Chai Rong, an unknown name in the long river of history, may be a buried miracle in Chinese history. If it weren't for the wheel of history running over his body, maybe he would be able to change the pattern of the entire Central Plains, and all this possibility is inextricably linked with a wise man named Wang Pu.
When we mention the great rulers of Chinese history, we usually think of people such as Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Taizu of the Song Dynasty, etc. But in the long course of history, there are also some figures, although they did not become emperors, but because of their wisdom and foresight, they have had a profound impact on the times. And Wang Pu is one of them.
Wang Pu's name is not common in traditional history books, but he was a brilliant strategist in Chinese history. The encounter between him and Chai Rong may be just a coincidence in history, but it has made an amazing story.
Chai Rong was born in Liao, but he was not a noble child who sought power. On the contrary, at a young age, he had a deep understanding of the general trend of the world and was eager to change his destiny and achieve a career. Wang Pu was born in a family of scholars, but in his early years, he traveled all over the world, extensively dabbled in historical classics, and was proficient in the art of war and strategy.
The two met by chance and immediately had a wonderful chemistry. Wang Pu's wisdom and Chai Rong's courage complemented each other, and he soon became a confidant who talked about everything.
Chai Rong has a unique view of the general trend of the world, he believes: "First easy and then difficult, first south and then north." This thought deeply attracted Wang Pu. Wang Pu knew very well that the economic strength of southern China was strong, and if he could first use the resources of the south to support the war in the north, he would be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort.
So, they jointly planned a plan called "Pingbian Policy", aiming to change the south first, and then attack the north through the economic support of the south, so as to achieve a turning point in the general trend of the world.
Chai Rong's trust is the key to Wang Pu's implementation of the plan. Chai Rong succeeded to the throne in 954 and died in 959, leaving behind not only a potential hegemony in the world, but also a plan for himself: "Thirty years to achieve the unification of the world, the people live and work in peace and contentment." ”
However, fate is often unpredictable. Chai Rong's early death made this grand plan come to naught. But even so, Wang Pu's wisdom and strategy have left a strong mark in the long river of history.
Looking back on history, we can't help but wonder what would have happened if Chai Rong had been able to extend his life and turn his ambitions for the world into reality.
First of all, the recovery of the sixteen states of Yanyun will be possible. This area is difficult to defend and difficult to attack, and it is a natural barrier in the north of the Central Plains. The reason why the Song Dynasty was invaded and harassed by the Liao Dynasty was largely because it did not recover the sixteen states of Yanyun. If Chai Rong could continue his plan, the situation would be completely rewritten.
Second, the rise of the Nakan regime may be curbed. Although the Dingyan regime was insignificant, it eventually became the cornerstone of the Western Xia Kingdom. If Chai Rong can prevent this situation from happening, perhaps the rise of the Western Xia Kingdom will also become another possibility in history.
Eventually, the southern feudal town of Cochin may be incorporated into the rule of the Central Plains. Although the independence of Jiaozhi posed a certain threat to the Song Dynasty, if Chai Rong could bring the power of the south into his rule, then the stability of the Central Plains would be more guaranteed.
However, history cannot be changed after all. The encounter between Chai Rong and Wang Pu, although it inspired infinite possibilities, failed to change the trajectory of fate. But just like those forgotten figures in the long course of history, their stories are still worth pondering.
Perhaps, while we look back on history, we should also think that those buried characters may be the miracle of history. And Chai Rong and Wang Pu are the most brilliant scenery.
Their stories may be less compelling, but they shine with a glimpse of history. As we follow in the footsteps of great men, we may as well stop and discover those buried miracles and explore those forgotten stories.
Because it is these forgotten characters that constitute the truth and weight of history. And their stories are our best annotation of history.