The Secret of Long Tenure: A Study of Zheng Gangzhong's Letters to Qin Gui's Associates

Abstract

© 2016 Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands. This article offers a case study of the relationship between early Southern Song literati and the chief councilor Qin Gui (1090-1155) through an analysis of Zheng Gangzhong's (1088-1154) epistolary network. It shows how Zheng, deputy pacification commissioner of Sichuan between 1142 and 1147, attempted to build good rapport with the councilor's associates through correspondence. As suggested, it was essential for heads of regional governments like Zheng Gangzhong, who was vulnerable to accusations of abuse of authority, to ingratiate themselves with senior officials surrounding Qin Gui if they wished to enjoy a stable career. This group of senior officials, despite being constantly in flux because of Qin Gui's efforts to protect his leadership, facilitated Qin's prolonged dominance by linking him to high-ranking officials like Zheng Gangzhong without exposing him to the charge of promoting factionalism.