Di Renjie was about to answer when someone laughed, "Haha! Minister Wu, what a coincidence! How did we meet here? Oh, Elder Di, you've returned to the capital? "
The speaker was a man in his early forties. He had bright eyes and wore a light crimson official robe with a silver fish pouch hanging from his waist. He was well-dressed and had an extraordinary temperament. He was Su Weiwei, the Minister of Personnel.
Su Weiwei was able to compose poems at the age of nine and was talented since childhood. He became a scholar at the age of twenty and was promoted to the rank of Xianyang Lieutenant. Later on, due to his outstanding political achievements, he was promoted to the Ministry of Personnel by Pei Xingjian. He even accompanied Pei Xingjian in two campaigns against the Turks.
Su Weiwei, Du Shenyan, Cui Rong and Li Jiao were known as the 'Four Friends of Literature'. Together with Li Jiao, they were known as the Su and Li. Of course, in the author's opinion, Su Weiwei's greatest contribution was that he left a son in Mei Shan and gave birth to a descendant named Su Dongpo. He also left the idiom 'ambiguity' in the literary world.
When Su Weiwei saw Wu Sansi, he went forward to greet him. Unexpectedly, Di Renjie was also there. He quickly bowed and said, "What are you two talking about?"
Di Renjie smiled and said, "I've just returned to the capital. Minister Wu is very kind and wants to hold a banquet to welcome me."
Su Weiwei heard this and said, "Of course, of course. Elder Di is a man of virtue and prestige. He will be of great use when he is transferred back to the capital. Both of you are important officials and should get along well. "
Yang Fan watched from the side. He saw a mischievous look flash across the eyes of Di Renjie, the fat old man, and said, "It's a pity that my stomach is damaged. I can't stand even the tiniest bit of grease. I really can't attend the banquet."
Su Weiwei heard this and said, "Ah! Elder Di has just returned to the capital and must be tired from the journey and injured his stomach. Elder Di is old and although it is a small injury, it is not to be underestimated. In that case, it is better to abstain from meat for a few days and clear your stomach. "
Wu Sansi glared at Su Weiwei and angrily said to Di Renjie: "Di Gongzi could still attend the banquet yesterday, why is your stomach upset after seeing me today?"
Di Renjie chuckled and said, "You must have eaten something dirty. I'm not a living deity who can predict the future. How would I know when an illness or disaster will come?"
Su Wei looked at the conversation between the two and knew that something was wrong. He regretted rudely interrupting. He quickly coughed and said, "Ah, the two of you continue chatting. I have some matters to attend to in the Hall of Governmental Affairs. I will take my leave now!"
Wu Sansi laughed coldly and said, "Hey! Well said, Master Di! You're not a living deity who can predict the future. How would you know when this illness or disaster will come knocking on your door? Grandmaster Di, take care of yourself! "After saying that, he flicked his sleeves and left.
Su Weiwei bowed and when he straightened his back, Wu Sansi had already left.
Di Renjie laughed and pulled Su Weiwei's arm. He called his nickname and laughed: "Su Moleng, Su Moleng, your ambiguous temperament has not changed at all. Haha, Minister Wu has already left. Come with me to the palace! "
Su Weiwei smiled bitterly and said: "Di Gongzi, I did not know the situation and rashly came in. I already regret it and now I'm being laughed at by you!"
Di Renjie looked at his embarrassed appearance and could not help but laugh.
Di Renjie's character was carefree and frivolous. He had always liked to play tricks on people. In the past, when he was the Minister of Agriculture, because his superior never listened to his opinion, he complained in front of his superior, saying, "The Minister of Agriculture is like a concubine, the official position is in the main room, if the mistress is hard to serve, no matter what I do, I won't be able to get a smile from her." This made the official very embarrassed. Later on, he became more and more powerful. Even the prime ministers became the target of his teasing.
Empress Wu was in power, and the various powers were complicated. Su Weiwei played it safe and liked to be ambiguous. However, he was talented and had a good character. In Di Renjie's eyes, he had no choice but to play it safe. He admired Su Weiwei very much, and the two of them had always had a good relationship. That was why he joked with him.
"Let's go. Ah, young friend, come with us. Oh right, what did you say your name was?"
Di Renjie abandoned the carriage and walked into the palace with Su Weiwei. He did not ignore Yang Fan because he was only a small guard. He smiled and pulled him along. The three of them walked together.
Yang Fan said: "Uncle, I am Yang Fan. I am now working in the 'Hundred Cavalry'."
Di Renjie was surprised and said: "Uncle? Young friend is … "
When Di Renjie heard him call him uncle, he thought he was the son of a family friend. He thought for a moment but could not think of which good friend with the surname Yang had such a big son. Moreover, he had never seen this son before.
Yang Fan said: "Yes! After I joined the imperial army, I got to know Brother Guangyuan through shooting bows. We got along well and became good friends. "
Di Renjie softly said: "I see. Hehe, you and I are really fated. Since you are my good nephew, I can't thank you again for saving my life. If you have time, you can come to my residence and spend some time with Guangyuan. I like young talents like you very much. "
Su Weiwei saw that Di Renjie was speaking very intimately to Yang Fan and could not help but look him up and down. She wanted to ask how Yang Fan had saved Di Renjie, but she was afraid that it was not something outsiders could know. Just saying hello when they met on the road would make it very awkward. It was better not to ask about things that had nothing to do with her, so she closed her mouth.
The three of them talked along the way until they arrived in front of Wucheng Hall. Yang Fan was not on duty today, but he was now in the 'Hundred Cavalry' and could walk around as he pleased. When they arrived in front of Wucheng Hall, Di Renjie wanted to see Empress Wu and Su Weiwei wanted to go to the Hall of Governmental Affairs. Yang Fan said goodbye to the two and was about to rush back to Xuanwu Gate when he saw Captain Huang Xuchang standing at the entrance of Wucheng Hall.
Yang Fan walked over and cupped his hands in greeting: "Captain Huang!"
Huang Xuchang was looking at him from the corner of his eyes. This kid said that he did not have any family background. Great! General Wu Youyi personally came to warn Brigade Commander Xu. General Li Duozuo's son-in-law Ye Huli and Brigade Commander Wei called him brothers. Shangguan Wai, who followed closely behind the Empress, was still worried and specially came over to tell him something. Where did this kid come from?
Although Huang Xuchang's temperament was rough and he especially looked down on people who relied on connections to climb up, he was not an idiot. No matter how much he disliked Yang Fan, he did not dare to deliberately make things difficult for him at this time. Something big seemed to have happened today. The Empress summoned the 'Hundred Cavalry' Brigade Commander and Xu Liang also brought him over.
He stood at the entrance of Wucheng Hall and saw from afar that Yang Fan was accompanying the two court officials, Di Renjie and Su Weiwei. The three of them walked side by side, talking and laughing. Di Renjie was a third-rank official. Although Su Weiwei's official rank was lower, she was now serving in the Ministry of Appointments. What kind of yamen was that? It was where all the officials in the world were transferred and demoted.
For a moment, Huang Xuchang was even more confused about Yang Fan's background. Seeing how respectful Yang Fan was towards him, Huang Xuchang forced a smile and said, "The Empress has summoned the Brigade Commander. I will accompany the Brigade Commander and wait here."
Yang Fan made an 'oh' sound. It was not convenient for him to return to Xuanwu Gate alone. He said: "Since this is the case, I will also wait here. In a while, I will return with Captain."
Huang Xuchang grunted and did not say anything more.
Di Renjie arrived at the third courtyard of Wucheng Hall. The servant at the door announced that he was coming in. When Wu Zetian heard that Di Renjie had arrived, she happily said: "Quickly call him in!" She then waved to Xu Liang who was standing in front of her and said: "Step aside!"
'Hundred Cavalry' Brigade Commander Xu Liang quickly stepped aside. Di Renjie came in from the door. He took two steps forward and gave a deep bow. He said respectfully: "Official Di Renjie greets the Empress!"
Wu Zetian said: "Dispense with the formalities. Rise!"
Di Renjie straightened up. Wu Zetian carefully looked at him and said: "Compared to when you left the capital, your hair is much whiter!"
Di Renjie bowed and said: "I am already old. Seeing that the Empress is as handsome as ever, I am very comforted!"
Wu Zetian shook her head and said: "I am old, I am old. You are old, I am also old …"
She sighed and ordered to the left and right, "Find a seat for the Imperial Elder!"
Di Renjie was slightly shocked when he heard this. He quickly bowed again and showed a touch of gratitude.
The Imperial Elder was not an ordinary title. The title of "Elder of the Nation" had always been used to respectfully address officials of the fifth rank and above who had retired due to old age. Addressing an in-service official in this manner, especially when it was addressed by the Empress, was unprecedented. Empress Wu's courtesy touched Di Renjie from the bottom of his heart.
Di Renjie sat down. Wu Zetian looked at him with a smile and said: "The Imperial Elder is inspecting Jiangnan and has good governance. I have long heard of it in the capital. However, there are some people who have criticized your actions in Jiangnan. Do you know who they are? "
Di Renjie bowed and said: "If the Empress thinks that I am wrong, please correct it. If the Empress thinks that I am not wrong, it is my honor. Those who have criticized my actions are also for the country and the Empress. I do not want to know their names. "
Wu Zetian laughed: "Haha, the Imperial Elder has the heart of a prime minister!"
Di Renjie hurriedly said: "I dare not!"
Wu Zetian smiled and looked at him, saying: "The Imperial Elder must be tired in Jiangnan. Now that you have returned to the capital to hand over your duties, you should rest for a while and recuperate your body and mind. You cannot admit your old age, I still need you."
Di Renjie hurriedly agreed. Wu Zetian's gaze turned and saw Xu Liang who was bowing to the side. She couldn't help but say: "You see, I am really old. I have such an expert judge like you and I am still at my wits' end. Haha, you have just returned to the capital. I will not bother you with important matters. Help me with a case! "
Di Renjie's gaze froze and said: "Case? I wonder what the Empress is talking about … "
Wu Zetian lightly said: "Miao Shenke is dead!"
Di Renjie's gaze slightly shrank and he did not respond.
Wu Zetian glanced at him and said: "Hmph! You old fox, you don't need to grumble in your heart. I did not kill Miao Shenke! "
Di Renjie and Wu Zetian were about the same age. In front of him, Wu Zetian was like two old people of the same age chatting about family matters. She relaxed and spoke more casually and naturally.
Di Renjie said: "Yes! But, how did he die? "
Di Renjie immediately believed Wu Zetian when she said she did not kill him. The current Empress Wu did not need to act. If she said it was not her, then it was definitely not her.
Wu Zetian said: "He committed suicide!"
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