Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Choice

Di Qing couldn't help being surprised when Yan Shiliang said that Empress Cao wanted to see him.He knew that Zhao Zhen had abolished Queen Guo, so he made Cao's queen.Empress Cao is the granddaughter of Cao Bin, the founding general of the Song Dynasty. She heard that she is virtuous and virtuous, and even Fan Zhongyan praised her very much. But Di Qing has nothing to do with Empress Cao, what does Empress Cao want him for? Di Qing entered the palace with doubts, and arrived in front of Baoci Palace where the queen lived.After many years, Ouchi has long since erased the traces of the fire that year, but the scene of the fire burning down the eight palaces is still in Di Qing's mind.

The Baoci Palace was originally the reconstruction of the Chonghui Palace back then. Many halls in this palace have long since had a new look. When Di Qing thought of this, he couldn't help but look in the direction of the Huangyi Gate. The gate of the palace is deep and heavy, and the smoke and willows are Yiyi. From that look, one can't see the deep grievances of the palace.I saw a spring warbler chirping, flying through the air like lightning, and another white shadow flashed in Di Qing's mind, with a sad expression on his face. A court lady came up and said, "The queen is in the imperial garden behind the palace, please go and see General Di."

Yan Shiliang resigned knowingly, and the court lady led Di Qing along the flower path, through the promenade, and after turning around a rockery, a vast garden appeared in front of him.At this time, the feeling of spring is strong, the flowers are blooming like brocades, and the greenery is full of green.The grassy air is fresh and refreshing, making people feel refreshed in it. The maid who led the way couldn't help but sneak a few glances at Di Qing.Di Qing was slightly aware of it, but didn't care. When we arrived in front of the imperial garden, there were already several court ladies standing in front of the garden. When they saw Di Qing coming, they couldn't help looking at him, pointing quietly, and smiling coquettishly.

Some palace people sang, "General Di is here." At this time, several people in the garden stood up amidst the greenery and looked towards this side.There were several court ladies around the garden who were actually carrying water, and upon hearing this, they also put down the buckets and looked over at Di Qing. It was only then that Di Qing noticed that the name of the imperial garden was a bit misleading, because there were few flowers and plants in the garden, and most of them were fresh green crops. At the end of the garden, there were several rows of mulberry trees, which were already quite tall.

Di Qing grew up in the countryside, but he saw this posture a lot, and felt very strange, thinking that if he didn't know that he was in the palace, he would have thought he was in the vegetable garden. Why is the imperial garden full of grain mulberry trees? At this time, a maid came up and said: "General Di, the queen is looking for you." The maid stuttered, her face blushed, and she didn't dare to look directly at Di Qing. Di Qing looked in the direction the maid pointed, and saw a woman standing in the vegetable garden, looking at him.The woman was dressed in a coarse skirt, lightly decorated with thin powder, and had a pretty face with a little sweat on her forehead. When she saw Di Qing coming over hesitantly, she smiled slightly.

Di Qing came in front of the woman and saw that the woman was still holding a hoe, he couldn't help being surprised, and after a while he saluted and said: "Chen Di Qing, see the queen." He really couldn't believe that the queen would hoe the ground, could it be said that the queen was punished?It can be seen that everyone is happy and happy, and it doesn't seem like they are being punished. Empress Cao said softly: "General Di excuses me." As if seeing Di Qing's confusion, Empress Cao smiled and said: "I have nothing to do in the palace, so I will take them to plant grains, grow mulberry and raise silkworms. It's also counted as something to do. , if there is some harvest, and some food and clothing can be provided for us people, that would be even better.”

At this time, a court lady carried water and walked in front of the queen, suddenly her feet softened, and the bucket of water was about to be poured out... Di Qing stretched out his hand, grabbed the bucket easily, and said, "Why don't you leave these jobs to the handymen?" Empress Cao smiled and said: "I was the one who created these things. If I hand them over to them, won't it increase their burden?" Taking a ladle to water the seedlings, Di Qing said: "I don't have much burden now. Let's leave the matter to the minister first?" Empress Cao smiled sweetly, handed over the hoe and said, "Then it's better to bother General Lao Di to dig the soil and weed."

Di Qing didn't refuse, and immediately took the hoe.He has been in the country for a long time. Although he is young and stubborn, he will lighten the burden on his elder brother after all. He has done a lot of farm work. These tasks of identifying seedlings and weeding, loosening the soil and carrying water are easier than going to battle to kill the enemy. Empress Cao followed Di Qing, watering the seedlings from time to time. At this time, the red sun was rising high, shining brightly on the water drops on the young leaves of the green seedlings. The spring breeze in the garden is warm and full of sunshine.

Empress Cao suddenly said, "General Di, do you know why I am looking for you?" Di Qing sniffed the fragrance of the soil, as if returning to the time when he was a young farmer. In the countryside, will it be bitter or happy? But if you don't meet Yushang..." No longer thinking about it, Di Qing shook his head when he heard the Queen's question, "Forgive me for being dull, I don't know the purpose of the Queen Mother calling me here." Empress Cao smiled kindly, pointed her fingers around and said, "They have heard about General Di for a long time, and they have wanted to see General Di for a long time."

Di Qing was slightly stunned, looked around, and saw around the imperial garden, it was not known when, it was already full of maids.Seeing Di Qing looking over, they all covered their mouths and smiled. I don't know who applauded, and everyone responded. For a while, the garden was full of applause, and the beautiful women and the green grass complement each other beautifully. Di Qing was a little dazed, and said in astonishment: "Queen, this is..." Empress Cao smiled slightly, and after the applause subsided, she explained: "These girls are fine in the palace. They have heard General Di's name for the past few years and have always wanted to see you. Let me find a way to invite General Di to come. I couldn't resist their begging, and because I still had something to ask General Di, I invited General Di to the palace. I also hope that General Di will be in large numbers, Don't be offended."

Di Qing was a little surprised, thinking that this Empress Cao is much easier to get along with than the original Empress Guo, these court ladies dare to make such a joke, if they meet that Empress Guo, won't they be torn apart by five horses?He has always been informal, and said politely: "Di is just a mediocre person, the queen made a joke, and I am a little funny." Empress Cao laughed and said, "They applauded not only because of General Di's victorious battles, but also because of General Di's vicissitudes of life, far beyond their imagination, and because..." Looking at the hoe in Di Qing's hand, he paused. After a while, he smiled and said: "It is because General Di is so familiar with the farm affairs, he is simple and straightforward, he is really a good man like no other in ten thousand, no wonder when Chang Ning mentioned the general to me a few days ago, he was full of words. Admired." Di Qing blushed slightly after hearing what Empress Cao said.Hearing Empress Cao mentioning Princess Changning, my heart moved, and I vaguely thought of something. At this time, a voice sang from outside the imperial garden: "The Holy Majesty is here." Hearing the sound of footsteps, Zhao Zhen's golden crown and dragon robe had arrived in the imperial garden. All the court ladies hurriedly knelt on the ground, Empress Cao gave Di Qing a wink, walked over quickly, bowed her head and said in a salute, "See Your Majesty." Di Qing fell a few steps behind, knelt down on one knee far away, and said politely in the process of marching: "Mr. Di Qing . . . See Your Majesty." Zhao Zhen's eyes flashed across Di Qing's body, his expression seemed slightly surprised, he waved his hands and said, "You don't need to be polite, get up."Seeing Zhao Zhen's dignified and solemn expression, Di Qing thought to himself, "Zhao Zhen has also changed, becoming elusive." After the Queen and Di Qing got up, Zhao Zhen smiled and said, "Queen, what do you want me to come to the Imperial Garden?" Empress Cao pointed at the garden, and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, look, these grains are growing very well now, and you had a share of the credit back then." Zhao Zhen said cheerfully: "Yes, in the early spring, you must pull me to plant the land, and I also contributed, but most of it is due to your empress. You said that the palace should cut down on food and clothing, and make more money for the Northwest campaign. I think it makes sense." After hearing this, Di Qing felt a little warm in his heart, and thought to himself that this Empress Cao could still care about the Northwest soldiers in the deep palace, which is really grateful. Zhao Zhen changed the subject, looked at Di Qing and said, "Queen, but what is the matter with you looking for Di Qing?" Empress Cao said: "I came to Di Qing, in fact... I wanted to ask about my younger brother." Di Qing's heart was shocked, and he remembered that he had met Cao Bi, and Cao Bi was the younger brother of Empress Cao.Zhao Zhen frowned and said, "Is Uncle Guo still missing?" Empress Cao's smile faded away, and she frowned with worry, "Your Majesty, there has been no news from my younger brother for a long time. He and those guards seem to have disappeared out of thin air!" Di Qing was startled, and hurriedly asked, "Queen, is Uncle Guo missing?" He had an agreement with Cao Yu, and he also had a good impression of Cao Yu, knowing that Cao Yu had something to do, and was very concerned. At this time, someone had already set up seats in the garden. Zhao Zhen and Empress Cao sat down together, and greeted Di Qing: "Di Qing, you can sit too." Di Qing hesitated for a moment, not wanting to disobey Zhao Zhen's order, and finally sat down. When everyone saw him, they thought in their hearts, "It is rumored that the Holy Majesty treats Di Qing like a brother. It is indeed true when we meet today. You must know that even if people from the two mansions come to the palace, some people do not have the courtesy of granting a seat." Empress Cao looked sad, and looked at Di Qing and said, "General Di, you must know something about Shedi. You were the last person to see him outside Gaoping Village. Since that day, Shedi has only passed it on once. The news came back. At that time, he had passed Hengshan Mountain and arrived in Xia territory. Since then, there has been no news from him. He brought dozens of guards, and none of them came back. I was only afraid that he had something to do, so I came to you Come and ask." Di Qing was surprised and said: "Uncle Guo and I haven't seen each other since we parted in Gaoping Village. He brought dozens of guards with him, even if he met Xia Jun, there shouldn't be one of them who turned around." See Cao The queen was worried, and Di Qing comforted him: "Maybe...Uncle Guo has his own plans, so the queen doesn't have to worry too much." Empress Cao had tears in her eyes, and said sadly: "Two years have passed, and there is still no news. I'm just afraid... I'm afraid that something happened to him, and the guards are afraid of being responsible, so they dare not go back and tell us. Brother Sister I have always had a hard life, could it be that... he really..." I wanted to say that even if Cao Yi dies, he will not be able to see his family again, and even his bones will not be able to return to his hometown?Suddenly, grief welled up, and I fell to my desk and sobbed. Zhao Zhen hurriedly got up and went to Empress Cao, patted Empress Cao's vest lightly, and comforted: "The empress is not going to cry, it's all speculation now, uncle Guo may not be in trouble." Seeing Empress Cao sobbing, Di Qing was very sad, and said, "Queen, when I was at the border, my subordinates had a very good news. If I return to the border, I will definitely let them search for the whereabouts of the uncle and give the queen an explanation!" " Hearing the words, Zhao Zhen hurriedly said: "Yes, Di Qing's suggestion is good." Suddenly remembered something, and said: "But... Di Qing, just tell the Ministry of War who can do things, and I will make an order to let the Ministry of War handle this matter. it is good." Di Qing's heart sank, Zhao Zhen said so, could it be that he didn't want Di Qing to go back to the northwest again?But his expression remained the same, and he said: "After the minister leaves the palace, I will do it immediately." Empress Cao raised her head, her eyes still wet with tears, and said gratefully, "Thank you, General Di, for your hard work. But... you have something important to do when you return to the capital, right? I always feel uneasy if I delay your work." Di Qing couldn't help but looked at Zhao Zhen. Seeing Zhao Zhen happened to be looking at him, he said in a deep voice: "The minister returned to Beijing by order. I have been visiting the Holy One for more than a month, and I am ready to go to the northwest again at any time. However, the Holy Majesty seems to be unwell these days. I haven't seen the minister. I don't know that the Holy Majesty has summoned the minister to return, what orders do you have?" Zhao Zhen coughed a few times and said, "Di Qing, you are in the northwest, and I actually miss you very much. When it was rumored that you died in Pingyuan Village, I almost shed tears..." As he spoke, his expression was full of emotion. Seeing Zhao Zhen's true feelings revealed, Di Qing recalled the past and thanked him: "I'm bothered to worry about you, and I'm ashamed." Zhao Zhen waved his hand and said, "Di Qing, I have always regarded you as my brother, but you seem to be a little estranged from me. When I sent you to the northwest, it almost killed you. Every time I think about it, I feel uneasy. But this Good time, Xixia seeks peace, there will be no more wars in the northwest, Di Qing, I hope you will stay in the capital from now on." Di Qing was in a hurry, remembering what the Eighth Prince said, knowing that if he invited him to the northwest at this time, Zhao Zhen would definitely be displeased.But he couldn't help but stand up and salute: "Your Majesty, I believe that Xia Guo Yuanhao is ambitious, and there is absolutely no sincerity in this peace negotiation. I think Yuan Hao's father, De Ming, also asked for peace, but he was not defeated by Yuan Hao. Tear up the agreement? The northwest frontier defense must not be relaxed, and the great opportunity to enter the Xia Kingdom has been missed." Zhao Zhen's face suddenly became gloomy, and he said coldly: "Di Qing, do you know that I just received a secret letter a few days ago. Do you want to know what the content is?" Di Qing was startled secretly, shook his head and said, "I don't know." Zhao Zhen took out a memorial from his sleeve, put it on the table and said: "A few days ago, Ge Huaimin, the commander of the four chambers of Pengri Tianwu, had a secret report saying that his subordinate Cao Ying once heard someone singing in a restaurant, publicizing your achievements and buying people's hearts. !" Di Qing is awe-inspiring, knowing that buying people's hearts can be big or small.Hearing Zhao Zhen's serious tone made him even more uneasy. Zhao Zhen said again: "Actually, as early as last year, someone reported that you were rebellious, recruited soldiers privately, committed crimes below and above, and openly disrespected Han Qi and other important court officials. Di Qing, you asked me to deal with these crimes like this?" In the imperial garden, the spring breeze was cold, and there were dark clouds rolling over the sky, and the whole garden was darkened. When everyone saw Zhao Zhen angry, they were all worried about Di Qing.Di Qing raised his head, and only said five words, "I have a clear conscience!" Anger flashed on Zhao Zhen's face. When Empress Cao saw it, she hurriedly changed the subject and said, "Your Majesty, I heard that Nong Zhigao from Guangxi came to the capital recently and begged His Majesty to send troops to attack Jiaozhi. I don't know how His Majesty made the decision?" Empress Cao just wanted to divert her attention, not wanting that Zhao Zhen still refused to change the topic, and said coldly: "Nong Zhigao and his son are self-confident that they are located in a remote place, and they are proud of their merits. They didn't listen to my will at first, but now they want to ask me when they are in trouble. It's too late!" Although Di Qing is in the northwest, he also knows about Nong Zhigao. Nong Zhigao is a native of Guangyuan Prefecture and the leader of the barbarians in Guangxi.At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, the Nong family had a good relationship with the Song court and was supported by the Song court. They had great prestige in Guangxi. For decades, the Nong family had become powerful and powerful in Guangxi by the time of Nong Quanfu, the father of Nong Zhigao. . Nong Quanfu was very respectful to the Song court back then, but he had been in Guangxi for many years, and because of the gold real estate in Guangyuan Prefecture, Nong Quanfu relied on the geographical advantage to develop gold mines and became prosperous for a while.Nong Quanfu became more and more powerful, and gradually became arrogant and extravagant to the Song court. When Empress Dowager Liu was in power, she even proclaimed herself "Emperor Zhaosheng".However, in the Song Dynasty, the Khitan first threatened them, and then the Li family and his sons caused disasters. For a while, they could not control the Nong family and the Nong family, but the Song court and the Nong family became hostile. Although Song Ting was unable to send troops, Nong Quanfu proclaimed himself king, which angered Jiaozhi in the south. Originally, the Nong family was in Guangxi, sandwiched between the Song Dynasty and Jiaozhi, and had always been a vassal to both the Song Dynasty and Jiaozhi, paying tribute to property, but Nong Quanfu became the queen, and was as arrogant to Song and Jiaozhi. The king of Jiaozhi was angry, so he launched an army against Nong Quanfu, and captured Nong Quanfu a few years ago.Although Nong Zhigao rescued him in many ways, King Jiaozhi still beheaded Nong Quanfu.Nong Quanfu's son, Nong Zhigao, was furious. He used troops against Jiaozhi several times, but he did little. When Zhao Zhen talked about this matter, he clearly said Nong Zhigao, but he secretly warned Di Qingmo to learn that Nong Zhigao was arrogant because he was on the border! After many years of frost and rain, Di Qing couldn't understand what Zhao Zhen said, and was at a loss for a while. Seeing that Di Qing was silent, Zhao Zhen thought that he was subdued, and he was secretly happy in his heart. He said slowly, "Di Qing, in fact, I believe in you. But only I believe in you, and all officials don't believe me. I don't want to go my own way. This time Xixia Sending envoys to negotiate peace seems to be very sincere, Song and Xia have fought for many years, and the people are tired of suffering, so the peace negotiation is a matter of compliance, if you like it, I can let you discuss the peace negotiation." Di Qing knew that Zhao Zhen was stepping down for him, meaning that he would give Di Qing the credit for the peace negotiation.But thinking of Ruyan's past, thinking of Guo Zun, Wang Gui, Wu Ying and others, he gritted his teeth and said, "Your Majesty, I still do not agree to negotiate peace with Xia Guo." Zhao Zhen was annoyed, he slapped the table, stood up and said, "Di Qing, what did you say?" Di Qing had no shame in his heart and no fear, and said: "Your Majesty, please finish your speech." Seeing that Zhao Zhen's face was sinking like water, and did not express his feelings, Di Qing said: "My Majesty, I also personally assassinated Yuan Hao when I fought in the northwest. I met Yuan Hao. Yuan Hao has always been ambitious. He has always wanted to take all of Guanzhong and dominate the world. He will never be satisfied with the current results. Now Yuan Hao is seeking peace. According to my opinion, there are three reasons..." Zhao Zhen said coldly: "What are the three reasons?" Di Qing noticed Zhao Zhen's displeasure, and insisted: "The first reason is that Yuan Hao is advancing in order to retreat. Right now, everyone in the Northwest of the Song Army is united, and it is difficult to take advantage of it. Of course he knows the disadvantages of the Song Dynasty's more garrison law." Therefore, wait for the generals of the Song Dynasty to leave, and then wait for the opportunity to fight." Di Qing knew that he was undoubtedly questioning the family law of his ancestors, but he had already made up his mind, and said: "The second reason is that years of fighting, The frontier disputes are closed, the Song army is getting stronger, the Xia army is not worth the loss, and can't get through the front line of the pass, so the offensive is suspended and the strategy is adjusted by negotiating peace. As long as the time comes, it must be their time. And the third reason That is to say, the minister has received the news that Khitan has turned against Yuan Hao for some reason, and has already moved his troops to the west. Yuan Hao only wants to negotiate a peace because he is afraid that he will be attacked in both directions. Chasing and fighting fiercely, destroying all the way, we can't wait for him to recuperate and grow again. The minister has persuaded Tubo Zanpu, and he has agreed to send troops. Even if Khitan does not send troops, as long as Tubo uses troops against Xia, we send troops to attack again, even if we can't wipe out Xia Guo, at the very least, can take Hengshan as much as possible. Hengshan winds thousands of miles, and the terrain is as simple as that of Youyun Sixteen Prefectures. As long as we can take Hengshan, I will attack and retreat, and the northwest can avoid disasters." Seeing that Zhao Zhen was still silent, Di Qing recommended himself: "Your Majesty, I am in a place of suspicion, but I have a clear conscience. Please order me to fight in the northwest..." Zhao Zhen's complexion suddenly sank, and he shouted: "Enough. Di Qing, the people are suffering day by day, and the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty agreed to negotiate peace. How dare you criticize your ancestors' family law and sing the opposite? Do you really think that all civil and military officials are not as good as you, Di Qing?" ? When you say you know Yuan Hao, are you mocking me and the officials for their blindness and inability to distinguish right from wrong?" Di Qing didn't want to make long speeches just for polemics, but Zhao Zhen couldn't help but be astonished when he heard the opposite, and forced himself to say: "Your Majesty, listen to my explanation..." "Needless to say, step back!" Zhao Zhen's voice was full of arrogance. Di Qing was still waiting to say more, when he suddenly saw Empress Cao winking at him, and seeing Zhao Zhen angry, sighed in his heart, and saluted, "I will leave you." Unaware of the suffering in the frontier and Yuan Hao's heart, he decided to negotiate a peace, so what should he do for Di Qing? Seeing Di Qing leave, Zhao Zhen was still furious, slapped the table heavily again, and said bitterly: "If I hadn't thought about my friendship with Di Qing, today I would have punished him for his insult to the family law of our ancestors! " Empress Cao stood up, filled a cup of tea for Zhao Zhen herself, and said in a low voice: "In fact, a few years ago, didn't the officials say that the family law of the ancestors is not always the same, and the law of defense has many disadvantages. I know. The government has deliberately changed the law, isn’t it just to address the shortcomings passed down before? Di Qing said what the Holy One thinks, that’s good, why did the government react so much when Di Qing talked about it?” Zhao Zhen breathed cold air from his nostrils, and said: "I say yes, but he says no! These days, many courtiers have criticized Di Qing's right and wrong, and some people have said that Di Qing has been promoted too fast, and he is proud of his military achievements. There will be objections." Seeing that Zhao Zhen was so annoyed, Empress Cao smiled and said: "Officials, no one knows Di Qing better than you. You must know that he will not rebel, right? You have been obsessed with the past all these years..." When she said this, Empress Cao's expression was a little strange, but she soon softened as usual, "I saw Di Qing today, saw his face, saw his behavior, and saw the spring in the garden, but he turned a blind eye. In my opinion, Di Qing is very clear. He is a dedicated, simple and easy-going man. Although this kind of person has ambition and perseverance, he has no ambition and arrogance, and he will not rebel." "If he didn't rebel, why did he never forget to go to the northwest? If he didn't rebel, why would someone say he was right or wrong?" "I think the ancients said, 'If a tree is beautiful in the forest, the wind will destroy it; if its conduct is higher than that of others, the crowd will dislike it.' General Di did not pass the imperial examination, and he gained today's glory from the rank of the army. It is inevitable that some people will not like it. Besides. This is probably related to the government's recent reforms..." Empress Cao said without any haste. Zhao Zhen frowned, and asked back: "Di Qing is Di Qing, what does it have to do with the political reform?" Empress Cao stared at Zhao Zhen with beautiful eyes, and said gently: "In fact, the officials know a lot of things. If the officials have the courage to change the law, they no longer want to use Lu Xiang. Although Lu Xiang is stable, he has reached the extreme position and lacks the determination to change the law. The officials want to use Fan Zhongyan, some people are dissatisfied, but they know that Fan Zhongyan is a just man, he is famous in the world, and he is the heart of the country, and everyone knows it. If Fan Zhongyan is slandered, many people will not believe it. They can't move Fan Zhongyan, but they know that Di Qing and Fan Gong are in In the northwest, they complement each other, and the friendship is very close. If you can start with Di Qing and slander him, I'm afraid Fan Zhongyan will not be able to get away with it. Officials, Di Qing has no resentment at all. It's just for the sake of the people of the Great Song Dynasty, for the sake of the official family, not disrespectful to the official family. The official family knows him very well. Cold hearted, ruined by the court's power struggle?" Zhao Zhen pondered for a long time, sighed, and said: "I'm only angry that he always acts against my will. By the way, Queen, I want to reform the law to eliminate the shortcomings of my dynasty. I have recalled Fan Zhongyan, Han Qi, Fu Bi and others back to Beijing." , but the reform is a big deal. A few days ago, Fan Zhongyan wrote "Ten Matters", suggesting that the reform mainly includes, "Ming Ming dismisses officials, suppresses luck, selects officials, selects officials, equalizes public land, thickens agricultural mulberry, repairs military preparations, reduces The ten aspects of corvee service, trustworthiness, and heavy orders, I think the content is very pertinent in pointing out the current disadvantages, but recently the external turmoil has not been settled, and refugees from all over the country are always making troubles. I am afraid that I will change the law rashly and cause turmoil in the world. Do you have any opinions?" Empress Cao came from a family of generals and was quite knowledgeable, so Zhao Zhen often discussed government affairs with her. Empress Cao smiled slightly, and said, "A few days ago, I heard about an interesting exam question. I wonder if the Holy Majesty would like to hear it?" Zhao Zhen finally relaxed his expression, couldn't help laughing and said, "Since when have you paid attention to the imperial examination?" Empress Cao shook her head and smiled coquettishly: "It has nothing to do with the imperial examination. I want to be an examiner." The two sat and talked. After pouring hot tea, Empress Cao signaled the palace servants to take down the copper pot, and the charcoal fire in the stove was burning. Empress Cao picked up a dead branch and handed it to the fire to light it.Zhao Zhen didn't know why, but watched with great interest. The dead branch was burning, and Empress Cao did not throw the dead branch into the fire, but took it in her hand and said, "Official, this dead branch will become charcoal when it is completely burned. I want to examine the official, how can I make the dead branch burn?" After the sticks are burned out, how can we still have the whole charcoal in hand?" Zhao Zhen took the dead branch and said with a smile: "This should be easy." He thought it would be easy, holding the dead branch in his hand and waiting for the fire to burn out, but not wanting the fire to come to an end, Zhao Zhen kept backing his fingers, and finally retreated without a trace. But back, seeing that the fire was about to reach my hands, I hurriedly threw away the dead branches. The dead branches fell to the ground and broke into several pieces.Zhao Zhen blushed and said, "This is impossible." Empress Cao smiled and said: "It's not necessarily impossible." After saying that, she took another dead branch with her left hand and put it in the fire to light it.Zhao Zhen was full of disbelief and stared at Empress Cao.Seeing that the fire gradually reached Empress Cao's finger, she hurriedly said, "I'm about to lose the dead branch." Unexpectedly, Empress Cao suddenly stretched out her right hand and pinched it on the charcoal that had just been burned. Zhao Zhen was startled, and thought that although the charcoal had no fire, it was still very hot. Why did the queen do this?Before it could be stopped, the dead branches had already been burned. Empress Cao frowned lightly, holding the complete piece of charcoal and said: "Officials, this concubine did it." Then she threw the charcoal. Seeing that the two fingers of Empress Cao's right hand had been burned red, Zhao Zhen regretted it, and hurriedly said, "Empress, it's just an exam question, why take it so seriously? Send the imperial doctor quickly." Empress Cao endured the pain and smiled and said: "Officials, although this is an examination question, it is an examination question related to the great Song Dynasty. Right now, the Great Song Dynasty is like this dead branch, and internal and external troubles are like this fire. Keeping the integrity of the country, you can't back down again and again, you can only bear the pain and fight, and you can get the full result. Since ancient times, the "born in sorrow, died in peace" reform method, changing the old and welcoming the new, of course pain is inevitable, if it is because of this pain If you dare not change, it will be difficult to defend the country!" Zhao Zhen let out a long sigh, looked at the charcoal on the ground, and said after a long time: "I don't think the queen is so determined to persuade me... If I look forward and look backward again, I really have a guilty conscience." Looking at the queen's finger, Zhao Zhen's eyes flashed Suddenly, he asked: "But I think, the queen didn't come up with this question, right? Just like when I met Di Qing today, it was also arranged by the queen, right?" The imperial doctor arrived early to treat the burns for Empress Cao. Seeing Zhao Zhen's question, Empress Cao smiled and replied: "I just said that the officials are extremely smart, and many things can't be hidden from you. A few days ago, I saw General Di on the street visiting the Holy Majesty many times, and I was quite sad. Only then did I talk about this matter with my concubine in private. My concubine summoned Di Qing to the palace, firstly to inquire about her younger brother, and more because of the official world. Di Qing is brave and resourceful, and he is actually a rare good general after General Cao. I only hope that the Holy Majesty can consider the overall situation and don't blame him. As for the exam questions, it was what Fan Zhongyan said to the concubine, and the concubine was just conveying Fan Zhongyan's meaning." Seeing Empress Cao like this, Zhao Zhen was moved, and thought to himself that I am a dignified man, so why not be as good as a daughter?The queen remonstrates so bitterly, if I hesitate any longer, I will feel ashamed. With this in mind, Zhao Zhen had already made up his mind, and ordered Yan Shiliang: "Send Fan Zhongyan."