Shen Lun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shen Lun (沈倫) Shen Yilun (沈義倫)
from a Qing dynasty genealogy book
Grand councilor of the Song dynasty
In office October 17, 973 – May 14, 982 Serving with Xue Juzheng, Lu Duoxun, Zhao Pu
Monarch	Emperor Taizu, Emperor Taizong
Personal details
Born	c. 909 Taikang County, Kaifeng, Later Liang
Died	November 16, 987(987-11-16) (aged 77–78) Kaifeng, Song Empire
Spouses	Lady Yan (閻) Lady Tian (田)
Children	Shen Jizong (沈繼宗), son

Shen Lun (born around 909 – died November 16, 987) was an important government official in ancient China. He was also known as Shen Yilun before the year 976. Shen Lun worked for several different ruling families, including the Later Han, Later Zhou, and Song dynasties. He became a grand councilor (a very high-ranking advisor) during the Song dynasty, serving from 973 to 982.

Shen Lun's Early Life and Career

Shen Yilun, as he was known then, spent his early years studying important ancient books. These books were about proper behavior and rules for society. He taught these classic texts in different cities to earn a living.

During the time of the Later Han dynasty, Shen Yilun started working for a local leader named Bai Wenke. Bai Wenke was in charge of a region called Shǎn Prefecture.

In 954, during the Later Zhou dynasty, Shen Yilun got a new job. A friend helped him become an assistant to a powerful general named Zhao Kuangyin. Zhao Kuangyin was a military governor, meaning he managed several areas like Hua, Xǔ, and Sòng Prefectures. Shen Yilun was very good at handling money for these regions. People knew him as an honest and fair person.

Shen Lun and the Song Dynasty

In February 960, General Zhao Kuangyin took over the government. He started a new ruling family called the Song dynasty. At this time, Shen Yilun was working as a judge in Sòng Prefecture.

Because his former boss was now the emperor, Shen Yilun was called to the capital city, Kaifeng. He was given an important job as the director of the Census Bureau, which kept track of people and resources.

Helping People in Need

In early 962, Shen Yilun returned from a trip to a neighboring state called Wuyue. He saw many people suffering from hunger in areas like Si and Yang Prefectures. He suggested to the new emperor that the government should lend grain from military storage to help these starving people.

Shen Yilun believed that the farmers would pay back the grain after the harvest. Another official worried about what would happen if the starvation continued. But Shen Yilun explained that a good government should always be kind to its people. He said this kindness would lead to peace and good harvests. The emperor liked Shen Yilun's idea and ordered officials to give grain to those who needed it.

Moving Up in Government

Later in 962, Shen Yilun was promoted to a role called supervising secretary. The next spring, he became the main financial officer for the Shaanxi region. When the Song dynasty went to war with the Later Shu in 964, Shen Lun was in charge of managing all the money for the army.

Images for kids

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  Shen Lun, from a Qing dynasty book