Stories from Ancient China: The Virtuous and Selfless Empress Changsun

"Able to lead the troupes during war time and able to give wise advice during peace time," "married to an unequalled emperor," and "rare virtuous Empress" were descriptions of Empress Changsun's life. It also was said that Emperor Tang Taizong not only could rely on his royal cabinet, but also on his virtuous and kind wife Empress Changsun.

Empress Changsun was born into an aristocratic family. She was given a traditional education during childhood, and this made her the sensible, virtuous, gentle, honest and the kind person she was known as. When she was very young, a fortune-teller said that she "carried the power of creation, had boundless virtue, let things follow the natural way, and would be very lucky and prosperous."

Changsun married Li Shimin, Taiyuan governor Li Yuan's second son, at the age of 13. Although she was young, she already lived by a woman's ethics, devotedly served her parents-in-law, helped her husband and educated her children. She was a very good daughter-in-law.

Li Shimin (Tang Taizong's original name) was young, very talented, and proficient in strategies and military tactics. At the age of 18, he rescued his father from a heavily armed enemy camp. When he was 20 years old, he already demonstrated the demeanour of a king. He was courteous and supportive of scholars. He spared no money to hire outstanding people. At the age of 21, he and his father Li Yuan staged a military coup and captured the capital city, Chang'an. Li Yuan declared himself Emperor Gauzu and established the new Tang Dynasty.

After Li Yuan declared himself Emperor, he granted Li Shimin the title Prince of Qin and put him in charge of the Guandong military. Within a few years, Li Shimin conquered all of the rebels and established a united China. Emperor Gauzu thus made him the Tian-Ce Commander, as Li Shimin secured the empire. Changsun was by his side, taking care of his daily needs, allowing Li Shimin to dedicate himself to battle.

In Tang Gauzu Wude's ninth year (626 A.D.), Emperor Gauzu renounced his throne and Li Shimin became Emperor Tang Taizong. Changsun became the Empress. This fulfilled the prediction of her "carrying the power of creation." As Empress, Changsun was not arrogant. She remained very humble and virtuous. She respected and diligently served her father-in-law, the former emperor. Every morning and night she paid her respects to him, and frequently reminded the palace maids of how to take care of him. She was just like an ordinary daughter-in-law, showing great filial piety. Changsun was very tolerant and obliging towards the imperial concubines. Her great virtue influenced everyone in the entire palace positively. Thus Emperor Taizong was able to focus on important state matters. Although Changsun was born into a high-ranking and rich family, she remained thrifty and lived a simple life. Her clothes and daily needs were unassuming and not expensive. Her diet and way of life was not extravagant nor costly. Therefore, a simple lifestyle in the palace became the norm.

Because of Empress Changsun's grace and virtue, Emperor Taizong paid great respect to her. He often discussed with her important state affairs and details about awards and punishments. Changsun held her own opinions, but she did not wish to interfere in important national affairs. She thought that men and women were different, thus should serve different duties. When Taizong insisted that she speak her mind, Changsun would respond, but only after careful consideration, "It can only suggest that we should think about danger when living in peace, and recruit capable people who are open to different opinions. Other than that, I cannot suggest anything else." She shared the principle, because she did not want to take up her emperor husband's time with detailed suggestions. She was very confident in the ability of Li Shimin's assistants.

Li Shimin firmly remembered his wife words, "Think about danger when living in peace," and "recruit capable people who are open to different opinions." At that time the entire country lived in peace. Many military officials slacked off at practising martial arts. During his spare time, Taizong would call those officials to practise their shooting technique. It seemed to be just for fun, but in fact it was a way for the military officers to practise their skills diligently. He used the results of the exercises as an important reference to promote and reward them. Under the rule of previous dynasties, only palace guards and very few special individuals were allowed to bring weapons into the palace. Someone thus reminded Taizong, "Those officers have their bows and arrows with them despite sitting near you. If someone plots or if there is a conspiracy to harm Your Majesty, that would be a disaster to the nation!" Li Shimin said, "I treat people forthrightly. I do not want suspect them." He appointed people based on their abilities, and entrusted them with heavy responsibilities. This was very much appreciated by his military and civil officers. This motivated the officers to be diligent and keep vigilant, even in peaceful times. The nation had strong soldiers and strong horses for a long time. They were not afraid of any external threat.

Regarding "recruiting capable people," Taizong also greatly benefited from that advice. He often said to his assistants, "For a man to see his face, he must use a mirror. For a King to know his own mistakes, he must use officers who can give honest criticisms." His top officer Wei Zheng was a very honest and straightforward man with great integrity. Wei Zheng was not reluctant to point out Tang Taizong's inappropriate behaviour and policies, and urge him rectify them. Tang Taizong respected him very much, often calling him an "honest criticising officer." But sometimes Wei Zheng would not ignore minor things, and Taizong sometimes felt offended. Once, Taizong felt like taking a large group of guards for hunting. When he was just about to leave the palace, he bumped into Wei Zheng. When Wei Zheng heard about his Emperor's foray, he immediately advised Taizong, "Now it is the second month of the spring, everything is sprouting, animals are nursing their young, so it is not a good time for hunting. Your Majesty, please return to the palace." Taizong insisted on hunting, Wei Zheng would not back off, and he stood in the middle of the road to block Taizong's way. Taizong was angry, so he got off the horse and returned to the palace.

When Taizong saw Empress Changsun, he angrily told her, "Sooner or later I will kill that old stubborn man!" The Empress was told the reason for the Emperor's anger. She did not say a word and left the room. When she returned, she was dressed in a formal dress and congratulated Emperor Taizong. Her act confused Taizong, so he asked, "What matter is so important?" She said, "I heard that an officer is willing to present his honest opinion only when the emperor is wise and open-minded. I would like to congratulate Your Majesty for having a cabinet member who is not afraid to contradict you, because it is a proof of Your Majesty's open-mindedness!" After hearing the Empress's words, Emperor Taizong felt the truth of it and calmed down. This indicates that Empress Changsun was not only very open and tolerant, but also held great wisdom.

Empress Changsun and Taizong's eldest son Li Chengqian was made crown prince at a very young age. Li Chengqian's nanny Madam Suian was in charge of controlling his daily expenses. At that time the palace was frugal, including the crown prince, whose purse strings were controlled tightly. Madam Suian often complained in front of Empress Changsun. She said, "The crown prince will be the future Emperor. His expenses should of course be paid for by the country. Now, his purse strings are kept so tight and everything around him is so shabby." She asked several times to increase his allowance, but Empress Changsun did not relax the rule just because he was her favourite son. Changsun said, "Being an Emperor, his future is before him. He should worry more about establishing his virtue and make a name for himself. He should not concern himself with his way of life and his expenses!" Her fairness and intelligence were well respected by many people in the palace.

Changsun Wuji was Empress Changsun's brother, and he was well versed in military and civil affairs. When he was young, he was already good friends with Li Shimin. He assisted Li Shimin in uniting the entire country and he was known for his great achievements. He should have ranked as a high level official. But, because his sister Changsun was Empress, he tried to avoid high positions at all times. Tang Taizong wanted Changsun Wuji to continue serving as the Prime Minister, but Empress Changsun said, "I am already Empress, one of the highest positions. I really do not want my brother to take a position in the cabinet. Otherwise it would be like a family business. The behaviour of Empress Lv of the Han Dynasty should be used as an example for making mistakes, and we should learn from others' mistakes." Tang Taizong did not want to accept her advice. He wanted to appoint Changsun Wuji because of his abilities and achievements. He felt that appointing people should be based on the talent solely, and relationships should not be counted. But Changsun Wuji also felt uneasy about his relationship with his sister, and did not want to be in a high ranking position. As a last resort, Taizong gave him a position that ranked high, but did not bring real political power. Changsun Wuji still did not want to accept it and argued, "I'm a relative of Your Majesty. If you appoint me as a high ranking official, I'm afraid people statewide would say that you are selfish." Tang Taizong said, "I appoint officials only based on abilities. If a person does not have abilities, even if he is my relative I won't appoint him. King of Xiangyi Shengfu is such an example. If he is capable, even if we were enemies I would use him, and Wei Zheng is such an example. Today's act is not because you are my relative." Changsun Wuji thus accepted it.

Afterwards Empress Changsun sent officials to reward Wei Zheng with 400 pieces of clothing and 400 Min (unit of money at that time), and passed words to him, "I heard you are honest. Now I see it, thus I want to reward you for that. I hope you can keep your honesty always and not change." Wei Zheng had Empress Changsun's support and encouragement. Therefore, he was even more diligent, loyal and spared no effort on behalf of the country. Only because of his loyalty and honesty, Taizong avoided many mistakes and became a great Emperor. In fact, Empress Changsun contributed to it as well.

In Zhenguan's eighth year, Empress Changsun went with Tang Taizong to tour and examine the state. On the way back she got a cold, which made her former chronic disease recur. Her condition worsened daily. Prince Chengqian pleaded to release prisoners and sent them to Daoist temples to pray for his mother's health. Court officials agreed, as they were grateful to Empress Changsun and cherished her great virtue. Even the straightforward Wei Zheng did not object. But Empress Changsun firmly opposed it. She said, "'Death and life are predestined. Riches and honours depend upon Heaven. It can not be changed by man's power. If practising goodness can extend life, I've constantly avoided doing bad things. If doing good deeds cannot prolong life, what's the use of praying for luck? Releasing prisoners is a big state matter. The Daoist temple is also a quiet cultivation place, and should not be disturbed because of me. Why disturb the state's law due to me?" She was clear on matters of principle and did not interfere in national affairs. Hearing what she said brought tears to people's eyes. Tang Taizong had to follow her will and thus gave up the plan.

Empress Changsun's sickness lasted for two years. She died in the Lizheng Palace in the hot summer of Zhenguan's tenth year, at the age of 36. Shortly before she passed away, she told Tang Taizong to treat kindly his virtuous officials, and not to appoint relatives to high-ranking positions. She also requested to be buried in a simple manner.

Tang Taizong did not completely obey Empress Changsun's will. He issued an order to construct a grand mausoleum. Inside the memorial park a tower was built so that the Empress's soul could look into far distances at any time. This great Emperor wanted to express his respect to his virtuous wife in such a manner.

Empress Changsun's virtuous, kind nature and selfless behaviour not only won respect from Tang Taizong and people who knew her, but also set a good example of a virtuous wife and good Empress for later generations.