Zhang Wenwei facts for kids

Zhang Wenwei (張文蔚), also known by his courtesy name Youhua (右華), was an important official in ancient China. He served during the end of the Tang dynasty and the start of the Later Liang dynasty. He held the high position of a chancellor. This means he was a top advisor to the emperor. He worked for the last Tang emperor, Emperor Ai, and the first Later Liang emperor, Emperor Taizu (Zhu Quanzhong).

Life in the Tang Dynasty

Early Life and Family

We don't know exactly when Zhang Wenwei was born. His family believed they were related to a famous general from the early Han dynasty named Zhang Er. Many of his ancestors were officials in the Sui dynasty and the Tang dynasty.

His grandfather, Zhang Junqing, worked as a copyeditor. His father, Zhang Shang, held many important jobs, including leading a military area called Tianping Circuit.

Zhang Wenwei had at least two younger brothers, Zhang Jimei and Zhang Yixian. Both of them, like him, passed the difficult imperial exams. These exams were how people got jobs in the government. However, only Zhang Yixian became an official. Zhang Jimei had health problems. It is said that Zhang Wenwei took care of his brother for over 30 years. People at the time admired him for this. Zhang Wenwei himself was known for being good at writing when he was young. He also loved to study and was friendly, earning a reputation as a true gentleman.

Starting His Career

Zhang Wenwei passed the imperial exams in 875, during the rule of Emperor Xizong. After that, he worked as a surveyor for the government's salt and iron businesses. He also served as a sheriff in a county near the capital city, Chang'an.

In 877, his father, Zhang Shang, passed away. Zhang Wenwei left his government job to observe a period of mourning and take care of his family.

Later, during Emperor Xizong's 'Zhonghe' era (881-885), a big rebellion led by Huang Chao forced the emperor to flee. Huang Chao captured Chang'an and started his own kingdom. To raise money for the fight against Huang Chao, Emperor Xizong moved the salt and iron office. Zhang Wenwei was recommended for a job there.

After Huang Chao was defeated and the emperor returned to Chang'an in 885, Zhang Wenwei got several promotions. He became an imperial censor, an advisor, and an imperial chronicler (someone who recorded history). He also worked in the ministry that handled government jobs. He was praised for drafting official orders and documents. After his mother died, he again left his job for a mourning period.

Becoming a Chancellor

After his mourning period, Zhang Wenwei returned to the government. He quickly became the chief imperial scholar. At this time, Emperor Zhaozong (Emperor Xizong's brother) was emperor, but the government was very weak. Zhang Wenwei was praised for writing official documents that were careful but also strong. He then became a deputy minister in charge of census records and later a deputy minister of rites (ceremonies).

By 905, Zhang was still the deputy minister of rites. The capital had been moved to Luoyang by a powerful military leader named Zhu Quanzhong. Emperor Zhaozong had been killed by Zhu in 904, and his son, Emperor Ai, was now emperor.

In 905, Zhu Quanzhong removed some chancellors. Zhang Wenwei and another official named Yang She were then made chancellors. This meant they were among the highest officials in the government. Zhang also took on duties related to taxes and finances.

Later that year, Zhu Quanzhong ordered the killing of many important Tang officials. It is said that Zhang Wenwei convinced Zhu not to expand this purge to even more people. After another chancellor, Liu Can, was killed in 906, Zhang also took over duties for finances and the salt and iron businesses.

In 907, Emperor Ai was preparing to give up his throne to Zhu Quanzhong. Zhang Wenwei, as the head of the legislative branch, was in charge of announcing this big change. He, along with other officials, traveled in a grand procession from Luoyang to Daliang (Zhu's capital) for the ceremony. Zhu accepted the throne, ending the Tang Dynasty and starting the new Later Liang Dynasty. At a celebration feast, most officials, including Zhang, were very respectful and quiet before the new emperor.

Life in the Later Liang Dynasty

After the Tang Dynasty ended and the Later Liang Dynasty began, Zhang Wenwei remained a chancellor. He was known for writing many of the rules and laws that the new Later Liang government used.

In 908, Emperor Taizu (Zhu Quanzhong) left Luoyang to fight against another state called Jin. He left Zhang Wenwei in charge of Luoyang. Zhang Wenwei died later that year, still serving as a chancellor for the Later Liang Dynasty.