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Zheng Tian

Type Figure Region China Time c. 821–883 Also known as Zheng Taiwen

Zheng Tian (c. 821–883) was a prominent late-Tang chancellor who served under Xuanzong and Xizong, rising to Zhongshu Shilang and Tongpingzhangshi.

Timeline

  1. c. 821–870Chang'an · Jingzhao PrefectureZheng Tian came from the Zheng clan of Xingyang. After passing the jinshi examination he served as Hanlin Academician, Zhongshu Shilang and other posts, valued at court for his literary talent and statecraft, and was an important civil official since Xuanzong's reign.
  2. 871–878Chang'an · Jingzhao PrefectureAppointed chancellor in the second year of Xiantong, he took part in court decision-making. When the Huang Chao uprising spread, he strongly advocated combining appeasement with military force, but was later briefly dismissed as chancellor due to policy disagreements with Lu Xie.
  3. 880–883Fengxiang · Fengxiang PrefectureAfter Emperor Xizong fled to Sichuan, Zheng Tian took up station at Fengxiang, commanding the defenses of all armies within Guannei. He issued a call to arms urging the regional governors to rally to the emperor, personally directing the counterattack of Wang Chongrong, Li Keyong and others, and played a key role in recapturing Chang'an.
  4. 883Fengxiang · Fengxiang PrefectureHe died in office at Fengxiang in the third year of Zhonghe; the court posthumously granted him the titles of Grand Commandant and Minister of Works. Loyal to the Tang house throughout his life, he was among the last group of senior ministers of the central government to resist the uprisings of the late Tang.

Sources