In the long course of Chinese history, the political pattern of the last years of the Northern Wei Dynasty was extremely complex. The Northern Wei Dynasty was divided into two parts, the Eastern Wei Dynasty was ruled by Gao Huan, and the Western Wei Dynasty was under the jurisdiction of Yuwentai. Gao Huan, originally a famous general of the Northern Wei Dynasty, gradually grasped the power of the Eastern Wei Dynasty because of his political ambitions and military talents. Although the Eastern Wei Dynasty developed steadily under the leadership of Gao Huan, the contest with the Western Wei Dynasty never achieved a decisive victory. At this time, the Rouran tribe in the north gradually rose and became a force to be reckoned with. In order to consolidate and expand his power, Gao Huan had to consider an alliance with Rouran. And the way the alliance was formed was unexpectedly involved in a political marriage.
In 534 A.D., the spring breeze warmed up, and Gao Huan paced in his mansion, his face gloomy. At this time, he was already the de facto ruler of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, but the increasing pressure of the Western Wei Dynasty made him feel that the sky above him was no longer so stable.
"Report!" A guard hurriedly entered, breaking Gao Huan's musings. "My lord, the messenger of Rouran has arrived, and he is waiting outside."
Gao Huan nodded and motioned for the guards to lead people. The Emissary of Rouran entered the hall with a steady step, followed by several retinues, each with delicate bows and arrows at their waists.
"Lord Gao, my Khan intends to form an alliance with you to fight against the Western Wei Dynasty." The voice of the messenger was firm and clear.
Gao Huan's eyes lit up, this was exactly the news he was looking forward to. The messenger's next words sank his heart.
"However, the Khan has one condition, you must personally marry our princess, the Yujiulu clan."
This sudden request caught Gao Huan off guard. He had planned to seek this family business for his eldest son, Gao Cheng. Gao Huan was silent for a moment, his heart turned a thousand times, and finally said, "I need to think about this matter." Please go back for the time being, and I will reply as soon as possible. ”
The messenger saluted and turned to leave. Gao Huan immediately summoned Lou Zhaojun. In the study, Lou Zhaojun quietly listened to Gao Huan's narration.
"Gao Gong, you know that I have always supported you. Now that the overall situation is important, if I can really stabilize the world with this matter, I am willing to abdicate and make way for Xian. Lou Zhaojun's voice was calm and firm.
Gao Huan looked at his long-time partner with mixed feelings in his heart. He knows very well that this is a major policy decision that has a bearing on the overall situation of the country and brooks no room for error.
With his mind set, Gao Huan sent an envoy to Rouran to show that he was willing to marry Princess Rouran. When the Yu Jiulu clan stepped into the land of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, everything had been arranged properly.
On the day of the wedding, Gao Huan personally greeted him. Princess Rouran was young, beautiful, and exotic, and her arrival not only brought new hope and help, but also brought subtle changes to the political landscape of the Eastern Wei Dynasty. The wedding of Gao Huan and Yu Jiulu was held in the capital, and the scale was grand, showing Gao Huan's determination to unite with Rouran and fight against the Western Wei Dynasty together.
Years later, the marriage had the desired effect. The Rouran clan repeatedly supported the Eastern Wei at critical moments, causing the Western Wei offensive to suffer repeated setbacks. Gao Huan also further consolidated his dominance in the Eastern Wei Dynasty, although he was a little unwilling in his heart, but he knew that for the sake of the overall situation, this was a responsibility and sacrifice that must be assumed.
With the passage of time, the marriage between Gao Huan and Princess Rouran was gradually accepted. Although it was originally out of political considerations, Princess Rouran was smart and wise, and gradually won Gao Huan's respect, and even some degree of love. She not only brought Rouran's strong support to Gao Huan, but also exerted a unique influence in the court of the Eastern Wei Dynasty. In his later years, Gao Huan once said to his cronies: "In this life, marriage and power are intertwined, although it is not satisfactory, but it is also no regrets." ”
Gao Huan's life is an epic of power and responsibility. From a poor family to the ruler of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, every step of his way was full of challenges. His decision-making, especially the political marriage with Princess Rouran, reflects the helplessness and wisdom of a ruler. In the game of power, individual emotions are often sacrificed, while the interests of the state are placed in the supreme position. Gao Huan's story is not only a narrative of personal fate, but also a profound reflection of the political pattern of that era.