Fu Qingqing bowed and said, "Princess Changning has built a new garden called Qin Garden. It is said to be splendid and beautiful like a heavenly palace. The garden has just been completed. Today, she has invited many guests to enjoy the garden. Shangguan Daizhao is also on the list."
After entering winter, there were not many affairs in the court. The first month was especially free, so Wan 'er had more freedom. Wu Zetian once told her that if she had to leave the palace, as long as she did not spend the night outside, there was no need to ask in advance. For people in the palace, it was a great favor to be able to enter and leave the palace at will. Therefore, Wan 'er did not tell Wu Zetian that she was leaving the palace.
Princess Chang Ning was the eldest daughter of Li Xian and Empress Wei. She was married to Yang Shen. After the couple got married, they built a mansion on the outskirts of Luoyang. The mansion was extremely luxurious. The garden was filled with strange flowers and strange rocks. There was a pond in the mansion that took up more than two hundred mu of land. There was also a polo field built on the west side of the mansion.
Today, when the mansion was completed, Princess Changning invited many guests to celebrate. She wanted to show off. This was a villa built after squandering all the wealth of the Yang family.
Wu Zetian glanced at Fu Qingqing and said, "It is just an appointment with Changning. Why are you hesitating? Is there a hidden agenda?"
Fu Qingqing was shocked. He lowered his head and said, "The Sage is wise and perceptive. I only thought for a moment and the Sage knew …"
Wu Zetian said impatiently, "Speak. What else is there?"
Fu Qingqing stammered, "It's because … because I've been out of the palace more frequently recently. I've often been drinking and drinking with people. Most of the people I've befriended are Marquis Qi, poets and famous scholars. Because of this, there's a lot of gossip going around.
Even though the rumors were unbearable, Cui Shi, Gao Zhu, and the others were all distinguished and elegant, outstanding talents of their generation, while Shangguan Daizhi was young and beautiful. It wasn't strange for them to frequently attract criticism. What was strange was that Shangguan Daizhi only attended King Liang's banquets a few times, yet there were still many unbearable rumors about King Liang and Shangguan Daizhi. Just now, when the Saint asked, I suddenly thought of these things, which is why I seemed a little strange. "
Wu Zetian reclined on the bed and looked at her deeply. She smiled lightly and said, "San Si had just celebrated his sixtieth birthday last year. Now he is already an old man in his sixties. Wan 'er is exceptionally beautiful with a slim figure. Moreover, she is talented and virtuous. If there is something she yearns for, what kind of handsome man can't she easily get? How could she fall in love with an old man in his sixties? "
Fu Qingqing's expression changed. She hurriedly bowed and said, "The Sage is right. The common people are ignorant."
Wu Zetian's smile gradually turned cold. She said, "Sansi is a prince. As long as he wants to, he can obtain any beauty in the world. Would he be willing to risk angering me and touch someone close to me? The common people were ignorant? You are very shrewd. You told me such a ridiculous rumor. Are you trying to take advantage of my old age and think that I am muddle-headed? "
Fu Qingqing was shocked. She hurriedly knelt down and repeatedly kowtowed. Her voice trembled as she said, "Qingqing does not dare! Qingqing only … only when the Sage asked, I did not dare to hide it and told the common people … "
"Shut up!"
Wu Zetian slowly sat up and said coldly, "At that time, Wei Tuan 'er was favored by me. She became complacent and brought about her own death! There are still traces of her blood in the cracks of the green bricks in front of the hall! Qingqing, your status in the palace is comparable to Tuan 'er's in the past. You must reflect on yourself and not follow in her footsteps! "
Fu Qingqing was shocked. She repeatedly kowtowed and said, "I do not dare! I do not dare! Please forgive me, Sage … "
"Get out!"
"Yes, yes …"
Fu Qingqing trembled and retreated on her knees. She did not dare to stand up until she was out of the hall.
…
On the outskirts of Luoyang, there was an extremely luxurious mansion. The garden was filled with arches and cornices. However, standing outside the walls, it was difficult to see the whole view of the garden. However, just from the snow-white walls of the garden, the neat and tight black roof tiles, the drainage ditch that was meticulously decorated with green bricks, the bright red lacquer door, and the spotless white marble steps, it was enough to show how luxurious this mansion was.
At the corner of the courtyard, there was a long row of carriages. There were horse carriages, ox carts, and horses tied there. There were many servants sitting or standing beside them. They were obviously the attendants and carriage drivers of the nobles attending the banquet.
A coachman wearing a yellow robe and holding a large whip in his arms leaned lazily on the carriage. He looked at the magnificent garden in front of him and sighed leisurely to the person beside him, "Some people in this world are too shallow. Suddenly obtaining wealth that can rival a country, they immediately become nouveau riche with the stench of money all over their bodies. There are also some people who suddenly obtain a noble identity that no one can match, so they are arrogant and domineering.
I have been working in the Prince's Mansion for many years. Although my experience and vision are not bad, my mind is also good. If I am given wealth that can rival a country or a noble identity that no one can match, I can remain calm and will never be ridiculed as a nouveau riche or a villain. But … I have waited for so long, but I am still a carriage driver … "
Several people next to him giggled. The man who spoke was called Meng Shuo. He was the driver of Liang Wangwu Sansi. Only because of this, he dared to make such a joke.
This garden was the new garden of Princess Chang Ning. This princess was also the biological daughter of Empress Wei and was the eldest di daughter of the Crown Prince. Compared to her younger sister, Princess Anle, Chang Ning could be considered a well-behaved woman, but that was only when compared to her younger sister.
Since marrying into the Yang Family, the Princess of Chang 'an, who had suddenly recovered her noble status from being a prisoner in the wilderness, began to squander and enjoy life. She used both carrot and stick to force her in-laws to agree to build this garden. Just this garden alone consumed all the savings of her husband's family.
As a result, before the garden was built, the imperial court spread the news that the emperor would move the capital back to Chang 'an. The villa, which cost a lot of money, would be sold in a few times. Once the emperor moved the capital, all the nobles and ministers would have to accompany him. How many people in Luoyang could buy such a gorgeous and precious manor? So, they would definitely lose money.
After hearing this, her in-laws were even more furious. Princess Chang Ning didn't care. She simply said, "When the time comes, you can do whatever you want with the garden. I am a princess. What's wrong with building a garden? So stingy! "Her parents-in-law nearly died from anger.
Princess Chang Ning still didn't care. Now that her in-laws were ill in bed, she was holding a banquet in the newly built garden to show off her new residence. Now that early spring was approaching, the weather was still cold. The banquet was held in a gorgeous and exquisite hall. There was a table at the head of the table. The dishes had already been removed. Shanghai Wan 'er was invited to compose a poem for Chang Ning's new residence.
Princess Taiping, Princess Chang Ning, Prince's son-in-law Yang Shenjiao, Prince Wu Sansi of Liang and Zhang Changzong's cousin Zhang Tongxiu stood to the side to watch. A table could not accommodate so many people. The others continued to sit behind the table, waiting for Talented Lady Shangguan to finish writing and then recite it in public.
Cui Shi, who was seated with Cui Ye and Cui Chi, advised in a low voice: "The two of you, quickly come up with an exquisite poem. Everyone here today is an outstanding talent, including Shangguan Cairen and His Royal Highness Prince Liang. If your talents can catch their eyes, your future will be limitless."
Cui Ye proudly said, "Brother, with our talent, we can write a poem immediately, why do we need to prepare first?"
Cui Shi said, "Don't be careless. Zhang Tongxiu, Zhang Changyi and Zhang Changqi are also good at poetry. Zhang Shuo and Gao Jian are even more talented men of the present age. With our family background, if we use this kind of thinking, we may not be the best. If we just do it half-heartedly, we will inevitably become mediocre. A real man should first control others. How can we silently be controlled by others? "
At this time, Princess Chang Ning suddenly clapped her hands and said happily, "Shangguan's masterpiece is finished!"
When Cui Shi heard this, he immediately pretended to be overjoyed and said, "Princess has already seen it first, do you still want to keep us in suspense? Quickly show us Shangguan's masterpiece, let us see the masterpiece of the most talented woman of the present age!"
This is the poem that Shangguan Wan 'er wrote for Princess Chang Ning's new residence. Cui Shi praised Shangguan Wan' er's talent, so Princess Chang Ning naturally felt proud. She happily took Wan 'er's masterpiece and said with a sweet smile, "Cui Xuan Lang, don't be anxious, let me recite it for everyone to hear."
Princess Chang Ning cleared her throat and recited in a clear voice, "The fields of Qin River are many, the buildings of Qi City are even more flawless. Beautiful words to Zhang Qian, don't work hard, from now on I know the Milky Way. Jagged green peaks with towering lotuses, gurgling green waters with golden sand. There is no need to visit three mountain roads, today I have already arrived at the home of the Ninth Immortal. Looking down from a high vantage point is enough to please the heart, the Mushroom Garden is too beautiful to look for. The remaining snow in the forest becomes a jade tree, the remaining flowers touch the mountain peak and become the Yao Cen. "
Zhang Shuo and Gao Jian listened and nodded their heads. They stroked their beards and praised, "Shangguan Wan 'er's masterpiece, every word is like a gem, fresh and elegant, the magnificent scenery of Qin Garden vividly reflected on the paper."
Cui Shi, Zhang Tongxiu and the others cheered loudly. Shangguan Wan 'er has experienced many occasions of poetry and wine, so she has long been immune to the crowd's unrestrained praise. She only smiled lightly and her expression was very calm.
Princess Chang 'an smiled and ordered people to keep Wan' er's masterpiece for mounting. She then smiled at the crowd and said, "Today, all the honored guests have to leave a poem, who will be the next to make a move?"
"Let me, let me!"
Cui Shi hastily stood up; while walking forward he said with a laugh, "Shangguan Daizhi has already produced a fine piece of work, in a moment Tongxiu, Changqi, Changyi, the few scholars, and Zhang Xiongdi and Gao Xiongdi, the two famous scholars, will produce another fine piece of work, the Old Cui will not dare to make a move. Why don't we quickly make a fool of ourselves while we still have the courage? "
The crowd roared with laughter. Cui Shi joked half-jokingly and rushed forward to pick up his brush. Cui Ye and Cui Chi immediately followed to cheer for Big Brother. Wu Sansi smiled and took the opportunity to retreat to the side. He stroked his beard and said to Shangguan Wan 'er, "The Sage is moving the capital soon. As the Emperor's first official, is Wan' er still busy with official duties?"
Shangguan Wan 'er smiled faintly and said, "It's okay now. Unless there's something very important in the first month, the officials will not bother the Sage. Wan' er is also a lot more free because of this."
Wu Sansi laughed and said, "That's good, that's good. Wan 'er is usually overworked, it's best to steal a few days of leisure. Ah, that's right, I recently received a letter from my cousin, Yizong. In it, he mentioned the transportation. He treated it as gossip, but when I heard it, I was deeply concerned. "
Shangguan Wan 'er's crescent moon-like eyebrows slightly raised and her expression became serious.
Wu Sansi said, "Whether the Emperor is in Luoyang or Chang 'an, the transportation is of utmost importance. If there's a problem with the transportation, the millions of people in the capital will be greatly affected. If it's light, it will cause the price of goods to skyrocket. If it's heavy, the Emperor will have to move the capital again to seek food, causing the court to lose all its dignity. If there's a flood or drought, there will be a serious consequence of starvation, which will shake the foundation of the country. We must not be careless."
Shangguan Wan 'er was moved and said, "Your Highness's words are very reasonable. Did something happen with the transportation?"
Wu Sansi said, "This matter has something to do with the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Censorate. Speaking of which, the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial Censorate have good intentions. The Emperor is moving the capital soon and they want to rectify the law and order of Chang 'an and create a peaceful world to welcome the Emperor's move. But they are too demanding.
The drivers of the transportation are all rough and reckless men. Usually, they drink, cause trouble, and fight. It's a common thing, but it's not a big deal. But the Ministry of Justice's Chen Dong, the Imperial Censorate's Hu Yuanli and the others treat them severely. How can we expect those rough men to become refined scholars?
Ruling a big country is like cooking a small fish. Now Master Ba is in a state of panic. I heard that the drivers should go to Yangzhou at the beginning of the year. Because of this matter, they haven't set out yet. If they miss this year's transportation, the consequences will be unthinkable. "
Shangguan Wan 'er was surprised and said, "Is there such a thing? Your Highness should report this to the Sage as soon as possible."
Wu Sansi said, "This naturally should be reported to the Sage. But I also know that the Sage has always disliked officials who do not abide by their duties and stretch their hands too far. I am now in charge of the military affairs in Luoyang. If I rashly intervene in political affairs and make the Sage unhappy, it won't be good.
But if it's something else, after a few more days, there will be news from Chang 'an. At that time, the Sage will know, and I don't need to be meddlesome. But the transportation is as important as the sky. I can't wait. If something goes wrong, this year's transportation will be greatly affected. So … "
Shangguan Wan 'er smiled and said, "Wan' er understands. But Wan 'er lives deep in the palace. If there is no news from Chang' an, Wan 'er can't speak to the Sage. Now that the news from Chang' an has not arrived, if there is an Imperial Censorate who hears of this, Wan 'er can speak to the Sage and respond early."
Wu Sansi was overjoyed and said, "That's easy. I can send someone to present a memorial immediately. Next, I will have to trouble you."
Wan 'er sweetly nodded and said, "Praising the painting for His Majesty is Wan' er's duty. There is no need for Prince Liang to thank me."
Wu Sansi laughed and said, "You gave me a peach, and Sansi returned the favor with a plum. Courtesy demands reciprocity. Since Daizhi has said so, then this Prince will remember Daizhi's good intentions! "
At this time, Princess Chang Ning excitedly said, "Cui Xuanlang's masterpiece has been completed!"
Wu Sansi and Shangguan Wan 'er looked at each other and smiled. They walked towards the tables.
Shangguan Wan 'er walked slowly. Her bright eyes swept around and saw Princess Chang Ning standing to the side. She was pointing at an antique on an antique shelf. There were a few people beside her nodding in agreement. Hearing Princess Chang Ning's voice, they also turned around and walked over. There were at least two Imperial Censorates among them.
Princess Chang Ning and Shangguan Wan 'er's eyes met. Their arched eyebrows slightly raised, and a mysterious smile flashed in their eyes.
These two ladies had elegant figures and were both extremely beautiful. However, their appearance and charm were different. When they smiled, it was extremely charming.
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