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Wang Zeng

Type Figure Region Northern Song Time 979–1038 Also known as Wang Xiaoxian、Wang Wenzheng、Duke of Yi

Wang Zeng (979–1038), courtesy name Xiaoxian, from Yidu in Qingzhou, was a famous chancellor of the Northern Song.…

Timeline

  1. 1022–1025Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureAfter Emperor Renzong ascended the throne he was made chancellor, memorialized to establish the curtain-listening ceremony for Empress Dowager Liu following Eastern Han precedent, and with Lü Yijian and others drove out the domineering chancellor Ding Wei, stabilizing the early Qianxing political situation and providing an institutional framework for Empress Dowager Liu's regency.
  2. 1033–1034Henan Prefecture (Luoyang) · Henan PrefectureAfter Empress Dowager Liu died and Emperor Renzong personally took over government, Wang Zeng was promoted to military commissioner of the Tianping Army, chancellor, and governor of Henan Prefecture, participating in personnel adjustments at the center in the early years of personal rule.
  3. 1034–1037Bianjing (Kaifeng) · Eastern Capital Kaifeng PrefectureIn the first year of Jingyou he was recalled as commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, and in the second year was again made chancellor and enfeoffed as Duke of Yi. Due to disagreements with Lü Yijian over appointments, the two argued before the emperor and were both dismissed from the chancellorship, with Wang Zeng sent out to govern Yunzhou.
  4. 1037–1038Yunzhou · YunzhouAfter dismissal from the chancellorship he governed Yunzhou as Left Vice Director and Grand Academician of the Zizheng Hall. In the winter of the first year of Baoyuan a great star fell into his bedchamber; he had said 'in one month you will know,' and he died suddenly of illness on schedule at age sixty-one, posthumously granted the title Minister of Attendants and the name Wenzheng.

Sources