Thousands of emotions in the world are subverted back and forth, swaying left and right. Only the love between children and parents transcends human instincts, crosses time and time, is solid and credible. But throughout history, there are exceptions.
If emotions are not mixed with other emotions, they are worthy of praise. But once you have other obsessions, emotions become bargaining chips that can be sacrificed at any time. This is true for any emotion, and human nature cannot escape it.
In the early Tang Dynasty, Li family was a dragon and a phoenix among people, but if it were not for the " Xuanwu Gate Change " that shocked the past and present, what kind of chapters would have been written on this historical book?
Sui Dynasty lost the hearts of the people, Li Shimin came out of
In 618 AD, an army from Jinyang, Taiyuan defeated the orthodox Central Plains at that time - Sui Dynasty, and established the golden prosperity of Chinese history - Tang Dynasty .
The cause of this dynasty change starts with the emperor of the late Sui Dynasty Yang Guang .
As the emperor, Yang Guang was tyrannical and suspicious. Those who are ministers are inevitably suspicious of their suspicion. From royal family to gentry, from civil officials to military generals, there are many people who have been convicted of their suspicion. He even regarded people's livelihood as a joke, without virtue or cultivation, and would not win the hearts of the people.
People everywhere do not want to endure the violent court anymore, and intend to wait for an opportunity. The heroes from all sides no longer wanted to continue walking on thin ice and began to plan for war. This includes the Li Yuan lineage, which was left behind in Taiyuan at the time.
Li Yuan and Yang Guang are cousins, and their mother is a relative sister. Therefore, at the beginning, Li Yuan was hesitant about the anti-Sui Dynasty, and the development of the situation was inseparable from the promotion of his son Li Shimin.
When Li Yuan was in Taiyuan, his second son Li Shimin was following him. Anyone who knows history knows that Li Shimin had a crucial influence on the development of the Tang Dynasty and even the trajectory of Chinese history. Sima Guang even called him "the talent of civil and military affairs, higher than that of ancient times."
But Li Shimin was only eighteen years old at the beginning of the uprising. The money and help required to manage and unblock the left and right would not be so easy without Li Yuan's acquiescence.
Li Shimin
So it is not difficult to see that Li Yuan has no intention in the open and no intention in the dark. As for why he doesn't show it, there are many reasons. Some say it is because Li Yuan lost his father at the age of seven and cherished his family affection; some say it is because his family is far away from his hometown in Hedong and is under surveillance by the Sui Dynasty.
Only Li Yuan himself can explain all the possibilities. But what we know is that after Li Yuan clearly rebelled against the Sui Dynasty, he immediately called his relatives from his hometown in Hedong to Taiyuan, and the leader was his eldest son, , Li Jiancheng, .
During Li Yuan's tenure, Li Jiancheng helped his father manage the life of this family like his parents, and his leadership was not inferior to Li Shimin.
. Many of Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin's views were very similar in this uprising, and they were even more comparable to those who led troops to fight. So maybe at this time, the two people are destined to become opposites.
Li Jiancheng
It was under such an offensive that Li's troops fought from Taiyuan to Chang'an , conquering the city and marching with great ambition. It took only one year to rebel to the beginning of a great cause.
The glory of the Sui Dynasty came to an abrupt end in the 37th year and became a trench that was storming under the wheel of history.
Under such historical background, Li Yuan was pushed to the position of Supreme Nine Five, with the country name Tang, and settled in Chang'an. At this time, the Tang Dynasty had not yet ushered in that prosperous era that was stunning the world, but the picture had been laid out, the treacherous tide under the imperial power was about to be staged...
Killing brother to seize power
In the early days of the Tang Dynasty, it was internal and external troubles. Although the destruction of the Sui Dynasty was successful, the forces of all parties were still surging around, and the situation in the world was still in turmoil. In order to stabilize the country, subjugation of all parties was essential. And this candidate is Li Shimin.
He is brave and courageous, and he has followed many generals. He can be said to be the best person in the Tang Dynasty who leads troops to fight.
Li Shimin
From the perspective of reality, Li Shimin has the most military achievements and should be the most favored by his father. He is the position above ten thousand people below this person.
But no matter whether it is military merit or love, it cannot compare with the traditional ritual system of strict hierarchy: only the eldest son can be the crown prince. Unfortunately, Li Shimin was the second best and was named the King of Qin , and missed the position of the crown prince.
How can a young man be willing to surrender to others? What's more, Li Shimin, who was young and vigorous, was in the world. The struggle between the prince and the King of Qin became more and more intense, and blood finally sprinkled on the palace walls.
Historical records show that in the Yang Wengan incident, Li Yuan promised that Li Shimin would give him the position of crown prince after he suppressed the rebellion of Yang Wengan. But reality shook Li Shimin's heart. Li Shimin, who returned successfully, not only gained nothing, but even lost an aide in the mansion.
Li Yuan
This made Li Shimin realize that as an emperor, he could go back on his word. At the same time, Li Shimin's desire to be the supreme position has also increased.
Yang Wengan's incident can be said to be the fuse of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, but it was Li Yuan's appointment that brought the brothers' hatred to the greatest extent.
A few days before the Xuanwu Gate Incident, the Eastern Palace invited King Qin Li Shimin and King Qi Li Yuanji .
At this time, Li Yuanji was appointed by Li Yuan to fight against Turkic . Logically speaking, the best candidate for the battle should be Li Shimin, who has experienced many battles, but Li Yuan appointed the King of Qi. If it weren't for losing trust in Li Shimin, why would Li Yuan be like this?
Li Yuanji asked his father to order the generals of the King of Qin to recruit the Qin Dynasty to go out to war. This action not only cut off Li Shimin's military power, but also destroyed all the military generals who followed him.
You should know that it is easy to execute the generals when the prince goes to war.
Before this, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji had almost dug up the scholars of the Qin Palace, and they used the concubines in the harem to destroy many of Li Shimin's power.
This time, Li Shimin's intention to kill himself gradually, but hesitated.
And on the night before the Xuanwu Gate Incident, something happened that made this palace a foregone conclusion.
The night before Li Shimin's rebellion, Li Yuan urgently summoned Li Shimin to meet with him because of the observation of astronomical phenomena: Taibai Venus is divided into Qin. This means that the emperor's power has fallen and has fallen to the Qin King's Mansion. Li Yuan wants to listen to Li Shimin's explanation.
Li Shimin is in need of an opportunity, an opportunity for the prince to appear together with the King of Qi. He took advantage of his father.
Early the next morning, Li Yuan urgently summoned the prince and the king of Qi. It was this summoning that both of them died.
It was a very ordinary morning, but the blood under the city gate licked people's hearts. Li Shimin led nine people to shoot the prince, and his fourth brother Li Yuanji was also killed.
All this came too suddenly, and by the time everyone reacted, the weather had already changed. If Li Yuan could predict the future, he would probably not have let his eldest son Li Jiancheng be the prince of the Tang Dynasty .
The predecessors were confused because they were in it; the descendants knew it, but they were sad about the cruelty of historical facts.
In 626 AD, the Xuanwu Gate Incident, which shocked ancient and modern times, sent the three brothers who were originally a mother and a compatriot on the road of no return, and also took away all the hearts of an old man in his sixties.
Li Shimin finally made a choice to fight for the throne. Although this choice shocked the government and the public, it became a turning point for him to leave his name in history. At the same time, this choice also makes parents feel uncomfortable.
Killing your brother with his hand is in Li Shimin’s heart, but we don’t know what it feels like, but Li Shimin, who had been fighting for many years, turned over and fell off his horse after success and almost died.
Li Shimin fought with his elder brother for many years, but he never used his life as a bargaining chip. Although this palace change was planned for a long time, it could not hide the guilt and tension in Li Shimin's heart after the matter was completed.
The facts were as he wished. After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Li Yuan gave him the position of crown prince, and soon after, he retreated behind the scenes and became the Supreme Emperor who turned a blind eye to the government.
The Tang Dynasty had many emperors, but Li Yuan was the first to lead the way. Fortunately, the emperor of the dynasty did not intend to make things difficult for him, and most of Li Yuan's behaviors were blameless.
Li Shimin, who ascended the throne, does have the talent to be a king, both mind and wrist, and both diligence and wisdom.The world he governed was created, which was famous for the Zhenguan rule, and became an example for later emperors to follow and learn from.
The results in front of people can easily forget the past, just like a bright future, which can easily cover up the gloom of the past. Most historians today also understand and support Li Shimin's practice of fighting for power and throne.
But we all know that the eyes of later generations were examined from the perspective of historical macroscopy, and such a perspective was not available to people at that time.
Fortunately, over time, the change of Xuanwu Gate gradually became a mysterious legend in the palace and was no longer mentioned. But witnesses who have been changed in their destiny still remember that this destiny vortex is difficult to get rid of. Li Yuan is considered one.
The change in Xuanwu Gate is shocking for the world, but for Li Yuan, it is a heart-wrenching pain.
Li Shimin
Li Yuan saw it very clearly: How can the cold Nine Five position be comparable to family harmony? A palace change lost three of their most proud sons. How can you let go of the pain of losing a child like this?
choice to abdicate may not be Li Yuan’s original wish, but at this time he seems to have no other way out. Reality is always beyond human expectations: what Li Yuan did not expect was that the life of the Supreme Emperor was so free.
abdicated life
In the early years, because of his noble status and royal blood, he held an important position in the court. When Li Yuan became the prefect of Taiyuan, he developed a character of enjoyment and slacking off and contentment.
By chance, he was pushed to the position of the Supreme Nine Five by fate. This was why he had to be like a doll full of clockwork, starting to worry about national affairs and people's livelihood, and working hard all the time.
This sudden resignation caused him to return to his original lifestyle. Even becoming noble and more convenient because of identity.
No responsibility and no worries about politics, Li Yuan lived a retirement life of whatever he wanted.
Although he has entered his old age, Li Yuan's character has not diminished at all in the past. There are rumors that in order to reduce redundant staff, Li Shimin cut countless palace maids from Li Yuan's Tai Chi Hall.
I think that Li Yuan, who became the Supreme Emperor, served more people than others, so many of the concubines and concubines were newly included.
The newly included concubines and concubines have added a lot of popularity to Li.
Judging from the age of Li Yuan’s descendants, after Li Shimin ascended the throne, several younger brothers and sisters were just born. There are nearly ten records, and there is no way to verify if there is no clear record.
There are rumors that Li Yuan’s youngest child is younger than Li Shimin’s grandson.
From this point of view, Li Yuan’s descendants are very destined.
Li Yuan, who has been obedient to the ears, must be powerless in taking care of the newborn. But these little babies are genuine princes and princesses. This status is extremely noble, and you must not be careless when applying it.
Li Yuan
So, the burden of taking care of younger brothers and sisters finally fell on Li Shimin. We can imagine the weakness of newborns, let alone all the hard work and all the matters during their growth.
Nowadays, these newborn younger brothers and sisters, whether in their diet, daily life, or daily teaching and raising, have to rely on this emperor's brother to handle settlement.
So it appeared. In addition to being busy with the government affairs, Li Shimin also had to worry about these trivial matters of his younger brothers and sisters.
Some people say this is Li Yuan’s revenge on Li Shimin, but from another perspective, this can be regarded as a “sweet burden” left by Li Yuan for him!
The younger brother and sister in childhood had no dissatisfaction, and this period was quite worry-free for Li Shimin.
Li Shimin
But when these children grow to a certain age, marriage matters and official appointments are not trivial matters that can be entrusted to others.
In the officialdom, rights are like roots, interlaced and complicated. In order to stabilize his own rights, Li Shimin must do these things personally and pay attention to them everywhere.
Based on this, it is not an exaggeration to say that these younger brothers and sisters were "revenge" left by Li Yuan to Li Shimin.
Li Yuan’s life after his abdication has not been recorded so far, but there are only some activities and banquets in the bedroom. It is recorded that Li Shimin defeated the Turks during his reign.
This is Li Yuan’s heart disease. When he was still an emperor, Li Yuan was often in trouble due to the invasion of the Turks. But he has been fighting all year round and always lost to the Turks.
Now his son Li Shimin finally got his heart ill. Li Yuan was of course very happy to hear the news. He also held a special banquet for this, praising his son's outstanding achievements.
Even though I had a grudge and was forced into a dead end by the desire to gain something, time has passed, and the eternal emotions are still connected by blood. When the glitz is over, I still have concerns.
Li Shimin often misses his father in front of others, saying that he was influenced by his father and was grateful for it for a long time.
For this reason, " Old Tang Book " also records: "I have been taught to be kind and teach the morality and follow the banner of righteousness to pacify the capital." "Now, heaven is celebrating the pride, and is the year of the year, and is sent to the left vertebrae, and is also the concubine. This is not the intelligence, but all the saints are obtained from the saints."
Those seemingly fragile, but are also the most unbreakable, and this is the feeling. It is a victim of obsession and an inseparable bond.
In 635 AD, Li Yuan's legendary life ended here.
After three dynasties, he was in power in the world when he was glorious, and he was unparalleled when he was lonely. I have been the emperor for nine years and become the emperor for nine years. The honor and disgrace of this life are still vivid in my mind when I think back on it.
But it has come to an end, the past is like smoke, and regret is impermanent. At this farewell to life and death, has the blood from nine years ago been erased?
Nowadays, Li Shimin fought for power and throne, and what he wanted was just hope for living. He has ambitions, and there is no doubt about it, but if Li Jiancheng had not had his previous life and death plan, would Li Shimin still be at the point of his brothers being killed?
How much the coat of grand achievements has been peeled off, revealing only the original intention of survival.
Before becoming an emperor, his father was kind and his son was filial, and his brother was friendly and respectful. Before power, it is emotion. The same is true for Li Shimin, who is the son of his father and the brother of his brother.
Perhaps even he himself did not expect that the step he took was not only to give up his emotions and gain vitality, but also the price he had to pay to ascend to the supreme position.
It is said that emperors are lonely and widowed, and their power is given up, and their selfish desires are abandoned. Isn’t this another kind of punishment?
In life, what you seek and what you gain are balanced between advance and retreat. The judgment of others in the end cannot match my own personal feelings. This is true and so is history.
