Chengjia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chengjia 成家
25 AD–36 AD
Capital	Chengdu
Common languages	Old Chinese
Government	Monarchy
Emperor
• 25–36	Gongsun Shu
History
• Proclamation of empire	May or June, 25 AD
• Death of Gongsun Shu	24 December, 36 AD
• Surrender of Chengdu	25 December, 36 AD
Currency	Iron Wu Zhu cash coins
Preceded by Succeeded by Xin dynasty Eastern Han dynasty
Today part of	China

Chengjia (Chinese: 成家; 25–36 AD) was a short-lived empire in ancient China. It was also known as the Cheng dynasty or Great Cheng. This empire was started by a man named Gongsun Shu in 25 AD. This happened after the Xin dynasty fell apart. Chengjia was a rival to the Eastern Han dynasty, which was founded by Emperor Guangwu in the same year.

Chengjia was based in the Sichuan Basin, a large area in what is now southwestern China. Its capital city was Chengdu. The empire controlled a big region, including parts of modern Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Yunnan, and southern Shaanxi. About 7% of China's population lived in Chengjia at that time. Chengjia was the strongest opponent to the Eastern Han dynasty. It was the last independent kingdom in China that the Eastern Han had to conquer. This happened in 36 AD.

What Does Chengjia Mean?

The name Chengjia means "House of Cheng." It was named after its capital city, Chengdu. People also called it the Cheng dynasty or Great Cheng. The word "Cheng" means "complete" or "accomplished."

How Chengjia Was Founded

After the Western Han dynasty ended, a new ruler named Wang Mang took over. He started the Xin dynasty in 9 AD. Wang Mang made Gongsun Shu the governor of a region called Daojiang.

In 23 AD, rebels fought against Wang Mang and his Xin dynasty. They brought back the Han dynasty under a new emperor, Liu Xuan, known as the Gengshi Emperor. Gongsun Shu pretended to support the Gengshi Emperor. However, he also defeated an army that Liu Xuan sent to take over his region. Gongsun Shu then took on important titles for himself. He became General Fuhan, meaning "assisting Han." He also became Governor of Shu Commandery and of Yi Province. This province covered most of modern Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, and Yunnan.

The next year, Gongsun Shu declared himself the King of Shu. He still claimed to be part of the Han empire. His capital city was Chengdu.

In May or June of 25 AD, Gongsun Shu made a big move. He declared himself emperor, going against the Gengshi Emperor. At this time, the Gengshi Emperor's rule was also being challenged by Liu Xiu. Gongsun Shu named his new empire Chengjia. He also chose a special name for his era, Longxing, which means "Dragon Rising." A few months later, Liu Xiu became Emperor Guangwu. He officially restored the Han dynasty, which is now called the Eastern Han dynasty.

Growing the Empire

At first, Chengjia only directly controlled the Sichuan basin. But soon, it began to grow. A leader named Ren Gui took control of Yuesui Commandery. This area is in modern southern Sichuan and northern Yunnan. Ren Gui then joined Chengjia.

Gongsun Shu sent his generals to expand his territory. General Hou Dan went north to take Hanzhong. General Ren Man went east to Jiangzhou, which is modern Chongqing. This way, Chengjia gained control of the entire Yi Province. Other rebel groups who had been defeated by Emperor Guangwu also joined Chengjia. Important leaders like Yan Cen and Tian Rong became part of Chengjia.

Another powerful leader named Wei Ao (or Wei Xiao) controlled eastern Gansu. He was often pressured by the Eastern Han forces. Wei Ao also decided to join Chengjia. Gongsun Shu gave Wei Ao the title King of Shuoning. He also sent soldiers to help Wei Ao.

At this time, Emperor Guangwu was busy fighting other civil wars across China. Gongsun Shu's advisors suggested attacking the Han dynasty while it was still weak. However, Gongsun Shu did not agree. Even though Chengjia had a large territory, its population was only about 7% of China's total. Still, Chengjia was the most serious challenge to the Han dynasty. Emperor Guangwu was careful not to make Gongsun Shu angry. He even called Gongsun Shu "emperor" in his letters.

The End of Chengjia

Chengjia remained independent for over ten years. This was partly because the Sichuan basin had natural defenses like mountains. Also, the new Eastern Han dynasty was still settling down.

In 34 AD, Emperor Guangwu conquered Gansu. This area was held by Wei Chun, who was Wei Ao's son. Chengjia sent General Li Yu with over 10,000 soldiers to help Wei Chun. But it was not enough, and Gansu fell to the Han.

After Emperor Guangwu had conquered most of the rest of China, he sent an army to conquer Chengjia. This army was led by Cen Peng. Chengjia's eastern border was along the Yangtze River, near the Three Gorges. Chengjia's forces built a strong floating bridge across the river. This bridge had war towers and connected forts on both sides. In April or May of 35 AD, the Han navy sailed upstream. They had a helpful easterly wind. They attacked the wooden bridge with torches. The bridge caught fire and burned down. This cleared the way for the Han forces to invade by water.

Even with this success, the Han campaign was slow and difficult. There were many natural obstacles. Also, Chengjia sent assassins who killed two important Han generals, Lai Xi and then Cen Peng. After this, Wu Han and Zang Gong took over leading the Han forces.

The Han army reached Chengdu in December of 36 AD. They had very little food left, only enough for about a week. They were almost ready to give up and leave. But then, Gongsun Shu decided to lead an attack on the Han forces himself. This happened on December 24. He was wounded in the battle and died that night. The next day, December 25, the defenders of Chengdu, led by Marshal Yan Cen, surrendered. This marked the end of the Chengjia empire.

After the surrender, the Han general Wu Han allowed his soldiers to take things from Chengdu. They also burned down the imperial palace. The court musicians from Chengjia were later sent to the Han capital, Luoyang.

How Chengjia Was Governed

Gongsun Shu organized his government like the Han dynasty's. He appointed his advisor Li Xiong and his younger brothers, Guang and Hui, to very high positions. These were called the Three Excellencies. Gongsun Guang became the Grand Marshal, a top military leader. Gongsun Hui was the Minister of Works, in charge of building projects. Li Xiong was the Minister of the Masses, overseeing the people.

When Yan Cen and Tian Rong joined Chengjia, they also received important roles. Yan Cen was made Grand Marshal and given the title King of Runing. Tian Rong was given the title King of Yijiang.

Chengjia's Coins

An iron Wu Zhu coin from Chengjia, with the words Wu Zhu on it.

Gongsun Shu stopped using the copper coins of the Han dynasty. Instead, he made his own Wu Zhu coins for Chengjia. These coins looked similar to the Han Wu Zhu coins. However, Chengjia's coins were made of iron. This might be because Sichuan was a major producer of iron in China at that time. But the people did not like this change in currency very much.