In this case, when the officers and soldiers used them to suppress and appease them, and promised to provide them with oxen and plows for farming, and to feed their wives, the soldiers under their command became distraught and longed to live a normal life...
Therefore, the peasant uprising in the late Ming Dynasty can be called a revolution, but it is different from a revolution of conscience that achieves the goal of social justice through a team with common ideals under the guidance of a new system and concept.
The "Belly Revolution" was forced to find a way out when people were hungry, trapped, and their lives were threatened.
It is true that revolution, especially the "belly revolution", interrupts the normal accumulation of society, wastes existing material resources, and destroys the established order of cultural creation. If nothing else, the fact that revolution kills people is enough to make
We believe that reform is better than revolution. This does not need to be discussed. What needs to be discussed is how Li Zicheng "reformed" Chongzhen's "goodness"? Was it through legislation? Election? Or impeachment? Removal?
If China wants to get out of the vicious circle of "returning violence to violence" and "the cycle of chaos", it must abandon the revolutionary method of "changing butts but not the throne" for thousands of years, and must seek a peaceful and gradual way to enter the progress of world civilization.
trend.
In the process of abandoning the traditional thinking model and seeking external resources, is it necessary to demonize these desperation ancestors who were forced to take risks hundreds of years ago? Can we deny their way of solving problems and at the same time, deny their resistance to oppression?
Give appropriate respect to the strength of personality and will to life demonstrated in the process of fighting against tyranny?
In Zhu Yongxing's personal opinion, when criticizing these ancient people who have passed away, there should be more understanding and less harshness; more compassion for putting oneself in their shoes, and less eloquent talk without back pain. At least, if he was unfortunate enough to be born among those hungry people
.I won’t just stay at home and starve to death.
Speaking of Chongzhen, Zhu Yongxing sympathized with him, but he didn't think he was a wise king, and even looked down upon him. He talked about "managing daily affairs, being diligent in political affairs", and "reducing food, withdrawing from pleasure, and practicing economy". It seems that he could have become
A wise king was only harmed by Li Zicheng.
The "Rili Platform" is related to the political system of the Ming Dynasty. In order to strengthen the "centralization of power" - in fact, the "emperor's centralization of power", the thousands of years of prime minister system was abolished and the "cabinet ministers assisted the government, the cabinet and ministries were parallel, and the ministers were
The "civilian system" of mutual control. In fact, no one believes it. The emperor has to nod for all small things. Even the cabinet ministers are just "votes". Specifically, Chongzhen is "inspecting the political affairs."
, he is suspicious of employing people, and he likes to be smart. If he doesn't "take care of it every day", who will "take care of it every day"?
As for "reducing meals, eliminating pleasure, and practicing economy", it is useless. Change an office, wear shabby clothes to work, and ask your ministers to "integrate office and dormitory into one". It is good to skip a few dishes when eating. But the key problem is
The tax increase must be cancelled. Relief from disasters and the needy, so that the people will not follow Li Zicheng, is the top priority. If the people have food to eat, what does it matter if you hold two theatrical performances in the palace and eat a few more bowls of braised pork?
But when Chongzhen was defeated and the city was destroyed, he just kept issuing "edicts to blame himself", but what was the use? For an emperor, what is important is not to impress his subjects and exchange for a few tears from the common people.
Yes, the imperial court had to spend money and food, come up with policies, provide relief to the victims, and let the people go home to farm. At least it had to stop imposing excessive taxes, because in the face of the turbulent situation in the world, imposing additional taxes was tantamount to "driving sheep to feed tigers." But Chongzhen was
One month before he hanged himself, he was still demanding money and food.
Rather than saying that Chongzhen had courage, it would be better to say that his courage was used in the wrong place. Under the machine of state violence, the wealthy gentry in Jiangnan did nothing, but wanted to make things difficult for the people who suffered the disaster. To say that the wealthy gentry was powerful, but still
Can you withstand the knife? Raising taxes and levying grain, ransacking homes if you don't agree, and making up for the excess damage while making up for the deficiency should not be more costly than sending a large army to suppress civil unrest, right?
In fact, the consequences of this kind of "forced to disaster" were clearly seen by ordinary people at that time, not to mention literati and administrative officials.
In the 14th year of Chongzhen, many prefectures and counties in Henan were acquired by Li Zicheng. The people of Ji County, Wang Guoning, risked their lives to write a letter criticizing the imperial court: "They are always searching for the relics, changing the orders every day, chasing after the barren land, and knocking out all the food."
People cannot live without rice, no matter how much flesh they have on white bones." But Chongzhen did not realize it until his death, thinking that as long as the edict was written with "serious words and sincere heart" and "deep affection", the people would be driven as they were and they would no longer have any complaints.
The reason why "Chongzhen's Fifty Prime Ministers" became a historical term refers to the characteristics of Chongzhen's unclear rewards and punishments, too severe punishments, unwillingness to return favors, and extrapolation as much as possible for mistakes, suspicious employment, and erratic actions. "Fifty"
"Prime Minister" refers to the fact that during his seventeen years in power, he successively changed fifty cabinet ministers, which has become a joke in history.
Of course, the fall of the Ming Dynasty cannot be blamed on Chongzhen alone, but as the "big boss" of the empire, he is not responsible for the situation of corrupt officials, lax factories and guards, a decayed political system, and anger and resentment. In order to pacify Liao, he repeatedly raised taxes.
Is it too high a price to starve millions of people to death but still not be able to stop the Tartars from plundering the Central Plains?
It is undeniable that Chongzhen was a very backbone emperor. He died in the country and was considered a tragic hero. But this does not mean that he must be a talented and strategic emperor, and must be a successful emperor. Just like a good emperor may not necessarily be a good person, but a good person
He may not necessarily be a good emperor. To evaluate a person objectively and completely, you must see both his advantages and his shortcomings.
There is still a chance for the revival of the Southern Ming Dynasty. Although the Ming Dynasty was in a mess in the hands of Chongzhen, can the situation be worse than during the Yongli period when most of the country was occupied? People have infinite sympathy for Chongzhen, just like they have for Yongli, the last emperor of the Southern Ming Dynasty.
Like death.
"The people of Yunnan are like mourning the loss of their heirs. They go on strike to mourn. The citizens in each street pretend to be wearing mourning clothes, but most of them are in plain clothes."
"Wandering away", "Thunder and lightning, two dragons winding in the sky...all the soldiers and civilians mourned", "It was dark, the wind and haze came together, and no one could be seen", "The sky and the earth were dim, the soldiers and the people walked among each other, and there was no end to crying at the Taoist
"...
In fact, the Yongli regime was just as corrupt as the Hongguang and Longwu regimes, and Yongli was not a heroic emperor who could shoulder heavy responsibilities in troubled times. Although some of his personal conduct, like Chongzhen's, was quite praised by people.
For a national leader, it is not enough to have excellent moral character. There is no difference in the result between doing bad things with good intentions and doing bad things with bad intentions.
Zhu Yongxing's eloquent talk is of course not all the content mentioned above, but the central idea is clear. Similar to the "Edict of Sin" issued by Chongzhen and Yongli, Zhu Yongxing did not mince words about the dereliction of duty and mistakes of the government in the late Ming Dynasty.
But he didn't praise "Chuang Wang" too much for his good work and his beautiful work.
Everyone in Kuidong listened attentively. The mark of "trespasser" was branded on them, and the "Jiashen Rebellion" that forced Chongzhen to death was a knot they always had doubts about and that was always difficult to untie. Zhu Yongxing, however, kept it from beginning to end.
He had never used such sensitive words before, and the words that painfully described the bad government in the late Ming Dynasty seemed to be excusing them for rebelling. The guarded and nervous expression slowly eased, and Zhu Yongxing was so candid. It made them feel that His Highness Min was different from the past.
The difference in attitudes between court officials and Emperor Yongli.
"...Since I left Burma and entered Yunnan alone, I have determined to turn the past page in history, unite the people with lofty ideals who are still determined to resist the Qing Dynasty, drive out the Tartars, and revive China." Zhu Yongxing stretched out his hand and pointed to each one, "We will wait for the great cause of ZTE.
When it is completed, you are all heroes, and heroes will have their own ending."
After a pause, Zhu Yongxing continued: "You all have a bottom line. That is, you will never surrender to the Tartars. Because of this, you will always be loyal to the court. The previous court officials did not understand this, and neither did the Holy One.
, they don’t even know there is any reason to prevent you from betraying. But Gu knows your persistence, knows your bottom line, and knows that you can be completely trusted. What about you, do you think Gu can be trusted? Are you willing to be the hero of reviving China?
Are you willing to follow Gu Wang to create a new world?"
Duke Linguo Li Laiheng stood up first. As far as his eyes could see, others also stood up and then fell to the ground following Li Laiheng.
"His Royal Highness is wise, brave, and kind. Today's heartfelt words will make me shed tears of gratitude." Li Laiheng generously expressed his stance on behalf of everyone, "I will do my best to do my best!"
"The final general is willing to follow His Highness and be a loyal and loyal minister."
"At the end of the day, it is my wish that His Highness will always follow your lead and go through fire and water, even to the death."
…………
"Get up, get up quickly." Zhu Yongxing stood up to help each other and ordered everyone to sit down again. He raised his wine glass again, "Come and drink this cup together. Let's put aside the past grudges and entanglements and look forward. As for
How do history books evaluate it? The benevolent sees benevolence and the wise see wisdom. It may take hundreds of years to debate! Well, I don’t want to learn from Song Taizu, nor from Emperor Gao, but I want to learn from Emperor Guangwu. This is not a cup of wine to relieve military power, but a cup of wine to relieve old grudges.
.Come on, do it.”
……………
When Zhu Yongxing woke up in a daze, it was already dark, the lights in the house were still on, and Duan Wan'er was guarding him.
"Your Highness is awake." Duan Wan'er called softly, and quickly ordered someone to bring the sobering soup. While helping Zhu Yongxing rub his forehead, he complained softly: "Why did you drink so much wine? The princess explained before leaving.
I urge you, Your Highness, to take care of your health. If you find out about this, you will definitely punish your subordinates."
"Well, how could she know if you didn't tell her?" Zhu Yongxing tilted his head, resting his head on Duan Wan'er's lap, smiled helplessly and said, "This is also the first time I drank too much. On this occasion today,
How can you show honesty if you don't drink to your heart's content? There's no way!"
"Drinking is very harmful to the body. Your Highness, please remember not to do this again!" Duan Wan'er took the sobering soup brought by the maid, carefully fed it to Zhu Yongxing, then waved his hand and dismissed the maid.
"Oh, have you met your brother today?" Zhu Yongxing asked casually when his head was clearer.
"I've seen you." Duan Wan'er felt mixed joy and sorrow, hesitated for a moment, and asked: "Your Highness, in Changsha City, Jin Shen sent a few maids as gifts. You want your subordinates to distribute and arrange them. Can you keep one or two of them?"
"If there are no outsiders present, don't talk about your subordinates." Zhu Yongxing grabbed Xiaoxiang's hand, sniffed it by his nose, and asked doubtfully: "What did you leave them for? Is it because there are not enough manpower? Theirs
My age is not suitable for being a maid in the palace."
"We're not asking them to be maids." Duan Wan'er sighed softly and said, "My brother is already a grown man, and he doesn't have anyone to take care of him. Among those girls, I think some of them know how to answer courtesies, and they look upright.
Yes, I just thought——"
"Isn't it inconvenient to be in the military?" Zhu Yongxing understood what Duan Wan'er meant, pondered for a moment, and said: "Well. Since you have this intention, just ask your brother, and if he agrees, he will get married and start a family. Although
We get together less and separate more, but with a family, his mind can be settled. When it is convenient, I will transfer a place for him to serve as a garrison, so you don't have to worry all day long."
"Thank you, Your Highness." Duan Wan'er's face was full of joy, she lowered her head and kissed Zhu Yongxing, and said with a smile: "He must be willing. I am her sister!"
Zhu Yongxing chuckled and didn't want to say anything to disappoint Duan Wan'er, so he just drank the sobering soup. He didn't feel sleepy for a while, so he hugged Duan Wan'er and the two chatted casually.
The night was getting darker moment by moment, and the moon was gradually giving off its light. Zhu Yongxing was not the only one who had difficulty falling asleep. Everyone in Kuidong was sitting together. They were eating a few simple side dishes, drinking slowly, and it seemed like chatting and discussing.
.
"How is Emperor Guangwu?" Ta Tianbao scratched his hair and asked doubtfully: "It seems that Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty and Emperor Gao are not as famous?"
"You, read more books in the future." Wang Guangxing rolled his eyes at Ta Tianbao and explained: "Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu was the founding emperor of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and the Liu family was revived. The country still uses 'Han' as its name, and it is known as the Eastern Han Dynasty in history. Emperor Guangwu
To be generous and tolerant, to plan like a god, to respect integrity. Not to mention civil and martial arts, but to treat heroes well, isn't that what we hope for?"
"His Highness said this, and you are merciful to us." Li Laiheng sighed: "Since ancient times, the prosperity of the Zhongxing has not been due to Guangwu. Only those who can commend the heroes with sincerity and use gentle treatment to protect them are even more virtuous than the great ancestors. Your Highness is handsome.
We are truly lucky to have Ling's body and virtuous demeanor."
"What about the Holy Emperor of Myanmar?" Dang Shousu has no feelings for Yongli, but has been ostracized and discriminated against. However, he now attaches great importance to the question of who will be the emperor. "We are willing to be His Highness's heroes, but if
The Holy One returns to his country, what should we do?"
"Your Majesty?" Ma Xiangyun smiled, twirling his wine glass and said: "He has made great contributions to the great cause of Zhongxing. All the military generals have been favored and served His Highness. How can he compete with His Highness? Your Highness's methods are brilliant, and his words today are incompatible.
If you don't avoid taboos, you can see that you are confident. We just serve you loyally, so why are we so worried?"
Zhu Yongxing did not shy away from his words in order to show his domineering and responsible attitude. After all, these people were not looking for Yongli's face, but wanted to follow him. Weiweiluo looked like a loyal emperor, who would trust him to put his hope and
Putting your wealth on you?
"In the few years Emperor Guangwu has clarified the world, even though he is called a resurgence, is it any different from his husband who started a business?" Wang Guangxing showed off his knowledge and said: "Your Highness rose up when the building was about to collapse.
A blockbuster, his achievements are not far behind those of Emperor Guangwu."
Among the emperors of China, Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty Liu Xiu was the only emperor to hold the titles of "King of Zhongxing" and "Emperor of Dingding" at the same time. Liu Xiu's "Zhongxing" was to rebuild a new dynasty, but
This new dynasty still uses the title of "Han".
Emperor Qin, Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Zong of Tang and Song Dynasty, and Emperor Guangwu may not be as famous, but their evaluations in history are extremely high, and they are also Zhu Yongxing's favorite feudal emperors.
Mao Taizu commented on Emperor Guangwu: the emperor who was the most knowledgeable, the best at fighting, and the best at employing people. People often say, "It takes ten years for a scholar to rebel." Liu Xiu is an exception. After ten years of silence, he became a blockbuster.
They rebelled, turned the tide, started a new dynasty from scratch, and created a new dynasty with great vigor.
Wang Fuzhi: "It is especially difficult for a higher emperor to conquer the world with Guangwu! After three generations, only Guangwu has conquered the world, and Song Taizu is the second best. From three generations down, only Guangwu Yun has crowned hundreds of kings."
Zhu Yuanzhang: "Only Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty recruited heroes, worked hard to govern, brought prosperity to the country, and made peace all over the world. He is the one who has the virtue to rule the world and make peace for all generations."
Chen Liang: "Since ancient times, the prosperity of the Zhongxing has nothing to do with glory and military power. It is to fight against the few and defeat the masses, and the masses are weak and strong again. After more than ten years of walking, great achievements have been made, and the calculations have been effective. They are as bright as Zhou Xuan."
Li Shimin: "I look at the ancient masters who brought things right from chaos. They were all over forty years old, but Guangwu was thirty-three years old."
Qin Shihuang and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty were uneducated. Tang Taizong and Song Taizu were of poor quality. Genghis Khan was a hunter. Only Emperor Liu Xiu was highly appreciated by Mao Taizu, which shows that this emperor was extraordinary. Later generations of Tang Taizong and Song Taizu
They all took Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty Liu Xiu as their model. Apart from Yao, Shun, and Yutang, the only emperor who could become a model for an emperor was Liu Xiu, the Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty.
In history, Gou Jian, the king of Yue, Liu Bang, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, etc., shared hardships and difficulties, and it was difficult to enjoy wealth and honor. When the cunning rabbit dies, the running dogs are cooked; when the birds are gone, the good bows are hidden. After establishing their own empire, they began to kill the heroes. The Han Dynasty
Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu was a rare emperor who got along very harmoniously with the founding heroes.
What these people from the Dashun Army fear most is that they will be exploited now and liquidated later. Even the Ming Army, which was originally reorganized with the Daxi Army as the main body, and its generals are not without such worries. There is also Wu Sangui
subordinates, this is also a worry that is difficult to resolve.
This is really because there are too many similar examples in Chinese history. It is normal for everyone to have such concerns. But Zhu Yongxing’s candid meeting today is on the one hand, and the other is that he and the two most powerful killers of the past dynasties
The emperors had different origins.
"The ancestors of the Han Dynasty and the Emperor Gao were both born into the common people. His Royal Highnesses are nobles from the royal family. They are righteous and courageous, gentle and virtuous, and care about human life. They are extremely virtuous." He Zhen said meaningfully: "Although Emperor Guangwu was born in a commoner family, he was extremely virtuous.
He is a descendant of the clan of the Han Dynasty, so different from His Highness." (To be continued...)