The Essence of Malice: A Mystery

Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Li Deyu, Pei Du, Niu Sengru, Li Zongmin, Zheng Tan, Li Jue, Yang Sifu, Wang Ya, Li Shi, Wei Chuhou, Li Zhongyan, Wang Bo, Lu Sui, Jia Su, Song Shenxi, Chen Yixing, Li Guyan, Shu Yuanyu, Dou Yizhi, Cui Dan. Excerpt: Chen Yixing ( ) (d. 844 ), courtesy name Zhoudao ( ), was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty , serving twice as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Wenzong and Emperor Wuzong . He was viewed as a Li Faction leader in the Niu-Li Factional Struggles . Background and early career It is not known when Chen Yixing was born. It was said that his family had its origins south of the Yangtze River , but had, for generations, lived in Yingchuan ( , in modern Luoyang , Henan ). Neither his grandfather Chen Zhong ( ) nor his father Chen Yong ( ) was listed with any offices in the table of the chancellors ' family trees in the New Book of Tang , suggesting that neither had an official title. He had at least three younger brothers, Chen Xuanxi ( ), Chen Yize ( ), and Chen Yishi ( ). In 812, during the reign of Emperor Xianzong , Chen passed the imperial examinations in the Jinshi class. Thereafter, he served on the staffs of several regional governors. As of the end of Baoli era (825-827) of Emperor Xianzong's grandson Emperor Jingzong , Chen was serving as an imperial censor with the title of Shiyushi ( ), and serving at the eastern capital Luoyang , when he was made Yubu Yuanwailang ( ), a low-level official at the ministry of public works ( , Gongbu ). He continued to serve at Luoyang. During Emperor Wenzong's reign Before chancellorship In 829, during the reign of Emperor Jingzong's brother Emperor Wenzong , Chen Yixing was recalled to the capital Chang'an to serve as an imperial chronicler ( , Qijulang ), and he also served as an editor in imperial history,...