As Liu Feng's adopted son, Liu Feng held a high political position in the Shu Han Dynasty. In view of this, Liu Feng's death caused great controversy and left many doubts.
The Book of Shu only generally describes the reasons for liu feng's death as "invading Meng Da" and "not saving Guan Yu", which of course does not conform to the actual situation, and is purely a cover-up after the fact.
First blamed (Liu) Feng for invading the tomb (Meng) Da, but did not save (Guan) Yu... So he gave the seal to death. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
Liu Feng's death was for two reasons. The first is that Liu Feng is talented and poses a threat to Liu Chan; the second is that the Wenwu Xungui, represented by Zhuge Liang, has a resistant attitude toward him.
As for the issue of Liu Feng's "being killed for merit," I have previously written a separate article to discuss it, so this article mainly talks about the attitude of Shu Han's ministers in this incident.
The background of Liu Fengzhi's death is easily overlooked, and it is one of the core factors that influenced Liu Bei's decision-making.
In the twenty-fifth year of Jian'an (220), Liu Bei was sixty years old, and time was short, and Guan Yu, Huang Zhong, Fa Zheng and other henchmen had died. This means that Zhuge Liang's monopoly on power after Liu Bei's death is an inevitable historical trend.
Therefore, in dealing with the issue of Liu Feng, Zhuge Liang naturally occupied a larger right to speak. From the historical data, it is speculated that the Yuan Cong clique represented by Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun also held the same attitude as Zhuge Liang in this incident, which eventually led to the death of Liu Feng.
This article totals 5700 words and takes 12 minutes to read
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="12" > Liu Feng's embarrassing situation</h1>
Liu Feng's political status in the Shu Han Dynasty was extremely high, and he was at the beginning of the Shu Shu Shu Volume X, which was extraordinary.
Note: The masters of the Shu Shu Vol. 10 are Liu Feng, Peng Xi, Liao Li, Li Yan, Liu Yan, Wei Yan, and Yang Yi in order.
The Ji Chuan style history book follows the principle of "following the same kind of things", and Liu Fenglie's biography is located before Li Yan, Wei Yan, Yang Yi and others in the same volume. The reputation of the above-mentioned people is like thunder, and Liu Feng's status can be imagined.
The body of the lineage is subordinate to the class of things. --Pei Songzhi
The Book of Shu describes Liu Feng as "Liu Bei did not have a successor and was raised as a son". It can be seen that Liu Feng was not a simple adopted son, but a "successor heir", that is, the crown prince of Liu Bei's clique.
The first lord went to Jingzhou, and with no heir, he raised (Liu) as a son. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
Liu Bei did not have a successor and raised Liu Feng as a son
In fact, Liu Chan's birth did not directly affect Liu Feng's status. In fact, until the year before Liu Fengzhi's death (219), he still occupied the position of crown prince.
This situation did not change until the twenty-fourth year of Jian'an (219). In the same year, Liu Bei was proclaimed the King of Hanzhong, and Liu Chan was made the crown prince, disguised as Liu Feng's crown prince.
In the twenty-fourth year of Jian'an, the first lord was the King of Hanzhong, and Li (Liu Chan) was the crown prince. --The Book of Shu
Although Liu Feng lost his heir status, he still maintained extremely high political treatment. In his letter to Liu Feng, Meng Da once said that the other party "had the power of partiality in the conquest, and the number of deputy soldiers in Ju" was there.
(Liu Feng) Zheng has the power of partiality, and Ju has the title of deputy army, which is also heard from near and far. --Mencius and Liu Fengshu
"Vice Army" is a title specially established by Liu Bei for Liu Feng, who served successively as a lieutenant general and a deputy army general.
Yizhou was established, with (Liu) as the deputy general of the army... Twenty-four years of Jian'an... Qian (Liu) was made a deputy general. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
According to the "Biography of Liu Feng", the general Shen Tan of Zhengbei was under the jurisdiction of liu Feng, the deputy general. It can be seen that in the Shu Han regime, the rank of the deputy general was higher than that of the general of the Four Expeditions.
(Liu Bei) Nai Qi (Liu) sealed from Hanzhong by the underwater unification (Meng) Dajun ... The first lord Plus (Shen) delayed the conquest of the Northern General... Qian (Liu) was made a deputy general. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
"Four Marches" was a heavy title in the Wei and Jin dynasties, and Cao Cao had hoped to serve as a general in the West when he was young. The rank of the vice general was higher than that of the general of the Four Expeditions, which showed the honor of Liu Feng's status.
Desire to be a marquis, to be a general of the Western Expedition, and then inscribed the tomb saying "The Tomb of the General Cao Hou of the Han Dynasty", this Qizhi also. --"Let the County Self-Disclosure Book"
What Meng Da calls "what is heard from near and far" is also the reality. Because of Liu Feng's adopted son status, even Cao Cao knew. During the Battle of Hanzhong (219), Liu Feng led an army to the division, and was scolded by Cao Cao as "selling his shoes to make the fake son refuse to fight". "Selling shoes" undoubtedly refers to Liu Bei, and "fake son" refers to Liu Feng.
Taizu was in Hanzhong, while Liu Bei was perched on the top of the mountain, making Liu Fengfeng challenged. Taizu scolded: "Sell the house, and make the fake son refuse to be rude!" --Wei Liu
Cao Cao: Selling the shoes of the children, changing the false son to refuse Ru Gonghu
It can be seen from this that although Liu Feng lost the right of succession, he still maintained a very high political status, and he ruled over the three counties in the middle of the Han Dynasty (Shangyong, Fangling, and Xicheng), and took over one side on the eastern line of the Shu Han Dynasty.
However, at that time (219), Liu Chan had already been made crown prince, and it was obvious that Liu Feng was about to lose power.
The out-of-office crown princes of all dynasties have never had a good end, and Liu Feng is no exception. It was only because Liu Feng was outside at that time that he escaped a potential purge.
The present foot (referring to Liu Feng) is far away, and it is still possible to rest for a while. --Mencius and Liu Fengshu
Meng Da said bluntly in his letter, "The king of Hanzhong is determined to be inside, and suspected to be born outside." Determined internally, he summoned and even killed Liu Feng; suspected of being born outside, that is, he was worried that Liu Feng would lead a rebellion because he was dissatisfied with losing the position of crown prince.
Servant (self-modesty, referring here to Meng Da) was concerned about the internal and suspected birth of The King of Hanzhong (referring to Liu Bei). If you are determined, you are firm, and if you are suspicious, you are afraid. --Mencius and Liu Fengshu
The subsequent development of history confirmed Meng Da's foresight and also witnessed the tragic fate of Liu Feng.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="144" > zhuge liang and other wenwu xungui's attitude in the incident</h1>
The Biography of Liu Feng attributed the direct cause of Liu Fengzhi's death to "not helping Guan Yu", also known as "Zhuge Liang persuaded Liu Bei to get rid of it", and pushed the main responsibility to Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang (Liu) was strong and fierce, and after Yi Shi (referring to Liu Bei's death), it was finally difficult to control the throne, and persuaded the former lord to get rid of it. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
Zhuge Liang's participation in slandering Liu Feng was not false, but Chen Shou's way of writing was biased and did not objectively reflect the complexity of the political situation.
Liu Feng was born in Changsha and had extensive connections in the Jingchu clique; he had been the crown prince for more than ten years, and a sizable political bloc must have formed around him. Although the Book of Shu is extremely secretive about this, from Meng Da's letters, it is still possible to infer Liu Feng's political energy.
In his letter, Meng Da said that "he established Ah Dou as a prince, and people of insight were cold-hearted."
Self-proclaimed Ah Dou as a prince has come, and people of insight are cold. --Mencius and Liu Fengshu
Establishing ah dou as a prince, people of insight are cold
The "people of insight" here undoubtedly refer to Liu Feng's henchmen. Judging from Liu Bei's hesitant attitude of "worrying about the inside and being suspicious of being born outside", the size of Liu Feng's political group should not be small.
In other words, Liu Feng's death was the result of a game between multiple factions, and it was definitely not something that Zhuge Liang alone could influence.
Although Zhuge Liang was favored, after all, he was a foreigner; he interfered in Liu Bei's father-son family affairs, no doubt committing the taboo of "alienating relatives". With Zhuge Liang's intellect, it is impossible not to understand the stakes. It can be seen that in addition to Zhuge Liang, there must be other elder-level figures involved in this matter.
Meng Da once told Liu Feng that "I am afraid that there will be a gap between the left and the right of the King of Hanzhong". According to this inference, zhuge liang should not be the only one who slandered Liu Feng's "left and right people".
Private grievances and human feelings cannot be ignored, and I am afraid that there will be a time between the king of Hanzhong. --Mencius and Liu Fengshu
From the historical clues, it can be inferred that in addition to Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun are likely to be participants in the incident, and they should approve or acquiesce in the death of Liu Feng. Before Guan Yu died, he may also have expressed his opinions on the issue of li reserves.
(1) Guan Yu
Guan Yu died the year before Liu Fengzhi's death (220) (219). However, judging from the relevant records of Liu Feng and Guan Yu, the two should have a long-standing grudge.
During Guan Yu's Northern Expedition (219), he "even called liu feng and Meng Da to help", but Shangyong "did not accept Yu's fate". The actual person who spoke to Shangyong was Liu Feng, and it was known that this matter must have been instructed by Liu Feng.
Guan Yu besieged Fancheng and Xiangyang, lianhu (Liu) Feng, (Meng) Da, and ordered the troops to help themselves. Feng, Daci and Da resigned to the mountain county initially attached, can not be shaken, do not accept the fate of the feather. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
Guan Yu and Liu Bei "Enruo brothers", and even "Enyou father and son", Liu Feng will not be unaware of the importance of Guan Yu; but he still chooses to "not help Guan Yu", it can be seen that the two must have old grudges.
The first lord and the two (Guan and Zhang) slept in the same bed, enruo brothers. --ShuShu Guan Yu Biography
Guan Yu and (Liu) Bei, righteous as kings and sons. --The Biography of Liu Ye of Wei
According to the records, Liu Feng followed Liu Bei into Sichuan, and then the town guarded the three eastern counties; Guan Yu stayed in Jingzhou and garrisoned Jiangling, and the two did not work together. Therefore, the only possibility of provoking a dispute is that Guan Yu had interfered in Liu Bei's father-son family affairs.
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms says that Guan Yu despised Liu Feng and called the other party "the son of a borer", although this matter is not found in the historical record, but logically it is highly consistent with historical facts. It pointed out Guan Yu's attitude on the issue of Liu Beilisi.
The king of Hanzhong then sent people to Jingzhou to ask Guan Gong, who regarded the general (referring to Liu Feng) as the son of a borer and could not stand up, and advised the king of Hanzhong to place the general in the land of Shangyong Mountain City to prevent future troubles. --Romance of the Three Kingdoms, The Seventy-sixth Time
Guan Yu regarded Liu Feng as the son of a borer and could not stand on his own
Guan Yu's grandson Guan Tong was later recruited by Liu Chan as his son-in-law. Considering Guan Yu's political attitude before his death, Liu Chan's marriage behavior is likely to have the political consideration of "repaying the old favor".
(Guan Xing) Zi (關) TongHei, Princess Shang, official to the Tiger Ben Zhonglang General. --ShuShu Guan Yu Biography
(2) Zhang Fei
Zhang Fei's attitude in this incident should be the clearest. Because Zhang Fei is Liu Bei's relative and Liu Chan's father-in-law.
Although the marriage time of Zhang And Liu Chan (221) was slightly later than liu Feng's death (220), considering the close relationship between Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, it can be seen that the marriage between the two families has undoubtedly been finalized.
After the lord mourned the empress, the eldest daughter of the che riding general Zhang Fei also. In the first year of Zhang Wu's reign, Na was made crown princess. --The Book of Shu, The Biography of the Empress of Jing
Moreover, the imperial family needs to be hired one year in advance to marry relatives. It can be seen from this that even if Liu Chan and Zhang Shi were married in the first year of Zhang Wu (221), the two families undoubtedly had a family affair before this.
(Chen) Gong Yue: "The period when the ancients were hired and married had their own rules. The Son of Heaven is one year, the princes are half a year, the Doctor is one season, and the common people are in January. "--Romance of the Three Kingdoms, The Sixteenth Time"
In view of the marriage relationship with Liu Chan, Zhang Fei would never be able to speak for Liu Feng. Even for various reasons (such as Guan Yu's death), he probably acquiesced or even participated in the slander against Liu Feng.
(3) Zhao Yun
Zhao Yun was heavy-handed, and easily did not participate in government decision-making, let alone interfere in Liu Bei's family affairs. However, because he was in charge of the su wei work, the relationship with Liu Chan was extraordinary.
The things of "being the savior of the yang" and "cutting off the river and seizing the battle" are popular among the people and are heard by the world. For Liu Chan, Zhao Yun was the savior; for Zhao Yun, Liu Chan was the future lord. The two rely on each other and are each other's appearance.
And the first lord was chased by Cao Gong to Dangyang Changsaka, abandoned his wife and left south, and yun held a weak son, that is, the later lord, protected Lady Gan, that is, the queen mother, all of which were spared. --Book of Shu Zhao Yun Biography
Madame wanted to return the Hou Lord to Wu, and Zhao Yun and Zhang Feile intercepted the river, but the Hou Lord returned. --"The Legend of the Clouds"
The Battle of Dangyang, righteousness through the golden stone
After Zhao Yun's death, the Shu Han officials highly praised his merits, and the main argument was centered on the old things of "Hou Lord Youchong, Zhao Yun Zhongshun".
Later, the Lord's edict reads: "(Zhao) Yun used to be an emperor and had made meritorious deeds. It is difficult to be young, to be loyal and obedient, and to help danger. "--The Tale of the Clouds"
Zhao Yun was Liu Chan's benefactor, but not Liu Feng's benefactor. If Liu Feng succeeded to the throne, Zhao Yun would not only not be appreciated and respected, but might even be suspected because of Liu Chan.
"Liu Feng is fierce, easy to control" is by no means the opinion of Zhuge Liang alone, and Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun and others who have worked with Liu Feng must have deeply understood this.
(Liu Feng) sent his soldiers back west with Zhuge Liang and Zhang Fei. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
(Zhuge Liang) Liang (Zhao) Yun and Zhang Fei all traced back to Jiangxi, Pingding County. --Book of Shu Zhao Yun Biography
In other words, Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun and other founding fathers and elders obviously had a political attitude close to Liu Chan. Compared with the two, Liu Feng's personal connections and political chips are insufficient in the end.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="164" > Liu Bei's political attitude</h1>
Although many courtiers acquiesced or even connived at the "death of Liu Feng", after all, this matter was a family affair of father and son, and the final decision-maker could only be Liu Bei.
Everyone has selfish intentions and hopes to let their own bloodline inherit the great cause, so it is not surprising that Liu Bei deposed Liu Feng; but killing Liu Feng inevitably seems a bit excessive.
Judging from the names of Liu Feng and Liu Chan, Liu Bei treated Liu Feng as his own son, and also pinned his hopes on brotherly harmony.
Sealing, that is, sacrificing heaven; Zen, that is, sacrificing the earth. In other words, Liu Feng and Liu Chan are sacrificing heaven and earth. Sealing Zen is the privilege of the Son of Heaven, so the combination of brothers can also metaphorically reflect Liu Bei's imperial aspirations.
Judging from the historical background, Liu Bei's death of Liu Feng was a rather difficult decision. It is highly related to Liu Bei's age problem and the problem of Shu Han's talent withering.
(1) Liu Bei's age problem
When Liu Feng was given death (220), Liu Bei was already sixty years old. Liu Bei once said that "people are over fifty years old, not called longevity", considering the health conditions and medical technology at that time, Liu Bei has realized that he is approaching the upper limit of life expectancy. Therefore, he must make good arrangements for the aftermath.
After the edict of the Lord, the Lord said, "... Fifty people are not called dead, but they are more than sixty years old, and they are hated! --Zhuge Liang Collection
Fifty people are not called dead, but sixty are more than sixty, and they are hated
Senior officers such as Guan, Zhang, Zhao, Ma, and Huang were all old or dead at that time.
Huang Zhong and Liu Feng died in the same year (220), while Guan Yu died the year before (219). Zhang Fei and Zhao Yungong were equal to Liu Bei, and the remaining life expectancy would not be too long.
Ma Chao", who "returned to China in detention and was often afraid of danger", was not trusted by Liu Bei. In fact, Ma Chao's health was also very problematic, and he died a year earlier than Liu Bei (222).
(Zhang Wu) died in the second year (Ma Chao), at the age of forty-seven. --Book of Shu, Biography of Ma Chao
Therefore, after Liu Bei's death (223), the military and political power of Shu Han could only fall into the hands of the Shaozhuang faction led by Zhuge Liang.
(2) The problem of talent withering in the Shu Han Dynasty
When Liu Beizhi died liu Feng (220), the talent reserve of Shu Han had already shown signs of being green and yellow.
Wei Yan, Feng Xi, Zhang Nan, Fu Wei, and other officers of the Shaozhuang faction, mainly fighting generals, many of whom later died in the Battle of Wu (221-222).
Among the younger generation, the members who are also senior in literature and martial arts are more outstanding, such as Zhuge Liang, Fazheng, Li Yan, Liu Ba, Huang Quan, Liao Li and others.
Huang Quan was born in Yizhou, and Liu Bei always had a grudge against him. Liao Li had a narrow personality, and he abandoned his official post and fled to Changsha, which had a serious political stain and was difficult to take on a big responsibility.
The first lord false (Huang) Quan general, good, but still thin, not enough to show the high festival of loyalty and righteousness. --Commentary on the Romance of the Three Kingdoms
(Sun) Quan sent Lü Meng to attack the three southern counties, and (Liao) li escaped and returned to the first lord. The Lord treats him wisely, and does not deeply rebuke him. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liao Li
Fa Zheng and Liu Feng died in the same year (220); Liu Ba's political position was problematic and was not trusted by Liu Bei. Liu Bei believes that "Liu Ba is extremely intelligent, and it is difficult for me to be alone." Therefore, the only people who can be trusted are Zhuge Liang and Li Yan.
He died next year, at the age of forty-five. --Shu Shu Fa Zheng Biography
(Liu) Bei also said: "Zi Chu (Liu Ba Zi Chu) is extremely intelligent, such as a lonely, can be appointed, not alone is difficult to appoint." "--The Legend of the Lingling Sages"
Li Yan was slightly older than Zhuge Liang, and his life expectancy was shorter than Zhuge Liang's; Li Yan's talent and resources were not as good as Zhuge Liang's, and it was difficult to balance the other side.
Zhuge Liang was twenty years younger than Liu Bei, in his prime; liu Chan was weak and ignorant and unable to handle political affairs. Therefore, Liu Bei had already anticipated that after his death, Zhuge Liang's monopoly on the government was an inevitable historical trend.
The first lord was sick in Yong'an, and summoned (Zhuge Liang) Liang in Chengdu, which belonged to the later events, which was said to be Liang: "The king is ten times cao pi, and he will be able to secure the country and finally set great things." "--Book of Shu, Biography of Zhuge Liang"
Liu Beituo Lonely White Emperor City
In this context, liu feng's existence will become a time bomb for Shu Han. An imperial brother with military merit, seniority, and fierce personality would undoubtedly pose a great threat to Liu Chan's rule.
Therefore, Zhuge Liang came forward to express his position and advise Liu Feng to kill him, and its political significance far exceeded its practical significance. Liu Bei weighed it up again and again, and finally made the decision to kill Liu Feng.
After Liu Feng's death, Liu Bei "wept for it", and Zhuge Liang treated Liu Feng's family kindly. Liu Feng's son Liu Linguan (劉林官) was not further persecuted.
(Liu) Feng sighed: "Hate not use Mencius's words!" "The Lord wept for it. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
(Liu) Fengzi (Liu) Lin was the tooth gatekeeper, and Xian Xi moved to Hedong within the first year. --Pei Songzhi
From this, it can be seen that Liu Beijunchen knew that Liu Feng's sin would not lead to death, so they had feelings of guilt; but the death of Liu Feng was forced by the general situation and had to be done.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="176" > summary</h1>
Liu Feng's death is a historical injustice, but it is also an inevitable historical tragedy.
In fact, Liu Bei was very clear that Liu Feng "did not help Guan Yu", perhaps with selfish intentions, but it was not the direct cause of Guan Yu's downfall.
Because Guan Yu was "calling Liu Feng self-help" during the siege of Fancheng, it can be known that he was in the stage of superiority in troops. As for Guan Yu's defeat at Maicheng, Eastern Wu had already sent Lu Xun and others to cut off the passage from Shangyong and Fangling to Jingzhou, and Liu Feng could not help even if he wanted to send troops to rescue him.
Guan Yu besieged Fancheng and Xiangyang, lianhu (Liu) Feng, (Meng) Da, and ordered the troops to help themselves. --Book of Shu, Biography of Liu Feng
(Lu) sent the generals Li Yi and Xie Jing to three thousand men, and attacked the Shu generals Zhan Yan and Chen Feng... He also attacked Fangling Taishou Deng Fu and Nanxiang Taishou Guo Mu, and broke it. --The Biography of Wu Shu and Lu Xun
Liu Bei is a politician, which means that his decisions need to serve practical political purposes. In other words, Liu Bei's motive for killing Liu Feng was by no means simple.
Liu Feng had an extensive network of contacts in shu han, which inevitably led Toned Liu Bei to throw a rat trap and did not dare to move lightly; but Zhuge Liang, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun and other Yuan congregations sided with Liu Chan, which led to a change in the weights at both ends of the scale.
At that time (220), Liu Bei was already old and had little time; the signs of the withering of Shu Han talents meant that Zhuge Liang's monopoly on power was inevitable. Therefore, the opinions of Zhuge Liang and others occupy a very high weight.
At this time, Liu Feng, who was in Chengdu, was completely involuntary. He was "pro-flesh and blood and based on power, righteous and not a monarch and put on the throne", and was alienated by Liu Bei's "people around him", and even "disaster is coming but not avoided", and finally died in prison, drinking and hating Huangquan, one by one confirming Meng Da's old prophecies.
The present foot (referring to Liu Feng) and the king of Hanzhong, the ear of the road, the relatives are not bone and blood but the power of the power, the righteousness is not the monarch and the throne... Knowing that evil is coming and staying, it is not wisdom. --Mencius and Liu Fengshu
Judging from the records of Liu Bei's "weeping for it" and Zhuge Liang's kindness to Liu Feng's family, it is obvious that the Shu Han emperor knew that Liu Feng's crime would not lead to death; but Liu Feng's embarrassing identity and special background of the times led to his inevitable death. Liu Bei, Liu Feng, and Zhuge Liang, although they acted differently, they all couldn't help themselves, and finally cast a historical tragedy, which made people feel overwhelmed.
I am Fat Mi, the original author of the history of the headline number. Talk about historical anecdotes and focus on the history of the Three Kingdoms. From the clues in Shi Hai's sinking hook and the Yoshimitsu katayu, to analyze the hidden meaning behind the unfolding.
Thanks for reading.