In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, the atmosphere in the main hall of the palace was depressing. Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon chair and glanced coldly at the ministers below. An official shuddered and handed over a file about a death row inmate who was about to be executed.
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at it a few times, and suddenly asked, "What is this person's surname?" The official replied: "Back to the emperor, his surname is Fan." Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes suddenly became complicated, he pondered for a moment, and asked again: "What is his relationship with Fan Zhongyan of the Song Dynasty?" This sudden question confused everyone in the main hall. What is the indissoluble bond between the descendants of the Fan family and Zhu Yuanzhang?
Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, was notoriously harsh in his style of rule. His attitude towards heroes and friends is often "close when you use it, and distant when you don't use it".
Under his rule, many heroes were killed, because Zhu Yuanzhang knew the danger of power, and he did not want anyone to threaten his position. However, he is extremely tolerant and caring for those who are truly loyal to him.
Fan Wencong, who supervised the imperial history in the early years of the Ming Dynasty, his stubbornness and outspokenness made him make countless enemies in the palace. He has repeatedly spoken out about Zhu Yuanzhang's mistakes, which made him offend Zhu Yuanzhang. At a court meeting, he was reprimanded by Zhu Yuanzhang on the spot for speaking out, and was sentenced to death. However, Fan Wencong did not know that his family background would bring him an unexpected turnaround.
When Zhu Yuanzhang was reviewing the archives of the Criminal Department, he suddenly discovered that Fan Wencong had a special relationship with Fan Zhongyan of the Song Dynasty. It turned out that Fan Wencong was the twelfth grandson of Fan Zhongyan.
Fan Zhongyan, a politician and cultural celebrity in the Northern Song Dynasty, his "The Story of Yueyang Tower" is known as the swan song of the ages. Zhu Yuanzhang has a deep respect for Fan Zhongyan, who he considers to be one of the great figures in Chinese history.
Knowing this, Zhu Yuanzhang had mixed feelings in his heart. He summoned Fan Wencong and had a long talk with him. During the conversation, Fan Wencong confessed his mistakes, but he also said that his outspokenness was out of loyalty to Zhu Yuanzhang and concern for the country. After Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he was full of emotion. He decided to pardon Pham Van Cong and said to him:
"You are a descendant of the Fan family, and I have deep respect for Fan Zhongyan. You will be spared death today, but I hope you will be more careful in the future and not make similar mistakes again. ”
After hearing this, Fan Wencong was deeply ashamed, and he knelt on the ground and kowtowed, saying that he would definitely reform and never make mistakes again. Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, and then ordered to bring five square silks, and wrote on it, "The worries of the world first, and the joy of the world after the world."
Then, Zhu Yuanzhang rewarded Fan Wencong with these five silks and told him: "I give you the privilege of avoiding death five times." Fan Wencong was very surprised, he didn't expect that Fan Wenzhenggong had been dead for hundreds of years, but he could still protect him.
Since then, Fan Wencong has become an important minister by Zhu Yuanzhang's side, and he has made great contributions to the construction of the Ming Dynasty with his talent and loyalty.
With the passage of time, Fan Wencong's position in Zhu Yuanzhang's court gradually stabilized, and his suggestions and opinions were highly valued by Zhu Yuanzhang. But more importantly, Fan Wencong has always maintained his loyalty and respect for Zhu Yuanzhang, and he knows how rare his opportunity to be reborn is.
And Zhu Yuanzhang, although he is a strict ruler, he also has his own principles and bottom line. He is always tolerant and caring towards those who are truly loyal to him. The case of Fan Wencong proves this point. Zhu Yuanzhang not only pardoned Fan Wencong because of his family background, but also because he saw the sincerity and loyalty of Fan Wencong.
This story tells us that every decision in history has complex emotions and considerations behind it. My dear, what do you think of this story? Feel free to share your views and feelings in the comment section, and let's explore the charm and depth of history together.