Zhang Jiuling

Zhang Jiuling (simplified Chinese: 张九龄; pinyin: Zhāng Jiǔlíng) (678 or 673 – 5 June 740), courtesy name Zishou (子壽), nickname Bowu (博物), formally Count Wenxian of Shixing (始興文獻伯), was a Chinese poet and politician of the Tang dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong.

In 712, Emperor Ruizong passed the throne to Li Longji, who took the throne as Emperor Xuanzong. For some time, though, Emperor Xuanzong did not offer sacrifice to heaven and earth outside of the capital Chang'an, as was customary for emperors. Zhang Jiuling submitted a petition, asking him to carry out such sacrifices, and Emperor Xuanzong, following his advice, did so. In or around 713, he submitted a petition to the chancellor Yao Chong, pointing out the importance of a clean and fair civil service system, and Yao was impressed.