Who are the grandsons of King Li Tai of Wei? Who are Li Chengqian’s descendants?

Li Taipian

His father is Emperor Wen of the Tang Dynasty, Taizong, and his mother is the eldest son of Empress Wende of Yi Zhenguan. The prince has the same mother and brother, and Gaozong has the same mother and brother.

He was honored and favored throughout his life, enjoyed all kinds of fatherly love, and received all kinds of excessive favors, which repeatedly attracted the attention of the courtiers, and even the historians had to sigh with emotion.

His records can be found endlessly in various volumes of Tang history. Although he was demoted for seizing the direct descendant, he regained the title within four years, which is a unique example in the history of Tang Dynasty.

He is Li Tai, King of Pu.

"Old Book of Tang": "The king of Wei is the most favored king among all the kings."

"The Admonishment Record of Duke Zheng of Wei": "The king of Wei was born to Queen Wende and was favored by Emperor Taizong. "

"Zhenguan Zhengyao": "The King of Yue, the son of Empress Changsun, the prince's younger brother, is extremely intelligent, and is especially favored by Taizong."

"Tanghui Yao": "Tai Zong. He is loved by Emperor Taizong and has the same courtesy and status as his direct descendants. "

"New Book of Tang Dynasty": "The king is your majesty's beloved son"

"Zi Zhi Tong Jian": "The king of Wei is very favored. Above."

When you open every volume of historical materials related to the Tang Dynasty, you can see the figure of Tang Taizong's beloved son everywhere. And is the statement "Your Majesty's beloved son" just a general statement casually mentioned by the historian, or is it a sincere emotion from the heart?

In fact, through the history books with clear black and white letters, the answer is already there. Even through the yellowed scrolls from thousands of years ago, we can still deeply feel the love a father has for his son - even if that father is the lofty Emperor Tian Khan of the Tang Dynasty.

In the third year of Wude, Li Tai, the second son of King Qin Li Shimin and Princess Changsun, was born.

Li Tai’s courtesy name is Huibao and his small character is Qingque.

In the same year, Li Tai, who was just born, was canonized as King of Yidu by his grandfather, Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan.

The following year, Li Taijin was granted the title of King of Wei and was awarded the title of Shangzhu Kingdom. As the legitimate second son of the King of Qin, Li Tai's future title was originally the highest rank of a county king, but Li Yuan made him a first-rank king of Wei (rather than a descendant of the first rank) to succeed Li Yuanba. It is a great favor for Li Shimin and his son.

In the second year of Zhenguan, nine-year-old Li Tai was granted the title of King of Yue, and was granted the titles of Governor of Yangzhou and Governor of Yuezhou, with the title of Governor of Chang, Hai, Run, Chu, Shu, Lu, Hao, Shou, and She. He served as the military governor of Yangzhou in sixteen states including Su, Hang, Xuan, Dongmu, and Nanhe, and also supervised six states in Yue, Wu, Quan, Jian, Taiwan, and Kuo. Not only did he not serve as an official, but he also had as many as 22 states as fiefs! As for Li Ke, the king of Shu who was granted the title at the same time, he only had 8 states.

In the fifth year of Zhenguan, while Li Tai was serving as the governor of Yangzhou, he also held the post of general Zuo Wuhou, but he was not an official.

In the sixth year of Zhenguan, Li Tai was granted the title of Grand Governor of Yanzhou and the five Governors of Xia, Sheng, Beifu, Beining and Beikai. The remaining officials remained the same and were still not in office.

In the eighth year of Zhenguan, Li Tai not only failed to go to the fiefdom as usual, but also led the governor of Yanzhou and the fifth governor of Xia Sheng, Fu Beining, Beikai, and General Zuo Wuhou. He was also awarded the post of Yongzhou Shepherd. And where is Yongzhou, and what kind of official position is Yongzhou Mu?

According to the records in "Old Book of Tang Geography", Yongzhou refers to Jingzhao Prefecture, which is the place under the jurisdiction of the capital of the Tang Dynasty, so Yongzhou Mu is the chief in charge of Chang'an, Xijing. Such a prestigious official position was given to his beloved son by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty in an understatement.

In the tenth year of Zhenguan, Li Tai moved to the throne and was granted the title of King of Wei. He was the governor of Xiangzhou from afar and supervised the military affairs of Xiangzhou, Wei, Li, Wei, Ming, Xing and Bei. The remaining officials remained as before. However, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was not only reluctant to let his beloved son leave him and go to the fiefdom, he even issued an edict to let his beloved son move into Wude Hall. Where is Wudeden Hall? It was a palace very close to the East Palace. Wei Zheng once said that "Today's Wude Palace is close to Chu Houyan" and "to the west of the East Palace". The importance of its geographical location can be seen. What's more, considering that Li Yuanji lived in Wude Hall and exchanged opinions with Li Jiancheng, and considering that Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty was in charge of politics in Wude Hall when he first came to the throne, it's no wonder that Wei Zheng tried his best to remonstrate with him.

However, the various extraordinary actions that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty made because of his love for his son did not stop because of the strong advice of the ministers.

According to historical records, Li Tai had a "big waist and abdomen." However, when Emperor Taizong saw his son's chubby appearance, he was not worried that being too fat would affect his figure, but that he thought his son would look taller. It must be very hard to pay homage to the emperor, so he was specially allowed to ride in a small sedan chair to the palace because of his distress.

Because Li Tai loved literature, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty ordered the establishment of a literature museum in the Palace of the Prince of Wei, and allowed him to recruit bachelors. Later, Xiao Deyan and Gu Yin, who later worked with Li Tai to compile "Kuo Di Zhi" , Jiang Yaqing, Xie Yan and others were recruited at this time.

As for the "residence area of ??thirty hectares and the return of seventeen miles", the famous Furong Garden was also given to his beloved son by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. Not only that, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty also gave Li Tai the mansion occupying one square of Huixunfang in Luoyang, the eastern capital, and Li Tai built the embankment between the pond and the Luo River here. These are the two sceneries of Weiwangchi and Weiwangdi that will be called the "prosperity of the capital" in the future.

Li Tai acquired Wei Wang Pond and Wei Wang Dike because of his father's favor, and such beautiful scenery became world-famous because of Wei Wang Li Tai. Countless literati and poets throughout the ages have left immortal poems here. Han Yu once wrote in his poem "Spring in the Eastern Capital": "There are boats swimming in the Wei Wang Pond alone. The water and the sky are both green and pure here." Bai Juyi's "Wei Wang Di" "Wei Di is pregnant" "In several poems such as "The King of Wei", it is the scenery of King Wei's Embankment that is chanted; in Wei Zhuang's poems such as "Bodhisattva Barbarian" and "View at Night on the Middle Crossing", Wei Wangchi and Wei Wangdi can be seen everywhere; when Liu Yuxi was boating here, he also He once said: "The scenery of Sichuan is clear and far away, and the sound of black clouds is about to rest at dusk. The only remaining outing companion is waiting for the moon on the Wei Wangdi."

In the twelfth year of Zhenguan, Yu Shinan died of illness. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was very sad, so He wrote to his beloved son Li Tai: "Yu Shinan and I are like one body. If I make a small mistake, he will definitely rebuke me. Now that he is gone, how can I express my regret in words!"

In the thirteenth year of Zhenguan, Wang Gui passed away. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty mourned for this for a long time, and issued an edict to Li Tai to lead hundreds of officials to mourn in person. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty once ordered Wang Gui, the Minister of Rites, to be Li Tai's teacher. Li Tai never regarded himself as a prince when he saw Wang Gui. Seeing that his son respected his teacher so much, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was overjoyed and said, "My son will never make mistakes again."

In the fourteenth year of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty personally visited Li Tai's residence in Yankangfang. Therefore, he specially pardoned the criminals in Yongzhou and Chang'an who were guilty of less than capital crimes, exempted the people of Yankangfang from one year's rent, and also rewarded the officials of the Wei Palace and the old people who lived in the same fang with many things. Speaking of this green bird's mansion, Cen Wenwen was admonished by Cen Wenwen for the renovation of the mansion long before he officially moved in. Tang Taizong still praised and rewarded Cen Wenwen for his superior work, but he did not see any displeasure or restraint on Li Tai's behavior.

Even once, Li Tai complained to his father that the ministers of the third rank and above in the court did not respect him enough. As a result, when Emperor Taizong heard that his beloved son had been wronged, Lei Lei was furious and said nothing. , and immediately summoned those ministers into the palace to question them sternly. Fang Xuanling and others were so frightened that they did not dare to speak. Only Wei Zheng held his neck and argued hard. In the end, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty admitted that he had forgotten his official duties because of his personal love for Li Tai. However, afterwards, his love for the green bird was still the same, and the ministers were helpless.

In the fifteenth year of Zhenguan, the "Kuo Di Zhi" edited by Li Tai was completed. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was very happy. As if he had found a treasure, he not only collected this work in the royal library, but also published it one after another. He rewarded Li Tai lavishly - first "ten thousand pieces of property", and then a large amount of property every month. The amount even exceeded the specifications of the prince, which prompted Chu Suiliang to write a book to persuade him. As a result, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty happily agreed with his point of view, but instead of reducing Li Tai's expenditure, he canceled the prince's expenditure limit, which was equivalent to maintaining Li Tai's excessive expenditure in disguise.

On November Xinmao of this year, Li Tai vowed to complete the three niches in Longmen Mountain built for his mother, the eldest grandson, Empress. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty went there in person to review them in Yique. The "Three Niches" on the stele of the Yique Buddhist niche was written by Chu Suiliang, one of the "Four Schools of the Early Tang Dynasty" written by Cen Wenwen. The calligraphy and painting are majestic and famous throughout the ages. It not only shows Li Tai's admiration for his mother's eldest grandson, the Queen, but also the importance that Emperor Taizong and his son of the Tang Dynasty attached to this Buddhist niche.

Not only did Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty dote on this green bird, he often took him around with him. Even if he couldn't see him for just one day, he would send one of his own named birds to him. The white falcon for the "general" went to deliver a message, and the swan geese made several trips back and forth in one day. Even Li Tai's eldest son Li Xin was "especially loved by Taizong" because of his father. He was particularly favored by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and was taken into the palace to raise him when he was four years old.

Perhaps as the saying goes, like father, like son. Li Xin was very well-behaved and smart at a young age. When Empress Changsun asked him if he was still used to it as he had just lived here, he immediately held up his little hands. Said: "My grandson is lucky enough to live in the palace, I am already very happy." Queen Changsun was surprised and happy when she heard this. She not only named him "Xin" personally, but also raised the grandson as her own son. As a result, Li Xin often played with her uncle Li Zhi, who was about the same age. The relationship between the uncle and nephew was extraordinary, so Li Xin, as the heir to King Pu, did not leave the capital for his own fiefdom until he was still young.

Tang Taizong's love for Li Tai that went beyond etiquette, even the historians had to sigh: "His love is so extraordinary." It is precisely because of this endless doting that Li Tai had the illusion that he could ascend to the position of prince as long as he pulled his brother Cheng Qian off the horse, so Li Tai finally chose to embark on a path that was destined to be irreversible. road.

In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan, Prince Li Chengqian was deposed. Li Tai took the opportunity to act coquettishly to his father, claiming that he would kill his son in a hundred years and pass the throne to his younger brother Li Zhi. When Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty saw the plump green bird falling into his arms, his heart softened immediately. When he heard such a guarantee, he immediately promised to make him the prince. However, such lies were exposed mercilessly by Chu Suiliang. Emperor Taizong calmed down and understood that it was impossible to kill his son to pass on his younger brother, so in order to ensure that his three beloved sons could survive at the same time, he decisively Li Zhi was made the prince.

However, Emperor Taizong was worried about how Prince Yi Li would deal with Li Tai, his beloved son. In the end, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty had no choice but to say sadly in the edict deposing Li Tai: "Li Tai, King of Wei, is my extremely beloved son. I really love this son. This son was very smart and hobbies when he was young. Literature, my love for him is so unusual... However, I can't let future generations think that the throne can be obtained through planning, so I demoted King Li Tai of Wei to the title of King of Donglai County."

Li Tai. This hurt his father's heart, but Tang Taizong still couldn't bear to blame his beloved son, and he still missed this green bird endlessly.

Less than four years after Li Tai was demoted, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty reinstated him as King Pu. Not only that, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty also took Li Tai's watch and said to the surrounding ministers: "Tai's beautiful words are not a talented man. You also know how much I miss him in my heart. But I can only reluctantly part with him. This is also preservation." The three brothers were able to achieve both goals. "

In the 23rd year of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty died in Hanfeng Hall, and Li Zhi came to the throne that year. After Li Zhi came to the throne, he also treated his brother with special preferential treatment. But within a few years, Li Tai passed away in depression.

In the twelfth month of the third year of Yonghui, Li Tai, the king of Pu, passed away.

Tang Gaozong was very sad about the death of his brother, and specially mourned Li Tai with the most solemn funeral specifications-not only posthumously awarded him the title of Taiwei and Yongzhou Mu, with the posthumous title of Gong, but also resigned from the court for him. He also ordered "Ban Jian 8 people, Yu Bao advocated, 3,000 pieces of stolen goods, 3,000 stones of rice and millet, and the secret weapon of Dongyuan was given to the funeral official, and the service was generous." He also specially invited Zen Master Fazang to come and pay tribute to his brother. Pray for blessings in the afterlife.

Looking at Li Tai's life, it can be said that he has had both wind and rain. Although his status is slightly lower than that of his brother Li Chengqian, he is as favored as his younger brother Li Zhi. More importantly, Li Tai himself is said to be talented, and history records that he is "unparalleledly intelligent", because he is not only very proficient in literature, and his collection of books is as many as the royal library, he is also good at calligraphy, and he is very good at calligraphy and painting. He is also quite good at appreciation.

According to the records of Zhang Yanyuan of the Tang Dynasty in "Records of Famous Paintings of the Past Dynasties", Li Tai had two seals for calligraphy and painting appreciation, which were divided into two seals: "turtle" and "yi", while King Zhou Mu's "Eight Horses" "Picture" is also passed down because of Li Tai.

The "Kuo Di Zhi" edited by Li Tai preserved many precious materials in the geography books of the Six Dynasties and had a profound influence on later generations. The new geography book genre he created also pioneered the style of general annals in the Tang and Song Dynasties. A first of its kind.

After Li Tai's death, he left behind twenty volumes of collected works, but unfortunately, these collected works have been lost to this day.

From the large amount of historical materials left by Li Tai in his life, we can see that even though he was the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Tian Khan, even though he had the most dazzling status in the world, as a father, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty Just like ordinary people, he would do all kinds of unruly things to love his son, he would take great pains to educate his son, he would grieve for the mistakes his son made, and he would even hang himself to save three beloved legitimate sons at the same time. Brain.

It is said that the Tian family has no family ties, but Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty could indeed say something to other princes: "The love between father and son, don't you want to see each other more often? But the family and state affairs are special, and we must go out to serve as a vassal." With such a grand title, these princes were then sent to the fiefdoms with "absolute covetousness", but because of personal love, Li Tai and Li Zhi, who were the most threatening to the prince's position, stayed with them to prevent them from becoming vassals; Tang Dynasty Taizong could also say to other princes, "I want to leave you treasures, but I am afraid that they will be arrogant and extravagant" - to prevent his sons from becoming arrogant and extravagant, he refused to give them more property, but when he rewarded Li Tai, he not only "given Tai Tai thousands of things" , the things given to him every month were even more than those of the prince; Tang Taizong could also say to other princes when they rebelled, "He was my son in the past, but now he is the prince of the country", and then gave him without hesitation. Death, but only when facing his most beloved Cheng Qian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi, he will be reluctant to give up, racking his brains to save their lives. However, these actions of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, which were like any ordinary father's love for his son in the world, often attracted Wei Zheng, Cen Wenwen and others to write one after another. Even Chu Suiliang had to sigh with emotion in the end: "The reason why today is happening The incident of seizing the heir was caused by your uncontrolled favor, Your Majesty!"

And Li Tai lost his way in the midst of all kinds of fatherly love and chose to embark on an unfavorable path! The way back, how can this not make people feel regretful and regretful!

Li Chengqian Chapter

He who inherits Qian means to inherit the imperial industry and lead the world.

In the second year of Wude, the eldest son of Princess Qin gave birth to Li Shimin’s eldest son. According to historical records, because the prince was born in Chengqian Hall of Taiji Palace, he was named after this hall and named Li Chengqian with the courtesy name Gaoming. However, although the word "Chengqian" is the name of a palace, it has a profound meaning when used as a personal name. Therefore, the name "Chengqian" should be given to this direct grandson by Li Yuan, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

In the third year of Wude, the infant Li Chengqian was named the King of Hengshan.

In the fifth year of Wude, Li Shimin appointed his wife's nephew and grandson of Changsun Chi, Changsun Jiaqing, as Li Chengqian's attendant.

In the seventh year of Wude, Li Chengqian moved and was granted the title of King of Zhongshan. After Li Shimin pacified Wang Shichong, he appointed two Confucian masters, Lu Deming and Kong Yingda, as eighteen bachelors of the Qin Palace, and ordered them to teach Li Chengqian Confucian classics. Therefore, after Li Shimin came to the throne, in the edict of canonizing the prince, he said that Cheng Qian had "heard Ruizhe for a long time." "You Guan Shi" and "Li" are not exaggerations.

In the same year, Li Shimin appointed eldest Sun Jiaqing's younger brother, eldest Sun Xiang, as the meritorious official of Li Chengqian's Zhongshan Palace.

In the ninth year of Wude, Li Shimin ascended the throne as Emperor Taizong. In October of Guihai, Li Chengqian, who was only 8 years old, was appointed as the prince. Historical records record that Chengqian was "intelligent in nature", "specially sensitive", "magnificent in appearance, benevolent and filial". Taizong liked him very much. As the crown prince of the Tang Dynasty, Li Chengqian lived a life of great concern, with one person under one person and more than ten thousand people. And so it began.

In the third year of Zhenguan, Li Gang, the prince's grand master, could only enter the palace in a sedan due to a foot disease, so Li Chengqian personally brought his teacher to the palace and saluted respectfully, and asked him for advice humbly. salute. After Li Gang died of illness, Cheng Qian personally erected a monument for his teacher.

In May of the fourth year of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty issued an edict to Chengqian that "it is appropriate to hear a lawsuit." "Qian Jue." It can be seen that Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty was already consciously training Chengqian's political ability as the prince, and Li Chengqian was only 12 years old at this time. In the same year, Shangshu's right servant She Du Ruhui fell seriously ill. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty ordered Cheng Qian to go to express his condolences in person.

In the fifth year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian was originally scheduled to hold the crown ceremony in February, but Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty changed the crown ceremony to October in order not to miss the farming season. In the same year, Li Chengqian fell ill, but Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, who had never believed in Buddhism or Taoism, invited Taoist priest Qin Ying to pray for his beloved son. After Chengqian recovered from his illness, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty summoned 3,000 people to become monks and built a specially built Xihua Temple and Puguang Temple also reduced the crimes of prisoners in prison to pray for their sons.

In the sixth year of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty visited Qizhou, and Li Chengqian stayed in Beijing as the prince to supervise the country. In August, when Li Chengqian came to court, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was overjoyed and held a banquet for the officials and subordinates of the East Palace, and gave them various gifts of silk.

In the seventh year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian fell seriously ill again. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty issued an order to ask the eminent monk Bopo of Tianzhu to pray for his beloved son. After Chengqian recovered from his illness, Emperor Taizong was overjoyed and gave sixty pieces of silk and silk to Popo. At the same time, because Cheng Qian was often ill, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, in order to prevent him from working too hard, specifically allowed him not to study much, but only to comment on ancient affairs with Kong Yingda. However, Li Chengqian did not take the opportunity to indulge himself. Instead, he showed his outstanding ability in governing the country. Once Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty asked him to try to write down a strategy for governing the country. As a result, he quickly filled three pages with very interesting content. It was valuable. After seeing it, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty proudly showed off to his courtiers: "First of all, let's talk about punishment and prison, which is the key to a state."

However, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was also worried that Cheng Qian's "growth would be too deep." In the palace, the people are in trouble and they don’t even hear about it.” So he told the prince Zuo’s concubine Yu Zhining, Du Zhenglun and others: “When you are advising the prince, you always have to talk about the interests of the people... whenever you see something wrong, you should be very careful. Li Chengqian was also very eager to learn. He not only asked Kong Yingda to write the "Book of Filial Piety", but also asked Yan Shigu to explain it in detail in Ban Gu's "Book of Han". After completing the manuscript, he solemnly submitted it to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. He greatly appreciated this and kept it in the secret pavilion of the royal library. He also rewarded Master Yan with 200 pieces of ancient artifacts and a good horse.

On the 1st day of February in the eighth year of Zhenguan, Prince Li Chengqian was ordered to serve in the Canadian Yuan Dynasty. Therefore, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty granted amnesty to those guilty of crimes under the death penalty, and granted his son with a fifth rank or above as his father. The ministers each have different gifts of silk. In March, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty came to Jiucheng Palace. In September, Ding Chou and Li Chengqian came to court. In the same year, Li Chengqian summoned all the great virtues to collect lectures in the Hongwen Hall. He also thought that "the emperor built a temple for the widowed and called for famous virtues", so he specially invited the eminent monk Shi Daoyue of Puguang Temple to come, and he was very polite.

In Jiashen, the first month of the ninth year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian married Su, the eldest daughter of his secretary, Su Dan, as the crown princess. For this purpose, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty held a banquet for all the ministers and gave them different silks. In May of Gengzi, Li Yuan, the great ancestor of the Tang Dynasty, died of illness. During his mourning period, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty issued an edict to the prince to supervise the power of the country and know about military and state affairs. However, Li Chengqian was "very knowledgeable" and "very capable of listening", and he did a very good job. In the sixth month of the year, the courtiers begged Taizong to go to court to listen to the government. Tang Taizong agreed, but "details were still entrusted to the prince." After that, whenever Taizong went out for inspection, the prince stayed in Beijing to supervise the country.

In the tenth year of Zhenguan, Empress Changsun gradually became seriously ill. Chengqian was worried and asked for amnesty for the prisoners and to convert people into Taoism in the hope of receiving blessings, but Empress Changsun flatly refused. So Cheng Qian did not dare to report his request for amnesty, and only told his prince Zhan Shifang Xuanling. After hearing this, the courtiers all begged for amnesty. Although Empress Changsun ultimately rejected the amnesty, Tang Taizong took a different approach and ordered the reconstruction of 392 abandoned temples to pray for his beloved wife. However, such touching love between husband and wife, mother and child, still failed to take back the queen's life from the hands of death. On June 19th, Empress Changsun died in the Lizheng Hall at the age of thirty-six.

In April of the eleventh year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian composed all the sutras in Yanxing Temple.

On Bingzi in March of the twelfth year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian’s eldest son Li Xiang was born. Because of the joy of the birth of his grandson, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty decreed that all prisoners in the world should be punished with first-class crimes, and internal and external official positions should be five-level. The sons of those with a higher rank are the fathers of the latter. Each of them will be promoted to a distinguished officer. For five days, a banquet will be held in the East Palace for those with a higher rank. In the same year, Li Chengqian gathered officials and scholars of the three religions at Hongwen Hall to conduct a highly successful academic exchange on Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Not only did the prince himself "laugh with joy", but everyone present also "sit together and rejoice".

In the thirteenth year of Zhenguan, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty issued an edict to build a Chongwen Pavilion in the East Palace. Chongwen Hall was a school set up by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty specifically for Prince Li Chengqian during the Zhenguan period. The bachelors in the Chongwen Hall were in charge of the classics and books in the East Palace to teach students. All those who were submitted for class examinations were admitted to the Hongwen Hall.

However, at this time, Li Chengqian began to rebel as he grew older and suffered from foot disease. So Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty "searched for virtuous people to assist the palace" and successively selected more than ten veteran and famous ministers to serve as assistant ministers of the East Palace, such as Yu Zhining, Li Baiyao, Du Zhenglun, Kong Yingda, Zhang Xuansu, Fang Xuanling, Wei Zheng Waiting for a while, Liu Jie, Cen Wenwen and Ma Zhou were ordered to go to the East Palace to discuss with Prince Cheng Qian.

However, these remonstrators ignored a very important point, that is, whether this kind of education method is suitable for Li Chengqian, and whether blindly admonishing can correct Chengqian's deviant behavior? Because if you look at the advice of Yu Zhining, Kong Yingda, Zhang Xuansu and others, you can find the same thing - these three people are almost as sparse as their predecessors, and their words are more fierce than the other, and each word is sharper than the other, but in the end Didn't get the desired effect at all.

In the fourteenth year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian could not build a house, so Yu Zhining criticized him for being too luxurious; Li Chengqian was having fun with eunuchs, and Yu Zhining criticized him again, even comparing him to the second emperor of Qin. World. In contrast, Kong Yingda was even more fierce. Whenever he felt something was wrong with Li Chengqian, he would immediately criticize him. The prince's wet nurse, Mrs. Sui'an, once advised Kong Yingda that the prince was too old to criticize him in front of him all the time. However, Kong Yingda said that I had "no regrets to death" for doing this, and the result was that "the remonstrance was too much, and I couldn't accept it." As for Zhang Xuansu, he was admonishing him all the time. His words were so eager that he wanted Li Chengqian to listen to him immediately. As for the result, you can even imagine.

In the fifteenth year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian secretly led the Turks into the palace, which again provoked a petition from Yu Zhining. Although Li Chengqian only dared to come secretly because he was afraid that his father would know about it, there was no airtight wall in the world. Tang Taizong naturally knew exactly what his son was doing. So Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty ordered Li Baiyao and others to serve as lecturers in the Hongjiao Hall, and asked Du Zhenglun to always advise the prince to pay attention to his words and deeds. As a result, Du Zhenglun told Cheng Qian what Taizong had said after several attempts to persuade him failed. Cheng Qian was furious and protested. Tang Taizong was very dissatisfied with this and asked Du Zhenglun, "Why did you leak my words?" So he demoted Du Zhenglun to the rank of Gu. He was appointed governor of the state and was later appointed governor of Jiaozhou. Later, he was exiled to Huanzhou because of his rebellion against Qian.

In December of the same year, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty came to Luoyang. Li Chengqian supervised the country, and Shangshu's right servant shot Gao Shilian to take charge of the prince's young master. Gengzi, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty also ordered all his legitimate sons above the third rank to serve in the East Palace.

In February of the 16th year of Zhenguan, the "Kuo Di Zhi" edited by Wei Wang Li Tai was completed. Tang Taizong was very happy. As if he had found a treasure, he not only collected this work in the royal library, but also Li Tai was rewarded lavishly one after another - first "ten thousand pieces of things", and then a large amount of property every month. The amount even exceeded the specifications of the prince, so Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty simply issued an edict to cancel the prince's ability to use treasury items. limit. Li Chengqian declined, and Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty replied: "The tomb of your family is the direct descendant of the country, so I have this order to show the difference. ... I encourage you to abide by the truth, and I have no trouble to express my thanks."

Nine On the third day of the lunar month, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty appointed Wei Zheng as the crown prince and grand master. At this time, Li Chengqian was very fond of a Taichang Leren in the palace. When Emperor Taizong found out, he naturally killed him. As a result, Chengqian was grieved and refused to go to court for several months, claiming that he was ill, and even criticized the people who repeatedly advised him. Zhang Xuansu and others wanted to kill him. However, even if Cheng Qian acted like this, Tang Taizong never thought of deposing the crown prince, and even took great pains to appoint Wei Zheng as the crown prince and grand master. The purpose of this move is to tell everyone that he will never depose Prince Cheng Qian.

In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan, Wei Zheng was seriously ill. Emperor Taizong personally took Li Chengqian and Princess Hengshan (renamed Princess Xincheng after Gaozong ascended the throne) to visit Wei Zheng's mansion. In March, Li Anyan, the commander-in-chief of the Zuotun Guard, wrote to the court: "Your Majesty has dealt with the crown prince and the kings, but they have not gained anything. The foundation of the prince's country is to think deeply and far-sighted in order to calm the world." Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty replied. He said: "I understand your wishes. Although my son has a foot problem, he is still a legitimate son. How can I abandon my legitimate son and establish a concubine?" After his father's favorite brother Li Tai failed to assassinate him, he colluded with Han Wang Li Yuanchang, Princess Chengyang's prince-in-law Du He, Hou Junji and others, planning to launch an army to force the palace. , the result was revealed. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was heartbroken and had no choice but to confine him to another room. He also ordered Situ Changsun Wuji, Sikong Fangxuanling, Tejin Xiao Yu, Minister of War Li Ji, Dali Qing Sun Fuga, Zhongshu Shilang Cen Wenwen, and Yushi Dafu. Ma Zhou, the admonishment official Chu Suiliang and others participated in it, and everything was clearly verified.

Throughout history, those princes who embarked on the road of rebellion and failed often ended up with the only outcome of having their heads removed. But when it was Li Chengqian's turn, Tang Taizong was silent.

Of course what Cheng Qian did made him feel disappointed. How much effort and energy he had put into cultivating his beloved son into a qualified prince! However, behind the deep responsibility is also the deep love. Although it was a big mistake for Li Chengqian to force the palace to rebel, Tang Taizong still loved his son after all. He couldn't bear to kill him, but he could not take the lead in openly violating the law. This What to do? Finally, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty brought this thorny issue to the court and threw it to the ministers - tell me, how should Cheng Qian be dealt with? As a result, no minister dared to answer.

Because there is no need to discuss how to deal with the prince's rebellion. According to law, he should be punished. But now Tang Taizong publicly asked in front of all the ministers how to deal with Li Chengqian's matter, which was obviously a statement. He didn't want to kill Li Chengqian at all. In the end, Tongshiren Laiji stood up and said: "Your Majesty will not stop being a loving father, and he will be a good man if he can live as long as he can." So Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty ordered that Li Chengqian be deposed as a commoner and exiled to Qianzhou. , and finally saved my son’s life. Laiji also gained the attention of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty because of this incident, and his official positions were continuously promoted. Soon he was awarded Yuanwailang, and the next year he was promoted to Zhongshusheren, and co-wrote the "Book of Jin" with Linghu Defen and others. .

When Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty re-established the throne, he knew that "if Tai is established, neither Cheng Qian nor the King of Jin will survive; if the King of Jin is established, Tai and Cheng Qian will be fine", so he decisively established the throne. The young but gentle Li Zhi is the prince, and his purpose is to be able to protect his three beloved sons, Cheng Qian, Li Tai and Li Zhi at the same time.

In April Gengchen of the same year, Li Yuanchang was ordered to commit suicide. Du He, Hou Junji and others were all executed, but the main criminal Li Chengqian was deposed as a commoner. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty lamented in "The Edict of the Deposed Crown Prince Cheng Qian for the Common People": "What's more, I would rather not be the heir to the tomb!" However, Cheng Qian, the beloved son who once had high hopes placed on him, was disappointed in the end. . Gengyin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty personally visited the Ancestral Temple to thank Qian for his fault. In the ninth month of Guiwei, he inherited Qian and moved to Qianzhou.

In December of the 18th year of Zhenguan, Li Chengqian died in Xin Chou in Qianzhou. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty abolished the imperial court for him and buried him with public rites.

Throughout Li Chengqian's life, we can see that even though Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty was the supreme emperor of the Tang Empire, when facing his most beloved son, he was just like thousands of people in the world. Like the most ordinary father, he carefully cultivated and taught patiently. Especially since this beloved son was going to inherit his imperial legacy, Tang Taizong spent a lot of effort and energy.

So when Cheng Qian was less than 6 years old, Tang Taizong asked the famous Confucian scholar Lu Deming to teach him; so when Cheng Qian was 12 years old, Tang Taizong began to consciously cultivate his ability to handle government affairs; so in After Cheng Qian grew older and became disobedient, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty took great pains to guide him back to the right path. As soon as he heard that some people speculated that Cheng Qian's throne was unstable, he immediately appointed Wei Zheng as the crown prince and grand master to disappoint the public; therefore, Even if Cheng Qian later committed such a heinous crime as treason, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty still racked his brains to save his life despite being sad. Even when he was appointed crown prince, he was fully prepared for Cheng Qian's future safety.

However, Cheng Qian died of depression not long after losing his position as prince. It is difficult for us to know today how deeply Tang Taizong was saddened by the death of his beloved son, who he had placed high hopes on. However, it is said that in the year after Cheng Qian's death, Tang Taizong wrote a poem "Autumn". "Rijimu":

The refreshing air floats in the Danque Palace, and the autumn light shines in the Purple Palace.

The clothes are broken, the lotus leaves are sparsely shadowed, and the flowers are bright and chrysanthemums are dotted among the clusters.

The robe is light and the grass is exposed, and the cover is dancing in the pine wind.

The scattered clouds and leaves are scattered, and the mist is flying when you get lost.

The cold orchids are built with withered ornaments, and the cold trees in the boudoir are tung trees.

Farewell to the crane in the harp, in the gorge where the ape crows.

The flying star arrow fell into the wild, and the string of the half-moon bow was empty.

The mist rises in the evening, and the twilight fills the room.

Whether it is the loneliness and desolation of autumn chrysanthemums dotting the flowers, or the sadness symbolized by the images of farewell cranes and separated apes, they all imply Tang Taizong's deep longing for his beloved son who has passed away. It's just that Cheng Qian has passed away, and the Prince of Tang Dynasty who once attracted much attention will never come back again.

In the twenty-seventh year of Kaiyuan, Li Shizhi, the direct grandson of Li Chengqian, served as the left prime minister of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty. Li Shizhi was deposed because of his grandfather's rebellion, and his father Li Xiang was deposed by Empress Wu. There was no funeral, so Shangshu asked to return. Buried in the palace of Zhaoling.

Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty then issued an edict to posthumously grant Li Chengqian the title of King of Hengshan and Governor of Jingzhou, with the posthumous title of Min, and was buried with him in Zhaoling. He also posthumously presented Li Shizhi's father, Li Xiang, as the Governor of Yuezhou and Duke of Xi, his uncle Li Jue, and his late brother Li Ding. Others also "also have praises and gifts", "commendations and collections of books and articles, which illuminate the city, and are used as a guide and sigh when walking on the road."

Decades later, Li Chengqian finally returned to his parents. Since then, he has been buried in Zhaoling, always by his parents' side, and will never be separated again.