Do you know Wei Zheng? Today, the history encyclopedia editor will bring you a detailed introduction.
Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty and made great contributions to the establishment of the Tang Dynasty. After ascending to the throne, he humbly accepted advice and rested internally, ushering in the first prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and establishing the rule of Zhenguan, laying the foundation for the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty for a hundred years. Externally, he expanded his territory and handled relations with ethnic minorities in the north well, earning him the title of “Heavenly Khan”. Such a wise and powerful monarch is afraid of his vassal, Wei Zheng.
Li Shimin once obtained a high-quality falcon, which naturally made him a favorite pet for a monarch like him who had fought against enemies on the battlefield. Because this raptor is as brave as itself, able to soar in the sky and is the dominant force in the sky. So Li Shimin often played with it on his arm, looking at it as if he saw his own ambition.
While Li Shimin was playing, he saw Wei Zheng walking towards him from a distance. This frightened Li Shimin. Despite Wei Zheng’s constant persuasion, Li Shimin also became wary of him, just like a student who had not completed their homework (made mistakes) seeing their teacher or a mischievous child seeing their parents. He instinctively hid the hawk eagle in his arms, not wanting Wei Zheng to discover it.
However, Wei Zheng’s eyes were not blind. From a distance, he saw Li Shimin playing with the falcon and hiding it in his arms. For Wei Zheng, his duty was to assist Li Shimin, which included advising him on his inappropriate words and actions. And Li Shimin’s love for this falcon is, to put it in small terms, Li Shimin’s personal hobby, and to put it in larger terms, he is afraid that Li Shimin will become addicted to it, lose his ambition, and it will involve the safety of the entire country.
But after all, Li Shimin is the emperor, and speaking too bluntly makes his hand stretched too long, which undermines his dignity. Wei Zheng pretended to report the matter and kept dragging Li Shimin along, which shows that Wei Zheng’s eloquence is indeed excellent. Finally, the falcon suffocated to death in Li Shimin’s arms.
And this kind of thing has happened more than once. Once, Wei Zheng took a leave of absence to go back to the grave, which was like a heavenly sound to Li Shimin, and he could finally relax a little. So Li Shimin prepared to go out for a trip and see how prosperous the country under his rule was. Everything is ready, just waiting to depart.
But Wei Zheng soon returned from his grave visit, and Li Shimin gave up his trip when he heard that Wei Zheng had returned. He was afraid that Wei Zheng would give up on this matter and kept whispering in his ear.
Being able to push the monarch to such a point and still protect himself intact is not only the talent of Wei Zheng, but also the magnanimity of Li Shimin.
Wei Zheng’s political talent is truly remarkable, and he also has a practical heart. As a vassal of Li Shimin, Wei Zheng fulfilled his duty as a vassal, even if what he said would lead to his own death, he would not hesitate. Do not bow down to power, nor will there be any distinction based on status, only rely on an honest heart to do things.
A courtier like Wei Zheng who dared to speak up and advise would either be demoted and exiled to a certain place, or become a renowned loyal minister throughout the world. Wei Zheng was very lucky to meet emperors and empresses like Li Shimin and Changsun who were willing to humbly accept advice. The high status of literary officials in the Song Dynasty was due to this tradition that had existed since the founding of the country. And although Wei Zheng was renowned throughout the Tang Dynasty and praised by later generations for his talents, without Li Shimin, no one would have recognized Wei Zheng.
Using people as mirrors can reveal gains and losses. This is the best portrayal of the relationship between Wei Zheng and Li Shimin as a monarch and a minister, and it is also a beautiful story of a monarch and a minister. For Li Shimin, Wei Zheng was the mirror that could reflect his gains and losses. As a courtier, it is rare in history to receive such high praise from the emperor after death. But this also shows that Wei Zheng, as Li Shimin’s right-hand man, made significant contributions to the establishment of the Zhenguan rule and held a considerable position in Li Shimin’s heart. After Wei Zheng’s death, there was no second Wei Zheng in the world.
