In the movies and dramas of the future, there were two different versions of Zhangsun Wuji's image. One was a loyal and devoted official during the Zhenguan period, supporting Li Shimin to ascend to the throne and achieving the rule of Zhenguan. He was ranked as the number one meritorious official in the Lingyan Pavilion.
The other was a sly old fox who used unscrupulous means to maintain power during the Gaozong period. In order to stabilize Li Zhi's throne, he made use of Princess Gao Yang's rebellion case to frame King Wu, Li Zhi. Later on, in order to control the court, he fell out with Li Zhi. In the end, he was defeated by Wu Zetian and hanged himself on the way to exile. He had the highest status among the meritorious officials in the Lingyan Pavilion, but his ending was the most tragic.
Against such an ambitious and ruthless character, Moton felt that it was best to be extra careful, even if the reason was just and honorable, and there was no personal agenda mixed in with the other party's plans for the next hundred years.
If it was possible, Meton wished that he could never meet Zhangsun Wuji, until the other party had forgotten about this matter forever.
However, it was a pity that he couldn't because Meton courted death and created a portrait for the meritorious official of the Lingyan Pavilion. Today was the day that he would visit Zhangsun Wuji to draw.
"Greetings to Lord Zhangsun!"
Meton braced himself and paid a visit.
"En!"
Zhangsun Wuji replied indifferently and continued to busy himself. He didn't stop because of Meton's arrival and continued to work on the documents.
Meton didn't get angry because of Zhangsun Wuji's neglect. After all, their statuses were different. He was just a small county earl and an Imperial College student, while Zhangsun Wuji was the current prime minister. If it wasn't because the portrait was of a political figure, Meton probably wouldn't even be able to enter the Zhangsun Residence.
Moreover, Meton wished that Zhangsun Wuji would ignore him immediately. How could he still have the thought of getting angry?
"County Earl Mo, you only have one hour." The housekeeper at the side instructed.
Meton nodded and immediately took the drawing board, picked up the brush, and started to work.
This was the first time he saw Zhangsun Wuji, and he couldn't help but be attracted by his elegance.
Right now, Zhangsun Wuji was only around thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old. This was the period when a man was in the prime of his life. Furthermore, Zhangsun Wuji came from an aristocratic clan. His appearance and figure were all outstanding, causing others to have a favorable impression of him.
Meton drew very quickly. In less than an hour, Zhangsun Wuji's portrait was completed. Moreover, under Meton's deliberate beautification, the Zhangsun Wuji in the portrait appeared even more handsome and suave. It was as if he was ten years younger.
"Duke of Zhao, please look! Are you satisfied with it? If there are any problems, Meton will make corrections! "Meton passed the drawing in his hand to Zhangsun Wuji.
"Eh?"
Zhangsun Wuji couldn't help but exclaim in surprise when he saw his younger self in the painting.
At first, he did not take Mo Jiazi seriously. Previously, he had only heard about how similar Mo Jiazi's paintings were. However, when he saw such a realistic portrait, he was shocked.
However, Zhangsun Wuji was someone who had experienced many storms. After three breaths of time, he put down the drawing and nodded his head to indicate that it was okay.
Seeing Zhangsun Wuji pick up the teacup, Meton tactfully bid farewell and left.
"County Count Mo, this way please?" The housekeeper of the Gongsun Residence also sensed his master's cold intentions and said expressionlessly.
Meton packed up his drawing tools and followed the housekeeper out. Coincidentally, Zhangsun Chong was walking towards them.
"Mo Jiazi!" Zhangsun Chong gritted his teeth and said hatefully.
If Meton had used his new painting skills to embarrass Zhangsun Chong in the Educational Sector previously, this Mo Magazine incident could be said to have caused Zhangsun Chong to lose all his face.
Not only did the marriage that was about to be in his hands go down the drain, even he himself had become the laughing stock of Chang 'an City. It could be said that when enemies meet, their eyes would turn red.
The moment Zhangsun Chong saw Meton, he couldn't help but feel anger in his heart. Since young, Zhangsun Chong, who had been pampered all his life, had never suffered such grievances.
Meton sighed. It was really difficult to be a good person. He knew that no matter what he did, he would offend someone.
"Chong-er!"
Zhangsun Wuji's stern voice sounded, stopping the furious Zhangsun Chong.
Meton clasped his hands to express his gratitude to Zhangsun Wuji and left quickly.
"Father! In order to let that brat off! "Zhangsun Chong looked at Meton's back view and said furiously.
"Then what reason are you going to use to punish him?" Zhangsun Wuji looked at Zhangsun Chong with disappointment.
"He …" Zhangsun Chong was instantly at a loss for words. That's right! On the surface, Meton had helped the Zhangsun Family greatly by publishing the Mo Journal. If he, Zhangsun Chong, married Princess Changle and gave birth to a foolish son, or if Princess Changle had a difficult birth, neither of these were consequences that the Zhangsun Family could bear. As for face, how could it be more important than the inheritance of the family?
Looking at it this way, Meton had helped the Zhangsun Family greatly. If the Zhangsun Family were to deal with the Mo Family at this time, wouldn't they be giving others a reason to criticize them?
Zhangsun Wuji shuddered at the thought of it. If he couldn't marry the princess, wouldn't the Zhangsun Family do anything? But if the legitimate son of the Zhangsun Family was a fool, then it would be a disaster for the Zhangsun Family.
"Furthermore, Princess Changle had already expressed her rejection. This matter itself didn't succeed, so it will end here." Zhangsun Wuji made the final decision.
In reality, he knew much more than Zhangsun Chong. He even knew that Li Chengqian and Li Chengqian had disguised themselves and went to the Mo Manor. He also knew that Li Chengqian had secretly collected cases of consanguineous marriages in Chang 'an City.
Furthermore, he had a copy of the original case on his desk. It was sent to him by Li Shimin. Although Li Chengqian had already instructed the people in the Eastern Palace to keep it a secret, how could any action in Chang 'an City escape Li Shimin's eyes? This meant that Li Shimin had already tacitly approved of this matter and approved of Li Chengqian and Meton's method of handling it. If the Zhangsun Family were to take revenge on the Mo Family at this time, it would only make Li Shimin and Crown Prince Li Chengqian hostile.
Offending the current Emperor and the future Emperor at the same time was something that Zhangsun Wuji would never do.
Zhangsun Chong opened his mouth and said sullenly, "Yes!"
"Don't worry, Father has already arranged another marriage for you. His Majesty has betrothed Princess Gao Yang to you!" Zhangsun Wuji comforted.
"Princess Gao Yang!" An unruly and willful figure instantly appeared in Zhangsun Chong's mind.
Although Princess Gao Yang wasn't the legitimate daughter of Empress Zhangsun, she was still deeply doted on by Li Shimin. However, unlike Princess Changle who was gentle and generous, although Princess Gao Yang's appearance wasn't bad, due to her mother's early death, she lacked discipline and developed an unruly character.
"I …!" Zhangsun Chong was filled with dissatisfaction, but due to Zhangsun Wuji's authority, he didn't dare to say anything.
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