On a spring day in 206 BC, in the midst of the changes at the end of the Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang was in the city of Xianyang, thinking about how to crown the king and establish his own dynasty. And a wise man beside him, Zhang Liang, silently accompanied him.
Liu Bang said to Zhang Liang: "How should I be crowned king? I want to establish a dynasty of my own and realize the great harmony of the world." ”
Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Your Majesty, whoever you dislike the most, you will seal it first." ”
Liu Bang thought for a moment, and said with a little worry: "The person I hate the most is Qin Shi Huang, who respects Confucianism and burns books to pit Confucianism, which is the source of my suffering. ”
After pondering for a moment, Zhang Liang said calmly: "Your Majesty, we can contrast with Qin Shi Huang with the measure of respecting Confucianism, and oppose him in order to win the hearts and minds of the people. ”
A trace of excitement flashed in Liu Bang's eyes, and he understood what Zhang Liang meant. As a rebel of the Qin Dynasty, Liu Bang was well aware of the brutality of Qin Shi Huang and the suffering of the people caused by the way he ruled. Now, he has the opportunity to do the opposite and establish his own dynasty.
So, Liu Bang adopted Zhang Liang's suggestion. He launched propaganda, propagated Confucianism, attached importance to education, promoted culture, respected Confucianism, restored ancient traditions, and made the people feel warmth and hope again. He respected and invited Sun Hong and Du Pre, the great Confucian princes of the Lu State, listened to their policies for governing the country, and adopted their opinions.
As an assassin from the grassroots, Liu Bang is well aware of the suffering and voices of the people. He personally cared for the people, visited various places, comforted the poor, and solved their suffering. He implemented a series of policies to benefit the people, reduce the tax burden, reduce labor labor, and restore order to the people's lives.
As time passed, more and more people began to trust and support Liu Bang. They saw an unusual leader, a king who was willing to listen to the people. And Liu Bang was also deeply indignant, he understood that Zhang Liang's suggestion was wise and correct.
Liu Bang's Confucian policies were gradually recognized, and the places under his rule began to gradually settle down. His army also grew stronger, and his power expanded rapidly. Under his leadership, anti-Qin forces united and collectively overthrew the tyrannical Qin dynasty.
When the great cause was achieved, Liu Bang was finally able to be crowned king and establish the Han Dynasty. And an important figure who was not sealed was Qin Shi Huang. This is not only an irony, but also the crystallization of the wisdom of Liu Bang and Zhang Liang.
Liu Bang asked Zhang Liang: "How should I seal Qin Shi Huang?"
Zhang Liang replied with a smile: "Your Majesty, Qin Shi Huang is the person you hate the most, but as a great monarch, you should not repeat the mistakes of Qin Shi Huang. The sealing of Qin Shi Huang will leave the people with a sense of revenge and resentment, which is even more detrimental to the stability and unity of the country. ”
Liu Bang nodded, deeply agreeing with Zhang Liang's suggestion. He understood that sealing Qin Shi Huang was not the best way to solve the problem. Instead, he decided to adopt a tolerant and conciliatory attitude.
Liu Bang decided to see Qin Shi Huang as a fallen opponent rather than an enemy. He deposed Qin Shi Huang but recognized his contribution as a creator who ruled the world, and he made him the Duke of Qin Wen as an affirmation and commemoration of his historical contributions.
The move caused some controversy, but Liu Bang stuck to his decision. He hoped that by convincing people with virtue, he would reduce antagonism and conflict, and lay a better foundation for the country's development and reunification. His tolerance and wisdom allowed the people to see an image of a monarch different from that of Qin Shi Huang, and won more trust and support.
As time passed, Liu Bang's national power grew stronger, and he achieved his grand goal of establishing the Han Dynasty. He was revered as the Great Ancestor and became a great and beloved monarch.
Zhang Liang's wisdom and Liu Bang's wise leadership laid a solid foundation for the rise of the Han Dynasty. The two not only cooperated closely in political decision-making, but also built a philosophy of mutual respect and the best use of talents. By respecting the will of the people, they repaired the country's devastation and provided hope and leadership in difficult times.
Liu Bang asked Zhang Liang: "How can I stick to the royal road?"
Zhang Liang smiled and said: "Your Majesty, the way of a king lies in making the best use of people's talents. The monarch should inspire the people with virtue, guide the country with wisdom, and govern the country with justice. Only in this way can the country be peaceful and prosperous, and the people can live and work in peace and contentment. ”
Liu Bang took a deep breath, and he understood an important truth. A great monarch must rely not only on his own wisdom and efforts, but also on the wisdom and talents of many wise men and capable people. He vowed to make the best use of his talents an important principle of his governance.
Since then, Liu Bang has begun to recruit talents extensively, reusing people with outstanding abilities, regardless of origin and background. He incorporated Fan Zeng, Dong Zhongshu and others into the imperial court and gave full play to their talents and wisdom. He believed that only by giving the people the opportunity to fully develop and let them make the best use of their talents can the country prosper.