The story of Zhao Chang is a magnificent court legend. He started as an ordinary court companion, and with his wisdom and astuteness, he became an indispensable figure beside Emperor Kangxi step by step. However, on the night of Kangxi's death, all glory and status were in vain, as he committed three deadly sins that angered the newly enthroned Emperor Yongzheng.
What are these three deadly sins? Why are they enough to make Zhao Chang fall from the highest peak to the bottom of his life? What are the deep reasons behind Yongzheng's decision? At this critical moment, every corner of the court is full of mysteries and suspense. Zhao Chang's fate is like a bright pearl hanging in the long river of history, which gradually loses its luster with the transformation of power.
In this era of intrigue and power struggle, everyone's fate is like a sword hanging over their heads, which can fall at any time. The story of Zhao Chang is such a sharp sword, revealing the most true and cruel face in the depths of the court. And his life is the best portrayal of this turbulent era.
1. The boy's oath
In the depths of the palace, Zhao Chang's figure walked slowly in the winding corridor. He grew up beside Emperor Kangxi since he was a child, and as the emperor's personal companion and attendant, he knew every favorite of the emperor well. He knew the meaning of each of the emperor's eyes, the deep meaning behind every sentence, and even the emperor's every move could attract his attention.
On this day, Zhao Chang, as usual, stood calmly outside Kangxi's study. Through the half-closed door, he could see that the Emperor was reading intently. Suddenly, Kangxi put down the scroll in his hand, turned around, and his eyes fell on Zhao Chang. His voice was gentle but firm: "Zhao Chang, I want a beautiful musket. ”
Zhao Chang was shocked in his heart, and he immediately knelt down and replied: "The minister obeys the order." He knew that this was not just a small wish of the emperor, but a great opportunity to show loyalty and ability. Kangxi bowed slightly, signaling that he could step back.
Zhao Chang retreated to the corner of the palace and began to plan quickly in his mind. He knew that the production of a musket required not only the skill of the craftsman, but also the choice of materials, the intricacy of the decoration, and even the performance of the gun. Zhao Chang knew that the emperor liked to hunt, so this musket should not only be gorgeous in appearance, but also practical and accurate.
He first thought of an old craftsman in the court, whose craftsmanship was one of the best in the entire capital. Zhao Chang immediately went to find the craftsman and described Kangxi's request in detail. Although the old craftsman was old, his eyes still flashed with light for such a challenge: "Zhao Gongzi, don't worry, I will definitely make a musket that meets the emperor's requirements." ”
A few days later, Zhao Chang came to the craftsman's workshop again. The craftsman had already completed the construction of the musket, and he picked up a delicate musket with delicate patterns carved on it, and the body of the spear was smooth and exuded a calm luster. Zhao Chang looked at this musket and couldn't help but admire it in his heart.
However, Zhao Chang knew that appearance alone was not enough, and he had to test the performance of this musket himself. He proposed: "Old craftsman, I would like to try this gun myself." ”
The old craftsman nodded in agreement, and they came to the shooting range outside the palace together. Zhao Chang picked up the musket, aimed at the target in the distance, and pulled the trigger steadily. After a crisp shot, an accurate bullet hole appeared in the center of the target. Zhao Chang nodded with satisfaction, this gun not only has a beautiful appearance, but also excellent performance.
Back in the palace, Zhao Chang presented this delicate musket to Kangxi. The emperor took the musket, looked at it carefully, and showed a satisfied smile on his face: "Zhao Chang, you have done a good job. ”
Zhao Chang breathed a sigh of relief, he knew that he had completed this test. This not only fulfilled the emperor's wishes, but also once again proved his loyalty and ability. By Kangxi's side, every success is an affirmation of his own ability, and it is also an important basis for gaining a foothold in this huge court.
From then on, Kangxi trusted Zhao Chang more, and Zhao Chang worked harder to serve the emperor, and their relationship became closer. In this court full of intrigue, Zhao Chang, with his wisdom and loyalty, slowly grew into an indispensable and important courtier under the protection of Emperor Kangxi.
2. The first crime: spying on the prince
As time went on, the power struggles within the court became more intense and complex. The interior of the palace, which had been harmonious, was now filled with an indescribable tension. The rivalry between the princes is becoming more and more obvious, and everyone is secretly looking for opportunities to improve their status.
Emperor Kangxi's brows tightened more and more, and he could feel the uneasy atmosphere. He needed someone he could trust to help him monitor the actions of these princes. Zhao Chang, as the emperor's confidant for many years, naturally became Kangxi's first choice.
One day, Kangxi summoned Zhao Chang to the imperial study and said to him in a serious tone: "Zhao Chang, you go to monitor my sons to see if they have any bad intentions. ”
When Zhao Chang heard this, he was shocked, but he knew that this was a test of his loyalty, so he knelt down and replied respectfully: "The minister obeys the order and will live up to His Majesty's trust." ”
From that day on, Zhao Chang began his new mission. He often appeared around the princes and observed their words and deeds. His eyes and ears seem to be gathering information all the time. But in the process, Zhao Chang's heart began to fluctuate. He began to think about what an honor it would be to be able to use this opportunity to elevate his status.
One day, Zhao Chang overheard the two princes secretly discussing the succession to the throne. He immediately realized that this was an opportunity that he could use to strengthen his position in the emperor's heart. He took a deep breath and quickly reported the situation to Kangxi.
After hearing this, Kangxi frowned, pondered for a long time, and then said to Zhao Chang: "Zhao Chang, you have done a good job, I will remember your credit." ”
When Zhao Chang heard this, he couldn't help but feel excited in his heart. He knew that he had earned more of the emperor's trust. But at the same time, he is also aware of the danger of this character. He needs to be more careful not to get caught up in a power struggle between the princes.
With the passage of time, Zhao Chang's status has indeed been improving. Not only did he become an indispensable figure around Kangxi, but he also had more power and influence in the palace. However, behind all this, Zhao Chang's heart was always full of worries and struggles.
He often sat alone in the corner of the court in the dead of night, recalling that he had grown from a small companion to an important minister by the emperor's side. He began to reflect on his choices and think about his future. In this splendid palace, the balance between power and loyalty became an issue that he could never escape.
3. The second crime: Privately communicating with members of the royal family
One quiet night, the splendor of the court had fallen silent, and the moonlight sprinkled on the quiet corridor, paving a silver-white passage. Zhao Chang walked lightly and quietly went to meet with a special person in secret - the son of the deposed prince Yinren, Hongxi.
Since his father's loss of power, Honghui's position is in jeopardy, and his every move is closely monitored. As a close confidant of the emperor, Zhao Chang's private meeting was undoubtedly fraught with risks. But in Game of Thrones, Zhao Chang has learned how to dance on the tip of a knife.
The two met in a remote corner of the court, and Hongxi's face looked particularly haggard in the moonlight. Zhao Chang looked directly at him and said in a low voice: "Hongxi, if you can help me, I will definitely be able to help you restore your father's status." ”
A hint of surprise flashed in Hongxi's eyes, and then he was replaced by determination, and he replied, "Zhao Chang, can you do this?"
"I have my way. Zhao Chang replied confidently, "But I also need your support." ”
"You can trust me. Hongsheng said in a deep voice, knowing that this might be the only chance.
The conversation between Zhao Chang and Hongsheng is full of conspiracy and planning. They plan how to manipulate power in the court and how to justify Hongxi's name in front of the emperor. However, such covert operations are always accompanied by great risks.
Unfortunately, Zhao Chang's action did not escape Yongzheng's eyes. Yongzheng had already noticed Zhao Chang's every move, and became suspicious of Zhao Chang's recent behavior. Through his own secret agents, Yongzheng finally discovered the secret meeting between Zhao Chang and Hongxi.
One early morning, Yongzheng summoned Zhao Chang without any expression on his face. He asked directly: "Zhao Chang, why did you meet with Hongchen in private last night?"
Zhao Chang's heart tightened, but he tried to stay calm and replied: "Your Majesty misunderstood, the minister just met by chance." ”
"Accidentally?" Yongzheng's tone was filled with undeniable indifference, "Do you think I don't know your plans?"
Zhao Chang suddenly felt unprecedented fear. He realizes that his betrayal has been exposed, and he is in a desperate situation.
Yongzheng's face showed a look of disappointment, "Zhao Chang, I once trusted you as a relative, but I didn't expect you to be..."
Zhao Chang fell to his knees, his heart full of remorse. He knew that his greed and ambition had led to his destruction. In this game of thrones, if you take one wrong step, you can be doomed.
This incident shook the entire imperial palace, and Zhao Chang's betrayal became a major scandal in the court. His status, reputation, and all his efforts were wiped out overnight. And Hongxi, because of this incident, suffered a more serious blow.
Fourth, the endgame of loyalty and betrayal
On the night of Kangxi's death, the court was shrouded in solemnity and mourning. In the magnificent hall, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the sad faces of the people. At such an important historical moment, the entire court was immersed in deep grief. However, for Zhao Chang, this night was destined to be the darkest moment of his life.
Yongzheng, Kangxi's successor, stood in the center of the palace at this time, his eyes were cold and firm. He had completely mastered the imperial power, and his first decision was to deal with Zhao Chang's betrayal.
Yongzheng's gaze turned to Zhao Chang, and he said coldly: "Zhao Chang, I already know about your betrayal. ”
As soon as Zhao Chang heard this, the fear in his heart reached the extreme. He fell to his knees, his hands trembling, and his voice was choked and pleaded: "Your Majesty, I am all for the sake of the Qing Dynasty!
Yongzheng was unmoved, and there was no trace of warmth in his voice: "For the sake of Daqing, your actions are just for your own ambitions." ”
"Your Majesty, please be aware of it!" Zhao Chang was almost begging, "I have always been loyal to the Qing Dynasty and Your Majesty. ”
Yongzheng was unmoved, and his tone revealed a firm determination: "Your loyalty has long been swallowed up by your ambition. You have three sins, the last of which is that you should not have embezzled 5,000 taels of silver from the treasury. ”
"Your Majesty, please give me a death!" Zhao Chang bowed his head in despair, he knew that everything was irreparable.
Yongzheng looked at Zhao Chang who was kneeling on the ground, and there was no trace of pity in his expression. He turned around and gave the final order to the guards beside him: "Execute Zhao Chang and end his life." ”
Zhao Chang was dragged away by the guards, his cries echoing through the long palace corridors, but quickly disappeared into the night. He was once the chief of the Inner Palace, the most confidant of the Kangxi Emperor, and his wisdom and ability once made him famous in the court, but his ambition and betrayal eventually led to his tragic end.
Reference: Absalom.Yongzheng Fighting the Tiger and the Ideal of Governing the Country[J].National Humanities and History,2014