Little Humor, Great Wisdom – Humor and Wisdom from World Famous Figures (Treasure Edition)

Author: Li Chunsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-27
Features:
2. Songtsen Gampo Turns the Tables 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 "tsenpo," 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 exceptional, with a generous nature," "full of brilliance," "proficient in craftsmanship, mathematics, and martial arts," and so on, making him knowledgeable in both literature and martial arts. Songtsen Gampo ascended to the throne at the age of thirteen and reigned 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 turmoil 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 (modern-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 Lobsang Tamdrin to the Tang court to request the hand of a princess in 640. October. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty granted the marriage request and decided to marry Princess Wencheng to Songtsen Gampo. Thus, since the establishment of diplomatic ties between Tang and Tibet, the Tibetan people had made four marriage requests, and it was finally fulfilled. 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 she couldn't answer would marry her. Many suitors came forward with all sorts of questions, but none could stump her. When Songtsen Gampo came to propose, he directly 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 asked such a "unique" question that struck at the very heart of their marriage prospects! Truly, behind every capable person is another capable person! This question was incredibly clever. It used the other person's method against them, approached the issue with humor, and turned the tables. It not only maintained etiquette and civilization but also left the other person speechless, forcing them to silently agree. Humor isn't always, but sometimes, when other methods fail, it works! P6-P7