Although it was extremely disgusting, Li Xian had to remember it seriously.
You cannot fight against the times with your own strength. Even if he becomes emperor in the future, he will not be able to directly confront the noble class of the entire Tang Dynasty. Wang Mang's lesson is that when a ruler cannot ensure that his people can live well, the dynasty will not be far from collapse. And when a ruler cannot guarantee the interests of the aristocratic class, then rebellion can also pull him from the throne.
When you are an emperor, you must take both into consideration. It is not appropriate to stand on either side's team alone.
At least, Li Xian himself did not think that he could turn the Tang Dynasty into the Communist Party while he was alive. Besides, there was no need for it. No matter what the environment is, as long as the people can live a good life and the country where everyone comes together can stand on top of the world, that's all.
After thinking about this clearly, Li Xian's nausea about the "Five Skills of Controlling the People" eased a little, and he could at least recite it.
Li Zhi, who failed to draw the bow, returned to the small pavilion dejectedly. Seeing Li Xian taking notes, he couldn't help but said: "Just listen. The emperor's art is not passed down to the six ears. If you write notes , what if it is leaked out? Are you willing to kill your princess? Are you willing to kill Li Yun? Are you willing to kill your little maid, call her a Shangguan or something?"
After hearing what Li Zhi said, Li Xian had to tear up the notes. In fact, it doesn't matter whether he writes notes or not. It's just a way for him to deepen his memory. I don't usually use it, but now I am really resistant to the so-called five skills of controlling the people, so I can only use this method.
In addition, Li Xian was not surprised that the emperor was familiar with his life in the East Palace. After all, whether it is Li Yun, Xiao Desheng or others, they can be regarded as the emperor's spies. Facing the saint, none of them dared to hide anything casually. After all, if the Prince of the East Palace wants to sit firmly in his position, he must have the support of the emperor.
He lied once, concealed twice, and the third time...
Seeing that Li Xian obediently tore up the notes, wetted them with tea, and crushed them to pieces, Li Zhi nodded and sat down.
"I ask you, what is the art of fooling the people?"
"To limit the development of the people, you don't need to know too much about things other than farming. Without culture, you won't be eager for status. Without knowledge, you won't think too much about your future. You will only appoint people with a hoe and follow them. The land begs for food.”
....
Facing Li Zhi's question, Li Xian used his own understanding to describe the five skills of controlling the people.
After listening, even Li Zhi, who considered himself extraordinary, could not help but nod with satisfaction. It seems that what Zhang Wenguan and others said is true. The prince's intelligence is indeed the best among these princes.
After taking another sip of tea, Li Zhicai continued: "Since you already understand the five skills of controlling the people, then I will tell you about the four skills of controlling the ministers."
"The so-called four skills of controlling ministers are self-respect, establishment of authority, kindness, and balance."
"The so-called self-esteem means self-respect. What is an emperor? The emperor is the Son of Heaven, and he is the most majestic in the country of the Tang Dynasty. Since ancient times, the tougher the emperor, the more he can establish his majesty. And the cowardly and incompetent emperor If an emperor is obedient to his ministers, then he will not be an emperor for long. Remember, an emperor must always be strict with his ministers. If you can make him feel that his head is unstable, then your throne will be ruined. You can sit still."
Hearing this, Li Xian couldn't help but ask: "Aye, there will be exceptions, such as Wei Zheng?"
Li Zhi smiled and said: "The reason why the late emperor was able to tolerate Wei Zheng's wanton accusations was firstly to appease the remaining parties in the East Palace, secondly to maintain the image of a benevolent monarch, and thirdly to restrain himself. If not for these reasons, do you think people like Wei Zheng, father? Can you tolerate his misbehavior?"
Although he had some speculations, Li Xian was relieved to confirm this from Li Zhi's mouth. When I first studied history, I had doubts about the "human mirror" case. Now it seems that Wei Zheng was indeed just a prop for Emperor Taizong. The reason why Wei Zheng became Wei Zheng was indeed the deliberate connivance of Emperor Taizong.
I have to say that Emperor Taizong succeeded. For future generations who have studied history textbooks but have no in-depth understanding of history, when talking about Emperor Taizong, the first thing that comes to mind is the story of him and Wei Zheng. Moreover, the impact is not good enough.
Being interrupted by Li Xian, Li Zhi was not angry. He thought about it and continued: "As for the second establishment of authority, I don't need to tell you in detail."
Li Xian nodded: "The emperor's right to dispose of his ministers should be absolute. As the saying goes, if the emperor wants his ministers to die, the ministers have to die. Although it is said that, if he wields the butcher's knife casually, the emperor will be separated from Yang, Zhou, and Jie. Posthumous titles like this are not far away. Therefore, if the emperor wants to establish his prestige, he should specifically select those who dare to offend the emperor's majesty. Only in this way can the majesty be reflected. Moreover, the more senior and powerful the people to deal with, the better the effect will be. .”
Li Zhi sighed, picked up the teacup, glanced at it, put the teacup down, changed a cup, poured a full glass of wine into it, and spilled it on the ground.
Seeing Li Zhi's depressed look, Li Xian knew that he must be thinking of Changsun Wuji.
In the plot of the TV series, Changsun Wuji was brought down by Empress Wu. In Li Xian's opinion, this is definitely a big joke. Who is Changsun Wuji? The emperor's uncle! Minister Tuogu, it would be a shame to let a female prostitute casually make false accusations, unless the sun rises from the north.
After all, Changsun Wuji would not have fallen without Li Zhi's participation.
Sure enough, after pouring a glass of wine and drinking another glass of wine, Li Zhi spoke: "I can only tell you some things. When Xu Jingzong and others planned to overthrow Uncle Changsun, I acquiesced, or in other words , among which my promotion also played a crucial role.”
"When the late emperor was here, uncle Changsun always tried his best to assist him. He was even offered the position of prime minister a few times, but he declined. In addition, he and the late emperor were close friends, so he was the most favored."
"Because of this, he and Li Ji were able to become Minister Tuogu. At least when I first succeeded to the throne, he was worthy of the late emperor and me."
"However, it is easy for people to get lost in power. Gradually, Uncle Changsun changed from assisting and teaching to coercing and reprimanding. I am the emperor, but I have been repeatedly reprimanded by him in the court to the point where I cannot stand."
"If I keep tolerating him, what's the point of not being the emperor? Because of this, he has become a stepping stone for me to formally assume power. Uncle Changsun is the leader of the Guanlong Group, and Chu Suiliang is the leader of the southern gentry. The two of them Their downfall had a very good prestige-building effect. Sure enough, with their downfall, my prestige in the court immediately reached its peak."
"To be honest, Prince, compared to me, your method of killing the officials and guards of the British Prince's Palace is still too naive."
"That's what it's like to be an emperor. When necessary, even if you feel uncomfortable, you have to attack the people closest to you."
"Don't think this is cruel. As long as the signs are exposed, if there are no accidents, they will grow into thorns. Cao Mengde has a good saying, I would rather betray others than others betray me. Prince, you must remember to continue to trust someone. The pain of being deceived in the end is much more uncomfortable than the guilt you feel after taking the initiative to kill this person."
Seeing Li Zhi's dejected look, Li Xian couldn't help but sigh.
Although Li Zhi's statement is a bit biased, it is not unreasonable. Human emotions are like this. If a skyscraper built by trusting others collapses, it will easily kill someone.
Changsun Wuji indeed became a prop for Li Zhi to show his majesty, and he himself was forced to commit suicide. All his sons were dismissed from office, and all his wives and children were exiled to Lingnan as slaves.
It's miserable, isn't it?
However, it has to be said that at least many people's lives were saved. Otherwise, even if Changsun Wuji's family is exiled to other places, they will all be killed by people from various factions.
And if he really rebels in the end...
Although Changsun Wuji did not have the ability or thoughts of rebellion when he fell, the battle for the throne has always been contaminated by numerous blood donations. He didn't want to think that people below him in the chain of interests would involuntarily want to push him up.
As a nephew, Li Zhi is indeed terrible. But as an emperor...
At least from his standpoint, it's hard to say "you did it wrong" as a criticism.
So, although the emperor is also a human being,...
Li Zhi's sadness disappeared just as quickly as it came.
Wiping the corners of his eyes, he continued: "After establishing power, you have to show kindness. In this regard, I found that you did a good job. Everyone in the East Palace was run by your brother, and I am very satisfied with him. First, he runs the East Palace like an iron wall. Everyone from top to bottom is extremely loyal to him as the prince."
"And when I came to you, I gave the slaves tents to shelter from the rain when I cried in the evening, I didn't move Xiao Dezhao and Yang Yi's official positions when they entered the East Palace, I gave Xiao Desheng a high and low promotion, and I gave chickens to the slaves even when they were eating. All of the above produced The effect is really good. I have tested it secretly and found out that the servants in the East Palace are very loyal to you, the prince, especially Li Yun..."
Seeing Li Zhi mention Li Yun, Li Xian's heart beat faster involuntarily.
"This guy Li Yun, when I asked him about your current situation, he defended you in every possible way. Especially when the woman from the Shangguan family was sent out of the palace by you, he excused you for a cup of tea in front of me. Time. My people's hearts have been attracted by you, what a trick!"
Li Xiancai secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Li Zhi had a very normal smile despite what he said.
After all, I never thought about winning people's hearts or anything. However, the habits of later generations made it impossible for him to act condescending to anyone, and he could not help but put himself in others' shoes.
However, in the environment of Datang, the effect of this was a bit too good. It was obviously a normal practice in later generations, but in this era, it could easily get a lot of people to die. Regardless of whether it is a prince or a prince, using such actions against people is no less than blowing up mosquitoes with nuclear bombs.
Seeing Li Xian put on a wry smile, Li Zhi sighed and continued: "I heard that when Jiang Hao was beaten by your mother-in-law, you still excused him? It is estimated that after Li Yun, Jiang Hao will soon become a He is yours. Forget it, since this guy Li Yun has become loyal to you, I won’t force him to serve two masters alone."
After speaking, Li Zhi waved to Li Yong in the distance.
Seeing the saint waving, Li Yong rushed over and saluted: "What are your orders?"
Li Zhi smiled and said: "Li Yong, when you were in Jiucheng Palace, you risked your life to save me, so I rewarded you with the national surname. Now, since you are serving in the East Palace, you should completely belong to the East Palace. Treat you to me. Just put your loyalty on the prince."
Li Yun was shocked when he heard the saint's words. He knelt down without hesitation and choked with sobs: "Your Majesty doesn't want the slave anymore? You have been unable to repay your kindness even though the slave has almost died. How can you give the slave to the prince?"
Li Zhi did not doubt Li Yun's loyalty. Although this bastard had become loyal to the prince, he was sure that if the prince turned against him at this time, this bastard would still turn towards him as the emperor.
This is enough, otherwise, how could he give Li Yun to the prince? I have already given you a glass of poisonous wine.
Patting Li Yong on the shoulder, Li Zhi said with a smile: "I said, just give your loyalty to me to the prince. Your skills are among the best among your peers. With your protection, I will be loyal to the prince." You will feel more at ease if you are safe. Okay, get up and go make me another pot of tea."
Hearing what the saint said, Li Yun stood up in tears, hugged the teapot and left.
After being together for so long, Li Xian knew Li Yong quite well. To be honest, the difference between this guy and a tough guy is only two zeros. Who would have thought that he would cry like this at this time. It can be seen that Emperor Li Zhi is still good at winning people's hearts. I'm afraid, there is still a big gap between me and him.
Sure enough, Li Zhi then spoke: "The so-called kindness is used on courtiers to make them feel grateful to the emperor at all times. Of course, this gratitude cannot be verbal, it must be expressed by them. Only when the courtiers make small mistakes should they be forgiven, and for big mistakes should they be dealt with lightly. When giving rewards, be more generous than the regulations. On weekdays, occasionally reward them to let them shine. These are all It’s a means of showing favor.”
"At the beginning, when Emperor Taizong was teaching me, he took me to the execution ground to visit a general who was to be beheaded according to the law. The general who remained calm in the face of the beheading knife burst into tears when he saw the late emperor. , shouted that he was sorry for the kindness given to his father, then broke away from the rope and committed suicide."
"How's it going? You're shocked. This is the effect of using the grace technique to its extreme. In this regard, I think I still need to continue to understand, so you kid, don't think about it too simply."
