Shi Miyuan
Shi Miyuan (Chinese: 史彌遠; Wade–Giles: Shih Mi-yüan; February 23, 1164 – November 27, 1233) was a Chinese politician during the Southern Song Dynasty. He was instrumental in installing Emperor Lizong on the throne, despite the fact that Lizong was not in the line of succession. Under Lizong's rule, Shi was appointed Grand Chancellor.
| Grand Chancellor of the Song Dynasty | |
|---|---|
| In office November 19, 1208 – December 31, 1208 | |
| Monarch | Emperor Ningzong |
| Preceded by | Han Tuozhou |
| Succeeded by | Qian Xiangzu |
| In office June 7, 1209 – November 27, 1233 | |
| Monarchs | Emperor Ningzong Emperor Lizong |
| Preceded by | Qian Xiangzu |
| Succeeded by | Zheng Qingzhi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 23, 1164 Ningbo, Ming Prefecture, Southern Song |
| Died | November 27, 1233 (aged 69) Lin'an, Southern Song |
| Parent | Shi Hao |
| Occupation | Politician |
Shi hailed from a family of bureaucrats and was adept in politics. He took the Imperial examinations at the age of only seventeen, and placed first in his class. After the dismissal of Han Tuozhou as Chief Councillor, Shi was appointed to the position in 1208 (a number of historians accuse Shi of orchestrating Han's murder). Once in power, he reversed many of Han's policies, making peace with the Jin and revoking proscriptions against the Neo-Confucianism of Zhu Xi, although he still did not allow adherents of Zhu Xi's theories any great political power. He generally promoted officials on merit and was able to restore a degree of stability to government.