Hello everyone, when it comes to eunuch Zhang Chengye, you must have heard of him.
In Chinese history, there have been multiple cases of eunuchs interfering in politics and affecting the overall political situation of the country. The three major eunuchs of the Ming Dynasty, Wang Zhen, Liu Jin, and Wei Zhongxian, excluded dissidents and monopolized power, which had a negative impact on the entire country. Wei Zhongxian can even be called a catalyst for accelerating the downfall of the country. And there was a eunuch who tirelessly worked for the unity of the country and the unity of rulers and officials. After his death, he was posthumously honored as the General of the Left Guard.
Zhang Chengye, a eunuch at the end of the Tang Dynasty, experienced ups and downs in the first half of his life. He personally witnessed the process of the Tang Dynasty’s transition from strength to division. He remained loyal to the Tang Dynasty throughout his life, hoping that someone could end this long period of war and restore a prosperous era to the world. He faithfully assisted Li Cunxu and devoted himself to this cause. His behavior was completely different from other eunuchs who disrupted the political situation and focused solely on their own interests, which also changed our understanding of eunuchs to a certain extent.
During the Xiantong period, he entered the palace and was adopted by the eunuch Zhang Tai due to his intelligence and ability to read people’s words and emotions. At this time, Tang Xizong, who was in his teens, became emperor. The Tang Dynasty was already riddled with problems, and the central government’s power could only manage the entire city of Chang’an. Local military governors developed rapidly and had their own troops. Ethnic minorities in the border areas also constantly harassed him, and the Tang regime was on the verge of collapse at any time.
Zhang Chengye was extremely eager for national stability and unity in his heart, but the eunuchs at that time were obsessed with power and status, and were determined to form cliques. He cannot change this trend, he can only hope to meet a wise ruler and end the chaotic times. By chance, Zhang Chengye was appointed as the supervisor of Hedong Army, following Li Keyong. Due to strict law enforcement, he was deeply trusted by Li Keyong. Later, Cui Yin executed a large number of eunuchs, and Li Keyong hid Zhang Chengye and killed a criminal to replace him, thus keeping Zhang Chengye alive.
In 908 (the second year of Kaiping), Li Keyong passed away due to illness and entrusted Li Cunxu to Zhang Chengye, hoping that he could help and assist. Of course, there were also Li Keyong’s younger brother Li Kening, general Li Cunzhang, and Wu Gong among them. From then on, Zhang Chengye assisted Li Cunxu as the supervisor of Hedong Army. In February of that year, Li Kening conspired to usurp the throne, and Li Cunxu’s mother and son requested Zhang Chengye’s help, ultimately eliminating Li Kening who was about to rebel.
At the suggestion of Zhang Chengye, Li Cunxu led troops to attack Luzhou and successfully resolved the Shanxi crisis. Li Cunxu was very grateful to Zhang Chengye and wanted to promote him, but Zhang Chengye refused and still referred to himself as the supervisor of the Tang Dynasty. After assisting Li Cunxu in annexing Hebei, Li Cunxu continued to confront the Liang army, and Zhang Chengye did not idle. He exchanged horses in the rear, advised farmers to cultivate mulberry trees, and helped the people of Shanxi restore production, stabilizing the Shanxi economy. Faced with Li Cunxu’s inappropriate decisions, Zhang Chengye always argues with reason, and at the same time, he attaches great importance to literati and has promoted many literati.
In the end, Li Cunxu was eager to declare himself emperor, and Zhang Chengye went to dissuade him in order to save money and unite with the feudal lords. However, Li Cunxu could not listen at all. Zhang Chengye knew he could no longer dissuade him, but he cried loudly and said, “The feudal lords fought bravely to restore the Tang Dynasty, but now the king has taken the throne and deceived the old slaves.” One year later, Zhang Chengye passed away due to illness.
It can be seen that Zhang Chengye devoted his whole life to the restoration of the Tang Dynasty. However, due to the trend of social development, the Tang Dynasty could never go back. This person, who had been capable for half a life, ultimately left with regret.
