Cen Wenben
Encyclopedia
Cen Wenben (595 – May 10, 645), courtesy name Jingren (景仁), formally Viscount Xian of Jiangling (江陵憲子), was a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang
. He was an assistant editor of the Book of Zhou
, the official history of Northern Zhou
.
. His grandfather Cen Shanfang (岑善方) served under Emperor Xuan of Western Liang
, a vassal of Sui Dynasty
's predecessor state Northern Zhou
who claimed to be the legitimate emperor of Liang Dynasty
. His father Cen Zhixiang (岑之象) served as a magistrate of Handan
County late in Sui Dynasty. In 608, Cen Zhixiang was falsely accused of crimes. Cen Wenben, who was already talented in writing and was calm and dexterious in his actions, went to the ministry of justice to proclaim his father's innocence and, when questioned, was able to answer and explain clearly. The officials were surprised by his ability to do so despite his young age, and, to test his writing ability, asked him to write an ode to lotus
. Cen was able to write it well quickly. Subsequently, he was able to convince the officials that his father was falsely accused, allowing his father to be exculpated. He became famous from the incident. He was subsequently recommended for imperial examinations by the commandery government of his home commandery, but as by that time, most of Sui territory was engulfed in agrarian rebellions against Emperor Yang
, Cen Wenben did not report for the examinations.
, a great-grandson of Liang's Emperor Xuan, whom Cen Wenben's grandfather Cen Shanfang had served, rose in rebellion, claiming to restore Liang Dynasty. Xiao Xi established his capital at Jiangling (江陵, in modern Jingzhou
, Hubei
), and he summoned Cen Wenben to serve as Zhongshu Shilang (中書侍郎), the deputy head of the legislative bureau of government (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng). Cen was in charge of writing the imperial edicts. In 621, when the Tang Dynasty
general Li Xiaogong
the Prince of Zhao Commandery (a nephew of Tang's founding emperor Emperor Gaozu
) attacked Liang and put Jiangling under siege, Cen suggested to Xiao Xi that he surrendered, and Xiao Xi did so. After Xiao Xi's surrender, however, Li Xiaogong's subordinates wanted to pillage the city. Cen persuaded Li Xiaogong that it would be wrong to do so, and Li Xiaogong subsequently ordered against pillaging. As Li Xiaogong was then put in charge of the former Liang capital, he invited Cen to serve on his staff. In 623, when Emperor Gaozu sent Li Xiaogong to attack the rebel ruler Fu Gongshi
the Emperor of Song, Cen followed Li Xiaogong and was in charge of his military correspondences. After Li Xiaogong defeated and killed Fu and was put in charge of Fu's capital Danyang (丹楊, in modern Nanjing
, Jiangsu
), Cen continued to serve on Li Xiaogong's staff.
was emperor, he was a lowly-ranked secretary at the archival bureau (秘書省, Mishu Sheng) but also served as a junior official at the legislative bureau. On one occasion when Emperor Taizong carried out a field-tilling ceremony (to show ceremonial attention to farming), Cen wrote an ode to field-tilling, and on one New Year's Day when Emperor Taizong summoned the imperial officials to a feast, Cen wrote an ode to New Year's Day. The odes were considered beautifully written, and Cen became famous from them. The major general Li Jing
(who had at one point served as Li Xiaogong's assistant) also recommended him. He was promoted to a mid-level post in the legislative bureau and became more well regarded by Emperor Taizong. After Yan Shigu
, the official who was largely responsible for drafting imperial edicts during the reign of Emperor Gaozu, was dismissed around that time, the chancellor Wen Yanbo
, the head of the legislative bureau, stated to Emperor Taizong that no one was capable as drafting imperial edicts as Yan and sought to have Yan reinstated. Emperor Taizong instead responded, "I have someone else in mind; you, Duke, need not worry." He then made Cen the deputy head of the legislative bureau and made Cen in charge of drafting imperial edicts. At that time, Cen was also assisting Linghu Defen
in compiling the official history of Northern Zhou, the Book of Zhou. It was said that most of the commentaries on the biographies were written by Cen. After the work was completed in 636, Emperor Taizong created Cen the Viscount of Jiangling. In 637, when Emperor Taizong visited the eastern capital Luoyang
, there were heavy floods of rivers near Luoyang, and Cen took this opportunity to submit a secret petition urging Emperor Taizong to reduce his travel out of the capital. He also pointed out that too many construction projects were being carried out on behalf of Emperor Taizong's favorite son Li Tai the Prince of Wei—that such expenditures will breed further expenditures. Emperor Taizong was pleased with Cen's petitions and awarded him with silk. In 642, Cen was given the additional designation of Zhuanzhang Jimi (專掌機密) -- considered a chancellor de facto designation. It was said that Cen was humble and, despite his honorable status, he always greeted those who had known, no matter how minor that person's position was.
in 643, when Emperor Taizong's crown prince
Li Chengqian was deposed after he was discovered to have plotted to overthrow Emperor Taizong, Cen and Liu Ji
suggested that Emperor Taizong create Li Tai crown prince, but Emperor Taizong subsequently created another son, Li Zhi
the Prince of Jin crown prince, believing that Li Tai's machinations was responsible for Li Chengqian's downfall. Emperor Taizong made many high level officials carry additional titles as Li Zhi's staff members, but when he tried to bestow such a title on Cen, Cen declined, stating that he wanted to concentrate on serving the emperor, although Emperor Taizong still had the crown prince meet with Cen every five days and treat him as a friend, not as a subordinate. In 644, when Emperor Taizong, at an imperial gathering, stated to his key officials their strengths and weaknesses, he spoke, with regard to Cen:
Later that year, he was made the head of the legislative bureau, but he rejected all attempts to congratulate him, stating "I will only receive condolences, not congratulations." When his mother asked why, he stated, "I did not have accomplishments and was not an old acquaintance of the emperor. I have, however, received great favors from the emperor, and my position is high and important. That is why I am afraid." When people suggested to him that he spend more time managing his properties, Cen responded:
He instead put his younger brother Cen Wenzhao (岑文昭) to be in charge of his properties. At that time, Cen Wenzhao was spending time associating with people, and Emperor Taizong was not pleased. He considered demoting Cen Wenzhao out of the capital, but Cen Wenben interceded on his brother's behalf, stating that his mother favored Cen Wenzhao the most, and not having his brother around would cause his mother much distress. Emperor Taizong thus changed his mind, keeping Cen Wenzhao in the capital after summoning him and rebuking him.
In 645, Emperor Taizong was attacking Goguryeo
. Cen followed him on the campaign and was deeply involved in the logistics—so much so that his energy was drained. Emperor Taizong saw that he was speaking in ways that were unusual forhim, and became worried, stating, "Cen Wenben came on this campaign with me, but I am afraid he will not return with me." Cen soon grew ill and died at You Prefecture (幽州, roughly modern Beijing
). He was buried near the tomb of Emperor Taizong's wife Empress Zhangsun
, where Emperor Taizong would eventually buried himself. His nephew Cen Changqian
and grandson Cen Xi
later also served as chancellors.
Emperor Taizong of Tang
Emperor Taizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Shìmín , was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649...
. He was an assistant editor of the Book of Zhou
Book of Zhou
The Book of Zhou was the official history of the Chinese/Xianbei dynasty Northern Zhou, and it ranks among the official Twenty-Four Histories of imperial China. It was compiled by the Tang Dynasty historian Linghu Defen and was completed in 636...
, the official history of Northern Zhou
Northern Zhou
The Northern Zhou Dynasty followed the Western Wei, and ruled northern China from 557 to 581. It was overthrown by the Sui Dynasty.Northern Zhou's basis of power was established by Yuwen Tai, who was paramount general of Western Wei, following the split of Northern Wei into Western Wei and...
.
Background
Cen Wenben was born in 595, during the reign of Emperor Wen of SuiEmperor Wen of Sui
Emperor Wen of Sui — personal name Yang Jian , Xianbei name Puliuru Jian , nickname Naluoyan — was the founder and first emperor of China's Sui Dynasty . He was a hard-working administrator and a micromanager. As a Buddhist, he encouraged the spread of Buddhism through the state...
. His grandfather Cen Shanfang (岑善方) served under Emperor Xuan of Western Liang
Emperor Xuan of Western Liang
Emperor Xuan of Liang , personal name Xiao Cha , courtesy name Lisun , was a emperor of the Chinese Liang Dynasty...
, a vassal of Sui Dynasty
Sui Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty was a powerful, but short-lived Imperial Chinese dynasty. Preceded by the Southern and Northern Dynasties, it ended nearly four centuries of division between rival regimes. It was followed by the Tang Dynasty....
's predecessor state Northern Zhou
Northern Zhou
The Northern Zhou Dynasty followed the Western Wei, and ruled northern China from 557 to 581. It was overthrown by the Sui Dynasty.Northern Zhou's basis of power was established by Yuwen Tai, who was paramount general of Western Wei, following the split of Northern Wei into Western Wei and...
who claimed to be the legitimate emperor of Liang Dynasty
Liang Dynasty
The Liang Dynasty , also known as the Southern Liang Dynasty , was the third of the Southern dynasties in China and was followed by the Chen Dynasty...
. His father Cen Zhixiang (岑之象) served as a magistrate of Handan
Handan
Handan is a prefecture-level city located in the southwestern part of Hebei Province of China.- History :Handan was the capital of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period , after the capital moved from Zhongmu. The city was conquered by the State of Qin after the virtual annexation of...
County late in Sui Dynasty. In 608, Cen Zhixiang was falsely accused of crimes. Cen Wenben, who was already talented in writing and was calm and dexterious in his actions, went to the ministry of justice to proclaim his father's innocence and, when questioned, was able to answer and explain clearly. The officials were surprised by his ability to do so despite his young age, and, to test his writing ability, asked him to write an ode to lotus
Lotus (plant)
Lotus identifies various plant taxa:* Nelumbo, a genus of aquatic plants with showy flowers** Nelumbo nucifera, the Sacred or Indian lotus** Nelumbo lutea, the American or Yellow lotus...
. Cen was able to write it well quickly. Subsequently, he was able to convince the officials that his father was falsely accused, allowing his father to be exculpated. He became famous from the incident. He was subsequently recommended for imperial examinations by the commandery government of his home commandery, but as by that time, most of Sui territory was engulfed in agrarian rebellions against Emperor Yang
Emperor Yang of Sui
Emperor Yang of Sui , personal name Yang Guang , alternative name Ying , nickname Amo , known as Emperor Ming during the brief reign of his grandson Yang Tong), was the second son of Emperor Wen of Sui, and the second emperor of China's Sui Dynasty.Emperor Yang's original name was Yang Ying, but...
, Cen Wenben did not report for the examinations.
Service under Xiao Xi and Li Xiaogong
In 617, Xiao XiXiao Xi
Xiao Xian was a descendant of the imperial house of the Chinese dynasty Liang Dynasty, who rose against the rule of Sui Dynasty toward the end of the rule of Emperor Yang of Sui...
, a great-grandson of Liang's Emperor Xuan, whom Cen Wenben's grandfather Cen Shanfang had served, rose in rebellion, claiming to restore Liang Dynasty. Xiao Xi established his capital at Jiangling (江陵, in modern Jingzhou
Jingzhou
Jingzhou is a prefecture-level city in Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. The city is located on the banks of the Yangtze River.Its population is 5,691,707 at the 2010 census whom 1,154,086 in the built up area made of 3 urban districts.-Geography:Jingzhou occupies an area of...
, Hubei
Hubei
' Hupeh) is a province in Central China. The name of the province means "north of the lake", referring to its position north of Lake Dongting...
), and he summoned Cen Wenben to serve as Zhongshu Shilang (中書侍郎), the deputy head of the legislative bureau of government (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng). Cen was in charge of writing the imperial edicts. In 621, when 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...
general Li Xiaogong
Li Xiaogong
Li Xiaogong , formally Prince Yuan of Hejian , often referred to by his earlier title as Prince of Zhao Commandery , was an imperial prince and general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty...
the Prince of Zhao Commandery (a nephew of Tang's founding emperor Emperor Gaozu
Emperor Gaozu of Tang
Emperor Gāozǔ of Táng , born Lǐ Yuān , courtesy name Shūdé , was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626. Under the Sui dynasty, Li Yuan was the governor in the area of modern-day Shanxi, and was based in Taiyuan.In 615, Li Yuan was assigned...
) attacked Liang and put Jiangling under siege, Cen suggested to Xiao Xi that he surrendered, and Xiao Xi did so. After Xiao Xi's surrender, however, Li Xiaogong's subordinates wanted to pillage the city. Cen persuaded Li Xiaogong that it would be wrong to do so, and Li Xiaogong subsequently ordered against pillaging. As Li Xiaogong was then put in charge of the former Liang capital, he invited Cen to serve on his staff. In 623, when Emperor Gaozu sent Li Xiaogong to attack the rebel ruler Fu Gongshi
Fu Gongshi
Fu Gongshi was an agrarian rebel leader who served as Du Fuwei's lieutenant during the disintegration of the Chinese dynasty Sui Dynasty, who later followed Du in submitting to Tang Dynasty...
the Emperor of Song, Cen followed Li Xiaogong and was in charge of his military correspondences. After Li Xiaogong defeated and killed Fu and was put in charge of Fu's capital Danyang (丹楊, in modern Nanjing
Nanjing
' is the capital of Jiangsu province in China and has a prominent place in Chinese history and culture, having been the capital of China on several occasions...
, Jiangsu
Jiangsu
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country. The name comes from jiang, short for the city of Jiangning , and su, for the city of Suzhou. The abbreviation for this province is "苏" , the second character of its name...
), Cen continued to serve on Li Xiaogong's staff.
During Emperor Taizong's reign
Cen Wenben's activities for the several following years were not recorded in history. By 627, when Emperor Gaozu's son Emperor TaizongEmperor Taizong of Tang
Emperor Taizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Shìmín , was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649...
was emperor, he was a lowly-ranked secretary at the archival bureau (秘書省, Mishu Sheng) but also served as a junior official at the legislative bureau. On one occasion when Emperor Taizong carried out a field-tilling ceremony (to show ceremonial attention to farming), Cen wrote an ode to field-tilling, and on one New Year's Day when Emperor Taizong summoned the imperial officials to a feast, Cen wrote an ode to New Year's Day. The odes were considered beautifully written, and Cen became famous from them. The major general Li Jing
Li Jing
Li Jing , né Yaoshi , formally Duke Jingwu of Wei , was a general and one time chancellor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty...
(who had at one point served as Li Xiaogong's assistant) also recommended him. He was promoted to a mid-level post in the legislative bureau and became more well regarded by Emperor Taizong. After Yan Shigu
Yan Shigu
Yan Shigu , formal name Yan Zhou , but went by the courtesy name of Shigu, was a famous Chinese author and linguist of the Tang Dynasty.-Biography:Yan was born in Wannian , his ancestry was originally from Langya...
, the official who was largely responsible for drafting imperial edicts during the reign of Emperor Gaozu, was dismissed around that time, the chancellor Wen Yanbo
Wen Yanbo
Wen Yanbo , formal name Wen Dalin but went by the courtesy name of Yanbo, formally Duke Gong of Yu , was a key official early in the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty as a key advisor for Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong, serving as a chancellor during Emperor Taizong's reign, and, having been...
, the head of the legislative bureau, stated to Emperor Taizong that no one was capable as drafting imperial edicts as Yan and sought to have Yan reinstated. Emperor Taizong instead responded, "I have someone else in mind; you, Duke, need not worry." He then made Cen the deputy head of the legislative bureau and made Cen in charge of drafting imperial edicts. At that time, Cen was also assisting Linghu Defen
Linghu Defen
Linghu Defen , formally Duke Xian of Pengyang , was an official of the Chinese dynasties Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty...
in compiling the official history of Northern Zhou, the Book of Zhou. It was said that most of the commentaries on the biographies were written by Cen. After the work was completed in 636, Emperor Taizong created Cen the Viscount of Jiangling. In 637, when Emperor Taizong visited the eastern capital Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
, there were heavy floods of rivers near Luoyang, and Cen took this opportunity to submit a secret petition urging Emperor Taizong to reduce his travel out of the capital. He also pointed out that too many construction projects were being carried out on behalf of Emperor Taizong's favorite son Li Tai the Prince of Wei—that such expenditures will breed further expenditures. Emperor Taizong was pleased with Cen's petitions and awarded him with silk. In 642, Cen was given the additional designation of Zhuanzhang Jimi (專掌機密) -- considered a chancellor de facto designation. It was said that Cen was humble and, despite his honorable status, he always greeted those who had known, no matter how minor that person's position was.
in 643, when Emperor Taizong's 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....
Li Chengqian was deposed after he was discovered to have plotted to overthrow Emperor Taizong, Cen and Liu Ji
Liu Ji (Tang Dynasty)
Liu Ji , courtesy name Sidao , was a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang, who was particularly relied on by Emperor Taizong late in his reign...
suggested that Emperor Taizong create Li Tai crown prince, but Emperor Taizong subsequently created another son, Li Zhi
Emperor Gaozong of Tang
Emperor Gaozong of Tang , personal name Li Zhi , was the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty in China, ruling from 649 to 683...
the Prince of Jin crown prince, believing that Li Tai's machinations was responsible for Li Chengqian's downfall. Emperor Taizong made many high level officials carry additional titles as Li Zhi's staff members, but when he tried to bestow such a title on Cen, Cen declined, stating that he wanted to concentrate on serving the emperor, although Emperor Taizong still had the crown prince meet with Cen every five days and treat him as a friend, not as a subordinate. In 644, when Emperor Taizong, at an imperial gathering, stated to his key officials their strengths and weaknesses, he spoke, with regard to Cen:
- Cen Wenben is kind-hearted, and writes exquisitely. His logic and analysis are also enduring ones, and he will not fail my expectations.
Later that year, he was made the head of the legislative bureau, but he rejected all attempts to congratulate him, stating "I will only receive condolences, not congratulations." When his mother asked why, he stated, "I did not have accomplishments and was not an old acquaintance of the emperor. I have, however, received great favors from the emperor, and my position is high and important. That is why I am afraid." When people suggested to him that he spend more time managing his properties, Cen responded:
- I was only a plain-clothed man from the South, and I walked into the GuanzhongGuanzhongGuanzhong , or Guanzhong Plain, is a historical region of China corresponding to the lower valley of the Wei River. It is called Guanzhong or 'within the passes' to distinguish it from 'Guandong' or 'east of the pass', that is, the North China Plain. The North China Plain is bordered on the west by...
(i.e., Chang'an) region on my own feet. All I wanted to do was to be an archivist or a county magistrate. I had no contributions on the battlefield, and I got to become Zhongshu Ling just based on my writing. This is the pinnacle of what I could become. I already receive too much salary. Why should I still try earn more?
He instead put his younger brother Cen Wenzhao (岑文昭) to be in charge of his properties. At that time, Cen Wenzhao was spending time associating with people, and Emperor Taizong was not pleased. He considered demoting Cen Wenzhao out of the capital, but Cen Wenben interceded on his brother's behalf, stating that his mother favored Cen Wenzhao the most, and not having his brother around would cause his mother much distress. Emperor Taizong thus changed his mind, keeping Cen Wenzhao in the capital after summoning him and rebuking him.
In 645, Emperor Taizong was attacking Goguryeo
Goguryeo
Goguryeo or Koguryŏ was an ancient Korean kingdom located in present day northern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula, southern Manchuria, and southern Russian Maritime province....
. Cen followed him on the campaign and was deeply involved in the logistics—so much so that his energy was drained. Emperor Taizong saw that he was speaking in ways that were unusual forhim, and became worried, stating, "Cen Wenben came on this campaign with me, but I am afraid he will not return with me." Cen soon grew ill and died at You Prefecture (幽州, roughly 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...
). He was buried near the tomb of Emperor Taizong's wife Empress Zhangsun
Empress Zhangsun
Empress Zhangsun , formally Empress Wendeshunsheng or, in short, Empress Wende , was an empress of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. She was the wife of Emperor Taizong and the mother of Emperor Gaozong...
, where Emperor Taizong would eventually buried himself. His nephew Cen Changqian
Cen Changqian
Cen Changqian , briefly known as Wu Changqian during the reign of Wu Zetian, formally the Duke of Deng , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Gaozong, as well as Wu Zetian's reign and her earlier...
and grandson Cen Xi
Cen Xi
Cen Xi , courtesy name Bohua , was an official of the Chinese Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Shang, Emperor Ruizong, and Emperor Xuanzong...
later also served as chancellors.