Wang Zhi

Timeline

1. c. 1465–1476Capital · Northern ZhiliAfter the Datengxia campaign he entered the palace as a young boy, first serving in the Zhaode Palace, then managing affairs of the Imperial Stables Directorate. Young and quick-won, he gained the Chenghua emperor's trust. In the twelfth year of Chenghua, the sorcerer Li Zilong colluded with palace attendants in a plot; when it was exposed and he was executed, the emperor sought ever more intelligence on outside affairs. Wang Zhi was ordered to lead runners in plainclothes reconnaissance, paving the way for the Western Depot's establishment.
2. 1477–1482Western Depot, Capital (in front of Lingji Palace) · Northern ZhiliIn the first month of Chenghua 13 the Western Depot was established; Wang Zhi directed its officers and runners in intelligence work, using Guard Centurion Wei Ying as his agent. Successive great cases arose, and his power exceeded that of the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Grand Secretary Shang Lu, Minister of War Xiang Zhong and others memorialized to abolish it; the Western Depot was briefly revoked then restored. Wang Zhi again allied with Wang Yue and Chen Yue, interfering in frontier affairs, and awed court and country.
3. 1482–1483Nanjing · Southern ZhiliAfter frontier setbacks, censors' successive impeachments, and satirical performances by palace actors, the Chenghua emperor distanced himself from Wang Zhi. In Chenghua 18 the Western Depot was abolished again; in 19 Wang Zhi was transferred to the Imperial Stables Directorate at Nanjing, soon demoted to palace attendant, and his followers Liang Fang, Wei Ying and others were purged. In the early Hongzhi reign, Chenghua-era favorites continued to be dismissed, ending the Western Depot's political legacy.