Di Renjie (A.D. 630-700), known as Huaiying, hailed from Taiyuan, Bingzhou (modern-day Shanxi) in the Tang Dynasty. Di Renjie became famous during the reign of Emperor Gaozong, who appointed him as the Dali Temple Chancellor to handle court cases.
Astonishingly, within a year, Di Renjie reviewed and adjudicated over 17,000 accumulated cases at the Dali Temple, with no complaints about his judgments. His efficient and precise judicial skills quickly gained him popularity in the court and Emperor Gaozong’s deep trust. Despite Empress Wu Zetian’s concerns and attempts to demote him, strong opposition from the royal family and ministers led to his reinstatement. Di Renjie prioritized the well-being of the nation and its people, striving to protect the Tang Dynasty.
Di Renjie upheld integrity despite defamation
When serving as the magistrate of Yuzhou, Di Renjie was deeply dissatisfied with Prime Minister Zhang Guangfu, who exploited his achievements to extort and bully. Their conflict led Zhang to accuse Di Renjie of disrespect before Empress Wu. Di Renjie detailed Zhang’s faults to Empress Wu, who upon hearing his account, remained silent.
Later, when Di Renjie was promoted, Empress Wu tried to flatter him by mentioning that some people had spoken ill of him and asked if he wanted to know who they were. He responded: “If Your Majesty believes I am at fault, I am willing to correct it; if not, I am fortunate. But I truly do not wish to know who spoke ill of me.” Empress Wu was impressed by his response.
During Wu Zetian’s reign, Di Renjie was falsely imprisoned by the corrupt official Lai Junchen. While other courtiers, under torture, admitted to crimes they did not commit, he stood firm and refused to implicate others. Lai Junchen then forged a confession letter, but Empress Wu realized it was falsified and spared Di Renjie, though he was demoted to a minor post in Pengze. Despite this, the local people built a shrine for him, honoring his integrity and governance. Later, as the magistrate of Weizhou, he earned the people’s admiration and was honored with another shrine.
Risking life for the nation
To consolidate her power, Wu Zetian deposed her son, Emperor Zhongzong, and planned to establish her nephew, Wu Sansi, as crown prince. All other ministers and officials dared not object, except Di Renjie, who staunchly opposed the idea. He argued that in the event of a border conflict, Wu Sansi would struggle to recruit even a thousand soldiers within a month, whereas the deposed emperor’s name could rally 50,000 in days, reflecting the people’s loyalty to the Tang family. He stated that the rightful heir could only be her deposed son. Di Renjie’s direct and courageous advice struck Wu Zetian deeply.
Soon after, Di Renjie and Wang Fangqing risked their lives again to advise Wu Zetian, emphasizing that the crown prince was the “foundation of the state” and that “if the foundation is shaken, the nation is in danger.” He further argued that a son is closer than a nephew and that future generations would honor her by re-establishing him as the emperor. Wu Zetian, after deep reflection, reinstated her son as crown prince. Di Renjie’s efforts preserved the Tang Dynasty’s lineage, marking his greatest contribution.
Focusing on the people’s welfare
Wu Zetian admired Buddhist practices and ordered the construction of large temples. Later, she planned even grander statues and temples, costing millions. She decreed that all monks contribute daily, but Di Renjie advised against it, stating that all projects required public labor and resources, which would harm the people. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing farming and alleviating poverty. Persuaded, Wu Zetian canceled the grand construction plans. The same year, Di Renjie passed away, with Wu Zetian personally overseeing his funeral and halting court activities for three days, an honor of the highest order. To commend his merits, Wu Zetian bestowed upon him a purple robe and jade belt.
Throughout his career, Di prioritized national affairs, recommending many loyal and upright officials who became key figures in the Tang Dynasty’s resurgence. Di Renjie’s exemplary service during Wu Zetian’s reign established him as a model of virtuous and effective governance in Chinese history.
Translated by Katy Liu
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