More powerful than the emperor? Revealing the top ten emperors in Chinese history
The emperor is the highest ruler in ancient Chinese history, and behind these rulers there is a behind-the-scenes staff member who is more powerful than the emperor? He is the Imperial Master. Let’s take a look at the top ten Imperial Masters in Chinese history.
Zhang Juzheng
The only great politician in the Ming Dynasty
Zhang Juzheng, courtesy name Shuda, nickname Taiyue, Han nationality, and his childhood name Zhang Baigui. A politician and reformer in the middle and late Ming Dynasty, he was the chief minister of the cabinet during the Wanli period. He assisted the Wanli Emperor Zhu Yijun in creating the "Wanli New Deal". He was in power for ten years. As an imperial advisor, he assisted Emperor Wanli in implementing the New Deal, reversing the fiscal deficit, eradicating the empire's border troubles, purging court officials, and single-handedly saved the Ming Dynasty which was on the verge of collapse. As long as it helps to govern the country, Zhang Juzheng doesn't care about means, which makes him both a villain and a hero who saves the country.
Liu Ji
The founding father of the Ming Dynasty
Liu Ji, Han nationality, named Bowen, was a native of Nantian Township, Qingtian County, so he was called Liu Qingtian. He was a military strategist, politician and writer in the early days, and the founding father of the Ming Dynasty. In the third year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty, he was granted the title of Uncle Chengyi, so he was also called Liu Chengyi. In the ninth year of Zhengde reign of Emperor Wuzong, he posthumously awarded him the posthumous title of Grand Master, Wencheng. Later generations called him Liu Wencheng and Wencheng Gong. Liu Bowen was famous for his uncanny calculations and strategizing. He assisted Zhu Yuanzhang in completing his imperial career, creating the Ming Dynasty and doing his best to maintain the stability of the country.
Yelü Chucai
Assisted Genghis Khan and his descendants
Yelü Chucai, courtesy name Jinqing, also known as Yuquan Laoren, Zhanran Jushi, and Mongolian name Wutu Sahori, a Khitan nationality, was a politician during the Mongol Empire. When Genghis Khan led the Mongolian army to capture Yanjing of Jin Dynasty, he heard that he was talented and knowledgeable, so he asked him about the plan of running the country. He established etiquette rules and regulations, prevented the Mongolian army from massacre, and tried his best to protect talents. It had a profound impact on Genghis Khan and he laid the foundation for the establishment of the Yuan Dynasty.
Fang Xuanling
Fang Moudu Duan
Fang Xuanling, whose name is Qiao and whose courtesy name is Xuanling. He is famous for his words and is the son of Fang Yanqian. A famous politician in the Tang Dynasty. One of the most effective advisers to Li Shimin, King of the Thirty Qin Dynasty. In the Xuanwu Gate Incident, he, Yu Du Ruhui, Changsun Wuji, Yuchi Jingde and others shared the first place. After Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty came to the throne, Fang Xuanling was appointed Zhongshu Ling, in charge of hundreds of departments, and was in charge of government affairs for 20 years. Participated in the formulation of laws and regulations, presided over the revision of laws and edicts, and supervised the revision of national history, laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.
Zhuge Liang
Dedicated himself to death
Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming, nickname Wolong, Han nationality, prime minister of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, outstanding statesman, military strategist, Diplomat, essayist, calligrapher, inventor, writer. In his early years, he followed his uncle Zhuge Xuan to Jingzhou. After Zhuge Xuan's death, Zhuge Liang started farming in Nanyang County. Later, Liu Bei visited the thatched cottage three times and asked to come out to assist Liu Bei in establishing the Shu Han Dynasty. As the prime minister of the Shu Han Dynasty, he appeased the people, made clear rewards and punishments, restrained officials, and was open and honest with others.
Zhang Liang
One of the "Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty"
Zhang Liang, courtesy name Zifang, the father of Yingchuan City, was an outstanding figure in the late Qin and early Han Dynasties Counselor, minister. He was proficient in the ways of Huang and Lao and did not care about power. In his later years, it is said that he traveled with Chisongzi. After Zhang Liang's death, he was given the posthumous title of Marquis Wencheng. "Historical Records: The Liuhou Family" specifically records Zhang Liang's life. Liu Bang, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, commented on Zhang Liang in the Nangong Palace of Luoyang: "My husband is planning and managing the curtains, but he is worse than his wife who is thousands of miles away. I am not as good as the ovary." This shows Zhang Liang's witty planning, literary and military strategies. Later generations respected him for his outstanding strategy and called him "Sage Seeking".
Li Si
Assisted Qin Shihuang to unify the world
Li Si, Li family, named Si, with the courtesy name Tonggu. A famous politician, writer and calligrapher in the Qin Dynasty. In his early years, Li Si studied the art of emperors from Xunzi and entered the Qin Dynasty after completing his studies. Persuading the King of Qin to annihilate the princes and become an emperor played an important role in the cause of the King of Qin's annihilation. He implemented the system of prefectures and counties; burned the quotations of hundreds of schools of thought and banned private learning to strengthen centralized rule; he also consulted laws and regulations to unify the system of carriage tracks, writing, and weights and measures. His contributions have influenced China's politics and culture for more than two thousand years.
Shang Yang
Promote Shang Yang's reforms
Shang Yang, a politician, reformer, thinker, representative of Legalism during the Warring States Period, a descendant of the monarch of Wei State, surnamed Ji Gongsun family, so they are also called Wei Yangling and Gongsun Yangling. Shang Yang is one of the most famous reformers in Chinese history. Through a series of political and economic reforms, Shang Yang transformed Qin from a small country on the western frontier into a wealthy and powerful country. However, Shang Yang enforced the law harshly, which aroused widespread resentment from the nobles to the common people. Although Shang Yang was eventually killed and his chariot was torn apart, his reforms were retained and helped Qin finally unify the world.
Guan Zhong
The First Prime Minister of China
Guan Zhong, surnamed Ji, Guan family name, given name Yiwu, courtesy name Zhong, posthumous title Jing, was a representative figure of Legalism in the Spring and Autumn Period. Descendants of King Mu of Zhou. He was a famous economist, philosopher, politician and military strategist in ancient China. He is known as the "Pioneer of Legalism", "Teacher of Saints" and "Protector of Chinese Civilization". During his tenure, Guan Zhong carried out great reforms, which gave Qi a strong material foundation and military strength. With the assistance of Guan Zhong, Duke Huan of Qi showed his temperament of "respecting the king and rejecting the barbarians" at the right time. He united the nine princes and coerced the emperor to attack the unyielding princes, making Qi the first powerful country to dominate the princes in the Spring and Autumn Period.
Jiang Ziya
Master of Hundreds of Schools
Jiang Ziya, a famous Chinese historical figure, was born in the late Shang Dynasty and early Zhou Dynasty. Because his ancestor assisted Yu the Great for his meritorious service in water and soil, he was granted the title of Lu, so he took Lu as his surname, also known as Lu Shang. Jiang Ziya later assisted the King of Western Zhou Dynasty and was called "Tai Gong Wang", commonly known as Tai Gong. In the early years of the Western Zhou Dynasty, he was named "Grand Master" by King Wen of Zhou Dynasty and respected as "Master Shangfu". Jiang Ziya was the founder of the State of Qi, King Wen of Zhou introduced business, King Wu's chief planner and supreme military commander in defeating Zhou, and the founding father of the Western Zhou Dynasty. He was also the founder of Qi culture. He was also an outstanding strategist with long-lasting influence in ancient China. , military strategists and politicians.
Author: Pink Strawberry Tree