More importantly, during the multiple throne changes in the Northern Song Dynasty, the three yamen were often more active and played an important role that cannot be ignored. The following three typical examples are:

First, when the Yingzong was established, Prime Minister Han Qi was the "strategist", but Li Zhang, the deputy commander in front of the palace, assisted Prime Minister Han Qi, which also played an important role in stabilizing the political situation at the beginning of the Yingzong's accession to the throne.

Li Zhang was the son of Li Yonghe, Renzong's uncle. Renzong made him the deputy capital commander in front of the palace, which embodied the profound meaning of Tuogu. The "Biography of Li Zhang in the History of the Song Dynasty" records: "Renzong wrote the words "Zhongxiao Li Zhang" and gave it to him by his secretary. The banquet was given by the secretary. Nearby ministers gathered in the Jade Palace, drank half a cup, ordered two large cups, and drank Han Qi and Zhang, if they belong to anyone." After the Yingzong came to the throne, the current situation was indeed uneasy. One of the Yingzong's successors was the vassal outside the imperial family, and there were many people in the royal family who wanted to covet him. For example, Empress Cao of Renzong said: "It's just a royal family. After he was established, no one will fight for it?" [7] (Volume 198 note quoted from "Zhibi") Beihai County Prince Zhao Yunbi even thought that he was "the most respectful of subordinates and has an unjust heart." He publicly threatened: "If Tuan Lian Envoy (referring to Ying Zong) is the emperor, why not establish Zun Xing?" He is one generation senior than Ying Zong, and the so-called "Zun Xing" refers to himself. Secondly, the soldiers are greedy for money and hope for rewards. The Imperial Guards may have told the story of Qianxing (Renzong ascended the throne), and there was gold in the food given. When the palace gave food, everyone saw that there was nothing in the food, and they all thought it was a lie." [7] (Volume 198) The morale of the army was fluctuating.

During this politically sensitive period, Li Zhang lived up to Renzong's expectations. His role was reflected in the following three aspects: First, in "in front of the Zhaodian, the deputy commander of the Ma Bu Army, the Marquis of Duyu and the clan governor came to the palace to issue decrees." At that time, the status of the Yingzong was further established. "The soldiers in front of the Jie Palace said: 'Now that you have entered the palace, when you see my mountain calling for worship, you will be able to call me.'" Zhi (actually Li Zhang) buckled down the palace steps and said to Prime Minister Bai: "I want to go to the palace to see the officials." After Qi reported it, he later promised it. At that time, Yingzong distributed quilts and covered them with hats. He asked (Zhang) Xu Jinhu to brush the development, inspected it, went down to the palace mountain to worship, and the people in front of the palace followed the mountain. "Hello". (Note: In April of the 8th year of Jiayou's reign in Volume 198 of "Changbian", Li Tao quoted from Cai's "Zhibi" and textual research said: "At this time, the commander-in-chief of the palace was Li Zhang, and Hao Zhi was actually the commander-in-chief of Ma Jun." "Zhibi" was wrongly written." Therefore, it was changed to Li Zhang's affair.) Second, he rejected the proposal of the ruler to increase the defense of the capital. History said: "The emperor (Renzong) collapsed, and the ruler wanted to increase the number of soldiers in the capital. Zhang said: 'Example After many generations, it is not appropriate to change things easily.'" [10] ("Li Zhang Biography") The third is to reprimand the arrogant soldiers and stabilize the morale of the army in a timely manner. "Li Zhang, the deputy commander in front of the palace, called his elders and said: 'You Cao Ping was the county magistrate of food and clothing, and he was rewarded by his superiors even before he came to the government. If you have any merits, you will be killed if you dare to make noise! ​​"Everyone is determined." For this, people at that time had a high evaluation of him alongside Han Qi, "At that time, the dynasty It is said that with such a prime minister and a commander-in-chief, the world will not be in chaos." [7] (Volume 198 note quoted from "Zhibi")

Second, the deputy commander in front of the palace, Yanda, cooperated with Prime Minister Cai Que and others, and played an important role in ensuring that Zhezong successfully succeeded to the throne.

During the reign of Shenzong and Zhezong, there were political suspicions that Empress Dowager Gao "had a plan to abolish Zhezong" (that is, to replace Zhezong with Yong Wang Zhao Hao) and Cai Que and others supported Zhezong and "Yuanfeng received special honors due to his legacy". In the future, Yuanyou and Shao Shengxin, in the old party disputes, the new party all advocated this theory, while the old party tried their best to argue against their false accusations, and even had the work of "New Records and False Accusations" and Shao Bowen's "Discussing False Accusations". Due to the National History of Shenzong and Zhezong, ", "Records" have been repeatedly tampered with by both parties, and neither of them is believed in history. It is very difficult to completely clarify the historical truth. But what is certain is that around Zhezong's accession to the throne, there was indeed a fierce struggle between various political forces with different political views at that time. The result was that Zhezong came to power but Empress Dowager Gao was regent, and the two sides temporarily compromised and came to an end. Regarding this, Mr. Deng Guangming and Mr. Qi Xia have preliminarily elaborated on this in famous works such as "Wang Anshi, Political Reformer of the Northern Song Dynasty" and "Wang Anshi's Reform". The author plans to discuss this in On the basis of this, we will conduct detailed research in another article. Here we only summarize the conclusion and focus on analyzing the role of Yanda, the deputy commander of the palace in front of the palace.

To put it simply, Empress Dowager Gao has been opposed to Shenzong, and Wang Anshi and others have been implementing the New Deal for a long time. King Yong Zhao Hao is not only her beloved son, but they are also completely consistent in opposing the new law. They once joined forces to attack Shenzong and forced him to remove Wang Anshi. According to Volume 3 of "Shao's Hearing and Seeing Record" records: "After Shenzong retired Sima Wen Gong, all the righteous people were lured away, and only Wang Jinggong was used. He completely changed the ancestral laws and used troops to achieve profit, and the world began to be in chaos. The emperor served the Queen Mother for one day, Went with King Qi (i.e. Zhao Hao) to the Palace of the Empress Dowager (i.e. Empress Dowager Gao)... The Empress Dowager said: "I heard that the people are suffering a lot from the young crops and the money to help them, so I should pardon them." The emperor was not convinced and said: "To benefit the people is not a matter of suffering." The Empress Dowager said: "Wang Anshi is indeed talented and learned, but there are many people who resent him. The emperor wants to cherish and preserve him, so it is better to leave him temporarily and call him back when he is still old." He said: "Among the officials, only An Shi can take charge of the country." King Qi said: "The words of the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager are the most important words. Your Majesty must not fail to think about it." The emperor was angry and said: "I am the one who ruined the world." Yes? You do it yourself.' King Qi cried and said: 'How can it be so?' They are all unhappy and give up." Shenzong's words "you do it yourself" were quoting Taizong's words when he forced Taizu's son Zhao Dezhao to commit suicide. It can be seen that he was deeply suspicious of him. When Shenzong was on his deathbed, Zhao Hao first advocated for Empress Dowager Gao to be the regent. "In February, Shenzong became seriously ill. Xin Mao, the assistant minister came to ask questions. When he arrived at Zichen Hall, Hao invited him in the corridor and said: ' The emperor's illness is urgent, and military and state affairs should ask the Empress Dowager to hang up the curtain. "The assistant ministers were shocked." With the acquiescence of Empress Dowager Gao, the Queen Mother's ambition to seek the throne became more and more intense, like "The prince has not yet been established, and there are fierce wars at home and abroad. The emperor's younger brother Yong Wanghao asked about the illness, and he often passed through When they reached the tent, the Empress Dowager said, she saw that the palace ladies did not avoid them, Shenzong looked at them angrily, Hao was no longer afraid." "He also begged to stay in the hospital to serve the sick, the Queen tried hard, and King Jing Kai also begged to stop her, but she was not allowed to stay. Although several records were written by the New Party, they are generally consistent with the facts.

Under this situation, it became a question whether Zhezong could succeed his father. In view of this, Song Shenzong entrusted Cai Que and Yanda to take action. History said: "The more urgent the matter, the more likely Huizong's mother will be." When he was imprisoned, the empress sent an edict to Que, entrusting the chief military officer Yanda and others to assist him, and because of the internal servant Yan Shouqin's edict, the decision was made early." Cai Que was the prime minister at the time, and Shenzong's evaluation of him was: "all the ministers have done it. If the former emperor left me behind, if he is indeed a minor official and has been promoted to this point by me personally, he will definitely live up to me. However, if the spirit is weak, it can only be helped by others." [7] (Volume 352 Li Tao's note) Therefore, the front of the palace was specially designated. The deputy capital commander ordered Yanda to assist him. Of course, his intention was to use military strength to back up Cai Que.

Yanda, who was the deputy commander in front of the palace at the time, was a trusted general promoted by Shenzong of the Song Dynasty. "Shenzong was trusted with his loyalty. Every time Yan saw him, he was not uneasy." [10] ("The Biography of Yanda") He was very fond of Shenzong

He was also loyal and loyal. On the eve of his appointment as crown prince, after Cai Que sent his younger brother Cai Shuo to convey Shenzong's wishes, Cai Que immediately said: "I am willing to do my best to help my husband (referring to Prime Minister Cai Que)."[7](

Volume 352 Note) Cai and Yan, one civil and one military, combined their civil and military forces to put greater pressure on Empress Dowager Gao, Zhao Hao and others, forcing them not to dare to act rashly. Fang accepted the compromise of making Zhe Zong the crown prince and Empress Dowager Gao regent.

Plan. Being able to achieve this result was a better choice for the reform faction headed by Shenzong under the unfavorable conditions at the time.

Not only did Yanda assist Prime Minister Cai Que with force when he made Zhezong the crown prince, but before and after Zhezong ascended the throne, he also had no scruples and asked him to personally lead 60 fully armed middle- and lower-level officers to guard the east side of the palace just in case.

Outside the gate, historical records record: "The gods were promoted to the imperial examination and stayed at the inner east gate. All the officials came to the court and entered through the Chui Gong Hall, and the royal princes entered through the inner east gate. (Yan) Da said to the people: 'The emperor is new.

As soon as I ascend the throne, I will sit here in armor to prepare for emergencies. If a traitor comes in with the royal family, something unexpected will happen, and how can everyone distinguish it.' When he was about to enter the memorial, someone might stop him and say: 'It's a matter of the royal family.

, It is not what I should say, and I may be punished if I say it." Da said: "I have been greatly favored by the late emperor, and I have always been promoted to the forefront. If I say what I say, there is no regret even if I die!" Then he played it. The minister praised it. "[

7] (Note in Volume 353) At Yanda's request, the Song court broke with the norm and allowed Yanda to lead the military academy to "sit in armor and stay close to each other" at the inner east gate day and night. (Note: Such as "Changbian" Volume 353 Yuan Feng

In March of the eighth year, Li Tao quoted from "Secret Notes" and said: "On March 5th, Yanda sent a commander in front of the palace to send sixty people to the inner east gate to sit in armor and join hands to guard, in accordance with the order." He also researched it and said.

: "Only Yanda begged to stay outside the east gate, which was unprecedented... It must have been Da Chuang's request, and it was not an old practice." It can be seen that this move was indeed made by Yanda's own opinion.) Yanda's move

, intended to prevent those from the royal family who came in and out through the inner east gate who might be unfavorable to Zhe Zong, which was obviously of great significance to Zhe Zong's successful accession to the throne. From this perspective, Shenzong believed that he was "loyal and trustworthy" and he was indeed a good person.

Third, Yuhou, the infantry capital (Note: Wang Ming and Qing: Volume 1 of "Hui Piao Yu Hua" says that He Guan was the palace commander at that time, but there is no record of it in the "History of the Song Dynasty", and at that time there was Wang Zongchu, the deputy capital commander in front of the palace.

See Volume 1 of "Records of the Years Since Jianyan". According to the original biography of "History of the Song Dynasty", He's position at this time was actually the Marquis of Yu, the Infantry Army, in charge of Gou, the Director of the Infantry Army. He was looking for the deputy commander of the Infantry Army.)

He Guan was in Hui, and when he was in Zen, he used force as the backing to frighten King Yun Zhao Kai's attempt to seize the throne. He Guan, a native of Kaifeng, was famous for his good shooting. He accumulated military exploits in the last years of Huizong and became the infantry capital Yuhou, Guan Gou

The infantry officer Hui led troops into the defense at the time of Qin Nei Zen. At that time, the Jin army was marching southward and the country in the Northern Song Dynasty was in dire straits. The royal family of the Northern Song Dynasty should have worked together to fight against the national calamity, but due to Huizong and Qinzong's father and son, there had always been a feud

, As early as the last year of Xuanhe, Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty favored his third son, King Yun, Zhao Kai, and had already begun to depose him. According to Hu Yin, a contemporary, "Emperor Yuan Sheng was in the East Palace, and in the year of Xuanhe, Wang Fu often tried to shake him. (

Geng) Nan Zhong was an official in the East Palace and had nothing to do with his plans, so he took refuge with Li Bangyan, the right prime minister. Bangyan was favored and favored at that time, and he was plotting for the future. Every time he was slandered by Wang Fu, he often resolved disputes."[16]

(Volume 27) When Huizong was eager to escape the Jin soldiers and take the throne, Zhao Kai ignored the overall situation and still tried to seize the throne with the instigation of the eunuchs. "The Biography of He Guan in the History of the Song Dynasty" records: "The emperor Zen inside, Guan led the troops into

When Wang Kai of Wei Yun came to the door and wanted to enter, he said: "The important matter has been decided. Why is the king here by order?" The leader retreated in fear." There is a more detailed description of this matter in the notes of the Song Dynasty, such as Wang Mingqing's "Wai Shuo"

Volume 1 of "Yu Hua" says: "At the end of Xuanhe, Youling wanted to meditate internally. He called it a disease and ordered him to call the East Palace. First, when Qin Zong was in Zhu's residence, he was not satisfied with the tyranny of the lucky ministers, so that dozens of internal servants supported him.

King Yun Kai arrived at the gate of the palace. At that time, He Guan, the commander of the palace, guarded the imperial guard and resisted him with his sword. King Yun stepped forward and said, "Don't you know Kai Ye, Taiwei?" Guan pointed to his sword to show it and said, "Although I know your Majesty, I know you."

, but this thing does not know the ear.' They were all afraid of the change and retreated, so they urgently urged Qinzong to join the throne." He Guan's obstruction became a key factor in crushing Zhao Kai and others' attempts to seize the throne.

To sum up, the Sanya did play a relatively important role in the succession of the throne in the Northern Song Dynasty. This is not surprising, because under the ancient authoritarian regime, the succession of the throne was often a politically sensitive period when various forces competed for it.

Although in the Northern Song Dynasty, military officials were not allowed to interfere in politics, but the generals of the three yamen, especially the palace commanders and deputy commanders, as powerful figures who directly held the military power of the imperial army in the capital, their status was naturally very important.

However, the participation of the three yamen in the succession of the throne in the Northern Song Dynasty also showed distinct characteristics of the times, that is, they were disciplined and beneficial. Fraudulent means that they often functioned under the control of civil servants headed by the prime minister, and no longer acted as a political entity like the late Tang and Five Dynasties.

Independent groups emerged, and they often took the initiative to cooperate closely with the prime minister and other civilian ministers. More importantly, although force was the backing of the three yamen generals, the actual use of force to solve problems almost never happened in the Northern Song Dynasty.

They mainly serve as a military deterrent to assist the prime minister; beneficial refers to the appropriate intervention of the three Yamen generals in the succession of the throne. In most cases, they have played an irreplaceable positive role in stabilizing the political situation. As mentioned earlier, when Yingzong ascended the throne,

This is true for Li Zhang when Zhezong ascended the throne, He Guan when Qinzong ascended the throne, etc. In recent years, an expert on Song history wrote an article and pointed out: "In the political life of the Song Dynasty, the color of barbarism and ignorance was fading.

The color of civilization and rationality is increasing, and the degree of civilization and rationalization of political operations has been greatly improved."[17] As a military commander with a heavy army, the Sanya was able to play the above-mentioned good role in the change of the throne. It should be said that it was the politics of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Chapter completed!