Emperor Taizong of Tang is remembered as the ruler who brought China into its golden age.
Among his ministers was Wei Zheng, a man of unshakable integrity and upright character. Fearless in speech, he never hesitated to speak the truth—whether offering counsel or issuing rebuke—guiding the emperor to govern with justice and balance. Yet to Taizong, Wei Zheng was often a thorn in his side. Time and again, his stern admonitions checked the emperor’s impulses, insisting on principle and reason. Taizong’s frustration flared into anger; at times, he even considered having Wei Zheng executed. In that era, to remonstrate with an emperor wielding absolute power was nearly the same as risking one’s life. Still, Wei Zheng
stood firm, continually reminding his sovereign of self-restraint and the greater good. Though often exasperated, Taizong kept him close until the very end.
When Wei Zheng passed away from illness, Emperor Taizong was deeply saddened and said:
“With bronze as a mirror, one can correct one’s appearance; with the history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of nations; with people as a mirror, one can distinguish right from wrong. Now that Wei Zheng is gone, I have lost a most precious mirror.”
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