Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 406 Shangguan suffers disaster after being deposed
The back garden of Ziwei Palace in Luoyang.

Empress Wu had a sullen face, and Grandma Yang was smiling beside her.

"Daughter, I really can't blame your sister for this. It's all..."

Grandma Yang looked around and said, "Your sister has already said that it was forced by His Majesty. There is nothing she can do. How can your sister, a weak woman, still disobey the Holy Will?"

Grandma Yang launched a family offensive.

Given Queen Wu's cold temperament, most people's affectionate offensive was ineffective against her, with the exception of Yang Lao.

There is not only the kindness between mother and daughter, but also the sympathy for each other who suffered inhuman abuse from two beastly brothers.

"Okay, don't say any more."

Empress Wu rubbed her head, with an impatient look on her face, "Go back and tell my sister to restrain yourself. Don't think that you can do whatever you want just by climbing onto His Majesty's bed. What happened in Yutang Courtyard is a lesson..."

She deliberately pretended to be generous, but she felt very aggrieved and helpless.

The person who slept with her sister was Li Zhi, a man who gave her everything. Without this man, she was nothing.

She didn't have the guts to blame Li Zhi, and although Wu Shun taught her a lesson, he couldn't really do anything to her. After all, she had indeed climbed into the emperor's bed now.

This has become an established fact.

After all, Empress Wu is not an ordinary woman. Instead of fighting with her sister, it is better to hold back this tone and use means to win Wu Shun over and become a big help to her.

They are sisters after all!

Despite this, Queen Wu still felt very uncomfortable.

Seeing that Queen Wu was relieved, Grandma Yang felt relieved. Recently, Li Zhi ignored Wu Shun at all. And Wu Shun offended many people because he slept on the dragon's bed.

Wu Shun was afraid of losing Li Zhi's favor and angered his sister, thus completely losing his support.

After a person's glory has passed, he can't go back.

Wu Shun was worried about returning to his previous life, so he begged Lao Yang to intercede.

Grandma Yang saw that Empress Wu was a little tired and felt very distressed. She pulled her good daughter to talk, but her tears fell down.

Empress Wu turned to comfort her mother.

After this incident, Empress Wu further felt that her husband, the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, might not be reliable, and she became more determined to cultivate her own power.

No matter what, Li Yifu must be rescued.

There is an opportunity right now...

"Mom, my daughter has a letter here. When you leave the palace, take it out and send someone to give it to the governor."

Queen Wu's eyes were shining, and she had arranged for Li Yifu to appear in front of Li Zhi.

This Zen will bring a wave of amnesty. The crimes Li Yifu committed are not heinous and are on the list of pardons.

When the time comes, please bring it back to Gyeonggi. If it can be reactivated, that would be great. Even if he is not reused, he can still stay in Gyeonggi and become the military think tank.

Empress Wu continued to operate secretly to bring Li Yifu back from the deserted land.

Empress Wu made a single operation and claimed that she was sure of victory.

but……

Li Zhi became increasingly dissatisfied. He found that his always smart Empress Wu did not realize her own problems this time, and instead went further and further down the wrong path.

So Li Zhi invited Shangguan Yi again and complained again.

Shangguan's residence.

Shangguan Tingzhi walked towards his father's courtyard. This time, he had nothing important to do, but was just thinking about the morning and dusk.

The ancients valued etiquette, and all gifts for the son of man should be warm in winter and clear in summer, calm in the evening and clear in the morning.

That is to say, to ask for help...

Shangguan Tingzhi saw that the courtyard was quiet, and only the study was lit with candles.

"Father!"

Shangguan Tingzhi knocked on the door and waited for a moment, but no one responded.

He shouted again, louder, and the sound of knocking on the door became much louder.

Still no one responded.

Shangguan Tingzhi was inexplicably frightened and couldn't care less, so he pushed the door open and entered.

But he saw his father staring blankly at the things on the table in front of him, his face full of joy.

Feeling uneasy, I called "Father" again.

This moment also brought Shangguan Yi, who was wandering in the world, back to his senses.

"It's Tingzhi!" He put away the smile on his face and frowned, "Why don't you knock on the door?"

Shangguan Tingzhi explained clearly and then said: "Recently, my father has been frowning all day long. The child was worried that his father would become depressed and ill. He was frightened for a moment, so he pushed the door open and came in, hoping for his forgiveness."

Shangguan Yi looked at the worried look on Shangguan Tingzhi's face and knew in her heart that her recent mood must have made her child worried.

Shangguan Yi has been really restless lately.

For no other reason than Chen Qingsi is coming back.

Shangguan Yi naturally knew that the reason why she was where she was today was because of Chen Qingsi's departure.

Now that Chen Qingsi has done such great things in Baekje and achieved amazing military exploits, his future is bound to be limitless when he returns to the court as a Zen envoy.

As a replacement, Shangguan Yi found that even though he was given more than two years to develop, he still did not have enough confidence to beat Chen Qingsi.

Shangguan Yi secretly played a great role in rejecting Chen Qingsi's appointment as the Zen envoy and persuading Li Zhi to leave Chen Qingsi in Baekje.

It's just that Li Zhi was determined to recall Chen Qingsi, but all his efforts had no effect...

Because of this, Shangguan Yi had been in a state of uncertainty during those days, thinking about how to consolidate his power and prevent Chen Qingsi from replacing his value again.

Shangguan Yi would never talk to Guan Tingzhi about temple matters, not wanting him to be so worried.

"It doesn't matter. Before, my father was really worried about things in the temple. Now everything is under my control. My son, don't worry..."

When he said this, he burst out laughing.

He had been worried before that he could not compare with Chen Qingsi. After all, Chen Qingsi and Li Zhi had a rare relationship of mutual understanding between king and minister, and Chen Qingsi was even known as the hidden prime minister.

Now Shangguan Yi is not afraid anymore. If he kisses her again, will he be able to kiss her?

Your Majesty will discuss even major matters such as the abolition of the Queen with yourself.

Besides himself, who else was there in the civil and military affairs of the Manchu Dynasty?

Shangguan Yi had already had this idea after hearing Li Zhi complain before, but now that the matter was serious, Shangguan Yi did not dare to act rashly and wanted to see Li Zhi's attitude first.

Therefore, he bit Empress Wu and targeted people who were close to Empress Wu and who were more active in deposing Wang Liwu.

After receiving Li Zhi's approval, Shangguan Yi became more convinced of her idea and was just waiting for an opportunity.

Today Li Zhi spoke to him again, and his words revealed his dissatisfaction with Empress Wu.

Shangguan Yi knew that the opportunity had come. As long as he promoted the abolition of the queen, how could Chen Qingsi be able to shake him.

Upon returning home, Shangguan Yi immediately drafted an edict to abolish the queen.

Shangguan Tingzhi was happy when he saw that the sorrow in his father's brows was indeed gone. After saying hello, he left with peace of mind.

After walking out of the study, Shangguan Tingzhi glanced back. He felt flustered for no reason because of what he was happy about. The second day.

Li Zhi reviewed the memorial as always.

As Empress Wu continued to come into contact with memorials, Li Zhi often gave her advice. Empress Jianzhiwu herself was hardworking and extremely talented in politics, and she was already able to handle basic affairs with ease.

The existence of Queen Wu really took a lot of pressure off Li Zhi.

But the key and important memorial was still in Li Zhi's hands.

Just like the memorials of the prime ministers, this is a purpose that Empress Wu is not qualified to achieve.

Therefore, Shangguan Yi's "Invitation to Dispose of Empress Wu" appeared directly on the imperial case.

Li Zhi looked at Shangguan Yi's "Please Dispose of Empress Wu" and his hands trembled in shock.

What's the situation?
Abandoned queen?

Li Zhike never thought about it.

Shangguan Yi? What does this mean?

Li Zhi's face was gloomy and he whispered: "Get Shangguan Xianggong's file and don't let anyone know about it."

It is naturally a simple matter for the emperor to see the files of his ministers.

Just for a while, Li Zhi saw all Shangguan Yi's resume since he became an official in front of him. Looking at the dazzling work experience on the resume, his gloomy eyes were filled with murderous intent.

"Come here, please invite Mr. Shangguan."

Li Zhi's appearance was originally more like his mother's, with a bit of feminine femininity, but with his cold face, it was even more eerie and terrifying.

Shangguan Yi was on duty in the palace and soon arrived at Zhenguan Hall.

The moment Shangguan Yi entered the palace, Li Zhi returned to his previous gentleness and invited Shangguan Yi to take a seat.

Li Zhi asked ambiguously: "Shangguan Aiqing, what is your memorial?"

Shangguan Yi said passionately: "The queen is tyrannical and has disappointed the whole country. She should be deposed to comply with people's wishes."

Li Zhi thought for a while and said, "In that case, I'll trouble Aiqing to write."

Shangguan Yi was even more excited and kowtowed: "I will live up to your Majesty!"

Little did he know that when he knelt down, Li Zhi looked down from above, as if looking at a dead person.

As Shangguan Yi retreated, Li Zhi summoned the chamberlain and said, "Tell the Queen about what happened in the palace today."

Mengjin Port!
Chen Qingsi stretched greatly.

Because he was eager to return, after handing over to Liu Rengui, he bid farewell to the reluctant Li Hongqing, boarded a naval battleship, and crossed the East China Sea directly from Xiongjin Port to Dengzhou.

In order to go home as early as possible and see his long-separated wife and children, he boarded the ship directly to Mengjin Port without making any stop.

The boats sailed up the Yellow River, day and night,
Until noon today, we arrived at Mengjin Port in the northwest of Luoyang.

As the starting point of the Silk Road, Luoyang's economy is second only to Chang'an.

But the prosperity of Mengjin Port is not comparable to the port in Chang'an.

In addition to being the starting point of the Silk Road, it was also the center of the Sui and Tang Dynasty Grand Canal, where materials from the north and south of the Yangtze River needed to be transported.

Chen Qingsi did not use his privileges, and honestly mingled with the caravan and landed in the Central Plains.

"Sir, sir!"

As soon as Chen Qingsi got off the boat, he heard a familiar call in his ears.

"It's Zhang Langjun!"

Zhou Kui held the championship horse for Chen Qingsi and pointed to the distance.

Chen Qingsi also saw Zhang Jianzhi at the same time and waved to him.

Zhang Jianzhi quickly came closer and said with a bow: "Student, I have met you! I haven't seen you for many years. Everything is fine, sir!"

Chen Qingsi said: "Everything is fine!"

As he spoke, he looked up and down at Zhang Jianzhi in front of him.

Zhang Jian was originally young and mature, but now he has experienced in officialdom, and his temperament is more mature and stable.

Especially for Zhang Jianzhi, Chen Qingsi deliberately undermined his efforts.

The tendency to push others to do something different varies from person to person. If you are an ordinary genius, you may become a mediocre person because of pushing others to do something else.

But Zhang Jianzhi was different. He was born in poverty, was young and mature, and was determined. Faced with pressure, he will indeed be uncomfortable at first, but as long as he is given time and can withstand the pressure, the benefits will be huge.

Obviously, Zhang Jianzhi withstood the pressure and got rapid promotion.

Chen Qingsi can be sure that Zhang Jianzhi in this era will be three points more powerful than Zhang Jianzhi in history.

"You did a good job at Dali Temple! Even in Baekje, I received a lot of praise for you."

Chen Qingsi was not stingy with words of praise.

Zhang Jianzhi responded humbly.

"Let's go! Let's talk on the way..."

Chen Qingsi wanted to go home quickly, but also noticed Zhang Jianzhi's presence here, fearing that he had something to tell her.

"How did General Meng know that his master had arrived at Mengjin Port today?"

Chen Qingsi and Zhang Jianzhi followed the crowd southward.

Zhang Jianzhi said: "The student doesn't know the exact time, but he just feels that he must be returning home as quickly as possible. He traveled day and night by water and arrived in these two days. The student came here yesterday and took turns waiting with his entourage. Let the student wait until..."

Chen Qingsi nodded, firming up her thoughts, and did not say anything. She just left Mengjin Port and found a restaurant in nearby Daji County to rest and have a meal.

In addition to Zhou Kui, he was also accompanied by Cheng Boxian and the one hundred thousand cattle guards assigned to him by Li Zhi.

Of these people, Cheng Boxian could barely be considered half of our own, and no one else could be trusted.

After the death of Uncle Cheng, there was a huge Cheng family. The Cheng family was loyal to the royal family of Li and Tang, and it was not convenient for him to know some things to avoid embarrassment for him.

Chen Qingsi and Zhang Jianzhi found a secluded private room and sat down.

"But what happened?"

Zhang Jianzhi solemnly said: "Shangguan Xianggong has sent Empress Wu to prison for colluding with the former crown prince Li Zhong to rebel."

Chen Qingsi was a little calm, but also a little surprised.

This incident had happened before in history, so he took it lightly.

When she was in Chang'an, because of Shangguan Yi's final surrender, Chen Qingsi lowered her body and cooperated with him in promoting Tang Dynasty style. They had some friendship and knew that he was somewhat of a gentleman. She didn't want to see him make the same mistake again. She gave him a few words to remind him. He worries about the backlash for his cleverness.

Chen Qingsi said: "Tell me the situation in detail."

Zhang Jianzhi said: "Students don't know much about the specific situation. It should be that Shangguan Xianggong suddenly proposed to abolish the queen for some unknown reason. Your Majesty actually agreed, but for some reason it reached the ears of the queen. The queen hurriedly said The emperor didn't know what he said, but his majesty took back his orders. Immediately afterwards, Queen Wu joined forces with Mr. Xu to bring down Shangguan Xianggong, saying that he had colluded with the former prince Li Zhong... This matter caused a lot of trouble and was also involved. A lot of people.”

He paused and said: "There are also some people who are trying to protect Shangguan Xianggong. Sir, the student feels that Shangguan Xianggong was falsely accused, but this matter is big and it is not easy to get involved. The student is afraid that the gentleman does not know the situation in Beijing, and others I begged him, and he agreed hastily, so I waited in Mengjin."

Looking at Zhang Jianzhi with a tired look on his face, Chen Qingsi said movedly: "Meng has this heart, I am ashamed to accept it as a teacher."

As for Shangguan Yi, Chen Qingsi can only say: There are two kinds of idiots in the world, and they are not worth saving.

One is really stupid, and the other is too smart to be blindly confident.

(End of this chapter)