Li Shimin, one emperor through the ages

Chapter 65
On the one hand, the emperor's animal nature is manifested in the emperor's absolute worship of force, and on the other hand, the concept of family and world is deeply rooted.As the emperor of the family, no matter how great he is, because he is an emperor, he is the product of the beginning of the establishment of the country from the clan tribe to the country, and the nature of civilized people is still imprisoned in the animal nature of the family.For a great emperor like Li Shimin who has been outstanding throughout the ages, when he chooses a successor to a great empire, he can only find it among his own children.Due to inertia, he first chose the eldest son Chengqian.One is because the original emperor seems to have decided so, the other is because Chengqian's mother, Changsun, is the woman he respects the most, and the third is that Chengqian has been with him the longest and is the son most worthy of his concern.But as time passed, he became acquainted with more sons, such as Li Tai and Li Ke. In his opinion, Cheng Qian seemed not as likable as the two of them.So, his heart began to shift.

To be fair, Chengqian is not bad, and he is very respectful to him. Perhaps it is this more respect than other princes that alienates Li Shimin's heart from him.Li Shimin is a very cheerful person who has been insecure since he was a child. For this reason, he used to blame himself constantly, but suddenly one day, after thinking clearly, he said to himself: Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, isn't it good for me? ?I am no worse than others, why force myself to be like others?It was because of this awakening that he came to have his own views on people: he didn’t like those who were obsequious in front of him.When a person likes another person, there is actually a kind of fate at work in the dark. If you can't agree with each other, you can't match what you like, and you can't like each other.Just like this, many people wrong themselves and try to please others, but nine times out of ten they fail to do so, and this is the reason.

At that time, Li Shimin couldn't think of so much, and couldn't figure it out, so he shook his head and sighed:
"God's will, all of this is God's will!" Li Shimin looked at the sky with dissatisfaction, and said firmly: "I must do a good job of establishing a reserve this time!"

17
The next day, Changsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Ji, and Cen Wen came to Liangyi Hall to meet Li Shimin.According to Confucian etiquette, most people don't want to have the slightest injury, let alone an emperor?Li Ji drank the medicine of burning dragon beard as an introduction, and he was able to jump down from his illness. Now that he came to Liangyi Hall, before he could talk about anything else, he knelt down on the ground and licked his head again and again until his forehead bled and flowed. It's all over the face.When Li Shimin saw him, he helped him up personally and said:
"I'm doing my best for the society, so thank you for not bothering Ai Qing."

"Cutting the 'dragon's beard' to make medicine for courtiers must be a good story through the ages." Fang Xuanling said with emotion.

"It is rare in ancient and modern times to have such kindness as a minister, and it is indeed a special blessing for my ministers of the Tang Dynasty." Changsun Wuji said.

Li Ji wanted to speak, but was stopped by Li Shimin, and said: "I asked you four to discuss the establishment of a crown prince. Now let's get down to business, and speak out what you think."

Li Tai, courtesy name Huibao, was born to Empress Changsun and the fourth son of Li Shimin.Li Tai was granted the title of King of Yidu at the beginning, moved to King Wei in March of the fourth year of Wude, succeeded Queen Huai, and moved to King Yue in the second year of Zhenguan, and became the governor of Yangzhou. Feng Wei Wang.

When Crown Prince Chengqian let Li Shimin down day by day, it was the day when Wei Wang Li Tai was increasingly favored by Li Shimin. Not only did the supplies increase day by day, but he was even wanted to live in the Hall of Wude.Wei Zheng was still alive at the time, and when he found out, he persuaded Li Shimin, saying: "Your Majesty loves Wei Wang Li Tai deeply, and it is okay for him to live in a safe place. However, Wude Hall is to the west of the East Palace, where Yuanji, the former Hailing King, lived. , is a place of suspicion, it’s better not to let King Wei live in it.” Li Shimin thought it was reasonable after hearing this, so he didn’t let King Wei Li Tai live in Wude Palace.

Because the imperial power is too attractive, Wei Wang Li Tai, who is only two years younger than Chengqian and born to the same mother, naturally scorns the throne.As early as when Chengqian was the prince, Wei Wang Li Tai, with the support of many heroes in the court and their sons, became friends with each other, and formed a relatively large Wei Wang group in the court that could compete with the prince's power.Although this power is not as good as that of Li Shimin, the king of Qin, it still makes Prince Chengqian feel afraid.In addition to Wei Wang Li Tai's own reasons, it is also the help of these forces that makes Li Shimin fall in love with his fourth son more and more.

At this time, Li Shimin cast his eyes on his four important ministers, hoping that their thoughts would be consistent with his own.

"I think that among the princes today, the one who can succeed the crown prince is none other than King Wei Li Tai." Cen Wenwen repeated what he said to Li Shimin yesterday.

"It's ridiculous!" Changsun Wuji stared at Cen Wenwen and said, "Among all the kings today, the one who is the least able to inherit the crown prince is Wei Wang Li Tai."

Changsun Wuji is not only Li Shimin's brother-in-law, but also one of the first contributors in the process of Li Shimin's seizure of the throne.After Li Shimin came to the throne, in many important affairs, Changsun Wuji played a role that others could not play with his virtue.At the beginning of Zhenguan, just after Li Shimin signed the "Weiqiao Alliance" with Turks, Turks were intensified due to natural disasters, and the upper-level conflicts intensified, and many of Jieli's subordinates rebelled, resulting in a decline in power. At this time, many ministers in Li Shimin's court proposed to take advantage Send troops here to attack Turks.The only eldest son, Sun Wuji, firmly opposed it, thinking that although the Turks were weak due to the disaster, they were also weak after the unification of the Tang Dynasty.The Turks are too weak to attack me, so they should seize the time to build the Tang Dynasty well.What's more, Datang had just signed a contract with the Turks, and then went to take advantage of other people's dangers. To act in this way would lose the trust of neighboring countries in Datang, which is not the way of a king.Li Shimin listened, thought it was reasonable, and adopted Wuji's opinion.

What is more telling is that because Li Shimin admired the enfeoffment system of the Zhou Dynasty in the Tang Dynasty, in the 11th year of Zhenguan, he ignored the objections of Wei Zheng, Li Baiyao, Yan Shigu and many other ministers, and formally issued an edict: Order the eldest son Wuji, the governor of Zhaozhou. The fourteen heroes headed by him are hereditary governors.At this point, the ministers including Wei Zheng dared not speak again, but the enfeoffed grandson Wuji took the lead in submitting a letter of resistance, saying to Tang Li Shimin: "Your Majesty, I will wait for you to overcome the thorns and thorns. Now the country is unified, However, if we want to implement hereditary entrustment again, in the long run, the unified country will be torn apart, and today, the meritorious ministers will be abandoned to other states, which is no different from emigration!"

After hearing this, Tang Li Shimin finally stopped enfeoffing.Because of this, Li Shimin has always attached great importance to Changsun Wuji's opinion, and he never forgot Changsun Wuji's contribution to his life until he died. It's something later.

Now Li Shimin was a little unhappy after hearing Changsun Wuji's words. He looked at Changsun Wuji with piercing eyes, and did not speak.Changsun Wuji knew that Li Shimin was not satisfied with his answer, so he explained:
"The king of Wei, Li Tai, and the crown prince Chengqian, one fought for the crown prince, and the other wanted to keep the crown prince. There used to be a gap. These two people are both His Majesty's beloved sons. Now Chengqian commits crimes and goes astray, but the emperor does not want anyone to come again." Harm him to death. If Wei Wang Li Tai inherits the crown prince, he will be crowned a great treasure in the future, and Chengqian will be killed. Therefore, the minister said: The most inappropriate person to be crown prince is Wei Wang Li Taizi."

Li Shimin's heart moved when he heard this.He also hesitated about the matter that Changsun Wuji mentioned, but after thinking about it, he thought it might not be the case. Now that Changsun Wuji insisted so much, he hesitated again, showing Fang Xuanling that he wanted to hear it. Listen to his opinion.

Before Zhenguan, Fang Xuanling assisted Li Shimin to pacify the Quartet, eliminate the heroes and seize the throne, and was called by Li Shimin as "planning strategies and establishing the country". 20 years.He not only participated in the formulation of laws and regulations, presided over the revision of laws and regulations, but also practiced Tang rituals with Wei Zheng, adjusted government agencies, and provincial and central officials.Fang Xuanling is good at employing people, assigning appointments according to their talents, she has always abided by her duties and never takes credit for herself, which has won Li Shimin's trust and reliance.Li Shimin succeeded to the throne, appointed Xuanling as Zhongshu Ling, promoted to Shangshu Zuo Pushe in the third year of Zhenguan, supervised the compilation of national history, was named Liang Guogong in 11 years, and became Sikong in 16 years to manage the government affairs.He was ordered to rewrite "Book of Jin".When Li Shimin conquered Goguryeo, he stayed in the capital and died of illness in 22 years. This is a later story.Regarding the establishment of the crown prince, Li Shimin had some doubts about Fang Xuanling, mainly because Fang Xuanling's love for the ovary actively participated in the struggle between Li Tai and Li Chengqian for the crown.

In the 17th year of Zhenguan, Li Shimin asked Fang Xuanling: "Since ancient times, the master of creation, as for the chaos of his descendants, why?"

Fang Xuanling replied: "This is the young master who grew up in a deep palace. He rarely lives in wealth and honor. He has never known the laziness and hypocrisy of the world. He governs the country's safety and security, so there is a lot of chaos in politics."

Li Shimin disagreed with his words and said: "The general will is pushed too far, and I blame it on my ministers. Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty recorded Yu Wenshu's achievements in the vassal, promoted him to a high position, and did not want to repay him. Is it a fault? I say this, and I hope that the Lord and others will abstain from Xu’s children, so that there will be no faults, which is the celebration of the country.”

This is Li Shimin's anger towards some ministers who participated in the battle between the king of Wei and the crown prince since Li Shimin started the incident.This is human nature, and Fang Xuanling also understands it in his heart, so he has been reluctant to express his views on the matter of opposing Chu recently. Now when Li Shimin asked about it, he thought that he was in a place of suspicion, so he said:

"I think that what Situ Elder Sun Wuji said is true, if Li Tai is established, there is indeed a possibility of brothers killing each other."

"It's not a possibility, it's definitely a fact." Changsun Wuji insisted.

At this time, Li Shimin already felt very clearly from the words of Changsun Wuji: Li Zhi must be made the prince!

180,

Li Zhi must be made the prince!Changsun Wuji really thought so at this time, and the reason is very simple.

At this time, Changsun Wuji's power among the courtiers was unmatched.In order to maintain his own advantage, Changsun Wuji hopes that the future emperor should be a nephew who is more benevolent, filial and weaker.Wei Wang Li Tai is extremely smart and courageous, and just like Qin Wang back then, he has his own group of talents.Although these talents are just playboys in the eyes of Changsun Wuji, once Li Tai becomes emperor in the future, he will definitely use them again without the help of his uncle, Changsun Wuji. Maintain the unmatched power among courtiers today.However, Jin Wang Li Zhi was cowardly by nature. If he became emperor with the support of his uncle and grandson Wuji, he would naturally have to rely on him to maintain his rule.In this way, Changsun Wuji will naturally be able to keep his power in the court, and there will be no retreat.

All this, Li Shimin is not at all clear.However, what he was thinking about at this time was how to avoid killing brothers and how to continue his principles and policies of governing the country. Only in this way can the Tang Dynasty continue to prosper.Li Shimin stared at his brother-in-law with wide eyes. This time, because of the selfishness in his heart, Changsun Wuji didn't meet Li Shimin's gaze as calmly as before.Li Shimin felt this subtle change.

Now it was up to one of the two princes who had established himself to inherit the throne.They are all born to the eldest grandson empress, the eldest son of the banished.Empress Changsun gave birth to three princes in total, and now the eldest son Li Chengqian has been abolished, leaving only the fourth prince Wei Wang Li Tai and the ninth prince Jin Wang Li Zhi.If there is no other reason, it is very easy to choose one of them. Li Tai is talented and already 24 years old. Li Zhi is cowardly and incompetent and has just turned 15. Li Tai is naturally selected.However, with the possibility that Li Tai might kill Chengqian if he became the emperor, Li Shimin had to further consider the issue of the crown prince.

There are many talents around Li Tai, such as Chai Shao's son Chai Lingwu, Fang Xuanling's concubine Fang Yiai, Du Ruhui's son Du Chuke... Anyway, they are all sons of heroes.Most of these people are dudes!Li Shimin said in his heart: These young people, relying on the virtues of their ancestors, are in high-ranking officials, are extravagant and indulgent, and they really hope that Li Tai can become emperor and be further reused.What will they do then?Will you govern Datang in accordance with the principles and policies I have set for governing the country?

Thinking of this, Li Shimin couldn't help shaking his head.When it comes to advanced studies, in order to gain power, they will definitely expel the elders.Thinking of this, Li Shimin couldn't help but look affectionately at the four important ministers around him, closed his eyes and continued to think: What if Li Zhi is allowed to be the crown prince?In the future, he can only rely on these ministers who respect me, and rely on my founding fathers to assist me.These people, no matter what, are my loyal ministers. Whether I am present or not, they will stick to my principles and policies for governing the country, because these principles and policies were jointly formulated by me and them.Thinking of this, Li Shimin felt his heart brighten. He suddenly opened his eyes and said loudly to the four of them:
"I have three sons and one younger brother. I have no reason to do what I have done. The third son committed rebellion against Qian, and Tai and Zhi fought for the establishment; the younger brother Yuanchang died, and I am deeply saddened by it. After thinking about it again and again, I have made up my mind." , wanting to establish Jin Wangzhi as the crown prince."

After hearing this, Changsun Wuji announced loudly:
"I would like to obey the imperial edict to establish King Zhi of Jin as the crown prince. If there are any objections, please behead him."

After hearing this, Fang Xuanling, Li Ji, and Cen Wenwen all knelt in front of Li Shimin, and said in a long voice: "I obey the emperor's order!"

"This matter, I have summoned all officials to ask questions, and there is no disagreement." Changsun Wuji said again: "Now that the appointment of the crown prince has been decided, the ministers must obey the emperor's orders, swear to assist the prince to the death, and carry out the emperor's politics. If you lose your majesty, The minister deserves to die."

After Li Shimin heard this, he felt relieved gradually. Later, when he summoned Prince Li Zhi, he told him: "Your uncle Xu Ru, you should pay your respects."

The eldest grandson Wuji contributed to Li Zhi as the prince, and later succeeded him as Tang Gaozong.After Emperor Gaozong came to the throne, he worshiped his elder Sun Wuji as a Taiwei, and also inspected the school's Zhongshu Ling, Zhishangshu, and his sect.In the early years of Tang Gaozong's accession to the throne, Changsun Wuji was actually in power.Changsun Wuji faithfully carried out the legacy of Li Shimin in Tang Dynasty, and continued to promote Zhenguan politics: to carry out the equalization of land and present, and further prosperity and development of the social economy; ", and promulgated it to the whole country, further improved the Zhenguan legal system; also quelled the rebellion of the Western Turks, and effectively maintained the unity of the Tang Dynasty; The long-term war against Korea followed the people's sentiments and won the hearts of the people.In the early years of Gaozong's reign, that is, the Yonghui period, the Tang Dynasty developed in politics, economy, culture, law, and military affairs compared with the Zhenguan period. Governance" on a par.The achievement of this achievement depends on the loyal assistance of Changsun Wuji.Li Tai was later renamed the King of Shunyang County and lived in Yun Township of Junzhou.Li Shimin never forgot Li Tai. Before he passed away, he took out his seal and said to others: "Li Tai's diction is gratifying, isn't he a talented man? I have always liked him very much in my heart, but for the sake of the country and society of the Tang Dynasty, Sending him to live abroad can make the country safe and the brothers safe." In November of the 21st year of Zhenguan, Li Tai was granted the title of King Pu.Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi came to the throne, ordered Li Tai to open a government office and set up staff members, and special preferential treatment for car service and food.In 35 A.D., Li Tai died in Yunxiang at the age of [-]. Emperor Gaozong bestowed on him the official post of Taiwei and Yongzhou Shepherd. This is a later story.

Apart from his relationship with women, the emperor's animal nature is the bad habit of putting his family above the country, but this bad habit does not hinder some responsible emperors from teaching their children.Li Shimin is one of the emperors with a sense of responsibility. He has seen the inhuman killing for the throne by the previous dynasty, and he has personally practiced it. After seeing the younger generation try to kill again, his heart has understood a lot .After making the cowardly, incompetent and extremely young Li Zhi the crown prince, Li Shimin on the one hand found the most suitable group of assistant ministers for him, and on the other hand took advantage of his father's convenience to personally join the ranks of educating this son.

When Li Zhi was eating, Li Shimin would point to the food and say, "Plowing the fields, planting in spring and harvesting in autumn requires hard work. Only by caring for the strength of the people and not taking away the time for farming can we always have food to eat." Going out with Li Zhi on horseback, Li Shimin would tell him: "Horses can replace people's steps, save energy, use them properly, and can do their best. You can often have horses to ride." Riding a boat with Li Zhi on the river, Li Shimin told him again: "The boat is better than the king. This is why water is better than ordinary people. Water can carry a boat, but it can also overturn it. You will become a king in the future, you must think more about the relationship between water and boats, and be afraid of water." Li Zhi was sitting in the shade of a tree, pointing to the man with a bent body The big tree said to him: "Although the trunk of this tree is curved, it can be sawed into straight planks after being measured by the carpenter's rope. The emperor is not born with this, and he will definitely make mistakes, but as long as he is good at accepting advice, he can become a straight plank." Holy Son of Heaven." In all of these, Li Shimin's teachings to Li Zhi were unprecedentedly patient.

In addition, Li Shimin later wrote a book called "Emperor Fan" based on his own experience. A sage king is a teacher, don't be like me. Because, if you learn from others, you can only get the middle if you take the law from the top, and you can only get the bottom if you take the law from the middle. There are quite a few: the splendid pearls and jades are endless, the palaces and terraces are frequently created, the dogs, horses, eagles and falcons are far away, and they travel all over the world for trouble... All these are my faults. Be an example to follow."

Li Shimin's "Di Fan" has 12 chapters, divided into two volumes.Concise and concise, with well-founded arguments, "the emperor's details, safety and danger, prosperity and failure, are here to stay." This book was later published in a rare edition and passed down to the world. It was one of the favorite books for later emperors, and it was spread to Korea, Japan and other countries. This is something.

(End of this chapter)