← Explore on the interactive map

Zhang Shangying

Type Figure Region Northern Song Time 1043–1122 Also known as Zhang Tianjue、Layman Wujin、Wenzhong

Zhang Shangying (1043–1122), courtesy name Tianjue, styled Layman Wujin, from Xinjin in Shuzhou, was a Northern Song chancellor, calligrapher, and Bu…

Timeline

  1. 1101–1102Bianjing · Capital CircuitAfter Huizong's accession he served successively as vice minister of Revenue and of Personnel, taking part in central government affairs and laying the foundation for his later entry into the Grand Secretariat and chancellorship.
  2. 1102–1103Bianjing · Capital CircuitEarly in Chongning he was made Hanlin academician, then promoted to Right Vice Director and Left Director of the Department of State Affairs; his views clashed with Cai Jing and they denounced each other, until he was impeached by censors, dismissed, and made prefect of Bozhou, his name inscribed on the Yuanfu party register stele.
  3. 1106–1109Ezhou · Jinghubei CircuitBetween Chongning and Daguan he moved through local posts, serving as prefect of Bo, Qizhou, and Ezhou, and as superintendent of the Lingxian Temple and the Chongfu Abbey on Mount Song; amid his ups and downs he kept his eye on current affairs, preparing for his later return to the chancellorship.
  4. 1110Bianjing · Capital CircuitAfter Cai Jing's second dismissal, Zhang Shangying was recalled from Hangzhou and made Right Director of the Department of State Affairs and Vice Director of the Zhongshu; he swept away Cao Cao's abuses, changed the ten-string cash, restored the relay granaries, reformed the paper currency, abolished exactions, and pressed Huizong to curb extravagance and halt construction. On the day after his appointment, after a long drought, rain fell, and Huizong inscribed 'Shanglin' and bestowed it on him.

Sources