Chapter 5 In the fourth chapter, Empress Wei frequently showed Xiangruiyong's two rivalry skills

On the fourth day of the first lunar month, it is the first court day after the seven-day holiday. All officials will go to court in Pingming and report in order. Zhongshu Ling Zong Chuke said: "Tubo took Shang Zanduo as an envoy and led a large number of people to Beijing to marry Princess Jincheng. Na Shang Zanduo heard that the Western Turkic Sage was in chaos in the Western Regions, so he took the initiative to ask for help and was willing to send Tubo soldiers Help our country discuss it together.” Li Xianwen sighed and said: "Zanpu Tubo is less than ten years old, and Princess Jincheng is also young, how can we get married right away? Zong Qing, it is better to let Tubo wait for a few years, then it is more appropriate to marry again."

Zong Chuke said: "Your Majesty, the Tubo envoy came last year, and the minister also rejected it with such words. However, the Tubo envoy said that the marriage between the two countries should focus on the country, so there is some reason." During the Zhenguan period, Tubo Zanpu Songtsen Gampo admired the power of the Tang Dynasty. He saw the princesses of the Tang Dynasty marrying to Turkic and Tuyuhun and other places. Finally, Emperor Taizong was moved and Princess Wencheng was married to Songtsan Gampo.After Tang and Tibet got married, the two countries were in a relative honeymoon period, and Songtsan Gampo waited for the Tang Dynasty with a gift from his son-in-law.After the death of Emperor Taizong, Songtsan Gambo sent a golden goose and other big gifts to mourn the funeral, and said to Gaozong Li Zhi: "Your Majesty has just ascended the throne. If there are any unfaithful subjects, I am willing to send troops to the country to discuss them together." gift.Afterwards, Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng and Ludongzan passed away one after another. Songtsan Gampo's son succeeded Zanpu, but he was young.

Lun Qinling inherited his father's Mingyi character, and was good at generals, and the Tubo kingdom was thriving day by day.At this time, Tuyuhun Kingdom, which borders Tubo in the north, took the initiative to request naturalization of the Tang Dynasty, which made Tubo feel threatened.As a result, Tubo began to send troops to invade Tuyuhun, intending to occupy the territory, and even led troops to attack Liangzhou and the four towns of Anxi.From the time of Emperor Gaozong to the reign of Empress Zetian, the Tang Dynasty sent Xue Rengui, Heizhi Changzhi, Wei Yuanzhong, Guo Yuanzhen and others to lead the western expedition.

After Li Xian became the emperor, Guo Yuanzhen served as General Zuo Xiaowei and the Protector of Anxi.Guo Yuanzhen was appointed by Empress Zetian, and he was indeed a talented general. After he arrived in the Western Regions, on the one hand, he consolidated the frontier defense and strengthened the soldiers of the four towns. The relationship between Tibet and Tubo played a deterrent role and made the situation in the Western Regions relatively stable.At that time, civil strife began in Tubo, Lun Qinling was killed, and natural disasters came again. Tubo was in decline for a while, so it proposed to the Tang Dynasty for peace.Li Xian agreed to Tubo's request, and named the daughter of King Yong Li Shouli as Princess Jincheng and married her.

Li Xian was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Well, let's do what we want. It's a good thing that they want to help our country attack the Western Turks together." Confused, after all, I am not a fool, so I have doubts in my heart.At this time, he would still think of the old minister Wei Anshi, so he asked: "Wei Qing, do you think this is feasible?" Wei Anshi held the wat and went out to play: "Your Majesty, I am now in charge of the household department. I know very little about foreign affairs, so I dare not speak falsely." "Wei Qing don't need to be too modest, you have not been working as Zhong Shuling, how can you forget these frontier things, you just say it doesn't matter."

After all, Wei Anshi is a loyal and upright person. Seeing Zong Chuke gaining power here, he couldn't help feeling angry, so he said: "Your Majesty has agreed to marry Tubo, and Tubo also knows that Princess Jincheng is going to marry, so this matter has already been decided inappropriate. Turn it over again. I just want to make one point, Tubo covets the Western Regions for a long time, and its current marriage is due to natural disasters and man-made disasters, and this point must be remembered." Li Xian nodded and said, "I understand. He wants to help our country attack Suoge, the Western Turks, what do you think?"

"This is absolutely impossible!" "Why do you say that?" "There is something subtle about this matter! One, Tubo covets the Western Regions for a long time, and he raises troops to help me, how can he know what his heart is? I think that his decline will be temporary after all. If he enters the Western Regions, it will take a long time. It is easy to cause disaster. Two, Western Turkic Suoge has always had a very good relationship with Guo Yuanzhen, and the Khan who ascended the throne also relied on Yuanzhen's strength. The minister knows that when Suoge ascended the throne, he was grateful and sent envoys to offer five thousand horses, two hundred camels, More than 100,000 cattle and sheep have entered the capital, why are they suddenly turning against each other now? I really don’t understand.”

Zong Chuke then said: "Your Majesty, what Duke Wei said was a thing of the past. Now our army is strong in the Western Regions, and if we have Tubo's strong support, we can drive Suoge to the west. If this is the case, the Western Regions will be able to fight. It depends. The current situation is fleeting, I hope His Majesty will not disturb your mind." Wei Anshi said: "Guo Yuanzhen is the only one who knows the most about the affairs of the Western Regions. Your Majesty, do you know if Guo Yuanzhen has written a book recently? If so, just follow it." Li Xian said confusedly: "Yes, I haven't seen Guo Yuanzhen's memorial for a long time, Zong Qing, is there any recent Western Regions memorial from Zhongshu Province?"

Zong Chuke said: "Your Majesty, Zhongshu Province has not received any reports from the Western Regions recently." Ever since Ji Chuna, the imperial servant, was appointed as the minister of Tongzhong Shumen, his words suddenly increased in the court. At this time, he played in front of the crowd: "Your Majesty, I think what the Zongling said is reasonable. If the Western Regions Being able to fight in one battle is indeed the greatest military achievement since Emperor Gaozong. At present, the country is rich and the people are strong, and the country is rich, and supplemented by frontier achievements to expand the frontier, your Majesty's heroism can be compared with that of Emperor Taizong."

Wei Anshi squinted at Ji Chuna, thinking that such ignorant people are used to flattering and praising them, and he couldn't be too serious with them, so he returned to the class and said nothing.Some upright people among the courtiers recently saw Zong Chuke and Ji Chune in the court hall, and they knew that they were all trusted by the Queen. Emperor Li Xian didn't have a serious idea, so they kept silent. Li Xian really said: "Forget it, it would be a blessing if the Western Regions can be settled in one battle, so let's do what Zong Qing said." Li Xian was fooled by listening to Zong Chuke's words.Since Suoge became the Khan of the Western Turks, he has not interfered with the Tang Dynasty, and the four towns of Anxi in the Tang Dynasty were relatively stable.Que Chuzhongjie, the old general of Suoge's father, refused to accept Suoge as Khan, so he pulled out some troops to set up another mountain, and the two attacked each other.After all, Que Chuzhongjie's troops were weak and gradually exhausted, so he approached Guo Yuanzhen for help.Guo Yuanzhen had been in the Western Regions for a long time, and he understood the principle of mutual restraint among the Western Turks. He was unwilling to let Que Chuo Zhongjie let Suoge be completely wiped out, so he let Que Chuo Zhongjie enter Chang'an and be granted official positions by the imperial court. His tribe moved to Guazhou and Sha Placement between states.On the one hand, Guo Yuanzhen wrote a memorial, affirming his will and requesting Que Chuzhongjie to be appointed, on the other hand, he asked Que Chuzhongjie to set off for Chang'an.

Que Chuozhong was overjoyed and thought it was a good idea, so he led Congren to Chang'an.When he arrived in Boxian City, he met Zong Chuke's confidant Zhou Yiti, who was going to Kucha as an envoy of Anxi Economics.Seeing that Que Chuo Zhongjie had a lot of luggage, he felt that this was a good time to please his master, so he said to Que Chuo Zhongjie: "The country treats you with a high rank, do you know why?" Que Chuozhong asked urgently what happened. Zhou Yiti said: "That's because of the strength of your tribe. Now you are separated from the tribe and you are alone. Even though you are appointed in the capital, you are just a barbarian. How can you protect yourself in the future?" Que Chuozhong was silent, it made sense after thinking about it. Zhou Yiti smiled mysteriously and said, "I have a way to bring you back to life. I wonder if you are willing to do it?" Que Chuozhong was overjoyed and asked urgently what happened. Zhou Yiti said: "At present, in the court, the most trusted people of the empress are the prime ministers Zong Chuke and Ji Chuna. You can send someone to bring a lot of money to see them and get the help of these two. Then the sage will definitely let me go to Anxi. Guide the soldiers of Tubo to attack Suoge, and Suoge will definitely be difficult to defeat. If Suoge falls, you will become the lord of Western Turks." Que Chuo Zhongjie was overjoyed and felt that this idea was really good, so he replied: "Okay, let's do it this way. If I become the lord of the Turks, the benefits will be indispensable to the two adults Zongji, and even less to you." He did what he said. Do it, stop immediately, lead your soldiers to capture Kancheng to live in, and at the same time send people to bring a lot of money to see Zongji and the two. Seeing the pile of gold, Zong Ji and the two thought that these properties are much better than asking for a slanted official, and that they don't need to go through a lot of trouble, so they accepted the gift and agreed to help.So, they sang together at today's court meeting and tricked Li Xian into making a big deal.Guo Yuanzhen heard that Que Chuu's loyalty had changed, and wrote several memorials urgently, but Zong Chuke suppressed them all. Zong Chuke was deeply afraid that Guo Yuanzhen in the Western Regions would not listen to his orders, so he played again: "Your Majesty, this battle is very critical, and we need to send additional manpower to properly arrange it. I think that the Niu Shi can be awarded as the Deputy Protector of Anxi to assist Guo Yuanzhen in leading the battle." The soldiers from the four towns, Gan and Liang joined forces with the Tubo soldiers to attack Suoge, and then gave Anxi Jinglue envoy Zhou Yiti as the envoy to control the affairs of the Western Regions." Of course Li Xian will play.The two men who were appointed were Zong Chuke's confidantes, and Zong Chuke manipulated the documents again, allowing Guo Yuanzhen to lose power. From then on, the affairs of the Western Regions were controlled by these two. Soge.All of a sudden, the Western Regions were full of wars, and the Tang Dynasty's western borders were in chaos again. After the ministers finished their work, Li Xian said: "I ordered someone to draw a painting here, and now I invite all my lovers to watch it together." After finishing speaking, several eunuchs carried out a huge painting. Seeing that the painting is so huge and colorful, the officials moved forward to take a closer look.I saw this painting with the blue sky as the background. A noble lady is dressed in a multicolored drapery, with twelve flowers and flowers on her head. Looking at her appearance, she vaguely looks like Empress Wei.There is no one around Empress Wei in the painting, only colorful auspicious clouds surround her.There is a line of words written in the upper right corner of the painting. Several people looked closely and saw the words "Yisheng Empress Colorful Clouds Picture" written there, so the figure in the painting must be Empress Wei. Li Xian saw that most of the ministers looked at a loss, he felt a little proud, and said: "The figure in this painting is the queen, do you want to know the origin of this painting?" The ministers naturally responded with a bang. Li Xian said: "On the first day of the Yuan Dynasty, several court ladies went into the queen's suitcase in the side hall to take clothes, and they were suddenly frightened. Some of them fell down on the spot, and some fled in panic. After that, the whole hall went to check what happened, and everyone was stunned. Now, it turns out that something strange happened in the Queen's suitcase." Zong Chuke asked anxiously, "Your Majesty, what is so strange?" Li Xian was very satisfied with Zong Chuke's wit and humor, and said with a smile: "Hehe, it's not surprising that you say it's strange. It turns out that there are clouds of five colors around the queen's suitcase. The painting you are looking at is the same as Zhang Xuan, the painter I ordered Painting, alas, it is a pity that Yan Liben has passed away, Zhang Xuan's painting skills are not as good after all." Yan Liben was a painter in the Taizong era, and an official in the Gaozong era to Zhongshu Ling. He had passed away for many years at this time.As for Zhang Xuan, she was only twenty at the time, working as a painter in a gallery, her brushwork was immature after all. Zong Chuke and Ji Chuna looked at each other when they heard the words, they knelt down on the ground at the same time, kowtowed and said: "Your Majesty, this is a great auspicious auspicious sign. I will congratulate the emperor and the empress." Seeing this, the officials felt that their flattery skills were not as good as those of Zongji and Zongji after all, and felt ashamed, so they kowtowed one after another.They shouted long live one after another, and the hall was full of voices and excitement. Li Xian was very happy in his heart, and said: "Auspiciousness descended from the heavens, and I will be there for my blessings. All lovers, please be at peace. I have made up my mind, and I can hang this painting in front of the gate of the palace city, so that the people of the world can see it." " Zongji and Zongji kowtowed again: "Your Majesty is wise." Zong Chuke played again: "Your Majesty, since the reign of Yonghui, the slang song suddenly has the libretto of "Sang Tiao Wei Ye, Wei Ye when she was a girl". People collected this song. A total of ten chapters were collected, called "Sang Wei Song". Today, His Majesty expresses this auspiciousness, and I think it is God's will. Please read this song." Zong Chuke said, and took it out of his sleeve. Sparse, the internal officials stepped forward to take it and forwarded it to Li Xian. Li Xian glanced at it, not knowing what it meant, and asked, "How is this song related to this auspicious omen?" Zong Chuke said: "Your Majesty, in the past, when Emperor Shenyao was not ordered, everyone in the world sang "Peach and Plum"; Everyone sang "Tang and Tang"; when Queen Zetian was not ordered, everyone in the world sang "Wu Meiniang"; when Queen Yisheng was not ordered, everyone in the world sang "Sang Wei Song". Empress Yisheng should be the mother of the country and be in charge of sericulture. Your Majesty, please compile this "Sangwei Song" into the Yuefu, and play it when Empress Yisheng offers sacrifices and kisses silkworms." Ji Chuna also said: "Your Majesty, Zhou and Tang are united, and all fates return together. When Emperor Gaozong named His Majesty King of Zhou, and Empress Zetian, Tang Tongtai presented the map of Luoshui. Today, auspicious and auspicious signs are coming, which is a unified one. Confucius Said: "It may be the successor of the Zhou Dynasty, although it is unknown for a hundred generations." Your Majesty will succeed the Queen of Heaven, and the descendants will be the king of the world for a hundred generations." Wei Anshi saw the performance of these two people, and thought that they were just talking about it, putting together irrelevant matters, and fooling the muddled emperor alone.He knew that with Zongji's talents, they couldn't think of such flattering words all of a sudden, they must have prepared carefully for a long time, and they just had a chance to throw them out today.In fact, Zong Chuke's words have great flaws. Before he praised Li Yuan, Li Shimin, Li Zhi, and Wu Zetian as emperors, slang songs were popular all over the world, so now the slang songs that are beneficial to Empress Wei show that Empress Wei will also be praised in the future. Will become the emperor, this is obviously treasonous words!Since then, Ji Chuna has covered up in every possible way, how can he cover up without any flaws?Why can't the emperor hear it? After listening to the two people's memorials, Li Xian became more and more joyful, and said: "What the two lovers said is very true, and I am very relieved. God has the virtue of good life, so he sent auspicious auspiciousness to enlighten me. Well, what do you say Well done, I want to reward you very much. Come, give Zong Aiqing and Ji Aiqing ten catties of gold and five hundred pieces of Lu silk." Zongji and Zongji hurriedly kowtowed their heads to thank them. Li Xian said: "You two lovers, let's live together. This auspicious auspiciousness is a great joy, and I can't reward you alone. How about this, you can ask the Ministry of Officials to add titles to the mothers and wives of hundreds of officials, and amnesty the world, and give you three days. " Li Xian's words contained a lot of gold, and they also caused a lot of treasury wealth to fall. A few days later, Li Xian issued another imperial edict, appointing Cui Shi as the minister of Tong Zhongshu. The third grade, now it has become the third grade, and it can be regarded as an official promotion.The promotion of these two people has a common feature, that is, because of women.Needless to say, Dou Huaizhen just married the queen's nanny.As for Cui Shi, it was because of his relationship with Shangguan Wan'er. Cui Shi was in his thirties, burly, beautiful and divine. He was a Jinshi in his early years. He compiled "Three Religious Pearls" from the Zhang brothers and was famous all over the world with his poems and prose.This person has another advantage, that is, he is good at both ways, and if he has milk, he is a mother, so his official career is smooth.He first served the Zhang brothers, and then betrayed Zhang Jianzhi and others to win Meiwu Sansi and Empress Wei. In just a few years, he has been promoted from a seventh-rank Kaozuo Buque to Zhongshu Shilang, and a third-rank official.Shangguan Wan'er couldn't bear the loneliness in the palace, and she had already had an affair with Cui Shi.In addition to serving Wan'er properly, Cui Shi often uses Wan'er's power to act for people seeking officials. On that day, the two were in love for a long time again.Wan'er glanced at the edict on the case suddenly, and said with a smile: "The people you asked for have already been appointed, now you have a lot more in your pocket." Cui Shi said: "When did we part with each other again? Wan'er, let's save up for a while, so we can use it for one thing." "Is there anything to do? Hmph, you have a wife and children's mansion, and you also have farmland and farmland. There are plenty of places to spend money. I'm alone, so what's the use of asking for money?" Wan'er suddenly got worried when she said this, Although I had a very high status in my life, I didn't have a good husband, and I had no children under my knees, so I was alone in the end.Although Cui Shi can bring himself a moment of joy, he is someone else's husband after all.Women's hearts are the most fragile, and they often hope to rely on something. With such a strange woman like Wan'er, she can't be exempt. Cui Shi understood what Wan'er was thinking, so he changed the topic to other topics, and said with a smile: "Wan'er, it is too complicated to transfer such trivial matters as someone else's request for an official to you. I have thought about it for the past few days. Think of a way to save trouble." "How can I save trouble?" "As long as you don't bother Wan'er to do it, it will be the most convenient for me to do it myself. I am now the Minister of Zhongshu. If I can enter the position of prime minister, it will be the most convenient." Wan'er smiled sweetly and said: "Your appetite is getting bigger and bigger, to be promoted to the position of prime minister? This is what many people dream of. You said it so lightly, do you think I can do it?" "As long as Wan'er takes it seriously, she will surely succeed." Wan'er calculated in her mind that with Cui Shi's ability, being a prime minister was at least much better than Zong Chuke and Ji Chuna. At that time, as long as Empress Wei did not object, she could ask Li Xian to speak lightly, and then she could be appointed.Thinking of this, Wan'er smiled slightly and said: "Forget it, I'll try it out, hey, if it works, how can you thank me?" Cui Shi took Wan'er into his arms again, and said, "Come on, let me thank you here first. If it works, I will definitely arrange a happy event for you, making you as happy as a fairy." .” "What fun?" Wan'er murmured, her eyes fascinated. Cui Shi didn't answer, turned over and pressed Wan'er under him. But it is said that the picture of colorful clouds appearing in Empress Wei's suitcase is hung above the Suzaku gate. This is the only place for all officials to pass through when they leave the Yamen.The people in Chang'an heard that there was a portrait of a great beauty hanging in front of Suzaku's gate, and they all wanted to see this beauty's face, so they helped the old and the young, and they all came here to take a look at it, and surrounded the Suzaku gate.Seeing the hustle and bustle here, the generals of the Northern Army were afraid of causing trouble, so they had to send more people here one after another to maintain order. Li Xian's original intention of hanging this painting was to show auspiciousness, but the people of Chang'an ignored this problem and only talked about the queen's appearance and figure. Many people's first impression after seeing the picture is: the queen is indeed beautiful, worthy of being the emperor's wife.It seems that not any woman can be the mother of the country, and the most important thing is to be beautiful. There are even some good people salivating after seeing it, and privately said: "Grandma, there is such a beautiful woman in the world. I understand that people want to be emperors if they want to be emperors. If they become emperors, they can sleep on the most beautiful women in the world." A woman is the highest state of life." The equally beautiful Taiping Princess Li Lingyue turned a blind eye to Empress Wei's beauty. Immediately after the court was over, someone reported the story of Wu Seyun and "Sang Wei Song" to her.Princess Taiping didn't make a sound after hearing the words, she knew in her heart that this woman couldn't hold back anymore, she also wanted to be the emperor! Her eldest son Xue Chongjian was beside her at this moment, seeing his mother's uncertain face, he asked, "Mom, the chariot is ready, let's go." Princess Taiping sighed: "Forget it, I'm a little tired today, you can take a few younger brothers to go, I won't go there after resting in the residence." Xue Chongjian obediently agreed, and then went out quietly. Every year after the first day, Princess Taiping would lead the four children born to Xue Shao to pay homage to Xue Shao's tomb as a rule, but she couldn't do it because of a bad mood. Looking at Xue Chongjian's back, Princess Taiping's ex-husband Xue Shao appeared in her mind.It was late spring, fifteen-year-old Princess Taiping went to the countryside with a group of cousins ​​who were similar in age. His face came into Princess Taiping's eyes, and the person said softly, "Sister Lingyue, does it hurt?" This person's name is Xue Shao, and he is Princess Taiping's aunt's cousin.Xue Shao's mother was Princess Chengyang, the daughter of Tang Taizong and Empress Changsun, and the sister of Emperor Gaozong, the father of Princess Taiping.Xue Shao was the third son of Princess Chengyang. At that time, Princess Chengyang had passed away. Because she was a close relative, the cousins ​​had a lot of contacts. Princess Taiping, who was in love for the first time, suddenly had a strange feeling, looking at Xue Shao's familiar face, she suddenly had another mood today, and a blush appeared on her pink and tender face. In a blink of an eye, Princess Taiping was seventeen years old, already past the marriageable age.However, the father is weak and sick, and the mother is busy with seizing the emperor's power, so she has no time to take care of her youngest daughter.Finally one day, Princess Taiping decided to fight for happiness by herself.That day was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the royal family had a banquet as usual. Before the banquet, Princess Taiping stepped into the palace, and everyone's eyes lit up when they saw her attire.I saw Princess Taiping wearing the military uniform of the imperial army, with a long sword on her waist, and she was heroic.Princess Taiping came in front of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Zetian, bowed and said: "Father, mother, today is a festive season, let my daughter dance for fun." After that, she drew her sword and stood in the center of the hall, waving the sword and dancing, But it is the "Broken Array Dance" which is used to in the army. Although its posture is unfamiliar, it looks decent. Once the dance is finished, the people in the hall clap their hands and applaud. Emperor Gaozong asked: "When did Yue'er learn to dance in the army?" Princess Taiping replied: "My daughter has recently entered the Forbidden Army to study. I wonder if I can please my father and the emperor?" "Yes, yes, from now on there will be another female general in the army." Emperor Gaozong laughed. Empress Zetian thought her daughter's behavior was abnormal, so she asked with a smile, "Yue'er, the military uniform is worn by men, and your military uniform does not fit well, and you feel a little nondescript." The action of Princess Taiping was to wait for such a question, so she turned her face and smiled, and said: "That's right, if the father and mother think this outfit is not suitable for a daughter, you can give this outfit to your son-in-law! That's how it is appropriate." Empress Zetian suddenly realized, she smiled at Gaozong and said, "Your Majesty, your daughter has asked us for a son-in-law." Emperor Gaozong nodded and said: "Yes, yes, it's time to choose a son-in-law for Yue'er. My daughter is already grown up, so why do we forget about such an important matter?" Empress Zetian said: "Forget it, tomorrow I will ask Yousi to present the roster and choose a good son-in-law for Yue'er." Princess Taiping didn't answer, but Empress Tian was very careful, so she beckoned Princess Taiping to come to her, and asked softly: "Yue'er, don't you want to choose it? If so, you must have someone in your heart. Tell me , who do you really like?" Princess Taiping blushed in shame, hesitated to answer, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered two words in her mother's ear.When Empress Zetian heard this, she immediately beamed with joy, and said with a smile, "Okay, it's him, Yue'er, it seems that you have good eyesight." The day Princess Taiping married Xue Shao was also the day Li Xian married Wei Shi.Since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, this wedding was the most extravagant. At night, the torches lit on both sides of the street scorched the trees, which shows the grandeur of the wedding. Princess Taiping stepped into the wedding hall from a young girl in Huaichun. After marriage, she had a tender relationship with Xue Shao and became a virtuous wife with all her heart. After several years, she and Xue Shao's four children were born one after another. Princess Taiping was in the mansion. , having fun. However, there was an unexpected situation. After Emperor Gaozong passed away, Empress Zetian used cruel officials in power. These cruel officials understood Empress Zetian's thoughts and wanted to attack the Li family. As the sons of Princess Chengyang, they naturally turned to their uncle's family. As a result, Xue Shao was also imprisoned by Luo Zhi.For the sake of her daughter, Empress Zetian rewarded Xue Shao to commit suicide in prison. Princess Taiping suddenly lost her husband and son-in-law, and her heart ached like a cut. She washed her face with tears in those days, and looked extremely haggard.She didn't expect that as a noble princess, she couldn't even protect her beloved husband and son-in-law. From this, she experienced the ruthlessness and horror of the political vortex. After witnessing the ups and downs in the government, Princess Taiping can deal with everything calmly and remains invincible.However, since Prince Li Chongjun's attempted rebellion, she began to feel the crisis.She knew that the core of this crisis was that the current queen's surname was Wei, and her own surname was Li. Today's empress Wei is aggressive. If her desire to be emperor was still secretive in the past, judging from the stories that happened in the court today, her desire for the throne is clearly revealed.Although brother Li Xian is confused, he is his own brother after all, and he is still affectionate to him.If Empress Wei takes down Li Xian and becomes emperor herself, her status will be in jeopardy. "Every man is innocent, but he is guilty if he is pregnant." If a person is involved in some kind of vortex, it will not work to avoid and retreat. Only by taking the initiative to attack is the way to make a living. Princess Taiping deeply understands this truth. Thinking of this, Princess Taiping summoned Wang Shiqian to sign in the mansion, and said: "Go to the city to find a secluded place, and then ask Xiao Zhizhong to wait there, I want to see him." Without knowing it, Wang Shiqian went in and said, "Just call Xiao Zhizhong into the mansion, why bother the princess?" Princess Taiping didn't want to explain, and reprimanded: "Just go and handle it quickly, why bother!" Wang Shiqian took the order and left. Princess Taiping knew that she had a lot of eyeliner in Beijing, and Empress Wei also had a lot of eyeliner.If it doesn't work out, Empress Wei will send a special person to observe in front of her mansion, and it's better to be careful about everything. And three guests suddenly came to Wei Anshi's mansion this day: Yao Chong, Song Jing, and Zhang Shuo whose mother died and Ding You was at home. The four sat down as guest and host, Wei Anshi said: "The three of you come to the mansion together today, it seems to be agreed in advance. Mr. Yao is now in Changzhou, and Guangping (Song Jing) is now in Hangzhou. It is really not easy for you to go back to Beijing." Yao Chong has a thin face and bright eyes. He is exactly sixty years old.This person had already stood out in the era of Empress Zetian. He was trusted by Empress Zetian and had a good official reputation. Since then, Zhang Jianzhi was able to be promoted to Zaifu because of Yao Chong's recommendation.Later, Zhang Jianzhi and others killed the Zhang brothers and supported Li Xian as emperor. Yao Chong also participated in the conspiracy and contributed a lot.However, when Zhang Jianzhi and others expelled Empress Zetian from the palace and moved to Shangyang Palace to live in seclusion, Yao Chong was there sobbing and weeping.Seeing this, Zhang Jianzhi reprimanded: "Is it the time to weep today? I'm afraid your catastrophe will start from today." Yao Chong replied: "I have served Queen Zetian for a long time, and I just parted today. I don't know if I will survive this life." Is there a time to meet each other? My tears are from the heart, and I can’t hide it. If I am convicted because of this, I will be willing.” Not long after the incident, Yao Chong was demoted as a foreign minister, and he has been serving as a foreign governor since then. . Yao Chong answered at this time: "Guangping and I went back to Beijing a few years ago. We met Daoji (Zhang Shuo) that day. I heard that Mr. Wei's official rank has changed. I have always wanted to visit him. I just made the trip today." In terms of age, Wei Anshi He is also one year younger than Yao Chong, but Wei Anshi is now an important minister in the court after all, and although Yao Chong used to have a prominent official name, after all, he is no longer a flower in the future.Yao Chong was very familiar with world affairs due to the ups and downs of his official career, so he respected Wei Anshi very much. Song Jing has a round face, and his expression is very modest. He is forty-seven years old. He has been working outside since he offended the Zhang brothers.Zhang said he was forty-three years old, with a square face and broad forehead, and a well-educated appearance.Hearing Yao Chongzhi's words, the two of them nodded and clasped their hands together, "We are indeed here for this purpose." Now the court is in great chaos, and all kinds of unbearable things are happening one after another, which makes a group of loyal ministers very depressed.In these people's minds, Wei Anshi was faintly regarded as a leader of their own kind.These three people came together, of course they came to visit and condolences, but they also wanted to inquire about some news from the DPRK and China, and to discuss some ideas. Wei Anshi said: "So, I would like to thank you for your kindness. I am very good. With the current situation, one more thing is worse than one less thing. It is so-called avoiding disaster and staying safe. The three of you are very good. Yao Gong and Guangping are far away. In the southeast corner, it takes a lot of time to get there from the capital, so if there is something to say, you will not be able to get over your head. As for Daoji Dingyou at home, many people now hope that the court will recover as appropriate when encountering such things, and take pride in it , but you received the letter of reinstatement from the Ministry of Officials, and refused to accept it several times, which is really good." These four people have been ups and downs in the officialdom for a long time, and they all understand the mystery. Wei Anshi said lightly with these words, and the three of them suddenly understood the situation in the Ming Dynasty.What Wei Anshi meant, the current situation in the court is chaotic, and treachery is prevalent, these honest and upright people who want to make a difference should not go into this muddy water, the most important thing is to protect themselves. Zhang said that he was the youngest among the people present, and asked: "Grand Wei, I have passed by Suzaku's gate in the past few days and saw the painting of the queen's five-color cloud. I want to know that this painting was really ordered by the emperor to hang up." ?" Wei Anshi nodded: "That's right, the emperor personally ordered people to hang himself in the court hall. I was standing in the court class at that time, and I saw it with my own eyes. This matter is not false at all." Yao Chong smiled and said: "Our emperor is really interesting. What does the queen's auspiciousness have anything to do with the country? Why did you show it to the world with such great fanfare? Duke Wei, why didn't you stop it when you were in the court?" Woolen cloth?" Wei Anshi asked back: "Mr. Yao, if you were in the court at that time, would you have blocked the Holy Majesty?" "Wei Gong doesn't stop me, so of course I won't either." Yao Chong laughed and laughed at himself. Song Jing said at this time: "Although I am far away from the capital in Hangzhou, I can still hear some news from the capital. Wei Gong, we are all serving Empress Zetian together, and we know that Empress Zetian makes decisions on the fly. First-class. However, this Empress Wei, in my opinion, is far worse than Empress Zetian. She is now a colorful cloud, and she is also known as "Sangwei Song", also known as Empress Yisheng. Mingming wants to call on the world in the name of the 'Two Sages'. I have been thinking these days, can this go on? To be disrespectful, this world can no longer be tossed around by women. Li Tang presides over the world and is expected by everyone." What Song Jing said was very sharp, and the other three felt the same in their hearts, but they felt that it was too risky to say such words.Wei Anshi heard the words and said: "Everyone in the world agrees with what you said, but if you leave this hall, you can't say any more. Be careful to use your words to bring disaster." Yao Chong smiled slightly and said, "Guangping has been out of office for many years, it seems that his temperament has not blunted. Wei Gong said it well, it seems that you will have to practice outside for a few more years." After Yao Chong finished speaking, the topic changed slightly , asked Wei Anshi and said, "Duke Wei, have you seen Xiang Wang recently?" Yao Chong and Wei Anshi had the same experience, that is, they served successively as the chief minister of the prime minister's mansion, and they had a close relationship with the prime minister Li Dan.Wei Anshi shook his head when he heard the words, and said: "We often meet each other during the court meeting. As for visiting the Prime Minister's Palace, since the crown prince's change, I am afraid that someone will have ulterior motives and dare not make trouble for the Prime Minister. When you return to Beijing this time, have you Do you want to visit the king?" Yao Chong shook his head and said, "The so-called melon fields and plums are easy to be suspected, and I dare not." After the change of Prince Chongjun, Li Xian and Empress Wei once suspected that Prime Minister Li Dan and Princess Taiping Li Lingyue were involved in the conspiracy.Both Wei Anshi and Yao Chong were former Prime Minister's subordinates, if they come and go frequently, it will definitely cause trouble. Yao Chong asked again: "After all, you have met King Xiang. Is his situation safe?" Wei Anshi sighed: "It's not that you don't understand Xiangwang's temper. Xiangwang has always been a calm temperament. Except for going to court, he would sing poems and listen to music in the mansion every day, and would not come out behind closed doors. Now that there are troubles, he simply keeps talking." I seldom talk. When we met in the court, he used to say a few words to me, but now he nods at most and doesn’t say a word.” Yao Chongdao: "That's fine, the king of Xiang is silent, it's also a way to protect himself. I heard that Princess Taiping is now following the example of the king of Xiang. It’s really boring to work hard on chores.” They were very dissatisfied with the situation in front of them, and they wanted to change the status quo, but they were powerless in the end, so they poured their power to check and balance Empress Wei on King Xiang and Princess Taiping.However, Xiang Wang took it indifferently and didn't care about world affairs. Princess Taiping tried her best to avoid disasters, and turned into a trivial woman who always cares about pennies and pennies. It seems that there is no hope. When the three of them left, Wei Anshi earnestly warned that they should be cautious in the future and keep their words to a minimum, even such ordinary visits should not happen again. At that moment, the three of them felt that the wind and rain were dark, so they left. Li Longji went to Baochang Temple alone on horseback in response to Purun's appointment.Purun was waiting in front of the temple gate. After Li Longji got off his horse, he exchanged greetings with him, and then followed him to the apse. There is a side room on the west side of the back hall, which is the daily living place of Purun.Li Longji entered the room, and when he looked up, he saw that the furnishings in the room were relatively gorgeous, not much different from those in a wealthy home, so he smiled and said to Purun: "Master Zen is very good here, you can enter the main hall to accompany Qing Lighting the ancient Buddha, you can also drink tea and read books in this room, it is very elegant." Purun didn't answer, but Liu Youqiu, who came out from the inner room, said, "Although Chan Master Purun has become a monk, he still stands between the world and the world of Buddhism, so that he can attract people with predestined relationship. It is so useful. !" Purun said with a smile: "Liu Wei's words are not bad. You are all destined to enter this room. How about this, I have asked the novice to prepare the tea set in the room, and now the boiling water is boiling, you two can sit in the room. Let's drink tea and talk, I'll prepare a fast meal here, and I'll make trouble later." After finishing speaking, he put his palms together as a salute, and quietly exited the door. Li Longji asked Liu You with a smile: "Zhan Master Purun is indeed an interesting person, but he really knows how to enjoy the sun and the moon." Liu Youqiu bowed and said: "Your Highness, please allow me to make tea, so it will not be in vain for him." Li Longji looked at Liu Youqiu's strong figure and his small eyes that were blinking brightly, and couldn't figure out what this person was planning to make friends with him. Liu Youqiu let Li Longji take the seat, then took boiling water from the side, and poured the water into the tea set to make tea.For today's meeting, Liu Youqiu rehearsed what he wanted to say several times in advance, he knew that this meeting is extremely important, the Linzi king in front of him is not an idle person, false words will definitely annoy him, so he should not be careless .他将茶冲好，然后端起一盏送至李隆基面前，说道：“殿下，请饮此茶。我最爱饮滚烫之茶，如此方能啜其清香之味，殿下以为然否？” 李隆基随口答道：“水热水温，无非解渴而已。我对饮茶一道，却无特别嗜好，看来刘先生为茶中高手了。” “不敢，我也是随口一说。我闻殿下诸艺皆通，饮茶为其末节，那也是不用多加研讨的。” 李隆基与刘幽求对答数句，觉得此人说话颠三倒四，颇无趣味，心中就生出了一丝不满。他说自己诸艺皆通，那是说自己如长安浮浪子弟一般爱游赏之事，这人实在不会说话。李隆基心里虽然这样想，然他向来喜怒不形于色，无非话语少了一些，并未有什么异样。 刘幽求觉得眼前气氛有些压抑，遂俯身坐在李隆基对面，哈哈一笑道：“当初刘备三顾茅庐以求诸葛亮，缘于诸葛亮以卧龙之名满天下。我刘幽求不过一小县之尉，今日冒昧求见，大约被殿下看轻了。” 李隆基道：“隆基岂敢？你既知我诸艺皆通，当知我亦喜交友，且交友不问出身，三教九流，只要脾性相通，那是百无例外的。我们若谈得快活，一样为朋友，先生怎能说出看轻之言呢？” 刘幽求道：“看来我的眼光没错，殿下如此折节下士，那是我的福分。也罢，我不再说虚饰之词，此后定单刀直入，若得罪了殿下，勿怪勿怪。” “先生既说单刀直入，为何还大兜圈子？看来还是言不由衷啊！”李隆基说完哈哈大笑，刘幽求先是一怔，继而也随之赔着笑，如此，场面上的气氛顿时变得活泛起来。 刘幽求微笑道：“殿下，我刘幽求今年已四十有余，官至小县之尉，知道我现在日日所思为何吗？” 李隆基心里当然明白他心中所思，一个中年人一生碌碌无为，且官职仅为县尉，一般人到了这个分上眼见晋职无望，定会随波逐流，想法打发掉今后的日子才是。眼前的这个人如此上蹿下跳，费力结交各种人，说明他有不安分之心。如此不安分，则定有所图。李隆基心中很明白，然故意不回答，做出一副茫然模样，还摇摇头，静听刘幽求后面言语。 场面因此沉寂片刻，少顷，刘幽求幽幽地说道：“幽求已蹉跎半生，我岂为蓬蒿之人？我今日面见殿下，正想从殿下身上博求后半生的功名！” “先生错了！隆基无非一虚名郡王，官职低微，难能奖掖擢拔先生功名，你倒弄得我一头雾水。” “殿下莫谦逊太过，你且听幽求分剖明白，再评判不迟。” “如此，隆基洗耳恭听！” 刘幽求端起茶盏一饮而尽，然后说道：“则天皇后当初不立武姓，复立当今皇上，此为其真实心意吗？非也。当初则天皇后大肆屠戮李唐宗族之人及功臣，此后改唐为周，其目的很明确，即将李氏王朝改为武姓天下，那是明眼之事。知道则天皇后为何又改变心意了吗？” “我好像听说过，那是则天皇后从狄公等人之意。” “是呀，朝野传闻，某一日狄公说则天皇后曰'且姑侄之与母子孰亲？陛下立子，则千秋万岁后，配食太庙，承继无穷；立侄，则未闻侄为天下而祭姑于庙者也'，似传为信史。幽求以为，狄公当初的确说了这番话，然以则天皇后之睿智，断不会因狄公寥寥数语就改变心意。则天皇后所以这样做，无非是迫于形势，主要缘于两种压力。” “两种压力？” “是啊，两种压力。一者，当时朝中正直大臣如狄公、张柬之等人，皆以维护李唐王朝为正朔。他们认为，则天皇后虽改国号为周，并没有改变国体，依旧是承继高祖、太宗及高宗皇帝之体统而来。大臣如此，天下庶民百姓更是这样以为，他们缅怀'贞观之治'及'永徽之治'的荣光，享受着安详与富足，极不愿意重蹈隋末大乱的覆辙。若李姓易武，则是改朝换代，天下极易动乱，这是人们都不愿意看到的。” “不错，刘先生说得对。隋末大乱虽离今近百年，然民间流传着各种话本，炀帝杨广，还有我那先祖建成与元吉，皆为话本中痛斥对象，而太宗皇帝及其手下秦叔宝、罗士信、程咬金、尉迟敬德皆为救世英雄，由此可以看出人心所向。” “殿下所言甚是。人心思稳，不愿动乱，此为庶民所求，太宗皇帝拼杀积功成就了唐朝，则我朝就成为人心思归的基石所在。则天皇后眼光何等敏锐，她看到如此大势，知道以己之力难以扭转，终将国家大位交与当今圣上。则天皇后临终遗言，嘱对其不可再称皇帝，只许称则天皇后，则是对李唐王朝的彻底回归。当时以张柬之为首的'五王'诛灭张氏兄弟，换做别人，恐怕还会有如此选择。” “嗯，其二呢？” “当初太宗皇帝回宫后向长孙皇后问计，长孙皇后却之曰'牝鸡司晨，惟家之索'，坚决不问政事，由此成就她'第一贤后'的美名。则天皇后能持大政，源于其不世出的才能以及杀伐决断的能力。就男女而言，女人大多多愁善感，眼光短浅，所以，孔夫子说过'唯女子与小人难养也'的话，说明女人为政，非其擅长。我敢说，如则天皇后这样能持大政的女人，五百年难再出一个。所以说，皇帝应该由男儿来当。女人连政事都不许问，奈何能处大政？此为其二。” 刘幽求所言反映了当时的正直官员及士族的想法，此等言语并不为奇。李隆基听后并不响应，在那里默默无语。 刘幽求说着说着立起身来，慨然道：“殿下，下官今日愿说肺腑之言。我刚才以则天皇后为例，其实想说今日之事。如今圣上偏倚韦皇后，韦皇后又与上官昭容、安乐公主一起弄权，其安插朝中重臣，大肆授任'斜封官'，近日又悬皇后图画，又献什么《桑韦歌》，摆明了想把韦皇后推上大宝之位。殿下，你愿意唐朝改作他姓吗？你愿意让女人把持大政吗？” 刘幽求的这番话说得李隆基血脉贲张，其伸掌拍向几案，将上面的碗盏敲得蹦了起来，沉声道：“不能！我为李家子孙，焉能允许这等事情发生？” “对呀，殿下，你应该做些什么？”刘幽求见李隆基积极响应，心中欣喜。 李隆基马上又平静下来，觉得在刘幽求面前如此失态实在不该。毕竟，今日仅与其谋面两次，对其所知不深，不该在此官微言轻之人面前轻易显露自己的态度。他想到这里，伸手扶正几案上歪倒的茶盏，轻饮了一口里面的剩茶，微笑道：“先生所言甚是，如今朝纲紊乱，一些正直之人观之痛心疾首，我为李家子孙，当遥追先祖英烈，以匡扶正义。可是呀，你刚才说自己官微言轻，我自己也是如此啊。我虽有郡王之名，那不过虚名罢了，心中想改变现状，然终无能力和机会啊。” 刘幽求拎起茶壶走至对面为李隆基添茶，又从一侧取过抹布抹去李隆基面前的水痕，以此来缓和刚才激越的气氛。他做完了这些事儿，然后回到座上，轻轻呷了一口茶，说道：“殿下不可以太谦！以下官所观，大唐复兴之事，恐怕只有殿下才能担当。” 李隆基闻言爽朗一笑，说道：“先生言重了。隆基非皇子，现为别驾之身，这天下大任如何能与我扯上干系？”接着又正色道，“我们在此言说，可以言笑无忌。先生若出了门，此等话题不可露出半句，否则先生将获罪，也为我惹下大祸！” 刘幽求摇摇头，说道：“我所言语为肺腑之言，非专为恭维殿下，殿下若有耐心，可听我一一分剖明白。 “一者，如今圣上昏庸，皇后专权，此等局面难以长久。天下思稳心切，又追慕李唐王朝英烈，断不会让王朝改姓或让女人专权，别看如今韦皇后貌似有则天皇后之行事模样，然她无则天皇后的手段，行事不大气，则如今猖狂愈烈，将来终会反噬其身。 “二者，则天皇后当日大肆屠戮李氏宗族，如今高宗皇帝之后仅留下圣上与相王两支相对完备，若要昌盛李唐，当从这两支中选取。换句话说，其他李姓之人皆无当皇帝资格。皇帝一脉，自从太子重俊死后，其他皇子皆年幼，他们难有担当大任的能力。相王一脉，我听说除了楚王以外，其他四王皆与相王一样恬淡处事，绝足不问政事。如此，请殿下揣度之，岂不是仅剩下殿下一人能担当大任吗？” 看到刘幽求在这里侃侃而谈，其所言语显然是经过深思熟虑而成，李隆基的心扉渐渐打开，遂问道：“先生所言大任，莫非想让我谋取皇位吗？” “不错，就是这样。”刘幽求慨然答道。 “先生异想天开了。隆基心思，若能为国家尽一份力量足矣，从未奢想谋取皇位。且你若果真有了这种心思，依眼前情势断不能为，若要硬取，岂非水中捞月？” “不然，人若想干大事，定要目标长远且谋虑清楚。我这样说非为浪言，已深思熟虑多日。” “嗯，你且道来。” “当今圣上与相王，一个昏庸，一个恬淡，皆非明君之选，其子辈中如前所言，唯殿下一人能担大任。殿下若图大事，须有大胸怀然后徐徐图之。” “这样不好，皇帝由上天所授，非人力能谋。太宗皇帝在日，濮王泰才略超卓，终因有谋位之嫌被贬。太宗皇帝当时说道，所以贬濮王泰而立高宗皇帝，缘于要用此事例告诉子孙，皇位非谋能得。” 刘幽求见李隆基在这里遮遮掩掩甚不畅快，忽然放声大笑，然后说道：“殿下似敞开心扉为好。不错，太宗皇帝当时确实如此说。我今天说句大不敬之话，若太宗皇帝自己不谋求皇位，其能成为皇帝吗？还有，则天皇后当时已入尼庵修行，她若不谋取进身之道，能成为皇后吗？能成为后来的周皇帝吗？殿下，所谓'谋事在人，成事在天'，实为至理名言，若不能谋略，焉能成事？” 李隆基有心试探，不为刘幽求情绪所动，他默然片刻，然后言道：“'谋事在人，成事在天'也罢，我们敞开心扉最好。若先生为隆基谋之，你有何法呢？” “上天定会垂青那些有准备之人。吾若替殿下谋之，那就是要广结朋友，待机而动。如那日在王崇晔宅中所交之人，关键时都能用之。对了，那日殿下似提起万骑将领，这些人最为有用。还有，殿下若图大事，有一强援不可不用。” “此人为谁？” “此人久在殿下身侧，又为殿下至亲，殿下难道就没有意识到吗？那就是大名鼎鼎的太平公主啊。太平公主与圣上和相王不同，此人秉承则天皇后的性格及谋略，其从政经验比起两位兄长要强许多。然此人有一桩好处，就是她不像则天皇后与韦皇后那样以谋求高位为目的，只要富足即可。她虽这样，然决不能容忍韦皇后把持大政，她怕这样的结果会陷自己于风雨飘摇之中。太平公主既有谋略，又善笼络人物，我近日听人说，太平公主近来最爱结交朝中重臣，原来她对'斜封官'一事向不参与，近来也经常找圣上授任，为此还与安乐公主有了争执。她这样做，我相信她非为财货，定有图谋。在此点上，殿下与太平公主有相同谋求之处，殿下应取得太平公主支持。若公主答应，其丰富的经验和良好的人脉关系可为殿下所用，则大事成矣。” 李隆基到此时方悟刘幽求非夸夸其谈之人，虽身处低位，然对朝中形势与各方力量相当熟悉。其不计后果全盘向自己托出，足证其心真诚，尤其对太平公主的见地，李隆基此前虽与姑姑亲密，然绝对想不到结盟谋事的地步。由此看来，刘幽求有着相当透彻的眼光。李隆基想到这里，手一撑立起身来，然后走到刘幽求面前执其手道：“先生一心向唐，语出真诚，隆基幸也何如！谋事尚在其次，我们有缘结识，又谈话投机，这才令人欢喜。来，我们且促膝深谈，望先生不吝教我。” 刘幽求见李隆基情之所至，绝非作假，遂微笑道：“殿下卜筮三次然后箸起三次，岂非上应天意？若谋虑清楚，天意佐之，大事岂能不成？” 李隆基闻言，方知普润与刘幽求关系大非寻常，此等幽微之事定是普润说知，则两人谈论自己绝非一次。其心念间恍然一动，心想今日莫非是二人设的圈套？然又观刘幽求的神色发乎真情，对自己绝非恶意，又复释然，遂答道：“此等游戏之作，那是当不得真的。此事今后不可再说，若传扬出去，我岂不是与朱雀门上的图画一般无聊？” 刘幽求正色道：“殿下，所谓成事在天，那也是真真切切的。诸葛孔明曾说过'万事俱备，只欠东风'，若不应天意，纵然谋虑百般，终无用处。” 李隆基就在刘幽求面前坐下，微笑道：“先生观察隆基，恐非一日了。请问先生，若皆以此等眼光来看隆基，我岂不成为众矢之的了？”刘幽求闻言一愣，一时不知道怎么回答才好。 李隆基之所以被密友呼之为“阿瞒”，并非浪得虚名。大凡人之秉性，发乎天成，往往自小及大，从细微之处透出本质。据说八岁的李隆基有一次入宫，曾被武懿宗拦阻，李隆基慨然说出“这是我家朝堂，碍你什么事儿”的豪言。一方面显示了其英武的性格，另一方面也表明李隆基自小生在皇家，业已生出傲视天下的秉性。 虽然顶着则天皇后及武家的压力，然李旦毕竟也当了数日皇帝，则天皇后称帝后，李旦还是“皇嗣”，至少从名义上还是法定的皇位继承人。则天皇后当皇帝，从程序上还有李旦数次辞让的环节，于是李旦就有了“一让天下”的美名。后来李显返京成为太子，也是因为李旦多次辞让“皇嗣”称号方有的结果，于是李旦更有了“二让天下”的美名。 李隆基作为李旦的三儿子，亲眼目睹了这些过程。父亲曾经当了皇帝，然而转瞬即逝；父亲当了“皇嗣”，也说没就没了。探究个中缘由，他发现父亲始终是一个被动者，就像一枚棋子，任人随意拈起然后随意落下，始终不能左右自己的命运。 那位能够左右自己一家命运的下棋者为祖母则天皇后，她之所以能够成为下棋者，缘于她掌控着这个国家。 至于后来的局势，李隆基看得眼花缭乱。伯父李显当了皇帝，其不学父祖的励精图治之风，反而宠信韦皇后和武三思，使朝纲紊乱，政纪松弛。李隆基打心眼里瞧不上自己的这位皇帝伯父，他始终认为祖母选择自己的伯父而不选择自己的父亲当皇帝，是一个极大的错误。事情很明显，伯父李显向无主意，且任人唯亲，父亲李旦虽然恬淡无为，然头脑清楚，日常修持儒家之术，其治国能耐明显比李显要强。当然，李隆基这样想也有自己的私心，父亲若当了皇帝，自己就成为皇子，也就有了当太子的可能。想想当初的太宗皇帝，其功劳很大，毕竟是皇二子，靠着其谋略及“玄武门之变”，结果也成了皇帝嘛！ 对于李隆基刺激最深的是太子重俊的未遂政变，若此次政变成功，李重俊可以一跃成为皇帝。李隆基事后仔细打听了事件的各个细节，忽然发现发动一场政变其实并不太难，若能把握好，则皇位伸手可及。假若那日李重俊少些犹豫，带领兵士快速攻下玄武门，将皇帝皇后擒入手中，就是此后的皇帝援兵来得再多，也终归无用。“成则王侯败则贼”，此话一点不假，若事变成功，李重俊也不需要用自己的头颅祭奠武三思了。李隆基此后每每想起这场事变，心中都会替李重俊感到惋惜：毕竟未历大事显得稚嫩啊！李隆基有时把李重俊想象成自己，若自己成为事变的主人，首要者需控制皇帝。李重俊先杀武三思等人打草惊蛇，让宫中的皇帝等人有了准备，可谓本末倒置！ 那一日李隆基忽发奇想，一个毛头小子李重俊尚且能酿成此大事变，可见皇位非为天授，是能够用实力来谋取的。当初陈胜作为一个草民戍卒，就能说出“王侯将相宁有种乎”，自己作为一个曾经的皇子，为何不能有如此胸怀呢？ 李隆基被任命为潞州别驾，虽整日徜徉在乐舞游宴之中，身侧又有美女相伴，然其心中日思梦想的就是这样一件事儿：改变自己的命运，追逐权力以获取人们的尊敬。他返京之前，韩凝礼为其卜筮，其心间念叨的则是这样一件事儿：此次回京，我能有所斩获吗？ 李隆基的心事无人知晓，其返京后滞留不归，看似无意中交结众人，其实内心实有目的：所谓“乱世出英雄”，眼前堪为乱世，则蕴藏着无尽的机会。李隆基知道，要想成事，必须有人脉资源，这也是他看似