During the final years of the Sui Dynasty, chaos reigned as heroes rose across the land. With his remarkable wisdom and courage, Li Shimin (598-649) led an army of benevolence and righteousness. He helped his father, Li Yuan, stabilize the realm and founded the great Tang Dynasty in A.D. 618. Upon ascension in A.D 626, Li Shimin, later known as Emperor Taizong, worked alongside his ministers to stabilize the people’s livelihoods, expand territories, and usher in the prosperous era of the “Reign of Zhenguan.”
The wise and open-minded Emperor Taizong
Emperor Taizong, revered as a peerless ruler, is often praised for his ability to accept criticism and correct his mistakes. His magnanimity created an environment where capable ministers could freely advise and assist him in governing and benefiting the people, leading to a golden age.
One well-known story involves Wei Zheng (580-643), but there are many more instances of Emperor Taizong’s wisdom in accepting sage advice and his love for his people, as recorded in the book Tang Yulin. Let us explore these ancient tales of the Zhenguan era.
Compassionate reforms in punishment
After ascending the throne, Emperor Taizong ordered the revision of the “Mingtang Acupuncture Charts.” In A.D. 630, upon reviewing the completed charts, he noted that the human body’s vital systems were concentrated in the back. This realization led him to question the need for whipping punishments on the back and legs. Subsequently, he decreed that whipping should not be administered on the back.
Heeding advice on governance
In the early years of the Zhenguan era, when Emperor Taizong planned to build a palace in Luoyang for convenience during his visits, Zhang Wensu, a court official, advised against it, citing the strain it would cause on the people and the treasury. Emperor Taizong agreed with his argument and rewarded him with 300 bolts of fine silk.
Another time, planning a summer retreat to the Jiucheng Palace, Ma Zhou (601-648) advised him to stay in the capital to care for his elderly father. Emperor Taizong appreciated his counsel and canceled the trip.
Moderation in hunting
Hunting was a significant event in ancient times, serving ceremonial and military purposes. However, the Confucian ideal of moderation and the virtue of valuing life were also important. During a hunt, when Emperor Taizong skillfully shot four wild boars, an aggressive male charged at him. A high-ranking official, Tang Jian (579-656), immediately dismounted and wrestled the wild boar with bare hands.
Emperor Taizong calmly drew his sword and slew the boar. Turning to see Tang Jian’s astonished expression, he smiled and said: “As the Chief Official of the Tiance Bureau, haven’t you seen a general kill an enemy before? Why are you so frightened?” Tang Jian earnestly admonished: “In the past, Emperor Liu Bang of the Han Dynasty gained the empire on horseback, but realized that he couldn’t govern it on horseback. Today, Your Majesty has already pacified the world with martial prowess. How can you continue to indulge your ambition on a wild beast?” Impressed by these words, Taizong ordered the cessation of hunting.
The legacy of a benevolent emperor
Ouyang Xun (557-641) wrote the exquisite Inscription of the Jiucheng Palace Spring praising Emperor Taizong’s military and cultural achievements. As an emperor, Taizong possessed a vast and generous mind, capable of accepting all beneficial advice for governance. His benevolence extended to ordinary people and even to the earth’s creatures.
Under Taizong’s rule, the Tang Empire gradually became the center of the world. It was not solely due to military prowess but, more importantly, the cultural transformation guided by the principles of benevolence and righteousness. Upon observing his governance, even people in distant foreign lands aspired to embrace these ideals. A millennium ago, in the city of Chang’an, one could witness the contentment of the people and the scenes of countless nations coming to pay tribute and express their admiration.
Translated by Katy Liu
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