In the ninth year of Wude (626), Wei Zheng left Chang'an and headed for Shandong (east of Mount Wei).
Just a few months ago, the Xuanwu Sect suffered a shocking incident, and Wei Zheng's old master died tragically in the palace. Game of Thrones has always been brutal. However, the bloodstains will be cleaned up, the swords and swords will disappear, and the blood-stained palace will eventually return to its sacred and peaceful appearance.
After the power reshuffle, Wei Zheng gained Li Shimin's trust and was appointed as the admonishment doctor. After the Xuanwumen Incident, the political situation in the Tang Dynasty was unstable, and some of the prince's followers fled to Shandong, which was bound to pose a threat to Li Shimin's rule. Therefore, Li Shimin gave Wei Zheng a task: to appease the land of Shandong and calm the commotion. Wei Zheng was chosen, firstly, because he was from Shandong and had a certain influence in the local area; secondly, because Wei Zheng, as a subordinate of Li Jiancheng, could easily eliminate the hostility of the prince's old party.
Stepping out of the strict palace and revisiting the old place, Wei Zheng's suppressed emotions were released to a certain extent. During his tour of Shandong, he composed a song called "Twilight Autumn":
I left Beijing and Fu in the first summer, and stayed in Sanhe in late autumn.
The Penglai Pavilion is so deep that I miss my hometown a lot day and night.
The frost cuts the cool steps, and the wind carries the quiet lotuses.
Sui Fang sits down and rests, feeling this kind of singing.
Wei Zheng can be said to be an outsider in the literary circle and has written very few poems. He pursued practical achievements all his life and had no time to carve out words. The word "Shi Wei" at the end comes from "The Book of Songs": "Shi Wei, Hu will not return?" "Mao Shi Biography" believes that in the Spring and Autumn Period, there was a small country named Li Country. The Marquis of Li was expelled by the Di people, and his ministers called him Returned and composed this poem.
The scene of late autumn made Wei Zheng feel something in his heart. However, as soon as his emotions were released, he heard the call from his heart: You still have the mission of being a king!
No wonder, the appearance of Wei Zheng left to the world is very monotonous: a figure of an important minister who chatters endlessly and sums up the lessons of history.
When Wei Zheng arrived in Cizhou, local officials happened to have detained the remaining princes and sent them to the capital. Wei Zheng immediately released them. He said: The higher-ups have just issued an edict that all the princes and former members of Prince Qi’s palace should be pardoned. Now that they are being escorted back to Beijing, how can they win the trust of the world? Wei Zheng's actions stabilized the situation in Shandong. The most important thing is that he responded to Li Shimin's trust perfectly.
The Lord treats me as a nobleman of the country, and I will repay you as a nobleman of the country.
Wei Zheng. Source: Internet
01
Wei Zheng is from Julu. His life has been poor since he was a child, but he has lofty aspirations. When the world was in chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, he naturally wanted to do something.
Wei Zheng had a mysterious teacher-Wang Tong. This is a strange man. He is proficient in the Five Classics and has the strategy of a king. He has a heart to help the world and is eager to be appreciated by the Ming Dynasty. Later, due to internal conflicts in the Sui Dynasty, Wang Tong was unable to carry out his ambitions, so he returned to the mountains and taught knowledge in the land of Hefen.
Wang Tong had many disciples, and most of them were famous officials in the early Tang Dynasty. According to legend, Wen Yanbo, Du Ruhui, Chen Shuda, Du Yan, Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, Li Jing, Wang Gui, Xue Shou and others were all his disciples.
However, some people have raised questions: Such a powerful person has almost no historical records and has not left any writings. There is a "Zhongshuo" handed down from ancient times, which imitates the quotation style of "The Analects of Confucius" and was written down by later generations. Have all those famous disciples forgotten this mentor after they became high officials?
History has left some clues, at least this teacher was mentioned in the collected works of Du Yan, Chen Shuda and Xue Shou. There is still controversy as to whether Li Jing, Fang Xuanling and others were disciples of Wang Tong. However, Wang Tong should really exist, and his knowledge was quite popular in the early Tang Dynasty.
For example, "Zhongshuo" mentioned: "Confucius said: Do not change the fate of one people for the sake of the world." This is the people-centered thought.
"If you don't know, you can't be regarded as a minister, so what's the matter with you?" This is the idea that the monarch's power is limited.
"There must be no guilt in what you say, and you should be warned when you hear it." This is the king's thought in accepting remonstrance.
The entrepreneurs who founded the Tang Dynasty basically practiced these words. Especially the culture of accepting advice. In the fourth year of Wude (621), Li Shimin defeated Dou Jiande and entered Luoyang. He couldn't help but sigh when he saw the palaces of the Sui Dynasty were very luxurious. Xue Shou took the opportunity to say: "The Qin Dynasty increased the decoration of Afang, and the Han Dynasty paid for the terrace. Therefore, the Han Dynasty extended the palace and the Qin disaster hastened. This has been the case since ancient times." Li Shimin understood.
Xue Shou. Source: Internet
In fact, Wang Tong's knowledge represents the cultural spirit of an era. After witnessing the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, knowledgeable people wanted to regain Confucian morality and bring order to the chaos. They have a common expectation for the great governance of the world and are willing to work hard for this ideal. Wei Zheng is one of them.
Before meeting Li Shimin, Wei Zheng changed his masters several times.
In the thirteenth year of Daye (617), Wei Zheng attached himself to Li Mi, the leader of the Wagang Uprising Army. Li Mi discovered that Wei Zheng was very talented, so he reused him. Wei Zheng once offered ten strategies to strengthen Wagang. Although Li Mi was surprised, he failed to adopt it.
At that time, Wang Shichong, who occupied Luoyang, attacked Li Mi and was defeated by Li Mi. On the occasion of victory, Wei Zheng poured cold water on him. He said: Although Wei Gong (Li Mi) won, his elite troops were damaged, and the treasury was not accumulated. The soldiers had military exploits but did not get rewards. It is better to maintain a stalemate with the enemy in deep ditches and high forts, and then lead the army to pursue them when the enemy's food is exhausted and retreat. This is the way to win. Too bad no one listened to him.
Later, Wei Zheng followed Li Mi to surrender to Li Yuan, and Li Mi's old general Li Ji still occupied a vast territory. Wei Zheng then recommended himself to persuade Li Ji to surrender. As a result, Dou Jiande led his army south, and Wei Zheng, Li Ji and others became prisoners. Not long after, Wei Zheng got involved with Dou Jiande again. After Dou Jiande was defeated, Wei Zheng entered the Tang Dynasty again and was reused by Li Jiancheng.
According to the view that loyal ministers do not serve the two masters, Wei Zheng is undoubtedly a man with shortcomings of morality. He refuses no one who comes, takes charge of everything, and does his best.
In fact, Wei Zheng is not without principles in his heart. On the way to surrender Li Ji under the order of Li Yuan, the mountain road was difficult and dangerous. Wei Zheng composed a poem "Reminiscences of Memories", which contains the following sentence: "Aren't you afraid of the hardships and dangers? I deeply cherish the kindness of the country's soldiers." This is not the same as when he was comforted by Li Shimin's order many years later. Does Shandong feel exactly the same?
He has always cherished the dream of being a national scholar. How could he not do his best when meeting a wise monarch?
02
In the early years of Zhenguan, when the world was first settled, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty discussed the policy of governing the country with his ministers.
The DPRK was divided into two factions.
Wei Zheng believed that dynasties might change, but the people were honest and could be educated, and the benevolence and righteousness spoken by the sages would never go out of style. The most important thing now is to bring peace to the people.
Feng Deyi pointed out: "Three generations later, people gradually became corrupt. Therefore, the Qin established laws and the Han Dynasty overlorded. They all wanted to transform but couldn't. How can they transform but not want to? If we believe what Wei Zheng said, it would probably ruin the country." He said It is believed that people's hearts have become bad and they can no longer practice benevolence and righteousness. Therefore, the Qin Dynasty must rely on the law, and the Han Dynasty must act tyrannically. The implication is that the Tang Dynasty had to do the same.
Wei Zheng retorted: "If we say that the ancients were simple and honest, then they have turned into ghosts and monsters today, and the Lord can rule them in peace!" If people's hearts continue to deteriorate, then the current world will be full of evil ghosts, and the king will How to govern it?
In fact, whether people's hearts are bad or not is just rhetoric. The focus of the dispute between the two sides is whether it is benevolence or justice or the law, whether it is light corvee and low tax, or a high-pressure policy.
At that time, Tang Taizong was less than thirty years old and had great military exploits. He was not a pedantic and conservative person, but he chose to believe in Wei Zheng who repeated the same old tune.
Historical records: "In the first year of Zhenguan (Zhenguan), there was hunger in Guanzhong, and a piece of rice was tied to a piece of silk; in the second year, there were locusts all over the world; in the third year, there were floods." The unification of the world did not bring about a happy life, and the national economy was still in decline. . It was not until the fourth year of Zhenguan that the clouds finally cleared, the world had a good harvest, and the vitality of society was restored.
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty himself recalled: "In the early days of Zhenguan, everyone had different opinions, saying that it is impossible to practice the emperor's way or the king's way today. But Wei Zheng persuaded me, and since I followed his words, within a few years, I have achieved peace in China, and the soldiers and guests from far away are in service."
Feng Deyi. Source: Film and TV stills
Another time, the imperial court sent people to recruit troops, and Feng Deyi reported: Even if the middle-aged men are less than 18 years old, those who are tall and strong can also be recruited together.
Tang Taizong agreed. Wei Zheng firmly opposed it. At that time, he was Minister Zuocheng, and decisions between the DPRK and China required his signature. As a result, the conscription order was stuck at Wei Zheng.
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was furious and summoned Wei Zheng into the palace and cursed angrily: The burly and strong men among the middle men are all those who treacherously reported their age to escape the corvee. What's the harm in recruiting them, but you are so stubborn!
Wei Zheng replied: Running an army does not depend on having a large number of people. As long as your Majesty manages the army properly and is invincible in the world, why bother recruiting young people to increase the number? Moreover, His Majesty always said: "I govern the world with integrity, and I hope that no one under my command will commit any fraud." However, not long after His Majesty came to the throne, he has already broken his promise many times.
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty asked in shock: How could I have broken my promise?
Wei Zheng replied: When your Majesty first came to the throne, he exempted the people from the property owed to the imperial court. As a result, the property of the Qin Palace was still collected. An order was issued to exempt people from corvee service, but it was soon announced that those who had already paid taxes would be exempted from the service next year. Are these ways of governing with integrity?
After hearing this, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said happily: I used to think you were stubborn and suspected that you didn't understand government affairs. Now I see you talking about state affairs, and you really hit the mark. If the government's decrees are not trustworthy, then the people will not know what to follow. How can the country be governed? My fault is very deep!
Therefore, the imperial court did not recruit middle-aged men as soldiers.
"The Cambridge History of Sui and Tang Dynasties in China" says that Wei Zheng was "an indomitable moralist" and "a fearless critic". In the history books, we basically don’t see Wei Zheng manipulating the country and giving guidance to the country. These are the affairs of Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui. His appearance was basically in another scene: when Taizong wanted to show off his martial arts, he came out to stop him; when Taizong wanted to build a large-scale construction project, he came out to oppose it; when Taizong wanted to be extravagant and wasteful, he came out to admonish him.
Wang Gui, who was also an admonisher, said of Wei Zheng: "Every time he takes admonition and criticism as his heart, he is not as shameful as Yao and Shun." This is almost a moral obsession.
In his later years, Emperor Taizong gradually became slack. In the thirteenth year of Zhenguan, Wei Zheng went to "Ten Gradually". This article is extremely brilliant, pointing out the ten shortcomings of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty: seeking treasures, devoting people's efforts, rejecting direct advice, being far away from gentlemen, still pursuing strange things, despising Zang, being fond of hunting, being sparse, neglecting political affairs, and focusing on corvee service. Finally wrote:
"Today's foundation of peace is based on admiration for the majesty of the sky; the accumulation of nine feet is still less than the merit of one bamboo. It is difficult to get it again after a thousand years of rest. The master of the Ming Dynasty can do something but not do it, so the minister is depressed and sighs. "
After reading it, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was shocked and sincerely admitted his mistake: "I will stand still and respect the sound of virtue."
The chattering ministers could get a response from the emperor every time they complained.
This is the luckiest thing about Wei Zheng.
03
Wei Zheng often raised this question in his memorials: Why were the previous dynasties so difficult to "conquer the end" and suffered defeats one after another?
This is also an unavoidable question hanging on the heads of Zhenguan monarchs and ministers.
They are all witnesses of a great historical change. The Sui Dynasty, a dynasty with "strong armies and powerful armies" and "popularity for thousands of miles", only existed for more than thirty years before it "collapsed" and "its descendants perished". Without the sudden demise of the Sui Dynasty, there would be no rise of the Tang Dynasty. No one knows whether they will become the second Sui Dynasty. Therefore, writing about the history of the Sui Dynasty was of vital interest to the rulers of the Tang Dynasty.
In the third year of Zhenguan (629), Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty ordered Wei Zheng to compile the "Book of Sui". Wei Zheng not only edited "Sui Shu", but also personally wrote the preface and commentary of "Sui Shu".
One of the most important points of Wei Zheng's point of view is: "The gains and losses of the Sui Dynasty are similar to those of the Qin Dynasty." "Book of Sui" believes that the Sui Dynasty died at the hands of Emperor Yang, just like the Qin Dynasty died at the hands of the Second Emperor, and pointed the finger at the monarch's harsh punishments and military violence , create excessiveness, patrol endlessly and other practices.
However, the Tang people's thinking on the problem was not limited to this. The "Book of Sui" asked: "The emperor Gaozu swept south of the Yangtze River to clear up Liuhe, and Emperor Yang of Liaodong destroyed the world. What's the reason?" Wei Zheng's answer is: Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty disturbed The purpose of the people was to make the people "peaceful". Emperor Sui Yang disturbed the people because he treated them as nothing. At the same time, Wei Zheng also believed that the signs of the Sui Dynasty's defeat originated from Gaozu. In his later years, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty "had no tolerance for mercy and had the talent to be mean", which sowed the seeds of the country's ruin.
It can be said that every word in "Sui Shu" is advising Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty.
"Sui Shu". Source: Internet
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty once said: "If you use the past as a mirror, you can know the ups and downs." Using history to inform government was the particularity of the Zhenguan Dynasty.
Encouraged by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Wei Zheng teamed up with Yu Shinan, Chu Liang, Xiao Deyan and others to cut out the good words and sayings in the history books and compiled them into a book "Qun Shu Zhi Yao" and presented it to the emperor. The significance of this book lies not in its content, but in Wei Zheng's tailoring techniques.
Take "Three Kingdoms" as an example. The original book had about 690,000 words, but Wei Zheng cut it into about 40,000 words, leaving no ten words. For example, Guan Yu only selected Cao Cao's farewell, and all subsequent stories were deleted.
On the contrary, some supporting actors have a lot of roles. For example, Bao Xun's original text had more than 1,300 words, but it was reduced to only 593 words. Bao Xun was an admonishing officer, upright and selfless. In the sixth year of Huangchu (220), Cao Pi wanted to launch an army to attack Wu, but Bao Xun bluntly said no, but Cao Pi still launched the war and finally returned with a great defeat. Cao Pi saw that he was not going well, so he killed him with an excuse. "Qunshu Zhiyao" even excerpts the details of Bao Xun's unjust death: "On the day of his death, the family had no money left, so everyone felt sorry for Xun."
Lu Xun is the only person in "Three Kingdoms" apart from the emperors and Zhuge Liang who has an independent biography. His role in "Books of the Three Kingdoms" only has more than 400 words. As for his clan nephew Lu Kai, his article was more than 2,700 words long because he was admonishing Sun Hao.
It can be seen that the purpose of Wei Zheng's tailoring is not to reveal the historical truth, but to show "the minister of admonishment".
Therefore, after the publication of Qunshu Zhiyao, it did not receive much attention and was lost by the Song Dynasty. On the contrary, this book spread to Japan, became very popular, and finally returned to China during the Qing Dynasty.
It can be said that the private goods that Wei Zheng included in "Qun Shu Zhi Yao" are becoming less and less popular. Could it be that later ministers did not want to demonstrate the "way of admonishing ministers"? Could it be that future generations of monarchs don’t want to learn lessons from history? neither.
The biggest reason is that this book was written for only one person from beginning to end-Tang Taizong.
After Zhenguan, there was no second Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, so Qunshu Zhiyao naturally had no value of existence.
Wei Zheng. Source: Film and TV stills
04
Once, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty hosted a banquet for his officials and said:
"Before Zhenguan, I pacified the world, went through hardships and dangers, and did not give in to Xuan Ling's achievements. After Zhenguan, he devoted himself to me, offered loyalty and sincerity, brought peace to the country and benefited people, and achieved my achievements today. Only Wei Zheng is known in the world. That’s all.”
In the heart of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, it was Wei Zhengzuo who became the great ruler of the world.
At the beginning of the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, "frosts and droughts were causing disasters, rice and grain were at a high price, Turks were invading, and prefectures and counties were in turmoil." There were both internal and external troubles. In places with serious famines, a piece of silk could only be exchanged for a bucket of rice.
In the fifth year of Zhenguan, "the world was in chaos, and the exiles returned to their hometowns with less than three or four coins for rice, and only twenty-nine people were sentenced to death at the end of the year. As far as the sea in the east and the five ridges of Antarctica, they were all open to the outside, and they did not have food for travel. Take it from the road."
This is the style of Zhenguan's rule in history: economic recovery, political stability, and good social atmosphere. Similar descriptions are common in history books, but the rule of Zhenguan is remembered by everyone. Because it not only represents an important period, but also becomes an ideal that is constantly mentioned and never surpassed.
The most enviable thing about Zhenguan's rule is the political atmosphere of unity between the emperor and his ministers.
Once, someone slandered Wei Zheng for shielding his relatives. Li Shimin sent the imperial censor Wen Yanbo to investigate, but nothing was found. Wen Yanbo said to Emperor Taizong: As a minister, Wei Zheng's behavior should be traceable, and he cannot avoid suspicion, otherwise It will lead to slander. Although there is no personal relationship, he still deserves to be blamed.
Later, Wei Zheng entered the court and said: I heard that the king and his ministers are of one mind. If there is no justice, if there are traces of blind pursuit of behavior, and if the monarch and his ministers do the same, then the rise and fall of the country will be unpredictable.
Li Shimin sincerely admitted his mistake: I have regretted this matter.
Wei Zheng added: I hope that your Majesty will make you a good minister and not a loyal minister.
Li Shimin asked: Are there any differences between loyal ministers and good ministers?
Wei Zheng said: A good minister will gain a good reputation for himself, and the monarch will be praised. The loyal minister himself was killed in disaster, the monarch also fell into a vicious situation, the country was ruined and the family was destroyed, and he only got the empty name of a loyal minister.
Wei Zheng knew that it was not his own actions that could determine whether he was a loyal minister or a good minister, but the behavior of the king. In other words, if the monarch accepts advice, he will become a good minister; if the monarch is stubborn, he will become a loyal minister. This world can be without Wei Zheng, but it cannot be without Tang Taizong.
Li Shimin's answer is also very thought-provoking: "You must not disobey these words, and I will never forget the plan of the country."
Accepting advice is just one aspect of Zhenguan's monarch and his ministers.
Having experienced tremendous changes in the world and facing the lessons of history, they have similar ideals. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty once said: "If the Son of Heaven has the Way, people will push him to rule. If he has no Way, people will abandon him and not use him. He is truly to be feared." What should we be afraid of? Fear of water can capsize the boat, so the people are saved first; fear of partiality can lead to darkness, so seek the strength of the group.
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. Source: Internet
In the Northern Song Dynasty, Bao Zheng said this:
"I heard that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was a wise and admonishing leader, and that Wei Yuancheng was a loyal, upright and uncompromising minister. Therefore, the emperor and his ministers were in harmony, and for a thousand years, everything was said without hesitation, and everything was accepted."
It seems that as long as the ministers dare to remonstrate and the monarch accepts remonstrance, the world will be in good order.
The narrow understanding exposed the sad situation of Song officials. They seemed to rule the world together with the emperor, and their dignity was higher than before. However, the emperors of the Song Dynasty advocated separation of powers and checks and balances, and were afraid of losing power. Ministers are more often just tools than companions.
In the third year of Xining (1070), Wang Anshi asked to go. Shenzong of the Song Dynasty scolded: "I have known each other better than ever before in modern times, so we are just in the form of a monarch and a minister, and the appearance is not enough to burden you; but the righteousness of a monarch and his ministers is more important than a friend. If a friend makes an appointment with you, he will do so diligently. It's also appropriate to do it with less humiliation. Since I and you are kings and ministers, why don't you do me some humiliation?"
The general idea is: The friendship between the two of us is too deep, and the relationship between monarch and minister is just a formality. If a friend invites you to do something, you should give yourself a hard time. What's more, we are monarchs and ministers, can't we aggrieve ourselves for me? It's affectionate and touching.
Later, Song Shenzong, who was so loving, could neither protect Wang Anshi from being attacked by political opponents, nor could he restrain his desire to seize power. In the end, Wang Anshi was still unable to do what he wanted.
The relationship between emperor and ministers between Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and Wei Zheng, just like the rule of Zhenguan, was just a blip in history.
05
In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan (643), Wei Zheng died of illness. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty cried bitterly and was deeply saddened by it. Not long after, Li Shimin ordered Yan Liben to paint twenty-four portraits of heroes and place them in Lingyan Pavilion, with Wei Zheng ranked fourth.
However, neither of them had a happy ending.
This year, the prince Li Chengqian rebelled, and the wise Emperor Taizong gradually showed his dim side.
At that time, Hou Junji and Du Zhenglun had an affair with the prince, one was killed and the other was demoted. Wei Zheng once recommended two people, saying that they had the talents of prime ministers. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty had to wonder whether Wei Zheng was not as upright as he seemed on the surface. Could he have formed a clique for personal gain?
Later, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty learned that Wei Zheng had written down his own remonstrance and showed it to the historian Chu Suiliang, probably with the intention of passing on his good reputation to future generations. If Wei Zheng has a good reputation, doesn't he become a fool who is being remonstrated? The more Tang Taizong thought about it, the angrier he became, and he completely lost his judgment.
Therefore, he annulled the marriage contract between Princess Hengshan and Wei Zheng's eldest son, and ordered Wei Zheng's tombstone to be pulled down.
In the 19th year of Zhenguan (645), Li Shimin personally conquered Goguryeo. In the past, someone would have stood up and said something inappropriate. Not this time. Although the Tang army achieved a great victory, Taizong still regretted it. After returning to the army, he sighed and said, "If Wei Zheng were here, I wouldn't be able to do anything." So he erected Wei Zheng's tombstone again.
In the end, Tang Taizong was still the enlightened monarch who was unique throughout the ages.
In ancient China, a wise emperor such as Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty could not avoid becoming mediocre; a dynasty as grand as the Tang Dynasty could not break out of the historical law of "the one who conquers the end is the few". So how to find a way out?
The ultimate question left by Wei Zheng can only be answered by future generations.
[Qing Dynasty] Liu Yuan: Wei Zheng in "The Picture of Heroes of Lingyan Pavilion". Source: Internet
references:
[Tang] Wei Zheng et al.: "Sui Shu", Zhonghua Book Company, 1973
[Tang Dynasty] Written by Liu Yu and others: "Old Tang Book", Zhonghua Book Company, 1975
[Tang Dynasty] Wu Jing: "Zhenguan Politicians", Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House, 1987
[Tang Dynasty] Wei Zheng et al.: "Qun Shu Zhi Yao", Zhonghua Book Company, 2014
[Song Dynasty] Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi: "New Book of Tang", Zhonghua Book Company, 1975
[Song Dynasty] Sima Guang: "Zi Zhi Tong Jian", Zhonghua Book Company, 1956, the ninth year of Wude (626), Wei Zheng left Chang'an and went to Shandong (east of Mount Wei).
Just a few months ago, the Xuanwu Sect suffered a shocking incident, and Wei Zheng's old master died tragically in the palace. Game of Thrones has always been brutal. However, the bloodstains will be cleaned up, the swords and swords will disappear, and the blood-stained palace will eventually return to its sacred and peaceful appearance.
After the power reshuffle, Wei Zheng gained Li Shimin's trust and was appointed as the admonishment doctor. After the Xuanwumen Incident, the political situation in the Tang Dynasty was unstable, and some of the prince's followers fled to Shandong, which was bound to pose a threat to Li Shimin's rule. Therefore, Li Shimin gave Wei Zheng a task: to appease the land of Shandong and calm the commotion. Wei Zheng was chosen, firstly, because he was from Shandong and had a certain influence in the local area; secondly, because Wei Zheng, as a subordinate of Li Jiancheng, could easily eliminate the hostility of the prince's old party.
Stepping out of the strict palace and revisiting the old place, Wei Zheng's suppressed emotions were released to a certain extent. During his tour of Shandong, he composed a song called "Twilight Autumn":
I left Beijing and Fu in the first summer, and stayed in Sanhe in late autumn.
The Penglai Pavilion is so deep that I miss my hometown a lot day and night.
The frost cuts the cool steps, and the wind carries the quiet lotuses.
Sui Fang sits down and rests, feeling this kind of singing.
Wei Zheng can be said to be an outsider in the literary circle and has written very few poems. He pursued practical achievements all his life and had no time to carve out words. The word "Shi Wei" at the end comes from "The Book of Songs": "Shi Wei, Hu will not return?" "Mao Shi Biography" believes that in the Spring and Autumn Period, there was a small country named Li Country. The Marquis of Li was expelled by the Di people, and his ministers called him Returned and composed this poem.
The scene of late autumn made Wei Zheng feel something in his heart. However, as soon as his emotions were released, he heard the call from his heart: You still have the mission of being a king!
No wonder, the appearance that Wei Zheng left to the world is very monotonous: an important minister who chatters endlessly and sums up the lessons of history.
When Wei Zheng arrived in Cizhou, local officials happened to have detained the remaining princes and sent them to the capital. Wei Zheng immediately released them. He said: The higher-ups have just issued an edict that all the princes and former members of Prince Qi’s palace should be pardoned. Now that they are being escorted back to Beijing, how can they win the trust of the world? Wei Zheng's actions stabilized the situation in Shandong. The most important thing is that he responded to Li Shimin's trust perfectly.
The Lord treats me as a nobleman of the country, and I will repay you as a nobleman of the country.
Wei Zheng. Source: Internet
01
Wei Zheng is from Julu. His life has been poor since he was a child, but he has lofty aspirations. When the world was in chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, he naturally wanted to do something.
Wei Zheng had a mysterious teacher-Wang Tong. This is a strange man. He is proficient in the Five Classics and has the strategy of a king. He has a heart to help the world and longs for the appreciation of the Ming Dynasty. Later, due to internal conflicts in the Sui Dynasty, Wang Tong was unable to carry out his ambitions, so he returned to the mountains and taught knowledge in the land of Hefen.
Wang Tong had many disciples, and most of them were famous officials in the early Tang Dynasty. According to legend, Wen Yanbo, Du Ruhui, Chen Shuda, Du Yan, Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng, Li Jing, Wang Gui, Xue Shou and others were all his disciples.
However, some people have raised questions: Such a powerful person has almost no historical records and has not left any writings. There is a "Zhongshuo" handed down from ancient times, which imitates the quotation style of "The Analects of Confucius" and was written down by later generations. Have all those famous disciples forgotten this mentor after they became high officials?
History has left some clues, at least this teacher was mentioned in the collected works of Du Yan, Chen Shuda and Xue Shou. There is still controversy as to whether Li Jing, Fang Xuanling and others were disciples of Wang Tong. However, Wang Tong should really exist, and his knowledge was quite popular in the early Tang Dynasty.
For example, "Zhongshuo" mentioned: "Confucius said: Do not change the fate of one people for the sake of the world." This is the people-centered thought.
"If you don't know, you can't be regarded as a minister, so what's the matter with you?" This is the idea that the monarch's power is limited.
"There must be no guilt in what you say, and you should be warned when you hear it." This is the king's thought in accepting remonstrance.
The entrepreneurs who founded the Tang Dynasty basically practiced these words. Especially the culture of accepting advice. In the fourth year of Wude (621), Li Shimin defeated Dou Jiande and entered Luoyang. He couldn't help but sigh when he saw the palaces of the Sui Dynasty were very luxurious. Xue Shou took the opportunity to say: "The Qin Dynasty increased the decoration of Afang, and the Han Dynasty paid for the terrace. Therefore, the Han Dynasty extended the palace and the Qin disaster hastened. This has been the case since ancient times." Li Shimin understood.
Xue Shou. Source: Internet
In fact, Wang Tong's knowledge represents the cultural spirit of an era. After witnessing the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, knowledgeable people wanted to regain Confucian morality and bring order to the chaos. They have a common expectation for the great governance of the world and are willing to work hard for this ideal. Wei Zheng is one of them.
Before meeting Li Shimin, Wei Zheng changed his masters several times.
In the thirteenth year of Daye (617), Wei Zheng attached himself to Li Mi, the leader of the Wagang Uprising Army. Li Mi discovered that Wei Zheng was very talented, so he reused him. Wei Zheng once offered ten strategies to strengthen Wagang. Although Li Mi was surprised, he failed to adopt it.
At that time, Wang Shichong, who occupied Luoyang, attacked Li Mi and was defeated by Li Mi. On the occasion of victory, Wei Zheng poured cold water on him. He said: Although Wei Gong (Li Mi) won, his elite troops were damaged, and the treasury was not accumulated. The soldiers had military exploits but did not get rewards. It is better to maintain a stalemate with the enemy in deep ditches and high forts, and then lead the army to pursue them when the enemy's food is exhausted and retreat. This is the way to win. Too bad no one listened to him.
Later, Wei Zheng followed Li Mi to surrender to Li Yuan, and Li Mi's old general Li Ji still occupied a vast territory. Wei Zheng then recommended himself to persuade Li Ji to surrender. As a result, Dou Jiande led his army south, and Wei Zheng, Li Ji and others became prisoners. Not long after, Wei Zheng got involved with Dou Jiande again. After Dou Jiande was defeated, Wei Zheng entered the Tang Dynasty again and was reused by Li Jiancheng.
According to the view that loyal ministers do not serve the two masters, Wei Zheng is undoubtedly a man with shortcomings of morality. He refuses no one who comes, takes charge of everything, and does his best.
In fact, Wei Zheng is not without principles in his heart. On the way to surrender Li Ji under the order of Li Yuan, the mountain road was difficult and dangerous. Wei Zheng composed a poem "Reminiscences of Memories", which contains the following sentence: "Aren't you afraid of the hardships and dangers? I deeply cherish the kindness of the country's soldiers." This is not the same as when he was comforted by Li Shimin's order many years later. Does Shandong feel exactly the same?
He has always cherished the dream of being a national scholar. How could he not do his best when meeting a wise monarch?
02
In the early years of Zhenguan, when the world was first settled, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty discussed the policy of governing the country with his ministers.
The DPRK was divided into two factions.
Wei Zheng believed that dynasties may change, but the people are simple and can be educated, and the benevolence and righteousness spoken by the sages will never become outdated. The most important thing now is to bring peace to the people.
Feng Deyi pointed out: "Three generations later, people gradually became corrupt. Therefore, the Qin established laws and the Han Dynasty overlorded. They all wanted to transform but couldn't. How can they transform but not want to? If we believe what Wei Zheng said, it would probably ruin the country." He said It is believed that people's hearts have become bad and they can no longer practice benevolence and righteousness. Therefore, the Qin Dynasty must rely on the law, and the Han Dynasty must act tyrannically. The implication is that the Tang Dynasty had to do the same.
Wei Zheng retorted: "If we say that the ancients were simple and honest, then they have turned into ghosts and monsters today, and the Lord can rule them in peace!" If people's hearts continue to deteriorate, then the current world will be full of evil ghosts, and the king will How to govern it?
In fact, whether people's hearts are bad or not is just rhetoric. The focus of the dispute between the two sides is whether it is benevolence or justice or the law, whether it is light corvee and low tax, or a high-pressure policy.
At that time, Tang Taizong was less than thirty years old and had great military exploits. He was not a pedantic and conservative person, but he chose to believe in Wei Zheng who repeated the same old tune.
Historical records: "In the first year of Zhenguan (Zhenguan), there was hunger in Guanzhong, and a piece of rice was tied to a piece of silk; in the second year, there were locusts all over the world; in the third year, there were floods." The unification of the world did not bring about a happy life, and the national economy was still in decline. . It was not until the fourth year of Zhenguan that the clouds finally cleared, the world had a good harvest, and the vitality of society was restored.
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty himself recalled: "In the early days of Zhenguan, everyone had different opinions, saying that it is impossible to practice the emperor's way or the king's way today. But Wei Zheng persuaded me, and since I followed his words, within a few years, I have achieved peace in China, and I have served as a guest from far away."
Feng Deyi. Source: Film and TV stills
Another time, the imperial court sent people to recruit troops, and Feng Deyi reported: Even if the middle-aged men are less than 18 years old, those who are tall and strong can also be recruited together.
Tang Taizong agreed. Wei Zheng firmly opposed it. At that time, he was Minister Zuocheng, and decisions between the DPRK and China required his signature. As a result, the conscription order was stuck at Wei Zheng.
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was furious and summoned Wei Zheng into the palace and cursed angrily: The burly and strong men among the middle men are all those who treacherously reported their age to escape the corvee. What's the harm in recruiting them, but you are so stubborn!
Wei Zheng replied: Running an army does not depend on having a large number of people. As long as your majesty manages the army properly and is invincible in the world, why bother recruiting young people to increase the number? Moreover, His Majesty always said: "I govern the world with integrity, and I hope that no one under my command will commit any fraud." Now, not long after His Majesty came to the throne, he has already broken his promise many times.
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty asked in shock: How could I have broken my promise?
Wei Zheng replied: When your Majesty first came to the throne, he exempted the people from the property owed to the court. As a result, the property of the Qin Palace was still collected. An order was issued to exempt people from corvee service, but it was soon announced that those who had already paid taxes would be exempted from the service next year. Are these ways of governing with integrity?
After hearing this, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said happily: I used to think you were stubborn and suspected that you didn't understand government affairs. Now I see you talking about state affairs, and you really hit the mark. If the government's decrees are not trustworthy, then the people will not know what to follow. How can the country be governed? My fault is very deep!
Therefore, the imperial court did not recruit middle-aged men as soldiers.
"The Cambridge History of Sui and Tang Dynasties in China" says that Wei Zheng was "an indomitable moralist" and "a fearless critic". In the history books, we basically don’t see Wei Zheng manipulating the country and giving guidance to the country. These are the affairs of Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui. His appearance was basically in another scene: when Taizong wanted to show off his martial arts, he came out to stop him; when Taizong wanted to build a large-scale construction project, he came out to oppose it; when Taizong wanted to be extravagant and wasteful, he came out to admonish him.
Wang Gui, who was also an admonisher, said of Wei Zheng: "Every time he takes admonition and criticism as his heart, he is not as shameful as Yao and Shun." This is almost a moral obsession.
In his later years, Emperor Taizong gradually became slack. In the thirteenth year of Zhenguan, Wei Zheng went to "Ten Gradually". This article is extremely brilliant, pointing out the ten shortcomings of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty: seeking treasures, devoting people's efforts, rejecting direct advice, being far away from gentlemen, still pursuing strange things, despising Zang, being fond of hunting, being sparse, neglecting political affairs, and focusing on corvee service. Finally wrote:
"Today's foundation of peace is based on admiration for the majesty of the sky; the accumulation of nine ren is still less than the merit of one basket. It is hard to get it again after a thousand years of rest. The master of the Ming Dynasty can do something but not do it, so the minister is depressed and sighs. "
After reading it, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was shocked and sincerely admitted his mistake: "I will stand still and respect the sound of virtue."
The chattering ministers could get a response from the emperor every time they complained.
This is the luckiest thing about Wei Zheng.
03
Wei Zheng often raised this question in his memorials: Why were the previous dynasties so difficult to "conquer the end" and suffered defeats one after another?
This is also an unavoidable question hanging on the heads of Zhenguan monarchs and ministers.
They are all witnesses of a great historical change. The Sui Dynasty, a dynasty with "strong armies and powerful armies" and "popularity for thousands of miles", only existed for more than thirty years before it "collapsed" and "its descendants perished". Without the sudden demise of the Sui Dynasty, there would be no rise of the Tang Dynasty. No one knows whether they will become the second Sui Dynasty. Therefore, writing about the history of the Sui Dynasty was of vital interest to the rulers of the Tang Dynasty.
In the third year of Zhenguan (629), Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty ordered Wei Zheng to compile the "Book of Sui". Wei Zheng not only edited "Sui Shu", but also personally wrote the preface and commentary of "Sui Shu".
One of the most important points of Wei Zheng's point of view is: "The gains and losses of the Sui Dynasty are similar to those of the Qin Dynasty." "Book of Sui" believes that the Sui Dynasty died at the hands of Emperor Yang, just like the Qin Dynasty died at the hands of the Second Emperor, and pointed the finger at the monarch's harsh punishments and military violence , create excessiveness, patrol endlessly and other practices.
However, the Tang people's thinking on the problem was not limited to this. The "Book of Sui" asked: "The emperor Gaozu swept south of the Yangtze River to clear up Liuhe, and Emperor Yang of Liaodong destroyed the world. What's the reason?" Wei Zheng's answer is: Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty disturbed The purpose of the people was to make the people "peaceful". Emperor Sui Yang disturbed the people because he treated them as nothing. At the same time, Wei Zheng also believed that the signs of the Sui Dynasty's defeat originated from Gaozu. In his later years, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty "had no tolerance for mercy and had the talent to be mean", which sowed the seeds of the country's ruin.
It can be said that every word in "Sui Shu" is advising Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty.
"Sui Shu". Source: Internet
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty once said: "If you use the past as a mirror, you can know the ups and downs." Using history to inform government was the particularity of the Zhenguan Dynasty.
Encouraged by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Wei Zheng teamed up with Yu Shinan, Chu Liang, Xiao Deyan and others to cut out the good words and sayings in the history books and compiled them into a book "Qun Shu Zhi Yao" and presented it to the emperor. The significance of this book lies not in its content, but in Wei Zheng's tailoring techniques.
Take "Three Kingdoms" as an example. The original book had about 690,000 words, but Wei Zheng cut it into about 40,000 words, leaving no ten words. For example, Guan Yu only selected Cao Cao's farewell, and all subsequent stories were deleted.
On the contrary, some supporting actors have a lot of roles. For example, Bao Xun's original text had more than 1,300 words, but it was reduced to only 593 words. Bao Xun was an admonishing officer, upright and selfless. In the sixth year of Huangchu (220), Cao Pi wanted to launch an army to attack Wu, but Bao Xun bluntly said no, but Cao Pi still launched the war and finally returned with a great defeat. Cao Pi saw that he was not going well, so he killed him for an excuse. "Qunshu Zhiyao" even excerpts the details of Bao Xun's unjust death: "On the day of his death, the family had no money left, so everyone felt sorry for Xun."
Lu Xun is the only person in "Three Kingdoms" apart from the emperors and Zhuge Liang who has an independent biography. His role in "Books of the Three Kingdoms" only has more than 400 words. As for his clan nephew Lu Kai, his article was more than 2,700 words long because he was admonishing Sun Hao.
It can be seen that the meaning of Wei Zheng's tailoring is not in the truth of history, but shows the "persuasive minister".
Therefore, after the emergence of "Book of Books", he did not get much attention, and he had died in the Song Dynasty. On the contrary, this book spread to Japan, which was very popular, and finally flowed back to China in the Qing Dynasty.
It can be said that Wei Zheng's private goods in the "Book of Books" are becoming more and more popular. Is it because the ministers of later generations do not want to show the "way of the officials"? Is it because the monarchs of later generations don't want to learn from history? neither.
The biggest reason is that this book is only written for one person from beginning to end -Tang Taizong.
After Zhenguan, there was no second Tang Taizong, and "Book of Books" naturally had no value.
Wei Zheng. Source: Film and TV stills
04
On one occasion, Tang Taizong asked the ministers and said:
"Before Zhenguan, I settled the world from the world, and it was arduous and dangerous, and Xuan Ling's merits had nothing to give up. After Zhenguan, I was dedicated to me, and contributed to loyalty, and the people. That’s all.”
In Tang Taizong's heart, Wei Zhengzuo became the world's governance.
At the beginning of Tang Taizong's ascendant, "frost drought is disaster, rice valley is expensive, Turkic invasion, state and county sorrows", there are both internal and external and external troubles, a place where the disaster is severe, a silk can be replaced by a meter.
In the fifth year of Zhenguan, "the world is big, and the dispensers are returning to the countryside. The rice is only three or four dollars, and the death sentence is only 29 years old. Take it to the road. "
This is the style of chastity in history: economic recovery, political stability, and good social atmosphere. Similar descriptions are common in history books, but the rule of Zhenguan is the admiration of everyone. Because it not only represents an important period, but also becomes an ideal that is constantly being lifted and never surpassed.
The most enviable point of the possessive people in Zhenguan is the political atmosphere of the monarch and the union and the together.
Once, some people slandered Wei Zheng to cover their relatives. Li Shimin sent a doctor of the royal history Wen Yanbo to investigate. As a result, Wen Yanbo said to Tang Taizong: Wei Zheng, as a courtier, has a tangible behavior and cannot avoid suspicion. Otherwise, he cannot avoid suspicion, otherwise It will recruit defamation. Although there is no private affairs, it should be blamed.
Later, Wei Zheng entered the dynasty: Chen heard that the monarch and his courtesy. If it is not fair and pursuing the traces of behaviors, the monarch and ministers do this, then the rise and fall of the country will be unpredictable.
Li Shimin confessed his mistakes: I have regretted this.
Wei Zheng also said: I hope that His Majesty will let his ministers be a good minister and not let the ministers be loyal ministers.
Li Shimin asked: Is there any different places for loyalty and favorable ministers?
Wei Zheng said: Liangchen gave himself a reputation, and the monarch was praised. The loyal minister was killed by himself, and the monarch was also in a fierce situation.
Wei Zheng knew that he could determine that he was a loyal minister or a good minister, not his own actions, but the act of the king. In other words, the monarchs make it a good minister; the monarch is stubborn, making him a loyal minister. There can be no Wei Zheng in this world, but Tang Taizong cannot be without.
Li Shimin's answer is also very intriguing: "Jun but not against this, I will never forget the agency."
Naida is just the side of Zhenguan.
After experiencing the shock of the world, in the face of the history of history, they have the same ideal. Tang Taizong once said: "The emperor, there is a way to push it, and if there is no way, people are abandoned without being, and they are in awe." What is fear? Fear of water can cover the boat, so the people are presented first; if they are afraid of listening, they are dark, so they seek the power of the group.
Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. Source: Internet
In the Northern Song Dynasty, Bao Zheng said such a paragraph:
"The minister heard that Tang Taizong was well -known, and Wei Yuancheng was loyal to the ministers.
It seems that as long as the courtiers dare to dare to talk, the monarch can make it, the world can make the world great.
The narrow understanding exposed Song Chen's sorrowful situation. They seem to govern the world with the emperor, and their dignity is higher than before. However, the emperor of the Song Dynasty advocated the balance of definition and was afraid of losing power. The courtiers are more than tools, not those who are peers.
In the three years of Xining (1070), Wang Anshi asked. Song Shenzong blame: "I know each other with Qing, and has never been unprecedented in recent times, so it is just a monarch and minister. It is also appropriate to be less flexible. I am both a monarch and a monarch with Qing? "
The idea is: the relationship between the two of us is too deep, and the monarchs are just a form. If a friend invites you to do something, you should be wronged. What's more, we are a monarch, can't we be wronged for me? It is moving with affection.
Later, such a loving Song Shenzong could neither protect Wang Anshi's retreat in the attack of political opponents, and he could not restrain his own power. Wang Anshi finally couldn't help it.
The righteousness of Tang Taizong and Wei Zheng's monarchs, just as the rule of Zhenguan, is just a flash of history.
05
In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan (643), Wei Zheng died of illness. Tang Taizong cried and ranked, hurting him. Not long after, Li Shimin ordered Yan Li Ben's twenty -four heroes to be put into Lingyan Pavilion, and Wei Zheng ranked fourth.
However, the ending of the two is not very complete.
This year, Prince Li Chengqian rebelled, and Tang Taizong of Yingming I gradually showed a faint side.
At that time, Hou Junji, Du Zhenglun, and the prince had dyed, one was killed, and the other was degraded. Wei Zheng once recommended the two, saying that they have the talents of prime ministers. Tang Taizong had to doubt whether Wei Zheng did not look as straightforward on the surface. Is it possible for him to form a private party?
Later, Tang Taizong learned that Wei Zheng once wrote his own words and gave it to the historian Chu Suiliang. It is estimated that he intends to pass the good reputation. With a good reputation, wouldn't he become the persuasive faint king? Tang Taizong wanted to get angry, and he completely lost his judgment.
Therefore, he abolished the marriage contract between Princess Hengshan and the eldest son of Wei Zheng, and ordered the tombstone of Wei Zheng.
In the 19th year of Zhenguan (645), Li Shimin recruited Goguryeo. If you put it in the past, there will be a person who stood up and say something unsuitable. No more this time. Although Tang Jun won a great victory, Taizong still regretted it. After returning to the teacher, he sighed and said, "If Wei Zheng is here, he will not make me do it." So he re -established Wei Zheng's tombstone.
In the end, Tang Taizong was the old -fashioned monarch.
In ancient China, a Ming monarch like Tang Taizong still could not avoid faintness; a grand dynasty such as the Tang Dynasty could not go out of the historical law of "ending". How do I find a way out?
This ultimate question left by Wei Zheng can only be answered by future generations.
[Qing] Liu Yuan: Wei Zheng of Lingyan Pavilion Magic Picture. Source: Internet
references:
[Tang] Wei Zheng and others: "Sui Shu", Zhonghua Book Company, 1973
[Tang] Liu Ye and others: "Old Tang Book", Zhonghua Book Company, 1975
[Tang] Wu Yan: "Zhenguan Political Affairs", Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House, 1987
[Tang] Written by Wei Zheng and others: "Book of Books", Zhonghua Book Company, 2014
[Song] Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi: "New Tang Book", Zhonghua Book Company, 1975
[Song] Sima Guang: "Zi Zhi Tong Jian", Zhonghua Book Company, 1956
