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introduction
The Northern Song Dynasty was a civilized and prosperous dynasty, but it was also a humiliating and resentful dynasty. The founding process of the Northern Song Dynasty was much more civilized than some other dynasties, and the people suffered much fewer deaths and injuries.
However, the rulers of the Northern Song Dynasty, in order to prevent the generals from rebelling, implemented a policy of Chongwen and suppressing martial arts, which led to the weakening of the army and the decline of national strength.
In this context, there was a tiger general of the Northern Song Dynasty who had protected Zhao Kuangyin's life many times, but was coldly executed by Zhao Kuangyin because he was falsely accused of rebellion. He is Zhang Qiong.
Who is Zhang Qiong? Why was he reused by Zhao Kuangyin? How was he killed by Zhao Kuangyin?
Zhang Qiong's origin and growth
Zhang Qiong was born in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, his family is from Zhengzhou, Henan, and his ancestors were famous generals of the Tang Dynasty. Zhang Qiong has had a talent for bravery and good fighting since childhood, he is good at riding and equestrianism, brave and fearless, not afraid of strong enemies.
He was initially only a pawn of Later Zhou, but with his courage and talent, he gradually gained the appreciation and reuse of Later Zhou general Zhao Kuangyin.
After the end of the year, the government of the DPRK was corrupt and the military was discouraged. Zhao Kuangyin took the opportunity to raise troops, and a mutiny occurred at Chen Qiao, and the yellow robe was added to establish the Song Dynasty. Zhang Qiong, as one of Zhao Kuangyin's confidants, participated in this historic change.
He accompanied Zhao Kuangyin in his conquests in all directions, quelling rebellions and enemy invasions in various places. Because of his many miraculous achievements on the battlefield, Zhao Kuangyin trusted and respected him very much, named him a forbidden army, and awarded him many honors and wealth.
Zhang Qiong's merits and kindness
As one of the founding generals of the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhang Qiong made indelible achievements in the early days of the Song Dynasty. He twice saved Zhao Kuangyin's life in critical situations and became Zhao Kuangyin's most loyal and reliable ally.
The first time was when attacking Eighteen Mile Beach, Zhao Kuangyin was attacked by the enemy in front of him, and when it was time to shoot, Zhang Qiong immediately shot an arrow with a bow, and killed the soldier with the shield with one arrow, successfully saving Zhao Kuangyin.
The second time was when attacking Shouchun, Zhao Kuangyin neglected to take precautions, and was found by the enemy to launch waves of arrow rain. At this time, Zhao Kuangyin panicked and stayed in place at a loss.
Seeing this, Zhang Qiong rushed over again, used his body to help him cover, and returned fire with his bow and arrow. In the end, he fainted due to multiple arrows in his body. Fortunately, he was later rescued and saved a life.
These two life-saving graces, Zhao Kuangyin not only remembered, but also admired and appreciated Zhang Qiong very much. He once said to Zhang Qiong: "You are my brother, and I will never forget your merits." ”
Zhang Qiong's character and shortcomings
Although Zhang Qiong is brave, he is a fiery personality, has no scheming, and his emotional intelligence is not high. After he was praised by Zhao Kuangyin, he did not restrain his edge, but became more arrogant and unsighted.
He indiscriminately beat and scolded his subordinates and was called cruel. He also often rode the horses of stagecoach officials, ignoring rules and etiquette. He trained hundreds of samurai at home and purchased soldiers and horses, which aroused suspicion and discussion from the outside world.
Such a character can only make him countless enemies. He not only offended the civil officials and eunuchs in the dynasty, but also offended Shi Hanqing, a red man under Zhao Kuangyin.
Shi Hanqing was not a good stubble, he was favored by Zhao Kuangyin, and he had always been unaccustomed to Zhang Qiong's style, and he had the intention of competing with him for favor. Therefore, he thought that Fa Er would frustrate Zhang Qiong's vigor.
Zhang Qiong's framing and execution
Shi Hanqing told Zhao Kuangyin that Zhang Qiong wantonly rode the horse of the post station official with the intention of rebelling, and it was rumored that he had trained hundreds of samurai at home, and that the purchase of soldiers and horses must have bad intentions.
These words were like a time bomb in Zhao Kuangyin's ears. Zhao Kuangyin was originally a military general, and he knew that the power of military generals was a major hidden danger. So he began to receive military power into his hands step by step.
The famous "right to release troops with a glass of wine" in history was vividly displayed by Zhao Kuangyin. He also divided the powers of the phase, set up three divisions, greatly promoted the scientific examination system, and implemented the policy of respecting the culture and suppressing martial arts.
Another reason why Zhao Kuangyin is sensitive to "supporting troops and self-respecting" and "committing chaos" is the fear that arises in his heart. During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Zhao Kuangyin broke into the rivers and lakes by virtue of his status as a military general. After the collapse of the Later Zhou Dynasty, the "yellow robe added" began.
At that time, many people believed that Zhao Kuangyin was "hostage" by many generals and had no choice but to accept the position of emperor. So why are the generals themselves emperors? Therefore, the record of the Song Dynasty in the history books is just Zhao Kuangyin's self-deception.
But one thing is indisputable, Zhao Kuangyin reluctantly sat on the "justified" throne, and he claimed that the emperor had many unorthodox characteristics: it was not royal blood, nor was it inherited by orthodox sons, but was seized by force.
These characteristics made Zhao Kuangyin feel that his throne was unstable and could be taken by other martial generals at any time. Therefore, he was more sensitive and vigilant about Zhang Qiong's behavior.
Zhao Kuangyin listened to Shi Hanqing's words, and as soon as his heart moved, he sent someone to search Zhang Qiong's home. Sure enough, a large number of weapons and horses were found, as well as some unidentified samurai. Zhao Kuangyin was furious, believing that Zhang Qiong had the intention of rebelling, so he ordered Zhang Qiong to be arrested and imprisoned.
After Zhang Qiong was arrested, Zhao Kuangyin did not give him any opportunity to explain, nor did he give him any trial, and he was directly executed. Zhang Qiong was in prison, and when she heard the news, she was very sad and unwilling in her heart.
He remembered the hard work he had made for Zhao Kuangyin, remembered that he had saved Zhao Kuangyin's life twice, and remembered the phrase "You are my brother" that Zhao Kuangyin once said to himself.
He didn't understand why Zhao Kuangyin would treat himself like this, and why Zhao Kuangyin would forget his kindness and merits.
Zhang Qiong wrote a suicide note in her cell and sent it to Zhao Kuangyin. The suicide note reads:
"Chen Zhang Qiong has known His Majesty for many years and has never had a second heart. The minister has twice saved His Majesty's life, and His Majesty once said that the minister is His Majesty's brother. The ministers fought for His Majesty in all directions and pacified the world, and His Majesty once said that the merits of the ministers will never be forgotten. Although the minister was arrogant and rude, he never had the intention of rebelling. The courtiers trained samurai at home and purchased soldiers and horses just to protect His Majesty and the country. The minister did not know why His Majesty wanted to kill the minister, and the minister only wanted to ask His Majesty: 'Have you forgotten? ’”
This suicide note was delivered to Zhao Kuangyin's hands. Zhao Kuangyin opened the envelope and saw the contents of the suicide note. After reading it, he was silent for a while, and then only said two words: "Kill." ”
In this way, Zhang Qiong was killed by Zhao Kuangyin's words. He was beheaded for public display, his family property confiscated and his family exiled. He died without any honor or remembrance, leaving only a pitiful and tragic name.
Zhang Qiong's evaluation and enlightenment
Zhang Qiong was a loyal and brave general who made outstanding achievements for the founding of the Song Dynasty. He is also a grateful and righteous figure, and he has a deep friendship for Zhao Kuangyin. But he was coldly killed by Zhao Kuangyin because he was falsely accused. This is a story of embarrassment and regret.
The reason why Zhang Qiong ended up like this, in addition to Zhao Kuangyin's suspicion and Shi Hanqing's frame-up, was also his own character and shortcomings. He is too proud and confident, does not know how to converge his edge, does not know to adapt to the times, does not know to be kind to others.
He is too hot and straightforward, does not know how to hide his emotions, does not know how to hide his actions, does not know how to be smooth and flexible. He is too simple and loyal, does not understand the complexity of the white heart, does not understand the cruelty of power, does not understand the impermanence of the world.
Zhang Qiong's story has brought us some enlightenment.
The first is to know how to adapt to the environment and adapt to changes. In a world of change, we must not stick to our own principles and positions, but learn to adapt to the situation and find the most suitable way of life.
The second is to learn to be humble and low-key. In a highly competitive society, we must not overshow our strengths and achievements, but maintain a humble and cautious attitude to avoid arousing the envy and hostility of others.
The third is to know how to be grateful and cherish. In a life full of uncertainties, we must not forget the favors and help we have received, but we must return and thank us attentively, and cherish our relatives, friends and partners.
summary
Zhang Qiong is a character worthy of our admiration and sympathy, and his story is a story worthy of our reflection and learning. We should learn from him and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and forge a path of our own.