Preface
In history, there are often things that are puzzling. It is reported that if this person had not died, then Li Yuan would never have been able to ascend to the throne, and this figure would have been admired by the people and would have become a figure who would go down in history.
So, what kind of truth is hidden behind this story? Who is this person who influenced Li Yuan? If the direction of history were slightly different, what would be the completely different result?
The growth process of benevolent and righteous people
In that turbulent era, in an obscure small village, there lived an ordinary peasant child - Dou Jiande. His father was a hard-working and kind farmer, and despite his poor family, he never gave up his love of life and the virtue of being kind to others.
Dou Jiande has been nurtured by his father since he was a child, and he has seen how his father still cares for the old, weak, sick and disabled in the village with a warm heart in a difficult environment. In the spring sun, Dou Jiande would accompany his father to work in the fields, sweat glistening on his forehead.
At nightfall, he would follow his father and light a bonfire for the homeless homeless to dispel the cold. These bits and pieces have deeply affected Dou Jiande, making him understand that no matter how difficult life is, he cannot lose his sympathy and love for others. Gradually, the heart of benevolence and righteousness took deep root in Dou Jiande's heart.
He began to take the initiative to share the chores in the village, whether it was carrying water, chopping wood, or taking care of the children, he did his best to care for everyone in this small village.
The villagers gradually felt his kindness and praised him as a "benevolent and righteous man". Sometimes, under the big banyan tree at the entrance of the village, Dou Jiande would hand passers-by a bowl of cool well water to quench their thirst and cool off.
During the harvest season in autumn, he would take the initiative to distribute his own grain to his neighbors who had not harvested well to ensure that they could survive the winter. These silent acts of kindness, like spring breeze and rain, quietly moistened the dry hearts of the villagers and made them feel the warmth of life.
The awakening of the Great Cause
The tyranny of the Sui Dynasty was like a dark cloud over the people, shrouding the whole country in a haze. Years of war and exorbitant taxes have put life in this small village in unprecedented predicament.
Dou Jiande looked at the villagers with yellow faces and thin muscles, and listened to their complaints about the imperial court, and his heart was full of helplessness and anger. He began to reflect on whether he was really at the mercy of fate, or should he step up and bring a glimmer of hope to the land?
At this moment, an unexpected opportunity changed the trajectory of Dou Jiande's life. A petty official named Sun Anzu, who was killed because he was dissatisfied with the tyranny of the county order, became the target of the government's want.
He fled to Dou Jiande's village and sought refuge. After listening to what happened to Sun Anzu, the anger in Dou Jiande's heart was like a raging flame. He realized that if he did not resist, if he did not change, then the suffering in this land would never end.
Sun's story made Dou Jiande realize that pure kindness and benevolence were no longer enough to deal with this troubled world, and that he needed more powerful forces to push for change. So, he resolutely joined the rebel army and began the journey of eliminating the troubles of the people.
On that dark and windy night, Dou Jiande stood at the entrance of the village, looking at the sky illuminated by the war in the distance, and he had a decision in his heart. He wants to fight for a just and bright future for those who are suffering, even if it comes at the cost of his own life.
The end of failure
Over time, Dou Jiande's reputation spread like thunder, and his army grew in battle after battle, becoming the mainstay of the rebellion against tyranny. However, just as his career was in full swing, a fatal weakness was exposed—he was too benevolent.
In a decisive battle, Dou Jiande gave up an excellent tactical opportunity because he could not bear to see innocent people suffer. Although this move won the love of the people, it also made him fall into military passivity. His benevolent actions became his Achilles' heel.
Soon after, Li Shimin, with his shrewd military acumen and powerful troops, launched a fierce offensive against Dou Jiande's rebel army. During a night attack, Dou Jiande was gullible with an enemy general who surrendered, resulting in a sneak attack on his camp and heavy losses.
This defeat not only dealt a blow to Dou Jiande's military strength, but also shook his inner belief. Dou Jiande himself also fell into deep self-blame and reflection. He began to question whether what he was doing was too idealistic, whether it ignored the cruelty of war and the complexity of human nature.
At a military meeting, he faced a group of generals with sad faces and said slowly: "The reason why I failed was not because of benevolence, but because I was too benevolent. I ignored the cruelty of war and forgot about the cunning of the enemy. But I don't regret it, because I believe that even in these troubled times, righteousness is still our most precious treasure. "
The people will always cherish the remembrance
Although Dou Jiande's uprising ultimately failed, his spirit of benevolence and righteousness was forever imprinted in the hearts of the people. After his death, the people who had been blessed by him spontaneously built an ancestral hall for him, and a grand commemorative event was held every year to remember this benevolent leader.
In Dou Jiande's hometown, the villagers erected a statue of him, in which he was smiling and his eyes were gentle, as if to tell the world that the power of benevolence and righteousness is eternal. In spring and autumn, the villagers gather in front of the statue for a solemn commemorative ceremony, believing that Dou Jiande's spirit will always inspire them to face the difficulties and challenges of life.
In this small village, the story of Dou Jiande has become a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. People will mention his good deeds from time to time in their daily lives, and use them to motivate themselves to pursue higher virtues. Sometimes, when children are in school, they will also hear the teacher tell the story of Dou Jiande, and learn how to be a responsible person.
Farther afield, Dou Jiande's story is also sung. The troubadours sang about him in the bazaar, and the children listened to his teacher tell his story in the school. Dou Jiande's spirit of benevolence and righteousness, like seeds, is sown in people's hearts, taking root and sprouting, and becoming a force that supports people to find hope and light in troubled times.
epilogue
In history, perhaps Dou Jiande's name will gradually blur, but his spirit of benevolence and righteousness will always illuminate people's hearts like stars. His story has become a legend, inspiring future generations to pursue justice, practice benevolence, and create a better world.
In this era full of strife and hatred, we should remember the spirit of Dou Jiande, nourish this barren soil with the seeds of benevolence, and heal the wounds of people's hearts with the power of kindness. Only in this way can we truly emerge from the darkness and usher in a new dawn.
As Dou Jiande said, even in troubled times, benevolence and righteousness are still our most valuable treasure. Let us move forward hand in hand, and use this benevolent heart to light up the world and let the light shine into people's lives again.