Chapter 882: Hegemony? Kingly Way? The Way of the Sage King!
Why is it so quiet?
Why don't you say anything?
Naturally I was shocked and stunned, and then I didn't know how to get a word in.
It is just like an unlearned person who is at a loss when facing a great scholar who quotes scriptures and debates.
No one has ever used such easy-to-understand language to present the deeds of those great monarchs and ministers in history to everyone.
The questions of why those wise kings and loyal ministers in history chose to do so when faced with a certain situation all have their answers at this moment.
Such is the "theory" that exists in politics!
Things are interconnected and influence each other.
The theories that Luo Su extracted from real political events will in turn enable future generations to govern according to the theories.
This is why the descendants of Luo family can use books on government to govern the world!
This is the energy that the Luo family can save by standing on the shoulders of countless ancestors!
With the wisdom of you scholars, how could you not understand that when Luo Su put forward this theory, in the years to come, countless scholars would use the "ruling thought" to analyze the policies of the current monarch and ministers, and then perceive the change in the wind direction.
If the emperor's policies are ideologically contradictory, this means that the emperor's thoughts are confused, and someone may even write a letter to make this clear.
Since Luo Su put forward this theory, every matter in the court was no longer isolated, but connected, just like the relationship between the central government and local governments.
The more these smart people thought about it, the more surprised and shocked they were, so the hall became increasingly quiet.
Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Zhangsun Wuji, Wei Zheng, Wang Gui, Chu Suiliang and others all frowned tightly.
Luo Xuanye looked at everyone leisurely, he usually didn't interfere in government affairs, after all, there were assistants in the profession, but it was still very interesting to see these talented people who were famous for their wisdom in this state.
Li Shimin saw that no one was talking, so he took the initiative to ask: "Why are you all silent? I think what the Imperial Master said makes sense. What do you think?"
"The words of the state teacher are really enlightening. I respect you!"
"I respect you!"
Everyone said with conviction that it could be seen from the attitudes of Prince Zhou and others that they were extraordinary. It could also be seen from the attitude of the emperor that he was not an ordinary person. It was indeed wrong to question it. This was a slap in the face.
Li Shimin was very happy to hear this, and even looked a little excited in Changsun's eyes. "If that's the case, then what do you think, my ministers, should do to govern the Tang Dynasty in the future so that the world can be governed?"
Wei Zheng had some ideas in mind, but he estimated that the ministers in the palace would not agree. He bowed to Luo Su and asked, "I wonder if the national teacher has any good advice for us."
Luo Su glanced at him but said nothing. He was one of the decision makers and was responsible for control.
Wei Zheng laughed and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that nothing can be accomplished overnight in this world.
There are now six million households in the world, and the Chinese still have confidence, but they are like hungry people and have no strength.
Restoring production is the top priority, and educating the people and practicing the kingly way should be the top priority.
The kingly way is glorious, just as the national teacher wants to restore order.”
Wei Zheng was the first to put forward his own opinions. His words were not very conventional because the kingly way had not been practiced for hundreds of years since the collapse of the Han Dynasty.
When Li Shimin heard this, he was a little hesitant. He didn't quite agree. He was a man who conquered the world and had met too many people. After experiencing such a long period of chaos, people's hearts had long been confused. He thought it would be difficult to educate them.
The officials in the palace sneered. Chu Suiliang, who had always had a bad relationship with Wei Zheng, mocked him directly, "Wei Zheng, the kingly way was abandoned in the Spring and Autumn Period. The powerful Han Dynasty did not use the kingly way to govern the country, but mixed it with the hegemony.
enlightenment?
ridiculous!
The hearts of people in this world are treacherous. How can a scholar like you educate them?
Take your book and study the pile of old papers. It is not a place for someone like you who only knows how to engage in empty talk to stand in this court.
Your Majesty, you do not need to believe his scholar's words. The world is in chaos now, and we should use strict laws and severe punishments to control it, so that people in the world can achieve success through agriculture, commerce, industry, skills, and learning."
When most of the ministers heard Chu Suiliang's sharp sarcasm, they immediately applauded and refuted Wei Zheng and agreed with Chu Suiliang's remarks.
Luo Xuanchen said nothing. He looked at Li Shimin, then at Luo Su, as if he was thinking about something.
Li Shimin noticed Luo Xuanchen's strange behavior, so he asked, "Why didn't Xuanchen say anything?"
When Luo Xuanchen saw Li Shimin calling his name, he bowed and said, "I was just thinking.
Emperor Xuanyuan Huangdi pacified Chiyou and then taught the people; Zhuanxu eliminated the Jiuli and taught the people; Shang Tang exiled Xia Jie and created a great cause; Zhou Wu killed Shang Zhou and then revived the country; he defeated the unjust and tyrannical Qin and thus established the strong Han; he eliminated Han Li and established Han Xuan; the first Han people were displaced, and Guangwu succeeded them.
When the Sui Dynasty was established, if it were not for Emperor Yang of Sui, the greatest tyrant in history, even though Emperor Wen of Sui had harsh punishments and harsh policies, the people would still not have been in chaos.
It seems inevitable that great order will follow this great chaos.
It seems that the people after this great chaos are not that difficult to educate. Your Majesty, please listen to my words. "
Wei Zheng's eyes lit up immediately when he heard this. What a good partner! I, Wei Zheng, need a political ally like Luo Xuanchen. The others, huh, are just bastards not worthy of being my advisor!
Well!
Luo Xuanchen's words left everyone speechless, but they still insisted that what Wei Zheng and Luo Xuanchen said was not credible. "We assisted Your Majesty in founding the country, and Your Majesty knows everything we did. We have experienced a lot, which is not comparable to what Wei Zheng and others have never seen."
The two sides immediately got into an argument and even started quarreling. Wei Zheng really deserved to be the designated candidate for the future big troll, dominating all the ministers and not losing out.
Feng Deyi was so angry that he just rolled up his sleeves and went up to beat him.
Li Shimin originally agreed with the opinions of Feng Deyi, Chu Suiliang and others, but after hearing what Wei Zheng and Luo Xuanchen said, he thought that they made a lot of sense.
Deep down in his heart, he believed that conquering the world and ruling the world were different, so the experience gained in conquering the world was not necessarily correct, so he did not blindly believe in think tanks such as Fang and Du.
He looked at Luo Su again and asked, "What do you think, Imperial Master? If you have any, please tell me."
Here we come!
All the ministers in the hall sat up straight, and those who had been arguing just now also sat down properly. Now everyone could see that His Majesty attached great importance to the opinion of the Imperial Master.
Luo Su smiled warmly at Li Shimin and said, "Whether it is the kingly way or the hegemonic way depends on the people, the king, the ministers, and the people of the world.
The so-called tyranny is that the king controls the court by playing power games, uses violence to control his subjects and the people, and uses harsh laws to make the world act according to his own thinking. The emphasis is on suppressing with violence.
The so-called kingly way is to rule the world with benevolence and righteousness, believing that morality can change the world. It requires the king to set an example and restrain himself, just like the sun, illuminating and leading the people around him, sweeping away the darkness, and finally spreading to all people in the world.
Seeing him alive, one cannot bear to see him die; seeing him fortunate, one cannot bear to see him disabled. The king uses his own morality to influence his ministers and ultimately win the submission of the world.
Which one do you want, my Lord?"
After hearing this, Li Shimin said without hesitation: "The kingly way!"
Luo Su smiled slightly. Luo Xuanye was still drinking tea as if it had nothing to do with him, but he was not surprised by Li Shimin's choice.
Li Shimin asked curiously, "The Imperial Master seems not surprised at all by my choice?"
Luo Su asked back, "Your Majesty is twenty-seven this year. You officially began to walk the earth as the Prince of Taiyuan when you were sixteen. In the past eleven years, although you have occasionally acted in a domineering manner, deep down in your heart, you have always acted in a kingly way. Why should I be surprised by your choice today?
This is what you want in your heart. After years of refining your mind, don’t you understand your own heart yet?
Look at the ministers in this palace. How many of them were won over by you using your political tactics?
How many of you have treated others with sincerity and made them follow you willingly?
Look at their current status and glory.
Isn't this granted because you remember their contributions and feelings?
If you were really asked to act in a domineering way and use political tricks against these people, could you really do it?
You are born to walk the path of kingship. You have outstanding talent and can walk the path of kingship. Now that you have made your choice, don't hesitate."
Luo Su's series of remarks were not only a reminder to Li Shimin, but also a warning to the ministers in the palace. It is your good fortune to meet a king like Li Shimin, so if that is the case, then don't cause trouble.
As for whether anyone will listen, yes, but not everyone. Human nature is always dissatisfied. Luo Su took precautions in advance to prevent these people from harming Li Shimin's cause in the future.
Li Shimin smiled and said, "I want to share wealth and honor with you. This is my promise. Mountains and rivers cannot erase my words. Is this the way of the king?
It seems that I am indeed a king born to follow the kingly path.
Just as the Imperial Master said, my Great Tang will implement the kingly way and benevolent government. All of you should take this as the items and present your proposals to me.
Since the Imperial Master has made such a statement, he must be quite knowledgeable about the politics of the kingly way. I would like to hear more about it.”
Luo Su originally only wanted to formulate a major policy, and did not want to pay attention to the details, but since Li Shimin asked, he said, "Lighten taxes and levies, simplify administration and reduce punishment, and rectify the administration of officials.
These three points are all for the people. The so-called kingly way is nothing more than four words: "people-oriented". As long as the emperor and the ministers have the people in their hearts, how could they not know what to do?
There is no need to say much about light taxes and levies. The foot of the Sui Dynasty was one and a half times that of the Han Dynasty, and the bucket of the Sui Dynasty was twice that of the Han Dynasty. You all know how much room there is for improvement. It is urgent to change this situation so that the people can survive.
It is very important to simplify administration and reduce punishments. In the early Han Dynasty, after the main culprit of a rebellion was executed, the rest were exiled. But later on, the punishments became increasingly harsh, not to mention the common people. It is understandable that those who kill should be put to death, but many punishments include death, which is unnecessary. It is urgent to abolish corporal punishment, and it should be reasonable to replace it with exile and labor.
There is no need to say much about rectifying the administration of officials. During the Wude period, bribery was rampant. If it is not rectified, there will be no establishment. As for the rest, it is up to the ministers to discuss. "
After Li Shimin heard Luo Su's words, his face became solemn and he said loudly: "My lords, listen to my orders!"
All the officials in the palace stood up and said in unison: "We will obey your orders!"
Li Shimin placed his hands on the dragon-headed armrest, full of the majesty and nobility of an emperor, and said in a loud voice: "The Secretariat issued an edict.
From today on, our Great Tang will practice the kingly way and take benevolent governance as the core. The officials will select historical stories, engrave them in picture albums, and convey them to the prefectures and counties. We must ensure that every governor of the Tang Dynasty is aware of the court's intentions.
Tell the governors of all provinces that all priorities should be to govern with benevolence, simplify government and be lenient to the people, and regard this as an achievement and accomplishment! "
The ministers were solemn and said in unison again: "We will obey your orders!"
This is the first time in the history of the central court that it has clearly put forward performance requirements for government agencies at all levels and made clear requirements for officials. It is such a strong political signal that anyone who pretends not to know would be seeking death.
…
Luo Su lived in the imperial city.
Lingtian Pavilion.
After the first political conference of the first year of the Zhenguan Period of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin came here and said something that was inconvenient for his subjects to hear, "Duke Wen, I saw that you seemed to have something to say just now, I don't know what it was."
After looking at Li Shimin for a few times, Luo Su slowly said: "I once had a student who later became King Zhao of Zhou, a famous sage king in the history of Bang Zhou.
But what I find very regrettable is that his talent is not top-notch, he has almost no military ability, and in politics, he follows the rules step by step, which has big flaws. I love him very much.
But you are different. You are very talented and can conquer the world, which has proved your ability in martial arts.
If you can prove your ability in one aspect, you will be a perfect Holy King.
And your life so far has not had any flaws, so I want to do something.
The emperors in the early Han Dynasty were all outstanding.
Liu Bang's military ability is not as good as yours, but he is also very good. He treated Fengpei's meritorious officials with great kindness. He is also open-minded by nature. He can laugh and curse in the face of life and death, and say that it is destiny.
Liu Ying was somewhat mediocre, but he treated people with sincerity and had a group of subjects who swore to be loyal to him until death. The loyalty between the monarch and his subjects that he left behind is enough to serve as a model for future generations.
Liu Heng was able to perfectly inherit the political structure left by Luo Xin, and he was able to further develop it instead of just maintaining it. He was even able to exempt taxes in many areas. In terms of civil governance, it was almost an unrepeatable miracle.
Liu Che played a very important role in the thorough shaping of the great unification. He also completely rebuilt the Four Barbarians system and defeated the Huns. In terms of foreign strategy, he lived up to the posthumous title of Emperor Wu.
These four kings each have their own strengths, and each is worthy of being a role model for future generations, but from another perspective, they all have obvious shortcomings, which might be considered nitpicking in the past.
But now that you have appeared, have you ever thought about becoming a holy king who combines the advantages of these four people?
If you can, you will be the first Holy King that no one can surpass, and you will truly surpass your ancestors!"
Luo Su exists in this world, and nothing worldly can concern him. In his heart, there is only the honor of his family and the glory of the Xia people. Now he wants to teach an unprecedented Holy King.
Li Shimin felt his blood boiling after hearing this. Coincidentally, Li Shimin was not particularly enthusiastic about other things, but he had an obsession with becoming a wise ruler, and he absolutely could not refuse to become a sage king. He always held himself to the standards of the legendary sage kings such as Yao and Shun.
And what could be easier to achieve than the teachings of an ancient wise minister who actually taught a sage king?
What could be more convincing than King Su’s great-great-grandson?
What else could bring him closer to the ancient sage kings than being a wise minister during the Three Dynasties period?
He wanted to interrupt Luo Su in the middle of his speech and say that he wanted to, but he restrained himself. As soon as Luo Su finished speaking, he nodded frantically and said, "Duke Wen, the only thing I admire in my life is the way of the sage king. Please teach me, Duke Wen."
Luo Su smiled and said, "You are the Holy King now."
?
Although Li Shimin was very happy to hear Luo Su say this, he was not listening to others praising him, but really wanted to hear advice. Luo Su said in a gentle voice: "You are now involuntarily abiding by the way of the sage king. I will record your advantages one by one, and then tell you that if you keep following these, it will be enough.
In life, persistence is the key. It is easy to be wise for a while, but difficult to be wise for a lifetime. How many people lose their integrity in their later years. This is human nature. When you are rich, you tend to be arrogant and extravagant; when you are successful, you tend to be complacent; when you are suppressed, you tend to relax; once you relax, everything is over.
You have a rare quality, which is the ability to reason with people who are weaker than you."
ah?
Li Shimin was a little confused, "Reasonable?"
What kind of advantage is this?
Luo Su said with emotion: "Because only a reasonable king can accept advice, because only when the king is reasonable, the ministers dare to speak, and when the ministers dare to speak, the channels of communication will not be blocked.
Only when the king is reasonable will his subjects know what they can do, instead of losing their lives suddenly at any time.
Only when the king is reasonable can there be clear politics between the monarch and his subjects. Emperor Renzong of Han, Liu Ying, was very reasonable.
For a king, being reasonable is a rare thing.
Think carefully, in your twenty-seven years of life, how many times have you won people's hearts because of your reasonable talk?
The good qualities in you are simply meant for you to become a Holy King."
Li Shimin understood now, he paced around the hall, punched his palm, and said: "Duke Wen.
Is this what they mean when they say, everything in the world is governed by reason?
As long as the king always behaves uprightly, he will always be able to occupy the right position. He does not need to use conspiracies or tricks, but can do things uprightly.
This principle is not just about the law, but about human nature and the human heart. As long as I am right in people’s hearts, there is no problem even if I violate the law sometimes.
It's like I killed my eldest brother and launched a coup, which sounds wrong, but in fact I didn't encounter much opposition because in people's hearts, I was right.
I see!
I see!
A king must be justice in people's hearts!"
This child is truly teachable!
It is comfortable to get along with a king like Li Shimin. Luo Su added: "Another point of becoming a saint king is to restrain desires.
This is difficult, even more difficult than accepting advice.
Once the local rich men become rich and powerful, they will enjoy bliss, let alone the king?
Sitting at the highest point in the world, one can satisfy almost all desires and have almost everything in the world at his disposal.
To most people, this is even natural. In this case, it is very difficult to restrain desires.
But restraining desires is the most crucial point in becoming a Holy King."
Restrain your desires.
Li Shimin coughed twice. This was indeed a bit difficult for him. He sat down opposite Luo Su and asked, "Duke Wen, does this desire count as loving a beauty?"
Li Shimin and Zhangsun were indeed in love, but he also had quite a few concubines in his harem, and they were not picky about meat or vegetables. Luo Su found this quite amusing, "Loving beauties doesn't count, as long as there aren't tens of thousands of people in the palace and they have nothing to do, having dozens of beauties is the etiquette that an emperor should have."
Li Shimin heaved a sigh of relief. Since beauty did not count, he asked seriously, "Then the desire that Duke Wen mentioned is to build a palace, etc.
Don't worry, Duke Wen. I am deeply frightened by the lesson of Emperor Yang of Sui.
I am the monarch of the Tang Dynasty. Without the country, there would be no monarch like me. Without the people, there would be no country. As the old saying goes, the monarch is like a boat and the people are like water. I deeply agree with this.
To serve the king by exploiting and oppressing the people is like Emperor Yang of Sui building a dragon boat, which eventually led to the fall of the country. It is like cutting off one's own flesh to satisfy one's hunger, but when one is full, one dies.
The granaries built by Emperor Wen of Sui Dynasty contained more grain than could be eaten in fifty years. He defrauded the people of their stored grain. However, when the people were hungry, he did not use the grain for disaster relief and left the people to fend for themselves. What use would all this grain be after the country was destroyed?
If the king's desires are too great, he will have to increase taxes. If taxes are increased, the people will not be able to survive. If the people cannot survive, the country will be destroyed. If the country is destroyed, I, the king, will suffer the same fate as Emperor Yang.
I often take Emperor Yang of Sui as a lesson and will never make the same mistakes as him. Please rest assured, Duke Wen, if I make any mistakes in the future, please point them out to me.”
From Li Shimin's words, Luo Su knew that the shadow left on him by Emperor Yang of Sui was too heavy.
Also the second generation king.
He is also the second son.
It was also an abnormal ascension to the throne.
He was so afraid that he would follow in the footsteps of Emperor Yang of Sui.
In Luo Su's opinion, this is a good thing. Most people will not learn any lessons from history, but Li Shimin has obviously learned a profound lesson from Emperor Yang of Sui.
"but……"
Li Shimin suddenly became a little hesitant and wavered.
Seeing this, Luo Su immediately asked, "Do you want to ask about the emperor?"
Seeing that Luo Su had figured it out, Li Shimin nodded and sighed, “On the day of the award, the emperor went out to play, so I led the officials in the Taiji Palace, but that is the emperor’s palace after all.
I think that the retired emperor has lived in Taiji Palace for a long time, while I, as the emperor, live in the old East Palace. This does not show that I am in the right position to rule the world.
And it will remind people of Xuanwu Gate from time to time."
This is indeed a problem.
After a brief thought, Luo Su said, "Your Majesty, I have something to say, please listen.
I know that over the years, the retired emperor has sided with Crown Prince Yin and wanted to end your political career and even your life. This almost led to the breakdown of your father-son relationship, and you have a lot of resentment towards him in your heart.
But my suggestion is that you take the initiative to repair this relationship. You can ask the emperor to move out of Taiji Hall. You can let Pingyang and Xuanye do this, but don't do anything that you will regret in the future."
Li Shimin smiled when he heard this, but did not take it to heart. He was still young and could not understand Li Yuan's feelings when facing the dispute between his two sons.
Luo Su saw through Li Shimin's psychology and sighed secretly, saying that Li Shimin's likes and hates were too strong.
This is certainly his advantage in becoming a Holy King, but it is also one of his weaknesses.
Although Li Shimin did not want to take the initiative to repair his relationship with Li Yuan, he still kept in mind what Luo Su said about asking Pingyang and Luo Xuanye to persuade Li Yuan. When he found a suitable opportunity, he would let Li Yuan "take the initiative" to give up the Taiji Hall.
Since ancient times, the king has faced south!
How can it be possible for an emperor to always stay in the East Palace? It's ridiculous.
Moreover, there was another meaning that Li Shimin did not say, but Luo Su tacitly understood, which was that he wanted to thoroughly begin to settle accounts with the policies of the Wude period.
Zhenguan was a new policy. What was a new policy?
Naturally, all previous policies had to be changed. In Li Shimin's view, the Tang Dynasty during the Wude period was gloomy and completely no different from the Sui Dynasty. It did not have the glorious aura of the new dynasty at all.
To establish a new atmosphere for the Zhenguan Dynasty, the first thing to do was to bring out the darkness and mistakes of the Wude Dynasty and then correct them one by one.
He wanted to completely draw a line between himself and the old Wude policy in order to demonstrate his own wisdom and bravery and the grandeur of Zhenguan. This was naturally a slap in the face of Li Yuan, but Li Shimin had to do it.
The political purge was cruel, and the political legacy left by Li Yuan was almost swept into the dustbin of history by Li Shimin.
Luo Su tacitly agreed to this, because he also felt that the political legacy of Li Yuan's Wude Dynasty was unremarkable. After all, during the entire Wude period, the first half was spent on conquering the world, while domestic affairs were mainly spent on cooperating with Li Shimin in wars.
In the second half, Li Yuan was trying to maintain a balance between the Crown Prince and the King of Qin. The Tang Dynasty was constantly in internal strife. Under such circumstances, how could anything important emerge that could influence future policies?
…
After Li Shimin left Lingtian Pavilion, he immediately went to find Luo Xuanye. He hoped to get Li Yuan to move out of Taiji Hall as soon as possible. It would be best if his Zhenguan New Deal was promulgated in Taiji Hall.
Luo Xuanye hurried from the Prince's Mansion to the Imperial Palace. When Li Shimin saw him coming, he was not polite and immediately said, "Xuanye, I have an important matter for you to do."
"Let the emperor move out of Taiji Palace?"
Luo Xuanye was surprised after hearing this, and then immediately realized why Li Shimin did this.
"Xuan Ye, is this okay?"
Luo Xuanye frowned and said slowly: "Okay, but there are some problems that your majesty needs to solve."
"you say."
————
"The kingly way and benevolent government."
This was the first expectation of the Tang Dynasty's rulers and ministers for the future of the world in the first year of Zhenguan. This was the first plan for the Tang Empire made by the mysterious national teacher Luo Su when he appeared on the Tang political arena. This was just the tip of the iceberg of his grand blueprint.
…
The reason why Li Shimin stood out from all the sage kings and why “all the sage kings in ancient times were inferior to him” was that he did not think that as a king he had unlimited power and authority.
…
"He stood in the Taiji Palace, and all the people bowed to him. A blazing and bright light shone on him, but he did not overbearingly show his power, but lowered his head. In front of him was a road called the Way of the Sage King. At the end of the road was a scroll where the people drank and enjoyed themselves, called Zhenguan." - "The Rise and Fall of the Tang Dynasty"
Dejected and sad, try to cheer up again!
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
