Chapter 6 Chapter Six

"Impossible." Li Jin shook his head, "I'm not that material. In the biography of Wang Kai written by the late emperor for Jin Shu, he praised Wang Shu for his workmanship and cutting. Lian, Feng Zhu and Long Po, the momentum is like a slant and reverse straight, playing without feeling tired, looking at it without knowing its end, imitating the heart and chasing after it, this is just a person. Like Yu Shinan, Ouyang Xun, Zhao Mo and Chu Suiliang, teachers The dharma king is a self-contained body, which is beyond reach." When it comes to Chu Suiliang, Li Jingye, who is active in thinking, thinks of his reckless move to prevent Li Zhi from establishing the Wu family with blood.He likes Chu Suiliang's calligraphy, and searched a lot of his "authentic works. Maybe he loves calligraphy and people, and admires Chu Suiliang's frankness, straightforwardness, and hatred of evil, as well as his perseverance and professionalism. He is very worried about his fate. Will he Therefore, he was severely punished, fell into a slump, ended his life like this, and walked into history. This worry, he couldn't help worrying, and he also hated Wu Zhaoyi. He imagined her as a poisonous snake who turned into a beautiful woman, a vixen who confuses the monarch, The loyal Daji, the concubine Baosi who harmed the country and the people, and the empress Zhuangxiang who raped the Qin Palace. The more he thought about it, the more frightening he became, and the more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He wished he could grab Wu's throat and bite her hard. The relationship between Wu Zhaoyi and Chu Suiliang is not bad. Chu Suiliang and his father Chu Liang, as well as the samurai, and his grandfather are all ministers of the Zhenguan Dynasty, and get along well. Wu Zhaoyi entered the palace in the eleventh year of Zhenguan. It was recommended by my grandfather, and later he was sent by the imperial court to perform the Nacai ceremony. It is said that he was also involved in the ceremony, but it was local officials who escorted the Wu family to Beijing. He and the Wu family were both from the Han clan, so they were not satisfied. The family system. Liwu Zhaoyi being the queen has no conflict of interest with him. He will definitely not stand on the side of the opposition, and maybe he will help her secretly. With the curiosity of a young man, Jingye really wants to open up with his grandfather. Talk, exchange ideas and feelings, and at the same time predict the development of the situation.

"The emperor has his own opinions on the important affairs of the court. It is the duty of the subjects to obey. You can do what the emperor says. If there is too much interference, it may not lead to good results." Li Jin said. "Grandpa, are you referring to Chu Pushe?" "We have learned from the past, and we also need to learn from it." "Why did they make such a big determination to fight against the emperor?" "They want to maintain the status quo and protect their vested interests. The emperor is dissatisfied with their dictatorship, and tries every means to get rid of their control, break the blockade, and form their own new team to replace them. Wu Zhaoyi is smart, capable, knowledgeable, and scheming. He has become the emperor's first choice. Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu, who have recently been promoted to important positions, are all talented and resourceful people. Cui Yixuan and Yuan Gongyu, the upstarts, are also quite energetic."

Jingye's round eyes were bright, and he said as if he had realized something: "It seems that there is a reason for the emperor and the courtiers." "That's the truth. The waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead, and newcomers replace old ones in the world." "Grandpa is really powerful, the veteran of the three dynasties, he is really a tumbler through and through." "It's hard to say if it won't happen in the future, but this time it doesn't seem to be the case. Dedication, you only know one thing, not the other. It's really not easy for grandpa to survive until today. This time after the incident, my attitude was ambiguous, and I was almost on both sides. They are all offended. Today, in front of the emperor, he made a statement of not expressing his position, on the one hand, he reached a tacit agreement with the martial arts faction, and on the other hand, he relieved the emperor's concerns."

"Is it a foregone conclusion that the Liwu family will become the queen?" "For the time being, we can't say it to death. We can only say that there has been a fundamental change, and it will happen naturally." "Wu's reputation is not good. Grandpa helped her, but in the end, I don't know if it's due to good deeds or grudges?" "Little guy, what a ghost." Li Jin scratched Jingye's nose with his index finger, "Why do you think so far? You know, I can't deal with it right now. Humans have regrets, but no regrets, so they can only go Take one step at a time."

"Grandpa finally got rid of it, let's see what Wu's next step will be." "She is a female strategist. She is wise, brave, and far-sighted. It seems that every pore is full of courage. Maybe she has already planned it. Since you are interested, let's wait and see." Before going to court the next day, all the officials gathered in the court hall to wait.Happily, Xu Jingzong raised his thin beard that shone like silver threads, and howled loudly in an old voice: "The farmer harvested more than ten hu of wheat and wanted to change his wife, not to mention the emperor. The emperor chooses another empress, why do people bother with that matter and raise objections?"

"Don't spank for a wife," Li Yifu laughed frivolously, "What do you want her to do? No matter how much you tolerate it, she can only be used as a display." "Xixi, display, don't spank, hahahaha!" After a burst of laughter, there was a silence.After a while, the murmurs and discussions started again, and the voices became louder and louder, buzzing, buzzing, noisy, and could no longer be quiet.Civil and military officials all understood that they were defending Li Zhi, which was essentially defending Wu Zhaoyi.As the saying goes, there is no backbone in officialdom.The current Li Zhi is self-willed and determined to go his own way, and he doesn't listen to harsh words.A hero does not suffer from immediate losses.Many people have adopted the attitude of being wise and protecting their own safety. Even if they feel disgusted with the remarks of Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu, they do not raise objections, and there are many people who agree with them.The censors who maintained order came forward to stop them and asked everyone to keep quiet.But it didn't work.There must be a reason why the Shangshu of the Ministry of Rites is so presumptuous. He is the emperor's favorite minister, and he will not aim at it indiscriminately.The loyal censor Wang Yifang and others didn't believe in evil, and they lowered their faces and shouted sharply: "Don't speak foul words, this is not a cattle herd, it's an imperial court."

"What is fierce, bullying the weak and fearing the strong." Wang Dejian contradicted, "Chu servant made a big noise in the palace, where have you been? Why didn't you intervene, didn't you correct the bomb?" "If you keep arguing, we will go to court to impeach you." "Impeachment or impeachment is up to you, we have something to say." "Now you are stubborn, will you see if you are afraid?" "Now who is afraid of whom, who is afraid of who suffers." At three o'clock in the fifth watch, the cleaning whip sounded three times, and the internal officials shouted: "The emperor is here!" Li Zhi wore a sky-high crown on his head.Dressed in a crimson gauze robe, with a jade belt with thirteen rings across the waist, and black leather Liuhe boots, he drives and sits in the Tai Chi Hall.The head official shouted: "If there is something to do, go to work and play early, and if there is nothing to do, roll the curtain and retreat."

Wang Yifang, who was full of anger, waited for the censor, and before the yamen of the three provinces and six ministries performed their official business as usual, they knelt down on the Dan steps and said angrily: "Qizou Your Majesty, Wang Dejian and others did not follow the court guidelines. When the hall is closed, chattering, discussing the state affairs indiscriminately, and swearing, if you don’t listen to dissuasion, you must be punished.” "After talking for a long time, I didn't hear a word clearly." Li Zhi sullenly said, "What exactly did they say, you might as well just say it."

"Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu sang together, saying that the empress does not spank farts, the emperor must of course choose another queen. Wang Dejian and others followed suit and continued to make trouble until the court." "Is this considered foul language?" Li Zhi looked down at the several censors viciously, "What they said is righteous. If you don't support the righteous action, you will impeach him instead. Play the piano!" "We are impeaching them for making loud noises in the hall." "The court may not be a place for talking. When did the rules be established? If the courtiers have become dumb, you are happy, aren't you? You really have ulterior motives!"

"I don't dare." The censors shook their heads again and again, knocking on the gold brick floor for a long time. "Who ordered you to act like this? Say!" "No one instructed us." "Then touch your chest and talk about it, do you agree with the establishment of the Wu family as the queen?" "Whoever is established by the emperor is the one, and the ministers have no objection." "Cui Aiqing," Li Zhi raised his forehead, "are they telling the truth?" Cui Yixuan, the official censor, stepped out of the squadron with a wat in his hand, worshiped the dancers, and played: "I dare to guarantee that they What you said is true. Your Majesty, most of the courtiers are now willing to make Wu the queen, and only a very few are deceived."

"well." Li Zhi opened his smiling face, "With you in charge of the Yushitai, I can rest assured. Be more courageous in everything, rectify the impeachment of all officials, and uphold the rules of the court. Don't neglect your duties." "The minister obeys the order." Cui Yixuan kowtowed, bowed and retreated into the squadron.This scene directed by Wu Zetian himself was a great success, and Li Zhi became more confident, and emboldened and cheered up the "fighting" faction, and suppressed the arrogance of the "anti-martial" faction accordingly.She was very pleased, like a farmer sowed seeds, and would soon be as happy to see tender shoots grow, her heart trembled sweetly, and a bright and ruddy charm like spring appeared on her face.Strike while the iron is hot and take advantage of the victory to launch an offensive. She immediately manipulated the "dirty officials" who supported her to create public opinion, and at the same time urged Li Zhi to issue an edict to expel Shangshu Youpushe and Henan County Duke Chu Suiliang from Chang'an and demote them to Tanzhou [Changsha City, Hunan Province] served as the governor.All of a sudden, there was an uproar in the imperial court, like a frenzied tide sweeping in, with huge waves and turbulent waves.Inside and outside the imperial palace, up and down the capital, there was an uproar, so loud that the sky was filled with excitement.Not to mention that Chu Suiliang was a minister of the first emperor Tuogu, in terms of his talent and fame, he was one of the few in the Tang Dynasty.He was one of the four great calligraphers in the early Tang Dynasty, as famous as Ouyang Xun, Yu Shinan and Xue Ji.Xue Ji is the grandson of Wei Zheng. He is close to Yu Shinan and far away from Wang Xizhi. His brushwork is beautiful and he is a rising star.Ouyang Xun imitated Wang Xizhi's book at first, but later surpassed it, and named himself "Shu Geng Ti".Yu Shinan worshiped Wang Xizhi's seventh monk Sun Zhiyong as his teacher since he was a child, and his calligraphy was highly praised by Li Shimin, and Yu style was very popular for a while.Chu Suiliang has extensive knowledge of literature and history, especially Gong Likai, and his calligraphy is beautiful and elegant, and he is self-contained, which has a lot of influence on later generations.In the third year of Yonghui, Xuanzang built a five-story brick pagoda and a big wild goose pagoda in Chang'an Daci'en Temple, which greatly enhanced the view of the outer city of Chang'an.Li Zhi ordered Chu Suiliang to respectfully write Li Shimin's Preface to the Tripitaka of the Tang Dynasty, and Chu Suiliang also wrote the preface that Li Zhi gave Xuanzang when he was the prince.The above two prefaces are referred to as Yanta Shengjiao prefaces. The fonts are clear and vigorous, with the concept of a powerful and unconstrained style, creating a style of ancient and modern regular script.The second sequence of carved stones is inlaid on both sides of the south gate of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The inscription of "Taizong Imperial System" is "Yonghui four years old, Kuichou, October, Maoshuo, 15th day, Guisi built, Zhongshu Lingchen Chu Suiliang" "Gaozong Yuzhi" is the "Shangshu Pu shot the letter of Chu Suiliang, the founding official of Henan County of Shangzhu Kingdom" on December 10, the fourth year of Yonghui.On the carved stone of "Taizong Yuzhi", he used the official title of Taizong Dynasty, which shows his yearning for Taizong's era.In August of the eighteenth year of Zhenguan, when Li Shimin spent the summer in Jiucheng Palace, he once made some comments in front of eight close officials.He said at the beginning: "Changsun Wuji is good at avoiding suspicion, reacts quickly, and makes decisions more decisively than the ancients. However, he is not good at commanding troops in battle." The last commenter was Chu Suiliang: "Suiliang is very knowledgeable, and his character is also steadfast and upright. He often dedicates his loyalty to me, like a bird throwing himself at his bosom, which is lovable." Li Shimin deserves to be a generation of Mingjun who knows people and handles tasks well. He promoted Chu Suiliang to be the servant of Huangmen and participated in the government affairs.In the 22nd year of Zhenguan, he worshiped the order of Zhongshu.In the following year, together with his eldest grandson Wuji, he was ordered by Gu to assist Li Zhi, Emperor Gaozong, and was granted the Duke of Henan County.Li Shimin took advantage of Chu Suiliang's uprightness, simplicity, loyalty and unyielding.Chu Suiliang's Achilles' heel lies precisely in this. He is not good at politics, has more than enough talent but not enough strategy. He is as innocent as a bird.They didn't get any comfort, and no one came to see them off. People hid far away like fleeing the plague, for fear of being infected or getting angry.The world is so cold that even the whole family sang a song of complaint.A feeling of sadness suddenly appeared in his heart, his face was as gloomy as dusk, and his bewildered eyes showed extreme grief and anger.Looking at the sky, there are a few very thin clouds floating here and there in the clear blue sky, but he feels that there are boundless melancholy clouds covering his head, and the sunlight is also cold and pale.The person who sent him off finally came, and it was quite unexpected, and he was Li Jin with a frozen heart.Before Li Shimin died, he was demoted to Diezhou, 1,340 miles away from Chang'an, as the governor for no reason. Chu Suiliang once hinted that he would go to the post as soon as possible.To make a thousand days of human affection, to draw a hundred days of red peony.Li Jin did not forget his old favor, and presented him with two jade pears and a screen.Holding his hand, he said with a pun, "Tanzhou in the south is much better than Diezhou in the northwest. You can settle down. Survive first, and then make progress. I don't think the emperor will forget you." "I always put state affairs first and be loyal to the Lord. The emperor is kind, why can't he tolerate me a little bit?" Chu Suiliang also revealed a feeling of complaint in his disappointment. "You and I have to think about it for the emperor, if we don't get rid of the resistance, we can't make the Wu family the empress." "The queen's mother is beautiful in the world, is she qualified?" "The emperor is wise, he has his own opinion." "I'm not going to be a peacemaker, I'm going to stand my ground." "It's not good to be too stubborn," Li Ji persuaded, "Sometimes it's not a bad thing to have a little muddy. There is a little story, I wonder if you would like to hear it?" "Let's talk." "A well-known man had a son in his old age, and he was very happy. The local government came up to congratulate him. The first person said that his son would be an official when he grew up, and he was treated as a guest of honor. The second person picked up the baby, looked at it, and praised him. Dao: Born to be rich and honorable, you will get rich if you become an official. And received warm hospitality. The third person blurted out: "I will die then. But I was scolded and kicked out of the house. If you were there, what would you do?" Say?" "Whether life is long or short, one must die." "Yes. It can be seen that loyal words are hard to hear." "I'm a straight person, I just can't turn a corner." "As the saying goes, a good man turns upside down. If you can't memorize it, just give up and take a step back." "Your self-cultivation is better than mine, and it's worth learning." "Being in the world is a university question, and you have to learn it when you are old." "Good reminder. I have to study hard and learn how to behave." The two of you came and talked with each other, and Chu Suiliang also opened up his mind and wanted to open up a little bit.But as soon as Li Jin left, in the emptiness and silence, a bone-piercing cold current rose in his heart, and he fell into inextricable troubles and discouragement, and embarked on a lonely journey desolately.In his sixtieth year, Chu Suiliang set off from his home in the southwest corner of Pingkangfang with heavy steps, passed through Dongshi, and left Chang'an through Chunming Gate.He estimated that it would be difficult to return to Chang'an in this life, and the sadness of parting arose spontaneously.Looking back from the horse, the gray outer city wall seemed to be a towering cliff, blocking his sight. His eyes were sad and full of sorrow, and two strings of cloudy tears fell from his dim old eyes.When Wuji learned that Chu Suiliang had been demoted from the capital, his eyes were filled with anger, his eyebrows and beard trembled: "Child slave, how did you get to sit on the imperial couch?"He cursed in his heart, now that you are ruthless and arrogant, the old man sees that you will end well!Pheasant slave is Li Zhi's childhood name.He had always been under Wuji's control, but now he broke with him categorically.The inherent arrogance brought him a fatal weakness. He suddenly changed from hot to cold, and he didn't care about anything, even the morning morning.Li Zhi also ignored him: "If you don't look for me, I will never look for you." The nephew and uncle started to get angry, neither showing weakness nor giving in.In the sixth year of Yonghui, on October 13th, Li Zhi issued an edict saying: "The Queen and Concubine Xiao Shu conspired to kill people with poisoned wine, deposed them as commoners, and removed their names from the royal family. Their mothers and brothers were also stripped of their ranks and exiled. Lingnan." Xu Jingzong threw himself into the well and read another book: "The letter of appointment presented to Sikong Wang Renyou by the late special advance is still preserved, and the remaining descendants of the rebellion can still be used to seek Yin officials. Please remove his official titles as well." Li Governance approved.Xu Jingzong, Li Yifu and others rejoiced and joined forces everywhere. On the sixth day after the king and queen were deposed, all civil and military officials jointly wrote a petition, asking the emperor to make Wu Zhaoyi the queen.Li Zhi immediately promulgated the imperial edict on the grounds of "all expectations": "The Wu family has a distinguished family, outstanding achievements, and noble birth. In the past, he was selected into the inner palace because of his elegance and beauty. His reputation was heard in the royal family, and his virtue moved the imperial court. I should be When she was the crown prince, she received the special grace of the first emperor, and she often served her side and side, day and night. In the court, she was always careful, dealing with concubines and concubines, and never had any unpleasant things happen. The first emperor often praised her, so she rewarded the Wu family to I, just like Emperor Xuan of the Han Dynasty rewarding the Queen of the Palace to the Crown Prince. I have been invited by the officials and complied with the will of heaven and the people, and now Liwuzhao is the queen." Li Yifu saw that the imperial edict was completely in accordance with his draft, without changing a single word, and proudly said to Xu Jingzong: "Master Shangshu, how about the imperial edict?" "Not only is it good, it's wonderful. Look," Xu Jingzong pointed at the imperial edict with a finger, "Zhaoyi was bestowed by the first emperor. A word of bestowment covered up all the ambiguous relations. No, no, I said The word "ambiguous" is inappropriate, and it is changed day and night, and the last sentence is changed and the next sentence is changed. It should be said that a gift, a word, makes everything clear, it is clear, the name is correct, and the words are smooth." "Do you know who came up with this word?" "So it's Brother Yifu!" Xu Jingzong showed a look of admiration. "No." Li Yifu shook his head, "Wu Zhaoyi, oh, Empress Wu came up with it herself." "Oh, god, god, the queen is really a goddess, she is thoughtful and precise in her calculations, and even a word, a word, is used so wonderfully." "It's a joy to work with her, brother Jingzong, there are still good things to see in the future." "Good show?" "After the grand ceremony, the veil of the goddess will be lifted for everyone to see." Xu Jingzong's eyes flashed, and a doubt appeared in his heart: "Brother Yifu, you really have a lot of inside information. It seems that your relationship with the queen is much closer than mine." "You are an elder, don't worry about it so much." Li Yifu made a grimace, "When the time comes, the benefits will naturally be yours." "Chu Suiliang was demoted, and one of the four is missing. I just don't know if the supplementary candidate has been considered?" "Don't worry. Needless to say, it's either you or me." "Brother Yifu, go to the humble house for a drink, let's celebrate in advance." "Old teacher, do you have any beautiful women at home?" "You can really have fun." "I, Mr. Li, have worked hard for more than 20 years. Now that I have suffered so much, I don't want to have a good time. When will I wait?" "Hehe! Hahahaha! Let's go, let's go!" They got into the carriage and galloped towards Xu Jingzong's mansion.On the third day after the decree of Liwu Zhaoyi becoming queen was promulgated, general criminals in the world were amnesty.On the same day, the new Empress Wu Zetian made a statement and said: "Your Majesty planned to make me a concubine before, and Han Yuan and Lai Ji advised me face to face in the hall. This is commendable. Doesn't it just show that they are wholeheartedly for Your Majesty? The concubines beg Please honor and reward them." What a smart Wu Zetian, even Li Zhi was moved by her magnanimity.Han Yuan, Lai Ji, Yu Zhining, Li Jin and other ministers were summoned to Liangyi Hall.After granting the seat, Li Zhipi took a look at Han Yuan, and asked if there was something serious: "Han Aiqing, where is the Taiwei, why didn't you come?" "The Taiwei is sick at home, so it's inconvenient to move." "Yeah." After a pause, Li Zhi asked, "Do you know what I called you to do?" "I'm guilty." Han Yuan quickly knelt down. "What are you guilty of?" "I admonish the emperor to change the establishment of the middle palace, and the words are not rude, and the crime is unforgivable." "I have committed the same great crime." Lai Ji knelt beside Han Yuan. "Aha, you are wrong. I will show you something." Gao Yansi picked up Empress Wu's memorial from the imperial case and handed it to Han Yuan.After Han Yuan read it, Li Zhi showed it to Lai Ji again, and then let the ministers circulate it.awesome!Laiji shouted in his heart, she treated us with a high attitude, in fact, it was like killing someone with a soft knife, killing you to your heart's content.Han Yuan was so nervous that his hands were sweating, fearful and panicked, he asked to resign. "Now is not the time to resign." Li Zhi looked strangely happy, and there was a bit of humor in his joy, "but I ask you to do your duty. The Taishi Bureau divination, the grand ceremony for the appointment of the queen was selected on November 1st. Time There are only more than ten days, and everything must be paid close attention. Han Aiqing and Lai Aiqing are responsible for handling the daily affairs of the DPRK and China. The post-establishment ceremony will be presided over by Sikong, and Zuo Pushe Yu Aiqing will be the deputy envoy." Li Jin bowed and said: "The minister is old and overwhelmed, and I am afraid that I will fail His Majesty's grace." "Old Yuanxun, don't worry, there are Xu Jingzong, Li Yifu, Gao Yansi, and Ding Dianer to assist inside and outside, and I will leave the specific affairs to them." Withdrew from the court, Li Zhi arrived at the Temple of Jiri by chariot.Maids and eunuchs came in and out, in a panic.Tailors are tailoring for Empress Wu, choosing the colors and patterns of fabrics and satins.Wu Zetian then chose the jewelry, earrings, necklaces, hand ornaments and belts to try on.Gao Yansi stood aside and read the procedure of the post-book ceremony and the guard of honor for welcoming the bride.Seeing Li Zhi coming, he saluted and continued to read: "Chong Zhai's chariot platform is painted blue with green lacquer, decorated with colorful feathers, the wheels are vermilion, the shaft is decorated with gold, and the windows are hung with scarlet brocade curtains..." "Slow down!" Wu Zetian raised a hand, "It should be rose red, with a golden phoenix embroidered on it." Li Zhi praised from the bottom of his heart: "The queen is really careful, and the arrangements are specific and thoughtful." Yang clicked her tongue: "It's too extravagant. Can you be more frugal?" "Mother doesn't know." Wu Zetian raised his left eyebrow, "To gain this position, the price I paid was too great. It can be said that it was bought with blood. The emperor and I have overcome many obstacles and gone through many difficulties and dangers. It is hard to come by!" Li Zhi His emotions were aroused, and beads of sweat broke out on his forehead: "This time the queen's coronation ceremony is to mobilize the crowd, extravagant, fanfare, and bragging." "right." Wu Zetian was also very excited, "The grander, more magnificent, and more grand, the more it can reflect that we are upright and dignified." "Don't go too far," Wu Yan warned in a friendly tone, "As the saying goes, enough is enough." Wu Zetian rolled his eyes at his sister, and said with sarcasm and overtones: "You also know that enough is enough? I'm not too much." Wu Yan's face was hot, as if she had been slapped, she lowered her head shyly and retreated behind her mother. "Tomorrow, we will accept the bride price," Wu Zetian ordered, "both mother and elder sister will go back. Before welcoming the bride, there will be a big ceremony. I will stay at home for a few days, and I don't need to enter the palace." The bedroom suddenly fell silent.Li Zhi and Wu Yan knew in their hearts that she was coming for them, so they kept silent.The most solemn ceremonies of the post-establishment ceremony are the canonization ceremony and the welcome ceremony.The day before, Li Zhi sent officials to offer sacrifices to Heaven, Earth and Taimiao.An altar is set up in front of the Taiji Hall in Zhengya.In front of the altar, there is a carriage dedicated to welcome the queen, Chongdi chariot, namely Fengyu.The royal road that passes through the palace is paved with red felt.A colorful shed is set up in front of the palace, and red lanterns are hung under the eaves.From under the eaves of the Taiji Hall to the outside of the Shuntian Gate, along both sides of the imperial road, there are more than 500 pieces of the emperor's ceremonial guards--Fajialu Books, which are magnificent and mighty.In the center of Danbi outside the gate of Taiji Yin, surrounded by the canopy of Huanglong, there are knives, bows, arrows, leopard-tailed spears, halberds, etc.; under the eaves of the corridor, there are eight pieces of gold: brushes, stoves, boxes, pots, plates, bottles, a few,杌; between the three platforms, set up nine dragon yellow covers, emerald covers, purple blue covers, yellow nine dragon umbrellas, five-color nine-dragon umbrellas and five-color flower umbrellas, etc.; clean whips and battle horses are placed on the ground paved with white stones under the three platforms .On the ceremonial piers on both sides of the royal road in the square of Taiji Hall, there are 186 pieces of purple and red square umbrellas, fans, buildings, grids, Jing, festivals, cloaks, beetles, battleaxes, flags, stars, melons, and sticks.In addition, the Zhonghe Shao Band, which is composed of golden chime bells, jade pans and other instruments, is also located under the eaves of the Taiji Hall; the Danbi Dale Troupe, which is composed of drums, Fangxiang, Yungong and other instruments, is located in Taiji Gate. Your Majesty on the steps on both sides.Outside the Taiji Gate, there are jade chariots and golden chariots; outside the Jiade Gate, there are five cymbals, treasure elephants, and halogen books. Outside the Leshuntian Gate, there are court elephants.In Chang'an City, Jingshui Splash Street, every household is decorated with lanterns and festoons to show that all people are enjoying themselves.In front of the Taiji Hall, there are festival, book and treasure cases, playing Zhonghe Shaoyue, and in the golden incense burner on the altar, fragrant purple smoke rises and wafts away.Civil and military officials of ninth grade or above, officials from various places who went to Beijing to congratulate, leaders of various ethnic minorities, and foreign envoys, all dressed in gifts, gathered on the side street between the palace city and the imperial city, arranged neatly according to their official ranks, facing the north quietly. wait. Xu Yushi, the servant of Huangmen, led the flags to hold the festival, and Li Yifu, the servant of Zhongshu, cited several cases of making books, which were erected on the North Road inside Zuoyanzhao Gate on the east side of Taiji Hall.At an auspicious moment, Xu Jingzong, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and other hall officials guided Li Zhi out of the palace in uniform. He first went to the Taiji Hall to read the viewing books and treasures, and then ascended to the hall to take his seat.The clean whip is sounded three times, the drums are played together, the Zhonghe Chaole and the Danbi Dale are played at the same time.Han Yuan, the Xuanzhi official and the chief chancellor, announced: "Let's go together!" Civil and military officials and foreign envoys entered the palace through Guangyun Gate on the west side of Shuntian Gate and Changle Gate on the east side respectively. According to the size of the official rank, they are solemnly listed on the square in front of the Taiji Hall.The ceremonial female officer shouted in a clear voice: "Goodbye!" The civil and military officials kowtowed twice in a row.Li Jin and Yu Zhining were promoted to Danbi to listen to the Xuanzhi, and they knelt down three times and kowtowed nine times to Li Zhixing.Han Yuanxuanzhi said: "Following the heaven, the emperor ordered: In November of the sixth year of Yongao in the Tang Dynasty, Ding Maoshuo, the Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, Wu Zhao, the daughter of Ying Guogong's samurai, and Ying Guo's wife Yang's daughter, were made queens, and Sikong and Li Bream were appointed as queens." As the envoy, Zuo Servant shot Yu Zhining as the deputy envoy, and set up a book of etiquette. I respect you!" According to the prescribed etiquette system, it is a matter of course for the servant to read the imperial edict.But his voice was hoarse and muffled, as if there was a taste of reluctance.After Li Zhi bestowed the imperial edict, the golden book, the empress's golden seal, and Bao Huan on Li Jin, the female official of Dianyi shouted: "Goodbye!" Li Zhi retreated into the back hall, and the officials and envoys were divided into two rows, and they retreated from Guangyun Gate and Changle Gate.The principal and deputy envoys Li Ji and Yu Zhining walked down the middle stage and took the emperor's chariot one by one, led by the festival bearer and the book holder holding the representative status, with a yellow cover in front and an imperial baton, accompanying them The school captain and the escorting ministers, etc., walked from the Taiji Hall to the main entrance of the Sun Palace, where Empress Wu often ruled, amidst the sound of drums and music.It is a forbidden place for men, and imperial envoys are not allowed to enter.Ding Xiaoer, the housekeeper, went out to greet him.The principal and deputy imperial envoys took over the gold books and treasures from the holders of festivals and book holders, and handed them over to Ding Dianer, who then handed them over to the insider, Brother Silly, who walked to the front of the hall , Kneel down and put it on the table before the stage.Empress Wu Zetian stands in the main hall in her imperial dress, and the female judges Si Yan and Si Bao each stand on the right side.Shang Gong, the female official in charge of the Shang Palace Bureau, took a Shang Fu to the courtyard, knelt down beside the case where the gold book and treasure ribbon were placed, Shang Gong took the book, Shang Fu took the treasure, and returned to the hall.Shang Gong yelled: "There is a system!" Shang Yi then yelled: "Worship again!" Wu Zetian knelt down facing north.Shang Gong read the book in a solemn tone.After reading, Empress Wu bows again, thank you.Amidst the sound of drum music, Shang Gong presented the golden book to Empress Wu, who handed it to Si Yan who was standing at the rear right.Shang Fu presented the treasure ribbon, Empress Wu took it over and handed it to Si Bao standing in the left rear.Wu Zetian was ascended to the throne of the queen, Shang Gong and all the female officials came to the hall, and the female official Si Zan served as the master of ceremonies to meet the queen.After worshiping, Shangyi stepped forward and shouted: "The ceremony is over!" Empress Wu got up and turned to the inner hall. After the completion of the "Book Lili", Li Jin and other envoys returned to the Taiji Hall to return to their orders.Withdrew from the court, Li Zhi came to the Temple of the Sun by chariot.Wu Zetian hurried out of the main gate to pick him up.Suddenly there was a loud shout from under the gallery: "Pick you up!" Li Zhi looked up, and it turned out that it was a scarlet-breasted parrot that Lin Yi paid tribute to, learning to speak on the gilded stand.He smiled with great interest: "The queen is well educated and reasonable, even the birds are very clever." "The courtiers and concubines are very grateful for bathing in the emperor's favor, and the birds know it too." As soon as Wu Zetian finished speaking, the parrot yelled again: "Thank you!" Li Zhi laughed, and the tiredness of the day disappeared immediately.The emperor and the queen entered the side hall and took their seats. The maid served tea and retreated to His Highness.Wu Zetian picked up a piece of preserved fruit from the assorted agate plate, put it into Li Zhi's mouth, and said with a smile, "How does it taste?" "tasty." Li Zhi picked up a piece with ivory chopsticks and looked at it, put it in his mouth and chewed slowly, "The color and fragrance are very good, I want to eat it even after eating it." "It's delicious, but eat more. It's produced in Luoyang, and it's more delicate than the ones made by the court." "Luoyang's food technology was originally brought over by Emperor Sui Yang, and they made some improvements, which is even more icing on the cake." "Luoyang has developed transportation and is easy to receive foreign influences. Its human geography is the best in the world, and water transportation is much more convenient than Chang'an." "You really like Luoyang!" "It is said that whoever gets there never forgets to return. When Emperor Sui Yang stayed there, he no longer wanted to go back to Chang'an. Well, are those palaces and imperial gardens still there?" "It's all there, but it needs to be repaired." "Is the project big?" "I don't know either. If you want to go to Luoyang, I will send someone to take a look first." "There is no rush." Taking advantage of Li Zhi's happiness, Wu Zetian changed the topic and cut to the point: "The concubine would like to be with His Majesty on the tower of Suyi Gate to receive worship from civil and military officials and foreign envoys. Is it possible?" "The empress is the mother of a country," Li Zhi was a little embarrassed, "it's not appropriate to show your face in front of the public. Besides, there is no such precedent in the previous dynasty." "The times are developing, and the rules and regulations are gradually perfected from scratch." Wu Zetian plausibly said, "The ancients did not have trousers. After the Zhou Dynasty, there were only shin garments, but no crotch-closing trousers. They wore clothes to hide their shame. After King Wuling of Zhao practiced Hufu riding and shooting, the Han people in the Central Plains began to wear long trousers. You see that it is better to wear trousers, or Don't wear it?" After a pause, she raised her voice again, "Since the empress is the mother of the world, your wife's appearance is not ugly, why not show it off? I just want everyone to see the image of the current empress with their own eyes. Offset Wuji's suspicion and malicious slander." "Your reason is sufficient, I will obey you." "The concubine thanked the emperor from the bottom of her heart. In the emperor's opinion, can this concubine be a good queen?" "can." "The concubine wants to be a good empress, to assist the emperor in governing the country, to do a great job, and to be praised by all the subjects in the world." "I know." Li Zhi yawned, "Go to bed." Wu Zetian glanced at him, a trace of smile appeared on his lips, and the smile waved away with the outline of the mouth, instantly smiling all over his face.He felt that she was a little abnormal today, as if she was unfamiliar, and he didn't even know her at all. She was purely another world, on the other side of the sun.Wu Zetian was very happy and radiant, showing a distinctive sense of intimacy and seclusion, with a bit of mystery.The two walked into the bedroom together.She waited for him to take off his robe and head, and then she took off her make-up and undressed herself.His eyes lit up, and he looked at her half-naked body, and said, "It's as beautiful as a fairy! There is no place in those raised places that is not attractive." "The emperor is the son of a real dragon," Wu Zetian complimented, "He is full of energy, full of heroic spirit, and extraordinarily majestic." "The dragon opens its teeth and dances its claws, turns the clouds and rains, is mighty but not gentle, and is not as soft and beautiful as the phoenix. The phoenix is ​​covered with five-color feathers, colorful, graceful, cute and fascinating." "You and I, a dragon and a phoenix, are now the real match of the dragon and the phoenix. The dragon and the phoenix bring prosperity, the weather is smooth, the country is peaceful and the people are safe." Wu Zetian smiled sweetly and charmingly, and her laughter was like a warm spring breeze, ecstasy and soul-stirring.At this time, Li Zhi was already forgetful, impatient, and he was so excited that he was immersed in the carnival of picking flowers and fruits from her body.She is gentle and self-reliant, indifferent, implying a careless sense of superiority, and at the same time strangely sexy, teasing him obsessively.He was so excited that his mood was like a rolling spring tide, turbulent, his blood was rushing wildly, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.Her face was hot, peach red spread all over her cheeks, her heart was pounding, she felt that being an empress was different from being Zhaoyi in every way, even the intercourse was quite different, and she was much happier.Happiness and comfort were intertwined and merged into uncontrollable excitement. She was extremely happy, her heart was in full bloom, and she was competing for beauty.She is not an ascetic, she is born with all kinds of emotions and six desires, but she just has her own ideas: men can be happy and trust their horses freely, why can't women not?She is as childish and innocent as a drunken first love, soft and presumptuous, with a dreamlike brilliance in her eyes, and a sweet smile, without affectation, without scruples, indulgent and coquettish.He pulled her under the covers, threw himself on her, and kissed her.Being turned into red waves, the tent dances with dragons.The two of them are deeply in love with each other, tender like water, and connected with each other, and experience the supreme beauty through the sensory organs.Under the strong impulse of lust, he enjoys the endless treasures in her body to the fullest, travels to the blissful land full of unique scenery and wit, and explores the magical and unpredictable fairy cave.Upon waking up, Wu Zetian withdrew his hand from the back of Li Zhi's head, turned over and sat up.Li Zhi opened his sleepy eyes and asked in a daze, "What time is it?" "It's almost four o'clock." "Just get up?" "Hmm." Seeing his weak appearance, Wu Zetian couldn't bear to shout: "Get up." "Let me sleep for a while to recover, and you go to freshen up first." After taking a bath and changing clothes, Wu Zetian walked into the dressing room and looked at the gilded bronze mirror.The fire and candlelight in the room complement each other.Ding Dianer held a lotus-topped gold hairpin in her mouth, standing behind Wu Zetian, combing her hair carefully with a comb: "Madam, what kind of hair do you wear today?" "What did you comb yesterday?" "Anti-crime." "I combed my hair halfway today." 丁点儿左手把着她的长发，右手由下而上梳理着，至顶部突然翻转，并作出倾斜之势。梳挽时编发于后，集为束，然后由下反绾于顶，插上金簪、金钗。其形状若翻卷的荷叶，正面或背面看上去薄秀，侧看很大，很高。武则天觉得满意，点了点头。侍女们捧着各式各样的器皿和簪钗、步摇、金钿、梳篦等首饰，以及项饰、面饰等，上来接着插戴。丁点儿走出房门，傻大哥拖住问道：“娘娘完没完，大半个时辰啦？” “还要半个时辰化妆，先用豆粉洗面，再敷玫瑰膏，而后拿水和着醇酒洗净，再涂羊脂素馨霜。” “唷，这么麻烦！” “还有哦，还要用轻纱擦匀羊脂霜，上香粉，上胭脂，细布轻抹，再扑香粉，涂口红，最后用青黛画眉。穿戴好之后，五更出反。 “又去哪儿？” “你还不知道？奉迎礼之后，上肃义门接受朝拜。” “娘娘真想得出来，”傻大哥指着胸口，“我这心里不开窍，跟都跟不上。” “可是娘娘喜欢你哩，要你当近侍。” “娘娘好，不像萧淑妃一样打人。” “你这六根不净的家伙，小心点哟，娘娘可不是好伺候的，惹怒了，她会叫你的脑袋搬家。” “我没有胡来，是她要我跟她描眉，笔尖擢到额头上去了。她骂我蠹，要我把肘弯搁到那儿。唁喀，你说说，是哪儿？”丁点儿诡秘地挤了挤眼睛：“我知道，搁到奶子上面。” 五更三点，李治御太极殿前殿接受百官朝贺。又遣李筋和于志宁担当行“奉迎礼”的运、副使，然后退进后殿。正、副使率迎亲队，排开奉迎皇后的仪驾，由銮仪卫护卫，直至后宫就日殿传制行礼。礼毕，武则天自内殿出中门，乘辇来到在庭院按官阶排成东西两列的盛装妃嫔面前，宝辇从中缓缓穿过，到达正门口。尚仪宣布启行。 皇后下辇，由太监手持花头盖，护送她升凤舆，从就曰殿出发。銮仪卫校卫陈仪仗车辂，鼓乐前导，使臣持节乘马先行，由骑马佩刀、手持皇后旗帜的武将护送，内监左右扶舆，内臣和侍卫在后乘马扈从。这一行近两千人的队伍，宛然七彩虹霓，缓缓流动，前行的人流已经抵达了顺天门，后头的才刚刚离开就日殿。以太尉长孙无忌为首，五品以上的文武百官，早巳在太极殿广场上排列整齐，恭候皇后大驾。他们均系朝廷命官，逢此国家盛典，礼仪一律合乎法度，而情绪却五花八门。尤其是以无忌为首的“清要官”和以许敬宗、李义府为代表的“浊官”新兴势力，二者的心境简直天上地下，形成两极鲜明的对照。在前者的眼里，新皇后无异于美女蛇，狐狸精；而后者则把她当做上天的使者，美丽的神女。 不管人们的看法和想法如何，武则天迎着斜阳和朔风，前呼后拥地抵达了顺天门。 太极门左右钟、鼓楼的钟鼓敲响，门内两侧奏丹陛大乐。侍从架起步障，在舆前安放好香墩。尚仪跪到车旁恭请道：“皇后降舆！”武则天在侍女红杏和荷香的搀扶下下车，改坐由八名太监肩抬的花轿，向太极殿前行。 殿上奏中和韶乐，铜香炉内香烟缭绕，紫雾腾腾。李治于殿中坐等。尚宫引武则天进殿，李治起身迎接，向皇后拱手行礼，迎入正殿。行完大礼，由尚宫以下的女官服侍，帝、后退进内殿。李治揭去武后的盖头，稍事休息。帝、后在内宫女官、太监和侍卫的簇拥下，登临肃义门，接受群臣及外蕃国王、酋长和使节的朝贺。 早已集合在肃义门前广场上的官员，身着朝服分成文武按官阶徘列整齐。官阶三品以上服紫，鱼袋金饰，金玉带十三侉；四品服深绯，鱼袋银饰，金带十一袴；五品服浅绯，鱼袋铜饰，金带十袴；六品服深绿，银带九袴；七品服浅绿，银带九挎八品服深青，铜带九品服浅青，铜带。湛蓝而清澈的天空，几片风帆似的云絮，带着淡淡的粉红，悠悠然飘浮着，变幻着，千姿万态，捉摸不定。 金灿灿的阳光照射在百官及蕃夷国王、酋长和使节的袍服、腰饰上，与肃义门的红楼、门墙相映成绚丽多姿的壮观景象，宛若织锦上面的—幅彩绣辉煌的装饰图案。 当高宗李治和武后出现在红色门楼上时，广场上人潮浮动，发出海啸般的欢呼声：“皇上万岁，万岁，万万岁！” “皇后千岁，千岁，千千岁！”武则天朝广场上欢腾的人群频频颔首，粲然微笑。 她一手扶着栏杆，一手在李治面前略加指点。李治的视线随着她那葸根似的指头移动。他目光有些黯淡，眼窝发黑，一副睡意蒙昽的样子。虽然冠冕堂皇，但和仪态万方的武则天相比，却缺乏威仪，也没有什么风采。一张清癯文雅的长条脸，显得慵倦发困，身材单瘦，背仿佛有点伛偻，动作迟顿，还带点呆滞。他连连打了两个喷嚏，这才打起了精神。然而远望上去，他的举止严谨，神态安详，宽厚、仁慈的表情颇能蠃得人们的好感和崇敬。站在右侧的武则天，和他大不一样，团团大脸像刚刚擦过的银盘，在艳阳的映衬下焴焴生辉，英姿飒爽。她眉开眼笑，丹凤眼像蓝宝石般明净，瞳孔大得放亮。睁开时闪着瑰丽的光芒，流转中表现出深邃的智慧，霎动的表情更加丰富：敏锐、机灵、果决，却又显得疯狂、诡谲，忽而妩媚多情，忽而射出闪闪寒光，忽而天仙般的美丽，忽而冷峻，忽而忧郁，忽而透着灵气，忽而隐藏杀机，忽而弥漫着稚气，忽而骚然不安。定神时如一泓清水，顾盼像星星流动，静悬犹如明月一般，急闪恍若电光。它火一样的炙人，又有磁铁般的吸引力，流光泛彩、神秘莫测而又异样的清澄明亮。她体格修长、健硕，雍容华贵，神情姿态高雅大方。唐代皇后的礼服还没有凤冠。她头上珠翠堆盈，凤钗半卸，前额还别出心裁地用金丝细链吊着一颗晶莹的夜明珠，豪光闪烁，珠辉玉映，把面容衬托得宛然一株新开的牡丹花，娇媚，鲜艳，具有一种特殊的魅力和感染力，给人留下了落落大方、和蔼可亲，以及开朗、俏丽、髙贵和庄重的良好感觉和印象。广场上席卷起一阵阵狂热的风暴，群情激奋，欢呼雀跃。来自化外之境的蕃夷国王、酋长和使臣，虽然粗犷，惯于狂热，对于眼前罕见的欢腾情景却仍然感到稀奇和震惊。素称礼乐之邦的大唐帝国，官僚们平时是那么的拘谨，恪守礼教。这次却一反常态，不但不予规谏劝阻，并且如此欣然若狂。诧讶之余，又钦佩这个国家视眼开阔，思想开放，海纳百川，敢于打破常规，除旧布新，潜伏着无穷的活力和巨大的力量。尤其是能有此机遇一睹中国皇后的风采，深感幸运和莫大的荣耀。唐代是中国古代社会发展史上的巅峰时期，京城长安不仅是中国政治、经济、文化的中心，而且也是世界着名的都会和东西文化交流的中心。此时和唐朝有往来的国家和部落达到三百多个。这些兄弟民族和外国君臣云集长安，从中国文化中吸取精华，同时进行经济文化交流，互相学习，取长补短，相得益彰。阿拉伯使节对回纥酋长说：“中国了不起，敢于标新立异，从武皇后的身上可以折射出这个国家的开明、开放和创新精神。” 回纥酋长耸了耸肩膊：“妇女露一露脸本来是好事嘛。要是我们的牧民不让女人出来放牧，那简直会生存不下去。” 波斯的使臣插话道：“他们很多妇女都喜欢胡服，锦绣帼、窄袖袍、条纹裤、软锦靴，穿戴起来又贴身，又好看，又适用。” 真腊的特使说：“你们说，皇后的大礼服是不是太厚重了些？我们那地方气候不同，穿戴这样的服饰，会热得汗流浃背，叫人忍受不了。” 突厥、天竺、新罗等国的国王或使节异口同声地喊起来：“看啊，看啊，皇后在朝我们点头微笑！” “嗬一嗬一嗬皇一后一一千一千一一岁一！”武则天打破没有先例的传统，以自己光辉灿烂的形象公开亮相，不但没有丢丑，还获得了空前的喝彩。她的大胆构想和实践，排除种种干扰和阻力，居然成功了。在最有说服力的事实面前，长孙无忌、韩瑷和来济等反武后派人物，深深叹息，自愧形秽而暗自伤神，忧虑不安。他们从武则天的坚执、倔强、铁的手腕和瓢逸的风采中，感觉到了这个女强人不会就此善罢甘休。她恩怨分明，有恩报恩，有仇报仇，顺我者昌，逆我者亡，定然会像老鹰捕兔一样地对付他们。韩瑗愁眉苦脸，痛心疾首：“皇上被这妖妇迷惑，沉溺不悟，国家大权定然会旁落于她之手，说不定像东汉末年那样的党锢之祸又将复起，我大唐王朝危矣！”砭人肌骨的寒风时不时地刮过来，飕飕杀杀地响。来济全身的汗毛，跟着这阵风，这阵响，一个冷噤，一次痉挛，都竖了起来：“我也想和侍中大人一样辞官隐退，皇上照样不准。” “不要自暴自弃，逃避现实。” 无忌满脸矜持的神态，竭力保持镇静，“老朽还没有死咧，有她无我，有我无她，咱们骑驴看唱本―走着瞧！”他银须瑟瑟抖动，嘴唇咬得发白，把冻得麻木的手紧紧捏成了拳头。接受朝拜后，帝、后乘辇回到了就日殿。用过午膳，本来可以脱下臃肿、笨重的大礼服，好好歇一歇。可是，精力过人的武则天并没有更换服饰，接着又在武德殿设宴，款待文武百官及蕃夷国王、酋长和使节的夫人。这又是一件新鲜事，一次大胆的创新和尝识。李治体质蠃弱，从小喜静恶动。他已经累得上气不接下气，没有和武则天一起驾幸武德殿。武则天刚册立为皇后，就打破常规接受朝拜，现在又要举行宴会，标新立异，雷厉风行，忙得团团转，似乎有些过分。有的人爱热闹，有的人喜欢助兴，有的人想像力丰富，有的人因循守旧；还有的人生成的近视眼加妒忌眼，看不惯新鲜事，稍微不如己意，便会指手划脚，妄加非议。武则天比以往更加娇媚艳丽，光彩照人。她本人也似乎觉察到了过分俏扮，过分炫耀，矫柔造作，物极必反，有可能引起人们的反感，应该赶快收束些，适可而止。人有一种本能，往往同情弱者。这时候，李治骤然想起了被打入“冷宫”的王氏和萧氏，替她们可怜。他想去看看她们，心里发毛，端起茶碗喝了两口茶，悄悄地问高延嗣：“髙公公，王氏萧氏现在何处？” “傻大哥知道，”高延嗣对答说，“我去问问他。” 他找到傻大哥问准了地方，转回来奏报道：“关在凝阴阁侧边的别院里。” “你陪朕去一下。” 李治带着髙延嗣走出了就日殿。武后散了宴席回来，傻大哥立刻禀报了李治的行踪。她像被黄蜂蛰了似的暴跳起来，蛾眉倒蹙，凤眼圆睁，吩咐傻大哥如此如此。又吩咐丁点儿道：“快去，宣许敬宗和李义府赶快进宫来见哀。” “昔我往矣，杨柳依依。今我来思，雨雪霏霏。行道迟迟，载渴载饥。我心伤悲，莫知我哀。” “噫，这是谁在吟诗？好耳熟的。” 李治由高延嗣陪侍，匆匆穿过御花园，隐隐听见有一小孩在朗诵诗经“采薇”，音调凄婉，感慨往复，声情与诗中所描述的征人在还乡路上饱受饥寒、痛定思痛的那段哀伤情景相仿佛。他停住脚步，倾耳听了听，循声走去，瞧见十岁的雍王素节站在凉亭里背书。李治走进亭子，素节猝然跪地叩头：“儿臣叩见父皇。” “起来吧。” 李治顿生怜爱之心，把素节拉昽来，“皇儿又在读书，很用功嘛。” “父皇，儿臣好想你呵。” 素节流出眼泪来了，“我天天都到这儿来念书，只想让父皇听见，好和父皇见上一面。” “噢，噢，好儿子，别哭啦，你见到了父皇，如愿以偿，应该高兴。” “儿臣髙兴不起来，胸口痈。母妃，哦，不，叫她什么？父皇，我可以叫母亲吗？” “不要改口，就叫母妃好啦。” “母妃被带走时，叫我设法找到父皇，转告她的话，乞求父皇饶她不死，让她把孩儿抚养成人。” 波斯猫喵喵喵叫着跳迸亭子，跳到李治的身上。李治瞧瞧它的红彝子，用手摸摸雪白的皮毛，然后望着可怜巴巴的素节，说：“说吧，淑妃还说了些什么？” “母妃说，父皇如果不肯赦免她，”素节哽哽咽咽地哭起来，“她死之后，叫我听父皇的话，好好念书，还要我学点武艺。” 他泣不成声，眼泪鼻涕都流出来了。李治替儿子揩干净鼻涕泪水：“父皇不会处死她。” “谢谢父皇，母妃叫我替她谢恩。” 素节双膝跪下磕了三个头。 “父皇，母妃对你没有歹意。她没有骂你，是骂的那个武，武皇后。” “朕知……”话到嘴边，李治又收住了。 “父皇，你去看看母妃吧，她有话对你说。” “嗯，”李治迟疑了一下，“你下去吧，让朕歇会儿。哦，把猫带走。” “它知道回去。” 素节边回答边往御园外走。高延嗣带路，李治走到了别院门口。这里本是监禁犯重罪的宫人的“牢房”。院门锁得铁紧，只在墙壁上凿一个小洞，供仆婢往里面送递饮食之用。邋遢的盘子上存着残羹剩饭，在雪光的反照下分外注目显眼。心软的李治第一次见到这种情形，鼻子一酸，眼泪都滚出来了。他十分内疚，带着一种负罪的心情，细声细语地朝洞里喊道：“皇后，淑妃，你们在哪儿呀？”隔了一阵，里面才出现动静，随着拖动的脚步声，传出了哇哇的痛哭声：“我们……已负罪……被囚禁……取消了……尊称……”李治不知道如何安慰她们，自己也像小孩子一样呜呜地哭起来。高延嗣上前扶住他。 “皇上，保重龙体。她们不值得同情，是罪犯。” “胡说！”李治火冒三丈，“谁说她们犯了罪？”他仰面强忍住泪，水，吩咐道：“去把掖庭令找来，打开门。” 掖庭令套开铜锁，门嘎嘎地打开了。一片阳光投进室内，李治走到阳光照射的地方，站住了。披头散发的萧氏从秸杆堆里钻出来，抖落包裹着身体的破棉被，哑声喊道：“皇上，转过背去，等一等，等会儿。” “你要干吗？”李治不解地问，“朕和你是夫妻，用不着回避。” “别啰嗦，只要你等一会儿。” 萧氏本来肉叽叽的脸庞，变得惊人的瘦了，尖了，颧骨和眉棱骨也突了出来。面孔污黑，鹑衣百结，捉襟见肘。她转身端起瓦钵喝口水，吐在手心里，抹一抹脸，拢拢头发：“皇上怎么想到我们身上来啦？这不是人呆的地方，快回去。” “臣妾冤枉，”王氏扑通跪倒在地，“皇上，我没有扼杀小公主，我没有害皇上。” 萧氏跟着跪到李治跟前，强忍住悲伤，勉强从喉昽里挤出声来哀求道：“恳求陛下念及旧情，把我们放了出去，让我们重见天日。我们一定不忘圣恩，终生念佛。” 波斯猫窜进门，绕着萧氏转来转去，在她身上琴着。萧氏把它搂到了怀里。王氏边叩头边说：“皇上饶了我们吧，就把这个