Little Humor, Great Wisdom - Humor and Wisdom of World Famous People (Treasure Edition)

Author: Li Chunsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features:
2. Songtsen Gampo Reverses Roles to Win the Princess In the first half of the 7th century, a rising and prosperous Tibetan kingdom emerged in the southwestern region of the motherland. The Tibetan king (known as "Trisong Detsen," the title for the Tibetan king) was Songtsen Gampo. Songtsen Gampo (617–650) was a young hero with outstanding talent. Historical records praise him as "generous and talented," "brave and extraordinary with a generous nature," "full of brilliance," "proficient in craftsmanship, mathematics, and martial arts," and so on. He was truly knowledgeable in both literature and martial arts. Songtsen Gampo ascended to the throne at the age of thirteen and ruled from 629 to 650. After his accession, he relied on his uncle Gungyal and prime minister Thonmi Sambhota and other ministers to quickly suppress internal unrest and avert a split. Subsequently, he conquered the Suo and Yangtong tribes to complete the unification. Then, he decided to move the capital to Lhasa (present-day Lhasa). The Tibetan tribes and the Central Plains region had close economic and cultural ties long before. Especially in 634, after conquering the Suo and Yangtong tribes, Songtsen Gampo sent envoys to the Tang Dynasty to establish friendly relations. The Tang Dynasty also sent envoys to pay respects. Later, Songtsen Gampo sought a marriage alliance with the Tang Dynasty, sending prime minister Thonmi Sambhota to the Tang court to request the hand of a princess, arriving in Chang'an in October 640. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty granted his approval to the marriage proposal and decided to marry Princess Wencheng to Songtsen Gampo. Thus, since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Tang and Tibet, the Tibetan side had made four marriage proposals, and finally it was realized. However, folk tales tell a different humorous story about Songtsen Gampo's marriage proposal. Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty was not only beautiful in appearance but also exceptionally intelligent. Legend has it that when selecting a husband, she proposed an unusual condition: whoever could ask her a question that she couldn't answer would marry her. Many suitors came forward with various questions, but none could stump her. When Songtsen Gampo came to propose, he asked Princess Wencheng a question that left her speechless and agreed to marry him. The question Songtsen Gampo asked was: "Princess, what question should I ask to make you my wife?" There are countless "questions" in the world! Songtsen Gampo didn't ask about astronomy or geography, nor did he inquire about history, culture, mathematics, or agriculture—instead, he posed this "unique" question that struck at the very heart of their marriage prospects! Truly, behind every capable person stands another capable one! This question was incredibly clever. It used the other person's own method against them, approached the issue with humor, and turned the tables. It not only maintained etiquette and civilization but also left the other party speechless, forcing them to silently agree. Humor is not omnipotent, but sometimes, when other methods fail, it works! P6-P7