Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, was a highly respected Ming monarch in Chinese history, who created the famous Zhenguan rule with his outstanding military talents, profound cultural heritage and enlightened governing philosophy, which was admired by later generations.
Early Life and Military Talents:
Tang Taizong Li Shimin (January 23, 599 – July 10, 649), ancestral home of Chengji, Longxi (now Qin'an, Gansu), the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty (reigned September 3, 626 - July 10, 649), statesman, strategist, military strategist, calligrapher, poet.
Li Shimin joined the army as a young man and went to Yanmen Pass to rescue Emperor Yang of Sui. He was the first to advocate Jinyang to raise troops, worship the right to lead the army to the governor, and was awarded the title of Duke of Dunhuang County, led the troops to break through Chang'an, worshiped Shang Shuling, Guanglu Doctor, and was awarded the title of Duke of Qin and Duke of Zhao. After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, he led the troops to pacify Xue Rengao, Liu Wuzhou, Dou Jiande, Wang Shichong, Liu Heimin and other separatist forces, and made great achievements for the establishment and unification of the Tang Dynasty.
Initiating the Xuanwu Gate Rebellion and Enthronement:
In 626, Li Shimin launched the Xuanwumen Rebellion, and after fierce battles, succeeded in killing his brothers, the crown prince Li Jiancheng, and the king of Qi, Li Yuanji, as well as all their sons. Subsequently, Tang Gaozu Li Yuan was forced to abdicate, and Li Shimin ascended the throne as emperor. This event had a profound impact on the history of the Tang Dynasty, not only marking the beginning of Li Shimin's reign, but also laying the foundation for the future development of the Tang Dynasty. The following are some of the main policies and measures taken by Li Shimin after he ascended to the throne:
Zhenguan Zhizhi and Wenzhi Martial Arts:
After Li Shimin ascended the throne, the year name was Zhenguan. He pursued a series of enlightened policies and devoted himself to economic, cultural and educational development. He respected talented people and was good at accepting advice, so that the government was clear and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. Militarily, he continued to consolidate the dominance of the Tang Dynasty, pacifying the Quartet and stabilizing the frontier regions. Through the cultural and martial arts, the society prospered during the Zhenguan period, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment, creating the famous Zhenguan rule in Chinese history.
Strengthening Centralization: Li Shimin established a central bureaucratic system, appointing a large number of officials, and supervising and evaluating local officials. He also established the emperor's army, which allowed the emperor to directly control the army, ensuring the security and stability of the country.
Implementation of the imperial examination system: Li Shimin vigorously promoted the imperial examination system, and selected talents through the imperial examination, making the selection of imperial court officials more fair and transparent.
Humility to admonish: Li Shimin encouraged his courtiers to admonish, he advocated weakening the local separatist forces, but did not force them to obey him, he knew that the power of tolerance was infinite.
Reducing the Burden of Taxes and Reducing Production: Li Shimin's implementation of the system of equalizing land and adjusting rents allowed the peasants to obtain land and reduce their tax burden. He also encouraged agriculture so that the people could recuperate and avoid excessive expropriation of people's power.
Cultural Contribution & Impact:
Li Shimin not only made achievements in politics and military affairs, but also was a man of culture. He loved literature and calligraphy, and his calligraphy was handed down to the world. Under his promotion, the culture and art of the Tang Dynasty made great achievements. He attached great importance to cultural education and advocated academic research, attracting a large number of literati and scholars to gather in Chang'an City, forming the famous Tang culture and becoming one of the representatives of Chinese culture.
Later life and legacy:
On July 10, 649, Li Shimin died in Hanfeng Hall at the age of fifty-two, reigning for twenty-three years, the temple name Taizong, and the name of Emperor Wen (later added to the Emperor of Wenwu Da Guangxiao), buried in Zhaoling. During his reign, he made great contributions to the development of the Tang Dynasty and set an example for future generations. His ideas and policies of statecraft had a profound impact on the Tang Dynasty and even Chinese history. After his death, the Tang Dynasty continued to prosper, and the famous Kaiyuan era was pioneered by his descendant, Tang Xuanzong Li Longji.
In general, Tang Taizong Li Shimin became a generation of heroes in Chinese history with his outstanding military talents, profound cultural heritage and enlightened governing philosophy. His legacy includes not only a prosperous Tang Dynasty, but also a cultural and spiritual legacy that has a profound impact on future generations.