In the long history of China, the Tang Dynasty was undoubtedly a glorious and splendid era.
In this era, many outstanding politicians and scholars have emerged, one of which is Fang Xuanling, who is known as the "good face of the ages".
As an important minister in the early Tang Dynasty, Fang Xuanling had outstanding achievements in the fields of politics, military affairs, and literature, and made great contributions to the prosperity and stability of the Tang Dynasty.
Fang Xuanling (579 - August 18, 648), known as Qiao, was a native of Linzi, Qizhou (now Zibo City, Shandong Province).
He was a famous minister in the early years of the Tang Dynasty and one of the main founders of the "rule of Zhenguan".
Among the founding heroes of the Tang Dynasty, Fang Xuanling was a pure Confucian born in a "scholarly family", and his father Fang Yanqian experienced four dynasties in his life: Eastern Wei, Northern Qi, Northern Zhou and Sui.
Fang Xuanling, who grew up in such a family environment, has received a good education since he was a child.
He was gifted and tireless, not only proficient in the subset of classics and history, but also highly accomplished in calligraphy, painting and other arts. In addition, Fang Xuanling was also a master of strategizing and was among the best in the imperial examination in the last years of the Sui Dynasty.
In the last years of the Sui Dynasty, the world was in turmoil, and the heroes rose together.
During this period, Fang Xuanling met Li Shimin and became his right-hand man.
In the process of Li Shimin's struggle for the world, Fang Xuanling gave him advice and helped him win many key battles.
He successively served as the secretary of the Qin Palace, participated in the army, participated in the planning, and served as the secretary of the war.
Fang Xuanling has been in Li Shimin's Qin Palace's mansion for more than ten years, and has been in charge of military affairs, responsible for the management of documents.
Li Yuan deeply admired Fang Xuanling and said to the courtiers: "This person has a deep understanding of the opportunity and is enough to entrust him with important tasks. Whenever he talks about affairs for Qin Wang Chen, he must be able to understand human psychology. Thousands of miles away, as if talking to the other side. ”
After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, Fang Xuanling was appointed as the Zhongshu Order, responsible for formulating the country's major policies and legal system. He did his best to assist Li Shimin and made great contributions to the prosperity and stability of the Tang Dynasty.
Fang Xuanling's wisdom and strategy are one of his outstanding characteristics.
He is adept at analysing the situation, seizing the moment, and being able to make the right decisions in a complex political environment. In the process of assisting Li Shimin, he used his wisdom and strategy to successfully resolve many crises and contradictions.
One of Fang Xuanling's major contributions to politics was his emphasis on the rule of officials.
He believed that the problem of governing officials was the foundation of seeking governance, and the fairness and integrity of officials was the key to governing the country.
On the issue of electing officials, Li Shimin Zhang "appoint the position of the Ministry of Affairs", Fang Xuanling also responded positively, and he carried out a large number of reductions in the incumbent officials in the early years of Zhenguan, and finally approved 646 civil and military personnel.
For example, in the Xuanwumen Incident, Fang Xuanling advised Li Shimin and helped him seize the throne. His wisdom and cunning played a crucial role in this process.
Fang Xuanling was known in officialdom for his humility and generosity.
He never takes credit for himself, and always maintains a humble and friendly attitude towards his colleagues and subordinates. In assisting Li Shimin, he worked closely with other advisors and generals to contribute to the prosperity and stability of the Tang Dynasty.
He participated in many of Li Shimin's conquests, and every time he defeated a separatist force, everyone in the army searched for treasures and foreign objects, while Fang Xuanling first gathered talents, placed strategic and brave warriors in his shogunate, and privately became friends with them to serve Li Shimin together.
In addition to his political achievements, Fang Xuanling was also an outstanding calligrapher and painter.
His calligraphy works are known as "old and strong, as dignified and powerful as cast iron", and his paintings are mainly landscape paintings, with a fresh and refined style.
These works not only have high artistic value, but also provide valuable information for us to understand the culture and art of the Tang Dynasty.