Fang Guancheng

Fang Guancheng (sc: 方观承, tc: 方觀承, pinyin: Fāng Guānchéng, A.K.A.: Tian Yi, 宜田) (b. 1696 or 1698 - d. 1768) was a Chinese Noble and high government official of the Qing Dynasty notable for being the Viceroy of Zhili.^[1]

Early life and family origins

Fang Guancheng was born in Tongcheng County, Anhui Province during the Qing Empire. The Fang family of Tongcheng was notable for its many scholars and authors.^[2] He was the second son of Fang Shiji, an official of the Ministry of the Principal (zh: 官至工部主事). His elder brother was Fang Guanyong (zh: 方观永). His paternal grandfather was Fang Dengfeng (sc: 方登峄) and his paternal great-grandfather was Fang Xiaobiao (sc: 方孝标).^[3]

Nanshan Case

The Nanshan Case occurred in the fifth year of the Kangxi Emperor (1713). The incident marked a period of literary inquisition that targeted various scholars with real or perceived loyalties to competing claimants to the throne and to the previous dynasty. Both Fang's father and grandfather were caught up in the purge resulting in the exile of both to Heilongjiang. Due to their young age, Fang and his brother were not subjected to the same exile and were instead sent to be raised by monks from the Qingliang Temple.^[4]

Following the exile of their paternal support structure, the brothers were forced to travel great distances overland from the capital at Nanking to Heilongjiang beyond the Great Wall for family gatherings.^[5][6]

Political Career

In 1749, Fang Guancheng was made the Viceroy of Zhili, a position he would hold until his death. In addition to this title, he was also granted the title of Governor of Shaanxi and Gansu Provinces, a title he held until 1755.^[7]

Descendants and legacy

Fang Guancheng had one son, Fang Weidian who would go on to become the Governor of Fukien and the Governor of Zhejiang. Fang's nephew, Fang Shouchou , the son of Fang's brother Fang Guanyong, would go on to also serve as Viceroy of Zhili. His grandson Fang Chuanmu would go on to become a Qing prefect.

References