Li Shimin's Xuanwu Gate changed, and ten people contributed a lot. How it ends, count them one by one
The crown prince Li Jiancheng, who was supposed to sit firmly on the throne, was replaced by his own brother Li Shimin, what is the reason? "
This is a question that posterity still ponders today. To analyze the answer to this question, it is worth mentioning the Xuanwumen coup d'état in 626 AD. This coup not only changed the order of succession in the Tang Dynasty, but also allowed Li Shimin to take his first steps to ascend to the throne.
In this turmoil, Li Shimin is indeed not fighting alone. Behind him, there were ten heroes who supported him and helped him realize his dream of usurping the throne. These ten heroes had their own strengths and played an indispensable role in the Xuanwumen coup.
So, who are these ten celebrities and what roles do they play? Let's get to know each of these ten ministers.
i.The eldest grandson Wuji: The unmissable master of the first merit.
Among these ten highly respected **, the eldest grandson Wuji is the most important. He was not only the mastermind of the Xuanwumen incident, but also one of Li Shimin's most effective strategists.
The eldest grandson, Wuji, was born in a famous family, and since he was a child, he was diligent and studious, talented, and humble and kind. When Li Shimin was still the king of Qin, they became good friends. The eldest grandson Wuji admired Li Shimin's talent and courage, and wanted to assist Li Shimin on the throne.
In 626 AD, Li Shimin, under the careful planning of his eldest grandson Wuji, successfully launched the Xuanwumen Rebellion and defeated the drunken crown prince Li Jiancheng. After that, the eldest grandson Wuji continued to assist Li Shimin in governing the country until Li Shimin's death.
The eldest grandson, Wuji, was loyal to Li Shimin. He not only planned the Xuanwumen Change, but also married his sister to Li Shimin. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, the eldest grandson Wuji also received a rich reward and became the prime minister.
Second, Wei Chi Gong: A ruthless general who fights Erlong.
Wei Chigong, the word Jingde, a famous general in the early Tang Dynasty. He was brave and good at fighting, and was the main general who fought against the crown prince Li Jiancheng and the king of Qi Li Yuanji in the Xuanwumen Rebellion.
According to the "Old Tang Book", when Wei Chigong entered the Dragon Leap Hall of the crown prince Li Jiancheng, he encountered resistance from Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji. At the decisive moment, he single-handedly killed Lee Won-gil with his muscular strength.
Without Wei Chigong's powerful attack power and superb martial arts, the Xuanwumen incident would likely have ended in failure. Therefore, Wei Chigong's reputation is indelible. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he also rewarded him and appointed him as the secretary of the military department.
Third, Hou Junji: the sincere advice of the ministers.
Hou Yunji was Li Shimin's courtier, and the two had an extremely close relationship. During the Xuanwumen coup, he made many important planning suggestions to Li Shimin. These recommendations allowed Li Shimin to carry out the coup more safely and minimized the risks.
After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he was appointed as the secretary of the military department. In the ensuing foreign campaign, Hou Junji also made great achievements. Unfortunately, he was later involved in the rebellion of the crown prince Li Chenggan and was beheaded by Li Shimin.
Minister of the Interior Zhang Gongjin surrendered to the enemy.
Zhang Gongjin was originally a fierce general under Li Shimin's opponent Wang Shichong. Before the coup d'état of Xuanwumen in 626, under the eldest grandson Wuji"Curves save the country", he surrendered to Li Shimin and became the internal response to the coup.
Zhang Gongjin knew about Wang Shichong's intelligence and military organization, and these inside information played an important role in Li Shimin's coup. After the Xuanwumen Incident, Zhang Gongjin was appointed as the governor and continued to fight with Li Shimin.
v.Liu Shili: An important confidant.
Liu Shili and Zhang Gongjin are brothers. Before the Xuanwumen coup, Li Shimin also asked Liu Shili to participate in the coup.
Liu Shili not only helped Li Shimin ascend to the throne, but also played an important role in stabilizing the regime. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, Liu Shili held an important position and won Li Shimin's trust. Although some people framed Liu Shili for rebellion, Li Shimin did not suspect him.
6. The brave and fearless pioneers of Zheng Rentai.
Zheng Rentai was one of the main generals who attacked the prince's mansion during the Xuanwumen Rebellion. He was a major driver of the throne.
After the Xuanwumen coup, Li Shimin also promoted Zheng Rentai to be a general. Although Zheng Rentai was not a very important figure in the Tang Dynasty, there is no doubt that the Xuanwumen coup could not have succeeded without a general like Zheng Rentai leading the attack.
Seventh, Li Mengmei, Li Shimin's beloved apprentice.
Li Mengwei is Li Shimin's lover, and the two have a good relationship. Before the Xuanwumen Revolution, he had accompanied Li Shimin to fight in the south and the north. He also played an important role in the coup.
After Li Shimin ascended the throne, Li Mengwei was reused. Although his position is not high, he has followed Li Shimin for several years, which shows his loyalty. In his later years, Li Shimin's son Li Zhi was also very good to him, and he enjoyed his old age peacefully.
Eight. Minister of Strategy Dujonkul.
Du Junqiu's role in the Xuanwumen coup was to orchestrate a special coup with the eldest grandson Wuji. His tactics also played an important role in the success of the coup.
One of the strategists, Du Junqiu, received encouragement from Li Shimin. Although Du Junqiu was not known for his military exploits, with his support, Li Shimin successfully seized power.
Ninth place: Dugu Yanyun: The notorious general who attacked the second palace.
Du Yun was the chief general who attacked the imperial palace and the imperial palace in the Xuanwumen Incident. He was brave and good at fighting, and played a key role in the capture of the two palaces.
Although he died in the ensuing battle, the Xuanwumen Incident would not have been possible without the sudden attack of Yan Yun, the heir to the throne. After Li Shimin ascended the throne, his family also made necessary arrangements.
Tenth, Gongsun Wuda: The core of Li Shimin's followers.
Gongsun Wuda was Li Shimin's confidant before his career. On the night of the Xuanwumen coup, Gongsun Wuda was in charge of controlling the situation and ensuring that the coup went smoothly.
Gongsun Wuda was one of Li Shimin's earliest supporters and helped Li Shimin ascend to the throne from the beginning. He also participated in the later use of foreign ** teams to further consolidate Li Shimin's empire.
In short, these ten heroes played a key role in triggering the Xuanwumen Revolution and seizing the throne that originally belonged to his brother.
Under the careful planning of the strategists Sun Wuji and Du Junxuan, the notorious generals Yu Wenhua and the governors Yanyun, Neiying Hou Junji and Liu Shili, as well as the counterattack of his old rival Zhang Gongjin, Li Shimin successfully seized the throne.
Of course, Li Shimin's personal courage and talent are also commendable. However, without the help of these ten important ministers, it would be difficult to change the original order of succession overnight.
Perhaps it is precisely because of this realization that Li Shimin did not purge these valuable ** after ascending the throne, and most of them did a good job. This also reflects Li Shimin's wisdom and open-mindedness.
It is rare for the elder brother to overthrow the former crown prince and ascend the throne without being liquidated. This is also one of the main reasons why Li Shimin maintained power and created a prosperous Tang Dynasty.