Six Ministers

Zhongjunjiang (Chinese: 中軍將) or Jiangzhongjun [1] was the military leader and the prime minister of the ancient Chinese state of Jin. Literally, the word Zhongjunjiang means "General of central army". The post originally was named "Situ" (司徒). Zhongjunjiang was also known as "Jiangjun" (將軍), "Dazheng" (大政, 太政, 大正)[2][3] and "Yuanshuai" (元帥). Since Zhao Dun's term as Zhongjunjiang, the post's jurisdiction was widened and its holder automatically obtains the regency of Jin.[4][5] Historical evidence also indicate that Zhongjunjiang had the legislative power.[6]

In 633 BCE, Duke Wen of Jin held a military parade in Beilu and announced his plan of military reform. The duke thereby established the central army in addition to the upper army and the lower army of Jin. Xi Hu was the first Zhongjunjiang appointed by the duke of Jin.[7]

To hold the post of Zhongjunjiang, one has to be in the rank of Qing (卿). In Jin's history, six powerful vassal states of Jin and their leader held this post in turn. The six clans were known as the Liuqing of Jin (晋国六卿). Namely, the six clans were: Han, Zhao, Wei, Zhi, Zhonghang, and Fan. Luan and Xi clan were two clans which also possessed the status of qing but became extinct due to political struggles in Jin's court.

The dictatorial power of Zhongjunjiang led to the constant conflicts between the six vassal states of Jin. Approaching the end of its existence, Jin was troubled by the civil wars waged by its own retainers against each other.[8] The last Zhongjunjiang before the partition of Jin was Xun Yao.[7]

According to Chunqiu Dashibiao (春秋大事表) by Qing dynasty historian Gu Donggao, Zhongjunjiang is etymologically the origin of the Chinese words 將軍 and 元帥. The two alternative names of Zhongjunjiang later influenced the naming system of a certain country's military, especially China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. The word 將軍 (Jiāngjūn, Shōgun, Changgun, Tướng quân, "General") derived from Zhongjunjiang. Another alternative name 元帥 (Yuánshuài, Gensui, Wansu, Nguyên soái) is used in the four countries as a translation and equivalent of the English word "Marshal".

  1. ^ Lin, Lianghao (2010). 中国传统文化常识. Esphere Media. ISBN 9787807428602.
  2. ^ Yu, Lunian (1992). 中國官制大辞典. Vol. 1. Harbin: 黑龙江人民出版社. p. 162. ISBN 9787207011732.
  3. ^ Han, Lianqi (1986). 先秦兩汉史论丛. Jinan: Qilu Shushe. p. 186. OCLC 568619680.
  4. ^ 中國早期國家性質. Zhishufang Press. 2003. p. 304. ISBN 9789867938176.
  5. ^ Hong, Anquan (1972). Jin in Spring and Autumn period. 嘉新水泥公司文化基金會.
  6. ^ Li, Mengcun (1988). 晋国史纲要. Taiyuan: 山西人民出版社. p. 238. ISBN 9787203008446.
  7. ^ a b Gu, Donggao (1993). 春秋大事表. Beijing: Zhonghua Book Company. pp. 1777–1778. ISBN 9787101012187.
  8. ^ Bai, Guohong (2007). 春秋晋国赵氏研究. Zhonghua Book Company. p. 127. ISBN 9787101056556.