Chapter 33 Politics is a smart man's game

In addition to Li Jing and Yuchi Jingde, there is also a famous general in the early Tang Dynasty who also experienced Li Shimin's kindness very deeply. This person is Li Shiji. In December of the 15th year of Zhenguan (AD 641), Li Shiji, who was then Minister of the Ministry of War, suddenly fell ill. The doctor prescribed a prescription for him, saying that "beard ash" must be used as a medicine primer to cure the disease.The so-called "beard ash" is the powder made from human beards.After Li Shimin heard about this incident, he went to visit Li Shiji immediately, and cut off his beard without saying a word, and gave it to Li Shiji.

It is conceivable that when Li Shiji held these locks of the world's most noble dragon beards in both hands, how grateful he was and how terrified he was! He immediately knelt down on the ground, "seeing blood at once, weeping to thank". The weight of this medicine introduction is really too heavy!So much so that Li Shiji was not only moved to tears, but also bled from his head.But even so, it seemed far from enough to express his gratitude to the emperor. Li Shimin smiled magnanimously, and said: "I am counting for the country, thank you very much if you don't bother!" ("Old Tang Book·Li Ji Biography")

History books do not record whether Li Shiji was cured by taking this medicine, but it is not difficult to imagine that when Li Shiji drank this unique bowl of "dragon beard soup" in history, he must be extremely excited and extremely hot inside. .Even if Li Shimin's beards didn't affect Li Shiji's body, they were enough to exert some kind of magical effect deep in his heart. This miraculous effect is - a deeply moved courtier's unwavering loyalty to the emperor during his lifetime. In Li Shimin's imperial career, the most typical time to display the art of grace and power was in April of the 23rd year of Zhenguan (AD 649), which was the last moment of his life.

At that time, Li Shimin was already seriously ill and knew that he was going to die soon, so he called Prince Li Zhi to his side and gave him his political will. In Li Shimin's last words, the main person mentioned is Li Shiji. Li Shimin said to Li Zhi: "Li Shiji is very talented, but you have no kindness to him, and I am afraid it will be difficult to make him loyal. I will demote him to a local place now. If he leaves immediately, after my death, you will use him as a servant again." shoot; if he hesitates, you must kill him!" At the court meeting on May 15, Li Shimin issued an imperial edict, demoting Li Shiji, who was then the third rank under Tong Zhongshu, to the governor of Diezhou (where the government is located in today's Diebu County, Gansu Province).

No one knew what Li Shiji felt at the moment he received the relegation order. I believe he must have been shocked and confused for a moment. Then there was a burst of intense and intense thinking. At this important moment when the emperor was seriously ill and the supreme power of the empire was about to be handed over, what did it mean that he was suddenly demoted without fault? Li Shiji didn't know what the dying emperor was thinking, nor did he know whether his final outcome would be a blessing or a curse, but he could be sure of one thing - everything depended on his choice at this moment.

That is to say, should he leave Chang'an directly after the dynasty is over and rush to Diezhou, or should he return home temporarily and wait and see how the situation evolves? To go or not to go, that is the question. After thinking for a moment, Li Shiji quickly made a decision - he didn't even go home, and he didn't even have time to say goodbye to his wife, children, and children, so he took the imperial edict and embarked on the road of relegation. Hearing the news that Li Shiji left for Diezhou on the same day, the soon-to-be crowned prince Li Zhi breathed a sigh of relief, and the dying Taizong Li Shimin also felt great comfort.

The month Li Shiji was demoted, Li Shimin passed away.The next month, Li Zhi ascended the throne.Only three days after he ascended the throne, Li Zhi promoted Li Shiji to be the governor of Luozhou (now Luoyang City, Henan Province) and stay behind in Luoyang Palace; "; In September of the same year, he was officially worshiped as Shangshu Zuopushe. At this point, everyone must be very grateful for the decision Li Shiji made at the beginning. Because this decision not only allowed Li Shimin and his son to avoid the notoriety of killing heroes, but also left a loyal and courageous founding elder and minister of the prime minister for Gaozong.If Li Shiji hadn't made a quick decision and left Beijing resolutely, but had hesitated a little more and delayed his return home for a few days, then the following page of glorious history might not have appeared so soon.

In the first year of Emperor Gaozong's reign (668 A.D.), Li Shiji took command at the age of seventy-five and conquered Korea in one fell swoop.This mighty small country that once allowed the three emperors Yang Jian, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang Guang of Sui Dynasty, and Emperor Taizong Li Shimin of Tang Dynasty to devote all their national power and could not be defeated in their entire lives, finally prostrated at the feet of Li Shiji, a veteran with white hair and hair, and also prostrated himself in the Tang Dynasty. at the foot of the empire. At this moment, if Tang Taizong Li Shimin knew about it, he would definitely show a gratified smile.

Because the last move he made before his death seems to still affect the history of decades behind him. If he hadn't used the emperor's art of suppressing first and then promoting, and using both grace and power, would Li Shiji be grateful to Li Zhi, who reappointed his new emperor?If there is no life experience of "sudden fall and sudden rise" in the 23rd year of Zhenguan, can Li Shiji deeply realize that only by making new contributions in the new dynasty can he be blessed and prosperous forever?Without all of these, would Lee Seji have such a strong motivation to create the historical feats of pacifying Goryeo and raising the prestige of the country at the age of seventy-five?

These questions may never be answered. But one thing is not difficult for us to find-the proportion of "imperial art" in ancient political life must not be underestimated, and its influence on history is sometimes far beyond our imagination. The above stories of the game between the monarch and his ministers are all unfolded between Li Shimin and the general.So, between Li Shimin and Wenchen, what kind of version is deduced? Speaking of civil servants in Zhenguan, Fang Xuanling is the representative figure. As a generation of good ministers who have made great contributions in the eyes of future generations, Fang Xuanling's efforts and contributions to the rule of Zhenguan are obvious to all and self-evident.It is said in history that "he is the chief minister, reverent all night long, dedicated to his integrity, and does not want to lose anything... Mingda officials, decorated with literature, and approving laws and regulations, intending to be lenient... The commentator is called a good prime minister." ("Old Book of Tang Jifang Xuanling Biography")

Undoubtedly, among the Zhenguan officials, Fang Xuanling is definitely one of Li Shimin's most trusted and capable confidantes. However, even such a conscientious and dedicated official of the prime minister will still always feel the cold light of the "Zhong Kui sword" in Li Shimin's hand. According to the "Old Tang Book", around the early years of Zhenguan, Fang Xuanling "if he was condemned for something, he would spend days in the court, pleading guilty, frightened and hesitant, as if he had nothing to do." He was condemned by Emperor Taizong for some mistakes, so that he had to go to the court hall to kowtow to plead guilty for several days. The history books did not record what mistake Fang Xuanling made. But this is not really important.The most important thing is that Li Shimin, as the emperor, must often recite the "tightening curse" for a high-ranking and deeply trusted courtier like Fang Xuanling.We can clearly see this from the experiences of Li Jing, Yuchi Jingde and others. Because of this, sometimes Fang Xuanling is not just "condemned".As long as Tang Taizong Li Shimin deems it necessary, Fang Xuanling will even be ordered to suspend his post. According to historical records, Fang Xuanling was suspended at least three times during the Zhenguan period. The first time was probably in the tenth year of Zhenguan (AD 636), that is, the days when Empress Changsun was seriously ill.It is said that "Shifang Xuanling returned to the imperial court with condemnation", that is to say, he was condemned by Emperor Taizong and strangled back to his private house.Before her death, Empress Changsun specially advised Li Shimin on this matter: "Fang Xuanling has served His Majesty for a long time, and he has always been humble and cautious. He has never revealed a word of all court secrets. If there is no major fault, I hope His Majesty will not abandon him. " The history books did not explain the reason for Fang Xuanling's suspension this time, but we are very clear about one thing - the reason why Li Shimin "condemned Fang Xuanling to private affairs" was by no means to abandon him, at best he just wanted to cool him down. The purpose of temporarily cooling down, of course, is to thaw him out again at an appropriate time, and then allow him to exert more light and heat with a more cautious attitude and fuller enthusiasm. Therefore, no matter whether someone persuades him or not, Li Shimin will definitely call him back when the time is right. Empress Changsun is actually well aware of this.However, she still has to advise the one who should advise, because sometimes the third party's advice is not just to give the emperor a step down, so that the monarch and his ministers appear more natural and have more face when they "shake hands and make peace". . For example, in the 20th year of Zhenguan (646 A.D.), Fang Xuanling was suspended again. Sui Liang, who was the servant of the Huangmen at that time, hurriedly listed Fang Xuanling's many contributions to the country: Yi praised the holy merit, the season of Wude risked his death to make decisions, the first election of Zhenguan, the diligence of the people and ministers, Xuanling is the most." (Volume 198) Then Suiliang said, if it is not for some crime If it is because of his old age and frailty, His Majesty can imply that he will take the initiative to serve.If this is not the case, it is just because of some small mistakes, I hope His Majesty will not abandon the veterans who have followed him for decades. Xiu Suiliang's remonstrance was reasonable, and of course it gave both parties enough face, so Li Shimin quickly recalled Fang Xuanling to the court. However, not every time Li Shimin "drives" Fang Xuanling home, a peacemaker comes out to smooth things over.For example, not long after Fang Xuanling's reinstatement this time, he "avoided his position and returned home" again. The history books still did not explain the specific reason, but recorded the process of this comeback. The process is simple, yet subtle. After "condemning" Fang Xuanling again, several days passed, but no one came to persuade him, so Li Shimin was unavoidably anxious.The government affairs in the DPRK and China were complicated, and he was never allowed to leave Fang Xuanling alone for too long, but Li Shimin couldn't find any good reason to publicly reinstate Fang Xuanling. What should I do? After all, Li Shimin is a smart person, and he soon found a way. On this day, Li Shimin suddenly told his courtiers that he was going to visit Furong Garden.Furong Garden is located in Qujiang in the southeast corner of Chang'an. To get there, you must pass through Fang Xuanling's mansion.After Fang Xuanling heard the news, he immediately ordered his children to clean the courtyard.When asked by his disciples, Fang Xuanling smiled and said, "The emperor will arrive at any time!" After a while, the dragon chariot really came to the gate of Fangfu "by the way", and then Taizong Li Shimin "by the way" came in to visit Fang Xuanling who was at home, and finally "by the way" took Fang Xuanling back to the palace with the imperial chariot. The story is classic. In addition to showing the tacit understanding and mutual understanding between Li Shimin and Fang Xuanling, the classic feature of this story is that it tells us that politics is a game played between smart people. Only by understanding people's hearts can we understand politics. Looking at these political games played by Li Shimin and Fang Xuanling, it is not difficult for us to decipher such connotations. First of all, whether it is Li Shimin as the emperor or Fang Xuanling as the prime minister, they are very clear in their hearts that if they want to play the political situation in Zhenguan well, if they want to make contributions and leave a name in history, neither of them can do without Who to drive.In this sense, they are partners; however, the ruler is the ruler, and the minister is the minister, and this boundary cannot be blurred at any time. Therefore, the more important relationship between them is the master-servant relationship. Under these two relationships, the situation becomes somewhat subtle and complicated. As the emperor, Li Shimin must "grasp with both hands, and be firm with both hands."On the one hand, Li Shimin must give Fang Xuanling the most respected status and official title, place the greatest trust in him, and bestow the highest grace that other ministers can enjoy, such as marrying his daughter Princess Gaoyang to Fang Xuanling's second wife's bereavement , and let his younger brother Han Wang Li Yuanjia marry Fang Xuanling's daughter as the princess, so as to strengthen the emotional bond and interest connection between the two parties. These all belong to the category of "en", the purpose is to win Fang Xuanling's absolute allegiance. On the other hand, Li Shimin has to play some "little tricks" frequently, and "condemn Fang Xuanling to private affairs" from time to time and leave it aside.The purpose of doing this is threefold: one is to test the degree of control over power, so as not to be ostracized by the "power ministers" who sit in the dark; A boundary that can never be crossed, so maintaining an appropriate distance is beneficial to both parties; the third is to remind Fang Xuanling: Although you are very important, you must not think that you will not turn if the court leaves.You should always maintain an attitude of guarding against arrogance and impetuosity, modesty and prudence, and never be arrogant and forgetful. These all belong to the category of "prestige", and the purpose is to let Fang Xuanling always keep in mind-I am the king, you are the minister; politics comes first, friendship comes second. Secondly, for Fang Xuanling, perhaps he was relatively unfamiliar with Li Shimin's imperial art at the beginning, so when he was criticized in the early years of Zhenguan, he was terrified all day long, but he gradually understood later—the sword in the emperor's hand Although "Zhong Kui's Sharp Sword" looks scary, it usually only serves as a threat. As long as you are loyal and do your best, the sword will not really greet you. It is precisely because Fang Xuanling later understood this point that he naturally had "one heart, two hands ready". On the one hand, although he is still conscientious in his own work, he is always mentally prepared to be "condemned into private affairs" by the emperor.Not only will he no longer be scared by the emperor's criticism, but even if he is suspended, he has the right to treat it as a vacation.Because he knew that the emperor couldn't do without him, and the court couldn't do without him, so no matter how he "returned", he could quickly return to his post without worrying about it. But on the other hand, he also deeply understands that all the honors and favors he enjoys are bestowed by the emperor, and if he is a little careless, he may be taken back by the emperor at any time.Therefore, we must always maintain the mind of being cautious and fearful, and the more powerful the emperor's grace, the more humble and humble we must be.In a word, one must be conscientious in doing things in order to show ability; but one must be humble and low-key in order to show moral character.Only those who are talented and virtuous are good subordinates who can make leaders feel at ease. There is one thing that can fully explain Fang Xuanling's "consciousness". In the thirteenth year of Zhenguan (639 A.D.), Fang Xuanling, who was Zuo Pushe at that time, was conferred by Li Shimin as the prince's young master. He not only shouldered the heavy responsibility of the country, but also served as the assistant prime minister. Please resign as a servant.Of course Li Shimin did not approve, but issued an edict to encourage him. Fang Xuanling had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree.On the day when the crown prince was apprenticed to the teacher, a grand ceremony was held in the East Palace, and everything was ready, but Fang Xuanling "had a deep inferiority complex, dared not pay homage, and returned home."He deeply felt that he was not qualified enough, so he didn't dare to go to the East Palace to accept the prince's worship, so he had to hide at home and never showed his face. Fang Xuanling's humility won a lot of praise from the contemporaries. "Old Tang Book" said: "All those who have knowledge pay attention to their admiration." Of course, Li Shimin saw all this, so he became more and more satisfied with Fang Xuanling. In the sixteenth year of Zhenguan (642 A.D.), Li Shimin made Fang Xuanling Sikong again, and still let him take charge of the government and supervise the compilation of national history.Fang Xuanling asked for resignation again, and Li Shimin issued an edict to encourage him, saying: "Xiu Liuhou abdicated, Dou Rong resigned, full of self-fear, knowing how to advance can retreat, and learning from others is the beauty of the previous generation." I also want to go to philosophy together, which is really worthy of praise. However, the country has been envoys for a long time, and suddenly they have no good looks. It is like losing two hands! If the public is not weak, there is no need to let this go." ("Old Tang Book·Fang Xuanling pass") This passage may seem like an ordinary speech of comfort, but it actually has a profound meaning.The so-called "full of self-fear, knowing how to advance and retreating, and learning from others to stop one's feet" is actually Li Shimin's request for his subjects.If all the courtiers possessed such virtues, or could be said to be familiar with the rules of the game, then the emperor would naturally have nothing to worry about.In other words, the more humble the courtier is, the more the emperor will trust him and the more he dares to hand over power to him.That's why Li Shimin said the truth without hesitation: "Suddenly having a good look is like losing two hands!" The court's lack of a good prime minister for a day is like losing his right hand and right arm. It is precisely because of the trust in Fang Xuanling that in the nineteenth year of Zhenguan (AD 645), when Li Shimin's imperial driver personally conquered Korea, he ordered Fang Xuanling to stay in Chang'an and entrusted all the power of the government to him, so that he "can Do it cheaply, don't play it again" (Volume 197). This actually gave him the identity and power of an agent of the imperial power. So, in the face of the supreme trust and power that Li Shimin entrusted to him, what did Fang Xuanling do? One day, Fang Xuanling was staying at the yamen to work, when someone broke in suddenly, claiming to inform her.Fang Xuanling asked him whose secret he was telling, and the man said, "Tell your secret!" When Fang Xuanling heard this, he didn't even think about it, and immediately ordered people to prepare chariots and horses, and sent the informer directly to the front line, Tianzi Xingzai. Li Shimin was quite surprised at first when he heard that the left behind had sent an informer.Because in terms of Fang Xuanling's ability, it is impossible for him to kick the ball to the emperor casually, let alone the emperor is still fighting on the front line at this time.Therefore, Li Shimin concluded that Fang Xuanling would never have done this unless for some special reason. Li Shimin thought about it, and immediately guessed the answer. He immediately ordered people to line up with knives, then met the informer and asked him who he wanted to sue, the man replied: "Fang Xuanling." Li Shimin sneered: "Sure enough!" Immediately ordered around, without saying a word, cut the informer in half. Afterwards, Li Shimin issued an order to Fang Xuanling, blaming him for not being confident enough, and said: "If there are more cases like this, we can decide exclusively!" (Volume 197) This is another typical political game played according to the rules. As Fang Xuanling, although he was endowed with the right to be arbitrary by the emperor, he absolutely cannot be arbitrary when it comes to this kind of matter.Because this incident actually pushed Fang Xuanling into an extremely embarrassing situation, that is——do you want to fulfill your duties as a left-behind, or do you want to fulfill your duties as a courtier? If Fang Xuanling chooses the former and kills this person on his own initiative, he has fulfilled his duty of staying behind, but once the emperor finds out about this, will he be suspicious of Fang Xuanling?Do you feel that Fang Xuanling is too arbitrary, and therefore feel dissatisfied and wary of him? It is entirely possible. Therefore, Fang Xuanling would rather be scolded than leave the matter to the emperor.By doing this, firstly, he can prove his innocence, secondly, he can show his loyalty, and finally, he can send such a message to the emperor-in any case, he will abide by his duty as a minister, and must be handled by the emperor. He will never do things that he handles personally. As Li Shimin, he was actually very satisfied with Fang Xuanling's actions.The reason why he said "Sure enough" when he heard the informer's answer was because he guessed the informer's intention; and the reason why he was able to guess the informer's intention was precisely because he knew Fang Xuan's intentions. Ling's character, and knew Fang Xuanling's intentions in doing so. But even if Li Shimin felt that Fang Xuanling's actions were right, on the surface he had to "blame" him, and reiterate his authorization and trust in him, in order to show an emperor's unquestionable mind in employing people. In short, both the monarch and the ministers actually understand what is going on, but they must play their own roles well according to the rules of the game.That's why we say -- politics is a game played among smart people.