From August to September 2013, the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archeology excavated the tomb of Tang Zhaorong Shangguan in Deng Village, Beidu Town, Weicheng District, Xianyang City. This is the epitaph of Shangguan Wan'er. The epitaph occupies almost half of the space describing his family background, which is rare in epitaphs of the Tang Dynasty. It shows the prominent position of the Shangguan family in the political and literary circles of the early Tang Dynasty.
Shangguan Wan'er is a tragic figure in Chinese history, and her ups and downs life is full of legend. In his childhood, his grandfather Shangguan Yi had a glorious experience, but because of the crime of rebellion by Wu Zetian, Luo Zhi Shangguan Yi was imprisoned and died. As a result, he was killed together with his son Shangguan Tingzhi, and Shangguan Wan'er was banished to the palace. Because of her talent, she was appreciated by Wu Zetian, and because of her ability to run politics, she gradually took control of the harem. Until the time of Zhongzong, she was promoted from Jieyu to Zhaorong, reaching the prominent official position of the second rank.
Before the epitaph was unearthed, the image of Shangguan Wan'er and the evidence chain of life records in the "Old Book of Tang" were incomplete. The unearthing of the epitaph explains this problem exactly. The image of the epitaph was shaped by Princess Taiping, and the image of the official history was influenced by Li Longji. Mr. Qiu Luming also agreed: "However, from the writing of the epitaph and the arrangements for the funeral, we can still see traces of the struggle between Princess Taiping and Li Longji.
When the epitaph was written, Princess Taiping had just met Li Longji. Longji launched the Tang Long coup together and introduced Li Longji's father Li Dan as the emperor. Shangguan Wan'er was on the same side as Li Longji and Princess Taiping, and they all opposed Queen Wei and Princess Anle.
So the problem. Confused, since they are in the same camp, why did Li Longji kill Shangguan Wan'er? Mr. Zheng Yaru believes: "Wan'er's death was not only because she was a member of the Wu family, but also because she was a woman who held power and controlled the government. "Accepted by Li Longji". From this point of view, Shangguan Wan'er was the victim of the political game between Princess Taiping and Li Longji.
In the fourth year of Kaiyuan, Li Longji ordered the revision of "Records of Ruizong" and "Records of Zetian" ", "Records of Zhongzong". According to the compilation principles of Records of the Tang Dynasty, her official biography should be attached to "Records of Ruizong". Li Longji's ascension to the throne was naturally decided by him, so it is understood that "Old Tang Book" "" was recorded. Because it is mainly taken from actual records and national history, the official history inherits the official version of the Tang Dynasty.
Literary value
The unearthed "Shangguan Wan'er's Epitaph". It provides an opportunity for the study of early Tang literature. In particular, half of the epitaph records his family background, which provides us with rare empirical materials to study the evolution of early Tang literature from the perspective of family literature.
China. An important feature of the development of literature is its close connection with politics. In such a connection, special political figures have become an important part. The family characteristics reflected in them also affect the evolution of literary history. The Shangguan family in the early Tang Dynasty undoubtedly It is very typical. Although the political career of the Shangguan family from Shangguan Hong to Shangguan Wan'er IV was bumpy, they were very prestigious in literature. The "Shangguan style" represented by Shangguan Yi had a huge influence at that time. , also established Shangguan Yi's status as the master of poetry. No matter in politics or literature, Shangguan Yi was an important figure in the transition from Taizong to Gaozong, and Shangguan Wan'er was a representative figure in the transformation of poetic style in the early Tang Dynasty. The character also reflects the inheritance of "Shangguan style".
"Shangguan Wan'er's Epitaph" is a good biography and a good literary work. The ups and downs of politics, the advancement and retreat of history, the glory of the family, and the ups and downs of the individual are all expressed through this 982-word epitaph. And because of Shangguan Wan'er's special identity and the special environment in which the epitaph was written, the song used in the epitaph was chosen. The pen is also worthy of our attention.
"The Epitaph of Shangguan Wan'er" itself also has high literary value. As far as biographical literature is concerned, the tailoring is very special, and it is expressed through the narration of family history and political struggles. In the description, the author cleverly adopts a curved expression method to highlight the growth process and personality of this complex character.
It has become an epitaph of a political figure with rich literary connotations.
At the end of the article, "The water of Xiaoxiang is cut off, and the mountains are tilted. Pearls sink and break, and jade is broken into pieces. When I look at the pine trees, I listen to the tombs. For thousands of years, the singing of pepper flowers" describes Princess Taiping and her husband. The friendship between Shangguan Wan'er makes people sigh.