Ancient emperors attached great importance to the sacrificial system, and the place where sacrifices were made to heaven was called the "Temple of Heaven."
In later generations, people who visited the Temple of Heaven Park were all impressed by the lush, majestic and majestic ancient cypresses. Its shape and style also reflected the ancient cosmology of "a round sky and a square earth".
The Temple of Heaven in the Tang Dynasty was not called the Temple of Heaven at that time, but was called "Ruanqiu". It is recorded in detail in official histories such as "Old Book of Tang: Etiquette".
At the beginning of Wude, an order was made: Every winter solstice, God Haotian should be worshiped on Yuanqiu, accompanied by Emperor Jing. The altar should be two miles east of the road outside Mingde Gate in the capital.
The altar is made of four parts, each eight feet and one inch high. The lower part is twenty feet wide, the third part is fifteen feet wide, the third part is ten feet wide, and the fourth part is five feet wide.
His Majesty Li Er's rain-seeking ceremony was held in the "circle hill" outside Mingde Gate.
The sky has just turned white, all the Mingde Gates have been opened, the city gates are guarded by the imperial guards, and the red carpet has been rolled out from the city gate to the "circle hill".
Since His Majesty Li Er ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, this was the first time such a large-scale sacrifice was held.
Since Zhenguan, although natural disasters have continued, they have not been so difficult for the family.
The scale of the battle this time shows His Majesty Li Er's determination to fight against the aristocratic family. The altar not far away was already overcrowded.
All officials from three provinces and six ministries at all levels were dispatched and lined up neatly in the open space.
Even many foreign officials, foreigners and people came to see His Majesty Li Er praying for rain.
Manna Palace!
As soon as His Majesty Li Er opened his eyes, he heard the call of the old eunuch Wang Huangui.
"His Majesty!"
Wang Huangui stood quietly at the door of the palace and called His Majesty Li Er softly, but he was afraid of surprising the emperor, so his voice was very soft.
Wang Huangui saw His Majesty Li Er's anxiety and worry in the past two days. It was not a good job to urge the emperor at this time.
However, today is the day for offering sacrifices and praying for rain, and Wang Huangui does not dare to delay this important event.
His Majesty Li Er has been unable to sleep these past few nights. He was really sleepy. When he got up, he was a little angry and asked impatiently: "What's the matter?"
"Your Majesty, the time is approaching, it's time to prepare to go!"
"Oh..." His Majesty Li Er suddenly woke up, sat up suddenly, looked at Wang Huangui with wide eyes, and asked urgently: "How is the weather today? Is there any sign of rain?"
"If it rains, Your Majesty may need to go pray." Wang Huangui answered with his head lowered, his tone a little unconfident.
Obviously, Wang Huangui is also not optimistic that it will rain today.
His Majesty Li Er ripped off the brocade quilt covering his body, jumped off the bed, walked out, took two steps, then turned around and asked: "Are there any dark clouds?"
"There are clouds, but they are not dark clouds!" Wang Huangui shook his head.
His Majesty Li Er's steps stagnated, his expression was uncertain, and he felt inexplicably disappointed.
Only then did he realize that he was still barefoot, so he hurried back and put on his shoes at random, and came outside the palace gate without washing his face.
Looking up, although the sky was densely covered with clouds, the cool southeast wind quickly blew away the clouds.
Even if he is not a professional observer of the weather, His Majesty Li Er knows that the wind is just a precursor to rain.
But the wind was so strong that the gathering dark clouds would soon be blown away, and the sky would clear up even before it rained!
His Majesty Li Er sighed slightly in his heart and asked, "What time is it now?"
"Reporting to your Majesty, it is already the end of the Mao period!" Wang Huangui looked carefully at Yiman.
His Majesty Li Er frowned, it seems that delaying time is no longer possible!
However, whether it rains or not, the arrow is already on the string, and today’s rain-making ceremony must be held as scheduled!
His Majesty Li Er had no choice but to order: "It is said that the Taishi ordered Li Chunfeng and Zhongyi Hou Yang to enter the palace!"
It seems that we can only leave it to fate!
"No!" Wang Huangui immediately bowed and responded, but then he looked embarrassed: "It's just..."
His Majesty Li Er said displeasedly: "If you have something to say, say it and fart. Mother-in-law and mother-in-law are still not men!"
Hearing this, Wang Huangui couldn't laugh or cry as if he was eating shit. He really wanted to say that he was not a man in the first place.
Seeing Wang Huangui's expression, His Majesty Li Er also knew that he had gone too far.
As the emperor, of course he couldn't apologize, so he just changed the subject and asked, "Just tell me what you have to say?"
Wang Huangui said anxiously at this time: "Since the wind started last night, Taoist Master Li Chunfeng went to the city overnight to wait, but Marquis Zhongyi went somewhere unknown and was not with Taoist Li."
"This bastard is still running around at this time!" His Majesty Li Er yelled through gritted teeth.
Then he waved his hand and said: "Ignore him, clean up, let Li Chunfeng and I go first, and send someone to find Marquis Zhongyi. If that kid dares not to come, have him beheaded!"
"No!" Wang Huangui never questioned the emperor's order. He didn't even bother to think about it. Anyway, we will do whatever the emperor says.
As the emperor's personal attendant, Wang Huangui knew that His Majesty Li Er was really anxious this time!
Half an hour later, the inner gates of the Forbidden Palace were opened wide, and His Majesty Li Er took an imperial chariot and rushed to Mingde Gate with great fanfare.
At this time, both sides of the street had been cleared by the Forbidden Army, with one sentry every five steps and one post every ten steps.
Even in the restaurants next to the street, there are Baiqi personnel who are looking around dutifully, fearing that some young people will do something wrong.
When everyone saw the oncoming emperor's honor guard, they couldn't help but raise their chests and heads.
The imperial guards were full of spirit and showed their best side in front of the emperor. Although the emperor could not see it at all, this spirit reflected the majesty of the soldiers of the Tang Dynasty.
Some soldiers who had never seen the emperor kept looking towards the chariot, hoping to catch a glimpse of the dragon's face.
The people watching the excitement stretched their heads and looked in on tiptoes.
But when he saw a bunch of yellow dragon flags held in the hands of the leading knight approaching, he immediately knelt down and did not dare to raise his head.
But he kept saying in his heart: Darling, the emperor's travel pattern is indeed different. It seems that His Majesty Li Er is fully prepared for this time.
Everyone also hopes that this emperor can really move heaven to solve the drought of spring plowing.
His Majesty Li Er did not stop and went straight to Mingde Gate. Only then did everyone come back to their senses and pray secretly.
Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of knowledge, these people do not know.
Drought is a natural phenomenon and cannot be caused by praying for rain!
The so-called praying for rain is just a spiritual sustenance and a trick to appease the people.
Therefore, many officials from aristocratic families are not worried about His Majesty Li Er's high profile.
At two o'clock in the morning, it was already bright.
The butter candle in the lobby of Cui Mansion was not extinguished. Instead, it burned even more vigorously all night.
The ancestor of the Cui family stood in front of the window with his cane, feeling the cool and comfortable southeast wind blowing in from the window, his long gray beard fluttering in the wind.
I looked up at the thick clouds. Although there was no movement on my face, my heart seemed to be clenched tightly by an invisible hand, making me feel breathless.
A black laminated roof is not a good sign!
But didn’t the Taishi Bureau, Taichang Temple, and experienced farmers all say it would never rain in the near future?
Thousands of clouds covered the blue sky, and a gray mass enveloped the earth.
Isn't this a sign of rain?
If it rains...
The ancestor of the Cui family simply couldn’t imagine it!
And Cui Fanbo inside the house was also extremely anxious!
If he loses the bet, his life will be over.
If it only involves him, it doesn't matter. After all, he, Cui Fanbo, has put his life and death aside when he forces the palace to go to court.
He has long ignored personal life and death, honor and disgrace. Compared with the glory of his family, it is simply insignificant.
But once it rains, it proves that His Majesty Li Er is indeed destined by fate. Even if he does not issue a sinful edict, God will rain down from heaven!
Those of them who forced His Majesty to issue the edict against themselves have turned into rebellious officials and traitors with ulterior motives to intimidate the Emperor!
As the leader of this incident, the Cui family cannot escape the involvement. The Cui family's reputation for thousands of years will be destroyed in one day, which is more uncomfortable than taking Cui Fanbo's life.
If His Majesty Li Er takes advantage of the situation and wields the butcher's knife, who among the powerful families who were in sympathy with each other beforehand can stand by the Cui family?
At this time, the main hall was filled with representatives of various aristocratic families, all with gloomy and worried expressions on their faces.
There were more than twenty people gathered in the main hall of Nuo University, but there was silence.
Even the rustling of the flowers and trees in the breeze outside can be clearly heard.
In the past, this was a poetic morning, and this sound was like the sound of nature.
But now it was like the devil's horn, heading straight into their hearts.
What if it rains?
Just as His Majesty Li Er did not dare to go on a killing spree, these aristocratic families also did not dare to gamble on where His Majesty Li Er's limit was.
After all, this emperor was a ruthless guy who showed no mercy even to his brothers.
Cui Fanbo had a dark face and asked hesitantly: "Brother Yuwen, do you think Marquis Zhongyi deliberately set a trap for us? It might really rain today."
Yu Wenhong, Qing of Taichang Temple, looked at the light wind and said with determination: "Brother Cui, please be patient. Although the clouds are very thick, the wind is very fast and it won't take long to blow these clouds away."
"What's more, according to reliable information, Taoist master Yuan Tiangang also deduced that there is no chance of rain in these days, and even refused the emperor's request to let him preside over sacrifices to pray for rain."
Of course, the reason why Yu Wenhong was so calm was because he was not the protagonist of the bet.
From beginning to end, he, Yu Wenhong, was only a supporting role, and the Cui family of Qinghe was the vanguard of this incident.
This time, he, Yu Wenhong, had never taken the initiative to take the lead in forcing His Majesty Li Er to go to the palace.
He always cooperates and never takes the lead.
Because Yu Wenhong knew very well that if something went wrong, there was a possibility of annihilation of the clan. He was not that stupid?
It was in his interest to let the Cui family and other aristocratic families take over.
If he wins, his Yuwen family will earn a lot of money. If he loses, he can get away with his life intact.
Of course, what he said just now meant to comfort the Cui family, and he was indeed sure that there would be no rain today.
Sure enough, after saying this, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became much more relaxed.
But everyone dare not take it lightly.
Everyone knows that if Cui Fanbo's guess is true, it means that everyone on his side may have fallen into Yang Fan's plan. That is simply terrible!
The ancestor of the Cui family turned around and said flatly: "Don't worry, everyone, absolutely no one will know it from birth, and it is absolutely impossible for anyone to decide whether it will rain."
"The person who brought the news from the Taishi Bureau this time was a direct descendant of my Cui family. He saw with his own eyes that Li Chunfeng led a group of officials to calculate the changes in the situation, and came to the conclusion that there will be clouds and winds in the near future, but not There will be rain, and everyone must be aware of Li Chunfeng’s abilities, and there will definitely be no accidents!”
Cui Fanbo looked at the gray sky outside the window, and said with some worry: "Ancestor, these clouds in the sky... don't be afraid of ten thousand, just be afraid of the worst. If it really rains, then we must prepare early."
Everyone present echoed every word I said.
Amidst the noise, a depressing atmosphere filled the main hall.
The storm almost completely frightened everyone, especially Cui Fanbo!
The ancestor of the Cui family walked back slowly, sat at the front seat, picked up the tea cup and took a sip. After looking around at everyone, he said: "There is no turning back when the bow is fired, so what if it rains?"
"What's more, the rain-seeking ceremony is about to begin. As long as the emperor does not ask for rain immediately, each family will immediately launch public opinion in various states and counties in the Tang Dynasty to weaken His Majesty's prestige to the greatest extent and make His Majesty aware of the power of our aristocratic families. How powerful is it!"
"Of course, everyone knows very well that once His Majesty succeeds in praying for rain, even if our Cui family is responsible for everything this time, the emperor will definitely start to weaken the power of our family, and the consequences will definitely be unacceptable to us."
Everyone was silent.
The reason why he stuck his head in his belt and followed the Cui family to force His Majesty Li Er into the palace was because everyone realized that His Majesty Li Er wanted to support poor families through the reform of the imperial examination, thus weakening the influence of the family?
The monopoly of knowledge, the privilege of recommendation for official positions...
Once poor families are supported, these originally inherent interests will be ruthlessly weakened.
Cui Fanbo said with a sad face: "Ancestor, if it doesn't rain, His Majesty Li Er may not dare to ruthlessly eradicate all our aristocratic families and cause chaos in the world."
"But if it rains, His Majesty's prestige will surely reach a higher level. Even God is on his side, who would dare to resist?"
"At that time, I'm afraid we will have to just let it be dealt with. Even if we want to spread rumors, I'm afraid not many people will stand on our side."
Everyone nodded silently, feeling very heavy.
A rain is not only related to whether spring plowing can be carried out normally in the Guanzhong area, but also related to the rise and fall of many aristocratic families. It is really ironic.
But this is the reality!
The wind outside the house became stronger and stronger, and the clouds gathered thicker and thicker, but the rain that countless people looked forward to and made countless people tremble with fear did not fall.
Because the wind is getting stronger, it has the tendency to blow away the clouds. Perhaps, as long as the wind blows stronger, the clouds in the sky will disperse.
These aristocratic families prayed silently, hoping that the wind would be stronger.
…
The time came to two o'clock, and the rain praying activity had already started for an hour.
Li Chunfeng waved the mahogany sword like a master. He had done the same action several times, but the raindrops did not come as promised.
He really wanted to cry!
However, His Majesty Li Er did not shout to stop, so Li Chunfeng could only continue to persist.
In fact, His Majesty Li Er's heart was just beating, and his eyes were constantly searching for Yang Fan.
It's a pity that my eyes were dazzled, but I didn't even see a hair on Yang Fan.
His Majesty Li Er secretly guessed, could this guy run away?
According to that boy's fearful style, if there is really no way to make it rain, and if he is afraid of being held accountable, he might really do something ridiculous.
But then His Majesty Li Er denied it again!
If Yang Fan is really scared, there is no need to get involved.
All of a sudden, all kinds of thoughts came to mind, giving His Majesty Li Er a headache.
At this moment, Wang Huangui ran over anxiously on his old legs.
Seeing this, His Majesty Li Er asked hurriedly: "Have you found Marquis Zhongyi?"
"Your Majesty, we have found it!" Wang Huangui replied quickly without having time to breathe.
His Majesty Li Er asked happily: "Where are the people?"
"In the Zhongyihou Mansion!" Wang Huangui smiled awkwardly.
His Majesty Li Er's face darkened, and he said displeasedly: "You are becoming more and more courageous, why don't you tie him up? Didn't I say that? If that kid refuses to come, just chop off his head!"
"Marquis Zhongyi said that he has been busy for several days and wants to stay at home with his wife..." Wang Huangui said.
But seeing His Majesty Li Er's face getting darker and darker, Wang Huangui continued to explain: "However, Marquis Zhongyi said that he has made all arrangements, and he can make it rain as long as His Majesty gives you a response."
"Who does this kid think he is? Will it rain when he says it will rain?" His Majesty Li Er gasped and asked angrily after hearing such ridiculous words.
Wang Huangui hurriedly told him: "My servant said so at the time, but Marquis Zhongyi said that if we don't come back quickly to report to His Majesty, His Majesty's important events may be delayed. He also sent a letter."
As he spoke, he took out a piece of white paper from his sleeve.
His Majesty Li Er didn't care about the image. He snatched it and looked at it carefully. There were only a few short lines on it.
"With three gunshots as a signal, it will rain within half an hour..."
His Majesty Li Er turned over and over again, but there was no more content.
These few words without beginning or end left him a little confused.
But he also knew that Yang Fan meant to use three gunshots as a signal that it would rain within half an hour.
Although I don’t know the reason why Yang Fan is so sure, the only way to treat a dead horse is to live it.
So Li Er hurriedly sent someone to make arrangements. He wanted to see if, as Yang Fan said, it would really rain after the gunfire.
After three deafening gunshots, the sky seemed to respond with rumbling sounds.
His Majesty Li Er smiled slightly. This son-in-law did not disappoint him.
In his opinion, as long as there is thunder, there is a high probability that it will rain.
Even if it cannot meet the requirements of spring plowing, it can still shut up those noble families, and it can also dampen the majesty and heroic spirit of these noble families.
Unlike His Majesty Li Er, countless people in Chang'an City were frightened into cold sweats.
Especially the Cui family, the ancestor of the Cui family who always looked calm and calm also turned pale.
He knew very well that the Cui family was completely defeated, and the consequences would be unbearable.
And when they heard the rumbling in the sky, many people cried with joy.
Many people knelt on the ground and worshiped God. It seemed that God had not forgotten these poor people!
Some people are happy and some are worried. This is the eternal truth.
