History of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

Chapter 304 Wang Jian Abandons the World 2
That year, the emperor was in Huazhou, and Han Jian committed the horrific "Sixteen Houses Massacre". Emperor Zhaozong of Tang also hoped for a peaceful and stable external environment, so he readily agreed to the reconciliation request, prepared to revise the state letter, and formally signed a peace agreement.

That year, Wang Jian had just annexed Dongchuan. When he heard that the imperial court was planning to normalize diplomatic relations with Nanzhao, he immediately submitted a memorial to refute the plan, saying that the barbarians were not worth mentioning, so why bother with the imperial edict? With me here, how dare they act so presumptuously!
The imperial court followed Wang Jian's advice and handed the Nanzhao issue over to the local authorities, who (Wang Jian, the governor of Xichuan) had full authority to handle it.

Wang Jian cursed at Nanzhao and threw a letter full of gunpowder at him: "You barbarian bastard! You want to restore the old friendship? Who destroyed the 'old friendship'? Why are you pretending to be a grandson? If you don't accept it, come to Chengdu and play around. I will let you die miserably here!"

Signed: You build the society.

Nanzhao listened attentively, and indeed did not dare to say a word.

In fact, Wang Jian took on the "Nanzhao Project" mostly out of his own selfish interests.

First of all, Wang Jian, who occupied the two Sichuans, did not want to see the Nanzhao issue resolved peacefully. The reason was simple: to keep the enemy at bay would only bring harm to oneself. Secondly, Wang Jian did not want the central forces to get involved in the affairs of Nanzhao, in order to prevent the infiltration of the central forces in the two Sichuans and ensure his absolute control over the two Sichuans.

Regardless of his purpose, Wang Jian rejected Nanzhao's request for peace with an extremely tough attitude. He was mighty and domineering, and he promoted the prestige of the Celestial Empire, becoming an idol of patriotic young people and gaining countless fans.

In November of the fourth year of Qianhua (914), in order to divert domestic conflicts, the ruler of Nanzhao, Zheng Renmin (son of Zheng Maisi), once again launched an aggressive war and invaded Lizhou (Former Shu).

Wang Jian sent out the "Three Attacks" - Wang Zongfan, Wang Zongbo and Wang Zongshou to lead the army to resist.

In the first battle, the Former Shu army killed its prime minister Zhao Zhazheng, and in the second battle, they destroyed 13 camps and captured and killed tens of thousands of people. Nanzhao was defeated and fled, and tens of thousands of people fell off the cliff on the way to escape, suffering heavy casualties.

Wang Zongfan built a floating bridge over the Dadu River and reported to Wang Jian, requesting permission to cross the river and fight across the border, intending to incorporate Nanzhao into the territory of Former Shu in one go.

Wang Jian issued an urgent decree to stop the incident and ordered them to return to the capital immediately and not to fight across borders.

According to historical records, from then on, "Nanzhao no longer invaded the border." Through a "self-defense counterattack against the barbarians," Wang Jian completely solved the Nanzhao problem that had plagued the Tang Dynasty for decades, and there was no war in the southwest since then.

Suppressing Nanzhao was one of Wang Jian's great achievements.

Wang Jian once wrote a "Book of Admonitions to His Son" to the former crown prince Wang Zongyi. It contained Wang Jian's self-evaluation and admonitions to Wang Zongyi. The text reads: "I hold up a three-foot sword and transform my family into a country... Therefore, all officials and people love me as their parents and respect me as heaven and earth. You have been born into wealth and do not know the difficulties of starting a business..."

This article was included in the Complete Tang Poems and was named "Admonitions to My Son Yuanying" because after Wang Zongyi was made the crown prince, he changed his name to Wang Yuanying.

It can be seen that Wang Jian had a very good self-image, believing that he was "respectful, frugal, cautious, hardworking and kind", and that the people of the country loved him like their parents and respected him like heaven and earth.

However, as mentioned earlier, before his death, he said that he saw countless wronged souls of the people surrounding him, scolding him for his heavy taxes.

When Wang Jian first came to rule Xichuan, he did encourage farming, pacify refugees, and develop the economy, making Sichuan one of the richest regions at the time. However, he did adopt a high tax policy, which put a heavy burden on the people. Once on his birthday, his adviser Feng Juan presented him with a "Birthday Ode", the first half of which praised Wang Jian's merits, and the second half described the hardships of the people.

Wang Jian was deeply moved after hearing this, and exclaimed: "With a loyal and courageous person like you by my side, there is no need to worry about not achieving great things!" He then rewarded Feng Juan handsomely and reduced taxes.

However, after Wang Jian proclaimed himself emperor, he restored heavy taxes and levies, and the burden on the people became increasingly heavier.

It is said that Wang Jian racked his brains to come up with a tax, and almost all goods in Shu were subject to tax, which made the people miserable. Once, Wang Jian personally inspected the silkworm market in Chengdu. Seeing the bustling crowds and the prosperous trade, he suddenly got inspired and said to his attendants: "The silkworm business is so hot, let's set up a mulberry tree tax, which will definitely make money!"

The news spread quickly, and the people were terrified. All the mulberry trees outside Chengdu were cut down overnight. This shows how heavy the taxes were in the Former Shu Dynasty.

Feng Juan repeatedly advised Wang Jian to reduce taxes. Wang Jian also valued him very much. When preparing to establish the country, Feng Juan and Wei Zhuang were both selected by Wang Jian as prime ministers.

Unlike Wei Zhuang who actively helped Wang Jian to become emperor, Feng Juan firmly opposed Wang Jian's becoming emperor, just as Zhang Chengye opposed Li Cunxu's becoming emperor. When Wang Jian officially became emperor, Feng Juan firmly resigned from the position of prime minister, stayed indoors, and soon died of grief and anger.

After Wang Jian's death, Crown Prince Wang Zongyan ascended the throne.

(End of this chapter)