In the third year of Xianqing (658 AD), November 25, the eighth quarter of the hour.

In the southeast corner of the imperial city of Chang'an, where the Taimiao of the Tang Dynasty is located, a ceremony is being held to offer prisoners. In the square outside the temple, hundreds of civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty wore official court clothes. Taiwei Changsun Wuji, headed by Sikong Li Tao, lined up according to the size of the official position. Foreign monarchs and envoys, as special guests, are ranked according to the strength of each country.

From the gate of the temple to the gate of the temple, the soldiers of the west expedition were on duty. The guards of the Su camp and the Wu camp, all wearing bright light armor, stood on the east and west sides. The square of hundreds of people, without the slightest sound, was solemn and solemn.

Mei Niang was wearing a robe, and Li Jiu was wearing a crown, standing at the gate of the Taimiao. The crown of gold ornaments, hanging twelve white beads, is like a curtain in front of the eyes, and is not afraid of falling while walking? The red-black black clothes, the red and yellow clothes, the color resembles the afterglow of the sunset. Embroidered with twelve chapters, that is, twelve patches, it looks funny.

The sun, moon and stars are three chapter patterns, taking the meaning of their presence: the sun is painted with a golden crow, the moon is painted with a toad, and the five circles are connected to represent the stars, which resembles the symbol of the Olympic Games; The mountain chapter is a group of mountains, taking its stability and calmness; The dragon chapter is in the shape of a dragon, taking its supernatural and changing; The Chinese insect chapter is a flower and a pheasant, taking its meaning of literary color, and the residual flower and pheasant, why is it so funny?

Zong Yizhang is a tiger and a monkey, taking the meaning of worship and filial piety; Algae is algae, which means clean; The fire chapter is a flame, which means bright; Fan Mizhang is white rice, which means nourishment; The chapter is in the shape of a black and white axe, which means to cut off and decisive; The black chapter is the black and green "sub" shape, taking its discernment and discernment, and turning the back on evil to good.

With such atmospheric clothes, there are toads, monkeys, and pheasants, which of you are the emperor, and you are clearly the leader of the beggar gang. Wu Kang clenched his back molars, forcibly held back the smile in his heart, and forcibly let go of his consciousness. Laughing out loud on such an occasion, absolutely head-on-hand, decisively recalling the past, diverting his eyes and thoughts.

In Shiguo, Helu was arrested, and Su Dingfang broke his promise and did not approve an early return to Beijing. The sixty-five old man is still a teacher, and Wu Kang is helpless. I really learned a lot from being around him every day and dealing with post-war matters. Lao Su is right, the military and the government are not separated, and the political affairs are also military.

At the beginning of April, the third class returned to the dynasty and set off from Broken Leaf City in the Western Regions, and the team was mighty. The expedition is like a greedy snake, the class teacher is like peeling an onion, and it is like the return of a train. At various stations along the way, the government soldiers got off one after another, bidding farewell to the troops and going home to farm.

The march was getting faster and faster, and from Longyou to Guannei, there were only 10,000 troops left. Entering the territory of Yongzhou, there were only 2,000 soldiers left. At noon on the eighth day of November, he traveled to Liquan County (Shaanxi Province, Xianyang City, Liquan County) and received an order from the imperial court.

The army was temporarily stationed, waiting for the civil and military officials, and presented prisoners at Zhaoling. The so-called Zhaoling is the tomb of Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, built on Jiuzhi Mountain. Empress Wende's eldest grandson, many princesses and important ministers, were buried on the nearby hills.

According to the traditional ritual system, the sacrifice of enemy chieftains and prisoners of war is usually carried out in the Taimiao. However, Taizong has many regrets, such as the undecided Western Regions, the undestroyed Goguryeo, and so on. Li Jiu is a filial child, and in order to make up for Lao Tzu's regrets, the prisoner sacrifice ceremony was moved to Zhaoling. At the same time, in order to prove that the son is no worse than Lao Tzu, the Western Turks have been destroyed, and the territory is greater than yours.

In his previous life, Wu Kang visited the Zhaoling Tomb, and the most impressive thing was the tomb of Princess Changle and the tomb of Princess Xincheng. I can't help but think of Xincheng, since the execution site escaped, the two have never seen each other again. In fact, it's okay, after all, they all have families, and the eldest grandson will not die, so there is no need to say goodbye.

On November 15, the hundred officials arrived at Zhaoling, and the ceremony of presenting the prisoners began. Su Dingfang was wearing a military uniform, and Wu Kang was wearing Mingguang armor, leading Ashina Helu and entering the main tomb from the Xuanwu Gate. After the ceremony, Li Jiu did not kill He Lu in Zhaoling, and it is estimated that he was still killing in the bazaar.

At the end of Zhaoling's sacrifice of prisoners, the harvest was full of question marks, and among the hundreds of civil and military officials, there were two more familiar faces: Zhongshu Ling Li Yifu, Zhongshu Ling Du Zhenglun. They are all prime ministers, and if they are absent from the prisoner sacrifice ceremony, something big must have happened. Find time to consult Mei Niang, what kind of demon is Li Yifu's deflated calf?

However, the female president was very busy, and she didn't see each other until she entered Chang'an. At the same time, he received bad news, Li Jiu suspected that Zhaoling was not enjoyable, and he wanted to sacrifice prisoners in Taimiao. Wu Kang said that he understood, after you ascended the throne, you caught the big chief for the first time, and you have to brag about it.

On the day when the army entered the city, Li Jiu greeted him at the city gate, and the people welcomed him in the middle of the road. Wu Kang's lack of interest is the teacher's credit, I just made soy sauce. Wait until I am on my own, become the commander of the march, become the protagonist of the cheers, and then enjoy myself.

When I was bored, among the people who ate melons, I locked Xiaoqing and made trouble, and my mood suddenly improved. Noisy and enthusiastic waving her hand, Xiaoqing wanted to cry, and her eyes moved with her husband. Wu Kang wanted to maintain his military appearance, but he blinked slightly, helplessly looking ahead.

Staying in the right guard, preparing to sacrifice prisoners in the Taimiao, something terrible happened, Mei Niang sent eight taels to ask: Why do you rush to fight, why do you take my words as the wind in your ears.

Wu Kang was frightened, gritted his teeth with hatred, and angrily scolded Chu Shenke: A traitor who kills a thousand knives, a bastard who eats inside and out, do you want to kill me, you must cut your robe and cut off your righteousness.

Lao Chu is very aggrieved, don't cut your robe, tens of thousands of eyes on the battlefield, even if I don't report, she can inquire about it. Wu Kang was so angry that he decided to take revenge fiercely, and killed one hundred and eight brothers, and you made the spiritual position with your own hands. You must make it yourself, and one piece cannot be missing, otherwise you will look good.

Chu Shenke promised and swore that he would definitely not fake his hands to others. Wu Kang's scalp was numb, racking his brains to figure out how to get by. Pray to the Mantian God and Buddha, and even ask the teacher for help, begging him to make a cameo as a lobbyist. The old fox stayed out of the matter, and it was difficult for the Qing official to decide the family affairs, and the old man would definitely not participate.

The sound of heavy footsteps pulled him back to reality, and he subconsciously looked at the temple gate. Mei Niang is dignified and elegant, her expression is solemn and serious, and her eyes do not squint. Wu Kang sighed, followed the sound and looked over, Qianniuwei escorted He Lu and appeared at the gate of the square.

Like a walking corpse, Heru stumbles and needs the help of his guards. Before, there was black hair, countless silver strands appeared, and his face was full of wrinkles. On the way back to Beijing, he was silent all day long, sitting in a prisoner car with his knees crossed, trembling all over. Eat three cookcakes a day, and often have nightmares, skinny skin.

In his current state, Wu Kang can be sure that he won't survive for two years. was originally a generation of heroes, and it is embarrassing and pitiful to fall into today's fields. Qianniuwei stopped, and Li Tao came out of the column and shouted: "Su Dingfang, the general of the right tun guard, the guard of Xinglong Mansion has changed his martial arts, and the enemy chief He Lu has stepped forward." ”

In his current state, he should be a hairy man and come forward. Wu Kang was grateful for Li Jiu's arrangement, and Shi Guo's arrest of He Lu was done together with Lao Xiao. Lao Xiao is the captain, and he should come to sacrifice the prisoner, and now I have come to show my face, which is really interesting.

When He Lu came, Wu Kang grabbed his right arm, and Su Dingfang put his left arm in front of Li Jiu. Helping him to his knees, the master and apprentice held their heads high, guarding the left and right sides. Yu Guang peeked at Mei Niang, but she still didn't squint, and her heart became more and more miserable.

Li Jiu flicked his sleeves and said lightly: "Ashina Helu, in the past, Yibi shot to hunt down and kill you and the three departments of the Zhishedi. You are desperate, join my Datang and seek refuge from Taizong. Taizong soothed and treated him well, and at the right time to crusade against Qiuzi, he appointed you as the head of the Kunqiu Road march. ”

Speaking of this, Long Yan was angry, and his voice was cold: "Before the guards set out on the expedition, they will feast and drink in the Jiashou Hall and give you a generous reward." The reward will also take off the holy robe, and put it on you, and see you off in person, yes or no? ”

Helu's face was ashamed, his lips squirmed for a long time, and he squeezed out the word "yes". Li Jiu snorted coldly and continued to count: "Wait for Dangping Qiuzi, Taizong will give you two thousand tents, promote General Zuo Xiaowei, the governor of Yaochi, and settle your subordinates in Mohe City, Tingzhou." But you secretly attracted the scattered people, and after Taizong died, he led his troops to rebel against the Tang Dynasty, what crime should you be guilty of? ”

Wu Kang secretly complained that this wolf's ambition is a white-eyed wolf. Let's not talk nonsense, the big knife in my waist is already hungry and thirsty. He Lu was even more ashamed, his throat kept surging, and he intermittently pleaded guilty: "He Lu is deeply guilty, ask Your Majesty to punish him, and dare not complain." ”

This is still like a human saying, Li Jiu turned around with his sleeves and walked up the steps slowly. According to the etiquette system, only the emperor can open the gate of the temple. The rest of the people were under the steps, with a heart of awe, facing the main entrance of the temple and making solemn salutes.

Mei Niang followed the routine and stood beside Kang Lang, straightening her tall waist. However, in less than ten seconds, the cards were not played according to the routine, and Wu Kang's suffering came. Under the dark cyan robe, the shoes with gold ornaments stepped on the toes fiercely.

The so-called shoes are heavy wood-soled shoes, the most noble shoes in ancient times, which only emperors and queens can wear. Naked revenge, Wu Kang gritted his teeth and did not let his vocal cords speak. Unlucky old lady, this is a prisoner sacrifice ceremony, at the gate of the Taimiao, let's be serious?

And the damn Li Jiu, the awe of the ancestors comes from the heart. Don't bow anymore, formalism is unacceptable, hurry up and open the door and hit the street. Sweating on his aching forehead, and in the endless torment, Li Jiu finally stopped bowing.

Slowly push open the door of the temple, first open the east fan, and then open the west fan. Stand outside the threshold, bow three times again, and slowly turn around. If conditions permit, Wu Kang will definitely draw his knife and rush up to cut him, you did it on purpose.

The force of pressing the toes, has disappeared; The pain to the toe continues. Mei Niang walked up the steps, stood beside Li Jiu, turned around and didn't squint. Wu Kang gasped, picked up Ashina Helu, and walked with his toes crossed, his steps slightly weird.

Su Dingfang turned his head and glared fiercely, his expression full of worry. This is the Taimiao Prisoner Ceremony, no matter what the reason, it can't be rude. If you are found by a hundred officials in such a posture, there will be no place to bury you.

Wu Kang was helpless, returned to his normal posture, his toes touched the soles of his shoes, and it hurt like a heart. Walking up the stairs, the forefoot is forced, like walking on a nail bed, and the taste is quite sour. A woman's revenge is terrible!

It was easy to get to the door, follow the emperor and empress, and slowly enter the temple. Li Jiu's Taimiao, Taizu is a vacant position, and the six relatives share the temple system. Taizu is in the center, left Zhao and right Mu, father Zhao and son Mu. Sanzhao is, Xuanjian Gong Li Xi, Jingdi Li Hu, Gaozu Li Yuan, ranked on the left of Taizu; Sanmu is, King Yi Li Tianxi, Yuan Emperor Li Xun, Taizong Li Shimin, located on the right side of Dazu.

Helu was very sensible, knelt down and kowtowed to apologize, and then was thrown out. The master and apprentice carried him to the bottom of the steps and took a kneeling posture. Then go up the steps, close the left and right temple doors, guard both sides of the temple gate, and make cameo appearances as the left and right door gods.

About half an hour, the door slowly opened, and the main lord walked out. The master and apprentice went down the steps and stood on the left and right of Helu. The couple went down the steps, and Li Jiu said lightly: "Heaven has the virtue of a good life, I don't want to punish you, you live in the Taifu Temple, and think about it behind closed doors." ”

The civil and military officials of the square, as well as the envoys of all countries, shouted for His Majesty's mercy, and Taizong captured Jieli and arranged it for the servants. Old Helu burst into tears, his lips kept shaking, and he couldn't say a word. Four thousand cow guards came over, took him and left, and handed him over to Dali Temple for processing.

Wu Kang secretly complained to himself, fake benevolence and false righteousness, with Helu's state, he couldn't stay up for long. At the end of the prisoner sacrifice ceremony, everyone came to the front hall, and Li Jiu talked about the reward for meritorious deeds: "Su Lie has made meritorious contributions to quelling the rebellion, promoted to the general of Zuo Xiaowei, and crowned the Duke of Xing Guo." His eldest son, Su Qingjie, was awarded the title of Shangyuan Bureau and was crowned the Duke of Wuyi County. ”

The old man hurriedly thanked him, grateful for his appearance, not only promoted himself, but also blessed his children and grandchildren. Wu Kang is also very happy, the left Xiaowei general, is taller than the right Tunwei general. The late-blooming mentor finally received Li Jiu's favor and is about to usher in a happy life.

Shang Yuan Bureau is in the palace, and his official position is from the five grades, and he is responsible for Li Jiu's car, which is the captain of the driver. The county duke is also very unproductive, from the second-grade title, 1,500 households. According to the practice of the Tang Dynasty, the food was sealed falsely, and a maximum of 200 households were sealed.

Li Jiu glanced at Wu Kang, and a joke flashed in his eyes: "The crusade is in the Mukun Division, Wu Kang is the vanguard officer, and he is at the forefront of the charge. When I was fighting with the thieves, I was shot through my right earlobe by a crossbow arrow, and I was less than half an inch away, and I lost a warrior. ”

Before the voice fell, the temperature dropped, and Wu Kang's scalp was numb. Peeking at Mei Niang, her pretty face is cold, and she seems to be gritting her teeth. Li Jiu, who killed a thousand knives, you have a heart, what are you doing with this. Hurry up and clench your fists and bow down, your eyes are full of pleading, let's change the topic.

Li Jiu turned a deaf ear and continued to pit people: "In the decisive battle of the Luzha River, Wu Kang is on the front line and defends the western front of the great array. Fighting side by side with the guards, he stabbed the thief with a spear and was wounded in the left shoulder again. The wound was less than half an inch away from the neck, which was extremely dangerous. ”

Hundreds of officials exchanged heads and ears, and the eldest grandson Wuji opened his eyes, feeling incredible. Su Ding was pleased, and Li Tao was impressed, he was not only brave and good at fighting, but also had strategic vision. The mud woman was returned free of charge, laying a solid foundation for the victory of the Western Expedition. The old man wanted to take him as an apprentice, but he was preempted by Su Dingfang, which is a pity.

I feel that the temperature is dropping again, Mei Niang's pretty face is frozen, Wu Kang is begging even more, please change the topic. Black-bellied bastard, you were bullied by Mei Niang, so you will lead me to the east and pull me to share the firepower. Just give me the title, don't describe the details, don't talk nonsense.

Li Jiu sighed deeply, his eyes flashed strangely, and he continued to pit his brother-in-law: "In the decisive battle of Jinya Mountain, Wu Kang sped on the military situation, and was chased and killed by Helu's own soldiers due to the negligence of the scouts. In order to hide the whereabouts of our army, he fought wits and courage with the thieves, and was stabbed twice in the chest. The final completion of the mission and the success of the raid can be described as a great achievement. ”

All the officials have changed color, their chests have been slashed twice, and they can still jump around, is this still human. Mei Niang's face sank like water, Wu Kang fell to his knees, and cold sweat slid down his forehead. Poor look at Li Jiu, I'll kneel for you, hurry up and change the topic.

The effect of the show was very good, Li Jiu was quite satisfied, and said lightly: "Wukang Gong is loyal to the country, he is not afraid of death in battle, and he has made countless military achievements. I was very relieved, promoted a thousand cattle to prepare for the body, rewarded a thousand cattle knives, and was subordinate to the left leader as the right house. ”

Wu Kang really thinks that just talking about the reward is enough, and the front is all nonsense. It is estimated that the damned Li Jiu was angry with Mei Niang, and deliberately used me as a punching bag, suspected of retaliation. Just now you stepped on my feet, and now you know everything, how will you fix me, and really turn me into a eunuch?

Li Jiuqiang couldn't help but smile, and said: "It is a great honor to prepare a thousand cows, under the six grades, holding a thousand cattle knives, and standing by the monarch's side." Aiqing is depressed, does she dislike the small official position, or dislike me and don't want to protect the left and right? ”

What a big hat, damn hit the streets. Wu Kang denied it, resisted the impulse to scold, and said awe-inspiringly: "Repay the king's intention on the golden platform, carry the jade dragon to die for the king, as a guard of the Tang Dynasty, kill the enemy for the country and the king, it is within the minister's duty." ”

The hall was silent for a few seconds, Wuji sneered, and the faces of the hundred officials were strange. is still that Wu Yu, flattering, sloppy and patting, the country is easy to change, and the temperament is difficult to change. Su Dingfang looked up at the sky, Li Tao looked down at the ground, and Mei Niang rolled her eyes. Li Jiu was very embarrassed, this kind of fleshy words, Aiqing just said it in private.

Wu Kang vented his evil anger and offered a good gift to the prisoners, you two husband and wife, take turns to take revenge on me, I must disgust you. felt more comfortable, and said again: "The minister has a reluctant request, and there are a total of one hundred and eight people who went out to fight together, and they died on the battlefield. The minister wanted to leave immediately, send the spiritual seat back to Wuzhou, appease the family of Paoze, and ask His Majesty for permission. ”

The ministers praised one after another, and the martial change was affectionate and righteous, which can be called a model for foreign relatives. Li Jiu knew that his brother-in-law wanted to escape, but there was no door. Since the queen learned that you were charging on the battlefield, she complained about me a lot, if you ran away, who would suffer for me?

Li Jiu shook his head decisively and said lightly: "Your entourage is all about sacrificing your life for the country, and the court will deal with it and will not treat them badly." You stay in the capital, go to the Ministry of Officials to register as soon as possible, and go to the left and right governments to serve. The prisoner sacrifice ceremony is over, and all the Aiqing are tired, so let's go back and rest. ”

After speaking, he walked away, with his head held high, and his expression was quite unbeaten. Mei Niang followed suit, without any expression, but with a strong resentment. Baiguan Yuguan left, Su Dingfang pulled the disciple up, patted him lightly on the shoulder, and gave silent comfort.

Wu Kang almost burst into tears, followed the hundred officials and left, secretly scolding Li Jiu's ancestor. When he left the Taimiao, he hid behind the team and ran to Anmenmen. I have made up my mind to go home to see my wife and daughter first, and then find a place to hide. After waiting for ten days and a half months, my aunt and grandmother were discouraged, and then they took the blame.

I ran to the city gate in one breath, and when I saw eight taels and four coins, I was suddenly struck by lightning. The two of them arrived, bowed down and finished saluting, and said with a smile: "The queen instructed the slave maid to invite Kang Lang to tea, please go with the slave." ”

After finishing the calf, he took a difficult step and followed behind the two. Leaving the Imperial City of Chang'an, walking on an unfamiliar street, he said with a hippie smile: "Sister Baliang, we have been in close contact, can you tell me in a whisper, where are you going?" ”

Siqian covered his mouth and smiled, and he had something to do: "It's a fun place, there are leather whips and candles, and there are mountain delicacies and seafood." There was also a large wooden bed, and four iron chains, and strange knives. Our queen said that we must fulfill our promise and stay by your side forever. ”

Wu Kang was dumbfounded, and the strange picture hung in his mind: lying on the wooden bed, with iron chains tied to his hands and feet, Mei Niang holding a strange knife...