Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty, the Chen Qiao Mutiny achieved the establishment of the Great Song Dynasty. His life was confusing, legendary, and controversial. Some admired him as a wise monarch, while others denounced him as an insidious usurper. During his reign at the helm of the court, many inexplicable events took place, one of which was the high-profile "Hunting Mystery".
According to historical records, after Zhao Kuangyin's reign, he led some Jiedu envoys and generals of the forbidden army to go hunting. Walking in a dense forest, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly stopped and said to everyone: "There is no one here, if you want to be an official, you can kill me and do it!"These words surprised everyone present, and they knelt on the ground one after another to express their loyalty to the emperor. Seeing this, Zhao Kuangyin said again: "Since you regard me as the emperor, you should be loyal to your ministers and don't be arrogant." Everyone bowed their heads and thanked them, and then returned to the palace with Zhao Kuangyin.
There is ample historical evidence for this historical record. However, why did Zhao Kuangyin act like this?Is he trying to test his courtiers, or is he showing weakness to them?This has become the core issue of Zhao Kuangyin's "hunting mystery".
Zhao Kuangyin was born in a civilian family and has been ambitious since childhood. He once said: "I am the emperor, not just the emperor, but to become the first person in the world." "With a keen sense of politics, he is good at seizing opportunities and gradually climbing to the top of the power scheme. He was gifted with military talent, repeatedly defeated enemy forces, and won the respect of his soldiers. However, Zhao Kuangyin also has a suspicious side, and he is suspicious of anyone, even his own brothers. He said, "I am not afraid that others will be unfaithful to me, but that I will be unfaithful to others." In addition, he was resolute and did not hesitate to kill his supporters, such as Zhang Qiong, in order to consolidate his position. At the same time, he was vain and liked to enjoy wealth and power, claiming: "I am not for the emperor, but to show off the image of the emperor." ”
When Zhao Kuangyin was in power, the situation was chaotic and turbulent. There are strong enemies such as Khitan and Northern Han outside, and there are feudal towns and forbidden armies inside. The feudal towns are the envoys of various festivals, who have real power, and are always dissatisfied with the imperial court, and even have the heart of rebellion. The forbidden army was a close confidant of Zhao Kuangyin, but it was also a potential threat to him, and it was possible to follow the example of Chen Qiao's mutiny and usurp the throne. In addition, Houliang and Nantang are also waiting and watching, always ready to take precautions.
In response to the complex political environment, Zhao Kuangyin adopted a multi-layered strategy of governance. Externally, we should flexibly use diplomatic means, be lenient and strict at home, and rejuvenate the country with virtue and government for the people. With his superb political wisdom and skill, he adopted different measures in light of changes in the situation and safeguarded the overall interests of the state and the people.
Returning to the "mystery of the hunt", the phrase "there is no one here" not only tries to test the loyalty and reaction of the courtiers, but also intends to show weakness and lead the courtiers to form an impression of him as a "weakling". This is a political tactic used by Zhao Kuangyin, which not only reflects his suspicion and prudence, but also shows his strategy and resourcefulness.
Comprehensive observation, Zhao Kuangyin's remarks are not only a temptation for the courtiers, but also a strategy to show weakness to them. This is not only a test of the loyalty of the courtiers, but also an observation of their hearts and attitudes. In the political game, Zhao Kuangyin's complex personality and resourcefulness determine his actions and words, and also determine his fate on the stage of history.