In Chinese history, although there are many similarities between the two emperors of Tang Taizong Li Shimin and Song Taizu Zhao Guangyi, they are both second emperors, Taizong. However, it is worth pondering that their reputations are very different. There is also a debate about the evaluation of the two emperors in later generations, and who is more benevolent. Although these two emperors were not the founding kings, they both left blood on their hands.
First of all, the similarities between the two emperors are reflected in the succession to the throne. There are some unjustifiable factors on their thrones, which have stained the evaluation of later generations. However, the image of the two in history is very different. Tang Taizong Li Shimin chose his second son Li Jiancheng instead of his eldest son Li Shimin on the issue of establishing a crown prince after ascending the throne. This decision was understandable at the time, because according to the primogeniture system at that time, Li Jiancheng was a reasonable candidate for the crown prince. However, Li Jiancheng did not become the ideal heir in Taizong's mind, which led to the later Xuanwumen Change. Li Shimin behaved relatively cruelly in this incident, not only beheading his brother Li Jiancheng, but also erasing the names of his descendants.
In contrast, Zhao Guangyi experienced similar problems during the establishment of the Song dynasty. When his elder brother Zhao Kuangyin was alive, he failed to achieve great unification, which led to a battle for the throne. However, Zhao Guangyi finally achieved the unification of the country, reformed the Great Song Dynasty, and strengthened the centralization of power. Although Zhao Kuangyin was over half a hundred years old when he died and had children, Zhao Guangyi was still able to succeed to the throne. This also sparked controversy over his usurpation of the throne in later generations.
Li Shimin and Zhao Guangyi's methods after ascending the throne were cruel. Li Shimin killed his brothers in the Xuanwumen Rebellion, and even swept away his descendants, showing an iron-fisted ruling method. Although Zhao Guangyi did not kill his brother when he seized the throne, he was not soft on his nephew later. This shows that in feudal dynasties, there was a lack of kinship between the royal families, and the means of maintaining the throne were often cruel.
However, under the reign of both emperors, they both left important political legacy. Li Shimin carried out large-scale reforms during the reign of Zhenguan, implemented the system of three provinces and six ministries, and fought in the south and the north, ensuring the stability of the Tang Dynasty for a hundred years. And Zhao Guangyi carried out reforms after the establishment and unification of the Great Song Dynasty, strengthened his power, and laid the foundation for later development. Their achievements during their reign have left future generations selectively oblivious to their brutal methods and more focused on their exploits.
Finally, looking back at history, we have to admit the fact that "history is always rewritten by the victors." The evaluation of Zhao Guangyi and Li Shimin is also constantly being interpreted with the changes of the times and positions. Zhao Guangyi's life may not be as unbearable as later generations say, and Li Shimin is not completely beautiful, they have all left a contradictory and rich mark in the long river of history.