After Li Shimin killed Li Jiancheng, he reprimanded Wei Zheng sharply: Why did you provoke me and the former prince? Wei Zheng replied calmly: If he had listened to me, he would not have today
Original Dream Diary
After the Xuanwumen Incident, Li Shimin killed Li Jiancheng and ascended to the throne.
However, Li Shimin was dissatisfied with Wei Zheng's behavior beside Li Jiancheng, so he sharply reprimanded Wei Zheng: Why are you provoking me and the former prince?
Wei Zheng, as a well-known counselor, his answers were very direct and frank. He said, "If the prince had listened to me, he would not be where he is today."
Such an answer obviously shows that Wei Zheng once gave advice to Li Jiancheng, but Li Jiancheng did not follow his advice, which led to today's situation.
Li Shimin was an outstanding emperor in Chinese history, and during his reign he carried out a series of important political reforms and economic construction, which brought the Tang Dynasty into a period of prosperity and stability.
He is known as one of the "Golden Ages" of ancient China, a period also known as the "Rule of Zhenguan".
Politically, Li Shimin carried out a series of reforms. He strengthened the centralization of power, introduced the imperial examination system, and selected talents instead of relying on hereditary nobles.
He also implemented the "Three Provinces and Six Ministries System", which decentralized political power among various departments to avoid excessive concentration of power. These reforms made the political system of the Tang Dynasty more stable and effective.
Economically, Li Shimin implemented the "equalization system," which distributed state-controlled land to the peasants and imposed taxes and forced labor.
He also introduced the "rent-yong regulation", which stipulated the taxes to be paid by the peasants and the manner in which they were to be subjected to forced labor. These measures promoted the development of agriculture, increased the enthusiasm of the peasants, and enabled the Tang Dynasty's economy to develop rapidly.
Culturally, Li Shimin implemented the "imperial examination system", selecting talents through examinations, rather than relying on hereditary nobles.
This system laid the foundation for the cultural and academic development of the Tang Dynasty, and many outstanding writers, poets, and scholars emerged.
In addition, Li Shimin also expanded the territory of the Tang Dynasty, making the Tang Dynasty one of the most powerful countries in the world at that time. He pursued an enlightened national policy and respected the cultures and traditions of all ethnic groups, making the Tang Dynasty a multicultural country.
However, Li Shimin's rebuke of Wei Zheng after the killing of Li Jiancheng also revealed some problems. Although Li Shimin carried out many beneficial reforms and developments during his reign, he still faced contradictions between family affection and politics.
In the struggle for the throne, the brothers became enemies. This cruel reality made Li Shimin feel painful and uneasy.
And Wei Zheng's answer also showed his outspoken and daring style. He frankly admitted that he had advised Li Jiancheng, and pointed out that if Li Jiancheng had followed his advice, he would not have the situation he has today. This frankness and honesty also reflect Wei Zheng's demeanor as a courtier.
In this event, we can also see the political culture and values of ancient China. In ancient China, loyalty and honesty were seen as important moral qualities.
Wei Zheng's frankness and honesty expressed his loyalty and trust. And Li Shimin, as the emperor, also needs to have enough mind and wisdom to accommodate different voices and suggestions.
Finally, this incident also reminds us that we should be rational and honest when pursuing personal interests and realizing our own values.
Whether in politics or in our daily lives, we should follow the principles of ethics and law and be based on integrity. When facing contradictions and problems, we should face and deal with them with a calm mind and a positive attitude.