Among the early Song Dynasty prime ministers, Li Hang received widespread praise and admiration from the scholarly class, earning him the title of “Saintly Prime Minister.” However, how did this esteemed reputation come about?
Dedication to work, free from distractions
Li Hang (947-1004, posthumous title Wenjing) was chosen as the tutor for Crown Prince Zhao Heng, who soon ascended to the throne as Emperor Zhenzong of Song. Given their close relationship, Li Hang was naturally appointed prime minister. Although he had a strong personal bond with the emperor, Li never intended to use this relationship for personal gain, to become a favored courtier, or to eliminate rivals. Unlike those who allowed their egos to inflate after rising to power, Li’s political ideals were far greater than any material desires, and he placed the nation’s welfare above his own.
When Emperor Zhenzong ascended the throne, the Song Dynasty faced internal rebellion from Wang Jun, as well as external threats from the Liao in the north and the Xi Xia in the west. Stability became the most urgent matter. In response to these internal and external crises, Li Hang approached his role with unwavering diligence, focusing intently on his work and speaking very little.
Because of his quiet nature, he was nicknamed “Silent Gourd.” His brother once relayed this nickname to him, and Li replied, “It’s not that I don’t know what people say about me. The true insights of scholars are expressed on the court floor or through memorials. Once I implement those ideas, what more is there to say? Engaging in casual chatter, debating merits and faults, often leads to flattery — something I prefer to avoid.”
Li was so focused on his duties that he was almost oblivious to his surroundings. Once, the fence in his courtyard broke, and his wife purposely didn’t repair it to see if he would notice. After over a month, even though Li passed by the broken fence daily, he never mentioned repairing it. When asked why, he responded: “Such trivial matters shouldn’t distract me even for a moment.”
Upholding principles, acting with integrity
Li Hang’s defining trait was his ability to advise the emperor in a way that promoted stability and unity while opposing decisions that would do otherwise, even at the risk of incurring imperial anger. For example, when Emperor Zhenzong asked Li to handle the official recognition of Lady Liu as a concubine, Li, finding the act inappropriate, burned the emperor’s written order in front of the court attendants. He instructed them to inform the emperor: “Li Hang believes this is unwise.”
As a result, Zhenzong abandoned the decision. Similarly, when the emperor sought to appoint his son-in-law, Shi Baoji, to a high-ranking post, Li advised against it, citing Shi’s lack of merit and experience. Li successfully blocked the appointment despite the emperor’s desire to promote his family.
Li Hang could stand firm in such matters because of his integrity and selflessness. While many courtiers at the time used secret methods to report their grievances or manipulate the emperor, Li refused to engage in this practice. When Zhenzong asked why he never submitted secret reports, Li replied: “As prime minister, I handle public affairs openly. Why resort to secrecy? Those who present secret reports often do so to sow discord or flatter with empty words. I detest such behavior and would never follow their example.”
A life of simplicity, shunning personal gain
As prime minister, Li Hang wielded considerable power over personnel and financial matters. Despite being constantly approached by those seeking favors or offering bribes, he consistently turned them away. He lived modestly and was content with his humble surroundings. While other prime ministers resided in grand mansions, Li lived in a cramped home where even the courtyard could barely accommodate a horse turning around.
When advised to build a larger residence, he replied: “Constructing a new house would take at least a year, but life is unpredictable — who can guarantee that we’ll live long enough to enjoy it? A bird is satisfied with a small branch for its nest; why should I exhaust myself pursuing a larger home?”
What made Li exceptional was his ability to remain clear-headed during both times of crisis and periods of peace. He constantly pushed himself and others, including the emperor, to stay vigilant and focus on their duties. When he once served alongside Wang Dan during a time of frequent warfare in the northwest, they often worked through the night. Wang, exhausted, lamented: “When will we be able to enjoy peace and tranquility?”
Li responded: “Some hardship is good — it keeps us alert.” Later, when a peace treaty was signed with the Khitan, Wang asked Li for his opinion. Li remarked: “This is good, but I fear the emperor may soon indulge in luxury.” Sure enough, after Li’s death, Emperor Zhenzong began indulging in extravagant temple-building and costly rituals. Wang Dan, unable to dissuade him, recalled Li’s foresight with deep admiration, exclaiming” “Li Wenjing was truly a sage!”
The legacy of Li Hang
During Li Hang’s tenure as prime minister, the Song Dynasty experienced one of its most peaceful and prosperous periods, with a flourishing economy and stable social conditions. His contributions to this stability were immense. Tragically, in the first year of Jingde (1004), Li Hang passed away at 58. After his death, no one dared to uphold principles or urge the emperor toward diligence, leading to renewed border conflicts and domestic unrest. Thus, the golden age of Li Hang’s era was lost forever.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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