Wang Jin

Wang Jin (, 700 – December 31, 781), courtesy name Xiaqing, served as a chancellor of the Tang dynasty during the reign of Emperor Daizong. He was a devout Buddhist who encouraged the emperor to become a devout as well, but eventually, the corruption by him and the even more powerful chancellor Yuan Zai, with whom he had a long association, drew Emperor Daizong's ire. In 777, Yuan was executed, and Wang was demoted, never to return to the capital Chang'an. Background Wang Jin was born in 700, during the reign of Wu Zetian. His family was originally from Wang clan of Taiyuan, but by the time of Wang Jin was living at Hezhong (河中, in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi). His great-great-grandfather Wang Ruxian, great-grandfather Wang Zhijie, and father Wang Chulian all served as military advisors to prefectural prefects, while his grandfather Wang Zhou served as a low-level official at the ministry of worship. He had at least five brothers – older brother Wang Wei and younger brothers Wang Chan, Wang Hong, and Wang Dan. Wang Jin was said to be studious in his youth, and both he and Wang Wei – who would eventually become a well-renowned poet – were both known for their literary talents. Wang Jin passed two special imperial examinations – one for poor provincial scholars, and one for scholars with literary talent. Early career as imperial official After passing the imperial examinations, Wang Jin successively served as Shiyushi, a low-level imperial censor, and a low-level official at the ministry of defense (武部, Wubu). After the general An Lushan rebelled in 755, Wang was selected to be the deputy mayor of Taiyuan Municipality, assisting the general Li Guangbi in defending Taiyuan. It was said that his strategies greatly helped in the defense. During the rebellion (known as the Anshi Rebellion), Wang Wei was captured by the rebels and forced to assume an official post in the rebel state of Yan. After the Anshi Rebellion was largely quelled, Wang Wei was indicted and set to be punished. Wang Jin offered to resign in exchange for his brother's being spared. Wang Wei was then spared, but Wang Jin was only reduced in rank.