A Chinese Biographical Dictionary/Chang T'ing-yü

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1757109A Chinese Biographical Dictionary — Chang T'ing-yüHerbert A. Giles

115Chang T'ing-yü 張廷玉 (T. 衡臣 and 硯齋). A.D. 1670-1756. The first Chinese who under the present dynasty was honoured with a place in the Imperial Temple. Graduating in 1700, his learning and ability soon brought him to the front; and by 1726 he had risen to be a Grand Secretary. He was one of the first Ministers of the Grand Council, instituted in 1729. He was tutor to the Imperial princes under the Emperors Yung Chêng and Ch'ien Lung, and enjoyed extraordinary favour. In 1734 he was ennobled as Viscount, and in 1738 as Earl; but he lost his title for not presenting his thanks in person on his retirement. From 1706 to 1737 he was virtually Prime Minister of China, in addition to which he was entrusted with the preparation of the History of the Mings, a work which he and his colleagues laid before the Emperor in 1742. His 傳經堂集 was destroyed by fire, but his 潑懷園文 survives. He was canonised as 文和 .