When Wu Zetian met Wu Houxing the day before yesterday, she knew that he was extremely weak, but she didn't expect him to be so weak that he could die with just a slip. She was disheartened and ordered, "Men, carry the body out of the palace and send it back to Taiyuan for burial as soon as possible!"
The eunuch carried Wu Houxing's body and left in a hurry. The palace gate was about to be locked, so the body had to be carried out as soon as possible. The eunuch carried the body to Xuanwu Gate, where the palace guards carried it out.
While Wu Zetian was dealing with the aftermath of the incident, Xie Xiaoman forced herself to remain calm, but her heart was racing. She stole a glance at Yang Fan and saw that he was calm. Xie Xiaoman couldn't help but admire him. "This guy has some guts, to be able to be so calm in front of the Empress Dowager."
Yang Fan had seen people killed at the age of nine, and when he was thirteen, he followed his senior brother to kill people. At that time, he followed his senior brother into the mountains to quell a rebellion, and the number of rebels who died in his hands was more than ten. In Luoyang, he had personally killed several enemies, so there was nothing to say about his mental fortitude.
Although Wu Zetian's aura was strong, Yang Fan had been with Curly Beard since he was young, and the aura of that generation's hero was not something that ordinary people could withstand. Yang Fan had been living with it for many years and was already used to it. In this aspect, Xiaoman was indeed inferior to him. She was taken in by Aunty Xie as a guard, not an assassin.
Although Xiao Man had also killed people before, it was all because of Wu Zetian's orders. This person was also the ruler of the entire empire, so she naturally felt that it was only natural for her to do so. But now, it was the exact opposite. The person she killed was the nephew of this woman who could decide the life and death of everyone in the world, so of course she was afraid.
When Wu Zetian ordered the body to be carried out of the palace, Xie Xiaoman finally relaxed.
Yang Fan and Xie Xiaoman left the main hall and looked at each other without saying a word.
On the west side of the palace was a rather large city. Most of the residents were guards and warriors. Xie Xiaoman's residence was also in the city. The two of them walked together for a long time without speaking. After walking for a long time, Xie Xiaoman finally stopped. She lowered her head and said to Yang Fan, "Thank you."
Yang Fan smiled and said, "No need to thank me."
Xie Xiaoman pursed her lips, slightly raised her eyes, and asked curiously, "This is no small matter. Why are you willing to take on such a huge responsibility to help me? "
Yang Fan said, "Must there be a reason to help someone?"
Xie Xiaoman said, "If it was like how you saved that little girl on the night of the Upper Yuan Dynasty, of course you wouldn't need a reason, but this time … I can't tell that you're a righteous Jianghu wanderer?"
Yang Fan said, "Alright! Actually, it's because … I feel that it's not worth it for you to pay with your life for such a person! "
Xie Xiaoman quietly stared at him for a long time. Her lips gradually curled into a smile, "You're actually not a bad person!"
Yang Fan blinked and said, "Didn't you say that I'm a lecher who attracts bees and butterflies?"
Xie Xiaoman blushed and said, "Actually, I also know that you're not that bad."
She bit her lips and said, "It's one thing that you've done me a favor, but I still have to say that the palace maids are all people with bitter lives. This palace is like a big cage. Trapped in here, they won't be able to see the light of day until it's time for them to be released. It's fine if they don't fall in love, otherwise their days will be even more bitter. Moreover, if something really happens, you and they will all be beheaded."
Seeing that she was quite serious, Yang Fan couldn't help but not know whether to laugh or cry. After listening to her, he couldn't help but ask, "Do you think … I'm seducing those palace maids?"
Xie Xiaoman stared at him with a pair of big black and white eyes, and said in a very strange tone, "Do you think that there's any other meaning to your actions?"
Yang Fan said helplessly, "Big sister! You … "
"I'm older than you?"
"Little sister, you …"
"Just call me Xie Duwei!"
"Xie Duwei, I'll tell you the truth. Actually, those girls are too bored and took the initiative to stick to me."
Xie Xiaoman sighed softly and said, "Good advice is unpleasant to the ear. It's fine if you don't listen to me. Anyway, I've already transferred you to Wu Cheng Hall. In the future, with me watching over you, you won't be able to play any tricks. Let me tell you in advance, Wu Cheng Hall is where the Empress Bureau is located. The rules are very strict. "
Seeing that she didn't believe him at all, Yang Fan was very depressed.
Those palace maids were more clever than the last. In front of Xie Xiaoman, they were all like obedient little white rabbits. How could Xie Xiaoman believe what Yang Fan said? Yang Fan could only helplessly sigh and said, "Miss Xiaoman, I'm your savior!"
Xie Xiaoman replied seriously, "Your kindness, Xiaoman will remember in my heart. If there's a chance, I will definitely repay you! But I can't just sit back and watch you do whatever you want just because you've done me a favor! Besides, what I'm doing is not necessarily a bad thing for you. "
Yang Fan spread out his hands and said, "Do you know that your wishful thinking is so one-sided? You don't believe my explanation at all. I'm very depressed!"
Xie Xiaoman chuckled lightly and said, "Alright, stop pretending! In any case, you're not allowed to do anything too outrageous. "
At this time, a lantern slowly turned from the corner of the hall. The one carrying the lantern was the little palace maid Shu Xiaomiao of Wu Cheng Hall. Shu Xiaomiao carried the lantern and wore a palace dress. Her footsteps were light, like a happy butterfly.
"Aiya, who's standing here? You scared me!"
Shu Xiaomiao hurriedly stopped and patted her chest. When she saw that it was Yang Fan and Xie Xiaoman standing opposite each other, she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Xie Duwei! Bro Beta Persei! Oh, you guys … "
Shu Xiaomiao glanced at the two of them, her eyes filled with warmth.
Xie Xiaoman explained, "I was just about to go back to my residence to rest. He happens to be on the same path as me. "
"Oh! Yes yes yes, Xiaomiao understands. Hehehe, it's just the same path, just the same path … "
Shu Xiaomiao smiled and nodded hurriedly. Xie Xiaoman looked as if she was afraid that Xie Xiaoman wouldn't believe her, and Shu Xiaomiao also looked as if she was afraid that Xie Xiaoman wouldn't believe her. Yang Fan stood at the side and couldn't help but laugh as he watched.
"Ah, Xie Duwei, Bro Beta Persei, I still have to return to Wu Cheng Hall to continue my duty. I'll take my leave first!"
Shu Xiaomiao lifted the hem of her dress, squatted in front of them, and walked past them. Xie Xiaoman clearly saw that the moment she flashed past the two of them, she gently stuck out her tongue.
Xie Xiaoman was very depressed, but she didn't know how to explain. She was about to leave in a sullen mood when she suddenly heard a whisper like a mosquito from afar, "No wonder Xie Duwei was so fierce to me, and even wanted to transfer Second Brother to Wu Cheng Hall to watch over me. So that's why …"
Shu Xiaomiao's voice wasn't loud, but Xie Xiaoman and Yang Fan's ears were very good, so they heard it clearly.
So that's why!
So that's why?
Xie Xiaoman suddenly turned around, as if she wanted to catch up and explain to Shu Xiaomiao, but then she thought that this kind of thing would only make things worse. She could only stomp her feet angrily and walk forward sullenly. Her two long legs spread out, and she walked quite fast. Yang Fan immediately caught up with her and walked beside her.
The two of them walked like this for a long time without saying a word. Xie Xiaoman suddenly glared at him and said, "What are you laughing at!"
Yang Fan said, "When did I laugh?"
Xie Xiaoman said angrily, "Your eyebrows, eyes, mouth, and nose are all obviously smiling. Do you really have to laugh out loud to be considered smiling?"
Yang Fan said leisurely, "Someone finally experienced the feeling of depression that I felt just now. I can't not laugh even if I want to, ha! Ha ha! "
Yang Fan puffed out his chest and walked past Xie Xiaoman with his head held high.
"You!"
Xie Xiaoman was extremely angry, but when she looked up, she saw that they were already close to Jia Cheng, and a few soldiers were walking over with their shoulders swaying. Afraid that chasing after them would cause more gossip, she could only watch helplessly as Yang Fan walked through the door.
…
The Hall of Martial Accomplishment, where Yang Fan was on duty, was an important place where Wu Zetian handled government affairs and received trusted officials after the court session ended.
This palace was located on the west side of the Ming Hall. The main hall had three main entrances, the first one was the Guang Fan Gate, the second was the Qian Hua Gate, and the third was the Wu Cheng Gate. There was another gate on the east side of the hall called the Dong Ming Gate, and another gate on the west side called the Guang Yun Gate. Out of the Guang Yun Gate, through the Changle Gate, and into the Ming Fu Gate was the Hall of Governmental Affairs (Prime Minister's Yamen).
To the west of the Hall of Governmental Affairs was the Hall of History, to the south of the Hall of History was the Internal Medicine Bureau, and to the north was the Food Kitchen. To the north of the Hall of Governmental Affairs was the Women's Hospital, and to the north of the hospital was the Cultivation Academy. This area could be said to be the core area where the court handled daily government affairs.
Yang Fan was on duty in the third courtyard of the Hall of Martial Accomplishment, the Wu Cheng Gate. Early in the morning, when it was time for Yang Fan to be on duty, he rushed to the Wu Cheng Gate. At this time, Empress Wu was in the Ming Hall, summoning all the civil and military officials for a court session.
The red sun had just risen, and a faint red hue covered the earth. The eunuchs and palace maids were busy sweeping and cleaning. At this time, a handsome young man wearing a soft hat, a round collar robe, and a leather belt around his waist slowly walked over.
"Greetings, Shangguan Awaiting Imperial Edict!"
"Greetings, Shangguan Awaiting Imperial Edict!"
Along the way, the palace maids and palace maids greeted her one after another.
Shangguan Wan 'er was Awaiting Imperial Edict. The position of Awaiting Imperial Edict began in the Han Dynasty. The Awaiting Imperial Edict of the Tang Dynasty was very different from the Awaiting Imperial Edict of the Han Dynasty. During the Han Dynasty, the Awaiting Imperial Edict also had to accompany the Emperor to court and await his orders at any time. The Awaiting Imperial Edict of the Tang Dynasty was usually placed on duty at the Hanlin Academy.
As a Awaiting Imperial Edict, Shangguan Wan 'er did not need to go to court unless special permission was given. Normally, she would rush to the Wu Cheng Hall before Empress Wu and sort out the unfinished documents from the day before. She would leave behind those that needed to be personally reviewed by Empress Wu and sort them out. She would also distribute those that needed to be sent to the various yamens.
Shangguan Wan 'er leisurely walked to the front of the Wu Cheng Hall. Just as she was about to step into the hall, her gaze swept past the face of the imperial bodyguard at the side. Her leg that had already stepped over the threshold withdrew. She twisted her body and carefully sized up Yang Fan. With a slightly surprised expression, she said, "You are …"
Yang Fan was also looking at her. As soon as she arrived, Yang Fan had noticed her. Miao Shenke's whereabouts were in the hands of this woman. Yang Fan's only target in the Palace was this woman. How could he not pay attention to her? But he had tried every possible way to get close to her. Now that she was right in front of him, how could he ask her?
Alas! The reeds were green and the white dew was like frost. The so-called beauty was on the other side of the water. Following the stream, the road was obstructive and long. Following the stream, it was as if she was in the middle of the water. Compared to this gentleman pursuing a fair and graceful lady, the current situation was not easy at all!
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