go to Ganye Temple to save me!" "Don't, don't do this," Li Zhi was so surprised that his tongue was tied up. "My heart is about to break! Don't worry, I won't forget you. Just be patient. After I make arrangements, I will try to take you into the palace." .” "Can you promise in the name of the emperor?" "Okay, I swear as the Son of Heaven: if we live, we will live together; if we die, we will be buried together. The sea is dry and the rocks are rotten, and we will never change our minds!" His voice dragged on for a long time, shaking the temple and causing a roar. "As the Son of Heaven..." This is so bold!Because he was moved by Wu Zhao's passion, he did not hesitate to swear to the sky in front of a court lady.Should it be worth it?Wu Zhao pressed his face to his chest.He stroked her forehead and hair, a sense of pride and glory of a man welled up in his heart: I am the emperor, wouldn't it be better to have such a woman to accompany me?It seems that this is God's will, a gift from God.He held her tightly in his arms and kissed her cheek lovingly.The next day, Li Zhi was escorted by flying cavalry, jailers, and general Suwei. On the way, he added four thousand soldiers and horses from the six prefectures to escort him, and transported the body of Emperor Daxing to the Taiji Palace in an imperial chariot The Liangyi Hall stopped.On the twenty-ninth day, the Taiji Hall was used as the funeral palace, and the body was buried.On June 1, the imperial edict was announced, and ministers such as Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang supported the prince to kneel in front of the late emperor's coffin and swear an oath to ascend the throne.Then an edict was issued to the world, and the whole country mourned.On August 18, the funeral ceremony of Emperor Wen Li Shimin was held.Li Shimin was buried in Zhaoling together with Empress Changsun who died in November of the tenth year of Zhenguan.While announcing the national funeral to the world, all the concubines and maids who had passed away by the late emperor but had no children were sent to Ganye Temple to be ordained as nuns in a palace car.The palace concubines in hemp and filial piety cried bitterly one by one, and the precept altar hall of the temple burned candles and incense in front of the Buddha statue, beat the magic instruments, rang the bell and drums, and held the precept ceremony.Amidst the buzzing sound of chanting, the maids all shaved their heads and put on cassocks. After sitting on the precept platform and teaching the ten precepts, the precept teacher asked the new precepts one by one: "Can you hold on to the end of your life?" "According to teaching." The oracle replied.From then on, I cut off the worldly relationship, converted to Buddhism, practiced and cultivated nature, and found enlightenment.However, most of these new nuns are not voluntary.Fearing that the inside story in the palace, especially the secrets of the emperor's dorm, would be leaked, the imperial court threw them into a tomb-like nunnery, sealed it tightly, and isolated them from society, turning these innocent concubines into living "handmaidens".The artifacts are funerary objects; the servants of the artifacts are female figurines.Among them, there was only one exception—she did not enter the temple, and she was Xu Hui.Xu Hui was originally weak, and when Li Shimin was a guest, she cried day and night, became sick from worry, vomited blood several times, refused medicine, and would rather go to Jiuquan as soon as possible to serve the late emperor.Li Zhi was so moved that he ordered his younger sister to be called from her hometown of Huzhou to take care of her food and daily life.In less than a year, Xu Hui, who was twenty-four years old, passed away. She was posthumously presented as a virtuous concubine, and was buried in the Zhaoling stone chamber.His younger sister was willing to stay in the harem, and was conferred the title of Jieyu, the third rank.Because of her outstanding academic and literary talents, she won the reputation of "Today's Ban Zhao".After Xu Hui's death, he was extremely mourned and soon caused a sensation.Wu Zhao, who was trapped in the Ganye Temple, became anxious because Xu Hui's sister became Li Zhi's Jieyu: "Will the emperor forget my old love because of the new love?" She was burning with worry, and her chest was aching.Palace concubines are not allowed to go out or meet their family members when they enter the monastery as nuns, and even their parents are not allowed to visit their daughters.They have meager food and clothing, poor housing, and hard labor all their lives.Strict temple regulations, harsh precepts, and heavy manual labor such as chopping firewood, cooking, carrying water, farming and weaving, the suffering is unspeakable.Among them, the strong prey on the weak and fight against each other, and homosexuality has become an open secret.The mentor appointed by the abbot is like the guard of this "female prison". He treats the disciples of the new precept more viciously than a tigress, more vicious than snakes and scorpions, and tramples and destroys these desperate women arbitrarily by means of confession, closure, and corporal punishment. .Some of the palace concubines who endured the humiliation committed suicide because they couldn't stand the torture, some were beaten to death, some went crazy due to mental breakdown, some were sick and could not be cured, and some became insensitive and demented like puppets . Wu Zhao, who was struggling through the torment, was heartbroken and crying out in her heart, praying that today's god would fulfill her promise and rescue her from this cannibalistic hell, out of the sea of ​​suffering, and return to the palace where there is still a glimmer of hope for her.The palace chariot ran up a high hill and passed under a locust tree.The sky suddenly became cloudy, and a whirlwind blew up, flying sand and rocks.Dark clouds rolled up from all sides, and it was extremely hot.The sky was getting darker and darker, a flash of lightning parted the accumulated clouds, accompanied by the sound of thunder, large and sparse raindrops fell down.Before the dust on the road got wet, the thunderstorm passed.The branches and leaves on the tree seemed to have been washed with clear water, green and green, and the rolling raindrops shone brightly.The temperature has dropped a lot, and there are bursts of fresh and moist fragrance.Li Zhi in the house twitched his nose and loosened his brows.The little bird on the tree showed its singing voice, biting and sipping, singing very melodiously.He felt relieved and suddenly excited.The imperial horse raised its head and snorted, and neighed.The car swerved and wobbled from time to time.Li Zhi's heart was ups and downs, and his imagination was running wild, and Wu Zhao's figure kept flashing in his eyes.Her smile is so charming, and her voice is as sweet as a silver bell rolling across the satin, full of affection, tenderness like water, and enthusiasm like fire.How ecstasy it is to embrace her smooth and round body like white jade.Recalling that when the two of them were glued together like paint, she was out of breath, but her expression was charming and brilliant.The flickering eyes are like two burning fires, or like colorful clouds that are reddened by the sun's rays, showing their infinite charm. "It's so good, it's so wonderful!" Li Zhi shouted out as soon as he was distracted.Gao Yansi, who was following closely on the right side of the car, thought that the emperor was praising the scenery along the way, and joked, "The birds are singing and the flowers are fragrant, and the heat has receded. Your Majesty, it's better to hurry up. This trip is in time, and it's God's will." Li Zhi smiled inwardly, Zhizheng said: "I mean Wu Zhao, you got it wrong." "That's right. Wansui is going to see her at the Ganye Temple, and the sky will be cloudy. Isn't this obviously God's blessing for you?" "Hey, old slicker's mouth has been oiled, so you can turn your words into life. Hey, it's almost there, isn't it?" "Turn to the west and go around the small hill ahead, you can see it." Ganye Temple is located in the western suburbs of Chang'an. The exact date of its construction cannot be traced. It was severely damaged by wars and fires in the late Sui Dynasty, and only three main halls and some dilapidated monks' houses remained.During the Zhenguan period, among the palace maids released, a few of them were old, decrepit and homeless, and asked to become nuns in the monastery.Li Shimin ordered to allocate funds for restoration, and it became a nunnery.It has no grand buildings, no eminent monks who have attained the Tao, and it lacks the treasures of towns and mountains. Its specifications are not high and its popularity is not great.The layout of the temple adopts a closed form layer by layer. From the mountain gate to the top of the temple, there are five floors in total, which are connected in circles and rise layer by layer.There is a stone arch in front of the mountain gate, which is next to a deep ravine with gurgling water.Crossing the stone bridge and entering the mountain gate is a large courtyard with bell and drum towers on the left and right. The middle road is the Tianwang Hall, the Daxiong Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the Great Compassion Altar and the Tibetan Scripture Pavilion.There are hundreds of squatter houses lined up on the east and west roads.The large forest and land behind have been assigned to the management of the temple to supply firewood.In the mulberry garden, mulberry is picked and silkworms are raised.Grain and vegetables are grown in the nearby fields, and rents are collected from farmers in the distance.The Dharma meeting of the Ganye Temple to worship the late emperor was over, and the nuns had eaten the fast meal, and dragged their tired bodies to go back to their rooms to rest.Abbot Hui Jing heard that a nobleman had come to offer incense to the late emperor, so he hurried out of the cloud room and greeted him with the nun on duty.The palace chariot passed the mountain gate and entered the monastery.The eunuch helped the nobleman get off the imperial chariot.Huijing clasped his hands together, chanted Amitabha Buddha, and looked at the visitor.The nobleman is thin and thin, wearing a light white gauze shirt and a soapy headband. His face with sharp edges and corners is slightly narrow and long.The forehead is low and flat, the bridge of the nose is high and raised, and the tip of the eyes is slightly raised towards the temples.The eyes are slender and long, and when you look around, they are burning and flickering, and the light is shining, but when the eyelids are lowered, they look dim and hazy.On the yellow silk belt around the waist, there are white jade biscuits and Yutian Yurong knife.His demeanor is elegant, and there is a hint of solemnity and majesty in his quietness.Huijing brought the nobleman into the hall and worshiped the late emperor's spiritual seat.Then invite them to the living room and serve fast tea.The nobleman asked about the situation of the Dharma meeting, and raised his teacup.Gao Yansi understood, called Huijing aside, and whispered a few words.Huijing was so surprised that she was at a loss, and hurriedly walked out with her shiny head down. After a while, she personally led a nun into the living room.Li Ye opened his eyes and saw that it was Wu Zhao whom he dreamed about.Wu Zhao, who had been tortured by the world, looked haggard, and his well-proportioned figure was obviously thinner. He was wearing a large black cassock, with green skin and bald head, and his phoenix eyes stared blankly at Li Zhi.She didn't apply any makeup, her face was delicate and a bit shy, her cheeks were red and white, and there was a melancholy look at the corners of her brows and eyes.The sentimental Li Zhi suddenly felt pity, and his eyes were moist. Seeing the tears on the emperor's eyelashes, Wu Zhao's internal organs were churning, as if a bottle of five flavors had been broken in his heart, sour, sweet, bitter, spicy and salty all poured out, tears gushing like springs.She knelt down on both knees and hugged Li Qia's thigh: "Your Majesty, I have been waiting so hard for you." "Aiqing, you are suffering." Li Zhi spoke vaguely.He really couldn't bear her lonely and desolate appearance, and would rather use his own blood to comfort her.She didn't move, he waited, feeling sad and bewildered by the hand on her shoulder.Wu Zhao was pitiful, like a small animal curled up into a ball, desperately trying not to cry.Li Zhi was still waiting, full of compassion and sympathy.He felt his hands move and realized she was still crying. "Don't cry, don't cry again." He couldn't find any more words to persuade her, he tilted his head in embarrassment, and the two creases around his mouth twitched.He felt sorry for her, felt wronged for her, and was willing to devote everything to her, until the last drop of blood, the last breath of life, to make up for her loss, to repay her affection, and to regain the original attachment complex.Gao Yansi hesitated for a moment, then waved his whisk to signal everyone to avoid.The eunuchs and guards all followed Hui Jing and waited for the nun to retreat.Li Zhi bent down and pulled Wu Zhao up, she fell into his arms, and pressed her cheek to his chest. "Your Majesty, I miss you so much!" "I miss you too." "Thank you Long Live, for not forgetting me, a lonely and weak woman." "I can't forget it. Lun's words are like sweat, didn't I tell you when I left, I must come and see you." "The servant girl has always believed in His Majesty's promise, and has survived hard struggles, waiting for you." Li Zhi lowered his head to kiss her face, hesitated again, there were so many tears on her face, trembling all over, just like a lamb looking for a ewe.He loved her so much, he wished he could cut open his heart and blood vessels, treat her with warm blood, moisten her, heal her wounds, and restore her to her original appearance.With a violent sob, she gradually calmed down.The muscles in his arms suddenly tightened, and a hot flash arose all over his body, and the blood rushed to his head one after another, as if to drown him. "Aiqing, where do you live?" "The slaves live in the newly built thatched house behind the west wing, which is very simple." Li Zhi took Wu Zhao's hand and walked towards her residence.Gao Yansi ordered the imperial guards to clear the way, and the eunuch pulled up the tent.Wu Zhao stuck close to Li Zhi, walked through the tiled corridor, walked up the corridor, turned around the west wing, and crossed the small bridge. A winding gravel road brought them to Wu Zhao's meditation room. "You live here?" "Hmm." Wu Zhao's Shan room is small and narrow, with simple furnishings.The straw mat on the plank bed is covered with blue cloth.There are scripture scrolls, wooden fish and rosary beads on the bedside table by the window.There is no dressing table, except for a few clothes and books, it is just some sundries.Li Zhi thought of his sweetheart living in such a difficult environment, waiting for him day after day, shaking his head and nodding, full of emotion.Wu Zhao offered a cup of vegetarian tea with his own hands.Li Zhi sat down on the ground, opened a scripture volume curiously, and a page of notes in the book fell out.He smoothed it out and saw a short poem written on it——Ruyi Niang looked at Zhu Chengbi and thought about it, haggard and separated for Yijun.If you don’t believe me, I shed tears recently, and I unpacked the pomegranate skirt for inspection.Fear of withered face, but also "haggard" because of "recalling the king".The sun and the moon pass by, and the time is fleeting. When can we escape from the trap and see the sun again?In anxiety, I "opened the box" and took out the "pomegranate skirt" I wore back then. It was fatter and thinner than my waist, and I couldn't help but "tear".Shino's heartfelt voice.Li Zhi was deeply moved by Wu Zhao's lovesickness. He took out the Qixi Festival poem written on silk from his sleeve and handed it to Wu Zhao.Wu Zhao stretched out his hands and read: "Neon clothes turn on the cloudy road, and the phoenix rides like a sky."The clouds and stars wither the Nightmare, and the waning moon falls towards Huang.Promoting joy tonight, long after parting.Shuttle chatting in weaving, hiding tears alone sad.Li Zhi, who was honored in the Ninth Five-Year Plan, still did not change his original intention and never forgot Wu Zhao.But so close to each other, like Cowherd and Weaver Girl, they cannot meet each other for a long time.The amorous emperor had unspeakable suffering, sad alone, covering his face and weeping.It can be seen that the love is deep and the longing is deep.Wu Zhao was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes, he leaned his head on his shoulder: "Your Majesty, you are really a great man with love and righteousness, man!" The two hugged tightly, their hearts soaked in pure joy.There were tears as bright as amber in Wu Zhao's eyes, his cheeks were rouge, he looked strangely charming and gorgeous, like a dewy flower, his face was radiant and radiant.她眼神顾盼流苏，温顺地偎依着天子，迎合他的亲热。李治的嘴唇沿着武照的额头、眼睛和彝梁往下移动。武照张开双唇迎上去。 他的感官都被调动起来，身体如同一叶小舟在热浪和漩流中荡漾，忘掉了世界的一切：社稷、朝政、天子的威严，一切的一切，统统抛到了九筲云外，全身心地投入了爱与欲的洪涛之中。他俩贴紧在板床上，嘴唇吻合着，体内热乎乎、湿淋淋的暖流，一波一波地冲击。山坑边倒映下来投进窗棂的树影，不住地晃动，像是在跳着欢快的舞蹈。蝉在起劲地、有节奏地喁喁嘶噪。啼鸟嘤嘤，蛙鸣啯啯。金莲池两支并蒂花在熏风的摩挲中欣欣然展开。吞噬他俩的销魂蚀骨的欲火，燃烧得愈来愈强烈。他像蝴鲽采花一样，胸膛紧压着她的酥胸。她的肢体软如春风，暖似朝阳，臀部扭动，心脏咚咚地跳着，好比金轮一纵一纵跃出大河的水面时那样活脱，美妙。李治如沐春风般欢畅、痛快，在后宫他从来没有得到过如此酣畅淋漓的享受。六宫粉黛虽有姿色，却无灵感，好像木偶、瓷人似的，行幸实在乏味。王皇后冷漠、孤傲，阴沉沉的，犹如寒星冷月一般。萧淑妃本是一个美人儿坯子，但是衣着打扮过分讲究，浓妆艳抹，珠光宝气，动作扭扭捏捏，欲作媚态反而显得妖冶，自作多情却缺乏魅力，智谋和文化素质比起武照更是望尘莫及。李治生性荏弱，没有霸气，文学修养却是一流的，他不单纯满足于肉体上的占有，还需要感情方面的交流，精神互补。酒就是酒，水就是水。武照才貌双全，又和他情投意合，心心相印，好比一杯醇酒，给他带来了新的乐趣，充实了他的生活领域。又如一曲血肉交融的恋欹，他心醉神迷，特别的满意，回味无穷。 “爱卿，我的心肝，朕离不开你，只有和你在一起，朕才觉得没有白活。” “婢女的心目中只有皇上，皇上就是我的一切，但愿终生侍候皇上，我死亦无憾了。” “不，不，”李治连忙用手捂住她的嘴巴，“你不能死，朕还会来的，朕要把你接回宫中。” “我等着你，皇上，奴婢永远属于你。” 两个人你怜我爱地相拥着，浑然一体，互诉衷情，倾吐心思，仿佛处在世外祧园的神仙洞府，远离尘世，超越了时空。他把脸贴在她胸前，她用手指替他梳理头发，他闻着她的体香：清馨，甜蜜，令人陶醉。 “天色不早了，皇上，该起驾回宫啰。” 似梦似醒中，李治好像听见了门外的喊声，模模糊糊，飘飙缈缈。他充耳不闻，没有动弹。高延嗣又催促了一次，李治才反应过来，抬了抬头，放开武照，仪洋洋地翻身坐起。武照赶紧披衣下床，替李治穿衣戴上幞头，收拾整齐。 “皇上，请回吧。” 她哽哽咽咽，眼里蒙着雾样的泪水，“婢女等，等着皇上再来。” “爱卿，你还记得髙阳公主么？朕如果抽不开身，会请她代朕来看你的。” “公主任性、浮躁，不如高公公稳妥。” “嗯，朕就叫高公公常来寺里走动。” 李治和武照难舍难分地拥抱了好久，互相反复叮咛“多多保重”。对于不能带走武照，李治心中非常遗憾。他命髙延嗣捐赠寺院大量金银布帛，用来供奉先帝。另外，又交给武照许多珠宝、首饰和一大笔生活费。宫车慢慢启动了，李治从窗口伸出手来挥了挥。车马沿山路往下走，变得愈来愈小，最后消失了。武照依然一动不动地站在山门外的斜坡上，嘴唇不由自主地颤抖起来，她强忍着泪水，苍白的脸上透出孤寂和渴望的神情，手指捏着李治在翠微宫赠给她的玉瑗：“假使我是月亮，我知道该把月光洒在何方。” 多年来，她饱经辛酸苦辣，李治给她带来了一片生机，有恩报恩，欠情还情，她愿意为他献出一切，毫无保留地向他辐射出灵魂的光辉，从而使自己在奉献的同时获得新生。三磨艰与磨艰李治回宫后，从夏到秋，从秋到冬，再没有来过感业寺。高阳公主也没有来，髙延嗣也没有来。置身尼姑庵的武照，得不到半点消息，心里像油煎，寝食不安，忽而凭空猜测，忽而祈求佛祖护佑，忽而绝望，忽而自我安慰，忽而暗中呼唤李治，忽而趺坐蒲团做静心克欲的功夫。不过，她始终相信李治不会变心，大有可能是由于国事繁杂，政务缠身，实在忙不过来，只好把接她回宫的事压一压。事实果如武照所料。去年正月，东突厥汗国车鼻可汗阿史那斛勃拒绝前来中国朝见，右骁卫郎将高侃领兵出征。今年六月进抵阿息山，乘胜追到金山，生擒阿史那斛勃。九月，押解到长安，宽大释放，授予左武卫将军。擢升高侃当右卫将军。从此，东突厥全部归入中国的疆土之内，分别设置单于、瀚海两个都护府。 十月，李筋坚请辞职，李治免除其左仆射，仍保留开府仪同三司、同中书门下三品。十一月，监察御史韦思谦弹劾褚遂良用低价强行购买中书省译职官吏的土地，褚遂良被贬为同州〔陕西大荔县〕刺史。忙完一件事又冒出来一件，直到过了年，李治才缓过气来，命髙延嗣去感业寺看望武照。高延嗣回奏武照想直接和皇上见见面。李治刚准备动身，庭州〔新疆奇台县〕刺史骆弘义表奏左骁卫将军、瑶池〔巴尔喀什湖一带〕都督阿史那贺鲁密谋偷袭西州〔吐鲁番市〕、庭州。李治只得坐朝商议对策，派通事舍人桥宝明急往安抚。桥宝明说服阿史那贺鲁遣长子唼运入朝充当人质，授官为右骁卫中郎将。不久，李治又让噔运西返。噔运劝说父亲率部西迁，打败西突厥乙毗射匮可汗，在双河及千泉建立牙帐，自称沙钵罗可汗，封哇运当莫贺咄叶护亲王。夏季，李治摆开政务，悄悄到感业寺去了两次。久别如新婚。他双手捧着武照的脸颊，左看右看，那清纯、美靥的面容好比星月下的蔷薇一样绚丽多姿，水灵灵的凤眼，泪水朝露盈盈，饱含着深沉的情意。她变得更加温存、娇柔、妩媚动人。还没有亲吻，他就被撩拨得欲火中烧，急不可耐地拥着她上了床。 “一次比一次美妙。”李治像喝了酒一样狂喜不已，脸上放射出奇异的兴奋的光彩，“这次更销魂。” 他喃喃自语着，“她是一片白云，裹着我的魂，温暖我的心。生活中没有她，我会活不下去。” 接取武照回宫的事还没有考虑成熟，边境地区又发生了动乱。西突厥沙钵罗可汗阿史那贺鲁进犯庭州，攻占了金岭城及蒲类县，杀戳和俘虏数千人。李治只得放下其他事务，调兵遣将，命左武卫大将军梁建方、右骁卫大将军契宓何力，当西征军弓月道行军总管，征调十二万大军，会同回纥蒙古西南部落骑兵五万，前往讨伐。永徽二年的秋天，对于李治来说，真是一个多事之秋，一波未平，一波又起，人们从不注意的感业寺也发生了风波。武媚怀孕的消息一传十，十传百，很快传遍了尼姑庵。住持惠净满脸愁云，急得团团转。武照怀的是龙种，既不能惩罚，又不能堕胎。尤其恼火的是，寺里闹得沸沸扬扬。这些特殊的尼姑，都知道行幸是怎么回事，凤言风语由暗转明，连经堂、斋房也成了她们的议论场所，交头接耳，喀嘻哈哈：“唏唏，千古奇闻，天子幸尼姑！” “用不着大惊小怪，先帝不是也幸过你么？” “啊哈，那时候我可不是尼姑哩。” “宫女也好尼姑也好，行幸对于女人来说，都是一样的，一根棍棍儿往里戳。” “不害羞，亏你说得出口。” “她干得，我就说得。而且她比我们更有幸，嘿嘿，两根棍棍儿往里戳。” “怎么，两根？” “先帝一根，新天子一根，加起来不是两根是几根？” “哎哟哟，阿弥陀佛，罪过，罪过。” “阿弥陀佛，肉炖萝卜，嗬一呵，哈一一哈一一哈！”交谈双方恣意纵笑，周围的人拊掌大笑。有的笑出了眼泪，有的笑弯了腰，有的笑痛了肚子，还有的笑得喘不过气来，也有勉强跟着笑的，也有笑得苍凉的，也有苦笑的。五花八门，心思不同，表现各异。同情的，讥讽的，幸灾乐祸的，羡慕的，苦中取乐的，都从笑语中显露出来了。她们长期遭受性压抑，生活濒于绝望状态，难得有这种发泄的机会，凄凉、苦辣与愤懑，随着妒火以恶作剧的形式喷发出来了。武照分析了其中所包含的危险因素，她深知这些嫉妒成性的宫嫔是什么坏事都干得出来的，于是找到惠净请求保护。惠净让她搬迸了方丈院“静修”。龙种在身，意味着苦尽甘来，东方欲晓，黎明的曙光将照临到她这饱经磨难、九死一生的女人的身上，她将重新返回皇宫，获得新生。生下皇子，就巩固了她在后宫的地位，加上皇上的宠爱，从此便可以平步青云。在熬煎中艰难度日的武照，心绪却和众人有所不同，她不相信自己陷人了灭顶之灾，这便是她的归宿和末日。多少年来，顺境逆境，星相家袁天纲的预言，一直支撑着她死里求生，苦苦追求，托起她心中的第二个太阳，实现君临天下的女皇梦。她的父亲武士鹱在临终前，把事情的来龙去脉原原本本地告诉了她。 并州文水〔山西文水县〕人武士鹱，木材商出身，跟随髙祖李渊晋阳起兵，大唐建国后，官拜工部尚书，封应国公，后来调任利州〔四川广元市〕都督。武德七年拟正月二十三日，其妻杨氏生下了二闺女武照，乳名媚娘。她成为中国历史上惟一的女皇之后，更名武瞾。中宗复位，上尊号则天大圣皇帝，后人因此叫她做武则天。贞观二年，曾做过隋朝资官令和唐初火井令而后隐居民间的星象家袁天纲，奉旨从成都进京觐见皇上，路过利州，武都督职当迎送。顺便邀入府中，请他跟家人相面。袁天纲看了士裴前妻所生的两个儿子元庆和元爽，说：“都是保家之子，官可傲到剌史。” 看了杨氏所生的长女武艳，摇了摇头：“令媛必嫁达官责人，但是不得善终。” 他审视了杨氏一番，眯缝着眼睛扬起了下巴：“骨相非凡，定然降生贵子。夫人，让袁某再看看你生的公子。” 乳母牵着身穿男童装的小武则天走出来。袁天纲眼睛一亮，几乎惊倒，半天才过神来：“哎呀！此子龙睛凤颈，日角天颜，乃伏羲之吉相。只可惜是个男娃儿，若是女儿身，千金必将君临天下。” 武士鹱简直不敢相信自己的耳朵。拥有天子仪表的人，以及知道而不报告的人，都要犯杀头之罪，甚至祸及九族。面色苍白的都督大人抢着抖抖索索的花白胡子尖，瞀示道：“袁先生，天意难测。方才的话，只能在这里讲，这里落，切切不可张扬出去。” “知道，知道，”袁天纲颔首道，“天机不可泄露。” 袁天纲的预言，在相信天命的士鹱的心目中总是盘旋不去。他和杨氏对武则天从此更加关心照料，注意观察，加强培育，五岁即送她人学读书。贞观五年，武士鹱荣升荆州大都督。贞观九年，武则天十二岁，士鹱死于任上，朝廷追赠他当礼部尚书。病床上的武士鹱见武照已经谙事，屏退左右，说出了袁天纲的预言，同时告诉武照，她是金龙投胎。士蘐担任工部尚书时，清明节带着家小去长安郊外踏青，杨氏眼帘一晃，瞧见碧波潭跃出一条金龙扑进她的怀中，杨氏便怀上了武则天。贞观十一年春，朝廷选美。李世民得知武照长得天姿国色，下专旨召她进宫。杨氏伤心痛哭，难舍难分。武则天以恬静而平缓的语气安慰母亲说：“能见到天子，本是三生有幸的事。爹爹生前不是常说要把我送入后宫吗？妈妈别难过，女儿在宫中，会活得像个人样的。” 武则天于冬十一月入宫，赐封才人，正五品，住在太极宫西侧的掖庭宫。掖庭令安排了两个太监负责训练礼仪、用语和装束，规范言行，使她尽快适应宫中的生活。时间如流水，三个月的时间在不知不觉中缓缓流过去了，披满绿叶的柳条儿在风中舞起来了，风儿带着微微的暖意吹着，宫墙的四周俨如挂着一层淡紫色的轻纱，缥缥袅袅。燕子在薄雾中往来穿梭似的翩翩飞行，空中充满了呢喃的鸣声。侍女香涛指着落在花圃上的几只燕子，兴奋地喊着说：“看，看，武才人，黑燕在用红嘴儿擦它肚皮下的白绒毛。” 武则天抬起头来，燕儿扑了扑墨黑的翅膀，飞到水池那边的柳树下去了。红艳艳的太阳跃上树冠，千万条金丝线从叶片的缝隙中斜射下来。她眨了眨眼睛，望着天壁上那大理石纹一样的云缕，心里激灵了一下：“嗬，春天都过完了，掖庭令一直没有传谕我去侍寝，皇上是不是把我给忘了。” 收回目光，她把香涛招到跟前，附耳低声说道：“你到内宫去找一找大、小杨妃，请她们在皇上面前帮我说说话儿，暗示暗示。” “嗯，我这就走。” 香涛准备动身，武则天又把她喊住了：“这段时间你打听到什么消息没有？掖庭宫在议论些什么？” “皇上召幸徐才人后，她愈来愈得宠。众人的眼睛都红了，都在咕咕哝哝要合伙算计她。” “噢，原来她独占了龙宠。” “好，亏你这小精灵提醒得及时，我要重重的赏你。” 顿了顿，武则天目光一闪：“呃，你见过徐才人没有，她长得怎样？有什么特长？” “早见过啦。她呀，长相没有什么特别吸引人的地方，身量苗条，瓜子脸儿，面容显得苍白慵倦。然而，她是一个才女，听说有一肚子的学问，出口成章，诗词耿赋都来得，围棋也下得好，不下棋就练书法。 “她练什么书法？” “皇上爱王羲之的书法，她自然是迎合皇上，练什么兰亭序如贝。” “从明儿起，我也开始练字吟诗，香涛，你给我备好文房四宝。还有，把箱子里的书都摆出来。” 几天后，李世民乘辇去看生病的才人徐惠，忽然传来一阵舒徐疾促的吟诵声：新莺隐叶啭，新燕向窗飞。柳絮时依洒，梅花乍入衣。玉珂逐风度，金鞍照日晖。无令春色晚，独望行人归。声音柔和而富有磁性，音质清淳，节奏鲜明，惜春怀人之情溢于言表。李世民受了感染，下辇寻声走去，只见一位亭亭玉立如海棠般的美人儿在长亭内踱动。她倒背着双手，胸脯上的一对圆圃的乳峰隔着衣裳微微地突出来，十分引人注目。走近细看，她的身材健美而修长，全身洋溢着青春的活力。武则天明知皇上来了，却佯装视而不见的样子，自顾自地走下亭子，钻进了桃林里面。今年的桃花格外妖艳，灿如云锦，芳香四溢。花蕊怒放的娇妍烂漫，含苞初绽的生机盎然，那白瓣上洒着点点红斑的像含羞的少女一样迷人。一团团，一簇簇，一球球，奇异多姿，争芳斗艳，馥郁的香韵如诗一般把空气熏得香喷喷的，使人感到沉醉。李世民也像醉了酒一样沉迷了，心摇神荡，建磕绊绊在林间穿来绕去，绕到武则天的前头，拦住了她的出路。 “你是谁？刚才的诗是你吟的？喂，朕问你嘞。” “哦！”武则天做出吃惊的模样，“皇上，臣妾叫做武照，诗是我吟的。” “你常到这儿来吗？” “资求”吊不“吟诗？” “臣妾读书写字疲倦了，就到这儿来散散步，顺便念几句诗，消遣消遣。” “不错，好一个聪明好学的女子。” 李世民捻着下巴上的胡子，仰面笑了笑，“你练什么字来着？” “回皇上，臣妾练的兰亭序” “嘿，你和朕的兴趣相投。知音难觅呀！哪天朕把兰亭序的真本给你瞧瞧。” “臣妾正想亲聆皇上的教诲，增长见识，扩大眼界。” “求知若渴，好样的。嗳，朕还有事，跪安吧。” 李世民返了原路，坐上等在那里的御辇，已经走远了，武则天照旧跪在地上想心事。她庆幸自己的算计没有落空，终于见到了皇上，勾引他上了钩。但是又感觉烦躁不宁，心神不定，好似有无数只虫子在心头蠕动。常言道，贵人多忘事。皇上见了徐才人之后，还会不会想到我身上来？她一会儿肯定，一会儿否定，思绪赛如天边翻飞的云絮，飘忽不定。望着天空的太阳，恨它西移得太慢，不通人情。然而，皇天不负有心人。当天午后，武则天便接到了夜晚侍寝的圣旨。当值的太监把浴盆送到她的房内，倒入兰汤，两名宫女帮她冼净全身，重新梳理发鬌，化妆，换上新衣。他们上下反复端详了几次，脸上露出了满意的笑纹，恭贺道：“武才人长得好，身体也好，皇上肯定喜欢。” 武则天羞红了脸，低下头去。太监以为她害怕，又举例宽解道：“徐才人的身体那么纤弱，也很顺利，皇上幸过她好多次了。” “徐才人？”武则天故作惊疑之状，“她是谁？” “她的名字叫徐惠，出生五个月就会说话，四岁读书，五岁背诵论语入八岁能吟诗作文，也和你一样是专旨召进宫的。” 徐惠先受宠幸，又是个旷世才女，竞争意识抵消了武则天的害怕心理。二更时分，太监提着红绢灯笼引导武则天穿过深巷，从嘉献门进入内宫，送到了富丽堂皇的甘露殿。 “噢，我终于也觐见龙颜啦！”武则天至今记忆犹新，当时她很激动，又有些紧张，连忙行了跪拜礼。在巨烛的光照下，她瞥见了李世民那魁伟而壮实的身影。他双肩阔大，显示出强大的膂力。紫堂堂的脸盘，虬髯如戟，仿佛可以悬弓。武则天曾经听父亲颂赞皇上睿智明达，堪称一代明君。袁天纲的预言，又促使她以身相许换取将来的锦绣前程。李世民见她姿态娉婷，举止安祥，眼神隐含着好奇和挑战的光亮。诧讶之余，颇感兴趣地和她交谈起来：“你父亲是大唐的开国功臣。他去世后，朕委派并州大都督李世筋去荆州监护丧事。他回朝复命，夸奖你秀外惠中，知书达礼，兼涉经史。” “李都督过誉啦。” “呃，你父亲生前爱你吗？” “回皇上的话，”武则天毕恭毕敬地对答说，“父母都特别娇惯我，视如掌上明珠，叫我做媚娘。” “呵呵，好听。嗯，真是名如其人，人如其名。好，好，今后朕就叫你做媚娘好啦。”