[Changsun Wuji, the Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials of Lingyanshan]Best buddy of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin
Introduction to Changsun Wuji
Changsun Wuji, courtesy name Fujiji (Born-Died: 597-659), lived from the end of the Sui Dynasty to the crowning of Wu Zetian as empress during the Tang Gaozong era. Changsun Wuji was the son of Changsun Sheng (Right Valiant General of Sui Dynasty) and was raised by his maternal uncle, Gao Shilian. He had a close friendship with Li Shimin, starting from their youth. At the end of the Sui Dynasty, after Li Yuan raised his army, Wuji went to join him and followed Li Shimin in battles, eventually becoming a trusted official, marking the beginning of his political career. After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, Changsun Wuji ranked first in military merit and was made Duke of Qi by Emperor Taizong Li Shimin. Due to Li Shimin's extraordinary contributions and achievements stirring envy, the crown prince Li Jiancheng attempted to harm him multiple times. To counter this, Changsun Wuji assisted Li Shimin in the ambush at Xuanwu Gate in June of the ninth year of Wude, leading to the killings of Prince Li Jiancheng, an event termed the "Xuanwu Gate Incident." In September of that year, Li Shimin ascended the throne. In the seventeenth year of Zhen Guan, Emperor Taizong established the Lingyanshan Pavilion and ranked the twenty-four meritorious officials, with Changsun Wuji placed first. Having served through three reigns, Changsun Wuji held high office but was ultimately stripped of his title and exiled to Qianzhou for opposing Gaozong's decision to remove empress and establish Wu Zetian as empress, leading to his eventual suicide.
Changsun Wuji and Emperor Taizong
Changsun Wuji and Emperor Taizong Li Shimin had known each other since childhood and shared an exceptionally harmonious relationship. Later, fifteen-year-old Li Shimin married Wuji's twelve-year-old sister. Their relationship can only be described as "best buddies." After Li Yuan revolted against the Sui Dynasty, Changsun Wuji significantly aided Li Shimin in achieving great military successes, becoming an important member of the Qin Government. During the "Xuanwu Gate Incident," Changsun Wuji dedicated himself, coordinating and planning the ambush, playing a decisive role. In both the Lingyanshan Pavilion listing of the twenty-four meritorious officials and the Xuanwu Gate Incident, he ranked first for his contributions. Changsun Wuji could enter Li Shimin's bedroom without a summons. When someone wrote a secret letter to inform Li Shimin that Changsun Wuji had become too favoured, Li Shimin showed the letter to Changsun Wuji immediately. After Crown Prince Li Chengqian was deposed, Li Shimin considered establishing a new successor. When he contemplated naming Prince Wu, Li Ke, as his heir, Wuji responded, "If Li Ke ascends, I shall depose him." Eventually, Li Shimin chose Prince Jin Li Zhi as the Crown Prince, who later became Tang Gaozong. However, Li Chengqian and Li Zhi were both Wuji's nephews, illustrating that their connection could only be described as "best buddies."
Changsun Wuji's Relationships with Others
Changsun Wuji's ancestors were from the Xianbei Tuoba clan, a branch of the Northern Wei royal family. His father was Changsun Sheng (Right Valiant General of the Sui Dynasty), and he was raised by his uncle, Gao Shilian. Changsun Empress was Changsun Wuji's sister, and Changsun Empress had three sons: Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi. Li Chengqian was made Crown Prince but was deposed for lacking virtue. After his nephew, Li Chengqian, was removed, Changsun Wuji supported his other nephew, Li Zhi, in ascending to the throne, becoming Tang Gaozong. Changsun Wuji's son was Changsun Chong, and the highly favoured Princess Li Lizhi, daughter of Li Shimin and Changsun Empress, married Changsun Chong. Other notable generals who were also part of the Qin Government and ranked among the twenty-four meritorious officials included Qin Qiong, Yuchi Gong, Li Jing, Li Xiaogong, Changsun Shunde, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Hou Junji, and Cheng Yaojin. They were essential in aiding Li Shimin during battles against the Sui Dynasty, planning the Xuanwu Gate Incident, and defeating the Turks.
Succession of Emperor Taizong
In the ninth year of Wude, Li Shimin ascended the throne as Emperor Taizong, and eight-year-old Li Chengqian was established as the Crown Prince. Historical records describe Chengqian as "intelligent” and "exceptionally wise," with a lofty demeanor, and being deeply virtuous, which garnered great favour from Emperor Taizong, whose powerful maternal uncle was Changsun Wuji. When Li Chengqian was young, he was exceptionally capable and acquired substantial popularity, gaining support from court officials. Every time Emperor Taizong left the capital, it was Li Chengqian who remained to govern the court. Logically, the successor to the Tang empire should have been Li Chengqian, yet history played its tricks. Following the emergence of the Crown Prince's infatuation with a male favourite from the Taichang department, a rift developed between the Crown Prince and his father. The Crown Prince indulged in pleasure, became addicted to wine and lust, and competed with his brothers, even sending assassins to kill his own tutor and brothers, ultimately deciding to raise an army to pressure the palace for his father's abdication.
After quelling the rebellion, Emperor Taizong sought a new heir. Prince Wu Li Ke and Prince Shunyang Li Tai were both excellent candidates, and Emperor Taizong had intentionally arranged numerous skilled officials for Li Tai, intending to cultivate him. However, in the end, he chose the young Prince Jin Li Zhi as his successor. This was because Li Zhi had a powerful supporter—Changsun Wuji. Li Chengqian, Li Tai, and Li Zhi were all Changsun Wuji's nephews. Whoever ascended to the throne would elevate Changsun Wuji's position further, but Changsun Wuji wholeheartedly supported Li Zhi.
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