Zhao Pu
Grand Chancellor of the Song Dynasty | |
---|---|
In office 964–973 | |
Monarch | Emperor Taizu |
In office 981–983 | |
Monarch | Emperor Taizong |
In office 988–992 | |
Monarch | Emperor Taizong |
Personal details | |
Born | 922 |
Died | 14 August 992 (aged 69–70) |
Children | Sons: Zhao Chengzong (趙承宗) Zhao Chengzu (趙承煦)
Zhao Ziying (趙志英) |
Zhao Pu (922 – 14 August 992),
Biography
Before he entered politics, he was a tutor and was hired by the future Empress Dowager Du to tutor her son Zhao Kuangyin along with another tutor named Chen.[2] Kuangyin always consulted Pu but ignored Chen's advice because of the tutor's constant scolding for his impatience.[2]
Once Zhao Kuangyin became Emperor Taizu, he invited Zhao Pu to become Grand Chancellor.[2]
In 961, he was summoned by Emperor Taizu to record the will of his mother Empress Dowager Du which she stated that upon Taizu's death, would go to his brother Zhao Guangyi and then upon Guangyi's death, would go to Zhao Guangmei, the youngest surviving brother.[3] Before Du died, she told Zhao Pu to follow her words.[3] Zhao Pu who recorded the entire conversation signed it and kept it in a golden box.[3]
Zhao Pu was relieved of his post of Grand Chancellor and banished by Emperor Taizu in 973 due to rumors that he was being corrupt by the war minister Lu Duoxun (934 – 985) whom Zhao Pu bore a grudge against for repeatedly criticizing him.[4] Lu did this to increase his own power and gain the favor of the Emperor.[4] However, Pu was recalled back into the capital once Emperor Taizu died in which he was succeeded by Zhao Guangyi. Zhao Guangyi would become Emperor Taizong posthumously. Zhao Pu became chancellor and then accused Zhao Tingmei (c. 947 – 984 (formerly named Zhao Guangmei)) and Lu Duoxun for plotting against Emperor Taizong and as a result, Tingmei was imprisoned while Lu was exiled.[5] It is worth mentioning that Zhao Pu advised Emperor Taizong to have his own son become Emperor instead of Zhao Tingmei.[2]
References
- ^ "百度".
- ^ ISBN 978-131751562-3.
- ^ a b c Song Shi, chapter 242
- ^ ISBN 978-110708475-9.
- ISBN 978-0-674-08049-2.