Chapter 9 Chapter nine

Last night, Wu Zetian had already persuaded Li Zhi, and after listening to Li Yifu's request, he immediately ordered the Ministry of Education to draft an edict that the children and grandchildren of the seven major surnames in the country are not allowed to intermarry.They are: Li Bao from Longxi in the Northern Wei Dynasty, Wang Qiong from Taiyuan, Zheng Wen from Xingyang, Lu Ziqian, Lu Hun, and Lu Fu from Fanyang, Cui Zongbo and Cui Yuansun from Qinghe, Cui Yi from Boling in the former Yan Dynasty, and Li from Zhaojun in the Jin Dynasty regular script.It also stipulates the amount of betrothal money when marrying a daughter, and also prohibits the "accompanying money" paid to the man's family of a high family background when marrying a daughter-in-law because the daughter's family is not high.A decree prohibiting intermarriage among the seven major clans even surpassed clan annals and surname records.The gentry were panicked and lowered their voices in an instant.They quickly found out that it was Li Yifu's fault, and they gritted their teeth in hatred: "Despicable Li Mao, you are so cruel, let him die!" Empress Wu.Han Feizi Wang Daozhong said: "The monarch should stay in the dark, so that no one can see the truth clearly."

Wu Zetian is worthy of being Wu Zetian, and she is really handy in playing power.The gentry thought they understood the truth of the matter, and raised their heads again.Because of the power of habit, their family prestige is still admired by the world and cannot be suppressed.Some secretly send their daughters to their husbands' homes without holding a wedding ceremony, and some daughters never get married until they grow old, and they don't marry with other surnames.Those who have declined among the gentry, lost their genealogy, and are looked down upon by their peers often flaunt to the outside world that they are a "family forbidden marriage" and receive more bride price or accompanying money.On October 5th, Li Zhi and Wu Zetian set off from Chang'an, leaving Prince Li Hong to supervise the country.Li Hongnian was only seven years old, and he missed his parents very much. After Li Zhi heard about it, he summoned him to his side.On the 25th, the driver arrived in Luoyang.The news came from the frontier that Duman, the commander of the Sijie tribe in the southeast of West Kulun City in Mongolia, led the Shule Kingdom (Shule County, Xinjiang), the Zhujubo Kingdom (Yecheng County, Xinjiang), and the Yebanduo Kingdom (Tashkurgan, Xinjiang). County], betrayed the Tang Dynasty and defeated the Yutian Kingdom.Li Zhi was furious, Wu Zetian comforted him, and said calmly: "Order Zuo Xiaowei General Su Jun Dingfang to be the special envoy to appease and lead Wei to crusade."

"Su Dingfang is sixty-seven and he is nearly seventy years old. Can he still bear it?" Li Zhi showed a puzzled look. "It can bear it. This man has strong bones and iron bones, especially his feet are very good, and he can walk hundreds of miles a day without getting tired." "The expedition mainly relies on horses." "Horse riding is even more his forte. Don't look at his old age, no one can match his horse riding skills so far!" "Shouldn't he shirk?" "This man has always had a heart of loyalty and righteousness. He is loyal and unyielding, but he is indifferent to fame and fortune. He works hard and serves the country. As long as he writes an imperial edict, he will lead the army immediately."

"Okay, okay," Li Zhi clapped his hands happily, "Then it will be hard for you to draft an edict on my behalf." Su Dingfang was ordered to lead the three armies.Enter Ye Shui.Duman defended Matouchuan and resisted stubbornly.Su Dingfang selected 10,000 elite soldiers and 3,000 cavalry soldiers, launched a surprise attack, and marched 300 miles a day and a night.The next morning, when he arrived at the city, Duman was shocked and went out of the city to meet the enemy.The two sides fought fiercely outside the city. The Tang army was unstoppable. The rebels were defeated and retreated to the city.In the evening, follow-up soldiers and horses of the Western Expeditionary Army arrived one after another. Su Dingfang ordered a group to besiege, but not to attack. He sent envoys to the city to persuade them to surrender, and promised to surrender without killing.Duman was so nervous that his whole body was like cotton, and he had no strength at all. Knowing that he could not defeat the Tang army, he had to go out of the city and surrender.In the first month of the fifth year of Xianqing, Su Dingfang offered prisoners in the Qianyang Hall of Luoyang Palace, and the judge asked Duman to be executed.Su Dingfang knelt down on the Dan steps, and begged Li Zhi, "Duman surrendered only after I promised not to kill the prisoners, and begged the emperor to spare his life."

"Aiqing Pingsheng!" Li Zhi waved his hand, "I will not act according to the law and fulfill your promise." At the celebration banquet, there was endless music, singing and dancing, delicious wine and delicacies, and interlacing of toasts and chips.The beard on Li Zhi's chin was trembling happily, showing a complacent expression. He drank until the corner of his mouth was dripping, and continued to accept congratulations from the officials, drinking one cup after another.Wu Zetian tugged at his sleeve, but still ignored him, so she could only persuade: "Your Majesty, enough is enough, I'll get drunk again."

"No, no," Li Zhi burped, "I'm happy, no matter how much I drink, I won't get drunk." Ye Wu Zetian grasped Li Zhi's habits, when he was happy, he could say anything; When you are angry, you need to be gentle and comfort in many ways; if you are hesitant, you have to add a little pressure while persuading.Because he is sentimental and indecisive, and can't stand serious stimulation, when he is in a hurry, he actually plays childish temper, and even causes the old problem - dizziness and headache.Wu Zetian's heart aches for him, but also wants to control him. She often makes him excited and loses control first, and then expresses his opinions and makes requests. Nine out of ten he can achieve his goal and get what he wants.

"The country is strong and prosperous, and its territory is constantly expanding. In Shi, Mi, Shi, Da'an, Cao, Bahana, 悒怛, Shule, Zhujuban and other countries, there are 127 prefectures, counties, and prefectures. .The ministers and concubines are in the prosperous age, and fortunately met the wise king. Everything goes well, and they are extremely happy. Today, I will accompany the emperor, and I will not rest until I get drunk." she says. "Zi Tong, you also have a share of the credit." Li Zhi smiled, with a red light shining on his face, "The concubine lives in the inner palace, and did not lead troops to charge forward."

"The ancients said that when you are planning a strategy, you can win a thousand miles away. Victory after victory is inseparable from your help to take care of the overall situation and dispatch troops. For example, Su Dingfang, Qimi Heli, and Cheng Mingzhen who you value, Leading troops to fight, everyone is good." "There is still a good general who can also be of great use." "Who?" "Xue Rengui. In June of the year before last, he and Cheng Mingzhen led troops to attack Goryeo and conquered Chifeng Town. Last winter, he defeated Goryeo general Wen Shamen in Hengshan."

"I just want to conquer Goryeo and fulfill the late emperor's last wish." "Don't worry, it will happen when it happens, just wait a little bit." "Can I wait?" "That's what you love to say." "I want it, I want it." "Playing childish temper again." Wu Zetian caught a glimpse of Li Zhi's obsessed look, and knew what he wanted to do: "Okay, let's finish this drink and go back to the harem." Li Zhi drank a few more glasses of wine, staggered drunk, his body was heavy, showing a slumped posture.Wu Zetian helped him into the Temple of the Sun, changed his clothes personally, and served tea and water.Li Zhi smiled foolishly, his tearful eyes gleamed with misty light.He felt his face was a little tight, his throat was dry, his tongue was swollen, and he talked more, leaning against Wu Ze, whistling and rambling every day.Wu Zetian stretched out one hand to embrace him, and gently stroked the other hand. Seeing his face full of intoxication, a smug smile floated on his brows, kissed him a few times, and said softly: "Your Majesty, now I am so happy." The country is unified and the world is peaceful, so you might as well go back to Bingzhou for a walk, see Feng Shui, and see the local folks."

"It's icy and snowy, why go so far?" Li Zhi's tongue seemed to be wrapped in cotton, and the words rolled in his mouth. "That is the birthplace of the Tang Dynasty, so we must not forget how Jiangshan Sheji came to be." "En, um," Li Zhi replied vaguely, while rubbing Wu Zetian's chest.Wu Zetian kissed Li Zhi on the cheek, quickly removed her make-up, undressed him again, hugged each other and went to bed.The Sixteen Clothes Store returned home with a guard of honor, escorted by the Imperial Army, accompanied by officials, concubines, and eunuchs, who waited on the left and right. Li Zhi and Wu Zetian set off on a tour of Bingzhou.Along the way, the banners covered the fields, and the drum and music carts joined each other end to end, stretching for more than ten miles, like a flowing rainbow hanging from the sky, marching slowly towards the north.From Luoyang to Bingzhou, the journey is thousands of miles.Crossing the Yellow River to the north and arriving in Linfen, the imperial chariot rode up along the Shuo River of the Fen River.The sky was gloomy, the freezing clouds hung low, and the cold current from the Mongolian plateau invaded south along the Luliang Mountains.The snowflakes in the past day fluttered like goose feathers, falling to the ground one after another.The emperor's entire ceremonial team, from court officials to imperial guards, drums and flag covers, chariots and fans, and street cleaners, more than 10,000 officers and soldiers, thousands of chariots and horses, are arranged in one hundred and twenty square formations or columns. , Walking against the wind and snow, trampling the ice, snow and loess into mud.The snow was getting heavier and heavier, and Haruyuki was like a white butterfly flapping its wings, passing by the window of Yuyu's car, pounced on the front of the car, and stayed quietly on the roof of the car.The snow accumulated thicker and thicker, and when the north wind blew, it froze into a layer of ice again.Li Zhi curled up in the carriage, motionless, with no expression on his face, like a wooden man.As the schedule increased day by day, tiredness gradually surged up and filled the entire chest.The field is covered with ice and snow, and the cold is oppressive. The car door is tightly closed, and even a glance outside feels dizzy.He was not interested in this tour in the first place; especially when encountering such bad weather, it made the journey even more difficult, and his mood dropped like a leaf blown by the wind.The slender face turned into a dull iron gray, and the man swayed along the bumpy imperial chariot as if he was drunk.Wu Zetian's joy was in stark contrast to Li Zhi's depression.She is athletic, energetic, active, and fun-loving.

To her ears, the sound of horseshoes and the rattling of wheels sounded like a cheerful melody and a wave of music, soothing and rapid, melodious and inspiring, evoking a series of memories and boundless sweat Lenovo.From time to time, she raised the curtain of the car and looked out the window for a while, as if the spring breeze was blowing on her face, greedily breathing the fresh air that came in.Being imprisoned in the inner palace for many years, like a bird in a cage, living a life isolated from the world, how depressing the body and mind must be.Wu Zetian entered the palace at the age of fourteen, and went through many trials and tribulations.Through the vicissitudes of life, it was hard to get ahead and return to her hometown, relying on the spiritual encouragement given to her by her father, a samurai.The warrior Qian told her when he was dying: "When Yuan Tiangang, the astrologer, met you in men's clothing in Lizhou, he was very surprised and said earnestly: "Young master has dragon eyes, phoenix neck, sun horn and dragon face, this is Fuxi's face. If she is a girl, she will rule the world in the future." Wu Zetian firmly believed, endured humiliation, endured all difficulties, and overcome all obstacles, finally sat on the throne of empress.She did not live up to her father's upbringing and wishes, and at the same time should comfort her father's spirit in heaven.Wenshui is the hometown of the samurai Chi, who died while serving as the governor of Jingzhou. Ye Luo returned to his roots, and his coffin was transported back to Wenshui for burial.The car drove northward and arrived at Wenshui County in early February. The local officials had already prepared delicacies from mountains and seas dedicated to the emperor and empress, and carefully organized a grand reception ceremony.They were dressed in court clothes, and the gentry and common people within 30 miles gathered on both sides of the post road entering the city, waiting for their arrival.The county magistrate added to the beautification of the layout, built colorful sheds and scenic spots with silk gauze in various colors, and set up incense cases. The scene was grand and grand, with a joyous and festive atmosphere. "The emperor and the empress are here!" When the people heard the shout from the driver, they immediately fell silent and knelt on the ground in rows and piles.The dignified gentry and elders hurriedly used flints to start a fire, ignited the flax, lit incense sticks, and knelt down while holding the incense sticks. "Long live the emperor, long live, long live!" "The queen is a thousand years old, a thousand years old, a thousand years old!" The crowd cheered one after another, one after another, deafening.Wu, Zetian's heart was full of waves, filled with emotions, his blood was rushing, and a dream-like radiance appeared on his cheeks.She opened the window and waved to the subjects beside the road.Li Zhi stretched out a finger and pointed, and said teasingly: "They are all prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise their heads, and no one has seen your gesture." "Do you want to kiss me, people from my hometown." Wu Zetian's chest heaved and she was completely immersed in passion, "Wenshui is my natal family. I want to meet the local people and relatives and friends, so that I can get close to each other." "I really admire you for daring to break the tradition and find a reason." "The purpose of the parade is to understand the sentiments of the people, win over the scholars and the people, and maintain the hearts of the people." "Okay, okay, everything is up to you. I am dizzy and my bones seem to be falling apart. I just want to lie down early and let my breath rest." The royal driver stayed in Wenshui, and Li Zhi and Wu Zetian paid homage to the ancestral graves of the Wu family.They put the burning incense sticks on the graves one by one.The eunuch then set up an incense table offering sacrifices in front of the tomb of the samurai, lit the incense candles, and after Wu Zetian knelt down, he offered three glasses of wine.Li Zhi also filled three cups of imperial wine according to the etiquette, and sprinkled them one by one in front of the tombstone.Wu Zetian looked at the tombstone and said silently in his heart: Father, the second daughter Wu Zhao and today's son Li Zhi came here to pay homage to the ancestral tomb and pay homage to your old man.Finally, your daughter has lived up to your expectations, and she returned to her hometown to visit her relatives and honor her ancestors.Rest in peace, my daughter will continue to struggle to make your old man's spirit in heaven happier and fuller. I shivered, my back was like cold water pouring down, my body was hot and cold, and I fell ill.The imperial doctor diagnosed it as "one-finger typhoid fever", because when he entered the city, he stretched out a finger and pointed out the car window. He caught a cold and had to take medicine to release it and rest for a few days.Wu Zetian couldn't stay idle, took Prince Hong with him, and disguised himself as ordinary civilians, leaving only a silly brother and a little escort by his side.The four of them walked the streets and alleys together, went to the countryside and entered the village, and visited privately in micro-services.After the snow, the spring is bright and the snow on the southern slopes is beginning to melt. The bare treetops blown by the warm east wind uttered murmurs, and the footsteps of pedestrians and the chirping of frightened sparrows were all the more clear.The crows flew from the deserted winter roads to the wintering wheat fields, to the yards.The place where the sun shines is warm, but there is still a lingering chill in the shade, and there is still lingering snow.In spring, the earth is warm, and there is a faint sound of a trickle under the snow, which is as sweet as the low chirping of insects.The evaporating moisture, the smell of thawing land, and the rotten smell of rotten leaves and dead grass drifted over in bursts, but the fresh smell of willow sprouts was overwhelming.The willow branches swaying in the wind in the woods on both sides of the Valley River have become soft and shimmering with light green light waves.Wu Zetian was intoxicated by the beautiful scenery in front of him, and it seemed that there was a wave of enthusiasm in his heart, and a wave of thoughts roiled, and a poem about early plum blossoms popped out of his mouth: Spring is so early, and I don’t doubt the cold when I am alone.Afraid of falling behind all the flowers, no one cares to look.In the poem, the word "Zao" is buckled, and the words "Doubt" and "Fear" are used to express the psychological state, expressing Meihua's fortitude and determination not to be afraid of the wind and cold and her enterprising spirit not to be outdone, and embodying the poet's indomitable spirit. Innovation complex and personality charm.They were walking on the country road, Tai Zihong was very new to everything, asking this and that.An old farmer drove an ox cart past them. Seeing that Empress Wu and the little prince were tired from walking, Ding Dian stopped the ox cart, took out a small handful of broken silver from his sleeve pocket, shook it, and left He took a few grains in his palm and gave them to the old farmer, asking him to take them for a walk.After getting into the bullock cart, Wu Zetian and the old farmer started a family routine. "What's your surname, sir?" She asked softly. "Miangui's surname is Wu, and my brother ranks third. Everyone calls me Wu San." "Oh, your surname is Wu too." Wu Zetian smiled with interest, "Then, have you heard of Samurai?" "We are the main family, he belongs to the house, two generations older than me." Prince Hong tugged the sleeves of Empress Lam, with small but bright eyes, and said childishly: "The old man is two generations lower than grandpa, so he is of the same generation as me." Wu Zetian glanced at Hong'er: "Don't interrupt." "What did you say, young master?" Wu San waved his whip on the back of the bull, turned around and looked at the passengers, "You kiss Master Wu too?" "We are relatives from afar," Wu Zetian said, "my uncle and him are close relatives." "No wonder your accent is different from mine. So, you are here to visit relatives?" "Hmm." "However, there is no one in Master Wu's family in the country. His second daughter became the queen, and even the master's elder brothers, the descendants of Shi Ling, Shi Yi and Shi Rang, have all gone to be officials. Cough, one person gets the Tao , Chickens and dogs ascend to heaven, this statement seems to be true. I heard that his second daughter is very powerful, even the emperor has to listen to her." "Have you seen her?" "I saw it once." Wu San turned the bullwhip in his hand, silently said, "About twenty-five or six years ago, their mother and daughter, Yuan Qing and Yuan Shuang escorted the coffin of the master back to his hometown for burial, and the fallen leaves returned to their roots. At that time, Yuan Qing, Yuan Shuang They seem to be bullying them. They are not familiar with the place of birth. The mother and daughter are crying and crying, sad and sad, so pitiful. Hey, Hedong for 30 years, and Hexi for 30 years. Thinking of the second daughter's struggle, I should actually call her second aunt, All hardships come with rewards, and she stands out from others, honoring her ancestors. Well, now she and the emperor are returning home to visit relatives, do you know?" "What do the elders in my hometown think?" "That goes without saying, if you don't forget your roots, it's all good." "Any other explanations?" "That's another matter. Some people commented that she was too ruthless, she was too ruthless, she demoted her two elder brothers and cousins ​​to faraway places as magistrates, and died in office. Look, isn't she a bit petty, as it should be Let them stay in the capital, and let the past be the past, after all, we are a family." Wu Zetian was shocked: the farmer is simple, he said what was in his heart, but he couldn't explain the reason.Entrepreneurs should have a broad mind and embrace all rivers and rivers, and should not care about it for a long time, and pass on their grievances and grievances from generation to generation.At that time, I have to call back the descendants of my brothers, promote them, and use them, so as not to leave any excuses for others, and at the same time, I can strengthen my own power.She thought so in her heart, but said verbally: "That is the emperor's house, to prevent foreign relatives from monopolizing power." "What you said makes sense." Wu San pulled the rope leading the bull's nose with his left hand, and yelled twice: "He, He Yi" to make the bullock cart turn around. "Because the second daughter and her brothers used to have some entanglements, people's hearts are separated from each other, and I don't know what's going on in her heart, so guessing is inevitable." "You are very good at talking, sir, how many books have you read?" "Ha, I'm blind with my eyes open, I haven't been to a school, and I don't know a word." "What's your Wu surname?" "There are not many scholars. This place is bitter, with many droughts and pests. In recent years, there has been no exemption from taxes and corvees. Sometimes I can't even eat. How can I get the money to study?" "Local governments can report to the imperial court, ask for disaster relief, and ask for tax exemption." "The county magistrate doesn't know what he's busy with. We haven't seen him anyway, and he doesn't come down to check on people's conditions. Hey, we're almost home. You all go to my house to rest for a while, and then go on your way after dinner." "It's a rare trouble, you are too busy." "It's slack now, so don't bother. My daughter's pancakes are well baked, thin and fragrant, and a few bowls of soup will be made very quickly, and it won't take much time for you." Wu San spoke very sincerely, and Prince Hong was also hungry, so Wu Zetian and his party followed the car to Wu San's house.The hostess has never seen the world, and it is the daughter of the old couple, Yulan, who goes out to meet the distinguished guests.She is a girl of fourteen or fifteen years old, as white as jade, her face and hands are a little rough after being exposed to the wind and sun, but she is still rosy.Two lines of willow leaf eyebrows, a round face, the eyeballs are as black and bright as ripe grapes, appearing calm and delicate.After the guests came in and sat down, she got busy.After a while, pancakes and soup dishes were served on the food table on the hot kang.Prince Hong loved to eat pancakes, and Wu Zetian also ate them with relish. The silly brother drank two extra bowls of soup and three extra steamed buns to fill his stomach.After withdrawing from the table, Yu'er went to tea again.Seeing that Yulan was good-looking, with quick hands and feet, Wu Zetian praised Yulan in a humorous tone: "Yu'er is diligent and diligent, and she can find a good husband." Yulan seemed to be taken aback, her face flushed red.He hid behind his mother who was sitting by the back door. "She wants to go to the city, but she can't find a suitable family." Wu San said. "How about I help you find a good place?" "That's a great thing to ask for." "Stay with me?" "better." "You can trust me?" "First listen to the young master, you seem to be a generation older than me, you are from my own family." "good." Wu Zetian showed a solemn expression, "Yu'er has to call me an aunt. If you really want to, I will ask your county magistrate to pick her up tomorrow." "The magistrate listens to you?" "I will ask him to be a witness, and I will agree." Wu San's face was full of joy, and he called: "Yu'er, come and see my aunt, she wants to take you to enjoy friendship." Bo Yulan came out and blessed Wu Zetian, looking a little embarrassed, lowered his head, and stood up to Wu Zetian beside.Accompanied by Wu San, Wu Zetian and his entourage walked around the village, and only saw a private school. The schoolhouse was dilapidated. Reading Ziyue Shiyun, there is not a single female student among them.Wu Zetian frowned, feeling that this place was closed, backward, and not well developed.The masters of the county government control the harvest regardless of the planting, and do not go to the countryside to observe the people's conditions and promote advanced farming techniques. "I have to talk to Wenshui county magistrate when I go back, and give him a little pressure and motivation." Thinking of this, she asked Wu San casually: "In your place, the hostess doesn't see any guests, and doesn't she eat and drink with the guests?" "It's usually like this, I'm used to it, and I don't think there's anything wrong with it." "Beat your wife?" "hit." Wu San said plainly, "Some people are fierce, and they beat them hard." "And you?" "Don't be in a hurry, don't beat her for no reason." "You're wrong, can she beat you?" Wu San tilted his nose and rolled his eyes: "Grandma, you really know how to joke, there is no wife in the world who beats her husband." "Can't you teach me a lesson if you make a mistake?" "It's not uncommon to complain a few words, but I've never seen a husband being beaten." Wu Zeyao didn't ask any more questions.The sun was setting in the west, and she was eager to go back to see if Li Zhi's illness was getting better. She also wanted to summon the county magistrate, and told him to cherish the power of the people, lighten the corvee and reduce the tax, reward farming, build water conservancy, control floods, build schools, change customs, and benefit business. labor and develop the economy.When passing by Linfen, she saw an improved iron rake, which was very practical and effective. It saved labor and improved work efficiency. It could be moved to Wenshui and even popularized in Bingzhou.Back to Wenshui Palace, stayed for another three days.The county magistrate brought Wu Yulan here, and Wu Zetian rewarded Wu Sanwen with three hundred taels of silver and one hundred bolts of cloth.Only then did Wu San realize that she was the current empress. He was overwhelmed with surprise, knelt down on the ground, and kowtowed repeatedly to thank her.With tears in his eyes, he stammered and said: "Mother, you can't repay the great kindness you have done to my family in this life. In the next life, you will become a cow and a horse, so I will repay you well." "This is because you are good, honest and honest, and know how to behave. You are welcome. Get up." Wu Zetian waved his hand. "In the future, if anyone says that my mother and her relatives do not recognize her, I will not agree." "The mouth of a jar can be sealed, but a person's mouth can't be closed. If you have something to say, let people say it. If it is good, it is not bad, and if it is bad, it is not good." "Whoever speaks ill of the empress, I will never end with him." "Why don't you get up? Get up and talk." Wu San kowtowed again and stood up: "Yu'er, take good care of your mother, father is going back." When he stepped out of the threshold, he looked back again, and the unstoppable hot tears flowed down his wrinkled cheeks, and rolled down the grooves into his grass-like gray beard.After Li Zhi's illness improved, Wu Zetian sent an order to continue northward.Yu Jia arrived in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, where she and Li Zhi lived in the palace.The sun is warm, the ground is thawing, and the wilderness begins to shed its withered and yellow coat.All things revived, the fresh fragrance of young grass and trees, mixed with the rotten smell of dead grass and leaves rotted by snow, and the gloomy and intoxicating smell from the land, drifted away with the wind.The new green willow shoots are spotted and inconspicuous, just like what the poet described: "The willow color seeps into the light smoke." Looking at it from a distance, it is very possible to mistake it for wisps of smoke rising from the jungle.However, if you take a closer look, the rippling branches like waves have become flexible and elastic, blue and purple, full of vigor and vitality.Li Zhikai and Wu Zetian drove to the Jin Temple to pay homage to the holy relics.When Li Tang started his army from Taiyuan, the great ancestor Li Yuan once went to the temple to offer incense, praying for the gods to bless the righteous deed, and his wish was fulfilled early.The Jin Temple is located at the source of the Jinshui River at the foot of the Xuanweng Mountain, fifty miles southwest of the city. It was built in the Northern Wei Dynasty to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the second son of King Wu of Zhou.Juan Dao Yuanshui Jing commentary records: "There is Tang Shuyu Temple on the border of mountains and rivers." Jin Temple is Tang Shuyu Temple.There are two springs of Nanlao and Shanli on both sides. The Nanlao Pavilion was built during the Tianbao period of the Northern Qi Dynasty. The main source of Jinshui flows out from here. The water temperature is as hot as bath water and is crystal clear.Li Zhi and Wu Zetian walked back and forth on the Banqiao on Yuzhaoquan.Li Zhi supported the Gourail with his hand and said to Wu Zetian: "This bridge has a special shape. The plane is cross-shaped. There are Gourails around to rely on. The clear spring flows under the bridge. Do you know its name?" "Uonuma Flying Beam." Wu Zetian twitched the corner of his mouth, "Li Daoyuan said in the commentary to the Water Classic that the bridge with flying beams on the water refers to this bridge." "There are many things in the world, but I have never troubled you." "Jinci Temple can be said to be the symbol of Bingzhou. I often heard my father talk about it when I was a child, so I have a deep impression on it." They talked and walked, walked down the bridge from south to north, passed through Suihuai and Zhou Bai, and saw Baohan Pavilion in the southeast of Tang Shuyu Temple.The inscription and preface stele of Jin Temple written by Li Shimin on the 26th day of the first month of the 20th year of Zhenguan was erected in it.The stele is about six feet high, three feet six inches wide, and nine inches thick. It has a chi head on a square seat, and the forehead script is written in Feibai style. The full text is 1,203 characters in cursive script. Quite like Wang Youjun's calligraphy.The engraving is also very fine and refined, which can be said to be a masterpiece second only to Lanting Xufatie.Li Yuan, Li Shimin and his son raised troops in Taiyuan and established the Tang Dynasty.After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he created the rule of Zhenguan, and went to Jinci Temple to thank Shuyu for his kindness.The inscription praises Zong Zhou politics and Tang Shuyu's national founding strategy, and promotes the Tang Dynasty's literary and martial arts, in order to preserve the great Tang's foundation for thousands of years.Li Zhi touched the scene and said with deep emotion: "When the late emperor asked Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng and other ministers, he very much appreciated Wei Zheng's answer that it was difficult to start a business, and it was even more difficult to keep a business. He hoped that I would be an emperor." "Governing the country is like sailing against the current," Wu Zetian objected. "If you don't advance, you will retreat. If you don't keep it, you can't hold it. If you don't let go of the old and embrace the new, eliminate the disadvantages and make good, you will eventually be eliminated by history." "What standard is used to measure the advantages and disadvantages?" "Following the will of the people will prosper, and going against the will of the people will undoubtedly lead to failure. This is the pros and cons. The late emperor said well that the people are like water, and the king is like a boat. Water can carry a boat or capsize it." "No wonder you always persuade me to go out on a tour, observe the people and ask the customs." "The concubine has another idea." Wu Zetian's long eyelashes flickered, "Since we have arrived in the northern capital of Taiyuan, it is very necessary to get in touch with the subjects more to establish a good image." "You don't need to bother me about these trivial matters, you can take care of them yourself." Vertigo has plagued Li Zhi for a long time, and he is sick. He is unwilling to do more.Wu Zetian was busy, and when she was ready, she held a banquet in the palace hall to entertain relatives, old friends and neighbors in her hometown. The men's banquet was in the outer hall, and the women's banquet was in the inner hall.She only accepted the pilgrimage, and was exempted from the rest of the etiquette.Amidst the sound of music, she toasted frequently, with a happy face, a friendly and enthusiastic attitude, and distributed rewards according to different levels.Wu Zetian's special preferential treatment flattered people who had relatives and relatives, and they didn't know how to thank her.Especially the folks in Nanxu Village, Wenshui County, her hometown, praised Empress Wu for not forgetting her roots.Then, she personally drafted the edict, which was issued by Li Zhi: "Women in Bingzhou who are over 80 years old will be given the title of county lord." Junjun is an honorary title, with an official name but no actual position, but this time it is an unprecedented reward for an ordinary woman.Wu Zetian favored the people in his hometown, and at the same time improved the status of women, so he was praised by his fathers and villagers.Coincidentally, the abolished Empress Wang is also from Bingzhou. Her hometown is in Qi County, east of Wenshui. , and did not bring any glory and favor to the people.At this time, another war broke out among the three countries on the Korean peninsula.Relying on the support of the Goryeo Kingdom, the Baekje Kingdom repeatedly invaded the Silla Kingdom.The Silla Kingdom couldn't resist, and King Jin Chunqiu had to ask the Tang Dynasty for help.Li Shimin's failure to conquer Goryeo in person left a deep impression on Li Zhi's mind.However, Silla is a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty has an obligation to protect them and must send troops to rescue them.The courtiers discussed a lot, some advocated sending troops to rescue, some advocated not to move, some thought at least to intervene, and some asked for this as an excuse to conquer Goryeo and completely resolve the dispute between the Three Kingdoms.Li Zhi was at a loss and couldn't make up his mind.Wu Zetian analyzed the situation inside and outside the country, and said decisively: "Gaoli has been in trouble for a long time, and it is abhorrent to continue to provoke wars. As the saying goes, a long-term pain is worse than a short-term pain. It is better to dispatch troops to cut off Baekje first, and then Launch a full-scale attack on Korea." "Are you sure you can win?" Li Zhi was still a little uneasy. "Now the army is strong, the treasury is full, and we have a group of generals who can conquer the war. As long as we manage it well, we will win the battle." "The environment in Liaodong is harsh, with a lot of rain, muddy roads and slippery roads, and snow began to fall before winter. The first emperor's imperial conquest was not defeated, but the defeat was in the hands of the weather. There entered the cold period in August and September. The grass is dry and the water is freezing, and the rations of the army are almost exhausted, so I have to order the squadron." "You have made a point. The cold that year was earlier than usual, and it was not expected in advance. This is only one of the reasons. The other main reason is that the late emperor followed Changsun Wuji's perfect strategy and concentrated his forces to fight against the cold. An City can’t be attacked for a long time. If you divide your troops to attack Jian’an or Black Bone City, bypass An City and attack the capital Pyongyang, and win by surprise, then you will take the initiative.” "You have a lot of research on the military." "I can't talk about research, but the experience of the former emperor's Eastern Expedition, both positive and negative, has given me a lot of inspiration. In war, the commander often plays a decisive role. Three armies are easy to get, but one general is hard to find. The outcome of a war depends on How does the emperor employ people?" "To be more specific, you want to choose who will lead the army to the east." "Su Dingfang, the general of Zuowuwei, is a well-deserved handsome talent. He appointed him as the commander of Shenqiu Dao's army. The commander of the army marching along the Qiaoyi Road dispatched his own soldiers and horses to echo the Soviet army and attack Baekje." "You are so thoughtful, just settle down like this." Li Zhi and Wu Zetian returned to Luoyang from Bingzhou to renovate Baguan Palace and renamed it Hebi Palace.At that time, a rebellion broke out in the upper reaches of the Luan River in the Xi tribe. Li Zhi adopted Wu Zetian's opinion and ordered the governor of Dingxiang, Ashideshubin, the governor of Juyanzhou, Li Hezhu, and the general of Zuowuhou, Yantuo Tizhen. He led the troops to crusade, and Cui Yuqing, the Minister of the Shangshu, acted as the commander and led the three-way army.Facing the enemy three times, the Xi tribe could not resist, and soon sent envoys to ask for surrender.Wu Zetian also suggested that Li Zhi appoint Ashi Deshubin as the general manager of the sand brick road march, and attack the Khitan tribe's rebels in the upper reaches of the Liao River with a victorious army, capture the Khitan Songmo governor Yelu Abgu alive, and escort him to Luoyang.Li Zhi and Wu Zetian returned to Luoyang Palace from Hebi Palace to accept the offer of prisoners.Su Dingfang led the troops to leave the port from the northeast of Rongcheng City in the east of Chengshan, cross the Yellow Sea, and sail directly to the Korean Peninsula.The Baekje Kingdom defended the Jinjiang Estuary of the Woongjin River with heavy troops and resisted. The Tang army forced a landing. The two sides fought fiercely.Su Dingfang's troops were divided into two routes, land and water, and marched side by side at the same time, heading straight for Sibi City, the capital of Baekje.When it was more than 20 miles away from the city, the whole country of Baekje was mobilized to fight. Su Dingfang ordered the three armies to attack fiercely, smashing Baekje and beheading more than 10,000 people.The Tang army pursued and approached the outer gate of the capital.Baekje King Buyeo Yija and Crown Prince Buyeo Ryong fled to the northern border.Tang army regiments surrounded the capital.Fuyu Yici's second son, Fuyu Tai, swore to inherit the throne and led the army and the people to defend it.Fu Yulong's son, Fu Yu Wensi, discussed with the left and right officials and said: "The king and the crown prince are still alive, but my uncle rallied his troops and proclaimed himself king. Even if the Tang army can be repelled, my father and son will not be able to save their lives." "We might as well turn it back," everyone shouted in unison, "take the throne back." "The army is overwhelming and the capital cannot be protected. It is better to go out of the city and surrender." Everyone agreed.Fuyu Wensi went out across the city with his entourage and close officials, and the common people followed one after another, but Fuyutai couldn't stop him.Su Dingfang ordered his soldiers to mount the city wall and raise the flag.Fuyutai was in dire straits and lost his soul, so he had to open the city gate to plead guilty to the Tang army.Fuyu Yici and Fuyulong, as well as the city lords of the various cities, all submitted to the Tang Dynasty successively.Baekje originally had five ministries, each governing thirty-seven counties, two hundred cities, and seven hundred and sixty thousand households.Li Zhi issued an edict to merge the land of Baekje into the territory of China, set up five governor's houses including Xiongjin, and appointed their chiefs as governors and governors.Both Li Zhi and Wu Zetian were very happy with the victory of the battle.But Wu Zetian did not get carried away with joy.When she saw that the eight-year-old Prince Hong looked so young and thin, she thought of the abandoned Prince Liang Wangzhong who was ten years older than Hong.Although Zhong has been demoted to the governor of Fangzhou, she feels that it always poses a serious threat and mental pressure to Hong.As Li Zhong grew up, his heart became more and more anxious, sometimes wearing women's dresses in private to guard against assassins.又不断占卜算卦，向神灵询问吉凶。武则天得到举报，立刻转告李治，免除了李忠的官爵，贬作平民，押往黔州〔四川彭水县〕，囚禁于废太子李承乾原来的住宅中。在这栋房子里，承乾病故，长孙无忌自缢身亡。李忠自知凶多吉少，眉毛拧在一起，脸色像黄昏一样阴沉，萎蘼不振地等待着死神的降临。 李治愈想愈不是滋味，日子愈长，愈感到下手过重，听从了武则天的话，对自己的儿子也如此无情。挨到冬天，他的老毛病―眩晕头痛症一恶化了，非常痛苦，视力减退，连奏折都看不得了。自永徽五年以来，他的眩晕症时伏时起，又患风湿病，头昏、头痛、头重。去年得到长孙无忌的死讯，由于伤心过度，发病猛烈，差点晕了过去。这一次，病势更加重了，仿佛天旋地转一般，病了多日，经太医细心诊治，才有所好转。由于病未痊愈，又身体虚弱，李治不能召见群臣，即使坐朝，也是无精打采的。他的身体日益虚弱，而武则天却非常健康，精力特别旺盛。阴盛阳衰，夫妻的体质和精神状况形成了鲜明的对照。此后百司奏事，李治就让武则天裁决。武则天便以皇后的身份开始“垂帘听政”，坐在御榻右侧垂下的翠帘后面，代替李治主持朝政。李治从太子时代开始，李世民便带着他跟在自己的身边学习政务，并于贞观二十二年赐予帝范一书，教他如何君临天下，驾驭臣民。然而李治生性恬淡，好静而不好动，不愿意也不适合当政。 武则天恰恰相反，从小怀有野心，千方百计只想出人头地，又长期侍候李世民坐朝处事，见修了这门活的“政治学”，心领神会，如今运用起来，十分得心应手。以往日复一日的早朝，李治就像木偶似的端坐在御榻上，百官的奏请皆由无忌裁定，无忌之后则由执宰们提议如何处理。当他侧边有了武则天以后，气氛就显然不同了。她的态度明朗而庄重，干脆利落，语气坚定，充满了自信。百官莫不刮目相看，萌生出了一种敬畏的心理。那些为武后卖命的朝臣，如许敬宗和李义府，曾一度抱着非分之想，以为她终究是一个女人，好对付，企图在打倒禾忌之后取代无忌的地位，把持朝政。哪里知道武则天的政治眼光和判断能力简直可以和李世民媲美，驾轻就熟，挥洒自如，在她面前自觉矮了三分，魄力、魅力和毅力都逊色多了，远不如她精明干练而又深谋远虑，只能屈从于她，拜倒在其裙下。十一月，李治和武则天登洛阳宫则天门楼，接受呈献百济战俘。自百济王扶余义慈以下，全部释放。武则天一直看重苏定方，可见她富有眼力，知人善任。苏定方前后征服三国，俘虏西突厥沙钵罗可汗阿史那贺鲁、思结部落俟斤都曼，以及此次收降的百济国王扶余义慈，真是功勋卓着，不愧为可堪大任的一代名将。武则天因势利导，向李治进言道：“百济灭亡，高丽失去了盟友，唇亡齿寒，它的日子也不会好过，不如抓住战机，乘胜向高丽发动进攻。” “这些年，征战几乎没有间断，”李治犹豫不决，“军民付出了沉重的代价。朕以为最好歇一歇气，调剂一下，然后再兴师讨伐。” “如今国库充足，士气高昂，正是用兵的时候。” “你有把握打赢？” "confident." 武则天爽朗地回答道。 “联可有些把握不住。” 李治皱起了前额，“隋炀帝三次带兵攻打髙丽，最后国破家亡，身败名裂。先帝倾全国的兵力，御驾亲征，也以失败告终。” “此一时也，彼一时也。不要一朝被蛇咬，十年怕草绳。先帝是不得其时，并非不会用兵。” “高丽环境险恶，又善于防守，拖到寒冻期，就非撤军不可，劳民伤财，却照样无功而返。” “兵法说，知己知彼，百战不殆。皇上掌握了高丽的特点，就可以扬长避短，有针对性的用兵。” 武则天没有反驳李治的说法，而是在肯定的基础上进行鼓动，终于说动了李治的心。他松开了眉头，用一种探究的语气问道：“派几路大军为好？” “辽东的重镇，我们占据了不少，能够很快打开进抵鸭绿江的通道。因此，皇上可以派出四路大军：第一路，任命左骁卫大将军契宓何力当坝江道行军大总管；第二路，由左武卫大将军苏定方当辽东道行军大总管；第三路，用左晓卫将军刘伯英当平壤道行军大总管；第四路，以蒲州刺史程名振当镂方道总管。四路人马分道出击，水陆并进，互相策应。另外，还可以命令新罗出兵，配合我军行动。” “梓童考虑得真精细，你就拟旨吧，立即下达诏书。” 过了年，朝廷在黄河南北，以及淮河以南，招募新兵，结集四万四千余人，分别送往平壤和镂方行营。接着，又命鸿胪卿萧嗣业担任扶余道行军总管，率回纥等诸部兵马开赴平壤，与刘伯英会合，协同作战。二月，在涨潮的时候浮现了一长溜游动的鳄鱼，有人以为是兴风作浪的蛟龙，上奏朝廷。武则天牢牢记住了袁天纲的预言，认定龙是吉祥之物，是上天赐予她的好兆头，于是将显庆六年改元为龙朔元年。改元，在武则天的内心，还有更深层次的含义：龙代表君相，天子称作龙。而她是女人，“女龙”用什么来代表呢？“朔”是一种月相，阴性，“月”与“日”相对应。用“龙朔”相提并论，便把二者联到了一起。三月一日，李治在洛阳宫设宴招待文武百官，以及外国贵宾，观看由城门防卫大营新排练的乐舞一一戎大定乐。它的意思是一副铠甲即平定天下。舞者一百四十人，身披五色甲胄，持槊起舞。曲调出自破阵乐，歌名八紘同轨乐。舞时擂响战鼓，杂以“龟兹乐”，声振百里，气势雄壮，使人热血沸腾。李治患风眩症，听到鼙鼓声耳内嗡嗡然响，脑袋胀痛，但是玻例允许演奏，用来渲染宴会气氛，展示声威，鼓舞斗志，象征平定辽东而边隅大定。最初，苏定方征照贫济王国，留下郎将刘仁愿镇守百济首府泗沘城，又命左卫中郎将王文度当熊津都督，安抚百济余众。王文度渡海接任后去世，百济和尚道琛和将军福信聚众起兵，占领了周留城，又从倭国〔日本〕迎充当人质的王子扶余丰，拥立他当国王，把刘仁愿围困在故京都泗沘城。武则天想到了监督海运翻船而被撤职的青州刺史刘仁轨，对李治说：“海上翻船属于自然灾害，责任不完全在他本人，皇上不如让他去百济效命。” “刘仁轨到底怎么样，”李治眯缝着眼睛，“朕心里没有底。” “此人勇略兼备，可堪重用。” “暂且命他摄理带方州刺史，怎么样？” “好，就这样定下来。” 刘仁轨接到起用的诏命，喜从天降，跳起来喊叫道：“上天有眼，将富贵赐给了我这个老汉！”他统驭王文度的部众，并从近道征发新罗军，援救刘仁愿。他上任后，以州署名义向朝廷请求颁发唐朝皇历及历代帝王的名字，说：“我要扫平东夷，使海外都使用中国年号。” 刘仁轨治军严明整肃，辗转作战，所向无敌。百济反抗军在熊津江锦江口建立两道栅栏，刘仁轨与新罗军从两面夹攻，大破百济，百济被杀死及淹死一万余人。道琛接到败报，连忙解除泗沘的包围，退守任存城。新罗军粮草耗尽，只得撤退回国。道琛自称领军将军，福信自称霜岑将军，招集兵马，势力迅速膨胀。刘仁轨兵少，进人泗沘城跟刘仁愿会师后，按兵不动，休整士卒。李治命新罗出军，新罗国王奉命调遣大将金钦领兵增援泗沘，进抵古泗，被福信截击，战败，从葛岭道逃回本国，不敢再出。一山难容二虎，福信不久杀死道琛，掌握了百济的兵权。武则天调度有方，征战进行得颇顺利，李治放下心来了，驾临合璧宫避暑。武则天的母亲荣国夫人杨氏和姐姐韩国夫人武艳，以及武艳的子女都跟过来了。春暮夏初，百花吐艳，蜂飞蝶舞，南山花放北山红，慷慨地散布着芬芳的气息。这时候，天空是那样的碧蓝，阳光是那样的明媚，杂花生树，飞鸟穿林，树木仿佛都被自身的旺盛的汁液泡壮了。缠绕树干的葛藤也披上了绿色的新装，不断地往枝梢上爬。武则天和姐姐武艳在苑内的林荫道上散步，显得很是悠闲。 她身穿綉彩辉煌的黄单衫，下着品绿散花长施裙。随着莲步轻移，腰上的环佩丁丁当当。此时她正踌躇满志，神釆焕发，周正的脸蛋犹如中秋满月，肤色似鲜奶般洁白，体态风骚，珠辉玉映，恍若月里嫦蛾临凡。武艳的仪容大体和妹妹相仿，白皙俏丽的脸，大大的眼睛，她和武则天一样长着一头光滑乌青的头发，发髻间松松地结了一条花绉绸带，髻根斜插着玳瑁簪子，还贴着一朵粉红色绢花。她身量高挑，比妹妹苗条些，姿态秀逸，犹如晶莹皎洁的白玉兰。武则天蓦然发现她衣下那对隐约可见的乳房似乎比以前鼓胀了许多，丰满而富于弹性，一起一伏地抖动着。那石榴般殷红的嘴唇滋润润的，两角微微上翘，笑起来宛然一钩弯月，露出几分大胆的甚至是厚颜无耻的风情，一边哼着乐府子夜四时歌中的春歌：杜鹃竹里鸣，梅花落满道。燕女游春月，罗裳曳芳草。这首描绘女子春游的诗，前两句叙述春日景色的优美，为出游点染氛围。后两句表现出游的情状，一个“曳”字，把游女轻盈畅快的形态刻画得惟妙惟肖，同时又巧妙地反映出了留连忘返的陶醉心情。风一阵阵地吹得树叶簌簌作响，桃园遍地狼藉的落英，像是铺满了璀灿珍珠似的花床。背阳处几棵树上，还点缀着片片残瓣，如同彩蝶在颤动翅膀翩翩飞舞。黄鹂双双绕树戏逐，互相唱和，婉转的歌喉清脆而悠扬，恰似行云流水般动瞬。雌鸟的羽毛黄中带绿，雄鸟通体金黄，只有翼和尾呈黑色，像是镶嵌了一条黑边。它们飞得快捷，辉黄的羽体在绿丛中波浪式的穿行，宛若金光闪烁，转瞬即逝。霍然一群黄鹂“呼”地腾空而起，星星点点，好比节日里绽开在天空中的黄灿灿的礼花，分外光彩夺目。武则天触景生情，随口吟咏道：长条披拂地，清溪映日华。绿葵向光转，微风燕飞斜。莺啼声声啭，禁苑飞落花。垂野青青草，虫鸣透窗纱。武艳心里咯噔了一下，偷偷吐了吐舌头：“妹妹，看来你有心事啊。” “知我者，姐姐也。” 武则天鼻孔里哼了哼，刹住了。 “托妹妹的福，如今乐享荣华富贵，姐姐心里明白，不会做出伤害妹妹的事来。” “但愿姐姐说到做到，不要出尔反尔，那就谢天谢地了。” 武则天话语含蓄，但带有明显的警告色彩，武艳早就听出来了。她俩在娘家做女时一起生活了十多年，姊妹自然互相了解。武则天从小就很有个性，恩怨分明，敢于下手，谁惹怒了她，决不会轻饶，不下手则已，一下手不死也叫你脱层皮。武艳瞟见她那双凤眼中闪动的冷峻的光芒，不禁打了个寒颤，全身的汗毛跟着竖了起来。妹妹察觉了她与皇上的隐私，而且敲响了警钟，她不得不严格控制自己，少跟李治接触，不再犯禁。李治和武则天都把注意力集中到了征战上面，又任命任雅相当视江道行军总管，契宓何力当辽东道行军总管，苏定方当平壤道行军总管，与扶余道总管萧嗣业，及诸胡兵马，共三十五军，分海陆两线，同时向朝鲜半岛进发。进入秋季，苏定方在观江击破高丽兵，连战连捷，包围了其国都平壤。高丽王国莫离支执政官盖苏文，派遣他儿子盖男生率精兵数万人防守鸭绿江，唐军不能渡过。契宓何力到达时，恰遇天气突变，朔风怒吼，江水结冰封冻。何力率部踏冰过江，擂响战鼓，呼喊着登岸冲杀，击溃敌军，追赶数十里，斩首三万级。高丽残余部众全部投降，盖男生仅逃出一命。唐朝各军陆续过江，准备进兵平壤，跟苏定方会师，可是接到了朝廷撤军的命令。李世民曾经对李治说过：“征战辽东，要特别注重寒冻期，避免进退两难，三军陷人困境。” 李治没有实战经验，坐在朝廷瞎指挥，丧失了一次获胜的大好机遇。冬十月，李治前后到陆浑和非山狩猎，然后返回了洛阳宫。这时候，回纥部落酋长药罗葛婆闰去世，侄儿药罗葛比粟毒接管了他的部众，与同罗部落、仆固部落联合，侵犯唐朝北方边境。武则天力主反击，坚持说：“回纥趁我对高丽用兵，纠结同罗、仆固骚扰北边，决不能让他得逞，必须狠狠打击，使他知道厉害。” “由谁挂帅？”李治问道。 “左武卫大将军郑仁泰，去年秋天讨伐思结、拔也固、仆骨和同罗四部落，他三战三捷，追赶一百余里，斩杀他们的酋长后班师，打出了威风。就任命他担任铁勒道行军大总管，燕然都护刘审礼和左武卫将军薛仁贵担任副大总管，鸿胪卿萧嗣业当仙萼道行军总管，右屯卫将军孙仁师当副总管，领兵出征。” 武则天视野开阔，精明果决，而且善于思考，大胆用人。自从亲自处理政事以来，她常常回忆起当年侍候李世民的情景。李世民雄韬大略，驾驭朝政得心应手，游刃有余，她暗暗留心，学到了许多有益的知识。遇事时，她常常设想一下：要是太宗在世的话，他会如何处理？在这种假设和构想的背后，还隐藏着一些难言的情感，时而油然而生一种敬意，时而感到苦涩，时而不寒而栗。她在刚人宫时是那样的受宠爱，后来一下打入了十八层地狱，在严密的监视下讨生活，历经九磨十难，磨炼了她的意志，增长了智谋和应变能力。但她从来不甘寂寞，不愿意屈居人下，喜欢标新立异，独具一格，如今大权在握，连当今天子也在她的掌握之中，她决计打破历代帝王的成规旧俗，进行一番改革，干出几桩轰轰烈烈的事业。龙朔二年二月，武则天策划改订了朝廷班子的名称：门下省改称东台，中书省改称西台，尚书省改称中台；侍中改名左相，中书令改名右相，仆射改名匡政，左右丞改名肃机，尚书改名太常伯，侍郎改名少常伯。其余二十四司、御史台、九寺、七监、十六卫，都以其实际含义更改了名称，但是职任不变。武则天相信文字的魔力，也亏她想出来，改变官署和职位的名称，好像给人耳目一新的感觉。这其中，还包藏着一个大阴谋，稍有历史常识的人都知道，篡汉的王莽也曾经玩弄过改革官名的把戏。李治似乎也有所觉察，但又说不出口，只能深埋在心底。此时东方、北方和西方都在打仗，无暇他顾，把目光和精力都集中投向了远方的战场上。左骁卫将军、白州剌史、沃沮道总管庞孝泰，跟高丽军在蛇水朝鲜半岛合井江会战，大败，庞孝泰和他的儿子十三人全都战死。苏定方包围平壤，久攻不下，又遇上倒春寒，漫天大雪，坚持不下去了，自动解围，撤了回来。郑仁泰的兵马进到了天山阿尔泰山，孤胆英雄薛仁贵又是一马当先。铁勒九姓听说唐军到来，集结十余万人马抗扭。郑仁泰与薛仁贵商议对策。薛仁贵若有所思之后，说：“铁勒人马虽多，却是临时联合起来的。我军远道而来，利在急战。倘若迁延日月，形成对垒之势，等到粮草不敷，那样就被动了。” “将军可有破敌的良计？”郑仁泰挣眼望着薛仁贵。 “先打他个下马威，然后乘胜追击。” “你从正面进攻，我去抄他的后路。” 薛仁贵传令本部人马鼓噪而进。铁勒排成阵势迎战。三通鼓罢，薛仁贵银盔银甲，锦袍玉带，立马阵前。铁勒精选数十名健壮的勇士挑战。薛仁贵从背上摘下宝雕弓，连射三箭，击毙三人，其余的人大惊失色，下马投降。铁勒将士惊奇得石头般愣愣地呆在那儿，半晌才回过神来，手忙脚乱地后撤。薛仁贵带领三军穷追不舍，越过漠北，追击铁勒余部，俘虏叶护亲王兄弟三人而回。军中高唱凯歌：“将军三箭定天山，壮士长歌入汉关。” 据守天山的思结和多滥葛等部落，自动放下武器，向唐军投降。郑仁泰等却挥师攻击，掠夺他们的家产犒赏将士。各部落竟相远遁，将军杨志奉命追赶，被他们打败。骑兵斥候回营禀报郑仁泰说：“敌人的辎重就在附近，再往前走，就可掳获。” “到手的财帛，大家愿不愿意去取？”郑仁泰问身边的将领。 “总管下令吧”众将表露出感兴趣的样子，“我们绝对服从。” 郑仁泰率领一万四千名轻装骑卒，日夜兼程赶路，跨越浩瀚的碎石沙漠地带，一直寻到仙萼河色楞格河，没有看见敌人的踪影，而粮食巳经吃光，只得掉转马头往回走。天壁阴沉沉的，一片青灰色。西北风夹带着寒流席卷而来，雪愈下愈大，愈来愈稠密，密密层层的，近处尚能辨出雪花，稍远―点，只见白