author
Shang Lü
A brilliant Ming dynasty scholar-official, he was celebrated for extraordinary success in China’s civil service examinations and for his integrity in government. His life combines court politics, moral courage, and a lasting reputation for learning and plain living.
1 Audiobook
六韜
by Shang Lü
About the author
Born in Chun'an, Zhejiang, on March 16, 1414, Shang Lü served during the Ming dynasty as a scholar-official and later as grand secretary. He stood out early for his mastery of Confucian learning and achieved a remarkable distinction in the civil service examinations, earning top results at the provincial, metropolitan, and palace levels.
After joining the Hanlin Academy, he rose to high office during the reign of the Jingtai Emperor. His career was shaped by the upheavals of court politics: after Emperor Yingzong returned to power in 1457, Shang Lü was forced out, though his death sentence was overturned and he was allowed to return home. In 1467 he was called back to government service, and from 1475 to 1477 he served as senior grand secretary.
He is remembered not only for his rank but for his character. Accounts describe him as knowledgeable, decisive, tolerant, and notably simple in his way of life. His willingness to oppose abuses of power, even at personal cost, helped secure his reputation as a principled figure in Ming political history.