Xu Ji facts for kids

Xu Ji (許寂) (died July 5, 936) was an important official in ancient China. He lived during a time called the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, when China was divided into many smaller states. Xu Ji served as a top advisor, known as a chancellor, for the Former Shu kingdom. His courtesy name, a special name given to adults in ancient China, was Xianxian (閑閑).

Early Life and Studies

Xu Ji was born in a place called Kuaiji, which is now Shaoxing in Zhejiang province. We don't know his exact birth year. His grandfather, Xu Mi, was a well-known person in their area.

When Xu Ji was young, he went to live in the Siming Mountains. There, he studied an ancient Chinese book called the I Ching with a scholar known as Lord Jinzheng.

Meeting the Emperor

At one point, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Zhaozong of Tang, heard about Xu Ji's good reputation. The emperor invited Xu Ji to meet him, probably in the capital city of Chang'an.

However, when Xu Ji arrived at the palace, Emperor Zhaozong was busy playing music with performers. He didn't see Xu Ji right away. Xu Ji was not impressed by this. After he finally met the emperor, he asked to return to the mountains.

He later settled in Jiangling County. A powerful military leader named Zhao Kuangming, who governed the Jingnan area, respected Xu Ji greatly. Zhao often asked Xu Ji for advice on how to live a good life.

Moving to Former Shu

In 905, Zhao Kuangming was in danger from another powerful military leader, Zhu Quanzhong. Zhao decided to escape to the territory of Wang Jian, who governed the Xichuan area. Xu Ji went with Zhao to Xichuan.

Wang Jian had heard about Xu Ji's wisdom and reputation. He gave Xu Ji a special building where he could continue his studies in peace.

Serving Wang Jian

In 907, the Tang Dynasty officially ended. Wang Jian, who did not recognize the new ruling family, declared himself emperor of a new state called Shu. This kingdom is now known as Former Shu.

In Wang Jian's new government, Xu Ji was given an important role as a consultant. Later, in 913, Wang Jian asked his advisor Du Guangting to recommend wise people to help his son and heir, Wang Yuanying. Xu Ji was chosen for this role.

However, Wang Yuanying didn't listen to Xu Ji or the other advisors. He preferred to spend his time playing games and having fun with his friends. Xu Ji was later promoted to a higher position in the government, dealing with civil service matters.

Serving Wang Yan

In 918, Emperor Wang Jian passed away, and his youngest son, Wang Zongyan (who changed his name to Wang Yan), became the new emperor.

Soon after Wang Yan took the throne, a senior advisor named Zhang Ge was sent away from the capital. Many people connected to Zhang Ge were also removed from their positions, and Xu Ji was among them. After some time, Xu Ji was brought back and promoted to be the minister of rites, a role dealing with ceremonies and traditions.

In 924, Xu Ji became a chancellor, one of the emperor's top advisors. Around 925, Zhang Ge was also brought back and made a chancellor again. Zhang Ge used his power to punish someone who had acted against him earlier. Xu Ji commented on this, saying that Zhang Ge was talented but lacked common sense, and that such actions could bring disaster.

After Former Shu Ended

In 925, the Former Shu kingdom was conquered by another powerful state called Later Tang. Xu Ji and many other Former Shu officials surrendered to the Later Tang army. They were taken to the Later Tang capital, Luoyang.

Xu Ji was given an honorary title and allowed to retire. He lived in a large house where he created a small creek and built a bamboo bridge over it. He believed that bamboo could transform into dragons, so he named his bridge "The Bridge to Meet the Dragon."

Even in his old age, Xu Ji was said to be healthy, but he spoke very little. He often repeated, in his local dialect, "It is odd. It is odd." He passed away from illness in 936 while in retirement.