Encyclopedia: Zheng Chong

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Zheng Chong, style Wenhe, was from Xingyang, Kaifang. At the end of the Eastern Han, he was around during the end of the Three Kingdoms and the early years of Jin. In CaoWei he became Grand Guardian [taibao 太保], and in Jin he became Grand Tutor [taifu 太傅].

Zheng Chong was born of humble origins, but studied classic works meticulously. As a result, he completely understood the philosophies of Confucianism and the Hundred Schools of Thought. When Cao Pi was named the crown prince, he had previously searched for and recommended low-ranking knowledgeable scholars, and Zheng Chong was selected for his literature (I think this is he tutored Cao Pi in literature and he had a low rank when he was selected), and he would later hold positions as a Gentleman of the Masters of Writing [shangshulang 尚書郎] as well as the Grand Administrator [taishou 太守] of Chen Liu. When Cao Fang ascended, during Cao Shuang’s dictatorship, Zheng Chong was appointed as a Attendant Clerk Gentleman of the Household [congshizhonglang 從事中郎], and he would later become a Cavalier Regular Attendant [sanjichangshi 散騎常侍], as well as Minister of the Household [guanglu xun 光祿勳]. In 251 he would be made Minister of Works [sikong 司空]. In 254 Cao Mao ascended the throne, and as Zheng Chong and Zheng Xiaotong had previously taught Cao Mao about the Book of History, both men were rewarded. Zheng Chong became Minister Over the masses [situ 司徒] the next year. In 260, Cao Huan ascended the throne, and Zheng Chong would be given the rank of Grand Guardian [taibao 太保], above the Three Excellencies, as well as be made Marquis of Shouguang. Although Zheng Chong worked in the office of the Grand Tutor [taifu 太傅], he didn’t participate in politics or strategic decisions. Because he so thoroughly researched the Histories, later when Sima Zhao ordered Jia Chong and Yang Hu to draw up new etiquette and laws, he told them both to first consult with Zheng Chong before making their decisions.

In 265, Cao Huan abdicated to Sima Yan, and Zheng Chong drew up the abdication letter. With the establishment of Jin, Zheng Chong was appointed Grand Tutor [taifu 太傅], and was named Duke of Shouguang. Zheng Chong, He Ceng, Wang Xiang, and Xun Yi due to old age and ailments were not able to come to the court often. The Palace Assistant Secretary [yushizhongcheng 禦史中丞] Hou Shiguang and the Colonel Director of Retainers [sili xiaowei 司隸校尉] Li Xi presented a memorial to remove them from their posts, but Sima Yan refused. Zheng Chong would later beg permission to retire many times but was not permitted. In 273 Zheng Chong again asked permission to resign, and Sima Yan let him reside at his official mansion, and continue as the Grand Tutor [taifu 太傅], without having to attend court, with people sent to consult him on every major event. In addition to rewards Zheng Chong’s descendant Zheng Hui was appointed Cavalier Regular Attendant [sanjichangshi 散騎常侍]. Zheng Chong would die the next year, and Sima Yan would grieve heavily, and would confer on him the title Grand Tutor [taifu 太傅], as well as a coffin, court clothes, money, silk, etc. as well as the posthumous title Duke Cheng.

Although he came from humble origins, he was very polite and articulate with his speech, exhibiting no passion or greed, and therefore he was able to meticulously study his Confucian Classics as well as historical records. He also had a graceful style, with etiquette in all his actions, which would come off naturally, preserving his integrity. He also wouldn’t sing the praises of his home town, so his home town didn’t show him proper respect.