李太后与张居正改革

在明朝万历时期的张居正改革中,神宗之母李太后起了十分重要的作用。这体现在两个方面:其一,在万历初年“主少国疑”,内阁又与司礼监发生权力之争的动荡局势下,李太后提拔、倚重冯保和张居正,罢黜高拱,建立起由她主政的内阁与司礼监协调一致的体制,稳定了政局,为张居正改革提供了组织保证。其二,信赖、支持张居正,全力进行改革朝政的事业。李太后不仅赋予张居正处理军政事务的大权,使其拥有推行改革的权威,而且在改革遭到守旧派反对和攻击时,也态度鲜明地支持张居正,粉碎一次又一次阻挠改革的逆流。此外,她在教育、管束万历小皇帝,使其保持对改革的热情和支持方面,也下了不小的功夫。不过,张居正病逝后,明神宗掀起“黜张”活动,否定改革时,李太后却表现出缄默、纵容甚或支持的态度。这是由封建统治者只重权位,不顾信义,以及无法长期忍受改革所带给她们的种种限制所造成的。

Empress Dowager Li and Zhang Juzheng's Reformation

Empress Dowager Li was one of the most important figures for Zhang Juzheng's reformation in the following two aspects: Firstly, she helped Zhang Juzhang to build his power circle. She promoted Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao to take the power when the Cabinet and the Sili Jian made political struggles during the early Wanli period since the Emperor Shengzong was young. Secondly, she supported Zhang Juzheng's reformation by not only to endow him political and military highest power but also to support his reformation openly when Zhang was opposed. Moreover, she paid much attention to educate young Emperor Wanli to support Zhang's reformation. However, Emperor Shengzong reversed Zhang Juzheng's reformation and gave his family punishment after Zhang Juzheng passed away, Empress Dowager Li kept silent and connived.