Do you know? In the ancient Khitan, the election of the emperor was like choosing a school, and it was like choosing a school to see who had the most people under the carriage! This battle was decided not by force, but by everyone's "vote." Want to know what this ancient "democratic election" was all about?
Liao Taizu Yelu Abaoji was a legendary figure in Khitan history, and his death sparked an unusual battle for the throne. Yelu Abaoji himself was an emperor who had great respect for Han culture and institutions, and he preferred to follow the Han tradition of having his eldest son inherit the throne.
Coming from a matrilineal clan, she is deeply influenced by the matrilineal culture and believes that her younger son is more energetic and hopeful. This emotional preference has created significant divisions over the issue of succession to the throne.
After the death of Liao Taizu, Shu Luping did not make a simple and rude decision, but summoned the Khitan leaders for a very special "election" - this is not the current ballot box and secret voting, but a very intuitive way: the two princes each stand in a carriage, and the Khitan tribal leaders show their support by choosing which carriage to stand on.
This "election" was very dramatic. Everyone knows Shu Luping's power and influence, although no one says it in public, but in private, everyone knows where the "wind direction" is. As a result, in full view of everyone, many tribal leaders walked towards Yerod's carriage, and Yelube's side seemed deserted.
After Yelu Deguang ascended the throne, during his short ten-year reign, he achieved amazing achievements - conquering the sixteen states of Yanyun. At that time, the political situation in the Central Plains was turbulent, and there was infighting in the Later Tang Dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and Shi Jingjiao was at odds with the emperor, and finally he decided to defect to the Liao Dynasty and surrender the sixteen states of Yanyun.
This historical event not only demonstrated the strength of the Liao Dynasty, but also reflected Shu Luping's political wisdom and accurate judgment of the future. Although Yelu Deguang's reign was not long, his political achievements and external expansion did lay a solid foundation for the strength and prosperity of the Liao Dynasty.
Returning to that unique "election", it is not only a transfer of power within the family, but also a manifestation of ethnic culture and political system. Although this election method of the Khitan people seems simple, it has its own uniqueness. It directly reflected the will of the tribal leaders and the direction of public opinion, which at the time could be said to be a very primitive but effective "democratic practice".
And Shu Luping, the queen who was not well known in later generations, actually played a key role in this process. She is not only a strong backing of Liao Taizu, but also a politician who can think and make decisions independently. Her choice, whether out of her mother's preference or political considerations, undoubtedly had a profound impact on the future of the Liao Dynasty.
This historical fragment, although it is only the tip of the iceberg, is enough to give us a glimpse of the complexity of the society and the multifaceted characters of the time. In a nomadic people like the Khitans, imperial power is not absolute, and the wisdom of the leader and the support of the clan are equally important.
Through this historical story, we not only see the fierce struggle within a family, but also the wisdom and efforts of a people in the process of adapting and integrating different cultures. Do you think that if it were placed today, would there be more stories and inspirations for this "election method"?