Chapter 11 1. Nepotism is invincible: Li Yuan's philosophy of in-laws

Li Yuan's rapid rise in the sudden change at the end of the Sui Dynasty seems to be a historical accident, but looking at Li Yuan's life course, it seems that his whole life has been accumulating for that moment of victory, and it can even be traced back to Li Yuan's father and grandfather.After several generations of accumulation, Li Yuan's power and ability have been guaranteed, and when the storm comes, he immediately transforms into a dragon. The ancestors of Li Yuan recorded in historical materials began with his grandfather Li Hu.Li Hu lived in the post-Wei period, and his official position was Zuo Pushe of the post-Wei Dynasty, and he was named the Duke of Longxi County. He was also known as the "Eight Pillar Kingdom" together with the famous ministers Duguxin, Yang Zhong, and Yu Wentai at that time. One of the eight giants of weight, he was named Rong Guogong after his death.Li Yuan's father, Li Yan, inherited this honor. Although the dynasty changed, in the period of Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, the Li family was still prosperous and rich.In Li Yuan's time, although he lost his father at the age of seven, he still inherited the title of Duke of Tang. From Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty to Emperor Wen and Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, he held an important position in the court.

If it is said that the Li family's glory was initially derived from military exploits, relying on the sword in their hands, then after several dynasties, they can still maintain this glory, but they must attribute the credit to the women of the Li family. The wife Li Hu married for his son Li Yan was the fourth daughter of Duguxin in the later Wei Dynasty.Duguxin had seven daughters in his life, and three of them became queens, which has to be said to be a miracle.The eldest daughter married Yu Wentai's son, and later replaced Hou Wei as the first emperor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Li Yuan's aunt became the queen of Emperor Ming of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, and the Li family continued to retain their glory.The Sui Dynasty replaced the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Yang Zhong’s son Yang Jian became Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty. He married the seventh daughter of Duguxin. Li Yuan’s seventh aunt became the first queen of the Sui Dynasty. How could the glory of the Li family be deprived? Woolen cloth?After Li Yuan became emperor, he respected his father as Emperor Shizu Yuan of Tang Dynasty, and his mother was Empress Dowager Yuan Zhen, who became the third queen of the Dugu family.Several famous officials of the "Eight Pillar Kingdom" in the later Wei Dynasty, although Duguxin did not proclaim himself emperor, he has always been the emperor's father-in-law, and Li Yuan has benefited greatly from this kind of in-law relationship.

Li Yuan's father Li Min died early, so he inherited the title of Tang Guogong at the age of seven.In such a large family, the seven-year-old Tang Guogong relied entirely on Li Yuan's mother and his in-laws for assistance.Therefore, after Li Yuan grows up, he is very clear about the benefits brought by such in-laws. By getting married, he can not only improve his political status, but also ensure the long-term prosperity of this political status. It can be said to be the most direct and effective way.So after discussing and comparing with his mother, he chose for himself a woman from a famous family who was absolutely helpful to his career—Hou Zhou Dou's family.

The Dou family definitely belonged to the famous family at that time. Her father, Dou Yi, was named Shenwu Gong. Her mother was Princess Xiangyang, the elder sister of Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Her uncle, Yu Wenyong, Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty loved her very much and took her into the palace. Nurturing, often accompanied by attendants.When Mrs. Dou reached the age to leave the cabinet, Emperor Wu of Zhou said to Dou Yi: "This daughter is talented and extraordinary in appearance. In the future, we must choose a promising husband for her, so as not to wrong her."

Regarding this point, Dou Yi naturally understood very well that the famous families seeking marriage for their daughters were about to cross the threshold, how to choose a promising young man with a future has become the most scratchy thing for him. On this day, Dou Yi was discussing this matter with his wife in the front hall, when he suddenly heard someone report: "Duke Tang is asking to see you." Mrs. Dou said: "Duke Tang? Could it be Li Min's son?" Dou Yi said: "It's him. He didn't have any military achievements, but he was the hereditary Duke of Tang. Thanks to his aunt being the empress dowager, he maintained his current glory and wealth."

Mrs. Dou said: "Although the Li family has no skills, but their skirts are quite long, don't be negligent." Dou Yi said: "I don't have much contact with Tang Guogong's house on weekdays. Could it be that he is here to propose marriage?" Mrs. Dou shook her head and said, "Where can I come to the door by myself?" While talking, I saw a suave young man striding in, clasped his fists and saluted with a voice like a bell. Dou Yi looked him up and down, asked him to sit down, and said to him, "Mr. Tang Guo is here for some reason?" I saw Li Yuan calmly, and said to Dou Yi: "Mr. Dou, I am here to pay a visit to you, and I have something else I would like to ask you to present to the emperor."

Dou Yi said strangely: "Oh? Is there anything I can do for you?" Li Yuan stood up and presented a memorial with both hands: "I have been observing military affairs and national conditions for several days, writing at my desk at night, and sketched out ten policies for governing the country, including rectifying the army, appeasing the border defense, reducing taxes and taxes, and improving the livelihood of the people, etc. Ten strategies. I hope Duke Dou can present to the emperor on my behalf, to express Li Yuan's determination to share the emperor's worries."

Dou Yi said: "The Duke of Tang is extremely honorable, and he is a cousin of the current emperor. Why don't you submit it yourself, but you want to find me?" Li Yuan sighed and said: "Mr. Dou doesn't know something. Although I inherited my father's title, it is not obtained by Li Yuan personally. Although I intend to go to the frontier defense in person to defend my family and the country, I will not have any regrets even if I am wrapped in horse leather. I have an old mother at home, and I can't bear to let me travel far, so I can only serve by my mother. But I, Li Yuan, did not rely on the shadow of my ancestors to live freely. It is my generation's responsibility to serve the country, but now I am just a "thousand bulls prepare swords" ( Official name), holding the imperial sword by the emperor's side, although it looks honorable, it is not qualified to be admonished, and will not be valued by the emperor. Therefore, I dedicate the "Ten Strategies" written with all my heart to Duke Dou, hoping to pass You, consecrate my heart to serve the country."

Li Yuan spoke with sincerity, not only expressing that he is an aspiring young man who is not willing to be reconciled to his ancestors, but also praised Dou Yi's high position and weight from the side, expressing his respect and attachment. Good qualities such as non-stop reading are constantly flashing in his language.After listening to Dou Yi, he couldn't help stroking his beard and admiring. He nodded and said with a smile: "The official position of 'Qian Niu Bei Dao' was originally an honorary position for the children of the family, but it seems that it is really wronged by Tang Guogong. You are an ambitious person. You can rest assured that I will definitely present this memorial of yours to the emperor."

Li Yuan thanked him and resigned. Mrs. Dou saw him walking away, and she came out from behind the screen and asked Dou Yi: "Didn't he come to propose marriage? Why didn't he say anything about marriage?" Dou Yi smiled and said, "He didn't come here to propose marriage. This young man has a country in his heart, so how could he be entangled in such matters of children?" Mrs. Dou said strangely: "You still looked down upon him when you mentioned him just now, why are you praising him so much now?" Dou Yi said: "He was born in an official family. This is beyond his control. What is rare is that this person is not satisfied with these things and strives to make progress. He is a rare young man with aspirations!"

Although Mrs. Dou was very strange, Dou Yi didn't explain much.He brought Li Yuan's memorial to the palace to see Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. After reading the memorial, Emperor Wu nodded repeatedly and said, "Li Yuan served in the lobby. Strategies, I also think hard. These ten strategies are all based on people's sentiments, and there are many merits!" Dou Yi said: "After hearing what he said, I also think that this person is very intelligent. It's just that he can also come to visit the Holy Majesty by himself. I don't know why he must entrust me to pass it on to him?" Yu Wenyong thought for a while, then smiled and said, "Didn't you realize that he went after your daughter?" Dou Yi shook his head and said: "When he came to my house, he expressed his ambition, saying that he didn't want to rely on his ancestral shadow and wanted to serve in the frontier defense, but he couldn't bear to leave his elderly mother behind. " Yu Wenyong said: "He came to you at this juncture, just to show his ambition and attract your attention. However, I think he has a handsome appearance and a dignified appearance, and he will definitely do something in the future, so he promised his daughter He's also a good thing." Dou Yi returned to the mansion, discussed with his wife, and decided to try it out.So he sent someone to Tang Guogong's mansion and expressed his intention to get married to Li Yuan's mother.Li Yuan's mother was very happy and hurriedly called Li Yuan to tell him about the happy event.But Li Yuan said: "Although I personally went to Duke Dou's mansion to let him know what kind of person I am and let him know that I am different from those dudes, but he came so soon to express his intention to get married to you. It seems too early. You can ask the envoy to go back and tell Duke Dou: Li Yuan does not make achievements, and does not marry a wife. Even if he wants to marry, it is based on his real ability." The messenger brought Li Yuan's words back to Dou Yi. Mrs. Dou was furious when she heard it, but Dou Yi was overjoyed instead.Mrs. Dou hurriedly asked him: "Li Yuan's son thinks too much of himself. Why are you so happy?" Dou Yi said: "The people in the court who want to get married with me now are nothing more than because they value my high position and power, and I am also a relative of the emperor. They all want to rely on me to obtain more glory and wealth. Only this Li Yuan has great ambitions. Not to mention, I took the initiative to express my willingness to make friends with Qin Jin, but he still refused, it seems that he really has no intention of this, such a person is worth entrusting his daughter to him!" Madam Dou heard that what he said made sense, so she asked: "But he has no intention of marrying a wife now, what should we do?" Dou Yi said: "He said that if he wants to marry, he must rely on his real skills. I heard that he is excellent in riding and shooting, so I will set up a ring and let him marry based on his skills." In a few days, a ring was set up in Dou Yi's mansion, and a lifelike peacock was drawn on the door screen. As long as someone could shoot the peacock in the eye, his daughter would be betrothed to him.Li Yuan lived up to everyone's expectations, fired two arrows in succession, each hit one eye, and finally achieved the good story of "the bird screen was selected", and embraced the beauty. Li Yuan's marriage to Dou's family can be said to be the most successful decision in the first half of his life. Dou's family is not only virtuous in the family, but also has a keen observation of current affairs, which helps Li Yuan continue to be promoted.According to historical records, when Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty was suspicious of Li Yuan, the Dou family helped Li Yuan escape several dangers; not only that, the four sons born to Li Yuan by the Dou family: Jiancheng, Shimin, Xuanba, Yuanji, all of them were among the best. Dragon, helped Li Yuan establish extraordinary achievements. Although Li Yuan was born full of wealth, but in that era when family status was extremely important, the strong marriage relationship undoubtedly provided great convenience for him to start a foundation later on.Through his in-laws, Li Yuan not only kept his wealth, but also got in touch with the most core ruling group, learned about internal affairs and foreign military affairs, intervened in important state affairs, mastered resources that are difficult for others to reach, and gained training. These conditions are incomparable to others. of.