How did Zhao Kuangyin sit on the throne. He was originally a general in the Later Zhou Dynasty, and through a famous "Chenqiao Mutiny", he skillfully seized the throne.
This mutiny, in fact, was a bloodless coup, Zhao Kuangyin, with the support of the soldiers, took over the yellow robe of Emperor Xiande of the Later Zhou Dynasty, which was later known as the "yellow robe". This scene became a key moment for him to ascend the throne.
Speaking of which, we have to talk about the two major families of Hou Zhou, the Guo family and the Chai family. The Guo family refers to the family of Guo Wei, the founding emperor of the Later Zhou Dynasty, while the Chai family refers to the family of Chai Rong, the emperor of Xiande. After Zhao Kuangyin became emperor, his attitude towards these two families was completely different, and this is the irony of the story.
Zhao Kuangyin's attitude towards Guo is relatively cold, and it can even be said that he has been suppressed. The reason may be that the Guo family, as the founding royal family of the previous dynasty, was a potential threat to Zhao Kuangyin.
They have royal blood and could theoretically become a political force against Zhao Kuangyin. When Zhao Kuangyin consolidated his rule, he took certain control and restriction measures against the Guo family.
Zhao Kuangyin treated the Chai family quite favorably. This is a bit confusing, because it stands to reason that the Chai family, as the family of Emperor Xiande who was overthrown by Zhao Kuangyin, should be a greater threat.
But Zhao Kuangyin not only did not suppress the Chai family, but gave them quite high treatment. According to historical records, Zhao Kuangyin even moved the body of Emperor Xiande back to the capital, held a grand funeral, and respected other members of the Chai family.
The reason for this may lie in Zhao Kuangyin's political wisdom. He knew that although the Chai clan was the overthrown family, they had lost their actual political power.
The preferential treatment given to them can demonstrate Zhao Kuangyin's generosity and benevolence, and increase his political legitimacy. The suppression of Guo's is out of prevention of potential threats.