Preface
Zhu Yuanzhang beheaded a minister, this cruel and bloody historical picture seems to be iron-blooded and ruthless, but before the courtiers were executed, he made an unbelievable request, which made Zhu Yuanzhang laugh and feel more in line with his own wishes. All this is like a scene in a historical drama, which makes people curious about the ups and downs of that era.
The title is like a mysterious door to the history of the Ming Dynasty, and we can't help but want to delve into this special historical moment.
1. Meritorious confidant ministers
In 1368, Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming Dynasty at Yingtianfu (present-day Nanjing), ending the Yuan Dynasty's nearly 100-year rule in the Central Plains and becoming the founding emperor himself. In the years that followed, he led the Ming army into a long war against the remnants of the Yuan dynasty.
In this war, Wang Bi, an important general of the Ming army, made great achievements. This Wang Bi, who was born in a poor family, has extraordinary military talents, he is proficient in household registration and knows how to strategize. Every time he goes on an expedition, he can accurately judge the shortcomings of the enemy's army, and wait for work and take every step of the way.
In the battle to capture Laozhuang, Wang Bi defeated the strong enemy with 30,000 enemies and 100,000, and became famous in a battle. Zhu Yuanzhang valued Wang Bi's talent and loyalty, and was promoted many times, making him the deputy general of the left and named him the Duke of Wei.
It can be said that if Wang Bi's military exploits had not laid the foundation, Zhu Yuanzhang would not have been able to drive away the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty so smoothly and consolidate the Ming Dynasty. However, the cruel reality is that it was Wang Bi's exploits as a confidant minister that in turn became a turning point in his fate.
2. Loyalty is a crime and prison time
In 1382, after nearly ten years of war, the Ming Dynasty finally basically unified China. Zhu Yuanzhang's position is very solid. At the same time, he is aware of the brutality of power change. Those important ministers who have made great contributions may also become hidden dangers that threaten the stability of his son Zhu Yunwen's throne in the future.
As a result, Zhu Yuanzhang began to guard against these confidant ministers, including Wang Bi. At first, Wang Bi did not notice the change in Zhu Yuanzhang's attitude. Until one day, the military proposal he submitted at the court meeting was ignored by Zhu Yuanzhang. This is in stark contrast to the importance that Zhu Yuanzhang attached to his plan in the past.
Wang Bi keenly grasped the subtle changes in the atmosphere of the court, and he realized that he had gradually lost the trust of the emperor. Soon, Wang Bi verified his hunch. Late one night, his henchmen came to his house and whispered to him that many of his courtiers were secretly slandering him and warning him of the danger of imprisonment.
When the news came, Wang Bi did not panic. He just nodded silently, and then stayed up all night. At dawn the next day, Wang Bi was rightfully arrested and imprisoned for "treason". His mansion was searched and all his property was confiscated by the imperial court.
3. The last side of the father-son teachings
After being imprisoned, Wang Bi quickly realized that he could not escape this catastrophe. In the face of imminent death, all the general of this military career is his ten-year-old son. Finally, the day before he was escorted to the execution ground, a message came from the jailer that gave him a chance to see his son for the last time.
When Wang Bi walked through the narrow streets and met his son's eyes in the crowd, he couldn't help but reddened his eyes when he had been strong for many days. The son choked up and cried out, tears dripping from his eyes.
Wang Bi took a deep breath, squeezed out a smile, and said in a serious tone At this moment, the jailer urged Wang Bi to leave, and the lingering eyes of the father and son finally disappeared into the crowd. This will be the last time Wang Bi will see his son in this life.
4. Announcing the verdict to the public at the execution site
In the early morning of the next day, Wang Bi was alone and escorted to the execution ground. It is a solemn square, and the entire area is enclosed by a temporary high platform. In the audience, all kinds of people gathered, either curious or regretful, to witness the last moments of the general.
Wang Bi looked up, and many familiar faces appeared in the crowd - comrades-in-arms who had fought side by side, officials in the court, and ordinary people who dealt with them on weekdays At this moment, Wang Bi's heart was extremely quiet. He was even a little grateful to Zhu Yuanzhang for making his punishment public, giving him the opportunity to say goodbye to these old friends.
On the high platform in the distance, Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head slightly sideways, looking at the crowd below with cold eyes, with no expression on his face. Wang Bi took a deep breath and raised his voice to exclaim, his voice revealing the last hope in despair. As soon as the words fell, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly turned his head and said in a deep voice: "It is exactly what I want." ”
Fifth, a little comfort when dying
Hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's response, Wang Bi nodded lightly, and a relieved smile finally appeared on his face. He no longer had any worries and was willing to accept the final judgment.
When the executioner raised the treasure knife in his hand, Wang Bi closed his eyes, and the best picture before he was born appeared in his mind - the galloping war horse, the battlefield where the blades met, and the innocent smiling face of his son.
When the blade slashed across his neck, the heroic and stubborn heart had risen to nine heavens. May the serenity of the last moments of life soothe the spirits of our ancestors in heaven.
Sixth, the great grace and virtue allowed the son to be knighted
After Wang Bi's death, Zhu Yuanzhang quickly allowed his son to inherit his title. When his son was brought to him, Zhu Yuanzhang's tone was calm, and his son's voice trembled a little.
At this moment, he was not only excited, but also deeply felt the relief of his father's burden. He vowed to follow his father's last wish and serve the Ming Dynasty loyally forever.
7. The Mystery of the Ages, the Truth Problem
Time has passed, and Wang Bi's story has long become a popular historical allusion. People often lament that he was a loyal man, but he was also a victim of the political struggle of the court. He made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty, but was killed by Emperor Ming himself.
So, why did Zhu Yuanzhang put Wang Bi to death? What was the reason for him laughing and agreeing to Wang Bi's last wish? These questions have become a mystery of history to this day.
Some people analyzed that Wang Bi's death was Zhu Yuanzhang's inevitable choice to consolidate power. Monarchs who win the world by force are often the most taboo to threaten their henchmen and generals. But some people believe that this just shows the subtlety of Zhu Yuanzhang's political skills. Releasing Wang Bi's son with great kindness can not only appease the people, but also dispel the resentment of the descendants of loyal ministers.
The answers to these speculations seem to have long been lost in the long river of history. However, the essence of Wang Bi's loyalty and Zhu Yuanzhang's determination is still worth our constant consideration.
epilogue
In the torrent of history, Wang Bi's story may not be the most eye-catching, but his efforts and struggles have left a bright light in his life in that turbulent era. This good death may not be because of wealth and glory, but because he left a legend of his own in the long river of history. When looking back on Wang Bi's life, we may be able to understand that hard work and wisdom, even if they cannot change everything, are enough to give extraordinary meaning to life.