The main founder of Zhenguan rule is not just Fang.
The so-called founder refers to a person who founded a certain group or country or made a very outstanding contribution in the spiritual field. Through the explanation of the word founder, we can find that the main founder of Zhenguan rule should be the person who plays a major role in the creation of Zhenguan era, or who has made great contributions to the spiritual field of Zhenguan era. Although Fang was a famous minister in Zhenguan period, it is obviously inappropriate to regard him as the main founder of Zhenguan rule.
So, what kind of talents can be called the main founders of the rule of Zhenguan? To answer this question, we still need to analyze the historical terminology explanation of Zhenguan rule first. Modern historical theory holds that the rule of Zhenguan should refer to the prosperity and development of the Tang Dynasty in economic, military and cultural fields during the reign of Emperor Taizong and Li Shimin.
After this explanation, we can understand that the main founder of Zhenguan rule should not be just one person, and neither Fang nor Emperor Taizong himself can be called the main founder of Zhenguan rule. In other words, the main founder of Zhenguan rule is a huge collective, including Emperor Taizong, Fang, many ministers who contributed to Zhenguan rule, and even ordinary people from all walks of life in the Tang Dynasty.
For example, in the economic aspect, Emperor Taizong established a frivolous and generous national policy, and many farmers actively cultivated, which led to the development of agriculture in the Tang Dynasty. Militarily, the soldiers who attacked Turks and other places were sent by Emperor Taizong, but it was the soldiers themselves who fought against these enemies who invaded the Tang Dynasty. Under the command of Li Jing and other generals, they used their lives to maintain the stability of the Tang Dynasty. In terms of culture, Emperor Taizong continued and improved the imperial examination system, recruited talents and prospered the culture of the Tang Dynasty. Although these cultural pearls were discovered by Emperor Taizong, it was these talented people who worked hard to create the style of the Tang Dynasty. Because of this collective strength, the law of chastity was created.
How big is the role of Fang?
For the rule of Zhenguan, we can't say that Fang has not contributed. According to the Book of the Old Tang Dynasty, Fang's contribution to the rule of Zhenguan is mainly three points. First, Fang once presided over the revision of National History and made great contributions to the development of historiography in the Tang Dynasty. Second, Fang's contribution to rectifying official management should not be underestimated. When selecting talents, Fang can not only make good use of talents without demanding, but also dare to streamline officials boldly. It greatly improved the administrative efficiency in the early Tang Dynasty and reduced the financial pressure of the state. Third, Fang's role in military logistics should not be forgotten. When Emperor Taizong went to Liaodong, he once praised Fang Lingxuan as Xiao He.
When Emperor Taizong was the king of Qin, he was in charge of handling the art of war. Every time he won the battle, Fang was busy transferring the captured generals to Datang. After years of training, Tang Taizong was able to do a good job in logistics every time he went out to war. But it is precisely because of this that whenever we see the military development in the Tang Dynasty, people first praise the famous soldiers and ignore the contributions of Fang and other logistics personnel.
In addition to these contributions, Fang also made many contributions to the rule of Zhenguan. For example, Zhenguan politicians affirmed Fang's contribution to the formulation of laws and regulations, and believed that Fang could be as lenient and fair as possible when examining and approving laws and regulations. Modern historiography also believes that Fang made outstanding contributions in abolishing the harsh laws in Sui Dynasty and maintaining the stability of the written law in Tang Dynasty. Besides, Fang dared to express his thoughts to the emperor. For the education of the prince and grandson, Fang once made a suggestion to Emperor Taizong. In Fang's view, if the prince and grandson can't observe the people's feelings and understand the sufferings of the people, the country will naturally encounter disasters. Fang's thought is still very instructive today.
However, although Fang has made great contributions to the rule of Zhenguan, he is far from the biggest contributor. It can be seen from the works such as Zhenguan Politicians and Old Tang Books that other heroes who were placed in Lingyange with Fang made great contributions to the governance of Zhenguan, such as Li Jing, and they made direct contributions to the military during Zhenguan period. It is unfair to regard Fang as the main founder of the rule of Zhenguan.
Legend and history cannot be confused.
So, why do many people think that Fang is the main founder of Zhenguan rule now? In the final analysis, it is because of historical legends that wrong ideas have been formed. Fang's key contribution in opening the Book of the Old Tang Dynasty was to help Emperor Taizong discuss the change of Xuanwu Gate? If Fang hadn't helped Tang Taizong plan the change of Xuanwu Gate, perhaps Tang Taizong wouldn't have become an emperor?
This idea is obviously biased. If we read Tang Shi carefully, we will find that Fang is not the only one who discussed Xuanwumen with Emperor Taizong. As recorded in Fang Zhuan, the Book of the Old Tang Dynasty, Du Ruhui is also among those who discuss important matters. Fang's personal biography has not forgotten the contributions of other ministers. Therefore, looking at historical figures cannot be generalized and needs to be considered in many aspects. In particular, the achievements of an era cannot be characterized by one-sided words.
Generally speaking, Fang did make a certain contribution to the rule of Zhenguan, and played a more important role in rectifying official management and logistics support. It is beyond reproach to praise him as a saint in the Tang Dynasty. However, it is obviously incorrect to regard Fang as the main founder of chastity view.
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