Chapter 3 2. Ye Fei Ye Wu Zetian
The history of the Tang Dynasty is a history of court political struggles.From Tang Taizong Li Shimin launching the Xuanwumen Mutiny, forcing the founding emperor Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty to step down in a coup d'état, to the killing of the last emperor Aidi in the Tang Dynasty, bloody court struggles and political conspiracy continued.Therefore, some people say that the Tang Dynasty was the dynasty with the most "family affairs".
"Family affairs" have been staged since the founding of the Tang Dynasty, and the tragedy of fratricide happened to the sons of the founding emperor Tang Gaozu Li Yuan.Li Yuan's second son, Li Shimin, contributed greatly to the establishment of the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, after Li Yuan became emperor, he was named General Tiance, ranking above all princes.From this, Li Shimin established Tiance Mansion and set up his own officials, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Changsun Wuji (Li Shimin's brother), Yu Shinan, Zhang Liang, Yan Liben, Gao Shilian (Li Shimin's uncle), Zhang Gongjin, Hou Junji, Yuchi Gong, Qin Qiong, Cheng Zhijie (formerly known as Cheng Yaojin), Duan Zhixuan and other famous civil servants and generals were all Li Shimin's staff.
Li Shimin's momentum naturally aroused the envy of Prince Li Jiancheng and Qi Wang Li Yuanji, especially Prince Li Jiancheng, who felt a serious crisis and threat.Therefore, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji colluded, and together with Tang Gaozu Li Yuan's favorite concubine Zhang Jieyu, Yin Defei and others, slandered in front of Gaozu.Li Shimin was indeed suspected of having made great achievements, and Gaozu began to suspect Li Shimin from then on.Li Shimin's best friend, Liu Wenjing, who was Minister of the Ministry of War at the time, became the first victim and was killed for treason. Li Shimin himself was also in danger from time to time.Once, Prince Li Jiancheng had a banquet with Li Shimin and secretly poisoned the wine.After Li Shimin drank, his heart ached suddenly and he vomited a lot of blood.Knowing that he had been tricked, he hurried back to Prince Qin's mansion. Fortunately, he was rescued in time, so he didn't die from the poison.
Li Shimin is far-sighted and considerate. In order to prevent accidents, he plans to send people to occupy Luoyang first as a base.In June of the ninth year of Wude (626), Li Shimin sent Wen Daya, Shangshu of the Ministry of Industry, and Zhang Liang, the chariot general of the Qin Dynasty, to lead more than a thousand people to guard Luoyang. .Li Yuanji panicked and wrote a letter accusing Zhang Liang of conspiracy. Zhang Liang was arrested and imprisoned.Because there was no real evidence, Zhang Liang had to be released and returned to Luoyang.
Gaozu was deeply distressed when he was aware of the infighting between the Li Shimin brothers, and finally decided to let Li Shimin live in Luoyang and assign the east of Shanzhou to him under his jurisdiction, in order to mediate the suspicion of the Li Shimin brothers.Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji were worried that after Li Shimin arrived in Luoyang, he would dominate one side, "there is no duplication if you have land and armored soldiers", so they secretly instigated close officials to report their interests to Gaozu.
In order to get rid of Li Shimin's right-hand man, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji also wanted to win over the heroes of the Qin Palace.Li Jiancheng first sent someone to give Yu Chigong a cart of gold and silver utensils, but Yu Chigong refused and told Li Shimin about it.Li Yuanji then sent killers to assassinate Yu Chigong.Yu Chigong heard the news in advance, so he deliberately opened the door of the house wide, and lay down on the bed without moving.The killer came to the courtyard many times, but never dared to enter the bedroom.Seeing that the assassination was not possible, Li Yuanji slandered Wei Chigong in front of Gaozu.Emperor Gaozu issued an edict to capture Yu Chigong and was about to execute him. Li Shimin insisted on his request, and Yu Chigong saved his life.Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji used the same means to deal with Cheng Zhijie and Duan Zhixuan, and managed to expel Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui from the capital.
The prince and the King of Qin have accumulated more and more grievances, and the situation is like fire and water. Everyone in the palace of the King of Qin is in danger.Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji urged Li Shimin to eradicate the prince's party, but Li Shimin couldn't make up his mind for a long time. Everyone expressed their willingness to play.
In the summer of the ninth year of Wude (626), the court suddenly rumored that the Turks were about to invade, and Prince Li Jiancheng recommended Li Yuanji to lead the army.Li Yuanji took the opportunity to ask Yu Chigong, Cheng Zhijie, Qin Qiong, and Duan Zhixuan to accompany him, and selected Li Shimin's elite soldiers to enrich the army, hoping to take the opportunity to seize Li Shimin's generals.Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji also conspired to hold a banquet in Kunming Lake on the day of the farewell, and took the opportunity to assassinate Li Shimin.Unexpectedly, Wang Jun, the commander of the crown prince, leaked this plan to Li Shimin.Knowing the urgency of the matter, Li Shimin immediately entered the court and told Gaozu about the prince's conspiracy.Gao Zu was stunned for a moment and couldn't believe it. He just said, "I will ask them when I go to court tomorrow." He asked Li Shimin to talk again when he went to court the next morning.However, at this time Li Shimin had made up his mind to kill Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji.
Early the next morning, Li Shimin acted preemptively and set up an ambush at the Xuanwu Gate, the place where he must pass through to enter the court. When the princes Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji were about to enter the court, the ambushes broke out everywhere. They were unprepared and were killed on the spot.This is the famous "Xuanwu Gate Change" in history.
At this time, Gaozu was boating and playing in the sea pool in Taiji Palace, not knowing that the human tragedy of brothers fratricide was happening outside.Suddenly, Li Shimin's confidant Yu Chigong entered the audience in full armor (according to the usual practice, this is already a serious crime of beheading).Gaozu saw Yuchi Gong holding a weapon and approaching menacingly. He was shocked and asked, "Who is in trouble today? Why are you here?" Your Majesty, send ministers and guards." At that time, Pei Ji, Chen Shuda and others were all present.Gaozu was very terrified, so he asked Pei Ji and others: "If you don't plan to see this today, what should you do?" They are highly respected and conspired together. Now the King of Qin has been punished and punished. The King of Qin has made great achievements in the universe and led the land to his heart. If His Majesty punishes Yuan Liang and entrusts him with state affairs, nothing will happen!" ("Zi Zhi Tong Jian Volume" One hundred and ninety-one ") Gaozu saw Yuchi Gong on the side pressing the hilt of his sword, aggressive and ready to attack if there was a disagreement, so he reluctantly agreed and issued a warrant that "all the troops will be punished by the King of Qin". calmed down the incident.
Gaozu summoned Li Shimin to appease him.Li Shimin knelt on the ground, sucked Gaozu's toes, and wept for a long time. Although there was an artificial side, it also showed that he was really troubled.Gaozu pushed the boat along the river, made Li Shimin the crown prince, and issued an edict: "From now on, the general affairs of the military and the country, no matter how big or small, commission the prince to execute, and then hear the play." Living in Da'an Palace, he no longer predicts state affairs.In fact, Li Shimin had already grasped the military power, and Gao Zu's Zen position was like an arrow on the string, and he had to take it.Gao Zu did not leave a very good reputation in history, only giving people a mediocre impression.In fact, this is because he was sandwiched between the two most famous emperors in history. Before him, there was the famous Sui Yang Emperor, and behind him was the famous Tang Taizong.
After the Xuanwumen Incident, Li Shimin carried out a major purge, killing all the children of Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, and all other accomplices in the party will not be held accountable.Prince Xima Weizheng and Prince Zhongyun Wanggui often advised Li Jiancheng to get rid of Li Shimin as soon as possible. Li Shimin summoned them and asked, "Why do you separate our brothers?" Li Shimin has always attached importance to talents, and immediately changed his appearance and apologized, so Wei Zheng and Wang Gui, who originally belonged to the enemy camp, also became Li Shimin's trusted and important ministers.It can be seen that among the feudal emperors, Li Shimin did have outstanding broad-mindedness and attitude in employing people.
It is worth noting that shortly after Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan abdicated, he moved from Taiji Palace to Da'an Palace (Daming Palace had not yet been built at that time).Although the history books do not indicate that Gaozu's move was forced, it must have been unwilling.As soon as Taizong Li Shimin came to power, he dismissed Gaozu's most important courtier, Pei Ji, and rehabilitated Liu Wenjing, who was killed by Gaozu.In history, it is rare for a later son emperor to overthrow the previous emperor Lao Tzu's handling of the case. Taizong naturally had a meaning in doing so.Afterwards, Gao Zu felt that something was wrong and offered to move.
Since ancient times, countless heroes have been competing for the throne of the emperor.It is true that it is not easy to sit on it, but it is also very difficult to get off. You will either die on the dragon couch, or be forced out of power by another person who wants to be emperor.It is very rare to give up the emperor's throne alive—even to his own son.The Tang Dynasty is more representative, and the founding king became the Supreme Emperor. This is unprecedented in history, and there will be no successor.Looking at the entire Tang Dynasty, among Li Yuan's descendants, there were not a few who became the Supreme Emperor, and Xuanzong was one of them.
Like Taizong, Xuanzong Li Longji ascended to the throne with blood.To tell about Xuanzong's life, one has to mention Wu Zetian, the first and only female emperor in Chinese history.The legendary Wu Zetian was beautiful and alluring.This legendary woman has left deep historical traces during most of Gaozong Lizhi's 34-year reign and the decades after Gaozong.It can be said that in the 289-year history of the Tang Dynasty, nearly half a century was dominated by Wu Zetian.As far as Xuanzong was concerned, if Wu Zetian hadn't slaughtered the princes surnamed Li, including her own son, he would have had little chance of becoming emperor.From this point of view, Xuanzong should thank his grandmother who is bold and vicious.
If you compare carefully, it is not difficult to find that the grandfather and grandson actually have many similarities: bold, decisive, and ruthless; both are emperors who have gone through power struggles and stood out with blood; But they all dote on their pets and have the same stupidity.If it wasn't for worshiping power, how could Wu Zetian massacre the royal family of the Li family and insist on becoming a female emperor instead of being a queen mother?If it weren't for the worship of power, how could Li Longji kill his aunt and aunt, and even force his father to abdicate as the Supreme Emperor in different ways?If it wasn't stupid, how could Wu Zetian be forced to abdicate without arranging a successor?This directly led to the bloody and turbulent situation in the Tang Dynasty.If it weren't for being stupid, how could Li Longji be underestimated by the border generals, which led to the Anshi Rebellion?The civilization of the Tang Dynasty and even China has since declined.
On a certain day in November of the seventh year of Wude (624), a full 131 years from 755 AD, the mysterious figure Yuan Tiangang came to the home of the Lizhou governor samurai Yi.Yuan Tiangang was a well-known astrologer at that time, and he was very good at reading astrology. He once worked as a senior official in the Sui Dynasty and a Huojing order in the early Tang Dynasty, and then lived in seclusion.It was on this day that Yuan Tiangang saw Wu Zhao, who was still in the clothes of an infant boy, and he was shocked and said: "This child has long eyes and a phoenix neck, which is the most expensive appearance among the nobles. If it is a girl, it cannot be seen. will be queen."
This Wu Zhao will be Wu Zetian in the future.Later generations circulated "Li Chunfeng and Yuan Tiangang Pushing Back".Among them, the picture prophecy about Wu Zetian is as follows: "The sun and the moon are in the sky, shining on the world. Complicated and confusing, not literary and military. See the empty king's appearance and empty, and re-enter the emperor's palace. The roots are still there after the branches are pulled out. Oh, which one is the chicken in the morning?" Who is it?" The prophecy implied that Wu Zetian was not good at poetry, but took Wu Zetian as the lord of the world, and after eradicating the descendants of the Li family, the Li family would still be resurrected.That's how things turned out.
Yuan Tiangang was knowledgeable and claimed to be able to predict the future. At that time, his voice shook the government and the public, and he was hailed as a god-man.Later, when he visited Taizong Li Shimin in Jiucheng Palace, he looked at the faces of many ministers and verified them all.Taizong's favorite minister Gao Shilian (uncle of Taizong's eldest grandson Empress) asked him what official he wanted to be.Yuan Tiangang said that he could not be an official, and his life would end in April of that year.All the officials were horrified when they heard this.Sure enough, Yuan Tiangang passed away in April of that year.
In the tenth year of Zhenguan (636), Empress Changsun died.Emperor Taizong Li Shimin issued an edict: If there are vacancies in the internal job, select talented women from good families to fill them.In the eleventh year (637), Taizong heard that the daughter of the warrior Xun was very beautiful, so he called her into the harem.When Taizong learned that her name was Wu Zhao, he felt that the name was not good, so he named her Wu Mei, and the palace people called her Mei Niang.At this time, Wu Mei was only 13 years old.
Before entering the palace, her mother, Yang, wept bitterly and bid farewell to Wu Mei.Wu Mei was calm and composed, and said: "Seeing the emperor is not a blessing? Why do sons and daughters feel sorry for their husbands?" Why should children love each other and be so sad.Yang was astonished by her daughter's words.Wu Mei's calm character and extraordinary insight can be seen from this.
After entering the palace, Wu Mei's scheming and courage were fully revealed in the incident of "Three Things Falling into Martial Horses", which made her famous in the palace.At that time, Taizong had a strong horse "Lion Cong", which was so fat and big that no one could control it.Wu Meijin said: "A concubine can control him, but he needs three things, one iron whip, two iron hammers, and three daggers. If he refuses to accept the iron whip, he will hammer his head with an iron hammer; if he refuses to accept it, he will use a dagger to cut off his throat." The horse is for people to ride, if it can't be tamed, what's the use of it." Wu Mei's extraordinary courage caught Taizong's attention, and then he was summoned and named a talented person.
Cai Ren is a very low-ranking concubine, the lowest rank among the three wives in the harem and the twenty-seven wives below the ninth concubine.Due to Wu Mei's stubborn and stubborn personality, she was not good at displaying women's gentle methods, while Taizong liked elegant and weak women, the kind who were tender and charming, and the two were not in harmony, so since then, Taizong has not Forget about Wu Mei.Wu Mei has been in the palace for 12 years, and her title has always been the lowest talent, and she has never given birth to a man and a half woman for Taizong. From this, it can be seen that Taizong treats her in the cold.
However, the incident of "Three things subduing the fierce horse" has attracted the attention of another person, he is Prince Li Zhi.Li Zhi was established as the prince after the rebellion of the former prince Li Chengqian was abolished. He has a weak personality, so he was deeply impressed by Wu Mei's tough style, and even began to be surprised to admire and become fascinated.There are some unofficial stories that Wu Mei used her beauty to deliberately seduce the crown prince. According to Wu Mei's character at the time, this seems unreasonable.There are countless beauties in the harem, and Wu Mei is by no means all-powerful, otherwise why would the lustful Taizong only summon her once?With Li Zhi's weak character, what attracts him is still Wu Mei's character, which is a fatal attraction, and it is easier to impress people than beauty, so there is the scene in Ganye Temple later.But in any case, it must be a fact that Wu Mei and Li Zhi had secretly communicated with each other before Taizong was alive.
In May of the twenty-third year of Zhenguan (649), Emperor Taizong died at the age of 51.Taizong is a famous hero in history, and also the only emperor in history who achieved double success in conquering the world and governing the world.However, every family has scriptures that are difficult to recite, and even the mighty emperor has his own difficulties. During Taizong's reign, he was troubled by the abolition of the crown prince for a long time.
Empress Taizong's eldest grandson had three sons: the eldest son Li Chengqian, who was established as the prince at the age of 8; the fourth son Li Tai, who was named the king of Wei; the ninth son, Li Zhi, who was named the king of Jin.When Prince Li Chengqian grew up, he was unrestrained and often did some ridiculous and shameless things.Attendants Yu Zhining, Zhang Xuansu, etc. often remonstrated, but Li Chengqian not only did not repent, but also sent his confidant Hegan Chengji to assassinate Yu Zhining.Fortunately, Hegan Chengji suddenly realized his conscience and couldn't bear to do it, so Yu Zhining escaped.The fourth son, Wei Wang Li Tai, was versatile and deeply loved by Taizong. When the two sons were compared, Taizong decided to abolish Li Tai.
When Li Chengqian knew about it, he panicked and colluded with Li Yuanchang (Taizong's younger brother), Hou Junji and others to plan a palace coup and seize the throne.Just at this time, Li Hu, the seventh son of Emperor Taizong and the governor of Qizhou, the king of Qi, rebelled and was defeated and killed.Li Hu's rebellion implicated the prince Li Chengqian's confidant Hegan Chengji. In order to survive, Hegan Chengji took the initiative to expose the conspiracy of the prince and his gang, and the planned coup was stillborn.Prince Li Chengqian was deposed as a commoner, and participants including Li Yuanchang and Hou Junji were all executed.
At this time, Wei Wang Li Tai began to seek the crown prince, and Taizong also had this intention.However, Li Tai was flamboyant and didn't know how to restrain himself, which aroused the dissatisfaction of Changsun Wuji, Chu Suiliang and other important officials.These important ministers reminded Taizong that if Li Tai was to be crowned prince, the ninth son, Li Zhi, must be killed first, otherwise a struggle for the throne would inevitably follow in the future.The courtiers all advocated Li Zhi as the prince. Taizong believed that Li Zhi, the ninth son, was "cowardly and might not be able to defend the country". The man hugged and took the saber away.In the end, Taizong appointed the ninth son Li Zhi as the prince, and moved the deposed prince Li Chengqian and Wei Wang Li Tai to other states to eliminate hidden dangers.
Li Zhi's character is weak, Taizong has always been worried, and he has to teach him at any time. When Li Zhi was eating, Taizong said: "You know that farming is difficult, and you often have food." When Li Zhi was riding a horse, Taizong said: "You know The work and rest of a horse, you don’t have to exhaust its strength, you can always ride it.” When Li Zhi took a boat, Emperor Taizong said: “Water can carry a boat, and it can also overturn it. The people are like water, and the king is like a boat. Inadvertent." Before Taizong died, he solemnly entrusted the crown prince to his eldest grandson Wuji and Chu Suiliang, and asked them to "assist with all sincerity" and "protect the clan forever".After Prince Li Zhi came to the throne as Emperor Gaozong of Tang, the eldest grandson Wuji assisted the government as Uncle Yuan, but soon showed signs of exerting power, and even created unjust cases to eradicate dissidents. King Wu Li Ke was one of the victims.
King Li Ke of Wu was the third son of Emperor Taizong, born to Concubine Yang (a princess of the Sui Dynasty). He was handsome and talented in both civil and military affairs.Taizong liked Li Ke very much during his lifetime, and often called him "like himself", and once planned to make him the prince.Because Changsun Wuji is the elder brother of Empress Changsun, he "consistently fights and thinks it is impossible".Taizong knew Changsun Wuji's true intentions, and he immediately objected because King Wu was not born to Empress Changsun.However, in Taizong's later years, there were not many founding heroes alive at that time.The eldest grandson Wuji has the dual identities of a founding hero and a relative of the emperor. His authority is growing day by day, and he has the potential to influence the government.A talented and general emperor like Taizong could not escape the control of the situation and environment at that time. Although he was not disturbed by the harem on such a major event as the establishment of a prince, he had to follow the opinions of his important ministers.This is the truth of the so-called "situation is stronger than people", and it is also a historical phenomenon worth pondering.
Although Taizong finally made Jin Wang Li Zhi as the prince according to Changsun Wuji's wishes, Wu Wang Li Ke "has a high reputation and is very popular with things" ("Old Tang Book Volume 76 Biography of Wu Wangke"), and Changsun Wuji " I am deeply jealous and jealous", and when Emperor Gaozong came to the throne, he immediately used it to frame Li Ke, the king of Wu, for participating in the rebellion.Before his death, Li Ke, the king of Wu, scolded his grandson Wuji for "stealing authority and harming goodness".Immediately afterwards, Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang framed Li Daozong, the king of Jiangxia who had followed Taizong in battle at the age of 17 and made many achievements, and exiled him to Xiangzhou. Li Daozong died of illness on the way.Many historians of later generations believe that Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang were jealous of the virtuous and capable, and "the cause of incompatibility will cause a thousand years of injustice" ("Old Tang Book Volume 60 Jiangxia Wang Daozong Biography").
Gaozong's temperament was inherently cowardly. Under the siege and coercion of Yuanjiu's eldest grandson Wuji and other ministers who cared about his fate, since he couldn't make a final decision on the government, he could only empathize with the harem.This phenomenon is not uncommon in history.In the Western Han Dynasty, when the Wang family ruled exclusively, Liu Ao, Emperor Cheng of the Han Dynasty, devoted his love and sensuality to the Zhao Feiyan sisters.But unfortunately, the harem is full of contradictions and intrigues continue.Emperor Gaozong doted on Concubine Xiao Shu, liked Concubine Xiao Shu's son Su Jie, and was often interfered by Queen Wang and eldest grandson Wuji.In desperation, the cowardly Gaozong had to turn to another spiritual sustenance.At this time, he naturally thought of Wu Mei, who had a resolute personality.As a result, the various arrangements that Taizong and Changsun Wuji had worked so hard to planted a huge hidden danger because Gaozong never forgot about a woman.History did not develop according to Taizong's wishes at all. On the contrary, it evolved a result that he did not expect.This final result is naturally the result of many factors, and it is not the only reason why Gaozong himself was greedy for beauty.
After Taizong's death, according to the practice of the palace, those concubines who did not bear children for him had to become nuns.So, a large group of palace beauties in black mourning clothes, dejectedly set foot on the road leading to Ganye Temple.They had to mourn their bleak fate, for they were walking toward a living grave without any hope.Wu Mei was also in this black queue. She was 25 years old at the time and was in the prime of her youth.Her heart was also bleak and heavy, and she couldn't help turning her eyes to the other temple of Taizong to the west.
Ganye Temple is located in the fourth square of West Street, Zhuquemenwai, Chang'an City, at the southeast corner of Anyefang.This place was originally the villa of Li Mu, Shen Guogong of the Sui Dynasty. After Li Mu died, his wife built this place into a monk temple.The fourth square of West Second Street is Chongde Square, and there is Jiduni Temple, which is newly renamed Taizong Temple.Chongdefang is in the west and Anyefang is in the east. The two squares are adjacent to each other on the left and right, and there is a long street running north-south in the middle.If Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi went to Taizong's other temple to offer incense, he might stop by Ganye Temple.This is Wu Mei's glimmer of hope and her last hope, unless she wants to die in Ganye Temple.
In the first year of Yonghui (650), on the anniversary of Taizong's anniversary, Gaozong Li Zhi went to Taizong's other temple to offer incense.Afterwards, as expected, she came to Ganye Temple, Wu Mei fully seized the opportunity, and moved Gaozong with tears.Gaozong couldn't remember the old love, and even braved the disgrace of the world, he embraced and wept with the talented Wu Mei of the late Emperor Taizong, and even after returning to the palace, he was still restless.
The scene of the love between the emperor and the first emperor's woman was as deep as the ocean, and soon spread to the ears of Gaozong's empress Wang.Queen Wang was quite sad, but at the same time secretly happy in her heart, she came up with a plan: why not let Wu Mei enter the palace, "with the favor of Concubine Shu" ("Zi Zhi Tong Jian Volume 199")?
Empress Wang, a native of Qidi in Bingzhou, was born in a famous family.His grandfather was Wang Sizheng, the left servant of Wei Shangshu, and his father, Wang Renyou, was named Wei Guogong.The Wang family and the royal family of Li Tang have been in-laws for generations.Tang Gaozu Li Yuan's sister, Princess Tong'an, married Wang Yu, the governor of Suizhou, and Queen Wang was Princess Tong'an's granddaughter.Princess Tong'an admired Wang's Wanshu and asked Taizong to hire her as the concubine of Jin.After Jin Wang Li Zhi became the prince, the Wang family was promoted to the crown prince.After Li Zhi came to the throne, Wang was established as the queen.However, Queen Wang has been in the palace for many years, but she has not given birth to a son and a half daughter, and her infertility has become a major defect that she cannot make up for.But the glamorous Concubine Xiao Shu has a clever and clever son, so she becomes the queen's confidant.
Just a few days after Gaozong and Wu Mei embraced each other, Wu Mei was mysteriously taken back to the palace by the queen.In this way, Wu Mei stayed in Ganye Temple for only 10 months, and finally got her wish and returned to the palace.But she also knows that she still has a long way to go in this center of politics and power.At this point, she has no choice.If it is said that Taizong's heroism once suppressed her sharpness, then Gaozong's cowardice aroused the strongest ambition in her heart.
Gaozong was overjoyed when he learned that Wu Mei entered the palace.At this time, Emperor Gaozong was ready to become the prince because he loved Sujie, the son of concubine Xiao Shu.Queen Wang was terrified, and immediately formed an alliance with Changsun Wuji to oppose it.Gaozong had no choice but to make Li Zhong, the son of the court lady Liu's family, as the prince according to the wishes of his eldest grandson Wuji.The Liu family is insignificant and has no favor, and will not pose a threat to the status of Queen Wang, so Queen Wang is completely relieved.As the emperor, Emperor Gaozong felt a strong sense of frustration in the matter of setting up a prince, so he turned to Wu Mei, who was considerate and understanding, to seek spiritual and psychological comfort.Since then, Wu Mei began to favor the harem.
In all dynasties, there have been disputes over the establishment of heirs caused by concubines competing for favor.When the emperor dotes on a certain concubine, he loves the house as much as Wu, and thinks of making the concubine's son the crown prince. This is the so-called unity of emotion and politics, and it is also out of consideration for the concubine's future plans.But the establishment of an heir is related to the foundation of the country, and it attracts the attention of everyone. Even if the emperor has the power to dominate the world, he often cannot be satisfied.Regarding this characteristic historical phenomenon, it can be seen not only in Gaozong, but also in Wu Zetian with a tough style, Zhongzong who did nothing, and even Xuanzong who was decisive and heroic.This is the point that the author has always emphasized: historical figures can never get rid of the control of the situation and environment at that time. Even the emperor, there are many things that cannot be controlled by his personal consciousness and beyond his power.On this point, the author will discuss one by one.
After Wu Mei entered the palace, she was grateful for the care of the queen and served the queen very thoughtfully, but this was only under the condition that there was no conflict of interest for the time being.At this time, Wu Mei may not have the ambition to be a queen.She was satisfied to be able to walk out of the lifeless nunnery and return to the gorgeous palace.And Wu Mei's exclusive favor in the harem is entirely due to her charm and temperament.
Emperor Gaozong favored Wu Mei, favored Wu's family, granted Wu's dead father the Duke of Taiyuan, and his mother, Yang, the Duke of Taiyuan, and bestowed a district of the mansion in Chang'an City.Soon, Wu Cairen was promoted to Zhaoyi.Zhaoyi is the first among the nine concubines, at the level of the second rank, second only to the empress and imperial concubine in the harem.
When Wu Mei had given birth to two princes, Queen Wang woke up: Concubine Xiao Shu was no longer threatened, and the real deadly threat came from Wu Zhaoyi, who made the emperor fascinated.Former allies have turned into new enemies, and former enemies can also become new allies.Therefore, Queen Wang and Concubine Xiao Shu formed an alliance, ready to deal with Wu Mei together.The empress is in charge of the harem and seizes power over the life and death of concubines in the harem.At this time, for Wu Mei, it was not just as simple as falling out of favor, but even facing the threat of her life.In this case, Wu Mei had to work hard to protect herself.At this time, she has realized that unless she becomes queen herself, the struggles and threats in the harem will never stop.
Wu Mei started to act.She took out all her belongings, secretly tied up with the people in the palace, closely monitored the actions of the Queen and Concubine Xiao Shu, and cleverly told Gaozong their resentment and abuse towards her.Known in history as "the Wu family is clever and intelligent, with multiple powers" ("Zi Zhi Tong Jian Volume 199"), Wu Mei's scheming and resourcefulness far surpassed the queen and concubine Xiao Shu.Sure enough, Gaozong became increasingly dissatisfied with the queen.By this time, almost everyone in the government and the public already knew that the dethronement of Wang and Empress was inevitable, and it was only a matter of time.
Soon, Wu Mei gave birth to a daughter. The little princess was fat and beautiful, and was very much loved by Emperor Gaozong.One day, Queen Wang came to visit the little princess. Not long after leaving, Emperor Gaozong came and found the little princess dead. He was shocked and asked the palace man, "Who came here just now?" The palace man replied, "Queen Wang." Come on, cry loudly.Gaozong didn't know the truth, so he thought it was the queen who killed the little princess, and said angrily: "The queen killed my daughter. I used to have trouble with Zhaoyi (Wu Mei), and now it's the same!"
Later generations generally believed that Wu Mei strangled her own daughter, and then blamed it on the queen.Judging from Wu Zetian's killing of his own son in the future to remove obstacles to the emperor's throne, this is very likely.A woman, in order to protect herself by any means, is so cruel that she dares to attack her own flesh and blood, coupled with her beauty and wisdom, she is invincible.
In September of the sixth year of Yonghui (655), Emperor Gaozong summoned four senior elders, Sun Wuji, Li Ji, Chu Suiliang, and Yu Zhining, in the inner hall (Li Ji said that he was not yet sick), and formally proposed to abolish the king and queen and establish Wu as the queen.Chu Suiliang resolutely objected immediately. The reason was: "The queen was born in a famous family, and the late emperor was married to your majesty. She has never heard of any mistakes. How can she be abolished so easily?"
Gao Zong was kind-hearted by nature, seldom assertive, and was easily manipulated and influenced by others, but he persevered in establishing Wu Mei as the empress.There are many reasons for this: not only his strong love for Wu Mei, but also his strong hatred for the queen, and more because he wants to vent his long-standing grievances that have been coerced by a group of important officials.
The next day, Gaozong called the elders to discuss again.Chu Suiliang said: "Your Majesty must want to change the empress. Please choose the family of the world. Why bother with the Wu family! Wu's scriptures are known to the previous emperor, and everyone knows that the eyes and ears of the world can be hidden. After ten thousand generations, what will you say about your majesty!" May you stay and think twice!" ("Zizhi Tongjian Volume 199") and even resigned from office as a remonstrance.At this time, Wu Mei was eavesdropping behind the curtain, and seeing Chu Suiliang blatantly exposed her shortcomings, she couldn't help but shouted: "Why don't you kill this old guy!" The atmosphere in the court suddenly changed.Gaozong ordered Chu Suiliang to be dragged down, and important ministers such as Changsun Wuji immediately went to Shu to dissuade him.The anti-military faction came one after another, coming aggressively, with the appearance of never giving up until their goals were achieved.Xu Jingzong, Li Yifu and other cronies that Wu Mei had won over in advance were naturally not to be outdone, and spoke eloquently.The anti-military faction and the pro-martial arts faction were in full swing in the court, and elite soldiers from both sides appeared one by one.
Strangely, among the veterans and ministers, only Li Ji remained silent.Gaozong felt a little strange, so he deliberately left Li Ji to ask.Li Ji had already expected that the succession of the Wu family would be irreversible, but as an important minister of the former emperor, he could not openly support his son to take away Lao Tzu's woman, so he replied tactfully, "Why should you ask outsiders about your majesty's family affairs?" The man in the dream, Gaozong suddenly realized, Wu Mei also suddenly realized, and immediately sent Xu Jingzong to spread the word: "Tianshe Weng harvested ten more dendrobium wheat, and still wants to change his wife; after the emperor wants to be established, why do all the personnel and affairs raise objections arbitrarily?" !"
The situation immediately took a turn for the worse.Chu Suiliang was demoted from the capital and sent to Tanzhou.Then, Emperor Gaozong issued an edict to use poisonous poison to murder Wu Mei's baby girl with Queen Wang and Concubine Xiao Shu, and depose her as a commoner.Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu, who worked for Empress Wu Meifeng, were both promoted.On the surface, Li Yifu is modest and obedient, always smiling when talking to others, but his scheming is deep and vicious. At that time, people called him "a knife in a smile", which is the origin of the idiom "a knife hidden in a smile".
In November of the sixth year of Yonghui (655), Emperor Gaozong ordered Li Ji and Yu Zhining to be the envoys and deputy envoys of the queen, and Feng Xishoujin Wu Zhaoyi as the queen.All civil and military officials and the chiefs of the four barbarians congratulated the queen at Suyimen, and called the queen three times a thousand years old.The wives inside and outside come to pay homage.In history, hundreds of officials and wives met the queen, and it started from then on.In the first month of the following year, Prince Li Zhong was abolished and named King of Liang, and Wu Mei's eldest son Li Hong was named Prince.
So far, Wu Mei has achieved all her goals from talented person to Zhaoyi, then to empress, and established her son as the prince of the Tang Dynasty.Immediately, Wu Mei persuaded Gaozong to exile Changsun Wuji to Qianzhou (now Pengshui, Sichuan), and Gaozong readily complied.It can be seen that the harm caused to Gaozong by Changsun Wuji's once taking power has far exceeded the blood and blood.Soon, Wu Mei forced her eldest grandson Wuji to hang himself. Most of her in-laws were exiled, and her party members were killed or exiled.
This major change spread from the harem to the imperial court, involving the concubines of the harem and many important officials of the imperial court. It can be said that it was a fierce confrontation, bloody and shocking.And all this is not as later generations think: it is only directed by Wu Mei.At that time, the situation was chaotic, the government and the public were agitated, and the situation was fierce. The situation could not be completely controlled by one person.Wu Mei just became the only beneficiary and the ultimate winner in this battle.In any case, ascending to the throne of queen is the key link in Wu Mei's life, and her brilliant political career officially began.
Gaozong was dizzy for a long time and couldn't see. From the fifth year of Xianqing (660), Wu Mei managed the government affairs for him, and all the memorials of civil and military officials were all adjudicated by Wu Mei.She acted decisively and ruled political affairs in an orderly manner, which Gaozong was very satisfied with.But later, Wu Mei gradually gained power and arrogance, and Gaozong couldn't help but think of the benefits of Queen Wang and Concubine Xiao Shu.One day, Gaozong secretly went to Lenggong to visit Wang and Xiao while Wu Mei was away.After Wu Mei knew about this, she sent someone to cut off the limbs of Wang and Xiao, and then threw them into the wine jar. Wang and Xiao wailed for several days before they died one after another.Wu Mei still didn't let go of her hatred, so she changed Wang's surname to Mang's and Xiao's to Xiao's.
Gaozong's actions and will were all constrained by Wu Mei, so he was inevitably overwhelmed with anger, and once wanted to take back the imperial power.In October of the first year of Linde (664), Gao Zong secretly summoned the servant of Xitai to abolish the empress.Shangguanyi played: "The Queen of Heaven is domineering, and the people in the country are disappointed. Please depose to follow the heart of heaven." Gaozong immediately ordered Shangguanyi to abolish the empress.At that time, Wu Mei's confidants were all over the palace, and when her confidants told Wu Mei, Wu Mei was shocked and rushed to Emperor Gaozong to cry.Wu Mei's tears softened Gaozong's position, and Gaozong even said coyly: "This book Shangguanyi taught me." (See "Datang Xinyu·Volume 2"). dead end.
It should be said that Gaozong's cowardly character determined that he would eventually be defeated by Wu Mei, a tough woman.Of course, he still loves Wu Mei.Otherwise, as long as he insists a little bit, Wu Mei will be crippled in a matter of breath, after all, he is the emperor of Datang.After this incident, Wu Mei began to take tougher measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.Soon, Wu Mei instigated people to frame Shangguanyi for rebellion, and was sentenced to death in prison.Since then, Fan Gaozong was in charge of the affairs of the court, and Wu Mei was behind the curtain. "The size of the political affairs is all foreseen, and the inside and outside are called the two saints" ("Old Tang Book Volume 4 Gaozong Ji").
With supreme power, the remaining thing is to prevent people from taking power.As a mother, Wu Mei's heart is cruel enough and her hands are hot enough.她生有4个儿子，长子李弘，次子李贤，老三是李显（又名李哲），老四是李旦（又名李轮）。李弘先被立为太子。他为人忠厚，谦虚忍让，高宗和众大臣对他都很满意。因为身体不适，高宗一度想把皇位提前传给太子李弘，此举引起了武媚的猜忌。萧淑妃死后，两个女儿义阳公主和宣城公主被武媚幽禁，过了30岁也不准出嫁。李弘看不惯母亲的所作所为，上书请求让她们出嫁。武媚非常生气，便故意将两位公主许配给下等侍卫。
上元二年（675年），武媚用鸩酒毒杀了年仅24岁的亲生儿子李弘。次子李贤随即被立为太子。但不久武媚又感到了权力的危机，于是指使人诬告李贤谋夺皇位。李贤知道母亲的毒辣手段，为了保住性命，还特意作乐章，暗中叫人唱给武后听，歌中唱道：“种瓜黄台下，瓜熟子离离。一摘使瓜好，再摘使瓜稀。三摘尚云可，四摘抱蔓归。”想以骨肉亲情来感动武后，但还是被废，贬为庶人，被迁到巴州。三子李显被立为太子。
弘道元年（683年）十二月，高宗去世，李显以太子身份即皇帝位，是为唐中宗，武媚为皇太后，总揽朝政。两个月后，武媚废中宗李显为庐陵王，立四子豫王李旦为帝，是为唐睿宗。睿宗终日居于别殿，不管朝政，朝政尽归武媚裁决。武媚废除中宗李显后第三天，派人赶到巴州，将次子李贤杀死，许多人牵连被杀。
皇太后总揽朝政，犹自不满足。公元690年的重阳节，即九月初九，年近古稀的武媚改元天授，正式建立了大周王朝，自称“圣母神皇”，改名则天，正式将李唐天下变为武氏天下。文武百官皆顺其意上表进劝，只有右卫将军李安静正色拒绝，因而被杀。这一年，武则天67岁。同时，降睿宗李旦为皇嗣，降太子李成器为皇太孙。一时间，唐宗室人人自危，李氏贵族几乎被屠杀殆尽。
当了皇帝后，武则天亲理朝政，驾驭天下，并取得了辉煌的成功。她虽是女流之辈，却是个开明的皇帝，能听忠谏，从善如流。武则天情欲不尽，想选取美貌少年供自己享用。右补阙朱敬则为此进谏，说：“陛下宠爱张易之、张昌宗兄弟就足够，不要再选美少年。”武则天竟然没有动怒，反而下令嘉奖朱敬的忠直。
因为武则天出身并非名门望族，她执掌大权后，开始对一贯反对自己的陇西世族大力排斥。由此，她大力提倡科举，扶植新兴的庶族阶级。这里有数据可以说明：有功名的宰相在高祖时为7％，太宗时上升约23％，高宗和武后时升至35％，武周朝上升至40％。科举制度促进了文学和教育的普及，因为准备考试的人远远多于通过考试的人，有资格当官的人则远远多于当官的人。天授元年（690年），武则天于东都洛城殿亲自策问贡士，持续数日。贡士殿试自此开始。
武则天还大力推动文学的发展，喜欢赐唱文学宴，宫中诗唱十分热闹。她本人能写诗，有一首《如意娘》：“看朱成碧思纷纷，憔悴友离为忆君。不信比来长下泪，开箱验取石榴裙。”即使是反对她的人看了，也不得不承认写得情意绵绵。
然而，武则天做女皇本身就是对礼制的破坏，以至她在历史上声名一直不大好。在纳男宠方面，也让许多以卫道士自居的大臣耿耿于怀。武则天比较有名的男宠是薛怀义。薛怀义原名冯小宝，人生得伟岸淫毒，被武则天的女儿太平公主发现后如获至宝，特意送进后宫进献给武则天。武则天对冯小宝十分满意，替他改名为薛怀义。为了掩人耳目，又命薛怀义剃发为僧，担任白马寺主持，可以自由出入宫禁。在薛怀义最得宠期间，人人对他侍奉唯谨，太平公主的丈夫薛绍以父礼事奉薛怀义，武则天的至亲、权倾朝野的武承嗣和武三思也对他毕恭毕敬。武则天还命薛怀义指挥数万人，建造明堂。明堂建成后，武则天又借机封薛怀义为威卫大将军、梁国公。
大凡皇帝都容易喜新厌旧，武则天也是如此，渐渐开始厌倦薛怀义。薛怀义失宠后，心怀怨愤，竟然放火烧了明堂，借此来发泄怨气。他还四处散布女皇的流言，都是些不堪入耳的脏话。武则天听说后大怒，决意除掉薛怀义，于是密诏太平公主，选一些体格健壮的女子，在殿中侍立，等薛怀义一到，便一拥而上，把他绑了。接着，命壮士将薛怀义击杀，然后用畚车将尸体载还白马寺。
薛怀义死后，武则天继续广求美男子，恣意淫乐。晚年时，武则天宠幸张易之、张昌宗兄弟，专门为张氏兄弟专设机构控鹤府，以张易之为府监，位三品。张易之小名五郎，张昌宗小名六郎。有朝臣赞誉张昌宗说：“六郎面似莲花。”内史杨再思马屁拍得更加无耻，竟然说：“不然，是莲花似六郎！”
人不免一死，武则天也不例外，她不得不考虑自己死后，究竟该将天下交付给谁，是诸武，还是李氏子孙？武则天身份复杂，既是李氏的家长，又是武氏的族长，在亲子和族侄间，一时难以抉择，便询问宰相狄仁杰的意见。狄仁杰说：“皇嗣是陛下亲子，陛下临御天下，当传之子孙，岂可以侄为嗣？母子与姑侄孰亲？陛下稍加思量，不难自明。”明确指出儿子比侄子更亲，涵义不言而喻。武则天十分看重狄仁杰的意见，于是下定决心将皇位传给儿子。坐贬多年的第三子李显也被迎回洛阳。李显刚刚回来，第四子李旦便立即请求退位，于是武则天立第三子李显为太子，封第四子李旦为相王。
因为当年曾经大杀李氏宗室，武则天担心她死之后，李氏宗室为了报复，也会躏藉屠戮武氏，便用心良苦地让诸武和相王李旦、太平公主与太子李显一起宣誓，告天地于名堂，铭之铁卷，藏于史馆，永相和好。从血缘上来说，李氏和武氏都是近亲，但后来事实是，这些人最终还是为了权力互相杀戮，多次血溅大明宫。
长安四年（704年）八月，已经81岁的武则天终于卧病不起，居住在迎仙院。一向狐假虎威的张氏兄弟眼见靠山将倒，便图谋作乱。宰相张柬之经过周密部署，在神龙元年（705年）正月二十三日发动了兵变，羽林将军李多祚率兵杀入玄武门，将张昌宗、张易之斩杀在迎仙院院左。武则天听到变故发生后，阻止已经来不及。这时候，张柬之等人入见，请求武则天传位给太子，武则天闷闷不乐，重新回到床上躺下，一言不发。显然，她不愿意放弃权力，但也深知大势已去，局面已经不由她所控制，是以只能以沉默对之。
在张柬之等人的拥戴下，太子李显即位，复为中宗，恢复唐国号，徙武则天于上阳宫。至此，长达15年的武周王朝告终。中宗复位后，将朝廷从洛阳重新迁回了长安。
同年十一月，武则天病死于上阳宫的仙居殿，终于结束她奋斗而传奇的一生。临终前，武则天神志异常清醒，立下遗嘱，内容包括去掉帝号，称则天大圣皇后，和高宗合葬在乾陵等。并叮嘱只许为她立碑，不许立传，这就武则天无字碑的来历。
中国有两块著名的无字碑：一块是汉武帝在泰山立的。汉武帝到泰山封禅时，登上山顶，感觉泰山太伟大了，“蔑矣！尽矣！无以加矣”，因为无法表达，于是立无字碑；另一块便是武则天的无字碑，为一块完整的大石头，高达7米。关于立无字碑的目的，武则天本人并无说明。后人猜测很多，有人认为她觉得自己功劳太大，难以表达；也有人认为她知道自己死后一定会引起沸沸扬扬的议论，所以干脆不写墓志，任由众人评说。
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