Chapter 31 Chapter Thirty-One

Do good things come in pairs, or do misfortunes never come singly?Then someone presented a three-legged ox, and the prime ministers once again entered the court to congratulate.Wang Qiuli wrinkled his forehead and said loudly, "Anything that is abnormal is considered a monster. The appearance of the three-legged bull is a sign that the Sangong has no suitable candidates and that politics and religion have not been implemented." "Wang Qing, you really dare to speak out!" "It is the duty of a minister to speak out and speak out." Wu Zetian's face seemed to be covered with a veil of melancholy, and his mood suddenly became heavy. He waved his hands and retreated.At this time, the brothers Wu Sansi and Zhang Yizhi were in power, and Wei Anshi repeatedly confronted them face to face.A banquet was held in the Inner Palace, and Zhang Yizhi brought in a few people including Song Bazi, a wealthy businessman from Bashu and Sichuan, and huddled together to gamble, shouting and shouting.Wei Anshi knelt in front of Wu Zetian and said: "Merchants are low-ranked, so they are not qualified to attend banquets in the palace."

"Oh..." Wu Zetian pursed her lips, but said nothing.Without the emperor's permission, Wei Anshi urged the left and right guards to drive the merchant away.The lively atmosphere came to an abrupt end, and suddenly became tense, the air was stiff like a stone, and everyone's breathing was difficult, as if a storm was about to come.Let the rich merchants attend the banquet, the emperor not only acquiesced, but also opened his eyes to appreciate their happy scene.Wei Anshi chose to displease her and openly challenged her, would he be tolerated?Er Zhang also thought that Wu Zetian would get angry and Wei Anshi would peel off his skin even if he didn't die, so as to vent the grievances accumulated in their hearts.After waiting for breath after breath, Wu Zetian calmed down and comforted Wei Anshi with good words, encouraging him to speak out and remonstrate, and everyone present admired him in admiration.

Wu Zetian was so tolerant to the point of weakness that no one could help but be surprised.After Di Renjie's death, Wu Zetian seemed to have lost her spiritual support, disheartened, with a dazed look on her face, dull, tired and old day by day.Er Zhang was domineering in the harem and began to interfere in politics.Maybe they are too naive, maybe they have extravagant hopes, maybe they get carried away, and they don't know how fragile it is to survive by relying on the emperor's favor.They were unpopular and helpless, and few courtiers sympathized with them. On the contrary, they were full of disgust and stared at them with hatred.Chao Gang is sluggish, becoming more and more lazy.Some people tried to break this depressed situation, replace with fresh blood, or change the environment, so that the emperor's inner call to give way to the prince became public.Su Anheng of the Harem Art Museum boldly said in an attitude of "going all out": "It has been twenty years since your Majesty ascended the throne at the behest of Emperor Gaozong, and at the resignation of Huang Sidan. Hasn't Your Majesty heard the story of Emperor Shun lifting up his clothes and leaving the throne, and Zhou Gongdan returning to King Cheng? Now that the crown prince has reached his prime, letting him take the throne and manage the country is no different from His Majesty personally presiding over it. Your majesty is respected in years and virtues, he will be tired of the throne, the government affairs are heavy, and the sacred heart seems to be overwhelmed, why don't you pass the throne to the East Palace and rest in the holy body."

After Wu Zetian read the memorial, there was a wave of turmoil in her heart. She didn't want to give up power, but she felt obvious pressure.No wind, no wave.There was no discussion among the courtiers, and the eunuchs in the palace would not have such a bold response.As the saying goes, there is no right and wrong in person.Besides, he is a half-masculine person, which is pitiful enough in itself.Taking a flawed internal official under the knife happened to fall into their tricks, which shows that I dare not face the reality and have a small family spirit.Instead of killing him, it's better to let him go one by one.

Wu Zetian summoned Su Anheng in Tongming Hall, gave him wine and food, comforted him with kind words, and sent him back to the hall.The practice hall was under the jurisdiction of the Yeting Bureau. In the early Tang Dynasty, it was called the Inner Literature Hall. One of the eunuchs who were familiar with classics and history was selected as a bachelor, and several assistants were taught to teach the palace people literacy, reading, calligraphy, painting, music and other arts. When Wu Zetian was frustrated as a talented person, he also went to the library to read classics and history and learned calligraphy.In the first year of Ruyi in the Zhou Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian renamed the Literature Hall as the Learning Art Hall, expanded the scale and teaching content, increased the number of doctors in internal teaching to 80, and the official rank was lowered from the ninth rank.Most of the courtiers looked down on the internal officials, they were "castrated" half-lazi people, and they were unwilling to get close to them.

Wu Zetian did the opposite, raising their social status, accepting their memorials, and treating them as Shangqing.The courtiers were all baffled, as if they had fallen into a fog. It was rare for the emperor to be so enlightened and magnanimous.Did she figure it out, or did she have other plans?Wu Zetian's excellence lies in her delicacy and foresight, predicting things like a god, calculating accurately and reliably, being wild and calm, cruel and benevolent, grand and strict, alternately and freely.Su Anheng ants shook the big tree, she laughed it off and let him go.Persuading her to give in, that is whimsical, the imperial power is in his hands, and he will not let go at any time.

Both the Wu and Li families are her blood relatives, but one mountain cannot contain two tigers. In order to prevent their intrigue and riots, she has already taken preventive measures to make them marry each other and share their crotch, which is harmful to others. It is better to live in peace and coexist for a long time if you lose yourself.When Princess Taiping remarried, she chose Wu Youxi.Prince Xian's eldest daughter, Princess Xindu, married Chen Wang Wu Yanhui.Prince Xian and Concubine Wei's favorite girl Bao'er, Princess Anle, was directly connected by her and married Wu Sansi's second son Gaoyang Wang Wu Chongxun.On September 8th of the first year of Jiushi, Prince Xian's seventh daughter Xianhui, princess of Yongtai County, married Wu Chengsi's eldest son, Wu Yanji, king of Wei.The two formed a marriage, and they lived in peace, and their contacts became closer.Prince Xian and Concubine Wei's eldest son Shao Wang Chongrun had a good relationship with Princess Yongtai since he was a child. He was the same Geng as Wu Yanji and both were nineteen years old.Young people, full of vigor and the eldest son, have a sense of superiority and are more concerned about the dynamics of the court.Wine is something to add to the fun, three glasses talk too much, and three glasses are nothing.At one end of the wine glass, happiness is a fairy.Princess Yongtai was pregnant and didn't dare to drink, so she had to use tea instead of wine to accompany her.After three glasses of wine, Yanji and Zhongrun's faces were flushed red, and their eyes became teary and blurred.

"Acacia dancing is fashionable now," Yanji smacked his lips, and said while drinking and eating, "Brother, do you want to see it?" "Look." Chong Run became a little drunk and slurred his speech.Xian Hui gave her husband a blank look, and stopped her and said, "You are obscene, don't let your elder brother see it." "What are you afraid of?" Chongrun drew an arc in the air with one hand, "Grandma and Er Zhang are still watching striptease." "Grandmother is the emperor, she can do whatever she likes." "Er Zhang, those two brats, why are you messing around in the court?"

"Just rely on the lifeblood they brought from the mother's womb." There was a hint of sneer at the corner of Yanji's mouth. "I'm going to cut off their..." "Walls have ears," Xianhui reminded, "Speak softly, speak when you should, and don't speak when you don't." "Mr. Mo interrupted." Chongrun shrugged his eyebrows. "I'm the same as you, and I can't understand those two lucky people. It's just... I'll settle the score with them at that time." "Yes, yes, big brother, Xianhui is right, don't say anything for now, and make a move when it's time to do so."

Er Zhang urged Wu Zetian to recall him back then, Wu Chengsi lost hope of becoming a prince, died of depression, and had a grudge with the Wu family.When Xian became the crown prince, not only did they not agree, but they regarded themselves as benefactors and elders, put on airs, and offended Xian.Er Zhang doesn't know how to be a human being, and now he is not a human being inside and out, but he is still self-righteous and determined to go his own way. The words of Wu Chongrun, Wu Xianhui and Wu Yanji quickly reached Er Zhang's ears.Shocked, they gritted their teeth, determined to rule the people first, angered Wu Zetian, and killed the chicken for the monkey to suppress the arrogance attacking them.

"Your Majesty, King Shao and King Wei, and Princess Yongtai, they scolded you and scolded us together." "How did you scold?" "We scolded so much that we couldn't speak." Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong played tricks. "Say." "They called the emperor an old goblin, an unruly slut, and called us donkey heads and whores." "anything else?" "That's even more vicious. Three people swore to kill us." "Okay, I want to kill me!" Wu Zetian's eyes spit fire, "I'll kill them first and show them." After a burst of rage, she ordered Shangguan Wan'er to draw up an order to bestow the death of Shao Wang Wu Chongrun, Yongtai Princess Wu Xianhui, and Wei Wang Wu Yanji on charges of slandering the emperor.Joong-run and Yeon-ki hanged themselves in their respective palaces.Xianhui couldn't bear such a severe mental blow, her fetus became gassy, ​​and she died of dystocia.Er Zhang seems to have achieved his goal, but in fact, the opposite is true, and people's resentment and anger are concentrated on them.The Son of Heaven is the one who bears the mandate of heaven and is sacred and inviolable.The same is true for Prince Xian's family and Wu Zetian's family, because when it comes to loyalty and filial piety, Wu Zetian is also left alone.Both inside and outside the court regarded Er Zhang as a treacherous minister on the side of the emperor. The silent censure and resistance became more and more intense, and even Wu Zetian was deeply disturbed.She is a person who never regrets, never advances and never retreats.This time, she felt a little regretful, her heart was covered with a cloud, and the figures of Zhong Run and the other three kept swaying in front of her eyes, coming and going like a revolving lantern.She is determined to adjust her mentality, stabilize her emotions, and achieve a new balance by changing the environment.On October 3, Wu Zetian left Luoyang, where she had stayed for more than 20 years, and drove back to Chang'an.Inspiring teachers and mobilizing people, the imperial court also came to a big relocation.Prior to this, the imperial edict to travel to Chang'an had been issued, and the guard of honor, chariots, chariots, official uniforms, etc. had been prepared.Wei Juyuan and Li Qiao were ordered to serve as the principal and deputy of Luoyang, the capital of the gods.On the 22nd, under the escort of a grand guard of honor with thousands of rides and thousands of riders, Wu Zetian led the palace family and civil and military officials into the western capital Chang'an.Issue an edict to pardon criminals all over the world.The year name was changed to the first year of Chang'an. Wu Zetian settled in Hanyuan Palace, and restored Hanyuan Palace to its old name Daming Palace.Back in Chang'an, where she had not seen for a long time, Wu Zetian's mood changed, her spirits were refreshed, her face was full of vigor, and her unique pride in her own body filled her whole body.As the saying goes, everything is human.She first started from rectifying the administration of officials, focusing on discovering and appointing talents.Cui Xuanyi, the Minister of Heavenly Officials, has an upright temperament and never pays homage to high officials in power. The dignitaries hate him and change him to be the Zuo Cheng of Wenchang.More than a month later, Wu Zetian summoned Cui Xuanbei and said to him enthusiastically: "Since the Qing government was changed, I heard that your subordinates, Ling and Shi, had a dinner party to celebrate. Reinstated." "The minister doesn't know the world, and the relationship between the superior and the superior has not been handled well." Cui Xuanbei answered honestly. "You are honest, upright, and loyal. I trust you and I want to reward you." Wu Zetian re-appointed Cui Xuanpi as the official servant, and rewarded him with seventy pieces of colored silk and satin.The officials of the Tianguan Ministry knew that they had shown their feet, restrained their greed, and did not dare to practice favoritism.The imperial court changed its view of Cui Xuanyi and regarded him as a model of honesty and integrity.The great enemies of the Zhou Dynasty have always been Tubo and Turks.Since the civil strife, Tubo's national strength has declined, and it has not launched a large-scale attack.But it is the same as the Turks, local harassment is frequent, the border is not peaceful, and the people suffer greatly. Many people move their families to the interior, and some pastures and fields are abandoned. Wu Zetian did not have the ambition to expand her territory outwards, not because she lacked great talent and general strategy, but mainly because the gains outweighed the benefits of militarism, even for emperors as powerful as Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty and Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, the consequences were not ideal.Di Renjie's opposition to the war also had a certain influence on her.But the tree wants to be quiet but the wind doesn't stop.The imperial court moved to Chang'an, and Tubo and Turks invaded Liangzhou wantonly, which aroused Wu Zetian's anger.She boldly used Guo Yuanzhen, and was promoted by the host and guest doctor to be the governor of Wuwei City, Gansu, Liangzhou, and also the ambassador of the armies west of Longshan in Longyou.Before that, the north and south borders of Liangzhou were only more than 400 miles apart. The Turkic Khanate army and the Tubo Kingdom army often appeared suddenly under the city of Liangzhou for several years, burning, killing and looting.Guo Yuanzhen lived up to expectations. At the beginning of his tenure, he visited the army and civilians in depth, surveyed the terrain, built Herong City in the southern border of Kipkou and Gulang County in Gansu Province, guarded the main roads, and expanded the border between the north and the south by 1,500 miles.Since then, Turkic and Tubo soldiers and horses can no longer come to the state to harass.Guo Yuanzhen also ordered Li Hantong, the governor of Zhangye City, Ganzhou, Gansu, to cultivate land, develop water conservancy, and promote farming.In the past, millet and wheat in Liangzhou were worth thousands of dollars per dendrobium. After Li Hantong recruited people to reclaim the land, a bolt of fine silk could be exchanged for tens of dendrobiums of millet and wheat, and the accumulated military rations could be used for decades.Guo Yuanzhen was very good at appeasing the people, commanding the army and horses. He served in Liangzhou for five years. Both the Han people and the barbarians respected and loved him.After the founding of the past dynasties, they have moved from martial arts to cultural governance, emphasizing literature over martial arts.From Tang to Zhou, it was still the same.Since the Sui Dynasty, there have been only literary examinations in the imperial examinations, but no military examinations.However, foreign invasions have never stopped, and they are used to it. Relaxing their arms often leads to passive beatings. Wu Zetian felt that it was necessary to change this traditional concept, to promote both civil and military affairs, and especially to arouse the spirit of martial arts at present, so he issued an imperial decree, set up military exercises, and opened up a way for military officers to improve. There are seven subjects in the martial arts examination: 1. Target shooting: if thirty arrows do not pass the third target ring, it is considered a pass. Those who hit the center of the bull's-eye are superior, those who hit the second ring are inferior, and those who shoot at the third target Those outside the ring are inferior.2. Mounted archery: archery on horseback, all the hits are high-grade, some hits and misses are medium-grade, and all misses are low-grade.3. Carbine: Riding on a horse and stabbing with a spear, hitting the target more than three times is superior, hitting the target more than twice is inferior, hitting only one time or not hitting the target once is inferior.4. Foot shooting: Walking archery, the one that hits the grass man's throat is the first class, and the one that hits the target for too long, or fails to hit the target within the specified time, is the second class.5. Appearance: The height is more than six feet and about one meter, the facial features are correct, and the bearing is imposing, which is first-class, and the rest is second-class.Sixth, speech: articulate, fluent in answering, full of wisdom and strategy, it is superior, otherwise it is inferior.7. Lifting the pass: weightlifting, with a fir wooden bar with a length of 1 zhang 7 chi and a diameter of 3 and a half chi, if you lift it more than five times in a row, it will pass, and if you lift it more than ten times, it will be regarded as the first class. , the front hand distance is not limited.In addition to the above seven subjects, there are nine discipline requirements: five talents: knowledge must not be confused, clarity must not be concealed, trust must not be deceived, honesty must not be cheap, and straightness must not be twisted.Four righteousnesses: Forget home on the day you receive an order, forget your relatives on the day you go out, forget your master when Zhang Jun drums and sleeps, and forget your body when you give up and fight.Civilians are selected by the county and state levels. Those who pass the state examination are eligible to go to Beijing for reference. The serving military officers are directly compared by the Xia Guanbing Department.The second year of Chang'an?On the 17th day of the first lunar month, Empress Wu Zetian held the first martial arts examination in Chinese history in the Forbidden Garden in Chang'an with the spirit of development and innovation.The sun for a few days brought some warmth, the severe winter cold began to recede, and the snow was slowly melting.The plausible New Year quietly slipped into the forbidden garden, slipped into the frozen ground, on the branch of the locust tree stretched out like an arm, and the snow dripped down.The hibernating animals have not yet woken up, and a little bit of greenery is faintly emerging from the brown flower dock, bringing a burst of vitality.It is getting fresher every day, as if the goddess Sichun has visited this place with a radius of two hundred miles, leaving her bright figure and footprints.The snow had not yet melted, and there was still some snow on the shady hillsides, and purple ear-shaped primroses, yellow lilies, and pansies with goldfish eyes were poking their heads out of the damp grass.Around them, in the gaps between the melting snow, the loess seems to be breathing there with its mouth open, and everywhere you can smell the smell of decayed grass and leaves with the smell of permafrost.The morning mist dissipated, and the floating clouds split into small curled up clouds. The sky was as clear as a piece of blue paper, with a golden sun embedded in the east.Under the sunlight, the buildings in the martial arts venue in the garden are radiant and resplendent.From Yuewutai to the outside of the South Gate Tower, along both sides of the imperial road, there are guards of honor of the emperor, namely the Fajialu Book, magnificent and majestic.At the beginning of Fajia Lubo is the Huanglong Huagai, which is set in the middle of Danbi outside the gate of Yuewutai.This is a special crank umbrella, its function seems to be the shadow of the emperor.When Wu Zetian ascended to the throne at the martial arts parade, the deacon immediately opened the umbrella. When the civil and military officials and military officials standing on the martial arts field saw this signal, they all knelt down on the ground and saluted, shouting long live.The audience from top to bottom suddenly became active, full of jubilation and unprecedented excitement. According to the test subjects, the Wu Juren competed nervously and orderly one by one.After more than half a year, there were 3,000 martial arts candidates and more than 100 martial arts candidates across the country.The first champion is a strong man from Shandong named Xu Jianye.He is strong and strong, Kong Wu has supernatural power, can draw a bow of ten stone strength, and can walk a hundred steps with a weight of five dendrobium rice, without panting for a long time.Eighteen kinds of martial arts, proficient in every piece.But there is not much scheming, little promise, and will not be reused in the future.Di Renjie's grandson had hoped to be the number one scholar, but because his father Di Jinghui did not live up to expectations, he was only admitted as a Wu Jinshi.Di Renjie served as the governor in Weizhou (Daming County, Hebei Province), and he was very virtuous. The people built a living temple for him, that is, when people are still alive, they are made into statues, burned incense and worshiped, and prayed for blessings. The house is called the Sheng Temple .Di Jinghui joined the army as Weizhou Sigong, corrupted and abused the people of the state, and the angry people destroyed the temple and the statue of Di Renjie.This time, there was no essay test in the martial arts examination, and it was not until later generations that the liberal arts test was conducted after the martial arts examination.However, candidates are often not good at literature, and the examiner has to be a little sloppy, and it is difficult to meet the expected requirements.Especially in actual combat, the military imperial examinations and ranks did not play a significant role, and the court lost confidence in this.Until the nineteenth year of Kaiyuan, Tang Minghuang Li Longji took another martial arts exam, and the winner was sent to the Ministry of War for an official.During the Five Dynasties, all soldiers were generals.This move was interrupted for a long time.The Northern Song Dynasty became popular again, and it continued intermittently until the Qing Dynasty before it came to an end.As the saying goes, three armies are easy to get, but one general is hard to find.As a military commander, he must be familiar with classics and history, read "Sun Tzu" and other military books, be proficient in the art of war, use the six secrets and three strategies freely, and also understand astronomy and geography, control the troops, calculate and plan, and predict the enemy like a god.Therefore, relying on outstanding martial arts alone, the highest one can only be a general, and it is far from enough to be the commander-in-chief of the three armies.The Tang Dynasty, including the Wu Zhou Dynasty, adopted the principle of "going out of the generals and entering the prime minister". When the court sent troops to conquer, the prime minister was usually in command.Nothing happened recently, Wu Zetian was in a good mood, and brought Er Zhang, Wan'er and others to Qingsi Hall for fun.The Hall of Qingsi is located near the east wall of Daming Palace, adjacent to Taiye Pond in the north, with a quiet environment and luxurious architecture, as well as a stage, orchestra pit and polo field.Looking north at Taiye Pool in summer and autumn, the water surface is fragrant with lotuses and reeds, reeds form arrays on the sandbar, groups of sandpipers and egrets hunt by the pool, and mandarin ducks and cormorants play and haunt.There are rows of willows on the shore, luxuriant grasses, and the Taiye Pavilion with golden roof and vermilion eaves stands on the top of Penglai Mountain.At this time, the ground had just thawed, and the grass and trees took off their withered yellow coats and spit out green shoots. The bare branches of the sycamore trees were still trembling in the cold wind.The monarchs and ministers had nowhere to go, so they sat around the fire in the hall, gambling and reciting poems. Wu Zetian drank a few more cups, and his head felt a little dizzy.Gao Yanfu gently pushed open a ventilation window, and the fresh fragrance filled the hall.Zhang Changzong got up and walked to the window, and saw a few plum blossoms outside, which were in full bloom, and magpies were chirping on the branches.He smiled and said to Wu Zetian happily: "A magpie holds a plum, your majesty, it's a good omen." "Plum blossoms welcome the spring," Wu Zetian burped drunk, "Spring is coming, let's go to the imperial garden to enjoy the flowers." "It's early spring, and the flowers haven't sprouted buds yet." "I am ordered by the heavens, and I have a hundred spirits to help me. I think that Fairy Baihua will not make things difficult." Wu Zetian got drunk and was so excited that she carried the crowd to the Royal Garden.The sun is warm and everything is flourishing. There is a moist, fresh and sweet smell in the air.However, everything seemed to be just waking up. There were crystal drops of water dripping from the tip of the rockery, and a layer of light color was added to the ground. It was as cool as an oasis in the desert, showing a sense of vitality.The tender yellow of the branches reveals the news of spring, the vegetation sprouts, buds bloom and leaves bloom.The vines have become flexible, decorated with light yellow stripes, and swaying in the wind.Except for winter jasmine, narcissus, geranium, saffron, and snow lotus, other flowers have just recovered.Gao Lishi and King Kong walked into the imperial garden from Shanglin Garden, and knelt down and said: "The slaves have informed all the flower fairies that the sage is going to enjoy the flowers. It seems that they have to wait for a while for them to prepare." "How long will it take to prepare?" Wu Zetian asked. "At least three to five days." Gao Lishi was clever, and made up a fairy tale at will, "It seems that there is some flower king, and the flower fairy has to go to heaven to ask her permission." "No. I am eager to see the flowers, so here is an imperial decree, and you will take it to Shanglin Garden to announce the theft. Wu Zetian ordered the pen and ink to wait for her, so she spread gold paper on the stone table in the square pavilion, and wrote a "Poem of Promoting Flowers" with a pen: "Tomorrow, you will visit the garden, and you will know the spring as soon as possible: the flowers will grow overnight, don't wait for the dawn." the wind blows.Shangguan Wan'er used the imperial treasure, and King Kong and Gao Lishi took it to Shanglin Garden to read it out, and then burned it in front of the Flower God.In the early morning of the next day, Wu Zetian woke up, after washing and grooming, she suddenly remembered the matter of writing a poem in a poem the day before, and felt that she was absurd after drinking, and she should not show off.Just when she was feeling helpless, the eunuch of Shanglinyuan Sihua came to report excitedly: "My Majesty, all the flowers in Shanglinyuan bloomed in a spring breeze overnight. They are colorful, in various poses and with different expressions, especially bright and eye-catching." "Wonderful, wonderful, it seems that the flowers and plants also obey my control, and dare not disobey the imperial edict." Empress Wu Zetian smiled, ordered a large banquet, and all civil and military officials went to Shanglin Garden to drink and enjoy flowers.Stepping into the garden gate, you can already smell the rich fragrance.Looking around, I saw all kinds of flowers blooming one after another, vying for beauty.Narcissus is ice-clear, jade-clean and hibiscus light as gauze, yellow and clear, the spring is bright and sentimental, and the smile of rose welcomes people. Jindalai’s blood is as red as evening primrose. The fiery red dahlias are full of blooming red dahlias tilting their heads, like a shy girl. It overflows, making the air on the side of the rockery fragrant.Some of the flowers in the flower garden are ready to bloom, some are in full bloom, and some are in full bloom. They are like Qiongyao's creation, and they are like pearls and jade. .Along the zigzag Huanhua River, there are high and low scattered flowers and trees, colorful, colorful, some are elegant, some are elegant, some are beautiful but not charming, some are charming but not vulgar, some seem to spread their wings to fly, and some are beautiful. Gently swaying, it stretches like endlessly woven silk, like pieces of burning fireworks, and more like the beautiful bright clouds rising from the eastern sky.Across the Qingxi River, the fruit trees over there bloom more lushly.Peach blossoms are rouge, plum blossoms are as white as jade, cherry blossoms are rosy, apple blossoms are snow-white, red apricots in spring, pear blossoms in clusters, all are blooming and pressing, like clouds and seas, and the garden is full of fragrance.Swarms of bees buzz, nymphs and butterflies wear flowers.Willow warblers are flying back and forth in the forest, flocks of white-eyes are flying and jumping on the branches, and a group of orioles are flapping their wings "hooing", and the stars are dotted, just like the bright yellow flowers blooming in the air during the festival. fireworks.The pink lotus flowers in the pool, the green leaves and pavilions, the beauty and fragrance of the red and green contrast make people linger and forget to return.The wisteria with curly trunks climbs the flower stand and twists and turns, strands of hanging filaments hang the flowers on the cracked branches, and the strings are like copper bells full of purple waves.The lilacs are shining like crazy, with a wine-like aroma.Camellias are colorful, azaleas are gorgeous and colorful, orchids and jade buds are blooming, gardenias and jasmines are fragrant, and there are noble and elegant chrysanthemums and fiery red Panzhihua.The magnolia at the foot of the rockery has sparse branches and leaves, and the blooming flowers are a little yellow, as tender and white as alabaster. Wu Zetian looked around while drinking, and his eyes were dazzled.Her heart was full of elation, and Long Yan was moved with joy: "In one night, a hundred flowers bloomed in full bloom, full of brilliance, as bright as clouds and brocades, and Langyuan in Penglai is nothing more than such a scene." "Miracle, miracle! If it weren't for divine power, it would be absolutely impossible." Wu Sansi's admiration aroused Wu Zetian's elegance, and she walked around the garden with the two peonies in her hand, but she didn't see the peony blooming.Immediately send someone to check the imperial garden, the same is true.She was so angry that she frowned and her phoenix eyes widened: "I have always liked peonies, and I cherish them very much. In winter, I wrap a curtain to prevent freezing, and in summer, I set up a cool room to block the scorching sun. Be gentle. Gao Yanfu, you can bring more people to uproot the peonies everywhere and burn them to ashes with charcoal." "Your Majesty, the peony is the king of flowers, so it is naturally more delicate. The servant did not declare the decree directly, maybe she was angry with the servant. The person who tied the bell is needed to untie the bell. Let me go and explain clearly. She must not dare to disobey the oracle." .” Seeing that Gao Lishi was cute and cute, Wu Zetian softened her attitude: "You can tell her clearly that if it doesn't bloom at noon, it will be baked with charcoal fire, and if it doesn't comply with the order, all the peonies will be roasted. The charcoal fire heated up and urged the peonies to bloom. But the effect was not good. After roasting and roasting, roasting and roasting, only one or two hundred peonies bloomed out of the thousands of peonies in Shanglin Garden. The flowers were very small and did not have bright colors. Wu Ze's facial features were all shifted due to the weather, so she ordered Gao Yanfu and Gao Lishi to uproot thousands of peonies that had been scorched, and escort them to Luoyang as punishment.Coincidentally, these peonies were planted in the Luoyang Peony Garden, changed species, and became the scorched bone peonies, which have withstood the empress's test of peonies!The beautiful and shining flowers are warm, unrestrained, magnificent, white like ice and snow, red like coral, green like emerald, yellow like amber, and some are as bright and transparent as amethyst. diverse.Since the beginning of spring, there has been peace inside and outside the imperial court, and Wu Zetian's life has been quite leisurely, with good health and mental state.As the saying goes, a unicorn is always inferior to a naive horse.She is seventy-eight years old, and her vigor is gradually fading. She just wants to rest for a while and take care of her life.However, things in the world were not as expected, and the disappearing Turks reappeared, invading Yanzhou [Shaanxi Dingbian County a, Xiazhou [Shaanxi Jingbian County a, a], with a ferocious force, the front of the soldiers turned eastward, and broke through the heavy guards. Shiling Pass [South of Xinzhou City, Shanxi] was aimed at Bingzhou [Taiyuan City, Shanxi a.It was as if a wolf had broken into the house and caused confusion.Moreover, Wenshui County in Bingzhou is the birthplace of the Wu clan. The Turks attacked Bingzhou, and the situation was very serious. Wu Zetian got busy and called a court meeting without delay.This time, she broke the rules and did not draw anyone from the prime minister's team. Drawing on the experience of reusing Guo Yuanzhen, she selected Yongzhou Governor Shi Xue Jichang to act as the deputy doctor of Youtai and act as the ambassador of the defense army east of Shandong Xiaoshan. Cangzhou, Yingzhou, Youzhou, Yi The soldiers and horses of Zhouzhou, Hengzhou, Dingzhou and other states are under his command and dispatch.Then, he ordered Zhang Renyuan, the governor of Youzhou, to preside over the military defense of Youzhou, Pingzhou, Guizhou, and Tanzhou, and cooperate with Xue Jichang to jointly resist the invasion of Turks.The Turks are violent and cunning, appearing and disappearing, looking for weak links to burn, kill and loot everywhere.The imperial court was very annoyed, but they couldn't take effective measures to repel the Turkic attack and drive him away.People's resentment towards Wu Zetian became more and more obvious, and they believed that she was old and useless, so it was better to give up the throne and retreat to the harem to enjoy happiness.Su Anheng was selfless and fearless, and gave another memorial: "I heard that the world was originally created by Emperor Gaozu Shenyao and Emperor Taizong Wenwu. Although your majesty is orthodox, it is actually the old foundation of the Tang Dynasty. Now the crown prince is reborn. Deli, in the prime of life, with high moral character, your majesty is greedy for the throne and forgets the kindness of mother and child, what face does he have to enter the ancestral temple of the Tang Dynasty, and what capacity will he go to the mausoleum of the late emperor Gaozong? Why does your majesty worry about state affairs day and night, without knowing the ringing of the bell? Leaving everything! I foolishly thought that God's will and human affairs are what matters, so I returned it to the Li family. Although your majesty secures the throne, you don't know that things will be reversed when things are extreme, and things will fall when they are full. For the sake of the long-term stability of the country, how can I cherish my short life!" Wu Zetian His body and mind were shocked again, but he didn't make any expression.Such an unnatural silence made people panic, panic, and panic.Prince Xian, who lacked his own opinion, and Xiang Wangdan, who was timid, looked at each other in blank dismay. They both went to find their younger sister, Princess Taiping, to discuss how to avoid possible disasters. "To get rid of the empress' suspicion," Princess Taiping blinked her long eyelashes, "It's best to prove that our brothers and sisters support her as emperor and have no objection to Er Zhang." "How about a pledge of allegiance?" Wu Xian suggested. "That would make the upper body angry. In my opinion, it is better to ask Zhang Changzong to be made king." "That's a good idea. Anyway, the two are already very prominent, and the power is in the hands of the government." Wu Dan agreed. Wu Xian was at a loss, and he was still a little worried: "What if the mother doesn't agree?" "Go to the table again to show our sincerity." Princess Taiping seemed very sure.The three brothers and sisters united their thinking, jointly signed the petition, and asked Zhang Changzong to be crowned king because of his special contribution to serving the emperor.This approach is both strategic and expressive.Sure enough, as Princess Taiping expected, Wu Zetian rejected their invitation to play.The three brothers and sisters appeared on the table again. On the one hand, Wu Zetian accepted the request of her sons and daughters, on the other hand, she was cautious and made some adjustments, and made Zhang Changzong the Duke of Ye.Prince Xian seemed to be relieved of a burden.He proved with facts that he was not in a hurry to become emperor, and at the same time repaid Er Zhang who had played a role in promoting him when he was called back to Beijing.Er Zhang is no longer wary of Prince Xian and the three brothers and sisters, and their emotions are relatively stable.For Wu Zetian, her lover and children compromised with each other and expressed friendship, which she naturally wanted and was very pleased.The worries of internal affairs were eliminated, and more energy was put on the government affairs.The Tubo Kingdom sent Lun Misa to ask for reconciliation, and Wu Zetian hosted a feast in the Linde Hall to entertain the envoy.Tang Xiujing, governor of Liangzhou, happened to report to the court and was also invited to the banquet.During the banquet, there were music and dancing, but Lun Misa focused his attention on Tang Xiujing and kept peeking at him. After Wu Zetian found out, he asked him why.Lun Misa got up and bowed to Wu Zetian, and replied sincerely with admiration: "The governor of the Tang Dynasty is so powerful that he shakes the border. I thought he must be a powerful and powerful man. Unexpectedly, it is so gentle." "He fought with you?" Wu Zetian asked with interest. "Exactly. The Battle of Hongyuan was extremely fierce. General Tang was very good, brave and courageous, and unrivaled. It's an honor to see him today." Jiushi first year.In the seventh month of intercalary, Qu Mang Buzhi, a general of Tubo, attacked Wuwei City, Gansu, Liangzhou, and surrounded Changsong, west of Gulang County, Gansu.The two sides set up a battle, and the Tubo army's helmets and armor were shining brightly.General Zhou Jun felt timid, Tang Xiujing analyzed to his subordinates and said: "Brother Lunjia has died, Qu Mang Buzhi has just been promoted to general, and he doesn't understand military. " "Speaking lightly, you can deal with it and show us." A general behind him gave him a nod. "Okay, wait for Tang to go into battle in person, and go kill a few rounds." Tang Xiujing put on his jersey, stepped on the bloody horse, took the lead in killing the enemy, charged six times, and reported success six times.Unable to resist, the Tubo army lost its position and retreated.Tang Xiujing took advantage of the victory and pursued, killing 2,500 people and capturing two lieutenants alive.The first battle was a complete victory, Zhou Jun was proud, and Tubo was frightened.From then on, after hearing Tang Xiujing's name, Tubo did not dare to invade rashly. Wu Zetian has always been worried about the unrest in the border areas, and there are no famous generals to stop the foreign invasion.Accidentally found Tang Xiujing, she was as happy as a treasure, and promoted Tang Xiujing to be the general of the Right Martial Guard and Jinwu Second Guard.Tang Xiujing was well versed in frontier affairs, from the northwest of Changli County, Hebei, Jieshi, Liaodong, to the four towns of Anxi, Kucha, Yanqi, Khotan, and Suiye, the mountains and rivers stretching thousands of miles, and the dangerous passes.Three years later, Wu Zetian appointed Xia Guan Shangshu and Tang Xiujing, the governor of Liangzhou, as the third rank of Fengge Luantai, and became the first-level real prime minister.At that time, Uzhile, the chieftain of the Ili River Basin of the Tuqishi tribe, attacked each other with other tribes of the Western Turks, and the road from the Central Plains to Anxi was cut off halfway. Wu Zetian ordered Tang Xiujing to discuss with the prime ministers how to deal with it."Xiu Jing of the Tang Dynasty has a well-thought-out plan and has already planned it. The prime ministers gathered together and quickly reached an agreement. Wu Zetian saw that the strategy presented was fast and good, with clear items and practical, so he immediately implemented it as approved.More than ten days later, all the prefectures under the jurisdiction of the Anxi Protectorate Mansion requested reinforcements from the imperial court, and the journey dates were exactly in line with Tang Xiujing's expectations. Wu Zetian's heart was full of waves, her eyes were shining, and her excitement was beyond words. She said to Tang Xiujing heartily: "It's too late to use Aiqing, and I regret it." "Your Majesty has enjoyed the country for many years, and my ministers have been affected by it. If there is a little progress, it is also taught by His Majesty." After listening to Tang Xiujing's words, Wu Zetian felt very warm and happy, a feeling of relief surged, and smile lines appeared on his dignified face.骤然脸色一变，她把目光转向了苏味道、李娇、杨再思、姚元崇、李迥秀等几位宰相，带着责备的音调说：“唐休璟镇守边界时，刻意考察山川形势，悉心探索御敌之策，如今运用自如。你们十个还抵不上他一个人。” “臣等定虚心向唐公学习，留心国事，不负陛下重托。” 苏味道哈着腰，唯唯诺诺地应道。 “你就会说奉承话，八百斤的野猪一全凭一张嘴，其余什么都做不来。” “皇上，臣是吃笔杆子饭的，舞文弄墨与舞刀弄枪可不是一码事。” “你那些个儿歪诗，朕一句也看不上眼。” “文章四友，臣排在第一，以文翰显时的苏李，臣还排在李娇的前头嘞。” “世人把你放在前面，是凭你的年龄和资历，要说诗文，你的最臭，毫无可取之处。” “皇上口里把臣贬得一文不值，心里还是蛮宠爱臣的。” “朕用你，是用你的资格。” “资格也算是本钱吧。” 苏味道出了一阵滑稽，操了一阵嘴巴劲，化解了僵持的场面，把武则天也给逗乐了。 武则天爱才，惜才，像苏味道这样酸不溜丢的文人，有一技之长，她也用上了，然而他毕竟不是栋梁之材。只有不断发现人才，启用人才，国家才能兴盛不衰，长治久安。侍御史张循宪担任河东采访使，遇到一件疑难案不能裁决，十分苦恼，询问当地官员说：“这里有没有贤能的富有真知灼见的人物？我有事想跟他商议。” “人倒是有一个，”地方官回答说，“而且是个奇才，他叫张嘉贞，曾担任过平乡县尉。” 张循宪召见张嘉贞，请教见解。张嘉贞详细解剖，条理分明，切中肯綮，深透膜里。张循宪请他代写奏疏，行文流畅，精密详尽，卓见绝识。张循宪回朝卸差，武则天满意地说：“张卿的奏折，朕批了八个字：行云流水，臻于精妙。” “陛下，”张循宪据实奏道，“此张卿不是彼张卿，奏章是张嘉贞帮臣代写的。那是一个奇才，比臣强十倍，臣愿意把官职让给他。” “朕从来不缺少官服，只怕没有人才。” 武则天在内殿召见了张嘉贞，问对之后，满心欢喜，授予监察御史，又提升张循宪当司勋郎中，酬答他发掘人才的贡献。喜上加喜，好事成双。相距四十三年之后日本第七次遣唐使粟田真人一行来到了长安。中日两国是一衣带水的关系，自西汉开始已有往来。唐朝与日本的交往更加密切，日本深受唐文化的影响。唐时汉文化的各个方面以及佛教的各个宗派，大体上都移植到了日本，对于日本文化事业的发展具有明显的促进作用。日本派遣唐使，每次都有留学生、学问僧多人附使船同来中国。日本第一次遣唐使犬上御田锹等一行人，于唐太宗贞观六年八月至长安进贡。此后五次，都经由朝鲜半岛西海岸北上，渡过渤海湾，在登州或业州登陆，航线比较安全。唐高宗龙朔三年，日本与百济的联合军，在白江口为唐军所败，百济灭亡，朝鲜半岛由与日本敌对的政权新罗控制，日本的遣唐使中断。这一次，他们冒着巨大的危险，从九州横渡东海到达长江口，开辟了一条新航线，六月出发，十月才抵达长安。 武则天很感动，很兴奋，又在麟德殿举行盛大的宴会，招待日本使节和随行人员。这时候，他们才知道中国发生了改朝换代的大事变，只不过当今的女皇就是唐髙宗李治的皇后，周朝和唐朝的文物典章制度大同小异，没有什么实质性的变改。粟田真人拜见武则天时，见她神采焕发，雍容大雅，虽老而不龙钟，思维敏捷，谈笑风生，又惊讶又佩服，油然而生敬意。周朝与吐蕃及西突厥的关系复杂些，既保持了外交往来，又有战争，时好时歹，战和不定。长安三年四月，吐蕃的使节来到长安，进献良马一千匹、黄金二千两，请求通婚。头年九月，大将论弥萨来长安求和。十，国王器弩悉弄亲率一万余人攻击茂州〔四川茂县〕。茂州都督陈大慈奋勇抵抗，四战四捷，杀了他一千多人。现在又来通好求婚，武则天虚与委蛇，敷衍应酬，不了了之。东突厥可汗默啜也展开了和平攻势，派遣莫贺干来当使节，请求把女儿嫁给皇太子显的儿子。默啜是个凶恶而又狡诈的人，像狼一样老围着周朝打主意，从来不怀好心。至今还扣留着武延秀，不让他回国，还要找借口侵扰边境。 武则天召集廷议，朝臣们都对默嗫深恶痛绝，一致建言拒婚，采取强硬态度。都推荐魏元忠出面接待莫贺千来，在谈判中好好教训他们一下。魏元忠坐在主人的位子上，以发问的方式向莫贺干来展开了攻势：“默啜想把女儿嫁给我们太子殿下的儿子，怎么还扣留着武延秀？” “得到贵国的答复后，自然会把武延秀放出来。” 莫贺干来摆出一副强者的姿态，毫不示弱。 “中国有句俗话：压制不成买卖，抢逼不成婚姻。不先放人，就休想答复。” “要是放人呢？”莫贺干来以退为进。 “放了人，那时候再说。” “太子显有四个儿子，他打算拿哪个儿子娶可汗的女儿？” “我们太子的四个儿子，长子重润死了次子重福和第三子重俊已经娶了妻室，生儿育女小儿子重茂才六岁，至少还要等十来年。” 莫贺干来睁大了眼睛：“这样看来，你们是要拒婚啰。” “你是不是这么看的？” 魏元忠故意拖着长声拗他。 “要是拒婚，那我们就刀兵相见。” “我正等着呐。” 魏元忠霍地站立起来，把袍袖往上一捋，“他若真不怕，就来跟我直接较量较量。” “既然如此，我们就告辞了。” "Not far away." 莫贺干来碰了个硬钉子，气极败坏地往外走，一脚踢在门槛上，脚尖踢痛了。随员从两边搀扶着，他瘸着一条腿，一步一移，一摇一晃，那灰溜溜的怪模样，浑如一头斗败了的狗熊似的。 武则天召见魏元忠，魏元忠把他和莫贺干来对垒的情形以及莫贺干来的狼狈样子一一进行陈述。听着听着，武则天脸往下一沉，打断了魏元忠的话。 “谁叫你把他气走的？惹发了战祸，得由你负责。” “臣愿意带兵出征，跟默啜硬拼到底。” “把兵权交给你，”武则天脸色由白转青，太阳穴上青筋勃起，“让你们的阴谋得逞，好保太子登基，是不是？” 魏元忠惊慌得冷汗淋漓，恍若一盆冷水泼到他的头上，又如一把匕首剌进了他的胸膛，他僵僵地跪在丹陛前，真有点茫然了。 武则天对待魏元忠，突然改变了态度，无疑是有缘由的。除非二张，别人很难动摇魏元忠在她心目中的地位。魏元忠结怨二张，话还得从头说起。十六老虎嘴里拔牙左台大夫、同凤阁鸾台三品魏元忠，曾经担任过洛州长史。在他到任以前，洛阳令张昌仪仗恃张昌宗等几个兄长的权势，每次到州府衙门参拜，都不按规定站立在庭下听候训示，而径直闯进长史公堂，嘴角和眉梢流露出一抹轻薄和姿意任性的浅笑，吊儿浪荡，似乎没有把长史放在眼下。魏元忠到职后，不能容忍，两眼一瞪，毫不客气地斥令他退下去。述职时，马虎不得，要求讲得精当而周全，概括而又具体。张昌仪哪有那样的能耐，说话吭吭哧哧，磕磕巴巴，讷讷了半天吐不出几句像样的话来。魏元忠便是一顿训斥，尤其是他那冷嘲热讽的言语和揶揄的笑纹，更加让人受不了。洛阳出现了奸盗案件，还有人公开在街头行凶闹事。魏元忠明查暗访，了解到均系张易之的家奴所为。此等小人，狗仗人势，作恶多端，逍遥法外。魏元忠眉头一皱，想出了一条计策，吩咐衙役化装成便衣，日夜巡逻，现场捕获，不怕他不认罪。衙役很快将案犯缉拿归案，魏元忠取了证据，升堂拷问，张易之的家奴狡辩顽抗，魏元忠火了，杖刑处死。张易之打落牙齿往肚里吞，无法奈何魏元忠。在魏元忠入朝做宰相以后，张昌宗向武则天请求，提升他的小弟张昌期当雍州长史。张昌期在岐州陕西凤翔县当刺史，得到上凋的消息，以为十拿九稳，大摇大摆来到长安，边等敕令边游玩，青楼酒馆到处窜，大肆张扬，招摇过市。 武则天在延英殿听取宰相议政时，李峤、杨再思和姚元崇都恭维武则天居留长安期间政治清明，气象一新。她趁宰相们心情畅快，相信会如她的意，露出心里有底的神态，故意拖声慢气地问道：“谁可以胜任雍州长史的职务？有人考虑过么？” “朝臣之中，没有哪一位比薛季昶更合适的了。” 魏元忠明白武则天的意思，是要大家附和她，他却偏不顺从，以开诚布公的态度，提出了在雍州人气颇旺的薛季昶。 武则天像受了打击似的，身体抖动了一下，好久才回过神来。 “薛季昶在京府任职太久了，朕打算另外安排他一个官职。” 略一停顿，然后话锋一转：“你们看张昌期怎么样？” “陛下可算是真正找到合适的人选了。” 宰相们纷纷附和道。 “诸位，说话请慎重些，不可轻率。扪胸想一想，张昌期能胜任吗？” 魏元忠一番指责之后，表示激烈反对。 武则天脖子一歪，反问道：“为什么？” “张昌期还很年轻，不熟悉治理之道。” 魏元忠理直气壮地对答说，“他担任岐州刺史，百姓逃亡严重，所剩无几。雍州乃帝京所在之地，事情繁重复杂。张昌期明显不如薛季昶熟悉政务，坚强干练。” 武则天无话可说了。然而她心里很不自在。魏元忠从来轻视张家兄弟，甚至怀着一种敌意。而他文韬武略，口若悬河，深思熟虑，又颇孚众望，张家兄弟岂是他的对手。如此下去，后果真不可想象。要是矛盾化解不了，二者便只能留其一。她不敢再往下想了，张昌期的事也因此搁置下来。魏元忠心直口快，嫉恶如仇，不肯放过二张，又当面向武则天进言道：“从先帝在位直到现在，臣蒙受皇家恩典，如今臣得忝列宰相之位，不能为国家竭忠效死，致使小人得以在陛下左右掌权，是臣的罪过。” “魏卿，朕也奉劝你一句，”武则天目光挑剔，冷冰冰的，有点咄咄逼人的样子。 “不要把人逼得太紧。要知道，物极必反哟。” 二张和魏元忠的仇恨愈结愈深。魏元忠虽然攻势凌厉，但是二张有武则天袒护，无法将其击倒。二张也不含糊，觉得老是被动应付，还不如转守为攻。几兄弟一齐出动，就像蚊子叮鸡蛋一样寻找缝隙。不巧武则天旧疾复发，仪凤年间是由药王孙思邈治愈的。永淳元年……似，孙思邈以一百零一岁的高寿离开了人世。常言道，反病无反药。二张怕武则天性命不保，急得像热锅上的蚂蚁，到处乱转。 武则天一旦驾崩，他们失去了保护神，定然会被魏元忠诛杀。况且武则天已经到了八十岁的高龄，饱暖思淫欲，还少不得异性侍候，不加节制，随时都有可能发生意外。若想摆脱这种胆战心惊的恐惧，就得尽快抢得先机，一下打翻魏元忠，置他于死地。阴沉的天光映在阴沉人的脸上，寝殿背后时不时地传来猫头鹰悚然的叫声，张昌宗吓得毛发倒竖，战战兢兢地对张易之说：“五哥，得想想法子，我再也熬不下去了。即使跟他拼命，我也在所不惜，反正是一死。” “要他的命，又难又不难。” 张易之望着从云缝里钻出来的半边月亮，说道：“说难，难就难在抓不到他的把柄。说不难，那就得捏造事实，利用皇上怕失去权力的心理，治他的罪。” “还有太平公主的情夫，司礼丞高戬，也相当可恨，他也跟着魏元忠说三道四，最好一起整下去。” 张易之一拍额头：“我有主意啦，就这样对皇上说，魏高二人暗中议论皇上老了，不如事奉太子，才是长久之计。” 二张在侍寝时，一壁厢给武则天按摩，一壁厢吹枕头风。 武则天心头那一把无明业火，焰腾腾的按捺不住，呼吸也变得急促和哽塞了。她翻身坐了起来，二张忙着给她穿上衣裙。张易之给她捶背，张昌宗端来了茶水。她忿然不能自抑，用水吞下两粒药丸，下了一道敕令，逮捕魏元忠和高戬人狱。事后冷静下来，武则天又感觉有些鲁莽，过于草率。魏元忠的强硬是出了名的，必然喊天叫地，大闹一通。听了他的辩驳和诉说，朝臣们又会七嘴八舌地议论纷纷，说她昏庸无道，受二张蒙蔽，凭空捏造罪名杀戮忠良，还要载入史册，留下千古骂名。况且，处理大臣还得经过三堂会审，录取口供。 尤其是没有证据，就治不了罪。张昌宗缺少心眼，茫无头绪地干着急。张易之稳定了情绪，想出了一个主意，要张昌宗从平时相处尚好的朝臣中找一个人，出面证实魏元忠和高戬有过密谋，说过“拥立太子”之类的话。朝臣中十有八九都对二张抱着反感，关系显得好一点的只有曾经帮他们编纂过《三教珠英》的那些文人。巳经提拔了的如李峤，他高高在上，不好开口。在没有提上高位的人当中去找，自然方便些。然而像阎朝隐、宋之问、沈佺期，名声太臭，跟魏元忠又无交往，要他们硬着脖子说听见过如此生死攸关的秘闻，谁也不会相信。二张把二十六名“助编”一一排列出来，眼下只有张说，名声尚好又容易找，在朝廷中算得一位活跃人物，二张跟他也没有断绝往来。张昌宗找到了张说，把他带进密室，首先回顾了一下当年合作编书的美好情景，然后言归正传，干脆摊牌请他作伪证，答应事成之后连升三级。要富贵还是要名声，在张说的内心展开了剧烈的碰撞，他进退维谷，如果拒绝张昌宗，说不定就会死在这里。