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Fang Xuanling, a famous prime minister of the founding of the Tang Dynasty, played a great role in the formation of the "Zhenguan Governance" in the early Tang Dynasty. Although he experienced ups and downs in his official career, he was still able to remain in office and was remembered by later generations. The secret is intriguing.

Fang Xuanling was smart and studious since childhood. He was not only knowledgeable and talented, but also had a keen political sense. When Li Shimin, the Prince of Qin, was just a young man, Fang Xuanling sensed his destiny. At that time, Li Yuan and his son had only been in power for two months, and everything was still unknown. Fang Xuanling was sure that the Sui Dynasty would be replaced by the Li Dynasty, so he resolutely "went to the military gate with a staff and a whip" and joined Li Shimin.

Fang Xuanling was mature and prudent, and his vision was long-term. Every time he won a battle, other generals rushed to grab the treasures, but Fang Xuanling was concerned about recruiting talents for Li Shimin and collecting books and classics from all over the country in preparation for the day when he would rule the country. Fang Xuanling's approach indirectly established a lofty image for Li Shimin as someone who was eager to seek talents, and seized the initiative in the struggle to win the hearts of the people. His foresight impressed Li Shimin,

Fang Xuanling played an important role as Li Shimin's counselor in the struggle for the throne during the "Xuanwu Gate Incident". Although Li Shimin was the second son at the time, he was given the title of "General of Heavenly Strategy" because of his outstanding military exploits, and was above all other princes. Crown Prince Li Jiancheng was suspicious of this and believed that Li Shimin would threaten his succession to the throne, so he joined forces with his fourth brother Li Yuanji to try to kill Li Shimin. Fang Xuanling strongly recommended that Li Shimin follow the example of Duke Zhou and get rid of Li Jiancheng and his accomplices, so as to consolidate the rule of the Li Tang Dynasty and ensure the stability and prosperity of the country. Fang Xuanling and Li Shimin hit it off, making him an important figure in promoting Li Shimin to launch a palace coup, thus laying the foundation for his special status after the King of Qin ascended the throne.

After Li Shimin ascended the throne, he appointed Fang Xuanling as Shangshu Zuo Pushe, acting as prime minister. During his 22-year career as prime minister, Fang Xuanling was loyal and devoted to the Zhenguan Reign. He worked day and night, taking care of everything personally, even condescending to serve as a "Duzhi Langzhong" to take care of the financial budget and accounts personally. His busyness made Li Shimin unbearable, and he once advised him in person not to make himself too tired all the time, but Fang Xuanling remained the same and remained unmoved.

Fang Xuanling knew very well that "Pride brings harm, humility brings benefit". When Li Shimin granted him the title of "Prince's Junior Tutor", he submitted a petition to relieve him of his confidential duties and withdraw from the power center. Li Shimin not only did not approve it, but also ordered him not to submit petitions again on the same issue. When the prince prepared the guard of honor to formally pay a visit to his teacher, Fang Xuanling never dared to accept such courtesy. Even though Fang Xuanling was in the position of prime minister, he was still humble and courteous, and carefully maintained the relationship between monarch and minister.

Fang Xuanling was truly a "prime minister with a big heart", and his broad mind was enough to impress other officials in the same dynasty. Once, when he was seriously ill and dying, a particularly sarcastic official said: "A person should distinguish between the important and the urgent. For example, the prime minister's illness, in my opinion, is very necessary to treat differently. Under normal circumstances, if Fang Xuanling is suffering from a minor illness, we should definitely go to visit him, because this can deepen the relationship with the prime minister, and the prime minister will also give us some favors in the future. If the prime minister is seriously ill, it is another matter, because once the prime minister dies of illness, you will never get back what you have paid for visiting him." After Fang Xuanling knew this, not only did he not get angry and retaliate, but he also smiled and said to the man when he came to visit him: "Thank you, I know I will be fine because you came to see me."

"Working hard for the country and doing everything possible" reveals Fang Xuanling's way of being an official; "being humble and open-minded, possessing both moral integrity and talent" further demonstrates the style of a famous prime minister in a prosperous era.