Emperor Taizong of Tang was a prominent military figure and statesman. Under the administration of Li Shimin, The Tang Dynasty advocated cultural progress and developed its cause, creating the famous zhenguan rule in Chinese history. A generation of kings Li Shimin came to the end of his life in 649 AD, and before he died, he confessed to his son Li Zhi about the events behind his death. In the testament, he specifically mentioned a person, and this person was Li Ji.
Li Ji is Xu Maogong, Xu Maogong was originally named Xu Shijie, and later changed his name to Li Ji. Li Ji was a general of Wagangzhai in his early years, and later, Li Ji surrendered to the Tang Dynasty, he followed Li Shimin in the southern conquest of the Northern War, laid the foundation of the Tang Dynasty, and later defeated the Turks and Goguryeo, and was one of the greatest contributors to the Tang Dynasty. Later, he was listed as one of the twenty-four heroes of Ling Yan Pavilion.
At the beginning, Li Ji was very dependent and favored by Li Mi. However, because Li Mi failed in battle, Li Ji also surrendered to Wagangzhai with him. When Li Ji surrendered to the tile pot village, Li Yuan was very appreciative of him, and then sent him to follow Li Shimin on the battlefield. The Li family took over the Tang Dynasty, including the defeat of the Turks and Goryeo later, and Li Ji was indispensable.
However, before the change of Xuanwu Gate, Li Shimin had asked Li Ji's opinion many times, but Li Ji was either silent or shirked every time, saying that it was not easy for him to intervene in royal affairs, and Li Shimin also saw clearly that Li Ji wanted to put himself out of the matter and watch the drama from a distance. Since then, the seeds of defense have been planted in Li Shimin's heart, originally Li Shimin wanted to kill him, but this person was really very capable and talented, not to mention that they had fought together, so Li Shimin was really reluctant to kill him.
However, before Li Shimin died, he still asked his son to guard against him, and Li Shimin said to Li Zhi: "He has more than enough wisdom, but Ru ru has no grace with him, and I am afraid that he will not be able to bear it." If I am deposed now, if it is done, if I die, I will be used as a servant, and I will let it be done; if I wander and look, I shall kill the ear." That is to say, Li Ji is a very talented person, but you have no kindness to him, I am afraid he will not believe you. I will now demote him to a minor official in the field, and if he leaves at once, you can personally appoint him to the position of servant in the future, and if he hesitates, you will kill him immediately.
However, Li Ji was also a thoughtful person, and when Li Zhi appointed him as a minor official in the field, he did not say a word and immediately took up his post. He knew that if he stayed, he would immediately invite the disaster of killing himself. After Li Zhi ascended the throne as emperor, he was promoted to Li Ji's official position several times, and Li Ji was also reused.
If there is any error, please correct it, thank you! Welcome to leave a message in the comment area for interaction, I am waiting for you in the comment area.