Chapter 10: Entering the Palace to Meet the Emperor
Qin Xiaoyi was momentarily speechless and could only think to himself: "This feudal dynasty is indeed ruled by the emperor... If it were the 21st century, no matter how talented a person is, without some qualifications and experience, they would never be able to become a high-ranking official"
Empress Wu Zetian was overwhelmed with joy and murmured to herself: "Di Gong, oh Di Gong, the bright pearl you sent me, I only received it after a year or two!"
Qin Xiao stood up, glanced at Wu Zetian, and secretly exclaimed: "Is this the only female emperor in history, Wu Zetian? She seems to be a bit older than my mentor, probably in her seventies, yet she is remarkably well-preserved! At first glance, she looks like she is in her forties, still radiant and impressive, exuding an air of authority and grandeur. The portrayals in movies and television cannot compare to the real person at all"
Upon hearing this, Wu Zetian thought to herself: "Di Gong's ability to adjudicate cases is known throughout the world. If Qin Xiao could inherit his legacy...! ... that would truly be a person of both literary and martial talents!" Unconsciously, she felt a surge of joy in her heart, further solidifying her intention to appoint Qin Xiao as the imperial envoy.
He was momentarily at a loss as to how to address Shangguan Wan'er. "Miss?" "Young lady?" "My lord?" None seemed quite appropriate, so he decided to let it go. Regardless, his gaze was completely captivated by the elegant and refined Wan'er
Qin Xiaolue organized her thoughts and recounted how her father had passed away early, how her mother had taken her back to her maternal home, and how she had met Di Renjie, narrating everything in detail. Wu Zetian and Shangguan Wan'er listened intently, nodding repeatedly. When they heard amusing parts, such as Qin Xiaolue distinguishing between two neighbors' lost piglets, they occasionally burst into light laughter, creating a harmonious atmosphere. This made Qin Xiaolue let out a sigh of relief, secretly feeling at ease.
Qin Xiaowen was indeed taken aback upon hearing this— a fourth-rank Yulin Guard general, my goodness, that would at least be equivalent to a division commander level? He then thought, as a down-and-out young man without any backing and having achieved nothing significant, if I were to suddenly hold such a high position, wouldn’t I just be inviting others to point fingers at me, accusing me of using connections and favoritism? Such a situation is far from ideal. Therefore, he said: "I am young and inexperienced, how can I possibly take on such a great responsibility? I would rather serve as a lowly soldier and earn my merit through my own achievements, which would be more acceptable to the public."
Wu Zetian nodded and said, "There is no need to worry about this matter. Di Gong is a person of unparalleled open-mindedness, and I believe he will not hold it against you. By the way, Qin Xiao, having won the martial arts competition, what reward do you wish for? Just speak your mind, and I will certainly grant it! Additionally, I have already drafted the imperial decree, which will be read at tomorrow's morning court, appointing you as the Left Yulin Guard Thousand Riders Deputy General, a fourth-rank official position."
Qin Xiaochi paused for a moment and said: "My master imparted martial arts to me in dreams for fifteen years, during which I learned the Feixian Step, Moyun Palm, Jiuxiao Thunder Arrow, and the Phoenix Wing Gold-Edged Halberd. Although he never mentioned his name, I gleaned some insights from a volume of 'Letters of Huaiying' left by my esteemed teacher, Di Gong. The elder who taught me martial arts is likely Yu Junluo, the master of the renowned general Yuwen Chengdu from the former Sui dynasty, one of the Nine Elders of the Sui. He once told me, 'In my youth, I defeated a fierce general of the Tang dynasty, Wang Gong. Today, I will pass on my martial arts to you, returning a great general to the Tang.' I believe he was referring to the time he killed Prince Wei Huai, Li Yuanba, on the battlefield!"
Yet I thought to myself: This martial champion is rather interesting. All the civil and military officials in the court show great respect towards me, Shangguan Wan'er, but they are all superficial in their flattery, paying lip service while harboring ulterior motives. ... Only this person makes me feel a sense of authenticity ...
Stand at ease
Shangguan Wan'er’s voice became incredibly soft, and her eyes were filled with the essence of spring. "You may follow me to meet His Majesty."
Wu Zetian scrutinized Qin Xiao for a few moments and nodded in approval, saying: "Good, good! Truly worthy of being the martial champion of the Great Zhou, with a dignified appearance and an imposing presence! Indeed, you are a descendant of Duke Qin and a student of Di Gong!"
Empress Wu Zetian looked at Qin Xiao, her fondness for him growing stronger, and her curiosity intensifying. She asked, "Qin Xiao, tell me how you came to know Di Guo and how you became his disciple. According to Di Gong, you were not yet ten years old when you became his apprentice, while he was already over sixty at that time. As a descendant of a prominent military family, how did you end up wandering in Jiangzhou and hiding among the common people?" Qin Xiao chuckled softly, thinking to himself, "If I tell the Empress that I was kicked over from the 21st century by my instructor, she definitely won't believe it. As a descendant of a prominent military family, how did you end up wandering in Jiangzhou and hiding among the common people?" Qin Xiao chuckled softly, thinking to himself, "If I tell the Empress that I was kicked over from the 21st century by my instructor, she definitely won't believe it. She might even, in a fit of anger, accuse me of deceiving the Emperor, which would mean I could be executed for treason."
Wu Zetian said to Shangguan Wan'er, "Do you know who your master is?"
This ... ...
Qin Xiao walked up to Shangguan Wan'er, steadied himself, and cupped his fists, saying: "I am Qin Xiao, may I ask what brings you to call for me?"
Qin Xiao is acquainted with this soldier, who is a post attendant here
Wu Zetian smiled faintly and said, "Even if you are not a top scholar, it is not excessive to appoint you as a fourth-rank official. I trust Duke Di and also my own judgment; you will certainly be capable of this position"
Qin Xiao was momentarily taken aback, but he could not hide the truth from the Emperor, so he said, "Your Majesty, I must not conceal the truth. My martial arts skills have all been learned from dreams. My master has never mentioned his name. A few days ago, my master told me in a dream that as long as I achieve the title of top martial artist, our connection would end, and we would no longer meet."
Although the twelve outstanding competitors had known each other for a short time, they were all passionate and spirited young men. At this moment, they all rushed over to congratulate Qin Xiao. Li Siyu was especially overjoyed, lifting Qin Xiao and throwing him into the air. Many of the Feather Forest Guard soldiers joined in the fun, and as Qin Xiao was tossed up and down several times, the training ground was filled with excitement.
The officials and eunuchs all complied with the order and exited the study, leaving only Shangguan Wan'er to attend by the side
Shangguan Wan'er shyly stepped back, gazing at the handsome and valiant Qin Xiao, who displayed a somewhat awkward demeanor, stirring waves of emotion within her heart
Shangguan Wan'er walked ahead, her graceful figure captivating all of Qin Xiao's attention like a magnet. As he gazed at the magnificent and grand Forbidden City along the way, Qin Xiao experienced a surreal illusion—had he truly arrived at the imperial city of the Tang Dynasty, the Daming Palace?
After a considerable amount of time, Qin Xiao finally returned to his resting place, preparing to tidy up his attire before attending the evening banquet. The court had arranged accommodations for the young warriors participating in the martial arts examination, all unified in one location.
Qin Xiaoxin was also quite pleased: "If I can't become a special forces soldier, being a martial arts champion is not bad either! Haha!"
Qin Xiao, did you hear what Wan'er just said? Are you willing to accompany the imperial envoy and hunt in Jiangnan on my behalf?
Thank you, Your Majesty, for your heavenly grace! Long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor, long live the Emperor!
Qin Xiao was taken aback—this woman before him was actually Shangguan Wan'er? The exceptionally talented and distinguished Shangguan Wan'er, who was deeply trusted by His Majesty the Emperor? ... She should not look so young, could it be that her age, like Li Siyu's, has become confused? ... In history, Shangguan Wan'er is a well-known figure. She served Wu Zetian and was highly valued and trusted. In addition to overseeing the evaluation of poetry and literature across the realm, she reviewed and approved most memorials before they were presented to Wu Zetian. ... In history, Shangguan Wan'er is a well-known figure. She served Wu Zetian and was highly valued and trusted. In addition to overseeing the evaluation of poetry and literature across the realm, she reviewed and approved most memorials before they were presented to Wu Zetian. Thus, although she held no title of prime minister, she effectively acted as one, being a person of substantial power in the current court.
Qin Xiaodaz shocked: "Your Majesty, how do you know the humble origins of this subject?"
Shangguan Wan'er laughed even more heartily, her delicate fingers covering her cherry-like lips, giggling incessantly, her voice like a clear spring: "Well then, call me whatever you like. However, my name is Shangguan Wan'er."
He followed him out of the room and arrived outside the building
Qin Xiaojie remarked: "Indeed, for many years I have studied diligently and increasingly feel that the writings are profound and extensive. Especially the remarkable cases that my teacher resolved during his lifetime are truly astonishing and beyond comprehension"
It was announced: "This evening, I shall host a banquet at the Lin De Hall to celebrate and welcome the valiant heroes. All the generals are invited to join me!"
Oh, is there such a strange occurrence?
Qin Xiaoxin exclaimed in surprise, "Ah," and quickly corrected himself, saying, "Then... I kindly ask my sister to lead the way."
At the beginning of the year, the court is dispatching imperial envoys to various provinces to investigate the governance and the sentiments of the people. It would be advisable to appoint him as the imperial envoy to Jiangnan. After achieving results, he can return to the court to assume a significant position, just as the son of the Qin family mentioned, at that time he will be able to 'win the public's support.' Moreover, the mother of the son of the Qin family has recently passed away, and serving in Jiangnan would also allow him time to return to pay respects to his ancestors and tend to the graves, fulfilling his filial duties.
Qin Xiao discovered that Shangguan Wan'er was staring directly at his face, and he couldn't help but be secretly astonished: Even though the customs are open nowadays, this woman before me is truly bold; who would stare at someone like this without looking away!
Qin Xiaobuzhi couldn't help but laugh; the soldiers were quite sarcastic. This has been the case in any era, where they would call even a sow a beauty. Who knows, it might even be a dinosaur that comes along. He then said: "Stop joking, where is she? I want to meet her"
Sister
Empress Wu Zetian was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Well done, Wan'er, you truly came up with a brilliant idea"
A few words stirred Qin Xiao's nostalgia for Di Renjie, and he said with deep sorrow: "Yes, Your Majesty... It is a pity that after my esteemed teacher was reassigned to Hebei several years ago, we parted ways. Since then, I have had no chance to see my esteemed teacher again. Even when my esteemed teacher passed away, I was unable to pay my respects as I was at home caring for my ailing mother. Truly, I have been most unfilial!"
Having just finished washing and changing, a soldier ran into Qin Xiao's room and said to him with a sly smile: "Qin Scholar, someone is here to see you!"
Empress Wu laughed heartily and took out the final memorial submitted by Di Renjie before his death. She said to Qin Xiao: "This is the last memorial from your teacher, the esteemed Di Guolao, before his passing. In this memorial, he formally recommended you, Qin Xiao, the gentleman from Pengze in Jiangzhou. You are already a champion of martial arts, a distinguished student of the emperor, and there is no need for you to refer to yourself as a commoner any longer"
Oh, please tell me.
The person beside, Shangguan Wan'er, had endured for a long time and finally could not hold back any longer. She softly said to Wu Zetian: "Your Majesty, I have seen Young Master Qin's unparalleled martial skills, and I truly do not know where he learned such abilities..."
Wu Zetian felt a surge of joy in her heart and whispered: "Indeed, it is as Di Gong predicted!" She then said to Shangguan Wan'er beside her: "Wan'er, after the martial arts gathering, you personally bring Qin Xiao to the imperial study to meet me"
"Your Majesty, the newly appointed martial champion, Qin Xiao, is waiting outside the imperial study for your decree"
A flush of crimson swept across Shangguan Wan'er’s face. With a smile, she said, "You are the newly crowned martial champion, Qin Xiao?"
Your Majesty summons you for an audience
Shangguan Wan'er couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh, the wings on her crown fluttering for a moment, "What, do I look very old?"
Empress Wu Zetian was greatly astonished and exclaimed: "How strange! How peculiar! Such a thing actually exists! Yu Julu must be at least a hundred years old, and he should have long since passed away... Di Gong, whose courtesy name is Huaiying, what is recorded in this 'Huaiying's Letters' must be the culmination of Di Gong's lifelong wisdom, truly a treasure that is priceless!"
Qin Xiaoyan's eyes lit up—wasn't this the maid by the emperor's side? Why has she come to find me? She is indeed quite beautiful; if this were in the days of my previous life, such a beauty could be considered exceptional!
In the imperial study, Wu Zetian was somewhat distracted as she flipped through several memorials. Upon seeing Shangguan Wan'er enter the room, she hurriedly asked, "Have the people been brought in?"
Qin Xiaoxin felt as if a current had swept through him—my, what a pleasant voice! He couldn't help but shiver slightly and said, "Yes... please lead the way, sister."
Qin Xiao looked at the soldiers' strange expressions and couldn't help but smile: "Brother Du, why are you laughing? Could it be that a girl has come into this group of men?"
Outside the pavilion, Shangguan Wan'er, dressed in male attire and wearing a winged hat, was leisurely pacing back and forth. From a distance, she saw Qin Xiaolong striding closer with a commanding presence, causing her heart to race uncontrollably. She murmured to herself: I never expected that the champion of martial arts would be so handsome!
Quickly bring him in
It is indeed I.
Qin Xiao stepped into the imperial study with great strides, respectfully kneeling down—"Commoner Qin Xiao pays his respects to Your Majesty. Long live our Emperor, may he reign for ten thousand years!"
[Note] Since this is an alternate history, I will take some liberties: I do not care how old Shangguan Wan'er was in actual history; anyway, she is about the same age as the protagonist! Furthermore, the Shangguan Wan'er in this book is a heavily fictionalized version of a real historical figure. Aside from her knowledge, beauty, and exceptional political wisdom, please do not associate her with the official history in any other regard. I have always held a deep admiration for this talented woman’s writings; as for her character, that is a matter for historians to discuss. Additionally, the ages of certain other characters have also been altered for the sake of the plot, so I would like to give a preliminary notice here.
Qin Xiao knows that, generally speaking, no liberal arts top scholar has directly attained an official position above the fourth rank; many have started as county officials of the seventh or eighth rank. Officials of the fourth rank and above in the court can already be regarded as "high-ranking officials of the court," and even the governor of a large province is merely of the fourth rank.
Wu Zetian nodded: "Hmm, I am also curious. Qin Xiao, please tell me, where did you learn your martial arts? Who is the esteemed master that taught you to be such a good disciple?"
Empress Wu Zetian could not hide her affection and turned to Wan'er, saying, "Tell them all to withdraw"
Two years ago, Di Renjie passed away. A year ago, Qin Xiao's mother, Mrs. Zhou, also fell ill with a serious disease and unfortunately passed away. In a short time, Qin Xiao found himself alone and felt an extreme sense of desolation. Fortunately, the newly appointed magistrate of Pengze County was aware of a well-known young man in the county, Qin Xiao, who was both talented in literature and martial arts. Thus, he recommended him to take part in the martial examination. Feeling idle and somewhat depressed, Qin Xiao readily agreed and made his way to Chang'an.
Thoughts arose: "Imperial Envoy? What a fine position! My esteemed mentor, Di Renjie, served as an imperial envoy multiple times, executing corrupt officials, eliminating evil bureaucrats, solving unusual cases, and commanding great respect, truly exhilarating!"
Um ... ...
Qin Xiaowen was overjoyed and said: "I am willing, I thank Your Majesty for your heavenly grace, and I thank Miss Shangguan!"
At this moment, Shangguan Wan'er gently leaned closer to Wu Zetian and whispered, "Your Majesty, I have a good compromise idea."
Brother Du leaned closer to Qin Xiao's ear and said mysteriously: "You wouldn't believe it, but she is indeed a young lady! And she's incredibly beautiful!"
Shangguan Wan'er finally stopped laughing, gazing deeply at Qin Xiao, "Let us go, His Majesty is in the imperial study."
Wu Zetian and Shangguan Wan'er both chuckled lightly. Wu Zetian said: "The old official of the Di state has served all his life, yet he cannot speak as eloquently as you, my little servant. Besides thanking me, you should also thank Wan'er! Quickly get up, no need to kneel."