Empress Changsun, known for her virtuous and upright character, magnanimity, and wisdom, left a name in history. She was the younger sister of Changsun Wuji, the first wife of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, and a famous empress dowager in history. So, she is a woman with a broad perspective and unique vision, while also being gentle and virtuous.
Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, ruled the world with great success and created the “Zhenguan Governance”. Such great achievements were not only due to his ability to govern the world and a group of civil and military officials, but also to the strong assistance of his wife, Empress Changsun. It can be said that with the loyal support of Empress Changsun behind the scenes, Li Shimin became the eternal emperor.
Li Shimin is not only famous for himself, but he also has a famous prime minister – Wei Zheng. But this Prime Minister of Wei was almost killed by Li Shimin once.
Because Wei Zheng often spoke the truth in court due to political issues, he argued with Li Shimin and didn’t know how to turn the tide. On that day, he had a big argument with Li Shimin in front of all the civil and military officials of the court, and both sides had a very unpleasant argument. After retiring from the court, Li Shimin was still full of anger. He returned to the palace and angrily said, “One day, I must kill this country bumpkin
Who is this country bumpkin? “Empress Changsun quickly asked upon hearing this. Who else is there besides Wei Zheng? He always confronts me in front of the courtiers, making me embarrassed and unable to step down! It’s hard to calm my anger without killing him! “Li Shimin said angrily.
After hearing this, Empress Changsun didn’t say anything and immediately retreated. After a while, Empress Changsun changed into her ceremonial attire and came back to Li Shimin. She performed the “three kowtows and nine bows” ceremony while congratulating him.
What do you mean? “Li Shimin was puzzled. Congratulations, my lord is an eternal wise ruler! I have heard that only under a wise ruler can there be loyal and outspoken ministers. Now, Wei Zheng dares to speak up and give advice because of His Majesty’s wisdom. You can make the people of the world love you, so he dares to do so?! How can I not celebrate this great event today? “Said Empress Changsun. Ah, haha… I see! “Li Shimin turned angry into happy after hearing this. Not only did he not kill Wei Zheng, but he also reused him.
It can be seen that Wei Zheng, who had a straightforward temper, almost had Li Shimin kill him; And Empress Changsun saved Wei Zheng’s life with her virtue and wisdom. What kind of woman was Empress Changsun in history? So from her act of interceding for Wei Zheng, we can see that Li Shimin’s governance cannot be separated from her support.
So, from this small matter, we can see what kind of person Empress Changsun is. She is upright, righteous, virtuous, and virtuous, just like the evaluation of history books: she is good at etiquette and law, virtuous to her eldest grandson, and virtuous to her mother He Wei. So, she is truly a virtuous queen of the Tang Dynasty!
