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Shang Lu

Type Figure Region China Time 1414–1486 Also known as Shang Hongzai、Shang Su'an

Shang Lu (1414–1486), style name Hongzai, sobriquet Su'an, of Chun'an, Zhejiang, was a famous Ming minister who achieved the rare 'triple first place…

Timeline

  1. 1414–1457Chun'an, Beijing · Chun'anFirst in the provincial examination in 1435, first in both the metropolitan and palace examinations in 1445, entering the Hanlin Academy. After the Tumu Crisis he joined the Grand Secretariat to participate in state affairs, strongly advocating the defense of the capital and opposing a move south, cooperating with Yu Qian and others to defend Beijing. After the Gate-Seizing Coup he was falsely accused and imprisoned, but was pardoned by the Yingzong and returned home.
  2. 1467–1477Beijing · BeijingIn 1467 the Xianzong recalled him to the cabinet, where he served as Minister of War, Revenue, and Personnel. After Peng Shi's death in 1475 he became Chief Grand Secretary; in 1471 he had memorialized the Xianzong together with Peng Shi and others. In 1477 he and Xiang Zhong impeached the eunuch Wang Zhi for usurping power; the emperor sided with Wang Zhi, so Shang Lu claimed illness and requested retirement, ending his political career.
  3. 1477–1486Chun'an · Chun'anAfter resigning he lived in Chun'an for ten years, devoting himself to writing, leaving works such as the Collected Works of Duke Shang Wenyi. He died on the eighteenth day of the seventh month of 1486 at the age of seventy-three; the Xianzong suspended court for a day, posthumously granted him the title Grand Tutor, and gave him the posthumous name Wenyi.

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