One

Soon, a news came from the Ministry of War that shocked the government and the opposition that Yangzhou had mutinied.

In the first year of Guangzhai, that is, at the beginning of September 684 A.D., Xu Dudu and King Luo Bin announced the revised "Seeking Wu Cao Wen" to the world, so as to recruit 100,000 troops, starting from Yangzhou, according to the original plan, the troops were divided into two routes, all the way to attack Xuzhou, all the way to attack Changzhou and Runzhou, and soon the war was extended to all directions. But if they want to hit Luoyang and Chang'an in one go, it is not so easy, so the imperial court still has plenty of time to prepare for a counterattack.

The outbreak of war naturally affected the wedding of Kangta and Anne. This made them very disappointed, and they thought that they could leave a glorious historical chapter in this ancient capital, but now it seems that all of them have come to naught. Of course, they were also bored with this deceitful palace, and if it weren't for Wu Zetian's care for them in every way, they would have found a way to leave. And they also miss their relatives and friends on the other side of the plane, and the desire to return to the modern era is getting stronger and stronger.

After the early dynasty, Kang Tai, Anne, Zixia and Shang An all gathered in the inner room of Kang Mansion to talk about the war and their future plans.

"Hey, this war is really not coming, and it has been in vain for so long. Anne said with a sad face, "Well, why is there always something wrong with my mother? Either this or that, and I don't know how long our marriage will drag on?"

"Yes, this is really undesirable!" said Kang Taiying.

"Okay two, don't complain here. Shang An said, "Besides, what is the use of you complaining now, it is better to think carefully about what you should do in the future." ”

"Shang'er is right. Zixia asked again, "I don't know, what are your plans for the future?"

"I don't know, I haven't figured it out yet. Anne replied.

"Hey, what can you do!" Kang Tai said with a sigh, "Now that there is chaos outside, I think it's better to take one step at a time!"

"You don't have to be so pessimistic, everything has its own providence. Shang An said mysteriously.

"The eldest sister, the second sister, and the third sister have always had a question in their hearts, but they can't get answered. Anne said sincerely, "Today, I hope to get the right answer from the mouths of my two sisters." ”

"Okay, third sister, don't ask for any more answers, now is not the time. Zixia said pretly.

"Do you already know what my doubts are, eldest sister?" asked Anne in a strange voice.

"Okay, third sister, don't ask. Shang An stepped forward and continued, "Could it be that you really want to break the casserole and ask the end?" Besides, we didn't get together today to talk about this!"

"What are you talking about? Why can't I understand a word?" asked Kang Tai anxiously beside him.

"If you don't understand, it's a secret between me and my two sisters. Anne said, "Okay, let's not talk about this, let's get down to business, since the eldest sister said that everything has its own arrangement from God, then let's listen to the eldest sister and let the eldest sister make arrangements on behalf of God!"

Although Zixia and Shang An have never revealed their fairy identities in person, in Anne's heart, they have long believed that they are fairies sent by God to help and protect her, but they still have doubts about their fairy identities subconsciously.

"You're a little slippery. Zixia said, "Okay, if you really don't know what to do, just listen to me, take this opportunity to leave the capital immediately and integrate into all things, use your wisdom to understand true love, and complete your journey." ”

"Eldest sister, isn't it too urgent for you to let us leave the capital immediately. Anne was in a dilemma and said, "No matter what you say, let me go back to the palace and say goodbye to my mother!"

"Hey, okay then, this lord, it's up to you to do it yourself!" Zixia shook her head and said, "However, I still hope that you can leave the capital with us immediately, you can think about it again!"

Two

When Anne was hesitating, Zhang Gui, the old housekeeper of the Kang Mansion, announced outside the door: "My lord, someone has come to the palace, and he is now serving tea in the outer hall." ”

"Okay, I'll be right here, you greet me first. Kang Tai said.

"It's my lord. The old housekeeper Zhang Gui replied and returned to the outer hall.

"Who's coming?" asked Anne suddenly.

"Oops! I forgot to ask. Kang Tai patted his head with his left hand and said, "But it's okay, you will find it clear when you go out and take a look." ”

With doubts, the four of them walked out of the inner room and came to the outer hall to take a look, and something unforeseen happened, the visiting palace person turned out to be Princess Taiping, which surprised them all. Because since she lied about being unwell at the last banquet and quit the table early, she has not been out of Daming Palace again, but today she unexpectedly appeared here, so it is surprising.

"Yo, you're all here!" said Princess Taiping, who got up and walked up to them, "Looks like I shouldn't have bothered you by visiting today, right?"

"No, don't bother. Anne hurriedly continued, "My sister can come to see us, which is exactly what we can't ask for." ”

"You're really a beauty, but you've lost a little weight. Princess Taiping looked up and down at Anne, who was full of luxury, and said, "At the beginning, I didn't appreciate it carefully, what a big pity!"

After hearing Princess Taiping's words, Anne began to panic. She could feel that the princess's words were full of jealousy and hostility. She knew that her appearance had affected Princess Taiping's status in the heart of her "mother". She also knows that Princess Taiping, like her "mother", is a competitive woman who does not rub sand in her eyes, and if she does not leave this place of right and wrong as soon as possible, it will definitely cause an open and secret fight. Thinking of this, she made up her mind to leave the capital.

"My sister has won the prize. Anne said modestly and cautiously, "I am a beautiful billet, at best a small jasper." My sister is the real beauty, the royal lady!"

"Sister Jin Yao, you are really sharp-toothed!" Princess Taiping glanced at Kang Tai with the rest of her eyes and said, "No wonder so many people like you, even my mother." Of course, there must be a reason for this, you are indeed beautiful and very likable. However, you are too young, how much do you know about the affairs of the palace? In addition, the internal strife in the palace is like an ancient battlefield, and you must be fully mentally prepared, because this bowl of rice in the royal family is not delicious. ”

Kang Tai couldn't bear it anymore, Princess Taiping used this tone to warn Annie, so she stepped forward and deliberately asked, "Princess, do you have something to do with the lower official?"

"Of course, come with me!" Princess Taiping said with a slight smile, "I have something very important to discuss with you in detail." ”

"No, he can't leave yet. Anne took Kang Tai's hand and said, "We have something very important to discuss!"

"Hmph, Sister Jin Yao, what are you afraid of? I won't do anything to him. Princess Taiping pulled Kang Tai to her side and said, "When I am young, I will give him back to you, let's go!"

"Don't worry, it's okay. I'll come when I go, wait for me. Kang Tai comforted Anne a few words, and then followed Princess Taiping out of the outer hall, passed through the courtyard and the palace gate, got into the carriage that had been prepared a long time ago, and drove away. By the time Anne and the others went out, they were already far away.

Three

As soon as Princess Taiping took away Kang Tai, Shangguan Wan'er came, saying that she had followed the will of the Queen Mother to pass Princess Jin Yao to see her in the Lotus Pavilion. It seems that Kang Tai and Anne will not be able to go today.

"What did my mother tell me to do at the Lotus Pavilion?" asked Anne.

"Of course, it's cherry blossom viewing. Shangguan Wan'er replied with a smile.

"What? Anne said with some surprise and grievance, "Now that half of the world is in chaos, my mother still has the heart to go to the Lotus Pavilion to enjoy the flowers, which is too inconsistent and logical!"

"Luo Ji?" Shangguan Wan'er asked suspiciously, "Please give me advice, what does this Luo Ji mean?"

"The logic is, oh yes. You may not understand it, but I'll explain it to you when I have time. Anne said to Zixia and Shang An again, "Two sisters, you wait for me here first, and I will come as soon as I go, it won't be too long." ”

Anne instructed the two fairies a few more words, and followed Shangguan Wan'er, the first female official in the world, to get into the carriage that had been prepared a long time ago, and left.

Smart readers must have seen that the relationship between Anne and Shangguan Wan'er is not ordinary. Indeed, in the past few months, because Anne often walked around Wu Zetian, it was natural for her to become friends with Guan Wan'er like Princess Taiping.

At this time, an urgent document suddenly came from the front, saying that Xuzhou and Runzhou were about to be lost, and as soon as the news spread, it caused a dispute between the main battle faction and the main peace faction between the DPRK and China. In desperation, Empress Dowager Wu had no choice but to summon them in the Lotus Pavilion.

In front of the Empress Dowager Wu, they were still stubborn and arguing. This gave Empress Dowager Wu a headache, so she was furious and reprimanded them.

"Why don't you make noise? Empress Dowager Wu said angrily, "Hmph! He Xu Dudu has not yet reached the capital, and the day will not fall, what kind of system have you become by arguing and arguing like this." ”

After Empress Dowager Wu settled down, she asked them to explain their thoughts and suggestions one by one. However, after talking for a long time, no one was able to put forward a good proposal or a good plan for retreating from the enemy, that is, blindly using their own views and ideas to refute the other party's views and ideas, which had no practical significance.

"Okay, that's enough. Empress Dowager Wu said violently, "Do you only know how to intrigue and refute each other? ”

The ministers of the two factions knew that they were all over under the wrath, and they scattered and retreated. Not long after they left, Shangguan Wan'er took Anne to the Lotus Pavilion.

"Queen Mother, Princess Jin Yao has arrived. Shangguan Wan'er said.

Empress Dowager Wu half-closed her eyes, leaned softly on the throne and did not make a sound, and the maidservants on both sides also shook the fan in her hand in understanding to "cool down" her.

"Mother, what's wrong with you?" asked Anne with concern.

"Hey! Empress Dowager Wu sighed and said, "Jin Yao, you go back to the harem with them first and wait, and your mother will go to you after finishing her state affairs." ”

"Okay, then the daughter will go first. Anne said, "Take care of yourself!"

As soon as Anne and several palace maids left, Empress Dowager Wu ordered Shangguan Wan'er to send Li Xiaoyi to discuss matters in the Lotus Pavilion.

Li Xiaoyi listened to the order. Empress Dowager Wu said with a dragon talisman in her hand.

"The last general will listen to orders. Li Xiaoyi knelt in front of the pavilion and saluted with his hands in fists.

"Now Xu Luo is in turmoil, and the soldiers are everywhere, so that the country is in turmoil and the people are not happy. Empress Dowager Wu said solemnly, "In order to get rid of these two thieves and calm the war." This queen is a descendant of heaven's order, and you are specially named the general of the rebellion, and the dragon soldier talisman is given to help. I hope that you can immediately assemble an army of 300,000 and divide the troops into three ways to conquer and suppress, and there is no mistake. ”

"Command!" Li Xiaoyi took the talisman with both hands and saluted and said, "The last general will be the imperial court and the queen mother, quell the rebellion, and exterminate the rebellious party." ”

After Li Xiaoyi said some exciting words impassionedly, he bowed down and left the Lotus Pavilion. Empress Dowager Wu sat on the throne with a little ease, looked at the surrounding scenery, sighed and said, "Hey! Wan'er, go back to the harem." ”

Four

Empress Dowager Wu, supported by Shangguan Wan'er, walked to the gate of the harem on foot, and saw Anne wandering there, as if she had something on her mind.

Empress Dowager Wu stepped forward and grabbed Annie's hand and asked, "Jin Yao, why don't you go in and wait?"

"Mother, this is your harem, and it seems a little inconvenient for your daughter to go in. Anne said uncertainly.

"Why is that?"

"Because it'------ because it's full of old men. ”

When Empress Dowager Wu heard this, she immediately laughed out loud, and the unpleasantness just now disappeared at this moment. She likes Anne more and more, even if they don't have the same hobbies, and even their personalities are a little different, but like is like, there is no reason.

"Okay, in that case!" Empress Dowager Wu touched Anne's hair and looked at the sky and said, "Then Mother won't go in either." Wan'er is ready, I want to go with Jin Yao to Qunfangpu Shanglin Yuan for lunch. ”

"Yes. After Shangguan Wan'er answered, she immediately ordered the palace people to arrange everything.

The two got on the gorgeous chariot side by side, arm in arm, and walked in the direction of the forest garden in the group of fangpu. Anne was very excited along the way, she never dreamed that she would be so close to Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in history, let alone that she would ride side by side with this female emperor in such a luxurious chariot, passing between the splendid palaces and imperial roads. Because this was the first time she had ridden in the same chariot with her stepmother since entering the palace, she was very excited.

Anne snuggled in the arms of the Empress Dowager Wu, reminiscing to the fullest, and seemed to forget all her troubles and sorrows in an instant. She even had a terrible idea in her heart, that is, to dispel the idea of leaving the capital, stay and stay with her "mother".

In her haze, Anne remembered many beautiful people or things. She felt like she had entered heaven, and the wind of summer passed through the flower tent, caressing her face like a mother's hands. She felt happy and satisfied. But deep down, she still misses her relatives on the other side of time and space and the archaeology she loves. It was an indelible memory, because she didn't belong here, but she had no choice now.

Just when Anne's ambivalent psychology was constantly sublimating, the chariot actually stopped, and the forest garden on the Qunfang Garden arrived.

"Jin Yao—Jin Yao!" Empress Dowager Wu gently shook Anne's body and asked, "What's wrong with you?"

"Oh! Anne said with a slight smile.

"It's okay. Empress Dowager Wu said again, "Shanglin Yuan has arrived, let's go down!"

"Oh!" Anne replied coldly, and then followed the Empress Dowager Wu to get out of the chariot side by side, and entered Shanglin Yuan surrounded by Shangguan Wan'er and the palace maids.

Anne stood in the garden, looked around, and couldn't help admiring: "Oh my God! This is really a group of flowers, and it is beautiful! It is worthy of the forest garden on the garden, it is so beautiful." ”

"How's it going? Jin Yao. Empress Dowager Wu asked with great interest, "How about you and I have lunch here?"

"Yes, of course. ”

Anne was fascinated by the beauty of the Upper Forest Garden, and immediately got carried away. She actually began to dance in the crowd, showing off her style, as if she wanted to compete with a hundred flowers. Her graceful body swayed and swirled delicately among the flowers, looking like she was dancing a peacock dance or a ballet dance. Her dancing posture spreads with the fragrance of flowers, becoming fast and slow, rigid and soft, giving people a sense of beauty.

Anne could never have imagined that her limbs would become so soft, light, and free to do as she pleased. In that moment, she felt like she was a professional dancer. She was very happy, but deep down she still couldn't accept the deceit of the court. It seems that in the end, she will still have to make up her mind to leave the palace and leave the "mother" who likes her.

Five

After the Empress Dowager Wu ordered someone to prepare a table of sumptuous wine and food, she sat on the "Golden Phoenix Chair" and continued to watch Anne's soft and moving dance until she stopped automatically.

"Okay! good jump. Empress Dowager Wu clapped her hands and said, "Jin Yao! You are becoming more and more likable." Come and dine with your mother!"

"Good. Anne shook off her petal-stained skirt, and after straightening her clothes that had been blown away by the wind during the dance, and covered her slender physique, she strode to the Empress Dowager Wu and sat down.

"Hey, it's good to be young!" said Empress Dowager Wu with a sigh.

"Why should a mother be so sentimental. Anne comforted her, "Actually, my daughter thinks you're quite young. ”

"Okay, Jin Yao, you don't have to comfort your mother. Empress Dowager Wu also said, "Decades of power strife have made my mother's face wither. You said that my mother was still young, but she was not deceiving me. It is an indisputable fact that my mother knows that she is old. ”

Anne was amazed when she heard this. She couldn't believe that these words came from the mouth of this famous female emperor in history. She knows that Wu Zetian is an authoritarian, competitive, and female politician who does not admit defeat in everything. It is hard to imagine that at this time, this famous female politician would admit that she is old in front of so many people. You must know that since Empress Dowager Wu abolished Zhongzong and took sole power, she hates people saying that she is old, let alone herself.

"Alright, Mother, let's not talk about that. Anne picked up the chopsticks and said, "My daughter is hungry for a long time, let's eat." ”

"Ha--- ha--- ha! Empress Dowager Wu also picked up her chopsticks and said, "Jin Yao, do you know? Mother can only feel extremely relaxed and happy when she is with you." ”

"Then let's forget all our troubles and sorrows, and enjoy ourselves!" said Anne, "Sister Wan'er, don't stand all the time! ”

"Thank you for your kindness. Shangguan Wan'er held the wine jug in both hands and said, "The ministers and maids don't dare, the ministers and maids are still here to add wine for the queen mother and the princess." ”

"Okay, Wan'er, you don't have to increase this wine. Empress Dowager Wu said, "Listen to Jin Yao, sit down and dine with us." ”

"Yes, Queen Mother. After Shangguan Wan'er bowed, she sat down next to Anne.

While the three of them were drinking and chatting and appreciating flowers and poems, Kang Tai and Princess Taiping were actually having lunch in the Yuanle Pavilion and listening to the jokes told by the artists in the palace, which was also harmonious.

"Ha--- ha--- ha, that's so funny. Princess Taiping smiled and asked, "Mrs. Kang, what do you think of what they said?"

"Princess, what is the matter with your subordinates?" asked Kang Tai impatiently.

"Why, do I have to have something to find you!" said Princess Taiping, taking a sip of wine.

"Oh, since the princess has nothing to discuss, then the lower official has no choice but to retire. ”

"Hmph, what do you want me to do to stay?"

"Princess, what are you talking about, ------ you are talking about?, why can't the lower officials understand?" said Kang Tai in a vague rhetorical manner.

"Hmph! If you don't understand, forget it. Princess Taiping turned to him sideways and said, "You are really pretending to be confused! ”

She gave an order, drove away all the artists, and ordered Yue'er to remove the table full of wine and food.

"Yue'er, you go down too. Princess Taiping waved her hand and said, "I want to talk to Lord Kang alone." ”

"Yes. Yue'er answered, walked out of the door, and closed the attic door.

At this time, only Princess Taiping and Kang Tai were left in the Yuanle Pavilion.

Suddenly, Princess Taiping swooped over and put her arms around Kang Tai's neck, staring at him with fire in her heart. The arrogant and luxurious temperament just now had long since disappeared without a trace with her terrible desires.

"Ah——" Princess Taiping raised her delicate face, leaned into his ear and whispered, "Hold me tight." ”

Six

Kang Tai was frightened by Princess Taiping's actions, and his face was immediately flushed, and his cheeks were sweaty.

"Princess------ don't do this. Kang Tai suddenly pushed her away and said.

"You!" Princess Taiping glared at him and asked, "Why do you want to treat me like this, is it true that this princess has an ugly face and is not worthy of you?

"Princess, please don't insult her. Kang Tai asked a little uncontrollably, "Do you think that true love is born from comparison? No, it's not." You once asked me how much I loved her, and I told you that she was all I had, and I couldn't live without her. The princess won't forget, will she?"

"Of course not. Princess Taiping stared at him with jealous eyes and said, "Such unforgettable words should be remembered in my heart, how can I forget them." ”

"That's good. "Didn't the princess want to know why I was doing everything I could to avoid you?" ”

"What is the reason? "Can you tell me clearly?" Princess Taiping asked excitedly.

"Princess, I don't want to deceive you, let alone hurt you. Kang Tai got up and said, "I love her, I love my fiancée, I won't love anyone but her." It's a lifelong commitment and that's why I say it. The princess should understand now. ”

"Hmph, Princess Ben, I don't believe there will be a man like you in this world. Princess Taiping also got up and stood in front of him and said, "Look at me." ”

Suddenly, under Kang Taidi's gaze, Princess Taiping ripped off her skirt and took off her outer skirt, revealing her plump and fair skin, showing her charming physique in front of his eyes with all kinds of charm.

"Princess, what are you doing here?" asked Kang Tai, turning his back to her.

"What are you doing? Don't pretend to be stupid in front of this princess. Princess Taiping turned to him again and said, "I don't believe you can be indifferent, and you are not a monk." ”

"Princess, please be respectful, this is too uncivilized. Kang Tai stepped back to a round table and said.

"Civilization, what is civilization, what is civilization? Princess Taiping said angrily, "You are really a strange person with strange words and incomprehensible feelings. However, you should be well aware that there is nothing that this princess can't get inside and outside of the court, and you are no exception. ”

"No, there's one thing that the princess will never get. ”

"What?"

"A heart of mine, a heart that burns for love. ”

"Okay, that's enough. Princess Taiping was furious and said, "Get out, you give Princess Ben to get out, get out." ”

"Take care, princess. Kang Tai bowed and gave a fist salute, then turned around and left the Yuanle Pavilion.

Kang Tai returned to the palace worriedly, but heard that Anne had followed Guan Wan'er to the palace after he left, and had not returned until now. He began to get worried, and he couldn't sit still in front of Zixia and Shang An.

"Okay, third brother-in-law, don't walk around anymore, the people who walk are annoyed. Shang Anxin said annoyedly.

"Sister, why are you so upset!" Zixia said, "Don't forget, you are a cultivator. ”

"So what, don't forget that I am a fiery person in the Five Elements, and it is inevitable that I will be impatient!" Shang An looked at Kang Tai who was wandering back and forth and said, "Okay, third brother-in-law, don't go anymore, the third sister will be fine, can you sit still for a while?"

They waited for Anne at noon in this anxious atmosphere.

At this time, Anne saw that Empress Dowager Wu was drunk and resting on the armrest of the "Golden Phoenix Chair", and she knew that it was time for her to leave. Soon, she and Shangguan Wan'er helped the drunk Empress Dowager Wu into the retreat pavilion of Shanglin Yuan to sober up. She took this opportunity to find a pen, ink, paper, and inkstone, and wrote a short message in the form of classical Chinese, and then instructed Wan'er a few words, then turned around and left Shanglin Yuan, and hurried back to Kangfu.

After the two met, Kang Tai hugged Anne emotionally and said, "Anne, you're back, hurry up and clean up, let's leave here immediately and never come back." ”

After Anne heard this, she immediately understood that Kang Tai must have been wronged by Princess Taiping, and it seems that this palace really can't stay any longer. Besides, there is nothing worth her nostalgia for here except for "mother".

After they had packed up everything and packed up, they left the capital in a rented carriage.