Hou Sizhi's family was very poor. He often had no rice to cook with, so he had no chance to read and write. However, when it comes to being rogue and cunning, few can compare to him.
At that time, Wu Zetian was preparing to proclaim himself emperor, recruiting party members and wantonly killing members of the Li and Tang royal family. Hou Sizhi saw the right opportunity and falsely accused King Shu and Li Yuanming of treason.
As a result, Li Yuanming was executed, and Hou Sizhi completely changed his destiny and became a guerrilla general.
After becoming an official, Hou Sizhi often felt uneasy because he was illiterate.
One of his subordinates, Captain Xuanjie, advised him: "Now the imperial court uses talents in an eclectic way, regardless of their qualifications or abilities. If someone attacks you for being illiterate, you can reply: 'Xie Zhi is illiterate, but he is It can use its horn to distinguish between good and evil. Empress Wu knows that you don't have a house, so I will give you a confiscated official house to live in. You can thank me but you can't accept it. If I ask you why, just say: "These traitors dare to rebel against you. I hate their reputation and I don't want to live there." There."
Hou Sizhi was overjoyed and remembered these words firmly.
Not long after, Wu Zetian summoned Hou Sizhi and said to him: I am going to appoint you as the censor. Unfortunately, many people say that you are illiterate and not suitable for this position. Hou Sizhi immediately responded by saying that the Haechi can tell the difference between good and evil. Wu Zetian was very happy after hearing this, and immediately appointed him as censor, and at the same time offered to reward him with a confiscated official residence.
Hou Sizhi quickly thanked him, and then told him the words taught to him by Captain Xuanjie.
Wu Zetian was particularly happy. She felt that this illiterate man was extremely loyal to her, so she gave Hou Sizhi a very generous reward.
