Text: Danfeng Feiyun
Hey, friends! On the vast territory of China, there is a city like a pearl polished by time, exuding a unique and charming historical light. It is Xingtai, which is known as the "Capital of Seven Zhaos".
As we all know, Xingtai has the reputation of the ancient capital of the five dynasties, in fact, Xingtai is also praised by the capital of the seven Zhaos. Xingtai was once moved to Xing Xiang since Zhao Xiangzi moved to Xing, and it was also known as Xing Xiang. Xing represents Jing Fang, Xing, Xingdu, Xingzhou, Xingdi, Xiangdi, and Xingdi. Xiang represents Zhao and Zhao's capitals Zhaodu, Xindu, Xiangdu and Xinde, all of which were Xingdi. This is also the source of Xingxiang culture.
Next, let us travel through time and space together to reveal the magnificent past of "Zhao Capital" in Xingtai.
1. The capital of Zhao Xiangzi: The rising star fire of Zhao State
In the late Spring and Autumn Period, it was an era of "rituals collapsed and music was broken" and the princes were fighting. In the Jin State, the six ministers fought for power and the situation was in chaos. At this moment, Zhao Xiangzi looked like a torch and chose Xingtai as the early capital of Zhao State.
Xingtai at that time was not considered a prosperous metropolis, but its geographical location was very important. It was connected to the State of Jin by Taihang Mountain on the left, and to the Mainland Ze and the Ancient Yellow River on the right, facing the State of Qi. Zhao Xiangzi started his "entrepreneurship journey" here. He attached importance to agricultural production, encouraged the people to reclaim wasteland and build water conservancy projects, so that grain output could be greatly increased, and the lives of the people gradually stabilized. At the same time, he recruited many talents, and warriors like Yu Rang were willing to serve him. With Zhao Xiangzi's efforts, Zhao State was like a newly ignited spark, and it began to slowly start a prairie fire on the land of Xingtai, laying a solid foundation for future development. Zhao Xiangzi laid the foundation for the territory of Zhao State. Because it was before the division of Jin by the three families, it was called Xiang State, which was still regarded as the history of Zhao State.
There are relics such as Prince Well, Xiangzi Hall, Yurang Bridge, and Zhao Xiangzi Temple in Xingtai.
Old photos of Xingtai Yurangqiao during the Republic of China
2. Zhao Guoxindu: The shining pearl in the warring states
During the Warring States Period, Xingtai had a new name - Xindu. It was established by Zhao Chenghou and built the Tantai Xindu Palace, which became one of the important capitals of Zhao State. During this period, Zhao State welcomed a great monarch, King Wuling of Zhao. He went to Xindu for five days, and opposed the opposition and implemented the "Hu Clothing, Horse and Shooting" reform, which brought about earth-shaking changes in Zhao's military power.
Xindu, as the political, economic and military center of Zhao State, witnessed the entire process of this reform. Imagine that on the streets of Xindu at that time, there were soldiers of Zhao State wearing Hu clothes and riding horses everywhere. They were heroic and had high morale. In the court in Xindu, the monarchs and ministers were discussing the country's development plans in heat. The letters are like a bright pearl, shining with unique light in the changes of the Warring States Period, allowing the State of Zhao to occupy a place in the disputes between the princes.
Tantai Smoky Rain is one of the twelve ancient Xingtai scenery, and it retains ancient Xingtai steles and other cultural relics.
Old photos of Tantai Yanyu (ancient Xingtai) in the Republic of China period
3. The Zhao king of Zhao at the end of Qin Dynasty expelled the capital of Zhao State: a place of hope for the dream of restoring the country
At the end of the Qin Dynasty, the world was in chaos, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang rose up, and the anti-Qin rebel army in various places was in full swing. The old nobles of the six countries also took the opportunity to restore the country. Zhao Xie, under the support of Zhang Er and Chen Yu, rebuilt Zhao State and established the capital of Xindu.
The Xindu at this time became a place of hope for the dream of restoring the country of Zhao. Although facing strong pressure from the Qin army, the military and civilians of Zhao did not retreat. They are united in Xindu and actively prepare for war. There are busy figures everywhere on the streets and alleys, and everyone is working hard to restore the country. Letters are like a lighthouse, guiding the people of Zhao in the dark and chaotic times. Until the fierce battle between Zhao and Qin broke out, the princes rescued Zhao Xie in Julu, Xiang Yu burned his boats and defeated the Qin army. The princes sent Zhao Xie from Julu to Xindu. Xiang Yu converted Xindu to Xiangguo and won the posthumous title of Zhao Xiangzi, and played the horn to destroy Qin.
The battle of Julu, the battle of the deer, the boats, the viewing on the wall, and the use of one to ten can be regarded as the allusion of the Zhao State of Zhao.
IV. Xiangguo (Du) of Zhang Er, Zhao State in the early Han Dynasty: a unique chapter in politics in the early Han Dynasty
In the early Han Dynasty, Zhang Er and Han Xin joined forces. In a battle against the enemy, they defeated Zhao Xie's main force of Zhao's army and killed Zhao Xie in Xindu. Zhang Er was named King of Zhao by Liu Bang, and Han Xin was named Prime Minister of Zhao. Zhao State still established its capital in Xiangguo (now Xingtai), and governed the former territory of Zhao State. Zhang Er was a storied figure in the late Qin and early Han dynasties. He made great achievements in the anti-Qin uprising and the Chu-Han War.
In Xiangguo, Zhang Er actively cooperated with the central government of the Han Dynasty to maintain peace and stability in the Zhao region. He attached importance to cultural education, encouraged literati and scholars to gather in Xiangguo, and promoted the prosperity of local culture. Under Zhang Er's rule, Xiangguo became a unique chapter in the political map of the early Han Dynasty, showing a different style. After that, his son Zhang Ao succeeded King Zhao.
The allusion left behind when fighting, pulling the flag and changing the flag, and being invincible.
5. The Sixteen Kingdoms of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Shile Zhao State, Xiangguo (Du): Historical Witness of National Integration
During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Shi Le, the leader of the Jie clan, established the Later Zhao regime and established the capital of Xiangguo. During this period, Xingtai ushered in a historical opportunity for great ethnic integration.
Shi Le implemented a series of policies conducive to national integration in Xiangguo. He valued Han officials and learned about Han culture and systems. On the streets of Xiangguo, you can see people from different ethnic groups living in harmony, they communicate and learn from each other. Agriculture, handicrafts and commerce have all developed greatly, and Xiangguo has become one of the most prosperous cities in the north. The rule of Shile Zhao State (known in history as Later Zhao State) in Xiang State was like a bridge connecting the culture and emotions between different ethnic groups and making important contributions to the integration of the Chinese nation.
Who is the one who is dead, is full of old fists, and is humble and cautious can be regarded as an allusion left by the Later Zhao Xiangguo during this period.
6. The Xiangguo (District) of Liu Xian of the Later Zhao Dynasty: the short-lived glory in troubled times
During the Sixteen Kingdoms period, the world was in chaos, and all forces were finished. During this period, Liu Xian, a general of the Later Zhao Dynasty, ascended the throne and became emperor in Xiangguo, and established the Liu family Zhao Kingdom (also known as the Xiang Empire), and the capital was still Xiangguo. Although his regime did not exist for a long time, Xiangguo still showed its important position in this short period of time. Liu Xian was also respected as Emperor Xiangguo.
Liu Xian actively organized the army in Xiangguo, trying to expand his sphere of influence. The people of Xiangguo still stick to their homes in troubled times and strive for survival and national dignity. Liu Xian and Zhao's Xiangguo are like a meteor. Although they are short-lived, they leave a dazzling light in the sky of history.
7. The capital of Zhao State in the Northern Zhou Dynasty: a quiet watch in the afterglow of history
During the Northern Zhou Dynasty, Yuwen Zhao was named King of Zhao by Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, and ordered the feudal land of Xiangguo to be the state of Zhao, and Xingtai once again became the capital of Zhao. Although Xiangguo at this time had no longer had the glory of the Warring States Period, it still had an important position in local politics.
Yuwen Zhao was the son of Emperor Wen of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Tai. He once attacked Qi and Jihu, and had outstanding military talents. He was named Queen Zhao and went to Xiangguo to enfeoff. The following year, he married his daughter Princess Qianjin to the Turks. Yuwen Zhao was the first to realize that Yang Jian had the intention of replacing Zhou. He invited Yang Jian to the Zhao Palace for a banquet, intending to kill Yang Jian in Hongmen Banquet, but failed. He was later executed by Yang Jian for revenge for a crime and was posthumously named King Ping of Zhao. After Yang Jian usurped the throne, he was changed to King Zhao.
After that, Yang Jian began to usurp the throne. Yuwen Tai's nephew Yuchi Jiong supported Yuwen Zhao's youngest son in Xiangguo and launched a battle to attack Yang Jian. He proclaimed himself the chief executive, claiming to set up various officials in accordance with the will of the emperor, and then issued an order in the name of Yuwen Zhao's son, causing the prefectures of the prime minister, such as the prime minister, Wei, Li, Mao, Ming, Bei, Zhao, Ji, Ying, Cang, and other prefectures, as well as the Qing, Jiao, Guang, and Ju, governed by Yuchi Jiong's disciple Yuchi Qin, to respond one after another, and the rebels reached hundreds of thousands. After 68 days of persistence, after the Battle of Qinshui and Yecheng, he was finally defeated and committed suicide. Yuwen Zhao's youngest son disappeared and Zhao State was destroyed.
The State of Zhao began in Xingtai and ended in Xingtai
Xingtai, a city known as the "Seven Zhao Capital", is like a living history textbook. It witnessed the entire process of Zhao's history from its rise, development to its decline. From Zhao Xiangzi's entry into Zhao's Kingdom to Yuwen Zhao's end, it can be said that Zhao began in Xingtai and finally Xingtai, a complete cycle. Since then, there has been no such vassal state of Zhao with military and political strength in history. The history of Zhao's capital establishment in Xingtai has also witnessed the changes in the history of the Chinese nation and the integration of nationality.
These historical relics and cultural traditions of the "Zhaodu" period are precious wealth of Xingtai and the common spiritual heritage of our Chinese nation. Nowadays, we should cherish these historical and cultural resources more, and let more people understand the history and culture of Xingtai through tourism, cultural exchanges and other means. I believe that in the days to come, Xingtai, an ancient and vibrant city, will surely shine more dazzling in the new era and continue its glorious chapter. Friends, let’s look forward to it together!
