Xue Yiju facts for kids

Xue Yiju (died May 25, 912) was an important government official in ancient China. He worked for two different dynasties: the Tang dynasty and the Later Liang. During the Later Liang period, he became a chancellor, which was a very high-ranking position, like a chief advisor to the emperor.

Early Life and Family

We don't know exactly when Xue Yiju was born. His family came from a place called Wenxi, which is in modern-day Yuncheng, Shanxi province. His family believed they were descendants of a legendary ancient emperor named Zhuanxu.

Xue Yiju's family had many officials throughout Chinese history. His ancestors served in various dynasties, including the Han dynasty and the Tang dynasty. His grandfather, Xue Cuncheng, worked as an imperial attendant. His father, Xue Tingwang, was a prefect, which means he was in charge of a region. Both his father and grandfather were known for being good and respected people.

Working for the Tang Dynasty

Xue Yiju was known for being smart and handsome. He also spent time with other intelligent people. He became a well-known writer.

He passed the special imperial examinations during the Qianfu era (874–879). These exams were very difficult tests that people had to pass to get important jobs in the government. After passing, he started working in low-level government jobs. He worked in different offices, like helping with budgets and advising the emperor. He also helped write official orders for the emperor.

Later, he became an imperial scholar. This meant he was a highly educated person who advised the emperor. He also worked in the ministry of rites, which handled ceremonies and education.

Challenges and Exile

In 895, the emperor at the time, Emperor Zhaozong of Tang, had to flee the capital city, Chang'an. He was worried about attacks from powerful warlords. Xue Yiju was busy gathering his family and couldn't follow the emperor right away. Because of this, he lost his job.

However, he was soon called back to work for the government. He became a mid-level official in the legislative bureau. He also became an imperial scholar again. He then worked as a deputy minister for census and defense.

In 903, a powerful warlord named Zhu Wen and a chancellor named Cui Yin convinced the emperor to remove many eunuchs from power. Eunuchs were court officials who had a lot of influence. Xue Yiju had painted portraits for some of these eunuchs. Because of this connection, he was sent away from the capital.

Return to Power

Around 904, Zhu Wen forced the government to move the capital from Chang'an to Luoyang. An order was sent out for Xue Yiju to become the deputy minister of civil service affairs. But Xue Yiju didn't go to Luoyang to take the job.

Zhu Wen respected Xue Yiju. So, he sent another order, making Xue Yiju the minister of civil service affairs. This time, Xue Yiju accepted the position. He later became the chief imperial censor, which meant he oversaw other officials.

The End of the Tang Dynasty

By 907, it was clear that Zhu Wen was going to take over the throne and become the new emperor. Emperor Ai, the last Tang emperor, sent Xue Yiju to meet Zhu Wen. Xue Yiju showed great respect to Zhu Wen, treating him like an emperor even before he officially took the throne.

When Xue Yiju returned, he told Emperor Ai that Zhu Wen was ready to become emperor. So, Emperor Ai prepared to give up his throne. Two months later, Xue Yiju, along with other high-ranking officials, led the ceremony where Zhu Wen officially became the new emperor. This event ended the Tang Dynasty and started the Later Liang Dynasty.

At a celebration feast, most Tang officials were sad and quiet. But Xue Yiju, along with two other officials, spoke up to praise the new emperor.

Working for the Later Liang Dynasty

After Zhu Wen became Emperor Taizu of the Later Liang Dynasty, he made Xue Yiju a deputy head of the legislative bureau. He also gave him the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, which made him a chancellor. This was one of the highest positions in the government. He also managed taxes.

In 908, he became a deputy head of the examination bureau. He was also put in charge of writing the official history of the empire. He continued to manage the government's budget. Later, he gained more titles, including imperial scholar and director of salt and iron monopolies.

People said that during his time as chancellor, he didn't achieve anything particularly special. In 912, Xue Yiju went with Emperor Taizu on a military campaign. He became sick after returning to Luoyang and died shortly after. He was given special honors after his death.