During the reign of Li Shimin, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Empire was at its peak. This era was not only politically clear and economically prosperous, but also achieved great military successes. Among the many prominent generals, Li Jing and Hou Junji are well-known talents. Li Jing is revered as the "God of the Army" for his outstanding military talents, and Hou Junji is his protégé, who also has extraordinary achievements in military affairs. In the center of power, there are often hidden unknown turmoil and power struggles, and the master-apprentice relationship between these two military giants has gradually been cracked due to the game of thrones.
In the long history of the Tang Dynasty, the master-apprentice relationship between Li Jing and Hou Junji is a good story. As a confidant and strategic adviser to Tang Taizong, Li Jing had high hopes for Hou Junji's military talents. Hou Junji, a general who had made great contributions to the Xuanwumen Rebellion, was also valued by Li Jing for his outstanding military talents and became his key apprentice.
Over time, Li Jing gradually taught Hou Junji his art of war and strategic thinking. During military exercises and tactical discussions, the two could often see the lights shining in the middle of the night, Li Jing explaining the tactical layout in detail, and Hou Junji listening attentively and occasionally putting forward his own opinions, and Li Jing was always able to patiently correct his thinking, which benefited him a lot.
The good times did not last long, and as Hou Junji's prestige grew, his influence in the army also increased. Once, Hou Junji drank a little too much at the banquet, and said to the other generals without holding back: "If I have half of Li Jing's military power, why worry that the Tang Dynasty cannot be invincible in the world?" These words were transmitted to Li Jing's ears, making him begin to be wary of Hou Junji.
The situation was even more tense because in a defensive battle on the border, the tactics designed by Li Jing were slightly modified by Hou Junji and used, and he actually achieved a greater victory than the original plan. Hou Junji's reputation is in full swing as a result, which makes Li Jing feel unprecedented pressure. He began to worry that Hou Junji's ambitions had begun to swell and that he might no longer be satisfied with being just his student.
Finally, one day, Hou Junji sent a secret report to Li Shimin, claiming that Li Jing might have rebellious intentions. Hou Junji explained that Li Jing deliberately concealed some key content when teaching the art of war, which was extremely unusual in Hou's opinion. Li Shimin was deeply puzzled by this, so he asked Li Jing privately. Li Jing responded calmly: "Your Majesty, I am loyal to the Tang Dynasty, and I deliberately concealed it only for the loyalty of Hou Junji, I am afraid that his ambition is too great, so I did not teach all the art of war at one time." ”
After Li Shimin heard this, although he temporarily pressed his doubts about Li Jing, his trust in Hou Junji was also slightly shaken. In the days that followed, he deliberately arranged several tests to observe Hou Junji's behavior and loyalty.
Once, Tang Taizong falsely passed on the holy decree and ordered Hou Junji to temporarily preside over the government and observe his behavior. Hou Junji got the will, respectful on the surface, but secretly happy in his heart, thinking that he had finally gained real power. He began to frequently change officials in the DPRK and China and promote his cronies, which caused Li Shimin to be extremely dissatisfied, knowing that Hou Junji could no longer be used.
In the end, Hou Junji was alienated by Li Shimin because of his deep power and scheming, and was later demoted to the Taishou of Yuanjun, while Li Jing was always loyal and cautious, and was once again valued by Li Shimin, and continued to stay in the court to assist Li Shimin until old age.
After this series of turmoil, Hou Junji finally ended his political career alone, while Li Jing preserved his position with his extraordinary wisdom and loyalty. Although the master and apprentice were both distinguished by military talents, their fates went in completely different directions in the face of imperial power. Li Jing continued to serve as Li Shimin's right and left hand, while Hou Junji stayed away from the center of power and lived a peaceful and ordinary life.
The story of Li Jing and Hou Junji is not only a power game between master and apprentice, but also a contest between loyalty and ambition. In this story, we see how in the tide of power, the fate of the individual is carried by the waves of the times. Li Jing's wisdom and restraint allowed him to stand tall in the wind and waves, while Hou Junji's ambition and rashness made him fall on the verge of success. This historical passage is like a mirror, reflecting the complexity and profundity of human nature. In the long course of history, every decision can be the key to a lifetime of achievement, or it can be the beginning of destruction.