Never trust the loyalty between ruler and subject: The truth about the massacre!

To start today's story, let's first look at Why emperors often had to grant land to meritorious officials. Once the great enterprise was won, those who had fought life and death with the emperor would naturally be rewarded according to merit. In terms of merit, the emperor was the one who raised the banner, outwitted the heroes, and brought the realm together. But alongside the emperor's merit were the achievements of those founding ministers, who also created countless They were the ones on the front line, riding horseback, sword in hand, winning the empire for the emperor. Their merit was no small matter, they commanded heavy troops, held great prestige inside and outside the army, and many were even seen as powerful enough to threaten the ruler. Because these meritorious officials had won such glory and built the dynasty with the emperor, rewarding them properly was essential. In the hard years, they were brothers who faced life and death together. But now that victory has been secured, things are different. Even if these meritorious officials had no plot against the emperor, from the emperor's point of view, their tens of thousands of troops and all those glorious achievements suddenly became a real threat to their regime and their descendants. For this reason, it is no coincidence that, from ancient times to the present, the second most urgent task after founding a new state has been to reward merit, using rewards to placate these founding officials. Land and noble titles. However, once trust was shaken, those rewards were hard to escape the whirlpool of political calculation. On one hand, the emperor wanted to grant land and infest his great generals. But few wanted to give away their own land to outsiders. Not to mention the fear that these meritorious officials might use their granted territory to At that time, the country had just been unified, and rebel forces were still waiting to rise again. The countryside had been ravaged by war, the people were in misery, and the public still wasn't settled. If it wasn't handled quickly, disaster would follow. To be fair, the territories of China's dynasties were far too vast for one central government to govern all of them. And they had to split power and carry out divide-and-rule policies. Once a state was founded, it always had its own problems. Even after unifying the six states, Qin was not at peace. The remnants of the old feudal lords never let it rest. To the north, the Xiongnu were always ready to strike, so external threats and internal unrest pressed in from all sides. Han was the same. After founding the dynasty, rebel forces still lurked in the shadows, and the Xiongnu could surge across the Great Wall at any time. In the Ming, even after the dynasty was founded, the remnants of the Yuan fled north and waited for a chance to rise again. They were a constant threat that kept Xu Yuanzhang on edge. When a regime was in decline, the court needed people with both talent and prestige. Naturally, the founding ministers and famed generals were the ones chosen. These mighty generals led the army in battle and had already won countless great victories. Their names carried weight even in distant frontier regions. That let the people there see that courts care and stay loyal. And it also solved the problem of rewarding the founding ministers. It was the best of both worlds. If the great generals were not rewarded for merit, chaos would surely follow. And if troops were not sent to those distant lands, and too many factions were left in place, unrest would follow anyway. An emperor could not personally be a fearless battlefield commander. But he had to be a genius at winning public support. And a seasoned political operator. So he came up with clever strategies. That could both grant fiefs and pacify the wars. In short, he would grant land and titles to these generals. In remote borderlands, far from the central court, where unrest and fighting never stopped. Meanwhile, the imperial court would remain free to rule the fertile plains. That was why great emperors favored granting fiefs and titles to meritorious generals. Of course, we cannot deny that some emperors truly meant it when they granted land. And wanted them to help build a peaceful realm together. But many emperors did not want to grant fiefs to meritorious officials at all. Being forced to do so was just a necessary move. To win people over and stabilize the regime in difficult times. As for dealing with those rising powers, they would worry about that later. Why did Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang turn on their meritorious officials, while Qin Shihuang did not? First, we need to look at where these three men came from. Compared with Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang, Qin Shihuang came from a far more illustrious background. He was born into the royal family and inherited the throne. He then became the new king of Qin. Before the six states were unified. His reputation had already spread far and wide. It should both past and present. Everyone knew his name. Qin King Yingsheng. As for Qin Shihuang's meritorious officials. Even if they had served the Qin for generations. And were famous throughout the state of Qin. On closer look. They were still just hired men. Serving the Qin clan for generations. That was their standing when Qin Shihuang took up arms. Even if the great generals in his army. Achieved outstanding deeds. They still could not compare with Qin Shihuang's starting point. So what about Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang? When they rose up, they both started from an extremely low point. Or to put it bluntly, from the very bottom of society. Lu Bang was a township head, like a village chief today. And later had to flee to the mountains and become a bandit. Meanwhile, Zhu Yuanzhang also came from a poor background. He once herded cattle for landlords, then worked as a beggar and a monk. So compared with the founding ministers. Their backgrounds were no better. In fact, compared with people like Xiang Liang. The noble of Han, Ping You. A high-ranking general in Qin Sheng's rebel army. Or Lu Bowen, who passed the imperial exams under the Yuan. They were completely overshadowed. Zhu Yuanzhang and Lu Bang were the exact opposite of Qin Shihuang. They were once commoners. Their meritorious officials were commoners too. Together, they built their regimes. By background, Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang. Were no better than their other founding ministers. So when they proclaimed themselves emperor and founded dynasties. Why couldn't those other meritorious officials do the same? Next, let's look at the achievements of these emperors. As for Qin Shihuang, before his great enterprise succeeded. He was already a king. After it succeeded, he was still a king. The only difference was that the land under his rule. Had expanded dozens of times over. The armies under Qin Shihuang. No matter how many legendary battles they fought. Were still just seizing land for Qin. Meanwhile, after their great enterprise succeeded. Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang ascended the throne. Founded the Han and Ming dynasties. And became the son of heaven above all under heaven. However, in terms of merit. They were nowhere near the founding ministers of those other dynasties. As for Lu Bang, after entering Hanzhong. He was pinned down there by Xiang Yu. And had to rely on Han Xiyan to break through the three Qin's. They vied for supremacy with the king of Chu. And later fought Xiang Yu to a standstill at Pengcheng. So he had to hold out at Xinyang, south of the river. Meanwhile, Han Xiyan, Fan Kuai, Zhou Bo, Ying Bu, Peng Yu. And the militias from the south and north. All earned their merit fighting Xiang Yu. That was why the Han army won the historic victory at Geisha. The same was true for Zhu Yuanzhang. After Zhu Yuanzhang defeated Qin Yuliang. In the great battle of Lake Poyang. He withdrew to Yingtian Prefecture. And directed the war from afar. Meanwhile, generals like Sude, Chong Yechen, Lan Yu, Fu Yud, Feng Xing, and others. Were the ones who actually led the troops. Drove out the Mongols. And unified the realm. So all the prestige in the army belonged to those generals. The people also looked up to them as if they were living saints. Military power was entirely in their hands. And their authority was second only to the emperors. So it is no exaggeration to say that once the great enterprise was complete. These war leaders. With hundreds of thousands of troops in their hands. Were emperors without thrones. Able to command with a shout at any time. By contrast, Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang. Though they had helped raise the banner and won public support. Had little in hand. At most only a sliver of the son of heaven's authority. Meanwhile, military power, real strength. And popular support were scattered among the generals. Many people believe that because Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang. Came from humble backgrounds. When they saw their founding ministers win great fame. Jealousy grew. Over time resentment built up. Until they turned ruthless. And killed the brothers who had fought with them through life and death. But I see it differently. The tragic fate of those meritorious officials. Ultimately came down to one thing. Interest. As explained earlier. China was simply too vast for the central government to control everything. So divide and rule was necessary. And the people chosen were naturally those the emperor trusted most. Those who had fought beside him. Granting them fiefs solved the problem of rewarding merit. And also helped the emperor control remote regions. For one or two years. Even five. Those generals would obey. And perhaps no one would dare think of rebellion. But ten or twenty years later. No one could be sure. For that reason. Sooner or later. Depending on how quickly they pacified their granted lands. They would be recalled to the capital. And kept under the emperor's control. Take Han Xiyan. For example. After he had just secured the lands of Chu. And escaped the wreckage of war. Lu Bang immediately set a trap. Lured him back to the capital. And kept him under the sun of heaven's watch. Ying Bu was in theft as king of Huainan. And Zhou Jiang. Lu Jiang. Heng Shan. And Yu Zhang. All had to be handed back to Lu Bang. But one day. He was suddenly accused of treason. And in the end. He really did rebel. Or Ping Yu. After being in theft in Liang. He was suddenly accused of treason. Fled to seek refuge with Empress Lu. And was tricked. Killed. And his flesh salted and sent to the feudal lords. That was the cruel fate of three of them. As for the others under Lu Bang. Hardly any died in peace. For Zhu Yuanzhang's circle. It was the same. And he was even more ruthless than Lu Bang. After conquering the east and the north. And laying the foundation of the Ming dynasty. Those founding generals all died unnatural deaths. Take General Chong Yechun. Famous for his victories over the Yuan. He died unexpectedly on the way back to the capital. The official explanation was that an old wound flared up again. But the truth remains a mystery. Suda developed a strange illness. And had to avoid eating goose. Zhu Yuanzhang then sent him a goose. And Suda died not long after. A few others were branded rebels. And met gruesome deaths. Such as Hu Weiyong. Lan Yu. Fu Yud. And Feng Xing. Among the 34 men whom Zhu Yuanzhang in theft with land and titles. Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang needed them dead. Because their achievements never stopped haunting them. Lu Bang, too, had once broken his word. And switched sides to Xiang Yu. Zhu Yuanzhang had the same mindset. When he fought alongside Han Liner and Lu Futong. That made them fear that one day. The battle-hardened generals. Who had survived life and death with them. Would also rebel. Their reputation in the army. Their military power. And the public support they won. Would threaten their heir's regime. In status and prestige. When he rose to power. Qin Shi Huang completely outclassed the founding generals. His background was noble. And men like Meng Tian. Wang Jian. Wang Ben. And Li Xian. No matter how brilliant their achievements. Could never compare. After all. Those great generals were only hired men under Qin Shi Huang. That was completely different from Lu Bang's. Or Zhu Yuanzhang's generals. Who had invested together. And worked side by side. To build the great enterprise. But of course. Qin Shi Huang was not without caution. For example. Meng Tian had to lead the main army. To guard the cold northern frontier. That was the perfect place. For anyone with ambition. To gather forces and rise in rebellion. Age was also a major reason. These rulers worried about their founding officials. Qin Shi Huang. From age 13 to 39. Unified the six states. He achieved great success. While still in his prime. By contrast. Lu Bang founded his great enterprise at 54. And Zhu Yuanzhang unified the realm at 64. An age when they were already past their prime. That made them fear that once they were gone. They would no longer control those great generals as before. And the dynasty they left to their descendants would not be secure. In short. The main reason Qin Shi Huang did not launch a wholesale purge of his meritorious officials. Was that his status was far too lofty. And the generals simply could not threaten him. By contrast. Lu Bang and Zhu Yuanzhang were always haunted by the fear of their great generals. Because their backgrounds were similar. They could not shake the suspicion that one day the brothers in arms. Who had fought and died with them might rebel. And that suspicion only fed the killing intent in their hearts. But to be fair. Beyond the emperor's own murderous instincts. These meritorious officials also abused their power in unacceptable ways. Back then. Mei Qi died after speaking bluntly to the ruler. And falling victim to vicious slander. Han Exian once offended Lu Bang with his sharp tongue. And later. When he sought favor elsewhere or showed dissatisfaction. He was executed. As for Lan Yu. His ambition for the grand preceptor's post made Ming Taizu decide to eliminate him. When the great enterprise had just been won. Their power made them practically one man above ten thousand. The founding ministers of the Ming dynasty received lavish rewards. And the highest posts in the court also belonged to them. Ming Taizu once granted his founding ministers a special token called an iron voucher. This token was worth far more than the imperial sword or the gold death exemption tablet. With an iron voucher in hand. The officials and their descendants could escape death multiple times. Even for serious crimes committed anywhere. Yet many of them used that privilege to grab power and defy the law. That was one reason Zhu Yuanzhang was determined to wipe them out. As for Han Gaozu Lu Bang. He granted thieves and noble titles to the founding ministers. And showered them with wealth. He even let them govern the lands they were in theft in. But many used that to build power and pursue their own schemes. In the end Han Gaozu chose the safer path. Better to kill by mistake than let one slip away. And he launched a sweeping purge of the founding ministers. After all great generals were tigers on the battlefield. But in politics most of them were rookies. How many could rise to nobility at the height of glory? How many could truly march north and shoulder that burden? The strategists were no different. Though learned in the classics astronomy and geography. Many still met a tragic end. Lu Bowen and Zhang Liang both chose to step back after success. And keep themselves safe. Xiao He however was slandered for a long time. But later he changed into plain clothes. And narrowly escaped disaster. While Zhang Liang and Xiao He both understood the emperor's mind. They used different schemes to get out alive. Han Exian was a brilliant battlefield commander. But politically his story was truly tragic. Han Exian once had a chance to turn on Lu Bang after he seized Qi. But he kept hesitating and never did. By the time the great enterprise was finished. Han Exian was stubborn and outspoken. Never watching his words. He was the first man Han Gaozu wanted to eliminate. Look at the stories of Li Shanchong, Li Wenzhong and Lu Bowen. The two brilliant strategists under Zhu Yuanzhang. One chose to retire after success. Using graceful words to bow out. While Li Shanchong and Li Wenzhong grew more and more arrogant. They abused their merits to seize power. Until Zhu Yuanzhang grew intent on killing them and purged them. The same was true for great generals like Tang He, Su De and Lan Yu. Tang He stopped at the peak of power. With no attachment to his titles or career and retired. But Su De and Lan Yu were too obsessed with fame and rank. Making unreasonable demands that left both them and their families with bitter endings. In the end, once the bow is put away and the rabbits are gone. The hounds are cooked too. A tragedy that keeps repeating for many dynasties. Some rulers slaughtered too many meritorious officials, others did not. But in essence, anyone who rises too high will always be watched warily. If he isn't careful, he'll bring disaster on himself. So we've looked at why Zhu Yuanzhang and Lu Bang turned on their founding ministers. While Qin Shi Huang did not. What do you think about this? Let's discuss it in the comments.