In the political arena of the mid-Tang Dynasty, Li Bi was a somewhat mysterious figure. He served four Emperors: Emperor Xuanzong, Emperor Suzong, Emperor Daizong, and Emperor Dezong. This period was disastrous, with treacherous ministers in power and vassal towns out of control.
Li Bi’s longevity can be attributed to two principles
Many ministers died either because of the mediocre words of sycophants or by the swords of military men. Li Bi was trusted by four Emperors and accosted repeatedly by false accusations and mediocrity. Despite all of this, he survived and lived a long life. His longevity can be attributed to two principles he lived by: One is to avoid attachment to power and know when to give up any position, and the other is to retire after accomplishing one’s mission.
Even during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, when Li Bi was still a young man, he was noted for his famous and outstanding wisdom at the court. Emperor Xuanzong wanted to appoint him as an official of Prince Li Heng, but he declined and only wanted to associate with the Prince as a commoner. Li Heng addressed him as a “teacher” and treated him with great respect. He was later deposed due to the jealousy of Yang Guozhong. In this instance, Li Bi abandoned his post and traveled between Song Mountain and Ying River, thus avoiding any catastrophe.
As the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, the newly crowned Emperor Suzong (formally Li Heng) sent an envoy to invite Li Bi to be appointed Prime Minister. Li Bi firmly declined and told Suzong: “Your Majesty treats me as a guest and a friend. Isn’t that more honorable than a Prime Minister? Please do not force me!”
Emperor Suzong’s respect and trust in Li Bi was extraordinary
Emperor Suzong had no choice but to oblige his request; his respect and trust in Bi was extraordinary. Whenever they went out, they rode together. Upon retiring, they slept in the same bed. Suzong consulted his teacher on all court matters, whether big or small. Decisions such as the appointment and dismissal of Marshals and Prime Ministers and the selection of a crown Prince were all subject to his advice.
This was the case of “not holding the post, but meddling in the affairs of that post.”
During court sessions, Li Bi and the Emperor sat side by side. The Ministers present judged them and said: “The one in the yellow robe is a saint, and the one in the white robe is a mountain man.” This senior advisor status allowed him to participate in decision-making without taking any formal responsibility. He was free to step in and retreat if he found something detrimental to himself.
When the Tang army recovered the fallen Chang’an and won a great victory in the struggle to alleviate the An Lushan Rebellion, Li Bi asked Emperor Suzong to allow him to return to the mountains and live in seclusion. He elaborated: “I have repaid Your Majesty’s great kindness to me, and there is no greater joy than to return to my life as a leisurely man.”
This request surprised Emperor Suzong, who said: “For several years now, we have journeyed through many troubled times and now, when we can enjoy times of happiness, you want to leave me so suddenly, why?”
Five reasons why Li Bi could not stay any longer
Li Bi solemnly said: “I have five reasons for being unable to stay. I implore Your Majesty to let me go to save me from death.”
Emperor Suzong didn’t understand and asked: “What do you mean by that?”
Li Bi said: “I have known Your Majesty from an early age. Your Majesty has placed too much trust in me and favored me too much. My achievements are too great, and my behavior is too unusual. These five reasons are why I cannot stay long.”
Emperor Suzong refrained from making his statement and said: “It is time to go to bed, and we will talk about this later.”
Li Bi persisted: “Your Majesty is now lying on the same bed as me, and my request hasn’t been granted yet, let alone in the courtroom and as a public case in the future. Your Majesty’s refusal to allow me to leave is equivalent to putting me to death!”
The Emperor said: “I did not realize you were so afraid of me. How could I treat you like this and then kill you? You regard me as Gou Jian, who could only share sorrows, but not happiness!”
“It is precisely because Your Majesty will not kill me that I have requested to return to the mountains. If Your Majesty decided to kill me, how would I dare to say anything? Moreover, it’s not Your Majesty who will kill me, but the above five reasons. Your Majesty has always treated me so well, but there are still some things I dare not say, and when the world is stabilized in the future, I will be even more afraid to say anything,” replied Li Bi.
Li Bi finally left the court resolutely and lived in seclusion in Mount Heng
Li Bi had a thorough understanding of the affairs of the officialdom and handled them well. Even so, he was still envied by jealous and treacherous people, such as the eunuch Li Fuguo, who framed him. He finally left the court resolutely and lived in seclusion on Mount Heng. Emperor Suzong gave him the salary of a third-ranking Official and built a house for him on Mount Heng.
At one point in his life, Li Bi was a Taoist priest and was deeply influenced by Lao Zi, the founder of Taoist thought, who once said: “The way of Heaven is to achieve success, to become famous, and to retire.” Li Bi acted according to this “Way of Heaven.” He achieved success without seeking an official position. He gained fame without being attached to a position. He acted when he saw the opportunity and stopped when it was appropriate. He retired without attachment to any of his accomplished works. This proved to be the best method and state of life in officialdom.
Translated by Cecilia and edited by Maria
