Do you really understand Li Shimin’s criticism of Li Jing? The history encyclopedia editor provides detailed related content for everyone.
In the fourth year of the Zhenguan reign, General Li Jing led his troops to pacify the Eastern Turkic Khaganate in one fell swoop. At the time of his victory, someone accused Li Jing of “causing the capture of a treasure among the captives”. Li Shimin laughed heartily at this and thought it was “nonsense”. However, when Li Jing returned, he made a big deal out of it and deeply rebuked him. Why is this?
This is the “imperial technique”. Since ancient times, the greater the merits of a subject, the more proud they will be. Now that Li Jing has made great contributions for generations, will he also be proud of himself?
So, Li Shimin first made a big fuss about his minor mistakes, with the purpose of telling Li Jing that in the future, you should be careful not to think that you can do whatever you want just because you have made great contributions. If you make mistakes, no matter how big or small, I will still hold you accountable.
A few days later, Li Shimin comforted Li Jing with good words, saying, “General, don’t be afraid. I won’t do anything like killing a cunning rabbit or a lackey, or killing meritorious officials. And why did Li Shimin greatly reward Li Jing and worship him as prime minister?
This is the combination of grace and authority. First, I told Li Jing not to take pride in his achievements. Then, I rewarded Li Jing and told him that I would not mistreat any meritorious servant. Under this grace and authority, which meritorious servant would dare to act recklessly?
Li Shimin did not kill meritorious officials, and the Tang Dynasty was still able to increase its power. Naturally, there is a reason for this, which is Li Shimin’s confidence and ability to control his courtiers.
