During that turbulent late Ming Dynasty, many peasant rebels emerged in the northwest, of which Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong were the two most powerful leaders. This article will take you back in time and learn more about Zhang Xianzhong, a native of Yan'an, northern Shaanxi.
Zhang Xianzhong, character Bingzhong, number Jingxuan, historical records of his origin and early experience, fragmentary and inconsistent. "Suikou Jiliu" once wrote: "Zhang Xianzhong, I don't know where he started. As for his origin, "Suikou Jiliu" mentioned that he belonged to the Yan'an Wei nationality, but his family lineage is unknown. Regarding his early experience in the army, "Suikou Jiliu" records that he broke the law in the army when he was young, but fortunately was rescued by the chief soldier Chen Hongfan. However, the mystery of Zhang Xianzhong's family lineage and the real experience of serving in the army have always been difficult to understand.
Once, the Ming army attacked in a big way, and the situation was unfavorable for Zhang Xianzhong, who accepted the Ming army's appeasement and led his troops to surrender to the governor Hong Chengzhuo, but soon betrayed again. After that, he moved to Shanxi with Gao Yingxiang and Li Zicheng and fought many fierce battles with the Ming army. Zhang Xianzhong's power gradually grew, and he became one of the well-known leaders of the Northwest Peasant Army. His slender figure and yellowish complexion were nicknamed "Yellow Tiger" by the army.
However, Zhang Xianzhong and Li Zicheng are in stark contrast in character and style. Zhang Xianzhong was vulgar and contemptuous, contemptuous of readers, and dictated documents in the vernacular, which was very different from the elegant and tolerant Li Zicheng. In Zhang Xianzhong's eyes, the military attache only needed to speak in the vernacular, and elegant matters had nothing to do with him.
What is even more shocking is Zhang Xianzhong's attitude towards women. He dislikes rare treasures and is not greedy for wealth, but he is extremely cruel in his treatment of women. He believed that "everything in the world is bad for women", so he often showed a dislike for women. When his subordinates offered beautiful women, Zhang Xianzhong killed them mercilessly once they got tired.
When Zhang Xianzhong moved to Hubei, his atrocities reached their peak. He garrisoned Huangzhou, plundered women in large numbers, and left young and beautiful women behind, forcing them to tear down the city walls. These women are overwhelmed by the hard work, and some are even exhausted to death. However, after the demolition of the city wall was completed, Zhang Xianzhong ordered the women to be mercilessly killed under the city.
Revelation:
Historically, Zhang Xianzhong, as the leader of the peasant rebel army in the northwest in the late Ming Dynasty, showed his strong military strength and brutal personality. From his experiences and actions, we can draw some profound insights.
First, social context has a profound impact on an individual's growth and behavior. Zhang Xianzhong came from a humble background and experienced hardships in his early years, which may have shaped his tenacious and courageous character to some extent. However, this is not a sufficient reason to explain his brutality, because there are many good and generous individuals among those who also come from poor backgrounds.
Second, the environment and stress in times of war can lead to distortions of human nature. Zhang Xianzhong's repeated rebellion during many wars and rebellion after accepting appeasement suggests that the chaotic state of war can make people lose their moral sensitivity and become fickle and unpredictable.
Summary:
In the long river of history, Zhang Xianzhong's deeds are undoubtedly a distinct and cruel chapter. As the leader of the peasant army, he left a deep mark on history with his great strength and brutal methods. From his experience, we see the profound impact of social background, war environment, and individual personality on human behavior.
First of all, Zhang Xianzhong's humble beginnings, and his difficult early experience may be the foundation of his tenacity. However, this is not a sufficient reason to explain its atrocities. In the same social context, there are many kind and generous individuals.
Second, the war-torn environment made Zhang fickle and unpredictable. Alternating between repeated rebellions and appeasements, his actions illustrate the complexity of individual behavior in times of war, which can make people lose their moral sensitivity.
Overall, Zhang's story reflects the impact of social unrest on individuals and leaders in historical periods. While deeply reflecting on the past, we should also better understand and guide individuals to develop more positive qualities in different environments.
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