Chapter 77 Meeting the Saint
The banquet was in full swing with laughter and chatter when suddenly a thousand-bull guards barged in, disturbing everyone's interest.

When Zhao Ji got the news, his face instantly became as solemn as ice.

He immediately stood up and bowed to everyone to apologize: "Dear brothers, I am really sorry, Zhao will leave first, please continue drinking."

After saying that, Zhao Ji turned around and walked out the door, leaving Shen Tao, Xiao Bao and the others staring at each other in amazement.

When Zhao Ji walked out of the door, he was surprised to find that the person who came was Shangguan Wan'er herself.

She was wearing a gorgeous palace dress and looked like she had just come from a banquet to entertain Jili Khan and had not had time to change her clothes.

Zhao Ji's heart trembled, and he immediately realized that Wu Zetian wanted to summon him, most likely to ask about Li Qingxia and Hu Jinghui.

But he couldn't show this and could only play dumb.

Zhao Jida then stepped forward and greeted Shangguan Wan'er: "Greetings to Shangguan, talented lady. What is the most important matter that has troubled you to come in person?"

Shangguan Wan'er smiled sweetly, as if a spring breeze was blowing on her face: "General Zhao, why do you have to be so distant? Now that you're back, can't I come to see you?"

Zhao Ji's face flashed with an unnatural look when he heard this, and he secretly underestimated himself in his heart: "No, we are not that familiar with each other. Is it wrong to call each other by their positions when working?"

Shangguan Wan'er's earlier attitude towards Zhao Ji was indeed much more enthusiastic than her attitude towards the ordinary middle and lower level Qianniu Guards.

But from Zhao Ji's perspective, the relationship between the two was just that of ordinary colleagues and acquaintances, which was very pure.

Of course, Shangguan Wan'er was a popular figure around Wu Zetian, and it was very unusual that she favored Zhao Ji, and it was all thanks to his face.

But this time when she came back from Youzhou, the change in Shangguan Wan'er's attitude can explain some problems.

Zhao Ji put away his thoughts and said seriously: "Talented man, please get down to business."

Shangguan Wan'er did not beat around the bush and said bluntly, "It is His Majesty who wants to see you. Let's talk while we walk."

Zhao Ji pretended to be confused and said, "I don't know why Your Majesty wants to summon me?"

"Of course it's something related to Youzhou." Shangguan Wan'er's attitude was abnormally good and she answered every question.

Zhao Ji lowered his head and pondered for a moment: "I just drank some wine. If I go to see Your Majesty now, I am afraid that I will offend Your Majesty."

"It's okay. There are people waiting to see His Majesty before you. You can go to the side hall to tidy up then." Shangguan Wan'er said lightly.

"Thank you, talented person." Zhao Ji thanked respectfully.

Zhao Ji did not ask who the person before him was. It was almost certain that it was Xiao Qingfang.

Moreover, Wu Zetian might be more satisfied when she heard that she had drunk some wine, as people speak the truth after drinking. So today she would definitely ask about Li Qingxia and Hu Jinghui.

Whether you can pass the test, your acting skills will be tested, and the time has come to accept the results of Mr. Di’s project "Psychology of Wu Zhao".

Today, Jili Khan came to Chang'an to pay homage to the emperor, so Wu Zetian should be in a good mood.

Judging from Shangguan Wan'er's attitude towards her, Wu Zetian should have a good opinion of herself.

Thinking of this, Zhao calmed down and followed Shangguan Wan'er more calmly.

The two of them walked one after the other and soon arrived outside the Zichen Hall. As expected, Shangguan Wan'er took him to the side hall.

In the side hall, Shangguan Wan'er ordered the palace maids to prepare hot water, towels, and even incense for Zhao Ji, and asked the palace maids to help him wash and comb his hair.

Zhao Ji didn't expect that this "slight tidying up" would be like this.

He asked in a roundabout way, "Isn't this a little bit annoying, Shangguan Cairen, you won't make His Majesty wait too long, will you?"

"It's okay. It will take a while for His Majesty to summon you." Shangguan Wan'er said calmly.

As expected of a personal secretary, she has managed the boss's schedule perfectly.

After a wash, Zhao Ji looked brand new.

Afterwards, Shangguan Wan'er took Zhao Ji out of the side hall and happened to meet Xiao Qingfang walking out of the Zichen Hall.

Zhao Ji and Xiao Qingfang had met several times, but Xiao Qingfang did not recognize him. "Hello, Shangguan Cairen." Xiao Qingfang greeted Shangguan Wan'er politely.

"Master Xiao." Shangguan Wan'er nodded.

Her attitude was a little cold, and she didn't seem to have much enthusiasm for Xiao Qingfang.

Zhao Ji stood aside, feeling a little embarrassed and puzzled. Could there still be a competitive relationship between these two women?
Xiao Qingfang didn't care about Shangguan Wan'er's cold attitude. After bowing again, he turned and left.

Shangguan Wan'er then took Zhao Ji straight into the Purple Palace to meet the emperor.

Xiao Qingfang walked a short distance and looked back again. There was a strange look in her eyes. It was unclear whether she was looking at Zhao Ji or Shangguan Wan'er.

Zhao Ji stepped into the majestic and spacious hall and walked to the imperial steps. Shangguan Wan'er returned to Wu Zetian's side.

This hall was very familiar to Zhao Ji. He had no idea how many times he had stood guard inside and outside the hall.

But it was the first time that Zhao Ji met Wu Zetian from such a completely different perspective, and he couldn't help feeling nervous and unfamiliar.

"Your Majesty, I am Zhao Ji, the minister. I pay my respects to His Majesty!" Zhao Ji bowed to the ground respectfully, his voice sonorous and powerful.

Wu Zetian had just attended a state banquet in honor of Jili Khan this evening, and then summoned Xiao Qingfang. Now she was still reviewing memorials.

Although the queen is already quite old, she does not look old at all. She is in very good spirits and has unusually strong energy.

The same is true for Di Renjie, who stays up all night every day. It can only be said that the basic requirement for those in power is extraordinary energy.

Zhao Ji was just daydreaming and secretly admiring. Wu Zetian finally put down the memorial in her hand, turned her eyes to him, and said lightly: "Stand up."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhao Ji stood up, bowed his head respectfully and stood where he was.

"Raise your head." Although Wu Zetian's voice was not loud, it was full of majesty.

"Yes."

Zhao Ji looked up in response and his eyes met Wu Zetian's sharp gaze.

For a moment, his heart was shocked, and he quickly controlled his emotions and looked away as if nothing had happened.

"I remember that you transferred to Qianniuwei in the same year as Hu Jinghui." Wu Zetian glanced at Zhao Ji, then lowered her head to deal with her own memorials.

"That's right." Zhao Ji answered concisely.

Seeing Zhao Ji was a little reserved, Wu Zetian mistakenly thought that he was nervous, so she comforted him, "Don't be so reserved. You have made great contributions in Youzhou. At the state banquet today, Jili Khan specifically mentioned Li Yuanfang and you, praising you for your extraordinary bravery and your ability to scare away thousands of soldiers."

When Wu Zetian mentioned this, Zhao Ji immediately recalled the scene of killing all the enemies in Ghost Town with Li Yuanfang. He thanked Jili Khan for his help, and it was easier to pass this level today.

Zhao Ji said modestly: "You are too kind, Khan. General Li is indeed very brave and brave. He frightened thousands of soldiers. I am far inferior to him."

"You are quite modest." Wu Zetian laughed.

Zhao Ji said solemnly: "What I said is from the bottom of my heart. If you say that I am brave and courageous, it may be justified, but only General Li can be said to be able to scare away thousands of troops. I am ashamed to be inferior to him."

Wu Zetian smiled again and asked, "I heard that after Hu Jinghui died for his country, you took over the Imperial Guard and helped Di Huaiying suppress the rebellion in Youzhou?"

Zhao Ji replied in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, I owe it to Lord Di for his command and to the soldiers for their loyalty. I am only trying my best to help."

After these words were spoken, even Shangguan Wan'er who was standing next to her couldn't help but chuckle with her hands covering her mouth.

Wu Zetian joked, "Look, even Wan'er laughs at you. You are so young, but you act like an old man without any sharpness."

"Your Majesty is right. I am ashamed." Zhao Ji said with his head down.

Upon hearing this, Wu Zetian couldn't help but shake her head again, thinking that Zhao was just like that and she would not force him.

She finally asked the question she really wanted to ask: "Do you know about Princess Yiyang's affairs?"

　There should be no more today, and there should be no more at midnight. The update time has to be changed to the earthly world. I will update during the day tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)