Miao Jinqing (苗晉卿)

Overview

Miao Jinqing was an official and Courtier.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Posthumous name	Wen-zhen	文貞	Wénzhēn

Life and dates

Death

AD 765 永泰元年四月
From Source Date: Text: 永泰元年四月 · Western Year: AD 765
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 219
AD 765 永泰元年四月
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 83

Age

years already declining into old age
AD 762 時晉卿年已衰暮
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 79

Attested activity

AD 740 to AD 755 investigation commissioner recommending Zhen Ji
Strongly inferred · New Book of Tang 194, passage 102
AD 758 乾元
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 130, passage 39
AD 759 乾元二年
Dated from the passage context · New Book of Tang 150, passages 9, 39
AD 739 二十七年
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 12
AD 741 二十九年
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 14
AD 736 二十四年
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 11

Show 18 more source-backed claims

AD 762 代宗踐祚，又詔晉卿攝冢宰
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 65, 79
AD 756 及朝廷失守
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 42
AD 744 天寶三載閏二月
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 28; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 29
AD 743 天寶二年春
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 18; Old Book of Tang 117, passages 19, 25
AD 740 to AD 765 奉林甫之旨…引元載之恩
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 201-203
AD 755 屬祿山叛逆
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 39-41
AD 763 廣德初
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passages 80-81; Old Book of Tang 117, passages 216-218
AD 759 to AD 762 揆在相位
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 126, passages 39-40
AD 757 既收兩京
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 44
AD 758 to AD 761 明年，復拜為侍中
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 46
AD 765 永泰元年四月
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 83; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 219
AD 755 祿山叛逆
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 38
AD 756 肅宗至鳳翔
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 42; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 43
AD 756 肅宗詔晉卿攝冢宰
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 51
AD 739 開元二十七年
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 11
AD 735 開元二十三年
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 9; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 10
AD 741 開元二十九年
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 13
AD 736 開元二十四年
Dated from the passage context · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 10

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Descendant of Miao Kui (苗夔)
grandfather 祖 · paternal line · 2 generations
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 4
Child of Miao Daishu (苗殆庶)
father 父 · paternal line
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 5
Child of Dai-shu (殆庶)
father 父
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 4

Key source chapters

Origins and identity

Confucian simplicity for generations 世以儒素稱
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 2
family long known for Confucian scholarly rectitude 世以儒素稱
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 3

Career and standing

court official and chancellor 宰輔
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 43, 49
mourning regent (acting zaizai) 攝冢宰
AD 762 代宗踐祚，又詔晉卿攝冢宰 · Again ordered to serve
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 65
Prefect of Wei and Hebei investigating commissioner 魏郡太守、河北采訪處置使
AD 744 天寶三載閏二月 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 28
Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent 太子太傅
AD 757 to AD 760 罷知政事，為太子太傅 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 45
Left Chancellor 左相
AD 756 肅宗至鳳翔 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 42
in charge of personnel selection 權知吏部選事
AD 739 開元二十七年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 11

Show 65 more source-backed claims

Director in the Ministry of Personnel 吏部郎中
AD 735 開元二十三年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 9
Vice Minister of Personnel 吏部侍郎
AD 741 開元二十九年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 13
Secretariat Drafter 中書舍人
AD 736 開元二十四年 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 10
assistant magistrate of Wannian 萬年縣尉
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 7
County Defender of Wannian 萬年縣尉
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 8
County Defender of Xiuwu in Huai prefecture 懷州修武縣尉
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 7
Director in the Ministry of Personnel 吏部郎中
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 開元二十三年 · Western Year: AD 735
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 10
Drafting Attendant at the Secretariat 中書舍人
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 二十四年 · Western Year: AD 736
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 11
Governor of Shaan; Defense Commissioner of Shaan and Guo 陜州刺史、陜虢兩州防禦使
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 39
Grand Guardian 太保
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 82
Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent 太子太傅
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 44
Hebei Investigation and Disposition Commissioner 河北采訪處置使
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 天寶三載閏二月 · Western Year: AD 744
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 29
Hedong Investigation Commissioner 河東采訪使
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 38
Hedong Prefect and Investigating Commissioner 河東太守、河東采訪使
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 37
Left Counselor 左相
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 即日拜為左相 · Western Year: AD 756
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 43
magistrate's assistant of Xiuwu in Huai 懷州修武縣尉
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 6
Minister and Eastern Capital guardian 尚書、東京留守
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 37
Minister and Eastern Capital Regent 尚書、東京留守
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 38
Minister of Justice 憲部尚書
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 37; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 38
Palace Attendant 侍中
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 改為侍中 · Western Year: AD 757
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 44
Palace Attendant 侍中
Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 43
temporary charge of Ministry of Personnel selection 權知吏部選事
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 二十七年 · Western Year: AD 739
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 12
Vice Minister of Personnel 吏部侍郎
Appointed · From Source Date: Text: 二十九年 · Western Year: AD 741
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 14
Prefect of Ankang 安康郡太守
AD 743 天寶二年 · Demoted to
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 24
Prefect of Ankang commandery 安康郡太守
Demoted to · From Source Date: Text: 天寶二年 · Western Year: AD 743
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 25
Registrar of Xu prefecture 徐州司戶參軍
Demoted to
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 7
Registrar of Xu Prefecture 徐州司戶參軍
Demoted to
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 6
Chief Minister / Palace Attendant 侍中
Held
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 130, passage 39
County Defender of Fengxian 奉先縣尉
Held
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 7
Eastern Capital Retention Officer / guardian 東都留守
Held
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 222
magistrate's assistant of Fengxian 奉先縣尉
Held
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 6
Palace Attendant 侍中
Held
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 39
Vice Director in the Ministries of Revenue, War, and Personnel 度支、兵、吏部三員外郎
Held
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 9
Vice Director of Revenue, War, and Personnel 度支、兵、吏部三員外郎
Held
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 8
Investigation Commissioner 采訪使
Held
Directly stated · New Book of Tang 194, passage 102
regent (acting grand steward) 攝冢宰
Ordered again
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 64
mourning regent (acting zaizai) 攝冢宰
AD 756 肅宗詔晉卿攝冢宰 · Ordered to serve
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 51
regent (acting grand steward) 攝冢宰
AD 762 玄宗崩 · Ordered
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 50
Attending Censor 侍御史
Promoted to
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 8; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 9
Palace Attendant 侍中
Reappointed · From Source Date: Text: 明年，帝思舊臣，復拜為侍中 · Western Interval: Start: AD 758 · End: AD 761
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 46
Palace Attendant 侍中
Reappointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 45
chief minister / knowing administration 知政事
AD 763 罷知政事 · Relieved
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 218
Minister of Justice with retirement 憲部尚書致仕
AD 755 改憲部尚書致仕 · Retired as
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 41
Grand Guardian (retired) 太保致仕
Retired as
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 82
Minister of Justice (retired) 憲部尚書致仕
Retired as
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 40
Prefect of Shan and Defense Commissioner of Shan and Guo 陜州刺史、陜虢兩州防禦使
AD 755 屬祿山叛逆 · Sent out
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 40
Prefect of Hedong 河東太守
Transferred to
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 38
Prefect of Wei commandery 魏郡太守
Transferred to · From Source Date: Text: 天寶三載閏二月 · Western Year: AD 744
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 29
Duke of Han 韓國公
AD 757 既收兩京 · Enfeoffed · Income five hundred actual households 食實封五百戶
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 44
Duke of Han 韓國公
Households 500 · Granted
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 43
posthumous name Wen-zhen 謚文貞
AD 765 永泰元年後 · Changed to
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 223
court mourning three days; state funeral gifts 輟朝三日
Granted
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 84
share sacrifices in Suzong's temple 配享肅宗廟庭
AD 772 大歷七年 · Ordered
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 88
fine posthumous title 美謚
Posthumously granted
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 203
posthumous name Yi-xian 謚懿獻
AD 765 永泰元年 · Proposed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 221
Grand Guardian 太保
AD 763 及上自陜至，冊為太保 · Appointed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 218
Duke of Han 韓國公
Enfeoffed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 43
Duke of Han 韓國公
AD 757 以功封韓國公 · Held
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 44
Entered
AD 755 致仕 · Retirement
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 41
Entrusted
AD 756 軍國大務悉以咨之 · Chief counselor on military and state affairs
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 43
Granted
AD 757 to AD 760 罷知政事 · Relieved of administrative duties
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 45
Lay ill at private residence
AD 763 廣德初 · Ill
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 217
retire as Grand Guardian 以太保致仕
AD 763 又詔以太保致仕 · Retirement · Ordered to retire
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 218
carried by shoulder litter to the Secretariat; enter without hurrying; review affairs every several days 肩輿至中書，入閣不趨，累日一視事
AD 762 上特許肩輿至中書 · Special privilege · Permitted
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 79
demoted for accumulated offenses 坐累貶
Demoted
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 7

Places and affiliations

Tang 唐
Relation Served
Strongly inferred · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 1
Polity Tang 唐 · Relation Served
Strongly inferred · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 2, 10, 199
Polity Tang 唐 · Relation Served
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 51, 65, 80; Old Book of Tang 126, passage 39; New Book of Tang 194, passage 102
At Huguan in Shangdang 上黨壺關
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 1; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 2
AD 756 南投金州
At Jin prefecture 金州 · Relation Fled to
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 42
AD 763 廣德初
At private residence 私第 · Relation Resided at
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 217

Show 2 more source-backed claims

At Huguan 壺關 · Relation Native of
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 2, 31
At Secretariat 中書 · Relation Attended
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 79

Learning and skills

devoted to study from boyhood; skilled at literary composition 幼好學，善屬文
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 6
Earned
Credential Presented Scholar (jinshi) 進士
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 5; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 6
Skill literary composition 屬文 · Level skilled
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 6

Works and attributed material

Quoted Rites to clerk
Speech · Speaker
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passages 32-34
Rebuked clerk citing Rites
Speech · Speaker
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 33-35
Refused regency to Daizong
Memorial · Author · With Daizong (代宗)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passages 65-76
Refused regency to Suzong
Memorial · Author · With Suzong (肅宗)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passages 51-62
Requested return to home district
Memorial · Author
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 30
AD 756 上表固辭
Memorial · Author · With Emperor Suzong (肅宗) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 52-63

Show 1 more source-backed claim

AD 762 晉卿上表懇辭
Memorial · Author · With Emperor Daizong (代宗) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 66-77

Events and relationships

Court mourning and state funeral provisions
AD 765 永泰元年四月 · Ritual · Deceased
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 220
Declined on age and illness offended throne
AD 755 及入對，固辭老病 · Political · Subject
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 41
Dismounted and walked at Huguan county gate
Ritual · Actor · At Huguan 壺關
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 31-35
Earnestly refused regency
AD 762 晉卿上表懇辭 · Political · Memorialist · With Emperor Daizong (代宗)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 66, 78
Endowed village school with 30000 cash
Educational · Endower
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 37
Favored Zhang Shi for Zhang Yi
AD 743 天寶二年春 · Examination · Examiner · With Zhang Shi (奭)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 19

Show 21 more source-backed claims

Feasted kinsmen and neighbors
Social · Host
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 36
Firmly refused regency
AD 756 上表固辭 · Political · Memorialist · With Emperor Suzong (肅宗)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 52, 64
Fled to hills then south to Jin prefecture
AD 756 及朝廷失守 · Flight · Fugitive · At Jin prefecture 金州
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 42
Hid then fled to Jin
Flight · Fugitive · At Jin Prefecture 金州
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 41
Kept silent under Tibetan coercion and was unharmed
AD 763 廣德初 · Military · Coerced captive · At Chang'an 長安
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 216-217
Memorialized/recommended Zhen Ji
Political · Recommender · With Zhen Ji (甄濟)
Directly stated · New Book of Tang 194, passage 102
Ordered to share sacrifices in Suzong temple
AD 772 大歷七年 · Ritual · Honoree · With Emperor Suzong (肅宗) · posthumous temple placement; not an activity date for Jingqing
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 224
Oversaw selection five years
Administrative · Selection overseer · Outcome Lax administration and rampant bribery
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 15-16
Ranked Shi first
AD 743 天寶二年春 · Examination favoritism · Examiner · With Zhang Shi (奭)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 18
Refused to speak to Tibetans
AD 763 廣德初 · Coercion · Victim
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 81
Repeatedly recommended Yuan Zai for high office
Political · Recommender · With Yuan Zai (元載)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 39
Repeatedly asked to retire
AD 757 to AD 760 後以賊寇漸除，屢乞骸骨 · Political · Petitioner
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 45
Returned to Huguan on foot
Home visit · Actor · At Huguan 壺關
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passages 29-30, 32-34
Stele erected by people of Wei
Commemoration · Honoree · At Wei 魏
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 48
appointed as investigating officer 引用為推官
Relation Patron of · Person Yuan Zai (元載)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 222
Relation Followed wishes of · Person Li Linfu (李林甫)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 201
Relation Benefited posthumously from · Person Yuan Zai (元載)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 203
Relation Recommender of · Person Yuan Zai (元載)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 39; Old Book of Tang 130, passage 39
Relation Curried favor with · Person Zhang Yi (張倚)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 201
Relation Colleague of · Person Song Yao (宋遙)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 16
Relation Colleague of · Person Song Yao (宋遙)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 17

Assessments and attributes

Assessment cautious and deferential in highest office; never gave offense · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 49
Assessment compared to Hu Guang of Han · Mode commentator-judgment · With Hu Guang (胡廣)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 49; Old Book of Tang 117, passage 50
Assessment esteemed for caution and discretion through three reigns · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 80
AD 744 to AD 747 居職三年
Assessment good governance renowned after three years · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 29
Assessment magnanimous, upright, careful; governed by broad principles; humane rule wherever posted · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 47
Assessment modest and even-tempered in selection disputes · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 12

Show 11 more source-backed claims

Assessment praised for caution through three reigns · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 79
Assessment profound/cunning · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 214
Assessment scrupulous loyal minister who preserved integrity fleeing rebels, yet crafty in following Li Linfu, indulging clerks, attaching to Zhang Yi, and deceiving the sovereign; rose by flattering Linfu; posthumous fine title via Yuan Zai · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passages 199-204
quick-witted; grasped ministerial documents at a glance; preserved himself by prudence
Ability
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 50
modest and mild-mannered; patient with angry candidates
Character
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 13
mind clouded, appearance decayed, and afflicted with illness (self-reported in memorial)
Health
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 62
afflicted in both feet/legs
Illness disability
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 79
afflicted in both feet/legs
Illness
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 78
Item 30,000 cash for village school 俸錢三萬為鄉學本 · Relation Endowed
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passage 36
Item condolence gifts of five hundred lengths of silk and cloth and five hundred piculs of grain 賻絹布五百段、米粟五百石 · Relation Bestowed for funeral
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 220
Item thirty thousand cash from salary as school endowment 俸錢三萬為鄉學本 · Relation Donated
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 37

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 2; Old Book of Tang 126, passage 39
Value historical
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 117, passage 51
From Yi-xian 懿獻 · To Wen-zhen 文貞 · Posthumous
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 113, passages 85, 87

References in the histories

Search passages

History

54 passages

Old Book of Tang, Chapter 113Volume 109 Biographies 59: Feng Gang, Ashinashe'er, Qibi Heli, Heichi Changzhi, Li Duozuo, Li Siye, Bai Xiaode · 21 passages

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○苗晉卿裴冕裴遵慶子向向子寅寅子樞=苗晉卿=苗晉卿，上黨壺關人。 This section covers Miao Jinqing, Pei Mian, and Pei Zunqing, together with Pei Xiang, Xiang's son Yin, and Yin's son Shu. Miao Jinqing was from Huguan in Shangdang.

父殆庶，官至絳州龍門縣丞，早卒，以晉卿贈太子少保。 His father Dai-shu rose only to assistant magistrate of Longmen in Jiang prefecture and died young; on account of Jinqing's eminence he was posthumously granted the title Junior Tutor to the Heir Apparent.

晉卿幼好學，善屬文，進士擢第。 Jinqing had loved study from childhood, wrote well, and passed the jinshi civil examination.

晉卿性謙柔，選人有訴訟索好官者，雖至數千言，或聲色甚厲者，晉卿必含容之，略無慍色。 Jinqing was modest and even-tempered: when examinees petitioned or quarreled for better appointments, sometimes at great length or with angry outbursts, he always listened patiently and never showed annoyance.

李林甫為尚書，專任廟堂，銓事唯委晉卿及同列侍郎宋遙主之。 Li Linfu held the ministerial post but kept his grip on court power, leaving the actual running of selections to Jinqing and his fellow vice minister Song Yao alone.

天寶二年春，御史中丞張倚男奭參選，晉卿與遙以倚初承恩，欲悅附之，考選人判等凡六十四人，分甲乙丙科，奭在其首。 In the spring of Tianbao 2 (743), Zhang Yi's son Shi entered the examinations. Jinqing and Yao, eager to curry favor with the newly favored Zhang Yi, ranked sixty-four candidates in three tiers and placed Shi at the top.

上怒，晉卿貶為安康郡太守，遙為武當郡太守，張倚為淮陽太守。 The emperor's rage sent Jinqing to Ankang as prefect, Yao to Wudang, and Zhang Yi to Huaiyang.

晉卿曰：「《禮》：『下公門，式路馬。』 Jinqing replied: "The Rites say: 'When you leave a nobleman's gate, you bow to the horses on the road.'

屬祿山叛逆，楊國忠以晉卿有時望，將抑之，乃奏云：「宜以大臣鎮東道。」 When Lushan rose in rebellion, Yang Guozhong, wishing to curb Jinqing's standing at court, memorialized: "A senior minister should be posted to guard the eastern route."

及朝廷失守，衣冠流離道路，多為逆黨所脅，自陳希烈、張均已下數十人盡赴洛陽，晉卿潛遁山谷，南投金州。 When the capital fell, officials fled along the highways and many were forced into the rebels' ranks; dozens from Chen Xilie and Zhang Jun down went to Luoyang, but Jinqing hid in the hills and fled south to Jin prefecture.

會肅宗至鳳翔，手詔追晉卿赴行在，即日拜為左相，軍國大務悉以咨之。 When Suzong reached Fengxiang he sent a personal summons for Jinqing to join the mobile court and that same day named him left chancellor, consulting him on every major civil and military matter.

晉卿寬厚廉謹，為政舉大綱，不問小過，所到有惠化。 Jinqing was generous, upright, and discreet; in office he kept to broad principles and overlooked petty faults, and wherever he served he left a record of benevolent rule.

玄宗崩，肅宗詔晉卿攝冢宰。 When Xuanzong died, Suzong ordered Jinqing to serve as regent during the mourning.

數日，肅宗晏駕，代宗踐祚，又詔晉卿攝冢宰。 Within days Suzong died and Daizong ascended the throne; he again ordered Jinqing to serve as regent.

晉卿上表懇辭曰：「臣以昔者天子居喪之時，百官聽於冢宰者，蓋君幼小，禦極事殷，情理當然。 Jinqing memorialized again in earnest refusal: "In former times, when the Son of Heaven mourned and officials obeyed a regent, it was because the ruler was a child and the throne's burdens were overwhelming—that was only natural.

時晉卿年已衰暮，又患兩足，上特許肩輿至中書，入閣不趨，累日一視事。 Jinqing was then advanced in years and afflicted in both legs; the emperor specially allowed him a sedan chair to the Secretariat, exemption from hurrying into court, and attendance at affairs only every few days.

晉卿時病臥於私第，蕃聞之，輿入逼脅，晉卿閉口不言，賊不敢害。 Jinqing lay ill at home; the Tibetans heard of him, came in a litter to coerce him, but he kept silent and they did not dare harm him.

及上自陜至，冊為太保，罷知政事，又詔以太保致仕。 When the emperor returned from Shaan, Jinqing was made grand guardian, relieved of government, and again ordered to retire with that title.

太常議謚曰「懿獻」。 The Court of Imperial Sacrifices proposed the posthumous name Yi-xian ("Reverent and Dedicated").

初，晉卿東都留守，引用大理評事元載為推官。 Earlier, when Jinqing was eastern capital guardian, he had appointed Yuan Zai, an assessor of the Court of Judicial Review, as his investigating officer.

至是載為中書侍郎、平章事，懷舊恩，諷有司改謚曰文貞。 By then Yuan Zai was vice director of the Secretariat and chief minister; remembering old kindness, he prompted the authorities to change the posthumous name to Wen-zhen ("Cultured and Upright").

Old Book of Tang, Chapter 117Volume 113 Biographies 63: Miao Jingqing, Pei Mian, Pei Zunqing · 27 passages

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苗晉卿裴冕裴遵慶子向向子寅寅子樞 Miao Jingqing; Pei Mian; Pei Zunqing; his son Xiang; Xiang's son Yin; Yin's son Shu.

苗晉卿，上黨壺關人。 Miao Jingqing was a native of Huguan in Shangdang commandery.

父殆庶，官至絳州龍門縣丞，早卒，以晉卿贈太子少保。 His father Daishu had served as assistant magistrate of Longmen county in Jiang prefecture and died young; on account of Jingqing's honors he was posthumously made Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent.

晉卿幼好學，善屬文，進士擢第。 From boyhood Jingqing was devoted to study and gifted at writing; he passed the jinshi examination.

晉卿性謙柔，選人有訴訟索好官者，雖至數千言，或聲色甚厲者，晉卿必含容之，略無慍色。 Jingqing was by nature modest and mild-mannered. When candidates came with petitions or demands for favorable appointments—even haranguing him at length or raising their voices in anger—he always received them patiently and never showed irritation.

李林甫為尚書，專任廟堂，銓事唯委晉卿及同列侍郎宋遙主之。 Li Linfu, as minister of personnel, kept his grip on court power and left the business of selection entirely to Jingqing and his colleague Song Yao.

天寶二年春，御史中丞張倚男奭參選，晉卿與遙以倚初承恩，欲悅附之，考選人判等凡六十四人，分甲乙丙科，奭在其首。 In the spring of Tianbao 2 (743), Zhang Yi's son Shi sat for the examinations. Jingqing and Yao, wishing to curry favor with Yi, who had only recently risen in the emperor's grace, ranked sixty-four candidates in three grades—and placed Shi at the top.

上怒，晉卿貶為安康郡太守，遙為武當郡太守，張倚為淮陽太守。 The emperor was furious. Jingqing was demoted to prefect of Ankang, Yao to prefect of Wudang, and Zhang Yi to prefect of Huaiyang.

晉卿曰：「《禮》：『下公門，式路馬。』 Jingqing replied, 'The Book of Rites says: When one leaves a lord's gate, one bows toward the horses on the road.

屬祿山叛逆，楊國忠以晉卿有時望，將抑之，乃奏云：「宜以大臣鎮東道。」 When An Lushan rose in rebellion, Yang Guozhong—wishing to sideline Jingqing, who still commanded wide respect—memorialized, saying, "A senior minister should be posted to guard the eastern circuit."

遂出為陜州刺史、陜虢兩州防禦使。 Jingqing was accordingly sent out as prefect of Shan and defense commissioner for Shan and Guo.

及入對，固辭老病，由是忤旨，改憲部尚書致仕。 When he appeared at court he firmly pleaded age and illness. The emperor took offense, and Jingqing was made minister of justice in name only and retired from active duty.

及朝廷失守，衣冠流離道路，多為逆黨所脅，自陳希烈、張均已下數十人盡赴洛陽，晉卿潛遁山谷，南投金州。 When the capital fell, officials fled in every direction, many forced into the rebels' service. Dozens of men from Chen Xilie and Zhang Jun on down made their way to Luoyang, but Jingqing slipped into the hills and fled south to Jin prefecture.

會肅宗至鳳翔，手詔追晉卿赴行在，即日拜為左相，軍國大務悉以咨之。 When Emperor Suzong reached Fengxiang, he sent a personal edict summoning Jingqing to the temporary court. That very day Jingqing was made left counselor, and all major military and civil affairs were entrusted to his counsel.

晉卿寬厚廉謹，為政舉大綱，不問小過，所到有惠化。 Jingqing was magnanimous, upright, and careful in office. He governed by broad principles rather than petty fault-finding, and everywhere he served left a record of humane rule.

玄宗崩，肅宗詔晉卿攝冢宰。 When Emperor Xuanzong died, Emperor Suzong ordered Jingqing to serve as regent during the mourning period.

數日，肅宗晏駕，代宗踐祚，又詔晉卿攝冢宰。 Within days Emperor Suzong died. When Emperor Daizong took the throne he again ordered Jingqing to serve as regent.

晉卿上表懇辭曰：「臣以昔者天子居喪之時，百官聽於冢宰者，蓋君幼小，禦極事殷，情理當然。 Jingqing submitted another earnest refusal, writing: 'In former ages, when the Son of Heaven was in mourning, the hundred officials took orders from a regent only because the ruler was a child and the burdens of rule were too heavy for him—circumstance made it necessary.

時晉卿年已衰暮，又患兩足，上特許肩輿至中書，入閣不趨，累日一視事。 By then Jingqing was elderly and afflicted in both legs. The emperor specially allowed him to be carried in a sedan chair to the Secretariat, to enter the hall without hurrying, and to conduct business only every few days.

晉卿時病臥於私第，蕃聞之，輿入逼脅，晉卿閉口不言，賊不敢害。 Jingqing lay ill at home; the Tibetans heard of him, came in a litter to coerce him, but he kept silent and they did not dare harm him.

及上自陜至，冊為太保，罷知政事，又詔以太保致仕。 When the emperor returned from Shaan, Jingqing was made grand guardian, relieved of government, and again ordered to retire with that title.

太常議謚曰「懿獻」。 The Court of Imperial Sacrifices proposed the posthumous name Yi-xian ("Reverent and Dedicated").

初，晉卿東都留守，引用大理評事元載為推官。 Earlier, when Jingqing was eastern capital guardian, he had appointed Yuan Zai, an assessor of the Court of Judicial Review, as his investigating officer.

史臣曰：晉卿謹身蒞事，足為純臣，避寇全忠，固彰大節。 The historiographer comments: Jingqing conducted himself with scrupulous care in office and may truly be called a loyal minister; in fleeing the rebels he preserved his integrity and displayed great moral courage.

或言晉卿不為巧宦者，誠不信也。 Those who claim Jingqing was no crafty courtier simply cannot be believed.

贊曰：奧矣晉卿，貪哉裴冕。 In summary: Jingqing was deep in cunning; Pei Mian was deep in greed.

Old Book of Tang, Chapter 126Volume 122 Biographies 72: Zhang Xiancheng, Lu Sigong, Qu Huan, Jin Hanheng, Yang Chaocheng, Fan Ze, Li Shuming, Pei Zhou · 2 passages

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初，揆秉政，侍中苗晉卿累薦元載為重官。 While Kui held power, Palace Attendant Miao Jinqing had repeatedly recommended Yuan Zai for high office.

揆自恃門望，以載地寒，意甚輕易，不納，而謂晉卿曰：「龍章鳳姿之士不見用，麞頭鼠目之子乃求官。」 Kui, trusting in his own pedigree, looked down on Zai because of his humble origins and refused the recommendation. He told Jinqing, "Men of dragon markings and phoenix bearing go unused, while deer-headed, rat-eyed fellows come seeking office."

Old Book of Tang, Chapter 130Volume 126 Biographies 76: Li Kui, Li Han, Chen Shaoyou, Lu Yue, Pei Xu · 2 passages

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初，揆秉政，侍中苗晉卿累薦元載為重官。 While Kui was in power, Chief Minister Miao Jinqing had repeatedly recommended Yuan Zai for high office.

揆自恃門望，以載地寒，意甚輕易，不納，而謂晉卿曰：「龍章鳳姿之士不見用，麞頭鼠目之子乃求官。」 Trusting in his own pedigree, Kui looked down on Zai's humble origins and refused the recommendation, telling Jinqing: "Men of true distinction go unused while creatures with the heads of deer and the eyes of rats come begging for posts."

New Book of Tang, Chapter 150Volume 150 Biographies 75: Li, Chang, Zhao, Cui, Qi, Lu · 1 passage

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初，苗晉卿數薦元載，揆輕載地寒，謂晉卿曰：「龍章鳳姿士不見用，獐頭鼠目子乃求官邪？」 Earlier Miao Jinqing had repeatedly recommended Yuan Zai. Kui looked down on Zai's humble origins and said to Jinqing: "Men of dragon bearing and phoenix grace go unused, yet a weasel-headed, rat-eyed fellow seeks office?"

New Book of Tang, Chapter 194Volume 194 Biographies 119: Outstanding Conduct · 1 passage

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采訪使苗晉卿表之，諸府五辟，詔十至，堅臥不起。 Investigation commissioner Miao Jinqing recommended him; five prefectures invited him; imperial edicts arrived ten times, yet he steadfastly refused to leave his bed.