Du You

Du You (Chinese: 杜佑; pinyin: Dù Yòu; Wade–Giles: Tu Yu) (735 – December 23, 812), courtesy name Junqing (君卿), formally Duke Anjian of Qi (岐安簡公)

Du You was a Chinese historian, military leader, and government official. He served as chancellor for the Tang dynasty. Du was born into a well-known noble family in what is now Xi'an, Shaanxi.

Du is best known for writing the Tongdian, a big book with 200 parts. It collects laws, rules, and important events from ancient times up to his day. Robert G. Hoyland called him a great thinker about politics, like Ibn Khaldun.

Du liked the teachings of Confucius about families, but he thought they were not helpful for running the government. He was an expert in law and money, serving as Commissioner for Public Revenue and Salt and Iron. Because he focused on practical government plans, he is sometimes called a "Legalist". He liked the ideas found in the Xunzi and admired Shang Yang. Du supported fair taxes and a system to pick government workers, like in the Han dynasty.

Writing of the Tongdian

Main article: Tongdian

Du You read a 35-volume book called the Zhengdian, written by Liu Zhi. He felt this book did not cover enough topics, so he decided to expand it. He added more information about important traditions, music, and writings from the time of Emperor Xuanzong. This new, larger book had 200 volumes. In the year 801, Du You sent his helpers with the book to the city of Chang'an to show it to Emperor Dezong. The emperor loved the book and praised it highly. The book became very popular and helped people learn about traditions, music, laws, and how the government worked. It was very detailed and made information from the past easy to understand.

Background

Du You was born in 735 during the time of Emperor Xuanzong. He came from a well-known family in Chang'an, the capital of the Tang dynasty. His family had many leaders in government jobs in many places, like Chu, Qin dynasty, Han dynasty, Cao Wei, Jin dynasty (266–420), Northern Zhou, and the Tang.

Du You started working for the government because of his family. He first helped the leader of a place called Ji'nan, now part of Jinan in Shandong. Later, he worked in Yan County, which is now in Shaoxing, Zhejiang. When he visited Run Prefecture, now Zhenjiang in Jiangsu, he met a leader named Wei Yuanfu. Wei tested Du’s ideas and was very impressed. Wei asked Du to help him, and Du worked with Wei in many important jobs. Finally, Du returned to Chang'an to work in the government. He held many positions, including overseeing taxes and leading areas such as Nanchang in Jiangxi and Yulin in Guangxi.

During Emperor Dezong's reign

When Emperor Dezong ruled, Du You was brought back to the capital city, Chang'an, by Yang Yan, who had become a top leader. Du You took on important jobs, including overseeing food supplies from the areas near the Yangtze River and Huai River. He also helped manage the country's money.

Later, Du You was sent to lead different places. He first refused to go to one area because his mother was still alive. Then he was sent to lead Rao Prefecture and later became the military leader of Lingnan. During this time, Emperor Dezong had to leave Chang'an because of a rebellion.

Du You was called back to Chang'an in 787 to take on new duties. He led several regions and had to deal with problems. Eventually, he was made a top leader in 802 and returned to Chang'an.

During Emperor Shunzong's and Emperor Xianzong's reigns

When Emperor Dezong died in 805, his son Emperor Shunzong became ruler. Du You helped guide the country for a few days until Emperor Shunzong was ready. Du You was put in charge of the country's money matters, with another official named Wang Shuwen helping him. But when Wang Shuwen's mother passed away, he had to leave his job, and his supporters lost power.

Soon after, Emperor Shunzong, who was very sick, passed the throne to his son Emperor Xianzong. Du You reorganized how the country's money was handled. After Emperor Shunzong passed away in 806, Du You helped for a few days again. Later that year, Du You asked to step down and suggested someone else take over. He was given an important title and made the Duke of Qi.

Because Du You was very old, Emperor Xianzong let him work less but still meet a few times a month. Du You lived in a beautiful place called Fanchuan, where he often invited other officials for meals. He advised the emperor to be kind to certain tribes, and the emperor liked this idea.

When Du You got very sick in 812, he asked to retire, and the emperor agreed. Du You passed away later that year and was honored greatly. His grandchildren also served important roles in the government later on.

Notes and references

The text lists sources about Du You from old books and records. These include the Old Book of Tang, vol. 147, the New Book of Tang, vol. 166, and the Zizhi Tongjian. There are also links to several volumes of the Zizhi Tongjian available online.