1525-1582
Scholar, Poet, And Reformer

Reformer. Zhang Juzheng was a Confucian scholar who was proficient in poetry and prose. He was a leading reformer in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Although many of his reforms succeeded, he did not seek the support of the people or the bureaucracy, which caused his changes to fail after he died. Yet, as a leader, he helped bring the Ming dynasty to its peak.

Reforms. Zhang Juzheng served as Chief Grand Secretary from 1572 to 1582 under Emperor Wanli, whose reign started in 1573 and ended in 1620. Zhang was a tutor for Wanli during his childhood. This position allowed Zhang to influence the young ruler, who became emperor at the age of ten, and to help establish himself as a prime minister. Because of this prominent position, Zhang was unable to make reforms directly, but he was able to spread his ideas through his...