Preface
In Chinese history, Liu Xiu's reign was a time of legend. Under his command, there is a group of heroes known as the "28 generals of Yuntai", whose heroic deeds and loyalty are deeply engraved in the long river of history.
However, in addition to their famous exploits, they also hide many little-known secrets. These secrets may be about their personal lives or stories related to Liu Xiu's rule.
What are the secrets hidden behind history? Today, let's explore those magnificent years and unveil the mystery of the "28 generals of Yuntai."
First, the giants compete
The rise of the Eastern Han Dynasty was actually a contest between wealthy clans. Back then, although Liu Xiu was not well-known, he was born in a famous family. His followers, mostly the sons of wealthy families, worked hand in hand to finally emerge in the smoke of the long war.
The reason why these children of wealthy families can become Liu Xiu's right-hand men is that they have rich family resources. In that turbulent era, it was difficult to achieve anything by relying on individual strength, and the key was the family power behind it. Liu Xiu's rapid rise is precisely because of the support of these wealthy groups.
Among them, Henan Group and Hebei Group can be described as the two main forces. Although the number of Henan Group is large, Hebei Group controls the family resources and is a real "capitalist". Liu Xiu's two wives, Yin Lihua and Guo Shengtong, happened to represent these two groups respectively, and the contradiction arose.
The existence of such internal contradictions also reflected the complexity of the political landscape at that time. The entanglement of interests between wealthy groups often affects the direction of the entire dynasty. Although Liu Xiu was able to unify the world, in order to maintain this regime, he needed to constantly balance the forces of all parties.
It can be said that the rise and fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty is closely related to the wrestling of these wealthy groups. They were not only the cornerstone of Liu Xiu's ascension to the throne, but also the key to his maintenance of power. Only by properly handling the interests of these groups can Liu Xiu ensure his dominance.
Second, from the dragon heroes
The members of the "Yuntai Twenty-Eight Generals" were all outstanding meritorious before Liu Xiu ascended the throne. They can be divided into five stages of followers, from Liu Xiu's hair Xiao Zhu You, to Ma Wu, who joined at the end, all of them are heroes forged with blood.
Among them, Zhu You, as the closest confidant, naturally ranks first among the heroes. He and Liu Xiu have been good friends since childhood, and the relationship between the two can be described as a deep relationship. When the Liu Xiu brothers raised their troops, Zhu You did not hesitate to join their team. This kind of loyalty and righteousness is undoubtedly an important support for Liu Xiu's ascension to the throne.
Although Deng Yu failed in his westward expedition, his eye and strategic vision were irreplaceable. As Liu Xiu's strategist, Deng Yu's advice can often affect the entire battle situation. Even in the case of the failure of the Western Expedition, he did not betray Liu Xiu, but risked returning to his side. This courage and wisdom are enough to prove his status.
In contrast, Feng Yi and Cen Peng are well-deserved heroes of "military merit". The former took Guanzhong, and the latter pacified South China, and the military achievements of the two can be described as famous. However, Cen Peng was also suspicious of Liu Xiu at first, but fortunately, his outstanding military talent finally conquered Liu Xiu and gained the importance he deserved.
The stories of these heroes are the epitome of the rise of the Eastern Han Dynasty. With their own blood and sweat, they paved the way to peace. Even in the midst of hardships and obstacles, they never gave up their ideals, and this spirit deserves to be remembered forever.
3. The battle for rankings
The ranking of the "28 generals of Yuntai" has sparked endless controversy among future generations. The number one ranking is the most questioned, but his contribution cannot be ignored. In contrast, the military exploits of Feng Yi and Cen Peng are undoubtedly more prominent.
The reason why Deng Yu was able to rank first was mainly due to his talent and strategic vision. As Liu Xiu's strategist, his advice can often influence the entire battle situation. Even in the case of the failure of the Western Expedition, he did not betray Liu Xiu, but risked returning to his side. This loyalty and wisdom are important reasons why he has obtained such a high position.
However, later generations questioned this. After all, the defeat of the Western Expedition did bring a serious blow to Liu Xiu's great cause of reunification. But we can't ignore Deng Yu's contributions in other areas. His strategy and decision-making also contributed to Liu Xiu's ascension to the throne.
In contrast, the military exploits of Feng Yi and Cen Peng were more prominent. The former won Guanzhong, and the latter pacified South China, and the two of them have a well-known record. Especially Cen Peng, whose outstanding military talents finally conquered Liu Xiu and gained the importance he deserved.
However, Cen Peng was also suspicious of Liu Xiu at the beginning. This shows that military merit is not everything, and political status is equally important. Although Liu Xiu finally trusted Cen Peng, he had always been wary of the general before that. It can be seen that in that turbulent era, the cruelty of the power struggle is self-evident.
In general, the controversy over the ranking of the "28 generals of Yuntai" reflects the complexity of the distribution of interests within the meritorious group at that time. Military merit is important, but political status cannot be ignored. Only by taking these two factors into account can fairness and justice be truly embodied.
Fourth, the regret of the pearl
Although some people have made great achievements, they have not been selected as the "28 generals of Yuntai", which is really a sigh. Yin Zhi, Deng Chen and Lai She, these three relatives and friends are also the biggest pearls.
Yin Zhi is not only Liu Xiu's brother-in-law, but also a loyal fan of Liu Xiu's eldest brother Liu Xiu. When Liu Xuan was about to raise troops, Yin Zhi did not hesitate to give up his studies, returned to his hometown and organized a private army to join Liu Xuan's team.
It was with the support of Yin Zhi that Yin Lihua married Liu Xiu. This kind of family bond and righteousness undoubtedly laid an important foundation for Liu Xiu's accession to the throne.
Deng Chen was the first to see that "Liu Xiu has a destiny". Even when others were still talking about Liu Xiu in a mocking tone, Deng Chen firmly believed that he would eventually become the Son of Heaven. Later, Deng Chen ignored the opposition of his clan and supported Liu Xiu and Liu Xiu with his private arms. It's a pity that in the Battle of Little Chang'an, Deng Chen's wife and three daughters all died. This kind of sacrifice is the greatest regret.
Lai She's even single-handedly conquered Luomen, and almost assassinated Kui Huan in the middle. If it weren't for the slow movement of the Han army, Kui Huan would have been defeated long ago. Unfortunately, Lai Shu was also killed by Gongsun Shu's spies in the end. The untimely death of this highly decorated general is really a sigh of relief.
The reason why these three relatives and friends were not selected as the "28 generals of Yuntai" mainly reflected the cruelty of the political struggle at that time. Even if you make great achievements, you will inevitably fall victim to the struggle for power. It can be seen that in that turbulent era, even the most loyal followers could not escape their fate.
Fifth, the mystery of the sub-list
In addition to the "Yuntai Twenty-eight Generals", a "deputy list" was later added, including Wang Chang, Li Tong, Dou Rong and Zhuo Mao. Among them, Zhuo Mao's selection is the most puzzling.
This old man of the Western Han Dynasty actually has no political achievements to speak of. He is just Liu Xiu's marketing strategy of "buying horses with a thousand dollars" to show his orthodox status. From this point of view, political intentions often trump actual contributions.
At that time, the world was in turmoil, and there were people everywhere who called themselves "Son of Heaven". As the founding emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu naturally also needed to establish his own legitimacy. So, he remembered the old gentleman Zhuo Mao, who was "not a prince and mang", and carried him out to stand for himself.
Although this approach has the meaning of "buying a dead horse with a thousand dollars", it was very necessary in the political environment at that time. After all, Liu Xiu needs to stabilize the situation as soon as possible and consolidate his dominance. And Zhuo Mao's image of a "relict old man" can undoubtedly enhance his legitimacy.
In addition to Zhuo Mao, the other three people in the "sub-list" also have quite a background. Wang Chang was the leader of the Green Forest Army and had helped Liu Xiu's eldest brother Liu Xiu. Li Tong was Liu Xiu's brother-in-law and belonged to the emperor's relatives. And Dou Rong is the leader of the Hexi Alliance, although he joined later, he also made a lot of achievements.
It can be said that the establishment of this "sub-list" reflected the complexity of the political landscape at that time. Liu Xiu not only needs to rely on the wealthy group, but also takes care of the interests of all parties. Only then can he ensure that his dominance is not shaken.
In general, the "Yuntai Twenty-eight Generals" and their "sub-list" are undoubtedly the epitome of the founding heroes of the Eastern Han Dynasty. They are either military heroes or political thinkers, and together they pave the way to peace. But at the same time, their stories also reveal the harsh realities of that turbulent era.
epilogue
Throughout history, we can find that the road to pursuing ideals is often tortuous and arduous. But only by moving forward on this path can we finally achieve the ideal of peace and stability. The story of "Yuntai Twenty-Eight Generals" undoubtedly gives us profound inspiration.
With their own blood and sweat, they paved the way to peace. Even in the midst of hardships and obstacles, they never gave up on their ideals. This spirit is exactly what we should learn and inherit.
Only by being like them, with perseverance and courage, can we finally realize the ideal of peace and stability. The wheels of history are rolling forward, but the story of "Yuntai Twenty-Eight Generals" will always be engraved in our hearts.
Their heroic deeds will surely inspire countless future generations to strive for their ideals. Only when we keep their spirit in mind can we move forward step by step on this long road.