Kong Wei facts for kids

Kong Wei (孔緯) (died October 1, 895) was an important government official during the late Tang dynasty in China. His courtesy name was Huawen (化文), and he was formally known as the Duke of Lu. He served as a chancellor, which was like a top advisor to the emperor, under two emperors: Emperor Xizong and his brother Emperor Zhaozong.

Kong Wei's Family and Early Life

Kong Wei came from a very famous family. They were descendants of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius, whose original name was Kong Qiu. Many of Kong Wei's ancestors were also important officials in the government. For example, his great-granduncle, Kong Chaofu, was a well-known official during the time of Emperor Dezong.

Kong Wei's father, Kong Wenru, passed away when Kong Wei was young. So, Kong Wei was raised by his uncles, Kong Wenyu and Kong Wenye. Both of his uncles were regional governors, which meant they managed large areas of the country. Kong Wei traveled with them and met many important people. This helped him become well-known among government officials even before he started his own career.

Starting His Government Career

In 859, during the reign of Emperor Xuānzong, Kong Wei passed the difficult imperial examinations. This was a special test that people had to pass to get a job in the government. After passing, he started working as a copyeditor at the Palace Library.

Over the years, Kong Wei worked for several important officials, including former chancellors. He held many different positions, like sheriff of Chang'an County (the capital city) and a researcher. He also worked in ministries like the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Civil Service Affairs.

Kong Wei was known for being honest and fair. When his mother passed away, he left his government job for a period of mourning, which was a tradition at the time. He later returned to government service.

Kong Wei's Rise in the Imperial Court

Kong Wei continued to move up in his career. He became an imperial scholar, helping to draft important government orders. He also served as a deputy minister in different departments, like the Ministry of Census and the Ministry of Defense.

Around 874 to 879, during the reign of Emperor Xizong, Kong Wei became the deputy chief imperial censor. This was a very important role where he helped make sure the government was running properly and honestly. People said that because Kong Wei was a man of integrity, the office became much cleaner and more efficient under his leadership. He would often refuse special requests from powerful people, which sometimes made them unhappy.

Challenges and Becoming Chancellor

In late 880, a big rebellion led by Huang Chao attacked the capital city, Chang'an. Emperor Xizong had to flee to Chengdu. Kong Wei was one of the loyal officials who followed the emperor. There, he was made the minister of justice. However, another chancellor, Xiao Gou, didn't like Kong Wei and accused him of mismanaging things. Because of this, Kong Wei was given an honorary title that didn't have much power.

In 885, Emperor Xizong returned to Chang'an after the rebellion was put down. But soon after, there was more trouble. A powerful eunuch named Tian Lingzi caused a conflict with some powerful military leaders. This led to more fighting, and Emperor Xizong had to flee Chang'an again, first to Fengxiang and then to Xingyuan.

Kong Wei was one of the very few officials who stayed with the emperor during this difficult time. Emperor Xizong trusted him and sent him back to Chang'an to gather other officials. However, many officials, including other chancellors, were tired of Tian Lingzi's control over the emperor and refused to cooperate with Kong Wei. Despite this, Kong Wei bravely made his way back to the emperor.

Kong Wei's First Time as Chancellor

After Kong Wei returned to Emperor Xizong, the emperor made him and another official, Du Rangneng, chancellors. This was a very high position in the government. When Emperor Xizong was finally able to return to Chang'an, Kong Wei was given even more important roles and was promised that he would not be put to death, which was a special honor.

When Emperor Xizong died in 888, his brother Emperor Zhaozong became the new emperor. Kong Wei continued to serve as chancellor and was given the title Duke of Lu.

Kong Wei was not afraid to stand up for what he believed was right. When Emperor Zhaozong was preparing for an important ceremony, powerful eunuchs wanted to participate, which was against tradition. Kong Wei opposed this. Even though the emperor still allowed them to participate, Kong Wei made sure they had to wear the correct uniforms for non-eunuch officials, which was a small victory for tradition.

Trying to Keep the Peace

Kong Wei and another chancellor, Zhang Jun, often advised Emperor Zhaozong to reduce the power of the eunuchs and powerful military leaders (warlords). Kong Wei even publicly criticized a powerful eunuch named Yang Fugong for gathering a private army.

Kong Wei also tried to stand up to a very powerful warlord named Zhu Quanzhong. When Zhu asked for a special government position that controlled salt and iron, Kong Wei refused. He told Zhu's messenger that if Zhu wanted the position, he would have to take it by force. Zhu then withdrew his request.

A Risky Decision and Exile

In 890, Kong Wei and Zhang Jun made a risky decision. Several warlords were unhappy with Li Keyong, another powerful military leader, and asked the emperor to declare war on him. Most officials disagreed, but Kong Wei and Zhang Jun believed it was a chance to show the emperor's power over the warlords. Emperor Zhaozong agreed and put Zhang Jun in charge of the campaign.

However, the imperial forces were badly defeated by Li Keyong. Li Keyong then demanded that Zhang Jun be punished. To calm Li Keyong down, Emperor Zhaozong removed Kong Wei and Zhang Jun from their chancellor positions. Kong Wei was made a military governor in a distant region.

As Kong Wei was leaving the capital, Yang Fugong, the eunuch he had opposed, sent soldiers disguised as bandits to attack him. Kong Wei barely escaped with his life. Li Keyong was still angry, so Emperor Zhaozong exiled Kong Wei and Zhang Jun even further away.

Kong Wei's Return to Power

Zhang Jun, however, fled to another warlord, Han Jian, and asked Zhu Quanzhong for help. Zhu asked Emperor Zhaozong to free Zhang and Kong, and the emperor agreed. Kong Wei then went to stay with Han Jian.

In 895, Emperor Zhaozong was looking for chancellors who could stand up to the powerful warlords. He decided to call Kong Wei and Zhang Jun back to Chang'an to make them chancellors again. Kong Wei was very ill at the time, but he forced himself to travel to Chang'an to meet the emperor and decline the offer. However, Emperor Zhaozong insisted and made him chancellor again. (Zhang Jun was not made chancellor again because Li Keyong strongly objected.)

Soon after, there was more chaos in the capital. Some eunuchs and warlords plotted to seize Emperor Zhaozong. The emperor had to flee again towards the Qinling Mountains. Kong Wei, despite his illness, tried to follow. But he became very sick and had to return to Chang'an. He died shortly after. He was given special honors after his death for his service.