In the fifth year after Liu Ju, the sixth emperor of the Han Empire, changed the era name again, that is, when it was commonly known as the "five years of health" in history, two extremely important events occurred. These two pieces can be called the role of connecting the past and the future, and they are very important in all historical records.

The first of these two events is the celebration of the Centennial of the Empire, which is held in late autumn. This event can be said to be unparalleled grand. The world was a sensation, and all the subjects who belonged to the rule of the Han Empire truly realized how strong their country had become.

Earlier in this, His Majesty the Emperor officially issued an edict, which in a sense caused no less sensation than a celebratory ceremony. However, at that time, this edict caused a lot of controversy in the world, and it caused more or less waves. But as time passed, it was not until a few years later that everyone truly realized the foresight of the first emperor "Emperor Ren" Liu Ju.

However, by the time this Son of Heaven, who had only reigned for twelve years, was understood by the world, he had already passed away for many years. The grass and trees turn to ashes, and benevolence is immortal. This event was also praised by later generations as his most worthy of being called a great initiative.

Although there is no clear record in the history books, Emperor Ren made such a decision under what circumstances. But this does not prevent future generations from speculating on the situation through clues.

Among them, the two most accepted statements by the world, one is that Emperor Ren has been ill for a long time and worries about the inheritance of the society day and night. Then he discussed with the queen and succeeded the eldest princess Zifeng as the crown prince. Just in case.

Another way of saying it is that this former emperor, who attaches great importance to feelings, has always been grateful for the kindness of the Han Dynasty, and has long had the idea of entrusting orphans. It's just that I have no children, and I have no choice. Later, he simply wanted to give it away, but Yuan Zhao refused. Knowing that his days were numbered, he simply passed it on to his son.

Both of these arguments, while far-fetched, are accepted by the majority of the general population. And it is talked about in the market, and it is passed on as a good story.

And only a truly knowledgeable person will clearly know that these popular sayings in the world are only external reasons. Clearing the layers of fog, what they saw was the sincerity of Emperor Ren and the Han Dynasty, as well as the great sacrifices they made to take care of the well-being of the whole world.

The reason why Liu Ju was finally nicknamed "Ren" Emperor was in addition to the fact that during his 12-year reign, the Han Dynasty really entered a glorious and prosperous era. The most important merit and reason is that in his last few years, he used his attitude of firm support to create the most favorable conditions for the governance reform called by the Han Dynasty. Among them, one of the decisive factors that will play a decisive role in the future direction of the country is that he broke through layers of obstacles and established his own heir.

In every respect, under the conditions of the time, this was a shocking feat. Because the heir he chose was neither a descendant of the Han family, nor other close side branches. but the son of a foreign minister. Although there is also a relationship between the eldest princess in this, it has never happened after all.

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, three generations of holy kings. The stories of those who chose sages and gave up royal power are only distant legends after all. No one saw it with their own eyes, let alone knew what it was like. But Emperor Ren's handwritten edict was clearly seen by both the people at the time and those who came after him. It turns out that there are really people who can be so broad-minded as to give up the law of "family world", which has been passed down for thousands of years. He thought of the common people in the world, and completely let go of his selfish desires!

"Your Majesty's move is enough to make a contribution to the community and shine for a thousand years!"

The white-haired Taishi Ling Sima Qian, after completely recording this major ** in the annals, couldn't help but sigh like this. He was one of the very few people at the time who could have foreseen the far-reaching implications behind the event. The thoughts in my heart are surging, so naturally I don't need to say more.

Seeing the amazement in his eyes, Yuan Zhao couldn't help but smile bitterly and shook his head. He really feels like he's been put on the shelves now. Whether it is fighting or doing things, he is not afraid. However, he was pushed to such a position by the emperor, and he must be cautious in his words and deeds in the future.

"Taishi Gong, you only know one thing, but you don't know the other...... Alas! It's too hard for me. ”

Seeing his sad face and sighing, Sima Qian didn't raise his head, still writing his words meticulously. He began to become more and more cautious about Yuan Zhao, and was very dismissive.

"Yuan Gong, how old are you now, but you must not have twilight! Since His Majesty has such trust, and with the heavy trust of the society, he should be motivated and fearless. It is your responsibility to lead this country to a higher level. ”

Seeing this proud prince, Lord Taishi Ling looked fierce. Yuan Zhao rubbed his forehead helplessly.

"Taishi Gong is well-read, through the changes of the past and the present. Haven't you heard of the truth that the king is the king and the loser? ”

"What did Yuan Gong say...... Where does this begin? ”

"It's very simple. Since this edict from His Majesty, all of us have embarked on a difficult journey that we have never had before. And, there's no turning back! The difficulty of this road will be unimaginable. It doesn't have a successful model, and it doesn't have much experience to draw from. The day of its triumph is far away. And once you encounter an obstacle that is difficult to overcome...... All the achievements of the past 100 years may well be ruined! Huang Zhongding was abandoned, and the society collapsed. And we, including Your Majesty, will be sinners through the ages! ”

Sima Qian finally raised his head, he threw away the pen in his hand, and the expression on his face was extremely shocked. Today, when the Han Empire is powerful and the national strength is incomparably strong, he can't imagine what other forces can pose a threat to the innovation and development of this prosperous dynasty.

"I'm afraid that's a bit alarmist, isn't it? Yuan Gong, even if the restructuring measures you once said are not effective for the time being, at most they will only maintain the current situation. And such a glorious era is enough to be proud. How can the consequences be as serious as you say? ”

"Taishi Gong, the success or failure of the rise and fall of this world is a very mysterious thing. When the moon is full, it is lost, and when the water is full, it overflows. Don't you know that the culmination of prosperity is often the beginning of decline. Another way is, sail against the current, if you don't advance, you will retreat! The Han Empire, which has come to this point, is like a big ship fighting huge waves at sea.

Not only can there be no slight deviation. Even if you want to stop where you are, it's hard to do. ”

"But...... The old man still didn't understand, what was Yuan Gong afraid of? ”

"It's the hearts of the people! That is, what the people of the world want. What exactly do most people want, and do they really support radical change in the dynasty that is leading them...... This is also something that I have been hesitating about for a long time. ”

"The hearts of the people? Since ancient times, heaven and earth have been unkind, and all things have been used as dogs. The world is busy, inexplicable. Fang is led by a virtuous sage, with enough food and clothing, teaching etiquette, and calling it a herdsman! Yuan Gong, the old man believes that as long as he has the ability to make all the people fed, clothed and warm, he can live and travel without worry. They will naturally follow the instructions and do what they have to do. The world is peaceful, and the water is a matter of course...... Why should you worry about it? ”

Sima Qian stared at Yuan Zhao's eyes frankly, this was his true attitude, and it also represented the attitude of many scholars and middle- and upper-level officials. Maybe he wouldn't say it directly in front of the emperor, but in front of this person, he didn't have to hide. Unexpectedly, Yuan Zhao shook his head. Sima Qian's attitude did not surprise him. Since even this great historian, whose vision far surpassed that of other contemporaries, had not yet recognized the importance of this relationship, let alone others.

"People are not static. Under what kind of social conditions, what kind of people's needs will arise. As a ruler, if you only see the strength of the country and do not seriously think about the subordinate relationship behind it and the influence of many aspects, it will inevitably lead to bias and mistakes. That would be very dangerous! ”

"It's not that serious, is it? The old man has lived to this day, and he remembers very clearly that since the two former emperors of Wen and Jing, although there are many unstable factors in the world, there have been several wars in the territory of the Han Dynasty. However, whether it was the rebellion of the princes and kings, or other disputes inside and outside the court, they all quickly subsided, and they did not develop to the extent of endangering the society of the country. As for the power of ordinary people in the world, there is nothing too obvious in this...... Yuan Gong, I'm too worried! ”

"Taishi Gong, I remember that a great emperor in this world once made an analogy, but it is a little different from the herdsman theory you said. Do you want to hear it? ”

"Yuan Gong, please speak, the old man listens!"

He said that the world is like water, and the king rules like a boat. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize a boat. What a mistake! ”

It was the first time Sima Qian had heard such a statement. His eyes widened in astonishment, and he muttered to himself repeating it. This is indeed very different from what he has always knew!

"The old man once saw in Mencius that the people are precious, the society is secondary, and the king is even more inferior, and once thought that this was just an unattainable ideal of scholars. Is there really such a king in the world...... Why haven't I heard of it? ”

Yuan Zhao smiled faintly, and there seemed to be a lot of mystery hidden in his eyes. He didn't answer Sima Qian's last question, but just stood up and accentuated his tone, and said categorically to the Taishi Ling of the Han Empire and to the many ministers around him.

"If you are willing, we can also realize that ideal...... Let's start now! ”