Tang Dynasty, my wife Wu Zetian

Chapter 368 Empress Wu’s First Praise

On the second to last day of the New Year, it was extremely lively outside the Chunming Gate in Chang'an City, and people entering and leaving the city gate formed a long queue.

After passing through the city gate, Helan Minzhi looked at the familiar streets of Chang'an City, his heart filled with excitement, and he said with emotion: "I'm finally back."

Suddenly, a crisp sound came from the corner of the street.

"Brother."

Helan Minzhi turned around and saw a luxurious carriage parked on the corner of the street. A beautiful girl leaned out of the window and waved at him. It was Helan Minrou.

When Helan Minzhi saw his sister, he waved to her but did not go over. He turned around and looked at a carriage entering the city.

After the carriage came in, he walked to the side of the carriage and said to the two people in the carriage: "Your Highness Prince Chen, Brother Li, my sister is here to pick me up, I'll go first."

Li Zhong and Li Ji, who were sitting in the carriage, got off together and bowed to him in farewell.

Helan Minzhi then led the horse to Helan Minrou's carriage and said with a smile, "Little sister, how did you know I was going back today?"

Helan Minrou stared at him, her eyes slightly moist, sniffing, and said, "Brother, why have you become so dark? I almost didn't recognize you just now!"

Helan Minzhi was stunned for a moment, touched his face, and said: "It's okay, Li Ji is even darker than me."

Helan Minrou rubbed the corners of her eyes and muttered, "You used to be whiter than others, but now you look no different from those men on the street."

Helan Minzhi said angrily: "I am Dajianer. You haven't told me yet, how did you know I would come back today?"

Helan Minrou said, "I came here to wait for you five days ago, from the time the city gates opened in the early morning until they closed at dusk."

Helan Minzhi was stunned for a moment and said, "You little girl, I will go home when I come back, why are you waiting here like an idiot?"

Helan Minrou said, "Come up quickly, let's go home quickly."

Helan Minzhi shook his head and said, "No, I can just ride a horse. I'm not used to riding in a carriage lately."

He jumped on the horse and returned to Wu Mansion with Helan Minrou's carriage.

Along the way, Helan Minrou lay on the eaves of the car and asked him about some things in Laizhou.

Helan Minzhi tried his best to pick out some interesting things to say, which made Helan Minrou giggle. His playful look stunned the passers-by.

Helan Minzhi talked for a while, his stomach rumbling, so he went to a roadside stall, bought two Hu pancakes and started eating.

Helan Minrou opened her eyes wide and stared at Helan Minzhi eating the cake.

Helan Minzhi said: "Are you hungry too? Then I'll go buy two more."

Helan Minrou shook her head and said, "Brother, you only ate meat-filled Hu pancakes before, and never ate vegetarian pancakes."

Helan Minzhi blushed slightly. He always felt that the girl's words were like pulling down his pants, making him feel ashamed of his former self.

"Didn't you only eat cherry biro before? You didn't eat any other biro." He retorted.

Helan Minrou said, "I only eat cherry biro now."

Helan Minzhi snorted and said, "You know, the people outside even eat the grass on the ground and the bark on the trees, but you just keep it in your mouth."

Helan Minrou asked curiously, "Can grass be eaten?"

Helan Minzhi said: "You are just too spoiled. I have eaten those wild grasses before, but they don't taste very good."

Helan Minrou began to wipe her tears again and said, "Brother, you must have suffered a lot. After you come back this time, please don't leave."

Helan Minzhi said nothing.

He was not afraid of hardship, but after going out this time, his self-confidence was hit and he no longer felt that he was so great.

This made him lose the enthusiasm to continue going out and exploring the world.

Not long after, the two returned to the mansion together.

The entire Wu Mansion was in an uproar. From Madam Yang to the servants, everyone looked excited. They changed into red clothes and came out to greet him. It was more lively than a festival.

However, when Madam Yang and Wu Shun saw his appearance, their reaction was even greater than Helan Minrou's.

Mrs. Yang hugged him tightly in her arms and cried inconsolably. Wu Shun was also wiping her tears with a handkerchief.

This made him very uncomfortable and he felt that his family was overreacting, as if they were treating him like a child.

Instead, his uncle Guo Xiaoshen patted him on the shoulder and said that he had grown stronger, which made him very happy.

Helan Minzhi looked around and couldn't see the Wu brothers, so he asked where they had gone.

Wu Ruyi said, "They moved out in August. They bought a house in Xuanyangfang."

Helan Minzhi sighed.

He knew that his mother had always wanted to drive the two brothers away. Every time the Wu brothers came to him to plead for mercy, he would go to Madam Yang to plead for mercy, and only then were they allowed to stay.

Now that he had left Chang'an, his mother naturally would not miss this opportunity and successfully kicked the two brothers out of the house.

That night, the family had a sumptuous dinner together. Around 11:00 p.m., Empress Wu sent someone to tell Helan Minzhi to come to the palace to see her the next day.

That night, when Helan Minzhi was taking a bath, Xiaolan, the maid who was serving him, suddenly screamed, and the sound spread throughout the mansion.

It turned out that she found a louse on Helan Minzhi's body.

In an instant, the entire Wu Mansion was in an uproar again.

Xiaolan was called out, first to be questioned by Madam Yang, and then to be questioned by Wu Shun. The noise continued until midnight before they quieted down.

The next morning, Helan Minzhi got up sleepily.

He was used to sleeping on a hard bed and couldn't get used to the soft bed at home, so he didn't sleep well that night.

Three maids helped him put on his clothes, and then Helan Minzhi took a carriage and entered the palace with Wu Shun, Wu Ruyi and Helan Minrou.

He originally wanted to ride a horse, but Wu Shun refused to let him, saying that the wind outside was cold and he was afraid that he would get sick.

Faced with his family's doting, Helan Minzhi felt very frustrated.

He suddenly realized that he was just a playboy spoiled by his family.

The carriage quickly entered the palace, passed through Changle Gate, and got closer and closer to Lizheng Hall.

Helan Minzhi became more and more depressed. He felt that it was reasonable for Empress Wu to dislike him before.

But he was still self-righteous and always showed off in front of his aunt. Looking back now, he wished he could find a hole in the ground to crawl into.

Helan Minrou noticed that he was in a bad mood and asked in a low voice: "Brother, what's wrong with you?"

Helan Minzhi shook his head and said nothing.

Soon, the group arrived at Lizheng Hall, and everyone paid their respects to Empress Wu who was sitting on the phoenix couch.

Helan Minzhi lowered his head and kowtowed, not even daring to look at Empress Wu.

"Everyone, get up and sit down to talk."

Only after hearing Empress Wu's voice did he slowly stand up, walk to a chair and sit down with his head lowered.

"Minzhi, come forward."

When Helan Minzhi heard the voice, he looked up at Empress Wu.

Only then did he realize that she was wearing a black strapless dress that he had never seen before. She looked a little more charming than usual. Her eyes were narrow and long, and her gaze was bright. She still looked as graceful and elegant as ever.

He took a few steps forward and sat down next to Wu Ruyi, getting closer to Wu Meiniang. Wu Meiniang looked at him carefully and said lightly, "Not bad, a bit manly now."

When Helan Minzhi heard this, he felt his heart blossom with joy. The depression and frustration in his heart were swept away. He smiled at Empress Wu and said, "Aunt, you are too kind."

Wu Shun said lovingly, "He's stronger, but he's endured too much hardship. Sister, the child is still young. Just let him experience some life experience. Don't let him suffer through all that hardship."

Helan Minzhi said loudly: "Aunt, I'm not afraid. I can stay in Laizhou for another five years."

Wu Meiniang smiled slightly and said, "If you want to gain experience, you don't have to leave Chang'an. I have made an arrangement for you. It depends on whether you are willing or not."

Helan Minzhi hurriedly said, "No matter what arrangements my aunt makes, I am willing to do it."

Helan Minrou chuckled and said, "Brother only knows how to listen to Auntie and agreed without even asking."

Wu Shun smiled bitterly and said, "Isn't it true? He never listens to a word I say."

Wu Meiniang said slowly, "Minzhi, although you didn't achieve any great achievements during this training, His Majesty has heard about you and the King of Wu sailing out to sea to investigate a case, and he praised you very much."

Wu Shun exclaimed, "What? Going out to sea? How dangerous would that be? Why haven't I heard you mention that?"

Helan Minzhi ignored his mother completely. He was overjoyed to hear the emperor praising him. He smiled and said, "My nephew has only been to sea four times. It's nothing."

Wu Meiniang looked at him and said, "You went out this time and solved cases with the King of Wu, so you have accumulated some experience. I mean, I want you to start as the Wannian County Lieutenant. Do you have any objection?"

Helan Minzhi knelt on the ground, clasped his hands and said, "Aunt, please forgive me for not being able to obey your order."

Wu Meiniang raised her eyebrows and said, "Do you think your position is too low?"

Wu Shun hurriedly said, "Sister, think about it. Concubine Zheng's brother is also a county lieutenant in Wannian County. You are the queen, how can you let Minzhi have the same job as him? Wouldn't that undermine your dignity as the queen? I think it would be better to let Minzhi start as a county magistrate."

Wu Meiniang said in a deep voice, "Zheng Mingyu has a reputation for his achievements, but he started out as a lieutenant in Fuping County. Minzhi has no reputation for his achievements, and making him a lieutenant for a lifetime would already be controversial. And yet, Eldest Sister, you want him to be a county magistrate?"

Helan Minzhi suddenly said: "Aunt is right. My nephew has no achievements and is directly appointed as the Wannian County Lieutenant. He is not convincing."

Wu Meiniang was surprised and asked, "Then what do you want to do?"

Helan Minzhi said: "My nephew is young, and I will be satisfied if I can be an ordinary Wu Hou in Wu Hou Pu and gain some experience."

Wuhoupu belongs to the Jinwu Guard. There is one in every neighborhood, similar to a police station. Ordinary Wuhoupu has no rank and is similar to a third-class official.

Wu Shun was surprised and said, "You gave up your position as a county lieutenant and wanted to be a mere Wu Hou?"

Helan Minrou pulled her and said softly, "Mother, let my brother make his own decision."

Wu Shunzhi shook his head with an expression of incomprehension.

Wu Meiniang hadn't expected him to say such a thing. She stared at him for a moment, then smiled and said, "It seems you've really made some progress."

Helan Minzhi was greatly encouraged to see her smile so gently towards him for the first time, and continued, "Aunt, I have another request."

Wu Meiniang said, "Speak."

Helan Minzhi said: "My nephew hopes to conceal his identity and make a career in Wuhoupu with his own strength."

These words still had a bit of childishness, but Wu Meiniang did not feel angry, and the smile on her face became even more intense.

"Okay, Auntie promises you, do you have any other requests?"

Helan Minzhi bowed and said, "Thank you very much, aunt. I have no other requests."

Wu Meiniang nodded and said, "Stand up and talk."

Empress Wu invited her family to have lunch in Lizheng Hall. After the meal, she ordered people to perform singing and dancing, and everyone drank tea and enjoyed the dance in the hall.

Helan Minzhi was no longer as interested in such romantic matters as before. He quietly slipped out of Lizheng Hall and wandered around Qiumi Garden.

When I was walking to a fork in the road, I saw a man walking towards me from the other end. He was holding a dead branch in his hand and strolling leisurely. Who else could it be but Li Ji?

Helan Minzhi was overjoyed. He quickly walked over, punched him on the chest, and said, "Brother Li, why are you here too?"

Li Ji threw the dead branch away and said with a smile: "My eighth uncle and I went to the palace to see His Majesty. My eighth uncle was playing chess with His Majesty, and I was bored, so I wandered around."

The two walked side by side.

Helan Minzhi smiled and said, "It's similar to me. I was also accompanying my family to visit my aunt. They were watching the singing and dancing, and I ran out."

After their trip to Laizhou, the two became closer, chatting and laughing, and before they knew it, they arrived at the Jinshui River.

There was a thin layer of ice on the surface of the river. Helan Minzhi threw a small stone and smashed a hole in the ice.

Li Ji suddenly asked, "Brother Helan, has Her Majesty the Queen granted you an official position?"

Helan Minzhi smiled slightly and said, "Originally they wanted me to be the Wannian County Lieutenant, but I refused."

Li Ji was surprised and asked, "How dare you refuse Her Majesty the Queen?"

Helan Minzhi seemed very proud, his eyebrows dancing with joy as he said, "I told my aunt that I wanted to be an ordinary Wu Hou. Not only did my aunt agree, she was also very happy."

After hearing this, Li Ji fell silent.

Helan Minzhi was stunned and said, "Why, didn't your eighth uncle ask His Majesty for an official position for you?"

Li Ji also threw a small stone into the water and said listlessly: "I begged him, he is going to make me the Sima of Yongzhou."

Helan Minzhi rolled his eyes and said, "The Sima of Yongzhou is a fifth-rank official, and he's given a silver fish talisman. What else are you dissatisfied with?"

Li Ji muttered, "It's precisely because the rank is too high that I don't want to do it. Think about it, being responsible for the public security of the entire Chang'an City is a huge responsibility. How can I manage it? I'd rather be an ordinary Wu Hou and be free."

Helan Minzhi agreed and said with a smile: "That's right, I just feel that I don't have enough ability, so I want to be a small Wu Hou first. Since you don't want to be a high-ranking official, just tell your eighth uncle."

Li Ji shook his head and said, "My eighth uncle said that I am a member of the royal family and represent the face of the royal family. I can't do what I want."

Helan Minzhi showed some sympathy and patted his shoulder.

"It's okay. You and I have the same responsibilities. I will try my best to help you."

Li Ji asked, "Which district are you going to?"

"I haven't thought about it yet." Helan Minzhi said.

Li Ji glanced at him and said with a smile, "Do you dare to go to Pingkangfang?"

Helan Minzhi snorted, "You think I'm too idle and want to drag me into this?"

Li Ji said calmly, "There are too many powerful people in Pingkangfang. If you don't dare to go, I won't laugh at you."

Helan Minzhi knew that he was provoking him, but he couldn't help but snorted, "Who said I don't dare? I will go to Pingkangfang to report on my work tomorrow!"

Li Ji laughed and said, "Even if you want to go, it's a holiday now, why are you in such a hurry?"

Helan Minzhi raised his eyebrows and said, "It's precisely because the officials are on vacation that it's easier to cause trouble, so I have to go to the government office early!"

Li Ji smiled and said, "Okay, I'll be free in a couple of days and I'll go to Wuhoupu in Pingkangfang to find you."

"No, I still need to hide my identity. You, a prince, please don't expose my secrets."

Li Ji said: "Don't worry, I came alone, no one will know my identity."

Only then did Helan Minzhi agree.

The two chatted for a while, and then Helan Minzhi returned to Lizheng Hall.

(End of this chapter)