Judging from what has happened or is happening in the upper class of Luoyang, there are actually four options for the succession of the emperor.
When the new year came, there were three voices in the imperial court that had the highest voices: Annan King Liu Wenhuan, Jing King Liu Wenji, and before the two kings arrived in Beijing, Shangshu Ling Wang Dan proposed to select a son with outstanding talents from among the emperor's nephews and establish him as the king.
The crown prince, who ascends to the great throne and continues the royal line of the great emperor, must of course be a descendant of Taizong.
Needless to say, the first two, but the third one, since it was proposed, has a huge market. No matter whether they are nobles or bureaucrats, no matter what their origin, what position, what group, they seem to find recognition and support for it.
that part of the people.
Of course, this suggestion is also questionable. First of all, the empress dowager Murong and the Murong family behind this proposal make all the major factions fearful. It is true that this empress dowager can make troubles, but nothing good can come out of them.
Well, in the past eight years, there have been a large number of cases to prove this point.
It has to be said that although it was Wang Dan who proposed the "adoption proposal," anyone with a discerning eye could see that there was a strong will of Empress Dowager Murong behind it, and, after the adoption, it may be followed by the "proposed title of dynasty."
"Control" or "listen to politics behind the curtain".
In this matter, perhaps Empress Yang has more say. After all, she is the empress of the main palace, and her mother is the queen of the world. Compared with the Murong family, the Yang family is not weaker in influence and strength, and its reputation is much better. It's just that.
, neither Queen Yang nor the Yang family behind her seem to have any ideas in this regard.
As a minister, the de facto prime minister of the Han Empire, Wang Dan made such a decision on such a major and sensitive matter, and formed an alliance with the seemingly unreliable Empress Dowager Murong. Let’s take a look at his position.
, in fact it is not complicated.
Taizong's imperial line was something he unswervingly and resolutely maintained, but he was not only an old minister of Taizong, but also an old minister of Liu Wenpeng's East Palace, and was promoted to the position of prime minister by him. No matter how unpopular Emperor Daxing was during his lifetime, he did it again
Despite all the insignificant things, his kindness to Wang Dan was real.
Therefore, under Taizong, Wang Dan must also protect the Daxing Emperor. Adopting a son from one of the emperor's nephews to inherit Liu Wenpeng's lineage is a highly feasible method. Moreover, whether Liu Wenhuan or Liu Wenhuan is chosen,
Liu Wenji's son is also a comfort to both of them.
Of course, this idea is somewhat wishful thinking. Even if we put aside Empress Dowager Murong's involvement in politics, it is somewhat tempting to establish a young emperor (Liu Wenhuan, Liu Wenji's son, the oldest one is only in his teens), but for
For those knowledgeable people who sincerely consider the great plans of their family and country, it is worth debating. The lesson of Emperor Daxing is really too profound at the moment.
Therefore, each of the three options has its shortcomings and criticisms.
As for the fourth opinion, it comes from Wu King Liu Hui (after Liu Wenpeng succeeded to the throne, he was promoted to King of Wu). Liu Hui, who lived in the eighth year of Pingkang, is already fifty-eight years old and has reached the twilight of his life. In the past twenty years, he has been famous in
I went down to Taihe Tower and played the piano for twenty years and listened to politics for twenty years.
In his heart, Liu Hui was a talkative figure, so when he was about to die, he released another "big star".
The throne of emperor was never in his turn, so when he saw that the country had no ruler and various parties were arguing, he got along with it and simply proposed that King Liu Zhao of Yan should succeed him.
King Yan Liu Zhao is the tenth son of Emperor Shizu and the legitimate son of Empress Fu. Of course, the current King of Yan is fifty-six years old. From a legal point of view, King Yan Liu Zhao really has the ability to be relatively advanced compared to the clans in the world.
The succession was in line, and there were people who actually supported this proposal, such as Liu Wenyuan, the king of Anton, who came to Xijing early to attend the funeral (play) after hearing the news, and took advantage of the troubled waters to fish in troubled waters.
Not to mention the psychology and considerations of King Wu Liu Hui's proposal, at least King Yan Liu Zhao himself was so anxious that he clearly refused and resolutely resisted. In order to avoid misunderstanding, he even ran to Mang Mountain.
It has to be said that among the sixteen sons of Emperor Shizu, the one who gained the most transparency and freedom was none other than King Yan Liu Zhao. He really did not fight or grab, and spent his whole life behind closed doors (including his love for others).
The management of the Nanyang fiefdom), and even the position of Zongzheng were forced upon him by Emperor Taizong.
The rightful owner was not happy and even ran away to avoid the proposal. Naturally, there was no room for discussion on this proposal. Of course, the success rate was almost zero.
However, Wu King Liu Hui's proposal also reflected a serious problem. Eight years after Pingkang, the throne of the Han Dynasty was still vacant, and various forces were still wrestling with each other. This situation was undoubtedly a serious problem for the Han Empire.
An injury.
The King of Hell is gone and the Alone is home. Even an unreliable King of Hell like Liu Wenpeng in the past had a strong suppressive power on the people below. However, with the Golden Crow falling and the sun failing to show, more and more people in the Han Empire were
Ghost Xiaoxiao also took advantage of this period to go on a rampage. Such an opportunity was really rare.
However, the system of the Han Empire determined that such chaos would have its limits after all. When the high-level dignitaries and people of insight in the court realized the seriousness of the problem, a consensus slowly formed, and the new king
It must be "out of the oven" as soon as possible.
In the study room of Prince Jing's Mansion, Liu Wenji sat silently, with a serious expression on his face. There was a piece of paper on the desk, and on the paper was a diagram of the relationship network of major forces and powerful people in Gyeonggi Province drawn by Liu Wenji himself.
The complicated network and complex relationships of clan, relatives, nobles, bureaucrats, army, ministries, elders and elders are enough to make people’s heads explode. However, what worries Liu Wenji the most is that these people have the right to speak in the Han Empire.
No matter how he is classified, the groups that have great influence in the world have a serious lack of support for him. Even though his will has been as solid as stone, Liu Wenji still feels a little unsure about this situation.
In addition to Liu Wenji, there was also Concubine Xiao in the room, sitting silently aside, looking elegant, calm and calm.
After studying for a long time and not being released, Liu Wenji couldn't help but raise his head and said meaningfully: "The news came from Senior Official Zheng that the eldest brother went to visit the fourth uncle today! People from the Zhao family are also contacting everywhere and actively seeking advice for the eldest brother.
Looking for support”
Due to the spatial distance, Liu Wenji arrived in Beijing much earlier than Liu Wenhuan. After returning to Beijing, he kept a low profile. Although many people in the court praised him, including ministers like Kou Zhun, he did not
I don't dare to feel proud at all. I just do the things of worshiping and keeping vigil, and continue to build a good reputation.
Of course, things are done in secret, such as collecting intelligence, analyzing the situation, observing trends, and winning over those who can really help him.
The biggest surprise that Liu Wenji received after returning to Beijing was the service of Zheng Yuan, the chamberlain supervisor. As the head of the chamberlain during the Taizong period, he naturally had to retreat behind the scenes during the Pingkang era, but he still held the high position of chamberlain supervisor. Of course,
More importantly, he also holds the emperor's last piece of information insurance, the "Xiaobu".
Only three days after Liu Wenji returned to Beijing, Zheng Yuan secretly approached Liu Wenji and clearly expressed his support for his ascension to the throne. Liu Wenji was shocked at that time. With a cautious mind, after struggling and hesitating for several times, he asked a question:
Why".
Then, he saw Zheng Yuan, who was already an old man. He sighed and explained the reason emotionally and confusingly. According to him, in his later years, Emperor Taizong had hesitated several times to become the crown prince, and had expressed his approval of Liu Wenji several times in private.
, and even tried to talk to Zheng Yuan, King Linzi, who could bring glory to the foundation. However, Emperor Taizong, who was extremely self-disciplined and restrained, finally chose to maintain the most stable system of direct descendants.
As a loyal servant of Taizong, Zheng Yuan naturally had the drive in his heart to fulfill his old master's long-cherished wish. At the same time, he also had a good impression of Liu Wenji, a gentle and humble man. When Liu Wenji was already qualified to succeed, he chose to push him decisively.
Moreover, Zheng Yuan also bluntly told Liu Wenji that if the Daxing Emperor lasted for a long time, he would never dare to have such an idea. At the same time, Zheng Yuan also said that after he succeeded, he would request to leave the palace and return to his hometown to retire in order to show his sincerity and support Liu Wenji.
Regarding the matter, Zheng Yuan has considered it very carefully and is very firm.
And Liu Wenji, who received the support of Zheng Yuan and his "Xiao" department, was like a shot in the arm, especially the words of "Taizong's wishes", which made Liu Wenji even more grateful and moved, and made him more confident. Basically
By analogy, Taizong's status in Liu Wenji's mind is similar to Shizu's status in Taizong's mind, with more respect than fear.
In the days that followed, regardless of the changes in the capital, Liu Wenji was able to get the most crucial intelligence support from Zheng Yuan. Of course, during Liu Wenpeng's era, the development of the "Xiao" Ministry did not receive much support. The Imperial City,
The Second Division of Wude is enough for him.
However, the concealment and rigor of "Xiao" also enable it to often play a special role in key and crucial places.
Speaking of Zheng Yuan and "Xiao", we have to talk about the Imperial City Secretary and the Wude Secretary. As the emperor's hawks and secret police, perhaps what they hate most is the death of the emperor.
Without their master, they degenerate from rampaging hyenas into drowned dogs. Their teeth are no longer sharp and they don't dare to bark.
In the past period, the Second Division has of course been paying close attention to the development of the situation, and of course it has not dared to participate rashly. However, after entering Pingkang for nine years, it has also begun to take action.
The method of the imperial city envoy Wang Yue is to dance on three eggs, and all forces will sell well and place their own bets. However, Lin Te, the envoy of Wude, who has mastered the Wude Division twice for eighteen years, chooses to remain silent.
Wait and see, remain neutral.
On Liu Wenji's side, he had naturally received overtures and news from Wang Yue. With Zheng Yuan's concentration and dedication, Wang Yue's half-heartedness seemed to be inferior. Liu Wenji's response was also more hypocritical and submissive, taking advantage of it.
That’s all
When it comes to seizing the throne, Liu Wenji is more afraid of his eldest brother Liu Wenhuan than Empress Dowager Murong's troubles. After all, his eldest brother has always put pressure on him since he was a child. If it hadn't been for the incident with Concubine Chang, he would have been a millionaire.
Unbeatable.
In fact, Liu Wenji was not too afraid of the many voices supporting Liu Wenhuan, including the Zhao family. This also had historical origins. After Emperor Taizong appointed the crown prince, he suppressed the Zhao family quite a lot and cleaned up the family internally and externally.
Quite a few, which means that although the Zhao family still maintains a certain degree of influence in the political and military circles, it is far less influential than in its heyday.
The two branches of the Zhao family, Zhao Kuangyi's line, have long been disappointed after the defeat that year. What's more, today is different from the past. The scheming Zhao Kuangyi can see the situation clearly, and his attention has long been focused on the inheritance of the family.
Liu Wenpeng's death seems to be an opportunity, but to be fair, the chance is not big. At the same time, although the voices supporting Liu Wenhuan are not small, there is almost no cohesion. In contrast, on Liu Wenji's side, Kou Zhun, although he does not have a strong voice,
But his ambition is very strong and his fighting ability is extremely strong.
What's more, the really important supporters are often those who don't speak loudly, but quietly pay attention to the development and analyze the situation. The key is that Liu Wenhuan's shortcomings can be pinched to death.
However, when he heard that Liu Wenhuan was going to pay homage to King Zhao Liu Fang, Liu Wenji had to be careful. Even though King Zhao Liu Fang had been hiding away for eight years, if he came forward to speak, he could have a great effect.
"Mom, do you think my eldest brother can get the support of my fourth uncle?" Liu Wenji asked Mrs. Xiao with doubts.
After hearing the question, Mrs. Xiao raised her eyes and looked at Liu Wenji. She actually knew what her son was really worried about. She did not answer the question, but asked leisurely: "You are trapped in your own shortcomings, but you don't know that this is your strength?"
"
When Dowager Xiao said this, Liu Wenji couldn't help but be startled. He looked at the Dowager with wide eyes, facing his mother's calm and wise gaze. After a while, Liu Wenji's eyes gradually brightened.
Liu Wenji does have his shortcomings, such as his Khitan bloodline, low prestige, weak mother clan, etc. But none of them are fatal shortcomings, and these shortcomings, in today's world, when it comes to seizing the throne for the center of the empire, are
A big advantage.
With Emperor Daxing teaching him a lesson, wouldn't it be more desirable for many powerful people to have a successor who is older and prudent, whose mother's family is weak, and who can barely be a legitimate successor?
Empress Dowager Xiao had obviously seen through this a long time ago. When Liu Wenji also realized this and looked at his mother, who was already over sixty years old, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. This mother helped him far more than anyone else.
Imagine getting up and bowing deeply to him.
Concubine Xiao accepted it calmly, and seeing that he still had a worried look on his face, she said calmly: "You are worried about your fourth uncle. However, what kind of person your fourth uncle is, who can influence his choices and thoughts in today's world?"
Hearing this, Liu Wenji was silent for a moment. After a while, he heard Mrs. Xiao say in an exhorting tone: "Do your duty!"
Liu Wenji thought for a while and then bowed: "Thank you, mother, for your teaching!"
While mother and son were confiding in each other, Xiao Hui came to ask for an audience and reported that the minister of Zhongshu came to ask for an audience. He was dressed low-key and moved furtively.
The mother and son immediately became concerned about this, and after some explanation, Xiao Hui also secretly brought him into the house, and Liu Wenji received him alone.
The meeting was not long, only a quarter of an hour. Wang Qinruo left with a solemn expression, and Liu Wenji ordered Xiao Hui to send him out of the house.
After he left, Liu Wenji, who was sitting alone at his desk, had a wonderful expression on his face. At this time, Mrs. Xiao came from behind the screen, glanced at him, and said lightly: "You see, people like this will become more and more popular."
Many!"
"I understand!"
As a favorite of the Daxing Emperor, Wang Qingruo, who had weak qualifications, found his situation in the court immediately awkward after his death.
After such a long period of observation, Wang Qinruo also began to place a bet. This time he came to surrender his allegiance to Liu Wenji.
Wang Qinruo obviously had some skills. The very next day, he used practical actions to demonstrate his ability and loyalty to Liu Wenji.
As a fringe figure of the "adoptive sect", Wang Qinruo went to the palace to seek an audience with Empress Dowager Murong. For the first time, he "sincerely" and "thoroughly" stated his interests and concerns to the Empress Dowager, reviewed historical grievances and grievances, and successfully made the Empress Dowager pay her main attention.
The power was transferred to Liu Wenhuan.
There were two points in Wang Qinruo's remarks that touched the Queen Mother's heart. First, the grudge between her and Concubine Zhao's mother and son could not be resolved. If Liu Wenhuan was not beaten down, he would suffer harm in the future; secondly, Liu Wenji's "
"Weak", it will be easier to deal with Liu Wenji after Liu Wenhuan is squeezed out; thirdly, even if the adoption fails in the end, Liu Wenji will obviously be more beneficial to Empress Dowager Murong than Liu Wenhuan. He is the legitimate mother and she still had the feeling of raising her.
The most direct effect of Wang Qinruo's words was that the situation in the fight for the throne changed drastically, from a three-party stalemate to a two-party joint effort to attack Liu Wenhuan, and the voices supporting Liu Wenhuan were quickly silenced.
By the 21st day of the first lunar month of the ninth year of Pingkang, Liu Wenpeng had been lying in Zi Palace for two months. There was finally a breakthrough in the matter of succession to the throne. There were two "candidates", or rather
Two categories: Jing Wang Liu Wenji, Jing Wang Liu Wenji's son.
Although the two sides were still at a stalemate, at this point, the outcome was not far away. So Wang Qinruo made timely suggestions again and began to vigorously promote the "Queen Mother Curtain" in the court to make up for the fact that the adopted emperor was young and had difficulty in ruling the country.
The problem.
One can imagine how the powerful people in power reacted when such voices were raised.
On the twenty-sixth day of the first lunar month of the ninth year of Pingkang, probably because he could no longer stand the chaos caused by this kind of seizure of the throne, King Zhao came out of the mountain, returned to the capital from Mang Mountain, and went straight to the court to formally express his intervention in the inheritance of the throne.
Liu Fang did not find many people to boost his momentum. There was only one person accompanying him, Yang Ye, who was already over eighty years old.
One was white-haired and the other was haggard. However, these two old men stepped into the Guangzheng Hall with slow steps, summoned all the ministers and ministers, and said the four words "Kuni Lai Changjun" in front of everyone.
, the debate about the succession of the throne also came to an end, but the successor king of the Han Empire was finally revealed after more than two months of "constipation".
On the first day of March in the ninth year of Pingkang, King Liu Wenji of Jing, supported by all his ministers, ascended the throne in the Qianyuan Hall and changed to Yuan Duangong. He was thirty-nine years old.
PS: When Liu Fang and Yang Ye clearly supported Liu Wenji, the wind changed drastically and completely overwhelmed the Queen Mother. Seeing that the situation was irreversible, Wang Qinruo went to persuade the Queen Mother again, instead of continuing to create difficulties and obstacles and arouse the hostility and suppression of the new king after he succeeded to the throne,
If you don't support it, try to find another face.
Empress Dowager Murong was persuaded again. Therefore, although there was a fierce battle for more than two months, the throne of Liu Wenji was finally unanimous and the whole court recognized it. Even Empress Dowager Murong put aside her grudges and endorsed her, and Liu Wenji succeeded to the throne.
The legal rationality has also climbed to the highest level and is difficult to be shaken by others.
Such a result is not unexpected, but such an ending is beyond the expectations of many people. To be able to achieve such a point, it is worth noting the depth and wisdom hidden under the gentle face of the new king Liu Wenji.
.
However, many people only noticed the succession of a "weak elder" and were immersed in the joy of the emperor taking the initiative to adopt the Duangong reign title.