Zhou Chi
Encyclopedia
Zhou Chi (793
– March 23, 851), courtesy name Desheng (德升), formally the Baron of Ru'nan (汝南男), was an official of the Chinese
dynasty Tang Dynasty
, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xuānzong
.
, during the reign of Emperor Dezong
. His family was originally from Ru'nan (汝南, in modern Zhumadian
, Henan
), and claimed ancestry from the royal family of Zhou Dynasty
, although the traceable part of Zhou Chi's male-line ancestry only went back to the Liang Dynasty
official Zhou Lingchao (周靈超). Subsequent ancestors of Zhou Chi's served as officials of Sui Dynasty
and Tang Dynasty
. Zhou Chi's grandfather Zhou Pei (周沛) served as an advisory official in the Tang imperial government, while his father Zhou Ting (周頲) served as an imperial guard officer.
Zhou Chi lost his father early and was said to have served his mother piously. He passed the imperial examination
s in the Jinshi class in 822
, during the reign of Emperor Dezong's great-grandson Emperor Muzong
. Thereafter, he served as a traveling review officer at Hunan Circuit (湖南, headquartered in modern Changsha, Hunan
).
, Zhou Chi was recalled to the capital Chang'an
to serve as an imperial censor with the title Jiancha Yushi (監察御史), as well as an imperial scholar at Jianxian Hall (集賢殿). As Zhou was knowledgeable in history and was capable of writing in ancient styles, Emperor Wenzong respected him. When the chancellor Li Zongmin
was sent out to Shannan West Circuit (山南西道, headquartered in modern Hanzhong
, Shaanxi
) to serve as its military governor (Jiedushi
), Li invited Zhou to serve as his military commander; Zhou was recalled to Chang'an about a year later. Subsequently, when Emperor Wenzong's associates Li Xun
and Zheng Zhu
became powerful, they had Li Zongmin and another chancellor, Li Deyu
, exiled, and had officials they considered friendly to either expelled from government as well, but it was said that as they could find no fault in Zhou, they could not find an excuse to expel him. Zhou was subsequently made a chief imperial chronicler (起居舍人, Qiju Sheren), and then made Kaogong Yuanwailang (考功員外郎), a low-level official at the ministry of civil service affairs (吏部, Libu), but continued to serve as Qiju Sheren as well. It was said that Emperor Wenzong, after consulting with chancellors on policy issues, often consulted his attendants for their suggestions, and Zhou was one whose opinions that Emperor Wenzong valued greatly. He was subsequently made an imperial scholar with the title Hanlin Xueshi (翰林學士), and was put in charge of drafting edicts. In 839
, there was an occasion when Emperor Wenzong, who was already ill at that point, asked Zhou was his opinion was about which ancient rulers Emperor Wenzong could be compared with. Zhou, in order to flatter Emperor Wenzong, responded that he could be compared to the mythical Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun. However, Emperor Wenzong, distressed at the control that the eunuchs had over his governance at that point, compared himself to King Nan of Zhou
(the last king of Zhou Dynasty) and Emperor Xian of Han
(the last emperor of Han Dynasty
), much to Zhou Chi's shock.
and was succeeded by his brother Emperor Wuzong
, Zhou Chi was sent out of Chang'an to serve as the prefect of Hua Prefecture (華州, in modern Weinan
, Shaanxi
), as well as the defender of Tong Pass. He was later made the governor (觀察使, Guanchashi) of Eyue Circuit (鄂岳, headquartered in modern Wuhan
, Hubei
), as well as the prefect of Eyue's capital E Prefecture (鄂州). In 846
, he was made the governor of Jiangxi Circuit (江西, headquartered in modern Nanchang
, Jiangxi
), as well as the prefect of its capital Hong Prefecture (洪州). While serving there, he carefully supervised the prefects under him, and also stationed troops at Poyang Lake to curtail the banditry that was common there.
-860
) of Emperor Wuzong's successor and uncle Emperor Xuānzong
, Zhou Chi was made the military governor of Yicheng Circuit (義成, headquartered in modern Anyang
, Henan
) as well as the prefect of its capital Hua Prefecture (滑州); he was also given the honorary titles of minister of rites (禮部尚書, Libu Shangshu) and Shang Zhuguo (上柱國), and created the Baron of Ru'nan. He was thereafter recalled to Chang'an to serve as the deputy minister of defense (兵部侍郎, Bingbu Shilang) and the acting director of finances.
In 848
, Zhou was made a chancellor de facto with the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事), while retaining his offices as the deputy minister of defense and director of finances. When he took office, he stated to the official Wei Ao (韋澳), who had previously served as his staff member, "I am personally weak but have great responsibility. What suggestions do you have for me?" Wei responded, "I hope you are powerless" — a response that shocked Zhou. Wei then explained that because, as chancellor, he was to be fair and acting in the best interest of the people, without regard for personal likes or dislikes, he would thus be powerless, if he were serving properly. Zhou agreed with Wei. Thereafter, he was made, in addition to his chancellor responsibilities, minister of justice (刑部尚書, Xingbu Shangshu) and Zhongshu Shilang (中書侍郎, the deputy head of the legislative bureau of government (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng)), and given the honorary title Yinqing Guanglu Daifu (銀青光祿大夫). He was also put in charge of editing the imperial history.
In 849
, when Emperor Xuānzong wanted to know who, in the chancellors' opinions, were capable officials during the reign of his (and Emperor Muzong's) father Emperor Xianzong
, Zhou opined that one of his predecessors as governor of Jiangxi Circuit, Wei Dan (韋丹), was capable and missed by the Jiangxi people long after his term. As a result, Emperor Xuānzong had the scholar Du Mu
author text for a monument dedicated to Wei, and promoted Wei's son Wei Zhou (韋宙).
Meanwhile, though, Zhou was steadfast in his unwillingness to bow to the power of others — including his refusal to transfer the military governor Wang Zai
from Hedong Circuit (河東, headquartered in modern Taiyuan
, Shanxi
) to Xuanwu Circuit (宣武, headquartered in modern Kaifeng
, Henan
) and give Wang an honorary chancellor title, as Wang had hoped; his refusal to let Emperor Xuānzong's brother-in-law Wei Rang (韋讓) become the mayor of Jingzhao Municipality (京兆, i.e., the Chang'an region) on the basis that Wei was not capable; and his disagreement with Emperor Xuānzong, who wanted to mobilize the army to recapture lands lost decades ago to Tufan. Emperor Xuānzong was offended, and later in 849 made Zhou the military governor of Dongchuan Circuit (東川, headquartered in modern Mianyang
, Sichuan
). After Zhou's commission was announced, Emperor Xuānzong's son-in-law, the imperial scholar Zheng Hao (鄭顥) commented, "Zhou Chi became chancellor due to his honest words, and also was removed from chancellorship due to his honest words." After Zheng's comment, Emperor Xuānzong, while not relenting in his order, bestowed Zhou the honorific title of You Pushe (右僕射).
After Zhou served there for a year, he considered retiring and returning to his home at the eastern capital Luoyang
, but he then grew ill, and decided against retiring until he grew better. He never did, however, and he died in 850
. He was given posthumous honors. He had been predeceased by his wife Lady Jiang, but was survived by two sons, Zhou Kuanrao (周寬饒) and Zhou Xianxi (周咸喜), both of whom served as imperial officials, as well as a daughter who married the official Xue Meng (薛蒙). His casket was returned to and buried in Luoyang in 850
.
793
Year 793 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 793 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.- Europe :* June 8 – Vikings sack the monastery...
– March 23, 851), courtesy name Desheng (德升), formally the Baron of Ru'nan (汝南男), was an official of the Chinese
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 reign of Emperor Xuānzong
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756. His reign of 43 years was the longest during the Tang Dynasty...
.
Background
Zhou Chi was born in 792792
Year 792 was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 792 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.- Byzantine Empire :* Irene is confirmed empress of the...
, during the reign of Emperor Dezong
Emperor Dezong of Tang
Emperor Dezong of Tang , personally name Li Kuo , was an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and the oldest son of his father Emperor Daizong. His reign of 26 years was the third longest in the Tang dynasty...
. His family was originally from Ru'nan (汝南, in modern Zhumadian
Zhumadian
Zhumadian is a prefecture-level city in southern Henan province, People's Republic of China. It borders Xinyang to the south, Nanyang to the west, Pingdingshan to the northwest, Luohe to the north, Zhoukou to the northeast, and the province of Anhui to the east.Its population is 7,230,744 at the...
, 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...
), and claimed ancestry from the royal family of Zhou Dynasty
Zhou Dynasty
The Zhou Dynasty was a Chinese dynasty that followed the Shang Dynasty and preceded the Qin Dynasty. Although the Zhou Dynasty lasted longer than any other dynasty in Chinese history, the actual political and military control of China by the Ji family lasted only until 771 BC, a period known as...
, although the traceable part of Zhou Chi's male-line ancestry only went back to the Liang Dynasty
Liang Dynasty
The Liang Dynasty , also known as the Southern Liang Dynasty , was the third of the Southern dynasties in China and was followed by the Chen Dynasty...
official Zhou Lingchao (周靈超). Subsequent ancestors of Zhou Chi's served as officials of Sui Dynasty
Sui Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty was a powerful, but short-lived Imperial Chinese dynasty. Preceded by the Southern and Northern Dynasties, it ended nearly four centuries of division between rival regimes. It was followed by the Tang Dynasty....
and 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...
. Zhou Chi's grandfather Zhou Pei (周沛) served as an advisory official in the Tang imperial government, while his father Zhou Ting (周頲) served as an imperial guard officer.
Zhou Chi lost his father early and was said to have served his mother piously. He passed the imperial examination
Imperial examination
The Imperial examination was an examination system in Imperial China designed to select the best administrative officials for the state's bureaucracy. This system had a huge influence on both society and culture in Imperial China and was directly responsible for the creation of a class of...
s in the Jinshi class in 822
822
Year 822 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Byzantine Empire :* The civil war between Byzantine Emperor Michael II and the general Thomas the Slav continues...
, during the reign of Emperor Dezong's great-grandson Emperor Muzong
Emperor Muzong of Tang
Emperor Muzong of Tang , personal name Li Heng , né Li You , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 821 to 824. Emperor Muzong was the son of Emperor Xianzong...
. Thereafter, he served as a traveling review officer at Hunan Circuit (湖南, headquartered in modern Changsha, Hunan
Hunan
' is a province of South-Central China, located to the south of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and south of Lake Dongting...
).
During Emperor Wenzong's reign
At some point, probably during the reign of Emperor Muzong's son 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...
, Zhou Chi was recalled to 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...
to serve as an imperial censor with the title Jiancha Yushi (監察御史), as well as an imperial scholar at Jianxian Hall (集賢殿). As Zhou was knowledgeable in history and was capable of writing in ancient styles, Emperor Wenzong respected him. When the chancellor Li Zongmin
Li Zongmin
Li Zongmin , courtesy name Sunzhi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving twice as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Wenzong...
was sent out to Shannan West Circuit (山南西道, headquartered in modern Hanzhong
Hanzhong
Hanzhong is a municipality in southwest Shaanxi Province, China, occupying a historically significant valley in the mountains between the Xi'an area, home to many Chinese capitals, and the fertile but isolated Sichuan Basin...
, 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...
) to serve as its 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...
), Li invited Zhou to serve as his military commander; Zhou was recalled to Chang'an about a year later. Subsequently, when Emperor Wenzong's associates Li Xun
Li Zhongyan
Li Zhongyan , known as Li Xun in 835, courtesy name initially Zixun , later Zichui , pseudonym Hermit Wang during the mourning period for his mother, was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty...
and Zheng Zhu
Zheng Zhu
Zheng Zhu , probably né Yu Zhu , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. He became a trusted advisor to Emperor Wenzong due to treatments he provided Emperor Wenzong for the emperor's illnesses, and thereafter plotted with Emperor Wenzong and Li Xun to slaughter the powerful eunuchs...
became powerful, they had Li Zongmin and another chancellor, Li Deyu
Li Deyu
Li Deyu , courtesy name Wenrao , formally the Duke of Wei , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of brothers Emperor Wenzong and Emperor Wuzong and their uncle Emperor Xuānzong...
, exiled, and had officials they considered friendly to either expelled from government as well, but it was said that as they could find no fault in Zhou, they could not find an excuse to expel him. Zhou was subsequently made a chief imperial chronicler (起居舍人, Qiju Sheren), and then made Kaogong Yuanwailang (考功員外郎), a low-level official at the ministry of civil service affairs (吏部, Libu), but continued to serve as Qiju Sheren as well. It was said that Emperor Wenzong, after consulting with chancellors on policy issues, often consulted his attendants for their suggestions, and Zhou was one whose opinions that Emperor Wenzong valued greatly. He was subsequently made an imperial scholar with the title Hanlin Xueshi (翰林學士), and was put in charge of drafting edicts. In 839
839
Year 839 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Louis the Pious attempts to divide his empire among his sons.* Ethelwulf succeeds Egbert as king of Wessex....
, there was an occasion when Emperor Wenzong, who was already ill at that point, asked Zhou was his opinion was about which ancient rulers Emperor Wenzong could be compared with. Zhou, in order to flatter Emperor Wenzong, responded that he could be compared to the mythical Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun. However, Emperor Wenzong, distressed at the control that the eunuchs had over his governance at that point, compared himself to King Nan of Zhou
King Nan of Zhou
King Nan of Zhou, ch. 周赧王, py. zhōu năn wáng, wg, King Nan of Zhou, or less commonly King Yin of Zhou, trad. ch.: 周隱王, sim. Ch.: 周隐王, py: zhōu yĭn wáng, wg: King Yin of Zhou was the thirty-sixth and last sovereign of the Chinese Zhou Dynasty. He was King for fifty-nine years, longest in Zhou...
(the last king of Zhou Dynasty) and Emperor Xian of Han
Emperor Xian of Han
Emperor Xian of Han , personal name Liu Xie, style name Bohe, was the last emperor of the Han Dynasty period of Chinese history...
(the last emperor of Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
), much to Zhou Chi's shock.
During Emperor Wuzong's reign
After Emperor Wenzong died in 840840
Year 840 was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar.-Europe:* After the death of Louis the Pious, his sons Lothar, Charles the Bald and Louis the German fight over the division of the Holy Roman Empire, with Lothar succeeding as Emperor.-Asia:* Tang Wu Zong succeeds Tang Wen Zong...
and was succeeded by his brother Emperor Wuzong
Emperor Wuzong of Tang
Emperor Wuzong of Tang , né Li Chan , later changed to Li Yan just before his death, was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, reigning from 840 to 846. Emperor Wuzong is mainly known in modern times for the religious persecution that occurred during his reign...
, Zhou Chi was sent out of Chang'an to serve as the prefect of Hua Prefecture (華州, in modern Weinan
Weinan
Weinan is a Municipality in the province of Shaanxi, PRC. The Grand Historian Sima Qian was born in Weinan.-Administration:...
, 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...
), as well as the defender of Tong Pass. He was later made the governor (觀察使, Guanchashi) of Eyue Circuit (鄂岳, headquartered in modern Wuhan
Wuhan
Wuhan is the capital of Hubei province, People's Republic of China, and is the most populous city in Central China. It lies at the east of the Jianghan Plain, and the intersection of the middle reaches of the Yangtze and Han rivers...
, 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...
), as well as the prefect of Eyue's capital E Prefecture (鄂州). In 846
846
Year 846 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Nominoe occupies Nantes and Rennes, he makes raids in Anjou and threatens Bayeux...
, he was made the governor of Jiangxi Circuit (江西, headquartered in modern Nanchang
Nanchang
Nanchang is the capital of Jiangxi Province in southeastern China. It is located in the north-central portion of the province. As it is bounded on the west by the Jiuling Mountains, and on the east by Poyang Lake, it is famous for its scenery, rich history and cultural sites...
, Jiangxi
Jiangxi
' is a southern province in the People's Republic of China. Spanning from the banks of the Yangtze River in the north into hillier areas in the south, it shares a border with Anhui to the north, Zhejiang to the northeast, Fujian to the east, Guangdong to the south, Hunan to the west, and Hubei to...
), as well as the prefect of its capital Hong Prefecture (洪州). While serving there, he carefully supervised the prefects under him, and also stationed troops at Poyang Lake to curtail the banditry that was common there.
During Emperor Xuānzong's reign
Early in the Dazhong era (847847
Year 847 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Bari is captured by the Saracens....
-860
860
Year 860 was a leap year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Ethelbert succeeds as king of Wessex.* The later Harald I of Norway becomes king.- Art :...
) of Emperor Wuzong's successor and uncle Emperor Xuānzong
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756. His reign of 43 years was the longest during the Tang Dynasty...
, Zhou Chi was made the military governor of Yicheng Circuit (義成, headquartered in modern Anyang
Anyang
Anyang is a prefecture-level city in Henan province, People's Republic of China. The northernmost city in Henan, Anyang borders Puyang to the east, Hebi and Xinxiang to the south, and the provinces of Shanxi and Hebei to its west and north respectively....
, 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...
) as well as the prefect of its capital Hua Prefecture (滑州); he was also given the honorary titles of minister of rites (禮部尚書, Libu Shangshu) and Shang Zhuguo (上柱國), and created the Baron of Ru'nan. He was thereafter recalled to Chang'an to serve as the deputy minister of defense (兵部侍郎, Bingbu Shilang) and the acting director of finances.
In 848
848
Year 848 was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* The Saracens destroy Leontini.* Charles the Bald, Louis the German and Lothar meet in Koblenz....
, Zhou was made a chancellor de facto with the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事), while retaining his offices as the deputy minister of defense and director of finances. When he took office, he stated to the official Wei Ao (韋澳), who had previously served as his staff member, "I am personally weak but have great responsibility. What suggestions do you have for me?" Wei responded, "I hope you are powerless" — a response that shocked Zhou. Wei then explained that because, as chancellor, he was to be fair and acting in the best interest of the people, without regard for personal likes or dislikes, he would thus be powerless, if he were serving properly. Zhou agreed with Wei. Thereafter, he was made, in addition to his chancellor responsibilities, minister of justice (刑部尚書, Xingbu Shangshu) and Zhongshu Shilang (中書侍郎, the deputy head of the legislative bureau of government (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng)), and given the honorary title Yinqing Guanglu Daifu (銀青光祿大夫). He was also put in charge of editing the imperial history.
In 849
849
Year 849 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* In the Tang Dynasty Chinese capital city of Chang'an, an imperial prince was impeached from his position by officials at court for erecting a building that obstructed a street in the northwesternmost ward in South...
, when Emperor Xuānzong wanted to know who, in the chancellors' opinions, were capable officials during the reign of his (and Emperor Muzong's) father Emperor Xianzong
Emperor Xianzong of Tang
Emperor Xianzong of Tang , personal name Li Chun , né Li Chun , was an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty...
, Zhou opined that one of his predecessors as governor of Jiangxi Circuit, Wei Dan (韋丹), was capable and missed by the Jiangxi people long after his term. As a result, Emperor Xuānzong had the scholar Du Mu
Du Mu
Du Mu was a leading Chinese poet of the late Tang Dynasty. His courtesy name was Muzhi , and sobriquet Fanchuan .He was born in Chang'an into an elite family whose fortunes were declining...
author text for a monument dedicated to Wei, and promoted Wei's son Wei Zhou (韋宙).
Meanwhile, though, Zhou was steadfast in his unwillingness to bow to the power of others — including his refusal to transfer the military governor Wang Zai
Wang Zai
Wang Zai , né Wang Yanzai , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, most well-known for his participation in Emperor Wuzong's campaign against the warlord Liu Zhen, who ruled Zhaoyi Circuit .- Background :It is not known when Wang Yanzai was born, but it is known that he was probably the...
from 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....
) to Xuanwu Circuit (宣武, headquartered in modern Kaifeng
Kaifeng
Kaifeng , known previously by several names , is a prefecture-level city in east-central Henan province, Central China. Nearly 5 million people live in the metropolitan area...
, 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...
) and give Wang an honorary chancellor title, as Wang had hoped; his refusal to let Emperor Xuānzong's brother-in-law Wei Rang (韋讓) become the mayor of Jingzhao Municipality (京兆, i.e., the Chang'an region) on the basis that Wei was not capable; and his disagreement with Emperor Xuānzong, who wanted to mobilize the army to recapture lands lost decades ago to Tufan. Emperor Xuānzong was offended, and later in 849 made Zhou the military governor of Dongchuan Circuit (東川, headquartered in modern Mianyang
Mianyang
Mianyang is the second largest prefecture-level city of Sichuan province in Southwest China. Its administrative area includes the city proper of Mianyang, with 985,586 inhabitants in the built up area , the county-level city of Jiangyou, and six counties, covering an area of over and a population...
, Sichuan
Sichuan
' , known formerly in the West by its postal map spellings of Szechwan or Szechuan is a province in Southwest China with its capital in Chengdu...
). After Zhou's commission was announced, Emperor Xuānzong's son-in-law, the imperial scholar Zheng Hao (鄭顥) commented, "Zhou Chi became chancellor due to his honest words, and also was removed from chancellorship due to his honest words." After Zheng's comment, Emperor Xuānzong, while not relenting in his order, bestowed Zhou the honorific title of You Pushe (右僕射).
After Zhou served there for a year, he considered retiring and returning to his home at the eastern capital Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
, but he then grew ill, and decided against retiring until he grew better. He never did, however, and he died in 850
850
Year 850 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* Emperor Montoku succeeds Emperor Nimmyō as Emperor of Japan.- Europe :...
. He was given posthumous honors. He had been predeceased by his wife Lady Jiang, but was survived by two sons, Zhou Kuanrao (周寬饒) and Zhou Xianxi (周咸喜), both of whom served as imperial officials, as well as a daughter who married the official Xue Meng (薛蒙). His casket was returned to and buried in Luoyang in 850
850
Year 850 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* Emperor Montoku succeeds Emperor Nimmyō as Emperor of Japan.- Europe :...
.