Zhao Sheng
| Zhao Sheng | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lord Pingyuan | |||||
| Born | ca. 308 BC | ||||
| Died | 251 BC | ||||
| Spouse | Sister of Lord Xinling | ||||
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| Father | King Wuling of Zhao | ||||
| Full name | |
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Ancestral name: Ying (嬴) Clan name: Zhao (趙) Given name: Sheng (胜) |
Lord Pingyuan (Chinese: 平原君; ca. 308–251 BC), born Zhao Sheng (Chinese: 趙胜), was a prominent nobleman and chancellor of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period of ancient China, and one of the Four Lords of the Warring States. He was a son of King Wuling of Zhao, and served as chancellor in the courts of his brother King Huiwen (r. 298–266 BC) and his nephew King Xiaocheng (r. 265–245 BC).
Lord Pingyuan was celebrated for his role in lifting Qin's siege of the Zhao capital Handan, thus saving Zhao from annihilation. However, his chancellorship also saw the crushing defeat of Zhao by Qin at the Battle of Changping, which led to the siege. As with the rest of the Four Lords, his generosity to his retainers is considered a major part of his political and diplomatic accomplishments.
Zhao Sheng was a son of King Wuling of Zhao, a major reformer who laid the foundations for Zhao's prominence among the warring states. Considered one of the most capable noblemen, Zhao Sheng patronized learning and supported thousands of scholar-retainers.
Sometime after his older brother Zhao He became king in 298 BC (known posthumously as King Huiwen), Zhao Sheng was made chancellor, and served in the capacity until his death in 251 BC, with two notable interruptions, when the chancellorship was appointed to Yue Yi in 285 BC and Tian Dan in 264 BC. When King Huiwen died in 266 BC, Lord Pingyuan continued to serve his successor King Xiaocheng.
Zhao She originally served as a tax collector in Zhao, but was met with resistance from the household of Lord Pingyuan, who as nobility refused to pay their land taxes. Instead of backing down before the chancellor, Zhao She executed nine of Lord Pingyuan's retainers as punishment, enraging him. Lord Pingyuan demanded Zhao She's execution, and Zhao She reminded him of the duty of nobles to set an example by following the laws of the state. Lord Pingyuan was impressed and recommended Zhao She to the king. Zhao was put in charge of the state revenues.
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