This is not possible in history, but some novels and film and television works may describe it!
Wei Zheng (Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty) generally refers to Wei Zheng
Wei Zheng (580-February 11, 643), named Xuancheng, was located in Julu County (some say in today's Hebei Province) Julu County, one said to be in today's Guantao County, Hebei Province [1-2] ), a politician, thinker, writer and historian of the Tang Dynasty. Because of his outspoken advice, he assisted Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty in establishing the "Zhenguan Dynasty". The great cause of "governing" was called "the famous prime minister of a generation" by later generations.
In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan (643), Wei Zheng died of illness. He reached the rank of Guanglu Dafu and was granted the title of Duke of Zheng, with the posthumous title of "Wenzhen". [3-4] The funeral is simple. In the same year, he entered Lingyan Pavilion.
The Mausoleum of Wei Zheng is located in Liquan County, Shaanxi Province. He has written the preface to Sui Shu and the general introduction to Liang Shu, Chen Shu and Qi Shu. Most of his remarks can be found in "Zhenguan Zhengyi". Among them, the most famous and handed down remonstrance list---"Ten Thoughts on Admonishing Taizong",
Early Experience
In the thirteenth year of Daye (617), Wei Zheng was in Wu Yangjun Cheng Yuan Baobao served as an official. Yuanbao raised troops to respond to Li Mi of Wagang. Yuanbao's memorials to Li Mi were all written by Wei Zheng. Li Mi saw that Wei Zheng was very talented in literature, so he summoned Wei Zheng. Wei Zheng offered ten strategies to strengthen Wagang, but Li Mi did not use them.
In the fourteenth year of Daye (618), Wang Shichong attacked Cangcheng and was defeated by Li Mi. Wang Shichong turned to Luokou and was defeated by Li Mi. However, Wei Zheng said to Chief Shi Zheng Ting: "Although Li Mi has won many victories, many generals have been killed and injured. There is no treasury in Wagang, so the soldiers will not get rewards for their military exploits. It is better to occupy the deep trenches and high forts." The way to win is to stay in a stalemate with the enemy until the enemy runs out of food and retreat. This is the way to win. If Luoyang has no food, Wang Shichong will have no choice but to engage in a decisive battle with our army. At this time, we will not fight with him. " Zheng Ting disagreed with Wei Zheng's words and said that it was a commonplace. Wei Zheng said: "This is a clever and profound strategy, how can it be a cliché?" and left with a puff of sleeves.
Return to Tang Dynasty to Offer Strategies
In the second year of Tang Wude (619), Li Mi was defeated by Wang Shichong, and Wei Zheng followed Li Mi and surrendered to Li Tang. And Li Mi's general Li Ji still occupied the territory that Li Mi originally had jurisdiction over, stretching from the sea to the east, the Yangtze River to the south, Ruzhou to the west, and Wei County to the north. [9] Li Mi surrendered to Li Tang, and Li Ji occupied such a large area and didn't know where to go. Wei Zheng then recommended himself and asked to appease Shandong. When he arrived in Liyang, Wei Zheng wrote a letter to Li Ji, urging Li Ji to surrender. Li Ji then sent an envoy to Chang'an to give all the credit for the dedication of the city to Li Mi, and then escorted the grain and grass to Li Shentong.
In September of the same year, Dou Jiande led his army to attack Xiangzhou. Li Shentong could not resist it and led his army to Liyang, where he was defeated by Dou Jiande. Wei Zheng, Li Shentong and Li Ji were all captured. Dou Jiande used Wei Zheng as his living roommate.
In the fourth year of Wude (621), Li Shimin led his army to attack Wang Shichong, and Dou Jiande led his army to support Wang Shichong. In May, Li Shimin defeated Dou Jiande and captured him alive. Wei Zheng was able to enter the Tang Dynasty again. The prince Li Jiancheng used Wei Zheng to wash the prince's horses, and he was treated very politely.
In the fifth year of Wude (622), Liu Heita colluded with Turkic bandits to invade Shandong. Wei Zheng saw that although Li Jiancheng was the eldest son, his achievements were not as good as those of Li Shimin, so he suggested that Li Jiancheng go to the war to make meritorious service. Li Jiancheng followed Wei Zheng's suggestion, captured Liu Heita, and pacified Shandong.
In the ninth year of Wude (626), Li Shimin launched the Xuanwumen Incident and killed Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji and others. Li Shimin heard that Wei Zheng often advised Li Jiancheng to arrange Li Shimin elsewhere. Li Shimin sent someone to take Wei Zheng and asked: "Why do you want to alienate our brothers?" Wei Zheng replied: "If the prince does what I say, There would be no such disaster as today." Li Shimin saw that Wei Zheng spoke frankly and did not hide anything, so he pardoned Wei Zheng and appointed Wei Zheng as the director of Zhan affairs.
Off Yan Zhijian
In the first year of Zhenguan (627), Li Shimin ascended the throne and appointed Wei Zheng as Shangshu Zuocheng. Li Shimin was determined to establish a prosperous age, so he summoned Wei Zheng on his couch many times to inquire about the gains and losses. Wei Zheng spoke frankly and gave advice on more than 200 matters, which Li Shimin fully accepted. [18]
In the same year, the former prince Li Jiancheng and the former relatives of Qi King Li Yuanji in Hebei were in danger due to the Xuanwumen Incident. Li Shimin sent Wei Zheng to Hebei to pacify them. On the way, Wei Zheng happened to meet Prince Qianniu Li Zhian and King Qi's guard Li Sixing being escorted to the capital. Wei Zheng asked them to be released and still appointed officials, so that the old relatives of the Prince of Hebei would believe that Li Shimin really wanted to pardon them.
In the third year of Zhenguan (629), Wei Zheng was appointed as Secretary Supervisor and began to participate in government affairs. Wei Zheng reported to Li Shimin that he led scholars to divide the ancient books into four parts and correct them.
In the fifth year of Zhenguan (631), Li Shimin talked with Wei Zheng about selecting officials. Wei Zheng said that he should first understand his talents, and then examine his moral character and hobbies.
Li Lizhi, the princess of Changle, was born to Empress Changsun. Li Shimin was particularly fond of her and betrothed her to Changsun Chong, the son of Changsun Wuji. In the sixth year of Zhenguan (the fifth year of Zhenguan in the old Tang book Wei Zheng), preparations for the dowry began. Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty said to the ministers, "Princess Changle, born to the queen, is loved by me and the queen. Now she is about to surrender, so I would like to increase my etiquette." . The ministers expressed one after another that "Your Majesty loves you and wants to do less", so they proposed to request double the number of princesses in Yongjia, and Li Shimin readily agreed. However, Wei Zheng objected to this. Because Princess Yongjia is the aunt of Princess Changle. This move went beyond etiquette. Li Shimin returned to the palace and told Queen Changsun about the incident. After learning about this, Empress Changsun lamented that Wei Zheng could "introduce etiquette and righteousness to suppress the feelings of the master" and praised him greatly. Someone was specially sent to reward Wei Zheng with 400 pieces of silk and 400 pieces of money. He also sent a message saying: "I heard that you are upright. Now that I have seen it, I hope you will maintain it and not change." When Li Shimin didn't say anything, Empress Changsun directly rewarded Wei Zheng and hinted that she would provide support, which can be said to be a booster for Wei Zheng. It was precisely because of a backer like Empress Changsun that Wei Zheng's righteous admonishment went so smoothly. Soon Wei Zheng was promoted to the title of Duke.
In the seventh year of Zhenguan (633), Wei Zheng replaced Wang Gui as the minister. There was a long backlog of unadjudicated lawsuits in the Shangshu Province, so Li Shimin ordered Wei Zheng to handle them impartially. Wei Zheng was not very familiar with the law, but he could grasp the basic principles and deal with the situation according to the actual situation, and everyone was convinced.
In the eighth year of Zhenguan (634), Shaanxi County Prime Minister Huangfu Deshen wrote a letter, which angered Li Shimin. Li Shimin thought it was slander. Wei Zhengjin said: "In the past, when Jia Yi wrote to Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty, he once said, 'There is one thing for which you can cry bitterly for the emperor, and there are six things for which you can sigh for the emperor.'" Since ancient times, when writing letters to commemorate matters, the words are often very passionate. If you are not passionate, you will not be able to move the heart of the master. Your Majesty, you should think carefully about whether this is right or not." Li Shimin felt that what Wei Zheng said was reasonable, and ordered to reward Huangfu with twenty pieces of silk silk. .
In the tenth year of Zhenguan (636), Queen Changsun passed away and was buried in Zhaoling. She was posthumously named Queen Wende. After Empress Changsun was buried in Zhaoling, Li Shimin couldn't stop missing her. In order to ease the pain of missing her, he built a layered view in the palace to overlook his wife's tomb all day long, and even asked ministers to accompany her to mourn. Once Li Shimin asked Wei Zheng to accompany him, and pointed in the direction of Zhaoling and asked Wei Zheng if he could see it clearly. Wei Zheng pretended not to see it. Li Shimin suddenly became anxious and asked, "How could you not see it? That is Zhaoling!" Wei Zheng replied, " I thought your majesty was looking at Xianling, but it turned out to be Zhaoling!" After hearing this, Li Shimin understood that Wei Zheng was reminding him not to only miss his deceased wife and forget his father. So he cried and ordered the layered view to be demolished. Although Li Shimin's behavior of commemorating his wife in this way goes against the ethical traditions, it is a true expression of the emperor's feelings.
In the eleventh year of Zhenguan (637), Li Shimin visited Luoyang eastward and lived in Xianren Palace. Most of them were condemned because of poor worship by state and county officials. Wei Zheng told Li Shimin that Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty once asked the nearby people to pay tribute here. The tributes were thrown away before they could be eaten, which was very wasteful.
In the twelfth year of Zhenguan (638), Wang Gui, the Minister of Rites, wrote in a memorial: "Officials of the third rank or above got out of the car when they met the prince on the road, violating the law to show respect, which violated the standards of etiquette. "Li Shimin said: "You are in a noble position, so you despise my son?" Wei Zheng said: "From ancient times to the present, the princes are ranked under the three princes. The prince getting off the car is not a courtesy that the prince should receive. There is no basis for it to be based on the old rules; it violates the national law if it is implemented now. "Li Shimin said: "The reason why the country establishes the prince is to prepare him to be the king. The merit of a person does not depend on his age. If there is no prince, then the younger brother of the prince will be appointed in turn. How can you despise my son? "Wei Zheng said: "The Yin Dynasty advocated simplicity, and there was a ceremony of following the death of the elder brother to the throne. Righteousness; since the Zhou Dynasty, the crown prince must be the eldest son, so as to eliminate the selfish thoughts of each brother and block the source of trouble. This is something that the monarch should be very cautious about." So Li Shimin agreed to Wang Gui's memorial.
On Bingzi in March of the twelfth year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian’s legitimate son Li Xiang was born. Because of the joy of the birth of his grandson, Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty ordered that all prisoners in the world be punished with first-class crimes, and all internal and external officials were ranked fifth. The above sons were the fathers of the latter, and they were each awarded a rank of honorary officer. They were given a great banquet in the East Palace for five days,[29] and above. Li Shimin said to his courtiers: "Before Zhenguan, he followed me to pacify the world and traveled through troubled times. This was Fang Xuanling's contribution. After Zhenguan, he devoted himself to me and gave me loyal and honest advice, which helped the country and the people. He dared to offend the monarch's dignity and spoke out. "The only person who can correct my fault is Wei Zheng. No famous official in ancient times can surpass them." So he took off his sword and gave it to them both.
In May of the 13th year of Zhenguan, Wei Zheng took advantage of the opportunity of Li Shimin's edict to be promoted to an official of fifth rank or above, and comprehensively and systematically summarized the political affairs that were not as good as at the beginning of Zhenguan
Wei Zheng
In fact, I played "Ten Gradually Cannot Become Finally". The book listed Li Shimin's ten failings, such as searching for treasures, indulging in servitude for the people, being fond of villains, neglecting gentlemen, advocating extravagance, frequently going on hunting trips, raising armies without anything to do, and exhausting the people with corvee service, etc., and criticized Li Shimin's arrogance. Full of emotions, he once again reminded him to be cautious. After Li Shimin read the memorial, he gladly accepted it and said to him: "I have heard about it now, and I am willing to change it so that I can end up on a good path. If you violate this statement, how can you show your face to meet the public! How can I do what I said above? It was set up as a barrier, and the common people saw it day and night, and also recorded it and paid it to the historian, so that the righteousness of the king and his ministers would be known to all generations. "Then he was given ten pounds of gold and two horses.
In the fourteenth year of Zhenguan (640), Wei Zheng gave Li Shimin advice and asked Li Shimin to start well and end well.
In the 16th year of Zhenguan (642), the later crown prince Li Chengqian did not learn virtues and skills. The favor of King Wei Li Tai increased day by day, and officials inside and outside the court had some doubts and discussions. After Li Shimin heard these comments, he was disgusted with these comments and said to his courtiers: "Today's courtiers are loyal and upright, and no one can surpass Wei Zheng. I sent him to assist the crown prince, and use this to put an end to the world's complaints." Li Shimin appointed Wei Zheng as the crown prince's preceptor. The door is as hassle-free as ever. Wei Zheng claimed to be ill and declined, but Li Shimin issued an edict and replied: "The prince of the Han Dynasty is assisted by the four elders. I rely on you now for the same reason. Knowing that you are sick, you can protect the prince even if you are sick."
< p>DiedIn the 17th year of Zhenguan (643), Wei Zheng died of illness. Li Shimin was very sad and abandoned the court for five days. Wei Zheng was posthumously given the title of Commander-in-Chief of Sikong and Xiangzhou, with the posthumous title "Wenzhen".
Li Shimin issued an edict to bury Wei Zheng lavishly, but Wei Zheng's wife Pei refused on the grounds that Wei Zheng lived a simple life and a luxurious funeral was not what the deceased wanted. The Pei family only had a small car to carry Wei Zheng's coffin. Li Shimin summoned all civil and military officials to go out of the city to see it off and personally carved an inscription.
After Wei Zheng's death, Li Shimin often said to the courtiers around him: "Use a bronze mirror to correct your clothes, use ancient history as a mirror to know the rise and fall, and use people as a mirror to see gains and losses." I often use this method to prevent myself from making mistakes, but now that Wei Zheng has passed away, I am missing a mirror. After Wei Zheng passed away, I sent someone to his house and got a page of his legacy
Wei Zheng's "Ten Thoughts on Admonishing Taizong." "Shu"
The table has just been drafted, and the words are difficult to read. Only the first few lines are slightly legible, which read: "There are good and evil in the affairs of the world. If you appoint good people, the country will be stable. If you appoint evil people, the country will be stable." The country will decline. Among the ministers, there are feelings of love and hatred. If you hate someone, you will only see his evil, and if you love, you will only see his good. If you hate others but know their goodness, eliminate evil without hesitation, and appoint wise men without suspicion, the country will prosper. This is the general idea of ??the statement. However, when I think about it, I am afraid that I cannot avoid the mistakes mentioned by Wei Zheng and his ministers. , you can write these words on the handboard, and if you know that I have made mistakes, you must remonstrate with me."
In February of the same year, Li Shimin ordered Yan Liben to paint the portraits of twenty-four heroes and place them in Lingyan Pavilion, with Wei Zheng among them. third.
Soon after, Hou Junji was executed for treason, and Du Zhenglun was dismissed. Wei Zheng once recommended these two people to Li Shimin, saying that they had the talents of prime ministers. Wei Zheng also gave his previous and later advice to the historian Chu. Suiliang and Li Shimin knew that Wei Zheng was a member of Hou Jun's party. So he issued an edict to cancel the engagement between Princess Hengshan (later named Princess Xincheng) and Wei Zheng's eldest son Wei Shuyu.
In the 19th year of Zhenguan (645), Li Shimin personally conquered Goguryeo. Thousands of soldiers were killed and wounded, and seventy-eight tenths of his horses were lost. He deeply regretted this move and could not help but sigh with emotion: "Wei Zhengruo Now, it’s okay not to let me have it.
"So I ordered Chiyi to worship Wei Zheng with the ceremony of Shaolao, and re-erected a monument.
Politics
Extremely outspoken and outspoken
Wei Zheng was famous for his outspokenness and courage to remonstrate. Well-known, according to statistics in "Zhenguan Politicians", Wei Zheng presented his advice to Li Shimin fifty times, and submitted eleven memorials to Li Shimin. He wrote "hundreds of thousands of words of advice" throughout his life. Secondly, there are so many words. His enthusiasm and firm attitude are unparalleled by other ministers.
If you listen at the same time, you will be enlightened, but if you believe only, you will be dark.
Li Shimin asked Wei Zheng: "How can a monarch distinguish right from wrong, and how can he be stupid and confused?" ? Wei Zheng replied: "If you listen to a wide range of opinions, you will be able to distinguish right from wrong. If you only believe in one person, you will be confused." In the past, Emperor Yao clearly understood the situation from the people below, so he could promptly grasp the evildoings of Miao Miao. Emperor Shun had ears to listen in all directions and eyes to see in all directions, so neither Yang nor Gun nor Huandou could deceive him. The Second Emperor of the Qin Dynasty preferred Zhao Gao and was killed by Zhao Gao in Wangyi Palace; Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty preferred Zhu Yi and was insulted by his subordinates for accepting bribes in Taicheng; Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty preferred Yu Shiji and died in the Pengcheng Pavilion Mutiny in Yangzhou. Therefore, if you listen to your opinions widely, the eunuchs will not dare to deceive you, and the following situation will be reflected. "[36]
It is easy for the hungry to eat, and for the thirsty to drink
Wei Zheng's calligraphy
First published in "Mencius Gongsun Chou". Wei Zheng's view In the late Sui Dynasty, due to the fact that the population was in exile, the economy was in decline, and everything was in ruins, Li Shimin was urged to implement reforms and revitalize policies that were beneficial to the national economy and people's livelihood, which reflected his political "zhihua" thinking. The minister talked about educating the people. Li Shimin thought that it would be difficult to educate the people after the chaos. Wei Zheng thought: "The people who have been in peace for a long time are arrogant, and it is difficult to educate them if they are arrogant; the people who have experienced chaos are miserable, and they are easy to be educated if they are miserable." " He gave an example, just like "A hungry person can easily find food, and a thirsty person can easily find drink." He also refuted the minister Feng Deyi's statement that "people gradually become corrupt, so the Qin Dynasty made laws and the Han Dynasty overbearing, and the desire to change cannot be transformed." According to the theory, Tang of Shang destroyed Jie of Xia and King Wu of Zhou conquered Zhou. "Both of them were able to achieve peace. Isn't it because they inherited the evil after great chaos?" "He further said: "If the ancients were said to be simple and honest, but they gradually became corrupted, then today, they must have turned into ghosts and monsters, and the Lord can rule them in peace! ”
Be cautious about punishment, but be cautious about punishment
Be cautious about punishment, and be cautious about punishment. This is Confucianism, which believes that the foundation of governing a country lies in virtue, etiquette, sincerity, and trustworthiness. : In order to change customs, a wise monarch cannot rely on severe punishments and laws, but on benevolence and righteousness; it is impossible to regulate the behavior of people in the world by law alone.
Literature and History
Historical Compilation
Wei Zheng took the post of secretary-supervisor and was in charge of the state's collection of books. After the chaos, he ordered scholars to compile four books. There were 20 editors and 100 scribes, who edited and compiled the secret library books. Within a few years, the secret library books were fully available. After he changed his position, he continued to serve as secretary-supervisor together with Yu Shinan, Yan Shigu and other famous scholars. He was the main author of "Sui Shu". Although his "Jing Ji Zhi" was written by Yu Zhining, Li Chunfeng and others, the "Sui Shu·Jing Ji Zhi" referred to the style of Ruan Xiaoxu's "Qi Lu" and used "Han". According to the method of "Shu·Yiwenzhi", more than 14,466 posthumous books and more than 89,666 volumes of the Sui Dynasty were used to check with the "Catalogue of Sui Dayezheng Yushu". According to the four parts of Jing, Shi, Zi and Ji, they were divided into 40 categories and recorded 3127 books. There are 36,708 volumes, 1,064 lost books, and 12,759 volumes. It is helpful to examine the collection of books in the Southern and Northern Dynasties and the Sui Dynasty. In terms of description method, the book title, volume number, author, era, official title, summary, authenticity, and survival are recorded under each category. Or incomplete. In order to study the development of scholarship and examine the changes of the genre, it is the second oldest historical catalog in my country and an important document for studying the history of ancient bibliography. He made a historical summary of the rise and fall of ancient book collections, which enriched the content of the study of book collection history. In the seventh year of Zhenguan (633), he was appointed Shizhong and was granted the title of Duke of Zheng. He wrote the preface to Sui Shu, Liang Shu and Chen Shu. , "Qishu" summary.
Personal Poems
"Ode to the Western Han Dynasty", "Hengchui Quci·Coming out of Seclusion", "Walking about Late Autumn", "Fenghe Zhengri, Coming to the Court and Responding to the Imperial Edict"
Suburb Memorial text
"Five Suburbs Movement·Suhe", "Five Suburbs Movement·Yellow Emperor's Palace Sound", "Five Suburbs Movement·Heidi Yuyin", "Five Suburbs Movement·Shuhe", "Five Suburbs Movement·Qingdijiao" "Music" "Five Suburbs Movement·Suhe" "Five Suburbs Movement·Yonghe" "Five Suburbs Movement·Red Emperor Zhengyin" "Five Suburbs Movement·Yonghe" "Five Suburbs Movement·Baidi Shangyin"
Tai Miao Wen
"Enjoy the Taimiao Movement·Yonghe" "Enjoy the Taimiao Movement·Long Hair Dance" "Enjoy the Taimiao Movement·Daqi Dance"
"Enjoy the Taimiao Movement·Suhe" "The Movement of Enjoying the Imperial Ancestral Temple·Dacheng Dance" "The Movement of Enjoying the Imperial Ancestral Temple·Yonghe"
Historical Evaluation
Wang Gui: Every time I take admonishment as my heart, I feel ashamed that the emperor is not as good as Yao and Shun, and the ministers are not as good as Wei Zheng .
Li Shimin: ① Wei Zheng and Wang Gui used to be in the East Palace and did their best. At that time, they were sincere and hateful. I can promote it and use it to this day, and I am worthy of the ancients. ②After Zhenguan, he devoted himself to me, offered his loyalty and admonishment, stabilized the country and benefited the people, and achieved my achievements today. The only one who is known in the world is Wei Zheng. How can we add such a famous minister in ancient times? [37] ③ How can a politician treat the kings of Yao and Shun, and the assistant of Long Yi, and drive Wei Zheng by himself? The world will be safe, the borders will be fine, the times will be harmonious, and the years will be peaceful. This is the benefit of his loyalty. ④Now Wei Zheng has passed away, and then one mirror died.
Queen Changsun: ① I heard that Your Majesty respects Wei Zheng, but I don’t know why. Now that I heard his advice, I can control the feelings of the king with justice, and I am a true minister of the country. ② I hope you will keep this heart forever and never change it today. He likes to hear public words, so he orders people to reward each other. When it comes to public matters, it's the way to go, and don't leave any traces behind.
Chang Gun: Between Wude and Zhenguan, there were Wei Zheng, Wang Gui, Li Jing, Li Ji, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, etc., who supported great fortunes, worked hard for the royal family, respected their masters and protected others, and were deadly to bandits. There is a virtue in Xian, which is immortalized in the emperor's heart. He will be cherished forever, and the strong wind is still there.
Quan Deyu: I, Emperor Taizong Wen, have the world, and Wei Zheng, Wang Gui and others’ dangerous words will bring great benefits and will lead to boundless progress. This is a real sign.
Dugu Ji: Wei Zheng used the king's way to assist when he was close to "wen", and when he loved the king and forgot about himself, he was close to "zhen". The two are both excellent, and neither can be eliminated, so it is called Wen Zhen.
Liu Su: Wei Zheng has great ambitions, is very shameful, has extensive knowledge of books, and is quite knowledgeable about the art of kingship.
Li Jiang: In the past, Taizong governed the world, with Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui assisting Xiang Shengde, Wei Zheng and Wang Guigui failing to remonstrate, Wen Yanbo and Dai Zhou taking care of political affairs, and Li Jing and Li Jixun Reorganize the army and brigade, so the barbarians and Di are afraid to submit, and the world will be safe.
Portrait of Wei Zheng
Liu Yu et al.'s "Old Tang Book": ① He is good at reading and knows many things. ② Ya has the talent to manage the country, and his nature is resistant to straightness and unyielding. His appearance is no better than that of a middle-aged man, but he has always been courageous and wise. Whenever he goes against Yan Jin's advice, his expression does not change even when Wang Hesi is angry. Although Liu Xiang of the Han Dynasty, Xu Miao of the Wei Dynasty, Shan Tao of the Jin Dynasty, and Xie Zhen of the Song Dynasty were talented, how could they compare to Wen Zhen's elegance and Taoism? There was only one critic in the previous generation. ③Praise: A wise person does not admonish, and admonition may be unwise. A wise man speaks his mind for the benefit of the country. Zheng Gongda Festival is the only time for Zhou's economy. Li Shimin used it, and his descendants will live forever.
Song Qi et al.'s "New Book of Tang": It is not difficult to take care of the situation between the king and his ministers! The loyalty of Zheng and the wisdom of Li Shimin were not long after his death, so he guessed and fled. At the beginning of the war, there were hundreds of thousands of words of admonishment. Even gentlemen and villains would not fail to repeat the words of the emperor, and use sycophancy to undermine loyalty. It's inevitable for a long time. Therefore, it is said: "The Haohao is easy to be stained, and the Caochao is difficult to maintain." This has been lamented since ancient times. Liufang of the Tang Dynasty said, "Everyone who knows or doesn't know how to conquer death will regret it, thinking that the three generations will inherit the legacy." Forgive me! Mo Zhi's arguments are strong and ancestral. The "Poetry" calls "it is similar to it"! [44]
Zhao Yuanxi: In the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin had Wei Xuancheng, Fang Xuanling, and Du Ruhui, and in the Ming Dynasty, there were Yao Chong and Wei Zhigu. In the ninth district, the ancestors worshiped Yanhong and Shi Ce Zhaohuan. Liang Youdeng used his people. [45]
Zhao Xu: In the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin must win Wei Zheng, Liu Bei must win Zhuge Liang, and then he can be successful. The two sons are truly unparalleled people. [46]
Zeng Gong: When Fang and Du were in charge, Sun Wuji and Cen Wenwen were responsible for the political affairs, Wei Zhenggong and Wang Gui were responsible for admonishment, and Dai Zhou and Liu were responsible for Zhengangwei. Well, if you uphold the constitution, then Zhang Yuanyou and Sun Fuga will do it; if you use military conquest, then Li Ji and Li Jing will do it; if you maintain the people and protect the land, then Li Daliang. The rest were ministers, each doing their own thing, including Ma Zhou, Wen Yanbo, Du Zhenglun, Zhang Xingcheng, Li Gang, Yu Shinan, and Chu Suiliang, who were countless disciples.
[47]
Nurhaci: If a person is a minister of the country and does things according to the rules, and cannot clarify the teachings and admonish the emperor, then the ignorant people will suffer from the law in many cases. If everyone fulfills his duties, clearly understands the laws, and teaches the people of the country so that they will not be punished and killed, then the emperor will be happy and care about the sun. It is like the so-called Gao Tao, Yi Yin, Zhou Gong, Zhuge Liang, and Wei Zheng. I have heard from you that this is your duty as a minister! [48] ??
Emperor Kangxi: The opinions of ministers should be forthright and without concealment, and the ruler should be open-minded and willing to accept his advice. If he reluctantly listens to his words and then dislikes him, then he will not dare to do so with scruples. That’s all. Every time I read the story of Li Shimin and Wei Zheng in the Tang Dynasty, I lamented the eternal difficulties when the emperor and his ministers met. Wei Zheng said to Li Shimin, "I want to be a good minister, not a loyal minister." I think there is no two principles of loyalty and goodness, and it can only be achieved if a benevolent king handles it well. It is always ears. [49]
Li Guangdi: The most important thing is to be cautious when making statements. Wei Zhenggong and Yan Lugong were loyal, upright and upright people. Lu Gong's writings are often mixed with the Buddha's theory; Zheng Gong's "Li Mi's Epitaph" is a tribute to Mi's old kindness, and he even praises Chang Su and highly recommends it. Isn't it a gaffe? [50]
Zhao Yi: The most direct admonition in Zhenguan was Wei Zheng. [51]
Anecdotes and allusions
Charming attitude
Emperor Li Shimin said to people: Others say that Wei Zheng is careless. But I look at his attitude. I just find it charming. [52]
Addicted to jealous celery
There is a text about Wei Zheng and vinegar celery in the Tang Dynasty Notes "Dragon City Records". Wei Zheng liked to give opinions in court and often asked The emperor will not leave the stage
The bronze statue of Wei Zheng with a giant deer
came to the stage. One day, Li Shimin smiled and said to the ministers: "That goat-nosed person has a straight face all day long. I wonder if there is anything that can tempt him?" The courtiers around Li Shimin replied, "Wei Zheng likes to be jealous." The next day, Li Shimin gave a banquet, and among the food rewards were three cups of vinegar and celery. When Wei Zheng saw it, he moved his index finger. Before he finished the meal, the tableware for serving food was all gone. Li Shimin said, "Look, you said you have no hobbies. Now I finally see it." Wei Zheng, who was exposed, replied to Li Shimin: "The emperor likes inaction (rather than extravagance), so naturally his ministers dare not have any preferences. I Just this one (vinegar celery)." Li Shimin sighed for a long time.