preface
In the long course of history, dynastic changes and the rise and fall of countries are commonplace. The change of each dynasty is accompanied by court disputes and the plot of competition for the throne. As the last dynasty of the feudal dynasty, the Qing dynasty's Zen makes the story the most colorful.
The nine kings of the Kangxi Dynasty seized the throne, and Yongzheng seized the throne; The Qianlong Emperor succeeded to the throne, and there was a new round of stories. In 1795, when Qianlong was in his prime of old age, he was unwilling to easily pass the throne to his son Jiaqing, and fell into hesitation and contradiction for a while.
At this time, Liu Yong's few appropriate words of persuasion dispelled Qianlong's concerns and finally ensured the smooth inheritance of the imperial throne. This not only influenced the political situation during the Qianjia period of the Qing Dynasty, but also became a model for later monarchs Zen Rang.
First, the inheritance of the throne is not easy
Every succession to the throne in history has been accompanied by a lot of turmoil. Father and son brothers fight for the throne, and sons usurp their father's throne is not uncommon. As the last dynasty of the feudal dynasty, the court struggles of the Qing Dynasty were equally exciting. This period of history has been repeatedly remade in many film and television works.
In the later years of the Kangxi Dynasty, the conquest of the nine kings triggered by the dispute over turtle jade accessories can be described as the climax of the court struggle of the Qing Dynasty. As the fourth brother, Yongzheng finally ascended the throne after hardships, and his obsession with the throne can be seen. After Yongzheng's death, the twenty-five-year-old fourth prince Hongli successfully ascended the throne as the Qianlong Emperor.
Unlike his father Yongzheng, the Qianlong Emperor inherited the enlightened benevolence of his grandfather Kangxi. He respected Kangxi, the lord of the prosperous world, and even vowed that his reign would never exceed the sixty years of Kangxi. Unexpectedly, he lived a hundred years and really sat on the dragon chair for sixty years. According to the promise, he must pass the throne to his son Yan Yan, for the Jiaqing Emperor.
Second, Qianlong refused to pass on the throne easily
In the first month of 1796, the Qianlong Emperor proclaimed the throne. DPRK and Chinese officials have been discussing this decision. or Qianlong Shengming, who can resolutely pass on the throne; Or Qianlong is old and can no longer bear the heavy responsibility of the imperial throne. But the ministers close to Qianlong seemed to see the clue that the old emperor was extremely reluctant to abdicate.
In the previous year, the Qianlong Emperor was slightly in poor health. Visit the palace to diagnose and treat the dragon body of the Son of Heaven. Several medical officials carefully advised the old emperor to abdicate and cultivate. Unexpectedly, Qianlong became furious and sent them all home. This reaction shows that Qianlong's heart still loves power.
"The emperor fell seriously ill and died soon. Pass on the throne early to avoid change. "Zuo Du Yushi He Guisen pleaded with the emperor to take the throne as soon as possible. He Guisen's words were earnest, and Qianlong was silent.
University scholar Liu Yong also wrote to Chen Zen for the benefits of the position. He said that the emperor's saints and martial arts, outstanding achievements, and beyond reproach. The act of abdication will surely set an example for all generations. Confucian classic cloud: "The moral wind of a gentleman, the moral grass of a villain, and the wind on the grass will be gone." I hope that the emperor can stay in style and become a model for future monarchs.
The advice of the two old ministers finally moved Qianlong. The next day, the divine decree was issued, announcing that the fifteenth prince Yan Yan would succeed to the throne. The government and the public cheered. The Qianlong Emperor's decision to abdicate was regarded as fulfilling his promise to Kangxi, which can be described as wise and martial, filial piety.
Third, the jade seal did not leave his hand, and Qianlong was reluctant
The meditation ceremony is scheduled to take place on the ninth day of the first lunar month of the following year. Everything is ready, just waiting for the Son of Heaven to pass the throne. However, at this moment, Emperor Qianlong hesitated in his heart.
At this time, he still held in his hand the emperor's jade seal, which symbolized supreme power. Beginning with the ancestor Kangxi, this jade seal of the Great Qing Kingdom has been passed down from generation to generation, which can be said to carry the legitimacy of the entire Great Qing Dynasty. The importance of the jade seal to every emperor is self-evident.
During the Zen throne ceremony, Qianlong had to give it to his son Yan Yan, symbolizing the completion of the transfer of imperial power. But he seemed reluctant to let go, because once the jade seal left, he really had nothing.
"Your Majesty, it's time for the ceremony." Liu Yong reminded.
Qianlong nodded silently, his face unconcealed.
"The minister feels that if His Majesty is reluctant to give up the jade seal, he may be able to pass it on to His Majesty's prince after the ceremony." Liu Yong offered a plan to fight for the last bit of dignity for the old emperor.
"Nope." Qianlong shook his head, "I have promised Kangxi that the day I ascend the throne I will pass on the national jade to the heirs." This matter must not be contrary to the precepts of the ancestors. ”
Liu Yong sighed: "Your Majesty is aware of the situation and admires it. In that case, I hope that His Majesty will become a prince and complete this historic moment. ”
Fourth, Liu Yong's words made Qianlong nod
As soon as Liu Yong's words fell, a trace of reluctance flashed on Emperor Qianlong's face, and finally he nodded slowly.
"It is a credit to the emperor and his ancestors that he was able to achieve such a prosperous era. Today's action is also a great righteousness that inherits the past and the future. ”
"Good." Liu Yong complimented, "The ministers and others are ignorant, and they can't see far as His Majesty. Your Majesty's move today will be an emperor for eternity. ”
Qianlong forced a smile and said, "I only hope that my son can keep the inheritance of my generation, so that my Great Qing Kingdom Taishan Beidou will last forever."
"The emperor Shengming, the ministers and others will be the assistant to the new monarch and continue the great Qing dynasty." The civil and military officials present also bowed down to salute.
Qianlong bowed his head slightly, and then got up and walked to the main hall of the Taihe Hall.
Fifth, Jiaqing has been subject to restrictions for many years, and Qianlong does not really give up power
In full view of everyone, the Qianlong Emperor solemnly passed the jade seal to his son Yan Yan. Yan Yan respectfully took it with both hands and bowed in worship. Officially ascended the throne as the Jiaqing Emperor.
In the years that followed, the Jiaqing Emperor nominally took power, but in practice power remained in Qianlong's hands. As the emperor of the imperial court, Qianlong still asked about the imperial government and directly approved the recital. Jiaqing's efforts reflect that he must first ask about Qianlong's meaning.
After Qianlong's death, Jiaqing's temperament changed greatly and began to purge the henchmen of the Qianlong period. Hekan is the first to bear the brunt. The Jiaqing Emperor showed no mercy to the henchmen who had assisted his father, which also reflected his dissatisfaction that he had been subject to too long.
6. Conclusion
The Qianlong Emperor reigned for 60 years and made great achievements and contributed indispensably to the development of the Qing Dynasty. But he is an ordinary person in the end, and he also has the attachment and reluctance of ordinary people in the face of power. Even if he is determined to abdicate on the surface, his heart is still reluctant to completely hand over power, which is also a human feeling.
Liu Yong's few reminders made him re-examine the overall situation, fulfill his promise, and finally ensure the smooth inheritance of the imperial throne. This also shows the Qianlong Emperor's benevolent and wise temperament and respect for the ancestral religion.
The inability of the Jiaqing Emperor to govern in his early years was partly related to Qianlong's refusal to give up power. But as a son, it is not convenient for him to openly confront his father. Only patience for many years can you truly take power.
The change of court power is often inevitable to tear apart and kill each other. Liu Yong's few words of persuasion made this Zen Rang end with reason and discipline, setting an example for future generations.