In the long history of China, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms were a period full of turbulence and change. During this period, many outstanding politicians and military strategists emerged, among which Wang Pu was one of the best. This article will take you on a journey through the life of this five-generation Zhou minister, and explore how he influenced the political landscape of the time with his brilliant intellect and strategy.
Wang Pu: The extraordinary road from champion to privy envoy
Wang Pu, whose name is Wenbo, was born in the third year of Emperor Tianyou of the Tang Dynasty (906), and was a native of Dongping, Shandong. He was bright and studious since he was a child, and he was good at literature. His talent was already evident in his childhood, but it was not until the third year of the Later Han Dynasty (950) that Wang Pu, who was in his forties, ascended to the rank of Jinshi and served as the school secretary. This achievement, although it came a little later, laid a solid foundation for his later political career.
After Wang Pu entered the office, he was attached to Yang Wei, the privy envoy of the Later Han Dynasty. However, he did not blindly follow, but with his keen political sense, he foresaw the turmoil and potential catastrophe of the imperial situation. In this dangerous environment, Wang Pu chose to return to his hometown, a decision that ultimately saved his life. Soon after, his cousin Li Ye and others instigated Emperor Yin of the Later Han Dynasty to kill his ministers, including Yang Wei, Wang Zhang, Shi Hongzhao and others who were auxiliary to the government, and their families were also wiped out. Most of the guests of the three families were not spared, but Wang Pu survived because he had long since left. This incident fully demonstrated Wang Pu's foresight and survival wisdom.
In the first year of Guangshun (951), Guo Wei, Taizu of the Later Zhou Dynasty, ordered his adopted son Chai Rong to be the envoy of the Zhenning Army, and Wang Pu was awarded the secretary of the festival and became Chai Rong's staff. The appointment marked the beginning of Wang's political career, where his wisdom and talents began to play a role in the political arena.
In the first year of Xiande (954), Guo Wei died, Chai Rong ascended the throne, and Wang Pu was promoted to Bibu Langzhong. He was promoted to the doctor of the left counsel because of his dedication to the "Pacification Policy", and he knew the affairs of Kaifeng. In this strategy, he advocated attacking the Southern Tang first, then the Southern Han and Later Shu, and finally the Khitan to pacify the Northern Han. The implementation of this strategy not only demonstrated Wang Pu's political and military talents, but also laid the foundation for the later unification of the Song Dynasty.
In the same year, Wang Pu was reappointed as a regular attendant of Zuo Sancai and a bachelor of Duanming Palace, and became an important adviser to Chai Rong's side. Chai Rong was determined to forge ahead, determined to conquer, and aspired to unify the world, Wang Pu's military strategy coincided with Chai Rong's ambition. In the third year of Xiande (956), Chai Rong conquered Jianghuai, and Wang Pu was appointed as the deputy guard of Tokyo. After returning to the school, he was promoted to the head of the household, the deputy privy envoy, and soon promoted to the privy envoy, and the school Taibao. The promotion of these posts not only demonstrated Wang Pu's military talent, but also showed his outstanding political ability. In the fourth year of Xiande (957), Chai Rong conquered Jianghuai again, and Wang Pu was appointed to stay in Tokyo and awarded the title of "cheap engagement". During this period, Wang Pu ruled the capital in a good way and kept the capital in order.
His statecraft is not only reflected in the military, but also in the political and social governance.
Revise the calendar and examine Yale
During the period of the Five Dynasties, due to political turmoil, the public positions were not cultivated, and there were very few people who were proficient in the legal calendar. In the second year of Xiande (955), he was edicted to examine the correct calendar and wrote the fifteen volumes of the Qintian Calendar, which made many improvements to the Tang Chongxuan Calendar, including the construction of the Jiufu sundial shadow function (tangent function), which was a major scientific achievement at that time. Chai Rong personally made the preface and promulgated it to the world, which solved the problem of inaccurate calendar at that time.
Wang Pu not only distinguished himself politically and militarily, but also had a profound influence in the cultural field. In view of the chaos of the music system of the five dynasties and the "abolition of Yayin", he was edicted to take the examination of Yale, obtained 81 tunes, and created "legal standards", which made important contributions to the development of ancient music.
Wang Pu's sudden death: the regrettable end of a generation of talents
In March of the sixth year of Xiande (959), Wang Pu was ordered to inspect Biankou, which was another important mission of his state minister. However, on the 15th of the same month (April 25), when visiting the former prime minister Li Gu after returning to the dynasty, Wang Pu suddenly fainted and died suddenly at the age of 54. This sudden change shocked the government and the opposition, and also made countless people sigh.
Wang Pu's death was undoubtedly a huge blow to Chai Rong, the Taizu of the Later Zhou Dynasty. On the day of the burial, Chai Rong came to the memorial in person, and the ruling king knocked on the ground and cried many times, showing his deep condolences to this loyal minister. He not only rewarded a large amount of money to help with the funeral, but also summoned several of Wang Pu's sons and granted them official positions to comfort Wang Pu's spirit in heaven. In order to commemorate this loyal minister who made great contributions to the country, Chai Rong posthumously presented Wang Pu as a servant, and enshrined his portrait in the palace with Li Gu, Zheng Renzhi and other meritorious heroes. This honor is not only a recognition of Wang Pu's achievements during his lifetime, but also the highest praise for his loyalty and wisdom.
Song Taizu Zhao Kuangyin passed by the Meritorious Pavilion one day after becoming emperor, and a gust of wind blew open half of the door, and his eyes fell on the portrait of Wang Pu. At this moment, Zhao Kuangyin stood still, tidied up his royal robe, and bowed solemnly. This behavior transcends the etiquette between monarchs and ministers, and reflects the deep respect for Wang Pu, a historical figure. The attendants on the left and right were puzzled by Zhao Kuangyin's move, and they asked: "Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, he is the minister of the previous dynasty, why is the courtesy to him so heavy?" Zhao Kuangyin's answer was simple and profound: "If this person is still alive, I can't wear this yellow robe." This sentence is not only a recognition of Wang Pu's achievements during his lifetime, but also a profound reflection on history.
Wang Pu's life is a microcosm of the political, military, and cultural development of the Five Dynasties period. His political vision, military strategy, scientific innovations, and cultural contributions all made him a rare and outstanding figure of his time. Wang Pu's story is not only a review of history, but also a revelation to future generations: in turbulent times, only wisdom and strategy can lead the times forward.