In the long river of Chinese history, there are a few moments that shook the world, and the Xuanwumen Revolution is undoubtedly one of them. In the early years of the Tang Dynasty, a bloody coup d'état not only changed the fate of the empire, but also redefined the game of thrones. On June 4, 1960, Li Shimin staged a coup d'état outside the Xuanwu Gate, killing his elder brother Li Jiancheng and younger brother Li Yuanji in one fell swoop, and ascended to the supreme throne from then on. But in this fierce family battle, there is one person's name that has always confused Qin Qiong. What role did he play in the Xuanwumen Change?
Speaking of Qin Qiong, many people may think of the majestic image in the portrait of the door god. In the historical record of the Xuanwumen Incident, his role does not seem to be so clear. According to the records of the Old Tang Book and the New Tang Book, it seems that he participated in this coup d'état, but the details are very detailed.
First of all, we have to figure out what kind of political storm the Xuanwumen Revolution was. In the summer of 1960, Li Shimin planned an elaborate coup d'état in order to seize the throne. In this incident, Li Shimin not only killed his own brother, but also crushed other potential threats. This act of fratricidal behavior was undoubtedly extremely shocking at the time.
But what role did Qin Qiong play in this? The Book of the Old Tang Dynasty mentions that he was one of the important figures who acted with Li Shimin. The "New Tang Dynasty Book" omits this point, and this contradictory narrative makes people wonder. Interestingly, the description of Qin Qiong in the history books became more vague and contradictory after the Xuanwumen Change.
Qin Qiong was originally a general with outstanding martial arts, and he already had a prominent position in the early years of the Tang Dynasty. History records that he was once named the Duke of Shangzhu and Yiguo, and such a high position should have allowed him to occupy an important position in Li Yuan's court. By the time of the Xuanwumen Change, he seemed to be just an officer in Li Shimin's mansion. This contrast in status makes people wonder if there is any omission or deliberate cover-up in the records in the history books.
Let's take a look at Qin Qiong's military career. During the Wagang Army period, Qin Qiong was already a well-known general. And after the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, his exploits were endless. However, judging from the records in the history books, although Qin Qiong's military talents have been mentioned many times, his specific actions in the Xuanwumen Revolution are rarely recorded.
Some experts pointed out that during the reign of Tang Taizong Li Shimin, he revised and selectively narrated the historical records to a certain extent in order to create his ideal image as an emperor. Qin Qiong's role in the Xuanwumen Revolution may have been deliberately downplayed to reduce its importance in the coup.
However, we can get a glimpse of it from other unofficial historical sources and folklore. For example, some versions mention that Qin Qiong actually did not approve of Li Shimin's behavior, and was already alert even before the accident occurred. This statement is in stark contrast to the records of official history books, and makes people have more conjectures about Qin Qiong's true position and actions.
What we can't ignore yet is Qin Qiong's later official changes. Soon after the Xuanwumen Rebellion, Qin Qiong was named the general of Zuo Wuwei, a position that was not trivial, and he was in charge of one of the military forces of the imperial city. This promotion seems to suggest that Qin Qiong did play an important role in the coup, perhaps because Li Shimin appreciated his loyalty and bravery.
In the long course of history, the Xuanwumen Revolution was not only a simple power struggle, but also a complex relationship with the fate and choices of individuals. Qin Qiong, the hero who was admired by later generations, he and his choice undoubtedly provide us with a deeper understanding of the complex human nature of that era.
As for Qin Qiong's evaluation, there are indeed different voices in history. On the one hand, he is seen as the embodiment of loyalty and bravery, and his martial prowess and resourcefulness have been praised in countless operas and novels. On the other hand, his role in the Xuanwumen Revolution has puzzled some historians and readers. This complex historical evaluation also reflects the multifaceted nature of the characters in the course of history.
Through the fog of time and space, we try to find answers about Qin Qiong's true identity and role in the Xuanwumen Change. Although the historical record may be biased by the subjective intentions of the compiler, through a comprehensive analysis of various sources, we may be able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the true face of this legendary general. History is sometimes like this, it is both complex and mysterious, and it will always leave endless thoughts and explorations for future generations. Qin Qiong is a part of this, inspiring our unremitting pursuit of historical truth.