Anecdote of the Fifth Queen Mother

Chapter 26 Empress Dowager Xiao (4)
Empress Dowager Xiao reformed the law mainly based on the laws of the Tang Dynasty.Tang law is one of the most important laws in the history of our country that embodies the class will of the feudal landlord class. In terms of class essence, it is still a tool for oppressing the people, but compared with the original slavery law on the grassland, it cannot be different. A kind of historical progress.Not only that, Empress Dowager Xiao also made some tentative innovations in political sentencing involving the interests of the ruling class.In feudal society, the "ten heinous" crimes were the most taboo of the ruling class, so the sentencing was also the cruelest. As far as the Central Plains dynasties were concerned, from the Tang Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the sentencing trend was aggravated, but the Empress Dowager Xiao But also treat it with a relaxed attitude.In the "History of the Liao Dynasty Yelu Ami Li Biography", there is such a record: "First of all, the rebellious family, brothers and those who don't know about it, also sit together. Ami Li remonstrated: "Although the husbands and brothers are Japanese compatriots, they have different natures. Even if you don’t know it, it’s punishment and innocence. From now on, even if you live together as brothers, those who don’t know will be exempted from sitting together.’ Empress Dowager Jia Na, this is an order.” Empress Dowager Xiao’s enlightened decision showed her To some extent, her courage surpassed that of some Han landlord class politicians who were later than her.

"Princes who break the law are as guilty as the common people", this is one of the "benevolent government" that the feudal landlord class preached verbally, but in real life, it is often impossible to punish a doctor.However, during the regency of Empress Dowager Xiao, some bureaucratic nobles who violated laws and disciplines were severely sanctioned.In the sixth year of Tonghe (988 A.D.), King Xi Choining killed the innocent Li Hao. According to the past practice, this is not worth mentioning.A nobleman at the level of Tianning killed a lot of people, just like hunting a deer.But this time, although he was not made to pay for his life, Empress Dowager Xiao approved Yousi's punishment and asked him to pay for Li Hao's family.At the same time that King Xi was planning to kill Li Hao, Yelubo Guzhe, the "main hero of the Losing Loyalty and Protection Festival" who killed the people in private, was reported.Empress Dowager Xiao promulgated the Han law, which reduced many chaotic and cruel elements in the old laws of the Liao Dynasty, which marked that the Khitan people's civilization factors were increasing with the development of society.

2.Open a course to obtain a doctor.Imperial examinations, which began in the Sui and Tang Dynasties in Chinese history, enabled a large number of middle and small landlords, and at least a few commoner children, to obtain "equal" rights in the face of examinations. This was a stage in the maturity of Chinese feudal politics. kind of identification.But this kind of system is a new thing for the Khitan people who have just emerged from the primitive society, set foot on the threshold of civilization, and hastily moved to a higher level of society in a short period of time.

According to the grassland tradition, Khitan practiced aristocratic politics.Most of the senior officials in the DPRK are selected from the world by prominent families.Its method is different from the hereditary system of the Western Zhou Dynasty in the Central Plains. It is not hereditary from descendants, but the selection of materials among the descendants of the hereditary aristocratic group.The children of middle and small aristocrats outside the hereditary aristocratic group were locked out of the door to participate in the governance of the country.Empress Dowager Xiao advocated the imperial examination, but opened a gap in this closed door, which is obviously of progressive significance.

As early as when Empress Dowager Xiao assisted Jingzong, she assisted Jingzong in promulgating the "Nanjing Fuli Ministry Tribute" ("Liao History · Jingzong Ji") in December of the eighth year of Jingzong Baoning (976 AD). The Liao Dynasty began to prepare for the implementation of the imperial examination.When Shengzong came to the throne, Empress Dowager Xiao called it the system, so she put the admission of scholars on the agenda.In the sixth year of Tonghe (988 A.D.), the system of the Tang Dynasty was adopted, and the examination of scholars was officially opened.

At that time, the imperial examination was divided into three levels: township, prefecture, and province.The government encourages talented people to take the exam.At first, the content of the examination was mainly Ci Fu, laws, etc., and later Ming Jing, Maocaiyi, etc. were added.The examination time is not fixed, usually once a year, and sometimes only once a year or two.After the examination, the method of recruiting officials was basically implemented in accordance with the system of the Tang Dynasty.At the beginning of the imperial examination, only two or at most four Jinshi were selected each year. From the 24th year of Shengzong Tonghe (AD 1006), that is, the fourth year of the Regent No. 20 of Empress Dowager Xiao, the number of Jinshi increased sharply, reaching dozens. to more than a hundred people.

Of course, Empress Dowager Xiao's opening of a course to obtain a scholar is mainly a policy towards the Han people.Therefore, Empress Dowager Xiao opened the door of aristocratic politics to the society, which is not a small gap. As for the Khitan people to participate in the imperial examination, it is only a matter of time.Later, the door was finally opened to the society.

3.Ren Xian Qu evil.The Empress Dowager knew very well that a person's ability to see and hear was limited, and it would be difficult to consolidate her dominance, let alone govern the country, without brainstorming.In the 12th year of Tonghe (994 A.D.), Han Derang "asked Ren Xian to go away from evil". The queen mother was very happy and praised him, saying: "Jin Xian assists the government, and he is a real minister." ("Liao History · Yelulong Yun Biography") As a result, many virtuous and capable talents were appointed by Chaoba.

Zhang Jian, a native of Wanping (now Beijing), Youzhou, served two dynasties and was called a wise minister at that time.However, discovering Zhang Jian is an interesting story.In the 14th year of Tonghe (996 A.D.), Zhang Jian was the first Jinshi, and transferred to Yunzhou as an aide.Once when Shengzong went hunting to Yunzhou (now Datong City), Yunzhou Jiedu envoy came to see Shengzong empty-handed, and Shengzong felt faintly unhappy.According to the grassland practice, when the emperor visits or hunts in a certain place, the local chief should offer local specialties to show respect for the court.However, the Jiedu Envoy of Yunzhou came to see him empty-handed. Of course, Shengzong was not happy, but the Jiedu Envoy of Yunzhou did not feel nervous. Zhang Jian, the treasure of a generation, is willing to dedicate it." Shengzong was dubious and ordered Zhang Jian to enter the account.When Zhang Jian got into the tent, he turned out to be an ordinary person with a simple and unpretentious attitude. Shengzong was very disapproving and reluctantly gave him a seat.But when it comes to political affairs, Zhang Jian is very insightful, so Shengzong was overjoyed, brought him back to the court, and recommended him to his mother Xiao Chuo.The queen mother "visited the affairs of the world, and accounted for more than [-] things. From this, she took care of the uniqueness, practiced in Tsinghua University, and was known as Mingqian" ("Liao History·Zhang Jian Biography").

Xing Baopu, born in Yingzhou (Ying County, Shanxi Province), is a shrewd and capable judge who is studious and knowledgeable.During Jingzong's time, he was a servant of government affairs, knew how to make edicts, moved to the Imperial Academy, and became a minister of the Ministry of Rites.The queen mother still kept her post.In the fourth year of Tonghe (986 A.D.), large civil lawsuits occurred in prefectures and counties in Shanxi (west of the northern end of Taihang Mountain).Baopu was ordered by the Empress Dowager to govern, and because he was able to enforce the law impartially, the people obeyed his decision, and the people began to be stable.In the tenth year of Tonghe (992 A.D.), the official paid homage to the political affairs. After Han Derang's recommendation, the queen mother ordered him to tour the place and gave him the power to depose him. ").

Xiao Jixian, the Empress Dowager's natal family, was adopted by Xiao Siwen as a child when he was young.Empress Dowager Xiao especially loved this little brother, and married her beloved daughter Princess Qi (namely Guanyin girl) to him as his wife. This kind of marriage still left traces of exogamy in primitive society.In the fourth year of Tonghe (986 A.D.), he followed the queen mother to the enemy Song army. He made military exploits and was officially worshiped as the prime minister of Beifu.Although Xiao Jixian was a dignitary, he "adopted frugality, so he was known as good governance" ("Liao History·Xiao Jixian Biography").

Wang Jizhong, originally the governor of Yunzhou in the Northern Song Dynasty, was the Marquis of Yu in front of the palace.In the 21st year of Tonghe (1003 A.D.), the army defeated in the battle of Wangdu was captured by Yelunugua, the Prime Minister of Southern Liao Prefecture, and surrendered to Liao Dynasty.The Empress Dowager knew that she was a good man, so she appointed the envoy of the Ministry of Household Affairs.In order to repay the empress dowager's grace of not killing, Jizhong "is also passionate and will do his best in everything."In the second year (AD 1004), the Empress Dowager and Song Zhenzong made an alliance under the city of Chanzhou, and Jizhong played a great role in mediating from it.

4.Exam officials.Based on the experience of the rulers of past dynasties, Empress Dowager Xiao knew that the quality of official administration was related to the rise and fall of a generation, so she attached great importance to the rectification of official administration.First of all, she used the good or bad performance of officials as the basis for appointing and dismissing officials. Regardless of the official position, as long as they committed many crimes in their positions, corrupted and harmed the people, they would be dismissed from office and not hired for life.If the political achievements are not obvious, mediocre people who have been in office for many years, even important officials of the court, or royal relatives, will be removed from their posts and replaced by talented and honest people.For officials who are diligent and diligent in their duties, regardless of their noble or humble backgrounds, they can be promoted and entrusted with important tasks.

Empress Dowager Xiao has two older sisters. The elder sister was a widow in her early years, and she admired Talan Abo, who was born as a slave and was very beautiful and talented. She once asked the Empress Dowager to allow her to marry him.After realizing that Talan Abo was very talented in military affairs, Empress Dowager Xiao generously agreed to make him her brother-in-law who was the empress dowager.Not only that, but he also gave full play to his military talents and asked him to lead the troops to defend against the harassment of the Tatars. Talan Abo quickly conquered the tribes of the Tatars after his extraordinary leadership.Later, relying on being the brother-in-law of the empress dowager, and taking credit for his arrogance, he conspired to "join troops to usurp the empress", but the empress dowager found out in time, removed him from the military power, and ordered him to leave Youzhou.

Empress Dowager Xiao was able to insist on appointing people on their merits from beginning to end, showing a good politician's demeanor.In Chinese feudal society, when women occupy the highest position of dominance, it often results in a situation where clan courtiers are massacred and foreign relatives monopolize power. Isn't this the case in Wu Zetian's reign?But Queen Mother Xiao avoided it.Apart from Xiao Jixian, who once served as the prime minister of the Beifu, the Xiao family no longer has any direct family members.Even the only Xiao Jixian did not act arbitrarily, but was known for his good governance and frugality.

Wu Bulu, the son of Yelu Xuegu, has an upright temperament and is not a powerful man.When Han De asked the official to worship the prime minister, he recommended Wubulu to the queen mother, thinking that he could be an envoy to the army.The queen mother was very surprised, and asked Derang, why did you recommend him when Ubulu once bumped into you face to face?Derang replied: "I am in the position, and he is still unyielding, let alone others. If he is used as the commander-in-chief, he will be able to appease the tribes." Dr. Jiajin Zichonglu, the inspector Taiwei.

5.Humbly accept advice.In a centralized society with authoritarianism, officials are accustomed to flattering the monarch.But Empress Dowager Xiao didn't like courtiers. She repeatedly warned all officials, big and small, civil and military, to enforce the law impartially during their tenure and not to flatter A Shun.If lower-level officials encounter higher-level officials and court envoys and commit illegal acts, they must dare to directly admonish them based on the facts and "do not obey."Empress Dowager Xiao set an example by not paying attention to what she heard, and obeying what she heard. She set a good example for correcting the official style of the Liao Dynasty.She encouraged her ministers to give advice, and the proper handling of the Song army's captives is a vivid example.

Since the Northern Expedition of the Song Army failed in the fourth year of Tonghe (986 A.D.), the Liao Army frequently launched wars of invading the Song Dynasty and captured many people.After a triumphant return, he learned from Fan Yang and held a celebration banquet. Empress Dowager Xiao was extremely excited at the banquet, drinking freely with her officials regardless of etiquette.A minister named Guo Shizhen came to the Queen Mother with a toast and remonstrated: "How will the Queen Mother deal with the soldiers of the Song Army?" It's embarrassing!" Guo Shizhen interjected: "The Empress Dowager, forgive me for being bold, but I think it's inappropriate to do so. These soldiers must have a feeling of cherishing the soil, and they will be driven to the north, but they will be useless. Please think twice." The Empress Dowager listened. After pondering for a moment, I thought what Guo Shizhen said was very reasonable, so I passed on the word that tens of thousands of Song soldiers were released to the Song Dynasty.And reward Guo Shizhen. (Zhang Xiang's "Hui Yang Zhi" is quoted from "The Chronicle of Liao History") It is the consistent style of Empress Dowager Xiao to accept advice with humility.As early as when she was the Queen's assistant to Jing Zong, whenever there were major national affairs, she would convene a group of ministers to discuss together, so that the group of ministers could speak freely.After the pronouncing system in the imperial court, he still rewarded his admonishing ministers as before, so that the civil and military officials knew everything and said everything, and formed a relatively harmonious relationship between the monarch and his ministers.

[-]. Use offense as defense

Let us now turn the historical picture to the peace-war relationship between Liao and Song.

The battle between the Liao and Song Dynasties for the sixteen prefectures of Yanyun, since the defeat of the Song side in 986 AD, the strategic situation has changed significantly, and the Song army has shifted from the original strategic offensive to the strategic defensive.In the Song Dynasty, in the area of ​​28 miles from east to west and 120 to [-] miles from north to south from Baozhou (now Baoding) in the west to Nigu Haikou (near Tanggu) in the east of central Hebei, the original river ponds were used to dredge, and embankments were built to store water. [-] villages and [-] Wupu were guarded to stop the cavalry of the Liao Dynasty.The Liao side changed from being passive and beaten to gaining the upper hand and becoming the offensive side.However, in terms of the strength of both parties at that time, the Song Dynasty was generally superior to the Liao Dynasty in terms of human and material resources, social and economic development, and support for the people.Of course, this superiority is not enough to break the balance between the Liao and Song Dynasties.

Against this historical background, Empress Dowager Xiao sized up the situation and adopted a strategic policy of offense as defense.On the one hand, in order to relieve future worries, in December of the eighth year of Tonghe (AD 990), the Queen Mother accepted the surrender of Li Jiqian, the leader of the Xixia regime of the Dangxiang clan, which was connected to the southwest of the Liao Kingdom.Princess Yicheng, the daughter of Yeluxiang from the royal family, married Li Jiqian, and made him King Xia.During the reign of Shengzong, the relationship between Liao and Xia was peaceful, and there was no war on the southwest border.In December of the tenth year of Tonghe (AD 992), Empress Dowager Xiao sent Xiao Hengde and other troops to stay in Tokyo to conquer Goryeo, which had always been closely related to the Central Plains Dynasty. In this way, the Empress Dowager consolidated the left and right wings.On the other hand, Empress Dowager Xiao took advantage of Song Ting's fear of failure and the psychology of being content with the south, and took the initiative in the military, frequently invading the south.

From the fourth year of Tonghe (986 AD) to the 22nd year of Tonghe (1004 AD) when Chanyuan signed the alliance, there were eight large-scale southward invasion campaigns in 18 years.Specifically, in the four years, five years, six years, seven years, 17 years, 19 years, 20 years, and 21 years of Tonghe, either the Empress Dowager Xiao and Shengzong led the army to conquer, or sent important officials to the south.Generally speaking, the Southern Expeditions by important ministers were relatively small and mostly harassing, while the Empress Dowager's personal conquests were relatively large and often went deep into Song Dynasty Beijing (a famous name in Hebei).The time is roughly chosen to send troops in September, and the return of the army is only in December.

In the winter and October of the fourth year of Tonghe (986 A.D.), the cold north wind has blown all over Shuoye, and the whole grassland has presented a scene of freezing in early winter.But the cold wind did not blow out the flame of revenge in Empress Dowager Xiao's chest. Even though she had defeated the Northern Song Army three months ago, she still wanted to take revenge on the Song Army's provocation.With the advent of the winter season, the herds in the Liao Kingdom have become fat and strong, and it is the season to use soldiers. Moreover, the new defeat of the Song army hurts its vitality for a while, so it is just a good time to take advantage of it.So the queen mother selected an auspicious day, and on the hour a hundred thousand troops marched out of Juyongguan to Nanjing (Youzhou).

In November, troops were stationed in Nanjing.The Empress Dowager immediately discussed with Brother Yeluxiu about the battle plan for the southward advance.The Empress Dowager decided to divide the troops into two groups, with Brother Yeluxiu as the vanguard and commander, using light cavalry to block the Song soldiers who were going to fight, passing through Qizhou to Zhending Mansion, and then heading to Song's Beijing (Daming, Hebei) to join forces with the Empress Dowager.The Empress Dowager personally led the army to follow up, and divided the troops out of Hutuohebei, and went straight to Beijing in the Song Dynasty through Xiong, Mo, and Ji.

Before leaving the army, the Empress Dowager chose a flat, narrow-bottomed crucible to hold a military parade.The Empress Dowager has always paid attention to military scouting in order to know herself and the enemy.Therefore, not long after he and Brother Xiu separated, the scouts in front came to report that Song wanted to take advantage of the Queen Mother's opportunity to go south to sneak attack the empty Nanjing (Youzhou) in order to copy the Queen Mother's return route.When the Queen Mother heard the news, she thought to herself: "Although this plan is wonderful, it will not work when it meets me. If you take my way back, then I can't take advantage of you. I will definitely put you to death. "Thinking of this, the queen mother drew a command arrow and sent someone on a flying horse to order Brother Xiu not to enter Qizhou, but quickly folded his troops to Mozhou, and formed a north-south pincer attack with the queen mother on Liu Tingyi in Mozhou.In addition, when Song general Liu Tingrang and others entered Mozhou according to the original plan, their positions were not yet stable. The Queen Mother and Brother Xiu also came to the city of Mozhou and surrounded Mozhou tightly.At this time, it was already ninety-nine cold days, and the Liao soldiers were full of energy, and they became stronger and stronger as they got colder.The queen mother was dressed in a mink fur robe, and with a horizontal sword, she immediately spread out the formation on all sides, with the cavalry in front, and formed a team. Each team ranged from 700 to [-] people. Every ten teams formed a team, and each team blocked one side alone.Although Song Fang also lined up to fight, but it was so cold that the soldiers suffered from frostbite on their hands and feet, the pain was unbearable, and they couldn't even open their bows and crossbows.So when the Empress Dowager sounded the war drum and the Liao soldiers came in an orderly conflict, the Song soldiers were unable to hold each other and retreated one after another. Li Jingyuan and Yang Chongjin also died among the enemy troops. Save your life.

In the battle of Mozhou, Song Ting was shocked. They did not expect that the Liao side would send troops to crusade three months after their brilliant victory. At this time, when they heard that Mozhou was defeated again, they hurriedly dispatched heavy troops to various pass crossings to strengthen control.Under such circumstances, the Empress Dowager felt that it was unrealistic to send troops to Beijing in the Song Dynasty again. In addition, Yeluxiu, the vanguard, was not good enough to advance, and the uncle Xianggun Talie and others died in battle. At the end of December, the Empress Dowager ordered the troops to march .

After this campaign, the Queen Mother went on several campaigns in person, with more victories and fewer defeats.But no matter the victory or defeat, the war brought disasters to the people of all ethnic groups along the Song and Liao sides, and there were many complaints.This is because "the military system of the Liao Kingdom... people and horses are not given food and grass", and the soldiers are indulged in "plundering everywhere to supply them", which is known as "throwing the grass valley".When attacking the Caogu family, each of them is armed with soldiers, and they form a team. They must first cut down the gardens, and then drive away the old and young, and transport earth and wood to fill the trenches; Hurt young and old.In addition, more than [-] Han Chinese soldiers were raised in the prefectures and counties of the country, and they accompanied the army to cut gardens and fill roads.For the imperial village and various camps, only mulberry, zhe, plow and chestnut are used.The army retreated and set fire to it. ..." ("Liao History Bing Wei Zhi")
Of course, Empress Dowager Xiao sent troops year after year and brought misfortune to the people of Liao.Although most of the wars were won by the Liao side, after all, it also consumed a lot of wealth and manpower, which was very detrimental to the development of the Liao Dynasty. Therefore, it is not a long-term solution to use offense as defense and often send troops to fight.At the same time, with the passage of time, Empress Dowager Xiao felt that she was over half a hundred years old, and she felt that she was unable to do what she wanted.So she began to seek a proper way, which can not only ensure the reconciliation of the two sides, but also restrain the Song army, so as to deal with the relationship between Liao and Song.In this way, finally in 1004 AD, Empress Dowager Xiao signed the "Chanyuan Alliance" with the Northern Song Dynasty with the backing of force.

[-]. Chanyuan alliance

(End of this chapter)