Anecdote of the Fifth Queen Mother

Chapter 3 Empress Dowager Lu (2)
Qin Shihuang flattened the heroes and unified the world. This is his great contribution to history.However, the Qin army was tyrannical, killing people and massacring the city, and encountered resolute resistance from the people of the Eastern countries in the unification war.When the state of Chu fell, there was a popular saying: "Although Chu has three households, it must be Chu when Qin dies." Lu Gong did not marry Lu Zhi to the county magistrate of Pei County, but married Liu Bang, the head of the pavilion of Sishui, a rogue. Yan married the dog Tu Fankui because Liu Bang and Fan Kuai both had martial arts skills.Xiao He, Cao Can, Xia Houying and others all made friends with Liu Bang.The sayings such as the real son of heaven, the face-to-face, and so on were all fabricated by people later.But it is also a fact that Liu Bang likes to make friends with heroes, and he is regarded as a hero by people.It seems that Lu Gong was a rebel against the tyrannical Qin Dynasty.That's why his sons and daughters were asked to abandon literature and martial arts, marry their daughters and choose heroes.Liu Bang is more than ten years older than Lu Zhi, and Lu's father and daughter don't dislike him, and they even weave a story about a wealthy face to promote Liu Bang's uprising.Lu Zhi can be regarded as the female hero of the founding of the Western Han Dynasty.

Three, three prisoners

In April 205 BC, Liu Bang took advantage of Xiang Yu's conquest of Shandong Tianrong and was trapped in Qi. He led a coalition of more than 50 princes and broke through Pengcheng, the capital of Xiang Yu, the overlord of Western Chu, and took over the overlord's lair.Liu Bang thought that there was nothing to worry about in the world, so he held a high-level wine meeting in Pengcheng, held a banquet to celebrate his success, and embraced women for joy.Xiang Yu lost his capital and lost his foothold, and he was also in a hurry.There was a counselor named Fan Zeng next to Xiang Yu. He offered advice to King Xiang: "Liu Bang captured Pengcheng. If he doesn't take advantage of the victory to attack us, he will definitely station his troops in the east of Pengcheng to block our way back. Hurry up and lead the light cavalry. Go to the west of Pengcheng and attack eastward by surprise, and you will definitely defeat Liu Bang." Xiang Yu followed his strategy and won a complete victory.The Han soldiers were killed, and they rushed to flee. More than 20 Han soldiers drowned in Gushui, Surabaya, and Suishui.Liu Bang was surrounded by Chu army regiments and was about to be captured.Just at this time, a strong wind blew up, flying sand and rocks, and the two armies were in chaos, so Liu Bang broke out of the encirclement.Liu Bang hurried to Fengyi Town to pick up his family, who knew that the place was surrounded by Chu soldiers. Liu Taigong, Lu Zhi, and Lu Gong were all captured by Chu soldiers.Princess Lu Yuan and her younger brother Liu Ying escaped among the refugees and met Liu Bang.At that time, Xia Houying was driving Liu Bang's car and took Lu Yuan and his brother into the car.The soldiers of Chu chased after him very quickly, and the horses that pulled the cart were also very tired from running.In order to reduce the weight of the car, Liu Bang pushed Lu Yuan and his brother out of the car.Xia Houying stopped the car and carried the siblings up again.Just pushing and hugging several times like this, it wasted time instead.Liu Bang was so angry that he raised his sword to kill Xia Houying.But if Xia Houying is killed, who will drive the chariot?So Liu Bang's sword was raised more than ten times, but finally it could not be cut down.In this way, Liu Bang was overtaken by Chu soldiers.The Chu general who leads the troops is called Ding Gong.Liu Bang was anxious and wise and said to Ding Gong: "The world is in chaos. Xiang Yu is as tyrannical as the Qin Dynasty. He will perish sooner or later. You might as well leave a way out and let me go. I will reward you generously in the future." Ding Gong really let go. Liu Bang.Later, when the world was pacified, Ding Gong went to Liu Bang to ask for a reward.Instead, Liu Bang said: "You let me go back then because you were disloyal to King Xiang. What's the use of keeping a person with two or three virtues like this." Just like that, Ding Gong was beheaded by Liu Bang.This is all for later.Ding Gong released Liu Bang, which shows how embarrassed Liu Bang was when he fled from Pengcheng.

Liu Bang retreated from Pengcheng and fled westward, and built a line of defense in Chenggao, which blocked Xiang Yu's advance by taking advantage of the favorable location.The two armies of Chu and Han faced each other in Chenggao.From May and June of 205 BC to August 202 BC, three years before and after, Lu Zhi was a prisoner in Xiang Yu's army for three years.In 204 BC, Duke Lu died in the camp of Chu.Xiang Yu put Lv Zhi and Taigong in a prison car and often put them on the front line.Xiang Yu also dug a big hole in the position, buried a cauldron, and threatened Liu Bang that if he didn't retreat, he would boil Lu Zhi and Taigong in one pot.In ancient times, there was a punishment of putting oil in a pan, which was called cooking punishment.The three years that Lu Zhi lived as a prisoner were really frightening.Fortunately, Liu Bang met Xiang Yu's uncle Xiang Bo at the Hongmen Banquet. The two became brothers and promised to marry their children.Lu's pheasant is Xiang Bo's biological mother.Therefore, Lu's pheasant was often protected by Xiang Bo when he was in captivity.Xiang Bo, who is a heavy-handed man, doesn't understand politics, and is as stupid as Xiang Yu. Under Liu Bang's deception, he unknowingly became a traitor of the Han army.Half of King Xiang's world was lost in Xiang Bo's hands.After three years of life as a prisoner, Lv Zhi became more resolute and tenacious, able to bend and stretch.

In August 202 BC, Liu Bang used Zhang Liang's strategy to pretend to make peace with Xiang Yu, and tricked Xiang Yu into letting Lu Zhi and Liu Taigong go.Immediately after the next battle in Gai, Xiang Yu's army was wiped out, and Liu Bang won.

When Chu and Han were fighting, Liu Bang made his six-year-old son Liu Ying the prince after the defeat in Pengcheng, and Xiao He was the prime minister to assist the prince to stay in Guanzhong.Liu Bang commanded the army to fight in Chenggao, and built a palace in Chenggao.Liu Bang, who was greedy for wine and lust, did not give up his pleasures because of the war. There were a large number of concubines in Chenggao's palace.Among them was Bo Ji, who gave birth to Liu Heng, who later became Emperor Wen of Han.There was Mrs. Qi, who gave birth to a son Liu Ruyi, who was named King Zhao by Liu Bang.Zhao Ji gave birth to Liu Chang, King Huainan, and Zhu Ji gave birth to Liu You, King You of Zhao, Liu Hui, King Gong of Zhao, and Liu Jian, King Yanling.Including Hui Emperor Liu Ying and Qi Wang Liu Fei, there are eight sons in total.

The concubines and concubines in the palace are full of delicious food, entertaining and feasting, so happy.But it is rare for them to be surrounded by an emperor with hundreds of them.Youth is wasted, and the heart is very empty.These concubines, concubines, and concubines are fighting fiercely for the beauty of the dragon, no less than fighting on the battlefield.Take Bo Ji, the mother of Emperor Han Wen, for example. She once made an alliance with Mrs. Guan and Zhao Zi'er, and no matter which one got close to Liu Bang first, she would recommend each other.Later, Mrs. Guan and Zhao Zi'er were favored by Liu Bangzhao successively, but they did not recommend Bo Ji.Bo Ji asked the two of them to intercede, and they not only refused to recommend, but also made fun of Bo Ji as a toad who wanted to eat swan meat, and they took a joke seriously.Mrs. Guan and Zhao Zi'er laughed at Bo Ji's words, which happened to be overheard by Liu Bang.Liu Bang felt sorry for Bo Ji's neglect, so he summoned her for questioning.Although this Bo Ji has some duties, she also has some scheming.She managed to meet Tian Yan once, how could she pass up the opportunity.She made up a story for Liu Bang, saying: "King of Han, I had a dream last night. I was really afraid of killing people. A giant dragon got into the bed and coiled on my stomach." Liu Bang smiled and said, "This is you." I had a good dream, so I was destined to meet me today. I am a dragon, and I will fulfill your dream tonight." Poor Bo Ji, exhausted all her efforts, only got lucky this time by Liu Bang.But Bo Ji was very lucky, she gave birth to a boy, and was named acting king by Liu Bang.In feudal society, mothers are more expensive than sons, and Bo Ji later became the acting queen mother.As for Mrs. Guan and Zhao Zier, who had no sons, they were thrown aside by Liu Bang.Maybe Bo Ji was not very charming, and was left out by Liu Bang.This is good, Empress Lu is not too jealous of her, and did not kill her.Bo Ji is not jealous, and has gained good popularity among the ministers.After Zhu Lu was eradicated, Liu Heng, the acting king, was supported by the ministers as emperor, and this was Emperor Wen of Han.As the saying goes, if you lose your fortune, you will lose your fortune.Bo Ji's mother and son are exactly like this.

Contrary to Bo Ji's actions, in Chenggao's palace, there is a competitive Mrs. Qi who wins Liu Bang's exclusive favor by virtue of her enchanting beauty.She gave birth to another son, so she had an unreasonable idea to take the crown prince for her son.Empress Lu was a prisoner in the Chu army, and Liu Ying stayed behind in Chang'an. The relationship between their mother and son was naturally alienated from Liu Bang.Mrs. Qi and her son Zhao Wangruyi stayed by Liu Bang's side, acting coquettishly and foolishly, and their relationship became increasingly close.Mrs. Qi is good at singing and dancing, which is quite captivating.After Liu Bang left Madam Qi, he didn't eat well and didn't sleep well.After Liu Bang destroyed Xiang Yu, he led his troops out to capture Han Xin, conquer the Xiongnu, and conquer Yingbu, always taking Madam Qi with him.After returning to Chang'an, Liu Bang circled Madam Qi all day long.One day, Zhou Chang, the doctor of the censor, came to play something. Seeing Liu Bang playing with Mrs. Qi in the palace, he turned his head and left.Liu Bang ordered Zhou Chang to kneel down. He stepped forward, sat on Zhou Chang's neck and asked, "Zhou Chang, what kind of monarch am I?" Your stupid king." Liu Bang was not angry, but laughed out loud.Why are the monarch and his ministers playing like this?It turned out that Zhou Chang was upright, upright, and loyal. He followed Liu Bang for decades from birth to death. He was a soldier of Sishui Pavilion and Liu Bang's personal soldier.Zhou Chang was angry when he saw Liu Bang was so addicted to wine and sex, so he said the words of the faint king.Although Liu Bang became the emperor, he still had the rogue habits of a countryman, and he couldn't afford to kill a minister for a few words, let alone an old comrade in arms who had been through life and death for many years.So laughing and joking made big things into small things, and small things into small things.It can be seen from this incident that Mrs. Qi's excessive favoritism not only annoyed the neglected Empress Lu, but also the ministers could not understand it.The fate of Mrs. Qi and her son Zhao Wangruyi can also be imagined.

[-]. Bend your knees and thank Zhou Chang
One day in the early autumn of 197 BC, Liu Bangduan sat on the throne in the front hall of Weiyang Palace.The civil and military ministers lined up on both sides of the hall, waiting nervously for Liu Bang to announce the decision to change the crown prince.This year, Zhao Wang Ruyi grew up to be eight years old. He was tall, thick-headed and tiger-headed, but smart and clever. Liu Bang thought he looked a lot like him.Coupled with Mrs. Qi's rambling on the pillow, Liu Bang, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, liked him very much.Liu Bang often said to his ministers: "Ruyi's child looks like me, and the crown prince Liu Ying is a softie. I'm afraid he won't be able to keep the world."Who is the only legal heir? Only the eldest son born to his first wife is eligible.According to the patriarchal system, there are two principles for establishing a prince, one is to establish a descendant but not a concubine, and the other is to establish an elder and not a virtuous.Liu Ying was born to his wife Empress Lu, who had been established as the crown prince in 205 BC and has been the crown prince of the world for nine years now.If Liu Bang wants to change the prince, it is called shaking the country.He must gather ministers to discuss together.

Liu Bang announced that he would change the prince and asked the ministers to discuss it.Everyone looked at each other in blank dismay, speechless.At this time, Empress Lu hid in the East Wing to listen to the news. Seeing that all the officials were silent, she suddenly became very anxious, and her hanging heart tightened even more.She only felt that her eyes were dark, her legs were weak, and she almost collapsed on the ground.Empress Lu knew that once the crown prince was abolished, her queen status would be over, and she might be beaten into the cold palace!Empress Lu was in a hurry when suddenly she heard a familiar stuttering voice. This was Zhou Chang, the imperial historian who once called Liu Bang the king of Jie and Zhou, speaking.I only heard Zhou Chang say: "Your Majesty, this is more difficult for the prince. The foolish minister can't say that he is ugly, but the minister-qi-knows it is impossible! The minister-qi-doesn't obey the imperial edict. "Zhou Chang had an angry look on his face, his neck was red with anxiety.He spoke in a hurry, stuttered at first, and now he can't articulate his words even more clearly, so the series of period-time sounds made Liu Bang laugh.At this time, the ministers also roared with laughter.This time Liu Bang just released the test balloon.The matter of Prince Yi could not be discussed further, so he withdrew from the court.

After retiring from the court, the civil and military ministers were all gone.Because Zhou Chang had something on his mind, he felt that his speech was not smooth, and he was still sitting there in a daze, so he finally went down to the palace.At this time, Empress Lu didn't care about the queen's dignity, so he stepped out of the east wing and went straight to Zhou Chang.Before Zhou Chang had time to salute, Empress Lu knelt down.Empress Lu said gratefully: "Doctor Yushi, without you today, the prince will definitely not be able to keep it." Zhou Chang helped Empress Lu, and said solemnly: "I admonish your majesty for the country of Sheji, not for the prince. Why should you thank me?" !” After saying that, he walked away.

After the incident, Empress Lu was still worried.She also called Zhang Liang, Marquis of Zhiduo Xingliu, to discuss how to preserve the crown prince.Zhang Liang didn't want to intervene in the affairs of the emperor's old son's family, and he refused to make plans.Empress Lu asked her eldest brother, Jianchenghou Lu Ze to threaten Zhang Liang. Lu Ze said, "You have drawn up many schemes for the emperor. Today, the queen begged you to draw up a plan and you refused. This is a double-mindedness towards the country. Protect the crown prince. It is to protect the foundation of the country!" Zhang Liang said: "Your Majesty is going to fight the world, he listened to my plan, but now the world has been settled, he loves Madam Qi and her son, this cannot be persuaded by words. Because this is The power of love. Empress Lu is fading and loves to gallop, I'm afraid there is no other way." Lu Ze still didn't let Liu Hou go, and asked him to think of a way.Zhang Liang pondered for a while and said: "There is a way, it depends on the prince's luck. There are four old people who live in seclusion on Zhongnan Shangshan. His Majesty admires these people very much. He has invited them down the mountain as guests many times, but he just couldn't come." One surnamed Yu, named Xuanming, named Dongyuangong; one named Cui, named Guang, named Xiahuanggong; one surnamed Zhou, named Shu, Mr. Jiaojiaoli; and the other was named Qiliji. These four elders Live in Shangshan, known as Shangshan Sihao. The queen sent people to bring more gifts of gold, jade and cotton satin, and ordered the prince to write a letter of invitation, explaining the importance of the country to the four elders. If the prince invites these four people Come, Your Majesty will not say anything more." Lu Ze followed his plan, and the fourth elder went down the mountain and stayed in Lu Ze's hotel.

In 194 BC, Liu Bang led his troops to conquer Huainan Wang Yingbu, and was hit by a cold arrow.When Liu Bang returned to Chang'an, he was seriously ill, and Mrs. Qi cried day and night.Liu Bang thought of Empress Lu Xiongjie, Prince Liu Ying could not control the queen mother, worried that Mrs. Qi and Zhao Wang Ruyi's status would not be maintained, so he made up his mind to change the prince.Liu Bang held a meeting of ministers again.This time it was Uncle Feng Chang Sun Tong who took the lead in the court battle.He said: "During the Spring and Autumn Period, Jin Xiangong abolished the crown prince Shensheng and established his youngest son Xi Qi. His Majesty saw it personally when he entered the country. If your Majesty wants to change the crown prince, please kill the old minister first!" Shu Suntong was originally a doctor of the Qin Dynasty.Everyone knows that Shu Suntong is very smooth, and he will not easily persuade him.This time it was unexpected. He took the lead in remonstrating, which surprised Liu Bang.Of course, Shusuntong knew that the civil and military forces of the Manchu Dynasty opposed Prince Yi, so he boldly said this.This time Liu Bang couldn't make up his mind.This time, the meeting still broke up unhappy.Liu Bang was hesitant.

Seeing that the time had come, Empress Lu summoned the prince to hold a family banquet and invited the four elders to accompany her.Empress Lu accompanied Liu Bang to the table. Liu Bang was not surprised when he saw four old people.Liu Bang asked the prince, who are these four elders?Before the prince could answer, the four elders reported their names: Duke Dongyuan, Mr. Jiaoli, Duke Xiahuang, and Qiliji.After Liu Bang heard this, he was shocked again. He looked at the elders carefully with his eyes wide open, and then said slowly: "I have invited you many times, but you all hide. What virtue and ability do you have, my son, please excuse me." Fu?" The four elders replied: "Your Majesty is contemptuous and humiliating, and we don't want to be officials. We can't stand your anger, so we have to hide. Now the prince is benevolent, filial and courteous. After your majesty lives long, the prince will be in power. We, the subjects, should be The country serves, so I come to assist the prince." Liu Bang was both happy and worried when he heard this.The happy thing is that the prince got a virtuous assistant, and he complained that he underestimated the prince; the worry was that the prince's wings were already established, and it would not be easy, so he couldn't help worrying about Mrs. Qi and Zhao Wang Ruyi.Liu Bang returned to the harem as if he had no master, and told Mrs. Qi about the matter.Liu Bang said to her: "I want to make your son the crown prince, but he is only ten years old, and none of the ministers in the court agrees. Now the crown prince is the heart of the world, and it is even more difficult." After Liu Bang said, he sighed.After Madam Qi heard it, it was like a thunderbolt from the blue sky, her ears were buzzing, and she couldn't cry.Liu Bang caressed Madam Qi and said, "Don't cry, the Qing family, cheer up and dance for me. I'll sing a song for you, and then slowly find another way." Madam Qi had no choice but to stop crying and dance slowly. Chu dance.Liu Bang beat the time with the rhythm of the dance music with his hands, and sang while beating, humming a song "Honghu Song":
The swan flies high and flies thousands of miles in one fell swoop;
Yuhe is already here, across the world.

Across the world, there is nothing to do!

Although there is a donation, it is still given!
For Mrs. Qi and Zhao Wang Ruyi, Liu Bang was unhappy for several days.A Fu Xilang named Zhao Yao in the palace has seen through Liu Bang's mind.Taking advantage of Liu Bang's absence, he boldly said to Liu Bang, "Your Majesty, I know your worries. I'm afraid it's for the safety of King Zhao Ruyi!" When Liu Bang saw Fu Xilang, he was a handsome man. Young people, it is unexpected that they are so scheming.Liu Bang was very happy, so he said directly to Zhao Yao: "You are right, I can't think of a proper way. What good plan do you have, play it quickly." Zhao Yao said: "If you save King Zhao, you can keep it. Mrs. Qi. It is not difficult to protect Zhao Wang's wish. But there are two things, I wonder if your majesty can do it?" Liu Bang said: "Which two things, please tell me quickly." Zhao Yao said: "The first thing, Your Majesty wants to part with one another and let Zhao Wang leave Beijing for the country earlier; the second is to give Zhao Guo a noble and strong minister to protect Zhao Wang, and this minister must be able to withstand the pressure of the queen. An upright imperial censor." Liu Bang thought for a while, then slapped his thigh and said, "Yes! This imperial censor will be entrusted to Qu Qing. Zhao Wang, I will send him to the country immediately, and send Zhou Chang as the prime minister." Liu Bang After all, I immediately found Zhou Chang and said to him: "Zhou Chang loves you, I call you today to discuss something important. You and I have been with me for decades, and only you can be relied on. I don't know if you will obey the edict this time." After Liu Bang finished speaking, his attitude was very serious.Zhou Chang said: "Your Majesty, as long as it is a major event for the country, I am willing to serve you with all my heart." Liu Bang told Zhou Chang about the protection of King Zhao and Zhao Yao's plan.Finally, Liu Bang asked: "Qing won't let me change the crown prince, so I will entrust King Zhao Ruyi to you. You can't be a royal doctor, you have to leave Beijing three thousand miles, and take King Zhao to the country to be Zhao Xiang." " Zhou Chang said: "I obey the order!" Liu Bang arranged this matter, as if a stone fell to the ground.He proclaimed Zhao Yao as the doctor of imperial history.Empress Lu saw Liu Bang's series of arrangements, and felt angry from her heart.She arranged for her confidant to visit secretly.Empress Lu's ear god finally found out that it was Zhao Yao's idea, and Empress Lu sneered when she found out, "Let's see!"

[-]. The Alliance of White Horses

(End of this chapter)