Pei Xiu

Pei Xiu (; 791–864 ), courtesy name Gongmei , formally the Viscount of Hedong , was a Chinese politician, literary figure, and Buddhist intellectual during the Tang dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xuānzong. A prominent literatus and member of a prestigious aristocratic clan, Pei was considered a capable administrator and was credited with the skillful management of the Tang government's salt and iron monopoly. Pei was also a dedicated practitioner and patron of Chan Buddhism, pursuits which drew critique from later Confucian historians.

Background and early career Pei Xiu appeared to be born in about 791, during the reign of Emperor Dezong.

Pei Xiu was Pei Su's second of three known sons, and all three (Pei Xiu, his older brother Pei Chou , and his younger brother Pei Qiu eventually passed the imperial examinations in the Jinshi class. It was said that in youth, Pei Xiu was stern and righteous in his behavior. He and his brothers resided at his father's vacation home in Jiyuan, and Pei Xiu, in particular, rarely ventured outside it, studying the Confucian classics in the day and studying poetry in the evening. On one occasion, when someone gave the brothers a gift of venison, Pei Chou and Pei Qiu accepted the gift and summoned Pei Xiu to eat as well. Pei Xiu responded, "We are but poor students, and we do not even usually have enough for vegetarian meals. If we eat meat today and get used to it, how can we continue it in the future? I will not change my diet." Further, after arrival in the region, due to embezzlement and shipping accidents, only about 30–40% would reach the Wei River storages. In effect, the regulations that Liu had established had been abandoned. Pei investigated the various shipping problems, and revised the regulations into 10 sections. As a result of Pei's reforms, the supplies went back up to 1.2 million Hu per year. probably in 864.

Other activities It was said that Pei Xiu was gracious and valued leniency while he was governing. He was a capable calligrapher. His family had been Buddhists for generations, and it was said that Pei was particularly devout in his study of the sutras. As both Taiyuan and Fengxiang had many important temples nearby, he, while he governed at those cities, would take time to visit those temples and speak with the monks about Buddhist doctrine. Ever since his middle age, he did not eat animal products, and stayed away from many desires. Both he and his friend, the minister Hegan Gao , signed their names by using dharma names, a practice that both impressed and was criticized by the people at the time.

Notes and references

Old Book of Tang, vol. 177. New Book of Tang, vol. 182. Zizhi Tongjian, vol. 249.