The Rule of Zhenguan
After Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty came to the throne, he started from the fundamental interests of the ruling class and took the fall of the Sui Dynasty as a lesson. He paid close attention to the people's hearts, sentiments and opinions, and closely He united the surrounding civil and military ministers and implemented a series of relatively enlightened policies: reducing exorbitant taxes and miscellaneous taxes, but not excessively enslaving and oppressing the peasants; severely punishing corrupt officials, and rewarding meritorious generals; attaching great importance to the imperial examinations and selecting ruling talents; eradicating bad governance and striving for governance; Listen to different opinions, constantly improve your governance methods, etc. In just a few years, remarkable achievements have been made, and the economy and culture have also recovered and developed better. The so-called good social atmosphere of "not picking up lost things on the road and not closing the house at night" has emerged. Historians call this historical period the "Reign of Zhenguan".
Being open-minded to accept advice, listening to advice, and willing to persuade is a prominent feature of the "Government of Zhenguan" in politics. When Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty sought advice, he was sincere and used various methods. If you are right, you will be praised; if you are wrong, you will not be blamed. For all kinds of complex opinions coming from all directions, he distinguishes right from wrong, distinguishes right from wrong, chooses the good ones and follows them, and makes the bad ones change them. Normally, Wei Zheng could often refute Tang Taizong's fallacies in person without showing any weakness. Sometimes it angered Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, making him blush and very embarrassed. However, Wei Zheng still argued hard and continued to persuade the emperor. He did not give up until the emperor was convinced. After the death of Wei Zheng, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was heartbroken and said, "I have lost a mirror!"
Knowing people with their hearts, trusting people with their talents, employing people with their talents, and treating people with courtesy can attract all kinds of talents from all over the world. This constitutes another distinctive feature of the "Government of Zhenguan", and is also an important symbol of Tang Taizong being defined by later generations as a wise monarch. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty firmly opposed the selection of talents based on interpersonal relationships and blood ties. He paid attention to selecting many outstanding civilian and military generals from newcomers, strangers, and even hostile camps. Wei Zheng, a famous politician and loyal minister of the dynasty, was selected by him from a hostile political group and then reused.
The third characteristic of the "Government of Zhenguan" is that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and important members of his ruling group were generally able to control expenses, curb selfish desires, streamline institutions, reduce taxes and servitude, oppose luxury, and eliminate bribery. Do everything possible to reduce the burden on the people.
It was precisely because of such an era that Xuanzang had the foundation for his journey to the west!
Thoughts of Rulers
Taizong of the Tang Dynasty realized the great power of the people from the magnificent peasant war, learned the lessons of the Sui Dynasty, and understood that rulers should not overly exploit farmers; the government should be light-hearted The emperor must be diligent in political affairs and listen to correct opinions; the ministers must be honest and dedicated to the public affairs, so that the rule can be consolidated.
Measures of the rulers
Taizong of the Tang Dynasty attached great importance to developing production and reducing people's labor and taxes; at the same time, he paid attention to "abstaining from extravagance and keeping simplicity" and restrained his desire for enjoyment. He also ordered the merging of prefectures and counties to get rid of the bad government of "few people and many officials", which would help reduce the people's burden.
The Story of the Ruler
Tang Taizong suffered from asthma. The palace where he lived in Chang'an was damp and prone to illness. His ministers asked him to build a warm pavilion in the palace for him to live. However, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said: "It costs a lot to break ground and start construction. At that time, Emperor Wen of Han Dynasty was about to build a terrace, but he gave up because he cherished the property of ten families. My merits are not as good as Emperor Wen of Han Dynasty, let alone a waste of people's power."
Character of the Ruler
Tang Taizong paid attention to appointing talented people and accepting advice with an open mind. He appointed Fang Xuanling, who was rich in strategy, and Du Ruhui, who was good at making decisions on important matters, as prime ministers. They were known as "Fang's plans and Dujue". He also used Wei Zheng, who dared to speak out. Wei Zheng remonstrated with him more than 200 times. He was the most famous remonstrator and was highly regarded by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. During the Zhenguan period, famous ministers and generals emerged in large numbers.
The story of rulers and ministers
Once, Wei Zheng came to remonstrate with fierce words, which hurt the face of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. When Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty returned to the harem, he was very angry and said, "One day I will kill this country bumpkin!" Empress Changsun congratulated Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty for this and said: "Wei Zheng can speak frankly today, which means he has met the Ming Lord. I should congratulate him." Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty suddenly turned his anger into joy and treated Wei Zheng as favorably as before. After Wei Zheng passed away, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said very sadly: "People use copper as a mirror to dress themselves; people use copper as a mirror to know gains and losses.
Wei Zheng died and I lost a mirror! ”