Chapter 32 Chapter Thirty-Two

After thinking about it for a while, he bit the bullet and agreed.Er Zhang persuaded Wu Zetian to interrogate himself in the hall, and Zhang Changzong confronted Wei Yuanzhong face to face.The next day, Wu Zetian set up an imperial court in Yanying Hall, and summoned Prince Wuxian, Prime Minister Wudan and other prime ministers, and asked Wei Yuanzhong and Zhang Changzong to confront each other in front of everyone.Zhang Changzong walked into the hall arrogantly, saluted Wu Zetian, turned around, looked left and right for a while, and cupped his hands.Wei Yuanzhong stepped into the gate of the palace, and the people inside and outside the palace cast their sympathetic eyes on him.His old face looked a little haggard, with a few wrinkles on his forehead that were carved like knives, and his silver beard dragged to his chest, giving people a feeling of stubbornness and fortitude.He is a native of Shangqiu, Henan, Songcheng, Songzhou. He was a student of the imperial court at the beginning, and he didn't care about it for many years.In Yifengzhong, Tubo has repeatedly harassed the frontier fortress, and wrote a letter ordering that he will use the essentials of the army and enter the official career.He has been assigned three times, his temperament has not changed, his righteousness is awe-inspiring, he would rather break than bend, he has the appearance of a general, his hair is white and his head is white, he has gone through life's ups and downs, and now he is facing the test of life and death.Standing on the opposite side is not a burly man like cast iron, nor a heroic young man, but a flirtatious little white face like a woman, relying on his penis for the Queen's pleasure, Wei Yuanzhong couldn't help feeling a little sad Sad and sad, he frowned and sighed up to the sky.It's a shame and shame to confront such a despicable kid!Seeing his majestic and majestic appearance, Zhang Changzong felt ashamed of his appearance, his legs and feet were weak, and his heart was beating like a drum.He woke up himself to sing the fake play as the real one. He encouraged himself again and again, pulled himself together, put all his strength into sucking, exploded his throat, spit flew all over, and launched an offensive against Wei Yuanzhong.He spoke hoarsely, like pushing a wheelbarrow, creaking straight.Wei Yuanzhong's face flushed red, veins protruded, and two fire-like rays of light shot out from his eyes, he argued hard and refuted them one by one.The two sides made accusations, debates, back and forth, and it was impossible to make a judgment.Zhang Changzong made the last move, Qi Zou said: "Zhang said that he heard what Wei Yuanzhong said, please summon him to ask His Majesty."

"Xuan Zhang said to enter the palace." Wu Zetian's oral instructions were passed out of the hall one by one.Zhang said that when he received the summoning order, he felt like a little deer in his heart: "The troubles have come to my head, it should be bad luck." He was so nervous that his whole body went limp, and his footsteps flickered like he was stepping on cotton.Walking to the official gate, Song Jing, one of his colleagues, who is also a member of Fengge She, tugged at his robe sleeve, lowered his voice and said sternly: "Reputation and justice are of the utmost importance. Ghosts and gods in the dark are hard to deceive and conceal!" Don't take refuge in treacherous evil, frame upright gentlemen, and just seek to live by idling."

"Don't bother me, I have my own considerations." Zhang said vaguely. "If you are sentenced to exile and exiled to a remote and barren land, it will be much more honorable. In case of a catastrophe, Song will definitely knock on the palace door, avenge you, and die with you. Do it recklessly, Eternal fragrance, just in one fell swoop." The censor Zhang Tinggui and Zuo Shi Liu Zhiji surrounded Longong, their eyes were wide open, and they encouraged him with passion. "Confucius said, if you hear the Tao in the morning, you can die in the evening." "Don't pollute the history and leave a shame to future generations!" Zhang said as he ascended the hall and kowtowed.

When Wu Zetian asked him, he sized up Shangguan Wan'er who was leaning back from the side of the throne and was about to record, but did not answer right away.Wei Yuanzhong was terrified by the sudden appearance of the plaintiff's witness. He stepped forward and shouted hoarsely, "Zhang said, you plan to join hands with Zhang Changzong to frame Wei Yuanzhong, don't you?" "Heh, as the prime minister, why does Wei Yuanzhong speak like a villain in the back alley?" Zhang Yue pouted contemptuously and sneered.When Zhang Changzong saw that Zhang had said something off-topic, he became anxious and anxiously urged: "Stop talking nonsense, and quickly report their treasonous remarks directly to the Emperor Ming!"

"Look, Your Majesty," Zhang said, blushing and thick necked, "In front of Your Majesty, even if he threatens a humble minister like this, you can imagine how arrogant he is when he is facing outside." The hall suddenly fell silent, everyone opened their ears and waited for his next words. "I'm standing in the hall right now, in front of all courtiers, I don't dare to lie. I really haven't heard Wei Yuanzhong say that, but Zhang Changzong forced me to give false testimony." Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong were stunned as if they had received a heavy punch in the chest.It took a while to recover, and they roared together: "Zhang Shuo and Wei Yuanzhong conspired together!" Embarrassed, Wu Zetian couldn't get off the tiger.She concentrated for a while, and pointed to the two sheets with her fingers: "Play it as it is!"

"Zhang said that Wei Yuanzhong once boasted that Wei Yuanzhong is the current Yiyin and Duke Zhou. Yiyin deposed Si Taijia, and Duke Zhou became regent and acted as an agent of state affairs. What is it if it is not conspiracy?" "You two villains," Zhang said with a sniff of his nose, "both despicable and ignorant. I have only heard a few words from Yi and Zhou, but I don't know their virtues. A few days ago, Wei Yuanzhong had just put on the purple official uniform, I went to congratulate him as a lang official, and Wei Yuanzhong said to the guests: I am ashamed and frightened to be favored for nothing. I did tell him: You bear the heavy responsibility of Yi Yin and Zhou Gong, and you have a third-rank salary. I am ashamed! Yi and Zhou are in a high position and have the utmost loyalty. Since ancient times, no one has admired you! Your Majesty appoints a prime minister, but if you don’t teach him to follow Yi and Zhou’s example, who should you teach him to follow?” He paused, his tone became low : "Don't you know that if you cater to Zhang Changzong today, you will immediately get a high official and generous salary. If you don't give false testimony, you will be exterminated. But I am afraid that after Wei Yuanzhong's death, the soul of the wronged will be killed, so I dare not frame it."

Wu Zetian was silent for a moment, and suddenly became furious: "Zhang said that this capricious villain should be sent to prison together with Wei Yuanzhong for punishment." A few days later, Zhang Shuo was sent again for questioning, and Zhang Shuo's testimony was the same as before. Wu Ze was staring at the weather, his cheeks twitched, and appointed all the prime ministers to interrogate Hanoi King Wu Yizong. Zhang said that he insisted on not changing the initial confession.The outrageous and outspoken admonisher, Tong Pingzhangshi, Zhu Jing, had already had enough of it. With a fearless attitude of risking his life, he bluntly remonstrated: "Wei Yuanzhong has always been loyal and upright. Zhang said that there is no justifiable reason for being imprisoned. If the people who punish them crime, will lose the hearts of the people of the world.”

"I see, you go down." Wu Ze lost her mind because of the weather, she didn't seem to be able to tell the difference between black and white, she was still a little unwilling, and she couldn't listen to harsh words.Su Anheng, the internal official, planned to lose half of his life. He wrote angrily and remonstrated: "At the beginning of your Majesty's revolution, people thought that the master who received advice was the one who received advice. The alleys are in turmoil, and the scholars and people all say that your Majesty trusts the evil and rejects the virtuous. Loyal ministers and martyrs lament in private, and keep silent in court, for fear of offending Zhang Yi's brother, and it is useless to die. In addition, taxes and labor are very burdensome now. , all industries are ruined, coupled with the evil people's indulgence, punishments and rewards are inappropriate. The minister is deeply afraid that people will be disturbed, and other changes will be stirred up. He will compete in the Suzaku Gate and win the championship in front of the Daming Palace. What will His Majesty explain? What do you rely on to resist?" The remonstrance was abrupt and blatant, without leaving room for it, which can be said to be unprecedented.When Er Zhang saw the memorial, his heart was burning like oil, he stamped his feet and beat his chest, wanting to kill Su Anheng.Zhu Jinggang, Fenggesheren Yanyanfan, author Lang Weizhigu and others rescued Su Anheng through various efforts, and Su Anheng was saved from death.On September 9th, the day of the Double Ninth Festival, Wei Yuanzhong was demoted to Gaoyao (Gaoyao County, Guangdong), and his official rank was lowered from the ninth rank.Gao Jian and Zhang Shuo were both exiled to Lingbiao [south of Dayuling].

Wu Zetian's sentence was neither popular nor contrary to his own wishes.Wei Yuanzhong put down Xu Jingye's rebellion and made special contributions.Later, he served as the general manager many times, resisting the invasion of foreign tribes such as Tubo and Turks, and his achievements and talents are comparable to few others.However, he is too stubborn, would rather bend than bend, and does not leave room for accommodation. He lacks Di Renjie's massive capacity and ability to balance the overall situation. He cannot reconcile the relationship between pros and cons.He has Di Renjie's principles, but is not as flexible as him. Just like fighting a war, he can only attack directly, but is not good at using roundabout tactics.In particular, he has been pestering the Zhang family brothers all the time, and it seems that even the queen's private life has to be controlled.Those who are bright and bright are easy to break, and those who are bright and bright are easy to be dirty.Wei Yuanzhong suffered repeated setbacks, and he fell on the word "蛲蛲".With Wu Zetian's shrewdness, he had already deduced that the two accusations of Wei Yuanzhong's frame-up were untrue.Bear's paw and fish, you can only choose one of them.Naturally, her life is indispensable, so she had to sacrifice Wei Yuanzhong.Even if he got rid of Wei Yuanzhong out of conscience, it was better than Wei Yuanzhong's method, which left Wei Yuanzhong room for maneuver and did not knock him to death.Her heart is transparent, and she also values ​​friendship and spirit.She didn't use the "wall speech" to avoid it, but summoned him in person.When Wei Yuanzhong said goodbye, he was also emotional, and said to Wu Zetian with tears: "I am getting old, and now I am going to Lingnan, and I will die ten times for a lifetime. In the future, your majesty will definitely think of me."

"I know it well." Wu Zetian said euphemistically, "You have to reflect on yourself, think for others, and change your personality." Both of them are serving by her side, so they can only talk about this.Wei Yuanzhong just ignored it, seeing Er Zhang's seductive look, he became angry again, wishing to pounce on them, grab them by the throat, and bite them hard.Stretching out his hand and pointing, he said in a rough voice: "These two children will eventually cause a catastrophe!" Er Zhang retreated to His Royal Highness, kowtowed and beat his chest, screaming to claim that he was wronged.

Wu Zetian's original intention was to separate them for a period of time to ease the conflict.But if you don't relegate for a while, the two will not live or die, how can you know that they are so incompatible.She was also discouraged, sighed, and leaned her head on the back of the imperial couch: "Wei Yuanzhong, you can go." The royal servant in the palace was indignant, and then sent a memorial to complain for Wei Yuanzhong and asked for a review.Song Jing warned: "Wei Yuanzhong was lucky enough to escape death, but if you offend Tianwei again, will you cause trouble?" "He was loyal, but he was punished. Justice is infuriating, and no matter how hard I suffer for it, I will not regret it." "Sigh, I can't discern Wei Gong's innocent injustice, and I have failed the great trust of the court." Song Jing is also a bloody man, known for his uprightness.He was a native of Nanhe County in Xingzhou and Hebei. He was a Jinshi during the Diaolu years.Yao Yuan was good at adapting to the affairs of the world, Song Jing was good at keeping the text to maintain the integrity of the world, and set an example for future generations.The autumn wind blows and the weather is cool.When the new wind blows, the ground is golden.The gray clouds drifted slowly from north to south, the sun was shadowed, and the weather was cold.On the outskirts of Chang'an, the leaves on the poplar trees are about to fall, and the broad leaves of the plane trees and linden trees dance in the air as if possessed by demons.The wind blows away the leaves under the eaves and beside the ditches, and there is only a deep and long silence in the naked countryside.From time to time, flocks of gray sparrows rose up from the wheat harvest field like a thick cloud, and scattered like gravel on the dirt road full of yellow dust.The tiger-striped shrike made a thrilling cry of "Zhika, Zhika", as if announcing that this is its sacred territory, and no outsiders, including other shrikes, are allowed to violate it.Seeing such a violent bird of prey, the weak birds were so frightened that every inch of their bones went limp, and they ran away.The two Shrikes seized the territory and started a fierce battle.They were flying in the air for a while, and then wrestled and fell to the ground.Tearing claws and biting each other, beating feathers messily and bloody.The prince's servant Cui Zhenshen and other eight people went through the eastern suburbs of Chang'an to Baqiao, where they hosted a farewell banquet for Wei Yuanzhong.The Baqiao is in the east of Chang'an, twenty miles away from the city, and spans the Bashui River.This is a poetic ancient bridge.In the early Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Mu of Qin fought for supremacy with the feudal lords of the East, changed Zishui to Bashui, and built this bridge, which became the main way for Chang'an to enter and exit the east.Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty built the South Bridge Xu Yuan in the Qinhan Bridge, and later generations called this bridge Baqiao.People in the Tang Dynasty saw off many visitors to the bridge, breaking willows to give them farewell, so sad, so it is also called the Ecstasy Bridge.At the turn of spring and summer, willows spit out green beads on the river bank, and water splashes under the bridge.In winter, the snow is clear and the wind is cold, and the sand is bright and the stone is dew. "Ba Liu Fengxue" is one of the eight scenic spots in Guanzhong.They didn't pay attention to the beauty and solemnity of autumn.Facing the smoky Bahe River, Wei Yuanzhong remained silent all the time, sipping Dukang wine one after another, as if tasting the taste of life.He is a temperamental person, when he gets angry, he is as violent as lightning tearing apart dark clouds, but he is as docile as a sheep in front of his friends, frank and simple, and he can't speak clearly, even unable to speak.Cui Zhenshen took the lead in toasting him, and started talking to him, while enlightening him, "The emperor's summoning is obviously implying that you should reflect on yourself, and you will be called back when the time comes." "If I can return to the court, I must kill those two brats with my own hands." Wei Yuanzhong punched the food table, causing the cups, plates and chopsticks to jump up, and the wine glass fell to the ground, smashed into pieces with a thud. "I see you are angry again." Cui Zhenshen replaced him with a new glass and filled it with wine. "Don't be too irritable, bear what you should bear, and bear it for a while, so as not to worry about a hundred days." "I just can't understand them, there is no room for reconciliation." "I also have to think about it for the emperor. She is eighty years old, and she must be served by someone." Thinking about it this way relieved me. "I was single-handedly promoted by the emperor. The grace of heaven is so great that I will never be able to repay it in my life." When the official who escorted Wei Yuanzhong to his post arrived, the conversation stopped and the table was withdrawn.Wei Yuanzhong bid farewell to Cui Zhenshen and others, and boarded the carriage.The wheels ran over the Baqiao, going further and further away, and finally disappeared.After Zhang Yizhi learned of this, he fabricated a pseudonym "Chai Ming" to write a complaint and urgently reported, accusing Cui Zhenshen and Wei Yuanzhong of conspiring to rebel. Wu Zetian ordered Ma Huaisu, the supervisory censor, to be in charge of the trial, and confessed: "The matter is true, the interrogation must be quick, and the report must be reported as soon as possible." Not long after, four or five groups of eunuchs came to urge the case to be closed, and said in a reproachful tone: "The evidence is so solid, why delay?" If there is no crime, let Chai Ming, Cui Zhenshen and others confront each other face to face." "How do I know where Chai Ming is?" Wu Zetian tightened his nose, "You only need to interrogate according to the facts of the report, and you don't need to find the informer." "If you don't verify it, you can't judge it." "Are you planning to cover up rebellion?" Wu Zetian twisted his face. "I dare not indulge rebellion." Ma Huaisu was as determined as a mountain, with a sonorous tone, "Wei Yuanzhong was exiled far away as a prime minister. Cui Zhenshen and other relatives and friends went to see him off, so as to frame them for treason, and the minister dared not settle the case. In the past, Peng Yue, king of Liang, was beheaded to show the public. The doctor Luan Bu came back from his envoy and played against his head. Liu Bang, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, did not convict him. The punishment Wei Yuanzhong received was far less than that of Peng Yue. Was he even guilty of a farewell party? In addition to the crime, it is enough for the holy heart to make a decision." "Are they guilty, in your opinion?" "I have low intelligence and shallow knowledge, so I really can't tell who is a criminal." Wu Zetian paced back and forth in the hall for a few times, his mentality gradually calmed down, his reason overcame his emotions, his anger disappeared, and he forgave Cui Zhenshen and others.Princess Taiping hadn't entered the palace for a long time, and Wu Zetian guessed that it was probably because Gao Jian was exiled.Zhang Changzong was originally her lover, and she dedicated it to the Queen Mother.No wonder others called Zhang Changzong a "stinky boy". He was so unfeeling that he actually dragged Gao Jian into Wei Yuanzhong and forcibly separated him from Princess Taiping. Wu Zetian panicked for a while. She knew that Princess Taiping was not easy to mess with. Her daughter's strategy and charm were not inferior to hers, but it was a pity that she was not sophisticated enough.If she got ruthless and urged the courtiers to make trouble, Er Zhang would never have a peaceful life again.Princess Taiping has been active among the courtiers. She wants to win the favor of everyone and keep the third brother's crown prince status.She made friends with Wei Yuanzhong through Gao Jian's collusion.After Wei Yuanzhong left, she became closer to Song Jing and others. At the same time, she dragged her two elder brothers into the "Flip Zhang" group, and also brought Wu Sansi and other Wu clan members together through her husband Wu You. Wu Zetian realized that it was not a good omen for her daughter to avoid her, and she must be playing tricks. "Wulang and Liulang are dangerous!" Wu Zetian shouted in his heart, "I have to warn them to be careful, be modest and prudent, and avoid trouble." Wu Zetian hosted a banquet for the dignitaries in the Hanxiang Hall not far to the west of the Yanying Hall.The positions of the two are both above Song Jing, Zhang Yizhi has always been in awe of Song Jing, and Wu Zetian greeted their brothers again.The two brothers wanted to please Song Jing, so they had their seats empty, bowed respectfully to Song Jing, and said, "Ming Gong is the number one person today, how can he sit in the next seat?" "Hi," Song Jing smiled slightly, "Ms. Song has low intelligence and low position, but Zhang Qing said that I am the number one person today. Don't dare to be, don't dare to be." Zheng Gao, the servant of the Heavenly Official, rolled his small eyes, and said treacherously, "Lord Zhongcheng, why do you call Wulang Qing?" "According to his official position," Song Jing raised a sneering smile on his brows, "he should be called Qing. But, since you are not Zhang Qing's domestic slave, how can you call him Lang?" Hot sweat flowed out of Zheng Gao's swollen face.There were low boos from left and right.He was so ashamed that he just wiped his sweat and couldn't speak anymore.According to the country's laws and regulations, the king calls his ministers his ministers, and his disciples or juniors call his master a man.As for superiors calling their subordinates Qing, and domestic servants calling their masters Lang, it is not common and somewhat reluctant.Song Jing's statement seems to be a bit unreasonable.Everyone present shuddered. Song Jing was clearly declaring war on Er Zhang and his lackeys.Er Zhang became angry from embarrassment, so he began to find Song Jing's fault.One is that the court can't afford the support of its ministers, and the other is that Wu Zetian knows that Song Jing is upright and refuses to agree.Things are always unsatisfactory, right and wrong, courtiers are becoming more and more difficult to control, people's hearts are scattered, and the court is in chaos.It seemed that Chang'an couldn't stay any longer, and Wu Zetian thought of Luoyang again, which was the capital of the Zhou Dynasty she created by herself, and it was the home she was used to living in.I have been in Chang'an for two full years, and I am bored.The homes of most of the courtiers are also located in Luoyang, and they live temporarily in Chang'an and want to go home. Wu Zetian issued an order to return to Luoyang, and appointed General Zuo Wuwei Wu Youyi to stay in Chang'an, Xijing.In October, Shengjia set off from Xijing and returned to Luoyang, the capital of the gods.After the new year, that is, the summer like the four-year gate of Chang'an, Wu Zetian spent the summer in the newly built Xingtai Palace in the south of Yiyang County, Henan Province, Wan'an Mountain.However, she did not expect that the courtiers who stayed behind in Shendu were secretly investigating the Zhang brothers behind her back.Prince Xian, Xiang Wangdan and Princess Taiping all stayed in Luoyang.Princess Taiping provides an important clue.Zhang Changyi's newly completed mansion in Luoyang in spring is not as luxurious as even princes and relatives. In the back garden, rockery is being built and ponds are being dug to divert water.Someone wrote a sentence on his gate: "How many days can a day of silk be made?" "Silk" has the same pronunciation as "death", and "luo" has the same pronunciation as "le". The meaning of the words is, how many days of happiness can one day die?Zhang Changyi was dizzy with anger, and ordered his servants to wipe the words clean, and sent someone to guard them day and night.The next day, the same sentence was written on the gate again.After repeating it six or seven times, Zhang Changyi took a pen and added a footnote: "One day is enough." No one is writing on the door anymore. On the second day after Wu Zetian returned to Luoyang Palace from Xingtai Palace, Zhang Yizhi's elder brother Si Li Shaoqing Zhang Tongxiu, younger brother Zhang Changqi, governor of Kaifeng City, Bianzhou, Henan, and younger brother Shangfang Shaojian Zhang Changyi were all arrested and imprisoned for corruption. Wu Zetian ordered the left and right platforms to jointly try the case.Two Zhangs were implicated in the case, and Wu Zetian issued a warrant: "Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong are domineering, and they will be tried together with Zhang Tongxiu and others." It took a few days to reach a conclusion.Si Xingzheng Jia Jingyan said: "Zhang Changzong forcibly bought people's land and should be fined twenty catties of copper." Wu Zetian gave instructions to "approve".The censor Li Chengshan and the censor Zhongcheng Huan Yanfan jointly made a statement: "Zhang Tongxiu's brothers have embezzled more than 4,000 yuan, and Zhang Changzong should be sentenced to dismissal according to law." "The minister has contributed to the country," Zhang Changzong argued, "the crimes he committed are not enough to remove him from office." The two sides resisted, no one made a move, they all focused on Wu Zetian to see how she judged. Wu Zetian was worthy of being a political master and strategist, she did not express her position, she pushed the burden on the prime ministers, and asked slowly: "Is there any credit for Zhang Changzong?" "Zhang Changzong concocted the divine elixir," Yang Zaisi replied to Wu Zetian's expectant gaze, "Your Majesty took it and it worked. There is no greater contribution than this." "Well, it makes sense." Wu Zetian found an excuse, and immediately pardoned Zhang Changzong's crimes and restored his official position.Everyone was disappointed and vented their anger on Yang Zaisi.Zuo Buque and Dai Lingyan wrote an "Ode to a Two-legged Fox" to satirize Yang Zaisi.Yang Zaisi retaliated and asked Dai Lingyan to be demoted from the Changsha County Magistrate of Xuchang City, Henan Province. Wu Zetian didn't want to procrastinate for a long time, things were changing and unpredictable, so she acted decisively and demoted Zhang Tongxiu to be the county magistrate of Qishan County, Shaanxi Province, and Zhang Changyi to be the county magistrate of Bowang Henan Fangcheng County.However, people's resentment toward Er Zhang is getting higher and higher, and it seems that there is an unshakable hatred, and they are chasing and suppressing him.Princess Taiping is very active and popular, hiding behind her back to fan the fire and cheer her up.Er Zhang became a rat crossing the street, everyone shouted and beat him, he was trapped on all sides, and he had no way out.Wei Anshi, the servant of Luantai, Zhinayanshi, and the third rank of Luantai in Tongfengge, suddenly came out from the stabbing, and reported the crimes committed by Zhang Yizhi and others. Although Wu Zetian was annoyed that everyone was always entangled, but due to the system, he could not easily veto the prime minister's memorandum. Empress Wu Zetian had an idea, and simply asked Wei Anshi, You Shuzi, and Tang Xiujing, the third rank of Fengge Luantai, to interrogate together.When they were about to start the trial, Wu Zetian used a plan to draw salary from the bottom of the pot and ordered Wei Anshi to also inspect the governor of Yangzhou, Tang Xiujing to also serve as the governor of Youzhou Yingzhou and the governor of Andong, and transferred the two prime ministers to the southeast and northeast respectively. The second trial was put on hold, and nothing happened.It is really a small plan, that is, to resolve the danger and get rid of the entanglement.Then, he ordered Yao Yuanchong to act as the general manager of the Lingwu Dao march and the pacification ambassador of the Lingwu Dao.When Yao Yuanchong was about to take office, Wu Zetian asked him to recommend officials from other courts who were qualified for the post of prime minister.Yao Yuanchong did his best and tried his best to recommend Zhang Jianzhi, who was more determined and sophisticated than them. "Zhang Jianzhi is honest and prudent, full of resourcefulness, broad-minded and able to make decisions on major issues. He is already eighty years old, I hope His Majesty will quickly reuse him and let him shine." It was recommended by Di Renjie before, but now Yao Yuanchong strongly recommends it. Although Wu Zetian has ideas, it is not easy to refuse.She observed carefully for a while, and saw that Zhang Jianzhi was old and strong, with a strong waist, a calm attitude and a generous demeanor, which could be reused.After hesitating, she finally made up her mind and promoted Zhang Jianzhi, Qiuguan's servant, to Tongping Zhangshi, and to be the second-level real prime minister.At this time, Zhang Jianzhi was almost eighty years old.However, Wu Zetian seemed to have fifteen buckets fetching water in his heart, ups and downs, tossing and lingering.If she had been ten or twenty years earlier, she would not have used him no matter how capable he was for a dazzling person.Officials were frequently mobilized, and Wu Zetian conceived to reorganize a team that was not hostile to Er Zhang, so that she could live a peaceful life.She ordered the prime ministers to recommend candidates who could be Yuanwailang.Wei Sili recommended Cen Xi, magistrate of Guangwu [Xingyang City, Henan Province, a county], but he said in confusion: "It's a pity that he was implicated by his uncle Cen Changqian, but he himself is an extraordinary weapon." "As long as you have talent, you don't have to be entangled or not." Wu Zetian kept his word, and Cen Yi became the official of heaven.From then on, those who were implicated by the crimes of their relatives and friends were liberated and began to use them. Wu Zetian's employment of people is eclectic, and she dares to break traditions and prejudices, which reflects her rebellious personality and her realistic and innovative spirit of daring to break through routines.The Eastern Turkic Khanate reached a settlement with the Zhou Dynasty, and Mochu Khan released Huaiyang King Wu Yanxiu.During the more than six years that Wu Yanxiu was detained silently, his father Wu Chengsi died, and his eldest brother Wu Yanji was also gifted to death.Family misfortune, personal misfortune, won people's sympathy. The Wu family held a banquet to welcome Wu Yanxiu. Wu Zetian also came here, and called him to ask questions.The mood of the young people changed quickly, Wu Yanxiu was so happy that she scratched her ears and cheeks, as if a bird was singing in her heart, and there were smile lines on her round face.He has a handsome appearance, a tall and well-proportioned figure, and his jet-black eyes are as big and black as overripe grapes. Every time he flickers, the long eyelashes dance up and down intricately, which can win the favor of women.Even the proud Princess Anle fell in love with him, and took the initiative to chat with him.He gestured and described the exotic customs of Mobei to her, and translated for her while speaking Turkic.Princess Anle is keen on singing and dancing, and has already learned the Hu Xuan Dance and Hu Teng Dance from the Western Regions.She ordered the band to play exciting foreign music, and took the lead in dancing the Turkic dance with Wu Yanxiu.The banquet lasted until late at night, and they broke up happily. Wu Zetian fell ill because of this, and her condition fluctuated from good to bad, so she moved to the Changsheng Hall of Yingxian Palace.Yingxian Palace was built when Wu Zetian was the queen, and it is located in the northwest of Wucheng Hall.The prime ministers couldn't see Wu Zetian for several months, only Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong waited on her.This winter was unusually cold, and the market, the palace walls, and the elm grove that blocked the wind all seemed to have been killed by the cold.The gloomy sky resembles the chaotic weather after a sandstorm.The biting cold wind brought large flakes of snowflakes, swirling all over the ground, violently sweeping the streets, fields and villages.Rivers such as the Yellow River and the Luo River were frozen over.The knee-high snow filled the valleys, and the distant mountains and the ground were covered with velvety white snow, like a sea with silver waves.Water and land transportation was interrupted, Luoyang fell into poverty, starvation was everywhere, and epidemics were prevalent. Wu Zetian was sick and unable to sit in the court, and the crown prince obviously did not dare to regent. The court was like a ship without a man at the helm, drifting with the tide.The prime ministers are like sailors, some row their oars vigorously, some stick their poles, and some let it go, or become monks for a day to hit the clock for a day.Both the ruling and the opposition focused their anger on Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, and they were ready to fight against each other. They wanted to pull out the teeth from the tiger's mouth, kill the Zhang brothers, and eliminate the scourge.Judging from the current situation, it is best to try to transfer Er Zhang away from the queen, which can save a lot of trouble. Wu Zetian's condition improved slightly, and Cui Xuanyi, the minister of Tianguan and Tongping Zhangshi, repeatedly asked for an audience, and finally got permission.So he set up a throne in the Hall of Eternal Life. Cui Xuanyi bowed into the hall, kowtowed to greet Sheng'an, and said in a tactful and profound way: "The crown prince, the king of Xiang, is benevolent, friendly and filial, and can serve your majesty's soup. Forbidden Official affairs are of great importance, and people other than the royal family should not come in and out at will." "Thank you for your kindness." Wu Zetian was very weak, and through the light makeup applied, one could see the intertwined wrinkles on her face.The gums protrude, and the jaw is like a deflated cloth bag, with loose skin drooping.Seeing that Wu Zetian was seriously ill, Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong worried that disaster would be imminent after her death, so they quickly made friends with their party members and secretly prepared to respond.People kept writing anonymous letters, distributing leaflets, and pasting leaflets in the downtown area of ​​Tongchong, saying that "Zhang Yizhi's brother conspired against him."Rumors spread in every corner of society, causing a lot of trouble. Wu Zetian was vigilant, but she didn't believe that someone would betray her.Aging and disease tortured her so much that she was dizzy, and she didn't know who to guard against, and how to guard against it?The dark clouds gathered more and more, and became lower and lower, covering the sky above the imperial city layer by layer.The mountain rain is about to come and the wind is all over the building.The air is tense and stiff like a rock, and spring and winter are at odds, and a storm is about to come. Zhang Changzong was distracted all day long, taking things and forgetting things. When he was waiting for Wu Zetian to take the medicine, even the medicine bowl fell on the gold brick floor and broke, and the medicine spilled all over the floor.He was distracted, restless, as if there were many little mice gnawing in his heart, and it seemed like a pot of fire was burning in his chest.He discussed countermeasures with Zhang Yizhi, and Zhang Yizhi was also busy.They seem to be trapped in a tight siege, with murderous intentions everywhere, like arrows on the string, ready to explode.And the party members who depend on them are all incompetent people, they can only flatter their buttocks, flatter and courteous them, but they have no ability to stand alone.Zhang Changzong was angry and panicked, and his head was battered, as if he had become a target for arrows. He could only parry, but he had no power to fight back, and even parry was powerless.A new round of attacks kicked off, full of drums and knives sharpened.Yang Yuansi, a native of Xuchang City, Henan Province, took the lead. He reported: "Zhang Changzong once summoned Li Hongtai, a magician, to show himself. The subjects fall in love with him." After Wu Zetian read the bullets, he ordered Gao Yanfu to preach the decree, and ordered Fengge servant Wei Chengqing, Si Xingqing Cui Shenqing, and Yushi Zhongcheng Song Jing to try together with Pingzhang.Zhang Changzong was afraid of being plotted against, so he asked for an interrogation in the outer hall of Yingxian Palace. Wu Zetian allowed it.Wei Chengqing and Cui Shenqing knew that Wu Zetian was protecting Zhang Changzong, so they took a coping attitude.After questioning the case, he said: "Zhang Changzong confessed that what Li Hongtai said has been made clear to His Majesty. According to the law, those who surrender themselves can be exempted from punishment. Li Hongtai should be arrested and punished by his lies to deceive the public." "The ministers have objections." Song Jing and Dali Chengfeng Quanzhen said in unison, "Zhang Changzong is so favored by His Majesty, and he still has to call a magician to look at the divination. What is he pursuing? Li Hongtai said that the Chunyang hexagram obtained by divination is the hexagram of the emperor. If Zhang Changzong thinks Li Hongtai is talking and acting recklessly, why not bind him and hand him over to the judiciary? Although he has been reported, he still has evil intentions. He should be executed according to the law and his family property should be confiscated. Please arrest Zhang Changzong and put him in prison, and thoroughly investigate his crimes." "I want to keep him to serve, I can't do without." Wu Zetian excused and said. "If Zhang Changzong is not taken into custody, I'm afraid it will shake the hearts of the people." Song Jing continued to insist. "You can suspend the questioning of the case and wait for the detailed collection of evidence." Song Jing stood aside, Zuo Suiyi Li Yong stepped forward and said, "Song Jing was only thinking about the stability of the country, and did not consider his own safety or loss. May Your Majesty approve what he plays." "You step back first, let me rest for a while." In the afternoon, Song Jing asked to be summoned again, but received an imperial decree from Gao Lishi: Song Jing went to Yangzhou to try the case.After a while, he showed the handbook again, ordering Song Jing to investigate and deal with Qu Tu Zhongxiang, the governor of Youzhou, for embezzling the law.Not long after, Song Jing was ordered to be the deputy of Li Qiao, who knows the internal history, and went to Longshu, Gansu and Sichuan to appease the people.Song Jing blatantly disobeyed the imperial edict and refused to accept it.With an attitude of going all out, he talked eloquently: "Following the usual practice, when state and county officials commit crimes, high-ranking officials are sent to serve as censors for review, and those with low ranks are sent to monitor censors to deal with them. It is not a military matter, and it is not appropriate for Zhongcheng to go on an envoy." "My intention is self-evident. I ordered you to go to Longshu. I hope that you will grow up from practice like Di Renjie." Wu Zetian spoke softly and had a pleasant face. "There is no disturbance in Longshu. Why did His Majesty send his ministers there? There are many opportunities to undergo training, so I dare not accept orders this time." Whether Xu Yi was a high-ranking official, generous salary, or kind words to comfort him, Song Jing would not buy it. Wu Zetian knew that she was in the wrong, and she didn't like to get angry, so she took a soft and procrastinating method, trying to delay the matter.The courtiers refused to obey, and the Sixing Shaoqing Huan Yanfan played in a rough voice: "Zhang Changzong has no merits, but he is favored, but he is treacherous. He wants to die. It is also the wrath of the emperor. Your Majesty can't bear to kill, it is a violation of the law." An ominous omen of providence." "He understands me, and if he is a little more accommodating, he can be forgiven." Wu Zetian said good things while looking for excuses. "Your Majesty, don't use this to prevaricate your ministers. Since he understands His Majesty, he shouldn't continue to associate with Li Hongtai, and ask him to use magic to seek blessings and eliminate disasters for himself, which proves that Zhang Changzong has no regrets at all." "Who doesn't want to seek blessings and avoid disasters, don't make everything about crime." "This is exactly the treacherous minister's trick. The reason why he made the report is that if the matter is exposed, he intends to get rid of his guilt, and if he is not exposed, he will wait for the opportunity to make trouble. If he is pardoned, then who will be punished by the national law!" "Treason incidents happened again and again, but His Majesty did not pursue them, which made Zhang Changzong even more convinced, and the common people thought that fate would not die. This is because His Majesty tolerated traitors and caused him to rebel. If the rebellious ministers are not punished, the society will perish. Please pay Luantai, Fengge and others. Three divisions dealt with. "Cui Xuanyi and others all stood up and spoke out in support of Yan Yanfan. Wu Zetian had no choice but to order the three divisions, namely Xiaguan, Sixing and Yushitai, to agree on how to deal with Zhang Changzong's crime.Cui Xuanbei's younger brother, Cui Sheng, the Sixing Shaoqing, sentenced Zhang Changzong to death.Song Jing fell to his knees and insisted, "Please arrest Zhang Changzong first and put him in prison." "I'm tired of talking, but he understands me." "When the anonymous letter made him unable to dodge, he surrendered himself to His Majesty. Rebellion is a crime of treason, and even if he surrenders, he cannot be exempted from punishment. Zhang Changzong is not sanctioned by the death penalty, so why do we need the national law!" "If you don't look at the golden face, but at the Buddha's face, I will protect him this time, okay?" Wu Zetian showed a flattering expression, leaned forward slightly, and put his hands on the dragon table, trying to resolve the deadlock.Song Jing's attitude is awe-inspiring, the cold air is pressing, his face is as serious as a blue slate, and there is a cool gleam in his eyes. "Zhang Changzong received special grace. I know very well that if this statement is made, catastrophe will come. However, based on justice, I will not hate it even if I die!" The two sides formed a state of incompatibility.In desperation, Song Jing clicked on Wu Zetian's blood tank. Wu Zetian blushed and lowered her head.国为羞惭，她呼吸急促，犹如一个即将窒息而死的人那样，瘫软在御榻上。杨再思怕宋璟忤犯天威，出面打圆场，声称圣意令其退出殿外。宋璟扭着脖子，脖子上的青筋鼓了起来，像一条条蚯蚓。 “圣明天子在此，用不着麻烦宰相擅自宣示敕命。” 武则天鼻冀翕动着，嘴唇咬得发白，蓦地咯嘣一声，掉下了两颗糟牙。她把牙齿吞进肚里，挥了挥手，让张昌宗前往御史台接受审讯。张昌宗迈着歪歪斜斜的步子走到御史台，装得像是穷愁潦倒得再也扶不起来的样子，无精打采，可怜兮兮的。然而他毕竟拥有国公的爵位，身份特殊。宋璟迟疑了一下，就便在庭下进行审问。张昌宗说话期期艾艾，罗里巴索。原来他在拖时间。审讯还没有结束，高延福带着高力士、金刚等来了，颁敕赦免张昌宗，并召他回宫。宋璟气得眼睛泛白，眉毛胡子都抖动起来：“不先砸得那小子脑浆迸裂，咳，真遗憾！”张昌宗奉武则天之命，带着高延福和傻大哥等强壮的宦官，到宋璟的家里致谢。宋璟拒绝见他，让他吃了闭门羹。宋璟不肯谅解，张昌宗弟兄惴惴不安，仿佛陷阱就在脚的前面，只等着踏下去了。 武则天竭力安慰他们，他们都不蠢，来势如此凶狠，保得了今天却保不了明天。素多智计的武则天苦思冥想，终于想出了一条计策。长安五年兀，正月一日，武则天躺在病榻上颁发了一道制令，改年号为神龙元年。按照惯例大赦天下。她明确规定，自文明元年化々以来犯罪的人，只要不是扬州、豫州、博州三州谋反案，以及各种叛乱的罪魁祸首，都可以赦免他们的罪过。张家兄弟从未有过什么阴谋叛乱，自然也在赦免的范围内。老病缠身的武则天和成为众矢之的的二张，由于这种特殊的遭遇，促成了他们的患难之交似的特殊情感，一条无形的纽带把他们紧紧连结到了一起，形成了血肉相连的密切关系，还带着那么一点悲壮的味道，生死相依，荣辱与共。二张给武则天排除了老年的孤独与寂寞，武则天赐予他们富贵与显耀。他们曾经权倾朝野，势压群僚，王爷也好，宰相也罢，谁敢不恭维，就叫他倒霉。谁大献殷勤，准没亏吃。翻手为云，覆手为雨，踌躇满志，恣情任意，八面威风。然而月圆则亏，物极必反，很快从巅峰跌到了低谷。人们唾骂他们是迷惑君主的嬖幸，扰乱朝纲的佞臣，非把他们打倒不可，千刀万剐，打入十八层地狱。有武则天袒护，他们总算一次次化险为夷，躲过了灾难。病中的武则天不能坐朝，也不能理政，麟台监张易之和春官侍郎张昌宗在宫中当权。宫廷之外，却是另一番景象，群情激愤，千波万浪，巨涛汹涌，好比是要吞噬二张的海洋。为首的是张柬之和崔玄祎两位宰相，以及中台右丞敬晖、司刑少卿桓彦范、相王府司马袁恕己，他们成了中坚力量，共同谋划杀掉二张，策动政变，光复唐室。张柬之在朝臣中威望甚高，又有活动能力。The scholar rebelled and failed for three years.他把目光瞄准了军界，在手握军权的将领中寻找同盟。李多祚本是秣鞲酋长的后裔，剽悍勇猛，弓马更是他的拿手好戏，因军功晋升当右羽林卫大将军，掌管洛阳宫北门玄武门禁军宿卫。他保持着北方游牧民族的粗犷豪放，讲义气，守信誉，爱打抱不平。张柬之在跟李多祚的接触中，有了几分把握，便以话搭话地问道：“将军宿卫北门，多少年哪？” “二十余年。” “将军武功赫赫，张某不胜钦佩。可是，将军今天的富贵，是谁赐给的？” “当然是先帝高宗的恩赐。” 李多祚激动得不能自已，泪水像草原上的溪流，汩汩地在他那棱角分明的脸上流淌着。张柬之触动了他的旧情，进而又以情理激发他。 “而今，先帝的儿子受两个不伦不类的小子的威胁，岌岌可危，将军想不想回报先帝的天恩？” “只要对国家有利，我一切听从相公的安排，不敢顾及自身和妻室儿女的安危。” 李多祚言辞铿锵，掷地有声。张柬之和他整理衣冠，端正仪容，指天发誓。随后他便加人了张柬之、崔云祎等人的行列，秘密策划发动政变。四年前的久视元年，张柬之由荆州都督府长史擢升秋官侍郎，接替长史职务的杨元琰与张柬之志同道合。二人一同泛舟于长江之中，船到江心，波浪涟涟，浮光跃金，放眼苍苍茫茫，烟水浩渺。触景生情，他俩谈到了武则天以周代唐的事。杨元琰额暴青筋，时时以右拳击着左手掌，慷慨激昂地表示要推翻武周，匡复唐室。他俩意气相投，相约暂不公开，等待时机。张柬之当上了宰相，大力推荐杨元琰担任了右羽林军将军。杨元琰到张柬之的私宅道谢时，张柬之正襟危坐，庄重严肃地说：“你还记得在长江船上的话吧？今天的任命，可不是随便给你的呀！” “在下深知责任重大，赴汤蹈火，在所不惜。” 他们紧紧地抱在一起，声泪俱下。初春耀眼的阳光透进书房的窗棂，把他们的身影照射在一片光明里。躺在病榻上的武则天愈来愈瘦，眼睛深深地陷了进去，毫无神采。繁琐的政务她不再过问，既无心思，精力也不济了。除非军国大事，其余朝政都不必直接向她奏请，包括任免官吏，都由宰相们议决，呈报上来交上官婉儿加盖玉玺生效。张柬之趁此机会又任用了桓彦范、敬晖，以及右散骑侍郎李湛，都担任左、右羽林军将军。张易之和张昌宗有所警觉，找上官婉儿问及此事。婉儿内心恨透了二张，表面虚应着。她那微微上翘的眼睫毛眨动了一下，轻描淡写地说：“李湛是李义府的儿子，皇上一手栽培的，自然是心腹。桓彦范和敬晖耿介正派，想必不会玩弄阴谋诡计。” “桓彦范不可靠。”张易之拧着眉头，“去年年底，他附和李娇、崔玄祎，十次上疏奏请，给那些被周兴等酷吏治罪而家破人亡者，昭雪赦免。” “那正好说明他公正无私，才得到了皇上的允许哩。” 张易之向张昌宗递了个眼色：“此人值得注意。” “五哥，”张昌宗喊着说，“我们不如也把人安插进去，比如说建安王武攸宜，看住他们。” “此人不精细，毛毛糙糙的。” “但是可靠呀。有他在，可以以一当十。” “李多祚怎么样？” “他忠于职守，不过问政治，从来没有闹过事。” “外来民族，好利用些，我们要设法把他拉过来。” 二张的言行举止，上官婉儿通过太平公主随即传到了张柬之等人的耳朵里。为了消除二张的怀疑与顾虑，太平公主主张大胆任用武攸宜当右羽林军大将军，她可以让攸暨去牵制攸宜，分散他们的注意力。就在这关键时刻，灵武道安抚大使姚元崇从灵武宁夏灵武县回朝述职。张柬之和桓彦范喜出望外，拍着手说：“天从人愿，大事就要成功了。” “什么好事？”姚元崇瞧瞧这个，又瞧瞧那个，“看把你们乐的嘴都合不拢。” 张柬之把密谋详细告诉了姚元崇。互相约定在成功之前，不得泄露，包括妻儿老小。桓彦范的老母见儿子忙得连请安都不及时了，眼睛都熬红了，人消瘦了，追问原因。桓彦范是个孝子，不敢欺瞒，如实禀明了老母。老母通情达理，反过来勉励儿子说：“忠孝不能两全，应该先报效国家，再考虑自家。” “母亲大人如此通情达理，天下人都会感激你。” 桓彦范彻底甩掉了思想包袱，干得更卖力了。太子显从北门进宫向母皇问安，桓彦范和敬晖前往拜见，秘密陈述了他们的谋划。 武显允许，训示谨慎从事。三更时分，在这个宁静而且被春寒包裹着的最黑暗的时辰里，雪花偷偷地飘落下来，洛阳宫北门值宿的禁军，只听见细弱的嚓嚓的声息。五更过后，西北风愈来愈大，漫天的雪花如鹅毛般飞舞，宫廷内外的屋顶上宛如盖上了一层白毯子。向北望去，密密的飞雪好似织成了一张白网，笼着山川树木，白茫茫的，天地融成了一体。透过雪雾往南俯视，殿宇楼台歪歪斜斜的，冷落而荒凉，恍若倾刻间便会倒下或坍塌似的。天开始上冻了，人们的鼻子和面颊好像干裂一样痒痛，凛冽的冷气穿透盔甲和棉衣直往肉里钻。立在城堞上的哨卒冷得索索发抖，缩着脑袋，侧着身子躲避风雪。李多祚的马轿迎着风雪驶出了玄武门，门军不看车前的徽志，也能辨认出大将军的快马轿车，一齐举起兵刃，向大将军行礼。轿车拐了个弯，马鞭在空中啪地一响，车子疾驰而去，消失在雪雾中。隔了一阵，李湛乘车进了玄武门，在大将军府门口下了车，直奔签柙房，向李多祚禀报说：“袁恕己统御南衙卫军部署好了，到时候就配合北门行动。” “你坐下来喝喝茶，烤烤火，热热身子。王同皎乘坐我的马轿接张相爷他们去了，过会儿我们一起到外面去看看。” 原来，先前出门的大将军马车里没有李多祚，是王同皎借用他的马轿联络，出入不受盘查，方便些。王同皎是太子显的三女儿安定郡主的丈夫，在东宫担任内直郎，掌管印信。凌晨，张柬之、崔玄祎、桓彦范和左威卫将军薛思行等，率左右羽林军士卒五百佘人，顶风冒雪，抵达了玄武门。根据事先的安排，李多祚、李湛和王同皎，前往东宫迎接太子显。 武显惊疑不定，畏畏缩缩，不敢出面。王同皎急得火烧火燎，脸涨成猪肝色，凑到岳父面前，一叠连声地催促说：“先帝把皇位传给殿下，无缘无故被废黜，人神共愤，二十三年了。诛杀暴徒，恢复李氏社稷，请殿下急往玄武门，满足众人的期望” “暴徒当然应该屠灭，但是皇上龙体欠安，会不会惊倒她？诸位不妨延后，再作打算。” 武显的心里乱成了一窝蜂，优柔寡断，惶惑徘徊，眼睛呆呆地望着自己的脚尖，歪在榻上不起身。李湛又急又气，嘴巴也扭歪了，用不容置辩的口气强调说：“各将帅与宰相冒着灭族的危险，尽忠报国，为什么要把他们推到滚油锅里？人集中在玄武门，请殿下出去亲自训示。” 众人簇拥着武显出宫，王同皎扶着他上了马，穿过东坊的栅栏门，到了玄武门。玄武门外广场，一片银白，一片宁静。动乱的羽林军与轮值的羽林军大都认识，没有发生碰撞，各自为营，相对无事。马车里坐着张柬之、崔玄啤等文臣。 武将骑马，顶盔贯甲站在羽林军的前面。马的鬃毛被风吹得倒向一边，不断地倒动着四蹄，大朵大朵的百合似的春雪撒在马身上，它不时地晃晃脖子，甩动一下尾巴。广场两侧的哨营和担任巡逻的骑哨仿佛视而不见，没有放射火箭，也没有进门报警。太子显一到，场面顿时活跃起来。张柬之等迎到太子跟前，禀报说：“殿下，人马已经备齐，听候殿下调遣。” “就照你们的谋划行动吧。” 武显仍然显得有些心神不定。李多祚在羽林军的护卫下，策马来到城门口，以命令的语气大声喝道：“太子殿下进宫，敞开中门！”城门本来由武攸宜直接控制，他见太子显带着羽林军来了，脚板底下抹油一溜之大吉。守门禁卒找不到武攸宜，没有得到他的命令，不敢开门。杨元琰带着亲兵和随从来了，驱散守门禁卒，接管了北门。然后开门下锁，迎接太子显和张柬之等进了城门。李多祚命令玄武门内外禁军一律放武器，就地整顿待命。张柬之和崔玄祎等拥着武显长驱直入，进抵迎仙宫门口。张昌宗和张易之不知发生了什么事，走出宫门想看个清楚明白，在殿廊下被羽林军擒住，推推搡搡送到武显跟前。 武显和二张双方都怔住了，半天说不出话来。 “太子救我！”张易之突然哑着喉咙喊道，“我们兄弟是促使皇上召你回朝的，将功也可以折罪哇。” “有仇不报非君子，有恩不报是小人。太子，你未必要恩将仇报？”张昌宗双膝跪倒在地，涕泪交加地讨饶说：“太子，你放了我们，我们从此离开神都。” “别信这两个小子的鬼话。” 桓彦范硬梆梆地甩出一句话来。张柬之往前一站，高高地举起一只手：“斩！”羽林军手起刀落，就地砍下了张易之和张昌宗的人头，立时响起一阵地动山摇般的欢呼声。敬晖和薛思行率军包围了武则天所住的长生殿，严密戒备。人们乱哄哄拥入了武则天的寝殿。 武则天惊得一股冷气从脚心直往上冲，冷汗从头发根上渗出。她随即镇定下来，翻身坐起，目光一扫，威严地问道：“作乱的是谁？”没有人回话。 武则天坐直身子，扬起下巴朝殿外望去，只见四围都站着全副武装的羽林军，犹如石头一样挺立在风雪中，还有人穿梭似的来回走动，殿门都换了岗哨。她知道大势已去，无可挽回了。后悔自己病迷糊了，丧失了警惕性。然而她并不气馁，临危不乱，以一种泰然自若的姿态，沉着地应付眼前的局势。 “启奏陛下，”张柬之从人缝中间挤出来，拱手对答说，“张易之、张昌宗谋反，臣等奉太子之命，将他们杀了。恐怕泄露机密，没有先行奏报。在皇宫禁地举兵诛戮逆贼，惊动圣驾，罪当万死！”武则天抬了抬额头，用目光找到了武显：“噢，原来是你。暴徒既已伏诛，你可以回东宫去了。” 武显的情绪低落下来，心里乱了套，浑然一把乱丝，怎么也理不出一个头绪来，不知如何是好。退走一挪不动脚步，想说―又无话可说。 “回东宫去！”武则天又一次发出逐客令。 “太子哪能再回东宫？” 桓彦范高亢激昂地说，“当初天皇把心爱的太子托付给陛下，现在他年纪已经大了，群臣不忘太宗、天皇的恩德，所以尊奉太子诛灭二张。愿陛下传位给太子，以顺天人之望。” “你们都退下，朕自有安排。” 武则天把头靠到御榻上，装作倦怠的模样，眯上了眼睛。李湛估测她是在拖时间，作最后的挣扎。他喊了一声“陛下”，坚执地奏请道：“请下制传位太子。” “你也是杀死张易之的将军？”武则天睁了睁眼皮，“我待你们父子不薄，想不到有今天的变故。” 李湛立刻把头埋得低低的，又拉了拉本来戴得紧紧的头盔，只想把热辣辣的面孔藏在头盔的明影里。心情悲愤的武则天怒火在胸膛里燃烧，肌肉抽搐，她犹如一匹被迫窘了的野兽，随时准备伺隙反噬。 “崔玄祎你站拢来点，朕有活说。” 顿了顿，武则天调匀了呼吸：“别的人都是经他人淮荐进入中枢，只有你是朕亲自选拔的，居然也站在这里。” “臣这样作，正是回报陛下的大恩大德。” 崔玄祎毫不退缩。 “既然如此，你们就好好辅佐太子吧，朕老啦，比不上张柬之。他愈老愈精神，老骥伏枥，志在千里啊！”说完这番话，武则天便安然躺下了，不再理睬谁，也不再开腔了。