Wei Zhi spent more than two years in the Wagang Army led by Shi Mi and the Hebei Uprising Army led by Dou Jiande. The Lord chooses ministers, and I will choose the Lord and do things. Shi Biao and Dou Jiande did not adopt Wei Zhi's opinion at many critical moments, and as a result, they were quickly defeated and fell to the Tang Dynasty. Wei Zhi was also captured by Tang Jun twice.
Wei Zhi is over 30 years old and has experienced many hardships, successes and failures. This experience made the ambitious Confucian scholar undergo the tempering and baptism of war, fully observed the sufferings of the lower classes, greatly enriched his life experience, and prepared various conditions for him to assist Emperor Taizong later. At the end of the Tang Dynasty, Prince Li heard that he was very talented, so he hired a horse washer for the Prince's East Palace and became a small official in charge of the East Palace scriptures.
After the "Xuanwumen Incident", Wei Zhi finally threw himself into the arms of the democratic master and gradually gained the trust of Li Shimin.
After entering the DPRK for deliberation, Wei Zhi, as always, bluntly said that Geng Jie would not change his nature. As long as it is harmful to the country, he dares to risk the world and his life. He remonstrated with the emperor many times, devoted himself to his political clarity and prosperity, and died.
One day, Emperor Taizong went to court for deliberation. He sat on the dragon throne, his hands lightly pressing the armrest of the dragon throne, looking solemn and dignified. Waiters on both sides are afraid to go out. He coughed gently and asked the minister, "Dear Qing, many of you are eloquent scholars. Why are you always in a hurry and even upset when you go to court? "
Wei Zhi knew why, so he stepped forward and said rudely, "Your majesty, your image is awesome. You always look serious and aggressive every time you go to court. Coupled with the strict atmosphere of the imperial court, the ministers were so flustered. When the emperor comes to Korea in the future, it is advisable to reduce Rowen slightly, and it is best to put down the emperor's airs and be kind to his ministers. In this way, ministers will speak naturally. "
Emperor Taizong was secretly pleased and embarrassed; But on second thought, I think this kind of heartfelt words is rare and inconvenient to attack. So, he played along, trying to use the problems that have been lingering in his mind recently to spite Wei Zhi.
"Love you reminded me. Recently, I have been thinking about the "wise monarch" and "dark monarch" that the ancients often said. What do you think of the difference between light and darkness? "
Wei Zhi had a plan, and slowly stepped forward and replied, "Your Majesty, as the head of the people, it is wise to listen to opinions from all sides. If you listen to one side or even the villain, it is the dark gentleman. A monarch like Emperor Yang Di is darkseid. Only a wise monarch can do things right and win the support of all the people. And dark gentleman, is bound to end up a life and death, national subjugation, genocide. Please be careful. "
Although this kind of protest made the emperor a little uncomfortable, it was only an episode in the history of Wei Zhi's protests.
Extensive knowledge and rich experience tell Wei Zhi: If you want to govern the country well, you must strictly obey orders and keep them together. Only in this way can the ban be formulated; Otherwise, no matter how many laws and regulations are just a dead letter, it will inevitably lead to official corruption and social unrest.
Emperor Taizong sometimes tends to be emotional, and it is inevitable to cover up his old subordinates.
In the early years of Zhenguan, Pang Xiangshou, the secretariat of Zhou Pu, was accused of corruption. According to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, he was punished for recovering the stolen money and being dismissed from his post.
On this day, Emperor Taizong was resting and suddenly reported to Pang Xiangshou, an old subordinate of Qin, that he risked his life to ask for audience. He nodded and reluctantly agreed.
As soon as Emperor Taizong saw this Pang Xiangshou, he was so angry that he scolded him. Pang Xiangshou is familiar with his master's temper. When Emperor Taizong lost his temper, he mumbled, "Your Majesty, since I was with your Majesty, I have been loyal to your Majesty for life and death. Please forgive me for decades ... "
"Stop it!" Emperor Taizong interrupted Pang Xiangshou angrily.
In the evening, Emperor Taizong returned to his bedroom and recalled the events of that day, which made him feel a little soft-hearted. Pang Xiangshou, a young man full of heroic spirit, has now become a rickety old man, and the years are ruthless! Pang Xiangshou and I have been together for so many years that we can't cool people's hearts. He is corrupt, perhaps because he has too many wives and children, too much expenses and is poor. Thinking of this, he couldn't help feeling pity, so he sent a message to Pang Xiangshou: You are my old subordinate, and corruption is probably due to poverty. Now I will give you 65,438+000 silks, continue to be your secretariat, and be careful not to embezzle in the future.
In feudal society, it is common for emperors to be selfish and protect an old subordinate. However, Wei Zhi views this issue from the perspective of national security. When he learned about this, he immediately wrote a letter expressing his opposition: "Your Majesty, don't forget the alienated people when you reward them; When you punish, don't be afraid, dear. Rule the world with fairness as the rule and benevolence as the criterion. Only in this way can people be convinced; Otherwise, the discipline is chaotic and the order is prohibited. Once evil is wanton, the world will be unstable! Pang Xiangshou is your old subordinate. Because of this relationship, you don't pursue his corruption. It's that you reward him and stay in his original position. By doing so, you are actually encouraging corruption. When you were the king of Qin, you had many subordinates. What will you do if they are corrupt and pervert the law? It is bound to be effective, which not only forms the wind of shielding favoritism, but more importantly condones corrupt officials. Please consider the consequences yourself! "
At that time, the words of the emperor hit the floor could not be changed, what's more, Wei Zhi's exhortation, though for the sake of maintaining imperial power, embarrassed Emperor Taizong. After all, Emperor Taizong was a wise king. Wei Zhi's recitation awakened him, so he immediately revoked his decision and upheld the original judgment.
Most of Wei Zhi's blunt warnings were against it. In this way, it often threw cold water on the oath of Emperor Taizong, which made Emperor Taizong very disappointed.
With the concerted efforts of Qi Xin, the monarch and minister of Zhenguan, a scene of "peace" appeared in the society after four years of Zhenguan. After a bumper harvest every year, the world is peaceful and thieves don't do it. As early as the first year of Zhenguan (623), many ministers wrote to ask Li Shimin to provide meditation. Fengchan is a ceremony for ancient emperors to worship heaven and earth, and the place of worship is at the top of Mount Tai. Li Shimin also believed that the founding of the People's Republic was meritorious and his career was successful, so he accepted the opinions of ministers and agreed to go to Mount Tai for meditation. Wei Zhi, the only one, pushed his way through the crowd and thought it was impossible.
Emperor Taizong was very unhappy this time, so he asked Wei Zhi, "So many ministers agree with Guan Chan, why are you the only one who opposes it? Is my work not high enough and moral is not deep enough? The country has not yet stabilized and the Quartet has not surrendered? "
Wei Zhi calmly replied: "Although the emperor's achievements were high, the people did not get enough benefits; Although your virtue is profound, your kindness has not reached all people; Although the world is peaceful today, it is still an urgent matter and the financial resources are not very abundant; Although there is a bumper harvest, the stock is still relatively empty. How does this report to heaven and earth? Besides, Guan Chan is a big event, and the chiefs of neighboring countries have to celebrate with it, which costs a lot of money! The area east of Yi Kuang and Luohe (Henan Zhongyuan) is still desolate. Isn't this showing weakness to the countries of the Quartet and breeding the heart of plotting the Central Plains? "
Wei Zhi thought: The emperor must be complacent, because he has just made some achievements, paying attention to ostentation and extravagance and not cherishing the strength of the people. This is the beginning of slackness and depravity, and we must not treat it lightly! Starting from the current and long-term interests, he demonstrated the reason why he could not arouse the masses to worship Zen. Emperor Taizong was speechless by him, and he was very uncomfortable, but he couldn't refute it, so he had to give up. This saves a lot of state expenditure.
Wei Zhi not only constantly reminded Emperor Taizong to abide by strict laws and regulations and strictly implement the policy of "stabilizing people's hearts and cherishing people's resources" formulated in the early years of Zhenguan, but also constantly reminded Emperor Taizong to be prepared for danger in times of peace and practise thrift.
In the middle and late period of Zhenguan, the situation of the whole society is getting better and better. At the beginning of Li Shimin's business, the dilemma gradually faded away, and the spirit of hard work gradually faded away, which gave birth to the emperor's extravagant heart. Wei Zhi, who had suffered a lot, saw it in his eyes and was anxious in his heart.
On one occasion, Emperor Taizong went to Luoyang and lived in Ren Xian Palace (now Yiyang County, Henan Province). A large group of people settled down and the maid served tea. Emperor Taizong was very unhappy when he saw that both the tea tray and the teacup were old silverware used here a few years ago. He ordered someone to call the manager and gave him a scolding. The manager thought: In the early years of Zhenguan, the emperor was very frugal. Why don't you like this and that now? I don't understand, but I have to admit my mistake. I quickly told the chef to add more seafood to the emperor's dinner. In the evening, Taizong came to the table, took a look and was greatly unhappy: "What's the matter? Delicious food is rare and rare. Where is the manager? " Demote him to the people! "Say, leave.
The next day, Wei Zhi knew the ins and outs of the incident and went to Taizong's palace. At this time, Wei Zhi was Emperor Taizong's favorite minister, so it was more convenient to go in and out, and it was much more comfortable to talk to Emperor Taizong. After talking about the ceremony, Wei Zhi turned to the topic: "Your Majesty, I heard that the emperor lost his temper because of the poor service of the general manager. I think this is a bad sign. "
Emperor Taizong was puzzled: "I am a rich country in the Tang Dynasty. What's the big deal about spending a few more dollars? " Besides, I am the king of a country! "
Deeply moved by Emperor Taizong's fascination with the authorities, Kevin·Z decided to show him this "maze": "Your Majesty, because you are the king of a country, as long as you do it, the whole society will form an extravagant atmosphere, which is not good."
"Love qing, please don't put the words so serious. I am the only monarch. Who else dares to look up to me? "
Wei Zheng feels the seriousness of the problem more and more. He thought: the emperor often tells the lesson of Sui death. Why not use it to warn the emperor?
"Your majesty, when Emperor Yang Di was on a cruise, he was punished for not providing food or offering inferior tribute locally. Such unlimited pursuit of enjoyment, the result is that ordinary people can not afford it, leading to changes in mind and the loss of mountains and rivers. How can the emperor imitate the emperor of Yang Di? "
This really worked, and Emperor Taizong was really shocked: "Am I imitating Yang Di?"
"Yes, your majesty! If the supply like Ren Xian Palace is satisfactory, it will be very satisfactory. But if Emperor Yang comes, even if the supply is 10,000 times richer and more exquisite, it will be difficult to fill his desire. "
Emperor Taizong was shocked and moved: "Ai Qing, no one but you can say such a thing!"
In the feudal era, the emperor had supreme power and claimed to be the "real dragon emperor". It is said that there is a lamella under the dragon's throat. Anyone who touches it will be killed. Therefore, it is dangerous to criticize the emperor for calling him a "criminal". For the sake of the country's long-term stability and the people's living and working in peace and contentment, Wei Zhi was not afraid of "making a dragon's forest", but dared to speak out, remonstrate and stop Taizong's mistakes. As a wise monarch, sometimes it is inevitable to expose Wei Zhi's shortcomings to his face, regardless of the "son of heaven". On one occasion, Wei Zhi embarrassed Emperor Taizong in court. After retiring from North Korea, Taizong made a determined effort: "Wei Zhi always sweeps my face when he goes to North Korea. I will kill him sooner or later! " Of course, Emperor Taizong did not kill Wei Zhi in the end. When he understood this, he trusted Wei Zhi even more. Under the impetus of ministers represented by Wei Zhi, the unprecedented situation in which Zhenguan officials rushed to remonstrate was an important factor in the formation of Zhenguan rule.
Therefore, Wei Zhi was highly valued by Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty, and was named Zheng Guogong.
In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan (643), Wei Zhi was seriously ill. Emperor Taizong sent people to send medicine and food, and sent people to Wei Zhi's home to take care of him and report his illness at any time. Emperor Taizong also visited Wei Zhi's home twice. The second time, Emperor Taizong also brought the Prince and Princess Hengyang. Wei Zhi met Emperor Taizong reluctantly. Emperor Taizong comforted Wei Zhi sadly, told him to take good care of himself, and tearfully asked him what he wanted. Wei helped the sick body and said, "I don't worry about other small things, I only care about the rise and fall of the country." As the Minister of Brachial Joint of Emperor Taizong, Wei Zheng really did his best to die!
The next day, Wei Zhi died suddenly at the age of 64.
Emperor Taizong was heartbroken and mourned for five days in a row. He ordered a first-class official burial and painted Wei Zhi in Lingyange. He often goes to mourn and writes poems as a souvenir.
Emperor Taizong once said in front of the statue of Wei Zhi: "I use copper as a mirror to dress and dress;" Take history as a mirror and know the rise and fall; Taking people as a mirror can help us understand the gains and losses. Wei Zhi died today, and I lost a mirror! " Emperor Taizong regarded Wei Zhi as a mirror to reflect his own gains and losses, which is not only a vivid summary of their relationship between monarch and minister, but also a fair evaluation of Wei Zhi.