"Your Majesty, I am guilty——"
When Li Zhi took Ao Ting, Xiao Taiping and Shi Ji to the palace of "Fuqi City", there were two people kneeling at the door of "Mingtang" to welcome them.
One is Yao Chong, the powerful prime minister of Tuyuhun, who should now be called the governor of "Qinghai Road", and the other gray-haired old man is actually Wei Zheng, who has been away for many years?
Looking at such a pair, Li Zhi's heart skipped a beat, and he had a premonition that something big was going to happen.
"Why are Duke Xuancheng here? Please get up quickly. Why do you have to kneel down to greet me on this cold day?"
"Yuanzhi, please get up too. You have already served as prime minister of a country. Why are you still dumbfounded? You haven't helped Duke Xuancheng up yet -"
In the Tang Dynasty, ministers did not necessarily have to kneel before the emperor, except on specific solemn occasions, such as the new emperor's enthronement, sacrifices or ceremonies.
Even if you go to court on a regular basis, it's just a hand-over salute.
But the two people in front of me, one is the powerful prime minister of Tuyuhun, and the other is one of the prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty. They are both from the small group at the top of the Tang Dynasty regime.
Such two people were now kneeling there together, and Yao Chong even called him "the guilty minister", which made Li Zhi confused.
"Your Majesty, let's go inside and talk."
It was Old Wei Zheng who stood up from the ground first, and even secretly touched Yao Chong, who was still kneeling on the ground.
"Taiping, take your second brother and Shi Ji to the back to find your mother. My father will look for you later."
Knowing that these two people must have something important to do, Li Zhi still patiently sent these three little guys away first.
"Yuanzhi, please tell me first what happened."
Li Zhi took the lead in walking into the "Ming Hall" and sat in the middle without any courtesy. He was even a little surprised, why didn't Wu Meiniang come here today?
"Your Majesty, I am guilty. I... I have lost sight of the good concubine——"
After entering the "Ming Hall", Yao Chong actually became half shorter again, and even had a miserable look on his face.
"What? What do you mean, lost?"
Yao Chong's words made Li Zhi confused for a moment, and he used his eyesight to scan the entire palace.
Sure enough, there was no trace of Wu Meiniang in this huge palace.
"Yesterday, I received an urgent call from Commander Pei of the Western Tibet Road, which is three thousand miles away. I know that Your Majesty is back and may arrive at Fuqi City in the near future."
"I wanted to report this good news to Concubine Xian as soon as possible, but... But when I came to Mingtang, I couldn't find Concubine Xian -"
This is what happened yesterday. It has been more than ten hours now. The governor of "Qinghai Road" who is less than 30 years old has not slept all night and has not drunk all the water.
"Haha, okay, I thought it was such a big deal. Yuanzhi, I'm afraid you don't know yet, right? Concubine Xian is no ordinary mortal, she also has the strength of the peak of Taiyi Golden Immortal. You really Treat her like an ordinary concubine?"
After hearing Yao Chong's narration, Li Zhi had concluded that something must have happened to Wu Meiniang.
However, no matter whether this kind of thing is good or bad, it seems that Yao Chong should not be blamed at all.
If Wu Meiniang wants to leave on her own, a hundred Yao Chong can't stop her. If someone really kidnaps Wu Meiniang, Yao Chong will be in vain even if he wants to stop her?
Who is Li Zhi? He will not hold the local officials accountable just because Wu Meiniang is his woman and disappeared. Wouldn't that make him a fool?
"Yuanzhi, you don't have to think about this matter anymore. Tuyuhun has been officially renamed 'Qinghai Road. I believe civil and military forces will be sent from Chang'an direction soon."
"I have nothing to worry about in Fuqi City. The main thing is how many counties will be set up below. The people in charge of these counties must carefully consider it."
"The Qinghai Road is different from other places, even compared with the Western Tibet Road. It cannot implement the established policies of the Tang Dynasty invariably."
"For specific things, you, the first governor of Qinghai Province, must be able to go among the people. I have already selected Su Dingfang as the governor of Qinghai Province. I hope that the two of you will work together to create a fortress for the Tang Dynasty." Jiangnan——"
Well, in order to divert Yao Chong's mind, Li Zhi did not hesitate to chat with him about government affairs that he was least passionate about.
However, after all, he has a vision and knowledge far beyond this era, and a few words can give Yao Chong a lot of inspiration.
Not to mention the young Yao Chong, even the old Wei Zheng, who had experienced the three dynasties of the Tang Dynasty, was stunned when he listened.
Could it be that His Majesty is really a person who is "born to know"?
After Yao Chong was "fooled" by Li Zhi, he left with satisfaction. Looking at his walking posture, he looked like he was going to show off his talents.
This is what Li Zhi wants to see most.
Today's Tang Dynasty is unprecedentedly powerful. Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng and even Changsun Wuji are all old and strong, and Di Renjie has become the most powerful successor.
Then, for young Yao Chong and Song Jing, Li Zhi can give them enough time and space to grow.
"In so many years, this is the first time for me to listen to His Majesty's political discussion, especially the discussion of 'the development of scholars, farmers, industry and commerce at the same time, adapting measures to local conditions, and the integration of nationalities... I have really benefited a lot."
Yao Chongzhi left with great satisfaction, even forgetting the gloom in his heart that night and day. He was going to "go to the mountains and go to the countryside."
In the "Mingtang", only Li Zhi and Wei Zheng were left.
"Mr. Xuancheng is so complimentary. You are my strong point in the Tang Dynasty. If you start to flatter me, the atmosphere of our Tang Dynasty will be in trouble."
Perhaps because he personally saved Yao Chong, a passionate young man, Li Zhi casually made a joke about old Wei Zheng.
However, facing Wei Zheng who came from the west, Li Zhi felt that this old man's problem should be more serious than that of Yao Chong, right?
"Your Majesty, I am here to bring you a piece of news."
Seeing Li Zhi's questioning look, Wei Zheng didn't let him wait long and took the initiative to speak.
"Oh, what kind of news is worth making Mr. Xuan Cheng make this trip himself?"
Li Zhi habitually touched the desk, but he didn't even have a cup of tea. Only then did he remember what Yao Chong said just now.
Wu Meiniang disappeared.
"Your Majesty, I have received reliable information. Just yesterday, Heaven defeated the Underworld. There were 50,000 Heavenly soldiers and generals. Only less than 10,000 people were able to return to Heaven alive. Even King Li Tianwang, who led the army, was seriously injured."
"The Great Heavenly Lord's Heavenly Guards also suffered heavy losses, and almost everyone in the high-level combat force was injured. If the Third Prince Nezha, the great god of the Santanhaihui, had not arrived in time, the result would have been even more serious."
"Heaven originally wanted to open a gap from the underworld and wipe out all the demonic forces in it, but unexpectedly, it encountered a large number of elites from the 'Netherworld Blood Sea' halfway."
"After this battle, it may not be easy for the Heavenly Court to regroup in a short period of time and fight against the demons again. Moreover, even for this battle, there are many voices of opposition in the Heavenly Court."
"What the Great Heavenly Lord wants is for your Majesty to intensify the attack on the demons. If the remnants of the demons in Nanzhan Continent have been wiped out, we can actually consider other tribes..."
Wei Zheng spoke so calmly that he couldn't even detect the slightest emotion.
He seemed to be really just conveying a message, without any preference of his own, nor any suggestions or opinions.
After finishing speaking, the old god sat down on the ground and looked at Li Zhi silently.
...
a long time.
“Mr.
The news brought by Wei Zheng was very exciting. At least Li Zhi was shocked. He even almost asked about the situation of the two people in the "Tianci Guards" who he cared about.
However, Li Zhi still held back and asked a question that seemed completely irrelevant.
"Old minister, of course I remember. At that time, His Majesty was still the King of Jin of the Tang Dynasty. He was only twelve years old. Not only was his poetry and prose unrivaled in the world, but he also had unpredictable cultivation skills."
"It is truly a blessing for me that I can work with Your Majesty to save all the people from fire and water in Henan Province and benefit the people of this area -"
Wei Zheng was stunned when he suddenly heard Li Zhi ask this question.
However, he quickly reacted and even recalled the past affectionately, his eyes becoming brighter and brighter.
"Mr. Xuan Cheng, when did you know that you were an official from Heaven?"
Wei Zheng's thoughts were just transferred to more than thirty years ago by Li Zhi, but he asked this question out of the blue.
"Ah... Haha, Your Majesty is indeed very discerning! In fact, the memory of my past life was only awakened in the past twenty years, but I encountered the demons raging across the three realms."
"However, I can't help but look back and think about it. It seems that when I first met His Majesty, His Majesty looked at me in a somewhat unusual way, right?"
"At that time, I didn't even know my true identity, and His Highness was only eight years old, so how did he know it?"
"None of this matters anymore. Your Majesty probably has an amazing background! However, I dare to assure you that since I recovered my memories of my past life, I have never done anything detrimental to our Tang Dynasty."
"In fact, this time the veteran came to the west to meet with His Majesty, this is the first time in the past twenty years that heaven has given him an order."
Wei Zheng was talking to himself. Later, he even felt a little self-deprecating?
The so-called "human official" is nothing more than doing some things that are uploaded and handed down.
If it were a few decades ago, Wei Zheng would have been able to do everything with his own strength, but now in the Tang Dynasty, there are many capable people and different scholars.
For a time, the demons were raging across the three realms, and the Heavenly Court had no time to take care of itself. How could it care about a little "human official" like him?
Secondly, Li Zhi's rapid rise in recent years has also led to the rise of practitioners in the entire Tang Dynasty, and the Great Heavenly Lord has to consider Wei Zheng's actual execution ability.
In this way, Wei Zheng had been "sitting on the bench" for nearly two decades, and it was only this time that he reluctantly came to act as a messenger.
"Does Mr. Xuan Cheng have any reason to be manipulated by Heaven?"
Regarding Wei Zheng's "justification", Li Zhi did not comment, just stared at the other party's eyes, and then asked another question that made Wei Zheng a little confused.
"That's not true. I also know about Senior Brother Yao and Shu Bao. I think Your Majesty knows it best. I am very envious of Shu Bao."
Li Jing, Qin Qiong, and Wei Zheng, these three people can be regarded as "connected by fate". They are all people sent by Heaven to help the Tang Dynasty.
Of course, there are other people, such as the "soap-robed general" Yu Chigong, who has retired with success and returned to heaven normally.
Of the three remaining, Qin Qiong was "formatted" by Li Zhi, and any imprint of "Zuo Tianpeng" was completely erased. He was just Qin Shubao.
As for Wei Zheng, he was temporarily "forgotten". In fact, it was Li Zhi who "rescued" him, otherwise he would have died.
As for Pharmacist Li, his situation is somewhat special.
If it can be said that Pharmacist Li was sent by the government at first, now it is the personal wish of King Li Tian in Heaven.
But what Li Tianwang didn't expect was that because his clone had stayed in the Tang Dynasty for too long, his cultivation had improved far beyond his original expectations.
an incomplete set
The "Great Immortal Technique" was perfected bit by bit by Medicine Master Li, and Li Zhi generously taught him the "Physical Technique" and the "Heart Dao Technique".
Today's Medicine Master Li can be regarded as the person with the most transcendent status among the veterans of the Tang Dynasty. He does not have any specific position, but can instead meditate and practice hard.
More than thirty years have passed, and Li Jing's realm has also reached the middle stage of "Taiyi Xuanxian". It doesn't seem too high at first glance. The key is that this is what he has gained through steady practice.
Compared to the "Great Luo Golden Immortal" in Heaven, who relied on the gifts from the West, the Heavenly King status in Heaven, and was fed a series of miraculous medicines, it's really hard to say who will be better or worse in the future.
The three people were in three different situations, but by some strange combination of circumstances, they stayed together in the Tang Dynasty until today.
"If Duke Xuancheng is willing, he can always be the Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty instead of a human official. Is it possible that the Duke of Wei, the 'waiter in the middle' and the 'prince's grand master' of the Tang Dynasty, can't compare to a small 'Are you an official?"
When he said these words, Li Zhi let go of all his power. In the early stage of "Daluo Jinxian" and the body of "Ancestral Witch", the entire "Mingtang" was filled with an inexplicable and unexplained meaning. .
"This... veteran is willing to serve His Majesty, and is willing to devote himself to the welfare of the Tang Dynasty and die——"
Good guy, this is Hong Guo’s determination!
In fact, it is not that Wei Zheng paid homage to Li Zhi as soon as he showed his domineering temper, but it was the result of decades of subtle influence.
As Wei Zheng himself said, more than thirty years ago, before the memory of his previous life had been restored, he had already looked at Li Zhi, the then King of Jin, in a different light.
You know, at that time, Wei Zheng was actually still holding an important position in Li Chengqian's East Palace.
As for the "human Cao officials" in Heaven, to put it bluntly, they are just that, far behind Li and Qin.
The Tang Dynasty was booming, and a large number of practitioners led by Emperor Li Zhi of the Tang Dynasty had broken through the glory of the human race many years ago countless times. It may not be impossible to recreate the ancient prosperous age.
And what about Wei Zheng?
The "Servant" of the Tang Dynasty was also one of the prime ministers. The position of "Prince and Grand Master" could even bring glory to the four dynasties. "Wei Guogong" could definitely be ranked at the forefront of the entire Tang Dynasty's civil and military affairs.
Wei Zheng himself is also very confident and has survived his "Golden Immortal" thunder tribulation. Under the ingenious arrangement of the Supreme Emperor Li Shimin, Wei Zheng also received Li Zhi's "Physical Jue" and "Heart Dao" techniques. .
Otherwise, why is it that the more he looks at Li Zhi, the more he likes it now?
...
"Haha, okay, I swear here that I will not disappoint Duke Xuan Cheng with his choice today! After all, our Tang Dynasty is far ahead of the Qin and Han Dynasties, and we can regain the glory of ancient times——"
In ancient times, the three realms of heaven, earth, and humans stood side by side. The Lord of Heaven and the Lord of Human Race had an equal relationship in legal terms.
Not to mention others, when Li Zhi’s cheap master, Xuanyuan Huangdi, was famous all over the world, who in the world could compete with him?
The two tactics of "Physical Jue" and "Heart Dao" vary from person to person and have different cultivation progresses. Wei Zheng obviously prefers the latter. "Heart Dao" has reached the level of Xiaocheng.
Li Zhi can naturally feel the other party's purity and loyalty to him, and then he will open up his heart.
"Um... I wonder if Mr. Xuan Cheng knows the specific battle situation? Who took action in the Netherworld Blood Sea? Did they collude with the demons?"
"And in the Heavenly Court, besides King Li Tian, who else was injured? Are the third prince Nezha and the masters of the Tianci Guard okay?"
Even though Li Zhi and Wei Zheng had confirmed their "relationship", he still asked tactfully about his concerns.
It wasn't that Li Zhi wanted to guard against Wei Zheng, but that Sun Wukong's matter was actually very important, and he didn't want too many people to know until it was absolutely necessary.
The third prince Nezha is different. In today's Three Realms, anyone with some status knows that they are friends.
Dear brother, it is natural to show some concern.
"So that Your Majesty will know that the Third Prince Nezha is now at the peak of the Daluo Golden Immortal. It is said that his combat prowess is not inferior to that of Erlang Shen. In the underworld, he once singled out a quasi-sage of the Asura clan without falling behind. "
"As for the big bosses in the Netherworld Blood Sea, this old minister really doesn't know very well, but they do seem to have something to do with the demons."
"The two commanders of the Tianci Guards, Taoist Priest Izumo from Wuzhuang Temple, were seriously injured and have returned directly to Xiniu Hezhou, and threatened to return to the Netherworld Blood Sea to seek justice."
"Another leader named 'Zhizunbao' seems to have been injured too? Although this person is not well-known, his combat power is not inferior to that of the Third Prince Nezha. He is able to fight against three Asura and Demon clan's 'Daluo Golden Immortal'" Join forces at the pinnacle.”
"Later, he safely retreated to the heaven. With the Third Prince Nezha protecting him, I think even if he was injured, it wouldn't be a big problem."
Now that Li Zhi asked, Wei Zheng naturally told everything he knew. He still maintained his usual style and only stated the facts he knew without making any subjective judgments.
"In this way... Mr. Xuancheng can contact Heaven in his own way, saying that I have been persuaded by you and am ready to take action against the demons in the underworld."
"If possible, I will not let go of those who dare to collude with the demons in the Netherworld Blood Sea. However, this matter needs to wait until the spring of next year."
"On the third day of March, I will offer sacrifices to God and the sages of the human race outside the city of Chang'an to bless my human race for everlasting prosperity!"
"I have already made plans to invite the Dragon Clan, Witch Clan, and Monster Clan to come and watch the ceremony. If the Heavenly Court is interested, they can also come and show their appreciation."
"When I sent troops to conquer the demons in the underworld, I also hoped that the Heavenly Court would lend a helping hand. Since the Heavenly Court has already lost its vitality this time, why not let the remaining Heavenly Guards, plus my eldest brother Yang Jian and second brother Nezha, cooperate. Just one click."
Since Heaven is now seeking something from itself, why can't it make good use of this opportunity?
In fact, Li Zhi has always had a concern about the heaven-sacrifice ceremony early next year. This concern comes from the high-ranking Great Heavenly Lord.
That person is not only the Great Heavenly Lord of Heaven, but also the co-lord of the three realms.
After becoming a god, the human race no longer has an emperor. I'm afraid that person has also contributed a lot behind the scenes, right?
Yes, Li Zhi's "ambition" has now expanded. He just wants to re-establish the position of "Human Emperor".
Of course, Li Zhi himself has no intention of rebelling against heaven, nor will he act against heaven. He just wants the human race to return to where it should be.
Why, even though the human race is the main body of destiny, has it become the object of competition and even plunder by all forces?
The Taoist sect is like this, the Buddhist sect is like this, and the demon clan is like this? ——
"Your Majesty, veteran... I will definitely bring His Majesty's intentions to—"
The meaning of Li Zhi's words was so obvious. How could someone like Wei Zheng, who had lived through the three dynasties of the Tang Dynasty and even spent many years in the Sui Dynasty, not understand Li Zhi's true intention.
Are you trying to get revenge on God?
It has to be said that Li Zhi's courage deeply shocked Wei Zheng, and he even saw Li Zhi's smart or cunning side.
Will Heavenly Court, or the Great Heavenly Lord, be satisfied with Emperor Tang's move?
Of course not.
However, this is Hong Guoguo's conspiracy.
Counting this time, the Heavenly Court has actually been defeated twice at the hands of the demons. The Heavenly Soldiers and Heavenly Generals have suffered losses of more than 100,000, and these all belong to the Great Heavenly Lord's own forces.
As one goes and the other goes, the Great Heavenly Lord's own strength is reduced, and in disguise, the strength of the other five emperors becomes stronger.
Big, especially the Emperor Ziwei who is unwilling to be lonely.
From the fact that the Great Heavenly Lord did not hesitate to use Wei Zheng, the "human Cao Guan", to give the "order" to Tang Emperor Li Zhi, it can be seen that the Great Heavenly Lord wanted to deal with the demons, but did not want to waste his own strength.
...
Wei Zheng also left to do what he should do.
One behind the other, one old and one young, the two heroes of the Tang Dynasty left, but they both walked with firm and powerful steps.
"Ting'er, Taiping, is that you? Come in -"
Li Zhi had long sensed the three children outside the door, and even heard the sobbing voice of little Taiping. Thinking about it, these children should just be Wu Meiniang's disappearance.
"Father, please kiss her... I can't find my mother in Taiping——"
As soon as he entered the "Mingtang", Xiao Taiping could no longer restrain his emotions.
Originally, he had wanted to come in for a long time and came home full of joy, but he could not find his mother anywhere. He even heard from the palace maid that her mother had been missing for a day and a night.
However, Ao Ting was sensible after all. He held on to Little Taiping tightly. Even though the little girl had pried off his hand and it was bloody, Ao Ting never let go.
In the "Ming Hall", what Li Zhi said to Yao Chong and Wei Zheng successively was heard clearly by Ao Ting.
Ao Ting understood that his father was talking about something important. Since his father already knew about Aunt Wu, he naturally didn't want sister Taiping to rush in at this time.
In fact, doesn’t Xiao Taiping himself understand this truth?
But, she was her mother after all, and after being separated for so long, the contrast between being filled with joy and searching for nothing was too hurtful, wasn't it?
Therefore, Xiao Taiping was just trying hard to get rid of Ao Ting, but he suppressed not to say a word, which made it difficult for the little brother Ao Ting.
"Okay, if you cry again, you will really turn into a little cat. Your father will definitely take you to find your mother. Ting'er, have you found any clues?"
Li Zhi held Xiao Taiping in his arms. Li Zhi had no immunity at all towards this little girl, and he hated to see this little girl be wronged.
But for Ao Ting, who was only more than two months older than Xiao Taiping, he treated him like an "adult".
Ao Ting's "Golden Eyes of Destruction" were taught by Li Zhi, but there were strange changes in this kid.
First, it was "looking for treasures", and now it can actually "reproduce the original scene". Oh boy, this is much more effective than installing a camera.
The camera had to be installed in advance, and it was necessary to consider whether it would break or not, and whether the storage space was sufficient. For Ao Ting, it was completely unnecessary.
"Father, Aunt Wu seems to have received a message from someone thousands of miles away, and then left the palace on her own without any trace of coercion."
"It's just that... the other party seems to be too advanced, and I can't capture any information at all. It seems that he should at least be a quasi-sage."
"Quasi-Saint", has another "Quasi-Saint" appeared? When did the "quasi-sages" of the Three Realms become so worthless?
Li Zhi had no intention of doubting his son's judgment. He knew very well that even if he went to investigate in person, he might not be able to analyze it as thoroughly as his son.
