Preface
Can an emperor really ascend the throne by luck? When you think of Liu Xiu, the founding emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, what do you think of? Perhaps many people have the impression that he is a "son of the plane" who can easily achieve everything and become emperor all the way. But is this really the case? What kind of road did this man take, what kind of fate did he bear, and what kind of hardships and trials he went through before he finally opened up a world of his own?
1. In the world of chaos, a cloth cloth
In 5 BC, Liu Xiu was born into a family of declining eunuchs. His ancestors had made outstanding achievements and held important official positions, but when it came to the generation of great-grandfather Liu Xiang, due to the "Tui En Order" implemented at that time, the official position of the Liu family was reduced from generation to generation. Liu Xiu's father, Liu Qin, can only serve as a small county magistrate in one county.
In 3 AD, Liu Qin died, Liu Xiu was only 10 years old, and he could only rely on his uncle Liu Liang to raise him. Overnight, Liu Xiu fell from a decent family to an ordinary person, and his days were not as good as day by day. Fortunately, Liu Xiu was diligent and studious, and at the age of 14, he entered Chang'an Taixue to study and met his friends Deng Yu and Zhu You.
At that time, Wang Mang usurped the throne, the Western Han Dynasty perished, and the world was in chaos. When Liu Xiu saw the chaos, a thought silently rose in his heart: Can I change all this? Liu Xiu is introverted and indifferent by nature, and he seems to be extremely stable when he is a teenager. He is not like other reckless young people, who always want to make meritorious contributions and get ahead. On the contrary, he likes to meditate alone, often sitting alone in the corner, looking out the window in a daze.
Once, his brother Liu Xiu asked him what he was thinking, and Liu Xiu just shook his head and said nothing. But Liu Xuan knew that this younger brother must be thinking nonsense again. Maybe it's because of the middle of the family road and the troubled times, Liu Xiu always has a kind of depression in his heart. He longs to make a difference and change the fate of himself and the world, but in the face of reality, he can only swallow his anger. "Family affairs and state affairs have never been easy, so why rush them. We are still young and can take our time. Liu Xuan patted his younger brother on the shoulder, wanting him to be more cheerful.
Liu Xiu nodded lightly and didn't say anything more. He understood that his brother was thinking about himself, but that emotion still lingered. Later, Liu Xiu often discussed current affairs with his two friends Deng Yu and Zhu You. Deng Yu is calm and insightful, while Zhu You is radical and hot-blooded. The three of you said a word, discussed the plan, and densely wrote several volumes of bamboo slips. "I am afraid that it will be difficult to see the effect of these strategies in a short period of time. Liu Xiu sighed, "I'm starting to doubt how much I can do." ”
"Brother Liu can't think like this!" Deng Yu took the case, "How can things in the world be accomplished overnight? What we need is to keep our heads open and wait for the opportunity! One day we ......" Before Deng Yu finished speaking, Zhu You had already answered: "That's right! One day, our ideals will become reality! At that time, we will be the real heroes of the day!"
Liu Xiu listened to the words of her friends and couldn't help herself for a long time. yes, what is he waiting for, what is he afraid of? He has to do something to turn things around, even if the process is long and difficult, he will not hesitate to do it!
Second, the brother ends the brother, and the heart of forbearance
In 17 AD, Liu Xiu's elder brother Liu Xiu raised troops to respond to the Green Forest Army and jointly rebelled against Wang Mang. Liu Xiu, who has always kept a low profile, finally mustered up the courage to join his brother's rebel army. The two brothers fought side by side to defeat the new dynasty army. Liu Xiu defended Kunyang, won more with less, and became famous in one battle. And Liu Xuan also captured Wancheng, and the momentum was shocked. The first emperor Liu Xuan was wary and designed to kill Liu Xuan.
When the bad news came, Liu Xiu was grief-stricken. In the face of Liu Xuan's surveillance, he endured his grief, pretended to surrender, and didn't even dare to wear filial piety for his brother. This kind of torture tormented him day and night, and only his new wife Yin Lihua could give him warmth. For the sake of his family and revenge, Liu Xiu endured humiliation. He understands that now is not the time to turn his face with Liu Xuan, and he must endure it a little longer......
The day Liu Xuan died was in the scorching heat of midsummer. Liu Xiu received the bad news from Liu Xuan's envoy, and suddenly fell to the ground, like a thunderbolt. He clutched the sword left by his brother, and tears rained down. He remembered the bits and pieces of playing, learning Xi, and practicing martial arts with his brother, and remembered the oath that the two agreed to serve the Han family together. He thought they could fight side by side, another day. But in the blink of an eye, the world changed too fast, and he became a lonely fish, struggling in the ocean of troubled times.
"Don't worry, wait until I find evidence to avenge my brother!" Liu Xiu held Yin Lihua's hand tightly, and his tone was firm like never before. Yin Lihua's heart was like a knife, and she comforted softly: "The husband is slow and calm, the extremes of things will be reversed, and in the end, Liu Xuan will definitely eat the consequences, we just have to keep the original intention." Liu Xiu looked at his wife's soft and beautiful face and sighed in her heart. yes, I can't act impulsively, it just ruins the big picture. For the sake of my brother's unfinished wishes, and for the sake of the people of Li in this troubled world, I must endure it!
3. Envoy to Hebei, be patient and ready to go
In 23 AD, Liu Xuan had the intention of plotting against him and sent Liu Xiu to Hebei. This is a trap close to Liu Xiu, but Liu Xiu did not give up. During the mission, he got acquainted with Geng Chun and other heroes, and Liu Yang, the king of Zhending, also became his confidant. seems to be obedient, but in fact, Liu Xiu has accumulated a lot of strength. The first emperor intended to kill Liu Xiu, and Liu Xiu took the opportunity to break with him.
In the days of Hebei, Liu Xiu was stable on the surface, but his heart turned over the river and the sea. He misses his family, and he also thinks about the unfinished hatred...... Finally, when the time is ripe, he can tell the world that he wants to be the real master! When he set off, Yin Lihua saw off with red eyes. She knew that her husband was in danger of going here, and she was afraid that she would never return. "Take care, don't rush in, I'll be waiting for you!" she struggled to hold back tears. "Don't worry, I'll come back safely. Liu Xiu hugged her into her arms, feeling her choking and trembling.
The trip to Hebei was difficult, but Liu Xiu gained a lot. He made important allies such as Liu Yang, the king of Zhending, and accumulated strength for his great cause. On the surface, he flattered the messenger, but in fact he knew it was all in my plan. "Lord, this Liu Xuan's death team is not good!" "Just let him come, I've been prepared!" A cold light flashed in Liu Xiu's eyes.
He seems to be gentle and elegant, but he has already burned a raging anger in his heart. He thought of his father, of his brother, of the people who were suffering. He wants to avenge them, and he wants to show the true master of this troubled world!
Fourth, the founding of the country called the emperor and the creation of the Eastern Han Dynasty
In 25 AD, Liu Xiu was proclaimed emperor in Jurong, and the country name was still Han, known as the Eastern Han Dynasty in history. After the founding of the country, he adopted a series of innovative measures to stabilize the situation and restore the economy, and the Eastern Han Dynasty entered a period of prosperity.
When this man from cloth clothes finally gained fame and fortune, you think he was full of emotion. Those years of enduring humiliation and burden, those years of bloody battles with strong enemies, have turned into a drop in the ocean and a solid cornerstone for him to ascend the throne and become emperor. Perhaps, as later generations said, he was a "son of the plane". But this face did not float from the sky, but he snatched it from the mire step by step.
At the moment of dominating the world, Liu Xiu was so excited that he couldn't speak. How many times have he seen this scene in his dreams, and how many times have he described the grand occasion of his proclamation as emperor in his heart. Those thorny years came to naught at this moment, and he could finally tell the world that all beings are equal, and that I am the creator of the new world!" Deng Yu next to him saw that he was unusual.
"I'm just a cloth cloth, and today I can finally change the day, thanks to all of you......" Liu Xiu muttered. "Don't dare to be, this is Your Majesty's plane!" Deng Yu replied. Liu Xiu smiled in his heart. Yes, this is my plane, my Liu Xiu's new world! All the humiliation and burdens are worth it!
epilogue
Liu Xiu's life is full of legends. The story of his rise from cloth to emperor and creation of the Eastern Han Dynasty has stirred the hearts of countless people. When you hear about this "son of the plane" Liu Xiu again, I believe that you have an extra layer of understanding in your heart - the birth of an emperor is never accidental. In that seemingly smooth path of life, there must be countless thorns hidden!