Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 353: Asking Empress Wu for an official position?

The ball is made of eight pieces of cowhide.

The ball is filled with hair and is made with exquisite craftsmanship. Judging from its appearance alone, it is no different from later footballs, except that it is slightly less elastic.

Li Zhi ran with the ball on the grass.

Li Xian moved his legs vigorously, trying to catch up, but every time he was about to catch up, Li Zhi easily bypassed him.

He didn't cry, but chased the ball happily and had a lot of fun.

"Dad, this is not how you play. The ball cannot leave the ground. You are breaking the rules!" Li Xian, who was standing aside, covered the speaker with his hand and shouted.

Li Zhi played with Li Xian and said with a smile: "This is a way of playing that I created myself. Isn't it interesting to play like this?"

Wu Meiniang smiled and said, "I also think that Your Majesty, playing Cuju this way is more interesting!"

Li Xian glanced at her and muttered softly, "Even if Father was playing Cuju upside down, you would still praise him."

Wu Meiniang glanced at him: "What did you say?"

Li Xian quickly smiled and said, "I think this kicking is quite interesting too."

Two bodyguards were holding Li Lingyue and Li Dan, and were watching from the side.

Li Dan put his fingers in his mouth and sucked them, his eyes following Li Zhi's movements blankly.

Li Lingyue looked at Li Xian, stretched out her little hands, and kept babbling at him.

Both children can already speak some simple words, but they need guidance from adults.

Li Xian ordered the bodyguard to lower Li Lingyue down a little and reached out to hold her little hand.

"Little sister, what do you want to say? Do you want your brother to teach you how to play Cuju in the future?"

"Yeah! Yeah!" Li Lingyue replied.

Li Xian said, "Call me brother!"

“Ah!”

"It's not Ah Na, it's Brother!"

"Aye!"

Li Xian touched her little face and said with a smile: "Little fool, I'm not Aye, I'm Brother!"

Just as he was teasing the girl, Li Zhi got tired of kicking and stopped.

Wu Meiniang took a silk handkerchief and went over to wipe his sweat. She then handed him a bowl of cold tea and said, "Your Majesty seems to be in a good mood today."

Li Zhi pulled her to sit on a stone chair, looked at Li Xian who was playing football alone in the distance, and said, "Mei Niang, taxes from all places have been collected."

Wu Meiniang's eyes flickered as she said, "Last year's harvest must have been good, right?"

Li Zhi said, "Yes, when Zhang Jianzhi, Shangguan Yi and others visited various places, they predicted a good harvest this year, and they were right. The harvest is very good this year, especially in the Jiangnan region, where output has increased by 40%!"

Wu Meiniang looked surprised.

"Jiangnan? I thought Hebei's output would increase the most this year."

Li Zhidao said: "Hebei's output has also increased by 30%. Overall, output has increased in all regions this year."

Wu Meiniang said softly, "This is all thanks to Your Majesty. The land system reform allowed the people to have their own land and prevented it from being annexed. The tax system reform simplified the payment of taxes. The corvée reform allowed them to concentrate on farming."

Li Zhi said: "What you said may have some impact, but the most important thing is that there have been no wars in recent years, and the burden on the people has been lightened."

In the Hebei region, it has been the fourteenth year of Yonghui since Su Dingfang fought a battle in the sixth year of Yonghui.

After nearly eight years of recuperation, Hebei has regained its vitality.

Jiangnan also recovered for ten years after Chen Shuozhen's rebellion in the fourth year of Yonghui, so its output increased.

In contrast, the output of Jiannan Road and Longyou Road did not increase, which was due to the aftermath of the war with Tubo.

The reforms of the land system and tax system are indeed useful, but the time is too short and the results will not be apparent so quickly.

Of course, as long as the new policy is adhered to, it won’t be long before output continues to increase.

Wu Meiniang suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I heard that the price of rice in Chang'an has dropped again."

Li Zhi said, "Yes, as long as the harvest is good, the price of rice will naturally fall. It is now fifteen cents per dou."

Wu Meiniang pondered for a moment and said softly, "Your Majesty, the ancients said: 'When rice is too expensive, it hurts the people. When rice is too cheap, it hurts the farmers. When the people are hurt, they disperse. When the farmers are hurt, the country becomes impoverished. If the price of rice falls further, it may not be a good thing.'"

Li Zhi glanced at her and said, "What do you think should be done?"

Wu Meiniang said, "I believe that the price of rice should be controlled within a reasonable range, which will benefit both the people and the farmers."

Li Zhi smiled slightly and held her hand.

"In fact, the Ministry of Revenue officials have already reported this to me. I have issued an order to monitor the price of rice. If it drops below ten wen, they will purchase the grain and store it in the warehouse. If the price exceeds twenty wen, they will open the warehouse and release the grain."

Wu Meiniang said, "It turns out that Your Majesty has already made arrangements. I was just being too talkative."

Li Zhi said, "It's great that the Queen has considered all this and helped me find and fill in the gaps. If you have any other ideas, please feel free to share them."

Wu Meiniang blinked and said, "Then shall I continue?"

Li Zhi smiled and said, "Just say it!"

Wu Meiniang said, "I've been thinking about this. War certainly affects people's livelihoods, but sometimes without a war, the country won't have the opportunity to recuperate."

Li Zhi understood what she meant. She was afraid that he cared too much about people's livelihood and would not dare to fight, which would lead to a bad external environment for the country.

By then, foreign enemies will frequently invade, so how can we talk about recuperation?

"I understand what the Queen means. We can be cautious in war, but we cannot be timid. Don't worry, I have a ruler in my heart."

At this time, Wang Fusheng came to Li Zhi and said, "Your Majesty, Dai Zhide and Zhang Jianzhi from the Honglu Temple are waiting for you in Ganlu Hall."

Li Zhi finished the tea in the cup, stood up and left Lizheng Hall, came to Ganlu Hall, and summoned the two to meet him.

After a while, the two came into the hall.

After the greetings, Li Zhi asked, "You two gentlemen, are you here to see me regarding the Baekje envoys?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Your Majesty, Dai Siqing and I have already negotiated terms with the Baekje envoys. They are very grateful for our country's 3,000 armors and have voluntarily allowed our troops to garrison in Xiongjin Port."

Li Zhi said: "Garrison?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Yes, Your Majesty, I believe that stationing troops at Xiongjin Port is crucial for the future recovery of Baekje."

Li Zhi asked, "How do you say that?"

Zhang Jianzhi said, "Your Majesty, please consider this: the Baekje people's understanding of our Tang Dynasty is entirely controlled by the Baekje upper echelons. Right now, Bok Sin needs the Tang Dynasty and will tell the people about its benefits. However, once Bok Sin defeats Yi Ci, he will change his attitude to consolidate his rule."

Li Zhi nodded.

There is actually not much difference between Baekje and Silla.

After Bok Sin took control of Baekje, there was a high possibility that he would join forces with Goguryeo to fight against the Tang Dynasty.

This is also the reason why he placed Jin Yan next to Fu Xin.

Zhang Jianzhi said, "As long as we occupy Xiongjin Port, we can use it as a base and provide the Baekje people with another channel to learn about the Tang Dynasty."

Li Zhi understood the hidden meaning in his words and said, "Baekje is in civil strife right now. Many people in the country must be having a hard time surviving, right?"

Zhang Jianzhi smiled and said, "That's right. If they are willing to come to the Tang Dynasty, we can send them to Laizhou by ship and grant them civil status."

People in troubled times are worse than dogs.

You can't even survive in Baekje. If you go to the Tang Dynasty, even if you are a low-class person, at least you can have a full meal, let alone a good-class person?

Zhang Jianzhi was simply cutting off the source of the problem. In this way, he transferred the population of Baekje to the Tang Dynasty, and they did so voluntarily.

During this period, population is national strength, and a country with a large population will also be powerful.

As long as the people of Baekje come to the Tang Dynasty and are treated well, the hearts of the people of Baekje will be won, and the division of Baekje into prefectures and counties in the future will be sustainable.

Li Zhi thought for a moment and then said, "If we station troops in Xiongjin Port, we might be attacked by Yici and Japan. Have you ever thought about that?"

Zhang Jianzhi said: "Laizhou and Xiongjin Port are in a pincer attack. If the enemy attacks Xiongjin Port, the Laizhou navy can quickly provide support. There will be no problem."

Li Zhi saw that he had thought it through and nodded. "Alright, I'll discuss this with a few generals. If there are no problems, I'll approve your request. You can make preparations in advance." The two men saluted and said, "Your Majesty, I obey."

After leaving Ganlu Palace, Dai Zhide looked a little uneasy.

"Zhang Shaoqing, isn't it too early for us to see the emperor? Baekje hasn't agreed yet. If Fuxin doesn't agree, how will His Majesty explain this?"

Zhang Jianzhi smiled slightly: "Don't worry, our garrison will also benefit Fuxin. He won't think so far ahead at the moment, he only cares about how to defeat Yici!"

Just as Zhang Jianzhi expected.

A month later, Daochen sent someone back to Baekje to report that Buyeo Boksin agreed to the Tang Dynasty's request and allowed the Tang army to station troops in Xiongjin Port for five years.

The two parties signed a contract immediately, and Daochen also returned to Baekje with the diplomatic delegation.

Li Zhi ordered Ouyang Tong to transport the 3,000 armors from Jiangnan to Laizhou by sea, and then have them escorted by the Tang army to Xiongjin Port.

At the same time, Liu Rengui also received Li Zhi's order to send 10,000 troops to garrison in Xiongjin Port!
In early May, a hot wind blew from the south, announcing the arrival of summer.

In early summer, the sky is overcast and it is very hot.

However, the back hall of Wu Mansion was like an ice cave, making Helan Minzhi feel a chill on his back.

Empress Wu came to the Wu Mansion today and after meeting Madam Yang, she summoned him alone.

Empress Wu didn't say a word. Whenever Helan Minzhi looked up, he would find her looking at him coldly, and he would lower his head again in fear.

After an unknown amount of time, Helan Minzhi finally couldn't bear it anymore and said, "Aunt, if you want to kill me, please do it now."

Wu Meiniang snorted coldly: "If I want to kill you, will I come to see you?"

Helan Minzhi raised his head abruptly and asked, "Then why did my aunt summon me?"

Wu Meiniang stared at him and said, "Minzhi, you must remember that I hold you to very high standards because you are the only man in the Wu family. In the future, I plan to change your surname to Wu. Look at the Wu brothers. I don't even give them a second glance, let alone discipline them."

Helan Minzhi trembled all over, cried with joy, and said: "Nephew, you know that your aunt has not really given up on you!"

Wu Meiniang said, "When you do things in the future, think more before you act, and be careful when dealing with others. You are not a child anymore, don't always make your grandmother and your mother worry about you!"

Helan Minzhi choked up and said, "Nephew, I'll remember it!"

Wu Meiniang stood up and patted his shoulder as she passed by him.

"Get up, and don't let me down again."

He walked out of the house.

After bidding farewell to Madam Yang, Wu Meiniang rode on the phoenix chariot and returned to the palace, and specially asked Helan Minrou to accompany her.

The chariot was moving very steadily, without any bumps.

There was a spacious and comfortable phoenix couch in the carriage, and many exquisite palace cakes were placed in front of the couch.

Helan Minrou has been very popular with Wu Meiniang recently. She is not restrained in front of her. She picks up the pastries and eats them very politely.

Wu Meiniang lay on her side on the phoenix couch, supporting her chin with one hand, closing her eyes and resting, her beautiful curves clearly revealed.

Helan Minrou looked at her and asked, "Aunt, how did you do it?"

"What did you do?" Wu Meiniang asked calmly without opening her eyes.

Helan Minrou looked at her slender white fingers and said, "How do you maintain yourself so well? You look even younger than Third Aunt."

Wu Meiniang smiled slightly and said, "It's nothing, I just have a good attitude."

Helan Minrou lowered her head.

She once heard her mother talking to the third concubine. Her mother suspected that Wu Meiniang had secretly used a secret beauty recipe, but she didn't tell anyone.

Otherwise, why can she still maintain her youthful appearance without using the Fairy Jade Girl Powder?
Wu Meiniang glanced at her and said, "Alright, stop prying into your mother's secrets. I have something to ask you."

Helan Minrou stuck out her tongue and whispered, "Please ask."

Wu Meiniang asked, "His Majesty has suddenly mentioned your brother recently and even praised him. Is this related to you?"

Helan Minrou didn't dare to hide it and whispered, "When you asked me to pick up my uncle last time, I asked my uncle for a favor."

Wu Meiniang opened her eyes, looked at her and said, "Uncle?" This was the first time she heard Helan Minzhi call Li Zhi uncle.

Helan Minrou said hurriedly: "It was His Majesty who told me to call him that."

Wu Meiniang curled up the corner of her mouth into a smile and said, "Did His Majesty really ask you to call him that?"

Helan Minrou said: "Yes."

Wu Meiniang said softly, "It's alright. Since it's His Majesty's order, you can just call me uncle from now on."

Helan Minrou smiled sweetly: "Yes."

After arriving at the palace, Wu Meiniang kept Helan Minrou for lunch before letting her go back.

Because Li Zhi had the habit of taking a nap, Wu Meiniang also developed the habit of taking a nap at noon.

But she only needs to rest for a quarter of an hour and her energy will be restored.

Every time she woke up, she would sit on the bed and meditate in a strange Taoist posture for a cup of tea.

This is a health-preserving method that she sent people to investigate among the people.

There are many similar methods, and she would let her palace maids try them one by one. She would only try the one that worked.

After meditating, a special maid would come with a golden water basin to bathe her feet. After bathing her feet, she would also knead and massage her soles.

Just as Wu Meiniang was lying on the couch and her maid was massaging her feet, Zhang Dahai walked in.

"Your Highness, Zhang Hongzhong, the commander of the Shanglin Bureau, requests to see you." He whispered.

Wu Meiniang didn't say anything, nor did she open her eyes, she just waved her hand.

Zhang Dahai bowed and retreated to the door, and Wu Meiniang suddenly said, "Come back."

Zhang Dahai hurried back to the palace and said, "Your Highness, please give your orders."

Wu Meiniang opened her eyes and asked, "Which one is this?"

Zhang Duohai said, "It's the seventeenth one."

Wu Meiniang said calmly, "Let him wait in the palace."

After a while, the maid finished helping her to pinch her face. Wu Meiniang put on her shoes and socks, changed her clothes, and came to the main hall.

An official was kneeling at the foot of the steps. When he saw Empress Wu coming, he quickly kowtowed and bowed.

"Your humble servant, Zhang Hongzhong, pays homage to Her Majesty the Queen."

Wu Meiniang said, "Raise your head."

Zhang Hongzhong raised his head cautiously, and after his eyes met Empress Wu's, he quickly lowered them.

Wu Meiniang asked, "Officer Zhang, are you here to ask me for an official position?"

Zhang Hongzhong was horrified and said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."

Wu Meiniang said calmly, "You guys are just too greedy. After seeing Li Jingxuan pay his respects to me and get promoted to Minister of Rites, you started to think about getting rich, right?"

Zhang Hongzhong's face was pale, his forehead pressed against the ground, and he said, "Your Highness, please forgive me."

Wu Meiniang said coldly, "His Majesty attaches great importance to the annual evaluation. As long as you perform your duties conscientiously, you will be promoted sooner or later. But you choose to resort to these crooked ways."

"I didn't want to bother with it, but you guys just don't know when to stop and keep going. Today I have no choice but to use you as an example to stop those who think the same way as you."

"Come here, drag him away and send him to the Censorate."

Zhang Hongzhong was stunned and was dragged away by the eunuch before he could even explain himself.

Zhang Duohai wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and couldn't help but express his condolences for Director Zhang.

If anyone is to blame, it's just that he was unlucky and had no idea what the queen was thinking.

In the past, the queen cultivated power in the court in order to deal with Zhangsun Wuji and consolidate her position in the palace.

Now that the Queen's position is stable and she is deeply trusted by the Emperor, if they come over to rely on her at this time, wouldn't that destroy the relationship between the Emperor and the Queen?
(End of this chapter)