Preface
Have you ever wondered how a person can grow from an ordinary commoner to an important minister of the Han Dynasty with his wisdom and means, and make great contributions to the establishment of the Han Dynasty at a critical moment? Or do you feel puzzled and disgusted with those politicians who will do anything in the struggle for power?
White Mountaineering Relief: Resourcefulness to Resolve the Crisis
In 200 BC, Liu Bang finally established the Han Dynasty, ending the era of war and chaos. However, the newly established Han Dynasty faced a severe external threat—the Xiongnu from the north.
The Xiongnu leader Mao Dun was arguably the most formidable enemy of his time. He led a powerful nomadic cavalry and invaded the borders of the Han Dynasty again and again, causing Liu Bang a headache. In order to deal with this threat, Liu Bang had to personally lead his army to the border and launched a life-and-death attack and defense with the Xiongnu.
It was in this crucial battle that Liu Bang encountered a major crisis. He was trapped by the tricks of the Huns, besieged on Baishan Mountain, the food and grass were in a hurry, the army was discouraged, and he was about to fall into a desperate situation. At this time, Chen Ping once again showed his resourcefulness.
Chen Ping knew that in order to resolve this crisis, it was necessary to start with the psychology of the Xiongnu leader Mao Dun. He learns that Maudun is very fond of his wife, Ran, so he comes up with a clever plan.
Chen Ping sent an envoy to the Xiongnu, offering a large amount of wealth and a picture of a beautiful woman to the Yan clan, and told her that if she could persuade Mao Dun to let Liu Bang go of the besieged Liu, she would not only keep her position, but also exchange the friendship of the Han Dynasty.
When he heard this, his heart was immediately moved. She was worried that she would lose her position in Mao Dun's heart, so she immediately persuaded Mao Dun to let Liu Bang go. Seeing that his reinforcements had not arrived for a long time, Mao Dun heard the persuasion of the Yan clan, and finally decided to withdraw the army besieging Liu Bang.
In this way, Liu Bang, with Chen Ping's resourcefulness, successfully escaped the crisis of Baishan Mountain and won valuable time for the establishment of the Han Dynasty. This incident not only shows Chen Ping's strategy, but also shows that he attaches great importance to national interests.
Arresting Fan Xu: Scheming and Calculation
With the stability of the Han Dynasty, the contradictions between Liu Bang and Empress Lü also intensified. In this case, Liu Bang's hair Xiaofan became a potential threat.
Someone told Liu Bang that Fan Xu had colluded with Empress Lu and wanted to seek misconduct after Liu Bang's death. This undoubtedly made Liu Bang very worried, after all, Fan Xu was his comrade-in-arms for many years, and if he really betrayed himself, it would be a huge hidden danger.
At this time, Chen Ping appeared again. He suggested that Liu Bang personally go to the edict and let Zhou Bo secretly follow, and after arriving at Fan Xu's camp, he took the opportunity to seize the Great Seal and kill Fan Xu.
This strategy may seem simple, but the scheming and calculation contained in it are staggering. First of all, Chen Ping asked Liu Bang to go in person, on the one hand, to increase Liu Bang's deterrence, and on the other hand, to ensure that Liu Bang would not retreat.
Secondly, let Zhou Bo follow secretly, in order to ensure that in case Liu Bang repents, someone can carry out this plan. After all, Fan Hao is Liu Bang's old comrade-in-arms after all, and Liu Bang may be soft-hearted.
In the end, Chen Ping did not directly suggest killing Fan Xu, but chose the way to seize the Great Seal. In this way, even if Liu Bang finally can't bear to do it, he can control Fan Hao through other means.
It can be said that Chen Ping has shown his superb political wisdom in this matter. He not only took into account Liu Bang's wishes, but also left a back hand for himself, and finally successfully resolved the crisis.
However, we also have to admit that Chen Ping's approach is indeed a bit dark and disgraceful. He knew that Fan Hao was Liu Bang's old comrade-in-arms, but he still tried every means to get rid of him, which was undoubtedly an act of treachery.
Killing Zhulu: Calculation in a power struggle
After Liu Bang's death, Empress Lü came to power and began a series of power struggles. She wanted to crown her relatives king, which caused displeasure among some ministers.
At this time, Chen Ping and Zhou Bo chose to support Empress Lu. They believed that only in this way could they maintain the stability of the Liu dynasty and preserve the community. However, Wang Ling raised a strong objection to this, believing that this was a treachery to Liu Bang.
In this regard, Chen Ping and Zhou Bo could not refute it, and could only say that everything they did was for the benefit of the country. This is undoubtedly a manifestation of scheming and calculation.
However, Empress Lu's sister didn't buy it. She slandered Lu Houjin many times, saying that Chen Ping didn't do anything serious all day long, and only knew how to drink and flirt with women. This is undoubtedly an attempt to reduce Empress Lu's trust in Chen Ping.
However, Chen Ping did not restrain because of this, but intensified it. He knew that only by lowering Empress Lu's vigilance could he better implement his plan.
Eventually, after Empress Lü's death, Chen Ping suggested that Zhou Bo kidnap Li Shang, deceive Lü Lu into handing over military power, and let Liu Zhang, the son of Liu Fei, the king of Qi, assist Zhou Bo, behead Lü Chan, and pacify Zhu Lü's power.
This series of actions is undoubtedly another scheming and calculation of Chen Ping. Not only did he skillfully use the power of Zhou Bo and Liu Zhang, but he also succeeded in eliminating the threat of the Lu family, and finally established Emperor Wen of Han.
It can be said that in this power struggle, Chen Ping showed his outstanding political wisdom and means. Not only was he able to adapt to the situation, but he was also able to act decisively and ultimately achieve his goal.
However, we also have to admit that Chen Ping's approach is indeed a bit gloomy and disgraceful. He not only used Zhou Bo and Liu Zhang, but also did not hesitate to kill the Lu family, which was undoubtedly an unscrupulous act.
Retire after success: leave a legacy for future generations
After a series of intrigues and calculations, Chen Ping finally took the lead in the power struggle of the Han Dynasty. He first took the initiative to give up the position of the right prime minister, let Zhou Bo serve as the left prime minister, and he served as the left prime minister. Later, when Zhou Bo was unable to answer Emperor Wen of Han's question, Chen Ping relieved him again, and finally dominated the phase.
It can be said that in this process, Chen Ping has demonstrated his outstanding political wisdom and means. Not only was he able to adapt to the situation, but he was also able to act decisively and ultimately achieve his goal.
However, when he was dying, Chen Ping said that most of his strategies were conspiracies, which were not done by Taoists, and he was afraid that he would bring disaster to future generations. This is undoubtedly a form of self-reflection and repentance.
Sure enough, Chen Ping's prophecy came true. His great-grandson Chen He was killed for breaking the law, and another great-grandson was also unable to inherit the title because he was a relative of the Wei family of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty.
This is undoubtedly a tragic end. Although Chen Ping made great contributions to the establishment of the Han Dynasty, some of his shady practices ultimately brought negative effects to future generations.
epilogue
We have to admit that Chen Ping is indeed a complex historical figure. He has both the noble feelings of fighting for the interests of the country and the dark side of planning for his own interests. His resourcefulness and calculations not only created the glory of the Han Dynasty, but also brought disasters to future generations.
This is undoubtedly a question worthy of our deep thought. What should we think of such a figure? Can his actions be fully forgiven? Or should we draw some historical wisdom from it to warn ourselves against repeating the mistakes of the past?
There may be no standard answers to these questions, but through an in-depth understanding of Chen Ping's life, I believe we will be able to find our own answers.