Usually, the rise of a dynasty begins with the receptive or forceful replacement of the previous dynasty, and the ascension of a new emperor to the throne symbolizes the arrival of a new era. But in the compilation of history, the starting point of a new dynasty is often traced back to the unfinished glorious business"Founding Pioneers"。
The Book of Zhou, for example, has the ingenuity of placing the founder Emperor Wen Yu Wentai at the top of the main chapters, and even devoting two volumes to describing his exploits, far beyond the filial piety Emperor Yu Wenjue, who actually founded the Northern Zhou Dynasty.
In the genealogy of heroes in the Book of Zhou, only Emperor Wu Yuwenhu, who has achieved great deeds, can be compared with him. Similarly, in the official compilation history of the early Tang Dynasty, the Book of Northern Qi did not lag behind, and its opening chapter describes the great cause of Emperor Shenwu Gao Huan in two volumes, which is a unique honor among the Seven Emperors of the Northern Qi Dynasty.
This clearly reflects the deep recognition of the extraordinary status of entrepreneurs by the historians of that era. After the Heyin Incident, although the Northern Wei Dynasty still existed in name, it actually existed in name only.
In 532 AD, Gao Huan supported Yuan Xiu as Emperor Xiaowu, but two years later, power entanglements escalated. Yuan Xiu tried to escape control and defected to the warlord Yuwentai, but he could not escape the fate of being disliked by the latter, and was finally murdered.
Yuwentai decisively set up another Yuan Bao Torch, the great-grandson of Emperor Wei Xiaowen, and became Emperor Wei Wenzhao and established"Da Wei"Imperial. Since then, the history of the Northern Wei Dynasty has been divided into two parts: east and west.
From the perspective of the monarch and the minister, Yuwentai and Gao Huan are equally clever, they both use the emperor as a puppet to maximize their personal political ambitions.
Yuwentai's ambition is like a wolf and a tiger, and the act of killing the monarch is clearly visible. However, the contrast between the Book of Zhou and the Book of Northern Qi reveals a stark contrast in their historical narratives.
The Book of Zhou: Emperor Wen's Benji meticulously depicts his three masterpieces, which skillfully portray him as a loyal figure in troubled times.
Yu Wentai, who followed his father to join the Six Towns Uprising of the Northern Wei Dynasty in his early years, joined He Batyue's camp at a turning point after the defeat. In 534 AD, when Ho Bata Yue suffered misfortune, Yuwentai, with his loyalty and strength, rose from the remnants and assumed leadership, successfully neutralizing the threat of Hou Mo Chen Yue, thus establishing an unparalleled position in Kansai.
This event was not only the beginning of his power stage, but also laid a solid military foundation for the birth of the Northern Zhou Empire. Although the historical record is full of wrestling between heroes in troubled times, the Book of Zhou gives him a heroic image of repaying his kindness and defending justice, and crusading against rebels, demonstrating his noble feelings.
The chapter of "Zhou Shu Emperor Wen" focuses on Yuwentai's three resolute petitions to Emperor Xiaowu, vowing to put down the rebellious petition and the persuasive crusade text. Although there are few words about the actual battle, it reveals between the lines that Yuwentai is determined to accept the important task at a critical moment and adapt to the situation.
He skillfully rejected Emperor Wei's offer to recall the remnants of Hebatyue, citing his loyalty and insight into the big picture. In the recital, he clearly stated the original intention of his action - not to resist, but to crusade against evil and conform to the will of the court.
In the text, he ruthlessly revealed Hou Mo Chen Yue's evil deeds, and at the same time urged him to recognize the situation, choose to submit, and firmly stand on the side of justice.
In 534 AD, the relationship between Emperor Yuan Xiu of Wei Xiaowu and the powerful minister Gao Huan broke down, and he was forced to lead his subordinates to retreat to Guanzhong and take refuge in Yuwentai. However, soon after, the conflict between Emperor Xiaowu and Yuwentai escalated, and finally in December of the same year, Yuwentai brutally poisoned him and set himself up as the titular ruler of his son Yuan Baoju, essentially becoming a puppet emperor.
The account of the Book of Zhou focuses on Yuwentai's warm reception and loyalty to Emperor Xiaowu, rather than detailing his poisoning. Regarding this sensitive event, the Book of Zhou takes a succinct approach and only mentions it"In leap December, Emperor Wei Xiaowu collapsed"。
Zhao Yi's "Examination of the Yu Cong" delves into the depths, revealing the deep meaning behind this history, suggesting that Emperor Wen of Zhou may have acted in response to the scandal between Emperor Xiaowu and Princess Mingyue, but the choice of text in the Book of Zhou is subtle and subtle, avoiding direct narration.
In the chapter of "Zhou Shu Emperor Wen", it deeply reveals Taizu's outstanding wisdom and fearless courage in the war, he repeatedly turned the tide with his own strength, stood up when the country was in danger, and created a heroic image of perseverance and loyalty.
The brushstrokes of history are always full of political considerations, and the Book of Zhou is no exception, and it skillfully incorporates the profound imprint of the times when depicting these deeds.
The essence of the three key events in the Book of Zhou: Emperor Wen is to establish an image and emphasize orthodoxy. The first to recommend the acceptance of He Bayue's relics and the punishment of Hou Mo Chen Yue, this action contains profound practical connotations.
Previously, Yuwentai's role was limited to the senior generals of the Guanlong Group, rather than the decision-making center. He Bayue's misfortune unexpectedly catalyzed Yuwentai's rapid rise.
After a series of battles, Yuwentai successfully absorbed the old army of Hebayue and defeated Hou Mo Chen Yue, thus establishing an unrivaled leadership position in the Guanlong region and laying a solid military foundation against the Eastern Wei Dynasty, a turning point that had a profound and decisive impact on the trajectory of his life.
From the perspective of "Book of Zhou", it not only affirms Yuwentai's great achievements and creates a positive image of heroism and courage, but also transforms his competition with other heroes in troubled times into an inspiring heroic legend.
However, when describing his great achievements, the Book of Zhou focuses on his crusade and depictions of brutal warfare are relatively understated.
As a result, he was portrayed as a loyal servant in times of turmoil, leading the fight to eradicate the rebels, giving the action far-reaching political implications. If this move is regarded as a crime of Fengtian, then the justice of this war can be demonstrated, and Yuwentai's power acquisition will also gain more solid legitimacy.
Another major event was the welcoming of Emperor Wei's crossing. Although this historical event is similar in nature to Cao Cao's control of the Son of Heaven, the Book of Zhou's account focuses on the solemnity of the welcoming ceremony and the harmony of the relationship between the monarch and the courtier, and deliberately downplays the fact that Yuwentai usurped the throne, which is a clever treatment by the compilers to beautify his image.
The Book of Zhou: Emperor Wen records in detail many battles with the Eastern Wei Dynasty, and these battles of bravery and resourcefulness depict Taizu's image as a loyal and brave courtier. In the well-compiled history books, the portrayal of Yuwentai is obviously maintained, especially when compared with the description of the foundation in the Book of Northern Qi: Emperor Shenwu, Yuwentai's image is more vivid and profound, showing a unique heroic demeanor.
Yuwentai's path to power is no accident, and he is the first to skillfully obtain the legitimacy of power; Then, with practical actions, he created a model image of loyalty and perseverance who stood up to save the country in times of crisis; And his outstanding leadership and foresight are the key links that run through the transfer of power from the Western Wei Dynasty to the Northern Zhou Dynasty.
These three masterpieces together forged him in the change of power"Minister"can be called a legend of power transformation