In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, a resourceful and experienced old minister made a series of shocking arrangements in the twilight of his life. This old minister is the famous Liu Bowen in history. In the last moments of his life, Liu Bowen confessed to his sons four important aftermaths, which were fulfilled in an incredible way after his death. These mysterious prophecies and arrangements constitute a story full of suspense and deep meaning.
Liu Bowen's decision in his later years
Zhu Yuanzhang's attitude made Liu Bowen feel extremely cold and lonely in his later years. As his health deteriorated, Liu Bowen's face became more and more haggard. Early one morning in March, he sat in his study in his mansion, trembling in his hand holding a piece of music. This recital is his application to take leave to return to his hometown. His gaze wandered over the movement, and he finally decided to hand it over.
With the handing in of the recital, Liu Bowen's mansion began to get busy, preparing his outfit for homecoming. The servants carefully packed his clothes and necessities, while Liu Bowen sat in a wheelchair, silently watching all this. His eyes showed a deep tiredness, but he didn't say much as he prepared to return home.
Bidding farewell to the imperial court, Liu Bowen's carriage slowly drove on the way back to his hometown. The road was bumpy, and every vibration of his body seemed to remind him of the fragility of life. Outside the car window, the spring wind blows gently, carrying the scent of earth and flowers. But these no longer seem to be able to touch the coldness in his heart.
After arriving in his hometown, Liu Bowen's life became unusually peaceful. He rejected all healing and relied only on a normal diet to stay alive. The atmosphere in the home was also heavy due to his serious illness. The servants walked lightly for fear of disturbing his rest. Liu Bowen spends most of his time in bed, and the scenery outside the window has become his only companion.
Pre-death arrangements
In the last stage of his life, Liu Bowen still maintained his usual composure and calmness. At his bedside, his two sons, Liu Lian and Liu Jing, listened to their father's legacy with melancholy and awe.
"Sort out all my astronomical books and hand them over to the emperor. Although Liu Bowen's voice was weak, it was still clear and powerful. His eyes revealed concern for the future of the family, "The descendants of the Liu family are no longer involved in astronomical divination. ”
Liu Lian, as the eldest son, had a solemn face and nodded in agreement: "Father, I will act according to your wishes." ”
Liu Bowen turned to his second son Liu Jing and continued to explain: "The way to engage in politics is to combine leniency and severity. The reputation and future of your family depend on you. ”
Liu Jing was in awe and responded: "Father, rest assured, I will not disappoint your expectations." ”
In this short and heavy exchange, Liu Bowen passed on his life's wisdom and expectations for the family to his sons. He knew that his accumulated experience and understanding of the imperial court would guide his sons in the future.
Liu Bowen is thoughtful about the future layout of the family. He knew that dedicating astronomy books to Zhu Yuanzhang was not only a conformity to imperial power, but also a protection of family security. In his opinion, only by detaching from astronomical divination can the Liu family avoid possible political turmoil in the future.
Political legacy
In Liu Bowen's humble study, he faced his son Liu Jing and continued to tell his second will. Books and scrolls that he had collected throughout his life were placed all around, and the lights in the corners of the walls flickered, reflecting his figure.
"In politics, you have to learn to combine tolerance with severity. Liu Bowen's tone was steady and firm, and his gaze was firmly fixed on Liu Jing, "Too strict will cause resentment among the people, and too lenient will not be able to maintain order." ”
Liu Jing listened intently, and he knew that these teachings were related to his future path to politics. "Father, I understand and will try to practice your teachings. ”
Liu Bowen nodded, and then said: "Self-cultivation and Qi family rule the country and level the world, this is the basic principle of politicians. You have to start by improving your character. ”
Liu Jing responded solemnly: "I will remember my father's words, cultivate my morality, and lead by example." ”
Liu Bowen continued to emphasize the importance of the law: "Simplifying the law and making it easy for the people to understand and obey is the cornerstone of national governance. The law needs to be both clear and fair. ”
Liu Jing nodded earnestly in understanding. At this moment, he deeply felt that his father's legacy was not only a personal expectation for him, but also a kind of inheritance of political wisdom.
Liu Bowen went on to give some historical examples of the importance of combining leniency and severity and simplifying the law. He used historical events to deepen Liu Jing's understanding of these principles. Liu Jing listened carefully and nodded from time to time, his eyes flashing with the realization of future responsibility.
In this profound exchange, Liu Bowen not only imparted political wisdom, but also silently passed on his years of political experience and ideas to his son. For Liu Jing, these teachings are not only a guide to politics, but also a profound life enlightenment.
Loyalty and regret
In Liu Bowen's study, the lamp still burned faintly, reflecting his pale but determined face. In front of his eyes were several pieces of scratch paper, densely covered with handwriting, which was the loyal last words he had wanted to present to Zhu Yuanzhang, and it was also his third will.
"After the Hu Weiyong case, what I wrote may no longer be of much significance. Liu Bowen's voice was low and firm, as if telling a helpless truth.
Liu Lian lowered his head and responded softly: "Father, we understand." ”
Liu Bowen looked at Liu Jing again and continued: "After Hu Weiyong's matter has subsided, if the emperor asks, he will hand over these words." ”
Liu Jing nodded solemnly: "Yes, father, I will follow your orders." ”
Liu Bowen carefully put away the words and placed them in an inconspicuous corner of the study. These papers and the words on them, as if carrying his lifelong loyalty and regrets, lie there silently, waiting for his future fate.
The future of the family
Although his illness had taken his health down, his tone remained firm in his fourth will.
"I hope that in the future, you will concentrate on your studies and stay away from court disputes. Liu Bowen said slowly, his voice was weak but still clear, "This is my expectation for the future of the Liu family." ”
The eldest grandson, Liu Shen, was only twelve years old, with a childish face, but listened carefully to his grandfather's words. He cautiously replied, "Grandfather, I will remember your teachings. ”
Liu Bowen then looked at his sons-in-law and continued, "As a part of the Liu family, you must also work hard to improve yourself and contribute to the glory of the family. ”
His sons-in-law bowed their heads to express their respect and recognition, although they did not speak, their eyes showed deep respect for Liu Bowen.
In this family meeting, Liu Bowen laid out in detail the future development direction of the family. He emphasized the importance of education, hoping that the descendants of the Liu family would achieve academic and moral achievements and avoid being involved in the quagmire of court politics. He gives meticulous attention and guidance to the education and future of each family member.
Liu Bowen's words were passed among the family members, and each of them listened attentively, knowing that this might be Liu Bowen's last teaching. At this moment, every member of the Liu family felt the weight of family responsibility.
As the meeting ended, the family members left Liu Bowen's bedroom one by one. Their steps were heavy, and their hearts were full of reluctance. Liu Bowen lay quietly on the bed, looking at the ceiling of the room, as if looking back on the bits and pieces of his life.
Although Liu Bowen's body is getting weaker, his spirit and will are still strong. He was not only a brilliant politician, but also an erudite scholar. His care for his family and his love of scholarship still shone brightly in the last moments of his life.
Liu Bowen's instructions were deeply imprinted in the hearts of the descendants of the Liu family. They knew that in order to maintain the honor and prosperity of the family, they must follow their grandfather's teachings, work hard to learn Xi, improve themselves, and at the same time maintain a proper distance from the imperial court.
In the end, Liu Bowen spent his last days peacefully under the careful care of family members. Although his life has come to an end, his wisdom and ideas will be passed on to the descendants of the Liu family and become an eternal beacon in their hearts.
The End and the Legacy
At the last moment of his life, Liu Bowen confessed four important events to his son Liu Lian, all of which were verified after his death.
The first incident occurred shortly after Liu Bowen's death. At that time, Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang had already begun to send people to ask for Liu Bowen's information. According to historical records: "Sincerity Bo Xue and Ming Xia, supervising the imperial history Li Duo above the order to take his view and play with the books." ”
Liu Lian kept in mind his father's teachings, and when he met Zhu Yuanzhang, he first expressed his loyalty: "When my father was dying, he instructed me not to learn the contents of the Xi book, so the minister did not spy on the knowledge, and wanted to present it to the emperor after the mourning period, but it was not too late, and the envoy came to take it, and the minister deserved to die. ”
However, Liu Bowen failed to foresee Hu Weiyong's persecution of the Liu family. Because of the prime minister election incident, Hu Weiyong was angry with Liu Bowen. In April 1378, Liu Lian took office as the right political secretary of Jiangxi Province to participate in politics, and his political future seemed bright.
But Hu Weiyong and his henchmen, fearing that Liu Lian would hold him accountable, began to persecute Liu Lian. In the second year, Liu Lian was coerced and coerced by Hu Weiyong's henchmen, but fell into a well and died.
In October 1381, an uprising broke out caused by Ye Dingxiang and others, who were mountain people in eastern Zhejiang. Liu Jing, another son of Liu Bowen, helped Tang Shengzong, the Marquis of Yan'an, put down the rebellion. This incident made Liu Jing more recognized by Zhu Yuanzhang.
At this moment, the third aftermath of Liu Bowen's confession was also fulfilled. After Hu Weiyong's death, Zhu Yuanzhang summoned Liu Jing many times, and frequently mentioned Liu Bowen in his words, both praising and admonishing: "Your father is a talented man and a good family, you must not learn some deviance." Do ye do good deeds and do not tarnish the reputation of your fathers. ”
The fourth thing is about the succession of the Liu family. After Liu Bowen's death, the Liu family experienced the dilemma of no one to inherit the title for several generations. However, by the time of the ninth grandson, Liu Yu, the situation changed. After Liu Yu became the knight, his son Liu Hong and grandson Liu Shiyan were also able to inherit the title.
Although sometimes he was too young to inherit the title, other brothers of the Liu family would also come to inherit the title. This is just as Liu Bowen believed when he was dying, and his children and grandchildren will finally be reused in the future with their true talents and learning.
These instructions and prophecies of Liu Bowen during his lifetime not only reflect his deep concern for the Ming Dynasty and his family, but also demonstrate his deep understanding of fate and extraordinary wisdom. His story is still praised by future generations and has become an admirable legend in Chinese history.
Article References:
1. "Ming History"
2. Continuation of the General Guide to Information Governance
3. The Complete Works of Liu Bowen