Wei Zheng

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Wei Zheng (Chinese: 魏徵; Wade-Giles: Wei Cheng, 580-643), was a Chinese politician and the major contributor of the Book of Sui, composed in 636. He served as chancellor of Tang Dynasty for about 13 years.

He was born to a poor family in Handan, Hebei, and joined the rebellion army against Sui Dynasty during his youth. Later, he also served the crown prince of Tang, Li Jiancheng. As such he served his interests against his future emperor Li Shimin. As would become almost customary for him, when the brothers plotted to kill each other at the end of it. In 626, the crown prince was murdered, and as a follower of him, he might have been annihilated by the new enthroned emperor, Li Shimin. This possibility was heightened by the answers he gave to questions concerning his efforts against the court as they were subtle, but ultimately clear in stating where his loyalties had lied.

Still the emperor was impressed by his forthrightness and bravery. This led him in a higher office until he rose to the rank of chancellor. His promotion to this position gave him far broader freedom to criticise others, particularly the emperor, than other officers of the court. He emphasized propriety and opposed overextending the state. In all he gave criticism to the Emperor more than 200 times. His advice and criticism were not always accepted, but in accordance with Confucian etiquette, the emperor would demure to his suggestions with some regularity. More significantly, he kept China from warring against Goguryeo during his lifetime.

After his death in 643, the emperor commented that he was a mirror to show the mistakes of the court, and built an elaborate tomb for him near his own imperial tomb and betrothed one of his daughter to Wei Shuyu (魏叔玉), son of Wei Zheng. Subsequently, however, Wei Shuyu was condemned, having his tomb closed and the marriage abolished as a result of false accusations made by others in the court. However, after the failure campaign of Korea in 646, Wei Zheng was once again praised and his family reputation was rehabilitated by the emperor. His effect and influence has been examined by many historians long after his death. Conflicting views of him even led to a controversy during the Cultural Revolution. Wei Zheng is also revered as a minor god of doorways in parts of Taiwan.