Zhang Jiuling

The last wise chancellor of the Kaiyuan era, who saw early that An Lushan would rebel; he was ousted as chancellor by Li Linfu.

Life

Talent of Lingnan

Zhang Jiuling was a native of Shaozhou in Lingnan and a jinshi degree holder. He oversaw the cutting of a new road over the Dayu Ridge, opening communications between Lingnan and the Central Plains.

Outspoken remonstrator

He became chancellor in 733, was an outspoken remonstrator, and selected talent without regard to personal ties. When An Lushan was defeated and should have been beheaded, Zhang urged that he be executed according to law, saying the man "has the look of a rebel," but Emperor Xuanzong did not listen.

Dismissal and the waning of the golden age

In 736 he was ousted as chancellor by Li Linfu, and Kaiyuan politics changed course from then on. His poetry was limpid and profound; his lines "Over the sea rises the bright moon; at the ends of the earth we share this moment" have been recited through the ages. He died in 740. After the An Lushan Rebellion, Xuanzong regretted not having heeded him.

Legacy

Zhang Jiuling's dismissal as chancellor is seen as marking the turn from the Kaiyuan Reign prosperity to the turmoil of the Tianbao era.

Major works & achievements

• Cut the road over Dayu Ridge
• "Gazing at the Moon, Longing for One Far Away"

Did you know? In his later years, whenever someone recommended a chancellor, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang would always ask, "Does he have the bearing of Jiuling?"

Key dates

• 716Directed cutting the road over Dayu Ridge
• 733Became chancellor
• 735Urged the execution of An Lushan
• 736Ousted as chancellor by Li Linfu
• 740Died