Wang Chong (Shu Han) Explained

Wang Chong
Native Name:王崇
Office:Administrator of Shangyong
(上庸太守)
Office1:Administrator of Shu Commandery
(蜀郡太守)
Monarch1:Sima Yan
Office2:Masters of Writing
(尚書郎)
Monarch2:Sima Yan
Birth Date:Unknown
Birth Place:Guanghan, Sichuan
Death Date:Unknown
Father:Wang Peng
Occupation:Official, scholar
Blank1:Courtesy name
Data1:Youyuan (幼遠)

Wang Chong (250s–270s), courtesy name Youyuan, was an official and scholar of the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period of China. After the fall of Shu in 263, he continued serving under the Jin dynasty, that succeeded Cao Wei state in 266.

Life

Wang Chong was born in Qi, Guanghan Commandery (廣漢郡), which is present-day Guanghan, Sichuan. Wang Chong had three brothers, the eldest was Wang Hua. Then, the second brother was Wang Zhen (王振), whose courtesy name, was Zhongyuan (仲遠). He was known as a man of virtue and high reputation. He was appointed as Prefect of Guangdu (廣都令) and Administrator of Ba Commandery (巴郡太守).[1] The third brother was Wang Dai (王岱), whose courtesy name, was Jiyuan (季遠). He was diligent in his official duties. He successively served as Prefect (令) of Guangyang (廣陽) and Zuotang (作唐) before his untimely death.[2]

Wang Chong was the youngest brother. He was a man of profound learning and tolerance toward other views. Moreover, he was known for his elegance and noble character.[3] When he was an official in Shu Han, Wang Chong served in the Dongguanlang (東觀郎; eastern office responsible for compiling the historical text).[4]

Following Cao Wei's abdication to Jin, he assisted the Bieja (別駕; important assistant to the governor of the province) of Liang Province, was recommended as a xiucai (秀才; person who passed the county level imperial exam) and appointed as Gentleman of the Masters of Writing (尚書郎).[5] Wang Chong entered the capital Luoyang alongside other famous Shu Han officials. Shou Liang, Li Mi, Chen Shou, Li Xiang, and Du Lie. They were regarded as the outstanding talents from Liang and Yi provinces.[6] Although, the six of them had a deep friendship. They became estrangled from each other. However, Wang Chong because of his tolerance and impartiality managed to keep his relation with them until the end.[7] Wang Chong's official career culminated when he became Administrator (太守) of Shangyong (上庸) and Shu Commandery (蜀郡).[8]

Anecdote

Throughout his life, Wang Chong authored the Book of Shu (蜀書; records of Shu) and dozens of other poems and essays.[9] His works differed significantly from those of Chen Shou.[10]

When Liu Shan's son, Liu Xun (劉恂) didn't change his immoral attitude that almost costed him his position. Wang Chong was among those who chastised him to reflect on Wen Li's advice.[11]

See also

References

Notes and References

  1. (弟振,字仲遠,亦有德望,廣都令,巴東太守。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  2. (叔弟岱,字季遠,恪居官次,歷廣陽、作唐令,早亡。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  3. (少弟崇,字幼遠,學業淵博,雅性洪粹,) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  4. (蜀時東觀郎。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  5. (大同後,梁州辟別駕,舉秀才,尚書郎。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  6. (與壽良、李宓、陳壽、李驤、杜烈同入京洛,為二州標俊。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  7. (五子情好未必能終。惟崇獨以寬和,無所彼此。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  8. (官至上庸、蜀郡太守。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  9. (著《蜀書》,及詩賦之屬數十篇。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  10. (其書與陳壽頗不同。) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 07.
  11. (後安樂公淫亂無道,何攀與上庸太守王崇、涪陵太守張寅為書諫責,稱:「當思立言。」) Huayang Guo Zhi vol. 11. 02.