Du Shenquan

Du Shenquan (杜審權), courtesy name Yinheng (殷衡), formally Duke De of Xiangyang (襄陽德公), was an official of the Chinese Tang dynasty, who served as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Yizong. (833–873)

Background It is not known when Du Shenquan was born. He was a sixth-generation descendant of the early Tang dynasty chancellor Du Ruhui. His grandfather Du Zuo served as a judge at the supreme court. His uncle Du Yuanying served as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Muzong, while his father Du Yuanjiang served as an advisor for a crown prince.

During Emperor Yizong's reign Emperor Xuānzong died later in 859 and was succeeded by his son Emperor Yizong. Because, during the time he served as chancellor, the more senior official Du Cong also served as chancellor, Du Shenquan became known colloquially as "Little Duke Du." During the subsequent 868-869 rebellion by the officer Pang Xun, who seized Xusi Circuit (徐泗, headquartered in modern Xuzhou, Jiangsu) and attacked nearby circuits, Du, along with fellow military governors Linghu Tao (of Huainan Circuit (淮南, headquartered in modern Yangzhou, Jiangsu)) and Cui Xuan (of Shannan East Circuit (山南東道, headquartered in modern Xiangfan, Hubei)) ensured that the supply route for Chang'an and the eastern capital Luoyang was continued to be open despite the rebellion. After Pang was defeated and killed, for his contributions, Du Shenquan was given the honorary title of acting Sikong (司空, one of the Three Excellencies), and subsequently recalled to Chang'an to serve as Zuo Pushe , one of the heads of the executive bureau (尚書省, Shangshu Sheng). He was also created the Duke of Xiangyang. with his office at Luoyang. but it is known that after he died, he was given posthumous honors, as well as the posthumous name of De (德, "virtuous"). His son Du Rangneng later served as a chancellor under Emperor Yizong's sons Emperor Xizong and Emperor Zhaozong.

Notes and references

Old Book of Tang, vol. 177. New Book of Tang, vol. 96. Zizhi Tongjian, vols. 249, 250, 251.