Summary: | 碩士 === 國立中央大學 === 歷史研究所在職專班 === 105 === Shang Lu was the only “San-Yuan” grand secretary in the Cabinet in Ming Dynasty(San-Yuan, being the first in all three levels of civil service examinations). He had dismissed from the government service twice. In early Tianshun reign(1457A.D.), Shih Heng depended on his credit of assisting in seizing the scepter, so he started to eradiate people in opposite position. Shang Lu was not dreaded by his threat and refused his demands without doubt. Thus, Shih Heng regarded Shang Lu as an enemy and then instigated Ke dao guan (supervisory office)to impeach Shang Lu and suggested the emperor “eradiate the officials of JingTai reign is the priority. ” Therefore, Shang Lu was titled as a colluder with Yu Qian, involved in Yi-Chu(to alert the crown prince and intend to support another prince). Although suffered political persecution, he never lost his passion for political affairs and his ambition of governing the country. During the period that he was dismissed, he planned, built up his social network, and preserved his reputation. With the help of officials of the court, he returned to hold the government officials in Chenghua reign (1467A.D.).
Soon after his return, Shang Lu was impeached by the northerners’ group. Thanks to the trust of Xianzong and the help of the southerners’ group in the cabinet, Shang Lu became the key man of Chenghua reign, which is his gloriest time. In this period, he made grand achievement in the aspect of political affairs, economy, military and culture. Also, people in the Ming Dynasty lived in a stable, rich, and populous life. However, the situation got worse rapidly. The eunuchs caused his second dismissal. The dominator of eunuchs, Wang Zhi, captured innocent people on a large scale. People in Capital City were all terrified. To maintain social order, Shang Lu and other officials suggested the emperor to eliminate eunuchs. Under the pressure of officials, Xianzong abolished the intelligence department controlled by eunuchs. But, he soon reconstructed it because of the help of Dai Syu. In addition, Shang Lu was edged out by Wan An and Liu Yu. He realized that it was time for him to leave. He submitted his resignment and went back to his hometown. He devoted his life to the care of nature and didn’t concern the political affairs anymore. Shang Lu’s two dismissals are distinctive. He made progress in his state of mind and experience. With his great achievement of political affairs throughout three emperors’ rule. This complete experience became all civil servants’ prototype.
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