In the fourth year of Xianqing (659 AD), the fourteenth day of the seventh month of autumn, three o'clock in the afternoon.

The eldest grandson Wuji conspired against the case, setting off a bloody storm, and the situation became more and more intense, and everyone in the Guanlong family was in danger. By mid-May, the exile was basically over, and the killing that followed was like a game of onion peeling. First of all, he was ready to peel the onions, and Xu Yushi was promoted to the Zhongshu Shilang, and he was the same as the three products of the Zhongshu Sect.

Ren Yaxiang, the secretary of the military department, and Lu Chengqing, the secretary of the Du branch, jointly participated in the governor's affairs. The so-called participation in political affairs is the temporary prime minister, and whether he is turned positive depends on his performance. An old comrade of Ren Yaxiang, an old comrade-in-arms of Wu Kang, once fought against the Western Turks. He has a good impression of him, never cronyism, and no nepotism.

Old Comrade Lu Chengqing has also admired him for a long time, and he is not shocked by the idiom, and he is talking about him. Do not be complacent because of high-ranking officials, do not feel sorry for themselves because of leisure, and do not take things as joy and self-sorrow. His second grandson, Lu Yuan, is the reserve of the Left Collar Mansion and has a good relationship with Wu Kang.

In late June, presided over by Sikong Li Tao and compiled by Confucian ministers and medical officials, the great pharmacopoeia "New Revision of Materia Medica" lasted more than two years and was finally completed. Also known as "Tang Materia Medica", it is the world's first pharmacopoeia professional work officially promulgated by the state, and is listed as a compulsory book for medical students.

Soon in early July, Li Zhi issued an edict: Li Tao and Xu Jingzong, Xu Yushi and Xin Maojiang, Ren Yaxiang and Lu Chengqing, and the six prime ministers joined forces to retry the case of Wuji's conspiracy.

The Great Purge came as scheduled: Sun Xiang, the eldest grandson of Changzhou, the nephew of the eldest grandson Wuji, was killed in Yu County, Yongzhou; Gaozhou Assassin Shi Changsun En, the eldest grandson Wuji's younger brother, the whole family was exiled to Danzhou; Yuzhou Thorn Shi Changsun Zhiren, the eldest grandson Wuji's younger brother, was demoted to Yizhou Sima.

Xiangzhou stabbed Shi Liu Zheng, Yu Shi chased and killed, and the Liu family was demoted, at least thirteen people; Zhenzhou assassin Shi Han Yuan, not long after he died of illness, Yu Shi opened the coffin for autopsy. confiscated the three clans of Han Yuan, and all close relatives were exiled to Lingnan as slaves; Gao performed the deprecation of the Yongzhou Thorn History, Yu Zhining depreciated the Rongzhou Thorn History, and Yu was degraded by nine people.

After peeling the onion and eradicating the core area, it was the turn of the eldest grandson Wuji. Dali Zheng Yuan Gongyu, Yushi Song Zhishun and others, set off for Qianzhou, Wuji will definitely die. Before the Imperial History Team set off, Wu Kang visited Lao Yuan and asked him to send a message to Wuji to express his apologies.

The end of the political storm marked the collapse of gate politics since the Spring and Autumn Period. For the prevalence of the imperial examination system, the children of the poor family entered the ranks, laying a solid foundation. Wu Kang sometimes thought that with this great achievement, Li Zhi could surpass Li Shimin and compete with Emperor Qin and Han Wu.

The storm is over, and Wu Kang has great merit and must be promoted to make a fortune. Li Jiu, who has always been a cheating father, finally became generous: he was exempted from being prepared for a thousand cows, and was promoted to the left and right mansions of the left leader, the left leader of the Zhonglang general, and the official residence was under the fourth grade.

Wearing a red robe again, the daughter-in-law Coke is broken, the nightlife is more coquettish, and the future goal is set: within two years, he must be promoted to the left and right mansions and the left and right generals. The official residence from the third grade, continue to wear purple robes; It must be within four years, promoted to the left and right of the left and right mansions, the general of Qianniuwei, and the official residence is the third grade.

Wu Kangjue's is very difficult, and it is estimated that it will be difficult to achieve it by leveling up alone, unless he opens or steals the account. The dignified Sixteen Guards General, unless Mei Niang is in power, or has made great achievements. Military merit should be better brushed, follow the teacher Su Dingfang, and just play soy sauce.

Soon happiness came, and just three days ago, the imperial court received an urgent report from the border gate. To the west of the Pamirs, the Western Turks were chieftains. instigated Shule State (Kashgar, Xinjiang), Zhu Jubo (Xiyecheng, Xinjiang), and Drinkpantuo (Tashkurgan, Xinjiang) to rebel against the Tang Dynasty again, and defeated Anxi Khotan (Hotan, Xinjiang).

The imperial court consulted urgently and soon made a decision, and Su Dingfang, the general of Zuo Xiaowei, granted the ambassador of the Western Regions to pacify and once again took command of the Western Expedition. Lao Sutou took care of his apprentices and invited his beloved apprentices to accompany the army. Li Jiu readily agreed, and authorized the inspector to join the army, and temporarily under the eighth grade.

And continue the true character of the pit people, only give more than 1,000 fine horses, and let the old Su Tou learn from the West. And planned the itinerary, to the vicinity of Yumen Pass, to meet more than 10,000 Uighur soldiers. When he went to the border of Xinjiang, he gathered in Khotan's western soldiers, and he was playing snake again.

After thinking about it carefully, it makes sense, it is now July, and the autumn harvest is coming soon. The various parts of Guanzhong were really not suitable for the expedition, so they could only invite Uighur herdsmen and professional Anxi soldiers. This is also the reason why Duman rebelled at this time.

Tomorrow will officially set off, Wu Kang is extremely busy, making sufficient preparations. Gather 200 brothers, prepare weapons and war horses, and report to Lao Sutou first. The brothers returned to Beijing last month, and basically dragged their families with them. Mei Niang did her best to settle them in Chang'an County, and they would be registered in the capital in the future.

Everything was ready, Wu Kang hugged Erya, took Chu Shenke, left Xiuzhen Fang, and went to Changle Fang. The two squares are separated by the imperial palace, and because of the expedition, the work of Qianniuwei was suspended, and there was no excuse to cross the imperial city. Go south along Guanghua Street, go around from west to east, and get a big circle.

Thinking of the princess of Xincheng, I couldn't help sighing, her only son, the eldest grandson Lin, and the eldest grandson Quan shared the same flow in Shanzhou. Losing his colt and his son, he suffered a double blow and washed his face with tears all day long. Hiding in the room and seeing no one, and not dressing up, the whole person was haggard.

It's a pity that this is politics, Ah Quan is the brother of the Wuji clan, and he is also Han Yuan's wife and brother, the main target of purge. Li Jiu was hard-hearted, forced Xincheng and the eldest grandson's family, and completely severed the relationship. In history, Ah Quan, as soon as he arrived at the Yamen of Shanzhou, was killed by the county cane.

In this life, Wu Kang appeared, Mei Niang pleaded with Ah Quan, and Li Jiu was also extrajudicial and finally saved his life. Li Jiu also knew who Erya's father was, so he sent her back to Xiuzhenfang. Xiaoqing and Noisy like her very much, and Erya has no heart or lungs, and plays with her sister every day. It's just that at night, crying for A-Niang, no matter how you coax it.

So Wu Kang took her to Changle Fang every day to open up the new city. It's a pity that it didn't help, and after more than two months, there was no improvement. I will go on the expedition tomorrow, and I discussed with Xiaoqing last night, and Erya is still following Xincheng. Having a daughter by her side and emotional sustenance has helped somewhat.

was thinking wildly, listening to Erya's exclamation, he immediately came back to his senses. Erya covered her face with her hands, and her small shoulders trembled, as if she was frightened. Quickly take it in your arms, stick it to your chest, and pat your shoulder to soothe. Anger surged into my heart, raised my eyes and stared ahead, which one killed a thousand knives, scared my baby girl.

The picture is really scary, the five sword-wielding guards are blocking the road, and the costume is Wuhou Wei. Standing with his back to Wu Kang, he stopped a chicken bus, on which a corpse was lying on it. The corpse's head was in a different place, the head was on the left shoulder, and the facial features were extremely hideous, as if he was dead.

The cart man is in his thirties, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, a Chinese face, about 1.8 meters tall, and he looks powerful. It's just a show of brains, in broad daylight, carrying headless corpses all over the streets. And scare my daughter, you are really damned, the more you think about it, the more angry you get.

The five Wuhou guards, led by the thin hemp pole, stepped forward with a knife and scolded fiercely: "The man who pushes the cart, this is a chaotic minister and thief, aren't you afraid of getting into trouble?" Quickly sent back, Captain Xu said that no one was allowed to collect the body without his order. ”

The big man with the cart glared at the five martial marquis, and the blue tendons on his forehead burst out. Wu Kang's anger dropped slightly, and almost no one dared to accept the corpse of the rebel, for fear of being involved. It's all lost outside the city and become a wild dog meal, which is quite pitiful.

At this time, it was the height of summer, and the smell of corpses was faintly smellable, and he had been dead for at least three days. Chu Shenke stepped forward immediately, leaned over and whispered: "The deceased's name is Zhao Zhiman, the governor of Liangzhou, who sat on the case and conspired against the case, and beheaded and abandoned the city three days ago. ”

I see, I heard Xu Ang say yesterday that he is the nephew of the eldest grandson, and his aunt is Han Yuan's wife. I am good at riding and shooting, and it is said that I have infinite strength, can fight tigers with my bare hands, and can run and chase horses. He was very kind to his subordinates, and often used his own money to help them, and became famous in the capital.

But it's a pity, as a Guanlong giant, it's not a good thing to be famous, so it's on the blacklist. couldn't help but sigh softly, Lao Chu continued to whisper: "Xu Jingzong framed him, colluded with Wuji to rebel, the sage summoned him back to Beijing, and Dali Temple tortured him. ”

Wu Kang nodded lightly, and heard Xu Ang say that Lao Zhao is a tough guy. No matter what kind of torture, he only said eight words: the body can be killed, and the words cannot be changed. You can kill me, but let me change my confession and admit that I have rebelled against Wuji, which is absolutely impossible.

To be honest, I admire it very much, the eldest husband stands in the world, and he doesn't admit it if he hasn't done it, even if he has a sword soldier. The jailer had nothing to do, so he wrote a confession on his behalf, but Li Jiu didn't even look at it, and directly beheaded him in Xishi. is the so-called crime that wants to be added, there is no excuse, Zhao Zhiman is a pity. The corpse was exposed to the sun for three days, and relatives did not dare to accept it, for fear of causing trouble.

The two sides suddenly quarreled, the big man was full of voices, and Wuhou opened his teeth and claws, but he didn't let go. The thin monkey Wu Houwei was a little nervous, dancing with a knife and courageous: "We are acting according to orders, Captain Xu will not let go, and no one is allowed to collect the corpse." ”

Seeing the stalemate at the scene, Wu Kang didn't want to get involved, so he decided to turn around and detour. wanted to tell Lao Chu, but shut up again, and the carriage was full of people. Damn the good deeds, watch all the excitement. Suddenly thinking of something, he raised his voice and asked, "Dare to ask all the guards, is the Captain Xu you are talking about, is it Xu Ang?" ”

The thin monkey turned around abruptly, looked Wu Kang up and down, and said in a strange manner: "You are so daring, dare to call Captain Xu, do you know who he is?" Zuo Wu Hou Wei joined the army, Xu Xianggong's eldest son, isn't he afraid of getting into trouble? ”

It's really Xu Ang of the old Xu family, Wu Kang said that he was not afraid, and laughed out loud. That kid is in front of me, he is a big grandson, and I have his handle. On that day in Xu's Mansion, he and Lao Xu Luo fabricated crimes, and it was convenient for the third watch to go to the thatched house. When passing by the garden, I found an interesting picture of Xu Jingzong's concubine fighting with Xu Ang.

Their family is messy enough, and the father and son share a concubine, which is embarrassing. Xu Ang was frightened, and knelt on the ground and begged him to keep it a secret. With Lao Xu's urine nature, if he knew that his family was ugly, he would definitely be furious, and he would not let Xu Ang go.

Probably clear his mind: Xu Jingzong falsely accused Zhao Zhiman, Zhao Zhiman scolded Xu Jingzong, and Xu Ang did not allow the corpse to be collected. Thinking of this, he said lightly: "Brothers, the deceased is the greatest, let him go." If Captain Xu blames, let him come to Xiuzhenfang and find Wu Kang Wu to change it. ”

Thin Hou Wei was slightly stunned, and quickly ran over, nodded and smiled: "It turned out to be General Wu, his subordinates had no intention of offending, and asked the general to forgive him, so we will let him go." The man who pushed the cart, I can remind you, this is a rebel thief, and his relatives dare not accept it, who are you? ”

Dahan looked at Wu Kang with a very strange expression, looked away for a long time, held his head high and said, "I'm not his relative, just his friend." At the beginning of Anding County, we exterminated the Hao clan together; In the Hanhai Protectorate, we put down the rebellion together and had a lifelong friendship. ”

Everyone was incredulous, and after about two minutes, the thin marquis's attitude improved, and he flattened his voice and said, "Man, let me tell you, relatives avoid it because they are afraid of getting into trouble." You are just friends, if the court blames you, the future of the light will be ruined, and the heavy one will lose your life, but you have to think twice. ”

The big man sneered, and was quite righteous and stern: "Luan Bu crying Peng Yue is where the righteousness lies; King Wen's burial of dry bones is the benevolence of the government. For the minister is not unrighteous, for the king is not unkind, why not collect the corpse? If I break my righteousness with my friends and deceive the benevolence of the saints, what face will I have to serve the king? ”

The words were sonorous and powerful, both substantial and tactful, and the masses applauded. Wu Kang is also happy, this sycophant is good, and he compares Li Jiu to King Wen of Zhou. If it reaches his ears, he will definitely be happy, not only will he not blame you, but he will also reward you.

At the same time, I also know who this big man is, Wang Fangyi, a famous general of the Tang Dynasty. Looking at me just now, that weird expression can be understood. He is the cousin of Queen Wang, and I am the cousin of Queen Wu, and it will always be a little embarrassing for the two of us to face each other.

Wu Kang admired him and decided to build a good relationship, and they might cooperate in the future. lowered his head and rubbed Erya's hair bun, and begged in a low voice: "Baby girl, Daddy will say a few words to him, let Uncle Chu hug him first, okay?" ”

The second girl shook her head and shrunk directly into her arms, the little girl was very clingy. Wu Kang pouted helplessly, looked at Wang Fangyi and said, "It turned out to be Brother Zhongxiang, Wu Kang has long admired his name." When my sister taught me, she always used you as an example, saying that you are loyal, filial, benevolent, and righteous, so that I can learn from you. ”

Wang Fangyi was stunned, the Empress Wu should hate me, why is it so praised. Wu Kang quickly recalled and continued to fool him: "She said that one night, Brother Zhongxiang was walking alone, and suddenly saw a giant with a bow, so he took a bow and shot arrows. The giant was hit by an arrow, and it turned out to be wood. After Taizong learned about it, he was promoted to Qianniuwei... This is loyalty. ”

With such a thing, Wang Fangyi was surprised, and Wu Kang was like a few family treasures: "When Lingtang died, Brother Zhongxiang was so sad that he was so thin that he was as thin as firewood. Filial piety touched the saint, and he personally sent the imperial doctor to visit and heal Brother Zhongxiang... This is filial piety. ”

With confidence, Wen Yan smiled lightly: "When he moved to Fengquan Villa, Brother Zhongxiang was still young, and he worked with the handymen to reclaim farmland and repair walls and houses. He never treated the miscellaneous servants harshly, and even paid more wages, and later started from scratch and became a wealthy local family... This is benevolence. ”

Ignoring his stunnedness, he continued to flicker: "What I saw with my own eyes today, Brother Zhong Xiang collected the corpse of his friend, it was for righteousness. is so loyal, filial piety, benevolence and righteousness, Wu Kang is ashamed of himself. If it weren't for the expedition tomorrow, he would definitely visit him and drink 300 cups with his brother. ”

Wang Fangyi smiled bitterly, such a trivial matter, the Empress Wu knows it, and he really values me. So he put down the chicken bus, clasped his fists and saluted: "The change is exaggerated, Fang Yi is ashamed, the queen values it so much, Fang Yi is grateful." The grace of today's siege will be remembered in his heart, and he will have a generous embrace in the future. ”

Wu Kang smiled sincerely, but he was praying in his heart, Mei Niang don't beat me. His eyes rolled slightly, he showed the fox's tail, and said tentatively: "Tomorrow I will go on an expedition and go to the Western Regions with my mentor to quell the Duman rebellion." If Brother Zhongxiang is free, can you go out with me, we will fight side by side. ”

Wang Fangyi frowned, quite moved, his mother's filial piety period has passed, and the imperial court has not arranged an official position, so he has been at home for almost half a year. Seeing this, Wu Kang struck while the iron was hot: "Don't hide it from Brother Zhongxiang, the pacification ambassador of the Western Regions, General Zuo Xiaowei, is my mentor." If Brother Zhongxiang agrees, I will ask immediately, and it should not be a problem. ”

Seeing Wu Kang's pleading, Wang Fangyi was entangled and wanted to accept the invitation. Not only for military merit, but also to take this opportunity to build a good relationship with the military department. Don't seek refuge, just not be excluded. I didn't have much affection for Queen Wang, and my grandmother rejected A-Niang very much and kicked us out of the house.

After thinking about it for a long time, he finally shook his head helplessly, and said with guilt: "The kindness of the change, the foolish brother understands it, I'm afraid it's too late." I have to bury my friends, prepare horses, weapons and armor, etc., so the time is very tight. ”

This is not a matter, Wu Kang immediately answered: "War horses, weapons and armor, all wrapped around me, Brother Zhongxiang can come." That's it, I'll settle my daughter first, and then I'll go to repay my teacher. Tomorrow at noon, we will see you there. ”

After saying that, he immediately turned his head and ordered the carriage to pull over and ask the five guards to help disperse the crowd of onlookers. The heart is beautiful, this is a famous general of the Tang Dynasty, who can not only learn things, but also ease the relationship between the two families, killing two birds with one stone.

Hou Wei shouted loudly, and the crowd dispersed. Wang Fangyi was no longer entangled, and saluted with his fists: "War horses and weapons, don't bother with labor, I will prepare as soon as possible." Around tomorrow, I will go to Xiuzhen Fang to find you, and we will put down the rebellion together. ”

Wu Kang let out a long sigh of relief, and Tima leaned against the side of the road and watched him push the cart away. Erya was not happy, and complained with a small face: "Daddy is leaving, my mother is in a hurry." You promised to make your mother happy, if you can't do it, I will ignore you. ”

The mood is instantly bad, dear girl, as far as your mother's virtue is concerned, it will not recover in three or five years. I didn't say anything all the way, I came to Changle Fang, and when I walked into the Horse Mansion, I was still devastated.

Carrying her daughter into the house, she saw the princess of Xincheng, still lifeless. The second girl called Niangniang, shouted four or five times in a row, but got no response. There were tears in his eyes, and his little face was very aggrieved, and he shrank into his father's arms.

Wu Kang sighed, sat in front of Xincheng, and said lightly: "You said before that Mei Niang can't be the queen, but I have a different opinion. In the end, I won, not because I was smart, but because I knew the future. Such as the future of Mei Niang, the future of saints, including your future. ”

Xincheng was unmoved, and Wu Kang said ruthlessly: "You and the eldest grandson have already ended up here, and there will be no more intersections." The saint doesn't want you to be depressed, and will re-marry you within half a year. Wei Zhengju of Jingzhao Webster, the current Shangyi Bureau. After you get married, you will be promoted to the middle supervisor of the Zhengsanpin Palace, and you will be promoted to eight levels in a row. ”

sighed again, and his words were chiseled: "You miss the past, which leads to discord in your marriage, you have a bad temper, and you will quarrel with Wei Zhengju." Four years later, you fell ill and prayed for blessings from the sage. In March of the same year, you died suddenly at the age of Chinese New Year's Eve. ”

After a long silence, Xincheng slowly turned his head, his eyes still blank. Wu Kang continued: "The saint was so grief-stricken that he became angry with Wei Zhengju and beheaded him in Xishi. The entire Jingzhao Webster was exiled to Lingnan as a slave and could never turn over. The saint will bury you in Zhaoling and to the east of Empress Wende according to the queen's rites. ”

stroked her forehead, and said sincerely: "You have a bad temper, but you have a good heart, I believe you don't want to let the Wei family suffer innocently." Shuyu, listen to me, no matter who is less in the world, the sun will rise. For your ninth brother, for your daughter, and for yourself, live a good life. ”

put Erya in her arms and sighed again: "I can deceive the world, but I will not deceive you." I will go on the expedition tomorrow, with Lao Su Ping in the Western Regions, at least half a year. I beg you now, take care of Erya, protect yourself, okay? ”