Zhang Jiucheng张九成

History vs. fiction

Zhang Jiucheng. Vice Minister of Rites, did not agree with the peace talks, was demoted for spreading rumors. The new top scholar, by imperial decree, went to Wuguo City to pay respects to the two emperors. ...

• based on factVice Minister of Rites, did not agree with the peace talks; was demoted for spreading rumors | The new top scholar, by imperial decree, went to Wuguo City to pay respects to the two emperors. ; Angel, escorted the coffins of Emperors Huizong and Qinzong, later conferred Grand Scholar.

  Historically, Zhang Jiucheng indeed existed. His deeds are recorded in historical sources such as the History of Song. For example, in the biography of the treacherous minister Qin Hui, it is recorded: 'After Zhao Ding left, Qin Hui monopolized the government and was determined to negotiate peace. The worthy scholars at court, because their opinions did not agree, left one after another. Thus, Zhongshu Sheren Lü Benzhong and Vice Minister of Rites Zhang Jiucheng both did not agree with the peace talks. Qin Hui instructed them to be flexible, but Jiucheng said: "One who bends himself cannot straighten others." Qin Hui deeply resented this. The Censor-in-Chief Zhang Jie submitted a memorial requesting that Zhao Ding be retained, and also presented thirteen matters discussing the wrongness of the peace talks, offending Qin Hui. Wang Shu, who was especially at odds with Qin Hui, from Huai Xi entered the Privy Council, and throughout insisted that the peace talks were wrong, submitting seven memorials in total, and even said to Qin Hui: "Have you forgotten the time in Dongdu when you wanted to preserve the Zhao clan? Why do you now abandon this enemy?" Qin Hui, relying on the Jin people's support, particularly hated Wang Shu's words, so he expelled him.' In the novel The Story of Yue Fei, Chapter 80 describes: 'At that time, the Left Prime Minister Xiao Yi came to court and memorialized: "Now that the Fourth Prince of this country has died, no one can repel the Song troops. It is better to write a surrender document and a letter of submission, return the coffins of the two emperors, and sue for peace as the best policy." The Jin ruler followed the advice and immediately sent the royal uncle Wanyan Jin Ge in person to Yue Lei's camp to sue for peace. Yue Lei said: "If you want peace, quickly send out the two emperors, and from now on pay tribute every year and come to court every year. If there is the slightest error, I will raise a great army to attack, and I will never be lenient!" Wanyan Jin Ge said: "The two emperors have long since ascended to heaven, only the angel Zhang Jiucheng is still here. Let me go back and report, and I will go to Wuguo City to send him here." Then Wanyan Jin Ge took leave of Yue Lei and entered the city.'