Chapter 55: The Sun and Moon in the Sky, Joy and Anger are Unpredictable!

  The Tang crown stood on the hall, and Wen Wu finished speaking in unison. He let out a sigh of relief, fortunately, Wu Zetian did not say who the officer was, otherwise, due to the complex relationships in the court, another branch would have been born.

  "All right, Liu Xun, the governor of Hangzhou, committed a crime against his superior, ambushed and killed the imperial censor halfway, and framed the talented Tang Guan! What crime should he be punished for?"

  "Ah!" As soon as the words came out, several people suddenly whispered in shock. These few people were originally shouting in disbelief, trying to curry favor with Heaven, but only when they heard the name did they realize that things had changed.

  Several people exchanged glances at once, one of them shook his head slightly, and several people stopped instantly, lowering their heads in silence.

  Wu Zetian seemed to have swept her gaze around the curtain before speaking: "Minister of the Ministry of Personnel"

  "I am"

  "What crime should Liu Xun be guilty of?!"

  The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel bowed his head and thought for a moment before saying: "This matter should be transferred to the Supreme Court for trial."

  "Passing the buck!"

  The Minister of the Board of War heard this and immediately said: "After the Emperor returns, both crimes will be investigated, he should be stripped of his official position, executed, and his family exiled."

  "Very well, does anyone have any objections?"

  Now, even those who were eager to try have been pressed down and dare not speak more. At this moment, there is actually no one speaking.

  Tang Guan's heart skipped a beat, such an obvious act of shielding, Wu Zetian's importance to herself was somewhat beyond expectation.

  "What is she trying to achieve by doing this?" At the same time, Tang Guan also thought about Wu Zetian's motives. Could it be just because of that crooked poem on the throne yesterday? That was obviously impossible.

  But as the saying goes, "when a tree falls, the monkeys scatter". Now that the imperial court is in chaos and everyone is in danger, even if their relationship was deep, with Liu Xun dead, his colleagues would still have to prioritize saving themselves.

  An imperial edict was immediately drafted, and Tang Guan couldn't even feel happy about it. He hadn't expected his first arch-nemesis to be taken down so easily, it was almost unbelievable.

  He didn't know that halfway through, Liu Xun had already been imprisoned and beheaded by Pei Yan. But for Tang Guan, it was all the same who brought down Liu Xun. What he worried about now was that Wu Zetian would not get up early without any benefit. If she couldn't gain equal benefits from herself, just killing a fourth-grade official like this would make people unbelievable.

  Just as Tang Guan was hesitating, Wu Zetian spoke again: "Let Chen Yunshang enter the palace"

  The eunuch immediately shouted: "Announce Chen Yunsheng's entry into the palace"

  Outside, Chen Yunsheng had long been waiting with bated breath, occasionally sneaking a peek at the movements inside the palace, and hastily stepped forward into the palace.

  As soon as he entered the hall, he bowed down and said, "My lord, please rise."

  "Your Excellency has made great contributions, I am very delighted. Your Excellency has served as an official for many years, and has been loyal to the court. Today, we are rewarding your merits, granting you a noble title, and appointing you as the Governor of Hangzhou."

  A single sentence from behind the curtain made all the officials gasp in shock, and Chen Yunsheng almost fainted.

  "Three ranks in a row!"

  Tang Guan was even more stunned by the news. Originally, he had a good reason to cover for himself, but Chen Yunsheng was also promoted three ranks and directly replaced Liu Xun's position. What Wu Zetian wanted to get from him was not as simple as he thought.

  "Thanks to the Sage's great kindness! Thanks to the Sage's great kindness!" Chen Yunsheng was initially stunned on the spot, and then his face showed extreme joy. He had never dared to hope for such a high rank, and unexpectedly, an unintentional "escape" actually brought him good fortune in his official career.

  At this point, the officials also saw Tang's weight, and just as they were secretly pondering, another voice came: "The two old men and Tang Qubing stayed behind, and the rest of you are dismissed."

  Chen Yunsheng, who was still in a state of ecstasy, stopped his joyful expression. He had no idea what had just happened and only knew that as soon as he entered the palace, he was granted an additional title. But now, looking at the current situation, he realized that things were far from being that simple.

  He immediately gave Tang a look, and the officials in the hall were all above the fourth rank. Hearing this meant that they were not qualified to listen to what was said next, and they couldn't help but exchange glances with each other.

  After a moment, the crowd finally retreated and left. As soon as they exited, the large gate closed with a loud bang, leaving everyone stunned in front of the door.

  "Congratulations, Mr. Chen!" Chen Yousheng was hesitating when he suddenly heard a congratulatory remark.

  Turning his head, it was actually Liu Changsheng, whom he had met a few months ago. He hastily bowed and said: "Teacher's words are too serious, the student is also fortunate to be under the care of the Temple Master's nephew."

  He immediately raised his head, secretly curious, this Liu Changsheng is a regional inspector, why does he look like he has been living in Chang'an for a long time.

  As they walked, Liu Changsheng said: "Originally, I had planned to retire and return to the countryside, and also thought of recommending you to Tian Hou"

  Chen Yunsheng felt a little proud when he heard this, as he had studied under Liu Changsheng in the past. At that time, Liu was still working at the Imperial Academy, and Chen was not considered one of his outstanding students. For decades, he had been unknown, but unexpectedly, he had climbed to the position of Cishi.

  "Thanks to the teacher's care and also thanks to Dehua brother for mentioning the teacher many times."

  "Haha" Liu Changsheng also stroked his beard and laughed loudly, thinking of Tang Qubing in the hall, who was still his own disciple. He also knew Tang Weixi, although they were not from the same hometown, but belonged to a group, Guandong and Jiangnan scholars had once formed an alliance, known as the Beimen faction.

  "The old man takes his leave first." Liu Changsheng saw Chen Yousheng stop outside the palace and knew he was waiting for Tang Guan, so he bid farewell.

  "Teacher go slowly"

  Liu Changsheng walked a few steps and then came back, asking in a low voice: "What's the truth about Liu Xun?"

  Chen Yunsheng was stunned by the words and didn't speak. Liu Changsheng saw this and said, "Forget it, take care of yourself."

  Chen Yunsheng saw off Liu Changsheng and stood still in the distance. Originally, being promoted to a higher official position was a great joyous occasion, but at this time he couldn't help feeling worried. He knew that all of this was due to the favor of Tang Guan in the palace, but he didn't know what exactly Tang Guan had done to make the person behind the curtain promote him so much.

  In the Hall of Imperial Supremacy.

  The grand hall, which was originally spacious, now seemed even more expansive with the absence of a large group of officials. Only two old men, a young boy, and Wu Zetian behind the beaded curtain remained in the hall.

  The curtain was slowly lifted, a jade hand stretched out, and then Wu Zetian's slender figure walked out from it.

  Several people on the platform lowered their heads as Wu Zetian stepped down from the holy crown.

  "Mr. Liu, come forward."

  Liu Jing took a few steps forward upon hearing this. Wu Zetian stretched out her hand and pointed at Tang's crown, saying: "What do you think of him?"

  Liu Jing was taken aback by her words. As the saying goes, one should not discuss right and wrong in front of others. Yet, Wu Zetian asked this question in front of Tang Guan.

  "This young friend composed a poem in seven steps, I, an old man, have witnessed it with my own eyes, and am astonished as if seeing a heavenly being"

  "Haha" Wu Zetian smiled coldly, and Tang Guan's scalp felt numb. Others flattered themselves, but this woman just laughed coldly, making him even more curious about her actions.

  Liu Jingxian secretly measured Tang Guan, his old friend Pei Yan had praised him to the skies, and he had also witnessed Tang Guan's ability to compose poetry in seven steps. Looking at Wu Zetian again, she was coldly smiling without stopping. This Tang Guan seemed to be favored by her, but not quite, and somehow felt that Wu Zetian's attitude towards him was a bit strange.

  "Let you go, I won't blame you for the crime of murder, nor will I ask how you committed the murder. Do you know why?"

  An old man next to him, dressed in the same uniform as Liu Jingxian, also glanced at Liu Jingxian and remained silent. Just now he said that Tang Guan would absolutely not kill anyone, but now he's saying this, it's very clear that earlier he was covering up for this person.

  But they grew old and wise, exchanged a glance, and remained silent.

  "I was young and ignorant, but I am clear and innocent. The Empress Dowager is wise and discerning, and she has investigated the matter thoroughly. She has found me not guilty, and I thank her for her great kindness."

  "Hahaha" Wu Zetian suddenly threw her head back and laughed loudly, and actually returned to the holy crown and sat down on the dragon chair with a plop!

  "Empress!" The two elders exclaimed in surprise, that was not her rightful seat.

  Empress Wu Zetian coldly swept a glance at the two, and they swallowed their words. She then said: "That's right! I say you are innocent! You are indeed innocent! Everything of yours is given by me!"

  Tang Guan's expression didn't change upon hearing this, but in his heart a nameless fire rose, "No wonder so many transmigrators chose to rebel!"

  "Come over here"

  The tone suddenly softened, and Tang Guan hesitated for a moment before walking forward.

  "Get closer"

  Tang Guan heard this and leaned in a bit closer, already able to smell the faint fragrance on Wu Zetian's body.

  The two prime ministers were shocked at the sight. The old man beside Liu Jing wanted to speak, but was grabbed by Liu Jing and secretly shook his head.

  "Kneel down!" Wu Zetian first smiled at Tang Guan, then suddenly shouted.

  Tang Guan suddenly remembered that since he saw this woman, he had never knelt down, and upon hearing these words, he was taken aback.

  "I order you to kneel down!" Slap! A sudden slap landed on Tang Guan's face.

  Sudden severe pain made Tang furious, but he quickly calmed down.

  Seeing Tang Guan still not kneeling, another crisp sound "slap!" rang out again.

  Tang Guan's pale face suddenly had two bright red handprints on her cheeks, and she slowly knelt down at Wu Zetian's feet.

  This was not enough, Wu Zetian saw the situation and raised her head to smile coquettishly.

  "Kneel down and put your head against My feet."

  At last, the old man on that side could no longer bear it, and he shook off Liu Jingxian's hand, stepped forward and said: "Tian Hou!"

  "Ah!?" Wu Zetian coldly stared over, the old man retreated several steps back, Liu Jingxian hastily pulled him back.

  Wu Zetian turned her gaze to Tang Guan and coldly said: "Put your head on the soles of My feet!"

  "You're a good one, Wu Zetian!" Tang Guan was furious at this moment. If he still had his boundless strength and was only an inch away from Wu Zetian, he would have made her blood splatter in all directions.

  But he knew it was impossible, after kneeling on the ground and staring at Wu Zetian's feet for a long time, he gritted his teeth and slowly stuck to them.

  "Stinky girls! You'd better never let me turn over!"

  The Tang crown gently stuck to Wu Zetian's jade feet, and Wu Zetian coldly smiled: "Remember, everything you have is given by me, I am your master!"

  "You stinky girls, sooner or later I'll let you know who you've messed with!" Tang Guan was filled with rage at this moment. People say that accompanying a lord is like accompanying a tiger, but he never thought that this woman would be so perverted.

  Seeing Tang Guan, Wu Zetian's beautiful eyes turned to Liu Jingxian and another old man, saying: "The two gentlemen, please go to the side hall to grind ink, I have something to instruct later."

  Liu Jingxian glanced at Tang Guan on the ground, his face gloomy, and another old man's neck was even red. Tang Guan was a person valued by Pei Yan, but he was treated like this, and what made them helpless was that Tang Guan had no official title, so Wu Zetian could do whatever she wanted to him without being excessive.

  Liu Jingxian remained silent and pulled the old man beside him. The two of them turned around and walked towards a side hall.

  At this time, the hall was left with only Tang Guan stuck on Wu Zetian's foot.

  Just as Tang Guan's anger reached its boiling point and he was about to lose his mind, a pair of soft arms suddenly picked him up and put him on her lap.

  In an instant, Tang Guan was petrified, as if doused with a basin of cold water. Wu Zetian actually held him in her arms!

  Wu Zetian gently stroked Tang Crown's face with her jade hand and softly asked: "Sick prince, does it hurt?"

  "Damn it!" Tang Guan reacted instantly, cursing loudly in his heart. Wu Zetian's neurotic behavior had completely infuriated him.

  Wu Zetian's face was full of warmth and tenderness as she gently stroked the cheek of Tang Crown.

  "I'm not hitting you, I'm hitting those two uncles from just now"

  Tang Guan suddenly calmed down, "Wu Zetian is showing off her power to Pei Yan!"

  Now he is no longer a lonely man who has just crossed over, and every move he makes may implicate his family, so he remains silent, suppressing the humiliation in his heart.

  Liu Xun avenged his humiliation, but the humiliation given to him by Wu Zetian, he made a mistake one morning and never had another chance. He knew very well that Wu Zetian was now in her prime, with the Tang crown turning in her mind.

  "One day, I'll make you kneel at my feet!"

  Wu Zetian smiled as she gazed at the expressionless Tang Crown in her arms. No one could tell what was hidden beneath her expression...

  (Haha, I guess some book friends will say that I'm a masochist again. Whether it's joy or sorrow will be known later)