The eldest grandson of the four great virtuous queens

Behind every successful man, there is a great woman. Whether a married man can succeed in his career and how well he lives depends largely on his wife. Without a good helper, it is difficult to imagine a happy life. In particular, the wives of the leaders are not virtuous and love to play with power, and if they do not do it well, they will bring disaster to the country. For example, Empress Jia of the Western Jin Dynasty turned the great rivers and mountains into a miasma, and finally led to the "Rebellion of the Eight Kings" and the demise of the Western Jin Dynasty. Cixi was also not a good daughter-in-law, and after the death of Emperor Xianfeng, she acted recklessly, causing the Qing Dynasty to gradually die. Resemble*...... Alas! Forget it, we don't have to talk about it.

The eldest grandson family is a famous family since the Northern Dynasty and lives in Luoyang. Empress Changsun (it's a pity that she couldn't leave her name) was the third brother of Emperor Xianwen Tuoba Hong of the Northern Wei Dynasty, because of the great merit, the hereditary royal patriarch (adult), and later changed his surname to Changsun. Empress Changsun's father, Changsun Sheng, was a famous general of the Sui Dynasty, with excellent martial arts and strategic strategies, and was once reused by the Sui Dynasty and was appointed as the deputy commander of the Sixth Army of the Forbidden Army (General Xiaowei of the right). Her mother, Gao, was the daughter of Gao Jingde, the governor of the Sui Dynasty and the younger sister of Gao Shilian. Gao Shilian was an elegant man who was proficient in literature and history, and served as a Zhililang in the Yang Guang era. Born in such a family, the eldest grandson was nurtured since he was a child, and developed a good habit of reading and following etiquette. Good upbringing, good cultivation. It is no wonder that it takes 300 years for the British to train a generation of gentlemen and ladies." When the eldest grandson was very young, her uncle eldest grandson Chi admired Li Shimin's mother, Mrs. Dou, so he agreed with the eldest grandson to marry the Li family in the future. When the eldest grandson grew up, her father had died at that time, and her brother Gao Shilian studied Li Yuan's second son Li Shimin for her. In 613, when the eldest grandson married Li Shimin, he was 13 years old. Li Shimin is also a 16-year-old young man. This was also a family affair at that time, and the combination of luxurious and elegant weddings and talented women was really envious of others. After marriage, Li Shimin and his wife were harmonious and happy. Career success and family happiness. And the eldest grandson is filial to his in-laws, and he is obedient to his concubines and concubines. also tried his best to bridge the relationship between Li Shimin's brothers, which can be called a model of a good daughter-in-law. The eldest grandson also has a high political consciousness, which can add luster to Li Shimin's career and continue to help, which is really rare in political marriages in history.

After the establishment of the ∑ Dynasty, the eldest grandson became the princess of Qin. In the process of Li Shimin's planning of the Xuanwumen Incident, the eldest grandson resolutely stood on her husband's side, and personally inspected and condoled the soldiers. Afterwards she was named the crown princess. Three months later, Li Shimin ascended the throne, and she was canonized as empress. In the Old Tang Book? In the Biography of the Queen's Concubine, the record of her is the most detailed. During the Zhenguan period, this virtuous mother of the country silently influenced Li Shimin, the son of heaven, in her prime with her self-denial and devotion to justice, feminine and wise character. It plays a subtle role behind the scenes and makes a unique contribution to Datang. It is this virtuous virtue that enables her to follow the law and never go beyond the boundaries of reality. Starting from the long-term peace and stability of the Tang Dynasty, for the sake of Li Shimin everywhere, there has never been any trespassing. Gan plays a supporting role. She is like-minded and affectionate with Li Shimin, and has always been respected by Li Shimin. For thousands of years, Li Shimin and Empress Changsun have been models of loving couples recognized by both the government and the people.

At the beginning of Li Shimin's accession to the throne. It was the period of depression that followed the great upheaval. Empress Changsun knew that the country was poor and the people were poor, so she took the lead in advocating frugality, and she never sought to be gorgeous or pompous in her daily dress, and the items were only enough. Empress Changsun also paid great attention to strengthening her self-cultivation, and always took time to read and study, hoping to learn from the ancients. It is said that when she combed her hair, she did not forget to put the scroll in front of her and read a few pages. Li Shimin expressed deep admiration for this. She handles the affairs of the palace very well, and never plays prestige in the palace. The concubines and palace people under him always treat each other with courtesy. If any concubine is sick, she will visit her in person. Inquire about the condition in detail and instruct the relevant personnel to take good care of their lives. In this way, the various relationships in the palace are relatively harmonious. …

After tea and dinner, under the bedside lamp, Li Shimin often discussed with her about major events in the world, especially rewards and punishments and personnel arrangements in the imperial court. When Li Shimin wanted to hear her opinion, she didn't answer or say a word. Because, she is worried about the bad precedent of starting the harem to interfere in politics by herself. In fact, Empress Changsun was always concerned about the emperor's words and deeds, and she would express her opinions in a unique way and advise Li Shimin. "Zizhi Tongjian" said: "Empress Changsun often discussed historical events with Li Shimin, using the past to illustrate the present and offer advice, which helped the emperor a lot." She is also good at seeing opportunities and being flexible with things, and Li Shimin sometimes offended his majesty because the minister's advice was too direct, and he was not happy. In front of the ministers, it was inconvenient, but when he returned to the dormitory, he couldn't hide his anger. When encountering this situation, Empress Changsun can always resolve it very skillfully.

The eldest grandson queen treats her children even more strictly, and never allows them to be extravagant or exceed etiquette. Teach them to be humble and thrifty, behave in a manner that follows etiquette, and don't do things that hurt the body. Her exemplary role contributed to the good implementation of the laws and regulations and systems of the Zhenguan period.

Of course, in the life of Empress Changsun, the most commendable thing is her prevention of foreign relatives interfering in politics. Empress Changsun's elder brother, Changsun Wuji, was both civil and military, and was close friends with Li Shimin in his early years. He assisted Li Shimin to win the world, and he was born and died, and made outstanding achievements. In the Xuanwumen Change, he took the lead, so he won the trust of Li Shimin. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he tried to appoint him as prime minister several times to take charge of the government, but he was resolutely opposed by Empress Changsun. She said: "I have become a very noble queen, and I really don't want my brother to be in power again. Empress Lu of the Han Dynasty is a bad example of the past. You are extremely holy, please do not appoint my brother as prime minister! The eldest grandson Wuji himself was also shirking, he said, "I am a relative, let me be a high-ranking official, I am worried that people in the world will say that you are nepotistic!" Li Shimin was deeply moved. Helplessly, the credit of the eldest grandson Wuji was too great, and Li Shimin had no choice but to first award him the highest honorary title of civil official (Kaifu Yi Tong Sansi, from the first grade, a very high level but not in charge of actual political affairs).

Although Empress Changsun's approach has the meaning of preserving the family, it is more important to prevent her relatives from threatening Li Tang's long-term peace and stability. The eldest grandson Wuji and his family have always been modest and cautious, never bullying others, and their eyes are empty. The political consciousness of the eldest grandson brother and sister is surprisingly high, and they are all honest and selfless noble people, which is beyond the understanding of everyone in that era. But under the inspiration of the Holy King Mingjun. Everyone has become a person with no ambition for power. This is probably another flattering word from a scholar, but it is not necessarily true. The excellence of the eldest grandson siblings ensured that the politics of Li Shimin's era were not disturbed by his relatives in the slightest. has been following the established path forward, and finally ushered in a generation of prosperity.

634 years. Empress Changsun accompanied Li Shimin on a tour of Jiucheng Palace (i.e., Renshou Palace of the Sui Dynasty, in present-day Linyou, Shaanxi), and suffered a cold on the way back. caused an old illness, and he couldn't afford to be sick ever since. In her serious illness, she also rejected Li Shimin's decision to pray for her blessing by giving amnesty to the world. On the occasion of her death, she also earnestly instructed Li Shimin:

"First, we must be kind to virtuous ministers, and don't let relatives be in prominent positions.

2. Request for a thin burial after death, a qiē from Jane. Find a random mountain to bury in the mountains. Do not occupy cultivated land. There is no need for coffins, and the burial utensils should be made of terracotta tiles or wood, so as not to waste property.

3. Continue to be tolerant of loyal ministers and admonitions, and do not listen to slander.

Fourth, it is necessary to travel less, hunt, and build less construction.

In this way, even if I don't forget me, I will die without regrets. ”

The last words of Empress Changsun are the most comprehensive, simple, and touching among the concubines of all dynasties. Historians call him "virtuous and virtuous, and a famous gentleman". …

In the tenth year of Zhenguan (636), in the middle of summer and June. The most virtuous queen in Chinese history, Empress Changsun, died in the Lizheng Hall of Chang'an Palace at the age of 36! Li Shimin in the hall couldn't help the sadness in his heart and cried loudly. There is not the slightest hypocrisy or disguise in this cry. Break one's heart. In the 23 years of living with Li Shimin, the eldest grandson has played a role that cannot be replaced by outsiders. The piles and pieces flashed in Li Shimin's mind at this moment, and they all made him unforgettable in his grief. In his "Reply to Wei Zheng's Edict", he publicly expressed his heart and told his ministers about his sad feelings after being widowed: "In the past few years, disasters and wars have been more frequent, and I lack the help of virtuous people. The people have been harmed, and my grief is even stronger. As long as it is a normal person, who can bear this great grief? Empress Changsun has been dead for several years. I still often touch things and think about people. Since then, I've been so preoccupied that I've been in a trance, and I can't sleep because I can't eat or sleep." It can really be described as "blood and tears in every word". After watching it, people can't help but sigh.

In November of that year, according to the last words of his beloved wife because of the mountain as a mausoleum. Li Shimin buried her on the Jiuzhi (zong) mountain (in present-day Liquan County, Shaanxi), which was called Zhaoling. After Li Shimin died, he was also buried here. However, Li Shimin did not fully follow the will of Empress Changsun to handle the aftermath. The momentum of Zhaoling is very majestic and magnificent, and a tower was specially built in the cemetery, so that the queen's heroic soul can be seen from a high distance at any time. In this way, the Emperor wanted to express his admiration and nostalgia for his virtuous wife. Li Shimin personally wrote a letter to express his condolences, and asked people to carve a stone tablet to stand in Zhaoling, commending the queen's self-denial and strict self-discipline.

After the burial of Empress Changsun, Li Shimin did several unprecedented things:

First, he built a house on the plank road outside the mausoleum, and ordered the palace people to live in it and serve the queen like a living person.

This kind of example of providing for the deceased is extremely rare, and it is almost the first of its kind by Li Shimin. It can be seen that in his heart, his beloved wife is always alive.

Second, he built a high-rise building in the palace - Floor View, looking at Zhaoling all day long.

Once, Li Shimin and Wei Zheng climbed this magnificent high-rise building together to look out. Wei Zheng said: "My old eyes are dizzy, and I haven't seen anything." Li Shimin only showed him, and Wei Zheng said, "Is this Zhaoling?" I thought that Your Majesty missed the Emperor Taishang and looked at the mausoleum. If it was Zhaoling, I still hadn't seen it! Li Shimin had no choice but to tearfully send someone to destroy the layer view, which is the famous "Wangling Destruction View" in history. We can see not only Li Shimin's remembrance of Empress Changsun, but also Li Shimin's behavior of only thinking about his wife and not his father is contrary to the tradition of etiquette and religion, and it is not equal. In that era of "filial piety first, husbands do not sacrifice their wives", it was inevitable that Li Shimin's behavior would be ridiculed for such a big show. In fact, as an emperor, he didn't know about this rule, but he still didn't shy away from looking at Zhaoling, and pulled the ministers to miss it. If you don't use too much affection, how can you knowingly commit it? This is also the brilliance of Li Shimin's cuteness and humanity, but he is really mean to his father.

Third, Li Shimin also did a unique thing - personally raised the youngest daughter of Empress Changsun, Princess Jinyang, and her youngest son Li Zhi.

Because Li Shimin loved and doted on his mother, he raised his son and thought of his mother with his son, so as to comfort his depressed and empty soul, which had never been seen among emperors in previous dynasties. But this kind of consolation. can only raise a glass to dispel sorrow and sorrow. is also because of his mood, even many years after the death of Empress Changsun, the harem still did not give birth to a boy and a half girl for him.

The eldest grandson queen has 3 sons and 4 daughters for Li Shimin. The three sons were the later crown prince Li Chengqian, the king of Wei Li Tai, and the king of Jin Li Zhi. In the fourteenth year of Zhenguan (640). Empress Changsun's second son Li Tai and her elder brother Li Chengqian competed for the crown prince. In order to curry favor with his father, Li Tai built a large number of buildings in Luoyang. The Ique Buddha Shrine was built to pray for the blessing of the mother. At this time, Empress Changsun had passed away for more than 5 years, and Li Tai took out his mother, who had been dead for many years, to please his father. This is enough to fully show how infatuated Li Shimin is with his beloved wife, not only no one has left the tea and cool, but her children are still cared for after her because of their father's deep love for their mother, and the attitude of the sisters-in-law towards their mothers can even affect Taizong's favor for them. …

Empress Changsun was very merciful to the palace concubines she was in charge of, but dared to mercilessly criticize Empress Mingde of the Eastern Han Dynasty (Empress of Emperor Liu Zhuang of the Eastern Han Dynasty) in her book "The Female Rule". The daughter of the famous general Ma Yuan). She believes that Queen Ma cannot restrain her relatives, making them powerful. Her "Female Rules", which records the gains and losses and deeds of the ancient concubines and comments on them, is used to warn herself how to be a competent queen, which can be called the textbook of ancient queens. She also said to her subordinates, "This is what I wrote to make myself wary." If you don't want the emperor to know what the woman said, you must not talk nonsense. "When Empress Changsun died, the palace ladies dared to take out this book and show it to Li Shimin. Li Shimin was even more sad after seeing it, and he showed it to his close ministers. And said. "The Queen's book is enough to be immortalized. She was always able to persuade me to take my advice seriously and make up for my shortcomings. I won't hear it again. It's so sad that I've lost someone closest to me to support me. Li Shimin ordered the book to be printed and distributed for people to study.

Her death seems to have caused all the people of the Tang Dynasty to lose their common mother. While grieving with Li Shimin, everyone also wrote a lot of poems to remember this virtuous queen. For example, Li Baiyao, a great historian and poet of the Tang Dynasty, wrote "Elegy for Empress Wende":

Pei returned to the Liangyi Hall and looked at the ninety stage.

The jade chariot finally said goodbye to the banquet, and the Yao basket was not opened.

The wilderness is cloudy. Chuan Chang thinks about the bird.

The cold mountain is twilight, and there is more mourning than the funeral.

The words are sad. It makes people extremely sad after reading it. In addition, it is obvious that this is an expression of true feelings. And it is not a hypocritical response.

Even in the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Juzheng, a generation of famous ministers and the first assistant of Wanli (equivalent to the prime minister), also wrote a poem "Eldest Sun Jinxian" for her to show respect:

Tang Zong is fierce, and he is the three kings of beauty.

After the real philosopher, the left and right pepper room.

Reconcile and forgive, and reward loyalty.

With Yu Fang Wei, Xun Yong is prominent.

Huanghuang Tong tube, a thousand years of legacy.

Zhang Juzheng was talented, but the Ming Dynasty people thought he was mean. This person generally does not praise others casually, especially an ancient person. Zhang Juzheng's poems are a historical praise for the eldest grandson empress from the perspective of politics. Nearly 1,000 years have passed, and it can still be highly evaluated. Who is the eldest grandson queen?

And Empress Changsun herself also left us a poem entitled "Spring Outing". Let us understand that this queen who combines the virtues of women and virtues is not a rigid and incomprehensible person, on the contrary, she is still outstanding in literature and emotional.

Spring Outing

The peach blossoms in the upper garden are bright, and the concubine Lan is in spring.

Inoue Xintao steals his complexion, and the tender willow on the eaves is light.

Come to see the dancing butterflies in the flowers, and listen to the warblers in the trees.

Why should the forest be asked far away, and the outstanding romance is famous.

This poem has a very high artistic standard and belongs to the masterpieces of Tang poetry. We seem to see: on a spring day with red peach blossoms, she dances through the peach willows and flowers, watching butterflies and listening to warblers. She proudly believes that the reason why the peach blossoms are red is because she "stole" her "complexion", and the reason why the tender willows flutter is because she "learned" her "waist". She was conceited that she didn't need to say her name and surname, and the world would know who she was. It is no wonder that some people in later generations believe that this is a favored palace concubine who is basking in happiness and pampering. She is so enchanting and full of ambition! Died young, it's a pity!

Later generations synthesized the various excellent expressions of Empress Changsun, and also praised her as one of the "Four Great Virtuous Queens in Chinese History" (Empress Yin Lihua of Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty, Empress Li Shimin of Tang Taizong, Empress Ma of Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty, and Empress Fucha of Empress Qianlong of Gaozong of the Qing Dynasty), which can be described as extremely famous. And we know about Empress Changsun often from the story of her good use of the past to illustrate the present, correct the mistakes of Li Shimin's governance, and protect loyal and capable ministers.

When the balance between the monarch and the minister is broken, it is time for the show to begin. When the power of the monarch's side took the initiative, the heart and liver of the Shang Dynasty Bigan were taken out; When the forces of his subordinates took the initiative, Emperor Xian of the Eastern Han Dynasty was held hostage by Cao Cao to "order the princes". And when the two are temporarily in equilibrium, loyal ministers are mass-produced—such as Li Shimin's Tang Dynasty. (To be continued)