Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 345 Empress Wu Arrives at Changsun Mansion
Early the next morning, Li Jingxuan came to the Menxia Province to work.

He first found an excuse to go to the Ministry of Rites to hand over official business.

As soon as he arrived at the Ministry of Rites, he saw a bustling scene inside, and two officials bumped into each other.

In the office in the backyard, a loud scolding could be faintly heard.

"What are you all doing? It's such a small matter, and it took two days to complete it. The imperial examination is only a few days away..."

Li Jingxuan was very familiar with this voice; it was the voice of the newly appointed Minister of Rites, Xue Yuanchao.

Li Jingxuan nodded secretly and returned to the Ministry of Personnel to continue working.

After noon, he went to the cross street outside Zhuque Gate to have lunch, and then returned to the gate to rest for a while.

At three quarters past noon, he arrived outside Changle Gate, informed a eunuch, and asked to see Zhang Duohai.

After waiting for a while, Zhang Duohai came over, bowed to Li Jingxuan and said with a smile: "Minister Li, what do you want to talk to me about?"

The two had a good relationship during the reign of Concubine Wu, and their friendship was further strengthened during the emperor's tour. Zhang Dahai was very polite to him.

Li Jingxuan whispered, "Zhang Shaojian, I'd like to see Her Majesty the Queen. Is that convenient for you?"

Zhang Duohai frowned, thought for a moment, and said, "If it were in the past, it would definitely be inconvenient, but... well, never mind, I'll risk taking the blame and go and inform you."

Li Jingxuan bowed and said, "Thank you very much."

After waiting for about half an hour, Zhang Duohai came back with a smile on his face.

"Minister Li, you're in luck. Her Majesty the Queen is in a good mood today and has summoned you to an audience."

Li Jingxuan took a deep breath, said thank you, walked through Changle Gate, and followed Zhang Duohai to the Lizheng Hall.

Halfway through the journey, three women came from a distance.

Li Jingxuan knew two of the women. One was Lady Wu Shun from Liucheng County, and the other was Lady Wu Ruyi from Wenshui County. Beside the two women was a beautiful girl of about fifteen or sixteen years old.

Zhang Duohai came over with a smile and chatted with the three women. Li Jingxuan greeted them and stood aside waiting.

From Zhang Duohai's words, he learned that the beautiful girl was Wu Shun's daughter, Helan Minrou.

Originally, Wu Shun preferred to bring her son into the palace, but recently, she only brought her daughter into the palace.

It turned out that after Helan Minzhi bumped into Wu Meiniang, Wu Meiniang issued an order to confine him to house arrest for one year.

In order to ease the relationship with his sister, Wu Shun often brought Helan Minrou and Wu Ruyi into the palace to please Wu Meiniang.

Helan Minrou is young, but she is well-behaved, sensible and good at pleasing others.

Over the past month, Wu Meiniang finally calmed down and her mood improved, so she summoned Li Jingxuan.

After a while, Zhang Duohai finished greeting the three women and continued to move forward with Li Jingxuan, and soon arrived outside the Lizheng Hall.

After the announcement, Li Jingxuan was led into the main hall.

The last time he came to Lizheng Hall to pay a visit to the empress was in the sixth year of Yonghui.

Now, after such a long time, I come to Lizheng Hall again to meet the queen, and my heart is filled with emotion.

What surprised him even more was that after so many years, Empress Wu's appearance was still as beautiful as before, without any signs of aging.

"Your servant Li Jingxuan pays homage to Her Majesty the Queen!" He said in a hoarse voice and kowtowed deeply.

Wu Meiniang was wearing a red palace dress today, with a moon-shaped flower ornament on her head and a layer of purple eyeshadow on her narrow and long phoenix eyebrows.

She was in a really good mood, with a smile on her face, and raised her hand and said, "Get up."

After Li Jingxuan stood up, he danced and performed a dance ceremony.

Unlike Li Zhi, Wu Meiniang was open to the minister's dance. She watched him finish his dance with a smile and said, "I haven't seen you for a while. How have you been?"

Li Jingxuan hurriedly said, "I am fine."

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, "I heard that you recently had a grandson. You are very lucky to have a grandson at this age."

Li Jingxuan said: "It is all thanks to the great blessings of Your Majesty and Your Highness."

Wu Meiniang waved her hand, ordered someone to let her sit down, and chatted with Li Jingxuan about family matters.

Li Jingxuan did not dare to mention the matter of Xu Jingzong rashly, and answered the queen's questions carefully.

After a while, Wu Meiniang suddenly sighed.

"If you guys hadn't supported me back then, I wouldn't be where I am today. It's a pity that now you're the only one who can talk to me."

Seeing that she had brought up this topic, Li Jingxuan said, "Your Highness, Lord Xu has always been looking forward to coming to Lizheng Hall to meet you again."

Wu Meiniang glanced at him, seemed to have heard something, waved her hand, and dismissed the servants.

When there were only two people left in the room, Wu Meiniang asked calmly, "Is Xu Jingzong okay?"

Li Jingxuan was startled and said, "Your Highness, you..."

Wu Meiniang raised her hand and said, "Don't panic. I know he is feigning insanity, and Your Majesty knows it too, and has no intention of blaming him. I have pleaded for him, and Your Majesty has not forgotten his contributions."

"I would like to thank Your Highness on behalf of Lord Xu! Your Highness, Lord Xu has a letter for me to give you." Li Jingxuan knelt on the ground holding a letter.

Wu Meiniang frowned slightly, and after a moment, she finally stood up, walked to Li Jingxuan, took the letter from his hand and began to read.

After reading it, she returned to the phoenix couch and sat down, smiling, "Get up. I am well aware of your abilities. I will recommend you to His Majesty. I hope you can help His Majesty and not let me down."

Li Jingxuan kowtowed and slowly stood up.

Wu Meiniang looked down at the letter in her hand and said with emotion, "Xu Jingzong's last request to me was actually to consider you. Doesn't he have his own requests?"

When Li Jingxuan heard Empress Wu's question, a thought flashed through his mind, and he couldn't help but recall the last words Xu Jingzong said to him in the letter he wrote to him yesterday.

"Jingxuan, I have something to ask of you."

"When you give the letter to the Queen tomorrow, she might remember all the things I did for her and ask you if I have anything else in mind."

"When the time comes, you will tell the Queen that although I may not say it, I miss my grandson very much in my heart. I would even be willing to sacrifice my own life in exchange for his."

"If the Queen hasn't asked, then there's no hope, and you don't need to bring it up again."

"Also, you must never take the initiative to bring this up and plead with the Queen! Otherwise, she will definitely be displeased, and it will only make things worse. Remember this!"

Li Jingxuan thought of this and looked up at Wu Meiniang.

I saw her staring at the letter in her hand, with a nostalgic look on her face, as if she was immersed in some memories.

Li Jingxuan took a deep breath and said, "Your Highness, in my opinion, although Lord Xu didn't say it, he is indeed worried about his grandson Xu Yanbo."

Wu Meiniang looked up and asked, "How old is Xu Yanbo this year?"

Li Jingxuan said, "He's less than twenty years old and hasn't even reached adulthood yet."

Wu Meiniang said softly, "At such a young age, it's really pitiful that he's been implicated by his father."

Li Jingxuan said, "This child is clever and loyal. He doesn't want to rely on family connections to enter the government. He says he wants to be like Weng Weng, relying on his own abilities to enter the government through the imperial examinations, serve the country, and help His Majesty!"

Wu Meiniang was silent for a while, then waved her hand and said, "I'm tired, please leave."

Li Jingxuan bowed and took his leave.

Wu Meiniang leaned on the couch, supporting her chin with one hand, but she was troubled.

Xu Ang assassinated Li Zhi, and it almost caused a rift between her and Li Zhi, and her entire family was implicated. There was nothing to say, she would never have the slightest bit of mercy.

But Xu Jingzong was different.

At the beginning, in order to have her crowned as queen, Xu Jingzong went to Changsun Wuji's residence in a humble manner, on behalf of her mother, and was scolded by Changsun Wuji.

She has always kept this in mind.

Now that Xu Jingzong had met with such an end, she also felt pity for him.

Xu Jingzong hoped that Li Jingxuan would take over the position of Minister of Rites, which would be easy.

Li Jingxuan is already capable, and if she thinks of a way to recommend him to the emperor, it should work.

But it is difficult to save Xu Yanbo, as this involves the authority of the Yonghui Code.

She was well aware of Li Zhi's emphasis on the law, and the court officials would certainly oppose it.

Unlike Xu Jingzong, Xu Yanbo made no contribution to the Tang Dynasty and there was no reason for the emperor to pardon him.

Wu Meiniang thought for a long time, but still couldn't think of a good solution. Her mood suddenly became bad, and a cold light flashed in her eyes. She ordered Zhang Duohai: "Go ahead, I want to leave the palace."

Zhang Da Hai had long noticed the queen's temper had worsened, and asked cautiously, "Your Highness, where are you going? I can arrange to clear the streets."

Wu Meiniang glanced at him and said, "There's no need to mobilize troops. I will go incognito to Zhangsun Wuji's residence."

……

The water pavilion has been cleaned and the fallen leaves in the pond have been picked up. The water surface is clear and calm, with ripples appearing in the breeze.

Yu Zhining smelled the fragrance of the green grass around him, drank the amber wine in the cup, and said with a smile: "Your place finally looks presentable."

This is the backyard of Changsun Wuji's mansion.

When Changsun Wuji was punished to guard Zhaoling Mausoleum, he sent his wives and concubines back to his hometown in Luoyang.

After regaining his freedom, Changsun Wuji lived alone in his mansion. In such a big mansion, there were only two or three old servants, and the whole house looked very dilapidated.

Changsun Wuji did this on purpose, hoping that his enemies would see his current situation and let him go.

Unfortunately, after the emperor left Beijing, waves of assassinations made him realize that such behavior was meaningless.

He was a man who knew how to enjoy life. Since showing weakness was useless, he simply resumed his normal life. Changsun Quan's position in the court was becoming increasingly stable, and Xiao Siye, the hidden danger to the instability of the Tang Dynasty, was also eliminated.

Therefore, Changsun Wuji had fewer and fewer concerns in his heart, and there was nothing to worry about.

In another year or two, when Changsun Quan becomes more mature and stable, he will ask the emperor for permission and take the initiative to go to Zhaoling Mausoleum, where he will continue writing books and keep vigil for Emperor Taizong.

Changsun Wuji glanced at Yu Zhining and said, "I have already completed what you asked me to do. Brother Yu, is there anything else you need from me today?"

Yu Zhining sighed, "There aren't many old men left in the court now, so there won't be many opportunities for us to talk. Maybe in a year or two, one of us will be gone, and we won't even be able to drink anymore."

Changsun Wuji couldn't help but sigh: "Time is merciless and unforgiving."

Yu Zhining smiled and said, "I really owe you a lot for Xiao Siye's matter. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to explain to Old Cui after I died."

Changsun Wuji glanced at him and said, "You're just talking nonsense. You said you were thanking me, but you didn't even bring a gift."

Yu Zhining laughed heartily and said, "What do you want? But I can promise you that no matter who gives you trouble in the future, I will definitely help you to the end!"

Zhang Sun Wuji asked, "What if Her Majesty the Queen wants to make things difficult for me?"

Yu Zhining smiled and said, "Then I will definitely stand on your side and help you plead with her!"

At this moment, a servant from the Changsun Mansion came running in, his face pale, and said to Changsun Wuji, "Alang, the Queen is here."

Changsun Wuji and Yu Zhining were stunned when they heard this.

Yu Zhining tapped Changsun Wuji with his hand, narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Why, you don't trust me, and you're testing me in this way?"

Zhang Sun Wuji's face turned pale. He was too lazy to explain further and only asked the servant, "Did the Queen come alone, or was she accompanied by a saint?"

The servant said, "He came alone and has already entered the house."

Yu Zhining's face suddenly changed. He realized that it was serious. He stood up suddenly and said to Changsun Wuji, "I'm leaving first." Then he hurried towards the back door of Changsun Mansion.

Zhang Sun Wuji snorted and said, "This old fellow, he just denied what he said!"

Yu Zhining pretended not to hear and walked faster.

The servant suddenly said, "Mr. Yu, Her Majesty the Queen came in from the back door."

Yu Zhining almost stumbled, turned around quickly, and walked quickly towards the gate. His movements were as agile as those of a young boy.

Changsun Wuji glared at the servant, and the servant stuck out his tongue.

But Yu Zhining was running all the way, and when he turned around a rockery, he almost bumped into someone. He looked up and was shocked.

I saw several eunuchs and palace maids in front of me, surrounding a tall and beautiful woman in gorgeous clothes. Who else could it be but Empress Wu?

Yu Zhining hurriedly bowed and said with a smile, "This old minister pays his respects to Her Majesty the Queen."

Wu Meiniang glanced at him and said calmly, "Yes, Mr. Yu, I often hear people say that you and the emperor's uncle have a close relationship recently. It seems that it is not false."

Yu Zhining waved his hands hurriedly and said with a smile, "Your Highness, please don't misunderstand me. I rarely come to visit Uncle Changsun. It was just a coincidence."

Wu Meiniang said, "I have something to talk to my uncle about, so I won't stay with you for long." She nodded at him and walked away.

Yu Zhining remained bent over with his hands clasped in a bow. After a long while, he raised his head and saw that Empress Wu had gone far away. Then he turned around and left quickly.

Wu Meiniang walked in front, hurrying all the way, and seemed to be very familiar with the road to Changsun Mansion.

After a while, she arrived next to the water pavilion.

Changsun Wuji had already been standing by the lake with his head bowed. When he saw Empress Wu coming, he kowtowed.

"I, Changsun Wuji, pay my respects to Her Majesty the Queen."

Wu Meiniang looked down at him for a moment, then scolded Zhang Duohai: "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and help the prince up."

Zhang Duohai hurried over and helped Changsun Wuji up.

Wu Meiniang bowed slightly towards him and said, "Meiniang greets the emperor's uncle."

Zhang Sun Wuji bent his waist forty-five degrees, cupped his hands, and said, "I dare not accept such a gift from Her Majesty the Queen."

Wu Mei Niang said: "Regardless of whether you hold an official title or not, you are still your Majesty's uncle. There is no need to be so formal."

Changsun Wuji responded and invited Wu Meiniang to sit down next to the water pavilion.

Wu Meiniang raised her hand and said, "Uncle, please sit down too."

Changsun Wuji responded yes and sat down.

Although he was humble in etiquette, he was not servile in his attitude. When Wu Meiniang stared at him, he also looked at her.

Both of them had a strange feeling at this moment.

They had both wanted to kill each other countless times, but this was the first time they sat down and talked alone.

Wu Meiniang's phoenix eyes seemed to be real as she stared at Changsun Wuji.

"Back then, in order to gain the support of the Emperor's uncle, I asked my mother to bring gifts to him, but you ruthlessly rejected me. Xu Jingzong was even scolded by you for this. Does the Emperor still remember?"

Changsun Wuji was silent for a while, then said, "I never dare to forget."

Wu Meiniang smiled faintly and said, "What a coincidence! I have never forgotten this. Now that things have come to this, does the prince regret it?"

Zhang Sun Wuji was silent for a long time, then whispered, "Your Highness, what happened back then was my fault. I beg you to show some mercy."

When people have concerns, they will develop weaknesses.

Even someone like Changsun Wuji had to bow his head for the sake of his family.

A gleam flashed in Wu Meiniang's eyes, but it quickly faded. She said, "Xu Jingzong took the scolding for me back then, but now he has ended up like this. How does the uncle feel?"

Changsun Wuji's heart moved. Someone like Empress Wu would not speak casually, but she mentioned Xu Jingzong in both of her sentences.

Changsun Wuji vaguely felt that her coming to see him this time seemed to be related to Xu Jingzong.

"Minister Xu was a man of integrity and loyalty, but he became a burden to his descendants. It's such a pity," he whispered.

Wu Meiniang sighed softly, "He has been kind to me, but now, because of his unfilial son, his entire family has been brought into trouble. I want to help him, but I am powerless. Can the King's uncle understand my feelings?"

Zhang Sun Wuji hesitated and said, "I heard that His Majesty has issued an imperial decree to pardon Minister Xu."

Wu Meiniang said, "But his grandson was sentenced to death. Xu Jingzong only has this one grandson. For an old man to send his son away, I'm afraid he would be better off dead than alive."

Zhangsun Wuji sighed, "Xu Yanbo is Xu Ang's son, and he never entered the government. He made no contribution to the country. According to the Yonghui Law, it will be difficult for him to escape punishment!"

Wu Meiniang glanced at him and said, "But it was you who wrote the Yonghui Law. The emperor's uncle is very talented, so I think there will always be a way."

Changsun Wuji smiled bitterly and said, "There's nothing I can do about this."

Wu Meiniang turned her head to look at the lake and said calmly, "Since the uncle of the emperor feels remorse for his disrespect to Xu Jingzong, he should express it. In this way, this past matter can be resolved peacefully."

The threat in this sentence is extremely strong.

If Zhangsun Wuji did not help Xu Jingzong, Empress Wu would definitely take revenge for what happened that year.

But from another perspective, if Zhangsun Wuji could help, Empress Wu would be able to uncover what happened that year.

This is great news for the Changsun family.

Thinking of this, Changsun Wuji frowned and fell into deep thought.

Wu Meiniang sat quietly by the side, gazing at the lake, without disturbing him.

The two of them sat together for more than half an hour.

After a long moment, a gleam flashed in Changsun Wuji's eyes, and he cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, I've thought of a way that might save Xu Yanbo's life. However, I'm not entirely sure."

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, "You are indeed the uncle of the emperor. As long as you do your best, I will accept your kindness."

Zhang Sun Wuji was about to speak when a eunuch suddenly ran over from a distance and said to Wu Meiniang, "Your Highness, the Emperor has arrived."

Wu Meiniang was stunned for a moment and turned her head to look at Changsun Wuji.

Zhang Sun Wuji hurriedly said, "Your Highness, this matter has nothing to do with me."

Wu Meiniang examined him for a moment and smiled, "That means Yu Zhining invited His Majesty here. I didn't expect him to care so much about the Emperor's uncle."

Changsun Wuji also sighed secretly, he didn't expect that Yu Zhining, who was usually timid and fearful, would be so righteous this time.

Wu Meiniang said calmly, "Since Your Majesty is here, it seems that the negotiation cannot be concluded. Tomorrow, you can ask your husband to come to the palace and explain this matter to me in detail."

Changsun Wuji agreed.

The two of them left the water pavilion and walked along the corridor to the shore to wait for their turn.

After waiting for a while, Li Zhi came striding over, and behind him, besides Wang Fusheng, there was indeed Yu Zhining.

Zhang Sun Wuji and Wu Meiniang greeted each other together.
Zhangsun Wuji performed the kneeling ceremony, and Empress Wu performed the folding lapel ceremony.

Li Zhi looked them over and raised his hand, saying, "Queen and uncle, there's no need to be so polite. Stand up."

After they stood up, Li Zhi asked, "Why is the Queen so interested in visiting the Prince?"

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, "Hasn't Your Majesty always hoped that I would get along well with the Emperor's uncle? I've come all the way here to visit the Emperor's uncle, and Your Majesty is displeased again?"

Li Zhi laughed and said, "How could that be? I was just happy, so I came to take a look."

The four of them immediately sat down in the water pavilion and talked.

Li Zhi carefully observed Wu Meiniang and Zhangsun Wuji and found that there was no hostility between the two and they were talking happily, so he felt relieved.

After chatting for a while, it was getting late, so Li Zhi took Wu Meiniang out of Changsun Mansion and returned to the palace.

(End of this chapter)