The most virtuous woman, Empress Changsun; the first female prime minister, Shangguan Wan'er; the earliest female spy, Diao Chan; and the most successful female diplomat, Princess Wencheng. Different story, different fate, different woman, different style. The same "pull". How much do you think the changes in history have to do with them? What do you think of their characters and achievements? You are welcome to express yourself freely...
Empress Changsun - the most virtuous woman
Some people say: Behind every successful man stands a great woman. Taizong of the Tang Dynasty ruled the world and flourished for a while. In addition to relying on a large number of advisers and generals under him, it was also inseparable from the assistance of his virtuous and gentle wife, Empress Changsun.
Empress Changsun is the daughter of Sun Sheng, the general of Xiaowei in the Sui Dynasty. Her mother, Gao Jingde, was the governor of Yangzhou. Empress Changsun grew up in a family of officials. She received a complete set of orthodox education at an early age and formed a scholar Courtesy, virtuous, gentle, upright and kind-hearted character. When she was young, a fortune-teller told her birth date and horoscopes and said that she "contains all things, has boundless virtues, is obedient, and is indescribably noble."
The Changsun family was thirteen years old. At that time, she married the seventeen-year-old Li Shimin, the second son of Li Yuan who was left behind in Taiyuan at that time. Although she was young, she was already able to fulfill her duties as a woman, serve her parents-in-law wholeheartedly, support her husband and educate her children, and was a very competent little girl. A daughter-in-law is very popular with her husband and parents-in-law.
Li Shimin was a promising young man with both civil and military skills. When he was eighteen years old, he broke into the enemy camp single-handedly and rescued his father who was under siege. Cai Guang recruited heroes from all over the world; at the age of 21, he joined his father Li Yuan in Taiyuan and led an army to capture Chang'an, the capital of Sui Dynasty. Li Yuan ascended to the throne of emperor and became the founder of the Tang Dynasty - Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty. After Li Yuan proclaimed himself emperor, he named Li Shimin the King of Qin, responsible for controlling the troops in Guandong. Within a few years, Li Shimin wiped out the separatist forces in the Central Plains and completed the great cause of the unification of the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty named him the Supreme Chief of Heavenly Policy. General, the position is above other princes. During Li Shimin's campaign in the north and south, Princess Changsun followed her husband closely and took care of his daily life, so that Li Shimin could get a gentle soothing like a clear spring after the busy war, which made him more energetic during the battle. , invincible.
After Li Shimin was granted the title of General Tiance, he enjoyed special powers and was able to set up his own official office, which was like a small court. At that time, the generals who served him were Li Shimin. Shi Qi, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, Zhai Changsun, Qin Wutong, Yuchi Gong and other valiant generals who are good at fighting; the civil servants include Du Ruhai, Fang Xuanling, Yu Shinan, Zhuge Liang, Yao Shilian, Li Xuandao, Cai Yungong, Xue Yuanjing, Yan Xiangshi, Su Xu, Yu Zhining, Su Shichang, Xue Shou, Li Shousu, Lu Qingming, Kong Yingda, Gai Wenyuan, Xu Jingzong and other "Eighteen Scholars" can be said to be like a cloud of virtuous ministers, with overwhelming influence. Li Shimin had such a popular situation, which naturally made the incompetent prince Li Jiancheng, who was greedy for wine and lust, uneasy. Out of suspicion and jealousy, he teamed up with his third brother Li Yuanji to attempt to murder his brother Li Shimin; but the plot was discovered by Li Shimin's advisers and forced him to With no choice but to persuade his uncle Sun Wuji and his adviser Fang Xuanling, Li Shimin finally made up his mind and got rid of Prince Li Jiancheng and King Qi Li Yuanji at Xuanwumen. Soon, Li Shimin was established as the prince. In fact, it was his second son that Li Yuan, Emperor Taizu of the Tang Dynasty, admired most. Princess Changsun was originally strongly opposed to this kind of tragedy of fratricide, but in the face of cruel political struggles, what could she, a woman, do? She had no choice but to understand her husband.
In August of the ninth year of Wude, Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan gave the Zen throne to the prince Li Shimin because of his old age, and Li Shimin became Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. The rising tide lifts all boats, and Princess Changsun was immediately established as the Queen of Changsun, the mother of the world, fulfilling the prophecy of Mr. Divination that she would "carry all things". As the supreme queen, Changsun was not arrogant because of it. She maintained her virtues of being virtuous, respectful and frugal as always. She served the elderly and idle Emperor Li Yuan very respectfully and meticulously. She would go to greet him every morning and evening. She always reminded the maids beside the Emperor how to adjust his daily life, and did her best to fulfill her filial piety like an ordinary daughter-in-law. Empress Changsun was also very tolerant and docile towards the concubines in the harem. She did not focus on winning exclusive favors. Instead, she regularly advised Li Shimin to treat every concubine fairly. Because of this, jealousy rarely occurred in Emperor Taizong's harem. It has been very rare in history. Although Empress Dugu of Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty also managed the harem in an orderly manner, she relied on autocratic policies and tactics; while Empress Changsun silently influenced and influenced the entire harem just by relying on her dignified character. The atmosphere made Tang Taizong undisturbed by the disputes in the harem and able to concentrate on military and state affairs. No wonder Tang Taizong admired her very much! Although Empress Changsun was born into a noble family and is now very wealthy, she has always followed a frugal and simple lifestyle. She does not pay attention to luxury and beauty in clothing and supplies, and she is never extravagant in her food and beverages, which has also led to a rise in the harem. The simple customs set an example for the implementation of the policies of governing the country that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty worked hard to govern.
Because Queen Changsun’s actions were upright and upright, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty valued her very much. When he returned to the harem, he often talked to her about some military affairs and details of rewards and punishments; although Queen Changsun was a very A insightful woman, but she is unwilling to interfere in national affairs in her special capacity. She has her own set of principles for doing things. She believes that men and women are different and should each perform their own duties. Therefore, she said: "The hen in the morning is not the Righteous way, it is also unlucky for a woman to foretell political affairs." Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty insisted on listening to her opinion. Empress Changsun couldn't resist, and expressed her opinion after careful consideration: "Be prepared for danger in times of peace, and accept advice from the wise. Other concubines will do the same. I don’t understand.” What she put forward was principles, rather than restricting the emperor with trivial suggestions. She had great faith in the abilities of Li Shimin’s advisers and wise men.
Li Shimin firmly remembered the words of a good wife: "Be prepared for danger in times of peace" and "Accept advice when you are worthy." At that time, the world was basically at peace, and many generals gradually began to neglect martial arts training. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty often In their spare time from official duties, military attaches are recruited to practice archery skills, which is called entertainment. In fact, it is to urge the military attaches to practice martial arts diligently, and use the performance of the exercises as an important reference for their promotion and rewards. According to the rules of the past dynasties, it is generally except for palace guards and individuals. Personnel other than meritorious officials were not allowed to bring weapons to court to ensure the safety of the emperor. Therefore, someone reminded Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty: "Everyone stands beside His Majesty with bows and arrows. If anyone has evil intentions and harms Your Majesty, wouldn't it be a great disaster for the country!" Li Shimin said: "I treat others with a sincere heart, so why should I doubt those around me?" "His style of appointing people on their merits and employing them without suspicion has won the support of his civil and military ministers. As a result, everyone under his command is self-motivated and does not dare to slack off. Even in times of peace and stability, he does not relax his vigilance. The country has been strong and strong for a long time. , and was not afraid of external aggression.
Taizong of the Tang Dynasty benefited greatly from this matter, so he implemented it very well. He often said to his left and right: "People should see their own appearance. , must rely on a mirror; if a king wants to know his faults, he must rely on his outspoken admonitions. " His admonishment officer Wei Zheng was a man of integrity who dared to remonstrate directly. Wei Zheng often directly pointed out some of Tang Taizong's improper behaviors and policies and urged him to correct them. Tang Taizong was quite fond of him. In awe, he is often called "the loyal and admonishing minister." "But sometimes Wei Zheng would not let go of some trivial matters, which often made Tang Taizong feel embarrassed. Once, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty suddenly became interested and brought a large group of guards and ministers to go hunting in the countryside. When he was leaving the palace, he met him. When he met Wei Zheng, Wei Zheng asked about the situation and immediately advised Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty: "It is mid-spring now. All things are sprouting and animals are nursing their young. It is not suitable for hunting. Please return to the palace." Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was very interested at that time and thought to himself: "As a rich and powerful emperor, I finally find time to go out for recreation. What if I hunt some nursing animals?" "So he asked Wei Zheng to step aside, but he still insisted on this trip. Wei Zheng refused to compromise, and stood in the road firmly blocking Tang Taizong's way. Tang Taizong was furious, dismounted and angrily returned to the palace. Everyone on the left and right saw him. I was worried about Wei Zheng.
When Emperor Taizong returned to the palace and saw Empress Changsun, he said angrily: "I must kill this old stubborn Wei Zheng to vent my hatred! " Empress Changsun asked the reason softly and said nothing. She just quietly returned to the inner room and put on her formal attire. Then she came to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty with a solemn face, kowtowed and said: "Congratulations to Your Majesty! " Her move made Emperor Taizong confused. He didn't know what kind of medicine was buried in her gourd, so he asked in surprise: "Why are you so cautious? "Empress Changsun replied seriously: "I heard that only when the Lord is clear can ministers be upright, and now Wei Zheng is upright. This shows that your Majesty is clear, so I respectfully wish your Majesty. "Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was startled after hearing this, and felt that what the Queen said was very reasonable, so the dark clouds in the sky disappeared, and Wei Zheng was able to save his status and life. It can be seen that Queen Changsun was not only magnanimous, but also There is also extraordinary wit.
Empress Changsun and Emperor Taizong's eldest son Li Chengqian were appointed as princes since childhood, and his wet nurse, Mrs. Sui'an, took charge of the daily expenses of the prince's east palace. At that time, frugality was implemented in the palace. The expenditure system in the Crown Prince's palace is no exception. The expenses are very tight. Mrs. Sui'an often whispers in front of Queen Changsun, "The Crown Prince is the future king and deserves to be supported by the world. However, the current expenses are stretched and only a few utensils are available." Very shabby. " So she repeatedly asked for an increase in fees. But Empress Changsun did not give in because she was her beloved son. She said: "As a prince, he has a long future. If the patient has no moral character and is not well-known, why worry about the shortage and use of utensils. It’s not enough! "Her fairness and wisdom have won the admiration of all kinds of people in the palace, and everyone is willing to follow her arrangements.
Changsun Wuji is the elder brother of Queen Changsun. He is both civilized and military. He was a close friend of Li Shimin in his early years. , and assisted Li Shimin to win the world, and made outstanding achievements. He should have been a high-ranking official, but because of his queen sister, he avoided suspicion at all times to avoid leaving a reason for others. Tang Taizong originally wanted Changsun Wuji to be the prime minister. However, Empress Changsun reported: "Since I have been entrusted with the palace and am in a very high position, I really don't want my brothers to organize the court again to create the image of a family. The journey of Empress Lu in the Han Dynasty can serve as a lesson." Wanwangshengming, don’t regard your concubine as your prime minister! "Tang Taizong didn't want to obey. He felt that Changsun Wuji was appointed prime minister based on his merits and talents. He could "let people do not avoid relatives and only use their talents." And Changsun Wuji was also very worried about his sister's relationship. No. Willing to be a great minister.
As a last resort, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty had no choice but to let him serve as the official official of the Yitong Sansi, a high position but not actually in charge of political affairs. Changsun Wuji still refused, on the grounds that "I am a relative of a foreigner, and if I appoint a minister as a senior official, I am afraid that people in the world will say that your majesty is selfish." "Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said seriously: "I choose people for my official duties only based on their talents. If they are not talented, they will not be used even if they are relatives. King Xiangfu is an example; if they are talented, they will not avoid them even if they are hostile. Wei Zheng is an example of this. , not personal relatives." Changsun Wuji agreed. Both of these brothers and sisters are honest, selfless and noble people.
Princess Changle is the apple of the eye of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and Empress Changsun. She has been pampered since she was a child, and is a delicate and skilled woman. When she was about to get married, she coquettishly asked her parents to give her a dowry twice that of Princess Yongjia. Princess Yongjia was the sister of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. She got married at a time when all businesses were booming in the early Tang Dynasty, so the dowry was relatively simple. When Princess Changle got married, it was already the golden age of Zhenguan and the country was strong, so it was not excessive to ask for an additional dowry. But when Wei Zheng heard about this, he admonished him when he went to court: "If Princess Changle is more polite than Princess Yongjia, it will be inconsistent with both emotions and reason. Elderly and young should be orderly. The rules are set, but I hope your majesty will not let others talk about it!" Tang Dynasty Taizong originally disagreed with these words. Times have changed and things have changed, so we don’t necessarily have to stick to the old rules. After returning to the palace, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty casually told Empress Changsun what Wei Zheng had said, but Empress Changsun took it very seriously. She praised: "I have often heard that Your Majesty pays tribute to Wei Zheng, but I don't know why. Now that I heard his advice, it is actually a courtesy." Yi suppresses the personal feelings of the master, and is a minister who knows the true state of the country. I have a deep love for your majesty, but I am still afraid of your majesty's high position. I will check your majesty's color before every word, and do not dare to offend easily. Wei Zheng treats people as ministers. It is rare to be able to resist such alienation. Your Majesty must obey." So, under the control of Queen Changsun, Princess Changle got married with a modest dowry.
Queen Changsun not only praised Wei Zheng verbally, but also sent an envoy to give Wei Zheng 400 pieces of silk and 400 coins. Reward each other; it is advisable for you to always keep this intention and not to transfer." With the support and encouragement of Empress Changsun, Wei Zheng became more loyal and dedicated, and often violated Yan Zhijian in the court without fear of offending the emperor and important ministers. It was precisely because of a brave and loyal admonisher like him that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty avoided many mistakes and became a sage king. In the final analysis, Empress Changsun actually had a share of the credit for this!
In the eighth year of Zhenguan, Empress Changsun accompanied Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty on a tour of Jiucheng Palace. On the way back, she caught wind and cold, which aroused the old chronic illness, and her condition worsened day by day. Prince Cheng Qian requested a general amnesty for the prisoners and sent them to a Taoist temple to pray for his mother and cure her illness. The ministers expressed their gratitude to the Queen Shengde and all agreed. Even the upright Wei Zheng did not raise any objections; but Queen Changsun herself firmly opposed it. She said: " Life and death are determined by destiny, wealth is in heaven, and cannot be controlled by human beings. If practicing good deeds can extend life, I will never do evil things; if doing good deeds is ineffective, then what is the use of seeking blessings? Pardoning prisoners is a national matter, and Taoist temples are also peaceful places, so there is no need. Why disturb the world because of me?" She understood the righteousness and never affected the affairs of the country for her own sake. Everyone was moved to tears after hearing this. Tang Taizong had no choice but to give up according to her wishes.
Empress Changsun's illness lasted for two years, and she finally died in the Lizheng Hall in the hot summer of the 10th year of Zhenguan at the age of only thirty-six. On his deathbed, Shang Yinyin asked Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty to treat his virtuous ministers well and not to let his relatives occupy prominent positions. He also requested that he be buried lightly and everything be simple.
Tang Taizong did not fully comply with the wishes of Empress Changsun in handling the funeral affairs. He ordered the construction of the Zhaoling Mausoleum, which was very majestic and grand. He also built a tower in the cemetery so that the Empress's heroic spirit could be held high at any time. Looking into the distance. This wise emperor wanted to express his admiration and memory for his good wife in this way.
With her virtuous character and selfless behavior, Empress Changsun not only won the respect of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and people familiar with the matter inside and outside the palace, but also set an example of a good wife and good wife for future generations. By the time of Emperor Gaozong, she was honored as As the "Holy Queen Wen Xinshun."
”
Thank you for adopting