Preface
In the long river of history, there is an old minister of the Three Dynasties, Zhang Tingyu, whose achievements are outstanding and have become an important pillar of the imperial court. However, what exactly his exploits were, and why he was able to enjoy the temple after his death, has become a mystery to historians. How exactly did Zhang Tingyu establish his lofty position in the Three Dynasties?
This article will dig deep into Zhang Tingyu's political achievements, reveal his outstanding contributions on the historical stage, and the reasons why he was given the temple after his death. This fascinating journey through history will take us back in time, tracing the footsteps of Chang Tingyu, unraveling the veil of mystery behind him, and understanding his extraordinary contributions to the history of the Three Dynasties. Let's unveil history together and explore the immortal legend of this old minister.
1. Talented, junior high school jinshi
Zhang Tingyu was born in the twenty-first year of the Kangxi reign (1682) and was the child of a political family. His father, Zhang Ying, was a prestigious bachelor in the Kangxi Dynasty. As a father in a high position, Zhang Tingyu has been nourished since he was a child and lives a decent life. However, the strict tutoring also allowed him to develop the quality of diligence and studiousness, and won the teaching of "both talent and morality".
Growing up in a scholarly family, Zhang Tingyu received a good enlightenment education. He was very intelligent, he was able to write classical poetry at the age of 14, began to dabble in ancient literature at the age of 16, and was able to skillfully interpret scriptures at the age of 18, and was known as a "prodigy". Such a comprehensive and systematic study enabled him to accumulate profound knowledge and practice excellent literary Xi. This laid a solid foundation for his future success.
In such a privileged academic Xi environment, Zhang Tingyu's knowledge and insight far exceed that of his peers. He is well-read, understands national affairs, and can also distinguish human feelings and sophistication, and has a deep understanding of the way of life of "knowing is knowing". In 1711, at the age of 29, he participated in the Kangxi 50th year examination, and stood out among thousands of candidates in one fell swoop. This accumulated contacts and prestige for Zhang Tingyu, and also allowed him to enter the official career and begin to emerge on the political stage.
Second, Yongzheng reuses, reform and innovation have made great contributions
In 1722, Emperor Kangxi died and was succeeded by Emperor Yongzheng. The new emperor urgently needed the help of his ministers, re-examined the talents, and discovered Zhang Tingyu's talent. After many contacts and investigations, Emperor Yongzheng deeply realized that this was a "late bloomer" young genius. So it was decided to promote him to the secretary of the Ministry of Rites and began to reuse.
Zhang Tingyu was honest and diligent, erudite and knowledgeable, as a minister of the Han nationality, he was fluent in Manchu language, well versed in Manchu culture, and became the right-hand man under Yongzheng. Zhang Tingyu played an important role in reforms such as abolishing some of the seriously ill imperial examinations, rectifying the administration of officials, and reforming the tax system, showing the political courage to dare to innovate. He also won Yongzheng's greater trust with his outstanding writing and policy suggestions, and was regarded as a big trouble.
Once, Yongzheng asked the ministers about the rationality of the military aircraft department. Zhang Tingyu immediately said that it was very necessary, and analyzed its political utility in detail. Yongzheng saw that he was different and had a clear idea, and praised him greatly. This became an anecdote about Zhang Tingyu's solid position. It can be said that Zhang Tingyu was an important promoter and participant in the Yongzheng dynasty, and his diligent and positive attitude, as well as his in-depth thinking about national affairs, made Yongzheng re-examine the potential and role of this Han minister at a time when he needed talents.
Third, Qianlong repeated his old tricks, and finally lost power and retired
In 1735, Emperor Yongzheng died and Emperor Qianlong succeeded to the throne. As a new ruler, Qianlong also desperately wanted to be assisted by capable ministers. Among the many ministers, he also noticed Zhang Tingyu's achievements in the Yongzheng Dynasty, so he reappointed him as the secretary of the Ministry of Rites.
Zhang Tingyu originally wanted to follow the successful "formula" of assisting Yongzheng and create a political peak of his own. However, the state and political situation were no longer what they used to be, and many of his suggestions did not match the ideas of the new emperor, and he gradually lost the emperor's trust. At this time, Qianlong was thirsty for power and gradually relied on a few cronies and ministers, and Zhang Tingyu's influence was not as good as before.
In the end, Zhang Tingyu chose to fade out of the political inner circle in his later years. Although he still nominally works in the Ministry of Rites, his daily affairs are basically handled by his subordinates. He retreated into the background and found rest in some cultural and educational undertakings. Despite losing real power, Zhang Tingyu did not resent Xinjun, maintained a modest attitude, and completed the second half of his life with dignity.
Fourth, loyal to the country, meritorious service
Zhang Tingyu, a famous minister who has been in power for more than 70 years, spent his whole life governing the country, and finally passed away at the age of 85. Not only is it far more than the average life expectancy of Qing Dynasty ministers, but it is also enough to demonstrate his incorruptible and positive attitude towards life.
When the prosperity of the dynasty dissipated like a daydream, Zhang Tingyu completed the mission of a courtier with a pure heart, and left his name in the annals of history forever. His diligent learning, honesty and integrity, as well as his demeanor of judging cases like a god and adjudicating like a mountain, have become a rare portrayal of a figure in the political arena through the ages. As a minister of the Han nationality, Zhang Tingyu also practiced the Confucian concept of "the people are noble and the monarch is light", he cares about the common people in the world and cares about the people's suffering, which adds a lot of points to his image.
5. Witness of history and inheritor of spirit
Zhang Tingyu used his life to witness the long history of the Qing Dynasty from prosperity to decline, and became a typical representative of the unique spiritual outlook of this era. The group of Han ministers headed by him, loyal and professional, honest and upright, was an important cornerstone of the long-term stability of the Manchu Dynasty, which was based on horses and centered on the flag system.
At the time of the collapse, he was still concerned about the rise and fall of the world, worried about national affairs, and did not forget his original intention, such valuable sentiments and personality charms made Zhang Tingyu a moral model of this era. It inspires us to be a responsible person in a turbulent and ever-changing world, without losing one's spirit or losing one's way.
How did he become an outlier in the Taimiao? Perhaps it was his courtiers and feelings that transcended racial boundaries that made him a special and unique presence in the history of the Manchu dynasty and even China. As praised by the Qing people: loyal and strategic, honest and responsible. The name of Zhang Xianggong should be the same light as heaven and earth.
epilogue
Zhang Tingyu used his wonderful and splendid life to stir up the political scene of the Qing Dynasty for decades. At the beginning, the Han Jinshi who was admitted to middle and high school finally stood out in the Taimiao, which is a double testimony of his political wisdom and personality charm.
We should not just regard Zhang Tingyu as a monument in the long river of history. In his inner qualities, there are actually more contemporary values and inspirations. For example, the deep feelings that are built across racial barriers, the kind of consistent integrity, and the kind of broad-mindedness that embraces all rivers...... These are worth learning Xi and practicing in real life.
History is a mirror, and each of us lives in it. If you don't see the ancients when you look up, you will see them when you look down. Zhang Tingyu, an outlier in the Taimiao, his spirit is the bridge between history and the present. When we observe his words and deeds, we will find the resonance that transcends time. The power of this civilization can make the flower of our life bloom with more moving brilliance.