This is the winter palace residence of the Dalai Lamas of all generations, and it is also the political and religious center of Tibet.
The so-called front Tibet is because Tibet was once divided into four tribes: Kang (Kamu), Wei, Zang, and Ali. During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Yongzheng ordered that the area east of Tranquility Mountain in the "Kang tribe" be included in Sichuan Province. The area to the west of Mount Tranquility and the "Weibu" were merged and called Qian Zang, while the remaining "Zangbu" was called Hou Zang.
Front Tibet includes Lhasa, Shannan and other areas, with Lhasa as the center, and Back Tibet with Shigatse as the center.
In Tibet, Tibetan Buddhism is divided into two major religious leaders.
One is the Dalai Lama, which is the highest-level living Buddha, and the other is the Panchen Erdeni, who is also the highest-level living Buddha. Since Tibet implements a theocracy system, Dalai Lama is the highest-level living Buddha. Lai and the Panchen Lama are not only religious leaders, but also leaders of secular local governments, and both have the highest power.
Among them, the area managed by the Dalai Lama is Front Tibet, and the area managed by the Panchen Lama is Back Tibet. The two are not subordinate to each other, and the areas they manage are also different. There is no one who is bigger and the other is smaller. This has resulted in the Dalai Lama being in charge of Front Tibet. The Panchen Lama was in charge of the structure of Houzang. This was also because the Manchu Qing emperor had the intention of making the two restrict each other when he was enthroned.
Potala Palace, in the main hall.
The twelfth Dalai Lama, Chenglie Gyatso, is wearing a robe and sitting peacefully directly above.
At this time, Chenglie Gyatso was still a child less than ten years old. Although he had been educated by many living Buddhas and was influenced by Buddhism, he was still under adulthood. His face was calm, but his eyes had the agility of a child. .
On the lower right side of the main hall, Mei Risong, the minister stationed in Tibet, sits, and on the left side sits the Living Buddha Alashan, the teacher of Chenglie Gyatso.
In the center of the hall, there stood an official who came to the Potala Palace from Beijing. This official looked solemn and pious, and he was also a Buddhist. He bowed humbly to Chenglie Gyatso, and then paid homage to the officials stationed in Tibet and Allah The Good Living Buddha nodded in greeting and said with a smile: "Dear His Excellency the Twelfth Dalai Lama, I am entrusted by the President to invite you to Beijing."
After finishing speaking, he looked at the officials stationed in Tibet, his tone changed instantly, and he slightly opened the distance between him and Mei Risong, and said in a deep voice: "The President has issued an order, please come to Beijing to report on your work. I hope you will come to Beijing as soon as possible." Let’s set off.”
The official stationed in Tibet smiled slightly and replied loudly: "Your Excellency has come a long way and is tired from traveling and traveling. Please go down and have a rest. After Alxa Living Buddha and I have handled the handover matters, I will let you know when to set off."
The official nodded and left the hall under the leadership of the young lama.
The official stationed in Tibet looked serious, looked at Alxa Living Buddha, and said solemnly: "Alxa Living Buddha, regarding what happened just now, what are your plans, whether to bring the 12th Dalai Lama to Beijing."
Alxa thought for a moment and said seriously: "I think we must go to Beijing."
"Oh, why."
the official stationed in Tibet asked.
Alxa Living Buddha replied: "First, when China's President Li Zhen sends people to Tibet, it must be arranged by front Tibet and back Tibet. Now that we have sent people to front Tibet, we will definitely send people to back Tibet. We If you directly agree to come to Beijing and arrive early, you can also be the first to get the approval of President Li Zhen."
"Second, I heard that Zhang Zhidong served as the governor of Qinghai Province. This Zhang Zhidong was a fierce man. He followed President Li Zhen in the southern and northern wars, defeated the Mongols on the grasslands, and solved the British in India. Man, if we fight Zhang Zhidong, are you sure we can win? I think it will be difficult for us to win. President Li Zhen arranged for Zhang Zhidong to be the governor deliberately to target us. Once we disagree, the opportunity will open. Cut off."
"Third, I have received news that the governor of Xinjiang has gone to Beijing to meet with President Li Zhen. We do not have Xinjiang as a place to rely on and are independent and independent. Isn't this looking for death?"
"Fourth, Tibet is also a part of China. This cannot be denied. Now that President Li Zhen has sent people, we naturally follow the trend and agree to the other party's request."
After a pause, Alxa Living Buddha continued: "Under such circumstances, I think it is unwise to confront the Chinese army. It is best to go to Beijing."
The official stationed in Tibet sighed and nodded.
He also understood that by now, the rights in his hands must be handed over.
Once he goes to Beijing to report on his duties, he must hand over his power. At that time, Li Zhen will definitely make a large-scale replacement of the officials in front of Tibet to further control the front, even if the officials stationed in Tibet understand the twists and turns. , and also knows the strength gap with the Chinese army. Once fighting with the Chinese army, it is tantamount to hitting an egg with a stone.
After the two decided, they immediately invited envoys.
The minister stationed in Tibet had a smile on his face, a kind expression, and a hint of flattery. He said with a smile: "Please wait for two days. In two days, we will leave for Beijing."
The envoy did not expect it to go so smoothly, so he smiled and said: "In that case, I will wait here for two days."
…
Houzang, Shigatse.
Shigatse means "the best manor" in Tibetan, and this place is the political, religious, and cultural center of Tibet, and it is also the residence of the Panchen Lama of all generations.
Tashilhunpo Temple, in the main hall.
Right above the main hall, the Eighth Panchen Lama Quji Nyima is sitting. At this time, the Eighth Panchen Lama Quji Nyima and the 12th Dalai Lama are about the same age. They are both less than ten years old. They are just still in the learning process. The child in the middle has not yet taken charge. The person in charge is Danzhu Living Buddha, a monk of Tashilhunpo Monastery. Danzhu Living Buddha has kind eyebrows and kind eyes, holds Buddhist beads, and sits peacefully on the left side of the main hall.
On the right side of the hall, officials who came from Beijing were sitting.
The official smiled and said calmly: "Danzhu Living Buddha, I am entrusted by the President to invite the Eighth Panchen Lama to Beijing. I wonder what you want."
Danzhu Living Buddha smiled and replied without hesitation: "Since it is an invitation from the President, I must comply with it. Please rest in Shigatse for two days. After I have arranged the daily affairs of Tashilhunpo Monastery, I will return with you." ." After a pause, Danzhu Living Buddha continued: "There are many temples in Shigatse and the scenery is beautiful. I will send someone to take you to visit Shigatse for two days."
The official put his hands together and said respectfully: "Thank you, Living Buddha."
Danzhu Living Buddha watched the officials leave, and then asked people to take the Eighth Panchen Lama down and start arranging things.
…
Beijing, official residence of the President.
In the study, Li Zhenzheng was discussing matters with Zeng Guofan and Peng Yulin. Li Zhen looked serious and said in a deep voice: "I brought you here today to discuss a major matter."
Zeng Guofan asked: "What's the matter?"
Peng Yulin was also very curious because Li Zhen only summoned him and Zeng Guofan.
It stands to reason that when major national affairs are involved, Zhao Liewen, Zuo Zongtang, Hu Linyi and others will definitely be invited, but this time it was only him and Zeng Guofan, so things were unusual.
Peng Yulin looked serious and waited quietly for Li Zhen to speak.
Li Zhen said: "We founded the country in 1860, and it is now April 1864. In the blink of an eye, four years have passed. In these four years, the country has developed rapidly and has entered a period of rapid development. However, it is still a long time ago. Less than half of the originally set ten-year term has passed, and according to the five-year rule, it will soon be the fifth year."
Zeng Guofan and Peng Yulin raised their eyebrows, wondering whether the president had any new ideas.
Li Zhen continued: "Time waits for no one. My idea is to prepare for the replacement of officials in advance. Officials from each province will be rotated one by one. In any place, if an official is in charge for too long, it will inevitably lead to the formation of corruption. The Overlord, especially at the beginning of the founding of the country, the governors and mayors of many provinces were directly transformed from the Manchu Qing Dynasty, and it is even more deeply rooted. Although important areas are under our control, many places are not yet."
"Therefore, I plan to replace these people one by one. This is the first and most dangerous rotation of officials. Therefore, inviting Peng Yulin here requires the full cooperation of the army. Only the three of us know about this matter. , presided over by Zeng Guofan, with the cooperation of Peng Yulin, and gradually promoted."
After Li Zhen finished speaking, he looked at the two people.
Zeng Guofan took a breath, this was no small matter.
But as long as you do it slowly, it can be done.
Zeng Guofan nodded heavily and replied: "President, please rest assured that regarding the replacement of officials, I will set up a special responsible group to be responsible for the promotion, retirement and transfer of officials."
Peng Yulin assured: "President, please rest assured that the military is on standby to prevent unrest."
"Dong, dong,."
Outside the room, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Li Zhen's guard walked in. The guard raised his hand and saluted, and reported: "The President, the Twelfth Dalai Lama, Chenglie Gyatso, and his teacher, Alxa Living Buddha, have arrived."
Li Zhen nodded and ordered: "Inform Deputy Prime Minister Shi Dakai, Speaker Hu Linyi, and Dean Zhao Liewen, and ask them to come to the Presidential Palace immediately to welcome the living Buddha Chenglie Jiala."
"yes."
When the guard went to deliver the order, Li Zhen said with a smile: "Things have been arranged. This is something that will be done in the next few years. You can just advance it step by step. Let's go and prepare for it."
The group left the office and came to the gate of the Presidential Palace.
Not long after, Shi Dakai, Zhao Liewen and others also arrived and stood behind Li Zhen.
When Chenglie Gyatso and Alxa Living Buddha arrived, Li Zhen led the crowd to greet him. Chenglie Gyatso was still a child, led by his teacher Alxa Living Buddha. When Alxa saw the welcoming formation, a look of emotion appeared on his face. He smiled brightly and did not expect that Li Zhen would take him so seriously. The officials stationed in Tibet who returned to Beijing were also shocked when they saw this. This was the biggest welcoming scene.
Li Zhen met with Alxa and the officials stationed in Tibet in the hall. In the evening, he hosted a banquet in honor of Alxa at the Presidential Palace. The officials stationed in Tibet washed their hands and started talking to the officials stationed in Tibet the next day.
The officials stationed in Tibet had long been mentally prepared to hand over their power, and the conversation with Li Zhen went smoothly. He handed over his power, and Li Zhen also provided sufficient compensation, and everything was completed smoothly.
Alxa Living Buddha and Chenglie Gyatso stayed in Beijing for five days. Five days later, the Eighth Panchen Living Buddha and Danzhu Living Buddha also arrived in Beijing. This time, Li Zhen met with Chenglie Gyatso in the largest possible manner in accordance with the specifications. The Eighth Panchen Lama then met with Danzhu Living Buddha at the official residence of the Presidential Palace, had a friendly conversation, and hosted a banquet to complete the conversation.
With the cooperation of the two major living Buddhas in Tibet, Li Zhen reappointed the governor of Tibet Province, and Peng Yulin dispatched officials and sent troops to Tibet to complete the peaceful liberation of Tibet.
ps: I’m really tired from writing. I’ll finish it tomorrow.
