Zhou Chi facts for kids

Zhou Chi (born in 793 – died March 23, 851) was an important government official in ancient China. He lived during the Tang dynasty and served as a top advisor, known as a chancellor, to Emperor Xuānzong. His courtesy name was Desheng. He was also given the special title of Baron of Ru'nan.

Early Life and Career

Zhou Chi was born in 793, when Emperor Dezong was the ruler. His family came from a place called Ru'nan, which is now in Zhumadian, Henan province. His family believed they were related to the old royal family of the Zhou dynasty.

Zhou Chi lost his father when he was young. People said he was very devoted to his mother. In 822, he passed the difficult imperial examinations. These were special tests that people had to pass to become government officials. After passing, he started his career as a traveling officer in a region called Hunan.

Serving Emperor Wenzong

Later, Zhou Chi was called back to the capital city, Chang'an. He became an imperial censor, which meant he was an official who watched over other officials. He also worked as an imperial scholar, a smart person who advised the emperor.

Zhou Chi knew a lot about history and was good at writing. Because of this, Emperor Wenzong respected him. At one point, a chancellor named Li Zongmin invited Zhou Chi to work for him. About a year later, Zhou Chi returned to Chang'an.

During this time, some powerful people in the government, Li Xun and Zheng Zhu, caused many officials to be removed. However, they could not find any fault with Zhou Chi, so he was not expelled. He continued to serve the emperor. Emperor Wenzong often asked Zhou Chi for his thoughts on important matters, and he valued Zhou Chi's advice.

In 839, Emperor Wenzong was not feeling well. He asked Zhou Chi how he compared to great rulers from the past. Zhou Chi tried to praise the emperor, but Emperor Wenzong felt sad about how much power the palace eunuchs had. He compared himself to kings who had lost their power, which surprised Zhou Chi.

Roles Under Emperor Wuzong

After Emperor Wenzong died in 840, his brother Emperor Wuzong became the new emperor. Zhou Chi was sent away from Chang'an to serve as the prefect of Hua Prefecture. He also became the defender of Tong Pass, an important mountain pass.

Later, he was made the governor of Eyue Circuit, a large region. He also served as the prefect of its main city, E Prefecture. In 846, he became the governor of Jiangxi Circuit. While he was there, he carefully watched over the officials working under him. He also placed soldiers near Poyang Lake to stop the bandits who were causing trouble there.

Becoming a Chancellor for Emperor Xuānzong

When Emperor Xuānzong became emperor, Zhou Chi was given more important roles. He became the military governor of Yicheng Circuit. He was also given honorary titles and made the Baron of Ru'nan. After this, he was called back to Chang'an to work as the deputy minister of defense and the acting director of finances.

In 848, Zhou Chi was officially made a chancellor. This meant he was one of the emperor's most important advisors. When he started this big job, he asked an official named Wei Ao for advice. Wei Ao had worked for him before. Zhou Chi said, "I feel weak for such a big job. What should I do?" Wei Ao surprisingly replied, "I hope you are powerless." Zhou Chi was shocked!

Wei Ao then explained that a good chancellor should not use their power for personal reasons. They should be fair and always do what is best for the people, without showing favoritism. If a chancellor acts this way, they will seem "powerless" because they are not using their position for selfish gain. Zhou Chi agreed with this wise advice.

After this, Zhou Chi was given even more responsibilities. He became the minister of justice and a deputy head of the government's legislative department. He was also put in charge of editing the imperial history.

In 849, Emperor Xuānzong asked his chancellors about capable officials from the past. Zhou Chi mentioned Wei Dan, a former governor of Jiangxi. Zhou Chi said that the people of Jiangxi still missed Wei Dan long after he left. Because of this, Emperor Xuānzong had a monument built for Wei Dan and promoted Wei Dan's son, Wei Zhou.

Zhou Chi was known for being very firm and honest. He did not let powerful people influence him. For example, he refused to transfer a military governor named Wang Zai to a new post, even though Wang Zai wanted it. He also refused to let the emperor's brother-in-law, Wei Rang, become the mayor of Chang'an, because he felt Wei Rang was not capable enough.

Zhou Chi also disagreed with Emperor Xuānzong when the emperor wanted to send the army to fight for lands that had been lost to the Tufan many years ago. Emperor Xuānzong was offended by Zhou Chi's honest opinion. Later in 849, Zhou Chi was sent away from the capital to become the military governor of Dongchuan Circuit.

After this decision was announced, the emperor's son-in-law, Zheng Hao, commented, "Zhou Chi became chancellor because of his honest words, and he was also removed from chancellorship because of his honest words." Even though Emperor Xuānzong did not change his mind, he gave Zhou Chi an honorary title, showing some respect.

Later Years and Death

After serving as governor for a year, Zhou Chi thought about retiring and going back to his home in Luoyang. However, he became ill and decided to wait until he felt better. Sadly, he never recovered and passed away in 851. He was given special honors after his death.

Zhou Chi's wife, Lady Jiang, had passed away before him. He was survived by two sons, Zhou Kuanrao and Zhou Xianxi, who both became government officials. He also had a daughter who married an official named Xue Meng. Zhou Chi's coffin was brought back to Luoyang and buried there in 851.