Wang Ya
Encyclopedia
Wang Ya (died December 17, 835), courtesy name Guangjin (廣津), formally Duke of Dai (代公), was an official of the Chinese
dynasty Tang Dynasty
, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Xianzong
and Emperor Xianzong's grandson Emperor Wenzong
. During Emperor Wenzong's reign, he became involved in a major power struggle between imperial officials and eunuchs known as the Ganlu Incident
, and he was killed by the eunuchs along with three other chancellors, Li Xun
, Jia Su
, and Shu Yuanyu
.
and 765
, as he was said to be in his 70s when he eventually died in 835
. His family was from the Tang Dynasty
northern capital Taiyuan
and claimed to be descended from the Northern Wei
official Wang Jiong (王冏). His grandfather Wang Zuo (王祚) served as a military advisor to a prefect, while his father Wang Huang (王晃) served as a prefectural prefect. He had at least two older brothers, Wang Zhao (王沼) and Wang Jie (王潔).
In 792
, during the reign of Emperor Dezong
, Wang Ya passed the imperial examination
s in the class of those who used grand speech, and he was made the sheriff of Lantian County (藍田, in modern Xi'an
, Shaanxi
). In 804
, he was made Hanlin Xueshi (翰林學士), an imperial scholar. He thereafter served in the palace, going through the offices of You Shiyi (右拾遺), a low-level consultant at the legislative bureau of government (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng); Zuo Bujue (左補闕), a consultant at the examination bureau (門下省, Menxia Sheng); and Qiju Sheren (起居舍人), an imperial chronicler. After Emperor Dezong died in 805
and was succeeded by his seriously-ill son Emperor Shunzong
, Wang was one of the imperial scholars who were involved in drafting the edict to create Emperor Shunzong's son Li Chun
crown prince
, along with Zheng Yin
, Wei Cigong (衛次公), and Li Cheng
.
, by which time Li Chun was emperor (as Emperor Xianzong), a special imperial examination was held for examinees to submit criticism of the government. Niu Sengru
, Huangfu Shi (皇甫湜), and Li Zongmin
were considered to have written criticisms that were particularly on point and were ranked the highest by the officials in charge of grading, Yang Yuling (楊於陵) and Wei Guanzhi
. Initially, Emperor Xianzong was set to give commissions to Niu, Huangfu, and Li Zongmin, but the chancellor Li Jifu
was offended by the criticism. As Wang Ya and fellow imperial scholar Pei Ji
were the reviewers of the examination, and Huangfu was Wang's nephew, he accused Pei and Wang of conflict of interest. Due to Li Jifu's accusations, Pei and Wang were stripped of their imperial scholar status and both demoted — with Wang being made Duguan Yuanwailang (都官員外郎), a low-level official at the ministry of justice (刑部, Xingbu), and subsequently being sent out of the capital to serve as the military advisor to the prefect of Guo Prefecture (虢州, in modern Sanmenxia
, Henan
). Yang and Wei were also demoted out of the capital Chang'an
. He was subsequently further made the prefect of Yuan Prefecture (袁州, in modern Yichun, Jiangxi
).
However, it was said that Emperor Xianzong missed Wang, and Wang was eventually recalled to serve as Bingbu Yuanwailang (兵部員外郎), a low-level official at the ministry of defense (兵部, Bingbu), and put in charge of drafting edicts. He was then again made imperial scholar as well as deputy minister of public works (工部侍郎, Gongbu Shilang). He was also created the Baron of Qingyuan. It was said that Wang was a talented writer and many of the edicts that had beautiful language during the reigns of Emperors Dezong and Xianzong were drafted by Wang. As Wang did not engage in partisanship, Emperor Xianzong often consulted with him.
In 816
, Wang was made Zhongshu Shilang (中書侍郎), the deputy head of the legislative bureau, as well as chancellor de facto with the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事). In 817
, there was an occasion when Emperor Xianzong wanted to make one of his close associates, Zhang Su (張宿), a high-level consultant, drawing a strenuous objection from the chancellor Li Fengji
— and this was partially responsible for Emperor Xianzong's removing Li Fengji and making him a military governor (Jiedushi
). Wang and fellow chancellor Cui Qun
also objected to Zhang's commission, but eventually allowed Zhang to serve as acting consultant.
In 818
, Wang was removed from his chancellor position and made the deputy minister of defense (兵部侍郎, Bingbu Shilang), as Emperor Xianzong considered him too silent and unsuitable to be chancellor. He was subsequently made the deputy minister of civil service affairs (吏部侍郎, Libu Shilang).
, after Emperor Xianzong died and was succeeded by his son Emperor Muzong
, Wang Ya was made the military governor of Dongchuan Circuit (東川, headquartered in modern Mianyang
, Sichuan
) and the prefect of Dongchuan's capital Zi Prefecture (梓州). In winter 820, after Tufan forces made a two-pronged incursion later in the year and attacked Ya Prefecture (雅州, in modern Ya'an
, Sichuan
), Wang submitted a petition suggesting that a request be made to the "northern barbarians" (probably referring to Huigu) requesting them to attack the "western barbarians" (i.e., Tufan) and offering great rewards if they did so. Emperor Muzong did not respond to Wang's suggestion.
In 821
, when Chengde (成德, headquartered in modern Shijiazhuang
, Hebei
) and Lulong (盧龍, headquartered in modern Beijing
) Circuits, which had briefly submitted to imperial control, rebelled under the leadership of Wang Tingcou
and Zhu Kerong
respectively, Wang Ya submitted a petition suggesting that Zhu be tolerated and pardoned so that he would not join Wang Tingcou in fighting the imperial forces and that the efforts be concentrated against Wang Tingcou. By the time that Wang Ya's petition arrived at Chang'an, however, Yingmo Circuit (瀛莫, headquartered in modern Cangzhou
, Hebei
), which had been carved out of Pinglu Circuit previously, had already mutinied and rejoined Lulong, with the soldiers arresting its imperially-commissioned governor Lu Shimei (盧士玫) and delivering him to Zhu. Wang Ya's suggestion thus could not be carried out.
In 823
, Wang Ya was recalled to Chang'an to serve as chief imperial censor (御史大夫, Yushi Daifu).
and was succeeded by his son Emperor Jingzong
, Wang Ya was made the deputy minister of census (戶部侍郎, Hubu Shilang) but also continued to serve as chief imperial censor, as well as the director of the salt and iron monopolies and grain supply for the Chang'an region. He was soon made the minister of rites (禮部尚書, Libu Shangshu) and continued to serve as the director of the monopolies and supply. In 826
, he was made the military governor of Shannan West Circuit (山南西道, headquartered in modern Hanzhong
, Shaanxi
), as well as its capital Xingyuan Municipality (興元).
, by which time Emperor Jingzong's brother Emperor Wenzong
was emperor, Wang Ya was recalled to serve as the minister of worship (太常卿, Taichang Qing). As Emperor Wenzong opined that the music used at imperial ceremonies at the time were too frivolous and wanted more ancient-style music, he had Wang Ya consult the older musicians and took music from Emperor Xuanzong
's Kaiyuan era (713
-741
). The young musicians were taught the music, which became known as "Yunshao Style" (雲韶樂). Once the musical reorganization was done, Wang, along with the secretary general of the worship ministry Li Kuo (李廓) and the director of palace supplies Yu Chengxian (庾承憲) presented the musicians to Emperor Wenzong. Emperor Wenzong was pleased and awarded Wang and the others colored silk.
In 830
, Wang was made the minister of civil service affairs (吏部尚書, Libu Shangshu) and acting Sikong (司空, one of the Three Excellencies
), as well as the director of the salt and iron monopolies and grain supplies again. Later that year, he was made Zuo Pushe (左僕射), one of the heads of the executive bureau (尚書省, Shangshu Sheng), and continued to be director of the monopolies and supplies. He reported to Emperor Wenzong that the 12 prefectures that Emperor Xianzong recaptured from the warlord Li Shidao
in 819
had previously had copper and iron mines that were highly lucrative. At Wang's suggestion, Emperor Wenzong ordered that a new tax be levied from the mines.
In 833
, Wang was again made chancellor with the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, and continued to serve as the director of the monopolies and supplies. He was also created the Duke of Dai. As he had been recommended to serve as chancellor due to the efforts of Zheng Zhu
, a close associate of the powerful eunuch Wang Shoucheng
, when the imperial censor Li Kuan (李款) submitted an accusation against Zheng in late 833, he had the accusation suppressed. In spring 834
, he was given the additional titles of acting Sikong, Menxia Shilang (門下侍郎, the deputy head of the examination bureau), imperial scholar at Hongwen Pavilion (弘文館), and the director of Taiqing Palace (太清宮). When Emperor Wenzong wanted to make one of the close associates of Zheng and Wang Shoucheng, Li Zhongyan
, an imperial official, Wang Ya agreed despite the stern opposition of fellow chancellor Li Deyu
. Li Deyu was subsequently demoted out of the capital to serve as a prefectural secretary general. In 835
, due to Zheng's suggestion, Wang, despite his knowing that doing so was ill-advised, proposed an increase to the tea tax, which caused the people much distress.
Meanwhile, without Wang's knowledge, Li Zhongyan (whose name had been changed to Li Xun by this point), Zheng, and Emperor Wenzong had been plotting to massacre the eunuchs in the palace, as Emperor Wenzong had feared the lead eunuchs' power. On December 14, 835 — in an incident later known as the Ganlu Incident
— Li Xun had planned to have soldiers under his associates Guo Xingyu (郭行餘), Wang Fan (王璠), Luo Liyan (羅立言), Han Yue (韓約), and Li Xiaoben (李孝本) trap the eunuchs and massacre them. However, the powerful eunuch Qiu Shiliang
discovered the plot and took control of Emperor Wenzong, and the eunuchs then had the Shence Army (神策軍) kill or arrest Li Xun's and Zheng's associates. Meanwhile, Wang Ya and the other chancellors were set to have lunch together at the office of the chancellors, when they received report that the Shence Army soldiers were killing everyone in their paths. The chancellors and the other officials fled on foot. Wang Ya was soon captured and taken to the Left Shence Army headquarters. He was tortured, and, unable to bear the pain, falsely stated that he and Li Xun had planned a coup to overthrow Emperor Wenzong and make Zheng emperor.
On December 17, the head of Li Xun (who had already been killed by this point), Wang Ya, Wang Fan, Luo, Guo, Li Xiaoben, and Wang Ya's fellow chancellors Jia Su
and Shu Yuanyu
, were paraded by the Shence Army soldiers to the imperial temples and altar, and then they were taken under a tree and executed by being cut in half at the waist. Their families were also massacred. It was said that because the people particularly resented Wang Ya for raising tea taxes, they cursed and threw rocks or brick fragments at him as he was paraded. Their bodies were exposed to the elements. In spring 836
, the senior official Linghu Chu
requested that their bodies be buried, and Emperor Wenzong ordered such burial. However, Qiu had the tombs then opened up and threw their bodies into the Wei River
. The Shence Army soldiers pillaged these executed officials' mansions for wealth, and it was said that, because Wang was so wealthy such that even though the soldiers and other looters looted his mansion for days, there were still valuables left. In particular, it was said that Wang held a large collection of valuable calligraphic works and paintings — which he had amassed by purchases and by giving their prior owners offices — and that while the looters took the jewels studded on the rolls or jade used for the rolls, they left the artwork.
With regard to Wang's and Jia's death, the Song Dynasty
historian Sima Guang
, the author of the Zizhi Tongjian
, commented:
, then-ruling Emperor Xuānzong
(Emperor Muzong's brother) had Wang Ya and the other officials who died in the Ganlu Incident, except for Li Xun and Zheng Zhu, posthumously rehabilitated. Later, during the reign of Emperor Xuānzong's grandson Emperor Zhaozong
, Wang's titles were further restored.
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...
dynasty Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Xianzong
Emperor Xianzong of Tang
Emperor Xianzong of Tang , personal name Li Chun , né Li Chun , was an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty...
and Emperor Xianzong's grandson Emperor Wenzong
Emperor Wenzong of Tang
Emperor Wenzong of Tang , personal name Li Ang , né Li Han , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 827 to 840. Emperor Wenzong was the second son of Emperor Muzong and younger brother of Emperor Jingzong...
. During Emperor Wenzong's reign, he became involved in a major power struggle between imperial officials and eunuchs known as the Ganlu Incident
Ganlu Incident
The Ganlu Incident referred to an incident on December 14, 835, where then-reigning Emperor Wenzong of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, angry about the power that the powerful eunuchs had, conspired with the chancellor Li Xun and the general Zheng Zhu to slaughter the eunuchs...
, and he was killed by the eunuchs along with three other chancellors, Li Xun
Li Zhongyan
Li Zhongyan , known as Li Xun in 835, courtesy name initially Zixun , later Zichui , pseudonym Hermit Wang during the mourning period for his mother, was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty...
, Jia Su
Jia Su
Jia Su , courtesy name Zimei , formally the Baron of Guzang , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving briefly as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Wenzong...
, and Shu Yuanyu
Shu Yuanyu
Shu Yuanyu was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving briefly as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Wenzong...
.
Background
It is not known what year Wang Ya was born in — although he should have been born sometime between 757757
Year 757 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 757 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.-Africa:* Foundation of the city of Sijilmasa by the...
and 765
765
Year 765 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 765 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.-Africa:* The Zenete Berber tribe of Banû Ifrân rebels...
, as he was said to be in his 70s when he eventually died in 835
835
Year 835 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Ragnar Lodbrok rises to power ....
. His family was from the Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
northern capital Taiyuan
Taiyuan
Taiyuan is the capital and largest city of Shanxi province in North China. At the 2010 census, it had a total population of 4,201,591 inhabitants on 6959 km² whom 3,212,500 are urban on 1,460 km². The name of the city literally means "Great Plains", referring to the location where the Fen River...
and claimed to be descended from the 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"...
official Wang Jiong (王冏). His grandfather Wang Zuo (王祚) served as a military advisor to a prefect, while his father Wang Huang (王晃) served as a prefectural prefect. He had at least two older brothers, Wang Zhao (王沼) and Wang Jie (王潔).
In 792
792
Year 792 was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 792 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.- Byzantine Empire :* Irene is confirmed empress of the...
, during the reign of Emperor Dezong
Emperor Dezong of Tang
Emperor Dezong of Tang , personally name Li Kuo , was an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and the oldest son of his father Emperor Daizong. His reign of 26 years was the third longest in the Tang dynasty...
, Wang Ya passed the imperial examination
Imperial examination
The Imperial examination was an examination system in Imperial China designed to select the best administrative officials for the state's bureaucracy. This system had a huge influence on both society and culture in Imperial China and was directly responsible for the creation of a class of...
s in the class of those who used grand speech, and he was made the sheriff of Lantian County (藍田, in modern Xi'an
Xi'an
Xi'an is the capital of the Shaanxi province, and a sub-provincial city in the People's Republic of China. One of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
). In 804
804
Year 804 was a leap year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* Japanese monk Kukai visits China, from which he brings back texts of Shingon ....
, he was made Hanlin Xueshi (翰林學士), an imperial scholar. He thereafter served in the palace, going through the offices of You Shiyi (右拾遺), a low-level consultant at the legislative bureau of government (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng); Zuo Bujue (左補闕), a consultant at the examination bureau (門下省, Menxia Sheng); and Qiju Sheren (起居舍人), an imperial chronicler. After Emperor Dezong died in 805
805
Year 805 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Byzantine Empire :* Emperor Nicephorus I of Byzantium suffers a major defeat against the Saracens at Crasus.- Asia :...
and was succeeded by his seriously-ill son Emperor Shunzong
Emperor Shunzong of Tang
Emperor Shunzong of Tang , personal name Li Song , was an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. He was created crown prince in 779 and became emperor in 805 after the death of his father Emperor Dezong, of whom he was the oldest son...
, Wang was one of the imperial scholars who were involved in drafting the edict to create Emperor Shunzong's son Li Chun
Emperor Xianzong of Tang
Emperor Xianzong of Tang , personal name Li Chun , né Li Chun , was an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty...
crown prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
, along with Zheng Yin
Zheng Yin (Middle Tang)
Zheng Yin , courtesy name Wenming , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xianzong.- Background :...
, Wei Cigong (衛次公), and Li Cheng
Li Cheng (Tang Dynasty)
Li Cheng , courtesy name Biaochen , formally Duke Miao of Pengyuan , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Jingzong.-Background:...
.
During Emperor Xianzong's reign
In summer 808808
Year 808 was a leap year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* King Eardwulf is driven out of North-East England and succeeded by Alfwold II, but Eardwulf is restored following Alfwold’s death.- Births :* Gottschalk, German theologian* Walafrid Strabo, Swabian monk and...
, by which time Li Chun was emperor (as Emperor Xianzong), a special imperial examination was held for examinees to submit criticism of the government. Niu Sengru
Niu Sengru
Niu Sengru , courtesy name Si'an , formally Duke Wenzhen of Qizhang , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Muzong and his sons Emperor Jingzong and Emperor Wenzong...
, Huangfu Shi (皇甫湜), and Li Zongmin
Li Zongmin
Li Zongmin , courtesy name Sunzhi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving twice as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Wenzong...
were considered to have written criticisms that were particularly on point and were ranked the highest by the officials in charge of grading, Yang Yuling (楊於陵) and Wei Guanzhi
Wei Guanzhi
Wei Guanzhi , né Wei Chun , courtesy name Zhengli , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xianzong.- Background :...
. Initially, Emperor Xianzong was set to give commissions to Niu, Huangfu, and Li Zongmin, but the chancellor Li Jifu
Li Jifu
Li Jifu , courtesy name Hongxian , formally Duke Zhongyi of Zhao , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xianzong.- Background :...
was offended by the criticism. As Wang Ya and fellow imperial scholar Pei Ji
Pei Ji (Late Tang)
Pei Ji , courtesy name Hongzhong , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xianzong.- Background :...
were the reviewers of the examination, and Huangfu was Wang's nephew, he accused Pei and Wang of conflict of interest. Due to Li Jifu's accusations, Pei and Wang were stripped of their imperial scholar status and both demoted — with Wang being made Duguan Yuanwailang (都官員外郎), a low-level official at the ministry of justice (刑部, Xingbu), and subsequently being sent out of the capital to serve as the military advisor to the prefect of Guo Prefecture (虢州, in modern Sanmenxia
Sanmenxia
-Administration:The prefecture-level city of Sanmenxia administers one district, two county-level cities and three counties.*Hubin District*Lingbao City*Yima City*Lushi County*Shan County*Mianchi County*Sanmenxia Development Zone...
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
). Yang and Wei were also demoted out of the capital Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
. He was subsequently further made the prefect of Yuan Prefecture (袁州, in modern Yichun, Jiangxi
Yichun, Jiangxi
Yichun is a mountainous prefecture-level city in the Chinese province of Jiangxi. Yichun literally means "pleasant spring". It is located in the northwest of the province along a river surrouneded by mountains. Its area is 18,669 km²; 50% forested, 35% mountainous. It has a total population...
).
However, it was said that Emperor Xianzong missed Wang, and Wang was eventually recalled to serve as Bingbu Yuanwailang (兵部員外郎), a low-level official at the ministry of defense (兵部, Bingbu), and put in charge of drafting edicts. He was then again made imperial scholar as well as deputy minister of public works (工部侍郎, Gongbu Shilang). He was also created the Baron of Qingyuan. It was said that Wang was a talented writer and many of the edicts that had beautiful language during the reigns of Emperors Dezong and Xianzong were drafted by Wang. As Wang did not engage in partisanship, Emperor Xianzong often consulted with him.
In 816
816
Year 816 was a leap year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Frankish king Louis the Pious is crowned emperor by Pope Stephen IV.- Religion :...
, Wang was made Zhongshu Shilang (中書侍郎), the deputy head of the legislative bureau, as well as chancellor de facto with the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事). In 817
817
Year 817 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Louis the Pious divides his empire among his sons; Louis the German becomes king of East Francia, Lothar I becomes co-emperor.* The Bulgarian siege of Constantinople ends.- Religion :* The Council of Aachen is...
, there was an occasion when Emperor Xianzong wanted to make one of his close associates, Zhang Su (張宿), a high-level consultant, drawing a strenuous objection from the chancellor Li Fengji
Li Fengji
Li Fengji , courtesy name Xuzhou , formally Duke Cheng of Zheng or Duke Cheng of Liang , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Xianzong, Emperor Xianzong's son Emperor Muzong, and grandson Emperor Jingzong...
— and this was partially responsible for Emperor Xianzong's removing Li Fengji and making him a military governor (Jiedushi
Jiedushi
The Jiedushi were regional military governors in China during the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Originally set up to counter external threats, the jiedushi were given enormous power, including the ability to maintain their own armies, collect taxes, and pass their...
). Wang and fellow chancellor Cui Qun
Cui Qun
Cui Qun , courtesy name Dunshi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xianzong.- Background :Cui Qun was born in 772, during the reign of Emperor Daizong...
also objected to Zhang's commission, but eventually allowed Zhang to serve as acting consultant.
In 818
818
Year 818 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar.-Europe:* Al-Andalus: Grave rebellion in the suburbs of Cordoba against the Umayyads.- Religion :...
, Wang was removed from his chancellor position and made the deputy minister of defense (兵部侍郎, Bingbu Shilang), as Emperor Xianzong considered him too silent and unsuitable to be chancellor. He was subsequently made the deputy minister of civil service affairs (吏部侍郎, Libu Shilang).
During Emperor Muzong's reign
In 820820
Year 820 was a leap year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* Tahir, the son of a slave, is rewarded with the governorship of Khurasan for supporting the caliphate...
, after Emperor Xianzong died and was succeeded by his son Emperor Muzong
Emperor Muzong of Tang
Emperor Muzong of Tang , personal name Li Heng , né Li You , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 821 to 824. Emperor Muzong was the son of Emperor Xianzong...
, Wang Ya was made the military governor of Dongchuan Circuit (東川, headquartered in modern Mianyang
Mianyang
Mianyang is the second largest prefecture-level city of Sichuan province in Southwest China. Its administrative area includes the city proper of Mianyang, with 985,586 inhabitants in the built up area , the county-level city of Jiangyou, and six counties, covering an area of over and a population...
, Sichuan
Sichuan
' , known formerly in the West by its postal map spellings of Szechwan or Szechuan is a province in Southwest China with its capital in Chengdu...
) and the prefect of Dongchuan's capital Zi Prefecture (梓州). In winter 820, after Tufan forces made a two-pronged incursion later in the year and attacked Ya Prefecture (雅州, in modern Ya'an
Ya'an
Ya'an is a prefecture-level city in the western part of Sichuan province of Southwest China, located just below the Tibetan Plateau.-History:...
, Sichuan
Sichuan
' , known formerly in the West by its postal map spellings of Szechwan or Szechuan is a province in Southwest China with its capital in Chengdu...
), Wang submitted a petition suggesting that a request be made to the "northern barbarians" (probably referring to Huigu) requesting them to attack the "western barbarians" (i.e., Tufan) and offering great rewards if they did so. Emperor Muzong did not respond to Wang's suggestion.
In 821
821
Year 821 was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* Tang Mu Zong becomes emperor of China.* First recorded session of the Parliament of Croatia- Byzantine Empire :...
, when Chengde (成德, headquartered in modern Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang is the capital and largest city of North China's Hebei province. Administratively a prefecture-level city, it is about south of Beijing...
, Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
) and Lulong (盧龍, headquartered in modern Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
) Circuits, which had briefly submitted to imperial control, rebelled under the leadership of Wang Tingcou
Wang Tingcou
Wang Tingcou , formally the Duke of Taiyuan , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty who, in 821, during the reign of Emperor Muzong, took over control of Chengde Circuit and thereafter ruled it in a de facto independent manner from the imperial government...
and Zhu Kerong
Zhu Kerong
Zhu Kerong , formally the Prince of Wuxing , was a military governor of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty who ruled Lulong Circuit independent of the imperial authority during the reigns of Emperor Muzong and Emperor Jingzong, until he and his son Zhu Yanling were killed by their own soldiers in...
respectively, Wang Ya submitted a petition suggesting that Zhu be tolerated and pardoned so that he would not join Wang Tingcou in fighting the imperial forces and that the efforts be concentrated against Wang Tingcou. By the time that Wang Ya's petition arrived at Chang'an, however, Yingmo Circuit (瀛莫, headquartered in modern Cangzhou
Cangzhou
Cangzhou is a prefecture-level city in Hebei province, People's Republic of China. Cangzhou's urban center has a population of approximately 514,074 at the 2010 census which correspond to the built up area), while the prefecture-level administrative region in total has a population of 7,134,053...
, Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
), which had been carved out of Pinglu Circuit previously, had already mutinied and rejoined Lulong, with the soldiers arresting its imperially-commissioned governor Lu Shimei (盧士玫) and delivering him to Zhu. Wang Ya's suggestion thus could not be carried out.
In 823
823
Year 823 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar.- Byzantine Empire :...
, Wang Ya was recalled to Chang'an to serve as chief imperial censor (御史大夫, Yushi Daifu).
During Emperor Jingzong's reign
After Emperor Muzong died in 824824
Year 824 was a leap year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Third Battle of Roncevaux Pass: The Basques and Banu Qasi defeat counts Eblo and Aznar, Frankish vassals....
and was succeeded by his son Emperor Jingzong
Emperor Jingzong of Tang
Emperor Jingzong of Tang , personal name Li Zhan , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 824 to 827...
, Wang Ya was made the deputy minister of census (戶部侍郎, Hubu Shilang) but also continued to serve as chief imperial censor, as well as the director of the salt and iron monopolies and grain supply for the Chang'an region. He was soon made the minister of rites (禮部尚書, Libu Shangshu) and continued to serve as the director of the monopolies and supply. In 826
826
Year 826 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar.- Religion :* June 24 – The Danish king Harald Klak accepts Christianity.- Deaths :...
, he was made the military governor of Shannan West Circuit (山南西道, headquartered in modern Hanzhong
Hanzhong
Hanzhong is a municipality in southwest Shaanxi Province, China, occupying a historically significant valley in the mountains between the Xi'an area, home to many Chinese capitals, and the fertile but isolated Sichuan Basin...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
), as well as its capital Xingyuan Municipality (興元).
During Emperor Wenzong's reign
In 829829
Year 829 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Egbert of Wessex conquers Mercia and is recognized as Bretwalda.* The Saracens ravage the coast of Dalmatia....
, by which time Emperor Jingzong's brother Emperor Wenzong
Emperor Wenzong of Tang
Emperor Wenzong of Tang , personal name Li Ang , né Li Han , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 827 to 840. Emperor Wenzong was the second son of Emperor Muzong and younger brother of Emperor Jingzong...
was emperor, Wang Ya was recalled to serve as the minister of worship (太常卿, Taichang Qing). As Emperor Wenzong opined that the music used at imperial ceremonies at the time were too frivolous and wanted more ancient-style music, he had Wang Ya consult the older musicians and took music from Emperor Xuanzong
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756. His reign of 43 years was the longest during the Tang Dynasty...
's Kaiyuan era (713
713
Year 713 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 713 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.- Byzantine Empire :* Byzantine Emperor Philippicus is...
-741
741
Year 741 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. The denomination 741 for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.- Europe :* Carloman, Pippin the Short and Grifo succeed...
). The young musicians were taught the music, which became known as "Yunshao Style" (雲韶樂). Once the musical reorganization was done, Wang, along with the secretary general of the worship ministry Li Kuo (李廓) and the director of palace supplies Yu Chengxian (庾承憲) presented the musicians to Emperor Wenzong. Emperor Wenzong was pleased and awarded Wang and the others colored silk.
In 830
830
Year 830 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar.-Africa:* Creation of the Ad-dimnah hospital in al-Qayrawan by the Aghlabid ruler Ziyadat Allah I.- Europe :...
, Wang was made the minister of civil service affairs (吏部尚書, Libu Shangshu) and acting Sikong (司空, one of the Three Excellencies
Three Excellencies
The Three Ducal Ministers , also translated as the Three Dukes, Three Excellencies, or the Three Lords, was the collective name for the three highest officials in ancient China...
), as well as the director of the salt and iron monopolies and grain supplies again. Later that year, he was made Zuo Pushe (左僕射), one of the heads of the executive bureau (尚書省, Shangshu Sheng), and continued to be director of the monopolies and supplies. He reported to Emperor Wenzong that the 12 prefectures that Emperor Xianzong recaptured from the warlord Li Shidao
Li Shidao
Li Shidao was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, who, as the successor to his brother Li Shigu, ruled Pinglu Circuit in a de facto independent manner from the imperial government...
in 819
819
Year 819 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* The Abbasid capital is moved back to Baghdad .- Europe :...
had previously had copper and iron mines that were highly lucrative. At Wang's suggestion, Emperor Wenzong ordered that a new tax be levied from the mines.
In 833
833
Year 833 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* al-Mu'tasim succeeds his brother Al-Ma'mun as Abbasid caliph....
, Wang was again made chancellor with the title Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, and continued to serve as the director of the monopolies and supplies. He was also created the Duke of Dai. As he had been recommended to serve as chancellor due to the efforts of Zheng Zhu
Zheng Zhu
Zheng Zhu , probably né Yu Zhu , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. He became a trusted advisor to Emperor Wenzong due to treatments he provided Emperor Wenzong for the emperor's illnesses, and thereafter plotted with Emperor Wenzong and Li Xun to slaughter the powerful eunuchs...
, a close associate of the powerful eunuch Wang Shoucheng
Wang Shoucheng
Wang Shoucheng was a powerful eunuch of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, wielding substantial powers during the reigns of Emperor Xianzong, Emperor Muzong, Emperor Jingzong, and Emperor Wenzong...
, when the imperial censor Li Kuan (李款) submitted an accusation against Zheng in late 833, he had the accusation suppressed. In spring 834
834
Year 834 was a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* The Vikings first raid Dorestad ....
, he was given the additional titles of acting Sikong, Menxia Shilang (門下侍郎, the deputy head of the examination bureau), imperial scholar at Hongwen Pavilion (弘文館), and the director of Taiqing Palace (太清宮). When Emperor Wenzong wanted to make one of the close associates of Zheng and Wang Shoucheng, Li Zhongyan
Li Zhongyan
Li Zhongyan , known as Li Xun in 835, courtesy name initially Zixun , later Zichui , pseudonym Hermit Wang during the mourning period for his mother, was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty...
, an imperial official, Wang Ya agreed despite the stern opposition of fellow chancellor Li Deyu
Li Deyu
Li Deyu , courtesy name Wenrao , formally the Duke of Wei , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of brothers Emperor Wenzong and Emperor Wuzong and their uncle Emperor Xuānzong...
. Li Deyu was subsequently demoted out of the capital to serve as a prefectural secretary general. In 835
835
Year 835 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Ragnar Lodbrok rises to power ....
, due to Zheng's suggestion, Wang, despite his knowing that doing so was ill-advised, proposed an increase to the tea tax, which caused the people much distress.
Meanwhile, without Wang's knowledge, Li Zhongyan (whose name had been changed to Li Xun by this point), Zheng, and Emperor Wenzong had been plotting to massacre the eunuchs in the palace, as Emperor Wenzong had feared the lead eunuchs' power. On December 14, 835 — in an incident later known as the Ganlu Incident
Ganlu Incident
The Ganlu Incident referred to an incident on December 14, 835, where then-reigning Emperor Wenzong of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, angry about the power that the powerful eunuchs had, conspired with the chancellor Li Xun and the general Zheng Zhu to slaughter the eunuchs...
— Li Xun had planned to have soldiers under his associates Guo Xingyu (郭行餘), Wang Fan (王璠), Luo Liyan (羅立言), Han Yue (韓約), and Li Xiaoben (李孝本) trap the eunuchs and massacre them. However, the powerful eunuch Qiu Shiliang
Qiu Shiliang
Qiu Shiliang , courtesy name Kuangmei , formally the Duke of Chu , was an eunuch official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, becoming particularly powerful after the Ganlu Incident — an event in which Emperor Wenzong tried, but failed, to seize power back from powerful eunuchs by slaughtering...
discovered the plot and took control of Emperor Wenzong, and the eunuchs then had the Shence Army (神策軍) kill or arrest Li Xun's and Zheng's associates. Meanwhile, Wang Ya and the other chancellors were set to have lunch together at the office of the chancellors, when they received report that the Shence Army soldiers were killing everyone in their paths. The chancellors and the other officials fled on foot. Wang Ya was soon captured and taken to the Left Shence Army headquarters. He was tortured, and, unable to bear the pain, falsely stated that he and Li Xun had planned a coup to overthrow Emperor Wenzong and make Zheng emperor.
On December 17, the head of Li Xun (who had already been killed by this point), Wang Ya, Wang Fan, Luo, Guo, Li Xiaoben, and Wang Ya's fellow chancellors Jia Su
Jia Su
Jia Su , courtesy name Zimei , formally the Baron of Guzang , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving briefly as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Wenzong...
and Shu Yuanyu
Shu Yuanyu
Shu Yuanyu was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving briefly as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Wenzong...
, were paraded by the Shence Army soldiers to the imperial temples and altar, and then they were taken under a tree and executed by being cut in half at the waist. Their families were also massacred. It was said that because the people particularly resented Wang Ya for raising tea taxes, they cursed and threw rocks or brick fragments at him as he was paraded. Their bodies were exposed to the elements. In spring 836
836
Year 836 was a leap year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar.- Asia :* Abbasid caliph al-Mutasim establishes a new capital at Samarra, Iraq.- Europe :...
, the senior official Linghu Chu
Linghu Chu
Linghu Chu , courtesy name Keshi , formally Duke Wen of Pengyang , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Xianzong and Emperor Xianzong's son Emperor Muzong.- Background :Linghu Chu was born in 766, during the reign of Emperor...
requested that their bodies be buried, and Emperor Wenzong ordered such burial. However, Qiu had the tombs then opened up and threw their bodies into the Wei River
Wei River
The Wei River is a major river in west-central China's Gansu and Shaanxi provinces. It is the largest tributary of the Yellow River and very important in the early development of Chinese civilization....
. The Shence Army soldiers pillaged these executed officials' mansions for wealth, and it was said that, because Wang was so wealthy such that even though the soldiers and other looters looted his mansion for days, there were still valuables left. In particular, it was said that Wang held a large collection of valuable calligraphic works and paintings — which he had amassed by purchases and by giving their prior owners offices — and that while the looters took the jewels studded on the rolls or jade used for the rolls, they left the artwork.
With regard to Wang's and Jia's death, the Song Dynasty
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
historian Sima Guang
Sima Guang
Sīmǎ Guāng was a Chinese historian, scholar, and high chancellor of the Song Dynasty, jinshi 1038.-Life, profession, and works:...
, the author of the Zizhi Tongjian
Zizhi Tongjian
The Zizhi Tongjian was a pioneering reference work in Chinese historiography, published in 1084, under the form of a chronicles. In 1065 CE, Emperor Yingzong of Song ordered the great historian Sima Guang to lead with other scholars such as his chief assistants Liu Shu, Liu Ban and Fan Zuyu, the...
, commented:
Posthumous rehabilitation
In 854854
Year 854 was a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Charles the Bald, Louis the German and Lothar meet at Attigny.* Horik II succeeds Horik I as king of Denmark....
, then-ruling Emperor Xuānzong
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756. His reign of 43 years was the longest during the Tang Dynasty...
(Emperor Muzong's brother) had Wang Ya and the other officials who died in the Ganlu Incident, except for Li Xun and Zheng Zhu, posthumously rehabilitated. Later, during the reign of Emperor Xuānzong's grandson Emperor Zhaozong
Emperor Zhaozong of Tang
Emperor Zhaozong of Tang , né Li Jie , name later changed to Li Min , yet later name changed to Li Ye , was the penultimate emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 888 to 904...
, Wang's titles were further restored.