Lao Tzu expounded the concept of "non-action" and "no desire" in the Tao Te Ching, advocating that rulers should follow the laws of nature, be indifferent to fame and fortune, and not rely on their talents. So, has there never been a Ming monarch in history who has done this? Let's use the mirror of history to see how a certain emperor who has gone down in history embodies the "rule by inaction".
The emperor has no desire, and does not covet the honor of the monarch
The morning sun is rising, the golden light is shining, and there is a palace that is not too wide but extremely majestic. This is Chang'an City during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, and it is also the palace of Li Shimin when the pilgrimage is located. A middle-aged civil and military man in court clothes was walking along the long road with vigorous steps, followed by more than a dozen guards with solemn faces.
Walking to the palace gate, the middle-aged civil and military man bent in, and a eunuch stepped forward to report: "Your Majesty has arrived!" ＂
I saw dozens of people in the palace coming to meet me, bowing down and bowing: "Long live, long live!" ＂
Li Shimin looked at these people and couldn't help but smile slightly. It turns out that these people are some self-styled "princes" and "marquis", who are lazy and lazy on weekdays, and the only thing is to worship in the palace. Although Li Shimin is already the lord of one party, he sneers at these vains.
"Get up. Li Shimin waved his hand to signal everyone to get up, and his tone was calm.
The "princes and princes" looked at each other, how could this Tang Emperor, who was obviously the commander of the world, be so humble? They thought that they could grovel in front of Li Shimin as they did in the past in order to win favor.
Seeing this, Li Shimin was even more disapproving. He said with a little seriousness, "What are you doing here?" I've been waiting for you for too long, hurry up and line up, it's time for us to go to the court. ＂
Only then did everyone come to their senses, and they hurriedly lined up and followed behind Li Shimin. Along the way, Li Shimin always maintained a calm and calm demeanor, without the slightest nostalgia for the vanity of power.
When he arrived at the courtroom, Li Shimin sat down in the dragon chair and motioned for the civil and military officials to enter. Soon, everyone was seated in order. At this time, I saw a person dressed in a gray robe, with a hat, with a calm expression, and after everyone paid attention, he took his seat.
This person is Li Shimin's most powerful adviser Wei Zheng. As a generation of famous ministers, Wei Zheng has always dared to speak out, and never tied his hands to the majesty of the emperor. Today's court meeting begins, and Wei Zheng may state his opinions as usual.
However, Li Shimin never took this as a grievance. Although he already had supreme power, he was never obsessed with this false name, but hoped that a virtuous minister would interfere like this to make up for his shortcomings. Li Shimin is well aware that blindly abusing his power may lead to disastrous mistakes, so he must not be allowed to let go.
At the beginning of the court meeting, sure enough, Wei Zheng seized on a trivial matter and bluntly criticized Li Shimin, and his tone was very harsh. However, Li Shimin did not get angry, but listened carefully to Wei Zheng's advice, and finally said in public, "My fault is the duty of the secretary". It can be seen that he is a master who can really "thwart his sharpness".
The civil and military officials present were all in awe of Li Shimin. A true virtuous and virtuous master will not tire of vanity. It is precisely because of this that Li Shimin can avoid arrogance and indulgence, make great efforts, and create an unprecedented prosperous era......
The emperor does nothing, appoints people on the basis of merit, and is thirsty for advice
One day, the court meeting was over, and Li Shimin was about to return to the palace to rest. Suddenly, an attendant walked briskly and reported to Li Shimin in a low voice: "Your Majesty, Lord Wei is going to admonish again." ＂
Li Shimin was not surprised when he heard this, but just nodded. Immediately, he waved his hand to signal his attendant to leave, and then walked straight to a small courtyard.
Sure enough, Wei Zheng had been waiting there for a long time. As soon as he saw Li Shimin coming, he hurriedly knelt down on one knee and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the minister has something to advise. ＂
"Say it. After Li Shimin sat down, he said calmly.
Wei Zheng said bluntly: "The edict issued by Your Majesty recently, the ministers think that the part involving the people's acres and taxes may be incomplete. ＂
After speaking, he told his analysis and suggestions in 1510. Li Shimin listened quietly, occasionally nodding knowingly, and occasionally shaking his head contemplatively.
Soon, Wei Zheng finished his advice. He took a deep breath and looked at Li Shimin expectantly.
Li Shimin did not rush to respond, but fell into deep thought. After a long time, he finally spoke: "I understand Qing's good intentions. Indeed, when this edict was drafted, there were some areas that were not well thought out. Fortunately, there is such a straightforward statement, otherwise once it is promulgated, there will be too many omissions and drawbacks. ＂
With that, Li Shimin got up and walked in front of Wei Zheng, stretched out his hand to help him up, and patted him on the shoulder affectionately.
"This time I didn't think it through, thanks to Qing being able to speak so bluntly. In the future, I will humbly listen to the wisdom of the Magi. Li Shimin said sincerely.
Wei Zheng bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty is really too humble. Besides, the minister's advice was just a reluctance. If there are other wise men, they would like to hear about them. ＂
When Li Shimin heard this, he smiled slightly: "Qing is so humble. But this is the best, blindly relying on one's own wisdom will lead to mistakes. Come, stay in the courtyard and rest for a while, and then I will order someone to send a decree to revise the relevant edict. ＂
After that, Li Shimin personally beckoned Wei Zheng to sit in the pavilion, then turned around and left, and ordered the guards around him to go and convene a meeting of the ministers of civil and military affairs to revise the edict.
After a while, Wei Zheng was the only one left in the courtyard. With deep admiration, he looked at the tall back and muttered to himself: "The lord of today is so humble and honest, he is really a model for the emperor of all ages!" ＂
Not long after, there was a news in the capital that many people did not expect.
On that day, Li Shimin was reviewing the recital in the imperial study. Suddenly, a eunuch hurried in with a piece of music in his hand, knelt on his knees, and said tremblingly, "Ah...... Your Majesty, Your Majesty, Lord Wei and Wei are here again...... He also brought several ministers of the DPRK and China...... Said and said that he wanted to admonish and admonish His Majesty...... ＂
Li Shimin frowned slightly, and then waved his hand to signal the eunuch to retreat. I saw Wei Zheng, who had not seen anyone for a long time, coming against the light, followed by the prime minister, Shangshu and several other dignitaries. It seems that this advice is not trivial!
"Your Majesty. Wei Zheng bowed respectfully, and then said straight to the point: "Recently, there have been many things in the border to stir up chaos, and the ministers are afraid that the royal family is safe, so they specially came with all the ministers, I hope Your Majesty can pay more attention." ＂
After that, he put together an analysis and countermeasures on the situation in the border areas. Although Wei Zhengping has a stern personality and straightforward wording, he talks about national affairs endlessly and progressively, which shows his profound knowledge and superb talent.
So, Li Shimin put down his official duties and listened carefully. It wasn't until Wei Zheng and the others finished speaking that he pondered for a long time and asked, "Then since I have decided to do so, do you have any objections?" ＂
The prime minister and the others looked at each other, and no one said anything more. Li Shimin nodded with satisfaction and said to Wei Zheng: "What Qing and the others said is extremely true. But I've been on guard for a long time. But with such advice from you, we will definitely put an end to all my omissions and mistakes. To have such a loyal and straightforward minister, I am really fortunate in my three lives! ＂
Hearing Li Shimin's humble praise, Wei Zheng and others were all deeply moved. A generation of masters, especially those who need such sharp eyes as virtuous ministers, can alleviate their shortcomings in hearing and make up for their regrets in decision-making!
As a result, there was a saying in the capital: Li Shimin admitted that "wisdom is limited" and that he needs to be admonished by his subordinates. It can be described as a model of the emperor, which is really admirable!
The emperor is cautious and independent, and he must change if he knows it
One day, Li Shimin came to a frontier military camp to inspect. I saw the army roaring and arrows flying, and it was in full swing. He nodded in satisfaction, and was about to turn to leave, when he heard an official shouting loudly and walking quickly.
"Your Majesty forgive your sins! The official grabbed Li Shimin's sleeve and shouted: "These are some incompetent people!" Why should Your Majesty personally inspect it, it will only delay the military aircraft! ＂
Li Shimin was stunned, he had always been humble in the world, and he was treated so rudely at this time! He was about to have a seizure, but a counselor next to him was quick and pushed the official to the ground.
"Presumptuous! Falsely accuse the king, and die innocently! The minister said through gritted teeth.
Only then did Li Shimin fix his eyes, and it turned out that the official already had a hideous face, his eyes were blazing, and he was obviously a madman. He coughed in embarrassment and waved his hand to stop the minister's movements.
"Wait! This man is seriously ill, so let's send him to a military hospital for treatment first. Li Shimin said, his face had returned to peace.
At this moment, a middle-aged woman dressed in luxury walked briskly, bowed her head and bowed in front of Li Shimin.
"Your Majesty is blessed. The woman said, "The concubine has heard that your old man has been unreasonably abused by the madman, and she wishes to forgive him for his sins." He is old and confused, and he still hopes that His Majesty will release his past suspicions. ＂
Li Shimin didn't expect such a thing. He looked at the woman in front of him, couldn't help but smile slightly, and said, "I didn't take this matter to heart. However, since you are his wife, I hope you will pay more attention in the future and don't let him offend others again. ＂
"Respectfully, respectfully. "The woman was pardoned, and she thanked her.
After the woman left, the attendants thought that Li Shimin would be angry about this. He was not angry, but said to the ministers, "You have seen this, and although the madman is unreasonable, he has also said some of my shortcomings. In the future, if I look at the military again, I must be cautious and not let the army's morale be discouraged. ＂
When the ministers heard this, they all admired Li Shimin for being so wise and wise. You know, for a monarch in charge, it is really rare to learn from the unreasonable abuse of a madman. It is the so-called "cautious independence" that can avoid arrogance and indulgence.
Soon after, something even more shocking happened. In the early summer of that year, Li Shimin was resting in the palace. A maidservant brought hot tea and accidentally hit Li Shimin, pouring hot water on him.
"Ahh Li Shimin screamed in pain and struggled to stand up, but was covered in scaly wounds by the boiling water.
"Your Majesty! The guards and imperial doctors on the side panicked and hurriedly helped him aside. But at this moment, Li Shimin suddenly jumped like thunder, pushed the maid away, and scolded in public: "You incompetent minion! I am the master, how can I be insulted like you like this! ＂
Seeing this, the imperial doctors hurriedly bandaged Li Shimin briefly and sent him to the imperial hospital for recuperation. As for the poor maidservant, she was immediately dragged out by the jailer, ready to be punished severely.
In the two days that Li Yuan was quietly recuperating from his injuries, the entire palace was silent, and there was a panicked atmosphere. On the third day, suddenly there was a cry from the palace people.
It turned out that this was the queen Dou who heard that her husband was injured, and she couldn't help crying bitterly. As a clear-eyed person, she naturally knew that the maid's unintentional mistakes did not need to be punished at all, and Li Shimin's momentary anger was also very wrong.
So, Dou hurriedly came to the imperial hospital, knelt in front of Li Shimin's bed, and persuaded with great gratitude: "Your Majesty, it is indeed unfair for you to dispose of that servant girl in a fit of anger. The fault of the retainers, why should it be like this...... You should forgive her first, and then examine yourself, this is the benevolence that Mingjun should have! ＂
The words are eloquent, and every sentence is reasonable. Li Shimin pondered for a long time and couldn't help but feel ashamed. He hurriedly ordered the servant girl to be relieved, and said to the ministers in public: "I was confused yesterday, and I punished the innocent, and I should be punished." I was injured this time, and it was thanks to Empress Dou's timely advice that I was able to come to my senses. With such a virtuous helper on the side, I am not careful! ＂
The ministers were all amazed by Li Shimin's open-mindedness, this master can not only humbly accept advice and accept virtuous ministers, but even the concubine's words can be humbly obeyed. Since then, the people of the government and the opposition have all been impressed by his high wisdom and virtue!
The emperor is thin, the near is soft, and the far is gradually thin
In the middle of summer, in front of a majestic palace in Chang'an City, there have been many civil and military officials waiting for a long time. They all came at the call of the Holy Lord Li Shimin for a seasonal pilgrimage. It's just that now that the sun has set in the west, and the saint has not yet appeared, it can't help but make them a little anxious.
"What the hell is going on? Someone muttered quietly: "Your Majesty never hesitates in the session, something must have happened." ＂
At this moment, the palace door suddenly opened, and a figure walked out quickly, it was Li Shimin's henchman eunuch who had just arrived. Seeing that the ministers looked confused, he hurriedly explained: "Your Majesty's mother and concubine are sick when they go to bed, and they have summoned the imperial doctor to ask for peace. Let's go back and rest for a while, and when you can get the sound, you will be back to your life immediately. ＂
As he spoke, he quickly followed in, and the palace door was tightly closed. Only then did the civil and military officials look at each other and leave in turn.
On that day, Li Shimin actually served the critically ill Queen Mother in person, almost day and night. Seeing his mother suffering from illness, his eyes were often moist and his face was melancholy. Finally, under the careful care of the imperial doctors, the queen mother's condition eased slightly.
One day, Li Shimin was accompanying his mother's dragon bed, when the Queen Mother suddenly spoke and said weakly: "I have entered the twilight of my life this year, and I am afraid I will not last long." Son, I have only one commandment, I hope you will remember—"
Li Shimin hurriedly leaned his ears over, his face full of concern: "Mother, please do what you ask, and your son will obey the order." ＂
The Queen Mother took a deep breath and said: "You and I are both masters, we must be cautious and cautious, remember not to indulge in it because of temporary glory and wealth, and not to be blinded by power." Otherwise, we will be damned...... Do you remember what I said today? Don't live up to the expectations of your ancestors...... ＂
Li Shimin was sad for a while, and nodded again and again: "Yes, my son remembers his mother's teachings." ＂
Since then, Li Shimin has completely reined in his edge, and he has been slacking off every day. Not only that, but he gradually alienated himself from his cronies and favorite concubines, and focused all his energy on the top priority of governing the country.
Once, Wei Zheng came to admonish and severely criticized some promiscuous practices in the court. However, Li Shimin only pondered for a moment, and immediately issued an edict to dismiss some unscrupulous personnel in the DPRK and China. It can be seen from the side that he has now abandoned all distractions and is dedicated to working hard for the country.
Finally, one morning, when the Chinese military officials gathered at the consultation place, Wei Zheng stood up and read out a decree in a deep voice.
I saw that it was written: "I heard that the saint has no desire, and the wise man has no desire." I have reflected on many mistakes that have won people, and I will definitely avoid arrogance and luxury, and do what I want. Those who violate the rules will be resolutely punished, so as to restore the legacy of the previous king...... May all colleagues take this as a warning! Chin this. ＂
After reading, Wei Zheng shook his eyes and sat down. And the whole venue was in an uproar in an instant. Everyone was moved by Li Shimin's open-mindedness and determination. As Zhou Song said: "A gentleman has no end of food, and he must make a mistake, and he must do it." Li Shimin's move is really admirable!
After the court meeting, Wei Zheng wrote a letter on Li Shimin's new edict, which was widely circulated. There is such a passage in it: "The emperor thinks about the teachings of the previous dynasty all day long, and now it is the world of great governance." I hope that all of you will be of the same mind, just like the Holy Lord, use the word 'no desire', advocate the wind and make a fool, and do not be blasphemers! ＂
After reading this article, the people of the time were all impressed by Li Shimin. The government and the opposition also obeyed the holy decree and walked more firmly and solidly on the road of "thin desire".
Hard and simple, take the lead in setting an example
The years of daily management always fly by, and in the blink of an eye, Li Shimin has been in power for several years. In the spring of this year, a major drought broke out in the Taihang Mountains, and many people were displaced. After Li Shimin received the news, he immediately sent people to open a warehouse for relief and personally inspected it.
Seeing the yellow sand flying, the dry rivers, and the sparse crops, Li Shimin's face was solemn. When he entered a village, he was filled with the cries of hungry people, and the tragic scene made him saddened. He immediately issued an order to allocate a large amount of military rations to support the local area.
However, at this moment, a poor family caught his attention. I saw that there was nothing else in the house except a broken cauldron and a few old rags. Li Shimin couldn't help but feel suspicious and stepped forward to ask the reason.
"Ah, Your Majesty! When the owner of the house saw him, he fell to his knees in fright, and replied tremblingly: "The little man's family is too poor to fight the drought, and this is why it is like this...... I can't help but sigh! ＂
"But how? Li Shimin frowned and asked.
"Minister...... There are only these broken inkstones in the minister's family, and they can only barely survive on them. The man lowered his eyebrows and said, "Your Majesty, your old man really looks down on the villain. ＂
As soon as the words fell, Li Shimin stood up straight and said in a deep voice: "The purpose of my trip is to see the current living conditions of your people. Who says your family is too poor to be neglected? The words of the sage said: 'If you live in the ugly, you will forget where you are trapped', you should take your own situation as a warning, not be arrogant and lascivious! ＂
The man was so frightened that he was almost speechless. He had to receive the teachings of the Holy Lord in a hurry, and he did not dare to say more. Seeing this, Li Shimin no longer embarrassed him, but ordered people to distribute some relief food to them.
Afterwards, someone said to Li Shimin: "What Your Majesty did today is really too simple and severe. After all, you are the Son of Heaven, how can you be so groveling to deal with such poor people? ＂
"Not bad. Li Shimin nodded, and said with a straight face: "But there is a reason why I am like this. Although the man lived in poverty, he did not give up his integrity. On the contrary, he often uses his own environment as a warning, which makes me admire him very much. You see, when the Son of Heaven is in the position of the Ten Thousand Vehicles, should not he be so humble and prudent? Otherwise, one day when you are really rich to the extreme, you will inevitably be arrogant and lascivious, and eventually become greedy! ＂
Speaking of this, Li Shimin paused, and said: "For this reason, I am determined to set some examples in daily life from today onwards. For example, I will abandon the expensive treasures of the royal clothes and wear only plain cloth robes; When you go to court, you will no longer ride a car, but only go on foot...... You say, "Is that good?" ＂
All the ministers were amazed when they heard this, and they all sincerely praised Li Shimin for being so open-minded. As the so-called "upward and downward effect", this Ming master is a pioneer, hard and simple, and will be able to open peace for all generations!
Since then, the government and the opposition have all learned the style of the Holy Lord, wearing simple clothes and living a poor life. Some of the noble relatives were not used to it at first, but for the sake of the Holy Lord's face, they gradually restrained their extravagance.
In a blink of an eye, the entire Tang Dynasty could no longer see the scene of brocade clothes and jade food. The palace and rich rooms are also very simple and decorated. As a result, waste is greatly reduced. In addition, the Holy Lord advocated thrift and thrift, and finally the people's lives began to slowly improve.
Li Shimin's actions even influenced the poets of the time. Even the great poet Dou Shutong was infected and wrote a good sentence that was popular with the people: "In the past, when Your Majesty was in the past, only the clothes were in the ears; The jackal is in the simple grass, not taking and not selfish. "Speak directly to the simple mind of the Holy Lord.
end
In this way, the new style of diligence and thrift in the Tang Dynasty gradually took shape, full of vitality and vitality, and was deeply admired by the people of the Quartet. It is in response to the proverb of "diligence and thrift, but you will be safe". With such an outstanding monarch in charge, the future of Datang will definitely be bright!