The first emperor of the Chinese Empire, the second monarch in the Tang Dynasty, was the second son of gaozu Li Yuan. Born in martial arts (now northwest of Shaanxi martial arts), at the age of four, a physiognomy predicted that this son would be able to save the world and the people in the future, because he was famous. In the 11th year of Emperor Yangdi's great cause (615), Emperor Yangdi was besieged in Yanmen (now Daixian County, Shanxi Province) by Khan, a Turk, and Li Shimin, who was only sixteen years old, made a name for himself. In the 13th year of Daye (617), Li Yuan was appointed to stay in Taiyuan, and Li Shimin's entourage came to Jinyang (now Taiyuan, Shanxi).
At this time, the Sui government had declined, and the world was in chaos. Li Shimin made friends with heroes and actively recruited soldiers to prepare dispatch troops to fight against Sui and seize the world. His close friend, Liu Wenjing, the magistrate of Jinyang County, was arrested and imprisoned for being implicated by Li Mi, the leader of Wagang Army.
in the name of visiting, Li Shimin worked out a plan with him in prison to recruit soldiers, go west to Guanzhong, and set up an imperial industry, and told this plan to Li Yuan through Pei Ji, deputy supervisor of Sui Jinyang Palace. After Tang gaozu set out in Jinyang, Li Shimin and his brother Li Jian organized the left and right armies to fight side by side, and conquered Chang 'an in November of the 13th year of Daye. After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin was worshipped as a high-ranking official and a right-handed general, and became the king of Qin. Li Shimin was the first emperor of the Tang Dynasty. In March of the first year of Wude (618), Xue Ju and Xue Rengao, who were entrenched in Jincheng (now Lanzhou, Gansu), led their troops to invade Guanzhong, and Li Shimin was ordered to lead an army to conquer. Beat it. Xue Rengao was executed after surrendering.
In October of the second year of Wude (619), Liu Wuzhou, a native of Mayi (now the northeast of Shuoxian County, Shanxi Province), rebelled and led his people south, successively defeating Li Yuanji, Pei Ji and other Tang generals, and almost occupied the whole east of the river, causing the Guanzhong region to shake. Tang Gaozu is ready to give up Hedong and keep to the west of Tongguan. Li Shimin volunteered, and led thirty thousand troops to cross the Yellow River eastward, defeating Song Jingang, Liu Wuzhou's elite army, and surrendering Wei Chijingde, a veteran soldier, and Xunping. Then, Li Shimin marched northward, and finally annihilated Liu Wuzhou in April of the third year of Wude (62) and recovered the whole territory of Hedong.
In July of the same year, Li Shimin led his troops into the Central Plains with sweeping force, and successively recovered most counties and counties in Henan, trapping Wang Shichong, the remnants of the Sui Dynasty, in the lonely city of Luoyang. Then, he resolutely adopted the operational strategy of besieging the city and Dayuan, captured Dou Jiande alive and forced to land in Wang Shichong, and successively pacified the two most powerful leaders since the end of Sui Dynasty.
Li Shimin showed his outstanding talent in pacifying the leaders of the late rebellion, which made Gaozu worry about the heir to the throne. At the same time, in the course of the war, Li Shimin got a group of men who were good at fighting and had extraordinary strategies, such as Jing Chi Jingde, Li Jing, Fang Xuanling, etc., which greatly strengthened the ability of the king of Qin and Prince Li Jiancheng to compete for the throne, and finally made the battle for the throne between the two men enter a white-hot stage.
On June 4th, the 9th year of Wude (626), Li Shimin led Changsun Wuji and Wei Chijingde, aides of the Qin government, to kill Prince Li Jiancheng and his fourth brother Li Yuanji in one fell swoop in the Xuanwu Gate in the north of Miyagi. This was the "Xuanwu Gate Change". Two days later, Tang Gaozu made Li Shimin a prince. In August, Tang Gaozu became the emperor's father in Zen, and Li Shimin ascended the throne for Emperor Taizong. At the beginning of the second year, Emperor Taizong changed the Yuan Dynasty to Zhenguan.
Just after the change of Xuanwu Gate, the Turkic "Jie Li Khan" took advantage of the civil strife in the Tang Dynasty and invaded on a large scale. Taizong sent Wei Chijingde to battle and defeated the Turks. A few days later, Jie Li invaded again, arrived at the Weishui Bridge, and sent envoys to Chang 'an to demonstrate. Emperor Taizong then rode six times to Weishui, met Jie Li across the river, and several Jie Li broke the Covenant. At this time, the army of the Tang Dynasty also arrived one after another. Seeing that Tang Jun was in the prime of his military capacity, Jie Li thought that there was no gap to take, so he made peace with Taizong and then returned to the north. This is the "temporary bridge alliance."
In the first year of Zhenguan (627), Emperor Taizong ranked the contributions of counselors Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui as the first, and appointed him as prime minister, taking charge of state affairs, which aroused the dissatisfaction of his uncle Li Shentong, king of Huai 'an, and the veteran Wei Chijingde. They prided themselves on their outstanding military exploits, their senior positions were high, they complained, disrupted the celebration order, and even punched Li Daozong, the king of Rencheng, who came to persuade them. Therefore, the generals will strive for merit and make a scene. In this regard, Emperor Taizong said to Li Shentong with an expression: "Although my uncle was a pioneer at the beginning of the banner of righteousness, he was later wiped out in two battles with Dou Jiande and Liu Heita, and once he fled on the lookout. Xuanling, Ruhui, strategizing, stabilizing the country, and rewarding the merits should be the first. Although you are my uncle and my country's wealth, you must never reward me with personal kindness and meritorious service! Then, he said to Wei Chijingde: "When I was reading Hanshu, I saw that few active generals in the reign of Emperor Gaozu saved their lives, and I was often dissatisfied with Emperor Gaozu, so I wanted to learn from it and protect the heroes intentionally so as not to cut off their descendants. But you often take credit for yourself and break the law. Today, I realized that it was not the fault of Emperor Gaozu that Han Xin and Peng Yue, the generals in the early Han Dynasty, were killed and their families were ruined. There are only two kinds of rewards and punishments in national affairs. You can't do it at the same time. You should cherish yourself so as not to regret it in the future. "After hearing this warning, Li Shentong and Jingde immediately expressed their remorse and turned over a new leaf, and the struggle for credit was soon calmed down. Then, Emperor Taizong pardoned Wang Jue and Wei Zhi, officials of the former Prince Li Jiancheng, and entrusted them with the important task of taking charge of the state affairs.
Soon, the Prime Minister Feng Deyi suggested to Emperor Taizong that middle-aged men (middle-aged at the age of 16 in the early Tang Dynasty) who were not old enough to join the army should be simply recruited. Emperor Taizong immediately agreed, and ordered Zhongshu Province to draft imperial edicts, which were submitted to Xiamen Province for deliberation and then handed over to Shangshu Province for execution. However, when this imperial edict was sent to the province under the door, Wei Zhi, an official of the province under the door who was specially responsible for signing and sealing, refused to sign it. Although there were many negotiations, it was unsuccessful. Finally, Feng Deyi had to report truthfully to Emperor Taizong. Hearing this, Emperor Taizong was furious, and immediately sent for Wei Zhi. He said with an expression, "I have already agreed to make it simple for healthy middle-aged men to join the army. What on earth does this matter have to do with you, so stubbornly refusing to agree, I really don't understand what you mean? "Wei Zhi solemnly replied:" I heard that it is not that you can't catch fish, but there will be no fish next year; It's not that you can't catch animals when you burn the forest, but there will be no animals next year. If the Chinese men's slips are enlisted in the army, then what will these people take from the rent and taxes they originally assumed? And there are not many soldiers, the key lies in how to train. If trained properly, people are brave, so why make up the numbers? "Then, I also listed two or three things that have been broken by the people since Emperor Taizong acceded to the throne. Finally, it is also severely pointed out that if this goes on, how can we win people's trust! After listening to this, Emperor Taizong pondered for a long time and finally said sincerely, "I didn't think it over, so I made such a big mistake. If this goes on for a long time, can we still achieve great governance in the world? "Then immediately ordered to stop Jane point in the male, and gave Wei Zhi a golden urn.
In March of the fourth year of Zhenguan (63), Li Jing and Li Ji were defeated by the Turks in the Tang Dynasty, and the eastern Turks perished. The territory of the Tang Dynasty was extended to the north of today's Lake Baikal. Some tribes originally belonging to the Turks were attached to Xue Yantuo in the north, and some went west to the western regions. The rest surrendered to the Tang Dynasty by more than 1, people. How to deal with more than 1, Turks, Emperor Taizong called courtiers to discuss. Most courtiers believe that the nomadic people in the north have been a serious border problem in the Central Plains since ancient times. Today, they are fortunate enough to be extinct. They should all be moved to the inland south of the Yellow River, disrupting their original tribal organization and structure, scattered in various counties, and guiding them to cultivate textiles. In this way, the original unruly nomadic people can be turned into mainland residents who are easy to subdue, and the land of Saibei will be empty forever. It has also been suggested that if ethnic minorities are weak, please submit, and if they are strong, they will rebel. This has always been the case. They should be driven to the vast grassland, and they should not stay in the mainland, so as to avoid the trouble of the heart. Only Wen Yanbo, the head of the secretariat, argued that the Turks should be moved to the Hetao area with abundant water and grass, so as to preserve their original tribes and obey their living customs, which can not only enrich the empty land, but also strengthen the border defense forces in the north. Finally, he pointed out in a tit-for-tat way: "The son of heaven should be like an overwhelming load of everything, without omission." Today, the Turks surrendered to me when they were down and out. Can they be shut out and not accepted? Emperor Taizong was in favor of Wen Yanbo's suggestion, and added, "Since ancient times, China has always been dear to China, but I am the only one who loves them as one! "(Since ancient times, it has been expensive for China, cheap for barbarians, and I love it as one, so my race is like my parents.) So, he set up two governors' offices in Dingxiang and Yunzhong in Hetao area to lead the Turkic people. For chiefs at all levels who are willing to join the army, they are all worshipped as generals, corps commanders, and the imperial court. There are more than 1 ethnic minority officials with more than five grades, accounting for almost half of all courtiers, and nearly 1, people have moved to Chang 'an one after another. This policy of Emperor Taizong soon won the support and love of many ethnic groups around him. They regarded Emperor Taizong as "Tiankhan" (meaning "a leader as great as the sky") and respected him as a god.
Li Shimin's imperial clan has been descended from ethnic minorities for several generations. Li Shimin's grandmother, Dugu, was a Xianbei, while the ancestor of Queen Changsun Shi was Tuoba of the Northern Wei Dynasty, and the Prince-later Tang Gaozong Li Zhi was born to the eldest grandson. For this reason, coupled with Li Shimin's great mind, the early Tang Dynasty did not discriminate against ethnic minorities excessively.
after pacifying the Turks, Taizong continued to manage the western regions, and used troops several times. In the eighth year of Zhenguan (634), Emperor Taizong attacked Tuyuhun, including Li Jing, Hou Junji and Wang Daozong. The following year, Tuyuhun Fuyun Khan fled to the desert, and was killed by Chinese people. Emperor Taizong set up another Tuyuhun king. In the 13th year of Zhenguan (639), Emperor Taizong paid tribute to the western regions with Qu Wentai, the king of Gaochang, and ordered Hou Junji and Xue Wanche to attack Gaochang. The following year, King Gaochang died of illness, and his son Zhisheng succeeded to the throne and surrendered to the Tang Dynasty. Emperor Taizong then set up Anxi Duhu in Jiaohe City, the capital of Gaochang, and all countries in the western regions paid tribute to Chang 'an.
in the first month of the 15th year of Zhenguan (641), Emperor Taizong promised to marry Princess Wencheng, the eldest daughter of the Tibetan family, at the repeated requests of Zanzeng, the ancestor of Tibetan people in Tibet, and sent Shangshu, the minister of rites, and Li Daozong, the king of Jiangxia, to escort the princess into Tibet. Songzan Gambu was overjoyed when he heard the news. He personally came to Heyuan (now west of Eling Lake in Qinghai) from the capital Luosome (now Lhasa, Tibet) and met Li Daozong as a son-in-law. He was envious when he saw China's gorgeous clothes and spectacular ceremonial ceremonies. From then on, Tubo and Tang Dynasty became nephews and uncles, learning from each other and getting along well.
In April of the 17th year of Zhenguan (643), Prince Li Chenggan was deposed for treason, so Emperor Taizong made his ninth son, King Li Zhi of Jin, a prince, and put him under strict supervision. When he was eating, he pointed to the food and said to Li Zhi, "Farming fields, planting in spring and harvesting in autumn all require hard work. Only by cherishing the people's resources and not seizing the farming season can we always have food "; Seeing him riding a horse, he said, "Horses can walk for others and save energy. If they are used properly and don't do their best, they can often ride horses.": Seeing him in a boat, he said, "A boat is better than a man, and water is better than the people. Water can carry a boat and overturn it. You will become a monarch in the future. Think about the relationship between water and the boat. Can you not be afraid? ": Seeing it resting in the shade, he said, "Although the trunk of this tree is bent, it can be sawn into a straight board after being measured by a carpenter's rope. Although there is no way for a monarch, as long as he is good at accepting advice, he can become a sage. He also taught several other sons: "It is human nature that a father loves his son, and everyone knows it without teaching. It is best for a son to be loyal and filial. If you don't listen to the teachings and obey the etiquette, you will inevitably be killed. Although your father loves you, he is helpless. Before the death of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty succeeded to the throne, and Liu Dan, the prince of Yan, was arrogant and refused to accept it. Huo Guang only issued an imperial edict and died. As a courtier, we should learn from this incident, be careful, and never imitate Liu Dan. It is said that from then on, these sons and grandchildren are law-abiding, and few people run amok.
in February of the 19th year of Zhenguan (645), Emperor Taizong led six armies from Luoyang to attack Korea on the grounds that Su Wen, the ruling spring of Korea, had abused the people. However, after crossing the Liaoshui River to the east, due to the tenacious resistance of Korea, Tang Jun was unable to attack Anshi City (now Yingchengzi in the south of Haicheng, Liaoning Province) for a long time. In addition, the climate turned cold, the grass was dry and the food and grass were not available, and it was difficult for the military and horses to stay long, so he had to send a letter to move troops.
during Taizong's reign, he made outstanding achievements in politics and military affairs, and made progress in society, culture and education. On the social front, in view of the fact that the gentry still monopolized the way of senior officials, in order to stabilize the family status and provide more talents for the country, Taizong ordered Gao Shilian to select the annals of the gentry, re-evaluate the gentry with the criterion of "making meritorious deeds, establishing morality and making a statement", and all those who failed in virtue were removed from the list; On the other hand, it inherited the imperial examination system of the Sui Dynasty to attract talents.
In order to provide an excellent educational environment, Taizong established the Jingshi School headed by imperial academy. Including the establishment of Guozi School, Imperial College and Four Schools in Gaozu, Law School and Calligraphy School in Taizong, and the construction of additional school buildings, which can accommodate 2, students. Hong Wen Pavilion was set up for the children of the royal family and senior officials. At that time, culture and education flourished, and the four barbarians sent their children to study in Chang 'an.
At the same time, Taizong paid attention to compiling books and history. He ordered the search for the suicide note of the dead scholars among the people. At the end of Sui Dynasty, the books of Sui Dynasty in Luoyang were all in the Yellow River on the way to Chang 'an, and there were only 14, books, about 9, volumes, but the Hong Wen Pavilion was established in Taizong, including more than 2, volumes. Emperor Taizong also thought that the Confucian classics in the Southern and Northern Dynasties were divided into two schools, namely, the North and the South, and the Confucian classics were numerous, so Kong Yingda sorted them out and awarded them as the final edition of the Five Classics, which was the manuscript of Justice of the Five Classics and provided the basis for the imperial examination. In historiography, Taizong established the National History Museum to compile the history of the Southern and Northern Dynasties and the Sui Dynasty, on the one hand, to show the orthodoxy of the Tang Dynasty, on the other hand, to draw historical lessons from it.
in the twenty-second year of Zhenguan (648), in the first month, Emperor Taizong presented twelve pieces of Emperor Fan written by him to Prince Li Zhi, and warned him: "You should learn from the ancient sages and sages, and like me, you can never imitate them. Because if you take the method from the top, you can only get it, and if you take the method from the middle, you can only get it. Since I ascended the pole, I have made many mistakes: splendid pearls and jade are endless, palaces and pavilions are always busy, dogs, horses, eagles and falcons are far away, and I travel around to provide me with trouble. All these are the biggest mistakes I have made, so don't follow my example.
in the 23rd year of Zhenguan (649), on May 26th, Emperor Taizong died of illness in the Hanfeng Hall of Cuiwei Palace. In August of the same year, he was buried in Zhaoling (in the northeast of Liquan, Shaanxi Province).
Emperor Taizong can appoint virtuous people, take good advice, and change as soon as he hears about it. Treat people like children, regardless of Chinese and foreigners. Create a "rule of chastity." He is a good emperor praised by China people for thousands of years.