I was reading "New History of the Five Dynasties" at night and saw a familiar name in many places - Han Xizai. Han Xizai is the "first hero" in the famous painting "Han Xizai's Night Banquet". This painting "Night Banquet" by the Five Dynasties painter Gu depicts the scene of Han Xizai, a famous minister of the Southern Tang Dynasty, indulging in lust at a banquet. The more than 40 people attending the banquet in the painting have different expressions, expressive voices and bright smiles, vividly depicting the grand occasion of the banquet. Why did Han Xizai indulge in sexual activities and let his life slip away quietly? There is a theory that Emperor Li Yu of the Southern Tang Dynasty suspected and framed a group of northern surrender officials, such as Han Xizai. Therefore, Han Xizai deliberately pretended to be indulgent and sensual in order to convince Empress Li that he had no political ambitions to protect himself. But he was still worried, so he secretly sent Gu and Zhou Wenju to spy on Han Xizai's situation and ordered him to take photos truthfully. Han Xizai naturally understood Gu Hezhou's intention, so he hosted a banquet in honor of them. Gu painted this grand banquet with his amazing memory and painting talent. After seeing this painting, Empress Li let Han Xizai and others go. The above legends are completely different from historical facts. Han Xizai's debauchery was deliberately disguised, but there was also a hidden secret. He was not afraid of Empress Li's suspicion. On the contrary, he was afraid that Empress Li would reuse him. The real reason for his debauchery was to avoid Lord Li and worship him as prime minister. Originally, Han Xizai had lofty ambitions, and his talent was enough to achieve great things. As a scholar during the Tongguang period of the Later Tang Dynasty, his articles, calligraphy and paintings were once famous. Later, his father was killed, and Han Xizai fled to Jiangnan, to the south of the Tang Dynasty. In the book, Han Xizai said: "If Jiangzuo worships me, I will drive north and pacify the Central Plains." Gu Li said: "If you let me be in the Central Plains, I will go straight to the south of the Yangtze River." It can be seen that Han Xizai went to the south of the Yangtze River to do big things. Later, Gu Li led his army to capture Huainan, but Han Xizai remained indifferent. Was Han Xizai mediocre and incompetent, or was it that the Southern Tang Dynasty didn't give him a chance? The answer is none! Han Xizai was once favored by Li Jing, the leader of the Southern Tang Dynasty. The later leader Li Yu continued to reuse him after he succeeded to the throne, appointing him as the minister of the Ministry of official affairs and also compiling national history. Because the currency was soon to be changed, Han Xizai and the prime minister argued with each other in front of the emperor. Han Xizai's words were fierce and his voice shook the palace. Because of his rudeness, Empress Li changed his appointment to secretary and put him in charge of the Public Works Bureau and Sange Library. Less than a year later, he was reappointed as Vice Minister of Zhongshu and Bachelor of Qin Zhengting. This was the highest official position that Han Xizai held during his lifetime. Later, the Lord named his two sons Qingyuan and Xuancheng, and he loved them even more. Empress Li even felt that Han Xizai was "loyal and outspoken, and he was willing to take him as his prime minister." At that time, Empress Li was determined to make Han Xizai the prime minister and entrust him with major affairs in the court. The problem is that the Southern Tang Dynasty under the rule of Empress Li is in danger. Han Xizai knew that he was an irredeemable "Adou" and that the decline of the Southern Tang Dynasty was difficult for him to reverse. Han Xizai was always outspoken and made many enemies in North Korea. If he is in office, he may be counterattacked by his political opponents or become the "prime minister of the country." At that time, Han Xizai believed that "the Central Plains Dynasty has set its sights on the south of the Yangtze River. Once the true emperor appears, the Southern Tang Dynasty may not even have time to give up. Accepting worship at this time will not be an eternal joke!" It should be said that Han Xizai at this time has completely Lost the domineering spirit of the past. It should be "a sign of national subjugation". It is better to indulge in sex and get drunk today. However, his heart was extremely painful. The expression on Han Xizai's "New History of the Five Dynasties" shows that he is in a heavy mood. According to historical records, when Han Xizai was about to pay homage to Empress Li, he raised forty prostitutes for his family, invited a group of friends every day, and had constant night banquets, enjoying himself. When the country was about to perish, the courtiers indulged in beautiful dances and were impeached. Empress Li was also very disappointed and felt that Han Xizai was really ugly
But the good times did not last long. Soon, the prostitute who left was invited back by Han Xizai, and a new banquet was held. After hearing this, Empress Li shook his head and said, "I'm really helpless!" From then on, I was completely disappointed with Han Xizai. When Han Xizai died at the age of sixty-nine, Empress Li sighed and said, "I will never let Han Xizai become prime minister!" So he wrote a letter to Han Xizai, who was the prime minister. When Han Xizai died, his family was already very poor, and his coffin and clothes were given by Empress Li. Empress Li buried him next to the tomb of Xie An, a famous minister of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and asked Xu Xuan, a famous scribe of the Southern Tang Dynasty, to write an epitaph for Han Xizai. Xu Kai was responsible for collecting his posthumous works and compiling them into a comprehensive book. All this shows Empress Li's deep love for Han Xizai!