Liu Zhan
Encyclopedia
Liu Zhan (died September 29, 874), courtesy name Jizhi (幾之), was an official of the Chinese
dynasty Tang Dynasty
, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Yizong
and (briefly) Emperor Yizong's son Emperor Xizong
.
, Guangxi
). His ancestry is only traceable to his grandfather Liu Sheng (劉升), who was not listed with any official titles, and his father Liu Jing (劉景), who served as a staff member for a military governor of Fufang Circuit (鄜坊, headquartered in modern Yan'an
, Shaanxi
).
, Liu Zhan passed the imperial examinations in the Jinshi class. In 830, he further passed a special imperial examination for those with broad knowledge and grand speech. At the recommendation of the official Xu Shang
, Liu Zhan was made a staff member at the directorate for the salt and iron monopolies. Liu was subsequently made Taichang Boshi (太常博士), a scholar at the ministry of worship (太常寺, Taichang Si). Subsequently, when Liu Zhuan
was chancellor, because Liu Zhan shared a surname with him, Liu Zhuan recommended him to be an imperial scholar (翰林學士, Hanlin Xueshi). Liu Zhan was subsequently also made Zhongshu Sheren (中書舍人), a mid-level post at the legislative bureau of government (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng), and then deputy minister of census (戶部侍郎, Hubu Shilang) as well as chief imperial scholar (翰林學士承旨, Hanlin Xueshi Chengzhi). He was later sent out of the capital to serve as the military governor (Jiedushi
) of Hedong Circuit (河東, headquartered in modern Taiyuan
, Shanxi
) as well as the mayor of its capital Taiyuan Municipality. He was later recalled to be the mayor of Jingzhao Municipality (京兆, i.e., the region of the capital Chang'an
), and later again the deputy minister of census and imperial scholar.
gave Liu Zhan the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事), making him a chancellor de facto. He was subsequently given the additional posts of Zhongshu Shilang (中書侍郎), the deputy head of the legislative bureau; minister of justice (刑部尚書, Xingbu Shangshu); and imperial scholar at Jixian Institution (集賢殿).
In 870, Emperor Yizong's favorite daughter Princess Tongchang died. In anger, Emperor Yizong executed some 20 of imperial physicians who were unable to save her, and further had some 300 of their family members arrested. Liu initially requested the advisory officials, whose responsibilities were to correct the emperor's behavior, to submit petitions to ask for lenience on their behalf, but none of the advisory officials dared to do so, so Liu himself did, drawing Emperor Yizong's displeasure. Subsequently, both he and the mayor of JIngzhao, Wen Zhang (溫璋), met with Emperor Yizong to further to plead for these prisoners' case; Emperor Yizong had them ejected from their presence. Soon thereafter, Liu was sent out of the capital to serve as the military governor of Jingnan Circuit (荊南, headquartered in modern Jingzhou
, Hubei
), and Wen committed suicide. A number of other officials who were friendly with Liu were demoted, as was the chief imperial scholar Zheng Tian
, when Zheng drafted an edict that outwardly rebuked Liu but was instead praising Liu for his frugality, thus angering the chancellor Lu Yan
, who bore a grudge against Liu. At instigation by Lu and Princess Tongchang's husband Wei Baoheng
, Liu was further accused with conspiring with the imperial physicians to poison Princess Tongchang, and Liu was thereafter demoted to be the prefect of Kang Prefecture (康州, in modern Zhaoqing
, Guangdong
), and yet later the census officer at Huan Prefecture (驩州, in modern Nghe An Province, Vietnam
). The edict announcing that demotion was drafted by Li Yu (李庾), at Lu's behest, using extremely harsh language that suggested that Liu would next be put to death. It was said that the people of the empire all lamented the false accusations, and the military governor of Lulong Circuit (盧龍, headquartered in modern Beijing
), Zhang Gongsu
, submitted a petition defending Liu. In apprehension, Lu did not dare to have Liu put to death.
After Emperor Yizong died in 873 and was succeeded by his son Emperor Xizong
, Liu was first promoted to be the prefect of Kang Prefecture, and then the prefect of Guo Prefecture (虢州, in modern Sanmenxia
, Henan
). In 874, he was recalled to Chang'an to serve as the minister of justice. It was said that when the people of Chang'an heard of Liu's recall, they, out of their own pocket, hired circus workers to put on a grand welcoming procession for Liu. Liu, however, not wanting to create a scene, bypassed the route of the procession.
, Liu Zhan was again made Zhongshu Shilang and chancellor. However, it was said that his chancellor colleague Liu Ye
, who had joined the efforts of Lu Yan and Wei Baoheng in defaming Liu Zhan, was apprehensive of this development. In fall 874, Liu Ye invited Liu Zhan to a feast at the directorate of the salt and iron monopolies, and Liu Zhan fell ill after the feast. He soon died, prompting the people to believe that it was Liu Ye who poisoned him.
It was said in the New Book of Tang
that Liu Zhan was frugal, and he used his salary to aid those in his clan who were poor, keeping no reserve for himself. He also kept no mansion. He refused any bribe offered to him, and he remained true to these principles to the end.
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
dynasty Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Yizong
Emperor Yizong of Tang
Emperor Yizong of Tang , né Li Wen , later changed to Li Cui , was an emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He reigned from 859 to 873. Yizong was the eldest son of Emperor Xuānzong...
and (briefly) Emperor Yizong's son Emperor Xizong
Emperor Xizong of Tang
Emperor Xizong of Tang , né Li Yan , later name changed to Li Xuan , was an emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He reigned from 873 to 888. He was the fifth son of his predecessor Emperor Yizong and was the elder brother of his successor Emperor Zhaozong...
.
Background
It is not known when Liu Zhan was born. His family was originally from Pengcheng, but by Liu Zhan's time had relocated to Guiyang (桂陽, in modern GuilinGuilin
Guilin is a prefecture-level city in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of far southern China, sitting on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means "forest of Sweet Osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city...
, Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi, formerly romanized Kwangsi, is a province of southern China along its border with Vietnam. In 1958, it became the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, a region with special privileges created specifically for the Zhuang people.Guangxi's location, in...
). His ancestry is only traceable to his grandfather Liu Sheng (劉升), who was not listed with any official titles, and his father Liu Jing (劉景), who served as a staff member for a military governor of Fufang Circuit (鄜坊, headquartered in modern Yan'an
Yan'an
Yan'an , is a prefecture-level city in the Shanbei region of Shaanxi province in China, administering several counties, including Zhidan County , which served as the Chinese communist capital before the city of Yan'an proper took that role....
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
).
Early career
Early in the Taihe era (827-835) of Emperor WenzongEmperor Wenzong of Tang
Emperor Wenzong of Tang , personal name Li Ang , né Li Han , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 827 to 840. Emperor Wenzong was the second son of Emperor Muzong and younger brother of Emperor Jingzong...
, Liu Zhan passed the imperial examinations in the Jinshi class. In 830, he further passed a special imperial examination for those with broad knowledge and grand speech. At the recommendation of the official Xu Shang
Xu Shang
Xu Shang , courtesy name Yisheng or Qiuqing , formally Viscount of Dongguan , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Yizong of Tang.- Background :...
, Liu Zhan was made a staff member at the directorate for the salt and iron monopolies. Liu was subsequently made Taichang Boshi (太常博士), a scholar at the ministry of worship (太常寺, Taichang Si). Subsequently, when Liu Zhuan
Liu Zhuan
Liu Zhuan , courtesy name Ziquan , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving briefly as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xuānzong.- Background and early career :...
was chancellor, because Liu Zhan shared a surname with him, Liu Zhuan recommended him to be an imperial scholar (翰林學士, Hanlin Xueshi). Liu Zhan was subsequently also made Zhongshu Sheren (中書舍人), a mid-level post at the legislative bureau of government (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng), and then deputy minister of census (戶部侍郎, Hubu Shilang) as well as chief imperial scholar (翰林學士承旨, Hanlin Xueshi Chengzhi). He was later sent out of the capital to serve as the military governor (Jiedushi
Jiedushi
The Jiedushi were regional military governors in China during the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Originally set up to counter external threats, the jiedushi were given enormous power, including the ability to maintain their own armies, collect taxes, and pass their...
) of Hedong Circuit (河東, headquartered in modern Taiyuan
Taiyuan
Taiyuan is the capital and largest city of Shanxi province in North China. At the 2010 census, it had a total population of 4,201,591 inhabitants on 6959 km² whom 3,212,500 are urban on 1,460 km². The name of the city literally means "Great Plains", referring to the location where the Fen River...
, Shanxi
Shanxi
' is a province in Northern China. Its one-character abbreviation is "晋" , after the state of Jin that existed here during the Spring and Autumn Period....
) as well as the mayor of its capital Taiyuan Municipality. He was later recalled to be the mayor of Jingzhao Municipality (京兆, i.e., the region of the capital Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
), and later again the deputy minister of census and imperial scholar.
First chancellorship and removal
In 869, then-reigning Emperor YizongEmperor Yizong of Tang
Emperor Yizong of Tang , né Li Wen , later changed to Li Cui , was an emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He reigned from 859 to 873. Yizong was the eldest son of Emperor Xuānzong...
gave Liu Zhan the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事), making him a chancellor de facto. He was subsequently given the additional posts of Zhongshu Shilang (中書侍郎), the deputy head of the legislative bureau; minister of justice (刑部尚書, Xingbu Shangshu); and imperial scholar at Jixian Institution (集賢殿).
In 870, Emperor Yizong's favorite daughter Princess Tongchang died. In anger, Emperor Yizong executed some 20 of imperial physicians who were unable to save her, and further had some 300 of their family members arrested. Liu initially requested the advisory officials, whose responsibilities were to correct the emperor's behavior, to submit petitions to ask for lenience on their behalf, but none of the advisory officials dared to do so, so Liu himself did, drawing Emperor Yizong's displeasure. Subsequently, both he and the mayor of JIngzhao, Wen Zhang (溫璋), met with Emperor Yizong to further to plead for these prisoners' case; Emperor Yizong had them ejected from their presence. Soon thereafter, Liu was sent out of the capital to serve as the military governor of Jingnan Circuit (荊南, headquartered in modern Jingzhou
Jingzhou
Jingzhou is a prefecture-level city in Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. The city is located on the banks of the Yangtze River.Its population is 5,691,707 at the 2010 census whom 1,154,086 in the built up area made of 3 urban districts.-Geography:Jingzhou occupies an area of...
, Hubei
Hubei
' Hupeh) is a province in Central China. The name of the province means "north of the lake", referring to its position north of Lake Dongting...
), and Wen committed suicide. A number of other officials who were friendly with Liu were demoted, as was the chief imperial scholar Zheng Tian
Zheng Tian
Zheng Tian , courtesy name Taiwen , formally Duke Wenzhao of Xingyang , was a chancellor of late Tang Dynasty, serving two terms as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xizong...
, when Zheng drafted an edict that outwardly rebuked Liu but was instead praising Liu for his frugality, thus angering the chancellor Lu Yan
Lu Yan
Lu Yan was the oldest son of Lu Xun, a military general and politician of the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. He died at a young age.-References:...
, who bore a grudge against Liu. At instigation by Lu and Princess Tongchang's husband Wei Baoheng
Wei Baoheng
Wei Baoheng , courtesy name Yunyong , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. He became extremely powerful late in the reign of his father-in-law Emperor Yizong, rising to the post of chancellor and becoming the most powerful official at court, but after Emperor Yizong's death was...
, Liu was further accused with conspiring with the imperial physicians to poison Princess Tongchang, and Liu was thereafter demoted to be the prefect of Kang Prefecture (康州, in modern Zhaoqing
Zhaoqing
Zhaoqing is a prefecture-level city of Guangdong province in southern China.-Geography:Zhaoqing is located 110 km northwest of Guangzhou, in the west Pearl River Delta. It lies on the north shores of the Xijiang River, which is flows from west to east, and opposite of Gaoyao...
, Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong is a province on the South China Sea coast of the People's Republic of China. The province was previously often written with the alternative English name Kwangtung Province...
), and yet later the census officer at Huan Prefecture (驩州, in modern Nghe An Province, Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
). The edict announcing that demotion was drafted by Li Yu (李庾), at Lu's behest, using extremely harsh language that suggested that Liu would next be put to death. It was said that the people of the empire all lamented the false accusations, and the military governor of Lulong Circuit (盧龍, headquartered in modern Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
), Zhang Gongsu
Zhang Gongsu
Zhang Gongsu was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, who ruled Lulong Circuit from 872 to 875 as its military governor in de facto independence from the imperial government....
, submitted a petition defending Liu. In apprehension, Lu did not dare to have Liu put to death.
After Emperor Yizong died in 873 and was succeeded by his son Emperor Xizong
Emperor Xizong of Tang
Emperor Xizong of Tang , né Li Yan , later name changed to Li Xuan , was an emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He reigned from 873 to 888. He was the fifth son of his predecessor Emperor Yizong and was the elder brother of his successor Emperor Zhaozong...
, Liu was first promoted to be the prefect of Kang Prefecture, and then the prefect of Guo Prefecture (虢州, in modern Sanmenxia
Sanmenxia
-Administration:The prefecture-level city of Sanmenxia administers one district, two county-level cities and three counties.*Hubin District*Lingbao City*Yima City*Lushi County*Shan County*Mianchi County*Sanmenxia Development Zone...
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
). In 874, he was recalled to Chang'an to serve as the minister of justice. It was said that when the people of Chang'an heard of Liu's recall, they, out of their own pocket, hired circus workers to put on a grand welcoming procession for Liu. Liu, however, not wanting to create a scene, bypassed the route of the procession.
Second chancellorship and death
In summer 874, after the death of the chancellor Pei TanPei Tan (Late Tang)
Pei Tan , courtesy name Zhijin , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving briefly as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xizong.- Background :It is not known when Pei Tan was born...
, Liu Zhan was again made Zhongshu Shilang and chancellor. However, it was said that his chancellor colleague Liu Ye
Liu Ye (Tang Dynasty)
Liu Ye , courtesy name Hanfan , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Yizong and Emperor Yizong's son Emperor Xizong.- Background :...
, who had joined the efforts of Lu Yan and Wei Baoheng in defaming Liu Zhan, was apprehensive of this development. In fall 874, Liu Ye invited Liu Zhan to a feast at the directorate of the salt and iron monopolies, and Liu Zhan fell ill after the feast. He soon died, prompting the people to believe that it was Liu Ye who poisoned him.
It was said in the New Book of Tang
New Book of Tang
The New Book of Tang , is a classic work of history about the Tang Dynasty edited by Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi and other official scholars of the Song Dynasty. The emperor called for a revision of the former Book of Tang in 1044. The New Book was presented to the throne in 1060. It was given its...
that Liu Zhan was frugal, and he used his salary to aid those in his clan who were poor, keeping no reserve for himself. He also kept no mansion. He refused any bribe offered to him, and he remained true to these principles to the end.