A Chinese Biographical Dictionary/Chang Ying

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1758382A Chinese Biographical Dictionary — Chang YingHerbert A. Giles

128 Chang Ying 張英 (T. 敦復 H. 樂圃). A.D. 1636-1708. A native of 桐城 T'ung-ch'êng in Anhui, who graduated as chin shih in 1667. Six years later he rose to be a Reader to the Emperor K'ang Hsi, who at the approach of winter bestowed on him and on Ch'ên T'ing-ching fifty sable skins and satin enough for robes. He was one of the first members of the College of Inscriptions, all of whom resided in the city so as to be ready to attend the Emperor in his uncertain hours of leisure. He was constantly being summoned by K'ang Hsi, whom he always accompanied on tours of inspection. He was Chancellor of the Han-lin College and Chief Supervisor of Instruction until 1697, when he was relieved of these posts at his own earnest request. From 1699 to 1701 he was a Grand Secretary; and after his retirement to his lifelong hobbies, music and gardening, K'ang Hsi twice went to visit him, and loaded him with marks of esteem. He was notably modest and affable, fond of giving secret aid to rising talent, and absolutely incorruptible. Canonised as 文端, and in 1730 included in the Temple of Worthies.