Foreword: The truth of history is often shocking
History is a mirror that illuminates the way forward for future generations. During the Warring States period, the State of Qin rose, chased the world, and finally completed the great cause of unification. In the strategic layout of the Qin State step by step, some key figures joined and changed the trend of history, including Han Feizi.
Han Feizi, an outstanding thinker, his life is full of legends. He was appreciated by the King of Qin, but he also died in the Qin state. What is even more ironic is that this clever and wise Korean messenger ended up causing his classmate Li Si to be stigmatized.
The outcome of life is often unexpected, and the truth of history is also very worthy of people's thought. Let's go back to that era more than 2,000 years ago and explore this confusing historical story.
Think about what kind of enlightenment Han Feizi's death has brought to future generations. Perhaps, the truth of history is not as simple as it seems.
First, to plan the world, without Han Fei difficult to realize the dream
In the winter of 234 BC, King Huanzheng of Qin personally led his army to inspect the border of the Great Wall, accompanied by his confidant minister Li Si. In this year, the state of Zhao suffered a fierce blow from the Qin army and was already defeated. The State of Qin took advantage of the victory and pursuit, approaching Handan, the capital of the State of Zhao. The situation was extremely severe for the State of Zhao, and other countries were also deeply pressured, and they sent envoys to the State of Qin to seek peace.
On this day, King Huanzheng of Qin stood on the Great Wall, looking to the north and looking at the distant Handan City. After years of constant conquest, he has seen the hope of unifying the six countries, which is the goal he has been pursuing since he took the throne.
"The country of Zhao is already at the end of the strong crossbow, and in less than three years, it will definitely be able to annex Zhao land." King Qin's heart was full of excitement, and this was an important step in his dream of dominating the world for many years. Once the land of Zhao is annexed, the territory of the Qin State will expand again, adjacent to the countries of the Central Plains, and the rest of the countries will be eliminated at that time, and the great cause of unifying the world will be just around the corner.
Lees immediately agreed. He knew that the King of Qin yearned for Han Feizi as a person, and this was a good time to win over Han Feizi to serve the Qin Kingdom.
Han Feizi, this name King Qin has long heard. He is the author of the book "Han Feizi", with clear reasoning and unique insights, and is a rare wizard in the world. King Huanzheng of Qin had been looking forward to meeting Han Feizi for a long time and listening to the words of the saint, and had sent three envoys to Korea to meet Han Feizi before, but King Han found various reasons to prevaricate. Now that the Zhao Kingdom is about to die, and the strength of the Qin State has greatly increased, it is a good opportunity to win over Han Feizi.
Since King Han refuses to send Han Feizi to see Xuan, then Xu personally goes to Korea to see him!" A shrewd light flashed in King Qin's eyes. After hearing Li Si's suggestion, he immediately thought of a strategy and forced King Han to send Han Feizi to the Qin State in his own way.
Early the next morning, Prince Huan of Qin led his army back to Xianyang, passing through the Korean border along the way. The 100,000-strong army is huge, and the mighty contingent stretches for tens of miles, ready to transfer into South Korea at any time. This can be described as huge and powerful.
Although the Qin army did not invade Korean territory, the pressure of the army formed a huge pressure on Korea. King Han was threatened by the military pressure of the Qin army and had to send Han Feizi to the state of Qin to meet the king of Qin, hoping to resolve the growing tension between the two countries. This was precisely the purpose of King Qin's political strategy.
The situation between the two countries was very different, and King Han had no choice but to comply with King Qin's request and send his henchman Han Feizi to the State of Qin, hoping to buy respite time for Korea. Han Feizi knew that the general trend was gone, and he would throw himself into the rat, but for the survival of the country, he could only bite the bullet.
When Han Feizi rushed to the Qin Kingdom, Li Si had already discussed the countermeasures with the King of Qin in Xianyang. According to Li Si's suggestion, the King of Qin needed to show favor first, express his appreciation for Han Feizi, and win over Han Feizi to serve the Qin state.
Once Han Feizi had a bad heart, the King of Qin changed his face again, threatened the existence of Korea, and forced Han Feizi to hand over the strategy favorable to the Qin state.
Li Si knows that Han Feizi is by no means a thing in the pool, and he must solve it patiently step by step. King Huanzheng of Qin agreed with Li Si's strategy and sincerely admired Li Si's foresight. The countermeasures agreed upon by the two undoubtedly clashed with Han Feizi's tough attitude and achieved the effect of coercion by co-optation.
Second, it is good to seduce, but in fact it is a power scheme
Han Feizi had been in Xianyang for more than a month, and the King of Qin treated him with courtesy, and after several long meetings and conversations, he admired his intellectual talents. However, Han Feizi was a Korean envoy after all, wary of the Qin State and always kept his distance. He understood that King Qin's courtesy to him was nothing more than a trick of power, and he had to deal with it carefully.
One day, the King of Qin again summoned Han Feizi to the prime minister's house for detailed discussions. Han Feizi's answer was cautious and wise, and he did not directly oppose the Qin king's plan to unify the world, but suggested a gradual, steady strategy.
On the surface, this is a good idea, but in fact it implies delaying time. Han Feizi knew that his flattery words could not achieve the purpose of truly blocking the ambitions of the Qin Kingdom, but in the face of a Qin King who was determined to win, he could only deal with it like this.
King Qin listened, his brows furrowed slightly. What Han Feizi said was just a measure to be cautious and delay time. Seeing this, Li Si immediately answered: "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and will definitely be able to unify the six countries. South Korea is a small country, not enough to hang teeth. His Majesty intends to reconcile with Korea, and as long as Korea is willing to submit, it can save Korea's Hasan community. ”
Li Si's words immediately broke Han Feizi's true intention of being cautious and clearly showed that South Korea could not escape the fate of unification. When Han Feizi heard this, his face changed slightly.
Li Si's words have made it clear that South Korea cannot be left alone, and Han Feizi has finally realized that he is helpless and cannot find respite for South Korea. In the face of a determined King Qin and a very resourceful Li Si, his cautious response was no longer useful.
Third, the right to change can only be submitted to in the end
Li Si came to Xue Ju, where Han Feizi was staying, and saw Han Feizi's solemn face, knowing that he had seen through the situation. Han Feizi understood that the Qin Kingdom would not let Korea go easily.
Han Feizi was silent, and Li Si also understood that silence was acquiescence. After Li Si took his leave, the Great Sima Mansion reported Han Feizi's attitude to the King of Qin.
Han Feizi's repeated prevarication has shown that his mind has been decided. In the face of Qiang Qin, Han Feizi can only comply, but he has always missed South Korea. Li Si knew his heart well, and King Qin would understand it. At this time, forcibly retaining Han Feizi will only increase trouble, and it is better to plan for the long term.
Li Si, who received clear instructions from King Qin, sighed helplessly. His subordinates sent the poison to Han Feizi, who knew that the crime could not escape, and did not do a senseless struggle, drank it all, and committed suicide.
Fourth, when a guest dies in another country, it is difficult to return to one's faithfulness
Han Feizi's death was a sensation. According to Li Si's instructions, the Qin state claimed that Han Feizi died of a violent illness. Although the South Korean side understood the reason, it had no choice but to silently take Han Feizi's body and return home.
Li Si actually regretted that Han Feizi was a rare genius in the world, and if it could be used by the Qin State, it would be of great help to the cause of King Qin dominating the world. But Han Feizi missed the old feelings deeply, took a firm position, and Li Si was unable to return to heaven.
This is Li Si's emotion when Han Feizi left. Seeing a talent that was difficult to find in the world leave here, Li Si couldn't help but sigh. But for Han Feizi, he was born noble, he could only be loyal to Korea, and he would never be able to work for the Qin Kingdom.
When I think of the sky, I have a Han Fei in my heart. Li Si understood Han Feizi's personality and position, and did not really resent him after his death. Lees just adhered to the king's mandate and made a choice that must be made.
Han Feizi showed his loyalty to Korea by dying, but at the same time buried his academic achievements. It is a pity for a talented scholar to die abroad.
Fifth, the remains of the history of the Ming Dynasty turned out to be traitors
Years later, Ma Qian recorded this history in the "Records of History", but he used a clear technique to describe Han Feizi's death as a classmate Li Si jealous of Han Feizi's talents, secretly framed in front of King Qin, and eventually killed Han Feizi.
This made Li Si swear the reputation of improper trickery and jealousy in the history books for thousands of years. In fact, Han Feizi's death was due to the decision of the King of Qin, and Li Si was just carrying out the will of the monarch.
The reason why Sima Qian used such a method to record also had his considerations. Han Feizi was highly accomplished academically, and if Zhishu was killed by the King of Qin, it would dishonor his reputation.
Therefore, the method of Li Si's jealousy and death is adopted, which can not only show Han Feizi's superior knowledge, but also make readers admire and love him, and relish it.
And Li Si, as the prime minister of the Qin State, it was natural to carry out the monarch's order, and his loyalty was beyond doubt. However, Sima Qian used the Spring and Autumn brushwork to make him a jealous and capable person, and also reminded future generations not to obey orders and blindly carry out the intention of the king's order that was contrary to human ethics.
For Li Si, Sima Qian's account is undoubtedly an unfair evaluation of his life. However, Li Si was deceased at this time, and Sima Qian's "Shiji" was handed down as an authoritative history book for later generations, and this grievance became it
Epilogue:
History is not all black and white, it requires us to look at it with a broad vision and deep thinking. The death of Han Feizi, Li Si's infamy, the historical enlightenment behind it is worth our quiet experience. When dealing with complex interpersonal relationships, we also need tolerance and wisdom to not be fooled by superficial facts and penetrate their essence.
In life, choosing the right position is important. But what is more important is to set up lofty aspirations, benefit the world, and save the heavens and people's desires, so that we can laugh at the storm and achieve great things. We are grateful for the times we live in, and we are in a position to pursue the truth and not be torn between difficult choices. Let us work together to bring more warmth and hope to the world.