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Zhang Jiucheng

Type Figure Region Zhejiang Time 1092–1159 Also known as Zishao、Layman Hengpu、Layman Wugou

Zhang Jiucheng (1092–1159), style name Zishao, a Southern Song Neo-Confucian scholar-official, top jinshi of 1132, exiled for opposing Qin Hui's peac…

Timeline

  1. 1092–1132Hangzhou · ZhejiangBorn in Yuanyou 7 (1092) of the Northern Song, in youth he studied under the Neo-Confucian master Yang Shi, deeply exploring the Book of Changes and Cheng Yi's learning while also studying Chan Buddhism, mastering both Confucian and Buddhist thought. He placed first in the 1132 imperial examination.
  2. 1132–1140Lin'an (Hangzhou) · ZhejiangAfter placing first he entered officialdom, serving as Proofreader in the Secretariat and other posts. He upheld resistance to Jin and clashed repeatedly with the peace faction led by Qin Hui, suffering suppression. Impeached in Shaoxing 10 (1140) for 'slandering court policy,' he was demoted.
  3. 1140–1155Nan'an Commandery (Dayu) · JiangxiExiled to Nan'an Commandery (modern Dayu, Jiangxi) for fourteen years, he devoted himself to teaching and writing, completing major Neo-Confucian works such as the Hengpu Collection and Detailed Commentary on the Book of Documents, blending Cheng Yi's learning with Chan thought and influencing a generation of scholars.
  4. 1155–1159Hangzhou · ZhejiangAfter Qin Hui's death (1155) he was pardoned and restored to office, but being advanced in years he died in Shaoxing 29 (1159). His scholarship later influenced Zhu Xi and others.

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