Time passed very quickly, and in a blink of an eye it was already October of the second year of Linde.
This year, the world was peaceful, the weather was smooth, and there was a bumper harvest of grain. The price of a bushel of rice was only five cents, and grains such as wheat and beans were not worth buying and selling on the market.
For the feudal emperors, such a good year was definitely a great thing to write about and celebrated by the whole people, and it was a rare opportunity for Empress Wu who wanted to make her reputation even more prominent in the world.
Therefore, Empress Wu took this as an opportunity to bring up old matters again and wrote to Emperor Gaozong, requesting that he be granted Zen status at Mount Tai.
Empress Wu's proposal immediately caused an uproar among the ministers, and soon the ministers responded. Xu Jingzong, Wang Dejian, Yuan Gongyu, Hou Shanye and other ministers of Empress Wu's party also heard the news and followed Empress Wu in writing to Gaozong.
However, Gaozong did not express his position on this. After all, he was self-aware and believed that his ability could not be compared to his father Taizong. However, because of Taizong's illustrious reputation, he did not even receive the title of Zen Taishan. If he just went like this, wouldn't it be wrong?
Will it make people laugh?
But at this time, memorials requesting for Zen status came like a snowflake. On the second day after Empress Wu submitted the letter, Taichang Bo, the Secretary of Li (Ministry of Rites), and Liu Xiangdao, the third rank of East and West Taiwan, wrote to Emperor Gaozong requesting Zen Taishan. After that, Gao Zong
The veterans promoted by Emperor Gaozong also agreed, which made Emperor Gaozong's already agitated mind even more active.
Three days later, King Gaozang of Goryeo sent his son Funan to the court to praise Gaozong's virtues and present gifts. At this time, the ministers took the opportunity to persuade Gaozong to grant Zen to Mount Tai. Gaozong also felt a little elated amidst the praises of the ministers, so
He agreed to go to Mount Tai to enshrine the Zen, so he issued an edict to appoint Sikong, British Gong Li Ji, Shaoshi, Gaoyang County Duke Xu Jingzong, Right Prime Minister, Jiaxing County Prince Lu Dunxin, left Prime Minister, and Julu Man Dou Dexuan as the inspection and envoys to enshrine the Zen.
In order to deal with the matter, he also ordered the clan kings to gather in the Eastern Capital at the end of October, and the provincial governors and governors to gather at the foot of Mount Tai in December. However, "the important places in the border states are not subject to the gathering limit, and you can come a little later.
At that time, except for Wu Yuanshuang, the father of Wu Chengsi, who was demoted to the frontier and set off later, and Wu Yuanqing, who died of illness in Zhenzhou, the other two brothers heard the news and began to carry out active activities.
After being demoted this time, these two old guys have realized the consequences of offending Empress Wu, so they decided to behave well, send a big gift to Empress Wu, and sincerely admit their mistakes, hoping that Empress Wu could transfer them back to the capital.
Therefore, as soon as he received the imperial edict, Wu Weiliang set off immediately, worked hard, prepared gifts, and took his son straight to the foot of Mount Tai. Wu Huaiyun's appointment was not far from Mount Tai, but he also rushed to Mount Tai quickly, and all the way
He was also very thoughtful and creative, and prepared a great gift for Empress Wu.
"Brother, we accepted the emperor's favor and were not favored by the queen. My brother even angered the old lady at the banquet. As a result, he wrote a letter of derogation and went to Xichuan. Even my younger brother was almost affected. Fortunately, I know today
The Queen's power is very important, so she has tried her best to prepare a generous gift this time, so she won't miss it again." Although Wu Huaiyun was not demoted in the previous incident, he was frightened to death.
My brother came to see Empress Wu with gifts. Not only was he not happy, but he was full of worries. He was afraid that if he accidentally angered Empress Wu, he would not even be able to keep his current position.
But he heard Wu Weiliang sigh softly: "What did he do in the past? My brother was also drunk and said what he said back then. Now that I think about it, how can I regret it? Fortunately, the Holy One has decreed it, and we gathered under Mount Tai. To welcome the Holy Emperor, I only need to prepare a generous gift this time and sincerely admit my mistake. I believe that the Queen, thinking of our kinship, will forgive this time and give us a chance to change our ways. From now on, we will I must do my best to be loyal to the Holy One and the Queen, and never dare to slack off for a moment."
"Exactly, I and other ministers should behave as they should and be loyal to the Holy Emperor and the Queen. By the way, brother, I wonder what kind of gift my brother gave to the Queen?" Wu Huaiyun finally couldn't restrain his curiosity and asked with a smile.
"Haha, this is a rare treasure that my brother Yuan Zhong purchased from Xian Tang Company, the largest jeweler in Nan City. It is a set of bronze chimes, cast during the Warring States Period. It is simple, elegant, powerful and powerful. It is a genuine product at first glance. Use this If you give something to the queen, you will definitely be praised, so don’t worry, good brother." Wu Wei felt proud, stroking his long beard and said with a faint smile.
"Ah? It turned out to be a complete set of chimes from the Warring States Period! This, this is a priceless item. I wonder how much money it cost?" Wu Huaiyun was shocked and asked quickly.
Wu Weiliang laughed and said: "Actually, this thing is not expensive. It only costs three thousand guan. In Brother Yu's opinion, it is more than 5,000 guan. This is really a big bargain."
"It's so cheap. Haha, it's worth every penny. If the eldest brother pleases the queen, he will definitely be able to return to the Eastern Capital. The younger brother thought it was more than that. I'm afraid it won't be difficult to rise to the top from now on."
"Haha." Wu Wei felt proud, and Wu Huaiyun looked at each other, and both of them burst into laughter.
Wu Huaiyun followed Wu Weiliang and laughed for a while, then rolled his eyes and said with a smile: "This set of bronze chimes is so precious. Brother, you must be more careful and don't let it get bumped, so as not to offend the queen. In my opinion, This thing needs to be carefully taken care of by me and you, my brothers and my nephews. How can we do it with the helplessness and clumsiness of slaves like that?"
"Haha, brother Yu also understands what the wise brother means. It's just that you and I jointly dedicated our brothers to the queen. When the queen is happy, she will reward you, my brother, and my nephews at the same time. I wonder if what brother Yu said is correct?" Wu Weiliang is also shrewd. People saw through Wu Huaiyun's intentions at a glance, and immediately said with a smile.
Wu Huaiyun did not deny it, and said with a smile: "I know that I can't hide it from my elder brother. Yes, I have this intention. I wonder if my elder brother is willing to support me? Brother, please rest assured that I will also contribute half of the money to purchase the chimes. I will never let it go." The eldest brother bears it alone."
"Haha, you and I, brothers, are we still talking about money? Even if you don't say anything about this matter, Brother Fool will definitely be thinking about Brother Xian. When the time comes, you and I will jointly assist His Majesty and the Queen. In the future, I, a descendant of the Wu family, will become famous all over the world. , wouldn’t it be a nice conversation?”
In fact, Wu Weiliang was very reluctant to share credit with Wu Huaiyun, but this place was very close to Wu Huaiyun's seat, so he could rely on it. In addition, he believed that with more people, Empress Wu would be more generous, and Wu Huaiyun promised to give money. Agree.
Wu Huaiyun naturally understood what the other party meant, so he repeatedly insisted on giving money. The two of them negotiated for a while, but Wu Weiliang couldn't push it, so he had to "reluctantly" agree to the other party's request. In this way, the matter was finally settled.
Half a month later, it was already the end of the second year of Linde's reign. The carriage of Emperor Gaozong and Empress Wu finally arrived at the foot of Mount Tai. Brothers Wu Weiliang and Wu Huaiyun were filled with excitement and welcomed the emperor with the ministers, looking at the high-spirited image of the emperor and empress.
, my heart is filled with infinite pride.
That night, the two old brothers led their nephews Wu Youyi, Wu Youxu, Wu Yizong, Wu Sizong, Wu Zhonggui, Wu Zaide, Wu Yougui, Wu Youwang, Wu Youning, Wu Youji, Wu Youzhi and others.
The complete set of chime bells was delivered to Empress Wu's new palace. Empress Wu was indeed overjoyed with their gifts and bestowed many gifts on them. Everyone praised her nephews and decided to grant them the Sixth Grade Thousand Bulls Preparation.
.
Wu Youyi and others were overjoyed when they heard this, because although Qianniu's position was just a false position, it was the highest starting point for political career. As long as you have this status, you will be released as the governor of a state within a few years, so these little guys are all
He knelt down on the ground and thanked Empress Wu respectfully.
When Wu Weiliang and Wu Huaiyun saw that the gift had such a great effect, they were all overjoyed and thanked Empress Wu profusely. Afterwards, they had some personal words with Empress Wu before saying goodbye and leaving.
And they actually received a special favor tonight, that is, Empress Wu sent her favorite prince, Qilang Li Xian, to send them off on her behalf.
"Your Majesty, please stay. I'll take my leave." Li Xian saw him off on behalf of Empress Wu. Although Wu Weiliang brothers were uncles in terms of seniority, how could they dare to entrust him? What's more, they had heard how he punished this little guy in the first place.
The Wu Sansi brothers? Therefore, they did not dare to neglect at all, and quickly expressed their gratitude to Li Xian, and then insisted that Li Xian stay.
"Since the two uncles were so kind, Xiao Wang had no choice but to obey. But before leaving, Xiao Wang had something to ask him. Haha, my mother was very happy today. Seeing that the two uncles were also honest people, Xiao Wang secretly told
The two uncles made a move. After today, the two uncles hosted a banquet for my mother, aunt and others. We and our family had a happy dinner, which could also bring us closer to my mother. My mother was so happy that she couldn’t say it would be convenient.
I am conferring on my uncle a third grade of East and West Taiwan."
Li Xian held Wu Weiliang's hand with a very warm and cordial look. Wu Weiliang was so moved that tears burst down his face, and he even choked up and said: "Your Majesty is so kind, I will never forget it. Please rest assured, Your Majesty, if I get it one day
With the momentum, I will definitely fight for this old destiny and serve the king as hard as a dog or horse."
"Uncle, why do you need to be like this? There are many people talking here, so it is inconvenient to say more. Xiao Wang will hold a banquet for me someday to celebrate my uncle's promotion." Li Xian took the hands of Wu Weiliang and others and said reluctantly.
: "Originally, Xiao Wang didn't want his uncle to leave like this, but the wind was blowing late at night, and his uncle and cousins also needed to take care of themselves. Fortunately, the days are long, and we don't have to rush."
Wu Weiliang and others naturally heard that Li Xian wanted to see off the guests, and left quickly with a lot of thanks. However, they did not expect that Li Xian behind them quietly revealed an inadvertent sneer: "What a bunch of idiots, they didn't expect that my mother was already there early."
If I have the intention to kill you, I will give you a phase today, and you will have your life to take it, right?"