Li Shimin, the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, staged a coup d'état, killed the crown prince, and forced Li Yuan to abdicate. Supposedly, he did these things, and the wind rating should be very poor. However, the history books often ignore the Xuanwumen Incident and praise him for creating a good situation of zhenguan rule. The reason is that historians feel that Li Shimin is diligent in government and loves the people, rests and recuperates, and makes the people of the world rich. Such a credit is more worthy of a big book.
The Tang Dynasty historian Wu Jing wrote a history of political discourse, entitled "Zhenguan Politicians", which recorded in detail Li Shimin's words and deeds and his political thoughts. Li Shimin's style evaluation is very good, and there are many merits that can be described. Wu Jing chose a unique perspective to record the emperor from the perspective of administrative measures. After he succeeded to the throne, he reduced taxes and lightly servitude, and from The Counselor Ruliu and Corporal Li Xian, the Li Tang Dynasty quickly escaped from the shadow of war at the end of the Sui Dynasty.
Li Shimin attaches great importance to talents, and there is a saying in folklore that "eighteen scholars ascend Yingzhou". When he was the King of Qin, he created a literary museum to recruit talents. Du Ruyi, Fang Xuanling, Yu Shinan, Li Xuandao and others have been assisting him. After Li Shimin became emperor, he still maintained a modest disposition and always paid attention to the lessons of the demise of the Sui Dynasty. He often talked to his ministers about the direction of governance and the measures of governance, hoping that the Li Tang Dynasty would quickly become a rich and prosperous dynasty.
The "Zhenguan Politicians" sorted out and summarized the above contents and divided them into ten volumes. Discussions ranged from monarchy and form of government to benevolence and morality. That is to say, from the specific strategy to the direction of the concept, it is mentioned in the book. Wu Jing wrote this book with a strong sense of purpose, hoping that future kings can learn from Li Shimin's ruling ideas. Therefore, Wu Jing strives to be detailed in content, and the text is as easy to understand as possible. After the birth of this book, it had a great influence and even spread to small neighboring countries.
The core idea of "Zhenguan Politicians" is that those who win the hearts and minds of the people win the world. Li Shimin believed that the reason for the demise of the Sui Dynasty was the loss of popularity. Therefore, the Son of Heaven can rule the world if he has the Way, and the Son of Heaven will be overthrown by the people of the world without the Way. Li Shimin was a man of understanding, he dared to recognize the power of the people, and he was worthy of being the emperor who fought on horseback and fought for the world. Li Shimin once stressed, "The country is based on the people, and the people take food as the sky." "If the people don't have enough to eat, it will cause turmoil in the world." Li Shimin has always emphasized the power of the people, and he has mentioned many times that water can carry boats and overturn boats. These contents were recorded by Wu Jing and written into the "Zhenguan Politicians".
How to win the hearts and minds of the people, Wu Jing summarized four opinions in the book.
First, the punishment should be lenient and simple, and the punishment should be killed with caution. The meaning of these eight words is that do not kill people without moving, and the legal system should be more tolerant.
Second, broaden the channels of speech and accept opinions. There are many stories in the history books about Wei Zheng's blunt advice, in fact, not only Wei Zheng, but also many officials of the Tang Dynasty were iron-boned and dared to act.
Third, appoint people on the basis of merit and put an end to corrupt officials and cool officials. This point does not need to be explained too much, Li Shimin set up an official evaluation system, and regularly sent "emissaries" to inspect the world.
Fourth, streamline departments and reduce redundant staff. According to historical records, after Li Shimin's adjustment, the central government laid off more than 1,000 officials.
It can be said that "Zhenguan Politicians" is a history book that praises Li Shimin. However, Wu Jing is not unprincipled beautification. Through detailed historical materials, he let posterity see Li Shimin who deserves to be praised.