Chapter 10 Chapter 10: Yao Chongcheng Recommends Song Jing Emperor Song Jing Meets a Beautiful Girl in Flowers

In the early morning of the second day, Yao Chong acted as usual.He held the wat and said: "Your Majesty, if you want to make farming less affected by floods and droughts, you must vigorously promote water conservancy. Since the Zhenguan Dynasty, all dynasties have emphasized water conservancy. For example, in the Zhenguan Dynasty, a total of 26 water conservancy facilities were built. There are thirty-one places, and fifteen were built during the reign of Empress Tian. After the construction of these water conservancy facilities, they can benefit future generations forever, and they are truly a merit for hundreds of generations. Now in our dynasty, His Majesty advocates farming, and some places are built according to local conditions. Yes, there have been many constructions, I ask Your Majesty to issue a decree to praise these meritorious officials."

In recent years, Li Longji encountered drought first, and then locust plagues, and he was in a hurry. During this period, he ordered many times to build water conservancy facilities according to his ability.This year has just entered the summer, and if we urge some more at this time, it will help to promote this matter further. Li Longji heard the words and praised: "Okay, Mr. Yao is really a caring person. Where is the water conservancy of the officials most prominent?" ?” Yao Chong replied: "Jiang Shidu, governor of Huazhou, Dai Qian, magistrate of Wenshui County, Taiyuan Prefecture, and Yu Sixian, magistrate of Sanhe County, Jizhou, are the most prominent. Since the first year of Kaiyuan to the present, Jiang Shidu has dug canals in Huayin and Zheng counties, Lisu Canal and Luowen Canal; as for Yu Sixian, he dug Tongli Canal when he was the magistrate of Renqiu County, and then dug Quhetang and Gushan Canal successively in Sanhe County; Dai Qian dug Ganquan Canal and Dang Canal in Wenshui County. Sand Canal, Lingchang Canal and Thousand Acre Canal."

"Well, when they opened the canal, did they pay extra in addition to the rent adjustment method?" "I asked Yushitai to send people to check before, and found that the three people were all guided by the situation. The owner of the canal water benefited the fields voluntarily contributed, and the government did nothing more than come forward to organize it. This is how it happened. For example, Dai Qian, the magistrate of Wenshui County, his All the canals built were completed in the second year of Kaiyuan. Such a huge project is due to his ability to adapt to the people's will and make overall arrangements, so it can be completed in one year."

Li Longji was overjoyed when he heard the words, stood up and said, "Okay, it is my luck and the country's luck to have such officials in the country! I am the emperor, and you are important ministers. If there are no such local officials here I try my best to use my ingenuity on the ground, but everything is done in accordance with the rules and regulations of the edict, and it will eventually fall to the bottom. Lord Yao, you can order these three people to be promoted to a higher rank, and I will give these three people a hundred pieces of colored silk. To praise this trip."

Yao Chong bowed to receive the decree, and Li Longji continued: "The reason why the Qin State was able to unify China in the past is that its water conservancy contribution cannot be ignored. The South Korean hydraulic engineer Zheng Guo has no use in his country, but King Qin Yingzheng adopted his suggestion. Guanzhong diverted water from the Jinghe River to build the Zhengguo Canal, so that Qinchuan, which is 800 miles away in Guanzhong, was nourished by Jingshui; there was also Dujiangyan in Shudi, which I visited when I was young. The weir and Baopingkou are so wonderful that there is no dam to divert water to nourish the central Sichuan plain. Qin State has water conservancy and can develop agriculture, so it has become a hegemony. Yao Gong has been in charge of Zhongshu for many years, and he can take care of everything. It is a blessing for the country that it is flourishing year after year.”

Li Longji did not forgive Zhao Huo's actions. At this time, only he and Yao Chong knew it well. At most Dali Qing Ban Jingqian could guess a few points, and everyone else was at a loss.As soon as Li Longji made this grand statement, several people in the court immediately stepped out, not only complimenting the emperor's ability, but also echoing the emperor's praise and praising Yao Chong. After the court meeting dispersed, Yao Chong stayed alone, apparently having something to discuss with the emperor.Over the years, Li Longji and Yao Chong negotiated and negotiated major cases in the court, and the officials have long been accustomed to it, and they don't think it is strange.

Yao Chong saw that all the ministers had withdrawn from the palace, bowed and said: "As an old man, I thought it was just a matter of lingering on my last breath to spend the rest of my life. Unexpectedly, I met the Holy Grace, who gave me the important handle of the country, and I worked hard. And because, although he has done many wrong things and failed His Majesty's entrustment, His Majesty still trusts him and praises him a lot, I feel really uneasy." Li Longji smiled and said, "What's wrong with Mr. Yao today? You have done your best to put the country on the right track for the Zhongshuling all these years. You really have the merits of Fang Xuanling. What I praised you today is really my heartfelt words. Gao General, quickly grant a seat to Lord Yao."

Gao Lishi has been by Li Longji's side for a long time, so of course he can see the subtle changes in Li Longji's heart towards Yao Chong. Although Li Longji laughed at Yan Yan today, he felt that the atmosphere today was a bit strange, so he didn't dare to say anything, and obediently called Yao Chong Introduced into the seat. Yao Chong shook his head slightly, and sighed: "The heart of the minister is indeed a little young, it seems that he is still in his 20s or 30s, but his body is 67 years old after all, and he is already old. For example, a while ago, the minister was ill and rested for a long time. I have to give you the grace of Your Majesty to live in the 'Sifang Pavilion'. After recovering from this disease, I feel that my vitality is greatly weakened, and I often feel powerless. I have thought about it several times these days, and I think that if I drag this old body to try my best to govern, Xu It is detrimental to the country, and it is a failure of His Majesty's grace. I want to ask Your Majesty to dismiss me from the post of Zhongshuling and appoint another worthy person to succeed me."

Li Longji didn't forgive Zhao Hui, he knew that Yao Chong would ask him to resign from the position of Zhongshu Ling in a few days, so he was well prepared at this time.He was silent for a moment when he heard the words, and then said: "Does Yao Gong want to abandon me? Just now in the court, you asked me to praise several people in order to show their achievements in water conservancy. As a prime minister, you can take control of the overall situation and be able to do it well." The subtleties are the political mainstream. In today’s world, there is only Yao Gong. If you leave, where will I go to find someone like Yao Gong?"

Hearing this, Yao Chong got up and left his seat, and immediately fell to his knees with a "plop". Two lines of old tears flowed down his cheeks. He kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, the world has become peaceful, and there is more than one person who has won the court? If Your Majesty refuses to let the minister go , means that I don’t feel sorry for my minister. Your Majesty, I am determined to resign, if Your Majesty refuses to agree, I will have to kneel down forever.” Seeing this, Li Longji also hurriedly got up, walked down the imperial platform and helped Yao Chong up with Gao Lishi, and blamed him: "Mr. Yao, why do you do this? You can speak slowly if you have something to say, with tears all over your face, why don't you?" How can you kneel for a long time without being able to afford it? General Gao, hurry up and get a wet face towel, and wipe away the tears on Yao Gong's face."

Gao Lishi turned around to take the face towel, Li Longji held Yao Chong's hand and said earnestly: "Forget it, I will obey you. However, as you said just now, there is more than one person who is better than you in the court, and the successor will be recommended by you. If you recommend If the virtues of the people are not as you said, there is no way, and the position of Zhongshuling is still up to you to do what you want." After such a performance, the two monarchs and ministers have taken care of each other's face, and it can be said that they are all happy.Yao Chong took the facecloth handed over by Gao Lishi, slowly wiped away the tears on his face, then returned to his seat, and said, "The first person I recommend, I think your Majesty knows it well. Song Jing, Minister of the Ministry of Officials, is a very honest person." The integrity of the official position, the integrity of the government, and the integrity of the government can be used." Yao Chong had previously recommended Song Jing to Li Longji as his prime minister, but Li Longji thought that Song Jing was an upright person, and his qualifications were similar to Yao Chong's. .Now if Yao Chong dismisses the Zhongshu Ling, the situation will change. Song Jing's ability to manage politics is slightly inferior to that of Yao Chong, but he is indeed a moral benchmark in people's minds.Li Longji wanted to act according to the Zhenguan story, so moral education was the main purpose, and he chose a person with high morals to be the secretary of the Zhongshuling, which had an immediate effect.Li Longji had previously expected that Yao Chongding would recommend Song Jing, and he had already agreed in his heart, and then he replied: "Song Jing's virtue is comparable to that of Yao Gong, but when he governs, he often remains unchanged. If he is stronger than Yao Gong, I am not like that Think." "If Your Majesty thinks that Song Jing is not good enough, there is one more person, although he is more flexible, he can still be appointed." "Well, Mr. Yao, please tell me." "Xiangzhou Inspector Zhang said. This man's talents and insights are first-class. If His Majesty can use his strengths, he will also be a good prime minister." Li Longji shook his head and said: "Zhang Shuo used to be my teacher, and I know his strengths and weaknesses. In the current situation, he is really not suitable to be a prime minister. Mr. Yao, I heard that you replaced Zhang Shuo as the Zhongshu Ling. Zhang Shuo I have a lot of complaints against you in private. It is truly selfless for you to recommend a prime minister for the country without remembering your personal grievances." Yao Chong was a little emotional, and said: "After the old age, I should have lived in a small corner to spend the rest of my life. Your Majesty will not abandon the humble minister, and promote the minister in times of crisis. This kind of grace will make the minister irreparable in this life. And the minister has been in power for several years. Your Majesty treats me magnanimously, makes me wanton and reckless without saying a word, and today I even praise my minister for chasing Fang Du Zhixian. This situation makes me very grateful and ashamed. Even if I have only one breath left in this life, And I dare not try to show my selfishness in front of His Majesty." The sincerity of Yao Chong's words touched Li Longji, and he said softly: "Forget it, I will fulfill Yao Gong's wish and grant Song Jing the Zhongshuling. Don't slack off in the affairs of the government, you can open the government office and participate in the political affairs with the position of the third secretary, and you have to participate every five days, and I will also consult with the military and state affairs as usual." Kaifu Yitong Sansi is the head of Wensan officials. Yao Chong's position can not only provide for his life, enjoy a higher official salary, but also not leave the government. It is actually the most suitable way out.Yao Chong stood up again and kowtowed to thank him. After Yao Chong left, Gao Lishi dared to speak. He said, "Your Majesty, is it selfish for Yao Chong to recommend Song Jing as his chancellor? These two have had a very good personal relationship since they were Empress Zetian. I heard that Song Jing was doing things well. The times are unchanging, and they are going straight, if he is allowed to preside over the military and state affairs, can it work?" Li Longji was very happy because he successfully replaced the Zhongshu Ling today.In fact, without Yao Chong's recommendation, Li Longji had long preferred Song Jing.Since he came to power, he let go of the power of the general country and let Zhongshuling do what he wants. So the position of Zhongshuling or the main prime minister is the most important thing in his mind, and he has thought about it more than a hundred times?Gao Lishi has been around for a long time, and Li Longji regards him as a person who can confide in daily life. It can be said that his words are not taboo, so Gao Lishi dared to talk about important political affairs with Li Longji.Li Longji didn't answer directly now, and said with a smile: "General Gao, you go to the official department now and summon Song Jing. Well, when you met Song Jing, you said that I was recommended by Yao Chong, and I wanted to give him the title of Zhongshuling , let him prepare in his heart." Gao Lishi bowed and agreed, and went to summon Song Jing. Song Jing was busy in the office of the Ministry of Officials. Hearing the emperor's summons, he hurriedly followed Gao Lishi to the palace. Gao Lishi said with a smile on his face: "Congratulations to Song Shangshu. Now that Song Shangshu has heard that he is called into the palace, it is indeed a great joy." Song Jing squinted at Gao Lishi, his face was as serious as usual, and he didn't answer Gao Lishi at all. Seeing that Song Jing didn't respond, Gao Lishi felt very bored, and continued to smile and said: "So that Song Shangshu can know that Song Shangshu was recommended by Yao Gong today, and the Holy Majesty has already favored Song Shangshu as the Zhongshu Ling." Song Jing stopped when he heard the words, his face became more serious, and he reprimanded: "Gao eunuch, although you have been awarded the general of the inner prison gate by the holy majesty, you are still an eunuch because of the majesty's grace. You are not allowed to make friends with foreign officials, and you are not allowed to reveal the forbidden words. Whether I am a Zhongshuling or not, I should be appointed by the Holy Majesty. I have not got the words of the Holy Majesty now, and you dare to spread it. It is a serious crime. You know my temperament, Song Jing , do you want me to be grateful to you just because you can send some messages?" What is Gao Lishi's identity?After being robbed of his confession, his face turned red and white, and he hurriedly defended: "Song Shangshu thinks he doesn't know, our family said this because of orders." Song Jing didn't pay any attention to Gao Lishi, and hurriedly threw Gao Lishi away and went straight into the Tai Chi Hall. Seeing Song Jing's stern face, Li Longji asked with a smile: "Did Song Qing encounter some troubles when she came here? Why is she so moody?" Song Jing glanced at Gao Lishi, and said angrily: "Your Majesty, on the way my minister came here, the eunuch Gao said that His Majesty wanted to grant the minister the order of Zhongshu. According to the regulations of the court, internal officials are not allowed to reveal forbidden words, and are not allowed to make friends with foreign officials. The eunuch's trip is really a serious crime, I ask your Majesty to punish him immediately." Li Longji was stunned when he heard the words, and then said: "Song Qing was angry because of this. Well, when General Gao called you, I asked him to spread the word. Just now, Mr. Yao tried his best to resign from the post of Zhongshuling, and I recommend you as my substitute, and it is for this reason that I called you here." Song Jing said sternly: "Your Majesty, it is really inappropriate to do so. Zhongshu Ling is an important position in the imperial court. If the Holy Majesty wants to confer this position, for example, he should consult the opinions of the important ministers to gather opinions from all the people, and then form a decision, and put it in the court. Solemnly declare this matter. Your Majesty is calling the ministers to declare this matter through the mouth of the eunuch, it is really too short." Li Longji was speechless when he heard the words, and the comfort just now disappeared without a trace.He originally wanted to summon Song Jing to have a discussion today, just like he had a deep discussion with Yao Chong in the Lishan Li Palace that day, but Song Jing came up to first admonish Gao Lishi for his inappropriateness, and then blamed himself, leaving Li Longji at a loss for a while. Seeing the embarrassment of the emperor, Gao Lishi wanted to speak to relieve the embarrassment, and thought that if he spoke, Song Jing would definitely scold him again, and the scene became more and more out of control, so he remained silent. Seeing that Li Longji was silent, Song Jing asked again: "Your Majesty summoned the ministers today, is there anything else?" Li Longji regained his strength, and said: "I thought about it for a while, and it was indeed a little solemn to call you here. I did make a mistake. Well, I wanted to have a discussion with you, so let me wait for you in the court hall We'll talk about it in detail after the appointment." "That's it, Rong Chen resigns." After Song Jing left, Gao Lishi said worryingly: "Your Majesty, when Emperor Taizong used to be Emperor Taizong, Wei Zheng was the most adept at admonishing Yan Zhizhi. From the perspective of Song Jing's attitude, it is clear that Wei Zheng is reborn. If such an admonishing person is granted the title of Royal Doctor Or to preside over a department’s affairs, it can be said to be an appropriate appointment. The Zhongshu Ling is in the center, with the emperor at the top, and all the officials at the bottom. If such a straightforward person is in charge, can it be done without any flexibility?” Li Longji closed his eyes and meditated for a moment, then suddenly laughed and said: "Haha, the country needs such a Zhongshuling now! Wei Zheng is reborn? General Gao, if I want to become a peerless emperor like Emperor Taizong, if there is no Wei Zheng under my command Such an admonishing minister is not worthy of the name after all. I just want Song Jing to be the secretary, and he is the one!" The next day, Li Longji really granted Yao Chong the third division of Yitong in the Kaifu, and he also knew the prince's junior teacher; Song Jing was appointed as the order of Zhongshu.Li Longji called Yao Chong on the matter of Zhao Huo this time, and successfully completed the handover of power, which can be said to be quite calm and without trace. Cui Yinfu, the supervisory censor, made a lot of contributions to Zhao Hui's case this time, and Li Longji praised him very much.To say that the one who lost the most was Zhao Huo, who was listed as a major case because of Yao Chong. He could not escape even if he was amnesty, and he was beheaded a few days later.Zhao Hui was originally from the Ming Dynasty, and he was favored by the prime minister of the court. In the eyes of outsiders, his official career was originally a smooth path, and he was envious of him in private.Unexpectedly, his boat capsized in the gutter, and his former mentor could not help him, but instead aggravated his crime.From this point of view, people still take the truth from ordinary times. If a tree is beautiful in the forest, it will be missed by people, and its mistakes will be infinitely magnified, and even lose your life because of it. Song Jing went to the government office as soon as he became the order of Zhongshuling. After Yao Chong left the court, he went to the Zhongshu Province with him to get some of his personal belongings, which were nothing more than brushes and inkstones. After Yao Chong fetched the things, he turned around and wanted to leave. Seeing the familiar things in the room, he thought that he had governed in the room for more than three years. It's on your shoulders, I hope you can do it yourself." Although Song Jing and Yao Chong have different personalities, they both admire each other's strengths. The so-called sympathy and sympathy between the two are very good in private. Song Jing said sincerely: "Please don't worry, Mr. Yao. There are many chaos, and only Yao Gong's ability can solve the chaos. Today's age is not very old, and Yao Gong's talent can be recognized in the troubled times. Such a vision is really admirable. Such a common governance of the monarch and his ministers will make the world go on the right track. Today, I Succession to this position is nothing more than success.” Yao Chong knew that when Song Jing met to praise others, he often cherished his words like gold. Today, he did not hesitate to praise Li Longji and himself as beautiful as a beautiful one. It was sincere, so a smile appeared on his face, and he said: "The world It is not bad to be praised by Guangping for personnel affairs. I have received this praise today, and it is worth the past few years. Guangping, you said that it is too easy to maintain the system. I will eliminate the chaos. After all, there are traces to be found. If Your Majesty wants to act according to the story of Zhenguan, then the great task of political clarity and world prosperity during the Zhenguan period will fall on your shoulders. This phenomenon seems ordinary, but the effort is far more than a thousand? And there is no trace." Song Jing cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty said today that Lord Yao will visit once every five days in the future, and His Majesty will also consult about military and state affairs, so when I have something to ask in the future, Lord Yao will not hesitate to teach you. Lord Yao, please come to me in the evening. My house, how about we have a drink?" Yao Chong knew that Song Jing's vision was so high that very few people could catch his eyes. Looking around the world, there were very few people who could win Song Jing's heart and soul. It was really unusual for him to be so humble to himself, and he was greatly moved. Then he cupped his hands and said: "That's it, Brother Yu is just disturbing you. By the way, there is a letter of request from Wang Shouyi in the upper right corner of the case, and it has been there for several days. Brother Yu knows that you will be the successor after all. This is a hot matter for Brother Yu, but it is easy for you, so please forgive Brother Yu for prevarication. Guangping, brother Yu is leaving." After Yao Chong left, Song Jing took Wang Shouyi's book and read it through, so he knew why Yao Chong was in trouble. The patriarch Wang Renjiao suddenly fell ill and died. His daughter is now the queen. Of course, the Wang family has to deal with it a lot.Wang Shouyi remembered the story of Dou Xiaochen, the father of Li Longji's biological mother, Queen Zhaocheng, and wrote a letter requesting that Wang Renjiao's grave be repaired to five feet one foot. According to the Tang system, the graves of first-rank officials were one zhang nine feet high, and if ministers with high meritorious service could be buried with the former emperor, their graves were no more than three zhang high.The reason why Dou Xiaochen's grave is five feet and one foot high is due to the grace of Tang Ruizong Li Dan.On the second day of the first lunar month of the second year of Empress Zetian's longevity, Li Dan's second concubines Dou Shi and Liu Shi went to the palace to visit her mother-in-law Empress Zetian as usual.After Li Dan became emperor, he pursued Dou and Liu as queens, and was buried in the south of Luoyang, the eastern capital.Empress Dou's father, Dou Xiaochen, also benefited from this. Dou Xiaochen, who had passed away at this time, was the governor of Runzhou before his death. The height of the tomb was five feet one foot, and Tang Ruizong acquiesced after learning about it, so it became a rule. Yao Chong was in a difficult situation because he was the prince's teacher.Yao Chong and Song Jing have different ways of doing things, but they absolutely agree on this matter, that is, they are not allowed to go beyond the rules.Wang Shouyi wrote a letter requesting to build a tomb with a height of five feet and one foot, which is an overstep.Yao Chong knew that when Li Ying was made the crown prince, the queen was already very uncomfortable. If he was the prince's teacher to refute it, it would easily cause discord between the queen and Zhao Lifei, so he was cautious and did not dare to answer easily, just as he was about to step down from office. , put the case under Song Jing's disposal. After reading it, Song Jing felt that it was a trivial matter. When he met the emperor himself, he could just let him repair the tomb as usual. In the afternoon of that day, Song Jing entered the palace to see Li Longji and reported many things to him, including the matter of Wang Jiayu's tomb repair. Li Longji agreed to repair the tomb according to Song Jing's request. That night, when Yao Chong was drinking with Song Jing, Queen Wang Lihua came to see Li Longji with rain, of course to continue talking about the grave repair. After returning to the Yamen, Song Jing rejected Wang Shouyi's request to repair the grave. After Wang Shouyi heard the news, he didn't bother Song Jing, but went directly to the palace to see his sister. Li Longji listened patiently to Queen Wang's weeping complaints, and sighed: "The height of the grave and the lowness of the grave are all viewed by outsiders. What does it matter to the deceased? The reason why the grave of Queen Zhaocheng's father was five feet one foot, That's because the father and the emperor acquiesced in his transgression in view of the mysterious disappearance of the mother and the queen's family. I have acted according to the story of Zhenguan for many years, and everything must be done according to the rules of the court. You are the queen, don't you know my heart? ?” Queen Wang sobbed and said: "My brother entered the palace in the afternoon and said to my concubine, since there is a precedent, how can I destroy it in front of my father? If my father's grave is built according to the usual order, there will be a lot of turmoil outside and talk about my concubine. The position will not be guaranteed." "Confused. How can your queen's position be connected with this tomb? Alas, this Wang Shouyi, how can he be like a resentful woman?" "Your Majesty, this matter is indeed related to the face of my concubine's family. I hope that your Majesty will accept it based on the great achievements of my father and brother in the past." Li Longji shook his head and said: "You don't know that it is Song Jing and others who insist on repairing graves according to the usual system. I want to accept my ministers' remonstrance with humility. How can I refute it? By the way, you led the harem before. People who practice Empress Wende's "Rules for Women" should know how Empress Wende will deal with such things." Empress Wang was at a loss for words for a moment, she knew that Empress Wende had very strict requirements on the family, and she would not allow Emperor Taizong to appoint his hero elder brother Sun Wuji as an important minister, she would never do such an overstep. Li Longji saw the pitiful look of Queen Wang, recalled the times when the husband and wife shared weal and woe, and recalled the scene of Wang Renjiao and Wang Shouyi firmly following him to fight for the throne, his heart softened, and he sighed: "Forget it, this time I'll just follow you. You tell Wang Shouyi that from now on, you must not have any unreasonable thoughts." After hearing the words, Queen Wang put a smile on her face, and immediately bowed to thank her. Li Longji did not tell Song Jing that he had changed his mind again, and it was three days later when Song Jing found out that the Wang family began to overstep the system and repair the tomb.Song Jing confirmed the news in many ways, and immediately entered the palace to ask to see Li Longji. Song Jing asked immediately after paying his respects: "I heard that the empress's family has begun to repair the tomb, has your majesty heard about it?" Li Longji replied calmly: "I know. Afterwards, I felt that both the queen's father and brother had made great contributions. Why should such a trivial matter make her family unhappy? The grave is high and the grave is low. It's nothing more than the amount of soil. If it is too serious, it will be a small loss, so I will allow it." them." "How can your majesty do this?" Song Jing's voice could not help but become high-pitched, "Your Majesty Jinkou has already agreed to my request, but now he is repeating it. It is really unbearable." Song Jing's words were too harsh, and Li Longji's usual forbearance skills were not bad, and he couldn't help but look down upon hearing the words.Li Longji thought to himself at this time, although Song Jing was famous for his integrity before, but he still spoke slowly when he met him, and never contradicted him so fiercely.Could it be that now that he has become the prime minister, his temper has grown accordingly? Song Jing ignored the emperor's current mood, and continued to say: "Your Majesty burned pearls and jade and banned carvings at the beginning of Kaiyuan. His intention was to get rid of extravagance. Thrift is the respect of virtue; extravagance is the greatest evil. Your Majesty If the empress's father is allowed to go beyond the etiquette system for a generous burial, it is to encourage the world to return to the way of luxury." Li Longji sighed: "Song Qing, I understand this truth. However, there are precedents, can I abolish it for a while?" "The reason why Emperor Ruizong acquiesced was because he was saddened by the death of Empress Zhaocheng. Besides, the reason for this was that there was no one in the court who was as strong as a minister. Your Majesty, it is neither frugal nor economical to build a tomb beyond the system. It is contrary to the meaning of the saint. The saint made rituals in the past, so that the clothes, quilts and coffins have their own degrees, so that the world is big, and everyone follows the rituals. If your majesty wants to follow the story of Zhenguan, how can you abolish the rituals?" "However, I have promised the queen and Wang Shouyi, if I abolish them again, wouldn't it be a breach of trust?" "The queen is not a person who doesn't know how to be polite. If she obeys the rules, it will actually be a good thing for the queen's family. In the past, the emperor Taizong married Princess Changle, because he loved the empress Wende the most, and ordered her to dowry more than the eldest princess. Wei Zheng heard about it. Empress Taizong gladly accepted the remonstrance, and Empress Wende was not angry but happy, and sent envoys to thank Wei Zheng generously; while Wei Shuren chased the king's father, and built Liling for his father, but the disaster ended with him. Your Majesty, the minister is extremely grateful To remonstrate, I just want to achieve the frugality of the king and queen, and thus maintain your majesty's promise to the world, this is a big letter for the sake of eliminating small festivals!" Li Longji thought to himself: "Could it be that this person is Wei Zheng reincarnated? He admits death and has a straight neck!" Of course he understood these principles, and the reason why he agreed to the queen was that the construction of the grave was a trivial matter and had nothing to do with the country's major plans.Unexpectedly, Song Jing thought the matter was too big, and raised it to the point of life and death of the country.Li Longji disapproved in his heart, and said: "Forget it, I just let the queen repair the grave as usual." Song Jing cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, the country knows that people are infinite, so it is a system, and it will not be shaken by people. It is really a blessing for the world to be able to do this." Seeing that the emperor promised himself that he would stop talking nonsense, he bowed and left . Li Longji sent someone to call Queen Wang, and said: "Just now Zhongshu ordered Song Jing to remonstrate again, and I promised him that the tomb of my father must not be built beyond the limits." When Queen Wang heard this, her tears suddenly became two lines, and she sobbed, "This is a royal matter, why did Song Jing interfere? Your Majesty, the construction of my concubine's father's tomb has already started, so the world will know. Now we will build the tomb as usual. People in the world will definitely laugh at my concubine's family." Li Longji thought of the deeds of Queen Wende, and compared with his own Queen's words, he thought that there was a big gap between the two.Empress Wende has both a virtuous name and a great demeanor, but her own queen can't make it to the stage, so she feels disgusted in her heart.So he straightened his face and reprimanded: "There is no need to repeat this matter, I will follow Song Jing. You tell Shouyi that repairing the tomb is a small matter, but exceeding the system is related to the overall situation of the country, so he can't come to beg again." After hearing this, Queen Wang knew that this matter should not be discussed again, so she replied aggrievedly: "The concubine knows, and I dare not mention it again. In this way, the concubine...the concubine will resign." She broke down in sobbing, and the two tears were very obvious. Seeing this, Li Longji recalled the achievements of the Wang family, and even recalled that the Queen had followed him so hard for so many years. I wrote it in my own handwriting, and then it became a monument and stood in front of Naifu's tomb." The reason why the Wang family asked to exceed the system to repair the tomb was nothing more than to show the queen's favor to the Wang family.Now Li Longji offered to write his inscription. This kind of favor is even more important than adding a little more soil on the grave. After hearing the words, the Queen of course understood the seriousness of the matter, so she smiled through tears and said: "It's the best, my concubine My father knows the truth, and I will be grateful for His Majesty's kindness. Your Majesty, I heard that Zhang Shuo's writing is the most beautiful in the world today, how about I send someone to let Zhang Shuo write this inscription?" "Zhang said that he is far away in Xiangzhou. If he comes and goes back and forth, it will take a long time. Anyway, you don't mind the trouble, just go. Oh, queen, the love between you and me is more important than these empty foreign things. Precious? It's a pity that you value these vulgar things so much." Queen Wang didn't hear the implication of her husband's words, and immediately resigned happily.Zhang said that seeing the empress sent someone to invite the inscription, of course he was full of energy, his pen was like a flower, and he praised Wang Renjiao as a hero who founded the country.Li Longji wrote this article in one go, using the style of official script that he is best at.After the tombstone was carved, it stood in the Shinto in front of Wang Renjiao's tomb on the bank of the Wei River. Passers-by saw this and knew that the current emperor has treated the queen's family with special favor. A small turmoil calmed down, and for the next two days, Li Longji has been thinking about this matter: Should Song Jing be encouraged or suppressed for this? On the morning of the second day, Li Longji gave the answer.He praised Song Jing in the hall, and praised: "I always want to be upright and discipline the world. Now I am lost when I encounter the matter of the head of the country. All the ministers dare not speak, but only Song Qing dares to speak out. I have been here for two days Think deeply, if you want to act according to the story of Zhenguan, you must follow the words and deeds of the sages to educate. Then you must be like Song Qing, who dares to defy the scales of the dragon and touch the face of the dragon, so that the policy of enlightenment can be deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. For the praise of Song Qing , I reward four hundred pieces of colored silk." When the ministers heard the words, they were shocked: four hundred paragraphs!It is the time-colored silk that actually has the same function as coins.Tang Gaozu Li Yuan abolished the five baht coins that had been in circulation for more than 1,300 years in the fourth year of Wude, and recast Kaiyuan Tongbao, which became the common currency of the Tang Dynasty.This year, each bucket of rice is about 35 wen, each bucket of noodles is 48 wen, each section of silk is 330 wen, and colored silk is about 500 wen.Because silk is easy to store and easy to exchange, in addition to being used as clothing, it has more currency functions than other items. People in Tang Dynasty actually regarded it as currency.Li Longji previously rewarded people with dozens of paragraphs, at most a hundred paragraphs, but today he rewarded Song Jing with 400 paragraphs, worth 200,000 yuan! Back then, in order to guide people to remonstrate, Emperor Taizong rewarded a mansion—the Lanling Princess Garden because of his minister Sun Fujia’s remonstrance. Li Longji rewarded Song Jing in the palace today, which has the same function. Song Jing won this huge reward, if he took this thing home, he wouldn't be Song Jing anymore.That year, there was a severe drought in Chenzhou, and the people had no harvest. The imperial court had provided relief many times before. Song Jing asked people to replace the colored silk with rice noodles, and then sent it to Chenzhou to help the victims. The two monarchs and ministers hoped that the four hundred pieces of silk had received their respective reputations. Since the beginning of winter, there have been several heavy snowfalls. This day, the snow gradually became denser in the early hours of the morning. After dawn, the entire palace was covered in white.The snowflakes hadn't stopped yet, until around noon, the snow layer on the ground was already more than half a foot thick. Li Longji had been reviewing the memorials in the hall before, and he asked Gao Lishi after a while: "Is the snow still falling?" After getting an affirmative answer, he felt very happy.After reading a stack of memorials on the case, he got up and said enthusiastically, "General Gao, follow me out for a walk in the snow." Gao Lishi has served Li Longji for many years, knowing that he has a habit of walking in the snow, he has long prepared a white gauze cloak, a plain cloak, and a pair of high-waisted black leather shoes for him.Li Longji dressed up and went out, and no other guards were allowed to accompany him. Only Gao Lishi followed, and the master and servant walked towards the back of the hall on the snow and broken jade. The corridor was covered with falling snow, and the corridor led to the sea pool in the center of the palace. Li Longji walked silently all the way, only listening to the "creaking" sound of black leather shoes under his feet stepping on the snow. The two came to the edge of the sea pool, looking around, the still water in the sea pool had already condensed into ice, and now the ice surface was covered with a layer of snowflakes, which integrated with the surrounding pavilions, bridges, and pavilions, forming a silver-white The world is surrounded by silence, and it seems that time is also frozen. Li Longji took off his cloak, looked up at the sky, and let the dense snowflakes fall on his cheeks. At that time, not only snowflakes were falling, but there were occasional snow particles, which felt a little tingling when it hit his face. Li Longji was in a wonderful mood , praised: "If there are snowflakes falling every day for a year, wouldn't it be beautiful?" Gao Lishi said: "Your Majesty cares about the common people. If there is no season in the world and it is winter, there will be no grain harvest. Your Majesty will be very worried at that time." Li Longji smiled and said: "General Gao, could it be that you have become like Song Jing? I finally went out to relax, and don't bother me with military affairs. Life is a life, if you behave yourself all day, that is So boring." Gao Lishi said: "Everyone in the world says that eunuchs are the best at flattery, and His Majesty often admonishes the people in the palace. If you obey Your Majesty in everything, Your Majesty will alienate you and others." After all, Gao Lishi has been with Li Longji for many years. As a master and servant, I gradually became friendly, and my words were not as careful as they were at the beginning. "When I am free, I don't think about the military affairs any more. You have to follow me and be happy." "I understand." Li Longji pointed to the pool and said: "There is a lot of snow in front of me. If there are a few clusters of green trees in the pool at this time, the scene will be even better." "If Your Majesty has this intention, after the spring comes, people can build a small island in the pool and plant evergreen trees. Then when the snow falls next year, Your Majesty will be able to see this scene." "Forget it, I'm just talking about it, there's no need to start building." Li Longji mentioned the green trees, which brought back the memory in Gao Lishi's heart, and said: "I think of a place to watch the scenery. The peonies in the Linhu Palace should be in bloom. If your majesty is interested, you can take a look." Li Longji once saw Luoyang peonies cultivated by Wang Chongye with hot air in Wang Chongye's house in the past, and his memory is still fresh. Since then, people have cultivated them in the palace according to the law, so that they can be viewed during the Spring Festival.He was overjoyed when he heard the words, and said, "Okay, the snowflakes are fluttering in front of me, and there are peonies competing in beauty indoors. It's a wonderful scene. Let's go there now." Gao Lishi said: "It's a long way to get to Linhu Palace, please wait a moment, Your Majesty, and I will call someone to bring you over." Li Longji waved his hands and refused: "Why do you take advantage of the beautiful scenery? Let's walk slowly. By the way, lunch will be served in the Linhu Palace. You can send someone to prepare it quickly and warm a pot." liquor." Seeing that Li Longji was in a very happy mood, Gao Lishi felt relieved.In the process of walking along with him, he called someone to give him a detailed instruction. The Linhu Palace had been vacant until now. Since Luoyang peonies were cultivated in the palace, it seemed to be a place to grow flowers.In winter, the doors and windows of the hall are covered with cotton curtains, and charcoal is lit at the four corners of the hall, making the room as warm as spring.It's just that the water vapor in it is relatively thick, and the smell of the fat juice used to water the flowers is mixed with the water vapor, which makes the hall smell very unpleasant. In order to make it easier for the emperor and his concubines to come to watch, Gao Lishi had already ordered people to renovate the east side room of the Linhu Hall. The room was still warm as spring, without water vapor and unpleasant smell, and only the blooming peonies were selected. Move into this room.The windows facing the lake are not covered with cotton curtains, but are pasted with plain window paper. If you push the window to the outside, you can enjoy the blue waves and willow waves of the lake. Li Longji walked all the way to see all the snow scenery, and a thin layer of sweat broke out on his body.When he stepped into the east room, he felt a heat wave hit his face, which made him feel the heavy clothes on his body, so he removed the outer clothes under the service of Gao Lishi. The room is full of peonies of various colors, including red, white, pink, yellow, purple, blue, green, black and other colors. The names of the flowers are also in competition, such as Luoyang spring, Qianxi Fei, Shouan red, Oujiabi, Wei紫、鹤翎红、玉天仙、二乔、璎珞宝珠、飞燕红妆、雪夫人、粉香奴等。是时牡丹经过多年人工培育，已有一百余个品种。 李隆基边观赏边对高力士说道：“昔年王崇晔在宅中冬培牡丹，不过十余个品种，那时观之已觉新奇，他又怎能比过皇家呢？” 牡丹本为野生植物，与荆棘无异，关中周围的山地皆有生长。自隋朝开始，牡丹在民间培植的基础上进入皇家园林，隋炀帝建都洛阳之时，辟西苑二百里专事种植牡丹，“洛阳牡丹”由此驰名天下。洛阳城北面的邙山本野生有大量白色的杨山牡丹和紫斑牡丹，经过花师们与外地牡丹的嫁接，加上其他牡丹品种的大量引入，洛阳牡丹的花色渐渐丰富起来。洛阳这个地方很奇怪，外地的牡丹若移植到此，花色及花朵之盛要胜于原产地；而将洛阳的牡丹移往别处，花朵就会慢慢变小，由此就有了“种植好牡丹，必取洛阳土”的说法。眼前盛开的牡丹，皆为其幼苗时连盆带土运来，花开一季后即丢弃，却也不用那么多的讲究。 李隆基观罢群花，走至墙边将轩窗推开，外面的急雪飘飘洒洒挤入室内，李隆基不由得脱口赞道：“美哉斯景！窗外飘雪纷纷，室内花香袭人，人处此景，浑若天成！” 高力士见李隆基今日一直兴致颇高，生怕打乱其思绪，不敢贸然接腔。其等待片刻之后，方轻声说道：“陛下，时辰已过午时，该是进膳的时候了。所暖之酒为剑南之'烧春'，现在正适宜饮用。” 李隆基此前心里似有缺憾，且一直挥之不去，此时方才恍然大悟，说道：“是了，今日之花丛中为何未见'眼儿媚'呢？” “眼儿媚”为牡丹花中一种，系人工培植而成。其花朵为黄色，每瓣花瓣居中处有一条隐隐红线，好像一个浓妆的美人在那里轻抛媚眼。李隆基因此花比较特殊，对其记忆甚深，今日因未见到，又想不起花名，到了此时方悟。 高力士急忙说道：“花丛中果然没有，请陛下稍待片刻，臣速入花殿里问询。” 高力士很快返回，禀道：“陛下，'眼儿媚'花期较长，臣刚才看了，其花苞刚刚绽开，须数日后方能全部绽放。” “都是一样的花儿，为何此花要稍长数日呢？” 高力士心想，花期长短自由其花木决定，如此浅显的道理，皇帝还要问个究竟，自己实在答不出来。他转头向后面喊道：“你出来，速速回答圣上的垂询。” 通向正殿的门帘一动，一双素手撩开门帘，从中走出一位素衣女子。 想是临湖殿甚暖，此女子衣衫甚薄。其上着窄袖茶褐上衣，下系素色长裙，裙幅红绿相间，随行走略显颜色，长裙在腹下以一带缚之，想是因裙子过长不易劳作，故而系束。是时天寒地冻，妇人们素常的衣装稍嫌臃肿，此女子一身薄衣轻盈而出，令李隆基观之更有爽心之感，眼光也为之一亮。 此女子低头渐趋而来，李隆基可以看到其露在外面的小臂与颈胸上部的肤色同藕色相若，其长裙鼓摆之余，可见其身形婀娜之极。李隆基此时心间忽然漾出了一股酥酥的感觉，他自己也不知因何而出。就见此女子行到跟前盈盈下拜，口中吐气如兰说道：“贱婢拜见陛下。”其语音中虽有急促之音，未见惊慌之态。 李隆基将刚才的疑问再说一遍。 女子答道：“此花系由'邙山黄'与'二乔'培植而成，其花萼相配颇费时日，如此就挨后数日。此后花种乃成，待播种后花开之日，皆要顺延数日，其个中缘由，想是因此而生。” 李隆基聆其语音，只觉声声轻柔又清晰无比，宛似黄莺之声，心中酥酥的感觉又加重了一层。其面向高力士笑道：“高将军，如此浅显的道理，你却说不清楚。”然后又低头说道，“嗯，你抬起头来，让朕瞧瞧。” 此女闻言，缓缓将头抬起，就见其面貌粉嫩至极，似吹弹即破，一双圆睁的大眼深若泓水，微微一眨似会说话。李隆基此时心里一震：嗯？如此的可人儿，为何在花房里充杂役之职呢？ 李隆基素为一个怜香惜玉的主儿，他思念至此，心中柔情顿起，说道：“平身吧，起来说话。你叫什么名字？” 女子闻言叩首谢道：“贱婢不敢起身，如此就违了宫中的规制。回陛下问话，贱婢名惠儿，家姓为武。” 李隆基听说其姓武，心中已大致知其来历。武家势落之后，其得罪女眷若未至流放地，多入掖庭宫为婢女，此女年龄不大，估计自幼时即入宫。为证己猜测，李隆基接着问道：“如此来说，你为武家后人了。你父亲姓甚名谁？” “贱婢之父名为武攸止，已于长安元年病卒。贱婢当时年幼，按例入宫长大至今。” 武攸止系则天皇后的侄子，武家得势后被封为恒安王。武攸止为人宽厚谨慎，不像武承嗣、武三思等武家子弟那样野心勃勃。其与李氏皇族私交甚好，此后李唐复辟乃至李隆基当了皇帝，武家后人难得善终，仅武攸止的恒安王之爵名未加剥夺。 若按辈分而言，李隆基应该唤武攸止为表叔，则与面前的这位小女子实为表兄妹了。李隆基明白这些渊源，心中的怜惜之情又大为加剧，转视高力士道：“如此藩王之后怎能充此杂役之职？高将军，你为内宫之首，焉能将其与得罪之人混为一谈？” 高力士暗自哭笑不得。此人之所以沦落如此境地，实受则天皇后的余荫。自李唐复辟之后，中宗时代对武家之人尚可，到了睿宗执政，武家境遇一落千丈。王皇后昔日随夫家小心度日，内心对武家之人极为怨毒，她如今为后宫之主，当然对武家女眷没有一点仁慈之心，严令她们只能干最苦最累的活儿，并不得接触皇帝。像武攸止死后，则天皇后认为此女年幼恩准其入宫抚养，不料形势突变，其长大之后竟然沦为仆役之身。高力士此时暗骂自己不该让此女近皇帝之身，若王皇后知道今日的事儿定会暴怒不已。他脑中思绪不已，口中期期艾艾答道：“臣实在糊涂，竟然忘了此女为恒安王之后，臣实在该死，请陛下责罚。”高力士明白，皇帝也就罢了，如何去对付王皇后的询问方为正理。 李隆基不再理会高力士，转而柔声说道：“哦，你叫惠儿，赶快起来说话。” 武惠儿不再扭捏，再向李隆基叩首后即袅袅婷婷立起身来。李隆基观其身形，只见其如风摆杨柳，身子既显柔软，然骨肉丰腴而实，心中不由得充溢喜爱，右手不自觉伸了出去扶其臂膀。触手间只觉满手柔软滑腻，心中一直存有的酥酥之意顿时释于手掌间。 武惠儿看到皇帝来搀扶自己，脸上的羞涩之意一晃而过，仅在脸上留下两团淡淡的红晕。李隆基见此，心中忽然又涌出醉意，恍恍惚惚问道：“惠儿，你今年年龄多少呀？” “禀陛下，贱婢今年年方二九。” “哦。这些年也难为你了，宫中的岁月难熬吗？”李隆基此时说话，早无皇帝的威严，实如一位长兄在怜爱妹子。 “禀陛下，贱婢年幼时入宫，得则天皇后怜爱，其饮食器具并不差，还有专人教授诗书及乐律。至于此花房之职，非是尚官有意役使，却是贱婢知道则天皇后昔日最爱牡丹，因多次坚请此职。” “如此说来，你是睹花思人了？”则天皇后为李隆基的祖母，她虽杖杀李隆基的生母，毕竟亲情血脉犹存。武惠儿这会儿提起则天皇后，一下子拉近了二人的距离。 武惠儿的眼中顿时涌出清泪，哽咽着说道：“贱婢年幼丧父，则天皇后如此亲怜有加，贱婢睹物思人，感到则天皇后音容犹在。” 李隆基此时似乎忘记了自己尚未进膳，其凝视惠儿片刻，爱怜地说道：“你今后在朕面前，不许自称贱婢，自称惠儿即可。” 他又转向高力士道：“一个金枝玉叶的女子，却与闷腥臭气为伍，岂非亵渎玉人？高将军，你唤人把惠儿领走，先以香汤沐浴，今后就让她在太极殿服侍朕吧。” 高力士心里叫了一声苦，若武惠儿今后在太极殿大模大样服侍，王皇后很快就会发现，自己将如何处之呢？