Early Tang Dynasty: forge ahead

Chapter 421 Good mood

Luoyang Palace.

Empress Wu looked at the letter in her hand, feeling a little uneasy, and asked the maid: "Are these the only letters from the prince?"

It was a stupid question for her to ask.

The letter Li Hong wrote to his mother did not need to be hidden like a secret agent. It was just a book fold, with the top and bottom connected together, so there was no way it could be lost.

But the maid did not dare not to answer, and said: "They are all here, there are no mistakes or omissions."

Empress Wu also realized that this question was a bit stupid, but she was a little confused.

Li Hong has always been a benevolent and filial person, but now he is sitting alone in Chang'an. He receives letters of greetings every two or three days.

Li Hong was a little afraid of Li Zhi, his father-in-law. There was no pressure from Empress Wu in many words, and he would tell his mother about government affairs.

But in the last two letters, Li Hong never mentioned administrative matters.

Empress Wu didn't care about the shortcomings of the parents in the letter, but she was very concerned about Li Hong's problems in Chang'an government affairs.

Now that Li Hongxin did not mention state affairs, Empress Wu looked at these trivial matters of life as boring and boring.

What was the reason that Hong'er stopped talking to me about state affairs?
Queen Wu thought to herself.

At this moment, a tender and sweet voice of endorsement came from outside the hall: "Confucius said: If three people are walking together, there must be my teacher. Therefore, the disciple does not have to be inferior to the teacher, and the teacher does not have to be better than the disciple. There is a priority in learning the Tao, and there is a specialization in the art. , that’s all…”

A little boy jumped in, but he was carrying an article called "The Master's Theory" that was inappropriate for his age.

Seeing Empress Wu meditating, the little boy shouted happily: "Mother, my child can already recite "The Master's Statement"."

Upon hearing "The Master's Theory", Empress Wu felt an unknown fire in her heart.

I have been going smoothly all these years, until Chen Qingsi came back, everything changed.

Everything he encountered was hindered. The long-planned Feng Chan Yaxian incident was revealed, and he even asked Li Zhi, who had always expected him to be reused, to scold him. He even hid his own son from him, and now another relative The son was still reciting the other party's poems happily, and said impatiently: "Have you completed all the lessons taught by sir? How can you recite this useless article?"

The little boy is Li Xian, the second son of Empress Wu.

Li Xian listened to his mother's warm and angry words, but he was not afraid. The little guy seemed to be born with a rebellious nature. He raised his head and said: "I've finished it. As for the homework assigned by my husband, the child can complete it blindfolded... Also, my mother , you are wrong. How can "Shi Shuo" be a useless article? The teacher said that "Shi Shuo" is the best exhortation article in history. He is the only one who can write such concise and clear explanations. "

Queen Wu looked at her proud son with a smile on her face.

Li Xian's background was somewhat special. At that time, Li Zhi was going to Zhaoling to pay homage to his father. This indifferent emperor did not take into account Empress Wu, who was pregnant in Liujia, and took her on a mountain road with her who was about to give birth in the cold winter. .

Empress Wu gave birth to Li Xian at this time, and the process was a narrow escape, which she still remembers vividly.

Because of this, Empress Wu was more partial to Li Xian.

Li Xian is also very competitive. Compared to the slightly mediocre Li Hong, Li Xian has been extremely smart since he was a child and is one step ahead of others in everything. This is true whether you speak or read or walk.

Empress Wu grabbed the stubborn Li Xian, slapped him on the buttocks a few times, and said, "I know I'm angry with your mother. Your mother is not saying that "The Master's Theory" is useless, but that you can't do it at your age." It’s useless to understand its meaning.”

Li Xian was anxious and angry. He was as stubborn as a calf. He stiffened his neck and resisted, saying, "Children can understand. Who says children can't understand?"

Empress Wu looked at Li Xian, who was blushing and thick-necked, and only thought it was interesting and cute.

……

Zhenguan Palace!
Li Zhi summoned Chen Qingsi to the court and asked about Feng Chan's situation.

Chen Qingsi gave an answer based on the current process: "If nothing happens, it should be completed before November next year."

"November?"

Li Zhi thought for a while and said: "It's best to control it around October."

Successful in October, they set off from Luoyang.

There are a large number of people on this trip, including civil and military officials, retinues and guards of honor, women inside and outside the country, as well as envoys and chiefs from Turks, Khotan, Persia, India, Japan, Silla, Baekje, Goguryeo and other countries, as well as guards along the way. It is indispensable to arrive at Mount Tai. It will take a month or two.

The day of this Zen ceremony must be in the first month, which is the most auspicious.

If we postpone it to November or December, we may have to celebrate the New Year on the road and miss the best time to worship heaven in the first month.

Chen Qingsi made some calculations, squeezed out time, nodded and said: "I obey the order!"

Li Zhi nodded with satisfaction.

As he spoke, he remembered something again and asked, "Ai Qing, have you produced any good works recently?"

Seeing that Chen Qingsi was a little confused, he said: "This is King Pei. He loves Qing's poems the most. Despite his young age, he has read all the poems of Aiqing over and over again. Even articles like "Shi Shuo", he never tire of chanting them. Chant. He asked me to ask Aiqing for poems for him..."

Li Zhi also revealed a bit of love for Li Xian in his words.

It's no wonder that Li Zhi is partial. Li Xian is extremely smart and praised by everyone.

Who doesn’t like their children to be outstanding?

Of course, Chen Qingsi would not be disappointed, especially when sending Li Xian, the historical Prince Zhanghuai.

Chen Qingsheng likes Prince Zhanghuai very much.

Prince Zhanghuai was the crucial second step in his anti-military plan.

The first step was to find the crown prince Li Hong, and Li Hongren was filial. If he had not died early, Empress Wu might not have reached the final step.

But Li Hong suffered from a genetic disease. Even though Chen Qingsi was a time traveler, he was helpless and could only let Helan Minzhi and now Wu Minzhi urge him to keep fit.

If Li Hongzhen cannot avoid the fate of early death, then Li Xian is the most critical existence.

Li Xian is also known for his benevolence. It is said that in the Tang Dynasty, Zhang Huai was the most benevolent.

His ideas are orthodox and he opposes the interference of the harem in politics, so the relationship between mother and son is extremely bad. At that time, Li Zhi could no longer see and suffered from severe wind disease. This was the time when Empress Wu had the greatest power.

The relationship between mother and son became very tense, and finally Li Xian was accused of treason...

This is a potential ally.

Chen Qingsi thought for a moment and said, "There are indeed a few poems that were inspired by my feelings."

Li Zhi said happily: "Hurry, I will serve you with pen and ink!"

Chen Qingsi watched the waiter move the table neatly, grind the brush and lay it on the paper. He confidently took the brush and swiped it on the rice paper. The popular "Quiet Night Thoughts" appeared on the paper.

Li Zhi looked at the "bright moonlight in front of the bed" in his hand.

Suspected of frost on the ground.

Looking up at the bright moon,
I bow my head and think about my hometown." I knew that this poem must have been written by Chen Qingsi when he was guarding Baekje, and he felt a little guilty about the moon.

It is indeed cruel to separate the flesh and blood of other people's children shortly after they are born.

"What a poem!"

Li Zhi said: "The emotion in this poem about Aiqing makes me regret not transferring you back to the capital earlier."

Chen Qingsi said hurriedly: "I have no regrets about serving my country." He said with an embarrassed smile: "But I still miss home, so there is no conflict..."

Li Zhi nodded and said, "I love you with both loyalty and justice."

When Chen Qingsi heard the word "loyalty", he suddenly thought of Su Dingfang, an unparalleled general who had great military exploits but did not receive the corresponding status, and said: "I have also achieved a masterpiece recently."

Li Zhi smiled and said, "Then what are you waiting for?"

Chen Qingsi picked up the pen again, and was about to write "Out of the Fortress" by Wang Changling, the Seven Masters, but after finishing the pen, he wrote two songs from "The Songs Under the Fortress" by Lu Lun.

Li Zhi looked at the poem in his hand and muttered in a low voice: "The wild geese fly high in the dark moon, and the Chanyu escapes at night. If I want to drive the Qingqi away, the heavy snow will cover my bow and knife."

"The wild curtain is wide open for a feast, and the Qiang Rong celebrate their work. Drunk and golden armor dance, and thunder stirs the mountains and rivers." There is a bit of appreciation in the eyes. These two poems are about the scene of triumph, which is exactly what Su Dingfang said on Qinghai Lake. Great victory.

Little did he know that Chen Qingsi was breaking out in a cold sweat at this moment and was a little out of sorts.

Wang Changling's "Crossing the Fortress" is so good that it was given to Su Dingfang, and it definitely does not lack the line "If you make the flying generals of the dragon city, you will not teach Hu Ma to cross the Yin Mountains."

At this time, there was a habit of comparing the Han Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, and using Dragon City Flying to the Future as a metaphor for Su Dingfang couldn't be more appropriate.

But the whole point of this poem is to lament the constant border wars and the country's lack of good generals, who are unable to resist the invading enemies. If there were flying generals in Dragon City, the current situation would not exist.

If I really wanted to write this out, I would be in big trouble.

As expected, you should be careful when copying poems.

Don't steal your own head.

Li Zhi got three poems, he was satisfied and said with a smile: "With three excellent poems about Ai Qing, my ears are considered clean."

Chen Qingsi looked at Li Zhi in front of him, and suddenly said with a heavy tone: "Your Majesty, I dare to give you advice."

Seeing how serious Chen Qingsi was suddenly, Li Zhi couldn't help but straighten his body and said: "You and I know each other well, so if you have anything to say, it doesn't matter."

Chen Qingsi looked confused.

Li Zhi lowered his face and said, "Say!"

Chen Qingsi said: "I hope that your majesty will not be too doting on King Pei!"

Li Zhi said softly: "Why?"

Chen Qingsi plucked up the courage and said, "I hope your majesty can learn from the experience of Li Chengqian and King Pu of the previous dynasty." Seeing that Li Zhi was showing signs of anger, he immediately said, "The prince is benevolent and filial, and in order to please your majesty, he sent someone to ask for advice on the Tibetan affairs. I feel deeply wrong..."

When Li Zhi heard this, he became even more angry, but this anger was not because of Chen Qingsi in front of him.

really……

The prince was only a few years old, but in order to please himself, he privately sought advice from Chen Qingsi.

No wonder he felt this way when he revealed his love for Li Xian today.

Li Zhi does feel that Li Hong has some womanly kindness, but his womanly kindness is what he needs...

He never expressed any dissatisfaction with Li Hong's benevolence and filial piety, but he understood why Li Hong was like this.

"My beloved, these are loyal words that are hard to hear. I am admonishing you for the overall interests of the imperial court. My heart is like a bright mirror."

Chen Qingsi also knew not to talk too much, so she took her leave.

Li Zhi watched Chen Qingsi leave, took a long breath and said to himself: "I really indulged her too much."

Luoyang Xiangshan.

"Chen Shangshu, you are late!"

Chen Qingsi was walking on the mountain, and Xue Yuanchao, a sharp-eyed man, strode towards Chen Qingsi.

Chen Qingsi was in a very good mood and said: "Three cups of punishment, three cups of punishment."

He took the jug from Xue Yuanchao's hand and took several sips directly to the spout without using a wine glass.

The wine splashed, and a lot of it spilled onto the gown.

Logically speaking, Chen Qingsi's move was somewhat indecent and rude.

But at this moment, Chen Qingsi's rude behavior attracted waves of applause.

"Chen Shangshu is so free and easy, and has the air of a famous scholar."

All kinds of compliments are endless.

When your reputation reaches a certain level, every move you make will be followed by the scholars in the city. Even if it is rude and inelegant, you can still become free and unrestrained.

I just don’t know if anyone will praise him if he farts now.

Xue Yuanchao said: "I'm afraid just drinking wine is not enough. I have to compose a poem."

Xue Yuanchao shouted loudly.

The reflection of the prosperous Tang Dynasty has now become the literary avenue of this era and has begun to radiate in all directions.

As Shangluo among the world, scribes gathered together.

There will be gatherings of celebrities every now and then.

As a Confucian leader, Chen Qingsi does not need to attend again and again, and indeed cannot refuse an appointment once.

Once you gain fame, you have to pay accordingly.

Mutual achievement is the way to go.

Today, Xue Yuancao organized a group tour to Xiangshan Mountain and looked at the grottoes in Xishan Mountain across the Yishui River.

After Xue Yuanchao calmed down to understand the Tang Dynasty style, he couldn't put it down. He picked up the poetry and Taoism that was broken by Chen Qingsi and became a core member of the promotion of Tang Dynasty style.

Compared with Shangguan Yi's utilitarianism, Xue Yuanchao really fell in love with the writing style of the Tang Dynasty.

In the days when Chen Qingsi was away, Xue Yuanchao took up the banner, and there was a certain gap between him and the utilitarian Shangguan Yi.

Because of this, Xue Yuanchao was lucky enough to escape liquidation.

"it is good!"

Because she was in a good mood, Chen Qingsi did not refuse and pretended to look deeply into the distance.

Xue Yuanchao is a person who knows how to appreciate. He chose a place with beautiful mountains and clear waters and pleasant scenery. It has Buddhist niches and statues and is enhanced by hot springs.

The east and west mountains face each other, shaped like a gate, with birds singing gracefully, green springs splashing, and jade beads falling.

When they heard that Chen Qingsi was going to write a poem, everyone was eagerly anticipating it. In such a big place, more than sixty elegant people were silent.

Chen Qingsi laid out the score and said: "When a stream of water breaks through the mountains, it looks like two towers opening towards the city. Thousands of Buddha statues in niches were carved in the Tang Dynasty, and carved by the immortal god Yu."

"it is good!"

As his words fell, applause burst out.

Xue Yuanchao said with a bitter face: "Chen Shangshu, this is too disappointing. You said, 'Thousands of Buddhist statues with niches were carved in the Tang Dynasty and carved by Yu, the divine power of all generations.' Who else dares to talk about poetry today?"

Chen Qingsi looked at Wang Bo and Yang Jiong who were eager to try, and said: "The waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead. Fu Chao must not underestimate the heroes present."

After Chen Qingsi finished speaking, she smiled and greeted many scholars and scholars present, including Wang Bo and Yang Jiong.

These two boys are now as popular as the scholars who have been famous for a long time.

A group of literati gathered together to drink and have fun, and they talked about everything from poems and songs to music, chess, calligraphy and painting, or the general trend of the world.

In this atmosphere, I drank a lot of wine, and inevitably talked about some words that were not suitable for the situation.

"Have you heard? It seems that the queen was punished by His Majesty and grounded. It is said that there was a big fuss, and I don't know the reason."

"No matter what the reason is, since ancient times, the harem has not been allowed to interfere in politics. The queen should be a mother to the world and set an example for the women of the world. But she is meddling in state affairs everywhere. She really shouldn't be. If she is punished well, it should be revealed."

Chen Qingsi didn't speak, but took a big sip of wine.

There is a reason for being in a good mood.

(End of this chapter)