Know all about the secrets of the harem

Chapter 37
However, when Ma Mingde found out, she, who has always been easy-going, also became angry, and immediately issued a stern order, to the effect that: a severe drought has nothing to do with whether the Queen Mother's family can be granted a title or not?Anyone who proposes to confer titles on foreign relatives is trying to flatter me and the emperor, and to reap benefits from it... A few days ago, I passed by the Zhuolongmen area where my natal family was, and saw people from all over the world come to pay my natal family There is an endless stream, cars are like running water, and horses are like dragons.The servants of my natal family are all dressed neatly and neatly. In comparison, I, the queen mother's attendants, are far behind.In order to punish them, I reduced the salaries of these people, hoping that they would repent, but who would have thought that they would not repent, could it be that they want the big man to perish?

Ma Mingde once again declined Emperor Hanzhang's award to the Ma family, and at the same time left an idiom for later generations: heavy traffic.

Under the influence of Ma Mingde, the national power of the Eastern Han Dynasty tended to prosper during the period of Emperor Zhang of the Han Dynasty. "Continued Women's Biography" praised Ma Mingde as "at home, he can be a teacher for all women, and in the country, he can be a model for mothers and queens", which is very true.

In 79 AD, Empress Dowager Ma died in Luoyang with the posthumous title of "Empress Mingde". She was buried with her husband, Emperor Xiaoming Liu Zhuang of the Han Dynasty, in Xianjie Mausoleum on Mount Mang.

In the past dynasties of China, mothers are more expensive than children, and those who have no children in the harem but are in the back position without being overthrown can be said to be very rare, and those who are not wise and loving cannot live there!Empress Ma was frugal, simple, humble, knowledgeable, and understanding of righteousness all her life. Her actions had a positive impact on the politics of Emperor Ming and Emperor Zhang, so she also won praise from the world.

Grandson Wugou: Kun contains all things, virtue is boundless
The peach blossoms in Shangyuan are bright.Orchid boudoir and concubine are in love.

Inoue Xintao stole his face, and the tender willow beside the eaves learned to be light.

Come to see the dancing butterflies in the flowers, listen to the warblers on the trees.

Why do you need to ask from afar under the forest, outstanding and romantic old famous.

The name of this poem is "Spring Outing", and the person in the poem is a concubine. When the peach blossoms are in full bloom in spring, she walks through the peach willows and flowers, watching butterflies and listening to warblers.The reason why the peach blossoms are red is because they "stolen" her "complexion", and the reason why Nenliu Pianran is "learned" from her "waist"; Because her outstanding romantic style has spread far and wide, and is well-known.Needless to say, this is a favored concubine who is showing off her happiness and respect and favor. She is so high-spirited, full of ambition, and mighty!
So who is this imperial concubine, and what kind of favor and favor she has received to write such ostentatious poems?

This concubine is the famous eldest grandson Wugou, later known as Empress Changsun - one of the greatest empresses in Chinese history, the love of Tang Taizong Li Shimin's life.Together with the ministers of Zhenguan, he assisted Tang Taizong to achieve the rule of Zhenguan.After her death, Emperor Taizong mourned unceasingly, built a view of Zhaoling, and personally raised the youngest son and daughter left by the queen (Jin Wang Li Zhi and Jin Yang Princess).When Emperor Taizong died, he was buried in the same acupoint with the empress, creating a precedent for the empress to combine acupoints.

Husband and wife are deeply in love and share weal and woe

Changsun Wugou (600-636), a native of Chang'an, whose ancestors were the Tuoba clan of the Northern Wei Dynasty, and his father, Changsun Sheng, was an official from Sui Dynasty to General You Xiaowei.His mother was the daughter of Gao Jingde, the governor of Yangzhou in the Sui Dynasty.The eldest grandson Wugou liked reading since he was a child. He grew up in a family of officials and received a whole set of orthodox education since he was a child.When Changsun was 13 years old, he married Li Shimin, the 17-year-old second son of Li Yuan who stayed behind in Taiyuan at that time.Although she is young, she has been able to do her best, serving her parents-in-law wholeheartedly, caring for her husband and raising her children. She is a very competent little daughter-in-law and has won the favor of her husband and parents-in-law.

Once when Changsun returned to her natal home, a concubine of her uncle Gao Shilian saw a two-foot-tall horse outside the house where she was staying, with both saddles and leashes, and she was in high spirits.But in a blink of an eye, the big horse, which seemed to have fallen from the sky, disappeared.Gao Shilian then asked a sorcerer to do a divination on this, and the sorcerer said to her after measuring her birth date, "Kun contains all things, virtue is boundless, and being in the middle of life is obedient, which is beyond words!"

Li Shimin was a promising young man with both civil and military skills. At the age of 18, he was able to single-handedly break into the enemy's camp and rescue his father who was in deep siege; at the age of 20, he had the demeanor of a king, able to respect the virtuous and corporal, donate money, and recruit heroes from all over the world; The army captured Chang'an, the capital of the Sui Dynasty, and sent the Sui Dynasty to its grave. Li Yuan ascended the throne of the emperor and became the founder of the Tang Dynasty—Tang Gaozu.After Li Yuan proclaimed himself emperor, Li Shimin was worshiped as Shangshuling and Youyiwei General because of his military achievements, and he was named King of Qin.The eldest grandson Wugou immediately became the first concubine of King Qin, starting her first step towards the queen.

The eldest grandson Wugou gave birth to her and Li Shimin's first child, Li Chengqian, in the second year. The eldest grandson Wugou, who was a mother for the first time, was happy, but her heart was more concerned about her husband who was going to war.In order to stabilize the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin had to fight the enemy on the battlefield, and his favorite way of killing the enemy made the eldest grandson Wang Hao suffer a lot.Soon, Li Shimin won the highest reward from the great ancestor Li Yuan for his outstanding military exploits: Li Shimin was named "Admiral Tiance" above the princes, and was awarded the order of Minister of Daxingtai, Shandong Road. There are 40 households in Jin and Shiyi.At the same time, he also got a set of golden cymbals, a set of uniforms, front and rear advocacy, nine parts of music, and [-] swordsmen.This is already the imperial guard of honor treatment.

During Li Shimin's battles in the north and south, Princess Changsun followed her husband closely and took care of his daily life, so that Li Shimin could get a kind of gentle comfort like a clear spring after the busy battle, so that he was more energetic in the battle.Invincible.

Although Li Shimin is not a prince, he has made great contributions, and his subordinates and generals are like clouds.Civil servants have "Eighteen Scholars" headed by Du Ruhui and Fang Xuanling, and Wu Youcheng Yaojin, Qin Shubao, Yuchi Jingde and other brave generals.All this is seen in the eyes of Prince Li Jiancheng, and his defense against Li Shimin is getting stronger day by day.Some people even sued Li Yuan, the great ancestor, saying: "The king of Qin relied on his great honor and refused to accept being inferior to the prince."

At this time, the burden on Changsun Wugou's shoulders became even heavier. She tried her best to be filial to Li Yuan, respect the concubines, and try her best to close the relationship between Li Shimin and his father.She also bridged the relationship between sisters-in-law, hoping to use the close relationship between sisters-in-law to ease the tension between Li Shimin's brothers.But these efforts she made were destined to be fruitless.

In the face of power, family affection and morality seem so insignificant.Soon Li Jiancheng and his younger brother Li Yuanji dealt the heaviest blow to Li Shimin. They called out Li Shimin's cronies and generals from Li Shimin's mansion under General Tiance, and planned to get rid of Li Shimin.

On June 627, 6 AD, the well-arranged "Xuanwumen Incident" broke out, and the final moment finally arrived.

Li Shimin summoned his subordinates to prepare for a decisive battle with Li Jiancheng. At this critical moment, Changsun Wugou put aside his personal gains and losses and stood firmly with her husband.In "Book of Tang Biography of Concubine", there is such a sentence: "Taizong was at Xuanwu Gate, Fang led the soldiers into the palace to confer armor, and his relatives encouraged him, and everyone was grateful." It can be seen that the eldest grandson Wugou did not stay out of it at that time, Together with Li Shimin, she truly lived and died together.Li Shimin also stubbornly took this weak wife by his side. He knew that life and death were unpredictable in this military struggle. Whether it was a blessing or a curse, they would never live alone.Flickering in the shadow of swords and swords is the sincere love and unchanging vows of the legendary emperor and empress.

After Li Shimin passed the Xuanwumen mutiny, he successfully got rid of the prince and Li Yuanji. Li Yuan, who was threatened by the mutiny, had no choice but to make Li Shimin the prince and ordered Li Shimin to take charge of military and state affairs. In fact, he had already handed over the power to Li Shimin.In August of the same year, Li Yuan gave the throne to Prince Li Shimin on the grounds of his advanced age, and retired as the Supreme Emperor himself.

In August 627, Li Shimin ascended the throne as Tang Taizong.As the tide rises, all boats rise, and Princess Changsun immediately becomes the Empress Changsun who is the mother of the world, fulfilling the prophecy of Mr. Divination that she "contains all things".As the supreme queen, Changsun is not proud of it. She maintains the virtues of being virtuous, respectful and thrifty as always.For the elderly and idle Emperor Li Yuan, she served him very respectfully and meticulously. She would go to pay his respects every morning and evening, and always reminded the court ladies beside the Emperor how to regulate his daily life, and do their best to be filial like an ordinary daughter-in-law.

Empress Changsun was also very tolerant and docile to the concubines of the post-officials. She did not focus on winning exclusive favors. This is very rare in all ages.It is precisely because of the tolerance, gentleness, virtuousness and generosity of Empress Changsun that Li Shiming can handle state affairs calmly while enjoying the colorful life of post-officials.

Empress Changsun is calm-headed, has unique and objective insights in situations, and is good at grasping the essence of things through the appearance of things. This made Tang Taizong very impressed, and he valued her very much.Every time I go back to the harem, I often talk to her about major military affairs and details of rewards and punishments; although Empress Changsun is a very insightful woman, she does not want to interfere in state affairs with her special status. She has her own set of principles for dealing with affairs. She believes that men and women are different and should perform their own duties, so she said: "The hen's morning is not the right way, and it is also ominous for a woman to predict political affairs." Tang Taizong insisted on listening to her opinion, but the eldest grandson empress couldn't help it, saying She came up with her own opinion after careful consideration: "Be prepared for danger in times of peace, accept advice from virtuous people." What she put forward was principles, and she did not want to restrain the emperor's husband with detailed suggestions. She believed very much in the abilities of Li Shimin's advisers and wise men.

Li Shimin firmly remembered the two words of a good wife: "Be prepared for danger in times of peace" and "Advice the good."At that time, the world was basically peaceful, and many generals gradually began to neglect martial arts training. Emperor Taizong of Tang often recruited military officers to practice shooting skills in his spare time. The name was pastime. In fact, he urged military officers to practice martial arts diligently, and used the results of the exercises as their promotions. and an important reference for rewards.According to the regulations of previous dynasties, except for the palace guards and individual heroes, other personnel are generally not allowed to bring weapons to the court to ensure the safety of the emperor. Therefore, someone reminded Tang Taizong; Hurting Your Majesty is not a catastrophe for the country!" Li Shimin said, "I treat people with my heart, so why should I doubt those around me?" Everyone is self-motivated and dare not be negligent. Even in a period of peace and stability, they will not let down their vigilance. The country has a long-term military force and is not afraid of foreign invasion.

Regarding the matter of accepting advice from Renxian, Tang Taizong benefited greatly from it and did the best.He often said to his left and right: "If a person wants to see his own appearance, he must rely on a mirror; if a king wants to know his mistakes, he must rely on his frank counselors."

His doctor Wei Zheng is an upright man who dares to offend Yan Zhijian.Out of loyalty, Wei Zheng was not just a critic. He was often outspoken about state affairs, dared to stick to his own insights, and acted regardless of the emperor's face. He said whatever it was.Some of Tang Taizong's inappropriate behaviors and policies were pointed out directly and face to face, and he urged him to correct it. Tang Taizong respected and feared him, calling him a "loyal and admonishing minister".But sometimes Wei Zheng would not let go of some trivial matters, and even made a big fuss, which made Tang Taizong often feel offended.Once, on a whim, Tang Taizong took a large group of guards and ministers to hunt in the countryside.Just as he was about to leave the palace gate, he met Wei Zheng head-on. Wei Zheng asked about the situation, and immediately said to Tang Taizong: "Now it is mid-spring, all things are sprouting, and animals are feeding their young. It is not suitable for hunting. Please return to your majesty." Taizong was very interested, and he was not happy when he heard it: I am a majestic emperor of the Tang Dynasty, and I am rich in the world. Even if I beat some young animals, so what?So he pointed at the horsewhip and asked Wei Zheng to step aside.Hit the horse forward by yourself and insist on traveling.Wei Zheng refused to compromise, and simply ran over and stood in the middle of the road, blocking Tang Taizong's way.Tang Taizong was so angry that he got off his horse and returned to the palace angrily.

Tang Taizong returned to his official position and saw Empress Changsun, and said alone with righteous indignation: "We must kill Wei Zheng to vent my hatred!" After Empress Changsun asked what happened, she didn't complain about him or say anything, but quietly went back to the palace. room, put on the dress, and then solemnly came to Tang Taizong and kowtowed: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!"

When Tang Taizong saw it, he was at a loss, not knowing what kind of medicine she was selling in the gourd, and asked in surprise: "Why is it so grand?" This shows that Your Majesty is wise, so I come to congratulate Your Majesty!" Tang Taizong was startled when he heard this, and felt that what the Empress said was very reasonable, so the cloudy face disappeared, and Wei Zheng was able to keep his status and life.It can be seen from this that Empress Changsun is not only magnanimous, but also has extraordinary wit.

A generation of virtuous queens will last for thousands of years

Empress Changsun assisted Li Shimin in handling all aspects of the relationship fairly and wisely, often giving benefits to others and leaving difficulties to herself, and would rather suffer losses than others.According to the current saying, it means self-sacrifice for others, not seeking personal gain, won the admiration of everyone in the palace, has a lot of prestige and power invisibly, everyone is willing to follow her arrangement, and even feels that listening to her and following her It is an honor to arrange and do things.

Empress Changsun and Emperor Taizong's eldest son Li Chengqian were established as princes since childhood, and his wet nurse, Mrs. Sui'an, was in charge of the daily expenses of Prince Dongguan.At that time, the palace practiced a system of frugal expenditure, and the palace was no exception, and the expenses were very tight.Mrs. Sui'an often murmured in front of Empress Changsun, saying that "the prince is a future king and should be supported by the world, but now the expenses are stretched and all the utensils are very poor", so she repeatedly asked for an increase in the cost.

But Empress Changsun didn't let the net go because she was her beloved son. She said: "As the crown prince, the future will be bright. The patient's morals are not established and his reputation is not well-known, so why bother with the shortage of utensils and insufficient expenses!" Zhenguan The formation of the prosperous age is inseparable from Taizong and the queen's frugal policy. In this regard, Empress Changsun set an example for the people of the world.

Among the foreign relatives in the past dynasties, many of them rose to prosperity through nepotism, but in the end, they often climbed high and fell hard. It is not uncommon for people to be exiled and imprisoned, and all their families were copied and beheaded.Changsun Wuji is the elder brother of Empress Changsun, both civil and military. He was a close friend with Li Shimin in his early years, and assisted Li Shimin to win the world. So as not to leave a story for others.

Tang Taizong originally wanted Changsun Wuji to be the prime minister, but Empress Changsun said: "Since the concubine has entrusted herself to the imperial palace and has an extremely high position, I really don't want my brothers to set up court again, so as to form a family. The trip of Empress Lu in the Han Dynasty can be done. Lesson from the past. Wanwang Shengming, don’t use concubine brother as prime minister!” Tang Taizong didn’t want to listen, he felt that letting Changsun Wuji serve as prime minister was based on his merits and talents, and he could “let others not shy away from relatives, only use them according to their talents” .And Changsun Wuji is also very scrupulous about the relationship with his younger sister, and he is unwilling to be an extreme minister.As a last resort, Tang Taizong had no choice but to let him be the third secretary of Kaifu Yitong, with a high position and not actually in charge of political affairs. Changsun Wuji still had to resign. .Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said seriously: "I choose people for the official. Use only talents. If you don't have talents, even if you don't use them, the Xiangyi King's charm is an example; if you have talents, even if you don't avoid hatred, Wei Zheng is an example. Today's move, They are not personal relatives." Then Changsun Wuji agreed, the brother and sister are both honest and selfless noble people.

Although Empress Changsun adheres to the principle of not reusing her natal family, there are exceptions.She has a half-brother, Changsun Anye, who is an alcoholic and rascal. When the father of Empress Changsun died, Empress Changsun and elder brother Changsun Wuji were still very young. go home.After the eldest grandson Wugou became the queen, he didn't hold grudges.Instead, he asked Taizong to take care of him.Taizong appointed An Ye as the general of the prison gate.Later, An Ye participated in Liu Deyu's rebellion, and Emperor Taizong wanted to kill An Ye.Empress Changsun kowtowed and shed tears in front of Emperor Taizong to intercede for An Ye. She said: "Of course An Ye's crimes deserve death, and they are not included in the pardon. But everyone in the world knows that he treats me badly, and His Majesty wants to kill him. His majesty's hand killing his elder brother will damage your majesty's reputation." Taizong had no choice but to do extrajudicial favors and exempt An Ye from the death penalty.

Tang Taizong and Empress Changsun had a daughter, Princess Changle, who was regarded as the jewel in the palm of her hand. She was pampered and pampered since she was a child.When she is about to get married, the dowry will be double that of Princess Yongjia.Princess Yongjia is the elder sister of Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty. She got married at the beginning of Tang Dynasty when all kinds of businesses were waiting for prosperity, so the dowry was relatively simple.But when Wei Zheng heard about this, he remonstrated at the court: "If Princess Changle's courtesy is higher than that of Princess Yongjia, it will be inconsistent with emotion and reason, and the elders and children will be in order. There are certain rules and regulations, and I hope your majesty will not give others excuses!" Tang Tang Taizong didn't take these words seriously at first.The times are different and the situation has changed, so it is not necessarily necessary to stick to the stereotypes.After returning to the official position, Tang Taizong casually told Empress Changsun what Wei Zheng said, but Empress Changsun attached great importance to it. She praised: "I often hear that Your Majesty respects Wei Zheng, but I don't know why; now that I hear his remonstrance, it is actually citing courtesy." Righteousness suppresses the master's personal love, and he is a minister who knows the true state. The concubine and your majesty are married, and the affection is deep and deep. I still fear your majesty's high position, and I must first check your majesty's color before every word, and dare not offend easily; Wei Zheng regards him as a minister It is really rare to be able to protest so far, Your Majesty must obey." So, under the control of Empress Changsun, Princess Changle happily married with a modest dowry.

(End of this chapter)