In the long history of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Di launched the Jingnan Campaign, ultimately changing the course of the empire. In this power struggle, two key figures, Li Jinglong and Gu Wang, opened the gates of Nanjing to welcome Zhu Di's army into the city. This action not only determined the outcome of the war, but also sealed their own fate.

Li Jinglong, originally an important general of Emperor Jianwen Zhu Yunming, served under him during the early stages of the Jingnan Campaign, defending Jinan against Zhu Di's attacks. However, as the war progressed, Li Jinglong's attitude changed. When Zhu Di's army approached Nanjing, he chose to betray and open the city gates to welcome Zhu Di inside. Although this action facilitated Zhu Di's ascent to the throne, it also completely ruined Li Jinglong's political future. After Zhu Di took the throne, Li Jinglong was not given any important position but instead marginalized due to his previous betrayal, ending his political career in obscurity.

Gu Wang, as a close confidant of Emperor Jianwen, was also a staunch opponent of Zhu Di. But at the crucial moment, he chose to surrender, just like Li Jinglong. Gu Wang's act of opening the city gates did not earn him Zhu Di's trust. After Zhu Di took the throne, he punished Gu Wang, stripping him of his title and putting him under house arrest until his death. Gu Wang's betrayal did not bring him wealth and honor but instead accelerated his downfall.

The choices made by Li Jinglong and Gu Wang may seem like acts of self-preservation or an acceptance of Zhu Di's inevitable victory on the surface. However, their endings demonstrate that in political struggles, betrayal is often not forgiven. Although their actions briefly influenced the fate of Nanjing, ultimately, their names became synonymous with treason and served as a warning to future generations. When evaluating the actions of Li Jinglong and Gu Wang, we must not only consider their impact on the war situation but also reflect on the lessons their fate holds for posterity. In the game of power, the line between loyalty and betrayal is often thin, and their stories serve as eternal warnings, reminding us to carefully consider the consequences when making choices.

　　Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from the internet and the copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement of your original copyright, please inform us and we will delete the relevant content as soon as possible.