Wang Gui
Encyclopedia
Wang Gui (571–639), courtesy name Shujie (叔玠), formally Duke Yi of Yongning (永寧懿公), was a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang
(Li Shimin). He had previously served Li Shimin's older brother Li Jiancheng
the Crown Prince
, with whom Li Shimin was locked in an intense rivalry during the reign of their father Emperor Gaozu
, but after Li Shimin killed Li Jiancheng and then took the throne, he knew that Wang was faithful to Li Jiancheng and was capable, and therefore retained him, eventually making him chancellor. Wang was known for his honest and blunt criticism of the emperor, and for that was honored by Emperor Taizong, who appreciated such criticism.
's emperor Gao Wei
. His grandfather Wang Sengbian
had been a major general and later regent
of Liang Dynasty
, who, at one point, in order to make peace with Northern Qi, sent Wang Gui's father Wang Yi (王顗) and grandmother to Northern Qi as hostages. After Wang Sengbian was killed in a coup by the general Chen Baxian
(who later founded Chen Dynasty
) in 555, Wang Yi remained in Northern Qi and served as a commandery governor. In 573, after the former Liang general Wang Lin
, with whom Wang Yi shared the desire of destroying Chen and reestablishing Liang, was killed by the Chen general Wu Mingche
, Wang Yi, in great distress in mourning Wang Lin, died. Wang Gui, having lost his father early in his life, was said to be elegant in his behavior, having few desires and comfortable in his poverty, and not making friends easily with just anyone. His uncle Wang Po (王頗) was a highly-regarded scholar at that time and was said to be a good judge of character, and Wang Po once commented, "Our clan's hopes all rest on this child."
, Wang Gui served as a low-level imperial official in charge of ceremonies. After Emperor Wen died in 604, his crown prince
Yang Guang
took the throne as Emperor Yang. Another son of Emperor Wen, Yang Liang
the Prince of Han, on whose staff another uncle of Wang Gui's, Wang Kui (王頍), served, rose in rebellion against Emperor Yang, and after he was defeated, Wang Kui committed suicide, and Wang Po was executed. Based on the laws of the time, Wang Gui was to be executed as well, but he fled into the Qinling Mountains
and remained in hiding there for more than a decade.
In 617, the general Li Yuan
rose against Emperor Yang, and later that year captured the capital Chang'an
, declaring Emperor Yang's grandson Yang You
the Prince of Dai emperor (as Emperor Gong) but retaining power himself as regent. Li Yuan's staff member Li Gang (李綱) recommended Wang Gui, as he knew Wang Gui's capabilities. Li Yuan made Wang Gui a military advisor to his heir apparent
Li Jiancheng
.
, Jiangsu
) led by the general Yuwen Huaji
, Li Yuan had Emperor Gong yield the throne to him, establishing Tang Dynasty
as its Emperor Gaozu. He created Li Jiancheng crown prince, and Wang Gui continued to serve on Li Jiancheng's staff as a trusted advisor. In 622, with Tang having mostly reunited the former Sui territory under its rule due to the contributions of Li Jiancheng's younger brother Li Shimin
the Prince of Qin, Li Shimin's fame and power thus threatened Li Jiancheng's position. Wang and Wei Zheng
, another advisor to Li Jiancheng, suggested that he should also try to establish some military achievement of his own and also recruit capable people to serve on staff during the campaign. Li Jiancheng agreed, and volunteered to attack one of the remaining threats against Tang rule, Liu Heita
the Prince of Handong. Li Jiancheng subsequently defeated Liu, who was then betrayed by his own subordinate Zhuge Dewei (諸葛德威) in 623 and delivered to Li Jiancheng, who executed Liu. Subsequently, in 624, when Li Jiancheng was suspected of having recruited his personal guards against regulations and having encouraged his guard commander Yang Wen'gan (楊文幹) into rebelling, Emperor Gaozu briefly considered deposing Li Jiancheng and replacing him with Li Shimin, but changed his mind after intercession by the chancellor Feng Deyi
, another son Li Yuanji
the Prince of Qi, and his concubines (who were on much better relations with Li Jiancheng than with Li Shimin). However, he blamed Li Jiancheng's and Li Shimin's staff members for encouraging their rivalry, and he exiled Wang Gui, Wei Ting (韋挺, another of Li Jiancheng's advisors), and Du Yan
(an advisor to Li Shimin) to Xi Prefecture (巂州, roughly modern Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture
, Sichuan
), blaming them for the discord between his sons.
In 626, Li Shimin ambushed Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji at Xuanwu Gate
and killed them, and then effectively forced Emperor Gaozu to create him crown prince. Rather than slaughtering Li Jiancheng's and Li Yuanji's staff members, as some of his supporters had suggested, he retained many of them for his administration, including Wei Zheng. He also recalled Wang Gui and Wei Ting from exile, making them advisors. When many of Li Jiancheng's and Li Yuanji's supporters nevertheless fled in fears of reprisals and were captured by those who believed that they could received awards, Wang informed this to Li Shimin, who then issued an order not to carry out any reprisals against the followers of Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji, or their cousin Li Yuan (李瑗, note different tone and character from Emperor Gaozu's name) the Prince of Lujiang (who had supported Li Jiancheng and considered rebelling in light of Li Jiancheng's death). Soon, Emperor Gaozu yielded the throne to Li Shimin (as Emperor Taizong). Wang continued to serve in Emperor Taizong's administration.
In 627, on an occasion, Emperor Taizong stated to his high level officials:
Wang responded:
Emperor Taizong approved of Wang's response and ordered that whenever high level officials would meet with him to discuss important matters of state, officials whose responsibilities were criticism should follow them in. He treated Wang with kindness, creating him the Baron of Yongning and made him the deputy head of the examination bureau of government (門下省, Menxia Sheng) as well as an advisor for his son and crown prince Li Chengqian. Later that year, the head of the examination bureau, Gao Shilian
, was demoted after he withheld a petition from Wang, and in 628, Emperor Taizong made Wang the acting head of the examination bureau instead -- a post considered as one for a chancellor.
On an occasion in 628, Wang was attending a feast held by Emperor Taizong, when a beautiful concubine of Emperor Taizong's, who was originally a concubine of Li Yuan the Prince of Lujiang and who was taken into Emperor Taizong's palace after Li Yuan was executed, was attending to Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong stated, "The Prince of Lujiang was despicable. He killed her husband and seized her. How could he survive long after this barbarous act!" Wang instead responded, "Does Your Imperial Majesty believe that the Prince of Lujiang was correct in seizing this woman?" Emperor Taizong responded, "Why do you ask me whether it is correct to kill a woman's husband and seize her?" Wang responded, "I had once read from the writings of Guan Zhong
, which stated, 'When Duke Huan of Qi visited the land of Guo [formerly an independent state], he asked the seniors of Guo, "Why was Guo destroyed?" The seniors stated, "The lord of Guo knew right from wrong." Duke Huan responded, "If you are correct, then he was an intelligent ruler. Why was he destroyed?" The seniors responded, "The lord of Guo knew what was right but could not do it. He also knew what was wrong but could not stop doing it. That was why he was destroyed."' Now, this woman is still by your side. I believe it is that Your Imperial Majesty in fact believes that this is right. If you believe that this is wrong, you are the one who knows what is wrong and could not stop doing it." Although Emperor Taizong could not send away the woman, he was nevertheless humbled by Wang's words and respected him for his words. On another occasion, there was an incdient where Emperor Taizong had the official Zu Xiaosun (祖孝孫) teach his ladies in waiting
music, and when the ladies in waiting could not learn it well, rebuked Zu. Wang and Wen Yanbo
spoke against the rebuke, stating that it was not appropriate for Emperor Taizong to have had an important official become a music teacher for ladies in waiting in the first place. Emperor Taizong became angry and rebuked Wen and Wang. Wen bowed and begged for forgiveness, but Wang refused to do so, stating to Emperor Taizong that the rebuke to him and Wen was not warranted as they were reporting what was true. Emperor Taizong was surprised, but the next day indicated to the high level officials that he was rash and improper in rebuking Wang and Wen.
In 630, Emperor Taizong officially made Wang the head of the examination bureau. On an occasion that year, at a feast Emperor Taizong held for the chancellors, he stated to Wang, "You are known for your good judgment, and you are also a good speaker. Please, starting with Fang Xuanling
, discuss what these officials' strengths are." Wang responded:
Emperor Taizong agreed strongly, and those present also agreed this as fair analysis. Wang further advocated ruling the state by Confucian principles, a position that Emperor Taizong agreed with. Soon, Emperor Taizong upgraded his title to duke.
In 633, Wang was accused of leaking state secrets, and he was demoted to the post of prefect of Tong Prefecture (同州, roughly modern Weinan
, Shaanxi
). In 634, Emperor Taizong recalled him to be the minister of ceremonies. In 637, he finished compiling a work on proper ceremonies, and for this contribution Emperor Taizong awarded him with silk and created one of his sons a baron. That year, he was also made the teacher of Emperor Taizong's favorite son Li Tai the Prince of Wei. By Emperor Taizong's orders, Li Tai treated Wang with honors due a teacher, and Wang also accordingly treated Li Tai as a student. Also around the time, Emperor Taizong's daughter Princess Nanping was due to marry Wang's son Wang Jingzhi (王敬直). At those times, the customs were that when a princess married into an official's household, her parents-in-law were to bow to her. Wang believed this to be improper -- that princesses needed to be in their proper roles as daughters-in-law, and therefore he instead accepted bows from Princess Nanping. After this, it became customary for princesses to bow to their parents-in-law. Similarly, in 638, Wang submitted a petition pointing out that it was improper to have the high level officials bow to imperial princes and that it should be the reverse -- a suggestion that Emperor Taizong was initially offended by and resisted, but after Wei Zheng pointed out that this would reduce speculations that imperial princes would take the place of the crown prince, Emperor Taizong approved Wang's suggestion.
It was said that when Wang was young and received help from others, he would not thank them. However, after he became an honored official, he sought those who had helped him in the past and repaid them greatly -- and if they had died already, repaid their families. He was kind in supporting his widowed sister-in-law and his nephews, and often helped clan members who were less fortunate. However, he was also criticized for not building an ancestral temple, instead only sacrificing to the ancestors privately at home. At one point, he was thus accused by other officials of being not filially pious. Emperor Taizong did not punish him, but had the ministry of constructions construct a temple for Wang to shame him.
In 639, Wang grew ill. Emperor Taizong ordered Princess Nanping to attend to him, and also sent Tang Jian
the minister of census to look after Wang's meals and medicines. Wang soon died, and Emperor Taizong mourned him. Emperor Taizong also sent Li Tai and the officials to attend Wang's wake.
Emperor Taizong of Tang
Emperor Taizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Shìmín , was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649...
(Li Shimin). He had previously served Li Shimin's older brother Li Jiancheng
Li Jiancheng
Li Jiancheng , formally Crown Prince Yin , nickname Pishamen , was a crown prince of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. He was the oldest son of the founding emperor Emperor Gaozu and therefore was designated crown prince after the founding of the dynasty in 618...
the Crown Prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
, with whom Li Shimin was locked in an intense rivalry during the reign of their father Emperor Gaozu
Emperor Gaozu of Tang
Emperor Gāozǔ of Táng , born Lǐ Yuān , courtesy name Shūdé , was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626. Under the Sui dynasty, Li Yuan was the governor in the area of modern-day Shanxi, and was based in Taiyuan.In 615, Li Yuan was assigned...
, but after Li Shimin killed Li Jiancheng and then took the throne, he knew that Wang was faithful to Li Jiancheng and was capable, and therefore retained him, eventually making him chancellor. Wang was known for his honest and blunt criticism of the emperor, and for that was honored by Emperor Taizong, who appreciated such criticism.
Background
Wang Gui was born in 571, during the reign of Northern QiNorthern Qi
The Northern Qi Dynasty was one of the Northern dynasties of Chinese history and ruled northern China from 550 to 577.-History:The Chinese state of Northern Qi was the successor state of the Chinese/Xianbei state of Eastern Wei and was founded by Emperor Wenxuan...
's emperor Gao Wei
Gao Wei
Gao Wei , often known in history as Houzhu of Northern Qi , courtesy name Rengang , sometimes referred to by his later Northern Zhou-created title of Duke of Wen , was an emperor of the Chinese dynasty Northern Qi...
. His grandfather Wang Sengbian
Wang Sengbian
Wang Sengbian , courtesy name Juncai , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Liang Dynasty. He came to prominence as the leading general under Emperor Yuan 's campaigns against the rebel general Hou Jing and other competitors for the Liang throne, and after Emperor Yuan was defeated by Western Wei...
had been a major general and later regent
Regent
A regent, from the Latin regens "one who reigns", is a person selected to act as head of state because the ruler is a minor, not present, or debilitated. Currently there are only two ruling Regencies in the world, sovereign Liechtenstein and the Malaysian constitutive state of Terengganu...
of Liang Dynasty
Liang Dynasty
The Liang Dynasty , also known as the Southern Liang Dynasty , was the third of the Southern dynasties in China and was followed by the Chen Dynasty...
, who, at one point, in order to make peace with Northern Qi, sent Wang Gui's father Wang Yi (王顗) and grandmother to Northern Qi as hostages. After Wang Sengbian was killed in a coup by the general Chen Baxian
Emperor Wu of Chen
Emperor Wu of Chen , personal name Chen Baxian , courtesy name Xingguo , nickname Fasheng , was the first emperor of the Chinese Chen Dynasty. He first distinguished himself as a Liang Dynasty general during the campaign against the rebel general Hou Jing, and he was progressively promoted...
(who later founded Chen Dynasty
Chen Dynasty
The Chen Dynasty , also known as the Southern Chen Dynasty, was the fourth and last of the Southern dynasties in China, eventually destroyed by the Sui Dynasty....
) in 555, Wang Yi remained in Northern Qi and served as a commandery governor. In 573, after the former Liang general Wang Lin
Wang Lin
Wang Lin , courtesy name Ziheng , formally Prince Zhongwu of Baling , was a general of the Chinese dynasties Liang Dynasty and Northern Qi...
, with whom Wang Yi shared the desire of destroying Chen and reestablishing Liang, was killed by the Chen general Wu Mingche
Wu Mingche
Wu Mingche , courtesy name Tongzhao , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Chen Dynasty. He first served under the dynasty's founder Emperor Wu, but became the most prominent general of the state during the reign of Emperor Wu's nephew Emperor Xuan, successfully commanding the Chen army in...
, Wang Yi, in great distress in mourning Wang Lin, died. Wang Gui, having lost his father early in his life, was said to be elegant in his behavior, having few desires and comfortable in his poverty, and not making friends easily with just anyone. His uncle Wang Po (王頗) was a highly-regarded scholar at that time and was said to be a good judge of character, and Wang Po once commented, "Our clan's hopes all rest on this child."
During Sui Dynasty
Near the end of the reign of Emperor Wen of SuiEmperor Wen of Sui
Emperor Wen of Sui — personal name Yang Jian , Xianbei name Puliuru Jian , nickname Naluoyan — was the founder and first emperor of China's Sui Dynasty . He was a hard-working administrator and a micromanager. As a Buddhist, he encouraged the spread of Buddhism through the state...
, Wang Gui served as a low-level imperial official in charge of ceremonies. After Emperor Wen died in 604, his crown prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
Yang Guang
Emperor Yang of Sui
Emperor Yang of Sui , personal name Yang Guang , alternative name Ying , nickname Amo , known as Emperor Ming during the brief reign of his grandson Yang Tong), was the second son of Emperor Wen of Sui, and the second emperor of China's Sui Dynasty.Emperor Yang's original name was Yang Ying, but...
took the throne as Emperor Yang. Another son of Emperor Wen, Yang Liang
Yang Liang
Yang Liang -- courtesy name Dezhang , alternative name Jie , nickname Yiqian -- was an imperial prince of the Chinese dynasty Sui Dynasty. He was a son of Emperor Wen and his wife Empress Dugu Qieluo, who, during his father's reign, controlled the region north of the Yellow River...
the Prince of Han, on whose staff another uncle of Wang Gui's, Wang Kui (王頍), served, rose in rebellion against Emperor Yang, and after he was defeated, Wang Kui committed suicide, and Wang Po was executed. Based on the laws of the time, Wang Gui was to be executed as well, but he fled into the Qinling Mountains
Qinling Mountains
The Qin Mountains are a major east-west mountain range in southern Shaanxi province, China. The mountains provide a natural boundary between the North and South of the country, and support a huge variety of plant and wildlife, some of which is found nowhere else on Earth.To the north is the...
and remained in hiding there for more than a decade.
In 617, the general Li Yuan
Emperor Gaozu of Tang
Emperor Gāozǔ of Táng , born Lǐ Yuān , courtesy name Shūdé , was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626. Under the Sui dynasty, Li Yuan was the governor in the area of modern-day Shanxi, and was based in Taiyuan.In 615, Li Yuan was assigned...
rose against Emperor Yang, and later that year captured the capital Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
, declaring Emperor Yang's grandson Yang You
Emperor Gong of Sui
Emperor Gong of Sui , personal name Yang You , was an emperor of the Chinese Sui Dynasty. Traditionally, he was considered the last emperor of the dynasty because he was the one who formally yielded the throne to the founding emperor to the succeeding Tang Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu of Tang ,...
the Prince of Dai emperor (as Emperor Gong) but retaining power himself as regent. Li Yuan's staff member Li Gang (李綱) recommended Wang Gui, as he knew Wang Gui's capabilities. Li Yuan made Wang Gui a military advisor to his heir apparent
Heir apparent
An heir apparent or heiress apparent is a person who is first in line of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting, except by a change in the rules of succession....
Li Jiancheng
Li Jiancheng
Li Jiancheng , formally Crown Prince Yin , nickname Pishamen , was a crown prince of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. He was the oldest son of the founding emperor Emperor Gaozu and therefore was designated crown prince after the founding of the dynasty in 618...
.
During Emperor Gaozu's reign
In 618, after news arrived at Chang'an that Emperor Yang had been killed in a coup at Jiangdu (江都, in modern YangzhouYangzhou
Yangzhou is a prefecture-level city in central Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China. Sitting on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, it borders the provincial capital of Nanjing to the southwest, Huai'an to the north, Yancheng to the northeast, Taizhou to the east, and Zhenjiang across...
, Jiangsu
Jiangsu
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country. The name comes from jiang, short for the city of Jiangning , and su, for the city of Suzhou. The abbreviation for this province is "苏" , the second character of its name...
) led by the general Yuwen Huaji
Yuwen Huaji
Yuwen Huaji was a general of the Chinese dynasty Sui Dynasty who, in 618, led a coup against Emperor Yang of Sui, killing him. He subsequently declared Emperor Yang's nephew Yang Hao led Emperor Yang's elite Xiaoguo Army north, but was then repeatedly defeated by Li Mi, Li Shentong , and...
, Li Yuan had Emperor Gong yield the throne to him, establishing Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
as its Emperor Gaozu. He created Li Jiancheng crown prince, and Wang Gui continued to serve on Li Jiancheng's staff as a trusted advisor. In 622, with Tang having mostly reunited the former Sui territory under its rule due to the contributions of Li Jiancheng's younger brother Li Shimin
Emperor Taizong of Tang
Emperor Taizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Shìmín , was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649...
the Prince of Qin, Li Shimin's fame and power thus threatened Li Jiancheng's position. Wang and Wei Zheng
Wei Zheng
Wei Zheng , courtesy name Xuancheng , formally Duke Wenzhen of Zheng , was a Chinese politician and the lead editor of the Book of Sui, composed in 636...
, another advisor to Li Jiancheng, suggested that he should also try to establish some military achievement of his own and also recruit capable people to serve on staff during the campaign. Li Jiancheng agreed, and volunteered to attack one of the remaining threats against Tang rule, Liu Heita
Liu Heita
Liu Heita was an agrarian rebel leader during China's transition period from Sui Dynasty to Tang Dynasty, who initially successively served under Hao Xiaode , Li Mi, and Wang Shichong. He eventually followed Dou Jiande the Prince of Xia...
the Prince of Handong. Li Jiancheng subsequently defeated Liu, who was then betrayed by his own subordinate Zhuge Dewei (諸葛德威) in 623 and delivered to Li Jiancheng, who executed Liu. Subsequently, in 624, when Li Jiancheng was suspected of having recruited his personal guards against regulations and having encouraged his guard commander Yang Wen'gan (楊文幹) into rebelling, Emperor Gaozu briefly considered deposing Li Jiancheng and replacing him with Li Shimin, but changed his mind after intercession by the chancellor Feng Deyi
Feng Deyi
Feng Deyi , formal name Feng Lun but went by the courtesy name of Deyi, formally initially Duke Ming of Mi , later Duke Miao of Mi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty who served as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Gaozu of Tang and Emperor Taizong of Tang...
, another son Li Yuanji
Li Yuanji
Li Yuanji , formally Prince La of Chao , more commonly known by the title of Prince of Qi , nickname Sanhu , was an imperial prince of the Chinese Tang Dynasty...
the Prince of Qi, and his concubines (who were on much better relations with Li Jiancheng than with Li Shimin). However, he blamed Li Jiancheng's and Li Shimin's staff members for encouraging their rivalry, and he exiled Wang Gui, Wei Ting (韋挺, another of Li Jiancheng's advisors), and Du Yan
Du Yan
Du Yan , courtesy name Zhili , formally Duke Xiang of Anji , was a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang. His more famous nephew Du Ruhui was also a chancellor.- During Sui Dynasty :...
(an advisor to Li Shimin) to Xi Prefecture (巂州, roughly modern Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture
Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture
Liangshan , officially the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, is an autonomous prefecture in Sichuan, south central China whose capital is Xichang. Liangshan has an area of 60,423 km² and over 4.5 million inhabitants...
, Sichuan
Sichuan
' , known formerly in the West by its postal map spellings of Szechwan or Szechuan is a province in Southwest China with its capital in Chengdu...
), blaming them for the discord between his sons.
In 626, Li Shimin ambushed Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji at Xuanwu Gate
Incident at Xuanwu Gate
The Incident at Xuanwu Gate refers to an incident on July 2, 626, when Li Shimin the Prince of Qin, a son of Emperor Gaozu of Tang , in an intense rivalry with his older brother Li Jiancheng the Crown Prince and fearing that Li Jiancheng was about to kill him, set an ambush at Xuanwu Gate, the...
and killed them, and then effectively forced Emperor Gaozu to create him crown prince. Rather than slaughtering Li Jiancheng's and Li Yuanji's staff members, as some of his supporters had suggested, he retained many of them for his administration, including Wei Zheng. He also recalled Wang Gui and Wei Ting from exile, making them advisors. When many of Li Jiancheng's and Li Yuanji's supporters nevertheless fled in fears of reprisals and were captured by those who believed that they could received awards, Wang informed this to Li Shimin, who then issued an order not to carry out any reprisals against the followers of Li Jiancheng, Li Yuanji, or their cousin Li Yuan (李瑗, note different tone and character from Emperor Gaozu's name) the Prince of Lujiang (who had supported Li Jiancheng and considered rebelling in light of Li Jiancheng's death). Soon, Emperor Gaozu yielded the throne to Li Shimin (as Emperor Taizong). Wang continued to serve in Emperor Taizong's administration.
During Emperor Taizong's reign
Later in 626, Emperor Taizong had Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji reburied with honors due imperial princes. Wang Gui and Wei Zheng requested permission to accompany Li Jiancheng's funeral procession, and Emperor Taizong approved -- and further expanded the approval to an order that all of Li Jiancheng's and Li Yuanji's staff members participate in the funeral processions.In 627, on an occasion, Emperor Taizong stated to his high level officials:
- When a good emperor encountered evil subordinates, the empire will not prosper. When an evil emperor encountered good subordinates, the empire will also not prosper. But if an emperor and his subordinates were like fish and water, the empire will have peace. Emperor Gaozu of Han was but a farmer, but he conquered the empire carrying just a short sword. His foundation was strong, and his descendants ruled for generations, because he had good subordinates. Even though I am not an intelligent ruler, it is fortunate that I have you, Dukes, to save me occasion after occasion. I hope that you will give me good strategies to allow the empire to remain peaceful.
Wang responded:
- I heard that if a tree follows a rope it will be straight, and if an empress followed suggestions she would be holy. Therefore, the ancient holy rulers always had seven advisors who were willing to speak honestly and willing to die if their suggestions were not followed. Your Imperial Majesty is willing to receive our weed-like suggstions, and I happen to be serving here in an administration that has no taboos. I am willing to offer my wild words.
Emperor Taizong approved of Wang's response and ordered that whenever high level officials would meet with him to discuss important matters of state, officials whose responsibilities were criticism should follow them in. He treated Wang with kindness, creating him the Baron of Yongning and made him the deputy head of the examination bureau of government (門下省, Menxia Sheng) as well as an advisor for his son and crown prince Li Chengqian. Later that year, the head of the examination bureau, Gao Shilian
Gao Shilian
Gao Shilian , formal name Gao Jian but went by the courtesy name of Shilian, formally Duke Wenxian of Shen , was a chancellor of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty...
, was demoted after he withheld a petition from Wang, and in 628, Emperor Taizong made Wang the acting head of the examination bureau instead -- a post considered as one for a chancellor.
On an occasion in 628, Wang was attending a feast held by Emperor Taizong, when a beautiful concubine of Emperor Taizong's, who was originally a concubine of Li Yuan the Prince of Lujiang and who was taken into Emperor Taizong's palace after Li Yuan was executed, was attending to Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong stated, "The Prince of Lujiang was despicable. He killed her husband and seized her. How could he survive long after this barbarous act!" Wang instead responded, "Does Your Imperial Majesty believe that the Prince of Lujiang was correct in seizing this woman?" Emperor Taizong responded, "Why do you ask me whether it is correct to kill a woman's husband and seize her?" Wang responded, "I had once read from the writings of Guan Zhong
Guan Zhong
Guǎn Zhòng was a politician and statesman during the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history. His given name was Yíwú . Zhong was his courtesy name. Recommended by Bao Shuya, he was appointed Prime Minister by Duke Huan of Qi in 685 BC.-Achievements:Guan Zhong modernized the Qi State by...
, which stated, 'When Duke Huan of Qi visited the land of Guo [formerly an independent state], he asked the seniors of Guo, "Why was Guo destroyed?" The seniors stated, "The lord of Guo knew right from wrong." Duke Huan responded, "If you are correct, then he was an intelligent ruler. Why was he destroyed?" The seniors responded, "The lord of Guo knew what was right but could not do it. He also knew what was wrong but could not stop doing it. That was why he was destroyed."' Now, this woman is still by your side. I believe it is that Your Imperial Majesty in fact believes that this is right. If you believe that this is wrong, you are the one who knows what is wrong and could not stop doing it." Although Emperor Taizong could not send away the woman, he was nevertheless humbled by Wang's words and respected him for his words. On another occasion, there was an incdient where Emperor Taizong had the official Zu Xiaosun (祖孝孫) teach his ladies in waiting
Lady in Waiting
Lady in Waiting is the 2nd album by American southern rock band Outlaws, released in 1976. -Track listing:#"Breaker-Breaker" – 2:59#"South Carolina" – 3:05#"Ain't So Bad" – 3:48...
music, and when the ladies in waiting could not learn it well, rebuked Zu. Wang and Wen Yanbo
Wen Yanbo
Wen Yanbo , formal name Wen Dalin but went by the courtesy name of Yanbo, formally Duke Gong of Yu , was a key official early in the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty as a key advisor for Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong, serving as a chancellor during Emperor Taizong's reign, and, having been...
spoke against the rebuke, stating that it was not appropriate for Emperor Taizong to have had an important official become a music teacher for ladies in waiting in the first place. Emperor Taizong became angry and rebuked Wen and Wang. Wen bowed and begged for forgiveness, but Wang refused to do so, stating to Emperor Taizong that the rebuke to him and Wen was not warranted as they were reporting what was true. Emperor Taizong was surprised, but the next day indicated to the high level officials that he was rash and improper in rebuking Wang and Wen.
In 630, Emperor Taizong officially made Wang the head of the examination bureau. On an occasion that year, at a feast Emperor Taizong held for the chancellors, he stated to Wang, "You are known for your good judgment, and you are also a good speaker. Please, starting with Fang Xuanling
Fang Xuanling
Fang Xuanling , formal name Fang Qiao but went by the courtesy name of Xuanling, formally Duke Wenzhao of Liang , was the lead editor of the Book of Jin and one of the most celebrated chancellors of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, and he and his colleague Du Ruhui, both serving during the reign...
, discuss what these officials' strengths are." Wang responded:
- As far as being careful and being dedicated to the state, and doing everything that he felt was right, I am not as capable as Fang Xuanling. As far as being capable in both civilian and military matters -- being a great general while not at the capital and being a chancellor while in the capital -- I am not as capable as Li JingLi JingLi Jing , né Yaoshi , formally Duke Jingwu of Wei , was a general and one time chancellor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty...
. As far as writing imperial edicts and reporting on important matters, doing so in detail and clearly with fair analysis, I am not as capable as Wen Yanbo. As far as handling complicated issues and emergency matters well, I am not as capable as Dai ZhouDai ZhouDai Zhou , courtesy name Xuanyin , formally Duke Zhong of Dao , was an official of the Chinese dynasties Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty, eventually becoming chancellor during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang....
. As far as always wishing that the emperor can be compared to Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun and viewing correcting the emperor as his responsibility, I am not as capable as Wei Zheng. But as far as eliminating those lacking virtues and abilities, promoting those who are capable and virtuous, hating evil, and liking righteousness, this is my strength compared to the gentlemen here.
Emperor Taizong agreed strongly, and those present also agreed this as fair analysis. Wang further advocated ruling the state by Confucian principles, a position that Emperor Taizong agreed with. Soon, Emperor Taizong upgraded his title to duke.
In 633, Wang was accused of leaking state secrets, and he was demoted to the post of prefect of Tong Prefecture (同州, roughly modern Weinan
Weinan
Weinan is a Municipality in the province of Shaanxi, PRC. The Grand Historian Sima Qian was born in Weinan.-Administration:...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
). In 634, Emperor Taizong recalled him to be the minister of ceremonies. In 637, he finished compiling a work on proper ceremonies, and for this contribution Emperor Taizong awarded him with silk and created one of his sons a baron. That year, he was also made the teacher of Emperor Taizong's favorite son Li Tai the Prince of Wei. By Emperor Taizong's orders, Li Tai treated Wang with honors due a teacher, and Wang also accordingly treated Li Tai as a student. Also around the time, Emperor Taizong's daughter Princess Nanping was due to marry Wang's son Wang Jingzhi (王敬直). At those times, the customs were that when a princess married into an official's household, her parents-in-law were to bow to her. Wang believed this to be improper -- that princesses needed to be in their proper roles as daughters-in-law, and therefore he instead accepted bows from Princess Nanping. After this, it became customary for princesses to bow to their parents-in-law. Similarly, in 638, Wang submitted a petition pointing out that it was improper to have the high level officials bow to imperial princes and that it should be the reverse -- a suggestion that Emperor Taizong was initially offended by and resisted, but after Wei Zheng pointed out that this would reduce speculations that imperial princes would take the place of the crown prince, Emperor Taizong approved Wang's suggestion.
It was said that when Wang was young and received help from others, he would not thank them. However, after he became an honored official, he sought those who had helped him in the past and repaid them greatly -- and if they had died already, repaid their families. He was kind in supporting his widowed sister-in-law and his nephews, and often helped clan members who were less fortunate. However, he was also criticized for not building an ancestral temple, instead only sacrificing to the ancestors privately at home. At one point, he was thus accused by other officials of being not filially pious. Emperor Taizong did not punish him, but had the ministry of constructions construct a temple for Wang to shame him.
In 639, Wang grew ill. Emperor Taizong ordered Princess Nanping to attend to him, and also sent Tang Jian
Tang Jian
Tang Jian was a famous diplomatist of Tang Dynasty.-Family:Tang's grandfather Tang Yong was the chancellor of Northern Qi Dynasty...
the minister of census to look after Wang's meals and medicines. Wang soon died, and Emperor Taizong mourned him. Emperor Taizong also sent Li Tai and the officials to attend Wang's wake.