Xue Shao pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the minister has actually always had this thought. But now that the Turks have just surrendered, and the northern steppes are in the midst of war, the situation is relatively tense. Wang Yu was both the commander of the Turkic Khanate and the commander of the army, and if we forcibly pulled him over, the ministers were worried that it would cause unnecessary diplomatic trouble and even military conflict. This is the loss of the big because of the small. ”

"Reasonable." Wu Zetian said, "The premise of doing this is that it does not affect the peace in the north. Although Wang Yu married another family on the grassland, I believe that his roots have always been in the Central Plains. Finding a way to get him back is both natural and humane. Besides, I don't want Wang Yu's family to be exiled to Shu all the time. They are all relatives of Shangguan Wan'er, and they will also be your relatives. ”

"Your Majesty is benevolent and considerate of your ministers, and the ministers are very grateful!" Xue Shao bowed his hand, and then said, "Wang Yu's matter, please ask Your Majesty to hand it over to the ministers!" ”

"Good. It's up to you. "Wu Zetian said," In addition, it was difficult for the Turks to recover their vitality in a short period of time after quelling the rebellion between Xue Yantuo and Hui Hui, but what I saw more was that this brand-new Turkic Khanate, which had no bones and no slull, was still very capable and threatening. There are rumors that Lust Valley is actually Ashid Yuanzhen, and I don't care if this rumor is true or not. I only know that this person in Lust Valley must be careful! This Turkic khanate, which had already submitted to the Great Zhou, was still not to be underestimated! ”

"Your Majesty." Xue Shao said, "Whether it is Tunyu Valley or Yuanzhen, the Turkic Khanate will always be a threat to the henchmen of the Great Zhou. The strategy of trade suppression proposed by the minister has been implemented, and in the past year or two, several border farms have made great profits, and a large number of high-quality war horses have been purchased and filled into the horse herding prison of our dynasty. But in the long run, the Turkic Khanate will certainly be overwhelmed, and it is likely that it will provoke another mutiny and start a war. Therefore, our DPRK's border defense in the north must not be taken lightly. The minister suggested that while there was no war for the time being, more young generals should be sent to the north for further training. Once war comes, we will not lack generals to lead troops. ”

"Your thoughts coincide with mine." Wu Zetian nodded in appreciation and said, "I have already planned to send the top ten in the two martial arts competitions, such as Qin Poyu, to the Northern Military Town and the Helong Military Town to participate in the training. It's the hardest place, and it's also the place where people are sharpened. I hope they won't let me down. ”

"Your Majesty is eclectic and meritocracy, and is committed to discovering talents and accompanying talents, which is really the blessing of my dynasty, the blessing of the world, and the blessing of the nation!" Xue Shao praised from the bottom of his heart, and then said, "Nowadays, there are imperial examinations and palace examinations, and the selection of martial arts has made the whole people martial arts and ordinary people work hard. In this way, the elites of the world are all used by His Majesty, so why not worry about the Great Zhou Dynasty? ”

"I'm glad to have such praise from you." Wu Zetian smiled and said, "Over the years, you have worked hard for the country's military and made great achievements in the world. I've always wanted you to be prime minister, but you won't allow it. This makes me very embarrassed! ”

Xue Shao smiled and said, "Your Majesty listens to the minister's blunt words. Historically, the wise man has employed people, and the sages are in their positions and the capable are in their positions. The prime minister is the superior and the king is subordinate to An Lishu, and he must be a person with both ability and political integrity to be appointed. The minister has not been able to govern his family since he was a child, and now he is used to being frivolous and uninhibited, how can he be qualified to be the prime minister? At best, the minister is just a capable minister who understands a little about military affairs. In his office, His Majesty has appointed others to obtain the law. ”

"Haha!" Wu Zetian laughed, "Your argument is getting better and better, and even I can't talk about you." It's just that you don't want to be the prime minister, and I'm no longer reluctant. But your wife doesn't seem to be very happy about that. In order to give her an explanation and prevent the world from saying that my rewards and punishments are unfair, you will reluctantly make it difficult and take up the position of Tai Lieutenant! ”

Xue Shao smiled, "If Your Majesty wants to say this, the ministers will be embarrassed." Taiwei is one of the three princes who even bows his head when the prime minister sees him, which is extremely noble! The minister is willing, the minister is very happy to accept this official position! ”

"It's not easy." Wu Zetian also smiled, "I finally gave you one, something you like." ”

"Your Majesty has really given enough to your ministers. It is not clear that the minister will live his whole life and add ten generations of children and grandchildren. Xue Shao said, "Your Majesty, this is the minister's heart. The minister is content, and the minister is already very content. ”

Wu Zetian looked at Xue Shao with a smile, then turned his head to look at Shangguan Wan'er, and said, "You little couple entered the palace today, it seems that there is something wrong?" ”

Xue Shao smiled and bowed: "Don't hide it from Your Majesty, the minister is really going to enter the palace today." ”

"Speak."

Xue Shao said: "The minister is cheeky, and I am willing to ask Your Majesty to officially issue a decree to grant marriage and allow me to marry Shangguan Wan'er." In addition, the minister has a reluctant request, hoping that His Majesty can choose a suitable matchmaker for the two of us to officiate at our wedding. ”

"How could I refuse such a good thing of adult beauty?" Wu Zetian smiled generously, "Don't worry, even if you don't come today, I have already prepared all the holy decrees for marriage." As for the matchmaker, I have already thought about it for you - how about inviting your old boss, Prime Minister Cen Changqian, to be the matchmaker? ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xue Shao bowed in surprise, and beckoned to Shangguan Wan'er, "Wan'er, come quickly, thank you!" ”

Shangguan Wan'er hurriedly walked to the hall and thanked Wu Zetian for bowing to Wu Zetian by Xue Shao's side.

"Well, you don't have to be so polite." Wu Zetian smiled and said, "When the two of you get married, I will also go for a drink." However, the matter must be kept confidential and cannot be made public for the time being. Remember. ”

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"

Again, the two thanked them.

"Someone." Wu Zetian called, and four strong eunuchs carried in a large box and a long and narrow box.

After putting the things down, Wu Zetian said: "You are about to get married, and I don't know what to give as a gift." If it is a yellow and white vulgar thing, I am afraid that I will be looked down upon by your husband and wife. Therefore, I personally selected this box of good books from the secretary and sent them to Shangguan Wan'er. This sword was given to Xue Shao. I hope you two don't dislike it. ”

Shangguan Wan'er was grateful and thanked again and again.

Xue Shao said: "Books and swords are combined, and martial arts are governed." Your Majesty has good intentions, the minister knows, and the minister is grateful! ”

"It's still you, who knows my mind best!" Wu Zetian smiled and said: "Wenzhi and martial arts go hand in hand, and only then can the world be prosperous and strong." You have been from Rong for more than ten years, and your name has shaken the world and shook Kyushu, and you are barbaric and bold at your fingers, and those who resist are all given the head, and those who commit me are wiped out. My Great Zhou Dynasty can have today's atmosphere, you, Xue Chengyu, have contributed a lot. I am where I am today, and you have also contributed a lot. In public and private, I will not forget you, let alone treat you badly. ”

"Your Majesty......" Xue Shao bowed his hand and said, "The minister can have today, it is all up to His Majesty to make compensation." Over the years, the ministers have made many mistakes, and even offended His Majesty. Your Majesty has a large number of ministers, not only does not hold grudges, but also has been trying his best to cultivate and promote micro-ministers. The only thing a minister can repay His Majesty is to do my duty and do everything I have to do. The idea in the minister's heart has always been quite clear, that is, no matter how the world changes, the minister and Princess Taiping, as well as our family and clansmen, will always follow Your Majesty and be loyal to Your Majesty. ”

"Xue Shao, you never said such a word of allegiance to me. I am very pleased and touched to hear your words today. Wu Zetian said, "I also have some heartfelt words for you today. I am old, and one day I will abandon this country and ride away. You, Taiping and Wan'er are in the prime of their youth. This country and this country will eventually depend on you to assist the king in governing and running in the future. I can't have predicted what will happen a hundred years from now. But as long as you are there, there will be absolutely no chaos in this country. I can rest assured. ”

"Thank you...... Your Majesty! Xue Shao bowed down.

Wu Zetian nodded and smiled, "I, I have to admire the foresight of the first emperor of the Tang Dynasty, that is, your father-in-law." Ten years ago, when you were only a weak son, he dared to elect you as a minister and entrust you with the military of the country. Now ten years have passed, and you are already the world's No. 1 general, an important minister of the society, and a pillar of the imperial court. Looking back, Emperor Gaozong was really wise back then! ”

Xue Shao smiled very modestly, thinking that Wu Zetian had a lot to say today, and the meaning was quite profound. Listening to what she meant, it seems that she has a similar intention of "supporting orphans". Of course, she is in good health now and is still very early before she dies, so what she said to me today is probably to make a foreshadowing in advance, hoping that I can do my best to assist her chosen successor in the future!

From this point of view, Wu Zetian is indeed going to make up his mind and make up his mind!

But Wu Zetian didn't speak, and asked Xue Shao's attitude about the matter of "establishing a prince". This kind of stupid thing is not something she can do, because Xue Shao's bloodline speaks for itself. But Wu Zetian had already gotten the answer she wanted - Xue Shao had said that no matter how things changed in the world, he would only follow the empress wholeheartedly and be loyal to the empress.

The implication is that no matter who you are the prince, I will only stand with you!

None of these words are explicitly spoken. But the meaning was conveyed and understood by both sides.

Shangguan Wan'er on the side secretly exclaimed, and said in her heart that if it was a person who didn't know what to do here, she would definitely be confused, and she didn't know what the empress and Xue Lang were talking about. Those words sounded like clichés and empty words, as uncatchable as the wind. But after a careful taste, the meaning of every word is extraordinary. To put it mildly, this is the empress and Xue Lang exchanging feelings between the monarch and the minister, consolidating their "civil, military and political alliance". To put it mildly, the two monarchs and ministers are working together to manage the future of the dynasty and determine the direction of history in the future!

Talking and laughing, determine the world and seek a hundred years of national fortune.

Apart from the empress and Xue Shao, who else could there be?