Although the emperors of the Han Dynasty were all surnamed Liu, the power of the Li surname at that time should not be underestimated. Moreover, the Li family helped many people in the Han Dynasty. It can be said that the lives of generations of the family were used to maintain the Liu family. country. Liu and Li are both common surnames in contemporary times, but there was a very obvious difference in their status in the Han Dynasty. The following is an introduction to the relationship between the Li family and the Liu family during the Han Dynasty. Why did the Li family go to the Liu family? Why does Jiangshan want to work so hard?
This surname is Li. During the Western Han Dynasty, Li Guang, a member of the Li family in Longxi, guarded the border for the Han Dynasty against the Huns for decades. In the end, he lost his way and failed to participate in the war, so he committed suicide in shame. Li Guang's son, Li Jiao, served as a county guard to defend against the Huns. He had many military exploits, but he died for his country on the battlefield when he was in his thirties. There was also Li Ling, the grandson of Li Guang, who actually led 5,000 infantry and 80,000 Xiongnu cavalry in a fierce battle at Junji Mountain, killing tens of thousands of enemies. In the end, he was defeated and captured because of being outnumbered, and ended up living in the Northern Wasteland, ending his life in desolation.
So the Li family actually sacrificed their lives for three generations for the sake of the Han Dynasty. And in the new dynasty at the turn of the Eastern and Western Han Dynasties, there was another Li family in Nanyang, who actually dedicated his entire family's life to the revival of the Han Dynasty because of a prophecy.
The so-called prophecies are prophecies spread among the people. For example, long before Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu of the Eastern Han Dynasty was born, the prophecy that "Liu Xiu will be the emperor" was spread among the people; Mr. Lu Xun once said: " The road does not matter whether it exists or not. If there are more people walking on it, it will naturally become a road. "In fact, prophecy does not matter whether it exists or not. If there are many people talking about it, it will become a strong psychological suggestion. Over time, it will become a road. , can fully stimulate the hidden ambition. For example, Liu Xiu's attitude towards prophecies went from being fun at first to becoming dubious the more he heard it. It was not until the appearance of this prophecy presented by the Li family in Nanyang that he finally changed his attitude and decided to give it a try. If you believe it, let’s give it a try.
This prophecy is: "The Liu family will be revived, and the Li family will be the assistant."
It is just eight words, very straightforward and simple. Although it is ancient prose, it is not necessary at all. explain. It first appeared in history books in the spring of the second year of Dihuang in the New Dynasty (AD 21). At that time, Wang Kuang, a diviner who studied prophecies, told Li Yan, the prefect of Wei County, that the surname Li was fire among the five elements. Help Liu family revive the Han Dynasty. The two then conspired to compile a reactionary manual of more than 100,000 words, specifically discussing how the Xinmang would fall and how the Han Dynasty would be revived. Of course, as soon as the book was written, something happened and both of them were killed by the new emperor Mang.
However, the wild fire cannot be extinguished but the spring breeze blows again. With the blessing of this prophecy, another family named Li appears and is ready to make a move. This family is naturally the family of Nanyang hero Li Tong.
Li Tong, courtesy name Ciyuan, was born in Wancheng, Nanyang. The Li family has been a giant businessman in Nanyang for many generations and has a lot of wealth. Li Tong's father, Li Shou, was nine feet tall (approximately two meters and seven today), had an extraordinary appearance, and was a strict man. Even at home, he was as meticulous as the officials. In his early years, he worshiped Liu Xin, a master of prophecy, as his teacher and studied Confucian classics and prophecy and astrology. Later, he served as Wang Mang's Zongqingshi (the official in charge of the clan). Therefore, under the influence of Li Shou, Li Tong was also proficient in Confucian classics and prophecies, and had excellent knowledge. Unfortunately, his official career was not smooth, and he had only served as a minor official such as county magistrate. However, the emergence of this prophecy ultimately completely overturned the fate of the Li family.
It turns out that Li Shou had spent some time studying prophecies back then, and he often talked to Li Tong about Liu's revival and Li's assistance. But he didn't expect that the speaker had no intention of the listener. Li Tong had great ambitions in the first place, and he was even more convinced after hearing his father's words. He resolutely resigned and went home, looking for Liu who could help him, waiting for his fate to come.
When the Green Forest Army rose up and Nanyang was in commotion, Li Tong could no longer sit still. It happened that his cousin Li Yi was also a very restless person, so he told Li Tong: "Now that there is chaos in all directions, the new family will die, and the Han Dynasty will be more prosperous. In the Nanyang clan, Liu Xiu is the only one to act." Two brothers love each other and can do great things together." Li Tong had been waiting for his brother's words for a long time. He immediately hit it off and laughed and said, "That's what I meant."
That's it. Coincidentally, Liu Xiu happened to be selling grain in Wancheng at that time. When Li Tong heard about it, he asked Li Yi to invite Liu Xiu to come to the mansion to discuss important matters.
However, when Liu Xiu heard about Li Yi's visit, his heart suddenly sank, and he immediately closed the door and avoided seeing him.
Liu Xiu is a gentle and friendly person, why is he so rude this time? It turns out that the Liu family and the Li family have always had a grudge. At that time, Li Tong had a half-brother named Shen Tuchen, who was a famous miracle doctor in Nanyang. Once Liu Yan's friend fell ill, so he sent someone to ask Shen Tuchen to see a doctor. Unexpectedly, Shen Tuchen was very arrogant, had bad medical ethics, and had a bad temper. Liu Yan staged a medical drama on the spot and accidentally killed Shen Tuchen.
Murder to repay debts and money. Liu Xiu’s brother killed someone else’s younger brother. Now they come to visit him. What else can he do instead of seeking revenge? So of course Liu Xiu didn’t see him, only a fool would see him. This is someone else's territory, and you won't even know how to die if you don't notice it, so you'd better pack your bags and get ready to run away.
But Li Yi came with a heavy responsibility, so how could he give up easily? As a result, he blocked the door all day and night. He was so unseen and unheard that Liu Xiu had no choice but to meet him reluctantly. Li Yi made it clear what his purpose was, and also said that he was entirely responsible for the slaughter of the minister. We, the Li clan, did not blame Brother Ling, and times have changed, so we don’t think about it. We really have important matters to discuss today, and we sincerely have no other intentions. Uncle Wen (characterized by Liu Xiu) will know when he gets there.
Liu Xiu thought to himself that the feud between the Liu and Li families for many years must be settled. It is said that it is better to dissolve enemies than to make enemies. Today is a dragon's pool and a tiger's den. Let me break in! What's more, we are fellow villagers. Yes, you can't avoid each other forever in this life.
So Liu Xiu agreed to go, but just in case, he hid a short knife in his sleeve. If something happened, he would just fight with them.
However, when Liu Xiu came to Li Mansion, he did not see Li Tong. It was said that he was ill. The people who received him were Li Tong's elder brother Li Shu and younger brothers Li Chong and Li Song. Li Song and others were very happy to see Liu Xiu, and said that the world was disturbed and hungry, the soldiers in the lower river were prosperous, and Wang Mang was defeated soon. It was better for me to wait...
Liu Xiu originally thought that if the Li family invited him here not for Seeking revenge is for the sake of reconciliation, but I didn't expect it to be such a big deal. I couldn't help but feel frightened secretly. I also thought that Li was so rich, why would he abandon his family and career to do such a risky thing, so he didn't dare to agree for a while. Li Tong heard this in the inner room and was anxious, so he no longer pretended to be sick and sent someone to summon Liu Xiu inside to discuss matters. Liu Xiu smiled in his heart when he heard this: This is right, your big brother should have come forward long ago.
Li Tong saw Liu Xiu coming in. Although he was still half-lying on the bed, he gave Liu Xiu a warm handshake as soon as he approached. Liu Xiu was caught off guard and was caught with a short knife in his sleeve. He couldn't help but feel embarrassed. But Li Tong asked with a smile: "Uncle Wen went to the meeting alone, how could he be so powerful!"
Old Liu Xiu blushed and smiled: "This is a time of haste to be prepared for unexpected surprises. Brother Li, don't worry. But I Brother Li's face is rosy and his hands are very strong. What's wrong with him?" The two of them laughed knowingly and got rid of their grudges.
At this moment, Li Tong told the whole story about the prophecy, and on behalf of the Li family, he was willing to hold the troops and help the Liu family achieve their great cause! Liu Xiu suddenly realized, but there was one last thing in his heart. Concern, this concern is Li Tong's father Li Shou. You must know that Li Shou was serving as an official in Chang'an at this time and was always highly valued by Wang Mang. Li Tong actually rebelled at this moment. It was unreasonable and put his father in a desperate situation. It was really a big deal. He was unfilial! Then he asked: "Who should be Ru Zongqing's teacher?"
Li Tong had known that Liu Xiu would ask this question, and immediately replied: "I have my own measure." It turned out that he had arranged for his nephew Li Ji went to Chang'an to pick up Li Shou, so there was no need to worry about this.
Liu Xiu saw that Li Tong acted carefully and did not seem to act rashly, so he gave up all worries, formally formed an alliance with Li on behalf of the Liu family, and agreed in detail on the entire uprising plan.
The time of the uprising was set at the beginning of autumn in October of that year (the third year of Dihuang). Soldiers from all over Nanyang gathered in Wancheng Capital Trial (a military exercise held annually in counties in the Han Dynasty to assess the county soldiers). ) Day of the Knight. On this day, Nanyang Prefect Zhen Fu and Captain Liang Qiuci will come to the military parade in person. The Li clan can take the opportunity to kidnap them and seize the autumn tax and arsenal. Because they can command the masses, they can easily conquer Wancheng. . The plan was decided, and the two sides acted separately. Li Tong contacted Zhang Shun, the governor of Nanyang County, and others as internal agents; Liu Xiu used the money from selling grain to secretly purchase crossbow weapons and red armor (Shangchi in the Han Dynasty) in Wancheng, and completed the portable Li Yiqian, the representative of the Li family, returned to Chongling and informed his eldest brother Liu Yan to raise troops to respond.
The air distance from Wancheng to Chongling was nearly 300 miles. Liu Xiu, Li Yi and other guests were numbering dozens of people, and they also transported a large number of weapons and armor. In order to avoid official inspection, they They could only go out day and night and take the mountain roads. In this way, by the time they arrived at Chung Ling, the day lilies might be cold.
Therefore, Liu Xiu and Li Yi discussed and sent a guest to Chongling on a fast horse to inform Liu Yan of the details. Liu Yan was overjoyed when he heard the news. He immediately summoned his buddies and heroes to discuss with them: "Wang Mang is tyrannical and the people are falling apart. There has been drought for many years and wars and revolutions have begun. This is the time of the fall of heaven. It is time to restore the legacy of our ancestors and determine the autumn of all generations!"
Liu Yan had been discussing rebellion with everyone for more than a day or two. Now the boss finally spoke, and everyone responded with excitement. A surge of pride soared into the sky, and they agreed to raise their troops at the same time on the day of the test. I didn’t mention it when I called my younger brothers back to each place.
However, the plan could not keep up with the changes. Everyone was ambitious and wanted to do something big, but something happened in Wancheng. It turned out that Li Tong was not a kind person, and his internal agent Zhang Shun actually turned against him and reported the Li family's conspiracy to Zhen Fu, the prefect of Nanyang. This time, Li Tong was in misfortune. His whole family was arrested by the government. Only he and his younger brother Li Song were fast enough to escape on horseback.
Shortly after the Wancheng incident, Li Shou's family was killed in Chang'an. At the same time, sixty-four of Li Tong's wives, brothers, and sect members in Wancheng were also taken to Caishikou and beheaded in the street. Their bodies were then burned and abandoned in the market. The bones were smashed and the ashes were spread. The smell of burnt smoke spread for ten miles.
Li Tong, Li Yi, and Li Song are undoubtedly Liu Xiu’s "revolutionary" enlighteners. The Li brothers fired the first shot of Nanyang heroes to restore Han Dynasty and paid huge sacrifices for the revolution. Undoubtedly, they were all responsible for the overthrow of Wang Mang, and the Nanyang heroes headed by them later became important ministers and generals of Liu Xuan's reform regime. Li Tong was even worshiped as a general and granted the title of King of Xiping. Later, he married Liu Xiu's sister Liu Boji. This in-law relationship protected Liu Xiu's integrity and enabled Liu Xiu to survive the fierce political struggles in the reform regime. Li Tong therefore became the founding hero of the Eastern Han Dynasty; it was a pity that Li Yi and Li Song later stood on the wrong team. , followed Gengshi Emperor Liu Xuan all the way to darkness, and finally ended up in ruin. It can be seen that revolution requires courage and even more luck.