Some people say: Behind a 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 and received a complete set of orthodox education since she was a child, forming a scholarly education. 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 "has everything in her, her virtues are boundless, she is obedient, and she is precious beyond words."
[Reposted from Iron Blood Community]
When Changsun was 13 years old, she married Li Shimin, the 17-year-old 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 and serve the public wholeheartedly. The mother-in-law, who looks after her husband and raises her children, is a very competent little daughter-in-law who is very popular with her husband and parents-in-law. Li Shimin was a promising young man with both civil and military skills. At the age of eighteen, he broke into the enemy camp single-handedly and rescued his father who was trapped in a siege. At the age of twenty, he had the air of a king, able to defeat corporals, spread wealth and recruit heroes from all over the world; 2. At the age of eleven, he raised an army with his father Li Yuan in Taiyuan and personally led the 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 and was responsible for controlling the troops in Guandong. Within a few years, Li Shimin used his troops to wipe out the separatist forces in the Central Plains and completed the great cause of unifying the Tang Dynasty; He was then granted the title of General Tiance, ranking him 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 imperial court. At that time, the military commanders who served him included Li Shichan, Cheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, Zhai Changsun, Qin Wutong, Yuchi Gong and other valiant generals who are good at conquering and fighting; 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 Tang Taizu Li Yuan 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 the Changsun Princess was immediately established as the Changsun Queen of the mother-in-law world, fulfilling the prophecy of Mr. Divination that she "carries 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 food and beverages. It also led to the simple customs in the harem, which just set an example for the implementation of Tang Taizong's diligent governance policies. Because Queen Changsun's behavior was upright and upright, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty valued her very much. When he returned to the harem, he often talked with her about some military affairs and details of rewards and punishments. Although Queen Changsun was a very insightful woman, she She is unwilling to interfere in national affairs with her special status. 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 charge of the morning is not the right way. Women foresee political affairs. It's also ominous." However, Emperor Taizong insisted on listening to her opinion. Empress Changsun couldn't resist and expressed her opinion after careful consideration: "It's just to be prepared for danger in times of peace and to accept advice from the wise. Other concubines don't understand.
"What she put forward was principles, rather than restricting the emperor's husband with detailed suggestions. She believed very much in the ability of Li Shimin's group of counselors and wise men.
Li Shimin firmly remembered the motto of a good wife: "Be prepared for danger in times of peace. ’ and the two sentences “accommodating talents and accepting advice”. 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 recruited military attaches to practice archery skills in his spare time from official duties. It was called entertainment. In fact, it was to urge the military attaches to practice martial arts diligently, and use the performance of the exercises as their promotion. and important reference for rewards. According to the rules of the past dynasties, except for the palace guards and individual heroes, other personnel were generally not allowed to bring weapons to court to ensure the safety of the emperor. Therefore, someone reminded Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty: "Everyone is standing beside His Majesty's seat with bows and arrows. If anyone plots evil, Wouldn't it be a great disaster for the country to harm your majesty?" Li Shimin said: "I treat people with a sincere heart, so why should I doubt the people around me?" His style of appointing people on their merits and employing them without suspicion has won the support of his subordinates. Everyone is self-motivated and does not dare to be lazy. Even in times of peace and stability, he does not relax his vigilance. The country has always been well-equipped and strong, and is not afraid of external aggression.
[Reprinted from Jagged Community]
Taizong of the Tang Dynasty benefited greatly from the matter of appointing talents and accepting advice, so he also implemented it particularly well. He often said to his left and right: "People should look at To know one's appearance, one must rely on a mirror; if a king wants to know one's faults, one must rely on his outspoken admonishers." His admonishment officer Wei Zheng was a man of integrity who dared to make mistakes. Wei Zheng often directly pointed out some of Tang Taizong's inappropriate behaviors and policies to his face and urged him to correct them. Tang Taizong respected him quite a bit and often called him a "loyal and admonishing minister." But sometimes on some small matters, Wei Zheng Wei Zheng also didn't let go, which made Tang Taizong often feel embarrassed. Once, Tang Dazong suddenly became interested and brought a large group of guards to go hunting in the countryside. When he was about to leave the palace, 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. At that time, I was very interested, and I thought: "I am a rich and powerful emperor, and I finally find time to go out for recreation. What if I hunt some animals that are nursing their babies?" So he asked Wei Zheng to step aside, but he still insisted on doing this. A trip. However, Wei Zheng refused to compromise and stood in the road to block Taizong's path. Tang Taizong was so angry that he dismounted and angrily returned to the palace. Everyone around him was sweating for Wei Zheng. When Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty returned to the palace and saw Empress Changsun, he said angrily: "I must kill this old stubborn Wei Zheng in order to vent my hatred!" Empress Changsun asked the reason softly and said nothing, just quietly returned to the palace. She put on her formal attire, then solemnly came to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, kowtowed and said: "Congratulations to Your Majesty!" Her move made Emperor Taizong confused as to what was buried in her gourd. Medicine, so he asked in surprise: "Why are you so cautious?" Empress Changsun replied seriously: "I heard that the Lord is clear, and only the ministers are upright. Today, the Wei Zheng is upright. This shows that your Majesty is clear, so I congratulate Your Majesty." Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty listened. He was startled in his heart, 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 is not only magnanimous, but also has extraordinary wit.
Empress Changsun and Li Chengqian, the eldest son of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, were established 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, the palace implemented a frugal expenditure system, and the prince's palace was no exception, and the expenses were very tight. Mrs. Sui'an often grumbled in front of Empress Changsun, saying, "The prince is a future king and should be supported by the world. However, the current expenses are limited and all the utensils are shabby." Therefore, she repeatedly asked for an increase in expenses. But Empress Changsun didn't give in just because she was her beloved son. She said: "As a prince, he has a long future. If the patient's morality is not established and his reputation is not well-known, why should he worry about the shortage of utensils and insufficient expenses?" Her fairness and wisdom won the admiration of all kinds of people in the palace, and everyone was willing to obey her arrangements.
Changsun Wuji is the elder brother of Empress Changsun. He is both civil and military. He was close friends with Li Shimin in his early years and assisted Li Shimin in winning the world. He made outstanding achievements and should have been a high-ranking official. However, because of his The Queen's sister, on the contrary, avoids suspicion at all times to avoid leaving a source of gossip for others. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty originally wanted Changsun Wuji to serve as prime minister, but Empress Changsun reported: "Since I have been entrusted with the palace and occupy a very high position, I really don't want my brothers to arrange the court again to create the image of a family. Empress Lu of the Han Dynasty can do this." A lesson learned from the past. Don’t let your concubine be your prime minister!" Emperor Taizong did not want to obey. He felt that Changsun Wuji should be appointed prime minister based on his merits and talents. . Changsun Wuji is also very worried about his sister's relationship. Don't want to be a very popular minister. As a last resort, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty had no choice but to let him serve as the official and third director of the official ceremony. He had a high position but did not actually take charge of political affairs. Changsun Wuji still refused, on the grounds that "I am a relative of a foreigner, and if I appoint him 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 talented 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, so 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 appropriate for the public 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 such a brave and loyal admonisher 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 aggravated her old ailments and worsened day by day. The prince Cheng Qian requested a general amnesty for the prisoners and sent them to a Taoist temple to pray for the queen's mother and cure her illness. The ministers expressed their gratitude to the empress Shengde and all agreed. Even the upright Wei Zheng did not raise any objections; but Empress 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? Forgiving 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 admiration 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 "The Holy Empress Wen Xinshun" .
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