Emperor Wencheng of Northern Wei
Encyclopedia
| Wei Wenchengdi ((北)魏文成帝) | |
|---|---|
| Family name Chinese name Personal names in Chinese culture follow a number of conventions different from those of personal names in Western cultures. Most noticeably, a Chinese name is written with the family name first and the given name next, therefore "John-Paul Smith" as a Chinese name would be "Smith John-Paul"... : |
Tuoba Tuoba Tuoba, or Tabgach, were a clan of Xianbei people of ancient China.-Xianbei Tuoba:Tuoba was a clan of the Xianbei people in the early centuries of the 1st millennium AD. They established the State of Dai from 310 to 376 AD, and the Northern Wei Dynasty from 386 to 536 AD... (拓拔; tuò bá) |
| Given name Chinese name Personal names in Chinese culture follow a number of conventions different from those of personal names in Western cultures. Most noticeably, a Chinese name is written with the family name first and the given name next, therefore "John-Paul Smith" as a Chinese name would be "Smith John-Paul"... : |
Jun (濬, jùn) |
| Temple name Temple name Temple names are commonly used when naming most Chinese, Korean , and Vietnamese royalty. They should not be confused with era names. Compared to posthumous names, the use of temple names is more exclusive... : |
Gaozong (高宗, gāo zōng) |
| Posthumous name Posthumous name A posthumous name is an honorary name given to royalty, nobles, and sometimes others, in East Asia after the person's death, and is used almost exclusively instead of one's personal name or other official titles during his life... : |
Wencheng (文成, wén chéng), literary meaning: "civil and successful" |
Emperor Wencheng of Northern Wei ((北)魏文成帝) (440–465), personal name Tuoba Jun (拓拔濬), was an emperor
Emperor
An emperor is a monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an empire or another type of imperial realm. Empress, the female equivalent, may indicate an emperor's wife or a woman who rules in her own right...
of the Chinese
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
/Xianbei
Xianbei
The Xianbei were a significant Mongolic nomadic people residing in Manchuria, Inner Mongolia and eastern Mongolia. The title “Khan” was first used among the Xianbei.-Origins:...
dynasty Northern Wei
Northern Wei
The Northern Wei Dynasty , also known as the Tuoba Wei , Later Wei , or Yuan Wei , was a dynasty which ruled northern China from 386 to 534 . It has been described as "part of an era of political turbulence and intense social and cultural change"...
. He became emperor in the aftermaths of the eunuch
Eunuch
A eunuch is a person born male most commonly castrated, typically early enough in his life for this change to have major hormonal consequences...
Zong Ai
Zong Ai
Zong Ai was a eunuch who briefly came to great power in the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei in 452 after assassinating Emperor Taiwu and making his son Tuoba Yu emperor.Little is known about Zong's career prior to 451...
's assassination of his grandfather Emperor Taiwu
Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei
Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei , personal name Tuoba Tao , nickname Foli , was an emperor of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
and uncle Tuoba Yu
Tuoba Yu
Tuoba Yu , formally Prince Yin of Nan'an , was briefly an emperor of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei. He was placed on the throne by the eunuch Zong Ai after Zong assassinated his father Emperor Taiwu in spring 452, and Zong was largely in control of the regime during his reign...
, and he was generally described by historians as a ruler who sought foremost to allow his people to rest after his grandfather's expansionist policies and extensive campaigns, who also reformed the laws to become more lenient.
Background
Tuoba Jun was born in 440, when his father Tuoba HuangTuoba Huang
Tuoba Huang , formally Crown Prince Jingmu , later further formally honored as Emperor Jingmu with the temple name Gongzong by his son Emperor Wencheng, was a crown prince of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
was the crown prince of his grandfather, Emperor Taiwu
Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei
Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei , personal name Tuoba Tao , nickname Foli , was an emperor of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
. (Some historical sources give his birthdate as 448, a date that appears rather unlikely because that would make him only six years older than his son, Emperor Xianwen
Emperor Xianwen of Northern Wei
Emperor Xianwen of Northern Wei , personal name Tuoba Hong, was an emperor of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
.) His mother Consort Yujiulü
Consort Yujiulü
Consort Yujiulü , formally Empress Gong , was a consort of Tuoba Huang , a crown prince of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
was the sister of the general Yujiulü Pi (郁久閭毗), who had been a member of the Rouran
Rouran
Rouran , Mongolia name Jujan or Nirun Ruanruan/Ruru , Tan Tan , Juan-Juan or Zhu-Zhuwas the name of a confederation of nomadic tribes on the northern borders of Inner China from the late 4th century until the middle 6th century...
royal house but who had surrendered to Northern Wei. When he was little, he was much favored by his grandfather Emperor Taiwu, and often accompanied Emperor Taiwu, even on military campaigns. While he carried no official titles, he was known as the Prime Imperial Grandson (嫡皇孫). Around the new year 452, after his father Tuoba Huang had died in 451 after falling ill over his fear of false accusations by the eunuch
Eunuch
A eunuch is a person born male most commonly castrated, typically early enough in his life for this change to have major hormonal consequences...
Zong Ai
Zong Ai
Zong Ai was a eunuch who briefly came to great power in the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei in 452 after assassinating Emperor Taiwu and making his son Tuoba Yu emperor.Little is known about Zong's career prior to 451...
, Emperor Taiwu created him the Prince of Gaoyang, but then reconsidered, believing that a princely title was inappropriate for his oldest grandson, and therefore cancelled the title—signifying strongly that he intended for Tuoba Jun to succeed him.
However, Zong Ai, in fear that Emperor Taiwu would punish him over his false accusations against Crown Prince Huang, assassinated Emperor Taiwu in spring 452, and, skipping over Tuoba Jun, made Tuoba Huang's younger brother Tuoba Yu
Tuoba Yu
Tuoba Yu , formally Prince Yin of Nan'an , was briefly an emperor of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei. He was placed on the throne by the eunuch Zong Ai after Zong assassinated his father Emperor Taiwu in spring 452, and Zong was largely in control of the regime during his reign...
the Prince of Nan'an emperor. Zong controlled all important matters of state, and when Tuoba Yu, displeased about Zong's arrogance, tried to strip him of power in fall 452, Zong assassinated him as well. The officials Dugu Ni (獨孤尼), Yuan He
Yuan He
Yuan He , né Tufa Poqiang , formally Prince Xuan of Longxi , was a high level official of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
, Baba Kehou (拔拔渴侯), and Buliugu Li
Buliugu Li
Buliugu Li , more commonly known in historical accounts as Lu Li , formally Prince Jian of Pingyuan , was a high level official for the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei who served mostly during the reign of Emperor Wencheng.Buliugu Li's father Buliugu...
, however, then overthrew Zong and executed him, making Tuoba Jun emperor at the age of 12, as Emperor Wencheng.
Early reign
Immediately following Emperor Wencheng's taking the throne, it appeared that the high level officials began internecine struggles against each other, as for several years officials would be put into honored positions, only to be executed days or months later. These included senior officials held over from Emperor Taiwu's administration as well as those who had accomplished much in putting Emperor Wencheng on the throne, and included:- Tuoba Shoule (拓拔壽樂), chief commander (winter 452)
- Baba Kehou, a major participant in the coup bringing Emperor Wencheng to the throne (winter 452)
- Tuxi Bi (吐奚弼), prime minister under Tuoba Yu (winter 452)
- Zhang Li (張黎), chief commander under Tuoba Yu (winter 452)
- Tuoba Zhouniu (拓拔周忸) the Prince of Leling, chief commander (winter 452)
- Duguhun Yuanbao (獨孤渾元寶) the Prince of Jingzhao (spring 453)
- Tuoba Chong (拓拔崇) the Prince of Jianning, Emperor Wencheng's granduncle, and his son Tuoba Li (拓拔麗) the Prince of Ji'nan (spring 453)
- Yujiulü Ruowen (郁久閭若文) the Prince of Puyang (fall 453)
- Tuoba Ren (拓拔仁) the Prince of Yongchang, Emperor Wencheng's distant uncle (fall 453)
- Tuoba Ba (拓拔拔) the Prince of Leping, Emperor Wencheng's distant uncle (spring 455)
It appeared that Yuan He and Buliugu Li were the key victors out of these struggles, for not only did they not suffer during the infighting, but became exceedingly honored late in Emperor Wencheng's reign. Both they and Dugu Ni were created princes. Whether Emperor Wencheng himself was involved in these internecine struggles is unclear, although the edicts were issued in his name. Yuchi Juan (尉遲眷), already a decorated general during Emperor Taiwu's reign, also became powerful.
Another characteristic of Emperor Wencheng's reign was that he often toured the provinces throughout his empire.
In winter 452, Emperor Wencheng's mother Consort Yujiulü died, and he subsequently posthumously honored his parents as emperor and empress.
Around the new year 453, Emperor Wencheng, a Buddhist, officially ended the prohibitions against Buddhism that Emperor Taiwu had instituted in 445 (which became known as the first of Three Disasters of Wu
Three Disasters of Wu
The Three Disasters of Wu were three major persecutions against Buddhism in Chinese history. They were named as such because the posthumous names or temple names of all three emperors who carried out the persecutions had the character Wu in them.- First Disaster :The first Disaster of Wu started...
), and he personally performed tonsure
Tonsure
Tonsure is the traditional practice of Christian churches of cutting or shaving the hair from the scalp of clerics, monastics, and, in the Eastern Orthodox Church, all baptized members...
on five monks. However, as per the traditions instituted by Emperor Taiwu, he also publicly received Taoist amulets in spring 454.
In spring 453, Emperor Wencheng honored his wet nurse
Wet nurse
A wet nurse is a woman who is used to breast feed and care for another's child. Wet nurses are used when the mother is unable or chooses not to nurse the child herself. Wet-nursed children may be known as "milk-siblings", and in some cultures the families are linked by a special relationship of...
Lady Chang as empress dowager
Empress Dowager
Empress Dowager was the title given to the mother of a Chinese, Korean, Japanese or Vietnamese emperor.The title was also given occasionally to another woman of the same generation, while a woman from the previous generation was sometimes given the title of Grand empress dowager. Numerous empress...
, and treated her brothers as if they were his biological uncles.
In fall 454, Emperor Wencheng's concubine Consort Li gave birth to his oldest son Tuoba Hong
Emperor Xianwen of Northern Wei
Emperor Xianwen of Northern Wei , personal name Tuoba Hong, was an emperor of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
. In 456, he created another imperial consort, Consort Feng
Empress Feng (Wencheng)
Empress Feng , formally Empress Wenming was an empress of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei. Her husband was Emperor Wencheng...
, empress and created Tuoba Hong crown prince—and then, pursuant to Northern Wei tradition, ordered Tuoba Hong's mother Consort Li to commit suicide.
In winter 458, Emperor Wencheng launched a major attack against Rouran, but considered abandoningit when his troops encountered a snow storm. At Weichi Juan's urging (arguing that a withdrawal would unduly signal weakness to Rouran), however, Emperor Wencheng continued, and while he was not able to deal a major defeat to Rouran's Chuluo Khan Yujiulü Tuhezhen
Yujiulü Tuhezhen
Yujiulü Tuhezhen khan of the Rouran with the title of Chu Khan . He was the son of Yujiulü Wuti. He was succeeded by Yujiulü Yucheng....
, a number of Rouran tribesmen surrendered. Meanwhile, in his absence, his generals Feng Chiwen (封敕文) and Pi Baozi (皮豹子) engaged Liu Song forces near the Ji River (濟水, the route of which had been overtaken by the Yellow River
Yellow River
The Yellow River or Huang He, formerly known as the Hwang Ho, is the second-longest river in China and the sixth-longest in the world at the estimated length of . Originating in the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai Province in western China, it flows through nine provinces of China and empties into...
in modern times), with inconclusive results.
Late reign
In summer 460, Emperor Wencheng's wet nurse Empress Dowager Chang died.Also in summer 460, based on advise given by Cao An (曹安) the Marquess of Dingyang, Emperor Wencheng launched a major attack on Tuyuhun's khan Murong Shiyin (慕容拾寅), who had drawn Northern Wei officials' ire by accepting commissions by both Northern Wei and Liu Song and by showing off his wealth. The commanding generals were Emperor Wencheng's brother Tuoba Xincheng (拓拔新成) the Prince of Yangping and Li Hui (李惠) the Duke of Nan Commandery. However, while the armies were able to capture a large number of livestock, Murong Shiyin received advance warning and was able to flee into the mountains, and the armies also suffered from illnesses.
In 464, while on one of his tours to various parts of the empire, Emperor Wencheng personally attended a Gaoche tribal ceremony to sacrifice to the heavens, and the Gaoche people were very pleased.
In summer 465, Emperor Wencheng died and was succeeded by his son Tuoba Hong (as Emperor Xianwen). Power soon fell into the hands of the official Yifu Hun
Yifu Hun
Yifu Hun , more commonly known in historical accounts as Yi Hun , was a high level official of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei, who effectively briefly served as the regent for Emperor Xianwen.Little is known about Yifu Hun's background despite his one-time...
, who tried to monopolize power and executed a number of other officials, including Buliugu Li, but in 466 was in turn ambushed by Emperor Wencheng's wife Empress Dowager Feng.
Era names
- Xing'an (興安 xīng ān) 452-454
- Xingguang (興光 xīng guāng) 454-455
- Tai'an (太安 tài ān) 455-459
- Heping (和平 hé píng) 460-465
Personal information
- Father
- Tuoba HuangTuoba HuangTuoba Huang , formally Crown Prince Jingmu , later further formally honored as Emperor Jingmu with the temple name Gongzong by his son Emperor Wencheng, was a crown prince of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
, Crown Prince Jingmu, posthumously honored as Emperor Jingmu, son of Emperor Taiwu of Northern WeiEmperor Taiwu of Northern WeiEmperor Taiwu of Northern Wei , personal name Tuoba Tao , nickname Foli , was an emperor of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
- Tuoba Huang
- Mother
- Consort YujiulüConsort YujiulüConsort Yujiulü , formally Empress Gong , was a consort of Tuoba Huang , a crown prince of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
, sister of Yujiulü Pi (郁久閭毗) the Prince of Hedong, posthumously honored as Empress Gong
- Consort Yujiulü
- Wife
- Empress FengEmpress Feng (Wencheng)Empress Feng , formally Empress Wenming was an empress of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei. Her husband was Emperor Wencheng...
(created 456), daughter of Feng Lang (馮朗) the Duke of Liaoxi, son of Feng HongFeng HongFeng Hong , courtesy name Wentong , formally Emperor Zhaocheng of Yan , was the last emperor of the Chinese state Northern Yan. He seized the throne in 430 when his brother Feng Ba was ill, and he used the title "Heavenly Prince"...
the emperor of Northern YanNorthern YanThe Northern Yan was a state of Han Chinese during the era of Sixteen Kingdoms in China.The second Emperor of Northern Yan, Feng Ba, was Han chinese.All rulers of the Northern Yan declared themselves "emperors".-Rulers of the Northern Yan:...
. Burial: Empress Dowager Wenming tombEmpress Dowager Wenming tombThe Empress Dowager Wenming tomb is the final resting place of Empress Feng , formally Empress Wenming and the wife of Emperor Wencheng of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The tomb and is located on the famed Silk Route. When her husband died in 465, Empress Dowager Wenming became regent until her...
.
- Empress Feng
- Major Concubines
- Consort Li, mother of Crown Prince Hong (forced to commit suicide 456)
- Consort Li, mother of Prince Changle
- Consort Cao, mother of Prince Lüe
- Consort Juqu, mother of Prince Jian
- Consort Yifu, mother of Prince Ruo
- Consort Yue, mother of Prince Meng
- Consort Xuan, mother of Prince Anping
- Children
- Tuoba Hong (拓拔弘), the Crown Prince (created 456), later Emperor Xianwen of Northern WeiEmperor Xianwen of Northern WeiEmperor Xianwen of Northern Wei , personal name Tuoba Hong, was an emperor of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Wei...
- Tuboa Changle (拓拔長樂), initially the Prince of Jianchang (created 470), later Prince Li of Anle (created 475, forced to commit suicide 479)
- Tuoba Lüe (拓拔略), Prince Zhuang of Guangchuan (created 472, d. 480)
- Tuoba Jian (拓拔簡), Prince Shun of Qi Commandery (created 481, d. 499)
- Tuoba Ruo (拓拔若), died early, posthumously created Prince Xiao of Hejian
- Tuoba Meng (拓拔猛), Prince Kuang of Anfeng (created 481, d. 489)
- Tuoba Anping (拓拔安平), Prince Ai of Han, died early
- Princess Dunqiu
- Princess Wuyi
- Princess Jianxing
- Princess Pingyang
- Tuoba Hong (拓拔弘), the Crown Prince (created 456), later Emperor Xianwen of Northern Wei