Fujian and the Central Plains are far apart and have almost no intersection. Even a year after the Central Plains changed their era names, the people of Fujian still didn't know it. However, the demise of the Fujian Kingdom had an extremely far-reaching impact on the Central Plains, that is, it contained the energy of the "Jianghuai Heroes", especially Huainan, and made the two countries at the lowest and lowest power of the Central Plains during the Shanxi-Liao War. During the period of weakness, I failed to take advantage of the situation.
When Huainan emerged from the quagmire of the Fujian Kingdom, the Central Plains had changed dynasties and became the Later Han Dynasty. Liu Zhiyuan held high the two banners of nation and patriotism and restored its vitality, while the Khitan almost fell into civil war and reluctantly transitioned with the "Crossing Covenant". During this short period, the national fortunes of the Central Plains rose while the fortunes of the Khitans declined, and the Huainan Northern Expedition was hopeless.
However, Huainan Li Jing's restless heart did not have nowhere to bury, because another opportunity soon came to him.
2. Horses fighting for their slots - Nan Chu
In 928 AD, Huainan sent a large army to attack Yuezhou, but was defeated by the founders of Southern Chu, Xu Dexun and Wang Huan. The general of Huainan was captured alive. In order to ease the relationship between the two countries, Ma Yin specially asked Xu Dexun to bid farewell to the general of Huainan. At the banquet, Xu Dexun told the general of Huainan. , saying that although the Chu State is small, we, the founding fathers, are still there and should not be underestimated. If you really want to conquer the Chu State, then wait until the horses are fighting for the throne.
Xu Dexun would not have known that as soon as his words came true, the state of Chu would perish due to a quarrel among the horses. What made him even more unexpected was that his son would become a traitor to the state of Chu and send the state of Chu to its grave with his own hands.
Ma Yin was born in the same year as Zhu Wen, Yang Xingmi, and Qian Liu. The troubled times at the end of the Tang Dynasty provided a stage for these four diaosi to show off their skills. After years of hard work, Ma Yin gradually controlled Yitanzhou (today's Gaoguansha City, Hunan Province). ) as the core of the Hunan region is also the only separatist regime in history with Hunan as the center.
Comrade Ma Yin's fertility is very strong. Historical records record that he had more than 30 sons, and 15 of them have specific deeds. With the assistance of Xu Dexun, Wang Huan and other meritorious generals, as well as the great counselor and "economic genius" Gao Yu, the politics of the Chu State during the Ma Yin period were basically stable, business was developed, the economy was highly prosperous, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. Become a paradise in South China.
At the end of Ma Yin's reign, the battle for the right to inherit the throne intensified, so Xu Dexun expressed pessimism and despair, believing that Chu would die prematurely at the hands of the second generation.
Ma Yin's sons have satisfied all our imaginations about "second generation governance". Looking through historical records, their glorious deeds continue to refresh our understanding and impact our bottom line.
First of all, Ma Yin's specific death date is a mystery. It is generally accepted that he died in 930 AD at the age of 79. However, the Central Plains Dynasty at that time claimed based on reliable intelligence that Ma Yin's death date should be earlier than this date. His sons did not announce the funeral secretly because they seized power, and deliberately changed the date of death to confuse the public.
In fact, it doesn't matter, you will die sooner or later, sooner or later you will die. In fact, in Ma Yin's last years, he had been ignored by his son, such as the incident of killing the great counselor Gao Yu.
It can be said bluntly that the prosperity of Southern Chu State was largely planned by the "economic genius" Gao Yu as the chief architect. Ma Yin respected and trusted Gao Yu very much. Therefore, Gao Yu was jealous of the rulers of enemy countries. For example, Gao Jichang, the "Gao Laizi" of Jingnan, and Li Cunxu, Emperor Zhuangzong of the Later Tang Dynasty, all used various means to create rumors in order to arouse Ma Yin's suspicion and have Gao Yu killed.
After Ma Yin heard these rumors, not only did he not doubt Gao Yu, but he laughed "haha" and said to Gao Yu that you have made our enemies sleepless and sleepless. The more the enemies slander you, the more I trust you!
Later, his son Ma Xisheng was instigated by Jingnan and Later Tang Dynasty. He became suspicious of Gao Yu and wanted to kill Gao Yu. However, Ma Yin sternly stopped him. Ma Yin persuaded his sons earnestly, telling them that they must not kill Gao Yu. Depressed.
However, Ma Xisheng still killed Gao Yu without authorization, beheading him first and then reporting him. After Ma Yin found out, he was filled with grief and anger, and was so angry that he almost fainted. After he regained consciousness, he beat his chest and scolded his son for being a stupid bastard.
Later generations also criticized Ma Yin for protecting the calf, thinking that Ma Yin only cursed and did not punish Ma Xisheng. In fact, this incident fully exposed a real problem: Ma Yin was ignored. Not to mention punishing Ma Xisheng, Ma Xisheng was already a filial son if he allowed him to die naturally instead of helping him get on the road.
Ma Yin's eldest son is Ma Xizhen, who is "long and wise". He is good at poetry and articles. He likes to talk and laugh with eminent monks and virtuous people, and has a low desire for power.
Ma Yin doted on the Yuan family in his later years, and the son was valued more than the mother. Ma Xisheng, who was born in a concubine, received more love and affection. The latecomer came to the fore and became the most popular heir. So Ma Xizhen took the initiative to resign and go into seclusion, give up his position as heir, and became a Taoist priest.
It is worth pondering that Ma Xisheng also died in 930 AD, the same year as his father Ma Yin. Death is strange.
Comrade Ma Xisheng, the famous "chicken-eating expert", lived a ridiculous life of drunkenness and dreaming for two years. He ate fifty chickens every day to pay tribute to Zhu Wen, Taizu of the Later Liang Dynasty. At his father's funeral, he was busy drinking chicken soup.
On July 11, 932 AD, Ma Xisheng died of illness at the age of 34.
Regarding the order of Ma Xifan, the records in the history books are slightly contradictory. First, it is said that he is the fourth son of Ma Yin, and then it is explained that the eldest son Ma Xizhen, followed by Ma Xisheng and Ma Xifanqie, were born on the same day. Then...Ma Xifan should be the second or third son. In short, in order of seniority, it should be Ma Xifan's turn.
With the support of his ministers, Ma Xifan arrived in Tanzhou in August and announced his assumption of the throne.
The Later Tang Dynasty recognized Ma Xifan and appointed him as the military governor of Tanzhou and Langzhou, and also as the secretary of the Central Committee. Ma Xifan thanked him for his kindness and paid tribute to the later Tang Dynasty. The foreign policy was in line with that of the May and Yin Dynasties, that is, it was called a vassal in the Central Plains and maintained a close alliance with the Central Plains dynasty.
Initially, the Later Tang Dynasty conferred the title of Marquis of Fufeng on Ma Xifan. A year later, Li Siyuan died and Li Conghou ascended the throne, conferring Ma Xifan the title of King of Chu. After the establishment of the Later Jin Dynasty, Ma Xifan continued to be granted titles and titles, and in 939 AD, he was granted the title of Heavenly Prince. The general was appointed to allow the establishment of a government office and the appointment of hundreds of civil and military officials.
Southern Chu is located in the land of the Four Wars, with Jingnan and the Central Plains Dynasty to the north, Huainan to the east, Southern Han to the south, barbarian tribes to the west, and Hou Shu to the northwest. It can be said that it is surrounded by powerful enemies.
This special geographical location determines that Nanchu will be a transportation hub and also the location of the Four Wars. Ma Yin also took advantage of this transportation convenience to vigorously promote commercial trade, making Nanchu a trade distribution center, logistics center, commercial center, and financial center at that time.
However, its disadvantages are also obvious.
