Shi Miyuan

Shi Miyuan Chinese: 史彌遠; Wade–Giles: Shih Mi-yüan; February 23, 1164 – November 27, 1233) was a Chinese government official during the Southern Song Dynasty. He was instrumental in installing Emperor Lizong on the throne, despite the fact that Lizong was not in the line of succession. Under Lizong's rule, Shi was appointed Grand Chancellor.[2][3]

In this Chinese name, the family name is Shi.
Shi Miyuan
史彌遠
Grand Chancellor of the Song Dynasty
In office
November 19, 1208[1] – November 27, 1233
MonarchEmperor Ningzong
Emperor Lizong
Preceded byHan Tuozhou
Succeeded byDing Daquan
Personal details
BornFebruary 23, 1164
DiedNovember 27, 1233(1233-11-27) (aged 69)
ParentsShi Hao

Shi was from a family of bureaucrats and was skilled in politics. He took the Imperial examinations at the age of only seventeen, and placed first in his class. After the dismissal of Han Tuozhou as Chief Councillor, Shi was appointed to the position in 1208[2] (a number of historians accuse Shi of orchestrating Han's murder).[3][4] Once in power, he reversed many of Han's policies, making peace with the Jin and revoking proscriptions against the Neo-Confucianism of Zhu Xi,[5] although he still did not allow adherents of Zhu Xi's theories any great political power. He generally promoted officials on merit and was able to restore a degree of stability to government.[6]

Imperial succession

When the Emperor Ningzong died in 1224, the succession wasn't known as Ningzong had not designated an heir. Ningzong's eldest son had died in 1197 and all of his other sons were dead too so the appointed heir was therefore adopted (the crown prince in 1224 was actually the third boy Ningzong had adopted for the role).[7] Shi moved to place Zhao Yun (a minor imperial prince) on the throne ahead of the heir apparent. In some histories, it is suggested that Shi placed a lute-playing courtesan in the crown prince's company, and through her learned of the heir apparent's plot to remove Shi from power after attaining the throne. In changing the order of succession, he had the unwilling support of Empress Yang, who was initially against the plot but was forced to assist after Shi threatened to exterminate her clan. She forged an edict appointing Zhao Yun as heir, and he was crowned as the Emperor Lizong.[3]

Shi Miyuan died in office in 1233 and was succeeded by Ding Daquan.[5]

References
  1. History of Song, vol. 39.
  2. Frederick W. Mote (2003). Imperial China 900-1800. Harvard University Press. p. 316. ISBN 978-0-674-01212-7.
  3. Lily Xiao Hong Lee; Sue Wiles (13 March 2014). Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women: Tang Through Ming, 618-1644. M.E. Sharpe. p. 535. ISBN 978-0-7656-4316-2.
  4. Grace S. Fong (14 July 2014). Wu Wenying and the Art of Southern Song Ci Poetry. Princeton University Press. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-4008-5897-2.
  5. John A.G. Roberts (13 July 2011). A History of China. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 120. ISBN 978-0-230-34536-2.
  6. Kenneth Pletcher (15 August 2010). The History of China. The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 154. ISBN 978-1-61530-109-6.
  7. David R. Olson (17 June 2013). Technology, Literacy, and the Evolution of Society: Implications of the Work of Jack Goody. Psychology Press. p. 64. ISBN 978-1-134-81298-1.
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