Think of danger so you seek peace, worry about retreat so you can advance, this is what Fang Xuanling said.

1. Introduction to Fang Xuanling

Fang Xuanling (579-August 18, 648), named Qiao, courtesy name Qiting Xuanling, lived in Linzi, Qizhou (now Shandong) Northeast of Zibo, one said they were from Zhangqiu, present-day Shandong. A famous prime minister, politician and historian in the early Tang Dynasty, he was the son of Fang Yanqian, the magistrate of Jingyang in the Sui Dynasty.

He was born in the Chiyin family of Fanggao, Qinghe. He is good at poetry and writing, and is well-read in classics and history. At the age of eighteen, he was born as a Jinshi and was awarded the title of Yuqiwei and Xicheng County Lieutenant. After Jinyang raised troops, he took refuge with King Qin Li Shimin and actively made suggestions, managed secretaries, and selected talents, becoming one of the most effective counselors in the Qin Palace.

In the ninth year of Wude (626), he planned the "Xuanwu Gate Change" and took the lead along with Du Ruhui and other five people. After Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty came to the throne, he worshiped Zhongshu Ling and Xing Guogong, and was responsible for comprehensively managing the government affairs, compiling the history of the country, and compiling the "Book of Jin".

During his administration, Fang Xuanling was good at strategy, and Du Ruhui was decisive in dealing with matters, and was also known as "Fang Miao Du Duan". Listed among the "Twenty-Four Heroes of Lingyan Pavilion".

On Guimao Day in July of the 22nd year of Zhenguan (August 18, 648), Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty died of illness. He was posthumously given the posthumous title of Taiwei, with the posthumous title of Wenzhao, and was entitled to enjoy the Taizong Temple and be buried with him in the Zhaoling Mausoleum.

2. Quotes

Learning affects people more than painting. Be humble and gentle, don't be pretentious about your talents and places. Throwing it to the ground is like the sound of gold and stone. In the picture of loyalty during the festival, a gentleman is high-minded; when he is submissive and rebellious, a righteous person is ashamed. Think of danger so you seek peace, worry about retreat so you can advance. Luxury expenses are worse than natural disasters. You want to be warm and gentle, but you don’t want to observe and understand. Cultivate yourself to respect, do not entrust yourself to respect.

Times come and go, but opportunities come quickly. When you are hungry, you will be attached to others, but when you are full, you will be exalted.

Fang Xuanling’s achievements and evaluation

1. Achievements

When Fang Xuanling went to war with Qin Wang Li Shimin (Tang Taizong), he sent letters to the palace and stationed in It's done right away, it's concise and concise, no drafting is needed. He was once recruited as one of the "Eighteen Bachelors". Li Shimin ascended the throne and was granted the title of Duke of Liang. He was appointed as Zhongshu Ling, Shangshu Zuopushe, Sikong, etc. He was also the commander-in-chief of a hundred divisions and was in charge of government affairs for twenty years.

Participated in the formulation of laws and regulations, presided over the revision of laws and edicts, supervised the compilation of national history, and studied Tang rites with Wei Zheng; adjusted government agencies, and merged provincial and central officials; good at employing people, and did not seek to prepare others. , no matter how high or low they are, they are appointed according to their talents; they abide by their duties and do not take credit for themselves.

At the same time, he was in charge of the National History Museum and supervised the completion of "Records of Gaozu", "Records of Taizong" and "Book of Jin". Later generations regarded him and Du Ruhui as models of good appearance, and they were collectively called "Fang and Du".

2. Evaluation

When historians of later generations commented on the prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty, they all recommended Fang Xuanling first. They always said: "The wise prime ministers of the Tang Dynasty had Fang Du before him and Yao after him. Song Dynasty. "

"New Book of Tang": "Fang Xuanling was in charge of the country and worked hard day and night. . He should be sensible in his administration, and should be polite in dealing with laws and regulations. He should not rely on his own merits to look after others, and he should do his best even if he is humble. Please be wary of sin and treat it as if you have nothing to show for it."