In the magnificent history of the Tang Dynasty, there is a mystery that makes people think deeply: Why did Li Shimin, the wise emperor, rely more on Wei Chi Jingde than on the equally heroic Qin Qiong? This question is like an unresolved chess piece, lying on the chessboard of history, waiting to be answered.
The two generals, one was a hero of Li Yuan's era and the other was a favorite of Li Shimin's era, and their fates went in completely different directions in the court of Tang Taizong. Qin Qiong, a brave general who was once known as the "Shangzhu State," why did his status in Li Shimin's heart gradually dim? And how did Wei Chi Jingde, who was just a commoner at first, become an indispensable force around the emperor and enjoy supreme glory and rewards?
Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Jingde: Heroes in the minds of Tang Taizong
In the early years of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan's words had a profound impact on Qin Qiong's fate. At a court meeting, Li Yuan publicly praised Qin Qiong's martial arts and character, but his words revealed a subtle advice: in the emperor's mental arts, too prominent heroes should keep their distance. This remark caused a whispered discussion in the DPRK and China, and also foreshadowed the fate of Qin Qiong in the future.
The fates of Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Jingde showed a stark contrast after Li Shimin ascended the throne. Qin Qiong, a general who was already famous in Li Yuan's time, had experienced the war with Li Shimin, but in the first year of Zhenguan, his food was only set at 700 households. In contrast, Wei Chi Jingde's fate was completely different. Wei Chi Jingde was originally just an ordinary Bai Ding, but because of his loyalty and courage at the critical moment when Li Shimin seized power, he was named Wu Guogong of Congyipin, and gave him 1,300 households.
The relationship between Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Jingde seems to be harmonious on the surface. At court celebrations and banquets, the two were often arranged to sit in close proximity to each other, and they always spoke amicably when they talked, showing the intimacy between comrades-in-arms. However, behind this harmony, there is a difference in their status in Li Shimin's heart. Although Qin Qiong has a high status, in Li Shimin's eyes, he is no longer an indispensable role on the battlefield.
One day, at a meeting of the imperial court, Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Jingde were both summoned to the imperial front. Li Shimin looked around and first asked Wei Chi Jingde by name his views on military strategy. After Wei Chi Jingde modestly replied, Li Shimin praised his opinion. When it was Qin Qiong's turn to speak, Li Shimin's attitude was relatively cold, he just nodded simply, and did not pay too much attention to Qin Qiong's opinions.
In the officialdom, Wei Chi Jingde's status became higher and higher, and he was often sent to deal with military affairs on the frontier, becoming an indispensable force in the imperial court. Qin Qiong, on the other hand, spends most of her time in the capital, dealing with some non-war daily government affairs. This change of role made Qin Qiong's influence in the imperial court gradually decrease.
Wei Chi Jingde won a great victory in a frontier battle, and when he returned to Chang'an, he was personally received by Li Shimin. Li Shimin highly praised Wei Chi Jingde's victory and bestowed new honors and awards on him at the imperial court. In contrast, although Qin Qiong also contributed, she was not particularly valued.
As time passed, Wei Chi Jingde's power and prestige continued to rise, while Qin Qiong gradually faded out of the center political stage. This difference reflects Li Shimin's consideration and strategy in employing people, that is, to give more trust and rewards to those who can stand by his side at critical moments and make practical contributions.
Wei Chi Jingde's promotion and reuse were not only because of his military talent, but also because of his choice in the Xuanwumen Change, which made his status in Li Shimin's heart far greater than that of Qin Qiong. And although Qin Qiong has made outstanding achievements, in Li Shimin's heart, he is no longer the comrade-in-arms who can share hardships on the battlefield.
The Xuanwumen Change: Loyalty and Betrayal
As a turning point in the history of the Tang Dynasty, the Xuanwumen Incident not only changed the power structure of the imperial court, but also redefined the fate of Qin Qiong and Wei Chi Jingde. In this world-shaking coup, Qin Qiong chose to remain neutral, while Wei Chi Jingde stood firmly on Li Shimin's side.
After the incident, Wei Chi Jingde's status rose rapidly. Not only was he given a higher official position, but he was also richly rewarded. At a court meeting, Li Shimin publicly praised Wei Chi Jingde's loyalty and courage. In front of the courtiers, Li Shimin announced that Wei Chi Jingde would be given more land and wealth, and that he would be promoted to an important position in the court.
Although Qin Qiong did not directly participate in the coup, his position in the imperial court was affected as a result. In the days after the Xuanwumen Incident, although he still maintained his status as a high-ranking official, his role in important decisions gradually diminished. Especially in front of Li Shimin, his right to speak seems to be much worse than before.
The promotion and reward of Wei Chi Jingde attracted wide attention in the court. He began to take on more military and political tasks and became a capable general under Li Shimin. During a discussion of military deployments on the border, Wei Chi Jingde was entrusted with the important task of leading an important military operation. His military prowess and loyalty allowed him to achieve remarkable success in this operation.
Although Qin Qiong's status is revered, in this new power structure, his role has changed more to that of a senior advisor. When dealing with national affairs, his opinions, although respected, are often no longer the key to decision-making. This change gradually manifested itself in the daily activities of the imperial court. For example, at a meeting to discuss the country's fiscal policy, although Qin Qiong made her own proposals, the final decision was more inclined to the opinions of Wei Chi Jingde and other emerging forces.
With the passage of time, Wei Chi Jingde's influence in the court increased. He played an important role not only in the military, but also in the governance and diplomacy of the country. His success and rise in status became a symbol of his loyalty and ability.
At the same time, although Qin Qiong was still respected in the imperial court, his role in major political events gradually diminished. He became more involved in the day-to-day governance of the country and cultural activities, such as participating in literary discussions and hearing legal cases. This change of role, although it is an honor, has changed significantly compared to his position before the Xuanwumen Change.
Official position and reward: Wei Chi Jingde's rapid promotion
Wei Chi Jingde's prominent position and Qin Qiong's relative silence became a stark contrast in the Tang Dynasty court. Wei Chi Jingde's loyalty and important role in the Xuanwumen Revolution won him Li Shimin's deep trust and a series of prominent positions. He was appointed General of the Right Martial Forces, and subsequently as the Commander of the Jingzhou Road March, both extremely important positions in the imperial court, marking his important military and political position.
At the promotion ceremony of Wei Chi Jingde, Li Shimin personally crowned him and awarded him a gold seal and a sword, symbolizing the extremely high trust and expectations for him. Both inside and outside the court, both civil servants and military generals paid tribute to Wei Chi Jingde's new position. Against this background, Wei Chi Jingde became responsible for a series of important military tasks and national security affairs, and his decisions and actions had a significant impact on the stability and development of the Tang Dynasty.
At the same time, Qin Qiong was relatively silent at home in the capital. Although he still retains the position of General Zuo Wuwei, his role and influence in important state and military discussions have been greatly reduced. Although Qin Qiong was present at a discussion meeting on border defense, the main discussions and decisions were led by Wei Chi Jingde and several other high-ranking officials. Although Qin Qiong's speech was respected, it did not have a significant impact on the final decision.
Wei Chi Jingde's influence was not limited to the military field. As the head of the Jingzhou Road March, he was also in charge of local administrative and judicial affairs, dealing with various local disputes and problems. His administrative skills and impartial judgment won the respect and support of the local people. In dealing with a land dispute involving multiple tribes, Wei Chi Jingde's impartial ruling effectively defused the conflict and stabilized the local situation.
Under the brilliance of Wei Chi Jingde's promotions and achievements, Qin Qiong's life seemed calm and ordinary. Although he occasionally participated in some activities of the imperial court, he spent more time at home dealing with trivial affairs. Although he still has a wealth of experience and knowledge, these strengths seem to be no longer highly valued in the political environment in which Li Shimin values allegiance and loyalty.
Wei Chi Jingde's promotion and reward, as well as Qin Qiong's relative silence, not only reflected Li Shimin's different evaluation and trust of the two, but also revealed the change in the political pattern of the Tang Dynasty.
In this era of loyalty and obedience, Wei Chi Jingde's choices and actions made him a star in the court, and although Qin Qiong did not lose his dignity, he gradually faded into the center stage in the game of power. This change not only affected their personal fate, but also reflected the deep-seated changes in the political ecology of the Tang Dynasty.
The Transformation of the Relationship between Monarchs and Ministers: Qin Qiong's Estrangement from Li Shimin
Qin Qiong's long-term illness in his later years became a landmark event in the relationship between him and Li Shimin. During the 12 years when Qin Qiong was seriously ill, although Li Shimin was busy with state affairs, there was no record of visiting or taking special care of Qin Qiong. This behavior was in stark contrast to his attitude towards Wei Chi Jingde and other meritorious heroes, who would always send people to visit and send medicine to show his concern if Wei Chi Jingde and others were sick.
In Qin Qiong's home, although he has been ill for a long time, he still pays attention to the changes in the government. His retainers and servants came daily to greet him, occasionally mentioning news from the imperial court. Although Qin Qiong's body is weak, he still maintains a certain understanding of the government through this information. However, he gradually realized that his position in Li Shimin's heart was not what it used to be.
During these twelve years, Qin Qiong sent his retainers to the court several times with gifts and letters to express his loyalty and concern. However, Li Shimin's response to these gifts and letters was very bland, and he did not give special gifts or replies as usual. This change further highlights the estrangement of the relationship between the two.
During this period, Wei Chi Jingde continued to play an important role in the imperial court. He was often sent to the frontier to deal with military and political affairs, and Li Shimin's dependence and trust in him continued unabated. Wei Chi Jingde occasionally mentioned Qin Qiong, but the number of times he mentioned Qin Qiong in the court became less and less, and Qin Qiong's name seemed to gradually fade from the center stage of the imperial court.
In front of Qin Qiong's hospital bed, his family and close subordinates often accompanied him. They tried not to mention the government as much as possible, so as not to increase Qin Qiong's psychological burden. In these days, Qin Qiong spent more time with her family, reminiscing about past wars and court life. Although he was physically weak, the communication with his family always brought him some comfort.
Qin Qiong's home is often visited by local officials and former comrades-in-arms. They will talk to Qin Qiong about some past wars and reminisce about the glory of the past. Although these visitors brought some news from the outside world, Qin Qiong knew that he was no longer an important figure in the imperial court, and his influence and status were a thing of the past.
This period of Qin Qiong's later years reflects the complexity of power and trust in the emperor's mind. He was once an important general of Li Shimin, but over time, his influence and status were gradually marginalized. This change between Qin Qiong and Li Shimin is not only a change in personal relationships, but also a reflection of the ruthlessness and indifference of court politics. In an environment where power and allegiance are at its core, even former heroes can be forgotten at any time. Qin Qiong's later years have become a vivid portrayal of this political reality.
New Tang Dynasty Book