Chapter 5: The Collapse of the Pillar
Empress Wu Zetian smiled silently, gazing at the countless stars in the night sky, as if lost in deep thought. Shangguan Wan'er, who had been anxiously holding her breath, finally began to relax.
The Deputy Minister trembled all over, and a choking sound could be heard from his throat: "Last night at the hour of You, the elder of the Di state passed away due to a serious illness, he has... he has already departed this world! This is the official document issued by the Governor of Luoyang, along with a letter personally written by the elder of the Di state before his death, specifically presented to Your Majesty."
Wu Zetian sighed deeply: Throughout his life, the state elder was strict with himself, frugal, and dedicated to public service, and after his death, he only hoped for a piece of pure land, not seeking empty fame. From now on, let the evening drums and morning bells of Baima Temple accompany you, enjoying a life of immortality
Shangguan Wan'er also saw the meteor, and could not help but feel a bit startled in her heart: "What a bright meteor!"
Shangguan Wan'er felt a slight shock in her heart and thought to herself: His Majesty seems to have something on his mind today... Usually, the sovereign's demeanor is imposing, yet there are times when he too is entangled in his own concerns...
About an hour later, a fast report was suddenly transmitted. A Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Revenue received the report and hurriedly ran into the court, kneeling and unable to rise. In a panic, he said: "Your Majesty, I report to you that an urgent fast report from the Divine Capital has arrived. The old man from the Di Kingdom... the old man from the Di Kingdom..."
I am here
Suddenly, I noticed that in the place where the meteor had just streaked across, a star appeared increasingly bright, gradually seeming to outshine the surrounding constellations.
Wu Zetian left the imperial writing desk and walked slowly to Wan'er, saying: "Accompany me for a walk outside"
I, your servant, receive the imperial decree
With a heavy heart, Wu Zetian ultimately spent a sleepless night
He then said: "In my life, I have never feared anyone or anything. The ancients say that one does not die young at the age of fifty; I am now over seventy, holding the highest position as a monarch, commanding respect across the four seas. Even the ambitions of a man cannot be compared. Even if at this moment I were to return to the dragon's abode and ascend to heaven, I could still say that I have no regrets in this life"
Yes
The officials and eunuchs stood up trembling, bowing their heads and standing to the side to serve.
Wu Zetian slightly furrowed her brows and said, "Summon Shangguan Wan'er."
Upon reflecting on this, Empress Wu Zetian sighed and said: "All the peach and plum blossoms in the world emerge from the gates of Di Gong. With such earnest dedication from Di Gong, how can I not comply?"
Your Majesty, look! As the meteor just passed, a new star has risen, shining as bright as the Big Dipper. Could this possibly signify that Your Majesty will gain new talents?
Wang Er slowly stood up, her head bowed and demeanor exceedingly respectful. The touch of red plum powder on her brow accentuated her already beautiful and delicate features, making her appear even more enchanting. ... Wu Zetian gazed at Shangguan Wan'er, who was dressed in male attire yet exuded a unique charm, and could not help but sigh inwardly: Although I have maintained my health, I am ultimately over seventy years old, and no matter what, I cannot escape the marks of time.
Not long ago, I heard that Di Renjie was seriously ill. Wu Zetian, who had already relocated to Chang'an, personally drove to the capital, Luoyang, to visit Di Renjie, who was recuperating there. ... Now, having returned for less than a month, it cannot be ...
Empress Wu Zetian said: "Be at ease."
In the exquisite yet solemn imperial study of the Changsheng Palace, an ancient incense burner with pine patterns was lit, and the delicate smoke wafted gently, soothing the heart and mind. Suddenly, the great empress Wu Zetian, who was lying on the desk, let out a sharp scream, waking abruptly from her dream. This startled the several officials and eunuchs nearby, causing them to lose their composure, and they all knelt down on the ground, burying their heads and not daring to rise, exclaiming, "Your Majesty, please forgive us, it is the death penalty for your servants!"
Shangguan Wan'er hurriedly replied: "Your Majesty is a timeless emperor, surpassing even the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. Today, you are the hope of the world; how can one lightly speak of ominous words? Your Majesty will surely enjoy blessings for ten thousand years and longevity that reaches the heavens"
Empress Wu Zetian seemed to have suddenly lost all her strength, slumping onto the dragon throne, her expression vacant as she murmured with trembling lips: "The pillars have collapsed, and from now on the court will be empty..."
In the first year of the Jushi era of the Wu Zhou Dynasty, 700 AD, in late autumn
Wu Zetian was already pale and filled with anxiety. Upon hearing these words, she could not help but tremble and urgently said: "Quickly present it to me!"
The night is cool as water, and all is silent.
Upon thinking of this, Wu Zetian felt a sudden pang of pain in her heart and secretly reassured herself: It will not happen, it definitely will not happen; Heaven protects the virtuous. The old man of the Di state will not easily abandon the Great Zhou Dynasty and me... I have already left the two best imperial physicians there to assist him with his illness
Additionally
Stepped out of the imperial study
Wu Zetian smiled faintly, feeling her inner gloom lighten considerably. She pointed at Shangguan Wan'er and said with a smile, "What a clever tongue you have, always able to soothe my heart."
Wu Zetian sighed inwardly: How could I become so easily fatigued and weary? I had only reviewed a few urgent memorials regarding the drought in Jiannan, and I fell asleep just like that. Immediately, the scene from my nightmare resurfaced before my eyes—a ferocious black-scaled dragon, baring its fangs and claws, biting down on my right arm, causing excruciating pain that pierced to the bone. In a moment of panic, I actually woke up from the dream. Now, my right arm is faintly aching... Could it be that there is some ominous sign?
Empress Wu Zetian looked at the mink fur robe with a dragon pattern that had slipped off her chair and thought to herself: This little girl Wan'er must have been here; apart from her, no one else would dare to drape this warm mink robe over me. ... These few young servants are all timid as mice, fearing that if they wake me, I will chop off their heads ... ! ... Mediocre individuals and books!
Empress Wu Zetian was feeling quite depressed, but upon hearing Wan'er's words and looking into it more closely, she realized that it was indeed the case, which somewhat eased her mind. She then secretly mocked herself, thinking: not understanding astrology and making random guesses is truly a case of a foolish person troubling themselves
Shangguan Wan'er felt a tremor in her heart. Questions of this nature, if answered poorly, could lead the Emperor to harbor resentment or even blame her. However, having served the Emperor for several years and being naturally clever and obedient, she pondered briefly and replied softly: "Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, you are destined for greatness; this is nothing unusual. It is possible that you were lying on the desk and pressed your right arm too hard, which caused this dream."
Cambodia
Upon reaching the end, Wu Zetian could not help but feel a surge of astonishment in her heart, for the letter stated: "Throughout my life, I have presented countless candidates to Your Majesty. Although some may be of use, they ultimately do not meet the expectations. In my time of severe illness, my thoughts were muddled, and I overlooked an important matter, only recalling it today in a moment of clarity. A grave sin, a grave sin!"
You are to set out immediately, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Heaven, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites, to Luoyang to handle the funeral affairs of the national elder of the Di state. Remember, the national elder expressed in his final words that there should be no extravagance, and the burial site should be chosen near Baima Temple
Wu Zetian was greatly alarmed, suddenly stood up, and asked sternly: "Quickly tell me, how is the old man of the Di Kingdom?"
Wu Zetian paused slightly, raised her head to gaze at the starry sky, and slowly said: "I just had a sudden dream, in which a black-scaled evil dragon bit my right arm, and it still aches faintly to this day. Do you know what this signifies?"
Wan'er
The night had grown somewhat deep, and the vast Daming Palace had fallen into a state of silence. Apart from the passing guards of the Yulin Army, there was hardly any sign of activity. Wu Zetian walked to a small pavilion on a cool terrace, resting her hand on the jade railing, feeling a slight sense of unease in her heart, and could not help but let out a faint sigh
The official lady beside him bowed and replied: "Yes"
Upon reading the letter, Wu Zetian felt an even deeper sorrow, and tears began to well up in her eyes. The letter mainly discussed how to advise Emperor Wu on pacifying the realm, enriching the people, and strengthening the nation, as well as expressing the hope that after her death, there would be no extravagant displays, and that she would be simply buried at the White Horse Temple in Luoyang
Wu Zetian opened her eyes and looked around, realizing that she was still in the Changsheng Palace. The dreadful experiences she had just gone through were merely a dream. She let out a quiet sigh, and her racing heart gradually began to calm down. She then said to the palace attendants who were lying on the ground, "Everyone, please get up; this is not your concern."
Among the ministers, some have already begun to weep silently. Zhang Jianzhong, also a chancellor and a former student of Di Renjie, fell to his knees in front of the court, choking back tears as he said: "The passing of Lord Di is a great misfortune for the Great Zhou and for all the people. I hope Your Majesty will take care and preserve your health... Furthermore, there is a posthumous letter sealed by Lord Di before his death, which I humbly request Your Majesty to review with utmost attention."
The letter ends here, and the matter regarding "this child" comes to an abrupt halt, with not even a name mentioned. Wu Zetian is filled with suspicion: last night's astrological signs showed that one star fell while another shone brighter; could this be related to the matter at hand
In the past, when I served as the magistrate of Pengze County, I privately took on a disciple. This child was only ten years old at the time, yet he is a distinguished figure from the founding of the Tang Dynasty, one of the twenty-four loyal ministers enshrined in the Lingyan Pavilion, and a descendant of Duke Hu, Qin Shubao. He lost his father at a young age and has been exceptionally filial to his mother. I observe that this child possesses a pure and upright nature, with extraordinary intelligence, and has also acquired excellent martial skills. If given proper guidance, he could truly become a pillar of the nation, a rare talent not seen in a thousand years. Such a remarkable individual, Your Majesty, must not be allowed to be obscured like a pearl hidden in sand or a rare treasure lost in the forest and springs.
On the following early morning, the ministers were gathered on both sides. Wu Zetian habitually glanced to one side, but upon not seeing Di Renjie, the esteemed figure of the library, her expression darkened. The civil and military officials seemed to notice that the emperor was somewhat displeased today; any matters that were not urgent were postponed for reporting, and only favorable news was presented for her approval.
However, with the recent nightmare and the dull pain in her right arm, Wu Zetian could not find peace in her heart and suddenly thought of someone!
At that moment, a meteor resembling a dipper streaked across the northern night sky, leaving a trail of starlight before vanishing into the vastness of the heavens. Wu Zetian's expression changed abruptly, her body trembling as she murmured, "Another star of war has fallen"
The esteemed ministers of the court, the pillars of the nation—Prime Minister Di Renjie
Thank you, Your Majesty, for your divine grace
Your Majesty!
I humbly suggest Your Majesty establish a martial examination to recruit talented generals from across the realm; this individual is sure to stand out... I have heard that when a person is about to die, their words are often wise... I also recall that Your Majesty once jested that I am stingy, having served for decades and received countless rewards, yet I have never presented Your Majesty with a single item... Now, I muster my courage to present this individual, a gem worth ten thousand measures, to Your Majesty, and I hope Your Majesty will not decline... Now, I muster my courage to present this individual, a gem worth ten thousand measures, to Your Majesty, and I hope Your Majesty will not decline...
Wan'er replied softly, following Empress Wu Zetian out of the imperial study, her hands gently supporting her left elbow
Posthumously honored as the Grand Old Man of the State, conferred the title of Right Assistant to Wenchang. An edict was issued to the entire nation, declaring a three-day period of fasting and abstinence to mourn the noble spirit
The entire court was in an uproar
I obey the decree
In her youth, Shangguan Wan'er hurriedly entered the imperial study, kneeling on the ground: "Your Majesty, Wan'er has come in accordance with your command..."
Wu Zetian paused for a moment, carefully examining the memorial from Di Renjie in her hands. Tears finally streamed down her face as she said with a choked voice: "Order the Ministry of Personnel to lead the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue to prepare for the establishment of military examinations starting today. I want to set a precedent for all dynasties and create military examinations to select talented generals from across the realm"