Preface
On the complicated path of life, the pursuit of the highest level of wisdom is an eternal pursuit. And in this long exploration, there is a way to lead to the pinnacle of wisdom - to adhere to principles. When we focus on Wei Juan's unique approach, we can't help but be impressed by his determination to stick to his principles.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at why sticking to principles is hailed as the highest form of wisdom, and Wai's style of doing things will be a guiding light for us to understand the true meaning of this wisdom. Follow in the footsteps of our words as we explore the mysteries of sticking to principles and how the practice of Wei Wan has laid a solid foundation for this pinnacle of wisdom.
It is a wise saying that it is not attached to the situation and has to be reused, and it is wise to know the flexible party
Liu Qi, Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty, who was still the crown prince at the time, once invited his ministers to a banquet. At a banquet, Wei Juan was missing. The contemptuous and frivolous people who don't know the current affairs, only say that Wei Juan, as an old minister, does not know that he is inflammatory, perverse, and depreciates himself.
In fact, this shows Wei Juan's far-sighted side. At that time, Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty was only the crown prince and had not yet held real power, Wei Juan knew that the situation was unpredictable, and he was not Liu Qi's confidant, and rashly going to compliments would only lead to disaster. Moreover, if Liu Qi wants to get rid of the strong domain, he must first establish his prestige, and it is even more inconvenient for him to intervene. Wei Juan treated it indifferently and preserved his innocence. This made Emperor Wen of Han look at it, but he was amazed - this person is honest and trustworthy, and he is loyal.
They didn't know that this favorite teacher of Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty was precisely because Mingzhe protected his life and only dedicated his loyalty and trust to the monarch, so that he held the important position of the center of the three generations and survived the crisis again and again. Back then, the tyrants were in power, and the court was corrupt, precisely because too many villains flattered the powerful and aided in abuse. Wei Wan did not exhale or breathe, neutral and high, and just avoided the whirlpool of chaos. His keen insight into power is the proof of the overall situation.
At that time and today, truly sober and intelligent people never easily fall into the net. Liu Qi is a clear proof that at the beginning of his accession to the throne, he defeated the vassal king as soon as possible, just to establish his own royal authority. The son was disobedient, and his hand fell with a knife, and his wisdom did not go well, so he kicked it away. But in the face of Wei Xuan, Liu Qi was respectful to him: "I heard that the first emperor gave you six swords, and many courtiers will go to exchange money, I don't know if you have done this?" Liu Qi was satisfied: this is a sincere person!
In the era of struggle for power, think twice before acting. Wei Juan understands that not avoiding it is a disaster
Liu Qi, the hero of a generation who is so shrewd and spicy, how can he be a mediocre person? At the critical moment, it is Wei Juan's ability to change and protect himself.
At that time, Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty succeeded to the throne, the powerful and bullied the king, the traitor was in power, the government and the opposition were turbulent, Wei Juan was well versed in righteousness, avoided the crisis, and sought self-preservation. He understands that this is a chaotic era of struggle for power and profit, and he is not a confidant of Mingjun, and rash intervention will only invite trouble. Wei Juan does not have the same knowledge as traitors, holds the crown prince Liu Che, and teaches the way of sages with peace of mind. He is indifferent to fame and fortune, does not touch the disadvantages of the DPRK and China, and can be said to be walking on the ground and calmly.
When the Ming monarch was in power, the monarch and the ministers were harmonious and the people were peaceful, which was the best. However, it is easy to govern the world, but it is difficult to rule the troubled times. It is easy for those who get the position, but it is difficult for those who defend the position. Although Wei Juan is not as inactive as Han Zhuang, he also knows how to wait for the end.
At that time, after Lieutenant Zhidu was killed, the emperor also knew that he had gone into the dark night. He asked the ministers for a successor, but Wei Juan didn't say a word. In Wei Juan's view, at this time, the court has become a pot of porridge, and the important position of the center is tantamount to setting himself on fire, and his own nomination of candidates will only lead to death.
He knew that it was not a matter of fairness to recommend it at this time, and there was an infigurable abyss and undercurrent hidden in this crack. Rashly put himself in it, just like Zhidu, silently climbed to a high place, and was then pushed off the cliff. He must not destroy this cobweb. Therefore, in front of Liu Qi, Wei Juan only regarded himself as the prince's teacher, and there was no room for interference in the affairs of the court. The king is on the edge of the abyss, can you follow him to the end?
Change gives people limits, and flexibility gives room for flexibility. Wei Juan's cleverness lies in seeing the gap in between. He never took matters into his own hands, nor did he violate his conscience and let others slaughter him. But he can also be flexible at critical moments, which is great wisdom and wisdom.
Whoever sacrifices himself, he will have a good death only if he retires after success. Wei Juan is like this, he promises the country with his body, and never cares about personal gains and losses. Hanjing Liu Qi asked, and he said that everything is as His Majesty wishes. Liu Che was the emperor, and he only regarded him as the prince's teacher. There are two things in life: teaching and integrity. He only cares about teaching, not other things, and only takes on his responsibilities, and does not take care of trouble. This is exactly the style of the sages of the older generation - measured, knowing how to advance and retreat.
Of course, he is much more than a Confucian inside. When Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty encountered the extremely difficult battle to destroy Liang, it was Wei Juan who proposed a clever plan to use Huang Lao's technique to win. This move can be said to save the country in danger, even if Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty took risks, Wei Juan still did not lose his steadyness.
He obeyed the words of the three generations of kings, precisely because he was consistent inside and outside, and he was at peace with what happened. Abide by the principle of integrity, and at the same time understand the way of flexibility, real talent and practical learning both inside and outside, and the old way of deep water training in officialdom. Wei Wan is flexible and does not lose the law, which is the style of a gentleman and a sage.
Emperor Liu Qi of the Han Dynasty wanted to govern the princelings, but Wei Juan didn't say a word. At that time, Empress Dowager Dou was boundless, and Liu Qi turned to Wei Juan for help, wanting to find out Liu Rong's henchmen and clean up the portal. Wei Juan knew that this matter was widely implicated, and the slightest mistake would affect him. He would rather treat it coldly than take on such dangerous work. This proves that Wei Wan is far-sighted and well-versed in righteousness. He has insight into this matter is not simple, there are different opinions, and his position is embarrassing. I don't want to get involved in this cusp, and I don't want to mention it without mentioning it.
How could Wei Juan not know how powerful Liu Rong's henchmen were? Empress Dowager Dou, Luan Bu, Zhou Yafu... The forces are intertwined and have deep roots. The slightest carelessness is a series of catastrophes. Therefore, he would rather swallow his anger than pat his head in front of the emperor and do such a dangerous errand. Escaping and fading out of the court is the right choice. He understood that Liu Kai's heart was sinister, and he couldn't complete such a crazy order at all. Don't want to risk your life, silence is the wisdom of self-preservation.
Flexibility requires rules, and adaptation is the art of a saint. Wei Juan can go through three generations, relying on this little cleverness. He is well versed in the way of adaptation, and understands that flexibility still requires law and cannot be left unprincipled. Wei Huang handles the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, just like he is not surprised. He is able to navigate the situation left and right, thanks to his ability to see opportunities and adapt to changes. This is the true style of a master.
epilogue
Adaptation also requires tacit understanding. The reason why Wei Juan can go down in history is, in the final analysis, because of the belly and mutual understanding between monarchs and ministers. Only when the monarchs and ministers are all able to reach the great can the country have long-term peace and stability.
Therefore, the most rare thing in this world is not an outstanding hero, but a wise man who can keep up with changes. Wei Juan, the veteran of the Three Dynasties, is a model of this kind of great wisdom that is upright and adaptable.