Sima Qian said in "Tai Shi Gong's Preface": "The King of Chu besieged the Han Dynasty in Xingyang and held a stalemate for three years; Xiao He controlled Shanxi, calculated the population and transported soldiers, and the food supply was continuous, making the people love the King of Han, and not I am willing to contribute to the king of Chu. "The Family of Xiao Xiangguo" Chapter 23. "Tai Shigong also concluded: Xiangguo Xiao He was only a small civilian official in the Qin Dynasty, and he did not do anything amazing. When the Han Dynasty prospered, relying on the emperor's remaining glory, Xiao He strictly adhered to his duties. Based on the fact that the people hated the harsh laws of the Qin Dynasty, he followed the trend of history and updated them. Han Xin, Ying Bu, etc. have all been killed, but Xiao He's achievements are even more brilliant. His status was the highest among the officials, and his reputation extended to later generations. He could compete with Hong Yao, San Yisheng and others.

Xiao He was the first prime minister of the Han Dynasty and the top secretary. Liu Bang was the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty and the top leader of the feudal era. He was also the first person in the history of our country to kill heroes: from BC Within seven years from 202 to 195 BC, Liu Bang flattened the main kingdoms of different surnames. Among the "Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty", Zhang Liang died of depression, and Han Xin was killed in sorrow and anger. Before his death, he shouted "The birds are gone." The good bow is hidden; the cunning rabbit dies, and the running dogs are cooked. The enemy's country is destroyed, the advisers are destroyed, the world is settled, and I am the one who will be cooked." Among the many ministers, only Prime Minister Xiao He was an exception. Not only did Liu Bang give him the top spot when it came to rewards for merit, but he was also given the posthumous title of Marquis Wen Zhong after his death. He was also favored by his descendants for several years. Yan" ("Historical Records Xiao Xiangguo Family"). As the saying goes, "Accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger." With Liu Bang's suspicious, rogue and cruel character, how did Xiao He survive? Is there anything special about the relationship between the principal and the auxiliary? I think the relationship between Xiao and Liu is not only special, but also divided into two stages.

The weak and the strong - strangeness and following

The special relationship between Xiao and Liu has a long history, dating back to Liu Bang's youth before he rebelled against Pei Gong. This is not only because they are both fellow villagers of Peixian County (we know that many of the founding heroes of the Han Dynasty were fellow villagers of Liu Bang, such as Fan Kuai, Cao Shen and others), but more importantly, Xiao He has a soft spot for Liu Bang. At that time, Liu Bang was just a small gangster. In his prime, he became the Pavilion Chief of Sishui, which is equivalent to today's township chief. Xiao He was the "chief official" in Peixian County who was proficient in law. Personnel performance appraisal records the merits and demerits of officials. They are national civil servants who receive royal food. In terms of social status, they are superior and inferior, and in terms of economic strength, they are strong and inferior. In the feudal era with strict hierarchy, they are obviously not on the same level. However, Xiao He never looked down upon Liu Bang, but treated him with extraordinary special attention. What is the secret behind this? I thought it was because of the strong "strange" aura exuding from Liu Bang. "Historical Records" "The Benji of Emperor Gaozu" records many "strange" things about Liu Bang: his first birth was strange. Before Liu Bang was born, his mother rested on the shore of Daze and had intercourse with God in her dream. At that time, there was thunder and lightning, and the sky was dark and the earth was dark. Tai Zheng went to see her and saw a dragon on her body. Soon, his mother became pregnant and gave birth to Liu Bang. The second appearance is strange. Lu Gong (Liu Bang's later father-in-law) was good at reading people's faces. When he saw Liu Bang for the first time, he was "strange for his appearance". Because he valued this appearance, he immediately decided to marry his daughter to Liu Bang. What does it look like? "The dragon's face is accurate, the beard is beautiful, and there are seventy-two black spots on the left thigh." That is, a high nose, a dragon's appearance, a beautiful beard, and seventy-two black moles on the left leg. The third experience was strange. Everyone on earth knows that Liu Bang killed the White Snake and revolted. In addition, for example, Liu Bang likes to drink. He often goes to a certain wine shop to drink wine on credit. When he is drunk, he lies down and sleeps. The owner of the shop often sees a dragon appearing on his body. Moreover, every time he comes to the shop to drink, the sales volume of wine increases. will surge; the most bizarre thing is the rumor that "there is emperor energy in the southeast". This is not an ordinary person's talk, but something often said by the emperor Ying Zheng at that time. Ying Zheng was afraid that there would be two days in the sky, so he traveled to the East, trying to borrow Now suppress it. Liu Bang suspected that he was taking this cloud and hiding among the deep mountains and lakes in the Mangdang Mountain area. His wife Lu Fei was worried about Liu Bang's safety, so she went to look for Liu Bang. Every time, she could find Liu Bang. After finding him, Lu Pheasant said that there were clouds in the sky above Liu Bang's residence, so he could know exactly where he was. It seems that this "cloud" should be the originator of today's advanced satellite navigation system.

The various "strange" phenomena in Liu Bang's body make him, a small villager with a poor social image, shrouded in a certain mystery.

However, although Liu Bang was idle and did not do his job, he was a kindhearted person who loved others and liked to give alms and was open-minded. He was born with an extraordinary leadership temperament and had considerable influence and appeal. It can be speculated that Liu Bang was very well-known in the local area in his youth. We have no way and no need to verify the authenticity of these "strange" phenomena on Liu Bang. To today's people, they may think it is nonsense and superstitious, but to people at that time, they should be convinced. So it is impossible for fellow countryman Xiao He not to know about these "strange" things. Now that he knows it, it is impossible not to have an impact on him. I even think that this impact contains a certain degree of awe. This awe runs through Xiao He's life. Liu Bang was a commoner but was no less noble than the emperor. Coupled with Xiao He's unparalleled eye for discerning people, he determined that Liu Bang was by no means a mediocre person, so it was not surprising that he treated him differently: First, he had great love. "Historical Records: Xiao Xiangguo Family" records: Xiao He repeatedly used his power as a county official to protect him; Liu Bang served as the chief of the pavilion, and Xiao He often helped him; Liu Bang went to Xianyang to serve as an official. According to the rules of the officialdom at that time, colleagues When they wanted to give money to express their condolences, the county officials all gave three large coins, but only Xiao He gave five large coins. According to expert estimates, the price of millet at that time was only a few dozen yuan per stone, and three Qinbanliang were enough to buy a bucket of rice. From this point of view, giving two more coins is already a very important favor. The second is to follow persistently. Since he was optimistic about Liu Bang, Xiao He followed him persistently. "Historical Records: Xiao Xiangguo's Family" records such an incident: a censor of the Qin Dynasty ("censor", official name, in charge of impeachment and picketing.) came to Sishui County to supervise county affairs, and worked with Shi (official name) During the Qin and Han Dynasties, the county-level government agencies were responsible for handling official affairs, including those responsible for writing documents and investigating illegal cases. Therefore, he ranked first in the peer assessment and was appointed as the death history of Sishui County. He wanted to report to the Qin court to recruit Xiao He. What's Xiao He's attitude? Firmly refuse! In other words, Xiao He was favored by the imperial censor because of his outstanding work ability, and he was promoted from the county seat to the provincial capital, and he was also prepared to recommend him to the capital Xianyang. It is a great good thing in the eyes of ordinary people, why not go for a higher position? Is Xiao He out of his mind? My understanding: On the one hand, Xiao He was dissatisfied with the Qin Dynasty regime, and on the other hand, he only had Liu Bang in his heart. He believed that Liu Bang was not a thing in the pond, but a real dragon and emperor who could be followed for life, so he refused and would rather If you eat Liu Bang's vegetable dumplings, you will never beat the politician's meatballs. Therefore, after Chen Sheng's uprising, in 209 BC, Xiao He and other officials and people in Pei County supported Liu Bang and became the leader of the Pei County rebels. As Liu Bang's auxiliary officer, they devoted themselves to helping him and following him to eradicate the violent Qin Dynasty. Fight against Xiang Yu and Ding Ding Chang'an until the last moment of his life.

At this period, the relationship between Xiao and Liu was not that of a secretary and a leader, but it laid a solid foundation for the formation of a good principal-auxiliary relationship in the future. Xiao He’s one-way dedication at this time will be a great success in the future. Liu Bang was rewarded, so although Xiao He's approach was a bit of a bet, it also showed his extreme cleverness: when he chose Liu Bang, he chose "potential stocks" and Chaoyang, and when he gave up Yingzheng, he gave up "junk stocks" sunset.

Maintain the strength and assist the weak - loyalty and suspicion

As time goes by, Liu Bang, the "potential stock", has been appreciating in value, from the insignificant leader of the rebel army to the king of Han to the emperor of the Han Dynasty. Xiao He assisted Liu Bang as the chief steward, chief of logistics, and prime minister. The relationship between Xiao and Liu entered the second stage, that is, taking charge of the strong and assisting the weak. However, no matter how the relationship changes, Xiao He's loyalty to Liu Bang remains the same. As a certain lyric goes, "I only have eyes for you." He is the most selfless person among Liu Bang's many followers. His loyalty is reflected in everything he does. Based on the consideration of Liu's interests: First of all, we should seek a great cause to collect archives. In 206 BC, after Liu Bang led his army into Guanzhong and occupied the Qin Palace, all the generals rushed to the warehouse where gold and silk were stored to divide things. Only Xiao He went first to collect the legal edicts and the legal edicts kept by the Qin Dynasty Prime Minister and Yushi. Various books and documents were collected and the complete document archives of the Qin Dynasty were obtained. This move provided real and effective information for Liu Bang to understand the national conditions in the future, such as the dangerous fortresses across the country, the number of household registrations, and the strength of the military. This is where Xiao He is far superior to others. His loyalty and foresight are unmatched. It is Xiao He's first great contribution to Liu Bang. Secondly, recommend talents for Sheji. The most famous one is Xiao He chasing Han Xin under the moon. In the early days of the Chu-Han War, Han Xin drove away in a small car because he was not reused by Liu Bang. Xiao He had no time to tell Liu Bang in detail, so he went after Han Xin.

When Xiao He was out of breath and chased Han Xin back, Liu Bang scolded: "There are so many fleeing generals who did not chase, why only chase Han Xin alone?" Xiao He replied: "If the king just wants to defend Hanzhong and does not want to conquer the world, then there is no need to use Han Xin. "If the king wants to conquer the world, then Han Xin is an indispensable general." It was precisely because of Xiao He's great vision and strong recommendation, and Yuexia chased him that Han Xin was able to fulfill his ambition and conquer half of Liu Bang's empire. I have to admire, "Even with millions of people, we will win in battle and capture in attack. I am not as good as Han Xin." There is a couplet in front of Han Xin's tomb, "One bosom friend in life and death, two women in life and death." The "bosom friend" is Xiao He. Later, when Han Xin was suspicious of Liu Bang, Xiao He helped Empress Lu plan to kill Han Xin, so there was a saying that "Xiao He succeeds and Xiao He fails". It is not difficult to see that Xiao He had only one purpose in pursuing or killing Han Xin, and that was for the foundation of the Liu family. Another example of Xiao He recommending talents is Cao Shen. After Emperor Hui of the Han Dynasty succeeded to the throne, Xiao He was old and sick. Emperor Xiao Hui went to visit him in person and asked him by the way: "Who can succeed you after you are a hundred years old?" "How about this person Cao Shen?" Xiao He kowtowed and said. : "Your Majesty, you have found the right person! I will die with no regrets!" It was precisely because of Xiao He's recommendation that Cao Shen became the second prime minister. Cao and Xiao He were colleagues in Peixian County, but their relationship became estranged and discordant after Xiao He became the prime minister of the Western Han Dynasty. Xiao He's broad-mindedness to put aside personal grudges undoubtedly came from his long-term consideration of the Liu family's country. Cao Shen served as prime minister for three years. He strongly advocated quietness and doing nothing without disturbing the people, and governed the country in accordance with the laws and regulations formulated by Xiao He. This led to political stability, economic development, and people's living standards in the Western Han Dynasty. It is known in history as "Xiao rules and Cao follows", which is a period of history that has become a good story. From then on, there was the "Government of Wen and Jing" and up to the great achievements of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Can it be said that Xiao He did not have a share of the credit?

Although Xiao He was devoted to Liu Bang, Liu Bang was suspicious by nature, and even he was not absolutely assured of Xiao He and tested him many times. For example, not long after Liu Bang became the king of Han, Xiao He stayed behind as prime minister, responsible for subduing Bashu, guarding and pacifying, issuing government orders, informing the people, and supplying food for the troops fighting in the front. Liu Bang led his troops eastward, pacified the Three Qin Dynasties, and united the princes to attack Xiang Yu. They began to communicate with each other, but in the third year of the Han Dynasty, when the two armies of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu faced off between Jingsuo and Jingsuo, they sent envoys to Guanzhong many times to comfort Xiao He. Bao Sheng said to Xiao He: "The king is away from home, dining and sleeping in the open, but he keeps sending people to comfort you. This is suspicious of you. For your plan, you might as well send all your descendants and brothers who are capable of fighting to the frontline army. , This way the king will definitely trust you more." So Xiao He followed his plan, and the king of Han was very happy. For another example, in the eleventh year of Emperor Gaozu, Chen Xi rebelled, and Liu Bang personally led the army to put down the rebellion. Before the war was over, he heard the news that the Marquis of Huaiyin had been killed, so he sent an envoy to worship Prime Minister Xiao He as the prime minister, and granted five thousand households in the city. The order was to arrange for five hundred soldiers, led by a captain, to serve as the prime minister's bodyguards. At that time, many people congratulated Xiao He, and only Zhao Ping expressed condolences. Zhao Ping said to the Prime Minister: "This is where your troubles begin. The emperor is out fighting and sleeping in the open, while you stay in the capital. You don't need to brave the arrows to charge into battle, but the emperor wants to seal you a city and set up a guard. This is because Huaiyin Hou has just rebelled in Guanzhong, and the emperor is also suspicious of you. Setting up a guard to protect you is not a sign of his favor. I hope that you will refuse the reward and use all your family and private property to support military supplies. This will be in the emperor's heart. You will be happy." The Prime Minister followed Zhao Ping's plan, and Gaozu was indeed very happy. Another example is that in the autumn of the twelfth year of the Han Dynasty, Yingbu rebelled. Liu Bang personally led the army to crusade. He sent envoys to the army many times to ask what the prime minister was doing. So someone came to Xiao He and said, "I'm afraid you are not far away from the disaster of annihilation! Your achievements are unparalleled and unparalleled. When you first entered the pass, you have won the hearts of the people. In the past ten years or so, the people have surrendered to you. How can you still It is not a good thing to work tirelessly to win the support of the people. The reason why the emperor has sent people to ask you about your actions many times is because you are afraid that you will control Guanzhong and shake the Han Dynasty. The incident came from "self-destruction" and ruined his good reputation, so that the emperor could feel at ease. "Xiao He followed the plan, and Liu Bang was indeed very happy.

Liu Bang suspected Xiao He three times. Xiao He did not show any emotional fluctuations, nor did he give up. Instead, he accepted other people's opinions humbly and donated his family, property and even his personal image until Liu Bang's suspicions were over. Disappear into the invisible.

His tenacity, generosity and loyalty are enough to move the world. For such a person, what else can the smart Liu Bang do besides trust and praise? One is verbal praise. "To guard the country, appease the people, provide food and wages, and ensure that the road to transport food is not blocked, I am not as good as Xiao He." This is Liu Bang's famous saying when he praised Xiao He. The second is material rewards. In the fifth year of the King of Han's evaluation of meritorious service and rewards, Liu Bang believed that Xiao He had the greatest contribution, and made him Marquis of Fou, giving him a lot of food and property, because "Xiao He raised dozens of people from his clan to follow me, and his merits cannot be forgotten." Soon after, Xiao He was rewarded again. The father, son, brothers, and more than ten people were all given rewards, so that they all had food. (After Xiao He's death, four of his descendants lost their titles due to crimes and were expelled from the title; but the emperor always looked for Xiao He's descendants and re-created them as Marquis of Fou. No other meritorious officials could compare with him.) Xiao He was also granted two additional titles. Thousand households, because when Liu Bang went to Xianyang to do corvee work, Xiao He was the only one who gave two big coins more than others. The third spirit is commended. The first is to make Xiao He the first among the meritorious officials and give him special courtesy; the second is to grant Xiao He the right to bring his sword and wear shoes to the palace, and he does not have to walk quickly like other ministers when he enters the court to pay respects.

Xiao He chose Liu Bang with his discernment, assisted Liu Bang with his talent, and won Liu Bang with his loyalty. Liu Bang also knew people well and allowed Xiao He to maximize his talents. He was also grateful and did not let Xiao He's loyalty become sad. Naturally, he did not go the same way as other subordinates were killed. The relationship between the two has withstood the time. test. This kind of principal-auxiliary relationship seems to be quite harmonious even today. Only when the relationship between the secretary and the leader is harmonious can we accomplish a wonderful career together. Its success is worth learning from.