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Zhao Chongguo

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Zhou Chongguo (137 – 52 BCE) was a prominent Chinese military commander and official during the Western Han dynasty.

Early life and career

In 137 BCE, Zhou Chongguo was born in the Shanggui prefecture of the Longxi Commandery, located along the periphery of the Western Han in present-day Gansu. He was born into a "well-respected family" (Chinese: 良家; pinyin: liángjiā) originating in the northwestern commanderies, suggesting material qualifications for officialdom and a lack of involvement with crime, magic, or merchant trades.

Little is known about his early life or military experience prior to 104. Posthumous histories report that he was ambitious as a youth and sought to become a general. At a young age, he studied military science and the Four Barbarians. With the "Six Commanderies" having a regional tradition of cavalry service, Zhou likely began service as a cavalryman in a local defense unit.

Military service

In 104, an elite cavalry unit titled the Feathered Forest (羽林; yǔlín) was created in the capital of Chang'an, one of five units placed under the administration of the Minister of the Imperial Household and tasked with protecting the Emperor. The members of the unit, dubbed the "Gentlemen of the Feathered Forest" (羽林郎; yǔlínláng), were mainly recruited from the northwest, with a particular emphasis on the descendants of men who died in military service. The soldiers of the Feathered Forest, like those in other Imperial Household units, were often appointed to higher military and civil positions following a period of service. Zhao joined the unit at some point between its formation and 99 BCE.

In 99 BCE, Zhao joined a force of 30,000 cavalry in Li Guangli's campaign against the Xiongnu, receiving the rank of acting major. The army was forced to retreat, and suffered heavy casualties, eventually becoming trapped by the encroaching Xiongnu forces after several days of combat. Zhao led a group of around 100 men to breech the Xiongnu lines and allow for the rest of the Han army to retreat, suffering twenty sword cuts in the process. After General Li commended Zhao's service, Emperor Wu invited Zhao to a private meeting and consoled him on his injuries.

Soon after meeting with Emperor Wu, Zhao was promoted to the rank of Gentleman of the Household (中郎; zhōngláng). He was later promoted again, becoming the Chief of Staff of the General of Chariots and Cavalry (車騎 將軍; jūjì jiāngjūn). Jin Midi served as the first General of Chariots and Cavalry from 87 to his death the following year. From 83 to 80, Shangguan An (the father of Empress Shangguan) served in the position until his execution for treason. Zhao likely served as chief of staff to Grand General Huo Guang, and progressed rapidly during Huo's dictatorship (83–63). In 80, Zhao led an army against the Di people, who had rebelled in the Wudu Commandery. During this campaign, he held the title of Army Protector Chief Commandant (護軍都尉; Hùjūn dūwèi), likely an advisory position to the Grand General. He was then sent to command the garrisons of Shanggu Commandery in modern-day Inner Mongolia, possibly only as a brief inspection.

Later in 80, he was appointed as the Chief Commandant of Waters and Parks (水衡都尉; Shuǐhéng dūwèi), a position he would ultimately hold until 60 BCE. As Chief Commandant, he managed the Shanglin Park to the north of the capital. This position also allowed him to administrate the minting of cash coinage, as the central mint was located inside the park. In 74, he collaborated with Huo to depose the newly-enthroned emperor Liu He in favor of Emperor Xuan. In reward for this service, Zhao was awarded the hereditary title of Marquis of Yingping. The same year, he was promoted to General of the Rear (水衡都尉; Hòu jiāngjūn), but continued concurrently in his civil position as Chief Commandant.

Notes

  1. Comprising Longxi, Tianshui, Anding,Beidi, Shang, and Xihe commanderies.

References

  1. Dreyer 2008, pp. 670.
  2. ^ Dreyer 2008, pp. 671–672.
  3. Dreyer 2008, pp. 673–674.

Bibliography