What measures did Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty take?

The "Posthumous Law" says that "power, strength and virtue are called martial arts", which means that majesty, strength, wisdom and benevolence are called martial arts. His talents, strategies, culture and martial arts made the Han Dynasty the most powerful country in the world at that time, and he therefore became a great emperor in Chinese history.

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty created the reign name and was also the first emperor in China to use the reign name. At the beginning of his accession to the throne, he continued the policy of maintaining health and recuperating the people that his father had implemented during his lifetime, further weakening the power of the princes, and promulgated the order of favor proposed by the minister Zhufu Yan, using the legal system to promote the princes to enfeoff their sons into princes, so that the princes' fiefdoms had to self-regulate. reduce. At the same time, he established a governor to supervise the local area. In terms of the military and economy, the centralization of power was strengthened, and private businesses such as iron smelting, salt boiling, and wine making were organized and managed by the central government. At the same time, princely states were prohibited from minting money, so that financial power was concentrated in the central government. He adopted Dong Zhongshu's suggestion to "depose hundreds of schools of thought and respect only Confucianism", paving the way for Confucianism to become a feudal orthodoxy. However, in fact, the rule of law was never lacking during the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. While promoting Confucianism, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty also adopted regulations and criminal laws to consolidate the authority of the government and demonstrate the status of imperial power. Therefore, Sinologists believe that this should be based on law and Confucianism. Auxiliary, a system of internal law and external Confucianism, promotes Confucianism to the general public to show the government's tolerance, and imposes harsh criminal laws within the government to restrain ministers. Proclaiming Confucianism does not mean abandoning the law. The law was still the final means of judgment during the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Ji An and Zhufu Yan, who were actively used at that time, are famous examples.

The Spring Festival began with the change of the calendar in the early days of the taichu period, when Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty corrected the lunar calendar. During the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing launched several large-scale attacks on the Xiongnu, leaving "no royal court in Monan". Zhang Qian went to the Western Regions as an envoy to open up the Silk Road. From then on, the Western Regions became a place where several major civilizations met, and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was called "the most powerful among hundreds of kings".

[Edit this paragraph] Related events

Great unification measures

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty went on tour. At the beginning of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty's accession to the throne, on the one hand, the political situation was relatively stable, and the national economy The situation is also quite good. On the other hand, the factors that divide the vassal kingdoms still exist, and the potential threats are not small. Therefore, while continuing to implement various policies of Emperor Jing, he also adopted a series of measures to strengthen centralization.

Politics: In terms of politics, Zhu Fuyan's suggestions were adopted and the "Tianfa Order" was issued to weaken the power of the vassal states in the early Han Dynasty, strengthen centralization of power, and strengthen the supervision system. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty also changed ancient innovations, including major reforms and creations such as the acquisition of the power of the prime minister, the establishment of governors, and the establishment of equal losses, and established a systematic and complete political system. This legal tradition became the basic paradigm of the Chinese imperial system for the next two thousand years. ?

Military: In terms of military affairs, the main focus is to centralize military power and enrich the central military power; to reform the military system. Wei Qing and Huo Qubing were sent to attack the Xiongnu, which stabilized the northern border counties. Zhang Qian was sent as an envoy to the Western Regions, opening up the northwest frontier: opening the Western Han Dynasty's access to the Western Regions and even Central Asia.

Economy: In terms of economy, The government adopted the policy of emphasizing agriculture over commerce, rectifying finances, promulgating "calculation" and "reporting" orders, levying property taxes on merchants, and vigorously cracking down on profiteers. It also adopted Sang Hongyang's suggestion to return iron smelting and salt boiling to official operations, and prohibited counties from doing so. The country casts money, and the five-baht coin is cast uniformly; it sets up leveling officials and uniform officials, and the government operates transportation and trade, which greatly enhances the country's economic strength. At the same time, water conservancy projects were built, people immigrated to the northwest to farm, and the "Field Replacement Law" was implemented, which was conducive to the development of agricultural production. Another important economic measure was to unify the currencies at that time.

Ideology: In terms of ideology, he adopted Dong Zhongshu's suggestion to depose hundreds of schools of thought and respect Confucianism alone, making Confucianism the ruling ideology of Chinese society. He vigorously promoted Confucianism and established the Imperial Academy in Chang'an. Confucianism became the orthodox ideology of China's feudal rule and lasted for more than two thousand years, exerting a profound influence on later generations of Chinese politics, society, and culture. But there are also disadvantages, that is, it is not conducive to the development of ideological diversity.

Personnel: Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty also attached great importance to the development of talents. He established the imperial examination system, which was the origin of China's systematic talent selection system and had a great influence on later generations.

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty conducted the first census in human history.

Significance: The Western Han Dynasty entered its heyday, which was also the first heyday of China's feudal era.

External Relations

Launching a war against the Xiongnu

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty adopted a combination of hard and soft methods in foreign affairs. The pacification policy of the Han Dynasty began and the official declaration of war against the Xiongnu was launched. Wei Qing and Huo Qubing were sent to conquer the Xiongnu. They eliminated the Xiongnu threat, recaptured the Hetao and Hexi Corridor areas, expanded the territory of the Western Regions, put the Xiongnu into a passive surrender situation, and guaranteed the economic and cultural development of the north. .

Sent Zhang Qian on an envoy to the Western Regions

At the same time that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty launched the war against the Xiongnu, he sent Zhang Qian on an envoy to the Western Regions, opening up the famous Silk Road and further strengthening ties with the Western Regions. , and developed economic and cultural exchanges between China and the West.

Use troops in the northeast and south to expand territory

The portrait of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty is in the northeast. He sent troops to destroy Wei's North Korea (today's northern North Korea), and placed Lelang, Xuantu, Lin With the four counties of Tun and Zhenfan, the territory of the Han Empire has basically taken shape.

At the same time, the Yelang and Nanyue regimes in the south were surrendered to the Han Dynasty, and seven counties were established in the southwest, with the southernmost point exceeding today's Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. This also made today's Guangdong and Guangxi regions return to the Han Dynasty after the Qin Dynasty China's territory.

Consequences

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty used troops against the Xiongnu and the Western Regions for many years. He also held Zen ceremonies, worshiped gods and prayed for immortals, spent extravagantly, increased corvee labor, and increased taxes, which resulted in a large number of farmers going bankrupt and exiled. . In the second year of Tianhan (99 BC), peasant uprisings of varying scales broke out in Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Nanyang and other places. However, the attack on the Xiongnu made the Xiongnu no longer able to confront the Western Han government, ensuring the security of the northern border counties and even the whole country.

Famous Ministers and Generals

The Great Sima General: Wei Qing and Huo Guang

The Great Sima Hussar General: Huo Qubing

Prime Minister: Wei Wan, Dou Ying, Xuchang, Tian Fu, Xue Ze, Gongsun Hong, Li Cai, Zhuang Qingzhai, Zhao Zhou, Shi Qing, Gongsun He, Liu Quya, Tian Qianqiu

Taiwei: Tian Fu

p>

Yushi doctor: Zhuang Qingzhai, Han Anguo, Gongsun Hong, Zhang Tang, Shi Qingbu Shier, Kuan Du, Zhou Sang and Hong Yang

Generals: Huo Qubing, Jin Rixi (di) Shangguan Jie

< p> Feng Chang Taichang: Wang Zang, Kong Zang, Han Yannian

Langzhongling: Wang Zang, Li Guang, Li Gan

Weiwei: Li Guang, Han Anguo, Zhang Qian, Lu Bode

Taipu ： Guanfu Gongsun congratulates Gongsun Jingsheng

Tingwei: Zhang Tang, Zhao Yu, Du Zhou, Guo Ju

Taihang ordered Da Honglu: Wang Hui, Li Xi, Zhang Qiantian Qianqiu

Zongzheng's great agricultural order: Han Anguo Zheng Liu Shouyan Yisang Hongyang at that time

Lieutenant Shaofu Zhijinwu: Han Anguo Zhao Yu Li Xi Wang Wen Shu Yin Qi Yan Yisang Hongyang

Du Wei: Ji An, Zhu Maichen, Jiang Chong

Internal history: Shi Qingzheng, Gongsun Hong, Ji An'er, Yan Jianxuan

And Dongfang Shuo, his father Yan, Sima Qian, Su Wu, Dong Zhongshu, Sima Xiangru< /p>

Later Life

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty killed too many people in his later years and regretted it. Li Guangli's failure in defeating the Xiongnu led to the annihilation of his entire army, and he failed to seek immortality. Moreover, due to the witchcraft disaster, his father and son killed each other, and Prince Liu Ju committed suicide. All these blows made Emperor Wu feel discouraged and regretful for his past actions. After climbing Mount Tai and worshiping at Mingtang, Emperor Wu issued the "Edict of Sin" in the Luntai Palace (not Luntai, Xinjiang): "Since I came to the throne, I have acted wildly and rebelliously, causing the world to suffer. I must not regret it." . From now on, anyone who hurts the people and wastes the world will be punished!" To express his acknowledgment of his mistakes. As a result, the world gradually returned to harmony, laying the foundation for the prosperous age of Zhaoxuan and Zhongxing.

The historical book "The Edict of Sinful Person" records: "Since I came to the throne, I have acted wildly and rebelliously, causing the world to suffer. I cannot regret it. From now on, anyone who hurts the people and wastes money on the world will be punished." Emphasizing that "Today's business is to prohibit harshness and violence, stop good taxation, and strengthen local agriculture. We must repair horses and restore orders to fill the gaps. There is no shortage of military preparations."

In 88 BC, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty asked the painter to paint a A "Chart of the Princes of the Dynasty carried by Duke Zhou" was given to Huo Guang, which meant that Huo Guang would assist his youngest son Liu Fuling in becoming emperor. The son was young and the mother was strong. In order to prevent the crown prince's young mother, Mrs. Gou Yi, from repeating the situation of Queen Lu's dominance, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was determined to find an excuse to execute her. On Ding Mao in February 87 BC, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty died in Wuzha Palace at the age of seventy. Jiashen was buried in Maoling in March, and the temple name was Sejong.

An examination of Emperor Wu's birth year

"Historical Records: A Family of Wife's Family" clearly records [2]: When the man was alive, Beauty Wang fell into his arms in a dream. He told the prince, who said: "This is a valuable expedition." Before he was born, Emperor Xiaowen died, Emperor Xiaojing came to the throne, and Mrs. Wang gave birth to a boy.

Some people think that he was born in 156 BC. For example, the "Book of Han" says: Emperor Xiaowu was the middle son of Emperor Jing, and his mother was Wang Meiren. At the age of four, he was established as King of Jiaodong. At the age of seven, he became the crown prince and his mother became the queen. At the age of sixteen, in the first month of the next three years, Emperor Jing died. Emperor Jing died in March of 141 BC. According to this calculation, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty should have been born in 156 BC (the ancients calculated his age as false). "Ji Jie Xu Guang" says: Emperor Wu died at the age of seventy, and Emperor Zhao was eight years old. "The Story of Han Wu" says: The emperor was born in Yilan Palace on the seventh day of the seventh month of the Yiyou year, which also proves that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was born in 156 BC. But some people think that it is impossible for Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty to be born in 156 BC. Because Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty died in July of 157 BC, and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was born in August of the following year, could it be that Liu Che stayed in his mother's womb for 400 days? In fact, it is these misunderstandings of historical common sense. If the emperor does not change his year when he ascends the throne, the following year will be his first year.

But since the two most authoritative works, "Historical Records" and "Hanshu", especially the biography of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, both record that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was born in the first year of the Yuan Dynasty (156 BC) of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty. After ascending the throne at the age of sixteen, we should affirm the records in "Historical Records" and "Hanshu".

Therefore, it is certain that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was born in 156 BC. Unless we can find more authoritative works than "Historical Records" and "Hanshu".

About the young name Pig

The saying that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was named after Pig (meaning wild boar) comes from the strange novel "The Story of Han Wu". "Historical Records: The Benji of Xiaojing" and "Hanshu: The Fifth Chronicle of Xiaojing" have clearly stated that before Liu Che was established as King of Jiaodong, his name was already "Che" and he never used the character "彘" at all. Even the "Zi Zhi Tong Jian·Volume 16·Han Ji 8" compiled by Sima Guang of later generations did not accept the statement of "Han Wu Stories". Therefore, the young name of pig was passed down incorrectly.

[Edit this paragraph] Historical contribution

Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty created several firsts in the history of the development of the Chinese nation:

1. Exclusive respect for Confucianism< /p>

Following Dong Zhongshu’s advice, he “deposed hundreds of schools of thought and respected Confucianism alone” to create the orthodoxy of traditional Chinese mainstream culture. It has dominated the stage of Chinese traditional culture for more than two thousand years and has been highly praised by rulers of all generations. What needs to be explained here is that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty did not restrict the development of other schools, but strongly advocated the development of Confucianism and the integration of Confucianism and Legalism. For example, Xiahou Shichang studied Confucianism and was familiar with Yin-Yang and Five Elements; Prime Minister Gongsun Hong also governed both Confucianism and Legalism; his father Yan started his career as a political advisor; and the upright Sima Tan of Ji An and Sima Qian started his career with Huang-Lao theory.

2. Establishing the Chinese DPRK to suppress the outer DPRK

During the period of Emperor Huiwen and Jingdi, most of the prime ministers were treated with courtesy mainly because they were the heroes who followed Liu Bang to conquer the world. Emperor Wu and the prime minister often had disagreements. To implement his own orders, China and North Korea were established, and the Shangshutai also appeared during this period.

3. Establishing an era name

The first emperor in Chinese history to use an era name. In 113 BC, Emperor Wu took that year as the fourth year of Yuanding, and changed it to Jian. Yuan, Yuanguang, Yuanshuo, Yuanshou, each year is numbered for six years.

4. Taichu calendar change

In the first year of Taichu year (104 BC), the Taichu calendar was changed, with the first month as the beginning of the year, and the color was yellow.

5. Yantie official business

Yantie official business has continued since the Han Dynasty. Today, Yantie tea is still mainly controlled by the government and state-owned enterprises.

6. Access to the Western Regions

Iron smelting, well digging, silk manufacturing, lacquerware manufacturing and other technologies were introduced in China. Hu (yellow) melons and carrots were introduced to the West (regions). Grapes, Blood Horses, Walnuts and Pegasus are of great historical significance

7. Opening up territories

Northwest: Wei Qing and Huo Qubing fought against the Huns, recovered the Hetao and the Hexi Corridor, Zhang Qian went out of the fortress and Princess Xijun Princess Jieyou and Princess Wusun successively made close connections with China for the first time through successive efforts, laying the foundation for the later integration of the Western Regions into Chinese territory.

Southwest: The successive appearance of envoy armies merged the southwest border into Chinese territory for the first time.

North: Wei Qing and Huo Qubing’s attack stabilized northern Xinjiang for a long time and protected the stability of the capital.

As a result, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty became an emperor through the ages alongside Qin Shihuang, and later generations often referred to him as "Emperor Qin and Emperor Wu of Han".