Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was famous for his humility in accepting advice. During the Zhenguan Dynasty, there were many remonstrators. Speaking of famous officials in Zhenguan, I am afraid that due to the reputation of "Taizong accepts remonstrance, Wei Zheng receives remonstrance", most people will think of Wei Zheng first. Wei Zheng was courageous and wise, and dared to offend Yan Zhijian and resist the court's criticism. He once said: "Listening to both will lead to enlightenment, and believing only to one side will lead to darkness." He believed that as a master, one must be open to criticism and absorb different opinions. If one likes to hear what is heard but does not like to hear what is opposed, it will block the way of speech and cause political darkness. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty once said: Use copper as a mirror to correct your clothes; use history as a mirror to understand the rise and fall; use people as a mirror to understand gains and losses. He regards Wei Zheng as the best mirror to understand his own gains and losses.

Wei Zheng was born in a family of officials in Quyang, Juluxia, Hebei Province. He lost his father when he was young, his family fell into decline, and he lost his former power. The misfortune of his family did not depress him, but rather inspired him to study Confucian classics and forge ahead with determination. He devoted himself to studying history, gaining insight into social reality, and waiting for the opportunity to make great achievements. After Tang Taizong ascended the throne, Wei Zheng had to report current affairs to Taizong almost every day and reflect his personal hopes or suggestions. Wei Zheng was Tang Taizong's right-hand man. His outspokenness and courage in admonishing made Tang Taizong admire him but also felt a little embarrassed.

In July and August of 626 AD, Wei Zheng was promoted to Minister Youcheng and also served as an admonishment official. Later, he assumed the post of Zuo Pushe and took control of the central administrative power of the Tang Dynasty. In February 629, Wei Zheng was promoted to Secretary Supervisor. The Secretariat Province was parallel to the Zhongshu, Menxia and Shangshu Provinces and was the highest administrative organ of the Tang Dynasty. The chief official, named Secretary Jian, ranked third in rank, led the Bureau of Works and the Bureau of Taishi, and could directly "participate in government affairs" with the prime minister.

Wei Zheng held an important position and always kept a clear head. Starting from a high sense of responsibility, he criticized the Taizong Dynasty's greed for comfort without mercy. He and his loyal ministers repeatedly admonished Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty for his massive construction projects and waste of people's resources.

As Wei Zheng gained more and more trust from Emperor Taizong, he became jealous of some of his colleagues. They spread bad words about Wei Zheng in front of Emperor Taizong, saying that he was shielding his relatives. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty sent the imperial censor Wen Yanbo to investigate the matter; even though Wen Yanbo found no evidence, he still unreasonably reported to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty: "As a minister of the country, Wei Zheng was unable to check himself and avoid suspicion, so he was subjected to Slander by others. Although he has no personal feelings, he should be blamed." Tang Taizong openly agreed with Wen Yanbo's report and sent Wen Yanbo to warn Wei Zheng. Of course Wei Zheng was dissatisfied with this, and the next day he said to Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty: "I heard that the monarch and his ministers are of the same mind, which is called one body. Only by treating each other with sincerity can we jointly govern the country well. If national affairs are at stake, If you don't care, you only consider the behavior and avoid suspicion, it will be like this from top to bottom, and the rise and fall of the country will be unpredictable." After hearing this, Tang Taizong thought it was reasonable and made self-criticism.

Wei Zheng is frank and straightforward, and his life is relatively frugal. He has always been able to restrain himself, and is different from ordinary corrupt bureaucrats. He neither likes sensuality nor extravagance. After Wei Zheng's death, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty ordered a grand funeral to be held in recognition of his achievements. Wei Zheng's wife Pei said goodbye and said: "Wei Zheng was always frugal and simple. Nowadays, according to the funeral of a first-class official, the items and ceremonies are very rich. I'm afraid it is not what he wanted." Taizong had no choice but to comply with the wishes of the deceased and dispense with the luxurious scenes and sumptuous burial items. The funeral was carried out in a white wooden cart and a white cloth tent, which shows Wei Zheng's character.

Wei Zheng's spirit of "caring about his country as much as his family, and being loyal and forthright in admonishing" left a very deep impression on people. After Wei Zheng's death, Taizong was very sad and missed him endlessly. He often went to Lingyan Pavilion to see Wei Zheng's portrait and wrote poems in memory of Wei Zheng. The death of Wei Zheng was an irreparable loss to the Tang Dynasty. Tang Taizong sighed and said to his officials: "Now that Wei Zheng has passed away, I have lost a mirror!" Tang Taizong regarded Wei Zheng as a mirror. This was Tang Taizong's heartfelt praise, which illustrates Wei Zheng's status in the political life of Taizong's period. Between Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and Wei Zheng, one was open-minded and accepted advice and followed the good deeds; the other was able to give advice without regard to personal safety, which can be regarded as a model of cooperation between monarch and minister. The reason why Wei Zheng became a model of feudal officials and left a lasting legacy is that in addition to having the same interests as feudal rule, he mainly had the outstanding qualities of caring about the country and the people, and being selfless and fearless.

Wei Zheng