Song Jing vs Yang Shiqi

Song Jing was appointed Chancellor under Emperor Xuanzong, serving alongside Yao Chong. He was known for his strict adherence to law and integrity, continuing the reforms of the early Kaiyuan era.

Song Jing overhauled the civil service examination system to reduce nepotism and favoritism. He emphasized merit-based selection and required candidates to be evaluated by multiple officials, improving the quality of Tang bureaucracy.

Song Jing retired from the chancellorship after a dispute with Emperor Xuanzong over the punishment of corrupt officials. He refused to compromise his principles, setting a standard for integrity in Tang governance.

Song Jing publicly opposed the appointment of Li Linfu as a high official, warning that Li's cunning nature would harm the state. His advice was ignored, and Li Linfu later became a chancellor whose misrule contributed to the An Lushan Rebellion.

The Yongle Emperor appointed Yang Shiqi as a Grand Secretary in the newly established Grand Secretariat. This position made him a key advisor to the emperor and a central figure in the Ming bureaucracy.

Yang Shiqi served as one of the chief editors of the Yongle Encyclopedia, a massive compilation of Chinese knowledge. The encyclopedia contained over 11,000 volumes and was the largest encyclopedia in world history at the time.

After the death of the Hongxi Emperor, Yang Shiqi was one of the senior officials who guided the young Xuande Emperor. He helped maintain stable governance and continued the policies of the early Ming golden age.

Yang Shiqi supported the decision to halt the treasure voyages of Zheng He. He argued that the expeditions were too costly and diverted resources from domestic needs. The voyages were ended, and China's maritime expansion ceased.