1770 Ssü-ma (
Chinese characters) (T. (Chinese characters) ). A.D. 822-844- Younger brother
of the Emperor Ch'êng Ti, and fourth sovereign of the E. Chin
dynasty. He was placed on the throne, owing to the tender age of his
nephews, in 842. His reign was occupied with burdensome preparattoos
against Shih Ghi-lung, but only one unimportant skirmish was
fought. Canonised as (Chinese characters).
1771 Ssū̆-ma Yü (T. (Chinese characters)). A.D. 820-872. A younger
son of the Emperor Yüan T'i, and eighth sovereign of the E. Chin
dynasty. He was placed on the throne in 871 by Huan Wen, who
thought he would resign in his favour if called upon. He died
before the plans of Huan Wên were mature, leaving the latter
Prime Minister. Canonised as (Chinese characters).
1772 Su Chang (Chinese characters) (T. (Chinese characters)). 2nd cent. A.D. A native of
P'ing-ling in Shensi, who distinguished himself as a youth by his
literary abilities and rose under the Emperor An Ti to be a Privy
Councillor. Under the Emperor Shun Ti he became Governor of
Ping-chou in Chihli, but fell into disfavour and was cashiered. He
then returned home and led a retired life, refusing a further
appointment which was offered to him. On one occasion he went
as Censor to hold an enquiry into the peculation of an old friend who
was Governor of Ch'ing-ho in Chihli. The latter gave him a grand
feast; and the two enjoyed themselves very much, until the Governor
said, "All men have one God, while I alone have two!" — hinting
that the Censor would be merciful. But Su Chang replied, "This
feast is a private affair; tomorrow's' business is a public duty." And the enquiry ended in the punishment of the Governor.
1773 Su Chê (Chinese characters) (T. (Chinese characters)). A.D. 1089-1112. Younger brother of Su Shih. Graduated as chin shih in 1057, and entered upon an official career. He incurred the resentment of Wang An-shih, whose "innovations" he opposed, and nearly got into serious trouble, escaping however with dismissal to a minor
