Who were the Eight Sage Kings of the Song Dynasty? How does it end in real history?
The Eight Great Sage Kings of the Song Dynasty were a unique group that was little known throughout its long history, but rich in legends. What kind of character is he? How does he fit into real history?
This fascinating story follows the lives of the eight virtuous kings of the Song Dynasty and their own decline. What traces did they leave in the Song Dynasty? Are the Eight Wise Kings as successful as the legend says, or are the historical truths of the Eight Wise Kings more complicated and bizarre? Let's step into this little-known history, uncover the mystery of the Eight Sages, and trace the legend of the Eight Sages in real history.
The failure of Song Taizong's Northern Expedition caused rumors, and Zhao Dezhao was misunderstood and committed suicide.
There are various theories about the character archetypes of the Eight Immortal Kings. One of the main theories is that his prototype was Zhao Dezhao, the second son of Song Taizu. Zhao Dezhao was talented and popular in his youth, but in 979, Song Taizong's Northern Expedition failed, and he was defeated and captured. Of course, this matter has nothing to do with Zhao Dezhao, but rumors never need evidence, so some people took the opportunity to spread rumors in the court, saying that Zhao Dezhao wanted to take the opportunity to usurp the throne.
At first, it was just a silly thing, but as soon as the rumors came out, everything snowballed. Zhao Dezhao, who was caught in rumors, fell into great sadness and pain. He decided to serve his country, but was slandered as ill-intentioned. Although this increased the public's sympathy for Zhao Dezhao, Zhao himself eventually decided to commit suicide under the blow of this unwarranted slander.
A promising young talent in his twenties committed suicide unjustly. Zhao Dezhao's suicide undoubtedly made countless people sigh and be filled with righteous indignation. The public's praise for him has also reached its peak. In folklore, the image of Zhao Dezhao was gradually beautified and deified, and he became a heroic figure who was unexpectedly felt, framed, and unjustly died.
Under the combined influence of these factors, a positive and vibrant heroic image of the Eight Immortal Kings has been created, a heroic image that always stands with the people and fights bravely. As a literary image, we can see that in Wang Baxian's book, there is more grief for Zhao Dezhao's early death, and more praise for Zhao Dezhao's talent.
Zhao Defang, who is considered one of the contenders for the throne, has added to public grief with his untimely death.
In addition to Zhao Dezhao, there is also a theory that the prototype of the Eight Sages King was Zhao Defang, the fourth son of Zhao Taizu. Zhao Defang was smart and clever since childhood, and many ministers considered him one of the candidates for the next crown prince. However, Zhao Defang died of illness at the age of 23.
Twenty-three years old is just the beginning for many ordinary people, but it is undoubtedly the age of success for a member of the royal family and a possible future emperor. It is entirely possible that Zhao Defang will assist Luan Zhengben to ascend to the throne. But in the end, he died young. This news undoubtedly saddened many people.
Public sympathy for Zhao Defang thus reached its peak. People's grief for him was also transferred to the excellent character of the eighth master, and became an integral part of the eighth master's righteousness and courage. Whether it is Zhao Dezhao or Zhao Defang, it is not difficult to see that the motive for people to place hope on the eighth master is mainly to mourn his untimely death and praise his ability.
Zhao Yuanren's amorous and ** image may be one of the prototypes of the Eighth Prince.
In addition, it is believed that the prototype of the eighth prince was Zhao Yuanyan, the eighth son of Song Taizong. Zhao Yuanyan is a lively and witty child, and he is deeply loved by Song Taizong. After entering the palace, he maintained a non-angry and self-authoritative character, and often went in and out of the palace to make friends with powerful people. After Shinjong ascended the throne, his position was further consolidated. Zhenzong doted on his younger brother very much, and appointed him as Taibao, Tongzhi Sanqi Changshi, Yushi Dafu, and Cao Guogong.
Zhao Yuanren has a cheerful personality and dares to say and do, coupled with his noble status, which has caused many anecdotes in the court. When these rumors reached the people, some people associated Zhao Yuanren with the positive heroic image of the Eight Wise Kings, believing that he was one of the prototypes of the Eight Wise Kings. After all, a royal family member with a flamboyant personality and many rumors can easily circulate various legends among the people.
Of course, we should be aware that there is still a gap between Zhao Yuanren's more open personality and lifestyle and the inner qualities of the Eight Sages. Perhaps when people talk about this character, they have consciously or unconsciously filtered and embellished some of its qualities.
The Eight Sages represent more of people's ideals and emotional projections.
Whether it is Zhao Dezhao, Zhao Defang or Zhao Yuanren, we must be clear that their true image in history does not fully match"The Eighth Prince"The true meaning of the word is also not entirely in line with the character traits portrayed in ** and opera. For a long time, they did not seek justice for the people like the Eighth Prince.
But where did the Eight Blue Emperors come from? The answer could not be found in the existing history. The real answer lies in"The Eight Wise Kings"These four words - he represents the heroic image of justice and courage in the minds of the people. He is the embodiment of justice and justice in the hearts of the people, and he embodies justice and justice in the name of the divine.
It was created out of a desire for justice and grief over the untimely death of a great man. People attribute many beautiful qualities and emotions to him to satisfy and soothe dissatisfaction with reality.
Therefore,"What kind of person is the Eight Sages? We shouldn't look for specific historical figures. The image of the Eight Sages is a product of literary creation, a legend derived from the imagination of mankind, and will eventually exist in the beautiful imagination of mankind. The significance of its image is to tell us that no matter what happens in reality, justice and truth will one day be known to the world.
The reason why the Eight Immortal Kings are still loved by the people today is because his image carries and expresses the values and emotional needs of the public. He represents justice and the voice of the people. This is more important and eternal than all personal shortcomings and historical regrets.
Historical figures, like us ordinary people, have their own limitations, and none of them are perfect. In contrast, in literary works, heroes can break free from the shackles of reality, condense people's emotions and ideals, and become eternal symbols.
Regardless of the real experiences of Zhao Dezhao, Zhao Defang, or Zhao Yuanren, they all contributed materials and genes to the Eight Sages King. However, the heroic image of the Eight Sages has transcended all historical archetypes and has become a unique symbol of Chinese culture, embodying the spiritual pursuit of the Chinese nation.
Of all the fictional characters, who seems to represent and embody the emotions of Chinese culture more vividly than the Eight Sages? This is an important reason why the Eight Great Sages have endured. The people's desire for justice and their longing for heroes must be based on such an idealized symbol that has endured for thousands of years.
So, the legend of the Eight Saints will never die. As long as people's spiritual strength is raised, their emotions will always be wrapped in the golden hoop rod of the crane like starlight.